Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan Film Days have been held in Berlin through the joint organization of the Azerbaijan Film Agency, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany, and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Berlin, AzerNEWS reports citing the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Acting Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Berlin Isa Mammadov highlighted the purpose of the event, stressing the significance of promoting Azerbaijani cinema internationally and strengthening intercultural dialogue. People's Artist Mehriban Zaki spoke about the achievements of Azerbaijani cinema in recent years and underlined the importance of presenting contemporary national films to international audiences. The film "Victory Dance" was screened as part of the program. The film's originator, Shafag Mehraliyeva, Executive Director of the Adibin Evi Literature Support Foundation, stressed the significance of launching the film's international screenings in Berlin. Following the screening, a networking session was organized for participants. 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. Home News Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights activist who twice ran for president, dies at 84 Quick Summary AI Summary Rev. Jesse Jackson died at age 84 on Tuesday. The activist spent the last several years of his life battling Parkinsons disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He founded the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and ran for president in 1984 and 1988. 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 The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and former presidential candidate who garnered controversy over his political activism and personal misconduct, has died at age 84. The Jackson family released a statement announcing that the Baptist minister died on Tuesday morning, being survived by his wife, six children and multiple grandchildren. "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, stated the Jackson family. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by. The Rev. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of Stonecrest, Georgia, called Jackson "my superhero" in an emailed statement. "While other boys my age wanted to be Michael Jordan, I wanted to be Jesse Jackson, Bryant added. His poise, passion and purpose was my blueprint. In 6th grade I wore a Jackson for president button every day and haven't turned back since. Jesse Louis Jackson was born Oct. 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina. The son of a single teenage mother, Jackson was an honor student in high school and later earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina in 1964. He completed graduate work at the Chicago Theological Seminary in the 1960s and later received an honorary masters degree from the institution. Jackson first engaged as an activist while a student at CTS when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Chicago to launch a northern chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. While Jackson rose through the ranks of the movement, he and King did not always get along, according to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford. Despite Kings praises of Jacksons work, a few days before Kings assassination he criticized Jackson for following his own agenda rather than supporting the group, explained the Institute. Jackson, hurt by his mentors disapproval, told him, Everythings going to be all right King angrily replied that everything was not going to be alright and that he needed Jackson and all of the SCLC staff to work toward a common vision for America. The two eventually reconciled. Jackson was talking with King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, when the famous civil rights leader was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Like King, Jackson was ordained a Baptist minister. He left the SCLC in 1971 to found his own civil rights advocacy group, People United to Save Humanity. Jackson founded the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984, which merged with PUSH in the 1990s to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. He would also launch a minority economic opportunity group called the Wall Street Project. In 1984 and 1988, Jackson launched campaigns to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee. Though he failed both times, each effort received substantial support. Until 1984, no black person had ever launched a major campaign for President of the United States, wrote Kimberly Anne Powell of Northern Illinois University in 1989. In 1984 Jesse Jackson's campaign was one of symbolic protest. In 1988 his campaign was a serious bid for the presidency, which challenged the established stereotype of presidential candidates. In January 2001, Jackson admitted having had an extramarital affair with a Rainbow/PUSH staffer, which resulted in him fathering a child. "This is no time for evasions, denials or alibis," stated Jackson at the time, as reported by ABC News. "I fully accept responsibility and I am truly sorry for my actions." Jackson went on to state that he would provide "emotional and financial" support to the child. Another family scandal hit in 2013 when his son, former member of Congress Jesse Louis Jackson Jr., pled guilty to conspiring to defraud his reelection campaigns of approximately $750,000, which he used to pay for personal expenses, like jewelry, fur capes, celebrity memorabilia, and a home renovation project. He received a 30-month sentence. In November 2017, Jackson announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, having seen early symptoms of the neurological illness a couple of years earlier. After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinsons disease, a disease that bested my father, Jackson said at the time, as quoted by CNN, adding that the recognition of the effects of this disease on me has been painful. In April, Jackson was reportedly diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurological disorder related to Parkinsons that also hinders mobility and speech. Because of his health issues, Jackson reduced his public appearances, though he was a delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, representing Illinois, where he was honored by attendees. The then-82-year-old Jackson, who came on stage in a wheelchair, did not address the 2024 DNC. Rather, he gave two thumbs up to the cheering crowd. Home News Son of Life Church pastor sentenced to 4 years in prison for child exploitation Quick Summary AI Summary Jonathan Peternel, 24, son of Life Church pastor Nathan Peternel, sentenced to 4 years in prison for child exploitation. Peternel pleaded guilty to charges including possession of child sexual abuse material. He must register as a sex offender and will serve an additional 2 years on probation. 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 Jonathan Peternel, the 24-year-old son of lead pastor of the multicampus Life Church in Pendleton, Indiana, Nathan Peternel, will spend the next four years in prison and another two years on probation after pleading guilty to child exploitation and possession of child sex abuse material charges. The younger Peternel, who will also have to register as a sex offender, apologized to Madison Superior Court 6 Judge Mark Dudley, his parents, and everyone affected by his actions before his sentencing, according to The Indiana Citizen. Your honor, first, I want to say that Im deeply sorry. I hate my sin that Ive committed, he said. I want to apologize to anybody who has fallen victim to my behavior. A press statement from the Fishers Police Department last October said an investigation into Jonathan Peternel began after authorities received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The CyberTip was submitted by popular multimedia messaging app Snapchat and showed five files of suspected child sex abuse material involving prepubescent children. A search warrant was subsequently issued for Jonathan Peternel's Snapchat account, where investigators said they found more child sex abuse material. They also found evidence suggesting that the younger Peternel was sharing the material with other users. Detectives reported finding more than 200 files of child sex abuse material during a search of the Peternel residence in Pendleton. "Some of this included sadomasochistic child abuse, children that appeared to be drugged or intoxicated while being abused, violent child molestation, and photorealistic AI-generated photos of nude pregnant toddlers," investigators said. Jonathan Peternel was charged with one count of child exploitation, a Level 4 felony; two counts of possession of child sex abuse material, Level 5 felonies; and one count of possession of child sex abuse material, a Level 6 felony. Investigators with the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force said they also found more than 50 photos and videos on Jonathan Peternel's phone showing his parents nude or engaged in sex acts, according to a probable cause affidavit. Pastor Nathan Peternel, who co-hosts the podcast "Jesus, Sex and Politics" with Indianas Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, later told his congregation that the private intimate videos and photos of him and his wife were hacked by his son. Within the covenant of our marriage, my wife and I created private, intimate photos and videos, he explained in a recording. We've only ever been faithful to one another. And although those files were password-protected, they were hacked from a device without our consent, without our knowledge, and that was done by our son, who was high at the time. When investigators went to serve their search warrant at the Peternel residence on Sept. 10, 2025, both Jonathan and his father answered the door, according to the probable cause affidavit. When the younger Peternel was read his Miranda rights, he reportedly told investigators that he is a member of the Indiana National Guard and worked as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic in Shelbyville. When he was told he was under investigation for child exploitation and possession of child sexual abuse material, he asked to speak to an attorney. Investigators seized several electronic devices, including multiple laptops, iPads, tablets, cellphones, and storage devices from the home. Investigators also allegedly found chat logs suggesting that Jonathan Peternel was distributing the material through a Snapchat group called "Diddy Disciples," which referenced controversial music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is serving a 50-month sentence for violating the Mann Act. On Friday, Jonathan Peternel apologized for the unbelievable stress and embarrassment he caused his loved ones. Im sorry for putting you in this humiliating situation, he told his parents in court. Youve been dishonored, your wonderful reputations have been ruined, and your names have been dragged through the mud all because I cared about myself more than you. He told the court that his behavior is completely contrary to the way I was raised and noted that he has since recommitted his life to God and completed a 12-step addiction recovery program. I promise to spend the rest of my life fighting the wickedness that I participated in, he said, according to The Indiana Citizen. Through faith in the Lord, I trust that your sentence will be proper. Dudley acknowledged that while Jonathan Peternel appeared to be on the lower end of the spectrum of sex offenders, he was not convinced that he would not reoffend and had to respond with the sentence he handed down. You alluded to it, but what you do affects what other people do and has them exploit minors. Thats pretty darn serious and my sentencing reflects that, Dudley said. You have a strong personality and a lot of family support rely on them and you can do good, he added. Dont give up just because youre in the Department of Corrections. Youre there, not because its going to make you a better person youre there for accountability. You can use that time for your benefit and the benefit of others. Home News Obama responds to monkey meme, accuses Trump of demeaning presidency: 'Clown show' Former President Barack Obama recently claimed political social media has become "a clown show" and accused President Donald Trump of demeaning the presidency when his social media account posted a meme earlier this month that depicted him and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Speaking with liberal podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen on a Saturday episode of Cohen's YouTube show, Obama lightly chuckled when Cohen brought up the clip, which was initially uploaded to Trump's Truth Social account late on Feb. 5 in a video about claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. In what appeared to have been screen-captured as part of an auto-play feature, Trump's post ended with the Obamas' faces superimposed on ape bodies amid the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." The full joke video, which subsequently went viral, also shows the heads of multiple Democratic politicians superimposed on the bodies of various animals indigenous to Africa. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is depicted as a warthog; Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as a donkey; and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a giraffe. Trump is shown as a lion, at one point dozing in a hammock near House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is a singing meerkat. The brief video clip in Trump's post prompted bipartisan condemnation, including from prominent Christian conservatives and Republican members of Congress who called the imagery dehumanizing and unacceptable. The White House at first dismissed the backlash to the video as "fake outrage," though the post was later removed and blamed on a staffer. Trump claimed he "didn't see" the video before it went up and condemned its racist overtones. Press coverage of the deleted video has lingered for weeks, with Trump most recently being asked about it directly last Friday, when he suggested the outrage over the monkey meme is missing the point of the post, which was to raise concerns about alleged widespread voter fraud in 2020. Speaking with Cohen, Obama suggested most Americans find Trump's social media activity "deeply troubling." Barack Obama responds to the Trump Monkey Meme Hoax pic.twitter.com/3NfRDdXVsy ALX ???????? (@alx) February 14, 2026 "It is true that it gets attention, it's true that it's a distraction," Obama said, adding that most of the Americans he encounters "still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness." "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," he continued. "So that's been lost." Obama then pivoted from the monkey meme to praise anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and accused federal agents of exhibiting the tactics of "authoritarian countries" and "dictatorships." Last week, White House border czar Tom Homan announced that the federal surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota was coming to a close, following weeks of tense protests exacerbated after ICE agents fatally shot Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti last month. Obama has fielded criticism over the years for condescending comments he has made about political opponents, such as his famous "lipstick on a pig" line during the 2008 presidential campaign, which the McCain campaign took as a misogynistic reference to then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Obama drew criticism that year, even from his running mate, then-Sen. Joe Biden, for an ad claiming 2008 GOP nominee John McCain is unable to send emails, which some interpreted as mocking him for the disabling wounds he sustained under torture in Vietnam. The Obama campaign later walked back Biden's criticism of what he described as a "terrible" ad, claiming it was intended simply to show McCain as "out of touch with the new economic challenges we face today." While he has typically veered away from crudity, Obama drew raucous laughter during his address to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, when he made a gesture implying Trump's "weird obsession with crowd sizes" is related to insecurity about the size of his genitalia. Obama's suggestive delivery, which the BBC's "Americast" podcast praised at the time as "subtle," "funny" and "clever," surprised even longtime Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau, who claimed that Obama added the crowd size line back himself after Favreau had cut it. Claiming he was "stunned" when Obama mocked Trump in such a way, Favreau said, "I was like, 'Oh my gosh! Wow!' It's very unlike him." Home News Megachurch Pastor Jay Strother diagnosed with stomach cancer Quick Summary AI Summary Pastor Jay Strother of Brentwood Baptist Church in Tennessee has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Strother plans to step away from ministry for treatment and recovery. He encourages the congregation to continue their mission and support his family. 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 Senior pastor of the multi-campus Brentwood Baptist Church in Tennessee, Jay Strother, says he will step away from ministry for an extended period following a stomach cancer diagnosis. The 50-year-old married father of five, who assumed his role at the Southern Baptist megachurch on Oct. 1, 2023, says he is now holding onto the message of Matthew 6:33-34. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you. Therefore, dont worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. By Gods grace, Ive been taking it a day at a time and a step at a time, Strother told attendees at the church, which attracts some 7,000 people weekly across nine campuses in the Nashville area. Strother said he learned of his diagnosis last December but had been processing what it meant for his life before making his recent decision to disclose it publicly. I discovered in early December that I had a large mass in my right abdominal area. After meeting with doctors and undergoing medical testing, it has been determined to be malignant. Like many of you who have dealt with medical issues, the answers have not come as quickly or been as clear as I would have liked, he said. There are additional complexities to my condition for which were still awaiting results. I have no doubt that God has placed me in the hands of a well-trained medical team, but theyve been honest that the road ahead will not be easy, he added. The treatment plan hasnt been finalized, but at some point in the near future, its almost certain that Ill have to step away from ministry for a time for treatment, major surgery, and an extended recovery. According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, most stomach cancer cases in the U.S. are usually diagnosed late because early-stage tumors often cause no symptoms or have issues like indigestion or acid reflux, which causes patients and doctors to delay probing further. There is also no widespread routine test for gastric cancer in America because the symptoms only appear after the cancer has reached an advanced stage. After over two months of processing my condition with trusted mentors and prayer partners, I knew it was time to let our entire church family know, so you can walk with us through this journey, Strother explained as he invited the church to help him and his family pray. I didnt want you to be surprised when you hear that Ill be out of the pulpit for a while. Im convinced our church is healthy, our leadership bench is deep, and I believe we have the spiritual maturity to weather any storm. Our church isnt built around a single leader; our cornerstone is Christ, he continued. In addition to encouraging his congregation to pray and to stay in the Word, Strother asked them not to allow his illness to hinder the churchs vision. The mission of the church is too important, he said. I dont want news of my illness to slow down our vision. I pray that God will use this season to keep building momentum at our campuses. If youre not in a group, find one. Our group has already proved life-giving to us. If youre not serving, now is the time to get involved dont wait any longer. Home Opinion When a nation forgets the purpose of freedom Exodus 9:1 records a command that shaped a nation: Thus says the LORD God of the Hebrews: Let My people go, that they may serve Me. Freedom, in the Bible, is never abstract. It is purposeful. It is directional. It is given so that a people might serve the God who delivered them. This truth did not escape the attention of Americas founders. In 1776, when Congress requested designs for a national seal, Benjamin Franklin proposed a striking image: Moses standing at the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army overwhelmed, and beneath it the motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God. Though never adopted, the proposal reflected how deeply the Exodus narrative shaped the American imagination. From New England to the southern colonies, pastors drew explicit parallels between Israels deliverance from Egypt and the colonies struggle for independence. Sermons frequently returned to a familiar refrain: Let my people go. But they did not stop there. On December 23, 1776, Sylvanus Conant preached directly from the full text: Let my people go, that they may serve me. Ministers such as Samuel West and Samuel Langdon made the same point clear. The goal was not autonomy for its own sake. The goal was ordered liberty under God. That full phrase Let My people go, that they may serve Me appears seven times in Exodus. The repetition is deliberate. Gods championing of Israels freedom was not so they could do what was right in their own eyes. It was liberation unto obedience, worship, and covenant faithfulness. Deliverance was the doorway to devotion. Those colonial pastors understood that principle. They warned that liberty detached from moral restraint would decay into lawlessness and eventually into tyranny. Rev. Langdon cautioned that nations blessed with freedom but unwilling to live under Gods law would follow the same tragic pattern seen in Israels history. Conant reminded his hearers that deliverance creates obligation. A people set free must respond with gratitude and obedience or risk forfeiting the blessing they were given. Even among the Founders, that sober awareness was present. Thomas Jefferson wrote words that still unsettle: Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever. Whatever his theological persuasion, Jefferson understood a fundamental truth nations are morally accountable. The Founders did not envision freedom as self-definition without limits. They sought freedom within a framework. Liberty was granted so that a people might govern themselves under transcendent authority, not apart from it. Now, in this 250th anniversary year of American independence, that original question presses upon us again. Are we living as though freedom has a purpose? Have we remembered that liberty is not merely the absence of restraint, but the opportunity to align ourselves with truth? Have we treated freedom as a gift to steward or as an entitlement to consume? Exodus confronts every generation with the same call. God delivers people not to independence from Him, but obedience to Him. When a nation forgets that freedom is meant for service to God, it loses the purpose of freedom and soon, the freedom itself. The words still echo: Let My people go, that they may serve Me. The future of our liberty depends on whether we remember the second half of that sentence. February 17, 2026: As if morale in the Russian military was not bad enough because of the Ukraine war, members of the Russian Northern Fleet and their families suffered from a breakdown of heating systems. This occurred last month in Severomorsk, the city north of the Arctic Circle that houses the headquarters of the Northern Fleet. While there have been heating breakdowns before in military bases near the Arctic Circle, and soldiers froze to death, the current situation occurred in a city full of senior military commanders and their families. While no one died in Severomorsk, several hundred people were without heat from the central heating systems for several days. What scares Russians the most was how the government of a major Arctic Circle region city allowed their heating system to deteriorate and fail during the coldest part of the year. Part of the reason is lack of money for maintenance and that nearly half the Russian government budget was used for the war in Ukraine. The recent heating emergency in Severomorsk was not unanticipated. As winter approached last year, the government discovered that in many parts of the country the centralized apartment complex heating plans have fallen into disrepair, leaving the apartment building dependent on them without sufficient heat or no heat at all. Russia depends on a lot of heating plants that distribute heat to families living in these apartments and, when there is not enough or no heat at all, people are angrier at the government than they ever were over the massive losses of soldiers in Ukraine. This lack of heat is an immediate problem that is far more important than the latest bad news from Ukraine. The war and the sanctions imposed by NATO countries have steadily caused the Russian economy to falter and fall apart in some areas. Desperate to solve the heating problem, the government has nationalized heating plants in some areas and sent in government specialists to get the heating systems up and running again. The former employees of the heating operations were out of work, with vague assurances that they would get their jobs back once spring arrived and the heating crisis was over. In some parts of the country, electrical power was a problem. The growing costs of the war meant cuts had to be made elsewhere and, in some areas, this meant the electrical generation and distribution system fell into disrepair and frequent failures. These blackouts meant periods of no heat. Freezing in the dark was an immediate problem that was far more important to fix than the disasters occurring in Ukraine. The Russian people tolerated heavy casualties and frequent defeats in Ukraine, but there is no such patience for blackouts and failed heating systems. Those problems were very personal while the war in Ukraine was a distant disaster that could be ignored. Another year of heating calamities and electricity shortages could end the war more quickly than any peace talks and negotiations. Canadas immigration department has released its latest processing times update for various application types, including permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship applications. Many temporary resident applications have seen increases in processing times, based on the type of application and/or the location from which submissions are being made. Among the most notable are: All study permit applications (regardless of location); Work permit applications from Pakistan (17-week increase in wait time); and Super visa applications from the US (112-day jump in processing time). Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Permanent Residence Processing times for citizenship grants and proof of citizenship certificates have climbed as well, which may possibly be attributable to a growing demand. On the other hand, family sponsorship submissions are seeing a decline in wait timein particular, those made under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This article compares how processing times have changed in the span of one month, from January 15 to February 17, 2026. Permanent residence applications Processing times for permanent residence applications remain largely unchanged overall, though decreases in wait time can be seen among various family sponsorship application types. Express Entry A minor bump in processing time can be seen for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) submissions. Application type Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 7 months 6 months Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 7 months 7 months Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) *N/A *N/A *Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not release processing time estimations for the FSTP due to insufficient data. IRCC service standard: For all Express Entry programs, it is six months. Total number of people waiting for a decision on their application: See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Processing times for PNP applications remain unchanged compared to a month ago. Application type Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Through Express Entry (enhanced) 7 months 7 months Non-Express Entry (base) 13 months 13 months Service standard: For Express Entry-aligned applications it is six months, for base applications it is 11 months. Total number of people waiting for a decision on their application: Enhanced applications: 12,400 (+1,600) Base applications: 108,300 (+5,700) Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams Quebec Immigration Processing times for PR applications through Quebecs skilled worker pathway have remained steady over the last month. Stream Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) 11 months 11 months Service standard: Six months. Total number of people waiting for a decision on their application: 26,400 (-300) Learn more about your options and get assistance immigrating to Quebec Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Submissions under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) continue to see sky-high wait times. Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 33 months 33 months Service standard: 11 months. Total number of people waiting for a decision on their application: 13,700 (+100) Family sponsorship Wait times for family sponsorship applications have remained the same or decreasedwith the biggest drop seen for those made under the PGP (to reside outside Quebec). Application type Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada 21 months (intending to reside outside Quebec) 35 months (intending to reside in Quebec) 21 months (intending to reside outside Quebec) 36 months (intending to reside in Quebec) Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada 15 months (intending to reside outside Quebec) 35 months (intending to reside in Quebec) 14 months (intending to reside outside Quebec) 35 months (intending to reside in Quebec) Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 35 months (intending to reside outside Quebec) 47 months (intending to reside in Quebec) 37 months (intending to reside outside Quebec) 48 months (intending to reside in Quebec) Service standard: IRCC only publishes service standards for the sponsorship of a spouse or common-law partner living outside Quebec, which sit at 12 months. Total number of people waiting for a decision on their application: Partner living in Canada, intending to reside outside Quebec: 52,600 (+500) Parter living in Canada, intending to reside in Quebec: 12,100 (0) Partner living outside Canada, intending to reside outside Quebec: 47,300 (+400) Partner living outside Canada, intending to reside in Quebec: 19,100 (-200) PGP, intending to reside outside Quebec: 48,300 (-2,000) PGP, intending to reside in Quebec: 12,000 (-400) Dependent child sponsorship Within Canada No changes in processing times have occurred within the last month for in-Canada dependent child sponsorship applications. Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 19 months 19 months Service standard: Unpublished. Outside Canada A one-month drop can be observed for Nigeria-based submissions. Applying from: Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 India 16 months 16 months Nigeria 19 months 20 months Service standard: 12 months. Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration Temporary residence applications Visitor visas India and the US both saw drops in visitor visa processing times, while other countries experienced increasesthe highest being Nigeria. Applying from: Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Canada 21 days 17 days India 78 days 99 days Pakistan 58 days 57 days Nigeria 51 days 36 days United States 25 days 27 days Service standard: Only outside-Canada applications are published by IRCC, for which the standard is 14 days. Work permits While most countries showed a relatively steady decrease or incline in wait time, processing times for work permit applications made from Pakistan shot up significantlyby a staggering 17 weeks in just a one-month time frameto nearly seven months. Applying from: Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Canada 246 days 220 days India 8 weeks 9 weeks Pakistan 30 weeks 13 weeks Nigeria 9 weeks 11 weeks United States 10 weeks 7 weeks Service standard: Within-Canada applications (initial and extensions) have a 120-day standard, while outside Canada applications have a 60-day standard. This excludes International Experience Canada (IEC) permits (56-day standard). View our coverage on occupations that IRCC is currently prioritizing for work permit processing. Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Study permits Processing times for study permit applications are up across the board, increasing by one to two weeks for all countries featured. Applying from: Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Canada 8 weeks 7 weeks India 4 weeks 3 weeks Pakistan 7 weeks 5 weeks Nigeria 8 weeks 6 weeks United States 7 weeks 6 weeks Service standard: 120 days for applications submitted from within Canada; 60 days for outside-Canada applications. Discover your options to study in Canada Super Visas Pakistan is the only country featured which saw super visa processing times go down rather than upwith wait times for US submissions more than doubling. Applying from: Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 India 213 days 206 days Pakistan 124 days 133 days Nigeria 46 days 41 days United States 205 days 93 days Service standard: 112 days. Get a Free Super Visa Telephone Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Citizenship applications For both citizenship application types, the immigration department reports prolonged wait timeseach up one month, likely due to the number of individuals seeking Canadian citizenship following the passing of Bill C-3 two months ago. Application type Current processing time Processing times as of January 15, 2025 Citizenship grant 14 months 13 months Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) 11 months 10 months Service standards: Only citizenship grant service standards are published, which is set at 12 months. Total number of people waiting for a decision on their application: Citizenship grant: 313,000 (+7,600) Citizenship certificate: 47,900 (+5,500) Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Processing times and service standards Oftentimes mistaken for one another, processing times and service standards are not synonymous nor interchangeable. IRCCs published processing times indicate the expected duration to render a decision on an application, if it were submitted that day. For online applications, processing is marked by the submission timestamp; for paper applications, processing starts once an application arrives in the mailroom. There are two types of processing times, including: Historical: Based on how long it took to process 80% of a given application type in the past. Forward looking: Based on future estimates, which are dependent on the departments current inventory (considering pending submissions and expected finalization rate). On the other hand, service standards are IRCC's internal, self-assigned benchmarks for the length of time it should take to process any given application type. They are reflective of the completion rate for 80% of said application typewith the remaining 20% reserved for more complex cases. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Permanent Residence The Charity Commission is assessing concerns raised by the former Oxfam GB chief executive in a recent television interview about alleged racism, sexism and antisemitism at the organisation. In an interview with Channel 4 News last Friday, Halima Begum discussed her employment tribunal claim against Oxfam, which she told Civil Society was filed earlier this month. Speaking to presenter Cathy Newman, Begum, who was forced to resign from Oxfam in December, said she had been subject to racism and sexism in her last two board meetings. Begum told Newman that she was humiliated by former Oxfam chair Charles Gurassa, against whom she raised a grievance, and forced out after being subject to a witch hunt. She also told the broadcaster that a male senior team member at Oxfam had made offensive remarks about the female leadership team. When asked about allegations of antisemitism at the charity, Begum said: It always felt as though we were working disproportionately over the crisis in Gaza. It was very hard to hold onto neutrality and impartiality and I say that as a Muslim woman. The commission told Civil Society that it is assessing concerns raised about Oxfam during the interview to decide if new regulatory issues emerge. This will inform any regulatory response, said a spokesperson for the commission, which has not opened a formal investigation. An Oxfam spokesperson told Civil Society: These claims represent one individuals perspective and are strongly disputed by Oxfam GB. To date we still have not received Dr Begums employment tribunal claim. The charity commissioned a review of its board governance processes last month, led by senior lawyer Rebecca Tuck. We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and abuse of power in all areas of our work, including racism, sexism and antisemitism, Oxfams spokesperson added. Dispute with Oxfam chair Begum, appointed CEO in December 2023, left Oxfam at the end of last year after a review found serious issues in her leadership and decision-making. Since then, Begum has spoken out against the accusations, supported by Oxfam trustee Balwant Singh, who criticised her brutal ousting from the charity and resigned in protest. Speaking to Channel 4, Begum alleged that Gurassa, who left the charity weeks before her departure, had humiliated her while giving a speech to board participants at an Oxfam dinner. She said that Gurassa was invited to a meeting, for which he was asked to bring along Begum, but laughed and said it would be like taking his child to work. The former CEO said: Im a 53-year-old woman, Im certainly not his child I felt humiliated. It was so patronising and demeaning that I dont think we can dismiss something like that as a joke. A spokesperson for Gurassa said: These allegations are completely spurious. The Oxfam boards unanimous decision to dismiss Halima Begum was taken some weeks after Mr Gurassa had completed his term of office and was made following a large number of complaints about her from across the organisation over an extended period. Accusations against Begum In December, Oxfams board concluded that Begum should stand down after a review commissioned by trustees into her leadership. The review, conducted by workplace problem-solving company Howlett Brown, followed a letter signed by 69 staff members petitioning Oxfam to investigate the charitys senior leadership team, including Begum. Seen by Civil Society, the letter was also signed by 39 former employees who left in 2025 either as part of the Oxfam restructure or in part due to leadership concerns. Widespread animosity was reported at the charity after 140 staff members were made redundant during Begums tenure as part of a bid to tackle a second consecutive annual operating deficit of 20m. When asked about this by Newman, Begum said: I was the only person reviewed and investigated as a result of that letter despite the fact that other senior members were named in that letter, particularly a white female colleague. Begum also claimed that she was set up by the review into her conduct, which she said was predetermined to see her out of the charity. She said there was no natural justice in Howlett Browns review since the report findings were not shared with her. I was forced to resign on 14 December because the board did not give me the opportunity to respond to the findings, Begum told C4 News. The very public nature of this fallout has been very hard to bear, being accused of all sorts and having no chance to reply or rebut any of these allegations; its been devastating. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Last week, in Olympia, Washington, a group of three right-wing media figures filed a lawsuit confronting a question that is becoming increasingly fraught across the United States: who is and is not a journalist in a government building. The plaintiffsBrandi Kruse, a podcaster; Ari Hoffman, a talk radio host; and Jonathan Choe, a freelancer and senior journalism fellow at the Discovery Institute, a conservative think tankwish to be provided permanent press passes to the statehouse and to have press credentialing guidelines overhauled. The defendantsthe Capitol Correspondents Association and the Washington House of Representativeshave denied them access because of their involvement with political advocacy; all three have accepted payment from political organizations. The lawsuit emerged from a series of recent events that have complicated life for political journalists in Olympia. For some fifty years, press credentialing at the statehouse had been overseen by the Capitol Correspondents Association, a loose-knit group with little or no budget that approved passes, set guidelines on decorum, and gave legislative leaders a place to go on matters affecting the press corps. Last March, however, that changed: Kruse and Choe sought access, which the association denied; the pair threatened to sue, and soon the association voluntarily transferred its credentialing authority to legislators. We dont have lawyers, Jerry Cornfield, the associations president and a senior Olympia reporter for the Washington State Standard, told Investigate West. We chose not to litigate on behalf of the legislature. Its their building. They ultimately control access to the chambers. We were not going to fight their fight for them. (That was his sole comment on the matter; he declined to speak with me.) The decision suddenly put elected officials in the position of managing access to themselves. The legislature is pissed that the news organization crumbled, Rowland Thompsonthe executive director of Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington, who has worked in Olympia for decadestold me at the time. As Denny Heck, Washingtons lieutenant governor, put it, We dont want that authority. Michele Matassa Flores, the executive editor of the Seattle Times, noted that legislators have a vested interest in which reporters get credentials: Its a slippery-slope question, she saidand some news organizations have since tried to work out arrangements to bolster the Capitol Correspondents Association, including by providing resources to handle legal challenges. That effort remains a work in progress. For the rest of the 2025 legislative session, anyone claiming to be press was allowed onto the floors of the state senate and house chambers. This year, the senate has continued that practice. In the house, Bernard Dean, the clerk, said his office determines who gets credentials, leaning on the correspondents associations longtime guidelines. Recently, when Kruse and Choenow joined by Hoffmanwanted in, they were again denied. It is important that a line be established between professional journalism and political or policy work, according to association guidelines quoted in a rejection letter from the house clerks office. The press should act as an independent observer and monitor of the proceedings, not as an involved party. By turns, Kruse, Choe, and Hoffman have all been involved with journalism and politics. (None of the three responded to my requests for comment.) All of them live in the Seattle areaand rarely make the sixty-mile drive to Olympia. Kruse, who identifies as a rugged individualist, hosts unDivided with Brandi Kruse, which bills itself as political commentary for the anti-fringe. Sometimes, she calls herself a journalist; other times, she says she isnt one; in late 2021, she left Seattles Fox 13 television station. One of her podcast advertisers is Future 42, a conservative activist organization linked to state ballot initiativesincluding one seeking to ban trans girls from participating in middle and high school sports. She has spoken at Republican rallies, including for a gubernatorial candidate named Dave Reichert, and been a paid speaker for local Republican fundraisers. Legacy media is notoriously biased in favor of Democrats. I am at least transparent about my political beliefs, Kruse recently told KUOW, Seattles NPR station. You can call me many things, but inconsistent isnt one of them. Hoffmana fixture of 570 KVI, which bills itself as Americas first conservative talk radio station, and a onetime candidate for Seattle City Councilhas also been a paid speaker at Republican Party events, and has lately campaigned for legislative initiatives including the one blocking trans girls from sports. Access to the peoples House is not a privilege reserved for a select few, he said in a press release announcing the lawsuit. When the government controls who can report on it based on vague or subjective criteria, that strikes at the heart of the First Amendment. Choe, a former reporter for Seattles KOMO television station, was fired in 2022 for filming boosterish coverage of a Proud Boys parade in Olympia and posting it on his Twitter account without permission from his bosses. These days, in addition to his role at the Discovery Institute, he contributes to Turning Point USA, Newsmax, and other conservative outlets. He has also done video work and consulting with political campaigns in the stateone Republican, one Democratic. Im having to hustle and look for opportunities to simply get a byline in or to get my story on air, he told KUOW, and every time I do, I get paid. In the press release, he said, The Capitol belongs to the people of Washington, not to political gatekeepers. Journalists must be able to cover their government without arbitrary barriers. Sign up for CJRs daily email These three are not the first to be denied press credentials because of political affiliation: years ago, the local Sierra Club was denied passes to the Olympia statehouse for the same reason. On her podcast, Kruse said the house clerks office is using outdated rules to deny people access. She compared herself, Choe, and Hoffman to editorial-page contributorsand noted that a bill, currently before a state senate committee, aims to use taxes on tech companies to support local news in Washington. The bill, she claimed, would amount to state-controlled media. Now, she declared, new media is taking over. Old media is dying off. 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, 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 organization 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 OpenAIs makeover is a test case for how we, as a society, oversee the work of organizations that have the potential to both provide enormous benefits and do catastrophic harm. Tracing OpenAIs 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 US$1 billion in this venture; by 2024 that sum had topped $13 billion. In exchange, Microsoft was promised a portion of future profits, capped at 100 times its initial investment. But the software giant didnt get a seat on OpenAIs 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 $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 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, finalized a $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, 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 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 AIs capability, safety, and positive impact in the world. Revising Its Legal Governance Structure Nonprofit boards are responsible for key decisions and upholding their organizations 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% 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% of OpenAIs stock due to its $13.8 billion investment in the AI company to date. OpenAIs employees and its other investors own the rest of the shares. Seeking More Investment The main goal of OpenAIs restructuring, which it called a recapitalization, was to attract more private investment in the race for AI dominance. It has already succeeded on that front. As of early February 2026, the company was in talks with SoftBank for an additional $30 billion and stands to get up to a total of $60 billion from Amazon, Nvidia and Microsoft combined. OpenAI is now valued at over $500 billion, up from $300 billion in March 2025. The new structure also paves the way for an eventual initial public offering, which, if it happens, would not only help the company raise more capital through stock markets but would also increase the pressure to make money for its shareholders. OpenAI says the foundations endowment is worth about $130 billion. Those numbers are only estimates because OpenAI is a privately held company without publicly traded shares. That means these figures are based on market value estimates rather than any objective evidence, such as market capitalization. When he announced the new structure, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, We secured concessions that ensure charitable assets are used for their intended purpose. He also predicted that safety will be prioritized and said the top priority is, and always will be, protecting our kids. Steps That Might Help Keep People Safe At the same time, 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 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 OpenAIs mission rather than financial issues regarding safety and security issues. The OpenAI Foundations nonprofit board gets to appoint all members of the OpenAI Groups 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 doesnt 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 organization, converted to a for-profit insurance company in 1992, regulators required that 80% 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 Philadelphias biggest newspaper to attract investment without compromising its purpose journalism serving the needs of its local communities. Its 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 OpenAIs board has apparently abandoned its mission of safety. And the other is that the attorneys general of California and Delaware have let that happen. Bayer AG is preparing to announce a $10.5 billion settlement push to resolve current and future cancer lawsuits over its top-selling Roundup weedkiller, according to people familiar with the plan. The German conglomerate is set to propose a $7.5 billion class-action settlement through cases filed in state court in Missouri designed to resolve Roundup suits that already have been filed and potential claims that could be filed over a 20-year period, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly about the deal. As part of the effort, Bayer is also poised to announce $3 billion in settlements of existing US cases in which former Roundup users blame the herbicide for causing their non-Hodgkins lymphoma, the people said. Roundup litigation has plagued the German conglomerate since it bought Monsanto for $66 billion and inherited a string of suits that have cast a lingering cloud over its shares. The company already has paid more than $10 billion in verdicts and settlements over the herbicide and its active ingredient, glyphosate. After years of fighting Roundup cases in the US, Bayer still faces about 67,000 claims from plaintiffs who allege that long-term exposure to glyphosate caused their cancer. Bayer officials have insisted the weedkiller is safe and point to the US Food and Drug Administrations finding the herbicide isnt a carcinogen. Bayer is making the move after the US Supreme Court agreed last month to hear its appeal of a $1.25 million Missouri jury verdict against the companys Monsanto unit over Roundup on the grounds some of the claims in the 2023 case were preempted by federal law. The litigation has cast such a pall over Bayer that Chief Executive Officer Bill Anderson has said hes weighing whether to stop making glyphosate altogether. Bayer officials in the U.S. didnt immediately return an email seeking comment on the settlement effort Tuesday. Top photo: Weeds are sprayed with a bottle of Bayer AG Roundup brand weedkiller. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. The Trump administration moved Thursday to eliminate the term "regional accreditor" from higher education, proposing an interpretive rule that would bar accrediting agencies, colleges, and universities from using terminology officials say creates "inappropriate barriers" and misleads students by suggesting some accreditors are superior to others based on outdated geographic distinctions rather than actual educational quality. Proposed Rule Targets "Artificially Inflated Prestige" The U.S. Department of Education issued the proposed interpretive rule Thursday, clarifying that phrases like "regionally accredited" create artificial distinctions among accreditors and institutions that prioritize prestige over student outcomes. The rule would require institutional accreditors to describe their scope as "national" or "institutional" rather than "regional." "Accreditors, institutions of higher education, states, and professional licensure boards continue to cling to outdated terminology that prioritizes artificially inflated prestige over real student outcomes," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "Through this proposed interpretive rule, the Trump Administration is advancing reforms to strengthen higher education and reduce barriers for students, families, and taxpayers." The Department emphasized it holds all recognized institutional accreditors to the same standards regardless of geographic scope, with the goal of promoting high-quality education that supports student success. The History and Hierarchy of Accreditation For more than a century, American higher education accreditation operated through a system of six regional accrediting bodies that evaluated colleges and universities within specific geographic areas. These organizationsthe Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, New England Commission of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission (North Central), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and Western Association of Schools and Collegeshistorically accredited traditional nonprofit colleges and universities. Simultaneously, "national" accreditors primarily evaluated for-profit institutions, career colleges, and distance education providers. Over time, a hierarchy developed where "regional" accreditation became synonymous with quality and legitimacy, while "national" accreditation faced skepticism and was sometimes viewed as inferior. This distinction carried significant practical consequences: colleges often refused to accept transfer credits from "nationally" accredited institutions, employers sometimes questioned degrees from such schools, and professional licensing boards in some states required graduation from "regionally" accredited programs. The 2019 Regulatory Change The Department of Education eliminated the concept of "regional" accreditors from federal regulations in 2019, conforming rules to the statutory requirement in Section 101 of the Higher Education Act that institutions must be "accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association." That 2019 final rule designated all accrediting agencies recognized by the Secretary of Education as "nationally recognized accrediting agencies," officially ending the federal distinction between regional and national accreditors. However, five years after that regulatory change, many stakeholders in higher education continue using the old terminology. Recognized accreditors still market themselves as "regional," colleges prominently display "regional accreditation" in admissions materials, transfer credit policies explicitly require "regional" accreditation, and state licensing boards maintain "regional" accreditation requirements for professional credentials. Real-World Impact on Students The Department's announcement Thursday highlighted concrete ways the "regional" label harms students and drives up costs: Transfer Credit Discrimination: Many colleges maintain transfer credit policies that deny students credits earned at "nationally" accredited institutions, even when those institutions meet the same federal quality standards as "regionally" accredited schools. Students must retake courses they've already completed and paid for, extending time to degree completion and increasing costs. Professional Licensure Barriers: Some state professional licensing boards require degrees from "regionally" accredited institutions, potentially limiting career opportunities for graduates of high-quality "nationally" accredited programs. Confusion for Families: The terminology misleads students and families trying to evaluate college options, suggesting that geographic scope indicates quality when federal standards apply equally to all recognized accreditors. Artificial Market Segmentation: The distinction helps maintain traditional higher education hierarchies that may not reflect actual educational quality or student outcomes, potentially protecting established institutions from competition. Who's Affected? The proposed interpretive rule would apply to multiple stakeholders: Accrediting Agencies: The seven former "regional" accreditors would be prohibited from describing themselves as "regional" in official communications, marketing materials, or documentation. They would need to update websites, brochures, and all public-facing materials. Colleges and Universities: Institutions would be barred from advertising "regional accreditation" in admissions materials, websites, or marketing. They would need to describe their accreditation status accurately using terms like "institutionally accredited" or referencing their specific accreditor by name. State Education Agencies: States would need to revise policies, regulations, and guidance documents that reference "regional" accreditation, particularly in transfer credit agreements and articulation policies. Professional Licensing Boards: State boards governing professions like nursing, teaching, counseling, and others would need to update licensure requirements that currently specify "regional" accreditation. Implementation Timeline and Public Comment The proposed interpretive rule is now open for public comment through March 19, 2026. Comments must be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.govthe Department will not accept comments by fax or email. After reviewing public comments, the Department will decide whether to finalize the interpretive rule as proposed, modify it based on feedback, or withdraw it entirely. As an interpretive rule rather than a substantive regulation, it clarifies existing requirements rather than creating new legal obligations, potentially allowing faster implementation than traditional rulemaking. If finalized, the rule would take effect upon publication in the Federal Register, though the Department may provide transition time for affected parties to update materials and policies. Broader Trump Education Agenda The proposed rule fits within the Trump administration's broader higher education reform agenda, which has included confronting elite universities over alleged antisemitism, pressuring institutions to eliminate diversity programs, and severing military education partnerships over ideological concerns. The accreditation proposal represents one of the administration's more direct interventions in higher education's operational structure, potentially reshaping how institutions present themselves and evaluate each other. What Happens Next Higher education stakeholders have until March 19 to submit comments on the proposed rule. The Department will review feedback before deciding on final implementation. Accrediting agencies, colleges, and professional boards should begin preparing for potential changes while monitoring the rulemaking process. This developing story represents a significant shift in how American higher education operates, with implications for student mobility, college marketing, and the competitive landscape among institutions. WBC Wait one second. Just one second. Before you sell everything related to artificial intelligence, think back a little more than a year ago. January 27, 2025, was "Black Monday" for tech. That's when Chinese startup DeepSeek sent shockwaves through markets with its highly competitive AI model that it claimed was trained at a fraction of the cost of top American models. Nvidia stock lost almost $600 billion in market cap in a single day. By the time the kerfuffle was over, Nvidia plunged from roughly $143 per share on Jan. 24, the Friday before, into the low $90s, a sickening decline that lasted until April 2025, when we realized DeepSeek was all smoke and mirrors and the U.S.-China trade tensions that punished the stock started to turn the corner. Put aside for a second that Alibaba just released a new, multimodal version of its AI model Qwen that can understand text, photos, and videos something I saw Nvidia's chips do last March at its annual GTC conference. Plus, there is another DeepSeek release right behind it. I think we can rest assured that the press will not talk about how Nvidia's chips are vastly superior and instead insist that Alibaba has much cheaper silicon and that it's better. In fact, you can count on that. But there's another strange thing that is happening. On Monday, the stocks of Dassault and Siemens were rocked by a report that Schindler, the Swiss elevator maker, dropped a "digital twin" partner we don't know which one because it is going it alone with artificial intelligence. Digital twins refers to a popular method of building out "digital" versions of infrastructure ahead of big-time construction. Dassault's been a partner of Schindler for a very long time and it is presumed that Dassault's been dropped. A spokesperson for the French 3D design software company told Bloomberg News that "Schindler is an active customer." Nevertheless, Dassault shares fell 10% Monday, just a few sessions after it fell almost 21% in a single day after issuing light guidance alongside earnings, which stoked concerns about "AI eating software." For its part, Siemens fell 6.4% on Monday. I think that on Tuesday on Wall Street, any infrastructure company here that makes digital twins and that could be anyone that actually uses digital twins and those that don't is fair game to be dumped. Nvidia will most likely be dumped, too, even as any AI that is going to be used by a Schindler is most likely going to be based on Nvidia's platform. I cannot see how it wouldn't be, as no one else has the intellectual property to do so. Why will that happen? Guilt by association. Just a few weeks ago, I had Dassault CEO Pascal Daloz and Nvidia's Jensen Huang on "Mad Money," and they talked about how well their partnership is doing. Again, conspirators will say that if Dassault is out, then Nvidia is out. It makes you think that Schindler developed its own AI chip, which it clearly hasn't. Does it matter? Wait, there's more? As of Thursday night, when we got Applied Materials' earnings report, we have now heard from all three semiconductor capital equipment companies. All three are sold out. On allocation. We know the memory companies Micron, SanDisk, Seagate and Western Digital are sold out and their prices are up dramatically. In some cases, some memory pricing is up 600% in a year. The shocking call from Cisco at least shocking to this portfolio manager that the DRAM shortage will hurt their earnings caused that stock to get crushed and put a lid on tech, especially Nvidia. Why? Because supply and demand. The tight supply and high prices are going to lead to demand destruction, and demand destruction will crush Nvidia's sales. Now, we have to ask ourselves: Are we going to let what happened a year ago happen again? Are we going to be able to step aside and come back in? Are we going to sell and go short? We can't possibly own it through this, can we? Especially with that darned head and shoulders chart. The answer, of course, we are. It is written. To which I say, how did we, in the Club, know millionaires would be created among those who stayed the course? We didn't. But we had faith. Keep the faith. Husband it. You will need every bit of it to get through this reprise of last year. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA and CSCO. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. This is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox. Happy Tuesday, and happy Year of the Horse! I'm back after a week in Costa Rica, where I sampled coffee, memorized the USD-colon conversion rate and wished my Spanish was better. S&P 500 futures are lower this morning. The stock market is coming off a losing week. Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day: 1. Deflated The bull of Wall Street is seen during the pass of the snowstorm on January 31, 2021 in New York City. VIEW press | Corbis News | Getty Images 2. Jesse Jackson Reverend Jesse Jackson delivers a speech as Americans shout slogans and hold banners during a demonstration against the death of eighteen-year-old unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on August 16, 2014. Bilgin Sasmaz | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Rev. Jesse Jackson died today at 84 years old, his family confirmed in a statement. The civil rights icon and Baptist minister was a Martin Luther King Jr. protege and two-time Democratic presidential candidate. While a college student, Jackson was a crusader in the fight against Jim Crow segregation laws. He became a central figure in the broader civil rights movement, known for his work on the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Rainbow PUSH coalition. "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," his family said in their statement. "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by." 3. Epstein fallout Thomas Pritzker, executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corp., speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Dania Maxwell | Bloomberg | Getty Images Hyatt Hotels Chair Thomas Pritzker became the latest business mogul to step down from his position over ties to the late sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Pritzker said in a statement released yesterday that he held "regret" over his relationship with Epstein and that he "exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact." The 75-year-old, who had been chair for more than two decades, said he'd resign from his post immediately and not seek reelection to the board. With that announcement, Pritzker joined a growing list of business and political leaders leaving their positions as more details about Epstein's business dealings come to light. Goldman Sachs Legal Chief Kathryn Ruemmler and Paul Weiss Chair Brad Karp are among the latest corporate executives to resign. 4. AI summit The OpenClaw logo appears on the screen of a smartphone placed on a reflective surface onto which the software's mascot is projected. OpenClaw, formerly known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, is an agentic AI software designed for the autonomous execution of complex tasks and is at the center of a debate on the risks associated with cybersecurity and the safety of autonomous AI agents in Creteil, France, on February 5, 2026. (Photo by Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Tech moguls are descending on India for an artificial intelligence summit this week, with OpenAI's Sam Altman, Alphabet' s Sundar Pichai and Anthropic's Dario Amodei all expected to attend. Nvidia 's Jensen Huang reportedly pulled out due to "unforeseen circumstances." Altman announced over the weekend that Peter Steinberger, creator of the viral AI agent OpenClaw, is joining OpenAI. The news came as competition among generative AI firms heats up. OpenAI rival Anthropic saw its daily active user base grow 11% following its Super Bowl ad campaign that took a swipe at the ChatGPT maker. Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC's Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning. Subscribe here to get access today. 5. Open mic Apple Podcasts on App Store displayed on a phone screen is seen in this illustration photo taken in Poland on June 5, 2024. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Apple is entering the video podcasting realm. The tech giant announced yesterday that it would debut an integrated video podcasting experience in the spring. As CNBC's Zach Vallese reports, this brings Apple's offerings closer to those of Spotify , YouTube and Netflix all of which have leaned into video podcasting. Listeners will be able to toggle between watching or listening to shows in the Apple Podcasts app, and download video versions for offline viewing. Meanwhile, Snap announced the launch of creator subscriptions as it aims to diversify revenue beyond ads. Creators on the ap will be able to earn income directly from their most loyal followers through paid memberships in a model similar to that of Patreon and Substack. The Daily Dividend Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei speaks on an artificial intelligence panel during Inbound 2025 Powered by HubSpot at Moscone Center on in San Francisco, Sept. 4, 2025. Anthropic on Tuesday rolled out Claude Sonnet 4.6, its second major artificial intelligence model launch in less than two weeks. The startup said Claude Sonnet 4.6 is better at using computers, coding, design, completing knowledge work tasks and processing large amounts of data. For Anthropic's free users and paid Pro users, the model will now serve as the default within its Claude chatbot and its Claude Cowork productivity tool. Anthropic is in the throes of a fierce competition with rivals like OpenAI and Google , and the launch of Claude Sonnet 4.6 serves as the latest example of the breakneck pace of development that's required to keep pace in the AI industry. Anthropic launched another model, Claude Opus 4.6, just 12 days ago. "Performance that would have previously required reaching for an Opus-class model including on real world, economically valuable office tasks is now available with Sonnet 4.6," Anthropic said in a blog post on Tuesday. Qwen3 is Alibaba's latest large language model, which it says combines traditional LLM capabilities with "advanced, dynamic reasoning." Alibaba Group has released its newest AI model series, featuring enhanced capabilities, as it faces intensifying competition in China's AI space with several models launched in the past week. The Qwen3.5 AI model comes in an open-weight version, which allows users to download, run, fine-tune, and deploy it on their own infrastructure. Alibaba also released a "hosted version," meaning the model can run on Alibaba's own servers. Both models were made available on Monday, the eve of the Chinese New Year, and come just a week after Alibaba released a new AI model designed for robots. The company highlighted that Qwen3.5 offers improvements in performance and cost and was built with "native multimodal capabilities," enabling the models to understand text, images and video simultaneously within one system. Leaning into a major AI trend this year, the model also supports new coding and agentic capabilities and is compatible with open-source AI agents like those from OpenClaw, which recently surged in popularity. AI agents are systems that can independently take actions and complete multi-step tasks on a user's behalf with minimal supervision. These agents and their abilities have garnered a lot of attention in recent weeks, after American AI company Anthropic released new agent tools. The potential for these agents to replace the work of software as a service companies, amongst others, has rocked markets. Alibaba's local competitors such as ByteDance and Zhipu AI also released upgraded models in the past week aimed at supporting more agent capabilities. Marc Einstein, research director at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC that artificial intelligence companies are preparing for the possibility that AI agents could "upend traditional Internet business models." "If this happens the consequences for those who are not prepared will be severe and [Chinese AI companies] are aware of this," he said. Alibaba said that its new Qwen3.5 open-weight model comes with 397 billion parameters variables that shape how an AI system learns and reasons. While less than its previous flagship model, the company said the latest model showed significant improvement based on self-reported benchmark evaluations. Alibaba provided benchmark tests showing that Qwen3.5's performance was on par with leading models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind, though the comparisons were self-reported. Meanwhile, it also released a "hosted model" called the Qwen-3.5-Plus through its cloud platform Model Studio. Alibaba said this version also demonstrated performance on par with leading competitors. CNBC could not independently verify those claims. The new Qwen3.5 models also support 201 languages and dialects, up from the previous generation's 82. Counterpoint's Einstein said this feature reflects Alibaba's global ambitions. The company is expected to release more open-weight models during this Chinese New Year, Lin Junyang, technical lead of Alibaba Cloud's Qwen team said in a social media post. Following the release of Anthropic's latest Claude AI agent tools, other American AI giants have been accelerating the development of agentic capabilities. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Sunday that the creator of the OpenClaw would be joining the company. Last month, Google DeepMind head Demis Hassabis told CNBC that Chinese AI models were just "months" behind Western rivals. The Masimo logo is displayed at Masimo headquarters on December 27, 2023 in Irvine, California. Danaher will acquire pulse oximeter maker Masimo in a $9.9 billion deal, as the life science firm looks to bulk up its diagnostics portfolio. The companies said on Tuesday that Danaher will pay $180 per share to buy Masimo. The offer represents a premium of 38.3% to Masimo's last close. This is Danaher's biggest deal since its $5.7 billion purchase of protein consumables maker Abcam in 2023. Life science firms have been grappling with uncertainty around drug pricing regulations in the U.S., potential tariff policies and softer academic and government research funding. Acquiring Masimo would allow Danaher, which provides tools and technologies that help pharmaceutical companies develop and make drugs, to expand into patient-monitoring products such as oximeters. Masimo's non-invasive pulse oximeters will complement Danaher's invasive Radiometer blood analyzer devices. Shares of Masimo, which has been in a long legal battle with iPhone maker Apple over patents, rose 34.3% to $174.89 in premarket trading, while Danaher's stock fell 6.1%. A federal jury in California ordered Apple to pay Masimo $634 million for infringing the patent covering blood-oxygen reading technology in November. Masimo recently transformed itself into a "pure-play" med-tech firm after selling its Sound United unit, which held audio brands Denon and Marantz, to Samsung's Harman last year for $350 million. Danaher and Masimo expect the deal to close by the second half of 2026. Masimo is expected to add to Danaher's adjusted diluted net earnings per common share by $0.15 to $0.20 in the first full year and about $0.70 in the fifth full year following completion of the acquisition. Masimo has a market capitalization of about $7 billion, while Danaher is valued at over $150 billion, according to Reuters calculations. Mike's Red Tacos, based in San Diego, is best known for its birria tacos, but its menu features more than just the buzzy regional Mexican food. The restaurant investors behind the success of Dave's Hot Chicken are making a new nationwide bet on the next-hottest restaurant trend: birria. Mike's Red Tacos, a San Diego-based birria chain with just two locations, plans to announce on Tuesday a new franchising initiative that will build hundreds of restaurants across the U.S., with support from early-stage backers Bill Phelps and Andrew Feghali, CNBC can report. Financial terms of their investment, which took place in early 2025, were not disclosed. "We just saw that this was a brand and a concept that really had legs to it," Phelps told CNBC. "And then the critical thing is, we brought down prospective franchisees. ... Everyone gave it the thumbs up." Phelps said he had never heard of birria before Feghali introduced him to Mike's. Traditional birria is a beef or goat stew, slow cooked with spices and chiles to give the meat lots of flavor. Birria tacos, like those sold at Mike's, use the slow-cooked meat as a filling and usually include a consomme on the side as a dip for the taco. Once known as a regional Mexican food, birria now appears on 3.7% of U.S. menus, according to Datassential. That's more than quadruple its menu penetration four years ago, based on the firm's data, but there's still a long runway before it reaches ubiquity. Mexican-inspired fast-food brands such as Qdoba, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco and even Taco Bell have released their own versions of birria. And there's at least 478 restaurant operators running birria-focused restaurants, according to Datassential. Mike's menu also includes burritos, loaded nachos and fries, and birria ramen. "It appeals to a very broad range of guests it's not just your millennials and Gen Zs," Phelps said, speaking about the customers in Mike's Red Tacos restaurants. "There's older people in the restaurant, there's little kids, so it's got a very, very broad appeal." Phelps co-founded Wetzel's Pretzels in 1994 and became a founding investor in Blaze Pizza, the fast-casual pizza chain founded by Elise and Rick Wetzel. In 2019, Phelps joined Dave's Hot Chicken as an investor and CEO, using franchising to expand the chain quickly to hundreds of restaurants worldwide. Last year, private equity firm Roark Capital bought a majority stake in Dave's Hot Chicken in deal worth roughly $1 billion. Feghali was one of the first franchisees of Dave's Hot Chicken. He is also one of the nation's largest Little Caesars operators. Together, Feghali and Phelps founded Four Wall Partners, a restaurant franchising investment firm. In addition to being early-stage investors in Mike's, they will act as advisors and members of the chain's board. Vincent Montanelli, who most recently served as chief executive of Wetzel's, has joined Mike's to serve as president. Founded originally as a food truck five years ago, Mike's Red Tacos opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2022. Founder Mike Touma plans to open his third location in March; he'll stay on with the company as a board member and franchisee of the chain's San Diego locations. "We put together a deal where [Touma is] going to keep the rights to his stores and future stores in San Diego, and then we're going to franchise it across the rest of the U.S. and internationally," Phelps said. The new team plans to follow the established playbook used by Wetzel's and Dave's to grow Mike's Red Tacos quickly. "We're going to be very aggressive where we grow with this, because we've seen that we can do that," Phelps said. The taco chain has already secured franchising development deals with multi-unit operators for more than 200 locations nationwide, from California to Texas to New England. Some of those franchised restaurants could open as soon as the end of the year. Phelps anticipates stiff competition from national chains and local taco restaurants alike. However, he said he thinks that the chain's simple menu, delicious food and an aggressive marketing strategy can help Mike's overtake rivals. "We think this can be a winner," Phelps said. This Q&A is part of America: 250 Years Bold, a CNBC multiplatform series highlighting the leaders, institutions, and ideas that have shaped the United States over the past 250 years. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, leads one of the nation's most influential philanthropic institutions. Founded in 1913, the organization has invested more than $26 billion worldwide to advance public health, expand access to opportunity and tackle global challenges at scale. In this conversation, Shah reflects on the foundation's legacy from pioneering breakthroughs in science and medicine to shaping modern philanthropy and discusses how its mission continues to evolve to address inequality, strengthen resilience and expand economic opportunity in the United States and around the world. Dr. Rajiv Shah has led The Rockefeller Foundation since 2017, focusing on climate change, global health, and economic equity. CNBC Q: Who was John D. Rockefeller Sr.? Dr. Rajiv J. Shah: John D. Rockefeller Sr. was a titan. He built America during the Industrial Revolution, and helped, together with others, create the modern country we have. He was one of the pioneers who shaped that economic transformation that gave us railways and automobiles and gasoline and the power to go about improving our quality of life. In doing so he, of course, went from being someone who came from modest resources to the world's wealthiest individual, and decided he would use that wealth to give back to society and help shape a future that was hopeful and optimistic, not just for the winners of that age, but for everybody. We need to recreate a pathway to the American Dream for kids across this country that we are otherwise leaving behind. That's the mission of the Rockefeller Foundation going forward. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah Rockefeller Foundation President Q: How did the Rockefeller Foundation first get started? Shah: The Rockefeller Foundation was created in 1913, although long before that, John D. Rockefeller, when he was 16 years old and got his first job, started tithing to his church. He was a devout Baptist who believed in charitable giving. When he created the foundation, he did it with a partner, Frederick Gates, who was his advisor and an early trustee, and they decided the foundation would be used specifically to invest in those areas where science and innovation could transform life on this planet. Q: What was the foundation's original mission? Shah: The Rockefeller Foundation was established more than 100 years ago to take on major global projects that would transform life and the nature of opportunity for the world's most vulnerable people. We were founded to do scientific philanthropy because John D. Rockefeller believed that science applied to health, agriculture, energy and even social sciences applied to governance could really help transform society and make it an environment where everyone flourishes, not just the select few. The very first big project the foundation took on was eradicating hookworm in the American South. They built a reference lab, they created the county-based American public health system, and they successfully eradicated hookworm. Went on to tackle malaria, and that process created both huge successes in modern public health, but also seeded the American public health system county by county across this country, and presented the antecedents of the Centers for Disease Control based in Atlanta. Q: What does the Rockefeller Foundation focus on today? Shah: We focus today on bringing science, innovation and partnership to lift up vulnerable populations across the planet. We have four major areas of work and investment health, food, energy and jobs and we engage in large-scale public-private partnerships to deliver those outcomes. We invest all the time in core science around food, nutrition, energy, energy storage, battery technology, things that we think can make a difference, especially for those people who are vulnerable across this planet. Today, we've mobilized more than $50 billion to reach more than 300 million people with energy access in Africa through an initiative we call "Mission 300." Q: As America approaches its 250th birthday, what gives you optimism about the future? This Q&A is part of America: 250 Years Bold, a CNBC multiplatform series highlighting the leaders, institutions and ideas that have shaped the United States over the past 250 years. Dame Louise Richardson, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, leads one of the nation's most influential philanthropic institutions. It has awarded more than $16.5 billion in grants since its founding in 1911. In this conversation, Richardson discusses Andrew Carnegie's rise from immigrant to industrialist, his belief that wealth carries responsibility, and how his legacy continues to influence education, democracy, and opportunity in America today. Dame Louise Richardson became the 13th president of the Carnegie Corporation in 2023 the first woman to lead the foundation. CNBC Q: For people who may only know the name, who was Andrew Carnegie, and why does he still matter today? Richardson: Andrew Carnegie, in his day, was the richest man in the world. He was a spectacularly successful industrialist, but he was also the godfather of modern philanthropy. He pioneered scientific philanthropy. He pioneered philanthropy based on on evidence, and not to mention generosity. He was determined to give away his entire wealth for the greater good of the society from which he had benefited. He came from very humble beginnings in Scotland. His entire family lived in a single room upstairs while his father worked on the cotton loom downstairs. They were fairly destitute and had to emigrate. So they emigrated to Pittsburgh, where, at the age of 12, he became a bobbin boy in a cotton factory. [Carnegie] was innovative, he was creative, and he was very focused on costs he used to say, 'Take care of the costs and the profits will take care of themselves.' Dame Louise Richardson Carnegie Corporation of New York President Q: Why was he such a pivotal figure in America's industrial rise? Richardson: He built the largest steel company in the world. In fact, in the 1890s it was producing more steel than all of Britain, Carnegie Steel in Pittsburgh, and he was successful because he was innovative. He was always looking for talent. He was very aware that he wasn't educated, so wanted to surround himself by people who were more highly educated than he was. So, he brought in talent. He would bring in chemists. For example, he hired the best chemist [who devised] the optimum mix of chemicals to produce steel. He was very open to innovation like the Bessemer Process [a revolutionary method of making steel by blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities, dramatically lowering costs and powering the rapid industrial expansion] or other newfangled ways to make steel more cheaply and more durable. He also pioneered the idea of vertical integration, that is to say, owning the entire supply chain, from the raw materials to the distribution of the of the finished product. So, he was innovative, he was creative, and he was very focused on costs. He used to say the mantra in his factory was take care of the costs and the profits will take care of themselves. So, he was a hard driving, hard charging businessman, but very open to innovation, very willing to take risks, and very clever about how he did it. Q: What were his views on wealth and philanthropy? Richardson: Andrew Carnegie wrote quite a lot, and he wrote a book called "The Gospel of Wealth," which spelled out his views on philanthropy. The most famous line from that book is "the man who dies rich dies disgraced." He believed that it was the responsibility of people who acquired wealth to distribute it for the greater good. He wanted every aspiring person to have access to a free public library. So, he set about building free public libraries, and in the course of his life, he funded 2,500 of them worldwide. He wanted every young person, or every person who wanted to educate themselves, to have access to a library. [Carnegie] believed it was the responsibility of people who acquired wealth to distribute it for the greater good. Dame Louise Richardson Carnegie Corporation of New York President Q: Today, what is the organization focused on? Richardson: Today, Carnegie Corporation of New York is focused on education, advancing democracy and advancing peace. These were the issues that mattered most to Andrew Carnegie, and these are the issues that matter most to us today. We seek to advance peace by supporting conflict resolution, by supporting academic work on the nature of peace by supporting knowledge about adversarial countries, so that Americans know more about countries with which we have difficult relations. We believe that education is a way of mitigating the impact of having adversarial relations. We're also deeply committed to education. Most of our work today is on K-12 education, ensuring that young people emerge with the strongest possible public education that will get them into productive jobs or good universities. We are also believe in democracy. Democracy is the core value of this society, and it has been under strain at the moment, so we are investing very much in efforts to mitigate the polarization which we feel is undermining our democracy today. Unlike politicians, we don't have a short time horizon. We can invest in something now in the expectation that it will pay off decades from now. Dame Louise Richardson Carnegie Corporation of New York President Q: Looking ahead, what do you believe will matter most in shaping America's next 250 years, and what role must philanthropy play in that future? NEW DELHI India is discussing age-based restrictions with social media companies, Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday. "This is something which has now been accepted by many countries, that age-based [restrictions] has to be there," Vaishnaw said during a press conference at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. "Right now we are in conversation regarding deepfakes, regarding age-based restrictions, with the various social media platforms," Vaishnaw said, adding that the government is looking into "the right way" to enact regulation. The minister did not name any specific platforms or companies that the Indian government is talking to. Any crackdown in India, a country of over 1.4 billion people, could have a major impact on companies from Meta to Google , which have hundreds of millions of users in the nation. While India has not yet decided on such a move, the comments are among the first publicly from a top official in government. India now joins a growing chorus of governments that are debating whether to restrict children from certain platforms, following Australia's move in December to ban users under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. watch now The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon, Baptist minister and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, died Tuesday at age 84. The Jackson family confirmed his passing in a statement on Tuesday morning. "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," his family said. "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by." He died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday morning, the family said in their statement. Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, six children and multiple grandchildren. The civil rights leader spent decades in the public eye fighting to end racial and class divisions in America. A protege of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson fought on the front lines of the battle against Jim Crow segregation laws as a college student. He stood out for his rousing speeches, radical ideas and passion for racial equality. Jackson would become a key figure in the civil rights movement that pressed for broader economic opportunities for Black people through the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, or SCLC, and more recently, his organization the Rainbow PUSH coalition. Mahalia Jackson, left, sings "We Shall Overcome" with civil rights leaders the Rev. Martin Luther King, third left, Jesse Jackson, second from right, and Albert Raby, right, on Aug. 4, 1966. Ray Foster | Tribune News Service | Getty Images Jackson eventually transitioned into politics. In 1984 and 1988, he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, winning multiple primaries and surpassing expectations each time. He based his campaigns on expanded equality for various racial minority groups, the working class and women. Later, Jackson served as U.S. special envoy to Africa in the 1990s. He also acted as "shadow senator" for Washington, D.C., a role in which he lobbied for the district's statehood. During the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson also negotiated the release of dozens of international hostages and prisoners, and became a vocal supporter of voting and LGBTQ rights. Participants carry a banner during the Gay Rights March April 25, 1993 in Washington, DC. Over 500,000 gays, lesbians and bisexual activists and their friends and families participated in the largest gathering of gay men and lesbians in history organized to end discrimination. Porter Gifford | Hulton Archive | Getty Images He was no stranger to controversy. During the 1984 presidential primary, he referred to Jews with the slur "Hymies" and called New York "Hymietown" in remarks he at first denied and later apologized for. "Saturday Night Live" lampooned the incident in a sketch featuring Eddie Murphy playing Jackson. And, in a testament to his stature in American political and popular culture, Jackson himself hosted "SNL" later that year. In 2001, he admitted to having an extramarital affair that led to the birth of a daughter. Jackson had been fighting Parkinson's disease since November 2017. In August 2021, he and his wife were hospitalized with Covid-19 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was discharged in September after receiving successful treatment for the virus and Parkinson's disease. While Jackson had largely been absent from the political and civil rights main stage in recent years, he had taken every opportunity to renew pushes for equality. Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes (L) and Reverend Jesse Jackson, national head of Operation Breadbasket, chat together before Mayor Stokes delivered an address in connection with the Black Expo in Chicago. Mayor Stokes called for a "black political strategy for 1972" which "may mean the actual running of a black person for president." Bettmann | Getty Images "If we played the big game, and the rules are not fair, and goals not clear and public, we would protest, but in politics we seem to make it alright, it's not alright," said Jackson in a 2018 podcast appearance. "We want a system that's fair, and fairly applied. Americans want and deserve an even playing field with equal protection under the law, equal access and fairness." His family said Tuesday that it was his "unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human rights" that helped shape "a global movement for freedom and dignity." "A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voicelessfrom his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to voteleaving an indelible mark on history," the statement said. Roots of Jackson's activism Jesse Louis Jackson was born Oct. 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson, a married man and former professional boxer. A year after Jackson was born, his mother married Charles Henry Jackson, a post office worker who later adopted him when he was 15. Jackson grew up being taunted by other school children for his out-of-wedlock birth, which he said ultimately became his motivation to succeed. The Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking to crowd in Chicago in Sept. 1969. Bettmann | Getty Images ''It is where I get the drive to think I could change the South through the civil rights movement and run for President,'' Jackson told The New York Times in 1997. As a child, Jackson would know the harsh reality of the Jim Crow era, growing up at a time when racial segregation was in full force across the U.S. He attended all-Black public schools and was taught to sit at the back of buses and use "colored" restrooms and drinking fountains. After graduating from Greenville's Sterling High School in 1959, Jackson spent a year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then transferred to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, or A&T, a historically Black school in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was during his time at A&T that he first became active in the civil rights movement. Jackson joined the local Congress of Racial Equality chapter in Greensboro and participated in local protests and sit-ins against segregated public facilities. "I came out of Greensboro," Jackson told the Greensboro News & Record in 2015. "It was my launching pad. All that I subsequently became in the movement came out of the lessons I learned in Greensboro." After being barred from accessing books at the public library and placed in jail for trying to use the same library for class work, Jackson said he felt the "insult of segregation" and the "liberating power of going to jail for dignity," according to the News & Record. While home from college, he became a part of the Greenville Eight, a group of Black students who in 1960 protested the South Carolina city's segregated library system. Jackson and seven Black high school students refused to leave the whites-only Hughes Main Library and were arrested for "disorderly conduct." Following their staged sit-in, the library system of the city became racially integrated. It marked the beginning of what would become a lifetime career of civil rights activism. Fighting for Civil Rights in the SCLC After graduating from A&T in 1964, Jackson pursued divinity studies at the Chicago Theological Seminary and began to organize student support for Martin Luther King Jr. Crowds in Memphis, Tennessee, following the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr in the city, 8th April 1968. In the centre, from left to right are singer Harry Belafonte, Coretta Scott King with Jesse Jackson behind, Reverend Ralph Abernathy and Reverend Andrew Young. Santi Visalli | Archive Photos | Getty Images On March 7, 1965, a day that would become known as Bloody Sunday, Jackson watched on television as club-wielding Alabama state troopers fired tear gas and charged at hundreds of nonviolent demonstrators who had just crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The demonstrators were part of the historic marches from Selma to the Alabama capital of Montgomery to fight for Black civil and voting rights. A day after witnessing the violence on television, Jackson organized a caravan of seminary students to drive down to Alabama and join King in the Selma-to-Montgomery marches. Jackson appeared at several commemorations of the marches, including an event hosted by former President Bill Clinton on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 2000. Reverend Jesse Jackson (2nd L), Coretta Scott King (3rd L), US President Bill Clinton (4th L) and US Rep. John Lewis (5th L) walk arm-and-arm over the Edmund Pettus Bridge 05 March 2000 in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights March. Stephen Jaffe | AFP | Getty Images "The blood of Selma set all of us free," Jackson said at the event, surrounded by several prominent civil rights leaders and then-President Clinton. "How can I forget that season? My first-born son Jesse Jr. was born when we were marching here, I almost named him Selma." "In Selma, America was reborn, democracy redefined, human rights redefined. The fruits of Selma are bountiful. And so today, we say to all of America, America won. One flag, one nation," Jackson said, drawing roaring applause. "Not the flag of sedition and slavery and segregation. But one America, one flag." Impressed by Jackson's passion and organizational abilities during the marches, King gave him a staff position at the SCLC, the civil rights organization that King led until his death. Just three courses short of finishing his studies at the seminary, Jackson dropped out to pursue a full-time career in civil rights. Though he still became an ordained Baptist minister in 1968. In 1966, he was placed in charge of the Chicago branch of Operation Breadbasket, an SCLC initiative that monitored white companies' treatment of Black people and organized boycotts calling for fair hiring practices. While Jackson was seen by some in the SCLC as a "loose cannon" who worked too independently of others in the organization, his leadership was integral to the Chicago branch's success. Under Jackson, the Operation Breadbasket branch won 2,000 new jobs worth $15 million a year in new income to the Black community. He was promoted to national director of Operation Breadbasket in 1968, the same year King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson was a floor below King when he was shot dead at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, though he told reporters that the civil rights leader died in his arms, a claim that several King aides have disputed. Rev. Jesse Jackson visits the balcony outside room 306 at the Lorraine Motel, where he was when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, on April 3, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. Joe Raedle | Getty Images "Every time I go back, it pulls a scab off and the wound is still raw. Every time, the trauma of the incident. His lying there. Blood everywhere. It hurts all the time," Jackson said in a 2018 interview with CNN. Jackson was embroiled in controversy after the assassination, with other SCLC leaders accusing him of using the organization and King's death for self-promotion. Ralph Abernathy, King's successor as chairman of the SCLC, told The New York Times in 1977, "I hope God has forgiven [Jackson.]" In 1971, Jackson formally resigned from the SCLC and founded Operation PUSH, or People United to Serve Humanity his own Chicago-based civil rights organization that aimed to improve the economic conditions of Black communities across the U.S. Twenty-five years later, it would merge with the National Rainbow Coalition, Jackson's other civil rights organization that sought equal rights for the working class, women and racial minority groups. The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. delivers remarks 15 January 2008 on Dr. Martin Luther King's approaching birthday and recent comments by US democratic presidential candidates at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Paul J. Richards | AFP | Getty Images Since its establishment, Jackson has served as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which aims to "protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields," according to its website. Entering the political field Jackson's fame would escalate in 1984 when he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the second Black American to launch a nationwide campaign for president. While pundits dismissed his candidacy, Jackson had a surprisingly strong run. Politician Jesse Jackson delivers a speech during his 1984 presidential campaign in Chicago, Illinois. David Hume Kennerly | Hulton Archive | Getty Images He came in third in the competitive race for the Democratic nomination as Walter Mondale became the nominee, and would exceed expectations again when he ran for president a second time. In 1988, Jackson came in second behind nominee Michael Dukakis. But his unsuccessful presidential campaigns were not the end of his political career. In 1991, Jackson won election to an unpaid office of "statehood senator," popularly known as "shadow senator," to lobby the U.S. Congress for statehood for the District of Columbia. Why D.C. statehood? Why not mayor? Jackson asked at a gathering of Democratic women in July 1990, The Associated Press reported. Because my life commitment is to expand democracy. My quest is not employment. It's empowerment. US President Bill Clinton (R) presents the Rev. Jesse Jackson (L) with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House 09 August, 2000 in Washington, DC. Tim Sloan | AFP | Getty Images He would serve as a "shadow senator" until getting tapped by then-President Clinton to become the U.S. special envoy to Africa in 1997. "What joy, what privilege, what responsibility," Jackson said at his swearing-in ceremony. "I called my mother; we prayed." "It is quite a journey from Haynie Street in Greenville, South Carolina. A happy home, but an environment of such low expectations, where our family was denied the right to vote, even though my father was an honorably discharged veteran of the army," Jackson said. "From that to an assignment by the President and Secretary of State, to in some small measure, to help shape our foreign policy by building bridges between the U.S. and Africa." On several occasions, Jackson also worked independently to secure the release of prisoners held by anti-American regimes. Jesse Jackson (left), Baptist minister and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984, attends a press conference with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro during Jackson's visit to Cuba. Jacques M. Chenet | Corbis Historical | Getty Images He frustrated President Ronald Reagan's administration by traveling to Syria in 1983 to seek the release of a U.S. fighter pilot who had been held hostage by the Syrian government. That same year, he negotiated the release of 48 American and Cuban prisoners held hostage by the communist Cuban government. And in 1991, Jackson worked to free several hundred citizens hiding in Iraq and Kuwait before the Persian Gulf War. Jackson also advocated for the LGBTQ community when few prominent Democrats dared to do so, becoming the first speaker at a Democratic National Convention to mention gay and lesbian Americans. He has been a long champion of voting rights as well. In August, he and others were arrested outside the U.S. Capitol during a demonstration calling for the end to the filibuster. "Black and Brown people are the base of the party. We're not the bottom. We're the foundation," Jackson told the crowd, according to The Washington Post. "If we lose, they lose. If we lose, democracy loses. If we lose, Democrats lose. If we lose, the nation loses." Oil prices fell Tuesday after Iran's foreign minister said progress was made during nuclear talks with the U.S., fueling hopes that negotiations could prevent another conflict in the Middle East. U.S. crude oil fell 56 cents, or 0.89%, to close at $62.33 per barrel. Global benchmark Brent lost $1.23, or 1.79%, to settle at $67.42. Iran and the U.S. reached a "general agreement" on Tuesday on guiding principles during talks in Geneva, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, according to the semiofficial Tansim news agency. Araghchi described talks with the U.S. as serious and constructive. Tensions remain high between Iran and the U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened strikes on the Islamic Republic if it does not cut a deal over its nuclear program. Iran conducted war games Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz, a trade choke point that is vital for international crude supplies. Traffic through the strait was suspended for several hours as Iran's Revolutionary Guard held naval exercises, according to the Tasnim news agency. About one-third of all waterborne crude oil exports pass through the strait, according to data from consulting firm Kpler. The Guard is prepared to close the Strait of Hormuz if ordered to do so, Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri said, according to the Tansim news agency. Palantir is relocating its headquarters to Miami from Denver, the company announced Tuesday in a post on social media platform X. The software analytics firm is the latest big business to migrate to South Florida as executives seek to transform the region into a hub for innovation. Palantir did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why it was moving. Florida, which offers a friendlier tax environment, has welcomed a wave of billionaires in recent years. The region is also gaining more executives as California deliberates over a 5% wealth tax on residents with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly bought a mansion in Florida and Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel has established a base in Miami. Palantir, which was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2003, previously moved to Denver in 2020. CEO Alex Karp has previously spoken out about the culture in Silicon Valley. "Our company was founded in Silicon Valley," he wrote in a letter in 2020. "But we seem to share fewer and fewer of the technology sector's values and commitments." Major tech companies are also building bigger hubs in the region. ServiceNow said in September it would add more office space in West Palm Beach. Ken Griffin-run hedge fund Citadel is also based out of Miami. At the end of last year, Palantir said it had 4,429 full-time workers, with significant offices in Palo Alto, New York City, Washington, D.C., and London. Palantir also leases space in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, according to its website. Palo Alto Networks beat Wall Street's fiscal second-quarter estimates after the bell on Tuesday but shares fell 7% on disappointing guidance. Here's how the company did versus LSEG estimates: Earnings per share : $1.03 per share excluding items vs. 94 cents expected : $1.03 per share excluding items vs. 94 cents expected Revenue: $2.59 billion vs. $2.58 billion expected The cybersecurity company forecasted lackluster earnings for the fiscal third quarter in the range of 78 cents and 80 cents, falling short of an estimate of 92 cents from LSEG. Revenue is expected to hit $2.94 billion to $2.95 billion, topping a $2.60 billion estimate. Revenue grew 15% from $2.3 billion a year ago, the company said. Net income totaled $432 million, or 61 cents per share, up from $267 million, or 38 cents per share a year ago. Palo Alto also said on Tuesday that it's buying Israeli cybersecurity startup Koi to secure AI agents as rising artificial intelligence innovation fuels more sophisticated cyberattacks. The company has bet big on AI tools, and recently launched AI agents to help customers automate certain security responses. The company is also in the midst of a significant spending spree as CEO Nikesh Arora transforms Palo Alto into a hub for all things cybersecurity. Since joining the company in 2018, he's overseen more than 20 acquisitions. Earlier this month, the Santa Clara, California-based company closed its biggest acquisition ever, paying $25 billion for Israeli identity security company CyberArk. In January, it closed the more than $3 billion purchase of cloud observability platform Chronosphere. "We saw continued strength in platformizations, a trend that is accelerating due to AI - customers are keen to both modernize and normalize their cybersecurity stack, aligning them to our approach," Arora wrote in a release. Remaining performance obligations, which track the value of contracts to be delivered to customers, totaled $16 billion and topped a StreetAccount estimate of $15.78 billion. Annual recurring revenue rose 33% to $6.33 billion. Palo Alto shares have slumped 11% year to date. Pumps and pipes divert raw sewage on Feb. 16, 2026, into the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19 between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal in Cabin John, Maryland. President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up a feud with Democratic leaders of Maryland, Virginia and Washington over a massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, and it's turning into a messy political battle. More than 200 million gallons of wastewater gushed into the Potomac in recent weeks. A pipe collapsed in January on the Potomac Interceptor sewage line alongside the Clara Barton Parkway in Maryland, just outside of the District of Columbia. The pipe and the sewage line are managed by DC Water, an independent utility that serves the capital area and is managing the disaster. Trump on Tuesday demanded regional Democratic leaders ask him for help in fixing the spill, seemingly backtracking after he announced on Monday that his administration would be taking over the recovery effort. "The two Governors and the Mayor of D.C. must act, IMMEDIATELY," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, referring to Democratic Govs. Wes Moore of Maryland, Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, also a Democrat. "If they can't do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed. The Federal Government is not at all involved with what has taken place, but we can fix it." Trump on Monday singled out Moore in another Truth Social post on the spill, saying it is a "result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland." The sewage spat comes amid a series of feuds the president is waging with state executives, especially Moore, who is seen as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028. It's also the latest example of Trump leveraging the bully pulpit of the presidency to bludgeon his political rivals, including Moore. Moore responded in a post on X to Trump's post saying the spill is "basically contained" and asking the White House to instead help with emergency funding to help the state recover from flooding last year. Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc., attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, July 9, 2025. Snap is introducing a subscription feature that will allow creators to earn recurring income directly from their most engaged fans, as the social media company works to diversify beyond advertising. The Los Angeles company will begin testing "Creator Subscriptions," as the feature is called, on Monday, starting with a small cohort of Snapchat creators, the company told CNBC exclusively. With user growth moderating, Snap's expansion into paid creator subscriptions emphasizes the company's initiative to grow income beyond advertising and build more predictable revenue streams. "In the year ahead, growth in subscribers will be a critical input metric to track our progress," Snap CEO Evan Spiegel wrote earlier this month as part of the company's fourth-quarter results. Snap's existing subscription offerings, Snapchat+ and Memories Storage Plans, grew 71% year over year to reach 24 million users in the period. However, the company reported 474 million daily active users, down 3 million from the previous quarter. With the upcoming feature, Snapchat users will be able to pay to subscribe to their favorite creators and receive exclusive content, including direct photos or videos, as well as access a subscriber-only Story and send text-based replies that can be featured at the top of a creator's public Story. "We want the next step in our long-term creator monetization journey to be one that's really rooted in real relationships," said Jim Shepherd, Snap's head of content partnerships, in an interview with CNBC. "And help creators expand the ways that they make money in a way that's predictable and they can make money from their most engaged fans." A person secures the flags during a ceremony where New York City officials re-raise the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, on Feb. 12, 2026, after its removal by the National Park Service earlier this week. The Trump administration was sued Tuesday over the abrupt removal of the Pride rainbow flag last week from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, at the site of the 1969 uprising that ignited the gay rights movement in the United States. The lawsuit, filed by a group of LGBTQ+ advocates and a Greenwich Village community group, said the federal government claimed that Department of the Interior rules bar the flying of anything but the U.S. flags, DOI flags, and the POW/MIA flags in national parks. "In fact, the opposite is true: The policies the government says require removing the Pride flag expressly permit the [National Park Service] to fly other flags that provide historical context to national monuments which is precisely what the NPS official Pride flag did at Stonewall for many years," the lawsuit says. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan a day after a federal judge in Philadelphia ordered the National Park Service to restore an exhibit at Independence National Historical Park that contained information about the nine slaves who lived with President George Washington in the official presidential residence in Philadelphia in the 1790s. That order will remain in effect pending the outcome of the city of Philadelphia's lawsuit challenging the NPS's removal of the exhibit in January. The Pride flag had flown at the Stonewall National Monument since 2022 after a flagpole was installed there. The monument is located across from the Stonewall Inn, where a July 1969 police raid of the then-underground gay bar was resisted by patrons, and followed by days of riots and protests. "Before the 1960s, almost everything about living authentically as a lesbian, a bisexual person or a gay man was illegal," the NPS page for the monument says. "The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for civil rights and provided momentum for a movement. ValueAct's Mason Morfit unveiled a stake in BlackRock , saying the firm could lead on investment management software. Morfit, the activist investing firm's co-CEO, disclosed the holding for the first time on an episode of "The Master Investor," a podcast hosted by CNBC contributor Wilfred Frost . Morfit's revelation comes ahead of the fund's regulatory filling expected Tuesday. "It was already the apex predator," Morfit said, according to a transcript shared with CNBC. "But with the ingesting of software DNA into its dinosaur body, it becomes even more and more powerful." Morfit said BlackRock's Aladdin platform could help automate investment decisions, factoring in risk and position preferences. That would allow portfolios to be managed "far better and faster and cheaper than a human being could do it," he said. BlackRock bills Aladdin as a tech platform that brings together the management process via a common data language. The firm notes that Aladdin's platform can view a whole portfolio across both public and private markets. Such a technology can help BlackRock break free of its reputation as the exchange-traded fund manager that's been stuck in price war with competitor Vanguard, Morfit said. To be sure, Morfit acknowledged his investing thesis can be viewed as "strange," given the threat that this technology causes to active managers like himself. But he said there's "a lot of inefficiencies" in the sector, creating the need for a company to organize and streamline technology in the industry. "BlackRock has historically been viewed, I think as a diversified asset management that's really good at making ETFs," Morfit said. "But the interesting thing that piqued my attention in the last 12 months was that BlackRock is also one of the best data and software companies in the industry." BlackRock shares dropped more than 3% in February, putting the stock near its flatline for 2026 following a three-year win streak. Shares have undeformed the broader market recently: BlackRock has gained under 50% over the last three years, while the S & P 500 has added nearly 67%. BLK .SPX 1Y mountain BlackRock vs. S & P 500, 1-year But most analysts polled by LSEG have buy ratings on BlackRock. The typical price target suggests shares can climb more than 23% over the next year. Iran and the US met for a second round of nuclear talks in Switzerland on Tuesday as they seek to avoid renewed conflict in the Middle East following last years attacks on the Islamic Republic.The talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, started at around 10:30 a.m. local time, Irans state broadcaster said. The last round of talks, held in Oman on Feb 6, lasted for about seven hours, with both sides describing them as good.Iranian officials have expressed willingness to discuss their nuclear-enrichment activities, but have tied any concessions to the potential easing of American sanctions.Meanwhile, both sides have increased their military presence in the region. The US is deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region amid warnings of a possible strike on Iran if talks which could drag on for weeks fail to produce a compromise. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held drills around the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday that were focused on delivering a decisive response to security threats.Also Read: Trump says he will be involved indirectly in Iran talks Oil markets are closely watching the talks for signs of disruption to supply from the Persian Gulf or potential sanctions relief for the Islamic Republic, whose crude is off limits for most buyers. Global benchmark Brent fell toward $68 a barrel in thin trading early Tuesday, a day after gaining on news of the Iranian military drills.The Revolutionary Guard is monitoring the strait continuously and plans to unveil additional equipment soon to boost its military capacities there, Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri said, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met the head of the United Nations atomic watchdog - the IAEA - in Geneva on Monday to discuss proposals hell present at his talks with US officials, it added.Also Read: Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US Araghchi also met with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi to present Irans latest position for him to convey to the US side, it said.The US team is led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump said on Monday that Iran wants to make a deal and that hell be indirectly involved in the discussions.Israel, with whom Iran fought a 12-day war in June, is pushing for the negotiations to include limits on the range of Tehrans ballistic missiles, but Iran has so far dismissed that as a red line.During a visit to Tel Aviv on Monday, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Washington was weeks, not months away from a decision between diplomacy and military action against Iran.Also Read: Netanyahu says US deal with Iran must dismantle nuclear infrastructure We are negotiating with our finger on the trigger, Jalal Dehqani Firouzabadi, the head of Irans Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, told the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency.Iran is making every effort to prevent war, and diplomacy is part of that effort, but has no hesitation in defending itself, he said. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Afroza Khanam, who was elected from Manikganj-3 (Sadar and Saturia) as a first-time member of parliament, took oath as a minister on Tuesday, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, administered the oath to 24 state ministers from the BNP following the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman as the countrys Prime Minister. The new cabinet includes key BNP leaders such as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, alongside Afroza Khanam, marking a fresh lineup for the party in governance. 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 Hello and welcome to your 2-Minute Tech briefing from ComputerWorld. I'm your host, Arnold Davick, reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Here are the top IT stories you need to know for Tuesday, February 17th. From Computer World, more than 1,000 Google employees signed an open letter urging Google to cut business ties with ICE and Customs and Border Protection. In the letter, the employees condemn what they describe as escalating violence linked to federal immigration operations and refer to several high profile deaths in the U.S. they also claim Google technology is used for immigration surveillance, including concerns about Google Cloud and CBP systems. They want full disclosure, contract termination and an internal meeting. From CIO, Salesforce has laid off another round of employees amid continued executive leadership churn. The company has reduced close to 1000 roles earlier this month across teams including marketing, product management, data analytics and its Agent Force AI unit. As it restructures around AI, Salesforce says it's redeploying hundreds of employees into high growth areas and creating new AI roles. Leadership Churn continued with the departure of AI EVP Adam Evans leaving. From ComputerWorld, new findings show AI chatbots are worse than search engines when it comes to medical advice, according to a study by the University of Oxford. Researchers cite two main problems: users had trouble providing the chatbots with relevant and complete information, and the model sometimes gave contradictory or outright incorrect advice. There were nearly 1,300 people in the study, and it found LLMs were no better at judging urgency or diagnosing than participants who did not use AI. For more enterprise tech news, visit ComputerWorld, CIO, Network World, and CSO Online. And don't forget to like and subscribe on the TechTalk YouTube channel. Diana (Diane) Loy Kaercher passed away on Jan. 26, 2026 at the age of 77. She was born in Havre, Montana, on Oct. 15, 1948, the oldest of Lloyd and Audrey (Langel) Kaercher's six children. Diane graduated from Havre High School and earned a degree in Home Economics from Montana State University. After graduation, she dedicated two years to the Peace Corps, stationed in Liberia. Following her service, Diane moved to San Francisco, where she lived for over 45 years in the nearby community of Mill Valley. She enjoyed a successful career in the banking and financial industry, primarily evaluating the financial solvency of major real estate properties. In retirement, Diane embraced her love for travel, hosting her nieces and nephews as they explored San Francisco, and pursued various interests. Her adventurous spirit took her to the summit of Kilimanjaro, across the depths of Africa, through the Alaskan tundra, to both China and Japan and tours of Europe. Diane's family has favorite stories that were shared around the dinner table about the time she distressed Dad with her nose-cracking trick, kissed her pigs, cracked the windshield of a new grain truck with an, "I'm bored!" and delighted her siblings with rides on a cart pulled by a Shetland pony. Diane's place at the dinner table was always at the foot, opposite Dad. She earned this coveted status as the oldest of six children - always with a sense of fun and shenanigans! Diane was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Joyce (Kaercher) Slothower, Susan Kaercher and Les Kaercher. She is survived by her siblings: Joan (Eric) Hendricks of Billings; and Doug (Darla) Kaercher of Havre. She also leaves behind her eleven cherished nieces and nephews: Dan and David Slothower (Joyce and Bear); Luke and Wes Peterson (Susan); Kyra and Jamaica Kaercher (Les and Terri); Logan and Trevor Hendricks (Joan and Eric); and Kate Small, Mary Ohm, and Anna Howell (Doug and Darla) along with 15 grandnieces and grandnephews. The family wishes to thank Diane's many friends who sent hundreds of cards, letters and photos during the last years of her life. She stayed in contact with friends from each phase of her life including 4-H, high school, Phi Beta Phi, Peace Corp and her beloved friends, neighbors and working sisterhood in the Bay Area. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. John's SkyRidge Cottages and Hospice in Billings for their exceptional care and to Therese Teske, Diane's care companion, who eased Diane's final journey with loving attention. A memorial breakfast celebrating Diane's life will be held for family and friends at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line in Havre. The breakfast follows a 7 a.m. sunrise gathering (weather permitting) at Burnham Farms. Seating is limited. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by March 7, 2026 by going to https://dianekaercher.rsvpify.com . Gary Boyd Brill, a man of remarkable intelligence, curiosity, and quiet kindness, passed away on Jan. 31, 2026, in Great Falls, Mont. Born on June 12, 1946, in Havre, Mont., Gary was the son of Charles Brill and Mildred Hyslop, both of whom preceded him in death. Havre was always home to Gary, a place he spoke of fondly and carried with him throughout his life. Gary had an insatiable curiosity about the world, spirituality and philosophy. He seemed to know something about almost everything, and his sharp mind, thoughtful observations, and love of learning made conversations with him so engaging. He was especially passionate about history, Native American culture, vintage airplanes and seeking inner peace-interests that reflected both his respect for the past and his fascination with how things worked. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as the "Night Owls." After his military service, Gary went on to build a long and accomplished career as an airplane mechanic, working for both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines before retiring. Gary was a devoted dog lover and shared a special bond with his dear friend's dog, Chance, who brought him great joy and companionship. He valued friendship and spoke often of the meaningful relationships he formed throughout his life, especially those from his hometown of Havre. Gary lived in California for many years before returning home to Havre, Montana, in 2023-a return that brought him comfort and a sense of belonging. He is lovingly remembered by his close friends Tara and Eric Hyde, Linda Rushing, Riley Hyde, and Taylor Hyde, as well as many others located in Havre, Montana, and Alameda and Castro Valley, California. Gary will be remembered for his intelligent mind, gentle spirit, deep loyalty, and enduring love for learning and the people and places that shaped him. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Gary's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com . **In Loving Memory of Janice Earlene (Strain) Waldrip** It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin, Janice Earlene Strain Waldrip, who took her final breath on Jan. 31, 2026. This date holds special significance, as it marks the 72nd anniversary of her marriage to her true love, Don, in Chinook, Mont. Janice, who lived a vibrant life of 91 years, faced the challenges of dementia in her later years, a journey that began with the loss of her sight. This change robbed her of the joys she cherished-reading, baking, solving crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, playing the organ, and driving. During this time, she often expressed her desire to return home, tirelessly packing and unpacking in an endless cycle. To us, it felt like a scene from *Groundhog Day*, but for her, each day was another step towards the home she longed for. As the matriarch of our family, Janice's passing signifies the end of an era. We are committed to preserving her stories, memories, and the love she shared with us for generations to come. A God-fearing woman, Janice honored her parents, cherished her husband, and held her family and friends close to her heart. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nathan Adelson Hospice for their compassion and guidance during this difficult time. Honoring Mom's wish to remain at home was a gift that meant everything to us. Montana was always her true home, and soon her loved ones will gather there to bid their final farewells. A service was held at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook on Feb. 14, 2026. Janice will be honored with a horse-drawn hearse to the graveside, where she will rest beside her beloved husband Rest easy, Mom. You are finally home. We love you and will carry you with us always. In celebration of Janice's life, a gathering will be held on her birthday, May 16, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oct. 16, 1940-Feb. 6, 2026 Stephen Black Bear LaBoueff was the son of Esther May Brown and Stephen LaBuff, Sr. He grew up on the Blackfeet reservation and was an enrolled tribal member, while also having Cree heritage. He overcame many challenges as a child-two years in a Shriner's hospital for treatment of a bone disease, multiple foster care placements, and Indian boarding school abuse. This rough start makes his diverse achievements all the more remarkable. After completing high school at the Haskell Institute, he received a full scholarship to attend the University of Kansas as a National Merit Finalist. He then became a Department of Health, Education and Welfare Fellow in Washington, D.C, and subsequently received a Masters of Public Health from the University of Oklahoma. His work for the Indian Health Service included a position as Program Analyst and serving as hospital administrator for the Crownpoint, New Mexico facility on the Navajo reservation. Despite career success, he felt the absence of connection to his traditional Blackfeet ways. He quit his job, became sober, and began a different path. He attended sweat lodges and traveled to Montana to learn from elders, a journey that led him to become a pipe carrier and Sun Dancer. He also became an award-winning potter, exhibiting and selling his culturally based, hand-built, natural clay work at a range of juried venues. His interest in media led him to host a weekly four-hour Indian radio program on KUNM called the "Singing Wire" and to produce content and PSA's for the National Indian Council on Aging and Indian Country News. He served on the boards of the Albuquerque American Indian Center and the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission. He had a great passion for youth and education. He taught courses and workshops at the Institute of American Arts in Santa Fe, the University of New Mexico, Morehead State University, and the Ghost Ranch retreat center, and served as Interim Director of the UNM Native American Studies Center. His 40-year commitment to suicide prevention and crisis intervention took the form of doctoral studies in sociology at UNM, consultancies with tribes, presentations for non-profits, and co-founding the You Are Not Alone Network (YANAN). He was a published author, including co-editing a collection of interviews examining the impact of higher education on Native peoples. His coyote nature, courage, and keen analysis skills positioned him to be an effective activist for justice and inclusion. His immense capacity for empathy and love, quick smile, and playful sense of humor allowed him to connect with stranger and friend alike in deep and healing ways. His love of nature found expression in beautiful photography, hiking and camping, and a dedication to feeding and watching birds. He is survived by his soulmate and wife of 35 years, Joy Gritton; three children, Stephanie LaBoueff, Stacey Brigman, and James LaBoueff; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Nora Farwell, and brother, Jay Farwell; and many dear chosen family members. According to media reports, US President Donald Trump has invalidated a 2009 document recognizing greenhouse gases as harmful to health. This will allow, in particular, to remove restrictions for the automotive industry. Trump called the so-called "endanger finding", adopted under Barack Obama, catastrophic and seriously damaging to the US automotive industry. This decision, as many observers believe, put an end to the actively promoted policy of decarbonization and denigration of fossil fuels in recent years. The atmosphere around the topic of decarbonization began to change immediately after Trump was elected President of the United States. The new head of the White House, unlike the previous administration, turned out to be an opponent of the green agenda, which inspired those who opposed it in Europe itself. The heads of large companies have spoken more boldly about the unacceptability of a radical green transition. In particular, in December 2024, an open letter from the owner of one of the world's largest steelmaking companies (ArcelorMittal Holding) appeared in the Financial Times Lakshmi Mittala. The entrepreneur complained about the unprecedented problems faced by the European steel industry due to the cost of decarbonization. Decarbonization of the industry requires huge investments and the use of currently non-viable green hydrogen. Mittal would hardly have dared to talk about this and go against the Western trend if the newly elected US President had not been a proponent of traditional fuels. Of course, the problem of greenhouse gases and climate change exists and is a direct consequence of human activity, but the radical and categorical methods used by the trendsetters of "green" fashion did not look like a real concern for the planet. They sounded more like attempts at economic redistribution of the world and political pressure on oil and gas producing countries. But the President of Azerbaijan told the truth before anyone else. In June 2024, at the opening of the Baku Energy Week, responding to demagoguery from Europe, he said: "We cannot be blamed for the fact that we have oil and gas. It's a gift from God." And at the opening of COP29 in Baku, the head of state spoke even more specifically: "Oil, gas, wind, sun, gold, silver, copper are all natural resources. Countries cannot be blamed for having these resources. Also, they should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market. Because the market needs them. People need them. So, here's my message: As president of COP29, we will, of course, strongly advocate for a "green" transition, and we are doing this. But at the same time, we must be realistic," President Ilham Aliyev said. Back then, during the peak popularity of the topic of decarbonization, not every leader of a mining country would have risked going against the trend thoughtlessly promoted by the West and calling for a realistic view of things. It is clear that the author of such a categorical agenda could not be the East, where most of the producing countries are concentrated. Tellingly, the largest oil and gas producers in the Middle East have developed "green" technologies. Nevertheless, with the expansion of European "green" propaganda, our country has become a target for criticism, although, paradoxically, Europe itself buys Azerbaijani oil and gas. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, despite the strict requirements of the Paris document, EU countries have begun to increase purchases of Azerbaijani gas, Germany last year significantly increased imports of Caspian oil, and this year began to receive our gas. While criticizing Baku, the Europeans simultaneously viewed it as a partner in their energy security. Radical decarbonization has proven to be an overly complex and expensive process. And today, the complete abandonment of fossil fuels is no longer seen as an achievable goal in the medium term. The modern world, with its industrial content, cannot do without oil and gas. The transfer of polluting industries to third world countries, as has always been practiced by Western countries, also does not justify itself from a climatic point of view, since it does not change anything for the problems that have already formed on the planet. Many are already beginning to realize the need for balance and the lifting of strict restrictions for oil companies. Some corporations, under pressure, began to refocus on "green" projects and curtail oil and gas. European banks have stopped financing projects related to fossil fuels. And again, the paradox is that all this was done against the background of the abandonment of Russian gas and energy starvation. The EU shares its expectations for the expansion of Azerbaijani supplies, but no one talks about who will pay for the expansion of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Azerbaijan is ready to expand supplies, especially since additional volumes of gas are being released with the introduction of alternative energy sources in the country. However, he is not ready to finance the project, while the Europeans do not even want to sign long-term contracts. At the Baku Energy Week 2025, President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan's agenda regarding COP29 was very pragmatic. "She was far from populism and false narratives. It was based on pragmatic calculations of countries' demand for fossil fuels. And we see what happens in some countries when the balance between fossil fuels and green energy is not maintained. This causes power outages, energy collapse, and can lead to much more complex consequences. Therefore, I consider it the right policy to maintain balance and not follow the trends of the times, which sometimes dictate our steps," he said. Another leader who dared to go against the harsh agenda was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku, Ms. Meloni said that there is currently no single alternative to the supply of fossil fuels, and called for a realistic global outlook and balance. The balance between renewable energy and oil production is absolutely real. This is not a far-fetched narrative designed to ensure the economic interests of producing countries. It was in oil and gas producing Azerbaijan that the Garadagh solar power plant, the largest solar power plant in the region, built, among other things, by the UAE oil and gas producing company Masdar, started operating three years ago. In January 2026, the largest Khizi-Absheron wind power plant in the South Caucasus, built by another Middle Eastern partner of Azerbaijan, the Saudi company ACWA Power, was commissioned. And now the Bilasuvar SES is being built in Bilasuvar, which will surpass the Garadagh SES in terms of capacity. Mining Azerbaijan is acting while the Europeans are experiencing serious problems created by their own short-sightedness. The participation of global oil giants in renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan can be cited as proof of the compatibility of seemingly contradictory agendas. BP is involved in the construction of a 240-megawatt solar power plant in Jabrayil, as well as in the electrification project of the Sangachal terminal. At the same time, the British oil giant continues to produce hydrocarbons in the Caspian Sea and is considering expanding its participation in projects. There are very few European countries among Azerbaijan's partners in renewable energy projects. But the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China are actively cooperating with Baku in this area. I must say that these are the countries that have succeeded in advancing the decarbonization agenda. For example, China currently has two of the world's largest solar power plants, and the world's TOP 10 includes four solar power plants in this country. We also remind that Azerbaijan cooperates with China in terms of environmentally friendly transport. Azerbaijan does not change the green agenda, it successfully combines it with the use of the wealth given to the Azerbaijani land. At the "Breakfast with the leadership of Azerbaijan" event organized by Euronews during the Davos Forum, President Ilham Aliyev stated that "we have well-founded hopes that we can experience a second very significant oil boom in Azerbaijan if exploration projects conducted by international energy companies produce good results. We hope so." The era of fossil fuels is far from over. It's just not realistic. The development of the modern world is based on these energy sources. In order to abandon them, the world must completely technologically rearm, spending unthinkable amounts on this. Only then will it be possible to achieve the goal of decarbonization. Saving the planet, stopping climate change, and restoring a clean atmosphere and healthy environment to people are wonderful and very important goals. Greenhouse gases really worsen the state of the atmosphere, but the fight against them should not turn into terror. Mindless decarbonization will lead not to saving the planet, but to new crises and wars. But I would like humanity to reach the era of clean air alive. Well, that escalated fast. Barely a week ago, Seamus Culleton was a national martyr, cruelly detained in a modern-day concentration camp in El Paso for the crime of simply wanting to make a new life for himself. He was a hard-working man who fled the financial crash in 2008, a plasterer struggling to find work when the economy tanked, like many an Irish emigrant before him. Melissa and Heather grew into smart young women who are not going to hold their whisht He might have overstayed his 90-day visa, but that just made him undocumented rather than illegal in the States, and left-wing commentators and politicians swiftly demanded that the Taoiseach prioritise his case with Donald Trump on St Patricks Day. Labour leader Ivana Bacik posted a video on TikTok last Wednesday, saying she had just raised Culletons appalling detention with Micheal Martin in the Dail, and that she was horrified that he could offer no sense of urgency in seeking to secure the release of this fine, upstanding, self-made businessman. Lets just park, for a second, the fact that Culleton is not actually being detained by the US authorities. He is free to leave El Paso at any time, theyll even give him $2,600 and pay for his flight if he agrees to return home, but he is fighting to stay in the States. And the tiniest bit of journalistic research basically a quick Google search was all it took soon revealed that Culleton might have had good reason for his reluctance to return to the old sod. Hed been facing drugs charges when he left the country in 2008 and a bench warrant, issued for his arrest, wasnt executed because he had fled the jurisdiction. Still, that was hardly a federal case lots of folk dabble in drugs in their foolish youth and, if he ever planned on emigrating to the States, it was a clever move to go before he had a drugs conviction on his record. Seamus Culleton and wife Tiffany: Of all the thousands of undocumented Irish ICE could have nicked they had to pick the guy with the outstanding drugs charges and abandoned kids But, as our sister paper The Irish Mail on Sunday revealed at the weekend, it wasnt just drugs charges that the Kilkenny man was fleeing when he hooked it to Boston in 2008. He was also leaving his twin baby daughters, Melissa and Heather, to be brought up alone by their single mother, Maggie Morrissey, without a penny in child support. And when he gave that self-pitying interview from the detention centre, where he has actively chosen to remain, on radio last week, he had still to learn the lesson that all deadbeat dads eventually grasp: the babies you ran out on, deserted, discarded and left in financial peril dont stay babies forever. And they dont forget. Truly, karma is a real bitch. Of all the tens of thousands of undocumented Irish that ICE could have nicked and placed in what sounds like a nightmarish camp, of all the genuinely industrious, upstanding Irish citizens who also left this country in hard times and whod deserve all the political capital the Government could expend on their behalf, they had to go and pick the guy with the outstanding drugs charges and the abandoned kids. And he had to find out, via media reports, that the daughters he left behind in 2008 had grown into a pair of smart, gobby and mad-as-hell young women who were not going to hold their whisht. As they say in Kilkenny, Heather and Melissa didnt leave a tooth on their fathers reputation when they got their chance. He was, they said, scandalous and not the man people think he is their mother had not received a penny in child maintenance since he abandoned them at the age of 18 months. He was making himself out to be a saint, like hes done nothing wrong, said Heather, yet he knows that there are warrants for his arrest and that was going to come out. He was the one who went to the media, she said, when his history was public knowledge. They were shocked, they said, when they heard him plead for Government help on Liveline. Im sorry now, Heather added, but I think its just so funny how he can ring the news and Tiffany [his wife in the US] and his sister, but couldnt ring me or my sister. The twins started messaging him on social media when they discovered he was their father, at the age of 12, eventually texting him and asking why he wasnt responding to their approaches. They had intermittent contact over the years, but he told them he was never coming home. When they celebrated their 18th birthday last year, they asked him for a present for a joke and were surprised when he sent them 1,000 each. But they were hurt when his wife Tiffany pleaded for him to be returned to her and their babies two dogs. He has children, said Heather. His dogs arent his children. And the sisters were upset when a GoFundMe (or GoFoolMe as a friend of mine calls it) campaign raised 25,000 for his legal fees, pointing out that the sum was nearly the equivalent of the child support he never paid: Theyre taking the piss out of people. Not for long, perhaps. Among the thousands of messages on social media, following the Mails revelation, was one from a US lawyer offering to pursue the GoFundMe money, pro bono, in lieu of 19 years worth of child support. Had he kept his head down, quietly fought his case with low-key diplomatic assistance (he was in the process of obtaining a Green Card when the ICE-men cameth), Seamus Culleton might well have succeeded in staying in the States. As a white Irishman with no criminal convictions, he was hardly a priority for ICE. Instead, he chose to cast himself as the victimised poster-boy for the worthy Irish undocumented, industrious and blameless citizens all, for whom a quiet word in Trumps ear over a bowl of shamrock might have been a game-changer. Alas for all our anxious illegals, he was not quite the hero they needed. Whoever said there was no such thing as bad publicity? Lets all go on the flippin batter... Its hard to imagine a simpler foodstuff to make than pancakes, and yet it seems that today, Pancake Tuesday, strikes terror and uncertainty into many souls. A new study suggests that the custom of using up rich ingredients before the austerity of Lent is both baffling and scary to Gen Z folk, and indeed causes anxiety in older generations, too. Many admit they have no idea how to make them from scratch, dont feel confident enough to try, and will opt out of the tradition altogether. I know that Gen Z are easily triggered, but being intimidated by a batter of milk, eggs and flour is a whole new realm of snowflakiness. I do, however, sympathise with one element of their angst: like 60% of young folk, I have never flipped a pancake either, despite having made hundreds over the years it always seems like the quickest way to see your supper end up on the floor. Irans woes not fashionable for lefties Walking my dog yesterday morning I saw a most unusual sight in a coffee shop window, a poster saying Free Iran. Theres no shortage of Palestinian flags around here, but for some reason the genocide of its own people by the Iranian regime they killed more in two weeks than died in Gaza in a year has escaped the attention of our lefties. They love a good protest, normally, but Dublin was one of the few global cities that didnt stage a march in support of brave Iranian citizens standing up to the medieval mullahs last Saturday. Hundreds of thousands marched in Munich, Toronto, Sydney, LA and Lisbon among many others, but here not a peep. Maybe the Iranians need a nice scarf, like a keffiyeh, so the lefties can make a fashion statement. Or maybe it really is a case of no Jews, no news. Timely move by the Church The new, revamped Confirmation pledge will ask 12- and 13-year-olds to forego cigarettes and vapes, as well as drink and drugs. Its a timely move by the Church, since that age group is the most vulnerable to what Taoiseach Micheal Martin, above, called the revenge of the tobacco industry, the shameless recruiting of young smokers with candy-flavoured, nicotine-laced vapes for pocket-money prices. Im not sure the pledge itself will dissuade any impressionable teen from trying a vape, if their friends are indulging, but it might prompt a conversation between children and parents who may be unaware their kids are being lured into a lifelong addiction. It beats me how these things came to be cool, anyway its easy to see how icons like James Dean made cigarettes sexy, but vaping just looks like youre sucking on a highlighter pen. For the first few years after Victoria Stephens had the contraceptive implant Nexplanon placed just under the skin in her left arm, it was perfect, she says. I had no periods, no pain and I didnt have to remember to take the Pill every day, says Victoria, 28, a married retail assistant from Gosport in Hampshire. The plastic, rod-shaped device, roughly the size of a matchstick, is used by around 400,000 women in the UK as a form of birth control. Once in place, it releases the hormone progestogen, which inhibits ovulation and thins the lining of the womb making it hard for a fertilised egg to embed. The implant has soared in popularity over the last decade, largely thanks to the convenience factor; it only needs replacing every three years and, in most cases, can easily be removed if a woman decides to start a family. The implant has soared in popularity over the last decade, largely thanks to the convenience factor; it only needs replacing every three years and, in most cases, can easily be removed if a woman decides to start a family. Whats more, its just as effective as oral contraception. Victoria was happy to move on to her third successive implant in 2020 but before her appointment she noticed a problem with the existing one. Like 400,000 women in the UK, Victoria Stephens used birth control in the form of a contraceptive implant, which had been placed just under the skin in her left arm The contraceptive implant is a rod-shaped device, roughly the size of a matchstick. Once in place it releases the hormone progestogen, which inhibits ovulation and thins the lining of the womb making it hard for a fertilised egg to embed I had always been able to make out a little bump where it sits just beneath the skin, she says. Suddenly, however, she realised there was no sign of it. Victoria rang her GP and was told to come in as soon as possible. A nurse examined her and said the implant had become lodged deep in her upper arm. She looked concerned and said it was going to be difficult to remove, says Victoria. She was ushered into another room, where a GP injected local anaesthetic and made a 2cm-long incision to try and reach the device. A very scared Victoria endured the doctor tugging away at my arm trying to retrieve it. The GP managed to get it out but Victoria needed four external and two internal stitches and had to wear my arm in a sling for several days while it healed. A report in 2020 by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) which vets the safety of drugs and medical devices, such as implants revealed that at least 126 women in the UK had been affected by wandering Nexplanon implants since the device was approved for use in 2010. Eighteen of these women needed emergency treatment for devices that had become stuck in or around their lungs, causing severe breathing problems. More recently, in December 2025, surgeons at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge described in the journal BMJ Case Reports how they had to operate on a woman in her 20s, cutting a hole in her chest wall, after her Nexplanon implant travelled from her arm to her pulmonary artery which connects the lungs to the heart. She needed five days in hospital recuperating. Studies show another contraceptive the IUD (a device placed inside the womb) can move around the body, with potentially devastating consequences The Nexplanon is implanted using a gun that fires it into the arm. Dr Kathryn Clement, a consultant gynaecologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, says its very rare for it to become stuck in blood vessels in the lungs, for example. But if implants have migrated, its not always possible to remove them if they have been there for a prolonged period of time, as scar tissue can develop. What can make it worse for the women affected is the fact that the implants keep working as long as they are intact, meaning they are highly unlikely to be able to conceive until all the progestogen has been released. For the unfortunate women who have implants in their lungs that cannot be removed, this means they will have effective contraception for several years ahead that might not be what they intended if they were planning a family, says Dr Clement. She says problems with the Nexplanon implant usually arise when it is mistakenly inserted into the basilic vein a blood vessel which runs up the length of the arm rather than between the skin and other tissues. This means it can get swept along in the bloodstream, potentially navigating its way down to bigger blood vessels around the heart and lungs. In December 2024, Danielle Jarrett, from Dartford in Kent, hit the headlines when she described how she had lost the use of her left arm because her Nexplanon implant, which was inserted in 2019, had got stuck so deep in the surrounding tissue that it caused nerve damage. Doctors at St Thomas Hospital in London tried to remove it for two hours, before telling Danielle that they couldnt and would have to leave it where it was. She said at the time: I cant use a knife and fork. I have to get someone else to cut up my food. Danielle Jarrett lost the use of her left arm after her Nexplanon implant got stuck so deep in the surrounding tissue that it caused nerve damage Doctors tried to remove Danielles implant for two hours, before telling her that they couldnt and would have to leave it where it was. She said at the time: I cant use a knife and fork. I have to get someone else to cut up my food In another case, a woman from Essex was shocked to discover she was 22 weeks pregnant, months after raising concerns that she could not feel a replacement implant shed had inserted in 2018. Doctors had assured her it had just been put in slightly deeper than previous ones. The woman gave birth to a baby boy, but Nick Leahy, a solicitor who represented the woman through law firm Osbornes, told Good Health: Neither she nor her husband wanted children so this had a massive impact on her psychologically and she even needed psychiatric counselling. Nexplanon is not the only implant reported to migrate. Studies show another contraceptive the IUD, or coil (a device placed inside the womb) as well as implantable loop recorders (tiny devices placed under the skin to monitor heart rhythms in patients with dizziness or fainting) and dental implants can also move around the body, with potentially devastating consequences. A main issue is human error. The five-minute procedure to place the Nexplanon involves a local anaesthetic being used to numb the area before a gun-like device punctures a tiny hole in the skin. The implants should be placed just under the skin in the non-dominant upper arm, over the triceps muscle, says Dr Clement, adding highly trained staff doing hundreds a year can still make occasional mistakes. The doctor or nurse inserting the implant should have completed training run by the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (patients can check by asking staff). Incorrect insertion is much more common when the fitter has not been appropriately trained, when the woman is very slim or has very little fat, says Dr Clements. According to the MHRA: Women should be shown how to locate the implant immediately after insertion and advised to check it occasionally to ensure it has not migrated. In the case of the woman in Essex who became pregnant after having the procedure, subsequent investigations revealed there was no trace of the implant, or the progestogen it should be releasing, anywhere in her body. In 2024, TV personality Dani Dyer revealed she needed surgery to remove her contraceptive implant after it migrated. Scans showed it was in her pelvic area The conclusion was that it was never inserted in the first place and had possibly fallen out of the device before it was used. She pursued a claim of wrongful birth against Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, which ran the implant service, and received an out-of-court settlement for 35,000. In the case of IUDs, migration occurs in around one or two cases per thousand patients, according to the NHS roughly 700,000 women in the UK are thought to have an IUD implant. In 2024, TV personality Dani Dyer revealed she needed surgery to remove her contraceptive implant after it had moved. The mother-of-three, 29, developed agonising stomach cramps and heavy periods after being fitted with a Mirena coil which can provide birth control for up to eight years. Scans showed it had migrated into her pelvic area and prompt surgery was needed to remove it. In the most severe cases, an IUD that has moved can lead to appendicitis, bowel obstruction and life-threatening sepsis. The NHS advises women to check every three to four months that they can locate the two threads attached to the bottom of the IUD. Implantable loop recorders tiny devices that sit beneath the skin in the chest, attached by leads to nearby muscle, to monitor heart rhythms for up to four years can also migrate. These are used to pinpoint whats causing repeated dizziness or fainting, as well as to diagnose atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). But in some cases under 1 per cent the devices (which are about the size of a USB stick) move, ending up in the chest or lungs, which can be lethal. Meanwhile, studies show that in about 5 per cent of pacemaker instalments (which are used to regulate heartbeat), the leads themselves become displaced, often puncturing a lung or damaging the heart. As Good Health has previously reported, thousands of women have been damaged by surgical mesh used to treat stress urinary incontinence breaking up and lodging into muscles and nerves. Even tooth implants can dislodge. A 2021 paper in the journal Scientific Reports, described 11 cases where patients had artificial teeth fixed into their upper jaw only for them to disappear over the following months. Later X-rays showed that the teeth, propelled by chewing, had lodged in patients sinuses. All 11 had the implants surgically removed. For Victoria, the extraction of her Nexplanon implant should have been the end of the matter. But in January 2023 she decided to have a fourth implant this time inserted in her other arm. To her horror, last October Victoria realised she could no longer see or feel the implant and the area where it had been situated was painful. She says: I have also been getting strange sensations. If Im cold, the area around it feels ice-cold. If Im warm, it feels like a burning pain inside my arm. Worse still, her periods have restarted, suggesting the implant has stopped working. She is now waiting for a GP appointment to have it removed. And Ive decided I will not have the contraceptive implant again. This isnt worth the risk, she says. Organon, the pharmaceutical company which makes Nexplanon, declined to comment when approached by Good Health. Case study interview: JULIE COOK Tesco is urgently recalling its Grape & Berry Medley over fears they may be contaminated with salmonella, a potentially deadly food poisoning bug. Food safety watchdogs have slapped a 'do not eat' warning on the pre-packed fruit punnet, and advised customers to return the produce to any store for a full refund. No receipt is required. Affected batches include those with a use by date of 16 and 17 February 2026, weighing 230g. As such, contaminated produce may have already been consumed by unsuspecting shoppers before the warning was issued last night. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause vomiting, severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fever within hours of eating contaminated food. Most people recover without medical treatment, but the infection can be serious and even fatal, particularly in young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Food safety officials at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: 'If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. ''Instead, return them to any Tesco store for a full refund.' Tesco is urgently recalling its Grape & Berry Medley over fears it may be contaminated with salmonella The FSA advises anyone experiencing symptoms to stay away from work, school or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, to prevent passing the infection to others. The fruit punnets are part of Tesco's own brand range and are sold nationwide. Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the UK. The bacteria are found in the gut of humans and animals, and infection typically occurs when food or drink that has been contaminated with faecal matter is consumed. The most frequently implicated foods include raw poultry and eggs, unpasturised dairy products and ready-to-eat salads. It comes as UKHSA data released last year found salmonella cases surged in the first three months of 2025, with figures up on the previous two years. Outbreaks linked to supermarket food products are rare but not unheard of. In June 2022, hundreds of chicken products sold by Aldi, Sainsbury's, Tesco and other UK supermarkets were pulled from shelves due to salmonella contamination. Last year, more than 60 sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in 11 major shops in the UK were slapped with 'do not eat' alerts over fears they could contain STEC - another bacteria that can trigger life-threatening infections. Salmonella bacteria can survive on surfaces and multiply rapidly if food is stored incorrectly or handled without proper hygiene. Heat can help kill any lurking bacteria, but the risk remains with ready-to-eat chilled foods, In the UK, around 33 people die each year from foodborne Salmonella, according to a study published in BMJ Open Gastroenterology. The FSA issues food recall notices when a product presents a risk to public health. More information on the latest recall can be obtained by writing directly to Tesco, at tesco.com/help/contact. Blocking a single protein inside cells could dramatically slow colorectal cancer, scientists claim. Researchers in South Korea found that shutting down a gene called NSMF, which makes a protein that helps cancer cells cope with rapid cell division, caused tumors to suffer from 'irreversible cellular aging.' Normally, cancer cells divide rapidly, with NSMF inducing DNA damage and the emergence of new mutations. But the scientists found that when they stopped the gene from functioning in lab and mouse experiments, tumor growth slowed or stopped completely. In the mouse experiments, removing NSMF led to significantly fewer intestinal growths. The animals also lived 33.5 percent longer on average than those that still had the gene. Researchers also found no noticeable damage to healthy intestinal cells in mice, suggesting that shutting off the gene could target tumors without damaging other cells, unlike chemotherapy, which can attack non-cancerous cells. The findings come as colorectal cancer is rising sharply among young adults. Cases among Americans under 50 have roughly doubled since the mid-1990s, as more people experience subtle symptoms that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed. On February 11, Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek died from the cancer at 48 years old. The actor reportedly dismissed the early warning signs, blaming the change in his bowel movements on his morning coffee instead of the disease. James Van Der Beek (pictured above) died from colorectal cancer at 48 years old. He was diagnosed in 2023 after suffering from a change in his bowel movements that he put blamed on his morning coffee Your browser does not support iframes. He was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023, in his mid 40s, and went through near-constant doctors appointments and painful treatments that rendered him unable to work. Researchers behind the new study believe that while more research is needed in humans, they could eventually led to new treatments that boost survival. Dr Kyeong Jin Shin, a cancer expert at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), who led the study, said: 'Our findings suggest that NSMF is a promising... target. 'By inducing a state of permanent aging in cancer cells, we can effectively stop tumor growth without harming normal tissues.' He added that developing drugs to block the protein 'could offer a novel treatment approach' against the cancer. In the study, published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, researchers blocked the protein from NSMF using antibodies in the lab experiments or, in the mouse experiments, by breeding a strain of mice that did not have the gene. It is not clear by how much blocking NSMF slowed the growth of colorectal cancer tumor cells. The researchers also did not suggest in their study how the NSMF gene could be blocked in humans. In the study, researchers analyzed NSMF, also called N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor synaptonuclear signaling and neuronal migration factor (NSMF). Researchers in South Korea made the breakthrough via lab and mouse experiments (Stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. In lab experiments, the scientists used antibodies to block the NSMF-made protein in human colorectal cancer cells and monitored the effects. In a separate experiment, they bred mice that did not have NSMF with others that had a higher risk of developing intestinal tumors. The offspring were then tracked for up to 16 to 20 weeks, before their intestinal tissue was examined for cancer growth. Researchers said that while blocking NSMF reduced tumor growth, it did not completely eliminate the cancer. At this stage, it was not clear how the gene might be turned off safely in humans, but researchers said their study was a promising first step to a potential treatment. Professor Young Chan Chae of the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST, who led the study, said: 'This research uncovers a previously unknown role for NSMF in colorectal cancer. 'Developing inhibitors against this protein could offer a novel treatment approach that causes cancer cells to naturally age and die, providing a potential new avenue for therapy.' These days, all eyes are on Chloe Malle including her predecessor Anna Wintours, even behind her dark, hallmark shades. Ushering in a new era of American Vogue, the newly minted head of editorial content has announced her first cover, for the March issue, and in a sit-down with the New York Times last week admitted she feels pressure to carry on the legacy of the glossy fashion magazine. But, according to one source close to Conde Nast, her appointment threatens to tarnish the glittering brand that Wintour spent nearly four decades painstakingly perfecting. There's just an extraordinary contrast between the old guard and the new guard, the source told the Daily Mail. While she thought it was the right appointment, she is probably like "What have I done?" the source added, referring to Wintour, who stepped down from her post as editor in chief last June. It's kind of destroying the Vogue brand; the Vogue brand is all about being unattainable and icy and aspirational, and Anna was always aspirational. Wintour, 76, did tell the Times that she admires that Malle, 40, is not a traditional fashion obsessive - though our source speculated that what seems like an embrace of the new generation may not be more than a mirage. 'Anybody who tries to bring in new, young, fresh ideas, Anna pretends she wants it, but actually can't handle it, and is bristling at the idea of new ideas, the source claimed. Malle, left, is the successor of Wintour, right What does Vogue stand for if these new woke ways of working, which is I think the right way of working - but how is Vogue going to be sustainable under Chloe? Because Vogue's whole identity has been about Anna, and Anna is looking like an outdated dinosaur. Wintour served as the editor in chief of American Vogue for 37 years, stepping down last summer and appointing Malle in September. Malle joined the magazine in 2011, and has risen through the ranks of the glossy, becoming the editor of Vogue.com, co-hosting Vogue's weekly fashion and culture podcast, and launching viral hits such as Dogue, a tongue-in-cheek digital edition featuring dogs. When announcing her successor in the fall, Wintour said in a statement that Malle understands fashions big picture, its role shaping not just whats on the runway but the changing fabric of modern life. She said, in part: Chloe has proven often that she can find the balance between American Vogue's long, singular history and its future on the front lines of the new. I am so excited to continue working with her, as her mentor but also as her student, while she leads us and our audiences where we've never been before.' But the pair's interview with the Times, at least according to viewers online, was a clear indication of the stark difference between the two editors. At one point in the interview Malle fantasized about what she would do with a larger budget at the magazine. 'I would build a whole new podcast studio, I would pay everyone 30 percent more, I would make sure the social team had more people on it, because they're working all the time, I would have our app staffed more fully,' she said. Her predecessor, however, interjected, clarifying that they 'have a very healthy budget at Vogue, and how we use it and use our resources is constantly changing, depending on the moment.' The pair were interviewed in a sit-down by the New York Times last week Our source said, The thought that somebody could even be honest about wanting to pay their staff more and invest in social media and be honest about being nervous, it's like the antithesis of Anna. Indeed, when Malle admitted at one point that she does, in fact, get nervous - even as recently as half an hour before the sit-down Wintour retorted that she never gets nervous. She is not happy, I don't think, about that interview, our source speculated about Wintour. But then, I don't know, Anna will always win. She still signs off the covers, she still signs off the budgets, so really Chloe hasn't got that much power. A second source insisted Malle controls her own covers and budget, but also acknowledged that all Vogue editions report to Anna. Wintour still serves as Vogue's global chief content officer for Conde Nast as global editorial director. A Vogue spokesperson told the Daily Mail that Malle has Wintours complete support. Wintour added: 'Chloe is doing a great job.' And despite the perceived tone of the interview, our source insisted that Malle has not got off to a bumpy start at her new post. Rather, they said, she's doing a really good job in the eyes of the young, the millennial and Gen Z part of Conde Nast. A solicitor who breastfed her young twins in Nando's has claimed that a 'Barbie and Ken' couple demanded to move as they were so 'disgusted' by her feeding in public. Victoria Soltani, 29, was feeding her nine-month-old sons Phoenix and Amari when she spotted a man and a woman who she described as 'looking like Ken and Barbie' mocking her. Ms Soltani, a solicitor, had just finished a meal at the Squire's Gate Nando's in Blackpool on January 12 with her husband and three-year-old son Elias, and made the decision to breastfeed her babies before she drove home. However, she alleged that she noticed 'straight away' that a couple had entered the restaurant and appeared to be whispering and laughing at her. She added that the gentlemen then appeared to approach a waitress to complain about her breastfeeding in public and asked if they could be moved. Praising the 'wonderful' staff at Nando's, Ms Soltani said that the man involved was informed that they should 'sit where they want'. The restaurant manager later apologised to Ms Soltani for her unpleasant experience and even offered to ban the 'Ken and Barbie' couple from the restaurant, but Ms Soltani refused the kind offer. Describing the entire ordeal as 'ridiculous', the Blackpool-based mother said: 'As soon as they came in, they gawped at me and started laughing. Victoria Soltani (pictured), 29, was feeding her nine-month-old sons Phoenix and Amari when she spotted a man and a woman who she described as 'looking like Ken and Barbie' mocking her Ms Soltani, a solicitor, had just finished a meal at the Squire's Gate Nando's in Blackpool on January 12 with her husband and three-year-old son Elias, and made the decision to breastfeed her babies before she drove home 'I noticed straight away. I'm not new to this, but it's not nice to be laughed at and sniggered at and spoken about. 'They would stare, then they'd say something to each other and they'd laugh. If my husband wasn't there, I'd probably want the ground to swallow me whole.' The mother-of-three added that the waitress confirmed a complaint had been made by the couple about her and that the pair had 'upped and moved to the furthest table away from us'. Describing how she was left 'disgusted' at the manner in which the couple behaved, Ms Soltani said that the man involved even 'ran off' to the toilet when her husband tried to confront him. She said: 'I was disgusted in the fact they were disgusted in me - just for feeding my children. I shouldn't be made to feel like that just because I breastfeed. 'As we were leaving, my husband approached the table to speak to them - but the man ran off to the toilet. 'The woman couldn't even look at us. It's quite sad that she didn't speak up and say it was out of order. 'Women should be empowering women. How would she feel if she was breastfeeding a child?' The mother-of-three added that the waitress confirmed a complaint had been made about her and that the couple 'upped and moved to the furthest table away from us' Pictured; the Squire's Gate Nando's in Blackpool. The restaurant manager later apologised to Ms Soltani for her unpleasant experience and even offered to ban the couple from the restaurant Reflecting on the distressing ordeal, the young mother said that it has shown her how 'uneducated' people can be about public breastfeeding. She described how 'nerve-wracking' it is for first-time mums to breastfeed in public - and said she would happily front a campaign for restaurants to encourage it. 'People are so uneducated on breastfeeding, it's ridiculous. At the end of the day, I'm feeding my children and that's all that matters,' Ms Soltani added. She said: 'Realistically, no one would have a problem if I shoved a bottle in their mouth. But if the babies were screaming uncontrollably because they were hungry - then they'd have a problem. 'When I had my eldest son, it was the most nerve-wracking thing in the whole entire world to breastfeed in public because of the staring and the unkind comments, and because men sexualise women's bodies. 'There should be a campaign for restaurants to put signs in the window saying they support breastfeeding - I'd run the campaign!' Indeed, in 2024, a restaurant in Cheltenham owned by French chef Raymond Blanc went viral online after the manager put a sign outside welcoming breastfeeding mums. The chalkboard sign, which received global attention, read: 'Breastfeeding mums - pop in and have a free cup of tea if you need a pit stop no need to eat, no need to ask - please relax.' The Daily Mail has approached Nando's UK for comment. James Van Der Beek's friend Mehcad Brooks has fiercely defended the GoFundMe set up for the family after it was revealed the late actor bought a $4.8 million Texas home one month before his death. Dawson's Creek star Van Der Beek died following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer aged 48 on February 11, leaving behind wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, and their six children. Following his death, a GoFundMe was launched to help Kimberly and their kids with expenses as the cost of his medical care 'left the family out of funds.' At the time of writing over $2.6 million has been raised. In recent days, however, eyebrows have been raised over the GoFundMe after it was reported that Van Der Beek and his wife shelled out almost $5 million for their Texas ranch just weeks ago. It has since been revealed that friends helped him buy the property. Law & Order actor Brooks, 45, hit back at speculation over Van Der Beek's finances and declared that naysayers have 'no idea the pain' the family went through. 'I am one of the Van Der Beek's closest friends, and the headlines are fake as f***,' Brooks wrote on Threads in response to a social media user saying that the fundraiser 'didn't sit right' with them. 'You have no idea what the f*** you're talking about,' he continued. 'You have no idea the pain they went through. It's okay to shut the f*** up when you can't know what the f*** you're talking about.' James Van Der Beek's GoFundMe page has been defended by a close friend The Dawson's Creek actor died February 11 leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six kids 'It's okay not to try to seek attention off of other people's suffering or the generosity in response to it. Because James touched them for decades. 'It's okay for you to stay quiet in the face of blind stupidity, meanness and lack of empathy. But maybe you're not okay.' Brooks's message was in direct response to a social media user who wrote: 'This doesn't sit right with me. Not at all. 'Sure, I get it. But thousands of people around the world face this exact situation every day and deal with the struggle. They don't get $2.5 million. It's just weird. He had to have had life insurance and residual checks' Van Der Beek bought a 36-acre Texas ranch he had previously been renting for $4.76 million one month before he died, with assistance from his friends. The Hollywood star and Kimberly relocated their family to Spicewood, Texas, from Los Angeles in 2020. '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. The couple, who wed in 2010, opted to lease the residence to try out the new area before committing to it. Join the debate What's your take critics of GoFundMe? Mehcad Brooks blasted critics of Van Der Beek's GoFundMe and said they have 'no idea the pain' the family went through Television heartthrob Van Der Beek died following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer Van Der Beek and his wife share daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. Property records reviewed by Realtor.com show they purchased the sprawling home for $4.76 million in an off-market deal on January 9. Van Der Beek's GoFundMe page was launched by his friends in the wake of his death. 'The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,' the description reads. '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 continued: '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 children's 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.' Bachelor alum Nick Viall has admitted that he and others are works in progress amid turmoil over his podcast The Viall Files. The reality TV star, 45, was torched by insiders over the weekend who claimed that he is regarded as one of the most 'hypocritical' and 'wildly insensitive' voices in podcasting. But in the latest episode of Ask Nick, released February 16, Viall seemed to make a point that he is flawed like everybody else. Viall made the comment in response to a listener seeking romance advice. 'There's a nice guy in front of me, why can't I just get over it and like him back?' they had asked. 'Listen, we all have things to work on and it's good that you are willing to look in the mirror and reflect,' Viall said in a clip that was shared online. 'But sometimes it doesn't have to be some deep underlying issue, you just maybe at 25 haven't found your person.' Viall launched the pop culture podcast The Viall Files in 2019 which he co-hosts with his wife Natalie Joy Viall, 27. Nick Viall has said that he is a work in progress amid turmoil over his podcast The Viall Files The podcast host was criticized by insiders over the weekend who claimed he is one of the most 'hypocritical' voices in the industry The show, which tackles topics from reality TV recaps to interviews with celebrity guests, has amassed more than 250 million downloads worldwide. Bachelor alum Viall expanded his podcasting empire in 2024 when he launched his own audio lifestyle media company, Envy Media. He also developed his own network of talent a la Call Her Daddy maven Alex Cooper. Last April, Viall signed a four-year deal with podcasting platform Libsyn worth an estimated $30 million. But, over the weekend, the Daily Mail revealed Viall's not so shiny reputation among his peers in the wake of fierce criticism from listeners in recent months. For example, in an episode of the podcast on December 2, the co-hosts were accused of 'mom-shaming' Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt for landing a job on Broadway so soon after her recent stint on Dancing With the Stars. At the time, they questioned how Leavitt, 32, would parent her three children while starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway beginning in February. 'She just did Dancing With the Stars for three or four months,' Joy said. 'She has kids on a school level maybe they are homeschooled. I don't know. To shift to Chicago in New York, that takes so much of her time. How is she managing being a mom?' Viall launched the pop culture podcast The Viall Files in 2019 which he co-hosts with his wife Natalie Joy Viall, 27 Over the weekend, the Daily Mail revealed Viall's not so shiny reputation among his peers in the wake of fierce criticism from listeners in recent months The backlash was swift, as listeners claimed Joy's comments had insinuated that Leavitt's children weren't her top priority. Others aptly pointed out the double standard that there would be less concern if a man with three kids was offered the same career opportunities as Leavitt. Viall and Joy did not publicly apologize to Leavitt or address the negative response from fans. The latest uproar began after a January 7 episode in which guest Austen Kroll was asked a jarring question about his late sister's childhood passing. The reality star, 38, dropped by the podcast studio to chat about Southern Charm season 11, which is currently airing on Bravo. What he likely didn't expect, however, was to be asked about the death of his sister Kyle, who tragically fell off a cliff during a family hike at Chimney Rock, North Carolina, when she was just nine years old and Kroll was seven. Kroll first opened up about his sister's death on season four of Southern Charm, and the transformative role it has played in his life after witnessing his sister's fall. In a clip from the podcast episode, Kroll appeared taken aback when Joy switched gears during the conversation to discuss the traumatic event. She then asked the reality star specific details about his sister Kyle's death, including the question, 'What was this cliff?' Kroll appeared visibly uncomfortable as he began to shake his leg and stutter over his words, before telling Joy, 'I won't even say the name of the town.' The podcasters went on to ask Kroll about his romantic relationships and his experience filming Southern Charm, but the unsettling moment still weighed heavy on listeners of The Viall Files. The co-hosts haven't issued a public apology to Kroll either, despite demands from listeners calling on them to do so on the podcast. Ivanka Trump made a cultural faux pas on Tuesday as she celebrated Chinese New Year with her Instagram followers. Trump took to the social media platform to share stunning new headshots of her wearing a cream-colored suit and large diamond stud earrings, as she wished her following a happy Lunar New Year. However, it turns out that wearing white on the Chinese New Year is extremely discouraged. White represents mourning as it's the color that people in Vietnam and China commonly wear to funerals. The color is often associated with symbols of loss and can be considered a bad omen. In fact, Glamour UK previously reported that wearing white on Lunar New Year was the 'ultimate faux pas.' Instead, red is considered the color to wear on the Lunar New Year, as it represents luck, prosperity and blessings. In her message to followers, Trump, 44, revealed how she is planning to spend 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse. Ivanka Trump made a cultural faux pas on Tuesday as she celebrated Chinese New Year with her Instagram followers 'Today a new lunar cycle begins!' the mom-of-three began in the caption of her post. 'The Year of the Fire Horse calls us to courage, to energy, to intention, and to fearless creation. It is a year for bold ideas, decisive action, and turning vision into something enduring,' she wrote. 'I am stepping into it with clarity and conviction, ready to bring forward projects I have been quietly nurturing, ideas nearly ready to meet the light. I cannot wait to share them with you!' her message read. 'Forward, with strength. With gratitude. With purpose. Excited for what is ahead. Happy Lunar Year .' But viewers were quick to call her out for the error with some branding her 'culturally insensitive and ignorant.' 'Ever inappropriate, Ivanka,' one scathed. 'Why's she acting like this is her culture?' another added. 'They are so tone deaf that it's almost comical,' someone else typed. Join the debate Should Ivanka apologise? Her Instagram post about Chinese New Year comes just a few days after she wore a n eye-catching beaded white fringe cocktail dress while attending a charity event in honor of St. Jude's Children's Hospital (pictured) On her Instagram story on the same day, Trump also posted a video of 14-year-old daughter Arabella riding a horse on the beach. Another snap posted of Arabella showed her smiling with the horse, as Trump captioned it, 'Get ready for the Year of the Fire Horse!' Her Instagram post about Chinese New Year comes just a few days after she wore a n eye-catching beaded white fringe cocktail dress while attending a charity event in honor of St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The dress was previously owned by her late mother, Ivana Trump, who passed away in 2022. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Topshop has finally made its long-awaited return to brick-and-mortar stores with the label now stocked at John Lewis. In its glory days, the high street giant was the place to go for bang on trend designs at reasonable prices, so perhaps it's no wonder its new range seems to have drawn heavy inspiration from M&S, which stepped in to fill the void left by Topshop when it closed in 2021. Indeed, Topshop's former fashion boss, Maddy Evans, is now Womenswear Director at M&S and it appears her former employer has not quite let go of her influence on their styles. Take, for instance, Topshop's 38 Check Side Tie Long Sleeve Top, which looks a lot like a dupe of M&S's Mesh Jersey Checked V-Neck Wrap Top. What's more it comes at a much more attractive price, retailing for 10 less at 28. The same could be said for Topshop's 75 Double Breasted Trench Jacket, which is heavily comparable to M&S's Cotton Rich Asymmetric Short Trench Coat, which, again, retails for 10 less at 65. It doesn't stop there; there's also a very similar-looking pleated yellow shirt (42 at Topshop, 36 at M&S), and a faux suede bomber jacket, which retails for 20 less at M&S. M&S or Topshop? Spot the difference... Shoppers can take a look for themselves in the flesh as Topshop's designs are now available to shop at 32 John Lewis stores across the UK, with the department store now acting as Topshop's exclusive stockist for spring/summer 2026. Ms Evans, the former fashion director of Topshop, who was hired in 2019 as head of buying and promoted to director of womenswear in 2022, has transformed M&S's offerings in recent times. Her presence has helped M&S fill the crucial gap left by what was one of the high street's most popular brands by offering must-have pieces, such as a faux croc leather trench coat that is rapidly selling out and being re-stocked. It's also adopted a faster fashion approach, meaning new items can move from the drawing board to the shelf in as little as a month, enabling the retailer to react to demand and the latest trends. Speaking to the Daily Mail last year, Ms Evans said: 'We're pleased to see womenswear achieve its highest ever style rankings, particularly with the 35-54 customer - a clear sign our focus is landing, and our ranges are resonating with more people more often. 'It's important that we keep up momentum so this season we're supercharging newness across the board: from dresses and partywear through to denim, knitwear and outerwear. We're investing in fabrics, silhouettes and trend-led pieces our customers want; while still delivering the value they trust us for.' Now, Topshop's biggest job appears to be winning back its once-loyal customer base, and launching at brick-and-mortar stores is, according to its bosses, on the right path. Topshop managing director Michelle Wilson said, according to Drapers: 'Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love. Maddy Evans (pictured), the former fashion director of Topshop, was hired in 2019 as head of buying and promoted to director of womenswear in 2022 'From our cult denim to newseason footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day. 'Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.' There was a hole in London's Oxford Street when Topshop closed all its physical stores in 2021. With its trendy clothes, sell-out designer collaborations, and 100,000 sq ft flagship store, the brand attracted everyone from tourists and teenagers to It Girls and fashion editors. But things took a turn for the worse in 2020 when Phillip Green's Arcadia Group collapsed into administration. The demise was rooted in a combination of cumbersome brick-and-mortar stores, a slow digital strategy, and aggressive competition from the likes of PrettyLittleThing, Boohoo and Missguided, which lured Gen Z shoppers with their fast delivery times. Then there was the issue of Sir Philip himself, with retail experts, including Topshop's former brand director, pointing to how the BHS pension scandal and accusations of sexual harassment (which he denies) put off the brand's customer base, which was largely made up of women. Australian shoppers have listed their top Aldi 'dupes' of name-brand items Australian shoppers are becoming increasingly savvy during the current cost-of-living crunch - and that is obvious in the supermarket aisles. A lively Reddit debate has revealed a long list of Aldi products that customers claim taste 'exactly the same' as well-known, more expensive supermarket brands - often for a fraction of the price. While private label manufacturing has long been a feature of the grocery industry, many shoppers say they are only now realising just how similar some products are. Here are the Aldi items customers insist are near-identical to major brands. Greek yoghurt pouches and kids snacks Shoppers claim Brooklea Kids Greek yoghurt pouches (75c) are virtually indistinguishable from Tamar Valley Kids yoghurt pouches ($2.50), but come at a lower price point. Similarly, Made Real Wholefood balls ($4.69) are said to taste the same as Smoosh balls ($7.50), making them a go-to lunchbox swap for parents watching their grocery spend. For single-serve yoghurt lovers, some believe Yoguri 160g protein yoghurt pots ($2.19) are made on the same production lines as Chobani pots ($3) sold at Coles and Woolworths. Even gluten-free shoppers say Aldi's gluten-free flour mirrors Orgran, while its gluten-free muesli tastes just like Carman's. For single-serve yoghurt lovers, some believe Yoguri 160g protein yoghurt pots ($2.19) are made on the same production lines as Chobani pots ($3) sold at Coles and Woolworths The sourdough discovery that raised eyebrows One of the most talked-about comparisons involves Aldi's Wild Origins sourdough. Shoppers allege the bread is produced by artisan bakery Sonoma Baking Company, which sells loaves for around $8.99 at Harris Farm, while Aldi's version retails for $5.99. One eagle-eyed customer said they looked up the address on the Aldi packaging and spotted a Sonoma truck parked outside on Google Street View. While manufacturers often produce for multiple retailers under different labels, the discovery fuelled excitement among bargain hunters. Tinned salmon and milk swaps Aldi's Red Salmon tin has also drawn comparisons with John West Red Salmon ($6.50), with shoppers noting identical tin shapes and even similar production stamp fonts. 'It's got to be the same production line. But half the price,' one person wrote. Milk is another hot topic, with some customers convinced Farmdale full cream milk is produced by Brownes. Private label dairy production is common across Australia, with large processors often supplying multiple brands. Shoppers allege the bread is produced by artisan bakery Sonoma Baking Company, which sells loaves for around $8.99 at Harris Farm, while Aldi's version retails for $5.99 Aldi's Red Salmon ($1.50) tin has also drawn comparisons with John West Red Salmon ($6.50), with shoppers noting identical tin shapes and even similar production stamp fonts Ice creams, butter, and chips Frozen treats are not immune to the comparisons. Shoppers say Spider Stix ($4.99) resemble Bulla Splits ($10), while Milfina Mini Frozen Yoghurt Sticks ($4.99) are similar to Bulla Frozen Yoghurt Minis ($10). Butter lovers claim Beautifully Butterfully ($4.59) is effectively the same as Western Star spreadable ($7.50) When it comes to chips, Aldi's Sprinters ($2.69) have been compared to Smith's ($5). Some customers even allege finding Smith's multipacks inside Sprinters packaging and vice versa. Smith's, of course, is the Australian trading name for Walkers in the UK and Lay's in the US, further highlighting the global web of snack manufacturing. Butter lovers claim Beautifully Butterfully ($4.59) is effectively the same as Western Star spreadable ($7.50) The chicken claim that stunned shoppers Perhaps the most eye-opening allegation relates to organic chicken. One former worker at poultry giant Inghams claimed that Aldi's organic chicken ($4.99/kg) is 'exactly the same' as Woolworths' Macro organic range ($13.50/kg). According to the commenter, once branded orders were filled, packaging would simply be switched over to Aldi's. 'Exact same chicken,' they wrote. While such claims cannot be independently verified, it underscores how major food manufacturers frequently supply multiple retailers under different labels. Why this keeps happening The reality is that private label manufacturing is a well-established practice. Large food producers often operate at scale, producing for their own brands as well as supermarket house brands. Differences can come down to packaging, slight recipe tweaks, or pricing agreements rather than entirely separate factories. For consumers, however, the appeal is simple - similar taste, lower price. With grocery bills continuing to climb, Australians are increasingly questioning brand loyalty and embracing alternatives that stretch the weekly shop further. And while some shoppers remain devoted to big names, others say the supermarket dupe era is here to stay. Anderson Cooper is leaving CBS's 60 Minutes ending a nearly two-decade run at the network as he chooses family over one of television's most prestigious reporting roles. The 57-year-old CNN anchor will not renew his contract with CBS bringing his tenure as a correspondent on the iconic newsmagazine to an end after joining the program in 2007. His departure marks a significant shift for 60 Minutes, the venerable broadcast long regarded as one of the most influential platforms in television journalism. In a statement to People, Cooper tried to make clear the decision was deeply personal - driven not by professional dissatisfaction, but by the pull of fatherhood. 'Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business,' Cooper said. But after years of balancing two of the most demanding jobs in television news, Cooper acknowledged that priorities had changed. 'For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me,' he added. Cooper is the father of two boys, Wyatt, 4, and Sebastian, 3, whom he shares with his former partner Benjamin Maisani. Anderson Cooper has confirmed he will not renew his contract with CBS, ending his nearly two-decade tenure with the network His departure brings to a close an extraordinary chapter that began in 2007, when Cooper joined 60 Minutes while already anchoring CNN's nightly broadcast, Anderson Cooper 360 He has spoken candidly about their co-parenting arrangement, describing a routine built around shared responsibility and devotion to their children. 'I work nights, and so he's there at night,' Cooper explained. 'And we both wake up right before they wake up, get them their milk and spend the first couple of hours of the day just us with them. And Benjamin speaks French to them. I have no idea what they're saying. I think they're plotting against me.' The departure brings to a close an extraordinary chapter that began in 2007, when Cooper joined 60 Minutes while already anchoring CNN's flagship nightly broadcast, Anderson Cooper 360. His ability to straddle both cable and network television at the highest level made him one of the most visible and versatile journalists of his generation. At the center of the upheaval is a broader transformation underway at CBS News under its new ownership and leadership by Free Press founder Bari Weiss. Weiss has sought to reshape the network's identity, with ambitions to modernize its programming and recruit new voices aligned with her vision. Her leadership has already reshaped other flagship programs, including the CBS Evening News, where changes in tone and editorial priorities have drawn scrutiny from both viewers and staff. 60 Minutes Correspondents are seen from left Sharyn Alfonsi, L. Jon Wertheim, Bill Whitaker, Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, and Anderson Cooper Anderson Cooper spent nearly 18 years as a correspondent on 60 Minutes after joining the program in 2007 New CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has outlined her vision for the network Reporting by Status and Breaker Media which both cover the media suggests Cooper's exit may have been fueled not just by family considerations, but by mounting unease over the show's editorial direction under new leadership. Behind the scenes, Cooper had grown increasingly uncomfortable with changes unfolding at the storied newsmagazine, according to the media industry newsletter. One insider told the outlet bluntly: 'He wasn't comfortable with the direction the show was taking under Bari, and is in a position where he doesn't have to put up with it.' A second person familiar with the situation confirmed to Status that Cooper's decision to walk away was tied, at least in part, to his discomfort with Bari Weiss, who now plays a powerful role in shaping the network's editorial trajectory following David Ellison's takeover of Paramount, CBS News' parent company. Cooper's exit comes after months of reported internal friction over editorial decisions and oversight, including scrutiny surrounding a sensitive report he had been working on. According to Status, the segment, examining the Trump administration's decision to accept refugees from South Africa, was subjected to an unusually intensive editorial review process. Executive Producer Tanya Simon and Weiss both provided extensive feedback on the piece, Status reported, prolonging the editing process and frustrating longtime staff involved in its production. Veteran producer Michael Gavshon, who has worked at 60 Minutes for more than 30 years, was described as exasperated by the drawn-out process. The report's future remains uncertain, with no confirmed airdate. The level of oversight represented a sharp departure from the program's historical independence. For decades, 60 Minutes correspondents and producers operated with significant editorial autonomy - a hallmark of the broadcast that helped cement its reputation as one of the most respected investigative platforms in television news. Cooper's departure follows reported internal tensions over editorial oversight and the handling of sensitive investigative pieces Bari Weiss, pictured, had reportedly hoped to expand Coopers role at CBS News, including discussions about anchoring the CBS Evening News At 60 Minutes, Cooper reported on some of the world's most consequential stories, contributing to the program's tradition of long-form investigative journalism and in-depth storytelling But according to Status, Weiss has taken a far more hands-on role in shaping coverage, inserting herself directly into editorial decisions in a way that has unsettled many within the newsroom. Cooper's departure is viewed internally and externally as a major blow to CBS News' leadership. Weiss had reportedly hoped to expand Cooper's role at the network and even explored the possibility of elevating him to anchor the CBS Evening News. Cooper ultimately declined those overtures. 'This is another black eye for Bari,' an industry observer told Status. 'CBS is losing a talented storyteller who she wanted to keep. Remember, she tried to poach him full time last year.' His exit leaves 60 Minutes with a diminished roster of correspondents, now including Sharyn Alfonsi, Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Bill Whitaker, Jon Wertheim, and Cecilia Vega. 'I think this is the end of '60' as we know it,' a television news executive told Status. 'It's over.' Join the debate Has CBS News lost its way or is big change necessary to stay relevant in todays media landscape? Cooper remains a central figure in CNN's marquee programming, including the network's annual New Year's Eve broadcast alongside longtime friend and co-host Andy Cohen Inside CBS News, some employees have expressed concern that the network's editorial compass is shifting - a development that has contributed to departures and declining morale, according to internal accounts cited by Status. At 60 Minutes, Cooper reported on some of the world's most consequential stories, contributing to the program's tradition of long-form investigative journalism and in-depth storytelling. Despite his departure from CBS, Cooper's role at CNN remains secure. He renewed his contract with the network in December 2025 and continues to anchor Anderson Cooper 360, the nightly program that has become synonymous with his name and reporting style. He also remains a central figure in CNN's marquee programming, including the network's annual New Year's Eve broadcast alongside longtime friend and co-host Andy Cohen. CNN did not want to comment for this story but CBS News released a statement to the Daily Mail. 'For more than two decades, Anderson Cooper has taken 60 Minutes viewers on journeys to faraway places, told us unforgettable stories, reported consequential investigations and interviewed many prominent figures. 'We're grateful to him for dedicating so much of his life to this broadcast, and understand the importance of spending more time with family. 60 Minutes will be here if he ever wants to return.' Cooper's departure comes just weeks after the Tiffany Network offered lucrative buyouts to staff members at its 'Evening News' broadcast amid Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss' shakeup of the network. Ununionized employees received an email informing them of the reportedly lucrative buyouts last month, just one day after Weiss formally outlined her vision for CBS News in a townhall meeting. 'We are offering an extraordinary chance to leave CBS News with an enhanced separation payment,' the email read. 'Bari charted a course for CBS News that's very different from the one we're on now,' it continued. 'The Evening News has a new host and a new directive and there will be more change coming. The network has faced internal strife since Weiss took over in October 'We hope you are excited about this vision, but we understand that some of you may not be and we want to provide support.' It is unclear how many staffers received the email, but most members of CBS News' editorial ranks, including producers, are not covered by union contracts, according to Variety. The network news station had already laid off more than 2,000 employees under mandates put in force buy its new owner Paramount Skydance, which sought to cut costs after purchasing CBS from its former controlling shareholders, the Redstone family. As Weiss' tenure at the network now gets underway, some staff members at 'Evening News' have already expressed concerns over their future. 'Well at 'Evening News,' people are afraid for their jobs and afraid to even speak for fear of retaliation,' an unidentified employee said at January's townhall meeting. 'There has been a chilling effect within our newsroom,' the employee continued. 'It feels right now like if we offer feedback, alternatives or constructive criticism that we are asking for targets on our backs.' Executives at the network, though, seem to be encouraged by Tony Dokoupil's start on 'Evening News.' Viewership has increased in the first few weeks on air, but the overall audience for the program continues to deplete and is down noticeably from the same period a year earlier. 'Evening News' Executive Producer Kim Harvey and Dokoupil reportedly tried to dissuade management from making cuts at the program Still, Weiss apparently wants to continue with the strategy she implemented at 'Evening News,' telling employees on Tuesday that the network has been far too focused on maintaining its current audience rather than expanding its reach to new viewers. 'We're for the center. We're for the center-right, and we're for the center-left,' she reportedly said during her presentation at the meeting. 'The honest truth is right now we are not producing a product that enough people want,' she said. 'I am here to make CBS News fit for purpose in the 21st century.' Weiss then took a no-nonsense approach when addressing those who are not fans of her efforts. 'If that's not your bag, that's okay,' she said. 'It's a free country, and I completely respect if you decide I'm not the right leader for you or this isn't the right place at the right time, there's just too many exciting things to be spending your career doing.' Weiss told employees at a town hall last month that the network has been far too focused on maintaining its current audience rather than expanding its reach to new viewers. She is pictured speaking in 2022 The network has faced internal strife since Weiss took over in October, with critics arguing she may have a pro-Trump agenda despite her pledge to uphold newsroom neutrality. The backlash escalated when Weiss held back a '60 Minutes' segment on the Trump administration's deportation of migrants to a notorious El Salvador prison. She has repeatedly denied that the decision was made to appease Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, whose tech mogul father, Larry Ellison, is a known Trump ally. Instead, Weiss claims that she only postponed the airing of the segment because she believed it needed more reporting. It now seems like Weiss has at least one ally - longtime anchor Gayle King, who defended her vision on Tuesday as she slammed those who were leaking details of Weiss' plans to the press. 'What I like, Bari, about what you outlined is that I don't know anybody in this room that doesn't want to make change for the better,' King said, per the Washington Post. 'I don't know anybody that doesn't want to kick it up a notch. And I just don't want any of us to lose sight of who we are and the job that we do here. I'm so proud to work at this company.' Stephen Colbert devoted several minutes of his Monday monologue to complaining about the The Federal Communications Commission's new guidance on the 'equal time rule' and how it forced his bosses at CBS to block a planned guest. Colbert, 61, began the show with the revelation, before identifying the voided visitor as Texas Rep. James Talarico. Talarico, a 36-year-old Democrat, is currently running to flip a Republican's seat in the Senate. Colbert explained: '[Talarico] was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our networks lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast.' He went on to reveal showrunners asked him to 'not mention' any of the saga. 'And because my network clearly does not want us to talk about this lets talk about this,' the host declared. He proceeded to lay out the drama, explaining to the Ed Sullivan Theater audience the 'equal time rule' and how the 92-year-old guidance was stripped of exemptions that had been in place since the 1990s just last month. The exemptions allowed hosts like Jay Leno to welcome any guest to their shows regardless of political affiliation. The original rule, put in place by Congress and enforced by the The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was meant to ensure broadcast stations provided equal air time to opposing political candidates in the 1930s. Stephen Colbert embarked on a politicized rant Monday after the Federal Communications Commission's equal time rule upended a planned guest appearance In another act of defiance, Colbert welcomed the guest, 36-year-old Texas Democrat James Talarico to the show anyway after his rant, which took aim at CBS and the administration Shows like The View, The Tonight Show, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert were nonetheless affected. The move was masterminded by The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr. Colbert repeatedly took shots at Carr on Monday, referencing how the official said shows like Colbert's operate out of 'purely partisan political purposes' in the climate of today when announcing the change last month. 'I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself,' Colbert said in retort. 'Lets just call this what it is. Donald Trump's administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV. Okay? 'Hes like a toddler with too much screen time. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diapers. So, its no surprise,' Colbert continued, concluding with a curt 'FCC you!' - before taking more shots at his soon-to-be former bosses by welcoming Talarico on. The interview, however, only aired on web. Colbert further explained that that network hadn't allowed him to advertise links or a QR code the audience, given the sitdown was essentially taboo. 'But I promise you if you go to our YouTube page, youll find it,' the host bragged. Sure enough, the interview was posted there as promised, with Colbert also welcoming outspoken liberal Jennifer Garner to the TV portion of the show. Colbert, 61, singled out FCC Chair Brendan Carr during the pointed monologue During Talarico's appearance, the state rep accused the administration of censorship with the FCC's move. The rule was originally meant to provide equal air time to opposing political candidates in the 1930s During Talarico's appearance, the rising star in the Texas House of Representatives also accused the administration of censorship. 'I think that Donald Trump is worried that were about to flip Texas, and, Stephen, this is the party that ran against cancel culture,' he said of the pulled TV appearance. 'Theyre trying to control what we watch, what we say, what we read.' Colbert's show was cancelled for financial reasons, CBS said in July. The show was losing $40million a year, according to a report from Puck. Colbert was named as David Letterman's replacement in 2015. Days before CBS announced his show was to be canceled, Colbert openly criticized Paramount, CBSs parent company, for its $16million settlement with the president earlier that year - a move tantamount to 'a big fat bribe,' according to the comic. The show will air its last episode in May, the network confirmed. Colbert, a vocal critic of Trump, has yet to announce any future plans. The No. 3 House Republican made a major mispronunciation during an important interview - badly butchering the name of convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, 64, had been touting the fact that it was officials from Donald Trump's first administration that carried out the arrests of Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell when he made the flub. He told anchor Vladimir Duthiers: 'His administration was the one that arrested Jeffrey Epstein and Giz- Gizlin.' Emmer's offering sounded more like the word 'sizzling' rather than the disgraced British socialite's actual first name. The politician then appeared to be grasping for a last name, to no avail. He shifted course by referring to Maxwell as Epstein's 'accomplice'. Duthiers then stepped in to offer a correction. He told Emmer it was pronounced 'Ghislaine', before letting the politician continue. Emmer, a representative for Minnesota, acknowledged the mistake with a bit of levity. 'That's a Midwestern faux pas,' he joked - an apparent bid to brighten the mood and a nod to residents' reputation for being well-mannered. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, 64, had been touting the fact that it was officials from Donald Trump's first administration that carried out the arrests of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell when he made the flub Emmer mispronounced the former British socialite's first name as 'Gizzlin', before seemingly giving up on her last name The interview continued normally from there, though, as the two discussed the Department of Justice's recent dump of Epstein-related records. Emmer, when grilled by Duthiers on the subject, said there was 'no doubt in my mind' that any potential crimes described in the documents were either fully investigated or brought to the attention of the DOJ. Several figures, including Trump himself, have received heat for unproven claims found in the files. The Republican also shot down Trump's recent calls for the GOP to 'nationalize' voting in the United States during the interview, telling Duthiers: 'The president will [say] his words. 'I will tell you where I'm at: The federal elections are administered by our states.' He added how state officials in his state would proudly hand over election information to the federal government if called upon to do so. 'If you have nothing to hide, you would send those to the federal government,' Emmer said, before shaming officials in Georgia for failing to do so prior to the FBI raid on an elections hub near Atlanta, where feds seized ballots last month. 'We want to make sure that the integrity of the federal elections are protected,' Emmer added, defending such efforts. Emmer told anchor Vladimir Duthiers: 'His administration was the one that arrested Jeffrey Epstein and Giz- Gizlin', before being corrected and making a joke to break the ice Duthiers, toward the end of the interview, outright asked Emmer whether he believed Democrats and Republicans could ever come together given the country's current climate, including in Emmer's home state. 'Vlad, this country will always come out of things and be even stronger than it was before. We have gone through things throughout our history,' Emmer answered. 'We are going to be fine at the end of the day'. Megyn Kelly has taken aim at NewsNation's Chris Cuomo for accusing her of engaging in 'click bait' with her Nancy Guthrie coverage. Cuomo, 55, made the allegation on X Tuesday after Kelly refused to rule out that one of Guthrie's relatives was involved in the suspected kidnapping. Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of Today star Savannah Guthrie, Kelly's former colleague. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos decried those who harbor such a belief on Monday, saying the Guthries - in-laws included - have all been 'cleared as possible suspects'. Kelly, however, remains wary - swayed by sources close to the case and a tweaked Tuesday press release that stated 'the Guthrie family has not been identified as suspects' rather than 'cleared,' she's said. A quote provided to the Daily Mail Sunday from the sheriff himself has also been singled out by Kelly as concerning. It said 'nobody' had been cleared in the case. Days before, NewsNation's Ashleigh Banfield pegged Nancy's son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, as 'a prime suspect.' Cuomo - a former CNN star who was fired for wading into his brother Andrew Cuomo's sex scandal in 2021 - wrote in reaction: 'It is shameful to play this story for click bait and hint that videos are fake and the family is in focus.' '[D]ont know if this is payback for nbc paying Kelly to gtfo but it is pretty obvious and ugly,' he added - a nod to Kelly's well-known $30 million payout, when she was forced to resign for remarks about blackface in 2019. Cuomo expressed similar sentiments on NewsNation the night before, earning a response from Kelly on her show Tuesday that contained its own allegations - including that Cuomo had been 'begging to [Kelly's] lawyer to lay off of [him]'. Megyn Kelly tore into NewsNation's Chris Cuomo on her show Tuesday over their disagreements regarding the Nancy Guthrie case Cuomo accused Kelly of purposely sensationalizing her coverage to secure clicks 'It didn't work,' Kelly, 55, said at one point during the lengthy retort. The rest of their feud revolved heavily around different aspects of the case, as well as Cuomo's ratings numbers. 'Let me tell you what Fredo is really upset about,' she began, using the unflattering nickname Cuomo has often been saddled with and the name of the weak brother of Michael Corleone in the classic Godfather movies. 'Fredo No-Rate-O, that's his real problem,' Kelly continued. 'Nobody watches his show on NewsNation, and I mean nobody. Nobody watches his failed podcast either.' She went on to slam all of the former ABC News chief law correspondent's TV and radio endeavors. The Megyn Kelly Show, meanwhile, 'is always one of the top three conservative podcasts in the nation,' Kelly said. The show is consistently one of top rated right-leaning shows on Apple and gains more than 100million views monthly on YouTube. 'So Fredo is upset, and Fredo is trying to play the protector of the Guthrie family. Meanwhile, there are a few in the news who have done more for the Guthrie family than this show,' Kelly said. Days before, Cuomo's NewsNation colleague Ashleigh Banfield pegged Nancy's son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni (pictured), as 'a prime suspect.' Police issued a statement exonerating the family - in-laws included - on Monday, though Kelly remains unconvinced Nancy, seen here with her daughter Savannah, was last seen on January 31 after entering her home in Tucson, Arizona. There are no suspects in the search for her captor 'We have covered this story extensively since it broke, because Fredo doesn't understand, but I too am a news woman, like Savannah. 'I too worked at the Today Show like Savannah Guthrie, I too have been the victim of a deranged stalker, which may be one of the possibilities here, something Fredo doesn't realize we've covered extensively as well on this program,' Kelly continued. 'I, too, know Ashleigh Banfield extremely well, and she's had extremely solid reporting for 20 years in the crime and other fields as well. 'And so when she tells me she's got a solid source, I take her very seriously.' As for the purported conversation between Cuomo and Kelly's lawyer, the conservative commentator elaborated: 'Fredo actually called my lawyer, who he happened to use briefly on a legal matter, and begged the lawyer to get me to stop mentioning him. 'He didn't want me to attack him, because it hurt his little feelings.' After touching on Cuomo's defense of his disgraced brother, Kelly shamed him for not asking questions. 'So this is what you're going to have to deal with. Actual facts when you try to come for yours truly.' Nancy was last seen on January 31 after entering her home in Tucson, Arizona. Nearly three weeks later, law enforcement has failed to name a suspect. The search for Nancy, as of writing, remains ongoing. Rising worries over debt are dampening households appetite to spend, a report found. The dismal findings of a monthly poll from financial firm S&P Global revealed a further deterioration in confidence in February. It represents the latest blow to Labours claims that the economy is set to turn a corner this year and comes days after official figures showed growth slowed to a crawl at the end of last year. The S&P Global UK consumer sentiment index, based on a panel of 1,500 households, gave a reading of 44.8 for February, on a scale where the 50-mark separates improvement from deterioration. The headline reading was slightly improved on Januarys 44.6 but remains much weaker than it has been for much of the past two years. Maryam Baluch at S&P Global Market Intelligence said households were growing increasingly worried about debt in particular. A separate report yesterday from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development showed Labours new Employment Rights Act was putting a handbrake on jobs. A surge in defence shares yesterday helped lift the FTSE 100 to another record close. BAE Systems and Babcock were among those businesses gaining ground as Keir Starmer said Britain must go faster in increasing military spending. That helped lift the FTSE by 27.3 points to 10,473.7, an all-time closing high. The Prime Minister said yesterday the defence budget must continue to be ramped up, even if there is a peace deal for Ukraine. High alert: Britain has already committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by next year, with an ambition to rise to 3% in the next Parliament That will not extinguish the Russian threat, and we need to be alert to that so we need to step up, Starmer said. That means on defence spending, we need to go faster. Britain has already committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product by next year, with an ambition to raise this to 3 per cent in the next Parliament. Reports suggest Starmer is considering bringing forward the 3 per cent goal to 2029. Shares in BAE, Britains largest defence contractor, climbed 3.1 per cent, submarine firm Babcock gained 3.6 per cent, and engine maker Rolls-Royce rose 2.1 per cent. Also contributing to yesterdays FTSE rally was a sharp rise for banking giant NatWest, which climbed 4.8 per cent. Rosebank boss Simon Peckham last night said nothing is stopping other companies from following its example after he unveiled his firms latest fundraising to pay for a transatlantic takeover swoop. Peckham, who is one of the UKs leading entrepreneurs, revealed that Rosebank is to raise 1.9billion of new capital in London to buy two US industrial firms for around 2.2billion. It would be lovely if us doing it inspired other people to be copycats, he said. This will mean we will have raised 3billion in equity from UK markets in the last 12 months. 'We dont see any reason at all why other companies couldnt do that. We are big believers you can raise money in the UK market. Rosebanks latest targets are CPM, which supplies processing equipment, and MW Industries, a maker of engineered precision components. Both are owned by US private equity firm American Securities. The move follows Rosebanks 1.5billion purchase of ECI, an electrical-components manufacturer, from private equity firm Cerberus last year. Cash call: Former Melrose boss Simon Peckham, pictured, revealed his investment vehicle Rosebank is raising capital in London to buy two US industrial businesses for around 2.2bn Peckham said the turnaround of ECI is going to plan. Rosebanks deal, and Peckhams upbeat remarks, will be seen as a fillip for the UK market. Londons status has come under strain with an exodus of companies either choosing to list elsewhere or being taken over by overseas bidders, in particular from the US. The London Stock Exchange Group itself is under pressure to improve its performance by US activist Elliott, which has taken a stake. And last week, the City was left stunned by the announcement that UK-listed investment giant Schroders has agreed after two centuries as an independent UK firm to a 9.9billion takeover by US rival Nuveen. Peckham (pictured) is best known for his previous role as chief executive of Melrose Industries, which took over a string of flagging businesses. Melrose grew from a start-up to a FTSE 100 business that in the 20 years after its float in 2003 returned 8billion of capital to its shareholders. It also created controversy with its 2018 takeover of automotive engineer GKN and the private equity style pay packets lavished on top bosses. Peckham said his aim in his latest venture is to do a deal every year. He made clear that it was financial logic rather than sentiment that lies behind his commitment to Britain. Peckham said: I am not here to lobby for the UK stock market, I am just a guy who wants the best possible return for Rosebank shareholders. We are going to remain UK listed. I want to make a lot of profit in the UK and to pay a lot of tax in the UK to fund the NHS 100 per cent. Some have questioned whether Rosebank will be able to squeeze a profit out of the companies it has bought. We have done it in the past at Melrose, Peckham said. We have just hit the 10th anniversary of Steve Webb's first pension column, published on 16 February 2016 on This is Money. Watch out for a series of articles and events to celebrate this landmark all this week. When I first had the idea of writing a weekly column answering pension questions from readers and suggested it to This is Money, we had no idea it would grow so popular. As well as hopefully helping people to understand the system better, an unexpected upside has been the wins big and small that have made a real difference to hundreds of thousands of people. Our biggest win started off with a simple column back in January 2020 when a reader raised the issue of his wife's very low state pension. Steve Webb: Get in touch with your problem at pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk The first article triggered a huge response and, before we knew it, we had dozens and then later many hundreds of cases of people being underpaid state pensions. Initially, we felt the Department for Work and Pensions was trying to fob us off, making out these could be isolated cases. Eventually the DWP put in place a four-year correction exercise involving over a thousand civil servants checking hundreds of thousands of pension records one by one. To date, DWP has paid out over 800million to 130,000 people, including more than 50,000 widows whose pensions were not reassessed when their husbands died. Another important win arising from this was that DWP were then forced to do proper checks of state pension awards and they unearthed another major glitch. Once again this mainly affected women, and arose from errors in allocating 'Home Responsibilities Protection' for time at home raising children. In response, the Government launched a mass letter-writing campaign with hundreds of women receiving letters encouraging them to claim for missing HRP. This has so far resulted in around 100million being paid out in arrears to just over 12,000 women, and we are keeping up the pressure to ensure more of those who missed out are tracked down. A key factor in determining people's entitlement to a state pension is their National Insurance record, but in a separate investigation we found out that millions of people were missing out. This is Money readers in receipt of Universal Credit told us that the National Insurance credits they should be getting were not showing up on their record. The DWP tried to fob us off, but eventually had to admit in the House of Commons that there was a computer issue and huge numbers of NI credits were yet to be added. I have no doubt that it was only our pressure, working with supportive MPs, which forced the Government to come clean. But one of the most rewarding things about writing my weekly column is not just the big campaigns. It's the individuals who get in touch who have been treated unfairly or are baffled by the system who we are able to help. One of the most common requests is for help in finding a lost workplace pension. In 2023 I was contacted by a reader who was sure she should have had a pension from a previous employer but had drawn a blank in her efforts to find it. We worked together over more than a year, following changes in pension administrator, company take-overs and changes in the companies managing the money but eventually managed to track down a pot running into thousands of pounds. With the lessons that I learned from this and other cases, I put together a guide on finding lost pensions which contains lots of useful tips if you are in the same situation. I also often find myself supporting people who are being passed from government department to government department with no-one taking responsibility. One example is the saga around state pension top-ups, where people are often sent back and forward between DWP and HMRC. Another is the challenges in claiming an over 80s state pension. Several readers report being told that they cannot apply for a pension unless they have a National Insurance number but that they cannot have a National Insurance number without a good reason and claiming a state pension apparently doesn't count! As well as the failures of government departments, I'm also often called upon to help out when private pension companies let people down. There have been lots of cases over the years where a message from me to an industry contact following a reader letter has helped to unlock things, and I'm grateful to those who have helped. But I would much prefer it if companies had efficient systems for dealing with complaints rather than leaving people on hold on the phone or being promised follow-up letters which never materialise. I couldn't spend the time that I do working on the column without the support and understanding of my employers Royal London when I started the column back in 2016 and now actuarial consultancy LCP. For more tricky cases I often call on the specialist expertise of colleagues or other industry experts and I'm grateful to all for their help. Finally, this column is very much a partnership between me and This is Money, and in particular Tanya Jefferies with whom I've worked on the column from the beginning. Tanya is an expert in her own right, and helps turn my drafts into something hopefully readable and engaging. Most importantly, she, like me and the whole This is Money team, care about getting justice for our readers and I hope to continue to play my part for years to come. British bank bosses will meet this week to discuss establishing an alternative national payments network to Visa and Mastercard. The idea has gained traction as fears mount that Donald Trump could at some point turn off international payment systems for political reasons. The meeting, chaired by Barclays UK boss Vim Maru, will bring together City figures who will fund a national payments company. US giants Visa and Mastercard dominate the payment landscape. Most card transactions in the UK are made using payment systems owned by the two companies, according to the Payment Systems Regulator. Mastercard says this week's meeting is part of a longstanding process to build the next generation of payments in the UK. While a City-funded and government-backed alternative has been discussed for years, plans have stepped up a notch in the face of Trumps recent threats against Nato allies. The UK is planning a sovereign payments system to rival Visa and Mastercard Should the US President shut off Visa and Mastercards payment infrastructure, the disruption could be huge. In Russia, where businesses are reliant on the two companies for 60 per cent of payments, sanctions left ordinary people without access to cash. If Mastercard and Visa were turned off, it would send us back to the 1950s, one executive told the Guardian. Of course, we need a sovereign payments system. Visa and Mastercards systems are used by Santander, Natwest, Nationwide, Lloyds, Coventry Building Society and the ATM network Link. A Mastercard spokesperson said: 'Recent reporting about the Retail Payments Infrastructure Board (RPIB) Delivery Company regarding the National Payments Vision has been mis-represented. 'The work of the board was announced recently and Mastercard welcomes the opportunity to help shape the future of payments in the UK. 'The meeting this week is part of the longstanding and orderly process that was kick-started with the publication of the Government's National Payments Vision in 2024. 'Both the meeting itself and its timing sit squarely within this longstanding and orderly programme. The payment industry has never been more competitive, providing consumers and businesses with a wide range of ways to pay and get paid.' European leaders are also looking at locally owned networks that would not be vulnerable to the whims of foreign powers. Aurore Lalucq, the chair of the European Parliaments economic and monetary affairs committee, has warned that relying on US companies could prove disastrous. She said: Visa, Mastercard the urgent issue is our payment system. Trump can cut everything off. The rest is poetry. I urgently request that the commission organise a European Airbus for payment systems: you cant say you werent warned. ECB President Christine Lagarde has also called for Europe to break its dependence on US infrastructure, saying Europe needs its own system urgently. Earlier this month, the European Payments Initiative and the EuroPA Alliance signed an agreement to build a pan-European payment network covering 130million users across 13 countries. The system, built around digital wallet Wero, will allow Europeans to pay and transfer money across borders. The full scale of what's been dubbed a dangerous cancer curing 'cult' operating in Dubai has been revealed - as experts claim the city has become the 'dumping ground for the world's worst criminals'. Practitioners of ThetaHealing, founded by Vianna Stibal in 1995, say they can access the brain's 'theta wave state' to find cures for mental and physical ailments. The controversial practice has been accused of luring in vulnerable families and encouraging them to 'reject medical healing in favour of fantasy' - amid claims it can 'cure HIV' and 're-grow amputated legs'. Human Rights Lawyer David Haigh and Women's Rights Campaigner Aisha Ali-Khan are co-founders of Dubai Watch, an organisation that aims to raise awareness of some of the dangers of travelling to the popular holiday destination. Mr Haigh has revealed the disturbing ongoing case of a six-year-old girl born into a powerful Emirati family whose mother insists both her daughter's broken feet can naturally 'regrow'. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Haigh said: 'A custody dispute has been going on for a while in relation to this case. 'The young girl managed to break both her feet and her mother genuinely believed they would regrow. The full scale of a dangerous ' cancer curing cult' operating in Dubai has been revealed. ThetaHealing's founder, Vianna Stibal, is pictured Third from the right is the mother of the six-year-old girl - a practitioner in Theta - who claims her daughter's broken feet can naturally 'regrow' A video from the 'awakeningthemasters' Instagram account depicts a woman holding a bent spoon 'The dad is obviously worried about what is happening but he will never get custody because he is living outside of Dubai. 'This is happening all the time in Dubai but no one realises it because the Foreign Office doesn't give any warnings. 'This is not an abstract human-rights issue. It is about children and vulnerable people being harmed behind closed doors while the authorities look the other way because the clients are wealthy and the optics are convenient.' Mr Haigh added the government was failing to advise tourists about the dangers of getting divorced and leaving Dubai after having children in the city. He said: 'You might not get your phone stolen in Dubai but they'll steal your children and your human rights.' The 'impressionable' six-year-old was allegedly taken to meetings where practitioners claimed her feet could heal using 'theta brainwaves'. Mr Haigh, who got involved after fearing for the girl's welfare, added she had since managed to receive some medical treatment but was still very much 'at risk' due to living with her mother, who is an advanced practitioner in Theta. He said a prominent Emirati lawyer, Mrs Samira Garage - the first female to hold the title in Dubai - had been 'so incensed' by the case she had filed a criminal complaint herself. David Haigh (pictured) has revealed the disturbing ongoing case of a six-year-old girl born into a powerful Emirati family whose mother continues to insist both her daughter's broken feet can naturally 'regrow' Women's Rights Campaigner, Aisha Ali-Khan (pictured), told the Daily Mail people moving over to Dubai were 'not aware of the risks' Mr Haigh said: 'Dubai is like the dumping ground of all things banned everywhere else. 'It's the conman capital of the world. There's no way these groups should be operating - they do claim to be a religion and it is basically a religion as opposed to yoga. 'It needs to be properly regulated - and it's in contravention of the state religion, Islam. 'What is most disturbing is that Dubai publicly claims zero tolerance for unlicensed religion and medical fraud - yet Theta Healing is allowed to operate openly in luxury hotels, charging thousands, making god-like claims, and targeting vulnerable families. 'This double standard puts children at real risk.' An FAQs page on the ThetaHealing website sees founder Vianna Stibal asked whether she has 'proof' of having previously had a problem with a now-apparently-healed cancerous tumour in her leg. She responds: 'Of course I do, I am a Capricorn. Besides all the witnesses, I have records, x-rays and MRIs. 2008 was the first time anyone asked me to see them. I now show them at some of my seminars.' Theta is an American headquartered group run primarily by Ms Stibal, an American citizen. Other clips show glamorous young women promoting the practice - in one, the influencer Yuliya Kutsaya, boasts of conducting 'over 3,000 successful theta sessions' Posters on social media (pictured) advertise recent ThetaHealing events. This one reads: 'Step into a powerful evening of alignment, intention, and expansion' Another poster advertising a recent event says attendees will learn all about 'energy cleansing', 'manifesting' and 'soulmates' Among the centres currently operating in Dubai are the Theta Healing Institute of Knowledge, the Home of Wellness Meditation Center and Theta - Illuminations Wellbeing Center. Ms Stibal has been quoted as claiming it is possible to grow back amputated body parts through Theta, including a leg or ovary - and 'cancer is one of the easiest things' to cure. On ThetaHealing's website it states Ms Stibal 'facilitated her own instant healing from cancer in 1995'. Vianna Stibal's ThetaHealing account on Instagram has more than 115,000 followers. The practice has been debunked by the prize-winning physician Edzard Ernst - however, Ms Stibal continues to charge thousands of dollars to train other practitioners. Flashy posters for the practice often reference the language of 'manifesting' - a term, which means 'willing things into happening', that has grown in popularity over the last five years and first came to prominence on social media. Women's Rights Campaigner, Ms Ali-Khan, told the Daily Mail people moving over to Dubai were 'not aware of the risks'. She said: 'When they go over there they think it's really wonderful - just like England but really safe. 'These practitioners suck people in with glossy brochures that have picture of really young and good looking women. Videos taken from various social media show classes also operating in other countries such as Japan - where attendees at a session in Taipei are pictured cheering and waving for the camera 'There is a lot of political maneuvering behind the scenes and ultimately the information isn't out there. 'If this was the UK there would be so many agencies involved - but there isn't the same infrastructure that we have here.' Speaking of other dangers in the city, Ms Ali-Khan referenced the example of Marcus Fakana - who, unaware of the laws surrounding the age of consent, was jailed at the age of 18 for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl - as well as an Indian national who had recently gone missing in the city. 'These are the cases we know of - what about all those we don't know?', Ms Ali-Khan said. Mr Haigh and Ms Ali-Khan say they have obtained a fatwa (an Islamic ruling issued by a head of state) saying ThetaHealing is against the law. However, the criminal complaint filed by The Emirati lawyer, Mrs Samira Garage, has not resulted in any action being taken. Mr Haigh said there had been 'multiple court cases around the world relating to the claims and activities of Theta and its founder Ms Stibal'. Videos taken from various social media accounts show classes operating in other countries such as Japan - where attendees at a session in Taipei are pictured cheering and waving for the camera. 'Of course I do, I am a Capricorn. Besides all the witnesses, I have records, x-rays and MRIs', Ms Stibal responds when asked for proof she healed her own cancer Other clips show glamorous young women promoting the practice - in one, the influencer Yuliya Kutsaya boasts of conducting 'over 3,000 successful theta sessions'. Another, from the 'awakeningthemasters' Instagram account depicts a woman holding a bent spoon. The caption reads: 'My 1st spoon bending experience' - a reference to how the influencer had supposedly used the power of her mind to bend the stainless steel. She said: 'I have always been fascinated by spoon benders but my mind had a doubt that i can do it! 'Today I bent this very sturdy spoon from the first attempt. You might think that stainless steel might not bend but energy will.' She concluded: 'Planning to add it to the money 2 workshop (make sure to take the pre requisites in November.' Promoters of Dubai hail its low taxes, luxury attractions and low incidents of petty crime. The ThetaHealing website insists its training method offers 'physical, emotional, and spiritual healing' by 'tapping into the Theta brain wave and connecting with the Creator Of All That Is.' A disclaimer right at the end of the FAQs page of the website adds: 'The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are not meant to supplement, or be substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. 'You should not treat a serious medical ailment without prior consultation from a qualified healthcare professional.' Mr Haigh and Ms Ali-Khan have said they hope 'DubaiWatch' will serve to provide people with information so they can make informed decisions before travelling to the city. Mr Haigh said: 'Dubai is dangerous, and that is precisely why Aisha and I set up Dubai Watch - Dubai Watch alerts, informs and advises tourists, influencers, expatriates, businesses and investors with the facts, risks and real dangers of Dubai.' Ms Ali-Khan added: 'What makes Theta Healing especially alarming in Dubai is the hypocrisy. 'Ordinary people can be jailed for minor religious infractions, yet a foreign belief system claiming divine healing powers is allowed to flourish openly - because it is profitable and discreetly patronised by the elite. 'This is not tolerance. It is selective enforcement, and women and children are the collateral damage.' Vianna Stibal and the government of Dubai have been contacted for comment. Do you know more? Email maisy.rae@dailymail.com.au A young woman has issued a warning after the owner of a popular restaurant allegedly sent her a late-night text after taking her number from the booking system. Sabrina Renda, 25, was dining with a friend in Melbourne when the owner of the restaurant approached their table. While the pair enjoyed a cordial chat, she claims things took a darker turn when she returned home that night. 'I went to check my messages before I went to sleep, and 12.47am, I get this text,' Ms Renda said in a video on TikTok. She then showed a picture of the text message she alleges is from the owner. The message reads: 'Hi, is this Sabrina? I know this is bad (reaching out to a client). I don't do this normally. Hope you don't mind me messaging you and if you think it's bad then please accept my apologies.' While the late-night message didn't contain any explicit language, Ms Renda said she was left feeling 'deeply unsettled', 'disturbed' and 'violated'. 'It's 12.47am and he's almost incriminating himself, saying, "This is bad...", that just tells me [he] has probably done this before if, with no invitation at all, you felt comfortable to reach out to me,' she said. Sabrina Renda (pictured) alleges she felt 'deeply disturbed' by a text message she received from the owner of a popular restaurant in Melbourne She added: 'Once you have your details in a booking system for a restaurant, they should not go any further, they shouldn't become personal details. 'This man was old enough to be my father... old enough to f***ing creep me out and make me feel deeply unsettled and disturbed.' Ms Renda also alleges the restaurant owner took a photo of her without her permission and hugged her after she extended her hand to shake. 'I felt so violated. It ruined what was otherwise a nice night,' she said. 'We all deserve to go out and enjoy a girls' dinner without coming home to realise we were being creeped on the whole time. 'This man clearly knew coming on to me in person would be inappropriate, so I'm not sure why he thought taking my number from my booking details and messaging me at 12.47am would be any less appropriate?' Daily Mail has sent requests for comment to the restaurant and its owner. A close friend of Sir Keir Starmer shared an 8million pot for his work negotiating the Chagos Islands 'surrender' deal to cede the territory to Mauritius, the Daily Mail can reveal. Philippe Sands KC, who describes himself as a 'great friend' of the Prime Minister, pocketed his share of the sum while acting as chief legal counsel to Mauritius between 2010 and 2024. In that time he secured the controversial deal which will see Britain hand back sovereignty of the strategically important archipelago, also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, and lease the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years - at an average cost of 101m a year. Professor Sands, a leading international human rights lawyer who is also close with Attorney General Lord Hermer, led a series of legal teams who were almost exclusively tasked with fighting for the cession of the island to Mauritius. Together they were allocated at least 8,300,000 from the Mauritian state budget, official documents show. While the exact figure Professor Sands took home is unknown, his role as chief counsel will have seen him earn the largest cut, according to one international lawyer, who said a large bonus could also be paid on the deal's completion. Asked how much he was paid, Sands told a House of Lords Committee he 'did not know' but admitted he was 'remunerated, as I am for almost all my cases. It was not done pro bono'. Professor Sands, who was controversially pictured hoisting a Mauritius flag over the Chagos islands in 2022, joked about 'humiliating Britain completely' during a talk at the University of Cambridge in 2023. Philippe Sands KC (left), who describes himself as a 'great friend' of the Prime Minister, shared an 8million pot for his work negotiating the Chagos Islands 'surrender' deal Professor Sands, who was controversially pictured hoisting a Mauritius flag over the Chagos islands in 2022, has joked about 'humiliating Britain completely' He has been branded a 'mercenary' by one Labour MP, who accused him of 'pretending to care about rights'. Graham Stringer, who has urged fellow Labour MPs to block the deal, told the Daily Mail: 'Philippe Sands is making a fortune representing the interests of a foreign country. 'Sands, the Prime Minister and the Attorney General all believe that international courts, dominated by judges from China are more important than our own democracy. 'The sooner we take control back for the people of this country, and not for foreign courts with lawyers making millions, the better.' One of the International Court of Justice judges who ruled Britain should give the islands to Mauritius 'as rapidly as possible' in 2019, effectively forcing the UK to begin negotiations over the archipelago, is a former Chinese government official who backed Russias invasion of Ukraine. Mr Stringer claimed that 'Sands pretends to care about rights but in actual fact he is trying to regress the Chagossians who don't want Mauritian control. 'He's a mercenary working in his own interest with the aid of Chinese Judges.' While Beatrice Pompe, who obtained a High Court injunction which temporarily prevented the UK government from signing the deal with Mauritius, called Professor Sands a 'snake'. The British Chagossian claimed the huge fees he earned shows he 'pretended to work for the good of the Chagossian people but was in it for himself'. She added: 'Forget the little people that he used to talk about, victims of crimes against humanity and human rights abuses who he used to care about. 'He's clearly supporting wherever the cash flows.' Professor Sands is far from the only lawyer representing Mauritius who personally knows Sir Keir. In a now deleted social media post, the lawyer boasted about the Mauritius flag flying over the Chagos Islands Bertrice Pompe (left), who obtained a High Court injunction which temporarily prevented the UK government from signing the deal with Mauritius, called Professor Sands a 'snake' His team included Elizabeth Wilmshurst, who got to know the Labour leader through their work in international law and they delivered a shared speech at Chatham House in 2013. While the PM and Alison Macdonald QC both represented activists who broke into Royal Air Force bases to protest the Iraq War in joint proceedings before Law Lords in 2006. The lawyers were paid varying amounts by Mauritius each year, with a fee of over 1.3m in 2022/23 the highest, budget documents from the Mauritius Prime Minister's Office show. While a fixed fee of 2m was earned for their work between 2010 and 2015. Professor Sands, who has compared Britain's possession of the archipelago to the Russian invasion of Crimea, was handed an honorary degree at the University of Cambridge for his achievements last week. In his 2022 book, The Last Colony, he claimed Britain's promotion of self-determination for the Falkland Islands but not the Chagossians is racist. It shows it is 'one rule for whites, another for blacks,' he wrote. In evidence submitted to the House of Commons in 2024, Professor Sands wrote: 'As the "British Indian Ocean Territory" is illegal under international law, Britain is currently in illegal occupation of a part of the territory of Mauritius, and of the continent of Africa. 'It follows, too, regrettably, that the operation of the military base at Diego Garcia is not in conformity with international law. 'So long as the UK's illegal occupation continues, Britain's position is no different from that of South Africa in relation to Namibia (from 1971 to 1994), Russia in relation to Crimea and other parts of the territory of Ukraine (since 2014), or China in relation to certain claims in relation to the South China Sea'. The international lawyer has proposed a 'national security' justification for ceding the archipelago, an argument that has repeatedly been used by the PM. Professor Sands has been friends with Sir Keir for more than 20 years. He was a founding member of Matrix Chambers, where the PM was previously co-head of chambers. Lord Hermer also worked with Sands at the chambers for 10 years. A group of Chagossians including Misley Mandarin and his father (pictured) set foot on the archipelago in defiance of the British governments exclusion zone on Tuesday The archipelago's largest island, Diego Garcia (pictured), is home to a strategically important joint UK-US military base Professor Sands later campaigned for Starmer to become Labour leader and described him as 'generous, humorous and empathetic'. The PM visited Mauritius in 2013, in a trip apparently arranged with the help of Sands. He was granted Mauritanian citizenship and even received the East African nation's highest civilian award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, for his role in securing the territory. But he was dismissed in 2024 as the country's chief legal council. Chagossians have previously questioned whether his close links to Sir Keir were behind the Government rushing through a deal to give the territory back to Mauritius. Following the deal's announcement last year, Jean-Francois Nellan, a campaigner from the group Chagossian Voices, said: 'Why are they rushing this? Is it because the Prime Minister is friends with Philippe Sands?' Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, told the Daily Mail: 'Keir Starmer's "great friend" Philippe Sands is key to the Chagos Surrender that is undermining our national interest and our security. 'Like Starmer, Peter Mandelson, Jonathan Powell and everyone else associated with the Chagos scandal, I believe that Sands is happy to sell out our country. 'The Conservatives will continue to fight the Chagos Surrender every step of the way. Labour and their lefty lawyer friends cannot be trusted to stand up for Britain on the international stage. Only the Conservatives will defend our country's interests.' Sands campaigned for the PM as Labour leader in the party's 2020 election. A year earlier he interviewed him at a literary festival for a talk titled 'Brexit Britain: The State of the Union'. And in 2016, Sir Keir tweeted that would be 'interviewing my friend Philippe Sands tonight at the launch of his book on origins of genocide and crimes against humanity'. Professor Sands has been contacted for comment. Your browser does not support iframes. The UK purchased the Chagos Islands for 3m in 1968 but Mauritius argued it was forced to give it away to gain independence from Britain. A deal, which could cost the taxpayer up to 30bn, was signed on May 22 last year, despite a last-minute legal challenge by two Chagossians. The Tories said it was 'an act of national self-harm', which left the country 'more exposed to China' because of Beijing's ties with Mauritius. Donald Trump branded it an 'act of great stupidity'. The US President has been opposed to the agreement because the archipelago's largest island, Diego Garcia, is home to a strategically important joint UK-US military base. But Mr Trump later backtracked and agreed it was the 'best' deal Britain could have made. Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam praised the deal as a 'great victory for the Mauritian nation'. He said: 'I have always said we must obtain our sovereignty over the totality of the Chagos, including Diego Garcia. 'The Chagossians must be able to live once again on their islands.' An FCDO spokesman said: 'The Diego Garcia military base is crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies, and this treaty guarantees that UK-US operations at the base will continue for generations to come.' A young student was killed with a stab to the neck as he sat smiling and chatting with friends outside an accommodation block in Cambridge, a court heard today. Mohammed Algasim, 20, is said to have been approached by Chas Corrigan, 22, who a jury was told had been drinking in a nearby pub and may have taken drugs. Corrigan allegedly spoke to Mr Algasim, who was sitting on a low wall, before walking away. Mr Algasim uttered something, the jury was told, although a witness could only hear the word centre and Corrigan returned and started shouting What did you say? in an angry and aggressive way. The prosecution says Saudi Arabian national Mr Algasim then stood up and moments later the defendant produced a large knife from his pocket and stabbed him. Corrigan then ran away, while his alleged victim collapsed in the street. Describing the alleged attack in his opening statement today, prosecutor Nicholas Hearn said: What none of that group know is that at the same time, a short distance away, a young man named Chas Corrigan is leaving the Early of Derby pub after an evening of drinking and using drugs. He has a kitchen knife in his shorts pocket and, in a few moments time, after a short verbal altercation with Mr Algasim (a man he has never previously met) he will use that kitchen knife to stab Mr Algasim forcefully to the neck, fatally wounding him. Mohammed Algasim, 20, was pronounced dead outside a block of luxury apartments in Cambridge just after midnight on August 2 Chas Corrigan, 21, denies murdering the student who was attending a language school in the historic city Floral tributes were left in the street near where Saudi Arabian national Mr Algasim died Jurors at Cambridge Crown Court were told that much of the case would rely on CCTV, including footage of the alleged incident itself. Mr Hearn added: There will be footage that established the defendants movements before and after the incident. But most significantly, the stabbing itself was captured by a high-quality CCTV camera positioned outside the student accommodation. You will, Im afraid, have to watch that footage many times during the course of this trial. The CCTV of the alleged attack played in court today showed Corrigan staring straight ahead and showing no emotion. Towards the end of the footage, someone could be heard screaming as Mr Algasim ran away after being stabbed. Mr Algasim was sitting outside the student accommodation near the city centre late on the night of August 1 last year, the jury was told. Witnesses described how a man in a high-visibility jacket then approached Mr Algasim. Describing the alleged attack, another student, Abdullah Saleh A Bin Shuail, said how the victim was sitting on the low wall outside the accommodation block. The defendant approached and went over to Mr Algasim and got within touching distance of him. Corrigan allegedly said something but he couldnt hear what was said and could not hear whether Mr Algasim said anything in reply. The defendant then walked towards the train station and Mr Algasim said something to the defendant but [he] could only make out one word centre. Mr Heard told the court: The defendant turned and started to come back towards them his right hand was in his right pocket He was saying What did you say? What did you say? in a very angry and aggressive way. Jurors at Cambridge Crown Court were told that much of the case would rely on CCTV, including footage of the alleged incident itself. Pictured: Chas Corrigan, 22, who denies murdering Mohammed Algasim, 20 Mr Algasim is said to have been approached by Corrigan who a jury was told had been drinking in a nearby pub and may have taken drugs. Pictured: Corrigan who denies murdering Mr Algasim Mr Algasim is said to have stayed where he was and the defendant shouted: I know what that means before he bent down and put his face very close to Mr Algasims face. The prosecution say Mr Algasim then stood up and the defendant stepped back. They seemed to separate, Mr Bin Shuail did not see what caused this to happen but assumed one of them must have pushed the other, Mr Heard said. He then saw the defendant punch Mr Algasim heard to the left side of the neck. He then saw that the defendant was holding a large knife in his right hand. Corrigan allegedly shouted at Mr Bin Shuail What you do, what you do before running away, as his victim collapsed further up the street after having run away. The court heard that the defendant had earlier shown a knife to Stephen Papillon, who was also at the pub, although he thought it was for self-defence as the defendant mentioned he had been shot and stabbed before. Mr Papillon described how Corrigan, who was on his own but going up to people to speak to them, had been drinking but was over-friendly rather than badly behaved. A post-mortem examination found Mr Algasim's death was caused by a single stab wound to the left of the neck that cut across the carotid artery and jugular vein, causing massive haemorrhaging. The defendant was quickly identified and police attended his address but his father, Peter Corrigan, told officers he didnt know where he was, the court heard. Media appeals followed and police received information about an address where Corrigan was staying, and he was arrested on suspicion of murder. CCTV showed the defendant had discarded his jacked in a street near the scene of the stabbing, the court heard. During a police interview, Corrigan provided a statement in which he denied murder. He subsequently answered no comment to all questions. The jury was told he had admitted being in possession of a knife but continued to deny murder. Corrigan allegedly spoke to Mr Algasim, who was sitting on a low wall, before walking away. Pictured: Corrigan who denies murdering Mr Algasim Mr Hearn said the evidence would show that the defendant intended at least really serious harm and that, while the use of force in self-defence was allowed in law but only force which is reasonably necessary. He added: Mr Algasim posed no threat to anybody. The defendant was the aggressor here. He approached Mr Algasim holding a knife in his right pocket, ready to be used. He made a deliberate decision to use that knife to deliberately stab Mr Algasim. This was an unprovoked and senseless act of violence. It was not an accident. It was not self-defence. It was murder. Jane Osborne KC, defending, said her client had no intention of using that knife and had it only to frighten off an attacker. He wanted to prevent himself from being the victim of violence again, she said. Ms Osborne added that Corrigan thought Mr Algasim was acting aggressively and he feared he would be attacked, which is why he produced the knife. She said the defendant had only meant to intimidate and scare, rather then hurt, adding: He accepts his actions resulted, regrettably, in the death of Mr Algasim. The court heard that when Mr Papillon and Corrigan first started talking, they discussed both being Irish and the Rathmore Club, an Irish members establishment in Cambridge. Earlier, Simona Miksykte, who lives near the scene of the attack and knew the defendant through her ex-boyfriend, said he had asked about coming to her flat. While there, he acted strangely and was being inappropriately flirtatious with her and her neighbour, a woman called Emily Brown. Mr Hearn said Ms Miksykte formed the view that he may have taken drugs [as] she had seen him drunk on previous occasions and this seemed different. Corrigan asked to stay at her flat for the night but she insisted he left and she was later awoken by a call from a neighbour saying someone had been stabbed in the street, the court heard. Police visited her home the next day after she told them she had heard the suspect wore a high-visibility jacket like the one she had seen Corrigan wearing that night. Ms Miksykte looked in her knife drawer and saw that it was in a mess and not how she would normally leave it. She was unable to say whether or not a knife was missing, Mr Hearn said. The trial continues. An Australian OnlyFans model has been caught on camera stealing a bikini from a boutique in Bali, but was hit by a barrage of death threats after she confessed. Gemma Doyle, 26, from Newcastle in NSW, was holidaying with her friend in Uluwatu when she took the swimsuit from Muse store over the weekend. The entire incident was captured on CCTV, with the boutique owner later posting the footage to social media in a bid to identify Ms Doyle. Within hours, the video began circulating online and instead of keeping a low profile, Ms Doyle responded publicly, triggering death threats and online abuse. 'It's been quite scary,' Ms Doyle told Daily Mail. 'They tried to extort me.' She admitted stealing the bikini in a video on her social media account on Saturday. 'I am aware of the stories going around and it's true, I was on one and I was being a bit silly and I stole a swimsuit,' she said as she walked through her hotel bar area. 'But that's all I did. I'm just a human being guys, and I have never stolen anything in my life but anyway I did that, it costs like $30 and I did it just for the fun of it. Australian OnlyFans model Gemma Doyle has been caught red handed stealing a skimpy bikini Ms Doyle admitted to taking the bikini and gave a variety of reasons why Ms Doyle was holidaying with her friend in Uluwatu 'But anyway, yes I know I'm fat, that's what the lady said in her stories, but here's my response.' Ms Doyle then placed her phone on the ground and brazenly jumped into a pool yelling: 'F*** you.' The clip quickly ignited outrage, with comments slamming Ms Doyle's apparent lack of remorse and calling for her to be reported to authorities and deported. In Bali, shoplifting can carry serious consequences under Indonesian law, including fines or potential jail time. Ms Doyle claimed she had received threats, and the circulation of the CCTV footage online had fuelled harassment. But by Sunday, her tone appeared to shift. In a second video, she apologised to the store owner and said the incident was a mistake. 'I really wanted to apologise,' Ms Doyle said. 'I was joking, but I actually wanted to apologise for taking what I took. 'And I'm very, very sorry. I'm very, very sorry to the owners of the store, to everyone involved.' Ms Doyle shared screen shots of her harassment to her own page The heated exchange between the shop owner and Ms Doyle was posted online Ms Doyle posted a video response to the stealing allegations She also claimed the situation came about because of underlying medical conditions. 'I don't wanna get too much into it, but I do have a brain injury because I was hit a lot of times in the head,' she said. 'And also because of my endometriosis where I was fainting and I would hit my head and it turns out I have a traumatic brain injury. 'And I haven't wanted to discuss this because I feel like it's kind of embarrassing to talk about.' She insisted she was meeting with the shop owner to return the bikini. 'The owner is coming to meet me now and I'm going to pay her double of what was taken and also give the items back,' she said. 'But for everyone sending threats, insults, posting stories of me, that's okay. I get it. I did the wrong thing. 'I take accountability. I am really sorry.' Ms Doyle said she understood why she was getting threats The shop owner met with Ms Doyle to collect the bikini However Ms Doyle's story changed on Monday when she spoke to the Daily Mail and claimed it was simply a drunken mistake. She slammed the shop owner for demanding too much compensation, and added: 'I hadn't had alcohol for two years. 'I thought as it was my second time overseas I'll have a few drinks and this happened unfortunately, and then they tried to extort me. 'I know I was wrong, I apologised immediately and offered to return the item as well as pay for it. 'They tried to say I had to pay $1,500 or 18million (IDR) and I said I was not paying that for a pair of swimmers, but I wanted to make it right.' She also claimed the situation has escalated and that her life was in danger. 'I put a pair of swimmers in my bag and that was it,' she said. 'I have returned the item to the owner. I made a mistake. Bully me sure, but death threats over a pair of swimmers? 'We have all made mistakes. I've been honest and taken accountability.' Ms Doyle claimed she had been drinking when she stole the swimwear Daily Mail spoke to a friend of the shop owner who said that the police had attended Ms Doyle's hotel on Sunday night. Ms Doyle also confirmed she had spoken to police but said she 'didn't get into any trouble with the cops'. However she warned that she intended to report the shop owner to authorities. 'I'm reporting them back for harassment, doxing my personal information and endangering me and death threats,' she said. 'I have all the proof.' A Utah caregiver has been accused of leaving three disabled patients to die in his unventilated garage while he snacked and watched anime. Isaiah Vaughn Pulu, 25, was arrested on February 6 in West Valley City, a suburb of Salt Lake City, and charged with three counts of murder and three counts of aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult. He was accused of killing Mosa'ati Moa, 22, Colton Moser, 25, and Timothy Jones, 39. All three of the men were dependent on caretakers for their daily needs, and two of them were nonverbal. Pulu was working for Safe & Sound Services LLC, a company that provides adult care to disabled persons in the state system. His job was to pick up disabled folks at group homes and take them on outings to places such as the park or the mall for the day. On February 6, he was assigned to take care of Moa, Moser and Jones. Pulu told investigators that he picked the three up early in the morning, but one of them was being 'rowdy,' so he decided to drive around for 30 to 45 minutes. The investigators said that Pulu told them he had been 'trained to use isolation as de-escalation,' so he drove the patients to his home and decided to leave them in the garage. He claimed to have arrived at his apartment around 10.30am and told investigators 'that he left the van running, the heater or AC on, the windows down and left the garage door open.' According to his charges, Pulu then left the men unattended and entered his home for hours before checking on them. 'I just wanted to get some food and watch my show,' he allegedly told police. Mosa'ati Moa, 22, died on February 6 after allegedly being left in a garage by a Utah caretaker named Isaiah Vaughn Pulu, 25 Colton Moser, 25, was another one of Pulu's alleged victims who died after being left in the garage Timothy Jones, 39, is Pulu's third alleged victim. He and the two others were all disabled and required caretakers for their daily needs Pulu is accused of eating and watching anime until 1.30pm, when he finally went back to his garage to check on the patients. He was meant to return the men to their group homes by that time. Upon entering the garage, Pulu found all three of the disabled patients unconscious. Police claim that it took him 20 minutes to call 911 after first calling his mother in a panic and receiving a call from his work. The Utah State Medical Examiner's Office determined 'the cause of death would most likely be CO poisoning,' which will have to be confirmed by a pending toxicology report. Police said that the CO alarm in the apartment above was going off and registered 600 parts per million. It is unclear what the exact level was in the garage, but it was likely far higher. CO levels above 800 parts per million can be fatal. Police said that during the 911 call, Pulu told them the garage door had been open the whole time the men were in the van, but it was closed when he found them. Detectives who spoke with the caregiver's boss also said that Pulu had lied to him and told the boss that only two of the men were in the van while a third was in the apartment. Police quickly discovered many holes in Pulu's story. They determined that all of the men had been in the van and that the garage door had been closed the entire time. They also reviewed doorbell camera footage that showed Pulu arriving at the apartment around 9am, an hour and a half earlier than he had said. That means in total, he had allegedly left the patients unattended for four and a half hours. Jones is pictured with family members who said they 'are still trying to process this unimaginable loss' on a fundraiser for his funeral expenses Moser is pictured with a loved one. In a fundraiser, his family described him as having 'a big bright smile and a very special spirit that impacted everyone around him' Moa is pictured with a loved one. In a fundraiser, he was described as having 'a unique personality, a gentle spirit, and a way of touching lives simply by being himself' The CEO of Safe & Sound Services LLC said that staff are not allowed to bring patients to their homes. Pulu had previously been reprimanded in January for leaving patients unattended for about 30 minutes. When Pulu was arrested, he was originally charged with three counts of manslaughter. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill filed for the more severe murder charges because Pulu's actions showed a 'depraved indifference to human life,' he said. During a press conference on Friday to announce the charges, Gill said: 'There are three individuals, who are disabled individuals, who need oversight, who need care from folks. They are left unattended with the vehicle running [for an] extended period of time. 'There's also been a warning that he had earlier that said that he cannot leave people unattended, which he was aware of.' Pulu is currently being held in the Salt Lake County Jail without bond. The families of all three of the victims have created GoFundMes to help cover the costs of funeral expenses. Jones is pictured as a little boy. The photo was shared by his family on his fundraiser Moser is pictured as a young boy on the beach. The photo was shared by his family on his fundraiser Pulu is being held without bond at the Salt Lake County Jail. There were no publicly available mugshots of him available in arrest records or jail records In Moser's fundraiser, his family described him as a 'beautiful boy' with 'a big bright smile and a very special spirit that impacted everyone around him.' 'Our world stopped in an instant, and nothing will ever feel the same again. The pain of losing him this way is something no family should ever have to endure,' the family added. Moa's fundraiser said he was 'deeply loved by his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.' He was described as having 'a unique personality, a gentle spirit, and a way of touching lives simply by being himself.' Jones's fundraiser said he 'was deeply loved, and his passing has left a profound void in the lives of many.' HS2 bosses were on Monday accused of splurging 'offensive' amounts of taxpayers' cash on 'spin' as it emerged the high-speed rail project's PR department has nearly 100 staff costing up to 14million a year. More than 800,000 alone has been spent on 12 spin doctors and social media experts to promote and defend the beleaguered project after the budget for its 'External Affairs Directorate' increased by nearly two-thirds. Meanwhile, 38 staff work in 'community engagement' trying to sell HS2 to local residents whose lives are being blighted by disruptive building works. The project's PR arm has 95 staff in total, with the rest working on public affairs, events and internal communications. Details obtained exclusively by the Mail show that it was handed a budget of 9million last year (2024-25). But this was increased by 5million to 14million for the current financial year, according to a Freedom of Information request. Project insiders on Monday said the budget increase was because the 'Stakeholder Engagement and Skills' team was moved out of the PR department (External Affairs Directorate) last year, but moved back into it this year. They also said overall spending on PR over a longer period has decreased. But critics said the figure being spent on PR at taxpayers' expense remained too high. HS2 trains were supposed to start running between London and Birmingham by this year, but won't until at least the mid-2030s amid several delays and spiraling costs HS2's projected cost was originally around 30billion or so, but has ballooned to 100billion even for a much shorter route than originally planned. One major cost has been tunnelling, pictured HS2 critics have complained that the building work along the route of the high-speed rail project has blighted the lives of many residents The Tory MP for Buckingham, Greg Smith, whose constituents have been blighted by building work for years, said: 'It's utterly infuriating that HS2's priority is to increase communications spending massively, while my constituents still wait for payments on land taken, promised mitigation projects remain unfunded and our roads are crumbling under the strain of HS2's HGVs. 'It is beyond offensive for HS2 to spend taxpayers' money in this way when those same taxpayers are suffering under HS2 construction behaviour.' Lord Tony Berkeley, who served as the deputy chair of a government-ordered review into HS2, said it added 'insult to injury' after officials 'lied' for years about the true costs of the project. He added: 'I'm afraid it is quite ridiculous. I think taxpayers will think it's a complete waste of money and it's why several years ago I called for the project to be cancelled. Where's the cost benefit?' Last year the Mail revealed how the new boss of HS2 has been lavished with a huge pay package worth up to nearly 1million. Mark Wild, who took over as CEO in December 2024, will pocket a salary of 600,000 this year (2025/2026). But he is also in line for a bonus of up to 280,000 and pension contributions of 60,000, meaning his overall package is worth up to a staggering 940,000. Join the debate Should taxpayers money be spent on PR for HS2 while local communities face disruption and neglect? Mark Wild, the CEO of HS2, is in line for a pay package of up to nearly 1million this year. He sparked controversy last year for refusing to apologise for the rail project spending 100million on an infamous 'bat tunnel' Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, has described HS2 as an 'appalling mess' that Labour will 'sort out' HS2 was originally going to link London with Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds. But Phase One, highlighted green above, will only now go ahead after several parts were axed by previous Tory governments The potential sum dwarfs the 676,763 that Mark Thurston, the previous CEO, got in his final year at the helm. Mr Wild sparked controversy last year for refusing to apologise for the rail project spending 100million on an infamous 'bat tunnel' intended to protect the animals from passing trains, saying that the structure in Buckinghamshire was a legal requirement because the creatures are legally protected in the UK. HS2 has been dogged by repeated delays and spiralling costs, with Birmingham to London trains originally due to begin this year. But this now won't happen until at least the mid-2030s. The project initially had a price tag of just over 30billion, including for eastern and western legs branching off to Leeds and Manchester from Birmingham. But only Phase One, which connects London with Birmingham, will now go ahead after both northern legs were axed by previous Tory Governments. Despite this, estimates suggest the final cost will still exceed 100billion. A spokesman for HS2 Ltd, which runs the project, said: 'The rise in the External Affairs Directorate budget over the last year is simply a reflection of an internal reorganisation. 'Spending on communications overall has actually been cut by 37 per cent in two years while headcount has been reduced by 43%.' Mountains of waste has been shifted onto an illegal dump partly owned by King Charles as new footage reveals huge activity at the site. Footage by drones appears to capture two excavators dumping rubbish from one area of the Wigan site to land belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster. The Greater Manchester tip - which has been labelled the worst illegal waste dump in Britain - holds more than 25,000 tonnes of rotting rubbish, all within yards of residential homes and primary schools. The rubbish tipping comes only weeks after it emerged last month that a significant area of the site was owned by the Monarch through the Duchy of Lancaster estate. Residents close to the site said they were previously assured it was secure after a major criminal investigation by the Environment Agency, however, the new footage captured by Channel 4 News has raised questions that the site is still active. In response, new petition created by residents demanding the Monarch clear the site has now reached 20,000 signatures. Wigan resident Nicha Rowson, who lives less than 100 metres from the rat-infested waste site, is also writing a letter to the King urging him to take action. So far, the Duchy has offered to 'hand over the land' to Wigan Council, but it maintains it has no responsibility to help clean it up, insisting only 30 per cent of the land is vested with the King's estate. The site in Wigan (pictured) where mountains of waste has been shifted onto an illegal dump partly owned by King Charles The area holds more than 25,000 tonnes of rotting rubbish (pictured) all within yards of residential homes and primary schools However, the Environment Agency has countered this, stating the Duchy owns the 'majority parcel' of the illegal dump. If the Duchy handed the land to Wigan Council, the King would give the clean-up bill, running into millions, to the taxpayer. Josh Simons MP, the MP for Makerfield and Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office has previously said the Duchy 'seems to be getting off scot-free' adding that it has a 'moral obligation' to help clear the illegal dump. A spokesperson for The Duchy of Lancaster told Channel 4 News 'the Duchy remains fully committed to working with Wigan Council and the Environment Agency to address this issue and to counter the impact of illegal waste tipping.' Baroness Sheehan, Chair of the House of Lords Environment Committee, said: 'Well, I am gob smacked really and, when I saw it, it was just so filthy and so horrible, it's a living nightmare for the residents and it just seems as though there's no end in sight. 'That there is now new activity being seen there. It's just awful for them. 'My message to the EA is that they really need to urgently clear this site because it is going to attract new activity. 'They need to clear the site, they need to secure the site thereafter. I do think CCTV would be a good deterrent - if they can get one up that's effective. The Greater Manchester tip (pictured) has been labelled the worst illegal waste dump in Britain Residents close to the site (pictured) said they were previously assured it was secure, however, the new footage has raised questions that the site is still active The Duchy has offered to 'hand over the land' to Wigan Council, but it maintains it has no responsibility to help clean the waste (pictured) up 'It does shock me given the history of the site, given what's already there and given that we know that the waste criminals who operate sites like this are unscrupulous actually and they will do anything for more money.' The Environment Agency said: 'We have taken robust action at this site, including launching a major criminal investigation and interviewing individuals under caution. 'A series of interventions have already been made to ensure there has been no additional waste dumped illegally. 'As this is an active criminal investigation, we are unable to comment on specifics of the site.' Investigators in Minnesota say it's 'concerning and unprecedented' that the FBI will not share any evidence collected in the investigation into the death of Alex Pretti. Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot to death by Department of Homeland Security officers in a devastating incident caught on video. His killing is now being investigated by both the Department of Justice's civil rights division and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Drew Evans, the superintendent of the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said Monday that the FBI has formally told them they will not offer any access to information or evidence. He added that their request was a repeat of the ones they asked for in connection to the shootings of Renee Good and Julio Sosa-Celis. 'While this lack of cooperation is concerning and unprecedented, the BCA is committed to thorough, independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, even if hampered by a lack of access to key information and evidence,' Evans said. He said that the door remains open to cooperating with the FBI and DOJ 'should its stance change.' When reached by The Daily Mail for comment, a spokesperson for the FBI directed us to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's comments on January 30 announcing their own investigation. Investigators in Minnesota say it's 'concerning and unprecedented' that the FBI will not share any evidence collected in the investigation into the death of Alex Pretti Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot to death by Department of Homeland Security officers in a devastating incident caught on video That day, Blanche marked a total reversal from the Trump administration's approach to the case, which officials originally indicated would be confined to a narrow DHS review focused on use-of-force by the agents. 'There are thousands, unfortunately, of law enforcement events every year where somebody is shot,' Blanche said. Pretti, 37, was shot dead by Border Patrol agents after filming deportation operations on January 24. An intensive care unit nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pretti was armed with a handgun and multiple magazines full of ammunition when he was apprehended by half a dozen agents. Though he had a concealed carry permit, Pretti was shot around 10 times after officers claimed he resisted arrest, leading to a scuffle with law enforcement. Pretti was pepper-sprayed during the incident and agents can be heard talking about the nurse being armed before they shot him. However, one of the agents disarmed Pretti shortly before he was shot. Noem claimed that Pretti brandished his weapon to law enforcement during the interaction, but bystander video does not show any such brandishing, and a preliminary internal DHS investigation also found that Pretti did not flash his firearm. 'FBI is now leading the Pretti investigation with HSI supporting,' a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. 'This is separate from the CBP investigation.' Drew Evans (pictured), the superintendent of the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said Monday that the FBI has formally told them they will not offer any access to information or evidence The FBI has not assisted Minnesota in investigations into any of the recent ICE-involved shooting. Pictured: Director Kash Patel Noem has found herself increasingly isolated in Trump's cabinet amid the fallout from the fatal shootings Pretti and Renee Good, a mother of three. Noem's public rhetoric after the shooting intensified scrutiny of her judgment and command of the department. She accused Pretti of being an armed domestic terrorist seeking to do harm to law enforcement. Footage later emerged showing Border Patrol agents removed Pretti's holstered gun before shooting the ICU nurse dead. Moreover, DHS insiders tell the Daily Mail she has lost the confidence of large swaths of rank-and-file ICE and Border Patrol officials, who accuse her of sidelining experienced leadership, chasing media-driven enforcement actions, and creating confusion on the ground. Trump, in response, installed her longtime rival, Border Czar Tom Homan, to oversee immigration operations in Minneapolis while Noem engages in a blame game with Stephen Miller. The DOJ's new probe into the death of Pretti contrasts with their response from Good's fatal shooting earlier this month. The Justice Department refused to open a civil rights investigation into Good's shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. At the time, Blanche stated there was no basis for an investigation. Staff in a Victorian women's prison have claimed they warned authorities not to transfer a transgender killer into the facility, just two months before they sexually assaulted another inmate. Clinton Rintoull was handed a 20-year sentence, with a non-parole period of 16 years, in 2009 for the murder of Sudanese refugee Liep Gony in 2007. Rintoull, who was born male, was transferred to Tarrangower prison in April 2022 after transitioning in a men's facility. However, it took just two months for the killer who now goes by Katelyne to attack a vulnerable female inmate inside the minimumsecurity prison. Rintoull was placed alongside the victim, a young mum with a baby, despite authorities deeming her a 'fragile' prisoner because of a history of being raped, the Herald Sun reported. While much has been reported about the Allan Government's secret compensation bill to the victim of the jail sexual assault, prison whistleblowers now allege they had warned their bosses Rintoull would pose an unacceptable risk to female inmates if their request to transfer was accepted. 'Everyone saw this coming,' one prison insider said. 'We all asked ourselves how long would it be before Rintoull assaults someone. The writing was on the wall.' Clinton Rintoull assaulted a female inmate after they were moved from a men's to women's jail The sexual assault occurred at the minimum security Tarrangower female prison The insiders said concerns were raised with authorities about the 'genuineness' of Rintoull's transition, describing them as a 'master manipulator', and said they had worked out they could have an easier time inside a women's prison. 'She was allowed to come into the staff office to shop online for underwear and makeup,' another insider said. 'She demanded to be allowed to swim in the male prison pool in a bikini.' The insiders claim they gave Corrections Victoria management plenty of warnings about the likelihood of Rintoull reoffending ahead of the transfer to Tarrangower. 'All the officers were asking, "How long do you think it will take, a day, a week?", they knew,' the source said. Following the attack, Rintoull was transferred back to the minimum-security Langi Kal Kal men's prison farm near Ballarat. Rintoull was granted parole in 2024 and is now living in the community under a new and undisclosed identity. Last month, Corrections Victoria updated its policies for the placement of transgender prisoners to 'allow them less say over where they are held in custody'. Rintoull (pictured before their transition) is serving 20 years for the murder of Liep Gony, 19 The Sudanese refugee was horrifically attacked and left to die in a park by Rintoull in 2007 It's understood senior Labor figures pushed for a tougher crackdown, including a blanket ban on any male-born transgender killers or sex offenders being housed in female prisons. However the Allan government has refused to rule out transgender inmates being placed in womens prisons in future. Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the government needed to go further and ban transgender inmates convicted of sexual offences or violent crimes from female facilities. The Herald Sun reports the Department of Justice and Community Safety declined to comment on the case, but did not deny any of the allegations put to them. 'Corrections Victoria recently updated its policy for the placement of trans, gender diverse or intersex prisoners to make it clear that the safety and welfare of all prisoners is the top priority, as well the security and good order of the prison,' a spokesman said. 'Any allegations of assault in our prisons are taken seriously and investigated.' Daily Mail contacted the Department of Justice and Community Safety for further comment. Police in Scotland have written off more than 22,000 crimes - including cases of shoplifting, theft, and vandalism. Top brass ordered officers not to launch full inquiries into offences deemed to be minor where there is no lead, such as CCTV footage. Plunging manpower and SNP government budget cuts mean police say they can no longer commit to probing all crime reports. The Mail fought a year-long battle for the data using Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, with the force handing it over only after this newspaper made an appeal to the office of the FOI tsar, David Hamilton. Last night Scottish Tory victims and community safety spokesman Sharon Dowey said it was little wonder that pains were taken to keep this information a secret from the public. She said: The SNPs savage cuts to police budgets mean officers simply do not have the resources they require to tackle criminal activity. That lack of support means thousands of crimes are now routinely being written off in what has proven to be the SNPs latest policy that surrenders to criminals. The so-called proportionate response strategy was completed across Scotland in June 2024, despite a major political row. Police Scotland said 22,373 crimes were directly filed under proportionate response, meaning there was no full investigation, between June 2024 and January 2026. Shoplifting offences were among the 23,000 written off by police Scottish Conservatives' victims and community safety spokesman Sharon Dowey The force initially refused to provide a breakdown of the categories of crime involved, claiming it might encourage more criminality because offenders would know how police were likely to respond to certain crimes. But the Scottish Information Commissioner [SIC] intervened when the Mail appealed and the force later handed over the data. Police Scotland figures show 1,974 shoplifting reports have been directly filed or effectively written off so far. Ther were an additional 8,260 reports of other forms of theft and attempted theft. And 7,416 reports of vandalism have been treated in the same way. The breakdown provides details of a wide range of different categories of theft included in the figure of 8,260, such as theft of pedal cycles (1,250), theft from motor vehicles (836), theft from ATMs (32), and theft from person (78). The figures mean 25.3 per cent of reports of bicycle thefts are now written off without full investigations, the highest proportion of directly filed offences in the breakdown. Nine cases of intended theft of a vehicle were directly filed. Scotland's Chief Constable Jo Farrell on patrol in Glasgow city centre There were 4,496 written off cases of failing to stop after an accident - equivalent to 18.2 per cent of the total number of all such reports received. The rest of the directly filed cases involved several other forms of crime such as attempting to open a locked motor vehicle with intent, which accounted for 86 written off cases. Asked how many complaints had been received from the public, Police Scotland said there is no complaint classification that directly aligns to your request. Former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher questioned how theft from a person could possibly have no lines of enquiry. He said: On a wider scale, firstly you will see this largely relates to crimes of dishonesty [such as shoplifting]. In these cases, how can someone in a police control room possibly assess what would have been found by a trained and experienced police officer? Door-to-door and crime scene examination do yield results and members of the public are not able to approach individuals for access to CCTV, bus cameras and the like. Criminals are not stupid - they will know these offences are not being investigated and will become emboldened to commit more. He said police appeared to be trying to suppress or hide complaints, adding: Sadly, a day is coming when I fear the public wont just be asking what is the point of recording crime, but more worryingly what is the point of the police? Police Scotland has claimed that refusing to fully investigate thousands of crimes would allow officers to use their time more effectively - and to try to recover from the stress of the job. But the force has admitted that it is extremely difficult to explain how time freed up had been used. Police Scotland initially refused to provide the information about proportionate response because it does not disclose detection strategies to avoid providing those with criminal intent any advantage when planning or perpetrating any unlawful activities. But it later supplied the figures after the Mail appealed to the SIC. Commenting on the data, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: The proportionate response to crime process is not a policy of non-investigation Police Scotland is committed to investigating crime. Every report of a crime is subject of individual assessment of threat, harm, risk, vulnerability and for proportionate lines of investigation and evidence. If there are no proportionate lines of enquiry that can be pursued, then we will be clear about that with the person who has contacted us. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Every incident reported to Police Scotland continues to be fully assessed and given a proportionate response based on threat, harm, risk and vulnerability. Police Scotland has been clear that the proportionate response applies in cases where there are no investigative opportunities, such as CCTV or witnesses, and in the period in question, only 2.73 per cent of crime reports recorded by Police Scotland were directly filed following this process. Six of Sarah Ferguson's businesses are being wound down in the wake of the latest release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, Companies House documents show. The former Duchess of York, 64, is listed as director of all six firms, which are due to be dissolved within days unless legal objections are raised. The companies include S Phoenix Events, Fergie's Farm, La Luna Investments, Solamoon Ltd, Philanthrapreneur Ltd and Planet Partners Productions Ltd. None has an obvious public profile and there is little sign of significant commercial activity. S Phoenix Events has also filed an application to strike off, with Ferguson listed as the person who authenticated the submission on the company's behalf. She remains an active director of three other businesses registered with Companies House: Ginger and Moss, set up as a lifestyle brand selling tea, jewellery and homeware; Coat, described as a motion picture production company; and Librasol, classified under 'artistic creation'. All the firms being dissolved were set up more than a decade ago. Most are classed as dormant, with little or no recent activity. Ferguson is the sole remaining director of each. Six of Sarah Ferguson's businesses are being wound down in the wake of the latest release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, Companies House documents show The move comes amid renewed scrutiny following the latest batch of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (pictured) Late last year, filings show she changed her name across the companies from Sarah Duchess of York to Sarah Margaret Ferguson. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny following the latest batch of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails in the files suggest Ferguson told Epstein she felt desperate about debts reportedly totalling 6million and sought his advice while he was serving a jail sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The Mail on Sunday revealed days ago that Ferguson repeatedly asked Epstein to employ her as his house assistant because she 'desperately' needed the money. Emails show the then Duchess pleaded for a job despite Epstein being under house arrest in Florida following his conviction for procuring a child for prostitution. In one message sent in May 2010, she wrote: 'But why I don't understand, don't you just get me to be your House Assistant. 'I am the most capable and desperately need the money. Please Jeffrey think about it.' Emails in the files suggest Ferguson told Epstein she felt desperate about debts reportedly totalling 6million and sought his advice while he was serving a jail sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor A source said the emails irritated Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell now serving 20 years for child sex trafficking offences who managed his properties in New York, Paris, Palm Beach, his Caribbean island and ranch in New Mexico. The source added: 'Ghislaine was fully aware of Sarah's emails because Jeffrey told her. 'It annoyed the hell out of her. She never had much respect for Sarah. At one point Sarah was begging Jeffrey to marry her. It was a bit desperate and pathetic.' Being named in the Epstein files is not, in itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the former duchess has been approached for comment. CCTV footage has cast doubt on police claims that a pursuit was terminated before an allegedly stolen car smashed into an Alfa Romeo and killed two women. Maureen Crosland, 84, was travelling with Lee Casuscelli, 60, when their car was struck at traffic lights in Camden, south-west Sydney, at around 11am on Saturday. Police allege Luke Peter Francis, 31, had stolen a red Toyota sedan and crashed into the pair on the Old Hume Highway following a police chase. While police said they had terminated their pursuit in Bankstown, new CCTV footage has raised questions about the claim. Two minutes before the crash, footage from Bridgewater Boulevard, Camden Park, about 40 kilometres from Bankstown, showed the red Toyota with three unmarked police vehicles behind it. The CCTV footage, obtained by 9News, then showed the Toyota hitting a dead end, before crossing to the wrong side of the road with the unmarked police cars hot on its tail. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said on Saturday that police had begun their pursuit on King Georges Road at Beverly Hills, which progressed onto the M5, before the chase was called off and monitoring handed over to PolAir. 'I've watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft, and I can tell you that there were no police vehicles around this driver,' he said. Lee Casuscelli and Maureen Crosland were on the way to pick up a wedding dress CCTV footage shows a stolen car allegedly driven by Luke Peter Francis speeding through a suburban street in Camden Park, just two minutes before the crash A police car and three unmarked police vehicles can be seen following the red Toyota, despite police claiming on Saturday they terminated the pursuit in Bankstown 'He was driving in what I could describe as one of the most reckless and dangerous demonstrations of driving I've seen in a long time.' Ms Crossland's grieving widower Phillip is now asking police to explain what happened. 'If the police called off the pursuit, how come they were there to chase him when he got out of the car?' Mr Crossland asked. A critical incident investigation has been launched with the actions of NSW Police subject to a review by the Professional Standards Command. It's understood detectives with the critical incident team have returned to nearby streets in search of more CCTV footage. Francis remains in custody, charged with 11 offences, including two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death. He is due to front Campbelltown Local Court later this month. A NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail they couldn't comment further on the case while the critical incident investigation is underway. Francis allegedly crashed a stolen red Toyota into Ms Casuscelli's Alfa Romeo sedan Phillip Crosland has asked police to explain what happened after he lost his beloved wife Maureen in the horror smash Asst Commissioner Brett McFadden told reporters on Saturday police had terminated their pursuit in Bankstown 'Assistant Commissioner McFadden spoke about this in the press conference on the weekend,' she said. It comes as the tragic reason of the women's trip was revealed by their heartbroken families. The women were travelling together to pick up Ms Crosland's granddaughter's wedding dress - she is set to marry Ms Casuscelli's son. The Camden community has been left in mourning by the death of the two women, remembering them for their devotion to their family and friends. The relatives of Ms Crosland said she was a generous and communityminded woman who dedicated years of voluntary service to her local church and primary school. Ms Casuscelli, who had specialised in early childhood and disability services and taught for more than 40 years, was 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'. When did grabbing a hot drink become so complicated? With coffee snobs ditching dairy for almond flat whites, a regular coffee order nowadays marks you as distinctly passe. While only a third of UK households actually drink plant-based milks made from oats to almonds, peas to coconuts these so-called healthy alternatives have become an unavoidable trendy status symbol. Try as their manufacturers might to convince shoppers otherwise, they simply arent milk. Well, thats what the Supreme Court decided last week following a legal battle between Oatly, a Swedish oat drink brand, and Dairy UK, the trade association. It came after Oatly attempted to trademark the phrase post-milk generation five years ago. When Dairy UK objected, saying the word milk should only refer to the animal product, a long legal saga ensued culminating in the unanimous ruling that Oatlys coinage was confusing. Now, Oatly cant use the word milk at all, but must use oat or plant-based drink instead. So whats actually in these milk alternatives and which ones are the healthiest? Nutritionist Nichola Ludlam-Raine puts them to the test. Nutritionist Nichola Ludlam-Raine discovers whats actually in these milk alternatives and which ones are the healthiest OAT BEST FOR CAPPUCCINOS Oatly Oat Drink Vanilla (1.80, sainsburys.co.uk), 68 kcal per 100ml Oat is the most popular dairy-free option, with half a million litres sold a day. But it is lower in protein than dairy, so you must make sure you get protein from other sources such as lean meat, fish, eggs, tofu and lentils, says Nichola. Oatlys vanilla-flavoured oat drink (pictured) has 5.9g of sugar per 100ml half a teaspoon is added sugar (the rest from the oats). Ideally, we need to keep added sugar to under 30g a day, so this shouldnt be your default milk, as that sugar content can really add up, adds Nichola HEALTH RATING: 3/5 SOYA CLOSEST TO COWS MILK Tesco Sweetened Soya Drink (1.30, tesco.com), 42 kcal per 100ml Soya is nutritionally the closest match to cows milk, providing similar protein, and is often fortified with calcium and B12. Its a good option for those not wanting to compromise on protein, says Nichola. Tescos sweetened version lists sugar third on its ingredients list, with 2.7g per 100ml. If youre having a couple of cappuccinos [a day], then thats quite a lot of added sugar. If you want the benefits of a soya bean, have edamame beans or tofu. And if you want soya milk, ideally go for unsweetened. A 2024 paper in the journal BMC Medicine analysed 17 studies in which soya drinks were substituted for cows milk and found the use of soya including sweetened led to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation. HEALTH RATING: 3/5 Now, Oatly cant use the word milk at all, but must use oat drink or plant-based drink instead COCONUT PACKS IN FLAVOUR Alpro Barista Coconut (2.40, waitrose.com), 33 kcal per 100ml Coconut drinks can help to boost existing recipes, from pancakes to smoothies, says Nichola: Its a great way of adding flavour without needing to add any sugar. I would advise choosing unsweetened ones and those with added vitamins and minerals, especially if being consumed frequently. There is only 0.7g of saturated fat per 100ml in this Alpro product 4 per cent of daily recommended allowance, but it also contains sugar and stabilisers such as gellan gum. Ultra-processed foods come on a spectrum, says Nichola. I wouldnt put this coconut milk in the same category as confectionery, fizzy drinks and fast food. Many plant drinks do contain stabilisers, but these arent inherently harmful and allow the product to have added nutrients, which is very helpful. HEALTH RATING: 4/5 ALMOND A SWEET TREAT SWAP Califia Farms Almond Barista (2.35, sainsburys.co.uk), 28 kcal per 100ml Almonds are rich in protein, fibre, zinc and potassium. Research shows almond drinks can be a powerful source of antioxidants, capable of improving gastrointestinal health and helping prevent anaemia. Rude Healths comes in at 5g of sugar per 100ml, making it a sweet-tasting option for cereal Nichola points out this version has added sugar, which many other almond drink alternatives do not. Plus, she says: It doesnt have iodine added, its low in protein, so its not equivalent to the other almond drinks. It also doesnt have B12 which many other versions do. HEALTH RATING: 1/5 RICE SPLASH ON YOUR CEREAL Rude Health Organic Brown Rice Drink (2.40, waitrose.com), 64 kcal per 100ml Rice drinks arent recommended for children under five because of the levels of arsenic in them, says Nichola. Even for adults, she says: I wouldnt rely on it for nutrients. Its not a great dairy replacement because its very low in protein. It is gluten-free (as is cows milk, but oat drinks sometimes are not due to cross-contamination), so that will appeal to those with coeliac disease. Rude Healths comes in at 5g of sugar per 100ml, making it a sweet-tasting option for cereal. It also contains sunflower oil, which is often found in ultra-processed foods. Its not an oil I recommend, says Nichola. But the amount of oil thats added in these products is very low less than a teaspoon per litre. HEALTH RATING: 2/5 Billionaire Hyatt hotel heir Thomas Pritzker is stepping down from the corporation's board of directors over his admitted association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker, Hyatt Hotels' executive chairman and the cousin of Illinois' Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, becomes the latest member of the elite to face consequences over the Epstein files. In a statement, Pritzker apologized for his connection to the billionaire pedophile. 'Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret,' he said. Pritzker - who has not been charged in connection with the Epstein case and strongly denies any wrongdoing - will retire from his position and will not seek re-election to the board of directors at a May stockholders' meeting. 'I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner,' Pritzker added. Pritzker features in the most recent drop by the Department of Justice in Epstein's flight logs on the infamous 'Lolita Express.' He was also emailed by the now deceased financier regarding an August 2015 dinner Epstein had with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg seated at a dinner table alongside SpaceX boss Elon Musk , and Joi Ito, the former director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. Billionaire Hyatt hotel heir Thomas Pritzker is stepping down from the corporation's board of directors over his admitted association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Pritzker features in the most recent drop by the Department of Justice in Epstein's flight logs on the infamous 'Lolita Express' Epstein, who died in a high-security Manhattan prison in 2019, later described the gathering in an August 20, 2015 email to billionaire Tom Pritzker as 'wild', a description that has resurfaced as scrutiny intensifies around the financier's relationships with powerful figures. Pritzker in 2023 was among three billionaires issued with subpoenas in relation to Epstein. The probe by the US Virgin Islands concerns allegations that JP Morgan Chase and Co. turned a blind eye to Epstein's sex trafficking. He was formally identified in unsealed papers after a judge lifted a secrecy order on additional names of Epstein's rich and powerful associates cited in files related to Giuffre's 2015 defamation case against his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. Thomas's father Jay and uncle Donald created the Hyatt chain in 1957 and it now has more than 1,000 properties spanning more than 70 countries worldwide. The Hyatt Hotel chain includes hotels operating under the Hyatt brand such as the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place. They also run high-end brands such as Miraval, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, and Dream Hotels. Thomas Pritzker has served as executive chair since August of 2004 and began working at the company in 1980. Brad Karp (pictured) stepped down Wednesday following the revelations of his ties to Epstein's in a Department of Justice release this past Friday Harvard University professor and former presidential advisor Larry Summers (pictured) said he will be 'stepping back' from public life after he was exposed for sending emails seeking romantic advice from Jeffrey Epstein Pritzker - who has strongly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein - is the latest wealthy, powerful person to face consequences for cavorting with the deceased sex offender. The chairman of major law firm Paul Weiss resigned hours after saying he regretted asking Jeffrey Epstein to help get his son a job working for Woody Allen. Brad Karp stepped down earlier this month following the revelations of his ties to Epstein. 'Leading Paul, Weiss for the past 18 years has been the honor of my professional life,' Karp said in a statement. 'Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm.' The firm gave no concrete reason for Karp's departure but said partner Scott Barshay will take over for him as chairman going forward. Karp had spent his entire 40-year legal career at the major firm and been chairman since 2008. Harvard University professor and former presidential advisor Larry Summers resigned after he was exposed for sending emails seeking romantic advice from Epstein. In email exchanges dated between 2013 and 2019, Summers and Epstein frequently shared their thoughts about current events and politics - while also delving into the married economics professor's love life. Kathryn Ruemmler, who works as general counsel at Goldman, said she will resign this summer She previously served as White House counsel to former President Barack Obama. She is pictured left with then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Joe Biden, Obama, Director of OMB Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Chief of Staff in 2013 Veteran economist Summers, 70, complained to the now-disgraced financier about feeling like 'the friend without benefits' in his relationship with one woman who jilted him in 2019, and asked him for tips on how to reply to her texts. This was long after Epstein's guilty plea to sex crimes against children in 2008 - and Harvard had already stopped accepting donations from him the previous year in light of the allegations. Summers, who once served as the US Treasury Secretary, did not conduct the last few lectures of his class for the fall semester and will not teach any courses in the spring. The economist, who once also served as the president of the prestigious university, also took an immediate leave from his position as director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. 'Mr. Summers has decided it's in the best interest of the Center for him to go on leave from his role as director as Harvard undertakes its review,' the spokesperson said. A university representative has since confirmed Summers shared his intentions with the school, which had announced hours earlier it is conducting a 'review of information concerning individuals included in the newly-released Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted.' The former White House counsel under President Obama has resigned from Goldman Sachs over her ties to Epstein. Kathryn Ruemmler, who works as general counsel at Goldman, said she will resign this summer after emails released by the Justice Department revealed her conversations with Epstein, according to The Financial Times. 'I made the determination that the media attention on me, relating to my prior work as a defense attorney, was becoming a distraction,' Ruemmler told the publication. She will exit the firm on June 30. If you ever dreamed of stepping into Peggy Mitchell's shoes and trying your hand at working in Eastenders' famous Queen Vic pub, you are not alone. A new survey by insurance experts Premierline has revealed which on-screen businesses Brits would most like to own - and soap opera pubs have come out on top. The Queen Vic was voted for by ten percent of the survey's 2,000 participants, narrowly beating The Woolpack from Emmerdale which garnered nine percent of the vote and The Rovers Return Inn from Coronation Street which gained eight per cent. Also ranking highly is the Trotters Independent Trading from Only Fools and Horses at 10 per cent, Scoops Ahoy from Stranger Things at seven per cent and Agence Grateau from Emily in Paris at five percent. However, the number one place the nation wishes to take the reins of is Wonka Industries, with the chocolate-making factory totalling more than one in six or 18 per cent of the vote. Next up is Central Perk from Friends which had 17 per cent of the vote, while a brave 12 per cent said they'd love to take over Fawlty Towers, the madcap hotel run by Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil or Stark Industries from Iron Man. When asked why they would like to run these businesses, 37 per cent of respondents said they thought 'it would be a laugh,' more than a quarter said they'd love the drama, and 11 per cent believed that they could do a better job than the current manager. A spokesperson from Premierline said it is 'no surprise' that soap operas and well-known onscreen businesses topped the list, because they are 'familiar, community-driven and feel like workplaces people already understand.' A new survey has revealed 10 per cent of Brits would try their hand at owning The Queen Vic (pictured) from Eastenders The Rovers Return Inn (pictured) from Coronation Street was also a fan favourite to own However, they warned that: 'These fictional favourites gloss over is the reality behind the scenes which business owners face on a daily basis. 'In the real world, running a pub, shop or hospitality business means managing serious risks, from property damage (like dramatic fires and floors) to public liability, and staff illness, theft and cash-flow shocks. 'Without the right insurance in place, even a small incident can quickly become a costly setback.' Nine per cent of respondents also said they went as far as to draft a business plan for an on-screen business, while 29 per cent say they've put some time and effort in to thinking how they'd operate a fictional company. A whopping 74 per cent of Brits said they'd quit their current role to take on one of these firms right away. This is due to a variety of factors. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said it's because they'd like to be their own boss one day, while 10 per cent said they're ready to leave and start up soon, and 20 per cent said they've thought about writing a business plan but haven't got around to it yet. Wonka Industries was voted the number one place the nation wishes to take the reins of at 18 per cent of the vote Trotters Independent Trading (pictured) from Only Fools and Horses ranked highly at 10 per cent However, 27 per cent said they love their current role, with only two per cent saying they live for their job, and six per cent saying they hate their job and can't wait to leave. The spokesperson for Premierline added: 'It's no surprise that so many Brits dream of starting their own business. For many, it's about freedom, flexibility and turning a passion into something sustainable. 'Whether it's running a cafe, launching an online shop or going freelance, the appetite for entrepreneurship is clearly stronger than ever.' 'What often gets overlooked in the excitement of starting out is the practical side of running a business. From protecting equipment and premises to covering yourself if something goes wrong, having the right insurance in place can make all the difference between a minor setback and a major financial hit.' A Napa Valley woman is expected to be the first terminally-ill person to visit space after she was unexpectedly put into contact with Blue Origin. Pam Harter, 69, was diagnosed with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, or PXE, about ten years ago. The disease is an exceptionally rare genetic disorder that affects just 3,500 Americans, and it causes arteries to calcify or become brittle. There is no cure, and Harter's vascular system is becoming blocked. About two years ago, doctors inserted two stents into her body - one in her stomach and one in a major artery. But by April of last year, one of those stents was already totally blocked and the other partially blocked as well. Doctors told Harter they could perform another surgery and insert more stents, but the procedure would be risky and reduce her quality of life. She would have to live with tubes and medical devices attached to her body, so Harter declined, saying she was done with surgeries. Instead, Harter decided, it would be better to enjoy the time she has left with her husband, Todd Harter, by traveling the world. That decision would ultimately lead to a plan to travel beyond Earth, something she told the Napa Valley Register was previously beyond her 'wildest dream,' despite being a huge fan of space. Harter and her husband began their travels by spending a month in Italy and visiting Croatia. She then heard from an old friend who started a luxury expedition business called Future of Space. Pam Harter, 69, is expected to be the first terminally-ill person to visit space. She was diagnosed with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a rare genetic disease, about ten years ago Harter decided to travel the world with her husband, Todd Harter. The couple is pictured on a trip to the Galapagos Islands, during which they met someone who gave Harter the opportunity to sign up for a trip to space The friend said that a guest had dropped out of a planned trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, which has a limit on how many people can visit per year, and asked if the Harters would like to take that spot. Just ten days later, the couple was on an 11-day expedition to South America in a 50-person cohort that included the actor William Shatner and celebrity astrophysicist Neil deGrass Tyson. They received a discount, but ticket prices still began at $42,500 per person. As everyone introduced themselves at the start of the trip, instead of telling the group she was terminally ill, Harter opted to say: 'Wouldn't it be amazing if I could be the first hospice patient in space?' The group was excited by the idea, and in a remarkable coincidence, the woman sitting next to Harter told her she worked with Blue Origin. 'I know exactly who to connect you with,' she said. Blue Origin is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space exploration and tourism company that allows regular people to visit space. For an undisclosed price believed to be in the millions, individuals can fly more than 62 miles above Earth, which is the internationally recognized boundary of space, and spend about 11 minutes looking down at our planet. Less than 24 hours after Harter introduced herself to the group, while still on the South America expedition, she received an email from Blue Origin that included an application and a non-disclosure agreement. Blue Origin is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space exploration and tourism company. A Blue Origin rocket is pictured For an undisclosed price believed to be in the millions, regular people can sign up for Blue Origin flights to space. A Blue Origin rocket is pictured in flight She signed both, and it soon appeared she would be leaving the planet on a Blue Origin rocket in January. 'I was kind of dumbfounded,' Harter's husband, Todd, told the Napa Valley Register. Everything was moving quickly and 'From there, the rest of the trip, there were all these people excited about her potentially going into space,' Todd added. Harter was told that at least one person had postponed their reservation on the flight so that she could visit space sooner. 'Its surreal,' she told the Napa Valley Register. 'I'm so excited. I can't believe the things that people have done.' Harter said that she wants her three adult children - twin sons who live in Illinois and a daughter who lives in California - to be at her launch. She also said that she hopes her story can reduce the stigma surrounding hospice care and what terminally-ill patients can accomplish. That, she added, was even more important than the fact that she could officially be considered an astronaut after completing the flight. The details are still being worked out, and a specific date for Harter's flight has not yet been scheduled. She is also trying to secure sponsors to help cover the cost, which she was unable to reveal due to her non-disclosure agreement. Space tourists on Blue Origin flights are able to look down at Earth for about 11 minutes. The planet is pictured from space, though from much further than where Blue Origin rockets carrying space tourists reach Harter's flight would launch her past the atmosphere at three times the speed of sound. A Blue Origin rocket is pictured taking off The flight into space, which launches passengers past the atmosphere at three times the speed of sound, is expected to come with medical and logistical challenges for Harter, according to the National Alliance for Care at Home. But in a press release, the organization also said: 'Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft is designed for accessibility, with a pressurized capsule and 11 minutes of weightlessness that's gentler on the body than orbital spaceflight.' The company has also successfully transported folks older than Harter to space, such as the actor William Shatner when he was 90, and the oldest person to ever visit space, Ed Dwight, also 90, who broke Shatner's age record by about two months. A wrench was thrown into Harter's plans when in January, Blue Origin announced that it would pause its space flights for at least two years while it focused on NASA contracts. But Harter's contact at the company told her not to panic and to keep on with her preparations. She has been 'touring and training,' she told the Napa Valley Register, and she will continue to do so. She has also been in contact with NASA, Virgin Galactic and Space for Humanity. Despite her terminal illness and the now-unsure status of her Blue Origin flight, Harter remains determined to visit space. Ray Hadley has demanded Pauline Hanson apologise to Australian Muslims after she claimed they 'hate Westerners' during a heated live interview. The former radio king warned conservatives not to 'think like Pauline Hanson' and accused the One Nation leader of fuelling dangerous division after she was interviewed by Sky News host Sharri Markson on Monday night. Markson asked Hanson what she thought of the Albanese government's handling of Australian women and children linked to Islamic State. 'I've got no time for the radical Islam, their religion concerns me because what it says in the Quran,' Hanson shot back. 'They hate Westerners, and that's what it's all about. You say there's great Muslims out there, well I'm sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims? 'These people, these women went over, supported their men to fight in terrorism and against our values, our laws. 'If we open up the borders and allow more into the country, we're gonna suffer. Future generations will, as other countries have, like France and Denmark and England and all these other countries and Canada.' Hadley, a former 2GB radio host, suggested Hanson's divisive rhetoric was being driven by poll numbers as support for One Nation continues to climb. Sharri Markson (left) disavowed the comments made by Pauline Hanson (right) Hadley (pictured) warned conservatives not to 'think like Pauline Hanson' after the interview 'What Pauline said was just wrong, really wrong,' he said. 'The fact that she's empowered by the polls, she thinks she's got to keep driving that wedge, and I think she's wrong.' Markson was quick to distance herself from the One Nation leader. 'As an Australian Jew, I don't support what [Hanson] just said,' she told viewers. 'Of course I believe the vast majority of Australian Muslims do have a place in Australia and they should be here. 'There are a lot of moderate Muslims in Australia who are, as you put it, good Muslims. I think we can agree that radical extremist Islam that doesn't support Australian values has no place here.' A recent Roy Morgan poll, the first since Angus Taylor became Liberal leader, put One Nation at 21.5 per cent, just behind the Coalition at 23.5 per cent, raising questions about whether Hanson's polling surge is fuelling her divisive rhetoric. A tight-knit community is rallying around an elderly husband after he left a heartbreaking handwritten note on a main street asking for help. Robert 'Bobby' Aitken is facing homelessness as his wife Gail prepares to move into a nursing home after a series of falls at their home in Noosa, Queensland. Mr Aitken has lived in Noosa since 1962 and has worked more than 100 jobs in the town over the years, including at the Beach House Guesthouse, Tingirana Motel, the Woods Caravan Park and Munna Point Campground. He also shaped surfboards and has even driven the local school bus. But his pension, in addition to a part-time job mowing lawns, won't cover the rent, prompting Mr Aitken to join a waitlist for community housing. In the handwritten note, the pensioner asked if anyone was interested in trading a van he could sleep in, in exchange for his Subaru. 'I cannot afford to rent on my single pension so I need to have some type of accommodation till I can possibly get a commission flat,' he wrote. 'Noosa has been my home for 62 years.' Robert Aitken is facing homelessness because he can't afford to rent his townhouse The note Robert left on Noosa's main street has captured the hearts of locals The note has since gone viral, and with the help of support worker Fiona, locals are now chipping in to help Mr Aitken buy a campervan. 'He has been involved in competitive surfing and board-riding clubs and is a devoted long-boarder,' Fiona wrote on a GoFundMe page. 'For a number of years, he was involved with the Noosa Coastguard. 'Over a period of 60 years, Bobby has made friends with and met a wide range of local characters. He has been involved in youthful high jinks, suffered tragic events, and witnessed some unexplainable phenomena.' The GoFundMe has raised nearly $19,000 of its $26,000 target, with Aussies also offering the pensioner a place to stay on social media. 'I have a pop up clean, registered and insured. I'll swap,' one person said. 'Well I live in Beenleigh if he need a place to stay he is more then welcome to come and stay for free,' another offered. 'Where do they live, if he is in Townsville I have a room for him,' a third said. Robert's wife Gail has been forced to move into a nursing home as her eyesight diminishes His story comes as three million Australians are currently at risk of homelessness, including a growing number who are pensioners struggling to make ends meet. Daily Mail reported on an elderly couple who were told they were no longer a priority for government housing and would have to sleep in their car. Despite applying for more than 50 properties, pensioners Viv, 79, and Ted Lockhart, 80, claimed they did not receive a single response from government agencies. 'Half the places we have looked at were not even fit for dogs,' Mr Lockhart told Daily Mail. 'But there was still 20 or more people applying for each one of them. 'I don't know why we don't get a look-in, we have always paid on time and have good references but maybe they just think we are too old and don't have much time left.' Keir Starmer was Monday night poised to bring forward a huge rise in military spending after crisis meetings with defence chiefs. The PM is expected to announce a timetable 'within weeks' for Britain to reach a key milestone years ahead of schedule. The move to hit 3 per cent of gross domestic product on defence spending would generate an estimated 17billion in additional funding. But, because that money would need to be found from public spending cuts, taxation or from higher borrowing, the Treasury is understood to be withholding approval. The move comes almost two years after the Daily Mail launched its Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign which demanded exactly the same increase on exactly the same timetable. Backed by senior officers, this newspaper called for Britain to commit to spending 3 per cent by the end of this parliament, or by 2029. Currently the percentage is described as 'an ambition' by the end of the next parliament, which could be as far off as 2034. The timetable to reach 3 per cent by 2029 could be confirmed as part of the Government's economic Spring Statement on March 3. It also comes a year after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would back Labour in any attempt to reach 3 per cent by 2029. Keir Starmer was Monday night poised to bring forward a huge rise in military spending after crisis meetings with defence chiefs (stock image) The PM is expected to announce a timetable 'within weeks' for Britain to reach a key milestone years ahead of schedule (stock image) Monday night, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Tory defence spokesman James Cartlidge said: 'This would be very welcome if it is true. But we called for this a year ago. 'Why has the Government waited a year? This exemplifies how the Prime Minister is making everything up as he is going along.' The present level of expenditure is 2.4 per cent of GDP. Spending for the last financial year was 60.2billion. This is expected to rise to 62.2billion in 2025/26. Sir Keir's mind was apparently made up after he took a personal interest in the Defence Investment Plan a blueprint for costed military priorities. The DIP was supposed to be published in the autumn but was delayed because the figures do not add up after reports of a 28billion shortfall over four years. It widely agreed that the Services have been 'hollowed out' by decades of underfunding and this has come as America's defence priorities tilt away from Europe and the threat from Russia grows. Downing Street sources did not deny the move towards 3 per cent yesterday. The Australian Education Union has proposed a four-day working week trial for public school teachers in one state in a desperate bid to address staffing shortages. A 30.4-hour jobshare model has been recommended in state schools across Victoria to explore working from home options for teachers. It comes as Premier Jacinta Allan proceeds with plans to give workers the right to work remotely two days a week. The proposed Right to Disconnect/ Work from Home' laws apply to both public and private sectors and are expected to be introduced to parliament this year. The union, which represents 45,000 teachers across Victoria, has urged the state government to make jobs that can't be done remotely more flexible to ensure it remains an attractive profession. Students would still attend school five days a week. The AEU submitted the proposal last September as part of the state government's consultation with industries regarding its WFH scheme. 'It is clearly the case that working from home rights are a key measure which will help address barriers to women's participation in the workforce and the gender pay gap,' union president Justin Mullaly wrote. A four-day working week trial for public school teachers in Victoria has been proposed. Pictured is a classroom in Melbourne Students would still attend school five days a week 'With the sector continuing to confront chronic workforce shortages, it will make working in public education less attractive when other industries, where there are fewer operational impediments to having employees working from home, increasingly make use of this flexibility and overtly advertise it to prospective employees.' There are currently 900 vacant teaching positions across the state, according to Mr Mullaly. While he welcomed the idea of WFH rights, Mr Mullaly called for more flexibility for teachers, who need to be on the job. The option to WFH after-hours or on school holidays to mark reports, log into staff meetings or plan classes has also been flagged. 'If you're working with students directly in non-teaching roles, then you need to be on the school premises. There's no question about that,' Mr Mullaly told the Herald Sun. 'So what we think is that there needs to be considerably more flexibility provided to school staff, because it's not always the case that they need to be on the school premises to do their job.' It comes after Victoria Police Association raised similar concerns for its members this week. Police Minister Anthony Carbines disputed claims that the WFH legislation would would impact on police recruitment. 'I don't see the link between that claim,' he told reporters on Monday. The four-day working week trial was in response to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's plans to give workers a right to work remotely two days per week Australian Education Union president Justin Mullaly called for more flexibility for teachers, who need to be on the job 'There are a range of reasons for people to seek to serve the Victoria Police and provide that work We've got 50 graduates a fortnight. 'Working from home won't make it harder, I don't see that.' Meanwhile, Victorian public school teachers last week voted to walk off the job next month, unless their ongoing pay dispute with the state government is resolved in the coming weeks. The 24-hour stop work meeting, planned for March 24, would be the first time in 13 years that public school staff in Victoria have walked off the job. Victorian teachers will soon earn up to $15,359 a year ($295 per week) less than their NSW counterparts, according to the AEU. 'Public school teachers, education support, and school leaders salaries has fallen significantly behind other states and territories and excessive workload continues to increase with school staff working an average of 12 hours unpaid overtime per week,' Mr Mullaly said. 'In the middle of chronic shortage of school staff, it is not possible to retain experienced, dedicated teachers, principals and support staff in the public school system and attract the next generation when they are being underpaid and overworked.' A former real estate agent has revealed the shocking lies she was forced to tell prospective buyers when she was starting out in the industry. Jo Agresta told the Daily Mail she was forced by her bosses to make a series of damning lies about her age, sexuality, family situation and financial standing to appear 'relatable' to would-be buyers. Ms Agresta, who started as a real estate agent when she was 18, described her sales training as 'bulls***' and 'morally conflicting'. 'I'd lie and say I had children and a husband, sometimes I was a single mum. My boss' advice was to seem relatable to whoever the client was,' Ms Agresta, now in her early 30s, said in a TikTok video. 'So if a customer asked me, 'Have you got kids? How old are they?', I'd go, 'Yeah, two and three.' 'I had to take down my P Plates [off my car] so I wouldn't look like an 18-year-old idiot.' She'd later go on to upgrade her 'little Toyota Corolla' to a $37,000 Ford Falcon after being told by her boss her car 'wasn't good enough', and she needed to seem like she had 'more money'. Horrifically, Ms Agresta was also told by her bosses to 'seem straight', after they saw her then-girlfriend visit her at the office. Jo Agresta said she'd lie and tell customers she had a husband and kids, to appear relatable Ms Agresta said she was 'fresh out of school' when she began working as a real estate agent She was also made to buy fancier clothes to 'keep up appearances' (pictured with her fiancee) She said she'd only just opened up about her sexuality to those closest to her. 'You gotta think, it was 2010, yeah [being] gay was acceptable, but it was still a bit of a taboo or frowned upon,' she said. 'I was told: "No, no, you don't talk about being gay".' Ms Agresta said the lies she told customers became so entangled, that she eventually started to catch herself out. 'I was 18, I was impressionable, I'd been brought up in an Italian household so the upbringing is, you listen to your boss, you do your job and your shut up,' she said. 'Even though morally, I was very conflicted about all this bulls***.' Ms Agresta, who now runs a proptech business called Abodey, said she created the video to raise awareness for buyers on the tactics used by some agents to sway a purchase. However, she maintains this is not the case for all agents. She said the video was made to show buyers the tactics used by some real estate agencies 'I've seen how easy it can be for people to feel pressure in the moment, especially when an agent appears relatable, successful or reputable based on how they dress, what they drive or how confidently they communicate,' she said. 'Presentation and perception can be powerful, but they're not the right foundation for making a property decision. 'Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional commitments someone will make, and I believe people deserve to feel informed and calm rather than influenced by image or urgency.' Keir Starmer was warned on Monday that a social media ban for under-16s would clash with his vow to lower the voting age. The Prime Minister was told that youngsters who will soon have a say in who runs the country get their news from apps such as TikTok yet could be barred from accessing them under new internet safety plans. At an event in London, Sir Keir was told by a 17-year-old called George: 'I want to ask about the Representation of the People Bill which is being put before Parliament, and how giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote risks being incompatible with the social media ban for under-16s.' He asked what the Government would do to teach pupils about citizenship and explained that 'the majority of young people get their news from social media'. George also admitted he was an 'anomaly' as he watched the News At Ten while most of his friends consume their news on TikTok. Sir Keir replied that he is 'a big advocate of votes at 16 and 17' and that Labour had broadened the curriculum in schools 'because I think children and young people ought to learn about citizenship and how we operate the society more generally'. But he added he was 'acutely aware of your point about news' because the rise in social media means people don't 'sit down as a family and watch the six or ten o'clock news'. He said: 'We must make sure we're not cutting off sensible and good access for young people.' The Prime Minister also revealed that the Government is concerned about how much time teenagers spend online as well as which apps they use. Keir Starmer was told that youngsters who will soon have a say in who runs the country get their news from apps such as TikTok yet could be barred from accessing them under new internet safety plans The Government is set to launch a three-month consultation on children's digital wellbeing next month Asked what effect the proposed under-16s ban would have on those who use social media responsibly, he replied that the Government which is set to launch a three-month consultation on children's digital wellbeing next month is concerned about features in apps that 'mean you never stop scrolling'. The PM added: 'We need to look at that, because even if it's good stuff, the question is how do we get people off it and not simply on their screen the whole time.' An unverified $50million ransom demand from the suspected kidnappers of an elderly Sydney man includes a threat to 'off him' if the real targets don't pay up. The exchange on WhatsApp, obtained by the SCN Worldstar channel, appears to confirm the kidnappers abducted the wrong person, with the respondents saying 'your team is f*** s**t. You plugged the wrong bloke.' Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather, was taken from his North Ryde home by two male kidnappers at 5am last Friday. Gruesome video allegedly shows him being tortured by having a finger severed from one of his hands, and police have reportedly obtained disturbing footage of Mr Baghsarian bound, gagged and bloodied, 9 News reported. Police and loved ones hold grave fears for Mr Baghsarian and believe the kidnappers targeted the wrong person, given he and his family had no criminal connections. The terse WhatsApp conversation allegedly between kidnappers 'PLAY4KEEPS' and the intended targets of the ransom demand appears to confirm the police theory. It comes as Mr Baghsarian's cousin broke his silence, to reveal he begged police to let him leave essential medication at a drop-off point for the kidnappers to collect. He also begged Mr Baghsarian's kidnappers: 'Turn him loose! He is an old man, ailing and suffering. He won't remember anything.' The alleged kidnappers of Chris Baghsarian from his Sydney home have demanded $50m in a WhatsApp exchange which appears to confirm they abducted the wrong person The alleged kidnappers 'PLAY4KEEPS' suggests they 'off him' and urge the respondent to 'stop playing games' in the terse exchange on WhatsApp last weekend WhatsApp messages would appear to confirm that the kidnappers wrongly targeted Mr Baghsarian and instead were intending to abduct the father of the person from whom they are demanding $50million The WhatsApp exchange is believed to have taken place at the weekend, and begins with the respondent abusing the abductors, saying, 'Dumb dumb error. How did use get the wrong house? Dumb.' The next text appeared to confirm the kidnappers had intended to target the father of the respondent when they wrongly took Mr Baghsarian. The respondent wrote: 'God was with you. My old man would of blown your head off. Good luck next time. You f*** dopes ... Better luck next time. F*** you.' PLAY4KEEPS replied: 'So u don't want him back do I off him? Enuf games.' The respondent replied: 'What's the asking amount?' When PLAY4KEEPs demanded '50 mill' the respondent retorted: 'I spend that change in 12 months. 'Thought you'd ask for 100+. Good luck. Your team is f*** s**t. You plugged the wrong bloke.' PLAY4KEEPS wrote back: 'Look b4 u msg back don't go back n forth. Us reading will twist n harm ur oldman some more. 'Consider that and consider this. Play any games and we'll make u pay ... Remember this when u n ur FAM cop it.' The respondent replied: 'To get a lead on you. Good luck. One of ur team will give you up ... till then shut the f*** up. You don't know me. I've narrowed u down.' PLAY4KEEPS wrote back, 'Just organise ur papers n stfu', to which the respondent replied: 'The waynu talk. F*** use. I'm not paying s**t. The way you talk. You never seen 50m. You dumb c***.' CCTV footage aired at the weekend showed two men, one in a high-vis top, alight from a dark-coloured 4WD last Friday morning and approach the man's home Chris Baghsarian (pictured) has been left without vital medication, which his cousin offered to deliver to the kidnappers The purported kidnapper, PLAY4KEEPS sends the threat: 'Consider that and consider this. Play any games and we'll make u pay ... Remember this when u n ur FAM cop it' In a series of Facebook posts, Mr Baghsarian's cousin Arthur Hagopian pleaded with police to allow him to drop off medication. 'I rang up the police and offered to deliver the urgent medication Chris needed, to some designated spot so they could be picked up,' he wrote. Mr Hagopian said police deemed the suggestion too risky. He said Mr Baghsarian moved to Australia from the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem for a better life, and was originally supposed to live in Adelaide, but chose Sydney instead. His first job in Sydney was as a painter, and he shared photos of Mr Baghsarian with family members. 'The Armenian community here shares the agony of his son and daughter,' Mr Hagopian added. 'But there is nothing on earth anyone can do, until by some miracle, the kidnappers have a change of heart, if they even possess one, and release him,' he continued. NSW Police have urged whoever kidnapped Mr Baghsarian to safely return him to his family. Video of the torture of Chris Baghsarian has emereged of the kidnappers severing one of his fingers, and now an alleged exchange making a ransom demand has come to light Chris Baghsarian is pictured when he was much younger with his cousin Arthur Hagopian's daughter Chris Baghsarian is pictured, second left, with friends in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem CCTV footage aired on Channel Nine at the weekend showed two men, one in a high-vis top, alight from a dark-coloured 4WD last Friday morning and approach the man's home. The grainy video shows the men pushing the 85-year-old towards the car before driving away. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said on Monday he believed Mr Baghsarian was still alive and that the men had kidnapped the wrong person, but were yet to release him. A Labour minister accused of paying a PR firm to smear journalists was put on notice on Monday after his own department began looking into the scandal. Josh Simons is facing calls to step down from his ministerial role in the Cabinet Office while it 'establishes the facts' about the controversial probe he launched while in charge of think-tank Labour Together. However, Downing Street insisted that Sir Keir Starmer who said he was unaware of the attempt to discredit two Sunday Times journalists still had confidence in him. On Monday night Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Josh Simons must now recuse himself from his role as the minister with responsibility for inquiries policy while he is being investigated by the Cabinet Office. We must also see the terms of reference for the inquiry and know who is leading it. 'The Labour Party must also investigate and review its ongoing relationship with Labour Together in light of these very serious accusations.' And Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesman Lisa Smart said: 'I'm appalled by reports of smear tactics by a party that promised to make politics cleaner than clean. It looks like the group that credits itself with getting Labour into government has carried out an outrageous attack on our independent free Press. 'Josh Simons should temporarily step down as Cabinet Office minister while the investigation takes place to avoid any conflict of interest.' Before becoming an MP in 2024, Mr Simons was director of the think-tank credited with helping Sir Keir win the Labour leadership. Josh Simons (pictured) is facing calls to step down from his ministerial role in the Cabinet Office It has now emerged that in late 2023 he commissioned a US public affairs firm called APCO to find out how The Sunday Times had discovered that Labour Together had failed to declare 730,000 of donations to the Labour Party. Its eventual report, which cost the think-tank 36,000, is said to have portrayed two reporters as part of a Russian campaign to sabotage Sir Keir's reputation and included pages of deeply personal and false claims about one of them, Gabriel Pogrund. On Monday, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall revealed that the Cabinet Office was now examining the case. She told the BBC: '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.' Asked if he would launch an investigation, Sir Keir said: 'There will be a Cabinet Office investigation into the allegations, and quite right, too. I didn't know anything about this investigation, and it absolutely needs to be looked into, so the Cabinet Office will be establishing the facts.' His official spokesman later assured reporters the PM does have confidence in Mr Simons. It is understood the probe will be carried out by the Propriety and Ethics team, whose responsibilities include 'providing advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary on maintaining the highest standards of propriety and ethics across all government departments'. A $10.80 iced coffee has sparked outrage among Aussies. A customer snapped a photo of a flyer inside The Healthlink Crew in Melbourne advertising an iced coffee or an iced chocolate for over $10. If customers want soy, almond, oat or lactose-free milk, they'll have to pay $2 more. The photo was shared to Reddit, with Aussies quick to share their outrage. '$2 extra for soy milk? Criminal,' one person wrote. 'I love how a long black coffee (hot water and a shot) can be $6 now. This is strong-armed robbery. Let's just brew at home!' a second said. 'Saw one recently for $12. Yeah, nah,' a third commented. 'It's ridiculous but very standard now,' a fourth wrote. This sign has left many outraged while some defended the cost of iced coffees 'Let's stop buying if we don't agree with the price,' another said. 'At this point, just make your iced coffee at home,' someone suggested. However, other Aussies defended the company, saying it was becoming increasingly difficult to run a business in a city centre. 'Interested to know what the breakdown of costs are tax and rate and wage increases. Rents are high in the CBD,' one person said. 'Before people get their pitchforks, running small shopfront businesses in Australia is incredibly expensive and hard to succeed,' another wrote. 'Cafes are probably the most underestimated business venture in terms of narrow margins and labour intensity. 'To boil it down, there's a deluge of variable and fixed costs. A snazzy coffee machine? That costs as much as a Corolla. Want some staff? Three casuals, now you're over $120 an hour in labour.' Coffee prices in Australia have surged of late, with average cafe prices reaching approximately $6 a cup in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The Health Link Crew has a great reputation for the quality of its food but one item's price has stunned Aussies It's a 37.5 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels. Experts warn that prices for a flat white or latte could soar to $12 within three years due to rising bean, milk, and operational costs. Weather extremes have affected coffee growing regions such as those in Brazil, Indonesia and Vietnam, and pushed up the global coffee bean price to a 47-year high of US$2.39 a pound, according to the International Coffee Organization. Essential Coffee, a major Australian supplier of coffee machines and beans, has seen their wage bill rise by nine per cent in the past two years. The wholesale price of coffee has also risen 119 per cent since November 2023. There is no limit on the amount businesses can charge as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission only requires it be clearly displayed on menus. The Healthlink Crew was contacted for comment. Anthony Albanese has ruled out helping a convoy of Australian families previously tied to ISIS who have been trying to return home from north-eastern Syria. A group of 11 families, made up of 34 women and children, were planning to travel from the Al Roj refugee camp to Syria's capital, Damascus. Syrian authorities are understood to have turned them back before they could reach their destination. Albanese has ruled out any support from the government, sending a very clear message to the group. 'We have a very firm view that we won't be providing assistance or repatriation,' the Prime Minister told ABC News Breakfast on Tuesday. 'We want to make it clear, as we have to the people involved, if there are any breaches of the law then they will face the full force of the Australian law. 'My mother would have said, 'If you make your bed, you lie in it.' These are people who went overseas and went there to provide support for people who basically want a caliphate.' His comment comes after family members of the ISIS brides claimed it was just a matter of time before they returned to Australia. Anthony Albanese has ruled out helping a convoy of Australian families previously tied to ISIS who have been trying to return home from Syria A group of 11 families, made up of 34 women and children, were planning to travel from north-eastern Syria to the country's capital, Damascus 'This is just a postponement. They will be leaving within hours or days,' the families' friend told The Australian. 'The team in Syria are not trying to ask "Why?", they are just trying to get the approvals done. The post-mortem will be done later.' The ISIS brides left the Syrian refugee camp on Monday morning under the escort of Kurdish security forces, who are in control of a small section of north-eastern Syria. However, Syrian authorities did not allow the convoy to continue to the capital and ordered their return to Al Roj. Sources told the ABC the group consisted of 34 people who had already been issued Australian passports. It is unclear whether the group had obtained the passports or were going to collect them in the capital. They were to go to Damascus and plan the trip to Australia from there. Dr Jamal Rifi, a Lebanese Muslim community leader in Sydney, is understood to be in Syria and providing assistance to the families. Pictured, family members of suspected Islamic State militants who are Australian nationals sit in a van heading to the airport in Damascus On Tuesday, Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam demanded transparency from the Albanese government, claiming there had been 'secret meetings'. He claimed notes from those discussions implied a willingness to 'pave the way' for the families' return. 'The Albanese Government must prove to Australians they are finally serious about protecting our country from the risks associated with returning ISIS brides,' he said. 'The government must commit 100 per cent to doing everything to prevent these people from reentering Australia while they present a risk. 'These are people who have been part of a group that want to attack our way of life and are a very serious risk to our society.' Duniam also called for the government to issue Temporary Exclusion Orders, saying it was the least it could do and 'anything less will be a failure'. Temporary Exclusion Orders are ministerial orders which legally prevent citizens aged 14 and over from reentering Australia for up to two years, to manage security threats. Last week, the government confirmed it would continue to allow the women linked to ISIS, known as 'ISIS brides', and their children to return to Australia by their own means. Under current rules, the families are allowed to return; however, the government does not provide them with assistance or conduct repatriation efforts. The policy was confirmed by Environment Minister Murray Watt during a Senate estimates hearing on February 10. The government has previously warned that Australians found to have committed crimes overseas will be prosecuted upon return. In September, two women and four children linked to Islamic State fighters returned to Australia after getting themselves out of Syria via Lebanon. They had fled the Al-Hol detention centre in north-east Syria. The group was then issued Australian passports after security and DNA checks, with the department briefed three months ahead of their intended return. The Australian Labor Party has issued an urgent call for donations to bankroll its escalating campaign against new Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. Screenshots shared with Daily Mail show an urgent text message sent to Labor supporters and donors on Monday. It said while the party's latest hit job on Taylor had 'exceeded expectations', it required extra funding to keep the campaign online. 'We budgeted 1 week for our Angus Taylor ad. It's performing so well we're expanding it but that creates a funding gap,' the text read. 'We want to lock in another week by TONIGHT and need a surge of grassroots support to do this.' Supporters were sent a link to the fundraising page 'HELP KEEP OUR ANGUS TAYLOR AD LIVE', which encourages donations from $10 to $1,500. It features the same campaign video Labor launched just minutes after the leadership spill on Friday. The ad presents Taylor as 'just another Liberal', calls him a leftover from the Morrison government, and criticises his record as Shadow Treasurer under Peter Dutton. A text message sent to Labor supporters urging them to donate towards the anti-Taylor ad The landing page where Labor supporters can give money to help pay for the advertisement It also accuses Taylor of working from his first day in Parliament to undermine Sussan Ley, the Liberal Party's first federal female leader. The landing page says donations will go directly to keeping the ad online, ensuring it continues to target undecided voters 'while the Liberals are still on the back foot.' According to the site, Labor's initial budget covered only a single week of paid media. But the party now claims strong engagement on Meta and other platforms has prompted it to expand the campaign, arguing that voters are only now seeing the ad and that momentum is building. The website's URL also references Taylor's infamous 2019 campaign gaffe, when his own social media account commented 'Fantastic. Great Move. Well done Angus' under one of his own posts. Text messages from political parties asking for donations are commonly sent to supporters and members, but it is unusual outside of an election period. Labor sources told Daily Mail the texts were a demonstration of the party 'flexing its campaign muscles' after its landslide 2025 election victory, saying Labor's ability to rapidly respond to Coalition campaign promises and frame its opponents early had been a key factor in its success. A teacher charged over the alleged stabbing of his principal has told a court he's too mentally ill to face trial. Kim Ramchen, 37, of Mulgrave, is accused of stabbing Keysborough Secondary School principal Aaron Sykes last December after his contract wasn't renewed. Police allege Ramchen, a married father of one, twice attacked Mr Sykes with separate knives and was only stopped by the bravery of assistant principal Matt Sloan. On Tuesday, Ramchen's lawyer Ruth Parker told Dandenong Magistrates' Court he could be unfit to plead due to a cocktail of mental woes. Additionally, the court heard Ramchen was also looking at a defence based on mental impairment. A psychologist's report diagnosed the teacher with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenic spectrum disorder featuring 'emerging and receding psychotic symptoms,' and post-traumatic stress disorder. It was further noted Ramchen's family provided key medical history, painting a picture of a man with 'unusual features' in his presentation. But while initial reports indicate Ramchen could suffer from undiagnosed mental issues, his behaviour behind bars has not warranted action from forensic psychiatrists. Kim Ramchen is facing serious charges Keysborough Secondary College principal Aaron Sykes was allegedly stabbed by Kim Ramchen Forensicare, the state's mental health service, rejected an inpatient assessment order. The agency emailed defence lawyers the night before Tuesday's hearing, advising Ramchen 'does not meet the criteria'. Ramchen's defence is now seeking the opinions of private doctors in an effort to progress the case. Ms Parker said she was reluctant to take Ramchen's legal instructions without a doctor declaring he was mentally well enough to provide them. Any such assessment could take up to six weeks. 'We're doing everything we can as quickly as we can, but it is what it is,' Ms Parker said. Ramchen's bid for bail in December failed after Magistrate Andrew Waters slammed a lack of psychological evidence and deemed him an 'extreme' re-offending risk. Police allege Ramchen confessed to them about snapping over his job loss. 'I've never been so angry in my life,' police allege Ramchen said. Keysborough Secondary School after the alleged attack During that hearing, the court heard Ramchen described his actions as 'incredibly violent' and that he wasn't able to control his emotions. 'When asked if he was remorseful, the applicant stated it was just lucky people came in,' Sgt Chris Marlow said. The detective told the court Ramchen stormed out of his classroom at 3pm and launched at his boss with a knife. 'The applicant entered through a rear door and made his way to the kitchen where he selected a small kitchen knife, approximately four inches in length, from the drawer and he made his way towards the principal's office,' he said. Mr Sykes suffered a slash wound to his face and a stab wound to the forearm before Ramchen allegedly held a knife to his boss's throat. The court heard Mr Sloan heard screaming, ran in and saw Ramchen kneeling on top of Mr Sykes with the knife at his neck. The teacher grabbed Ramchen's wrist and pulled him off, forcing him to drop the knife, the officer said. Mr Sloan then lost sight of Ramchen as he attended to Mr Sykes. Ramchen is wheeled out of the school after the alleged attack Fearing for student safety, Mr Sloan initiated an immediate school lockdown. He then allegedly saw Ramchen back in the kitchen rummaging through drawers. The court heard Ramchen re-entered Mr Sykes's office, armed with a second, much larger 12-inch-long kitchen knife. Police allege Ramchen again launched at Mr Sykes and held the knife close to his face. Mr Sloan and other staff tackled him a second time, eventually wrestling the knife away, causing injuries to Ramchen's hand. The knife was thrown out of the office and Ramchen was held on the ground until police arrived, the court heard. Ramchen told police he 'snapped' upon learning a day earlier his teaching contract would not be renewed. 'The applicant stated he attended the principal's office to speak about an extension of his employment contract,' Sgt Marlow said. Former The Price is Right model Jacqueline Ramchen, right, who went missing on April 10, 1992, pictured during her game show days in the 1970s Slavik Ramchen (centre) got away with murder according to one of Victoria's most experienced former homicide cops 'But when Mr Sykes dismissed him and closed the door in his face, he became enraged, which caused him to mentally snap. 'The applicant made full admissions to obtaining a knife from the kitchen sink, walking into the office and stabbing him with the knife towards his chest and neck area while others tried to wrestle the accused.' When questioned about why he committed the alleged attack, Sgt Marlow claimed he had wanted to 'completely incapacitate the principal'. Police charged Ramchen with multiple offences, including recklessly endangering life, intentionally causing injury, two counts of unlawful assault, and assault with a weapon. Ramchen had hoped to return to his Mulgrave home on bail where his brother Lev Ramchen agreed to keep track of him. Lev, 42, had acted as his brother's guardian after their mother mysteriously vanished when they were just teenagers. Ramchen's mum was former The Price is Right host Jacqueline Ramchen. Mrs Ramchen has not been seen since she dropped her three children off at school on April 10, 1992. Their father Slavik Ramchen was later charged with her murder, but walked free in 2002 after a magistrate found there was a possibility she might actually still be alive. Ramchen will return to court in April. The tragic death of Virginia Giuffre has taken a new twist after documents in the Jeffrey Epstein files briefly exposed her cause of death and deeply personal emails from her closest confidant. The private messages, mistakenly made public before being hastily redacted, are understood to shed light on the 41-year-old's state of mind in the months before she died. Virginia, who became one of Epstein's most prominent accusers and a central figure in the legal battle that rocked the British Royal Family, had long spoken about the toll the years-long saga had taken on her. She took her own life at her Neergabby farmhouse, an hour north of Perth, on April 25, 2025. Now, the accidental release of private emails from one of her closest confidants and fellow Epstein survivor Maria Farmer appears to reveal her cause of death. 'She died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound last week at her home in Australia,' Ms Farmer revealed in the email dated May 8, 2025. The email was sent to several people, including US lawyer David Boies and attorney Sigrid McCawley, who both represented Virginia during lengthy court battles. New York Times business reporter Emily Steel, along with various other legal professionals, were also cc'd in the email correspondence. Bombshell documents were accidentally released in relation to the death of Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life last year Emails from survivor Maria Farmer seemingly reveal Virginia's cause of death Ms Farmer is one of the earliest known victims of Epstein Ms Farmer is one of the earliest known Epstein victims and has long claimed she tried to sound the alarm about his alleged abuse years before his crimes became public. An artist from the United States, Ms Farmer has said she reported Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to authorities in the 1990s after alleging she had been sexually assaulted, but believes her complaints were ignored. The subject line of her email read 'Abusing public victims has real consequences'. 'I have no idea how to survive now,' Ms Farmer wrote. 'She was our leader, our purpose. This is agonising for her children, especially her little girl. 'No one should ask so much of public victims. I struggle hour to hour to remain tethered to earth. Now we are hero-less. 'My raison d'etre was Virginia. I'm an old woman without children. I wanted to have a child like V, brave and strong. She was pure LIGHT.' Ms Farmer also expressed frustration that the files were still suppressed at the time. Ms Farmer reported Jeffery Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to authorities in the 1990s but claims her complaints were ignored 'The FBI needs to feel DEEP SHAME and cough up my reports. They need to apologise, though now nothing matters,' she said. 'My entire fight was to get justice for this young lady. She was ALWAYS ON MY MIND, like Willie Nelson sang. Always. On. My. Mind. 'I reported to FBI TEN YEARS PRIOR TO THIS HERO BEING KIDNAPPED AND RAPED AS A CHILD!!! This is the most devastating sorrow and now nothing will ever be ok again. 'Nothing will be ok without Virginia here loving her children and animals. I will never be ok. 'The FBI really damaged society when they refused to listen to the fact children were being harmed!' The official cause of Virginia's death has not been publicly released. In January 2025, police were called to a domestic violence incident in Dunsborough, 250km south of Perth, where she and her husband, Robert Giuffre, were holidaying with their children. Last January, police were called to a domestic violence incident in Dunsborough, where Virginia and her husband, Robert, were holidaying They accused each other of violence and although no charges were laid, Robert took out a restraining order against Virginia, preventing her from seeing her children for six months. 'I have been through hell and back in my 41 years but this is incredibly hurting me worse than anything else,' Virginia wrote on Instagram in March, referring to the restraining order. Robert appeared in court last February over one count of failing to store his ammunition in a locked cabinet at the same farmhouse where Virginia took her own life. Police found two boxes of Winchester pellets, two boxes of 12-gauge shotgun shells, 25 Olympic blue 12-gauge shotgun shells, and a box of Fiocchi 12-gauge shotgun shells, court records said. They also located eight boxes of 25 12-gauge shotgun shells, 400 long-rifle CCI and 22 bullets. Robert was fined $500 and ordered to pay $300.50 in court costs. The Daily Mail is not suggesting Robert had any knowledge about Virginia's death. Days after Virginia's death, her lawyer and friend Karrie Louden spoke to the Daily Mail outside her client's farmhouse. Ms Louden said she was 'in shock' and had been in contact with her client in the days before her death. Days after Virginia's death, her lawyer and friend Karrie Louden spoke to the Daily Mail Her husband, Robert, appeared in court last February over one count of failing to store his ammunition in a locked cabinet 'This has been a complete shock to all of us,' she said. 'If any of us had thought she was going to commit suicide, of course we would have taken more steps, put her into a clinic or got her some more help. 'When I got the phone call, I was like, "Are you joking?" Because there were no signs that was something she was considering.' Ms Louden would not speculate on the circumstances surrounding Virginia's death. 'It's inconclusive. I'm a defence lawyer and I don't like to speculate about things until the evidence is in [and] the evidence is not in,' she said. 'The police told me nothing, they didn't even confirm she was dead. It wasn't suspicious circumstances it's suicide or misadventure. 'I didn't see her in the room. I wasn't in there. I'm not going to speculate whether it was suicide or accidental. 'You'll all be aware that she's been in hospital. She's been on medications. 'Has she just taken too many painkillers? Was she intentionally doing it? I just, you know I don't even know what the cause of death was.' The family's picturesque farm is part of her multi-million-dollar estate Ms Louden said there were no suspicious circumstances, 'as far as we are aware'. She also confirmed she was unaware if a suicide note had been left. 'Given the recent activities, it's very likely that we will never know,' Ms Louden said. The police were just very, very vague. I know that she's gone but how that happened, I don't know. 'I'm not sure we'll ever know. I mean, sometimes the coroner might say it was suicide, the coroner might say it was misadventure, the coroner might say inconclusive.' The winners and shortlisted photographers for the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards have been announced. Now in its 19th year, the competition honours the most compelling single images captured over the past 12 months. Ten category winners have been unveiled, alongside 120 shortlisted photographs in the Open competition. The 2025 categories span Portraiture, Street Photography, Travel, Natural World & Wildlife, Object, Motion, Lifestyle, Landscape, Creative and Architecture. This year saw more than 430,000 submissions from over 200 countries and territories, reflecting the competition's global reach. One of the ten Open category winners will go on to be named Open Photographer of the Year at an awards ceremony in London, on April 16. Along with the title, the overall winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a Sony Digital Imaging equipment kit. Below are the 10 winners from each category and a selection of shortlisted submissions. Winner of the Portrait category is Ellie Leontiev's 'The Barefoot Volcanologist.' It shows a volcanic scientist standing on a volcanic rock bomb in Vanuatu Street Photographer is Italy's Giulia Pissagroia, with her picture 'Between the Lines' - a candid, family picture captured in Norway Winner of the Travel category is from Japan's Megumi Murakami. The picture, captured at Abare Festival in the Noto region of Japan, shows men leaping into the river as torches blaze, a centuries old tradition Robby Ogilvie's 'Colour Divides' won the Object category. The picture shows the contrasting bright colors in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood of Cape Town, South Africa The winner for Natural World and Wildlife comes from Klaus Hellmich. The picture shows an Arctic fox in Norway, bracing against wind and snow Franklin Littlefield of the United States won the Motion category. The image was taken at a concert in Rhode Island A portrait of 'Charlotte and Dolly,' won the Lifestyle category for Vanta Coda III. It shows a cow and a young woman resting together in a West Virginia barn A shot of the Sossusvlei dunes in Namibia won the Landscape category for Fritz Rumpf of the United States Siavosh Eljali's 'Lost Hope' - an ode to Iranian women - won the Creative category An image of a paper mill in Obbola, Sweden, taken by Markus Naarttijarvi, won the Architecture category Poland's Sebastian Szczepanowski's shot was shortlisted for the Lifestyle category, capturing friends at a camper van A Portraiture shortlist from the United Kingdom's Mondo Love - with the subject's one eye peeping from the plastic cover A successful vibrant blue shortlist to the Creative category by France's Marie-Line Dentler A Motion submission and shortlisted image of a horse by Lorea Hausheer from Switzerland Tim Munsey of the United States's Natural World and Wildlife shortlisted image of an eagle A Natural World and Wildlife shortlisted image of a stag from the UK's Samuel Round Another successful shortlisted image for the Natural World and Wildlife category, taken by Scott Portelli Mexico's Livier Miroslava Ultreas's image was shortlisted in the Portraiture category NRL star Matt Utai ran at his attackers when gunmen opened fire on him during an early morning drive-by shooting in south-west Sydney. Utai, a former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs winger, was shot twice outside his home on Macquarie Street in Greenacre, just before 6am on Tuesday, and was taken to hospital for surgery. Utai is believed to be an innocent casualty in what cops have labelled a 'targeted' shooting. The connection between his son, Iziah Tafeamalii Utai, 24, and the Alameddine crime family is now being investigated as police work to find those responsible. The Daily Mail has seen CCTV footage showing Utai running towards the gunman who had shot him. Utai had walked out of his duplex moments before the shooting erupted. The 44-year-old unlocked his Toyota Hilux and opened the drivers door as the rear door of a white SUV parked on the other side of the street opened. When a gunman in the SUV got out and started shooting, Utai ran towards him. Footy star Matt Utai was shot in the leg and shoulder during an alleged drive-by attack on Tuesday Police are now investigating Matt's son Iziah's links to the notorious Alameddine crime family The gunman got back into the vehicle and appeared to be joined by a second attacker, who came from the other side of the SUV and got in the same rear door. The SUV took off as Utai headed down the street on foot, away from his house. He then returned and collapsed on his front lawn. The drive-by shooting unfolded eight months after Iziah's Merrylands barber shop was firebombed twice by a teenager known to be an associate of the Alameddines. Iziah, who has served time in prison and been found guilty of firearms, drugs and robbery charges, came to the attention of authorities in 2019. He was convicted the following year of armed robbery and sentenced to an 18-month Community Corrections Order (CCO) which expired in February 2022. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to a charge of possess prohibited drug and received a 12-month CCO expiring in December 2022. He was found guilty in 2021 on a charge of driving with an illicit drug in his blood, and received a two-year Conditional Release Order (CRO) to expire in May 2023, but recorded no conviction. He breached his CRO in 2023 when he was charged with six offences, later pleading guilty to charges related to firearms and drug possession. The NRL star was shot while leaving his family home in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west Police could be seen tagging evidence outside Utai's home as the investigation continues Speculation has continued to mount that the attack could have been carried out by the 'Coconut Cartel' Detectives were outside Utai's home on Tuesday morning as they work to find those responsible for the attack In 2023, Iziah was sentenced to 18 months' jail with a non-parole period of nine months meaning he was eligible for parole in October 2023. It is not clear whether Iziah was at the family home at the time of the shooting. His father has no criminal history and is not believed to be involved in criminal activity, according to Bankstown Police Area Command Superintendent Rodney Hart. Speculation has continued to mount that the attack could have been carried out by the 'Coconut Cartel', a new underworld group allegedly connected to a recent firebombing of an Alameddine family home. The Coconut Cartel were once hired by the Alameddines, but the two camps had a falling out. The breakaway gang is believed to be made up of former Kaiviti Family members - an Islander and Fijian gang. Following the shooting, police were called to Samuel Street in Wiley Park, where officers found an SUV on fire. The fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW, and the car was seized for forensic examination. The Coconut Cartel were once hired by the Alameddines, but the two camps had a falling out Emergency services were called to Macquarie Street in Greenacre just before 6am on Tuesday Police have established crime scenes at both locations, with Bankstown detectives commencing an investigation and treating both incidents as linked. The shooting will be investigated by the Raptor squad, which targets bikie gangs and organised crime networks. 'Whether the victim was the intended target or it was somebody that he knows or associates with, or he's related to, will form part of the investigation,' Supt Hart said. Police are searching for two offenders: a driver and a gunman. It comes as a neighbour, who requested not to be named, told Daily Mail she heard five shots. I was asleep in the lounge room and my mum was making breakfast for my dad, she said. All we heard is gunshots. I heard five shots. Then he started yelling. He was screaming. I dont know what he was saying, he was probably in shock. We went down and we saw him. He was on the grass near a black car. He couldnt move. Police were later called to Samuel Street in Wiley Park where officers found an SUV on fire The neighbour said she saw Utai being taken away in an ambulance. He was aware, she said. He was just in a lot of pain. The neighbour said she did not see the vehicle from which the shots were fired but heard it speeding away. This street is always quiet, she said. Its really safe. It was so scary. Anthony Albanese has given his strongest signal yet that Labor is set to rein in the capital gains tax break for property investors which may impact property prices and rentals. Speaking on ABC TV on Tuesday, the Prime Minister was asked if the government might wind back capital gains tax relief in combination with planned income tax cuts in the Budget. Any changes would not affect owner-occupiers, who are already exempt, but would hit investors benefitting from big tax concessions when selling rental properties. The controversial negative gearing tax benefit would, however, remain untouched - and house prices are unlikely to fall as a result of the change. 'We have income tax cuts in the Budget already baked in,' he said. 'It will come in on July 1 and another tax cut the year after. When it comes to housing, our focus is on supply.' But when Mr Albanese was asked for a second time to rule it out, he conceded the 'deliberations' are a standard part of the Budget-planning process. 'I am not here to announce what might or might not be in the Budget because those deliberations take place every year,' he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) has told the ABC deliberations have taken place over scaling back the CGT for property investors Treasurer Jim Chalmers (pictured) has flagged the May Budget could include changes to the CGT discount to address concerns about intergenerational inequity and housing affordability John Curtin Research Centre executive director Nick Dyrenfurth said winding back CGT concessions for property investors was not a silver bullet to the housing crisis but could make an impact. 'This is not about demonising older Australians or property investors,' he wrote in The Australian. 'Most played by the rules as they were written. But rules can be wrong and, over time, wrong rules corrode the social contract. 'Why should younger Australians shoulder higher personal income tax to fund older, property-owning generations' health and aged care, but be locked out of home ownership?' Treasurer Jim Chalmers last asked Treasury officials to examine possible changes to the CGT discount in late 2024. Mr Dyrenfurth said Chalmers has repeatedly framed tax reform through an 'intergenerational' lens. 'He knows the system leans too heavily on personal income tax and too lightly on accumulated wealth,' he wrote. 'That is why reforming the CGT discount matters, even if its short-term impact on house prices is modest.' Australians now need to earn around $200,000 a year to comfortably afford a typical house in most capital cities without falling into mortgage stress John Curtin Research Centre's Nick Dyrenfurth (pictured) said winding back CGT concessions was not a silver bullet to the housing crisis but could make an impact The renewed debate comes as new research shows Australians now need to earn around $200,000 a year to comfortably afford a typical house in most capital cities without falling into mortgage stress. Industry experts project house prices could drop between one and four per cent as a result of reforms to the CGT discount for property investors. Under the current rules introduced in 1999 by the Howard government, investors pay tax on only half the profit they make when selling an investment property held for more than a year. Domain senior economist Dr Joel Bowman said reducing the CGT discount is unlikely to trigger a dramatic fall in house prices. However, it may improve home ownership rates. 'With less competition from investors, owner-occupiers could find it a bit easier to get a foot on the ladder, potentially lifting home ownership by up to five percentage points,' he said. 'Depending on the approach, we could see a short-term surge in listings from investors, creating a temporary boost in supply before the market settles again. 'But with other tax benefits still in play for investors, the CGT charge alone isn't likely to have a lasting effect on property's appeal.' It is estimated around 2.2 million people own investment properties in Australia. The body of a 37-year-old man has been found inside a charity bin. The discovery was made in a loading dock in a car park on Buckland Road in Nundah, in Brisbane's north, around 3.30am on Tuesday. The man was declared dead at the scene. Queensland Police said the death was being treated as non-suspicious. 'Initial investigations indicate the death is non-suspicious however police will await the results of a post-mortem to determine the cause of death,' a statement read. A report will be prepared for the coroner. It's understood the man's body was found near a loading dock used by Woolworths. A spokesperson for the supermarket giant told Daily Mail: 'Our thoughts are with the individual's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' Woolworths is offering counselling and support services to team members following the incident. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is set to return to the Liberal Party frontbench, with new Opposition Leader Angus Taylor finalising his reshaped Shadow Cabinet. Taylor has appointed Price as Shadow Minister for Small Business, Skills and Training, marking her reinstatement to the senior Coalition team just months after she was removed from Sussan Ley's shadow ministry. Former leadership contender Andrew Hastie will also rejoin the frontbench as Shadow Minister for Industry and Deputy leader in the House of Representatives. Deputy Leader Jane Hume will serve as Shadow Minister for Employment, Industrial Relations and Productivity. Goldstein MP Tim Wilson, a moderate and supporter of Sussan Ley, will serve as Shadow Treasurer. Wilson was the only Liberal candidate to win back a seat from a Teal Independent at the 2025 election, defeating Zoe Daniel. Tasmanian Senator Clare Chandler, who appeared alongside Wilson, Hume and Taylor will serve as Shadow Finance Minister. Chandler was the first MP to submit her resignation from shadow cabinet, following Taylor's quitting last Wednesday evening. Price's comeback follows her September 2025 departure from the shadow ministry, when Ley asked her to step down after a dispute over comments Price made about Indian migrants and her refusal to publicly endorse Ley's leadership. Price (pictured) will return to the Liberal Party frontbench as part of Angus Taylor's team Tim Wilson (pictured) has been appointed as Shadow Treasurer under Angus Taylor In September last year, Price told the ABC the Albanese government was accepting 'large numbers' of Indian migrants to bolster Labor's vote share, an assertion she later conceded was a 'mistake'. Ley considered the remarks 'deeply hurtful' to Indian Australians and said maintaining confidence in the leader was a fundamental requirement for serving in the shadow ministry. At the time, Ley declared that Price had 'failed the test' expected of shadow ministers. Price later described her comments as 'clumsy,' though she stopped short of issuing an explicit apology. Sussan Ley's former deputy Ted O'Brien will shift into the role of Shadow Foreign Minister, supported by Senator Dave Sharma, who will serve as Shadow Minister for International Development. Liberal Senate leader Michaelia Cash will shift to Shadow Attorney-General. Some moderate MPs who backed Ley have also held their positions on the frontbench. Senator Anne Ruston will continue as Shadow Health Minister and Deputy Leader in the Senate. Berowra MP Julian Leeser will remain Shadow Education Minister, while NSW Senator Andrew Bragg will retain his housing portfolio and take on the additional role of Shadow Environment Minister. Key Angus Taylor supporter Claire Chandler (pictured) will serve as Shadow Finance Minister Ley backers such as Anne Ruston (front) and Andrew Bragg (back) remain in Shadow Cabinet Dan Tehan will replace Alex Hawke as Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives. Hawke, one of Ley's biggest supports, has been dropped entirely. Ley ally and NSW Senator Maria Kovacic, will remain, serving as Shadow Assistant Minister for Women and Shadow Assistant Minister for Productivity and Deregulation. Senator James Paterson, a key figure in Taylor's victory over Ley, will serve as Shadow Minister for Defence. The National Party will also rejoin the Shadow Cabinet following the Coalition split earlier this year. Senators Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald, and Ross Cadell, who resigned after voting against Labor's hatespeech laws following the Bondi terror attack, will now return to the frontbench. NSW Senator Jess Collins, who moved the spill motion against Sussan Ley, has not been promoted to the cabinet. Just days after Taylor ousted Ley as Liberal leader, Price used a fiery appearance on The Karl Stefanovic Show to signal her political comeback. Bridget McKenzie (front) and Ross Cadell (right) will return along with Susan McDonald 'I'm back, baby. I'm back. Don't worry about that. I'm back,' she said. 'I was having a breather, but I'm back.' Price also targeted colleagues she accused of abandoning her during last year's controversy, specifically Hawke, who had publicly urged her to apologise. 'I think it was fairly evident that Mr Hawke there had a good old crack,' she said. 'I had a very stern conversation with him.' Mystery surrounds the death of a man found in a creek in a seaside suburb. Emergency responders were called to Leak Avenue near the Patawalonga River at Glenelg North in Adelaide's west on Tuesday morning. The body was found in the nearby Sturt River, which flows into the Patawalonga. The street was blocked off by more than a dozen emergency vehicles for most of the morning as police launched an investigation. The nature of the man's death is yet to be determined. 'Local detectives and forensic investigators are at the scene to determine the cause and nature of the persons death,' a police spokesman told Daily Mail. 'We do not have any further information at this stage.' A mound of earth on a higher terrain separates Leak Avenue from the nearby creek, where the body was located. A man's body has been pulled from a nearby creek which flows into the Patawalonga River at Glenelg North (pictured) A mound of earth separates Leak Avenue from the nearby creek (right), where the man's body was located Locals in the quiet neighbourhood were shocked to learn about the discovery and suspect it may involve misadventure. 'There's not enough water in there for him to drift down,' one man told the Adelaide Advertiser. 'He probably tripped over something and fell down.' A report will be prepared for the coroner. The DNA on a glove discarded a few miles away from Nancy Guthrie's home could now provide the long-awaited breakthrough in one of the nation's most chilling abduction cases. Investigators are preparing to enter the genetic evidence into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System, known as CODIS in hopes of identifying the masked figure seen lurking outside her front door. The glove was found roughly two miles from the Tucson home where the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished. It has emerged as a critical piece of evidence that authorities believe could help find a suspect. According to the FBI, preliminary DNA results from the glove suggest it could be linked to the person captured on surveillance video outside Nancy Guthrie's home the night she disappeared. Investigators are now awaiting official confirmation before expanding their forensic analysis and comparing the genetic profile against federal databases used to identify criminal suspects nationwide. The breakthrough comes as the search for Guthrie is now in its third week, with no arrests made and mounting urgency surrounding her condition. Authorities have expressed concern for her health, noting she requires daily medication and has a pacemaker, along with a history of high blood pressure and heart problems. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her home in Tucson's Catalina Foothills, an upscale desert enclave known for its secluded properties and quiet streets. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home on January 31 and reported missing the following day. She is pictured with her daughter and Today Show host, Savannah A glove containing DNA was discovered about two miles from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home Authorities believe the glove may match those worn by the masked person captured outside Guthrie's front door She was reported missing the following day under circumstances that quickly escalated into a nationwide investigation. What investigators discovered at the scene have sparked fears of a violent abduction. Authorities said Nancy Guthrie's blood was found on the front porch of her home, suggesting she may have been injured during the encounter. Surveillance footage from a porch camera captured a masked individual standing outside her door, wearing gloves, a jacket, long pants, and carrying a distinctive backpack. The FBI later identified the person in the video as a suspect, describing him as a man approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. The agency said he was carrying a distinctive 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack that was purchased at Walmart - a detail investigators hope could help identify him. Pima County Sheriff Christ Nanos said authorities are working directly with Walmart management in hopes of identifying purchase records or surveillance footage that could help identify the suspect. Officials said clothing worn by the suspect may also have been purchased from Walmart, though they cautioned that those items are not exclusively sold there. The glove at the center of the investigation was discovered in a field beside a road roughly two miles from Guthrie's home. The area was quickly sealed off as FBI agents and sheriff's deputies descended on the scene. Savannah Guthrie publicly appealed to her mother's captor, saying, 'It is never too late to do the right thing.' Authorities said her blood was discovered on the front porch of her home The FBI previously said approximately 16 gloves were found near the home during the investigation Pima County sheriff and FBI work on a Range Rover in a Culver's parking lot in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday A person places flowers in front of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson on Friday On Monday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Google is trying to 'scratch' through layers of stored data to uncover potential footage of the suspect who carried out Guthrie's abduction Forensic teams combed the area as multiple law enforcement vehicles blocked access to the road. The evidence is especially significant because investigators previously revealed they had collected DNA from Guthrie's property that did not belong to her or anyone known to be in close contact with her. The glove could provide the missing link needed to match that unidentified DNA to a specific individual. Authorities have also uncovered around 16 gloves scattered in various locations near the home. While most were determined to belong to searchers and volunteers, the glove now undergoing DNA testing appears to stand apart as being potentially connected to the suspect. The investigation has expanded rapidly, with law enforcement detaining individuals for questioning, conducting court-authorized searches, and towing vehicles believed to be relevant to the case. A Range Rover SUV was seized from a nearby restaurant parking lot, although officials have not disclosed its connection to the disappearance. The search for Nancy Guthrie has now entered its third week A Range Rover SUV was seized from a nearby restaurant parking lot, although officials have not disclosed its connection to the disappearance Residents from Chandler, Arizona pray at a makeshift memorial at the entrance to Nancy Guthrie's home as the search continues for the 84-year-old woman Investigators have also been flooded with information from the public. The FBI said it has received more than 13,000 tips, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department reported taking at least 18,000 calls related to the case that have generated between 40,000 and 50,000 leads. Sheriff Nanos previously reported that investigators had fielded tens of thousands of calls from members of the public, underscoring both the national attention on the case and the immense challenge of separating meaningful leads from false alarms. Authorities have also publicly cleared Nancy Guthrie's family members as possible suspects, calling them victims in the case. Nanos said the family has been 'nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case.' 'To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel,' Nanos explained. 'The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple.' He later explained that he issued the statement out of concern for the family's wellbeing. 'Sometimes we forget we're human and we hurt and kindness matters. It is every cops duty to stand up and be that voice for our victims,' Nanos said. Federal agents have also canvassed gun stores in recent days as part of the investigation, according to a federal law enforcement official. 'Things are still very fluid and we are out on many leads,' the official said, describing the canvass as part of the routine investigative process. The official warned that excessive public reporting on investigative steps could undermine the search, cautioning that revealing too much information 'gives the perpetrator a window into the investigation. That's not helpful.' Law enforcement has received more than 13,000 tips related to the disappearance Jennifer Bond signs a banner that reads 'Bring her home' and shows a photo of Nancy Guthrie, at the KVOA newsroom, where Savannah worked earlier in her career, in Tucson, Arizona Even President Donald Trump has weighed in on the case, writing on Truth Social that he was monitoring developments and expressing optimism about the investigation For Savannah Guthrie, the ordeal has unfolded under the glare of national attention. In a video message posted to Instagram on Sunday night she pleaded directly with whoever may be holding her mother. '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 it's never too late.' Her appeals have grown increasingly emotional as days pass without answers, reflecting the anguish of a family clinging to hope amid the uncertainty. Even President Donald Trump has weighed in on the case, writing on Truth Social that he was monitoring developments and expressing optimism about the investigation. 'Hopefully there will be a positive result!' Trump wrote, praising those 'working so hard, with such expertise and knowledge.' Trump has also warned that the abductor could face the harshest possible punishment if Nancy Guthrie is found dead saying they would be 'very, very severe - the most severe.' Asked whether that could include capital punishment, Trump told the New York Post, 'The most, yeah - that's true.' Cadaver dogs have searched a water tank and a recently cemented outhouse at a property owned by Gus Lamont's family. The four-year-old boy was last seen playing at his grandparents' Oak Park Station homestead near Yunta in outback South Australia on September 27. Earlier this month, South Australian Police declared someone living at the remote station was a suspect in Gus' disappearance and likely death. On Tuesday, officers and cadaver dogs brought in from New South Wales inspected a water tank and a freshly cemented outhouse at a sheep station owned by Gus' family located 30km west of Oak Park Station. They then moved to a second property at Grampus, about 24km from Oak Park, where Task Force Horizon detectives were seen scouring the homestead and surrounding areas. Police announced this week that detectives had returned to the area to continue searching for evidence, adding they would there for at least two days. It was announced on Tuesday evening that the search had concluded and that no new discoveries were made. 'The search covered numerous buildings and structures at Oak Park Station and at several locations adjoining the property. (It) involved Polair and a cadaver dog from interstate to assist in locating human remains. Unfortunately, no evidence was located during the intensive searches,' a police spokesperson said. Gus Lamont was last seen playing at his grandparents' Oak Park Station homestead near Yunta in outback South Australia On February 5, South Australian Police declared someone living at the remote station was a suspect in Gus' disappearance and likely death Police returned to the region this week to launch a renewed search for evidence 'Task Force Horizon detectives have not ruled out returning to Oak Park Station as the investigation continues.' Police said Gus' grandparents, his mother and his younger brother were at Oak Park Station when he disappeared, but stressed his parents were not suspects. On Monday, police arrested and charged Gus's grandmother, 75-year-old Josie Murray, with firearm offences. Murray was bailed to appear in Peterborough Magistrates Court in May. Acting Officer in Charge of Major Crime Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Andrew Macrae said that the charges are not related to Gus' disappearance. He added that the charges were also not connected to an incident with a journalist who attended the property in October 2025. Gus went missing from the 60,000ha Oak Park Station on September 27 last year and, despite the largest police search operation in the state's history, no trace of him has been found. No arrests have been made or charges laid over Gus' disappearance. Gus' grandparents Shannon and Josie Murray have both enlisted the services of high-profile Adelaide defence lawyers. A number of disused mine shafts were searched on the property Some were shallow and could be inspected from the ground but others required specialised equipment A freshly cemented outhouse (left) was included in the search which employed cadaver dogs (right) Gus' grandmother Josie Murray (pictured with police) was arrested and charged with firearm offences on Monday. The charges are not related to the boy's disappearance Authorities on Monday began a two-day search at the remote station where he vanished in September (pictured in October) Gus disappeared from Oak Park Station (pictured) on September 27 Air units also scoured the property but the search was called off on Tuesday evening with no trace of Gus They said they were 'devastated' by the police announcement and insisted they were still cooperating with the investigation. There is no suggestion that Josie or Shannon Murray were involved in Gus' disappearance. Police have not said either is a suspect and it is not uncommon for witnesses in criminal cases to seek legal advice. In November, a search of six uncovered and unfenced mine shafts located between 5.5km and 12km from the homestead lasted three days. 'The inspection of the mine shafts ... did not locate any evidence to assist in the investigation into Gus' disappearance,' a police statement said. 'Several of the shafts were relatively shallow and could be visually inspected but the remainder were up to 20 metres deep and specialised equipment was required to complete the searches.' Before that, authorities drained a dam in late October, ruling out the possibility Gus had drowned. It took police about three-and-a-half hours to drain 3.2million litres of water from the 4.5metre-deep dam, which is 600metres from the homestead. The initial search for Gus included survival experts, SES crews, local trackers, multiple air support units and mounted police. Aerial imaging within a 10km radius of the homestead had also been done. Donald Trump's antisemitism tsar has warned that Jew hatred is 'running amok' in the UK as he urged Sir Keir Starmer to crackdown on protests. Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun said that he was being 'inundated' with pleas from British Jews 'asking for our assistance' during a two-day visit. 'Coming to England was a priority for my office,' he told The Telegraph. 'Because we have been inundated by calls from people within the UK asking for our assistance in working with the Government to help stem the tide of antisemitism, which has been running amok in the UK throughout many of its regions.' Reports of antisemitism have surged to record highs in Britain since Hamas' October 7 attacks in 2023, according to a report by The Community Security Trust. In the last year alone, 3,700 incidents of hate towards Jews were recorded. Rabbi Kaploun said the 'alarming' statistics were representative of a 'tremendous breakdown in law and order' under Starmer's leadership. He added: 'It's a record that is sad because we're dealing in a society that, instead of being able to work on programmes that decrease antisemitism, we're seeing a tremendous rise. 'It's kind of a sad indictment that we're not learning from history to protect our children and give them a better future.' The US President's antisemitism tsar Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, 57, has claimed antisemitism is 'running riot' in the United Kingdom He urged Sir Keir Starmer to take action in a bid to stop protests from antisemites across the country (Pictured: Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Feb 11, 2025) Two men were killed on October 2, 2025, when Jihah Al-Shamie targeted Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in a terrorist attack. Al-Shamie was shot dead by police at the scene after ramming his car into the place of worship and stabbing Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, to death. In a call made to 999 moments after the killings, he reportedly told call handlers: 'I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State.' Rabbi Kaploun has now accused authorities of allowing antisemitism to fester in the UK in the lead up to the attack, which he says was ultimately inevitable. 'It didn't come in a vacuum,' the Orthodox rabbi admitted. 'If you're going to have three years of rising incidents of antisemitism, it escalates. 'And if it goes unchecked, and if it goes without law and order, which is the basic premise for people to be able to live freely, then you're going to get unfortunate results that occurred in Manchester on Yom Kippur.' Police launched an investigation only this week after a group of pro-Palestine canvassers were accused of engaging in a 'Jew hunt' when they went door-to-door in Sheffield asking locals to boycott Israeli products. Campaigner Jean Hatchet and her partner confronted members of the Sheffield Apartheid-Free Zone (AFZ) campaign on Sunday as they walked through the Woodseats area of the northern city. Two men were killed on October 2, 2025, when Jihah Al-Shamie (pictured) targeted a synagogue in Manchester Tributes to Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were laid outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation following the attack The altercation turned ugly as Ms Hatchet and her partner yelled 'Jew Hunt' at the trio of men. One of the men appeared to headbutt Ms Hatchet's partner. And later, after being followed to outside a local Asda, another activist appears to grab a sign out of Ms Hatchet's partner's hand and fold it up; video footage appears to show the woman's hand grabbing his backpack before he spins around. Police say they are investigating multiple reports of assault. They are also enquiring whether video footage of the incidents was 'edited'. The Sheffield AFZ is one of a number of grassroots groups that has sprung up seeking to encourage people not to support Israeli businesses amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. But critics say that groups like these may actually encourage antisemitism - or leave Jewish people frightened if they are confronted on their own doorsteps. Ms Hatchet - who is not Jewish - told the Daily Mail that she and her partner went to find the doorknockers after being alerted to their activities on social media. She later shared multiple videos of the confrontation online. Some were filmed on her phone, while others were captured on her partner's body-worn camera, which appeared to be worn underneath a jacket. 'We thought we'd go down there and see what they were doing,' Ms Hatchet said. 'That was the only intention we had, to see if it was as bad as it looked and sounded. 'We found these guys in the street and as you can see in the video it was a few questions about what they were looking to do. 'They were handing out leaflets that they were targeting a specific set of people [Jews] even if they weren't naming them. Pro-Palestine activists got into an altercation with people who accused them of 'Jew hunting' in Sheffield last weekend Jean Hatchet's partner (pictured) carried a sign that read 'no tolerance for Jew hatred' 'One of the men stood on the path and he headbutted her. We began shouting what we thought they were doing, which was "Jew hunt", trying to embarrass them into leaving, which worked. 'They packed up and headed off down the street. We were walking behind them when one of them grabbed the sign from my partner. She reached to grab it and she was assaulted. She has put that to the police.' Ms Hatchet said that video footage showing the man in red stumbling backwards before he headbutted her partner was the result of 'a very steep hill', and alleged that he had stepped into her path. The AFZ activists say they are advocating for a boycott of Israeli products because Israel 'thrives on international support'. A leaflet it makes available online reads: 'When we choose not to buy Israeli goods, it hits them where it hurts most - their economy. Boycotts have worked before. 'They were a powerful factor in ending South African apartheid and together we can make them a success again.' Last week, Jewish activists in Brighton accused pro-Palestine canvassers of engaging in a 'campaign of intimidation' by knocking on the doors of locals and asking them to boycott Israeli products. Members of the Brighton and Hove Apartheid-Free Zone group were filmed going door-to-door in the city on February 7, asking residents to sign a pledge against goods manufactured in Israel. The group says it is expressing solidarity with Palestinians who have been killed and displaced in Gaza, taking inspiration from the Anti-Apartheid Movement that targeted South Africa in the latter half of the 20th century. But local Jewish activists have accused the group of engaging in a targeted campaign to whip up feelings of antisemitism towards British Jews. Israeli boycott groups like the Brighton and Hove AFZ have sprung up in greater numbers following Israel's incursion into Gaza following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which killed over 1,200 people, mostly Israelis. Since then, the war with Hamas has killed an estimated 72,000 Palestinian people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Authority. It has also levelled most of the Gaza Strip and displaced 1.9 million Palestinians. Israel's actions in Gaza under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have prompted accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing, which it denies. But those who believe Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians are behind campaigns like the AFZ and calls to boycott companies that do business with the state, and companies of Israeli origin. In the years since the October 7 attacks, and Israel's ongoing campaign in Gaza, there has also been a rise in antisemitic incidents across Britain. A poll by YouGov last year, commissioned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, also found that half of young Brits feel uncomfortable spending time with people who openly support Israel. It also concluded that half of Brits believe Israel is treating Palestinians in the same way that Nazis treated the Jews. The ACT's first Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People has stepped down from her 'dream role' after an alleged assault. Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts was appointed to the position in 2024 but has been on extended approved leave since July 2025. She officially resigned from the role at the end of 2025 following months of questions about her absence in Canberra. However, Turnbull-Roberts on Tuesday morning alleged she had left her office after being subjected to 'sexual harassment and sexual assault in Canberra by a public servant'. She cited concern for her 'physical and psychological safety' as reasons why she left the role and added she needed to act in the 'best interests of my family'. 'This conduct has no place in any workplace,' she said. 'Appropriate reports have been made, including to police, and these matters are now with the relevant authorities. This experience has impacted me in ways too shattering for language to fully hold.' Several ministers had previously voiced their concerns about Turnbull-Roberts' 'persistent absenteeism', reported the Canberra Times last month. Indigenous woman Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts (above) has resigned from her role as Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People She released a statement confirming her resignation on Tuesday Turnbull-Roberts shot down those report as 'incorrect and harmful'. 'It misrepresented the reality of my decision and caused me further harm. Taking steps to protect one's health and safety should never be distorted or weaponised,' she said. 'No one leaves work of this significance without reason. As a survivor, a mother, and a proud Bundjalung woman, I know what it means to be unprotected in systems meant to provide care. I also know what it means to choose safety when it is not adequately provided. 'I escaped the child 'protection' system at 18, after being forcibly removed from my family and communities at 10 because of racism. I have lived what children and families endure inside these systems. 'My focus since has never wavered: human rights, Indigenous rights, children's safety, and defending mothers and families.' The Canberra Times claimed that Turnbull-Roberts had a 'part-time presence' in the nation's capital, writing: 'There has been growing disquiet in the ACT First Nations community about the effectiveness of the [Commissioner and her office].' Turnbull-Roberts on Tuesday said she valued her time as Commissioner, writing that she 'witnessed extraordinary courage' during her tenure. 'I sat with children and young people so often dismissed or silenced and watched them speak with clarity, strength, and spirit. Turnbull-Roberts said she had gone on extended leave after she was sexually harassed and assaulted by a Canberra public servant 'I saw, firsthand, the power of culture and language as protection.' She also pointed to the accomplishments her team made during her short term in office including 'strong public submissions and made headway on important work' for areas including child exploitation, family policing, out-of-home-care and the justice system. Turnbull-Roberts' role was initially created to find ways to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the ACT child protection system. 'We named harm truthfully, and we placed critical issues on the public record. I am deeply proud of what was built together, shaped by care, courage, and love for our children,' she said. 'Watching my daughter play, I thought about what I would want her to know: We do not have to tolerate danger, we are allowed to leave, and our safety is never negotiable.' Barbara Causon was appointed acting commissioner last October. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 13YARN 13 92 76 A Melbourne woman has been accused of collecting more than $1.4million in salary working as a lawyer, despite not actually holding any degrees or qualifications. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, fronted court on Monday for allegedly obtaining $1,428,085 in salary across several Melbourne firms between 2019 and 2025. The court heard the woman allegedly told employers she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne in 2008. She additionally lied about being an Australian Legal Practitioner under the 'Legal Profession Uniform Law', prosecutors alleged. However, investigations revealed the woman did not hold a law degree or a practising certificate. Both the woman's name and the firms she allegedly worked at have been suppressed by the court despite opposition from prosecutors and the media, The Australian reported. The accused fake lawyer allegedly secured $543,446 between January 2019 and August 2021 by allegedly lying about her qualifications and practising status. She then allegedly committed a similar crime between September 2021 and March 2022 and obtained $125,693. A Melbourne woman is accused of collecting more than $1.4million in salaries while working as a lawyer under fraudulent circumstances The woman allegedly claimed to have a law and commerce degree from the University of Melbourne (above), despite having neither The woman is also accused of receiving $61,598 between April and August 2022 by, again, allegedly lying about her qualifications from the University of Melbourne. She allegedly collected another sum of $35,967 between August and September 2022. The most money the woman allegedly received was $661,381 between January 2023 and August 2025. A sixth charge alleges the woman engaged in legal practice in Victoria while not qualified between December 2022 and August 2025. She allegedly performed as a Senior Legal Counsel. Prosecutors claimed in every instance the woman lied about having the same qualifications from the University of Melbourne and being a legal practitioner. She was arrested by Financial Crime Squad detectives last week and released on bail. Her case will return to court on March 25. Labour was accused of creating a 'jobless generation' today as new figures showed that almost a sixth of young adults are out of work. Rachel Reeves is facing renewed pressure over her economic plans after unemployment across the board rose to a five-year high of 5.2 per cent. Within that, the unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds surged to 16.1 per cent in the last quarter of 2025 the highest level since early 2015, according to the Office for National Statistics. The Resolution Foundation think tank said the UKs youth unemployment is now higher than the EU average for the first time since records began in 2000, with the rate across Europe at 14.9 per cent in the final three months of last year. It is further evidence of the stagnation of the economy, following on from weak GDP figures last week that showed the economy slowing to a crawl leaving Britain facing its 'most dismal decade' in a century. Tory shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'These figures show the impact of a ''zombie government'' with no plan for growth. 'Labour's Jobs Tax, economic uncertainty and their red tape Employment Rights Bill are holding back hiring, creating a jobless generation.' Your browser does not support iframes. Tory shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'These figures show the impact of a 'zombie government' with no plan for growth Rachel Reeves is facing renewed pressure over Labour's economic plans today after unemployment rose to a five year high Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: We must urgently turn our attention to the UKs unemployment problems. At the end of last year almost one-in-six young people who wanted to work couldnt find a job. Unemployment risks climbing even further in 2026. Getting youth unemployment down in this country along with the share of young people who arent in education or training either must be a top priority for 2026, she added. The weakened jobs market has seen sectors such as retail and hospitality come under particular strain after the Government hiked national insurance contributions and pushed through above-inflation increases in the minimum wage, with some companies cutting jobs and slowing hiring in response. The headline rate of UK unemployment in December, up from 5.1 per cent in the three months to November, was the highest since the three months to January 2021 and the highest for over a decade outside of the pandemic era. Most economists had expected unemployment to remain at 5.1 per cent in the latest quarter. The number of people on payrolls also fell by 134,000 in the past year, the figures showed. The ONS added that regular wage growth fell back once again, to 4.2 per cent in the three months to December, against a downwardly-revised 4.4 per cent in the three months to November, and was 0.8 per cent higher after taking Consumer Prices Index inflation into account. Your browser does not support iframes. The figures showed the wage growth rate in the public sector was more than double that of the private sector, 7.2 per cent versus 3.4 per cent. But there was a welcome increase in vacancies, up by 2,000 quarter-on-quarter to 726,000 in the three months to January. Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said the data showed 'more people who were out of work are now actively looking for a job'. She added: 'The number of vacancies has remained broadly stable since the middle of last year. 'Alongside rising unemployment this means that the number of unemployed people per vacancy has increased, reaching a new post-pandemic high. 'Meanwhile, redundancies are also showing an upward trend.' The Government is 'taking active measures' to get more people into work, a minister has said in response to the figures. Stephen Kinnock, a health minister, told Times Radio: 'We know that we had the best growth of all the G7 European countries last year, and on unemployment, I think we've seen something like 440,000 new jobs created in the economy.' Pointing to investment in apprenticeships and other schemes to get people back into work, he added: 'We're taking active measures to get more people back into work. 'But of course, there's still a long way to go, given the appalling economic inheritance that we got in July 2024.' Last week the ONS said gross domestic product increased by just 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of last year and 1.3 per cent for 2025 as a whole. Economists said it showed Britain was firmly stuck in the slow lane a far cry from the Chancellor's claim that it was about to turn a corner. The Government's tax rises, steep minimum wage increase, botched business rates reform and workers' rights rules are blamed for crushing business. Former Bank of England rate-setter Andrew Sentance said the private sector was being 'clobbered' and the latest figures were 'pretty compelling evidence that UK Government policies are not generating economic growth'. Hillary Clinton has insisted that she and Bill have 'no links' to Jeffrey Epstein - while also admitting that her husband 'took some rides' on the disgraced paedophile's airplane. The former US secretary of state also called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify to the US Congress over his links to Epstein. In an interview with the BBC, the 78-year-old claimed that she and husband Bill were not associated with the billionaire financier in any way. But seconds later, she said: 'We have a very clear record we're willing to talk about. My husband has said he took some rides on [Epstein's ] airplane for his charitable work.' Clinton's claim comes after the release of a tranche of Epstein files in December, in which Bill was seen frolicking in a swimming pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and apparently being friendly with Epstein. The former president, 79, appeared numerous times in the documents, where he is seen taking a dip with convicted sex trafficker Maxwell and a woman whose face was redacted. In another image, Bill was seen standing and smiling side-by-side with Epstein. The former president denied having any knowledge of Epstein's crimes shortly after the shocking images were released, and accused the Trump administration of attempting to 'shield themselves from what comes next, or from what they'll try and hide forever.' Hillary said in her interview with the BBC that she doesn't 'recall ever meeting him', adding that she had met Ghislaine Maxwell 'on a few occasions.' Bill was seen frolicking in a swimming pool with Ghislaine Maxwell in a photo released in December by the Justice Department Clinton was seen with a unidentified woman in a photo released by the DoJ in December Hillary Clinton (pictured) claimed that she and Bill have 'no links' to Jeffrey Epstein while also admitting that her husband 'took some rides on his airplane' But, Clinton claimed, 'thousands of people go to the Clinton Global Initiatives, so to me it's not something that is really at the heart of what this matter is about. 'They... were both convicted of horrific crimes against girls and women. That should be the focus. We are more than happy to say what we know, which is very limited and totally unrelated to their... crimes.' Clinton also said that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should testify over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Asked whether the disgraced brother of the King, who stripped him of his titles last year, should go before the US Congress to shed light on his relationship with Epstein, she told the BBC: 'I think everybody should testify who was asked to testify. I just want it to be fair. 'I want everybody treated the same way.' The former US secretary of state also accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a 'cover-up', adding: 'Get the files out. They are slow-walking it.' The Justice Department last month released the latest cache of so-called Epstein files. These files are made up of over three million documents, photos and videos related to its investigation into sex criminal Epstein, who died from what was determined to be suicide while in custody in 2019. Epstein was also seen cozying up to the former president in the image release in December Rock legend Sir Mick Jagger was pictured enjoying a dinner, in between Clinton and Epstein Clinton said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor( pictured in Windsor before he went to ground in Sandringham) should testify over his links to Epstein Clinton's husband, former president Bill Clinton, features regularly in the files, but no evidence has come to light implicating either Clinton in criminal activity. The couple has been ordered to give closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee, which is probing the deceased financier's connections to powerful figures and how information about his crimes was handled. 'We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public,' Clinton told the BBC. The former secretary of state said she and her husband 'have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly.' The Department of Justice has said it has no more files to release, though lawmakers have criticised it for not publishing internal government memos, notes and emails on Epstein. Clinton said the Republicans probing her are trying to deflect attention away from Trump, whose name is also mentioned in the files many times. 'Look at this shiny object. We're going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy,' she said. Trump denies any wrongdoing. Mere mention in the files is not proof of having committed a crime. Former president Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane in the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation-related humanitarian work, but said he never visited Epstein's private island. Hillary Clinton, who ran against Trump for president in 2016, has said she had no meaningful interactions with Epstein, never flew on his plane and never visited his island. Responding to Clinton's comment that the congressional testimony was a bid to create a distraction, Trump denied it, telling reporters Monday evening he had been 'totally exonerated.' Hillary Clinton will appear for her deposition on February 26, while Bill Clinton will appear on February 27. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened to sink a US warship deployed in the Gulf and sent a warning to Donald Trump as nuclear talks between the two countries begin. The two countries are holding indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute. Donald Trump continues to build up his battle force in the Middle East following tensions over Iran's military programme and its recent deadly crackdown on protesters. Khamenei warned the US president in a speech this morning: 'We constantly hear that they [the United States] have sent a warship toward Iran. 'A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it.' Khamenei added: 'In one of his recent speeches, the US president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic Republic... I tell you: you will not succeed either.' US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Trump said that he would be involved 'indirectly' in the Geneva talks and that he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal. The US has placed what Donald Trump calls a massive naval armada in the region Iran conducted a large-scale military exercise in the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US build up Tuesday's military exercise came as Iran and the US held indirect talks in Geneva over their nuclear dispute 'I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal,' Trump said on Monday. 'We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s.' A previous attempt to revive talks was under way in June last year when Washington's ally Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, and was then joined by U.S. B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. Tehran has since said it has halted uranium enrichment activity. The US military is preparing for the possibility of weeks of operations against Iran if Trump orders an attack. The US aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln has been spotted near Iran using satellite imagery, and the USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest warship, could arrive in the Middle East within three weeks. Iran itself began a military drill on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states, who have been appealing for diplomacy to end the dispute. Tehran and Washington renewed negotiations on February 6 on their decades-long dispute. Washington and its close ally Israel believe Iran aspires to build a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel's existence. The US and Iran are holding nuclear talks as Donald Trump continues to put pressure on the country by building up his battle force in the region The drills come in response to an increased US military presence in the Middle East amidst escalating regional tension Tehran carried out the drills after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened to sink a US warship deployed in the Gulf The US military is building up its forces in the Middle East as it prepares for the possibility of weeks of operations against Iran if Trump orders an attack. Iran says its nuclear program is purely peaceful, even though it has enriched uranium far beyond the purity needed for power generation, and close to what is required for a bomb. Since the June strikes, Iran's Islamic rulers have been weakened by street protests, put down at a cost of thousands of lives, against a cost-of-living crisis driven in part by international sanctions that have strangled Iran's oil income. Unlike last time, the US has now placed what Trump calls a massive naval armada in the region. Washington has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues such as Iran's missile stockpile. Tehran says it is willing only to discuss curbs on its nuclear program - in exchange for sanctions relief - and that it will not give up uranium enrichment completely or discuss its missile program. On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was hard to do a deal with Iran, but the US was willing to try. Iran's Araqchi on Monday met Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in Geneva to discuss cooperation with the IAEA and technical aspects of the impending talks with the US On Tuesday afternoon, Witkoff and Kushner will participate in three-way talks with Russia and Ukraine as Washington attempts to coax Ukraine and Russia into an agreement to end Moscow's four-year-old invasion of Ukraine. A pair of fraudsters targeted Tube passengers in a text scam which saw them use a portable homemade device to 'capture their phones', a court has heard. Zhijia Fan, 48, and Daoyan Shang, 20, had been wheeling around large suitcases containing 'SMS blasters', which sent phishing messages to commuters. The pair were rumbled when an off-duty British Transport Police (BTP) officer spotted the suspicious cargo, which was riddled with holes, Inner London Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Alex Davidson said they were part of a gang which dragged the luggage around the London Underground between January and March last year. Unsuspecting passengers who walked past them would receive a fake message on their mobile about a failed Evri or Royal Mail parcel delivery and a sham link to fix it. But the aim of the alleged so-called 'smishing plot' was really to gather personal details so the conmen could access and 'plunder' people's bank accounts. Fan and Shang, both of no fixed address, have each denied a charge of conspiracy to defraud and a count of possessing an article to be used in fraud. Mr Davidson told the jury using such homemade SMS blasters - meaning short message service, or text message - is known as 'smishing'. Zhijia Fan, 48, and Daoyan Shang, 20, had been wheeling around large suitcases containing 'SMS blasters', which sent phishing messages to commuters. Pictured: File photo Combining 'SMS' and 'phishing', it sees fraudsters convince victims to reveal personal information by making them think they are from a reputable company. The prosecutor continued: 'Phone numbers are targeted and fraudulent text messages are broadcast, using a rather sophisticated device, which is adapted for the sole purpose of defrauding the public.' He described the blasters as 'crude' gadgets, which often broke down. Mr Davidson said they work by 'masquerading as a legitimate cell tower, tricking nearby phones into connecting to it instead of their normal network'. 'Once a phone connects to the SMS blaster, fraudulent messages are sent with links to fraudulent websites,' he continued. The London Underground network, which is used to make up to five million journeys a day, was used as a hunting ground for the gang, the court heard. Mr Davidson said: 'As the SMS blaster works by capturing the phones of unwitting members of public, they are deployed in dense urban areas with high footfall and limited signal where phones can connect to legitimate cell towers.' The conmen used large suitcases, reinforced with metal at the bottom and with holes in to allow ventilation for the 'rather bulky and heavy' equipment, he said. Fan was the 'top boss', he claimed, who lead the gang and directed others to carry out the large-scale financial scam, while Shang was his 'right-hand man'. Mr Davidson said: 'It is the case of the prosecution that Mr Fan is the head of the crime organisation - in fact he is saved in the telephone of Mr Shang as "top boss". 'We say he sits at the apex of this organised crime group and Mr Shang is his right-hand man, his lieutenant.' Upon their arrest, mobile phones and antennae were found among both their belongings, with Shang also discovered to have blasters in his possession. Your browser does not support iframes. But they were not the only individuals said to have been implicated in the scam, the court heard. Wan Hafiz, an alleged member of the gang, has pleaded guilty, while another suspect, Jinhua Zhang, is on the run, having fled after being released on bail. Zhang was arrested in March last year after a 'very perceptive' off-duty BTP officer who was waiting for a train became suspicious of a suitcase with holes in it. Fan, Shang and Hafiz were arrested at a later date, the court heard. Mr Davidson told the jury: 'The reason why this is significant is because you can be in no doubt that there was a conspiracy to defraud the public by deploying SMS blasters on the underground. 'The question for you is whether Mr Fan and Mr Shang were part of that conspiracy.' He also said another alleged gang member, Gatis Lauks, 'has pleaded guilty to a separate fraud'. Mr Davidson said Fan had allegedly discussed with Lauks 'the feasibility of the deployment' of a similar scam on the Paris Metro. He added: 'The prosecution say this is nonetheless further evidence which implicates Mr Fan as showing that he is someone who is in the business of defrauding members of the public.' The trial continues. Steve Reed is facing demands he quit over Labour's council elections U-turn that will cost taxpayers 63million to sort out. Ministers rallied round the Local Government Secretary this morning amid the fallout from last night's decision to go ahead with votes in May in 30 local authorities after all. The about face came after legal advice that the government was likely to lose a legal challenge brought by Reform UK. It emerged today that Mr Reed may have been personally responsible for weaking the case in favour of a one-year delay, ahead of a reorganisation of local government, due to comments be made in a newspaper article. The Times reported that an op-ed in the paper in which he claimed voters would support cancelling 'pointless' and 'time consuming' elections to bodies that were soon to disappear, before confirming which areas would be affected. Reform's leader Nigel Farage is among those who have called for Mr Reed to step down. The Government has put aside 63million to help councils deal with the fallout from the chaotic reorganisation of town halls - and will also have to pay Reform's legal costs. Health minister Stephen Kinnock this morning admitted the change in legal advice on postponing local elections was 'not ideal', telling LBC: 'I'm not going to stand here and pretend to you that it is.' Ministers rallied round the Local Government Secretary this morning amid the fallout from last night's decision to go ahead with votes in May in 30 local authorities after all. Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Farage branded the U-turn 'a victory for democracy in this country' and suggested Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, who only announced the delay last month, should resign. But he told Sky News: 'Steve Reed is doing an excellent job as Secretary of State, pushing through the Pride in Place programme, pushing through renters' reforms, bulldozing all of the bureaucracy and regulations that stops us building things in this country. 'Steve is doing an excellent job as Secretary of State and he will continue to do that and to deliver for the British people.' More than 4.5million people are set to get a vote again in May's council elections after Sir Keir Starmer was yesterday forced into a 14th humiliating U-turn since he took power. Insiders suggested a misinterpretation of the law was to blame for the blunder, which came just hours after the floundering Prime Minister dismissed the idea of more volte faces in a live radio interview. But furious councils questioned whether the abolitions and merging of authorities can still go ahead, complaining that ministers have failed to get a grip. Richard Wright, chairman of the District Councils Network and Conservative leader of North Kesteven Council, told Times Radio: 'If you're told by Government that there's a position, you should be able to trust that. 'The trust between local government and central government needs to be there for us all to work properly on behalf of our residents.' Asked what the condition of that trust was following Monday's announcement, he said: 'Well, at the moment, it's in doubt. 'It was only in December that questions were asked directly of the Secretary of State and officials about the soundness of the legal opinion, and we were assured that the Government was confident in its position. 'So if they tell us they're confident, and then obviously it's completely torn apart, then it leaves us wondering at the moment if central government will give us the correct answers when we ask for them.' Mr Kinnock insisted that ministers would press on with local government reorganisation, adding: 'Two to three years down the line, I think people will really see and feel the benefits.' Labour insiders were in despair at the bungling, admitting the Government seemed to be engaged in 'death by a thousand self-inflicted cuts'. Mr Farage branded the U-turn 'a victory for democracy in this country' and suggested Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, who only announced the delay last month, should resign. 'I think the principle of no taxation without representation is a very well-known one through political history, and that's what was happening here,' the Reform leader said at an event in east London last night. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Ministers have abandoned efforts to delay council elections in another extraordinary U-turn by Keir Starmer And Conservative leader Kemi Badench said: 'This is a zombie government. U-turn after U-turn after U-turn. 'No plan or programme to deliver anything. Even the simple stuff that should be business as usual gets messed up.' A Ministry of Housing and Local Government spokeswoman said: 'Following legal advice, the Government has withdrawn its original decision to postpone 30 local elections in May. 'Providing certainty to councils about their local elections is now the most crucial thing and all local elections will now go ahead in May 2026.' In a statement on X, Mr Farage said: 'We took this Labour government to court and won. 'In collusion with the Tories, Keir Starmer tried to stop 4.6million people voting on May 7th. 'Only Reform UK fights for democracy.' The dramatic climbdown came after a legal challenge by Reform to the move to postpone votes for more than 4.5million people The Ministry of Housing and Local Government confirmed the shift today There has been a furious backlash to the delays, but the announcement still took Westminster by surprise. A court hearing was due on Thursday, and Reform had demanded a ruling by the end of March. Areas where May elections had been postponed - but will now go ahead County councils East Sussex Norfolk Suffolk West Sussex District councils Adur Basildon Burnley Cannock Chase Cheltenham Chorley Crawley Exeter Harlow Hastings Hyndburn Ipswich Lincoln Norwich Pendle Preston Redditch Rugby Stevenage Tamworth Welwyn Hatfield West Lancashire Worthing Unitary authorities Blackburn with Darwen Peterborough Thurrock Advertisement Appearing on BBC Radio 2 just hours before the news broke, Sir Keir had been asked by presenter Jeremy Vine if the public 'can we be sure you will stick to your course now, after those U-turns?' The PM replied: 'Absolutely. I know exactly why I was elected in with a five-year mandate to change this country for the better and that's what I intend to do.' Sir Keir is teetering on the brink after narrowly survived a coup attempt last week. But he has lost chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan. Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald has also been ousted just 19 months after being hand-picked by Sir Keir. The departures - the latest in a string of high-profile casualties - have the premier looking dangerously isolated. However, he looks set to cling on for the time being with rivals not yet in a position to move. The Electoral Commission had warned that the bar should be set 'very high' for local councils postponing votes. Communities secretary Steve Reed had said polls could be postponed to free up resources for a costly shake-up of local government. Some 21 of the councils that were involved are currently controlled by Labour - more than two-thirds of the total. In some cases, the elections are being delayed for a second consecutive year creating 'double delays'. Four county councils - West Sussex, East Sussex, Suffolk and Norfolk - all fall into this category, with councillors elected in 2021 now set to serve seven-year terms. Polls suggest Labour is on course to take a drubbing in this May's elections, and the contests are widely seen as a litmus test of Sir Keir's survival prospects. Mr Reed had insisted the process for delay was 'locally led' - and said holding elections for councils that are due to be abolished could slow down vital reforms that will save money in the long run. In a letter to council leaders today, the Local Government Secretary said: 'I recognise that many of the local councils undergoing reorganisation voiced genuine concerns about the pressure they are under as we seek to deliver the most ambitious reforms of local government in a generation.' Mr Reed said 63million would be made available to local authorities undergoing reorganisation. He added: 'My officials will be in touch with those affected councils to understand if any further practical support will be required.' But Cllr Richard Wright, chairman of the District Councils' Network, said: 'Council officers, councillors and local electorates will be bewildered by the unrelenting changes to the electoral timetable. 'Councils were assured by the Government that elections could be legally cancelled but now it seems ministers have come to the opposite conclusion. It's the Government, not councils that have acted in good faith, which should bear responsibility for this mess which impacts on people's faith in our cherished local democracy. 'The councils affected face an unnecessary race against time to ensure elections proceed smoothly and fairly, with polling stations booked and electoral staff available. 'If election cancellations were deemed necessary to free up capacity for local government reorganisation to succeed, councils will now be asking where this leaves the reorganisation timetable. 'We need to have faith in the Government's decision-making as we work on the biggest shake-up of councils in 50 years but the Government is doing little assure us that it has a strong grasp of the huge legal complexity involved.' Kemi Badenoch welcomed the shift and admitted some Tories who backed delays now looked 'really silly' Several locations around Byron Bay and Sydney have been flagged as exposure sites for measles amid an ongoing outbreak in NSW. Health authorities said there is an increased risk of the disease with 18 cases confirmed in NSW since January 1. A patient carrying the highly infectious disease visited multiple businesses and a hospital in Byron Bay between February 9 and 13. Earlier this week Northern Beaches Hospital Emergency Department, Ryde Emergency Department, Ryde Urgent Care Clinic and Concord Repatriation General Hospital Emergency Department were also flagged in Sydney along with several businesses. Measles outbreaks have already been reported this year in multiple countries popular with Australian tourists including Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines and Malaysia. A case last month was traced back to a traveller who recently returned home to Sydney from Thailand. People who visited any of the infection sites, which are listed on the NSW Health website, have been urged to monitor for symptoms. 'If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service,' Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Public Health Specialist Dr Alvis Zibran said. 'Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you don't spend time in waiting rooms with other patients. Several locations in Byron Bay and Sydney have been flagged as exposure sites for measles A case of measles last month was traced back to a return traveller from Thailand, which is in the midst of a measles outbreak 'Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. 'It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.' Measles is an airborne disease spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, but is preventable through vaccination. 'We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,' Dr Zibran said. 'This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious. 'Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.' The measles-mumps-rubella, MMR, vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. Measles induces a blotchy rash (above) and flu-like symptoms It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses. Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR up to six months early if they are travelling overseas. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses are advised to get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and pharmacies for people over five years old. Men who commit crimes motivated by a hatred of women will get tougher sentences under plans brought forward by Labour. Under new proposals, the Government will make attacks motivated by hatred of women 'aggravated offences', which carry sentences of up to two years in prison. Non-aggravated common assault, by comparison, carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment. Those targeting people over their sexuality, gender identity or disability will face the same penalties. In a letter detailing the amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, Lords ministers wrote that the changes will 'ensure that tackling misogyny is part of the government's approach to tackling hate crime'. At present, while crimes committed with hostility can see sentences given an 'uplift', introducing them as aggravations gives them additional status on a charge, which comes with a higher maximum sentence. Race and religion are already treated as individually defined aggravations on charges such as disorderly behaviour, stalking and criminal damage. Labour's plans to increase sentences for hate crimes were first revealed by The Mail on Sunday when the party was in opposition. Attacking someone on the basis of their sex will become an aggravated offence under new plans brought forward by Labour The amendment was first proposed by MP Rachel Taylor (pictured) - then bolstered by the government to include sex as an aggravating factor The amendment was first introduced to MP Rachel Taylor, then the Minister for Policing and Crime, who proposed making disability, sexuality and gender identity aggravating factors. She told the BBC she was 'absolutely delighted' to see proposed for inclusion in the Bill, citing figures suggesting more than 30,000 hate crimes targeting those categories had been recorded by police between March 2024 and 2025. But the Government has gone further than Ms Taylor had asked by formally including sex as an aggravating factor in its proposals. Violence against women and girls accounts for just under 20 per cent of all crime in England and Wales, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council. The NPCC also says crimes directed at women and girls are on the rise, with at least one in every 12 women expected to fall victim each year. Schools are concerned about a rise in misogynistic comments made by young boys exposed to negative content online such as proponents of the 'incel' (involuntary celibate) movement and Andrew Tate. The issue of misogyny was brought to the fore by the Netflix drama Adolescence, which the Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as 'hard to watch' because of the hard conversations it prompted with his children. Anti-abuse charity Galop hailed the Government's amendment as a 'landmark moment for hate crime equality'. Simon Blake, of gay and trans rights group Stonewall, said he welcomed the proposals at a time when many in the LGBT+ community are feeling 'increasingly under threat'. Other amendments proposed by the Government to the Crime and Policing Bill include the first steps in dismantling the much-derided non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) that critics said were used to suppress free speech. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'had consensual sex' with Virginia Giuffre, an unredacted email to Jeffrey Epstein said. The paedophile financier did not correct a journalist who stated it as a fact that the former prince slept with the trafficking victim, who took her own life last year. Epstein had been warned that he needed to distance himself from the then Duke of York because he 'had consensual sex' with Virginia. Andrew has vehemently denied sleeping with Ms Giuffre - and even insisted he could not recall meeting her - but paid her $12million to settle her sexual assault lawsuit in 2022. A private email from January 2015 between Epstein and a journalist contains the first written corroboration that Andrew had sex with Virginia, then known by her maiden name Roberts. Details of her death have also emerged in the files today. Weeks earlier, in a December 2014 Florida court filing, Ms Giuffre described being trafficked to Andrew for sex by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at least three times in 2001 when she was 17. New York Times reporter Landon Thomas Jr appeared to advise Epstein to undermine Andrew because he had sex with Virginia, referred to as VR because her maiden name was Roberts. He said: 'I think the big issue is separating yourself from Andrew. 'I mean in the end he had consensual sex with VR. And VR worked for you. The rest is atmospherics. You have moved on! People don't know that and cant accept that unless you say as much.' Thomas Jr told Epstein: 'I mean I can see why a statement might help in some way -- but its [sic] Andrew (not Clinton and the rest) that is keeping the story alive.' Andrew had sex with Virginia Giuffre, an email exchange between a reporter and Jeffrey Epstein said New York Times journalist advised Epstein to separate himself from Andrew. 'I mean in the end he had consensual sex with VR. And VR worked for you. The rest is atmospherics,' he said, with Virginia, referred to as VR: Virginia Roberts, her maiden name when she worked for Epstein. Epstein listed eight reasons why he was not guilty of sex trafficking Epstein, pictured in the Epstein Files, conceded his reputation had taken a bashing after Virginia's lawsuit The email exchange between the two men first emerged in December 2025, however, names were blanked out. But an unredacted version naming Virginia Roberts, referred to as VR, has now been found in the latest tranche of three million Epstein Files just released by the Department of Justice in the United States. Epstein did not deny the claim that Andrew and Virginia had sex in an exchange on January 16, 2015. He had moaned to Thomas Jr that his reputation had 'taken a hit' following Ms Giuffre's claim in Florida court filings that she was trafficked by him for sex with Andrew in the early 2000s, when she was 17. Two weeks earlier, on January 3, 2015, Buckingham Palace had issued an unprecedented statement that 'emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts'. Epstein did not respond to his advice - or his claim that Andrew had consensual sex with Virginia - and instead made a point about the currency markets. Details of the tragic death of Virginia Giuffre are also in the Epstein Files The convicted sex offender conceded to Thomas Jr that his 'reputation has admittedly taken a hit'. He then said that he had kept quiet to protect an unnamed girlfriend who he had 'tried to keep her out of my mess' - but suggested that he was considering a statement. Epstein then listed eight reasons why claims he was a sex trafficker were false, adding that it was 'crazy' to suggest he would ever ask for 'underage' girls. He said: 'I was never alone at the house. staff, friends etc., no girl ever complained, not once'. Epstein said that people who worked for him had massaged men and women, but never sexually, and they also worked for him answering phones and serving coffee. Thomas Jr no longer works for the New York Times. The Epstein Files suggest that he had warned Epstein when other journalists were 'digging around' for stories on him, including John Connolly, who released the book Filthy Rich in 2016. He claimed to Epstein that he told people that he was 'a hell of a guy'. But he left the NYT after it was claimed he had asked Epstein to make a $30,000 charitable donation to a Harlem cultural centre in 2017. Join the debate Are you surprised by the latest claims? 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 Your browser does not support iframes. It came as a leading lawyer warned that Andrew could face prosecution for a 'great many' sexual offences because of the Epstein Files including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation and even prostitution. Police are yet to turn up in Sandringham where the former prince is in hiding. Marcus Johnstone, a leading criminal defence lawyer specialising in sex crime, claims Andrew may now be investigated over allegations he allowed sex trafficking victims into Buckingham Palace. Police will be looking for evidence proving Andrew 'knowingly facilitated their exploitation', he said. Detectives could also investigate Andrew for the offence of misconduct in public office when he was a UK trade envoy. Files reveal he passed on a confidential Treasury briefing on Iceland's financial crisis and also forwarded messages about taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland. The King's brother even allowed Epstein to organise meetings for him during an official trade mission to China. There are now claims a woman who could have been a trafficking victim was flown in on Epstein's 'Lolita Express' and smuggled into the Palace to see Andrew using the codename 'Mrs Windsor'. Mr Johnstone said: 'Andrew could technically face action for a great many alleged sexual offences, including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation or even prostitution legislation - though much of this depends on what he knew and what can be proven he knew beyond all reasonable doubt. 'It may not even be beyond the realms of possibility that a Royal Palace was used as a brothel, but proving this is a much more challenging task entirely.' Epstein's Boeing 727100 private jet, which he used to host orgies and traffic girls, landed around 90 times in the UK - including after his conviction for child sex offences in 2008, the Epstein Files reveal. At least one Epstein victim was allegedly flown into Britain on board and then taken to Andrew at Buckingham Palace. The disgraced former Duke of York allegedly told aides: 'Mrs Windsor will arrive shortly, please let her in and show her up,' while a former police protection officer said they were 'not allowed' to know their names. Mr Johnston, MD for PCD Solicitors, told the Daily Mail: 'Questions must certainly be asked as to what he knew of the status of many of the women he allegedly hosted at parties and on his property, ferried on some 90 flights to the UK - but criminal action would require the collaboration of the alleged victims, and proof that Andrew knowingly facilitated their exploitation.' He added: 'If Andrew were to face criminal prosecution, then it is my view that this would most likely take place in the United States. The American authorities could make a normal extradition request via the Home Office, and Andrew would be compelled to travel to the US if this were approved by an English court. 'However the English court would have to be satisfied that the alleged offence is also a crime in this country - and Andrew's lawyers would undoubtedly argue that it would be effectively impossible to face a fair trial in an American court, considering the severity of ongoing media attention. 'If further disclosures are made by [Ghislaine] Maxwell or any alleged victims of the "Lolita Express", then that might tip the balance and a prosecution is not off the cards.' Andrew has denied wrongdoing in relation to allegations of sexual misconduct. Dame Maggie Oliver, a former detective who helped expose the Rochdale grooming scandal, has joined those calling for the former prince to be interviewed over the true extent of his relationship with Epstein. She told the Daily Mail that Andrew should not be protected from the law because of his royal status. King Charles said last week he is 'ready to support' police as they consider allegations against his brother - but officers are still yet to question Andrew. Charles's good friend, the broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, has claimed that the monarch 'would very much like' his brother to testify before the US Congress, adding that Charles will be 'appalled' by the allegations Andrew faces. 'I would strongly believe, I can't say with 100 per cent certainty, but I strongly believe that he would very much like him to stand up and testify, but knows to stand up and say that is a hiding to nothing,' Mr Dimbleby told BBC Newsnight. Detectives could also investigate Andrew for the offence of misconduct in public office over allegations he forwarded confidential reports while representing the Government abroad. Emails show 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. 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'. Andrew's time as a trade envoy should be investigated for possible corruption, a former business secretary has said today. Documents released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former prince sharing confidential reports from his role as the UK's trade envoy with sex offender Epstein. Sir Vince Cable, whose time as business secretary between 2010 and 2015 overlapped with Andrew's envoy role, said the activity was 'totally unacceptable'. He also told the BBC: 'We need a police or DPP (director of public prosecutions) check on whether criminal corruption took place and a government investigation into how this was allowed to happen.' An actor was pelted with fruit, shouted down and attacked by members of the audience as he delivered a monologue in character as a far-right activist. Ole Lagerpusch was left 'traumatised' after the crowd tried to drag him off stage while he produced his final lines during the German premiere of Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia on Saturday. In chaotic scenes, the audience began whistling and heckling the actor, pressuring him to stop his performance. An orange was hurled at him before two people from the crowd got up on stage and tried to drag him away. Security has been ramped up at further performances of the prize-winning play, which tells the story of a family who kidnap a 'fascist' each year in order to execute him during a family feast. As the provocative play progresses, there is an argument between the family who discuss what means are justified to defend democracy. In the final act, the far-right kidnap victim, played by Lagerpusch, delivers a 15-minute monologue. He persevered despite intimidation from the audience and completed his speech but has been left 'traumatised', according to the play's director. Ole Lagerpusch (pictured at a different performance) has been left 'traumatised' as the crowd tried to drag him off stage on Saturday An orange was hurled at the actor before two people from the crowd got up on stage and tried to drag him away The chaotic scenes took place at the German premiere of Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists at the Bochum Playhouse in North Rhine-Westphalia Mateja Koleznik said she was 'incredibly proud' of the actor and hit out at the 'stupidity' of the attack. 'For me it was quite a shock we did expect people talking back, even shouting back, because, of course, the last monologue is a provocation.' 'But I was astonished by the stupidity, really. I never ever thought nobody did that somebody from the audience would jump on stage and try to hit the actor. I would expect this from the people we are voting against, but not from the people who should be on our side.' A spokesperson for Bochum Playhouse, one of the country's most renowned venues, said: 'At first, people began whistling and heckling, insulting Lagerpusch and urging him to stop. An orange was thrown at the actor, narrowly missing him. 'Furthermore, two spectators mounted the stage, apparently with the intention of dragging the actor off the stage, which was prevented,' they said, branding the assault 'completely unacceptable'. In his review for German culture website Nachtkritik.de, Martin Krumbholz wrote: 'Parts of the Bochum audience, which one would have thought to be among the most theatre-savvy in the country, are apparently too stupid, to put it bluntly, to distinguish between fiction and reality.' While theatre critic Christoph Ohrem said it was a 'good play' for taking the audience out of their comfort zone, adding: 'It's truly astonishing that a play can still elicit such reactions in 2026.' One spectator said it was 'scary' that 'supposedly anti-fascist theatregoers storm the stage and attack the actors. This is basically a fascist attitude towards art and theatre and, in my opinion, should never happen.' An Indian court has issued death sentences against three men convicted of raping two women and killing a man near a UNESCO World Heritage site. The men had attacked a group of five people as they were stargazing in a village in south India in March of last year, according to media reports at the time. The group included two Indian nationals from Maharashtra and Odisha, an American tourist, an Israeli tourist, and a Koppal local woman who was hosting the tourists. They were in the area of Hampi, which is popular with visitors, known for rocky hillocks and sprawling temple ruins. According to reports, the three men approached the group demanding money before raping the Israeli tourist and her homestay host and pushing the three men into a canal. Two of the men managed to swim to safety while the man from Odisha, identified as Bhibas Nayak, 26, tragically drowned. A district court judge handed the three convicted assailants the death sentence on Monday over the murder charge, as well as prison terms for other offences including rape. The convicts were identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa, according to NDTV news network. Police conduct an investigation after the group of five were attacked on March 6, 2025 The convicts were identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa The convicts were identified as Mallesh alias Handimalla, Sai, and Sharanappa Their crime fell under 'the rarest of rare category', the network quoted the judge as saying. The public prosecutor in charge of the case said: 'Hence, the Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita gave them capital punishment. For the gang rape, the court ordered imprisonment till their last breath.' The sentencing must be ratified by the Karnataka state's high court, and can still be appealed. At the time of the incident, the local woman attacked told Indian media: 'I was bleeding heavily. Two of the attackers joined forces and dragged me to the side of the canal. One of them strangled me and removed my clothes. One after another, they beat me and raped me.' She said the Israeli woman was dragged away by one of the men before he raped her. She added: 'When we screamed and cried, the three fled on their motorcycle.' The horrifying attack caused hundreds of terrified holidaymakers visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Karnataka to flee. A police officer speaks on his mobile phone at the scene as they search for the male travelers who were pushed into the canal Police officials search for the male travelers who were pushed into the canal The case has highlighted chronic violence against women in the world's most populous country, where 29,670 rapes were reported in 2023, according to latest available official data. India imposes the death penalty by hanging, although it is rarely carried out in practice. The last executions in India were in March 2020, when four men convicted of the 2012 gang rape and murder of a woman on a Delhi bus were hanged, in a case that sparked huge nationwide protests. Selfie hunting Influencers will be banned from scaling Mount Everest under a new law set to deter amateurs searching for 'extreme tourism' and overcrowding. Mountaineers will now have to prove they have climbed a 7,000 metre peak before attempting the world's tallest mountain. Overcrowding has been an issue for a number of years at Everest with a record 1,263 attempts in 2024 on the mountain that straddles the Nepal-China border, Geographical UK figures show. This has led to queues on the mountainside and left it littered with rubbish and discarded gear while questions of safety have been brought forth. The problem has been exacerbated by underprepared thrill seekers looking for so-called extreme tourism and influencers attempting to tackle the monumental climb without proper training. Singaporean couple Rakcent Wong and Carol Tan had to be rescued by helicopter after they decided to try to bring their four-year-old son, Atlas, to base camp. They documented their dangerous trip online and faced widespread criticism after Atlas suffered acute altitude sickness. A 22-year-old YouTube influencer called Inoxtag climbed the mountain after just a year of training. He published his 1m (830,000) trip on an online documentary but caught flak after claims he was advertising the perilous climb to his young followers. 22-year-old YouTube influencer Inoxtag climbed Everest after just a year's training but caught flak online after claims he was advertising the dangerous climb to his young followers American influencer Devon Levesque did a backflip on the summit of Everest in 2024 Another influencer, American Devon Levesque, did a backflip on the summit of the mountain in 2024, which also raised eyebrows about safety and promoting extreme tourism. These climbs can and often are deadly, as a 59-year-old schoolteacher from India Suzanne Leopoldina Jesus found out in 2023. She died on the mountain just a few hundred feet above basecamp while trying to become the first Asian person to summit Everest with a pacemaker against the advice of her team. To climb the 8,849m mountain under the new laws, climbers 'shall be issued a permit only after an applicant provides proof of having previously summited at least one mountain higher than 7,000 metres in Nepal', Himal Gautam, the director of Nepal's Tourism Department, told The Telegraph. The Nepalese government hopes that tighter regulation on Everest will promote its 462 other mountains for commercial climbing, Mr Gautam added. However, the new laws have been met by some resistance, notably from Adriana Brownlee, a British climber who became the youngest woman to climb all 14 of the world's 26,247ft mountains in 2022 at the age of 23. She said that the laws may 'go beyond what's necessary' and might not end up increasing safety. 'It's a very significant bill and will definitely bring down the number of climbers a lot, but may not improve safety. It will only cause overcrowding on other peaks now,' Ms Brownlee said. She claims that, by her own experience, a peak of only 6,500 metres is enough to prepare for an Everest ascent. Singaporean couple Rakcent Wong and Carol Tan and their four year old son Atlas (pictured) had to be rescued by helicopter after they decided to take him to Everest base camp where he suffered acute altitude sickness Overcrowding has been an issue on Everest for years. The week inexperienced British climber Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, died in May 2019, there were photos of queues on a ridge above 8,000 metres in the 'death zone' Everest is 'extremely overcrowded and there are a lot of inexperienced mountaineers', Ms Brownlee admitted, but she said that Nepal should include its Ama Dablam peak (6,812 metres) and Mount Aconcagua (6,981 metres) in Argentina as two major training peaks for Everest. More than 200 bodies of climbers still lie on the mountain, some of which have even become landmarks to prospective summiters - like the famous body nicknamed 'Green Boots' who was moved several years ago. Five people died on Everest during the 2025 Spring climbing season. Overcrowding is often blamed as a reason for these deaths. This was the case for Robin Haynes Fisher, a 44-year-old inexperienced British climber who died on his descent from the summit in May 2019 due to altitude sickness. This was one of the busiest years on record for attempts to climb the mountain. Days earlier, he had admitted before setting off that he feared the dangers of overcrowding. That week there had been photos of queues of climbers snaking along a ridge over 8,000 metres high - above the 'death zone' where oxygen levels are a third lower than at sea level and the body begins to shut down. Mr Fisher was one of 11 deaths that season. The law banning amateurs was passed unanimously by Nepals upper house, and it will now move to the house of representatives (lower house) to be voted through before a March 5 election. Everest has been littered with rubbish and gear for decades but the new law is introducing a fund to clean it up It is then expected to come into force within three months. The bill also introduces mandatory insurance, age and experience thresholds for climbers, and the introduction of an environmental protection fund to remove decades of rubbish in the Himalayas. It also allows authorities to declare missing climbers legally dead after a year. A Rolex-wearing female gangster handled more than 50,000 of criminal cash to fund a luxury lifestyle in Dubai. Adele Parsons, 36, from Coventry, used her share of the ill-gotten gains to splash out on designer clothes, expensive timepieces and a 16,000 shopping spree. She has now been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail as a judge hit out at 'greedy' Parsons for becoming 'tempted by the high life' she saw on her numerous trips to Dubai. Parsons handled more than 50,000-worth of a drug gang's criminal cash and was in direct contact with its ringleader, known only as Sky, travelling frequently to the Middle Eastern city to see him. Parsons was found guilty of two charges of possessing criminal property and two charges of transferring criminal property. Six men had already been jailed for their roles in the gang last year. Sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Samantha Crabb told her: 'You present as an intelligent young women well capable of realising that which you were involving yourself in. 'You were not in financial difficulty. You were in good employment and expecting a substantial payout from one company which you did receive.' She added: 'You were someone driven by greed, tempted by the high life you saw on offer during the course of your frequent visits to Dubai.' Parsons, 36, from Coventry, used her share of the ill-gotten gains to splash out on designer clothes, expensive timepieces and a 16,000 shopping spree Parsons was arrested after being spotted by officers meeting with Ryan Prescott (pictured) in September 2022, when he handed her a bag containing around 10,000 in cash Judge Crabb branded her 'arrogant' for trying to 'pull the wool' over a jury's eyes by claiming she was merely an 'innocent dupe'. Five men were imprisoned in relation to the substantial supply of class A drugs by the gang throughout the UK, which Parsons was not directly involved in, while a sixth was jailed for money laundering. Parsons' role in the conspiracy was unravelled after she was spotted by police shortly before 4pm on September 21, 2022. Offiicers watched her park a Mercedes in Willenhall and meet gang member Ryan Prescott, who approached her and without conversation and handed over a plastic bag, which was found to contain around 10,000 in cash. Police arrested Parsons at a shop and seized bags containing designer clothing, with receipts totalling 5,185. She was discovered wearing a man's Rolex watch worth 8,500 and had also been on a 16,000 shopping spree in London. Judge Crabb told her: 'I am sure all of that property was linked to the profits of class A drugs.' When arrested, Parsons refused to provide the pin number to unlock her phone, but police were able to access her device after finding it on a second mobile seized when she was arrested for a second time in November 2022. During their investigation into the drugs gang, West Midlands Police recovered 450,000 in cash Officers also recovered a blank-firing gun that had been converted to shoot live rounds during a search of Luke Purcell's home The gang were implicated in the supply of cocaine and other drugs, although Parsons was not directly involved in this (Pictured: Drugs recovered by West Midlands Police officers) It revealed the extensive Snapchat communications she had with 'Sky' who was 'at the head of the organisation'. Parsons was provided with locations and passcodes. Judge Crabb said: 'You told the jury you were paid 500 for exchanges. 'That's a lot of money for simply dropping items off. 'It is clear you were more than happy to put yourself out, travelling to various parts of the country for financial reward. There were three exchanges on one day.' She added: 'The message exchange between you and Sky demonstrated you continued to be a key participant in serious criminality. 'You continued to offend for Sky for financial reward.' The court was told that 50,000 was a 'conservative figure' to reflect the total amount of criminal cash she had been involved with. Chiara Maddocks, defending, said: 'There was an element of coercion, naivety and exploitation. 'She was not somebody afraid of hard work. She was somebody engaged in lawful and meaningful employment.' Ms Maddocks said the lengthy investigation and court proceedings had caused Parsons anxiety and depression which she had tried to combat by keeping fit and busy. Jonathan Mann was jailed for 13 years and four months respectively for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to launder money Brothers Luke (left) and Alexander (right) Purcell were both jailed for their roles in the gang last year Thomas Johnson, who purchased drugs from the gang for his own supply operation, was sentenced to 16 years in prison Ian Lewis was jailed for three years for money laundering in 2025 Judge Crabb acknowledged there were positive sides to her character, with others describing her as a 'loyal' friend, who was thoughtful, kind and highly regarded at work. But she added she had 'done nothing to help authorities' in identifying 'Sky' and progressing the investigation. In 2025 five men from Coventry, including Prescott, were jailed for nearly 60 years in total for conspiracy to supply drugs while a sixth man was jailed for three years for money laundering. Jonathan Mann, Luke Purcell, his brother Alexander Purcell, Prescott, Ian Lewis - all from Coventry - and Thomas Johnson, 35, from Atherstone, north Warwickshire, moved large amounts of cocaine and other drugs around the country in 2022. A court heard Mann oversaw distribution while Prescott and the Purcells were the couriers. Johnson purchased drugs from the gang for his own supply operation while Lewis laundered the profits. In total the gang made more than 160 trips around the UK related to their drugs operation between April and November 2022. When officers searched Luke Purcell's home, they discovered a blank-firing handgun which had been converted to fire live rounds. During their investigation they seized 21kg of cocaine, 4.9kg of ketamine, 17g of MDMA and more than 450,000 in cash. Prescott and Mann were jailed for eight years and 13 years and four months respectively for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to launder money. Alexander Purcell was sentenced to nine years and seven months for the same offences, as well as having an offensive weapon. Luke Purcell was sent to prison for 13 years and two months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, conspiracy to launder money, production of cannabis and possession of of a firearm and ammunition. Johnson was sentenced to 16 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and conspiracy to launder money. Lewis was jailed for three years for money laundering. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sent Jeffrey Epstein a Christmas card - packed with pictures of his young daughters - a full year after he claimed he had cut off all contact with the paedophile, the Epstein Files show. The Duke of York hand signed the note wishing the child sex predator, who had recently left prison, 'much joy and happiness at this time and for the year ahead'. The card contained no less than three photos of his daughters, two with their father and one together, sent when Beatrice was 23 and Eugenie was 21. There was also a cartoon of what appears to be the former prince walking in the snow with four dogs towards a snowman holding the British Royal Standard. The Epstein Files also reveal that Andrew sent another card a year later in 2012, again with pictures of his daughters as well as his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. It came as a newly-unredacted email to Jeffrey Epstein said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'had consensual sex' with Virginia Giuffre. Epstein had been warned by a journalist that he needed to distance himself from the then Duke of York, who vehemently denies sleeping with the trafficking victim. Andrew's first Christmas card to Epstein, sent on December 21, 2011, explodes the claim by Andrew himself that he cut off all contact with Epstein after the pair were photographed meeting in Central Park, on December 5, 2010. Andrew had told Emily Maitlis and BBC Newsnight viewers in 2019, with a straight face: 'To this day, I never had any contact with him from that day forward.' One royal insider told the Daily Mail that the cosy Christmas card to Epstein further torches Andrew's claims that he broke off all contact with him. What was Andrew thinking? It doesnt look great sending photos of your daughters to a convicted sex offender,' they said. The source added that the Epstein Files have revealed just how entwined the Yorks were with Epstein, even after he was jailed for child prostitution offences - and Andrews cosy Christmas cards beggars belief. We now know Fergie had taken Beatrice and Eugenie to see Epstein only a few days after he was released from jail,' they added. The hand signed Christmas card from Andrew to Epstein with pictures of his daughters, sent a full year after he said he cut off contact with the paedophile The greeting dated December 21, 2011, contained more pictures of Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Andrew in a canoe and Royal Lodge in the snow The Christmas card was sent from Andrew's official 'HRH The Duke of York' - and included a picture of Beatrice and Eugenie posing together in the snow. Princess Beatrice is pictured wearing a silver Christmas cracker hat and ear muffs, while Princess Eugenie is wrapped up in a fur hat and brown scarf. The greeting card also included a photograph of a snow-covered Royal Lodge - the former family home in Windsor - and what appears to be Andrew in a canoe. The card states: 'Wishing you much joy and happiness at this time and for the year ahead,' and is signed by Andrew. But despite Andrew's protestations on Newsnight in 2019, he sent another Christmas card, this time on December 20, 2012, again with more pictures of his children. He included images of the princesses on a charity bike ride and mountain climbing. Princess Beatrice is seen posing with one hand on her hip while going up Mont Blanc in February 2012, while her sister is seen taking part in a Night Rider event in London, atop a bike and wearing high-vis and a helmet. There were also images of Andrew abseiling down The Shard, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 66, walking across Great Slave Lake in Canada. Andrew also shared a photograph of Princess Beatrice posing with one hand on her hip while climbing Mont Blanc Andrew sent paedophile Epstein this photograph of Princess Eugenie taking part in a charity bike ride in London in June 2012 A greeting card sent to Epstein by Andrew in 2012 featured photographs of his children Beatrice and Eugenie - two years after he said he'd cut all ties with him Beatrice and her younger sister Eugenie are said to be 'appalled' and 'embarrassed' by their parents' long friendship with Epstein. The so-called Epstein Files have revealed just how often their parents brought them into the paedophile's social orbit. Fergie took Beatrice and Eugenie as teenagers to meet Epstein days after he was released from jail for child prostitution offences in 2009. Other emails released by the US Justice Department suggest they were also regularly called upon by him to entertain his contacts and give tours of Buckingham Palace. In one, Epstein reassured a friend due to cross paths with Beatrice: She likes me its ok [sic]. Emails from Fergie to Epstein even talked about her youngest daughter's sex life, declaring in one that Eugenie had been away on a 'sh*gging weekend' when she was 19. The Epstein Files show that Fergie and her daughters invited Epstein to Andrew's intimate 50th birthday party at a royal palace just after his release from jail for child sex offences in 2009. Andrew also hosted Epstein, as well as Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein, at Royal Lodge for Beatrice's 18th birthday in 2006, after a warrant was out for the paedophile financier's arrest. The former Duchess of York and her two daughters asked the convicted sex offender to bring his 'presents, presence and your humour' to the private event for family and friends in London. They invited him to celebrate '50 years of Papa/Andrew' and informed him that the dress code for the party was 'suits and cocktail dresses'. Fergie promised that the exclusive reception would feature some of her own 'mysterious mischief'. The party was held on February 26, 2010, at St James's Palace and the former Duchess of York and her daughter had spent months organising it. Princess Beatrice also helped advise Fergie on how to publicly backtrack when she upset Epstein by calling him a paedophile, her mother said in one email over a year later. Fergie claimed her eldest daughter, then 22, agreed with her that it was 'important' to brief the press that Epstein had 'done his penance' in prison for soliciting sex from girls as young as 14. The former duchess said Beatrice was present when she called a journalist in April 2011 to say it was 'wrong' to call Epstein a sex offender because he was now 'moving on with his life', newly unearthed emails show. He was released from Palm Beach County Penitentiary in September 2009 after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence. She said she planned to tell the press: 'He [Epstein] was sent to prison for sexual offending but that he had done his penance and was out of jail.' And revealing her daughter's support she said: 'Beatrice and I had a discussion and we agreed it was important.' Sarah Ferguson claimed that her daughter Princess Beatrice (pictured together at the polo in 2006) had discussed how to publicly backtrack on calling Jeffrey Epstein a paedophile Your browser does not support iframes. The Daily Mail has also found an email from Epstein in 2015 where he told a friend not to worry about meeting Beatrice at an event in Mexico because she 'liked' him. The paedophile famously attended her lavish Victorian-themed 18th birthday masked ball at Royal Lodge with Maxwell and Weinstein in 2006. Beatrice's support for her mother almost 15 years ago came as the former Duchess of York tried to save her friendship with Epstein and was beset with financial problems. Epstein would try to broker a deal to help her stave off bankruptcy. Eight years later, Beatrice played a key role in facilitating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's catastrophic 2019 interview with BBC Newsnight. As well as attending a pre-production meeting with producer Sam McAlister, with a notebook and pen, Beatrice famously became Andrew's 'alibi' during the interview when he claimed he was collecting her from a party at Pizza Express on the night he supposedly had sex with Virginia Giuffre. All this came after Fergie took Beatrice and her younger sister Eugenie to visit Epstein in Florida as teenagers, days after his release from prison in 2009 - with the girls appearing to be bystanders caught up in their parents' relationship with the late paedophile. Police have launched an investigation after 100 birds were shot at Manchester's Victoria Station in a mass railway culling. Northern Rail contracted an extermination squad to use air rifles to shoot the pigeons inside the station in after-hour raids in October last year. They claimed the nesting population had become 'unmanageable' and posed a 'health hazard' to commuters passing through the 19th-century station. Although commuters might have found the birds a nuisance, many were left disturbed after seeing injured birds limping around outside the station - as many were left injured, but not dead, by the pellets and suffered slow, painful deaths. Footage shared on social media showed injured birds struggling around the station, including one bloodied bird that was found 'trapped upside down' on a ledge in 'critical condition' on October 28. Some members of the public even rescued the birds and reported sightings of injured pigeons to local animal welfare charities, including Manchester Pigeon Rehab, a Facebook group which campaigned against the culling. Northern Rail said that the culling, which took place over two months at the end of last year by 'marksmen' from pest control firm Ecolab, has now stopped. The circumstances of the cull are now under investigation by the British Transport Police. Members of the public stepped in to help pigeons under attack, sharing photos to social media of injured birds Many commuters witnessed flightless birds during the cullings. The 'marksmen' failed to dispatch some birds, leading them to suffer slow, painful deaths The pigeon population at Manchester's Victoria Station (pictured) became 'unmanageable' and posed a 'health hazard' to commuters, according to Northern Rail Northern Rail announced they had stopped the culling, as British Transport Police launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shootings A spokesperson for Northern Rail told the Daily Mail: 'This pest control activity was carried out at Manchester Victoria station last year, as the pigeons were becoming unmanageable and posing a risk to colleagues and customers. 'This was undertaken by a licensed and specialist subcontractor, following surveys and risk assessments. 'We use a number of other methods to deal with pigeons at stations across our network. 'We are reviewing the footage posted on social media and are sorry for any distress caused. 'Since the issue was brought to our attention in December we have instructed our contractors to cease activity and no further culls are planned at Manchester Victoria.' A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: 'Officers received a report on Friday February 6 of pigeons that had been culled at Manchester Victoria railway station in October 2025. 'Enquiries into the circumstances of the cull are ongoing.' The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 protects all wild birds in Great Britain, including pigeons. Anyone that intentionally kills, injures, or destroys their nesting without the correct licensing could be prosecuted. A spokesman for Ecolab told the Telegraph: 'Ecolab supports our customers in maintaining clean, safe and healthy environments. 'Our services are delivered under contract and in accordance with applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.' Manchester Pigeon Rehab are a group that helps protect Manchester's bird species and campaigned against the cull. They said in a statement shared online: 'We are happy to announce that following our campaign regarding Northern Rail's pigeon cull, confirmation has been provided that the cull has been cancelled. 'We are submitting FOIs to gain further confirmation and follow up on any additional pest control activity - we are continuing to ask for anyone with information to reach out to us.' John Horsley, a training officer at the British Pest Control Association, said: 'Pigeon droppings are a public health risk and, in some circumstances, a potential slip hazard. 'Once dry, pigeon droppings can become airborne in small particles, which can lead to respiratory complaints. 'The most effective way to deter pigeons from a particular site is to remove food sources. 'Bins should be kept securely closed, ensure the area is free of litter and debris and clear up any spills.' John added: 'Pigeons like all wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means anyone who disturbs them and who is not operating under an appropriate licence may face prosecution. 'In certain circumstances, management and control techniques may be required, but anyone concerned about pigeons should always seek advice from a BPCA member who specialises in bird control.' An American who killed his girlfriend's mother with a fruit bowl in a Bali hotel room and stuffed her body into a suitcase has been released from prison. Tommy Schaefer walked out of Kerobokan Prison at around 12pm Bali time on Tuesday after serving 12 years of an 18-year sentence for the brutal 2014 murder, which his then-girlfriend Heather helped plan. He was immediately handed over to immigration officials for deportation. Once he arrives back to the US, he is expected to be detained on charges of conspiracy to kill a US national while overseas and tampering with evidence. As he left the prison, he told reporters he was feeling 'happy,' adding that 'God is good' and that he plans to 'enjoy life'. The case dates back to August 2014, when 62 year old Sheila Wiese-Mack booked a vacation with her teenage daughter Heather for what was meant to be a luxury stay at the renowned St Regis resort in Nusa Dua, Bali. Sheila hoped the trip would help repair her strained relationship with her daughter, after tensions between the pair had escalated into repeated arguments and incidents that resulted in police being called to their Chicago home 80 times. Unbeknown to her mother, Heather had secretly invited her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, using her mother's credit card to purchase a $12,000 first class flight for him. Heather was pregnant with Tommy's child at the time. Sheila did not approve of the romance and believed Tommy, a 21-year-old aspiring rap artist, to be a bad influence. Tommy Schaefer (pictured) walked out of Kerobokan Prison at around 12am Bali time on Tuesday Tommy Schaefer (pictured) was immediately handed over to immigration officials for deportation Sheila (L) pictured with her daughter Heather (R) On the evening of August 12, Sheila was killed in her hotel room. Shelia's cause of death was asphyxiation from drowning in her own blood, and it is believed that Tommy hit her over the head with a fruit bowl while Heather held her hand over her mouth. The pair placed her body inside a suitcase and left it in the trunk of a taxi outside the resort. Indonesian police discovered the suitcase and traced it back to the hotel. After police discovered the suitcase containing Shelia's body, they swiftly descended on the hotel where they found a gruesome, bloody scene in the hotel room and quickly realized that Heather and Schaefer had fled, leaving their passports behind. A nationwide search was launched and the couple were soon located in another hotel room, which had been booked using Sheilas credit card. Initially, the pair claimed they had been attacked by a masked gang and that Sheila had not escaped. Tommy Schaefer (R), a then 21-year-old aspiring rap artist, pictured with Heather (L) on a beach prior to the murder Sheila's death is believed to have been caused by Tommy (R) hitting her over the head with a fruit bowl while Heather (L) held her hand over her mouth Schaefer later told police he had acted in self defense after Sheila allegedly threatened to harm Heather and her unborn baby. However, CCTV footage showing Sheila and Heather arguing in the hotel lobby and further evidence undermined their account. On September 19, Schaefer admitted to helping Heather kill her mother and conceal the body. Both were charged with premeditated murder on January 14, 2015. A motive based around money then emerged during investigations, revealing Schaefer had been promised a cut of the $1.5million inheritance that Heather was set to collect from her mother. In April 2025, Heather was sentenced to 10 years in prison for being an accessory to the murder, while Schaefer received 18 years for the killing. Heather Mack pictured in court for her sentencing hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Tommy Schaefer pictured in court in 2015 in Bali Judges said Heather was given leniency because she had given birth to their daughter, Stella, while in custody. Under Indonesian prison rules, she was allowed to keep Stella with her for up to two years and continued to have access to her afterwards. Back in the US, however, the sentences were widely seen as lenient. It also later emerged that Schaefer had sought advice from his cousin Robert Bibbs in Chicago, promising him $50,000 from Sheilas $1.5 million trust fund. Bibbs was arrested in connection with conspiracy to murder and was sentenced to nine years in prison in June 2017 on one count of conspiracy to commit foreign murder. His conviction ultimately led to Heathers arrest when she returned to the US in 2021. Heather was due to stand trial in July 2023 but pleaded guilty one month before. In January 2024, she was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment. Heather Mack pictured with her daughter Stella, who was born while she was in custody awaiting trial for helping to murder her mother Following his release, Schaefer will now spend time in an immigration centre before being deported to Chicago. Kerobokan Prison Governor Hudi Ismono confirmed Schaefer's release on Tuesday, saying: 'Today, Tommy Schaefer is released and we have handed over him to the Immigration. 'For foreign prisoners, the release should involve the Immigration for deportation process.' Ismono said that Schaefer had spent at least 12 years in prison of an 18 year sentence and had received a total of 75 months and 120 days in sentence cuts during his incarceration due to good behaviour. MPs could begin investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's work as trade envoy from next week - amid mounting calls for a criminal probe into the disgraced royal. Labour MP Liam Byrne, chairman of the cross-party Business and Trade Committee, today said 'nothing is off the table' as the former Duke of York faces fresh allegations. Mr Byrne told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'MPs are not in the market for letting anything slip through the cracks.' His words come as Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal title as Prince Andrew following revelations about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The ex-Duke has been accused of abusing his position during his time as UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Lawyers have suggested he could face prosecution for a 'great many' offences because of the Epstein Files including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation and even prostitution - but police are yet to turn up in Sandringham where he has now moved. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor 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. Files released in the US relating to the late paedophile billionaire Epstein reveal Mr Mountbatten-Windsor passed on to him a confidential Treasury briefing on Iceland's financial crisis. 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 The former Duke of York, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is pictured here in January 2026 riding near Windsor Castle in Berkshire - ahead of his move to Sandringham He also forwarded messages about taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland - and the King's brother allowed Epstein to organise meetings for him during an official trade mission to China. Now MPs could intervene, according to Mr Byrne, who said today: 'The committee's not had a chance to reflect on these allegations because recess means Parliament isn't sitting this week. 'My task this week is to make sure that the committee's got options in front of them when they meet on Tuesday for how we might or might not take this investigation forward. Obviously, we can't and don't want to compromise a police investigation. 'We've got quite strict rules about sub judice and getting involved in things that may come before the courts, but this is obviously a matter of huge concern, and I'm going to make sure that my committee has got the full options available for how we take our investigations forward when they convene next Tuesday morning.' Mr Byrne said he did not want to 'pre judge where the committee is going to go on this at this stage' when asked on the Today programme whether it could potentially ask to speak to the former prince. He added: 'At this stage, all I can say is, nothing is off the table. 'This is something we're going to take acutely seriously and I can guarantee you that MPs are not in the market for letting anything slip through the cracks. 'My job as the chair is to make sure that the options are on the table in front of them when we consider it next week when Parliament resumes.' Pictured: Andrew enjoying a ride on a bamboo river raft in China in a photo released in the Epstein Files. Emails show he allowed Jeffrey Epstein to organise meetings for him in China Marcus Johnstone, a leading criminal defence lawyer specialising in sex crime, previously said this week the former prince could be investigated over allegations he allowed sex trafficking victims into Buckingham Palace. Police will be looking for evidence proving Andrew 'knowingly facilitated their exploitation', he said. Detectives could also investigate Andrew for the offence of misconduct in public office when he was a UK trade envoy. There are now claims a woman who could have been a trafficking victim was flown in on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' and smuggled into the Palace to see Andrew using the codename 'Mrs Windsor'. Mr Johnstone said: 'Andrew could technically face action for a great many alleged sexual offences, including sex trafficking, sexual exploitation or even prostitution legislation - though much of this depends on what he knew and what can be proven he knew beyond all reasonable doubt. 'It may not even be beyond the realms of possibility that a Royal Palace was used as a brothel, but proving this is a much more challenging task entirely'. Epstein's Boeing 727100 private jet, which he used to host orgies and traffic girls, landed around 90 times in the UK - including after his conviction for child sex offences in 2008, the Epstein Files reveal. At least one Epstein victim was allegedly flown into Britain on board and then taken to Andrew at Buckingham Palace. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured in Windsor before he went to ground in Sandringham, is facing calls to speak to the police - and now MPs could begin an investigation next week The disgraced former Duke of York allegedly told aides: 'Mrs Windsor will arrive shortly, please let her in and show her up' while a former police protection officer said they were 'not allowed' to know their names. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of all his royal titles last October after a leaked email published by the Mail on Sunday proved he lied in his interview with BBC's Newsnight when he claimed he 'never had any contact' with Epstein after they were pictured together in New York in December 2010. Buckingham Palace announced last October Andrew would no longer be known as a prince and would leave Royal Lodge in Windsor instead taking up residence ahead on the family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. King Charles stripped his brother of titles after weeks of pressure to act over Andrew's relationship with Epstein, who died in prison in August 2019 aged 66. Andrew had earlier that month said he would no longer use the Duke of York title following revelations about his friendship with Epstein and renewed sexual abuse allegations by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre in her posthumous memoir. The Mail on Sunday revealed how Andrew tried to involve the Metropolitan Police and one of Queen Elizabeth's most senior aides in a campaign to smear Ms Giuffre, who had accused him of assaulting her as a teenager. An email exposed how Andrew asked his taxpayerfunded police bodyguard to investigate the 'lying' young woman. The prince is said to have passed on details of her date of birth and social security number, thought to have been given to him by Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor passed on details he learned from meetings with bank executives in the wake of its 45billion state bailout, documents show He also claimed Virginia, who took her own life earlier this year, had criminal convictions, a claim which has not been backed up by any evidence or confirmed by police and has been strongly denied by her family. An earlier email expose proved that Andrew lied to Buckingham Palace and the British public when he claimed he had cut off all contact with his close friend in December 2010, following Epstein's release from prison on childsex charges. Twelve weeks later, he emailed the sex offender financier to say they were 'in this together' and expressed his wish to 'play some more soon'. Ms Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, alleged she was forced to have sex three times with Andrew, which he vehemently denies, including when she was 17 and also during an orgy, after she was trafficked by Epstein. Andrew paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with her in 2022, though insisted he had never met her. The Mail On Sunday revealed this week how he passed on details he learned from meetings with bank executives in the wake of the Royal Bank of Scotland's 45billion state bailout, shown by documents released by the US Department of Justice. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor revealed information about RBS shake-up plans and, without foundation, alleged that experts overseeing the bank were privately critical of its chief executive. He also passed on information about Aston Martin, including claims of internal tensions amid a slump in sales. Andrew, Virginia Giuffre and sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in a photo reportedly taken in 2001, when Giuffre was 17 years old Thames Valley Police is facing growing calls to open an investigation into allegations he leaked confidential reports to Epstein while trade envoy. Former business secretary Vince Cable accused Mr Mountbatten-Windsor of 'dreadful, cynical behaviour' adding that the police and Director of Public Prosecutions would have to judge whether 'criminal misconduct' had taken place. And City expert Ian Fraser, whose book Shredded detailed the near-collapse of RBS, said: 'Why the hell did Andrew consider it appropriate to glean potentially market-sensitive information about the state-rescued bank RBS from private meetings and then leak this to contacts he clearly wished to impress?' Emails show 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. Also among the 3million documents in the Epstein Files is an email exchange from July 2010 between Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and Terence Allen, an investment banker in the United Arab Emirates. Mr Allen said there was clearly a 'bunch of assets for sale' at RBS, adding: 'We are looking at some of their distressed real estate for our clients.' His message came as RBS bosses were engaged in a huge 'fire sale' after it was rescued by the Government in 2008. Replying to Mr Allen, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor said he had been told by an RBS executive that RBS-owned private bank Drummonds would be reviewed and become more integrated with Royal bankers Coutts. The ex-prince also revealed that chief executive Sir Stephen Hester was not thinking of selling a stake in RBSs 'subsidiary brands' because he had 'more important things to worry about'. The former duke forwarded his emails to his adviser David Stern, a German-born businessman, who in turn sent them on to Epstein. Andrew also suggested that UK Financial Investments, the organisation overseeing RBS, was privately critical of the way the bank was being run, saying Sir Stephen 'isn't all that well thought of'. His memo to Mr Allen, again forwarded by Mr Stern to Epstein, also claimed Mr Mountbatten-Windsor had been kept in the picture about Aston Martin, claiming there were 'conflicts between internal parties' and tensions between management and its Kuwaiti owners. The car maker said it had no evidence in its records of Andrew having had any direct contact with its executives. NatWest Group has declined to comment. Golden eagles in the south of Scotland 'could be killed' by a proposed wind farm's 180-metre tall turbines, a charity has claimed. Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) is urging a Scottish Borders Council committee to reject plans for the Scawd Law wind farm near Walkerburn. Fred Olsen Renewables, the developer of the wind farm, wants to construct eight turbines up to 180 metres tall at the site which would have a 60MW generation capacity. RUN, which manages the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, says there is a risk of the birds of prey being hit by the wind turbines if the proposals go ahead. Dr Cat Barlow, chief executive officer of RUN, said: 'While we strongly support the role of well-sited renewable energy in tackling the climate crisis and safeguarding nature in the long-term, our detailed analysis evidences that Scawd Law in the Moorfoot Hills is the wrong location for a wind farm development. 'Using data from our state-of-the-art satellite monitoring, alongside extensive field observations by our experienced staff, we have significant concerns that the proposal would pose an unacceptable risk to the fragile local golden eagle population at a particularly critical time. 'Some of the data currently relied upon by the developer is outdated and substantially underestimates golden eagle activity in the area.' She continued: 'Our analysis indicates that the risk of collision at Scawd Law is at least six times greater than the figures presented by the developer. Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) is urging a Scottish Borders Council committee to reject plans for the Scawd Law wind farm near Walkerburn as golden eagles could be killed (Stock image) Fred Olsen Renewables, the developer of the wind farm, wants to construct eight turbines up to 180 metres tall at the site which would have a 60MW generation capacity 'This risk will increase further as fledglings enter the landscape. 'Indeed, the likelihood of an eagle being killed at this site alone exceeds the collision risk posed by all existing wind farms across the south of Scotland combined.' The land which the renewable energy company would like to develop on comprises of heather moorland and is currently used for sheep farming. Mike Wilcox, of Walkerburn Community Council, also voiced opposition to the plans. He said: 'This is the last chance to save our majestic golden eagles. 'There has been a massive, concerted effort over many years by conservation experts and volunteers from all over Scotland to reintroduce this iconic species to the south of Scotland. 'The local community has been very excited to see these incredible birds in our skies again after an absence of perhaps 100 years. 'Going ahead with Scawd Law could potentially wipe out all the progress made in the past decade - Scottish Borders Council should reject this destructive scheme.' The final proposals have 'evolved considerably' from what the company was initially considering as earlier plans consisted of up to 12 turbines (Stock image) An investigation found that a golden eagle called Sparky (pictured), who was found dead in 2024, had died after a wind turbine strike in Dumfries and Galloway The council's planning committee will review the application on March 2. The final proposals have 'evolved considerably' from what the company was initially considering as earlier plans consisted of up to 12 turbines. Fred Olsen Renewables believe the plans for Scawd Law Wind Farm are appropriate for locals and hope it can present opportunities for the community. In 2024, an investigation concluded that a golden eagle called Sparky had died after a wind turbine strike in Dumfries and Galloway, according to the eagle project's website. The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project found three-year-old Sparky dead with its wing detached lying 15 metres from a turbine base. After carrying out a number of tests, the Veterinary Investigation Centre at Scotland's Rural College in Dumfries concluded that Sparky's fatal injuries were 'typical of those associated with a wind turbine strike.' The death of the locally-fledged bird was the first of its kind recorded by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. A spokesperson for Fred Olsen Renewables said: 'As a dedicated owner and operator of wind farms in the south of Scotland of 30 years, we take ornithological risks very seriously when determining the locations of our renewable energy sites. 'We have thoroughly reviewed the concerns raised by Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) regarding our Scawd Law proposal. 'Our comprehensive assessments, complemented by expert analysis from external specialists, demonstrate that all predicted impacts and associated risks have been carefully evaluated and fall within acceptable parameters. 'While interpretations of data may vary, our in-depth understanding of the site, environmental conditions, and proven methodologies gives us confidence in the robustness of our approach. 'We are committed to maintaining open, constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and trust.' A 'vulnerable' young woman was 'senselessly killed' after befriending a thug who punched her to death on a night out, a court heard. Aspiring accountant Zahwa Mukhtar, who was profoundly deaf, died after she was knocked to the ground by Duane Owusu in August last year. Ms Mukhtar, 27, had not met Owusu or his friends before she found herself crammed in a car with them following a night out in Stoke Newington, north London, when he allegedly kicked her out for filming something. The court heard he then launched a vicious assault, kicking at her face before delivering the fatal punch after she fell to the floor and hit her head with what the prosecution described as a 'sickening thud'. Owusu, 36, got back into the car and left her dying on the ground. He is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murder and manslaughter. Opening the case this morning, prosecutor Henrietta Paget KC said: 'This case concerns the senseless killing of a vulnerable young woman, Zahwa Mukhtar, who had fallen in with a group of strangers on a night out. Among them was the defendant, Duane Owusu.' Jurors were then shown harrowing footage of the moment Ms Mukhtar was ejected from a silver Mercedes owned and driven by another member of the group, Leron Parris. Trainee accountant Zahwa Mukhtar, 27, was killed on a night out last summer The prosecutor said: 'The occupants of the vehicle had been drinking and taking drugs, Ms Mukhtar included. 'You will hear evidence that she was behaving erratically within the vehicle - flirting with the boys and picking fights with the girls. 'Nobody knew her, and it appears that her behaviour was causing increasing annoyance. 'Just as the vehicle approached Chadwell Heath, Ms Mukhtar began recording a video on her phone. And this, it seems, was the trigger for Mr Owusu.' The prosecutor said footage showed Owusu - who the court heard uses the nickname 'Nasty' and had been at a rave - throwing Ms Mukhtar's mobile phone out of a rear passenger door, before ejecting the victim, who had been sitting on his lap, once the vehicle had come to a stop. Ms Paget said: 'She (Ms Mukhtar) landed on her backside on the pavement. 'Getting out after her, he (Owusu) aimed two kicks at her face as she sat on the ground. 'One of the female members of the group also sitting in the back got out to try to stop the attack, but he swung her aside. 'And Ms Mukhtar by this stage had managed to get to her feet and was pleading with Mr Owusu to stop. 'But he punched her, hard, to the neck, knocking her to the ground where she lay, motionless.' The court heard that Ms Mukhtar fell so hard she suffered a fractured skull and fatal brain injury. The prosecutor said: 'So, far from doing anything to help her, Mr Owusu shouted at the others to get back in the car and Mr Parris drove away. 'And so it was that Ms Mukhtar was left to die.' Mr Mukhtar worked as a finance assistant at the Young Vic Theatre in Waterloo, where she was described as 'bright, bubbly, enthusiastic and very eager to learn'. The court heard she was profoundly deaf, but coped well with her disability because she was adept at lip-reading and used sign language. The court heard that while she was 'from a traditional family by background, she had made it clear that she wanted to live like any other young person in their twenties'. Owusu, from Dagenham, denies the charges. The trial continues. Nigel Farage today unveiled a Reform 'shadow cabinet' for the first time, with ex-Tory minister Robert Jenrick handed a key role. Mr Jenrick, who defected to Reform from the Conservatives last month, has been made 'shadow chancellor' to take on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with Mr Farage claiming his party is now 'the real opposition'. Three other roles were announced this morning, with Skegness MP and former leader Richard Tice in line to be deputy prime minister if Reform wins the next election. He would also be in charge of a 'super department' covering business, trade and energy. Party chairman Zia Yusuf, whose parents were immigrants, was unveiled as 'shadow home secretary' with a brief to tackle legal and illegal migration, despite not being one of Reform's eight MPs or a member of the House of Lords. And Mr Jenrick's fellow Tory turncoat Suella Braverman has taken on a role as education and equalities spokeswoman - and said one of her first jobs in government would be to scrap the job of equalities minister. Mr Farage has been facing calls to sort out a proper frontbench team, now he fronts a team of eight MPs, to knock down claims he is the leader of a one-man-band. He admitted today that Reform needed the 'experience' brought to his team by former Tories. But Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'After months of infighting and leaks, Nigel Farage has unveiled a front bench dominated by ex-Conservatives - a line-up that looks more like a tribute act to the old Conservative Party than a credible alternative.' Nigel Farage today unveiled the core of a Reform 'shadow cabinet' for the first time, with ex-Tory minister Robert Jenrick handed a key role Mr Jenrick, who defected to Reform from the Conservatives last month, has been linked with the party's treasury role, shadowing Chancellor Rachel Reeves Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Farage has been facing calls to sort out a proper frontbench team, now he fronts a team of eight MPs, to knock down claims he is the leader of a one-man-band Party chairman Zia Yusuf, whose parents were immigrants, was unveiled as 'shadow home secretary' with a brief to tackle legal and illegal migration, despite not being one of Reform's eight MPs or a member of the House of Lords Mr Jenrick was previously a Cabinet minister as Housing Secretary under Boris Johnson and was Conservative shadow justice secretary until he jumped ship. Reform's new 'shadow cabinet' and their plans Treasury spokesman: Robert Jenrick Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman said the party would be focused on cutting taxes. He also highlighted the issue of youth unemployment, which he said was higher than parts of Europe. 'We're going to set out our economic plans tomorrow, but it's going to be about reducing bills, having a sensible energy policy to make our country more competitive once again, reducing taxes as we can, and bring back good jobs in all parts of the country,' he said. Home affairs spokesman - Zia Yousuf Mr Yusuf's main role is to cut illegal migration, with a warning today that 'more people have turned up on our beaches uninvited in the last seven years than stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.' He described the situation as the 'the most profound betrayal of the British electorate in history', adding: 'If you are in this country illegally right now and you are watching this, I want to be crystal clear: as Reform's home secretary, I will ensure that you are deported from these lands.' Deputy leader and business, trade and energy spokesman - Richard Tice Mr Tice said the party would create a new 'super department' in government with an aim of getting growth of up to 4 per cent. He will also focus on using oil and gas to help boost the economy and would abandon net-zero targets. He said the party would also create a 'serious' British wealth fund and look to 'reindustrialise' Britain. Education and equalities spokeswoman - Suella Braverman Ms Braverman said Reform UK would 'repeal the Equality Act' on day one in government, warning Britain was being 'ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion' policies. The party would scrap the equalities minister post, she revealed, to build a country defined by meritocracy not tokenism, personal responsibility not victimhood, excellence not mediocrity, and unity not division. Advertisement But his only Treasury experience was an 18-month stint as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, the most junior minister, under Theresa May. Today he thanked Mr Farage for allowing him to oppose Ms Reeves, labelling her an economic 'wrecking ball'. He said Reform would put together 'the most comprehensive plan of any political party' to 'fix Britain's broken economy'. He is not the official shadow chancellor, as that role is held by the Conservatives' Mel Stride. And the same is true of his fellow frontbenchers. But smaller parties have previously labelled their frontbench teams the 'shadow cabinet', including the Liberal Democrats and the SNP. Mr Farage told the audience in London that Reform was now 'the real opposition to Labour'. Mr Yusuf, who has previously been linked with standing for election to the Commons, said 'more people have turned up on our beaches uninvited in the last seven years than stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.' He added: 'Those people, instead of being detained and deported, have been given free accommodation, free meals, free access to healthcare, free taxis, free leisure activities at the expense of the British people, to the tune of tens of billions of pounds every single year.' Mr Yusuf described the situation as the 'the most profound betrayal of the British electorate in history'. He said: 'If you are in this country illegally right now and you are watching this, I want to be crystal clear: as Reform's home secretary, I will ensure that you are deported from these lands.' Mr Tice, who is the party's deputy leader, said the party would create a new 'super department' in government with an aim of getting growth of up to 4 per cent. He said the party would focus on using oil and gas to help boost the economy and would abandon net-zero targets. Mr Tice also said the party would create a 'serious' British wealth fund. He added: 'If we achieve those things then we can reindustrialise Britain, we can reenergise Britain, we can renew Britain and yes, we can rebuild Britain. These are absolutely essential to create growth.' It comes as a new poll today suggested Reform's poll lead has been cut to just five points. YouGov had Mr Farage's party on 24 per cent, down three points in a week. Labour and the Tories are unchanged on 19 per cent and 18 per cent respectively, with the Greens up a point on 17 per cent. Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley said Nigel Farage's front bench appointments had 'failed Britain before' and would do the same again. Your browser does not support iframes. Skegness MP and former Reform leader Richard Tice in line to be deputy prime minister if Reform wins the next election Mr Jenrick's fellow Tory turncoat Suella Braverman has taken on a role as education and equalities spokeswoman Ms Turley said: 'Farage's top team of failed Tories spent over 3,000 days inflicting untold damage on our country in government, trashing our economy, hammering families' mortgages, and leaving our borders open. 'They failed Britain before they'd do the same again under Reform.' Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper described Reform's front bench as a 'Reform-Tory "Fifty Shades of Blue" love-in'. She said: 'Robert Jenrick voted for Liz Truss's economic disaster of a mini-budget, now he wants to do the same damage to the economy all over again. 'Nigel Farage is welcome to give his colleagues new name badges but it won't change the opinion of the country, that Conservatives, current or former, are totally unfit to govern.' Two Brits are facing up to 10 years in prison after they allegedly attacked bar staff in Majorca with broken glass when they were refused more drinks. The brawl took place at 2am on June 22 last year when staff cut them off after they verbally harassed other customers inside a restaurant in Palmanova, next to Magaluf. The unnamed men, then aged 24 and 34, pushed a female employee to the floor, causing her to hit her head, after being told they couldn't drink any more alcohol. They then struck a colleague from behind, using a glass as a weapon after he tried to intervene in the scrap which was captured on CCTV. A customer who tried to de-escalate the brawl was hit in the neck with broken shards of glass during a physical struggle, which saw the glass shatter in one of the attacker's hands. The female employee also suffered cuts to her legs from the glass which shattered on the floor. The men were arrested soon after the attack and held in custody. The Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office is requesting ten years in prison for both men with a trial set to be held at a criminal court in Palma. Two Brits face ten years in jail after a violent altercation in a nightspot near the Majorcan party resort of Magaluf The brawl took place at 2am on June 22 last year when staff cut them off after they verbally harassed other customers The British men were arrested soon after the late night brawl inside a restaurant in Palmanova and were held in custody The accused are also liable to pay a compensation 15,450 euros to the victims, who were rushed to hospital after the brawl. Following the attack, a spokesman for the Civil Guard said: 'Two people aged 24 and 33 have been arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, wounding and causing serious public disorder following an incident at a nightspot in Palmanova. 'Officers sent to Majorca as part of summer reinforcements were carrying out routine security patrols when they were alerted a mass fight was occurring in a premises near to where they were. 'They saw a man covered in blood brandishing a broken bottle who was attacking others present. 'They quickly reduced him and got the broken bottle off him. 'Staff said he, his companion and two others who had fled the scene had attacked employees and two strangers. 'The officers requested medical backup so they could assist the three people who had been hurt. 'Given the depth of their injuries and the fact they affected vital areas, they were transferred to Son Espases Hospital in the Majorcan capital Palma where they were given stitches to open wounds in their neck, head, arms and legs. 'The blood-covered man, who was the 24-year-old, was arrested along with his 33-year-old companion.' The head of sixth form at a 25,000-a-year private school has been struck off after he lied about studying at Cambridge University. Discrepancies over Nicholas Martin's age in a job application for a deputy headmaster role at St Edward's School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, raised alarm bells for staff who launched an investigation. The 43-year-old said he was five years younger than he actually was, claiming to be born in 1987 when school files had Mr Martin's date of birth as 1982. When challenged, Mr Martin initially said someone must have confused his handwriting, but in follow-up emails accepted the date he had given was incorrect. This brought other elements of his CV under scrutiny, including his education and extra-curricular activities. When contacted, Cambridge University confirmed his certificate for a Masters degree in history, which he liked to 'show off to friends on the weekends', was forged. It emerged he had instead attended Lancaster University. Mr Martin also lied about sitting as a magistrate and had used the false claim as an excuse for days of absence - pretending to oversee court hearings once a month. Nicolas Martin was applying for a deputy headmaster role at St Edward's School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, (pictured) when the forged certificate from the prestigious university was spotted The teacher had used post-nominals MA (Cantab) - signaling a postgraduate degree holder from Cambridge University - and JP - standing for Justice of the Peace, an alternative to magistrate - in his signature. Mr Martin admitted at a disciplinary hearing in March 2025 that he had lied about his date of birth and had falsely claimed he had worked as a magistrate, with hopes to come across as 'younger, more dynamic and more fun'. The teacher was subsequently struck off from working as a teacher due to his 'fundamental disregard of fundamental aspects of the education system' at a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) hearing last month, after the school referred the case to the watchdog. Mr Martin admitted acting dishonestly and giving false information. He has now been banned from teaching for two years, when a review on the decision can take place. The ban extends to teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England. Michelle Chappelle, chair of the TRA panel, said Mr Martin's actions prevented him from being a 'suitable role model in supporting pupils'. She added: 'The panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Martin amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of standard expected of the profession. 'Central to Mr Martin's actions were a disregard of fundamental aspects of the education system, that is the integrity of qualifications and the application process. 'The panel considered that public confidence in the profession could be seriously weakened if conduct such that found against Mr Martin were not treated with the utmost seriousness when regulating the conduct of the profession.' In the hearing it was noted Mr Martin had been a 'good teacher' with no previous suggestion of misconduct, but he had not demonstrated 'exceptionally high standards or significantly contributing to the education sector'. Marc Cavey, making the decision on behalf of the Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson, said the two year ban from teaching was 'proportionate' to the level of 'serious dishonesty found' and to ensure public confidence is maintained in the profession. Mr Martin qualified as a teacher in 2006 and started a teaching role at St Edward's in September of the same year. In 2024 he became the Head of Sixth Form and later applied to become deputy head of the school, but was not a chosen shortlisted candidate. Anna Sandford-Squires, headteacher of St Edward's School, told the Daily Mail: 'St Edwards School is aware of the Teaching Regulation Agencys decision in relation to a former member of staff. 'The individual concerned is no longer employed by the school. Once concerns were identified, the school followed its established procedures and referred the matter to the appropriate authorities. We fully supported the process that followed. 'The welfare and education of our pupils is always our highest priority, and we expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all staff.' St Edward's School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, costs 24,810 per year for sixth form students and it boasts alumni including award-winning actor Josh O'Connor, known for playing Charles, Prince of Wales, in Netflix The Crown. A probe into bullying claims against the frontrunner to become the UK's top civil servant found a 'serious case to answer' but was later ignored, it is being claimed. Dame Antonia Romeo, who is the most senior official at the Home Office, is widely expected to become the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service. She is currently one of three Whitehall mandarins carrying out interim Cabinet Secretary duties following the sacking of Sir Chris Wormald last week. But her bid to replace Sir Chris on a permanent basis has been hit by a row over past allegations of bullying related to her time as consul-general in New York in 2017. The Foreign Office is said to have conducted a full investigation before the case was dropped by the Cabinet Office, the department from which she was on secondment at the time. Officials involved in raising concerns about Dame Antonia told The Times the outcome resembled a 'cover-up' and accused her allies of a 'chilling' campaign to silence them. A Whitehall source told the newspaper: 'This was not a single grievance from one employee. It involved multiple concerns made by multiple staff. 'The Foreign Office did a full investigation and found a serious case to answer which the Cabinet Office then ignored. So how did they reach that conclusion when they did not do their own investigation?' Dame Antonia Romeo, who is the most senior official at the Home Office , is widely expected to become the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service Sir Keir Starmer is reported to want Dame Antonia to replace Sir Chris Wormald - who has been handed a 260,000 payout - as he seeks another 'reset' of his faltering premiership The source added: 'It had a huge negative impact on morale in the US. It was also deeply damaging to the whole organisation's efforts to deal with inappropriate behaviour. 'Because it suggested that well-connected senior individuals are beyond reproach and not subject to normal accountability.' Allies of Dame Antonia have defended her and pointed out that she has led three Government departments since leaving the US without incident. Rupert McNeil, who was head of HR for the Government at the time of the 2017 probe, said the investigation he oversaw was 'done thoroughly and independently - and it concluded there was no case to answer'. He added: 'The smears being thrown against her are reprehensible and hypocritical. They undermine every investigation that the civil service has run.' Sir Matthew Rycroft, who was UK permanent representative to the UN at the time, said: 'The decision maker was the CEO of the civil service. He concluded that there was no case to answer, and he reported this to the cabinet secretary who agreed. 'I was the senior FCDO official in New York at the time, and having seen the relevant documentation myself, I can confirm that I too was satisfied there was no case to answer in relation to the single formal complaint that was made.' The Cabinet Office said: 'One formal complaint was raised nine years ago - which was thoroughly investigated and the allegations were dismissed on the basis there was no case to answer. 'While serving as consul-general in New York, Antonia Romeo was on secondment from the Cabinet Office, therefore decisions about the relevant complaint were made by the Cabinet Office. This is standard practice.' Downing Street on Monday defended Dame Antonia, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman describing her as 'an outstanding leader with a 25-year record of excellent public service, including having been appointed to three permanent secretary roles'. 'One formal complaint was raised nine years ago and the allegations were dismissed on the basis that there was no case to answer,' he said. Further pressed on the issue, No10 said it would 'never get into documents relating to confidential HR processes'. 'Antonia Romeo's record speaks for itself I'm not going to get into individual HR files or reports,' the spokesman added. Sir Keir Starmer is reported to want Dame Antonia to replace Sir Chris - who has been handed a 260,000 payout - as he seeks another 'reset' of his faltering premiership. She was on the shortlist to become Cabinet Secretary in December 2024 before Sir Keir opted for Sir Chris, who he has now ditched. Dame Antonia's former boss Lord Simon McDonald has urged the PM to start the latest recruitment process 'from scratch' to ensure there was proper 'due diligence'. An American tourist caught up in a twisted love triangle died after begging his Thai ex-girlfriend to take him back, according to police. Stein Cole, 54, was seen pleading with his much-younger girlfriend, Nan Phawt Ar Cho, 24, to get back together with him on Monday afternoon when things quickly turned deadly, the Mirror reported. While Cole talked with Cho, her current partner, Saw Nay Lin Oo, 26, and three other men, allegedly attacked him outside a shop in Bangkok around 4.30pm. During the vicious ambush, the group allegedly battered Cole, originally from Corcoran, California, to death with a metal pipe and knife. When police arrived at the scene, they hauled Oo into a police car and found Stein dead in a pool of blood with five stab wounds and both of his legs broken, according to the outlet. Officers also discovered a 10-inch knife and a three-foot metal pipe at the scene. A dramatic image showed Cole lying in the middle of the road as people tried to resuscitate him. His ex was seen in another picture talking to reporters after Cole was killed. The three other suspects, Saw Kyaw Win Tun, Saw Kyaw Htunt Paing, and Thein Oo, the ex-girlfriend's brother, were charged with jointly assaulting another person, causing death, per the Mirror. Stein Cole, 54, was murdered on Monday afternoon in Bangkok, Thailand, after being involved in a twisted love triangle with his ex-girlfriend Cole's 24-year-old ex-girlfriend is seen talking to reporters after he was allegedly stabbed and beaten to death by four men A 10 inch knife was found at the scene. Cole, originally from California, was found with five stab wounds and both of his legs broken after the attack One of the alleged murderers was stabbed during the scuffle and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police claim Cole showed up at the shop with the kitchen knife, which sparked the violent fracas, the outlet stated. According to Colonel Sonchai Poonphol, superintendent of the Bangmod Police district station, Cole 'could not accept' his break-up with Cho 'and had been following his ex-girlfriend continuously.' Poonphol added: 'On the day of the incident, he is said to have produced a knife, provoking the suspects to intervene and attack him. 'The suspects claimed that they had no intention to kill, but the situation became chaotic, and they lost control.' Poonphol said Cole also reportedly showed up drunk to the same area the night prior and was threatening workers with a knife. A man named Phanuwat, who owns the shop where the fatal attack took place, said he tried to get the suspects to stay out of it, but then one of them charged at Cole with the pipe. 'Despite my warning, they lost their composure and acted impulsively, and they ended up killing someone,' Phanuwat told the outlet. A dramatic image showed Cole lying in the middle of the road as people tried to resituate him A three-foot metal pipe was found at the scene. According to police, the group of four men repeatedly hit Cole with it Cole lived on his own, and his ex lived in the same building as him until they called it quits. According to neighbors, the pair frequently fought, and Cole was allegedly harassing her after their breakup 'If they had more composure, this wouldn't have happened.' Neighbors said Cole lived alone in the apartment across the street for months. Cho previously lived in the same building but later moved out after Cole allegedly started harassing her following their breakup. Neighbors said they also reported hearing angry yelling spats between the couple. The police colonel said Cho's family 'did not approve of her relationship with the American man and had been trying to separate them.' Poonphol added that Cole 'was described as aggressive, prone to outbursts, and a heavy drinker.' He also said that the deceased man did not have a job. It is unclear when Cole moved to Thailand. He leaves behind two sons, three siblings, and his mother, according to public records. The head of America's most ambitious transport megaproject was arrested earlier this month after police responded to a domestic disturbance at his California home. Ian Choudri, 57, chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, was arrested on February 4 on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery. The arrest came just one day after Choudri appeared alongside Governor Gavin Newsom to mark the completion of the Southern Railhead facility in Kern County, a major milestone for the long-delayed high-speed rail project. Police said officers responded to the residence and took Choudri and his fiancee, Lyudmyla Starostyuk, 46, into custody on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. A spokesperson for the Folsom Police Department confirmed the arrests and said both were booked and later released from the Sacramento County Main Jail. Dispatch recordings reviewed by The Sacramento Bee indicated that officers were called to the home because of an alleged fight between Starostyuk and Choudri's 17-year-old daughter. Dispatchers told responding officers that Starostyuk had 'pulled her hair and pushed her' before locking her out of the house. It was not clear who placed the 911 call, but all three were outside when police arrived. Folsom Police said Ian Choudri, 57, chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, was arrested on February 4 on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery The arrest came just one day after Choudri appeared alongside Governor Gavin Newsom to mark the completion of the Southern Railhead facility in Kern County The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office declined to file charges. 'The Sacramento District Attorney's Office immediately declined to file charges when an incident report was forwarded to them by the Folsom Police Department,' Choudri's attorney, Allen Sawyer, told KCRA 3. 'Mr Choudri was never asked to appear in court and this matter is over.' In a follow-up email to KCRA 3, Sawyer dismissed the episode as 'a big nothing burger' and suggested the incident report is unlikely to be released because the case is not moving forward. The California high-speed rail system has remained the largest public works project of its kind in the US. Originally approved by voters in 2008, the project was envisioned as a roughly 500-mile line linking San Francisco and Los Angeles, cutting the nearly 400-mile trip between the cities to about two hours and 40 minutes. Nearly two decades later, just 80 miles of guideway and 58 major structures have been completed. US President Donald Trump, a longtime critic, revoked a $4 billion federal grant in July 2025, calling the project a 'boondoggle' and questioning whether it would ever be finished as promised. Choudri, who was appointed CEO in August 2024 amid mounting criticism, has forcefully defended the project. The California high-speed rail system has remained the largest public works project of its kind in the US 'Canceling these grants without cause isn't just wrong - it's illegal,' he said in a statement to Newsweek. 'These are legally binding agreements, and the authority has met every obligation, as confirmed by repeated federal reviews, as recently as February 2025. 'America's only high-speed rail project underway is fast approaching the tracklaying phase, with 171 miles under active construction and design, 15,500 jobs created, and more than 50 major structures completed. This is no time for Washington to walk away on America's transportation future.' Choudri had described the rail effort as a generational investment, likening it to the interstate highway system and other large-scale public works that took decades to complete. Meanwhile, Newsom proposed extending Californias cap-and-trade program through 2045, a move expected to generate roughly $1 billion annually to help sustain the project. The authority is scheduled to present an updated business plan and funding strategy to lawmakers in 2026. The California High-Speed Rail Authority said it was reviewing the situation and declined to comment. The Daily Mail has reached out to Newsom's office for comment. A socialist backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has touted signing a letter as a 'key accomplishment' on her short resume as she runs for Congress. Queens assemblymember Claire Valdez listed signing a petition to release pro-Palestine protester Mahmoud Khalil as one of her achievements in a biography distributed to campaign volunteers seen by the New York Post. Khalil is a lawful US resident and a Columbia University activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for more than 100 days in 2025. Valdez's inclusion in a letter demanding his freedom was among several underwhelming accomplishments on her resume, which also included renting an apartment, joining a union, and supporting Mamdani early in his 2024 campaign. The Democratic Socialist, who highlights her time working minimum wage jobs throughout her campaign site, also noted that she 'risked arrest' to protest ICE. 'I didnt come to politics through party machines or electoral ambition. I learned how this system really works in low-wage customer service jobs and found my power in a union,' her website reads. Valdez, who was elected in November of 2024, now makes a base salary of $142,000. She boasts on her page that small donors have fueled her campaign, however, during her 2024 run, she received more than half of her donations from the Office of the State Comptroller, according to Ballotpedia. Claire Valdez, an assemblymember in Queens who is running for congress, listed signing a letter to release Mahmoud Khalil as one of her achievements Valdez also listed supporting Mayor Zohran Mamdani early in his 2024 campaign on her resume. He endorsed Valdez and highlighted that she backed him from the beginning as well Mahmoud Khalil is a lawful resident of the US and a Columbia University activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for more than 100 days In a similar fashion to Mamdani, Valdez uses social media to advertise herself to voters and has spent $24,089 on Facebook Inc. and Meta Platforms. 'Claire Valdez stood with me on day one because she understands how change is wonby building power, raising expectations, and delivering for working people,' said the mayor in his endorsement. 'She comes from the labor movement and knows how to turn struggle into real gains on housing, healthcare, and workers rights. Thats the kind of partner I need in Congress, and why Im proud to endorse her.' Mamdani's endorsements sparked criticism in November after he backed Aber Kawas, campaigning for a seat in the state's 36th district and a Palestinian-American who once said 'white supremacy' was to blame for the September 11 attacks in 2001. 'The system of capitalism and racism and white supremacy and Islamophobia have all been used to colonize lands, to take resources from other people, so this is a long trajectory and we're just seeing the manifestations of that continuation with 9/11,' said the 34-year-old in an Asian American Writers' Workshop in 2017. Aber Kawas, 34, a Palestinian-American activist who only moved to the district last year, received Mamdani's backing in her fight to take his seat in the state's 36th district Kawas added that 'a lot of times when people are asking us to respond about, you know, an attack, when if you look back historically, a lot of come from lands that were colonized and where wars were being waged.' 'The idea that we have to apologize for a terror attack that a couple people did and then there is no apology for genocides or slavery is something that I find reprehensible,' she finished. Commentators on all sides were outraged, with one asking: 'What the hell was Zohran thinking?' 'It is getting absurd how many people seeking political office clearly hate this country and want to destroy the foundational principles that have made it successful,' wrote another. Another person compared it to Mamdani's friendship with leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who infamously said that America 'deserved 9/11.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Valdez for comment on her campaign resume. A confusing roundabout near the border between the US and Canada has been blamed for landing unsuspecting motorists in jail amid Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The roundabout in Buffalo, New York features an easy-to-miss turn-off which leads drivers directly into Canada. Tens of thousands of motorists have found themselves caught up in the confusion since the roundabout was set up on the Peace Bridge ten years ago. But amid the increased scrutiny on immigration, what has typically been a minor inconvenience is now wreaking havoc for motorists trying to return into the US, especially for those traveling on visas. Shovgi Huseynov, a research scientist at the University of Buffalo, was among the drivers caught out by the trap last month. The native of Azerbaijan has authorization to work in the United States through 2029, his lawyers told The New York Times. But he found himself detained for weeks after he unsuccessfully attempted to turn around before crossing the bridge. Huseynov was released in late January. In a video posted online following his release, Huseynov expressed his relief to be home with his children. A confusing roundabout in New York has travelers accidentally crossing Canada's border over with no way to turn back Shovgi Huseynov, a research scientist at the University of Buffalo seen right, attempted to turn around before crossing the Peace Bridge last month, but found himself detained for weeks As a way to warn travelers, temporary electronic signs have been put up before the roundabout Huseynov said his release was possible because his 'documents were legal and in accordance with the law'. 'I have now returned to my normal life and everything is fine,' he added. His detention has drawn further criticism on Trump's war on immigration. 'I am traumatized when I think about what is happening to families,' Governor Kathy Hochul said at a news conference, the Times reported. 'I mean, this insanity has to stop.' Hochul instructed the State Department of Transportation to put up temporary electronic signs at the entrance of the roundabout, which clearly warn drivers of the turn they may be about to make into another country. As travelers enter the roundabout, the signs alternate between displaying 'Right Ramp' and 'To Canada Only.' Officials with the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority warned the design may confuse drivers back when it was created a decade ago. The construction led to the removal of a roadway which had been used for decades by drivers to turn around before reaching Canada. Your browser does not support iframes. Motorists have been increasingly detained after trying to cross back into the US from Canada amid Trump's immigration crackdown 'At the time New York State was designing this project, the Bridge Authority explicitly raised concerns about the Porter Avenue roundabout,' Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera and State Senator April Baskin wrote in a letter obtained by the Daily Mail to New York transportation officials last month. 'Under normal circumstances, this design flaw would be unacceptable. In this current moment, it is indefensible,' the letter states. The letter added that they had specifically noted the 'irregular design' that 'would create functional and safety problems'. 'Their recommendation was clear: The roundabout should not be constructed,' Rivera and Baskin continued. 'That advice was ultimately ignored, as the project was not under the Bridge Authority's jurisdiction.' The State Department of Transportation put up the temporary electronic signs at the entrance of the roundabout on the order of Governor Kathy Hochul, a longtime critic of the immigration crackdown As the political climate has changed the pair added that the bridge acts as an, 'unintended border crossing can carry severe and life-altering consequences'. Their letter cited a case involving a Colombian immigrant who was detained for weeks after GPS guided him across the bridge. The immigrant, Victor, was authorized to work in the United States as he sought out political asylum, the Times reported. However, while the temporary electronic signs are a good place to begin, Buffalo's new mayor Sean Ryan believes a more long-term solution is necessary. 'Everyone is thinking about a more permanent solution,' Ryan told the Times. 'We spent so much money doing that plaza redesign and it really worked at getting traffic off the streets. 'We need to have a better stopgap. I am trying to see what else we can do so the chances are decreased that you pick the wrong lane.' Journalists for the Times encountered the issue themselves last year after following directions to a restaurant on a maps app. A Canadian border agent told the journalists that the wrong turnings occur 'at least 20 times a day'. A solution is expected to take a considerable amount of time due to the amount of people that oversee the operations of the Peace Bridge and the border crossing that would need to be involved in the decision. Glenn Blain, assistant communications director for the Transportation Department, said in a written statement to the Times that, 'the State took immediate action to reduce these instances'. A Canadian border agent told the journalists for The New York Times, that also made the mistake, that the wrong turnings occur 'at least 20 times a day' After motorists enter onto the ramp to Canada, there is no turning back and travelers have to continue on to Canada and into the hands of immigration enforcement Blain added that New York State is 'working closely with the city of Buffalo, Thruway Authority and Peace Bridge Authority to alert drivers ahead of the border'. Certain steps, according to Ryan, could be taken by US Customs and Border Protection, including removing orange barrels currently in place that block drivers from turning around at a certain point near customs booths. Both Baskin and Rivera agreed with Ryan. The pair said they have called on the Bridge Authority, an acting landlord for federal border agencies, to consider letting travelers exit through a gate at the edge of the travel plaza on the US side, the Times reported. The Bridge Authority's Chief Executive Thomas Boyle said that CBP has control over the gate in question, and he had urged officials to consider fixing the source of the problem in the roundabout. 'We want to see a solution,' Boyle told the outlet. 'Our main statement at this point is solutions can be made where the problem persists.' Rivera condemned current officials' strategy in fixing the problem, criticizing current work for finding a solution better suited for the government rather than the travelers encountering the issue. 'We need to make clearer to people that CBP is the tenant and not the one calling the shots,' Rivera told the outlet. 'We're the landlord. We're the owners.' US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement to the Daily Mail that they remain 'committed to ensuring the safe and orderly processing of all travelers at the Peace Bridge' US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement to the Daily Mail that they remain, 'committed to ensuring the safe and orderly processing of all travelers at the Peace Bridge.' 'We maintain regular communication with the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority as a key partner in these efforts and work collaboratively to address traffic patterns and support efficient operations. 'Border security and our law enforcement mission remain our priority in maintaining the safety of our communities and our nation,' the statement concluded. The Daily Mail reached out to Governor Hochul, Buffalo and Fort Erie Bridge Authority, Mayor Sean Ryan and State Senator April Baskin for comment. Specialist online investigators had spent months on their mission to save a 12-year-old girl trapped with a sexual predator. Pictures and videos of her abuse were being shared to approximately 400,000 people on the dark web - a portion of the internet originally created by the US Department of Defense to ensure its spies operated in secrecy. These days, it is more commonly the online playground of many of the world's worst paedophiles. Lucy, the child Homeland Security officers were desperately trying to save, had featured on that sinister portion of the internet since she was just seven. Officers, however, could not track her down because posts on the dark web are not linked to an IP address leaving predators able to operate without a direct trace. It meant that the team, headed by specialist investigator Greg Squire, had to dig for clues elsewhere. Greg's work is at the centre of a new Storyville documentary The Darkest Web, which airs tonight on BBC Four at 10pm. 'It's hard to describe the fever as you look for the missing pieces of the puzzle,' Squire says. 'It becomes a daily weight. You have that responsibility. Pete, my partner, and I probably talked about it 100 times a day.' They began trawling through the horrific images and videos of abuse, searching for anything which could give away Lucy's whereabouts. Specialist Investigator Greg Squire (pictured) and his team at Homeland Security hunt child abusers on the dark web But their mission to find a 12-year-old girl, who agents called Lucy, had reached a dead end - until one clue led them to her The sockets in her bedroom revealed that she was somewhere in North America, though that hardly narrowed down their search. For nine months, Squire and his team examined everything on display in the young child's room. The bedspread, her outfits, her stuffed toys, even water bottles left lying about, until they made a rather unlikely breakthrough. Investigators noticed that a sofa spotted in some of the pictures was sold regionally, not nationally, limiting their search to a customer base of around 40,000 people. Then, an exposed brick wall in the back of a photo gave them a lead. Squire told the BBC in a new documentary: 'I started just Googling bricks and it wasn't too many searches before I found the Brick Industry Association. 'The woman on the phone was awesome. She was like, "how can the brick industry help?"' The investigator was put in contact with John Harp, a brick expert, who revealed that the bricks in Lucy's bedroom were in fact a 'Flaming Almino'. That type was manufactured in Texas, narrowing the Homeland Security's search to just a 50-mile radius because bricks are too heavy to be transported long distances. Having returned to the sofa customer list, Squire's search shrunk further to a list of 50 people. And following a thorough search on Facebook, the investigators spotted a picture of Lucy. Join the debate Should authorities be doing more to stop predators on the dark web before children are harmed? Squire and his team were led to the girl after thoroughly examining the pictures of her posted to more than 400,000 people on the dark web Their searches led them to believe that Lucy was living with her mother and her boyfriend - a convicted sex offender She was living with her mother and her mother's boyfriend - a convicted sex offender who, it turned out, had been raping the young girl for six years. Within hours he was arrested and - at a later date - sentenced to more than 70 years in jail. It was a harrowing case and one which Squire admits, as a father himself, took its toll, just as so many of his jobs do. 'At that point, my kids were a bit older,' he said. 'And you know, that enables you to push harder. Like, "I bet if I get up at three this morning, I can surprise a predator online." 'But meanwhile, personally, "who's Greg?" I don't even know what he likes to do. All of your friends during the day, they're criminals. All they do is talk about the most horrific things all day long.' After his marriage ended, Squire fell into a habit of drinking to 'numb' himself to the atrocities he saw at his occupation, and even suffered with suicidal thoughts. 'It's hard when the thing that brings you so much energy and drive is also the thing that's slowly destroying you,' he says in the documentary. 'It's an honour to be a part of a team that can make a difference.' And make a difference they do. Units such as that which Squire runs have helped to bring down some of the world's most prolific sex offenders. One case showed them solving the case of a kidnapped and presumed-dead seven-year-old in Russia, with a Brazilian man behind five of the world's biggest child abuse forums on the web brought to justice. 'It takes a little bit of courage for us to accept some hardship and watch things and really see this,' Squire told The Guardian this week. 'But the children that suffer at the hands of these abusers? They don't have a choice.' After his marriage ended, Squire (pictured) fell into a habit of drinking to 'numb' himself to the atrocities he saw at his occupation, and even suffered with suicidal thoughts The work of the specialist unit of investigators across the pond is not, however, confined to the walls of their office. Specialist child abuse units in police forces are using similar methods to track down criminals in the United Kingdom. Talking about a case where she and her team helped to save a child aged just six from sexual abuse, Alex Bromley of Surrey Police told BBC Radio 4 this morning: 'It's exactly that (a puzzle). Initially we were sent a video which was only a very small clip, we had very few clues to work from. 'That's why collaboration is so important, because there was just a few of us around the world. We all picked apart pieces of the images to see if there was anything we could identify. 'AI can be a help too. From saving that child (the six-year-old), it actually led us to a dark web offender in the UK. So that shows how important it is for us to collaborate to bring these children to safety and the offenders to justice.' A gorgeous state in the Pacific Northwest could see fishing and hunting banned if animal rights activists get their way. Thousands of Oregonians have signed a petition to bring a vote on animal safety to the midterm elections this November, making it one step closer to an all-state ban. A lobby group has asked locals to put wild animals at the forefront of the ballot this year, but has acknowledged getting 50 percent of residents on board will be an uphill battle. 'We really want to make Oregon the first state to vote on something like this,' David Michelson, chief petitioner of People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act (PEACE), told KOIN. 'We want to get that conversation out there. So that we can hopefully move in that direction.' If the measure gets on the ballot and is passed, it would change Oregon's animal cruelty laws. It would expand the current legislation, which protects cats and dogs, to all wildlife, including those used in research. The PEACE team has gathered nearly 30,000 signatures since October, according to the state election division. Oregon could ban hunting and fishing in the state if a petition gets on the November ballot David Michelson, the chief petitioner for People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act (PEACE), said the group expected the initiative to fail but they were hoping to introduce the idea to Oregonians The initiative is not on the ballot yet. At least 8 percent of those who voted in the last gubernatorial election must sign the petition to change the state's constitution, or 6 percent for a statutory initiative. It needs 117,173 signatures by July 2 to get on the ballot, the election division said. 'We've gathered just over 100,000 signatures so far. It has not yet qualified for the ballot in November,' Michelson told the Daily Mail. 'Our goal is to introduce people - often, many people, for the first time - will hear about what alternatives to killing animals even exist right now.' Hunting and fishing are a large part of Oregonians' lives, which the initiative team recognizes. However, he said there are non-lethal ways to manage wildlife. These can include introducing sterile males, converting chicken farms to mushroom farms, or using marginal lands for energy crops, Michelson told the Daily Mail. However, Levi Barrera, the chapter president of the Oregon Hunters Association, said taking away hunting will allow certain species, such as deer, to 'make a huge impact on our herbivore species.' Michelson (far left) and his fellow petitions are garnered more than 100,000 signatures since 2024. They need 117,173 to get it on the ballot in November The initiative calls for the state's animal cruelty laws to change, which would encompass both cats and dogs, as well as wildlife 'If you take away hunting, there will be an out-of-control effect on the population,' he told KOIN. He also said the ban could affect those who use hunting to put food on the table. 'It has great impacts through communities that rely on hunting and fishing and that really sustains their communities and their families throughout the year,' he told the outlet. Michelson told KOIN the initiative would include food assistance for those who rely on hunting for food. This is not the first time the PEACE team has tried to get the initiative on the ballot. But even if it does make the 2026 ballot, it is expected to fail. There are roughly three million registered voters in Oregon, and the majority would have to vote for the initiative to pass. Former home secretary Suella Braverman today warned Britain is being 'ripped apart' by diversity, equality and inclusion policies. The Reform UK MP, who defected from the Tories last month, vowed to 'repeal the Equality Act' on day one if her party wins the next general election. It came as Mrs Braverman was unveiled as Reform's new 'shadow education and skills secretary' as party leader Nigel Farage announced his top team. Mrs Braverman was also named as the party's spokeswoman for equalities, and vowed to immediately abolish her own job under a Reform government. Speaking alongside Mr Farage and other senior Reform figures at an event in London, she said: 'Do you know what a Reform government will do? 'Well, on day one, we will get rid of the equalities department, we will scrap the equalities minister - yes, I'm doing myself out of a job! And we will repeal the Equality Act. 'Because we are going to work to build a country defined by meritocracy not tokenism, personal responsibility not victimhood, excellence not mediocrity, and unity not division.' Former home secretary Suella Braverman today warned Britain is being 'ripped apart' by diversity, equality and inclusion policies The Reform UK MP, who defected from the Tories last month, vowed to 'repeal the Equality Act' on day one if her party wins the next general election. It came as Mrs Braverman was unveiled as Reform's new 'shadow education and skills secretary' as party leader Nigel Farage announced his top team Mrs Braverman, who was twice sacked as home secretary under the previous Tory government, added: 'The Britain that I love is being ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). 'Because the truth is, that DEI has become less about diversity and more about conforming to left-wing ideology. 'Less about equality and more about prejudice against white people. Less about inclusion and more about exclusion of those who dare to challenge the dogma. 'Why was it acceptable for white, Christian men to be discriminated against by the Sentencing Council? 'Why did nobody do anything for years when the police turned a blind eye when thousands of white working-class girls were being systematically raped by largely Pakistani Muslim grooming gangs? 'Why does no one in this Government seem to care that it's white working-class boys who have the worst educational outcomes in our country today?' As well as appointing Mrs Braverman to his top team, Mr Farage also handed key roles to fellow Tory defector Robert Jenrick, as well as Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice. Asked about the fact that all four of those given jobs today by Mr Farage went to private school, Mrs Braverman later told GB News: 'I wouldn't call myself posh. 'I went to both a state school and a private school in the 1980s and the 1990s. It cost a fraction of what it does today, I would say. 'I'd just say this about my parents - they came to his country with nothing, they're working-class people... they sacrificed everything to give me a good education.' Mrs Braverman also denied there were tensions between Reform's MPs about what roles they were being given. 'Contrary to what is very typical in the Conservative Party, I would say, which is a lot of jostling, a lot of powerplays, I am very, very honoured to have this role,' she added. 'I am really chuffed for Richard, Zia and Robert with the briefs that they've been handed - I feel part of a great team.' Responding to Mrs Braverman's announcement that Reform would repeal the Equality Act on day one, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 'It's official - Reform UK think discrimination should be legal. 'Scrapping the Equality Act would be a sledgehammer to hard-won rights working people fought for over generations. 'If you're discriminated against because you're a woman, black, disabled, pregnant or gay - that's fine with them. 'This is a blank cheque for bad employers to mistreat their staff. And it wouldn't stop there. Scrapping the Equality Act would just be the start. 'From ripping up equality protections, to backing fire-and-rehire, to opposing a ban on zero-hours contracts, Reform UK have made it clear whose side they're on and it's not working people.' Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory chairman, claimed Mr Farage had merely unveiled a 'tribute act to the old Conservative Party'. 'After months of infighting and leaks, Nigel Farage has unveiled a front bench dominated by ex-Conservatives - a line-up that looks more like a tribute act to the old Conservative Party than a credible alternative,' he said. 'Even now, some are already eyeing their next career move, while others who were clearly expecting promotion have been left out in the cold. 'Today's underwhelming announcement proves Reform remains a one-man band. 'Only the Conservatives, under Kemi Badenoch, have the depth, experience and serious plan to Get Britain Working Again.' Labour chair Anna Turley hit out at Mr Farage's 'top team of failed Tories'. 'Farage's top team of failed Tories spent over 3,000 days inflicting untold damage on our country in government, trashing our economy, hammering families' mortgages, and leaving our borders open,' she said. 'They failed Britain before they'd do the same again under Reform. Today's appointments clearly reveal that neither keeping our nation safe nor tackling NHS waiting lists are priorities for Farage or Reform UK. 'Only Keir Starmer's Labour Government is delivering on the people's priorities by tackling the cost of living and cutting NHS waiting lists.' A glove currently regarded as the best hope in the hunt for kidnapped Nancy Guthrie will likely prove a red herring, a leading DNA expert told NBC's Today. The black nitrile hand covering was found two miles from 84-year-old Nancy's home in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday and is believed to match one worn by a figure seen on her doorbell camera around the time of her February 1 disappearance. But DNA expert CeCe Moore did not sound optimistic when asked by Today reporter Liz Kreutz if she thought the discovery of the glove and ongoing DNA testing was an 'aha moment.' 'In my opinion, it's not. It's really too far from the crime scene,' Moore answered. 'My biggest question is, have they found DNA from an unknown male inside that house?' Kreutz added officials have found DNA evidence on the property not belonging to Nancy or anyone close to her, with it's origins still to be determined. Moore's somber prediction is significant, given it was made on the same show that Nancy's daughter Savannah anchors. Today has taken great care to report the kidnapping with caution. DNA expert CeCe Moore told the Today show that the glove found a few miles from Guthrie's home could be a red herring Nancy, seen here with her daughter Savannah, was last seen on January 31 after entering her home in Tucson, Arizona The hunt for Guthrie has entered its third week with no arrests made yet in the investigation. She was last seen on the evening of January 31 entering her home in the Catalina Foothills, with her pacemaker disconnecting from an Apple Watch at her home in the early hours of February 1. The glove now regarded as the best known lead in the cast was likely purchased at Walmart. If the discovered glove yields DNA that matches evidence taken from inside Nancy's home, it could finally provide investigators with a much-needed break. Authorities have also uncovered around 16 gloves scattered in various locations near the home. Most were dumped by investigators combing the scene for traces of Nancy, sparking fury from locals outraged by the thoughtless trash. Disturbing footage from her Nest doorbell camera showed an individual wearing latex gloves at her home the night she vanished, officials believe they have found one of the gloves Guthrie was abducted from the $1million home she has lived in for more than 50 years Last Tuesday, Pima County Sheriff's Office detained delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos for a few hours in connection with the case. He was later released without charge and angrily denied having anything to do with Nancy's abduction. Late Friday, Pima County SWAT officers raided a home two miles from Nancy's, but no-one was detained. Around the same time, FBI agents stopped a Range Rover Sport and spoke to its driver, but he too was released without charge. The FBI said it has received more than 13,000 tips, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department reported taking at least 18,000 calls related to the case that have generated between 40,000 and 50,000 leads. Authorities have also publicly cleared Nancy Guthrie's family members as possible suspects, calling them victims in the case. That includes Nancy's son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, who previously faced unfounded online speculation about whether he was involved in the disappearance. In a video message posted to Instagram on Sunday night, Savannah pleaded directly with whoever may be holding her mother. '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 it's never too late.' Russian political analyst Leonid Krutakov told Free Press that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is allegedly acting against Russia in favor of the so-called American project of the Zangezur Corridor. It reads like pure geopolitical fantasy. There is no sober analysisonly drama, enough to fill a blockbuster, where common sense is nowhere to be seen; apparently, it wasnt even invited to the credits. For such experts, the Zangezur Corridor is not a transport route with billions in potential turnover, but a secret attraction supposedly built solely to irritate Moscow. Fifteen employees at a mental health hospital have been arrested after allegations of rape, ill treatment and neglect. Bosses at the St Andrew's Healthcare hospital in Northampton have promised action after alarmed whistleblowers and families spoke about a 'culture of abuse'. Three police probes have been set up involving the charity-operated private hospital that provides specialist care for about 600 patients with complex mental health requirements. These come after a number of reported assaults and two patients' deaths, it has been revealed. The Care Quality Commission watchdog last year rated the hospital as 'inadequate', with new admissions being restricted. St Andrew's Healthcare says some members of staff have been dismissed and training has been improved. The organisation insisted it was committed to 'full transparency' and would pursue a 'zero tolerance approach to any allegation of harm or poor practice'. Northamptonshire Police said it had arrested 15 people in connection with alleged incidents at the hospital since October 2024. Fifteen employees at St Andrew's Healthcare mental health hospital (pictured) in Northampton have been arrested following claims of rape, ill treatment and neglect Ten of these remain under suspicion, bailed or released pending further inquiries. Eight of the suspects were held on suspicion of wilful neglect and ill treatment relating to an alleged assault on a man with a brain injury last July. One person was held on suspicion of rape. Five were arrested on suspicion of corporate manslaughter and gross manslaughter after a man died in February 2025. Four of those do not face any further action - one person remains on bail for the offence of wilful neglect by a care worker. A woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and ill treatment or wilful neglect, regarding an incident on June 29 last year, and remains on bail. One person was held in relation to suspected gross negligence manslaughter after a teenage girl died in October 2024, but police said there would be no further action. Among the worried parents of patients is Anne, not her real name, who told the BBC of being horrified by her daughter's treatment at St Andrew's. She said of employees there: 'They were restraining her with four adults and on one occasion she was knelt on by a male member of staff. 'She was waking up every night for months and was obviously in a severe amount of pain with her ribs.' Anne also described her daughter showing 'all the symptoms of being malnourished' and having 'lost half her body weight' as well as the use of her hand, while also twice suffering 'severe burns from coffee'. The mother added: 'It's traumatic - something's got to change and the only way things can change is by people now speaking out.' Also going public with concerns have been former members of staff there, including Jamie - whose name was also changed - who told of 'massive safeguarding issues'. He told the BBC he had 'seen senior nurses goading a patient' as well as a patient with 'horrendous injuries' through self-injury when staff were withdrawn. And he alleged bed-bound patients were ignored while screaming in distress, while others were handled roughly. He added: 'When you do restraints, you're supposed to do them in a certain way, and some patients were getting pulled to the floor by their arms that's not restraint.' Another employee, wanting to stay anonymous, told the corporation of feeling 'ashamed' to work at St Andrew's Healthcare, adding: 'It is so sad, some staff trusted to work with patients have acted so terribly. 'Not all staff are bad, but the organisation needs to take action to make sure patients are protected.' The organisation, which had an income of nearly 220million in the year to March 2024, said it reported cases to Northamptonshire Police and began internal investigations. When contacted by the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for St Andrews Healthcare said: 'As a charity, we are committed to full transparency and take a zero-tolerance approach to any allegation of harm or poor practice. We immediately reported these cases to the police for investigation. 'Following their own independent investigation, the police concluded that no further action was required in one case and closed it. The remaining cases are ongoing. 'Patient safety is our highest priority, and we have an urgent action plan to strengthen the quality of care we provide. 'We acknowledge that care at our Northampton hospital hasnt always met the standards every patient deserves, and we are sorry to those affected.' They said the new plan included new training for all frontline staff, reducing agency staffing to 'near zero', increasing nursing levels per patient and installing CCTV on most wards. St Andrew's Healthcare also vowed it would be 'strengthening leadership in nursing and clinical services' and 'building an open culture where staff feel safe to speak up'. A previously unseen series of photographs have emerged showing the final moments of Greek prisoners before they were murdered by the Nazis. The 12 pictures appear to show the last seconds before 200 Greek Communists were executed on May 1, 1944, in retaliation for the killing of a Nazi general and his staff by Communist guerilla fighters a few days earlier. Haunting images show groups of men lining up against a wall as they are shepherded by their Nazi occupiers to a shooting range in the Kaisariani suburb of Athens. Guenther Heysing, a journalist attached to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels's unit, is 'highly likely' to have taken the pictures. Another image shows men being marched into the shooting range, after discarding their overcoats outside. Although the executions were well known, there has been no known photographic documentation of the event until now. The images were listed for auction on eBay on Saturday by a collector of Third Reich memorabilia. They are said to have originally come from the personal album of German lieutenant Hermann Heuer, Greek media has reported. The Greek Ministry of Culture said it is 'highly likely that these are authentic photographs'. Haunting images show groups of men lining up against a wall as they are shepherded by their Nazi occupiers to a shooting range in the Kaisariani suburb of Athens The 12 pictures appear to show the last seconds before 200 Greek Communists were executed on May 1, 1944 One man (left) appears to defiantly raise his hand moments before his execution, while others are seen lined up against the wall Although the executions were well known, there has been no known photographic documentation of the event until now The Kaisariani executions Around 200 Greek Communists were massacred by the Nazis in the Athens suburb of Kaisariani, Greece, on May 1, 1944. The men, mostly political prisoners, were killed by the Nazis as a reprisal for the ambush and murder of German General Franz Krech by Greek resistance fighters. It is one of the most well-known atrocities of the three-year German occupation of Greece. But until now there have been no documented photographs from the killings. Advertisement The ministry said it was sending experts to Ghent, Belgium, to examine the photos and to talk to a collector of Third Reich memorabilia who had put them on sale on eBay on Saturday. Greece was occupied by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1944, a period marked by several atrocities against villagers and its Jewish community, who were decimated. More than 40,000 people are believed to have starved to death in Athens alone. The Communist-led Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) was among the most active resistance organisations in occupied Europe. Many Communists had also been persecuted during anti-Communist raids by the police of Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas. Some of the pictures show groups of the men marching through a field, and standing against a wall at the shooting range. 'This is the first time we have an image from inside the shooting range at the moment of the execution...a major moment of the Greek resistance movement,' historian Menelaos Haralambidis told state TV ERT. 'And it confirms the testimony we have, that these men headed (to their deaths) with their heads held high, they had incredible courage,' Haralambidis said. Until now, the only testimony of the 200 victims' final moments were from handwritten notes they had thrown out of the trucks taking them to their execution. Another image shows men being marched into the shooting range, after discarding their overcoats outside One image shows men being marched to their death. The pictures are thought to have been taken by Guenther Heysing, a journalist attached to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels's unit Most of the men had been arrested years earlier by Ioannis Metaxas. The Greek Communist KKE party, which called the trove 'priceless' on Monday said it had tentatively identified at least two of the men in the photographs. 'These documents belong to the Greek people,' the party said. 'I feel grateful that we were given the opportunity for my grandfather's story to become known to everyone, a man who remained faithful to his beliefs until the very end,' Thrasyvoulos Marakis, the grandson of one of the men identified in the photographs, said in a letter. The Greek culture ministry said it was 'highly likely' that the photographs were taken by Guenther Heysing, a journalist attached to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels's unit. 'If the authenticity and lawful provenance of the collection are documented, the Ministry of Culture will immediately finalise measures for its acquisition,' it said. A Supreme Court justice nominated by a Republican president is showing signs that he may retire. Justice Samuel Alito, 75, who has served on the Supreme Court since January 2006 after being nominated by President George W Bush, is speculated to be considering retirement. He recently celebrated 20 years on the court at the end of January - a milestone achieved by just a fraction of justices. The typical term has averaged around 16 years, though since the 1970s, with improvements in medicine, the typical tenure can extend much longer. According to historic averages, justices tend to retire in their late seventies to early eighties. That's 'usually a very good milestone on which to retire,' Mellisa Murray, a legal scholar and law professor at NYU, recently said on the Strict Scrutiny podcast. Also to be considered: the impending midterm elections. Republicans are expected to take a beating in the November elections. President Donald Trump has signaled his worries repeatedly, perhaps at nauseam, noting multiple times this year how the midterms are typically won by the party that does not hold the presidency - a historically correct nod to how voters almost always reward the party out of power with additional seats in Congress. Some legal experts are speculating that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito may retire soon, given the strange timing of his upcoming book release Alito (front row second from right) has served on the court since January 2006 after being nominated by President George W Bush. Here the justices are pictured in 2022 NYU Law professor Melissa Murray also noted how the midterms could prompt Alito to retire early so that Republicans can put a conservative in his vacated seat If Alito were to retire this year, while Republicans still maintain control of Congress - and therefore the Supreme Court nominating process - the justice, the president, and GOP leaders on Capitol Hill could easily replace the outgoing judge with a Republican. 'If you retire before you lose the Senate, then you make the whole glide path so much easier for getting in your preferred candidate,' Murray said. 'Do it before the midterms change everything.' The maneuver would almost certainly seal conservative control over the high court for years to come. 'This is obviously someone that wants to ensure that he is replaced by a like-minded successor,' said Murray. Alito also has a forthcoming book expected to be published in October 2026, a time that is typically busy for Supreme Court justices. To plan a book release during a frantic beginning-of-year work season, when justices are expected to hear oral arguments, appears curious. 'The publication for his forthcoming book .... published during the first week of October term 2026 ... that is usually a time when sitting justices are quite busy,' Murray shared. 'Which means it's not exactly a great time to release your book if you want to promote said book.' Georgetown University law professor Steve Vladeck also expressed surprise at the timing, noting how it's 'a pretty big tell since one cant exactly go on a book tour during the first argument session of the term.' The Supreme Court did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. A Ukrainian unmanned robot has been filmed engaging a Russian soldier in a close combat gunfight on the frontline in new dramatic footage. Ukraine has been a terrifying testing ground of ultra-modern warfare with prolific use of bomb dropping drones and now this unmanned ground vehicle has come as the latest development. The video, posted on X, shows the vehicle trundling into battle along a track among a collection of ruined farmhouses at night. The onboard camera twitches left and right and, in the foreground, the barrel of a Browning M2 machine gun scans across the battlefield with precise movement, Noel Reports said. A lone Russian soldier hides in between the buildings. Above him, a drone using an infrared camera reveals his position as he frantically searches for cover. He is a white silhouette in the black camera feed. The drone appears to be feeding information to the operator of the gun-wielding robot. Revealing exactly where he is. The vehicle stops with a clear firing line to the Russian, waiting for a moment. The aerial drone's camera feed captures several flashes erupting from the barrel of the machine gun. The aerial drone targets the lone Russian soldier, while the gun-wielding ground robot lines up a shot (the black shape with wheels seen on the right of the frame) The unmanned robot fires a the Russian soldier and appears to hit him twice Cutting back to the view of the ground vehicle, four shots appear to be fired in four white flashes. The drone watches the assault and the soldier looks to be hit twice in the rain of bullets, staggering at the first impact and then crumpling to the ground on the second - white spray is captured coming out of his back on each hit on he infrared camera. Returning to the ground view a bright flash is seen where the soldier once stood in what looks like a sudden small explosion. The footage is attributed to the 411th Separate UAV Battalion The Hawks. The third round of talks aiming to end the war in Ukraine have begun in Geneva, Switzerland, today. However, hours before they began, Putin launched a massive attack across Ukraine of more than 400 drones and missiles overnight. 396 drones and 29 missiles rained down in the early hours of this morning, The Independent reported. Russia claimed responsibility for the attacks which targeted military-industrial and energy targets. This has increased the strain on Ukraine's already battered infrastructure amid the coldest winter in nearly 20 years. It has left over a million Ukrainians with severe shortages of electricity, heating, and water in the freezing temperatures, the European Commission said. Today in Kyiv it will reach -12C. The drone watches the machine open fire on the soldier below It records the white silhouetted figure stagger and then crumple to the ground under fire At the talks, President Donald Trump is putting pressure on Ukrainians to come to a deal with Russia, saying that Zelensky had 'better come to the table fast' in the peace talks. This echoes his calls last week on the Ukrainian president, saying he needed to move his position as he believes Putin wants peace. The Russian dictator has previously said in November 2025 that he would only agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine relinquishes its territory that is claimed by Moscow and they give up any plans to join NATO. This includes the areas currently occupied by Russian forces, about 20 per cent of the country as well as areas which are not presently under Russian control like the parts of the Donbas region. Russia only partially controls this area but demands full legal recognition of its ownership of the rest. Kyiv previously ruled out giving up parts of the Donbas it still holds, saying that rewarding Russia's aggression is a non-starter. This is the horrifying moment a giant crocodile emerges from the water with the lifeless body of a woman in its jaws before enraged Indonesian locals start shooting at it. 35-year-old housewife Jusmitawati from Bulu Hadek village was killed after the attack in the nearby Luan Boya river in the district of Teluk Dalam in Aceh province, Indonesia, last Sunday. Jusmitawati had gone into the river with her female friend to look for clams, Teluk Dalam Police Chief Ipda Zainur Fauzi said. She waded further out into the river alone while her friend stayed on the bank before she disappeared from sight under the water. Her husband rushed to the scene to find her and joined the search in the surrounding area, but she was nowhere to be seen. This is the moment the videos are taken at, as a crowd of hundreds of concerned locals gather on the banks and search through the waters. The police and members of the local military unit also joined. At one point, the crocodile's massive body breaks the surface with its head obscured by overhanging trees. It moves its tail side to side as frightened locals shout at it. 35-year-old housewife Jusmitawati from Bulu Hadek village was killed by the crocodile who emerged with her bdoy in its jaws Villagers gathered to search for Jusmitawati and tried to force the croc to drop her body with sticks but were unable to A local shoots the crocodile in the face and it recoils in pain but drags Jusmitawati with it One climbs onto the foliage nearby with a stick, appearing to try to hit the massive beast to force it to release the body while members of the crowd film the scene on their phones. Others also tried to use ropes to get the croc to give up the body. The crocodile appears to move to another section of the river, but the locals follow it. This is when it re-emerges with Jusmitawati dead between its jaws. A man is heard reciting the First Kalima, a Muslim declaration of belief, as her lifeless body is floats up to the surface, gliding along with the crocodile's unphased, calm movements. The calm is torn away when one local shoots the crocodile in the face, with water erupting from the impact near its left cheek. The croc gets spooked and rolls away, folding in pain and disappearing into the murky brown water, kicking its spotted tail. She was eventually freed from the grip of the animal's jaws but was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was handed over to her family for burial. Ipda Zainur said police are coordinating with the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) regarding the crocodile, which was still believed to be in the area. Locals climbed out onto folliage to try to rescue Jusmitawati Police warned locals to stay away from dangerous rivers in the wake of the attack He urged residents to avoid approaching dangerous rivers and to remain vigilant when carrying out activities such as fishing, bathing or collecting shellfish. Teluk Dalam sub-district head Andrik Dasandra also urged village leaders to warn residents about the risk of crocodile attacks in rivers, river mouths and surrounding waters in the area. Donald Trump paid tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson by tearing apart Barack Obama and trashing Democrats for calling him a racist. The civil rights leader died on Tuesday morning at the age of 84, surrounded by loved ones, according to his family. The president issued a statement praising Jackson as a 'good man' with a lot of 'street smarts' before using the tribute to attack his political enemies. 'Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president went on to claim that he provided office space for Jackson's social justice non-profit for years in the Trump Building in Manhattan. He also bragged that he helped sign criminal justice reform into law during his first administration as a favor to Jackson, a former US presidential candidate. 'Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him,' Trump continued, before pointedly emphasizing Obamas middle name. 'He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand.' Trump's attack comes just weeks after he posted an AI-generated video that depicted the former president and first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Donald Trump used his tribute to Jesse Jackson to bash his political rivals, including Barack Obama Jackson passed away on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family and loved ones age 84 Jackson was caught on a hot mic in 2008 bashing Obama for 'talking down' to black Americans 'He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!' Trump concluded. Jackson was an influential supporter of Obamas 2008 presidential campaign. Trump noted during his Tuesday morning tribute that the late civil rights leader disliked the 44th president. Trump's insult may be in reference to a 2008 incident where Jackson was caught on a hot mic slamming Obama for 'talking down' to black Americans before adding, 'I want to cut his nuts off.' Jackson later apologized for the remarks and maintained his support for Obama and his administration. Jackson, who was born in 1941 in the Jim Crow South, was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 21st century. He dedicated his life to advocating for voting rights and job opportunities for racial minorities across the country. Jackson was a major supporter of Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential race Jackson was with Dr Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, when the civil rights leader was killed at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson's account of the assassination was that Dr King died in his arms. In 1984, Jackson established the Rainbow Coalition, whose mission was to secure equal rights for African Americans, women, and gay people and to run programs in housing, social services, and voter registration. The two organizations merged in 1996 to form the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. He twice ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, first in 1984 and again in 1988. A Pennsylvania couple who proudly told their family they were about to celebrate 75 years of marriage were stunned to learn they were just shy of the milestone. Ed Wagner, 95, and his wife Sally, 92, had planned to mark their diamond anniversary this week - until their son-in-law uncovered their official marriage certificate through an Ancestry.com search. The document showed the couple actually tied the knot on February 9, 1952, meaning they have been married 74 years, not 75. The discovery slightly delayed their long-anticipated celebration, but not their sense of humor. 'When you're married this long, who cares?' Sally told TribLIVE beside her husband in their Greensburg home. The high school sweethearts met as teenagers at East Huntingdon High School and crossed state lines to marry in Virginia when Sally's mother declined to sign marriage papers in Pennsylvania. Their whirlwind wedding came just months before Ed was drafted into the Army and deployed to fight in the Korean War. 'I told her, "We might as well get married,"' Ed recalled. '"That way, you'll be getting the money from the service if anything happens to me."' A Pennsylvania couple who believed they were about to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary learned they were actually just shy of the milestone after their son-in-law found their 1952 marriage certificate through an Ancestry.com search Ed Wagner, 95, and Sally Wagner, 92, have been married 74 years after tying the knot in Virginia shortly before Ed was drafted to serve in the Korean War Nine months later, he was shipped to Korea, leaving Sally to wait at home while three of her brothers were also serving in the military. They reunited after the war, built a life together in Westmoreland County and moved into their modest white home in Greensburg - where they have now lived for 68 years. The couple raised three children, welcomed nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and endured heartbreak and health battles along the way. Their eldest son died in 2017 from a lifelong heart condition. Sally underwent heart surgery in 2021. Ed, who suffers from macular degeneration and is nearly blind in one eye, lost a toe to infection two years ago. Still, they have remained devoted to each other - cooking meals together, attending church and spending hours sitting on their porch in the summer, earning them the nickname 'the porch people.' Over the decades, they welcomed nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, while also enduring personal loss and health challenges When asked his secret to such a long marriage, Ed didn't hesitate. 'I didn't die,' he said jokingly, before adding, 'I don't know what I would have done without her.' Sally reached over and patted his hand. 'We're both here for each other,' she said. 'And the love is still here.' This is the moment an intruder who announced he was 'The King' is handcuffed and put into the back of a police van after being caught roaming around St James's Palace. Andrew Parrott, 57, appeared unreactive in bodycam footage worn by police as he was firmly scolded for trespassing on the grounds of the London residence of several royals, including Princess Anne, Princess Alexandra and Princess Beatrice. When he was first questioned by officers why he was walking around the royal grounds after being seen on CCTV, he answered that he was 'the King', Westminster Magistrates Court previously heard. A video of his arrest shows the intruder responding 'yeah' as a police officer relayed to him that he had been seen on camera ringing doorbells, turning door handles, before trying to gain entry to another part of the palace and the Queen's Chapel. After being told he would be taken into custody for his crimes, Parrott simply replies: 'Alright', before being handcuffed and marched into the back of a police van outside the most senior royal palace built by Henry VIII. The royal grounds located in the City of Westminster, just a stone's throw away from The Mall, are a designated protected site, and it is a criminal offence to enter without permission. Representing himself at Magistrates' Court last Thursday because he claimed he was unable to apply for legal aid in time, Parrott, of Luton, admitted to trespass on a protected site on June 21, 2025. When asked why he claimed to be the monarch, Parrott said he was 'confused' and 'unaware of his actions'. Sentencing, District Judge Sam Goozee said: 'You need to understand trespassing on this site is a very serious offence. Andrew Parrott, 57, (pictured) was seen on the ground of St James's Palace before he was confronted by police He appeared unreactive in bodycam footage worn by police as he was firmly scolded and put into a police van for trespassing on the grounds of the London residence of several royals Before his arrest, officers asked why he was on the grounds to which he responded that he was 'the King' (Pictured: General view of St James's Palace) Last Thursday, at Westminster Magistrates Court, Parrott, of Luton, admitted to trespass on a protected site on June 21, 2025 'Protected sites are there to protect our national security, the government, and in this case, the royal family.' The judge also asked Parrott three times as to why he wanted access to the royal grounds. The 57-year-old said he used to reside in a 'property of significant heritage' and had also knocked on the palace door in the past. When Judge Goozee pressed him on why he would want to knock on a royal palace door, Parrott said: 'Curiosity.' Meanwhile, the 57-year-old maintained it was a 'one-off incident' and that there was 'no criminal intent'. The judge said: 'It was criminal, your intention to find a door, meaning you were trying to gain access.' He also added it was concerning that the only explanation Parrott had given for his actions was curiosity. Noting that the trespasser was no longer homeless, the judge gave him a 12-month suspended prison sentence as well as an 85 fine. Parrott has three previous convictions, including two counts of breaching a restraining order in 2023 and one count of harassment in 2022. A pair of drug dealers who killed an innocent elderly couple in an arson attack over just 400 of cocaine smirked and joked in the dock today after being cleared of their murders. Sheila Jackson, 83, and Eric Greener, 77, were rescued from the fire but died days later. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the intended target of the attack was Mrs Jackson's son, George, 48. He had left the terraced property, in St Helens, Merseyside, to go to the shop just minutes earlier and returned to see it ablaze and engulfed in smoke. Nigel Power, KC, opening the case for the prosecution at the start of the trial last month, said the attack was ordered by drug dealer Kevin Weetman, 34, known as Red Head, 'to avoid losing face in the drugs world'. Weetman wanted Mr Jackson to pay him for a bag of cocaine, worth between 400 and 700, which he had received a month before the fire. But Mr Jackson claimed the drugs had been given to him as a thank you gift when he allowed one of Weetman's dealers, Kylie Maynard, 37, to stay with him after she was beaten up. In revenge, Weetman recruited another two low-level dealers, Lee Owens, 46, and Paul Smith, 40, who, in the early hours of July 15 last year, rode to Mr Jackson's home and set it alight. Sheila Jackson and Eric Greener died in the fire at their home, in St Helens, Merseyside. Liverpool Crown Court heard the intended target was Mrs Jackson's son, George Neighbours reported hearing a woman's high-pitched screams coming from the property and seeing Mrs Jackson later shouting for help from an upstairs window, as well as seeing plumes of black smoke and the front door ablaze, just after 12.30am on July 15 Lee Owens, 46, Kevin Weetman, 34, and Kylie Maynard, 37, were all cleared of murder but will be sentenced for the couple's manslaughter Weetman, Owens and Maynard all denied murder and were cleared by the jury of six men and six women after almost 12 hours of deliberations. However, they found Weetman and Maynard guilty of the couples manslaughter. Owens, who told the court he was drunk and drugged up to the eyeballs on the night of the attack, admitted the same charge. The court heard that Smith took his own life a week after the fire. Weetman and Owens were seen smiling and laughing with one another after the verdicts were returned, while Maynard, who denied passing on instructions from Weetman to Smith and Owens, showed no reaction. All three face hefty prison terms when they are sentenced on Thursday. Mr Justice Jay, the High Court judge who presided over the case, warned Weetmans barrister, Peter Wright KC, that his client qualified for a discretionary life sentence. I think your client is very dangerous, the judge said. Cross-examined by Mr Power earlier in the trial Weetman insisted: I'm a drug dealer, not a killer. I don't set fire to peoples houses. I don't go to where old people live. Innocent people, no. Civilians, no. People like Paul Smith, yeah. I smashed his head in with my hands and he deserved it. I don't kill people. 'People who deserve it, people who are in this life with me, yeah. People who say they're gonna murder me, people who run round this city saying they're going to stab me, shoot me, yeah. Kylie Maynard, 37, was described as drug dealer Kevin Weetman's 'right-hand woman' Lee Owens, 46, admitted the couple's manslaughter but denied murder Mr Power suggested Weetman was using his drug dealing as a cover for his involvement in the murders, but he insisted: I'm not getting framed for two murders. 'I'm admitting what I've done, that's drug dealing. I'm going to get big time for it. It's my third time. I've never murdered no one before and I've never asked no one to light fires for me. The court heard that Mr Jackson had used the drugs and shared it with friends, and later refused to start dealing for Weetman to pay back his dough. 'Weetman resolved to take action to prevent a loss of "face" and set in motion a plan to kill, or at least cause really serious harm to, George Jackson by setting fire to his house in the middle of night,' Mr Power said. 'Whilst Paul Smith and Lee Owens failed to kill Mr Jackson, the fire they set caused the deaths of Eric and Shelia.' Mr Power told the jury that Mrs Jackson and Mr Greener had lived together in the terraced house for a long time. He added: 'People who knew them well had never known them to have any disputes with anyone.' Neighbours reported hearing a woman's high-pitched screams coming from the property and seeing Mrs Jackson later shouting for help from an upstairs window, as well as seeing plumes of black smoke and the front door ablaze, just after 12.30am on July 15. Mrs Jackson was rescued from the house but died in hospital two days later Mr Greener died the day after the blaze at the terraced home, in St Helens, Merseyside, where the couple had lived for a long time In a 999 call Mrs Jackson told operators the house was on fire and she couldn't breathe. The first fire crews arrived at around 12.40am and immediately rescued her from her bedroom upstairs. They found Mr Greener in a chair in the living room. Both were unconscious but breathing. Paramedics treated the couple at the scene before taking them to Whiston Hospital but Mr Greener died the next day, followed by Mrs Jackson on July 17. The court heard that, afterwards, Smith and Owens drove to a house in Anfield, Liverpool, where they met up with Maynard. Mr Power said: 'She was Weetman's right-hand woman when it comes to dealing drugs. 'She started to report back to the man who had put them up to it, the man whose debt was to be avenged Kevin Weetman.' Mr Power told the jury that there was no dispute that Smith and Owens started the fire by pouring flammable liquid on the front door and igniting it. The court heard that, before he died, Mr Smith told his girlfriend: 'I had to go somewhere and set a house on fire but the fella's mum and dad were upstairs. Red Head told me to do it.' He added that he had not killed the right man and 'Red Head was mad at me'. Owens, of no fixed address, admitted he acted as Smiths look out while he started the blaze but claimed he thought the house was empty. Both Weetman, of Aigburth, Liverpool, and Maynard, of Everton, Liverpool, also admitted conspiring together to supply cocaine between November 2024 and September 2025. Goldman Sachs will no longer consider diversity factors when hiring new board members, in the latest high-profile blow to DEI at a major American company. The second-largest investment bank in the United States is set to remove race, gender identity, ethnicity and sexual orientation as criteria to weigh applicants, The Wall Street Journal reported. However, Goldman has not said it would stop considering candidates based on other 'diversity' factors, including viewpoints, background and work and military service, according to people familiar with the matter. It came after the conservative nonprofit National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), which owns a small stake in the bank, asked executives to strip diversity, equity and inclusion out of hiring protocols in September. The group had asked for its anti-DEI proposal to be included in Goldman's proxy statement that will be released ahead of the shareholder's meeting in late April. Goldman told the NLPC that it will remove the DEI criteria in an agreement signed between the two parties. Goldman CEO David Solomon has previously spoken about elevating women and minorities in the company. The board is expected to officially sign off on this policy change sometime this month. Goldman declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail. Goldman Sachs has removed race, gender identity, ethnicity and sexual orientation as criteria to consider when hiring board members in the future (Pictured: Goldman CEO David Solomon, who has spoken about elevating women and minorities in the company) President Donald Trump's anti-DEI stance has pushed corporations and large financial institutions to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion guidelines in their hiring processes Goldman is one of many large financial institutions to abandon DEI efforts since President Donald Trump took back the White House a little over a year ago. Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo and Bank of America have all either seriously dialed back or completely abandoned public messaging on DEI. So too have other major companies like Ford, McDonald's, Walmart, Meta and Google. The heel turn was largely prompted by Trump's executive order on January 21, 2025, which instructed the federal government to consider launching civil investigations into corporations and nonprofits that maintained DEI programs. Months after that order, Goldman scrubbed all references to race on its webpage promoting its One Million Black Women program. Versions of the webpage that were visible before Trump took office described a straight-forward initiative by the bank to invest billions of dollars in assisting at least one million black female entrepreneurs by 2030. Now the page makes vague, racially-neutral references about helping families and low-income neighborhoods in New York City. Goldman also no longer says companies in the US and Western Europe must have diverse boards to be taken public. Goldman Sachs became the first major bank in US to leave the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. The bank made the decision weeks after Trump was elected After Trump's win in 2024, banks have also largely ditched previous commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. (Pictured: Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, popularized socially conscious investing) Banks have also largely walked away from commitments to ESG, short for environmental, social and governance. ESG is a framework for companies to manage risks related to climate change, social issues like labor practices and corporate oversight. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is credited with popularizing ESG by integrating it into his company and urging others to adopt long-term sustainability goals to make themselves more attractive to socially conscious investors. The ESG peak came in 2021 when nearly 150 banks across more than 40 countries joined the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, an initiative that was backed by the United Nations. These banks pledged to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 and at the peak of the movement, they represented 40 percent of global banking assets. Weeks after Trump was elected president in November 2024, Goldman Sachs became the first major bank in US to leave the alliance. Five more banks quickly followed suit, including Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. Though the Trump administration has made clear its opposition to ESG, the retreat from the idea has not been isolated to the US. Canadian banks also withdrew from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. In October 2025, the alliance voted to cease operations after membership collapsed. Tourists have been ordered to leave parts of the Italian and Swiss Alps after extreme snowfall and increasing avalanche risks forced authorities to evacuate villages and shut down entire areas. In just hours, weather conditions in regions of northern Italy and Switzerland deteriorated so dramatically that emergency measures were introduced. These included road closures and evacuations, as drifts several metres high buried Alpine communities. Beginning on Monday, severe snowfall across Switzerland and parts of northern Italy has created mounting issues. Regional media report that up to 40 centimetres of fresh snow has fallen, significantly increasing the danger of avalanches. The second highest warning level is now in effect across the region, and heavy snowfall is forecast to continue today. The situation is especially serious in Italys Piedmont region, leading the regional government to put out a municipal decree ordering the prompt evacuation of Rochemolles, a tourism dependent town, Bild reports. An access ban was imposed at the same time, with all roads closed to both pedestrians and motorists, according to the Italian newspaper Il Dolomiti. The Rochemolles section of Bardonecchia was evacuated due to heavy snowfall An access ban was imposed on the Rochemolles section of Bardonecchia due to heavy snowfall The village of Le Tour above Chamonix covered in feet of snow Around 40 people, including both residents and tourists, were told to leave. Some found their own accommodation, while others were placed in nearby hotels. Andrea Vuolo, a meteorologist at Meteo Piemonte, warned of the growing threat. He wrote on Facebook: The area causing the greatest concern is the Gran Vallone, which bears strong similarities to the conditions that triggered the last major avalanche event in this area in 2018. During that event, an entire road was blocked. Because of its location, the high mountain valley in Piedmont is particularly vulnerable to heavy snowfall and avalanche danger. In Switzerland, around 50 people in the municipality of Orsieres were forced to leave their accommodation after avalanche risks rose sharply, according to 20minuten. The village of Le Tour above Chamonix covered in feet of snow The Rochemolles section of Bardonecchia was evacuated due to heavy snowfall Those affected either returned home or found accommodation in areas considered less dangerous. Alongside snowfall, danger has also come from severe winds approaching hurricane-level force. According to the regional environmental agency ARPA Piemont, gusts of up to 189 kilometres per hour were recorded at the Gran Vaudala weather station in Ceresole Reale, Italy which sits at an altitude of 3,272 meters. Forecasters have warned that conditions may worsen further. This comes as two skiers died over the weekend after being buried in the snow following an off-trail avalanche in Italy, close to the borders with France and Switzerland. At least three skiers were caught up in Sunday morning's avalanche on the Mont Blanc massif. The tragedy occurred in the Couloir Vesses, a well-known freeride route in Courmayeur, in upper Val Veny, according to Italy's Alpine Rescue. An avalanche at Cervinia in the Aosta Valley in Italy An avalanche on Tuesday in the Zermatt region of Switzerland And on Friday, two Brits were among three people killed in an avalanche in the French Alps, a day after several ski resorts shut down due to the risk of snowslides. Friday's avalanche in Val-d'Isere swept away six skiers in an off-piste area of the slopes, killing one French national and the two Britons, as red alerts were issued across the Alps. Emergency services responded quickly but could not prevent the deaths, a resort official said, noting that all of the victims had avalanche transceivers. A record 13 backcountry skiers, climbers and hikers died in the Italian mountains during the first week of February, Alpine Rescue reported last Monday, including 10 in avalanches triggered by an exceptionally unstable snowpack. Pete Hegseth has forced out a senior military adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, defense officials revealed today. The shock move is the latest in a series of interventions by the Pentagon chief into the service's internal business, signaling a brutal escalation in the power struggle at the top of the military. The ouster is the result of a serious strain between Hegseth and Driscoll two of the Trump administration's most powerful political appointees. The war chief directed Driscoll to fire Col. David Butler during a conversation at the Pentagon last week, sources tell the Washington Post. Butler worked for both Driscoll and retired Gen. Mark A. Milley a man who has long been in President Trump's crosshairs. This is reportedly the second time that Hegseth has brought up firing Butler with success this time around. The intervention has laid bare a deepening rift within the Pentagon, as Hegseth continues to assert his authority over the Army's top brass. Butler's resume listed him as most recently a spokesman and media strategist for both Secretary Driscoll and General Randy George, the Army's chief of staff. Trump, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speak with soldiers Pete Hegseth has forced out a senior military adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, defense officials revealed today The ouster is the result of a serious strain between Hegseth and Driscoll two of the Trump administration's most powerful political appointees While Butler had been nominated for promotion to brigadier general, Hegseth reportedly had a problem with the promotion, preventing it. According to officials, the reasons Hegseth opposed the promotion remain unclear. Insiders reveal that Colonel Butler was among roughly three dozen officers whose names should have been sent to the White House months ago for final signoff. However, his presence on that list became the primary reason for a total freeze on promotions for the entire group. Following a sharp directive issued by Hegseth to Driscoll last week, Butler made the decision to submit for his retirement The move effectively clears the path for the remaining officers, who had seen their promotions delayed for months while the Pentagon leadership clashed over the list. Driscoll did not give an explanation for Butler leaving from the department, but confirmed he is retiring. 'We greatly appreciate Col. Dave Butler's lifetime of service in America's Army and to our nation,' the statement said. Retired Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was a target of Trump's retribution tour. Milley called Trump 'fascist to the core,' making that sentiment public in the runup to the 2024 presidential election 'Dave has been an integral part of the Army's transformation efforts. He will be missed and I sincerely wish him tremendous success in his upcoming retirement after 28 years of service,' Driscoll added. Butler declined to comment. He might have found himself in hot water due to his highprofile stint as the senior spokesman for Milley. Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until his retirement in 2023, has been a frequent target of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for years. The bad blood stems from a series of welldocumented clashes between the general and Trump during the president's first term in office. Milley had worked under Trump and President Joe Biden and has been at the center of threats from the Iranian government. Milley was among the Trump administration officials involved in the January 2020 assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani who received security details in the aftermath. Weeks before Election Day 2024, Watergate star and longtime Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward revealed that Milley had described Trump as 'fascist to the core' and 'the most dangerous person to this country.' Britain is braced for a battering by another cold snap as heavy rain and snow barrel in. Officials are so concerned that they have issued a 72-hour cold health alert ahead of temperatures plummeting across the UK tonight. Up to 6in (15cm) of snow could fall on high ground in Wales and the West Midlands from tomorrow evening into Thursday, the Met Office said, spelling travel chaos for commuters. Strong winds could exacerbate impacts in places, the forecaster said. And areas along the south coast could be drenched by up to 2in (5cm) of rain, just as millions of families continue trying to make the most of their half-term break. After weeks of wet weather which has seen some unlucky parts of the country blighted by over 40 consecutive days of rain, it prompted the Environment Agency to urge the public to be vigilant over the threat of more flooding to come. Around 340 properties have suffered flooding in recent weeks, it said, with some areas seeing their wettest January since records began. Sixty-five flood warnings meaning flooding is expected remain in place across England today, largely across Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, with a further 179 flood alerts covering England and Wales. At the same time the UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather warnings for all of England apart from London and the south east, predicting a greater risk to life for vulnerable people. Ariki Porteous walks her dog Frank in the village of Carrbridge today as the north of Scotland is hit by more snow Stirling Castle and snow covered Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlic in the distance It comes as much of the country enjoyed a welcome sunny interlude today following an icy start after temperatures plummeted as low as -7.2C (19F) in the Highlands. The latest Met Office yellow weather warning for snow covers parts of Wales and the West Midlands, including Birmingham and Worcester, from 4pm tomorrow until 6am on Thursday. While the impact is still uncertain, it predicts that 2-5cm (1-2in) of snow could accumulate quite widely above 150 metres (500ft), with a light covering possible at lower levels. As much as 10-15cm (4-6in) could fall above 250m (820ft) in mid and southeast Wales on Wednesday night, as well as Herefordshire and Shropshire. A separate yellow weather warning for rain covers southern parts of England, stretching from Kent to Cornwall, between 6am on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday. It says a few places near the south coast could see 20-30mm (0.4-0.6in) and perhaps as much as 50mm (1in) over Dartmoor, turning to snow on higher ground. Large waves whipped up by strong east to north-easterly winds could affect some east-facing coasts, especially along the English Channel. Spray and flooding on roads will probably make journey times longer, while flooding of homes and businesses is possible. The River Thames in Henley has breached its banks flooding the surrounding areas and Thames Path The Thames at Henley spreading far beyond its banks following weeks of rain in southern England The Inverness to Perth train passes through the snow near Carrbridge today as the north of Scotland is hit by more snow Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had their wettest January on record, with 170 per cent of their normal rainfall, leaving some rivers at record levels as well as risking groundwater flooding from the drenched soil. Today Ben Lukey, flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, said: With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding. Significant groundwater flooding impacts are probable in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts probable in parts of Hampshire and West Sussex. Due to steadily rising levels, minor groundwater flooding impacts are possible in Kent, East Sussex and North Yorkshire. Ongoing significant river impacts remain possible on the Somerset Levels. So far more than 22,000 homes and business have been protected but sadly around 340 have suffered flooding and our thoughts are with those communities affected. Our teams will continue to do all they can to support local people, with pumps, temporary barriers and by clearing waterways to ensure flood water can drain away. It is extremely dangerous to drive through flood water - we urge drivers not to do so. Floods minister Emma Hardy added: Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected, and I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe. The UK Health Security Agency yellow cold health alert covers parts of England from 6pm today until 6pm on Friday. The agency said the weather is likely to lead to an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, as well as a greater risk to life of vulnerable people. The alert covers the East and West Midlands, North East, North West, South West, East of England and Yorkshire and The Humber. It is the sixth time it has issued an amber or yellow cold weather alert so far this year. Hillary Clinton has accused Donald Trump of an Epstein files 'cover-up' - and attempted to downplay her husband Bill's friendship with the pedophile. 'Get the files out. They are slow-walking it,' she told the BBC in an interview in Berlin on Monday. Hillary, who is due to testify before a Congressional committee on the issue, insisted she and her husband were not associated with the billionaire financier in any way. But seconds later, the 78-year-old added: 'We have a very clear record we're willing to talk about. My husband has said he took some rides on [Epstein's] airplane for his charitable work.' The Justice Department last month released more than three million documents, photos and videos related to its investigation into Epstein, who killed himself in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The release has been condemned by lawmakers on both sides, however, after the names of powerful figures were redacted while victims were left exposed. The DOJ insists it has nothing more to hand over, but critics say only a fraction of the material is now public. Bill Clinton, 79, features frequently in the files, but no evidence has emerged implicating either him or Hillary in criminal wrongdoing. The couple has been ordered to give closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee, which is probing the deceased financier's connections to powerful figures and how information about his crimes was handled. Hillary Clinton has accused the Trump Administration of a 'cover-up' over its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. She and her husband, Bill, will testify before Congress this month Hillary said the Republicans probing her are trying to deflect attention away from Donald Trump, whose name is also mentioned in the files 'We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public,' Hillary told the BBC. 'I just want it to be fair,' she said. 'I want everybody treated the same way.' The former secretary of state said she and her husband 'have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly.' Hillary said the Republicans probing her are trying to deflect attention away from Trump, whose name is also mentioned in the files many times. 'Look at this shiny object. We're going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy,' she said. Trump denies any wrongdoing, and appearance in the files does not constitute evidence of criminal conduct. Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane in the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation humanitarian work, but said he never visited the financier's private island. Hillary, who ran against Trump for president in 2016, has said she had no meaningful interactions with Epstein, never flew on his plane and never visited his island. Your browser does not support iframes. Clinton has featured heavily in the files, released by the Department of Justice since December He frolicks in a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and a woman in a photo from the December 19 drop Epstein also cozies up to the former president in some of the thousands of files from the DoJ In the interview with the BBC, she said she had met Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein associate who was convicted of conspiring with him to sexually abuse minors, 'on a few occasions.' Maxwell attended the wedding of the Clintons' daughter, Chelsea, in New York in 2010. Trump denied the testimony was a distraction play, telling reporters Monday evening he had been 'totally exonerated.' Hillary will appear for her deposition on February 26, while her husband will appear the following day. Alaska Airlines pilots are raking in sky-high hourly rates thanks to their recently renegotiated contracts. Pilots secured an immediate 21 percent wage increase on average, with salaries set to almost double over the coming years thanks to further wage hikes. At the start of 2025 the airlines' first-officers, or co-pilots, were offered an hourly rate of just under $120 an hour in their first year while captains began with just over $361 per hour. This means that first officers make roughly $107,900 per year based on around 75 flight hours, according to AviationA2Z. As they move up the ranks they can reach hourly rates of $171 an hour, which equates to around $153,000 a year. Meanwhile captains rake in a base pay of around $324,000 a year based on equivalent hours thanks to an hourly rate of $361.29. They can boost earnings even further thanks to layover-pay, 'premium segments' instructor or examiner duties or profit sharing, which see them remunerated more than $350,000 per year. A handful of highly senior captains rake in more than $400,000 a year in compensation, according to AviationA2Z. First officers with American Airlines were revealed to make roughly $120 to $171 an hour, while Captains can rake in around $362 per hour (File photo) The airline, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, engaged in negotiations over pay, benefits and job security as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines began to integrate in September 2024 Based on 75 hours a month, captains would make around $324,000 a year, while a handful of highly senior captains rake in more than $400,000 a year in compensation. (Stock image) Alongside their hefty pay packets, Alaska Airlines offers pilots travel privileges, including significant discounts or standby travel on the airline and affiliated carriers for the pilot and their family. Pilots are also entitled to compensation for hotels, meals as well as 'incidental expenses' in the event of a layover. The airline also offers medical, dental, wage and life insurance for pilots and their dependents, as well as strong retirement plans and profit-sharing. The airline, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, engaged in pay negotiation, benefits and job security as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines began to integrate in September 2024. More than 88 percent of Alaska's 3,400 pilots voted at the time to ratify a two-year contract extension, including wage increases, better retirement contributions and flexible scheduling. The movement passed by 97 percent, according to Alaska Airlines news. 'We're please to have reached this agreement with out pilots,' Vice President of flight operations Dave Mets said at the time, Alaska Airlines news reported. 'While keeping Alaska pilots among the leaders in the industry in compensation, this contract extension positions us well for the future success of our combination with Hawaiian Airlines. 'Seeing the margin of support from our pilots is very gratifying and is an indicator of strength and stability for years to come.' Robert Isom, chief executive of American Airlines, took over in March 2022 but recently suffered a vote of no confidence from two workers' unions Around 88 percent of Alaska's 3,400 pilots voted to ratify a two-year contract extension, including wage increases, better retirement contributions and flexible scheduling. Stock image Last December, an American Airlines pilot based in Miami shared their paycheck on X, shocking many users. The pilot's paystub showed a staggering pay of $35,963.66 for around 122 hours of work. Their year-to-date earnings reached $457,894.51. However, recently American Airlines workers unanimously backed a vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom citing operational issues and the airline's poor performance compared to rivals. The Allied Pilots Association recently met with the airlines board to say it had lost confidence in management. The union, which represents roughly 16,000 pilots, warned American was on an underperforming path and had failed to define a clear identity or strategy to correct course. 'We require leaders who are willing, equipped, and empowered to get the house in order,' the Allied Pilots Association union said in a letter to the airline's board, which includes Isom. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) also hit out at Isom over tanking profits and for allegedly failing to look out for staff during disruption caused by winter storm Fern. Isom responded to some of the concerns raised last week, The New York Times reported. He agreed to meet with the APA's leadership to discuss how Winter Storms Fern and Gianna were handled, pilot attendance policies and 'our business plan to return American to its rightful place atop the industry'. THE hypnotic groove of Sympathy For The Devil by the Rolling Stones oozed through the speakers at Dublin's Ambassador Theatre. It was the opening of the new play based on the life of crime boss Gerry The Monk Hutch on Monday night. The lights flashed on and - to the audiences great surprise - it was not actor, writer and director Rex Ryan who appeared before them, but Gerry himself, sitting and smiling smugly in a large armchair, ready to speak. His appearance was greeted with rapturous applause from the 600 or so people inside the theatre. Clearly, the man the Special Criminal Court said was the head of the Hutch organised crime gang who have been at the centre of gangland crime in Ireland for decades has his supporters. Gerry Hutch being interviewed during the play in Dublin's Ambassador Theatre It took a while to digest that I was looking at the gangland figure on stage and not Mr Ryan. The son of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan insists the production is not a glorification of Hutch. Mr Ryans voice bellowed out over a microphone as he conducted a mock interview with Hutch in a fictional scenario where the gangland figure has just been elected to the Dail as a TD. The hard question of how does it feel to be elected as a TD allows Hutch to tell the audience of how he was driven into politics by the community in the north inner city. Hutch said that at the 2024 homecoming for Olympic gold medal boxer Kellie Harrington he was told he should be on the stage alongside her and not the politicians who are rarely seen in the community. Its a naked piece of political propaganda dressed up as theatre. A bearded Hutch walks free in April 2023 after he was acquitted at the Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne Hutch goes on to say that he wasnt doing it [politics] for the wages. I was doing it for the community, to wake up the place. Last week, I attended a press event to promote the play where the PR handlers were frustrated at questions focusing on politics and not the play. Yet, the play is being used as a platform for Hutch to talk about what he plans to do in Dail Eireann. On Monday night he told the audience that as a TD he would be asking certain questions of ministers and telling the community if their responses were porkie pies. Asked about what advice he would give to his younger self, he replies wouldnt get caught and wanting to get the best education possible. Hutch leaving the High Court in Dublin in 1999 The play details Hutchs upbringing in the harsh socially deprived environs of Dublins north inner city - although he did live for most of his adult life in the affluent suburb of Clontarf, where his son was friends with Mr Ryan. The show relies on a lazy, repeated device of showing Hutchs inner conflict juxtaposed with the impact of gangland crime on his family - a near assassination in Spain while he is with his wife and the deaths of numerous family members. There is noticeably no inner turmoil about any innocent victims of gangland crime. The audience could be forgiven for thinking that the crimes of the Hutch organised crime gang were victimless. Crime journalist Veronica Guerin, who was murdered in 1996 The most jarring part of the play features real video footage of the late journalist Veronica Guerin who was murdered in June 1996 by gangland figure Brian Meehan. The screen shows articles Ms Guerin wrote about Hutch, who indicates that she should have got out of journalism. Theres no remorse shown towards the murdered journalist. Its a chilling, macabre scene. Its unsurprising given Hutchs hostility towards the media. RTEs Paul Reynolds is a recurring villain in Hutchs life. The crime correspondent dared to ask him at the general election count centre during Hutch's failed bid for a seat in the Dail in December 2024 about being in control of the guns used in the Regency Hotel shooting eight years earlier. A frustrated Hutch snarled that Reynolds was a 'dying wasp. 'The Monk is fond of the line and uses it often these days when he talks to journalists. Playwright and actor Rex Ryan with Hutch at a press event to promote Ryan's play, during which Hutch snapped at journalists At the press event last week, Hutch became enraged at crime journalist Paul Healy when he repeatedly asked him about his links to criminality. Hutch said that Paul Reynolds ruined it for everyone at the count in December 2024 by asking him about those links and that Mr Healy was doing the same. He hissed: Certain questions you ask me like Paul Reynolds asked me on behalf of the State to protect the Government if you go on Ill just call you a dying wasp like Paul. Hutch at the Dublin count centre in December 2024, amid his failed bid to win a seat in the Dail Mr Ryans says the play challenges Hutch and does not glorify him. Nonsense. It does not challenge Hutch and has him preening on stage about being elected. It is a shameless exercise in cheap PR masquerading as a play that only serves to enhance Hutchs chances in Mays by-election in Dublin Central. And its shameful depiction of the murdered mother, wife and journalist Veronica Guerin amid the glorification of gangland life and death. The song Sympathy For The Devil is not a celebration of the devil. In it, Mick Jagger points out that humans are to blame for most atrocities in history. Is Rex saying we are to blame for gangland criminality? The only certainty here is that Rex should bury this wretched project out of respect for Veronica Guerin and the countless communities that have been devastated by gangland drugs and violence. Mike Malone was in his mid-thirties when he started to notice that he was losing some hair. Every time I looked in the mirror, the only thing that I saw was my hair loss, he explains, saying he felt self-conscious. It had an impact on my confidence, I didnt want to get into photos and so on. And this is such a personal thing and though hair loss is awful for women, for a lot of men it is everything too. And while many are content to get out the razor, for Mike and others that was not a route to take. Some guys embrace it and thats fine, but for me personally, it really impacted my confidence. I just felt awful. I hated going into lifts with the down lighters and mirrors which really highlighted the hair loss. Mike decided he wanted to do something about it and met with a number of Irish clinics but found the cost was prohibitive. So he decided to research having a transplant in Turkey. I was head of marketing for a group of GP practices so I did my research as much as I could, says Mike. But all of these clinics can hide behind fancy websites and reviews that you just dont know are genuine. I did my research but it was only after I got there that I realised that the hotel they put me in - which was meant to be five star - was an absolute kip. They got me over the line promising everything and then I wanted to see the room where they were doing the transplant before I paid them the cash and they told me no. In the surgery: Mike Malone at Total Hair Restoration Mike went ahead with the transplant but the room was not up to clinical standards of cleanliness. No-one doing the transplant spoke English - only the person taking the money did and then you werent speaking to anyone for the next five hours. There was no time taken to explain anything and the whole patient experience was lacking. Mike went back to his hotel and the staff were telling him that he could fly home immediately but his own knowledge told him he needed to wait in case of infection. The grafts were too fresh so that was lunacy, he says. So I decided myself to wait two days before flying home. When he did get home Mike discovered he had an infection on his scalp and had to get treated by his own GP as the clinic would not respond to his requests. I didnt hear from the clinic again - I was left to my own devices. Although the hair transplant did work, Mikes experience made him think about other Irish men who were faced with either paying a fortune or taking risks in Turkey. I had set up the mole screening clinic years ago and I am also a co-founder of Optiman Clinic, which is a mens health clinic in Beacon Court. So Ive always worked for other companies over the years, but I knew that I was going to go back into some area of healthcare. Now his Total Hair Restoration business has been designed to offer help for men on their terms. New business: Mike Malone We offer 0% finance and also three aftercare appointments, so its just peace of mind and we positioned it price wise at a fixed cost of 6,495 so there are no tricks. Tricks that Mike is talking about include per-follicle charging where once a man is in the chair, some clinics will insist that he needs more transplants and charge per follicle. There are all sorts of sales tactics, Mike says. But I see our patients as patients and not as sales targets. And again we say no to as many people as we say yes to for transplants, because if you arent a suitable candidate, we wont get you to spend your money as we know it wont work. Mike researched a lot of clinics around the world and has designed the patient experience with a specialist medical team with years of experience. I suppose because Ive been through what hair loss actually does to you so I can empathise with guys who are coming in to see us. Its remarkable once they get it done and they and they look back at old pictures. Its such a small thing but its life-changing. Some of Mikes clients have lost huge amounts of weight after getting a transplant, another admitted he hadnt been to a wedding in ten years because they didnt want people in mass to see the bald spot on the back of his head but now everything has changed. Its not just the hair that were transforming, its the confidence as well, says Mike. The hair is only the start of it - it has a profound impact. The best part of my job is seeing a guy come back in after he has the results. It is amazing, like they are different people. Total Hair Restoration offers free consultations then tailored treatment plans in Malahide, Galway and soon in Belfast. Our assessment is comprehensive, Mike says. Its not just you submitting photos, so well look at the donor area of the scalp under a microscope and if thats not strong enough, you might not be a transplant candidate. We go through a lot of genetic risk, full medical history, so we really gather all of the information to say, OK, this is whats right for you, and it may not be a transplant, it could be preventative measures. Because obviously it was lacking for me, we offer three aftercare appointments, so one month, six months and 12 months later. And we have a 24- hour Whatsapp number that you can call which has been my number for the last year. There is always someone there to provide advice and thats comforting. The crown of one of Mike's happy customers And at almost half the price of his closest competitors, Mike feels that the service he is offering will help men like him. He had a top up on his own transplant at a later stage and is now happy with his own results. The experience in most overseas clinics is lacking in quality, transparency, aftercare and ensuring the client is the top priority. Having researched the industry, I felt confident we could bring an offering to market that not only focuses on quality but at a fair price. I see immense potential in the business, as we dont just offer hair restoration procedures but also non-surgical solutions. Were focused on offering a full 360 service for anyone experiencing hair loss while allowing clients to come to us and not have to worry about extortionate costs. We are creating accessibility and decreasing stigma around hair loss. Our doors have only been open a few short months and we have had such an incredible appetite for the service, a lot of which is coming through recommendations from satisfied patients, so its clear our straight-talking approach is what patients want. Having worked with our great clients over the last few months, its become apparent that hair restoration is about so much more than physical appearance, but about confidence and mental wellbeing. I know this from my own experience. Our patients always talk to us about how good they feel, and that means the world to myself and the team. For us patients are people, not sales targets and were keen to continue to deliver a service that offers them a new outlook on life and themselves. For more information about Total Hair Restoration and its industry leading treatments, visit totalhairrestoration.ie And it was when I got my hair transplant that I saw an opportunity to help others. Mike says he knew there was a way of developing a business model here that was better than what was being offered. I wanted it to be accessible, affordable, and one that addressed all the issues that I did have - trust and honesty and the aftercare being the main ones and also access to finance. Now his Total Hair Restoration business has been designed to offer help for men on their terms. A side view from a Total Hair Restoration client We offer 0% finance and also three aftercare appointments, so its just peace of mind and we positioned it price wise at a fixed cost of 6,495 so there are no tricks. Tricks that Mike is talking about include per-follicle charging where once a man is in the chair, some clinics will insist that he needs more transplants and charge per follicle. There are all sorts of sales tactics, Mike says. But I see our patients as patients and not as sales targets. And again we say no to as many people as we say yes to for transplants, because if you arent a suitable candidate, we wont get you to spend your money as we know it wont work. Mike researched a lot of clinics around the world and has designed the patient experience with a specialist medical team with years of experience. I suppose because Ive been through what hair loss actually does to you so I can empathise with guys who are coming in to see us. Its remarkable once they get it done and they and they look back at old pictures. Its such a small thing but its life-changing. Some of Mikes clients have lost huge amounts of weight after getting a transplant, another admitted he hadnt been to a wedding in ten years because they didnt want people in mass to see the bald spot on the back of his head but now everything has changed. Its not just the hair that were transforming, its the confidence as well, says Mike. The hair is only the start of it - it has a profound impact. The best part of my job is seeing a guy come back in after he has the results. It is amazing, like they are different people. Total Hair Restoration offers free consultations then tailored treatment plans in Malahide, Galway and soon in Belfast. Our assessment is comprehensive, Mike says. Its not just you submitting photos, so well look at the donor area of the scalp under a microscope and if thats not strong enough, you might not be a transplant candidate. We go through a lot of genetic risk, full medical history, so we really gather all of the information to say, OK, this is whats right for you, and it may not be a transplant, it could be preventative measures. Because obviously it was lacking for me, we offer three aftercare appointments, so one month, six months and 12 months later. And we have a 24-hour What's App number that you can call which has been my number for the last year. There is always someone there to provide advice and thats comforting. And at almost half the price of his closest competitors, Mike feels that the service he is offering will help men like him. He had a top up on his own transplant at a later stage and is now happy with his own results. The experience in most overseas clinics is lacking in quality, transparency, aftercare and ensuring the client is the top priority. Having researched the industry, I felt confident we could bring an offering to market that not only focuses on quality but at a fair price. I see immense potential in the business, as we dont just offer hair restoration procedures but also non-surgical solutions. Were focused on offering a full 360 service for anyone experiencing hair loss while allowing clients to come to us and not have to worry about extortionate costs. We are creating accessibility and decreasing stigma around hair loss. Our doors have only been open a few short months and we have had such an incredible appetite for the service, a lot of which is coming through recommendations from satisfied patients, so its clear our straight-talking approach is what patients want. Having worked with our great clients over the last few months, its become apparent that hair restoration is about so much more than physical appearance, but about confidence and mental wellbeing. I know this from my own experience. Our patients always talk to us about how good they feel, and that means the world to myself and the team. For us patients are people, not sales targets and were keen to continue to deliver a service that offers them a new outlook on life and themselves. For more information about Total Hair Restoration and its industry leading treatments, visit totalhairrestoration.ie A dangerous prisoner who escaped from custody before being caught is back on the run after a fresh blunder. Convicted robber Daniel Boakye, 21, is alleged to have gone missing while on a trip to hospital. He first went missing from nearby HMP Feltham on Tuesday last week but was found at an address in south-east London the following day. But it has now emerged Boakye is again on the run after giving officers the slip on Sunday. It is understood he is awaiting deportation to Ghana. A Met spokeswoman said: 'We are searching for a 21-year-old man who absconded from Lewisham hospital at around 15:05hrs on Sunday, 15 February. 'Daniel Boakye was in police custody at the hospital receiving medical treatment when he fled. 'Officers gave chase but could not detain Boakye before he left the building. Daniel Boakye is on the run - again - after giving officers the slip at hospital 'He is 21-years-old, black, of medium height and slim build. He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark Nike jacket when he absconded. 'Anyone who has any information about Boakyes whereabouts is asked to contact police on 999 quoting CAD4005/15FEB. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous. 'We are currently reviewing this incident to fully understand the events which unfolded.' The Met said its Directorate of Professional Standards is aware of the incident. Boakye, formerly of Alma Road, Enfield, was jailed for six-years-and-five months in July 2023 for conspiracy to commit robbery and an additional robbery offence. He is also alleged to be a drill rapper. Scotland Yard previously confirmed Boakye escaped from a west London hospital on February 10 while under the care of prison staff. Between June 2021 and January 2022, Boakye and three other teenagers participated in a spree of robberies and attempted robberies across London, according to Essex Live. Armed with knives, they forced victims to hand over their mobile phones and provide passcodes to unlock them. The group then transferred victims' cryptocurrency into 'hot wallets', stealing more than 115,000 in total. They also used stored bank details to buy top-up cards, pay for taxi fares and complete other fraudulent transactions. He is the latest dangerous prisoner to have absconded from custody. Migrant sex attacker Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford in October last year, while Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was also at the centre of a manhunt the following month when he was mistakenly set free from HMP Wandsworth. Justice Secretary David Lammy vowed to increase checks on prisoners being released following the nationwide manhunt for Kebatu. LBC presenter Iain Dale has been banned from driving after speeding in his black electric Audi. The award-winning broadcaster and author, 63, was caught speeding on the A22 in the village of Halland, East Sussex, at around 7.30pm on September 5 last year. Dale broke the 30mph speed limit by driving at 43mph, around 20 miles from the 1.5million farmhouse he shares with husband John Simmons. It came after three previous speeding offences - in November 2022, July 2023, and July last year - which had already seen him receive nine points on his licence. He appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, where he was handed a fourth set of penalty points - and therefore, automatically, a six-month driving ban. Dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and multi-coloured spotted tie, Dale was also fined 666, and ordered to pay 130 in costs, plus a 266 victim surcharge. It came despite his insistence in court a disqualification would cause impact his ability to deliver speeches to children in schools. Dale told the hearing: 'My day job is a radio presenter, but I also speak at political meetings, literary festivals and most importantly schools. The award-winning broadcaster and author (pictured outside court on Tuesday), 63, was caught speeding on the A22 in the village of Halland, East Sussex, at around 7.30pm on September 5 last year Dale broke the 30mph speed limit by driving at 43mph in his black electric Audi Q6 etron, around four miles from the 1.5million farmhouse he shares with husband John Simmons. PIctured: A file photo of black Audi Q6 e-tron 'I have never thought of myself as a motivational speaker, but I get a lot of feedback from schools, where I talk about politics and the media. 'I have a letter from the headteacher of a school in Ilford that after one of my speeches a pupil felt such an impact she wanted to change her career plans to do what I do. 'The Head of Media at the University of Gloucester said that a student had told her about me and was studying media because of that.' Visibly emotional and choking up, Dale said: 'You can imagine how that feels. 'I have not taken on all the engagements because of this case as some of the schools are remote and not easily accessible by train. 'It is the impact on other people more than me. I do not get paid for it - in fact, it costs me.' When questioned about his earnings, Dale asked: 'Can I write that down rather than say it in open court?' He continued: 'I have a lot of links in Norfolk and if I go to a school in the north of the county it is difficult by train and the same for Devon and Cornwall. 'Time is also a factor, with most schools wanting me there at ten or eleven in the morning.' But Bench Chairman John Edwards told Dale: 'You have pleaded guilty to speeding and we do not find "exceptional hardship" in this case. 'Four penalty points have been added to your licence and that makes you a totter, which brings a disqualification of six months. 'You cannot drive any motor vehicle on a public road for six months. It came after three previous speeding offences - in November 2022, July 2023, and July last year - which had already seen the radio presenter (pictured) receive nine points on his licence 'If you do drive while disqualified it is a serious offence and you may be sentenced to custody and disqualified again.' The radio presenter is a well-known petrolhead, having previously owned the late Princess of Wales's Gomera Pearl racing green Audi Cabriolet convertible. And his chequered driving career began early, after he crashed his Ford Cortina Mark III when driving to the pub on his twentieth birthday. This resulted in injuries to both his passenger sisters, with one suffering a fractured skull and the other losing her front teeth on impact with the windscreen. He once confessed to selling an F-type Jaguar purely because of how it tempted him to drive fast: 'I started picking up speeding tickets like it was going out of fashion.' In 2012, Dale received another six-month driving ban for four other speeding offences. He has also previously written about his experiences attending a speed awareness course after he was caught speeding on another occasion. And just last year, he was cleared of speeding on the A20. More recently, Dale has called for compulsory speed awareness courses for newly qualified drivers. The controversial head of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), Stacy Davis Gates, has been ranked more powerful than the city's own mayor. Davis Gates, 49, was ranked the fifth-most-powerful person in the Windy City by Chicago Magazine, one spot above Mayor Brandon Johnson, whom she helped get elected. She has served as CTU president since 2022, and was also elected head of the Illinois Federation of Teachers last year. As head of CTU, she pumped millions of dollars into Johnson's 2023 campaign, and her new role with the statewide teachers' union gives her access to a political action committee with over $2 million on hand. However, Chicago Magazine noted that 'as Johnsons clout has declined, so has Davis Gates's.' Her union spent $2.8 million backing 10 candidates in the 2024 school board elections, but only won four seats. She also supported Johnson's corporate head tax that was rejected by the city council. Davis Gates is no stranger to criticism, having been branded a hypocrite for sending her own son to private school after calling them 'segregation academies' and saying that school choice supporters are fascists. One time, she refused to take questions from journalists after deeming herself 'not a public figure,' despite being the head of one of the largest political groups in the Windy City. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates (pictured) was ranked the fifth most powerful person in the city She placed one spot above Mayor Brandon Johnson (right), whom she helped get elected by pumping millions of dollars from the union into his campaign The magazine warned that even if Johnson loses the 2027 mayoral race or her own popularity decreases, she still has enough money and influence to remain a power player in Chicago. 'Shes still powerful enough - and enough of a social media troll - to be a thorn in the side of any mayor whose agenda she opposes,' the magazine said. The four people who ranked above her included Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, billionaire Richard Uihlein, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. In January, CTU was forced to delete a post urging the 'ultra-wealthy' to fully fund schools after it was mocked online for misspelling 'governor.' The union circulated a flyer on social media, urging the public to pressure state leaders to tax billionaires to fund struggling public institutions. It comes months after a report found the district is $1.6 billion short of necessary funding, according to Chicago Public Media. The union's flyer went after Governor Pritzker, a multibillionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, demanding that the 'ultra-wealthy pay their fair share and fully fund our schools.' But the irony that a spelling mistake appeared in a post shared by the state's own educators was quickly picked up by online users. Davis Gates was branded a hypocrite for sending her own son (center) to private school after calling them 'segregation academies' At the very top, the post declared, 'TELL GOVERNER PRITZKER' - a glaring typo that quickly became the subject of ridicule. A damning report revealed that last year, over half of Chicago students couldn't read at grade level, and nearly three-quarters failed to reach math proficiency on state tests, according to the 2025 Illinois Report Card. It also revealed widespread issues across Illinois: only 40 percent of 11th graders were proficient in reading, 25 percent in math, and just 43 percent of 3rd8th graders were reading at grade level. Even more troubling, the scores came after the state eased proficiency standards, and 40.1 percent of students still missed at least 10 percent of the school year. The Washington Post even called out Davis Gates's union for focusing on social justice initiatives while reading and math proficiency rates continued to fall. The editorial came after CTU posted its New Year's resolutions on X, pledging to 'speak truth to power' and defend Black, Brown and immigrant communities targeted by federal agents. The post also added that the union is 'fighting back against an administration trying to dismantle the US Department of Education and roll back civil rights protections.' In response, the Post wrote: 'Those are lofty goals in a school district that can hardly teach kids to read and write,' before highlighting the low proficiency rates in each grade. One time, she refused to take questions from journalists after deeming herself 'not a public figure,' despite being the head of one of the largest political groups in the Windy City 'Those are fundamental deficits that haunt kids into high school,' the editorial added. In the article, the editorial board argued that it was 'hard to believe the union has students' best interests at heart when its bosses continue to ignore the biggest problems.' The Post also spotlighted Chicago's chronic absenteeism, noting that 'teachers are also playing hooky, with about 43 percent of educators missing 10 or more days of school compared to 34 percent statewide.' 'Davis Gates, who has a history of blowing off mandatory union audits and has described testing as 'junk science rooted in White supremacy,' is clearly allergic to accountability and excellence,' the outlet wrote. A glamorous commentator who burnished her television credentials on Fox News is taking on one of the toughest jobs in the Trump administration as Kristi Noem's Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman. Katie Zacharia, 41, will become the face of the embattled department after the deadly shootings of two anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis plunged Donald Trump's presidency into its greatest crisis. The mother-of-four will replace 31yearold Tricia McLaughlin as the on-camera face of Trump's immigration crackdown - the culmination of a career spanning work as an attorney for the World Bank in China and Republican political campaigns. DHS officials said McLaughlin's exit was delayed after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who she referred to as 'domestic terrorists.' Her DHS tenure was marred by accusations of corruption surrounding her husband's advertising firm, which reportedly benefitted from an $220 million agency contract. A DHS spokesperson said at the time that the agency did not choose the subcontractor. 'Tricia helped steer hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars to her soon-to-be husband's firm and is walking out the door right as walls close in on Noem and her head of affair(s). This isn't a departure it's an escape,' a DHS insider told the Daily Mail, taking a jab at the Homeland Security Secretary's rumored lover Corey Lewandowski. Known for her unapologetic conservative views, Zacharia has spent years as a cable news staple, debating tough topics as a prime-time contributor for Newsmax and Fox News. Though Zacharia claims to be a commentator for Fox News on her LinkedIn profile, a spokesperson for the network disputed that title and said she had only appeared as a guest. McLaughlin's role will be split between two new hires: Zacharia as deputy assistant secretary and spokeswoman, and Lauren Bis, who will serve as the assistant secretary. Zacharia has spent years as a staple of cable news, taking on tough topics in front of millions of viewers as a contributor for Newsmax and Fox News Tricia McLaughlin's tenure in DHS was marred by accusations of corruption following a November report detailing how her husband's advertising firm benefitted from an $220 million agency contract The mother-of-four will replace 31yearold Tricia McLaughlin as the on-camera face of Trump's immigration crackdown - the culmination of a career spanning work as an attorney for the World Bank in China and Republican political campaigns Lewandowski wields unprecedented power within the DHS as a special government employee due to his relationship with Secretary Kristi Noem The move was orchestrated by Lewandowski, Noem's de-facto number two, who decided to elevate the pair replacing McLaughlin, a source said. Lewandowski was personally involved in the decision to make the Fox News star the on-camera face of DHS as public support for their immigration agenda implodes. Bis previously worked as McLaughlin's deputy assistant secretary for media relations. A source familiar with the move says that Bis will be working mostly behind the camera, while Zacharia will do a majority of the TV and forward facing appearances. Zacharia is now tasked with managing the very agency she has spent years analyzing from the commentator's chair, having regularly slammed government inefficiency on several national networks. A source close to Zacharia said that she is officially stepping into the new role on February 23. Zacharia spent three years in China working as an outside counsel for the World Bank. She is married to film producer Tyler Zacharia - both attended Pepperdine University - and they have four children. McLaughlin originally planned on jumping ship from DHS in December but delayed due to the fallout from Good and Pretti's deaths. She is expected to announce her plans to colleagues on Tuesday before departing DHS next week. A source familiar with the move says that Bis will be working mostly behind the camera in her new assistant secretary role Zacharia is now tasked with managing the very agency she has spent years analyzing from the commentator's chair McLaughlin's resignation comes as public opinion has plummeted on Trump's immigration crackdowns in major US cities. Sources say McLaughlin decided to leave after becoming 'exhausted' by the constant scandals engulfing Noem. 'Tricia was spent... she was exhausted. She just couldn't take it anymore. It's a pretty toxic role,' a DHS source told the Daily Mail. Following the shootings of Good, a mother of three, and Pretti, an ICU nurse, by immigration agents McLaughlin defended their killings by labelling them 'domestic terrorists' who had illintent. Her departure coincides with a funding cutoff for the department as Democrats have painted Trump's blood-soaked immigration enforcement as a national disaster. As Noem began losing control over the public messaging in Minneapolis, Trump sent in White House border czar Tom Homan to take charge over the crackdown. Homan is the chief rival of Noem and her rumored lover Corey Lewandowski. His takeover of Minneapolis suggested Trump had lost confidence in Noem's leadership. McLaughlin, meanwhile, dodged accusations of corruption during her final months in DHS. An advertisement firm owned by Ben Yoho, McLaughlin's husband, benefitted from a $220 million taxpayerfunded media campaign. The firm, which is also tied to Noem and Lewandowski, was paid from the media campaign, raising concerns of potential conflictsofinterest. 'Tricia McLaughlin has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism,' Noem wrote on X. 'She has played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe.' 'While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her service and wish Tricia nothing but success.' Multiple people are reported injured following a huge explosion at a church in New York. Images from the scene in Boonville in upstate New York showed the Abundant Life Fellowship Church engulfed in flames. The explosion occurred at 10:23am local time Tuesday. Authorities have not yet provided a cause of the explosion, however the church said in a statement to Facebook that it was an 'obvious gas leak.' The church said that its pastor Brandon Pitts and another congregation member were present at the time, and the two of them 'and a few other responders were in the building at the time of the explosion.' The church said Pitts suffered 'burns that need medical attention', but said he and others affected 'will be fine.' Authorities have not offered details over exactly how many victims may have been injured in the explosion. A Boonville firefighter had entered the building before the explosion and was hospitalized, with Spectrum News reporting that they were listed in critical condition. Emergency crews including helicopters were deployed to air transport victims to regional hospitals. Multiple people are reported injured following a huge explosion at a church in Boonville, New York on Tuesday Images from the scene showed the Abundant Life Fellowship Church engulfed in flames The church said among those injured was Pastor Brandon Pitts, who suffered 'burns that need medical attention' This is a breaking news story and will be updated as information is confirmed. A Brazilian people smuggler who used her cleaning company to traffic people from her own country into a life of modern slavery has been jailed for three years. Ana Lucia Martins, 50, tricked her victims into traveling to the UK by telling them they could earn 400 a week working for her. The migrants were instead forced to work 12-hour shifts with no breaks for food or water, and were told their only payment was their accommodation. Martins was able to hide her operation in Luton, Bedfordshire, by moving her workers to a different Airbnb every 15 days, which was discovered during a four-year investigation by immigration officers. Martins would further control her victims on the rare occasions they were paid, tracking how they spent the money and on what. She would also threaten them if they asked to return to Brazil, including one case where she said she knew where their family lived. One of her victims told the court: 'A female had told me to come back to the UK to work and had promised to get me a visa to work but this has not happened. 'I have paid very little and the female has taken control of my life.' Ana Lucia Martins has been sentenced to three years in prison for using her cleaning company to traffic Brazilian migrants into a life of modern slavery in the UK Martins was jailed for three years at the Old Bailey (pictured) on Friday February 13 for assisting unlawful immigration to a member state The Brazilian national was jailed for three years at the Old Bailey on Friday February 13, after being convicted by a jury last December under the Immigration Act 1971. Martins had denied the charge of assisting unlawful immigration to a member state contrary to section 25(1) and (6) of the Act. She will now be automatically considered for deportation, the Home Office said. Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris said: 'This case is a prime example of the lies people smugglers sell to illegal migrants. 'Martins sold her victims a dream of a prosperous life in the UK - instead, they suffered abuse and exploitation. 'That's why we're restoring order and control to our border, cracking down on the incentives that draw illegal migrants to the UK and ramping up enforcement action to bring offenders like Martins to justice.' Two shoplifting sisters who plundered perfume and make-up from duty free at Gatwick Airport have been ordered to pay back 220,000. Laura Epitropou and Georgina Epitropou, both from Crawley, West Sussex, were each jailed for two and a half years in September 2024. The pair stole items worth up to 80,000 and flogged the majority online, with some sold to specific retailers. Bank records show that over a 10-month period leading up to September 2022 the Epitropous made sales totalling 40,000. That year, Georgina Epitropou spoke out about how she had spent tens of thousands of pounds on plastic surgery. This included multiple boob jobs, liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift, filler, and around 15,000 on Botox alone. Laura Epitropou and Georgina Epitropou (pictured), both from Crawley, West Sussex, were each jailed for two and a half years in September 2024 Bank records show that over a 10-month period leading up to September 2022 the Epitropous made sales totalling 40,000. Pictured: Georgina Epitropou Georgina Epitropou (pictured) previously spoke out about how she had spent 43,400 transforming her body so she could feel ultra confident when she hits 40 Both sisters previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and Laura Epitropou also admitted a charge of acquiring criminal property. The pair appeared at Lewes Crown Court yesterday, where they were handed a confiscation order. Laura Epitropou was given one month to pay back 182,090.99, while Georgina Epitropou has three months to repay 37,487.85, the BBC has reported. The sisters were arrested boarding a flight to Belfast from Gatwick and stolen items worth almost 2,000 were found in their suitcase. In total, Laura Epitropou took 21 flights from London Gatwick, mainly to Edinburgh, during their shoplifting spree - with her sister joining her on later flights. Messages between the pair showed that, on one occasion, they stole 73 items worth almost 8,000. Daniel Cummins from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Despite claiming that they were in debt when they were arrested, it was clear that both sisters were living beyond their means and using these thefts to fund their lavish lifestyles, which included cosmetic surgery. 'They were stealing to order, putting significant planning into these thefts, deciding how many items to take and even lowering that number after Laura was arrested by Police Scotland with stolen goods in her possession. 'The women sold the stolen products at around half the price they retailed for, making thousands in the process through online marketplaces and sales to individuals.' Laura Epitropou (pictured) was given one month to pay back 182,090.99, while Georgina Epitropou has three months to repay 37,487.85 In 2022, Georgina Epitropou revealed how she had spent 43,400 transforming her body so she could feel ultra confident by the time she hits 40. She said: 'My idol is Pam Anderson. 'I've been obsessed with her look since I first watched Baywatch and always knew there was a specific look I wanted to achieve when I began my transformation in 2015. 'I loved the blonde hair, big boobs, small waist and big bum. I wanted to look my best as I progressed through my thirties. 'I didn't want to look the same as everyone else, I wanted to stand out.' She added: 'I had my first boob job in the UK in 2017, but I always knew I wanted them to be bigger. 'I could only go to a certain size in the UK. 'So I had the rest of my surgeries abroad as they're more open-minded. I couldn't have achieved the look I wanted to in this country.' Jill Biden's first husband pleaded not guilty to charges that he killed his current wife. William Stevenson, 77, entered his plea as he appeared remotely via camera for a hearing in court in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday. A state grand jury charged Stevenson earlier this month with murdering his wife Linda Stevenson, 64. The former first lady, who since 1977 has been married to former President Joe Biden, had a five-year first marriage to William from 1970 to 1975. They first met when Jill was still in college. Linda Stevenson was found unresponsive at the home she shared with her husband in Wilmington after police responded to a 'domestic dispute' report late December 28, 2025. She was declared dead on December 29 after first responders administered life-saving measures. The specific cause of her death is not yet known. William was arrested on February 2 and was charged with his wife's murder the next day. He was unable to post $2 million bail and has remained in custody since his arrest. His next court hearing is set for March 16. He is being represented by a public defender. William Stevenson, the ex-husband of Jill Biden, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, February 16, 2026 on charges that he killed his wife Linda Stevenson Linda Stevenson, 64, was found unresponsive at the couple's Wilmington, Delaware home on December 29, 2025 after authorities responded to a 'domestic dispute' call Jill (circled in red) was married To Bill Stevenson (also circled on right) from 1970 to 1975. Two years after their divorce, Jill married Joe Biden Jill has not publicly weighed in on her ex-husband's alleged crime, and a spokesperson has declined to comment on the charges. Linda's cause of death has still not been released, but her obituary does not mention her husband despite listing her other survivors her daughter, Christina Vettori, and grandchild. Stevenson married then-Jill Jacobs in 1970 while she was an 18-year-old college student at the University of Delaware. He was a 23-year-old businessman at the time. The pair divorced in 1975 and two years later she married then-New Castle County Councilman Joe, the future president. Stevenson later claimed that Jill had cheated on him and that he kicked her out of the house when he learned of the affair with Biden. They both worked on Biden's campaign. William, who went by Bill, founded the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, Delaware, in the early 1970s. Linda Stevenson ran a bookkeeping business. She was described in her obituary as a family-oriented mother and grandmother. William, 77, was arrested on February 2, 2026 for the murder of his wife in Delaware Jill Biden reflected on her first marriage in her 2019 memoir where she says she thought at the time they were 'destined for each other' but that it was really a 'mistake of youth' Representatives for Jill told Inside Edition in 2020 that the affair claims he repeated to the Daily Mail were 'fictitious' to 'sell and promote a book' that Bill was preparing to release. 'The relationship of Joe and Jill Biden is well documented,' the spokesman said. 'Jill Biden separated from her first husband irreconcilably in the fall of 1974 and moved out of their marital home. Joe and Jill Biden had their first date in March of 1975, and they married in June of 1977.' In her 2019 memoir, When the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself, Jill admitted she first thought she and Stevenson were 'destined for each other.' 'Looking back, it may seem like a mistake of youth,' she scathingly wrote about the man she indirectly referred to as 'charming and entrepreneurial' in the book. The Stevensons and Bidens shared Wilmington as their hometown throughout their lives. A wealthy HSBC banker who dodged 5,900 in train fares using a 'doughnutting' ticket scam has been banned from using his local railway. Joseph Molloy used what prosecutors described as a 'sophisticated' ticketing ruse to slash thousands of pounds off the cost of commuting from his 2million home into London. He bought tickets covering the start and end of his route, but not the stations in between. The tactic, known as 'doughnutting', exploits ticket barriers to create a 'hole' in payment for part of the journey. Molloy carried out the scam at least 740 times, saving 5,911 over 11 months on Southeastern services, Inner London Crown Court heard. It was not disclosed how he was caught. The 53-year-old travelled from near his 2million home in Orpington to London Bridge before continuing to his Canary Wharf office. He admitted fraud by false representation and appeared for sentence on Tuesday, The Times reported. Prosecutor Jack Furness described the scheme as 'sophisticated in planning and execution'. Joseph Molloy used what prosecutors described as a 'sophisticated' ticketing ruse to slash thousands of pounds off the cost of commuting from his 2million home into London Molloy carried out the scam at least 740 times, saving 5,911 over 11 months on Southeastern services, Inner London Crown Court heard (stock image) Between October 2023 and September 2024 Molloy used false names and addresses to obtain two smartcards loaded with tickets. He also secured Jobcentre Plus discounts giving him 50 per cent off fares. He initially declined to comment in a police interview but later made a full confession when confronted with the evidence. Molloy was appointed head of passive equity at HSBC Global Asset Management in 2015 and retired last year. His barrister, Will Hanson, said he had been under stress due to health issues and his mother's death. He described the fraud as 'discreet', committed against a large private company rather than an individual, and said Molloy had a distinguished career and was a devoted father active in his church and community. Recorder Alexander Stein said Molloy was 'a man of some financial means' who could afford his fares. He branded the offending 'persistent and serious' and said its sophistication merited jail, but suspended the sentence due to strong mitigation. Molloy was handed 10 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, banned from Southeastern for a year and told to pay 5,000 compensation. After the hearing he changed his clothes and vaulted a wall in an apparent attempt to avoid photographers. Fare evasion costs the rail industry an estimated 240million a year, according to the Rail Delivery Group. Companies are now testing GPS technology to help clamp down on 'doughnutting'. A suspected gunman has been arrested outside the US Capitol. 'Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the US Capitol Building,' US Capitol Police (USCP) said in a statement. Cops are continuing to investigate a 'potential security concern' on the Lower West Terrace of the building. 'Staff and other personnel are directed to AVOID THIS AREA,' the statement added. Maryland Avenue was momentarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW. The Lower West Terrace is rarely-utilized space on the Capitol's entrance facing the National Mall. Images from the scene showed a number of officers standing near the Lower West Terrace with police tape up as authorities investigated. Capitol Police has said that there are no other suspects at this time. A view of the US Capitol in Washington, DC on February 6 (file photo) View from the Capitol where police arrested a man with a gun pic.twitter.com/OrR0UHhEXa Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) February 17, 2026 'The USCP is continuing to investigate a potential security concern on the Lower West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol,' the Capitol Police said in a follow-up statement. 'At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, please continue to stay away from the area while we investigate and collect evidence. Again, at this time, one person is in custody.' The USCP later gave the all-clear around 2pm local time. Lawmakers are in recess this week; most representatives and senators are not in Washington or at the Capitol. 'The fact that I work in a building thats such a major target is always in the back of my mind when Im coming into work,' one hill aide told the Daily Mail. 'Its definitely a little unnerving at times, but Im thankful that the Capitol police do such a great job protecting us & stopping these incidents before they become a tragedy.' The Capitol Complex and members of Congress have seen a sharp uptick in threats over the last five years. Recently, the Capitol Police released a threat assessment showing that the number of concerning statements, behaviors and communications directed against lawmakers, their families, staff and the Capitol Complex have risen drastically. In 2025, the agency investigated 14,938 incidents, a major increase year-over-year from the 9,474 incidents in 2024. The Capitol Police has been contacted for comment. Two Democratic lawmakers have recently been attacked as threats against members of Congress continue to rise There have already been two members of Congress attacked this year. Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota was sprayed with an unknown substance from a syringe while giving a town hall in Minneapolis. Days before that, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida was punched in the face while attending the Sundance Film Festival. The man who sprayed Omar and the man who punched Frost were later charged with assault. A wealthy self-styled 'prophetess' has been accused of running a sweat shop-like call center staffed by overworked employees who she threatened with eternal damnation, according to a criminal indictment. Kathleen Klein, 53, allegedly operated a forced labor ring along with two co-conspirators to solicit donations for their church, Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC). 'Victims were forced to work grueling hours at the call centers without pay and pressured to hit impossible fundraising targets,' the Justice Department said. Klein was added to an indictment Wednesday, which previously accused church leaders David Taylor and Michelle Brannon of slavery and money laundering charges. The defendants allegedly controlled every aspect of daily life for their employees, including instructing them to quit any full-time outside employment and to cut off family and friends, the criminal complaint, viewed by the Daily Mail, said. Employees slept at the call centers, which were located in Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and Texas. Church members who pushed back were forced to endure threats of eternal damnation, repentance rituals, physical violence, public humiliation and sleep deprivation among other punishments, prosecutors said. The defendants raked in $50million in donations since 2014 through their alleged scheme, which they used to buy properties, vehicles, and luxury goods, according to the filings. The trio also allegedly instructed their workers to apply for Electronic Benefits Transfers (EBT) by claiming that they were homeless, and they used those funds to buy food for staff, the indictment said. Kathleen Klein, 53, who went by 'prophetess,' was added to an indictment Wednesday, accusing her and two co-conspirators of running call centers that 'used forced labor to solicit donations' for their church One of her alleged co-conspirators, Michelle Brannon, was arrested in August at a Florida mansion that was also a call center for the church The filings detailed a series of alleged text messages sent by the defendants in which they made threats to withhold food if targets were missed. Underperforming staff were made to suffer 'rebukings' where they were forced onto their knees and yelled at for several hours, the indictment said. Taylor allegedly threatened employees with a 21-day cycle of only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if they didn't raise $164,000 each in one day. Klein sent similar messages to a group chat called Houston Managers, where she threatened to take away employees' weekends if they didn't hit their donation amounts, the complaint stated. 'Low number closers won't need dinner, they can have PB&J,' she allegedly texted 21 employees and Brannon on April 12, 2024. 'And to my knowledge, if end-of-day totals are not up, people will be going to the street, so this menu might change significantly.' Taylor also allegedly said if closing numbers were not reached by 6pm, 'they don't eat dinner at all,' the indictment said. 'Each hour you fall behind, consequences will start...we will mess with the food,' he allegedly directed his personal servant, whom he called an 'armor bearer,' to tell staff. 'Take away the food!! There will be other consequences!! We must make them fast and pray!!' David E. Taylor has been accused of leading the scheme, while Brannon and Klein took his orders In a different text chain in August, Klein acknowledged that one worker was confined to the stairwell and was not kicked out on the street due to health issues, the indictment said. In July 2025, Klein texted: 'This is so disgusting!! I want to slap them so hard with a drop kick.' The complaint also accused Taylor, who referred to himself as Jesus' best friend, of receiving and requesting sexually explicit photographs and videos of KOGGC workers. His personal 'armor bearers' also delivered the women to his home and made sure they used Plan B contraceptives afterward, the indictment said. If the worker or armor bearer rejected his ask, they were punished, prosecutors claimed. Klein has been charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries a sentence of 20 years in prison. Taylor and Brannon were indicted in July 2025, where they were charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. They face 20 years in prison on each count. The defendants, including Klein, would threaten their unpaid employees with eternal damnation and public humiliation if they couldn't reach their donation numbers Klein and her co-defendants allegedly made $50million in donations through the scheme according to prosecutors Brannon, 56, was arrested at a Hillsborough County mansion, which was owned by the church and used as a call center in August. Taylor, 53, was arrested in North Carolina. The FBI raided call centers across the country including a huge $9.8million mansion in Tampa, Florida. The Daily Mail has reached out to all the defendants' lawyers for comment. A rural Washington hospital near Idaho is being financially squeezed by a law requiring free healthcare for lower-income patients regardless of their state residency or immigration status. Newport Hospital is located less than half a mile from the Washington-Idaho state line and more than an hour's drive away from the nearest major city, Spokane. Interim CEO Justin Peters told the Spokesman-Review that the amount of charity care that has been provided in the last year to out-of-state individuals has hit the hospital's pocketbook hard. 'Our margins are already very, very thin,' he said. 'Charity care for our community is one thing, but having people come from other states and providing that charity care really puts a strain on our hospital.' Peters said the hospital spent 43 percent more on charity care in 2025 than the year before. And nearly half of that goes to people from out of state. Families of four making $124,800 per year are eligible for major discounts on out-of-pocket costs at certain hospitals. Charity care is generally defined as free or discounted healthcare given to people without insurance who are under a certain income bracket. Most states have laws governing how hospitals provide charity care, and federal law applies in states that don't have laws on the books. Washington's charity care law has been around since 1989 and for decades, hospitals could draw their own geographical limits for charity care. In 2022, state legislators passed a new law overhauling charity care and vastly expanding eligibility. The state Department of Health implemented it in 2023 and banned hospitals from drawing geographical limits, something not explicitly stated in the language of the statute. Newport Hospital in Washington is struggling financially with the major increase in charity care it has provided in the last year State law mandates that all Washington hospitals provide free healthcare to people under certain income limits, regardless of their residency or their citizenship status (Pictured: Hopsital workers in Seattle wheel a patient out of a COVID unit on May 7, 2020) The Department of Health argued that the language of the statute now made it so that charity care eligibility can only be determined by income, not by where a person lives or even whether they are a citizen of the United States. And the income restrictions put in place by the 2022 law make Washington one of the most generous states in the country. And unlike many states where hospital financial assistance is largely discretionary, Washington now requires hospitals to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients under the income limits even if they have insurance. In practice, a family of four with an income of less than $93,600 per year will have no out-of-pocket costs for a visit to a Tier 1 hospital - which refers to facilities within a large hospital system. If that same family of four went to a Tier 2 hospital - generally considered to be a smaller hospital - they would get a 50 percent discount. It is much easier for Tier 1 hospitals to eat the costs of providing charity care because they typically generate far more revenue than Tier 2 hospitals, often in rural areas or mid-sized cities with fewer patients and less complex procedures being offered. For Tier 2 facilities such as Newport Hospital, this charity care law is directly eating into their bottom line. State Representative Andrew Engell, a Republican, introduced a bill last month that would limit nonemergency charity care to people who live in Washington. State Representative Andrew Engell, a Republican, wants to limit nonemergency charity care to people living in Washington to save rural hospitals money so they can keep operating Engell said there was some disagreement from his fellow members over how his proposal was worded, but he told the Spokesman-Review he was hopeful he could get it passed next year. 'The real concern for me that I was trying to fix is about Newport Hospital on the Idaho border,' Engell said. This issue is seemingly a bipartisan one, with state-level Democrats taking the position that other states should be providing more care to their residents so they don't come over the border to Washington and burden the system. 'This is another example of what happens with national politics at our state level,' State Senator Manka Dhingra told the Spokesman-Review. 'Over and over again, what we are finding is that the state has to spend more resources taking care of people that should have access to health care in their own state.' Idaho, for example, does not have a statewide charity care law and instead follows federal law. In practice, nonprofit hospitals must adopt financial assistance policies, but income cutoffs and discount levels are largely set by the hospitals themselves. The inconsistency in Idaho's system could be creating an incentive for low-income patients in the state to cross the border into Washington to get guaranteed discounts. Hospitals in Washington are also worried that they'll have to provide even more charity care after last year's passage of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Various analyses have shown the law will cause at least 10 million people to lose their health insurance over the next decade, largely due to Medicaid cuts and changes to Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Five children have died after a fire broke out in an apartment building in Spain. The blaze started at around 9pm on Monday in the small town of Manlleu, north of Barcelona. Local police said none of the victims lived in the building and they were all aged between 14 and 18. An investigation has now been launched to discover the cause of the fire and why the children were unable to escape the room. Police declined to say whether they were looking into the case as a possible homicide. Among the injured elsewhere in the building, four were later released from hospitals while one other didn't require hospitalisation, emergency services said. According to the Spanish publication El Pais, the fire might have been started when a mattress caught alight. Neighbours claimed that the abandoned storage room where the fire broke out was often used by children. Emergency services outside the building where a fire started at around 9pm yesterday in the small town of Manlleu, north of Barcelona The apartment building earlier today. Local police said none of the victims lived in the building and they were all aged between 14 and 18. An investigation has now been launched to discover the cause of the fire and why the children were unable to escape the room The residents also alleged that children were also known to use nitrous oxide in the area but so far there is no indication that this could have caused an explosion which started the blaze. Catalonia's regional leader, Salvador Illa, expressed his condolences for the dead and their families on X, saying he was 'deeply saddened by the death of five people.' The local school where the victims studied also released a statement. The Antoni Pous high school said: 'We are aware of the impact this has had on all of us. As an educational institution, we will continue to look after the well-being of our students.' A minutes silence was observed this afternoon outside Manlleu Town Hall. Barack Obama is facing backlash for the latest 'headache-inducing' addition to his Chicago presidential library. Scheduled to open in June, the Obama Presidential Center consists of several buildings sprawled across a 20-acre campus within Chicago's historic Jackson Park. Among the amenities is an eight-story museum made of granite that stands at 225 feet tall, featuring four floors of exhibits from the Obama presidency and a Sky Room observation deck. Large art installations will line the interior of the tower, including a including an 83-foot-tall abstract glass work collage inspired by African and American history and art history created by Julie Mehretu. The exterior of the museum building will feature words taken from President Obamas speech marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. However, the museum building was recently blasted on social media after an architecture critic pointed out that the text engraved on the outside is difficult to read. The text is engraved across two sides of the building, meaning viewers looking at it from one angle find that it has mismatched run-over lines. Others agreed, writing that the looming, concrete and granite building's design is an 'eye-sore' and gave them a 'headache' while looking at it. The exterior of the museum building has been labeled 'headache-inducing' and an 'eye-sore' for featuring text of a speech that is difficult to read Barack Obama is facing criticism for the latest addition to his presidential center that is schedule to open in June The quote from his 2015 speech is: 'You are America. Unconstrained by habit and convention. Unencumbered by what is, ready to seize what ought to be. For everywhere in this country, there are first steps to be taken, there is new ground to cover, there are more bridges to be crossed. 'America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word "We." "We The People." "We Shall Overcome." "Yes We Can." That word is owned by no one. It belongs to everyone. Oh, what a glorious task we are given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours.' However, Chicago Sun-Times critic Lee Bay wrote on LinkedIn that the quote looks like 'dummy' placeholder text rather than the quote when written out on the building. 'I'm outside the Obama Center museum tower right now. The new letters - an excerpt from Obama's Selma speech - are a tough read to me, giving off the lorem ipsum vibes,' Bay wrote. Other social media users agreed, saying something about the design looked off to them. 'I gave up after developing a headache three lines from the top,' one person wrote on X. 'The dyslexic in me is not amused,' another person wrote. 'It's like a Klingon prison,' a second person added, comparing the building to a penal colony from Star Trek. 'It looks like a super max prison,' wrote a fourth. A fifth person wrote, 'Not ideal. It looks horrible. Chicago the City of great architecture. Just sad.' The text is engraved across two sides of the building, meaning viewers looking at it from one angle find that it has mismatched run-over lines 'My eyes still cant track it with the tight leading, the broken words, and the lines between. Horrible,' wrote another. Some people defended the design, saying they liked it and insisting it looks better from in the air. 'I noticed when I was in the air that the sentences wrap around the west and south sides of the building, and looks decent in a very specific spot on the ground or very good from the air, but like thats not an ideal design in my opinion,' one person wrote. 'It actually does look good. Love or hate the guy, at least the presidential library will have a nice park for people to walk through,' a second person wrote. Despite the concerns over its design, the CEO of the Obama Foundation, Valerie Jarrett, told CBS News Chicago in December that they are excited to open their doors. Jarrett explained how this investment and project will demonstrate how diversity can 'better represent the community in which we're located and be a national model for how you can be inclusive and have a world-class product and a world-class operation.' She also told the outlet that contracting with racially diverse businesses is a priority. 'Because we believe inclusion is actually a strength,' Jarrett said. The Barack Obama Presidential Center has cost upwards of $850 million to construct Jarrett, who grew up near the project, added that it's personally satisfying that the Obamas chose her community to invest in. The foundation center has cost upwards of $850 million to construct. 'I hope they not only learn about President Obama and the people upon whose shoulders he stands, but also a little bit something about themselves and how they can go and bring change home to their own communities, and everyone can do something to be a force for good,' Jarrett said. Daily Mail contacted the Obama Foundation for comment. A glove found two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home has failed to match DNA found inside her property, investigators announced. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Tuesday that the glove offered no new leads as it also failed to match the CODIS criminal database - a national archive of all DNA from arrestees nationwide. The glove was found on Sunday and had been briefly regarded as the best piece of evidence in the ongoing search for the 84-year-old mother of Today Show star Savannah Guthrie. The black nitrile glove appeared to match one worn by a masked suspect seen on Nancy's doorbell camera just before her disappearance in the early hours of February 1. In an X post addressing the latest testing, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said investigators also obtained 'additional DNA evidence' from Nancy's home which is still to be analyzed. The setback comes as the hunt for Nancy has entered its third week with no arrests or suspects named in the investigation. She was last seen on the evening of January 31 entering her home in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona. Her pacemaker disconnected from an Apple Watch at her home hours later. Frustrations surrounding the investigation have heaped pressure on Nanos, who has come under scrutiny for his handling of the case amid allegations he made crucial errors in the first hours of the search. Nancy Guthrie, seen with her Today Show star daughter Savannah, disappeared from her home in the early hours of February 1 Investigators now say a glove found two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home failed to match DNA from her property - days after it raised hopes as it had appeared to match one worn by a masked suspect seen on Nancy's doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance While the glove had raised investigators' hopes, NBC's Today tempered expectations before it failed to find a DNA match. DNA expert CeCe Moore told the program that the glove was unlikely to snare a suspect, and told viewers not to get their hopes up for an 'aha moment'. 'In my opinion, it's not. It's really too far from the crime scene,' Moore answered. 'My biggest question is, have they found DNA from an unknown male inside that house?' Authorities said they also uncovered 16 gloves scattered in various locations around the home, most of which were found to belong to investigators combing the scene. The failure to match the glove to a suspect comes exactly one week after authorities arrested delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos in connection with the case before releasing him without charge hours later. His brief detention last Tuesday brought public humiliation to the investigation as he angrily denied having anything to do with Nancy's abduction. On Friday Pima County SWAT officers raided a home two miles from Nancy's, but no-one was detained. Around the same time, FBI agents stopped a Range Rover Sport and spoke to its driver, but he too was released without charge. The hunt for Nancy Guthrie has entered its third week with no arrests or suspects named in the investigation Authorities said they found a total of 16 gloves around Nancy Guthrie's property, many of which were determined to have belonged to investigators. The glove pictured is not believed to be the one sent for DNA testing The FBI said it has received more than 13,000 tips, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department reported taking at least 18,000 calls related to the case that have generated between 40,000 and 50,000 leads. Authorities have also publicly cleared Nancy Guthrie's family members as possible suspects, calling them victims in the case. That includes Nancy's son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, who previously faced unfounded online speculation about whether he was involved in the disappearance. In a video message posted to Instagram on Sunday night, Savannah pleaded directly with whoever may be holding her mother. '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 it's never too late.' A predator who used his position as a school caretaker to launch sexual attacks on young girls has been thrown behind bars. Paedophile Stuart Williams, 57, was found guilty of 17 sexual offences and will now spend 12 years in prison. He was caught by officers from Lancashire Police when he began messaging who he thought was a 12-year-old girl. Williams proceeded to send inappropriate messages and images and discussed arrangements meet up with the child. He was later arrested at his house on suspicion of sexual communication with a child after enquiries identified the person messaging as Williams. Following his arrest, he was bailed and then targeted what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl while out on police bail. The investigation into Williams deepened when officers intercepted online messages in which he pressured the girl to meet up, however, the 'victim' was an online persona used to catch offenders. A forensic sweep of Williams' phone later uncovered 39 indecent images of children, including 5 category B indecent images of children, and 34 category C indecent images of children. Stuart Williams, 57, was found guilty of 17 sexual offences and will now spend 12 years in prison The case has also brought historic crimes to light as four women have since come forward to report sexual offences committed by Williams in Penwortham and Lytham, including incidents that occurred during his employment as a school caretaker. Following a consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Williams, formerly of Moore Street, Blackpool, has been formally charged. The defendant was charged with three counts of indecent assault against a girl under 14 and the attempted rape of a female under 16. Charges included four counts of sexual assault of a female aged 13 or older and two counts of sexual assault of a female. Williams was also accused of three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child and two counts of making indecent photographs of a child. The charges further included the possession of Category B and Category C indecent images of children. Williams initially denied the charges, but his 12-day trial took a turn when he accidentally admitted to two further offences involving indecent images of children while on the stand. He returned to Preston Crown Court today, having been sentenced to 12 years just last week. He returned to Preston Crown Court today, having been sentenced to 12 years just last week Williams' victims all provided Victim Personal Statements to the court prior to his sentencing. One victim said: 'This experience has had a profound and lasting effect on my life. 'Although the court case has concluded, the impact of Williams actions has not. I continue to live with the emotional and psychological consequences every day. 'The assault has affected my sense of safety, my independence, my mental health, and my ability to live a normal life. 'These effects are ongoing and will remain with me for the foreseeable future.' Another victim said: 'For years, I didn't report it. I thought my trauma wasn't 'bad enough' compared to others. But I know now it was. It mattered. And I feel guilt. Guilt that by staying silent, I might have allowed him to hurt others. That thought haunts me. 'Stuart, I hope you truly understand the devastation you caused. I hope you reflect on the lifelong harm you've inflicted, not just on me, but on others. And I hope you seek help for your deviant behaviour, because what you've done has destroyed lives.' DC Hannah Sturgess of Preston CID said: 'Firstly, I want to mention the victims. Their courage and strength in coming forward and disclosing what Williams had done to them undoubtedly helped us bring him to justice. I hope they can now begin to move forward with their lives knowing that he is behind bars. 'Williams is a despicable paedophile. He preyed on people, some of whom were children and in one case abused his position of trust as a school employee. 'He was caught out messaging who he thought were children online. I am thankful that these people were in fact highly-trained police officers, meaning that Williams couldn't abuse more children online. I'm grateful to my Regional Organised Crime Unit colleagues in the North West and South Wales for their work during this investigation. 'I want to send a message to anyone reading this today who may be a victim of any sexual offence. Please know that if you make a report to us, we will listen to you, we will investigate appropriately and we will do all we can to get you justice.' DI Jon Weir from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: 'This case demonstrates that those who exploit or harm children, whether online or in person, will be relentlessly pursued and held to account. 'No offender is invisible behind a screen. Our officers work tirelessly with partners across the UK to identify those who pose a threat to children and ensure they face justice. 'Sexual abuse recognises no boundaries, and its impact can last a lifetime. If you or someone you know is being abused, please speak out. Support is available, and your information could protect a child from further harm.' DI Rich Davies, from the Regional Organised Crime Unit (Tarian ROCU), said: 'It is our absolute priority to protect the children in our communities, and I am grateful to our colleagues in Lancashire Constabulary for their meticulous investigation into this appalling case. 'The sentencing of Stuart Williams, a highly dangerous sexual predator, will serve as a warning to others, and help ensure that vulnerable children are protected from the risk he poses.' A North Carolina teen allegedly downed Twisted Teas before driving drunk, killing a 14-year-old bicyclist and critically injuring another teenager in a separate crash. Ashton Rahlfs, 16, a sophomore at Holly Springs High School, was arrested weeks after he drove more than twice the speed limit on Avent Ferry Road and fatally hit 14-year-old Max Dunham in October, according to authorities. He then crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a car driven by 19-year-old Brandon Russell, who spent weeks hospitalized after his family said his 'body was shattered,' according to a GoFundMe page. In November, a grand jury slapped Rahlfs with charges including second-degree murder, felony death by motor vehicle, felony serious injury by vehicle, DWI and underage drinking and driving. Newly returned search warrants obtained by WRAL News revealed that the teen recorded a video showing a Twisted Tea can in the car's center cup holder just eight to 10 minutes before the crash. A crushed can of the alcoholic beverage was also found at the crash site, while seven more cans were allegedly discovered near the wooded area - some open, others punctured and empty. Warrants for Rahlfs' iPad revealed photos and videos of Twisted Tea boxes, a Party Pouch, other liquor and a trash bag stuffed with empty cans. Several alcoholic beverages were also seized from Rahlfs' family home in Holly Springs, according to the outlet. Ashton Rahlfs (pictured), 16, a sophomore at Holly Springs High School in North Carolina, allegedly drank Twisted Teas before driving drunk in October, killing a 14-year-old bicyclist and critically injuring another teenager Holly Springs police said Rahlfs was driving a Honda Civic carelessly and recklessly near Holly Meadow Drive at around 1:40am, traveling well above the 35 mph speed limit when he killed Dunham (pictured) Investigators confiscated empty bottles of tequila, whiskey, and vodka, beer cans and 12- and 18-packs of Twisted Tea. 'Whenever it's minors involved, it is a preventable, tragic case that happened with the worst possible outcomes for everybody involved,' Emily Ferraro, State Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, told WTVD News last year. 'The younger you are when you start drinking, the more likely you are to have alcohol related crashes,' she added. 'Almost a third of teens that are killed in a fatal crash involve underage drinking.' On October 26, Holly Springs police said Rahlfs was driving a Honda Civic carelessly and recklessly near Holly Meadow Drive at around 1:40am, traveling well above the 35 mph speed limit 'for a significant time.' After fatally striking 14-year-old Dunham on his bike, he crossed the center line and slammed into Russells Honda Passport, authorities said. Lynwood Montague, who lives nearby, told ABC 11 News he contacted 911 after hearing the impact of the crash. 'I was up around 1:30am watching TV, and when all of a sudden I heard this loud crash,' Montague told the outlet. 'I got up, went outside and was looking around, and all of a sudden I heard the worst screaming I have ever heard and moaning,' he added. 'I just knew it was bad.' Rahlfs then crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a car driven by 19-year-old Brandon Russell (pictured), who spent weeks hospitalized after his family said his 'body was shattered' Newly returned search warrants obtained by WRAL News revealed that the teen recorded a video showing a Twisted Tea can in the car's center cup holder just eight to 10 minutes before the crash (pictured: Dunham) The violent collision caused severe damage to Russells car and left him pinned inside until firefighters with Holly Springs Fire Rescue were able to extricate him. 'They had to use the jaws of life to extricate my son from the vehicle,' his mother Kathleen wrote to GoFundMe. 'This took more than 30 minutes.' In newly released search warrants, an officer who spoke with Rahlfs at the scene said, 'I immediately noticed he had extremely red and glassy eyes,' according to WRAL. The teenager agreed to a sobriety test but denied consuming any alcohol, marijuana or other drugs that could have impaired his driving, the outlet reported. According to the warrant, Rahlfs admitted to drinking a non-alcoholic energy drink before the crash, but a roadside breath test indicated his blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. Later tests conducted at the Law Enforcement Center revealed that Rahlfs blood alcohol content was 0.11, police said. The high schooler was immediately charged with violating his drivers permit restrictions, driving after consuming alcohol under 21 and driving while impaired on the morning of the crash. Russell was taken to the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU) with extensive injuries from the crash, requiring dozens of surgeries and blood transfusions to repair, his family said. The violent collision caused severe damage to Russells car (pictured) and left him pinned inside until firefighters with Holly Springs Fire Rescue were able to extricate him Rahlfs allegedly admitted to drinking a non-alcoholic energy drink before the crash, but a roadside breath test indicated his blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit (pictured: Russell) He suffered two broken arms that required plates and screws, two compound fractures in his right leg and a compound fracture in his femur that was repaired with a rod. His lower leg was fractured, the ligaments in his right knee were torn above and below the kneecap and he suffered deep contusions and abrasions to his left leg, knee, foot and ankle. 'He has bilateral deep contusions to both of his lungs and his left lung had collapsed. He has a chest tube on the left side. He also has a broken rib on the left side. He remains on oxygen,' Russell's family wrote. 'His kidneys have suffered severe trauma and are struggling,' they added. 'His blood pressure remains extremely high, along with his heart rate, as his body is trying to keep up with the demands of the trauma that it sustained.' Months later, he was finally ready to return home, where his family installed a wheelchair ramp to support his continued long road to recovery. Dunhams death sent shockwaves through the high school, with classmate Brice Boylan admitting he was 'distraught and didnt know what to do,' according to ABC 11. Sam Cruz, another friend, added: 'You know, you're 16, you have a whole life ahead of you and you're choosing to drink.' Dunhams father also shared that he lost his son just months after he lost his wife to cancer. Dunham's father told ABC 11 News that he lost his son just months after he lost his wife (pictured) to cancer An officer who spoke with Rahlfs at the scene said, 'I immediately noticed he had extremely red and glassy eyes,' according to the warrant (pictured: Dunham and mother) After weeks of 'diligently and meticulously reviewing all aspects of the case,' authorities gathered sufficient evidence to support the charges brought by the Wake County District Attorneys Office and deemed warranted by the grand jury. A Wake County grand jury then returned an indictment against Rahlfs, adding a second-degree murder charge along with felony charges for death by motor vehicle and serious injury by vehicle. 'I would like to thank the public, and in particular the Dunham and Russell families, for their patience as we ensured that this case was thoroughly and accurately investigated,' Holly Springs Police Chief Paul Liquorie said in a news release. 'I also would like to recognize the exhaustive efforts of the officers and investigators, and other first responders, who performed extraordinarily throughout this complex investigation,' he added. Chief Liquorie told ABC 11 after the arrest that he hopes both teens and their parents learn from the tragic incident. 'My hope is that sentencing and this indictment are lessons for the youth in our town and elsewhere, that the choices they make can have dire consequences that cannot simply be fixed or taken back and will impact themselves and others for the rest of their lives,' he told the outlet. The frontrunner to take over the civil service was branded a 'shameless' self-promoter by her staff, it has emerged. Fresh details of the complaints previously levelled at Dame Antonia Romeo reveal that junior colleagues accused her of caring more about her personal profile than her work when she was HM Consul General to New York a decade ago. Staff even claimed she demanded they cover the bathroom of her official residence with framed articles about her from Vogue magazine and the New Yorker. The intention was that 'regardless of how you use the bathroom, you have to stare at a photo of her in a magazine spread staring back at you', according to emails reported by the BBC on Tuesday. One message claimed: 'Antonia's obsession with promoting her personal brand over the work and priorities of HMG [HM Government] has created an untenably tense and bullying atmosphere for all staff.' Another former colleague wrote: 'I'm extremely alarmed that Antonia, who holds one of the highest diplomatic positions here in the United States, seems to be focusing an undue amount on building her personal Twitter brand.' As The Mail on Sunday first revealed, Dame Antonia was accused of bullying staff who criticised her lavish spending. It was claimed that she demanded a $100,000 repainting of her official residence as well as costly flights back to the UK. It was reported on Tuesday that the initial investigation in early 2017 found she had a 'serious case to answer' after former ambassador Sir Tim Hitchens was flown to the US to carry out a week-long probe during which he spoke to many of her colleagues. Dame Antonia Romeo threw glitzy parties for the likes of Anna Wintour in New York Dame Antonia is now one of three acting Cabinet Secretaries and is tipped to get the job permanently after Sir Chris Wormald was forced out His report was then submitted to Lord McDonald of Salford, the then Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office who last week dramatically spoke out against the prospect of Dame Antonia becoming Cabinet Secretary. But despite the findings of the initial investigation, the Cabinet Office then told her 'there is no case to answer' and Dame Antonia was just given advice about her management and leadership style. A source told The Times: 'The Foreign Office did a full investigation and found a serious case to answer which the Cabinet Office then ignored. So how did they reach that conclusion when they did not do their own investigation?' But as the negative briefing against Dame Antonia increased, one Labour grandee said she was being unfairly traduced because Sir Keir Starmer's Government had made mistakes in other recent appointments. Baroness Harman linked the attacks to Sir Keir's disastrous decision to appoint Lord Mandelson US Ambassador despite knowing about his friendship with notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and his recent handing of a peerage to his former spin chief Lord Doyle despite reports he had campaigned for a convicted sex offender. She wrote on social media: 'Seems like the major errors in the appointment of two men (Mandelson/Doyle) are the pretext to unleash the trashing of a woman (Antonia Romeo). 'Failing to conduct due diligence on men doesn't justify hounding a woman. Mysogeny [sic] having a field day right here! It needs to stop!' The Government has also consistently defended Dame Antonia. The Cabinet Office said: 'One formal complaint was raised nine years ago which was thoroughly investigated and the allegations were dismissed on the basis there was no case to answer. While serving as consul-general in New York, Antonia Romeo was on secondment from the Cabinet Office, therefore decisions about the relevant complaint were made by the Cabinet Office. This is standard practice.' On Monday Sir Keir's spokesman told reporters she was an 'outstanding leader with a 25-year record of excellent public service, including having been appointed to three permanent secretary roles'. A man has been charged with murder after allegedly going on a terrifying random stabbing spree in Sydney's west on Tuesday. The alleged attack began inside an Asian grocery store on the main street of Merrylands at about 10am, where two people were stabbed, before continuing on the footpath where a third person was stabbed and killed. Chilling CCTV from inside the shop shows the alleged attacker, dressed in a white T-shirt and bucket hat, walking down the shop aisle before approaching a woman standing in front of the counter and stabbing her in the neck with a blade. The man, who can now be identified as Setefano Leaaetoa, then allegedly strikes her a second time before leaving the store. Cumberland Police Superintendent Simon Glasser said the 47-year-old woman was fighting for life in Westmead Hospital. The other victim attacked in the shop - a 21-year-old male - was also taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition. A 38-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and is yet to be formally identified. Leaaetoa, 25, was arrested in the backyard of a nearby property and remains in custody. Setefano Leaaetoa, 25, allegedly approached the woman at the counter with a large blade before stabbing her in the neck He will appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday. Following the stabbings, police confirmed they had recovered a knife 'similar to a kitchen knife, approximately 20 to 30 centimetres in length'. Authorities have since confirmed Leaaetoa is known to police for a 'history of low-level crime' and for mental health-related issues. On February 5, he faced Parramatta Court on assault offences and was ordered by a magistrate to be detained in a mental health facility to be assessed, 7News reports. However, he fled the facility, where he was receiving intensive inpatient mental health treatment, 10 days prior to the alleged attack. Western Sydney Local Health District confirmed a patient undergoing acute mental health treatment for a complex condition was 'alleged to be involved in the incident' on Tuesday. 'This person absconded from care while being transferred from Cumberland Hospital to Westmead Hospital emergency department for further medical assessment,' a spokesperson said in a statement. 'NSW Police were notified, and contact was made with the patient's family, but all attempts by [Western Sydney Local Health District] to contact the person were unsuccessful.' Police established a crime scene spanning 50 metres along the street, with officers describing the incident as 'highly confronting' Detectives seized a knife from a garden in the suburb which has been taken for testing A formal review into the man's treatment, including examination from an external senior psychiatrist, will be completed. 'We also extend our sympathies to the first responders who have been impacted by this incident,' the Local Health District added. Guildford resident Joseph Ruissi told the Daily Telegraph he saw a man tending to the female victim's neck in the aftermath of the attack. 'Blood was pouring down the side of her neck and across her chest and she was coughing blood from her mouth,' he said. He said the shopkeeper was trying to stop the bleeding, adding: 'She started to slump to the side and you could tell she was dying. 'Every second felt like a year. It was absolutely terrible. I just pray to God that whoever survived is going to get better.' The delay in Peter Murrells court appearance until after the Holyrood election absolutely stinks and smacks of corrupt government, it was claimed yesterday. The claims came as the Scottish Government denied it had influenced the hold-up. The former SNP chief executive and estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was due to enter pleas to charges of embezzling party funds at the High Court in Glasgow this Friday. But the date was last week pushed back until May 25, after voters go to the polls. In a question at Holyrood, Conservative MSP Douglas Ross asked the government if any ministers, special advisers or civil servants had discussed the move. Parliamentary business minister Graeme Dey told MSPs: There have been no discussions. Scheduling of trials is a matter for the independent judiciary and the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service. But Mr Ross asked: Has he just come here to try to fob off parliament, which is a signal of this corrupt government from a corrupt party of government? Mr Dey said: It is a matter entirely for the judge to determine the date for preliminary hearings or trials. Former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell is facing charges of embezzlement Douglas Ross, the former Scottish Tory leader, The home of Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon was searched by police There have been no discussions of the nature that Mr Ross implied in his original question. But Mr Ross added: This comes down to transparency. Because this stinks, it absolutely stinks, that an accusation that was first made before the 2021 Scottish parliament election will now not come to court until after the 2026 Scottish parliament election. Does the minister not even realise or simply accept how bad this looks for his party? Because of this postponement, the reporting restrictions cannot now be lifted until after the Holyrood election. Will he at least accept that his party benefits from that? Mr Dey said: I am absolutely clear: there is an independent process that is followed in all of these things, overseen by [Scotlands top judge] the Lord President. Ms Ross later said: He clearly didnt want to admit that the SNP breathed a collective sigh of relief at hearing this news. They were dreading the prospect of an election campaign being dominated by headlines and questions about the alleged behaviour of their former chief executive. Scots deserve an explanation as to why this case against Nicola Sturgeons husband will now not be dealt with until after she is no longer an MSP. The Scottish Court Service said there had been a joint application from both prosecutors and 61-year-old Mr Murrells defence team for a delay. It described such requests as fairly common. A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: Scotlands prosecutors act independently and in the public interest in all cases. A decision to adjourn a hearing to another date is a routine procedural matter. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been criticised after an extraordinary anti-Muslim rant that has been widely condemned. Hanson claimed there were 'no good Muslims' and suggested future generations would suffer if more Muslims were allowed into Australia. The Queensland senator has been accused of being devoid of policies despite her party's rise in opinion polls, with critics saying she is stoking fear and hate to divide the community. Australian National Imams Council president Shadi Alsuleiman strongly rejected the firebrand senator's comments. 'Her comments reflect a serious misunderstanding of Islam and the Muslim community,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. 'For many years, she has made inaccurate and harmful statements based on misinformation rather than genuine engagement.' The comments follow an incendiary interview on Sky News, in which Senator Hanson claimed there was no such thing as a good Muslim. 'I've got no time for the radical Islam. Their religion concerns me because what it says in the Quran, they hate westerners,' she said. The One Nation leader claimed there were 'no good Muslims' and suggested future generations would suffer if more Muslims were allowed into Australia. 'You say "oh well, there's good Muslims out there". Well I'm sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims?' Senator Hanson later doubled down on her comments in a post on social media. 'I guess (the media) aren't used to hearing a politician tell the truth without worrying about political correctness.' Senator Hanson's anti-immigration party has outpolled the Liberals and Nationals in recent surveys, prompting her to claim she is the 'true opposition' in Australia. But the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network challenged Senator Hanson to explain exactly what changes she would make if she were in a position to shape policy. 'Pauline Hanson should grow some spine and tell people what she would actually do on immigration,' a spokesperson said in a statement. 'Would she ban all Muslim immigration to Australia? Will she ban Islamic schools? Will she ban Muslim Australians from entering parliament? Pauline Hanson does not understand Islam or Muslims, Imams council president Shadi Alsuleiman says Multicultural Minister Anne Aly hit out at the senator's comments. 'We've seen this before from Pauline Hanson,' she told AAP. 'She has a history of targeting communities, first Asian Australians, now Muslim Australians - this is the same divisive politics from One Nation. 'When we start dividing people into 'good' and bad', we move away from Australian values and lurch into fear-based politics.' Opposition Leader Angus Taylor did not comment on the One Nation leader's words directly, but said he knew 'wonderful' Muslims in his NSW electorate. Senator Hanson has a long history of targeting particular religious and ethnic groups, in and out of parliament. In her maiden speech in 1996, she claimed Australia was in danger of being 'swamped by Asians' - and 20 years later repeated that rhetoric, claiming the country was at risk of being swamped by Muslims. A gunman arrested outside the US Capitol was carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing a tactical vest, authorities have revealed. The would-be assailant, Carter Camancho, 18, of Smyrna, Georgia, was spotted when he began running toward the Capitol with his weapon out, US Capitol Police (USCP) Chief Michael Sullivan said Tuesday afternoon. He was wearing a tactical vest and equipped with additional rounds of ammunition. As the young man ran towards the Capitol from its western entrance with his shotgun in hand, police officers challenged him, authorities said, and the suspect complied and was arrested shortly after. The 18-year-old is not from the local area and was unknown to authorities before the incident. Police originally put out a threat warning just after noon local time, noting an incident near the Capitol's Lower West Terrace. 'Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the US Capitol Building. Please avoid the area,' USCP said in a statement. 'Staff and other personnel are directed to AVOID THIS AREA until further notice,' it added. The shotgun brought to the Capitol on Tuesday Authorities arresting Carter Camancho, 18, of Smryna, Georgia on Tuesday US Capitol Police gather at a scene outside the US Capitol where a man was arrested with what the police said appeared to be a gun in Washington, DC, USA, 17 February A White Mercedes Benz was searched by Capitol Police earlier today Within 30 minutes, USCP announced they had arrested the suspect. Maryland Avenue was momentarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW. The Lower West Terrace is a rarely used space at the Capitol's entrance, facing the National Mall. It is most notably used for the swearing in of presidents and has few other ceremonial uses. Images from the scene showed a number of officers standing near the Lower West Terrace with police tape up as authorities investigated. Capitol Police said that there are no other suspects at this time. The USCP later gave the all clear around 2 pm local time and traffic resumed as normal. Lawmakers are in recess this week; most representatives and senators are not in Washington or at the Capitol. 'The fact that I work in a building thats such a major target is always in the back of my mind when Im coming into work,' one hill aide told the Daily Mail. 'Its definitely a little unnerving at times, but Im thankful that the Capitol Police do such a great job protecting us & stopping these incidents before they become a tragedy.' The Capitol Complex and members of Congress have seen a sharp uptick in threats over the last five years. The vehicle, suspected to be owned by the 18-year-old suspect, was towed after the incident Two Democratic lawmakers have recently been attacked as threats against members of Congress continue to rise Recently, Capitol Police released a threat assessment showing that the number of concerning statements, behaviors and communications directed against lawmakers, their families, staff and the Capitol Complex has risen drastically. In 2025, the agency investigated 14,938 incidents, a major year-over-year increase from 9,474 in 2024. Capitol Police has been contacted for comment. There have already been two members of Congress attacked this year. Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota was sprayed with an unknown substance from a syringe while giving a town hall in Minneapolis. Days before that, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida was punched in the face while attending the Sundance Film Festival. The man who sprayed Omar and the man who punched Frost were later charged with assault. The embattled sheriff leading the search for missing Nancy Guthrie says he believes she is still alive because he has not seen any 'proof of death'. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos used the phrase in a new interview with Fox10, hours after his office admitted a glove found two miles from Nancy's home failed to match suspect DNA found inside her property or to criminal databases. Although the failure to match the DNA marked a setback to the investigation, Nanos insisted that his detectives are not losing hope that the 84-year-old could be returned to her family. 'They ask me, do I have proof of life? I ask them, is there proof of death?' Nanos said. 'I'm going to have that faith, and sometimes that faith, that hope, is all we have... My team, 400 people out there in the field today, woke up this morning and went out there with the hope and the belief that they're going to find Nancy.' Nanos, who has come under scrutiny for his handling of the case, said that he is insistent that he will not 'crush' the hopes of Guthrie's family that she is alive. He vowed: 'We're going to continue working this case, every minute of every day, and we will find her.' Directing his remarks to those responsible for Nancy's disappearance, Nanos added: 'And we will find you... to the individual doing this, let her go, just let her go. It will work out better for you in the long run, trust me.' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he believes missing Nancy Guthrie is still alive because he has not seen any 'proof of death' in his latest interview amid the ongoing search Nancy Guthrie, seen with her Today Show star daughter Savannah, disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona in the early hours of February 1 Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31 entering her home in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona. Her pacemaker disconnected from an Apple Watch at her home hours later. A glove discovered two miles from her home had been touted as the first major break in the search which has now entered its third week without any suspects or persons of interest being named. The black nitrile glove appeared to match one worn by a masked suspect seen on Nancy's doorbell camera just before her disappearance in the early hours of February 1. But on Tuesday authorities conceded that the glove failed to match both DNA from inside Nancy's home and the CODIS criminal database - a national archive of all DNA from arrestees nationwide. Nanos attempted to downplay the development as a setback to the investigation. The sheriff told Fox10 that his detectives have, 'other DNA evidence from the scene, that is more critical to me than DNA found two miles from the scene'. 'All of that will still be submitted for further analysis,' he said. 'You take a fingerprint, and you hope to match it right away. But that's not that easy.' Nanos added that the evidence found at the scene included a mix of several people's DNA, saying that he had to 'hope' that forensics analysis could 'separate that.' Investigators now say a glove found two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home failed to match DNA from her property - days after it raised hopes as it had appeared to match one worn by a masked suspect seen on Nancy's doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance Frustrations surrounding the investigation have heaped pressure on Nanos, who has come under scrutiny for his handling of the case amid allegations he made crucial errors in the first hours of the search. Authorities said they also uncovered 16 gloves scattered in various locations around the home, most of which were found to belong to investigators combing the scene. The failure to match the glove to a suspect comes exactly one week after authorities arrested delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos in connection with the case before releasing him without charge just hours later. His brief detention last Tuesday brought further humiliation as he angrily denied having anything to do with Nancy's abduction. On Friday Pima County SWAT officers raided a home two miles from Nancy's, but no-one was detained. Around the same time, FBI agents stopped a Range Rover Sport and spoke to its driver, but he too was released without charge. The FBI said it has received more than 13,000 tips, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department reported taking at least 18,000 calls related to the case that have generated between 40,000 and 50,000 leads. Authorities have also publicly cleared Nancy Guthrie's family members as possible suspects, calling them victims in the case. Investigators searching for Today Show star Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy have faced criticism after failing to name a single key suspect for 17 days Authorities said they found a total of 16 gloves around Nancy Guthrie's property, many of which were determined to have belonged to investigators. The glove pictured is not believed to be the one sent for DNA testing That includes Nancy's son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, who previously faced unfounded online speculation about whether he was involved in the disappearance. In a video message posted to Instagram on Sunday night, Savannah pleaded directly with whoever may be holding her mother. '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 it's never too late.' The toddler sisters who drowned after sneaking into their family's backyard pool while their mother and grandfather were asleep inside a Texas home have been remembered as 'the sweetest little angels.' Kinsley Kite, three, and Kelsey Kite, two, who were found in a large pool in the Houston suburb of Katy on the morning of February 11, have been pictured for the first time in heartwarming snaps shared by their relatives. The little girls are believed to have crept through the back patio door before reaching the inground pool and falling in, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said. Their uncle took to Facebook sharing his grief after losing his two beloved nieces. 'Being an uncle was one of the best things that ever happened to me, Kinsley and Kelsey were the sweetest little angels who had some of the best personalities and made me one of the happiest people on the planet,' he wrote. 'We all miss these kids so much words don't describe it.' Kelsey had just celebrated her second birthday on January 8, according to her mother's Facebook. When the girls ventured out into the pool area, their mother and grandfather were inside the home sleeping. It wasn't until their grandmother came home from the grocery store that Kinsley and Kelsey were found in the water. Kinsley Kite, three, and Kelsey Kite, two, drowned after they reportedly snuck into a backyard pool area in Katy, Texas on February 11 while their mother and grandfather were asleep inside The girls have been seen for the first time in loved up snaps with their parents and relatives She immediately started to scream for help and tried to pull them out as her daughter and husband ran to her aid. Neighbors who heard the commotion also bolted over to the home, while a woman called 911. When sheriff's deputies arrived, they found paramedics performing life-saving measures on the siblings, who were soon rushed by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, the sisters were pronounced dead at the hospital, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted to social media later that evening. 'Please keep everyone involved- including the loved ones and first responders - in your thoughts and prayers,' Gonzalez said on X. It is unclear how long the siblings were in the pool, but in the state of Texas, it is required by law for homeowners with swimming pools to have a locked fence or gate surrounding the perimeter of the area. Footage of the home showed a large wooden yard fence surrounding the pool area. It is unclear exactly what gate the sisters went through and if it had a lock. Neighbors shared their devastation after hearing the girls did not survive the horrific ordeal. It wasn't until their grandmother came home from the grocery store and found Kinsley and Kelsey in the water The sisters are seen celebrating Kinsley's second birthday in 2024 David Green said he was outside walking his dog when he suddenly heard a loud scream. 'They've been really great neighbors for 25 years,' Green told KHOU 11. 'I really feel for them.' Another neighbor named Maria told Abc 13 they were 'beautiful girls' and the whole situation is 'so so sad.' Chester Tucker, who also lives nearby, told the outlet: 'It's just sad to see that two little girls... lost their lives. It's pretty sad.' The Daily Mail contacted the Harris County Sheriff's Office for comment. Aussies have erupted over a device that blasts loud, piercing noises to dissuade homeless people from camping under a bridge. Perth Council had the technology set up at the Lord Street Bridge underpass near a train line in East Perth over the weekend. The device emits a shrill, buzzing sound at a pitch that is designed to be uncomfortable for people's ears. It is understood the device was turned off on Tuesday morning. Jesse Noakes, who runs the independent media publication The Last Place on Earth, shared a recording of the irritating noise. 'It's really piercing. It's almost painful, and that's the whole idea,' he said, fingers in his ears. '[Council] want it to be painful for people who are thinking of coming and rolling out a sleeping bag, or chucking a tent on the side of this bike path. 'That is an audible anti-homeless device. Hostile architecture, built in. Footage has circulated on social media of shrill sound devices in Perth The technology is used to deter homeless people 'What they've done is install some kind of device that is emitting a high-pitched buzzing noise, a shriek.' Hostile architecture - also referred to as anti-homeless design - is the adaptation of public spaces to deter people from loitering or sleeping. This can include spikes in doorways, dividers on benches or sloped seats to stop someone from lying down. Social media users were quick to condemn the devices, highlighting it would be distressing for animals as well as people. 'That is a disgusting thing for the council to do,' one said. Another said: 'How about they spend money on actually helping the homeless.' A third added: 'In their effort to prevent homeless people from sleeping rough in certain places, they've made it hostile to all people. 'What about native animals in the area? Are they damaged too? It's cruel.' The noise, which was described as piercing, was heard in the underpass at Lord Street Bridge Campaigner and journalist Jessie Noakes described the devices as 'hostile architecture' - the adaptation of public spaces to deter people from loitering or sleeping (stock image) According to Matthew Swain, who has been sleeping rough for two years, he has heard the noise in several areas of Perth. 'It's definitely really loud under the underpass,' he told 7News. 'I don't go and stay there because I don't like encroaching on other people's spots, and that's like a known spot for, you know, some crew. 'I couldn't stay there with that noise and like where I went to stay last night and was setting up in one of the car parks, one of the Wilson's car parks, I noticed the noise, not quite at that level, but yeah, had to leave pretty much straight away'. The Public Transport Authority (PTA), which manages the sound devices, has confirmed the sounds are no longer being emitted. 'The City of Perth requested the installation of a noise device at the Lord Street underpass,' a spokesperson told the Daily Mail. 'The noise device has been turned off. We will be asking the City of Perth to determine a more suitable way forward.' A spokesperson for the City of Perth confirmed it had worked with PTA to counter 'ongoing reports of antisocial and criminal behaviour and community concerns about sagety in the area'. In 2023, the City of Bunbury played The Wiggles' Hot Potato on loop at the Graham Bricknell Music Shell outdoor stage in the centre of the town, south of Perth This included the safety of cyclists using the bike path through the Lord Street underpass, they said. 'The device forms one part of a broader safety approach to help improve the safe use of the space,' the spokesperson said in a statement. 'It is not intended to target or deter people experiencing homelessness. 'The City's focus remains on improving safety and amenity for all users of the area. This includes increased security patrols, the installation of CCTV and the deployment of mobile CCTV trailers to support safer access and use of the underpass.' Alan White, CEO of homelessness charity StreetSmart Australia, said the devices would only make the social issue worse. 'People experiencing homelessness should be afforded dignity and safety like anyone else,' he told the Daily Mail. 'Designing spaces to make people uncomfortable or unwelcome risks treating homelessness as a visibility problem. 'Making public spaces hostile doesn't reduce homelessness - it just moves people somewhere less visible and often less safe. 'Rough sleeping is usually the result of housing shortages, health challenges and gaps in support, not a choice people are making.' This is not the first time WA has seen a controversial use of loud sounds to deter homeless people. In 2023, the City of Bunbury played The Wiggles' Hot Potato on loop at the Graham Bricknell Music Shell outdoor stage in the town centre, south of Perth. But that was switched off after the Wiggles intervened, saying the music was created to bring joy to children. The band said it was disappointed to hear it was being used for another purpose. Pauline Hanson has always said the quiet part out loud, using the outrage that inevitably follows as evidence she's telling an inconvenient truth. In a recent Sky News interview she questioned whether there are 'good Muslims' at all, coupled with an insinuation that Muslims hate Westerners, framing Islam itself as the problem rather than distinguishing between mainstream believers and the small minority attracted to extremism. It wasn't a particularly carefully worded argument. There has been pushback, and not just from the usual suspects. Sharri Markson challenged the generalisation in real time when conducting the interview. Ray Hadley, hardly a voice from the softer end of the public debate, urged Hanson to apologise, pointing to the vast majority of Muslim Australians who are peaceful, productive and unremarkable in the best sense of the word. Hanson didn't merely offend progressive sensibilities, she crossed a threshold that even sympathetic audiences recognise as crude and counterproductive. But the more consequential issue is not the media skirmish that followed her remarks. It's what they do to both policy and politics in this country. On the policy front, Hanson's framing actively undermines the genuine task she claims to care about: dealing with extremism. Countering extremism relies on intelligence work, targeted policing, financial disruption and crucially community cooperation. The harder the state works to distinguish between legitimate religious life and ideological radicalism, the more durable and effective its interventions become. By treating an entire faith community as presumptively suspect, Hanson hands extremists the story they crave: that Australia will never accept Muslims as fully Australian, so separation is inevitable and grievance is justified. It is strategically foolish to say the least. It makes the job harder for the people actually charged with keeping our country safe. It's also corrosive at a civic level, but not merely in the vague 'social cohesion' sense that Albo and his team like to wheel out when they run out of specifics. Blanket suspicion warps public judgement, encourages misdirected fears and lowers the political incentive to do the painstaking work of policy. Pauline Hansons sweeping attack on Muslims may generate headlines, but critics argue it ultimately makes combating extremism harder by alienating the very communities needed to keep Australia safe As Hanson ramps up political outrage, the Coalition faces a choice: chase protest politics or draw a clear line between tackling extremism and unfairly branding an entire faith community. If the public is taught to view the problem as 'Muslims' rather than 'extremists' then the subtle tools that work to combat extremism look like weakness. And that is how democracies end up with performative toughness and ineffective security outcomes. One Nation's rising vote in recent months isn't an amusing sideshow, it is a direct threat to the Coalition's right flank. When protest sentiment hardens, the temptation for Liberal leaders is to chase the protest party's language in the hope of starving it of oxygen. But Hanson's intervention this week suggests she's not auditioning for government, or at least not seriously anyway. If the Coalition simply imitates her it legitimises her framework and risks looking like a pale copy of the original. And it too risks not being taken seriously as an alternative government. This is where Angus Taylor's response to the Hanson furore is hopeful. In his first few days he hasn't taken the bait. New leaders get a brief window to establish themselves. So far Taylor has looked determined to project seriousness, sticking to economic and managerial terrain where oppositions can build credibility. It's a nice contrast to the antics of Hanson, and it's the Coalition's best pathway to undercut One Nation. Taylor's opportunity is to draw the distinction cleanly: be uncompromising about extremism, but refuse the intellectual laziness of treating an entire faith as beyond moral differentiation. Hanson thrives on raising the political temperature. If Taylor holds his nerve, he can turn the argument back onto first principles: that liberal democracy defends itself by policing behaviour, not branding belief. Angus Taylor's first shadow ministry didn't need to be perfect, it just needed to be coherent and match the brand he is trying to build. The new Opposition Leader wants to rebuild the Liberal Party's standing as the better economic managers, and he's tried to calibrate his team around achieving that goal. But he's made some mistakes. The new line up contains a few strong calls and one glaring contradiction. It also hasn't taken full advantage of the talent within Liberal ranks, and let's face it that's a big miss, given there isn't a great deal of talent to begin with. The three best calls are Tim Wilson as shadow treasurer, James Paterson moving back into a national security portfolio, and 35-year-old Tasmanian senator Claire Chandler taking over the shadow finance portfolio. Wilson is one of the only Liberal MPs holding a metropolitan seat, having reclaimed his seat of Goldstein from the teals. He's also a former chair of the House economics committee. While former party deputy and shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien has the better economic credentials on paper, Wilson is a better communicator. He took the lead tearing down Bill Shorten's franking credits proposal at the 2019 election. He'll need to do more of that in the coming months and years as the Albanese government flags a series of changes to the tax system. But Wilson will also need to develop an alternative economic vision voters can believe in. That's the harder part, and he'll need to be well supported to do that. Chandler as shadow finance minister will play a key role in that process. She's one of the younger parliamentarians, and used her first media conference after being promoted to complain about the price her generation is set to pay for the growing debt Labor is accumulating. It's a good line of communication, but her more important task will be to make any policy scripts Wilson comes up with add up. That's the chief role of finance ministers, and when not in government with access to the resources of departments, it becomes even more important that the shadow minister knows what they are doing. Her time working in leading accounting firm Deloitte should help. Angus Taylor's first shadow ministry didn't need to be perfect, it just needed to be coherent and match the brand he is trying to build Senator Paterson's policy interests have long been in the national security space, and that's where he's built a wealth of experience in a relatively short time in parliament rising to become a party powerbroker for the factional right. National security has long been a Coalition strength, and doubts about Labor have only grown in the wake of the Bondi tragedy. Paterson's task will be to communication Labor failures at the same time as pull together a coherent argument for what needs to change, without venturing too far into the politics of One Nation when doing so. Capturing voters who are drifting One Nation's way is important, but not if it hollows out the centre when doing so. Paterson is a strong media communicator who doesn't make mistakes, but his more important responsibility will be to package the suite of criticisms and changes the Coalition plans to make in the broader policy areas of defence, immigration and home affairs. This triumvirate will play a key role in the success or failure of the Taylor-Jane Hume leadership ticket. It's calibrated to reflect generational change within the Liberal party. All three are under 50 years of age. But there is a sting in the tail for Taylor. A strong shadow treasurer in opposition is not just a performer; he becomes a potential successor if the leader fails. If Wilson cuts through and starts to look like the Coalition's economic face, Taylor is effectively giving a talented colleague the platform he needs to become a leadership rival. That is not an argument against the appointment, of course. But it does mean Taylor needs to stay close to announcements his shadow treasurer makes. Wilson has built his brand championing radical economic reforms as part of a need to move past the do nothing era of modern Australian politics. It will be interesting to see if he now puts his money where his mouth has been, now that he finally has the power and the portfolio to do so. Which brings us to the worst portfolio allocation Taylor made yesterday: giving Andrew Hastie the industry shadow ministry. Tacking on the title of 'sovereign capability' only exacerbated the mistake. The new opposition leader wants to rebuild the Liberal Party's standing as the better economic managers, and he's tried to calibrate his team around achieving that goal (pictured, Taylor with Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume) Taylor is trying to sell economic competence and modernisation: focusing on productivity, investment and lifting living standards. Hastie, by contrast, has recently made himself the face of an internal Coalition argument that veered into nostalgia and provocation, most notably around resuming car manufacturing in Australia. He attacked internal critics and opponents of such unrealistic ambitions as 'muppets' and 'cowards'. This matters because industry is not a vibes based portfolio. It is where oppositions either look like a plausible government or they look risky. If the Coalition wants to persuade business that it is a safe alternative, the industry spokesperson has to sound like someone who can engage with investment decisions, supply chain challenges and energy constraints without simply posting YouTube videos calling for a return to the 1960s. What happens next? Does Hastie try and build a policy script around these goals that an economic liberal like Taylor thinks are absurd? Or does Hastie squib it and become a target of ridicule for Labor in the Parliament? If Hastie does present his leader with a throw back policy on sovereign manufacturing, will Taylor run with it, blasting his economic credibility apart? Or does he reject Hastie's plans, potentially resulting in another dummy spit and resignation by the Western Australian MP? There are no good choices that come from making Hastie the industry spokesman. If that was part of Taylor's thinking when appointing him - to make life hard for Hastie to undermine his credibility - it was a dangerous and silly move. Taylor can't waste time playing such games, especially when they are as likely to backfire as succeed. Hastie should have been given a portfolio like immigration, where his high profile criticisms match better with potential Coalition policy goals. Handing O'Brien the foreign affairs job was also a miss. His training as an economic from the London School of Economics, alongside his significant pre-parliamentary career in business, demanded a portfolio in that space. Especially given that it's a Taylor priority. The three best calls are Tim Wilson (pictured) as shadow treasurer, James Paterson moving back into a national security portfolio, and 35 year old Tasmanian senator Claire Chandler taking over the shadow finance portfolio While Wilson and Chander are net positive appointments, neither hold qualifications in economics. Someone like O'Brien would have been an ideal small business or industry shadow. Instead he's been shifted to a portfolio where he's just not needed, and there is an obvious stand out alternative. The Liberal parliamentary team was decimated at the last election, meaning that there aren't a great deal of MPs and senators to choose from when allocating key portfolios. Which is why Taylor could ill afford to leave out quality talent. Dave Sharma is the most obvious example. The Coalition has a thin stock of people who can credibly carry a sophisticated international and national-interest argument without drifting into slogans. Sharma is one of them. Yet the former Australian ambassador to Israel has been relegated to a shadow assistant role, a complete waste of his talents. In the wake of Bondi elevating Sharma was such an obvious move Taylor should have made, given the synergies in doing so. Failing to do so looks like a new leader more concerned with rewarding factional allies and appeasing old timers than making good selections. If Taylor's pitch is seriousness, under-using Sharma signals the opposite. And Simon Kennedy should plainly be in a more senior role too. Taylor's own announcement talks up the importance of policy development and assigns Kennedy internal policy responsibilities alongside assistant roles. That is a polite way of saying he is being used, but not elevated. Yet if the Coalition wants to rebuild trust in its economic competence, Kennedy is precisely the sort of figure who should also be carrying a substantial economic portfolio rather than sitting one rung below the top table. His background as a partner at one of the world's leading management consultancy firms is an indicator of what he's capable of. Few parliamentarians have what it takes to rise that high in the business world. Taylor can fix some of this selection mistakes over time. Oppositions can grow into their roles. But first impressions are hard to shake, and Taylor doesn't have an enormous amount of political capital to waste on bad frontbench selections that undermine the good moves he made yesterday. President Donald Trump is getting slammed for not remembering that he already backed a candidate to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene in the open congressional seat in northern Georgia. 'Well we have a lot of people that want to take Marjorie 'traitor' Greene's place,' Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday evening. 'Many, many candidates, and I have to choose one,' the president continued. The president's remarks immediately confounded some viewers since he endorsed Clay Fuller for open House of Representatives seat earlier this month. 'It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Clay Fuller, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Georgias 14th 14th Congressional District,' Trump posted February 4 on Truth Social. And yet days later he seemed to favor neutrality. 'They say whoever I endorse is going to win. But we have a lot of good candidates that want to take her place,' he said Monday. The White House did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on if the endorsement was rescinded or if Trump, 79, had misspoke. Instead, a White House official pointed to Trump's original February 4 endorsement and how the president reposted the endorsement this morning. President Donald Trump, 79, told reporters on Monday he has to choose someone to endorse in Georgia's 14th congressional district race to replace ex-Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, just 13 days before the president had already endorsed Clay Fuller for the job Greene and Trump shared a close relationship for years until this summer when the two disagreed on how to handle the government's files on late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. After the rift, Trump began referring to MTG as 'Marjorie Traitor Greene' Congressional hopeful Clay Fuller did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment 'Trump endorsed one of the candidates 13 days ago. He has no memory of this,' political pundit David Packman posted on X. Fuller even accepted Trump's endorsement, writing: 'THANK YOU, Mr. President. This is the honor of a lifetime. I will not let you or Georgia's 14th District down.' Fuller did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on Trump's apparent change of heart. Greene and Trump shared a close relationship for years until this summer when the two disagreed on how to handle the government's files on late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. After the rift, Trump began referring to MTG as 'Marjorie Traitor Greene.' The simmering feud culminated in the shock resignation of the firebrand congresswoman who has built a national profile. Greene has since lobbed criticism at Trump and the GOP for not supporting female Republicans and has warned that the party will do terribly in the midterm elections this November. The president is scheduled to visit Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, on Thursday. Greene and Trump campaigned extensively together over the years before their rift. Above they are shown at a rally in Rome, Georgia, in March 2024 The steel plant sits directly in Georgia's 14th congressional district, where the special election to replace MTG is set for March 10. Early voting in the special election began this week and will run through March 6. The race already has a crowded field of candidates, with 14 currently in the running. Fuller is among the most popular of all the candidates, however, earlier this week the results of a local poll showed ex Georgia state Senator Colton Moore with the most support. The straw poll conducted among local voters this week found that 45 percent of voters favor Moore while just 19 percent said they favor Fuller, who got second place. If none of the candidates garner over 50 percent of the vote on March 10, the top two finishers will compete in a runoff election on April 7. Pressure mounted on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Tuesday night as another police probe was launched into claims linked to Jeffrey Epstein's activities in the UK. Essex Police became the fourth force in recent days to confirm that it was examining allegations laid bare in the release of the Epstein files. Detectives are 'assessing information' that has emerged from the bombshell trove which suggests the paedophile financier trafficked sex victims to the UK on private flights via Stansted airport. The latest line of inquiry will heap further pressure on the former Duke of York, who features heavily in the tranche of documents. An Essex Police spokesman said: 'We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted airport following the publication of the US Department of Justice Epstein files.' Flight logs show the convicted paedophile's so-called Lolita Express had landed or taken off from UK airports up to 90 times between the 1990s and 2018. There are growing calls for a criminal investigation into the former prince after a series of embarrassing revelations were unearthed in the files. Chiefs at Thames Valley Police are already assessing claims that Epstein sent a young woman to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew at his Royal Lodge home in Windsor in 2010. Pressure mounted on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Tuesday night as another police probe was launched into claims linked to Jeffrey Epstein's activities in the UK 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 Jeffrey Epstein's plane, the so-called Lolita Express, which jetted into and out of the UK and was used by the paedophile financier to traffic women and girls around the world Detectives at Thames Valley Police are further said to be examining whether or not Andrew should be investigated for the offence of misconduct in public office over allegations he forwarded confidential reports while a trade envoy for the UK. Andrew, who was stripped of his remaining royal titles over his links to Epstein 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 taxpayers' expense and gave him privileged access to senior political and business figures. However, emails appear to show that he like Peter Mandelson used the position to forward official documents, including sensitive information, to Epstein. The disgraced financier took his own life while awaiting his sex-trafficking trial in prison in 2019. Surrey Police is also understood to be seeking unredacted files in relation to a separate historic abuse allegation found in the files against Andrew. A bombshell email from Ghislaine Maxwell confirmed that this infamous 2001 photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with his arm around his chief accuser Virginia Giuffre was genuine Another room inside Epstein's private jet. The Boeing plane was used primarily to fly young victims between Epstein's lavish homes Melania Trump, Prince Andrew, Gwendolyn Beck and Jeffrey Epstein are seen at a party at the Mar-a-Lago club in 2000 Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has already launched a criminal probe into Mandelson over claims he leaked confidential information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. Former prime minister Gordon Brown said last week that the police 'urgently' needed to examine if victims were trafficked on Epstein's flights to the UK. He said Andrew should be interviewed as part of the inquiry and added that Stansted was an airport 'where women were transferred from one Epstein plane to another'. Previous reports claim that three British women who were allegedly trafficked appear in Epstein's records of flights in and out of the UK. Mr Brown said the scale of trafficking would 'become apparent' if an investigation had been conducted into the flights. Police chiefs have joined forces to deal with the series of allegations unearthed in the files, including their inquiries into Mandelson and Andrew, by setting up a 'national co-ordination' group. Set up by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), the unit could be granted access to unredacted Epstein files and will allow detectives to work with experts in the areas being assessed. It is understood to be chaired by Louisa Rolfe, who has served as a Met Police assistant commissioner. On Tuesday, Liam Byrne, the Labour chairman of the cross-party business and trade committee, said it was possible MPs could investigate Andrew over his time as trade envoy. Andrew attends the Easter service at St George's Chapel on April 20 last year Pictured: The rear interior of Epstein's Boeing 727-100, complete with a double bed, recliner chair and red velvet sofas He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I can guarantee you that MPs are not in the market for letting anything slip through the cracks.' And on Tuesday night a US lawyer who represented Virginia Giuffre called for Andrew to be given 'safe passage' to give evidence over Jeffrey Epstein. David Boies said on Piers Morgan Uncensored: 'He's got an obligation to tell what he knows. 'If he's afraid of being arrested in the US, we ought to give him safe passage to come to testify, because we don't want there to be any excuse for him not coming. 'We know he knows a lot and he has an obligation to share that.' The former duke has always denied any wrongdoing. Sitting down to put your socks on, seeing previous clothes come back into fashion and asking 'who?' when watching the Brit Awards are all signs you are getting on. Research of 5,000 over-40s revealed wanting a quiet drink over a night out (39 per cent), caring less about the fashion trends (35 per cent) and a recurring ache that does not disappear (34 per cent) are also indicators you are reaching the 'old' category. Some 33 per cent said they realised they were no longer young when they started to notice a groan when bending down. Other signs in the list of top 25 include talking about aches with friends (30 per cent), opting for a quiet pub (27 per cent) and waking up at 6am (12 per cent). But 36 per cent have adopted habits in a bid to stay young, including taking vitamins, choosing healthier snacks (19 per cent) and eating more protein (17 per cent). The study was by American Pistachio Growers, which has partnered with actor John Thomson, 56, to urge mid-life adults to age positively. He said: 'Getting older is inevitable, but you can still live life to the full. 'It's about embracing experience, having a laugh about realities of ageing and making small changes.' A woman with back pain. Over 34 per cent of people asked in a survey thought a recurring ache that does not disappear is an indicator you are getting old (file image) An elderly gentleman enjoying a pint in a pub. Over 25 per cent of those asked said choosing a quiet boozer was a sign of getting old (file image) Healthy eating becomes a priority as you pile on the years - with 60 per cent claiming they are now more health conscious. While many said as they get older they prioritise comfort over fashion (39 per cent) and enjoy gardening or DIY projects more (19 per cent). The study also found just 36 per cent of those polled feel old, with 27 per cent feeling more comfortable in their skin now than they did when they were younger. And 18 per cent of over-thirties feel more satisfied with their life now than when they were in that decade. TV nutritionist Rob Hobson, who has also teamed with American Pistachio Growers to highlight the nut as a simple, everyday food that can support healthy ageing, said: 'Getting older isn't about slowing down, it's about making smarter choices. 'Simple habits like eating nutrient-rich snacks, staying active and prioritising sleep can help you feel youthful for longer. 'Age is just a number, but how you fuel your body makes all the difference.' Suzanne Devereaux-McKinstrie, spokesperson for the non-profit organisation, added: 'Getting older isn't just about limitations, it's about opportunities. 'It's the perfect time to explore new hobbies, prioritise wellbeing and celebrate the confidence that comes with experience. 'A big part of that is focusing on diet. Unshelling a classic snack such as an American pistachio can help you stay strong and vibrant so you can say yes to life's opportunities.' Labour could be forced to publish the legal advice that led to its U-turn on plans to cancel elections for millions of voters. Pressure was mounting on Tuesday night on Local Government Secretary Steve Reed to quit over the local election farce after it emerged Labour's 14th U-turn since taking power will cost taxpayers 63million to fix. And Attorney General Lord Hermer was facing scrutiny over his role in the original plans to deny 4.6million people a vote after a last-minute 'change' in legal advice suggested it would be unlawful. Now it is understood the Lib Dems are planning to table a rare 'humble address' to the King next Tuesday that would force the Government to release the legal advice explaining its U-turn. The Tories had success using the same mechanism earlier this month to force Labour to publish documents surrounding the decision by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. The Lib Dems and Reform UK have already called for the Government to release the local elections legal advice - a request that governments always deny - which saw 30 authorities given permission to postpone polls set for May 7 for financial reasons. Ben Maguire, the Lib Dems' shadow attorney general, told the Daily Mail: 'Lord Hermer and Steve Reed have serious questions to answer about how they could have respectively given and accepted legal advice that was so clearly wrong.' Meanwhile, local council leaders were in open revolt as one branded Mr Reed a 'two-faced bully' and a 'b*****d' over the scrapped plans to delay elections. Pressure was mounting on Tuesday night on Local Government Secretary Steve Reed to quit over the local election farce after it emerged Labour's 14th U-turn since taking power will cost taxpayers 63million to fix PM Keir Starmer is under increased pressure as critics have accused him of trying to stop 4.6 million people from voting And Attorney General Lord Hermer (pictured) was facing scrutiny over his role in the original plans to deny 4.6million people a vote after a last-minute 'change' in legal advice suggested it would be unlawful Monday's about-turn decision to go ahead with all elections in May came ahead of Reform's legal challenge to the move that was due to be heard on Thursday. Reform leader Nigel Farage branded the U-turn 'a victory for democracy' and called for Mr Reed, who only announced the delay last month, to quit. On Tuesday, he called for the original legal advice to be published that suggested elections could be cancelled and the later advice that said this would be unlawful. The Government has agreed to pay Reform's costs relating to the legal proceedings. And Mr Reed on Tuesday announced 63million in extra funding would be handed to the affected councils to help them run the elections. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock told Times Radio on Tuesday that: 'We've received further legal advice, and all of these elections will go ahead.' The Attorney General's Office said that the Attorney General is the Governments chief legal adviser but, by long-standing convention, the fact he may have advised or not advised, and the content of his advice, is not disclosed outside government, as is reflected in the Ministerial Code. And an MHCLG spokesman said: 'It remains a long-standing principle that government does not comment on or publish legal advice.' Another family member of missing boy Gus Lamont is no longer cooperating with authorities, as the five-month investigation into the four-year-old's disappearance widens. While Gus's parents continue to assist police, two relatives previously involved in the inquiry are no longer cooperating, South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed on Wednesday. 'I think the head of Major Crime made that pretty clear at his recent press conference that two family members have withdrawn their cooperation, but we are still getting significant assistance from Gus's mum and dad,' he said. Previously, police had said only one relative had withdrawn their support. It was not clear whether Commissioner Stevens misspoke. Commissioner Stevens also said that detectives will continue working on the case 'for the foreseeable future' following a renewed search of neighbouring properties this week. Asked whether arrests were likely soon, Commissioner Stevens said: 'As with any major crime investigation, we don't rest until we have a resolution. 'Given the complexities, it is fair to assume we'll be working on Gus's disappearance for some time yet.' He added that a wider search area would be cast for the missing boy. 'We're not ruling out anything. Adjoining properties, including the national park, will form part of our investigation as we move forward,' Commissioner Stevens said. Another family member of missing South Australian boy Gus Lamont (pictured) is no longer cooperating with police investigating his disappearance Gus disappeared from Oak Park Station (pictured) on September 27 'We'll use every resource available to us if it will contribute to solving the disappearance of Gus Lamont. 'I think it's reasonably foreseeable that we will be visiting Oak Park quite frequently over the coming months as we continue our investigation as well as visiting surrounding locations in the vicinity of the residence.' He added that police were still exploring every possibility in relation to Gus' disappearance. 'We didn't simply focus on the search of a missing child on the property,' Commissioner Stevens. 'We were looking at other possibilities as well. That has been the focus of our investigation from the outset of the notification of Gus's disappearance.' Gus vanished from his grandparents' 60,000ha Oak Park Station in South Australia's Mid North on September 27 last year and despite the largest police search operation in the state's history, no trace of him has been found. Earlier this month, South Australia Police announced they believed the four-year-old was dead, declared his disappearance as a major crime, and revealed they had identified a suspect within his family. However they stressed that Gus's mother and father, Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont, were not suspects. A freshly cemented outhouse (left) at a neighbouring property was searched by cadaver dogs (right) on Tuesday Gus' grandparents Shannon (left) and Josie Murray (right) both enlisted the services of high profile Adelaide defence lawyers after police declared his disappearance as a major crime earlier this month Gus' grandmother Josie Murray, a transgender woman, was arrested and charged with firearm offences on Monday. The charges are not related to the boy's disappearance Following the police claims, Gus' grandparents Shannon and Josie Murray - a transgender woman - both enlisted the services of high profile Adelaide defence lawyers. 'We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,' the pair's statement read. 'The family has co-operated fully with the investigation and want nothing more than to find Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.' On Monday, police arrested and charged Josie Murray, 75, with firearm offences. Police said the charges are not connected to Gus's disappearance. 'It is my assumption that they relate to either storage, ammunition, registration licensing, those sorts of offences,' Commissioner Stevens said. Murray was bailed to appear in Peterborough Magistrates Court in May. Police have searched every accessible area within a 2.5km radius of the home before extending efforts up to 15km beyond the property using police, SES crews, volunteers, aerial assets, motorbikes, ATVs and specialist technology. On Tuesday, officers and cadaver dogs brought in from New South Wales inspected a water tank and a freshly cemented outhouse at a sheep station owned by Gus' family located 30km west of Oak Park Station. They then moved to a second property at Grampus, about 24km from Oak Park, where Task Force Horizon detectives were seen scouring the homestead and surrounding areas. A number of disused mine shafts were searched on a neighbouring property on Tuesday Authorities on Monday began a two-day search at the remote station where he vanished in September (pictured in October) It was announced on Tuesday night that the search had concluded and that no new discoveries were made. 'The search covered numerous buildings and structures at Oak Park Station and at several locations adjoining the property. (It) involved Polair and a cadaver dog from interstate to assist in locating human remains. Unfortunately, no evidence was located during the intensive searches,' a police spokesperson said. 'Task Force Horizon detectives have not ruled out returning to Oak Park Station as the investigation continues.' Let us imagine for a moment the police ignore institutional reluctance and embark on a thorough and wide-ranging investigation into the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor affair. Lets further imagine that the outcome of these inquiries ends, as it quite conceivably could, in Court Number One at the Old Bailey. Now picture the scene in the oak-panelled show court, the venue for criminal cases over the past century from that of Timothy Evans, executed after wrongly being found guilty of murdering his wife and baby, to Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and fellow serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who cut up and boiled his victims remains. All these trials, shocking as they were, would pale into insignificance if the Kings brother were in the dock. It would be a global sensation and would cause irreparable damage to the monarchy. It might even bring it down. Never have the stakes in the Andrew saga, from its grubby beginnings in supposed sex-trafficking to the latest allegations of misconduct in public office, been so high. Eminent voices such as Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, have insisted the Met Police must investigate trafficking claims after evidence emerged that the private jet of Andrews paedophile friend Jeffrey Epstein landed in Britain on at least 90 occasions. The director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, has loftily pronounced that nobody is above the law, adding that he has total confidence that detectives would examine any evidence suggesting criminality. Fine words, but where is the action? By stripping Andrew of his titles, royal style and every other aspect of his privileged birthright, King Charles has attempted to put a firewall between him and the rest of the House of Windsor Many will feel that we have been here before. Ever since the sordid story of Andrews involvement with a young woman called Virginia Giuffre first became headline news 15 years ago, there have been countless opportunities to get to the truth. Why, when memories were still relatively fresh, were the then-Duke of Yorks police bodyguards not properly interrogated about his movements? They should have been interviewed as possible witnesses. At the very least, their pocketbooks, which would have held precise information about Andrews comings and goings, his associates, whom he met and where he stayed, should have been seized. Instead of the mockery that greeted Andrews bizarre alibis about being in a Pizza Express and of being unable to sweat, his claims could have been properly scrutinised. Dont forget that two of Andrews protection officers stayed with him at Epsteins New York townhouse for more than a week on his ill-judged trip supposedly to break off his relationship with the paedophile. Instead, there has been mostly silence and obfuscation from Andrew and the Palace establishment. It is only now, when the gruesome business has been brought to light through the release of the Epstein files, that the public can finally learn what was going on. What was initially alleged to be a grubby episode of sexual exploitation is beginning to look like an affair embracing financial corruption at a significant level. Day after day, more unsavoury and potentially incriminating details are being prised out of the heavily redacted files. They include emails showing that in 2010 Andrew passed a confidential Treasury briefing on the financial crisis then gripping Iceland to a banker friend with the helpful message before you make your move. In July of that year, he forwarded to his adviser David Stern an email exchange he had had with an investment banker containing sensitive information about taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland. Stern in turn sent the material on to Epstein. Stern, who was an adviser to both Andrew and Epstein, asked to help plan an official visit to China by the duke and after the visit told Epstein he was planning business deals thanks to Andrews trip. Andrew wanted a big job when he left the Navy, one commensurate with his overblown view of his own qualities. With the support of his late mother, he was obliged. As UK trade envoy, the former prince visited Bahrain It is further claimed Andrew tried to engineer a meeting between Epstein and the Libyan tyrant Colonel Gaddafi, that he lobbied for Epstein during an official visit to the UAE and that he forwarded the paedophile several other confidential briefings. All these may turn out to be entirely innocent interventions. But until they are probed, we cannot know. What we do know is that email by email, leak by leak, public trust in the monarchy is being eroded. By stripping Andrew of his titles, royal style and every other aspect of his privileged birthright, King Charles has attempted to put a firewall between him and the rest of the House of Windsor. But the prospect of the former prince going on trial undoubtedly represents another threat to the institution. Twice this year the King has been heckled in public about his brother. When he travels to the US in the spring to mark the 250th anniversary of Americas independence a trip he is dreading he is likely to face the questioning of TV and social media crews who will show him none of the deference displayed by the British media. Epsteins victims may think nothing of ambushing the King, too. How Charles must wish he had stuck to his guns 25 years ago when Andrew was first mooted as a UK trade envoy. When I revealed his concerns all those years ago, it was brushed off as another example of the rivalry that existed between two royal courts, one (representing Andrews interests) around his mother Queen Elizabeth and the other centred on Charles as heir to the Throne. Andrew wanted a big job when he left the Navy, one commensurate with his overblown view of his own qualities. With the support of his late mother, he was obliged. Charles, who prophetically warned that the appointment would end badly, proposed putting him on his own payroll so Andrew could learn some much-needed skills of royal diplomacy first. Hindsight is a fine thing, but public dismay has not been reassured by the Kings efforts to contain his brother. A full-blown police inquiry is not just the logical step: it is the only solution to restoring trust. If Andrew were to be charged, he would not merely become the first royal in modern times to face trial over a serious offence. A criminal case would bring back uncomfortable memories of another Old Bailey prosecution, that of ex-butler Paul Burrell (pictured), who was charged with the theft of items that belonged to Princess Diana But will it happen? When Lord Mandelsons dubious links with Epstein were laid bare, police turned up at his two homes and removed boxes of material. Have police seized documents from Andrew? If they have, theyre not saying. With his move from Royal Lodge to a much smaller home on the Sandringham estate, it is possible Mr Mountbatten-Windsors papers are being held in the California stores, the vast royal warehouse at Windsor. If Andrew were to be charged, he would not merely become the first royal in modern times to face trial over a serious offence. A criminal case would bring back uncomfortable memories of another Old Bailey prosecution from several years ago, that of ex-butler Paul Burrell, who was charged with the theft of items that belonged to Princess Diana. In 2002, Burrells trial sensationally collapsed when evidence was given that he had told the Queen he was storing some of Dianas possessions for safekeeping. Imagine if Andrew were to say that he had confided in Charles about his actions. The monarch cannot be a witness in his own courts and any case would collapse. So, by all means let there be an investigation. But some might also wonder whether those who thought it okay to hand sensitive material to a royal described by a diplomat as a buffoon should face questions of their own. Prince William is taking his prestigious Earthshot Prize environmental awards to India this year one of the most polluted countries on the planet. The heir to the throne, who is now half-way through his ten-year project to highlight and scale-up the most innovative solutions to the climate crisis, will bring the initiative to the bustling 'megacity' of Mumbai. It will bring together environmental and business leaders with investors and philanthropists, as five award winners each accept winning prize pots of 1 million. Earthshot is the future king's biggest initiative on the global stage and one that he hopes will leave a lasting legacy. It follows on from last year's event in Rio de Janeiro. Other awards ceremonies have been held in Cape Town, Singapore, Boston and London. One of the reasons the prince was so keen to take the awards to India is that it is home to more finalists and award-winners than any other country. He also believes that despite its pollution issues, India is proving that environmental responsibility can drive economic growth, facilitating everything from clean energy and new technology to nature restoration. Prince William says the next Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will be held in India - after hosting them in Brazil last year (pictured planting a tree there in 2025) The awards will be held in Mumbai, one of the world's most polluted cities (pictured: the Prince and Princess of Wales visiting Mumbai in 2016) The Earthshot Prize is a 10-year project spearheaded by the Prince of Wales to showcase and support innovative solutions to the climate crisis (pictured at last year's awards in Brazil) Prince William is pictured visiting Earthshot Prize 2025 finalist Matter in Bristol last month Announcing the 2026 host city, William said: 'We must continue to look to the future with urgency and optimism, which is why I am delighted that Mumbai will host The Earthshot Prize 2026. 'India is one of the world's most important forces for climate and nature. What succeeds in India at scale has the power to inspire progress everywhere. 'With the largest population of young people in the world, there is a real sense of momentum to not only imagine a better future, but to inspire change and make it a reality. 'Together we can rise to meet our greatest challenge, to repair and restore our planet by 2030.' Chief Minister of Maharashtra - the state home to Mumbai - Devendra Fadnavis said: 'The Earthshot Prize is the world's most prestigious environmental award and I'm proud to announce that it will be hosted in Mumbai in November. 'Sustainability and climate action remain top priorities for Maharashtra, and The Earthshot Prize will create global attention for India's leadership and commitment to turning our goals into meaningful action on the ground.' The unveiling of Mumbai as the host city took place at a special event during the city's inaugural Climate Action Week. Leaders from science, business, politics and the arts heard from previous Earthshot Finalists from India on how they are scaling solutions to repair and restore the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's 1962 'Moonshot' to land a man on the moon within a decade, The Earthshot Prize was founded by Prince William in 2020 to spark the same spirit of collective ambition and action for our planet. This year's Prize will shine a global spotlight on 15 groundbreaking environmental solutions, under five categories developed in collaboration with leading environmental experts: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate. Now five years into the Earthshot decade, the Prize has identified more than 5,600 emerging environmental innovations from 156 countries including over 2,400 in 2025 alone - recognised and supported 75 Finalists and awarded 25 million to Prize Winners to scale their solutions. Just like Kanye West, minimalism is canceled. Now someone needs to tell Kim Kardashian. Now, more is more, and the maximalist aesthetic is on trend. Back when Kardashian was married to West, the two designed a Los Angeles mansion together that was, according to Architectural Digest, 'one of the most fascinating, otherworldly and strange pieces of domestic architecture on the planet.' West himself described the house, filled with bare white walls, white floors, white countertops, white furniture and an all-white fireplace, as a 'futuristic Belgian monastery.' The project took several years to complete while they worked alongside famed architect Axel Vervoordt on the space. Kardashian now lives in the gated Hidden Hills community with her four children, North, Saint, Psalm, and Chicago, following her divorce from West. She feels strongly about her taste, often defending her bland decor choices on social media, posting 'things at home that make me happy.' Online critics have called it 'depressing,' 'a morgue,' and 'cold.' Worse, experts say if your home is totally devoid of any signs of life you may not be able to sell it quickly and be forced to sell it at a loss. Soulless, blank spaces like theirs, devoid of visible art, books, and color are now officially out of style, experts say. More is more. 'People are craving connection and meaning right now,' interior designer Michelle Gage told the Daily Mail. Kanye West described the minimalist California home he designed with ex-wife Kim Kardashian as a 'futuristic Belgian monastery.' It has white walls, floors and furniture When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were married they worked with a designer to create calm, minimalist interiors devoid of any color or personality Interior design expert Amanda Lantz specializes in maximalism. Her work, shown here, highlights bright pops of color, bold pieces of art and velvety textures Gage specializes in maximalist design, and said you can find both 'from who and what you surround yourself with.' 'In the case of home, designing a space that is a true reflection of you provides a sense of comfort to the homeowner,' she said. Maximalism can take on many forms, Gage said. 'To me, maximalism is all about layers. Layers of color, pattern, texture. 'It's creating a home that feels warm and not sterile.' Kardashian designed her home around 2020, when minimalism dominated the interior design world and West lived by its rules of less is more. Since first appearing in the 1950s in the US as an interior trend, maximalism has made a few comebacks over the decades. determined by experts to be the interior trend of the year. A Maximalist living room done by Michelle Gage, using bright colors, patterned curtains and expertly placed pops of color A perfect example of a maximalist bedroom, designed by Michelle gage, featuring a cocoon of patterned wallpaper and patterned curtains with a colorful bed Maximalism celebrates vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and bold art and tends to resurface in uncertain times as a personal escape Kardashian and West worked alongside famed architect Axel Vervoordt on the space, a study in minimalism and blank space Kardashian and West set aside several years to complete the interiors of the Los Angeles home The reality TV star likes to keep her home as bare as her bikinis. She still lives in the home, filled with all white walls, light wood floors and gray concrete By contrast, a maximalist style celebrates vibrant colors, clashing patterns and bold art Interior designer Amanda Lantz has been inundated with maximalist requests from clients Its biggest resurgence happened in 2025, when it was It celebrates vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and bold art and tends to resurface in uncertain times as a personal escape. 'People are coming back to color,' Gage said. 'Our firm is designing a lot of homes to include walls with deep shades of paint. Rich navy tones are timeless and are a good antidote to white walls.' Interior designer Francesco Bilotto said a completely empty home may even be a turn-off for buyers. 'Minimalism has officially crossed over from high-end chic into emotionally empty,' he said. 'Homes that feel too sparse dont invite connection, and without connection, buyers dont want to stay there, let alone purchase. 'When it comes to selling your home, its more than your walls and flooring choices, youre selling a vibe, a lifestyle. Most buyers want to feel warmth, personality, and a sense of life when searching for a home. 'This is where thoughtful maximalism comes in. While minimal spaces photograph beautifully, they dont always connect emotionally.' In recent months, interior designer Amanda Lantz has been inundated with maximalist requests from clients looking for more warmth at home. 'People have a renewed appreciation for spaces that show a life well-lived, rather than a rinse and repeat. Flat white walls just don't feel as compelling anymore,' Lantz said. 'The key is not to simply buy more stuff. It is about being intentional with your home. 'Your favorite wallpaper, pottery pieces you found on a trip abroad, a vintage quilt, framed pictures on the wall - the list goes on. The more, the better, especially with items that evoke memories of cherished people and places.' Charm City hasnt felt especially charming to homeowners in recent years. With an effective property tax rate of around 2.25 percent - roughly double New York Citys residential rate - Baltimore has some of the highest big-city housing taxes in America. Critics say it makes homes harder to sell, discourages investment and punishes residents who stay put. Now city mayor Brandon Scott says the city is finally moving to ease the strain. 'We know that our property tax rate can be a challenge for homeowners,' he said, explaining that is why property tax rate will fall to $2 per $100 of assessed value. Rather than slashing the headline rate, the plan focuses on expanding and tweaking existing credits so homeowners pay less in practice. Officials plan to strengthen a rule that limits how much a homeowners tax bill can jump when property values rise, expand relief for people who live in their homes full-time, and sign up more residents for state programs that cut tax bills. The relief is aimed squarely at people who actually live in their homes not outside investors. 'A lot of landlords don't live in the city, or even the state, and don't care about actually investing in the neighborhoods,' Mike Kantzer, a Baltimore homeowner and community farmer, told the Daily Mail. Brandon Scott, mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, speaks during a news conference in 2022. The mayor announced new initiatives to lower the property tax burden in his city on Monday. Colorful restaurant in Little Italy district in downtown Baltimore, Maryland Saint Paul Street with view of downtown Baltimore. 'These changes are great; they're specifically targeted at owners who actually live in the house, and they especially make it easier to keep a home that you already own, even if you've hit a rough patch,' Kantzer added. The overhaul also takes aim at one of Baltimores most controversial practices: tax sales. Under current rules, homes that fall behind on property taxes can be auctioned for the amount owed. Any surplus technically goes back to the former owner but in reality, developers can scoop up properties cheaply and resell them at far higher prices. City officials now want to auction delinquent homes closer to their assessed value, a move supporters say would preserve more wealth for struggling homeowners and curb speculative buying. For too long, Baltimore homeowners have lost their homes over small tax bills and received far less than the value of those homes, said Vicki Schultz, executive director of Maryland Legal Aid. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, said the tax credit strategy could provide meaningful relief - but it comes with trade-offs. She said the flexible assessment cap means homeowners in fast-appreciating neighborhoods may still see higher bills, while those in stagnant or declining areas are less likely to face big increases. The tradeoff is that it could slow down redevelopment of distressed homes that can be a blight on neighborhoods, Fairweather said. Kelly Harris, a Maryland-based Realtor and real estate investor, has witnessed the city's evolution up close Row houses in Baltimore in spring. Your browser does not support iframes. The city is also exploring new payment plans to help struggling owners avoid losing their homes in the first place. The new proposals come at a time when Baltimore's fortunes are shifting. Homicides fell sharply in 2025, leading to a rise in home prices in Baltimore. The median sale price currently sits at around $218,000 - up 3.8 percent year-over-year, according to Redfin. 'Baltimore's housing market has grown steadily over the last three to five years, with average home prices increasing nearly 20 to 30 percent in key neighborhoods,' Kelly Harris, a Maryland-based Realtor and real estate investor, said last year. Still, not everyone is convinced credits are the right answer. 'Using tax credits doesn't make the city desirable to invest in, getting the real rate down does,' wrote one local Reddit. Fairweather acknowledged the relief will not do much for investors - but said that is partly the point. Overall, she said, the changes are likely to benefit middle-class homeowners and upper-middle-class households the most, while offering additional protection for lower-income residents who qualify for state programs. 'There's a common bumper sticker here: Baltimore: actually, I like it,' Kantzer said. 'We know our city has issues, but we love it anyway, and we want to do the work to make it better. It's good to see the city love us back.' Physicists have revealed how to perfect your pancake flip this Shrove Tuesday and it could help achieve pictureperfect creations. While many people have no issues whipping up a pancake recipe, the toss is where it often goes wrong. Many end up with a crumpled mess in the pan or worse, a pancake on the floor. Now, scientists from the Royal Institution of Great Britain have come up with a formula to 'stick the landing'. And it's all to do with finding your pancake's 'pivot point'. In a video shared online, they show how Newton's laws of motion act on the pancake during a flip. 'To get it to flip, linear force isn't enough,' one of their researchers said. 'We need a pivot point. 'For the pancake to flip, it must rotate. This comes from torque, which happens when the pan pushing slightly off the pancake's centre of mass, giving it angular acceleration.' Scientists from the Royal Institution of Great Britain have revealed how physics can help make the perfect pancake She explains that for the pancake's motion to change, a net force must act on it. This reflects Newton's first law of motion, that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion The pancake used in the video is a thicker, Americanstyle version. 'The secret to a flawless pancake flip is physics,' their researcher says. 'Put simply, at rest, there are only two forces acting on the pancake gravity and the equal normal force from the pan.' She explains that for the pancake's motion to change, a net force must act on it. This reflects Newton's first law of motion, that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion. 'Flicking the pan upward, we push the pancake with an upward net force and acceleration,' she continues. 'This demonstrates Newton's second law. The upward net force causes an upward acceleration.' Once the pancake is launched from the pan, it turns into a projectile with only gravity acting on it. 'Depending on how it's flipped, it will move differently,' she said, explaining that a linear force a straight line isn't enough. You need to find your pancake's 'pivot point' the axis around which it rotates. The trick is using the pan to push slightly off the pancake's centre of mass, giving it 'angular acceleration' Instead, you need to find your pancake's 'pivot point' the axis around which it rotates. The trick is using the pan to push slightly off the pancake's centre of mass, giving it 'angular acceleration'. 'The spinning remains almost constant once the pancake leaves the pan,' she added. 'The timing of the pancake in the air must be enough for it to do a half or full rotation for it to land flat. 'And that's how science sticks the landing.' The pan used in the video is large with deep sides, suggesting that this could be beneficial to getting a decent flip. While the demonstration involved a thicker pancake, the scientists added that the same physics applies to thinner pancakes like crepes too. One commenter pointed out that the pancake is flipped 'too far' in the video, landing on the side it was already on. But the Royal Institution replied: 'It's one of those situations where theory is 10/10 but practicemore like 5/10. At least it didn't end up on the floor.' Your browser does not support iframes. Experts have previously revealed the scientific formula for the perfect pancake including using 200ml of milk, 100g of flour, one or two eggs and a pinch of salt for a UKstyle thin pancake. If you want a more Americanstyle pancake, Professor Ian Eames, a fluid mechanics expert from UCL, suggests 200ml of milk, 200g of flour, and two eggs. He recommends whisking the batter with a fork and leaving it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes for a thin, crepelike creation. Finally, he suggests ditching the butter for vegetable oil to get a perfectly thin, crisp pancake. Apple delighted its fans this week as it announced a surprise 'experience' in just a few weeks. The tech giant has asked media in London, New York and Shanghai to attend a 'special Apple Experience' on 4 March 2026. The invitation to the London event, which was received by the Daily Mail, simply reads: 'You're invited. Please join us in person for a special Apple Experience in London. 4 March 2026. 2.00pm GMT.' While Apple is remaining tightlipped on what's in store, many speculated this may be the launch event for Apple's next smartphone, tipped to be the iPhone 17e. However, eagle-eyed fans have now spotted a secret clue in the Apple logo, which may hint at what the tech giant has planned. The 3D Apple logo on the invite is made up of yellow, green, and blue discs. According to Bloomberg's Apple analyst, Mark Gurman, this suggests we might see new budget MacBooks at the event. 'Worth pointing out the three colors from the invite are light green, blue and yellow which just so happen to be the colors Apple has tested the lowcost MacBook with, as I wrote yesterday. Coincidence? We shall see,' he tweeted. While Apple is remaining tightlipped on what's in store, many speculated this may be the launch event for Apple's next smartphone, tipped to be the iPhone 17e. However, eagleeyed fans have now spotted a secret clue in the Apple logo, which may hint at what the tech giant has planned The 3D Apple logo on the invite is made up of yellow, green, and blue discs. According to Bloomberg's Apple analyst, Mark Gurman, this suggests we might see new MacBooks at the event In his newsletter, Mr Gurman suggests that Apple will launch a new lowcost MacBook in a 'slew of fun colours'. According to the leaker, this MacBook will be 'well under $1,000', with a small display that measures just under 13inches. Despite the lower price point, the MacBook will be made from aluminium, not plastic, he adds. 'Like all Macs, this machine codenamed J700 will feature an aluminum chassis,' Mr Gurman explained. 'To stick with this premium material, Apple developed a new manufacturing process that allows the shells to be forged more quickly. Mr Gurman isn't the only person to suggest the Apple event logo alludes to new MacBooks. X user @BasicAppleGuy went so far as to create renders of what these colourful MacBooks might look like 'The technique is designed to be both faster and more costeffective than the one used with Apple's current laptops.' As mentioned in his tweet, Mr Gurman predicts Apple will opt for bright colours, to suit its target audience of students. 'Over the past year, Apple has tested options such as light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver and dark gray though it's unlikely all of these will ship,' he said. Mr Gurman isn't the only person to suggest the Apple event logo alludes to new MacBooks. X user @BasicAppleGuy went so far as to create renders of what these colourful MacBooks might look like. 'If they make that green I'm going to have to cop it immediately,' one user replied. Another added: 'If that's real, that yellow is instant buy.' And one joked: 'The only problem will be deciding which color to get.' This isn't the first time that Apple has dropped hints in the logo on its event invites. Last year, the logo for the iPhone 17 launch was blue and orange with the tech giant then going on to launch blue and orange versions of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Meanwhile, in 2024, Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event invite featured a glowing, multicolored logo, in reference to the rollout of Apple Intelligence. Usually, Apple's launch events take place at Apple Park and are broadcast to the world in realtime. However, the 4 March event is instead described as an 'experience', and is not listed on Apple's events page suggesting it might not be broadcast. Thankfully, the Daily Mail will be at Apple's launch event on March 4, so make sure you check back in then for all the latest announcements! Extreme winds ripping across the US could cause hurricane-level destruction and affect thousands of air travelers nationwide. High wind warnings have been issued throughout more than ten states in the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Southwest throughout Tuesday. Gusts are expected to reach hurricane strength, exceeding 75mph, in parts of Colorado, Montana, Texas, New Mexico and Wyoming, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, California, South Dakota, Nebraska and Alaska have also been warned to prepare for sustained winds over 30mph and gusts between 60 and 70mph. NWS has even said that Americans in the skies may be at risk of injury as air turbulence is expected to be particularly extreme, especially over Texas and New Mexico. The addition of blizzard conditions across the Northern Plains, including Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas, is predicted to compound travel misery through Wednesday, bringing several inches of snow, 60mph wind gusts and little to no visibility on roads. The wind gusts could be so extreme that NWS officials fear large trucks and tractor-trailers could be blown over on their sides while driving. Meanwhile, flights at Denver International Airport have already been delayed by more than two hours due to wind conditions on the runway. The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings and advisories (brown patches) throughout the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains and Southwest on Tuesday, February 17 Air turbulence is expected to be extreme over certain states in the Southwest on Tuesday, with ground delays already announced in Colorado (stock image) As of 10am ET, 190 flights leaving Denver International have been delayed due to the powerful winds and another 265 flights arriving have been delayed as well. Officials in the South are also bracing for devastating fires triggered by the high winds, issuing 'Red Flag Warnings' in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. NWS explained: 'A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.' Many areas under the Red Flag Warning have dry grass, brush, and dead plants from winter dryness or drought, which provide perfect fuel for wildfires. Strong gusts over 50mph can act like a fan, blowing on smaller fires and pushing the flames in the direction the wind is blowing, making them move much faster across the ground than on a calm day. The winds also bring fresh air and more oxygen right into the flames, making it burn hotter and more intensely. Embers from the growing fires can fly ahead and start new fires far ahead of the main fire, sometimes even miles away. The embers land on more dry grass or brush and start 'spot fires' that create new blazes before firefighters can arrive. Anyone who sees smoke outside in these states has been urged to call 911. Residents have also been urged to avoid any kind of outdoor burning on Red Flag Warning days. Wind gusts reaching hurricane strength are expected to blow over large trucks (file image) Heavy snow and low visibility in northern states, including Montana and Wyoming, are expected on Tuesday as well 'High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,' NWS added in their alert. 'Plumes of blowing dust will create pockets of low visibility. Visibilities will likely change rapidly over short distances, making travel hazardous in these areas.' Moving west, another blast of winter weather could further snarl travel throughout the US, with storm advisories issued in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and California. Along California's border with Nevada, four to eight feet of snow is expected to fall by Wednesday, with the heaviest accumulations occurring on Tuesday. The winds are predicted to be extremely dangerous at higher elevations throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with gusts surpassing 100mph on ridgetops in the 400-mile-long mountain range. Your browser does not support iframes. In the North, conditions are projected to deteriorate rapidly, with the NWS issuing avalanche warnings in western Montana and central Idaho. In Montana, anyone in the higher elevations of the Whitefish Range, Swan Range, Flathead Range, and parts of Glacier National Park is at risk through Wednesday. In Idaho, NWS has warned of deadly avalanches breaking out in the Pioneer Mountains, Boulder Mountains, Smoky Mountains and Southern White Cloud Mountains. 'Natural and human-triggered avalanches large enough to bury people, snap trees, and destroy structures are near certain to occur.' Hazardous conditions along the US southern border have prompted health officials to warn Americans to stay indoors with the windows shut. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its highest level of alert about the air quality over Texas and New Mexico, calling the pollutants currently in the air over a 150-mile swath of land 'hazardous' to human health. The toxic cloud is centered over El Paso, Texas, which sits along the US border with Mexico, in an area already under a high wind alert on Tuesday, which may be contributing to blowing in nearby smoke and dust. The National Weather Service (NWS) specifically issued a blowing dust advisory for El Paso and Santa Teresa, New Mexico on Tuesday. Air quality-tracking website IQAir warned that the area is full of PM10, a type of air pollution made up of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets floating in the air that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter, thinner than a human hair. These inhalable particles can get deep into your lungs when you breathe them in and are typically created by dust from construction, pollen, mold, smoke, soot, industrial emissions, and wind-blown dirt. PM10 is noticeably larger than PM2.5, the microscopic particles composed of toxic compounds or heavy metals from car exhaust and factory emissions. However, both can damage the lungs, worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, and even contribute to heart attacks and strokes that cause premature death if you breathe in large amounts. Smoke seen over El Paso, Texas in February 2025. Pollutants such as PM10 are typically composed of large particles from smoke, soot, and other toxic emissions (Stock Image) The EPA's AirNow tracking system reported extremely hazardous air over Texas and New Mexico on Tuesday Real-time tracking of the Air Quality Index (AQI) along the US border registered at 290, which is considered extremely dangerous for all individuals, sick or healthy. Air quality levels are measured on a scale from 0 to 500: good (050) carries little risk, moderate (51100) may affect sensitive individuals, unhealthy for sensitive groups (101150) poses increased risk and unhealthy (151200) impacts everyone, limiting outdoor activity. According to IQAir, the air quality reading of 290 at the US-Mexico border was worse than any major city on Earth on Tuesday, surpassing Dhaka, Bangladesh (248) and both Delhi, India and Lahore, Pakistan (241). Approximately one million people are living in the great El Paso metropolitan area alone. Along with their blow dust advisory, NWS warned: 'Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the storm passes. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero.' 'If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal.' NWS has also issued a widespread Red Flag Warning and high wind advisories throughout the Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains. Red Flag Warnings mean that the conditions for wildfires have reached a critical point, and any spark may set off a large blaze. El Paso, Texas, looking toward the US southern border and Juarez, Mexico (Stock Image) Anyone in the affected area has been advised to avoid outdoor exercise, limit their time outside, wear a face mask if they leave their home, close all windows to prevent smoke and dust from entering, and turn on air purifiers. Typically, air quality alerts are set off by stagnant air, where high atmospheric pressure and little to no wind keep airborne pollutants from floating away. In this instance, Texas and New Mexico are both under severe wind warnings, with the NWS predicting gusts reaching hurricane-force strength at over 75mph in certain areas on Tuesday. 'High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, the NWS added in their alert. 'Plumes of blowing dust will create pockets of low visibility. Visibilities will likely change rapidly over short distances, making travel hazardous in these areas.' It was once an exclusive event for the eyes of high society only, but now the Vienna Opera Ball can be enjoyed by everyone - thanks to Gen Z debutantes sharing footage on social media. The glittering 68th annual ball, which took place last Thursday, saw women, aged between 18 and 25, make their debut in Vienna, Austria's capital, on the arm of their escorts. First established in 1814 to entertain the aristocracy after the Napoleonic Wars, it's more recently become a social media sensation with influencers recording every detail of the event - where tickets cost up to $30,700. Now on social media: German influencer Leonie Hanne getting ready for the night out It's a grand affair, spread across nine floors, with more than 20 bars and buffets, including a champagne salon and bar dedicated to Campari, five dance floors playing over 16 different music genres, and a performance by the Vienna State Opera. Each of the debutantes had their makeup done by a Lancome artist, while Wella completed the hairstyling, including emergency touch-ups until 3am, and Swarovski provided the diamonds. Meanwhile, German influencer and blogger Leonie Hanne, who had over one million TikTok followers, had her diamond jewels laid out on a tray for her as she got ready for the prestigious event. Leonie, who dubbed the ball a 'real life Bridgerton', also shared a clip of her twirling around in her blush pink dress and white gloves while inside the venue. Having a ball: Austrian influencer Anna Strigl, pictured with her date for the ball, said the event was 'truly impressive' Videos from inside the venue showed attendees weaving in and out of each other on the dance floor as they performed the waltz. And the party didn't stop there; the debutantes danced until the early hours. Swarovski has designed the tiara for the Vienna Opera Ball since 1956, and this year's was created by the brand's Global Creative Director, Giovanna Engelbert. Black and white: Debutantes and their dates complete the 'Everyone waltz' that sees guests take to the floor to complete the dance ahead of the clock striking midnight Tickets for last Thursday's event range up to $30,700 for the tiered box, which includes an exclusive area and a food and beverage service. To apply as a debutante, each couple must go through an audition process, as well as having 'very good left-hand waltz skills,' the website reads. The Opera Ball is known for its A-list guests, with controversial billionaire Richard Lugner reportedly paying thousands to take celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Geri Halliwell. Preparations for the formal event start weeks before the evening, with young couples dedicating themselves to rehearsals and spending hours completing finishing touches on their outfits. To attend the grand occasion, general admission costs $485, but guests can also pay tens of thousands for a box. There is a dress code of evening dress, meaning white ties and tails for men, floor-length gowns for women and white opera gloves for the female debutantes. The ball begins at around 8:15pm when guests appear on the imperial balcony and the national anthem is played, followed by the European anthem. The annual event draws more than 5,000 attendees, including members of the Austrian government along with a handful of A-list celebrities. Famous faces who attended this year, included Jude Law and Sadie Frost's daughter, Iris Law, actor Ed Westwick, and Prince William's cousins Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer. The Spencer twins, who are the daughters of Charles Spencer, ninth Earl Spencer and Victoria Aitken, donned glamorous gowns and statement jewelry pieces when they arrived at the 68th annual society event. Lady Eliza exuded sophistication in a shimmering gold dress and elegant white fashion gloves. Meanwhile, Lady Amelia put on an elegant display in a sparkling silver gown fit with black fashion gloves. Both sisters wore their hair in sleek updos complete with a middle parting and were all smiles as they represented British aristocracy at the high-profile event. Travelling to dreamy destinations around the world can feel like an expensive venture, but there are plenty of tips and tricks to help cut the cost. From the time of the year you book the flights, to the exact month you end up travelling and the destination you head to, there are many factors that can influence how pricey things become. But now, the exact month holidaymakers should pull out their laptops and start searching for flights has been calculated in Expedia's 2026 Air Hacks Report. The research has analysed the behaviour, habits and booking data of travellers to identify the latest travel trends. And the cheapest month to book your flights is May - proving to be 21 per cent cheaper than the most expensive time of year, December. For domestic flights, January is the best time to start booking, whereas August is 26 per cent pricier. As for when to actually fly, June works out to be the most affordable month to jet off on a holiday and is 68 per cent cheaper than December, which costs 250 more on average. Going abroad doesn't have to be expensive, however. June works out to be the most affordable month to jet off on a holiday and is 68 per cent cheaper than December, which costs 250 more on average There are plenty of destinations that cost under 100 to fly to. Expedia has named several 'saver routes', including Luton to Poznan, the fifth-largest city in Poland, which works out at just 79. Meanwhile, a flight from Stansted to Shannon, Ireland, costs around 88, and Liverpool to Bergamo, Italy comes to 92. For those looking to go to the Emerald City, flights from Glasgow International to Dublin cost 96. Or if you need a different airport, East Midlands to Dublin is only 1 more. There are several routes that are seeing huge year-on-year decreases in price too, and some of the biggest savings are over 40 per cent. Newcastle to Gdansk, Poland has shot down in price by 67 per cent, while Manchester to Cork has seen a decrease in price of 65 per cent. Birmingham to Bordeaux, France has gone down by 58 per cent. Expedia names several 'saver routes' including Luton to Poznan, the fifth-largest city in Poland which works out at just 79 If you're looking for a more peaceful, less busy journey, the quietest dates to fly are March 4, 5 and 9. Unsurprisingly, December 31 is also one of the quietest dates, based on booking data. Or for even more savings, the cheapest day to fly is often a Friday, which is 18 per cent less than the most expensive day, Saturday. But, Saturday happens to be the most affordable day of the week to book business class flights. Wednesday is a day to avoid however, as it tends to be 10 per cent more costly to book then. Navigating a foreign country can be difficult enough with language barriers, a different currency and unknown locations. Scams against tourists are also common abroad, and there is a card payment trap that an expert has warned Brits need to be wary of. Freddie Smith, CEO of transfer site CurrencyFlow, urges holidaymakers to be aware of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). When using a card machine or ATM overseas, it can be easy to quickly tap your pin number in and not think too much about how the money is being converted from pounds to the local currency. DCC refers to the service that pops up on card machines or ATMs, and even online check outs. It offers for the cardholder to pay in their home currency, instead of the local. 'If you're abroad and your card machine asks if you want to pay in pounds, always press NO and choose the local currency instead,' Freddie warns. This is because there are often additional fees for selecting to pay in GBP due to the exchange rate not being as good. Freddie Smith, CEO of transfer site CurrencyFlow, has warned against Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) (stock) 'DCC markups typically range from three to six per cent, though some can be even higher,' the expert continues. 'To put that into perspective, a 200 restaurant bill that should cost you around 174 could end up costing you closer to 183 if you pay in pounds at the terminal. 'That's almost a tenner extra just for seeing a sign on the screen!' The extra fees can quickly add up over the course of a trip away. Freddie explains: 'Scale that across a week's holiday and a family could easily lose 65-70 without realising it, even more if you're on a gap year or travelling for a long period of time.' He describes the charge as 'underhanded' and something that people may choose when they first arrive at their destination as paying in British pounds might make an unfamiliar environment feel more normal to them. 'Some call DCC a convenience tax, but I think it's actually more underhanded than that - it's an anxiety tax,' he says. 'When we are abroad in different environments, especially when we first arrive in a new country, we are likely feeling vulnerable. DCC refers to the service that pops up on card machines or ATMs, and even online check outs. It offers for the cardholder to pay in their home currency, instead of the local 'The option when making a card payment to see an amount next to that reassuring pound sign feels like we're taking back some control of the situation, but the truth is someone is profiting off of our anxiety.' Freddie describes the 'pressure' holidaymakers new to a destination might feel. He warns: 'When handed a pay terminal, the pressure is to press buttons quickly and without thinking. 'The DCC system relies on the likelihood of people choosing the familiar and "safe option" despite the fact that it may actually cost them more in the long run.' Meandering through charming streets and stopping by bars and cafes along the way to try out the local cuisine, it's easy to get lost in the character and fun your cruise port. But, some passengers get so carried away they end up have to run back to their ship, almost left behind - something which 55 per cent of people say is their biggest concern with cruises. In fact, Google searches for 'pier runners' - as they're dubbed - have increased by 56 per cent in the last three months alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of hacks to help cruisers avoid running late and some to prepare just in case the missed ship nightmare comes true. Chrissy Valdez, senior director of operations at Squaremouth, says her top tip is to purchase ship-sponsored excursions - as the liner will always wait for these trips if they run late. With independent tours, despite them being cheaper, you risk running late. Making sure your watch matches the time zone of your ship is also vital to keeping on track. Many vessels have clocks set to a specific time zone as they pass through different regions, meaning it won't adjust based on the location you are in. There are plenty of hacks to help cruisers avoid running late and some to prepare just in case the missed ship nightmare comes true Alarms can also come in handy to give you enough time to head back to your ship when exploring the port, says Chrissy. If you do end up running behind, it could be worthwhile calling the ship as in some circumstances, the captain might decide to wait. Make sure to have the ship's phone number and port agent number saved before heading out on your adventures. As for flights, it's better to purchase them through the cruise company because if anything goes wrong and you can't make the departure time most liners can make flight adjustments to try to get you to the ship in time. If that doesn't work out, the cruise line might offer for you to join the ship at the next port instead. Or, another option is arriving at your departure city a couple of days before you are due to leave, and making sure your accommodation is nearby your port. Just in case you do get caught out and miss your ship whilst exploring an area, it's important to carry 'safety cash', as well as a working credit card and ID. Chrissy advises cruise passengers invest in proper insurance too. Just in case you do get caught out and miss your ship whilst exploring an area, it's important to carry 'safety cash', as well as a working credit card and ID She says, 'Cruises are tricky because they typically operate in multiple jurisdictions, countries, and waters, which makes each passenger scenario uniquely challenging. 'Many travellers assume that if they miss their cruise, they can simply catch up at the next port, but thats not always the case due to local cabotage laws, which may not allow the vessel to pick you up at the next stop. 'Cruise insurance is a great added protection that can take over if you find yourself stranded after missing the ship, as long as it's due to a reason covered by the policy. 'We always recommend looking for policy coverage that includes missed connection coverage specific to cruises and tours, travel delay protection, and opting for policies with robust trip interruption coverage.' Brits planning a trip to China can now enter the destination visa-free, and the UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance on the situation. Previously, British travellers had to apply for a visa before they would be allowed to enter China. But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently struck a deal with the country during his visit to Beijing last month. From today, February 17, Brits can enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days if visiting for business, tourism, to see family and friends or transit. The new process is initially in place until December 31, 2026. The Foreign Office states, 'If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China. 'If you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London. 'If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.' UK travellers can now enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days if visiting for business, tourism, to see family and friends or transit The regulations vary however and the guidance explains, 'You can visit Hainan without a visa if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point. Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information. 'Depending on your travel plans, visa free transit options are available, including staying in China for up to 10 days. 'Read the Chinese Embassy's visa website or the Chinese National Immigration Administration website for further information. 'Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.' Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu's Tours, recently told the Daily Mail the visa-free travel agreement was a 'historical moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005'. She urged British travellers to 'take the opportunity' and travel to China. The move brings Britain in line with around 50 other countries who can visit China visa-free, such as France and Germany. The new process is initially in place until December 31, 2026 and the UK Foreign Office has recently updated its guidance on visiting China Earlier this week, China's foreign ministry shared the update on its site. It 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. 'The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026.' Have you ever dreamed of owning your own island? What about adopting one? Well, now you can - as Sweden is offering lucky Brits the chance to adopt an island in the country to take under their wing. Sweden, which has more than 267,000 islands more than any other country in the world is offering UK travellers a unique opportunity to adopt one of five untouched islands. They are available not for purchase, but for adoption - to visit and look after. Launched by Visit Sweden in collaboration with the National Property Board, which manages state-owned cultural heritage properties, the 'Your Swedish Island' initiative invites travellers to apply for the chance to become custodians of one of five carefully selected islands. Each location is secluded, yet close enough to a local community for essentials whether it's picking up groceries, posting a letter, or joining a traditional Midsummer celebration. Included for winners is a one-year right to use one of the five selected islands, a diploma certifying the winner as official island custodian, a trip to Sweden and a contract outlining basic stewardship responsibilities. And it's right on trend. For many Brits, escaping to a private island is the ultimate dream, representing much more than luxury. Now you can apply to adopt a Swedish island for a year to take care of A YouGov survey reveals that seven in 10 Brits would embrace the opportunity to be away from crowds, highlighting the growing appeal of peaceful, remote destinations. The reasons for solitude vary. In the UK, 15 per cent of respondents said they would welcome time away from their boss. Plus, escaping the crowds on public transport is a key motivation. The survey also found that Brits, like many people around the world, are increasingly drawn to simplicity and nature. Instead, travellers are turning to serene destinations such as Sweden's islands as an escape from overcrowding and overtourism. Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden, said: 'Sweden has more islands than any other country in the world. 'We would like to invite people to enjoy what may be the most genuine form of luxury: the peace and tranquillity of nature on your own island.' Your Swedish Island offers quality of life experiences that are increasingly resonating with travellers around the world. Private islands have long been the ultimate luxury - but now that's about to change 'If you don't get one of these islands, don't worry. Sweden has many more that everyone can enjoy,' says Susanne. For those enjoying travel, Sweden's island landscape is both diverse and abundant offering something for every version of what 'getting away' might mean. Applications open for international travellers on February 17, 2026, and are accepted until April 17, 2026. A jury will select five successful applicants based on creativity and personal motivation. One plane passenger who had trouble opening her water bottle on a flight has divided social media users. Michelle Joseph explained in a video on social media how she was given a free bottle of water during the journey. However, she admitted she finds them 'particularly hard to open' and normally struggles with opening bottles, often turning to others nearby for help. During a journey to Switzerland, Michelle found herself stuck next to a sleeping passenger and couldn't ask for help with her bottle. In the end she gave herself a 'headache, because the rush leaving the airport, getting home, all of that, [she] didn't drink enough water,' she explained, in a video reshared by daadisnacks on TikTok. However, on the flight home, she asked a British Airways flight attendant for assistance and claims she 'had some attitude' from them and was left 'too stunned to speak'. The passenger explained how she asked, 'Would you mind unscrewing the bottle, please?' and the air hostess reportedly replied, 'Sorry, what?' She then repeated the question and the flight attendant apparently said, 'Is it that hard?' A TikTok user asked a flight attendant to help open her water bottle and received what she claims was a 'condescending' response has sparked debate online The traveller went on to describe the worker as 'condescending' and explained how she didn't feel there was a need for the response, arguing the flight attendant wasn't to know if she needed assistance or not because of a wrist injury, for example. However, several people have shared their views on the situation online, with some agreeing with the passenger and others not. One Mile At A Time writer Ben Schlappig felt the traveller should have communicated her problem with water bottles better to the flight attendant who then might have been happier to help. Daadi, who goes by @daadisnacks on TikTok, shared his take in a video and said: 'I'm sorry but how is it the responsibility of the flight attendant who is looking after the safety of 150 people to make sure that a 30-year-old adult can find an adequate source of hydration?' But some commenters on Daadi's video defended the passenger and one said: 'God please go watch the original before commenting guys.' Someone else replied: 'I did and thank you for letting me know because she was totally not a Karen and that flight attendant was rude.' 'The whole video is less incriminating,' one social media user added. 'The woman knows she struggles with the bottles from that airline so she asked the flight attendant to open hers. 'While the woman didn't have a broken wrist, she was pointing out hypothetical accessibility reasons someone would need a bottle opened. She argued the flight attendant wasn't to know if she needed assistance or not because of a wrist injury, for example (stock) 'Opening a bottle is not a crazy or time-consuming thing to ask for, and it is a little odd that the flight attendant responded how she did.' Another person shared: 'I have really bad grip strength, so I understand why someone would ask a flight attendant for help. 'But a simple "I'm struggling to open this bottle, please can you help me out?" probably would've worked in her favour.' Others were less sympathetic and one simply said: 'Flight attendants are not waitresses.' The Science Museum in London has announced a programme to mark 60 years of the sci-fi franchise Star Trek. To celebrate, visitors can watch all 13 films in the franchise on one of the biggest screens in Europe - in a world-first. Many of the films have been digitised for the first time ahead of the screenings at the Science Museums IMAX: The Ronson Theatre, one of the biggest screens in the UK. This complete collection spans more than four decades of cinema, from the classic original voyages to the modern reboot blockbusters. Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek Beyond will be screened in full IMAX format. Meanwhile, a free trail spanning the museum will feature iconic objects from the franchises archives, curated by the Science Museum. It will include screen-used props, and explore the connections between science fiction and real-world innovations. Exclusive merchandise has also been created for the anniversary. To celebrate 60 years of Star Trek, a special edition of the free adults-only event, Lates, will be held at the Science Museum Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country will be screened at the Science Museum It includes a limited-edition anniversary coin and apparel, which will be available in a Star Trek takeover of the mezzanine level of the museums shop. There will also be an exclusive silver embroidered cap and sew-on patch. With an illustration of the iconic Star Trek ships, the specially produced Ships of the Line T-shirt, tote bag and poster will delight interstellar transport fans too. The programme of activities will launch on Thursday, March 26 (stardate -629499.47), with a special edition of the Science Museum free adults-only event, Lates. Visitors to this after-hours event will be among the first to experience the Star Trek Trail and access the museums exclusive product range. Amid DJs, scientists, speakers, and performers, visitors will be encouraged to don their costumes and strut down the catwalk in Energy Hall. They will also be able to pose for a photo in a 360 Enterprise Bridge experience, and discover more about what cutting-edge research says about the big science questions of Star Trek. Dr Glyn Morgan, head of collections and principal curator at the Science Museum, said: Star Trek has invited audiences to be curious explorers for decades a mission we know something about at the Science Museum. Modern film Star Trek Beyond is also scheduled on the screening itinerary Activities and events will form part of the Science Museum's lineup 'Star Trek as a cultural phenomenon has played a real role in changing the world of STEM, from inspiring technical innovations to encouraging a generation of modern astronauts. 'I hope that this Star Trek at 60 programme at the Science Museum inspires visitors to consider what might be possible if you boldly go where no one has gone before. According to the Science Museum's website, events will be ongoing until September 8, 2026. Events and activities will be free, excluding film screenings. EastEnders bosses have paid a poignant tribute to the late June Brown - aka the inimitable Dot Cotton - in a move 'she would no doubt have approved of.' The actress, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 95, was one of Albert Square's most beloved residents, both on set and behind the scenes. Now, to honour her love of the canteen, bosses have decided to rename the on-set eatery On The Dot. A source said: 'Naming the canteen after June was something she would no doubt have approved of, and she would have seen the funny side of it. 'Plus it was always a place where, over many fags and cups of tea, she could be found holding court with several of her adoring cast members hanging off her every words.' The tribute comes ahead of 2027, which would have marked the star's 100th birthday. EastEnders bosses have paid a poignant tribute to the late June Brown - aka the inimitable Dot Cotton - in a move 'she would not doubt have approved of' Now, to honour her love of the canteen, bosses have decided to rename the on-set eatery On The Dot Reflecting on the actress's antics on in the canteen, Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy Beale, said that she was a character in quite literally ever way - and healthier than some people might have thought. She said: 'I know she smoked and loved her red wine (but) she was very healthy. I saw her once doing her pelvic floor exercises on the trolley in the canteen.' John Altman, otherwise known as Nasty Nick on the show, said that while the actress could be frequently found in the canteen, her sheer popularity on set meant that it would often take her some time to get there. He said: 'We'd walk to the canteen at the BBC and it would always take about half an hour because she'd stop along the way chatting to people.' The poignant tribute comes as June's former co-star Katie Jarvis previously revealed how the soap veteran was allowed to break the rules by smoking on set. She told The Sun: 'I always remember, June sat down, and she was just smoking and smoking ... Yeah she was the only one that was allowed! ... 'She'd always be working as an actress daily. She put her cigarette down, went on the set, and she's reading these pages of dialogue ... 'She knew all of her lines never got them wrong, and obviously, she was always allowed to walk around smoking!' The actress, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 95, was one of Albert Square's most beloved residents, both on set and behind the scenes A source said: 'Naming the canteen after June was something she would no doubt have approved of, and she would have seen the funny side of it' After June's death, she was remembered on the show as they screened a funeral for her character Dot and the actress' real life children were among those seen mourning the loss onscreen. It was revealed that June didn't want her character to be killed off while she was still alive so EastEnders bosses spoke to her family after her death and were given the greenlight to show Dot's funeral in the soap. Executive producer Chris Kershaw told the same outlet: 'She did of course know that when she did leave us, it was the right thing to do. 'After some time, we couldnt put it off much longer. We spoke to June's family who knew it was what she would have wanted.' EastEnders airs at 7:30pm on Monday to Thursday on BBC1 One and is available to stream on iPlayer. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Cat Deeley took to This Morning in a chic full length skirt in a popular animal print design - and while her look is almost sold out, we've found an alternative. The ITV daytime show sees the 49-year-old and co-host Ben Shephard, 50, interview a range of celebrity guests and familiar faces during the week. Cat is no stranger to sporting a chic look for her time in front of the camera, sharing her looks for her adoring fans on social media. Earlier this week, she made sure to keep right on trend with an animal-printed look, sporting a midi-length brown and white leopard style design. She paired the item with an oversized cosy jumper and leather boots, sprucing up her look with a bouncy blow dry and keeping her make-up light and minimal. Luckily for fans, while the original skirt is quickly selling out online on the John Lewis site, it's still available on Next, with plenty of other alternatives. The Mint Velvet skirt, which is now sold out in all sizes on the John Lewis site, is still available to buy for 99 on the Next website. The machine-washable skirt, which is made from polyester, features a neutral tone animal print design, with a high waistband and A-line design. While it's selling out quickly, the skirt is still available in sizes 6, 12, 14, and 16. For those looking for a different size, or another high street alternative, Mango are also stocking their own animal-print long skirt design. The Leopard Midi Skirt is currently on sale, down to 22.95 from 35.99, and available in sizes XS to XL - with free delivery to your nearest store. Crafted from lightweight fabric, the skirt is ideal for the transition from spring to summer as the UK weather starts to warm up. Elsewhere, New Look currently have a mega 69% price reduction on their animal printed midi skirt, which features a brown printed design. It's selling quickly, only left in a size 6 and 26, but is at a bargain price of 9. ASOS are also stocking a version of the skirt, a Miss Selfridge design, and on sale from 27.99, down to 23.79. Available in sizes 4 and 6, the machine washable fashion item features a high-rise cut, with an elasticated waistband for comfort. The Crew Clothing company's Rowen Satin Slip Midi Skirt in Brown Leopard Print, is still in stock in all sizes from 6 to 18. Priced at 35, the skirt is also currently on sale, down from 59. The silky, elegant skirt features a flattering A-line cut, with an elastic waist for comfort - with the website detailing it as 'perfect for heels of flats'. It's not the only skirt worn by Cat that has got viewers talking, as over Christmas, she caused a stir with a long white pleated skirt. The ME+EM skirt, which features a side split and pleated detailing, is still on sale for 250 on the outlet's website - but sizes are running out fast. The crepe material drop-waist look is only available in size 10, having sold out in sizes 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 and 18 since its debut on the website. ME+EM offer multiple different delivery options - including a speedy delivery for those looking to wear it immediately. But for those looking for a different size, or a high street alternative, Next are now stocking their own version of the look - and it comes in two colours. The two-piece set, which features both a cream and a black pleated chiffon skirt, is priced at just 44, and is available in all sizes from extra small to extra large. Savvy shoppers who have already purchased the set, which Next say is best paired with 'a blouse', have gushed over the look as 'comfortable' and 'great value'. There are also similar versions available at ASOS for 36, Reiss at 158 and Karen Millen for 159.20 - on sale from 199. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX The Love Island: All Stars villa will heat up again as Scott van-der-Sluis sinks his claws into Sean Stone and Lucinda Strafford becoming boyfriend and girlfriend. Last night, viewers watched on as Sean, 32, and Lucinda, 26, made their relationship official becoming boyfriend and girlfriend in romantic scenes. The couple were seen sharing a series of snogs as Sean told Lucinda he 'loved' her, and asked his co-star if she wanted to be his girlfriend. The episode came to an end with Lucinda and Sean announcing their happy news to the other Islanders, who all appeared supportive of the decision. But tonight, Scott will sink his claws into the pair with some very honest opinions as he chats away to his partner Leanne Amaning. Lucinda tells the group of girls: 'I cant cope with what just happened it was the funniest but cutest and loveliest thing I feel like Im so smiley and so happy.' The Love Island: All Stars villa will heat up again as Scott van-der-Sluis sinks his claws into Sean Stone and Lucinda Strafford becoming boyfriend and girlfriend Last night, viewers watched on as Sean, 32, and Lucinda, 26, made their relationship official becoming boyfriend and girlfriend But as Sean takes her over a drink, Scott is quick to comment to the boys: 'Now all the girls are gonna be onto us about when were doing that, thank you Sean.' Later, Scott tells Jessy Potts in the kitchen: 'Exclusive carries you to the outside, in here and outside world is different he doesnt know what his family thinks of her.' He later adds: 'I dont know what my family think about Leanne, I dont want anyone else, however, you do need to see how logistically it will work.' Taking Leanne aside to the mini fire pit to discuss the news further, he tells her: 'Id say were dating now I dont want anyone else, in or out of here. 'The making boyfriend and girlfriend in here is mad.' Leanne replies: 'Whats mad about that? Its the same thingclosed off, exclusiveits the same thing,' but Scott still disagrees, with the two not seeing eye-to-eye on the different relationship labels. The villa will then be rocked once again as Jessy gets a very surprising text: 'Islanders, the public have been voting for their favourite couple.' Not only will the winning couple be revealed, but more drama will descend when a second unexpected text comes through with more public results. Taking Leanne aside to the mini fire pit to discuss the news further, he tells her: 'Id say were dating now I dont want anyone else, in or out of here' Scott tells Jessy Potts in the kitchen: 'Exclusive carries you to the outside, in here and outside world is differenthe doesnt know what his family thinks of her' And it'll spell trouble for one couple, who will be forced to immediately pack their bags and leave the South African villa. But whose Love Island journey has come to an abrupt end? It comes after the Love Island girls were left screeching with joy as Lucinda revealed that she and partner Sean had 'sealed the deal'. It's been a tricky few weeks in the villa for the pair - after Lucinda, 26, found herself in an ongoing war of words with Belle Hassan over her relationship with Sean, 32. Tensions started to fray when Lucinda stole Sean from Belle - who gave her a dressing down - with the tables then turning as Belle made a play for Scott, despite him being coupled up with Leanne. Lucinda was quick to call out Belle over her antics, dubbing her a 'hypocrite' and pointing out 'double standards' for having lashed out at her over the same actions. And it turned he villa upside down in a series of chaotic rows, as other Islanders, including Scott, Leanne and Jessy Potts waded in on the action. However, it hasn't stopped loved-up Lucinda and Sean from continuing their romance, and even taking things one step further on Sunday night. The villa will then be rocked once again as Jessy gets a very surprising text It's been a tricky few weeks in the villa for the pair - after Lucinda, 26, found herself in an ongoing war of words with Belle Hassan over her relationship with Sean, 32 'My feelings for you are crazy,' Sean told Lucinda. 'When I talk to you, I could just listen to you all day, I watch you all day around the villa, it makes me happy.' 'I would love to be exclusive with you,' Sean continued, with Lucinda replying: 'I'd love that too, but wait, there's only like a week left.' 'It's short notice, but I obviously would love for you to be my girlfriend,' Sean replied. 'Shall we just ramp it up a couple of notches?' 'Wait, what question are you asking me?' Lucinda tried to clarify, before Sean asked: 'Do you want to be my girlfriend?' 'Yes!' Lucinda shouted, before the pair shared a snog and Sean confessed: 'I can't believe I've actually got a girlfriend! I really f**king like you, like I f**king love you.' 'This is the happiest I've been in such a long time, it just feels right,' Lucinda later told the cameras. 'I came in here and I got exactly what I wanted.' 'I am honestly just in a little love bubble with Lucinda and I'm just so happy right now,' Sean concluded. 'This has been one of the best nights ever.' Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. This Morning's Alison Hammond opened up on the 'absolutely traumatising' she found her son Aidan splayed out on the floor after an accident at home. The TV presenter, who was joined by Dermot O'Leary for the latest instalment of the ITV breakfast show, shared the horrifying moment her only child, then a baby, fell from the bed when he was left alone for a moment. The duo were joined by Ashley James and Nick Ferrari for the daily news segment, when talk soon turned to the trials and tribulations of parenthood. Reacting to Harry Potter star Rupert Grint opening up on fatherhood, admitting he found the experience 'isolating' and 'traumatising', Alison, 51, revealed more about her experiences as a parent back when son Aidan, 21, was an infant. The mother-of-one told her co-stars: 'I'll be honest, I have been traumatised, and I feel like such a terrible parent even telling you this. 'You know when your baby is getting a little bit older from when you can leave them on the bed and they don't move... This Morning's Alison Hammond opened up on the 'absolutely traumatising' she found her son Aidan splayed out on the floor after an accident at home Alison, 51, revealed more about her experiences as a parent when son Aidan, 21 'I was traumatised when my little Aidan was on the bed. I quickly popped to the bathroom for something, came back and he'd fallen off. 'I will be honest with you, seeing him on the floor, I was absolutely traumatised - but he was absolutely fine, he was absolutely fine. 'I feel like a terrible mum, but do you know what? I'm not the only one.' Alison raised Aidan as a single mother after she split from his father and her ex-fiance, Noureddine Boufaied, after Aidan was born in 2005. Previously on This Morning, Alison spoke about the split and becoming a single mum, saying: 'I felt that failure with my sons dad when we broke up but he moved on and has three other kids now and they are part of our life.' It comes after This Morning fans were left divided after watching Alison's Valentine's Day themed interview with Chris Hemsworth. Alison sat down with the Australian actor, 42, in a cinema to talk about his latest release Crime 101 on the show last week. The cinema was set up for a Valentine's Day date and saw the pair enjoy a glass of champagne and a cupcake to discuss the thriller, which centres around a planned multimillion dollar heist. The mother-of-one told her co-stars: 'I'll be honest, I have been traumatised, and I feel like such a terrible parent even telling you this' Alison raised Aidan as a single mother after she split from his father and her ex-fiance, Noureddine Boufaied, after Aidan was born in 2005 She asked the actor: 'Tell the viewers why they should choose Crime 101 on Valentine's Day Eve?' Chris said: 'Once the momentum kicks from the beginning, you are on the edge of your seat and holding on to your partner. I think that'd be the safest place to do it. It makes for a great night out. Where else would you want to be big dark room with a bunch of strangers and your loved one?' Alison couldn't help but joke: 'Oh, well, I'm quite enjoying this dark room with you, to be fair.' The interview left viewers divided as some claimed she was 'screaming' in the actor's face as she interviewed him, while other found it hilarious. Taking to X, those who didn't love it wrote: 'Hammond interviews cringe fest you seen one you seen them all me me me me bab babes howling.' Another chimed in: 'Cringe interview. Poor Chris,' as a third added: 'The things they have to do to promote their movies.' However, others enjoyed the interaction, writing: 'Chris Hemsworth seems like a pretty cool dude like hes so funny and that interview with Alison Hammond is great.' Earlier in the interview, Chris brought up Alison's previous 'date night' interview with another Australian actor, Hugh Jackman, 57. This Morning fans were left cringing after watching Alison Hammond's 'cringe-fest' Valentine's interview with Chris Hemsworth Alison, 51, sat down with the Australian actor, 42, in a cinema to talk about his latest release Crime 101 - but her behaviour during the interview ended up being more of a talking point for viewers than the film itself Chris joked that he had to have a similar set-up where he notably brought the drinks and snacks as Alison had provided them for Hugh. He said: 'You know, as an Australian man, I saw the interaction, or date, if you can call it, that you had with Hugh Jackman, and I was pretty disappointed you brought the flowers and the cake and the champagne and everything. 'That's not how Australian men roll. So this time I wanted to do it and show you how it's supposed to be done. Show him how it's supposed to be done.' Unbelievably, the actor was brought up again at the end of Alison's subsequent date with Chris. She once again made a very eye-popping joke and said that Hugh was 'very big down under', prompting Chris to awkwardly laugh. This Morning airs on weekdays from 10am on ITV and ITVX. 'It just kind of happened,' said a teenage Katie Holmes of her bond with James Van Der Beek on Dawson's Creek back in 1997. 'We have a lot in common. The chemistry was there.' The feeling was shared by a then 20-year-old Van Der Beek who claimed they 'just kind of clicked from the read through,' telling E! News: 'We got really lucky I think because we met each other like two days before we started shooting.' It was this chemistry that drew fans to the two young stars who would weeks later hit screens as film buff Dawson Leery and his love interest, girl next door Joey Potter, on the popular teen drama which ran from 1998 until 2003. Having spent their formative years together in the spotlight, it is perhaps no surprise that their bond would survive decades, until Van Der Beek's death at age 48 earlier this month. But what fans might not know was just how close the actors once were. Insiders have exclusively told the Daily Mail that the pair briefly dated in secret on set before Holmes went on to date their costar Joshua Jackson, who also played Holmes' onscreen love interest Pacey Witter. The late James Van Der Beek developed a decades long bond with his co-star Katie Holmes after they shot to fame on the set of Dawson's Creek The two young actors starred together on the WB show from 1998 to 2003, where Holmes played his love interest, girl next door Joey Potter while Van Der Beek starred as Dawson Leery One insider said Holmes, 47, has told close friends that Van Der Beek was her 'teen love.' 'James and Katie dated for a bit,' they said. 'They tried to keep their relationship secret but everyone on the set knew about it. Then news of them being a couple began to filter out.' Holmes grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was raised in a close-knit family before moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, after high school to film Dawson's Creek. It was an overnight success and quickly became the top-rated show among teenage girls, averaging six million viewers during its run. The response was overwhelming for the youngsters who 'suddenly found themselves the stars of one of TV's hottest shows,' and as a result decided to keep tight-lipped about their romance. 'Katie was a shy 19-year-old and James was just into his twenties,' the insider continued. 'They didn't want to talk about their love lives in public, so they decided to keep quiet about it.' After the show ended, they parted ways and led incredibly different lives. Holmes went on to marry Tom Cruise in a lavish ceremony in November 2006, only to file for divorce nearly six years later. Holmes was granted full custody of their now 19-year-old daughter Suri Noelle (formerly Cruise). Van Der Beek married Heather McComb the year the show ended in 2003, before they called it quits in 2010. He then married film producer Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, with whom he has six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and four-year-old Jeremiah. The Varsity Blues actor and his wife fled Los Angeles for a quiet life in Texas following a string of family tragedies. Van Der Beek lost his mother Melinda Weber in July 2020, and Kimberly experienced multiple miscarriages, including two late-term. The actor was extremely close to his family, who even accompanied him on set when he was filming what would be his final role in upcoming horror movie The Gates. The insider said that despite going on 'to have very different lives,' Holmes 'admitted there would always be a strong bond between them. Especially for her as he was her teen love.' Insiders have exclusively told the Daily Mail that the pair (pictured in 2011) secretly briefly dated on set before Holmes, 47, went on to date their costar Joshua Jackson 'The set was high school for the cast. Everyone had crushes on each other, and everyone at one point or another would date and hookup,' said a second insider. 'Katie and James had a brief fling with each other. 'Everyone loved James both as a friend and a love interest, and James and Katie definitely had a brief moment with each other but realized very fast, they were better off as friends. And that was totally cool with them, they never made it an issue whatsoever.' And friends they stayed, with Holmes among those left devastated by his death from colorectal cancer on February 11. She paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, detailing their 'memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth,' in a handwritten note. 'I formed some words with a heavy heart,' she captioned the post in which she also sent her support to Van Der Beek's wife. 'This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.' While they maintained strong ties, they did not get to see each other when the entire cast of Dawson's Creek reunited for a script reading, which took place on September 22, 2025, in New York City, something that 'upset' Holmes. 'Katie was upset she didn't get to see James when the cast got together in New York last September for a special reading of the pilot episode,' said our first insider. The charity event benefited F Cancer and was organized to support Van Der Beek following his 2024 diagnosis. While Van Der Beek was expected to attend, he pulled out last minute, citing a stomach virus. Instead, he sent along a video message and Lin-Manuel Miranda played his role. 'James and Katie definitely had a brief moment with each other but realized very fast, they were better off as friends,' said one insider. 'And that was totally cool with them, they never made it an issue whatsoever' The cast of Dawson's Creek reunited in 2025 for a reading of the Dawson's Creek pilot to raise money for charity and Holmes was left 'upset' when Van Der Beek was forced to pull out Van Der Beek appeared via video at the event for F Cancer because of a stomach virus. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to play Dawson Leery His daughters also performed a sweet surprise solo tribute as they joined the rest of the cast's theme song singalong onstage during the emotional reunion. Holmes honored Van Der Beek on Instagram after the event, sharing a video clip and writing: 'I will never find the words for what these three beautiful humans mean to me. For our shared journey. For our everlasting bond. 'James, Josh, Michelle from April 1997 I love you. James, you got this. We got you. To everyone who supported us from the beginning and who continue to support James and his beautiful family, we thank you. Thank you for last night.' Van Der Beek replied: 'Love you! Thank you for being you.' Do you have a tip about MAFS? Email Married At First Sight couple Brook Crompton and Chris Nield appeared to be on surprisingly good terms when they were recently spotted at Sydney Airport following an explosive cast dinner party. Despite the ongoing behind-the-scenes drama, the pair shared relaxed and affectionate moments as they prepared to travel. The upcoming dinner party results in Brook, 27, going into damage control within days of filming the explosive gathering, after she announced she was pregnant and engaged to a man she was dating before the show. Brook cut a casual figure in an unzipped leather jacket and jeans, carrying a designer monogram handbag, while Chris kept it effortlessly casual in a black T-shirt and grey track pants. In one image, the pair stood close together and warmly embraced, seemingly unconcerned about the drama unfolding on screen. Another showed the pair happily chatting, before heading off with their luggage. Married At First Sight couple Brook Crompton and Chris Nield appeared to be on surprisingly good terms when they were recently spotted at Sydney Airport Despite the ongoing behind-the-scenes drama, the pair shared relaxed and affectionate moments as they prepared to travel Brook cut a casual figure in an unzipped leather jacket and jeans Meanwhile, Chris opted for a black T-shirt and grey track pants Despite the turmoil surrounding their on-screen marriage, they appeared comfortable in each others company as they wheeled a suitcase through the departure area. The sighting comes after their relationship reached breaking point at a cast dinner party, where tensions between the brides spilled over into a heated confrontation. The shock scene occurred when outspoken Brook was telling her female co-stars about how she was appalled by her husband Chris Nield's audition video. 'The final red flag, I watched his video, and he said, "I hate fat people",' Brook told the room of shocked women. 'He said, "Give me a brunette skinny girl on a silver platter, and I will be there for her".' The entire female cast was disgusted by Chris' words, with Brook revealing how she issued a blunt clapback to her husband. 'I said to him, "One step forward, two steps back". I didn't want to grow with him, I want to see him grown. I didn't come here to train a boy; if it was me on the outside world, I would tap out. Go tell your mum what you said, you look like a piece of s**t,' she raged. It follows reports that MAFS 2026's most explosive rumour about Brook was finally revealed. In one image, the pair stood close together and warmly embraced Another showed the pair happily chatting, before heading off with their luggage Despite the turmoil surrounding their on-screen marriage, they appeared comfortable in each other's company The sighting comes after their relationship reached breaking point at the latest dinner party After weeks of whispers, denials and mounting speculation, Daily Mail can reveal that Brook is the bride accused of secretly reconnecting with her ex while still part of the experiment, and is now pregnant. In footage obtained by Daily Mail, Brook is seen kissing her exboyfriend Harry as the pair decorate a Christmas tree together in October just weeks after her on-screen marriage to Chris Nield came crumbling down off-camera. The intimate video shows the couple unable to keep their hands off each other, sharing several kisses and cosy embraces inside an apartment as they put up Christmas decorations weeks before December had even arrived. For cast and crew, the reveal was less a shock and more a confirmation of what many already suspected. Multiple cast members told Daily Mail that Brook and Chris never stood a chance. David Genat has revealed that he reached out to Jonathan LaPaglia after the TV veteran was sacked as host of Australian Survivor last year. Genat, 45, who took over presenting on the show in the wake of LaPaglia's controversial exit, added that the pair were not friends. Appearing on the Hit Network's Carrie and Tommy Show on Monday, the former model was pressed for details over the Australian Survivor shake-up. After co-host Carrie Bickmore asked Genat whether things were awkward with LaPaglia, the former castaway replied: 'That's a question for Jonathan. Not for me. I mean, I think Jonathan's amazing.' During the interview, Genat said that LaPaglia had messaged back but did not reveal any details, only saying that things between them were 'good'. He continued: 'I wouldn't say we're friends, but yeah. I mean, it's fine. Of course you're upset.' David Genat (pictured) has revealed that he reached out to Jonathan LaPaglia after the TV veteran was sacked as host of Australian Survivor last year Elsewhere in the chat, Genat then distanced himself from the producers' decision to sack LaPaglia, after the fan favourite had hosted the survival series for close to a decade. 'I was not involved in the breakup, but yeah, I mean, look, I just sent him a message and said he's done such an amazing thing with the show and his legacy can't be touched,' Genat explained. He added: 'So I'm just trying to build on it and make it my own and just like continue making this the greatest show. 'You lose a job. I've lost so many jobs and been upset, but it was not my fault. So what could he say? 'I just sent him a nice message to just tell him, like how much I respected him.' It comes after Genat was announced as LaPaglia's replacement last August. The Australianborn reality star, who lives in Texas with his family, began his Survivor journey on Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders in 2019. He was the 14th castaway voted out, and then returned to the franchise the following season for Australian Survivor All Stars in 2020, which he won. Genat, 45, who took over presenting on the show in the wake of LaPaglia's controversial exit, added that the pair were not friends. (Pictured: Jonathan LaPaglia) Meanwhile, LaPaglia shocked fans last June when he confirmed he had been axed from the series, after almost a decade at the helm. The TV personality was met with a rally of support after he revealed he would be fronting the show for the last time in the Australia V The World series, which premiered on Sunday. He later detailed the brutal way he found out he had lost his job. 'The speculation online was that I received an email. But no, it was a call to my manager in Australia. I didn't get a direct call... disappointing,' he told The Daily Telegraph. Australian Survivor: Redemption premieres February 23 on Channel 10 Famed director and documentarian Frederick Wiseman - whose works included Titicut Follies, National Gallery and At Berkeley - died at the age of 96 Monday, his family said. 'For nearly six decades, Frederick Wiseman created an unparalleled body of work, a sweeping cinematic record of contemporary social institutions and ordinary human experience primarily in the United States and France,' a statement from his family and company Zipporah Films read. The statement continued: 'His films from Titicut Follies (1967) to his most recent work, Menus-Plaisirs Les Troisgros (2023) are celebrated for their complexity, narrative power and humanist gaze.' The statement noted that Wiseman 'produced and directed all of his 45 films under the banner of Zipporah Films, Inc.' The Boston-born creative was educated at Williams College and subsequently, Yale Law School. His initial motion picture he produced was The Cool World, which chronicled the dealings of a gang in Harlem. He then directed and produced 1967's Titicut Follies, which examined life at Bridgewater State Hospital, an institution for criminals who have been found insane. Director and documentarian Frederick Wiseman died at the age of 96 Monday, his family said. Pictured at the 2016 Governors Awards Wiseman - whose works included Titicut Follies, National Gallery and At Berkeley - pictured in 2017 in Venice, Italy Other notable documentaries Wiseman made included 1997's Public Housing, 2014's National Gallery, 2017's Ex Libris and 2020's City Hall. Wiseman was honored in the industry with an Honorary Academy Award in 2016. Wiseman said of his passion for filmmaking and producing as he accepted the Oscar, 'Whats kept me going is its fun and an adventure. 'Constantly working also keeps me off the streets, or at least on the streets that I like.' The Academy said Wiseman's 'masterful and distinctive documentaries examine the familiar and reveal the unexpected.' Wiseman also collected three Primetime Emmys: for 1969's Law and Order (Outstanding Achievement in News Documentary Programming - Programs); and two for 1970's Hospital (Outstanding Achievement in News Documentary Programming - Programs, Individuals). Online, a number of people paid tribute to Wiseman on X, lauding him for his talent, focus and body of work. Director Benny Safdie said Wiseman 'simply is one of the greatest filmmakers ever,' adding, 'He mined his worlds and always found the things that make us uniquely human. Gonna listen to the Dangling Conversation.' Wiseman pictured in 1969, the year he captured the first of three career Primetime Emmy awards Wiseman pictured in LA at the Governors Awards in November of 2016 Online, a number of people paid memorial to Wiseman on X, lauding him for his talent, focus and body of work Director Kasper Collin wrote, 'RIP Frederick Wiseman and thank you for your films. 'Great filmmaker and a giant of an example of what it means to maintain full control over your creative work ... love and respect.' Said one user, 'A part of my life and who I have become goes away with Frederick Wiseman the last of the greatest is no more. 'Thankful for the monumental and inspiring work he left us, in the age of departure from reality let us find the strength and courage to pick up from where he left.' One user said that Wiseman 'innovated a documentary style that allowed him to see truths about the human condition in a way the medium has not known before.' A user said Titicut Follies 'literally changed the world in its fly-on-the-wall chronicle of a U.S. mental institution.' Some commenters drew parallels between the death of Wiseman and Robert Duvall's passing, which was announced earlier Monday Wiseman's works 'are celebrated for their complexity, narrative power and humanist gaze,' his family said. Pictured in 2024 in Cannes Some commenters drew parallels between the death of Wiseman and Robert Duvall's passing, which was announced earlier Monday. 'Its a double feature of mourning for cinema today: RIP Robert Duvall and Frederick Wiseman,' said one user. Another added, 'First Robert Duvall, now Frederick Wiseman. A sad day for cinema and particularly for America, which has lost a voice and a conscience.' Wiseman's spouse Zipporah Batshaw Wiseman, who he was wed to for 65 years, passed away in 2021. Wiseman is survived by sons David and Eric, and three grandkids; in addition to Karen Konicek, his collaborator for nearly 50 years. Married At First Sight has been hit with a bombshell shake-up after Mel Schilling announced she is stepping away from the Australian series. The relationship expert, who has been a core part of the experiment since season two, confirmed on Tuesday that she will no longer appear on the nation's most-watched reality show. In a heartfelt statement, Mel revealed the decision came after careful consideration, citing ongoing health challenges and the strain of splitting her life between Australia and the UK. 'After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married At First Sight Australia,' she said. 'This hasn't been a choice I've made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable.' 'It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life,' she continued. Married At First Sight has been hit with a bombshell shake-up after Mel Schilling (pictured) announced she is stepping away from the Australian series The relationship expert, who has been a core part of the experiment since season two, confirmed on Tuesday she will no longer appear on the nation's most-watched reality show. (Pictured L-R: MAFS John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla) Mel has become a familiar face on the commitment ceremony couch, guiding hundreds of brides and grooms through explosive dinner parties, tearful confessions and headline-making break-ups. Reflecting on the show's meteoric rise, she added: 'What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.' 'I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we've achieved together. Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.' Her departure marks the end of an era for the hit Channel Nine franchise, which has dominated ratings and social media discourse for more than a decade. Adrian Swift, Channel Nine's Head of Content, Production and Development, paid tribute to Mel's legacy, revealing she played a pivotal role in shaping the show in its formative years. 'Mel has been on the Married at First Sight journey from season two. She helped us define the show in the early days and always brought her incredible insight and empathy to both the matching process and to the commitment ceremony couch,' he said. 'She has celebrated every high and met every challenge over the last 12 seasons of MAFS but her enthusiasm to find the best match for hundreds of Aussies has remained undiminished. 'All of us at Nine hugely value her contribution to the nation's most-watched television series but we understand the pull of her home in the UK and wish her continued success on MAFS UK.' In a heartfelt statement, Mel revealed the decision came after careful consideration Her departure marks the end of an era for the hit Channel Nine franchise, which has dominated ratings and social media discourse for more than a decade 'This hasn't been a choice I've made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable,' she said. (Pictured with her family) Tara McWilliams, Director of Content at Endemol Shine Australia, echoed the sentiment. 'It's hard to imagine the couch without Mel. From the moment she joined the experiment, Mel brought an authenticity and passion that resonated deeply with millions of MAFS viewers, both here and abroad,' she said. 'Her ability to both challenge and champion our participants has helped shape the heart and evolution of the series. 'We are forever grateful for all that she's brought to the show, and while we will miss her expertise, warmth and unmistakable presence, we wholeheartedly support her decision to prioritise her life in the UK with her family, wishing her every happiness.' Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine. Lori Loughlin's estranged second husband Mossimo Giannulli was spotted for the third time with Hannah Harrison, this time, grabbing drinks at Lynx Coffee in Sherman Oaks, CA on Sunday. At 62, the college admissions scandal ex-con is 30 years older than the stylist, who claimed they were just 'good friends' and 'not dating' as recent as last October. Giannulli and Harrison coordinated in casual white tops, beige bottoms and black shoes for their caffeine-fueled outing. The G/Fore founder looked over-styled with his undershirt French-tucked into cuffed, white paint-splattered khakis while the TYS Beauty co-founder sported sweats with $1,090 Maison Margiela Tabi mules. Giannulli and Harrison were first pictured together at his Beverly Hills boutique on October 2 where she alleged to Us Weekly he 'was just meeting me at the store so I could pull clothes' for her styling business. The coy pair's second outing came November 8 when they partied at WeHo nightclub Zouk LA until 3am. Lori Loughlin's estranged second husband Mossimo Giannulli was spotted for the third time with Hannah Harrison, this time, grabbing drinks at Lynx Coffee in Sherman Oaks, CA on Sunday Harrison's hair was much shorter than it was in vacation snaps from her lavish New Year's Eve trip to the Caribbean isle of Saint Barthelemy. The brunette beauty showcased her bronzed taut figure in two types of bikinis as she hit the beach, boarded yachts and visited luxury resort Eden Rock. Giannulli and Loughlin - who share 26-year-old Olivia and 27-year-old Bella - announced their separation after nearly 28 years of marriage last October, but they have not yet filed divorce docs. 'Lori is still extremely angry with him,' a source told People last month. 'He thinks she's a lovely person and an incredible mom. He wants everything resolved quietly.' Page Six previously alleged the 61-year-old Full House alum found 'incriminating text messages' on the Mossimo founder's phone and once 'sat down and chatted with the strippers' at the Robertson boulevard club Skin he frequented. Loughlin - who's been spotted with Anne Heche's ex-husband James Tupper - made a cameo in Olivia Jade's 'Week Back Home in LA' vlog on January 25 where she scoffed: 'My mom basically telling me I am a monster without food.' The Daytime Emmy nominee could be heard sarcastically telling her Manhattan-based nepo baby: 'Such in a good mood when you don't eat! You're like a little slice of heaven when you don't eat!' The former couple's marriage clearly couldn't survive the fallout of the Varsity Blues scandal in 2020 where they pled guilty to paying a $500,000 bribe to ensure their daughters would be accepted into USC. At 62, the college admissions scandal ex-con is 30 years older than the stylist, who claimed they were just 'good friends' and 'not dating' as recent as last October Giannulli and Harrison coordinated in casual white tops, beige bottoms and black shoes for their caffeine-fueled outing The G/Fore founder looked over-styled with his undershirt French-tucked into cuffed, white paint-splattered khakis while the TYS Beauty co-founder sported sweats with $1,090 Maison Margiela Tabi mules Giannulli and Harrison were first pictured together at his Beverly Hills boutique on October 2 where she alleged to Us Weekly he 'was just meeting me at the store so I could pull clothes' for her styling business The coy pair's second outing came November 8 when they partied at WeHo nightclub Zouk LA until 3am Harrison's hair was much shorter than it was in vacation snaps from her lavish New Year's Eve trip to the Caribbean isle of Saint Barthelemy The brunette beauty showcased her bronzed taut figure in two types of bikinis as she hit the beach, boarded yachts and visited luxury resort Eden Rock Giannulli and Loughlin - who share 26-year-old Olivia and 27-year-old Bella - announced their separation after nearly 28 years of marriage last October, but they have not yet filed divorce docs (pictured in 2018) 'Lori is still extremely angry with him,' a source told People last month (pictured January 25) Page Six previously alleged the 61-year-old Full House alum found 'incriminating text messages' on the Mossimo founder's phone and once 'sat down and chatted with the strippers' at the Robertson boulevard club Skin he frequented Loughlin - who's been spotted with Anne Heche's ex-husband James Tupper - made a cameo in Olivia Jade's 'Week Back Home in LA' vlog on January 25 where she scoffed: 'My mom basically telling me I am a monster without food' The former couple's marriage clearly couldn't survive the fallout of the Varsity Blues scandal in 2020 where they pled guilty to paying a $500,000 bribe to ensure their daughters would be accepted into USC (pictured in 2019) The Giannulli sisters even pretended to be rowing recruits by posing for fake crew photographs as part of their applications, which proved they were culpable in their disgraced parents' conspiracy to commit mail fraud/money laundering The Giannulli sisters even pretended to be rowing recruits by posing for fake crew photographs as part of their applications, which proved they were culpable in their disgraced parents' conspiracy to commit mail fraud/money laundering. Loughlin served nearly two months at the FCI Dublin in California in 2020, and she paid a $150,000 fine and performed 150 hours of community service. Giannulli served five months at FCI Lompoc in California in 2020-2021, and he paid a $250,000 fine and performed 250 hours of community service. The silver-haired designer is also father to 35-year-old son - The Smart Co. founder Gianni Giannulli - from his prior marriage to ex-wife Chris Giannulli. And the On Call actress was previously married to Lionsgate vice chairman Michael R. Burns for seven years until their 1996 divorce. Loughlin will reprise her role as widow Abigail Stanton in the 14th season of Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird's western drama When Calls the Heart, which premieres next year on the Hallmark Channel. James Van Der Beek faced a massive tax debt years prior to his death. The Dawson's Creek actor and his wife, Kimberly, 44, were grappling with a six-figure bill after being issued a federal tax lien in November 2021 for unpaid taxes for the years 2018 and 2019, according to TMZ. According to the IRS, they owed $95,438.31 for 2017 and $173,890.31 for 2019, for a grand total of $269,328.62. The couple, who purchased a $4 million home weeks before Van Der Beek's passing, paid off the debt and the lien was released in April 2022. The actor died last week on February 11 at the age of 48 after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer. Following his death, a GoFundMe was launched to help Kimberly and their six children with expenses, as the cost of his medical care 'left the family out of funds.' The page has raised more than $2.6 million for the family as of Monday. The Daily Mail has reached out to Van Der Beek's representative for comment regarding the tax debt. James Van Der Beek, above in 2024, faced a massive six-figure tax debt years before his death on February 11 at the age of 48 A description on the GoFundMe site stated: 'In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. 'The costs of Jamess medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. '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.' Van Der Beek bought a 36-acre Texas ranch he had previously been renting for $4.76 million a month before he died, with assistance from his 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 representative told People magazine. Van Der Beek and Kimberly relocated their family to Spicewood, Texas, from Los Angeles in 2020. The couple, who wed in 2010, opted to lease the residence to try out the new area before committing to it. Property records reviewed by Realtor.com show that they purchased the sprawling home for $4.76 million in an off-market deal on January 9. The actor and his wife, Kimberly, 44, were issued a federal tax lien in November 2021 for unpaid taxes for the years 2018 and 2019, with a grand total of $269,328.62, according to TMZ The couple, who had six children, paid off the debt and the lien was released in April 2022 Following his death from colorectal cancer, a GoFundMe was launched to help Kimberly and their children with expenses, as the cost of his medical care 'left the family out of funds' Van Der Beek bought a 36-acre Texas ranch he had previously been renting for $4.76 million a month before he died, with friends helping with the down payment The Van Der Beeks used an LLC managed by a California attorney, per the outlet. In addition to the main house, the property boasts multiple cabins, a pool and a backyard with river views. The decision to move was influenced by their children, with the father of six sharing in a 2021 interview with Austin Life that he wanted them to be closer to the outdoors. 'We wanted to give the children space and we wanted them to live in nature,' he said at the time. Van Der Beek and his wife share daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. The move also followed an emotionally taxing time for the Van Der Beek family. The actor lost his mother, Melinda Weber, in July 2020, and Kimberly had endured five miscarriages. 'It's a magical place. There's an energy that transcends any one religion or ideology,' he said of his new home base. He added that Texas appealed to him because it was different and a 'hands-on way of life' that he had been craving. Van Der Beek shot to fame in the 90s as Dawson's Creek teen heartthrob Dawson Leery when he was 20 years old. Last year, Van Der Beek auctioned a number of his cherished Dawson's Creek keepsakes to help pay for his 'expensive' cancer treatments; Pictured in a 1998 Dawson's Creek press shot In 2024, the actor also sold Varsity Blues merchandise to help pay for his cancer treatments, and those of other patients The drama ran for six seasons on the WB Network between 1998 and 2003 and also launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson. Last year, Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024, auctioned a number of his cherished Dawson's Creek keepsakes to help pay for his 'expensive' cancer treatments. Van Der Beek admitted that he was feeling nostalgic about parting with the items but added that it was the right time to do so given the recent 'unexpected twists and turns' in his life. In 2024, the actor also sold Varsity Blues merchandise to help pay for his cancer treatments, and those of other patients. Emma Bunton partied with her son Beau at Cruz Beckham's lavish 21st birthday bash over the weekend. The Spice Girl, 50, joined the Beckhams at The MAINE in Mayfair as they celebrated with family and friends. The Beckhams put on a united front as they marked Cruz's milestone birthday, which is actually on February 20, while eldest son Brooklyn continues to isolate himself from his relatives. Despite the ongoing fallout, the Beckham family didn't allow Brooklyn's absence to dampen the mood during the raucous bash as they partied into the early hours. And Emma was among them, taking to Instagram to document the night as she spent some quality time with her son, 18, who she shares with her husband Jade Jones. She shared a snap of them together to her Story as they arrived at the swanky venue. Emma Bunton partied with her son Beau at Cruz Beckham's lavish 21st birthday bash over the weekend The Spice Girl, 50, joined the Beckhams at The MAINE in Mayfair as they celebrated with family and friends Emma looked typically stylish in a black lace dress while linking arms with Beau who wore a smart suit. Music lover Cruz's party theme was the Grande Beatles Ball with a huge sparkling chandelier hanging in the centre of the room, with guests wearing black tie and being treated to a luxury three-course meal. It is clear Cruz chose some of his favourite foods for the menu as guests had a choice of chicken wings and ribs to start, followed by burgers or fish tacos for the main course. The birthday boy himself even took to the stage with his new band, Cruz Beckham And The Breakers, performing for his guests. Victoria, sister Harper, 14, and Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 31, also took to the stage during the evening to give a heartwarming speech. Cruz was spotted breaking down in tears as he watched the speech from the ladies in his life next to his dad David. Guests were treated to donuts for dessert, a personalised cocktail list and danced the night away to a Beatles tribute band. Fashion mogul Victoria stunned in a navy halterneck gown while husband David cut a dapper figure in a coordinated suit. The couple looked happier than ever as they proudly posed for photos with their children ahead of the evening. The Beckhams put on a united front as they marked Cruz's milestone birthday, which is actually on February 20, while Brooklyn continues to isolate himself from his relatives Despite the ongoing fallout, the Beckham family didn't allow Brooklyn's absence to dampen the mood during the raucous bash as they partied into the early hours Cruz made quite the fashion statement in a cool oversized blue suit, designed by his mum, which he teamed with a yellow patterned tie and red braces, while his girlfriend Jackie stunned in a black strapless number. Harper was all smiles in a pretty black dress as she posed with her parents and brothers for a family photo. Romeo dressed smart in a white shirt and black bow tie as he held hands with on-off girlfriend Kim Turnbull, who showed off her figure in a simple black dress. Another snap showed Cruz and dad David chatting away and taking in the party from a seat at the side of the room, before the birthday boy was pictured with his granddad Tony Adams. Victoria reunited with Spice Girls star Emma, who wowed in a black lace plunging gown. It is unknown whether their bandmates Mel B, Mel C and Geri Horner were in attendance. Captioning a gallery of pictures from the bash, which took took over the whole venue at The MAINE, Victoria wrote: 'Celebrating Cruz early!! We love you so much!!!' In a short video, Cruz and girlfriend Jackie looked to be having the time of their lives as they danced to The Beatles hit Twist and Shout. Jackie also shared a series of snaps, writing: 'the most special early birthday celebrations for our favorite person. i love every one of u so much and what an unbelievably beautiful night we had.' Taking to her Instagram Stories, Victoria shared a sweet snap of Cruz with his grandparents Tony and wife Jackie, who are Victoria's dad and mum. She also shared a photo of the musician with David's mum Sandra and his aunt Joanne as the whole Beckham family celebrated Cruz's special day. It was no surprise that David and Victoria's estranged son Brooklyn was a no-show. Over the weekend, Brooklyn declared he 'will forever protect' his wife Nicola Peltz in his latest dig at his family amid their ongoing feud. Cruz made quite the fashion statement in a cool oversized blue suit, designed by his mum Victoria The aspiring chef, 26, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a heartfelt message to his wife as he uploaded a romantic snap of himself shirtless while passionately kissing Nicola. He wrote: 'Happy Valentine's Day baby x. I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to call you my Valentine every year x. 'I love you more than you know and I will forever protect and love you x.' Brooklyn's pointed statement about 'protecting Nicola' comes after he accused his 'controlling' parents where he accused them of trying to ruin their marriage humiliating him and causing him crippling anxiety in a six-page Instagram post back in January. Nicole Kidman is being wooed by a wealthy businessman following her divorce from Keith Urban. The Oscar winner, 58, is reportedly being romantically pursued by the Chairman of the Board of MGM Resorts International Paul Salem, 62, according to TMZ. The prominent American business executive has allegedly made it known to those close to him that he is interested in dating the actress. The two stars share mutual friends and have met twice in group settings but have not enjoyed any time together one-on-one, and are not dating at this stage, multiple sources told the publication. Kidman is still currently single and not actively dating anyone, the insiders added. Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Kidman and Salem for comment. Nicole Kidman, 58, is being wooed by wealthy businessman Paul Salem, 62, five months after her split from ex-husband Keith Urban, 58; (L) Kidman seen 2024, (R) Salem pictured in 2025 Salem and his ex-wife, Navyn Salem, divorced in 2021, and share four daughters together. Salem joined the MGM Board of Directors in 2018 and rose to Chairman in 2020. He spent nearly three decades as a top executive at the powerhouse firm Providence Equity, which oversees a staggering $50 billion portfolio. Salem is also one of the owners of the Worcester Red Sox. He holds a B.A. from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. News of Salem's romantic interest in Kidman comes five months after her shock split from her country crooner ex-husband, 58. Kidman and Urban separated last September after 19 years of marriage, and later that month she filed for a divorce they finalized in January. Kidman and Urban - who share two daughters called Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15 - reached a divorce settlement last month. Salem who's Chairman of the Board of MGM Resorts International has allegedly made it known to those close to him that he is interested in dating the actress, as per TMZ; Seen 2025 The two stars share mutual friends and have met twice in group settings but have not enjoyed any time together one-on-one, and are not dating at this stage; Kidman pictured in 2024 Salem and his ex-wife, Navyn Salem, divorced in 2021, and share four daughters together; He is seen in an Instagram photo News of Salem's romantic interest in Kidman comes five months after her split from Urban, 58, with whom she shares two daughters; Seen with Urban in 2024 Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail revealed the couple have agreed to waive all rights to child support and spousal support, with each parent responsible for their own legal fees and expenses. The divorce decree - which the actress noted that details were hashed out on September 6, before filing the petition - ensures that all property, from household furniture and appliances to vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal items, is divided to the mutual satisfaction of both parties, with each keeping what is already in their possession. Under the parenting plan, Kidman will spend 306 days a year with the children while Urban, 58, will have 59 days, 'every other weekend.' Despite both parents having reported monthly incomes 'in excess of $100,000,' the court has ordered zero dollars in child support, as agreed by both parties. The final decree also confirms that all alimony and spousal support claims are permanently waived, and any remaining court costs will be split equally between the former couple. Its not confirmed whether the pair had a prenup - though there has been speculation. Still, the documents suggest that Kidman and Urban hashed out all the details with their attorneys amicably, avoiding any formal discovery or interrogation. The settlement follows reports that reality had started to sink in for Urban following his divorce from Kidman. The country star was allegedly 'wondering if he's made a huge mistake' following their split. Before her marriage to Urban, Kidman was married to Tom Cruise, 63, from 1990 to 2001; They are pictured together 'He's got to pay the bills - and divorce lawyers don't come cheap,' a source told Woman's Day magazine of the couple's settlement. 'It's a lonely existence for Keith right now - he's exhausted, isolated and looking at a future he never imagined,' the source added. Before her marriage to Urban, Kidman was married to Tom Cruise, 63, from 1990 to 2001. During their decade together, the couple adopted two children: Isabella Jane, born in 1992, and Connor Anthony, born in 1995. Their marriage ended in divorce after 11 years. Nicki Minaj marked Presidents' Day with a bizarre tribute to Donald Trump that was quickly roasted by fans. The Anaconda hitmaker, 43, paid homage to the Commander-in-Chief, 79, on X by posting two photos that were digitally altered to replace what looked to be her husband, Kenneth Petty, 47, with Trump. The duo matched in Barbie pink outfits while cruising in a car, with Trump throwing the 'okay' symbol up with his hand. Upon closer inspection, a reflection of Minaj's husband appeared to be visible in the window behind Trump's head. The snaps saw Minaj, an ardent supporter of the Trump administration and a self-proclaimed 'number one fan' of the president, counting stacks of cash. The rapper wore a pink striped t-shirt and layer of diamond chains, while AI Trump matched her in a pink Nike zip-up and jeans featuring intricate pink floral embroidery. Nicki Minaj, 43, marked Presidents' Day with a bizarre tribute to Donald Trump, 79, that was quickly roasted by fans 'Happy #PresidentsDay,' the star born Onika Tanya Maraj wrote in the caption. 'Cringe,' one fan simply wrote in the comments. Another one echoed the sentiment, writing, 'Isn't this cringe?' Someone else wrote, 'Dies from cringe.' 'This is just tacky.' Meanwhile another fan wondered why she didn't use real photos of her and Trump. 'You actually met the man, why didn't you just use a picture of you two then instead of AI?' they asked. 'We can all see your man in the reflection lol,' someone else added, referring to Minaj's husband. The hip hop star wed Petty who is a registered sex offender in 2019. They share a five-year old son together. The Anaconda hitmaker paid homage to the Commander-in-Chief on X by posting two photos that were digitally altered to replace her husband, Kenneth Petty, with Trump Upon closer inspection, a reflection of Minaj's husband who is a registered sex offender appeared to be visible in the window behind Trump's head; Minaj pictured with Petty The post was quickly slammed as 'cringe' and 'tacky' by fans In the last three months Minaj has advocated for Trump and Vice President JD Vance, and appeared hand-in-hand onstage with Trump at the Trump Accounts Summit in January In the last three months, Minaj has advocated for Trump and Vice President JD Vance on social media, supported Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in December 2025, and appeared hand-in-hand onstage with Trump himself at the Trump Accounts Summit in January. Following her appearance with Trump, Minaj called herself the president's 'number one fan.' She even sat alongside the president and the first lady at the premier of Melania's eponymous documentary earlier this month. Her MAGA support has stirred up some conflict among her loyal fanbase, the 'Barbz.' Some have blocked her online or even destroyed her merchandise in protest of her political shift. Minaj is no stranger to controversy she has a history of instigating bitter public feuds with other musical artists like Mariah Carey, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and, most recently, Jay Z, as well as nursing a seeming penchant for conspiracy theories (she went viral for her vaccine skepticism during the pandemic). But her political shift has incited the most fallout for her yet. Her new stance is a far cry from her past political statements. In 2018, the rapper criticized Trump's immigration policies, calling out the administration's separation of immigrant children from their families in a Facebook post. 'I came to this country as an illegal immigrant @ 5 years old,' Minaj wrote in her post. Minaj supported first Lady Melania Trump at the premiere of her eponymous documentary earlier this month Minaj also met with Erika Kirk the widow of famous conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in December 2025 'I can't imagine the horror of being in a strange place and & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5. This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?' Some have suggested that Minaj's enthusiastic support of Trump may stem from hopes of securing presidential pardons for her husband, who was convicted of attempted rape in the first degree, and her brother, Jelani Maraj, who was convicted of predatory sexual assault and child endangerment. Democratic strategist Mike Nellis posted on X, 'It's super f***ing embarrassing watching Nicki Minaj kiss Donald Trump's a** to get a pardon for her husband and her brother.' Minaj is hailed as one of the trailblazing female artists in the male-dominated hip-hop industry but, in recent years, her achievements have been overshadowed by controversy in her personal life and dramatic rap beefs. While the Beckham family celebrated youngest son Cruz's milestone 21st with a lavish bash in Mayfair, across the pond Nicola Peltz shared her own birthday tribute to her best friend. The billionaire heiress, 31, took to her Instagram on Monday with a sweet birthday message, not for her estranged brother-in-law, but to her 'sister for life' Alison Albright. Nicola posted a sweet photo to her Story of the two long-time pals looking stunning in blue gowns, taken at a party in August last year. Addressing the Canadian photographer in the caption, she penned: 'happy birthday to my sister for life i love you so much'. The post came just a day after she and husband Brooklyn shared gushing Valentine's Day posts to each other using the same PDA-filled snap, in the wake of his scathing six-page last month, where he cut all ties with his family. The photo saw the aspiring chef, 26, snapping a selfie of himself shirtless while passionately kissing Nicola, while he pointedly declared he would 'forever protect' her in another dig at his famous parents. Nicola Peltz took to her Instagram on Monday to share a gushing birthday tribute to her best friend and 'sister for life' Alison Albright While across the pond the Beckham family came together to celebrate the milestone 21st birthday of youngest son Cruz with a lavish bash in Mayfair (pictured) Nicola posted a sweet photo to her Story of the two long-time pals looking stunning in blue gowns, taken at a party in August last year He wrote: 'Happy Valentine's Day baby x. I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to call you my Valentine every year x. I love you more than you know and I will forever protect and love you x.' In return, Nicola posted the same photograph with the words: 'i love you more everyday!! im so lucky i get to call you my forever valentine youre the most beautiful human and i love doing life with you'. Meanwhile, over in London, Brooklyn's mum and dad, Victoria and David didn't allow their ongoing feud with their eldest to dampen their spirits, as they threw a fun-filled early birthday party for son Cruz's 21st birthday. The family put on a united front as they came together to celebrate at The MAINE at the weekend, ahead of Cruz's actual birthday on Friday, joined by siblings Romeo, 23, and Harper, 14, girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 31, and Spice Girl Emma Bunton. The party theme was the Grande Beatles Ball with a huge sparkling chandelier hanging in the centre of the room, with guests wearing black tie and being treated to a luxury three-course meal. Guests were treated to a spread of chicken wings, ribs, burgers, fish tacos and doughnuts, while sipping on free-flowing drinks from a personalised cocktail list and dancing the night away to a Beatles tribute band. While the birthday boy himself took to the stage with his new band, Cruz Beckham And The Beakers, to perform for his guests, with the party continuing into the early hours. But it was Victoria, 51, Harper, 14 and girlfriend Jackie, 31, who brought him to tears during the evening as the trio took to the stage to give a heartwarming speech. The post came just a day after she and husband Brooklyn shared gushing Valentine's Day posts to each other using the same PDA-filled snap, in the wake of his scathing six-page last month, where he cut all ties with his family Meanwhile, over in London, Brooklyn's mum and dad, Victoria and David didn't allow their ongoing feud with their eldest to dampen their spirits, as they threw a fun-filled early birthday party for son Cruz's 21st birthday Victoria, 51, Harper, 14 and girlfriend Jackie, 31, brought him to tears during the evening as the trio took to the stage to give a heartwarming speech Cruz, who has showed his loyalty to his mum following his oldest brother's fallout with his family, was spotted breaking down in tears as he watched the speech from the ladies in his life next to his dad David. Captioning a gallery of pictures from the bash, which took took over the whole venue at The MAINE, Victoria wrote: 'Celebrating Cruz early!! We love you so much!!!' It comes as the bitter family rift shows no signs of healing anytime soon, just days after Brooklyn unfollowed his father's best friend Gordon Ramsay on Instagram. The move came after the celebrity chef, 59, issued the warning to the nepo baby in an interview on Friday, calling for him to 'remember where he came from'. Gordon said he believes it is Brooklyn's 'infatuation' with wife Nicola that has led to his decision to cut ties with Victoria and David. Insisting that the two of them still have a good relationship, the TV star added that he believes it is only 'a matter of time' before Brooklyn realises 'what his parents mean to him'. It comes as the bitter family rift shows no signs of healing anytime soon, just days after Brooklyn unfollowed his father's best friend Gordon Ramsay on Instagram (pictured with Victoria and wife Tana) Brooklyn has since unfollowed Gordon but has stopped short of blocking him, like he has with the rest of his relatives. Friends of the Ramsays suspect that Brooklyn and Nicola are furious that the restaurateur has discussed the feud in a way that portrays them negatively. One friend said: 'Brooklyn and Nicola clearly don't want any criticism at all. They just don't want to hear any negativity about themselves. 'They must hate being talked about unless it's gushing. Maybe they don't like the truth.' Georgia Toffolo revealed her natural skin as she shared an insight into her acne battle on Monday. The TV personality, 31, said she's 'spent more on foundation than some have on rent' while discussing her updated makeup routine. Georgia, who has always been open about her skin, has suffered from spots and scarring since she was a teenager and has said that it has always been her 'biggest struggle'. In a video shared to Instagram, she showed her followers how she covers breakouts and 'quietly outwits it' with a number of products. Georgia explained: 'Ive had problematic skin for 15 years. So when a breakout appears I dont spiral anymore. 'Ive learnt the hard way that panicking makes it so much worse. Throwing every product at it? BIG NO. Calm skin behaves better than cross skin.' Georgia Toffolo revealed her natural skin as she shared an insight into her acne battle on Monday The TV personality, said she's 'spent more on foundation than some have on rent' while discussing her makeup routine She continued: 'When it comes to covering. Less is always more. Start small and build slowly. 'The goal isnt to plaster it into submission. Its to quietly outwit it. It took me a long time to realise this is just my skin, and thats okay!!! 'What I actually use: Erborian UK CC Red Correct, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation & Concealer and Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm (a bright lip is a distraction tactic).' Georgia previously told the Daily Mail that her stint on I'm A Celebrity was the start of her 'weird little journey' in embracing her natural skin, as makeup is not allowed in the jungle. The star, who went on to win the show in 2017 before taking on the All Stars edition in 2023, said: 'I was really nervous about doing that. 'And it was so weird. I thought that my skin would have been a lot better, but it wasn't. 'Over the years I've figured out that, actually, all of the tests that I've had, everything I've tried skin flare-ups, very connected to stress levels.' She previously said she didn't feel totally herself on the show without her 'war paint'. Georgia has suffered from spots and scarring since she was a teenager and has said that it has always been her 'biggest struggle' She said: 'The goal isnt to plaster it into submission. Its to quietly outwit it. It took me a long time to realise this is just my skin, and thats okay!' (pictured right with makeup) Georgia previously told the Daily Mail that her stint on I'm A Celebrity in 2017 was the start of her 'weird little journey' in embracing her natural skin , as makeup is not allowed in the jungle Georgia said: 'My skin was something that made me feel less than confident, really. I had a bit of light trolling when I came out of the jungle.' However, the star said that by discussing her skin publicly since then, she has been able to overcome some of her insecurities. She added: 'But I did this amazing feature on This Morning and it was really simple: I just took off my makeup. 'I was so worried about what people would say about my acne. But I just carried on. I looked down the barrel of the camera. 'I said some of the nasty things that I've read across socials, and it had such an impact.' The NHS reports that the majority of people stop experiencing acne in their 20s, but in three percent of the population, it can persist over the age of 35. Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova cosied up to West End star Ian McIntosh at the Ballet Icons Gala. The professional dancer, 36, has reportedly been growing close to Les Miserables actor Ian since last year, after her split from her Strictly co-star Kai Widdrington. The duo are said to have met back in March and attended the Les Miserables 40th Anniversary Gala together in London in October. And Nadiya did little to quell speculation over the romance as she arrived arm-in-arm with the actor to the Ballet Icons Gala 20th Anniversary at the London Coliseum on Sunday. Nadiya further appeared to confirm the relationship as she gushed that she was 'enjoying Valentine's weekend with good company'. The Ukrainian performer, who has starred in Les Miserables, said of the production: 'It's beautiful to see so much talent, artists and creators for one night on the same stage. Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova cosied up to West End star Ian McIntosh at the Ballet Icons Gala 20th Anniversary at the London Coliseum on Sunday 'It's really special to me especially being a professional dancer.' After the gala, the couple headed to an after party at The Savoy Hotel. Attending the Les Mis gala together in October, the pair posed for photos on the red carpet as Ian wrapped an arm around Nadiya's waist as they smiled. Sharing a snap from the event to his Instagram account Ian wrote: 'What a glorious night.' Earlier that week the pair were spotted enjoying a cosy coffee date in London. A source told The Sun: 'Nadiya and Ian have a couple of mutual friends and were introduced, they hit it off immediately. 'They have attended a couple of red carpet events together and thought people might start noticing their relationship sooner. 'They have loads in common and just have a lot of fun together, it is lovely to see. Everyone is very happy for them.' Nadiya further appeared to confirm the relationship as she gushed that she was 'enjoying Valentine's weekend with good company' The duo are said to have met back in March and attended the Les Miserables 40th Anniversary Gala together in London in October (Pictured) Daily Mail contacted both Nadiya and Ian's representatives for comment at the time. Ian is known for playing Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, as well as Jesus in Tim Sheader's Jesus Christ Superstar He was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Barry Mann in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Kai has also moved on and went Instagram official with his new girlfriend Chloe Wells, nine months after their acrimonious split. Executive assistant Chloe, who hails from Essex, met Kai on a night out at a west London pub. And proving just how besotted they are, the dancer took to social media last month to share a loved-up snap of the couple looking adoringly into each other's eyes. Nadiya separated from fellow dancer Kai in June 2024 after two years together, at the end of their lucrative tour Behind The Magic (Seen with Nadiya in 2023) Kai has also moved on and went Instagram official with his new girlfriend Chloe Wells, nine months after their acrimonious split Grinning from ear-to-ear, Kai looked elated while stunning brunette Chloe, cutting a glam figure in a brown mini dress, looked equally as taken with the hunk. Captioning his snap, Kai simply penned: 'Happiness is underrated', alongside a black heart emoji. He also tagged his new girlfriend in the post. Over the summer it was reported that the couple were planning to move in together soon. Louise Thompson has shared an emotional letter to her stoma bag, two years after having the bag fitted while undergoing a life-saving procedure. The Made In Chelsea star, 35, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2018 and in April 2024 she revealed that she had been fitted with a stoma. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed. A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of body waste into a medical device, which the person can then empty. She named her bad 'Winnie' in a nod to Winnie The Pooh. On the anniversary of having Winnie fitted, she shared a post and emotional video addressing her combined gratitude and resentment for the life-changing device. Louise Thompson has shared an emotional letter to her stoma bag, two years after having the bag fitted while undergoing a life-saving procedure The Made In Chelsea star, 35, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2018 and in April 2024 she revealed that she had been fitted with a stoma, something she discussed in her new video She penned an emotional letter 'to' her stoma She wrote: 'Winnie was born 2 years ago. And weve been attached at the hip ever since. Im not normally compatible with Aquarius signs but then again this wasnt a relationship that I chose. We were thrown in to each others lives out of necessity... 'Its been an interesting journey. Youve taught me a lot. I think I owe you a lot. Sometimes youre my best friend, other times I hate you... 'Youre clever stubborn overly honest - I dont need to know that much detail about my health thank you very much. Its funny to think that you might be in my life forever. 'Clinging on right up until the end. Two years on and Im still making my peace. Although I did have a massage two nights ago as a v day treat and I reeealllly resented you... 'I couldnt be bothered to explain my situation to the lovely foreign massage therapist who thought I said I have stomach problems instead of a stoma bag... 'I nodded and prayed that she didnt get all up in my groin or shed have had a right fright. Sometimes I wish you away... 'Especially this last month when youve been raking me up from my deepest sleep and sweetest dreams every single night. Good practise for another kid I guess... The accompanying video comprised a number of clips showing the bag Last year, Louise opened up about suffering a 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London What is a stoma? A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of urine and faeces. According to the NHS, this procedure may be needed if you cannot pass stools through your anus, which could be the result of an illness, injury or problem with your digestive system. In the UK, it is estimated that one in 335 people have had the surgery. The procedure can be part treatment for a number of illnesses, including cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease or any trauma to the abdomen. The stoma will generally be 'pink and moist - like the inside of our mouths'. After the surgery, it will be swollen, but this will reduce in six to eight weeks. There is no sensation to touching a stoma - as there are no nerves - but different people will have theirs in a different size or shape. It is also possible to have a temporary stoma, which could later be reversed, if the diseased or damaged area in the bowel needs to heal over time. A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of urine and faeces. Stock image used TYPES OF STOMA COLOSTOMY This refers to an opening in the colon - the large intestine. During the operation, a part of the colon will be brought from inside the body through their abdomen. The output from this 'often resembles a traditional stool' and functions around one to three times a day. ILEOSTOMY For this procedure, the surgeon will bring a part of the small intestine - the ileum specifically - from inside the patient's body and bring it through the abdomen, stitching it down to secure it. The output for an ileostomy is looser than that of a colostomy. An ileostomy bag - which enables drainage into the toilet between three to six times a day' - is also worn. UROSTOMY A urostomy refers to an opening for a person's urine specifically. For this, the surgeon will take a piece of someone's small intestine and attach it to the ureters. This will 'form a passageway for urine to pass through'. For this, one of the tube is brought out through the abdomen. A urostomy bag will also have a 'bung or tap on the bottom to allow urine to be drained at regular intervals into the toilet'. Source: Colostomy UK, NHS Advertisement 'Sometimes its ok to complain. I never do. I joke, but I dont complain. Ill complain about a chip on the sideboard or the dogs barking. But never about Winnie. Even when she leaks. Its good Ive got a solid handle on perspective... 'For the most part life is a breeze. This morning Im allowing myself a moment of reflection Im sat here writing this and feeling grateful to the first person who ever performed a colectomy can you believe this - 'The first recorded colectomy was a right hemicolectomy performed in 1732 by the French surgeon George Arnaud de Ronsil. The EARLY 1700s... 'I wouldnt wanna be the person on that operating table. Thanks to the team that did mine so tidily (I think) and so safely. And thanks to all the test subjects before me. I wonder what will be possible for ibd / colon cancer sufferers in the future? x x... 'If anyone has any questions please fire away as I know its a little unusual.' Last year, Louise opened up about suffering a 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London. She explained that she had headed to Marylebone with her fiance Ryan Libbey on his motorbike for an appointment and a coffee, before going to record a podcast. She also showed a video showing her on the toilet She snapped selfies in the mirror showing her bag But despite their 'great start', she suddenly realised her stoma bag had unfortunately leaked, forcing her to rush to the nearest hospital for supplies. Sharing several selfies of her and Ryan on their bike journey before everything went wrong, she wrote: 'Yesterday I found myself in a really depressing situation. 'l had a great start to the day. I had a medical appointment at @avenues.life in the morning with Ryan... we biked there to get ahead of the traffic and managed to shave off 20 minutes from the journey. 'Then was off to record a podcast with 2x good friends which has been in the diary for ages. Had a lot of excited energy in my belly following a c**p week of of c**p health. 'We got off the bike in Marylebone blissfully happy and headed to @watchhouse for some delicious coffee and cookies pre-recording because we were a smidge early, but then I felt something a bit wet in my pocket. I looked down and had had the most horrendously debilitating stoma leak.' She recounted how she was left 'too overwhelmed' to explain the situation, but Ryan stepped in, while she was left in a bathroom for an hour waiting for staff to try and source any new stoma bags. Louise said: 'I had to hobble to the nearest hospital which was a private one so a bit awkward. I was actually too overwhelmed to speak when we got to reception so thankfully Ryan who I was with handled it for me. 'I then literally waited locked in a bathroom for an hour sat on the loo covered in mess whilst they dug around to see if they had any stoma bags for any of their [sic] inpatients.' Jessie Buckley has said she was 'scared of love' for most of her life before settling down with husband Freddie Sorensen. The Hamnet star, 36, who has received her first Best Actress Oscar nomination for the role, tied the knot with Freddie at their home in Norfolk in 2023. Jessie and Freddie, 47, who works in the mental health sector and was previously a producer, with a stint working alongside Simon Cowell on the X Factor, are parents to a daughter who was born last year. But the actress has now confessed it took her a long time to find the right relationship as she believes love is 'terrifying'. 'I think love is terrifying,' she told Deadline. 'I have been scared of love for a lot of my life, and it took me a long while to discover what that word even meant for me, not just the idea of it. 'I think sometimes love at first sight, it's too much of a projected idea for it to I think it takes You can't just make a meal. You have to cook it.' Jessie Buckley has said she was 'scared of love' for most of her life before settling down with husband Freddie Sorensen (Jessie seen last week) The Hamnet star, 36, who has received her first Best Actress Oscar nomination for the role, tied the knot with Freddie at their home in Norfolk, England, in 2023 (Seen with Freddie in January) When asked if she believes in love at first sight, Jessie replied: 'Yeah, I do. I think it's not what I ever expect it to be. The real stuff is not ever what I expect it to be. 'So even that magnetism might transcend or transform into a very different, layered, complex, full thing. And I guess that depends on where you are in your life and how open you are to that.' Jessie has mostly kept her personal life private, but she opened up about the couple's wedding during an appearance on the Table Manners podcast in 2024. She detailed a fun-filled wedding - which featured a keg of Guinness - their 'many moons' instead of one honeymoon and how the pair have been enjoying East Anglia. Speaking about her husband, she gushed: 'He is gorgeous!' Jessie explained: 'When we first started dating we - because we lived in Dalston [in London] - we would go to the Towpath [cafe] all the time so they came and did the food for us [at the wedding].' She added of her big day: 'One of my favorite memories of the day was like - we, I wanted a keg of Guinness and I definitely wanted their cheese toasties at a certain hour.' Jessie also discussed life as a first-time mother during an appearance on the New York Times' Modern Love podcast in December, saying: 'Everyone's doing great Everything's different Everything's new. Jessie, 36, and Freddie, 47, who works in the mental health sector, are parents to a daughter who was born last year (Seen together in 2022) But the actress has now confessed it took her a long time to find the right relationship as she finds love 'terrifying' (Jessie and Freddie seen last month) Jessie and Freddie seen with Steven Spielberg at the Golden Globes awards last month 'This little human's new. You're new. Your relationship's new. Your whole relationship to the world is new. It's intense, but it's just - I just love it. I love it so much ... 'I really can see her little personality start to come through. I see this life force in her and determination. And I hope she loves life as much as I do.' Jessie and Freddie met on a blind date set up by mutual friend Marc Robinson, with whom she worked on her 2018 breakout film Wild Rose. The couple split their time 50/50 between East London and Norfolk, where they have a home together. They initially considered settling down in Suffolk, where Jessie says they fell in love, but were won over by Norfolk. Last year, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, who is now six months old (Jessie seen while pregnant in April last year) Last year, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, who is now six months old. Jessie's wedding came seven years after her self-described 'acrimonious' split from Happy Valley star James Norton, 40, whom she dated from 2015 to 2017. She previously said: 'We have broken up, yes. It was acrimonious, but it's a tough job to have a relationship and he is a great man and we are great friends. That's it. How diplomatic can I sound?' Venezuela Fury posed in a fun leopard print dress in snaps shared to Instagram on Monday, months after her surprise engagement. The 16-year-old daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, who is planning to tie the knot to her fiance, Noah Price, sometime this year, posed up a storm in her living room for a series of stunning snaps. The fun leopard-print ensemble boasted a halterneck neckline, gold glitter and gold fringe trims, and cut-out panels. Completing her look, Venezuela further accessorised with gold bangles and added inches to her frame with black-and-gold stiletto heels. It comes after fans were left shocked in October when the Fury family shared a video of Venezuela accepting her boyfriend's proposal at her glamorous 16th birthday party. And just last month, the teen opened up about her wedding plans and her hopes to tie the knot sooner rather than later in an Instagram Q&A. Venezuela Fury posed in a fun leopard print dress in snaps shared to Instagram on Monday, months after her surprise engagement The 16-year-old daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, who is planning to tie the knot to her fiance, Noah Price, sometime this year, posed up a storm in her living room for a series of stunning snaps One follower asked: 'When's the wedding going to be?', to which the bride-to-be replied: 'I'm trying to get everything booked for May/June time, but I'm not sure when it will be'. When another wondered if she'd be moving out of the Fury family home before the big day, Venezuela said: 'No, I will be in my mam and dads home til Im married'. In December, her mother, Paris, 36, insisted to Daily Mail that her daughter Venezuela was 'still my little girl' despite her engagement. Paris and Tyson are proud parents of Venezuela, Prince John James, 13, Prince Tyson II, nine, Valencia, seven, Prince Adonis Amaziah, six, Athena, four, and Prince Rico, two. It comes after Venezuela revealed she's not yet met her future in-laws despite being engaged to her fiance, Noah. She explained how planning for the wedding won't get underway until she comes face-to-face with Noah's father and mother. Venezuela said: 'I haven't met his family yet. So I'm looking forward to seeing them. He lives a few hours away from me and works during the week, so we only see each other at weekends. 'We haven't discussed where we are going to live after we are married yet.' The fun leopard-print ensemble boasted a halterneck neckline, gold glitter and gold fringe trims, and cut-out panels Completing her look, Venezuela further accessorised with gold bangles and added inches to her frame with black-and-gold stiletto heels Opening up about the shock proposal, Venezuela added to The Sun that she was 'very shocked'. She recalled: 'It all came as a huge surprise. I wasn't overly emotional because I was so surprised, and I was very nervous, as I realised a lot of people were watching me. 'It was a very exciting moment, though, probably one of the best of my life. But I would have been content if he had asked me to marry him anywhere. I didn't care about the 'big proposal', but I am very happy.' Before popping the question to his future bride, Noah, whose age is unknown, asked for Tyson's blessing to ask Venezuela for her hand in marriage. She said how Noah was 'having palpitations about doing it', but the conversation went well. Venezuela added that her father 'wouldnt interfere' and hes 'very happy for us.' Paris recently defended her daughter's engagement when she was asked about the news during an appearance on This Morning. She was quizzed by hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on her reaction, and whether she felt her eldest child was 'too young' to be preparing for a wedding. It comes after fans were left shocked in October when the Fury family shared a video of Venezuela accepting her boyfriend's proposal at her glamorous 16th birthday party (Paris and Tyson pictured with the engaged couple) Paris said that her daughter had only 'followed in her footsteps', as she got engaged to champion boxer husband Tyson, 37, when she was just 17. Hitting back against the backlash from fans, Paris told Cat, 48, and Ben, 50: 'She's very young, [but we don't] worry at all, Venezuela is so mature for her years. 'She has done so much, even in such a short time, just because of who she is and the fact that she's got six younger brothers and sisters that she has helped bring up, I can't deny it. 'She is very mature, and in the last 12 months I've been doing work with Venezuela, she's been doing different shoots, interviews, working on social media. 'I've give her all options in life, and she has chosen this path, and I can't deny her. I was 17 when I got engaged, so she's obviously following in my footsteps, and how could I judge her in any which way? 'I know she's young, but I think she's found the person that she loves, and if she's happy, I will completely support her.' With her slender frame, bobbed hair and innate sense of style, she became a cultural icon as Britain emerged from the hardships of the post-war fifties and embraced the material freedoms of the swinging sixties. But Twiggy, arguably Britain's first supermodel after finding fame as the 'face of '66' when she was just 16 years old, says the decade that shaped her career wasn't without its fair share of difficulties. Indeed, the sixties had reached a technicolour zenith in 1967 - the year of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the summer of love - when the fashion ingenue sat down for what would become a notorious interview with Woody Allen. Engaging with the comedy legend for a televised chat, Twiggy - real name Lesley Hornby - was 17 and visiting the United States for the very first time, unaware that Allen wanted to play on popular stereotypes by presenting the model as intellectually uninformed. The interview finds a bemused Twiggy being asked to name her favourite philosopher by the then 31-year old actor-director, who sits off-camera as she awkwardly ponders the question. 'I haven't got one,' she tells him. 'Who's yours?' Twiggy has reflected on her notorious 1967 interview with Woody Allen, during which he caught her off-guard by asking a series of unexpected questions Twiggy was 17 and visiting the United States for the very first time, unaware that Allen wanted to play on popular stereotypes by presenting the model as intellectually uninformed After Allen hastily tells her he 'likes all of them,' she fires back: 'Who? I don't know their names. What are their names?' 'I put him in his place,' Twiggy, now 76, told The Telegraph. 'I'd done so many interviews by then, and was used to people asking "How 'How used did you get your name? What do you eat? The usual questions. 'So I sat there waiting for him to ask me something like, "What do you think of America?" Normal questions. 'When his opening line was "Who's your favourite philosopher?" I can remember the feeling so well; I was so embarrassed, because we were in front of a live audience. And I didn't know any any didn't philosophers. 'When I said "Who's 'Who's yours?" I said was actually pleading with him to help me. Which he declined to do.' The veteran model says the exchange is an example of the misogyny endured by young women in the 1960s - particularly those in the media. Significantly, it also indicates a change in attitude over recent years. 'Because of all the scandals that emerged a few years back, I think models are much better looked after and cared for' she said. Twiggy became a cultural icon as Britain emerged from the hardships of the post-war fifties and embraced the material freedoms of the swinging sixties The interview finds a bemused Twiggy being asked to name her favourite philosopher by the actor-director, who sits off-camera as she awkwardly ponders the question 'I put him in his place,' Twiggy, now 76, recalled as she looked back at the interview on Tuesday 'Although I'm not a day-to-day model, so I don't really know the ins and outs of how the modelling world works now. 'But with the internet, it's completely changed. With this Burberry campaign, instead of going out in one magazine, the day after it launched, I was getting messages from Japan, America and Australia from people who'd seen it. 'That's very good for the industry, because you can hit many markets that you wouldn't have hit before.' Speaking to The Guardian about her interview with Allen in 2025, she recalled: 'He was trying to make me look stupid. My heart sank. I remember looking at him, pleading with my eyes for him to stop. 'If I was the age he was there, in my 30s, I would never have behaved like that towards someone who was only 17.' Kerry Katona has revealed she was left 'gutted' when her boyfriend Paolo Margaglione had to leave their romantic trip in Dubai after just 14 hours. The media personality, 45, and her toyboy beau, 33, jetted off to the UAE for a sun-kissed Valentine's Day trip but it was cut short when Paolo had to return to the UK for a 'work emergency'. Kerry and Paolo partied with her close friend Katie Price and her new husband Lee Andrews while on the holiday and he had to leave just a few hours later. Writing in her new! magazine column, Kerry explained: 'Unfortunately during the trip, Paolo had to go back to the UK for a work emergency. 'I got to spend literally 14 hours with him before he had to leave, which meant I was left alone in Dubai, which we were both gutted about.' According to his LinkedIn profile, Paolo is a managing director at Eco Bag UK, a company which recycles and manufactures plastic into refuse sacks for retail and wholesale. He previously worked as a personal trainer. Kerry Katona has revealed she was left 'gutted' when her boyfriend Paolo Margaglione had to leave their romantic trip in Dubai after just 14 hours The couple jetted off to the UAE for a Valentine's Day trip but it was cut short when Paolo had to return to the UK for a 'work emergency' (pictured with Katie Price and Lee Andrews in Dubai) Kerry told how she was upset to be spending Valentine's Day alone in Dubai after Paolo's hasty exit. She ultimately left early to be reunited with him. 'I decided to fly home early to be with him. As I write, I don't know what he's got up his sleeve, but I don't care, as long as we're together,' she wrote. Elsewhere in her column, Kerry told how she understands why so many celebrities are moving to Dubai and she would 'definitely consider' it herself. She described the city as 'clean' and 'safe' and everyone there looks out for each another. Kate and Rio Ferdinand moved to Dubai in August and Katie Price is also said to have moved there with her husband Lee. The reality star found love with Paolo after meeting on Celebs Go Dating, which began filming in April. The former Atomic Kitten star said: 'I am very happy. I don't think I have felt like this in my life.' She had previously boasted that the pair enjoyed an 'unbelievable' sex life. Writing in her new! magazine column, Kerry explained: 'Unfortunately during the trip, Paolo had to go back to the UK for a work emergency' Kerry told how she was upset to be spending Valentine's Day alone in Dubai after Paolo's hasty exit. She ultimately left early to be reunited with him Kerry, who has endured a turbulent love life, including two divorces, introduced him to her 18-year-old daughter, Heidi, on the hit Channel 4 dating series. The couple have gone from strength to strength since being on the programme and reportedly moved in together two months after meeting. During an Instagram video in September, Kerry and Paolo, who is a father of two, answered questions about their new relationship. One of the questions said that Paolo was only with Kerry for the fame, which Kerry quickly shut down, claiming her new man is 'supportive'. She said: 'If anything, he's been more supportive of me because I'm the one who has struggled with it more than anything. 'When people see the connection we have together and how we are, they understand it's not about anything other than that.' Kerry was later asked about him being 12 years her junior, but admitted that it's not an issue for her. 'No, it doesn't bother me anymore, you're only as old as the man you're feeling,' she shared. Tana Ramsay has revealed the things she said to Adam Peaty's estranged mother Caroline before he married her 'vulnerable' daughter Holly. Olympian Adam, 31, tied the knot with Tana and Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly, 26, at Bath Abbey in December amid a bitter feud which saw his mother, 60, disinvited and sister Bethany the only relative in attendance. And Tana, 51, told Grazia how she praised Adam to his mother before the big day. She said: 'I remember saying to Adam's mum when I met her. "My God, you've got the most amazing son. I couldn't think of anyone that is more perfect for Holly, who's incredibly emotional, incredibly vulnerable in areas." 'She's funny, brilliant and witty but she also needs keeping in line. Adam manages to do all those things. He's been through a lot. She's been through a lot. 'I remember saying to his mum that, in my mind, he's perfect for our daughter. I was incredibly happy to meet her and tell her that.' Tana Ramsay has revealed what she said to Adam Peatys estranged mother about her son before his wedding after husband Gordon defended how the family behaved during feud Tana said: 'I remember saying to Adam's mum Caroline (pictured) when I met her: "My God, you've got the most amazing son. I couldn't think of anyone that is more perfect for Holly, who's incredibly emotional, incredibly vulnerable in areas"' Olympian Adam, 31, tied the knot with Tana and Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly, 26, at Bath Abbey in December amid a bitter feud which saw his mother, 60, disinvited and sister Bethany the only relative in attendance Gordon, 59, himself has previously defended the family when it comes to the Peaty/Ramsay fall out, calling it all 'self-inflicted from their side'. He said: 'We sent a chauffeur-driven car for them to come to the engagement party and treated them like royalty. So to get that barrage of press was very hurtful. Tana took it very seriously. On Monday, Adam's estranged mother Caroline posted a message about 'dark times' after Gordon hit back at claims he was a bully. And after being branded a 'bully' by the Peaty family for claiming the fallout was 'self-inflicted', Gordon went on to accuse them of speaking 'absolute nonsense' and launching a 'barrage of negativity'. Caroline went on to share a tranquil image of sunset with the words: 'You're living proof that you can go through the darkest times and still come out kind, radiant, real and full of love.' Responding to the family's claim last week, the chef, who walked his daughter down the aisle, told The Sun: 'I am certainly not a bully, and it is so appalling to even suggest there was any bullying,' he sighed. 'Thats absolute nonsense. It was sad to see that barrage of negativity that was self-propelled by them. 'But Adam is an incredible young lad and he and Holly are a wonderful, happy, young couple.' One relative claimed the TV chef had now 'pushed the family too far'. They said: 'How bl***y dare they. The sheer gall of them. Gordon, 59, himself has previously defended the family when it comes to the Peaty/Ramsay fallout, calling it all 'self-inflicted from their side' Caroline has since shared a tranquil image of sunset with the words: 'You're living proof that you can go through the darkest times and still come out kind, radiant, real and full of love' 'The Ramsays did not treat Caroline like royalty at all they treated her as though she was nothing. They ignored her existence and not once did Mrs Ramsay return any of Caroline's texts.' They told The Sun: 'The get together lunch they promised on the day of the engagement never materialised either.' Last month the family reportedly told friends they have 'given up hope' of reconciling with their son after Gordon's latest social media comment. The chef referred to himself as 'dad' in a comment on Adam's wedding video where the Olympian said he would 'always choose' his new wife Holly. An insider said: 'It's been a really emotional time for them as a family. They're coming to terms with what has happened and that Adam has picked his side. 'It's dashed any hope of reconciliation in the near future. They're keeping their heads down and trying to move on quietly. It's clear Adam's made his choice.' Ramsay had commented on how beautiful his daughter looked during his wedding speech, telling Adam: 'Look at Tana and that's what you have to look forward to.' The publication went on to claim that he couldn't resist a sly dig at Adam's absent parents as he told his daughter Holly: 'Shame you don't have the same.' It was later revealed that the swimmer's estranged mother had been left 'outraged' and 'hurt' that Ramsay had referred to their feud in his speech. Adam and Holly looked happier than ever as they pushed aside their family drama with Adam's family to support Gordon's new reality show which will be released on Wednesday A family source told the Daily Mail she was left horrified by the moment in the speech and believed the celebrity chef had 'pre-planned' the cruel swipe against her, calling it 'cruel' and 'very hurtful'. But Ramsay doubled down on his speech as he appeared on This Morning in January, insisting that what he had to say at the wedding reception was 'perfect and warm'. He said: 'It's tough, honestly. Being the dad with three daughters, you dream of that moment and that moment arrives and you're just like a hot mess. 'But, the speech was perfect, it went well and you've got to find that You've got to be warm, emotional It's a tough gig.' Adam and Holly showed their support for Gordon as they put on a united front at the TV chef's new Netflix show launch party on Monday. Being Gordon Ramsay, which will drop on the streaming platform on Wednesday, follows his lead-up to opening his biggest restaurant ventures to date, the opening of five culinary experiences in one of Londons tallest buildings, 22 Bishopsgate. The TV star will also open the doors to his home over a six-month window, where he balances challenges as a husband and father to six children. Molly-Mae Hague is considering a boob job after giving birth to her second child with fiance Tommy Fury. The former Love Island star announced her pregnancy in February, shortly after settling back into Fury's Manchester home with their three-year old daughter, Bambi. But she's already looking ahead to cosmetic enhancements on convincing herself that pregnancy has had a negative impact on her breasts. 'Ill be honest they aint pretty,' she told viewers in her latest YouTube vlog. 'Like, they truly wholeheartedly, and Im not even being harsh on myself, they aint pretty.' The influencer, 26, was addressing fans while renovations continue at Fury's home - among them a new walk-in wardrobe for her mountain of clothes and accessories. 'When Im not wearing a bra, hope all the guys cant hear me [the workmen], but theyre really saggy,' she admitted. Molly-Mae Hague is considering a boob job after giving birth to her second child with fiance Tommy Fury The former Love Island star announced her pregnancy in February, shortly after settling back into Fury's Manchester home with their three-year old daughter, Bambi 'Im only 26 and I feel like theres time not to be saggy Maggie in this life.' Hague also confirmed that she and Fury were sleeping in separate bedrooms due to another unfortunate pregnancy side-effect - loud snoring. 'Ive permanently, as of last night, banished myself to the spare room,' she said. 'Ive made peace with myself that for the rest of my pregnancy I probably am going to sleep in the spare room because my congestion has been beyond. 'Ive never been this bunged up in my life. I dont feel ill, I dont feel fluey.' Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, Hague, 26 - who has moved back into partner Tommy Fury's Manchester home after rekindling their relationship - gave Instagram followers a glimpse at her sizeable wardrobe space, which is still in the early stages of renovation. Sweeping her camera phone around the empty room, she explained: 'There's been a lot of progress at the house - we've basically got somewhere that looks somewhat like a dressing room.' Admitting a team of builders had been carrying out the laborious work without her, she added: 'I've had zero involvement, but things are starting to come together and apparently it's going to be finished by today, however I will believe it when I see it.' The influencer was addressing fans while renovations continue at Fury's home - among them a new walk-in wardrobe for her mountain of clothes and accessories Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, Hague gave Instagram followers a glimpse at the sizeable wardrobe space, which is still in the early stages of renovation The completed space will include a large dressing table, a full length mirror, numerous shelves, partially closed rails and tasteful lighting, giving it the appearance of a boutique. The wardrobe even got the seal of approval from Hague's daughter, despite the three year old claiming it urgently needed a carpet. Hague recently discussed her second pregnancy and shared the 'irritating' symptoms she's experiencing in her first vlog since announcing the happy news. She told viewers: 'I dont really know how we got here, but Im pregnant, legitimately the worst kept secret. 'But thats honestly my own fault because towards the end, I got really lazy trying to hide it. We werent even trying to hide it. The completed space will include a large dressing table, a full length mirror, numerous shelves, partially closed rails and tasteful lighting, giving it the appearance of a boutique clothes shop The wardrobe even got the seal of approval from Hague's daughter Bambi, despite the three year old claiming it urgently needed a carpet 'We were at a spa over the weekend and I was openly saying to people that "Im pregnant", to the staff.' She added: 'Having a toddler is savage, if you want to keep a secret don't tell them. Bambi is telling everyone, she told all the air hostesses on the way home from the Maldives, she's told all her teachers at nursery. 'The people who have known through Bambi have been really great to me and just pretended that they didn't hear.' Margot Robbie has shared the cheeky nickname she and her Wuthering Heights co-star Jacob Elordi gave one of the film's raciest sex scene locations. The Australian actress, 35, confessed the saucy details at an iHeartLive event in Sydney as she chatted with host Kent 'Smallzy' Small. In the film, Robbie's character Catherine Earnshaw masturbates on a rock while her love interest, Heathcliff (played by Elordi) watches her. Robbie previously admitted that the actors had a crude name for that location, but she had declined to disclose it. 'You said in an interview there was a nickname for the rock in filming and it was beeped out on the internet,' Small asked. 'I'll tell you backstage,' Robbie replied - but Small could not be discouraged and continued to needle the star for the name. Margot Robbie (pictured) has shared the cheeky nickname she and her Wuthering Heights co-star Jacob Elordi gave one of the film's raciest sex scene locations 'All right, it was w**king rock, okay. It was w**king rock,' she said with a laugh. Jacob, 28, who was seated beside Robbie, joined her in having a giggle over the naughty nickname. Emerald Fennell's hotly-anticipated reinvention of Wuthering Heights has finally hit cinemas. Film fans are already hailing the sweeping period drama as the 'movie of the year', as they took to social media to share their thoughts on the moving plot, admitting they 'cried their eyes out'. Set against the wild Yorkshire moors, the passionate love story explores the intense and destructive relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff. Some fans even confessed that the movie inspired them to finally finish reading the famous novel. One fan gushed: 'Wuthering Heights, movie of the year,' while another said, 'I did not expect to love the movie. I enjoyed that... I cried my eyes out.' 'And so what if I sobbed for the last 20 minutes of Wuthering Heights,' said someone else. In the film, Robbie's character Catherine Earnshaw masturbates on a rock while her love interest, Heathcliff (played by Elordi, pictured) watches her Robbie previously admitted that the actors had a crude name for that location, but she had declined to disclose it 'I just watched Wuthering Heights. I think the movie is like one big fanfic, and honestly, I loved it,' another viewer wrote. Speaking before the release, director Emerald Fennell, 40, revealed she was actively hoping audiences would have such an intense reaction. She told Time Out: 'I want lots of snogging [in the cinema]. I think whatever you can get away with sorry, Cineworld. 'There will be some of that, there will also be a lot of people having to be carried out because they're crying so much. 'I really love seeing movies where people have a visceral experience. I think screaming and laughing and crying and gasping, we want a connected experience.' A wedding between Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster is imminent, according to a new report. The Australian actor, 57, has reportedly refused to draw up a prenup with the Broadway star, the Globe claimed this week. Jackman 'won't even entertain' the idea, an alleged insider told the Globe, and sees the suggestion as 'offensive'. The Wolverine star has a reported $170 million fortune, but seemingly has no fears about sharing it with his future second wife. It follows reports that the pair are preparing to tie the knot in an 'intimate' wedding later this year. Hugh is said to be house-hunting for a new marital home in an upscale suburb just outside New York. A wedding between Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster is imminent, according to a new report. The Australian actor, 57, has reportedly refused to draw up a prenup with the Broadway star, the Globe claimed this week. Both pictured According to a source close to the couple, the wedding will take place as soon as Sutton's divorce from ex Ted Griffin is finalised. '[Hugh's] told his team to keep a big window open for him and Sutton to tie the knot and have a "honeymoon tour" of Europe, where they can see his mum,' an insider told New Idea. The source added that the couple are planning a small, 'intimate' ceremony in New York during spring or summer for their 'theatre pals'. For a matrimonial home, the source says the couple are looking in Bedford, a leafy town 70km outside Manhattan known for its wealthy residents. Hugh and Sutton's romance emerged following his split from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. The couple made their red-carpet debut at the 2025 AFI Fest in Hollywood in October 2025. Deb stunned fans last year when she described the breakdown of her marriage as a 'traumatic betrayal' that 'cut deep'. It was a rare candid statement from the Australian actress who like her ex-husband has remained publicly dignified since their split in 2023. According to a source close to the couple, the wedding will take place as soon as Sutton's divorce from ex Ted Griffin is finalised Hugh and Sutton's romance emerged following his split from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness (pictured) Meanwhile, another report from New Idea magazine claims that recent 'peace talks' between Jackman and Furness are said to have dramatically ended after she became upset over his recent public displays of affection with the Younger star. An insider told the outlet, 'Hugh and Sutton are everywhere right now red carpets, concerts, even cuddling in the street. 'It's like he's taken their truce as a green light to bring Sutton front and centre of his world and it's putting pressure on Deb that she's not ready to deal with.' Hugh and Sutton went Instagram official in November, just a month after making their red carpet debut together. The post also featured a short, but cute video of the Tony Award-winning actress waving to the X-Men actor as he recorded her. The Australian actor gushed over the American actress in the sweet post, marking their social media debut as a couple. Olivia Colman has claimed that 'people are too nervous' about gender and sexuality - after she raised eyebrows when she revealed she has always described herself as the 'gay man' in her marriage. The actress, 52, recently starred as lead character Hannah in Sophie Hyde's new queer drama Jimpa, released in US theatres on February 6. The movie explores ideas of queerness and parenthood between members of the LGBTQ+ community across generations - and Olivia hopes the film will make the topic more 'mainstream' and accepted. She told Variety: 'Theres an awful lot of mistrust and hatred about things that there is no need to be hateful about. 'I love the fact that this film is about learning how to listen to each other without throwing the toys out the crib. 'I dont understand how you can get so upset about it when someone is different It would be great if films about queer stories were mainstream. Olivia Colman has claimed that 'people are too nervous' about gender and sexuality - after she raised eyebrows when she revealed she has always described herself as the 'gay man' in her marriage (pictured 2023) The actress, 52, recently starred as lead character Hannah in Sophie Hyde's new queer drama Jimpa, released in US theatres on February 6 (pictured with John Lithgow in the movie) She added: 'It would be wonderful. I dont know why its not, but I think people are too nervous.' Meanwhile, co-producer and director Sophie pointed to the success of shows like Heated Rivalry as proof that the public is 'craving' queer stories. She added: 'We lost so many queer characters from the TV screens. We didnt see many queer stories told publicly. We certainly saw fewer queer directors working. 'And then up pops Heated Rivalry out of nowhere, a tiny Canadian gay streaming romance, and everyone just loves it. Clearly, we are craving these stories.' Jimpa stars John Lithgow as Jim, who calls himself Jimpa rather than grandpa, and left his family 'to pursue a free, gay life in Amsterdam'. His daughter Hannah (Olivia), her non-binary teen Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde) and her husband (played by Daniel Henshall) visit Jimpa, where he encourages the teenager to explore the city's queer culture. There, she meets characters played by the likes of Zoe Love Smith, Hans Kesting and Romana Vrede. Earlier this month, Olivia admitted she feels like she is non-binary, and has never been comfortable with traditional gender roles, while she describes herself as a 'gay man' to her husband of 25 years, Ed Sinclair. The movie explores ideas of queerness and parenthood between members of the LGBTQ+ community across generations - and Olivia hopes the film will make the topic more 'mainstream' and accepted She told Variety: 'I dont understand how you can get so upset about it when someone is different It would be great if films about queer stories were mainstream. It would be wonderful. I dont know why its not, but I think people are too nervous' (pictured last month) Earlier this month, Olivia admitted she feels like she is non-binary, and has never been comfortable with traditional gender roles, while she describes herself as a 'gay man' to her husband of 25 years, Ed Sinclair (both pictured last year) She told Them: 'Throughout my whole life, I've had arguments with people where I've always sort of felt non-binary. 'I've never felt massively feminine in my being female. I've always described myself to my husband as a gay man. 'And he goes, "Yeah, I get that". And I do feel so at home and at ease.' In the interview, the star also said that she doesn't spend a whole lot of time with people who are staunchly heterosexual. However, she added that the men she knows and loves are very in touch 'with all sides of themselves'. Nonbinary is a term used to describe a person's gender identity that falls outside the traditional male and female binary. Molly Smith has flaunted her toned six-pack abs as she returned to the gym after her Maldives holiday. The Love Island star, 31, looked incredible post-workout after working up a sweat in the gym. Molly was pictured leaving the building in Manchester in a hot pink two-piece set as she showed off her ripped physique. Boasting her bronzed complexion, Molly smiled for the cameras as she made her way to her car. The personal trainer has just returned from a loved-up trip to the Maldives with her fiance Tom Clare. Both Molly and Tom are fitness fanatics and had been hitting the hotel gym, ensuring to get their workouts in during their trip. Molly Smith has flaunted her toned six-pack abs as she returned to the gym on Tuesday after her Maldives holiday Molly was pictured leaving the building in Manchester in a hot pink two-piece set as she showed off her ripped physique Molly had posed up a storm in a vibrant blue two-piece outfit, while another snap showed her in a bold red set. She gave fans a glimpse inside their lavish getaway, sharing gym selfies, videos of the couple partaking in fun water activities, and several sizzling bikini-clad videos. In one stunning video, Molly looked incredible in a skimpy brown floral-print bikini top, striking a sultry pose for the camera. Showcasing her incredible physique, she further accessorised her look with a straw cowboy hat. The couple then hopped on bikes, making their way to the beach. Molly had won the All Stars version of Love Island with Tom and last year they announced they were engaged. She was a bombshell arrival, to the shock of her ex-boyfriend Callum, who she met filming the winter addition of the show in 2020. Viewers became invested in the possibility of Molly and Callum rekindling their three-year relationship, but the fitness model pursued her romantic connection with Tom instead. Callum and Eve split weeks after the show finished amid reports he cheated with another woman, which Callum insisted was untrue because the couple had already separated Boasting her bronzed complexion, Molly smiled for the cameras as she made her way to her car The personal trainer has just returned from a loved-up trip to the Maldives with her fiance Tom Clare where she showed off her impressive figure In one snap, she flaunted her amazing figure in the skimpy triangle bikini and matching thong bottoms as she soaked up the sun at the beach She jetted off to the island for a romantic getaway with her fiance Tom Clare, 26 Since winning All Stars, Molly has secured several lucrative deals, including with clothing retailer boohoo, US fitness supplement Alani Nu, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon and global makeup giants L'Oreal Paris and Maybelline. Meanwhile, she previously hinted her and Tom's ceremony taking place in South Africa, where they first met. Speaking to Closer magazine in September, Molly explained: 'Tom and I met in Cape Town - we were on the winter All Stars show. She continued: 'We were thinking about it as a wedding venue to take us back to where it all started. 'We definitely want to get married abroad, but we're not sure yet - we need to do a lot more digging.'In one stunning video, Molly looked incredible in a skimpy brown floral-print bikini top, striking a sultry pose for the camera.' Her millions of followers, lucrative brand deals and VIP lifestyle have made her the envy of classmates and indeed other, much older influencers. For two years, 11-year-old Scouse internet sensation Lacey M has been living a dream most girls could only fantasise about. And, of course, she has documented every second of it on TikTok posting make-up tutorials, vlogging her all-inclusive holidays and showing off the never-ending stream of freebies she receives from brands. After starting her account in 2024, Laceys rise was turbocharged by cosmetics brand P.Louise, founded by Manchester-born influencer Paige Louise Williams, 33. Noticing the young influencers growing profile, Paige last year recruited her as an ambassador for the make-up brand. Soon, Lacey who is managed by her mother Laura and aunt Natalie had become a living, breathing advert. Not only was she promoting P.Louise lip gloss and foundation to her often-underage fans, she even released her own make-up collaboration with the brand. Then, two weeks ago, things reached a head when P.Louise hosted a lavish early 12th birthday party for Lacey at a retail space in Liverpool. As you can imagine, this was no typical childrens party. The ticketed event which cost 38 to attend had a nightclub atmosphere, complete with a DJ, dancers and a VIP section separating Lacey from her adoring fans. At the time, it seemed like a fairy-tale celebrity moment for Lacey. Little could she have known that her social media fame would soon spectacularly implode. For, as I can reveal today, Laceys TikTok account which had amassed 1.7million followers was banned over the weekend after bosses at the tech company were alerted to the fact she was breaking guidelines stating users must be over 13. Lacey M with Manchester-born influencer Paige Louise Williams, whose cosmetics brand P.Louise turbocharged Lacey's rise to fame A source told me: She shouldnt have been allowed to do this when shes underage. All shes been doing is making money for her parents. And P.Louise was using her as a cash cow. This should be a wake-up call to all parents: protect your children online. Her mum and aunt should have been more active in checking what she was posting. Social media, and the life that comes with it, would be hard enough for adults to deal with. Its so sad they enabled this behaviour. But while Laceys account might be banned for now, shes not going quietly. Her aunt Natalie teased a comeback to fans: Shell be back baby girl, bigger and better. Ill make her a new account today. Sure enough, a new account called Lacey M and Mum claiming to be a parent ran [sic] account popped up on Sunday, posting six videos in just 48 hours. The page already has nearly 36,000 followers but its yet to be confirmed whether its official or merely a fan page. There are a few clues, however. Natalie posted a video of Lacey to her personal account, linking to the new page with the caption: TikTok is quiet without you. But shes back. One thing weve always taught her if you want something, go for it and never give up. And even though Laceys page has been banned from TikTok, she is still posting on Instagram which also requires users to be over 13 where she boasts 100,000 followers. Recent posts show her alongside 12-year-old Scottish influencer Carly, famous for making videos on a joint TikTok account with her father, Ryan Pollock. But heres where things get a little worrying. Two days ago, Lacey appeared again on Instagram this time in a video posted by Float Scotland, a Bathgate-based business offering cold therapy in other words, ice baths. In the video, both Lacey and Carly, dressed in swimming costumes, can be seen plunging into a freezing-cold bath as a staff member watches. The problem is that most health guidance suggests under-12s should avoid ice baths due to their developing bodies and potential sensitivity to extreme cold. Yet heres Lacey, splashing around for views and sponsored content. Which is why many are now questioning whether it was ever appropriate for a child as young as Lacey to be thrust into the influencer world. Lacey, of course, may feel shes mature enough to have a social media following. But TikToks rules are simple: users must be at least 13 years old. Whats more, accounts for 13 to 15-year-olds are set to private by default meaning only friends can see their content. And certain features, such as livestreaming, require users to be 18. Lacey, at 11, was well below the limit. Her account was apparently managed by her mum and aunt, but Lacey was clearly creating the content herself. Lacey M's ticketed party, hosted by P.Louise which cost 38 to attend had a nightclub atmosphere, complete with a DJ, dancers and a VIP section separating Lacey from her adoring fans Lacey M poses with her mother Laura at her early 12th birthday party at a retail space in Liverpool Lacey M, 11, with 12-year-old Scottish influencer Carly, ahead of their cold bath plunge with Float Scotland It must be said Lacey is certainly not the only underage creator on the platform but she is by far one of the most famous, which attracted the attention of TikToks moderation team. The timing of Laceys ban is particularly striking. Just last month, Keir Starmers Government announced a consultation on a social media ban for children under 16. Ministers are now working to change legislation, and any new rules could come into effect within months of the end of the consultation, which will begin in March. Laceys case highlights exactly why the Government is looking at tighter restrictions. Even when parents are involved, young children are being exposed to social pressure, harmful content and possible exploitation. But it also shows how easily these rules can be bypassed. While her TikTok account may be gone, it seems Lacey M and her mother will do anything to ensure she remains on social media for good. Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans on Tuesday morning, police say. The 39-year-old Fury star got into a fist fight just after midnight with multiple people while partying during the Mardi Gras festival. The incident took place outside a bar on Royal Street in the French Quarter. The brawl was so bad that paramedics were called to the scene. The New Orleans Police Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that the star was taken to a hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. The former child star is now facing two charges of simple battery, a spokesman added. The incident was lengthy and is believed to have involved several people. A staff member attempted to eject LaBeouf from the establishment but the star still managed to strike a victim using his closed fists, according to the police report. LaBeouf then left, but came back, 'acting even more aggressive', the filing claimed. Multiple people attempted to hold him down but he was eventually let up in hopes that he would leave. However, he is alleged to have again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victims upper body. LaBeouf then reportedly assaulted another person by punching him in the nose. The actor was again held down until officers arrived, the police report said. Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans on Tuesday morning, according to the New Orleans Police Department. The 39-year-old Fury star got into a fist fight just after midnight with multiple people while partying during the Mardi Gras festival The incident took place outside a bar on Royal Street in the French Quarter. The brawl was so bad that paramedics were called to the scene. Police confirmed to Daily Mail that the star was taken to a hospital for treatment of unknown injuries The former child star is now facing two charges of simple battery, police confirmed The Daily Mail has reached out to LaBeouf's representative for comment. There is a video of the actor with his T-shirt over his head, exposing his large back tattoo, as he wore dark slacks. There was also blood on his arm. LaBeouf was also seen sitting in the back of a car as he talked to several people on the street with a small crowd surrounding them. And the star was pictured on a gurney in the back of an ambulance with the doors closed as he looked tired. Fans have been reporting on X that the arrest took place near the Royal Street Inn. It seemed as if the actor had been partying all day and into the night. Earlier on Monday LaBeouf was seen with a funky red hat on and a casual outfit while holding a bottle of beer as he took in the parade in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Oddly, the actor's last film, Henry Johnson, which came out in May 2025, was about a man who maintains his innocence after suddenly being arrested. The performer has a history of encounters with law enforcement. In June 2014, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass at Studio 54 in New York City. During a Broadway performance of Cabaret, he was acting disruptively, yelling at actors, and using vulgar language. He later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received three months of alcohol treatment. Fans have been reporting on X that the arrest took place near the Royal Street Inn Here the star is seen hours earlier on Monday with a beer bottle in his hand He was talking to several people on the street as he paried Here he conversed with a man in a leopard-print jacket with orange slacks just hours before his arrest This selfie was shared this week to the platform X during Mardi Gras He was arrested for public intoxication in October 2015 in Austin, Texas. The Hollywood stalwart was also arrested in 2017 in Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Following the Georgia arrest, LaBeouf attended court-ordered rehab, where he was diagnosed with PTSD and addressed underlying childhood trauma. In a 2020 there was an incident in Los Angeles involving misdemeanor battery and theft, which resulted in mandated therapy, 12-step programs, and sobriety monitoring. LaBeouf is married to British actress Mia Goth, with whom he has a daughter named Isabel, born in March 2022. The couple met in 2012, had a Las Vegas ceremony in 2016, and reconciled after a period of separation to build a family. In this handout provided by the Austin Police Department, he is seen in his mugshot photo after he was was arrested for Public Intoxication on October 9, 2015 in Austin, Texas The star center, bottom, with Tom Virtue, Christy Carlson Romano on Even Stevens which debuted in 2000 Meanwhile, the actor has been in a lawsuit with an ex-girlfriend, FKA twigs. The singer - whose real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett - filed documents in Los Angeles Superior Court against her actor ex for alleged sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress during the course of their brief relationship in 2019. However, the Carpenter's Son star later filed to end her lawsuit with prejudice, meaning she cannot refile the claims in the future, and their lawyers confirmed in July that they had 'agreed to settle [the] case out of court'. Asked if she feels a sense of safety now, she told The Hollywood Reporter: 'No, I wouldn't say I feel safe. 'I feel really passionate about being involved with organizations such as Sistah Space and No More, to help survivors in any way that I can. 'I think it's less about me at this point and more about looking forward. Just, you know, moving on with my life.' FKA previously said she came forward with her allegations in order to show how abusive relationships can affect anyone. She said in the lawsuit: 'I'd like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency.' LaBeouf is married to British actress Mia Goth, with whom he has a daughter named Isabel, born in March 2022. The couple met in 2012, had a Las Vegas ceremony in 2016, and reconciled after a period of separation to build a family. Seen in 2014 Shia had responded to the allegations through the New York Times, and admitted he had been 'abusive to myself and everyone around me for years'. However, he insisted that 'many of these allegations are not true', but also said he owed the women 'the opportunity to air their statements publicly and accept accountability for those things I have done'. He revealed last year that FKA was seeking $10 million in damages. She once told the New York Times: 'What I went through with Shia was the worst thing I've ever been through in the whole of my life. 'I don't think people would ever think that it would happen to me. But I am not immune.' In the joint statement after the settlement, the couple wished 'each other personal happiness, professional success and peace in the future'. Rumer Willis fired back at nepo baby claims as she opened up about life as a single mom raising her 2-year-old daughter Louetta. The 37-year-old actress, daughter of Hollywood legends Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, welcomed her little girl with ex-boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas in 2023 before their split in August 2024. On Monday, Willis shared an Instagram Reel titled Single Moms Be Like, showing herself juggling daily tasks while text floated around her listing 'lunch,' 'play dates,' 'meal prepping' and 'working out.' She later reshared the clip with a direct message to fans. 'Just had to clarify since it seems there are quite a few uninformed and rude people in my comments on this post,' she wrote. 'I work 4 different jobs to provide for my daughter. I am the sole provider for her. I don't live off a trust fund or get money from my parents. Most of the time I don't have help with her,' Willis added. 'So how about y'all pause before you judge and assume.' After a follower suggested she has a 'backup' plan with her famous family, Willis posted an even longer statement on her Stories to set the record straight. Rumer Willis fired back at nepo baby claims as she opened up about life as a single mom raising her 2-year-old daughter Louetta The 37-year-old actress, is the daughter of Hollywood legends Bruce Willis and Demi Moore; (Rumer, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Tallulah Willis in 2018) Rumer welcomed her little girl with ex-boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas (pictured) in 2023 before their split in August 2024 I want to respond to this with care, because I think there's a misunderstanding about what I was actually saying, she wrote. I am very aware that I have privileges in my life that many people don't, and I don't take that for granted, she continued. I know there are realities I will never fully experience, and I respect that. But this particular post wasn't about privilege or comparing circumstances, and it feels like people are assuming I was ignoring that when that wasn't the conversation I was trying to have. Willis went on to stress that she doesnt see her family as a backup plan and takes pride in supporting herself and her daughter. She recalled years of being the sole provider and pushed back against assumptions that she doesnt understand financial pressure or work hard. At the same time, I think we can hold two truths at once, she said. People's lives look different, and none of our experiences exist in a vacuum. 'Just like someone with a stable job and housing might still struggle in ways that are real to them, even if their situation is different from someone facing much more severe hardship elsewhere in the world, we all move through different layers of reality. 'Acknowledging that difference doesn't mean we can't also talk about what we share. After a follower suggested she has a 'backup' plan with her famous family, Willis posted an even longer statement on her Stories to set the record straight 'I work 4 different jobs to provide for my daughter. I am the sole provider for her. I don't live off a trust fund or get money from my parents. Most of the time I don't have help with her,' Willis said Willis insists shes the sole provider for Louetta, but details about any co-parenting or financial support from her ex Derek Richard Thomas remain unclear Willis insists shes the sole provider for Louetta, but details about any co-parenting or financial support from her ex Derek Richard Thomas remain unclear. Back in November 2025, she told fans she had a good cry in the woods over the challenges of being a single mother. Some days being a single mom is hard. She is not hard (ever) but some days doing everything alone can be, she added. When she confirmed her split from Thomas - who quickly moved on with his Alchemy Pot co-founder Lizzie Loch - Willis wrote on Instagram, I am single momming it and co-parenting. Daily Mail has reached out to Derek Richard Thomas for comment. Although Willis insists shes supporting Louetta entirely on her own, her statement carries extra weight given the enormous fortunes of her famous parents. Her father, action movie legend Willis, is estimated to be worth around $250 million, thanks to decades of blockbuster films, real estate, and royalties. Meanwhile, her mother Moore has an estimated $200 million fortune, built from her long A-list career and roles in hits like Ghost and A Few Good Men. Although Willis insists shes supporting Louetta entirely on her own, her statement carries extra weight given the enormous fortunes of her famous parents.; (Rumer, Demi, Tallulah, and Scout Willis at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party) Rumer isnt the only one in her family navigating life in the spotlight. She is the eldest of three daughters Bruce and Demi Moore share - including Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31 - and all three have publicly supported their father as he faces an ongoing health battle. In 2023, Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive brain condition that affects behaviour, communication and personality, forcing the beloved Die Hard star to step away from acting as the disease took hold. Since then, the family has rallied around him. Rumer has shared heartfelt updates on social media, admitting its 'hard' to describe how hes doing but expressing gratitude that she can still hug him and watch his eyes light up when he sees his granddaughter Louetta. She is never shy showing off her incredible figure. And Maura Higgins looked sensational as she flaunted her toned physique in pink Victoria's Secret lingerie for her latest racy shoot on Tuesday. The former Love Island star, 35, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps in the pretty set as she worked her best angles for the camera. The brunette beauty penned in the caption of her post: 'Got a little secret... @victoriassecret #VSPartner.' She added the brand's classic pink and white striped gown to her look as she gave herself a pamper. Maura wore her dark tresses in the perfect bouncy blow dry and opted for a glowing makeup look. Maura Higgins looked sensational as she showed off her toned physique in pink Victoria's Secret lingerie for her latest racy shoot on Tuesday The former Love Island star, 35, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps in the pretty set as she worked her best angles for the camera It comes after earlier this week Maura once again ensured all eyes were on her as she attended the LaQuan Smith runway show during New York Fashion Week in another head-turning look. The reality star flaunted her figure in a daringly cropped top, which flashed plenty of underboob and left her chiselled stomach fully exposed. She teamed the royal blue top with a coordinating skin-tight skirt with a small train, slung dangerously-low on her hips to showcase her tiny waist. Arriving at the show, Maura commanded attention by draping an oversized faux fur coat over her matching blue co-ord, sweeping her hair up into a sleek up do to show off her pearl earrings. She showed how well her American takeover is going, as she took her seat on the front row, next to her Traitors US co-star Ciara Miller, model Alioune Badara Fall and influencer Hallie Batchelder. Maura's latest invitation to a big US event, comes as her rivalry with fellow Love Island alum Olivia Attwood is heating up. The two Brits have been locked in a feud for months after Olivia, 34, accused Maura of trying to 'copy' her career. And it's now been claimed that tension have hit boiling point over their toxic whispers, Pete Wicks connection and vicious comments. You can read more about that here. The brunette beauty penned in the caption of her post: 'Got a little secret... @victoriassecret #VSPartner' She added the brands classic pink and white striped gown to her look as she gave herself a pamper Maura wore her dark tresses in the perfect bouncy blow dry and opted for a glowing makeup look The rift first came to light in 2024 during Maura's stint in the I'm A Celeb jungle, where she claimed to have scrubbed a toilet with an ex-boyfriend's toothbrush for revenge, a story she had previously linked to her breakup with Curtis Pritchard. Sources revealed that Maura was seen as trying to follow a 'similar script' to boost her appeal, mirroring Olivia's path after she signed up for Love Island in 2017 following her split from Bradley Dack after he was unfaithful. The tension between the two further escalated when they were both signed to the same PR agency, Dundas Communications. The dynamic became awkward as they were lined up for similar jobs, prompting Olivia, who had worked with the agency first, to move on. In a surprising turn, ten months after Olivia joined a new public relations agency, Align, which specialises in growing careers in America, Maura then followed suit, signing with the same company. Sources say the relationship between the former Love Island stars has never been worse, with some confusion over how history has repeated itself less than a year after the initial PR fallout. A source revealed: 'There were so many incidents last year that led friends to believe Maura is trying to emulate Olivia's career. 'From Love Island to I'm A Celeb and signing with the same agencies, there have been numerous parallels, which started to create friction. 'In the end, Olivia left PR firm Dundas, even though she had been signed with them before Maura joined, because she wanted space to build her brand without any overlap. 'Everyone is a bit irked now that Maura has once again followed Olivia by signing with PR Align, months after Olivia became one of their clients. 'Tensions are now at an all-time high... there are hundreds of PR firms, but Maura and her team have chosen the same one Olivia works with, for the second time.' Irish star Maura is never shy showing off her incredible figure and Tuesday's post was no exception The post comes as Maura is successfully taking on America as her career ascends new heights The Love Island favourite has been in and out of the states this year, most notably for her surprise appearance at the Golden Globes The TV stars share many career parallels, having both started out as 'Monster Energy Girls' before signing up for Love Island and then I'm A Celeb. However, it was Olivia who appeared on both shows first, although she had to leave the jungle early on medical grounds. While there have undoubtedly been similarities in their career projections, when it comes to the pair's plans to crack America, currently Maura is coming out on top. The Love Island favourite has been in and out of the states this year, most notably for her surprise appearance at the Golden Globes, before rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars at the nation's biggest sporting event, the Super Bowl. Shirley Ballas proudly showed off her London house after giving it a revamp. The Strictly head judge, 65, hit the headlines this week over fears she won't return for the new series after landing a role on a rival show. Ignoring the mounting speculation, Shirley instead decided to take to her social media platform on Tuesday to show the progress made on her living room and kitchen. Showcasing the transformation in before and after images, Shirley told her followers: 'I had all my walls repainted, they were sprayed to perfection and my kitchen cabinets redone.' The lounge had alcove shoving, which had numerous accolades and trophies from Shirley's dancing days as well as framed photos around the marble fireplace. The kitchen had cream cabinets and a marble island which gave it a modern feel. Shirley Ballas proudly showed off her London house after giving it a revamp The Strictly head judge, 65, hit the headlines this week over fears she won't return for the new series after landing a role on a rival show She added: 'A total refresh, just what mum and I need'. Shirley lives with her 88-year-old mother, Audrey, and acts as her full-time carer. The Strictly judge moved her mother into her home around four years to look after her, particularly due to her mother's battle with the lung condition (COPD). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible lung disease that restricts airflow, causing persistent breathlessness, chronic coughing, and wheezing. The house tour comes as it was reported this week, Shirley will be heading across the pond to feature in a spin-off of the American equivalent of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars. Shirley is reported to be taking on a new role on the stateside panel, alongside her son Mark Ballas, a former professional on the ABC series. Mark, who featured on Dancing With The Stars from 2007 to 2023 and lifted the trophy three times, will join Shirley in helping the series find its new professional in the spin-off series, according to The Sun. Show winner Robert Irwin, the son of late The Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin, will host the new series, which was first reported by Reality Steve. Ignoring the mounting speculation, Shirley instead decided to take to her social media platform on Tuesday to show the progress made on her living room and kitchen Showcasing the transformation in before and after images, Shirley told her followers: 'I had all my walls repainted, they were sprayed to perfection and my kitchen cabinets redone' Shirley lives with her 88-year-old mother, Audrey, and acts as her full-time carer She added: 'A total refresh, just what mum and I need' Shirley, 65, is reported to be taking on a new role on the stateside panel, alongside her son Mark Ballas, a former professional on the ABC series The TV judge, who appears alongside Craig Revel Horwood , Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke on the BBC One show, is said to be heading across the pond It's not yet known when shooting for the spin-off series will take place, but there are fears it could clash with filming for Strictly, which takes place from September to December each year. The Daily Mail have contacted the BBC and Shirley's representative for comment. Fans were quick to take to social media to react to the news, discussing whether or not the new role would see Shirley leave Strictly Come Dancing. One penned on Reddit: 'VERY interesting, makes me wonder if shes considering leaving Strictly for the Dancing With The Stars main show!' Another chimed in: 'I dont think she will leave strictly unless they both are clashing,' as a third said: 'She'll do what Bruno did and leave for a week or two with a guest judge filling in for her...' Shirley would be following in the footsteps of her former Strictly judging stars Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli by appearing on Dancing With The Stars. Both of the former panellists waved goodbye to the BBC show to appear on the American series. The 'Queen of Latin', who was a world-renowned ballroom dancer during her career on the dance floor, took over as head judge when Len, who died in 2023, left in 2017. The mother-of-one shares Mark with her ex-husband and professional dancer Corky Ballas, who raised their son in the competitive dance world. Alfonso Ribeiro and his wife Angela Ribeiro received a thoughtful gesture from their three kids in the wake of their close friend James Van Der Beek's death. Van Der Beek died from colorectal cancer last Wednesday at age 48. On Monday Angela, 45, took to Instagram to share a photo of a cake their kids baked 'to lift our spirits.' The couple, who married in 2012, share sons Alfonso 'AJ' Lincoln, 12, Anders Reyn, 10, and daughter Ava Sue, six. Alfonso, 54, is also dad to daughter Sienna, 23, from a previous marriage. Uploading a photo of the homemade cake via Instagram Stories, the mom of three wrote: 'Not the easiest weekbut our kids made us this beautiful cake to lift our spirits today. Kids just know.' It comes after the former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star paid tribute to his late friend on social media last week. Alfonso Ribeiro and his wife Angela Ribeiro received a thoughtful gesture from their three kids in the wake of their close friend James Van Der Beek's death; pictured in January 2024 Van Der Beek died from colorectal cancer last Wednesday at age 48. Following his death, Alfonso shared an intimate photo taken on the late star's death bed He posted photos taken from his last visit with Van Der Beek at his family ranch 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.' On Monday Angela, 45, took to Instagram to share a photo of a cake their kids baked 'to lift our spirits.' The couple share sons Alfonso 'AJ' Lincoln, 12, Anders Reyn, 10, and daughter Ava Sue, six Alfonso and Angela seen with their sons in June 2017 Angela also used the social media platform to issue her own heartfelt statement amid Van Der Beek's passing Angela also used the social media platform to issue her own heartfelt statement amid Van Der Beek's passing. She shared an outdoor photo of them bundled up in winter jackets and hats with a dog nestled at her feet. 'My brother from another Im going to miss our talks, our enlightening and humorous text chats, our ski adventures, but most of all your presence and the way you made everyone feel truly seen,' she wrote mournfully. 'Your words of wisdom and your beautiful insight changed me in ways that upgraded my whole being. Ill miss your voice notes that always began with hello, soul sister and even the way you teased me, from cutting pizza with scissors to my peculiar humming on the ski slopes before first tracks, to my secret fascination with Korean TV. Thank you for every laugh, every lesson, every moment of light you shared so freely. You have enlightened me in ways I cant fully explain.' She echoed her husband's sentiments, adding, 'Im so grateful we were able to be there in your final days and tell you just how deeply you were loved and how much you mean to us.' Friends of the Van Der Beek family have a GoFundMe account that is nearing $3million. James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly renewed their wedding vows just days before the actor's death on February 11. The beloved Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues star passed away at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4. On Tuesday, Kimberly told People the intimate ceremony came together in a matter of days with the help of friends and family. 'We decided two days beforehand, and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed, she explained. She described the moment as simple and beautiful and moving, with loved ones by their side and more friends joining via Zoom. Musician Porangui, a close friend of the couple, provided live music for the ceremony, closing the touching tribute with a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly renewed their wedding vows just days before the actors death on February 11; (pictured 2019) On Tuesday, Kimberly told People the intimate ceremony came together in a matter of days with the help of friends and family The couples love story began in Israel in 2009, and just a year later they returned to the same country for a private wedding ceremony. At the time, Kimberly was expecting their first child, Olivia, making the day even more special for the young family. Tragically, 16 years later, Kimberly shared the heartbreaking news of James's death on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute to the beloved actor. 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,' she wrote. 'He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. 'For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.' The news of the vow renewal comes on the heels of Alfonso Ribeiro sharing a touching glimpse into his final moments with his close friend Van Der Beek. Ribeiro is the godfather to Van Der Beek's daughter Gwendolyn. We decided two days beforehand, and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed, Kimberly explained She described the moment as simple and beautiful and moving, with loved ones by their side and more friends joining via Zoom Taking to Instagram, the actor revealed that he was by the Dawsons Creek stars side shortly before his death. Alongside a tender photo, Ribeiro wrote, This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. He added that their final moments together were filled with laughter, sharing, My last moment was making him laugh one last time. The loss resonated throughout Hollywood, with a host of Dawsons Creek castmates posting emotional tributes, Katie Holmes among them. In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life.' 'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,' she added. The actress captioned the post: 'I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James journey. He is beloved.' Busy Philipps, who joined Dawsons Creek in its later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram. The news of the vow renewal comes on the heels of Alfonso Ribeiro sharing a touching glimpse into his final moments with his close friend Van Der Beek She wrote that her 'heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,' acknowledging everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans. Philipps went on to say she was 'profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children,' describing Van Der Beek as 'one in a billion' who will be 'forever missed.' She added, 'Im so grateful for our friendship all these years,' reflecting on their bond both on and off screen. Other stars also reacted to Van Der Beek's death. Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle, in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, wrote that she was 'devastated' by the news. 'What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,' she added. 'Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.' Following the familys announcement on Wednesday, more stars joined in sharing condolences. The statement read: 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. 'Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.' Van Der Beeks death rocked Hollywood, with countless Dawsons Creek co-stars sharing heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life' Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responded to the announcement with likes. A GoFundMe page was also launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek's family, with a starting goal of $500,000. Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.' The page added: 'Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education.' Akbar Novruz United States President Donald Trump said that Iran has been a "bad" negotiator in recent discussions and expressed hope the country will take a more reasonable approach in future talks, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump called the negotiations "very important" and said he'll take part in the Geneva talks on Tuesday "indirectly." "Iran is a very tough negotiator. They're good negotiators, or bad negotiators... I would say they're bad negotiators because we could've had a deal instead of sending the B2s," Trump said. He concluded by saying he thinks Tehran will want to make a deal. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," the US president said. The United States has moved additional military forces into the Middle East ahead of talks with Iran in Geneva, positioning assets to deter Tehran if diplomatic efforts fail, CNN reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. The US Air Force has shifted refuelling tankers and fighter aircraft from the United Kingdom closer to the region, the news agency was told. A US official said Washington continues to send air defence systems, while some units scheduled to leave will remain longer. Two unnamed sources also told CNN the administration doesn't have a clear plan for who would govern Iran if the current leadership were removed. They said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would probably move quickly to fill any vacuum and identified potential strike targets beyond nuclear facilities, including IRGC headquarters. Some discussions have reportedly included possible joint US-Israel operations. Sources added Iran's stance on uranium enrichment may limit room for agreement. However, positions could still shift, with economic incentives tied to oil, gas and rare earths access expected to resurface at the upcoming talks. Cynthia Erivo was supported by her A-list pals including Florence Pugh at the Dracula opening night on Tuesday - after the star was accused of 'using teleprompters' to remember her lines. The Wicked actress, 39, is sinking her teeth into the role of Dracula and 22 other characters in the unique adaptation of Bram Stoker's iconic novel at her one-woman show at the Noel Coward Theatre. And at the opening night celebrations Florence, 30, led the arrivals and looked stylish in a high-neck black velvet dress. She was joined by the likes of Lizzie Cundy, Myleene Klass and Lady Victoria Hervey for the show. Just last week Cynthia was accused of 'using teleprompters' to remember her lines in the adaptation. First impressions left many viewers 'disappointed' after spotting the star was being 'fed her lines', according to The Telegraph. Cynthia Erivo was supported by her A-list pals including Florence Pugh at the Dracula opening night on Tuesday And at the opening night celebrations Florence, 30, led the arrivals and looked stylish in a high-neck black velvet dress The Wicked actress, 39, is sinking her teeth into the role of Dracula and 22 other characters in the unique adaptation of Bram Stoker's iconic novel at her one-woman show at the Noel Coward Theatre Disgruntled theatre-goers raced to social media, such as Reddit, and various West End blogs to share their opinions. They wrote: 'I saw it last night and was SO disappointed. Interesting point about the last 30 minutes - I spent that time just wondering when the show was finally going to be over. I'm normally such a fan of theatre, but I left frustrated at spending 70 on a ticket, honestly'. Another fan replied to the comment echoing: 'Same I tried so hard to get into it and I just couldn't.' Another pointed out: 'I wish I hadn't bought an early on ticket for this. 'On my night there were technical issues and staging problems but worst of all Cynthia was struggling with remembering her lines and place in the script (despite visible auto cues on either side of her). 'In my opinion, it was just a retread of the Dorian Gray experience with a weaker story line. 'I'm sure the issues will be ironed out in a couple of weeks and it will be fabulous and I totally accept that if you go for a ticket at the start of a run you have to be prepared for mishaps but honestly it was disappointing.' The Daily Mail contacted The Noel Coward and Cynthia's representatives for a comment. She was joined by the likes of Lizzie Cundy, Myleene Klass and Lady Victoria Hervey for the show Myleene put on a leggy display in a pair of sheer tights and tiny leather shorts as she posed up a storm Lashana Lynch wore a silver and black dress as she made her arrival She added a pop of colour to her look with a red lip Lizzie wore a plunging black silk dress Lady Victoria opted for a gold number Florence looked as radiant and glowing as ever Jeff Goldblum and his wife Emilie Livingston arrived together Myleene added to her look with a black lace top She added to her height with huge platform heels David Tennant and his wife Georgia also arrived to see the show Lady Victoria dazzled in her gold gown No stranger to the West End, Cynthia made her debut in The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg back in 2011 Cynthia could finally start to receive the glory she deserves in her new one-woman show following a disastrous Wicked press tour Cynthia looked worlds away from Wicked in the first official photo for the show which was released earlier this month. In the gothic snap the actress could be seen with a red wig styled into finger waves while also sporting a pair of fangs and her trademark acrylic fingernails. No stranger to the West End, Cynthia made her debut in The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg back in 2011, before winning the 2013 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in The Colour Purple. She recreated that award-winning role for the Broadway production and scooped the Best Actress In A Musical Tony in 2016. Cynthia could finally start to receive the glory she deserves in her new one-woman show following a disastrous Wicked press tour. Since the release of Wicked in 2024 and its sequel last year, she and Ariana have been lambasted with criticism over their behaviour during the promo blitz. Cynthia, who starred as Elphaba, and Ariana, as Glinda, were snubbed of an Oscar nomination this season despite the rave reviews the movie has received. She may have announced her departure from Bake Off, but Dame Prue Leith showed no signs of slowing down as she took to the runway for the Vin+Omi show during London Fashion Week on Tuesday. The television personality, 85, was back again modelling for the designer and was seen practicing her catwalk at The Art'otel in Hoxton ahead of the presentation. Bake Off's Alison Hammond, 51, and former host Matt Lucas, 51, joined Prue's husband John Playfair on the front row, ready to cheer her on. Prue rocked a statement newspaper shirt alongside a red blazer, matching trainers and her signature quirky glasses. The baker put on an animated display during the dress rehearsal, before changing into her look for the evening - an orange patterned suit with a dramatic pink ruffled shirt. Her hair, meanwhile, was styled into a quiff with flowers sticking out of it. She may have announced her departure from Bake Off, but Dame Prue Leith showed no signs of slowing down as she took to the runway for the Vin+Omi show on Tuesday The television personality, 85, was back again modelling for the designer Prue announced she was stepping back from Bake Off in January and it has since been confirmed Nigella Lawson will take her place, and will join co-judge Paul Hollywood when the new series begins filming in April. The TV chef, who replaced former show judge Mary Berry in 2017, explained her departure in an interview with The Spectator. She said: 'I have been dithering for years about when to stop judging The Great British Bake Off. 'When I joined nine years ago, I thought, since I was in my mid-seventies, that I'd be lucky to manage two years. 'At that age, my mother was deaf as a post and away with the fairies, believing her son was her father and that her cat was the one she'd had 40 years before. 'But my marbles stayed more or less in place and there seemed no good reason to give up a job I loved. 'Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me. Bake Off and its offshoots such as The Great American Baking Show and even the Christmas specials are all filmed in the summer, which has meant I could never have a summer holiday.' Prue explained that a recent getaway to Madagascar was what finally convinced her that it was time to move on. 'I suddenly realised that if I don't give up Bake Off, I'll never again have a holiday in the south of France, in Italy, in Spain, or even in Cornwall or Scotland,' she said. Bake Off's Alison Hammond and former host Matt Lucas and Charlene White joined Prue's husband John Playfair on the front row, ready to cheer her on Alison rocked a green dress and coat for the presentation Prue announced she was stepping back from Bake Off in January The television personality practiced her catwalk at The Art'otel in Hoxton ahead of the presentation Prue rocked a statement newspaper shirt alongside a red blazer, matching trainers and her signature quirky glasses Designer Omi watched Dame Prue during a rehearsal on the catwalk He appeared to give her some directions as to what he wanted for the show The baker put on an animated display during the dress rehearsal, before changing into her look for the evening - an orange patterned suit with a dramatic pink ruffled shirt Prue posed for a snap with the designers Prue waved at her husband and Matt and Alison, who watched on proudly Before the show, John greeted Prue backstage with some good luck flowers The bouquet wasn't too dissimilar for her unique hair arrangement she wore on the catwalk Prue showed no signs of nerves before the show as she planted a kiss on designer Omi She also kissed designer Vin Matt posed for a snap with Jo Wood, who walked the catwalk Dame Prue took to the catwalk this time last year and wowed in a pink satin paint splattered coat Meanwhile, in September 2024, Dame Prue rocked a very edgy leather look Prue announced she was stepping back from Bake Off in January and it has since been confirmed Nigella Lawson will take her place Expressing her desire to 'reorganise my life a bit', she went on: 'I've made truly great friends. It has been a joy to work in such great company. 'I find it irritating when businesses insist their staff are all just one happy family. But that tent does seem to create an atmosphere of enjoyment, friendship and mutual support. 'But in the end, I persuaded myself that at 86, it was time I jumped before I was pushed. 'In all my conversations over the past two years with the bosses of Love Productions, which makes the programme, they've always insisted I was doing a great job and could stay as long as I like. 'And I know I'd enjoy it if I stayed. But I do want to reorganise my life a bit. Ideally, I'd like to work in winter and play in summer.' Nigella previously admitted being daunted by the big shoes she had to fill, following two 'great dames' in Prue and Mary. She said in a statement: 'I'm uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now. Of course it's daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I'm also bubbling with excitement. 'The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it's a National Treasure and it's a huge honour to be entrusted with it.' Fantastic Four star Ioan Gruffudd and his ex-wife Alice Evans were given one final chance Tuesday to end their bitter, years-long war before a grueling nine-day trial kicks off next week. But the hearing ended at an impasse with neither side willing to give an inch, the Daily Mail can reveal. Now, the explosive courtroom showdown between the feuding exes will go ahead as scheduled on February 23 at Los Angeles Superior Court - where a judge will be forced to settle their toxic dispute. Gruffudd, 52, appeared at the trial readiness conference dressed in a navy suit. Evans, 57, meanwhile, tuned in live via audio link-up at the hearing which Judge Michael Convey warned was 'the last stop for this case.' At the center of the battle is Gruffudd's request for a permanent restraining order against his ex, accusing her of 'abuse and harassment' toward him and his new wife Bianca Wallace, 33, who he plans to call as a witness at trial. Ioan Gruffudd and Alice Evans reconvened Tuesday for a last-ditch bid to reach a truce, but talks ended in a stalemate, the Daily Mail has learned. The two are seen arriving at an LA court in 2024 They are also locked in a dispute over spousal and child support payments for their daughters, Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12. The battling duo have gotten together for several court-ordered settlement conferences and while they did reach an agreement on some issues, they couldn't bury the hatchet on these two major points of contention. And on Tuesday, after hearing from their lawyers that they have had more 'meet-and-confer sessions' that also failed to end their disputes, Judge Convey urged Gruffudd and Evans to be 'civil' to one another and not to turn the upcoming trial into a knock-down-drag-out fight. 'You are represented by excellent attorneys - use those attorneys for the benefit of your family,' the judge told them. 'We don't need drama. We need to concentrate on the best interests of the children.' According to filings related to the hearing, the drama has reached a boiling point due to several incidents over the years. Gruffudd has moved on with new wife Bianca Wallace, whom he married in April of last year Gruffudd is aiming to end spousal support and extend a restraining order to stop Evans from 'stalking' him and trashing him and his new wife, Bianca Wallace, 33, online; the couple welcomed their daughter Mila on November 2 Gruffudd claims that, despite a previous three-year restraining order against her, Evans has waged an 'extensive and relentless five-year campaign of domestic abuse against he and Wallace, who gave birth to the actor's newest daughter, Mila, in November. Evans denies the accusations and opposes the restraining order, calling them 'simply not reasonable or credible.' She also argues that the recent comments she made on social media 'were not harassment - they were merely statements made by Alice about her life and current circumstances.' Evans is demanding Gruffudd's current monthly spousal support payments increase from $1,500 to $1,850 and his child support from $3,000 a month to $4,650. The actor, however, wants to 'terminate' spousal support altogether, 'based upon Alice's 'persistent domestic abuse of him and her many violations of the restraining order'. Gruffudd also maintains that he has already 'grossly overpaid' Evans in spousal support to the tune of $400,000. Gruffudd and Evans, who share daughters Ella, 16, and Elsie, 13, finalized their divorce in 2023 and have since been locked in a bitter dispute over restraining orders, custody and money The two met on the set of 102 Dalmatians in 1999 and married in 2007 Evans has also said she's struggling financially, claiming she and her daughters were evicted from their home for falling behind on rent. She also alleges she has been forced to sell her designer clothes and set up a GoFundMe account to raise the money just to put food on the table as a result. But Gruffudd has disputed that account, claiming Evans 'purposely got herself evicted...to support her false public narrative of financial destitution in an attempt to further harm my reputation...as a fraudulent way to strong-arm me into paying more support than I can afford.' He insists that Evans made more than $130,000 in 2024 and adds, 'Alice is capable of working full time and earning a good living utilizing her many talents in a variety of jobs.' Gruffudd reports earning about $575,000 annually, but she counters that he was making closer to $588,000 a year before their split. She has also accused him of rarely, if ever, seeing their daughters, but Gruffudd claims she's to blame. 'Alice's intentional and extensive social media campaign to damage his earning capacity as an actor and over her jealousy of his wife Bianca Gruffudd have poisoned and alienated the girls' once-healthy relationship with their father,' he argues. Gruffudd is demanding Evans pay the $43,000 it cost him in legal fees to petition the court to renew the restraining order against her. She has opposed the request, calling the amount 'unbelievable,' and claiming she 'does not have the ability' to pay any more. Evans and Gruffudd met on the set of the movie 102 Dalmatians more than 20 years ago. They fell in love in real life and married in Mexico in 2007. Ioan filed for divorce in March 2021, after Alice announced on social media that her husband of 14 years was leaving her. They were officially divorced in July 2023. The Spice Girls reunion plans have reportedly been axed amid growing tensions between the girl band. Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Mel B, Mel C and Geri Halliwell-Horner were set to mark the band's 30th anniversary with a special Netflix project. But insiders have claimed Geri, 53, is on the fence whether to sign on amid growing tensions between her and Mel B, 50. Scary Spice was notably absent from Emma Buntons 50th birthday party last month, with the other three members of the band in attendance. Mel B was also recently missing as the other Spice Girls members reunited at Victoria's home for a low-key singalong to Viva Forever over dinner - it was later revealed she was on her honeymoon in Mauritius with husband Rory McPhee. An insider told The Sun: 'Their fans will be devastated. The drama has been in development for years but producers wanted to work in unison with the band. It just hasnt got to the point where the streamer has felt able to commission it. The Spice Girls reunion plans have been shelved amid growing tensions between the girl band Victoria Beckham , Emma Bunton , Mel B , Geri Halliwell-Horner and Mel C were set to mark the band's 30th anniversary with a special Netflix project 'It doesnt mean it wont happen at some point in the future, but a big drive behind making the show was that it aired to celebrate the landmark anniversary. 'Now all hopes of that happening have been snuffed out.' Suzanne Mackie, producer of royal drama The Crown, was developing the project, with a script being written by Jack Rooke, who won a Bafta for Channel 4 comedy Big Boys. A documentary on the band, whose debut single Wannabe was released in June 1996, was also supposed to be in the works with Netflix, but that is so far unconfirmed. Daily Mail have contacted Netflix and The Spice Girls representatives for comment. Earlier this month, Victoria finally rejoined the Spice Girls on Instagram for a singalong after refusing to go on tour in 2019. Amid the furore over her family fallout with eldest son Brooklyn, 26, Victoria joined the group to sing at her London home - 30 years after the band first got together. Mel B recently said she is keen for the band to get back together and teased fans by 'liking' a comment about the prospect of a reunion. While the ladies sang their harmony, Victoria's son Cruz strummed away on the guitar, while his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, sat at the table and the family's personal chefs watched on through glass doors from the kitchen. But insiders have claimed Geri, 53, (pictured) is debating whether to sign on amid growing tensions between her and Mel B, 50 Scary Spice was notably absent from Emma Buntons 50th birthday party last month, with the other three members of the band in attendance Showing the funny side of the family, son Romeo, 23, commented underneath: 'Sounds like theyve done something like this before', to which Cruz responded: 'they kinda sound like little mix no?'. Victoria has been dropping hints that she might do something with the band, uploading a clip of herself singing a live acoustic version of one of their biggest hits. And David Beckham, 50, appears to have caught Spice Mania as he posted a love heart to his wife on the new video, which comes after it was revealed that Brooklyn has removed tattoo tributes to his parents, including the word 'Dad' on his arm. The ladies have been teasing the fact that something is in the pipeline for some time. Mel C appeared on Good Morning America in November to promote her ninth album Sweat and was grilled if the Spice Girls would come back together. Crossing her fingers, she said: 'I remain optimistic. It's our thirtieth anniversary next year. We toured in 2019, we did a few stadium shows in the UK and it was incredible. 'We're just so proud of the legacy that we have and we have fans now from new generations are just loving the Spice Girls so I would like to get back on stage with the girls. 'We're talking and we're seeing what opportunities are out there. The thing that stops us is we feel so precious about it, we want to make sure it's the right thing and agree on the right thing.' Mel also admitted she will always pine for another Spice Girls reunion, this time with Victoria included. She said: 'It was the most beautiful experience as a Spice Girl. I think because so much time had passed that we were all very present and really could appreciate what this thing meant to so many people.' 'It was such a joyous experience. We were just able to take it in for the first time and enjoy every minute. I feel emotional because I'd love to do it again.' A source said: 'Their fans will be devastated. The drama has been in development for years but producers wanted to work in unison with the band. It just hasnt got to the point where the streamer has felt able to commission it'; pictured 2008 'It doesnt mean it wont happen at some point in the future, but a big drive behind making the show was that it aired to celebrate the landmark anniversary', they added ; pictured 1997 Mel B also teased a major Spice Girls comeback - after Victoria surged to No.1 in the charts with the 2001 song Not Such An Innocent Girl, amid the fallout from her son Brooklyn's brutal statement. Scary Spice was seen liking a clip about the band getting back together. The clip was a segment from the Shouldn't Laugh But podcast where host Laura Smyth suggested Victoria could divert attention away from the 'PR disaster' of her son's statement by getting the group back together. Fans saw Mel B's like as a signal that there may be plans for a Spice Girls reunion in the works after years of rumours. Speaking directly to Victoria, Laura said in the podcast clip: 'There is only one way on this earth you will ever come back from this PR disaster. 'Three words. Spice Girls reunion. It will eclipse it all and I want you there. I don't want four of them. I want all five.' Mel B and Geri are said to have had an ugly falling out which has scuppered new projects. Reports emerged in 2024 that Geri has derailed a huge TV drama deal which would have netted each of the five members 1million each. Sources had said that the 'nightmare' fallout between Geri and Mel B left the band unable to find a manager capable of 'mediating' to push projects over the line. The feud began when Mel confessed she had a lesbian fling with Geri during the band's 90s heyday on Piers Morgan's chat show in 2019. Geri denied the affair took place, with Mel accused of dreaming it up to sell copies of her tell-all memoir, Brutally Honest. Victoria had previously maintained that she would not join the band again, insisting her fashion career was her focus and reiterating that being in the Spice Girls was just a mere four years of her life. Discussing her decision not to join the ladies on tour in 2019, she told Vogue Germany: 'It took me a lot of courage not to go on tour with the Spice Girls again. 'But to be the one who says, "You know, Im not doing it because things feel different now than they used to".' She added: 'Id rather concentrate on my family and my company. Im 45 now and very happy to be the woman I am' Earlier this month, Victoria finally rejoined the Spice Girls on Instagram for a singalong after refusing to go on tour in 2019 Mel missed out on the recent reunion as she was away with her husband on their tropical honeymoon in Mauritius Victoria did however confess the idea of a Vegas residency is one that appeals to her. Speaking to Andy Cohen on Sirius XM, last October, she said: 'Before I was in the Spice Girls, I was so self-conscious and they made me feel that I was good enough. 'But being on stage, I realised as fun as it is, you know, its not ultimately what I want to do anymore. 'I dont know if I could even still sing,' she quipped. 'I mean, I was never that great. It would be tempting. But could I take on a world tour? No I cant. I have a job 'How good would the Spice Girls be at the Sphere? I love the idea of it.' In her Netflix docuseries, Victoria revealed David guilted her into doing the Spice Girls reunion tour from 2007-08. She said: 'David was like, "It's really good for the kids to see you do this." He mum-guilted me!' But she seemed to be feeling nostalgic in November, when she posted a video of herself singing a stripped-back acoustic performance of Viva Forever with Cruz. Victoria last performed with the band during the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony and before that she joined the band on their 2007-08 world tour. Geri left the band in 1998 in the middle of their world tour and on Mel B's birthday. Mel said on Loose Women in 2018 that Geri's decision to leave had left her heartbroken and devastated her bandmates. She said: 'It was my birthday and I thought of all days she's leaving on my birthday. What bothered me, not the fact that she left, of course that bothered, the fact she didn't come to me. 'I consider her as my best friend. Well, all of them, we've got really solid friendships. That bothered me more than anything, she didn't feel like she could talk to me and just tell me what's going on. She was just gone.' Mel said: 'We searched for her in the hotel and we couldn't find her. She'd got herself on the flight and headed back to England.' Unbeknown to the group, Geri was battling a 'horrendous eating disorder' with Mel explaining: 'She just felt no way out apart from to remove herself. Even that in itself made me feel so of course I was a little bit angry because we had to re-do the whole show. 'She was nowhere to be found. [I thought she'd been] kidnapped or something. We were all kind of a bit frantic. Then we found out she'd got on a flight and was heading back to England. Then we went into overdrive mode to re-do the show. I was trying to call her the entire time.' Victoria last performed with the band at the Olympic Opening Ceremony on August 12, 2012, after joining them for their world tour in 2007-08 Mel said the band didn't know the real reason for a while, saying: 'We didn't find that out until way after. I wouldn't have done that, but then everybody copes with pressure and different situations differently. 'So I do understand it but it makes me go, "Oh", a little bit.' The former X Factor judge said the pair had settled their differences in the intervening years, saying: 'I did [mention it recently]. We've had those conversations over the years. 'She does put it down to the fact she couldn't see a way out of it and she didn't want to be up on stage and pretending to be so happy and everything together. I do understand it on a certain level. 'The friendship it was just horrendous for me. I had to celebrate my birthday going, [fake sobbing] "Where is she?"' She continued: 'In a weird way it made us closer, we got to understand each other more.' Mel said her and Geri didn't speak for a while as she was 'angry and sad' at her departure. She said: 'Weeks, absolute weeks. Then we were carrying on our tour. I was angry straight away and then just really sad. We just all scrambled. 'I think everybody dealt with it in their own way. We're all about our sisterhood and girl power, so to think one of our girls felt that bad that she just had to remove herself was really daunting.' Asked if she'd react differently now, Mel said: 'No' adding, 'I'd still be really hurt and offended.' Geri's departure from the band hit headlines across the world and the group went on hiatus two years later. The Spice Girls shot to fame in 1996 when their debut single Wannabe reached number one in 37 countries. The girl group reached the top of the UK charts nine times and had two number one albums. When Geri left the band, she launched a solo career and enjoyed four number one singles in the UK. A Love Island All Stars couple have already split just days after leaving the villa. Curtis Pritchard and Kyra Lizama are thought to have gone their separate ways after meeting in Villa USA on the show. Just this past weekend Curtis's brother AJ's partner Zara posted a video of Curtis saying she was in charge of finding him a Valentine's date. Curtis reshared the video with Kyra then commenting underneath saying: 'Ouch lol', as she made her feelings clear. A source then told The Sun: 'They said they'd see each other after the villa but everyone knew Curtis wasn't going to fly to Hawaii where Kyra lives. 'Then Curtis's brother's girlfriend did that post about him being single on Valentine's so it's over between him and Kyra. A Love Island All Stars couple have already split just days after leaving the villa Curtis Pritchard and Kyra Lizama are thought to have gone their separate ways after meeting in Villa USA on the show 'She contacted him saying she'd booked her flight back to the UK but he told her not to bother coming to see him. It's over!' It comes after Curtis said this after leaving the villa: 'You know last year when they flew everyone out for the final, and that little I'm gonna call it a round table chat where it's around the fire pit and they just roast everyone? 'So I don't know if that's happening or not happening, hopefully it is 'cause that'll be a nice little catch up with Kyra.' He continued: 'I won't lie, she lives at the other end of the world. I'm not putting any pressure on it, she's not. 'We've both and chats and stuff, and we're still still messaging and seeing what's what.' 'Maybe I'll go over to Hawaii, I've never been.' Curtis, Kyra, Konnor Ewudzi and Imani Ayan exited the villa a few weeks ago. In the show's biggest dumping of the series so far, the four were sent packing after host Maya Jama revealed they were the least popular couples. Following an explosive Movie Night, Maya gathered the islanders around the fire pit, where she announced that Konnor, Imani Ayan, Curtis, Kyra, Sean Stone, Lucinda Strafford, Scott Van-der-sluis, and Sher Suarez were at risk of being dumped. A source told The Sun: 'They said they'd see each other after the villa but everyone knew Curtis wasn't going to fly to Hawaii where Kyra lives...' Just this past weekend Curtis's brother AJ's partner Zara posted a video of Curtis saying she was in charge of finding him a Valentine's date Curtis reshared the video with Kyra then commenting underneath saying: 'Ouch lol', as she made her feelings clear In a shock turn of events, Maya did not leave the decision of who was sent home to their fellow islanders. Instead, the couples with the least amount of votes from the public were sent packing. This caused a wave of emotion throughout the villa with Belle Hassan reduced to tears and claiming the 'wrong people were sent home'. Following the two couples' dumping, Maya had a chat with the four islanders about their experience during the show. During which, Curtis confessed he had feelings for his former love interest, Millie Court from the first day. Konnor also said when his former love interest, Whitney Adebayo, told him she was going to explore a connection with other people, he did not feel comfortable being in a triangle. While the episode saw the biggest dumping in the villa so far, fans flocked to X to demand more people to be dumped and questioned why producers brought back the USA contestants just to dump them days later. Curtis, Kyra, Konnor Ewudzi and Imani Ayan exited the villa a few weeks ago Fans penned: 'The fact that we still have a couple sleeping downstairs They really needed to dump at least one more couple.' 'Can we dump some more couples bc that villa still looks a little crowded to me.' 'We need to dump like four more people, please. There's too many people in that damn villa.' 'Why bring the Americans just to dump them?' Paris Hilton and Carter Reum have renewed their wedding vows. The 45-year-old star has taken to social media to reveal that she got married again on the Turks and Caicos Islands on Valentine's Day. That was after Reum got down on one knee and proposed to his lady love all over again. Alongside some behind-the-scenes photos from their big day, Paris - who has Phoenix, three, and London, two, with Carter - wrote on X: 'Five years later and he still makes my heart skip a beat [tears and ring emojis]. 'On Valentine's Day, in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos just days before my birthday my forever Valentine re-proposed, and I said YES all over again. 'But this time, we weren't just husband and wife. We were Mommy and Daddy. Phoenix and London watching the love that created them [heart emoji]. Paris Hilton and Carter Reum have renewed their wedding vows The 45-year-old star has taken to social media to reveal that she got married again on the Turks and Caicos Islands on Valentine's Day. That was after Reum got down on one knee and proposed to his lady love all over again They kissed while a Will You Marry Me Again? sign could be seen in the background 'Renewing our vows isn't just about celebrating five beautiful years it's about showing our babies that love grows, deepens, and chooses each other again and again. 'Five years down. Forever to go. Forever isn't long enough with you, Carter.' She added photos by Kevin Ostajewski. The former party girl wore a white dress with silver gloves, a choker necklace and a white cap as her hair was worn down with bangs. Her businessman husband Reum looked dapper in a white suit with dark shoes. Reum was seen slipping a ring on her finger while their two children watched. Nikki Lund wrote, 'Happy Birthday girly' while Demi Lovato added, 'Happy birthday sis!! love u so much.' Last year, she praised her spouse for filling their family home with 'love, laughter, and fun.' Their two children were also in attendance Alongside some behind-the-scenes photos from their big day, Paris - who has Phoenix, three, and London, two, with Carter - wrote on X: 'Five years later and he still makes my heart skip a beat [tears and ring emojis]' 'On Valentine's Day, in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos just days before my birthday my forever Valentine re-proposed, and I said YES all over again,' she said They certainly looked like a happy family unit on the beach 'But this time, we weren't just husband and wife. We were Mommy and Daddy. Phoenix and London watching the love that created them [heart emoji],' she relayed Their son helped put the ring on Hilton's ring finger It is not known if the ring is a new one, or the old one. She had another rock on her right hand The reality TV star took to Instagram on Father's Day to heap praise on her husband. Paris - who has also enjoyed success in the music business - wrote on the photo-sharing platform at the time: 'Happy Father's Day to the Dada who fills our home with love, laughter, and fun. 'Watching you be a dad is the greatest gift your kindness, patience, and playful heart make every day magical [star emojis] Phoenix, London, and I adore you beyond words. Seen in 2021 at their first wedding 'Forever grateful for our #CutesieCrew [tears and hearts emoji].' Hilton also paid tribute to her own dad on Father's Day. The mogul wrote: 'Happy Father's Day to my incredible dad @RickHilton7 [heart emoji] The most loyal, loving, and protective man [tears emoji] 'Thank you for always believing in me and letting me chase my dreams [heart and stars emoji] I'm so lucky to be your daughter. Love you forever [heart emojis] #FathersDay.' Amanda Bynes set social media ablaze on Tuesday as she debuted an eyebrow makeover in a rare Instagram post. The 39-year-old former Nickelodeon darling, whose life has played out publicly through years of legal troubles and a conservatorship battle, appeared in a selfie video from her car sporting dark, thick brows that were noticeably fuller than usual. The bold look comes after she dyed her eyebrows purple, proving once again that Bynes isnt afraid of a drastic transformation. Holding up a peace sign to the camera, the Shes the Man star kept her caption simple: in luv. But while Bynes appeared unbothered and loved-up, the internet had plenty to say. Fans immediately clashed in the comments, with some questioning the striking brows and others fiercely defending her unapologetic style. Amanda Bynes set social media ablaze on Tuesday as she debuted an eyebrow makeover in a rare Instagram post - while casually revealing shes in luv' The bold look comes a few weeks after she dyed her eyebrows purple One follower asked, Why those eyebrows? while another leapt to Bynes's defense, writing, Cause theyre fire on her. Not everyone was impressed, however. One fan admitted, I love Amanda but NO ONE would look good in the way these eyebrows were done on her. Another piled on, snapping, I didnt think you were rage-baiting with the eyebrows before, but you must be at this point. Why? The eyebrow drama comes just weeks after Bynes debuted her purple-tinted brows - and revealed shes recording music. What's up, everybody. I wanted to make a quick post just to let you know I'm going back into the studio tomorrow to work on my song girlfriend, she teased to her 624,000 followers. Im so excited to see how it turns out and I really can't wait for you all to hear it as well, she added. Hope everyone's having a blessed night. Rock on, she signed off, matching her lipstick to her brows and flaunting an eye-catching, extra-long manicure. Bynes's eyebrow drama also comes hot on the heels of her latest body modification. The Shes the Man star kept her caption simple: in luv' Fans immediately clashed in the comments, with some questioning the striking brows and others fiercely defending her unapologetic style The Shes The Man star was spotted exiting Atomic Tattoo & Body Piercing in Hollywood last month, showing off a fresh hand tattoo etched with the phrase Trap Star above her index finger and thumb. She later shared a close-up on Instagram Stories, giving fans a better look at her newest permanent ink. Bynes isnt new to shocking followers with tattoos - she first stunned the internet with a heart on her cheek back in December 2019. Her growing collection also includes a heart on her middle finger, an X on another, and a red rose across her forearm. Alongside showing off her tattoos, Amanda has been open about her ongoing weight-loss journey. She revealed she once weighed 180lbs and has since shed 28lbs thanks to Ozempic, bringing her down to 152lbs. I know I still look big but this photo is really inspiring to me! she wrote on Instagram Stories, adding she hopes to reach her teenage weight of 110lbs - a target shes been pursuing since revealing a 20lb gain in 2024 due to depression. Meanwhile, Amanda gushed about her boyfriend, 40-year-old Zachary Khan, in a recent Instagram video. The star, who earned fame on Nickelodeon as a child, seen in 2011 love u zachary, Bynes captioned the clip. The couple started dating around September 2025. Sources told the Daily Mail that Khan has added some stability to Amandas life following her split from Paul Michael. Byness rocky years included a nine-year conservatorship imposed by her parents in 2013 after erratic behaviour, legal issues, and substance abuse. Though the conservatorship was terminated in March 2022, her mental health struggles persisted. A year later, she was placed on a psychiatric hold after being found roaming the streets naked and alone, TMZ reported. She later completed a three-week stay in a mental health facility, with sources telling the Daily Mail that her split from Michael had been a major trigger and that he was not a healthy and safe person for her to be around. The cause of death for Victoria Jones - daughter of Hollywood legend Tommy Lee Jones - has finally been revealed more than a month after she was found dead in a San Francisco hotel. The 34yearold was discovered unresponsive on the 14th floor of the Fairmont Hotel in the early hours of New Years Day. On Tuesday, the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released a longawaited report stating Victoria died from the 'toxic effects of cocaine', and officially ruled her death an accidental overdose. Victoria - who had lived a largely private life despite her famous father - is survived by her parents, Academy Awardwinning actor Tommy, 79, her mother and Tommy's exwife Kimberlea Cloughley, and her brother Austin Jones, 43. In the hours after her death was made public, the family released a simple statement asking for privacy, saying, 'We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.' Two years before her death, the Men In Black star petitioned a California court in an effort to protect his daughter through a temporary conservatorship. The cause of death for Victoria Jones - daughter of Hollywood legend Tommy Lee Jones - has finally been revealed more than a month after she was found dead in a San Francisco hotel; (pictured 2017) On Tuesday, the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released a longawaited report stating Victoria died from the 'toxic effects of cocaine', and officially ruled her death an accidental overdose; (pictured 2017) According to the Marin County Superior Court docket reviewed by the Daily Mail, Tommy filed the petition on August 7, 2023, seeking to establish a conservatorship for Victoria. The Marin County Superior Court confirmed to the Daily Mail that Tommy filed in Probate Court. The public docket doesnt reveal the exact circumstances that led to the filing, and medical records and supporting declarations remain confidential. At the time of the filing, however, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Victoria was being held at a hospital in Greenbrae under a 14-day psychiatric hold after authorities determined she could be a danger to herself or others. The outlet also noted that Tommys petition said his daughter was appealing the hold and requested that a conservator arrange for her transfer to a drug rehabilitation facility 'immediately upon her release'. After a judge granted the request, Tommy later asked the court to dismiss the matter, per the outlet. The docket shows the judge officially terminated the conservatorship on December 18, 2023. In the wake of Victorias death, troubling details about her final months surfaced, including encounters with law enforcement. Victoria - who had lived a largely private life despite her famous father - is survived by her parents and her brother; (pictured in 2017) The Daily Mail obtained a June mugshot showing what appears to be a bruise under her eye. She was arrested twice in 2025. In April, Napa Valley authorities conducted a wellness check and charged her with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. Court documents note a plastic bag containing a white substance - believed to be cocaine - was found in her pocket at booking. She pleaded not guilty and had been scheduled to appear in court later this month. In June, Victoria was arrested again following a domestic violence incident at Napas Carneros Resort and Spa, where rooms start at around $500 per night. Separate court filings also show she faced allegations of elder abuse, to which she also pleaded not guilty. Victoria was discovered at the Fairmont after a hotel guest reportedly mistook her for being intoxicated and alerted staff. Employees attempted CPR and called paramedics. A 911 call described the incident as a code 3 for the overdose, color change. In the wake of Victorias death, troubling details about her final months surfaced, including encounters with law enforcement A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department confirmed: On 1/1/26 at approximately 3:14a.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to a hotel located on the 900 block of Mason Street regarding a report of a deceased person. 'At the scene, officers met with medics, who declared the adult female deceased. The Medical Examiner arrived on scene and conducted an investigation. Victoria was born in 1991 and made her screen debut at age of 11 with a cameo in her fathers Men in Black II (2002). She later appeared in a 2005 episode of One Tree Hill and that same year in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, directed by her father. Though she stepped away from acting as an adult, Victoria occasionally joined Tommy on the red carpet, including the 2017 premiere of Just Getting Started and the Tokyo International Film Festival later that year. After directing Victoria in his film, Tommy praised her talents in a 2006 interview, calling her a good actress who spoke impeccable Spanish. The actor won his only Oscar in 1994 for The Fugitive, which he starred in alongside Harrison Ford. The DNA on a glove discarded a few miles away from Nancy Guthrie's home could now provide the long-awaited breakthrough in one of the nation's most chilling abduction cases. Investigators are preparing to enter the genetic evidence into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System, known as CODIS in hopes of identifying the masked figure seen lurking outside her front door. The glove was found roughly two miles from the Tucson home where the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished. It has emerged as a critical piece of evidence that authorities believe could help find a suspect. According to the FBI, preliminary DNA results from the glove suggest it could be linked to the person captured on surveillance video outside Nancy Guthrie's home the night she disappeared. Investigators are now awaiting official confirmation before expanding their forensic analysis and comparing the genetic profile against federal databases used to identify criminal suspects nationwide. Race against time The breakthrough comes as the search for Guthrie is now in its third week, with no arrests made and mounting urgency surrounding her condition. Authorities have expressed concern for her health, noting she requires daily medication and has a pacemaker, along with a history of high blood pressure and heart problems. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her home in Tucson's Catalina Foothills, an upscale desert enclave known for its secluded properties and quiet streets. She was reported missing the following day under circumstances that quickly escalated into a nationwide investigation. What investigators discovered at the scene have sparked fears of a violent abduction. Authorities said Nancy Guthrie's blood was found on the front porch of her home, suggesting she may have been injured during the encounter. Surveillance footage from a porch camera captured a masked individual standing outside her door, wearing gloves, a jacket, long pants, and carrying a distinctive backpack. The Walmart trail The FBI later identified the person in the video as a suspect, describing him as a man approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. The agency said he was carrying a distinctive 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack that was purchased at Walmart - a detail investigators hope could help identify him. Pima County Sheriff Christ Nanos said authorities are working directly with Walmart management in hopes of identifying purchase records or surveillance footage that could help identify the suspect. Officials said clothing worn by the suspect may also have been purchased from Walmart, though they cautioned that those items are not exclusively sold there. The glove at the center of the investigation was discovered in a field beside a road roughly two miles from Guthrie's home. The area was quickly sealed off as FBI agents and sheriff's deputies descended on the scene. Forensic teams combed the area as multiple law enforcement vehicles blocked access to the road. Beyond the Family The evidence is especially significant because investigators previously revealed they had collected DNA from Guthrie's property that did not belong to her or anyone known to be in close contact with her. The glove could provide the missing link needed to match that unidentified DNA to a specific individual. Authorities have also uncovered around 16 gloves scattered in various locations near the home. While most were determined to belong to searchers and volunteers, the glove now undergoing DNA testing appears to stand apart as being potentially connected to the suspect. The investigation has expanded rapidly, with law enforcement detaining individuals for questioning, conducting court-authorized searches, and towing vehicles believed to be relevant to the case. A Range Rover SUV was seized from a nearby restaurant parking lot, although officials have not disclosed its connection to the disappearance. Investigators have also been flooded with information from the public. 50,000 leads The FBI said it has received more than 13,000 tips, while the Pima County Sheriff's Department reported taking at least 18,000 calls related to the case that have generated between 40,000 and 50,000 leads. Sheriff Nanos previously reported that investigators had fielded tens of thousands of calls from members of the public, underscoring both the national attention on the case and the immense challenge of separating meaningful leads from false alarms. Authorities have also publicly cleared Nancy Guthrie's family members as possible suspects, calling them victims in the case. Nanos said the family has been 'nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case.' 'To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel,' Nanos explained. 'The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple.' He later explained that he issued the statement out of concern for the family's wellbeing. 'Sometimes we forget we're human and we hurt and kindness matters. It is every cops duty to stand up and be that voice for our victims,' Nanos said. Federal agents have also canvassed gun stores in recent days as part of the investigation, according to a federal law enforcement official. 'Things are still very fluid and we are out on many leads,' the official said, describing the canvass as part of the routine investigative process. A Presidents watch The official warned that excessive public reporting on investigative steps could undermine the search, cautioning that revealing too much information 'gives the perpetrator a window into the investigation. That's not helpful.' For Savannah Guthrie, the ordeal has unfolded under the glare of national attention. In a video message posted to Instagram on Sunday night she pleaded directly with whoever may be holding her mother. '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 it's never too late.' Her appeals have grown increasingly emotional as days pass without answers, reflecting the anguish of a family clinging to hope amid the uncertainty. Even President Donald Trump has weighed in on the case, writing on Truth Social that he was monitoring developments and expressing optimism about the investigation. 'Hopefully there will be a positive result!' Trump wrote, praising those 'working so hard, with such expertise and knowledge.' Trump has also warned that the abductor could face the harshest possible punishment if Nancy Guthrie is found dead saying they would be 'very, very severe - the most severe.' Asked whether that could include capital punishment, Trump told the New York Post, 'The most, yeah - that's true.' Share your thoughts with us in the comments Report: Investigators recovers glove matching footage of Nancy Guthrie's abductor Investigators have discovered a black glove near Nancy Guthrie's home that looks similar to the one her abductor wore in the chilling doorbell camera footage. The item was recovered by detectives about one and a half miles from the 84-year-old's home on Wednesday, the 10th day into the search for her. The Daily Mail understands the lone glove, found lying in a small shrub, was bagged up and taken by authorities. They did not give a definitive answer on who it belonged to. On Tuesday, the FBI released shocking footage of a masked man wearing thick latex gloves as he tried to obscure the camera on Nancy's front porch. That clip was the latest development in the missing persons case in over a week. The latest evidence retrieval comes as TMZ received a third ransom note earlier in the day, demanding one Bitcoin in exchange for information on Nancy's kidnapping. Nancy, the beloved mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 after returning home from dinner and a game night with her other daughter, Annie. She was reported missing on February 1 after her church friends grew worried when she failed to show up for services. Nancy has not been seen or heard from since. TMZ received the fresh note before 5am Pacific Time, and said the correspondence stated the sender has tried unsuccessfully to get in contact with Camron Guthrie, Nancy's son, and Annie, her eldest daughter. In the message, the sender reportedly said they had information on the identity of the suspect who was seen at Nancy's $1milion Tucson home the night she vanished. 'If they want the name of the individual involved then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet. Time is more than relevant,' the note allegedly read. The Bitcoin address listed in the note is reportedly legitimate and different from the one in an original ransom note that TMZ and two local news stations in Arizona also received. Click here to carry on reading about the recovered glove: Let us imagine for a moment the police ignore institutional reluctance and embark on a thorough and wide-ranging investigation into the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor affair. Lets further imagine that the outcome of these inquiries ends, as it quite conceivably could, in Court Number One at the Old Bailey. Now picture the scene in the oak-panelled show court, the venue for criminal cases over the past century from that of Timothy Evans, killed after wrongly being found guilty of murdering his wife and baby, to Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and fellow serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who cut up and boiled his victims remains. All these trials would pale into insignificance if the Kings brother were in the dock. It would be a global sensation and would cause irreparable damage to the monarchy. It might even bring it down. Never have the stakes in the Andrew saga, from its grubby beginnings in supposed trafficking to the latest allegations of misconduct in public office, been so high. Scrutinised Eminent voices such as Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, have insisted the Met police must investigate trafficking claims after evidence emerged that the private jet of Andrews friend Jeffrey Epstein landed in Britain on at least 90 occasions. The director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, has loftily pronounced that nobody is above the law, adding that he has total confidence that detectives would examine any evidence suggesting criminality. Fine words, but where is the action? Many will feel that we have been here before. Ever since the sordid story of Andrews involvement with a young woman called Virginia Giuffre first became headline news 15 years ago, there have been countless opportunities to get to the truth. Why, when memories were still relatively fresh, were the then-Duke of Yorks police bodyguards not properly interrogated about his movements? They should have been interviewed as possible witnesses. At the very least, their pocketbooks, which would have held precise information about Andrews comings and goings, his associates, whom he met and where he stayed, should have been seized. Instead of the mockery that greeted Andrews bizarre alibis about being in a Pizza Express and of being unable to sweat, his claims could have been properly scrutinised. Corruption Dont forget that two of Andrews protection officers stayed with him at Epsteins New York townhouse for more than a week on his ill-judged trip supposedly to break off his relationship with the ofender. Instead, there has been mostly silence and obfuscation from Andrew and the Palace establishment. It is only now, when the gruesome business has been brought to light through the release of the Epstein files, that the public can finally learn what was going on. What was initially alleged to be a grubby episode of exploitation is beginning to look like an affair embracing financial corruption at a significant level. Day after day, more unsavoury and potentially incriminating details are being prised out of the heavily redacted files. They include emails showing that in 2010 Andrew passed a confidential Treasury briefing on the financial crisis then gripping Iceland to a banker friend with the helpful message before you make your move. In July of that year, he forwarded to his adviser David Stern an email exchange he had had with an investment banker containing sensitive information about taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland. Stern in turn sent the material on to Epstein. Stern, who was an adviser to both Andrew and Epstein, asked to help plan an official visit to China by the duke and after the visit told Epstein he was planning business deals thanks to Andrews trip. It is further claimed Andrew tried to engineer a meeting between Epstein and the Libyan tyrant Colonel Gaddafi, that he lobbied for Epstein during an official visit to the UAE and that he forwarded the offender several other confidential briefings. All these may turn out to be entirely innocent interventions. But until they are probed, we cannot know. What we do know is that email by email, leak by leak, public trust in the monarchy is being eroded. By stripping Andrew of his titles, royal style and every other aspect of his privileged birthright, King Charles has attempted to put a firewall between him and the rest of the House of Windsor. But the prospect of the former prince going on trial undoubtedly represents another threat to the institution. Twice this year the King has been heckled in public about his brother. When he travels to the US in the spring to mark the 250th anniversary of Americas independence a trip he is dreading he is likely to face the questioning of TV and social media crews who will show him none of the deference displayed by the British media. Epsteins victims may think nothing of ambushing the King, too. How Charles must wish he had stuck to his guns 25 years ago when Andrew was first mooted as a UK trade envoy. When I revealed his concerns all those years ago, it was brushed off as another example of the rivalry that existed between two royal courts, one (representing Andrews interests) around his mother Queen Elizabeth and the other centred on Charles as heir to the Throne. Andrew wanted a big job when he left the Navy, one commensurate with his overblown view of his own qualities. With the support of his late mother, he was obliged. Charles, who prophetically warned that the appointment would end badly, proposed putting him on his own payroll so Andrew could learn some much-needed skills of royal diplomacy first. Hindsight is a fine thing, but public dismay has not been reassured by the Kings efforts to contain his brother. A full-blown police inquiry is not just the logical step: it is the only solution to restoring trust. Uncomfortable But will it happen? When Lord Mandelsons dubious links with Epstein were laid bare, police turned up at his two homes and removed boxes of material. Have police seized documents from Andrew? If they have, theyre not saying. With his move from Royal Lodge to a much smaller home on the Sandringham estate, it is possible Mr Mountbatten-Windsors papers are being held in the California stores, the vast royal warehouse at Windsor. If Andrew were to be charged, he would not merely become the first royal in modern times to face trial over a serious offence. A criminal case would bring back uncomfortable memories of another Old Bailey prosecution from several years ago, that of ex-butler Paul Burrell, who was charged with the theft of items that belonged to Princess Diana. In 2002, Burrells trial sensationally collapsed when evidence was given that he had told the Queen he was storing some of Dianas possessions for safekeeping. Imagine if Andrew were to say that he had confided in Charles about his actions. The monarch cannot be a witness in his own courts and any case would collapse. So, by all means let there be an investigation. But some might also wonder whether those who thought it okay to hand sensitive material to a royal described by a diplomat as a buffoon should face questions of their own. Canada's Winter Olympic curlers have been explicitly branded as 'cheats' by a Swedish newspaper - who even sent a photographer to try and prove their case. Aftonbladet, a Swedish outlet, sent a photographer to try and capture images of Canada double-touching - a banned act - in their match against Czechia on Monday. It follows a controversial row in the sport after Sweden's Oskar Eriksson repeatedly accused opponent Canadian Marc Kennedy of cheating on Friday. 'I haven't done it once,' Kennedy shouted in a wild outburst that was captured on the SVT broadcast. 'You can [expletive] off.' Team GB have since been punished for a similar violation after curler Bobby Lammie grazed the stone with his finger after releasing. On Monday night, Aftonbladet published images from their photographer Pontus Orre which appear to show Canada's captain Brad Jacobs touching the granite during forward motion. Kennedy Denies Intentional Double Touch Cheating Canada beat Czechia 8-2 - and Aftonbladet confronted Kennedy about the controversy afterwards. 'I can guarantee that there is not a single double touch out there that is done intentionally to cheat. That's all I can say,' he said. 'I have 50 videos of people who ... I'll go ... But it's okay, we've talked about this so much already. It's a shame it came up during the Olympics. We've all had to deal with it now. 'But all the teams have the right to call a referee now, so if the Czech Republic were not happy with something, they were more than welcome to call a referee and we could do the same. That's how it should work. 'This game of trying to catch people red-handed, and all to win a medal, sucks. Unfortunately. But it is what it is, the sport is developing and those in charge really need to take a good look at this. 'It's hard for me to use the word gentleman after this week. But we love the idea of self-government without the need for judges. That's where I think curling is in a bad place right now and I think that comes from a thirst for medals.' Canada Block Media Access as Storm Deepens Asked if he is worried about curling's reputation, Kennedy replied: 'Yes, maybe. I haven't thought about it that much, but there are probably some relationships that have been damaged by all this. Yes. 'There are so many games in a year where you can't have referees at the level we have here. So if we don't have any of the soul of curling left, we're in trouble. I don't have the answers, but it will be interesting to see.' The newspaper also tried to secure an interview with Jacobs but claim they were turned away by Canada's press team. This double-touching storm is not confined to the men's game. It has crossed over into women's curling, after Canada's Rachel Homan had her stone removed when an official ruled that she had touched it again after releasing the handle. Homan's offence occurred after World Curling directed two umpires to move between the four matches during each round to monitor play. Meanwhile, Team GB were accused of an offence during the ninth end of their round robin match against Germany on Sunday. Lammie Penalised as Umpire Removes Stone Lammie was accused of touching a stone after releasing it down the ice, with an umpire intervening. The stone used by Lammie was removed from play, with the umpire instructing British skip Mouat to return a German stone back to its previous position. Lammie had appeared surprised after being informed that he had made an offence. He did not argue with the decision. 'The judge has burned a stone, it [the German stone] has been put back,' said BBC commentator Steve Cram. 'Not again,' said co-commentator Jackie Lockhart, a former GB Olympic curler. One of the German curlers was heard asking the umpire whether a double touch had occurred. 'The dark shadowy figures had come back down again and there is one down at the hog line,' Cram continued. 'If they are going to do that you need to be consistent. Not all the matches have one.' Lockhart added: 'I thought I heard the umpire say a double touch, but you can touch the handle as many times as you want before it hits the hog line. 'But you can't touch the granite of the stone, but I am not sure that is something Bobby would do. Team GB Told to Park It After Penalty 'The guys just have to park that, you can't let that get to you. You have to play your shots.' Cram and Lockhart would see the lighter side of the incident, which occurred with Britain leading 7-4 in the match. 'The umpire is still standing there, he is like one of those scary statues in Doctor Who, he is still standing there stoically, beady eyed,' Cram joked. Despite having their stone removed, Team GB would ultimately score two in the end, with the two teams shaking hands to confirm a 9-4 win for Mouat's team. Having instructed two officials to be positioned to observe all deliveries from Saturday, after the controversy involving the Canadian team on Friday, World Curling issued updated guidance last night. 'Following a meeting with representatives of the competing National Olympic Committees, an update in the stone monitoring protocol has been confirmed, beginning with the evening session on Sunday 15 February,' a World Curling statement said. 'This change in protocol will see the two umpires who had previously been actively monitoring athlete deliveries remain available in the field of play, but will now only monitor athlete deliveries at the request of the competing teams. 'The umpires when requested will monitor deliveries for a minimum of three ends.' America's Social Security is expected to run short on funds to pay retirement benefits by 2032, according to a new report. Social Security relies on its trust funds, topped up through payroll taxes, to send monthly benefit checks to around 70 million Americans. But as the population ages and birth rates fall, fewer workers are supporting more retirees. People are also living longer, collecting benefits for more years. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, which pays benefits to retirees and their families, will only be able to pay out full benefits for the next six years. That is one year sooner than last years estimate from the Social Security trustees. If lawmakers fail to step in before then, benefits would not disappear entirely - since payroll taxes would still flow into the system. But they would not be nearly enough to cover promised payments, meaning monthly checks would have to be cut by hundreds of dollars a month to match incoming revenue. As well as an aging population, Romina Boccia, director of budget policy at the Cato Institute, said the earlier depletion date reflects higher cost-of-living adjustments and lower expected revenues - largely caused by lower tax receipts. She said President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, which cut tax bills, had made things worse. She described the expansion of senior tax breaks as a blatant vote-buying effort. Romina Boccia said: 'Its a clear sign that populist pressure now outweighs fiscal responsibility and economic sanity on both sides of the aisle' Boccia added: 'Congress should recognize that political giveaways for seniors come at the cost of younger workers, who are more likely to live in poverty and have significantly less wealth than seniors.' The CBO's 2032 projection refers specifically to the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund - the pot of money that pays retirement benefits. Social Security is supported by two legally separate trust funds. Alongside the retirement fund is the Disability Insurance trust fund, which covers benefits for disabled workers. Analysts often combine them to assess the programs overall health. On that basis - since the disability fund is in somewhat stronger shape - the money is projected to run dry in 2033. That is a year later than the retirement fund on its own, but still worryingly soon, experts warn. In a report last year, Social Security fund trustees estimated that money running out in 2033 would mean an across-the-board reduction of roughly 20 percent. That would translate into a sharp hit for millions of retirees. As of January, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit stood at $2,071, according to the Social Security Administration. A 20 percent cut would reduce that by more than $400 a month. This would be a huge blow to older Americans. According to AARP, 40 percent of Americans aged 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least half of their income. About 14 percent depend on it for 90 percent or more. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, warned that the nations deficits and trust funds are in terrible shape as Social Securitys projected insolvency date moves closer AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan previously said: 'Congress must act to protect and strengthen the Social Security that Americans have earned and paid into throughout their working lives' Nancy Altman, president of advocacy group Social Security Works, said the new forecast should spur action. Its not uncommon for CBO and the Social Security trustees to have slightly different projections, she said. 'This is not cause for surprise or alarm, but it does underline that Congress should take action at some point in the next half-decade.' Altman urged lawmakers to protect and expand Social Security rather than cut it. Others painted a bleaker picture. There are no surprises here or bright spots of encouraging news. Our nations deficits, debt, interest payments and trust funds are all in terrible shape, said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Social Security is primarily funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and employers. But as the population ages and birth rates fall, fewer workers are supporting more retirees. People are also living longer, collecting benefits for more years. Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano, sworn into his role in May 2025, said in a statement that 'the financial status of the trust funds remains a top priority for the Trump Administration' Lawmakers have known about the looming shortfall for decades. The last major overhaul of Social Security came in 1983, when Congress gradually raised the full retirement age from 65 to 67. Since then, Washington has largely avoided structural changes, wary of the political fallout from touching one of the countrys most popular programs. Lawmakers have only a handful of options: raise payroll taxes, reduce future benefits, increase the retirement age, lift or eliminate the cap on taxable earnings, or some combination of the above. Each route would be politically risky for Democrats and Republicans alike. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Acco Brands (NYSE:ACCO Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Saturday morning. Separately, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Acco Brands from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.00. Get Acco Brands alerts: View Our Latest Report on ACCO Acco Brands Trading Up 1.4% Hedge Funds Weigh In On Acco Brands Acco Brands stock opened at $4.12 on Friday. Acco Brands has a 12-month low of $3.20 and a 12-month high of $5.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $370.93 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.80, a P/E/G ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.09. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $3.89 and a 200 day moving average of $3.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new stake in Acco Brands in the 1st quarter valued at $127,000. Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in shares of Acco Brands by 3.7% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 460,514 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,930,000 after purchasing an additional 16,343 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS increased its holdings in shares of Acco Brands by 419.9% in the second quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 91,500 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $328,000 after purchasing an additional 73,900 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in shares of Acco Brands by 38.1% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 30,714 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $110,000 after purchasing an additional 8,470 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in shares of Acco Brands by 89.9% in the second quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 97,803 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $350,000 after buying an additional 46,303 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.56% of the companys stock. Acco Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Acco Brands Corporation is a global provider of branded office and school supplies, serving consumers, educational institutions and commercial customers. Headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, the company designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products that enhance productivity and organization in work and learning environments. The companys portfolio includes staplers, hole punches, binding and laminating systems, writing tools, binders, folders and desktop accessories under well-known names such as ACCO, Swingline, GBC, Kensington, Mead and Five Star. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Acco Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acco Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) will likely be announcing its Q4 2025 results after the market closes on Wednesday, February 18th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.56 per share and revenue of $596.1780 million for the quarter. Investors are encouraged to explore the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning overview page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET. Alamos Gold Trading Up 7.5% Alamos Gold stock opened at $45.36 on Tuesday. Alamos Gold has a 1 year low of $22.03 and a 1 year high of $46.66. The firms 50-day moving average is $40.49 and its 200-day moving average is $34.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 1.72. The company has a market cap of $19.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.44, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.61. Get Alamos Gold alerts: Alamos Gold Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 4th were given a dividend of $0.025 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 4th. This represents a $0.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.2%. Alamos Golds payout ratio is currently 7.81%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have weighed in on AGI. Scotiabank increased their target price on Alamos Gold from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Alamos Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 17th. Desjardins began coverage on Alamos Gold in a report on Friday, November 28th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Zacks Research lowered Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Alamos Gold has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $45.50. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AGI Institutional Trading of Alamos Gold Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Alamos Gold in the 4th quarter worth approximately $301,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in Alamos Gold during the third quarter worth approximately $210,000. Wexford Capital LP acquired a new position in Alamos Gold in the third quarter worth approximately $262,000. NorthRock Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Alamos Gold in the third quarter valued at $206,000. Finally, Vise Technologies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Alamos Gold in the third quarter valued at $243,000. Institutional investors own 64.33% of the companys stock. Alamos Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alamos Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of mining projects in North America. Its principal activities include the acquisition, exploration and development of gold-bearing properties, and the management of operating mines. The company focuses on sustainable production practices and maintains a portfolio that spans both producing assets and advanced-stage development projects. Alamos Gold operates multiple open pit and underground mines, including the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in Ontario, Canada, and the Mulatos mine in Sonora, Mexico. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alamos Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamos Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citizens, Inc. (NYSE:CIA Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $5.40 and traded as high as $6.25. Citizens shares last traded at $5.9950, with a volume of 142,467 shares trading hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Citizens in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Citizens alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Citizens Citizens Stock Up 0.6% Hedge Funds Weigh In On Citizens The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $5.41 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $5.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $301.19 million, a P/E ratio of 28.55 and a beta of 0.42. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Citizens by 0.9% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,441,277 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $12,817,000 after buying an additional 21,783 shares in the last quarter. Continental General Insurance Co. grew its position in Citizens by 34.8% during the 4th quarter. Continental General Insurance Co. now owns 2,176,694 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $10,513,000 after acquiring an additional 562,419 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Citizens by 118.0% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,032,234 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,603,000 after purchasing an additional 558,840 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in Citizens by 7.6% in the 4th quarter. State Street Corp now owns 617,732 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,984,000 after purchasing an additional 43,826 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Eagle Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Citizens by 7.4% in the second quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 598,750 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,090,000 after purchasing an additional 41,356 shares in the last quarter. 13.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Citizens Company Profile (Get Free Report) Citizens, Inc (NYSE:CIA) is a bank holding company headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Bank of Northern Arkansas, the company provides commercial and consumer banking services to individuals, small businesses and corporate clients across Northern and Central Arkansas. Citizens offers a range of deposit products, including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit, alongside lending solutions such as residential mortgages, commercial real estate loans and consumer installment loans. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Citizens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citizens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Saturday morning. A number of other analysts have also commented on CMS. Williams Trading set a $80.00 price objective on CMS Energy in a report on Monday, February 9th. Barclays cut their target price on CMS Energy from $82.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Bank of America set a $82.00 price target on CMS Energy in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of CMS Energy from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of CMS Energy from $80.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $78.31. Get CMS Energy alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on CMS CMS Energy Stock Performance NYSE CMS opened at $76.71 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $23.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.73, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $71.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $72.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89. CMS Energy has a 12-month low of $67.71 and a 12-month high of $76.78. CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The utilities provider reported $0.95 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $2.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.13 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 12.54% and a return on equity of 12.09%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.87 earnings per share. CMS Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.830-3.900 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that CMS Energy will post 3.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CMS Energy Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This is a positive change from CMS Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.54. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.47%. Institutional Trading of CMS Energy Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bison Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in CMS Energy in the 4th quarter worth about $312,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC bought a new position in CMS Energy during the first quarter worth about $293,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its stake in shares of CMS Energy by 10.8% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 34,638 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,602,000 after purchasing an additional 3,367 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC increased its stake in shares of CMS Energy by 22.0% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 6,788 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $510,000 after purchasing an additional 1,226 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Woodline Partners LP raised its position in shares of CMS Energy by 40.7% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 25,243 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,896,000 after purchasing an additional 7,300 shares during the period. 93.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About CMS Energy (Get Free Report) CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is an energy company based in Jackson, Michigan, whose principal business is the regulated utility operations of its subsidiary, Consumers Energy. The company is primarily focused on providing electric and natural gas service to customers in Michigan, operating the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure necessary to deliver energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Jackson, CMS Energy conducts its core activities within the state and is regulated by state utility authorities. Through Consumers Energy and related subsidiaries, CMS Energy develops, owns and operates a portfolio of generation assets and delivers a range of customer-facing services, including electricity and natural gas supply, grid management, energy efficiency programs and demand-response offerings. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CMS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eight brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a hold recommendation, one has issued a buy recommendation and two have issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. A number of brokerages have issued reports on DLAKY. Morgan Stanley upgraded Deutsche Lufthansa from an underweight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays lowered shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Citigroup cut shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Get Deutsche Lufthansa alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Deutsche Lufthansa Deutsche Lufthansa Trading Up 0.8% About Deutsche Lufthansa Shares of DLAKY stock opened at $10.75 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.85. The company has a market capitalization of $12.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.67, a PEG ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 0.86. Deutsche Lufthansa has a 52-week low of $6.21 and a 52-week high of $11.29. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.35. (Get Free Report) Deutsche Lufthansa AG is a leading global aviation company headquartered in Cologne, Germany, and is recognized as one of the worlds largest airline groups. Founded in its modern form in 1953, the company traces its heritage back to the original Deutsche Luft Hansa established in 1926. Lufthansa operates passenger and cargo services under its flagship brand, as well as through numerous subsidiaries including Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and the low-cost carrier Eurowings. The groups passenger network spans Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with primary hubs at Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Lufthansa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Lufthansa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IDACORP (NYSE:IDA Get Free Report) is expected to be releasing its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, February 19th. Analysts expect IDACORP to post earnings of $0.73 per share and revenue of $533.0640 million for the quarter. Parties may visit the the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning results page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET. IDACORP Stock Up 2.1% NYSE:IDA opened at $144.33 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $130.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $129.55. IDACORP has a 52 week low of $108.15 and a 52 week high of $145.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. Get IDACORP alerts: IDACORP Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 5th will be paid a $0.88 dividend. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 5th. IDACORPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.48%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently weighed in on IDA shares. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of IDACORP from $135.00 to $129.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of IDACORP from $146.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Wall Street Zen raised IDACORP from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and issued a $156.00 price target on shares of IDACORP in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Mizuho lifted their price target on IDACORP from $129.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.67. Read Our Latest Report on IDA Institutional Investors Weigh In On IDACORP A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IDA. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. grew its position in IDACORP by 10.5% in the 4th quarter. Meeder Advisory Services Inc. now owns 2,325 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $294,000 after buying an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Sherbrooke Park Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of IDACORP in the 3rd quarter worth $250,000. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. purchased a new stake in shares of IDACORP in the third quarter valued at about $227,000. Vise Technologies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of IDACORP during the third quarter worth about $222,000. Finally, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of IDACORP during the third quarter worth about $211,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.10% of the companys stock. About IDACORP (Get Free Report) IDACORP, Inc is a diversified energy holding company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, whose primary subsidiary, Idaho Power Company, operates as a regulated electric utility. Through Idaho Power, the company provides generation, transmission and distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The companys service territory spans southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, where it serves over half a million customers with a mix of hydroelectric, natural gas, wind and solar generation assets. Idaho Powers generation portfolio is anchored by a network of hydroelectric facilities along the Snake River system, complemented by natural-gas-fired plants and growing investments in renewable resources. Read More Receive News & Ratings for IDACORP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IDACORP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Judges Scientific plc (LON:JDG Get Free Report) crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 5,755.05 and traded as low as GBX 4,980. Judges Scientific shares last traded at GBX 5,000, with a volume of 27,222 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently issued reports on JDG shares. Shore Capital Group reissued a house stock rating on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 7,380 price target on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Berenberg Bank lowered their price target on shares of Judges Scientific from GBX 7,900 to GBX 5,600 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 6,490. Get Judges Scientific alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Judges Scientific Judges Scientific Stock Performance Judges Scientific Company Profile The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 5,457.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 5,755.05. The company has a market capitalization of 333 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.67, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.79, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 1.97. (Get Free Report) Judges Scientific plc (AIM: JDG), is a group focused on acquiring and developing companies in the scientific instrument sector. The Group now consists of 23 businesses acquired since 2005. The acquired companies are primarily UK-based with products sold worldwide to a diverse range of markets including: higher education institutions, scientific research facilities, manufacturers and regulatory authorities. The UK is a recognised centre of excellence for scientific instruments. The Group has received five Queens Awards for innovation and export. The Groups companies predominantly operate in global niche markets, with long term growth fundamentals and resilient margins. Judges Scientific maintains a policy of selectively acquiring businesses that generate sustainable profits and cash. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Judges Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Judges Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShares UltraShort Yen (NYSEARCA:YCS 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 32,843 shares, an increase of 37.6% from the January 15th total of 23,863 shares. Approximately 5.5% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 64,542 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 64,542 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Approximately 5.5% of the companys shares are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On ProShares UltraShort Yen Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of ProShares UltraShort Yen during the third quarter valued at about $50,000. Mutual Advisors LLC bought a new position in ProShares UltraShort Yen in the 3rd quarter valued at about $3,156,000. Nkcfo LLC acquired a new position in ProShares UltraShort Yen during the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,002,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in ProShares UltraShort Yen during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $236,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in ProShares UltraShort Yen during the 4th quarter worth approximately $566,000. Get ProShares UltraShort Yen alerts: ProShares UltraShort Yen Stock Performance Shares of ProShares UltraShort Yen stock traded up $0.03 during trading on Monday, hitting $48.74. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,517 shares, compared to its average volume of 41,431. ProShares UltraShort Yen has a 52 week low of $38.89 and a 52 week high of $52.71. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $50.68 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $47.82. ProShares UltraShort Yen Company Profile The ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Japanese Yen per U.S. Dollar index. The fund provides a 2x inverse multiple to the daily performance of the Japanese yen spot price against the US dollar as measured by Reuters. YCS was launched on Nov 25, 2008 and is managed by ProShares. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ProShares UltraShort Yen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares UltraShort Yen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,601,528 shares, a growth of 40.7% from the January 15th total of 3,980,942 shares. Approximately 9.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 3,590,581 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 3,590,581 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.6 days. Approximately 9.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Surf Air Mobility Trading Up 0.8% SRFM stock traded up $0.02 on Monday, hitting $2.00. 1,180,985 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,653,788. The stock has a market cap of $124.87 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.80 and a beta of 3.03. Surf Air Mobility has a 1-year low of $1.77 and a 1-year high of $9.91. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $2.29 and a 200-day moving average of $3.35. Get Surf Air Mobility alerts: Institutional Trading of Surf Air Mobility Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SRFM. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Surf Air Mobility by 233.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,886,429 shares of the companys stock worth $8,093,000 after acquiring an additional 1,320,353 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its position in Surf Air Mobility by 81,240.1% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 952,492 shares of the companys stock worth $4,086,000 after purchasing an additional 951,321 shares in the last quarter. HRT Financial LP acquired a new stake in Surf Air Mobility during the 2nd quarter valued at $2,212,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in Surf Air Mobility by 3,450.8% during the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 488,272 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,095,000 after purchasing an additional 474,521 shares during the period. Finally, UBS Group AG lifted its holdings in shares of Surf Air Mobility by 246.3% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 447,260 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,919,000 after purchasing an additional 318,108 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.68% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their target price on shares of Surf Air Mobility from $3.75 to $3.50 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Surf Air Mobility in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.50. Read Our Latest Report on Surf Air Mobility About Surf Air Mobility (Get Free Report) Surf Air Mobility Inc operates as an electric aviation and air travel company in the United States. The company offers an air mobility platform with scheduled routes and on demand charter flights operated by third parties. Surf Air Mobility Inc is headquartered in Hawthorne, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Surf Air Mobility Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Surf Air Mobility and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (NYSE:SMFG Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday. SMFG has been the topic of a number of other reports. Zacks Research lowered shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Stock Performance NYSE:SMFG opened at $23.80 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $20.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of $18.02. The stock has a market cap of $152.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.83, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.36. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group has a 1-year low of $11.83 and a 1-year high of $24.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (NYSE:SMFG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The bank reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.40 by ($0.24). Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group had a return on equity of 9.38% and a net margin of 13.81%.The firm had revenue of $17.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.93 billion. Research analysts anticipate that Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group will post 0.39 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its position in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 67.4% during the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 424,283 shares of the banks stock worth $7,102,000 after acquiring an additional 170,789 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 846.2% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 548,474 shares of the banks stock valued at $8,465,000 after purchasing an additional 490,506 shares during the period. ABC Arbitrage SA bought a new position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,546,000. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $267,000. Finally, Haven Private LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $341,000. 3.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc (SMFG) is a Tokyo-based financial holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial services through a network of domestic and international subsidiaries. Established in 2002 as a holding company for the Sumitomo Mitsui banking operations, SMFGs core banking business is conducted primarily through its main operating bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), alongside other affiliates covering trust banking, securities, leasing and consumer finance. The groups product and service mix spans corporate and commercial banking, retail deposit and loan services, trade and project finance, cash management, syndicated lending, foreign exchange and treasury services, and capital markets and investment banking activities through its securities arm. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE:TRTX Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the seven research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a hold recommendation and two have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $10.75. TRTX has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of TPG RE Finance Trust from $10.00 to $10.50 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research cut shares of TPG RE Finance Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings lowered TPG RE Finance Trust from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Get TPG RE Finance Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on TPG RE Finance Trust TPG RE Finance Trust Price Performance TPG RE Finance Trust Announces Dividend Shares of NYSE:TRTX opened at $8.85 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $692.21 million, a P/E ratio of 13.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.53. The companys 50-day moving average is $9.01 and its 200 day moving average is $8.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 166.64 and a current ratio of 166.64. TPG RE Finance Trust has a fifty-two week low of $6.47 and a fifty-two week high of $9.85. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. TPG RE Finance Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 147.69%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On TPG RE Finance Trust Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TRTX. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund A bought a new position in TPG RE Finance Trust in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,957,000. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of TPG RE Finance Trust by 7.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,639,667 shares of the companys stock worth $12,660,000 after buying an additional 115,707 shares in the last quarter. Condor Capital Management boosted its position in shares of TPG RE Finance Trust by 33.7% in the second quarter. Condor Capital Management now owns 620,539 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,791,000 after acquiring an additional 156,309 shares during the period. Dimension Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of TPG RE Finance Trust by 390.4% in the second quarter. Dimension Capital Management LLC now owns 459,723 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,549,000 after acquiring an additional 365,971 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in TPG RE Finance Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,410,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.12% of the companys stock. TPG RE Finance Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc (NYSE: TRTX) is a growth-oriented real estate finance company that originates and invests in a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt. The companys primary business activities include the origination and acquisition of senior mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments. These investments predominantly finance multifamily, office, industrial, retail and hospitality properties across the United States. TPG RE Finance Trust pursues a flexible capital strategy, structuring transactions that range from first-lien floating-rate loans to subordinated debt and preferred equity. Read More Receive News & Ratings for TPG RE Finance Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TPG RE Finance Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Accor SA Sponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ACCYY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $11.98 and last traded at $11.90, with a volume of 104338 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.74. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have weighed in on ACCYY. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Accor in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Accor in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Two research 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, Accor has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Accor alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Accor Accor Price Performance About Accor The firms 50-day simple moving average is $11.19 and its 200 day simple moving average is $10.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.12. (Get Free Report) Accor is a leading global hospitality group headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, with operations spanning more than 100 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Founded in 1967 by Paul Dubrule and Gerard Pelisson, the company has grown from a single motel in Lille into one of the worlds largest hotel operators and owners, offering accommodation and hospitality services to both leisure and business travelers. The companys extensive brand portfolio covers a wide spectrum of market segments, ranging from luxury and premium offerings to midscale and economy hotels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Accor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BFH Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the fifteen analysts that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $80.0909. A number of brokerages have commented on BFH. UBS Group began coverage on Bread Financial in a report on Thursday, January 8th. They set a buy rating and a $92.00 price objective for the company. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Bread Financial from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Bread Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Evercore upgraded shares of Bread Financial from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and set a $90.00 price objective for the company in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, BTIG Research reissued a buy rating and set a $98.00 target price on shares of Bread Financial in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Get Bread Financial alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Bread Financial Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bread Financial Bread Financial Trading Up 0.3% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its holdings in Bread Financial by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 29,589 shares of the companys stock worth $1,482,000 after acquiring an additional 1,286 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its holdings in Bread Financial by 46.5% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 345,902 shares of the companys stock worth $17,323,000 after purchasing an additional 109,864 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in Bread Financial by 104.8% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 736,604 shares of the companys stock worth $36,889,000 after purchasing an additional 376,920 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in Bread Financial by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 157,833 shares of the companys stock worth $7,904,000 after purchasing an additional 4,624 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in Bread Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $65,000. 99.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. BFH opened at $72.51 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $74.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $66.59. Bread Financial has a 1-year low of $38.21 and a 1-year high of $82.03. The company has a market cap of $3.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. Bread Financial (NYSE:BFH Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $2.07 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $1.67. Bread Financial had a return on equity of 17.92% and a net margin of 11.02%.The company had revenue of $975.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $954.74 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.41 EPS. Analysts predict that Bread Financial will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bread Financial announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Thursday, October 23rd that authorizes the company to repurchase $200.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 7.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Bread Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Bread Financials dividend payout ratio is 8.49%. Bread Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bread Financial, formerly known as Alliance Data Systems, is a Columbus, Ohiobased financial services company that specializes in providing private label credit programs, co-brand credit cards and digital payment solutions for retail partners. The company designs, issues and services proprietary credit products, enabling merchants to offer branded financing options that drive customer loyalty and increase basket sizes at the point of sale. Through its Bread technology platform, Bread Financial delivers installment-based payment options that integrate directly into e-commerce and in-store checkout experiences. In addition to its core credit offerings, Bread Financial provides analytics, marketing and loyalty services to help merchants better understand consumer behavior and optimize promotional strategies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bread Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bread Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Hold by the seven analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $170.25. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Robert W. Baird set a $156.00 price objective on shares of AptarGroup in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $133.00 price target on shares of AptarGroup in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of AptarGroup in a research note on Monday, December 29th. William Blair lowered AptarGroup from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $220.00 target price on shares of AptarGroup in a report on Friday, January 9th. Get AptarGroup alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ATR Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Trading of AptarGroup In other AptarGroup news, CAO Daniel Ackerman sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.23, for a total transaction of $1,818,450.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 29,607 shares in the company, valued at $3,589,256.61. This represents a 33.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . 0.68% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ATR. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV acquired a new position in shares of AptarGroup in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,383,000. Legal & General Group Plc boosted its stake in shares of AptarGroup by 2.3% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 142,813 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $22,340,000 after buying an additional 3,220 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in AptarGroup in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,155,000. Inspire Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in AptarGroup during the second quarter worth $864,000. Finally, Schroder Investment Management Group grew its position in AptarGroup by 40.2% during the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 440,773 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $68,950,000 after buying an additional 126,476 shares during the period. 88.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. AptarGroup Stock Performance Shares of AptarGroup stock opened at $142.57 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stocks fifty day moving average is $125.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $128.63. AptarGroup has a 52 week low of $103.23 and a 52 week high of $164.28. The company has a market capitalization of $9.18 billion, a PE ratio of 24.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.33 and a beta of 0.48. AptarGroup (NYSE:ATR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The industrial products company reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $962.74 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $878.58 million. AptarGroup had a return on equity of 14.25% and a net margin of 10.40%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.52 earnings per share. AptarGroup has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.130-1.210 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that AptarGroup will post 5.57 earnings per share for the current year. AptarGroup announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, February 5th that allows the company to repurchase $600.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the industrial products company to buy up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. AptarGroup Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 4th will be issued a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 4th. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. AptarGroups payout ratio is currently 32.60%. About AptarGroup (Get Free Report) AptarGroup, Inc is a global provider of advanced dispensing, sealing and protection solutions for consumer and pharmaceutical markets. The company designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of products that enable the controlled delivery of liquids, gels, powders and aerosols. Its customer base spans beauty and personal care, home care, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, where innovation in packaging and drugdelivery devices drives brand differentiation and regulatory compliance. In the consumer markets, AptarGroup offers pumps, actuators, valves, closures and specialized bottles engineered for precision, convenience and sustainability. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AptarGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AptarGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price objective raised by equities research analysts at National Bank Financial from C$128.00 to C$131.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the stock. National Bank Financials price target would indicate a potential downside of 0.58% from the stocks current price. Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on CM. Desjardins raised their target price on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$135.00 to C$139.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$133.00 to C$138.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. 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. Barclays raised their price target on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$119.00 to C$126.00 in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$131.00 to C$134.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$134.30. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Price Performance Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock traded up C$1.26 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching C$131.77. The company had a trading volume of 347,896 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,562,436. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12-month low of C$76.17 and a 12-month high of C$133.80. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$127.64 and a 200 day moving average price of C$117.45. The firm has a market cap of C$122.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.38, a P/E/G ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.26. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported C$2.21 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$7.58 billion for the quarter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 27.87% and a return on equity of 12.61%. As a group, research analysts expect that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 6.4127341 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, insider Frank Guse sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$127.16, for a total value of C$635,800.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 1,359 shares in the company, valued at C$172,810.44. The trade was a 78.63% decrease in their position. 0.02% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. 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. Further Reading 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. NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plan boosted its holdings in Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 38.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,643 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,250 shares during the quarter. Chevron comprises about 0.6% of NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plans investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plans holdings in Chevron were worth $5,690,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Chevron by 197.7% during the second 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 in the last quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Chevron during the 3rd quarter valued at $34,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chevron by 86.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chevron in the 3rd quarter worth $41,000. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Insider Transactions at Chevron In related news, insider Andrew Benjamin Walz sold 22,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.53, for a total value of $3,918,966.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 666 shares in the company, valued at approximately $117,568.98. The trade was a 97.09% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 32,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.01, for a total value of $5,617,821.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 4,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at $764,093.66. The trade was a 88.03% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 793,163 shares of company stock valued at $127,920,502 in the last three months. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Chevron Stock Performance Shares of CVX opened at $183.65 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $369.79 billion, a PE ratio of 27.58, a PEG ratio of 12.16 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.15. The companys 50 day moving average price is $163.21 and its 200 day moving average price is $157.68. Chevron Corporation has a 52 week low of $132.04 and a 52 week high of $186.52. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $45.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $48.18 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 6.51% and a return on equity of 8.23%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.06 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. Chevron Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $1.78 dividend. This represents a $7.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This is a boost from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 102.70%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Chevron from $174.00 to $189.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Chevron from $185.00 to $179.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 5th. HSBC lowered shares of Chevron from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $180.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, February 2nd. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $212.00 price objective on shares of Chevron in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their target price on shares of Chevron from $160.00 to $168.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Chevron currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $175.00. Get Our Latest Report on Chevron About Chevron (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. See Also 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. Shares of Deutsche Telekom AG (OTCMKTS:DTEGY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $39.39 and last traded at $39.3090, with a volume of 29696 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $38.41. Deutsche Telekom Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market cap of $194.12 billion, a PE ratio of 14.66, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.43. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $33.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.70. Get Deutsche Telekom alerts: About Deutsche Telekom (Get Free Report) Deutsche Telekom AG is a leading European telecommunications company headquartered in Bonn, Germany. The firm provides a broad range of telecommunications and information technology services for consumer, business and wholesale customers. Its core activities include fixed-line and mobile voice services, broadband internet access, television services and a suite of enterprise IT and network solutions. Deutsche Telekom offers consumer products under well-known retail brands in its home market and across Europe, and operates extensive mobile networks including 4G and 5G infrastructure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Telekom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Telekom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Relx Plc (LON:REL Get Free Report) insider Erik Engstrom sold 112,011 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 2,257, for a total value of 2,528,088.27. Relx Stock Performance LON REL opened at GBX 2,227 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 216.69, a current ratio of 0.48 and a quick ratio of 0.45. Relx Plc has a 1-year low of GBX 1,991 and a 1-year high of GBX 4,183. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 2,825.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 3,189.36. The stock has a market capitalization of 40.35 billion, a PE ratio of 21.54, a P/E/G ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.48. Get Relx alerts: Relx (LON:REL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported GBX 128.50 EPS for the quarter. Relx had a return on equity of 56.71% and a net margin of 20.34%. On average, research analysts predict that Relx Plc will post 134.0035675 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an overweight rating on shares of Relx in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Citigroup started coverage on Relx in a research note on Monday, January 12th. They set a neutral rating and a GBX 3,178 price objective on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a GBX 5,070 price objective on shares of Relx in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 4,222.50. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on REL About Relx (Get Free Report) RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 33,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Relx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Relx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eurofins Scient (OTCMKTS:ERFSF Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $74.9060, but opened at $79.78. Eurofins Scient shares last traded at $79.78, with a volume of 76 shares. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ERFSF. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Eurofins Scient in a report on Monday, February 2nd. BNP Paribas Exane upgraded shares of Eurofins Scient to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Eurofins Scient in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Eurofins Scient alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eurofins Scient Eurofins Scient Trading Up 0.7% Eurofins Scient Company Profile The company has a 50 day moving average of $77.92 and a 200-day moving average of $74.84. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. (Get Free Report) Eurofins Scientific is a global provider of bioanalytical testing and laboratory services, offering a wide array of testing solutions to pharmaceutical, food, environmental, agriscience and consumer products industries. Its core services include pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing for water and air quality, food safety analysis, agrochemical trials and clinical diagnostic support. The company operates specialized laboratories equipped with advanced analytical technologies such as chromatography, mass spectrometry and molecular biology to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to support research and development efforts across multiple sectors. Founded in 1987 by Gilles Martin and headquartered in Luxembourg, Eurofins has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eurofins Scient Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eurofins Scient and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Mills (NYSE:GIS Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 3.370-3.540 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 3.660. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth GIS has been the topic of several analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on General Mills from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $54.00 price objective on shares of General Mills and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of General Mills in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of General Mills from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $63.00 price target on shares of General Mills and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $53.28. Get General Mills alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on GIS General Mills Stock Down 0.5% GIS stock opened at $48.32 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $46.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $47.77. The company has a market capitalization of $25.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.39 and a beta of -0.06. General Mills has a twelve month low of $42.78 and a twelve month high of $67.35. General Mills (NYSE:GIS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 17th. The company reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $4.86 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.78 billion. General Mills had a net margin of 13.51% and a return on equity of 21.41%. The firms revenue was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.40 EPS. General Mills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.580-3.790 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that General Mills will post 4.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Mills Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 1st. Investors of record on Friday, April 10th will be paid a $0.61 dividend. This represents a $2.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 10th. General Millss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.47%. Insider Transactions at General Mills In other news, insider Paul Joseph Gallagher sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.15, for a total value of $72,225.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 48,568 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,338,549.20. The trade was a 3.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of General Mills during the 2nd quarter valued at about $84,862,000. Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its stake in General Mills by 82.8% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 3,415,818 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,226,000 after acquiring an additional 1,546,993 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of General Mills by 13.0% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 7,664,990 shares of the companys stock valued at $386,469,000 after purchasing an additional 883,150 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP raised its position in shares of General Mills by 381.1% during the 3rd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 853,208 shares of the companys stock worth $43,019,000 after purchasing an additional 675,877 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of General Mills by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 19,697,919 shares of the companys stock worth $915,953,000 after purchasing an additional 488,617 shares during the last quarter. 75.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About General Mills (Get Free Report) General Mills, Inc (NYSE: GIS) is a multinational consumer foods company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of branded food products. Its product categories include ready-to-eat and hot cereals, baking mixes and ingredients, snacks and bars, refrigerated and frozen doughs, yogurt and other dairy products, and a variety of shelf-stable meals and meal components. The companys portfolio features widely recognized consumer brands across grocery store, mass channel and foodservice outlets. Founded in the early 20th century and incorporated under its current name in 1928, General Mills has grown through both internal brand development and strategic expansion to become a global food company. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for General Mills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Mills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GQG Partners Inc. (ASX:GQG Get Free Report) declared a final dividend on Monday, February 16th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 25th will be paid a dividend of 0.036 per share on Wednesday, March 25th. This represents a dividend yield of 195.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. GQG Partners Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $4.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.62, a quick ratio of 4.06 and a current ratio of 1.55. Get GQG Partners alerts: GQG Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories GQG Partners Inc operates as a boutique asset management company worldwide. It manages equity portfolios for investors, including insurance funds, pension/superannuation funds, sovereign wealth funds, ultra high net worth investors, sub advised funds, financial advisors, wealth management administration platforms, private banks, and other discretionary wealth managers. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GQG Partners Inc is a subsidiary of QVFT LLC. Receive News & Ratings for GQG Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GQG Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GSA Capital Partners LLP raised its position in General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) by 103.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 52,552 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after acquiring an additional 26,706 shares during the quarter. General Motors makes up 0.3% of GSA Capital Partners LLPs portfolio, making the stock its 16th biggest holding. GSA Capital Partners LLPs holdings in General Motors were worth $3,204,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Hemington Wealth Management lifted its stake in shares of General Motors by 14.5% in the 3rd quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 1,219 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $74,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares during the period. Fielder Capital Group LLC raised its position in General Motors by 3.3% in the third quarter. Fielder Capital Group LLC now owns 5,131 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $313,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares during the period. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of General Motors by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,222 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $318,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Unison Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of General Motors by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 68,272 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $4,163,000 after acquiring an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of General Motors by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,163 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $254,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get General Motors alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In GM has been the topic of several analyst reports. Wedbush lifted their target price on General Motors from $75.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Tigress Financial lifted their price target on shares of General Motors from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of General Motors from $86.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $105.00 target price (up previously from $98.00) on shares of General Motors in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of General Motors in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $89.52. General Motors News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week: Positive Sentiment: Jim Cramer praised GMs execution and strategy, reinforcing bullish retail investor interest and momentum that can support shortterm buying pressure. Read More. Jim Cramer praised GMs execution and strategy, reinforcing bullish retail investor interest and momentum that can support shortterm buying pressure. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Zacks highlights GM as a longterm momentum stock using style scores, which may attract momentum and modelbased funds. This is sentiment/supportive coverage rather than new fundamentals. Read More. Zacks highlights GM as a longterm momentum stock using style scores, which may attract momentum and modelbased funds. This is sentiment/supportive coverage rather than new fundamentals. Read More. Positive Sentiment: GM issued a software fix for unwanted brake assist on Cadillac CT5 models proactive remediation reduces regulatory and reputation risk and limits potential warranty/certification costs. Read More. GM issued a software fix for unwanted brake assist on Cadillac CT5 models proactive remediation reduces regulatory and reputation risk and limits potential warranty/certification costs. Read More. Positive Sentiment: GM is building its new Gen6 V8 for the U.S. market in Canada signals manufacturing flexibility and potential cost/production advantages for key combustion platforms while keeping supply close to demand centers. Product continuity matters for margin and fleet mix. Read More. GM is building its new Gen6 V8 for the U.S. market in Canada signals manufacturing flexibility and potential cost/production advantages for key combustion platforms while keeping supply close to demand centers. Product continuity matters for margin and fleet mix. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Details on 2027 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra engines outline expected powertrain lineup useful for longterm product planning but not an immediate earnings driver. Read More. Details on 2027 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra engines outline expected powertrain lineup useful for longterm product planning but not an immediate earnings driver. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: GM built a specialedition Corvette Z06 that wont be sold in the U.S.; this is a brand/halo item with limited direct financial impact. Read More. GM built a specialedition Corvette Z06 that wont be sold in the U.S.; this is a brand/halo item with limited direct financial impact. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Weekly performance roundup comparing GM, Ford, Stellantis provides context on peer moves but no new companyspecific catalyst. Read More. Weekly performance roundup comparing GM, Ford, Stellantis provides context on peer moves but no new companyspecific catalyst. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Zacks warns tariffs remain a material headwind: GM reported ~$3.1B of tariff costs in 2025 and expects $3B$4B in 2026, which can compress margins and offset operational gains. This is a meaningful nearterm earnings risk. Read More. Zacks warns tariffs remain a material headwind: GM reported ~$3.1B of tariff costs in 2025 and expects $3B$4B in 2026, which can compress margins and offset operational gains. This is a meaningful nearterm earnings risk. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Some 20252026 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain models can get stuck in first gear a safety/recall issue that could lead to repairs, warranty costs and shortterm reputation pressure. Read More. General Motors Stock Performance Shares of NYSE GM opened at $81.00 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $73.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.91, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.36. General Motors Company has a 52-week low of $41.60 and a 52-week high of $87.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.17. The firms fifty day moving average is $82.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $69.36. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The auto manufacturer reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.26 by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $45.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $45.81 billion. General Motors had a return on equity of 14.72% and a net margin of 1.46%.The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.92 earnings per share. General Motors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that General Motors Company will post 11.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. General Motors declared that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, January 27th that allows the company to buyback $6.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the auto manufacturer to reacquire up to 8.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. General Motors Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. This is a positive change from General Motorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. General Motorss payout ratio is currently 19.93%. About General Motors (Free Report) General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that designs, builds and sells cars, trucks, crossovers and electric vehicles, and provides related parts and services. Founded in 1908, GM has long been one of the worlds largest automakers and has evolved into a multi-brand company whose primary marques include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick. Beyond vehicle manufacturing, GMs operations encompass vehicle financing, connected services and advanced mobility initiatives. GM develops and markets a broad portfolio of products and technologies, including internal-combustion and battery-electric vehicles, vehicle components and on-board connectivity services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GSA Capital Partners LLP increased its holdings in Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA Free Report) by 657.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 19,786 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 17,175 shares during the period. GSA Capital Partners LLPs holdings in Copa were worth $2,351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. CWM LLC increased its holdings in shares of Copa by 408.2% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 249 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Copa by 271.4% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 260 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Copa during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in Copa by 100.0% during the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 364 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its stake in Copa by 90.7% in the third quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 429 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 204 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.09% of the companys stock. Get Copa alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Copa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, February 8th. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and set a $185.00 target price on shares of Copa in a research note on Friday. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Copa in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Barclays boosted their price target on Copa from $150.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Copa from $180.00 to $170.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Copa currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $166.89. Copa Stock Down 3.0% NYSE:CPA opened at $145.92 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The companys fifty day moving average price is $131.18 and its 200-day moving average price is $124.01. Copa Holdings, S.A. has a 1-year low of $82.54 and a 1-year high of $156.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.97, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.92. Copa (NYSE:CPA Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The transportation company reported $4.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.44 by ($0.26). Copa had a net margin of 18.57% and a return on equity of 26.14%. The business had revenue of $962.89 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $959.22 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.99 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Copa Holdings, S.A. will post 15.48 EPS for the current year. Copa Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a $1.71 dividend. This is a boost from Copas previous quarterly dividend of $1.61. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Copas payout ratio is presently 39.58%. About Copa (Free Report) Copa Holdings, SA (NYSE:CPA) is a Panamabased aviation holding company that provides passenger and cargo air transportation across the Americas and the Caribbean. Through its principal subsidiary, Copa Airlines, the company operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, offering scheduled flights that connect passengers through its Tocumen International Airport hub in Panama City. The company also offers dedicated cargo services under the Copa Cargo brand, leveraging belly hold capacity on its passenger flights to transport freight throughout its network. The roots of Copa Holdings trace back to 1947, when Compania Panamena de Aviacion began operations as the flag carrier of Panama. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Copa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $20.99, but opened at $19.70. Harmony Gold Mining shares last traded at $19.3630, with a volume of 2,032,647 shares changing hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Harmony Gold Mining from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Harmony Gold Mining in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Harmony Gold Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Harmony Gold Mining currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $16.00. Get Harmony Gold Mining alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Harmony Gold Mining Harmony Gold Mining Price Performance Institutional Trading of Harmony Gold Mining The businesss 50-day moving average is $21.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $18.43. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HMY. FIL Ltd acquired a new stake in Harmony Gold Mining during the 4th quarter valued at $111,182,000. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 12,337.7% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,795,844 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $66,998,000 after acquiring an additional 4,757,285 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 215.7% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,571,374 shares of the mining companys stock worth $82,289,000 after acquiring an additional 3,806,468 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 286.6% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,961,141 shares of the mining companys stock worth $54,248,000 after acquiring an additional 2,936,552 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its holdings in Harmony Gold Mining by 7,504.0% in the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,306,431 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $41,862,000 after purchasing an additional 2,276,099 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 31.79% of the companys stock. About Harmony Gold Mining (Get Free Report) Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited is a South Africabased precious metals producer primarily engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of gold. The company operates a portfolio of underground and surface mining operations, targeting both reef-hosted and alluvial deposits. In addition to gold, Harmonys activities encompass the extraction of copper as a byproduct at its Papua New Guinea operations. In South Africa, Harmonys mining footprint includes deep-level underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin, where it employs a combination of conventional and mechanized mining methods. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Harmony Gold Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harmony Gold Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avivagen (OTCMKTS:VIVXF Get Free Report) and Stryker (NYSE:SYK Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and analyst recommendations. Insider and Institutional Ownership 77.1% of Stryker shares are held by institutional investors. 2.1% of Avivagen shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.2% of Stryker shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Avivagen alerts: Profitability This table compares Avivagen and Strykers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Avivagen N/A N/A N/A Stryker 12.92% 24.41% 11.25% Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Avivagen N/A N/A N/A ($0.04) N/A Stryker $25.12 billion 5.58 $3.25 billion $8.40 43.57 This table compares Avivagen and Strykers top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Stryker has higher revenue and earnings than Avivagen. Avivagen is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Stryker, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Avivagen and Stryker, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Avivagen 0 0 0 0 0.00 Stryker 0 5 12 0 2.71 Stryker has a consensus target price of $426.94, indicating a potential upside of 16.64%. Given Strykers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Stryker is more favorable than Avivagen. Summary Stryker beats Avivagen on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Avivagen (Get Free Report) Avivagen Inc. focuses on developing and commercializing products for livestock feeds that support immune function and help animals to achieve their growth and productivity. The company offers OxC-beta Livestock, a premix for inclusion in livestock feeds; Vivamune health chews for dogs; Dr. Tobias dog chews; and Dr. Tobias Beta blend for the human immune system. It serves in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Avivagen Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. About Stryker (Get Free Report) Stryker Corporation operates as a medical technology company. The company operates through two segments, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopaedics and Spine. The Orthopaedics and Spine segment provides implants for use in total joint replacements, such as hip, knee and shoulder, and trauma and extremities surgeries. This segment also offers spinal implant products comprising cervical and thoracolumbar systems that include fixation, minimally invasive and interbody systems used in spinal injury, complex spine and degenerative therapies. The MedSurg and Neurotechnology segment offers surgical equipment, and surgical navigation systems, endoscopic and communications systems, patient handling, emergency medical equipment and intensive care disposable products, reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices, clinical communication and workflow solutions, and other medical device products that are used in various medical specialties, as well as patient and caregiver safety technologies. This segment also provides neurosurgical, neurovascular and craniomaxillofacial implant products, which include products used for minimally invasive endovascular procedures; products for brain and open skull based surgical procedures; orthobiologic and biosurgery products, such as synthetic bone grafts and vertebral augmentation products; minimally invasive products for the treatment of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke; and craniomaxillofacial implant products, including cranial, maxillofacial, and chest wall devices, as well as dural substitutes and sealants. The company sells its products to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities through company-owned subsidiaries and branches, as well as third-party dealers and distributors in approximately 75 countries. Stryker Corporation was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Portage, Michigan. Receive News & Ratings for Avivagen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avivagen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heartland Advisors Inc. lessened its position in shares of New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD Free Report) by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 1,000,000 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,000,000 shares during the quarter. Heartland Advisors Inc. owned approximately 0.13% of New Gold worth $7,180,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of NGD. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of New Gold by 91.1% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,792,631 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,642,000 after acquiring an additional 854,586 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of New Gold by 99.1% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 80,375 shares of the companys stock worth $298,000 after buying an additional 40,000 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of New Gold by 74.9% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 6,448,313 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,923,000 after buying an additional 2,760,692 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its position in shares of New Gold by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 951,651 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,531,000 after buying an additional 40,995 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its stake in New Gold by 17.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 83,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $413,000 after acquiring an additional 12,425 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.82% of the companys stock. Get New Gold alerts: New Gold Stock Up 7.1% NGD stock opened at $11.06 on Tuesday. New Gold Inc. has a one year low of $2.60 and a one year high of $13.63. The firm has a market cap of $8.76 billion, a PE ratio of 85.08 and a beta of 0.59. The firms 50 day moving average price is $10.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $7.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.39. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth NGD has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. TD Securities raised shares of New Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $12.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Monday, December 1st. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on New Gold to $12.75 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Zacks Research upgraded New Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, National Bank Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of New Gold in a report on Thursday, October 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $8.18. Read Our Latest Stock Report on NGD New Gold Profile (Free Report) New Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate precious metals producer focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold and copper mining assets. The company was formed in 2008 through the merger of two exploration firms and has since grown into a multi-asset mining platform. Headquartered in Toronto, New Gold emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital allocation and operational execution, with a commitment to environmental stewardship and strong community relations. New Golds principal producing assets include the New Afton Mine in British Columbia and the Rainy River Mine in northwestern Ontario. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for New Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Getty Realty (NYSE:GTY Get Free Report) and JBG SMITH Properties (NYSE:JBGS Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, valuation, earnings, risk and institutional ownership. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Getty Realty and JBG SMITH Propertiess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Getty Realty alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Getty Realty $221.73 million 8.98 $79.19 million $1.34 24.84 JBG SMITH Properties $547.31 million 1.73 -$143.53 million ($2.05) -7.78 Profitability Getty Realty has higher earnings, but lower revenue than JBG SMITH Properties. JBG SMITH Properties is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Getty Realty, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This table compares Getty Realty and JBG SMITH Properties net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Getty Realty 35.72% 7.86% 3.86% JBG SMITH Properties -30.57% -10.41% -3.28% Insider and Institutional Ownership 85.1% of Getty Realty shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.5% of JBG SMITH Properties shares are held by institutional investors. 8.8% of Getty Realty shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of JBG SMITH Properties shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Getty Realty pays an annual dividend of $1.94 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.8%. JBG SMITH Properties pays an annual dividend of $0.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.4%. Getty Realty pays out 144.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. JBG SMITH Properties pays out -34.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Getty Realty has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Getty Realty is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Risk & Volatility Getty Realty has a beta of 0.84, suggesting that its share price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, JBG SMITH Properties has a beta of 1.15, suggesting that its share price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Getty Realty and JBG SMITH Properties, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Getty Realty 0 3 2 0 2.40 JBG SMITH Properties 2 0 0 0 1.00 Getty Realty currently has a consensus target price of $31.25, indicating a potential downside of 6.10%. JBG SMITH Properties has a consensus target price of $18.50, indicating a potential upside of 15.96%. Given JBG SMITH Properties higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe JBG SMITH Properties is more favorable than Getty Realty. Summary Getty Realty beats JBG SMITH Properties on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Getty Realty (Get Free Report) Getty Realty Corp. is a publicly traded, net lease REIT specializing in the acquisition, financing and development of convenience, automotive and other single tenant retail real estate. As of December 31, 2023, the Companys portfolio included 1,093 freestanding properties located in 40 states across the United States and Washington, D.C. About JBG SMITH Properties (Get Free Report) JBG SMITH Properties is a real estate investment trust, which engages in owning, operating, investing in, and developing a portfolio of mixed-use properties. It operates through the following segments: Multifamily, Commercial, and Other. The Multifamily segment refers to the commercial buildings with public areas, retail spaces, and walkable streets. The Commercial segment rents to federal government tenants. The Other segment relates to development assets, corporate entities, land assets for which are the ground lessor and the elimination of inter-segment activity. The company was founded on October 27, 2016, and is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Receive News & Ratings for Getty Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Getty Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Globus Medical, Inc. (NYSE:GMED Get Free Report) EVP Kelly Huller sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.67, for a total transaction of $876,700.00. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Kelly Huller also recently made the following trade(s): Get Globus Medical alerts: On Tuesday, November 25th, Kelly Huller sold 7,500 shares of Globus Medical stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total value of $675,000.00. Globus Medical Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE GMED traded up $0.92 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $89.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 782,778 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,418,392. Globus Medical, Inc. has a 12-month low of $51.79 and a 12-month high of $101.40. The firm has a market cap of $11.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.06. The businesss 50 day moving average is $89.66 and its two-hundred day moving average is $74.29. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently commented on GMED. Bank of America raised shares of Globus Medical from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $65.00 to $91.00 in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Globus Medical from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $115.00 price target (up previously from $90.00) on shares of Globus Medical in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Wall Street Zen raised Globus Medical from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 3rd. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on Globus Medical from $105.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $100.18. Read Our Latest Research Report on GMED Institutional Trading of Globus Medical A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in GMED. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in Globus Medical by 45.9% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 22,510 shares of the medical device companys stock worth $1,622,000 after purchasing an additional 7,086 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its position in Globus Medical by 33.0% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 4,375 shares of the medical device companys stock worth $320,000 after purchasing an additional 1,085 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Globus Medical by 38.6% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 30,649 shares of the medical device companys stock valued at $2,228,000 after buying an additional 8,540 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its holdings in shares of Globus Medical by 237.3% in the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 850 shares of the medical device companys stock valued at $62,000 after buying an additional 598 shares during the period. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its stake in shares of Globus Medical by 8.8% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 347,527 shares of the medical device companys stock worth $25,439,000 after buying an additional 28,027 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.16% of the companys stock. Globus Medical Company Profile (Get Free Report) Globus Medical, Inc (NYSE:GMED) is a leading medical device company specializing in musculoskeletal solutions for spine and orthopaedic applications. Founded in 2003 by David C. Paul and headquartered in Audubon, Pennsylvania, the company develops, manufactures and markets implantable devices and surgical instruments designed to treat spinal disorders and promote bone healing. Its product portfolio encompasses solutions for minimally invasive and open surgical procedures, including interbody fusion devices, pedicle screw systems, and biologics used to enhance fusion outcomes. In addition to its core spine business, Globus Medical has expanded into robotics and navigation systems to support precision and efficiency in the operating room. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Globus Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globus Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kimco Realty (NYSE:KIM Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by research analysts at Piper Sandler from $26.00 to $28.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Piper Sandlers target price would indicate a potential upside of 23.38% from the stocks previous close. KIM has been the subject of a number of other reports. Mizuho set a $21.00 price target on Kimco Realty in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Truist Financial lowered their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Kimco Realty from $23.00 to $21.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 15th. Evercore ISI set a $24.00 target price on shares of Kimco Realty in a research note on Friday. Finally, Argus reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $27.00 price target on shares of Kimco Realty in a research note on Monday, December 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $24.09. Get Kimco Realty alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on KIM Kimco Realty Stock Performance Institutional Trading of Kimco Realty NYSE KIM opened at $22.70 on Tuesday. Kimco Realty has a 52-week low of $17.93 and a 52-week high of $22.97. The stock has a market cap of $15.37 billion, a PE ratio of 28.02, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.07. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $20.78 and a 200-day moving average of $21.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 3.59 and a current ratio of 3.31. A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Kimco Realty by 94.1% during the 3rd quarter. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC now owns 70,662 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,544,000 after purchasing an additional 34,251 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Kimco Realty in the 3rd quarter worth about $4,653,000. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 124.0% during the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 119,706 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,616,000 after buying an additional 66,269 shares in the last quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Kimco Realty in the third quarter worth about $1,100,000. Finally, Pacific Heights Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Kimco Realty by 66.7% during the third quarter. Pacific Heights Asset Management LLC now owns 500,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $10,925,000 after acquiring an additional 200,000 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.25% of the companys stock. Kimco Realty Company Profile (Get Free Report) Founded in 1958 by Milton Cooper and headquartered in Jericho, New York, Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE: KIM) is a leading publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the ownership, operation and development of open-air shopping centers. The companys portfolio, concentrated on neighborhood and community centers anchored by grocery stores, encompasses approximately 400 properties across the United States, with selective holdings in Canada and Mexico. Kimcos core business activities include acquiring, repositioning and managing retail real estate assets that serve as daily-need destinations for consumers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kimco Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimco Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock traded as high as $25.45 and last traded at $25.31, with a volume of 28738 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $25.03. The real estate investment trust reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.35. Kite Realty Group Trust had a net margin of 16.34% and a return on equity of 4.27%. The firm had revenue of $204.94 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $204.48 million. Kite Realty Group Trust has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.060-2.120 EPS. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Kite Realty Group Trust Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th were issued a $0.29 dividend. This is a positive change from Kite Realty Group Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 9th. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.5%. Kite Realty Group Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 181.25%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth KRG has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $24.00 price objective (up from $23.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Monday, December 15th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 target price (up previously from $24.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $23.00 to $25.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.43. Read Our Latest Report on KRG Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kite Realty Group Trust A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. State of Wyoming bought a new position in Kite Realty Group Trust in the third quarter worth approximately $516,000. Candriam S.C.A. purchased a new position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,066,000. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 227.5% in the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 62,930 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,403,000 after acquiring an additional 43,716 shares in the last quarter. Capital Fund Management S.A. bought a new position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the 2nd quarter worth $1,882,000. Finally, Versor Investments LP lifted its stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 471.7% during the 3rd quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 72,612 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,619,000 after purchasing an additional 59,912 shares during the last quarter. 90.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Kite Realty Group Trust Stock Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of $23.79 and a two-hundred day moving average of $22.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.98. The company has a market cap of $5.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.88, a P/E/G ratio of 6.32 and a beta of 0.91. About Kite Realty Group Trust (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and management of open-air retail real estate. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating community and neighborhood shopping centers, as well as mixed-use properties that accommodate national, regional and local retailers. Established in 1994, Kite Realty has grown its portfolio through strategic development projects, targeted acquisitions and selective dispositions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lemonade (NYSE:LMND Get Free Report) is anticipated to post its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, February 19th. Analysts expect Lemonade to post earnings of ($0.41) per share and revenue of $218.0670 million for the quarter. Individuals are encouraged to explore the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning overview page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET. Lemonade Trading Up 2.7% NYSE:LMND opened at $63.62 on Tuesday. Lemonade has a 1 year low of $24.31 and a 1 year high of $99.90. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $78.85 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $65.91. The stock has a market cap of $4.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.62 and a beta of 2.02. Get Lemonade alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Lemonade In other Lemonade news, Director Debra Schwartz sold 4,200 shares of Lemonade stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.59, for a total value of $351,078.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 21,567 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,802,785.53. The trade was a 16.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider John Sheldon Peters sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total transaction of $810,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 70,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,320,520. This represents a 11.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 269,470 shares of company stock worth $23,385,110. Company insiders own 12.50% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analysts Set New Price Targets Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in LMND. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Lemonade by 50.6% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 866,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,676,000 after buying an additional 291,122 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its stake in Lemonade by 45.0% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 813,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,523,000 after acquiring an additional 252,298 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in Lemonade by 255.2% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 329,934 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,370,000 after acquiring an additional 237,044 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of Lemonade by 28.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 993,669 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,533,000 after acquiring an additional 217,913 shares during the period. Finally, Nuveen LLC increased its stake in shares of Lemonade by 141.5% during the 4th quarter. Nuveen LLC now owns 367,261 shares of the companys stock worth $26,142,000 after purchasing an additional 215,183 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.30% of the companys stock. Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their price objective on Lemonade from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Morgan Stanley set a $85.00 price target on shares of Lemonade and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on shares of Lemonade from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Citizens Jmp raised their price objective on shares of Lemonade from $60.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Truist Financial began coverage on shares of Lemonade in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $98.00 target price for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $71.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on LMND About Lemonade (Get Free Report) Lemonade, Inc (NYSE: LMND) is a New Yorkbased technology-driven insurance carrier that leverages artificial intelligence and behavioral economics to streamline the purchase and management of policies. Founded in 2015, the company offers renters, homeowners, pet, term life and car insurance products tailored for digitally savvy consumers. By automating underwriting and claims processing through chatbots and machine learning, Lemonade aims to deliver a more transparent and user-friendly experience than traditional insurers. The companys product suite includes standalone policies for renters and homeowners, customizable pet insurance plans, and term life coverage with simple online applications. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lemonade Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lemonade and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LSV Asset Management raised its stake in shares of Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Free Report) by 34.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 36,400 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 9,230 shares during the quarter. LSV Asset Managements holdings in Tompkins Financial were worth $2,410,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new position in Tompkins Financial during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $151,000. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in Tompkins Financial by 3,207.7% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,580 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $162,000 after purchasing an additional 2,502 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its stake in Tompkins Financial by 122.6% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,812 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $186,000 after purchasing an additional 1,549 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC acquired a new stake in Tompkins Financial in the third quarter worth $212,000. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS bought a new position in shares of Tompkins Financial during the second quarter worth $202,000. 69.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Tompkins Financial alerts: Insider Activity In other Tompkins Financial news, Director Ita M. Rahilly bought 1,463 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was acquired at an average price of $68.36 per share, with a total value of $100,010.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 10,511 shares in the company, valued at approximately $718,531.96. This trade represents a 16.17% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 4.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Tompkins Financial Stock Performance TMP opened at $82.76 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.38 and a beta of 0.79. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $76.92 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $70.59. Tompkins Financial Corporation has a 1 year low of $54.16 and a 1 year high of $86.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.95. Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The financial services provider reported $1.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.77 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $257.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $136.16 million. Tompkins Financial had a return on equity of 11.19% and a net margin of 27.82%. Equities analysts expect that Tompkins Financial Corporation will post 5.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Tompkins Financial Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, February 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. This is an increase from Tompkins Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. Tompkins Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.14%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Tompkins Financial in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. They issued a neutral rating and a $74.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research raised Tompkins Financial to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $74.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on TMP Tompkins Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Tompkins Financial (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP) is a bank holding company headquartered in Ithaca, New York, that provides a diversified range of financial services. Through its principal banking subsidiary, Tompkins Trust Company, the firm offers commercial and consumer banking products including checking and savings accounts, mortgage loans, and credit facilities. Beyond traditional banking, Tompkins Financial delivers asset management, trust and estate planning, retirement services and investment advisory solutions. In addition to its core banking operations, Tompkins Financial operates Tompkins Insurance Agencies, which offers property and casualty, life and health insurance coverages to individuals and businesses. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:TMP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Tompkins Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tompkins Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEOS Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 48.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 96,527 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 31,463 shares during the quarter. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $54,906,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. grew its position in Mastercard by 5.6% in the second quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $191,000 after buying an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Rialto Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 13.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rialto Wealth Management LLC now owns 156 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $88,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Robbins Farley raised its position in shares of Mastercard by 50.0% during the third quarter. Robbins Farley now owns 54 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the period. Brady Martz Wealth Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 2.2% during the third quarter. Brady Martz Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 841 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $479,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alpine Bank Wealth Management boosted its position in shares of Mastercard by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management now owns 1,817 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,034,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the period. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mastercard alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth MA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $685.00 to $655.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Macquarie Infrastructure upped their price target on shares of Mastercard from $660.00 to $675.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. KeyCorp reissued an overweight rating and set a $665.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Dbs Bank upgraded Mastercard to a moderate buy rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $611.00 price target on Mastercard in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $669.27. Mastercard Stock Down 1.7% Shares of MA stock opened at $518.43 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $553.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $562.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $465.59 and a twelve month high of $601.77. The company has a market capitalization of $465.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.38, a PEG ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.83. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52. The business had revenue of $8.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.80 billion. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.65% and a return on equity of 203.92%. Mastercards quarterly revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.82 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current year. Mastercard Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, April 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.87 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 9th. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is presently 21.07%. Mastercard 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. See Also 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. Merit Financial Group LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 32.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 81,263 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 20,034 shares during the quarter. Merit Financial Group LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $10,884,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. IMG Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 759.1% in the 2nd quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 189 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the period. Cloud Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the third quarter valued at about $29,000. Guerra Advisors Inc bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the third quarter worth about $31,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 81.3% during the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 232 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Delos Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Citigroup dropped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $155.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Raymond James Financial dropped their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $146.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $150.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $169.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $137.05. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks bought 10,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $108.73 per share, with a total value of $1,087,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 6,738,817 shares in the company, valued at $732,711,572.41. The trade was a 0.15% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE ABT opened at $112.63 on Tuesday. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $105.27 and a fifty-two week high of $141.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.70. The company has a market cap of $195.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.28, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.75. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $119.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $126.29. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.50. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.94% and a net margin of 14.72%.The company had revenue of $11.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.80 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.34 EPS. Abbott Laboratoriess 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. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 15th were issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 15th. This is a positive change from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 67.74%. 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. Recommended Stories 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. Metis Global Partners LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL Free Report) by 29.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 48,690 shares of the oilfield services companys stock after selling 20,305 shares during the quarter. Metis Global Partners LLCs holdings in Halliburton were worth $1,198,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HAL. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. bought a new position in shares of Halliburton during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new position in Halliburton during the second quarter worth $25,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in Halliburton during the third quarter worth $32,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. raised its holdings in Halliburton by 547.3% during the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 1,586 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 1,341 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cape Investment Advisory Inc. lifted its position in shares of Halliburton by 111.9% in the second quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 1,704 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 900 shares during the last quarter. 85.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Halliburton alerts: Halliburton Stock Down 1.0% HAL opened at $33.95 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $31.35 and a 200-day moving average of $26.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a current ratio of 2.04, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. Halliburton Company has a 1-year low of $18.72 and a 1-year high of $35.55. Halliburton Dividend Announcement Halliburton ( NYSE:HAL Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The oilfield services company reported $0.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $5.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.39 billion. Halliburton had a net margin of 5.78% and a return on equity of 19.77%. Halliburtons revenue was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.73 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Halliburton Company will post 2.64 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 3rd were given a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 3rd. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio is currently 45.03%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on HAL shares. Zacks Research raised Halliburton from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Wall Street Zen raised Halliburton from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Argus increased their price target on Halliburton from $31.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Halliburton from $33.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Halliburton from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Halliburton presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.95. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on HAL Insider Activity at Halliburton In related news, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 54,348 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.96, for a total value of $1,900,006.08. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 344,535 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,044,943.60. This trade represents a 13.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Lawrence J. Pope sold 100,000 shares of Halliburton stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total value of $3,225,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 419,800 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,538,550. This trade represents a 19.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 337,002 shares of company stock worth $11,445,938 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock. Halliburton Profile (Free Report) Halliburton is one of the worlds largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, offering a broad portfolio that supports the lifecycle of oil and gas reservoirs from exploration and drilling through production and abandonment. Founded in 1919 by Erle P. Halliburton as an oil-well cementing company, the firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has developed into an integrated oilfield services company serving upstream operators globally. The companys activities encompass drilling and evaluation, well construction and completion, production enhancement and well intervention. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD acquired a new stake in shares of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund acquired 4,407,672 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $136,637,000. Honda Motor comprises about 2.3% of Mondrian Investment Partners LTDs holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of HMC. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its position in Honda Motor by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 10,367,489 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,895,000 after purchasing an additional 239,663 shares during the last quarter. Equity Investment Corp increased its stake in shares of Honda Motor by 1.4% during the third quarter. Equity Investment Corp now owns 2,274,239 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,047,000 after buying an additional 30,712 shares during the period. Brandes Investment Partners LP raised its holdings in shares of Honda Motor by 4.8% during the second quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 847,314 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,428,000 after acquiring an additional 38,690 shares in the last quarter. Auto Owners Insurance Co lifted its stake in Honda Motor by 167.6% in the second quarter. Auto Owners Insurance Co now owns 655,650 shares of the companys stock worth $18,902,000 after acquiring an additional 410,650 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in Honda Motor by 12.4% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 594,897 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,151,000 after acquiring an additional 65,648 shares in the last quarter. 5.32% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Honda Motor alerts: Honda Motor Stock Up 1.1% HMC stock opened at $31.78 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $30.56 and a 200 day moving average of $31.37. The firm has a market cap of $49.60 billion, a PE ratio of 12.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.37. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has a twelve month low of $24.56 and a twelve month high of $34.89. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Honda Motor ( NYSE:HMC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported $0.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.52 by $0.24. Honda Motor had a return on equity of 4.01% and a net margin of 2.34%.The business had revenue of $34.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $33.34 billion. Honda Motor has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.462-1.462 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will post 3.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. HMC has been the subject of several research reports. BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on shares of Honda Motor in a report on Thursday, February 12th. They issued an underperform rating and a $25.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Honda Motor from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Nomura upgraded shares of Honda Motor to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Honda Motor in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.00. Get Our Latest Report on Honda Motor About Honda Motor (Free Report) Honda Motor Co, Ltd. is a global manufacturer and mobility company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. The companys core businesses include the design, manufacture and sale of automobiles and motorcycles, along with a diverse portfolio of power products, engines and related components. Honda also operates in aviation through Honda Aircraft Company and offers financial services that support vehicle sales and leasing. In automobiles, Honda is known for a range of passenger cars, crossovers and light trucks, and in motorcycles it is one of the worlds leading producers by volume and model breadth. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Honda Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Honda Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD acquired a new position in Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE:PHG Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 7,906,426 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $215,529,000. Koninklijke Philips comprises 3.6% of Mondrian Investment Partners LTDs portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest position. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in PHG. Brandes Investment Partners LP grew its holdings in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 54.3% during the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,530,918 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,712,000 after purchasing an additional 538,715 shares during the last quarter. Investment Management Associates Inc. ADV purchased a new stake in Koninklijke Philips during the second quarter valued at about $12,122,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in Koninklijke Philips by 435.0% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 225,616 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,410,000 after buying an additional 183,444 shares during the period. ABC Arbitrage SA grew its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 137.8% during the second quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA now owns 240,461 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,766,000 after buying an additional 139,353 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Midwest Trust Co purchased a new position in shares of Koninklijke Philips in the second quarter worth about $3,033,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.67% of the companys stock. Get Koninklijke Philips alerts: Koninklijke Philips Trading Down 0.5% Shares of PHG opened at $31.25 on Tuesday. Koninklijke Philips N.V. has a 1-year low of $21.48 and a 1-year high of $33.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The firms 50-day moving average price is $28.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $28.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.48, a PEG ratio of 6.59 and a beta of 0.79. Koninklijke Philips Increases Dividend Koninklijke Philips ( NYSE:PHG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The technology company reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $5.98 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.03 billion. Koninklijke Philips had a net margin of 5.09% and a return on equity of 13.68%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Koninklijke Philips N.V. will post 1.63 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced an annual dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 3rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 13th will be paid a $1.013 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 318.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 13th. This is a boost from Koninklijke Philipss previous annual dividend of $0.89. Koninklijke Philipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 77.36%. Analyst Ratings Changes PHG has been the topic of several analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada started coverage on shares of Koninklijke Philips in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. They issued a sector perform rating on the stock. 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. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Koninklijke Philips to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Zacks Research raised shares of Koninklijke Philips from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Koninklijke Philips from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Two research 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.com, Koninklijke Philips currently has a consensus rating of Hold. View Our Latest Analysis on PHG About Koninklijke Philips (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PHG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE:PHG Free Report). 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. EQB (TSE:EQB Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by stock analysts at National Bank Financial from C$98.00 to C$111.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the stock. National Bank Financials price target suggests a potential downside of 7.80% from the stocks current price. EQB has been the subject of several other reports. TD Securities boosted their price objective on EQB from C$96.00 to C$103.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Raymond James Financial cut their price target on EQB from C$93.00 to C$91.00 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Desjardins lifted their price target on shares of EQB from C$110.00 to C$125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Veritas upgraded EQB to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of EQB from C$97.00 to C$109.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, EQB presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$111.33. Get EQB alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on EQB EQB Price Performance Shares of TSE EQB traded up C$2.56 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting C$120.39. 102,855 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 145,314. The stock has a market capitalization of C$4.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.10, a PEG ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 0.74. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$105.81 and its 200-day moving average price is C$97.25. EQB has a 1-year low of C$83.93 and a 1-year high of C$120.53. EQB (TSE:EQB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported C$6.56 earnings per share for the quarter. EQB had a net margin of 13.04% and a return on equity of 8.52%. On average, research analysts expect that EQB will post 12.5988235 earnings per share for the current year. EQB Company Profile (Get Free Report) EQB Inc formerly Equitable Group Inc trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange TSX: EQB and EQB.PR.C and serves over 360000 Canadians through its wholly owned subsidiary Equitable Bank Canadas Challenger Bank. Equitable Bank has grown to become the countrys eighth largest independent Schedule I bank with a clear mandate to drive real change in Canadian banking to enrich peoples lives. At Equitable Bank we are as invested in our employees as we are in our business. Thats why we are consistently recognized as one of Canadas Top Employers a rating that comes from our 1300+ employees. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for EQB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EQB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Greece S.A. (OTCMKTS:NBGIF Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,102,669 shares, a growth of 29.8% from the January 15th total of 849,612 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 5,064 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 217.7 days. Based on an average daily volume of 5,064 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 217.7 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, National Bank Financial downgraded National Bank of Greece from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold. Get National Bank of Greece alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on National Bank of Greece National Bank of Greece Stock Performance About National Bank of Greece Shares of NBGIF opened at $17.90 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $16.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $15.50. National Bank of Greece has a 12-month low of $8.28 and a 12-month high of $19.00. (Get Free Report) National Bank of Greece (OTCMKTS:NBGIF) is one of Greeces oldest and largest financial institutions, tracing its roots back to its establishment in 1841. Headquartered in Athens, the bank has played a pivotal role in the economic development of modern Greece and continues to serve as a cornerstone of the countrys banking sector. Over the years, National Bank of Greece has expanded its operations beyond its domestic market, reflecting its commitment to supporting trade and investment across the wider region. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services that span retail banking, corporate and investment banking, private banking, and asset management. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Greece Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Greece and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEOS Investment Management LLC raised its stake in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 51.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 114,395 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 38,973 shares during the period. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $32,278,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in IBM. Beacon Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 6.9% in the third quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 2,402 shares of the technology companys stock worth $678,000 after acquiring an additional 154 shares during the period. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in International Business Machines by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,407 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,065,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP lifted its position in shares of International Business Machines by 14.4% in the 3rd quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 1,360 shares of the technology companys stock worth $384,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC raised its stake in International Business Machines by 4.8% during the third quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 22,083 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,231,000 after buying an additional 1,011 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealthcare Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in International Business Machines in the third quarter valued at $302,000. 58.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get International Business Machines alerts: International Business Machines Stock Up 1.1% International Business Machines stock opened at $262.33 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $245.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.69. The firms fifty day moving average price is $298.30 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $284.26. International Business Machines Corporation has a 1-year low of $214.50 and a 1-year high of $324.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67. International Business Machines Announces Dividend International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.33 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $19.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.23 billion. International Business Machines had a net margin of 15.69% and a return on equity of 38.15%. The firms revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.92 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be issued a $1.68 dividend. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 60.27%. Insider Transactions at International Business Machines In related news, Director David N. Farr acquired 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 30th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $304.00 per share, for a total transaction of $304,000.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 9,258 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,814,432. The trade was a 12.11% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have weighed in on IBM shares. Oppenheimer set a $380.00 price objective on International Business Machines and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Evercore boosted their price target on International Business Machines from $330.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $361.00 price objective on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Wedbush increased their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $315.00 to $335.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $330.07. Get Our Latest Analysis on IBM International Business Machines Profile (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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Business Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Business Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEOS Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 37.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 103,020 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 28,031 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 0.6% of NEOS Investment Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $78,604,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of LLY. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Steph & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% during the third quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc grew its stake in shares of 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 buying an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $1,040.12 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.58. The firm has a market cap of $981.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.39. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $1,053.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $910.46. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,133.95. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 31.66% and a return on equity of 102.94%. The business had revenue of $19.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.85 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $5.32 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 42.6% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 30.15%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have commented on LLY. Wall Street Zen downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,200.00 to $1,285.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $985.00 to $1,205.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,150.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,200.00 to $1,280.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,218.88. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company 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. See Also 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. NEOS Investment Management LLC lifted its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 44.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 117,989 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after buying an additional 36,236 shares during the period. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $40,742,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Guerra Advisors Inc purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,059,000. Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth about $1,572,193,000. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 21.8% during the second quarter. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC now owns 4,425 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,380,000 after purchasing an additional 791 shares during the period. Carnegie Investment Counsel increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel now owns 105,621 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $36,471,000 after buying an additional 2,316 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 48.9% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,790 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,806,000 after buying an additional 1,901 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently issued reports on UNH shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded UnitedHealth Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $333.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Mizuho reduced their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $430.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $335.00 to $338.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $411.00 to $409.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $391.00 to $327.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $372.13. UnitedHealth Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE UNH opened at $293.33 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The company has a market capitalization of $265.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.24, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.41. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a twelve month low of $234.60 and a twelve month high of $606.36. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $320.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $324.02. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.02. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 14.79% and a net margin of 2.69%.The business had revenue of $113.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $113.38 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $6.81 EPS. The companys revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. As a group, analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal 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. Further Reading 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. Rhumbline Advisers reduced its stake in NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU Free Report) by 13.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 24,482 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 3,760 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in NewMarket were worth $20,276,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of NewMarket by 7.3% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 220 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $182,000 after acquiring an additional 15 shares during the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC boosted its holdings in NewMarket by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 328 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $272,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. MAI Capital Management boosted its holdings in NewMarket by 20.8% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 122 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $84,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its stake in shares of NewMarket by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 2,374 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,966,000 after buying an additional 21 shares during the period. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of NewMarket by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 703 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $582,000 after buying an additional 24 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.09% of the companys stock. Get NewMarket alerts: NewMarket Price Performance Shares of NEU opened at $592.39 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $692.71 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $753.02. The stock has a market cap of $5.57 billion, a PE ratio of 13.34 and a beta of 0.48. NewMarket Corporation has a 1-year low of $510.07 and a 1-year high of $875.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 2.53 and a quick ratio of 1.33. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades NewMarket ( NYSE:NEU Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The specialty chemicals company reported $8.65 EPS for the quarter. NewMarket had a net margin of 15.37% and a return on equity of 25.38%. The firm had revenue of $635.40 million for the quarter. Separately, Weiss Ratings cut NewMarket from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold. View Our Latest Stock Report on NEU NewMarket Company Profile (Free Report) NewMarket Corporation is a specialty chemicals and lubricants company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Through its Valvoline business, the company markets a broad portfolio of automotive aftermarket products, including engine oils, transmission fluids, greases and vehicle care solutions. Valvoline products are distributed through retail and commercial channels as well as a network of quick-lube service centers that provide oil changes, preventive maintenance and related services. In its chemical additives segment, NewMarket develops, manufactures and sells performance additives for fuels, lubricants and industrial fluids. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NewMarket Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NewMarket and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT lessened its position in Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO Free Report) by 12.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,435 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 2,686 shares during the quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UTs holdings in Onto Innovation were worth $2,382,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ONTO. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Onto Innovation by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 198 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its stake in Onto Innovation by 2,061.5% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 281 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 268 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Onto Innovation in the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Onto Innovation by 76.8% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 320 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pilgrim Partners Asia Pte Ltd purchased a new stake in Onto Innovation in the 3rd quarter valued at $47,000. 98.35% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Onto Innovation alerts: Onto Innovation Trading Up 1.1% NYSE:ONTO opened at $216.99 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $187.59 and a 200 day moving average price of $146.70. Onto Innovation Inc. has a 12-month low of $85.88 and a 12-month high of $229.87. The firm has a market cap of $10.63 billion, a PE ratio of 61.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.49. Analyst Ratings Changes ONTO has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Needham & Company LLC lifted their target price on shares of Onto Innovation from $200.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Onto Innovation in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Onto Innovation from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $275.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Onto Innovation from $170.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Evercore upped their price target on Onto Innovation from $115.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $206.88. Get Our Latest Research Report on Onto Innovation Onto Innovation Profile (Free Report) Onto Innovation (NYSE:ONTO) is a global supplier of advanced process control and inspection systems for semiconductor and electronics manufacturers. The companys solutions span metrology, inspection, defect review and lithography mask repair, helping customers optimize yield, reduce costs and improve device performance. By integrating high-resolution optical and e-beam tools with sophisticated software analytics, Onto Innovation enables wafer, mask and advanced packaging producers to maintain tight process control across leading-edge nodes and specialty applications. Key products include high-throughput wafer metrology systems, optical and e-beam defect inspection platforms, mask inspection and repair tools, and data-driven software for yield management and process optimization. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Onto Innovation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Onto Innovation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Orange (OTCMKTS:ORANY Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Orange to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Orange in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Citigroup upgraded shares of Orange from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Orange from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Get Orange alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Orange Orange Stock Down 0.5% Orange Dividend Announcement Shares of OTCMKTS:ORANY opened at $20.41 on Tuesday. Orange has a 1 year low of $11.27 and a 1 year high of $20.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $17.53 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.65. The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.2392 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 395.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Orange Company Profile (Get Free Report) Orange SA, commonly known as Orange, is a multinational telecommunications operator headquartered in Paris, France. The company has its roots in the former state-owned France Telecom and later consolidated its international operations under the Orange brand. Orange provides a wide range of connectivity and communications services and maintains a significant presence across Europe, and in many countries in Africa and the Middle East, serving both consumer and business customers. Oranges core activities include mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband and fiber internet access, and television services for retail customers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Orange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Todd Asset Management LLC cut its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 17.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 13,997 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,986 shares during the quarter. Todd Asset Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,270,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC raised its holdings 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 buying an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Estabrook Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Briaud Financial Planning Inc increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 266.7% in the 2nd quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.8% PM stock opened at $187.35 on Tuesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $142.11 and a 52 week high of $190.98. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $168.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of $162.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $291.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.77, a P/E/G ratio of 2.14 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 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.70. The business had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.40 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 12.09% and a negative return on equity of 130.95%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.55 earnings per share. 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, analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th were issued 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 is currently 80.88%. Analyst Ratings Changes PM has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus set a $200.00 target price on Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $181.50 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, February 9th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $205.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $220.00 to $180.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on Philip Morris International from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $194.06. Read Our Latest Report on PM Philip Morris International Profile (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 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. NEOS Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 49.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 282,705 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 93,693 shares during the quarter. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $43,438,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PG. Czech National Bank raised its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% during the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,409,000 after buying an additional 21,825 shares during the last quarter. Westerkirk Capital Inc. purchased a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $4,796,000. Vega Investment Solutions grew its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,710,000 after acquiring an additional 8,500 shares in the last quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 36.2% in the second quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS now owns 17,798 shares of the companys stock worth $2,836,000 after acquiring an additional 4,730 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jump Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth $7,891,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Trading Down 0.7% Shares of NYSE:PG opened at $160.11 on Tuesday. Procter & Gamble Company has a 52-week low of $137.62 and a 52-week high of $179.99. 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 company has a market capitalization of $372.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $147.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $150.47. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.88 EPS. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared 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. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is 62.67%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.00, for a total transaction of $1,264,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 6,571 shares in the company, valued at $1,038,218. The trade was a 54.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,827 shares of the businesss 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 completion of the transaction, the insider owned 12,639 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,026,158.09. The trade was a 50.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 326,091 shares of company stock valued at $51,795,360 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have commented on the company. Rothschild & Co Redburn increased their price target on Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. BNP Paribas Exane cut their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Tuesday. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $167.67. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Procter & Gamble 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 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. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe (NYSEARCA:UPV Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,223 shares, an increase of 44.9% from the January 15th total of 3,605 shares. Approximately 4.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 1,338 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,338 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.9 days. Approximately 4.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Hedge Funds Weigh In On ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe An institutional investor recently bought a new position in ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe stock. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe (NYSEARCA:UPV Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 3,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $206,000. Jane Street Group LLC owned approximately 2.72% of ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe at the end of the most recent quarter. Get ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe alerts: ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Trading Down 0.2% Shares of UPV opened at $100.28 on Tuesday. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe has a one year low of $51.37 and a one year high of $102.46. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $94.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $86.53. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Company Profile ProShares Ultra MSCI Europe seeks daily investment results that correspond to twice (200%) the daily performance of the MSCI Europe Index (the Index). The Fund seeks investment results for a single day only, not for longer periods. The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe. The Index is divided into large and mid-cap segments, and targets approximately 85% of free float-adjusted market capitalization of the region. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its position in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 14.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 21,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,702 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Boards holdings in Deere & Company were worth $9,682,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of DE. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Deere & Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Activest Wealth Management boosted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 69.2% in the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 66 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. grew its position in Deere & Company by 406.7% during the second quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 76 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. Finally, Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Deere & Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.58% of the companys stock. Get Deere & Company alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total transaction of $6,120,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 20,792 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,603,920. This represents a 36.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total value of $20,797,793.28. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares in the company, valued at $59,160,775.30. This trade represents a 26.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 64,578 shares of company stock worth $32,471,682 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock. Deere & Company Trading Up 0.7% Shares of Deere & Company stock opened at $602.54 on Tuesday. Deere & Company has a fifty-two week low of $404.42 and a fifty-two week high of $626.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a current ratio of 2.22. The company has a market capitalization of $163.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.55, a P/E/G ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a fifty day moving average of $510.29 and a 200 day moving average of $487.67. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.96 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $12.39 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.77 billion. Deere & Company had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 20.54%. Deere & Companys revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $4.55 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Deere & Company will post 19.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Deere & Company Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys payout ratio is currently 35.01%. Analysts Set New Price Targets DE has been the topic of several recent research reports. Evercore reiterated a positive rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Friday, November 28th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $580.00 target price on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday, December 1st. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and set a $460.00 target price on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Wall Street Zen raised Deere & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Deere & Company from $440.00 to $475.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $524.20. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Deere & Company Deere & Company Company Profile (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. Recommended Stories 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. Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $8.65, but opened at $7.69. Recruit shares last traded at $7.95, with a volume of 497,418 shares trading hands. Recruit Trading Down 7.4% The stocks 50-day moving average price is $10.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.84. The stock has a market cap of $62.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.00 and a beta of 1.66. Get Recruit alerts: Recruit (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $6.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.03 billion. Recruit had a return on equity of 30.40% and a net margin of 12.85%. As a group, analysts predict that Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. will post 0.36 earnings per share for the current year. About Recruit Recruit Holdings Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: RCRUY) is a Japan-based provider of human resources and information services that operates a diversified portfolio of staffing, recruitment and consumer-facing platforms. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company builds and runs digital marketplaces and service businesses that connect employers with job seekers, support corporate HR functions, and offer related marketing and consumer services in areas such as lifestyle and local search. The companys principal activities include online job search and employer branding platforms, temporary and permanent staffing, recruitment process outsourcing, and HR technology solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Recruit Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Recruit and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE:HPF Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 16,507 shares, a growth of 45.6% from the January 15th total of 11,335 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 38,567 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 38,567 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II during the second quarter worth about $112,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II during the 4th quarter worth approximately $180,000. Readystate Asset Management LP acquired a new position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II during the third quarter worth approximately $195,000. Spire Wealth Management lifted its stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 25.0% in the third quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 12,384 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,000 after buying an additional 2,478 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 12.7% in the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 18,947 shares of the companys stock valued at $301,000 after buying an additional 2,140 shares during the last quarter. Get John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II alerts: John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Price Performance Shares of NYSE HPF opened at $16.13 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $16.12 and its 200-day simple moving average is $16.36. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II has a fifty-two week low of $14.56 and a fifty-two week high of $17.57. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Announces Dividend John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Company Profile The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be issued a $0.1235 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.2%. (Get Free Report) John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE: HPF) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the fund primarily invests in preferred securities issued by U.S. and, to a lesser extent, international issuers. Its diversified portfolio may include investment-grade and below-investment-grade preferred stocks, corporate debt securities, convertible securities and, when deemed appropriate, common equity. Launched in June 2006, HPF employs leverage through preferred share borrowings and other forms of financing to enhance income potential. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lifted its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report) by 48.9% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,341,074 shares of the cell phone carriers stock after acquiring an additional 440,366 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Verizon Communications were worth $58,940,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Verizon Communications in the 2nd quarter worth $2,504,150,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Verizon Communications by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 372,787,016 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $16,130,494,000 after acquiring an additional 4,615,075 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in Verizon Communications by 2.1% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 208,213,255 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $9,009,388,000 after acquiring an additional 4,205,449 shares during the last quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System increased its stake in Verizon Communications by 21.5% in the second quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 21,159,040 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $915,552,000 after acquiring an additional 3,743,892 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Verizon Communications by 4,274.6% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,917,508 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $82,971,000 after purchasing an additional 1,873,675 shares in the last quarter. 62.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Verizon Communications Stock Down 0.9% Shares of Verizon Communications stock opened at $49.00 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 0.91. Verizon Communications Inc. has a 52-week low of $38.39 and a 52-week high of $50.24. The companys 50 day moving average price is $41.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $41.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $206.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.33. Verizon Communications Increases Dividend Verizon Communications ( NYSE:VZ Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $36.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $36.20 billion. Verizon Communications had a net margin of 12.43% and a return on equity of 19.03%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.10 EPS. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.900-4.950 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 10th will be issued 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 is Friday, April 10th. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 68.15%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on VZ shares. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Verizon Communications from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Verizon Communications from $41.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $48.00 price target on shares of Verizon Communications in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. BNP Paribas Exane lowered shares of Verizon Communications from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, KeyCorp reaffirmed a sector weight rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a report on Monday, January 26th. 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 companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.02. Get Our Latest Report on VZ Insider Activity In other Verizon Communications news, EVP Joseph J. Russo sold 9,579 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.88, for a total transaction of $429,905.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 44,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,976,739.60. This represents a 17.86% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. 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. Read More 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. Texas Yale Capital Corp. boosted its holdings in shares of Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN Free Report) by 345.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,480 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,025 shares during the quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp.s holdings in Vail Resorts were worth $969,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. NBT Bank N A NY lifted its holdings in shares of Vail Resorts by 450.0% in the 3rd quarter. NBT Bank N A NY now owns 176 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Vail Resorts by 815.8% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 174 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in Vail Resorts by 196.8% during the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 187 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its stake in shares of Vail Resorts by 222.7% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 213 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vail Resorts in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. 94.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Vail Resorts alerts: Vail Resorts Trading Down 1.8% MTN stock opened at $134.49 on Tuesday. Vail Resorts, Inc. has a 12 month low of $126.15 and a 12 month high of $175.51. The firms 50-day moving average is $140.45 and its 200 day moving average is $146.37. The company has a market capitalization of $4.81 billion, a PE ratio of 19.72, a P/E/G ratio of 8.15 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.52, a current ratio of 0.54 and a quick ratio of 0.46. Vail Resorts Announces Dividend Vail Resorts ( NYSE:MTN Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The company reported ($5.20) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($5.23) by $0.03. The business had revenue of $271.03 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $273.35 million. Vail Resorts had a net margin of 8.94% and a return on equity of 32.51%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($4.61) EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Vail Resorts, Inc. will post 7.62 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 30th were issued a dividend of $2.22 per share. This represents a $8.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 30th. Vail Resortss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 130.21%. Analyst Ratings Changes MTN has been the topic of several recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Vail Resorts in a report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a $156.00 price objective on shares of Vail Resorts in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Vail Resorts from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $169.00 price target on shares of Vail Resorts in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Barclays set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Vail Resorts in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $173.27. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Vail Resorts Vail Resorts Company Profile (Free Report) Vail Resorts, Inc is a leading mountain resort company that owns and operates an integrated network of ski areas, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets. The companys signature Epic Pass program offers skiers and snowboarders seasonlong access to its portfolio of resorts, while ancillary services such as ski and snowboard schools, equipment rental and retail drive additional revenue. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Vail Resorts was formed in 1997, building on the legacy of Vail Associates, which opened the Vail ski area in 1962. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vail Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vail Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. reduced its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 47.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,472 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 3,115 shares during the quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $1,199,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of UNH. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,837,207,000. Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,572,193,000. Dodge & Cox increased its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 117.7% during the 2nd quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,750,560 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $2,729,912,000 after purchasing an additional 4,730,192 shares during the last quarter. Lone Pine Capital LLC bought a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth $528,273,000. Finally, Amundi increased its position in UnitedHealth Group by 33.8% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 6,191,871 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,904,372,000 after acquiring an additional 1,565,245 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.86% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 3.2% UNH stock opened at $293.33 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $234.60 and a 52 week high of $606.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $265.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.41. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $320.31 and a 200 day moving average of $324.02. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $113.22 billion during 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%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.81 earnings per share. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Evercore raised shares of UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $430.00 to $410.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $333.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $400.00 to $370.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, UnitedHealth Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $372.13. Read Our Latest Stock Report on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (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. Featured Articles 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. Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, TripAdvisor, MakeMyTrip, and Travel + Leisure are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business comes from the travel and tourism ecosystemairlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, car rental firms, online travel agencies and other travel service providers. These stocks tend to be cyclical and sensitive to consumer discretionary spending, seasonality, fuel prices, geopolitical events and public-health crises, so investors monitor macroeconomic indicators and booking/occupancy trends when assessing them. 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 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 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 Travel + Leisure (TNL) Travel + Leisure Co., together with its subsidiaries, provides hospitality services and travel products in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Vacation Ownership; and Travel and Membership. The Vacation Ownership segment develops, markets, and sells vacation ownership interests (VOIs) to individual consumers, as well as provides consumer financing in connection with the sale of VOIs; and property management services at resorts. Read Our Latest Research Report on TNL Further Reading Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ increased its stake in Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 449,346 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,864 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $44,016,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Kilter Group LLC bought a new stake in Uber Technologies in the second quarter valued at $26,000. Westend Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Uber Technologies during the third quarter worth about $27,000. Total Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. Pilgrim Partners Asia Pte Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies in the 3rd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new stake in Uber Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $42,000. 80.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets 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 transaction of $260,937.50. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 176,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,744,764. The trade was a 1.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 3.70% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Uber Technologies Price Performance Shares of NYSE:UBER opened at $69.83 on Tuesday. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $60.63 and a 12 month high of $101.99. The stock has a market cap of $145.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.83, a PEG ratio of 6.40 and a beta of 1.21. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $80.86 and its 200 day moving average price is $88.96. 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 (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.71 earnings per share (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 period in the previous year, the business posted $3.21 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter 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. Equities research analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have commented on UBER. Melius Research set a $73.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Wolfe Research reduced their price objective on Uber Technologies from $125.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Benchmark reissued a hold rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Thursday, February 5th. BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on Uber Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. They issued an outperform rating and a $108.00 target price on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on Uber Technologies from $113.00 to $106.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $104.89. View Our Latest Research Report on Uber Technologies About Uber Technologies (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. Featured Articles 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. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 0.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 53,369,215 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 94,203 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned 9.77% of EOG Resources worth $5,983,756,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cullen Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 576,470 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $68,952,000 after purchasing an additional 25,753 shares during the period. Rockland Trust Co. increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 5.1% during the third quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 246,326 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $27,618,000 after buying an additional 11,965 shares during the period. Railway Pension Investments Ltd raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 6.9% in the second quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd now owns 449,100 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $53,717,000 after acquiring an additional 28,800 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC lifted its stake in EOG Resources by 1,413.5% in the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 25,533 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $2,863,000 after acquiring an additional 23,846 shares during the period. Finally, BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 21.0% during the 3rd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 65,820 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $7,380,000 after acquiring an additional 11,442 shares in the last quarter. 89.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Stock Up 2.5% EOG stock opened at $120.85 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.57 billion, a PE ratio of 12.04 and a beta of 0.49. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 52 week low of $101.59 and a 52 week high of $135.87. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $108.26 and a 200 day moving average of $111.35. Insider Transactions at EOG Resources Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,000 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.68, for a total transaction of $211,360.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 54,979 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,810,180.72. The trade was a 3.51% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Several equities research analysts have recently commented on EOG shares. Stephens boosted their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $138.00 to $139.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Scotiabank set a $123.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating and set a $127.00 target price (up previously from $126.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Roth Mkm cut their price target on EOG Resources from $114.00 to $108.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Zacks Research cut EOG Resources from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $134.30. Read Our Latest Stock Report on EOG Resources EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc (NYSE: EOG) is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Tracing its corporate origins to Enron Oil & Gas Company in the late 1990s, the company established itself as a standalone E&P operator and has grown into one of the largest U.S. upstream producers. EOG focuses on the exploration, development and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). As an upstream-focused company, EOGs core activities include geologic and geophysical exploration, drilling and completion of wells, reservoir development, and the marketing of hydrocarbon production. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. lowered its position in Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 76,487,581 shares of the banks stock after selling 699,861 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned about 4.51% of Toronto Dominion Bank worth $6,115,947,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the banks stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 856 shares in the last quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Sachetta LLC purchased a new position in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.37% of the companys stock. Get Toronto Dominion Bank alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on TD shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Raymond James Financial upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Natl Bk Canada upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $93.00. Toronto Dominion Bank Stock Performance Toronto Dominion Bank stock opened at $95.33 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The firms fifty day moving average price is $94.20 and its 200 day moving average price is $84.24. The company has a market capitalization of $159.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.67. Toronto Dominion Bank has a 12-month low of $54.87 and a 12-month high of $99.04. Toronto Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.10. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.90% and a net margin of 16.52%.The company had revenue of $11.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.10 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.72 earnings per share. Toronto Dominion Banks quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th were issued a dividend of $1.08 per share. This represents a $4.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.5%. This is a boost from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 9th. Toronto Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio is presently 37.37%. About Toronto Dominion Bank (Free Report) Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a Canadian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Formed through the 1955 merger of the Bank of Toronto (founded 1855) and the Dominion Bank (founded 1869), TD is one of Canadas largest banks and offers a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial and institutional clients. TDs core businesses include Canadian and U.S. personal and commercial banking, wealth management, wholesale banking and insurance. Featured Stories 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. Veeva Systems (NYSE:VEEV Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at Morgan Stanley from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm presently has a $205.00 target price on the technology companys stock, down from their previous target price of $222.00. Morgan Stanleys target price would indicate a potential upside of 17.53% from the companys current price. Several other equities analysts have also commented on the stock. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on shares of Veeva Systems from $314.00 to $319.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and set a $330.00 price objective on shares of Veeva Systems in a report on Monday, November 24th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $355.00 target price on shares of Veeva Systems in a report on Friday, November 21st. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Veeva Systems in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Veeva Systems from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, December 6th. Eighteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Veeva Systems currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $307.33. Get Veeva Systems alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Veeva Systems Veeva Systems Stock Performance Shares of NYSE VEEV opened at $174.42 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $28.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.08. Veeva Systems has a 1 year low of $168.13 and a 1 year high of $310.50. The firms 50 day moving average price is $214.85 and its 200 day moving average price is $256.58. Veeva Systems (NYSE:VEEV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The technology company reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.95 by $0.09. Veeva Systems had a return on equity of 13.68% and a net margin of 27.93%.The business had revenue of $0.81 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $792.37 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.75 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 16.0% on a year-over-year basis. Veeva Systems has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.930-7.93 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.920-1.920 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Veeva Systems will post 4.35 EPS for the current year. Veeva Systems declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Monday, January 5th that authorizes the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the technology company to purchase up to 5.5% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling at Veeva Systems In other news, insider Thomas D. Schwenger sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $231.43, for a total value of $231,430.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 23,204 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,370,101.72. This represents a 4.13% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 10.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Veeva Systems by 225.9% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,122 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $899,000 after acquiring an additional 2,164 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Veeva Systems during the second quarter worth $32,000. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Veeva Systems by 15.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 4,131 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,190,000 after buying an additional 554 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Veeva Systems in the 2nd quarter valued at about $361,000. Finally, Phoenix Financial Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Veeva Systems during the 2nd quarter valued at about $777,000. Institutional investors own 88.20% of the companys stock. About Veeva Systems (Get Free Report) Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) is a cloud software company that develops industry-specific applications and data solutions for the global life sciences sector. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Veeva focuses on helping pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and consumer health companies manage regulated content, clinical and regulatory processes, quality systems, and commercial operations in a compliant, cloud-native environment. The company completed its initial public offering in 2013 and has since expanded its product suite and international footprint. Veevas product portfolio centers on its Vault platform and related application suites, which provide content and data management, clinical trial and regulatory workflows, quality management, and structured commercial capabilities such as customer relationship management and promotional content management. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Veeva Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veeva Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virgin Galactic (NYSE:SPCE Get Free Report) and Vertical Aerospace (NYSE:EVTL Get Free Report) are both small-cap aerospace companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, risk and dividends. Insider and Institutional Ownership 46.6% of Virgin Galactic shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 81.2% of Vertical Aerospace shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Virgin Galactic shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 74.8% of Vertical Aerospace shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Virgin Galactic alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Virgin Galactic and Vertical Aerospaces top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Virgin Galactic $7.04 million 26.44 -$346.74 million ($7.47) -0.34 Vertical Aerospace N/A N/A -$998.35 million ($48.92) -0.09 Virgin Galactic has higher revenue and earnings than Vertical Aerospace. Virgin Galactic is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Vertical Aerospace, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk & Volatility Virgin Galactic has a beta of 2.21, suggesting that its stock price is 121% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vertical Aerospace has a beta of 1.22, suggesting that its stock price is 22% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Virgin Galactic and Vertical Aerospaces net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Virgin Galactic -17,615.71% -108.00% -32.35% Vertical Aerospace N/A N/A -489.91% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Virgin Galactic and Vertical Aerospace, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Virgin Galactic 2 3 1 0 1.83 Vertical Aerospace 1 0 6 0 2.71 Virgin Galactic presently has a consensus price target of $4.20, suggesting a potential upside of 65.03%. Vertical Aerospace has a consensus price target of $11.80, suggesting a potential upside of 169.10%. Given Vertical Aerospaces stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Vertical Aerospace is more favorable than Virgin Galactic. Summary Vertical Aerospace beats Virgin Galactic on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Virgin Galactic (Get Free Report) Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc., an aerospace and space travel company, focuses on the development, manufacture, and operation of spaceships and related technologies. The company engages in the design and development, manufacturing, ground and flight testing, spaceflight operation, and post-flight maintenance of spaceflight systems for private individuals, researchers, and government agencies. Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Tustin, California. About Vertical Aerospace (Get Free Report) Vertical Aerospace Ltd., an aerospace and technology company, engages in designing, manufacturing, and selling zero operating emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in the advanced air mobility in the United Kingdom. It offers VX4, an eVTOL aircraft. Vertical Aerospace Ltd. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Galactic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Galactic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 3.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 248,145 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 7,961 shares during the period. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $29,487,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP boosted its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 197.6% in the 3rd quarter. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP now owns 244 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares during the period. Curio Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 26,900.0% during the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 270 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 269 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 85.4% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 254 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 200.4% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 902 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WPG Advisers LLC lifted its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 306.6% in the 3rd quarter. WPG Advisers LLC now owns 431 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. 66.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Trading Up 1.2% NYSEARCA:IJR opened at $130.95 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $126.11 and its 200 day moving average is $120.59. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 12 month low of $89.22 and a 12 month high of $133.52. The company has a market capitalization of $96.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index serves as the underlying index for the S&P 600/Citigroup Growth and Value Index series. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthcare Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFI Free Report) by 20.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 185,651 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 31,816 shares during the quarter. SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF accounts for 0.9% of Wealthcare Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Wealthcare Capital Management LLC owned about 0.26% of SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF worth $8,460,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Founders Financial Alliance LLC purchased a new stake in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $42,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $69,000. Private Trust Co. NA increased its stake in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF by 172.4% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,367 shares of the companys stock worth $108,000 after purchasing an additional 1,498 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF by 33.5% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,622 shares of the companys stock worth $119,000 after purchasing an additional 658 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $135,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.83% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF alerts: SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Trading Up 0.2% TFI stock opened at $46.29 on Tuesday. SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $42.84 and a 12-month high of $46.29. The businesss 50-day moving average is $45.86 and its 200 day moving average is $45.56. SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Cuts Dividend SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd were paid a $0.1315 dividend. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 2nd. (Free Report) Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS Get Free Report) had its price target cut by equities researchers at Wells Fargo & Company from $215.00 to $195.00 in a research report issued on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an underweight rating on the business services providers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective suggests a potential downside of 1.52% from the companys current price. Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on FDS. Bank of America started coverage on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a report on Tuesday. They issued an underperform rating and a $195.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $320.00 price objective on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Friday, December 19th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating and set a $305.00 target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a report on Friday, December 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and six have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $298.54. Get FactSet Research Systems alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FactSet Research Systems FactSet Research Systems Trading Down 3.8% NYSE FDS opened at $198.01 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $270.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $298.83. FactSet Research Systems has a 52 week low of $190.58 and a 52 week high of $474.79. The company has a current ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The stock has a market cap of $7.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.54, a PEG ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.73. FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The business services provider reported $4.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.36 by $0.15. FactSet Research Systems had a net margin of 25.40% and a return on equity of 30.49%. The firm had revenue of $607.62 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $599.69 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.37 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. FactSet Research Systems has set its FY 2026 guidance at 16.900-17.600 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that FactSet Research Systems will post 17.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. FactSet Research Systems announced that its board has approved a share buyback program on Thursday, December 18th that permits the company to repurchase $600.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the business services provider to reacquire up to 5.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Transactions at FactSet Research Systems In related news, Director Malcolm Frank sold 2,572 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $295.70, for a total value of $760,540.40. Following the sale, the director directly owned 879 shares in the company, valued at $259,920.30. The trade was a 74.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Laurie Siegel sold 2,572 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $296.25, for a total transaction of $761,955.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 1,037 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $307,211.25. This represents a 71.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of FactSet Research Systems Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,727 shares of the business services providers stock worth $785,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC increased its holdings in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 27.6% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 972 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $442,000 after purchasing an additional 210 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 188.2% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 98 shares of the business services providers stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the second quarter worth approximately $281,000. Finally, Mutual Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 11.2% during the second quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 1,019 shares of the business services providers stock worth $427,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.24% of the companys stock. About FactSet Research Systems (Get Free Report) FactSet Research Systems Inc operates as a global provider of integrated financial data and analytics to the investment community. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, the company offers a unified platform that aggregates content from thousands of sources, delivering real-time and historical market data, company fundamentals, estimates, fixed-income information and proprietary analytics to portfolio managers, research analysts, investment bankers and risk officers. The companys core products include the FactSet Workstation, an application offering customizable screening, charting, portfolio analysis and news; APIs and data feeds for seamless integration into proprietary systems; and cloud-based solutions for thematic research and quantitative strategies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for FactSet Research Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FactSet Research Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zweig DiMenna Associates LLC increased its holdings in Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE:VRT Free Report) by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 103,700 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,600 shares during the quarter. Vertiv comprises about 1.1% of Zweig DiMenna Associates LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. Zweig DiMenna Associates LLCs holdings in Vertiv were worth $15,644,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of VRT. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Vertiv in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $538,132,000. Winslow Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Vertiv during the second quarter valued at $459,284,000. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its holdings in Vertiv by 102.7% in the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 26,837 shares of the companys stock worth $3,446,000 after acquiring an additional 1,026,837 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Vertiv by 20.9% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 5,931,488 shares of the companys stock worth $761,662,000 after acquiring an additional 1,024,634 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Vertiv by 934.8% during the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,098,150 shares of the companys stock valued at $165,667,000 after acquiring an additional 992,031 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.92% of the companys stock. Get Vertiv alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on VRT shares. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Vertiv from $204.00 to $277.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $281.00 target price on shares of Vertiv in a research report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings upgraded Vertiv from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Friday. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Vertiv from $173.00 to $201.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Vertiv from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $228.68. Insider Buying and Selling In other Vertiv news, EVP Stephen Liang sold 5,501 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.48, for a total value of $937,810.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 4,050 shares in the company, valued at $690,444. The trade was a 57.60% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 5.01% of the companys stock. Vertiv Trading Down 0.8% VRT opened at $234.56 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 1.83. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $179.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $165.03. Vertiv Holdings Co. has a one year low of $53.60 and a one year high of $255.54. The stock has a market cap of $89.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 68.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 2.08. Vertiv (NYSE:VRT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.89 billion. Vertiv had a net margin of 13.03% and a return on equity of 52.91%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 22.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.99 EPS. Vertiv has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.950-1.010 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.970-6.070 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Vertiv Holdings Co. will post 3.59 EPS for the current year. Vertiv Profile (Free Report) Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions for data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company designs, manufactures and services equipment and software that support power availability, thermal management and IT infrastructure management for a broad set of end markets, including hyperscale and enterprise data centers, colocation providers, telecom operators and industrial customers. The companys product portfolio includes uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDUs), battery and DC power systems, precision cooling and thermal management equipment, racks and enclosures, and integrated modular infrastructure. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VRT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE:VRT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vertiv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vertiv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zweig DiMenna Associates LLC decreased its position in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report) by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 41,797 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 6,300 shares during the quarter. Zweig DiMenna Associates LLCs holdings in Visa were worth $14,269,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in V. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Visa during the second quarter worth $29,000. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. bought a new position in Visa during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Bare Financial Services Inc increased its position in Visa by 287.0% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 89 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Hoese & Co LLP acquired a new stake in Visa in the 2nd quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Visa by 202.7% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 114 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.15% of the companys stock. Get Visa alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on V. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $395.00 price target on shares of Visa in a research note on Friday, January 30th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Visa in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Robert W. Baird set a $425.00 price target on Visa in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating and set a $405.00 price objective on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Visa from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $382.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Visa has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $392.21. Visa Trading Down 3.1% Shares of Visa stock opened at $314.13 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $337.74 and its 200 day moving average is $339.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $570.19 billion, a PE ratio of 29.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.79. Visa Inc. has a 1 year low of $299.00 and a 1 year high of $375.51. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Visa (NYSE:V Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The credit-card processor reported $3.17 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $10.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.69 billion. Visa had a net margin of 50.23% and a return on equity of 61.74%. The firms revenue was up 14.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.75 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Visa Inc. will post 11.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Visa Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be given a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. Visas payout ratio is currently 25.14%. Insider Transactions at Visa In other news, insider Paul D. Fabara sold 2,172 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.93, for a total value of $707,919.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 26,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,608,789.09. This represents a 7.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 10,485 shares of Visa stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $349.18, for a total transaction of $3,661,152.30. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 9,401 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,282,641.18. This represents a 52.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.12% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Visa (Free Report) Visa Inc is a global payments technology company that facilitates electronic funds transfers and digital commerce by connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions and governments. The firm operates one of the worlds largest payment networks, providing processing, authorization, clearing and settlement services for credit, debit and prepaid card transactions. Visas network-based model enables partner banks and other issuers to offer branded payment products while Visa focuses on the infrastructure, standards and technologies that move money securely and efficiently around the world. Visas product and service portfolio includes card-based payment products for consumers and businesses, real-time push-payment capabilities, tokenization and authentication services, fraud and risk-management tools, data analytics and APIs for fintech and merchant integration. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Get Free Report) and Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (OTCMKTS:SVNLY Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, risk and dividends. Get Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publs top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft $68.84 billion N/A $7.84 billion $3.43 10.28 Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ $21.75 billion N/A $3.59 billion $0.68 11.47 Volatility & Risk Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has higher revenue and earnings than Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a beta of 0.95, suggesting that its share price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ has a beta of 0.57, suggesting that its share price is 43% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft 1 5 4 1 2.45 Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ 2 4 0 0 1.67 Profitability This table compares Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft 10.02% 7.49% 0.43% Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ 16.69% 14.42% 0.73% Institutional & Insider Ownership 27.9% of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft beats Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, a stock corporation, provides corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients in Germany, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through Corporate Bank, Investment Bank, Private Bank, and Asset Management segments. The Corporate Bank segment offers cash management, trade finance and lending, trust and agency, and securities services, as well as risk management solutions. The Investment Bank segment provides debt origination, merger and acquisitions, foreign exchange, and equity advisory and origination platform services. The Private Bank segment offers payment and account services, and credit and deposit products, as well as investment advice products, such as environmental, social, and governance products. This segment also provides banking, wealth management, other financial, and postal and parcel services; and supports in planning, managing and investing wealth, financing personal and business interests, and servicing institutional and corporate needs. The Asset Management segment offers investment solutions, such as alternative investments, which include real estate, infrastructure, liquid real assets, and sustainable investments; and various other services, including insurance and pension solutions, asset liability management, portfolio management solutions, and asset allocation advisory to individuals and institutions. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. About Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (Get Free Report) Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) provides various banking products and services for private and corporate customers primarily in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, the United States, Luxembourg, Finland, and Poland. The company offers savings, transactions, business, currency, and investment accounts, as well as accounts for cash pool, and forestry and agriculture; mortgage and committed loans, and private loans; mutual funds; pension products; credit and debit cards; and payment and reconciliation services, as well as foreign exchange rate services. It also provides financing for investments, such as equipment, cars, computers, and other inventories, as well as vehicle and real estate financing services; green loans and advisor services; investment and other financing services; medical care, and group and health insurance products; forestry and farming banking products; and online and mobile banking services, as well as various banking services for children and young people. In addition, the company offers financial services, that includes asset management, transactional banking, corporate finance, financing, markets, trade finance, market information and research services to large corporations; cash management solutions; and various corporate banking services to small and medium-sized companies and large corporates, as well as private banking services. Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) was incorporated in 1871 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC lessened its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA Free Report) by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 411,108 shares of the companys stock after selling 13,680 shares during the period. Crestwood Advisors Group LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $35,893,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 9,134.0% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,156,078 shares of the companys stock valued at $597,389,000 after acquiring an additional 7,078,581 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 7.6% during the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 96,540,540 shares of the companys stock worth $8,355,581,000 after purchasing an additional 6,837,301 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 220,025,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,367,730,000 after purchasing an additional 5,414,037 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 140.8% in the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 8,449,555 shares of the companys stock worth $705,336,000 after purchasing an additional 4,940,406 shares during the period. Finally, Vantagepoint Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $365,315,000. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Price Performance Shares of BATS:IEFA opened at $97.28 on Tuesday. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a 1 year low of $66.95 and a 1 year high of $98.24. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $92.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $88.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $166.35 billion, a PE ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 0.84. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Profile The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harleysville Savings Financial (OTCMKTS:HARL Get Free Report) and Byline Bancorp (NYSE:BY Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, valuation, risk, institutional ownership, earnings and analyst recommendations. Get Harleysville Savings Financial alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Harleysville Savings Financial and Byline Bancorps top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Harleysville Savings Financial $43.61 million 2.20 $9.53 million $2.80 9.55 Byline Bancorp $633.15 million 2.38 $130.05 million $2.88 11.43 Institutional and Insider Ownership Byline Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than Harleysville Savings Financial. Harleysville Savings Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Byline Bancorp, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. 1.2% of Harleysville Savings Financial shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 67.7% of Byline Bancorp shares are held by institutional investors. 14.5% of Harleysville Savings Financial shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 28.8% of Byline Bancorp shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Harleysville Savings Financial and Byline Bancorp, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Harleysville Savings Financial 0 0 0 0 0.00 Byline Bancorp 0 1 2 1 3.00 Byline Bancorp has a consensus target price of $33.67, indicating a potential upside of 2.31%. Given Byline Bancorps stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Byline Bancorp is more favorable than Harleysville Savings Financial. Dividends Harleysville Savings Financial pays an annual dividend of $1.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.2%. Byline Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Harleysville Savings Financial pays out 50.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Byline Bancorp pays out 16.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Byline Bancorp has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Risk and Volatility Harleysville Savings Financial has a beta of 0.25, indicating that its stock price is 75% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Byline Bancorp has a beta of 0.87, indicating that its stock price is 13% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Harleysville Savings Financial and Byline Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Harleysville Savings Financial 22.63% 11.43% 1.13% Byline Bancorp 20.54% 11.38% 1.39% Summary Byline Bancorp beats Harleysville Savings Financial on 15 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Harleysville Savings Financial (Get Free Report) Harleysville Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Harleysville Bank that provides various banking products and services in Pennsylvania. The company offers various deposit products, including savings, money market, and checking accounts, as well as certificates of deposits. It also provides consumer loans, including residential mortgages, savings account loans, and home equity line of credit, construction, and non-real estate consumer loans; and commercial loans, such as commercial mortgages, line of credit, and commercial business loans. In addition, the company offers online banking and bill payment, mobile and telephone banking, remote deposit, debit cards, automated clearing house processing, sweep accounts, zero balance accounts, employee services, and other cash management services. Further, it provides investment services, such as financial consultation, cash and wealth management, education planning, investment strategy, insurance, retirement and estate planning, financial and goal planning, and asset allocation services, as well as offers investment products, such as fixed and variable annuities, mutual funds, life insurances, stocks and bonds, tax-advantaged investments, long-term care insurances, disability insurances, retirement plans/individual retirement accounts, wrap accounts, and unit investment trusts. Its primary market area includes Montgomery County and Bucks County. The company was formerly known as Harleysville Savings Financial Corporation and changed its name to Harleysville Financial Corporation in May 2017. Harleysville Financial Corporation was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. About Byline Bancorp (Get Free Report) Byline Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Byline Bank that provides various banking products and services for small and medium sized businesses, commercial real estate and financial sponsors, and consumers in the United States. It offers various retail deposit products, including non-interest-bearing accounts, money market demand accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, and time deposits; ATM and debit cards; and online, mobile, and text banking services, as well as commercial deposits. The company also provides term loans, revolving lines of credit, and construction financing services; senior secured financing solutions to private equity backed lower middle market companies; small business administration and united states department of agriculture loans; and treasury management products and services. In addition, it offers financing solutions for equipment vendors and their end users; syndication services; and investment, trust, and wealth management services that include fiduciary and executor services, financial planning solutions, investment advisory services, and private banking services for foundations and endowments, and high net worth individuals. The company was formerly known as Metropolitan Bank Group, Inc. and changed its name to Byline Bancorp, Inc. in 2015. Byline Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Receive News & Ratings for Harleysville Savings Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harleysville Savings Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVM Get Free Report) crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $9.46 and traded as high as $9.59. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund shares last traded at $9.46, with a volume of 368,359 shares changing hands. Get Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund alerts: Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Price Performance The businesss fifty day moving average price is $9.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.38. Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVM) is a closed-end, diversified management investment company that seeks to provide tax-exempt income by investing primarily in municipal obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of California and its political subdivisions. The fund is structured to deliver current income exempt from federal and California state income taxes, making it a targeted solution for investors in higher tax brackets seeking exposure to Californias municipal market. The funds portfolio is composed predominantly of investment-grade municipal securities, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and municipal lease obligations. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plan increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 6.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,210 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,050 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 1.5% of NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plans holdings, making the stock its 9th largest holding. NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plans holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $13,894,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of LLY. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Steph & Co. grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% in the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 263.6% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 40 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $1,300.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Bank of America dropped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,286.00 to $1,268.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. 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. Loop Capital set a $1,200.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating and set a $1,300.00 target price on shares of 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 given a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,218.88. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $1,040.12 on Tuesday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $1,133.95. The firms 50-day moving average is $1,053.28 and its 200 day moving average is $910.46. The stock has a market cap of $981.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.32, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.19. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 31.66% and a return on equity of 102.94%. The business had revenue of $19.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.85 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.32 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was up 42.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. Sell-side 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 disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given 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 30.15%. Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: About Eli Lilly and Company (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. Beirne Wealth Consulting Services LLC increased its stake in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report) by 152.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,877 shares of the credit-card processors stock after buying an additional 2,342 shares during the quarter. Beirne Wealth Consulting Services LLCs holdings in Visa were worth $1,325,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Get Visa alerts: Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of V. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Visa during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Visa during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Bare Financial Services Inc increased its stake in Visa by 287.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 89 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Hoese & Co LLP acquired a new position in Visa in the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Visa by 202.7% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 114 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. 82.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Visa Price Performance Shares of V opened at $314.13 on Tuesday. Visa Inc. has a 52 week low of $299.00 and a 52 week high of $375.51. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The firm has a market cap of $570.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.47, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.79. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $337.74 and a 200-day moving average of $339.51. Visa Dividend Announcement Visa ( NYSE:V Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The credit-card processor reported $3.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $10.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.69 billion. Visa had a return on equity of 61.74% and a net margin of 50.23%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.75 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Visa Inc. will post 11.3 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be issued a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Visas payout ratio is 25.14%. Analysts Set New Price Targets V has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Evercore set a $380.00 target price on Visa in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Piper Sandler set a $160.00 price objective on Visa in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. KeyCorp reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $405.00 target price on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup upgraded Visa to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $408.00 price target (up previously from $398.00) on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Visa currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $392.21. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on V Insider Transactions at Visa In other news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 10,485 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $349.18, for a total transaction of $3,661,152.30. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 9,401 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,282,641.18. This represents a 52.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Paul D. Fabara sold 2,172 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.93, for a total value of $707,919.96. Following the transaction, the insider owned 26,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,608,789.09. This represents a 7.60% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.12% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Visa Company Profile (Free Report) Visa Inc is a global payments technology company that facilitates electronic funds transfers and digital commerce by connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions and governments. The firm operates one of the worlds largest payment networks, providing processing, authorization, clearing and settlement services for credit, debit and prepaid card transactions. Visas network-based model enables partner banks and other issuers to offer branded payment products while Visa focuses on the infrastructure, standards and technologies that move money securely and efficiently around the world. Visas product and service portfolio includes card-based payment products for consumers and businesses, real-time push-payment capabilities, tokenization and authentication services, fraud and risk-management tools, data analytics and APIs for fintech and merchant integration. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Joshua Robbins, 23, had ordered a takeaway pizza to his flat at Holland and Thurston Dwellings, in Holborn, central London, to share with his father and leant on the railings of his balcony to check on the delivery when they are said to have collapsed on January 29. Sir Keir Starmers genuine response offering to help the parents of man who died after his balcony railings gave way and he fell from his flat brought the family comfort, the mother has said. Will Robbins, 49, watched his son fall to his death. Fiona Garrett, Joshuas mother, said she is fronting the fight for answers as her ex-husband is extremely traumatised. The 46-year-old, who lives in Claudy, Co Derry, but is originally from Essex, sent an email to her sons local MP, the Prime Minister, requesting a meeting as part of her campaign for justice. She told the Press Association: They came back straight away and they were like we want to help and theyre asking for information and stuff so thats good. It did bring comfort actually. I thought oh well, if I get a reply it would just be your bog standard, written by someone else (response) and he just wont even know that its gone out, but the fact that he wrote it so he actually signed it himself at the bottom and wrote a little bit extra, it did seem really genuine. When I showed Will he was just like oh my god the Prime Minister knows who our son was. I said Id even write to the King if I had to. The point is that he did matter, and he does matter, and everyones child should matter. In the letter, Sir Keir wrote that inquiries have been made and we will continue to do all we can to help you get answers, adding that his constituency office will remain in regular contact. He handwrote: My thoughts are with you before signing his name. No meeting has yet been set and no inquest date has been scheduled either while investigations take place. Ms Garrett said she wants to know everything about the circumstances of her sons death and is driven by adrenaline and rage to get the answers she and her family need. I just worry that itll be a bit like Grenfell, theyll start passing the buck of oh well we own the building but we didnt do that, that was contracted to oh, but we only did it for this, she told PA. Its going to be very long, drawn out and very complex I think to pin it to exactly who is responsible, so I think thats going to be the challenge to be honest, but Im fuelled with adrenaline and rage so Im well up for that. She called her son a sweet wee lad, and said no one can prepare you for losing a child in such a shocking way. For years when he moved to London coming from such a small village it was always like stay away from gangs, stay away from knives, if you see any trouble you just run dont try and be a hero, if youre on a bus and it kicks off, get off, she said. All these things I was panicking about and yet the one place hes supposed to be safe, this happens. Thats what is making me so angry. This was completely preventable. The mother has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for legal representation and getting expert opinion which has so far raised almost 1,200 of its 10,000 target. I want to make sure that this can bring about some sort of positive change, she said. I want to start a campaign called No More Falls I want something as Joshs legacy to keep other people safe. The crowdfunder can be found here. Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association told the BBC earlier this month that it was fully co-operating with the police and their investigation and that it was too early to comment further. The housing associations chief executive Pippa Fleetwood-Read said Mr Robbins death was deeply saddening, and sent sincere condolences to his family and friends, the broadcaster reported. PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right, RTS NI Student Awards Judge and UTV producer Alison Fleming; Bernard McCloskey, Head of Exhibition at Northern Ireland Screen; UTV presenter Emma Patterson who will host this years Awards Ceremony at the Black Box on Thursday 19 March and Madeline Whiteside, Chair of the RTS NI Student Awards. More than 30 emerging filmmakers from Queens University Belfast, Ulster University and Belfast Met have been shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Television Society Northern Ireland (RTS NI) Student Television Awards, supported by Northern Ireland Screen. The winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by UTVs Emma Patterson at the Black Box, Belfast on Thursday 19 March 2026. Ulster University student Terence Harvey-Kelly has secured a prestigious double nomination at the 2026 RTS NI Student Awards. Representing the Derry campus, Harvey-Kelly is a finalist in both the Drama and Craft categories. Ulster University student Terence Harvey-Kelly, representing the Derry campus, has achieved a standout double nomination. His work, "Body of...", is a finalist in the Drama category, and he is also in contention for a Craft Award. Madeline Whiteside, Chair of the RTS NI Student Awards, added: These awards shine a spotlight on the next generation of content creators. Winning an RTS NI Student Award is a powerful career boost, and our winners go on to compete at the national RTS Student Awards in London. READ NEXT: St. Josephs ready to rock Derry with School of Rock - The Musical' "Last year Queens University Belfast student Philip Denvir took home the Postgraduate Factual Short Form Award at the prestigious national ceremony, highlighting the exceptional calibre of creative content being created in Northern Irelands colleges. Bernard McCloskey, Head of Exhibition at Northern Ireland Screen said: Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to be able to support these awards in partnership with RTS NI. The screen industry in Northern Ireland is a key economic driver and to future proof the industry we must support and encourage a talent pipeline of skilled and experienced young people. The RTS NI awards provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on and reward local emerging creative talent who will drive the industry forward. This years host of the RTS NI Student Awards is UTV presenter Emma Patterson who is pictured with Madeline Whiteside, Chair of the RTS NI Student Awards at UTVs studios to announce this years finalists. The winners will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony in the Black Box on Thursday 19 March 2026. UTV presenter Emma Patterson, host of RTS NI Student Awards Ceremony 2026 said: "It is a real privilege to host these awards and celebrate the exceptional work being produced by students across Northern Ireland. The RTS NI plays a huge role in championing emerging talent, and being recognised here offers students a fantastic platform as they take their first steps in the industry." UTV Producer Alison Fleming, who is an RTS NI Student Awards Judge said: Celebrating the creativity, ambition and technical skill of Northern Irelands student filmmakers is a highlight of our year. "The talent coming through our universities and colleges is exceptional. Their work shows a level of craft and commitment that bodes well for the future of our thriving screen industry. We cant wait to honour the best of the best next month. The shortlisted programmes and nominated students for this years RTS NI Student Awards are: DRAMA CATEGORY NOMINEES Uisce Beatha: Conleth Mallon, Tori McCoosh, Bethany Murray, Ronak Kapoor, Lauren Ayre and Adam Cunningham Queens University Belfast. Conleth Mallon, Tori McCoosh, Bethany Murray, Ronak Kapoor, Lauren Ayre and Adam Cunningham Queens University Belfast. Dead Air: Jamie Lyons Director; Luke Toal Writer; Christopher Cairns Producer; Daniel Gardner - Director of Photography; Sean Devine - Production Design; Ben Byrne Editor; and Jay McGregor - Sound Design & Original Score Queens University Belfast. Jamie Lyons Director; Luke Toal Writer; Christopher Cairns Producer; Daniel Gardner - Director of Photography; Sean Devine - Production Design; Ben Byrne Editor; and Jay McGregor - Sound Design & Original Score Queens University Belfast. Blurred: Jude Carne - Writer/Director; Conor McCartney - Producer; Michael Magowan - 1st AD and Rachel McNally Cinematographer Belfast Met. Jude Carne - Writer/Director; Conor McCartney - Producer; Michael Magowan - 1st AD and Rachel McNally Cinematographer Belfast Met. Body of ...: Terence Harvey-Kelly Ulster University, Derry Londonderry Campus Terence Harvey-Kelly Ulster University, Derry Londonderry Campus Two of a Kind: Lucy James - Producer; Hannah Young - DoP; James Cuskeran - Writer and Conor Brannigan - Director Queens University Belfast. ACTUAL SHORT FORM CATEGORY NOMINEES Perfect Match: Matthew Martin, Ella ONeill, Jude Campbell, Ava Kelly and Aimee Crossey Queens University Belfast. Matthew Martin, Ella ONeill, Jude Campbell, Ava Kelly and Aimee Crossey Queens University Belfast. A Breath of Fresh Air: Arwen Fegan - Co-director and Matthew Wilson - Co-director Queens University Belfast. Arwen Fegan - Co-director and Matthew Wilson - Co-director Queens University Belfast. Belfast 60 past 60's: Andrew Atkinson, Jude Campbell and Max McDonnell Queens University Belfast. All finalists are also eligible for the four RTS NI Student Craft Awards which will be presented on the night for Camera, Writing, Production and Sound. The winners of these awards go forward to the national RTS Student Media Awards in London in June which recognises the best audiovisual work created by students at undergraduate and postgraduate level across 24 competitive categories. Stormonts Education Minister has appealed for teachers to help develop a new religious education curriculum. Paul Givan has opened expressions of interest for a drafting group to play a central role in designing a new syllabus for pupils from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4. A Supreme Court judgment last year ruled that the provision of Christian religious education at schools in Northern Ireland does not comply with human rights standards. The court upheld an appeal brought by a pupil at a Belfast school and her father and reinstated an earlier court ruling that the teaching of RE and collective worship breaches human rights as it does not approach the subject in an objective, critical and pluralist manner. Responding to that judgment, Mr Givan said Christianity will remain central to the syllabus and he anticipates bringing forward new regulations this autumn, with a new programme to be implemented from September 2027. Mr Givan said it is essential that the new RE syllabus is developed by those who know our students best and who are experts in delivering the subject. I want teachers experience, insight and creativity to be at the heart of this work, he said. This is a unique opportunity for teachers to influence curriculum reform, collaborate with peers and experts across the education system, and help prepare a syllabus that is rigorous, inclusive and equips our children and young people for future learning and citizenship. I hope teachers from across Northern Ireland will consider applying and playing their part in this important work. Up to 10 teachers, five from primary and five from post-primary, will be appointed to the drafting group, which will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE, director of research and scholarship at Stranmillis University College and Joyce Logue, former principal of Long Tower Primary School. Prof Purdy said teachers bring invaluable insight into how religious education is experienced in the classroom every day. Their expertise will be essential as we work together to develop a syllabus that is thoughtful, balanced and relevant to young people growing up in a modern and diverse society. I would encourage any teacher with a passion for RE to consider applying. Akbar Novruz Polish President Karol Nawrotski has said he is a strong supporter of Poland joining a nuclear project, citing the countrys security environment and regional threats, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking to Polsat News, Nawrotski said Poland should begin work in this direction in accordance with international norms, stressing that the issue is directly linked to national security. We are a state located on the direct border of an armed conflict. The attitude of the aggressive, imperialist Russian Federation towards Poland is well known, Nawrotski said. Asked about how Moscow might respond to the emergence of a Polish nuclear program, the president noted that Russias reaction could be unpredictable. Russia could react aggressively at any time, he stated. The comments come amid an ongoing debate in Poland over nuclear deterrence and defense cooperation with allies. In spring 2025, former Polish president Andrzej Duda publicly called on the United States to deploy nuclear warheads in Poland as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression. In addition, Poland last year signed a defense agreement with France which, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, would allow France to extend its nuclear missile defense umbrella over Poland. Security concerns intensified further on September 10, 2025, when 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace during a nighttime attack on targets in Ukraine. Polands Operational Command of the Armed Forces described the incident as an act of aggression that poses a real threat to the safety of citizens. Following the incident, Poland formally requested additional air defense systems and counter-drone technologies from NATO, underlining Warsaws push to strengthen its deterrence and defense capabilities in the face of rising regional tensions. A former police inspector has told the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe how he crawled through an underground storm drain tunnel system as part of efforts to find the missing schoolboy. The retired officer said he believed the tunnels would have been a very challenging place to survive if you were naked. The inquest at Belfast Coroners Court, which is being heard with a jury, is now in its fourth week. Noah, a pupil of St Malachys College, was 14 when he was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after leaving home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning. Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, attended the hearing on Tuesday. A series of witness statements from retired inspector Menary, who previously managed the PSNI hazardous environment search (HES) team, was read to the jury. Mr Menary told the inquest he had attended Northwood Linear Park in north Belfast on March 24, three days after Noah had gone missing. The former inspector said in the park there were hundreds of local residents in quite an agitated state due to the disappearance of Noah. He said it took more than an hour to clear the park so police could begin an inspection of the storm drain tunnel system. Mr Menary said the HES team searched above ground in Linear Park and below ground in the tunnels. He said it quickly became apparent the schematics provided by the Department for Infrastructure about the water network system did not match what we were finding on the ground. The ex-officer said: A number of entry points to the storm drain tunnel could not be found and appeared to have been landscaped or tarred over during the most recent improvement works in the park. Mr Menary said cameras were sent into the tunnels first, but he then had to enter the tunnel himself due to obstructions. He said by the end of June 24 the team had confirmed that Noah was not in the non-tidal stretch of tunnel which had been searched. He said Noahs name had been shouted while he was in the tunnel, but there was no response. Mr Menary said the search had resumed on Thursday, but had to be suspended due to rising tides. He said: What is now clear is that the search on the Thursday almost got to the point where Noah was found, but that it had to cease due to a rising tide. The retired officer said he was not personally involved in the search on subsequent days. His statement added: I believe it would be a very challenging place to survive if you were naked. He also said that the search was at that point looking for evidence that Noah may have been in the tunnel at some point, but it was not a rescue operation. Mr Menary said the team did not have access to a drone at the time. He said: I do not believe any other police force would have had a drone capable of deployment underground at the relevant time. At no point did I consider that we had an equipment deficit or that our search was hampered or would have been better with different equipment. Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has been urged to ensure no public money is spent celebrating Donald Trump. Opposition leader Matthew OToole made the plea at the Northern Ireland Assembly just weeks before Mr Lyons, along with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, attends events at the White House for St Patricks Day. First Minister Michelle ONeill, her party Sinn Fein and the SDLP have indicated they will not attend events at the White House in protest at the handling of events in Gaza. Mr Lyons said the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence represents a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen political, cultural, economic and community links between Northern Ireland and the United States. He told the Assembly on Tuesday that he has provided 426,000 to partners and community organisations for projects to celebrate the contribution settlers from Northern Ireland made in the foundation of the US. Opposition leader Matthew OToole said while he supported celebrating the links between Ireland and the US, no one migrated from Northern Ireland because it didnt exist in the 18th century. Of those Ulster Scots who made their place in the United States, and built that Republic free from the Crown, people like Andrew Jackson, Chester Alan Arthur, Benjamin Franklin, they were by definition republicans, they believed in democracy with citizens independent under the law, they did not believe in Donald Trump and the autocracy he is building, he said. Will you guarantee that no public money will be spent celebrating the corrupt Donald Trump, and will be spent on the historic links between this place and the United States. Mr Lyons responded: Get over it. There are some people out there that are determined to highlight the fact that yes, this was the independence of the United States, yes there were differences of course with Britain at that time. Thats OK, weve gotten over it, he should too. What Im trying to do is highlight the importance of the role played by those that left these shores, left Ulster, whatever term he wants to use, and I want to make sure that were highlighting that. That helps us to build links with the United States, it gives us another hook for us to make sure that people are interested, so Im unashamed in doing this, not only because of the economic benefits that can come from this, but were also investing in cultural, arts and musical organisations as well. In terms of President Trump, Mr Lyons added: I will take different views with different people who sit in the White House. I visited the White House when Joe Biden was president, when Joe Biden oversaw the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan that has left another generation subjugated under the rule of the Taliban. I strongly disagree, Im sure, on many points, with many different US presidents, but Im not there to engage just with the current administration but wider business leaders and those involved in culture and the arts as well. I will be proud to represent Northern Ireland, Ill be proud to go out to show it, to stand up, to speak up for Northern Ireland, and I wish that others would welcome that and do the same. Stormonts Communities Minister has described his scrutiny body as dysfunctional as deputy chairwoman of the Committee Cathy Mason accused him of showboating and playing theatrics. Gordon Lyons said the Sinn Fein MLA Ms Mason throws mud and doesnt really have any sensible questions in a continuation of heated exchanges between the minister and the Committee for Communities. The parties came to blows last month when Sinn Fein MLA and chairman of the group, Colm Gildernew, said the minister has tried to deflect and distract from criticism of his performance, with Mr Lyons claiming the body are not a proper scrutiny committee. In the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday Mr Lyons was asked by DUP colleague David Brooks for his assessment of the communities committee.The Communities Minister replied: Ive been a member of this House for more than a decade, and if Im answering the question directly and fairly, I dont think Ive seen a more dysfunctional committee in all of my time.We have a chairman that cannot read letters, so brilliantly exposed by Pam Cameron (DUP member of Communities Committee). A deputy chairperson who thinks that money going to Ulster Scots is sectarian. Another committee member (Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong) who thinks shes a legislative geek, yet caused the committee to require a full U-turn on her daft proposal after they received legal advice, and as I mentioned before, in one meeting, they mentioned 35 times a business case that doesnt exist. He added: So thats my analysis, but Ill let the public make up their own mind. Earlier in the session Ms Mason asked why there was so much confusion from the department in relation to the implementation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol. Mr Lyons said he would make sure the service was given additional resource and would endeavour to help prevent any further confusion. Ms Mason then said: You cant explain then why there was so much confusion. Youre very, very fond of getting up and showboating and playing your theatrics and attacking and trying to belittle other people who try to scrutinise you. Minister, you have nothing to fear from a little bit of scrutiny, maybe you should realise that. When are you going to step up and when are you actually going to protect these people? Mr Lyons replied: Ive said Im happy to provide additional information to the House, and she rolls her eyes and she shakes her head, but I have said that. That is a direct answer to the question. I will provide the additional information. She does not need to act like a child when it comes to this issue, because I have been very clear in saying to her that I will provide the additional information that is required. We will get to the bottom of that. We will provide that. But yes, I do have a problem with her so-called scrutiny, because she throws mud and she doesnt really have any sensible questions that she can ask. It always is just attack, attack, attack. Its attack, attack, attack from the member all the time. This is a serious issue. Pakistan telco Jazz announced on Monday it has signed an agreement with the Universal Service Fund (USF) to expand digital connectivity to underserved communities in the Badin district in Sindh province. Under the PKR668 million (US$2.38 million) project, Jazz will deploy 45 new telecom sites and upgrade four existing ones, extending reliable voice and high-speed mobile broadband services to 144 unserved and underserved mauzas (administrative districts) and reaching an estimated 430,000 people. Jazz said the expanded network will support access to digital financial services, online learning, telehealth, and government e-services, while enabling small businesses and farmers with improved digital tools and generating direct and indirect employment during deployment and operations. The deal comes less than a month after the USF awarded four contracts to Jazz worth PKR1.16 billion to roll out high-speed broadband services across nine districts in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We appreciate the continued support of the Universal Service Fund and the Ministry of IT & Telecom in enabling partnerships that bring high-quality digital services to communities that have long remained on the margins of the digital economy, said JazzWorld CEO Aamir Ibrahim in a statement. The USF Badin Project reflects our continued partnership with Jazz to bridge the digital divide by delivering reliable connectivity to underserved communities, added USF CEO Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed. By expanding broadband access in District Badin, we are enabling socio-economic development, improving access to essential services, and creating new opportunities at the grassroots level. In an interesting example of an operator taking its sustainability message right into the public marketplace, service provider Hutch Sri Lanka has launched the first in what it promises will be a number of sustainability-led retail outlets. The operator describes its Signature retail outlets as the first instance in Sri Lanka where sustainability has been holistically integrated into retail spaces, going beyond symbolic gestures to deliver measurable environmental and social impact. The first two outlets opened at Colombo Fort to serve what Hutch calls the epicentre of Sri Lankas largest business community, and at the heart of the historic coastal city of Negombo. The operator promise that many more such outlets are on the way. The newly launched outlets are produced from sustainable material sourcing, powered by renewable wind and solar energy, and initiate a circular economy to the outlets production cycle. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the circular economy as well; the outlets feature e-waste collection points promoting responsible disposal of retired communication devices. The space serves also as an education centre where visitors can have first-hand experience of sustainability in action with curated illustrations and facts. The company says it is adopting its parents (CK Hutchison Holding) commitment for responsible growth, which is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). Saumitra Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Hutch explains: Aligning with the CK Hutchison Groups sustainability journey, Hutch is redefining retail infrastructure where innovation meets social responsibility. This initiative delivers a unique customer experience while setting a new benchmark in taking services directly to customers as a responsible telecom operator. Nokia has reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iraqi technology and infrastructure investment group T964 to modernise Iraqs telecoms and digital infrastructure. According to TechAfrica News, Nokia and T964 will collaborate to roll out connectivity solutions across multiple sectors, including enterprise networks, data centres, international transit and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) services. The MoU was signed last week at the Datacloud Middle East event in Dubai. No financial details were disclosed. The two companies aim to strengthen Iraqs core digital infrastructure by closing existing infrastructure gaps to support growing demand for digital services particularly for things like digital banking, e-government services, cloud adoption and enterprise digitalisation, the report said. The partnership also aims to contribute to Iraq's ambitions to serve as a regional data corridor linking the Gulf, Turkey and Europe, the report added. Last year, a number of deals emerged to further that goal, including several agreements to land new subsea cables in Iraq, and an agreement between Nokia and the Iraqi government to construct the countrys first data centres. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam has marked a transition from experimental AI pilots to a unified national framework. While the tech industry often obsesses over general-purpose models, this summit has pivoted the conversation toward sovereign health intelligence. The centerpieces of this shift are two landmark initiatives: the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) and the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH). Together, they represent a structured attempt to move AI from high-end urban hospitals to the bedrock of Indias public health infrastructure. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Also read: Future of work and AI jobs: What key Indian leaders predict and warn The new architecture of trust Launched by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, SAHI and BODH address the two biggest hurdles in medical AI: governance and data validation. SAHI acts as the national rulebook, providing a guidance framework for the safe and ethical adoption of AI. It moves beyond abstract ethics to provide concrete direction on data stewardship and evidence-based validation. It is designed to ensure that as states and private entities deploy AI, they do so within a standardized, inclusive, and accountable ecosystem. Complementing this is BODH, a platform developed by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority. BODH is essentially a high-trust test lab for medical algorithms. Using a privacy-preserving benchmarking mechanism, it allows developers to evaluate their AI models against diverse, real-world health data without ever accessing the underlying datasets. As a digital public good under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), BODH is the gatekeeper that ensures only high-quality, validated tools reach the public frontline. Beyond the policy framework The summit was not just about policy; it was a showcase of boots-on-the-ground technology already impacting rural health. One of the most discussed tools was MadhuNetrAI, an AI-driven screening system for diabetic retinopathy. By automating retinal analysis, it allows non-specialized healthcare workers to identify early signs of vision loss, a critical need given Indias massive diabetic population. Similarly, the Cough Against TB (CA-TB) tool highlighted the power of acoustic AI. By analyzing the sound of a cough via a standard smartphone, CA-TB provides a rapid, non-invasive screening method for tuberculosis in remote areas. Also read: India AI Impact Summit: AI agents to empower 10 crore farmers with Rs 15,000 weather stations Other notable innovations included AI-powered Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) integrated into the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform. These systems assist doctors with structured, multilingual symptom capture and data-driven diagnostic suggestions. The Ministry also demonstrated a Voice-to-Text AI model that converts spoken clinical notes into digital prescriptions, seamlessly integrating with existing Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS) to reduce the administrative burden on physicians. Scaling through the digital public infrastructure The success of these tools rests on the massive scale of Indias Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). With over 859 million ABHA accounts linked to 878 million health records, the ABDM provides the data backbone necessary for AI to scale. This infrastructure is supported by new Centres of Excellence (CoE) at AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh, which are tasked with indigenous research and model development. The message from the summit is clear: India is not looking to replace doctors with algorithms. Instead, the focus is on augmentation using tools like SAHI and BODH to ensure that AI strengthens the physician-patient relationship. By standardizing how models are tested and deployed, India is positioning itself as a global leader in responsible, population-scale healthcare AI. Also read: AI wont make you smarter, it will expose you: Raj Shamanis 5 big takeaways from India AI Impact Summit 2026 Google recently teased its next budget-friendly smartphone, the Pixel 10a. In a brief 15-second teaser video, the company showcased the phones full design and confirmed that pre-orders will open on February 18. Although the video did not reveal any specifications, it gave us a glimpse at the devices appearance. The Pixel 10a seems to stick with the familiar A-series design, including flat edges, rounded corners, and a neat, minimal rear panel. This model will be part of the Pixel 10 lineup that debuted in August last year. If youre curious about the expected price, heres what current leaks suggest. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Google Pixel 10a price in India (Expected) According to leaks, the Pixel 10a could be priced at around Rs 49,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. A higher configuration offering 256GB storage with the same amount of RAM may cost around Rs 69,000. Also read: Nothing Phone 4a Pro and 4a India launch date announced: Check expected specs and price Google Pixel 10a specifications and features (Expected) The Google Pixel 10a is expected to come with a 6.3-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a brightness level of up to 2,000 nits. In terms of performance, the phone is tipped to run on the Tensor G4 chipset, paired with up to 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. Furthermore, the device may pack a 5,100mAh battery with 23W fast charging support. Also read: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro leaks: Price in India, launch timeline, camera and other details For photography, the Pixel 10a is expected to include a 48MP primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), along with a 13MP ultra-wide lens. For selfies and video calls, a 13MP front camera is expected. Also read: Best Phones Under 30000 Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. 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She emphasised the measurable financial efficiencies and productivity gains that organisations can achieve when Lean practices are properly introduced and continuously monitored. In simple terms, Lean focuses on creating greater customer value while using fewer resources. The session also explored Six Sigma, a data-driven methodology used to identify defects, improve processes, and maximise customer satisfaction. Members were introduced to the DMAIC framework (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) and gained a clear understanding of how structured problem-solving can drive consistent quality and long-term business improvement. Grainne McKeown, representing the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Louth, attended the event and outlined the current Lean for Business programme available to local enterprises, encouraging Network Ireland members to avail of this valuable support. The evening concluded with a follow-up poll which demonstrated a significant increase in attendees understanding of Lean and Six Sigma. Pauline Clarke, President of Network Ireland Louth said that members left not only with enhanced knowledge, but with practical, actionable steps they could immediately apply within their own businesses a true reflection of Network Ireland Louths commitment to empowering women in business through education, collaboration, and tangible support. The next event takes place on 5th March 2026 in the Gateway Hotel in Dundalk, and it is to celebrate International Womens Day and to celebrate women in business at every stage in their journey. It is a collaboration with Local Enterprise Office Louth and Network Ireland Louth and entitled From Start Up to Scale Up. Booking for the event is through www.localenterprise.ie/louth. Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women. With over 1,200 members and a strong nationwide presence, the group holds regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities that promote empowerment and leadership for women in business. They are always open to new members joining, who can avail of all the supports and benefits available. It doesnt matter if someone is an established businesswoman or just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey. To join Network Ireland, go to: www.networkireland.ie and become a member. The Department of Humanities at Dundalk IT recently hosted Emilie Pine, Vice Principal for Research, Innovation & Impact at University College Dublin (UCD), to give the Fourth Annual Dorothy Macardle Humanities Lecture at DkIT. The lecture was titled 'Channelling the urge to write and the need to be seen. Pine spoke about both the invisible and visible legacy of Dorothy Macardle and other influential figures in building a stage for Irish literary culture. She also expressed her delight at being associated with a reinvigorated interest in the work of such an influential writer. Professor Pine was welcomed by Dr Patricia Moriarty and Dr Fiona Fearon from the School of Business and Humanities who stressed the importance of making Macardles legacy relevant to the modern audience and bringing someone from the pages of history alive. Professor Pine is internationally recognised for her scholarship and creative work. Her bestselling essay collection, Notes to Self, winner of the 2018 Irish Book of the Year, has been translated into 16 languages. Her debut novel, Ruth & Pen (2022), won the 2023 Kate OBrien First Novel Award. She is currently working on a new essay collection, On Being Seen, to be published by Penguin in 2027. Each year DkIT brings a leading academic to the campus to present a public lecture for students and faculty based on a theme related to Macardles many topics of interest, with a focus on identity, place and community in the area of humanities. Read Next: Public invited to share memories and memorabilia from Dundalk's Foresters Hall Dorothy Macardle, born in Dundalk in 1889, was a teacher, political activist, successful novelist, playwright, critic, historian and social campaigner for womens and childrens rights, with a particular interest in refugees. The lecture is once again kindly supported by Dundalk Credit Union. Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran has said that he told the local authority in December, to look at Individual Property Protection (IPP) schemes for properties at risk of flooding in Louth, through the minor works programme, and that it was something he cannot drive himself. The minister made the comments in the Dail last week, in response to comments from Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu. Flooding and coastal erosion continued to dominate debate in Leinster House last week, with Deputy O Murchu focusing on the lack of capacity currently in Dundalk and in the north of the county that he said is putting hundreds of homes at risk. The Sinn Fein deputy spoke on an Aontu motion on flood prevention and said that while he acknowledged that Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran had visited Blackrock at Christmas, the catchment-based flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, needs to be driven ahead. He said the application for Dundalk and Blackrock south under CFRAM would be going in around June 2027, but short-term mitigations were needed in the meantime. Read also: Dundalk's Bridge Street Studios celebrates 30th anniversary with thought-provoking exhibition Deputy O Murchu said the Ardee Road in Dundalk has flood issues caused by the River Blackwater. He said: We have finally received promises to clean the River Blackwater and The Ramparts. We have seen the introduction of pumps. We need to ensure that Louth County Council has access to them always, uses tankers and that we do the best we can in the disaster scenario. He said there were also flooding issues at Bay Estate, Cluan Enda, Greenwood Drive, Blackwater Court, Ashbrook the Red Barns Road and St. Alphonsus Road. Deputy O Murchu said: We have those issues of high tides and huge rains. However, at this point in time the reason we have flooding there is that the Uisce Eireann infrastructure is not up to scratch. I refer to the issue with CFRAM and the issue with the Coes Road pumping station, where everything from WuXi Biologics comes right through. "It is a joint sewage and storm water facility. The fact is it is not going to upgraded completely. Works will start in about 2027 but will not finish until 2029 or 2030, according to the council. Even worse, the wastewater treatment plant is not due to be upgraded until 2033. There is no capacity and we are lucky we did not have hundreds of houses flooded. He also highlighted how there had been coastal erosion on the Carlingford Greenway. He said: Ballagan has had huge issues, and Councillors Antoin Watters and Fiona Mhic Conchoille have been on to me multiple times about that. In response, Minister Moran said: When I visited the place during Christmas week, I identified areas that could get protection. I looked at the street and we identified one shop, a chemist, that did not flood. Why did it not flood? It put in its own individual property protection, IPP. I reached out that day to the local authorities to look at an IPP system through the minor works programme. I await that because I cannot drive it. I ask the Deputy to drive that with the local authority. Louth County Councillors have been told it is unlikely the reintroduction of town and borough councils will be included in the Local Democracy Task Force Report. The report, which is set to be published in the coming weeks will establish a programme for the reform of Local Government. Councillors were told the reintroduction of Town and Borough councils will likely not be included in the report during a presentation from the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), a body which represents elected councillors. The issue was raised at the February meeting of Louth County Council by Green Party Councillor for Dundalk South Marianne Butler. Cllr Butler called for Town and Borough councils to be reintroduced. "We had two very proper grown up councils in Drogheda and Dundalk that were our own commercial rating authority, housing authority, planning authority." She said Louth was "probably the biggest losers" of the Local Government reform in 2014, which abolished town councils and saw the number of local authorities reduced from 114 to 31. A spokesperson from AILG, said he wouldn't get into a debate on town councils, and said the reintroduction of them "wasn't on the terms of reference for the Local Democracy Taskforce" and therefore he didn't know whether any recommendations will come as a result. However it was said the power instead lies with "higher government". Read Next: Louth County Council accused of failing Drogheda amid calls for Borough council to be reinstated Late last year, Taoiseach Micheal Martin indicated he would be in favour of the restoration of town councils and that he had originally been opposed to their abolition. Drogheda councillors also passed a motion at this month's Borough District meeting, in which Independent councillor Paddy McQuillan said the town had gone "backwards at 100 miles an hour". Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The number of homes bought in Louth under the tenant-in-situ scheme decreased by 73% in 2025. The scheme allows local authorities to purchase rental properties from landlords who are selling, preventing the tenant from becoming homeless. Figures published by Sinn Fein showed that just 15 homes were bought in Louth under the scheme compared to 55 the year previous. It showed a that the number of Social Housing assessments in Louth dropped from 62 to 27. Eoin O Broin, Sinn Fein's spokesperson on housing warned that further cuts to the scheme will "force more people into homelessness". The figures provided to Sinn Fein by local authorities show Louth County Council spent over 9 million, purchasing homes compared to just shy of 17 million in 2024. The Sinn Fein TD said funding cuts ranged from 72% to 96%, with Dun Laoighre-Rathdown in Dublin, having its funding cut from 21 million to just 830,000. Read Next: Louth TD tells Dail flood defence in Dundalk 'not up to scratch' "The direct result of these cuts is that fewer tenant-in-situ purchases took place in 2025. This is one of the reasons why homelessness, and in particular, family and child homelessness continued to rise last year." "We warned Minister James Browne that this would be the case but he carried on regardless," he said. Deputy O Broin said while this year's allocation have not yet been made, the indications are that allocations are set to be decreased further for 2026. "At a time when eviction notices from landlords are rising, any reduction to funding for vital homeless prevention supports is utter madness. I am urging the Minister for Housing to restore the funding to 2024 levels and remove the restrictions imposed on the operation of the scheme last year," he said. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. While rummaging through bits and pieces in the office from which these pages set sail each week, I came across an Inside Track article with the headline: Ginger is a nut to be saying things like that about lady jockeys. It was from 2005, and the Ginger in question was McCain, a trainer whose place in the history of National Hunt racing is assured. READ NEXT: Inside Track: Valentines Day massacre avoided just a heartache instead He was the one who prepared Red Rum to win three Aintree Grand Nationals and finish second on a couple of other occasions in a five-year period. Its a record that might never be equalled, never mind beaten. And just to show he has more to offer over the famous Liverpool course, the Stockport handler added a fourth win in jump racing's greatest race when he turned out the 2005 victor, Amberleigh House. There was a fifth McCain winner, Ballabriggs, taking the title for Gingers son, Donald, after he had taken over the running of the stable. But for all the expertise he had in training horses, Ginger got it very wrong when he said: Horses do not win Grand Nationals ridden by women, and thats a fact. Thus the headline. He wasnt to know what was to come, but he should perhaps have been aware that 20 years before he came out with his wild and swirling words, Anne Ferris rode Benton Boy to victory in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. The 33/1 shot was trained by the jockeys father, Willie Rooney, in Co Antrim. McCain, who, when he wasnt putting horses through their paces on the beach at Stockport, sold second-hand cars. He died in 2011, the year in which his son followed him onto the Aintree podium. That same year, Nina Carberry became the second lady to score in the Irish National. Also a winner on turning to politics when her career was over she took a seat for Fine Gael in the European Parliament elections Carberry had the mount on Organisedconfusion. The Meath lady was following in a proud family Irish Grand National tradition. Her father, Tommy, trained and rode winners, while her brothers, jockeys Paul and Philip, were also successful. Another to do it for the ladies at Fairyhouse was Katie Walsh. The daughter of Ted Walsh and brother of Ruby had the mount on Thunder And Roses in the 2015 renewal, and giving the Sandra Hughes-trained gelding a ride the other family members would have been proud of, joined Ferris and Carberry on the honours list. But until Rachael Blackmore came along, no lady jockey had ever ridden the winner at Aintree. McCain made his remark when it became known that Carrie Ford would be riding 16/1 chance Forest Gunner in the 2005 Aintree spectacle. Hed have felt justified when Fords mount finished down the field. Blackmores big day arrived in 2021, when, on an occasion dripping with emotion, she brought Minella Times home in front, spectacularly given lie to McCains assertion. Her historic achievement won worldwide acclaim. It didnt end at that. The following year, Blackmore was on board for A Plus Tards Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. Like her Grand National winner, this lad was trained in Co Waterford by Henry de Bromhead. Horse racing, Flat and National Hunt, was at one time a largely a male-dominated sport, but not any more. Today, nearly as many female players are involved, not all of them confined to the jockey ranks. The race mainly under review here, the Aintree Grand National, has been won twice by horses trained by Jenny Pitman and Lucinda Russell, while Sue Smith and Venetia Williams have each had a winner. And, as mentioned above, there have been female-trained winners of the Irish equivalent. Ladyfolk havent had the same impact in any of the big Flat races on this side of the Atlantic, but over in America, Julie Krone had a glittering career, riding over 3,700 winners, one of them in the famous Belmont Stakes. But give our lot time. A longrange forecast: Hollie Doyle to become the first jockette to ride the winner of the Epsom Derby. Louth County Council has given the go ahead for an extension at The Miracle Hand Church for The Redeemed Christian Church at the Castletown Road in Dundalk. Redeemed Christian Church Miracle Hand Church applied for planning permission in January 2025 for a ground and first floor extension to the front and side of an existing church building at the site. Plans for the ground floor include of a new entrance and entrance foyer. The planned extension consists of six new bible study classrooms, toilets and storage. It will also include a reception area, boardroom and offices with toilet facilities. The planned development also includes elevational changes to all sides of the existing church. The planned development also includes a new car parking layout with the introduction of footpaths, tactile surfaces, disabled parking, EV charging bay parking, and bicycle parking. The application also included the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement in relation to the development. Read also: Dundalk families struggle as just two rentals meet HAP limits Louth County Council made the decision to grant conditional planning permission for the development on 13 January 2026. Cathoairleach of Louth County Council Cllr Sean Kelly has warned that proposed works to upgrade Hill Street Bridge in Dundalk would cause "absolute chaos" if the timing is wrong. It comes after Louth County Council 450,000 plans to upgrade the bridge, despite a two-decade long wait for it to be removed. Cllr Kelly stressed the importance of doing the works during school holidays. "We cannot be in a situation where we're doing it in September and cause absolute chaos in the town area." He also called for any works to be done before 9am to avoid causing further "traffic chaos". However, Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer with Louth County Council described Hill Street Bridge as "critical" and "heavily used" but warned that conducting the works at night could add 25% to the cost. Mr Johnston described the work as a "massive job" and said the bridge is "all rotted". Green Party councillor Marianne Butler welcomed the 450,000 funding and agreed that the work needed to be done, but said in the long-term plan "the bridge has to go". Cllr Butler questioned if Louth County Council had given up on the removal of the bridge, and cited original plans to do it in 2006 which has stalled since. Read Next: First Phase of St Nicholas Quarter Rejuvenation completed Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Meenan, who was on the council in 2006, attributed the Celtic Tiger and subsequent financial crash of 2008 as the likely reason for its shelving, and added he might not see the bridge removed in his lifetime. He compared the bridge to a "thrill ride" and said "your car is shaking - you're doing well to keep it between the white lines" when going over it. Elsewhere, Independent councillor Maeve Yore said the onus is on Irish Rail to contribute towards the cost of the repairs. However, while Mr Johnston confirmed there are no immediate plans to remove the bridge, Louth County Council would give notice before any works are carried out. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The Gaelcholaiste in Dundalk has not received an exam centre number from the State Examinations Commission so students sitting Leaving and Junior Certs this summer may have to travel to Dublin, Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu has told the Dail. Speaking in Irish, the Sinn Fein TD raised the issue with Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton last week. He said the school had not received an exam centre number from the SEC and are concerned that students sitting State exams this summer would have to travel to Colaiste Ghlor na Mara in Balbriggan. Deputy O Murchu said: There is a particular issue with the Gaelcholaiste. It is trying to grow its numbers. It is a project to try to grow a Gaelcholaiste at secondary level in Dundalk through Irish and it really needs facilitation in relation to transport. READ NEXT: Tax break for Dundalk to be operational by June The answer at the minute from the Department of Education is not good enough. An exam number is needed so people do not have to travel to Balbriggan to do the State exams. In response, Minister Naughton said: My Department and the Government are absolutely committed to expanding the number of Gaelcholaisti and Gaelscoileanna across the country. The task force in undergoing work in relation to this. I will keep Members updated. I am absolutely in support of the need to expand this and where schools need to be upgraded as part of our NDP, the Department will engage directly with those schools, particularly with the energy and condition surveys that are happening throughout this year. Over 40% of all inbound emails to Irish SMEs in January were junk with many posing a significant cyber security threat, according to analysis by Dundalk based IT managed services provider, Cusken Sync IT, which examined over 385,000 emails across 120 domains and 3,500 mailboxes. The analysis by the Dundalk business revealed that while 224,725 emails (58%) were genuine and legitimate, 161,520 emails (42%) were flagged as spam, unsolicited or already policy-blocked by companies. 1% of all emails, 1 in 100, contained a potential cyber security threat including phishing, malware, or an impersonation attempt. Were constantly hearing about major international corporations being targeted by hackers, but Irelands SME community is just as exposed and often less prepared, said Joe Molloy, Managing Director at Cusken Sync IT. Our analysis from the first month of the year shows Irish SMEs are under significant, sophisticated, and sustained attack. Without strong cyber protection, these businesses are at real risk of financial loss, reputational damage, and business interruption. Read also: Council told to 'drive' Individual Property Protection system for properties in Louth Of the 161,520 junk emails, 56% where policy-blocked [ 90,451 ] and 42% spam [ 67,838 ]. Policy-blocked emails relate to an automated security rule within a company IT systems or corporate email firewalls flagging the message as containing sensitive information, potential malware, or spam. "Irish businesses need to ensure they are regularly reviewing their cyber security protocols and ensuring effective threat protection and formal employee awareness training is in place", added Mr Molloy. AI generated content is circulating social media now more than ever, making it harder for people to differentiate between real and fake content. RTE have now created new Clarity roles which aim to focus on disinformation, discourse, and democracy while AI generated content and misinformation are rampant. RTE News and Current Affairs has appointed journalist Kate McDonald to the new role of Clarity Correspondent to strengthen coverage across all platforms. As people spend increasing amounts of time online, more than ever they are encountering false narratives and AI generated deepfake content that can be widely shared posing a threat to our democratic norms, RTE said. As RTEs Clarity Correspondent, Kate will deliver reports focusing on the origins, impact and evolution of information which misleads or misdirects public discourse and will be responsible for investigating such narratives across a range of briefs from politics to health and global affairs. Kate McDonald joined RTE in 2023 as a Multimedia Journalist and has worked primarily in the Current Affairs digital unit, reporting into RTE Prime Time. READ NEXT: LIVE: Gardai searching open ground for traces of missing women Deirdre Jacob and JoJo Dullard - Ireland Live Before joining RTE, she was Deputy News Editor at Storyful in Australia, where she specialised in video verification and online investigations. Prior to that she worked on radio news and TV investigations at the BBC. She holds an MA in Broadcast Journalism from Cardiff University and studied European Studies with Russian at Trinity College Dublin. Taking on a brand new role for RTE News and Current Affairs, Kate said: Im really looking forward to building on my work investigating online harms and their real-world impact, whether thats the rabbit hole effects of social media algorithms or the trading of personal data to track our movements. "I'll continue to examine how digital systems shape the information people encounter and how that affects their everyday lives". RTE Prime Time reporter Louise Byrne has also been appointed Policy and Analysis Correspondent with RTE Prime Time. Louise will focus on how policies and actions impact everyday life, encompassing politics, demographics, housing, economics and infrastructure. She will monitor and interpret government, EU and other institutional policy developments for Prime Time on RTE One and on online platforms. Louise Byrne has been a reporter and stand-in presenter on RTE Prime Time since 2019. A graduate of Politics and Business from Trinity College, Dublin, Louise began her career in Midlands 103FM, before spells with Phantom FM and 98FM. The Dublin native was a reporter and editor on RTE Radio 1s Morning Ireland before making the move to television journalism. Nominated as PPI Radio Reporter of the Year and a Justice in Media Award winner, Louise brings 20 years of experience covering a variety of policy areas including housing, infrastructure and social affairs. She has reported on major international news events including coverage of the 2024 US Presidential election, the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing. Louise also co-presented RTE Prime Times Housing Week special, a series that examined Irelands housing crisis through in-depth reporting, expert analysis and first-person accounts. She said: Im really looking forward to the new challenge - bringing context, background and analysis on key policy decisions to our viewers. "The State is planning a significant increase in capital spending as part of its plan to boost housing and infrastructure. Theres never been a more important time for Prime Time to ensure its sharpest focus on the decisions and projects ahead." An Irishman who has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) for five months has received a stay on his deportation until next month. Seamus Culleton, originally from Kilkenny, has been in the US for almost 20 years and is married to a US citizen. READ NEXT: ALERT! Aldi issue urgent recall of popular food item amid serious Salmonella fears He was driving home after finishing work in Massachusetts when he was detained by Ice agents on September 9 last year. Mr Culleton said he had a work permit but was arrested and taken to an Ice facility in El Paso, Texas. Mr Culleton went public with his case by being interviewed on live radio from the facility in early February, where he compared the conditions to a modern-day concentration camp where he had barely any time outdoors. He said he would like Taoiseach Micheal Martin to raise his case with US President Donald Trump during his meeting at the White House in March for St Patricks Day. The US Department of Homeland Security said Mr Culleton arrived in the US in 2009 under a visa waiver programme, allowing people to stay in the US for 90 days without a visa, but did not leave after this period. READ NEXT: Irish holidaymakers urged to avoid popular destination amid 'life-threatening risks' Mr Culletons lawyer Ogor Winnie Okoye said the US government has historically given exemptions and forgiven certain immigration violations such as working without authorisation or overstay to immediate relatives of US citizens. Ms Okoye said he had submitted a green card application before his arrest and had been scheduled for his marriage-based green card interview in November. On Monday, the legal firm of Ms Okoye, BOS Legal, said a petition for review of the administrative final removal order and an ex parte motion filed in the First Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday delayed Mr Culletons deportation. It said the significant development saw a temporary order staying Culletons removal for the next 10 business days. The court ordered the government to file their response which is due in the coming days, it said. Culleton has resided in the United States for nearly two decades and is married to a US citizen. He has no criminal entries since living in the United States. Culleton is married to a US citizen, presents no public safety concerns, and has strong familial and community ties in the United States. Culleton has been separated from his wife, Tiffany, and his family for over five months. READ NEXT: 12 counties hit with weather warnings as heavy rain and strong winds on the way Our legal team remains focused on securing his release from Ice custody and obtaining the immigration relief necessary for him be reunited with his wife and to remain in the United States with his family. We are committed to advocating for Culletons right to remain in the United States based on legal merits of his case. Our focus is on reuniting him with his spouse and ensuring that justice is served within the bounds of our laws. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has defended proposed cuts to special needs assistants (SNAs) at some schools across the country as a rebalancing of supports. Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton paused a review of SNA provisions after backlash from teachers, parents and the trade union Forsa at cuts proposed at dozens of schools from September. When suggested that supports were being cut before a new special needs system was put in place, Ms Carroll MacNeill said there had been a considerable expansion in SNAs across the country since she became a TD. No, thats not my experience, she told the media on Tuesday afternoon. What I see is an increase in my area, and I do see a redeployment. There is a huge, huge body of momentum towards extra supports quite the opposite to what I think you might be suggesting that there are more special supports in schools for children in my own constituency, it is a hugely important issue, and I would be very, very familiar with the particular needs of every school. There is quite a lot of work going into this. I recognise that the minister has placed a pause on this. Ive spoken with the head of the (National Council for Special Education) myself in relation to this, because as a constituency TD, I would have always done that, and I know that in most cases, there wont be any change. In others, there are important changes, where, for example, if there are six children in sixth class who move into first year, and there are not the same number of children requiring special supports, then theres a redistribution of those SNA needs to happen, particularly if theres a bigger demand at the school next door. Thats a process that is always going to need some measure of fluidity. But what I see in my school, in my constituency, is more SNAS and more schools embracing special supports, embracing special classes, and its been a wonderful change to observe as a constituency TD over the last six years. She added: I see, for example, a commitment that there is no SNA going to be losing their job, but they might reasonably be redeployed to the school next door if that school has greater need than school A, if School B has because of the children presenting to it, maybe its a boys school next to a girls school, as in is the case in Killiney, for example, where there have been many, many supports provided by the girls schools and now, more recently, by the boys school, and sometimes a rebalancing of that is going to be appropriate over time. What I think the Taoiseach said, and what the minister has said, is that that is a review that needs to happen more often, so that we are more quickly and more appropriately responding to the profile of children, to the needs of children who are in the school at any given day. There is a risk of flooding across the country, according to the Governments emergency planners, with weather warnings applying to 18 counties. A spell of heavy rainfall overnight from Tuesday and throughout Wednesday will be falling on already saturated ground and rivers close to bursting banks. Met Eireann has issued several yellow-level warnings in which members of the public were told there is a flood risk in 17 counties. However, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management said: Flooding is a risk across the country due to the current conditions. Whether or not a yellow rain warning is in place for a county, all areas will remain at risk of flooding. On Tuesday morning, Met Eireann issued a yellow warning for rain applying to all of Leinster as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford. The warning will be in effect between 11pm on Tuesday and 11pm on Wednesday. It is a significant expansion of the advisory which was first announced on Monday. The forecasting agency said there is a risk of flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions in these areas, which are also experiencing high river levels. The inclement conditions will be exacerbated by strong and gusty south-easterly winds in five of these counties. Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Louth and Dublin will also be under a yellow warning for wind, with Met Eireann also cautioning against wave overtopping amid high tides. The wind warning is between 11pm on Tuesday and 1pm on Wednesday. The double warning applies to areas in the east of the country which have been severely affected by flooding in recent weeks. A third yellow warning for rain applies to Donegal between 2am and 2pm on Wednesday, with Met Eireann warning that falls of sleet and snow are possible. Some wintry precipitation is also possible over high ground in Wicklow. Students from 16 schools descended on East Cork in recent days to attend the countrys very first spelling bee competition as Gaeilge. The event, hosted by Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, saw students compete over multiple rounds, spelling words ranging from easy to difficult, from gabhar (goat) to feinfhorbairt (self-development). In all, 32 students - two from each school - sat on the stage, waiting their turn to spell their assigned word. Theyd already come through their own school competition, so these were seasoned competitors. Still, there were nerves in the air, and as the number of participants whittled down, the tension started to rise. Before the competition, the students had been given a list of more than 100 words to study, but after round four, they were given words that were not on the list. Aoibhinn Ni Drisceoil and Aisling Ni Chathain, both competitors from Gaelscoil Mhachan at the As well as learning the list of words, they had been trawling through dictionaries and other books, doing their best to prepare by learning how to spell as many words as possible. Their preparation was evident. The 11- and 12-year-olds showed remarkable poise, taking their time and spelling out the words clearly. The mistakes were miniscule, a missing letter here, a rogue fada there. The battle for third spot was hard won, with Tomas Og O Cadhla from Scoil Naisiunta na Rinne, Waterford, pipping Sofia Lupton from Gaelscoil Dhochtuir Ui Shuilleabhain in Skibbereen to the prize. Then we were left with two: Conall O Dalaigh, of Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, and Nancy Ni Ealaithe, from Gaelscoil Ui Riada in Wilton. The eventual winner, Nancy, won out by correctly spelling idirdhealu (differentiate). Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann students played prior to the competition. Picture: Jim Coughlan. I didnt think Id even get past the first round, said Nancy, who had studied for weeks at night. It was very nerve-racking up there but really exciting too. Runner-up Conall enjoyed the competition but admitted being disappointed he didnt win. I speak Irish at home with my family, and one of my dads sayings for us kids is foghlaim, fas and forbairt (learn, grow, and develop), so the word I missed - feinfhorbairt - will haunt me, he laughed. It was great to have the competition in our school, and it was good to have that support from my classmates. Sophia Lupton, competitor from Gaelscoil Dr. Ui Shuilleabhain, Skibbereen. Picture: Jim Coughlan. Laoch an Litrithe is the brainchild of Aisling De Nogla, a student in Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann. Last year, De Nogla had taken part in the Eason National Spelling Bee, where she came third. When she returned from the competition, she asked the question, why isnt there an Irish language spelling competition? My mom and dad took it to heart and suggested I ask at school. I said it to Roisin [Ni Cheallaigh], who thought an Irish language spelling bee was a good idea. She took it on board and organised everything, and I helped her. Deputy Principal Ni Cheallaigh was delighted to run with the idea. We thought this is a good opportunity for the school to start something, she said. Ruth Ni hAragain and Ella Ni Chaiside, both competitors from Gaelscoil De HIde Fermoy. Picture: Jim Coughlan. We said wed start relatively small with all the gaelscoileanna in Cork, and then we reached out to Waterford too, as were quite close to Waterford here in East Cork. The response from the other schools was positive. Then it was on to coming up with the rules for the competition, and organising the school final. For the rules, Ni Cheallaigh leaned on the existing ones for the Eason spelling bee, including a rule that states that once you start spelling a word, you cant go back and correct yourself. Senan O Comnchubhair and Sean O Lonain, both competitors from Scoil Baile Mhic Airt, Co. Waterford. Picture: Jim Coughlan. We know this is a harsh rule, but its one they use in the Eason competition, so were going to stick with it, said Ni Cheallaigh. This is not a competition for the faint-hearted, she explained. It can be a bit cruel because you could get a spelling wrong, but you could know all the words before yours and after yours. So theres a certain amount of luck involved too. Of the 32 competitors, there was a mix of girls and boys, and Ni Cheallaigh said there was a real mix too when it came to students who would be naturally very good spellers and students who showed huge determination to get to the final - it was lovely to see. Eimi Leigh Ni Fhathartaigh and Ali Nic an Tuile, both competitiors from Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers. Irish language TV broadcaster TG4 was present on the day, recording the competition and interviewing the finalists and organisers. Laoch an Litrithe will be aired on TG4 today (Tuesday, February 17) at 1.30pm and 5.30pm on Cula4 and again at 5.50pm on TG4. Aisling hopes this is the start of something big. Hopefully, next year we can extend the competition to the whole of Munster, and even include students from English-language schools who would be interested in competing. Ni Cheallaigh agrees. I think its going to be the start of something rather than a once-off. Theres been lots of good feeling from the other schools and offers of support. Its a great opportunity to promote the Irish language too, which is something we work hard to do. For now, Aisling and the school are proud of the event they have put on. There were so many schools here and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Everything went well too with the judging. It was a lot of work, especially by Roisin, but it was worth it. It was a great competition, said Aisling. Further attempts are to be made to find a suitable location for psychiatric treatment for a 58-year-old man who has spent the last eight months remanded in jail, in the absence of a place at the Central Mental Hospital. A witness from the hospital appeared by video link at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to say that they did not have a place for Patrick Sibanyoni, of Dundanion Lodge, Blackrock, Cork. Dr Brenda Wright told Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the reason that the hospital was unable to accept Patrick Sibanyoni (58) was due to the fact that all 100 male beds and 11 female beds at the hospital were full. She told Judge Helen Boyle that in addition to being at full capacity, the hospital had a waiting list of another 38 people waiting admission including eight in homicide cases who were deemed not fit to plead due to their mental condition. However, the case was further adjourned until today to see if a suitable location for his treatment could be found. Judge Helen Boyle said, after hearing the evidence: I accept what you are saying: There simply are not enough beds to accommodate all the persons in the State who need them. We are trying to come to a solution here. The judge said that remanding the man in custody was not satisfactory, but that she had no option but to do so again, until today (February 17). The reality is that if this man does not get treatment, he will never be fit to plead, she said. I will remand him in custody until tomorrow [February 17]. Hopefully, we will have an update then. The defendant was arrested in Mallow last May and charged with 24 counts of causing criminal damage to cars and premises in the town, where it was alleged that he was involved in these alleged activities while naked. Judge Boyle said that the accused was clearly unwell, and his condition had been deteriorating while in prison over the past eight months. I am not a psychiatrist, but I have a report that says he is in urgent need of medical attention, she said. Mr Sibanyoni came to the attention of the public and of gardai in Mallow on May 19, 2025, when, it is alleged, he was seen smashing cars and the windows and doors of numerous premises while he was walking through the streets naked. A faster method of paying for buses is set to be introduced in Cork this summer following prolonged delays, including the National Transport Authority (NTA) purchasing machines that did not work as initially expected. The rollout, which will also see the introduction of a 90-minute fare allowing people to take unlimited bus journeys during that time at no additional cost, was initially set to take place by last September. It was then pushed out to the start of this year, before this latest delay. The current system of bus passengers in Cork having to go to the bus driver to pay, whether by cash or Leap card, adds considerably to boarding time on buses and lengthens overall bus journey times, the NTA said. The new system will see Leap card validators installed on an entry pole at the front of each bus, so people do not have to go to the driver. The NTA told Labour TD Eoghan Kenny: This project is under way and at present we are in the testing phase for the solution. Subject to successful end-to-end testing of the solution, we expect to start rollout in May and finish in June. "However, if issues arise in testing that require resolution by the supplier, the go-live may move a number of weeks. Validator The NTA previously told The Echo that the rollout of this Leap Card validator system in Cork would be complete in Q3 of 2025. Last October, it said it would be delayed to early next year, as testing of the 220 validators, bought for 359,913 excluding Vat, has identified that the speed of the hardware in processing Leap Card transactions, and the overall software resilience of the system, is less than expected. Labour councillor for Cork City South East, Peter Horgan, said he hoped the timeline could be sped up. Ive seen the machines on the Cork fleet, and I hope this testing is positive and we see it rolled out even faster, he said. Weve been here before with testing getting delayed. Onboarding is a critical point for speeding up the bus transport process in Cork, although congestion remains a constant issue, along with ghost buses and driver capability. The NTA added in its response to Mr Kenny that the project is being rolled out in advance of next generation ticketing being deployed in Cork, which will see bus passengers able to tap their bank card or Apple Pay/Google Pay on their phone to pay for trips. The project is being rolled out in Dublin first, and is set to be available there by 2028. Cork County Council should provide extended handrails at a popular West Cork swimming spot to make sea swimming accessible to people with disabilities and mobility issues. Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins raised the issue in a motion at the recent meeting of the councils West Cork Municipal District. Mr Collins said he was calling on the council to extend the steps below Schull Sailing Club at the slipway, with a handrail also to be installed. He told the meeting that the location was a popular swimming spot, especially during spring and summer, and it was used by a number of ladies with disabilities. Mr Collins said that the steps and handrail stop short of the waters edge, and this presented a challenge for some people to access the sea. He said there was a real danger that somebody could fall and suffer an injury. He said there was a similar issue at Snave Pier in Ballylickey a number of years ago, and additional steps and handrails were installed. Seconding the motion, Fine Gaels Caroline Cronin said there was previously a platform next to the water that enabled swimmers to walk out to the waters edge, but it has washed away over the years, and something similar could be installed again. Aidan Prendergast, senior executive engineer, said Cork County Council was not responsible for the lands where the slip and steps are located below the Schull Sailing Club. He said the lands are in the remit of the Cork Education and Training Board (CETB). It was agreed to write to the CETB regarding the matter. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Funding for Cork national roads has almost doubled compared to last year, with over 100m for the M28 as well as sizeable increases in road maintenance funding for both Cork local authorities. A total of 234m has been announced for Cork national, regional and local roads by the department of transport. The 144,133,541 total package of national road funding includes 138,261,389 for Cork county and 5,872,152 for Cork, which marks a 94% increase from the 72,261,348 allocated to Cork county and 1,954,642 to Cork city last year. The largest single allocation is 110m for the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway, which is expected to take three years and cost more than 450m to complete. The scheme, which secured planning in 2018, involves the construction of approximately 11km of motorway from the N40 Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely near the Port of Cork, to replace the existing N28. Other funding allocations granted for new roads in Cork county include 1m for the Midleton to Youghal scheme, 500,000 for the Carrigtwohill to Midleton scheme, 600,00 for the Mallow Relief Road, 3.1m for the Ballyvourney to Macroom bypass, and 250,000 for the Dunkettle Interchange. West Cork In West Cork, the dangerous condition of the road in Ballylickey will be tackled with a 3m investment to repair the road surface, while in Innishannon and Bandon 100,000 and 650,000 respectively have been allocated for works to advance bypasses. Cork City will benefit from 1.27m to resurface the N27, from Penrose Quay to Ballintemple, with 2.5m going towards resurfacing the road from Grassland Agro to Leemount Terrace on the N22 Carrigrohane Road While the biggest increase in funding is in the new roads section, largely due to the funding for the M28, there has also been a significant increase in road maintenance funding, for the protection and renewal of existing roads. Cork City Council has been allocated 682,152 towards repairing and maintaining its road network, up 67% from 2025, while Cork County Council will be granted 1,666,389, a 35% increase compared to last year. Corks Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD welcomed the allocation as part of the Governments 1.514bn investment nationally, saying: it is vital that we continue delivering for Cork. Mr Buttimer said that overall, the funding was very positive for Cork: I have been strongly advocating for Cork with this years allocation, and Im glad to see Cork doing well. If were serious about balanced regional development and making Cork a strong economic driver for the Country, this is the scale of investment we need to be starting with. Im very ambitious to grow this level of investment year on year through the lifetime of this Government. A naive bachelor farmer growing cannabis in remote woodlands around Ballingeary said he was no Pablo Escobar, but a local detective said he was no Robin Hood either. Before Judge Sinead Behan could characterise 53-year-old Daniel Kelleher of Kilmore, Ballingeary, County Cork, the judge had to look into the issue of the accused man also having a revolver and an air rifle discovered during the garda investigation. Defence barrister Ben Shorten generated some laughter in Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday when he remarked that many houses in West Cork may have old firearms left over from the War of Independence. While Det. Garda Ryan did not comment on that specifically, he confirmed that gardai did not believe the revolver and the air rifle had anything to do with the cannabis-growing. Detective Garda Shannon Ryan said Daniel Kelleher seemed to have a naive sense of pride in his success at growing cannabis plants to maturity some of them reaching eight-foot high in remote woodlands at Lyrenageeha, Ballingeary, County Cork, in September 2023. Several searches were carried out and they uncovered 53 mature cannabis plants with a potential street value of 42,400 at one location, 42 plants worth 33,600 in another and 46 plants worth 36,800 in a third. The remote areas of cleared woodland were only accessible by foot. Also packages of cannabis herb with a value of 6,700 were found stashed around his home property. The detective said Daniel Kelleher was proud of himself being able to grow cannabis plants so successfully. Det. Garda Ryan did acknowledge in respect of the accused mans views since September 2023: He has in the last few years seen the light, that it was not the right thing to be doing. Going back to the period when he was cultivating cannabis, the detective agreed with Mr Shorten that the accused appeared to be influenced by people with an alternative lifestyle in the area. Mr Shorten said: He had misplaced pride in his horticultural skills. He was taken advantage of by people with a more cavalier view of cannabis He was supplying others but not for financial reward. Sentencing Judge Behan agreed with the view that there was naivety but she said people should realise that providing drugs, even without payment, is still committing the offence of supplying drugs. The judge imposed a fully suspended three-year sentence on the accused in relation to charges of having cannabis for sale or supply, and cultivation of cannabis. The total street value of drugs discovered in the investigation amounted to 119,609. Daniel Kelleher had no relevant previous convictions. I recently helped to organise a trip to Bulgaria for 14 Cork teenagers from Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services (CYDS). The visit was part of the Erasmus+ project - the European Unions flagship funding programme for education, training, youth, and sport - and the youngsters were accompanied by five staff. The theme of our Erasmus+ is EU & ME and is looking at young peoples identity and what it means to be a European citizen. We left CDYS Midleton in late October and headed to Dublin for our flight to Bulgaria early the next morning. Despite weather reports of showers and cold temperatures, we arrived in a sunny Sofia where we met up with our Bulgarian partner and some of the countrys young people. It was a long bus journey to the town of Banya, which would be our home for the week, picking up more of the Bulgarian group along the way, but spirits were high and we settled in quickly. We were made feel very welcome and the young people and staff mixed so well that by the following day we were all one big happy group. Workshops began and we got straight into our topic of EU & ME, looking at our place in Europe and what it meant to be a European citizen. This was of particular interest to this group as the young Irish people were very conscious of the rise in far-right groups and issues around immigration in Ireland. There was also a feeling identified within the Irish contingent of a slight disassociation from Europe due to being an island nation. From the Bulgarian point of view, the young people were from various backgrounds and felt their identity was strongly tied to their families origins, as Bulgaria is relatively new to the EU and still finding its place. Throughout the week, the young people got the opportunity to create their idea of an ideal Europe and how that would look to them. After much debate over different points of view, a constitution was drawn up and a flag drawn, combining the work of the whole group. Other topics discussed were around prejudices and stereotypes, what each word meant, and the differences between them. The young people were challenged to think of any prejudices and stereotypes that they held and discussed how they could learn to let go of these to be able to treat everyone equally. As an exchange of culture, both groups held a night where they showcased traditional dance, music and food from each country along with presentations around the history of both countries. The Bulgarian night included a trip to a local swimming pool filled with natural spring water, which is flowing underground all around the region we were staying. This was full of natural minerals, and the temperature was always around 36C. The Irish night was held on Halloween so the origins of Halloween and Samhain were explained to the Bulgarians, many of whom had not celebrated it before. To finish the night, we decorated the local park in Halloween decorations and dressed up while giving out sweets to the Bulgarian group and some other local children who came by. The group were also introduced to the Youth Pass system, which is used by Erasmus+ to record skills gained by the young people while on the exchange. These included competences such as personal and social areas, citizenship, cultural awareness and expression, digital and literacy competence. As the week progressed, the young people would log on to the youth pass system and write about a skill they had worked on that day, and this would all be uploaded on to their certificates. At the end of the week, there was a closing ceremony where each young person was presented with their Youth Pass certificate, showing what they had learned during their time there, after which the goodbyes had to be said. Overall, the Erasmus youth exchange gave 29 young people an experience that they would never have been able to do without the funding and support from the EU and Leargas, our national agency. To finish, here are some quotes from the young people who took part. Before this exchange, I felt more Irish than European. From this exchange, I definitely feel more connected as we talk about the similarities between our countries and we see that were not that different. Before this challenge, I didnt think much about my European identity. Now, I feel more connected to Europe, especially through the shared values, diversity, and collaboration Ive experienced with others. The Youth Pass certificate at the end of the trip, recording all your new competences and everything you achieved, makes you feel proud of yourself. Every young person should be able to experience this kind of fun and make these kinds of memories. Im grateful that I was able to take part in this trip. Im grateful for the people I went with and the people I met along the way. I would absolutely recommend Erasmus+ to my friends because you can make really good memories, you can do fun teamwork, and that informal studying is way better than the school one. Definitely a hit! Please put me through to a human being. Im sorry I cannot connect you unless you are an account holder. Please input your account number and PIN to proceed. I dont have an account. Please put me through to a human customer service agent. Im sorry. I did not understand you. How can I help you? Please, for the love of God, put me through to a human being before I lose my mind. Hold on. Connecting you now. As if January wasnt grim enough, I somehow spent most of it navigating the labyrinthine customer service systems of phone, internet and delivery companies. In accordance with the universal rule that bad things arrive in threes, Ive been dealing daily with a company about getting a landline installed in my house, a company to switch my business broadband, and a company to get an errant package delivered. I fell into the Bermuda triangle of incompetent AI chatbots, disempowered customer service agents, and overworked employees navigating digital systems that dont talk to each other. Every day, I listened to soulless hold music, enunciated my predicament slowly, and repeatedly typed 17-digit reference numbers into my touchscreen. Im sorry I do not recognise this number, please enter your number starting with one, double zero. What! My number starts with three 7s! Every interaction generates gritted teeth, clipped tones, and simmering frustration. Until, eventually, you are practically roaring at an inanimate object who hasnt an iota of the tension it has created. Then, finally, you are connected to a real person who must deal with this wound-up borderline lunatic and attempt to unravel your problem and crankiness. Inevitably, this human being apologises for the failed delivery/connection/service and I say: Im sorry I sound so annoyed. I know its not your fault, but Ive been going around in circles with that stupid chatbot you have on your phone. Im sorry about that, madam, we have got several complaints about that service. How can I help you now? The frustrations of interacting with digital systems that cant capture the complexity of how things go wrong are nothing new. But this emerging era of AI chatbots, wilfully designed to stop you speaking to a real person while pretending to be one, makes everything worse. The chatbot from the delivery company is the worst, in my opinion. A patronisingly friendly fake female voice - I just need to collect some details... Whats your items shipment number Im just looking that up... she says brightly, as if shes actually scrolling through a spreadsheet. It is particularly galling because this is the tenth phone call Ive made, and she hasnt helped me yet. Ill spare you the excruciatingly boring details. Eventually, the broadband was upgraded, the landline is coming (allegedly), but I was still waiting delivery of my package. The short version: it wasnt delivered because of a supposedly incorrect address. The address was fine. My phone number wasnt. So, they couldnt ring me to correct an address that didnt need correcting. In the end, I had to push the Can you please put me through to your supervisor? button. Ive been going around in circles for the last week. Issuing another ticket is not going to fix anything. Ive given my address. Ive worked from home for five days waiting for a parcel that never comes. I need to speak to a supervisor who can rectify this situation so I can get on with the rest of my life. On comes an apologetic supervisor. A soft UK Midlands accent, full of sympathy. I ask him to ring the depot to speak to a person who can physically hold the package and put it in a van for delivery. The supervisor said hed ring me back in ten minutes. I was sceptical, but he did. With the unfortunate news that he, too, couldnt get through to the depot. This could be an irredeemably frustrating story of corporate ineptitude if it wasnt for the intervention of one shining employee - Alex. After days of exasperation, I got an email from Alex, at the depot, who knew Id been trying to get my parcel delivered and assured me it would go out the next day and this sorry chapter of my life would be over. Oh God bless you, Alex, I whispered. At last, a saviour for our time. Next morning, I logged onto the tracking website with great anticipation and, hang on a minute, the tracking information looked exactly as it had done for the past week. I emailed my new friend Alex who assured me not to panic, the delivery vans hadnt left yet. It was only 09.05am. My package was definitely going out today. Later, a happy chappy from northern England rang, informing me to expect a delivery imminently. Again, I worked from home for the whole day.At 5pm, I got a phone call from Alex. Bad news. The driver had returned and my package was still in the van. I laughed out loud. Alex apologised profusely and said he had just finished work, and he would deliver the package to my house himself because he recognised the ludicrousness of the situation. So fair play to Alex, a functional, problem-solving human who saved the day in the end. The thing about these technological efficiencies is that they arent efficient at all. They shift the cost from companies onto customers. Our time, our patience, our sanity. My aunt is currently embroiled in her own digital trench warfare (Im providing some digital care-giving backup, and I know she is not alone. In the end, my saga was resolved not by artificial intelligence, not by an automated ticket, not by a virtual assistant - but by Alex. A person with agency, common sense, and the ability to recognise when something had become absurd. It turns out the future of customer service isnt more sophisticated robots. Its more Alexes. And perhaps the radical act, in 2026, is simply refusing to rage against machines and insisting, politely but persistently, on speaking to another human being. The Ministers for Transport have announced 1.5 million funding for national, regional and local roads. This is a 13 per cent increase in road funding over 2025. The 718 million allocation for regional and local roads will allow approximately 2,800 km of roads to be maintained and 2,330 km to be improved. This includes 50 million for strategic road improvement projects, including projects identified for development under the National Development Plan. There is also 20 million in Specific Grants for smaller-scale road improvements. This includes the safety scheme on the R332 Kilbannon, Co. Galway; the rehabilitation of Archdeacon Duggan Bridge in Co. Cork; and the Kilkelly Relief Road in Co. Mayo. 99 projects in this category will be funded in 2026. Also included in the funding is 18 million for bridge rehabilitation works, 350m for road pavement strengthening works, 16.2m for Community Involvement Schemes, and 70m for Specific and Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said: "Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. "Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation. The allocations Im announcing today will enable multiple major new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or are close to construction. This will enable greater connectivity across our country, support economic development, and deliver safer roads and less congested towns and communities. Projects such as the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, the M28 and the Adare Bypass, which are currently in construction, demonstrate the clear commitment to the ongoing development of our national road network. Taken together with the new road projects, which are at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle, an increased number of new national roads projects have been allocated funding this year." Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, described it as a decisive step change in restoring and rebuilding Irelands road network after years of decline. There is no point pretending otherwise, our national road network was allowed to crumble over recent years due to a regressive approach taken toward roads investment by the Green Party. "That approach failed rural Ireland, failed businesses and failed communities. What people want to see is simple, tar, tar and more tar. They want to see roads repaired, resurfaced and made safe. They want to see dangerous stretches improved and long-promised projects progressed. This programme delivers exactly that, real works on the ground and real improvements for communities right across Ireland. Netflix is streaming its very first live MMA fight on May 16 . The combatants are one-time phenom Ronda Rousey and one-time actor Gina Carano. Both women have retired from the sport. Rousey left in 2016 and Carano left all the way back in 2009. In any event, they are both back for one night only. The featherweight bout will take place inside a hexagon cage and will stream globally. It's likely Netflix had to choose two retired fighters because current stars are under contracts with various promotional entities. This fight is co-hosted by Most Valuable Productions , a promotional company started by Jake Paul. Netflix has already been streaming boxing matches , so MMA seems like a natural next step. The platform has also aired live talk shows , golf events and awards ceremonies . Advertisement Advertisement If you're unfamiliar with the aforementioned fighters, Rousey is a UFC champion and Olympic medalist who has a fantastic 12-2 record in MMA . Carano is a pioneer in the sport, starting her career all the way back in 2006. She also played Cara Dune in The Mandalorian before getting into hot water after social media posts that mocked mask wearing during the pandemic, alleged voter fraud during the 2020 election and denigrated transgender people . However, it really came to a head when she doubled down on her comments, likening the social media blowback conservatives receive to what Jewish people experienced during the holocaust. That's when she was fired from the hit Star Wars show . Hollywood icon Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose career defined American cinema for more than six decades, has died at age 95, his wife Luciana Duvall announced. He passed away peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia on February 15, according to statements shared publicly by his family. Duvall's career spanned seven decades and included some of the most revered performances in film history. Born January 5, 1931 in San Diego, California, Robert Selden Duvall first appeared onscreen in the 1962 adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird before going on to iconic roles that shaped modern Hollywood. He became a household name in the 1970s with unforgettable turns as Tom Hagen in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, earning critical acclaim for his calm, layered style and quiet intensity. Duvall's second major role in this era came as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, delivering one of cinema's most quoted lines and cementing his reputation as a versatile force in film. In 1983 Duvall won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his deeply human portrayal of Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies, a role that showcased his commitment to character and story above all else. Across his career he received seven Oscar nominations, including for The Great Santini and The Apostle, the latter of which he also wrote and directed. His work extended beyond film into television and theater, with notable performances in acclaimed projects such as the miniseries Lonesome Dove and the HBO film Stalin, earning him additional Golden Globe and Emmy recognition. In the statement shared on social media, Luciana Duvall described her husband as "one of the greatest actors of our time," reflecting on their life together as both a creative partnership and deep personal bond. She confirmed his passing was peaceful, surrounded by love and comfort at home. Duvall is survived by his wife, who has asked for privacy as the family grieves and as tributes from around the world pour in. His enduring legacy remains in the body of work he leaves behind, spanning crime sagas, war epics, intimate dramas and Westerns, that have inspired generations of actors and filmmakers. Robert Duvall, the Oscar winning actor whose filmography helped define modern American cinema, is being remembered not only for roles in classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, but also for a second life passion that took him far from Hollywood soundstages and deep into the late night tango clubs of Buenos Aires. Duvall died Sunday night, Feb. 15, 2026, at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, according to a statement from his representative. He was 95. For years, tango was more than a hobby for Duvall. It was a discipline, a social world, and eventually a love story tied directly to Argentina. In a 2011 Esquire piece, he distilled the dance with a line tango dancers often repeat in their own way: "When you dance tango fast, you have to think slow." His Argentina connection became inseparable from Luciana Pedraza, the Argentine woman who later became his wife. Their origin story reads like a film scene, except it is one Duvall himself loved to tell. In that same Esquire feature, he said he went to a bakery because a flower shop was closed, and that twist of timing led to meeting Pedraza in Argentina. CBS News, in a 2004 report centered on his tango obsession, also described the encounter outside a Buenos Aires bakery, quoting Pedraza recalling how she approached him and invited him to a tango shop opening. By the early 2000s, Duvall did what he often did with his passions: he turned them into a project. He wrote, directed and starred in Assassination Tango, a thriller that plants an aging professional killer in Buenos Aires and lets the city's tango culture work on him, slowly, seductively, and then completely. The Austin Chronicle captured the premise bluntly, describing how the character becomes enchanted with tango while on assignment in Buenos Aires, and how the film braids together Duvall's love of the dance, the city, and Pedraza, who appears opposite him. The movie mattered to tango fans because it treated the dance less like an exotic flourish and more like a living language with rules, etiquette, and a heartbeat that starts with the walk. That approach tracks with the way Duvall talked about tango publicly, as something demanding enough to humble an actor known for playing commanders, cowboys, and men who never blink. His tango life was not limited to Argentina, either. A Times obituary noted that after he and Pedraza married in 2005, they kept the ritual going at home, with "daily tango sessions in a converted barn" on Duvall's Virginia farm, alongside another shared obsession, horses. In other words, tango did not stay in Buenos Aires as a vacation romance. It became part of his domestic routine. Argentina, for Duvall, also represented a kind of creative reset. He returned again and again, not as a celebrity collecting experiences, but as someone chasing mastery in a culture that does not care who you are once you step onto the floor. CBS News described him spending nights in Buenos Aires tango clubs, calling it an "obsession," and framing the trips around dancing rather than nightlife in the usual sense. In the hours after his death was reported, tributes focused on the immensity of his screen work, but the tango thread offers a different way to understand Duvall's longevity as an artist. Acting rewarded his instincts. Tango demanded his attention. Argentina gave him a place where he was not just Robert Duvall, legend, but simply another man learning how to listen, lead, and move in time. Uncle Luke is pushing back against claims that he is the voice heard in a resurfaced audio clip describing an alleged party involving Donald Trump, but critics say an older radio interview raises new questions. According to Atlanta Black Star, the former 2 Live Crew frontman became the subject of online debate after a clip circulated in which a man sounding like Luke recounts details of a gathering reportedly tied to one of Trump's Miss USA pageants. In the viral recording, the speaker says, "A lot of these women ain't of age. So when you got a whole bunch of these women running around whether you know if they of age or not it's a lot of things going on... some women look too young," adding, "Yeah, it was a lot of sex going on." Luke publicly denied being the mystery voice. Responding to the allegations on social media, he wrote, "That's NOT my voice on this tweet." He also acknowledged attending Trump's Mar-a-Lago club years ago. Read more: LisaRaye Sent 'Proof' of Nicole Murphy Cheating With Her Husband to Model's Then-Boyfriend Michael Strahan In a follow-up statement, Luke said, "I was invited to Mar-a-Lago by Donald Trump many years ago, along with Mike Tyson and Eddie Murphy. He gave us a tour of the place. I did not see any drugs. I did not see any underage women. I left early because I had another engagement." However, online users resurfaced a 2016 appearance by Luke on the "Make it Plain" radio show hosted by Rev. Mark Thompson, in which he described leaving a party at Mar-a-Lago after witnessing questionable activity. First of all, thats NOT my voice on this tweet. Second, I voted for Kamala Harris. Third, Ive said this before I was invited to Mar-a-Lago by @realDonaldTrump many years ago along with Mike Tyson and Eddie Murphy. He gave us a tour of the place. I did not see any drugs. I https://t.co/tdslGeV3HV Luther Luke Campbell (@unclelukereal1) February 13, 2026 In that interview, Luke said he departed early because there were "a lot of things going... things that I don't care to engage in... I think I was there for every bit of 45 minutes before I realized the different things that was going on, and I was like, 'OK, it's time for me to go.'" He added, "every time you open up a door it was something else going on that I didn't really care to be a part of... I wasn't clear whether or not they were adults." The resurfaced clip prompted sharp reactions online. One commenter wrote, "Na you got some explaining to do. Lol what was happening at Donald Trump Mansion that made you not want to participate?" Another person stated, "Nah, Luke that was definitely you on that phone. So were you lying, or are you scared to admit it now?" A third individual commented, "Y'all are focused on the wrong thing. Uncle Luke just confirmed what's in the Epstein files. He was over Miss TEEN USA pageants!!! He's a pedophile, & I'm glad Luke had enough sense to get outta there! That's how u do it!!" Luke has maintained that, at the time, Trump was "a cool dude" with "beautiful people hanging around him," while emphasizing he never witnessed underage activity and stands by his account. In other news, Vibe reported that Uncle Luke criticized Drake after Rick Ross was attacked in Vancouver, calling the violence "unacceptable" and saying Drake shouldn't have liked a post about it, as it appeared to condone violence. He warned the feud could mirror the tragic Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. era and urged Drake to be the bigger person. Marlon Wayans also called for peace among Drake, Ross, Kendrick Lamar and others, encouraging them to follow J. Cole's example and end the violence. Read more: Tamar Braxton's Ex Jeremy Robinson and Future's Child's Mother Eliza Reign Spark Dating Rumors 5 Von der Leyen cree que la UE "ya no puede confiar" en un sistema basado en reglas y cuestiona si es "un obstaculo" Collaboration launches in telecommunications with dedicated Anthropic Center of Excellence, expanding across financial services, manufacturing, and software development Infosys Topaz and Anthropic's Claude models, including Claude Code, combine to automate complex workflows, accelerate software delivery, and build agentic AI solutions across industries (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) BENGALURU, India, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a strategic collaboration with Anthropic, an AI safety and research company, to develop and deliver advanced enterprise AI solutions to companies across telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, and software development. The collaboration will begin in telecommunications with a dedicated Anthropic Center of Excellence to build and deploy AI agents tailored to industry-specific operations. The collaboration will further expand across industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and software development. At its core, the collaboration integrates Anthropic's Claude models, including Claude Code, with Infosys Topaz AI offerings to help enterprises automate complex workflows, accelerate software delivery, and adopt AI with the governance and transparency that regulated industries require. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring AI drives real transformational value, not just efficiency gains. Together, Infosys and Anthropic aim to help clients reimagine the enterprise operating model by combining deep industry expertise, frontier AI, and engineering scale into one unified approach. A core focus will be agentic AI systems that go beyond answering questions to independently handling multi-step tasks like processing claims, generating and testing code, or managing compliance reviews. Using tools like the Claude Agent SDK, Infosys and Anthropic will help clients build AI agents that can work persistently across long, complex processes rather than one-off interactions. The collaboration will also help organizations modernize legacy systems, combining Infosys Topaz and Claude to accelerate migration and reduce the cost of updating aging infrastructure. Building on these agentic AI capabilities, Infosys and Anthropic will develop custom AI agents tailored to specific industries and business functions: In telecommunications, AI agents will help carriers modernize network operations, streamline customer lifecycle management, and improve service delivery bringing intelligent automation to one of the most operationally complex and heavily regulated industries in the world. AI agents will help carriers modernize network operations, streamline customer lifecycle management, and improve service delivery bringing intelligent automation to one of the most operationally complex and heavily regulated industries in the world. In financial services, AI agents will help firms detect and assess risk faster, automate compliance reporting, and deliver more personalized customer interactions such as tailoring financial advice based on a client's full account history and market conditions. AI agents will help firms detect and assess risk faster, automate compliance reporting, and deliver more personalized customer interactions such as tailoring financial advice based on a client's full account history and market conditions. In manufacturing and engineering, Claude will help accelerate product design and simulation, reducing R&D timelines and enabling engineers to test more iterations before production. Claude will help accelerate product design and simulation, reducing R&D timelines and enabling engineers to test more iterations before production. In software development, teams will use Claude Code to write, test, and debug code helping developers move faster from design through production. Infosys is already deploying Claude Code within its own Exponential Engineering organization, building internal expertise and best practices that will directly inform client engagements. Dario Amodei, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Anthropic, said, "There's a big gap between an AI model that works in a demo and one that works in a regulated industry and if you want to close that gap, you need domain expertise. Infosys has exactly that kind of expertise across important industries: telecom, financial services, and manufacturing. Their developers are already using Claude Code to accelerate their work and to create AI agents for industries that demand precision, compliance, and deep domain knowledge." Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys, said, "AI is not just transforming business it is redefining the way industries operate and innovate. Our collaboration with Anthropic marks a strategic leap toward advancing enterprise AI, enabling organizations to unlock value and become more intelligent, resilient, and responsible. From modernizing financial services with intelligent risk management and compliance, to enabling engineering businesses to lead with AI-driven design and manufacturing, the goal is to leverage the joint expertise of Infosys and Anthropic to accelerate AI value realization for global enterprises." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 330,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in 63 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence ("AI"), generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/... View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infosys-and-anthropic-announce-collaboration-to-unlock-ai-value-across-complex-regulated-industries-302689231.html A suspicious Park County death and Livingston standoff from this past Thursday are connected and an investigation into the cause of Pray resident William Georgeson's death continues, according to Park County Sheriff Tad Dykstra. Park County deputies responded to the initial disturbance on Chickory Road at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 12. "When (we) arrived (we) located a deceased male in the driveway," Dykstra said. "It is still an active investigation." Later that night, a person of interest related to the crime was located and confronted by authorities on Billman Lane in Livingston. He was brought in for interrogation by Park County deputies and Livingston Police, per Dykstra. Citing an active investigation, the sheriff could not identify the person of interest. No charges were pending as of Monday. The case is being investigated by county detectives alongside the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation. Chuck Tanner, owner of the Emigrant Outpost, said he was having a cocktail at another Park County bar with Georgeson, 65, less than an hour before the incident. "I was there 20 minutes before it happened," Tanner said. "I thought he was going out for a smoke break and he never came back. He was taking off with another friend. I guess they decided to leave. "Theres so much thats not released to the public yet. There are a lot of questions. I have a lot of faith in the Sheriffs Department and the state. I know they will get to the bottom of it." Tanner, who'd known Georgeson for a decade, described him as an avid outdoor off-roading enthusiast who was well-liked. "If you had a flat tire, he would come help you or jump-start your car right away," Tanner said. "He was a big snowmobiler, an outdoorsy guy." Georgeson started, owned and operated Federal Fire Protection Inc., a fire suppression systems company working with Yellowstone National Park. Georgeson sold the company in 2025, per Tanner. "He was retiring and enjoying life," Tanner said. "It seems like we lose too many of the good guys." Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Wind increasing. A mix of clouds and sun. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 17F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. The news of the Virginia General Assemblys creation of a 10-1 congressional district map should come as no surprise. The U.S. Supreme Court deferred to California and Texas as they chose to redraw their congressional districts to strengthen the presence of Democrats and Republicans, respectively, in Congress. The new Virginia map changes the Commonwealth from a purple state that has been a good bellwether of national political trends into a dark blue misrepresentation of our partisanship. Sadly, this is nothing new. The history of redistricting in the U.S. is sordid. Back in 1812, Gov. Elbridge Gerry was thrown under the bus for approving the new legislative district map drawn by the Democratic-Republican legislature. One district in northeastern Massachusetts was so contorted that a cartoonist suggested it looked like the mythical salamander. Hence, the term gerrymander was coined to describe bizarre districts drawn to favor one party or another. The practice has continued throughout U.S. history for better and for worse. In some cases, states would agree to split influence so that the Democrats would control one house and the Republicans the other even though the exact same voters were doing the voting. In others, racist legislatures did whatever they could to split up minority populations to prevent minority voters from winning seats. In an infamous case, the legislature of Alabama turned the border of Tuskegee from a square to what the Supreme Court described as an uncouth 28-sided figure to cut the black population out of city elections. In response, under the auspices of the Voting Rights Act, legislators were required to draw equally contorted districts to do the opposite and essentially ensure the election of minority candidates. The latter practice was clearly benign: It was an attempt to overcome a history of racist disenfranchisement. Yet, it only worsened an already terrible situation in legislative and congressional elections. Turnout remained low, incumbents dominated general elections, and competitiveness disappeared. As a result, a regular report published by Fairvote.org declares the state of U.S. elections Dubious Democracy. At this point, then, there will be no real reason for voters to waste their time voting in Virginia congressional elections. For all intents and purposes, the outcome will be foregone conclusions. Even if an incumbent retires, the districts will so favor the incumbents party that the only action if there is any will be in the party primaries. But, if you are in the new 9th that will be held by Ben Cline, why would the Democrats spend money trying to beat the GOP nominee who will succeed him? The same thing goes for the districts that will be held by Democrats. So, the General Assembly has rendered congressional elections meaningless. This, by the way, is a practice that many scholars attribute to countries that they say are leaning toward authoritarianism. Granted, the authoritarianism scholarship is replete with hyperbole. But the comparison is not inapt. If elections do little to remove incumbents or change governments, elected officials cant be held accountable. In this respect, Texas, California, and now, Virginia are contributing to the demise of American democracy. What is worse, they are using the presidency of Donald Trump to justify doing so. In the end, it is the voters who lose. Incumbent officials will be returned to office through elections that are, for the most part, performative contests. The Supreme Court has wisely stayed out of the current mess. There remain no clear or easily applicable standards for how to draw election districts in a manner that ensures meaningful competition on Election Day. Any formula that scholars or practitioners propose can generate unintended consequences. For example, if every district were split evenly among partisans so that elections offered a close contest, it would be possible for one party to win all the districts with, say, a 51% majority. That would be disastrous. There are alternatives to this. At least at the state legislative level, states could create multimember districts. This would give voters meaningful choices on Election Day. In my class on redistricting, students would divide the Commonwealth into 20 districts with two senators and five delegates each. This minimized the number of counties, towns, and cities that had to be divided and actually created enhanced opportunities for minority voters to coalesce behind candidates. The districts did not look like something used in a Rorschach test either. If we did this, candidates and parties would have to organize and campaign actively for votes because the districts would not be as lopsided as those drawn in the 10-1 congressional map. Whereas that map is good for candidates and bad for voters, a multimember scheme is great for voters and would make candidates much more responsive. That is the stuff of a robust democracy. Alas, the General Assembly along with California and Texas has forsaken this. Purple, competitive democracy is now disappearing from the Commonwealth. SALEM, Ohio For one weekend every year, the Pennsylvania state insect lights up the night sky while dozens of lucky individuals get the honor of watching. These lucky onlookers are viewing the magic glow of fireflies in the Allegheny National Forest during the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival. The festival, hosted by Peggy and Ken Butler, has brought thousands of people to their property in Tionesta. But soon, Tionesta will host another group of firefly enthusiasts: a team of entomologists who are hoping to protect lightening bugs through the states first-ever firefly inventory. We dont have enough information to know for sure if theyre declining, because we dont have excellent surveys from 50 years ago, said John Wenzel, entomologist and executive director of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, who will lead the inventory. But in some cases, I think its pretty clear that weve damaged the environment so much that you cant find them until you go into the Allegheny National Forest or a nature reserve, and you find a whole lot of them. Wenzel, along with Andy Deans, professor and director of the Frost Entomological Museum at Penn State University, and Marc Branham, professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida, are able to conduct this project thanks to a $31,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The goal is to measure how many firefly species are present in the state and where they are located to help inform policies to better protect them. Firefly inventory So far, the team of entomologists estimates there are roughly 30 to 33 different species. According to Deans, the inventory will help fill in the gaps of where fireflies are located across the state. But, in order to find and identify new species, Wenzel, Deans and Branham will have to look at the species already known in the state. Theyll do this by combing through the Frost Entomological Museum at Penn State University and the natural history collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. Thatll give us sort of a series through time of what we understand about which species occur, where and when, said Deans. Next, the team will take what they know out into the field in the summer when fireflies are at their peak population. The entomologists will select specific sites, like the Allegheny National Forest, which is known for lightening bugs, and use several techniques to find and identify them. By starting at places already known to have these insects, it will help the team identify other possible locations based on similar climate conditions, said Wenzel. According to him, the easiest way to identify the species of a firefly is by using a fly intercept trap. The insect will fly into this plastic trap and fall into a trough filled with a soapy preservative. This will trap and kill the fireflies, but Deans emphasizes they wont be collecting thousands, only a handful necessary for identification. Other methods include recording fly patterns male fireflies fly specific patterns to court females. However, that will only give entomologists a ballpark figure for the species. To know for sure, you need to dissect genitalia, which you cant do in a living specimen, Deans said. According to Deans, the grant funding was set aside to better understand lightening bugs, especially given their popularity in Pennsylvania. Fireflies are one of those groups of insects that has been highlighted as declining. Theyre also very popular and charismatic, and in Pennsylvania, there are multiple firefly festivals, and so (DCNR) recognizes that this organism brings money into some local economies in Pennsylvania. Pa. Firefly Festival Peggy and Ken Butler began hosting the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival in Forest County in 2013 after scientists who were studying fireflies in the area came to stay at the Butlers bed and breakfast. During this trip, scientist Lynn Frierson Faust found that the synchronous firefly existed in the county; this species of fireflies is unique as they flash their lights in sync. Faust also helped identify this same species in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, which also hosts a firefly festival. This new information kicked off the Butlers quest to learn about lightening bugs, and soon they would host tours and nighttime stays on their property located near the Allegheny National Forest of about 100 people. But quickly, the festival started to grow, and not for the better. In 2016, 1,000 people showed up in one night, said Peggy, which ruined it. We eventually realized we were going to harm the very thing that the people wanted to come see if we allowed too many people to come, she said. This quick growth in popularity can be attributed to a 2015 documentary called David Attenboroughs Light on Earth that featured the festival. The documentary was narrated by Sir. David Attenborough, who, according to Peggy, had never seen fireflies. When that film was released in 2016, thats when everybody kind of went crazy and started coming from all over the world, Peggy said, adding they have had visitors from every continent except Antarctica. Now, the Butlers have a lottery system that selects 75 people for two nighttime tours at the Tionesta Lake Visitor Center. The lottery is a Google form that individuals fill out; this year, the deadline to enter is the last Saturday of March. Previously, the couple has hosted the festival on their property, but this year the festival will take place in downtown Tionesta on June 27 from noon to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The tours will take place on June 26 and 27. While Peggy hasnt seen a decline in firefly populations, she supports the inventory the team of entomologists is working on as the majority of the known firefly species are under-reported. Deans and Wenzel will likely conduct part of this inventory in the Allegheny National Forest, where the Butlers are located, as its firefly-heavy. Meanwhile, they hope this love of fireflies in Pennsylvania will encourage more people to care and advocate for insects in general. Little kids like bugs and everything, and then as you grow up, you tend to change your interests. But I think were all born as naturalists. Were all born as biologists. Think of how many kids love to visit a farm, thats because of all those animals, right? Wenzel said. Everybody has a natural interest, and as we grow and develop, we kind of lose it a bit. But some things still stand out. Everybody likes butterflies, everybody likes fireflies, right? (Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.) Farmers have avoided tighter transport rules after the NFU secured continued exemptions from the Carriage of Dangerous Goods regulations. The union confirmed it had been working with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Practitioners Forum to ensure agriculture retains its special status under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) framework. Without the exemptions, many farms could have faced stricter licensing, training and compliance requirements when transporting fuel and certain fertilisers materials used routinely in day-to-day operations across thousands of agricultural businesses. The CDG regulations govern the safe movement of hazardous goods across the UK and set out requirements on quantities, vehicle standards and procedures in the event of a spill or other incident. The framework aligns with wider national and international transport safety standards. The NFU said it had held regular discussions with the DfT and police representatives to underline the importance of preserving regulatory flexibility for farming businesses. Maintaining the existing allowances means farmers and growers can continue transporting essential goods with fewer administrative burdens, while still meeting safety obligations. Alongside the agreement, the NFU has worked with the DfT and the practitioners forum to produce agriculture-specific guidance aimed at supporting compliance and best practice. The guidance covers driver and vehicle requirements, load security measures and practical advice on transporting fuel, bowsers and intermediate bulk containers. It is intended to help farmers avoid enforcement issues while maintaining high safety standards. NFU Deputy President David Exwood welcomed the decision, saying it would ease pressure on farm businesses at a challenging time. At a time when the agriculture industry faces immense pressures, Im really pleased that the DfT has taken our feedback on board and maintained these exemptions, he said. This means farmers and growers can continue the safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods which are vital to the day-to-day business of producing food. He stressed that although the continued allowances remove a barrier, safety remains paramount. While the exemptions remove a barrier, they still require careful movement. Nothing is more important than working safely, and this guidance will help farmers and growers work safely and efficiently. The union said maintaining flexibility while prioritising safety was essential to keeping food production moving and ensuring rural businesses can operate without unnecessary disruption. Senior Labour peers have publicly challenged the governments plan to ban trail hunting, warning it risks further alienating rural Britain and distracting ministers from their core priorities. The proposed legislation has drawn criticism not only from countryside groups but from within Labours own ranks, as concerns grow about the political and economic impact on rural communities. Sir Keir Starmers administration has already faced accusations of pursuing a war on the countryside following a string of contentious rural policies, including changes to agricultural taxation and proposals affecting lawful shotgun ownership. The planned ban on trail hunting has now become the latest flashpoint. Trail hunting involves following a pre-laid scent rather than chasing a live animal and was widely adopted after the 2004 Hunting Act prohibited traditional fox hunting. Recent ORB polling suggests unease extends beyond Westminster. Two in three voters (65%) believe Labour unfairly neglects people living in the countryside, while 64% think the government does not care about rural communities. The backlash intensified last week during a House of Lords debate on the governments Animal Welfare Strategy. Baroness Hunter of Auchenreoch, a former political adviser to Tony Blair, cautioned ministers against repeating what she noted was one of the former prime ministers most regretted policies the 2004 hunting ban. She asked: What plans do the government have to avoid being distracted from their priorities, and not repeating Sir Tony Blairs admission of being insensitive to countryside interests? She also pressed ministers on whether there would be swift consultation with the rural community over the potential economic consequences and what transitional support might be offered. Baroness Mallalieu echoed those concerns, focusing on the practical role hunts play in rural areas through the fallen stock scheme. In my rural community and many others, if you have dead stock on your farm you ring the hunt kennels, she said, explaining that trained staff operate 24/7 to end suffering and remove carcasses. She argued that banning lawful trail hunting was not about animal welfare but about dislike of people, and questioned what system would replace the services currently provided by hunts. The government has previously indicated that strengthening animal welfare standards forms part of its broader policy commitments, though it has yet to set out detailed plans on how ancillary rural services would be replicated. Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, said it was vital ministers recognised the political risks of proceeding. Its imperative that the government recognise the mistake they are making in pursuing a ban on lawful trail hunting, she said, noting that the last Labour government spent 700 hours of parliamentary time on banning hunting and destroyed their relationship with the countryside for a generation. She added that senior Labour voices are warning the government not to repeat its mistake, urging ministers to focus on national priorities and to legislate for rural communities, not against them. The growing unease among Labour peers suggests the proposed ban could become a fresh flashpoint between Westminster and the countryside in the months ahead. River Action has launched a judicial review against Natural Resources Wales (NRW) over permits allowing three intensive poultry units in Powys to expand, in a case that could clarify how manure pollution is regulated in Wales. The legal challenge centres on NRWs decision in November 2025 to approve variations to existing environmental permits, enabling the farms to increase bird numbers and, in turn, manure production. At the heart of the dispute is whether Wales' environmental watchdog should assess the environmental impact of manure once it leaves a farm site, or whether those impacts fall to be addressed through the planning system. NRW approved the permit changes on the basis that manure management beyond the installation boundary sits outside the scope of the environmental permitting regime. River Action argues that approach is legally flawed. The charity claims NRW misdirected itself under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 by excluding potential off-site impacts from its assessment. It also contends that recent court judgments, including Squire v Shropshire Council and NFU v Herefordshire Council, have been misinterpreted. Emma Dearnaley, Head of Legal at River Action, said pollution linked to manure cannot be confined to a site boundary. Pollution from intensive poultry farming doesnt stop at the farm boundary, and regulation cant lawfully stop there either, she said. She added that NRW had treated the boundary of the installation as the boundary of its regulatory responsibility, despite the environmental harm from excess nutrients occurring elsewhere. Manure from intensive poultry farming is widely recognised as a contributor to nutrient pollution in river catchments, including the Wye and the Severn, where concerns have been raised about algal blooms and declining ecological status. River Action argues that environmental permitting is designed to prevent unacceptable pollution before it occurs and says NRW should assess and control foreseeable off-site impacts where they arise from the permitted activity. The organisation is asking the court to quash the three permit decisions and declare that NRW must lawfully consider manure-related impacts through the permitting process. Leigh Day solicitor Julia Eriksen said the permit changes would allow thousands more chickens to be housed and produce additional manure. River Action argues that it is NRWs job to guard against any resulting pollution impacts, she said. The case comes amid growing scrutiny of intensive poultry production in parts of Wales, particularly in sensitive river catchments. If the claim proceeds, the High Court will consider whether NRWs interpretation of its powers under the Environmental Permitting Regulations was correct. NRW has been approached for comment. The outcome could have wider implications for how environmental permitting interacts with the planning system in regulating agricultural expansion across Wales. Theres a particular quality to the light in London at the end of the year. Its a soft slate grey, through which light almost refracts. Hard to describe personally, but so many Victorian writers have done the job beautifully. However, in complete contrast to the environment, one particular location blazed with colour and song. Silk saris in jewel tones emerald, sapphire, deep crimson caught the chandeliers glow. There was fuchsia and gold, cobalt and saffron, the kind of vibrant palette that makes you think, okay, South Asia is in this house. In that ballroom, the women of Bangladesh, The Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Pakistan were well represented. This was thegala and what led up to this joyous night is relevant to us all.Weve all heard of The Bicester Collection 12 luxury shopping destinations across Europe, China, and North America, collectively housing over 1,300 boutiques from the worlds most coveted brands. Millions of discerning guests visit annually, drawn by season collections at significant reductions in the most beautiful destinations. The powerhouse companys philanthropic arm, its, is the base on which everything revolves, however. Because commercial success without social purpose is fundamentally incomplete.Through charity collaborations, advocacy initiatives, and innovation programmes aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), The Bicester Collection has committed to making lives better, from the communities surrounding its Villages to regions far beyond its physical footprint. The mission is explicit: a world where every woman, every child, wherever theyre born, can access health, education, and economic opportunity not as privilege but as a right.The Unlock Her Future Prize is where this mission crystallises. Launched in the MENA region in 2022, expanded to Latin America in 2023, and celebrating South Asia in 2025, it addresses a truth that should catalyse us all. Research from The Boston Consulting Group shows that equal gender representation in entrepreneurship could add up to five trillion dollars to global GDP. Yet, according to Harvard Business School, fewer than 3% of women-led businesses receive venture capital funding. Women have the ideas. They have ambition. What they lack is recognition, resources, and, crucially, capital.The Unlock Her Future Prize is an annual competition (a global start-up competition, specifically) for women social entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, whether theyre still at the idea phase or have been operating for up to three years. Its open to women of all ages, across any sector, as long as their ventures create genuine social and environmental impact aligned with the UN SDGs.The Prize exists because of a gap that should not exist: women are consistently denied the recognition, resources, and capital they need to succeed. By marrying private sector resources with philanthropic intent, The Bicester Collection has created something rare a platform where women-led ventures dont just survive, but scale from the ground up. And a community where women also have access to incredible mentors.From the moment my flight from Mumbai touched down, I understood that The Bicester Collection operates differently. Hosts with true warmth, they also put together a cohort of people and global press who would truly appreciate their mission. By the time I boarded the train from London Marylebone, Id begun to grasp that philosophy so entrenched in the power of conversations and community. An hour later, stepping onto the platform, we arrived right at Bicester Village in the Oxfordshire countryside. This is a charming hamlet, of sorts.Honey-hued stone facades and sage-green painted woodwork line pedestrian streets that meander. Pitched roofs in terracotta and slate create an undulating skyline punctuated with Victorian-style lampposts and window boxes overflowing with seasonal blooms. There are flourishes of contemporary glass and steel certainly, but theyre tempered by vernacular European village architecture. Walking these beautifully-conceived streets, you pass over 160 boutiques Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Burberry, Zimmermann, Valentino, and so much more. The Shopping Suites and hands-free shopping experiences elevate the experience further (for the latter, you can shop to your hearts content, while they collect and pack all of your purchases ready for you to pick up at the end of the day). The former are beautifully elegant private shopping rooms with personal stylists who really could double as fashion editors they know the collections that well. Its luxury without compromise and, with every element here, one understands that service, attention to detail, and intention are the cornerstones of this company.For 2025, aka the South Asian edition, applications opened in January across seven South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. When submissions closed in March, 2,400 women had shared their visions, each representing years of work, countless setbacks, and unshakeable determination.Post Ashoka (a global organisation supporting social entrepreneurs) validating entries, a review committee assessed proposals mid-year. By July, semi-finalists pitched online, their ideas scrutinised and refined. Finalists emerged in September. Then, in October, the final candidates attended a pitch day and bootcamp sessions, working alongside mentors to strengthen their presentations and business models before facing the distinguished judging panel, after what had already been a 10-month journey. As you can see, the process is extremely thorough.That esteemed panel comprised Desiree Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant The Bicester Collection; Dr Rubana Huq, Vice Chancellor Asian University for Women; social entrepreneur and media personality Priya Sigdel; Rishini Weeraratne, Editor The Sun and Head of Social Media Wijeya Newspapers; and Paroma Chatterjee, CEO Revolut India. The judging was exhaustive and everything was scrutinised in minutiae to decide the finalists.From 2,400 applicants to 11 exceptional finalists and now our winners each reminds us that behind every number is a story of courage, creativity and the determination to build a better world, says Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer The Bicester Collection. The 2025 winners embody the diversity and ingenuity of South Asia, proving why investing in women matters. As The Bicester Collection marks 30 years of reimagining shopping as a force for good, this edition reinforces a purpose that defines us: progress is meaningful only when it unlocks opportunity for others. This is the spirit of Unlock Her Future.Pakistans Nida Yousaf Sheikh founded H2O Technologies, converting air humidity into safe drinking water to combat her nations devastating water scarcity crisis. Bangladeshs Nishat Anjum Palka created Mommykidz, a safe, affordable community where women and parents can access health information and essential products without stigma addressing the silence that too often surrounds maternal and child health. Yangchen Dolkar Dorji from Bhutan established LEAD+, empowering grassroots, women-led and marginalised businesses with funding, mentorship, and market access while fostering self-reliance and community resilience.Each winner receives comprehensive, transformative support: up to $100,000 in funding; mentoring and leadership training with global experts; access to The Bicester Collections extensive network of partners, affiliates, and industry leaders; dedicated media training and international exposure; and academic support from Oxford University Said Business School, providing world-class learning and access to its global entrepreneurial network. Its an ecosystem designed not merely to celebrate success but to ensure it, providing the infrastructure these enterprises need to scale sustainably.The context makes their victories even more significant. In South Asia, women comprise only 32% of the labour force, significantly below the global average of 50%. Just 20% of social enterprises are led by women. Current projections suggest 149 years to achieve full gender parity. Thirty-six percent of women report concerns over physical security and gender-based violence. These arent statistics. They are barriers these six women have overcome and will now help dismantle for others.Since its launch, the Prize has reached women across 39 countries and contributed solutions to 16 UN Sustainable Development Goals, allocating over $600,000 in philanthropic funding. Previous winners include Lebanese entrepreneurs creating sexual and reproductive health apps, Egyptian innovators developing leather alternatives from plant fibres, Brazilian scientists producing textile fibres from seaweed, and Mexican technologists deploying AI to clean oceans. The model works. In 2026, the Prize expands to East and Southeast Asia, encompassing 15 countries from Brunei to Vietnam.Standing in that London ballroom, watching the winners almost vibrate with emotion, I couldnt help but feel moved to my very core. In Bicester Village the previous day, we were all sat by one another, hearing the finalists speak. We met each other this includes the previous years winners across breakfast tables with our hair sleepily done in top knots. We navigated cobblestones in heels together the night of the gala. When women lack access to capital despite possessing game-changing ideas, we all lose. When brilliant entrepreneurs face systemic barriers to funding, innovation stalls. When potential goes unsupported, entire communities miss opportunities for transformation. And when we band together to have a laugh, and spark off each other the world changes. Together, we are as vibrant as a room full of saris catching the light, as powerful as six women stepping onto a stage to claim their futures and, in doing so, unlocking countless others. In a candid conversation at the SCREEN Masterclass, John Abraham opened up about the hurdles he faced as an outsider entering the film industry. John, who transitioned from a successful modelling career to acting, revealed that his journey has been marked by constant scrutiny since he first stepped onto the silver screen in 2003. Talking about the landscape of the industry two decades ago, John mentioned that outsiders were a rarity. He highlighted that before his entry, only a few had successfully made the leap. John said, "I have probably been criticised the most in this industry, from the time I started. When I came in 2003, there were no outsiders. Before that, only Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar (entered the film industry). He explained the scale of the backlash he received, adding, "The amount of criticism I have gone through, nobody else has faced that in my time." Despite the pressure, John maintained a singular focus to survive the competitive environment. Describing his mindset, he said, "For me, it was simple. I was like a horse with blinkers. I could only see in front and didn't expect." John also attributed his longevity to his personal integrity and his decision to distance himself from typical industry PR machinery. He explained, "I have never had a publicist. I don't go out there to feed stories in the media; it could make me vulnerable as well, but I think people know my integrity and where I come from. John also spoke warmly about his rapport with male contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, and Abhishek Bachchan. Rather than viewing them as rivals, he views their professional relationship as collaborative. He said, "The best way is to train your mind to know that you are not competing but complementing. They look at me as someone who complements their process, and I look at them the same way." Looking ahead, John expressed interest in returning to the comedy genre and mentioned he would be happy to join a sequel to No Smoking if it ever materialized. John was last seen in the action-thriller Tehran and recently backed the documentary Oslo: A Tale Of Promise. Also Read: John Abrahams New Clean-Shaven Look Leaves Fans Shocked Legal trouble has once again come knocking for Ameesha Patel, after a Moradabad court issued a non-bailable warrant against the actor in connection with a 2017 event dispute. The order was passed after she allegedly failed to appear before the court despite being served multiple summons. As reported by Free Press Journal, the case relates to a complaint filed by event organiser Pawan Verma. He claimed that Ameesha had been booked to perform at a wedding on November 16, 2017, and was paid an advance of Rs 14.50 lakh. Arrangements for her stay were also made at a hotel on Delhi Road in Moradabad. Reflecting on her journey, Priyanka said, I really do believe that I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before me. Aishwarya Rai, an icon when she was working in Hollywood, Irrfan Khan, of course, Mindy Kaling. And I was able to push the door open and stand up for what I believe in because they did what they did. She credited their global breakthroughs for allowing her to confidently claim her own space in the industry. Reacting to the recent development, Ameeshas lawyer Abhishek Sharma said the matter was already settled years ago. He maintained that the entire amount had been repaid as per the agreement and claimed the complaint was being misused. The counsel also expressed confidence that the actor would appear before the court and clarify her position. ALso Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Shashi Tharoor pose together for a striking photo Actor Rajpal Yadav stepped out of Tihar Jail on Tuesday evening after the Delhi High Court allowed his temporary release in a cheque bounce case. According to sources, he walked out around 4.50 pm once all the formalities were completed. The relief came after he deposited Rs 1.5 crore with the complainant. #WATCH | Delhi: Actor Rajpal Yadav from Tihar Jail after he was granted interim bail in a cheque bounce case by the High Court He says, "I will complete 30 years in Bollywood in Mumbai in 2027. People from all over the country, children, old and young, are with me... The way the pic.twitter.com/Zg1sYtzB0q ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Yadav expressed gratitude for the constant support he has received. In 2027, I will have completed 30 years of working in Bollywood. Everyone has been with me. That is why I could do 200-250 films, Yadav said. He also assured that he has always followed the High Courts directions and will continue to remain available whenever required. The love and backing of people from across the nation remain with him, and that if there are any allegations, he is ready to respond fully and transparently, Yadav said. He further added, If anyone wanted legal details, they could speak to my advocate. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted an interim suspension of his six month sentence after noting that Rs 1.5 crore had been deposited to the complainant, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd. The court directed him to surrender his passport and not leave the country without prior permission. He has also been asked to appear, either physically or virtually, on the next hearing scheduled for March 18. The matter will now be taken up again by the court on the next date of hearing. Also Read: Report: Rajpal Yadavs Father Passes Away in Delhi Regena Cassandrra recently opened up about her run in Bollywood. She debuted with the 2019 film Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. Sharing her take on the Hindi film industry, she told Hindustan Times that she faced stereotypes in the beginning. Speaking to the publication, Regena noted, "I was a South Indian actress. Compared to most South Indians, my Hindi is way better. I can read, write, and speak Hindi, and all the work I have done to date in the language is in my own voice. It's my own Hindi, and I've tried to make sure that, you know, I live up to the role that I've been given." She added that she was treated in a "derogatory manner" when she first started out. She quipped about feeling that she was being "put down in a certain way." She said, "A lot of people treated me in a derogatory manner, not just with words, but with actions. It's sort of a derogatory outlook towards me. And, I mean, anyone would be able to tell that I was being put down in a certain way. I did feel it. So I did have some inhibitions in the North. But, having said that, it's not always the case, right?" Regena also noted that she tried her best to make the industry feel home to her. She said, "I am a very nurturing person, so when I'm around people, I feel like they see that side of me. Irrespective of the industry I'm in, I somehow make it feel like home." Regena has worked in films like Kesari Chapter 2, Rocket Boys, Farzi, Jaat and more. Opening up on the stereotypes that women, in general, face being associated with commercial films, Regena said, "I think as a woman in this industry, it is very easy for us to be stereotyped. I mean, it's only obvious because it's a visual medium at the end of the day, and once you see something, it sticks in your head. But Ive always wanted to be versatile. So, it is very difficult for me to pick and choose my films because I dont want to always do mainstream commercial films." Also Read: Being on Madhur Bhandarkars film set is like partying: Regena Cassandrra The Women in Cinema Collective has announced candlelight gatherings across Kerala on February 17, marking nine years since the 2017 actor abduction and assault case that shook the Malayalam film industry and led to the formation of the collective and the #Avalkoppam movement. Nine Years On, A Call for Solidarity In a statement released on Monday, the WCC described February 17 as both the sharpest scar and the day the survivor courageously spoke up against her violators. The organisation noted that the actors decision to file a complaint the very next day became a watershed moment. It not only triggered legal proceedings but also galvanised conversations around workplace safety and gender justice within the industry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women In Cinema Collective (@wcc_cinema) The collective has invited everyone who stands with her and all the survivors to participate in candlelight gatherings scheduled for 6 pm at three locations: Mananchira Open Stage in Kozhikode, Abdul Kalam Marg at Marine Drive in Kochi, and Mayaveeyam Veethi in Thiruvananthapuram. The gesture, the WCC said, is meant as both remembrance and resolve, reinforcing that the demand for justice and safer work environments remains ongoing. On social media, members of the film fraternity and the public have amplified the call using the hashtag #Avalkoppam, which translates to with her. For many, the observance is a reminder of how far conversations around accountability and womens rights have progressed in Malayalam cinema over the past decade. The 2017 case involved the abduction and sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actor inside a moving vehicle, an incident that led to one of the most closely followed legal battles in the states recent history. In December 2025, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court convicted six of the accused, sentencing them to 20 years of imprisonment. Actor Dileep, who had been named as the eighth accused, was acquitted along with three others. A Date That Still Hurts? While many have welcomed the initiative, the decision to hold the gathering on the exact anniversary of the incident has sparked discussion online. Social media influencer and content creator Carl Lafrenais shared a note expressing mixed feelings. Acknowledging the intention behind the event, he wrote that he understood it was meant To stand in solidarity. To honour courage. To show collective strength. However, he questioned whether marking the precise date of a traumatic experience was the most sensitive way to pay tribute. Some dates arent just dates, he wrote. They carry memory. They carry weight. They carry what someone is trying to move past. Referring to the recent judgment and the renewed public attention around the case, he added that repeatedly spotlighting the date in headlines and conversations could be overwhelming. For the world, its a date. For someone, it may still be a wound. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carl Lafrenais (@carllafrenais) His remarks found resonance among several users online. One comment read, Trauma wounds are inflicted even by the slightest of memories. It takes a lifetime to fade. They could have chosen her birthdate to stand with her, because she is the one we are honouring, not what happened to her. The debate reflects the delicate balance between remembrance and healing. For some, February 17 symbolises resistance and the courage to speak up. For others, it remains inseparable from pain. The WCCs framing of the day as both scar and strength underscores this duality. Over the past nine years, the movement that began in the wake of the case has prompted deeper conversations about power structures, gender disparity and accountability in Malayalam cinema. Internal committees, public discussions and policy shifts have followed, though many activists insist there is still a long road ahead. As Kerala prepares to gather with candles in hand, the moment stands as a reminder of how one survivors decision to seek justice reshaped an industry. Whether seen as a day of solidarity, sensitivity or both, February 17 continues to carry meaning far beyond the calendar. Also Read: See Pics: Allu Sirishs Pre-wedding Bash in Dubai; Allu Arjun Joins The Party Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2026) - Scorpio Gold Corporation (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) ("Scorpio Gold", "Scorpio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a strategic realignment of infrastructure at its Manhattan District project in Nevada, supporting the development of a modern, centralized core processing, logging and storage facility designed to underpin a significantly expanded exploration program. Building the Foundation for Rapid Resource Growth Scorpio is advancing plans to construct a purpose-built geological facility at site that will serve as the operational backbone for higher drill volumes, enhanced geological interpretation, and improved core management systems. In order to do this, it is freeing space in a large, concrete based metal structure currently partially occupied by a processing plant that is undersized and unsuitable for the large scale of any future mine operation envisioned by Scorpio at Manhattan. The Company's objective is to establish the infrastructure required to efficiently process, analyze and securely store large volumes of drill core in support of an aggressive, district-scale exploration strategy aimed at supporting the expansion of the mineral resource base. "We are building the foundation required to scale exploration in a disciplined but aggressive manner," said Zayn Kalyan, Chief Executive Officer of Scorpio Gold. "With three drills currently operating across the district and plans to scale activity further, modern exploration at this level requires modern infrastructure. By investing in a centralized core processing and storage facility, we are positioning Scorpio to handle higher drill volumes, improve geological modeling, and accelerate resource growth across the Manhattan District." Infrastructure to Enable Scalable Exploration The planned facility is expected to include: Centralized core receiving and processing areas Dedicated logging and sampling stations Expanded secure core indoor storage capacity with ease-of-access for QA/QC and geologic review Integrated geological data capture systems; and Layout and workflow designed to support increased annual drill meterage Management believes that this infrastructure is essential to unlocking the full potential of what it views as a district-scale gold system within the Manhattan District. Capital Reallocation to Support Exploration Focus Pursuant to the above strategy, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Goldwedge LLC ("Goldwedge"), has entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with Manhattan Metals Corp. ("Manhattan Metals") pursuant to which Goldwedge has agreed to sell certain mineral processing infrastructure located in Nye County, Nevada (collectively, the "Processing Assets"). The Processing Assets comprise a permitted mineral processing facility situated on patented mining claims in the historic Manhattan mining district of Nye County, Nevada, including, without limitation, a primary crusher, a conventional milling circuit with a nominal processing capacity of approximately 400 tons per day, a filter press-based tailings dewatering system, and all associated fixed and mobile equipment, utilities and supporting infrastructure.The Processing Assets have not been in active operation in recent years and have been maintained in an idle state. The Agreement provides for Scorpio to receive, through its Goldwedge subsidiary, a cash payment of C$750,000. Goldwedge has agreed to sell to Manhattan Metals all right, title and interest in and to the Processing Assets, including, without limitation: inventories of accessories, materials, parts, supplies and tools located at the facility; fixtures, improvements, plants and other structures situated on the property; fixed and mobile equipment; permits, licences and other governmental approvals required to operate the Processing Assets; books, data and records related thereto; and associated intangible assets, including designs, drawings, know-how, processes, trade secrets, warranties and certain underlying agreements. In connection with the transaction, Manhattan Metals has been granted the right to relocate the Processing Assets to a site of its choosing. Closing of the sale transaction is scheduled for May 14, 2026 and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, without limitation, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Marketing Engagement The Company also announces that it has retained Mining Stock Education LLC ("MSE") to provide certain investor communication and marketing services in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The services include online profile development, website advertising, production and distribution of video and interview content, podcast and webinar hosting, social media promotion, and related investor outreach activities. Under the agreement, the Company will pay MSE US$10,000 per month for a twelve-month term commencing February 10, 2026, for total consideration of US$120,000. Aside from this engagement, the Company does not have any relationship with MSE or Mr. William Powers, principal of MSE. About the Manhattan District Manhattan, located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA, is road accessible and lies approximately 20 kilometers south of the operating Round Mountain Gold Mine, which has produced more than 15 million ounces of gold. For the first time, the Company has consolidated Manhattan's past-producing mines under a single entity that holds valuable permitting and water rights. Historically, Manhattan has produced approximately 700,000 ounces of gold from high-grade placer and lode operations dating from the late 1890s through to the mid-2000s. The maiden mineral resource estimate (the "Maiden MRE") covering the Goldwedge and Manhattan Pit areas of Manhattan is comprised of 18,343,000 tonnes grading 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 740,000 oz contained gold in the inferred category. A historical mineral resource estimate (the "Historical MRE") covers the Black Mammoth, April Fool, Hooligan, Keystone, and Jumbo areas of Manhattan and comprises 1,652,325 tonnes grading 5.89 g/t gold for a total of 303,949 oz contained gold. The deposit is interpreted as a low-sulfidation, epithermal, gold-rich system situated adjacent to the Tertiary-aged Manhattan caldera in the Southern Toquima Range of Nevada. A "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") has not done sufficient work to make the Historical MRE current, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as current. Notes Adjacent Properties: The Company has no interest in, or rights to, any of the adjacent properties mentioned, including the Round Mountain Gold Mine, and exploration results on adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. Any references to exploration results on adjacent properties are provided for information only and do not imply any certainty of achieving similar results on the Company's properties. Historical Data: This news release includes historical information that has been reviewed by the Company's qualified person. The Company's review of the historical records and information reasonably substantiate the validity of the information presented in this presentation. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. Third-Party Mineral Projects: These deposits are cited solely for geological context. The Company cautions that these properties are not necessarily adjacent to, nor does the Company or have any interest in or control over them. Although certain geological features may be similar, there is no assurance that mineralization comparable to these deposits will be discovered on any of the Company's properties. Information regarding the aforementioned deposits is taken from publicly available sources and technical reports believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified by the Company. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE): All scientific and technical information relating to Manhattan pertaining to Maiden MRE contained in this news release is derived from the Technical Report dated October 23, 2025 (with an effective date of June 4, 2025) titled "Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report" (the "Technical Report") prepared by Matthew R. Dumala, P.Eng (BC) of Archer Cathro Geological (US) Ltd., Patrick Loury, M.Sc., CPG (AIPG) of Daniel Kunz & Associates, Annaliese Miller, LG (WA) of Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. and Art Ibrado, PhD, PE (AZ) of Fort Lowell Consulting PPLC. The information contained herein in respect of the Maiden MRE is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Technical Report and reference should be made to the full text of the Technical Report, a copy of which has been filed with the applicable securities regulators and is available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Historical MRE: A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to make the Historical MRE current, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as current. The Company considers the Historical MRE relevant as it demonstrates the presence of significant gold mineralization across multiple zones within Manhattan; however, its reliability is uncertain because it was prepared prior to the adoption of the current CIM Definition Standards and current QA/QC practices. The Historical MRE provides limited disclosure of assumptions, parameters, estimation methods, cutoff grades, and QA/QC protocols, and therefore these cannot be fully verified by the Company. The categories used in the historical estimate predate, and are not directly comparable to, current CIM Definition Standards, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as a current Mineral Resource Estimate. To upgrade and verify the Historical MRE in order to make it a current Mineral Resource Estimate, the Company would be required to undertake confirmatory drilling, modern QA/QC sampling, validation and digitization of historical datasets and updated geological modeling followed by the preparation of a new Mineral Resource Estimate in accordance with CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating the Historical MRE. All scientific and technical information relating to Manhattan pertaining to the Historical MRE contained in this news release is derived from the Technical Report dated May 1997 titled "Exploration and Pre-Production Mine Development, Manhattan District Project, Nye County" (the "Historical Technical Report") prepared by New Concept Mining, Inc. The information contained herein in respect of the Historical MRE is subject to all the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Historical Technical Report and reference should be made to the full text of the Historical Technical Report. References: (1) Strachan, D. G., and Master, T. D., 2005: Update and Revision of the Gold Wedge Project Development, Nye County. Report prepared for Nevada; Royal Standard Minerals, Inc. and dated March 31, 2005; (2) Dumala, M. R., and Lowry, P., 2025: Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report, Manhattan Property, Nye County, Nevada. Report prepared for Scorpio Gold Corporation and dated October 23, 2025 (with an effective date of June 4, 2025); and (3) Berry, A., and Willard, P., 1997: "Exploration and Pre-Production Mine Development, Manhattan District Project, Nye County". Report prepared for New Concept Mining, Inc. and dated May 1997. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Thomas Poitras, P. Geo., Chief Geologist of Scorpio Gold, a "Qualified Person", as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Verification included review of laboratory certificates, review of field logs and chain-of-custody records, inspection of blank/standard/duplicate performance, and review of collar and down-hole survey data. No limitations or failures to verify were identified. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION Forward-Looking Statements The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding: completion of the sale of the Processing Assets; the terms of the Agreement, including the consideration payable thereunder; the Company's plans for constructing and developing a centralized core processing, logging and storage facility (the "Facility"); the anticipated benefits and capabilities of the Facility, including increased drill volumes, enhanced geological interpretation, improved core management, and support for expanded exploration programs and resource growth; the Company's plan to advance exploration on a district-scale opportunity; receipt of required approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange; the timing of completion of the sale of the Processing Assets; the services to be provided by MSE and the compensation payable to MSE. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that such plans will be completed as proposed or at all. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, the ability of the parties to satisfy the conditions to closing of the sale of the Processing Assets; that MSE will provide the services as described above; the timely receipt of all necessary regulatory, stock exchange and third-party approvals; the availability of financing for Manhattan Metals on acceptable terms; the Company's ability to successfully construct and operate the Facility as planned; the realization of anticipated benefits from the Facility; the accuracy of the Company's geological interpretations and exploration results; the Company's ability to fund its exploration programs; the stability of general economic and market conditions; and the absence of significant changes in applicable laws, regulations, or government policies. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including that the sale of the Processing Assets may not be completed on the terms currently contemplated or at all; the risk that required regulatory, stock exchange, or third-party approvals may not be obtained or may be delayed; risks related to the availability of financing on acceptable terms or at all; risks associated with the ability to satisfy the conditions to closing of the sale of the Processing Assets; risks that MSE will not provide the services as described above; risks related to the construction, development, and operation of the Facility, including unexpected costs or delays; risks that the anticipated benefits of the Facility may not be realized as expected; risks related to changes in general economic, business, and market conditions; risks related to changes in laws, regulations, or government policies; risks related to fluctuations in commodity prices; and other risks generally associated with the mining industry and the Company's business, including those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284103 Source: Scorpio Gold Corp Langley, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2026) - Canadian author Carrie Herthwell's debut novel, Don't Let Chacha Die, has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Favorite - Independent Press Award, an internationally recognized competition honoring excellence in independent publishing across various genres. Carrie Herthwell's debut novel, "Don't Let Chacha Die" earns a 2026 Distinguished Favorite honor from the Independent Press Award in LGBTQ Fiction To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12195/284082_02136ce6b4d1c8ba_001full.jpg The award-winning transgender fiction follows teenager Chacha as they navigate adolescence and young adulthood under an oppressive regime that divides society into four hierarchical genders. Chacha secretly identifies as "bent," a gender considered impure and punishable by death, forcing them to endure the psychological torment of conformity to survive. "This award is a win for all of us," said Herthwell. "Having a book about a sensitive topic recognized by such a distinguished book award is a sign of hope that it's possible for our modern society to grow in empathy." Set in the fictional nation of Stormland under the rule of the God-King, Don't Let Chacha Die explores themes of trauma, healing, resistance against oppression, and the power of human connection. The novel examines the psychological harm caused by being denied the safety to exist authentically, while highlighting the healing effects of genuine friendship and community. The book arrives at a culturally significant moment, offering an empathetic perspective on the experience of living with a marginalized gender identity at a time when transgender individuals face increasing negative media attention and misinformation. Dedicated to "all the Chachas out there", if anyone is forced to hide their authentic selves to protect themselves from violence or ostracization, the title serves as a call to action to make the world safer for vulnerable communities. Herthwell, who grew up in British Columbia, holds a Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Creative Writing from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (2021). She identifies as a neurodivergent, queer, white, cisgender woman and lives in Langley with her partner and two daughters. "Crafting Don't Let Chacha Die helped me grow as a writer and a person because it required I think outside of my own social and cultural conditioning. I never imagined the resulting novel would be recognized by such a distinguished book award. I feel so honored and it has made me feel full of hope about the future. I hope that many more people can find reassurance in reading a narrative that doesn't shy away from the difficult realities of a marginalized existence-a narrative that at its heart believes in the real possibility of finding safety, hope, freedom and healing." Don't Let Chacha Die is the first in what Herthwell calls the GeneEarth novels, a series of standalone books set in the same universe. The author plans to release several more titles exploring this dystopian world. Written for queer folks, allies, feminists, and readers who enjoy dystopian fiction, the new adult novel appeals to young adults and older teenagers. As someone who masked for years as a neurodivergent person and experienced resulting depression, Herthwell brings personal understanding to the narrative's exploration of what it means to hide one's authentic self. "I firmly believe it's kind friends, family and communities that make us stronger, and so I hope Don't Let Chacha Die inspires readers to be that for one another," said Herthwell. Don't Let Chacha Die is available on multiple platforms including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play Books, and other major retailers worldwide. Readers can find purchase links for all available platforms at https://books2read.com/u/4jzVwk. Readers can connect with Herthwell through her official website and follow her on Instagram. For those interested in the creative process behind the novel, Herthwell has written a detailed reflection on crafting fictional genders for Don't Let Chacha Die, available in the blogs section of her official website. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284082 Source: Ace PR Agency Titan 2.0: The New Rules of Power, Legacy, and Impact DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tycoons, an initiative of the AIM Global Foundation, will convene for the first time in Dubai on 12 April 2026 as part of AIM Congress 2026, bringing together an invitation-only group of approximately 500 local and international decision-makers. The High-Level, By-Invitation-Only Networking Event is designed as the world's most exclusive, high-trust environment for strategic intelligence, assembling sovereign wealth executives, family-office principals, institutional investors, global CEOs, and visionary founders to engage in outcome-driven dialogue that defines the next era of investment leadership. Guided by its own theme, "Titan 2.0: The New Rules of Power, Legacy, and Impact," Tycoons reflects a new generation of investment platforms where influence is measured not only by capital deployment, but by foresight, stewardship, and measurable global impact. High-Level, Closed Networking Event positions Dubai as the convening nexus where global capital intersects with innovation, governance, and cross-border opportunity, mirroring the UAE's role as a strategic bridge between advanced and emerging economies. Tycoons advances the global investment agenda through three interconnected Investment Circles that define the 21st-century economy: Trade and Investment, Family Wealth and Capital, and the Future Economy. Through a carefully curated program of closed-door dialogues, confidential roundtables, and precision networking, participants will translate strategic insight into actionable partnerships. The High-Level, Closed Networking Event prioritizes depth, discretion, and alignment, enabling leaders to assess transformational opportunities, de-risk governance frameworks, and establish long-term collaboration pathways within a trusted, concentrated environment. The launch of Tycoons arrives at a pivotal moment as the UAE solidifies its position as a global investment and innovation hub, supported by diversified economic growth, record foreign direct investment inflows, and a forward-looking regulatory landscape. Against this backdrop, Tycoons provides an essential High-Level, By-Invitation-Only Networking Event where institutional capital, private wealth, and corporate leadership collectively address the macro shifts redefining trade flows, digital transformation, sustainability, and the future of inclusive value creation. Delivering the Keynote Remarks on the UAE's strategic vision, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and President of AIM Congress, emphasized the UAE's pivotal role as a global catalyst for investment and its commitment to fostering international cooperation through high-level platforms. His Excellency stated: "The UAE's commitment to diversification, innovation and sustainable development has created a platform that transforms ambition into action and capital into continuous, consistent opportunity. Tycoons reflects the nation's ability to not only bridge advanced and emerging economies but align priorities, develop networks and facilitate investment that can deliver lasting global impact." H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said: "Global investment landscapes are evolving at an unprecedented pace, requiring a forward-looking strategic vision that can anticipate change and transform it into high-value opportunities. Against this backdrop, Dubai Chambers continues to play a proactive role in empowering the business community to navigate these shifts by strengthening strategic partnerships, fostering meaningful connections with international markets, and providing platforms that enable knowledge exchange and the development of lasting relationships. These efforts support the attraction of investments and further enhance Dubai's competitiveness as a leading global business hub." His Excellency added: "The inaugural edition of Tycoons in Dubai marks an important milestone that reflects the growing global confidence in the emirate's role as a leading destination for investment and economic decision-making. The event also provides a high-level platform that brings together prominent leaders and investors from around the world, fostering impactful partnerships, opening new avenues for international collaboration, and contributing to shared prosperity and the advancement of sustainable development pathways." The Tycoons program is structured to deliver tangible outcomes, including co-investment dialogues, strategic partnership frameworks and follow-on engagements facilitated through AIM's broader investment and cooperation ecosystem. Participation is by invitation only, with a strong emphasis on confidentiality, relevance and alignment, ensuring that discussions remain candid, focused, and results oriented. Tycoons will take place on 12 April 2026 in Dubai as part of AIM Congress 2026, reinforcing the Congress's role as a global platform for investment leadership and economic cooperation. Media Contact: Marina Mounir William Marina.mounir@strategicinfinity.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ec70336-5e3a-4f90-bb87-5bd00431c2b6 KAWASAKI, Japan, Feb 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited today announced the development and launch of its AI-Driven Software Development Platform, a new initiative to bring software development into the AI age and contribute to the sustainable growth of its customers and society. This platform automates the entire software development process, from requirements definition and design to implementation and integration testing. By leveraging the Takane large language model (LLM) [1] and agentic AI technology for large-scale software development developed by Fujitsu Research, the AI-Driven Software Development Platform enables AI agents to understand complex, evolving large-scale systems owned by enterprises and public organizations. The platform has multiple AI agents collaboratively execute each stage of software development, achieving full automation of the entire process without human intervention.Fujitsu aims to use this AI-Driven Software Development Platform to carry out revisions to all 67 types of medical and government business software products provided by Fujitsu Japan Limited by the end of fiscal year 2026. The revisions are necessary due to legal and regulatory changes. From January 2026, the platform has been used in Japan for software modifications made necessary by the 2026 medical fee revisions [2]. In a PoC that updated software as per the 2024 medical fee revisions, the platform demonstrated a significant reduction in development time for one of approximately 300 change requests. Using conventional software development methods [3] the modifications would have taken three person-months. With this technology that was dramatically shortened to four hours, achieving a 100-fold increase in productivity.By utilizing this AI-driven development platform, Fujitsu will dramatically improve the speed of software modifications necessitated by legal amendments and system changes. This will significantly reduce the burden previously required for system verification during modifications, thereby freeing up time for the planning and development of measures and services that lead to improved patient, resident, and customer services, as well as enabling customers and partners to continuously adapt to ever-changing operations and societal needs. Furthermore, Fujitsu envisions that this technology will also help customers and partners to respond to expanding IT demand and alleviate the worsening shortage of IT professionals.In AI-driven development, Fujitsu positions AI-Ready Engineering-the process of preparing assets and knowledge to ensure AI correctly understands existing systems and achieves highly reliable automation-as crucial. With AI-Ready Engineering and the AI-Driven Software Development Platform working in tandem, Fujitsu will accelerate AI-driven software development. Fujitsu will promote a transformation in engineers' work styles, strengthening its Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) complement, and shifting the paradigm of software development from a conventional person-month-based approach to a customer value-based approach.Moving forward, Fujitsu plans to expand the application of the AI-Driven Software Development Platform to a wide range of sectors, including finance, manufacturing, retail, and public services, by the end of fiscal year 2026. Fujitsu will also begin offering this service to customers and partner companies to enable them to rapidly and flexibly develop systems that adapt to changes in their business environments. Through these efforts, Fujitsu aims to transform the software development process into an AI-driven model as an industry standard.Endorsements from organizations and companies(Order that companies appear is aligned with the original Japanese press release)Takashi Manabe, Senior Research Director, AI & Automation, IDC Japan"IDC forecasts that from 2026 onward, the acceleration of AI/agent-based business utilization and the modernization of existing systems will be key drivers of transformation in the Japanese IT market. Fujitsu's announcement aims to redefine complex legacy system assets into a state where AI can accurately understand and process them, and to automate the entire waterfall development process. This initiative is expected to provide a practical pathway for many domestic enterprises facing the ongoing challenge of maintaining and operating legacy assets, while also promoting a shift in software engineering away from a labor-intensive model."Shinji Kajitani, Director and President Executive Officer, Optima Corporation"I am deeply impressed by the concept of automating the entire software development process from upstream to downstream using AI, and even entrusting the verification process to AI. This overturns the traditional assumption that human checks are ultimately indispensable, and I see great potential, especially in targeting business packages that undergo complex system changes every year. Our company has also been involved in business package modifications for many years, and how to complete system revisions with high quality in a short period has always been a major challenge. We believe that the knowledge and expertise accumulated during that process can significantly contribute to the realization and advancement of this concept. Our company will continue to contribute to the business expansion of Fujitsu and Fujitsu Japan through ongoing cooperation, not limited to this project."Hiroshi Nakatani, Representative Director, Executive Vice President, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd."This AI automation initiative promoted by Fujitsu is not merely about improving development efficiency; we recognize it as a significant challenge to pass on and evolve the extensive business knowledge and design philosophies cultivated by companies over many years to the next generation. In particular, the concept of providing end-to-end support, from requirements definition to design, implementation, and quality assurance, triggered by changes in laws and rules, opens up new possibilities in areas that have traditionally relied on human experience and tacit knowledge. We see great significance in AI functioning as a foundation that supports human judgment and creativity, rather than replacing it.In the manufacturing industry, challenges such as design changes, regulatory compliance, and understanding the scope of impact are becoming increasingly complex year by year. Fujitsu's approach of advancing both knowledge standardization and AI utilization in these areas offers valuable insights for enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the entire industry.Kawasaki Heavy Industries sincerely hopes that this initiative will be a crucial step in driving the transformation of Japanese manufacturing and a wide range of other industries, and we wholeheartedly support its further development."Yasushi Matsuda, President and CEO, Kewpie Digital Innovation Co., Ltd."Systems have become increasingly complex through years of operation and often now require significant maintenance effort. While the introduction of generative AI has improved auditing efficiency, its accuracy remains insufficient for reliable practical application. Amidst this situation, we place great expectations on "Multi-layer Quality Control," which automatically corrects ambiguities and omissions. We are confident that this mechanism, where AI itself audits quality and autonomously repeats processes, will dramatically enhance the reliability of system development. We eagerly await its future development."Junichi Aruji, Managing Director, Kintetsu Information System Co., Ltd."The challenge of revamping existing systems has long been a significant one for engineers. Fujitsu's AI-Driven Software Development Platform has the potential to dramatically transform the labor previously involved in understanding complex laws and regulations, analyzing vast historical assets, and grasping the tacit knowledge of the field.What is particularly noteworthy is the AI's ability to autonomously learn "human intelligence," thereby dramatically enhancing the accuracy of requirements definition. Furthermore, it can complete everything from program structure analysis and standardization to the extensive testing phase with incredible speed and comprehensiveness. This makes it possible to deliver high-quality products in a short period.As the role of AI expands and frees people from routine tasks, engineers can focus on more creative activities. I have high expectations for the paradigm shift in system renovation that this solution will bring."Yumi Ueno, Managing Director, Partner Ecosystem & Corporate Business, Google Cloud Japan G.K."This initiative to achieve comprehensive, one-stop automation spanning from requirements definition to system validation is a groundbreaking innovation for the industry. The technology enables AI to accurately understand vast assets, including long-established programs and design documentation, and we are delighted at the potential for both production-grade quality and exceptional productivity gains. We are confident that this platform will become the new standard for development and accelerate our customers' digital transformation. We remain committed to working with Fujitsu to address social challenges through AI."Masahiro Niimi, Managing Executive Officer, Head of Information Systems Management Division, CISO, Sakura KCS Corporation"I believe Fujitsu Limited's AI-driven development framework has the potential to become the 'new paradigm of system development.' It cannot be achieved simply by feeding existing code or design information into AI, and while there are various hurdles, such as converting documentation to Markdown and establishing test environments, overcoming these hurdles can lead to solving traditional system development challenges (like QCD).What particularly caught my attention is not just improvements in the development process, but what comes after generative AI, i.e., the incorporation of detailed specifications and code (logic). I see tremendous potential here as a solution to the greatest challenge: visualizing and transferring the tacit knowledge of veteran software engineers' that is traditionally missing from documentation. We expect generative AI to act as an advisor for less experienced software engineers, readily answering questions anytime, thereby dramatically advancing know-how transfer to the next generation. On the other hand, this mechanism also has the potential to dramatically change the traditional SI business model, and we are watching future developments closely."Takao Kazama, Executive Officer, Group Companies and Accounting & Finance, The Shizuoka Shimbun and Shizuoka Broadcasting Co., Ltd."This initiative for complete automation of application development and maintenance represents a highly valuable transformation for our company. It formalizes and establishes a reproducible process for tasks that have long relied on the implicit knowledge and experience of individual staff members, and we have great expectations for it. In particular, it has the potential to significantly improve quality variations in legacy system maintenance and lost opportunities due to delayed change responses. Furthermore, the evolving ability of AI to perform root cause analysis and identify necessary additional information is a major step towards advanced and efficient system operations, with the potential to change the very nature of system development. We share Fujitsu's commitment to improving productivity across the entire industry and establishing new development standards. We look forward to its continued strong promotion as an initiative that will advance the entire industry."Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital"The AI-Driven Software Development Platform presented by Fujitsu offers a practical and robust approach to the long-standing challenges faced by medical institutions: the increasing complexity of medical fee calculations and the growing workload of claims processing. The mechanism where AI analyzes legal documents and extracts the relevant areas, while explicitly highlighting points open to interpretation to supplement human judgment, is particularly impressive. This design demonstrates a deep understanding of on-site operations and is highly commendable. Furthermore, the Japanese-specific LLM and the consideration for safety are indispensable elements for AI utilization in the medical field. Beyond medical fee claims, this technology has potential for integration with related areas such as bed management and understanding performance requirements, making a strong contribution to overall hospital operational efficiency in the future. This is a promising initiative that warrants positive consideration for adoption to alleviate the burden on medical professionals."Shinichi Aikawa, Executive Officer, Head of Systems Division, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd."We expect Fujitsu's AI-Driven Software Development Platform to be an initiative with the potential to fundamentally transform the software development process itself. If a world can be realized where everything from requirements definition to design, coding, and testing can be automatically executed in a seamless, one-stop manner, it will be possible to achieve both a dramatic improvement in development speed and quality.Since 2024, we have been working with Fujitsu in some areas of this field. Through these initiatives, we are confident that the entire development process will be automated end-to-end in the near future. By realizing this transformation, the possibilities for the services we can provide to our customers will greatly expand. We think about ideas for new services for our customers on a daily basis. This would allow us to rough out these ideas in a short period of time and provide them to our customers quickly. We hope that this new world of value creation will arrive as soon as possible."Masaki Murata, Vice President, IBM Japan"We strongly believe that Fujitsu's announcement marks a significant step forward in the evolution of system development in Japan. It aligns closely with IBM Japan's vision and represents an important initiative that will help shape the future of the industry as a whole. We look forward to driving this momentum together and contributing to the creation of a more robust and vibrant ecosystem."Ryota Sato, Managing Executive Officer, Global Communications & IT Services Group, Microsoft Corp."We sincerely welcome Fujitsu Limited's announcement of the AI-Driven Software Development Platform as a pioneering initiative that opens a new chapter in system development for the AI era. By orchestrating multiple AI agents to automate the end-to-end development lifecycle-from requirements definition through ongoing enhancement-while integrating human-led quality assurance, this platform embodies a new engineering model in which people and AI truly work together. We view this initiative as highly significant, as it directly addresses the critical challenges facing Japan's system development industry, including severe talent shortages and the increasing complexity and sophistication of modern systems. We strongly expect this bold effort to drive the evolution of Japan's system development business and to grow into a transformation model with global relevance. Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with Fujitsu, combining the strengths of both companies to strongly support our customers in their journey toward becoming Frontier Firms."Tatsuo Ogawa, Executive Officer Group CTO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation"We believe that the AI-driven end-to-end automated system development announced this time represents not only a significant improvement in productivity, but also a bold challenge to fundamentally transform the way enterprise IT is delivered. By enabling AI to accurately understand frequently updated regulations and complex business knowledge, including implicit know-how, this approach autonomously executes processes seamlessly from requirements definition through system modification. It has the potential to provide an effective solution to the core challenges posed by legacy systems faced by many Japanese enterprises. We look forward to jointly refining this technology through hands-on practice and advancing co-creation by incorporating on-site expertise of both Panasonic and Fujitsu, with the expectation that it will become a new standard for system development and be deployed broadly not only within Panasonic but across society as a whole."Executive at a major manufacturing company's IT subsidiary"We anticipate this initiative will bring about a new transformation in system development. This transformation will be driven by the application of advanced Japanese language processing capabilities-such as the understanding of legal documents-to diverse tasks, the reliable execution of each process through quality auditing functions, and the expansion of these capabilities to scratch development. Furthermore, we believe that AI Ready Engineering, by formalizing expert know-how and domain knowledge into explicit knowledge and transforming it into AI-usable assets, will significantly contribute to the succession of expertise from an increasingly limited pool of skilled professionals. We sincerely hope that the co-creation between the knowledge-inheriting AI and on-site personnel will generate new value and form the cornerstone for innovation in the system development industry, and indeed, across all industries."Note[1] Takane large language model (LLM):Jointly developed by Fujitsu and Cohere Inc.[2] Medical fee revision:A national system that reviews public medical fees and adjusts cost allocation for medical procedures.[3] Conventional software development methods:Development methods where quality is verified at each stage, from software requirements definition, design, and implementation to integration testing.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more:global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Sweden invites tourists to make their dream come true: Applications open to get one of five of Sweden's more than 267,000 islands, defined by calm, clean air and restorative nature. STOCKHOLM, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The idea of escaping to a private island has long symbolised the ultimate dream for many, with islands embodying not just luxury but also space, rest and recovery. Sweden now offers the opportunity to make this dream come true by providing five of the country's islands to international travellers for one year of use. A recent global YouGov survey found that people are drawn to silence, fresh air, and free access to nature. 77% said they would consider visiting a Swedish island. 44% of respondents said they would gladly escape the crowds by going to their own island. In Germany and France, one in five admits they'd appreciate some time away from their life partner. The initiative Your Swedish Island now redefines luxury as simplicity, space, and nature rather than exclusivity or excess. Sweden boasts a total of 267,570 islands. "Sweden has more islands than any other country in the world, and we would like to invite people to enjoy what may be the most genuine form of luxury: the peace and tranquillity of nature on your own island", says Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden. The initiative, launched by Visit Sweden in partnership with the National Property Board, welcomes travellers to apply to become custodians of one of five carefully selected islands. Each location is wonderfully secluded, yet close enough to a local community for essentials - whether it's picking up groceries, posting a letter, or joining a traditional Midsummer celebration. International travellers are welcome to upload videos explaining why they deserve a one-year right to use one of the five selected islands. A jury will select successful applicants based on creativity and personal motivation, who win a trip to Sweden. "If you don't get one of these islands, don't worry. Sweden has many more for everyone to enjoy," says Susanne Andersson. "From quiet lakes to open coastlines, there's an island paradise waiting for one and all." Source: Survey, June/July 2025, YouGov/Visit Sweden More about Your Swedish Island Press images; Images of Swedish islands Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaTnvqgBkt4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902292/Visit_Sweden.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2777377/5794407/Visit_Sweden_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/with-most-islands-in-the-world-sweden-offers-five-to-travellers-302686320.html HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the new year begins and all things renew, on the stage of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala of China Media Group, Unitree Robotics made its third appearance as the official robot partner of the Gala. Bringing its G1 and H2 humanoid robots, Unitree presented the world's first fully autonomous humanoid robot cluster martial arts performance (with quick cluster movement). I. Breaking Motion Performance Limits, Achieving Multiple World Firsts In this performance, Unitree's humanoid robots demonstrated unprecedented motion performance, achieving multiple world-first technical breakthroughs: the world's first continuous freestyle table-vaulting parkour; the world's first launched aerial flip, with a maximum flip height exceeding 3 meters; the world's first continuous single-leg flips, a two-step wall-assisted backflip, and the world's first Airflare grand spin of seven-and-a-half rotations and other high-difficulty movements. At the cluster coordination level, Unitree achieved the world's first high-speed cluster movement (with maximum arbitrary movement speed reaching 4 m/s). The robots are also equipped with newly self-developed dexterous hands, supporting rapid switching and stable gripping of martial arts props, providing reliable support for high-difficulty martial arts performances. These breakthroughs not only redefine the technical boundaries of humanoid robot motion performance, but also mark a comprehensive leap in explosive power, agility, coordination, and reliability, laying a solid foundation for future applications in complex scenarios. II. High-Concurrency Cluster Control System and Self-Developed AI Fusion Localization Algorithm The performance was coordinated using a newly upgraded high-concurrency cluster control system, enabling real-time synchronized movement of dozens of robots. Motion synchronization error was strictly controlled, achieving ultra-low latency synchronization. In terms of localization, an AI fusion localization algorithm was adopted-using AI to process proprioceptive data and deeply fusing it with 3D LiDAR data, processing environmental information hundreds of times per second. This algorithm ensures that the robots can maintain precise localization even after intense movements. It can prevent traditional localization algorithms from losing tracking or drifting during intense movements such as aerial flips. In motion control, the team fine-tuned pre-trained general control models, enabling robots to adjust their positions while performing martial arts movements. Combined with the AI fusion localization algorithm, this approach solved the problem of cumulative motion errors during long-sequence performances, ensuring consistent and unified movements throughout the show. The combined advancement of localization and control algorithms enabled robots to rapidly and accurately execute complex formation transitions, ultimately realizing the world's first fully autonomous humanoid robot cluster martial arts performance (with quick cluster movement). III. H2's Striking Appearances at the Main and Sub Venues At the conclusion of the main venue performance, H2 made its final appearance in the role of a "Sword Grandmaster." After a sword routine marked by controlled strength and rhythm, it took the young martial artist's hands, and together they stepped forward to perform a fist-and-palm salute-symbolizing both the generational inheritance of martial arts spirit and the future of human-machine integration. Meanwhile, at the Yiwu sub-venue thousands of kilometers away, H2 appeared clad in the Monkey King's heavy armor, wielding a golden cudgel, and standing atop a "somersault cloud" played by B2W quadruped robot dogs. It moved through streets and alleys before descending from the sky and landing at the Egg Theater, deeply integrating with traditional culture. Chinese Kung Fu once again amazes the world, as traditional culture and technology advance together in a win-win partnership. From a globally screen-dominating debut to hard-core capabilities that continue to lead the industry, Unitree remains driven by innovation, advancing humanoid robots toward broader horizons. In 2025, Unitree humanoid robots gained global popularity, with shipment volume ranking No.1 worldwide. In 2026, leading the way at full speed and advancing day by day, Unitree continues to drive the global embodied intelligence industry forward. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kung-fu-meets-spring--unitree-spring-festival-gala-robots-present-cyber-real-kung-fu-in-the-year-of-the-horse-302689291.html First SIRPa-IgG4 Fc Fusion Protein Granted Orphan Status in Gastric Cancer TAIPEI, SHANGHAI and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HanchorBio, Inc. (TPEx: 7827), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing next-generation immunotherapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to HCB101 for the treatment of gastric cancer. The designation covers gastric cancer broadly, including advanced gastric adenocarcinoma in both HER2-positive and HER2-negative subtypes. This milestone underscores the significant unmet medical need in gastric cancer and provides important regulatory support for the continued clinical development of HCB101 in this patient population. This designation marks the first FDA Orphan Drug Designation for HanchorBio, representing a significant regulatory milestone for the company and further validating its strategy of advancing differentiated immunotherapies in areas of high unmet medical need. HCB101 is a next-generation CD47-SIRPa pathway inhibitor, engineered as an affinity-optimized and toxicity-mitigated SIRPa-IgG4 Fc fusion protein. The molecule is designed to restore macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and enhance antigen presentation while minimizing the hematologic toxicities that have historically limited earlier CD47-targeting approaches, enabling rational combination with established standards of care. "Receiving our first FDA Orphan Drug Designation is a major milestone for HanchorBio and important validation of our scientific, regulatory, and development strategy," said Scott Liu, PhD, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of HanchorBio. "Gastric cancer remains an area of profound unmet medical need, and this designation reinforces our commitment to developing differentiated immunotherapies that can meaningfully improve outcomes for patients. This designation strengthens HCB101's profile as a globally relevant asset and represents a strategically important step as we advance the program toward U.S. and international development. It further supports our ongoing engagement with multinational partners as we explore collaboration and licensing opportunities for HCB101 and our broader immunotherapy pipeline." Gastric cancer is a rare disease in the United States, with prevalence well below the FDA's statutory threshold for orphan designation. Despite advances in targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibition, outcomes, particularly in the second-line setting, remain poor, with limited durability of response and substantial treatment-related toxicity. HCB101 is currently being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical studies, including a Phase 1b/2a trial (NCT06771622) assessing HCB101 in combination with ramucirumab and paclitaxel in second-line advanced gastric cancer. Early clinical findings have demonstrated promising antitumor activity with a safety profile consistent with the molecule's differentiated design. Alvin Luk, PhD, MBA, CCRA, President & Chief Medical Officer (Group) and Chief Executive Officer (U.S.A.) of HanchorBio, added, "The FDA's decision reflects the seriousness of gastric cancer and the clinical rationale underlying HCB101's development. HCB101's IgG4-based SIRPa-Fc design was intentionally selected to support repeated dosing and combination strategies as an innate immune checkpoint backbone in solid tumors. In a second-line gastric cancer setting, where standard regimens offer limited durability, the depth of tumor shrinkage and consistency of response observed to date, while remaining compatible with standard ramucirumab-paclitaxel administration, support the continued global advancement of HCB101 for patients with significant unmet need." Orphan Drug Designation provides certain development incentives, including eligibility for tax credits on qualified clinical trial expenses, exemption from FDA user fees, and the potential for seven years of market exclusivity upon approval in the United States. HanchorBio plans to continue advancing HCB101 through global clinical development while exploring its potential as a backbone immunotherapy across multiple solid tumor indications. About HCB101 HCB101 is a rationally engineered SIRPa-IgG4 Fc fusion protein developed on HanchorBio's FBDB platform to selectively block the CD47-SIRPa innate immune checkpoint while minimizing hematologic toxicity. Unlike earlier anti-CD47 approaches, HCB101 is designed to preserve macrophage-mediated antitumor activity while reducing binding to red blood cells, a limitation that historically constrained the clinical utility of CD47-directed therapies. HCB101 was engineered using AI-assisted structural modeling to achieve differentiated binding to CD47 on cancer cells while maintaining low affinity for CD47 on red blood cells. Its safety profile, receptor occupancy characteristics, and pharmacologic properties are designed to support integration with established oncology regimens without disrupting standard dosing, safety expectations, or clinical workflows. Across ongoing clinical and translational evaluation, HCB101 has demonstrated consistent target engagement and early antitumor activity as both monotherapy and in combination settings, including tumor types historically considered challenging for CD47-directed therapies. Together, these attributes position HCB101 as a differentiated innate immune checkpoint backbone with broad potential for a wide variety of combination strategies across solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. About HanchorBio Based in Taipei, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area, HanchorBio (TPEx: 7827) is a global biotechnology company specializing in immuno-oncology. It is led by an experienced team of pharmaceutical industry veterans with a proven track record in biologics discovery and international development, aiming to reshape the landscape of cancer therapies. Committed to reactivating the immune system to fight disease, the proprietary Fc-based designer biologics (FBDB) platform enables the development of unique biologics with diverse multi-targeting modalities, unleashing both innate and adaptive immunity to overcome the current challenges of anti-PD1/L1 therapies. The FBDB platform has successfully delivered proof-of-concept data in several in vivo tumor animal models. By advancing breakthroughs in multi-functional, innovative molecular configurations in R&D and improving CMC manufacturing processes, HanchorBio develops transformative medicines to address unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.HanchorBio.com SOURCE HanchorBio Inc. Das Borsenjahr 2026 ist fur viele Anleger ernuchternd gestartet. Tech-Werte straucheln, der Nasdaq 100 tritt auf der Stelle und ausgerechnet alte Favoriten wie Microsoft und SAP rutschen zweistellig ab. KI ist plotzlich kein Ruckenwind mehr, sondern ein Belastungsfaktor, weil Investoren beginnen, die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit zu hinterfragen. Gleichzeitig vollzieht sich an der Wall Street ein lautloser Favoritenwechsel. Wahrend viele auf Wachstum setzen, feiern Value-Titel mit verlasslichen Cashflows ihr Comeback: Telekommunikation, Industrie, Energie, Pharma die Cashmaschinen der Realwirtschaft verdrangen hoch bewertete Hoffnungstrager. In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau in dieses neue Marktbild passen: solide, gunstig bewertet und mit attraktiver Dividende. Werte, die nicht nur laufende Ertrage liefern, sondern auch bei Marktkorrekturen Sicherheit bieten. Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern bevor der Value-Zug 2026 endgultig abfahrt! Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar. Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 10, 2026) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the "Company"), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today announced that RAD autonomous security solutions were included in the recently released science fiction thriller Mercy, which opened in theaters nationwide on January 23, 2026, reflecting the production team's selection of real deployed security technology to support the film's portrayal of AI influenced justice and law enforcement. Artist's depiction of a RAD ROSA and RIO 360 deployed on an active nighttime film production set, illustrating real world autonomous security systems operating alongside a professional movie crew. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5243/283326_aitx-rad-mercy-260210-1920x1080.jpg "Mercy explores a future where security decisions are no longer hypothetical and neither is the technology behind them," said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. "What makes this meaningful is that the film did not rely on imagined systems. RAD solutions are already operating autonomously in live environments today, making them a natural fit for a story centered on AI driven judgment, accountability, and real consequences." Set in a near future Los Angeles grappling with rising crime and the introduction of accelerated AI driven justice, Mercy presents a world where technology is embedded directly into frontline security and law enforcement decision making. Within that context, RAD autonomous security solutions align naturally with the film's emphasis on realism. For the production, RAD provided one RIO 360, one ROSA, and two RADDOG LE2 units, representing persistent, autonomous security systems designed to operate independently across complex, real world urban environments. Rather than relying on fictional devices, the production team selected commercially deployed RAD platforms to ground the narrative in capabilities that already exist and are in active use today. "While we were in several scenes the final cut severely limited exposure of our devices, which is the director's artistic choice. What this reinforces for us is that film, television, and streaming productions are actively seeking out real autonomous security technology, not props or concepts," added Reinharz. "RAD devices represent how security actually operates in the real world and where it is heading. They perform authentically on camera because they are authentic systems, and they bring a visual presence that naturally fits modern and future facing environments where security must be visible, credible, and trusted." RAD invites security professionals and channel partners to experience its full portfolio of autonomous security solutions at ISC West 2026. Attendees will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations, speak directly with RAD leadership and product experts, and learn how autonomous security deployments are being proven, expanded, and scaled across real world environments. Meetings may be scheduled in advance or arranged onsite throughout the show. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX) AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry1 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization's internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD's Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD's ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com, www.raddog.ai, www.radgroup.ai, www.saramonitoring.ai, and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. Appearances of RAD autonomous security solutions and related technologies in the film "Mercy" should not be construed as a testimonial of guaranteed performance, nor as an indication of the Company's future results of operations, revenue, or stock price. For purposes of the Company's disclosures, "Artificial Intelligence" refers to machine-based systems designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy that, for a given set of human defined objectives, can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. In the context of the Company's business, Artificial Intelligence is deployed primarily within the security services and property management industries to support functions such as detection, analysis, prioritization, communication, and response related to safety, security, and operational events. The Company delivers these capabilities principally through its SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) platform, which serves as the Company's primary agentic artificial intelligence system. SARA is designed to receive and process video, audio, and other sensor data, apply automated analysis and inference, and support actions in accordance with predefined operational objectives and human oversight. Further note that the Company's Board of Directors oversees the Company's deployment of Artificial Intelligence. ### 1 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283326 Source: Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. mea Platform ("mea"), the AI-native insurance technology company, today announced a $50 million minority growth equity investment from SEP, a leading investor in enterprise technology companies. Since formation in 2021, mea has consistently driven the market for AI applied to the insurance industry. Demand is accelerating for mea's products that rapidly improve combined ratios and strengthen margins. Intentionally bootstrapped to date, mea is now in its fourth consecutive year of profitable growth. The investment from SEP enables mea to accelerate product development and customer engagement as the company continues its expansion, announced last October, across all (re)insurance operations. mea deploys proprietary, insurance-specific AI products to automate end-to-end operations for carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Because the company's products are pre-trained in the language and specificity of insurance requirements, customer deployments are fast and integration is non-invasive. The company has live client deployments across 21 countries with more than $400 billion of gross written premium processed through the platform. Customers and partners include AXIS, CNA, The Hartford, Markel, SCOR, Ardonagh, Lloyd's of London, PPL, Accenture, DXC, ServiceNow, Velonetic, and Verisk, amongst others. Despite sustained industry investment in technology, many insurance processes are still highly manual and resource intensive. Operating costs account for up to 14 points of the combined ratio for carriers and nearly half of total expenses for brokers, representing approximately $2 trillion in annual industry costs. mea's agentic AI products orchestrate operations process automation that delivers significant GWP and margin gains with up to 60 percent reductions in operating costs. Built by former insurance industry leaders, mea combines deep sector-specific expertise with technology proven at global scale to deliver market-leading accuracy. This foundation has enabled mea's expansion from its submission ingestion product into end-to-end operations, with rapid deployment and measurable return on investment for customers. Martin Henley, Founder and CEO of mea, said: "SEP brings deep experience in scaling enterprise technology businesses, and we are excited to partner with them as we grow mea with the same discipline and focus that has brought us to this point. We saw significant inbound interest from potential investors and chose SEP for their long-term perspective, collaborative style, and the strategic support they will provide as we enter our next phase of growth. "Our opportunity to improve client combined ratios and margin is built on years of developing and deploying insurance-specific AI at global scale. As the industry moves from AI experimentation to production, customers increasingly recognize the value of domain-specific technology that delivers results immediately." Angus Conroy, Managing Partner of SEP, said: "mea is an excellent fit with our strategy of backing IP-rich technology companies that solve complex problems for the world's largest organizations. mea has built a highly differentiated, production-grade platform with clear return on investment for global insurance groups. Strong customer adoption, growth, and capital efficiency reflect both the quality of the technology and the team's deep insurance expertise. In a dynamic market, mea stands out for what is live, proven, and scaled today. We are excited to partner with Martin and the mea team as they continue to scale the business." About mea Platform Built by industry veterans, mea leverages a domain-specific Language Model (dsLM) and insurance-specific knowledge graph to deliver end-to-end automation across all aspects of insurance operations. The platform offers rapid, non-invasive deployment, immediate operational impact, and scalability, significantly reducing costs and improving productivity from day one. www.meaplatform.com About SEP SEP is one of Europe's leading growth equity firms, helping founders and management teams in enterprise technology companies to achieve their global ambitions. With over $1 billion invested and a 25-year track record, SEP partners with founders who are transforming how enterprises operate and grow. SEP combines deep expertise, long-term partnership, and a commitment to sustainable business growth. Learn more at www.sep.co.uk View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217810104/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts For mea Platform: Elliott Bundy elliott.bundy@meaplatform.com +1 (347) 561-0276 For SEP: Sarah Lee sarah@hottinroof.co.uk New hands-on service handles the operational data work so businesses can meet reporting obligations without the need to invest in costly consultancies STOCKHOLM, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Normative , the carbon management platform, today announced Carbon Inventory Managed Services, a new professional service designed for companies that need dedicated execution support for building complete carbon inventories. In the first 6 weeks of 2026, Normative's team of GHGP-certified Climate Advisors has already spent over 1,000 hours supporting clients. The service addresses a growing challenge: leaner sustainability teams are faced with expanding reporting requirements, without the capacity to fulfil them. The data collection problem Data collection is the most time-consuming part of carbon accounting. Emissions data sits across multiple owners and coordinating it all can consume hundreds of hours. This challenge is intensifying as companies reduce sustainability headcount, shift reporting responsibilities to teams without carbon accounting expertise, or face fixed regulatory deadlines with limited capacity. All the while, companies rely on the efficiency of this process as 90% of FTSE 100 tenders require their suppliers to report their carbon emissions. Carbon Inventory Managed Services solves this by making Normative the execution arm for the entire data workflow. Normative's team of Climate Advisors coordinate directly with a client's data owners, manage follow-ups, clean and structure the data, and deliver a complete, audit-ready inventory inside the Normative platform. Advisory plus execution Every customer already works with a dedicated climate strategy advisor. The new service builds on that foundation by adding hands-on execution support. Clients review and approve the work, but Normative handles the operational lift from chasing invoices and utility bills to structuring complex scope 3 supplier data. Everything is delivered inside the client's existing Normative platform, so organizations maintain full visibility and can take ownership of the process whenever they are ready. "Carbon accounting has gone from 'we should probably do this' to 'we need this done now', but most teams haven't suddenly found extra bandwidth," said Sebastien Blanc, CEO of Normative. "Carbon Inventory Managed Services is our answer to that reality. We're not just handing over software and saying 'good luck.' We're rolling up our sleeves and executing alongside our customers, because we know this is one of their biggest challenges." Learn more about Carbon Inventory Managed Services here . Media contact: press@normative.io BERLIN, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new frontier is emerging at the intersection of music, technology, and brand strategy. It is not about replacing creativity with automation. It is about using machine learning and deep AI integration to connect brands to the world's music in a way that is authentic, culturally intelligent, and economically fair to creators. Over the past two years, Shai Caleb Hirschson has been deeply involved in developing advanced tools that aim to reshape how brands discover, evaluate, and partner with musical talent. The ambition is clear. Move beyond surface metrics and black box recommendations. Build transparent systems that filter global music culture through a brand's unique mDNA, its music DNA, aspirational values, sonic identity, and long term positioning. In a streaming dominated economy, music is abundant but alignment is rare. Brands often rely on trend cycles, gut instinct, or limited datasets when selecting artists or tracks. Artists, in turn, struggle to access brand ecosystems in ways that are fair, data informed, and strategically aligned. The infrastructure currently under development seeks to solve both sides of this equation. Working with award winning engineers, interdisciplinary teams, and academic collaborators including Goldsmiths University, Hirschson has focused on building machine learning frameworks that analyze audience depth, cultural signals, behavioral data, and contextual usage patterns. Rather than simply identifying what is popular, the systems identify what is meaningful. This distinction matters. For brands, the goal is not reach alone. It is credibility. It is resonance. It is cultural legitimacy. By mapping how artists perform across engagement layers, including repeat listening, community interaction, geographic clusters, lifestyle affinities, and brand category overlap, the tools make it possible to unveil talent that delivers both scale and depth. Crucially, discovery does not happen in isolation. Every recommendation is filtered through a brand's defined mDNA. This includes tempo preferences, tonal characteristics, emotional attributes, genre boundaries, cultural positioning, and aspirational values. The result is a curated intersection between a brand's sonic strategy and the global music landscape. This allows marketers to move from reactive music selection to strategic music architecture. Campaigns become extensions of a consistent sonic world. Partnerships become long term cultural alignments rather than one off transactions. Music shifts from decorative asset to structural brand lever. For artists, this new frontier offers greater visibility and fairer participation. By surfacing alignment based on real audience intelligence and brand fit, musicians gain access to partnership opportunities that match their identity and community. At the same time, the systems explore alternative revenue models that challenge traditional streaming economics. Automated contextual licensing, performance based brand integrations, and more direct connections between listener intent and compensation are active areas of development. The objective is not incremental optimization. It is structural evolution. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in every layer of marketing and media, the risk is that culture becomes commodified. Hirschson's work takes a different stance. AI should reveal value, not obscure it. It should strengthen human creativity, not dilute it. By combining cultural insight, brand strategy, and deep machine learning integration, this emerging infrastructure enables brands to access the world's music in a way that is authentic and accountable, while helping ensure that creators benefit proportionally from the commercial ecosystems they power. "The future of brand building is cultural alignment," Hirschson states. "When you understand a brand's mDNA and combine it with intelligent analysis of global music culture, you can connect brands with artists who bring real reach, real depth, and real relevance. That is where authenticity lives." With tools currently in advanced development and testing phases, this initiative signals a decisive shift toward a more transparent, strategically aligned, and creator conscious music economy. Link to full press release:https://eightsix.com/press/shai-caleb-hirschson-mdna-music-brand-innovation About Shai Caleb Hirschson Shai Caleb Hirschson is an award winning music producer, brand expert, and entrepreneur. He has led global music and brand teams, built entire sonic branding ecosystems for some of the world's most ambitious brands including NIVEA, TikTok, OTTO, and Adidas. He is the founder of IMAGINE and currently serves as Chief Creative of EightSix. PR contact: press@eightsix.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2904505/EightSix_Shai_Caleb_Hirschson.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902868/EightSix_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shai-caleb-hirschson-signals-the-next-frontier-in-music-and-brand-innovation-deep-learning-infrastructure-connecting-brands-to-the-worlds-music-through-their-unique-mdna-302688809.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Clarity Metals Corp. (CSE: CMET) (OTC Pink: CLGCF) (FSE: 27G0) ("Clarity" or the "Company"), a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals projects, is pleased to announce that Services Technominex Inc. ("Technominex") has been secured as the drilling contractor and project manager for the Company's upcoming drill program at its 100%-owned Fecteau Gold Project ("Fecteau" or the "Property"), located in the Abitibi region of the Province of Quebec. Technominex is a Rouyn-Noranda-based exploration services provider and project management firm with extensive mineral exploration experience in the Abitibi region. Technominex has been contracted to complete approximately 3,650 metres of NQ-size diamond drill core, serving as both contractor and project manager, providing turnkey exploration services for the successful completion of the program. The scope of work includes access road and drill pad preparation, execution of the drilling program, geological logging and core sampling, temporary core storage, and coordination of sample analysis through an independent certified assay laboratory. With permitting now finalized, the Company is focused on the remaining operational preparations to support mobilization, with all drilling activities expected to be completed during February and March 2026. Clarity CEO, Timothy Ko, stated: "We are pleased to have secured Technominex to execute our upcoming drill program at Fecteau, their work on our 2022 program was excellent. Their deep experience in the Abitibi region and integrated project management capabilities give us confidence that this program will be executed efficiently and to the highest standards. With only $1.4M spent to date on exploration and 11 showings identified across the Property, we have only begun to scratch the surface of the Fecteau system. This program represents a significant step forward in testing the gold and base metal mineralization across multiple target areas, including substantial step-outs on mineralized trends and geologic targets not previously drill tested. We look forward to providing updates as mobilization and drilling commences." Drill Program Overview The planned drill program consists of approximately 3,650 metres of NQ-size diamond core distributed over five target areas across the Property. The program is designed with planned optionality to expand based on in-field outcomes. Key target areas include: Fecteau Est: Follow-up drilling to investigate the potential for additional high-grade structures, building on the success of previous results including FEC-22-05 which intersected 14.91 g/t Au over 1.0m from 149.4m, and FEC-22-13 which returned 5.98 g/t Au and 0.87% Cu over 0.6m from 168.8m down hole. The airborne magnetic survey flown in 2023 details some lineaments that have been interpreted to be second-order structures not previously tested. SW Target Area: Testing the southern limb of the Fecteau syncline at the main reverse fault and at lithologic boundaries. This area has not been previously tested through drilling and represents a structurally complex zone with significant exploration potential. North Central Target: Testing the two northern-most conductors identified through modelling of historic VTEM EM data in conjunction with the magnetic data. Previous historical holes appear to have been potentially collared too far west and drilled into the magnetic and electromagnetic low. These holes will target where the conductors coalesce and the highest responses on each limb. Syncline Drill Area: West of Fecteau Est, focusing on the opposite side of the main NE-SW fault, targeting second-order structures interpreted from magnetics and the regionally mapped syncline hinge. Holes are designed as potential scissor holes to quickly test downdip continuity of promising structures. Buteux-Marceau: Testing a ~1.2 km conductor and magnetic high at the Buteux-Marceau base and precious metal showing, where previous work returned 4.11 g/t Au from a grab sample (by SOQUEM during their 1988 field campaign). Previous drilling pre-dated both the VTEM survey and trenching program and was positioned too far off the now-known EM conductor. The Fecteau Property is located in the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt and is situated near Gold Fields' Windfall Lake Camp and Bonterra Resources' projects. Clarity's 2022 drill campaign and the airborne triaxial magnetic survey completed in January 2023 have been instrumental in identifying the current drill targets. A total of 17,815m has been drilled on the Property and in the surrounding area since the mid-1970s, with an average depth of only 207m, leaving portions of the Property at depth largely untested by drilling. The Fecteau stratigraphy is also amenable to VMS-style mineralization, with several semi-massive and massive sulphide intercepts containing anomalous copper and zinc from previous drilling. Figure 1: Location of Fecteau Gold Project showing nearby projects. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11932/283960_5a1c99f73493fa4c_001full.jpg Figure 2: Previous drilling on 2022 mag survey. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11932/283960_5a1c99f73493fa4c_002full.jpg Figure 3: Drilling to date on bedrock geology. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11932/283960_5a1c99f73493fa4c_003full.jpg Qualified Person Mr. David Albert, P. Geo. (OGQ #00812), geologist and Director of Professional Services at Technominex, a consultancy engaged by the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Mr. Albert is not independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101. References See Clarity's news release dated December 4, 2023 filed under its profile on SEDAR+. About Clarity Metals Corp. Clarity Metals Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration project generator company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and base metals projects. Clarity's exploration mandate is global and focused on countries with established legal and regulatory systems supporting mining investment. The Company is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is listed on the CSE under the symbol "CMET". To learn more about Clarity Metals Corp. and its projects, please visit www.claritymetals.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the engagement of Technominex; the timing, scope and completion of the planned drill program; the objectives of the drill program; and future exploration activities on the Fecteau Property. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including the availability of personnel and equipment, the timing of mobilization, the receipt and maintenance of applicable permits, and prevailing weather and logistical conditions. Forward-looking statements are also subject to inherent geological and technical risks and uncertainties, including that historical drill results referenced by the Company represent past exploration outcomes and are not necessarily indicative of future results; that grab samples are selective by nature and may not be representative of broader mineralization on the Property; and that mineralization observed on adjacent or nearby properties does not imply, and should not be interpreted as indicating, similar mineralization on the Fecteau Property. Forward-looking statements are also subject to other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including operational risks, exploration risks, market conditions, and factors beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283960 Source: Clarity Metals Corp. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Canamera Energy Metals Corp. (CSE: EMET) (OTCQB: EMETF) (FSE: 4LF0) ("Canamera" or the "Company") has entered into an option agreement (the "Agreement") with Gallik Explorations Inc. ("Gallik"), pursuant to which will, subject to the receipt of Canadian Securities Exchange approval ("Regulatory Approval"), have the right to earn up to a 100% interest in the Waterslide Property (the "Property"), a 2,300-hectare uranium and rare earth element project located approximately 20 km southeast of Bancroft, Ontario, by making the share and cash payments described below. The Property sits within one of Ontario's most established uranium and rare earth districts, the Central Gneiss Belt of the Grenville Province. With seven documented mineral occurrences on or adjacent to the claim block - spanning uranium, thorium, fluorite, and rare earth elements - the acquisition provides Canamera with near-term exploration targets in a jurisdiction that is attracting renewed interest due to growing demand for domestic nuclear fuel and critical mineral supply. "The Waterslide Property adds a compelling, near-surface uranium and rare earth target to our growing Ontario portfolio," said Brad Brodeur, CEO of Canamera. "The Bancroft region has a well-documented geological history of uranium and rare earth mineralization, and with multiple known occurrences on the Property, we see a clear path to efficiently advance exploration. This acquisition aligns with our strategy of assembling district-scale positions in proven critical-mineral settings across the Americas." Option Agreement Terms Under the terms of the Agreement, Canamera may earn a 100% interest in the Property by making four staged payments of cash and common shares to Gallik, structured as follows: Payment 1: $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due upon receipt of Regulatory Approval; $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due upon receipt of Regulatory Approval; Payment 2: $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due on the first anniversary of Regulatory Approval; $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due on the first anniversary of Regulatory Approval; Payment 3: $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due on the second anniversary of Regulatory Approval; and $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due on the second anniversary of Regulatory Approval; and Payment 4: $25,000 in cash and common shares valued at $25,000, due on the third anniversary of Regulatory Approval. Upon earning its 100% interest, the Property will be subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR") in favour of Gallik. Canamera will have the option to repurchase one percent (1%) of the NSR for $1,000,000, reducing the NSR royalty from 2% to 1%. The Agreement is subject to approval by the Canadian Securities Exchange. Waterslide Project Overview The Property is located in northwestern Cardiff Township, Ontario, within the Central Gneiss Belt of the Grenville Province. The Property comprises 100 mining claim cells totalling approximately 2,300 hectares (approximately 20 square kilometres). The surrounding region has been historically recognized for uranium, thorium, fluorite, and rare earth element occurrences associated with alkaline and carbonatite intrusive systems. Figure 1: Waterslide Property Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11828/284111_figure1.jpg Figure 2: Waterslide Property Mineral Occurrences Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11828/284111_902f5b67b46a881f_002full.jpg The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren Robb, P.Geo. (British Columbia), VP Exploration of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Canamera Energy Metals Corp. Canamera Energy Metals Corp. is a critical and rare earth metals exploration company focused on building a diversified portfolio of district-scale projects across the Americas. In North America, the Company's portfolio includes the Schryburt Lake rare earth and niobium project in Ontario; the Iron Hills critical and rare earth project in Colorado; the Garrow rare earth elements project in Northern Ontario; the Waterslide rare earth and uranium project in Northern Ontario; the Great Divide Basin uranium project in Wyoming; and the Mantle project in British Columbia. In South America, Canamera is advancing the Turvolandia and Sao Sepe rare earth element projects in Brazil. Across this portfolio, Canamera targets underexplored regions with strong geological signatures and supportive jurisdictions, leveraging geochemical, geophysical, and geological datasets to generate and advance high-conviction, first-mover exploration opportunities. For more information, visit www.canamerametals.com. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "will," "plans," "expects," "could," "potential," "objective," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the receipt of Regulatory Approval; the completion of the option agreement and the anticipated payment schedule; the Company's ability to earn a 100% interest in the Property; the exploration potential of the Property; and the Company's exploration strategies and plans. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, and opinions of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. These risks include, but are not limited to: the Company's inability to obtain Regulatory Approval for the transaction; failure to satisfy the terms and conditions of the option agreement; uncertainties related to the geology of the Property; changes in commodity prices for uranium and rare earth elements; availability of financing for exploration; the ability to obtain necessary permits; and general risks associated with mineral exploration. Additional risk factors affecting the Company can be found in the Company's continuous disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284111 Source: Canamera Energy Metals Corp. Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Strathmore Plus Uranium Corporation (CSE: SUU) (OTCQB: SUUFF) ("Strathmore Plus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the initiation of a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to raise gross proceeds up to $1,000,000 from the sale of 6,666,666 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.15 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.25 per share for a period of 36 months following the issue date of the Units. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for working capital and further exploration of the Company's Wyoming properties. Finder's fees and/or commissions may be paid in connection with that funding. This news release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four (4) months and a day from the closing date in accordance with securities laws. Insiders are expected to participate in the Offering. Any participation by insiders in the Offering will constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") but is expected to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101. The closing of this Offering remains subject to several conditions including receipt of subscriptions and regulatory approval, if required. About Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. Strathmore is focused on discovering uranium deposits in Wyoming, and has three permitted uranium projects including Agate, Beaver Rim, and Night Owl. The Agate and Beaver Rim properties contain uranium in typical Wyoming-type roll front deposits based on historical drilling data. The Night Owl property is a former producing surface mine that was in production in the early 1960s. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO Cautionary Statement: "Neither the CSE Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in policies of the CSE Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release". Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284036 Source: Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. By Alimat Aliyeva The German Volkswagen Group has been formally charged in France with intentionally misleading the public about products that pose a threat to human and animal health. In addition, Renault Group and Stellantis are also expected to face scrutiny from the French judicial system. All three automakers are implicated in a broad investigation linked to the infamous Dieselgate scandal, AzerNEWS reports. Details regarding the upcoming Volkswagen trial in Paris remain scarce. According to French authorities, hearings in the case are not expected to begin before 2027. Alongside Volkswagen, legal action is planned against Renault and two divisions of the Stellantis alliance. All companies involved have firmly denied any wrongdoing or fraudulent activity connected to Dieselgate. The term Dieselgate first gained worldwide attention in 2015, when it was revealed that Volkswagen had deliberately manipulated emissions data from its diesel vehicles over several years. The scandal triggered lawsuits across multiple countries, leading to long-drawn-out legal battles and billions of dollars in fines for the German automaker. In the years that followed, other car manufacturers were also implicated in similar emissions manipulation practices. At the end of 2025, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz reached a settlement with U.S. government regulators, agreeing to pay $149.6 million to resolve Dieselgate-related claims. Under the agreement, the company also pledged $2,000 in compensation to each affected vehicle owner who completed required upgrades to reduce exhaust emissions. Interestingly, the ongoing investigations in France highlight how Dieselgates ripple effects continue to influence the global automotive industry. Beyond fines and settlements, these cases have prompted manufacturers to accelerate the development of cleaner, low-emission technologies and electrification strategiespushing the industry toward a more sustainable future. Analysts suggest that upcoming trials could reshape regulatory oversight in Europe and send a strong signal to automakers about the legal and financial risks of emissions manipulation. Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - F4 Uranium Corp (TSXV: FFU) ("F4" or "the Company") is pleased to announce plans to commence ground EM geophysics at Murphy Lake, 5 kilometers South of IsoEnergy's High-Grade Hurricane Deposit and 4 kilometers east of Cameco's La Rocque Lake Uranium Zone. EarthEx Geophysical Solutions will complete 4 lines totaling 9.2 line-kilometers of Moving Loop Electromagnetics; this MLEM will build on previous ground geophysics by tightening the survey line spacing - testing the areas around and between two known prospective conductor systems as previously identified by F4 (See Figure 1). The results will be integrated into the project model to guide the upcoming drill program which is planned for late spring of 2026. The Murphy work program is being funded by UraniumX Discovery Corp in accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement to acquire up to a 70% interest in the Murphy Lake Property (see F4 news release dated February 2, 2026); F4 will be the operator during the earn-in period. Drilling by F4 in 2022 intersected strongly elevated uranium geochemistry and indicators commonly associated with uranium mineralization including intense hematite and limonite alteration in sandstone and graphitic shear zones in the basement. The program was highlighted by drill hole ML22-006 which hit 0.242% U3O8 and a 4.2m wide deformation zone. 1.4 kilometers away at the northern end of the property, ML22-012, was interpreted to have just overshot the conductive basement target - but intersected strong 56 ppm uranium in a 0.5m sandstone sample just above the unconformity. Erik Sehn, VP Exploration, commented: "F4 Uranium considers Murphy Lake to be one of its best exploration properties considering its strong early indicators, and close proximity to major uranium discoveries including IsoEnergy's Hurricane and Cameco's La Rocque Lake Project. Along with our partners UraniumX, we look forward to completing this geophysical program to assist in target generation for the next drill program. This has been a project that the team has been eager to return to since 2022, and this geophysical program is an important step before we start further drill testing the areas around ML22-006 - where we hit uranium mineralization in 2022, and ML22-012 where we have very strong and favorable alteration and geochemistry 1.4km away." About Murphy Lake: F4's 609-hectare Murphy Lake Property is located in the north-eastern corner of the Athabasca Basin, 30 km northwest of Orano's McLean Lake deposits, 5 km south of ISOEnergy's Hurricane Uranium Deposit and 4 km east of Cameco's La Rocque Lake Uranium Zone where drill hole Q22-040 intersected 29.9% U3O8 over 7.0 m. The 2022 maiden drill program at the Murphy Lake Property consisted of 14 completed drillholes totaling 6,850m; drill hole ML22-006 intersected 0.065% U3O8 over 2.5m from 322.5m to 324.5m, including 0.242% U3O8 over 0.5m. Figure 1. Murphy Lake 2026 MLEM Ground Geophysical Program Map. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10832/284025_da6b61da240efbb2_002full.jpg Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved on behalf of the Company by Sam Hartmann, P.Geo., President & Chief Operation Officer of F4, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. This news release also refers to neighboring properties in which F4 Uranium has no interest, and the Qualified Person has been unable to verify the information from those properties. Mineralization on those neighboring properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Murphy Lake Property. For additional information on the Murphy Lake Property, please refer to the National Instrument 43-101 Report titled "Technical Report For The Murphy Lake Project, NE Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada" effective March 20, 2024, available at www.sedarplus.ca. About F4 Uranium Corp: F4 Uranium is a Canadian uranium exploration company focused on the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, and the latest uranium explorer, lead by the same management and exploration team with a legacy of discovery successes. The project portfolio includes 17 wholly owned properties totaling roughly 157,000 ha, many of which are near uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R, Nexgen Energy's Arrow and IsoEnergy's Hurricane projects. The assets were spun out of F3 Uranium in 2024, where the technical and management team made their third, and more recently fourth uranium discoveries at Patterson Lake North and Broach Lake. F4's core focus will be split between the west and east sides of the Athabasca Basin as the company is establishing itself as an explorer and project generator providing shareholders renewed exposure at an early stage. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Ray Ashley" Raymond Ashley, CEO F4 Uranium Corp. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284025 Source: F4 Uranium Corp. 81.8% of patients with bothersome tinnitus treated with Lenire at New York Hearing Doctors reported significant improvement in a real-world clinical setting. 1,2 Patients with bothersome tinnitus reported a 23.8 point mean reduction in tinnitus as measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, which is greater than three times the threshold for clinical significance. 1,2 The majority of patients with bothersome tinnitus reported they were no longer severely impacted by their tinnitus following 12-weeks of Lenire. 1,2 This evidence is consistent with the first real world analysis of U.S. tinnitus patients treated with Lenire that was peer-reviewed and published in Nature Communications Medicine.3 NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Journal of Audiology has peer-reviewed and published the positive outcomes of U.S. tinnitus patients treated with Lenire, the only FDA approved tinnitus treatment device of its kind. Results in the paper titled: "Bimodal Neuromodulation for Tinnitus in a Clinical Practice Setting: Clinically Significant Benefit for Patients with Moderate or Worse Symptoms" reported 81.8% of patients with bothersome tinnitus had a clinically significant reduction in tinnitus when treated with Lenire.1,2 These results are consistent with previously published Lenire treatment outcomes3, showing repeatable success for tinnitus patients in real world clinical settings. In addition to being supported by the largest body of clinical trial data in its field, Lenire is now underpinned by the most extensive real-world evidence of safety and effectiveness, following publication of this research in The American Journal of Audiology. The paper, authored by Dr. Craig Kasper Au.D of New York Hearing Doctors (NYHD) et al, analyzed the results of 140 tinnitus patients who were fitted with Lenire at NYHD between May 1, 2023, and January 19, 2024. Read the Paper: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00090 Tinnitus is commonly known as ringing in the ears but can manifest as hissing, buzzing, and other persistent sounds. The condition afflicts an estimated 25 million American adults4, with an estimated 2.5 million tinnitus patients living in New York alone.5 Lenire uses bimodal neuromodulation to treat tinnitus. Bimodal neuromodulation is the simultaneous stimulation of two nerves for therapeutic purposes. Lenire plays audio tones via headphones while delivering mild energy pulses to the surface of the tongue to treat tinnitus. Under the care of an audiologist with tinnitus expertise, patients with bothersome tinnitus typically use the device at home for two 30-minute sessions daily for approximately 12 weeks. Results Consistent with Real World Research and Clinical Trials This paper is the second in a series of planned, real-world evidence publications that have been compiled from thousands of U.S. tinnitus patients that have been successfully treated with Lenire. The analysis found that at the interim check-up, after six weeks of treatment with Lenire, 72.6 percent of patients with bothersome tinnitus had a clinically meaningful reduction in tinnitus.1,2 After 12-weeks, 81.8% of patients with bothersome tinnitus had a clinically meaningful reduction.1,2 Patients reported a mean reduction of 23.8 points on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) after 12-weeks, greater than three times the threshold for clinically significant reduction.1,2 As a result, the majority of patients with bothersome tinnitus reported they were no longer severely impacted by their tinnitus following 12-weeks of Lenire, according to tinnitus severity grading guidelines.1,2, 11 "New York Hearing Doctors stay on the cutting-edge of tinnitus care through the introduction of modern technologies like Lenire and leveraging research to consistently refine our treatment methodologies," said NYHD founder, Dr. Craig Kasper, Au. D. "The combination of our personalized approach to tinnitus care and the remarkable effectiveness of Lenire, we are seeing life-changing treatment outcomes for our patients." "Lenire was nothing less than a game-changer in my life. I went from debilitating, almost catastrophic tinnitus, that required medication to treat the depression and anxiety, to being able to enjoy life again after four months of Lenire." said Richard Bistrong, tinnitus patient at New York Hearing Doctors, "Three years later, I can enjoy my life and not worry about my tinnitus. This has impacted not only my well-being but my loved ones as well. For anyone that is looking for relief, that is based in science and patient results, I would encourage you to seek your local Lenire Provider as soon as possible to learn more about Lenire." The evidence in this paper is consistent with the first peer-reviewed real-world analysis of U.S. tinnitus patients treated with Lenire and Lenire's large-scale clinical trials.3,6,7,8 The first real world analysis of U.S. patients treated with Lenire, which was peer-reviewed and published in Nature Communications Medicine, showed that 91.5% who used Lenire had a clinically significant reduction in tinnitus after 12-weeks of Lenire.3 This consistency demonstrates the effectiveness of a typical treatment protocol with Lenire in a real-world clinical setting. FDA Approval in March 2023 was facilitated by Lenire's controlled, TENT-A3 clinical trial. The results were published in Nature Communications, a journal from the same portfolio. The paper remains in the 99th percentile of more than 250,000 tracked Nature articles. TENT-A3 included 112 trial participants and demonstrated Lenire's clinical superiority to sound-only therapy, a widely used treatment for tinnitus. Nearly 89% of trial participants said they would recommend Lenire as a tinnitus treatment.6 According to Neuromod Devices founder and CEO, Dr. Ross O'Neill, who was Lenire's principal inventor, "The consistency of the real-world outcomes of US tinnitus patients treated with Lenire with our large-scale clinical trials demonstrates the replicability and scalability of Lenire as a tinnitus treatment option for the over 740 million people worldwide living with tinnitus." "By working closely with our network of providers, we are seeing market-surpassing patient outcomes, improving clinical best practices, and a rapidly growing body of robust real-world evidence positioning Lenire and bimodal neuromodulation as a leading tinnitus treatment option." Lenire is available through specialized tinnitus clinics in the United States of America and Europe. Lenire is also a treatment option through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. References and Notes Kasper, C et al. Bimodal Neuromodulation for Tinnitus in a Clinical Practice Setting: Clinically Significant Benefit for Patients with Moderate or Worse Symptoms, American Journal of Audiology,https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00090 (2025) As measured by Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). THI is the most widely used clinical standard for measuring the impact of tinnitus on someone's day-to-day life. The THI is a validated instrument that is measured on a scale of 100, the higher the score, the greater the impact of tinnitus. THI scores are categorized into five severity levels: slight, mild, moderate, severe and catastrophic. Patients that are at least moderately affected by their tinnitus have a THI score of 38 and above and fall into the moderate, severe and catastrophic categories. Mc Mahan, E., and Lim, H. Retrospective chart review demonstrating effectiveness of bimodal neuromodulation for tinnitus treatment in a clinical setting Commun Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-025-00837-3 https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/survey/survey-2013noise.pdf Boedts, M. Beuchner, A. et al. Combining sound with tongue stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus: a multi-site single-arm controlled pivotal trial. Nature communications (2024) Conlon et al., Sci. Transl. Med. 12, eabb2830 (2020) Conlon et al., Different bimodal neuromodulation settings reduce tinnitus symptoms in a large randomized trial, Sci Rep. US VA Benefits Report Fiscal Year 2024: https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/ Zeman, F. et al, Tinnitus handicap inventory for evaluating treatment effects: which changes are clinically relevant? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21493265/ (2011) Clinically meaningful reduction in tinnitus is defined as at least 7-points of improvement on the THI scale for the paper. A. McCombe et al., Guidelines for the grading of tinnitus severity, Clin. Otolaryngol. 2001, 26, 388 - 393 About Neuromod Founded in 2010, Neuromod Devices is a global medical technology company with offices in Ireland, and the United States of America. Neuromod specializes in the design and development of neuromodulation technologies to address the clinical needs of underserved patient populations who live with chronic and debilitating conditions. The lead application of Neuromod's technology is in the field of tinnitus, where Neuromod has completed extensive clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of its non-invasive neuromodulation platform in this common disorder. For more information visit www.neuromoddevices.com. About Lenire Lenire is the first non-invasive bimodal neuromodulation tinnitus treatment device shown to soothe and relieve tinnitus in large-scale clinical trials. Bimodal neuromodulation is the stimulation of nerves with two paired stimuli for therapeutic purposes. The tinnitus treatment device that was used in the study, known as Lenire, was developed by Neuromod Devices. It consists of wireless (Bluetooth ) headphones that deliver sequences of audio tones to both ears, combined with electrical stimulation pulses delivered to the surface of the tongue via 32 electrodes on a proprietary device trademarked as Tonguetip. The device's settings can be configured to provide treatment with different combinations of audio and electrical stimuli. The timing, intensity and delivery of the stimuli are controlled by an easy-to-use handheld controller that each participant is trained to use prior to continuing treatment from home. Patients with tinnitus are prescribed Lenire by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, such as an Audiologist or ENT Surgeon, after an assessment for suitability and can complete treatment from home in between follow-up appointments with their clinician. Lenire has CE-mark certification for the treatment of tinnitus under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional in Europe and has received a De Novo Approval Grant by the US FDA. About Tinnitus Tinnitus, which is commonly known as 'ringing in the ears', is a complex neurological condition that causes a perception of sound when there is no external source. It is estimated that at least 25 million Americans are currently living with tinnitus.3 Tinnitus is also the most prevalent service-connected disability compensated for by The United States Veterans Administration (VA), with more than 3.2 million veterans compensated in 2024.9 About Dr. Craig Kasper Au. D. Dr. Craig Kasper, Au. D. is the founder and managing director of audiology clinic, New York Hearing Doctors | Institute for Hearing and Balance and New York Hearing Doctors | Tinnitus Care, based in New York. He earned his Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Florida and holds a master's degree with clinical honors from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Kasper's extensive experience includes a Clinical Fellowship and clinical practice in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery at New York-Presbyterian Medical Center. A Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, he is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). Dr. Kasper's contributions extend beyond clinical practice; he has authored scholarly articles published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals such as Hearing Research and Laryngoscope and has been an invited presenter for professional conferences since the start of his career. Committed to public health education, he has also frequently served as a resource for the popular media on topics related to hearing health and wellness. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2904615/Neuromod_Devices_CEO.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lenire-shows-consistent-positive-results-for-us-tinnitus-patients-in-2nd-peer-reviewed-real-world-study-302689358.html LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- An era defining technological transition driven by six advanced technologies could generate a US$350 trillion shift in global wealth by 2050, transforming politics, economics and societies. But today's artificial intelligence models are unlikely to underpin that future, with energy and resource demands triggering potential market corrections of c.US$13 trillion. These findings presented in a new report, Technologies Shaping the Future, launched at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi by the Institute of Strategic Intelligence and Intervention (ISII). The report examines what it describes as the emerging "Civilisational Transition, Strategic Competition, and the New Architecture of Power." The report argues the world is already undergoing a systemic shift comparable to the Industrial Revolution, a period marked by intensifying strategic rivalry. The U.S. has moved from collaboration to a competition, reshaping alliances and accelerating geopolitical fragmentation. Six systemic technologies are driving a global transformation - artificial intelligence, quantum computing, fusion energy, nanotechnology, gene editing and extended reality. Together they redefine computation, energy, materials, longevity and even the perception of reality itself. - artificial intelligence, quantum computing, fusion energy, nanotechnology, gene editing and extended reality. Together they redefine computation, energy, materials, longevity and even the perception of reality itself. The United States and China dominate across five key metrics of technological power, competing intensely at both national and corporate levels. While the U.S. leads in commercialisation and ecosystem strength, China's long-term scientific planning and scale-supported by its vast domestic market-position it as a potential long-term leader. across five key metrics of technological power, competing intensely at both national and corporate levels. While the U.S. leads in commercialisation and ecosystem strength, China's long-term scientific planning and scale-supported by its vast domestic market-position it as a potential long-term leader. The report suggests a third axis could emerge. The European Union, United Kingdom and India together represent 2 billion people and collectively exceed both the U.S. and China in scientific depth, STEM talent and diplomatic reach, offering the possibility of a more collaborative global model. The European Union, United Kingdom and India together represent 2 billion people and collectively exceed both the U.S. and China in scientific depth, STEM talent and diplomatic reach, offering the possibility of a more collaborative global model. US$27 trillion is concentrated in the world's 20 largest A.I.-focused technology companies , representing c.20% of global equity value; within this, the top five U.S. hyperscalers account for c.US$17 trillion - about one-quarter of the S&P 500 - and plan over US$700 billion in 2026 AI infrastructure capex. , representing c.20% of global equity value; within this, the top five U.S. hyperscalers account for c.US$17 trillion - about one-quarter of the S&P 500 - and plan over US$700 billion in 2026 AI infrastructure capex. However, current AI models are increasingly energy unsustainable. Some projections suggest AI could consume 14% of U.S. electricity by 2030 and nearly 28% by 2040, up from 3% today. Without radical efficiency gains or new energy breakthroughs, these demands risk crowding out other economic uses. Some projections suggest AI could consume 14% of U.S. electricity by 2030 and nearly 28% by 2040, up from 3% today. Without radical efficiency gains or new energy breakthroughs, these demands risk crowding out other economic uses. Using an evolutionary analogy, the report suggests that current A.I. systems may resemble wolves forced to adapt, Neanderthals awaiting replacement, or dinosaurs vulnerable to extinction from their own resource intensity and external shocks. wolves forced to adapt, Neanderthals awaiting replacement, or dinosaurs vulnerable to extinction from their own resource intensity and external shocks. Future breakthroughs could unlock an era of abundance through A.I. enabling cross-domain innovation, quantum computing solving previously intractable problems, nanotechnology replacing critical materials, gene editing reshaping biology, fusion transforming energy, and extended reality redefining learning and productivity. These changes herald the age of "cognitive empires", where state-corporate systems deploy algorithms rather than armies to shape domestic and global influence. The report ultimately foresees a systems age in which machine-driven discovery accelerates beyond human intermediation. The report argues that capital markets must move beyond pricing individual firms and begin evaluating entire technology-enabled systems that form the organising substrate of the Information Age and countries must act to preserve sovereignty. "Geopolitics, science, technology and markets are underwriting a systemic transformation of civilisation - yet markets are behaving as if they are merely pricing companies," said Ketan Patel, Chair of ISII and Force for Good. "Which countries, coalitions and companies prevail is not yet predetermined in one of the most consequential periods in history." The coming decade will determine whether the US$350 trillion transition delivers unprecedented, shared prosperity or destabilising volatility. About ISII The Institute of Strategic Intelligence and Intervention (ISII), an initiative of Force for Good, generates strategic insight at the intersection of geopolitics, technology and capital to support stable and sovereign transitions into the Information Era. The AI Impact Summit 2026 Report Launch Panel. The panel Great Powers in the Age of AI and Cognitive Systems was held on 17 February 2026, led by Ketan Patel, Force for Good, with Glenn Gaffney, CIA Director for Science and Technology, Garry Jacobs, The World Academy of Art & Science, Shaurya Doval, India Foundation. For further information: Lesley Whittle - Lesley.Whittle@isii.global; www.ISII.global. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/us350-trillion-wealth-shift-by-2050-but-current-ai-boom-risks-us13-trillion-correction-302689392.html LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresha , the world's most trusted and leading all-in-one booking, payments and business management platform for beauty, wellness and selfcare professionals, today announced that more than 80% of all global customer support tickets are now resolved autonomously by the proprietary AI Agent Nova. Handling thousands of customer support enquiries every day, Nova consistently delivers fast, accurate and contextual responses, achieving an exceptional customer satisfaction score of 4.6 out of 5. This rating achieved by Nova places Fresha's AI-powered support among the highest-rated customer service experiences in the entire SaaS and technology industry, not just within the beauty and wellness vertical. This represents a significant advancement in AI-powered vertical SaaS and further strengthens Fresha's position as the most advanced, scalable and intelligent platform serving the global beauty, wellness and selfcare industry. AI Agent Nova leverages advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing to deliver instant, accurate and contextual support to Fresha's global network of over 140,000 partner businesses and hundreds of thousands of professionals. By resolving the majority of inbound support requests automatically, Nova has significantly reduced response times while maintaining high-quality outcomes and strong customer satisfaction. The result is a faster, more intelligent and more efficient support experience operating seamlessly across markets, time zones and business types. Fresha's AI leadership extends well beyond customer support. The company has successfully deployed advanced AI-driven security agents that proactively monitor transactions, detect anomalies and prevent malicious activity, stopping 99% of fraud attempts across the platform. This AI-powered cybersecurity infrastructure protects businesses and consumers alike, reinforcing trust across billions in annual gross merchandise volume processed through Fresha's marketplace and payments ecosystem. Across the partner journey, Fresha has embedded artificial intelligence to streamline every stage of business growth, from onboarding to daily operations. New businesses on the platform can set up their profiles in minutes using intelligent onboarding flows, and professionals can generate complete service menus instantly with AI assistance, optimising descriptions, structure and pricing, bidding farewell to the guesswork that you're charging enough. AI-powered automation also enhances appointment management, marketing campaigns, client communications and revenue optimisation, enabling partners to operate more efficiently while still delivering Fresha's superior customer experience. These innovations reflect Fresha's broader investment in scalable AI infrastructure designed specifically for the beauty, wellness and self-care economy. As an integrated platform combining online booking software, integrated payments, subscription management, marketing automation, embedded finance and marketplace discovery, Fresha continues to redefine what a true all-in-one business operating system can deliver for modern service professionals. The deployment of AI Agent Nova, alongside AI-driven security and operational automation, strengthens this foundation and demonstrates how intelligent systems can drive both performance and satisfaction at global scale. William Zeqiri, Founder and CEO of Fresha, commented: "At Fresha, we've always believed that the best technology should feel effortless. AI Agent Nova isn't just automating support - it's elevating it. When over 80% of all support interactions are handled by AI with a satisfaction score that rivals the best human-led teams on the planet, that's not incremental improvement. That's a paradigm shift for our industry." As AI adoption accelerates across the software industry, Fresha's integrated approach to support automation, fraud prevention and operational intelligence establishes a new benchmark for vertical SaaS platforms. By embedding AI across customer support, cybersecurity and business management tools, Fresha is creating a resilient, data-driven and future-ready ecosystem designed to support professionals at every stage of growth. About Fresha Fresha is a global all-in-one booking, payments and business management platform built for beauty, wellness and self-care professionals. The platform enables salons, barbershops, spas, medspas, clinics and fitness studios to manage appointments, process payments, attract new clients and grow revenue through an integrated marketplace and advanced AI-powered automation. Trusted by more than 140,000 businesses worldwide, Fresha is redefining the future of service-based commerce through intelligent technology, scalable infrastructure and industry-leading innovation. For media inquiries, please contact: james.haywardbrowne@fresha.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2904677/Fresha_Photo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2866720/5799998/Fresha.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fresha-sets-new-industry-standard-ai-agent-nova-now-resolves-over-80-of-all-customer-support-tickets-with-a-4-65-customer-satisfaction-rating-302689394.html LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and California Governor Gavin Newsom have signed a new agreement to deepen ties on decades of cooperation on climate, clean energy and the environment between the United Kingdom and the U.S. state. The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed in London on Monday. It will strengthen partnership to boost transatlantic investment, supporting jobs and industry, and strengthening relationships between research institutions in the UK and California. UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said that the MoU creates a refreshed framework to drive innovation, scale up clean energy technologies and connect businesses and researchers across both economies. This agreement will connect the UK's fast-growing clean energy sector with the Californian market, opening up new export opportunities, supporting skilled jobs opportunities across the UK and backing British businesses to compete and grow with companies like Octopus Energy already expanding on the West Coast. It also delivers a commitment to strengthen cooperation on clean energy, climate and the environment to speed up the rollout of technologies that cut bills for families, reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and protect the natural environment. This builds on other MoUs signed by the UK focused on economic cooperation with 11 other U.S. states, including Washington and Florida. The partnership will also see both governments share practical expertise on protecting biodiversity and building resilience for their communities, in the face of extreme weather. The clean energy economies of the UK and California are growing rapidly, with the UK's net zero economy growing three times faster than the overall UK economy in 2024, according to the CBI. Meanwhile, California saw similarly rapid clean economic growth, with three times more clean energy jobs being created than jobs created elsewhere in the state's economy. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said, 'This government's clean energy mission is about taking back control of our energy to cut bills, create jobs, and tackle the climate crisis. Strong international partnerships like today's announcement with the State of California strengthens opportunities for UK businesses and secures investment for our country.' Governor Gavin Newsom added, 'California is the best place in America to invest in a clean economy because we set clear goals and we deliver. Today, we deepened our partnership with the United Kingdom on climate action and welcomed nearly a billion dollars in clean tech investment from Octopus Energy. California will continue showing the world how we can turn innovation and ambition into climate action.' Nick Chaset, CEO at Octopus Energy US, said, 'As a British tech business and investor growing in the US, this MoU opens up opportunities to bring our smart technology to California, cutting energy bills and improving the customer experience. We are already delivering that through our work with Southern California Edison, where the Octopus Shift app enables EVs and home batteries to support the grid and give customers more control over when and how they use energy.' He added that this agreement gives investors like Octopus greater confidence to bring more of its proven technology to the state, like Octopus Electroverse. Already the world's largest public charging platform, it is live across 1.3 million chargers in 50 countries. Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News Visit underscores UK-India technology collaboration and deepens Applied Computing's commitment to India as its primary global growth market BENGALURU, India and LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- British AI company Applied Computing, a pioneer in foundational AI for energy operators, today hosted the UK's AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, at its Bengaluru headquarters, reflecting the company's growing role in cross-border innovation and its deepening investment in India as a strategic market. The visit forms part of the Minister's official programme in India during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, a major international artificial intelligence summit hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi from 16-20 February 2026 and convened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a global platform for responsible, inclusive and impact-oriented AI innovation. The Summit is the first global AI gathering hosted in the Global South and brings together governments, industry leaders, investors and innovators from more than 100 countries to shape real-world AI outcomes. Applied Computing's expansion into India is the company's primary global growth market, with a rapidly growing team focused on AI research, engineering and industrial deployment based in Bangalore. The company's flagship platform, Orbital, is the world's first foundational AI model purpose-built for energy and industrial operations, delivering physics-grounded optimisation across upstream, midstream and downstream use cases. Dan Jeavons, President of Applied Computing, who relocated to Bangalore and leads the company's India growth strategy, hosted the UK AI Minister and led discussions on the role of applied AI in accelerating industrial transformation and sustainable outcomes with grounded AI solutions. Mr Jeavons is participating in events around the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, representing Applied Computing on the global stage and reinforcing the company's intent to innovate in partnership with customers and governments in both markets. Dan Jeavons, President, Applied Computing, commented: "Our presence here in Bangalore enables us to invest directly in the talent, partners and ecosystem that will define the next era of industrial intelligence. Today's visit by the UK AI Minister highlights the importance of UK-India collaboration in building responsible, high-impact, explainable AI solutions that serve energy and petrochemicals operators worldwide." Applied Computing's India expansion has already delivered real-world impact through customers in major industrial environments. The company's growth in the region supports creation of high-skilled jobs in AI and engineering and aligns with broader public-private efforts to build globally competitive technology ecosystems between the UK and India. UK Government AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, said: "The UK and India are natural tech partners, and our shared expertise is already delivering positive change for people. The work of Applied Computing I've seen here in Bengaluru is the perfect example of that - bringing British innovation directly to one of the most exciting tech sectors anywhere in the world. "The company's expansion here is a testament to our status as a global leader in AI. That's the message I'm here to push loud and proud this week - whether in Bangor or Bengaluru, Newcastle or New Delhi, our approach to AI will help others unlock the growth, jobs and national renewal we're already delivering back at home." Supporting the visit, the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru facilitated coordination between government and industry stakeholders. The engagement underscores shared priorities in advancing innovation, supporting high-growth technology companies and strengthening ties between the UK and India in key tech sectors including artificial intelligence. Applied Computing continues to invest in India and the UK, scaling its world-leading foundational AI platform while deepening collaboration with partners and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of responsible, industrial-grade artificial intelligence. About Applied Computing: Applied Computing builds physics grounded AI foundational models for energy operators. Its flagship platform, Orbital, is the first foundation model built specifically for energy operations, combining physics-grounded intelligence with models across chemical engineering, time-series forecasting and language. Orbital provides real-time optimisation that operators can trust in the most complex environments - across upstream, midstream and downstream use cases. Founded in London by Callum Adamson (CEO) and Dr Sam Tukra (Chief AI Officer), Applied Computing is already working with some of the world's most complex industrial sites, including one of the largest refineries on Earth. The firm recently raised a 9m seed round, one of the largest ever at this stage for a UK AI company. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/british-ai-firm-applied-computing-hosts-uk-ai-minister-in-bengaluru-ahead-of-indiaai-impact-summit-2026-302689402.html HIGHLIGHTS Following the signing of a drilling service contract, four drill rigs are currently being mobilized from Tanzania to the Misisi Project site where they are expected to arrive by the end of February Avanti continues to evaluate options to add additional drill rigs from additional suppliers who attended the in-country supplier field visit in January 2026 The Phase 1 exploration programme, expected to launch in March 2026, will comprise 15,000m of drilling at the Akyanga and Akyanga East deposits, focusing on resource extensions at Akyanga and resource delineation at Akyanga East The Phase 2 exploration programme, expected to launch in August will comprises 27,000m of drilling across Akyanga and previously identified high-priority targets including Ngalula, Lubitchako, Tulonge and Kilombwe; drilling at Akyanga in Phase 2 will focus on in-fill drilling to convert Inferred resources to Indicated status Assay results from 2,100-meter of historic diamond core that targeted both the northwest extension and the high-grade southern zones of Akyanga are expected to be published in the coming weeks, as they become available To support drilling activities, key in-country roles have been filled, including Exploration Manager, Security & HSE, and Administration & Logistics, adding significant DRC operating experience to the Company Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Avanti Gold Corp. (CSE: AGC) (FSE: X370) (OTCQB: AVTGF) ("Avanti" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is currently mobilizing four drill rigs following the signing of a drilling service contract with Simba DRC Mining Services Ltd. ("Simba"). The rigs, which include three diamond drill rigs and one multi-purpose drill rig, are currently departing from Mwanza, Tanzania and expected to arrive at the Misisi Project site by the end of February. In addition, Minecon Resources and Services Ltd. ("Minecon") has been selected as the Drill Programme Manager, with an extended contract signed following the desktop geological review and 2026 exploration programme planning completed over the last several months. Avanti remains engaged with additional in-country drill service providers and is currently evaluating additional opportunities to increase the number of rigs on site. Mohamed Cisse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Avanti, commented: "I'm pleased to report that we have begun the mobilisation of drill rigs to the Misisi site, following the signing of a drilling services contract with Simba DRC Mining Services. Simba brings extensive experience operating in the DRC, having recently provided drilling services to Loncor Gold's Imbo project, located in North Kivu. Through the negotiated tender process and recently completed supplier field visit, we have developed very good working relationships with Simba and other in-country suppliers, and the team remains engaged in evaluating options to increase the number of rigs at site through the potential signing of additional contracts. Further, I would like to welcome Avos Bashizi, Saleh Lwinda and Ntamba Aly Papou who have joined Avanti as Exploration Manager, Security & HSE Manager, and Logistics and Administration Manager, respectively. The appointments add significant eastern DRC operational experience with today's appointees holding prior positions at top firms between mining, security and supply chain. With a strong team now assembled and drill rigs on their way to site, the team remains focussed on unlocking value at the Misisi Gold Project to the benefit of all stakeholders." 2026 Exploration Programme As previously published, the 2026 exploration programme will entail a total of approximately 42,000 meters of diamond ("DD") and reverse circulation ("RC") drilling, split between two phases, as outlined in Table 1 below. Table 1: 2026 Misisi Project Drilling Programme - meterage by target Trend Name Phase 1 Drilling (Mar - July 2026) Phase 2 Drilling (Aug - Dec 2026) 2026 Drilling Akyanga 12,500m 83% 14,500m 55% 27,000m 64% Akyanga East 2,500m 17% 2,000m 7% 4,500m 11% Ngalula - - 3,500m 13% 3,500m 8% Tulonge - - 2,000m 7% 2,000m 5% Lubitchako - - 2,500m 9% 2,500m 6% Kilombwe - - 2,500m 9% 2,500m 6% Total Planned Meters Drilled 15,000m 100% 27,000m 100% 42,000m 100% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding The Phase 1 programme, supported by four drill rigs, will prioritize an increased footprint expansion effort at the Akyanga deposit, and high-priority target testing on the Akyanga East deposit while early exploration works including ground truthing, sampling, and mapping will be conducted on Ngalula, Tulonge, Lubitchako and Kilombwe to assist in guiding future drill hole locations on those targets. Concurrently, Avanti will continue to evaluate the number of drill rigs and pacing of contractor performance to inform options to scale the number of rigs at site. The proposed Phase 2 programme is expected to entail approximately 27,000m of diamond and RC drilling across Akyanga as well as other high priority targets. The phased approach serves to provide drill service providers time to ramp-up efforts to include the additional targets along the 55-kilometer strike licensed area, while leveraging early exploration methods conducted in Phase 1 to better inform drilling target locations while leveraging optionality to add more drill rigs to the programme. Management Appointments To support its exploration programme, Avanti has made three key-in country management appointments to facilitate the various elements of the ongoing programme. Avanti is pleased to have had significant interest in the candidate search, allowing for the appointment of top-quality candidates with extensive experience operating in the Eastern DRC with major mining companies; Avos Bashizi has been appointed as Exploration Manager , effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Bashizi is a seasoned exploration geologist with extensive experience operating in the Eastern DRC and Tanzania, having most recently served as a Chief geologist at Katavi Mining, a gold and copper mining and refinery operation based in Tanzania. Prior to this, Mr. Bashizi has worked extensively in the region conducting target generation, regional mapping, drilling and resource modelling for key regional players including Banro Corp., AngloGold Ashanti Goldfields, Sakima Mining and Vector Resources. has been appointed as , effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Bashizi is a seasoned exploration geologist with extensive experience operating in the Eastern DRC and Tanzania, having most recently served as a Chief geologist at Katavi Mining, a gold and copper mining and refinery operation based in Tanzania. Prior to this, Mr. Bashizi has worked extensively in the region conducting target generation, regional mapping, drilling and resource modelling for key regional players including Banro Corp., AngloGold Ashanti Goldfields, Sakima Mining and Vector Resources. Saleh Lwinda has been appointed as Security & HSE Manager , effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Lwinda has served as an instrumental part of the ongoing risk assessments of the Misisi Project. Through his role as Sector Commander and Chief Instructor at TOP-S.I.G. S.A.R.L ("TOP SIG"), a DRC-registered company authorised to operate as a private security company within the borders of the DRC, Mr. Lwinda has built and maintained key intelligence and security relationships with government and local communities in the Fizi Region. Further, Mr. Lwinda has provided security and logistical services for several projects in multiple districts throughout the Eastern DRC, having most recently conducted the in-country management field visit and the drill contractor visit to the Misisi project as part of the drill service tendering process. has been appointed as , effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Lwinda has served as an instrumental part of the ongoing risk assessments of the Misisi Project. Through his role as Sector Commander and Chief Instructor at TOP-S.I.G. S.A.R.L ("TOP SIG"), a DRC-registered company authorised to operate as a private security company within the borders of the DRC, Mr. Lwinda has built and maintained key intelligence and security relationships with government and local communities in the Fizi Region. Further, Mr. Lwinda has provided security and logistical services for several projects in multiple districts throughout the Eastern DRC, having most recently conducted the in-country management field visit and the drill contractor visit to the Misisi project as part of the drill service tendering process. Ntamba Aly Papou has been appointed as Logistics and Administration Manager, effective February 1, 2026. Mr. Aly Papou has extensive experience around supply chain, logistics and public affairs within the Eastern DRC, having most recently held a senior position in the Direction of Immigration in Bukavu. Prior to his, he has served as a senior purchasing and logistics officer at Banro Corporation directing purchasing and supply chain for the Twangiza, Lugushwa and Namoya mines. Next Steps Assay results: Assay results from 2,100-meter of historic diamond core that targeted both the northwest extension and the high-grade southern zones of the Akyanga deposit. The samples, representing approximately 10% of the total drilling conducted at Akyanga, are currently undergoing assay, having arrived at the SGS lab in Tanzania on January 22, 2026. Assay results from 2,100-meter of historic diamond core that targeted both the northwest extension and the high-grade southern zones of the Akyanga deposit. The samples, representing approximately 10% of the total drilling conducted at Akyanga, are currently undergoing assay, having arrived at the SGS lab in Tanzania on January 22, 2026. Phase 1 exploration programme: Drill rigs are expected to reach the Misisi Project site by the end of February, with the formal launch of the15,000m Phase 1 programme covering the Akyanga and Akyanga East deposits expected to commence by in March 2026. ABOUT MINECON RESOURCES & SERVICES LTD Minecon Resources and Services Ltd is a Ghana-headquartered technical services and consultancy firm specializing in the mining and upstream oil & gas sectors, with regional offices located across Africa and in the DRC. The company partners with industry players across Africa to deliver expert support in geology and mineral exploration, mining project development and optimisation, petroleum engineering, as well as supply chain, construction, and workforce development services. Minecon's multidisciplinary team provides tailored solutions that help clients advance exploration programs, prepare economic assessments, and optimise operations. ABOUT SIMBA DRC MINING SERVICES LTD Simba DRC Mining Services Ltd is a DRC drilling service provided incorporated locally as part of Blackrock Acquisitions Ltd, a contract drilling organization founded in 2016 that offers a wide range of ultra-portable core drilling services reaching maximum depths of up to 600m. Blackrock Acquistions Ltd provides modular drill rigs offering a comprehensive range of drilling services from the early stages of exploration to mining site operations with operations in Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Japan, the DRC & Kazakhstan. Blackrock Acquisitions is currently engaged in drilling services at Loncor Gold's Imbo Project in North Kivu, DRC. ABOUT AVANTI GOLD CORP Avanti Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company with a robust portfolio of projects in Africa. The Company's flagship asset is the Misisi Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to the Akyanga gold deposit. The Akyanga deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 44.3 million tonnes (Mt) at an average gold grade of 2.37 grams per tonne (g/t), totaling 3.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold. The Misisi Project spans three contiguous 30-year mining leases covering 133 square kilometers (km) along the 55-kilometer-long Kibara Gold Belt, a prominent metallogenic province known for hosting significant gold deposits. QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT Ephraim Masibhera, a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), who is independent has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as the Company's Qualified Person, as defined under NI 43-101, has not prepared nor verified the historical information. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set out in Avanti's annual and/or quarterly management discussion and analysis and in other of its public disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as well as all assumptions regarding the foregoing. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284089 Source: Avanti Gold Corp. Additional forthcoming biomarker data from human trial expected to further characterize immune pathway activation and its relationship to clinical outcomes U.S., U.K. and European osteosarcoma key opinion leaders assembling to review clinical & biomarker trial data, and comment on proposed confirmatory trial design Ayala Pharmaceuticals announces dissolution following liquidation of assets New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - OS Therapies Inc. (NYSE American: OSTX) ("OS Therapies" or "the Company"), the world leader in listeria-based cancer immunotherapies, today provided a global regulatory update for OST-HER2 in the prevention or delay of recurrent, fully resected, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma (the "Human Metastatic Osteosarcoma Program"). Following the submission of the Non-Clinical and Chemistry, Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) modules of its Biologics License Application (BLA) to U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) at the end of January 2026, the Company anticipates releasing additional biomarker data from its Human Metastatic Osteosarcoma Program in the first quarter of 2026. These analyses are intended to further characterize immune pathway activation and evaluate the relationship between biomarker expression and observed clinical outcomes. The Company expects to complete conditional Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) submissions to both the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The Company remains on track to submit the Clinical BLA module to the FDA following an anticipated Type D meeting expected to occur in March 2026. "We continue to advance our global regulatory strategy following previously reported pre-specified biomarker analyses demonstrating concordant immune pathway activation signatures and clinical outcomes in both human and canine elite responders (long term survivors) when compared with patients who showed no clinical benefit," said Paul Romness, MPH, CEO of OS Therapies. "We have now nearly completed additional follow-on biomarker analyses designed to further elucidate the drug's treatment effect and its relationship to clinical outcomes. We are hopeful the data will provide further support for the use of these biomarkers as surrogate endpoints of clinical efficacy. We expect to share this data in the coming weeks." Concurrent with this announcement, the Company disclosed that it is assembling a meeting of U.S., U.K. and European osteosarcoma key opinion leaders to review the clinical and biomarker data from the Human Metastatic Osteosarcoma Program and provide input on proposed confirmatory trial designs for the Company's confirmatory clinical development program. The Company is seeking a BLA under the Accelerated Approval Program ('Accelerated Approval') in the U.S. and conditional MAAs in the U.K. and Europe, which all require confirmatory studies to be initiated prior to approval. The Company anticipates initiating the confirmatory trial in the third quarter of 2026 with the opening of a single site that allows it to meet the Accelerated Approval statutory requirement, with broader site activation expected following regulatory approval. OST-HER2 has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Fast Track Designation from the FDA & EMA and has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the FDA. Under the RPDD program, if the Company receives Accelerated Approval in the United States, it will become eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) that it intends to sell. The most recent publicly disclosed PRV transaction occurred in January 2026 at a reported value of $200 million. Additionally, the Company announced that it has been informed that Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ('Ayala') has informed its shareholders that Ayala is dissolving. The Company acquired all listeria-based clinical, pre-clinical and intellectual property assets from Ayala in April 2025, issuing to Ayala the equivalent of 4.8 million shares of OS Therapies common stock that became eligible for trading on October 9, 2025. The Company was informed by Ayala representatives that Ayala completed the liquidation of its OS Therapies common stock on February 9, 2026, and no longer holds any securities in the Company. About OS Therapies OS Therapies is a clinical stage oncology company focused on the identification, development, and commercialization of treatments for Osteosarcoma (OS) and other solid tumors. The Company is the world leader in listeria-based cancer immunotherapies. OST-HER2, the Company's lead asset, is an immunotherapy leveraging the immune-stimulatory effects of Listeria bacteria to initiate a strong immune response targeting the HER2 protein. OST-HER2 has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Fast-Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency. The Company reported positive data in its Phase 2b clinical trial of OST-HER2 in recurrent, fully resected, lung metastatic osteosarcoma, demonstrating statistically significant benefit in the 12-month event free survival (EFS) primary endpoint of the study. The Company anticipates receiving a Biologics Licensing Application (BLA) from the U.S. FDA for OST-HER2 in osteosarcoma in 2026 and, if approved, would become eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher that it could then sell. The Company also anticipates receiving conditional Marketing Authorisations from the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the European Medicines Agency for OST-HER2 in 2026. OST-HER2 has completed a Phase 1 clinical study primarily in breast cancer patients, in addition to showing preclinical efficacy data in various models of breast cancer. OST-HER2 has been conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the treatment of canines with osteosarcoma. The Company also anticipates reading out data from a Phase 1b study of OST-504 in castration resistant prostate cancer in the first half of 2026. In addition, OS Therapies is advancing its next-generation Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Drug Conjugates (DC), known as tunable ADC (tADC), which features tunable, tailored antibody-linker-payload candidates. This platform leverages the Company's proprietary silicone Si-Linker and Conditionally Active Payload (CAP) technology, enabling the delivery of multiple payloads per linker. For more information, please visit www.ostherapies.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements and terms such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will," "should" or other comparable terms involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of OS Therapies and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. OS Therapies cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to the approval of OST-HER2 by the U.S. FDA and other risks and uncertainties described in "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other subsequent documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by the federal securities laws, OS Therapies specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284086 Source: OS Therapies Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) ("Canadian Copper" or the "Company") announces that it has initiated a non-brokered, flow-through share offering (the "FT Offering") of up to 2,933,334 flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") of the Company at a price of C$0.75 per FT Share with each FT Share consisting of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a flow-through share as defined in section 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The FT Offering is for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,200,000. Simon Quick, CEO of Canadian Copper, stated, "This straight common share FT Offering is fully subscribed and was placed with approximately 15 existing shareholders that currently already own more than 45 million common shares of Canadian Copper collectively. These existing shareholders, including Crescat Capital, will fund the entirety of the 2026 exploration program we announced last week. This raise will allow us to invest our hard dollars towards the development of Murray Brook and Caribou, while also investing in our future growth in the Bathurst Camp." The purpose and use for this proposed funding are below. For further details of our plan, please click here. Complete ~2,500 meters of diamond drilling, including downhole surveys, to target the open western copper mineralization extensions of the Murray Brook deposit; Advance the Company's understanding of the subsurface geological controls through geophysics and to assist in refining drill and regional exploration activities; Complete a five-month regional exploration campaign across the 18 km Caribou Horizon. The proceeds of the FT Offering will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's projects in New Brunswick, Canada. The Company plans to incur Qualifying Expenditures on or before December 31, 2027 (or such other period as may be permissible under applicable tax legislation), and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2026. Closing is expected on or about February 24th, 2026, or such other date as the Company may determine. While the FT Offering is being affected by the Company on a non-brokered basis, the Company may pay finder's fees to arm's-length third parties consisting of a cash commission of up to 6% of the gross proceeds of the FT Offering. A statutory four month plus one day hold period will apply to all securities issued in connection with the FT Offering. The FT Offering is subject to CSE and regulatory approval. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the 1933 Act and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements is available. About Canadian Copper Inc. Canadian Copper is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a copper and base metals portfolio of historical resources and grassroots projects. The Company is focused on the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick, Canada. There are currently 187,006,451 shares issued and outstanding in the Company. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed FT Offering, proposed use of proceeds, market and regulatory approval, anticipated closing date for the FT Offering, future exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's option to acquire properties under the Puma Option Agreement, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the CSE), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual management discussion and analysis for the year ended October 31, 2024 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284085 Source: Canadian Copper Inc. Walker Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it has arranged a 118,750,000 loan to refinance Zuiderpoort, an office complex in Ghent, Belgium. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217445934/en/ Zuiderpoort. Photo Credit: Blue Colibri Capital Walker Dunlop EMEA Capital Markets arranged the transaction on behalf of funds managed by Blue Colibri Capital. Claudio Sgobba, Jessica Bell, and Patrick Smith led the senior loan refinancing, with debt capital provided by a group of institutional banks. The six-building, 10-storey property consists of approximately 63,000 square meters of rentable office space strategically located in Ghent. Since 2022, Zuiderpoort has been transformed from a traditional office property into an active tenant community through its innovative 'social' approach, supporting tenant attraction and retention. The transaction involved a refinancing of a multi-leased asset anchored by a strong tenant covenant, with the Belgian State (AA-rated) contributing 40% of income under a 12-year firm lease, delivering exceptional cash-flow stability. The financing will also be partially used to support the installation of a new state of the art HVAC system, enabling the building to become fossil-fuel free, giving the sponsor full flexibility to conclude its ESG-focused business plan while enhancing long-term asset value. "The deal was completed through a successful six-bank consortium at 65% LTV and a highly competitive spread. This was an exceptional outcome in the European office financing market and a true outlier result achieved through significant effort," said Sgobba, senior managing director, co-head EMEA Capital Markets at Walker Dunlop. "This offering is distinctive within the European office market, and we are proud to have been selected to help bring this transaction to completion." Zuiderpoort had already been repositioned into a highly sustainable, community-driven office campus through a comprehensive upgrade programme. The property achieved BREEAM Excellent and WELL Core Platinum certifications, supported by major investments in energy efficiency, water management, and building systems. Mobility and accessibility were enhanced through strong public transport connections, extensive bicycle infrastructure, LED implementation, and EV charging. These sustainability-led improvements are complemented by upgraded shared amenities, wellness offerings, and activated indoor and outdoor spaces, strengthening tenant engagement and supporting rental growth, with new leases achieving 25-30% premiums over 2020-2021 levels. In particular, a 3-year capex program has been performed within a fully occupied environment to provide the Belgian State with brand new office space in line with their newly developed new way of working guidelines and dynamic office policy. "When we visited the property five years ago, we immediately saw the significant potential to create a truly different office experience that would offer a unique value proposition for tenants while proving that existing buildings can be brought to the highest levels of environmental performance," said Alim Vandeweyer, partner at Blue Colibri Capital. "The Ghent office market, as we believed initially, has continued to show tremendous growth, which is expected to continue, with a significant demand coming from the Tech industry. W&D has been instrumental in the successful outcome of this refinancing and the quality and dedication shown by the whole team was highly appreciated." About Walker Dunlop Walker Dunlop (NYSE: WD) is one of the largest commercial real estate finance and advisory services firms in the United States and internationally. Our ideas and capital create communities where people live, work, shop, and play. Our innovative people, breadth of our brand, and our technological capabilities make us one of the most insightful and client-focused firms in the commercial real estate industry. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217445934/en/ Contacts: Investors: Kelsey Duffey Investor Relations Phone 301.202.3207 investorrelations@walkeranddunlop.com Media: Nina H. von Waldegg Public Relations Phone 301.564.3291 nhvwaldegg@walkerdunlop.com Phone 301.215.5500 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 49 Grosvenor Street, Ste. 401 London, W1K 3HP Datatonic addresses "productivity leakage" as the primary driver of value erosion in enterprise AI value. With only 6% of organizations generating meaningful business impact from AI, Datatonic's execution-centric framework bridges the gap between pilot-stage efficiency and production-grade financial impact, ensuring AI investments drive revenue rather than just consuming budget. LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The era of "good enough" AI efficiency is over. While enterprise investment skyrockets, a silent crisis known as "productivity leakage" is eroding value before it hits the bottom line. Datatonic reinforces its strategic focus to combat this execution gap, providing the infrastructure required to turn isolated efficiency gains into measurable financial returns. Productivity leakage occurs when expected gains from AI fail to translate into business impact because the technology is not embedded into core decision-making structures. Global AI spending reached $1.5 trillion in 2025, yet only 6% of organizations qualify as high performers generating meaningful business impact, according to McKinsey's latest State of AI research. The issue is not access to technology but accountability. With 60% of companies lacking defined financial KPIs for AI, many continue to track model accuracy and pilot counts without demonstrating bottom-line results. Datatonic challenges this status quo, offering an engineering-first approach that prioritizes deep workflow integration over superficial tool adoption. Defining the Crisis: Why Efficiency Does Not Equal Value Most enterprises are bleeding value. They mistake faster email generation for business transformation. This is productivity leakage. Gartner predicts that organizations will abandon 60% of AI projects by 2026 due to a lack of AI-ready data, yet companies continue to pour money into models without fixing their foundations. The gap between leaders and underperformers is widening. AI ROI Leaders focus on revenue growth and business model reimagination, while underperformers settle for minor speed improvements. Productivity leakage is the defining difference. Without a defined business problem and a production-grade data foundation, AI initiatives are simply expensive experiments. We see companies celebrating 'productivity' while their bottom line remains stagnant," says Scott Eivers, CEO of Datatonic. "We exist to stop the bleeding and restore accountability back into the AI conversation. You don't need another pilot program; you need to evolve your operating model to capture true value." Bridging the Gap: From Leakage to Leverage Datatonic's solution targets the three primary drivers of productivity leakage: poor data readiness, lack of workflow redesign, and resistance to change management. By moving beyond isolated GenAI pilots to agentic, scalable workflows, enterprises can finally capture the value they were promised. Data Readiness First: As IBM notes, data quality is one of the most common reasons AI initiatives fail. Models shouldn't be deployed on broken foundations; AI-ready data is essential for scalable impact. As IBM notes, data quality is one of the most common reasons AI initiatives fail. Models shouldn't be deployed on broken foundations; AI-ready data is essential for scalable impact. Workflow Transformation: McKinsey data shows that organizations reporting significant financial returns are twice as likely to redesign workflows before selecting AI tools. Agentic systems deliver the most value when they operate with context and integrate directly into core business processes. McKinsey data shows that organizations reporting significant financial returns are twice as likely to redesign workflows before selecting AI tools. Agentic systems deliver the most value when they operate with context and integrate directly into core business processes. Outcome-Oriented Deployment: Moving from "good enough" to production-grade requires rigor. Datatonic focuses on execution-centric AI that drives direct financial return, such as dramatic cost reductions in invoice processing and accelerated content discovery. "AI projects that don't directly drive revenue or protect the bottom line are failures. The real ROI isn't in new tools, but in redesigning workflows for agentic AI. Whether it's embedding intelligence into core operations to reduce churn or replacing static concepts with actualized results-the advantage belongs to those who use AI to deliver the outcome, not just the idea," says Andy Harding, CTO of Datatonic. The End of the Pilot Era As enterprises face tighter budget scrutiny and longer ROI timelines, the tolerance for speculative AI projects has evaporated. Datatonic positions itself as the partner for the leaders willing to undertake the structural changes necessary for survival. This is not about layering technology; it is about business survival. As AI investment accelerates, the real barrier is no longer access to tools but the ability to execute at scale. Datatonic leverages production-grade AI ecosystems to orchestrate systems that act with reliability and oversight, allowing companies to close the gap between early productivity gains and genuine operational value. "The time for playing with AI is over," asserts Harding. "You are either embedding AI into the DNA of your business to drive revenue, or you are leaking productivity until you forfeit your competitive advantage. The choice is yours." About Datatonic Datatonic is a global Data and AI consultancy and 10-time Google Cloud Partner of the Year, helping enterprises turn data and AI into clear, measurable business outcomes. As an end-to-end partner, Datatonic drives rapid transformation across strategy, architecture, deployment, enablement, and continuous optimization, empowering organizations to scale AI impact. Learn more at datatonic.com. References: Orsborn, M. (2026, January 5). Measuring what matters - AI ROI beyond the hype. Medium. medium.com/@markorsborn/post-10-measuring-what-matters-ai-roi-beyond-the-hype-b9c7eed5071e Aquino, J., & Jonker, A. (2026, January 15). AI Data Quality. Ibm.com. ibm.com/think/topics/ai-data-quality Mayer, H., Yee, L., Chui, M., & Roberts, R. (2025, January 28). Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock ai's full potential. McKinsey & Company. mckinsey.com/capabilities/tech-and-ai/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work Singh, R. (2025, August 24). 95% of companies are getting zero return on their AI investments. Medium; GenusofTechnology. medium.com/genusoftechnology/95-of-companies-are-getting-zero-return-on-their-ai-investments-2a5fe7242f29 The Ai Consultancy. (2026, January 20). The 40% problem: Why most UK small business AI projects fail and what the survivors do differently. Medium. medium.com/@ai_93276/the-40-problem-why-most-uk-small-business-ai-projects-fail-and-what-the-survivors-do-differently-e27c117ef0e7 Media Contact: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR 727-777-4629 jotopr.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/datatonic-addresses-productivity-leakage-to-move-ai-from-efficiency-to-impact-302689010.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from five additional drill holes from the 2025 drilling program at its 100% owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana, South America. Multiple zones of gold mineralization were intersected in each of these holes, most notably, central Wenot Hole 25ODD-152W intersected 12.34 g/t Au over 17.5m and Hole 250DD-154 with 3.09 g/t Au over 24.6m. These will be included in the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate. Additional assays are expected shortly. Highlights* from the recent drilling include: (refer to Table 1 for full assays and downhole depths): Hole 25ODD-152W 12.34 g/t Au over 17.5m Including 138.18 over 1.3m 2.29 g/t Au over 12.6m Including 7.73 g/t Au over 2.2m 2.34 g/t Au over 10.6m 5.23 g/t Au over 5.1m Including 13.28 g/t Au over 1.5m Hole 25ODD-153 2.13 g/t Au over 8.5m Hole 25ODD-154 3.50 g/t Au over 13.4m 3.09 g/t Au over 24.6m Including 19.54 g/t Au over 1.1m Including 4.02 g/t Au over 9.0m Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO commented, "These continued strong assay results from Wenot demonstrate the size and potential of the gold system at the Omai project. Additional drill results are expected in the short term as we drive forward to complete the Mineral Resource Estimate in Q1, to be followed by the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in Q2. Wenot has proven to be a very large gold deposit and although it is already sufficiently large to advance towards development, we are confident that the overall gold resources will continue to increase. At Wenot, we have not yet reached the limits to the gold mineralization, along strike, at depth, or even along the flanks, despite our continued step out drilling. We are confident that the Gilt Creek deposit also holds excellent potential for expansion, but certain drilling would be far more efficient once underground development is underway. Although we have commenced drilling at Wenot to upgrade the large Inferred resources to Indicated, we will continue to step out to pursue the limits of the deposit as well as exploring nearby targets on what can certainly be considered a Gold Camp." Central Wenot Drilling Hole 25ODD-149W2, is a wedge from Hole 25ODD-149, which intersected multiple gold zones including 2.29 g/t Au over 19.7m and 1.58 g/t Au over 42m (News Release dated January 15, 2026). Hole 149W2 started in the southern sedimentary sequence and intersected two mineralized zones, 0.42 g/t Au over 6.0m and 1.99 g/t Au over 4.50m. The Central Quartz Felspar Porphyry Dike (CQFP) was then intersected, together with an adjacent diorite dike, which hosts two mineralized zones assaying 0.50 g/t Au over 4.5m and 0.57 g/t Au over 5.3m. Further downhole, three mineralized zones were intersected within the Dike Corridor, the best being 0.61 g/t Au over 6.0m. Hole 25ODD-152W, is a wedge from Hole 25ODD-152, and was drilled from the south side of Wenot. No significant gold mineralization was intersected within the sedimentary sequence. Within the CQFP and adjacent diorite dike, a 12.60m wide zone assayed 2.29 g/t Au. Further downhole, several mineralized zones were intersected within the Dike Corridor, including 2.34 g/t Au over 10.6m, and high-grade intervals, including 5.23 g/t Au over 5.1m, and 12.34 g/t Au over 17.5m. Hole 25ODD-153 was drilled from the north, on section Line 305130E, located in the Central Wenot area. The hole first intersected a 2.4m interval containing 1.95 g/t Au within the northern Volcanics. It then intersected multiple gold mineralized zones within the Dike Corridor, including 0.74 g/t Au over 7.5m, 2.13 g/t Au over 8.5m and 0.75 g/t Au over 4.5m. In the Central Wenot Contact area, two mineralized zones were intersected containing 1.02 g/t Au over 9.0m and 5.53 g/t Au over 1.1m. No significant mineralization was intersected further downhole within the sediments. Hole 25ODD-154 was drilled from the south side of Wenot Deposit. A southern QFP regularly occurs approximately 125m south of the contact, where it intruded the sedimentary sequence. This QFP was intersected from 297m to 300.6m, assaying 2.91 g/t Au over 3.6m. Within the sedimentary sequence, two zones were intersected, assaying 7.57 g/t Au over 1.1m and 8.26 g/t Au over 1.5m. These are associated with quartz and ankerite veins cutting across the bedding with pyrite and visible gold. An interval of 3.50 g/t Au over 13.4m was encountered after the protomylonite and into the CQFP. Mineralization was then intersected in a felsic dike within the Dike Corridor containing quartz veins, multiple occurrences of visible gold and up to 3% sulphides; the gold intersection returned 3.09 g/t Au over 24.6m, which included shorter higher-grade intervals of 19.54 g/t Au over 1.1m and 4.02 g/t Au over 9.0m. East Wenot Hole 25ODD-155 was drilled at the east end of the Wenot Deposit, 59m northeast of Hole 25ODD-142, which intersected a new zone grading 11.07 g/t Au over 14.7m at a vertical depth of approximately -220m (News Release dated December 8, 2025). Hole 155 was to follow up on the high grade zone, but was collared further north due to a topographic restriction and as a result did not intersect the zone. However, multiple narrow zones of gold mineralization were intersected within the Dike Corridor, including 0.82 g/t Au over 3.9m, 2.83 g/t Au over 2.5m and 4.48 g/t Au over 1.5m. An additional hole, 25ODD-160, was drilled on a section line 108m to the west, aiming to better define the orientation of the "142" high grade zone. Further drilling in this area awaits the assays and interpretation of hole 160. Hole 160 was drilled to the north versus hole 142 which was drilled to the south. Multiple very shallow gold zones in historical drill holes remain underexplored at the east end of Wenot and a series of holes are planned. There are indications that the main contact that hosts the CQFP may dip to the south at this end, compared with the typical vertical to steeply north dip that dominates most of the Wenot deposit. Additional drilling will proceed in this area shortly. Figure 1. Plan Map of Wenot Showing Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/284107_bd872dc624c98a27_001full.jpg Table 1. Recent Wenot Drill Results* DDH FROM (m) TO (m) INTERVAL (m) Grade (g/t Au) Zone 25ODD-149W2 308.5 314.5 6.0 0.42 Sediments 364.5 369.0 4.5 1.99 389.0 393.5 4.5 0.50 CQFP 434.0 439.3 5.3 0.57 Diorite 488.0 489.5 1.5 1.14 Volcanics 518.0 521.0 3.0 0.92 553.0 559.0 6.0 0.61 25ODD-152W 405.5 418.1 12.6 2.29 CQFP, Diorite, QV including 415.9 418.1 2.2 7.73 455.2 465.6 10.4 1.26 Volcanics, QV including 463.0 464.3 1.3 8.13 487.2 497.8 10.6 2.34 including 490.8 497.8 7.0 3.07 552.1 557.2 5.1 5.23 Volcanics, Felsic Dike including 553.5 555.0 1.5 13.28 588.6 606.1 17.5 12.34 including 590.0 591.3 1.3 138.18 25ODD-153 329.8 332.2 2.4 1.95 Volcanics 358.5 363.0 4.5 0.33 418.5 426.0 7.5 0.74 445.5 454.0 8.5 2.13 472.0 476.5 4.5 0.75 564.5 573.5 9.0 1.02 CQFP including 572.4 573.5 1.1 5.53 578.8 589.0 10.2 1.86 Volcanics 25ODD-154 297.0 300.6 3.6 2.91 SQFP 456.4 457.5 1.1 7.57 Sediments 465.0 466.5 1.5 8.26 479.3 480.6 1.3 1.43 Mylonite 484.6 498.0 13.4 3.50 CQFP 599.5 624.1 24.6 3.09 Dike Corridor including 600.7 601.8 1.1 19.54 including 612.5 621.5 9.0 4.02 25ODD-155 138.8 142.7 3.9 0.82 Volcanics 324.5 327.0 2.5 2.83 including 325.5 327.0 1.5 4.48 454.1 455.5 1.4 0.86 Mylonite *True widths vary as mineralization at Wenot is generally hosted within stockwork vein systems with alteration halos, with an estimated true width range of 70-90%. Cut-off grade 0.30 g/t Au with maximum 3.0m internal dilution is applied. **If indicated, a maximum 5.0m internal dilution was applied. All grades are uncapped unless otherwise noted. Quality Control Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags. Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs and some batches to MSALABS, both certified laboratories in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold and surrounding samples within deemed gold zones, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications. Qualified Person Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. ABOUT OMAI GOLD Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield. In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt Creek deposits, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt. A baseline PEA announced in April 2024, contemplated an open pit-only development scenario and included less than 30% of the new Mineral Resource Estimate for Omai. Three drills have commenced the 2026 drill program: at Wenot the focus is to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. An updated MRE and PEA are planned for H1 2026 to include the expanded Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt Creek underground deposit. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure, including an on-site airstrip, and is connected by road to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden. 1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website. 2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006. For further information, please see our website www.omaigoldmines.com or contact: Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo. President & CEO elaine@omaigoldmines.com +1.416.473.5351 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates Hole ID Azimuth Inclination Easting Northing Length Status (degrees) (degrees) (m) 25ODD-149W2 356 -50 305783 601191 570.4 Reporting 25ODD-152W 356 -48 305080 601288 618.8 Reporting 25ODD-153 174 -53 305126 601947 689.6 Reporting 25ODD-154 354 -56 305280 601267 631.6 Reporting 25ODD-155 172 -50 306166 601632 481.7 Reporting Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284107 Source: Omai Gold Mines Corp. HIGHLIGHTS: Meridian to advance Cabacal DFS with delivery schedule for Q4 2026; CAD 57.5M financing allows for acceleration of time sensitive programmes; - Long lead items to be ordered Q1 2026; - Initiation of civil works brought forward to the 2026 dry season; Meridian outlines an expansion of exploration programmes in 2026; 2026 programme to test initially Cabacal mine-corridor targets; Field programmes planned on Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone Belts; Testing Espigao IOCG targets; Santa Helena Central returns further high-grade drill results: CD-806: 2.6m @ 2.4g/t Au, 1.7% Cu, 93.2g/t Ag, 15.7% Zn & 2.6% Pb; CD-796: 5.7m @ 1.0g/t Au, 1.0% Cu, 27.6g/t Ag, 5.2% Zn & 0.9% Pb; CD-792: 4.6m @ 2.5g/t Au, 0.5% Cu, 47.3g/t Ag, 4.6% Zn & 1.1% Pb; CD-786: 2.0m @ 2.4g/t Au, 4.1% Cu, 73.7g/t Ag, 6.3% Zn & 0.8% Pb; and Meridian to consider London Stock Exchange dual listing London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Meridian Mining plc (TSX: MNO) (FSEL N2E) (Tradegate: N2E) (OTCQX: MRRDF) ("Meridian" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that following the closing of the recent CAD 57.5M financing1, it is bringing forward various programmes to accelerate the return of the Cabacal Au-Cu-Ag mine ("Cabacal") back into production. Including ordering long lead items and advancing pre-construction civil works. The Company is also reporting that its 2026 gold-copper-silver exploration drill programmes will include up to 10,750m of diamond drilling along the Cabacal, Jauru, and Araputanga Greenstone Belts and Espigao prospects. Meridian is also reporting further drill results from the Santa Helena Central mineral resource area2 that include multiple intersections of high-grade polymetallic VMS mineralization. The Company is reviewing a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange Main Market under the Equity Share - Commercial Company designation to target exposure to both FTSE index inclusion, and the UK investment market. Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, comments: "Working off a strong financial base, Meridian is now financed beyond Cabacal's final investment decision into early construction works, and we are accelerating the necessary programmes to ensure we meet our timeline for the restart of Au-Cu-Ag production at Cabacal by the end of 2028 (subject to licence approvals). Our vision is not singular; we have the funds available to expand the dual track strategy of mine development and Cu-Au-Ag exploration. We have an extensive suite of exciting copper and gold prospects to test across our expanded exploration portfolio. We are currently assessing a dual listing for our common shares on the London Stock Exchange to enhance the Company's access to pools of equity capital in the UK and market indexation." CABACAL DEFINITIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE The Company continues to advance Cabacal's Definitive Feasibility Study (the "DFS"), alongside its engineering contractors3 to complete the multiple work streams and studies required. With the finalization of the specifications certain long-lead item's (such as the SAG mill, electrical transformers and gravity circuit), tendering and ordering procedures are expected to be completed before the end of Q1 2026. To take advantage of the 2026 dry season, initial civil works including road upgrades are planned, to have the access ready for a potential construction start in H1 2027 (pending the successful granting of the Installation License). Meridian is also advancing the smelter performance tests of Cabacal's copper concentrates (that include high contents of gold and silver) which are being tested by Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. Kingston, Ontario. The initial smelter tests indicate that Cabacal's concentrate is easy to smelt, produces a clean matte and an acceptable slag ("Photo 1"). Photo 1: Left: 10 kW induction furnace arrangement. Right: view looking on top of the melt. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/284046_photo%201%20meridian.jpg Cabacal Belt Exploration Further geochemical reconnaissance work has progressed in parallel with recent drilling programmes, with results including a new gold-in-soil response of 244.9 Au ppm. This sample was from a colluvial layer over a granite-tonalite intrusive complex, with the unusually elevated grade possibly reflecting a nugget effect in the sampling and/or some secondary concentration processes but nonetheless indicating anomalous gold in an unexpected position. This possibly reflects intrusive-related and/or orogenic gold mineralization processes, neighbouring Cabacal's VMS stratigraphy of the greenstone belt. The result was from a broad-spaced soil campaign designed to follow up a stream anomaly, that was sourced from unrelated local catchments to those draining off the Cabacal resource area. The background soil response over the intrusive basement lithologies is generally below detection, but in the area, other positive soil responses range from 5 to 105 ppb Au, with such responses falling close to the perimeter of the tonalite body and marginal to an intrusive granite. Although granite-tonalite bodies are less common gold-hosts, significant mineralization can form under the right conditions (as seen in analogues such the Tintina Gold Province (Dublin Gulch - Eagle - Yukon, Canada), and the Boddington Gold Mine - Western Australia). Further evaluation of this gold anomalous contact zone is underway at prospect-scale to belt-scale. The position is locally concealed under more recent alluvial cover. Approximately 3.5km south-east along strike from this position, some further drainage anomalies are associated with a zone of quartz veining with multiple orientations across the granite-greenstone contact. This is an area where the Company has recently received an environmental license (LOPM; Licenca de Operacao para Pesquisa Mineral). An induced polarization survey has been undertaken, defining a NE-trending chargeability response associated with the veining zone and drainage anomaly, with trenching and reconnaissance drilling being planned. Geophysical and geochemical exploration targets are preliminary in nature and not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit. The Company continues to evaluate the potential of the strike extensions to the Aguapei Group's "Fortuna Formation" sandstone unit to represent a gold host, following the recognition of the gold potential in the formation in the south-east sector of the belt. Some reconnaissance drilling is being planned in the Cigarra target area as a first test of the potential in the northern sector of the belt. It is also possible that this unit covers strike-projections of the greenstone belt at explorable depths. The Company will be pursuing its programmes in 2026 with an expanded array of geophysical equipment. Orders have been placed for drone-based magnetic, radiometric, and Lidar sensors to facilitate improved prospect-scale interpretation of structure and VMS stratigraphy, in areas of poor exposure which characterize much of the belt. This equipment is expected to arrive in the later part of Q1. Some of the sulphide assemblage in the Cabacal and Santa Helena deposits is associated with pyrrhotite, a magnetic sulphide mineral, and the magnetic sensor will assist with both structural mapping and definition of magnetic hydrothermal alteration assemblages at depth. The radiometric sensor is a more shallow-seeking exploration tool and will assist with characterizing areas of cover and residual basement to test the effectiveness of geochemistry. Lidar will assist with structural mapping / lineament analysis and levelling of the magnetic survey data. Araputanga - Jauru Belt Exploration The Company continues with the compilation of historical data over the Jauru and Araputanga Greenstone Belts ("Figure 1"), in parallel with the landholder liaison activities. The initial focus of digitization of historical soil data will be on licences 866752/2021 and 866754/2021, over the BP Minerals "A1" target area, and data assessment over the northern Jauru Belt licences (866262/2024, 866744/2021, 866749/2021), covering the Jauru copper anomaly and J9 gold anomaly. In addition to the geochemical records, amongst the archives, the Company has located some historical BP Minerals ground geophysics data sheets and will assess with its consultants the value in compiling this information, which although gathered with older equipment may assist in the planning and prioritization of data collection with modern campaigns. Figure 1: Cabacal, Araputanga and Jauru greenstone belts To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/284046_ba5019daf4252bb3_003full.jpg Espigao Exploration Processing by the Company's geophysical consultancy Core Geophysics has highlighted a broad gravity feature developed in the southeastern sector of Espigao displaying a regional response, terrain corrected, up to 15mgal above background. Residual filtering has defined a number of smaller/discrete anomalies of interest up to 2km in size ("Figure 2"). The source of the anomalies needs further investigation, but responses at Espigao fall within ranges of known IOCG deposits. The strongest responses are developed in a structurally favourable setting, lying to the north of an inflexion point on the margin of the hinge zone between the Parecis Basin and the Proterozoic crystalline basement. The regional geology places the gravity anomalies close to first-order terrane boundary faults. Extensive multielement soil anomalies are distributed over an area of ~20km by 15km4. These features suggest that a major thermal event has occurred, potentially at crustal scale. Espigao's mineralization assemblages are suggestive of hydrothermal zonation pattern. A 1,200m drill programme is planned, with target depth of between 200 and 300m below surface. Figure 2: Espigao 1VD gravity map (greyscale), with HeliTEM conductivity colour drape. Peak gravity responses are circled, and the projection of Maxwell conductivity plates are shown in yellow polygons. Peak Cu values from surface trenching, drilling, auger and channel sampling are shown. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/284046_ba5019daf4252bb3_004full.jpg Resource Development Drilling - Santa Helena Central The Company has continued to conduct an infill drilling campaign at the Santa Helena Central area ("Figure 3"), following the database cut-off date for the recent Mineral Resource update5. Drilling was focussed on closing a 50 by 50m drill pattern to locally 25 by 25m with the objective of increasing the resource classification level, and gathering more mineralization for a second phase of metallurgical studies. Highlights from the recent drilling have included: CD-806 11.9m @ 0.9g/t Au, 0.6% Cu, 29.4g/t Ag, 4.6% Zn & 0.7% Pb from 48.5m; Including 2.6m @ 2.4g/t Au, 1.7% Cu, 93.2g/t Ag, 15.7% Zn & 2.6% Pb from 57.0m; CD-796: 30.4m @ 0.3g/t Au, 0.3% Cu, 7.9g/t Ag, 1.4% Zn & 0.3% Pb from 10.1m; Including: 5.7m @ 1.0g/t Au, 1.0% Cu, 27.6g/t Ag, 5.2% Zn & 0.9% Pb from 21.0m; CD-792: 25.0m @ 0.6g/t Au, 0.2% Cu, 16.5g/t Ag, 1.5% Zn & 0.5% Pb from 6.6m; Including: 4.6m @ 2.5g/t Au, 0.5% Cu, 47.3g/t Ag, 4.6% Zn & 1.1% Pb from 16.8m; CD-786: 6.9m @ @ 1.1g/t Au, 1.6% Cu, 30.8g/t Ag, 3.3% Zn & 0.5% Pb from 22.9m; Including 2.0m @ 2.4g/t Au, 4.1% Cu, 73.7g/t Ag, 6.3% Zn & 0.8% Pb from 26.0m. Follow up drilling is planned to test historical grade control drilling areas to help validate this data and reassess the statistical levelling that is currently applied in Santa Helena's mineral resource estimate. Figure 3: Recent drill results from the Santa Helena Central area. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/284046_ba5019daf4252bb3_005full.jpg Recent drilling was more focussed in the central to eastern sector of the deposit where there was lesser historical development in a shallowing sector of the resource. CD-786 confirmed good intervals of shallow unmined mineralization in the fresh-rock-transition zone, in which peak grades of 5.42% Cu, 3.18g/t Au, 82.1 g/t Ag, 7.23% Zn were encountered in sample CBDS114219 over 0.6m from 27.4m. CD-792 and CD-796 similarly tested up-dip from historical development, in the fresh-rock - transition zone, adjacent to positions where data from some of the later generation of BP Minerals data had been lost. Results confirmed that mineral zones were broader and better than the limited records of reported composites from these holes (e.g. JUCHD-110: 6.85m @ 0.65 g/t Au, with base metals not reported; JUCHD-111: 1.35m @ 0.73g/ Au, 1.23% Cu). CD-806 returned a shallower than expected fresh rock mineral zone, in a fold keel position, ~31m above the historical galleries. London Stock Exchange Dual Listing Consideration The Company is reviewing dual listing its common shares on the London Stock Exchange Main Market under the Equity Share - Commercial Company designation to target exposure to both FTSE index inclusion, and the UK investment market. As a United Kingdom domiciled plc, this presents Meridian with a unique investment opportunity for further expansion of its institutional and retail investor base. Currently more than 50% of its equities are owned by UK based investors. Technical Notes For Santa Helena Central, composites were defined based on the updated cut-off grades of 0.125 g/t AuEq. Fixed recoveries were used from the initial metallurgical testwork programme (Fresh Rock Recovery: Zn 90.6%, Cu 76.9%, Pb 78.3%, Au 57.0% and Ag 83.7%; Transition Zone Recovery: Zn 77.4%, Cu 75.3%, Pb 51.4%, Au 83.1% and Ag 80.1%; Oxide Zone Recovery: Au 78.1% and Ag 62.3%). AuEq_ppm (Fresh Rock) = (0.57*Au_ppm) + (0.746*Cu_pct) + (0.244*Zn_pct) + (0.159*Pb_pct) + (0.010*Ag _ppm); AuEq_ppm (Transition Zone) = (0. 831*Au_ppm.) + (0.731*Cu_pct) + (0.209*Zn_pct) + (0.104*Pb_pct) + (0.009*Ag _ppm); AuEq_ppm (Oxide) Zone = (0.781*Au_ppm.) + (0.007*Ag _ppm). Metallurgical recoveries have been based on testwork programmes undertaken on drill core at SGS Lakefield in Canada. The CIBC Analyst Consensus Commodity prices (USD) of November 2025 have been used for the Mineral Resource Estimates and metal equivalent calculation: Gold USD 3,103/oz, Silver USD 35.34/oz, Copper USD 4.39 /lb, Zinc USD 1.22/lb and Lead USD 0.92/lb. Drill core samples have been analysed at ALS laboratory in Lima, Peru. Samples are dried, crushed with 70% passing 85% passing 200m. Routine gold analyses have been conducted by Au-AA24 (fire assay of a 50g charge with AAS finish). High-grade samples (>10g/t Au) are repeated with a gravimetric finish (Au-GRA22), and base metal analysis by methods ME-ICP61 and OG62 (four acid digest with ICP-AES finish). Visible gold intervals are sampled by metallic screen fire assay method Au-SCR21. Samples are held in the Company's secure facilities until dispatched and delivered by staff and commercial couriers to the laboratory. Pulps and coarse rejects are retained and returned to the Company for storage. The Company submits a range of quality control samples, including blanks and gold and polymetallic standards supplied by Rocklabs, ITAK and OREAS, supplementing laboratory quality control procedures. Approximately 5% of archived samples are sent for umpire laboratory analysis, including any lots exhibiting QAQC outliers after discussion with the laboratory. In BP Minerals sampling, gold was analysed historically by fire assay and base metals by three acid digest and ICP finish at the Nomos laboratory in Rio de Janeiro. Silver was analysed by aqua regia digest with an atomic absorption finish. True width is considered to be 85-95% of intersection width. Assay figures and intervals are rounded to 1 decimal place. Analytical results from the following holes were included in the mineral resource estimate: CD-761, CD-774, CD-775, CD-780, CD-781, CD-785. CD-786, CD-788, CD-789 and CD-790. The following holes contributed geological information and density data, but analytical results post-dated the resource estimate: CD-792, CD-796. Drilling and logging of the other holes post-dated the database closure. Soils samples have been analysed at the accredited SGS laboratory in Belo Horizonte. gold analyses have been conducted by FAA505 (fire assay of a 50g charge), and base metal analysis by portable XRF calibrated with certified references. ~10% of base metal results are verified by laboratory analysis at SGS using methods ICP40B (four acid digest with ICP-OES finish). Samples are held in the Company's secure facilities until dispatched and delivered by staff and commercial couriers to the laboratory. Pulps are retained for umpire testwork and ultimately returned to the Company for storage. The Company submits a range of quality control samples, including blanks and gold and polymetallic standards supplied by OREAS and Rocklabs supplementing laboratory quality control procedures. Sample CBSL07563 was above the upper detection limit for FAA505 and was reported by FAA525. Induced polarization surveys have been conducted by the Company's in-house team utilizing its GDD GRx8-16c receiver and 5000W-2400-15A transmitter. Results are sent daily for processing and quality control to the Company's consultancy, Core Geophysics. Modelling of conductivity response is undertaken using industry-standard Maxwell software. Geophysical and geochemical exploration targets are preliminary in nature and not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit. Qualified Person Statement Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., FAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical information in this news release. About Meridian Meridian Mining is focused on: The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS gold-copper project; Expanding the initial resource inventory in the Santa Helena area through extension of Santa Helena Central, and new discoveries; Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS Belt to expand the Cabacal Hub strategy; and Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone Belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil). The Pre-feasibility Study technical report (the "PFS Technical Report") dated March 31, 2025, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Pre-feasibility Study" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 984 million and 61.2% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 248 million, leading to capital repayment in 17 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 2,119 per ounces of gold, USD 4.16 per pound of copper, and USD 26.89 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in-Sustaining-Cost of USD 742 per ounce gold equivalent & production profile of 141,000-ounce gold equivalent life of mine, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.3:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil. The Cabacal Mineral Reserve estimate consists of Proven and Probable reserves of 41.7 million tonnes at 0.63g/t gold, 0.44% copper and 1.64g/t silver (at a 0.25 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade). Readers are encouraged to read the PFS Technical Report in its entirety. The PFS Technical Report may be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.meridianmining.co. The PFS Technical Report was prepared for the Company by Tommaso Roberto Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC; Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC; John Anthony McCartney, C.Geol., Ausenco Chile Ltda.; Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodriguez (Engineer Geologist FAIG), of GE21 Consultoria Mineral; Leonardo Soares (B.Sc. Geo, MAIG), Senior Geological Consultant of GE21 Consultoria Mineral; Norman Lotter (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.Eng.), of Flowsheets Metallurgical Consulting Inc.; and, Juliano Felix de Lima (Engineer Geologist MAIG), of GE21 Consultoria Mineral. Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/ Follow Meridian on X: https://X.com/MeridianMining Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Table 1: Santa Helena Central drill results. Hole-id Dip Azi EOH (m) Zone Int (m) AuEq (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Pb (%) From (m) CD-822 -60 037 80.7 SHM 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 3.0 0.5 0.0 12.5 1.7 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.8 0.0 21.3 10.2 0.4 0.2 0.1 5.7 0.7 0.1 43.8 Including 0.8 3.5 1.1 1.4 49.9 5.1 0.6 44.7 3.4 0.5 0.1 0.0 7.8 1.0 0.5 61.9 0.7 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 80.0 CD-820 -80 033 80.2 SHM 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.0 20.0 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.4 0.2 32.1 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.1 1.9 0.0 0.0 38.4 17.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 3.4 0.7 0.1 50.7 CD-818 -90 000 35.2 SHM 17.5 0.4 0.2 0.1 12.6 0.4 0.4 0.0 3.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.6 0.5 0.1 21.0 CD-815 -80 212 50.1 SHM 13.6 1.2 0.5 0.6 11.2 1.1 0.2 6.4 Including 2.9 4.7 2.2 2.3 42.8 3.8 0.6 13.7 Including 1.3 8.9 4.1 4.5 83.0 6.4 1.2 13.7 2.2 0.5 0.3 0.0 5.9 1.0 0.2 23.9 6.5 0.3 0.0 0.0 3.3 0.6 0.3 32.0 CD-811 -72 034 101.3 SHM 3.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.0 34.4 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.5 0.0 42.0 8.3 1.0 0.4 0.4 14.6 1.4 0.2 53.3 Including 1.1 5.4 2.0 2.9 83.6 4.7 0.5 54.3 2.0 0.4 0.1 0.0 4.6 0.8 0.3 68.0 0.9 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 86.3 CD-810 -71 011 80.3 SHM 2.1 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.6 0.0 25.3 0.9 0.3 0.3 0.1 1.2 0.0 0.0 32.5 4.1 0.4 0.2 0.3 5.2 0.2 0.0 43.1 13.7 0.6 0.2 0.1 9.5 1.1 0.2 50.9 Including 3.0 1.5 0.3 0.2 22.4 3.4 0.6 50.9 Including 0.7 4.1 0.5 0.7 70.2 9.6 1.7 50.9 CD-806 -89 000 110.2 SHM 11.9 2.5 0.9 0.6 29.4 4.6 0.7 48.5 Including 2.6 7.8 2.4 1.7 93.2 15.7 2.6 57.0 1.0 0.7 0.6 0.0 10.2 1.0 0.2 63.0 3.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.6 0.5 0.1 67.4 4.7 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.4 0.2 92.3 CD-805 -69 190 98.0 SHM 3.0 0.5 0.7 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.0 1.3 4.3 1.9 2.3 55.2 3.8 0.3 82.5 CD-801 -72 189 80.3 SHM 15.8 1.3 0.6 0.5 13.6 1.7 0.2 31.0 Including 5.2 3.4 1.4 1.5 34.1 4.2 0.5 34.0 Including 2.5 5.8 2.5 2.6 59.3 7.3 0.8 34.0 4.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 3.0 0.4 0.1 49.6 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 57.0 CD-799 -65 189 50.2 SHM 12.3 1.7 0.7 0.9 16.6 1.6 0.3 13.7 Including 3.1 6.1 2.3 3.5 61.5 4.9 1.0 19.0 Including 2.2 7.5 2.6 4.3 68.0 6.7 1.1 19.9 16.5 0.6 0.1 0.1 5.3 1.3 0.4 29.3 CD-796 -60 201 70.6 SHM 30.4 0.8 0.3 0.3 7.9 1.4 0.3 10.1 Including 5.7 3.0 1.0 1.0 27.6 5.2 0.9 21.0 3.0 0.7 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.2 0.2 46.0 CD-792 -48 190 50.0 SHM 25.0 1.1 0.6 0.2 16.5 1.5 0.5 6.6 Including 4.6 3.5 2.5 0.5 47.3 4.6 1.1 16.8 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.7 0.4 0.2 41.0 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 2.1 0.2 0.1 45.0 CD-790 -49 193 70.1 SHM 1.7 1.5 1.0 0.6 13.4 1.7 0.2 33.3 11.2 1.0 0.4 0.3 12.1 1.6 0.3 39.0 Including 1.4 5.0 1.6 2.3 49.9 6.9 1.0 39.0 2.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 4.0 0.6 0.3 53.3 CD-789 -42 009 91.7 SHM 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 28.5 22.2 0.6 0.2 0.2 7.8 0.9 0.3 34.7 Including 2.6 3.2 0.6 1.8 49.9 3.9 0.8 41.2 Including 1.5 4.8 0.9 2.8 72.4 5.4 1.0 41.2 5.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.2 1.1 0.0 72.9 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.0 2.3 1.1 0.1 80.7 4.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 3.7 0.9 0.3 86.6 CD-788 -64 192 60.2 SHM 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 7.7 0.8 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.0 12.2 4.3 1.7 0.3 0.9 23.0 2.5 0.3 20.2 14.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.4 0.1 30.9 2.6 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 51.0 CD-786 -72 011 75.2 SHM 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 27.5 0.0 0.0 7.5 6.9 3.0 1.1 1.6 30.8 3.3 0.5 22.9 Including 2.0 6.9 2.4 4.1 73.7 6.3 0.8 26.0 7.5 0.3 0.1 0.0 3.7 0.6 0.2 35.4 3.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 6.9 0.7 0.4 48.0 CD-785 -46 190 110.2 SHM 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 56.3 18.4 0.6 0.3 0.2 5.6 0.7 0.1 59.6 Including 1.0 5.0 1.4 2.6 67.6 6.0 0.9 60.8 4.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.5 0.0 80.0 CD-781 -72 180 95.0 SHM 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 14.4 5.6 3.4 1.6 1.8 34.5 1.7 0.4 35.2 Including 2.1 7.3 3.4 4.1 76.1 3.1 0.8 37.3 6.2 0.8 0.6 0.0 10.7 0.9 0.4 57.0 1.4 0.5 0.2 0.0 4.2 1.0 0.4 66.0 1.6 0.4 0.0 0.1 2.6 0.9 0.3 74.4 1.9 0.3 0.0 0.0 4.8 0.9 0.3 82.0 CD-780 -89 000 100.3 SHM 18.9 1.1 0.4 0.3 12.6 2.0 0.4 37.0 Including 1.7 6.3 2.3 2.5 58.7 9.7 1.3 37.8 3.5 0.7 0.2 0.1 13.2 1.3 0.3 70.8 CD-775 -65 192 55.7 SHM 4.5 2.0 0.7 0.9 22.0 2.2 0.4 30.1 Including 2.4 3.6 1.4 1.7 41.0 3.8 0.7 31.6 4.9 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.5 0.1 43.8 CD-774 -51 199 90.4 SHM 1.9 2.0 1.7 0.2 13.7 1.7 0.2 42.6 1.4 0.2 0.1 0.0 1.6 0.3 0.2 47.6 2.4 0.7 0.1 0.1 5.0 1.8 0.2 60.1 4.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.6 0.5 0.2 69.4 CD-761 -84 184 65.1 SHM 1.5 0.4 0.5 0.8 2.2 0.8 0.1 10.2 5.7 1.9 0.7 1.1 25.7 1.3 0.6 15.7 Including 2.3 4.3 1.7 2.5 58.5 2.5 1.3 16.2 Including 1.5 5.2 1.7 3.3 70.0 3.0 1.5 16.6 11.2 0.7 0.2 0.2 8.6 1.4 0.3 29.4 Including 1.4 2.5 0.6 0.7 26.6 5.2 0.9 29.4 Including 1.5 1.6 0.3 0.7 19.4 2.8 0.3 32.9 6.9 0.2 0.1 0.0 2.2 0.4 0.3 45.1 1 Meridian Mining News Release of February 12, 2026 2 Meridian Mining News Release of January 20, 2026 3 Meridian Mining news release of May 8, 2025 4 Meridian Mining News Release of May 18, 2020. 5 Meridian Mining News Release of January 20, 2026. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284046 Source: Meridian Mining Plc Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - GT Resources Inc. (TSXV: GT) (OTCQB: CGTRF) (FSE: 7N1) (the "Company" or "GT") is pleased to announce the acquisition, through staking, of the Kuhmo Gold Project in central Finland. The project covers 12,300 hectares of the highly prospective Kuhmo greenstone belt, located 130 km southeast of the Company's flagship Lantinen Koillismaa ("LK") Project (Figure 1). Highlights Near-Term Discovery Opportunity: Widespread gold-in-till anomalies largely unexplained and drill-ready. High-Grade Till Anomalies: Gold-in-till samples up to 45,800 ppb . Proof of Concept: Limited historic drilling includes 11.4 g/t gold over 0.9m (Hole SMS/LEL_1) and 2.3 g/t gold over 4.7m (Hole MEN036). Geological Analogues: Hallmarks of "orogenic gold" such as belt-parallel faults and late clastic sediments structurally analogous to "Temiskaming-type" sediments of the world-class Abitibi Subprovince. Poly-Metallic Potential: The Kuhmo Project hosts a known nickel endowment, including the Arola historical mineral resource 1 of 1.5M tonne grading 0.46% nickel . Strategic Land Position: 12,300 ha of the Kuhmo 'greenstone belt' via two Exploration Reservations; no overlap with Natura 2000 protected areas. Operational Synergies: Proximity to the Company's flagship LK Project allows cost-efficiencies through an established technical team, local infrastructure, and exploration logistics. This regional "cluster" strategy maximizes the value of exploration dollars spent. Infrastructure Advantage: Excellent year-round access via paved/gravel roads and proximity to rail and the port city of Oulu. Finland: A Premier Mining-Friendly Jurisdiction. Competitive Advantage: Historic state-run exploration focused on nickel to feed Finland's industrial complex, this legacy not only defined many gold-in-till anomalies but left them largely untested. Neil Pettigrew Vice President of Exploration, states: "Khumo has many similarities to the prolific greenstone hosted gold in the Abitibi Subprovince of Canada. Furthermore, the belt has been covered with in excess of 22,000 high quality regional till samples, a result of state-run mineral exploration focused on nickel, providing GT with numerous untested gold targets. This is a rare opportunity to accelerate the lead time to discovery in an overlooked greenstone belt. Our strategy is akin to what Kenorland Minerals Ltd.'s has accomplished in Canada." Geology of the Kuhmo Belt The Archean-aged Kuhmo greenstone belt is a 220 km long complex in eastern central Finland (Figures 1 and 2). While historically noted for its nickel, GT Resources has identified the belt as a premier target for orogenic and intrusion-related gold. The belt features a structural setting remarkably similar to Canada's Abitibi Subprovince. The Ronkapera formation sandstones and conglomerates were deposited in basins along major north-south faults 60-90 million years after the main stage of volcanism. These "Temiskaming-type" sediments act as a major vector for gold exploration, marking the deep-seated "Breaks" that served as primary conduits for gold mineralization. Gold Mineralization The Kuhmo Project exhibits the hallmarks of a major orogenic gold system, including belt-scale faults and splays providing fluid conduits and dilation zones, arsenopyrite and quartz-tourmaline alteration, and a diverse mix of prospective lithologies (komatiites, tholeiitic basalts, felsic volcanics, clastic sediments, iron formation and felsic intrusive stocks), (Figure 2, Table 1). Geochemical Vectoring: Why Arsenic is Good In Archean orogenic gold systems, arsenic often proves to be a critical "pathfinder" element. Gold and arsenic are frequently transported by the same hydrothermal fluids. When these fluids precipitate to form mineral deposits, gold is often hosted alongside arsenic-bearing minerals like arsenopyrite. Because arsenic often creates a much larger geochemical halo than gold itself, identifying arsenic anomalies in regional till sampling allows "vectoring" toward the core of a mineralized system. At Kuhmo, the strong correlation between arsenic and major structural faults (Figure 3) providing a clear roadmap for drill testing. Potential also exists at Kuhmo for intrusion-related gold with arsenic-bismuth-tungsten-tellurium-in-till anomalies along the margin of a late felsic intrusive stock (Figure 4). Nickel Mineralization: Historic Mineral Resources Significantly, the belt hosts significant komatiite-associated nickel (Figure 2, Table 1 and 2.), with mineralization remaining open at depth at two known deposits and potential for other discoveries. Table 1: Selected Historical Gold and Nickel Drill Intercepts Hole ID Interval (m) Grade SMS/LEL_1 0.9 11.4 g/t Au R344 1.0 9.0 g/t Au MEN036 4.7 2.3 g/t Au R306 7.0 1.26 % Ni R319 8.0 1.16 % Ni Sources: Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) Open Database. Table 2: Historical Nickel Resource Estimates Deposit Tonnes Grade (Ni) Status Arola 1,500,000 0.46 % Historic Resource1 Sika-Aho 175,000 0.66 % Historic Resource2 Sources: 1. Internal Report, Outokumpu (1998). 2. Heino, T., 1998. HYRYNSALMI, Puistola 1 (kaivosrekisteri No 5657/1) ja Paatola 1 (kaivosrekisteri No 5619/1) nikkeliesiintyman mineraalivarantoarvio. Geological Survey of Finland, Archive report, M19/4421/-98/1/10, 33 pp. Next Steps GT Resources plans to initiate an exploration program to unlock the belt's gold potential: Winter 2026: Re-logging and sampling of historical GTK core (targeting previously un-assayed gold zones). Spring/Summer 2026: Detailed magnetic survey, infill till sampling, and mapping. Fall 2026: Target compilation and drilling preparation. Figure 1. Location Map of the Kuhmo Project and nearby Flagship LK Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/283869_gtresources_fig1.jpg Figure 2. Simplified Geology map of the Kuhmo Project with notable gold and nickel occurrences and deposits. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/283869_gtresources_fig2.jpg Figure 3. GTK Till Sampling program showing gold and arsenic anomalies and their close relationship to major structures. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/283869_d0d45316b416c840_003full.jpg Figure 4. Gold-Arsenic and associated bismuth, tungsten, antimony, zinc and tellurium geochemical trends on the southern block of the Kuhmo Project, centered around a late felsic intrusive stock. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/283869_d0d45316b416c840_004full.jpg Disclaimer - Historical Resource Estimate - Sika-Aho and Arola Deposits Readers are cautioned that the Company has not attempted to verify historic mineral resource estimates and therefore readers should not place any reliance on any historical estimate. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify a historical estimate as a current mineral resource; additionally, a qualified person has not yet determined what work needs to be done to upgrade or verify a historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company is not treating any historical estimates as current mineral resources. The Arola nickel deposit hosts a historic resource estimate of 1,500,000 tonnes grading 0.46% Ni1 The Sika-Aho nickel deposit hosts a historic resource of 175,000 tonnes grading 0.66% Ni using a 0.35% Ni cut-off2 References 11998 Outokumpu historic company report, not a Ni43-101 compliant historic mineral resource estimate. 2Heino, T., 1998. HYRYNSALMI, Puistola 1 (kaivosrekisteri No 5657/1) ja Paatola 1 (kaivosrekisteri No 5619/1) nikkeliesiintyman mineraalivarantoarvio. Geological Survey of Finland, Archive report, M19/4421/-98/1/10, 33 pp. Qualified Person The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About GT Resources GT Resources Inc. (TSXV: GT) (OTCQB: CGTRF) (FSE: 7N1) is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and de-risking of district-scale assets in world-class mining jurisdictions. The Company's strategy is driven by a disciplined, science-based methodology designed to create shareholder value by advancing high-potential properties toward production within robust regulatory frameworks. In Finland, the Company is advancing its flagship Lantinen Koillismaa ("LK") Project, which hosts significant mineral resources including palladium, platinum, gold, copper, and nickel. In Canada, GT maintains a portfolio of earlier-stage, pre-resource projects targeting critical and precious metals. The quality and scale of the Company's project portfolio has attracted strategic investment from Glencore plc, one of the world's largest diversified natural resource companies. Follow GT Resources on LinkedIn, Twitter, and at https://gtresourcesinc.com/ . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Derrick Weyrauch" President & CEO, Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of GT Resources Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in mineral and commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and the impact of governmental entities. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283869 Source: GT Resources Inc. 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! Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (OTCQB: SSPLF) (FSE: QM4) ("Safe Supply" or the "Company") today announced the sale of two NIRLAB SA ("NIRLAB") drug analysis devices to a First Nation community to support local safety, health, and emergency-response initiatives. The deployment of two additional NIRLAB devices expands access to rapid, field-deployable drug identification technology within Indigenous communities, enabling informed decision-making, health and safety efforts, and frontline response capabilities in environments where laboratory access may be limited. The First Nation community has emphasized proactive strategies to enhance public safety and resilience within the community. The NIRLAB devices will provide on-site analytical capabilities to help identify unknown or potentially hazardous substances, supporting local leadership and service providers in risk mitigation and response planning. "This transaction reflects continued demand for deployable drug-analysis solutions in real-world field and community settings," said Geoff Benic, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Supply. "Following our initial NIRLAB sale, we are encouraged to see expanding adoption across Indigenous-led initiatives and remote applications, reinforcing the relevance of field-based analytical tools." NIRLAB devices are designed to provide rapid, non-destructive substance analysis in the field, supporting applications across community safety, emergency response, institutional environments, and public-health initiatives. The Company continues to evaluate additional opportunities for NIRLAB deployments with community organizations, institutional users, and government-aligned stakeholders. "We believe access to rapid, field-deployable analytical technology can play a meaningful role in supporting preparedness and informed decision-making in settings where laboratory resources may be limited," said Raf Souccar, Chairman of the Board of Safe Supply. "Safe Supply remains committed to responsible commercialization and to working with partners who are focused on practical, community-driven approaches to safety and public health." Safe Supply remains focused on disciplined commercialization, responsible technology deployment, and long-term stakeholder engagement. About Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (OTCQB: SSPLF) (FSE: QM4) is a publicly traded company building and backing innovations in healthcare, wellness, and emerging technologies. Through acquisitions, partnerships, and growth capital, the Company assembles a diversified portfolio that leverages data, science, and digital platforms to improve access and outcomes at scale. Operating at the intersection of public health and technology, Safe Supply supports evidence-informed solutions to urgent societal needs. For more information, please visit www.safesupply.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd., The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved its contents. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "plans," "may," "will," "potential," or similar expressions. Such statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated use, impact, and adoption of NIRLAB devices, the Company's expectations with respect to future deployments, stakeholder engagement, and potential commercialization opportunities. Forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, expectations, and opinions as of the date of this news release and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in market conditions, regulatory developments, availability of funding, operational risks, and other risks described in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284120 Source: Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. HIGHLIGHTS Firm commitments received to raise A$8.456 million (before costs) via a single-tranche placement at A$0.18 per share. Placement expected to introduce new Australian sophisticated and institutional investors, enhancing the depth of the Company's share register. Proceeds will enable Austral to accelerate exploration programs in Chile and Argentina and to expand processing capacity at Casposo and Guanaco. Aitken Mount Capital Partners acted as sole Lead Manager and Book Runner to the Placement. Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) ("Austral" or the "Company"), an established gold producer, is pleased to announce that it has received A$8.456 million of firm commitments for a private placement (the "Placement") of new fully paid ordinary shares (the "New Shares") from Australian sophisticated and institutional investors. Aitken Mount Capital Partners acted as sole Lead Manager and Book Runner to the Placement. Austral Gold's Non-Executive Chair, Eduardo Elsztain said: "We are pleased to partner with Aitken Mount Capital Partners on this Placement and the opportunity to introduce new Australian investors to the Company's share register. The funds to be raised are expected to support our ongoing exploration and development programs, further underpinning Austral's strategy across its operational clusters in Chile (Guanaco) and Argentina (Casposo)." Details of the Placement The Placement involves the issuance of 46,977,778 million New Shares at A$0.18 (approximately CDN$0.17) per share (the "Offer Price") to Australian investors. The Offer price represents: a 20% discount to the closing price on ASX on 16 February 2026; a discount of approximately 15% to the 15-day VWAP on ASX up until 16 February 2026; and a discount of approximately 13% to the closing price on the TSXV on Friday, February 13, 2026. The 46,977,778 New Shares will be issued on the Company's Australian securities register under the Company's existing placement capacity pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1A. Settlement of the New Shares is subject to receipt of all corporate and regulatory approvals, including approval from the TSXV Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). Accordingly, the Company intends to submit its application to the TSXV for final acceptance promptly. The New Shares were offered only to Australian based sophisticated and/or professional investors; none were offered or sold to investors in Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction outside of Australia. The New Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. Austral intends to use the Proceeds from the Placement as follows: Accelerate exploration programs in Guanaco and Casposo, focusing on areas near the Company's 100%-owned processing facilities, including the Manantiales Project in Argentina and Juncal Project in Chile; Invest in capital expenditure (capex) to expand processing (milling) capacity at Casposo, including the acquisition and construction of the classification plant to process tailings, and to increase agitation leaching capacity at Guanaco through the addition of a second filter press; and Working capital purposes, including costs of the Offer. At the closing of the Placement, the Company will pay to Aitken Mount Capital Partners a commission equal to 5% plus GST. Indicative Timetable An indicative timetable for the Placement is set out below. This timetable may be subject to change at the Company's discretion, in compliance with applicable laws and the listing rules of the ASX and policies of the TSXV. Key Event Date (Australia) Trading halt lifted and Placement announcement 17 February 2026 Settlement of New Shares 2 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV Allotment of New Shares 3 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV Issuer gives a notice to ASX in accordance with sub-sections 708A(5)(e) and 708A(6) of the Act in respect of the Placement Shares 3 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV Quotation of Placement Shares commences 3 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV About Austral Gold Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets. Under its equity investments pillar, Austral holds shares and options in ASX-listed Unico Silver, as previously disclosed in the September 2025 Quarterly Report. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.australgold.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Release approved on behalf of the Board by the Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva. For additional information please contact: Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections and statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statement in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected completion of the Placement; the anticipated timing of settlement, allotment, and quotation of the New Shares; the Company intention to submit its application to the TSXV for final acceptance promptly; the intended use of proceeds from the Placement; planned exploration and development activities in Chile and Argentina; the expected expansion of processing capacity at Casposo and Guanaco; and the Company's broader operational, financial, and strategic objectives. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves; and other risks and hazards related to the exploitation and development of mineral properties, as well as the availability of capital. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284128 Source: Austral Gold Limited Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Unigold Inc. (TSXV: UGD) (OTC Pink: UGDIF) (FSE: UGB1) ("Unigold" or the "Company") announces that Ms. Juana Barcelo and Mr. Andres Marranzini have joined the Board of Directors of the Company. Ms. Barcelo is an experienced business and legal executive with over 15 years of leadership in mining and corporate affairs across Latin America and the Caribbean. Most recently Ms. Barcelo was the President/Country Manager of Barrick Pueblo Viejo, a joint venture between Newmont and Barrick and one of the top gold mines in the world. Ms. Barcelo supervised the permitting process for the Pueblo Viejo Mine's expansion project in the Dominican Republic. In addition, Ms. Barcelo occupied the role of Executive Director of Government Affairs, Central America and the Caribbean for Barrick Gold Corporation. Juana has been listed twice among the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining. Mr. Marranzini is a lawyer and currently the Chief Executive Officer of Punta Bergantin Development. In this role he is leading one of the most significant tourism and real estate developments in the Caribbean. Early in his career, Andres worked as the Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff for the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources before serving as a Deputy Minister of Youth, Deputy Minister of Labour and finally as the Administrative Deputy Minister to the President. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Marranzini has practiced private law and served as the Executive Director of the National Hotel & Restaurant Association in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Marranzini's focus is on sustainable growth, investment structuring, and strategic public-private partnerships within the Dominican Republic. Joe Hamilton, Chairman of the Board, said, "I would like to welcome Juana and Andres to the Board of Unigold. They bring unique skills and perspectives to the Board that will be required as Unigold moves to bring the Candelones deposits into production. Most importantly, their experience with the environmental and social aspects of development and permitting in the Dominican Republic are unequalled. I look forward to working with both Juana and Andres in the future." Mr. Jose Francisco Arata, Mr. Charles Page and Mr. Normand Tremblay have announced their resignation from the Board of Directors concurrent with these appointments. Management and the Board of Directors of Unigold would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the many years of dedicated service and guidance provided by these directors. They have helped to steer the Company through some of its most challenging moments and have helped position the Company for future success as it moves to develop the Candelones Deposits in the Dominican republic. About Unigold Inc. - Discovering Gold in the Caribbean Unigold is a Canadian based mineral exploration company traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol UGD. The multi-million ounce Candelones gold deposits are within the 100% owned "Neita Sur" concession located in Dajabon province, in the northwest part of the Dominican Republic. The Company delivered a feasibility study for the oxide portion of the Candelones deposit in Q4 of 2022. The 10,902 Ha "Neita Norte" Exploration Concession was awarded to the Company in Q2 2023. In early 2024 Unigold completed an earn-in agreement with Barrick Gold which allows Barrick to earn up to a 60% interest in the Neita Norte concession by spending a minimum of $12 million over an eight year period and delivering a Pre-feasibility Study on an identified deposit. Barrick can earn a further 20% in the Neita Norte concession by electing to sole-fund a feasibility study within the following 4 years. The two concessions together form the largest single exposure of the volcanic rocks of the Cretaceous Tireo Formation. This island arc terrain is host to Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide deposits, Intermediate and High Sulphidation Epithermal Systems and Copper-gold porphyry systems. Unigold has identified over 20 areas within the concession areas that host surface expressions of gold systems. Unigold has been concentrating on the multimillion ounce Candelones mineralization and is moving to bring these deposits into production. Unigold has been active in the Dominican Republic since 2002 and continues to receive strong support from the local communities for its exploration and development activities. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this document, including statements regarding future events and financial trends that may affect our future operating results, financial position and cash flows, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Where applicable, we claim the protection of the safe harbour for forward-looking statements provided by the (United States) Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For more information, please visit https://www.unigoldinc.com/profile/forward-looking-statement. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284091 Source: Unigold Inc. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Real Time Risk Solutions (RTRS), a leading mobile-first risk management platform, today announced the launch of its AI-powered Claims Module, designed to convert static loss-run PDFs and spreadsheets into structured, real-time claims intelligence for brokers, carriers, captives, and PE-backed portfolios. For most organizations, loss runs are still trapped in a 1990s workflow: PDFs arrive in wildly different carrier formats Teams manually re-key data into Excel Analysts spend days rebuilding the same pivot tables every renewal And by the time the story is clear, the window to act has already closed RTRS built the Claims Module to replace that manual "spreadsheet archaeology" with always-on, AI-driven claims intelligence that lives inside the same platform already used for inspections, observations, incidents, training, and corrective actions. "The biggest problem with claims data isn't volume-it's friction. We built the Claims Module to remove that friction by using AI to normalize, summarize, and surface insights the moment data is uploaded. What used to take days of spreadsheets and back-and-forth now takes minutes." - Cory Davis, Founder & CEO, Real Time Risk Solutions From Static Reports to Living Claims Intelligence The RTRS Claims Module ingests loss-run data in any PDF or Excel format, standardizes it, and generates analytics that help risk teams analyze claim trends, causes, and costs. Users can slice and filter claims by policy, line of coverage, cause of loss, geography, business unit, or custom categories for real-time reporting and leverage AI for decision-making. In early deployments, teams are seeing results such as: 70-85% reduction in claims review time AI Claim summaries generated in seconds instead of 10-30 minutes $1,950+ in savings per client/year from time recapture and process efficiency 60-75% less time spent explaining data to executives 1-3% reduction in total incurred claims driven by earlier trend detection and intervention Unlike legacy RMIS systems that require new logins, custom integrations, and long change management cycles, the Claims Module is embedded directly into the existing RTRS platform that many organizations already use for field data capture and risk workflows. Early Client Feedback: Operational Leverage Without Added Headcount Early adopters report that the Claims Module not only accelerates analysis but fundamentally changes how risk teams operate at scale. "The claims platform replaces hours of manual review and analysis, enabling us to absorb growing claim volume without increasing headcount-resulting in meaningful operational savings and faster decision-making. With automated claims ingestion and AI-driven insights, we can manage complex claims data more efficiently, reducing administrative burden and avoiding the need to hire additional personnel as volumes grow." "The system's ability to do so has dynamically increased our internal customer service, engagement and relationship building with our field centers. This helps to build trust, eliminate silos and continues to foster engagement. We are consistently appreciative of RTRS senior staff who routinely make themselves available to us, ensuring consistent tracking and updates for pending tasks, real-time trouble-shooting and system enhancements." - Tanya Molina Associate Vice President of Insurance and Risk Management Complete Care Management Distinctive Value: More Than Just Loss-Run OCR While several solutions in the market focus on extracting data from loss runs, RTRS differentiates itself by: Tying claims to leading indicators Claims data isn't analyzed in isolation. It aggregates loss runs from all insurance lines of business as well as observations, audits, incident reports, and training records-helping teams see how on-the-ground behaviors and conditions translate into actual loss. Embedding into daily workflows The Claims Module sits inside the same mobile-first platform used by safety, operations, and risk teams-not as a separate system that only gets opened at renewal time. Operating inside the client's environment The module is deployed in a secure architecture where claims data stays within the client's environment, with no cross-training of models across customers and no sharing of loss history between tenants. Supporting brokers, carriers, captives, and PE firms with one stack Brokers can white-label the platform, carriers can gain a clearer view of portfolio performance, captives can unify multiple programs, and PE firms can compare portfolio companies in a consistent way. Extending the RTRS Mission The Claims Module extends the RTRS platform, which helps organizations digitize inspections, observations, incident reports, training, and corrective actions-turning field data into live dashboards, heatmaps, and scorecards. By bringing claims into the same real-time ecosystem as operational risk data, RTRS enables organizations to move from reactive reporting to continuous risk intelligence. Availability The RTRS Claims Module is now available to insurance brokers, carriers, captives, and PE firms as an add-on to the RTRS platform, with flexible deployment options for existing and new clients. Organizations interested in learning more or seeing a live demonstration can visit rtrs.co or contact RTRS at info@rtrs.co. About Real Time Risk Solutions (RTRS) Real Time Risk Solutions (RTRS) is a cloud-based, mobile-first risk management platform that helps companies in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and other high-risk industries move from reactive paperwork to proactive risk AI intelligence. By digitizing safety and compliance processes and turning field data into real-time dashboards and analytics, RTRS helps organizations reduce claims, improve audit readiness, and protect workers' lives and well-being. RTRS is trusted by hundreds of organizations across more than 10 industries worldwide. Media Contact: Zackary Beckham Real Time Risk Solutions Email: media@rtrs.co SOURCE: Real Time Risk Solutions View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/real-time-risk-solutions-launches-ai-powered-claims-module-to-tur-1138023 Quarterly revenue of approximately $10.1 million Second straight quarter of over $1.1 million of positive adjusted EBITDA Fort Lauderdale, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (FSE: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the "Company", "Zefiro", or "ZEFI") today announced the Company's consolidated financial results for the fiscal quarter that ended December 31, 2025 ("Second Quarter Fiscal 2026"). Zefiro has released a recording of its Second Fiscal Quarter 2026 Earnings Call in which the Company's management team discusses these results. This recording is live and publicly available on Zefiro's YouTube channel and can be accessed through the following link: https://youtu.be/KfXGasptTZk If no link to the earnings call recording video is visible above, please refer to the version of this press release on Zefiro's website or SEDAR+ where this link will appear. Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results:1 Revenue of approximately $10.1 million, a ~34% increase over the same period last year. Second-highest quarterly revenue in the company's history following last quarter. Operating expenses decreased approximately $1.5 million to $3.1 million in Q2 FY2026, down from $4.6 million in the same quarter last year. Over $1.1 million in adjusted EBITDA in Q2 FY2026, demonstrating solid profitability amid ongoing top-line growth and cost discipline. Incurred approximately $130,000 in one-time legal expenses during the quarter related to the ongoing dispute attributable to prior management. The results over the last six months have significantly changed the trajectory of the company compared to the comparable prior year period: Revenue totaled $22.2 million, an increase of nearly $4.7 million. Gross profit was $8.1 million, an increase of over $4.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.8 million, representing an improvement of almost $6.3 million. Net income was positive at $0.3 million, an increase of approximately $6.4 million. Chief Executive Officer Catherine Flax commented, "The Company's performance over the past six months has been exceptional. We have grown revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to the highest levels in our history while significantly reducing debt to more manageable levels. These results are not coincidental; they are the direct outcome of strong alignment between the Board and Management, coupled with disciplined execution of a clear strategic plan. While this progress is clearly reflected in our financial results, we have also taken meaningful steps to strengthen the foundation of the business and position the Company for sustained, long-term growth." Recent Highlights: The Company completed debt settlement agreements with two creditors, eliminating approximately CAD $0.41 million of liabilities on the books and forgiving CAD $0.10 million of outstanding debt. Zefiro successfully completed a $1.5 million infrastructure project near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has begun a $5 million initiative in Louisiana, marking its expansion into a new state with significant growth potential. The Company worked with three creditors on a $2.48 million promissory note, exercising a total of 10,790,000 common equity warrants issued in connection with the note in May 2025. Seventy-five percent of the exercise proceeds was applied to pay down the outstanding secured loan, while the remaining 25% was equitized, providing the Company with $0.45 million in cash. This free cash flow was then used to pay down additional debt due on March 1, 2026, further strengthening Zefiro's balance sheet and financial position. Looking Ahead: The third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year is projected to be another strong quarter, marking the third consecutive quarter of performance improvement following the leadership change in early June. The Company has several projects in the pipeline and continues to evaluate its options for both organic and inorganic growth to expand and diversify the business. With a disciplined approach to capital allocation and strategic investments, Zefiro is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen its market presence. The primary focus going into the third quarter remains paying down debt and strengthening the balance sheet. The Company has made significant progress in this area and is well-positioned to manage the $0.5 million debt due on March 1, 2026, originally incurred under the prior management team. Ongoing discussions are underway, and the Company plans to pay the note in full at maturity, demonstrating disciplined financial management and a commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet. Second Fiscal Quarter Financial Highlights (in USD): For the three months ended December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Revenue $ 10,046,083 $ 7,481,927 Gross profit $ 3,165,301 $ 582,214 Total operating expenses $ (3,090,124 ) $ (4,557,616 ) Net Income (loss) and Comprehensive (loss) for the period $ (383,922 ) $ (4,248,845 ) Basic and diluted loss per share for the period $ (0.00 ) $ (0.06 ) Weighted average shares outstanding 76,349,225 72,011,363 Net Income (loss) for the period $ (327,283 ) $ (4,456,228 ) Add: Amortization 804,440 983,784 Share-based compensation 126,333 326,684 Maintenance Capex (147,190 ) (40,642 ) Adjusted Net Income2 $ 456,300 $ (3,186,402 ) Balances as of December 31, 2025 June 30, 2025 Cash $ 345,082 $ 52,603 Current assets $ 6,327,754 $ 4,649,923 Total assets $ 21,410,820 $ 20,616,747 Total liabilities $ 19,612,522 $ 19,832,463 Total equity $ 1,798,298 $ 784,284 About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an Environmental Services Company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seeks", "believes", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "anticipates" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Company's intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Company's partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Company's expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Company's intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Company's expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Company's ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Company's ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Company's business and the industry In which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in the Company's Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Non-IFRS Financial Measures Zefiro has included certain performance measures in this press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including: (a) Adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/. ### 1 Please refer to Zefiro's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca/ for full filings containing these financial results. All Figures in U.S. Dollars/USD Unless Otherwise Specified 2 See Non-IFRS Financial Measures To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284076 Source: Zefiro Methane Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Scottie Resources Corp. (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE: SR80) ("Scottie" or the "Company") is pleased to report new assays from its 2025 drilling of various zones within the Blueberry Contact Zone, at the Scottie Gold Mine Project ("Scottie Gold Mine" or the "Project"). The road-accessible Project is located 35 kilometres north of Stewart, BC, and is the subject of a newly released Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") entitled Scottie Gold Mine Project (Bird et al., October 28, 2025, Scottie Gold Mine Project, SEDAR+). Over the past six years, exploration at the Scottie Gold Mine Project has delivered strong results, marked by the discovery of four new high-grade zones - Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, and P-Zone - and the successful expansion of several historically drilled targets including the Scottie Gold Mine, C-Zone, Bend Vein, and Stockwork. The Blueberry Contact Zone, located just 2 km northeast of the Company's 100%-owned, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine in BC's prolific Golden Triangle, has rapidly evolved from a lightly drilled high-grade vein into a cornerstone growth asset. In the recently released PEA, mining is envisioned to commence with a shallow open pit at Blueberry, followed by underground production from both Blueberry and the historic Scottie Gold Mine. Infill and expansion drilling completed in 2025 has further demonstrated the impressive grade profile and strong continuity at Blueberry, reinforcing its importance to the development strategy and highlighting potential to enhance the Project's already robust economics. "The Blueberry Contact Zone continues to exceed our expectations," said Brad Rourke, CEO of Scottie Resources. "Consistent high-grade intercepts and expanding continuity support our view that Blueberry represents a significant value driver within the broader Scottie Gold Mine Project. As we continue to infill and expand the zone, we see meaningful opportunity to enhance scale and unlock additional shareholder value." Table 1: Highlight results from new drill assays (uncut) - Blueberry Contact Zone Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Sub Zone SR25-463 165.00 168.00 3.00 3.09 0.67 BB Vein 293.00 294.00 1.00 4.50 2.00 Fifi SR25-464 5.30 8.00 2.70 25.0 15.6 Fifi 27.00 29.00 2.00 26.5 11.5 Fifi 52.50 58.40 5.90 19.9 43.3 Fifi including 53.90 55.40 1.50 63.8 117.0 Fifi 75.50 76.50 1.00 1.94 7.00 Fifi SR25-465 10.20 11.50 1.30 1.05 0.00 BB Vein 36.00 45.00 9.00 2.98 0.47 BB Vein including 36.00 39.40 3.40 5.90 1.24 BB Vein 205.85 206.85 1.00 5.44 2.00 Fifi 211.25 213.35 2.10 1.46 0.00 Fifi 219.80 233.90 14.10 2.25 52.5 Fifi including 219.80 220.80 1.00 7.22 12.0 Fifi and including 230.60 233.90 3.30 6.09 10.2 Fifi 260.00 261.70 1.70 1.32 7.00 Fifi 319.97 320.40 0.43 61.0 9.00 Lemoffe SR25-466 6.15 8.15 2.00 4.34 12.5 Fifi 22.80 32.00 9.20 4.26 6.46 Fifi 43.00 47.00 4.00 1.25 2.00 Fifi 59.00 60.00 1.00 1.19 5.00 Fifi SR25-467 125.00 126.00 1.00 1.02 3.00 BB Vein 128.00 129.00 1.00 5.00 2.00 BB Vein 138.00 139.00 1.00 1.03 0.00 BB Vein 156.00 157.00 1.00 1.71 5.00 BB Vein 273.50 275.50 2.00 5.37 1.50 Fifi SR25-469 44.65 46.65 2.00 7.12 9.50 Fifi 55.50 58.50 3.00 4.71 6.67 Fifi 79.55 86.55 7.00 16.1 107.0 Fifi including 79.55 80.55 1.00 104.0 35.0 Fifi 93.65 94.65 1.00 1.13 64.0 Fifi 110.00 111.00 1.00 4.14 16.0 Fifi 117.00 118.00 1.00 4.77 20.0 Fifi 129.00 130.00 1.00 3.20 2.00 Lemoffe 138.00 139.00 1.00 1.51 3.00 Lemoffe SR25-470 197.00 201.55 4.55 141.2 28.5 Fifi including 199.55 201.55 2.00 293.0 58.0 Fifi 230.00 231.55 1.55 1.07 5.00 Lemoffe 285.00 286.00 1.00 11.1 8.00 Lemoffe SR25-471 29.35 32.55 3.20 2.46 10.7 Fifi 60.00 61.20 1.20 1.02 2.00 Fifi SR25-472 67.00 68.00 1.00 4.45 4.00 Fifi 142.50 144.30 1.80 2.37 9.00 Lemoffe SR25-473 171.70 178.75 7.05 54.6 4.14 BB Vein including 175.75 177.75 2.00 159.9 8.00 BB Vein including 176.75 177.75 1.00 240.0 9.00 BB Vein 329.25 330.75 1.50 2.28 3.00 Fifi *True width of the intervals has not yet been established by drilling Figure 1: Segmented vertical long section of the Blueberry Contact Zone illustrating the distribution and status of drilled targets from the 2025 season and highlights of reported results thus far, relative to intercepts from previous drilling campaigns. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/284057_654e66cc248dbbdc_002full.jpg Figure 2: Overview plan view map of the Blueberry Contact Zone, illustrating the locations of the reported drill results, cross-sections (Figures 3 - 5), and the distribution of the modelled sulphide-rich cross-structures (red). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/284057_654e66cc248dbbdc_003full.jpg Figure 3: Cross-section displaying Scottie Gold Mine intercepts from drill holes SR25-463, -465 (partial, see Fig 5 for bottom portion of hole), -467, and -473. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/284057_654e66cc248dbbdc_004full.jpg Figure 4: Cross-section displaying Scottie Gold Mine intercepts from drill hole SR25-464, -466, -469, and - 471. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/284057_654e66cc248dbbdc_005full.jpg Figure 5: Cross-section displaying Scottie Gold Mine intercepts from drill hole SR25-470 and the lower portion of SR25-465. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/284057_654e66cc248dbbdc_006full.jpg About the Scottie Gold Mine Project Over the past six years, exploration at the Scottie Gold Mine Project has delivered outstanding results, including the discovery of four new high-grade zones - Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, and P-Zone - and the expansion of multiple historic deposits. A clear spatial relationship between mineralization and the Jurassic-aged Texas Creek Plutonic Suite has emerged, providing a strong geological framework for continued targeting and reinforcing the view that these zones form part of a larger, interconnected gold system. The Blueberry Contact Zone, located 2 km northeast of the 100%-owned, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine in BC's Golden Triangle, has evolved from a high-grade vein showing into a cornerstone development asset. Drilling has defined a north-south mineralized corridor exceeding 1,550 metres in strike length and 525 metres in depth, characterized by sulphide-rich, high-grade gold veins. Blueberry benefits from excellent infrastructure, located along the Granduc Road and within trucking distance of established processing facilities. The Company's recently completed PEA outlines a low-capital DSO operation producing a gold-rich gravel product for direct shipment to Asian smelters. At US$2,600/oz gold, the DSO scenario generates an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8M CAD and a 60.3% IRR, with initial capital cost of $128.6M CAD. The PEA also evaluates a toll milling option through the nearby Premier Mill which further enhances returns, generating an after-tax NPV(5%) of $380.1M CAD and an 89.9% IRR. Importantly, Scottie's 2025 bulk sample demonstrated the project's ability to advance rapidly, progressing from permitting through mining, shipment, and sale in under a year and generating approximately $9M in revenue. This execution reinforces confidence in the simplicity, scalability, and efficiency of the DSO development model. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples taken during the 2025 field season were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. The majority of drill core was NQ in diameter, with select holes of HQ size primarily taken for geomechanical purposes. Prior to sampling drill core was cut in half lengthwise, with half sent for assay and the remaining half kept in Stewart, BC. Standards, blanks, and duplicate samples were taken at intervals and frequencies that meet or exceed industry best practices. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t gold). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry. Dr. Thomas Mumford, P.Geo., non-independent President of the Company, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company. ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP. Scottie Resources holds 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property, which includes the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Georgia Project, host to the past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria, Sulu, and Tide North properties. In total, Scottie controls approximately 58,500 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims within the Stewart Mining Camp in British Columbia's Golden Triangle-one of the world's most prolific mineralized districts. Scottie's current resource estimate on the Scottie Gold Mine Project includes a total of 703,000 gold ounces at an average grade of 6.1 g/t (Inferred category) in 3.6 million tonnes, highlighting the development potential for a significant near-surface, high-grade deposit. The Company's exploration strategy is to continue expanding this resource and to define additional mineralization around past-producing mines through systematic drilling and surface exploration. The Company has recently completed a PEA for the Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA outlines a robust Direct-Ship Ore (DSO) development scenario with strong economics and significant upside through a potential toll-milling option utilizing excess capacity at the nearby Premier mill. The base case DSO project delivers an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8-$668.3 million at gold prices of US$2,600-$4,200/oz, respectively. Under the toll-milling scenario, project economics improve substantially, with an after-tax NPV(5%) of $380.1-$831.7 million (no agreement currently in place). The PEA estimates initial capital costs of $128.6 million, average annual production of ~65,400 oz gold over seven years, and a payback period of 1.7 years for the after-tax DSO case-reduced to just 0.9 years under the toll-milling opportunity at US$2,600/oz. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284057 Source: Scottie Resources Corp. Drilling Focused on High-Priority Targets for Basement-Hosted Uranium Targets Only 30 Kilometers from Key Lake Mine and Mill Complex Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the start of the 2026 drill program on the Nebula project (the "Project") in the southeastern Athabasca Basin (Figure 1). The 2026 Nebula winter program will focus on a series of high-priority target areas identified from recent high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys on the project. The Nebula project is 100% CanAlaska-owned and is located approximately 30 km south of the past-producing Key Lake Mine and currently operating Key Lake Mill (Figure 2). Figure 1 - Drill Setup at Nebula Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/284044_844ee9add45059ef_002full.jpg CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, "Similar to Key Extension, I am very pleased with the start of this drilling program located south of the Key Lake Mine and Mill complex. The Nebula project has not been extensively explored for basement-hosted uranium deposits providing ample opportunity for discovery of significant mineralization. The geological scenario is very reminiscent of the high-grade Eagle Point uranium deposit where I spent five years as Chief Mine Geologist for Cameco. This is a truly exciting opportunity the CanAlaska team believes has been overlooked by past explorers south of Key Lake. There are very few highly conductive 13 kilometre-long target corridors in the eastern Athabasca Basin that have not been drill tested. Nebula represents one of those that has not been drill tested. I look forward to results from drill testing of these high priority targets." Figure 2 - Nebula Project Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/284044_844ee9add45059ef_004full.jpg 2026 Nebula Winter Exploration Program The 2026 winter drill program on the Nebula project will consist of one diamond drill operating to complete an estimated six to eight drillholes. The primary focus for the winter program will be on drill testing a series of high-priority target areas identified from recently completed airborne geophysical surveys on the project (Figure 2). The target areas are located on untested long-linear magnetic low corridors associated with conductivity highs that are interpreted to extend from the Key Lake Mine and Mill complex through the Company's Key Extension and Nebula projects. The magnetic lows with associated conductivity highs are interpreted to represent the graphitic metasedimentary rocks of the lower Wollaston Domain in the highly prospective Wollaston-Mudjatik transition zone. The Wollaston-Mudjatik transition zone is host to several unconformity-associated uranium deposits in the Eastern Athabasca. Drill targets within the graphitic metasedimentary package are focused on areas of interpreted structural complexity, where interpreted bends and breaks in the conductive rocks may create the potential for transport and trap of hydrothermal uranium-bearing mineralizing fluids. The Company has identified two key target areas on the Nebula project for the winter exploration program (Figure 3): Up-Ice of the Karpinka Lake Radioactive Boulder Train: A series of drillholes are planned to test the conductive stratigraphy immediately up-ice of the historically reported radioactive Karpinka Lake boulder train. The Karpinka Lake boulder train contains historical grab samples with uranium grades up to 0.35%. The priority targets for the drill program are positioned immediately up-ice along the interpreted glacial ice direction of the Karpinka Lake boulder train. The Company believes that historical overburden drilling in the Karpinka Lake area has not identified the source for this boulder train. Figure 3 - Nebula Project Winter Drill Targets To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/284044_844ee9add45059ef_006full.jpg Long-Linear Conductive Trend: A series of drillholes are planned to test the long-linear conductive trend that runs the entire length of the Nebula project. This conductive trend is interpreted to represent over 32 kilometres of conductive target stratigraphy that parallels the highly prospective Wollaston-Mudjatik transition zone. The Company is currently focused on a 13 kilometre-long completely untested portion of this conductive corridor because it exhibits a similar geological and geophysical architecture to Cameco's Eagle Point Mine. Along the trend, multiple conductor-parallel fault zones have been interpreted from the high-resolution geophysical data. The interaction between these conductor-parallel and cross-cutting fault zones represents high-priority exploration targets for basement-hosted uranium deposits. Technical Disclosure - Historical Results, Neighbouring Properties, and Grab Samples The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from the Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database (SMAD) as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results collected and reported by past operators unrelated to CanAlaska have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person; however, the historical results form a scientific basis for ongoing work on the subject projects. Any historical rock / boulder samples are selective samples by nature and as such are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted across the property. This news release refers to neighbouring properties in which the Company has no interest. Results, discoveries, or mineralization on proximate land or neighboring properties, whether in stated current resource estimates or historical resource estimates, are not necessarily indicative of results, discoveries, or mineralization on the Company's properties. All reported depths and intervals are drill hole depths and intervals, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska is a leading explorer of uranium in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. With a project generator model, the Company has built a large portfolio of uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska owns numerous uranium properties, totaling approximately 500,000 hectares, with clearly defined targets in the Athabasca Basin covering both basement and unconformity uranium deposit potential. The Company has recently concentrated on the West McArthur high-grade uranium expansion with targets in 2024 and 2025 leading to significant success at Pike Zone. Fully financed for the upcoming 2026 drill season, CanAlaska is focused on uranium deposit discovery and delineation in a safe and secure jurisdiction. The Company has the right team in place with a track record of discovery and projects that are located next to critical mine and mill infrastructure. The Company's head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with a satellite office in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Nathan Bridge, MSc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., who has reviewed and approved its contents. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cory Belyk" Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC CEO, President and Director CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and the Company cautions against placing undue reliance thereon. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements included herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assumes any obligation, to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284044 Source: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - AbraSilver Resource Corp. (TSX: ABRA) (OTCQX: ABBRF) ("AbraSilver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into agreements with multiple arms' length parties to acquire several strategic mining properties in the vicinity of its flagship Diablillos project in Argentina (the "Project"). These acquisitions will significantly expand the Company's exploration pipeline and secure critical infrastructure optionality for future production expansion scenarios. John Miniotis, President and CEO, commented, "These strategic acquisitions represent a proactive step in de-risking and enhancing the long-term value of the Diablillos district. By expanding our land position and securing essential infrastructure rights now, we are providing the Company with the flexibility and optionality required to scale the Project well beyond the base-case parameters of our upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study, including life of mine extension and throughput expansion." The total consideration to be paid is approximately US$4.65 million, consisting of US$3.70 million in total cash payments and approximately US$0.95[1] million in common shares of AbraSilver. In total, these properties add more than 6,200 hectares to the Company's land package around the Diablillos project. Bianca X & El Chanal: Securing Access to Additional Water Resources The Company has acquired the Bianca X mining property and has entered into an option agreement to acquire the El Chanal mining property, each located in San Antonio de los Cobres, Salta Province, Argentina. While the Company's upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) in respect of the Project focuses on a robust production scenario based on secured water rights, these land parcels provide the Company with additional access to water to support potential future expansions at the Project beyond the base-case throughput of 9,000 tonnes per day. Condoryacu & Maria Amalia: Future Exploration Targets The Company has entered into agreements to acquire the Condoryacu project along with the Maria Amalia I concession. Condoryacu is located adjacent to the existing Diablillos land package and is considered a district-scale target with both exploration and potential water resource significance. Historical data and surface sampling at Condoryacu have identified gold and silver mineralization adjacent to Diablillos associated with a hydrothermal breccia system with similarities to the deeper parts of the Oculto system. Mineralization at Condoryacu appears to include a sulphide component, which differs from the predominantly oxide mineralization currently defined at Diablillos and will require additional technical and metallurgical evaluation. In addition, the area is considered prospective for potential water resources, which could provide long-term strategic optionality for future Project expansion scenarios.Under the terms of the option agreement, the Company has made an initial payment and will complete certain technical work programs, prior to making a final decision to exercise the option. The remaining option payment is payable only at the Company's election, subject to completion and internal approval of technical evaluations. Mi Belelo III & Natalia: District Consolidation The Company has further consolidated its regional footprint by acquiring the Mi Belelo III and Natalia properties. These concessions are strategically located to protect the Company's exploration upside and provide additional surface rights for future Project infrastructure. By securing these properties, the Company now controls a more contiguous and expanded land package, ensuring a clear path for large-scale development. Transaction Details The Company has reached the following terms for the acquisitions: Bianca X: Acquired for US$100,000 in cash and the issuance 94,650 common shares of AbraSilver (the "Consideration Shares"). El Chanal: The Company has the option to acquire El Chanal for cash consideration of US$350,000, exercisable by May 7, 2026. Condoryacu: The Company has made an upfront cash payment of US$250,000 and has the option to acquire the Condoryacu project for an additional payment of US$2,500,000, exercisable by March 15, 2026. Maria Amalia I: The Company has the option to acquire the Maria Amalia concession for cash consideration of US$250,000, exercisable by March 15, 2026. Mi Belelo III: The Company has acquired the Mi Belelo III property for cash consideration of US$250,000 Natalia: The Company has acquired the Natalia property for cash consideration of US$250,000 The issuance of the Consideration Shares has been conditionally accepted by the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Consideration Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four-months-and-one-day. Figure 1 - Map Highlighting the Bianca X and El Chanal Properties Located north of the Diablillos Project and adjacent to AbraSilver's existing Alpaca properties. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11792/284020_d96f5c87e4e9ba86_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Map Highlighting the Condoryacu, Maria Amalia I, Mi Belelo III, Natalia Properties Consolidates land position to the south of the Diablillos Project and add new areas to the east. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11792/284020_d96f5c87e4e9ba86_002full.jpg About Diablillos The Diablillos property is located within the Puna region of Argentina, in the southern part of Salta Province along the border with Catamarca Province, approximately 160 km southwest of the city of Salta and 375 km northwest of the city of Catamarca. AbraSilver acquired the property in 2016, which comprises 15 contiguous and overlapping mineral concessions with excellent year-round road access. Exploration to date has outlined multiple occurrences of silver-gold oxide mineralization at Oculto, JAC, Laderas, and Fantasma, located within a 500 m to 1.5 km distance surrounding the Oculto/JAC epicentre. To date, over 150,000 metres have been drilled on the property, which continues to demonstrate the strong growth potential of shallow, oxide-hosted silver and gold resources. In addition, a large porphyry complex is centered approximately 4 km northeast of Oculto which includes outcropping porphyry intrusions within a major zone of alteration and associated gold rich epithermal mineralization. Qualified Persons David O'Connor P.Geo., Chief Geologist for AbraSilver, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. About AbraSilver AbraSilver is an advanced-stage exploration company focused on rapidly advancing its 100%-owned Diablillos silver-gold project in the mining-friendly Salta province of Argentina. The current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource estimate for Diablillos (tank leach-only) consists of 73.1 Mt grading 79 g/t Ag and 0.66 g/t Au, containing approximately 186Moz of silver and 1.6Moz of gold, with significant further upside potential based on recent exploration drilling. The Company is led by an experienced management team and has long-term supportive shareholders. In addition, the Company has an earn-in option and joint venture agreement with Teck on the La Coipita project, located in the San Juan province of Argentina. AbraSilver is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABRA" and in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the symbol "ABBRF." For further information please visit the AbraSilver Resource website at www.abrasilver.com, our LinkedIn page at AbraSilver Resource Corp., and follow us on X at www.x.com/abrasilver Cautionary Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the Company's potential property acquisitions, potential mineralization at the Condoryacu project, the securing of additional surface rights for future Project infrastructure, and the potential life of mine extension and throughput expansion at the Project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release [1] Based on 94,560 shares valued at the closing price of US$10.01 per share on February 13, 2026. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284020 Source: AbraSilver Resource Corp. NCR Atleos Corporation (NYSE: NATL) ("Atleos"), a leader in expanding self-service financial access for financial institutions, retailers and consumers, today announced that UnionPay cardholders can now withdraw cash at thousands of Cashzone ATMs across the UK, timed to coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations. UnionPay is one of the world's largest card schemes with card issuance in 84 countries and regions. Headquartered in Shanghai, it is also the major domestic card network in China. Through this collaboration, NCR Atleos has enabled UnionPay cardholders to access cash conveniently at up to 13,000 Cashzone ATMs, concentrated in high-traffic and tourist locations across the UK. The enhancement comes as Chinese visitors continue to be a vital segment for UK retailers and attractions, with annual spending exceeding 720 million, according to VisitBritain. For UnionPay cardholders, easy cash access in the UK simplifies everyday purchases, tipping and cash-preferred experiences-helping travelers budget confidently and navigate the country with greater convenience. For UK tourist destinations, retailers and restaurants, dependable cash access for UnionPay cardholders supports higher footfall, incremental spend and stronger local commerce in the busiest travel corridors. "Reliable cash access is essential for UnionPay cardholders when traveling to the UK-especially for transactions where cash remains preferred," said James Yang, Executive Vice President of European Region, UnionPay International. "With NCR Atleos enabling withdrawals across the UK's most-visited areas, our cardholders can plan their trips with confidence and convenience." "We're delighted to welcome UnionPay cardholders to the NCR Atleos Cashzone network across the UK," said Neil Martin, Area Managing Director for the UK at NCR Atleos. "This capability-delivered to coincide with Chinese New Year-means visitors can rely on convenient, secure cash access wherever their travels take them, and it's another example of how our network adapts quickly to expand access to cash." The rollout underscores the ability of NCR Atleos to rapidly implement global card schemes across its network, delivering operational excellence and innovative solutions for financial institutions, retailers and consumers-while supporting financial inclusion and tourism-driven local commerce. About UnionPay International UnionPay International (UPI) focuses on the international business of UnionPay, a global payment network. Collaborating with over 2,600 partners globally, UnionPay acceptance now reaches 183 countries and regions. Outside the Chinese Mainland, UnionPay is accepted at nearly 75 million merchants and 1.7 million ATMs. UnionPay International provides high quality, cost effective and secure cross-border payment services to the world's largest cardholder base and ensures convenient local services to a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders and merchants. For more information, visit www.unionpayintl.com. About NCR Atleos NCR Atleos (NYSE: NATL) is the leader in expanding self-service financial access, with industry-leading ATM expertise and experience, unrivaled operational scale including the largest independently-owned ATM network, always-on global services and constant innovation. NCR Atleos improves operational efficiency for financial institutions, drives footfall for retailers and enables digital-first financial self-service experiences for consumers. NCR Atleos is ranked #12 in Newsweek's prestigious 2025 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces list. NCR Atleos is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with approximately 20,000 employees globally. For more information, visit www.ncratleos.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217772115/en/ Contacts: Media contact Scott Sykes NCR Atleos scott.sykes@ncratleos.com EQS-News: African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) / Key word(s): Financing African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens 17.02.2026 / 14:01 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report reveals 270.8 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths; It warns of potential resurgence, as Heads of State and Government urge increased domestic resource mobilisation, call on partners to honour their commitments, and demand a renewed World Bank Malaria Booster Programme ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 17, 2026/APO Group/ -- Against a backdrop of stalled progress, declining international funding, and intensifying threats, African Heads of State and Government today issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia. The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025, presented by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) ( www.ALMA2030.org ), warns that without urgent action, the continent risks losing decades of hard-won gains against the disease. Urgent action required as perfect storm intensifies The 2025 report reveals that African Union Member States accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases (96% of the global total) and 594,119 deaths (97% of the global total) in 2024. Progress has stalled since 2015, and only five Member States have achieved the 2025 Catalytic Framework targets for reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75%. These targets are part of the AU Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030. The report warns that a 30% reduction in funding will result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, 397,000 additional deaths (75% among children under five), and a loss of $37 billion in GDP by 2030. Without urgent action, the report warns that malaria could resurge significantly, with cases potentially exceeding 400 million per year and deaths surpassing one million annually. "The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has declined by 70% in just four years, and the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund fell significantly short of its $18 billion target. We cannot allow these challenges to reverse decades of progress that have prevented 1.64 billion cases and saved 12.4 million lives since 2000." ~ President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Republic of Botswana, Chair of ALMA A new era of financing as Africa takes the lead In response to the funding crisis, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, innovative financing and the development of national health financing sustainability plans. The report highlights that End Malaria Councils and Funds in 12 countries have now mobilised over $200 million through public-private partnerships, demonstrating the power of multisectoral collaboration. Establishing public-private partnerships is essential for delivering sustainable financing. These partnerships can unlock new investments, propelling progress not only toward malaria elimination but also toward universal health coverage. A whole-of-society approach, engaging the private sector, philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals and the diaspora through a public private health accelerator, will reinforce domestic commitments and deliver a win-win partnership. Countries across the continent are stepping up with increased domestic financing commitments for malaria in 2025. Leaders called on global partners to honour their commitments, renew the World Bank's Malaria Booster Programme, and align support with national strategies. The original World Bank Malaria Booster Programme (2005-2010) committed over $1 billion with transformative results. Today, African leaders are urging a renewed programme to close funding gaps, deploy next-generation tools, strengthen community health worker programmes, and build climate-resilient health systems. Investing in malaria in this way will also strengthen primary health care, making our health systems more resilient to shock and put us on a path to defeating other health challenges such as neglected tropical diseases. "Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research and is home to the Ifakara Health Institute, where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies, including gene drive-an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge." ~ H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania New, powerful next-generation tools gaining ground Despite the challenges, the report highlights significant progress in deploying innovative tools. In 2025, 74% of insecticide-treated nets distributed across Africa were next-generation dual active-ingredient nets, up from just 20% in 2023. These nets are 45% more effective than pyrethroid-only nets against resistant mosquitoes. Twenty-four countries have now introduced WHO-approved malaria vaccines for children under five, with 28.3 million doses distributed in 2025, up from 10.5 million in 2024. Additionally, WHO prequalified two spatial repellent products in 2025, marking the first new vector control intervention introduced in decades. A record 22 countries planned to implement seasonal malaria chemoprevention in 2025. The malaria innovation pipeline remains stronger than ever. Promoting health sovereignty through local manufacturing Leaders emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to ensure affordability, access, and supply chain resilience. Currently, Africa imports 99% of vaccines and 95% of medicines. The report highlights that Nigeria has entered into partnerships for local production of antimalarial treatments and rapid diagnostic tests, and is working to establish the first Africa-manufactured next-generation nets. The African Medicines Agency, with 31 countries now ratified, and Regional Economic Communities are harmonising regulatory frameworks to accelerate the registration of new commodities across the continent. "Full deployment of existing and new tools, combined with full funding, could save over 13.2 million lives over the next 15 years and boost African economies by over $140 billion. Every dollar invested in the Global Fund delivers $19 in returns. We have the tools. We need the resources." ~ Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO, RBM Partnership to End Malaria What must be done The Heads of State and Government issued a clear call to action, urging all Member States to treat malaria as a central pillar of health sovereignty and economic transformation, protect and increase domestic and external funding, and fully implement the priorities of the Catalytic Framework through a Big Push Against Malaria. Leaders called on international partners to fulfil commitments, align support with national strategies, and invest in the tools and systems that will secure a malaria-free future. They emphasised that the path ahead is challenging. Nevertheless, with determined leadership, the smart use of data, and sustained investment, Africa can bend the curve towards elimination and ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of malaria. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/4tGjqfi (President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Chair of ALMA, speaks at the High-Level Press Conference on Sustainable Malaria Financing, at the 39th AU Summit) Download Video: https://apo-opa.co/4aQyAqZ (President Adovcate Duma Gideon Boko calls for collective will among his fellow heads of state and multiple sectoral ministers to join hands to finance and support the fight against malaria at scale) Notes to Editors: The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025 is available for download at: www.AU.int and www.ALMA2030.org Media Inquiries: African Leaders Malaria Alliance: Thomas Davies TDavies@alma2030.org www.ALMA2030.org African Union Commission: Molalet Tsedeke MolaletT@africa-union.org www.AU.int African Media Agency: Leslie-Shamilda Segui shamilda@africanmediaagency.com https://apo-opa.co/3MMUB0E About the Africa Malaria Progress Report: The Africa Malaria Progress Report is an annual publication prepared by the African Union Commission, African Leaders Malaria Alliance and RBM Partnership to End Malaria. It tracks progress against the AU Catalytic Framework targets, highlights challenges and threats to malaria elimination, and documents Member State actions to accelerate progress. The report is presented annually to Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit. About ALMA: Founded in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) is a ground-breaking coalition of African Heads of State and Government working across country and regional borders to achieve a malaria-free Africa by 2030. www.ALMA2030.org -- Highly selective SIK2 inhibitors demonstrate dual mechanism of suppressing inflammation and promoting mucosal healing in preclinical models and human ex vivo systems -- Nimbus Therapeutics, LLC ("Nimbus Therapeutics" or "Nimbus"), a drug discovery company developing breakthrough medicines through AI-enhanced computational chemistry, today announced that it will present preclinical and translational data from its novel salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) inhibitor program in poster presentations at the 21st Congress of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), taking place February 18-21, 2026, in Stockholm, Sweden. Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) comprise three closely related isoforms (SIK1, SIK2, and SIK3) that function as downstream signaling nodes integrating pathogen- and damage-associated cues. Among these isoforms, SIK2 is a key regulator in myeloid cells that amplifies pro-inflammatory gene expression. Studies have shown that selective inhibition of SIK2 reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and uniquely upregulates tissue repair factors such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), an effect not observed with SIK1 or SIK3 inhibition. Nimbus' therapeutic approach to selectively targeting SIK2 is positioned to avoid potential toxicities associated with inhibition of other SIK isoforms, including cardiovascular effects linked to SIK1 inhibition and bone defects observed with SIK3 loss-of-function. Using structure-based drug design, the company has developed highly selective SIK2 inhibitors with greater than 300-fold selectivity over SIK1 and SIK3. Details of the ECCO Congress presentations are as follows: Abstract Title: Selective SIK2 Inhibition Suppresses Intestinal Inflammation and Promotes Mucosal Healing in Models of Colitis Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Time: 12:40 p.m. 1:40 p.m. CET Poster Number: P0115 Session Location: Poster Exhibition, Hall A Presenter: Yanbo Zhang, Ph.D. Abstract Title: SIK2 Selective Inhibitors Demonstrate Dual Anti-inflammatory and Mucosal Repair Profiles in Human ex vivo Models of Ulcerative Colitis Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Time: 12:40 p.m. 1:40 p.m. CET Poster Number: P0156 Session Location: Poster Exhibition, Hall A Presenter: Scott Daigle "This body of data validates that highly selective SIK2 inhibition achieves robust efficacy across preclinical and human ex vivo models through a dual mechanism of suppressing inflammation and promoting mucosal healing," said Peter Tummino, Ph.D., President of Research and Development at Nimbus. "The data support selective SIK2 inhibition as a differentiated oral therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases, with a potentially improved safety profile compared to therapies that target broader SIK inhibition. We look forward to advancing our novel SIK2 program toward first-in-human studies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in the months ahead." Abstracts are currently available in an online supplement to the Journal of Crohn's and Colitis here. The posters will be available on the Nimbus website here following the conference. About Nimbus Therapeutics Nimbus Therapeutics is a structure-based drug discovery company developing breakthrough small molecule medicines through AI-enhanced computational chemistry. Nimbus pursues well-validated but difficult-to-drug targets with high potential to transform patients' lives. The company advances promising research based on a unique strategy that combines leading-edge computational technologies with a tailored array of machine learning-based predictive modeling approaches. Nimbus' pipeline includes NDI-219216, a Werner syndrome helicase (WRN) inhibitor in Phase 1/2 clinical development for microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) tumors, a salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) inhibitor program advancing toward first-in-human studies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and multiple preclinical programs in oncology, immunology, and metabolic diseases. The company is headquartered in Boston, Mass. To learn more about Nimbus, please visit www.nimbustx.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217678330/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Cindy Fung, Ph.D. Nimbus Therapeutics cindy.fung@nimbustx.com The acquisition combines institutional AI and alternative data processing to deliver the industry's first fully integrated wealth intelligence solution. NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BridgeWise, the global leader in AI for wealth, today announced the acquisition of Chicago-based Context Analytics, the top AI-powered alternative data processing company, used by tier-one financial firms including S&P Global Market Intelligence. By merging BridgeWise's institutional-grade investment intelligence platform - already embedded in financial institutions across Asia, Europe, and South America - with Context Analytics' expertise in unstructured financial data processing, the consolidated company now provides a level of asset analysis completeness that stands alone in the industry, setting the stage for the next evolution of AI for financial services. The combined offering delivers a complete solution, from data processing to analytics and engagement, in a single integrated system, establishing the world's first vertically integrated, wealth-native intelligence infrastructure. The New Benchmark in AI for Wealth BridgeWise has long set the standard for compliant, multilingual AI recommendations and analysis across more than 70,000 global assets. By integrating Context Analytics, which uses proprietary technology to transform news, social media, and thousands of pages of complex filings into numeric, machine-readable data and timely sentiment scores, BridgeWise is now uniquely capable of decoding the full spectrum of market information, providing a holistic solution for banks, brokers, investment managers, and financial service providers in the capital markets. Financial institutions have increasingly questioned the use of general-purpose AI models in high-stakes investment decision-making, particularly where explainability, auditability, and oversight are required. While generalist, off-the-shelf LLMs have introduced AI to the mainstream, they lack the domain-specific rigor and governance required for highly regulated environments. BridgeWise provides the only AI-native, fully transparent alternative for a complex, regulated industry that cannot rely on generic models. "Our vision has always been to provide the most robust financial intelligence on the planet," said Gaby Diamant, CEO of BridgeWise. "By joining forces with Context Analytics, we have created an end-to-end powerhouse for the global financial ecosystem. This partnership allows us to unify the entire intelligence journey, from the proprietary NLP that decodes the world's raw text and data sources to the end-users' most concrete intelligence needs, maintaining a compliant, explainable flow of AI analysis. This represents a fundamental evolution in how every financial institution is leveraging intelligence in its day-to-day client services. By merging these capabilities, we are unlocking a new standard of comprehensive, data-backed, compliant intelligence that allows every investor to see the market with total explainability." "Joining BridgeWise allows us to realize the full potential of what we've built over the last 13 years," said Joe Gits, CEO of Context Analytics. "By combining our ability to decode the world's unstructured financial text and sentiment with BridgeWise's institutional AI, we are creating a vertically integrated engine that finally bridges the gap between raw information and intelligent action." Looking Forward: Unlocking the Future of Personalized Finance The comprehensive intelligence enabled by BridgeWise's and Context Analytics' joint technology serves as a catalyst for launching pAI, BridgeWise's groundbreaking AI wealth agent, which builds, reviews, and optimizes individual portfolios in a fully personalized, explanatory, and conversational manner. By feeding Context Analytics' high-fidelity data directly into pAI's orchestration engine, BridgeWise is transforming how financial institutions deliver personalized wealth-building journeys at scale. pAI empowers financial institutions to replace static investment paths with adaptive, wealth-native AI journeys. By leveraging this vertical-specific intelligence, banks, brokers, and trading platforms can deliver high-touch, agile wealth-building experiences to millions of users simultaneously, offering real-time onboarding and portfolios that adjust automatically as markets and investor needs evolve. While institutions benefit from a scalable solution that doesn't drain resources, their clients receive a truly individualized experience. The acquisition of Context Analytics solidifies BridgeWise as the only partner capable of delivering a 360-degree view of the market through a single, compliant infrastructure, setting the pace for how the world's leading financial institutions interact with data, technology, and their customers. About BridgeWise BridgeWise is the global leader in AI for wealth, transforming how investors and institutions access and act on financial insights. Using regulatory-compliant, transparent AI to power equity and fund analysis, multilingual tools, and even AI chat for investments, BridgeWise provides trusted investment intelligence to over 50 institutional clients and 25 million end users across more than 15 languages. With offices in Japan, Singapore, the US, London, Brazil, Thailand, Israel, and Dubai, BridgeWise partners with leading global institutions including Japan Exchange Group, SIX, B3, eToro, TASE, and Rakuten Securities. About Context Analytics Context Analytics is an AI-driven analytics company that transforms unstructured data into actionable market intelligence for financial professionals. Using advanced natural language processing and proprietary models, the platform delivers real-time and historical insights from sources such as news, filings, and social media. Context Analytics helps investors, traders, and institutions uncover sentiment, identify signals, manage risk, and generate predictive alpha, while maintaining transparency, scalability, and compliance across global markets. Media Contact Jensen Matthews PR Loredana Matei contact@jensenmatthews.com +971 585850304 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2890880/BridgeWise_Context_Analytics.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/financial-ai-leaders-join-forces-bridgewise-acquires-us-based-context-analytics-to-pioneer-end-to-end-wealth-native-intelligence-302689359.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - NINE MILE METALS LTD. (CSE: NINE) (OTC Pink: VMSXF) (FSE: KQ9) (the "Company" or "Nine Mile") is pleased to announce it has received certified assays for drill hole WD-25-02 at the Wedge Mine situated in the renowned Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick (BMC). WD-25-02 HIGHLIGHTS: DDH WD-25-02 was collared on the same drill pad as WD-25-01 and drilled at an azimuth of 310 degrees and a dip of -50 degrees to a depth of 203 meters to expand on the mineralization intersected in drill hole WD-25-01. was collared on the same drill pad as WD-25-01 and drilled at an azimuth of 310 degrees and a dip of -50 degrees to a depth of 203 meters to expand on the mineralization intersected in drill hole WD-25-01. Collared in the hanging wall sediments, the drill hole intersected 32.10 meters of Cu bearing mineralization within a sediment / volcanic package that includes 3 distinct VMS (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au) horizons between 138.72 and 170.82 m ., (Table 1). (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au) horizons between ., (Table 1). In addition to copper bearing sulphides, the 3 Horizons are further characterized by elevated Ag and Au, with assays up to 70 g/t Ag and 1.19 g/t Au respectively. Horizon 1 mineralization consists of Cu bearing pyritic VMS and has a true width of 2.5 meters (138.72 - 141.22 m.) occurring at a brecciated contact between sheared graphitic argillite and massive VMS, assaying 3.09% Cu, 1.02% Pb, 4.88% Zn, 61.57 g/t Ag, and 1.01 g/t Au. mineralization consists of Cu bearing pyritic VMS and has a true width of 2.5 meters (138.72 - 141.22 m.) occurring at a brecciated contact between sheared graphitic argillite and massive VMS, assaying Horizon 2 is defined by a sequence of weakly mineralized (Py, Cpy) and massive copper bearing sulphides (VMS- Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au) between 150.30 and 165.32 m., a true width of 15.02 meters, assaying 2.14% Cu, 0.52% Pb, 1.00 % Zn, 11 g/t Ag, and 0.40 g/t Au. is defined by a sequence of weakly mineralized (Py, Cpy) and massive copper bearing sulphides (VMS- Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au) between 150.30 and 165.32 m., a true width of 15.02 meters, assaying 2.14% Cu, 0.52% Pb, 1.00 % Zn, 11 g/t Ag, and 0.40 g/t Au. Included in Horizon 2 is 6.02 meter (true width) of massive VMS mineralization between 159.30 - 165.32 m. assaying 4.63% Cu, 0.27% Pb, 0.79% Zn, 12.50 g/t Ag, and 0.42 g/t Au. Within this interval, sample 338291 was the highest Cu assay in the drill hole, returning 6.52% over 1 meter between 161.30 - 162.30 meters (Figure 5), further confirming the presence of exceptional grade potential at the Wedge. Within this interval, sample 338291 was the highest Cu assay in the drill hole, returning over 1 meter between 161.30 - 162.30 meters (Figure 5), further confirming the presence of exceptional grade potential at the Wedge. Horizon 3 is a 2.82-meter intercept (true width) of massive VMS (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Au) assaying 2.91% Cu, 0.96% Pb, 7.13% Zn, 36.65 g/t Ag, and 0.72 g/t Au. TABLE 1: Assay Summary (Weighted Averages) From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu % Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Cu Eq Overall Mineralization 138.72 170.82 32.10 1.53 0.47 1.81 14.09 0.35 2.78 Horizon 1 138.72 141.22 2.50 3.09 1.02 4.88 61.57 1.01 6.95 Horizon 2 150.30 165.32 15.02 2.14 0.52 1.00 11.00 0.40 3.19 Includes 159.30 170.82 11.52 3.20 0.48 2.48 17.00 0.43 4.78 159.30 165.32 6.02 4.63 0.27 0.79 12.50 0.42 5.64 Horizon 3 168.00 170.82 2.82 2.91 0.96 7.13 36.65 0.72 6.49 FIGURE 1: Cross Section, Drill Hole WD-25-02. Geology and Mineralization To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/284114_d83bbca574cdc86b_002full.jpg FIGURE 2: Cross Section, Drill Hole WD-25-02 Highlighting Cu, Zn Assay Results and Geology. (Zoomed) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/284114_d83bbca574cdc86b_003full.jpg Mike Dufresne, Technical Team & President of Apex Geoscience, stated, "Well it is quite thrilling to see the increase in Cu grades to the West in the VMS and mostly coincident with increase gold and roughly approximating the Conductive Plate Modelling. The Copper and Gold is well associated." FIGURE 3: DDH-WD-25-02 VMS Mineralization (153.80 - 172.45 m.) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/284114_d83bbca574cdc86b_004full.jpg Horizon 1: Horizon 1 mineralization occurs at a graphitic argillite, massive pyritic VMS contact. The mineralization is fine grained with some visible chalcopyrite and minor galena (Pb) and sphalerite (Zn). The sheared graphitic contact is a marker horizon with the same style of VMS mineralization also occurring in drill holes WD-25-01, WD-25-2B, WD-W5-04 and WD-25-05. TABLE 2: Horizon 1 Certified Assays, (138.72 - 141.22 meters) Sample From To Width Ag Au Cu Pb Zn Cu Eq # (m.) (m.) (m.) g/t g/t % % % % 338267 138.72 139.18 0.46 22 0.52 0.769 0.414 2.10 2.45 338268 139.18 140.18 1.00 71 1.06 4.22 1.150 3.58 8.01 338269 140.18 141.22 1.04 70 1.19 3.02 1.175 7.36 7.94 "We are quite pleased by the results from WD-25-02. Not only do the assays confirm the presence of copper at depth, but the multi-element nature of the VMS mineralization is best reflected in the copper equivalent calculations where the presence of Ag, Au and Zn significantly changes the rock value. We will report on the assays from drill hole WD-25-01 as soon as the lab completes analysis of elements that were over limit. With the assays arriving and compilation - modeling underway, permitting of additional drill holes in the west will allow us to expand on the success of this program. Down hole geophysics (BHEM) is planned for the 2 holes collared in the northwest and select drill holes in the south to target additional mineralization along strike and at depth as these deposits typically have multiple, mineralized lenses that can pinch and swell," commented Gary Lohman, P.Geo., VP Exploration & Director. FIGURE 4: Chalcopyrite and Covellite, (140.45m.) - Horizon 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/284114_d83bbca574cdc86b_005full.jpg Horizon 2: The first appearance of copper mineralization in Zone 2 occurs at 150.30 - 154.40 meters with local chalcopyrite noted within a sedimentary sequence. A contact zone followed by a small void between 155.00 - 158.00 meters where VMS mineralization is present on both the upper and lower sides, the latter consisting of 95% sulphides. Visible semi massive to massive chalcopyrite is seen throughout the sequence (Figure 5 below). FIGURE 5: Semi Massive Chalcopyrite, Sample 338291 (6.52% Cu) - Horizon 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7335/284114_d83bbca574cdc86b_006full.jpg TABLE 3: Horizon 2 Certified Assays, (150.30 - 165.32 meters) Sample From To Width Ag Au Cu Pb Zn Cu Eq # (m.) (m.) (m.) g/t g/t % % % % 338280 150.30 150.90 0.60 7 0.227 0.250 0.318 0.607 0.88 338281 150.90 151.90 1.00 11 0.423 0.292 0.776 1.22 1.46 338282 151.90 152.90 1.00 16 0.532 0.440 0.633 1.15 1.80 338283 152.90 153.90 1.00 3 0.058 0.047 0.175 0.504 0.05 338284 153.90 154.40 0.50 4 0.064 0.020 0.538 0.436 0.37 338285 154.40 155.00 0.60 27 0.600 0.523 2.730 3.83 3.18 338286 155.00 158.00 3.00 10 0.558 0.823 0.674 0.98 2.11 338287 158.00 158.30 0.30 7 0.416 0.911 0.152 0.343 1.68 338288 158.30 159.30 1.00 5 0.107 0.200 0.366 1.37 0.84 338289 159.30 160.30 1.00 16 0.340 4.50 0.642 0.50 5.46 338290 160.30 161.30 1.00 9 0.363 5.92 0.074 0.294 6.63 338291 161.30 162.30 1.00 16 0.453 6.52 0.254 1.025 7.69 338292 162.30 163.30 1.00 16 0.394 4.42 0.456 0.579 5.44 338293 163.30 164.30 1.00 8 0.446 3.22 0.085 0.242 4.01 338294 164.30 165.32 1.02 10 0.523 3.25 0.135 2.10 4.65 Horizon 3: Immediately below Zone 2, a third, massive pyritic VMS lens was intersected consisting of 95% sulphides including visible pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena. The multi-element nature of the mineralization is reflected in the assays in Table 4. TABLE 4: Horizon 3 Certified Assays, (168.00 - 170.82 meters) Sample From To Width Ag Au Cu Pb Zn Cu Eq # (m.) (m.) (m.) g/t g/t % % % % 338299 168.00 169.00 1.00 25 0.694 2.64 0.446 9.10 6.39 338300 169.00 170.00 1.00 39 0.763 3.07 0.664 6.15 6.45 338301 170.00 170.82 0.82 48 0.704 3.03 1.945 5.92 6.64 Patrick J. Cruickshank, MBA, CEO & Director, stated, "DDH WD-25-02 certified assays are just outstanding. The multi element nature is terrific. High Copper, Silver, Gold & Zinc results add to the success of this hole. The confirmation of 3 distinct geological zones is proven across many of the Drillholes in this campaign, as our summaries have stated. Now fully funded and with strong capitalization, we are already confirming the next stage of drilling with the objective to test this high-grade Copper Multi Element series of horizons at depth and from the other side of the shear zone. As each VMS deposit in the BMC camp has multiple mineralized lenses constituting the deposit, planned BHEM surveying will assist in targeting these and what lies below and to the West. All 7 holes were capped so we have the flexibility to re-enter and conduct our BHEM Surveys in the best possible locations, including the lower southwest area. Upon receiving the BHEM results, our next phase of drilling will not have permit restrictions or winter challenges with access roads to exactly where we want to setup our drill pads. Our technical Team lead by Mike Dufresne & Gary Lohman have secured our BHEM Survey Vendor and will decide which Hole in the Southwest to choose as a BHEM Survey hole, along with the 2 Holes in the upper Northwest area. The CuEq over this width is very strong and supports the next stage for this exploration model." The disclosure of technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and reviewed and approved by Gary Lohman, B.Sc., PGEO., VP Exploration and Director who acts as the Company's Qualified Person, and is not independent of the Company. Copper Equivalent (Cu-Eq) for the drill hole samples is calculated based on February 13, 2026, pricing: US$ 5.85/lb Cu, US$ 0.87/lb Pb, US$ 1.50/lb Zn, US$ 77.32/oz Ag, and US$ 5041.00/oz Au, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals. Since it is unclear which metals will be the principal products, assuming different recoveries is premature at this stage. Therefore, an 80% recovery rate is justified. About Nine Mile Metals Ltd.: Nine Mile Metals Ltd. is a Canadian public mineral exploration Company focused on VMS (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag and Au) exploration in the renowned Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC), located in New Brunswick, Canada. The Company's primary business objective is to explore its four VMS Projects: Nine Mile Brook VMS Project, California Lake VMS Project, the Canoe Landing Lake (East - West) VMS Project, and the Wedge VMS Project. The Company is focused on Critical Minerals Exploration, positioning itself for the boom in EV and green technologies requiring Copper, Silver, Lead and Zinc with a hedge on Gold. ON BEHALF OF NINE MILE METALS LTD. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Nine Mile. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Nine Mile. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "will," "may," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "could" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. . Forward-looking statements in this press release include that (a) we will announce complete Certified assay results once received from ALS, (b) this system once again has high combined (Pb-Zn) XRF assay results and is expected to continue throughout this area, (c) we expect the Ag & Au values from the Certified Assay results currently being processed at ALS Global Canada Laboratories to deliver high Silver & Gold values, (d) both drill holes demonstrate that the mineralized zone is open in both directions along strike and depth, and (e) the team is looking forward to modeling the geology and assays prior to initiating the 2023 program. . Although Nine Mile believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Nine Mile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release. The Canadian Venture Building, 82 Richmond St E., Toronto, Ontario Canada M5C 1P1 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284114 Source: Nine Mile Metals Ltd. Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Bullion Gold Resources Corp. (TSXV: BGD) ("Bullion Gold" or the "Company") and it's partner Olympio Metals are pleased to announce that the fourth hole (BO-26-63) of the follow up program at Paquin has intersected multiple occurrences of visible gold, within a 6.25m interval of up to 80% black quartz veining and up to 5% sulphides from 182.75m. Preliminary logging of the core identified multiple grains of visible gold throughout the core in the 6.25m interval with a selection of occurrences shown in Figure 1 and the complete core box shown in Figure 2. The fourth drill hole in the follow up program at Paquin has intersected multiple zones of smoky black quartz veining and significant sulphides throughout the drill hole. The geology team will continue to log and process the drilling at Paquin and incorporate these significant intercepts of mineralisation into the geological model (see in link Figures 1 to 5). Highlights Multiple visible gold occurrences have been observed in the fourth drill hole of the current drill program at the Paquin gold prospect of the Bousquet Gold Project The visible gold in hole BO-26-63 occurs within a 6.25m zone (182.75 - 189.00m) of dark quartz veining with associated sulphides and strong carbonate-chlorite alteration Further zones of quartz veining, sulphides and alteration have been logged in BO-26-63 (see Table 2) The current drill program is following up the significant intercepts from the 2025 drilling such as: 6.40m @ 6.54 g/t Au from 183.0m (BO-25-27)7.90m @ 6.20 g/t Au from 138.0m (BO-25-28) 1.50m @ 54.20 g/t Au from 235.5m (BO-25-28) The Bousquet Project is located in Quebec, Canada, on the Cadillac Break, a regional structure associated with world-class gold mineralization. Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. Assays are due for release in March 2026. Link to Figure 1 Link to Figure 2 Olympio's Managing Director, Sean Delaney, commented: "We are delighted to see significant visible gold in the fourth hole of our follow up program at Paquin. Hole BO-26-63 has confirmed the potential of the main lode at Paquin. The drill program is ongoing and will keep the market updated as the program progresses. "The geology team will continue to process and log the core, ensuring that BO-26-63 is prioritised for analysis at the lab." Bullion's CEO, Guy Morissette, commented: "A second phase of drilling is off to a great start. We are very pleased to see such a significant gold presence in this area. This confirms the gold potential of the Bousquet project. Our partner Olympio is doing excellent work, and we remain optimistic about the immediate future of this project." Link to Figure 3 Olympio has the option to acquire an 80% interest in the Bousquet Project in Quebec from Bullion Gold Resources for total payment of C$1.25M (cash and shares) and an exploration investment of C$2M. Olympio has made payments of C$0.30M (cash and shares) to date and completed exploration spend of nearly C$1.0M. Bullion will retain a 20% undivided interest (net carried interest) in this project. Link to Figure 4 Link to Figure 5 Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Laverdiere, P.Geo. Mr. Laverdiere is a geologist and Chairman of the Board of Bullion Gold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 respecting Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). About Bullion Gold Resources Bullion Gold Resources is a junior exploration company primarily working in Quebec, specifically in the Abitibi and James Bay mining regions. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Bousquet (Au), Cadillac-Extension (Langlade Prospect - VMS), and Bodo (Polymetallic) projects. The Bousquet project is optioned to the Australian company Olympio Metals (Oly), which can acquire up to 80% of the gold project in exchange for $1.25M in cash and shares and $2M in exploration work. Bullion would then retain a 20% undivided interest (net carried interest). The Langlade project (72 claims - 4,127 Ha) is a VMS project under development, ready to be drilled. The Bodo project (761 claims - 410 km) is an early-stage exploration project. Anomalous and indicative occurrences of critical and strategic minerals (Au, Ag, Cu, Zn, Li, Pb, Co, Mn) have been noted throughout this project. The main prospects, which are Rivon Lake, Canico, Lice, Tichegami, and Didi, offer polymetallic, VMS, and IOCG potential. Other Information The TSX Venture Exchange and its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts no responsibility for the veracity or accuracy of its content. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Corporation. Although Bullion Gold believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Bullion Gold can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. In addition to other risks that may affect the forward-looking statements in this press release are those set out in the Corporation's management discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, which are available on the Corporation's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Bullion Gold undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. References : I ASX Release OLY, Further High-Grade Gold Intersections at Bousquet, 04th August 2025 ii Poulsen, K., 2017 The Larder Lake-Cadillac Break and Its Gold Districts, Economic Geology, v. 19, pp. 133-167 iii NI 43-101 Technical Report, La Ronde Complex, Quebec, Canada, 24 March 2023 iv Iamgold Corporation, Table 3: Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, 31 December 2023, retrieved from https://s202.q4cdn.com/468687163/files/doc_news/2024/02/iag-2024-mrmr-estimate.pdf Table 1: Collar location Drill hole Easting (NUTM17) Northing (NUTM17) Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth m m m degrees degrees m BO-26-63 676560.2 5343688 320 330 -56 250 Table 2: Drill log of BO-26-63 Major lithologies FROM TO CODE Descriptions Mineralisation 10.80 163.50 S3 Wacke, grey to greenish, massive, locally ell bedded, fine grained. Moderate carbonatised with local chlorite overprint but preserving the clastic texture. Asp-Py 163.50 220.00 S3,Fld Wacke, grey to greenish, medium grain poorly bedded. Affected by folding, marked by a spaced cleavage. Faulted at the upper contact. Pervasive carbonatisation with chlorite. 5-10% late-tectonic quartz veining with minor carbonate. Asp-Py-Po 220.00 249.00 S3 Wacke, grey to greenish, medium grain poorly bedded. Pervasive carbonatisation with chlorite and minor sericite concentrated in a cleavage sub-parallel to the main foliation. 5% syn to late quartz-carbonate veining with Po stringers. Po Minor lithologies FROM TO CODE Descriptions Mineralisation 38 46.5 VnQz,15% 10-20% dark quartz veinlets and veins, unoriented, chloritised host rock, 3% Asp-Py 3% Asp-Py 97.65 98.9 VnQz,25% 25% dark gray quartz veins late-tectonic with varied orientations. Hosted in chlorite-sericite altered wacke. Asp-Py-Po halos. Asp-Py-Po, 2% 103 107.5 VnQz,10% 10% dark gray quartz veins late-tectonic with varied orientations. Hosted in chlorite-sericite altered wacke. Asp-Py-Po halos. Asp-Py-Po,1% 116.4 126 VnQz,5% 3-5% dark gray quartz veins system, late-tectonic with varied orientations. Hosted in chlorite-sericite altered wacke. Asp-Py-Po halos. Coarse crystalised factured Asp in quartz, finer grain dissemination. Asp-Py-Po, tr. 1% 128 129 VnQZ,5% 5% dark quartz veins, varied orientation late-tectonic irregular patternm. Coarse crystalised factured Asp in quartz, finer grain dissemination. Asp-Py-Po, 1% 163.5 182.75 VnQz,10% 10-15% 1 to 10cm grey quartz veins with minor carbonate, late-tectonic stockwork style, chlorite-sericite halos with disseminated Asp. Asp-Py 182.75 186.25 VnQZ,80% 80% black quartz, micro-brecciated and micro-fractured with strongly sericitised enclaves. Asp, Tr to 5% concentrated in joints. visible gold, up to 0.5% in quartz from 183m. Asp-Py-Au 186.25 189 VnQz,25% 25%, 5 to 25cm black quartz veins with minor carbonate, late-tectonic sub-concordant to the main alteration fabric but late-tectonic. Asp halos. Visible Au, up to 0.01% in quartz from 186.25m. Asp-Py-Au 189 219 VnQz,10% 5-10% 1-3cm, black quartz-carbonate, sub-concordant, stronger carbonatisation. Asp-Py-Po, 2-3% Abbreviations: Au gold Asp arsenopyrite Py pyrite Po pyrrotite NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284102 Source: Bullion Gold Resources Corporation Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latin Metals Inc. ("Latin Metals" or the "Company") - (TSXV: LMS, OTCQB: LMSQF), announces that the previously announced spin-out transaction (the "Spin-Out") of the Company's Para Copper Project (the "Para Project") and Auquis Copper Project (the "Auquis Project") into Latin Explore Inc. ("Latin Explore") by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Arrangement"), is expected to close on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Upon closing of the Arrangement, Latin Metals shareholders ("Latin Metals Shareholders") will each receive, in exchange for each Latin Metals common share (each, a "Latin Metals Share") held prior to closing, one (1) new common share of Latin Metals (each, a "New Latin Metals Share") and approximately 0.079042221) (the "Exchange Ratio") of a Latin Explore common share (each, a "Latin Explore Share"). In order to receive the New Latin Metals Shares and Latin Explore Shares, registered Latin Metals Shareholders must complete, execute and deposit with Computershare Investor Services Inc., the depositary appointed in respect of the Arrangement, the letter of transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal") previously mailed to the registered Latin Metals Shareholders and their respective certificate(s) / DRS advice(s) representing their Latin Metals Shares and any other required documents and instruments, all in accordance with the instructions provided in the Letter of Transmittal. The Letter of Transmittal is also available on Latin Metals' website and under Latin Metals' SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Non-registered Latin Metals Shareholders whose Latin Metals Shares are registered in the name of a broker, investment dealer, bank or other intermediary or nominee (each, an "Intermediary") should contact their Intermediary for assistance in depositing their Latin Metals Shares. Further information on the Arrangement can be found in the Company's management information circular dated December 12, 2025 (the "Circular"), filed on the Company's website and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Closing of the Arrangement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of remaining conditions precedent, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Any securities issued pursuant to the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and similar exemptions under applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Endnote: (1) The final Exchange Ratio will be determined at closing of the Arrangement depending on, among other things, the number of then-issued and outstanding Latin Metals Shares. The Exchange Ratio of approximately 0.07904222 is based on 138,457,650 Latin Metals Shares issued and outstanding, and 10,944,000 Latin Explore Shares being distributed to Latin Metals Shareholders. About Latin Metals Latin Metals Inc. is a copper, gold and silver exploration company operating in Peru and Argentina under a prospect generator model, minimizing risk and dilution while maximizing discovery potential. The company secures option agreements with partners to fund exploration. This approach provides early-stage exposure to high-value mineral assets. Latin Metals is actively seeking new strategic partners to advance its portfolio. For more information, please get in touch with Latin Metals Investor Relations at 778-683-4324 or via email at info@latin-metals.com. Stay Connected Follow Latin Metals on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed on our latest developments, exploration updates, and corporate news. Upcoming Events Latin Metals is pleased to announce its participation in several Q1 2026 industry conferences, providing a platform to connect with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners: PDAC - Toronto, March 1-4, 2026 - Toronto, March 1-4, 2026 121 London - London, UK, May 11-12, 2026 - London, UK, May 11-12, 2026 Deutsche Goldmesse - Frankfurt, Germany, May 15-16, 2026 These events offer valuable opportunities to share Latin Metals' exploration progress in Argentina and Peru, highlight the advantages of its low-dilution prospect generator model, and explore strategic investment and partnership opportunities across its gold, copper, and silver-focused portfolio. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of LATIN METALS INC. - Keith Henderson. President & CEO For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site ( www.latin-metals.com ) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca For further information, please contact: Keith Henderson Suite 870 - 320 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1S9 Elyssia Patterson, VP Investor Relations Email: elyssia@latin-metals.com Phone: 778-683-4324 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the timing and closing of the Spin-Out and the Arrangement, the completion of all conditions precedent to the Arrangement, the determination of the final Exchange Ratio, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that it (and as applicable Latin Explore) will obtain TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and the required corporate approvals for the Spin-Out and Arrangement, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Para Project and the Auquis Project in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of the Company's projects, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the Arrangement may divert management's attention, the Company will incur substantial transaction costs in connection with the Spin-Out and if the Spin-Out and Arrangement are not completed the costs may be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Company's projects, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including of the TSX Venture Exchange, financing or other planned activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics and their impact on the Company's business, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca- Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - BCM Resources Corporation (TSXV: B) ("BCM") announces that Dr. Sergei Diakov will be making a technical presentation today at the inaugural Copper Explo Conference being held in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Diakov will focus on the Company's Thompson Knolls Porphyry Cu, Au, Ag, Mo, discovery. He will also review the CASERM research study and conclusions. Sergei will also discuss the upcoming drill program and the TK district potential. A copy of Dr. Diakov's Presentation will be made available on the BCM Resources Corporation website shortly. www.bcmresources.com About BCM Resources Corporation The Company is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company now focused on advancing exploration of the Thompson Knolls Porphyry Cu, Au, Ag, Mo, discovery. The Company controls prospective Copper, Gold, and Molybdenum exploration projects in British Columbia. The Company is managed by experienced and successful board members and advisors. For further information, including area maps, sections, and photos, please visit our web site at www.bcmresources.com or contact us by e-mail at info@bcmresources.com. ON BEHALF OF BCM RESOURCES CORP., "Dale McClanaghan" Chief Financial Officer To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284081 Source: BCM Resources Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Kingsmen Resources Ltd. (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) (FSE: TUY) ("Kingsmen" or the "Company") is pleased to report plans for the exploration programs on its 100% owned Las Coloradas and Almoloya projects in the province of Chihuahua, Mexico. Following the closing of its bought-deal private placement on February 11, 2026, the Company is fully funded to accelerate exploration and implement its business initiatives. Highlights: Las Coloradas High Grade Silver Project Step-out and deeper drilling planned on the high-grade Soledad and Soledad II vein systems Approximately 700 metres of the Soledad structure remains to be tested Significant discovery potential in the largely undrilled (1 hole) 1.7 km Soledad II structure New priority drill targets emerging at Saddle and Silvia/La Plata zones Multiple large-scale, largely untested targets highlight district-scale discovery potential at Las Coloradas Almoloya Gold/Silver Project Initial diamond drilling planned on the gold-rich Juliettas structures District-scale CRD and oxide potential identified at Cigarrero Mine area Both projects located in prolific mining districts with geological similarities to major silver-gold deposits in Mexico President, Scott Emerson commented, "With the successful completion of our upsized bought deal financing, Kingsmen is exceptionally well positioned to aggressively advance exploration across both the Las Coloradas and Almoloya projects. The results from our inaugural drill program at Las Coloradas confirmed shallow, high-grade silver-gold mineralization that remains open in all directions, while multiple large-scale targets remain virtually untested. At Almoloya, the combination of historic production, extensive underground workings, and compelling structural controls provides an exciting opportunity to unlock significant new gold-silver discoveries. 2026 will be a transformative year for the Company." Las Coloradas High Grade Silver Targets: Soledad & Soledad II Vein/Structures The 2025 drill program, the first on the property, intersected high-grade, shallow silver mineralization + gold in five holes. All results were previously reported. HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Ag Eq ppm Ag ppm Au ppm LC-25-004 70.15 73.3 3.15 241 131 0.084 incl 71.2 72.35 1.15 525 292 0.185 LC-25-005 108.5 116.2 7.7 142 89 0.08 incl 108.5 108.85 0.35 704 460 0.09 and 115.6 116.2 0.6 1379 848 0.867 LC-25-008 154.50 165.00 10.50 217 97.4 0.28 incl 156.40 158.00 1.60 1379 521 1.28 LC-25-010 178.35 191.70 13.35 138 64.3 incl 190.25 191.70 1.45 1028 455.0 0.20 incl 190.85 191.55 0.70 1742 770.0 0.30 LC-25-012 56.70 61.50 4.80 90 52.26 0.000 incl 56.70 58.00 1.30 270 142.70 0.717 In every instance, the mineralization is open in all directions. Holes were drilled on widely space targets in the Mine, DBD and Leona target areas. There is strong structural control and a strong pathfinder element signature in all cases The mineralization has similar geology to the underground Santa Barbara and San Francisco del Oro mining districts, where vein mineralization persists to depths of 600 - 1,000 meters. Additionally, certain areas appear to be structurally similar to the Los Gatos deposit (First Majestic Silver Corp) and, geologically, some areas appear similar to portions of the Cerro Minitas deposit (Southern Silver Exploration Corp). Currently, two principal NW-trending vein systems, Soledad (~2.0 km long) and Soledad II (~1.7 km long) are recognized. The vein/structure systems targeted by Kingsmen occur within a NW-trending area approximately 2.5 km long by approximately 1 km wide. Skarn and porphyry mineralization have also been recorded on the project by the Mexican Geological Survey. The upcoming drill program will comprise step-out and deeper drilling around the high-grade silver mineralization intersected in the Soledad and Soledad II vein/structures. Drilling on the Soledad vein/structure has tested very specific targets and approximately 700 meters of the system remains to be drilled. With only one shallow hole drilled, the ~1.7 km-long Soledad II vein/structure offers excellent discovery potential. Saddle The Saddle target is potentially a very significant new silver-gold drill target situated approximately 3 kms west of the Soledad II vein/structure. The target is located between two prominent magnetic highs where a deep wedge of volcanics/sediments, and veins/structures prospective for epithermal precious metal, skarn and porphyry mineralization are interpreted to underlie surface precious metals anomalies. Prospecting has identified anomalous gold and silver values with associated copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, bismuth, and antimony associated with quartz-carbonate veins and magnetic linears. The area of anomalous geochemistry both includes and is adjacent to targets indicated by chargeability anomalies. Exposure is limited in the area because of widespread soil/alluvium cover. However, anomalous silver, gold and other metal values in prospecting samples indicate the potential for the discovery of significant blind mineralization in this area. Silvia/La Plata The Silvia zone is located at the intersection of the NE-oriented Silvia - La Plata (SLP) trend and the NW-oriented Soledad/Soledad II structures/vein systems. The La Plata zone contains numerous elevated to high-grade silver values and NE, NW and N-trending structures/veins are recognized. A broadly N-trending intrusive body with elevated to anomalous silver values may represent a mineralized intrusive body. The curvilinear aspect of this and nearby intrusives may be reflecting a buried quartz porphyry (QP) intruding the volcanic country rock that is generating the mineralization. The La Plata and Silvia zones contain pathfinder element concentrations in variable combinations including Au, As, Sb, Pb, Zn, Cu, Hg, Mo, Te and Tl. The different combinations of pathfinder elements likely represent different stages or pulses of mineralization. Their distributions provide evidence for district-wide, structurally controlled mineralization. Almoloya The 100% owned Almoloya gold-silver project, is located 30 km north of its 100%-owned Las Coloradas project. The project includes the past producing Cigarrero and Las Juliettas mines. Sampling of old gold workings on the Juliettas prospect identified two long N-trending structures were identified with local NW-trending shorter structures.The gold mineralization occurs with calcite-dolomite-iron oxide-quartz-magnetite-pyrolusite/psilomelane and pyrite in veins and stockworks. The host rock is limestone with moderate to strong marbling and recrystallization. The persistence of structurally controlled high grade gold mineralization shows the Juliettas prospect to be of high exploration potential. There is significant potential for gold-rich oxide and sulphide mineralization along the Julietta structure, and it is the primary, immediate target for diamond drilling. Kingsmen plans to diamond drill the gold bearing structures in 2026. The Cigarrero Mine lies on the north flank of the Sierra Almoloya and is road accessible. It is a CRD deposit consisting of than twelve orebodies that were exploited, with production totalling approximately 1.25 million tonnes of ore grading 600 g/t Ag, 40% Pb, and 25% Zn, with variable amounts of copper and gold. These high grades were primarily from secondary lead-zinc oxide material, which, according to historic sources, extended as deep as 400 meters below surface or approximately 150 meters below the valley floor. Kingsmen plans reconnaissance exploration prior to detailed geophysics and diamond drilling. Structurally, Almoloya sits at the intersection of two major basement features. The first is a NE to ENE trending structure that extends from the Parral and the Santa Barbara - San Francisco del Oro districts. The second structure is the reflection of a WNW, major basement feature that may represent the Mojave- Sonora Megashear1. The Project is situated within a large, 14 X 12 km hydrothermal system, with district-scale potential for large sulphide CRDs, with near-surface oxide potential2. 1Queenston Mining Inc. news release July 8, 2005. 2 http://pdf.secdatabase.com/241/0001137171-05-001127.pdf Qualified Person Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., a director of Kingsmen and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure set out in this news release. About Las Coloradas and Almoloya The Almoloya Project represents the culmination of a land consolidation. The now-contiguous land package brings together historically fragmented claims, many of which were previously held and explored by major operators. Extensive historical data from these programs, conducted up until the early 2000s, is available to Kingsmen and provides a valuable foundation for exploration. Since that time, the project has seen no systematic exploration by either junior or major companies, leaving significant potential untapped in a highly prospective and historically productive district. The Las Coloradas Project (8.5 km2 -3.3 sq miles) represents a consolidation of a historic mining district which covers numerous silver-gold-lead-zinc-copper mines previously exploited by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), the U.S. based subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. Las Coloradas is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt and is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Hidalgo de Parral and 40 kilometers east of the San Francisco de Oro and Santa Barbara mining districts where several old major mines are located, such as La Prieta, Veta Colorada, Palmilla, Esmeralda, San Francisco del Oro and Santa Barbara. Click here to see locator map: https:// www.kingsmenresources.com/area-history. About Kingsmen Resources Kingsmen Resources is a discovery-driven explorer focused on unlocking the potential of two 100%-owned precious-metal districts Las Coloradas and Almoloya located in the historic Parral region of Chihuahua, Mexico, one of the most productive silver belts in the world. Both projects cover past-producing high-grade silver and gold mines and lie directly on the structural corridors that host many of Mexico's most notable silver-gold deposits. Recent drilling at Las Coloradas has confirmed new zones of shallow, high-grade mineralization and highlighted the potential for multiple parallel structures across a 4.5-kilometre trend. At Almoloya, historic drilling, extensive underground workings, and multiple vein systems point to strong potential for both vein-hosted and carbonate-replacement style mineralization. Kingsmen also owns a 1% NSR royalty on the La Trini claims within GoGold Resources' Los Ricos North project in Jalisco State, Mexico. On behalf of the Board, "Scott Emerson" Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and the receipt of final approval for the Offering from the TSXV. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284080 Source: Kingsmen Resources Ltd Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - TNR Gold Corp. (TSXV: TNR) ("TNR", "TNR Gold" or the "Company") announces the grant of 4,900,000 stock options to directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to the terms of the Company's Stock Option Plan. The stock options have an exercise price of $0.165 per share, expire five years from the date of grant, and are subject to a trading hold period of four months. ABOUT TNR GOLD CORP. TNR Gold Corp. is working to become the green energy metals royalty and gold company. Our business model provides a unique entry point in the creation of supply chains for critical materials like energy metals that are powering the energy rEVolution, and the gold industry that is providing a hedge for this stage of the economic cycle. Our portfolio provides a unique combination of assets with exposure to multiple aspects of the mining cycle: the power of blue-sky discovery and important partnerships with industry leaders as operators on the projects that will potentially generate royalty cashflows to contribute significant value for our shareholders. Over the past thirty years, TNR, through its lead generator business model, has been successful in generating high-quality global exploration projects. With the Company's expertise, resources and industry network, the potential of the Mariana Lithium Project and Los Azules Copper Project in Argentina, among many others, have been recognized. TNR holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Mariana Lithium Project in Argentina, of which 0.15% of such NSR royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder of the Company. Ganfeng Lithium's subsidiary, Litio Minera Argentina ("LMA"), has the right to repurchase 1.0% of the NSR royalty on the Mariana Project, of which 0.9% is the Company's NSR royalty interest. The Company would receive CAN$900,000, and its shareholder would receive CAN$100,000 on the repurchase by LMA, resulting in TNR holding a 0.45% NSR royalty and its shareholder holding a 0.05% NSR royalty. The Mariana Lithium Project is 100% owned by Ganfeng Lithium. The Mariana Lithium Project has been approved by the Argentina provincial government of Salta for an environmental impact report. Ganfeng officially inaugurated Mariana Lithium's start of production at a 20,000 tons-per-annum lithium chloride plant on February 12, 2025. TNR Gold also holds a 0.4% NSR royalty on the Los Azules Copper Project, of which 0.04% of the 0.4% NSR royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder of the Company. The Los Azules Copper Project is being developed by McEwen Mining. TNR also holds a 7% NPR on the Batidero I and II properties of the Josemaria Project that is being developed by the joint-venture between Lundin Mining and BHP. TNR provides significant exposure to gold through its 90% holding in the Shotgun Gold porphyry project in Alaska. The project is located in Southwestern Alaska near the Donlin Gold project, which is being developed by Barrick Gold and Novagold Resources. The Company's strategy with the Shotgun Gold Project is to attract a joint venture partnership with a major gold mining company. The Company is actively introducing the project to interested parties. At its core, TNR provides a wide scope of exposure to gold, copper, silver and lithium through its holdings in Alaska (the Shotgun Gold porphyry project) and royalty holdings in Argentina (the Mariana Lithium project, the Los Azules Copper Project and the Batidero I & II properties of the Josemaria Project), and is committed to the continued generation of in-demand projects, while diversifying its markets and building shareholder value. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Kirill Klip Executive Chairman Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "will", "could" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "could" occur, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements made in relation to: TNR's corporate objectives, and future potential transactions being considered by the Special Committee and the Board. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Risks" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca. While management believes that the assumptions made and reflected in this news release are reasonable, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. In particular, there can be no assurance that: TNR will enter into one or more strategic transactions, partnership or a spin-out, or be able to complete any further royalty acquisitions or sales of royalty interests, or portions thereof; debt or equity financings will be available to TNR; or that TNR will be able to achieve any of its corporate objectives. TNR relies on the confirmation of its ownership for mining claims from the appropriate government agencies when paying rental payments for such mining claims requested by these agencies. There could be a risk in the future of the changing internal policies of such government agencies or risk related to the third parties, in future, challenging the ownership of such mining claims. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied on. In formulating the forward-looking statements contained herein, management has assumed that business and economic conditions affecting TNR and its royalty partners, McEwen Mining Inc., Ganfeng Lithium and Lundin Mining will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information herein and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284073 Source: TNR Gold Corp. AI-native intelligence gives traders earlier supply signals, quantified uncertainty and measurable information advantage LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Treefera, the AI-native first-mile intelligence platform for ag & soft commodities, today launched Market Intelligence, a new data product delivering yield and production area forecasts expressed as probabilistic ranges with quantified uncertainty, across seasonal and multi-year horizons. In December 2025, Treefera forecast U.S. corn yield at 187.6 bushels per acre. The USDA's final January 2026 estimate was 186.5 bushels per acre. Treefera's forecast was within 1% of the final figure and was delivered as a probabilistic distribution four weeks ahead of consensus formation, demonstrating both accuracy and defensible forecast confidence. That timing difference matters. Commodity markets often reprice on the back of government reports. Those reports are published on schedule, but they are compiled after real-world production conditions have already unfolded. By directly observing field-level signals through satellite data and applying AI-driven scientific production models, Treefera generates probabilistic supply forecasts that are aggregated into structured commodity-by-country datasets. These forecasts are expressed with quantified uncertainty, creating measurable information advantage in imperfect markets. Built for Trading Decisions Market Intelligence is purpose-built for ag & soft commodity traders, analysts and procurement teams who need earlier visibility into yield, planted area and supply shifts. Treefera AI takes price discovery in ag & softs to the next level, leveraging deep learning models trained on single-crop ground truth data to: Detect crop-specific production areas with 92% accuracy Generate in-season yield forecasts with over 90% accuracy Update forecasts weekly as production conditions evolve Unlike top-down survey models, Treefera builds forecasts from the field level upward. Millions of satellite observations, weather variables and biological growth indicators are processed at field scale and aggregated to produce structured commodity-by-country datasets. These outputs are delivered as quant-ready data feeds designed for ingestion, back-testing and integration into existing trading workflows. Treefera's Market Intelligence currently covers high-liquidity commodity-region pairings including U.S. corn, winter and spring wheat, sugar in India, cocoa in Ghana, coffee in Brazil and cattle across major producing regions. Active expansion is underway into additional regions and soy, palm oil, rice, cotton and natural rubber. The Only Model Combining Crop-Specific Detection and Phenology-Aware Yield Weighting Treefera's yield model is differentiated by two core technical innovations: Phenology-aware modelling Yield sensitivity is weighted toward critical growth windows, such as the VT-R1 tasselling and silking stage in corn. This avoids false bullish or bearish signals and aligns forecasts with how yield is biologically determined. Single-crop canopy isolation Treefera isolates crop-specific canopy signals rather than relying on blended vegetation indices across multiple crops. The model is trained from the ground up using single-crop detection and crop-specific data. This bottom-up approach produces two measurable advantages: Probabilistic forecasts with quantified uncertainty - delivering a range, not a single-point estimate, enabling traders to size positions according to confidence bands - delivering a range, not a single-point estimate, enabling traders to size positions according to confidence bands Lead time advantage - typically 4 weeks to 3 months ahead of other market sources, with the ability to forecast years in advance and increasing confidence as harvest approaches Rather than reacting to consensus, teams can evaluate supply risk earlier, assess probability distributions and take positions with greater certainty. Production Area Intelligence Before Official Reporting Cycles Treefera's deep learning crop detection models identify planted area shifts weeks or months before official statistics are published. Early visibility into production area changes materially impacts supply expectations, particularly in weather-sensitive markets and tree crops such as coffee and cocoa. For tree crops and multi-year biological systems, forward modelling enables earlier structural supply assessment, supporting longer-dated positioning strategies. Structured, Market-Ready Delivery Clients receive weekly sub-regional yield and area datasets, five-year point-in-time hindcasts for signal validation and back-testing, and monthly intelligence reports explaining what changed, why it matters and the implications for supply and pricing. Each release is supported by refreshed CSV datasets, clear data dictionaries and client-ready methodology notes - ensuring insights are actionable, defensible and ready for market use. Replacing Lag with Measurable Edge "In financial markets, risk is continuously modelled and uncertainty is explicit. In ag & soft commodities, markets still rely heavily on survey-based data compiled after the fact," said Jonathan Horn, CEO and Founder of Treefera. "Our platform applies AI-native modelling to satellite observation and scientific production models, continuously assimilating new data to generate probabilistic supply forecasts with quantified uncertainty. That allows traders to assess risk rigorously and make capital allocation decisions with greater confidence ahead of consensus. The result is measurable information advantage in an imperfect market." Market Intelligence is available globally across leading ag & soft commodities, including corn, wheat, coffee, cocoa, sugar and cattle, with continued expansion into soy, palm oil, rice, cotton and natural rubber across key producing regions. About Treefera: Treefera is an AI-native first-mile intelligence platform focused on global ag & soft commodities. Through proprietary science and advanced AI modelling, Treefera synthesizes satellite imagery, environmental signals and field-level data into Market, Risk and Environmental Intelligence at plot resolution and in near real time. The platform converts first-mile conditions into financial-grade insight - replacing lagged, aggregated datasets with defensible intelligence from source. Headquartered in London with a global footprint, Treefera serves Trading, Financial Services, Supply Chain and Agriculture and Forestry organizations that depend on understanding risk and value where production begins. Learn more at https://www.treefera.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn . Contact V2 Communications for Treefera treefera@v2comms.com Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the "Company"), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiaries, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD-I), and Robotic Assistance Devices Mobile, Inc. (RAD-M), today announced the launch of the third leg of ROAMEO's national demonstration tour, a multi-state roadshow that will bring the Company's advanced autonomous security robot from its Detroit REX facility to Las Vegas for ISC West beginning March 23 inside RAD's booth 21117. Artist's depiction of ROAMEO showcased during its third national tour leg ahead of ISC West 2026. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5243/283885_aitx-roameo-tour-3-260217-1920x1080.jpg This third leg builds on ROAMEO's nationwide tour that began in the summer of 2025 and continued through a series of high-profile fall security conferences, where enterprise end users, monitoring centers, and public safety leaders experienced the mobile platform firsthand. With growing interest from large property operators, logistics hubs, critical infrastructure stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies, RAD determined that bringing ROAMEO directly to prospects along its route to ISC West was both practical and necessary. Scheduled stops currently include Nashville, Tennessee on February 24, Lincoln, Nebraska on February 27, Austin, Texas during Infraday on March 3 and 4, and Kansas City, Missouri on March 10, with additional appearances anticipated along the route. Organizations unable to attend ISC West are invited to request a private demonstration along the tour route. "The excitement we're seeing for ROAMEO exceeds even our internal expectations," said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and its RAD subsidiaries. "Since being recognized by Frost and Sullivan for our leadership in autonomous security, enterprise engagement has accelerated. Our sales funnel is more energized around ROAMEO than nearly any solution we have introduced, and its recurring revenue potential represents one of the most significant long-term growth drivers across our portfolio. This tour is about meeting that demand face to face." "Having helped pioneer security robotics in the early days of this industry, I recognize when a platform is positioned to scale," said Stacy Stephens, Senior Vice President of Sales at RAD-M and co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. "ROAMEO delivers the presence, capability, and enterprise readiness that large property operators and public safety leaders are demanding. I am excited to represent ROAMEO throughout this tour and to put it directly in front of decision makers who want to see real autonomy operating in their environments." Additional tour stops are expected to be announced in the coming days, including likely appearances in Memphis, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia, as enterprise and public sector interest continues to build. Organizations seeking a live demonstration are encouraged to submit a request while ROAMEO is en route, as availability is limited prior to its arrival at ISC West. Following the Las Vegas showcase, ROAMEO will return to its Detroit home base, with additional deployments and demonstrations anticipated as demand for mobile autonomous security continues to expand. The Company invites security professionals and channel partners to experience ROAMEO in action at ISC West 2026. Attendees will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations, speak directly with RAD leadership and product experts, and learn how autonomous security deployments are being proven, expanded, and scaled across real world environments. Meetings may be scheduled in advance or arranged onsite throughout the show. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX) AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD-I), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry1 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization's internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD's Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD's ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com, www.raddog.ai, www.radgroup.ai, www.saramonitoring.ai, and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. For purposes of the Company's disclosures, "Artificial Intelligence" refers to machine-based systems designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy that, for a given set of human defined objectives, can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. In the context of the Company's business, Artificial Intelligence is deployed primarily within the security services and property management industries to support functions such as detection, analysis, prioritization, communication, and response related to safety, security, and operational events. The Company delivers these capabilities principally through its SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) platform, which serves as the Company's primary agentic artificial intelligence system. SARA is designed to receive and process video, audio, and other sensor data, apply automated analysis and inference, and support actions in accordance with predefined operational objectives and human oversight. Further note that the Company's Board of Directors oversees the Company's deployment of Artificial Intelligence. ### 1 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283885 Source: Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. Integration embeds Kraken's OTC desk directly into the workflows of traders worldwide Kraken, one of the world's longest-standing, most liquid and secure cryptocurrency platforms, has successfully connected with ICE Chat, the industry-leading instant messaging system operated by Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of technology and data. From today, ICE Chat's extensive network of over 120,000 clients will be able to connect directly with Kraken's OTC desk through the same real-time communications environment used by traders across global markets. The integration enables communication between institutional trading desks across major financial centers with a view to accessing Kraken's deep liquidity across crypto spot and options markets. Gurpreet Oberoi, Head of Kraken Institutional, said: "This integration opens a direct line into core institutional workflows, enabling traders to engage with our OTC desk's expertise and execution in the digital asset class through a familiar interface. By meeting clients where they already operate, we reduce operational friction and onboarding overhead while expanding access to Kraken's institutional liquidity." "ICE Chat was designed specifically to match the custom needs of traders, and with sophisticated functionality like AI-powered Smart Text Recognition, which turns texts into actionable data, firms using Kraken can communicate using always-on, instantaneous connectivity, in an easy-to-access, fully compliant environment," said Maurisa Baumann, Head of Global Data Delivery Platforms at ICE. "We're pleased to work with Kraken as they connect their crypto market liquidity with ICE Chat, which has become one of the largest networks in the financial industry." Kraken's OTC desk has seen continued growth as the convergence between traditional finance and the digital asset class accelerates. As the first cryptocurrency platform approved to connect to ICE Chat, Kraken continues to focus on serving institutional clients with infrastructure aligned to the compliance, security and operational expectations of global financial markets. Kraken and ICE expect to constructively expand this integration across additional initiatives over time, reflecting the increasing integration of digital assets into established financial market workflows. For more information, please visit https://www.kraken.com/institutions/otc About Kraken Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world's longest-standing and most secure crypto platforms globally. Kraken clients trade more than 600 digital assets, traditional assets such as U.S. futures and U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, and 6 different national currencies, including GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, CHF, and AUD. Trusted by millions of institutions, professional traders and consumers, Kraken is one of the fastest, most liquid and performant trading platforms available. Kraken's suite of products and services includes the Kraken App, Kraken Pro, the Krak App, Kraken Institutional, Kraken's onchain offerings and the Ninja Trader retail trading platform. Across these offerings, clients can buy, sell, stake, earn rewards, send and receive assets, custody holdings, and access advanced trading, derivatives, and portfolio management tools. Kraken has set the industry standard for transparency and client trust, and it was the first crypto platform to conduct Proof of Reserves. It complies with regulations and laws applicable to its business, while actively protecting client privacy and maintaining the highest security standards. For more information about Kraken, please visit www.kraken.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217283584/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Lauren Post press@kraken.com Funding from the Export-Import Bank of the United States is Key First Step in Securing Financing for Historic Project Westinghouse Electric Company welcomes the credit agreement between the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ) supporting the AP1000 project that will build Poland's first nuclear power plant. "This agreement marks an important first milestone in helping PEJ secure financing for one of Poland's largest energy investments, setting the stage for additional financing through EXIM," said Dan Lipman, President, Global Business Initiatives, Westinghouse. "Westinghouse appreciates the close cooperation we have with EXIM and look forward to further collaboration in helping make the Polish AP1000 project a reality." Secured through EXIM's Engineering Multiplier Program, this first phase of financing will support critical engineering and environmental site work needed prior to the construction phase of the plant. This agreement will allow the Westinghouse-Bechtel Consortium to provide engineering expertise to the project, which will support both American and Polish jobs for the construction and operation of the AP1000 plant at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. The advanced AP1000 reactor is the only operating Generation III+ reactor with fully passive safety systems, modular construction design and the smallest footprint per MWe on the market. There are six AP1000 reactors currently setting operational performance and availability records worldwide with 14 additional reactors under construction and five more under contract. The AP1000 technology has been selected for nuclear energy programs in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Westinghouse Electric Company is the future of energy, providing reliable, innovative nuclear technologies and services globally. Westinghouse pioneered commercial nuclear power, delivering the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957. The company has industrialized more nuclear reactors than any other company, with its technology forming the basis of half of the world's operating nuclear plants. More than 140 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217328373/en/ Contacts: media@westinghouse.com ExOne Global Holdings ("ExOne Global" or the "Company") today announced its Board of Directors, bringing together industrial technology operators, investors, and additive manufacturing leaders with global experience across commercialization, capital formation, and operational execution. The Board will support ExOne Global's strategic priorities, including disciplined scaling, international market development, and partnership-led growth. Whitney Haring-Smith, Chair and Director Whitney Haring-Smith is a co-founding Managing Partner at Anzu Partners focused on industrial and technology businesses with over forty portfolio companies. Across the Anzu portfolio, he serves on multiple boards of directors, including as Chairman of Partium, a software platform serving industrial parts and materials intelligence workflows, and previously at MultiMechanics (acquired by Siemens) and Axsun Technologies (acquired by Excelitas). Prior to Anzu Partners, he was a Principal at The Boston Consulting Group, advising energy and industrial goods clients globally and supporting operational transformations in manufacturing and energy. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Yale University and a doctorate from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Eric Bader, CEO and Director Eric Bader is the CEO of ExOne Global with leadership responsibilities spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. He joined ExOne's European operations as CFO in 2015. He brings more than two decades of experience in strategic planning and execution across industrial operating environments. His career has been primarily international, including responsibility for multi-site operations across Asia and Europe. In his current roles, he focuses on operational execution and market development across the company's growth priorities. He holds a diploma degree in Business Administration from AKAD University. John Hartner, Director John Hartner previously served as Chief Executive Officer of The ExOne Company prior to its acquisition in 2021. He has led technology businesses globally for more than three decades across automation, electronics and digital printing, including significant operating experience in Asia and Europe. He is the former President and CEO of Dover's Printing Identification segment. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. Rudolf Franz, Director Rudolf Franz has been part of voxeljet's leadership since joining its founding team in the early 2000s. He has helped scale voxeljet from an early-stage engineering organization to a global company. On the ExOne Global board, he focuses on the integration of ExOne and voxeljet, as well as international market development for the combined businesses. Earlier in his career, he worked in venture capital and technology investing, including roles as Partner at Technologieholding VC GmbH and 3i Group plc. He studied political economics at the University of Augsburg and earned a master's degree in industrial engineering and management from the Munich University of Applied Sciences. Jenna Abelli, Director Jenna Abelli is a Senior Principal, Investment at Anzu Partners, where she leads investment diligence and sourcing and supports portfolio companies on product commercialization strategy, business development, and M&A. She serves on multiple boards, including CytoTronics (recently acquired by Axion BioSystems), and has led multiple financings supporting university spinouts and commercialization-oriented growth. Earlier in her career, she managed tire line and rubber compound development projects at Continental Tire in Germany. She holds a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University. Industry engagement Whitney Haring-Smith, John Hartner, and Eric Bader will be attending the upcoming Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS) conference in New York City from February 24-26, 2026 and are available to meet with investors, strategic partners, and other industry stakeholders during the event. In addition, Eric Bader and Whitney Haring-Smith will participate in a featured fireside chat at AMS on February 24, where they will share insights on the strategic vision behind building a global industrial digital casting leader. About ExOne Global Holdings ExOne Global Holdings is an industrial technology company focused on additive manufacturing solutions for production and tooling applications, with particular strength in binder jetting and related materials and process know-how. The Company supports customers and partners across aerospace, defense, energy, automotive, and heavy industry, helping enable cost-effective production, supply-chain resilience, and localized manufacturing. ExOne Global combines an installed base of industrial systems with engineering services, application development, and global field support to accelerate adoption from qualification through scaled deployment. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including expectations regarding synergies, integration, growth, financial performance, and timing. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially. Neither Anzu Partners nor the companies make any guarantees about future performance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217503718/en/ Contacts: Media Investor Contact ExOne Global Holdings Tobias King press@exone.com Anzu Partners Kalyn Schieffer kos@anzupartners.com Quest delivers data products 54 percent faster through groundbreaking innovation from data model to AI-readiness at the speed and scale that AI demands AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quest Software, a global leader in data management, cybersecurity, and platform modernization, today launched the Quest Trusted Data Management Platform featuring the Automated Data Product Factory, the industry's first and only unified, SaaS-native solution purpose-built for delivering trusted, AI-ready data at speed and scale. The Quest Trusted Data Management Platform unifies and automates five core capabilities including data modeling, data cataloging, data governance, data quality, and a data marketplace. Customers can now save months of work, millions of dollars, and achieve faster time to value through the automated creation and delivery of trusted data products. To learn more, visit quest.com/data-management-platform. Organizations worldwide are unable to scale their AI initiatives because trusted, reliable data remains a gap in achieving AI success. The Quest Trusted Data Management Platform helps companies with: Up to 54 percent faster time to data product delivery A cost savings of up to 40 percent Controlling data product sprawl through intelligent matching, improving reuse by up to 50 percent "Customers are battling a common problem: a lack of trusted data. The current approach to data management is complex, inefficient, and breaking under its own weight with organizations unable to realize the promise of AI," said Tim Page, CEO of Quest Software. "The Quest Trusted Data Management Platform featuring the Automated Data Product Factory delivers simplicity through automation, unifying multiple capabilities in a singular, converged offering. Customers benefit from improved data accuracy, trust-scored data products, improved productivity, reusability, a faster time-to-market, at dramatically lower cost." "As more data solutions have emerged in recent years, it's been clear that organizations desire and need a single data management platform - and Quest Software has finally delivered that," said Stewart Bond, Vice President of IDC's Data Intelligence and Integration Software Service. "By providing real-time, governed, contextualized data products, converged data management platforms can contribute to organizations enjoying higher levels of innovation, faster time to value, and improvements in financial business KPIs." The new Automated Data Product Factory is Quest Software's transformative new capability that uses AI to automate the creation of production-ready data products using natural language prompts. By utilizing natural language, the platform will translate business-critical needs into governed, trusted data products ready for use in AI initiatives. Currently, organizations have multiple teams across data modeling, metadata management, data quality, and governance, with each group taking weeks - if not months - to create a data product. Now, the Quest Trusted Data Management Platform featuring the Automated Data Product Factory leverages automation to reduce the time to create a trusted data product from weeks into days, saving organizations significant cost - potentially millions of dollars. Kevin Smith, Chief Data Officer at Tokio Marine HCC International, part of the Tokio Marine Group, one of the world's leading insurance organizations, said: "Previously, the creation of data products was a highly manual process, and we were keen to streamline it to improve efficiency. By adopting the Quest Trusted Data Management Platform, we can now make trusted data available to the business far more quickly. The vast capabilities of the Automated Data Product Factory open up exciting opportunities to accelerate and improve the scalability of our company." The Quest Trusted Data Management Platform provides the industry's first transparent and explainable trust scoring system featuring a nine-component trust score framework. The nine-component system quantifies data trustworthiness across data quality, user ratings, governance completeness, timeliness, lifecycle, popularity, and more. The scores are customizable and embedded directly into the platform, giving organizations confidence to act on data without second-guessing. With data drift detection that continuously detects any underlying data changes with automatic trust score updates, organizations can operate with confidence. Beyond the benefits of delivering AI-ready data products at speed and scale, Quest's unified platform further enables enhanced productivity and cost savings by delivering data products with high reusability, saving companies significant cost - potentially millions of dollars in cycles of reinvention and rework. Now, analysts and data scientists will spend less time reinventing data products for one-time use, and more time generating insights, delivering more value to any organization. Further, every data product created by the Quest Trusted Data Management Platform is automatically enriched with governance context including lineage, business terms, policies, and quality signals from its inception. "As more and more companies look to make AI successful for them, they are desperately in need of tools that unify solutions, save time and money, and of course, are trusted," said Edwin Vargas, Managing Director, Americas - AI Business Solutions and Security Partnerships, Microsoft. "The Quest Trusted Data Management Platform, and the Automated Data Product Factory that it features, breaks down silos, removes the need for multiple tools, and delivers something all companies will find worthwhile - and that is data gold. We're thrilled that the Quest Trusted Data Management Platform runs on Microsoft Azure and is available to customers in the Microsoft Marketplace. This is a monumental moment in SaaS offerings, and we're fortunate to have had such a long partnership with Quest Software." Gartner recently provided direction to the industry stating in its Market Guide for Data Management Platforms that "organizations can save up to 50% on costs and operations efforts through converged platforms." This is because, according to Gartner, "on average, organizations have deployed a dozen data management solutions with overlapping functionalities, and they lack architectural flexibility," and that with a converged platform, companies "can use the technology in this emerging market to reduce silos, and to augment their data for current and innovative use cases." With this release, Quest is now delivering capabilities that Gartner predicts will become mandatory for data management platforms by 2028. Quest's Partner Program is evolving to further recognize the full value partners bring to the customer journey. The company is developing deeper engagement with partners who build, sell, and service solutions to create a collaborative channel ecosystem. The Quest Trusted Data Management Platform creates an opportunity for channel partners to help customers ensure long-term AI success. Tiger Analytics is a global AI and advanced analytics consulting firm that helps enterprises solve complex business challenges and drive measurable value using data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. It partners with Fortune 1000 companies to deliver data science, data engineering, and business analytics solutions across industries worldwide. "As organizations scale AI and advanced analytics, aligning data modeling with data product delivery has become critical. Quest's latest product enhancement brings together data modeling, metadata, data quality, and governance into a single, integrated foundation. This significantly reduces complexity and manual effort, helping enterprises accelerate data product development while improving consistency and trust at scale," said Ravi Shankar, Senior Partner, Data Transformation at Tiger Analytics. With more than three decades of experience, Sandhill Consultants is a global leader in enterprise data intelligence and modeling, providing industry-acclaimed software solutions, implementation support, and professional services that empower businesses to transform their data into strategic value. "We see Quest Software's Trusted Data Management Platform and the Automated Data Product Factory as the AI-first platform that accelerates the creation of trusted, reusable data assets, shortens time to market from months to days, integrates with enterprise AI strategies, and enables data leaders to drive revenue and business outcomes faster, and more efficiently," said Robert Lutton, Vice President, Sandhill Consultants. About Quest Software Quest Software creates technology and solutions that build the foundation for enterprise AI. Focused on data management and governance, cybersecurity, and platform modernization, Quest helps organizations address their most pressing challenges through trusted, AI-ready data, secure identities, and modernized platforms. Around the globe, more than 45,000 companies, including more than 90% of the Fortune 500, count on Quest Software. For more information, visit www.quest.com or follow Quest Software on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Media contact: Matt Hurst Head of Corporate Communications matt.hurst@quest.com A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15eb5af3-68c7-4c3b-ab9f-e28771174e6f Balancing response planning, investigation, communication, and safety NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Key Takeaways: Incident Response Communication Plan incident communications in advance to reduce confusion and protect people during emergencies. Define clear communication roles and authority , so messages are accurate, timely, and consistent. Communicate early and often , even while response actions are underway. Tailor messages by stakeholder , including employees, customers, regulators, and the public. Use the right channels for urgency , from immediate safety alerts to scheduled updates and public statements. Strong communication accelerates recovery, enabling faster closure and a safer return to normal operations. Communication planning for incident response often gets overlooked. But when you consider just how much has to be done in the event of an incident, and how fast it all has to happen, it's easy to see why this critical step needs dedicated attention. When an incident occurs, the right messages-delivered to the right people, through the right channels, at the right time-can make the difference between chaos and control. In this guide, we focus specifically on building an incident response communication plan that protects people, minimizes risk, and accelerates recovery Develop Your Incident Response Communication Plan A strong communication plan ensures consistency, transparency, and trust during an incident. Here are the key steps: Identify Stakeholders Early: List out internal and external audiences (employees, customers, regulators, media, community, etc.). Define Communication Protocols: Establish who communicates what, when, and how. Avoid ambiguity by assigning clear spokespersons and backup roles. Establish Channels and Tools: Email, text alerts, intranet updates, social media, and press releases all serve different purposes. Map channels to stakeholder needs and urgency. Create Templates: Pre-approved templates for press releases, customer notices, and regulator updates save valuable time. Generative AI tools can help you outline first drafts quickly, but ensure all templates are reviewed and approved by people with specific knowledge of your business. Test and Train: Run regular drills to validate the communication plan, identify gaps, and ensure spokespersons are comfortable under pressure. Start Communication Early Many organizations wait until the emergency response phase is complete before investigating or updating stakeholders. However, it is best practice to start communication immediately, even while response actions are underway. Early, accurate updates help leadership make informed decisions and reassure stakeholders that the situation is being managed. Make Engagement an Ongoing Practice One message is not enough. Federal, state, and local regulators-as well as employees, customers, and communities-expect regular, transparent updates. You can demonstrate that the situation is under control by sending: Consistent briefings for regulators (e.g., OSHA, EPA, Coast Guard, state agencies, and cybersecurity authorities as applicable) Clear updates for employees on safety requirements and operational impacts Public-facing messaging through media or social channels to maintain trust and manage rumors Tailor Communications to Key Stakeholders Different audiences respond to different tones, details, and delivery methods. Communications will be more relevant and effective when they are customized for stakeholder groups: Employees : Direct, actionable safety updates via internal channels Customers : Transparent messaging on impacts and recovery timelines, often via email or public status pages Regulators : Factual, detailed compliance reports Supported by documented response actions Media/Public: Clear, concise statements emphasizing public safety, and taking responsibility and corrective actions Communication Channels and Timing Immediate Alerts: Text messages, automated calls, intranet banners or site PA systems for urgent safety information Regular Updates: Email bulletins, status dashboards for customers, and scheduled regulator briefings Public Statements: Social media and press releases (or press conferences, when needed) for broad awareness Facilitate Faster Closure Once site data has been gathered and stakeholders have been engaged, the next priority is driving closure. The faster the transition from response to remediation, the sooner operations can return to normal-with the credibility that comes from consistent and transparent communication. Plan for Ongoing Support Many risks persist even after conditions stabilize. Health and safety considerations, for example, can't be ignored. From audits and exposure assessments to industrial hygiene support and process safety management, it's important to address remaining concerns and ensure a safe environment for workers and the surrounding community. Lead with Peace of Mind Incidents are stressful and often chaotic. But with a clear communication plan and the right partners, incident management doesn't need to feel like a balancing act. Antea Group's Incident Management (AIM) helps organizations transition from initial response to recovery while ensuring all stakeholders stay informed and confident throughout the process. Learn more about our approach to proactive incident management or check out the AIM intro video below. Contact us today if you need immediate support! Find more stories and multimedia from Antea Group at 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/how-to-create-an-effective-incident-response-communication-plan-1138046 Highlights from recent drilling on the Majorodam Project in Suriname include hole D-014 at Heuvel West, intersecting 15.3 m @ 3.72 g/t Au (inc. 8.0 m @ 6.57 g/t Au) in addition to hole D-013-W1 intercepting 6.0 m @ 3.04 g/t Au. A new target called Gowtu has been defined at Majorodam by a significant 800 m x 1,500 m gold in soil anomaly that is coincident with a granite/greenstone contact located in the northwest of the project area. The zone of anomalous gold in soil sample results to the west of Majorodam now appears to extend for over 15 km, from south of Heuvel West to the north end of the Gowtu Target. Greenheart Gold plans to initiate an RC drill program of approximate 10,000 m to expand on the recent significant intercepts at the Heuvel West and East Targets. Longueuil, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (OTCQX: GHRTF) (the "Company" or "Greenheart Gold") is pleased to provide an update on its Majorodam exploration programs, including drill results from its most recent 10-hole, 1,055-meter (m) Phase 2 diamond drill program that was completed in mid-December 2025. This program was designed to test the controls on the structurally complex mineralization encountered in the 11-hole, 2,311 m Phase 1 diamond drill program completed in September 2025 (see the Company's press release dated November 10, 2025) and the initial 2,138 m, 20-hole reverse circulation ("RC") drill program that was completed in March 2025 (see the Company's press release dated May 7,2025). Greenheart Gold is also pleased to announce a new zone at Majorodam called the Gowtu zone, which lies in the northwest corner of the project area and is shown on Figure 1. The zone of anomalous gold in soil that is associated with Gowtu also appears to be part of the soil anomaly that is present at Heuvel West. Combined, the soil anomaly extends over 15 kilometers (km) along the granite/greenstone contact south of the Heuvel West Target to the north end of the Gowtu Target. The Company is announcing a 10,000 m RC drill program to follow up on these targets. Heuvel West Greenheart Gold's Phase 2 diamond drill program at Majorodam, which was aimed at providing additional structural and geologic information on the mineralization controls at Heuvel West and East, returned five significant intercepts from eight holes as outlined in Table 1. Table 2 includes all collar coordinates for drillholes completed to date on the project. Heuvel West lies within a series of interbedded volcanics and sediments hosting gold mineralization within a north-south trending high strain corridor and coincident north-south fold axes. Highlight intercepts from the recent diamond drill program include hole D-014 which assayed 15.3 m (downhole) grading 3.72 grams per tonne of gold (g/t Au), including 8.0 m grading 6.57 g/t Au, and Hole D-013-W1 which intersected 6.0 m grading 3.04 g/t Au, including 5.0 m grading 3.46 g/t Au, and hole D-011, which intersected 11.5 m grading 1.34 g/t Au, including 5.0 m grading 2.77 g/t Au. Heuvel West has been intersected in three main areas by drill intercepts as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, which confirm a zone of drill intercepts over approximately 800 m in strike length. Drilling at Heuvel West to date has been concentrated over these three areas of the target and Heuvel West remains open to infill drilling as well as to expansion to both the north and south. A cross section showing interpreted geology and the location of significant intervals is shown in Figure 4. Gowtu The Gowtu Target (see Figure 1) represents a newly defined zone that lies in the northwest corner of the project area and is defined by a moderate to high grade northwest-southeast trending gold in soil anomaly of approximately 800 m x 1,500 m. Gowtu is located 3 km to the west of the Saramacca mine (see Figure 1) and looks to be closely associated with the westerly granite/greenstone contact trending NNW-SSE. Exploration of this target to date includes two phases of soil sampling, detailed mapping, LiDAR, a pre-existing airborne magnetic and radiometric survey and more recently trenching (results pending). Gowtu has never been drill tested to the Company's knowledge. Heuvel East Heuvel East lies approximately 500 m to the east of Heuvel West, as shown in Figure 2. Heuvel East was identified by an area of high-grade soil results and subsequently confirmed by three drillholes, one from each drill program, including hole D-019 from the most recent drill program, which intersected 7.8 m grading 1.56 g/t Au (see Tables 1 and 2). Previously reported holes that intercepted Heuvel East were D-006, which intersected 13.0 m grading 1.29 g/t Au, including 5.5 m grading 2.30 g/t Au and R-015, which intersected 40.0 m grading 1.49 g/t Au. While the soil anomalies to the north and south of the drillholes appear sparse, subsequent investigation of the soil cover in these areas shows that much of the area could be covered by transported material. As a result, the target is being interpreted as remaining open to both the north and south. Drill Plans Greenheart Gold intends to initiate follow-up drill programs shortly on the Heuvel West, Heuvel East and Gowtu Targets. The drill programs are expected to total approximately 10,000 m. The RC drill program will aim at both expanding and infilling the Heuvel West Target and expanding the Heuvel East Target. Drilling will target areas between existing drill intercepts at Heuvel West and will step out to the north and south at Heuvel East, where gold anomalism may be masked by a detrital ferricrete cover (hardened paleo-colluvium likely derived from adjacent elevated duricrust ridges). The scout RC drill program proposed for the Gowtu Target is designed to confirm the results from the soil survey where trenching has proved ineffective due to potential colluvium cover and to begin to test the continuity of the 15 km gold in soil anomaly. Significant Intervals, Sample Collection, Assaying and Data Management All significant intervals are reported as downhole lengths, and the true thickness of mineralization is unknown. In this press release significant intervals have been calculated using a grade cut-off of 0.3 g/t Au, a minimum length of 5 m, and a maximum length of 5 m of consecutive internal waste. Included significant intervals have been calculated using a grade cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au, a minimum length of 3 m, and a maximum length of 2 m of consecutive internal waste. Gold grades are uncapped. RC drill samples are collected every meter and weighed in their entirety at the rig side to ensure consistent sample collection, then split, bagged, and tagged. Diamond drill core samples consist of half of either HQ or NQ core taken continuously at regular intervals averaging 1.4 m, bagged and labelled at the on-site core shed. Samples are submitted to either Actlabs or Filab laboratories, both located in Paramaribo, Suriname, while respecting best-practice chain of custody procedures. Samples are dried, crushed to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (to either 250 g or 500 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m. Coarse blanks are inserted by the Company, and are used between and following suspected high-grade intervals. Barren sand flushes are inserted by the analytical laboratory after each sample is pulverized to clean the bowl. Actlabs' pulverized samples are transported by Actlabs to their laboratory in Georgetown, Guyana (an ISO 9001 certified laboratory), whilst Filab pulverized samples remain at their Paramaribo laboratory (ISO 9001:2015 certified) for analysis. In both cases, gold assay is carried out using a 30 g or 50 g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Assays with overlimit results are re-assayed with a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks are inserted at a rate of 5% of samples shipped to the laboratories. RC field duplicates and pulp duplicates are also generated at a rate of 5% of samples. All assay data is subject to QA/QC prior to acceptance into the Company database managed by an independent consultant. Qualified Person All scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Justin van der Toorn, CGeol FGS, EurGeol, President and CEO of Greenheart Gold, and a Qualified Person under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the exploration group of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.com). Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws and are based on expectations and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, those related to the Company's plans and objectives, the timing of and execution of planned exploration activities, geological interpretation, potential favorable setting and mineralization, other statements relating to the business prospects of Greenheart Gold and, more generally, the section entitled "About Greenheart Gold Inc." Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Such assumptions include, without limitation, those underlying the statements in the section entitled "About Greenheart Gold Inc." In addition, statements on mineral projects located in proximity to the Company's projects are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's projects. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature, including among others, those risks and uncertainties set forth in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the initial period from April 19, 2024 to December 31, 2024 and the associated management's discussion & analysis, and other documents and reports filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulators available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and the risk that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future outcomes. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the list of factors set forth in the Company's filings that may affect future results is not exhaustive, and new, unforeseeable risks may arise from time to time. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Figure 1 - Map of the Majorodam Project showing gridded Au-in-soil results relative to target areas (names) and the Saramacca mine (operated by Zijin Mining Group). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11642/284135_figure_1.jpg Figure 2 - Map of the Heuvel target area, defined by two Au-in-soil trends crossing Heuvel West and Heuvel East. The plan map shows drill and trench traces with the location of significant intersects. The Au-in-soil trend at Heuvel East is complicated by a detrital ferricrete cover that appears in the areas immediately north and south of past drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11642/284135_e607397d740f8a57_003full.jpg Figure 3 - Map of Heuvel West, showing drillhole and trench traces, and significant interval locations, relative to the Heuvel West Au-in-soil trend. Also shown is the location of the section shown in Figure 4. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11642/284135_e607397d740f8a57_004full.jpg Figure 4 - Section across drilling completed around the high grade intersect in road cut MAJT25-029, showing local geology and the interpreted mineralized zone. Significant intervals have been calculated using a grade cut-off of 0.3 g/t Au, a minimum length of 5 m, and a maximum length of 5 m of consecutive internal waste. Included significant intervals have been calculated using a grade cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au, a minimum length of 3 m, and a maximum length of 2 m of consecutive internal waste. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11642/284135_e607397d740f8a57_005full.jpg Table 1 - Significant intervals reported in this press release. * Significant intervals have been calculated using a grade cut-off of 0.3 g/t Au, a minimum length of 5 m, and a maximum length of 5 m of consecutive internal waste. Included significant intervals have been calculated using a grade cut-off of 1.0 g/t Au, a minimum length of 3 m, and a maximum length of 2 m of consecutive internal waste. Intervals reported are downhole lengths and may not represent the true width of mineralization. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au Grade (g/t) Cuttoff* (g/t Au) MAJD25-012 52.0 62.0 10.0 1.26 0.3 inc 58.0 62.0 4.0 2.97 1 MAJD25-013-W1 110.0 116.0 6.0 3.04 0.3 inc 111.0 116.0 5.0 3.46 1 MAJD25-014 60.7 76.0 15.3 3.72 0.3 inc 64.0 72.0 8.0 6.57 1 MAJD25-016 83.0 90.5 7.5 1.32 0.3 MAJD25-019 124.1 131.9 7.8 1.56 1 MAJR25-014 16.0 21.0 5.0 0.33 0.3 MAJT25-037 7.0 12.0 5.0 1.11 1 MAJT25-039 98.0 104.0 6.0 2.47 1 MJNT25-002 168.0 190.0 22.0 0.69 0.3 Table 2 - Collar coordinates of drillholes completed to date at the Majorodam Project, including starting dip and azimuths. Diamond Drilling HOLEID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Depth (m) Azimuth () Dip () MAJD25-001 679502 532743 134 203.3 88 -62 MAJD25-002 679621 532828 141 206.8 223 -50 MAJD25-003 679610 532670 112 200.0 265 -50 MAJD25-004 679779 533424 114 207.9 279 -55 MAJD25-005 679816 533511 118 280.1 269 -57 MAJD25-006 680514 532999 151 255.7 270 -57 MAJD25-007 680603 532993 155 251.9 268 -60 MAJD25-008 680440 532796 144 202.5 271 -57 MAJD25-009 680526 532784 143 234.0 272 -56 MAJD25-010 679714 533066 107 192.0 265 -50 MAJD25-011 679706 533114 89 101.4 268 -50 MAJD25-012 679727 533276 84 100.9 209 -50 MAJD25-013 679714 533065 107 91.8 354 -68 MAJD25-013-W1 679714 533065 107 141.0 354 -68 MAJD25-014 679713 533065 107 102.0 311 -51 MAJD25-015 679709 533137 81 70.3 344 -48 MAJD25-016 679576 532745 138 114.0 322 -50 MAJD25-017 679576 532744 138 114.0 231 -51 MAJD25-018 680523 533084 159 162.6 210 -55 MAJD25-019 680547 532941 144 161.5 315 -55 RC Drilling HOLEID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Depth (m) Azimuth () Dip () MAJR25-001 679700 533504 140 100.0 272 -60 MAJR25-002 679784 533506 126 86.0 270 -61 MAJR25-003 679755 533504 129 109.0 272 -60 MAJR25-004 679653 533508 141 118.0 268 -60 MAJR25-005 679516 533743 143 102.0 272 -60 MAJR25-006 679564 533743 147 100.0 270 -60 MAJR25-007 679615 533742 153 100.0 270 -60 MAJR25-008 679660 533748 158 100.0 270 -60 MAJR25-009 679711 533741 166 126.0 269 -60 MAJR25-010 679502 532748 136 126.0 90 -60 MAJR25-011 679549 532756 140 126.0 89 -60 MAJR25-012 679580 532745 138 108.0 90 -60 MAJR25-013 680624 532996 156 76.0 270 -60 MAJR25-014 680593 532991 154 117.0 269 -60 MAJR25-015 680515 532998 152 103.0 270 -60 MAJR25-016 680517 532769 148 120.0 270 -60 MAJR25-017 680464 532769 146 126.0 269 -60 MAJR25-018 680423 532772 137 102.0 269 -60 MAJR25-019 680378 532770 123 93.0 269 -60 MAJR25-020 680314 532720 122 100.0 270 -60 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284135 Source: Greenheart Gold Inc. KITCHENER, ON / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / SkyWatch today announced that Spexi 's high-precision orthomosaic drone imagery is now available directly through the SkyWatch platform, giving customers seamless access to ultra-high-resolution, standardized drone data for mapping, measurement, and regional analysis. With this initial launch, SkyWatch users can access Spexi's stitched, orthorectified top-down orthomosaic imagery across North America purpose-built for overlays, planning, and geospatial workflows, through SkyWatch's EXPLORE and HUB applications and API. The integration offers a high temporal and spatial resolution supplement to traditional capture methods, enabling organizations to operationalize hyper-local drone datasets to augment existing data. The total available dataset is expected to scale to hundreds of cities by the end of 2026. Developed by Spexi's in-house team of engineers, the company's orthomosaics capture 2.8 cm GSD ultra-high-resolution top-down views that are fully calibrated, standardized, and ready for rapid ingestion into analytics and modeling pipelines. Customers rely on Spexi data for a wide range of use cases, including powering physical AI, large geospatial model training, infrastructure monitoring, land-use planning, insurance assessment, and energy and utilities analysis. "Making Spexi's orthomosaic imagery available on SkyWatch dramatically lowers the friction of accessing ultra-high-resolution drone data," said Bill Lakeland, CEO of Spexi. "Spexi has always focused on transforming drone imagery collection into easy-to-use data products. Now customers can programmatically request pinpoint coverage through SkyWatch and integrate it instantly into their workflows." The addition of Spexi's data further strengthens SkyWatch's role as a unified access layer for Earth observation data, bringing together satellite, aerial, and now standardized drone imagery through a single commercial and technical interface. "SkyWatch is built to remove barriers between organizations and the data they need to make decisions," said James Slifierz, CEO and Co-Founder of SkyWatch. "By adding Spexi's orthomosaic drone imagery to our platform, we're giving customers a powerful new way to capture fine-grained, decision-grade detail and integrate it seamlessly into their geospatial and analytics environments." SkyWatch is offering premium pricing on Spexi orthomosaic imagery to select customers. Contact SkyWatch for additional details. Additional Spexi products, such as standard multi-view imagery, oblique imagery, and 360-degree panoramas, may be made available on the SkyWatch platform in future phases. Visit our website to learn more. About Spexi Spexi is a Vancouver-based technology company revolutionizing Earth imagery through its global network of drone pilots. By utilizing automated drone systems and cutting-edge software, Spexi delivers ultra-high-resolution aerial imagery that is 10x higher resolution than the best satellites, as detailed as 2.8 centimeters per pixel and in areas as small as 25 acres. This imagery supports organizations and companies in disaster preparedness, smart city planning, infrastructure inspection, resource monitoring, gaming, and countless other AI applications. Spexi has raised $20.5M USD from investors, including Blockchange Ventures, FJ Labs, Protocol Labs, Moonshots Capital, and Alliance. Visit Spexi.com to learn more. About SkyWatch SkyWatch is on a mission to make Earth observation data accessible to the world. Through its unified platform, SkyWatch connects organizations and developers to satellite, aerial, and drone imagery, simplifying data discovery, acquisition, and integration across geospatial, analytics, and decision-making workflows. Media Contact Kelly Winter media@skywatch.com +1.833.711.2090 SOURCE: SkyWatch View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/spexi-orthomosaic-drone-imagery-now-available-on-the-skywatch-platform-1137380 ATLANTA, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Falcone Capital Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been inducted to the Pacesetter Awards Hall of Fame by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, an honor bestowed to the top 30 companies acknowledged with Pacesetter Awards the most times over the past 30 years. Organizations inducted into the Hall of Fame have been repeatedly acknowledged as the fastest-growing within Atlanta. Falcone Capital Holdings has received a record-setting 11 Pacesetter Awards since 2014. The Atlanta Business Chronicle's Pacesetter Award honors privately-held businesses with annual revenues of up to $300M across the Atlanta metro that demonstrate strong financial performance, innovation, and leadership. Falcone Capital Holdings and its subsidiaries attracted attention for their global reach, client-focused approach, and cutting-edge technology solutions in a complex marketplace. "We are honored to be included in the Pacesetter Hall of Fame," said John Falcone, CEO of Falcone Capital Holdings. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of our valued clients. We are proud of the reputation we continue to build within this industry." The organizations within Falcone Capital Holdings provide technology-driven end-to-end international and domestic logistics services, including a full suite of licensed customs brokerage solutions across the globe. These solutions help businesses optimize supply chains and navigate operational challenges. CEO John Falcone continues to invest in talent and best-in-class technology to meet the needs of clients around the world. Falcone Capital Holdings' inclusion in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Pacesetter Hall of Fame underscores its successes and future as a proven leader in the international and domestic logistics space. About Falcone Capital Holdings, LLC Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Falcone Capital Holdings, LLC is a global leader in international and domestic transportation and logistics. Falcone Capital Holdings operate across six continents through wholly owned subsidiaries and partner offices are synonymous with cutting-edge services across all modes of international and domestic transportation. The Falcone Companies are licensed, bonded and insured through all federal and state agencies including Customs and Border Protection, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is a Tier 2 validated member of the Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Learn more about the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Hall of Fame here. Contract Information John Falcone - john.falcone@falconeglobal.com, 404-772-7799 SOURCE: Falcone Capital Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/falcone-capital-holdings-llc-named-to-the-pacesetter-hall-of-fame-by-atlanta-busines-1137878 PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Jared and Steven Smith are putting their 'brotherly love' to the test, as the sibling duo enters the vacation rental management industry, following successful careers as software engineers, in the United States Army and civilian sector, respectively. WAGONS EAST Jared and Steven Smith spent a childhood dreaming, planning, and traveling. For the Smith brothers, travelling was a family tradition. As the brothers grew older, Jared joined the United States Army, where he served as an analyst for 25 years. During that same period, Steven worked as a software engineer for a variety of established and emergent technology companies. While each brother pursued a different path in adulthood, they never lost their common love of traveling and exploring new places that they shared as children. "Throughout my military career, I was always traveling--both professionally, and personally, with my wife and children," said Jared. "From a child with my parents, to now as a parent with my children, it's always been something we've enjoyed." His brother, Steven, took that passion for travel to the next level. "A couple years ago, I decided to get off the grid and unplug-literally and figuratively," added Steven. "I moved into an RV and traveled across the country, relying on a solar energy grid I designed and built, to provide everything I needed in the way of convenience. I just wanted to have the freedom to wake up in a different location each morning and get a chance to see this beautiful country that we're privileged to call home." Last year, the brothers decided to apply their lifelong love of travel in a new direction: a business of their own; one which provides those same experiences and core memories to other families and visitors of all ages. Steven joined Jared in Tennessee and the two decided to focus their passion and narrow their focus, on the Pigeon Forge region of the Volunteer State. "We love the people, the lifestyle, and the fresh air that comes with Pigeon Forge," said Jared. "This is a wonderfully unique part of the state. It's the place we want to call home, while providing a 'home away from home' for others who visit and vacation in this area." While researching vacation rental management companies, the Smith brothers discovered SkyRun Vacation Rentals. "We are both self-sufficient, task-oriented guys; Steven might be a little too independent at times," Jared joked, referring to his brother's 'off the grid' lifestyle. "But we also knew that in order to start and scale our own company, we would need the support and guidance of an established company in this space. After meeting and speaking with the team at SkyRun, we felt they would be the perfect partner for this endeavor. It's not often that you find a nationally recognized company that still retains the warmth and connection of a close-knit family. We liked that a lot." Jared and Steven partnered with SkyRun Vacation Rentals and secured the franchise rights for Pigeon Forge. SkyRun was founded in 2004 and now manages over 1,500 vacation rental properties across the United States. The Smith brothers will draw on their respective project management experience - along with SkyRun's vast network of resources and best in class capabilities-to develop and manage a growing portfolio of properties. Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge has remained a popular family vacation destination for generations. The area was originally settled more than 240 years ago, yet the town has retained its quaint atmosphere, stunning views, and friendly reputation, while expanding to include popular attractions like Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While many consider Pigeon Forge to be 'one of the best kept secrets in the southeast' the tourism numbers continue to rise. "Despite having less than 7,000 full-time residents, Pigeon Forge welcomes 10-11 million visitors each year," said Cord Thomas, President of SkyRun Vacation Rentals. "Dollywood alone draws an estimated 3 million visitors and the total economic impact of tourism translates to more than $2 billion every year. Pigeon Forge has remained one of the premiere, family-friendly vacation destinations in the United States. We are excited to welcome Jared and Steven Smith to the SkyRun family. We look forward to watching and supporting them, as they build on that legacy and provide core memories for the next generation of American families." "Steven and I are more complements, than opposites," added Jared. "Getting the chance to start your own business and to do it with your brother, is our vision and version of the American dream. We are happy to be part of the Pigeon Forge community and we look forward to providing visitors with moments and memories for years to come." About SkyRun Vacation Rentals SkyRun is a rapidly growing vacation rental property management franchise with over 1,500 homes under management, in over 50 independently owned and operated locations. The brand itself represents the best of both worlds when it comes to vacation rental management, by combining the advantages of local ownership and management with efficiency, technology, and the support of a national brand. The company has been recognized as one of the Fastest-Growing Franchises in North America, by Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as one of the country's Top-Emerging Franchises. SkyRun has been featured across a variety of national media outlets and platforms, including: FOX Business, Travel + Leisure, Staycation, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and others. Whether you are a guest, a homeowner, or a franchisee - with SkyRun, your vacation dreams can become a reality sooner than you think. Visit: SkyRun.com Contact Information Doug Eldridge Achilles PR +1 202 680 9375 SOURCE: SkyRun Vacation Rentals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/smith-brothers-packed-up-their-wagons-and-settled-in-pigeon-forge-with-a-vision-of-leav-1138041 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") today announced market statistics for January 2026. January 2026 Operating Statistics Trading volume of CSE listed securities totaled 2.0 billion shares; Trading value of CSE listed securities was $1.0 billion; CSE issuers completed 83 financings that raised an aggregate $446 million; and The CSE welcomed listings from three new companies, bringing total listed securities to 737 as at January 31, 2026. "Monthly trading volume on the Canadian Securities Exchange exceeded two billion shares for the first time in four years in January, driven by continued strong investor interest in securities of emerging companies," said Richard Carleton, CEO of the CSE. "With gold prices reaching unprecedented highs this year, and other market headwinds remaining in place, we expect this momentum to continue. We are also pleased to note that the month of January featured one of the largest financings any CSE-listed company has completed in several months, as Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. raised US$175 million." What's On at the CSE The world's biggest mining conference is right around the corner once again. The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention will take place in Toronto on March 1-4, and the CSE is thrilled to be participating in the big show. The CSE team will be occupying its usual spot in booth #2542 on the conference floor and invites attendees to visit. In addition, Richard Carleton will make a presentation on March 1 at 10:30 a.m. that will highlight current financing trends and other important information for prospective CSE issuers and investors. Be sure to follow the CSE's social media channels for regular updates from the convention. Right before the start of the PDAC convention, Red Cloud Financial Services will be hosting its Pre-PDAC 2026 Mining Showcase at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto on February 26-27. The CSE is pleased to be returning as a sponsor. The event, presented in partnership with PearTree Canada, features keynote speakers, mining company presentations, one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities. The CSE-listed companies participating in the conference include Foremost Clean Energy Ltd. (FAT), Gold Hunter Resources Inc. (HUNT), LaFleur Minerals Inc. (LFLR), Loyalist Exploration Limited (PNGC), McFarlane Lake Mining Limited (MLM), Myriad Uranium Corp. (M), Pasinex Resources Limited (PSE), PTX Metals Inc. (PTX), Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. (SUU), Talisker Resources Ltd. (TSK), and Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (WUC). The Canadian Security Traders Association (CSTA) is holding its annual winter vendor fair at the TMX Market Centre in Toronto on February 19. The CSE is pleased to be sponsoring the event, which is an important networking opportunity for the trading community. The CSE team will be returning to sunny South Beach in Miami, Florida on February 26 for the latest in its series of Going Public and Raising Capital in Canada events, which will take place at the 1 Hotel South Beach. These events provide attendees with an in-depth look at the strategic, legal and business considerations involved in raising capital in the United States and Canada and listing on the CSE. The presenters in South Beach include Phillip Shum, the CSE's Director of Listings Development, and a CSE board member, Michael Bluestein (of Corporate Counsel LLP). David Stein, the CEO of Kuya Silver Corporation (KUYA) and Sophy Cesar, the CEO of Upside Gold Corp. (UG) will provide listed company perspectives. The event is presented by Cap Circle. New Listings in January 2026 Upside Gold Corp. (UG) Titan Technology Corp. (TTC) Alaros Exploration Inc. (ALAR) About the Canadian Securities Exchange: The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing exchange invested in working with entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors to access public capital markets in Canada. The Exchange's efficient operating model, advanced technology and competitive fee structure help its listed issuers of all sectors and sizes minimize their cost of capital and enhance global liquidity. Our client-centric approach and corresponding products and services ensure businesses have the support they need to confidently realize their vision. The CSE offers global investors access to an innovative collection of growing and mature companies. STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CSE ============================= Website: https://thecse.com/ Blog: https://blog.thecse.com/ CSE TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/csetv CSE's "The Exchange for Entrepreneurs" Podcast: https://blog.thecse.com/category/cse-podcast/ Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canadian-securities-exchange X (Twitter): https://x.com/CSE_News Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadianexchange/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianSecuritiesExchange/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284143 Source: Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the submission of final reporting under Phase 1 of its Other Transaction Agreement ("OTA" or "Agreement") with the US Department of War (the "Project"). As outlined in the Agreement, the report was submitted to the US Army Contracting Command - Orlando and included both a Final Demonstration Report and a Final Techno-Economic Analysis ("TEA") detailing the work conducted at Ucore's RapidSX Commercialization and Demonstration Facility ("CDF"). The report addressed a number of items, including the following: Project objective and scope demonstrating a better approach to Chinese utilized conventional solvent extraction (" CSX "), including continuous improvement modifications to the RapidSX Demonstration Plant implemented during execution; The demonstrated results of RapidSX processing applying the time-proven chemistry of solvent extraction chemistry much more efficiently through the combination of reaching chemical equilibrium faster within a smaller physical equipment footprint; Results of processing tonnes of a real-world heavy mixed rare earth oxide (" MREO ") feedstock with proprietary and patent-pending computerized RapidSX columns versus CSX mixer/settler units; Analysis of Project results for refining "heavy" rare earth as well as samarium and gadolinium, which are crucial to national defense, green energy, EVs, and emerging industries; and Milestones, Key Performance Metrics, Continuous Improvement of the Technical Approach, Lessons Learned, and Benefits to the US Government and Other Stakeholders. The primary results of the Final Report focused on comparing the Company's proprietary RapidSX technology platform with concurrent testing in a neighboring conventional solvent extraction pilot plant, also constructed by Ucore. CSX is the only technology currently being used at a significant commercial scale for the refining of rare earth elements. Separating individual elements, such as neodymium from praseodymium or dysprosium from terbium, requires sophisticated solvent-extraction chemical processes. As demonstrated through the work at the CDF, the modular RapidSX technology platform executed the solvent extraction chemistry with precision and flexibility. Phase 1 of the Project resulted in approximately 6,000 hours of run time on the Company's RapidSX Demonstration Plant in a simulated commercial production environment and the production of thousands of liters of PrNd, SmEuGd, Sm, Gd, Tb, and Dy chloride products - with additional small batch amounts of oxide products. There were over 10,000 points of recovery and purity comparisons with conventional SX, clearly demonstrating RapidSX technology's efficacy with respect to planned commercial operational parameters and the smart deployment of capital, enabled by its inherent scalability and modularity. Figure 1 - 3D Engineered Model of LA-SMC RapidSX Contactor Factory Acceptance Testing Program - DoW Phase 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1119/284146_3c7d07646453db2f_001full.jpg Phase 2 Phase 2 of the Agreement, which was executed in May of 2025, is currently underway, with 5 of 20 milestones completed to date. Work under Phase 2 of the Agreement will culminate in the construction, commissioning, and demonstration of one commercial-scale RapidSX machine at the Company's commercial processing facility in Alexandria, Louisiana - The Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex. Subsequent RapidSX machines installed in series will form the first stage of 2,500 tonnes per annum of total rare earth oxide ("TREO") processing for rare earth oxide production. "Breaking the Chinese advantages of state-backed processing capacity requires a 21st century approach with digital manufacturing savvy and a reasonable deployment of capital," said Pat Ryan, P.Eng., Chairman and CEO of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. "The completion of the Phase I Report for the DoW under our OTA and a path to commercialization with Phase 2 financial support clearly shows processing independence has become a national security priority for the US Administration worthy of sustained investment." The Company anticipates releasing more detailed information on the Project's results and the Techno-Economic Assessment upon formal acceptance by the US Army Contracting Command - Orlando, which is expected in the coming weeks. # # # About Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry. Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People's Republic of China's control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA ("Bokan"). Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF." For further information, please visit www.ucore.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Regarding the disclosure in the press release above about government support for Ucore, the Company has assumed that the applicable projects (including each of the associated milestones) will be completed satisfactorily and in accordance with the respective agreements or letters of intent (as applicable) for such government support. For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business activities, its ability to qualify for and receive any additional funding from any U.S. or Canadian government, the CDF and the aforementioned projects (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q3-2025 (filed on SEDAR+ on November 25, 2025) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below. Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future SMCs. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to continue and complete the ongoing research and development work required at the CDF and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 technical report that demonstrates that Bokan is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction and eventual commissioning and operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: IMC failing to protect its intellectual property rights in RapidSX RapidSX failing to demonstrate commercial viability in large commercial-scale applications; Ucore not being able to procure additional key partners or suppliers for the SMCs; Ucore not being able to raise sufficient funds to fund the specific design and construction of the SMCs and/or the continued development of RapidSX adverse capital-market conditions; unexpected due-diligence findings; the emergence of alternative superior metallurgy and metal-separation technologies; the inability of Ucore and/or IMC to retain its key staff members; a change in the legislation in Louisiana or Alaska and/or in the support expressed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) regarding the development of Bokan; the availability and procurement of any required interim and/or long-term financing that may be required; and general economic, market or business conditions. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACTS Mr. Michael Schrider, P.E., Ucore Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284146 Source: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. The global Space Robotics Market is experiencing sustained momentum driven by rising investments in autonomous mission systems, rapid advancements in AI-enabled robotics, and expanding commercial and governmental space activities. Demand is reinforced by satellite servicing requirements, planetary exploration programs, and the need for precision robotic operations in hazardous extraterrestrial environments. Technology evolution across machine vision, autonomous navigation, modular robotic arms, and space-qualified mobility platforms is reshaping mission economics. However, high development costs, mission reliability requirements, and regulatory complexities continue to influence adoption cycles. LEWES, Del., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Verified Market Research indicates that the Global Space Robotics Market, valued at USD 4.7 Billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 7.34 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 7.20% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2032. The market trajectory reflects increasing commercialization of space operations, expanding satellite constellations, and growing reliance on robotic technologies for mission safety, efficiency, and operational precision. Download a free sample to access exclusive Insights, Data Charts, And Forecasts From The Space Robotics Sample Report. Explore the fullSpace Robotics Market Table of Contents (TOC): 210+ Pages Tables: 140+ Figures: 95+ Space Robotics Market Overview Market Drivers 1. Expansion of Autonomous Space Missions The increasing complexity of orbital and deep-space missions is accelerating the deployment of autonomous robotic systems capable of performing inspection, assembly, repair, and exploration tasks with minimal human intervention. Enterprises and space agencies are prioritizing robotics to reduce mission risk, optimize payload efficiency, and extend operational lifespans of assets. For market research buyers, this driver signals long-term capital allocation shifts, technology procurement opportunities, and evolving supplier ecosystems. 2. Growth of On-Orbit Servicing and Satellite Maintenance Satellite servicing, refueling, debris management, and in-space infrastructure maintenance are creating sustained demand for precision robotic platforms. Commercial operators and defense organizations are increasingly adopting robotic servicing technologies to protect high-value orbital assets. This driver highlights strategic revenue pools, partnership models, and technology differentiation opportunities, making competitive benchmarking and investment analysis critical for enterprise decision-makers. 3. Advancements in AI-Driven Robotics and Mobility Systems Technological progress in AI, machine learning, sensor fusion, and space-qualified robotic mobility is enabling higher levels of autonomy and operational reliability. These innovations are reducing mission constraints while expanding application feasibility across lunar, Martian, and orbital environments. For industry stakeholders, understanding innovation pipelines, IP landscapes, and commercialization pathways becomes essential for strategic planning and portfolio development. Download a free sample to access exclusive Insights, Data Charts, And Forecasts From The Space Robotics Sample Report. Market Restraints 1. High Development and Qualification Costs Space robotics systems require extensive testing, radiation hardening, and mission-specific customization, leading to elevated capital expenditures and prolonged development cycles. These cost structures influence procurement decisions, vendor selection strategies, and market entry dynamics, posing financial and operational challenges for emerging participants and enterprise buyers. 2. Mission Reliability and Technical Risk Factors Robotic failures in space environments carry significant financial and reputational consequences. Reliability assurance, redundancy engineering, and validation protocols increase deployment complexity. Buyers must evaluate supplier capabilities, technology maturity, and lifecycle support frameworks to mitigate operational risks and safeguard mission success. 3. Regulatory and Operational Constraints International space governance, export controls, and mission authorization processes introduce compliance burdens and strategic uncertainties. Variability in national policies and licensing frameworks can impact deployment timelines and cross-border collaborations, necessitating careful regulatory intelligence and risk assessment. Space Robotics Market Geographical Dominance North America maintains dominance within the Space Robotics Market, supported by robust governmental funding, private sector innovation, and a mature aerospace ecosystem. The United States continues to drive advancements through sustained investments in space exploration initiatives, defense programs, and commercial satellite operations. Europe represents a strong secondary market, characterized by collaborative research frameworks and increasing robotic mission deployments. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, with China, India, and Japan expanding space capabilities, national missions, and robotics research. Emerging economies are increasingly viewed as future opportunity zones due to expanding space ambitions and technology partnerships. Space Robotics Market Key Players Competitive intelligence remains central to understanding technological positioning, partnership strategies, and innovation leadership. Prominent participants include Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Maxar Technologies, ASTROBOTIC, BluHaptics Inc, Altius Space, Motiv Space Systems, Olis Robotics, Oceaneering International Inc, Honeybee Robotics. Space Robotics Market Segmentation The Space Robotics Market is analyzed across multiple strategic dimensions: By Organization Commercial Government By Application Deep Space Near Space Ground By Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the World To gain complete access with Corporate Or Enterprise Licensing, Visit The Space Robotics Market. Space Robotics Market Strategic Insights Market attractiveness varies by region, influenced by funding ecosystems, technological maturity, and mission pipelines. Entry barriers remain high due to technical complexity, certification requirements, and capital intensity. Pricing strategies are closely tied to customization levels, reliability metrics, and lifecycle support models. Compliance readiness and cross-industry partnerships are emerging as critical success factors. Investors and enterprise stakeholders should closely monitor innovation cycles, regulatory developments, and commercialization pathways. Key Highlights of the Report Comprehensive market size and forecast analysis Deep segment-level opportunity assessment Regional demand and investment insights Competitive landscape and vendor benchmarking Detailed drivers, restraints, and risk evaluation Why This Report Matters? This report supports informed decision-making by delivering structured intelligence on growth dynamics, technology shifts, and competitive strategies. It provides enterprises, investors, and market participants with clarity on revenue opportunities, risk variables, and market positioning considerations essential for strategic planning and investment prioritization. Who Should Read This Report? Market research and strategy professionals Space technology developers and manufacturers Enterprise procurement and investment teams Investors, consultants, and industry strategists Related Reports Global Space Ground System Market Size By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Application (Satellite Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Exploration), By End-User (Commercial, Government, Defense), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global CFD in Aerospace and Defense Market Size By Simulation Type (Steady-State Simulation, Transient Simulation, Multiphase Simulation), By Application (Aerodynamic Analysis, Thermal Analysis, Structural Analysis, Fluid Flow Analysis), By End-User (Civil Aviation, Military Aviation, Space Exploration, Defense Contractors), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality In Aerospace Market Size By Technology Type (Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), By Application (Training And Simulation, Design And Prototyping, Maintenance, Repair, And Overhaul (Mro, Remote Assistance, Flight Operations, Passenger Experience), By End-User (Commercial Aviation, Military and Defense, General Aviation, Space Exploration), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global C4ISR Market Size By Platform (Land, Air, Water), By Application (Command & Control, Communication, Computers), By End-User (Defense & Space, Homeland Security), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Top 5 Nanosatellite Companies researching unexplored dimensions of astronomical space Visualize Space Robotics Market using Verified Market Intelligence -: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future. VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research stands at the forefront as a global leader in Research and Consulting, offering unparalleled analytical research solutions that empower organizations with the insights needed for critical business decisions. Celebrating 10+ years of service, VMR has been instrumental in providing founders and companies with precise, up-to-date research data. With a team of 500+ Analysts and subject matter experts, VMR leverages internationally recognized research methodologies for data collection and analyses, covering over 15,000 high impact and niche markets. This robust team ensures data integrity and offers insights that are both informative and actionable, tailored to the strategic needs of businesses across various industries. VMR's domain expertise is recognized across 14 key industries, including Semiconductor & Electronics, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Technology, Automobiles, Defense, Mining, Manufacturing, Retail, and Agriculture & Food. In-depth market analysis cover over 52 countries, with advanced data collection methods and sophisticated research techniques being utilized. This approach allows for actionable insights to be furnished by seasoned analysts, equipping clients with the essential knowledge necessary for critical revenue decisions across these varied and vital industries. Verified Market Research is also a member of ESOMAR, an organization renowned for setting the benchmark in ethical and professional standards in market research. This affiliation highlights VMR's dedication to conducting research with integrity and reliability, ensuring that the insights offered are not only valuable but also ethically sourced and respected worldwide. Follow Us On: LinkedIn | Twitter | Threads | Instagram | Facebook Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-space-robotics-market-poised-for-strong-growth-as-autonomous-mission-demand-on-orbit-servicing-expansion-and-deep-space-exploration-accelerate-verified-market-research-302689550.html Toronto, Ontario & Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Gold Hart Copper Corp. (TSXV: HART) ("HART" or "Gold Hart Copper") and Rhyolite Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RYE) ("RYE") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a binding letter agreement dated February 16, 2026 (the "Letter Agreement") to pursue a business combination (the "Proposed Transaction") pursuant to which HART would acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of RYE. Summary of the Proposed Transaction The Letter Agreement contemplates HART and RYE undertaking an arm's length business combination transaction, currently proposed to be completed by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Total consideration for the Proposed Transaction of RYE will be satisfied through the issuance of one (1) HART Share (as defined below) for every two-and-six-tenths (2.6) outstanding RYE Shares (as defined below) to the existing shareholders of RYE. Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, RYE will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HART (the combined business being referred to herein as the "Resulting Issuer"). The capital structure of RYE currently consists of 107,185,253 common shares (each, a "RYE Share"). There are no outstanding securities or rights of RYE which are convertible or have the right to acquire RYE Shares. The capital structure of HART currently consists of 129,997,941 common shares (each, a "HART Share"). Except for 24,627,056 common share purchase warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $0.29, and 9,820,000 incentive stock options held by directors and officers and other service providers of HART, there are no outstanding securities or rights of HART which are convertible or have the right to acquire HART Shares. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is expected to occur in Q2 2026, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions that are customary for a transaction of this nature, including but not limited to (i) execution of a definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") (provided that if a Definitive Agreement is not executed, HART and RYE agree that the Letter Agreement will govern the Proposed Transaction); (ii) the completion of the Concurrent Financing (as defined below); (iii) the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the shareholders of RYE, (iv) receipt of all requisite court, regulatory, stock exchange, or governmental approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), and (v) RYE meeting certain minimum working capital requirements. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms proposed above or at all. Except for activities undertaken in connection with the Proposed Transaction or as contemplated in the Letter Agreement, neither RYE nor HART will, nor will it permit any of its representatives to directly or indirectly solicit, discuss, encourage or accept any offer for the purchase, joint venture, option or financing (by way of equity or debt, other than on exercise of existing convertible securities) of itself, or any of its assets, whether as a primary or back-up offer, or take any other action with the intention or reasonably foreseeable effect of leading to a transaction contrary in intent to the Proposed Transaction. Concurrent Financing In connection with the Proposed Transaction and as a condition to completion thereof, HART intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") of units (each, a "HART Unit") and subscription receipts (each, a "HART Subscription Receipt" and together with the HART Units, the "Offered Securities"), at a price of $0.26 per HART Unit and $0.26 per HART Subscription Receipt, for gross proceeds of up to $10,000,000 and not less than $4,000,000. The Concurrent Financing is integral to the Proposed Transaction. Each HART Unit will be comprised of one (1) HART Share and one-half (0.5) of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "HART Warrant"), with each HART Warrant exercisable to acquire one (1) HART Share at a price of $0.40 for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Each HART Subscription Receipt will convert automatically and for no additional consideration, into one HART Unit, upon the satisfaction or waiver by HART and RYE of all conditions precedent to the Proposed Transaction proceeding, other than receipt of final Exchange approval for the Proposed Transaction. Insiders of HART and RYE may participate in the Concurrent Financing, however, the extent of such insider participation has not yet been determined. Northfield Capital Corporation ("Northfield") has indicated that Northfield and Mr. Robert Cudney, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northfield, intend to participate in the Concurrent Financing and are expected to acquire up to 9,615,384 Offered Securities for a purchase price of up to $2,500,000. Northfield and Mr. Cudney have a track record of significant value creation in the mining sector. Mr. Cudney is credited as a founder and early financier of FNX Mining Company Inc., which was ultimately acquired by KGHM for approximately $3-billion, and as Co-Chairman and early financier of Gold Eagle Mines, which was acquired by GoldCorp (Newmont) for $1.5-billion. Net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing are intended to be used to develop the business of Resulting Issuer currently carried on by HART, including the acceleration of exploration activities, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Sean Roosen to Join Gold Hart Copper Advisory Board In connection with the Proposed Transaction, it is expected that Mr. Sean Roosen will be participating in the Concurrent Financing and, subject to completion of the Proposed Transaction, will be joining the Advisory Board of Gold Hart Copper, where he will serve alongside the Honourable John R. Baird. Mr. Roosen is credited with founding Osisko Mining Corporation and purchasing the Canadian Malartic gold property out of bankruptcy. Canadian Malartic is now considered one of Canada's largest gold mines, producing 600,000ozs (~$3 billion gross) per annum. Osisko Mining Corporation was acquired by Agnico Eagle and Yamana Gold for $3.9 billion in 2014, with such transaction resulting in the creation of Osisko Gold Royalties (now OR Royalties). Subsequently, Mr. Roosen & Mr. Baird have both served on the board of Osisko Gold Royalties (now OR Royalties), which holds a royalty on the Canadian Malartic gold mine. Gold Hart Copper board member Mr. Joseph de la Plante has also worked with Mr. Roosen at Osisko Gold Royalties. Mr. Roosen is now the CEO of Osisko Development Corp., which recently completed a nearly US$750 million financing package to fund the construction of the Cariboo gold mine in British Columbia. If completed, it is anticipated that the current board and management of HART, along with the addition of a nominee director appointed by RYE and the addition of Mr. Roosen, will be responsible for the management and direction of the Resulting Issuer. About RYE RYE was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). RYE's principal business activities include the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. RYE is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. On behalf of the Board of RYE, and for further information, please contact: About Gold Hart Copper Gold Hart Copper is one of the largest independent land owners surrounding major miners where the famous Maricunga Gold Belt meets the emerging Vicuna Copper Belt in Chile. HART is actively acquiring, exploring and developing its portfolio of gold, copper & silver properties adjacent to the largest gold and copper assets on the continent. HART has rolled-up a portfolio of historically significant assets surrounding majors, in some cases personally staked by the very same geologists who made the adjacent mega-discoveries, since the early 1990s. Some of the Gold Hart Copper properties have already undergone a first phase of drilling, with highly encouraging results of gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum. Gold Hart Copper properties are controlled 100% and not subject to any royalties whatsoever. HART believes it may be sitting on one of the only fully-preserved untested large-scale gold-copper-silver porphyry targets in the Vicuna District - an asset that was first recognized for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface - and staked by one of the Maricunga-Vicuna district's pioneering geologists3 in 1993. Gold Hart Copper is fully funded for its planned drill campaign. HART's team of geologists were personally involved in pioneering exploration in the region, leading to some of its greatest gold, copper, and silver deposits, and include the country's former Geological Survey National Deputy Manager Dr. Professor Jose Frutos. Specifically, senior Gold Hart Copper geologists were personally involved in the Escondida copper discovery, now the largest copper mine in the world1 controlled by Rio Tinto and BHP, as well as Cerro Casale, the largest gold-copper discovery in Chile2 acquired by Barrick and Newmont (GoldCorp) with 59-million ounces of gold and 12.5-billion pounds of copper. In addition to its large land position in the Vicuna District, Gold Hart Copper recently acquired the Nessa properties just northwest on Chile's Paleocene-Eocene Belt on the famous Domeyko Fault System, which is home to some of Chile's largest gold, copper, and silver assets including Escondida, Chuquicamata and Collahuasi. The Nessa properties host several historic gold and copper artisanal mines with high grades of gold, copper, and silver on surface, with a large alteration and magnetic anomaly extending approximately 6km. Kinross' La Coipa Gold Mine sits just east of Nessa. HART | Gold Hart Copper Corp. - Social Media Channels Website: https://goldhartcopper.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldhartcopper X / Twitter: https://x.com/goldhartcopper Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goldhartcopper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldhartcopper On behalf of the Board of HART, and for further information, please contact: Gold Hart Copper Corp. Isaac B. Maresky Chief Executive Officer and Director Email: im@goldhartmining.com Tel: 647-998-2059 Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance. The Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required approvals are obtained, and the outstanding conditions satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect RYE and HART's current expectations. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include information relating to the business plans of HART, RYE, and the Resulting Issuer, the Concurrent Financing (including receipt of Exchange approval, the size (including the participation by Northfield and its President and Chief Executive Officer) and closing of the Concurrent Financing), the Proposed Transaction (including the structure thereof, receipt of Exchange and other approvals and the closing of the Proposed Transaction (including the timing thereof)), the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, statements regarding the prospects of HART's property portfolio, statements regarding the significance of the location of HART's property portfolio and proximity to other major mineral discoveries, and the significance of historical mineral discoveries. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: there is no assurance that the Concurrent Financing will be completed or as to the actual gross proceeds to be raised in connection with the Concurrent Financing. In particular, the amount raised may be significantly less than the amounts anticipated as a result of, among other things, market conditions and investor behaviour; there is no assurance that HART and RYE will obtain all requisite approvals for the Proposed Transaction, including the approval of their respective shareholders (if required), or the approval of the Exchange (which may be conditional upon amendments to the terms of the Proposed Transaction); following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations. Financing may not be available when needed or on terms and conditions acceptable to the Resulting Issuer; new laws or regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuer's business and results of operations; and the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies. These fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Resulting Issuer's securities, regardless of their operating performance. There are a number of important factors that could cause HART, RYE and the Resulting Issuer's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; negative operating cash flow; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, fluctuations in commodity prices, and general market and industry conditions. HART and RYE caution that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on HART and RYE's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. There can be no assurance that the foregoing assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF HART AND RYE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE HART AND RYE MAY ELECT TO, THEY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284150 Source: Rhyolite Resources Ltd. The diversified conglomerate to invest $100 billion by 2035 in renewable-powered Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre infrastructure. The announcement is expected to catalyse an additional $150 billion in related investments, creating a projected $250 billion AI ecosystem. Expansion will scale AdaniConnex's data centre capacity from 2 gigawatts (GW) to 5 GW across multiple Indian campuses. AHMEDABAD, India, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- India's Adani Group said on Monday it will invest $100 billion by 2035 to build renewable-energy-powered data centres designed for Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads, marking one of the country's largest private commitments to digital infrastructure. The investment aims to establish a sovereign energy and computing backbone to support India's growing AI ecosystem. The group said the initiative could catalyse an additional $150 billion in investments across servers, sovereign cloud platforms, advanced electrical systems and related infrastructure, forming a projected $250 billion AI ecosystem. The roadmap expands AdaniConnex's existing 2 gigawatts (GW) national data centre capacity to 5 GW. The platform is designed to integrate renewable generation, grid resilience and high-density AI computing infrastructure within a unified architecture. The group is partnering with Alphabet's Google to develop a gigawatt-scale AI data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and is developing additional campuses in Noida in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). It is also collaborating with Microsoft on projects in Hyderabad and Pune in the southern and western Indian states of Telangana and Maharashtra, respectively. Discussions with other global technology firms are underway to establish further AI campuses. Adani Group's Chairman Mr. Gautam Adani, said, "Nations that integrate energy and computing capacity would define the next phase of technological growth." The renewable energy backbone will be anchored by Adani Green Energy's 30 GW Khavda project in Gujarat, of which more than 10 GW is operational. The group has separately committed an additional $55 billion to expand its renewable energy portfolio, including large-scale battery energy storage systems. The data centres will incorporate advanced liquid cooling, high-efficiency power design and dedicated capacity for Indian large language models and national data initiatives to support data sovereignty. A portion of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) capacity will be reserved for Indian AI start-ups, research institutions and deep-technology innovators. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905115/Adani_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adani-group-to-invest-100-billion-in-renewable-powered-ai-data-centres-by-2035-302689648.html Tbilisi, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Korter.ge, a leading residential real estate platform in Georgia, has announced the launch of new analytics features designed to provide greater transparency and deeper market insight for property buyers, investors, and real estate professionals. The newly introduced tools include an interactive property map and price trend tracking functionality, enabling users to evaluate residential developments using real-time location and historical pricing data. Korter.ge To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/284018_068a2e5cd4c7b8ce_001full.jpg The launch reflects Korter.ge's continued investment in data-driven solutions that support informed decision-making in Georgia's growing residential real estate market. By integrating analytics directly into the platform experience, the company aims to improve access to structured market information and simplify the evaluation process for both local and international users. One of the key additions is an interactive map feature that allows users to explore residential developments visually across Tbilisi, Batumi, and other cities in Georgia. The map displays the precise location of each residential project, helping users better understand geographic distribution, neighborhood characteristics, and proximity to important infrastructure. This includes nearby transportation routes, retail areas, public amenities, and coastal or central districts depending on the region. The map-based interface allows users to navigate properties in a more intuitive way compared to traditional listings. By presenting developments in their geographic context, the feature supports location-based analysis, which is a critical factor for residential investment and purchasing decisions. Users can view project details directly from the map and compare multiple developments within specific areas of interest. In addition to the interactive map, Korter.ge has introduced price trend tracking, a feature that provides historical data on residential property pricing. This functionality allows users to monitor changes in the minimum price per square meter over time for specific residential developments. By visualizing pricing dynamics, the platform helps users identify trends, assess market timing, and better understand how individual projects evolve throughout their lifecycle. Access to structured pricing history supports more transparent evaluation of residential real estate. Users can observe price stability, growth patterns, and adjustments that may reflect market conditions, construction progress, or increased demand. This information is particularly valuable for investors who rely on data to assess potential returns and market entry timing. "These new analytics features represent an important step forward in our mission to make residential real estate data in Georgia more accessible and transparent," said a representative of Korter.ge. "By combining interactive location tools with price trend analysis, we are providing users with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions." Georgia's residential real estate market has experienced sustained interest in recent years, supported by urban development, infrastructure investment, and growing international visibility. As demand increases, access to reliable market information becomes increasingly important for buyers and investors seeking to evaluate opportunities efficiently. Korter.ge's analytics tools are designed to support this need by organizing market data into accessible visual formats. The platform aggregates information on residential developments and presents it in a structured and user-friendly environment. By integrating mapping technology and historical pricing insights, the company enhances its role as a data-driven platform supporting residential real estate discovery. The new features are available to users directly on the Korter.ge platform. The interactive map allows visitors to explore residential projects geographically, while the price trend tracking feature provides visualized historical pricing information for individual developments. These additions strengthen Korter.ge's position as a technology-focused platform serving the residential real estate sector in Georgia. By continuously expanding its analytical capabilities, the company supports increased transparency and helps users better understand the dynamics of the local property market. About Korter.ge Korter.ge is a real estate platform that provides comprehensive information across the residential property market in Georgia. The platform enables users to explore new residential developments, secondary market properties, and investment opportunities, while accessing detailed data on pricing, locations, and market trends. Korter.ge focuses on improving transparency and accessibility by offering data-driven tools that help buyers, investors, and real estate professionals make informed decisions. By combining structured listings with analytics and market insights, the platform supports efficient property discovery and evaluation across Georgia's real estate sector. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284018 Source: PRNews OU New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Paint with Numbers, a provider of custom paint-by-numbers kits, announced the launch of an expanded custom photo-to-canvas production program designed to streamline order processing and increase personalization capabilities. The company stated that the updated program allows customers to convert personal photographs into structured paint-by-numbers canvas kits using a revised digital rendering and template-generation system. According to Paint with Numbers, the upgrade improves image mapping precision and production turnaround consistency. Enhanced Customization Workflow Paint with Numbers reported that the expanded production system incorporates updated image segmentation technology, color calibration processes, and pre-print quality checks. The company indicated that the workflow adjustments were implemented to improve clarity in canvas outlines and color differentiation within custom designs. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11704/284105_93522eb0b40258bc_001full.jpg Under the updated process, uploaded photographs are converted into numbered templates that correspond to a coordinated paint set included within each kit. The company stated that these refinements are intended to support consistent output across a range of image types, including portraits, family photographs, pets, and landscapes. Paint with Numbers stated, "This production expansion reflects our focus on operational efficiency and consistency in custom canvas generation. The updated system supports improved image accuracy while maintaining structured kit assembly standards." Production and Fulfillment Coordination According to the company, the expanded program includes revised production scheduling and fulfillment coordination to accommodate growing order volumes. Paint with Numbers stated that internal quality control checks were adjusted to align with the updated rendering workflow. The company indicated that the production update became operational in January 2026 and applies to all new custom photo-to-canvas kit orders. Product Structure and Kit Components Paint with Numbers stated that each custom kit includes a pre-printed numbered canvas, corresponding acrylic paints, and brush tools required for completion. The company indicated that the structured format is designed to support guided painting across varying skill levels. The expanded system maintains standardized material specifications and packaging procedures, according to the company. About Paint with Numbers Paint with Numbers is a company specializing in customizable paint-by-numbers kits that convert personal photographs into structured canvas templates. The company distributes its products through its online platform and serves customers across multiple regions. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284105 Source: FG Newswire MAK Canadian Immigration Services Offers Specialized Expertise in Provincial Entrepreneur Pathways Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - MAK Canadian Immigration Services, a regulated immigration consulting firm based in Toronto, is proud to announce its specialized services in provincial entrepreneur pathways. This comprehensive support is aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their businesses in Canada. Led by Usman Khalil RCIC and Omer Khalil RCIC, the firm is renowned for its strategic approach, ensuring clients receive clear, compliant, and transparent guidance throughout the immigration process. Business Immigration Led By An RCIC And CPA MAK Canadian Immigration Services Announces Focus on Provincial Entrepreneur Pathways for Business Immigration To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/283829_5ed76004e4f65b44_002full.jpg With a particular focus on provincial nominee programs such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream, British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream, Manitoba Business Investor Pathway, and Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur Pathway, MAK Canadian Immigration Services is committed to offering bespoke support for entrepreneurs aiming to make a successful transition to Canada. Strategic Approach to Business Immigration Business immigration to Canada can be complex, especially when navigating the various provincial entrepreneur streams. MAK Canadian Immigration Services takes pride in helping clients understand and align their business plans with the specific requirements of provincial authorities. Unlike traditional immigration consultants who focus only on form completion, MAK ensures that every detail, from business model credibility to financial documentation, is tailored to meet the expectations of provincial authorities. "Our focus is on helping entrepreneurs present a credible and realistic business plan that aligns with the strict expectations of provincial entrepreneur programs," said Usman Khalil RCIC, Partner at MAK Canadian Immigration Services. "Business immigration is not just about meeting basic requirements; it's about demonstrating the capacity to run a successful business in Canada, backed by clear financial documentation." The Role of Dual Licensed RCICs in Business Immigration One of the unique features of MAK Canadian Immigration Services is its dual-licensed RCIC approach. Usman Khalil RCIC, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Ontario C83028834), leads the strategic planning and financial documentation aspects of business immigration applications. His dual expertise in both immigration and accounting ensures that financial documents are carefully aligned with provincial requirements. Omer Khalil RCIC R710149 provides the second review, overseeing the quality control and compliance aspects of each application. "We are one of the few firms where two licensed RCICs work on a single application," said Omer Khalil RCIC. "This dual review process ensures that every application is meticulously prepared, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays during the application process." Key Elements of a Successful Business Immigration Application Provincial nominee programs for entrepreneurs assess various factors before approving applications. MAK Canadian Immigration Services places significant emphasis on the following critical elements: Credible Business Plans : MAK ensures that applicants present business plans that are not only realistic but also comply with provincial expectations. These plans demonstrate that the business will be sustainable and actively managed once established in Canada. : MAK ensures that applicants present business plans that are not only realistic but also comply with provincial expectations. These plans demonstrate that the business will be sustainable and actively managed once established in Canada. Financial Documentation : MAK's dual approach also strengthens the financial side of applications. Usman Khalil, with his CPA expertise, helps ensure that applicants provide clear and accurate documentation on their net worth, source of funds, and business viability. : MAK's dual approach also strengthens the financial side of applications. Usman Khalil, with his CPA expertise, helps ensure that applicants provide clear and accurate documentation on their net worth, source of funds, and business viability. Proven Business Experience : The firm works closely with entrepreneurs to ensure their work experience is accurately documented, showing their ownership and management history in a clear and structured manner. : The firm works closely with entrepreneurs to ensure their work experience is accurately documented, showing their ownership and management history in a clear and structured manner. Active Business Management: Provinces require evidence that the applicant can manage and operate the business in Canada. MAK ensures that applicants can demonstrate their ability to meet this expectation. Navigating Common Challenges in Provincial Entrepreneur Streams The provincial entrepreneur streams are highly competitive, and many applicants face challenges that can lead to delays or refusals. MAK Canadian Immigration Services works to prevent common mistakes by focusing on: Weak Business Plans : Generic or unrealistic business plans that lack credibility are a common cause of rejection. MAK ensures that all business plans are structured and aligned with the specific requirements of each provincial stream. : Generic or unrealistic business plans that lack credibility are a common cause of rejection. MAK ensures that all business plans are structured and aligned with the specific requirements of each provincial stream. Inconsistent Financial Documents : Missing or inconsistent financial documentation can lead to delays. MAK's focus on strong financial narratives and clear documentation helps applicants avoid this pitfall. : Missing or inconsistent financial documentation can lead to delays. MAK's focus on strong financial narratives and clear documentation helps applicants avoid this pitfall. Unclear Source of Funds: Provinces require applicants to clearly demonstrate the source of their funds. MAK ensures that applicants provide transparent and accurate financial records. By focusing on these key elements, MAK Canadian Immigration Services helps entrepreneurs increase their chances of success when applying for provincial entrepreneur pathways. Public Education and Client Support In addition to offering immigration consulting services, MAK Canadian Immigration Services is dedicated to educating the public on the complexities of Canadian immigration. Omer Khalil leads an educational platform on YouTube, providing valuable insights into the immigration process and helping potential applicants avoid common mistakes. Recent Recognition: MAK Canadian Immigration Services Wins Prestigious Award for Excellence In recognition of its outstanding contributions to business immigration consulting, MAK Canadian Immigration Services has recently been awarded the Best Business Immigration Consultant in Canada of 2026 by Best of Best Review. This prestigious award celebrates the firm's exceptional ability to provide effective, transparent, and comprehensive guidance for entrepreneurs navigating Canada's provincial business immigration pathways. The dual RCIC model, combined with Usman Khalil's expertise as a Chartered Professional Accountant, was specifically praised for ensuring accuracy and compliance across all client applications. This award highlights the firm's commitment to setting the standard in the business immigration field. About MAK Canadian Immigration Services MAK Canadian Immigration Services is a regulated immigration consulting firm that specializes in guiding entrepreneurs through the Canadian immigration process, with a focus on provincial nominee programs. The firm is led by Usman Khalil RCIC, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Ontario C83028834), and Omer Khalil RCIC, who work together to ensure that each application is meticulously planned and presented with the highest chance of success. For more information, visit makimmigration.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283829 Source: Plentisoft The Verallia Group has launched a strategic review of its European sites, with the aim of adapting its industrial footprint to changes in demand. With this in mind, several projects developed and led by local teams are being considered: the potential closure of a site in Germany (Essen); the shutdown of a furnace at the end of its life in France (Chateaubernard), and the shutdown of a furnace in the United Kingdom (Knottingley) in parallel with the restart of a more efficient furnace nearby (Leeds). These projects form part of a sustainability and environmental performance strategy, supported by a disciplined investment policy. Verallia will engage in close dialogue with employee representatives and unions. Regulatory News: Verallia (Paris:VRLA): After several years of growth of around 2% per year in volume up to 2020, the European glass packaging sector went through successive phases of slowdown during Covid-19, followed by a post-pandemic rebound, before experiencing a sharp contraction in 2023 (-13% in volumes), marking a return to a structurally lower level, below that of 2019. This decline in volumes is the result of weaker demand linked to reduced alcohol consumption in Europe (-4% since 2019), combined with increased pressure on certain export flows for our customers, particularly to the United States and Asia. In this context, and considering a portfolio largely exposed to alcoholic beverages, a strategic review was carried out to adjust production capacity in Europe, in order to adapt Verallia's industrial footprint to new market dynamics and thereby sustainably strengthen its competitiveness. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH TARGETED ADJUSTMENTS TO INDUSTRIAL CAPACITY Germany Demand in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands remains subdued, with no clear prospect of a significant recovery in the medium term. In this context, the review of the industrial footprint highlighted that refocusing production on three sites, supported by targeted investments to modernise more energy-efficient furnaces, would offer the most suitable configuration in this new environment Against this backdrop, the Essen site has undergone a specific review, which could involve transferring volumes to Bad Wurzach, Neuburg and Wirges. This project could potentially lead to the closure of the site and the termination of around 300 positions. France In France, the market is facing a structural decline in cognac sales, with no prospect of recovery in the medium term. Since 2023, Verallia has adapted to this new context through prolonged furnace shutdowns and partial activity measures. The Group is now considering a more structural adjustment to its production capacity, involving the shutdown of a furnace at the end of its life on the Chateaubernard site. This project would affect around 60 positions and would rely exclusively on voluntary departures, supported by an autonomous voluntarily departure plan, combined with a pre-retirement scheme and dedicated support measures. United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, the market is in decline, particularly in the spirits sector, which has historically been a key market for Verallia. In this context, an adjustment of the industrial footprint is being considered, involving the closure of an end-of-life furnace in Knottingley and the restart of a more efficient furnace in Leeds. Options to redeploy employees between the two nearby sites are being explored. As part of these projects, Verallia Group and its local teams intend to place social dialogue at the heart of their approach, working closely with employee representatives and unions, and to support all affected employees with the utmost care. Disclaimer Certain information included in this press release does not constitute historical data but rather forwardlooking statements. These forwardlooking statements are based on estimates, forecasts and assumptions, including assumptions regarding Verallia's present and future strategy and the economic environment in which Verallia operates. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Verallia's actual performance and results to differ significantly from those explicitly or implicitly expressed in these forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed and identified in Chapter 4, "Risk Factors," of the Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") and available on the Company's website (www.verallia.com) and on the AMF's website (www.amf-france.org). These forwardlooking statements and information do not constitute guarantees of future performance. This press release contains only summary information and does not purport to be exhaustive.looking statements. These forwardlooking statements are based on estimates, forecasts and assumptions, including assumptions regarding looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed and identified in Chapter 4, "Risk Factors," of the Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des looking statements and information do not constitute guarantees of future performance. This press release contains only summary information and does not purport to be exhaustive.looking statements. These forwardlooking statements are based on estimates, forecasts and assumptions, including assumptions regarding looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed and identified in Chapter 4, "Risk Factors," of the Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des looking statements and information do not constitute guarantees of future performance. This press release contains only summary information and does not purport to be exhaustive.-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates, forecasts and assumptions, including assumptions regarding -looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed and identified in Chapter 4, "Risk Factors," of the Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des -looking statements and information do not constitute guarantees of future performance. This press release contains only summary information and does not purport to be exhaustive. This press release does not contain, and does not constitute, an offer of securities or a solicitation to invest in securities in France, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. About Verallia At Verallia, our purpose is to re-imagine glass for a sustainable future. We want to redefine how glass is produced, reused and recycled, to make it the world's most sustainable packaging material. We work together with our customers, suppliers and other partners across the value chain to develop new, beneficial and sustainable solutions for all. With almost 11,000 employees and 35 glass production facilities in 12 countries, we are the European leader and world's third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products. We offer innovative, customised and environmentally friendly solutions to over 10,000 businesses worldwide. Verallia produced more than 16 billion glass bottles and jars and recorded revenue of 3.5 billion in 2024. Verallia's CSR strategy has been recognized with the Platinum Ecovadis medal, placing the Group in the Top 1% of companies assessed by Ecovadis. In September 2025, SBTi officially validates Verallia's long-term Net Zero 2040 target according to its Net-Zero Standard. By 2040, Verallia commits to reducing its CO2 emissions from scopes 1 2 by 90% and offsetting the remaining 10% compared to 2019 base year. This target is aligned with the 1.5C climate trajectory set by the Paris Agreement. Verallia is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: VRLA ISIN: FR0013447729) and trades on the following indices: CAC SBT 1.5, SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217264942/en/ Contacts: Press Aurelien Gamet verallia@brunswickgroup.com Investor relations David Placet david.placet@verallia.com Raphael Rolland raphael.rolland@verallia.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Silver Hammer Mining Corp. (CSE: HAMR) (the "Company" or "Silver Hammer") is pleased to announce the commencement of an advanced second level data compilation of the completed property-wide geophysical and geological datasets on both the 100% owned Eliza Project ("Eliza") and the Silverton Project ("Silverton"), in advance of its 2026 Exploration Program. "This data-driven approach, in partnership with in3D Geoscience Inc., will synthesize years of legacy data at our Eliza Project, which is comprised of over 250 line-km of heliborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, over 700 samples of multi-element soil geochemistry, and historical mine plans and data in preparation for the 2026 exploration drill season," commented Peter A. Ball, CEO of Silver Hammer Mining. "In addition, further analysis of our Silverton Project will be completed, which will include over 80 line-km of heliborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, over 100 samples of multi-element soil geochemistry, and historical mine plans and data. This will assist in creating additional predictive geological and exploration advanced models for both properties. As we await results from Silverton, the data compiled will add to the new geological information that will be gained from the Phase 1 preliminary drill program completed in December 2025." The goals of this upcoming data integration project are to identify new high-probability targets of silver, gold and copper mineralization for detailed exploration efforts (see Figs. 1 and 4). In addition, the Company will look to refine the definition of mineralized zones and trends currently identified at Eliza and Silverton, to prioritize drill targets, to optimize exploration budgets, and to aid in the investigation of additional potential blind targets in areas below mapped alluvial cover. Mr. Ball added, "The data fusion of the Company's geological database is expected to unlock the potential of the Eliza project, which is located on-trend, and less than two kilometres to the south of the renowned Treasure Hill Silver Area in the White Pine Mineral District Silver Belt, that yielded significant high-grade silver in the 1860s and 1870s. We also anticipate to fully evaluate the Silverton Project, which hosts silver and gold mineralized zones on the extreme west and east portions of the project area, with alluvial cover cloaking the zone in between. We expect the compilation program to greatly increase our confidence in the drill target selection for upcoming drill programs and exploration efforts." Overview of Eliza and Silverton for the Next Phase of Exploration At the Eliza high-grade silver project, multiple old underground workings have been located along the Eberhart Fault on the north end of the project area from west to east, called the Belmont Mine, the Passynak Mine and the California Mine (see Fig. 1). On the western extension of the claims, the Commodore Mine is located. Initial interpretation of soil geochemistry and heliborne magnetics indicate a clear north-northeast trend to the Passynak structure, and on trend with the Treasure Hill historical mines in the White Pine Mining District Silver Belt. Fig. 1 - Data Integration Goals, Eliza Silver Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9597/284024_4417268a244edbb6_001full.jpg In the news release dated December 6, 2021, the Company reported high-grade assays from initial sampling program at Eliza in Nevada around the Passynak workings, and returned the following selected high-grade results: Table 1. Select geochemical data from 2021 sampling. Sample ID Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) As (ppm) Cd (ppm) Cu (ppm) Mn (ppm) Mo (ppm) Pb (ppm) Sb (ppm) Zn (ppm) EZR007 1540 0.0976 10000 387 68800 14550 8.51 45700 512 73800 EZR008 1410 0.226 10000 762 54100 10950 40.5 90500 2930 26000 PN614025 450 0.41 20000 609 48900 13300 32.5 90400 2870 150000 PN614023 426 0.14 3450 88.8 14300 8950 3.53 16100 375 13100 661640 360 0.06 7280 68.8 16700 6650 3.75 12600 784 6960 PN614024 348 0.10 6950 92.8 20400 8260 8.48 9940 314 2660 PN614022 150 0.24 32.2 14.8 84.5 1340 2.35 324 51.3 172 661642 122 0.446 3830 35.4 5860 10200 7.96 14700 767 1210 661557 100 0.330 3963.4 279.81 7290.3 15891 16.6 10000 2655.5 10000 EZR006 52.9 0.0037 1340 25.6 3200 3420 2.15 2940 56.6 3810 661563 51.17 0.029 38.6 0.80 54.2 614 6.6 19 13.08 199 The goal of the data compilation at the Passynak Mine is to better define the structure hosting the high-grade silver mineralization and to also define the fault structures that bound the fault blocks. It is interpreted that a set of east-west normal faults progressively downfault the lithology along the south-sloping topographic surface, prospectively extending the host lithology from the Treasure Hill set of silver mines southwards, and potentially south of the Eberhart Fault Zone (see Fig. 2), and thus the 'Untested Carbonates' appear to be analogous to those found on Treasure Hill (Fig. 1). A Phase 3 compilation comprised of the drilling of the South Fault Block is planned following Phase 2. The Eliza Plan of Operations Permit has been submitted and awaiting final government approval for the Passynak and Belmont areas (anticipated to be received late spring 2026). In addition, a drill program is currently being finalized for the California Patent area, within the Eliza Project, where a permit is not required for activity on this project. Disclaimer note: Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's project. Fig. 2 - N-S Section, Showing Interpreted Geologic Potential on Eliza Silver Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9597/284024_4417268a244edbb6_002full.jpg 1 Progress Report on the Treasure Hill Project, White Pine Mining District, Nevada; Dr. Leigh A. Readdy, GAM Gold, September 20, 2007. Overview of Data Integration Project and the Geologic Datasets to be merged: Geophysics: High-resolution magnetic and radiometric data; reinterpreted with higher resolution and new filtering parameters, with a goal of identifying mineralized structures and fault systems. Geochemistry: Rock and soil sample multielement analysis, with mineral association sets of elements correlated. Structural Geology: Fault and vein orientations; mapped faults and folds. Lithology Mapping: Compilation of field mapping and government maps, with a focus on host lithologies for analogous proximal mineral occurrences. Historical Data: Digitized, century-old data combined with modern, high-precision surveys. Following the completion of the 2021 Phase 1 exploration on the Eliza property, an initial GIS compilation was performed. Silver mineralization, sampled in outcrop, also indicated by soil geochemical anomalies, coincided with the heliborne radiometric trends (see Fig. 3), originally published in the July 18, 2023 news release "Silver Hammer Mining Reports Positive Preliminary Results of Property-Wide Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Survey at its Eliza High-Grade Silver and Copper Project in Nevada"). Passynak, Belmont and California Mine areas all show the similar association of high silver rock and soil geochemical grades and radiometric-low features (blue and green hues on the map). Fig. 3 - Eliza, Northern Claim Area - Silver in Soil and Rock Geochemistry with Radiometrics. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9597/284024_4417268a244edbb6_003full.jpg The higher-grade soil samples on Fig. 3 are summarized in the following table: Table 2. Select geochemical values from 2023 sampling program. Sample_ID Ag_g/t Cu_g/t Pb_g/t Sb_g/t Zn_g/t PN35258 16.18 21.0 66 7.07 89 PN35339 26.95 23.4 72 9.81 63 PN473023 13.95 18.9 42 5.68 83 PN473025 3.66 19.5 25 3.00 86 PN35264 2.70 21.9 30 4.11 89 PN473397 2.09 26.9 27 4.63 161 PN35258 16.18 21.0 66 7.07 89 PN473286 8.03 91.6 171 19.15 157 PN473288 1.68 12.5 26 2.54 91 PN35286 1.02 36.2 82 6.02 128 The aims of the Data Integration Program at the Silverton Silver Project are (see Fig. 4): To assist in delineating the structures found to be mineralized with silver and base metals, located in the Central Zone, currently identified as the north-south Silverton Fault, the east-west Basin Fault and the parallel east-west NW Mineralized Structure; intersections of these structures suggest CRD - type chimney mineralization. To aid in investigating the potential occurrence of manto-type mineralization in the Central Zone, potentially located below the hereto explored depths. To refine on the interpretated extensions of the gold mineralization found in jasperoids striking north-northeast, partially cloaked by thin alluvial cover in the Eastern Gold Zone. To explore for linear structures in deeper alluvial cover area between the Central Zone and the Eastern Gold Zone, with the quest of correlation of such potential structures with the currently defined soil and rock sample anomalies. Fig. 4 - Data Integration Goals, Silverton Project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9597/284024_4417268a244edbb6_004full.jpg Qualified Person The scientific and technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved under the supervision of Damir Cukor, P.Geo. Mr. Cukor is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and as a consultant for the Company as Technical Director - Projects. About Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Silver Hammer Mining Corp. is a junior resource company focused on advancing past-producing high-grade silver projects in the United States. Silver Hammer controls 100% of seven previously producing silver mines which are located within the Silver Strand Project in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District in Idaho, USA, and within the Eliza Silver Project and the Silverton Silver Mine in Nevada. The Company also controls the Fahey Group Silver Project in the Silver Valley, Idaho and the Lacy Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. Silver Hammer's primary focus is to explore, define and develop silver projects near past-producing mines that have not been adequately tested. The Company's portfolio also provides exposure to copper and gold. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, statements relating to the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering, and other statements which are subject to a number of conditions, as described elsewhere in this news release. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including risks regarding the mining industry, commodity prices, market conditions, general economic factors, management's ability to manage and to operate the business, and explore and develop the projects of the Company, and the equity markets generally. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of the Company may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284024 Source: Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Alberta is excited to welcome top travel agents from Germany and five other European countries at the invitation of DERTOUR Group, one of Europe's leading travel groups, from February 21 to 26, 2026. The annual learning and exploration academy will take place in Calgary and Banff and will showcase Alberta's world-class destinations and signature experiences, with a focus on winter and year-round travel. With early indicators showing that 2025 is on track for another record year for the tourism sector, initiatives like this play a key role in creating new revenue opportunities for tourism businesses across the province, while supporting continued economic growth and job creation. "Hosting DERTOUR in Alberta presents a powerful opportunity to drive real economic impact while deepening our relationships in one of our most important overseas markets. As Alberta continues to gain global recognition as a destination of choice, this opportunity allows us to build on that momentum and showcase the incredible experiences that set us apart in every season," said Tannis Gaffney, Chief Marketing Officer, Travel Alberta. DERTOUR is an international force in the tourism industry, operating in 16 countries and supporting millions of travellers each year in planning and booking their travel itineraries. Hosting these distinguished guests in February reinforces Travel Alberta's commitment to promoting winter travel, supporting a sustainable and year-round sector. By experiencing Alberta firsthand, travel agents will gain the knowledge and insights needed to effectively sell Alberta's unique destinations and experiences. As Alberta's top service export, employing 10 per cent of the population, tourism plays a key role in the province's economy. In 2024, visitors spent a record $14.4 billion in Alberta, supporting more than 86,000 full-time jobs, and generating recognition as a destination of choice from several international travel publications last year, including Wanderlust and Travel + Leisure. "DERTOUR Campus Academy is the largest live training event of the DERTOUR Group, bringing together 300 travel agency partners from our German and several other European markets. Experiencing a destination live and in-person remains the best way for participants to truly get to know it. Combined with the workshops and roundtable sessions, they return home with extensive expert knowledge and product insights to support their day-to-day work at the counter - and to provide travellers with the best possible advice when planning their trips to Canada," said Uta Martens, Senior Vice President Sales & Customer Service, DERTOUR Germany. "Canada and especially Alberta is one of the core destinations for DERTOUR and Meiers Weltreisen. Following the DERTOUR Campus Academy, we expect up to a 20 per cent increase in demand for Canada," said Jan Frankenberg, Director Longhaul, DERTOUR Germany. DERTOUR Group represents several of Alberta's key overseas markets; from January to November 2025, Alberta saw nearly 146,000 incoming passengers from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Germany, DERTOUR's head location, is Travel Alberta's third largest overseas market and saw a growth of 24 per cent of incoming air passengers to the province in November 2025 compared to the same time the year prior. -30- About Travel Alberta As the Government of Alberta's destination management organization, Travel Alberta drives the growth of the province's visitor economy, creating and promoting must-visit destinations throughout the province. We do this by developing signature products and destinations, marketing those destinations to the world, and attracting investment in the sector. Together, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, regional destination organizations, industry associations, and thousands of Alberta tourism businesses across the province, we are working to grow the value of Alberta's visitor economy to $25 billion by 2035. Visit industry.travelalberta.com to learn more. About DERTOUR Group DERTOUR Group has its head office in Cologne, Germany, and is REWE Group's travel and tourism division. As one of Europe's leading travel groups, DERTOUR Group encompasses approximately 200 companies and employs around 15,000 people worldwide. Every year, millions of guests travel with one of the Group's tour operators or specialists. DERTOUR Group includes tour operators such as DERTOUR, ITS, Meiers Weltreisen, Kuoni, Helvetic Tours, ITS Coop Travel, Billa Reisen, Koning Aap, Apollo, Exim Tours and Fischer, as well as around 2,000 travel agencies (such as DERTOUR, DERPART, Kuoni, Exim, and Fischer, plus franchises and partners), the hotel brands Sentido, Aldiana, and ananea and the online travel agency Prijsvrij Vakanties. The DERTOUR Group also offers on-site support: The company runs an agency network with 71 offices in 31 travel destinations. The staff in the destination agencies assist the guests of the DERTOUR Group from their arrival at their holiday destination until their departure. For more information, go to www.dertour-group.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283962 Source: Travel Alberta EQS-News: Belvilla by OYO / Key word(s): Market Launch Belvilla launches his first hotel in Belgium 17.02.2026 / 18:15 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Belgium, February 16, 2026 - Belvilla by OYO, one of Europe's leading vacation rental companies, has announced its entry into the European hotel market with the launch of its first hotel in Belgium: Belvilla Au Coeur d'Alle, located in the picturesque village of Alle. The move marks a key milestone in the company's expansion into the premium and mid-premium hotel segments across Europe. The newly opened 16-room property, located at 15 Place Georges Mongin, 5550 Alle, offers convenient access to Belgium's scenic landscapes, outdoor adventure destinations, and cultural attractions. The hotel combines local charm with Belvilla's global hospitality standards. Belvilla's European hotel operations will function under long-term management contracts to ensure consistent quality, operational reliability, and enhanced guest experience. The company plans to expand its hotel footprint across key markets including Germany, Belgium, and Denmark. While Belvilla and DanCenter will focus on the mid-premium segment, premium hotels will operate under the SUNDAY brand. Commenting on the launch, Johan Vandenbogaerde, Owner of Belvilla Au Coeur d'Alle, said: "Partnering with a global hospitality company allows us to combine local character with international expertise. We are proud to be the first hotel in Belgium under Belvilla's expanding European portfolio and look forward to welcoming guests with a refreshed hospitality experience." Anuj Ganotra, Country Head - Belgium, Belvilla, added: "Belgium is a strategic market for Belvilla. Expanding into hotels is a natural progression of our growth in Europe. With this launch, we aim to offer guests a seamless blend of local warmth and global hospitality standards, marking the beginning of a strong hotel portfolio across the region." Belvilla currently manages more than 60,000 holiday homes across Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, and Spain, leveraging advanced technology and AI-driven pricing tools to optimize performance across multiple distribution channels. For more information, visit www.Belvilla.com Media Inquiries: Poonam Sharma poonam.sharma@newsvoir.com +91 77430 16894 Avolta AG / Key word(s): Contract Avolta secures major dining contract at Toronto Pearson 17.02.2026 / 18:30 CET/CEST Avolta (SIX: AVOL) today announced it has secured a new 12-year contract with Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), Canada's busiest airport. Expanding on its longstanding partnership, the agreement will see Avolta's HMSHost transform the dining experience across more than 5,300 m2 (57,500 ft2) in Terminals 1 and 3, introducing some of the most beloved Canadian brands. The win further strengthens Avolta's position in North America. Beginning in early 2026, the company will introduce a lineup of local favorites including Mary Brown's Chicken, OEB Kitchen + Bar, and Libretto Slice Shop. HMSHost is also expanding its collaboration with award-winning Canadian chef Roger Mooking to launch a new F&B concept, following the success of his restaurant Twist by Roger Mooking in Terminal 1. "This is an exciting evolution of a partnership between HMSHost and Toronto Pearson that began nearly 25 years ago," said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. "Over the years of collaboration, we have created a world-class traveler experience at Toronto Pearson and now, together, we are raising the bar to usher in the future." "Airports are evolving into vibrant culinary destinations," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. "From full-service dining to convenient grab-and-go options, we're excited to partner with HMSHost to bring fresh and diverse food experiences to our passengers as they travel through Toronto Pearson." The concessions refresh will also include revamped menus and enhanced digital engagement at longtime dining favorites among visitors to Toronto Pearson. Travelers will enjoy a better, seamless dining experience through technology like digital waitlists and self-order kiosks, allowing for greater convenience and speed. Travelers can also access the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions. "Combined with our new restaurants and bars, these innovations will change the dining landscape as travelers know it," said Johnson. "2026 will be a year that everyone will want to travel through Toronto Pearson, no matter their ultimate destination." For further information: CONTACT Rebecca McClellan Cathy Jongens Global Head Investor Relations Director Corporate Communications Phone: +44 7543 800 405 Phone: +31 6 28 19 88 28 rebecca.mcclellan@avolta.net cathy.jongens@avolta.net Fairfax County, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - GRVTY, a defense technology company established in 2025, today announced it will invest $8 million to expand the firm's presence with a new headquarters in Tysons, Virginia. The company will build out more than 22,000 square feet of office space at 8270 Greensboro Drive in Tysons. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9433/284168_6acbaa6094e90a00_001full.jpg "GRVTY is pleased to invest in Fairfax County with the opening of our new headquarters in Tysons," said Katie Selbe, GRVTY's chief executive officer. "This facility will serve as the company's hub to drive operational excellence, engage with customers, and advance the development of critical technologies in cyber, space, and spectrum." Through this expansion, GRVTY plans to hire 200 highly skilled engineers, technologists, scientists, and corporate staff. The company currently employs nearly 1,000 individuals. "I want to thank GRVTY for choosing to invest in Fairfax County and welcome you to your new headquarters in Tysons," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. "Fairfax County has built a strategically aligned environment for companies operating at the intersection of national security and advanced technology. Our proximity to decision makers, world-class research institutions, and a deep, cleared talent base - combined with resilient digital and physical infrastructure - make our community a natural home for mission-driven technology companies like GRVTY." GRVTY supports customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security community, with focus on areas including cyber, space, and spectrum. "It has been an honor to support GRVTY as you work toward accelerated growth and impact," said Fairfax County Economic Development Authority President and CEO Victor Hoskins. "The arrival of a new national security technology firm headquarters in Fairfax County strengthens the broader innovation ecosystem across Northern Virginia. It reinforces the region's role as a center for advanced capabilities, supports high-value job creation, and deepens the collaboration between industry, government, and research institutions which is essential to maintaining U.S. technological leadership." Fairfax County Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Fairfax County. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger approved an $800,000 grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund (COF) to assist Fairfax County with the project. Funding and services to support the company's employee recruitment and training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). "Congratulations to GRVTY on its rapid scaling - an incredible testament to the Commonwealth's world-class talent and proximity to innovators, customers, and decision-makers," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "This project will create 200 new jobs and further strengthen Northern Virginia's leadership at the intersection of national security and advanced technology. I look forward to GRVTY's continued success here in Virginia." ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284168 Source: Fairfax County Economic Development Authority FINEOS Corporation (ASX:FCL), the global market leader in core systems for life, accident, and health insurance, today announced that National Life Group has chosen the FINEOS AdminSuite to modernize and automate its Living Benefit and Life Insurance claims operations. This selection reinforces the continued market momentum of FINEOS AdminSuite as the leading cloud-native core platform for carriers seeking to accelerate digital transformation and deliver exceptional customer outcomes. Driving Modernization and Operational Excellence National Life Group sought a modern, scalable platform to support rapid growth in its Living Benefit business and to enhance the service experience for policyholders and beneficiaries. "As National Life Group continues to grow with purpose, we underwent an exhaustive search for a platform that can help take us to the next level," said Nimesh Mehta, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Strategy Officer of National Life Group. "We're confident the FINEOS AdminSuite will do just that given its track record and FINEOS' reputation in the industry." By adopting FINEOS AdminSuite, National Life Group will gain an integrated, cloud-native core solution that enhances claims accuracy, reduces manual processes, and improves service agility. "We are pleased to welcome National Life Group to the FINEOS community," said Michael Kelly, CEO of FINEOS. "National Life Group is a purpose-driven organization that shares our commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for individuals and families. Their selection of FINEOS AdminSuite underscores the importance of a modern, cloud-native core platform in enabling growth, innovation, and superior claims service. As living benefits continue to expand in the U.S. market, insurers need technology that is built specifically for the complex, high-touch nature of life and health claims. FINEOS AdminSuite provides that foundation, and we look forward to supporting National Life Group on this transformational journey." About National Life Group National Life Group has been keeping promises since 1848, providing access to flexible, secure life insurance and annuities for families, businesses, educators, and first responders nationwide. With an independent, entrepreneurial spirit, our values are to "Do good, Be good, Make good" for our customers, agents, employees, and the communities we serve. Learn more at NationalLife.com. About FINEOS Corporation FINEOS is a leading global provider of SaaS core systems for life, accident, and health insurers. The FINEOS Platform for Employee Benefits is purpose-built for group, absence, and supplemental benefits, providing seamless integration and automation. More than 40 customers in North America rely on FINEOS, including 7 of the 10 largest employee benefits insurers in the U.S. and 70% of group insurers in Australia. With a global workforce, FINEOS partners with innovative, forward-thinking insurers in North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific. National Life Group is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Montpelier, VT founded in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW), Addison, TX chartered in 1955, and its affiliates. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. LSW is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. NLIC, the flagship of National Life Group was founded in 1848, and all references to 1848 are attributable to NLIC. Products are issued by National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217308783/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Victoria Jamison Marketing Manager, FINEOS Victoria.jamison@FINEOS.com Resolution of appropriate measures pursuant to Article 2446 of the Italian Civil Code Ratification of the appointment of non-executive director Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE: NTZ) ("Natuzzi" or the "Company") today announced that its ordinary shareholders' meeting (the "Shareholders' Meeting"), convened on second call, was held on February 16, 2026. The Shareholders' Meeting resolved to postpone the decision regarding the reduction of the Company's share capital pursuant to Article 2446 of the Italian Civil Code, following the losses recorded in the Company's unaudited financial statements for the first nine months and the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, to the shareholders' meeting that will be called to approve the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Shareholders' Meeting also ratified the appointment of Mr. Pietro Labriola as non-executive Director. Mr. Labriola had been previously appointed by co-optation pursuant to Article 2386 of the Italian Civil Code, effective August 6, 2025, following a resolution of the board of directors adopted on July 29, 2025. Mr. Labriola will remain in office until the expiration of the term of the current board of directors, which will occur upon approval of the Company's financial statements as of December 31, 2026. The Shareholders' Meeting resolved to postpone the decision on the third item of the agenda (Increase in the number of members of the Board of Directors and related and consequential resolutions). About Natuzzi S.p.A. Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. is one of the most renowned brands in the production and distribution of design and luxury furniture. As of December 31, 2025, Natuzzi distributes its collections worldwide through a global retail network of 565 monobrand stores, 487 Natuzzi galleries, along with more than 550 curated placements in larger, multi-brand environments. Natuzzi products embed the finest spirit of Italian design and the unique craftmanship details of the "Made in Italy", where a predominant part of its production takes place. Natuzzi has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 13, 1993. Committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Natuzzi S.p.A. is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified (Quality and Environment), ISO 45001 certified (Safety on the Workplace) and FSC Chain of Custody, CoC (FSC-C131540). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217150302/en/ Contacts: Natuzzi Investor Relations Piero Direnzo tel. +39 080-8820-812 pdirenzo@natuzzi.com Natuzzi Corporate Communication Giancarlo Renna (Communication Manager) tel. +39. 342.3412261 grenna@natuzzi.com Barbara Colapinto tel. +39 331 6654275 bcolapinto@natuzzi.com Treasury Offering of Approximately C$136 Million (~ A$141 Million) Secondary Offering of Approximately C$273 Million (~ A$283 Million) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Marimaca Copper Corp. (TSX: MARI) (ASX: MC2) ("Marimaca" or the "Company") has announced today that it has entered into agreements with Beacon Securities Limited and BMO Capital Markets as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners (together, the "Canadian Co-Lead Agents"), co-managed with National Bank Financial Inc., along with Euroz Hartleys Limited and Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners (together, the "Australian Co-Lead Agents" and, together with the Canadian Co-Lead Agents, the "Joint Lead Managers") on behalf of a syndicate of agents to be formed in connection with a treasury offering of common shares (the "Common Shares") and CHESS Depositary Interests of the Company ("CDIs") of up to approximately C$136 million, or A$141 million1, and a secondary offering of existing Common Shares and CDIs owned and controlled by Greenstone Resources II L.P. and Greenstone Co-Investment No. 1 (Coro) L.P. (the "Greenstone Group") and certain other shareholders (together with the Greenstone Group, the "Selling Shareholders") of up to approximately C$273 million, or A$283 million1. The Company along with the Canadian Co-Lead Agents, will conduct, on a commercially reasonable efforts agency basis, a public offering of Common Shares (the "Canadian Offering") at a price of C$10.00 per Common Share (the "Canadian Issue Price"). The Canadian Offering includes a treasury offering of Common Shares by the Company and a secondary offering of existing Common Shares owned and controlled by the Greenstone Group. The Canadian Offering is expected to close on or about February 26, 2026 and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). Concurrently with the Canadian Offering, the Company, along with the Joint Lead Managers, will complete a brokered placement of CDIs at a price of A$10.35 per CDI (the "Australian Offering", and together with the Canadian Offering, the "Global Offering"). The Australian Offering includes a treasury offering of CDIs by the Company and a secondary offering of existing CDIs owned and controlled by certain Selling Shareholders. The Australian Offering is expected to close on or about February 26, 2026. The CDIs will be issued pursuant to the ASX Listing Rule 7.1 waiver granted to Marimaca. The treasury offering of CDIs by the Company under the Australian Offering is subject to approval by the TSX. The net proceeds from the treasury offering of Common Shares and CDIs will be used to advance the Marimaca Project, including funding the pre-construction decision engineering workstreams and early site works, to conduct a drilling campaign at Pampa Medina and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The net proceeds of the secondary offering will be payable to the Selling Shareholders. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the secondary offering. As part of the Global Offering, the Selling Shareholders have agreed, subject to certain limited exceptions, not to sell any Common Shares or CDIs for a 90 day period. The Canadian Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated January 9, 2026 (the "Shelf Prospectus") to purchasers in all of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec and Nunavut) and may be offered in the United States to "qualified institutional buyers" under the United States Securities Act of 1933 ("QIBs"), as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and in those jurisdictions outside Canada and the United States pursuant to exemptions from prospectus and registration requirements. The CDIs will be offered in Australia to professional investors or sophisticated investors who are also "wholesale clients" (within the meaning of sections 708(11), 708(10), 708(8) and 761G of the Corporations Act respectively); in the United States to QIBs and Eligible US Fund Managers; and outside Australia and the United States to certain institutional, sophisticated or professional investors in Bermuda, Brazil, Cayman Islands, European Union (excluding Austria), Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Israel, United Arab Emirates (excluding financial centres), and United Kingdom. The securities under the Canadian Offering and the Australian Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act), except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted. Access to the Prospectus Supplement, the Shelf Prospectus and any amendment to such documents is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to the procedures for providing access to a shelf prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment. The Shelf Prospectus is, and the Prospectus Supplement will be (within two business days from the date hereof), accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus Supplement, Shelf Prospectus, and any amendment to such documents may be obtained, without charge, from Beacon Securities Limited at syndication@beaconsecurities.ca, BMO Capital Markets at Brampton Distribution Centre C/O The Data Group of Companies, 9195 Torbram Road, Brampton, Ontario, L6S 6H2 by telephone at 905-791-3151 Ext 4312 or by email at torbramwarehouse@datagroup.ca., by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. About Marimaca Marimaca is a copper exploration and development company focused on its 100%-owned flagship Marimaca Copper Project and surrounding exploration properties located in Antofagasta Region, Chile. The Marimaca Copper Project hosts the Marimaca Oxide Deposit (the "MOD"), an IOCG-type copper deposit. The Company is currently progressing the Marimaca Copper Project through detailed engineering and submission for sectorial permits following the release of the 2025 MOD DFS and receipt of the RCA. In parallel, the Company is exploring its extensive land package in the Antofagasta region, including the >15,000ha wholly-owned Sierra de Medina property block, located 25km from the MOD. The Company is currently completing a Phase II drilling program (30,000m) at Pampa Medina, located in the Sierra de Medina property, after a successful discovery drilling program in 2025 identified a high-grade sedimentary horizon at depth. This news release is authorized for release by the Board of Directors of Marimaca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements related to the anticipated participation in and size of the Canadian Offering or Australian Offering, anticipated timing and closing date of the Canadian Offering or Australian Offering, advisory fees payable, the use of proceeds and receipt of regulatory approvals and other approvals, including approval of the TSX. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks related to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, including timing of approval by the TSX, risks related to share price, market conditions, market demand and success of the bookbuild, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future. The intended use of the proceeds of the Global Offering by the Company might change if the board of directors of the Company determines that it would be in the best interests of the Company and amounts actually allocated and spent will depend on a number of factors, including the Company's ability to execute on its business plan. Many of these risks and uncertainties and additional risk factors generally applicable to the Company are described in the Company's annual information form of the Company dated March 27, 2025 and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. None of the TSX, ASX or the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1 Based on an AUD.CAD exchange rate of 0.9661. Not for release to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284242 Source: Marimaca Copper Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Juno Industries welcomes the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (the "Strategy") and its focus on strengthening sovereign capability, industrial resilience, and long-term predictability within the country's defence ecosystem. Canada's defence sector is entering a necessary period of important renewal. The Strategy reflects an important shift toward building and scaling domestic capacity that supports Canada's defence and sovereignty needs. It ensures critical technologies, supply chains, and next generation systems are developed at home and aligned with Canada's strategic goals. This Strategy offers a more structured and durable pathway to contribute meaningfully to national and allied security. The Strategy's emphasis on sovereign production and advanced innovation reinforces industrial resilience which is important to building integrated, all-domain systems within Canada's borders; in particular, the "key sovereign capabilities" of sensors, digital systems (AI), and autonomous systems are critical in order for Canada to increase domestic defence strength. This is particularly important for Arctic and remote environments, where Canada's geography provides unique operational challenges and strategic responsibilities. Historically, approximately three-quarters of Canada's defence capital spending has been directed to U.S. suppliers, which underscores the scale of the domestic opportunity ahead. The Canadian government wants to more than triple Canadian defense industry revenue, increase domestic defence procurement to 70 percent, accelerate homegrown innovation, and significantly boost investment in defence R&D. The Strategy also targets improved fleet readiness across maritime, land, and aerospace forces, a 50 percent increase in defence exports, and substantial growth in overall industry revenues - more than 5.1 billion annually among small and mid-sized Canadian businesses. While the Strategy rightly emphasizes economic growth and industrial development, it will be essential that capability requirements remain the guiding principle of investment decisions. A strong defence industrial base must ultimately be anchored in clearly defined military outcomes, ensuring that procurement and innovation efforts are driven first by the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces, particularly in areas critical to sovereignty and deterrence. Economic benefit and national security should be mutually reinforcing, but operational credibility must remain central. Ultimately and core to the strategy is providing exceptional support to the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces so they have the right capabilities to carry out their missions. In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, it will be essential that the Canadian Defence Industrial base can rapidly change to meet operational needs, in particular in areas such as Arctic operations, autonomy, and multi-domain readiness. Juno Industries is committed to building systems that are responsive to those realities: clearly defined, operationally grounded, and designed to strengthen Canada's security today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. "Juno Industries was established with a clear intent to build sovereign defence capabilities that align with the long term national securities and economic interests of Canada. We view the strategy as the first step in what will be a multi decade reindustrialization process, presenting tremendous opportunities for technological advancement, prosperity and independence," says chief executive officer, Hunter Scharfe. About Juno Industries Inc Juno Industries Inc. is a Canadian defence technology company cofounded by Former Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan and technology entrepreneur Hunter Scharfe. Juno Industries is focused on developing autonomous systems to strengthen Canadian and allied national security, sovereignty, and defence capabilities by harnessing Canadian technical talent and innovation. Learn more at junoindustries.ca . To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284216 Source: Juno Industries Inc. Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Bonterra Resources Inc. (TSXV: BTR) (OTCQX: BONXF) (FSE: 9BR2) ("Bonterra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received UL 2723 ECOLOGO Certification for Mineral Exploration Companies, recognizing our exemplary environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Supported by the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association ("AEMQ"), the ECOLOGO program consists of a certification recognizing best-in-class sustainability and responsible practices for mineral exploration companies, developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Marc-Andre Pelletier, President and CEO, commented: "Receiving the ECOLOGO certification demonstrates the Company's commitment to sustainable development in our exploration activities. Our team works diligently to reduce the impact of our operations while respecting the environment and communicating with local communities. We would like to thank AEMQ for their support and guidance during the accreditation process." Security-Based Compensation The Company also announces that effective February 17, 2026, it granted an aggregate of 545,000 restricted share units of Bonterra ("RSUs") to officers of the Company. The RSUs are subject to a one-year vesting period from the date of grant in accordance with the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. The Company also granted stock options to officers to acquire an aggregate of 1,660,000 common shares of the Company. Each stock options vest immediately and are exercisable at a price of $0.18 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant. ABOUT BONTERRA Bonterra is a Canadian gold exploration company with a portfolio of advanced exploration assets anchored by a central milling facility in Quebec, Canada. The Company's assets include the Gladiator, Barry, Moroy, and Bachelor gold deposits, which collectively hold 7.4 million tonnes at 5.21g/t Au for 1.24 million ounces of Measured and Indicated categories and 9.2 million tonnes at 6.05g/t Au for 1.78 million ounces of Inferred mineral resources category. In November 2023, the Company entered into an earn-in and joint venture agreement with Osisko Mining Inc. ("Osisko Mining") for the Urban-Barry properties (the "JV Agreement"), which include the Gladiator and Barry deposits. In October 2024, Gold Fields Ltd, through a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, completed the acquisition of Osisko Mining for C$2.16 billion. Gold Fields is now the counterparty to the JV Agreement and can continue to earn a 70% interest in the joint venture by incurring C$30 million in work expenditures on or before November 2026 (including expenditures incurred by Osisko Mining prior to October 2024). This strategic transaction highlights Bonterra's dedication to advancing its exploration assets, marking a significant step towards development. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking and are often identified by words such as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", and "intend". Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding the award of the ECOLOGO certification, and Gold Fields' ability to complete the remaining earn-in expenditures under the JV Agreement. These statements are based on assumptions considered reasonable by management, including assumptions regarding exploration plans, budgets, schedules, regulatory approvals, and the continued advancement of work by Gold Fields. However, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to exploration plans, results that differ from expectations, operational or permitting challenges, the ability of the parties to complete the Joint Venture, the timing and completion of earn-in expenditures, the speculative nature of mineral exploration, commodity price fluctuations, and the availability of financing. Additional information regarding risks can be found in the Company's filings at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284222 Source: Bonterra Resources Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Syntheia Corp. (CSE: SYAI) ("Syntheia" or the "Company") (syntheia.ai) a conversational AI technology company, is pleased to announce the official launch of AgentNLP, its next-generation Enterprise AI Platform, scheduled for April 1, 2026. AgentNLP is a Purpose-Built Enterprise AI Platform designed to enable organizations to deploy intelligent AI agents across voice, chat, and omnichannel communication environments. The platform delivers: Advanced natural language processing (NLP) Context-aware AI agents Enterprise-grade API integrations Secure private and hybrid deployment options Scalable automation infrastructure AgentNLP allows enterprises to integrate AI agents directly into CRM, ERP, customer support, and accounts receivable systems. The platform is engineered to support inbound and outbound communication workflows while maintaining full data governance and security controls. The Company is also pleased to announce that Turnium Technology Group will be the first commercial client to implement AgentNLP within its operational environment. This deployment is expected to showcase the platform's ability to integrate directly into enterprise communication systems while supporting scalable AI-driven customer engagement. The platform has been developed using Syntheia's years of real-world enterprise AI deployments and infrastructure optimization. Paul Di Benedetto, Chief Technology Officer of Syntheia, commented, "Over the past several years, we have continuously refined our AI models, and AgentNLP represents the culmination of those learnings. We have packaged the latest advancements in our AI technology into a highly intuitive, enterprise-ready platform designed specifically for the enterprise market." Positioning Syntheia for Enterprise Growth The launch of the AgentNLP Enterprise AI Platform marks a strategic milestone in Syntheia's growth plan for 2026. As demand for AI-powered automation continues to expand across enterprise sectors, the Company believes AgentNLP will serve as the foundation for scalable AI adoption across North America and international markets. Further details regarding enterprise onboarding and commercial availability will be provided ahead of the April 1, 2026, launch date. About Syntheia Syntheia Corp. is a conversational AI technology company focused on delivering scalable Enterprise AI Platform solutions for voice, chat, and omnichannel communications. The Company enables organizations to deploy AI agents that enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and reduce infrastructure costs while maintaining enterprise-level security and performance standards. Cautionary Statement Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes, but are not limited to, the synergies derived from the acquisition of the assets in the Transaction. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Please refer to the Company's listing statement available on SEDAR+ for a list of risks and key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284231 Source: Syntheia Corp. Jackson, Mississippi--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Fosters Investigative Services, a private investigation firm based in Jackson, Mississippi, announced the launch of a relationship-awareness initiative supported by the release of a new trend report analyzing national online search behavior. The initiative is intended to contribute to public understanding of communication dynamics within relationships, particularly during periods of emotional significance such as Valentine's Day. The private investigator's newly published report analyzes 12 months of Google Trends data to identify which relationship-related phrases are most frequently searched across U.S. states. The report focuses on commonly entered phrases, including "business trip," "working late," "out with coworkers," "just a friend," and "phone died." The data highlights regional differences in how individuals engage with online search tools during times of uncertainty. According to the findings, the phrase "business trip" ranked as the most over-indexed search term nationally, leading relationship-related searches in 13 states. Other phrases with high search volume included "had to stay late at work," "fell asleep," and "too tired," which also led in several states. Geographic analysis in the report indicated that southern states recorded higher search interest across multiple relationship phrases than other regions. Mississippi ranked first nationally for searches related to "out with coworkers" and appeared among the top states for several other phrases analyzed, including "just a friend," "working late," and "fell asleep." Michael Foster of Fosters Investigative Services provided the following statement regarding the report's findings: "This data doesn't point to dishonesty. It reflects moments of uncertainty. People often search the exact phrase they've just heard when something doesn't fully sit right, not to jump to conclusions, but to better understand whether their concerns are reasonable. In our experience, those moments are when people are looking for clarity, not conflict." Fosters Investigative Services stated that the report is intended to offer insight into how individuals use publicly available information tools to interpret communication within relationships. The company emphasized that the findings do not draw conclusions about individual behavior, but instead highlight broader patterns in online engagement. Following the release of the trend report, the relationship-awareness initiative will include periodic data updates and educational materials centered on themes of concern, perception, and communication. This initiative forms part of the company's broader effort to contribute to public dialogue around trust, interpretation, and communication habits in modern relationships. Future outreach will continue to explore trends in search behavior and support awareness efforts focused on interpersonal understanding. About Fosters Investigative Services Fosters Investigative Services is a Jackson, Mississippi-based private investigation firm providing investigative support and information analysis across a range of case types. The company offers research-driven services with a focus on objectivity, confidentiality, and adherence to legal standards. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/284079_figure1.png To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284079 Source: GetFeatured Talks in Oslo focus on renewable energy, sovereign wealth investments and deeper India-EFTA cooperation; FM invites Norway to tap GIFT-IFSC Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met Norways Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Oslo, with both sides agreeing to leverage the IndiaEFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to boost cooperation in the blue economy, green energy, and long-term investments. According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the two leaders discussed expanding bilateral economic engagement, particularly in renewable energy, including solar power, maritime sectors, and climate-focused investments. Stoltenberg noted that Indias strong economic growth presents lots of opportunities to invest and grow, signalling Norways interest in scaling up its financial engagement with Asias third-largest economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The meeting highlighted the growing importance of the IndiaEFTA TEPA framework in catalysing trade flows, technology partnerships, and sovereign investments. Both sides explored avenues for channeling funds through Norways sovereign wealth and pension funds into sustainable infrastructure and green transition projects in India. Sitharaman also invited Norwegian stakeholders to explore opportunities at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-IFSC), describing it as a world-class financial hub offering tax incentives and a liberalised regulatory regime for global financial institutions. The discussions come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to Norway, which parliamentary members said would further deepen strategic and economic ties between the two countries. Sitharaman is on a two-day official visit to Norway aimed at strengthening financial and investment cooperation under the broader IndiaEFTA engagement framework. In an exclusive conversation, Cambridge Judge Business Schools Jaideep Prabhu argues that scale does not require Silicon Valley-style capital burn and that Indias frugal mindset may be its biggest geopolitical advantage. At a time when the global startup ecosystem is recalibrating after years of capital excess, Cambridge academic Jaideep Prabhu is challenging one of innovations most deeply entrenched myths: that scale demands massive capital. In his recently released book LeanSpark: Frugal by Design, Global in Impact, Prabhu argues that Indias long-evolving culture of jugaad is no longer about improvisation, it is about disciplined, scalable, high-tech innovation built for global relevance. In this wide-ranging interview with Firstposts Rajat Mishra, the Nehru Professor of Indian Business explains why burning cash is not ambition, why venture capital orthodoxy does not suit India, how India Stack reshaped financial inclusion, and why frugal innovation could become Indias strategic advantage in a fragmented world order. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edited Excerpts: What prompted you to write this book, and why this theme? Why talk about Frugal by Design right now? I have been an academic all my adult life, and I have studied innovation. That has been my focus. In the first part of my career, for about 10 or 15 years, I studied innovation as it was done in large Western corporations. The received view in textbooks and research is that innovation happens there: in large Western corporations, in high-tech sectors like pharmaceuticals or computing. These are the organizations with big budgets, big teams, and talent. They are the ones who produce breakthroughs. That was the view I also had. Around 2008, I started looking at how innovation was done in emerging markets like India, where I had grown up. When I examined how innovation happened there, I saw that the approach was very different. It was much more frugal, less formal, more flexible, and more improvised. At that time, in 2008 and 2009, many innovations were designed to bring people who were outside the formal economy, or on its fringe and on lower incomes, into it. There were many frugal innovations in telecom and mobile phones not just the handset, but services such as five-rupee scratch cards to make calls. There were similar frugal innovations in healthcare, education, financial services, and other sectors. This led me to rethink my understanding of innovation and focus on what I call frugal innovation, which in India we call jugaad. How do you do more with less? From that came a book titled Jugaad Innovation, published in 2012. It was essentially about how countries like India were using existing technologies not necessarily high-tech, sometimes even low-tech to create products and services for lower-income people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Later on, we realized that in India, the idea of jugaad was evolving. More people were finding ways to retain the frugal mindset while scaling it, often using technology. That is what this book covers. It presents many examples from the last 10 years where the frugal mindset has been applied at scale across sectors from financial services and digital governance to space tech, as well as in areas like culture and education. You say that innovation does not need scale or access to capital. What is the single biggest myth about innovation you are trying to challenge in this book? No innovation does need scale. That is key. If you do not scale, your innovation remains low impact. From a frugality perspective, scaling is also very important because it helps you stay frugal. So I do not say that you do not need to scale. On the contrary, you must scale. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The biggest myth is that you need lots of resources, especially financial resources, to scale. That is the Silicon Valley approach the venture capital model. You throw money at, say, ten new innovations, knowing that nine will fail. You lose money on those nine, but if you throw enough money at one, it will scale, become extremely successful, and perhaps even a virtual monopoly like Uber, Airbnb, or Facebook. That is the Western approach, and that is the myth we are trying to challenge. Particularly in countries like India, where resources are scarce not just financial resources, but all kinds of resources it is important not to be misled by the idea that the only way to scale is through massive capital. When you talk about high-tech jugaad, and when you look at India Inc or the startup ecosystem, what are some examples of high-tech innovations from the last few years that have left an indelible imprint on your mind? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets start with what is called India Stack, beginning with Aadhaar. Aadhaar itself was a technological biometric solution that scaled, and it was done extremely frugally and quickly. On the back of Aadhaar, they developed solutions like eKYC and UPI. Again, these were frugal innovations that scaled. On top of this digital public infrastructure, we now have a thriving financial services sector. On the demand side, we have seen hundreds of millions of people who were outside the banking system come into it. Small businesses have entered the formal banking and tax systems. On the supply side, we see many fintech startups using these digital rails to create new solutions very quickly and very frugally. Many of them have become unicorns. That sector has been transformed by this kind of frugal mindset that has scaled. In the book, we also look at space. India has built a reputation over decades for doing high-tech work launching satellites, sending missions to Mars and the moon, even landing a rover on the moon at a fraction of the cost of global competitors like NASA, the European Space Agency, the Russians, or the Chinese. ISRO has played a central role, and the sector has now been opened up to space-tech startups. There are many startups operating in this ecosystem, and some have reached unicorn status. This too represents frugal innovation in high tech. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More recently, we are seeing similar frugal innovation in AI. In the West, particularly in the US, the Silicon Valley approach to AI is resource-intensive spending hundreds of billions of dollars on chips, datasets, data centres, energy, and talent. India does not have that level of capital or resources. However, it has enormous opportunities to apply AI in education, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, and other sectors. For these applications to scale and create impact, they must be affordable. To be affordable, they must be developed frugally. We have a chapter on frugal AI and the developments happening in India startups that are scaling rapidly while operating at a fraction of the cost of companies like OpenAI or Microsoft in the US. Is frugal innovation peculiar to India? Or do we see frugal or high-tech frugal innovation in other countries as well? Do you find it interesting but unique to India? I think other countries are also doing it. The most obvious example is China. Even though China is richer than India, it is still a relatively poor country with many people on lower incomes. It has undergone a manufacturing revolution and achieved several technological breakthroughs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Like India, it has a large talent pool. For at least the past 10 to 15 years, China has demonstrated frugal innovation in areas such as medical devices, home appliances, and consumer electronics including refrigerators and washing machines. More recently, it has done so in electric vehicles, with companies like BYD, as well as in battery technology, solar energy, and semiconductors. China is the clearest example of frugal innovation at scale. I would say India comes next because of its scale, its talent, its ecosystem, and relatively good governance. India is also more diverse and enjoys greater relative freedom because of democracy. It is a younger country, with a much larger working-age population, while China is ageing rapidly. In that sense, India is uniquely positioned over the next 10 to 20 years to lead globally in frugal innovation. Innovations emerging from India will not only be applicable in other emerging markets including China, Africa, and other Asian countries but also in Western economies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Western countries are facing rising inequality, more people on lower incomes, and increasing resource constraints. Yet they tend not to adopt a frugal approach to innovation; their models are often far more capital-intensive and expensive. For these reasons, India is uniquely poised going forward in this space. As the world fragments through trade wars and industrial policies, do you think frugal innovation becomes a strategic advantage for countries like India? My personal belief is that Indias frugal approach is a kind of superpower. First, for our own market and growth. A large section of our population remains in the semi-formal economy and in lower-income segments. For them to access new technologies and tools such as affordable AI it is essential that we pursue frugal innovation domestically. If startups continue developing frugal, tech-enabled solutions, it will benefit the Indian economy by bringing more people into the formal system. Productivity will rise, incomes will increase, and India can grow in a sustainable and inclusive way. There is also an external advantage. If we develop solutions for India that scale successfully, we can export them to economies with similar conditions including parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and even China, where we have a large trade deficit. A significant portion of the world would find Indian frugal solutions immediately relevant. We already see success in emerging markets, but there is room to do much more. Regarding geopolitics, much of the recent protectionism has been driven by the US. However, other blocs are responding by strengthening trade ties elsewhere, particularly with India. Many countries are accelerating free trade agreements with India. The UK-India FTA has moved forward after years of negotiations. The EU is also engaging more actively. India is expanding trade with Russia, Canada, and others. In some ways, the tariffs imposed by the US have pushed India to diversify its trade partnerships. India offers valuable products and services to global markets. It also provides an alternative to China. Many countries are heavily dependent on Chinese goods and are uncomfortable with that dependency. India is therefore well-positioned globally, and a significant reason is its strong ecosystem of frugal innovation and scalable solutions. Do you think burning cash is still being mistaken for ambition in the startup world? How do you view these failures and the broader startup story we have witnessed? I am not surprised by it because that is the venture capital model we discussed. Investors throw money at startups they believe have potential. It is a gamble. They know that nine out of ten will fail, and they are comfortable with that if one succeeds and becomes dominant. Even in the US, this model has consequences, including the creation of monopolies so large that they are difficult to regulate. But it is an even bigger issue in India, where we do not have that kind of capital to deploy inefficiently. Even if we did, such capital could be used far more productively elsewhere in the economy. India does not have the deep financial resources of Silicon Valley, nor does it have the scale of state-backed funding that China deploys. In China, sectors like electric vehicles and batteries were heavily supported by government subsidies. India cannot replicate that approach at the same magnitude. It is not surprising that startups in India that followed the Silicon Valley model have struggled. Investors may provide funding, but they also demand rapid returns and aggressive scaling. If there are flaws in the business model, or if the business requires patient development, it becomes vulnerable to failure. I believe that approach is risky in the Indian context. Startups should first focus on building a product, service, and business model that genuinely works for the customer. They must prove it, scale through customer satisfaction, and then attract the right kind of capital as they expand. A customer-centric, rather than investor-centric, approach is more likely to create robust and sustainable startups in Indias ecosystem. Roy said in a statement sent to AFP that she was shocked and disgusted by responses from Wenders and other jury members to a question about the Palestinian territory at a press conference around last week The 2026 Berlin Film Festival seems to have begun on a rather controversial note. It all began with jury president Wim Wenders talking about how cinema should stay out of politics when asked about Gaza. This led to Award-winning Indian writer Arundhati Roy stepping away and quitting the festival. Statement by Arundhati Roy Roy said in a statement sent to AFP that she was shocked and disgusted by responses from Wenders and other jury members to a question about the Palestinian territory at a press conference around last week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Roy, whose novel The God of Small Things won the 1997 Booker Prize, had been announced as a festival guest to present a restored version of the 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, in which she starred and wrote the screenplay. However, she said that the unconscionable statements by Wenders and other jury members had led her to reconsider, with deep regret. Official statement by the festival The Berlinale has issued a long statement amid the chaos and controversy it has been embroiled in: People have called for free speech at the Berlinale. Free speech is happening at the Berlinale. But increasingly, filmmakers are expected to answer any question put to them. They are criticised if they do not answer. They are criticised if they answer and we do not like what they say. They are criticised if they cannot compress complex thoughts into a brief sound bite when a microphone is placed in front of them when they thought they were speaking about something else. It is hard to see the Berlinale and so many hundreds of filmmakers and people who work on this festival distilled into something we do not always recognise in the online and media discourse. Over the next ten days at the Berlinale, filmmakers are speaking constantly. They are speaking through their work. They are speaking about their work. They are speaking, at times, about geopolitics that may or may not be related to their films. It is a large, complex festival. A festival that people value in so many different ways and for so many reasons. Games View All There are 278 films in this years programme. They carry many perspectives. There are films about genocide, about sexual violence in war, about corruption, about patriarchal violence, about colonialism or abusive state power. There are filmmakers here who have faced violence and genocide in their lives, who may face prison, exile, and even death for the work they have made or the positions they have taken. They come to Berlin and share their work with courage. This is happening now. Are we amplifying those voices enough? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are also filmmakers who come to the Berlinale with different political aims: to ask how we can talk about art as art, and how we can keep cinemas alive so that independent films still have a place to be seen and discussed. In a media environment dominated by crisis, there is less oxygen left for serious conversation about film or culture at all, unless it can be folded as well into a news agenda. Some films express a politics with a small p: they examine power in daily life, who and what is seen or unseen, included or excluded. Others engage with Politics with a capital P: governments, state policy, institutions of power and justice. This is a choice. Speaking to power happens in visible ways, and sometimes in quieter personal ones. Across the history of the Berlinale, many artists have made human rights central to their work. Others have made films which we see as quietly radical political acts which focus on small, fragile moments of care, beauty, love, or on people who are invisible to most of us, people who are alone. They help us make connections to our shared humanity through their movies. And in a broken world this is precious. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What links so many of these filmmakers at the Berlinale is a deep respect for human dignity. We do not believe there is a filmmaker screening in this festival who is indifferent to what is happening in this world, who does not take the rights, the lives and the immense suffering of people in Gaza and the West Bank, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan, in Iran, in Ukraine, in Minneapolis, and in a terrifying number of places, seriously. Artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose. 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. We continue to do this work because we love cinema but we also hope and believe watching films can change things even if that is the glacial shift of changing people, one heart or mind at a time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We thank our team, guests, juries, our filmmakers, and the many others engaged with the Berlinale for cool heads in hot times. Why Robert Duvalls iconic I love the smell of napalm in the morning dialogue from Apocalypse Now still resonates decades later, its meaning, impact, and lasting pop culture legacy. Few lines in cinema history have achieved the kind of cultural afterlife enjoyed by I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Delivered by Robert Duvall in Francis Ford Coppolas 1979 Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now, the chilling monologue has come to symbolise the madness, moral decay, and dark absurdity of war. Decades later, it remains one of the most referenced, and debated, movie quotes ever. The scene that made history The line is spoken by Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, a fearless and eccentric cavalry officer, during a brutal helicopter assault on a Vietnamese village. In a moment that perfectly captures the surreal tone of the film, Kilgore calmly reflects on the scent left behind by napalm bombing, eventually concluding that it smells like victory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The monologue goes, Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for twelve hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didnt find one of em, not one stinkin dink body. The smell, you know, the gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled likevictory. The full monologue unfolds casually amid chaos, showcasing the disturbing normalisation of violence. It also shows how those in the frontline have to dissociate themselves from the fact that actual human lives are at stake during war, to be able to keep moving forward. Film scholars and critics often cite the scene as one of cinemas sharpest commentaries on war psychology, where destruction becomes routine and even poetic. Games View All It is followed by the dialogue, Some day this wars gonna end. It was a melancholic reflection of what war takes from everyone. Amid the bravado of the bombing and killing, this dialogue broke the toner, offering a melancholic reflection on the true price of war. However, Kilgore cant dwell on it, as he needs to toughen up to motivate his soldiers. And Robert Duvalls performance in the film, especially in the sequence, will forever remain iconic, as long as war continues in this world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why the line still resonates The quote has since transcended the film, becoming a shorthand for glorifying chaos, dark irony, and extreme bravado. It is widely referenced across pop culture, memes, television shows, and political commentary, often used sarcastically to reflect obsession, excess, or destructive ambition. What makes the line enduring is its unsettling contrast- Kilgores calm delivery paired with overwhelming devastation. The quiet, reflective tone makes the dialogue even more haunting, highlighting the characters emotional detachment from violence. Robert Duvalls unforgettable performance Much of the scenes power comes from Robert Duvalls restrained performance. Rather than delivering the line with theatrical force, he speaks it almost conversationally, lending an eerie authenticity that amplifies its impact. Critics have often praised Duvalls portrayal as one of the greatest supporting performances in war cinema. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination and cemented Kilgore as one of the most iconic characters in film history. A cultural phenomenon beyond cinema Over the years, I love the smell of napalm in the morning has become a cultural catchphrase that has been remixed, parodied, and reinterpreted endlessly. From internet memes to advertising slogans and satirical commentary, the line has evolved into a symbol of exaggerated intensity and ironic bravado, often stripped of its original grim context. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet, its enduring popularity also keeps alive the haunting message at the heart of Apocalypse Now- the thin line between heroism and madness, and how war distorts human values. Former television host Ellen DeGeneres has also been embroiled in the ongoing controversy revolving around sexual offender Jeffrey Epsteins The Epstein Files. These files alleged her to be a cannibal but all the rumours and reports have turned out to be false. Her criminal activities involving children are someones figments of imagination. A post on X by a user claimed, The Epstein files expose Ellen DeGeneres as Hollywoods most prolific cannibal. She ate childrens flesh. However, there is no evidence against her alleged cannibalism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ellen DeGeneres makes political statement on Renee Good Minneapolis ICE shooting DeGeneres has issued a rare political statement in response to the fatal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, expressing sorrow, solidarity with peaceful demonstrators and a personal connection to the city where she recently worked. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, during a confrontation that erupted amid a large federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The shooting has sparked ongoing protests and national debate about immigration enforcement and use of force by federal agents. DeGeneres message on ICE Shooting and Renee Good On January 18, DeGeneres shared a video message to Instagram in which she addressed the violence and unrest in Minneapolis. She said she was deeply affected by what has happened in the city, noting that she filmed her 2024 Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, in Minneapolis, a place she described as the happiest city in America. Games View All The drama around continues to hound social media and influential personalities. Many people from Hollywood and two from Bollywood have been named in these controversial files. And as per some documents submitted by the Trump administration, the new name is that of British supermodel Naomi Campbell. It seems Campbell was more than just an acquaintance of the sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein. A former boyfriend had introduced Naomi to Epstein at her 31st birthday party in 2001. The supermodel appears 300 times in the documents released by the Justice Department, though some files are duplicates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yadav, known for movies such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Waqt, Phir Hera Pheri, Partner, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama and Chup Chup Ke, was sent to Tihar jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea Actor-comedian Rajpal Yadavs wife Radha Yadav on Wednesday said many in the film industry have come out in support of the actor, a day after he surrendered to Tihar jail authorities in connection with cheque-bounce cases. Yadav, known for movies such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Waqt, Phir Hera Pheri, Partner, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama and Chup Chup Ke, was sent to Tihar jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking more time to repay outstanding amount in a cheque-bounce cases. The actor has to pay nearly Rs 9 crore. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Actor issues first statement post bail I will complete 30 years in Bollywood in Mumbai in 2027. People from all over the country, children, old and young, are with me The way the entire country and the world, my Bollywood, has loved me, if there are any allegations against me, I am available to answer. Thank you, High Court Following Rajpal Yadavs brief imprisonment in Delhis Tihar Jail over a long-running Rs. 9 crore debt dispute, several viral videos and online posts suggested that leading Bollywood stars, particularly Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn, had intervened financially to secure his release. Many from the film industry, including actors Sonu Sood, Gurmeet Chaudhary and music composer Rao Inderjit Yadav, offered financial assistance to the family and urged others to do the same. What Rajpal Yadavs wife Radha said Putting an end to the growing rumours, Rajpal Yadavs wife Radha clarified that while several industry colleagues have offered emotional and moral support, no names could be officially confirmed regarding financial assistance. She said, Our whole family is together at this time. We are very grateful for the support and love he is receiving from his fans and the film fraternity. I cant take any specific names right now, but I would just want to say many people from the industry have stepped in to support. Khan is known for penning blockbusters like Andaaz, Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewar, Trishul, and Mr. India along with Javed Akhtar Veteran writer Salim Khan, 90, was admitted to Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Bandra. His son and Bollywood star Salman Khan was seen arriving to meet his father. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khan is known for penning blockbusters like Andaaz, Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewar, Trishul, and Mr. India along with Javed Akhtar. On his marriage with Salma Khan Salim Khan opened up on his marriage with Salma Khan and if his family has ever consumed beef. The man behind classics like Sholay and Deewar, and Salman Khans father told Free Press Journal, From Indore until today, we have never had beef. Beef is eaten by most Muslims as it is the cheapest meat! Khan added, Some even buy it to feed pet dogs. But in the teachings of prophet Mohammed, he has clearly stated that a cows milk is a substitute for mothers milk and it is a mufid (beneficial) cheez. He has stated that cows should not be killed and beef is forbidden. Games View All He further added, Prophet Mohammed has adopted good things from every religion. Like eating only halaal meat which was adopted from the Jews, who call it kosher. He has postulated that every religion is good and believes in a Supreme Power like we do. You see, I have lived all my life amidst Hindus. Even in the police stations and colonies, we celebrated Hindu festivals as everyone from a sipahi to the head constable was a Hindu. So it was not as if we began keeping Ganpati at home only after my marriage. My family had no objection to my marriage either. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD French President Emmanuel Macron begins his visit to India from Mumbai, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. In Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman will take the oath as the PM; Lok Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will represent India at the ceremony in Dhaka French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai today (February 17) to launch the India-France Year of Innovation and discuss strategic cooperation, expected to focus on artificial intelligence (AI), technology partnerships, defence collaboration, and the Indo-Pacific. In other news, India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladeshs prime minister today in Dhaka. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Read this and more of the big news from across the world today. Modi**-Macron meet** French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai yesterday (February 16). He is on a three-day visit to India from February 17-19. The French President will meet Modi today, hold talks with the PM and engage with business leaders, researchers, and innovators from India and France in Mumbai. He is expected to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday (February 19). This is Macrons fourth visit to India and follows his 2024 visit, when he attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. Last year, Modi and Macron co-chaired the AI Action Summit in France, in which they were joined by participants from more than 100 countries, including government leaders, to develop an open, multi-stakeholder, and inclusive approach that will enable AI to be human rights-based, human-centric, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy technology. Tarique Rahmans swearing-in ceremony The swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladeshs Prime Minister is scheduled for today. 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. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will represent India at Tarique Rahmans swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka. File image/Reuters Indias Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will represent New Delhi at the event. Modi, who was invited to attend, will be unable to do so due to a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine, Russia & US to meet in Geneva Today, representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the United States are set to meet in Geneva, Switzerland. The trilateral negotiations are being held to end the four-year war. Yesterday, Ukraines Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov posted on his Telegram channel saying, On the way to Geneva. The next round of negotiations is ahead. Along the way, we will discuss the lessons of our history with our colleagues, seek the right conclusions, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, I hope trilateral talks in Geneva will be serious, substantive, and helpful for all of us. But honestly, sometimes it feels like the sides are talking about completely different things," he added, the media outlet reported. US-Iran talks in Geneva Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is in Geneva. The second round of negotiations with the United States is set take place today. Oman is mediating the indirect Iran-US nuclear talks, according to Tehran. Washington has earlier sought to broaden discussions to include issues such as Irans ballistic missile programme and its support for regional proxy groups. Tehran and Washington resumed talks this month after earlier negotiations collapsed following an unprecedented Israeli bombing campaign against Iran last June. Chinese New Year 2026 Chinese New Year 2026 begins today, marking the start of the Lunar New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. Chinese New Year 2026 begins today, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse. File image/Reuters Celebrated by millions across Asia and beyond, the Spring Festival is more than a date on the calendar. It symbolises renewal, family reunions, and fresh beginnings rooted in centuries of tradition and Chinese astrology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This year, the festival falls on Tuesday, which is today (February 17), beginning with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Official public holidays will be observed from February 15 to 23, with festivities concluding on March 3 with the Lantern Festival. Govt set to launch Bharat-VISTAAR today The Centre is set to launch Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), an AI-powered multilingual platform that will provide farm-related information directly to farmers through mobile phones or voice calls. The initiative will be formally unveiled in Jaipur by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the initiative in the Union Budget 2026-27, allocating Rs 150 crore for its implementation in the next financial year. With inputs from agencies Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday (February 17) launched Bharat-Vistaar (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multi-lingual AI tool for farmers. It will provide information about personalised crop health and weather forecasts, helping farmers make better decisions Indian farmers will have access to weather alerts, central and state government schemes, and market prices through a single phone call, in their native language. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday (February 17) launched Bharat-Vistaar (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multi-lingual artificial intelligence (AI) tool for farmers. The Union minister launched the AI-powered platform in Jaipur in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. This comes in the backdrop of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans announcement on Bharat-Vistaar during the Union Budget speech on February 1. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What is Bharat-Vistaar? The Bharat-Vistaar is an AI-powered tool to integrate agristack portals and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) package on farm practices with AI systems. AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the farm sector to consolidate data on a single platform. Bharat-Vistaar has been described as a multi-layered digital platform designed to provide end-to-end support to the Indian agricultural community. Union Finance Minister Sitharaman had said in her Budget speech, I propose to launch Bharat-Vistaar a multilingual AI tool that shall integrate the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices with AI systems. This will enhance farm productivity, enable better decisions for farmers and reduce risk by providing customised advisory support, she said. Sitharaman announced that the government will allocate Rs 150 crore for Bharat-Vistaar in the upcoming financial year (2026-27). This will enhance farm productivity, enable better decisions for farmers, and reduce risk by providing customised advisory support. The Bharat-Vistaar will be available 24 hours a day as a digital agriculture expert, with the platform enabled with a talking AI assistant called Bharati. Farmers can access the services by dialling 155261, Indian Express reported, citing sources. , 155261 , , , , - "Bharat Vistaar" pic.twitter.com/1EABBgLvlf Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) February 17, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Farmers will get information about 10 major Central schemes, including PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Soil Health Card (SHC), Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, Per Drop More Crop, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and Kisan Credit Card. They can also get alerts on the weather and pests. The tool will provide details about personalised crop health, scheme information, eligibility, application, and grievance. The interface and audio content of Bharat-Vistaar can be accessed in more than 22 regional Indian languages. Wadhwani AI is offering a conversational chatbot that will connect farmers to the Kisan Call Centre (KCC), as per an India Today report. With this, farmers can seek immediate advice, report issues, and receive consistent responses. The KCC chatbot is expected to handle over 500,000 queries from more than 100,000 farmers. How it will work As per the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in the first phase, the facility will begin in Hindi and English. It will be available to lakhs of farmers in several states, including Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat. The platform will be accessible in Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and Kannada within the next three months, along with connected State government schemes. The rest of the state schemes and services will be added in phases, officials told Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bharat-Vistaar is not only an app, but a National Digital Backbone uniting Central and State systems, while preserving state autonomy. It will evolve through collaboration with not-for-profit organisations, AI startups, technology firms, and AI Centres of Excellence. It leverages the national AI ecosystem, including the India AI Mission and BHASHINI, the source was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Bharat-Vistaar is interactive. Farmer feedback flows back into government systems. This will help in evidence-based policy making and research prioritisation, the source added. Why it matters The AI-powered platform will help farmers in better decision-making and act as a single digital doorway to access required information. Farmers will not have to depend on multiple websites and apps to get information about government schemes or weather-related updates. With Bharat-Vistaar, farmers need not depend on different offices, websites, apps, or middlemen to get all such information as it becomes the single source of all relevant information for farmersin their own language and through text and voice-based conversation, Agriculture Ministry officials said, as per Indian Express. Indian Potash Ltd Managing Director PS Gahlaut hailed the announcement of Bharat-Vistaars launch. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is expected to promote deployment of precision farming technologies across geographies and crops, thus allowing farmers to make informed decisions, which in turn would help enhance crop yield and nutrition by promoting optimum utilisation of resources such as water, fertilisers and other agro-chemicals, he told PTI. According to Aparna Bijapurkar, Managing Director & Partner at BCG, the launch of Bharat-VISTAAR and its integration with Agristack & ICAR packages will lead to a rapid scale-up of AI into Indias agricultural ecosystem. Personalised, data-driven advisory support has the potential to enhance productivity, optimise input usage, facilitate better price discovery and meaningfully reduce risks for farmers, she was quoted as saying by the news agency. Pushpendra P Singh, Dean CAPS & Project Director, ANNAM.AI, IIT Ropar, told PTI the launch of Bharat Vistaar will help empower farmers with AI-driven, real-time, climate-smart support. This will enable them to make informed decisions, reduce risks from unpredictable weather, optimise inputs, and ultimately improve yields and livelihoods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The continued focus on precision agri-tech practices supports efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient farming while enhancing farmers incomes, Singh added. With inputs from agencies Today, Irans Abbas Araghchi will hold talks with US Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Geneva to discuss Tehrans nuclear programme. However, war clouds loom as Donald Trump continues to issue threats to the Islamic Republic. Simultaneously, American military assets, including warships and fighter jets, are being deployed to West Asia A man walks past a mural depicting the US Statue of Liberty with the torch-bearing arm broken, painted on the outer walls of the former US embassy, in Tehran. Iran and the United States will hold a second round of talks today, with Washington refusing to rule out military action against the Islamic republic. AFP Will there be peace or war? Thats the question on everyones mind as US and Iranian officials prepare to meet in Geneva today (February 17) for a second round of discussions over Tehrans nuclear programme. But even as US officials prep for their talks with Iran, it seems that Washington is continuing its build-up of air and naval assets in West Asia either as a means to intimidate or to have options to strike inside the country should negotiations over its nuclear programme fail. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Round 2 of US-Iran talks Today (February 17), Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation will sit down for talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The discussions in Geneva will be mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi. The meeting marks the latest diplomatic effort to avert US military action against Tehran and a regional war. Earlier, Witkoff and Kushner held indirect talks with Iranian delegates in Muscat, Oman, on February 6. On arriving in Geneva, Araghchi wrote on X, I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (left) shakes hands with International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi during a meeting in Geneva Irans foreign minister has arrived in Geneva ahead of a second round of negotiations with the US. AFP Ahead of todays talks, Iran struck a conciliatory note, with Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi saying the country was willing to reach a nuclear deal if the US agreed to ease some or all of its sweeping sanctions, including restrictions targeting Irans oil exports, banking system, and access to the global financial network. We are ready to discuss this and other issues related to our programme provided that they are ready also to talk about the sanctions. Because sanctions as we call it illegal sanctions those sanctions have to be also on the table, Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC on Sunday. We cannot accept the notion that Iran has to do certain things without the other side committing itself to do their share. It has to be give and take, thats what compromise is all about. Notably, a day before the talks in Geneva, Iran held live military drills in the Strait of Hormuz. The drills, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, were meant to address potential security and military threats, the state-run IRNA news agency reported, citing the Revolutionary Guard. Trumps continued rhetoric against Iran Even amid the talks, Trump hasnt dialled back his military rhetoric against Iran. On Monday, he warned Iran of the consequences of not making a deal. Ill be involved in those talks, indirectly, the US president told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Washington. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, Trump added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A week back, Trump hinted at aggressive actions if no deal comes together with Iran. Either we reach a deal, or well have to do something very tough, said the US president. US President Donald Trump has been repeatedly warning Iran of military action if Tehran did not agree to a deal. Earlier, the US leader told Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be very worried, as the US builds up its military forces in the region. AFP Since January, Trump has heightened US pressure on Iran, warning that his countrys military is locked and loaded and ready to go. Like with Venezuela, [the US military] is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal, Trump wrote on social media on January 28. He also warned the Islamic Republic of an attack far worse than the strikes he ordered against the countrys nuclear sites last June if Tehran didnt agree to a deal to curb its nuclear programme. As I told Iran once before, make a deal! They didnt, and there was Operation Midnight Hammer, a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Dont make that happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter! he wrote on Truth Social. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US ramps up military presence Along with his threats, Trump has also ordered a build-up of military assets in the areas around Iran, causing concern that the US would, indeed, carry out strikes if Tehran did not acquiesce to Washingtons demands. Earlier, the Abraham Lincoln, which leads a strike group with three guided missile destroyers, carries 90 aircraft, including F-35 fighters, and 5,680 crew, was reportedly deployed to the Gulf region in late January. It has been located off the coast of Oman, around 700 km from Iran. The US has also reportedly sent the USS Gerald R Ford, the worlds largest warship, to the West Asia, which could arrive in the region within the next three weeks. The US Navys Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E Petersen Jr sail towards West Asia. File image/Reuters US aircraft have also been pushed into the region; the US has deployed more F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets to the Muwaffaq Salti military base in Jordan. Theres also an increase in US cargo planes and refuelling and communications aircraft moving towards West Asia from the US and Europe. US Air Force assets based in the United Kingdom, including refueling tankers and fighter jets, have also been redeployed closer to West Asia. Last Friday, multiple fighter aircraft were also given diplomatic clearance to enter Jordanian airspace, according to open-source air traffic communications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Analysing the military movement, retired US Army General Jack Keane told a radio interview that he believes President Trump is inching closer to a decision on using military force against Iran. 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 said on Sunday. He further warned that the military action against Tehran would be much larger than last June, 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. Military intelligence expert Justin Crump also seemed to agree with General Keanes assessment. Crump told the BBC that the current US military preparations in West Asia show more depth and sustainability than its manoeuvres ahead of the seizure of former Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro in January, or the operation carrying out air strikes on Irans nuclear facilities last June. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Weeks-long operation against Iran in the offing While its not certain that the US will strike Iran, all signs point to a possible attack. In fact, sources speaking to Reuters stated that the US military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran. When asked about the preparations for a potentially sustained US 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. The planning underway this time is more complex, the officials told Reuters. Only time will tell what happens next. For now, the region is on tenterhooks and hoping that Iran and the US can come to some agreement during the talks today. With inputs from agencies Today (February 17), several Asian countries celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year. The 15-day festival begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar cycle and ends 15 days later with the first full moon. This year marks the Year of the Horse A man is seen with a horse figure on his shoulder at a temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse in Beijing. AFP Today (February 17) marks Lunar New Year. Nearly a quarter of the world across East Asian countries pauses to celebrate the New Year, to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, and fireworks will mark the Year of the Horse. For many families, the festival marks more than a change of date, but a cultural reset rooted in renewal, reunion and hope for the months ahead. The Lunar New Year, often called Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, launches 15 days of celebrations that culminate with the Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the new lunar year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all you need to know about the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. What is the Lunar New Year? Most of the world organises time through a solar year, in which time is measured by Earths revolution around the sun. But long before modern calendars standardised dates, societies measured passing months by the moon, tracking its phases to mark time. The year was known as the lunar year. The Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar cycle and ends 15 days later with the first full moon. As the calendar follows the moons phases, the holiday falls on different dates each year, usually between late January and mid-February. A humanoid robot performs a dance with robot dogs dressed in lion costumes on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse at the Niangniang Temple in Beijing, China. Reuters This festival is known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea. In Indonesia, it is celebrated with dragon puppets and drum displays. While the date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year always occurs between January 21 and February 20. In 2027, the celebrations will begin on Saturday, February 6, ushering in the Year of the Goat. What are the animals of the zodiac? Every year, a different animal is honoured based on the Chinese zodiac. There is a circle of 12 animals, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to legend, as God prepared to depart from Earth, he invited all the animals to bid him farewell. In the end, only these 12 appeared. The Vietnamese zodiac is slightly different, as it honours the cat instead of the rabbit and the buffalo instead of the ox. The Chinese zodiac system combines a 12-year animal cycle with a 60-year elemental cycle created by pairing the five elements with yin and yang. These yearly combinations are believed to influence the traits of the era and the people born in that year. What does the Year of the Horse mean? This year, it is the Year of the Horse. According to Chinese metaphysics consultant Vicki Iskandar, the Year of the Horse comes every 12 years and the last time we had the Fire Horse as the pillar of the year was in 1966. The horse stands as a revered symbol of freedom, vitality, and unbridled ambition. These creatures, celebrated for their speed and independent spirit, are seen to resent any form of restraint. This powerful symbolism signals a period ideal for pursuing new opportunities and embracing major change. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In cultural traditions, horse years are associated with high energy, which is defined by motion over pause and momentum over contemplation. The Fire Horse is especially known for intensifying these qualities, representing determination, vitality, and action. People watch as dancers perform a lion dance during celebrations on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, at the Niangniang Temple in Beijing, China. Reuters The previous zodiac year, from January 29, 2025, to February 16, 2026, was the Year of the Wood Snake, representing a time to shed old habits, reassess what works, and trust inner wisdom. The arrival of the Fire Horse calls for turning that clarity into decisive, consistent action. Since the Year of the Horse is all about movement, you need to focus on regular movement and exercise that can be maintained easily, practice nervous system regulation, and create clear boundaries around when and how to rest. Meanwhile, overscheduling, ignoring fatigue, and signs of exhaustion are some things that you should avoid at all costs. With inputs from agencies As French President Emmanuel Macron meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi weighs a massive Rafale expansion to fix falling IAF squadron numbers. The move reshapes South Asias air power balance as Pakistan fields F-16s, JF-17s and J-10Cs and China rapidly modernises its fighter fleet (Clockwise from top left): Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets fly past during the "Aero India 2021" air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, February 3, 2021; Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 Thunder fighter jet performs during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 23, 2019; Pilots climb out of J-10 fighter jets from the August 1st Aerobatics Team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force after their arrivals for the upcoming China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, November 5, 2014; Danish F-16 fighter jets fly over the frigate Niels Juel as Danish and French armed forces perform military drills off the coast of Nuuk, Greenland, September 15, 2025. File Images/Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India this week for a three-day official visit (February 16, 2026-February 19, 2026), with defence cooperation and artificial intelligence emerging as central themes during his visit. Following his talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and elevating their bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, Macron said, There is no doubt about that, because we have complete faith in this relationship, as we have been doing so for the past eight years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the most consequential outcomes of the visit is the renewed focus on a government-to-government acquisition plan valued at nearly $40 billion, under which India intends to induct 114 additional Rafale fighter aircraft in the coming months. The proposed expansion follows formal clearance granted last week under the Medium Role Fighter Aircraft programme, with a significant portion slated to be manufactured domestically. If executed as planned, this would mark one of the largest single combat aircraft procurements in Indias history and significantly reshape the Indian Air Forces operational footprint. The urgency behind this push stems from a widening capability gap. The Indian Air Force currently operates 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42. This shortfall comes at a time when Pakistan and China continue to expand and modernise their aerial combat fleets. Pakistan fields approximately 25 squadrons, while Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Air Force has crossed 60, with continuous induction of fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft adding further pressure to Indias force planning calculations. What is Rafales role in Indias air combat strategy? The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, occupies a unique position within Indias military aviation architecture. Classified as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, the platform is currently the most advanced combat aircraft in the Indian inventory. India inducted its first 36 Rafales under a contract signed in 2016, and the aircraft are now fully operational within the IAFs frontline squadrons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In parallel, the Indian Navy has separately contracted 26 Rafale-M carrier-capable variants for deployment aboard INS Vikrant. Indian Air Forces Rafale fighter jets fly past during the Aero India 2021 air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, February 3, 2021. File Image/Reuters India-specific customisations have significantly enhanced its combat value. These include the integration of the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile, advanced electronic warfare systems, secure communications architecture and upgraded radar. The aircrafts Thales RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar improves detection and tracking performance while also enhancing resistance to electronic countermeasures. Frontal stealth shaping and a comprehensive self-protection suite contribute to higher survivability in contested airspace. The Rafales strike profile is strengthened by its ability to deploy precision-guided weapons such as the SCALP cruise missile for long-range penetration missions and HAMMER smart munitions for accurate attacks against hardened and mobile targets. These capabilities allow the aircraft to operate across the full spectrum of conflict scenarios, ranging from defensive counter-air missions to precision strikes deep within adversary territory. The push to induct 114 additional Rafales is directly linked to operational lessons drawn from the May 2025 conflict referred to as Operation Sindoor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The brief but intense air campaign served as a real-world stress test for modern fighter fleets operating in heavily contested electronic environments. During this period, the Indian Air Force demonstrated the value of networked warfare by integrating data from Rafale, Su-30MKI fighters and Netra airborne early warning platforms. This sensor fusion capability enhanced situational awareness, allowed coordinated engagements and underscored the importance of survivability systems in high-threat airspace. The recent clearance for additional Rafales also includes a pathway for future upgrades to more advanced standards, which will improve connectivity and sensor performance. Apart from India, France fields approximately 225 Rafales across its air force and navy, with further orders planned to reach a target fleet of 286 by 2030. Egypt operates 54 Rafales, Qatar 36, Greece 24 with additional units pending delivery, and Croatia has brought all 12 of its ex-French aircraft into service. How do US F-16, Pakistans JF-17 and Chinas J-10C compare? Pakistans combat aviation posture rests on a three-tiered mix of platforms that combine legacy American fighters with newer Chinese designs. Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon remains the most capable air-to-air fighter in Pakistans inventory in terms of flight performance and established weapons integration. Pakistan operates an estimated 70-75 F-16s, although fleet availability is shaped by maintenance demands and the operational constraints imposed by end-use monitoring agreements with the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The undated photograph published on March 25, 2004, shows F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter planes from the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Image/US Air Force handout via Reuters These conditions restrict the employment of the aircraft primarily to defensive and counter-terrorism roles. From a technical perspective, the F-16 offers high speed, strong dogfighting performance and compatibility with advanced air-to-air missiles. However, analysts point out that its electronic warfare architecture and long-range engagement envelope do not match the depth provided by the Rafales integrated systems and Meteor missile capability. Recent upgrade packages approved by Washington aim to enhance Pakistans F-16 fleet with improved radar, secure data links and encryption, strengthening its ability to operate within networked combat environments alongside Chinese-origin platforms. In terms of dimensions, the Rafale has a wingspan of 10.90 metres and a length of 15.30 metres, while the F-16s wingspan measures 9.96 metres with a length of 15.06 metres, placing the two aircraft in a broadly similar size class. The Rafales empty weight stands at approximately 10 tonnes, compared to 9.2 tonnes for the F-16. Maximum take-off weight also favours the Rafale, which can carry up to 24.5 tonnes against the F-16s 21.7 tonnes. This translates into a higher potential weapons and fuel load for the French aircraft, offering greater operational flexibility in multi-role missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Range and speed metrics reveal trade-offs. The F-16s maximum range of approximately 4,220 kilometres exceeds the Rafales 3,700 kilometres, giving the American fighter an advantage in certain strike and ferry profiles. The F-16 also holds a slight edge in top speed, reaching around 2,414 kilometres per hour compared to the Rafales 2,130 kilometres per hour. Both aircraft share a service ceiling of roughly 50,000 feet. These parameters indicate that while the Rafale benefits from payload and survivability advantages, the F-16 retains strengths in speed and reach. The Rafales arsenal includes MICA air-to-air missiles, Meteor long-range air combat missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, AM39 anti-ship missiles, laser-guided bombs, HAMMER precision munitions and an internal 30 mm cannon. The F-16s weapons suite encompasses AIM-9 short-range and AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship munitions such as Penguin missiles, cluster munitions, runway denial weapons, GPS-guided bombs, conventional gravity bombs and an internal 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with certain operators maintaining nuclear delivery capability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The F-16 remains the most widely operated modern fighter globally, with roughly 3,000 aircraft in service across 25 countries. The United States maintains around 657 F-16s across active and reserve components, many of which are undergoing modernisation to the Viper standard. Turkey operates approximately 243 F-16s, Israel around 224 across multiple variants, and Ukraine has inducted about 45 donated aircraft since late 2024. JF-17 Thunder The PAC JF-17 Thunder, developed jointly by Pakistan and China, constitutes the numerical backbone of the Pakistan Air Force. Designed as an affordable, single-engine multirole aircraft, the JF-17 has enabled Pakistan to replace ageing Mirage and F-7 fleets while maintaining force numbers. A JF-17 Thunder fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force takes off from Mushaf base in Sargodha, north Pakistan, on June 7, 2013. File Image/Reuters The latest Block III variant introduces an AESA radar and updated avionics, narrowing the technological gap with more advanced fighters. Despite these improvements, the aircrafts lighter airframe, lower payload capacity and more basic electronic warfare suite limit its survivability in environments saturated with jamming and advanced air defence systems. During the 2025 conflict, such limitations were exposed in high-intensity electronic conditions, highlighting the vulnerability of lighter platforms against more sophisticated countermeasures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan operates approximately 156 JF-17s across all variants, with several airframes lost during the 2025 conflict. Myanmar maintains a small JF-17 fleet, Nigeria operates a limited number for counter-insurgency missions, and Azerbaijan has begun inducting aircraft from a 24-jet order. Chengdu J-10C Pakistan has also inducted the Chengdu J-10C, a 4.5-generation medium-weight multirole fighter produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The J-10C features a delta-canard configuration, modern avionics and advanced beyond-visual-range missiles, positioning it technologically closer to the Rafale than the JF-17. Its aerodynamic design provides strong instantaneous manoeuvrability, which can be advantageous in close-in engagements. During the 2025 standoff, the platforms long-range missile capability reportedly compelled Indian fighters to maintain greater standoff distances in certain engagement scenarios. However, questions remain over engine reliability and long-term sustainment. While improvements to the WS-10B powerplant have enhanced performance, defence observers note that its endurance and efficiency lag behind the Rafales twin-engine configuration. The Rafales mature weapons integration and electronic warfare ecosystem also provide operational advantages that extend beyond pure aerodynamic performance. The J-10C fleet is dominated by China, which operates roughly 410 aircraft of the variant within a broader J-10 inventory exceeding 470 jets. Pakistan has completed induction of 36 J-10CE aircraft, while Bangladesh has placed orders for 20 units with deliveries expected later in 2026. Egypt has also been linked to a potential J-10C deal, although aircraft have not yet entered active service. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies The Louvre museum has been hit by a $12 million (Rs 107.3 crore) ticket fraud scheme. The scamming network, involving the museum employees and tour guides, had been running for over a decade. Heres how it came to light People queue to enter the glass Pyramid of the Louvre Museum whose opening was delayed following a staff meeting about a strike over pay and working conditions at the museum, the state of the museum's buildings and staffing issues, in Paris, January 5, 2026. File Photo/Reuters The Louvre museum in Paris is rocked by another scandal. A 10 million ($12 million or Rs 107.3 crore) ticket fraud has been unearthed at the worlds most visited museum. The counterfeit ticketing ring cost the Louvre millions over more than a decade, Parisian prosecutors say. The suspected scam has led to the arrest of nine persons, including two museum employees. Lets take a closer look. Whats the Louvre ticket fraud? A ticket fraud scheme was first suspected at the Louvre museum in December 2024. A couple of Chinese tour guides were accused of reusing tickets several times for different people. These guides allegedly facilitated the entry of multiple groups of Chinese tourists by reusing single-entry tickets for different people to avoid paying admission and speaking fees, reported ABC News. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to French police and the Paris prosecutors office, a formal judicial investigation was launched in June 2025 after surveillance techniques and wiretaps confirmed the repeated reuse of tickets. Authorities investigated charges including organised fraud, money laundering, corruption, aiding illegal entry in the country as part of an organised group, and the use of forged administrative documents. People stand near the glass Pyramid of the closed Louvre Museum during a staff meeting about a strike in Paris, France, December 15, 2025. File Photo/Reuters Investigators found that the tour guides split up groups to avoid paying the required speaking fee imposed on guides. The guides allegedly paid cash to suspected accomplices working within the Louvre in exchange for avoiding ticket checks. The scamming ring had been bringing in up to 20 groups per day over the past 10 years. Nine suspects arrested French police have arrested nine people in the case, including two museum employees. Other accused included several tour guides and one person suspected of being the mastermind, as per the Paris prosecutors office. Based on the information available to the museum, we suspect the existence of a network organising large-scale fraud, a museum spokesperson told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Investigators believe suspects invested some of the money in real estate in France and Dubai. Authorities have seized more than $1 million in cash and more than $500,000 from bank accounts. Three vehicles and several other bank safe deposit boxes were also recovered in the raids, according to the Le Parisien newspaper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The scamming network had cost the Louvre museum roughly $12 million over a decade. Investigators suspect that the same ring allegedly operated a ticket fraud scheme at the Palace of Versailles. A spokesperson for the Louvre told Reuters the museum had since chalked out plans to prevent further fraud.The Louvre Museum is facing a resurgence and diversification of ticket fraud, a statement said. In response, it had rolled out a structured anti-fraud plan in cooperation with staff and the police. In a recent interview with a French TV channel, Kim Pham, the general administrator of the Louvre, admitted difficulties in checking tickets that have been purchased online when visitors go through and enter the museum. Louvres unending woes The Louvre has faced various setbacks in recent months. The world-famous Paris museum is still reeling from a heist last October when royal jewels valued at more than $100 million were stolen. A gang used a crane to break into the Louvres Apollo Gallery to steal eight pieces of French crown jewels in seven minutes, before fleeing on scooters. Four men have been arrested in the case and are under formal investigation. However, the jewels have not been recovered. Last week, the Louvres Denon gallery, where its most valuable paintings are displayed, was hit by a water leak. The Mona Lisa, the worlds most famous portrait, was not affected. The leak was reported in room 707, which houses paintings by the French artist Charles Meynier and the Italian Renaissance artist Bernardino Luini. This was the second significant leak in less than three months at the museum. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Louvre has also witnessed about a dozen strikes since December, forcing the building to fully or partly close. The protesters have been demanding urgent renovations and staffing increases. With inputs from agencies The US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, and the INDOPACOM commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo, visited the Indian Armys Western Command near the Pakistan border, holding talks on regional security, military preparedness, and defence cooperation. The high-profile visit comes amid expanding India-US defence ties The US delegation and the Indian Army personnel at the Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir, Haryana pose for a photo on February 16, 2026. X/USAmbIndia The visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel J Paparo, to the headquarters of Indias Western Army Command in Chandimandir near Chandigarh on Tuesday (February 16), has turned heads, especially in the subcontinent. The presence of the USs top uniformed officer in the Indo-Pacific region alongside the American envoy at a frontline Indian Army formation less than 250 kilometres from the Pakistan border is being viewed as a significant development in the evolving military relationship between New Delhi and Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visit took place at a time when India and the US are expanding the scope of defence cooperation across land, maritime, air, cyber, and technology domains. During their engagement with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the visiting delegation was briefed on the commands operational responsibilities, readiness posture, historical evolution, and its recent role in major military operations. The discussions focused on strategic security challenges along Indias western theatre, an area that remains sensitive due to the enduring military standoff and history of conflict with Pakistan. According to the Western Command, the visiting officials were given a comprehensive overview of how the formation prepares for conventional contingencies along the western border and how it has adapted its posture to meet emerging security threats. The briefing included details on operational preparedness, the commands legacy within the Indian Armys order of battle, the conduct of Operation Sindoor in 2025, and the role the Army plays in contributing to domestic development and regional stability. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor @USAmbIndia and #USINDOPACOM Commander, Adm Samuel J. Paparo, @sjpaparo visited HQ Western Command and held substantive discussions with Lt Gen #ManojKumarKatiyar, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, Army Commander, #WesternCommand, on strategic security dynamics pic.twitter.com/KJWJchY6qI Western Command - Indian Army (@westerncomd_IA) February 16, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the engagement at Chandimandir, Gor posted another message highlighting the interaction with the Indian Army leadership and the US military delegation. A great visit with US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Paparo and Western Command, Indian Army. Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific. The US-India defense partnership continues to grow stronger. Thank you for the warm welcome Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar. A great visit with @INDOPACOM Admiral Paparo and @westerncomd_IA Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific. The U.S.-India defense partnership continues to grow stronger. Thank you for the warm welcome Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar. pic.twitter.com/FSKjyWhNSj Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier, while welcoming Paparo to India during his official engagements in New Delhi, Gor had underlined the intent behind the high-level visit by stating, Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the US-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations. Why the Western Command is strategically important The Western Command is among the most crucial operational formations of the Indian Army due to its geographic and strategic responsibilities along the India-Pakistan frontier. Headquartered at Chandimandir near Chandigarh, the command oversees a vast and densely populated region that includes Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. Its area of responsibility spans from Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir to Fazilka in Punjab, covering much of the international border with Pakistan. Unlike formations that operate primarily in mountainous terrain or in counter-insurgency environments, the Western Command is structured for large-scale conventional warfare in open plains that allow rapid manoeuvre by armoured and mechanised units. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The commands operational mandate places it at the centre of Indias conventional military planning vis-a-vis Pakistan. It is responsible for safeguarding some of Indias most economically and strategically vital regions, including the agricultural heartland of Punjab and key communication corridors that link northern India to the national capital region. The terrain under its jurisdiction is suited for high-tempo operations involving tanks, mechanised infantry, artillery, and air support, making the Western Command central to both defensive preparedness and potential offensive contingencies. Organisationally, the command fields a combination of strike and holding formations that together form the backbone of Indias conventional deterrence posture on the western front. Its principal offensive capability is anchored in a strike corps tasked with deep penetration operations in the event of hostilities, while its holding corps are responsible for maintaining robust defensive lines along the border and protecting key population centres and infrastructure in the hinterland. The command also controls large artillery formations designed to deliver massed firepower in support of manoeuvre forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over the past several years, the Western Command has been undergoing a transition in how it prepares for potential conflict scenarios. As of early 2026, the commands operational planning increasingly incorporates rapid response concepts, networked surveillance, and the integration of advanced technologies into conventional operations. Western Command during Operation Sindoor The Western Command played a central role in Operation Sindoor, the five-day military engagement between India and Pakistan in May 2025. The operation was conducted in response to cross-border provocations and involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure and specific military targets on the Pakistani side. During this period, the Western Command coordinated the deployment of ground forces, artillery assets, and supporting elements to deliver calibrated military effects while maintaining defensive stability across the international border. The operation marked a notable moment in Indias recent military history because it demonstrated the Indian Armys ability to execute limited conventional actions under conditions of heightened nuclear deterrence. The commands performance during the engagement highlighted its capacity to conduct precise, time-bound operations without triggering uncontrolled escalation. It also highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven targeting, coordination between different arms of the military, and the use of modern surveillance and strike capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his official engagements in New Delhi, Paparo publicly praised Indias execution of Operation Sindoor. He noted that the operation provided valuable insights into the employment of Chinese-origin weapons systems used by Pakistan, highlighting how such engagements can offer lessons relevant to broader regional military planning. His remarks were seen as significant because they came from a senior US military commander with operational experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, lending weight to the assessment of Indias tactical and operational performance during the conflict. The Western Commands role in Operation Sindoor has since been incorporated into training and doctrinal discussions within the Indian Army. Lessons from the operation are being studied to refine operational concepts, improve inter-service coordination, and further integrate emerging technologies into conventional warfighting. These experiences formed part of the briefing given to the US delegation during the February 2026 visit, providing context on how the command has adapted its posture following real-world operational testing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why the visit drew attention While the visit by Gor and Paparo was framed by Indian and US officials as part of ongoing defence engagement, it generated sharp reactions from segments of Indias political opposition. The presence of a foreign ambassador at an operational Army command close to the Pakistan border was portrayed by some opposition leaders as an unusual development that raised concerns about sovereignty and the optics of foreign access to sensitive military installations. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) linked the visit to broader geopolitical anxieties, suggesting that it reflected growing external influence over Indias strategic choices. She said, Indias national strategic interests are now tied to what the US wants India to do. She further remarked, Indias history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own Government. She added, US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind. The Congress partys Kerala unit also criticised the visit through posts on social media. In one message, it stated, Why so much panic? Weve already seen Pakistans ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this governments blessings. Didnt they say then Modi ne kiya hai to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga (If Modi has done this, he must have thought it through)? Compared to that, this is very small. Some opposition figures described the engagement as providing unprecedented access to a key operational formation. In response, senior Indian Army officials said that while visits by foreign ambassadors to operational commands are uncommon, they are not without precedent. They pointed out that senior military officers from partner countries regularly visit Indian formations and that diplomatic visits to military establishments, though rare, have occurred in the past. India and the US also have formal arrangements to post liaison officers at each others bases on a reciprocal basis. A few years earlier, the then Canadian High Commissioner had visited Chandimandir, including the command hospital, where she interacted with recovering soldiers. How the visit fits into the broader India-US defence framework Earlier in the month, India and the US held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary at the Defence Research and Development Organisation headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting focused on advancing cooperation in defence science and technology and was co-chaired by Chandrika Kaushik, Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction) at DRDO, and Michael Francis Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies in the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering. These technical engagements align with the broader India-US Major Defence Partnership framework formalised in October 2025. The framework was institutionalised through a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement outlines long-term objectives for military collaboration, joint projects, and capacity building across the Indo-Pacific region. Singh described the signing as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral defence relations, stating that it would provide policy direction across the full spectrum of engagement and signal deeper strategic convergence. Hegseth characterised the framework as ambitious, calling it a meaningful step for both militaries and an indication of sustained US commitment to shared security priorities. In November, Indias Chief of the Naval Staff, Dinesh K. Tripathi, concluded an official visit to the US aimed at strengthening naval cooperation. During this visit, he met senior American civilian and military leaders, including the US Secretary of the Navy and leadership from INDOPACOM. The discussions covered maritime security, maritime domain awareness, interoperability between naval forces, safeguarding sea lines of communication and undersea infrastructure, as well as cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, and counter-piracy missions. With inputs from agencies The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which has organised the summit, invited Gates to be one of the speakers. However, his name no longer appears on the official website of AI Impact Summit Bill Gates speaks at the annual Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., September 24, 2025.REUTERS Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is reportedly not on the list of speakers at the AI Impact Summit. A report by News18 says that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which has organised the summit, invited Gates to be one of the speakers. However, his name no longer appears on the official website of AI Impact Summit. However, a spokesperson of the Gates Foundation has confirmed that Gates will be attending the summit and delivering his keynote address as per schedule. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said, I will not comment on who is attending and who is not; it is a personal choice. If someone wants to come, they can and if they dont want to, they can do that also. More from India Bill Gates won't deliver keynote at AI Impact Summit amid Epstein ties row, confirms Foundation The development comes as Gates is facing flak over his name finding mention in the , which has triggered a huge controversy over the billionaires links with Jeffrey Epstein, a sex offender. Andhra protests Gates arrival Gates arrived in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Monday where he was received by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. His arrival in India was met with criticism over the Epstein files. Many also accused him of treating India like a lab for his products. Gates visited the state secretariat to hold talks on deepening collaboration in health, agriculture, education, and technology-led governance initiatives. Earlier, ANI had also reported that Gates was scheduled to participate at the AI Impact Summit. The latest release of the Epstein files revealed that the Microsoft founder hid a sexually transmitted disease he contracted from Russian girls, invoking a strong and emotional rebuttal from his wife, Melinda. Meanwhile, the Microsoft co-founders spokesperson dismissed the claims, calling them absolutely absurd and completely false. The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epsteins frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame, the spokesperson said. Gates has addressed the allegations directly, dismissing them as false. He suggested the claims, stemming from a 2013 email written by Epstein, might have been an attempt at defamation or extortion. The email allegedly claimed that Gates tried to secretly administer antibiotics to his then-wife, Melinda, fearing she had also been infected. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gates disputed the legitimacy of the message, stating, Apparently, Jeffrey wrote an email to himself. That email was never sent. The email is false. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has sought foreign help to crack the black box of the Learjet aeroplane involved in the Baramati crash, sources have said. Authorities have begun their investigations to determine what caused Ajit Pawar's plane to crash in Baramati. PTI The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has sought foreign help to crack the black box of the Learjet aeroplane involved in the Baramati crash that claimed the life of then-Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, sources have told CNN-News 18. A Learjet 45 business aeroplane on January 28 crashed at Baramati near Pune in Maharashtra, killing Ajit along with two co-passengers and two crew members. Sources said that both the components of the black box digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period during the accident. They said these devices were damaged as a result. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources said the authorities managed to successfully retrieve the data of DFDR, they have not had luck with the CVR. To crack the CVR as part of the investigation, the authorities have sought specialised technical assistance from the accredited representative of the recorders country of manufacture to support data recovery efforts, according to sources. As the CVR was made by Honeywell, an American aerospace company, it is understood that the AAIB has reached out to the United States for assistance. While the cause of the accident is under investigation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) previously said that pilots had trouble spotting the runway at the Baramati airfield during the descent, according to The Times of India. The DGCA said that pilots could not spot the runway during their first approach to land and they did a go-around and returned for a second attempt. It said that pilots did not make any mayday call before the crash. What are FDRs and CVRs that investigators are focussing on? Even as its commonly called a black box, it comprises of two devices called digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR records all sound that emanates in the cockpit. It includes communication between pilots, sounds of instruments, click of switches, warning sounds, etc. These voices are recorded by several microphones installed in a cockpit. These sounds, particularly sounds of instruments, any warnings, and conversation between pilots, are important for investigators as they help them understand what went wrong. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The FDR stores the entire operating data of the aeroplane. The FDR records several parameters throughout the journey such as time, altitude, speed, fuel, etc, with sensors installed in the aeroplane. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi and is holding a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders alongside the five-day event Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, launching discussions on artificial intelligence while beginning an extensive series of diplomatic engagements with visiting world leaders. The summit places global AI governance, job disruption and child safety at the centre of its agenda and is expected to attract more than 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates. The Prime Ministers bilateral meetings span two days and are being held at Hyderabad House and Bharat Mandapam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Focus on global AI governance Organisers said the summit aims to declare a shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration. It has brought together global technology companies, startups, academic and research institutions, Union Ministries, state governments and international partners on a common platform. The Expo segment features 13 country pavilions representing Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and Africa, highlighting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. Bilateral meetings at Hyderabad House On Wednesday, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet several leaders at Hyderabad House. The discussions will include talks with Pedro Sanchez of Spain, Antti Petteri Orpo of Finland, Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Andrej Plenkovic of Croatia. He will also hold meetings with Alar Karis of Estonia, Dasho Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan and Olzhas Bektenov of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On Thursday, the Prime Ministers engagements move to Bharat Mandapam. Meetings are scheduled with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Dick Schoof of the Netherlands; Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation; and Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic. These bilateral interactions are being conducted alongside the AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring parallel diplomatic outreach during the global technology gathering. Organised by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity), the India AI Impact Summit seeks to highlight the countrys market size, technology concepts from researchers, and build consensus on a doctrine. US envoy Sergio Gor praises Bengalurus unmatched energy during visit, highlighting its startups, culture and street food, as talks with Tejasvi Surya spotlight growing India-US tech and trade ties Sergio Gor, the United States Ambassador to India, has praised Bengalurus vibrant character after visiting the city, speaking about its unique blend of innovation, culture and everyday life. Shortly after arriving, Gor shared his excitement on social media, posting a photo of himself enjoying local food and soaking in the citys atmosphere. Just arrived in Bengaluru! From startups to street food, Bengalurus energy is unmatched! Thank you to my great host @Tejasvi_Surya, Gor wrote in his post, capturing the enthusiasm of his visit and the citys dynamic appeal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Just arrived in Bengaluru! From startups to street food, Bengalurus energy is unmatched! Thank you to my great host @Tejasvi_Surya pic.twitter.com/9PsRfvKeGI Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026 The ambassador was hosted by Tejasvi Surya, who welcomed him to Bengaluru and offered a glimpse into the citys famed culture. Surya shared that the two had conversations over masala dosa and coffee at a popular Indiranagar cafe, discussing the growing partnership between India and the United States, particularly in trade, technology and innovation. He also introduced the ambassador to a ride in a local auto-rickshaw, describing the experience as memorable. Delighted to welcome H.E. Sergio Gor, U.S. Ambassador to India, to Bengaluru today. Over some masala dosa & strong coffee at Filter Coffee, Indiranagar, we had an engaging conversation on the growing India US partnership, especially in trade, technology and innovation following pic.twitter.com/we2jautGId Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) February 16, 2026 Surya added, Bengaluru truly represents the journey from masala dosa to machine learning, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation and plays a vital role in strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between our two democracies. With over 700 American companies and 43% of Indias software exports coming from Bengaluru, our city is central to US-India economic ties. Home to 40% of Indias GCCs, Bengaluru continues to drive innovation-led partnership between our two democracies." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ambassador Sergio Gor brings uncommon energy and dynamism to diplomacy, and a true belief in India-USs limitless potential. A late-night Namma Auto ride is the real Bengaluru experience. Thank you for an inspiring conversation and for believing in our great shared future. https://t.co/gHxO9KlbKx pic.twitter.com/iPxHybAYcV Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) February 16, 2026 A visit reflecting deeper partnership Gors visit comes at a time when cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across sectors such as technology, trade and innovation. In addition, the BJP MP held a review meeting with senior officials of GAIL (India) Limited regarding the progress of City Gas Distribution works in Jayanagar and Basavanagudi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He directed officials to ensure smooth implementation and strong coordination between departments so the facility can be made available to citizens at the earliest. MLAs Ravi L.A. and C.K. Raju were present, along with representatives from BWSSB, BESCOM, the police, and other stakeholder agencies. Indias AI Impact Summit opened with high expectations, but Day 1 descended into chaosmismanaged entry, overcrowded halls, and stolen AI devices. Exhibitors and attendees faced confusion and delays Visitors during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI) Indias AI Impact Summit in the capital promised to be the event for global tech leaders and deep tech heavyweights. With a massive venue, next-gen discussions, state-of-the-art setups, and, of course, the elephant in the roomAIexpectations were sky-high. But the opening day had other plans. Day one of the summit descended into chaos, turning the high-tech dream into a very messy, very human spectacle. Chaos at the gates Mismanagement happened because the PM was coming, and everyone else was not treated well, Prashant Maurya, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of SpheronAI, an artificial intelligence firm told Firstpost. Maurya explained that he was unable to enter the venue due to a complete lack of communication and coordination, which left exhibitors and attendees stranded and confused during the summits opening hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To make matters worse, exhibition halls at Bharat Mandapam were cleared, and exhibitors were restricted from their stalls for several hours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit. I arrived around 12pm only to find the gates closed. No clear communication, no alternative entry guidance. Even team members who had stalls inside were stopped and left standing outside, added Maurya. Better to learn from how NVIDIA GTC, the Dubai Trade Fest, or other summits are organised. Your browser does not support the video tag. Exhibitors left in limbo As if that wasnt enough, many exhibitors reported being asked to quickly evacuate for the PMs arrival without guidance on where to go next or where to find water and refreshments. We didnt know which gate to enter, which gate would be close to which hall. There was no guidance from security personnel, no signboards, which led to wasted time, said Nishtha Tiwari from SmoothAI Pvt Ltd, whose stall was set up at the summit. Another exhibitor, who wished to remain unnamed, added, The booth our company was given was not in a great shape. They could have taken care of the basic amenities. Fortunately, she noted that the second day ran far more smoothly in terms of crowd management. How AI devices vanished into thin air Beyond inconvenience, things got worse. Dhananjay Yadav, CEO of Neo Sapiens, a company making wearable AI devices, told Firstpost that several of the wearable devices displayed at his booth were stolen amid the summits chaotic first day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I wanted to show up personally to support the ecosystem and the governments push. But what happened next was shocking, he said. According to Yadav, security began clearing the area at noon on Day 1 to prepare for PM Modis visit at 2pm. Despite his attempts, he was told to leave his devices behind, trusting securitys assurances. When he returned hours later, the wearables had disappeared. Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us. I came genuinely excited, it was the first time the summit was being hosted in India, and I wanted to show up personally to support the ecosystem and the governments push. But what happened next was shocking. At 12 pic.twitter.com/9gVygparq0 Dhananjay Yadav (@imDhananjay) February 16, 2026 He shared his frustration on X: Think about this: We paid for flights, accommodation, logistics and even the booth. Only to see our wearables disappear inside a high-security zone. However, he added that the Delhi Police have been extremely helpful since, staying in constant touch and assisting in the aftermath. Day 2 brings relief Day two, thankfully, was a lot smoother. Although the devices are gone, the Delhi Police have been super helpful and in constant touch. In terms of crowd management, Day 2 was far better. In fact, the footfall is similar to Europes Web Summit, and the crowd is being managed very well, Yadav said. Even students attending the summit noticed the difference. On the first day, I was standing in the wrong line, which was about a kilometre long, but on the second day I could navigate better, thanks to a friends guidance, said Dhruv from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies in New Delhi. For someone coming for the first time, it would definitely be chaotic without guidance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Learning from teething problems Not everyone saw the summits first day as a disaster. Some viewed the chaos as teething problems. Ankit Vij, Co-Founder and CEO of Codespire, an AI firm, said, We should all follow the China path. He explained that Indians should support each other to grow the AI ecosystem. Rather than cribbing about the shortfalls, we should find solutions. There could be 100 problems today and 105 tomorrow. This is going to be a learning experience for India since the AI summit is not a one-time affair, added Vij. Just as AI models like ChatGPT get better with each update, the next summit is expected to run much more smoothly than this one, Vij told Firstpost optimistically. India and France are set to expand cooperation in defence, trade, technology, and artificial intelligence as PM Modi hosts Emmanuel Macron for bilateral talks in Mumbai Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday for discussions aimed at upgrading defence, trade, and technology ties between the two countries. Macrons three-day visit to India will also include participation in the AI summit in Delhi on Thursday. Official sources said nearly a dozen agreements and MoUs are expected to be signed following the bilateral meeting, covering areas such as defence, trade, skilling, health, and supply chains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Year of innovation launched The two leaders will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation, which will be celebrated in both countries through 2026, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration will be launched at the Gateway of India on Tuesday evening. Last week, the Indian government approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework from France. Defence dialogue and industrial roadmap On Tuesday, India and France will also hold the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. The meeting is expected to renew the defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years. Talks are likely to focus on enhancing cooperation involving air and maritime assets, in line with the Defence Industrial Roadmap agreed in 2024. PM Modi and Macron are expected to review regional and global developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region, where India considers France an important partner. With uncertainty surrounding the Quad, India views its partnership with France, a resident power in the Indian Ocean, as increasingly significant. Horizon 2047 and AI roadmap Discussions will also cover strengthening cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, adopted three years ago to guide bilateral engagement over the next 25 years. Macrons participation in the AI summit follows his co-chairing of the same summit with Modi in France last year. At that time, both leaders underscored their shared commitment to concrete actions to ensure that the global AI sector supports social, economic and environmental outcomes in the public interest. They are also expected to assess progress on the India-France Roadmap on AI, rooted in what officials describe as a philosophical convergence centred on developing safe, open, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence. Modi welcomes Macron to India for AI Summit and key defence talks, signalling deeper strategic partnership as both leaders push cooperation in emerging tech, innovation, and multibillion-dollar Rafale fighter deal Indian PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Emmanuel Macron to India as the French President arrived in Mumbai for a three-day visit aimed at deepening strategic and economic ties between the two countries. Macrons visit marks his fourth trip to India since taking office in 2017 and comes at a time when both nations are expanding cooperation across technology, defence and trade. MACRON IN INDIA French President Emmanuel Macron has landed in Mumbai, India on an official visit (Feb 17-19) at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. We've discussed about the events during this visit in yesterday's video. Link below.https://t.co/VPSyMvZM0i https://t.co/EKtKlc3jut pic.twitter.com/EFhRrmSWbG India Strikes YT (@IndiaStrikes_) February 17, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taking to X, Modi wrote, See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron, signalling the importance of the visit and the close rapport between the two leaders. Macron responded with similar enthusiasm, posting, En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. He added, Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi. The BandraWorli Sea Link has been specially lit up to welcome PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai, with decorative lighting installed to mark their arrival. Mumbai: Bandra-Worli sea link lit up ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron#ModiMacronMeet #EmmanuelMacronInIndia pic.twitter.com/tUTCxLdA1S NDTV (@ndtv) February 17, 2026 Focus on AI and defence cooperation The visit is expected to focus heavily on artificial intelligence, particularly with the ongoing AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Macron is likely to participate. The summit is seen as a major platform to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies and innovation between the two countries. Defence is another key item on the agenda, with discussions likely to include a potential multibillion-dollar deal involving Dassault Rafale fighter jets. India is expected to procure 114 additional Rafale aircraft, with most of them planned to be manufactured domestically, reflecting a push toward strengthening defence capabilities and boosting local production. Macron is accompanied by a delegation of business and industry leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts indicate the collapse was due to rising sea temperaturesa symptom of the broader climate emergency facing the region and the world. A drone view of the Torre Sant'Andrea (known as the Love Arch), in Lecce, Italy, May 23, 2017, in this screengrab obtained from social media. Aerialpictures.it/via REUTERS It is not only ironical that a tourist spot celebrated as a symbol of love collapsed on Valentines day, it also is an indication towards something grave. A famous rock structure on Italys Adriatic coast known as the Lovers Arch collapsed after days of bad weather. While initial reactions have caught the fancy of social media users, the looming issue of climate change and its fatal effects cannot be ignored. This incident has prompted local officials to warn that other stretches of the fragile coastline could be at risk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The natural arch, part of the SantAndrea sea stacks near the town of Melendugno in the southern region of Puglia, had long been a popular backdrop for wedding proposals and tourist photos. This is an unwanted Valentine's Day gift, Melendugno Mayor Maurizio Cisternino told the local Corriere Salentino newspaper, calling the collapse a very hard blow for the areas image and for tourism. Cisternino said days of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas had battered the coastline and ultimately destroyed the arch. Nature has taken back what it created, he said. Officials have warned that other parts of the rocky coastline could also collapse, with cracks visible along the cliff, underscoring the growing threat of coastal erosion. Storms and heavy rain in recent days have also eaten away at long stretches of coastline on the Ionian Sea, from Ugento to the beaches of Gallipoli, damaging beach structures, causing small cliff falls and harming ports. Weeks of terrible weather this year have also caused damage estimated at well over a billion euros in southern Italy, including a landslide that has forced more than 1,500 people to evacuate their homes in the Sicilian town of Niscemi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cultural Significance The arch, officially known as Faraglioni di SantAndrea and affectionately dubbed the arco degli innamorati, was more than just a picturesque backdrop for postcards and selfies. According to local legend, couples who shared a kiss beneath its stony curve were destined for eternal love. The sites allure was irresistible: it became the go-to spot for marriage proposals, first kisses, and anniversary celebrations, cementing its place as one of Salentos most iconic and photographed landmarks. The site, once a strategic lookout used to warn of pirates, became a magnet for lovers during the late 18th century. Climate change is to be blamed In the days leading up to the collapse, southern Italy was battered by fierce winds, torrential rain, and surging seas, all brought on by the tail end of Storm Oriana. The region had already been feeling the aftershocks of Cyclone Harry, which struck in January 2026, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. These Mediterranean cyclones, known locally as medicanes, have become increasingly frequent and intense, fueled by rising sea temperaturesa symptom of the broader climate emergency facing the region and the world. With the Mediterranean experiencing among its hottest years on record in 2025, warmer seas are supercharging the atmosphere and fueling extreme events, noted Christian Mulder, a professor of ecology and climate emergency at the University of Catania, in comments reported by The Guardian. Forbes writes, Yet with red weather alerts in place across Sicily, Sardinia and Calabrias regions and no let up in the weather battering the winding coastlines of southern Italy, more erosion and devastation is expected to coastal infrastructure before any meaningful work can be done. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have lost one of our regions defining characteristics, a symbolic asset, Puglias regional president Antonio Decaro told reporters at the site on Monday. Unfortunately, natural processes are often accelerated by meteorological phenomena, such as the tail end of storm Oriana, he said. A larger issue Global warming has battered many historical places around the world. In 2021, A famous rock formation off the Galapagos Islands known as Darwins Arch has collapsed. The Ecuadoran Ministry of Environment said it was due to natural erosion. The Baja California Sur state government has increased its tourist tax. It is part of the governments Embrace It program, introduced to help secure long-term funding for conservation and community development as international visitor numbers increase. Palau is the only country which makes every tourist sign a pledge which is then attached to the passport. It is a unique approach to encourage sustainable tourism. It is the first nation on earth to change its immigration laws for the cause of environmental protection. There are many such cases which point towards how overtourism, overconsumption and unsustainable ways of living have had a severe impact on tourist spots that are invaluable. Impact on Tourism industry The tourism industry is one of the worlds largest. Key findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2014 predicted that changing temperatures will make new regions more attractive to some tourists, and there will be some opportunities for new types of tourism. And options exist to adapt to the effects of climate change. The report stated that these new opportunities are likely to be short-lived, and adaptation options limited. Furthermore, many adaptation responses are likely to be overwhelmed by climate change later this century, especially under high GHG emission scenarios. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some of these predictions are turning out to be true. Experts find that the tourism sector will not be uniformly affected. Urban tourism is less vulnerable than coastal tourism. Pilgrimage, family visits or gambling will be less affected than beach tourism, angling, or nature watching. The relative attraction of destinations to tourists will change as temperatures rise, while climate change is already encouraging last chance tourism to threatened environments. With inputs from agencies French President Emmanuel Macron has landed in India for his official visit from February 17 to 19. During the visit, Macron and PM Narendra Modi will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. In addition, the leaders will discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders will also be in Mumbai to jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation, which will be celebrated throughout 2026 in both countries. On February 19, President Macron will participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. These events and interactions will further strengthen the great bonhomie between the two friendly nations and strategic partners and the chemistry between the leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Macrons visit, though coinciding with the AI Summit, will focus on military-industrial cooperation, with France expected to further enhance Indias defence capacities and capabilities. There are plans to move forward in many areas of cooperation, ranging from defence and security to energy. There will be emphasis on making aircraft engines, as well as cooperation in space. The loudest buzz is about the aviation deals. The visit comes on the back of the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) clearing a proposal to buy and make-in-India 114 Rafale fighter jets from Frances Dassault Aviation for 3.25 trillion Indian rupees ($28 billion) on February 12. This reflects growing strategic cooperation between India and France, creating jobs, boosting indigenous capabilities, and reducing dependence on imports. It marks another step towards self-reliance in the defence sector while enhancing Indias global manufacturing profile. Having granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the project moves to the crucial stage of issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP), followed by technical evaluation and commercial negotiations. As a major acquisition, final approval will be by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by the PM. The new induction is aimed at arresting the steady decline in the Indian Air Forces (IAF) fighter squadron strength. More recently, there have been reports that India may order an additional 31 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy, over and above the 26 already contracted in April 2025 in a $7.4 billion agreement. Horizon 2047 India-France Document The Horizon 2047 document for the India-France Strategic Partnership has spelt out many core partnership areas. The development of a self-reliant defence industrial technological base, with special emphasis on aeronautics, is a high priority. Collaboration between naval dockyards is being driven. Cooperation in space is at the heart of the strategic relationship, and the two will continue to engage through the recently institutionalised bilateral strategic space dialogue. In view of the French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia, close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be important. India and France have always stood together with each other in the fight against terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two recognise the importance of reinforcing their strategic partnership in the scientific field. Critical technology cooperation includes cyber security and advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum. Progress related to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) will be reviewed. Establishing a partnership on low- and medium-power modular nuclear reactors is being worked out. Strengthening energy security to meet climate objectives has been flagged. Supporting urban and ecological transitions in India, as well as social inclusion, is on the joint agenda. India and France are committed to strengthening their academic ties and fostering exchanges of students. The Time-Tested Military Aviation Connection In the mid-1950s, India acquired over 100 French Dassault Ouragans (Indian name: Toofani). In 1957, India ordered over 100 Dassault Mystere IVAs and used them extensively in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Twelve Breguet Alize, French carrier-based anti-submarine warfare aircraft, were acquired by the Indian Navy and operated from the aircraft carrier Vikrant. The Aerospatiale Alouette III, a single-engine, French light utility helicopter, was manufactured under licence by HAL as Chetak. Two more versions, the lighter Cheetah and the re-engined Cheetal, were later developed for high-altitude operations, including at the Siachen Glacier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD IAF purchased the British-led, Anglo-French Jaguar Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) in the late seventies. The IAF later bought Mirage 2000s in the 1980s. The Mirage 2000 was the first fly-by-wire-controlled aircraft of the IAF. Its weapon-integrated multi-mode radar gave the IAF look-down/shoot-down capabilities. The aircraft also brought the IAFs first Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and all-aspect close-combat-capable missiles. IAF also got the first comprehensive EW suite with the aircraft. The Mirage 2000 performed exceedingly well in the 1999 Kargil conflict. The battle took place over some of the highest terrain in the world, where both the aircraft and weapons were pushed to the edges of their envelope. Laser-guided bombs were used against reinforced targets. Over the years, a very high sortie generation rate made the Mirage 2000 one of the most efficient fighters of the IAF. The aircraft was later upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standard and received improved avionics, a glass cockpit, and smarter weapons. The Mirage 2000 was the platform of choice for the Balakot Strike in 2019, where it hit targets with the Spice-2000 precision glide bombs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias Current Fighter Aircraft Urgency As of now, the IAF has only 29 fighter aircraft squadrons against an authorised strength of 42.5, a gap aggravated by delays in indigenous programmes. The IAF thus needs additional fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, the US has recently cleared a $686 million upgrade package for Pakistani F-16 fighter jets, which will extend the life of the Pakistani F-16 fleet until 2040. China already has nearly 400 J-20 fifth-generation fighters. Pakistan is operating J-10C fighters armed with PL-15 long-range beyond-visual-range (LR-BVR) missiles. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has sought to acquire the Chinese J-35 fifth-generation aircraft. With China and Pakistan working in collusion, and by adding and modernising their fighter fleets, regional military balances are undergoing significant transformation. The IAFs Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme is meant to acquire 114 advanced fighter jets to replace ageing fleets and bolster squadron strength. There were eight contenders who responded to the Request for Information (RFI) that was formally sent out in April 2018. Any detailed selection process would require time. The Rafale has been tried and tested in various exercises and more recently on Op Sindoor". Rafale would allow continuity and avoid adding another fleet. A government-to-government (G2G) deal could be signed quickly, as the price identification already exists. Adding 114 aircraft to the 26 Rafale-Marine (M) for the Indian Navy and the additional 31 being contemplated would make a viable figure for Make in India and establish a full assembly line. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Rafale has been used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria. The aircraft supports Indias dominance in both the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). They have recently flown extended-range deep-sea missions and are regularly operating over the Himalayas. Broad Rafale Deal Contours The IAF already has 36 Rafale jets. The Rafale-M has 95 per cent commonality with IAF fighters, ensuring a very high degree of interoperability. The proposed 114 aircraft deal will include 88 single-seat and 26 twin-seat variants. The deal is likely to include 18 jets in fly-away condition, with the remaining 96 to be manufactured domestically, boosting Indias defence manufacturing under the Make-in-India initiative with up to 60 per cent indigenous content. The jets will likely be assembled at a final assembly line expected to be established in Nagpur. The IAFs current Rafales are F3R standard. Ninety of the new aircraft will be Rafale F4 multi-role fighters, with the remaining 24 likely to be next-generation Rafale F5 variants. The deal will include Scalp and advanced variants of Meteor missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rafale F4/5: A Big Leap Forward The Rafale is considered a 4.5-generation fighter. The IAF currently operates the F3R customised for the Indian aircraft standard. The 36 Rafale jets cost 7.87 billion ($8.5 billion) in the 2016 deal. It was a G2G contract prioritising speed and political assurance. The platform combined air superiority, deep strike, nuclear delivery, and electronic warfare roles. During Op Sindoor, the Rafales survivability and the integration of long-range stand-off munitions, electronic attack, and real-time data fusion were demonstrated and appreciated. The F4 standard brings improved onboard processing, external connectivity, and an upgrade of the Thales Spectra self-defence system. The radar and sensor upgrades facilitate the detection of airborne stealth targets at long range. It is more effective in network-centric warfare. The first F4-standard aircraft was delivered to the French Air and Space Force (FASF) in 2023. The UAE is the first foreign customer of the F4. The F4 will give enhanced survivability and sensor-fusion-based dominance in highly contested environments. The aircraft will be able to integrate Indian systems and weapons such as the Astra Mk-2 BVR AAM. The Indian proposal envisages 90 Rafale F4 aircraft, with deliveries beginning around 2029. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dassault and its partners are already working on the F5 standard, which will be ready around 2030. The F5 will share some features with the next-generation European aircraft. The F5 standard will have new sensors, armaments, and a faster and more secure ability to communicate and collaborate. The aircraft will have a much better electronic-warfare suite, with advanced capability for Suppression or Destruction of Enemy Defences (Sead/Dead), using the latest jamming systems and anti-radiation weapons. All this will greatly improve penetration in contested environments. The Rafale F5 will also act as a sensor truck with data fusion and processing abilities, allowing it to serve a tactical flying command post role. The F5 is envisioned to bridge fifth- and sixth-generation capabilities. The Super Rafale will also be modified to carry hypersonic, nuclear-capable, guided missiles. F5 deliveries were initially planned to start in 2029, but discussions are underway to deliver them starting in 2027. France continues to see a market for the Rafale F5 for countries unable to acquire the F-35 due to geopolitical reasons. The Rafale is distinct from other European fighters because it is almost entirely built by one country, with Dassault (airframe), Thales (avionics and EW), and Safran (aero-engine) covering all the major systems. The Rafale also has a carrier-based maritime variant. French officials had reportedly also considered equipping the Rafale to launch small satellites. The likely Indian deal envisages 24 Rafale F5 jets, with deliveries starting around 2030. The F4 aircraft may also be upgraded later. The Rafale would become a cornerstone of Indias operational credibility and deterrence. The Rafale is planned to be the FASFs primary combat aircraft until at least 2040. Make in India: Fuselage and Aero-Engine Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Dassault Aviation are partnering to manufacture Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India, marking the first time this critical component is produced outside France. The production facility, located in Hyderabad, is expected to start producing fuselages by the 202728 financial year. This initiative supports the Make in India programme, with the capacity to manufacture up to 24 fuselages annually. India already has experience in the manufacture, overhaul, and maintenance of the French Turbomeca Artouste IIIB and the HAL/Turbomecca TM 333-2M2 Shakti engines for helicopters. The Mirage 2000 was initially powered by the M53-5 and later with the more powerful M53-P2. These are being fully maintained and overhauled in India. Frances Safran is establishing a dedicated facility in Hyderabad, India, for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the M88 engines used in the Rafale fighter jets. Indias future fighter fleet will not only be a military asset but also a central pillar of the countrys operational capabilities and national strategy. French aerospace company Safran and Indias DRDO have joined forces to develop Indias first jet engine with Indian intellectual property rights (IPR). Safran will transfer 100 per cent of the technology to DRDO, including that for crystal blades. The joint project between Safran and Indias Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a DRDO lab, will develop and produce a 120-kilonewton (kN) engine, which will power Indias Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Later engine variants will have up to 140 kN. Safhal Helicopter Engines, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) based in Bangalore, focuses on designing, developing, producing, and supporting new-generation helicopter engines in India. The partnership primarily aims to power the 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the 12.5-ton Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) with the new Aravalli engine. Rafale Current Production Rate In 10/2025, Dassault hailed the production of its 300th Rafale. As of late 2025, there have been 533 firm orders for the Rafale, with France and export customers, including India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the UAE, Serbia, and Indonesia. Of these, 233 are still to be delivered. There are more countries showing interest. When the 114 and 31 Rafale-M aircraft deals go through, the numbers will be even more significant. Until a year ago, the Rafale production rate was 2 aircraft a month (24 per year). It has now been increased to 3 per month (36 per year), with a plan to increase to 4 per month (48 per year) to handle a growing backlog of orders. This is a significant increase from previous years and is supported by expansion at the Merignac factory and new facilities in Cergy-Pontoise. Dassault has already planned to make Rafale fuselages in India. With an increased Indian order, a full assembly line can be created in India. This would give a great boost to total production and lower costs. Dassault could thus source and supply India-made Rafale jets for global customers. Such a plant would also expand India-France options for future aircraft. Indo-French Air Exercises The Exercise Garuda series with the FASF began in 2003 at an IAF airbase in Jodhpur. Subsequently, exercises were held in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2019, and 2022. The other locations included Istres and Mont-de-Marsan in France and Kalaikunda in India. Both sides fielded top-end combat assets. The joint exercises were meant to augment operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices. In August 2022, a contingent of the FASF made a strategically important stop at the IAFs Sulur base in Tamil Nadu on their way to Exercise Pitch Black 2022 in Australia. The 8th edition of Exercise Garuda (Garuda 25) concluded on November 27, 2025, at Mont-de-Marsan, France, featuring intensive joint operations between the IAF and the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The exercise focused on advanced air-to-air engagements, air defence, and complex strike missions to enhance interoperability, featuring IAF Su-30MKI fighters alongside French Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets. Airbus in India France is a major stakeholder in Airbus Industries. Airbus relationship with India is 50 years old, with the delivery of the first Airbus A300 twin-aisle aircraft to Air India. The A320 Family is flying with many airlines, with Delhi being the worlds busiest A320 airport. About 500 aircraft are on order. Air India has ordered the acquisition of 40 next-generation A350 aircraft. Airbus Helicopters has had a 35-year partnership with Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), which inducted the first AS365N/N3 Dauphin in its fleet in 1987. It is the largest civil customer in the world for Airbus Dauphin helicopters. Airbus India Engineering Centre was established in 2007 in Bengaluru and now has a strength of more than 700 engineers. To Summarise Indias capability to make world-class aero-structures has been proven with cabins for the Apache AH-64, the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. India also makes Lockheed Martin F-16 wings. India manufactures the entire indigenous LCA. Making the Rafale in India will work out much cheaper for France. Made in India, F4 and F5 will help Indias AMCA programme, which will also imbibe sixth-generation technologies. India will insist on achieving over 60 per cent indigenous content at the earliest. The same will be possible, as the fuselage and many subsystems and components will be made in India. Dassault Aviation has already partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to manufacture Rafale fuselage sections in Hyderabad, with a targeted production of up to 24 airframes annually. The proposed Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India would substantially reduce lifecycle costs, improve tarmac availability, and mitigate supply chain complexities. Traditionally, India and France have enjoyed an exceptionally warm relationship, which is the fruit of deep affinities and the unwavering trust between the two countries since Indias independence. France is considered the most reliable Western friend. It will make better operational and economic sense for India to acquire the latest variants, F4 and F5, in a G2G deal and make them in India. A lot of time has been lost. The time to act is now, lest we get OBE (overtaken by events) in our neighbourhood. (The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The Ministry of Education will lead a special session at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to highlight how India is advancing AI integration across the education sector. The Ministry of Education is set to host a dedicated session titled Ministry of Education Pushing the Frontier of AI in India on day 2 i.e., February 17, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as part of the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026. The session will be attended by Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Education & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (IC) Jayant Chaudhary, underlining the governments commitment to harnessing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in education. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Showcasing Indias AI-driven education vision At the AI Impact Summit 2026, the session will outline the Ministrys continued efforts to embed AI across the education ecosystem, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the national goals of Viksit Bharat 2047. Over the past decade, India has progressively built the foundation for AI-enabled learning through digital infrastructure, institutional reforms, and capacity-building initiatives spanning school education, higher education, skilling, and research. Following the Budget 2025 announcement, a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education has been established at IIT Madras. The Ministry has also engaged extensively with academia, startups, and civil society to chart Indias AI roadmap for education. The recent Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, chaired by Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, further strengthened stakeholder collaboration around responsible and inclusive AI adoption in learning. Panel of leading experts and discussion focus The session will bring together eminent figures from academia, industry, and investment, including Dr Sridhar Vembu (Zoho Corporation), Dr Vibhu Mittal (Inflection), Rajan Anandan (Peak XV Partners), Prof Manindra Agrawal (IIT Kanpur), Prof V Kamakoti (IIT Madras), and Prof Sunita Sarawagi (IIT Bombay). The discussion will be moderated by Prof Manoj S Gaur (IIT Jammu). The conversation will focus on aligning governance frameworks, public digital platforms, and AI innovation to improve learning outcomes at scale. It will also emphasise the importance of policy-led systemic change and collaboration among government, academia, and industry in shaping Indias AI-in-education roadmap. Nothing takes a playful swipe at Apple, announcing its own March 5 launch, just a day after Apples high-profile special experience event, complete with a graffiti-styled invite that turned heads. Nothing has once again lived up to its fun reputation. The UK-based tech brand, led by Carl Pei, announced a March 5 launch event, just a day after Apples special experience scheduled for March 4. The announcement came with a rebellious twist, a spray-painted invitation that turned Apples sleek minimalism into a punk-rock canvas. Apples original invite, crisp and elegant, was defaced in Nothings version with a dripping pink graffiti font spelling out Nothing across the top, and a bold rescheduling to March 5. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17e and new MacBook models at its global showcase in London, New York, and Shanghai, Nothings counter-programming seems perfectly timed to ride the same wave of tech attention. Nothing Phone 4a series and more is expected Though the company hasnt confirmed specifics, rumours suggest that Nothings event will spotlight the upcoming Nothing Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro. The official X account has also been teasing the upcoming device, but without giving away the details. Both smartphones are tipped to include UFS 3.1 storage, slightly larger batteries, and the familiar transparent design language that has become the brands signature. The Pro model was reportedly spotted on Geekbench running Qualcomms Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, scoring 707 in the single precision test, 1,077 in the half precision, and 1,265 in the quantised test. The standard variant is expected to launch in Black and White, while the Pro could arrive in Black and Silver, both starting with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configurations. Leaked details hint at a slight price jump over the Phone 3a series, suggesting that Nothing is readying more premium hardware this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fresh audio lineup In true Nothing fashion, the March event may not be just about phones. Reports also point to a fresh addition to its growing audio lineup, the Nothing Headphone (a). These over-ear headphones are said to follow the success of the Nothing Headphone 1 and align with the companys plans to expand its sound portfolio through 2026. With less than three weeks until the event, fans can expect Carl Peis team to drop more cryptic teasers. If Nothings recent marketing antics are any indication, the brands upcoming launch could be as much about attitude as about hardware. Whether its coincidence or calculated chaos, Nothing seems set to crash Apples March party. Qabil Ashirov In line with the directive of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan continues to implement the Great Return program to the territories liberated from occupation, with another group of former internally displaced persons resettled in the city of Aghdam. AzerNEWS reports that in the latest phase, 120 families a total of 419 people have relocated to Aghdam. For decades, these families had lived in temporary accommodation across the country, primarily in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. Their return marks another step in the governments large-scale reconstruction and repopulation campaign aimed at restoring life to districts heavily damaged during the years of occupation. For many, the move is more than a change of address it is the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise. We are three sisters. I was 23 when we were forced to leave Aghdam and became internally displaced, Fazila Novruzova told journalists. For the past 33 years, we have lived in Bakus Sabail district. Now, with immense joy and pride, we are returning to our homeland to Aghdam. Novruzova expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported displaced families throughout the years, particularly President Ilham Aliyev. We thank everyone who stood by us in difficult times and extended their support, she said, adding that her plan is to begin a new chapter of life in her native city and contribute to its revival. Another returnee, Vazir Aliyev, described the day as historic. This is a very significant day for us. We are returning to our hometown of Aghdam. The city is once again welcoming its residents, and we greet this moment with great joy and pride. We have waited for this day for years, he sid. Aliyev emphasized that the relocation is not simply a resettlement but a true homecoming. We hope that life will return to all our liberated villages and cities. Our children grew up without seeing these lands. Now they will come to know their homeland and build their future here. Ceyran Huseynova, another former displaced resident, said the day was unforgettable. I thank God for this day. May God protect our President, grant mercy to our martyrs, and health to our veterans, she said. Recalling the painful memories of leaving Aghdam decades ago, Huseynova admitted that emotions were overwhelming. When we left our homeland, we believed we would one day return. Today, that dream has become reality. My child was born in Baku and grew up without seeing her native land. Now we are returning home together. The returnees paid tribute to the servicemen who lost their lives during the conflict, noting that their sacrifice made the present moment possible. Officials describe the resettlement of Aghdam as both a humanitarian priority and a strategic milestone in post-conflict recovery. Once reduced to ruins, Aghdam is now undergoing rapid reconstruction, with new residential complexes, infrastructure, and public facilities rising across the city. Authorities say further waves of relocation are planned in the coming months as the Great Return gathers pace. During the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that there is a need for fair compensation among news content creators. Additionally, he pointed the government is planning a huge infrastructure to make sovereign AI models available widely for everyone. Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted several issues during the AI Impact Summit 2026. Since AI is the headline this week, he commented on sovereign AI models, deepfakes, and even content creators. Interestingly, Vaishnaw raised the issue, saying news content creators deserve fair compensation for the value and effort behind their work, while addressing the AI Impact Summit, 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday. He emphasised that the public policy must be oriented towards ensuring a fair distribution of revenue highlighting the conventional media whose content is used by high-tech platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There has to be a fair distribution of the revenue which comes out of the big efforts that conventional media teams create, Vaishnaw said. Meanwhile, Vaishnaw raised fresh concerns over the rise of deepfake technology, warning that its misuse is increasing at an alarming pace. Sovereign AI models India showcased a range of advanced artificial intelligence models at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Sovereign AI models emerged as a key attraction at the expo, drawing strong interest from delegates and industry leaders. Vaishnaw said the government is planning major infrastructure investments to scale these models and make them widely accessible across the country. Indias decisive stride into the AI-powered future! PM @narendramodi Ji inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 today. Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi pic.twitter.com/rSrvg5D5HT Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 16, 2026 Vaishnaw told new agency PTI that the sovereign models have withstood all parameters at par with global big AI tech models. Sovereign models have been launched here. You can go and see and see how they stand on the global parameters. In the coming time, AI mission 2.0, there will be a need to prepare a large infrastructure for sovereign models. This will bring Indias availability to a new level, Vaishnaw said. Global AI leaders uniting at the AI Impact Summit, to discuss and bring out AIs real impact on society. Shaping AI for humanity: responsibly, inclusively, and at scale. pic.twitter.com/sdfwIekfbb Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 17, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The large language models have been commercially rolled out by global tech giants like OpenAIs ChatGPT, Googles Gemini, etc. Indias role in AI models The Bengaluru-based startup Sarvam AI is emerging as one of the standout Indian exhibitors at the AI Impact Summit, 2026. Founded in 2023, the homegrown AI firm has gained attention for its model Sarvam Vision, which recently secured top benchmark scores in optical character recognition (OCR), the technology that enables machines to read and interpret text from images and documents. The Minister said that foreign investors are taking interest to invest in India and finalised investment of over Rs 20,000 crore, which will materialise over the next 1-2 years. Overcrowded venue The participants complained about long queues, overcrowding and confusion at the venue, saying they had to wait for hours. Some also reported limited access to food and water and said their products were stolen from their stall. Vaishnav said that there has been a huge response from the public creating a fuss as registrations crossed three lakh already. There is a very strong response. More than three lakh people have registered. All sessions are overflowing. There is a response about the AI Summit among all the people. There is a lot of excitement, Vaishnaw added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vaishnaw also apologised to exhibitors for any issue or inconvenience. Israels approval to register West Bank land as state property has prompted criticism from Arab nations, the EU, and the UN, who warn it could accelerate annexation and undermine the two-state solution This picture taken from Umm Safa village, north of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, shows an Israeli flag fluttering on a hilltop overlooking the village on February 16, 2026. (AFP) Israels government has approved a process to register land in the West Bank as state property, prompting criticism from Arab countries and other international bodies who argue it could accelerate annexation of the Palestinian territory. The measure, approved late Sunday, was defended by Israels foreign ministry as a step towards transparent and thorough clarification of rights to resolve legal disputes. It said the move was necessary following unlawful land registration in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Arab nations denounce move Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan criticised the decision, describing it as illegal under international law. Saudi Arabias foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that the measure is aimed at imposing a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank and would undermine regional peace efforts. Jordans King Abdullah II said the actions undermine efforts to restore calm and threaten to exacerbate the conflict, according to a statement issued by the royal court. European Union calls for reversal The European Union urged Israel to reverse the decision. This constitutes a new escalation after recent measures already aimed at extending Israeli control, EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said. We reiterate that annexation is illegal under international law. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed that point and called the move destabilising, warning the decision could lead to the dispossession of Palestinians of their property. He also called for the decisions immediate reversal, adding in a statement from his spokesman that the current trajectory on the ground is eroding the prospect for the two-State solution. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority called for international intervention to prevent the de facto beginning of the annexation process and the undermining of the foundations of the Palestinian state. Israeli anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now called the measure a mega land grab. Jonathan Mizrachi, the NGOs co-director, told AFP that the move would attribute new resources for land registration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The process will take place only in Area C, which constitutes some 60 percent of the West Banks territory and is under Israeli security and administrative control. There was a lot of ambiguity regarding the land, and Israel decided now to deal with it, Mizrachi said, adding that the grey area over Area C land ownership is likely to be used against Palestinians. A lot of land that Palestinians consider theirs, they will find out its not theirs under this new registration process, he said, believing the move would further the Israeli rights annexation agenda. Changing demography Palestinians see the West Bank as foundational to any future Palestinian state, but many on Israels religious right want to take over the land. Last week, Israels security cabinet approved a series of measures backed by far-right ministers to tighten control over areas of the West Bank administered by the Palestinian Authority under the Oslo accords, in place since the 1990s. Those measures, which also sparked international backlash, include allowing Jewish Israelis to buy West Bank land directly and allowing Israeli authorities to administer certain religious sites in areas under the Palestinian Authoritys control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest Israeli initiatives come in the wider context of increasing attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, according to rights groups. We are witnessing rapid steps to change permanently the demography of the occupied Palestinian territory, stripping its people of their lands and forcing them to leave, UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a recent statement. US President Donald Trump has opposed Israels annexation of the West Bank, saying stability in the territory helps keep Israel secure. However, Trump has held off from directly criticising the new Israeli measures, despite the international outrage. Excluding Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, more than 500,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements and outposts, which are illegal under international law. Around three million Palestinians live in the territory, which Israel has occupied since 1967. (With agency inputs) Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian born billionaire banker who served as a senior official in the breakaway Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an Azerbaijani court on Tuesday, state media reported. Azerbaijani court sentences former Karabakh state minister Ruben Vardanyan to two decades in prison. Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian-born billionaire banker who served as a senior official in the breakaway Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an Azerbaijani court on Tuesday, state media reported. A Baku military court convicted Vardanyan on 42 charges including terrorism, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The United States is making a concerted push for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, neighbours in the South Caucasus that have fought a series of wars, primarily over Nagorno-Karabakh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration signed economic deals in Yerevan and Baku last week, told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a recent White House meeting that he would ask Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to release Armenian prisoners. However, speaking to France24 this week, Aliyev ruled out pardons for the former Karabakh officials, saying they were guilty of grave crimes. Vardanyans son, David, condemned the verdict as predetermined and said he hoped Washington and Yerevan would do more to secure the release of his father and the others. ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN PEACE PROCESS Its the greatest shame on us as a people if we let our own citizens kind of rot in a jail while trying to advertise a so-called peace agreement, he told Reuters. The prison term handed to Vardanyan, Karabakhs second highest-ranking official in 2022-2023, was more lenient than the life sentence sought by Azerbaijani prosecutors. It was not immediately clear if he intended to appeal as Reuters was unable to reach his lawyer. The 57-year-old former banker has gone on hunger strike several times throughout his imprisonment and trial, which his international defence counsel has described as neither free nor fair. Reuters was unable to access the courtroom throughout the trial. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vardanyans family has previously quoted him as saying he does not recognise the proceedings and regrets nothing. Armenia and Azerbaijan have made steps this year to put to rest the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region within Azerbaijan that escaped Bakus control in the waning days of the Soviet Union, when hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azeris fled their homes. For the following three decades the region enjoyed de facto independence, governed by an ethnically-Armenian administration that Vardanyan joined in 2022 as state minister. ARMENIAN BILLIONAIRES RUSSIAN INVESTMENT EMPIRE Born in Yerevan, Vardanyan made his fortune in Russia, setting up one of its first investment banks and founding a business management school in Moscow. Forbes estimates his and his familys combined wealth at $1.2 billion. He donated hundreds of millions of dollars to philanthropic efforts in Armenia, later renouncing his Russian citizenship and moving to Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku casts him and other former separatist officials as leaders of an illegal armed entity. Vardanyan always maintained the right of Karabakh, called Artsakh by Armenians, to exist as an independent state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He was arrested in September 2023 while attempting to cross into Armenia during a mass exodus of the regions roughly 120,000 ethnic Armenians after Azerbaijan retook the territory. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Bangladesh is bracing for fresh political unrest as a government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party prepares to take office, with Jamaat and allies threatening protests over a dispute on constitutional reforms and the oath-taking process. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, attends a press conference following the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. - Reuters As fresh trouble mounts for Tarique Rahman ahead of his oath, Bangladesh appeared headed for renewed street agitation on Tuesday, with a government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party set to assume office amid threats of protests over constitutional reforms. Lawmakers from Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party refused to take the oath of office, objecting to the BNPs decision not to take a second pledge linked to the proposed Constitution Reform Council and the July Charter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasirudin administered the first phase of the oath to BNP MPs at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Jamaat lawmakers were scheduled next, but the process stalled after BNP members declined to take an additional oath tied to endorsing the referendum-backed reform mechanism. Two oaths at the centre of political standoff The confrontation centres on two separate oaths that newly elected MPs were expected to take following the February 12 general election and the referendum on the July Charter. While the BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary vote amid allegations of irregularities, the July Charter referendum received around 62 per cent approval. The July Charter proposes converting Parliament into a Constituent Assembly for 180 days, empowering the new House to amend the Constitution and overhaul democratic institutions. Although the BNP signed the charter, its leadership has repeatedly said it has serious reservations and was not consulted during the drafting process. BNP rejects second pledge BNP leaders reiterated that their MPs would not take the second oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council. The partys position was announced by senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed in the presence of party chief Tarique Rahman. Jamaat, NCP threaten boycott Jamaat and NCP leaders warned they would boycott the oath-taking entirely if BNP MPs refused to join the reform framework. Jamaat deputy chief Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said his party would abstain from all oaths if BNP members did not commit to the constitutional reform process, arguing that a parliament without reforms would be meaningless. The NCP echoed the stance, with party leaders indicating their MPs might also refuse to be sworn in, maintaining that constitutional restructuring must precede parliamentary functioning. Tensions spill onto the streets Political tensions extended beyond parliament as Jamaat leaders warned of renewed street protests, citing alleged election manipulation and post-poll violence. The party also condemned the reported gang-rape of a woman in Noakhali who had supported the NCP. Reform versus governance divide The crisis underscores a deeper divide within the ruling alliance over whether constitutional reform should precede governance or follow it. While the BNP insists MPs were elected solely to Parliament, its allies maintain that the referendum mandate requires immediate structural changes to the state. Bangladeshs newly elected members of parliament took oath on Tuesday, marking a return of electoral democracy to the country after 18 months. Tarique Rahman is expected to be formally sworn-in as the prime minister later in the day. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has swept the national election. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to become the next prime miinister. File photo/Reuters Bangladeshs newly elected members of parliament took oath on Tuesday, marking a return of electoral democracy to the country after 18 months. Tarique Rahman, the presumptive Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was among 299 members elected to the parliament in the election held on February 12. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath to them. As per the final tally, Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliance won 211 out of 297 seats whereas Jamaat-e-Islamis coalition won 77 seats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP is expected to choose Rahman, the son of late two-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as the party leader later in the day and he is expected to be sworn in as the prime minister in the afternoon. President Mohammad Shahabuddin would administer the oath to Rahman and the Cabinet. The composition of the Cabinet is not yet known. BNP-Jamaat divide surfaces on day one Even before the swearing-in of the government, differences among the newly elected MPs were on visible as Jamaat refused to take oath after BNP refused to take the pledge as the members of the Constitutional Reform Council that is meant to implement the July Charter the constitution referendum package that voters approved with a 60 per cent vote in the election, according to the election commission. Abdullah Mohammad Taher, the deputy chief of Jamaat, said a parliament without the constitutional reform is meaningless. On its part, BNP MP Salahuddin Ahmed, who is also a member of the policy-making standing committee, said that they had not been elected as members of the Constitution Reform Council so there was no point of swearing an oath about such a council. None of us (BNP members) will take the second oath, Ahmed said. ALSO READ Its BNP vs Jamaat in Dhaka: Bangladeshs political shift tests Indias neighbourhood strategy For the governments swearing in, the BNP has invited around 1,200 domestic and foreign guests. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony and are likely to be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. Maldives President Mohammed Muizzoo, Turkish Undersecretary Beris Ekinci, and Sri Lankan health and mass media minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa would also attend the swearing-in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rahman has work cut out for him In his speech after the result, Rahman said the victory belonged to everyone. This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy, said Rahman. But Rahman also warned of the challenges ahead, including tackling the economic challenges that worsened under Yunus tenure. We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by the authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation, said Rahman. Rahman will take over from an unelected interim government of Muhammad Yunus that had been widely criticised for failing to bring security and stability to the country. His first challenge would be to check the cyclic political violence in the country and targeted attacks on ethnic minorities. Since anti-Sheikh Hasina groups anointed Yunus as Bangladeshs interim leader after toppling the Awami League government in August 2024, Yunus has presided over the mainstreaming of extremist Islamist groups, cyclic political violence, and targeted violence against ethnic and religious minorities like Hindus, and continuing attacks on cultural and media institutions. With such pressing issues, Rahman has work cut out for him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi and meet with Narendra Modi and other leaders to explore new avenues for Brazil-India cooperation Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday announced that he was departing for India for an official visit from February 18-22, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lula da Silva said he will participate in the AI Summit in the coming days and hold discussions with Indias top leadership on new opportunities to enhance cooperation between Brazil and India. In a post on X, he said, At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are now departing for India. In the coming days, I will participate in the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and we will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and India. From there, we will proceed to South Korea to, at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung, also strengthen the ties between our countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A convite do Primeiro-Ministro Narendra Modi, partimos agora para a India. Nos proximos dias, participarei da Cupula sobre o Impacto da Inteligencia Artificial e vamos discutir novas oportunidades de cooperacao entre Brasil e India. De la, seguiremos para a Coreia do Sul para, a pic.twitter.com/ElXjdWrTzz Lula (@LulaOficial) February 17, 2026 In India and South Korea, I will be accompanied by a delegation of Brazilian businesspeople, with the aim of deepening our commercial relations. In 2025, bilateral trade between Brazil and India reached more than US$ 15 billion, and with South Korea, it reached US$ 10.8 billion. We see considerable room for growth in bilateral trade with both countries. I wish good work to comrade Geraldo Alckmin, who will assume the presidency until our return, he added. Silva is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on February 18 to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026. On February 19 and 20, Silva will participate in sessions at Bharat Mandapam for the summit. On February 21, he is set to hold talks with S. Jaishankar, attend a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and lay a wreath at Rajghat. Silva will also meet with Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, and later with Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. With inputs from agencies The 60-year-old BNP chairman was sworn in as Bangladeshs Prime Minister for the first time on Tuesday after his party won 209 out of 297 seats in the 13th Parliamentary polls held on February 12 Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin administers oath-taking ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the countrys Prime Minister in Bangladesh at the South Plaza of the parliament building , in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Tuesday. Reuters Tarique Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-exile in London, has made a striking political comeback, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a decisive victory after two decades. The 60-year-old BNP chairman was sworn in as Bangladeshs Prime Minister for the first time on Tuesday after his party won 209 out of 297 seats in the 13th Parliamentary polls held on February 12. Right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, long seen as aligned with Pakistan, secured 68 seats. Meanwhile, the Awami League of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina was barred from contesting the election. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The outcome marks a major turnaround for the BNP, which had faced two decades of political marginalisation under Hasinas 15-year rule, ending with her governments collapse following nationwide student-led protests in August 2024. Founded by Rahmans father, former military ruler turned politician Ziaur Rahman, the BNP was led by his mother, Khaleda Zia, for nearly four decades after Ziaur Rahmans assassination in 1981. Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December last year to a massive public welcome. However, his homecoming was soon overshadowed by personal tragedy, as Khaleda Zia passed away after a prolonged illness just five days later. Rahman takes BNP helm amid personal loss Assuming the chairmanship of the BNP amid this personal loss, Rahman faced a party navigating a politically uncertain landscape ahead of the elections. Despite these challenges, he is widely credited with steering the BNP to secure a dominant position in Bangladeshs political arena. Though often seen as a product of dynastic politics, Rahmans family background has endowed him with significant political acumen, enabling him to manoeuvre his party successfully through a complex and rapidly evolving scenario. A soft-spoken Tarique Rahman drew massive crowds as he spearheaded the Bangladesh Nationalist Partys campaign, ultimately leading the party to a landslide win and becoming the countrys new prime minister. Since his return to Bangladesh, Rahman has adopted a markedly restrained approach, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and instead calling for reconciliation, despite his and his familys long-standing strained relations with the deposed Awami League government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka, Rahman witnessed Bangladeshs liberation struggle in 1971 as a young boy. He, along with his mother and brother, was arrested during the conflict but released on December 16, 1971, following the countrys independence from Pakistan. Rahman pursued studies in international relations at the University of Dhaka but later dropped out to start businesses in textiles and agro-products. He was elected Senior Vice-Chairman of the BNP in 2009 and gradually took on a leading role in reorganising the party. Rahman married cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman, the daughter of a former navy chief, in 1994. They have a daughter named Zaima Zarnaz Rahman. During the Awami Leagues rule, Rahman became a central target of several corruption and criminal cases, and he was convicted in absentia in some. He was sentenced to life in connection with a 2004 grenade attack on a rally led by Sheikh Hasina that killed 24 people and injured dozens. Rahman has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated, and was acquitted in all cases during Muhammad Yunus interim government following Hasinas ouster. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2018, when Khaleda Zia was jailed on graft charges, Rahman was appointed Acting Chairman of the BNP. Following her death, he officially became the partys chairman, guiding the BNP to its historic electoral comeback. According to a PTI report, citing analysts, the election results marked a remarkable reversal of fortune for Rahman, who left the country in 2008, saying he needed medical treatment after his release from detention under a military-backed caretaker administration. Yet, they said uneasy doubts and speculations accompanied the enthusiasm. Rahman unveils vision for Bangladeshs future I have a plan for the people of my country and for my country, Rahman said hours after his return to Bangladesh in December, echoing US civil rights activist Martin Luther Kings iconic remark, I have a dream. He has since gradually unfolded his vision, pledging to recalibrate Bangladeshs international partnerships to attract investment without binding the country too closely to any single power. Key elements of Rahmans plan include expanding financial aid for poor families through family cards, reducing reliance on garment exports by promoting industries such as toys and leather goods, and introducing a two-term, 10-year limit for prime ministers to curb autocratic tendencies. Acknowledging the challenges ahead in a nation of 170 million people, Rahman noted that his government faces two major tasks: reviving the economy and ensuring good governance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Analysts have highlighted internal discipline within the BNP as a significant hurdle. Over the past 18 months, some party activists earned a reputation for extortion and targeting political rivals, prompting the BNP to expel roughly 10,000 members. They were also accused of lodging false criminal cases against opponents. In earlier decades, critics described Rahman as a brash operator during the BNPs 20012006 rule under his mother, Khaleda Zia, with accusations that he ran a parallel power centrecharges he denies. Observers now note that his 17-year exile in a country with advanced democratic governance appears to have reshaped him, presenting a markedly changed figure as he reenters Bangladeshs political arena. This is not that Tarique we heard of or seen before, PTI quoted a minority Hindu community leader, preferring anonymity as he talked to him for over an hour two weeks ago, when he cracked sophisticated jokes and explained his vision for the country, as saying. In a post-election press conference, Rahman called for national unity and peace in the national interest, warning that divisiveness would undermine democracy. He said the country faces a fragile economy, weakened institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation. When a journalist asked how he would reconcile with the millions of Awami League supporters, Rahman answered, rule of law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies Severe fuel shortages linked to reduced oil shipments and tightened US sanctions have disrupted waste collection in Havana, raising public health concerns A man sits next to trash on a street in downtown Havana, Cuba, February 16, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez Garbage has begun accumulating across the Cuban capital, Havana, as fuel shortages disrupt rubbish collection, in what residents describe as one of the clearest signs of mounting economic strain in Cuba. State-run outlet Cubadebate reported that only 44 of the capitals 106 rubbish trucks remain operational due to a lack of fuel, significantly slowing waste removal. Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, used bags and rags have gathered at street corners along the seafront city. Some residents were seen sorting through the waste for items they could reuse, while drivers, cyclists and pedestrians navigated around the growing heaps. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its all over the city, said local resident Jose Ramon Cruz. Its been more than 10 days since a garbage truck came. Oil supplies fall sharply The disruption follows a steep decline in Cubas national oil supply over the past two months. Venezuela, once Cubas principal oil supplier, effectively halted shipments in mid-December. Mexico also announced it was suspending deliveries after Washington threatened tariffs against countries providing supplies to Cuba. A Russian newspaper reported last week that Russia was preparing to send crude and fuel cargoes to Cuba in the near future, though no specific timeline was given. US sanctions and embargo The Donald Trump administration has reinforced measures against Cuba in recent months, sanctioning vessels that transport oil to the island and warning of tariffs on suppliers. The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba since 1960. The administration argues that tightening restrictions will increase pressure for political change. However, the United Nations has consistently voted in favour of ending the embargo, and leaders in Mexico and Venezuela have warned that blocking fuel supplies could carry serious humanitarian consequences. Residents in other towns across the island, home to around 11 million people, have used social media to raise concerns about potential public health risks linked to uncollected waste. Cubas government has introduced rationing measures aimed at safeguarding essential services in a country already grappling with shortages of food, fuel and medicine. Antonio Guterres is very concerned about the situation, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday. He added that UN teams were working with Cuban authorities to support humanitarian relief efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The secretary-general would like to see all parties pursue dialogue and respect for international law yet again, he said. Trump criticised a clean energy deal between the United Kingdom and California on Monday, calling Governor Gavin Newsom a loser and dismissing his environmental policies as a disaster. Trump said it was inappropriate for Britain to engage. US President Donald Trump on Monday criticised a clean energy agreement signed between the United Kingdom and California, branding Governor Gavin Newsom a loser and calling his environmental policies a disaster. In an interview with Politico, Trump said it was inappropriate for Britain to engage with a Democratic governor. He added that California has gone to hell, while dismissing Newsoms climate initiatives. The UK-California clean energy pact The agreement, inked on Monday by Newsom and British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, focuses on cooperation in clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, and aims to expand market access for British firms in California. Newsom, a vocal Trump critic, has previously indicated he may run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD California pushes back The Newsom administration fired back, accusing Trump of selling out Americas future to China. A spokesperson said: Donald Trump is on his knees for coal and Big Oil Governor Newsom will continue to lead in his absence. Foreign leaders are rejecting Trump and choosing Californias vision for the future. The spat follows Trumps recent invitation to the oil and gas industry to propose offshore drilling leases in Southern and Central California, a move condemned by Newsom and environmental groups as a threat to the states ecosystems. Newsom calls Trump temporary Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Newsom reassured European allies that Donald Trump is temporary, predicting heavy midterm losses and legal challenges that could curb the former presidents authority, including limits on tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. He urged foreign leaders to maintain stable subnational partnerships with US states like California amid what he called a period of instability in American politics. Maybe that is the one contribution of Donald Trump, Newsom said, noting that Europe has become more unified in response to Trump-era uncertainty. Hezbollah on Tuesday opposed the Lebanese governments decision to grant the army four months to advance a nationwide arms control plan, warning the effort serves Israels interests Protesters hold placards and Hezbollah flags during a demonstration condemning recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon, in Beirut, Lebanon, on February 4, 2026. Reuters File Hezbollah on Tuesday rejected a Lebanese government decision granting the army at least four months to advance the second phase of a nationwide disarmament plan, saying the move serves Israeli interests, according to a Reuters report. The Lebanese cabinet in August 2025 tasked the army with drafting and beginning to implement a strategy to bring all non-state weapons under state control, an effort widely seen as targeting Hezbollah following its 2024 war with Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In September 2025, the cabinet formally endorsed the armys plan to disarm the Iran-backed Shiite group but stopped short of setting a clear timetable, warning that the militarys limited resources and ongoing Israeli strikes could hamper progress. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said in a speech on Monday that prioritising disarmament was a major mistake that serves the goals of Israeli aggression. Following a cabinet meeting late Monday, Information Minister Paul Morcos said the government had reviewed the armys monthly report on its arms control plan, which includes restricting weapons in areas north of the Litani River up to the Awali River in Sidon, and granted the military four months to proceed. The required time frame is four months, renewable depending on available capabilities, Israeli attacks and field obstacles, Reuters quoted Morcos as saying at a press conference. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah signalled the groups rejection of both the timeline and the broader disarmament approach, saying, we cannot be lenient. Shiite ministers walked out of the cabinet session in protest, underscoring deep political divisions over the issue. Israel has described Hezbollahs disarmament as a security priority, arguing that weapons held outside Lebanese state control pose a direct threat. Israeli officials have said any plan must be fully implemented, particularly in border areas, and that continued Hezbollah military activity violates relevant international resolutions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel has also vowed to continue what it calls measures to prevent the entrenchment or arming of hostile actors in Lebanon until cross-border threats are removed. With inputs from agencies Hyatt Board Chairman Thomas Pritzker, last on right, at the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange in 2010 (AP) The shadows cast by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins private island are long, and it seems they just reached the executive suite of one of the worlds most famous hotel chains. Billionaire Thomas J. Pritzker has announced he will step down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation following scrutiny over his longstanding ties to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. For years, the Little Black Book was a whispered myth. Now, its a career-ender. By stepping down, Hyatts leadership joins what insiders are calling the Epstein Fallout Cluban ever-growing roster of bigwigs who found that proximity to the disgraced financier comes with a permanent expiration date on their public careers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Hyatt isnt alone. If you feel like youve seen this movie before, its because the list of casualties spans across royalty, Wall Street, and the highest levels of government. Lets look at the heavy hitters who have already been forced into the shadows. The political heavyweights It isnt just business; its global governance. Prince Andrew remains the most high-profile casualty, stripped of his royal duties and military titles. In the UK, Peter Mandelson has faced intense scrutiny, while former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak found his leadership ambitions effectively halted as the public demanded answers about his ties to Epstein. Even the US Cabinet wasnt immune: Alexander Acosta was forced to resign as Labor Secretary when his past role in Epsteins 2008 plea deal became politically radioactive. The titans of finance Wall Street has arguably been hit the hardest. Leon Black, the powerhouse behind Apollo Global Management, stepped down after revelations of massive payments to Epstein. Jes Staley followed a similar path, resigning as Barclays CEO after a regulatory probe into how he characterized his relationship with the financier. Glenn Dubin, once a titan of the hedge-fund world, saw his philanthropic and professional network crumble as he exited multiple boards. The intellectual & tech elite The fallout reached the thinking class too. Harvard Laws Alan Dershowitz has spent years in a legal and public relations defensive crouch. In Silicon Valley, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman had to pivot away from several high-profile initiatives after his interactions with Epstein came to light. Even elder statesmen like former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell have felt the squeeze, withdrawing from public engagements as the reputational pressure became untenable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separately, Donald Trump has once again denied any links to Epstein, saying he has been totally exonerated. Speaking to reporters during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, Trump said, I have nothing to hide. I have been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. He also claimed, In fact, Jeffrey Epstein was fighting that I dont get elected with some author. Trumps remarks come amid renewed scrutiny and public debate in the US over Epsteins connections and political fallout. #WATCH | During a Press Gaggle on Air Force One, US President Donald Trump says, "I have nothing to hide. I have been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein... I have been totally exonerated on Epstein... In fact, Jeffrey Epstein was fighting that I don't get pic.twitter.com/KzVcKzLtJA ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 As more documents are unsealed and more names are cross-referenced, the Fallout Club is likely to keep growing. The meeting between Singh and Catherine Vautrin will also review India and Frances bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets fly past during the "Aero India 2021" air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, February 3, 2021. File Image/Reuters Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru on Tuesday for the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue, where the two sides are expected to sign an MoU to manufacture Hammer missiles. The meeting between Singh and Vautrin will also review India and Frances bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on expanding industrial collaboration. The meeting will also see the renewal of a defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years, with the two sides expected to announce reciprocal deployment of officers at the Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singh and Vautrin will also be present for the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French PM Emmanuel Macron in Vemagal, Karnataka. What are Hammer Missiles? The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile, currently deployed on the Dassault Rafale, has been procured from France so far. Under a proposed plan, its production is expected to be transferred to India. The name HAMMER symbolises the impact of a hammer strike flattening a surface, highlighting the weapons capability to decisively neutralise its targets. It is a smart, precision-guided air-to-ground munition engineered for high accuracy. With a strike range of approximately 6070 kilometres, the system has proven effective in mountainous terrain and against heavily fortified bunkers. Domestic manufacturing is anticipated to accelerate supply for the Air Force, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen the governments Make in India initiative. About the deal According to a report by The Hindu, the missiles will be co-produced by Bharat Electronics Limited through a 50-50 joint venture with its original French manufacturer, Safran Electronics & Defence. Alongside discussions on the missile programme, talks between India and France are also likely to address the proposed acquisition of 114 Dassault Rafale jets. Under the plan, 96 aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The deliveries will be overseen by Dassault Aviation. The agency posted a picture of a man named Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, calling him an illegal alien from India, and saying that he will remain in ICEs custody over charges of sexual assault and larceny An Indian man was held by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey for sexually assaulting a minor. The agency posted a picture of a man named Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, calling him an illegal alien from India, and saying that he will remain in ICEs custody over charges of sexual assault and larceny. SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD UNDER 13 SHOPLIFTING PUBLIC DISORDER Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey. Well keep him in custody pending removal proceedings. pic.twitter.com/VM97e9KUD9 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) February 16, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deportation of Indians Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that 3,258 Indian nationals had been deported by the United States since January 2025, the highest since 2009. The issuance of visas is a sovereign right of a government. In the case of the United States, the US government has taken a view, the latest announcement was yesterday, that every visa adjudication is a national security decision. So, they reserve the right to take a decision on a visa, which is based on their assessment of the national security implications of a particular individuals position, Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha last year. The government has not published a comprehensive breakdown distinguishing deportations tied to criminal charges from those based solely on immigration violations. US officials have said that people accused or convicted of serious crimes, especially offences involving minors, are given priority for detention and removal. Under US law, non-citizens charged with certain crimes may be held in immigration custody while their cases move through the courts. Ultimately weve been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles, from now on we will move based on those principles and enter the text of a potential agreement, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses a special session of the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations, aside of US-Iran talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Reuters Iran and the United States reached an understanding on the main guiding principles during a second round of indirect talks over their nuclear dispute on Tuesday. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that this development does not signal an imminent deal. Different ideas have been presented, these ideas have been seriously discussed, ultimately weve been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles, from now on we will move based on those principles and enter the text of a potential agreement, Reuters quoted Araqchi as telling Iranian media after the talks concluded in Geneva. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After the exchange of documents the two sides will decide on a date for a third round of negotiations, he said. The United States has deployed a battle force to the Middle East to pressure Tehran in the decades-long nuclear dispute, with President Donald Trump suggesting that regime change in Iran could be the best outcome. Earlier, Iranian state media reported that Tehran would temporarily close part of the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing nuclear talks. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attempts to overthrow his government would fail. Oil markets reacted, with Brent crude futures dropping more than 1% afterAraqchi said the talks had created a new window of opportunity. Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva, Araqchi expressed hope for a sustainable solution that would fully recognise Irans legitimate rights. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner took part in the Geneva talks, which were mediated by Oman, Reuters quoted a source as saying. Earlier, President Trump said he would be involved indirectly in the negotiations and expressed confidence that Tehran was interested in reaching an agreement. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last June, the United States joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Khamenei warns US amid Geneva nuclear talks Since last years strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran has faced widespread protests over a cost-of-living crisis worsened by sanctions, leaving thousands dead. Just after the Geneva talks began, 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington could not topple his government, which has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The US President says their army is the worlds strongest, but the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up, Reuters quoted Khamenei as saying to Iranian media. Washington has pushed to expand negotiations to include Irans missile stockpile, but Tehran insists it will only discuss nuclear curbs in exchange for sanctions relief. Khamenei reiterated that Irans missile arsenal is non-negotiable. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the talks success depends on the US making realistic demands and demonstrating seriousness in lifting crippling sanctions. Tuesdays meeting, held at the Omani ambassadors residence in Geneva, came amid heightened security. Iranian state media reported temporary closures of parts of the Strait of Hormuz as Revolutionary Guards conducted drills. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US military is reportedly preparing for possible weeks of operations against Iran if President Trump orders an attack, while Tehran has halted uranium enrichment since last years US-Israel strikes. The dispute centers on Irans nuclear programme, which it claims is peaceful, versus US and Israeli concerns that Tehran could develop a weapon. Iran is a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel maintains nuclear ambiguity. With inputs from agencies In one of his recent speeches, the US president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic republic I tell you: you will not succeed either, Khamenei said in a speech Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei listens to the national anthem as air force officers salute during their meeting in Tehran, Iran, Friday, February 7, 2025. AP File Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said that US President Donald Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic republic, as talks between the two countries began in Geneva. In one of his recent speeches, the US president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic republic I tell you: you will not succeed either, AFP quoted Khamenei as saying in a speech. The remarks came as Tehran and Washington kicked off a second round of talks on Tuesday in Geneva. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The first round was held earlier in February, after previous negotiations collapsed during last years Iran-Israel war. The latest round of talks comes after Washington deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf following Irans deadly crackdown last month on anti-government protests sparked by economic hardship. During his speech, Ali Khamenei warned that the US warship sent to the Gulf could be sunk. We constantly hear that they (the United States) have sent a warship toward Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it, he said. Khamenei also expressed scepticism about the prospects of negotiations with the United States. If there are to be negotiations - because there is no real room for negotiation - determining the outcome of the negotiations in advance is a mistake and madness, he said, referring to US calls for Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. During Irans 12-day war with Israel in June, the United States briefly joined the conflict with strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Irans stockpile of enriched uranium which had reached 60 per cent purity before the war remains a major sticking point between Tehran and Washington. The United States has repeatedly called for zero enrichment and has sought to address Irans ballistic missile programme and its support for militant groups in the region issues that Israel has pressed to include in the talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran, however, has maintained that its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable and insisted that discussions focus solely on the nuclear issue. The statements of the American president, at times threatening and at times dictating what should and should not be done, reveal a desire to dominate the Iranian nation, Khamenei said. With inputs from agencies At least 14 people have been killed and 25 injured in two bomb attacks and a shooting in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistani soldiers stand guard as people, who fled the military offensive against militants in North Waziristan, receive food supply from the army in Bannu in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province July 2, 2014. (Photo: Haji Mujtaba/Reuters) At least 14 people were on Monday killed and 25 injured in two bomb attacks and a shooting in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A security official told AFP that a suicide bomber on Monday evening rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of a religious college in Bajaur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing eight security forces personnel and injuring others. As a result, eight police and Frontier Corps personnel present inside the seminary were martyred and 10 others injured. The blast also caused the roofs of several nearby houses to collapse, killing a child, the official said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the second bomb attack in the Bannu town, a bomb planted in a rickshaw exploded at the Miryan police station and killed two civilians and injured 17 others. In the third incident, three police personnel were killed during a search operation in Shangla district. The police said that three militants were also killed in the operation. They said these militants had had been involved in attacks targeting Chinese nationals. The string of attacks comes just days after a bombing at a mosque in Islamabad killed at least 31 people and injured 169. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the attack. Over the past year, armed groups opposed to the Pakistani regime have ramped up their offensives, mounting frequent attacks in the restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has battered security forces and southwestern Balochistan where Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has frequently carried out attacks recently launching Operation Herof in which forces took up to three days to retake control of the province. As a result, 2025 was the deadliest year for Pakistan in more than a decade, according to data with the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP). Chinese nationals targeted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa In recent years, insurgents have often targeted Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan. In March, a suicide bombing killed five Chinese nationals working at a dam construction site along the mountainous Karakoram Highway. As China has emerged as Pakistans principal backer, insurgents like the BLA have treated Chinese personnel and projects as legitimate targets, treating China as a collaborator of the Pakistani regime. Some of the worst attacks have occurred in Balochistan where China has invested billions in the Gwadar port and other infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2022, a suicide bombing killed three Chinese national and a Pakistani national at the Confucius Centre at the University of Karachi. In 2021, a bombing killed nine Chinese personnel and two Pakistani soldiers when they were travelling for work to the Dasu hydropower project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PM Modi on Tuesday called France a special partner as he and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the H-125 helicopter assembly line in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described France as a special partner while inaugurating the assembly line of H-125 helicopters alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. Speaking at a joint press conference, Modi highlighted that India and France will produce the H-125 helicopter in India, capable of flying at the heights of Mount Everest. He said the two nations have agreed to elevate their relationship to a special global strategic partnership, calling it a force for global stability amid uncertainty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The PM also emphasised that India and France are expanding cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. He announced the launch of several joint initiatives, including the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics. The assembly line for H-125 helicopters, he said, brings together Frances technological expertise and Indias scale, with both nations working together on trusted technologies through platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and the India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor. #WATCH | Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today we are strengthening our cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and pic.twitter.com/xVhB0vjrDl ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 President Macron described the IndiaFrance relationship as unique, built on trust, openness, and ambition. He said the partnership had been elevated to a new status and expressed confidence in its future, highlighting collaboration over the past eight years in areas including the Indo-Pacific, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. Macron arrived in Mumbai late Monday and was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. After engagements in Mumbai, the leaders are scheduled to travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi met French President Macron on Tuesday at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking the start of Macrons three-day official visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, sharing a warm hug on arrival. The two leaders are set to hold a delegation-level bilateral meeting later in the day to discuss key areas of mutual interest and strengthen Delhi-Paris ties. Indian authorities have recently advanced plans to acquire 114 new Rafale fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault, just days ahead of Macrons visit. Its a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visit follows Modis trip to France in February 2025 and highlights the mutual trust and depth of the India-France strategic partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said. In a post on X, PM Modi welcomed Macron on his fourth visit to India, expressing eagerness to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors and elevate bilateral ties. Arrival in Mumbai President Macron arrived in Mumbai last night for a three-day official visit from 17-19 February, at the invitation of PM Modi. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Macrons tribute to 26/11 victims Upon arrival, Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Hotel. In a video shared by the French presidential palace, Macron was seen laying a wreath at the memorial. Bilateral talks and MoUs on agenda The state visit focuses on strengthening strategic, technological, and defence ties between India and France. Delegation-level discussions are underway, with several MoUs expected to be signed shortly. Talks will cover trade expansion, defence pacts including Rafale Marine procurement, and clean energy projects. Both leaders aim to elevate partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, with Macron also visiting Mumbais industrial sites to highlight French tech investments. Innovation and cultural engagements Later in the evening, Macron is scheduled to attend the India-France Innovation Forum and participate in the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India. Following Mumbai, Macron and his wife will travel to New Delhi to take part in the AI Impact Summit on 19 February. Another step in strengthening Indo-French cooperation Macron is the second world leader hosted by PM Modi in Mumbai recently, after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who made the city the destination for his first official visit last October. France and India co-chaired the AI Action Summit in February 2025, and innovation, science, and technology partnerships are central to the Horizon 2047 roadmap. The bilateral Year of Innovation will focus on collaborative initiatives across culture, trade, and technology. After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum," PM Modi posted on X Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday travelled together in the same car to attend the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, in a symbolic display of their close ties. After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum.@EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/v2PKPEgP1o Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The gesture highlighted the personal rapport between the two leaders during Macrons visit to India. PM Modi later shared a candid photograph on X showing the two seated side by side in the car on their way to the event. The Prime Minister said that following bilateral talks and press statements, he and the French President departed together to participate in several engagements, including the India-France Innovation Forum. After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modis recent diplomatic engagements have drawn attention for an increasingly visible personal touch what observers describe as his car diplomacy. In a series of high-profile meetings, PM Modi has shared car rides with several world leaders, using the informal setting to signal warmth and personal rapport. He was seen travelling alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during bilateral engagements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier in the day, PM Modi and French President Macron held bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi described India-France ties as special and a stabilising force at a time of global uncertainty. He announced that the two countries have agreed to elevate their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. The world is facing a period of uncertainty. In this environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability," he said. PM Modi also unveiled several joint initiatives, including the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics. In addition, he announced plans to set up an assembly line in India for H125 single-engine light utility helicopters of French origin. President Macron described the bilateral relationship as unique and rooted in trust, openness and ambition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have decided today to elevate this partnership and give it a new status. We have complete faith in this relationship," he said, adding that India and France have worked closely over the past eight years in areas such as the Indo-Pacific, artificial intelligence and clean energy. Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday night for a three-day official visit from February 17 to 19 at Modis invitation. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. With inputs from agencies Trump has denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein, saying he has nothing to hide and was totally exonerated, as renewed scrutiny follows the release of fresh investigation records. US President Donald Trump has again denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein, saying he has nothing to hide and has been totally exonerated as renewed scrutiny surrounds recently released Epstein-related records. Speaking to reporters during a press interaction aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated that he had no involvement with Epstein and said the latest disclosures contradicted allegations against him. The US Department of Justice last month released a fresh cache of documents, photographs and videos linked to its investigation into Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 in what authorities ruled a suicide. The department has said no further files will be made public, though lawmakers have criticised it for not releasing internal memos, notes and emails tied to the case. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Public attention has also returned to Trumps past social connections with Epstein. In a 2002 interview with New York Magazine, Trump said he had known Epstein for about 15 years, suggesting they first met in the late 1980s. Photographs and footage from the early 1990s show the two together at several social events, including Trumps 1993 wedding to Marla Maples and public gatherings in New York. Images later published by the Palm Beach Post showed Trump and Epstein alongside Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew at a charity event at Mar-a-Lago in 2000. In the same 2002 interview, Trump described Epstein as a terrific guy. Amid the renewed attention, Trump has urged Americans to move on from the controversy, saying the released material reflects what he described as an effort directed against him and calling for focus to shift to policy issues such as healthcare. He also framed the issue in political terms, seeking to deflect attention towards Democratic figures. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accused Trump of overseeing a cover-up related to the Epstein files in remarks to the BBC. She called for the full public release of all documents and said she would testify before a Congressional committee examining the matter. Although her husband, Bill Clinton, is mentioned in the records, no evidence has emerged indicating criminal wrongdoing by either of them. Russia said it shot down 151 Ukrainian drones overnight as senior officials from both sides gathered in Switzerland for a new round of US-brokered talks Workers fix wires in front of a damaged house following what Russian-installed authorities described as an overnight Ukrainian missile strike, amid the Russia-Ukraine military conflict in Yasynuvata (Yasinovataya) in the Donetsk region, a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine, on October 26, 2025. Reuters File Russian air defence systems shot down 151 Ukrainian drones overnight, the defence ministry said on Tuesday, according to state news agency TASS. This comes as senior Ukrainian and Russian officials prepared to meet in Switzerland for a second round of negotiations brokered by the Donald Trump administration, ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Talks resume in Switzerland The two-day meeting, beginning on Tuesday, is expected to follow the format of earlier discussions held in Abu Dhabi, with delegations from Washington, Kyiv and Moscow participating. Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, expectations for a major breakthrough remain limited, with Russia continuing to press wide-ranging demands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The previous round in Abu Dhabi focused largely on proposals for a military ceasefire. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Geneva talks would address a broader range of issues, including territorial questions and other demands advanced by Moscow. The Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin who has previously questioned Ukrainian sovereignty. He will be joined by Igor Kostyukov, head of Russian military intelligence, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, among nearly two dozen officials. Ukraine is expected to send the same delegation as in earlier rounds, led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council. The meeting in Geneva marks the first time the negotiations will be held in Europe, following earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. The selection of Switzerland is reported to have been encouraged by Washington. Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to oversee US engagement and are also scheduled to hold separate discussions with Iranian officials in Geneva later this week. Russia has signalled progress in talks with India, with Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk highlighting potential opportunities for Russian businesses across multiple sectors Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk speaks to members of the media during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 27, 2025. Reuters File Russia has said it is optimistic about concluding a preferential trade agreement with India, signalling progress in negotiations that could significantly expand bilateral economic ties as New Delhi simultaneously pursues trade talks with the United States and the European Union. Speaking at the forum Architecture of the Future: Russian Business in Key Multilateral Platforms, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said discussions with India had crossed an important milestone. Were currently negotiating with India. The first stage is over. Were quite optimistic about it, Russian state news agency TASS quoted Overchuk as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that a successful deal would create substantial opportunities for Russian firms. If the agreement is signed with India, Russian businesses will have access to a market of 2.2bn people, Overchuk said. India has been engaged in talks with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on a preferential trade framework designed to lower tariffs and ease market access for goods and services. The proposed agreement aims to boost bilateral trade beyond traditional sectors such as energy and defence, and expand cooperation in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and technology. Negotiations with the EAEU have accelerated as both sides seek to diversify trade routes and reduce reliance on a narrow set of markets amid global economic uncertainty. Indias trade engagements with US Earlier this month, Donald Trump and Narendra Modi announced a long-anticipated interim trade agreement, ending months of tariff tensions. Under the deal, the United States agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18% and remove the punitive levy on Russian oil imports. India, in turn, indicated it would expand market access and increase imports of US energy, technology, agricultural, and industrial products. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A key political element of the talks involved Washingtons demand that New Delhi halt or significantly reduce purchases of Russian crude, a point stressed by US officials as a condition for tariff relief. India has clarified that its energy procurement decisions will be guided by market factors and strategic autonomy. India-EU free trade breakthrough The India-US pact follows a major breakthrough with the European Union, which on January 27, 2026, finalised a comprehensive free trade agreement with India after nearly two decades of negotiations. The deal aims to phase out tariffs on most goods, improve market access for services and investment, and deepen economic cooperation across multiple sectors. It positions the EU as a key partner for India in balancing Chinas influence and strengthening Indo-European economic ties. With inputs from agencies Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday met Bangladeshs newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, personally delivering a congratulatory letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting came after Rahmans swearing-in, which marked the formation of Bangladeshs new government following nearly 18 months of political uncertainty under the interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. Exchange of greetings and bilateral optimism Prime Minister, H E @trahmanbnp, conveys his greetings to India and PM Hon. @narendramodi to the visiting @loksabhaspeaker, H E @ombirlakota, at courtesy meet following swearing-in of the new Government. Hon Speaker conveyed wishes from & Invitation to India. Both leaders pic.twitter.com/Rp3rc0pry2 Riaz Hamidullah (@hamidullah_riaz) February 17, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a post on X by Bangladeshs High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, Rahman conveyed his greetings to India and PM Modi during the courtesy meeting. Birla, in turn, extended Indias best wishes and formally invited the Bangladeshi leader. Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation focused on people-centric initiatives and the welfare of citizens in both countries. Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister @trahmanbnp in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladeshs endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. pic.twitter.com/dd0kbhbRzy Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 17, 2026 Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, attended the swearing-in ceremony on behalf of the Indian government. He also shared images from the event on X, reaffirming Indias commitment to supporting Bangladeshs efforts in building a democratic, progressive, and inclusive nation. Tarique Rahman takes charge Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and President Ziaur Rahman, was sworn in at the South Plaza in Dhaka, a break from the traditional venue of Bangabhaban. Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. This marks his first term as prime minister, succeeding interim government chief Yunus. Earlier in the day, BNP lawmakers elected Rahman as leader of their parliamentary party. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman, along with 25 cabinet ministers and 24 state ministers. The new cabinet includes two members from minority communities and, in a surprising move, inducted the outgoing interim governments security adviser as a technocrat minister, while some senior BNP leaders were left out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Election Background and Political Context In the February 12 general elections, the BNP won 209 of 297 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68. The Awami League did not contest the polls. The elections followed a prolonged period of political unrest, including nationwide student-led protests in August 2024, which led to the fall of the Awami League government and a nearly 18-month period of instability under the interim administration. Bangladesh prepares for Tarique Rahmans swearing-in as Prime Minister after BNPs sweeping win, with India sending Om Birla Bangladesh is preparing for a major political transition as Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday, marking his first time in the countrys top executive role. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex in Dhaka, breaking from tradition, where such events are usually hosted at the presidential palace, Bangabhaban. Rahmans elevation comes after a decisive electoral victory for his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured 209 out of 297 parliamentary seats in the countrys 13th general election. Its ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, won an additional 68 seats, strengthening the coalitions position. Notably, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League was barred from contesting the election. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The swearing-in process will unfold in stages. All newly elected members of parliament will first take oath earlier in the day, followed by the selection of the parliamentary party leader. As the head of the majority party, Rahman will then formally take charge as Prime Minister, replacing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who assumed office after the collapse of Hasinas administration amid mass protests in 2024. Rahman, 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman. He returned to Bangladesh just two months ago after spending 17 years in self-exile in London. Despite his strong political lineage, he has not previously held public office, making this a historic and closely watched moment in his political career. Following his election win, Rahman struck a conciliatory tone, calling for unity across political divides. Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united, he said. He also identified key challenges ahead, including economic recovery, strengthening governance, and restoring law and order. The ceremony is expected to draw around 1,200 guests, including international dignitaries. India to be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla India will be represented by Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. Birla will attend the event along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unable to participate due to prior commitments. The invitation was extended by interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who also invited leaders from 12 other countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias Ministry of External Affairs said Birlas presence shows the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations and reflects Indias continued support for Bangladeshs democratic transition. BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh will seek Sheikh Hasinas extradition but deepen India ties, as Tarique Rahmans incoming government prioritises trade, diplomacy and regional stability over confrontation. Bangladeshs incoming government is signalling a pragmatic approach to India, making it clear that ties between the two neighbours will move forward, regardless of whether New Delhi agrees to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said Dhaka will continue to pursue Hasinas extradition through legal channels, but will not allow the issue to derail broader cooperation. Hasina has been living in India since she was ousted from power in 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We believe that Hasina has really committed serious human rights violations. There is a popular demand to punish her, and we believe that India should hand her over to us. But not handing over Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh will not be a deterrent to building broader relation including trade and commercial ties. We want to build even better ties, Fakhrul told The Hindu. Cooperation over confrontation The message from BNP leadership is clear. Bangladesh wants cooperation, not confrontation. Fakhrul acknowledged differences but stressed that diplomacy and engagement must take priority over political grievances. America and China have many difficulties in bilateral ties, yet they are working with each other. We should not stick to just one issue in India-Bangladesh relations, he said, urging both sides to focus on shared economic and development interests. He also dismissed aggressive rhetoric, emphasising dialogue as the only viable path forward. We cant fight a war with India. We need to talk. Those who talk about fighting India are speaking like insane, he added. Trade, development and unresolved challenges As the BNP prepares to assume power, Fakhrul pointed to multiple areas where cooperation with India could expand, including trade, digital infrastructure, technical education and workforce development. He noted that Bangladesh could benefit from Indias expertise in technical training, helping young people access overseas job opportunities. At the same time, he acknowledged longstanding challenges, such as border killings and the renewal of key agreements like the Ganges water-sharing treaty. These issues, he suggested, would require sustained diplomatic engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fakhrul also highlighted the BNPs historical role in maintaining ties with India, framing engagement as part of a broader statesmanlike approach. With Tarique Rahman set to lead the new government, the BNP appears to be balancing domestic political pressure over Hasina with a strategic need to maintain stable and productive relations with one of Bangladeshs most important neighbours. Russia is considering the permanent deployment of its navy to international shipping lanes to prevent the seizure of its merchant ships by Western powers. Following a period of intensifying global trade restrictions, a senior Russian official has declared that the nation is prepared to use military force to protect its commercial vessels from Western interference. Nikolai Patrushev, an influential aide to Kremlin and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and the head of the countrys Maritime Board, argued that a permanent naval presence is essential to prevent European nations from obstructing Russian trade routes. These comments highlight a growing willingness within Moscow to risk direct maritime confrontations to bypass the thousands of sanctions currently impacting its economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If we dont give them a tough rebuff, then soon the British, French and even the Balts (Baltic nations) will become arrogant to such an extent that they will try to block our countrys access to the seas at least in the Atlantic basin. Patrushev, who serves as chairman of Russias Maritime Board, told the Russian media outlet Argumenty i Fakty. In the main maritime areas, including regions far from Russia, substantial forces must be permanently deployed - forces capable of cooling the ardour of Western pirates, he said. Protecting sovereign vessels from western seizure The proposed strategy involves the deployment of substantial naval assets to regions far beyond Russian coastal waters. Patrushev suggested that without a firm military response, nations such as the United Kingdom, France, and the Baltic states would eventually attempt to block Russias access to the Atlantic basin entirely. By positioning warships near merchant lanes, the Russian government aims to provide a physical guarantee for the safety of its navigation. This shift in policy is framed as a necessary reaction to what President Putin has previously described as state sanctioned piracy, where international law is ignored to seize private and state assets. Any attempt at a naval blockade of our country is completely illegal from the standpoint of international law, and the concept of a shadow fleet, which EU representatives brandish at every turn, is a legal fiction, Patrushev said. The impact of global sanctions on maritime trade Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Western powers have implemented more than 30,000 sanctions intended to isolate the Russian financial system and halt its exports. A major component of this economic pressure involves the monitoring of oil tankers suspected of moving Russian energy products. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In one notable instance earlier this year, the United States took control of a Russian flagged tanker under the justification of curbing exports from Venezuela. Such actions have convinced Moscow that diplomatic channels are no longer sufficient to protect its commercial interests, leading to the current demand for a more aggressive naval posture to cool the ardour of foreign authorities. Future prospects for naval deterrence in international waters The head of the Maritime Board believes that the navy remains the best tool for ensuring that trade remains uninterrupted by foreign intervention. By maintaining a constant presence in strategic maritime areas, Russia hopes to deter the interception of its fleet and secure its economic lifelines. By implementing their naval blockade plans, the Europeans are deliberately pursuing a scenario of military escalation, testing the limits of our patience and provoking active retaliatory measures, he said. This move suggests a potential increase in naval tension across the Atlantic and other major shipping corridors, as Moscow seeks to demonstrate that it will no longer tolerate the boarding or seizure of its ships. The ultimate objective of this strategy is to ensure that the Russian merchant fleet can operate without the threat of being detained by European or North American powers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Donald Trump said he would be indirectly involved in high-stakes US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, as tensions rise over uranium enrichment, military deployments and the future of Tehrans nuclear programme This combination of pictures created on February 04, 2026 shows, L/R, a handout photograph provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showing him addressing a meeting with the people in Tehran on January 17, 2026 and US President Donald Trump speaking in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 3, 2026. (AFP) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would be involved indirectly in high-stakes talks between Iran and the U.S. over Tehrans nuclear program set for Tuesday in Geneva, adding he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal. Ill be involved in those talks, indirectly. And theyll be very important, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Tensions are soaring ahead of the talks, with the U.S. deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign if the talks do not succeed, U.S. officials have told Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Asked about the prospects for a deal, Trump said Iran has long sought a tough posture in negotiations but learned the consequences of that approach last summer when the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Trump suggested Tehran was motivated this time to negotiate. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, Trump said. WASHINGTON PUSHES TEHRAN TO FORGO ENRICHMENT Prior to the U.S. strikes in June, U.S.-Iran nuclear talks had stalled over Washingtons demand that Tehran forgo enrichment on its soil, which the U.S. views as a pathway to an Iranian nuclear weapon. We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s, Trump said, referring to the bat-winged U.S. stealth bombers that carried out the bombings. I hope theyre going to be more reasonable. The remarks contrast with those by the U.S. president on Friday, when he embraced potential regime change in Iran and lamented decades of failed talks. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief on Monday, saying in a post on X he was in Geneva to achieve a fair and equitable deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is not on the table: submission before threats, Araqchi said. QUESTIONS ABOUT URANIUM STOCKPILE The International Atomic Energy Agency has been calling on Iran for months to say what happened to its stockpile of 440 kg (970 pounds) of highly enriched uranium following Israeli-U.S. strikes and let inspections fully resume, including in three key sites that were bombed in June last year: Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation against any attack, which would choke a fifth of global oil flows and send crude prices sharply higher. Iran held a military drill on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states, which have been appealing for diplomacy to end the dispute. Despite Trumps comments about Iran seeking a deal, the talks face major potential stumbling blocks. Washington has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues such as Irans missile stockpile. Tehran says it is only willing to discuss curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and wont accept zero uranium enrichment. It says its missile capabilities are off the table. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking during a visit to Hungary on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching a deal with Tehran would be hard. I think that theres an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement but I dont want to overstate it either, Rubio said. Its going to be hard. Its been very difficult for anyone to do real deals with Iran, because were dealing with radical Shia clerics who are making theological decisions, not geopolitical ones. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Chinese President Xi Jinping asked Trump not to sign an arms deal for Taiwan during a phone call last week US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping greet each other as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. (AFP) US President Donald Trump will soon decide whether or not Washington will send more weapons to Taiwan, a move that can derail his upcoming visit to China in April. Chinese President Xi Jinping asked Trump not to sign an arms deal for Taiwan during a phone call last week. Im talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and well make a determination pretty soon, Trump said, adding that he has a good relationship with the Chinese leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a phone call with Trump on February 4, Xi called for mutual respect in relations with the United States, while warning Washington about arms sales to the democratically run island. The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations The US must handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution, Xi said, according to Chinas state broadcaster. Trump and Xi are due to meet in Beijing in April. How the arms deal might derail the Xi-Trump meeting The Trump administration is developing a proposed sale that would include Patriot missile systems and other advanced weapons, following a record $11.1 billion arms package announced in December, according to a report by the Financial Times. The new package would cover four separate weapons systems and could be worth as much as $20 billion, though officials caution the final figure remains under discussion and could end up closer to the December deal. Beijing has privately warned Washington that moving forward with the arms sale could derail Trumps anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The issue was raised directly by Xi during a phone call with Trump on Wednesday, according to Chinas foreign ministry, which said Xi urged the US to handle arms sales to Taiwan with prudence. Despite the warnings, some US officials believe China is overstating the risk and is unlikely to cancel the visit. The administration had initially planned to notify Congress of the proposed sale this month, though there is growing speculation that Trump may delay formal notification until after his return from China. The meeting, to be chaired on Thursday by Barclays UK chief executive, Vim Maru, will bring together major City financial institutions prepared to fund a new payments company designed to safeguard the UK economy in the event of disruption Barclays logo above the entrance to one of the bank's branches in London. AFP The UK is considering launching its own version of Visa and Mastercard amid growing fears of US President Donald Trump shutting down the payment services. Bank chiefs are set to sit down and discuss alternatives this week to replace the US-owned payment systems. The meeting, to be chaired on Thursday by Barclays UK chief executive, Vim Maru, will bring together major City financial institutions prepared to fund a new payments company designed to safeguard the UK economy in the event of disruption. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although plans for a City-funded, government-supported payments network have been under discussion for several years, recent geopolitical tensions have added urgency. Trumps threats toward Nato allies over Greenland have heightened anxieties that heavy reliance on US firms could expose the UKs payments infrastructure and broader economy to risk. How Visa and Mastercard dominate payment systems in UK According to a 2025 report by the UKs Payment Systems Regulator, around 95 per cent of card transactions in the UK are processed through systems owned by Mastercard and Visa. With cash usage continuing to decline nationwide, the implications of any disruption have become more significant. The scale of potential fallout is illustrated by events in Russia, where roughly 60 per cent of payments relied on Visa and Mastercard before US sanctions compelled the companies to suspend their services. The move left many consumers unable to access funds or make purchases. Officials have emphasised the importance of establishing a contingency option but have avoided directly attributing their concerns to US political developments. Joe Garner, former Nationwide chief executive and a government adviser on Rachel Reeves national payments strategy who led a 2023 independent review into the sector, also stressed the broader rationale. Regardless of any political developments, the UK needs to do this. We needed to before, we need to now I dont think thats changed by recent events. Visa and Mastercard join movement By contrast, the UK approach has been less confrontational. Visa and Mastercard are participating in the initiative and will be part of the funding group, alongside major banks and payment organisations, including Santander UK, NatWest, Nationwide, Lloyds Banking Group, Link, and Coventry Building Society. The new payments venture, known as DeliveryCo, will be structured and financed by City backers, who will determine its legal framework, leadership and long-term funding model. Meanwhile, the Bank of England is developing the technical infrastructure blueprint, which is expected to be handed over next year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The alternative payment system is understood to be targeted for launch by 2030. Both Mastercard and Visa reiterated their commitment to the UK market and expressed support for competitive innovation. Visa said that it included providing consumers and businesses with access to innovative, secure digital payments with the highest levels of resilience and reliability. We welcome the industry progress on account-to-account payments in the UK. We believe competition between multiple solutions, supported by a level playing field, will deliver choice, innovation and economic growth in the UK. Mastercard said: Mastercard has been fully invested in the UK for decades, delivering consumers and businesses with a wide range of convenient, simple and secure ways to pay and get paid. We remain committed to drive commerce here at home and across the globe by helping businesses of all sizes grow and meet the needs of their customers. Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials will meet in Geneva for US-brokered talks on territorial and ceasefire issues, though expectations of a breakthrough remain limited Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials are set to meet in Switzerland this week for a second round of negotiations brokered by the administration of US President Donald Trump, days before the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two-day meeting begins on Tuesday and is expected to follow the format of earlier discussions held in Abu Dhabi, with delegations from Washington, Kyiv and Moscow attending. Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, expectations for a significant breakthrough remain low as Russia continues to advance broad demands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Broader agenda in Geneva While the previous round in Abu Dhabi focused largely on military ceasefire proposals, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Geneva talks would address a broader range of issues, including territorial matters and other proposals put forward by Moscow. The Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin who has previously questioned Ukrainian sovereignty. He will be joined by Igor Kostyukov, head of Russian military intelligence, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, among nearly two dozen officials. Ukraine is expected to send the same delegation as in earlier rounds, led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council. Switzerland hosts talks on European soil The meeting in Geneva marks the first time the negotiations will be held in Europe, following earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. The selection of Switzerland is reported to have been encouraged by Washington. Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to oversee US engagement and are also scheduled to hold separate discussions with Iranian officials in Geneva later this week. Diverging signals from Washington Trump recently criticised Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine was delaying progress towards ending the war. Zelenskyy needs to act. Russia wants to make a deal. He needs to act, otherwise he will miss a great opportunity, he told reporters. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the Munich Security Conference that Washington remained uncertain whether Russia was genuinely committed to ending the conflict. Ukraine rejects territorial concessions Ahead of the talks, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not relinquish territory in the Donbas region, a central demand from Moscow. Referring to previous Russian territorial actions in Chechnya, Georgia and Crimea, he warned against concessions. That is why now I do not want to be a president who will repeat the mistakes of his predecessors or other people Because Putin cannot be stopped with kisses or flowers. I have never done this, and therefore I do not think that this is right. My advice to everyone: do not do this with Putin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy said Russia was currently losing 30,000-35,000 people a month, describing the effort to seize additional territory over four years of full-scale war as costly and largely unsuccessful. Can you imagine that in the 21st century? Im not sure he [Putin] knows that, he said. There are no expectations in Kyiv that the latest round of trilateral talks will produce a political breakthrough. Speaking in Munich, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not surrender the heavily defended northern part of Donetsk oblast, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, nor abandon the 200,000 civilians living there. The Ukrainian Air Force has said that Russia fired 396 drones and 29 missiles at targets across Ukraine overnight. Officials have confirmed that 25 of the missiles and 367 of the drones were shot down A woman, who is a school employee, walks near the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on Wednesday. Reuters Ukraine said on Tuesday that Russia is undermining peace efforts after it launched dozens of missiles and over a hundred drones against the country ahead of talks between the two countries, as the war is just a few days away from turning four years old. The extent to which Russia disregards peace efforts: a massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine right before the next round of talks in Geneva, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on social media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ukrainian Air Force has said that Russia fired 396 drones and 29 missiles at targets across Ukraine overnight. Officials have confirmed that 25 of the missiles and 367 of the drones were shot down. Local media reports suggest that several people were left injured as a result of the attack, and a number of buildings suffered damage. Ukraine hits back Russia repelled more than 150 Ukrainian drones overnight, Moscows defence ministry told state media on Tuesday, as Kyiv steps up its counterattacks ahead of talks in Geneva. Overnight, air defence forces destroyed 151 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, as well as over the Black and Azov Seas, the ministry reported. In Russian-annexed Crimea, Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said two dozen drones were shot down during one of the longest attacks in recent times. Unfortunately, there were injuries. According to preliminary information, one child was wounded, he posted on Telegram. Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials are set to meet in Switzerland this week for a second round of negotiations brokered by the administration of US President Donald Trump, days before the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two-day meeting begins on Tuesday and is expected to follow the format of earlier discussions held in Abu Dhabi, with delegations from Washington, Kyiv and Moscow attending. Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, expectations for a significant breakthrough remain low as Russia continues to advance broad demands. While the previous round in Abu Dhabi focused largely on military ceasefire proposals, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Geneva talks would address a broader range of issues, including territorial matters and other proposals put forward by Moscow. With inputs from agencies Rubio has warned that visas are a privilege, not a right, as the US State Department faces legal challenges over stricter immigration measures. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated that visas are not a right and warned that the United States will revoke them if foreign visitors engage in activities that threaten national security. Speaking at a joint press availability in Budapest alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Rubio said the US had revoked visas in numerous cases over the past year. He stressed that a visa is permission to enter the country as a visitor and not a constitutional entitlement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He clarified that the policy applies to all temporary visa categories, including students, tourists and journalists. Rubio warned that individuals who undertake activities deemed contrary to US national interest after entering the country could have their visas withdrawn, adding that such visas would likely not have been issued had authorities anticipated those actions. Immigration policy faces legal challenge The policy shift has been challenged in court, with a coalition of immigration advocacy groups, lawyers and several US citizens filing a lawsuit against Rubio and the US State Department in a federal court in New York, seeking revocation of the order. Suspension of visas for 75 countries Reinforcing his hardline stance on immigration, Rubio also pointed to a recent decision by the State Department to pause immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, citing concerns that migrants from those nations rely on welfare at what officials described as unacceptable rates. Officials said the suspension affects dozens of countries, including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Cuba and Eritrea, whose immigrants are alleged to become public charges in the United States upon arrival. French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 attacks victims in Mumbai. He is on a three-day visit to India. President Emmanuel Macron on France pays tribute to the victims of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India, on February 17, 2026. (Photo: X/Elysee Palace) French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 attacks victims in Mumbai. In a video shared by the French presidential palace, Macron was seen laying a wreath at a memorial with his wife Bridget Macron. Macron is on a three-day visit to India that would involve bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engagements with industry figures in Mumbai and the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the 2008 Mumbai attacks, 10 Pakistani terrorists attacked the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi hotel, and a Jewish centre at Nariman House among other locations, killing 174 people, including 26 foreigners. The deceased also included two French nationals. A Bombay, hommage aux victimes des attentats terroristes de 2008. pic.twitter.com/VnCSY2ttkU Elysee (@Elysee) February 17, 2026 Macron will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the afternoon and then engage with businesspersons and industrialists. Modi and Macron will launch the India-France Year of Innovation and their talks are expected to be focussed on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology partnership, defence collaboration, and the Indo-Pacific. Macron will attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi on Thursday. For decades, France has been among Indias closest partners and has supported Indias inclusion in the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India and France also have mutual interests in defence and foreign affairs and are committed to multilateralism, strategic autonomy, and reform of the UN and other multilateral institutions. France has also been a decadeslong defence partner and India uses several French platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In recent years, India and France have also joined hands on the subjects of technology, AI, and Indo-Pacific. Their discussions will focus on cementing the strategic partnership and further diversifying it into new and emerging areas. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said. Outgoing Bangladesh interim chief Muhammad Yunus flags China ties and regional ambitions in exit speech, while stressing sovereignty and economic potential involving Indias Northeast, Nepal and Bhutan Bangladeshs outgoing interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus delivered a farewell speech that has drawn attention both at home and abroad, mixing nationalist messaging with pointed references to regional geopolitics. His remarks come as he steps down amid criticism over governance, minority protection and the pace of democratic restoration following the 2024 political upheaval. Sovereignty message and Indias northeast reference In his address, Yunus emphasised Bangladeshs independent foreign policy stance, saying the country had reclaimed its sovereignty, dignity, and independence and was no longer guided by others directives. His comments were widely interpreted as signalling a tougher posture toward regional powers, particularly India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also outlined a broader regional economic vision that included Nepal, Bhutan and Indias northeastern states, commonly called the Seven Sisters. Our open seas are not just bordersthey are gateways to the global economy. With Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, this region has immense economic potential. Economic zones, trade agreements, and duty-free market access can establish us as a global manufacturing hub, he said. Watch the video here: #BreakingNews | Yunuss exit interview is sparking a storm: He called Indias Seven Sisters "landlocked" and invited China to use Bangladesh as an "extension" to reach them#Bangladesh@_pallavighosh shares more details Exclusive story: @manojkumargupta #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/vfyZuw4rzF News18 (@CNNnews18) February 16, 2026 The remarks suggested Bangladesh could position itself as a key economic gateway for the region, potentially reshaping connectivity dynamics that have traditionally centred on India. China ties and strategic balancing Yunus also highlighted strengthening ties with China, referencing progress on major projects. We have also deepened cooperation with China. Significant progress has been made on the Teesta River project and a 1,000-bed international hospital in Nilphamari, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He framed these developments as part of a broader strategy to maintain balance in foreign relations while strengthening Bangladeshs economic and strategic position globally. Despite projecting confidence abroad, Yunus administration has faced criticism domestically, particularly over minority safety and law-and-order challenges during the interim period. Critics argue his farewell speech focused more on foreign policy ambitions than addressing internal concerns. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen: NATO's Forward Land Forces Multinational Staff Element to be established in Rovaniemi Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 16.2.2026 12.04 Type:Press release Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen has chosen Rovaniemi as the location for NATO's Forward Land Forces (FLF) Multinational Staff Element (MNSE). "Earlier we succeeded in securing the support of our Allies for our approach to FLF Finland. The implementation of that model has progressed well. The MNSE will form FLF Finland's permanent presence in Northern Finland. The focus of FLF Finland's battlegroup activities will be in Northern Finland and, largely supported by Rovaniemi and Sodankyla. Considering the synergies and the ability to support the activities, Rovaniemi is the best location for a permanent FLF Staff Element in Finland," says Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen. The structure of the MNSE will evolve in the coming years. The plan is to have about half of its activities carried out by the framework nation and the host nation and the other half by the contributing Allies. "The peacetime strength of the MNSE will reach the same level as the Multi Corps Land Component Command in Mikkeli. This is a step towards strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence in the High North and the Artic region. The MNSE should eventually have a few dozen employees. Together with the Allies contributing to FLF Finland, we are enhancing readiness across the Alliance and building even better interoperability," says Minister Hakkanen. The Forward Land Forces form a part of NATO's peacetime activities. Under normal conditions, they train and exercise together with national home defence forces. Finland will permanently host the FLF's Multinational Staff Element. Troops will be present in Finland for exercises and as required by the security situation. The FLF are part of NATO's operations planning. Should the security situation change, the FLF presence could be scaled up to brigade size. Allies also exercise their ability to increase the land forces in peacetime. Sweden as the framework nation, the United Kingdom, France and the Nordic countries Denmark, Norway and Iceland have announced their participation in NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address B. Braze in Munich: Transatlantic Alliance stands united. Allies agree Europe must step up investment in conventional deterrence and do so at a faster pace Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Published: 16.02.2026 From 12 to 14 February 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, attended the 62nd Munich Security Conference, where she spoke at several high-level discussions on current foreign and security policy challenges, had meetings with ministers and senior officials from Ukraine, the Baltic states, the Nordic region, and other countries. According to Baiba Braze, the most emotional moment was meeting Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych. "He sends his regards and thanks for the support at the Olympic Games and for the continued support he receives day to day. He trains in Latvia and, as he said, the Latvian luge and skeleton team is his family." On the morning of 14 February, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, highlighted in his speech the close and unbreakable ties between the United States and Europe in terms of values, economy, and politics, and that Europe needs to continue strengthening its defence, because a strong Europe is in the interests of the United States' national security. This morning, a meeting took place between the Baltic and Nordic countries (NB8) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha. The Foreign Ministers discussed Ukraine's most pressing needs for self-defence, ways to address the energy crisis caused by Russia's terrorist actions, and measures to support the affected population. Andrii Sybiha shared information on the current progress of peace talks. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze: "Russia's actions demonstrate no willingness to pursue peace; on the contrary, its aggression takes the lives of innocent civilians, including children, every day. Allies within the Alliance have recognised Russia as the most significant threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Russia is waging a hybrid war across Europe. All Allies must be prepared to defend themselves against these threats by investing more in their own and collective defence. By the next NATO Summit in Ankara, all Allies must demonstrate progress towards investing 5% of their GDP in defence. Contrary to Russian propaganda, its economy keeps collapsing, battlefield losses are immense, and the success on the battlefield is scarce. Ukraine's Allies are stronger both militarily and economically. This needs to be acknowledged. Allies must provide maximum support for Ukraine's self-defence, the resolution of the energy crisis, and assistance to civilians. Russia, in turn, must continue to be "forced into peace through force", including by implementing sanctions, taking action against the shadow fleet, etc." Baiba Braze opened a high-level discussion on nuclear deterrence in Europe organised by the Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger. She emphasised that European Allies must invest rapidly in conventional deterrence capabilities while continuing to strengthen their strategic partnership with the United States. The Minister jointly with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Johann Wadephul, participated in a discussion on the European security architecture, spoke at the European Defence Townhall discussion, and also took part in the Ditchley Foundation discussion on Russia's sub-conventional attacks across Europe. On the first day of the conference, Baiba Braze opened a discussion on technology and cyber policy with the National Cyber Director of the United States, Sean Cairncross, and representatives of leading technology industry companies. The Minister held bilateral meetings with the European Union's Sanctions Envoy, David O'Sullivan, the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Marcos Perestrello, the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Tomoko Akane, and Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Oleg Shymanskyi, the United States Ambassador to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Sabine Monauni, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and others. Background information According to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Russian forces have suffered over 1.2 million casualties since February 2022, more than any major power in conflict since World War II. In the most significant offensives, Russian forces have advanced an average of 15-70 metres per day - slower than any major offensive of the past century.[1] The Munich Security Conference took place for the 62nd time. It is the world's leading forum for debating the most pressing challenges to international security. During its main conference in February, the Munich Security Conference assembles more than 450 senior decision-makers from around the world, including heads of state, ministers, leading personalities of international and non-governmental organisations, as well as high-ranking representatives from business, the media, academia, and civil society. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The opening of the live-fire training range at the Selonia Military Training Area will take place Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 16.02.2026 In Latvia Capabilities Selonia Information prepared by Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces On 20 February, the opening of the live-fire training area at the Selonia Military Training Area will take place. The training area provides new training infrastructure, including shooting ranges for various classes of weapons and weapons systems, thereby strengthening the training capabilities of the National Armed Forces and Allied units in Latvia. The event will be attended by President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, Minister of Defence Andris Spruds, the leadership of the National Armed Forces, and other invited guests. The development of the Selonia Military Training Area is one of the most significant defence infrastructure projects in Latvia, providing a training environment for Latvian and Allied armed forces units. The development of the training area is being implemented in phases. The first phase, carried out from 2022 to 2025, provides initial operational capability. Within this phase, a logistics support area for units up to squad size, an ammunition storage site, a 300-metre shooting range, an infantry platoon tactical shooting range, machine gun and sniper ranges, as well as an unexploded ordnance zone have been constructed. Commissioning of the facilities built during the first phase will take place at the beginning of 2026. During the first phase, 11 state-owned properties with a total area of 15,430 hectares were taken over, and 14 privately owned properties covering 160 hectares were expropriated. The total developed area amounts to 15,590 hectares, which constitutes approximately 61% of the planned training area territory. At the same time, the marking of the external boundary of the properties acquired during the first phase has been completed. The total cost of the first phase amounts to approximately EUR 36.5 million. The second phase of development is planned for the period from 2026 to 2029 and aims to provide full operational capability by developing collective training infrastructure, with the main priority being to ensure manoeuvre capabilities for brigade-level exercises. On 26 September 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers supported the partial development of the second phase under a public-private partnership model, and on 9 October the Ministry of Defence concluded an agreement with the state-owned company "Valsts nekustamie ipasumi" to ensure the implementation of the project. Tactical and engineering training, armoured vehicle manoeuvres, aircraft overflights, and unmanned aerial vehicle training are already taking place in the territory of the military training area. The training activities involve soldiers of the National Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard and the State Defence Service, as well as units from Allied countries. Several international military exercises are planned at the training area in 2026. The decision adopted at the NATO Summit in Madrid in 2022 to increase the presence of Allied forces in the Baltic States reinforced the need to develop additional training infrastructure in Latvia. The decision to construct the Selonia training area is a strategic decision taken by Latvia to strengthen national defence capabilities. The establishment of the Selonia Military Training Area is governed by the Law on the Establishment of the Selonia Military Training Area, which entered into force on 29 June 2023, as well as Cabinet Regulation No. 416 of 13 July 2023 on the boundary of the military training area and the immovable properties included within its territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address General Secretariat statement on occupying authorities' decision to designate vast areas of land in Occupied West Bank as "State land" League of Arab States Date: 16/02/2026 The General Secretariat (Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector) strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the decision issued by the occupying authorities to designate vast areas of land in the West Bank as so-called "State land." It considers this an escalatory and dangerous measure that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions, foremost among them the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly, which affirm the illegality of settlements and the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force. This decision represents a null and void unilateral measure aimed at imposing new facts on the ground and effectively serves as a preliminary step towards the annexation of occupied Palestinian territory. It entrenches the policy of illegal settlement activity and undermines the prospects for achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The General Secretariat further affirms that all measures intended to alter the legal and historical status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, lack any legal validity and will have no legal effect. Such measures remain null and void under the rules of international law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention. The General Secretariat warns that the continuation of these escalatory policies will exacerbate tensions, threaten regional security and stability, and lead to further violence and instability. This situation requires urgent intervention by the international community, particularly the Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and exert pressure to halt all unilateral measures that contravene international law. The General Secretariat reiterates its steadfast commitment to the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination and to establish their independent and sovereign State on the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Kingdom of Bahrain reiterated its steadfast support for Morocco's territorial integrity and its full sovereignty over its Sahara. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday 16 February 2026 This stance was expressed in a joint Communique issued following the 6th Morocco-Bahrain Joint High Committee, held Monday in Laayoune. The Communique emphasizes that the Kingdom of Bahrain has once again welcomed the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which enshrines the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole basis for resolving this regional dispute. The Kingdom of Bahrain has also shown support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara to facilitate negotiations based on the Moroccan autonomy initiative, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2797, with a view to reaching a final solution that enshrines Morocco's sovereignty over its Southern provinces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Kingdom of Bahrain commended the efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, in support of the Palestinian issue. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday 16 February 2026 In a joint statement made public at the close of the 6th session of the Morocco-Bahrain High Joint Commission held Monday in Laayoune, Bahrain praised the Sovereign's efforts in defending the city of Al-Quds Asharif and its inhabitants, preserving its civilizational character, and safeguarding its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence among the monotheistic religions. Bahrain also welcomed the concrete humanitarian and social projects undertaken by the Bayt Mal Al Quds Asharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al Quds Committee, in support of the resilience of the Al-Quds inhabitants on their land. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO's Allied Reaction Force conducts maritime operations in the Baltic Sea NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum Feb 16 2026 PUTLOS, Germany -- The Maritime Component Command of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF), led by Spain, deployed from Kiel, Germany on Feb. 14, 2026, for the Baltic Sea during exercise STEADFAST DART 26. During the transit, the task group conducted multi-domain military activities in coordination with other Allied navies, steadily enhancing its cohesion and interoperability. The Baltic Sea is a strategic axis vital to NATO's regional security. The area hosts key maritime trade routes, critical energy infrastructure, and undersea cables upon which our economies and societies depend. A credible and persistent Allied maritime presence in this region is therefore essential to ensuring deterrence, freedom of navigation, and the protection of the Alliance's collective interests against conventional and hybrid threats alike. On Jan. 30, the amphibious assault ship Castilla departed from Naval Base of Rota, accompanied by the frigate Cristobal Colon and a Turkish task group composed of the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, the frigates TCG Orucreis and TCG Istanbul, and the fleet replenishment ship TCG Derya, to commence STEADFAST DART 26. During the transit, the task group progressively enhanced interoperability among its units, starting with basic drills and advancing to more complex operational scenarios. The deployment also included cooperative activities with the French, German, and British navies, encompassing air defence and surface warfare exercises, as well as coordinated operations with maritime patrol aircraft. Between Feb. 6 to 8, the task group provided escort to the transport ship Ysabel, which was carrying Spanish Army materiel to support the land component of the exercise. From the outset, the deployment has therefore contributed to peacetime vigilance, deterrence, and defence against potential threats. Embarked aboard "Castilla" is the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR), serving as the Maritime Component Command (MCC) of the ARF during STEADFAST DART. Upon arrival in Kiel, the naval force completed its formation with the integration of additional Allied units, bringing the total strength to 15 ships and approximately 2,600 personnel. Under SPMARFOR command are the Turkish Amphibious Task Group, four frigates from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, three mine countermeasure vessels from Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, two fleet replenishment ships, and the amphibious assault ship "Castilla". France, Poland, Germany, Turkiye, the Netherlands, and Spain contribute forces to the maritime component. STEADFAST DART 26 represents an excellent opportunity to raise training standards and enhance interoperability, while strengthening Allied cohesion and reinforcing the deterrence and defence posture of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. These elements are essential to ensuring forces remain ready, prepared, and capable of responding whenever and wherever required in the event of a crisis or contingency. Story by NATO Media Information Centre NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General in Munich: NATO is strongest since end of the Cold War NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 16 February 2026 Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Friday and Saturday (13-14 February 2026). In his meetings and engagements during the conference, Mr Rutte stressed the importance of a strong Europe within NATO and continued support to Ukraine. The Secretary General told reporters that he believed NATO was stronger than at any point since the end of the Cold War. "We will see a NATO more European-led", Mr Rutte said, "but at the same time, the US [remains] absolutely anchored in the Organization." He also stressed the importance of continued support to Ukraine, while praising Allies for the recent pledges of military aid. During the conference, the Secretary General held a range of bilateral meetings, including with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; Moldovan President Maia Sandu; Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles; Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi; Japan's Minister of Defence, Shinjiro Koizumi; New Zealand's Minister of Defence, Judith Collins; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Lana Nusseibeh, various industry leaders and delegations of the US Congress. The Secretary General also took part in various official conference events including a panel discussion on securing long-term support for Ukraine, as well as a Transatlantic Forum, organised by the Bavarian Minister President. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Rejects Israel's Illegal Measures in the Occupied West Bank Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan strongly condemns the latest attempt by the Israeli occupying power to convert areas of the Occupied West Bank into so-called state property, and to expand illegal settlement activities. Such steps are in clear violation of international law as well as relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and must be rejected by the international community. The occupying power's continued disregard for the international law and its provocative actions undermine the prospects for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region. Pakistan calls on the international community to take concrete measures to end Israeli impunity, and ensure respect for international law. Pakistan reaffirms full support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Islamabad 16 February 2026 43/2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH-Italy defense pact to beef up security relations - DND Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno February 16, 2026, 6:36 pm MANILA -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday hailed the recently renewed agreement between the Philippines and Italy on Cooperation in the Field of Defense as a "concrete step" in beefing up security relations between the two nations. "Our efforts reflect a shared commitment to long-term capability development and greater interoperability, anchored on mutual respect and strategic trust," the DND said in a statement. Likewise, the DND said it values Italy's expanding engagement in the Indo-Pacific Region. It also said that it looks forward to "sustained cooperation that strengthens maritime security, promotes global stability, and advances mutual interests." Representing the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro signed the said agreement with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb. 14. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 18 more light tanks from Israel to be delivered this year Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno February 16, 2026, 3:44 pm MANILA -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Monday said he expects all remaining 18 units of the Sabrah light tanks, ordered to beef up the service's armored capabilities, to be delivered within this year. "We have nine units of Sabrah (light tanks) now (in service) and we are still waiting for 18 units," he said when asked for updates on the project at a press conference at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. "This is a big item, negotiations are still ongoing. And we hope within this year matatapos na yun delivery natin (our Sabrah tank deliveries will be completed)," Nafarrete said. For security reasons, the PA chief did not give further details on the possible delivery dates of these armored assets. Around nine to 10 units are now in service with the PA's Armored Division. Reports said these were delivered from 2022 to 2025. The Philippines' Sabrah light tank, which was developed by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems, was the first armored vehicle of the PA to be armed with a 105mm cannon. The PA's light tank acquisition project is under Horizon 2 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The contract is worth around PHP9.4 billion and was acquired via government-to-government mode. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon's parliament speaker calls for pressure on Israel to stop ceasefire violations Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 7:28 PM Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has appealed for global pressure on Israel to stop its ongoing breaches of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement. "Lebanon and the Lebanese people do not want war and will not accept the Israeli occupation of their land," Berri said on Monday during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beirut. "We cannot succumb to these daily violations and attacks." Berri also reaffirmed Lebanon's complete dedication to the ceasefire pact with Israel. The parliament speaker expressed gratitude to the German president for his nation's backing of Lebanon and its contributions to multiple development initiatives in the country. Steinmeier, for his part, said Germany will keep supporting Lebanon across different sectors and voiced his opposition to the Israeli occupation of Lebanese land. The German president arrived in Lebanon on February 15 for a three-day trip, during which he will officially open a Lebanese naval academy in Beirut. Earlier on Monday, a young Lebanese man was killed in an Israeli drone strike on the town of Hanin in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon. Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported that Mohammad Tahsin Hussein Qashqash was preparing to start the van he owned, which was parked outside his house alongside his SUV, to transport students to school when the attack was carried out. It added that that the Israeli drone fired several missiles at him, resulting in his death and the burning of both vehicles. Israel's military confirmed the incident in a statement, saying it killed an individual who was purportedly involved in efforts to re-establish Hezbollah infrastructure. Israeli breaches of the November 2024 ceasefire have resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of Lebanese citizens. Israel persists in occupying five Lebanese highlands captured during the recent war, along with other regions of Lebanon it has controlled for many years. In October 2023, Israel launched military attacks on Lebanon, which escalated into a full-blown war by September 2024, leading to over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries. Lebanese authorities have consistently called for pressure on Tel Aviv to stop its assaults and adhere to the ceasefire conditions. They are demanding the removal of Israeli troops from the territories seized in the last war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah does not seek war, but will never surrender Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 6:47 PM Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem says the Lebanese resistance movement does not seek war, but stands fully prepared to defend Lebanon and deliver a decisive response to any act of aggression by its enemies. "We in Hezbollah do not want war and are not seeking it; but we won't surrender and we're ready to defend," Sheikh Qassem said as he delivered a televised speech broadcast from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Monday. "There is a big difference between confronting aggression and initiating a war. We are ready to defend. We will not yield to threats." The Hezbollah chief said the enemies will not succeed in the face of a determined resistance group, besides the great and steadfast Lebanese nation. "They may inflict pain on us, but we too can inflict pain on them. Do not underestimate defense when the time comes." Sheikh Qassem said the fundamental principle is to defend the Lebanese soil, as defending the homeland is everyone's responsibility. The Hezbollah leader said the movement supports Lebanon's national unity, full sovereignty as well as liberation, and opposes all forms of sedition. "We support empowering the Lebanese Army to protect and achieve sovereignty, along with a national security strategy and leveraging the strength of the resistance," Sheikh Qassem stated. "We are the ones who should be asking you why you are not defending it, why you are not criticizing the aggression, why you are not standing firmly with those who are resisting." The Hezbollah chief placed full responsibility on the Lebanese government for the ongoing Israeli attacks, saying the ruling authorities must be held accountable because they signed the ceasefire agreement with the Tel Aviv regime. He sharply criticized the government for committing a "grave mistake" by focusing on disarmament instead of confronting the Israeli aggression, saying the issue serves the goals of Israel. "The current situation cannot continue indefinitely. As for when, how, and what developments will change this reality, we will let the facts tell the story," Sheikh Qassem said. He underscored that the Beirut government shares the responsibility of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Army and the nation, saying occupation anywhere requires the presence of resistance. Sheikh Qassem described Hezbollah as a "national, pan-Arab, Islamic and humanitarian resistance movement" that cannot be divided. "We are not in favor of gratuitous concessions, nor are we in favor of implementing the orders of the American, international, and Arab tutelage, nor are we in favor of fulfilling Israel's aggressive demands." He said the government, through its performance, is somehow responsible for the Israeli greed due to the continuous concessions. "If you want to surrender, amend the constitution, because the constitution's essence is confrontation and defense for the sake of liberation," Sheikh Qassem said as he addressed the Lebanese government. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Hezbollah chief urged the entire Lebanese nation not to overlook Israel's atrocities in Gaza or its attempts to annex the West Bank, saying the United States is fully complicit in all these plots. "Israel is an expansionist entity that wants to occupy the entire Palestine and the whole region. We are facing an enemy that wants to annihilate humans and destroy structures." The Hezbollah chief said that while Lebanon has implemented the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israel has not honored any of its commitments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas slams Israel's plan to expand East al-Quds boundaries Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 6:03 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has denounced Israel's plan to expand the boundaries of East al-Quds beyond the 1967 borders, known as the "Green Line," warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and signals a de facto annexation of the city. In a statement on Monday, Hamas described the plan as a "very dangerous" and "an aggressive precedent" designed to impose "full annexation" of al-Quds. Israeli media reports indicate that the Israeli cabinet is planning to extend construction in the settlement of "Adam" in the central West Bank, effectively annexing more Palestinian land and expanding the area of occupied East al-Quds. "The real intention is to expand East Jerusalem (al-Quds) beyond the 1967 boundaries, for the first time since the Six-Day War (1967), and this means (imposing) actual sovereignty over the lands and expanding Jerusalem (al-Quds)," Yedioth Ahronoth reported. Noting that the move coincides with demolition notices for 40 homes in the town of Anata in the central West Bank, Hamas said Israel is pursuing a systematic policy to displace Palestinians from al-Quds. The movement called on the international community to take decisive action against this "escalation" in Israel's "open war on the Palestinian presence in al-Quds," warning that silence in the face of these measures only emboldens the Israeli regime to accelerate annexation. The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now also condemned the plan, saying "For the first time since 1967, and under the pretext of (building) a new settlement, the government is carrying out annexation here from the back door." "The new settlement will effectively be like a 'neighborhood' in the city of Jerusalem (al-Quds), and planning it publicly as a settlement (Adam) is an attempt to conceal the step, which means applying Israeli sovereignty (annexation) to lands in the West Bank," the group added. More than 700,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds. The international community considers the settlements illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions, as they are built on occupied Palestinian territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia condemns Israel's seizure of West Bank land, warns of regional instability Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 4:24 PM Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel's recent decision to seize more land from Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, emphasizing that the move would plunge the region into instability. In a statement released on Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the move would "undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region." The Ministry emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns "the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to rename the West Bank as 'State Lands,' affiliated with the occupation authorities, as part of plans aimed at imposing a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank." It reiterated that "Israel holds no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories," and such measures are a "serious violation of international law" that undermines the "two-state solution." Other regional countries, including Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, have also described the move as illegal under international law and a threat to the "two-state solution." Israel recently approved a series of sweeping measures in the occupied West Bank, which Palestinians say constitute a blatant breach of the Oslo Accords and amount to a de facto annexation of Palestinian land. The policy, announced by Israel's extremist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and minister of military affairs Israel Katz, significantly alters governance in the West Bank, opening the way for expanded settlements, land seizures and the erosion of Palestinian civil rights. The measures lift longstanding legal restrictions on Israeli settlers, accelerate settlement expansion, and extend Israeli military and "civil" authority into areas that were previously under partial Palestinian control. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Peace with Israel 'not possible' under constant violations of Palestinian rights, says foreign minister Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 7:09 AM Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has stated that achieving peace with Israel is "not possible" as long as Palestinian rights are being violated by the occupying regime, emphasizing that international law needs to be upheld and one-sided actions must cease. "Peace with Israel under conditions of constant violation of Palestinian rights is not possible," Shahin said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Sunday. She contended that unilateral Israeli measures in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East al-Quds, like unlawful settlement expansion and legalizations, hinder the chances for a negotiated resolution. "Everything that Israel is undertaking unilaterally in occupied territory should be considered null and void," Shahin said, stressing that annexation "is in violation of international law, and it is a crime that needs to be stopped." The top Palestinian diplomat also spoke about the Gaza ceasefire process, which started on October 10, stating that advancement to the next phase relies on complete adherence to the initial agreements. "We would like to go into phase two, but we need to ensure that phase one obligations are undertaken," she said. The initial phase concluded after the swap of Israeli captives for Palestinian abductees, while the second phase involves rebuilding the area that Israel devastated during two years of airstrikes. "We still see that we don't have a complete ceasefire. We have a partial ceasefire. The humanitarian assistance is not getting in to the extent that is needed. The Rafah border crossing is partially opened," she added, noting that additional steps are necessary for a seamless transition. Shahin advocated for more robust global measures and referenced current legal and diplomatic structures. "What we would like is for the world to stand up and say, 'Look, enough is enough. International law is very clear,'" she said, referring to international rulings and UN resolutions that deem settlements and occupation illegal. Shahin stated that recent assaults emphasize her view that Israel is "for no peace," pointing out that if it truly wanted peace, it would stop infringing on international law and the rights of Palestinians. Rather, she stated that Israel is persisting with "annexationist colonialist measures" and aiming to "legalize criminality." She called on the global community to declare "enough is enough" and maintain international law, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling and UN Resolution 2334, which she said deem settlements and occupation illegal. When asked about her appeal to Germany and Finland to join other European nations in recognition of a Palestinian state she said,"They will consider at the right time. The vision of recognition is there, but they need to be moving towards it according to their convenience." "But to me, the matter is very clear. If you are a two-stater, if you believe in international law, if you want to comply with international law, you need to recognize, because there is no justification whatsoever for not recognizing," she added. On Sunday, the Israeli regime approved a plan to register vast swathes of the occupied West Bank as "state property," marking the first action of this kind since Israel took control of the region in 1967. According to the Oslo II Accord signed in 1995, Area A of the West Bank is entirely controlled by Palestinians, Area B has Palestinian civil governance with Israeli oversight, and Area C, which constitutes approximately 61% of the West Bank, is fully controlled by the Israeli regime. The recent move was part of a series of decisions by Israel's so-called Security Cabinet last week, which are intended to enhance illegal settlement construction and boost Tel Aviv's dominance over the occupied West Bank. Israeli media outlets report that the actions involve reversing a law that prohibited the sale of land in the West Bank to illegal Israeli settlers, unsealing land ownership documents, and transferring control of building permits in a settlement area close to al-Khalil from a Palestinian municipality to Israel's civil administration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli strike in eastern Lebanon kills four Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 1:46 AM The Israeli regime has launched another drone attack on eastern Lebanon, in blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement with the Arab country. An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in the Majdal Anjar area of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border on Sunday evening, killing at least four people, according to Lebanese state media and health officials. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that an Israeli drone struck a car along the Lebanese-Syrian border, near the Masnaa crossing in Majdal Anjar, resulting in four fatalities. The agency stated that "four bodies" were found inside the vehicle. Lebanon's Health Ministry confirmed the death toll. The Israeli occupation forces issued a statement claiming the strike targeted members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). PIJ has not yet issued a public response to the claim. The incident marks another breach of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The truce requires both sides to halt attacks, with Israel committing to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities and international monitors have accused Israel of repeated violations since the ceasefire took effect. According to Lebanese sources, more than 370 people have been killed by Israeli fire in the country since the ceasefire. T The Lebanese government has condemned the regime's strikes, saying it will take the matter to international courts and the UN Security Council. Israel began its military aggression against Lebanon on October 8, 2023. On October 1, 2024, Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon, marking the sixth Israeli invasion of the country since 1978. On November 27, 2024, Hezbollah and Israel announced a "cessation of hostilities" and pledged to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The resolution calls for Hezbollah's withdrawal from south of the Litani River and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory. It also states that no armed presence other than the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese army should remain south of the Litani River. Israel violated the agreement shortly after it was announced. It occupied five strategic points inside Lebanese territory and has continued almost daily attacks since November 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement on the Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson February 16, 2026 On 16 February 2026, senior officials of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America met in Manila for the 12th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD). First convened in 2011, the BSD serves as the annual platform to discuss the full range of political, security, and economic cooperation between the United States and the Philippines; exchange views on current challenges and strategic bilateral priorities; and identify new collaborative initiatives as friends, partners, and Allies. This year, the Philippines and the United States commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations, the 75th anniversary of our Alliance, all while the Philippines chairs ASEAN. Both sides recalled the following milestones achieved since the previous BSD, such as: The meeting between Presidents Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Donald J. Trump in Washington, DC; The convening of the "2+2" State and Defense Ministerial Dialogue held for the first time in Manila, in 2024; The co-hosting of "Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain" Ministerial Meeting by Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Secretary Marco Rubio; The identification of more than 500 military exercises and exchanges in 2024, 2025, and 2026, and the deployment of high-end capabilities, including the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) as part of Exercise BALIKATAN in 2025; The staging of the largest and most complex iteration of exercise BALIKATAN; The launch of the Luzon Economic Corridor's (LEC) first project, a freight rail project connecting Subic and Clark; Appropriation in Fiscal Year 2026 of an additional $144 million for the Department of War to invest in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, with a bilateral commitment to focus on EDCA site infrastructure development; The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation to Diversify Global Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Promote Investments; U.S. support to three Philippine-led disaster responses, including Department of War relief airlifts to Batanes and Catanduanes islands; Holding of our countries' first-ever space dialogue in 2024 and the Philippines' signing of the Artemis Accords in 2025; and The convening of four secretary/minister of defense-level meetings between the United States, Philippines, Japan, and Australia to strengthen multilateral cooperation. Strengthening the Alliance to Reestablish Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific Both sides underscored their unwavering commitment to uphold a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They committed to maintaining a vigilant posture in the Indo-Pacific to prevent conflict and to developing strong measures along with the deterrence to keep sea lanes open and not subject to arbitrary control by one country. Collective defense is critical to denying and deterring aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain. Philippine and U.S. officials reaffirmed both countries' commitment to the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the founding document of the Alliance. They also reiterated that the MDT extends to armed attacks against either country's armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels - including those of their coast guards - anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea. They underscored their support for preserving freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and other lawful uses of the sea for all nations. Both sides condemned China's illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the South China Sea, recognizing their adverse effects on regional peace and stability and the economies of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two sides further welcomed improved multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners, including Australia and Japan, to enhance regional security. In 2026, both sides committed to: Hold the fifth "2+2" Ministerial Dialogue, to be hosted by the United States Enhance joint capabilities, interoperability, and exercise execution for more realistic conditions to support readiness in contingencies, including support to civilian-led disaster response; Accelerate and streamline implementation and tracking of the Philippines Security Sector Assistance Roadmap; Prioritize utilization of available Foreign Military Financing towards mutually determined priority capabilities to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard and enhance collective defense and deterrence; Continue to preposition humanitarian relief commodities for Philippines civilian disaster response authorities at key EDCA sites and coordinate military support to civilian-led disaster responses; Enhance Philippines' capacity to monitor and respond to maritime challenges and illegal maritime activity, such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; Continue and work to increase deployments of U.S. cutting-edge missile and unmanned systems to the Philippines. Expand and modernize the Philippines' civilian and military cyber defense capabilities and ability to detect and disrupt cyber threats; Hold the fourth bilateral maritime dialogue; Hold a foreign minister-level trilateral policy dialogue with Japan; Increase the tempo of multilateral cooperation with like-minded countries, including through maritime cooperative activities, bilateral and multilateral exercises, and security cooperation coordination. Advancing Our Shared Economic Prosperity Recognizing economic security and resilience as integral to national security, both sides reaffirmed the importance of bolstering mutually beneficial economic engagement to strengthen the Alliance, with a priority focus on commercial diplomacy. Recognizing the importance of energy security to national security, both sides endorsed growing and deepening cooperation on energy supply, resilience, and critical infrastructure. These areas support regional deterrence by reducing strategic vulnerabilities, demonstrating long-term commitment to Philippine sovereignty, and supporting long-term economic growth. Both sides decided to: Continue strengthening defense industrial base resiliencies to advance regional and economic security and mutual prosperity; Catalyze private sector development with a focus on the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors; Hold the first Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum in Manila in 2026 to drive new investments and unleash additional private sector opportunities, in coordination with Japan and other likeminded partners; Develop reliable energy infrastructure that supports economic activity in the LEC necessary to advance joint defense co-production capabilities in strategic sectors; build manufacturing and data centers for emerging technology development; and ensure resilient energy supplies to enable humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, and other critical operations that benefit the Filipino people; Strengthen civil nuclear cooperation by continuing to work with off-takers including utilities and data centers and organizing a trade mission to the United States to connect leading U.S. nuclear technology companies with the Philippine private sector. Additionally, through the Fulbright Program, the United States is sending experts to the Philippines to help develop nuclear-focused curricula and credentialing programs, building local capacity to construct and operate state-of-the-art nuclear reactors. The United States will also provide $1.5 million through the Department of State's Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program to build an SMR control room simulator in the Philippines, ensuring nuclear development in the region is consistent with the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation; Deepen cooperation between the Philippines and U.S. government entities such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy to foster private sector-led investments in strategic sectors, such as transport, digital, energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, and health security in the Philippines; Expand bilateral collaboration to establish secure and standards-based critical minerals supply chains; and Recognizing the United States' historic announcement of $250 million to support health security of the Filipino people, deepen bilateral partnerships on health-related diplomacy. Partnering to Counter Transnational Organized Crime and Protect Fundamental Freedoms and the Rule of Law Philippine and U.S. officials discussed their long-standing partnership to promote bilateral and regional cooperation on peace and security issues. Both sides highlighted their shared resolve to counter international crime, the dangerous flow of narcotics, and instability caused by illegal immigration, as well as to uphold freedom of expression and other human rights. Both sides committed to continue their close counterterrorism cooperation. Both sides decided in 2026 to: Deepen diplomatic and law enforcement cooperation to combat cybercrime, online scam centers, and the production and trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals; Discuss challenges and solutions to increasing information sharing to disrupt terrorist travel; and Strengthen bilateral discussion and exchange on best practices for combatting transnational repression. Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation Both sides discussed their respective and shared multilateral priorities, and identified opportunities for closer cooperation, particularly during 2026 as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair. Both sides: Reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; Strongly opposed any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state; Agreed to hold a foreign minister-level trilateral policy dialogue with Japan; Reaffirmed their commitment to a free, safe, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific that upholds shared principles including territorial integrity, sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and the peaceful resolution of disputes; and Committed to close coordination on shared priorities throughout 2026 as the Philippines serves as the Chair of ASEAN. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a Joint Press Availability US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Carmelite Monastery Budapest, Hungary February 16, 2026 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. May I extend my most cordial welcome to all of you, and may I extend my most special welcome to His Excellency Mr. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America, at the press conference and signing ceremony organized on the occasion of his visit to Hungary. Let me also extend my warm welcome to Mr. Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, members of the U.S. and Hungarian delegations, and all our esteemed guests. At today's event, the agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Hungary to facilitate cooperation on the civilian nuclear program in Hungary will be signed. The signatories to the agreement on behalf of the United States of America, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and on behalf of Hungary, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Peter Szijjarto. (The agreement was signed.) (Applause.) MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, gentlemen. And now, may I invite Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban to deliver his statement. PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) Good morning, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, distinguished Mr. Secretary of State. This week starts well. It's only Monday, and we are already over friendly and very serious discussion with the Secretary of State arriving from the United States of America. We agreed upon this visit with the President of the United States on our visit to the U.S. last November, and I'd like to deliver my heartfelt thanks to Secretary of State to - for visiting Hungary and therefore doing a privilege to Hungary. We reviewed and overviewed our bilateral relationships. There is a new U.S. President, so I am also adapting to the new expressions. A new golden age has set upon us concerning the relationship between the United States and Hungary. We operate with understatements in the Hungarian language and Hungarian politics, but the situation is that I cannot remember - although for 30-odd years I have been present in politics - when the last time it was that the relationships between the two nations were at such a high level, so balanced and so friendly. So, my heartfelt thanks goes to President Trump. Perhaps the last time we were near this, when President Bush visited us prior to the change of the political regime, which visit greatly contributed to us doing away with the communists and the Warsaw Pact. Since then, we had better and worse periods in the U.S.-Hungarian relationships, but we've never been to this high a level. Since last year's January, 17 U.S. investments have been decided upon here in Hungary. This is a decade-long record. And Hungarians can once again travel to the U.S. without a visa - thank you very much, Mr. Secretary of State. Hungary was invited to the Peace Council. The first inauguration meeting will take place in Washington, D.C., this Thursday, perhaps where I shall represent Hungary. And we entered into agreements of key importance in the fields of energy, including oil, gas, and nuclear energy. And these agreements, with the exception provided by the President of United States of America which allows for the use of Russian gas and oil here in Hungary, jointly contribute to the fact that Hungary can continue to remain secure on the aspect of energy supply and that we shall be able to supply households and the industry with cheap energy in an international comparison. And we also discussed the refinery in Serbia, how that can be purchased - NIS - how NIS can be purchased by MOL, the Hungarian oil company. As for me, I assured Secretary of State Mr. Rubio that Hungary continues to support, regardless of European conflicts (inaudible), Hungary shall continue to support the efforts of peace of the U.S. in Ukraine. The current President of the United States did the most in international politics in order to ensure peace in the Russia-Ukrainian war. And I must reiterate, although everybody knows, that if Donald Trump had been the president of the United States, this war would never have broken out. And if he were not the President now, then we would not even stand a chance to put an end to the war with peace. So, thanks goes to the United States President for his efforts in favor of peace. Hungary remains ready that if there is a peace summit, that we provide a venue for that here in Budapest, and I assured Mr. Rubio that Mr. Trump has a live invitation to Hungary. Thank you very much, Mr. State Secretary, for the opportunity to enter into discussions today. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister. Now, may I invite Secretary of the United States of America Marco Rubio to make a statement? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for welcoming us here today. It's an honor to be with you in this incredibly gorgeous city. It's my first time being here, and it's phenomenal, even to be in this hall where - and the history behind it and everything that's going on here. The second is the relationship - you talked about the golden age, which is not an exaggeration. The relationship between the United States and Hungary today is as close as I can possibly imagine it being. And it's not just close rhetorically; it's close in action and things that are actually happening. And I think some evidence of that is here today in the agreement that we've just signed that builds on a historic meeting that we had in November at the White House, that you had with the President and that I happened to be - have the honor to be present and be a part of. The signed agreement we've had today is one that we hope will be many in the years to come in areas of collaboration. You spoke about the 17 investments. To those who think that Hungary is being isolated, that's an example of the fact that that's not the case - that under the prime minister's leadership, in fact, there is a growing number of American companies, as evidenced by the 17 that have already arrived, who want to invest in your economy and want to be a part of what's happening here and are excited about it - because you have strong leadership, because you have leadership that we know are going to protect investments and allow it to continue to be a place that's friendly for business, and be competitive with rules that are competitive that allow businesses to grow and prosper in comparison to other places. And there are so many other areas that we can work together on, especially on energy, but just so many areas of common interest. But I have to say this because it's important to understand. We are entering this golden era of relations between our countries, and not simply because the alignment of our people, but because of the relationship that you have with the President of the United States. I don't think it is any mystery - and should not be a mystery to anyone here - how the President feels about you, how he interacted with you in his first term as President, and now in his second term as President that relationship's grown even closer. And it's important to understand how important the relations between leaders are to the relations between countries. There is - we are - at the end of the day, we are still human, we are still people, and that person-to-person connection that you've established with the President has made all the difference in the world in building this relationship and in hopefully growing this relationship even more. It is the kind of thing that I think, for example, I can say to you with confidence that President Trump is deeply committed to your success because your success is our success, because this relationship we have here in Central Europe through you is so essential and vital for our national interests in the years to come - that if you face financial struggles, if you face things that are impediments to growth, if you face things that threaten the stability of your country, I know that President Trump will be very interested because of your relationship with him and because of this importance of this country to us, to finding ways to provide assistance if that moment ever were to arise, and obviously with regards to finances and the like. I also think it's the reason why, in your visit in November, you saw an extension of - and a suspension of the imposition of sanctions and allowed to move forward on energy. It was because of that personal relationship. It's because we want you to continue, because we want this economy to prosper, we want this country to do well. It's in our national interest. Especially as long as you're the prime minister and the leader of this country, it's in our national interest that Hungary be successful. It helps America, and obviously it helps you. So, it's an honor to be with you here today. We have a lot that we can continue to work on. We also want to thank you, and I want to thank you, on behalf of the President of the United States, for the indispensable role you've played on the Board of Peace. Not everyone's on the Board of Peace, and not everyone - for different reasons they can be participants or not be participants, but you are, and you've been there from the very first day. And again, a testament to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Orban that I think speaks volumes. The role you play geopolitically, the role you play even outside of this region in affairs involving the Middle East, is invaluable and indispensable, and we are very appreciative of it. And that's why after traveling to Munich for the Security Conference, I wanted to make sure we paid a visit here to continue to build on this relationship and to signal very clearly that not only are we in a golden age, but we haven't even scratched the surface of what we can achieve together as a people - as peoples, as nations, and as leaders. And so I thank you for the opportunity to be with all of you here today, and thank you for the very warm invitation and the very important conversations that we had where we touched on a bunch of subjects and a bunch of topics that I think will be of great interest back in Washington when I return. Thank you. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, thank you very much. We have some time for questions. Hungarian Television gets the floor. QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Good morning. I am Laszlo Meszaros. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, is constantly attacking Prime Minister Viktor Orban for not supporting the accession of Ukraine. What is your take on this political action, this political attack against a NATO and EU member-state? PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) And who is the question addressed to? QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Both of you. Both of you, naturally. PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) I don't wish to drag Secretary of State into Hungarian internal political issues. (In English) So if you allow me, I start to answer first to this question. (Via interpreter) The Ukrainians and their president obviously have entered into the Hungarian election campaign. For a while, I was thinking whether we should take that on the wrong note or not. I mean, with such brutal openness entering into the election campaign of another country is not very frequent. You don't see that often. But then again, I realized it was understandable, because the Hungarian elections is the most important to Hungarian people but it has an impact beyond Hungary as well. And the Ukrainians quite justly believe that what government Hungary shall have is significant to them. And there are only two options. One is what you knew well - that is the option of the Hungarian people who, at a vote - vote 2025, clearly stated that they would not undertake the Ukraine acceding to the European Union because that would drag us into a war and ruin our economy. And you can also know that we shall not provide money for Brussels in order for them to send that to Ukraine. The other option, which is a real option, and the Ukrainians would favor that - and with common sense you can realize that if a government arrived which would want or which will accept Ukraine becoming a member of the European Union, they obviously want a government which will take a part in the financial burden of Ukraine - in other words, send money to Ukraine. And for the Ukrainians it does matter what the outcome of the elections will be, therefore they decided to participate in the campaign. And since we stand on the ground of common sense, we must not be surprised at that. We must adapt to it, and we must acknowledge that the Ukrainian president and Ukraine will be an active participant of this election, and we have to prevail against them too. That is our reality. Anything else attached to that - the future of the war, the funding of the war - are beyond the framework of this press conference. I will not go into detail. I would only return to a single aspect, that this is an election. As an election, people decide. And for Ukraine, it does matter what the outcome of the decision is, and therefore, they put their full weight and weaponry in participating in the Hungarian campaign. We know full well that they fund - finance our opponents. We know how that happens. This is a well-known, written fact. But once again, we must not be outraged, but we must acknowledge that this campaign in Hungary also has an international dimension - in other directions, too, but in the Ukrainian direction. That is why it's an important international event, not only for Hungarians, but as the example of the Ukrainians shows, it's important for other greater nations. That's how you have to win elections. We have won elections in many ways. Now, we shall win this way. SECRETARY RUBIO: My only comment is the United States interest is to see the war end, and we want to do what we can to make it end. We're the only nation on Earth that apparently can get both sides to the table to talk. I'm not here to insult anybody, but the United Nations hasn't been able to do it. There's no other country in Europe that's been able to do it. The United States has been successful at being able to get both sides to talk. I mean, for the first time in a number of years, you have - truly have, at a technical level, military officials from both sides sat down last week in the Middle East. And we'll restart those talks again in Geneva later this week. I think that's a very positive thing. That said, all we are trying to do is play a role, if it's possible, in reaching a deal. We're not seeking to impose a deal on anybody. We're not trying to force anyone to take a deal they don't want to take. We just want to help them, because we think it's a war that's incredibly damaging. We think it's a war that's incredibly destructive. We think it's a war that never should have happened and should end as soon as possible. That's how the President feels, and the President's invested a tremendous amount of time and political capital in trying to serve a useful purpose. Usually, in my time observing geopolitics, when a president tries to engage himself in peacemaking and in ending wars, that's usually applauded. So, this is one of the few times, for a lot of different reasons - I don't know what they may be, but maybe I can speculate what they are - where people actually criticize a President trying to end a war. Usually when you're trying to end wars, the international community applauds you. This is one of the few wars I've ever seen where some people in the international community condemn you for trying to help end a war. But that's what we're trying to do. That's what we're going to continue to do as long as our role is, and our engagement is, a positive one. And, hopefully, the war will end - the sooner, the better. It should have ended a long time ago. It should have never actually happened. This war should have never happened. This war would have never happened if Donald Trump had been president of the United States at the time it began. But that's what happened, and so now here we are. So, we're going to continue to do everything we can to try to bring it to an end. And if we can be successful at it, I think the world will be a better place. And if we can't, then unfortunately the suffering and the dying and the killing will continue, and that's not good for anybody, but that's where we find ourselves. So hopefully we can stop it, but let's see. MODERATOR: Next is CBS News. Please, Olivia. QUESTION: Thank you very much. Budapest is, in fact, beautiful. Mr. Secretary, on the notion of a golden age, why isn't the United States conditioning deeper cooperation with Budapest on Hungary reducing its extensive and ongoing, deepening cooperation with China, which is a strategic rival for the United States? Secondly, if, despite President Trump's endorsement and your visit here, Prime Minister Orban does not succeed and loses the April election, does the U.S. commit to working with his challenger constructively? Prime Minister Orban, do you commit to accepting electoral defeat if it happens? And to both of you, president - I mean, sorry, Prime Minister Orban has said that the exemption that Hungary has been granted for Russian energy purchases is indefinite. The U.S. has said it was for one year. Which one is it? Thank you. SECRETARY RUBIO: All right, well, let me start by answering that question. First of all, let me - so everybody can be very clear, I've made this point repeatedly. I'll make it again. Under President Trump, it is our expectation that every nation on Earth is going to act in their national interest. That's what nations are supposed to do. If the prime minister of Hungary does not act in the national interest of Hungary, he won't be prime minister for long; but who's going to act in the national interest of Hungary if their prime minister doesn't do it? If your government is not acting in your national interest, then who will? By the way, we feel the same way about America. So, in those instances in which our national interest and some other country's national interests are aligned, that is an opportunity for extraordinary partnership. And we have many, many areas where our national interests are aligned. Where they're not aligned or where we have some differences, that's where that - alignment and the other issues, that's where this relationship, that's where these deep ties to one another are so important, because that's where you can find accommodation. That's where you can hear each other out. That's where maybe you can work together on. But we're not asking any country in the world to isolate themselves from anybody. We understand that every country in the world has to deal with the reality of their geography, of their economy, of their history, and of the challenges of their future. We will obviously share with partners and friends concerns we may have about certain things. But as an example, the United States - you mentioned China as an example. Okay. We have trade and relations with China. The President of the United States is going to travel in April to China. Why? Because China is a big country. It's got a billion-something people, second largest economy in the world. They have nuclear weapons. It would be crazy - okay, it's insane for the United States and China not to have relations and interact with one another. Now, two big countries like this, do we have differences? We absolutely do, and we'll have to manage those differences. And some of those differences are things - we've spoken very frankly and clearly and repeatedly about the fact that it is not good for the world - it's not good for anybody - to rely on one country or one economy for 90 percent of anything, especially things like critical supply chains. This is a reality. We want to diversify supply chains around the world. We've spoken clearly about it. That's not an anti-China thing. That's just the reality that over-dependence on one source is not good, and especially when there's been a willingness in the past to use it as leverage against each other. But we expect - we pursue these things within the context of the U.S. national interest. And that's why we met with the Chinese in South Korea earlier in the year and were able to reach an understanding on some trade matters. That was a mutual interest between us and them. So, geopolitics is difficult because it requires a little bit of maturity and seriousness, okay? It requires a little bit of seriousness about these things have real implications, and the balancing of relations between nation-states requires maturity and seriousness. So, our relationship here, you asked the last question about it. Look, I'm just telling you guys what it is, okay? The President has an extraordinarily close relationship to the prime minister. He does. And it has had tangible benefits in our relationship. I'm not going to speculate about the future. What happens in this country is up to the voters of this country to determine and decide, and we love the people of Hungary. But I'm not - but there's no reason to sugarcoat it. I'm going to be very blunt with you. The prime minister and the President have a very, very close personal relationship and working relationship, and I think it has been incredibly beneficial to the relationship between our two countries. QUESTION: The sanctions waiver, sir? Is it a year? SECRETARY RUBIO: What's that? I'm sorry. QUESTION: The sanctions waiver on Russian energy purchases? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, but here's the way I would couch that. Those sanctions waivers happened, as much as anything else, because of the relationship between the prime minister and the President. And so I think all I can tell you is that's the - that relationship and the importance of that relationship, and the importance of that relationship to our bilateral relationship, underpins the decision the President made and, I think, will continue to underpin it as long as that relationship is a factor in our bilateral relations. PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: Thank you very much, Your Excellency. So, to answer to your question, for those who are relatively young, it's difficult to know the Hungarian modern political history. But if you look at it carefully, you see that I'm not just registered as the longest-serving prime minister in Europe, which means 20 years, but I'm the longest-serving leader of the opposition with 16 years. So, I spent 16 years as leader of opposition. What does it mean? It means that sometimes I lose, sometimes I win. So don't afraid what will be if we are not winning, because it's regularly happened here at least four times already. So, there is no need to be afraid what will happen in Hungary. The Hungarian democracy is very strong, and the government of this country is very strongly believe on democracy and competitiveness and competition in politics as well, as we have done in the last 35 - 35 years. So, our record is very strong on the governmental side and on opposition side as well. So, a government will be created after the election in Hungary based on the intention of the Hungarian people, and Hungary as a country will remain strong anyway. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much. Now Index is up next. QUESTION: Good morning. I'm Balazs Karoczkai from Index. I will ask my question in English because I think it's easier for you. So SECRETARY RUBIO: (Inaudible) in English than in Hungarian, absolutely. You can ask it in Spanish, and that's - maybe Italian I might be able to pick it up too, but QUESTION: Unfortunately, my Spanish is not so good. SECRETARY RUBIO: (Laughter.) Okay. QUESTION: So, Mr. Prime Minister, you mentioned the invitation of President Trump. I have a question for both of you. Is there - have been any discussion regarding a potential visit by President Trump? And if so, when might it take place, and will it be a peace summit? And a brief question is: Have there been any progress toward new Hungarian-U.S. tax treaty? Because the last one is terminated on two years ago. Thank you. SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. On the visit, I don't have any news for you on it today other than I know the President would love to come and I know the President would love to be here. Obviously, like any world leader, there's a lot of balancing going on, but we'll see what happens. I mean, the President has made very clear his feelings about the prime minister, both on a personal and on a political level in terms of the relationship and the impact it's had on us. And so, I'm certainly here today because I wanted to make sure that, having been in Munich for the Security Conference, being so close by, we saw an opportunity to be here today and build on that historic gathering that we had. I don't have any updates for you on the tax treaty per se today, but we may soon. It's something we'll look at. PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) And if you'll allow it, I'll answer in Hungarian. So, in Hungarian, all I'd like to say is that it's not worth planning in the distant future in current politics. I mean, the fact that this Thursday we will meet in Washington, D.C., with the President of the United States was not in our calendar two weeks ago. What I'm trying to say is that events take place and the current of international politics is that significant changes can take place in three or four days. For instance, when the first meeting was called for the establishment of the Board of Peace in Sharm El-Sheikh, you could only know that three or four days in advance. So, in international politics, it is not long-term planning, but short-term response is what is a real virtue. And the Americans are very good at that. So, the fact that we don't know anything for certain now does not mean that it will not happen. In fact, it might mean the exact opposite. The less we know anything certain about something, the more possible it might happen. Thank you. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you. And the last question is for Reuters. QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Good to see you. Mr. Prime Minister. Just two questions, Mr. Secretary. Iran is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the U.S. that it says would deliver economic benefits for both sides. Is that acceptable for the U.S., even if it doesn't cover Tehran's ballistic missile program? Recently a U.S. immigration judge has ruled that there were no grounds to deport Tufts University student who wrote an op-ed on Gaza. A second judge said using deportation as a threat violated the First Amendment rights of people like her because those rights apply to foreigners. What is your response to that? And, Mr. Prime Minister, I just wanted to follow up on the China angle. Secretary just spoke about balancing relationships. You've been pushing a lot for more Chinese investments in Hungary. How will you make sure that that does not create a problem in your relationship with Washington? Thank you. SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, on the two questions you asked, first of all, on the particular case of the student, look, my job at the State Department is if I identify someone who I believe is present - someone who's not - who's a visitor, a guest to the United States, and we identify that their presence in our country poses a threat to our foreign policy, to our national security, we're going to take that person's visa away. We're going to take their visa away. That's what we're going to do. We've done that - in a lot of cases over the last year, we've done it. Fact is that visas are not a right. I've said this repeatedly. I don't know why it's so hard for some to comprehend it, so let me repeat it again. A visa - no one's entitled to a visa. There is no constitutional right to a visa. Okay, a visa is a permission to enter our country as a visitor. If you enter our country as a visitor, and as a visitor in our country - be it a student, a tourist, a journalist, whatever you want to be - and you undertake activities that are against the national interest and national security of the United States, we will take away your visa. In fact, if we knew you were going to do it, we probably wouldn't have given you your visa. That's what we do. The decision to remove someone from our country after we take away our visa, that belongs to other agencies of our government. As far as judges are concerned, judges - that's a different branch of government. They're not going to tell us how to conduct the foreign policy of the United States. If they have an issue with the process by which someone was removed, then obviously that's an issue for other agencies in our government that are involved in enforcing that. All I can opine to you on is the - is taking away someone's visas. And no judge is going to tell the Executive Branch how to conduct foreign policy because that's not up to judges. That's up to the Executive Branch. On your first question about Iran, look, doing a deal with Iran is not easy. I said it yesterday; I'll repeat it again today. I mean, we have to understand that Iran ultimately is governed and its decisions are governed by Shia clerics - radical Shia clerics, okay? These people make policy decisions on the basis of pure theology. That's how they make their decisions. So, it's hard to do a deal with Iran. We've always said it's hard, but we're going to try. That's what the President is trying. I'm not going to prejudge those talks. I'm certainly not going to negotiate with Iran here in front of the press and on the stage. Our negotiators are on their way there now. They'll have meetings. We'll see what happens. We're hopeful there's a deal. The President always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things. He's a President that's shown his willingness to talk to anyone and meet with anyone. And I think if there's an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement that addresses the things we're concerned about, we would be very open and welcoming to that. But I don't want to overstate it either. It's going to be hard. I mean, we're dealing - it's been very difficult for anyone to do real deals with Iran because we're dealing with radical Shia clerics who are making theological decisions, not geopolitical ones. But, let's see what happens. I hope it works out; we all hope it works out. PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) I can answer in Hungarian, right? There is a fact that we must take into consideration in every international relationship of ours as an (inaudible), and that is that we are members of NATO. This means that in the field of security issues, that determines the boundaries of cooperating with others. In fact, in security issues, Hungary only cooperates with NATO member-states. Anything beyond that, including commerce, trade, we are in favor of cooperating with as many entities as possible. And if our cooperation does not - is not liked by any of our partners, disliked by them, they will indicate that to us. And if they do so, we shall discuss the matter. I have been working together with Americans for over 30 years now. President Bush, Sr., was the first president I met. I don't know how many I've met since, and I do have an experience pertaining to Americans. It is best if you share with them everything openly and clearly. We play with open cards - open, visible cards. Our partnership is built upon clear speech, and if we do not like anything, we tell our partner. And if the Americans don't like anything, they will share that with us. And I can report to you that since there is a new President, there is not one single point of conflict. I have never come across any of those in the field of our cooperation with the United States. That was not the case, previously. When we had a Democrat administration, we had multiple conflicts. We still openly represented our position, but we could not cooperate with that administration. We can with the current one. But one thing has unchanged: Hungarians always say what they want, for what reason, what they object against, what they can support, and what they ask. We are a reliable partner because we are open. We are in favor of open, clear speech. And as I observe the current President of the United States, he represents the same school. He is very straightforward. He says what is the interest of the United States of America. There are no taboo issues. We can discuss any issue, including the issue of China and any other issue. And I think that is to the best. MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much. This concludes our press conference. Thank you very much for being with us today. I wish you a pleasant remaining part of the day. Goodbye. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 16 February 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** India All right. Some travel to share with you. Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will be heading to New Delhi, in India, where he has been invited to take part in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit. He is scheduled to participate in the Summit's opening ceremony, a plenary with Heads of State and Government, as well as a session on the role of science in international AI governance. The Secretary-General will have bilateral meetings with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, as well as with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He will also meet with leaders attending the Summit, tech leaders and members of the International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. While in India, the Secretary-General is also scheduled to take part in a round table organized by our UN colleagues to discuss renewable energy and energy transition. With India emerging as a global leader in renewable energy expansion, the discussion will bring together senior figures from industry, finance, policy and civil society to identify concrete steps to further accelerate renewable energy deployment, strengthen grids and storage, and mobilize investment at scale. This engagement is part of the Secretary-General's continued efforts to advance a faster, fairer and more inclusive global energy transition, aligned with the Paris Agreement. ** Geneva On Sunday, from New Delhi, he will travel to Geneva, in Switzerland, where on Monday he will deliver remarks at the opening of the sixty-first session of the Human Rights Council. Later on Monday, the Secretary-General will address the High-Level Segment of the 2026 Session of the Conference on Disarmament. While there, the Secretary-General will hold bilateral meetings with leaders and ministers attending the opening of the Human Rights Council, as well as a meeting with a group of human rights non-governmental organizations. He is also scheduled to participate in an event hosted by the Vice-President of the Swiss Federal Council, Ignazio Cassis, to mark the completion of the Portail des Nations building, the new Visitor Centre for the UN in Geneva. The Secretary-General will be heading back to New York on Monday evening. ** Secretary-General's Travel And he is New York because he returned from Addis Ababa, where, as you will have seen on Saturday, he spoke at the opening of the thirty-ninth African Union Summit. He praised the UN's partnership with the African regional organization, saying it has grown stronger over the past decade. Looking ahead, the Secretary-General added, we continue to have three major areas of focus in our work with the African Union: peace, economic action and climate action. He also renewed his call for reforms of the Security Council, saying the absence of a permanent seat for Africa is indefensible. Later in the day, Mr. [Antonio] Guterres held a press conference and told reporters that Africa is navigating some of the world's hardest challenges and doing so with determination, creativity and resilience. Turning to climate, he called on developed countries to triple adaptation finance, mobilize 1.3 trillion US dollars a year by 2035, and increase contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund. With the right support, he said Africa will become a renewables powerhouse, Mr. Guterres added that Africa's critical minerals and resources will help create new industries and jobs, building value at home, not exporting value away. The plundering and exploitation of Africa's resources must end, he said. Throughout the day, the Secretary-General continued to hold bilateral meetings with leaders attending the Summit, and you have seen multiple readouts issued over the weekend. ** Senior Personnel Appointments A couple of senior appointments to share with you: Today, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of Awa Dabo of The Gambia as Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. She succeeds Nada Al Nashif of Jordan, to whom the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights are deeply grateful for her contribution to the Organization. Ms. Awa Dabo has extensive experience in human rights, crisis recovery, peacebuilding and prevention, humanitarian affairs and development. Ms. Dabo previously served as Chief of Country Oversight and Support for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa. We are also announcing today the appointment by the Secretary-General of Claudia Fuentes Julio of Chile as Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in New York. She will succeed Ilze Brands Kehris from Latvia, to whom the Secretary-General and Mr. Volker Turk are deeply grateful for her contribution to the Organization. Ms. Fuentes Julio, who is currently the Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva, brings more than two decades of experience in international relations, multilateral diplomacy and human rights. ** West Bank Turning to the occupied West Bank, I can tell you that the Secretary-General condemns the Israeli Government's 15 February decision to resume land registration procedures in Area C of the occupied West Bank; that follows a decision of the Israeli Cabinet in May of last year. The decision could lead to the dispossession of Palestinians of their property and risks expanding Israeli control over land in the area. Such measures, including Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, are not only destabilizing but, as recalled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), unlawful. He calls on the Israeli Government to immediately reverse these measures. He again warns that the current trajectory on the ground is eroding the prospect for the two-State solution. The Secretary-General reiterates that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. The Secretary-General calls on all parties to preserve the only path to lasting peace, and that is a negotiated two-State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation on the ground in Gaza, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that humanitarian operations continue to face significant impediments. Shipments from Jordan are restricted toa route that requires multiple offloading and reloading points. Shipments from Egypt, via Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem, face a high return rate: despite a recent improvement, between 4 and 10 February, less than 60 per cent of consignments from Egypt could be offloaded at that crossing point. Inside Gaza, humanitarian movements that require coordination with Israeli authorities also continue to face obstacles. Of nearly 50 such movements coordinated between 6 and 11 February, just only half were fully facilitated. Five were denied outright, and 11 were approved but encountered significant delays and other impediments, including two that were only partially accomplished as a result. And just today, we had two more denials. Our teams on the ground are engaging with the authorities to clarify the constraints and seek their resolution so that our operations can move forward. In recent days, our colleagues leading on logistics supported the transportation of nearly 1,900 pallets full of food, shelter, health, water and sanitation items, from crossing points along the perimeter fence to destinations inside Gaza. ** Decolonization Earlier today, Courtenay Rattray, the Secretary-General's Chef de Cabinet, spoke this morning on the Secretary-General's behalf at the opening of the session of the Special Committee on Decolonization. In the remarks he delivered, the Secretary-General said that our world has come a long way, with well over 100 nations gaining independence since 1945. Yet the legacy of colonialism has left profound scars through deeply-rooted mechanisms of economic exploitation, as well as in the form of racism, inequality and persistent exclusion from decision-making bodies. The Secretary-General laid out three priorities for dealing with the 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories: first, inclusive dialogue among Non-Self-Governing Territories, administering Powers, Member States, and all other stakeholders; second, the central role of young people; and third, the urgent need for climate action. His full remarks were shared with you. ** Ukraine From Ukraine, our colleagues in Geneva, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today noted that as Ukraine prepares to enter the fifth year since the full-scale Russian invasion on 24 February, ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure continue to strain living conditions for millions. According to new data from IOM, an estimated 325,000 Ukrainian returnees could be displaced again in the coming months, with more than one third considering moving abroad again. Since 2022, the IOM has delivered a large-scale, nationwide response to the Ukraine crisis, supporting up to 6.9 million people inside the country, directly and indirectly, as well as millions more across 11 neighbouring countries. To prevent further displacement, IOM urges the international community to scale up winterization, housing repairs, livelihoods support and integrated mental health and psychosocial services, particularly in front-line and high-return areas. ** Colombia And moving to this hemisphere, our colleagues at OCHA tell us that last Friday in Colombia, we, along with our partners and the Government, launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Colombia continues to face a complex humanitarian crisis marked by armed conflict, climate-related disasters and migration flows. Humanitarian partners estimate that nearly 7 million people need humanitarian aid this year. That is roughly one in every eight Colombians. Our humanitarian colleagues also note that conflict between non-State armed groups, now present in 60 per cent of Colombia's municipalities, mostly in rural areas, has resulted in forced displacement, confinement and restrictions on people's mobility. Last year saw a 58 per cent increase in attacks against civilians, according to partners. That includes serious violations against children, recruitment and sexual violence, and attacks affecting schools and teachers. These violations disproportionately impacted indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities and children in rural areas. Climate emergencies such as the recent floods in Cordoba, which affected more than 150,000 people, also increase humanitarian needs. To respond to the most pressing needs, the humanitarian community requires $287 million and aims to reach 1.2 million people. In 2025, the humanitarian operation received only 24 per cent of the funds needed. ** New Resident Coordinators Two new Resident Coordinators to announce following the host Governments' approval: The Secretary-General has appointed Amanda Khozi Mukwashi of Zambia as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Angola and Allegra Maria del Pilar Baiocchi of Italy as Resident Coordinator in Mexico. Both took up their posts on 15 February. Ms. Mukwashi is a global leader with over 30 years of experience in international development and humanitarian work, while Ms. Baiocchi brings more than 25 years of experience in development, humanitarian and strategic leadership roles. They will both guide UN country teams, using their ability to bring people together to combine UN expertise and resources in support of nationally led efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ** Financial Contribution Two countries paid up in full, we have a little quiz. Gabriel, paying attention? This country's capital considers the number 17 to be unlucky. [response: "Italy!"] Italy, brava. Do you know why? [...] Do the two colleagues behind you know why? I will tell you why: because its Roman numeral (XVII) can be rearranged to spell "vixi", meaning "I have lived", implying death. That's why 17 is unlucky in Italy. All right. This country is the second flattest country in the world behind the Maldives. [response: "Qatar."] Yes, very good. It is also one of the few places where the sea directly meets the desert sand dunes. So, we say thank you: grazie to our friends in Rome, shukran to our friends in Doha for having paid up in full. We are up to 68 [Member States who have paid in full]. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Do you have a question, or do you yield to someone else? Okay. Namo, you need your microphone. You can ask a question. Question : A follow-up on Deputy Special Envoy for Syria. Yesterday, I asked about if he will meet with SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) and other officials, like, yeah, the Kurdish officials in Syria when he's going, I think, in the next few weeks. Thank you. Spokesman : Yeah. Mr. [Claude] Cordone is heading on Monday to Beirut, and then we expect him to cross into Syria soon after that. And, of course, he will engage with all actors, political, government, and other, civil society. Obviously, as his meetings happen, his office will share them with you. Yes, Pan, please. It's clearly a holiday today, yeah? Question : Thank you. Happy holiday to you all. Speaking of energy transition, I have two questions. One is that China has actively promoted green transition, and it has successfully achieved economic development while transitioning to green energy. So, what's your perspective for China's green transition and its global significance? Spokesman : Well, I mean, I think obviously, China as the world's second largest economy has a critical role to play in energy transition, both at home and also encouraging others to go into an active, just transition, backed with the resources that are needed. Question : Okay. My second question concerns China's draft environmental code. China is making an environmental code, draft law actually, so that is aimed at coordinating the relationship between economic development and environmental protection. So, can you give your perspective for this measure in promoting global environmental governance? Thank you. Spokesman : To be honest, I would give you a perspective if I knew more about what you were asking about. So, I will look into it and respond. Yes, Gabriel, and then... Question : Steph, a couple of questions. One is, in your comments, you said that less than 60 per cent of the consignments from Egypt could be offloaded at the crossing point inside Gaza. Can you be specific on who exactly is blocking that? Spokesman : Well, I mean, the blockage comes from the issues with the Israeli authorities who are dealing with that side of the crossings. Question : And on your remarks on Israel and their intent on land registration in Area C, would the Secretary-General agree with many Governments that have come out and called that de facto annexation? Spokesman : Whether it's de facto annexation or not, it is driving us further away from a two-State solution, which may very well be the intent of those who are pushing that policy. Question : And in your comments, you mentioned how it's a violation of international law. I think you used those exact words. Or close to it. Whether it be Israel killing UN staff members over the last couple years in Gaza, bombing hospitals, violating the ceasefire in this case, the most recent case now of land registration Area C there appear to be no direct consequences for violations of international law over the last couple years. Does the Secretary-General agree with that? And what more can be done to add consequences? Spokesman : If you listen to what the Secretary-General has said for quite some time, he has seen with great concern growing impunity for those who violate international law in many different parts of the world. Yes, sir? Question : Thank you, Stephane. I have a question with regard to the event that the Secretary-General is going to take part in in New Delhi. What is his concrete expectation with regard to advancing the UN's agenda on AI? Spokesman : Well, the aim is to ensure that the international community fully understands all the potential and the risks of AI and that everyone has a seat at the table in terms of guiding policy, that it not just be left in the hands of a few Governments or a few countries and a few companies. There are a lot of people who will be all of us, in a sense, our lives will be implicated by the development of AI, in which direction it goes. And there are many, many countries who will be impacted greatly and yet may not have a say. This is to ensure that everyone has a say, and decisions are based on facts and science. We'll go to Jesus from EFE. Question : Hello. Yeah, I would like to ask about the oil crisis in Cuba, which keeps escalating. Is the Secretary-General worried about the situation in Cuba, especially regarding humanitarian needs? Spokesman : Yes. The Secretary-General has been following the situation in Cuba extremely closely, and I can tell you that he's very concerned about the situation in Cuba, which is worsening as oil needs continue to be unmet. As you know, the General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba. The Secretary-General would like to see all parties pursue dialogue and respect for international law yet again. But our teams on the ground are working with the Government to help support the humanitarian relief for the people of Cuba. Abdelhamid? Question : Thank you, Steph. I have a question; one big question related to Palestine. First, Israel decided to allow only 10,000 Jerusalemites to enter the Al Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan. That's part, if you have any comment on that. And second, yesterday, 11 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, and I haven't heard any comment on the death toll in Gaza. Three of them were found this morning in the ruins. One of them is a child. And the village of Anata, which is next to Jerusalem, Israel decided to destroy 40 units in the village of Anata. And on the land registration, I want to correct Gabriel. It's related to Area A... [cross talk] Spokesman : Abdelhamid, you can correct Gabriel separately. What is your question? Question : Yeah, I know. The question on land registration and confiscating Palestinian land now in Area A and B, would that make Israel clearly a settler colonial State or not? Thank you. Spokesman : Well, I will let you analyse the answer to that last question. We've been expressing our increasing concern at the various regulations and decisions that have been put into place by the Israeli Government concerning settlement activity in the West Bank. I think we've been consistent in our message that it is unlawful and that it is also obviously hindering any movement, any prospect of movement, towards a two-State solution, which we continue to believe in. I had not personally heard about the destruction of the village outside of Jerusalem. On the mosque, we believe as a matter of principle, people should be free to worship freely, and we continue to support the status quo in terms of the holy sites in Jerusalem. And as for Gaza, we consistently will continue to condemn the killing of innocent civilians. Okay. On that note, seeing no further questions, I will release you, and I will see you tomorrow. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Colombia UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Gaza aid missions face denials and delays OCHA warns that humanitarian operations continue to face significant impediments. Shipments from Jordan are restricted to a route that requires multiple offloading and reloading points. Shipments from Egypt, via Kerem Shalom, face high return rates - between 4 February and 10 February, despite a recent improvement, less than 60 per cent of consignments from Egypt could be offloaded at Kerem Shalom. Inside Gaza, humanitarian movements that require coordination with Israeli authorities also continue to face obstacles. Of nearly 50 such movements coordinated between 6 February and 11 February, just over a half were fully facilitated. Five were denied outright, and 11 were approved but encountered significant delays and other impediments - including two that were only partially accomplished as a result. And today, two more denials were recorded. Teams on the ground are engaging with the authorities to clarify the constraints and seek their resolution. Between 5 February and 10 February, logistics partners supported the transportation of nearly 1,900 pallets of food, shelter, health, and water and sanitation items from crossing points along the perimeter fence to destinations inside Gaza. Colombia UN and partners seek US$287 million to help over 1 million people in Colombia Last Friday, the UN, its partners and the Government launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Colombia continues to face a complex humanitarian crisis marked by armed conflict, climate-related disasters and migration flows. Humanitarian partners estimate that nearly 7 million people need humanitarian aid this year. That is roughly one in seven Colombians. Conflict between non-state armed groups - now present in 60 per cent of Colombia's municipalities, mostly in rural areas - has resulted in forced displacement, confinement, and restrictions on people's mobility. Last year saw a 58 per cent increase in attacks against civilians, according to partners. That includes serious violations against children and sexual violence, and attacks affecting schools and teachers. These violations disproportionately impacted indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities and children in rural areas. Climate emergencies such as the recent floods in Cordoba, which affected more than 150,000 people, also increase humanitarian needs. To respond to the most pressing needs, the humanitarian community requires US$287 million and aims to reach 1.2 million people. In 2025, the humanitarian operation received only 24 per cent of the funds needed. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Colombia with urgent support. Posted on 16 February 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols in South China Sea Global Times By Xinhua Published: Feb 17, 2026 02:05 PM The Chinese military conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. The Philippines co-opted countries outside the region to organize the so-called joint patrols, which had undermined peace and stability in the region, said Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command. Forces of the theater command will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability, Zhai added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 16 February 2026 - Day 1454 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The French Ministere des Armees et des Anciens combattants reported that, on the ground, the pace of operations remains slowed down due to extreme weather conditions. The Russian Armed Forces are facing coordination difficulties following the near-simultaneous loss of WhatsApp and Telegram networks, as well as access to the Starlink constellation. Territorial gains are in favor of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but remain insufficient to significantly shift the course of the conflict. It also reported that the Russian Armed Forces are daily targeting the same oblasts in eastern Ukraine: Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Odesa. Over the past 48 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have struck the city of Belgorod and an oil depot in the Krasnodar Krai. Additionally, on February 14, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that a Russian landing craft (BK-16) had been hit on February 12 in the Novoozerne area of Crimea. 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 182 combat clashes. The Russian enemy launched one missile strike, fired four missiles, carried out 53 air strikes, dropped 140 controlled air bombs. In addition, he used 1,654 kamikaze drones and carried out 1,640 shells on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. Seven clashes with the enemy took place in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy carried out 70 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian units, including one from the jet system of arson fire. One confrontation is currently ongoing. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlements of Vovchansk, Vovchansk Hutory and towards the settlements of Grafskke, Vilcha, Shevyakivka, Chugunivka. Ukrainian units repelled nine attacks, three more clashes are currently ongoing. Four attacks were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Kupyansky direction, towards Petropavlivka, Kurylivka, Nova Kruglyakivka and Boguslavka. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped 12 attacks, towards settlements Nadia, Glushchenkov, Oleksandrivka, Druzhelyubivka, Tverdohlibove, Drobisheve, Stavki and Lyman. Two more clashes are underway. In the Slavic direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian attempts to advance towards Paradise-Oleksandrivka and in the areas of Platonivka and Dronivka. One battle is going on. In the Kramators komu direction, the Russians tried five times to advance on the position of Ukrainian troops, in the areas of minkivka, vasyukivka, bondarny and orihovo-vasilivka. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders near the settlements of Konstantinovka, Kleban-Bik, Oleksandro-Kalinove, Pleschievka, Rusin Yar, Sofiyivka and in the direction of Novopavlivka. The Russian enemy committed 35 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Chervony Lyman, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne and in the directions of the settlements Toretske, New Donbass, Vilne, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Novopavlivka, Novopidgorodnoe, Philia. Fights are still going on in some locations. According to preliminary calculations, today in this direction Ukrainian soldiers eliminated 37 Russian occupiers and wounded 16; destroyed 32 unmanned aircraft, two car transport units, control point, also hit one combat armored vehicle, one vehicle unit and 45 enemy personnel covers. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped eight Russian attacks in the direction of settlements Ivanivka, Oleksiyivka, Verbove, Privilla and Zlagoda. In the direction of Gulyaipil, 37 Russian attacks took place - towards the settlements of Dobropillya, Pryluka, Zaliznychne, Gulyaipole, Svyatopetrivka, Zelene and Staroukrainka. Russian air strikes were suffered by samijlivka, novoukrainka, kopani, bitter, wide, charming, lubytske, vozdvizivka, rozivka, tender. Five clashes are currently ongoing. In the orihivs komu direction, the Russian enemy once attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the stepnogirs ka area. Air strikes by controlled air bombs were affected by districts of Mykilske, Novoandriivka, Kushtove. In the pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy did not commit offensive actions, but caused air strikes on olgivka and veselomu. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. As a result of decisive actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces liberated Pokrovka in Sumy region. The Group's units inflicted losses on the formations of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Grafskoye, Andreyevka, and Miropolye (Sumy region). In Kharkov region, units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one national guard brigade have been hit near Kazachya Lopan, Liptsy, and Tokarevka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 170 troops, 18 motor vehicles, four materiel depots, and three ammunition depots. The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of th AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Novoosinovo, Kovsharovka (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman, and Ilyichevka (Donetsk People's Republic). AFU losses amounted to up to 150 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun have been neutralised. Three ammunition depots were neutralised. As a result of active actions, units of the Yuzhnaya Group of Forces liberated Minkovka in the Donetsk People's Republic. Strikes were delivered at formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one national guard brigade close to Reznikovka, Nikiforovka, Konstantinovka, and Kramatorsk (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses amounted to more than 175 troops, one tank, six armoured fighting vehicles, 15 pickup trucks, and one artillery gun. Two materiel depots were destroyed. The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Grishino, Maryevka, Svetloye, Belitskoye, Toretskoye, Sergeyevka, and Novy Donbass (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 300 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. Russian elements engaged one mechanised brigade, two assault brigades, two air assault brigades, and two assault regiments of the AFU near Podgavrilovka, Velikomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Rizdvyanka, Charivnoye, Lyubitskoye, and Komsomolskoye (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 275 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, and two electronic warfare stations. The Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU have been hit near Veselyanka, Grigorovka, and Orekhov (Zaporozhye region). Up to 20 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, two electronic warfare stations, one materiel depot, 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 energy and transport infrastructure facilities used for the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, storage and launch areas of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 areas. Air defence systems shot down eight U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 345 fixed-wing UAVs. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 114,642 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,726 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,664 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,313 field artillery guns and mortars, and 54,532 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Anand meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Global Affairs Canada Readout February 16, 2026 - Rome, Italy - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, during her visit to Rome, Italy. Minister Anand and Minister Tajani reviewed progress on the implementation of the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation. They welcomed the growing commercial ties between Canada and Italy and opportunities to strengthen partnerships in defence and security and to capitalize on Canada's inclusion in the EU's Security Action for Europe initiative. The ministers took stock of recent high-level discussions and business delegations promoting new collaborations on energy and critical minerals and increased trade and investment opportunities. Minister Anand noted in this regard the significant benefits that the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement brings to Canada and Italy. Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada's commitment to working with Italy on shared international priorities, including supporting Ukraine and continued coordination to support a sustainable peace in Gaza, and the ministers exchanged views on respective foreign policies on the Arctic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney February 16, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Sir Keir Starmer. Prime Minister Carney thanked Prime Minister Starmer for his condolences following the horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, last week. The prime ministers discussed the growing economic and security partnerships between Canada and the UK, including intensified collaboration on trade. They discussed progress being advanced through the Canada-UK Economic and Trade Working Group in digital trade, critical minerals, and sovereign AI infrastructure. They also discussed ongoing discussions between the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Prime Minister Carney underscored efforts toward establishing the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank), which would provide multi-year, low-cost financing for defence and security investments. He emphasised the DSR Bank's potential to unlock private capital to fund defence and security firms across the supply chain - creating massive opportunities for workers and businesses. The prime ministers agreed to task their teams to work together to advance this objective and ensure alignment of Canadian and UK efforts. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As China's Oil Giants Look Abroad, A Serbian City Finds Itself In Their Sights By Sonja Gocanin February 16, 2026 SMEDEREVO, Serbia -- Residents of Smederevo, a Serbian industrial city already blanketed by pollution from a Chinese-owned steel mill, are pushing back against plans for a $2.8 billion oil refinery backed by Chinese state-owned companies -- a project negotiated largely out of public view. Nearly two years after the refinery was announced, Serbia's government has refused to release the framework agreement signed with China Energy International Group. Serbia's Energy Ministry told RFE/RL the deal was a "business secret" and disclosing the agreement would interrupt negotiations with potential investors. Key details, including ownership structure, financing, and environmental safeguards, have been kept from the public for almost two years since the project, located about 60 kilometers from Belgrade, was announced. The opacity has fueled concern in Smederevo and elsewhere in Serbia, whose government has forged close political and economic bonds with Beijing and Chinese state-owned firms under Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. "We are not automatically against industry or even an oil refinery, but we believe Smederevo is the wrong place for it because we already have a major air pollution problem," Nikola Krstic, director of the local environmental NGO Fortress Movement, told RFE/RL. The refinery project follows a broader pattern in Serbia's dealings with Beijing: major projects negotiated through bilateral channels, shielded from public scrutiny, and often exempt from open tender because of a 2009 agreement between China and Serbia that allows for direct public contracting with Chinese firms. Analysts say the Serbian project aligns with a broader shift in China's oil sector. "It is expected that China will soon reach peak oil demand, possibly as early as next year," Plamen Tonchev, head of the Institute of International Economic Relations in Athens, told RFE/RL. "This means many Chinese refineries will shut down and look for opportunities abroad." Pollution Fears In An Industrial City According to Serbian officials, the refinery would employ some 700 people, with Serbian Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic sayingthe owner and operator would be "one of the Chinese oil companies," without naming which one. China Energy International Group, the company that signed the framework agreement with Belgrade, is the overseas arm of China Energy Engineering Corporation, a major state-owned enterprise focused on infrastructure and energy projects. The company regularly outsources and subcontracts work to other Chinese firms. "Only once we know the details will we know whether this is the surrender of a strategically important sector to a Chinese owner or simply nontransparent spending of state funds through commercial contracts," Stefan Vladisavljev, an expert on Beijing's role in the Balkans at Foundation BFPE, a Belgrade-based think tank, told RFE/RL. Dedovic Handanovic said the refinery would process up to 100,000 barrels per day, roughly matching the capacity of Serbia's main refinery in Pancevo, near Belgrade. Serbia also has a smaller-scale refinery in the city of Novi Sad that is no longer operational. Officials have presented the project as a way to reduce energy insecurity, especially as Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS), Serbia's sole crude oil refiner, was hit with US sanctions at the end of 2025 because of its majority-Russian ownership. In Smederevo, the main concern is further deterioration of air quality, which has already reached dangerous levels since the Chinese company HBIS acquired the largely defunct plant in 2016, according to Serbia's Environmental Protection Agency. While the renovated plant is a source of employment for the city, it has come with environmental costs, with the company being fined over high air pollution in 2024. "If we look at our experience with the steel plant, we have reasons to believe standards will not be respected," Krstic said. Other Smederevo residents also fear an oil refinery would worsen the already poor air quality. "I go out for an evening walk and I can't breathe," Bogosav Filipovic, a local pensioner, told RFE/RL. "The city already rejected this once," he said, referring to the 2010 referendum on refinery construction, which failed due to low turnout. At that time, the project was put forward by an US-Netherlands consortium, Comico Oil, but the project never advanced. The Energy Ministry told RFE/RL it will ensure that the "highest environmental standards" will be followed with the refinery project, although it did not explain how they would be enforced. China's 'Peak Oil' Sends Refiners Looking Abroad The International Energy Agency projected in March 2025 that China's oil product consumption would decline as electric vehicle adoption rises and the economy shifts toward services. "These trends have major implications for premium fuels, which are crucial for refinery profitability," the report said. But how that will play out in Serbia remains unclear. The Balkan country has signed more than 10 loan agreements with Chinese banks for infrastructure projects since2014. In those arrangements, Serbia borrows the money while Chinese companies execute the work. It's not known whether the refinery would follow that model or involve direct Chinese ownership. Secrecy around the agreement with China Energy International Group also raises questions about the company's role. China Energy International Group, Sinopec -- a massive state-owned Chinese energy company and the world's largest oil refiner -- and the private Serbian company Ors Oil Gaz all signed a memorandum of understanding to work on the refinery in November. Sinopec and Ors Oil Gaz did not reply to RFE/RL's request for comment. Erica Downs, a senior researcher at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, said China Energy International Group's role is likely centered around finding investors for the project, as well as designing and building the refinery. "Sinopec's interest in the refinery project aligns with its strategy of building and investing in overseas refineries as China approaches peak oil demand," she told RFE/RL. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-serbia-oil-refinery- balkans-sinopec-smederevo/33676814.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran slams US 'inhumane' sanctions on Cuba as breach of UN Charter, international law Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 8:44 AM Iran has strongly condemned the United States' "inhumane" sanctions against Cuba, saying Washington must be held accountable for its widespread violation of the Cuban people's rights. "Undoubtedly, economic sanctions against Cuba are a clear breach of the fundamental principles and rules of the United Nations Charter and international law," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement on Monday. These sanctions violate the right of nations to self-determination, the principle of respect for the national sovereignty of countries, and the prohibition of intervention in the internal affairs of states, he added. "The United States must be held accountable for its continued and systematic violation of these principles and rules, as well as for the widespread violation of the human rights of the Cuban people, which amounts to a crime against humanity," the spokesman said. He noted that the US has imposed an economic blockade on Cuba for more than 64 years, which has led to broad humanitarian and material consequences for the country in blatant violation of the fundamental human rights of its people. On January 29, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a purported national emergency and authorizing the imposition of trade tariffs on imports of oil from third countries to Cuba. Since the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January, the administration of Trump has deprived Cuba of its largest source of oil, Caracas. Trump is also pressuring Mexico to stop its fuel shipments to Havana, threatening to impose economic tariffs on all countries that ship oil to Cuba. Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, himself a Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, have made no secret of their desire to bring down the government in Havana. A decades-long US trade embargo was slapped on Havana shortly after the Cuban revolution of 1959, when Fidel Castro took power and established a socialist government in Havana. In 1962, the economic sanctions imposed on Havana were tightened into a full embargo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "We are asserting our freedom with our neighbours" Germany - Federal Government Speech by Federal Chancellor Merz at the Munich Security Conference In a world of increasing tensions, Europe must preserve its own values, protect its freedom and build on its strengths, emphasised Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in his speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Europe, he said, is more valuable today than ever before. Friday, 13 February 2026 in Munich "Together, we have crossed the threshold into an era that is once again openly characterised by power and, above all, great-power politics", said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in his opening speech at the 62nd Munich Security Conference. Our "first task as Europeans" today is, he said, to recognise this reality and "make provisions for the new era". The Chancellor emphasised that German foreign and security policy is always anchored in Europe. "We are asserting our freedom with our neighbours", said Merz. In the era of great powers, he said, Europe's freedom is at risk. In order to maintain this freedom, "firmness and willpower" are needed, as are a willingness to set a new course, to change and to make sacrifices. To this end, he said, Europe needs a "programme of freedom". According to Merz, this includes the further strengthening of Europe in particular - as a sovereign and strong Europe in NATO. In addition, the transatlantic relationship needs to be revitalised and a strong network with global partners should be established. The most important points from the speech in brief: New world disorder: "The international order, which was based on rights and rules", said Federal Chancellor Merz, "no longer exists". With the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, if not before, "a new phase of open wars and conflicts has begun". The struggle for spheres of influence, dependencies and allegiance sometimes pushes democratically constituted states to the very limits of their ability to act, Merz said. Transatlantic relations: According to the Chancellor, a rift has opened up with the USA, and the United States' claim to leadership is being challenged. On some issues, he said, Europe and the administration in Washington would come to different conclusions. But despite all the difficulties in the partnership, it still has potential, according to Merz. NATO, he said, is the shared competitive advantage - for Europe and for the USA. Europe's new role: The Chancellor also emphasised that Europe must preserve its interests and values and focus on its own strengths. Europe's freedom, he said, is predominant and is made possible by security and economic strength. With a programme of freedom, said Merz, Europe should be stronger and more sovereign in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Meets with Wang Yi Global Times By fmprc.gov.cn Published: Feb 16, 2026 04:10 PM On February 14, 2026 local time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Munich. Wang Yi first conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese leaders to Friedrich Merz. Wang Yi noted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's speech at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference on the previous day reflected the expectations of Germany and Europe for strategic autonomy as well as self-reliance and strength. China supports Germany in playing a greater role in this regard. All initiatives proposed and all actions taken by China on the international stage aim to uphold the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core. Although the UN's authority and standing have been weakened, its important status remains irreplaceable. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is aimed at revitalizing the UN and building a more just and equitable global governance system. Against this backdrop, China and Germany should demonstrate the responsibility as major countries, and make new contributions to promoting world peace and development. China expects Germany to be a booster for China-EU practical cooperation and a stabilizing anchor for China-EU strategic relations. Wang Yi stated that China and Germany share extensive common interests and strong complementary advantages. Strengthening cooperation is a strategic choice based on the practical needs of both countries. China stays committed to high-standard opening up, which will provide tremendous opportunities for German companies to invest and do business. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the German side will also provide a fairer and more equitable business environment for Chinese enterprises. China is ready to work with Germany to prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, explore and carry out tripartite cooperation, and lift the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership to a new level. Friedrich Merz asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to Chinese leaders. He stated that China has made remarkable and brilliant development achievements, and has become a strong country in the world, playing a pivotal role in the international community. Germany is committed to maintaining the rules-based international order and safeguarding the status and role of the World Trade Organization, which is consistent with China's philosophy on global governance. Upholding and practicing these philosophies together will benefit both countries and the world. Germany and China enjoy close economic and trade ties, and both are beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization. The two sides should seize opportunities, tap into the potential, and deepen cooperation. Germany consistently opposes protectionism, advocates free trade, and encourages German companies to increase investment and cooperation in China. Germany adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to close high-level exchanges with China to advance cooperation in various fields and work for greater development of Germany-China relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri inaugurates Missile Integration facility at BEL, Bengaluru; Flags-off Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems & unveils Mountain Fire Control Radar India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Remotely inaugurates Centre of Excellence for AI in Pune; Formally unveils BEL's AI Policy Shri Rajnath Singh briefed on advanced indigenous defence tech & ongoing R&D activities RM praises BEL for strengthening network-centric operations & taking combat effectiveness to a new level "Indigenous air defence & anti-drone systems effectively neutralised threats during Op Sindoor, Advancements through AI instills operational confidence in defence forces" "Domestic industry must stay ahead in technology race to achieve Viksit Bharat goal" Posted On: 16 FEB 2026 7:42PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on February 16, 2026, visited the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru, and inaugurated the Missile Integration facility at the premises, besides flagging-off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems & unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar. He also remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) located in Pune, and formally launched the company's AI Policy. Raksha Mantri was briefed on a range of advanced indigenous defence technologies, including AI-based solutions developed by Indian start-ups, highlighting the growing emphasis on innovation and indigenisation in the defence ecosystem. He commended BEL for making headway in cutting-edge technologies such as electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, electro-optics, and tank electronics. "BEL has strengthened the network-centric operations. Its integrated systems, real-time data sharing, and decision support capabilities have taken our combat effectiveness to a new level," he said. Shri Rajnath Singh was apprised of the ongoing R&D activities at BEL aligned with major national defence programmes, including the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile Systems (QRSAM), Light Combat Aircraft Mark II (LCA Mk II), Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Project Kusha (MR SAM/LR SAM), Counter Drone Systems, Naval Weapon Control Systems, etc. The briefing highlighted that indigenous R&D initiatives are enhancing operational preparedness across land, air, naval, and strategic domains, while reducing dependence on foreign technologies. Raksha Mantri acknowledged the fact that the systems developed in airspace defence, and counter-drone operations have demonstrated that India's indigenous solutions can meet global standards. Raksha Mantri highlighted that indigenously developed air defence and anti-drone systems were effectively utilised to neutralise threats during Operation Sindoor. "The advancement in threat prediction, early warning, and response mechanisms using AI instills operational confidence in our soldiers. They're assured that a strong scientific and engineering ecosystem always stands with them," he added. He underlined the importance of achieving victory with indigenous weapons and technologies in today's times, stating that only a self-reliant win gives the country renewed confidence. Raksha Mantri stressed that AI and quantum computing are no longer futuristic concepts, and their use in real-time decision-making, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and precision operations is changing battlefield dynamics. For India to become a developed nation, he exhorted BEL, other DPSUs and industry partners to stay ahead of the curve in the new revolution that lies ahead. He encouraged the R&D community at BEL to collaborate with start-ups, industry, and academia for agile product development using the latest technologies in AI and autonomous systems. He also stressed upon the need for BEL to prioritise cross-disciplinary collaboration, innovation, and rapid prototyping to create world-class products, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat. Indigenisation initiatives undertaken by Central Research Laboratories, CoE-Electronics Warfare & Photonics, CoE-Communication, CoE-Radar & Weapon Systems & Product Development and Innovation Centre of BEL were showcased during the briefing. The start-ups and industry partners also exhibited their products. Raksha Mantri interacted with start-ups & young scientists and motivated them to come out with more and more advanced Indigenous technologies. Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Secretary & DG (Acquisition) Shri A Anbarasu, Chairman & Managing Director, BEL Shri Manoj Jain and other officials were present on the occasion. ***** VK/Savvy (Release ID: 2228831) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri reviews projects of indigenous military gas turbine engine development during visit to DRDO's GTRE in Bengaluru India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Lauds GTRE for bolstering national security through self-reliance "Govt is committed to achieving self-reliance in aero engines development" "Op Sindoor demonstrated India's growing Aatmanirbharta in defence, Need to focus more on manufacturing world-class indigenous systems" Posted On: 16 FEB 2026 3:28PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on February 16, 2026, visited DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, and reviewed the status of ongoing projects relating to indigenous military gas turbine engine development. He was briefed on the establishment's projects on the anvil, interactions with the Indian Industry, academia and R&D institutes, and the support provided to the defence forces. He also visited the exhibition showcasing various indigenous engines & their parts and witnessed the full afterburner engine test of the Kaveri engine. Interacting with the scientists and officials, Raksha Mantri praised GTRE for its efforts towards bolstering national security through self-reliance, describing DRDO as the foundation of India's strategic capability. He underscored the critical importance of achieving Aatmanirbharta in aero engine technology in the present rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, and stated that every effort is being made to prioritise the development of aero engines in India. "Supply chains are breaking and new ecosystems are developing. Nations possessing indigenous critical technologies will remain safe, secure, and sustain themselves," he stated, reiterating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government's commitment to achieving self-reliance in every field. Acknowledging GTRE's efforts in this critical technology domain, Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the lab to strive and focus on next generation engines by building a nationwide robust ecosystem, while achieving self-reliance in aero engines. He added that "We are rapidly moving towards the design and development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). We have made numerous attempts in the past to achieve expertise in the field of aero engines. Now, the time has come to complete those efforts. We cannot limit ourselves to only 5th generation engines. We must begin the development of 6th generation, advanced technologies as soon as possible. Research on them is the need of the hour. The use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and new materials is increasing. We must stay ahead of the curve." Raksha Mantri described aero engine development as an extremely complex endeavour, integrating thermodynamics, material science, fluid mechanics and advanced mechanical engineering. Noting that even developed nations often take 25-30 years to develop next-generation engines, he urged Indian scientists to compress timelines in view of the nation's strategic needs. "We must assume that 20 years have already passed and we now have only 5-7 years left," he said, describing it as a call to action aligned with national aspirations. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that during the operation, the defence forces demonstrated India's growing Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector. "Whether it was communication systems, surveillance equipment, or attack weapons, everything was indigenous. This boosted the morale of our soldiers and instilled pride among citizens. In view of the evolving challenges, it is imperative to focus more on indigenous methods and provide our forces with world-class systems and equipment," he said. Raksha Mantri praised GTRE for the joint study with the UK for aero engine development, adding that the process has been initiated with France as well for aero engines under the National Aero Engine Mission. "Both France and UK are very advanced in aero engine technology. These collaborations will not only provide us with the opportunity to learn new technologies, but also help us to understand the challenges they have faced over the past decades," he said. Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted the dual-use potential of such complex technologies, stating that GTRE is making high-temperature composites, which could significantly benefit civil aviation, power generation and space sectors in the future. He stated that India is one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world and technological advancements achieved today in defence aero engines could play a transformative role in civil aviation and economic growth tomorrow. Raksha Mantri called for capitalising on the numerous opportunities India provides, making special mention of the free trade agreement between India and the European Union, which had been pending for 18 years, has now been completed. This trade agreement is an acknowledgement of India's growing economic and political power, he said. He also referred to his recent meeting with the Defence Minister of Greece, who he said, views India not as an emerging power, but as a superpower. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and senior scientists & officials of GTRE were present on the occasion. **** VK/Savvy/SS (Release ID: 2228670) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INDIAN NAVY INAUGURATES MILAN VILLAGE AS PART OF EXERCISE MILAN 2026, VISAKHAPATNAM India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 16 FEB 2026 11:48AM by PIB Delhi Indian Navy inaugurated the MILAN Village on 15 Feb 2026 at the Eastern Naval Command, as part of its flagship international naval exercise, MILAN 2026. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, who formally opened the village for the participating navies and walked around the facilities setup to promote global maritime engagement. The thoughtfully curated MILAN Village, has been conceptualised and created as an experience zone that brings together delegates and naval personnel from over 70 countries in an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship. It serves as a hub for social and cultural exchanges, enabling engagement beyond professional horizons. A central feature of the MILAN village is its emphasis on cultural exchange, offering a rich and immersive glimpse into India's diverse heritage and tradition. The village will host live performances by vocal artists, traditional folk-dance performances and cultural ensembles reflecting the vibrant artistic legacy of India. The village features a variety of stalls featuring naval souvenirs, handicraft and handloom products. Together, they showcase craftmanship from across the country. In addition, visitors will be treated to mouth-watering Indian cuisine, offering a diverse range of regional flavours & tastes of India. In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, highlighted that "MILAN Village reflects the spirit of camaraderie and cultural connect that complements professional naval engagement. As Visakhapatnam hosts IFR, MILAN and IONS in close succession, this convergence represents a significant moment in India's maritime outreach and cooperative engagement with partner navies." The opening of the MILAN Village also marks the beginning of a broader sequence of engagements and events being conducted at Visakhapatnam by the Indian Navy. Exercise MILAN 2026, to be held at Visakhapatnam from 15 to 25 Feb 2026, will form a key pillar of India's historic maritime convergence alongside International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs. As one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, MILAN 2026 will bring together navies from across the globe to strengthen interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and collective response capabilities. The Harbour and Sea Phases of the exercise will focus on complex maritime operations including anti-submarine warfare, air defence, search and rescue, and cooperative security missions, reinforcing a shared commitment to free, open, inclusive, and rules-based seas. MILAN 2026 represents a major operational manifestation of the Hon'ble Prime Minister's MAHASAGAR vision, reaffirming India's role as a Preferred Security Partner and a responsible stakeholder in the global maritime commons. As a cultural centrepiece of MILAN 2026, the MILAN Village embodies the theme "Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration". It symbolizes the shared commitment of participating navies for mutual cultural exchange, building bridges of friendship and forging collective maritime partnerships. **** VM/SKY (Release ID: 2228574) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's FM meets with IAEA chief ahead of US talks in Geneva IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 16, 2026 Geneva, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, ahead of a new round of nuclear and sanctions removal talks with the United States. Araghchi had earlier announced that he would hold deep technical discussions during his meeting with Grossi on Monday, where a team of Iranian nuclear experts will be present. According to the announced schedule, the top Iranian diplomat will also meet with his Omani counterpart, Badr Al-Busaid before the start of indirect negotiations with the United States. Like the previous round of Iran-US talks in Muscat last week, Al-Busaid will play the intermediary role between the delegations of the two countries in the Swiss city. Araghchi wrote on X early in the morning that he is in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal, adding that submission before threats is not on the negotiation table, a reference to anti-Iran rhetoric and pressure. The Iranian Foreign Minister, accompanied by a high-ranking diplomatic and specialized delegation, arrived in Switzerland on Sunday night. Apart from attending the second round of talks with the US, he would also address the United Nations' Conference on Disarmament. 4399**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive | Iran attends Geneva talks with comprehensive delegation: Spokesman IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 16, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- Tehran has dispatched a comprehensive delegation to Geneva for the second round of negotiations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei says, stressing that Iran sees no benefit in prolonging the talks. In an exclusive interview with IRNA published shortly before the Iranian delegation's departure for Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday, Baqaei said, "In this round of negotiations, we will attend with a full team; a political, legal, economic, and technical team." "From our side, all the experts and representatives necessary to comment on and decide about the various dimensions of an understanding are present," he said. He emphasized that Tehran seeks to conclude the negotiations within the shortest possible timeframe and has therefore ensured the presence of all required specialists in Geneva. "We are negotiating under conditions of complete suspicion and mistrust. We have previous experiences, and we are not permitted under any circumstances to take these experiences even for a moment out of our sight," he said. Baqaei added that Iran's positions are being advanced within frameworks defined by higher authorities, noting that the diplomatic apparatus has played its "natural role" in drafting those guidelines. He said the Geneva talks will be a continuation of discussions previously held in Oman, expressing hope that the negotiations would best secure the country's interests. Referring to Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani's recent trips to Muscat and Doha, Baqaei said the visits were part of pre-planned diplomatic consultations with neighbors and regional countries, adding that it was natural for the negotiations to be among the topics discussed during such engagements. Baqaei said Iran's negotiating framework is "completely clear," underlining that the Islamic Republic remains a committed member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), accepting both its obligations and its rights. "Our right under Article 4 of the treaty is the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and enrichment is also considered part of that," he said. "That the level of enrichment should be how much, to what extent, and how many centrifuges we should have are matters that naturally we have not yet reached those details." He noted that the 12-day war imposed by Israel and the US on Iran significantly altered certain aspects of the situation. "The attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities was a criminal act that had its own specific consequences. Therefore, we are now facing new conditions in this new round, but the subject is the same; that is, the subject remains nuclear." According to Baqaei, the other side attempted through "illegal means" to achieve its objectives but failed. "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is in no way justifiable on any logical, legal or moral basis, but our subject of discussion remains the nuclear issue," he said, adding that the blow dealt to diplomacy and the damage inflicted on the diplomatic process were "irreparable." He also criticized shifting and contradictory US positions, saying, "The problem we have is the change in views and contradictory positions; not only from the negotiators, but from some other American officials." "They send completely contradictory signals and messages, none of which indicate seriousness," he added. Referring to Washington's "moving of the goalpost," Baqaei said the absence of basic commitments to a diplomatic process, such as adhering to declared negotiating positions, has complicated the talks. Still, he offered a cautious assessment, saying that "based on what has been told to us," the US position on Iran's nuclear issue appears to be "moving toward greater realism." "For us, time is important," he stated. "Our people are under pressure from unjust sanctions and reason and logic dictate that we should be able to lift these sanctions as soon as possible. Therefore, there is no benefit in prolonging the negotiations. As I said, we enter any diplomatic process with a result-oriented approach." 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump would back Israeli strikes on Iran's missile program if U.S.-Iran talks fail: report People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:03, February 16, 2026 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As Trump weighs "phase two," Tehran heads to Geneva for 2nd round of talks with red lines intact People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:53, February 16, 2026 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: World bears responsibility to counter Israel's rights violations in West Asia Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 5:00 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran says the international community shoulders the responsibility to confront the Israeli regime's continued gross violations of humanitarian law in West Asia. Araghchi made the remark in a meeting with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger in the Swiss city of Geneva on Monday. The Iranian foreign minister is in Geneva to take part in a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States. Araghchi said all countries need to make serious efforts to safeguard the principles of international humanitarian law. The Israeli regime and the United States, he said, clearly violated human rights by killing Iranian people and hitting civilian targets and infrastructure during the military aggression of June 2025. The United Nations and relevant international bodies, including the ICRC, bear the responsibility to take a clear stance in this regard, Araghchi said. Spoljaric, for her part, said the ICRC is ready to improve cooperation with Iran, particularly with the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The ICRC president also emphasized the necessity for all countries to strive towards deepening adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law. During the meeting, Araghchi and Spoljaric discussed international humanitarian law issues and cooperation between Iran and the ICRC. In July 2025, the ICRC representative in Iran, Vincent Cassard, visited Tehran's Evin prison following the Israeli regime's airstrike that killed 79 people there. Cassard expressed shock over the extent of the attack, which he described as a violation of international law. He said the ICRC monitors the implementation of international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits any attack on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including prisons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says entered indirect talks with US in good faith, with 'result-oriented approach' Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 10:50 AM Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says Tehran has entered the indirect negotiations with the United States with a result-oriented approach, while expressing misgivings over Washington's "contradictory statements." Iran has entered the talks "seriously, in good faith, and with a result-oriented approach," Baghaei told IRNA on Monday, shortly before the Iranian delegation departed Tehran for Switzerland on Sunday evening. He added that it remains to be seen how serious the other side is in advancing a "genuine diplomatic process." Baqaei also said that Iran's problem is the shifting positions and contradictory statements, not only from the negotiators, but also from other American officials. "They are sending completely inconsistent signals and messages, none of which indicate seriousness," he said, adding that Iran is negotiating "in an atmosphere of full mistrust and skepticism" and cannot afford to ignore its past experiences "even for a single moment." Iranian and American delegations, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, resumed nuclear talks in Muscat on February 6, months after Israel's aggression in June 2025. The Omani foreign minister was shuttling between the sides, with the talks being held indirectly as before. The second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States is being held in Geneva with the mediation of Oman's foreign minister at the Omani mission. The negotiating table brings together Witkoff and Araghchi, following what both sides described as a constructive but preliminary first round in Muscat. "In this round of negotiations, we will be present with a complete team political, legal, economic and technical," Baghaei said. "All experts and representatives necessary to express views and make decisions on the various aspects of a potential understanding are in attendance." Referring to recent regional consultations, including visits by Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani to Muscat and Doha, Baghaei said feedback from those exchanges has been assessed to gauge "the seriousness and good faith of the other side." The spokesman rejected media claims and social media speculation about US proposals, including temporary suspension or strict limits on uranium enrichment. "The best description for such claims is 'baseless,'" Baghaei said. "We are not going to discuss details in the media. Details are discussed inside the negotiation room." He reiterated that Iran, as a committed member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), enjoys the right under Article IV to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including enrichment. "Our position is clear," he said. "We participate in a negotiation in which Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment, is respected." Asked whether enrichment constitutes a non-negotiable red line, Baghaei replied, "As long as you are a member of the NPT, abandoning this right would render continued membership meaningless." Baghaei noted that recent military developments had altered the diplomatic environment, referring to attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities during previous negotiations. "We were in the middle of a negotiation with even the date for the sixth-round set when we were subjected to military attack," he said. "The blow dealt to diplomacy is irreparable." He stressed that Iranian negotiators must proceed with "extraordinary caution," warning that shifting and contradictory messages from US officials undermine confidence. Baghaei underscored the continued role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), saying Iran remains engaged with the agency under its safeguards obligations. "The agency, as a technical body supervising implementation of the NPT and safeguards, can play a positive role," he said. Responding to suggestions that Iran might seek to buy time, Baghaei dismissed the accusation as "a big lie." "For us, time matters," he said. "Our people are under pressure from unjust sanctions, and logic dictates that we remove them as soon as possible. There is no benefit for us in prolonging negotiations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM, IAEA chief meet in Geneva ahead of new round of indirect talks with US Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 10:34 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi have met in the Swiss city of Geneva. According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi and Grossi discussed certain technical issues related to Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA in the framework of safeguards cooperation and the Iranian Parliament's law regarding the issue. Iran's technical viewpoints regarding its indirect negotiations with the United States were also discussed, it added. The Monday meeting came as Iran and the United States are to hold a second round of indirect talks on the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program on Tuesday. Oman is expected to continue its intermediary role. The Iranian foreign minister is also scheduled to hold a meeting with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi. In a post on his X account, Grossi said he has just completed "in-depth technical discussions" with Araghchi. The IAEA chief added that the meeting was held "in preparation for important negotiations scheduled for tomorrow in Geneva." Araghchi also wrote on X that he is in Geneva for a new round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the US with concrete proposals, rejecting any pressure-driven concessions. "I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal," he added, stressing, "What is not on the table: Submission before threats." Iranian and American delegations, led by Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, resumed nuclear talks in Muscat on February 6, months after Israel's aggression of June 2025. Iran's main demand in Muscat remains the effective and verifiable lifting of economic sanctions. Officials in Tehran have repeatedly stated that any agreement without tangible economic benefit would be meaningless in practice. The negotiations will take place as US President Donald Trump has deployed military forces to the region, heightening concerns about possible new military action. US officials said on February 12 that the Pentagon was sending an additional aircraft carrier to the region, adding thousands more troops along with fighter aircraft and guided-missile destroyers. In late January, Trump spoke of "another beautiful armada" of warships heading toward Iran and claimed that failure to reach a deal would bring consequences "far worse" than the June strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Anti-war organizations, however, caution that another confrontation would be disastrous, pointing to the 12-day war in June 2025 as a stark example. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran pursues talks and deterrence simultaneously, will not give in to threats: Security chief Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 8:04 AM Iran's security chief says while Tehran pursues negotiations, it keeps deterrence in place in the face of any act of aggression against the country. "Iran is not seeking war, but will not surrender in the face of threats, and it relies on a combination of negotiations and deterrence," Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani said in an interview with al Jazeera on Sunday. He added that Iran has increased its level of preparedness and is currently ready to engage in fair negotiations about its peaceful nuclear program to remove concerns without harming national security. Larijani noted that he had not delivered any written response on the part of Iran concerning US demands during his visit to Oman last week, saying what took place was an exchange of views that is still going on. He reiterated that regional countries support the achievement of a political solution to Iran's nuclear issue. During his visit to Muscat on Tuesday, Larijani held talks with senior Omani officials, including Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The visit came amid preparations for further indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. Discussions mainly focused on the latest regional and international developments, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Iranian and American delegations, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, resumed nuclear talks in Muscat on February 6, months after Israel's aggression in June 2025. The Omani foreign minister was shuttling between the sides, with the talks being held indirectly as before. Larijani further said Tehran regards the negotiations with Washington as positive, provided that they are fair and reasonable and do not serve as a tool for buying time or imposing issues outside the nuclear framework. He noted that these negotiations should only be about the nuclear issue and nothing else. He said Iran's missile program has nothing to do with the negotiation and was not discussed during the recent talks with the US, as it is a matter of national security, saying, "Defensive deterrence is non-negotiable." "What Mr. Trump announced was that Iran should not move towards [obtaining] nuclear weapons. They (West) should address our concerns. We also completely agree on not moving towards [obtaining such] weapons, so there is a common and reasonable issue that can be the subject of discussion between the two sides," he added. The top security official emphasized that Iran accepts the International Atomic Energy Agency's monitoring of its nuclear sites but only as per the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He rejected "unrealistic" talks about Iran's "zero enrichment", adding that the country has legitimate medical and research needs and that nuclear knowledge cannot be eliminated by political decisions. Larijani pointed to the possibility of a large-scale war and said that based on past experience, escalating tensions has not been to the benefit of the initiators. He, however, emphasized that Iran is prepared for all scenarios but does not seek to fuel the conflict. The SNSC secretary added that the positions of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in opposing military action against Iran showed their understanding of its dangers to the entire region and expressed Tehran's readiness to strengthen relations based on mutual respect. On Iran's cooperation with China and Russia, he said that such cooperation is based on shared interests, saying their support for Tehran at the UN Security Council reflects a political partnership. Iran's pivot to the East has been a result of the West's failure to fulfill its promises, he pointed out. US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric in recent months and repeatedly threatened military action against Iran. Trump has deployed military forces to the region, heightening concerns about possible new military action. US officials said on February 12 that the Pentagon was sending an additional aircraft carrier to the region, adding thousands more troops along with fighter aircraft and guided-missile destroyers. In late January, Trump spoke of "another beautiful armada" of warships heading toward Iran and claimed that failure to reach a deal would bring consequences "far worse" than the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. Anti-war organizations, however, caution that another confrontation would be disastrous, pointing to the 12-day war as a stark example. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing civilians and senior commanders and nuclear scientists. The US also joined the war by attacking three of Iran's nuclear facilities. The Islamic Republic, however, managed to impose a halt to the criminal aggression through its successful retaliatory attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran heading into nuclear talks with 'real ideas'; submission under threats out of question: FM Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 6:49 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says he is in Geneva for a new round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States with concrete proposals, rejecting any pressure-driven concessions. "Joined by nuclear experts, I will meet [International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General] Rafael Grossi on Mon for deep technical discussion. Also meeting [Omani Foreign Minister] Badr al-Busaidi ahead of diplomacy with US on Tues," the top diplomat wrote on X on Monday. "I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal," he added, stressing, "What is not on the table: Submission before threats." Araghchi arrived in the Swiss city on Sunday night for the second round of indirect negotiations with the US on Iran's peaceful nuclear energy program, throughout which Oman is expected to continue its intermediary role. The foreign minister is accompanied by a high-ranking diplomatic and specialized delegation. The first round of the negotiations was held earlier this month in the Omani capital Muscat. During his stay in Geneva, Araghchi is set to meet as well with his Swiss counterpart and other international figures. He will also address the United Nations Conference on Disarmament. Following the first round, Araghchi described the negotiations as a "good start" and said they could be continued. Iran's main demand during the Muscat talks was the effective and verifiable lifting of economic sanctions. Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that any agreement lacking tangible economic benefits would be meaningless in practice. The negotiations are taking place as the US has resorted to a significant military buildup across West Asia, starting with sending its USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the region. US officials said on February 12 that the Pentagon was sending over an additional carrier, along with thousands more troops, warplanes, and guided-missile destroyers, raising concerns about possible new military aggression. While defining diplomacy as its tool of first resort, the Islamic Republic has vowed to respond resolutely to any fresh instance of military adventurism by Washington and its allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Tests Economic Pitch To Entice Trump Into Deal By Kian Sharifi February 16, 2026 Ahead of new talks with the United States, Iran has floated possible investment opportunities in its lucrative oil and gas industry to entice President Donald Trump into a new nuclear deal that would lift crippling US economic sanctions on Tehran. Iranian and US negotiators are scheduled to meet in Geneva on February 17 over a deal aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear program and preventing war as Washington continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Hamid Qanbari said on February 15 that potential energy, mining, and aircraft deals were on the table in talks with the United States. "For an agreement to be sustainable, it is essential that the United States can also benefit in sectors with high and rapid economic returns," Qanbari told the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi used a similar strategy in April 2025 when he pitched Iran's sanctions-hit economy as a "trillion-dollar" investment opportunity amid negotiations with Washington. But just weeks later, the United States joined Israel's bombing campaign against Iran, striking three key nuclear sites. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, said there is a critical mismatch between Iran's economic incentives and Trump's approach to foreign policy. Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Farda, he said Trump is not particularly interested in US companies investing abroad. Instead, he prefers foreign money flowing into the United States -- like when Arab states in the Persian Gulf pledged large investments in the US economy last year. "Iran tried to play this card last year as well, but it showed that it does not fully understand Trump's style," he said. "Using economic investment as leverage might be appealing to [Trump], but not in the way the Islamic republic has approached it." Iran's new pitch comes amid reports that the United States and Israel have agreed to increase their economic pressure on Tehran, especially by tightening the noose on its energy sales to China, which purchases nearly 80 percent of Iran's oil exports. Raz Zimmt, who leads the Iran Program at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran would need to make "significant economic and political reforms" to make any sort of US investment viable. Aside from corruption and the deep involvement of the US-blacklisted Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Iran's economy suffers from a lack of transparency, he said. Iran is among only three countries on the blacklist of the global anti-money laundering watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force. "There is no reason for [Iran's investment pitch] to resonate" with the United States, Zimmt argued. Roya Karimi Majd of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-economic-incentives- nuclear-deal-trump/33679740.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Outlines 'Red Lines' in Talks With US Sputnik News 20260216 Iran has outlined its "red lines" in talks with the US, saying negotiations will focus only on nuclear issues and that Tehran will not abandon uranium enrichment, a source told Sputnik. Iran and the United States are expected to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions in more detail at talks in Geneva, an Iranian source said. "The new round of talks is expected to allow for a more detailed examination of certain nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions against Tehran. Such discussions are expected to take place," the source said. Iran is ready to consider US proposals at the talks, but only in the context of issues related to the Iranian nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against Tehran, the source added. Tehran believes Israel is trying to influence the negotiation process between Iran and the United States and hinder an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, an Iranian source said. "By setting conditions or proposing restrictions, Israel is seeking to influence the American agenda. Israel's goal is to create obstacles to an agreement, not diplomatic progress," the source said, commenting on the upcoming talks and Israel's demands ahead of the new round of Iran-US dialogue. On Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that indirect talks between Iran and the US on the Iranian nuclear issue will be held in Geneva on February 17. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 Iranian Foreign Minister to Hold Technical Discussion With IAEA Chief Ahead of US Talks Sputnik News 20260216 TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that he will hold technical discussions with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Geneva ahead of negotiations with the United States. "Joined by nuclear experts, I will meet Rafael Grossi on Mon for deep technical discussion," Araghchi wrote on X. He added he would also meet with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi ahead of diplomacy with the US on Tuesday. "I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats," Araghchi said. Talks between US and Iranian delegations on Iran's nuclear program were held in the Omani capital, Muscat, on February 6. US President Donald Trump said they went well. At the same time, Araghchi said that Tehran insisted on its right to enrich uranium, even if this led to war. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strait of Hormuz under 24-hour surveillance: IRGC navy chief IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 17, 2026 Tehran, IRNA -- The commander of the naval force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has informed about the round-the-clock surveillance by the IRGC intelligence unit over the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil transit route linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. Speaking on Monday, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri referred to the ongoing maneuver dubbed "Defensive Strength and Offensive Operations from the Persian Gulf Islands," calling the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz "invincible fortresses" and "national honor" for Iranians. He said the exercises, involving new tactic and equipment, are part of the annual program to prepare for the security of this strategic region, adding that responsibility for defending the islands and securing the strategic waterway lies with the IRGC Navy. Rear Admiral Tangsiri continued by saying that the rapid and decisive response of the IRGC operational units to maritime insecurity plots is at the center of the drills that safeguard the interests of countries navigating through the strait. According to him, the IRGC's surveillance is strategic in ensuring the security of passage, and therefore, the navy's oversight of the Strait of Hormuz but is comprehensive, covering surface, aerial and subsurface movements. Underscoring the critical role the Strait of Hormuz plays in regional and global trade, the navy commander noted that more than 80 oil tankers and commercial ships pass through the strait every day and the IRGC surveillance is aimed at ensuring secure passage for non-hostile countries whose economic interests are linked to this waterway. 4399**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. February 16, 2026 13:45 The leaders discussed the progress in implementing agreements on the further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relationship between Russia and Kazakhstan, paying particular attention to mutually beneficial joint projects in trade and economy. Vladimir Putin confirmed he would attend the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council to be held in late May in Astana. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev invited the President of Russia to make a state visit to Kazakhstan in conjunction with attending the event. His invitation was gratefully accepted. In addition, a number of current international matters were discussed as well. The leaders agreed to maintain close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, met today in Abu Dhabi with His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - February 16, 2026 No PR-50/2026-ISPR Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, met today in Abu Dhabi with His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, particularly in the fields of economic collaboration, investment and security. They also exchanged views on regional developments and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to promote peace and stability in the region. Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its longstanding investments and continued support to Pakistan's economy and security over the decades. He noted that such support reflects the deep-rooted historical relations between the two brotherly countries and commended the constructive role of the UAE leadership in advancing economic and social development in Pakistan. Field Marshal Asim Munir further affirmed that the security and stability of the United Arab Emirates are an integral part of Pakistan's own security, given the enduring historical relations and strong strategic partnership between the two countries. He reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to continuing joint efforts to further strengthen this partnership in all fields, in a manner that serves the interests of both brotherly peoples and contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: West reviving Navalny case to divert attention from Epstein scandal Iran Press TV Monday, 16 February 2026 6:53 AM Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says Western countries are trying to divert attention from the Epstein files with their statements about the alleged poisoning of blogger Alexey Navalny, listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia. In a joint statement, Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands on Saturday claimed analyses of samples from Navalny's body "conclusively" confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America and not found naturally in Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said the initiative came from the EU member states themselves, not from Washington, adding, "This does not mean that we disagree with the result. It was simply not our initiative." Commenting on Channel One on European statements and the fact that the US distanced itself from them, Zakharova pointed out that she does not intend to "distance herself from these statements, because she knows what is going on." "This statement was necessary to interrupt the information agenda, which, from the Western perspective, was literally ruined by the publication of the Epstein files," the spokeswoman explained. Alexei Navalny, a prominent adversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the past ten years, passed away in February 2024, while imprisoned in an Arctic penal colony. He had been sentenced to 19 years for "extremism." Navalny was taken ill on a domestic flight on August 20, 2020. He was later transported to the German capital, where he was hospitalized with alleged poisoning. His aides, as well as the German government and some Western countries, claimed he had been poisoned before the domestic Russian flight, blaming Moscow. Moscow has repeatedly rejected the allegations, saying the West is exploiting the case for political reasons and using it as a pretext to impose more sanctions against Russia. Zakharova added that the scale, reaction, and impact of the Epstein files' publication on the entire world were comparable to a global flood, and therefore, something was needed to direct the international community's attention in a different direction. Epstein, who had connections to numerous powerful figures, including US President Donald Trump, Britain's former Prince Andrew, and former US President Bill Clinton, was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. Two months later, he was found dead in a New York jail cell. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though the circumstances have fueled years of speculation about his high-profile associates and possible efforts to conceal the full scope of his crimes. Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress, the DOJ released files on Epstein and his accomplices and enablers. Some of the sex trafficker's emails reveal correspondence suggesting he acted as a private diplomat and intelligence fixer for a range of political figures. Zakharova pointed out that Westerners once hyped up the topic of Navalny to the utmost, forcing the topic of his poisoning upon the world for years by framing it with elements of detective work and conspiracy theories to make it interesting, all in order to "overshadow the Epstein issue." She noted a second reason for the West's actions, pointing out that the entire Munich Security Conference was devoted to the topic of Russia's special military operation, and something was needed to get the ball rolling. She emphasized that no one takes the representatives of the Kiev regime seriously anymore, as they are marginalized even by the Western community, so a springboard was needed to continue pushing the thesis that Russia is about to attack. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Navalny's Mother Demands Justice As Supporters Mark Anniversary Of His Death By RFE/RL February 16, 2026 The mother of Aleksei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in prison on February 16, 2024, said European laboratory findings that he was killed with a toxin derived from South American poison dart frogs confirmed "what we knew from the beginning.... He was murdered." Lyudmila Navalnaya spoke at a memorial service held in honor of her son at the Borisovskoye cemetery in Moscow, where dozens of people gathered to mark the second anniversary of Navalny's death. Video shared by the SOTA Telegram channel showed people laying flowers at his grave. Representatives from several European diplomatic missions -- including Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Latvia, and others -- were also seen arriving at the cemetery. A longtime anti-corruption fighter and Russia's most prominent opposition politician for over a decade, Navalny died in a harsh prison known as Polar Wolf in Russia's Yamalo-Nenets district settlement of Kharp, north of the Arctic Circle, while serving a 19-year sentence. "We can't afford to become apathetic and believe that our country has no future," former Navalny associate Ksenia Fadeyeva told RFE/RL's Russian Service in an interview marking the anniversary of his death. "If we do believe that it's all over and that evil has prevailed, it really will prevail," added Fadeyeva, who learned of Navalny's death while she herself was in detention in Russia. She was later released in a prisoner exchange in 2024, in which Navalny was initially also supposed to be included. The Russian authorities have maintained Navalny died of natural causes. But European laboratories found the toxin epibatidine in his samples, confirming suspicions that he was poisoned. The governments of five European countries on February 14 released a statement saying they are confident Navalny was poisoned with a lethal toxin not found naturally in Russia. "This confirms what we knew from the very beginning. We knew that our son did not simply die in prison: He was murdered," Lyudmila Navalnaya said in reaction to the statement. "I think it will take some time, but we will find out who did it," she told reporters outside the cemetery, adding, "We want justice to prevail." The Kremlin dismissed the European statement. "We naturally do not accept such accusations; we disagree with them. We consider them biased and unfounded," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on February 16. "We categorically reject them." In response to the statement, Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said "Vladimir Putin is a murderer. He must be punished for all his crimes." Yulia Navalnayastated in September last year that laboratories in two unspecified European countries found evidence that her husband had been poisoned. "We have achieved truth, and we will also achieve justice one day," she posted on X on February 16. French President Emmanuel Macron marked the anniversary with a message describing Navalny's death as "premeditated." He stated that it revealed "everything about the Kremlin's weakness and its fear of any opponent," adding that "truth always prevails." According to Navalny's team, which works in exile, events are planned in Russia and over 20 other countries to commemorate the death of deceased Russian opposition leader. With reporting from RFE/RL's Russian Service, AFP, and DPA Source: Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint likeminded statement on the occasion of the second anniversary of Alexei Navalny`s death on 16 February 2024 Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 17 February 2026 Category: International relations On the second commemoration of Alexei Navalny's death in a Russian penal colony, we once again express our deepest condolences to his family. We underline that the Russian authorities remain solely responsible. The February 3rd judgement by the European Court of Human Rights furthermore underlined that Russia bears responsibility for the inhuman and degrading treatment of Navalny in detention and for the lack of adequate response to his requests. Especially given recent findings published by the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands, we reiterate our demands for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The human rights situation in Russia has rapidly deteriorated before and ever since this tragic event, as reports from the UN Special Rapporteur have shown. The Kremlin has consolidated and expanded its repertoire of repressive tactics and the misuse of national security legislation in particular has brought about harsh sentences against human right defenders, journalists, lawyers and doctors, among many others. As Navalny`s legacy endures, we stand by the brave Russian human rights defenders and independent civil society actors that continue to work under ever greater personal risks. According to independent human rights monitor OVD-Info, more than 1,700 people are currently detained in Russia on political grounds, including Ukrainian political prisoners in Russian captivity; many of them for speaking up and acting against Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The UN Special Rapporteur`s reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. Within Ukraine, the Russian state has intensified its violence and aggression against the Ukrainian people. The repression inside Russia furthermore enables its aggression abroad. We remain steadfast: The Russian authorities must fully comply with all their international obligations and release all political prisoners. Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan to prioritize special defense budget in legal review: Legislative Speaker ROC Central News Agency 02/16/2026 03:57 PM Taipei, Feb. 16 (CNA) Taiwan's Legislature will place the NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget as its first item for review when the new session begins after the Lunar New Year holiday, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu () said Monday. In a joint statement with Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang (), Han said the two, both from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), would facilitate cross-party negotiations on the proposal, stressing that they act as representatives of the entire Legislature rather than a single party. The special defense budget and related proposals will be the "very first" items to be reviewed in the new session, which is set to begin in late February after the Lunar New Year holiday, Han and Chiang said. The Legislature will fully discuss and review the related bills in line with the country's defense needs and public expectations, the statement said, adding that doing so would conform to democratic procedures and help Taiwanese society reach consensus on national defense. Han and Chiang issued the statement in response to a letter from a group of 34 U.S. lawmakers from both chambers of Congress sent Thursday, expressing concern over the unprecedented threat from Beijing and the possibility that only part of the eight-year, NT$1.25 trillion special budget would be approved. The two said they value open and frank exchanges with the United States and the views of American lawmakers, pledging to contribute to Taiwan's security and the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In the letter, the U.S. lawmakers said "the U.S. must address the massive backlog in weapons deliveries to Taiwan" while calling on Taiwan to significantly increase its defense spending "at levels reflected in President Lai Ching-te's proposed special budget." Late last year, Taiwan's Cabinet proposed a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.5 billion) special defense budget for 2026-2033 to strengthen Taiwan's defense resilience and asymmetric capabilities. However, the Legislative Yuan has repeatedly blocked its review since Lai announced it in November. Backed by the main opposition KMT, the smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP) proposed its own version of a national defense special act on Jan. 30, which caps arms spending at NT$400 billion through 2033 and requires funding to be allocated on an annual basis. On Monday, Lai said the special budget would amount to NT$156 billion per year. He cited Japan's and South Korea's defense budgets for 2026, which are NT$1.8 trillion and NT$1.4 trillion, respectively, saying Taiwan is financially capable of allocating the proposed defense spending given its economic strength. (By Yang Yao-ju, Chao Yen-hsiang and Ko Lin) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.02.17 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Feb. 16 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Feb. 17 (Tue.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.PRC balloon activities 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. 1150217_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_1 1150217_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_2 1150217_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 325,000 Ukrainian Returnees Risk Displacement Again as Winter Energy Crisis Deepens, IOM Chief International Organization for Migration News - Global 16 February 2026 Geneva/Kyiv, 16 February 2026 -- As Ukraine prepares to enter the fifth year of the full-scale Russian invasion on 24 February, ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure continue to strain living conditions for millions. According to new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an estimated 325,000 Ukrainian returnees could be displaced again in the coming months, with more than one-third considering moving abroad again. "After four years of war, resilience alone cannot sustain families through yet another winter of blackouts and freezing temperatures," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "Safe housing, reliable energy, and essential services are not luxuries - they are fundamental to people's safety, survival and dignity. Without sustained support, energy disruptions risk forcing families from their homes once more and undermining hard-won returns." As of January 2026, Ukraine hosts 3.7 million internally displaced people. Since the escalation of the war, more than 4.4 million people have returned from displacement. This includes over one million people who returned from abroad. However, not all those who crossed back into Ukraine have been able to return home, with 372,000 people still internally displaced within the country. With winter temperatures dropping to -20C (-4F) and emergency power outages continuing nationwide, these intentions to leave the country reflect the cumulative strain of insecurity, damaged housing, and limited access to electricity and heating. Winter-related needs are widespread. Across key areas of return, households reported acute shortages of power banks, generators, and materials for housing repairs, while unmet needs exceeded 90 per cent in some frontline regions. Recent returnees were particularly affected, reporting higher reliance on crisis-level coping strategies and elevated levels of psychological distress. Since 2022, IOM has delivered a large-scale, nationwide response to the Ukraine crisis, supporting up to 6.9 million people inside the country, directly and indirectly, as well as millions more across 11 neighbouring countries. Through its field presence, data and analysis, and partnerships with more than 120 national and 150 regional actors, IOM continues to link life-saving assistance with recovery and longer-term solutions for millions across Ukraine and abroad. To prevent further displacement, IOM urges the international community to scale up winterization, housing repairs, livelihoods support, and integrated mental health and psychosocial services, particularly in frontline and high-return areas. Without timely and adequate assistance, continued energy disruptions risk triggering further displacement and undermining recovery efforts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Detained At Border, Charged With Money Laundering By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 16, 2026 Ukraine's former energy minister has been charged with money laundering a day after he was detained trying to leave the country. The charges against Herman Halushchenko, announced on February 16, are the latest in a snowballing corruption scandal casting a shadow over President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Several top ministers and other government officials have been sacked, including Zelenskyy's longtime confidant and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Officials said Halushchenko was detained on February 15 by border guards as he was leaving the country by train. Investigators with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office -- one of two independent agencies charged with investigating high-level corruption -- said the new charges against Halushenko stemmed from an alleged scheme involving off-shore companies whose beneficiaries were his relatives. Halushenko has made no comment on the charges. It was unclear exactly where he was being held as of February 16. At the heart of the scandal is the issue of defenses for Ukraine's energy sector, which has been pummeled by Russia amid an unusually cold winter. Millions of Ukrainians have struggled with electricity and heating outages, and the corruption scandal has added to distrust of Zelenskyy's government. Dubbed Operation Midas, the investigation has centered on Tymur Mindich, a co-owner of the Kvartal 95 comedy troupe that Zelenskyy also co-owned before he became president. The business was an important vehicle for Zelenskyy to gain popularity as a comedian and actor before entering politics. Mindich reportedly fled the country after he was flagged as a suspect. His whereabouts are unknown. Halushenko was forced to resign as justice minister in November as details of the scandal began to emerge. Other government officials who have been sacked or charged in the schemes include former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, Halushenko's successor Svitlana Hrynchuk, and two other former energy ministers. Yermak, who was one of Zelenskyy's closest aides, was also sacked, an indication of the political danger Zelenskyy faced. He was fired not long after his apartment and offices were searched by anti-corruption investigators in November. He was replaced by the popular longtime chief of Ukraine's military intelligence, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov. Zelenskyy has sought to clean up Ukraine's reputation for entrenched public sector corruption, an issue that has clouded Western military and economic aid to Kyiv over the course of the nearly four-year-old Russian invasion. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-corruption-energy- sector-kickbacks-scandal/33679486.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Liberate Minkovka Settlement in Donetsk People's Republic Sputnik News 20260216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian forces liberated the settlement Minkovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "As a result of active actions, Battlegroup Yug liberated the settlement of Minkovka in the Donetsk People's Republic," the statement said. The Russian forces also took control of Pokrovka village in the Sumy region, the ministry added. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated up to 300 Ukrainian military personnel over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to 300 soldiers, six armored combat vehicles, nine vehicles and an artillery piece," the ministry said in a statement. Kiev has also lost over 275 soldiers in battles with Battlegroup Vostok in the past day, the statement read. Additionally, the Russian armed forces defeated energy and transport infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces, the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sputnik News 20260216 Ukrainian forces attempted a large-scale drone attack on Russia's Bryansk Region from early Sunday morning, with 120 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) destroyed, regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz said. Russia's Bryansk Region has experienced the most powerful and massive UAV attack, with energy infrastructure facilities damaged, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said. "Yesterday, the Bryansk Region experienced the most powerful and massive attack. There was no launch of such a large number of UAVs simultaneously per day in any region of Russia. As a result of the terrorist actions of the armed forces of Ukraine, energy infrastructure facilities were damaged," Bogomaz wrote on his social media. Shooting down Su-34s and intercepting Kinzhal and Zircon missiles: why Patriot missiles are critical and what types are used Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 16 February, 2026, 1:10 PM EET The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is working with partners to accelerate the delivery of missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for U.S.-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems, which have demonstrated the highest effectiveness among both foreign and Ukrainian surface-to-air missile systems. In particular, acting on instructions from the President, the Ukrainian side reached agreements with several European partners at a recent Ramstein-format meeting on the urgent provision of Patriot missiles from their stockpiles. The Ministry of Defence explains why these missiles are critical, what types exist, and which targets they destroy. Why Patriot missiles are critical At a Ramstein-format meeting, Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, emphasized that PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems are the most effective means against russian ballistic threats. "Earlier today, russia conducted one of its largest ballistic attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 24 missiles. The most effective means of countering ballistic threats are PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. We urgently need ballistic intercept capabilities, as russia is seeking to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter," the Defence Minister emphasized. In addition, Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized the importance of increasing contributions to the PURL initiative, through which Ukraine receives PAC-3 and other critical interceptor missiles. It is also worth noting that since the onset of russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Patriot systems have destroyed nearly all known types of aerial targets. These include Su-34 supersonic fighter-bombers, Kh-101 and Kh-555 strategic air-launched cruise missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, and the latest Zircon hypersonic missiles, among others. Types of Patriot missiles The Patriot systems employ three types of missiles. PAC-2 are the first-generation Patriot missiles. They employ high-explosive fragmentation warheads that detonate in front of aerial targets, generating a fragment cloud. These missiles are effective against aerodynamic targets, including aircraft and cruise missiles, and are capable of engaging aircraft at altitudes of up to 24 km and ranges of up to 160 km. PAC-3 CRI are highly maneuverable interceptor missiles. They achieve high velocity and directly impact targets, employing a kinetic hit-to-kill (HTK) principle. These missiles are effective against hypersonic aeroballistic targets and are capable of intercepting them at altitudes of up to 20 km and ranges of up to 40 km. PAC-3 MSE are the latest and most effective interceptor missiles, featuring an improved motor and high maneuverability. They likewise employ a kinetic hit-to-kill (HTK) principle, while offering better flight performance and greater maneuverability. PAC-3 MSE missiles are capable of intercepting ballistic targets at altitudes of up to 24 km and ranges of up to 60 km. As a reminder, representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine recently met with a delegation from the U.S. company RTX, which manufactures the Patriot air defense system. The talks focused on accelerating missile deliveries for these systems and on developing domestic technical capabilities to maintain advanced Western weaponry directly in Ukraine. In January, the Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine had acquired two additional Patriot systems. It also outlined five key advantages of these air defense systems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In the military, the supply of electronic warfare assets to military units has been simplified and accelerated Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 16 February, 2026, 11:41 AM EET Information on electronic warfare (EW) assets from different units is now consolidated in a unified Digital Logistics Management System (DLMS). The system provides real-time visibility into available equipment, its condition, and whether it requires maintenance or repair. This enables a transparent, clearly defined process for electronic warfare (EW) assetsfrom submitting a request to their operational use within military units. As a result, military units will be able to receive electronic warfare assets significantly faster. What this means for the military Less bureaucracy Military units can rapidly submit requests aligned with their real needs, without extra steps or duplication. Military units can rapidly submit requests aligned with their real needs, without extra steps or duplication. Transparent asset tracking The system provides visibility into each stage of the supply process, from request submission to delivery to the military unit. The system provides visibility into each stage of the supply process, from request submission to delivery to the military unit. Technical condition oversight The system provides visibility into which equipment is serviceable and which requires maintenance or repair. More than 200 military units and command bodies will now be able to receive electronic warfare (EW) assets more quickly. Next steps In 2026, further rollout of DLMS workstations for electronic warfare (EW) assets is planned across military units. This means even more units will be able to operate within a unified digital system and receive the required equipment more quickly. About the system The system is based on SAP, a data-driven platform for defense resource management used by over 90% of NATO member states' armies. It was deployed by the Ministry of Defence together with the Defence Forces Commands. It provides real-time visibility into available resources, tracks their movement, enables supply planning, and supports decision-making based on up-to-date data. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Intelligence Reports That the Russians Are Preparing New Massive Strikes on Energy, and Air Defense Must Be Configured Properly - Address by the President President of Ukraine 16 February 2026 - 20:23 I wish you health! Today we have important tasks for the military and Ukrainian diplomacy. Intelligence reports that the Russians are preparing new massive strikes on energy, and air defense must be configured properly. Russian attacks constantly - if you can put it that way - "evolve." Evil also develops. Unfortunately. These are combined strikes that require special protection and corresponding support from partners. Any delay in supplying air defense missiles, any untimely delivery works for scaling up the damage from the strikes. Everything we discussed in Munich with our partners must be implemented fast. It is important that partners do not remain silent. Right now everyone is awaiting the continuation of the trilateral meetings. Our delegation is already in Geneva and preparing for the negotiations. Russia cannot resist the temptation of the last days of winter cold and wants to inflict painful blows on Ukrainians. The more of this evil comes from Russia, the harder it will be for everyone to reach any agreements with them. Partners must understand this. First and foremost, this concerns the United States. Soon we will mark a year of maximum diplomatic activity Ukraine has committed to. We agreed to all realistic proposals from the United States, starting with the proposal for an unconditional and long-term ceasefire. Russia rejects this and continues assaults on the front and strikes on our cities and energy infrastructure. We expect partners to act so that coercing the aggressor into peace truly works. I would like to thank all our friends who are already preparing new sanctions steps. I discussed this with Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and Sanctions Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk. We expect strong decisions from Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other partners. The decisions are in fact already prepared. Today Ukraine has also introduced new sanctions against Russian individuals who are trying to put sport at the service of war and ruscism. The names of these individuals are known - and known, unfortunately, more for their entirely dishonorable actions than for their sporting achievements. We will work to ensure our sanctions are synchronized in other jurisdictions as well. I have also instructed that a clear list be prepared of individuals who participate in Russia's war against Ukraine, serve Putin and his madness and certainly do not deserve to visit democratic countries. We will engage with partners so that every participant in Russian aggression, and all who helped them, cannot move freely around the world. We very much hope our partners will have enough political will to implement all this. This is an element of Russia's overall responsibility for this aggression - and for everything they have done against the normal rules-based world order. I also had a detailed discussion with Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal. There are preliminary agreements on support packages - covering financial assistance, equipment, and essential items for our resilience and for recovery in Ukraine. This week France will host the energy "Ramstein" - representatives of the Group of Seven will be there, as well as European countries that are not part of the G7 but provide us with substantial support. I am grateful for the readiness to help. The clear task for the Minister of Energy is to bring to Ukraine exactly the decisions that will truly help us. We are also working with the United States on the energy track. There are developments toward a strategic energy partnership between Ukraine and the United States. This is very important. There are also strong developments with Europe. This is also very important. Russians understand what they are trying to destroy when they attack Ukraine. Ukraine can become a truly important element of European and Euro-Atlantic security. It is important that our state's partners understand Ukraine's capabilities just as our common enemy does. No one should have any illusions: if Russia is not held accountable for this aggression, it will not live in peace with you - with anyone in the world who expects cooperation with it. Russia must be held accountable for everything. Justice must prevail. Peace will be the reward for those who know how to wield strength. Today there were also reports from the Security Service of Ukraine - specifically from Yevhenii Khmara and Oleksandr Poklad - including on countering Russian operations. I am grateful for every success, success of our defenders, including the Security Service, in countering Russian sabotage. Separately, Oleksandr Poklad will also focus on cleansing the Security Service of Ukraine of those who serve not Ukraine in their positions, but other interests. We need tough action and a truly strong Security Service of Ukraine. I expect results. Thank you to everyone who helps Ukraine! I thank everyone in Ukraine who works for the strength of our people, our army, and our state. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Imposed Sanctions Against Ten Russian Individuals Who Work for the War and Put Sport at Its Service President of Ukraine 16 February 2026 - 19:00 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to apply sanctions against ten Russian athletes who support the aggression of the Russian Federation, are involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children, and illegally visit the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This sanctions package was formed on the basis of a petition prepared by Ukrainian skeleton racer and member of the National Olympic Team of Ukraine Vladyslav Heraskevych. Among the sanctioned individuals are those who visited the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions and the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula, publicly justify Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of Ukrainian territories, raise funds for Russian occupiers, and hold events for Ukrainian children illegally abducted by Russia. "This Ukrainian sanctions package should be a signal to others around the world - a signal that one cannot simply turn a blind eye to support for aggression. When Ukrainians at the Olympics are forbidden to even mention the victims of Russian aggression, that is clearly a global rollback of justice. We will restore justice," the President emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe President of Ukraine 16 February 2026 - 17:51 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. The Head of State thanked the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and his team for supporting the Ukrainian people in times of difficult trials, especially for the efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression by Russia against Ukraine. "Many important issues were resolved over the past year, and there are plans for this year. I hope we can move very quickly - even faster than last year," the President said. Alain Berset noted that the Council of Europe will continue working on all matters related to the launch of the Special Tribunal. "We must clearly understand our vision for this and what we want to achieve together," the Secretary General of the Council of Europe said. In addition, the meeting addressed the introduction of a compensation mechanism. The President stressed that there must be greater unity within Europe in efforts to hold Russia accountable. The parties agreed that accountability for crimes is one of the factors of a dignified end to the war. After the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Alain Berset the Order of Merit, I class. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Discussed Stronger Sanctions Against Russia's Tanker Fleet and Energy Support for Ukraine with U.S. Senators President of Ukraine 16 February 2026 - 17:20 In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse. The Head of State thanked the senators for their consistent bipartisan support for Ukraine and expressed special gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and his team. During the meeting, they discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting nuclear energy and Russia's tanker fleet. The Head of State emphasized that it is important for the United States to actively cooperate with the European Union not only to detain tankers of Russia's shadow fleet, but also to confiscate the oil they transport. "We very much count on your decision, your future decision. I hope the Senate will support the sanctioning act. This is very important for us. We do not see many instruments to influence Putin, to put pressure on Russia, to stop this war. The number one tool is sanctions policy," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President of Ukraine and the U.S. senators also discussed the situation on the frontline and the negotiation process to achieve a dignified peace. The Head of State informed them about preparations for a meeting of negotiating teams in Geneva. In addition, they addressed Russian strikes against American companies operating in Ukraine. The parties condemned these attacks and stressed that Russia must be held accountable for the crime of aggression. The President and the U.S. senators also paid attention to Ukraine's energy support. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United States for its rapid response to the needs of Ukraine's energy sector. According to him, a meeting in the format of the energy "Ramstein" will take place in France this week, and Ukraine has a list of specific equipment needed for energy recovery. They also discussed using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's needs. It would be appropriate to direct them toward purchasing missiles for the Patriot systems, which can strengthen Ukraine's air defense. The meeting also addressed efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The Head of State emphasized that Russia is holding thousands of abducted Ukrainian children, over 1,800 of whom have been returned home. Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children will hold meetings with partners in Brussels and the United States with the participation of the First Lady of the United States. Richard Blumenthal informed about the meeting with Ukrainian children who had been returned from Russia and stressed that the United States must impose additional sanctions against Russia and strengthen Ukraine's air defense. "We are now very determined to work on sanctions, on the return of children, on providing Tomahawks and interceptors - everything you need to achieve victory. And to fight those false narratives that Russia is supposedly winning. It is not winning either on the battlefield or morally," Richard Blumenthal said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latest Headlines TAP moves away from traditional aggregation The Adviser Platform (TAP) is moving away from being a traditional aggregator to opening up its services to anyone in the market. Tuesday, February 17th 2026, 6:10AM by Sally Lindsay In a significant move, TAP is expanding to offer it services at a national level to any adviser even if they use another aggregator. TAP managing director Ryan Edwards says essentially it is removing the emotional or psychological pull around whether an adviser needs to abandon their existing aggregator relationship to take advantage of TAPs services to make their business stronger. Edwards believes there are at least 500 adviser businesses that would be a good fit for accessing and benefiting from working with TAP. We want the expanded business to stand on its own two feet in terms of advisers seeing the tangible benefits of plugging into a support system rather than having to worry about the intangibles around loyalty, personal relationships or historical alignment with another aggregator. He says what TAP is offering removes the politics from the industry. It just comes down to: Do I see value in working together? Is this going to help my business? Is this going to help me get in front of more clients? The move reflects TAPs belief that the future of advice lies in collaboration and capability, not exclusivity, Edwards says. We want to make it easier for advisers, associations, groups, and licensees to work together without alignment being a barrier. Our goal is simple: strengthen advisers, strengthen the profession, and ensure more New Zealanders can access quality advice. Past practices no longer relevant In the past if an adviser wanted to change their CRM system, for example, they would have to change their aggregator allegiance. And for a lot of advisers those relationships would have been historical or based on strong personal associations. The old model forced an adviser to pick and choose. TAP operated in that system as a traditional aggregator when it first started business in 2018, which suited how the adviser market operated. The market model was forced alignment with one aggregator. If an adviser wanted the services of a particular aggregator, they had to align with that business. Putting that emotional, or an artificial, barrier around group alignment wasn't helping the industry move forward. It was quite tribal and factional but it made sense to go down that path. Edwards says that model doesn't really exist anymore in terms of the traditional historical aggregation, particularly on the insurance side. What the business found as the industry matured, the way groups were remunerated was becoming a barrier to entry for people who wanted to use TAPs services but didnt want to necessarily align with the aggregator at a group level. Now the financial flow of revenue has reverted from groups back to advisers that enables advisers to decide where to invest in their business rather than a chunk of money going to the actual group, he says. That's where we're changing the model because five-10 years ago, financially it made sense for everyone to align with a particular aggregator. Putting the adviser first What we have decided to do is put the adviser at the centre of the conversation again by acting as an industry infrastructure partner. We're here to help anyone from any group. If and adviser sees value in what we do, great, plug us in. And if an adviser sees value in working alongside another group or another association, they don't have to have that forced alignment. He says TAP is offering complimentary services. Obviously advisers are not going to run two separate CRMs at the same time. It is making the conversation about value that can be added and outcomes to the adviser business rather than making it about which group that business chooses to align with and whether that is restricting or enhancing its access to services. Edwards says TAP exists to back advisers, not control them, supporting independence, professionalism, and long-term success. Through technology, data insights, and specialist support, TAP helps advisers modernise, scale sustainably, and stay compliant and client focused. He says when advisers operate more efficiently and confidently, more New Zealanders can access quality advice, benefiting clients, the profession, and the economy. Wider move in sector TAP Group chairwoman Naomi Ballantyne says this shift reflects a wider move across the sector toward greater openness and shared infrastructure. Historical competition around alignment with one aggregator is ending and thats a good thing for everyone. The next phase is about empowerment. Its about platforms and providers working together to give advisers what they need to thrive - systems, data, and support that are independent of alignment or control. TAP says its competitive advantage lies in combining technology and data capability with hands-on operational delivery, making transformation achievable without the pain typically associated with change. More than 100 specialist staff support data management, administration, and operational transformation. Weve built a model that removes the friction from change, Edwards says. Advisers shouldnt have to choose between modernising their business and protecting the day-to-day client experience especially because of any loyalty conflicts. They should be able to do both, Edwards says. TAP supports more than 550 advisers nationwide. Everything we're doing is around trying to raise the bar in New Zealand. There is such an opportunity for the country to benefit from people getting financial advice and, and the industry is still crying out for some efficiency and some scale. We want to focus on value and not politics. Special Offers Comments from our readers Sign In to add your comment Pennsylvania Rep. Jessica Benham. (David Kidd/Governing) Jessica and her chief of staff, Moira Kaleida, head off for a Saturday morning pancake breakfast in the basement of a nearby church. (David Kidd/Governing) Ravi the cat is a fixture in Benhams Capitol office. When he interrupts me while Im doing a live video, people are like bring back the cat! (David Kidd/Governing) Virtual meetings take place in a back corner of the district office and are often shared with constituents. I try to bring in as many folks whose lives are impacted by a given policy as possible. (David Kidd/Governing) Benham reviews the days events with her chief of staff. (David Kidd/Governing) When Jessica Benham talks to her fellow members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, she avoids eye contact, focusing instead on their foreheads. Thats not just a personality quirk. Its a function of autism. Some of the things that I do to cope are not noticeable to other people, she says. Or they might think are a little odd. Even so, she manages not to feel entirely out of place in the Legislature. I dont think you can look at state legislators, she jokes, and think these are the most socially graceful people ever.Im not disabled because Im autistic, she insists. Im disabled because of the way the world treats autistic people. I often have to overcome peoples preconceptions before I can do other things. Thats my life. And Im good at it. When she took the oath of office as a freshman Democrat earlier this year, Benham became one of the few openly autistic people to serve in any legislature in the United States. I didnt run to be the first of anything, she says. I ran to make a difference.She is distinctive from her colleagues in one other way: She is bisexual. A 30-year-old bisexual autistic female might seem to many an unlikely candidate for office. There was a time when Benham would have agreed. People do not often look at a queer disabled woman and see leadership, she says.The first time someone asked me to run, I was like okay, thats a funny joke, she recalls. Tell the queer autistic girl that she should run for office. Yeah, thats hilariousIts hard to envision yourself running for office when you dont see other people like you in positions of power.Benham grew up in a small Pittsburgh townhouse where her parents still reside. Among the poor folks, she says, who lived in the area. Her mother teaches piano and her father, a retired minister to two congregations, teaches music education at Duquesne University. The Sundays of her youth were filled with church, first at what she refers to as an English-speaking American church, followed by a two-hour service with Ukrainian Baptists. Her father still speaks to her in Ukrainian, but she answers in English.Politics was not often a topic of conversation in the Benham household. With huge glasses, braces and a questionable haircut, Jessica remembers herself as the most awkward 15-year-old ever, a quiet wallflower who felt more comfortable around adults. I was also growing up as a queer kid in a very conservative religious context, she says. And that was hard. Closeted until she left home to attend a Christian college in the Midwest, she came out to her mother and father just three years ago. I dont think it was easy for them, she says.The pastors daughter avoided church for 10 years after leaving home, something she and her father never really talked about. Theres a lot of pain there, she says. I still consider myself deeply religious. Its very much a part of who I am. To bring to fruition a society that demonstrates we truly value everyone. I think thats what my call is. And so much of that comes from what I believe about God. Today she is active in a church that makes a point of welcoming all. LGBTQ people can serve in leadership, can be a pastor, all of those things.After earning degrees in political science and communication studies from Bethel University in Minnesota, her mothers alma mater, Benham went on to receive an M.A. in communication from Minnesota State, and an M.A. in bioethics from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also taught for several years.Her experience as a graduate student teacher drew her to labor issues. Spurred on by what she thought were unfair working conditions, Benham joined an ongoing movement to unionize Pitts graduate student teachers. Although the efforts to organize ultimately failed, she has kept up her interests in workers rights. That was pretty formative for me, she says.As a disability rights activist, Benham co-founded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, an LGBTQ and autistic-led group advocating on behalf of adults on the autism spectrum. She served for a time on the board of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, an organization promoting equal access, rights, and opportunities for people with autism. She was a constant presence at community meetings, writing grants, addressing water management issues, and organizing neighborhood trash pickups. She wasnt thinking about running for office. I was going to be an academic and an activist, and that was the plan.But the plan changed. Even before her predecessor, a 24-year incumbent, announced he would not seek re-election, Benham began her campaign for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Touting her experience as a community organizer and advocate, she ran on issues that resonated with the citizens of the heavily Democratic 36th District: education, the environment, workers rights, and health care for all. I always thought I would be on the other side of the desk, she says. Advocating to legislators about decisions that needed to be made for the good of our community. And then holding them accountable. But she turned out to be an impressive candidate. She was elected in November with nearly 63 percent of the vote.Due to concerns over the coronavirus, the state Capitol in Harrisburg is closed on a Tuesday in late March, as it has been since early December. Even though the Legislature is in session, the collection of buildings that make up the Capitol Complex is eerily quiet. A few officers are at their post by the main entrance and a lone soldier, dressed in camouflage fatigues and heavily armed, stands in the shadows of the rotunda, its ornate Beaux Arts dome 250 feet overhead. Two women are behind the counter in the empty snack bar downstairs, the unused tables and chairs stacked against a wall.Rep. Benhams office is at the end of a glass-lined hallway, across from a small communal kitchen. Most of the members in this part of the building have plastered their hall-facing walls with signs and posters: RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE, PEOPLE NOT PRISONS, END GUN VIOLENCE, PRE-K FOR PA, HELP STOP PUPPY MILL CRUELTY. But there is just a single handwritten note taped to the door of Benhams office. Ravi (cat) is visiting. Please avoid him escaping. Five-year-old, brown-and-white Ravi has the run of the small suite that includes Jessicas office and that of another freshman, Rick Krajewski, a longtime friend and fellow activist from Philadelphia. Their shared legislative assistant is working from home. With the exception of a single brass lamp and a calendar still turned to the previous month, the office is devoid of decoration. A lone nail is barely visible on one wall, having once held something belonging to the previous occupant. The wall clock by the door is an hour behind.Im a working-class kid who grew up poor, says Benham, surveying her designated space. You could not pluck a regular person from my district and bring them to Harrisburg and have them feel comfortable, she says. So why should I, a regular working-class kid from South Pittsburgh, feel comfortable? She doesnt offer an answer. Nevertheless, shes happy with her assigned space, mainly because its a short walk to the House floor.She may not have a fondness for furniture, but clothes are another matter. Today, the freshman representative is outfitted in black pants that literally sparkle, and a red tunic top, both purchased at a thrift store. Mandated face coverings present another opportunity to accessorize. At a certain point, the mask makes the outfit, she says through a swatch of black cloth decorated with large pink roses. People sometimes think about style and fashion as frivolous. I think about fashion as political, she says. I am not here to wear a black suit and fade into the background.With coffee, tea or Red Bull always close at hand, Benham typically begins her workdays in Harrisburg at 7:30 in the morning. Its often close to 9:00 at night when she and Ravi head back to their budget hotel by the Susquehanna River, less than a mile away. In between, when she isnt making intermittent trips to the chamber to vote, or reading up on the issues, she is answering email, engaging on social media or attending virtual meetings. Every vote she takes is immediately followed with a tweet explaining her position, and she regularly posts Facebook and YouTube videos, updating her constituents about the goings on in Harrisburg.Still, comfortable at virtual meetings as she is, Benham longs for the time when people can literally work together again. I do lots and lots of virtual meetings, she says. Theyre definitely useful. But it is much easier when were able to do in-person meetings and in-person organizing.Today is the last day the Legislature will meet this week, and a flurry of bills have passed, some to the great dismay of the freshman from Pittsburgh. At the end of a long day, she delivers a 10-minute video rundown of the days events, beginning with a vote she wished had gone the other way. Absolutely unacceptable and just incredibly frustrating, she says into the camera. This is followed by news on the governors back-to-work plan, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and her thoughts on a recent shooting incident. She talks about hyperlocal details as well. We have our community cleanup, which is coming up very soon, from 10 a.m. until noon. Well be socially distancing, masks, all of that good stuff. Im really looking forward to cleaning up the neighborhood with you all. With that, she and Ravi head out the door for another virtual meeting at the hotel. Early tomorrow morning they will be on their way back to the district.If Benham sometimes feels ill at ease at the ornate state Capitol, she is right at home in her district office, a century-old storefront located on a busy but slightly rundown corridor lined with pizza shops, a candy store, bridal salon and tattoo parlor. A pair of massive old churches and a brand-new library are across the street. A jumble of power lines hangs over the narrow sidewalk.A proper sign has been ordered for the front, but for now, the only indication this is a state representatives office is Benhams name on a piece of paper taped to the front door, and a map of the 36th District on display in the window. For the time being, walk-ins are discouraged, in accordance with current COVID-19 guidelines.At the back of the room, away from the display windows and behind a flimsy folding screen, Benham works at a small wooden table with barely enough room for a computer, phone and her ever-present planning book. A narrow wingback chair occupies a dimly lit corner, the centerpiece of an eclectic array of mismatched furnishings and decorations. With everything sourced at area thrift shops, the look is decidedly shabby chic.Hiring personnel and balancing the office budget are tasks new to Benham. She often finds it difficult to reconcile her political beliefs with the fiscal realities of running an office. One of the things I find a little frustrating is that the budget is just not big enough to have everyone on full time, she says. I think thats not necessarily living our values as a Democratic caucus. She does pay everyone more than minimum wage; the lowest paid of her part-time staffers earns $17 an hour.Covering southern parts of Pittsburgh and adjacent suburbs, Pennsylvanias 36th District includes some 60,000 people all across the economic spectrum, nearly 90 percent of whom are white. The most common problems facing Benham and her staff these days involve unemployment and access to vaccines. A host of perennial issues still need attention, though, regardless of the needs of the moment. In a district of steep hills and valleys, landslides and flooding are a constant threat. So is aging infrastructure. We have huge water main breaks, she says. So thats what I dealt with waking up this morning, an enormous water main break. Those are the issues that Im fighting for.The surroundings may be different, but just as she does from her office in Harrisburg, Benham relies on her phone and computer to connect virtually with colleagues and constituents alike. Every weekend she makes random calls to people in her district, taking their names from voter rolls. The calls where youre asking people for their votes are not nearly as fun as the calls where Im just saying Hi, this is State Rep. Jessica Benham calling for so-and-so. How are you doing today?Sometimes people dont know what to make of me, Benham reflects. Certainly, on the other side of the aisle, there are people who will not work with me. Not so much because Im autistic, but because Im queer. Maybe they believe its catching, she says. But for the most part, people are kind and welcoming. If anything, theres a bit of benevolent paternalism. Republican Speaker Bryan Cutler was one to reach out early, wanting to discuss disability policy.As the first and only openly autistic, LGBTQ person elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, Jessica Benham is understandably concerned with issues related to her lived experience. All policy issues are disability policy issues, she says. Every single policy that we decide on in this place impacts disabled people. Proud of who she is, Benham is nevertheless wary of being defined by her disability or sexual preference, and quick to point out the broad range of interests she has advocated for in the first few months of her term. Ive prime-sponsored bills about health care, bills about education, and bills about the environment, she says. Ive co-sponsored loads and loads of bills on a variety of different topics. Its hard for people to paint me as oh, she only cares about disability issues, when they see me advocating on so many different topics.Folks with disabilities are underrepresented at every level of government and in every kind of leadership position that there is, Benham says. Against the odds, she has taken a personal disadvantage and turned it to her favor. I think that having overcome difficulty, having overcome peoples preconceptions of me and doing that over and over and over again, makes me a better legislator.An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Jessica Benham was the first openly autistic person to serve in a state legislature. In fact, she is one of several autistic lawmakers in the country. Aston five seconds adrift as Honda concerns grow Aston Martin may be significantly further off the pace than first feared, as the scale of its 2026 struggles becomes clearer. Fernando Alonso, Bahrain test 2026 Dawn Chua, Formula Press After Lance Stroll admitted the team was four or four and a half seconds down, ambassador Pedro de la Rosa confirmed the shortfall could indeed be measured in multiple seconds. We're not happy. To be honest, nobody's happy when you're seconds slower than expected, de la Rosa told media as the first Bahrain test concluded. But it's also true that nobody's worried. There's a lack of grip and power. It's the essence of motorsport, but there's nothing wrong with the car that's bothering the drivers. Pressed on the deficit, he added: "As Lance said, we're three, four, or five seconds behind. But that's not the most important thing right now. Yes, we need to get the car more efficient. But we've lost a lot of time and have to make up for it. The team knows what the problems are, and they're already looking for a solution at the factory. There are even paddock whispers the car could be around 40 kilograms overweight - potentially double the excess believed to be carried by Williams. German publication Auto Motor und Sport reports that team owner Lawrence Stroll, having invested heavily in facilities and secured Adrian Newey, delivered engineers a serious dressing down in Bahrain. Spanish journalist Carlos Miquel believes the core issue lies not with Newey's chassis but with Honda's power unit. Aston Martin's problem is the Honda engine, not Newey's car, he said. "It feels like while the others are running at 12,000 rpm, the Honda's engine can't go above 11,000 or it'll fall apart. The Honda power unit is also the first to lose electrical power on the straights. The situation carries uncomfortable echoes of Honda's troubled return with McLaren a decade ago - when Fernando Alonso famously labelled it a GP2 engine . Now the Spaniard finds himself again at the beginning of a Honda development cycle. Shintaro Orihara, Honda F1's general manager of track operations, sought to calm speculation in comments to Fuji TV. We haven't yet tested it with aggressive cooling specifications to judge whether the cooling is severe enough, he said. The priority right now is to get the car running normally, and the car is running with a certain number of vents open to allow some headroom. Next week we plan to test how high the temperature can get with the more aggressive cooling specifications. According to one reporter present, Orihara's tone was calm and composed, with no sense of tragedy at all . (GMM) Barcelona secures F1 future in rotation deal with Spa Long-running uncertainty about Barcelona's Formula 1 future has been settled, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya confirmed on the calendar through 2032 on a rotational basis. Esteban Ocon, Barcelona test 2026 Haas Formula 1 announced a multi-year extension that will see the renamed Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix take place in 2026, and then in 2028, 2030 and 2032. The event will rotate with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, which is scheduled for 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. With Madrid set to take the annual Spanish GP slot from 2026, it had been unclear how Barcelona would fit into the long-term calendar. The new agreement confirms the Montmelo circuit will share its alternating arrangement with Spa. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the deal. Barcelona is an incredible city, and the Formula 1 fans there always welcome us with such passion, so I am delighted that we will continue to race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for years to come, he said. The event, having hosted grands prix since 1991, will officially be known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix from 2026 onward. (GMM) Formula E boss invites Verstappen after steroids jibe Formula E chief Jeff Dodds has responded to Max Verstappen's scathing verdict on Formula 1's new 2026 cars by inviting the quadruple world champion to try an electric racer for himself. Max Verstappen, Qatar GP 2025 Red Bull After Verstappen described the new F1 generation as feeling like Formula E on steroids , Dodds reacted swiftly. I'm inviting Max, Dodds told Soymotor. I actually sent him a message last night, because Jeddah isn't that far from Bahrain. And if he shows up here, we'll give him a run in our car and see what he says afterward. When Max talks about steroids, if he means something unnatural, then in that sense he's right. Overall, I'd love to see Max behind the wheel of a Formula E car, and we can consider him invited. Verstappen's comments have reignited speculation he could shorten his Formula 1 career amid dissatisfaction with the energy-heavy philosophy of the new regulations. Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache made clear the team's focus remains on performance, not politics. Making Verstappen happy isn't my job, he said. My job, and that of the whole team, is to give him a car he can win with. How the rules are formulated is outside our purview. Some rivals have been blunt. If he wants to retire, he can retire, said Lando Norris earlier this week. George Russell struck a similar tone. He's more than welcome to go to the Nordschleife, Russell said. "We've only had these regulations for three days. They'll be in place for three years. Everyone will make enormous progress in the first few months. We really need to give it some time. As far as I'm concerned, I just want to win. I suspect a driver who has already won a lot recently would prefer to drive the best and most fun cars. Russell also acknowledged there is more to modern F1 than the drivers' wishes. The cars we enjoy most aren't necessarily the ones that produce the best races. We want the best, fastest cars and the most thrilling motorsport. But how do you achieve that? As racing enthusiasts, we'd naturally prefer loud V10 and V8 engines. But maybe the new fans think differently. Others share Verstappen's unease. Sergio Perez warned that overtaking could become somewhat more difficult because of the energy management , adding: I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it could become like Formula E racing. Haas rookie Oliver Bearman admitted: The annoying thing is definitely the energy management. Experiencing it in real life for the first time - that was a bit disheartening. Fernando Alonso offered a similar view. Now we're about 50kmh slower through some corners because we don't want to waste energy, he said. "If you can go through there at 200 kmh instead of 260, anyone can do it - even our chef could drive the car at that speed. That's why I understand Max's statement. As a driver, you want to make the difference in the corners, but now energy management determines how you drive. Charles Leclerc described the criticism from Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as a bit extreme , but did not fully disagree. I cannot lie. It's not the most fun car I've ever driven, he said. "It's very different. Currently, I find it extremely difficult to even attempt an overtaking manoeuvre. You now pay a much higher price than before if you want to get past an opponent. (GMM) Nigeria says 100 more U.S. military personnel arrive to tackle Islamists Next article: Nigeria says 100 more U.S. military personnel arrive to tackle Islamists US soldiers arrive in Nigeria to aid fight against militants Previous article: US soldiers arrive in Nigeria to aid fight against militants Featured Dangote signs $400 mln equipment deal with China's XCMG to speed up refinery expansion Reuters International News Feb - 17 - 2026 , 12:05 2 minutes read Nigeria's Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment deal with China's Xuzhou Cnstruction Machinery Group to speed up the expansion of its oil refinery toward a planned 1.4 million barrels per day, the company said on Tuesday. The additional equipment is expected to support major projects under construction across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and infrastructure. Dangote said the XCMG agreement would allow it to acquire a wide range of new heavy-duty machinery to complement existing assets deployed for the refinery buildout, which the company expects to complete within three years. As part of the expansion, polypropylene capacity will rise to 2.4 million tons per year from 900,000 tons. Urea production in Nigeria will triple to 9 million tons per year, alongside an existing 3 million-ton plant in Ethiopia, positioning the conglomerate as the world's largest urea producer, the company said. The output of linear alkyl benzene - a key raw material for detergents - will increase to 400,000 tons annually, making Dangote the biggest supplier in Africa. Additional base-oil capacity is also planned in the programme. Dangote Group described the equipment deal as a strategic investment aligned with its ambition to become a $100 billion enterprise by 2030. "The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects," it said in a statement. Owned by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, the $20 billion refinery began operations in 2024 after years of delays. Once fully operational, it is expected to reduce Nigeria's heavy dependence on imported refined fuel and reshape fuel supply across West and Central Africa. Next article: Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and US presidential hopeful, dead at 84 Nigeria says 100 more U.S. military personnel arrive to tackle Islamists Previous article: Nigeria says 100 more U.S. military personnel arrive to tackle Islamists Featured New nuclear talks between US and Iran begin in Geneva BBC International News Feb - 17 - 2026 , 11:13 3 minutes read A second round of talks between Iran and the United States, aimed at resolving their dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme, have begun in the Swiss city of Geneva. The indirect discussions follow repeated military threats against Iran over the country's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests and the ongoing dispute over its nuclear programme. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One ahead of the latest talks, US President Donald Trump said he believed Iran wanted to make a deal over its nuclear programme. The foreign ministry in Tehran, meanwhile, said it believed that the US position on the nuclear issue had moved towards "a more realistic one". Iran says Tuesday's meeting, mediated by Oman, will focus on its nuclear programme and the potential lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the US. Washington has previously indicated it wants to discuss other issues as well, such as Iran's missile stockpile. Framing the talks as "very important", Trump said he would be "indirectly" involved and suggested Tehran was motivated this time to negotiate. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump said, adding that Iran learned the consequences of a tough posture in talks last summer when the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," the US president said, referring to the stealth bombers that carried out the bombings. "I hope they're going to be more reasonable." His threats have come amid a US military build-up in the Middle East over the past few weeks. BBC Verify has now confirmed the location of US aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran using satellite imagery. The US has also reportedly sent the USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest warship, to the Middle East, which could arrive in the region within the next three weeks. In addition to the Abraham Lincoln's arrival, BBC Verify has also tracked an increase of US destroyers, combat ships and fighter jets in the region. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with the UN nuclear watchdog chief on Monday, saying in a post on X he was in Geneva to "achieve a fair and equitable deal". "What is not on the table: submission before threats," Araqchi said. The US military released an image of the Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea in February Iran has responded to the US build-up with its own show of force. On Monday the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a maritime drill in the Strait of Hormuz, located in the Gulf between Oman and Iran. The Strait is considered a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states. Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House said on Sunday. Both were involved in indirect talks in the Gulf state of Oman earlier in February, which Araghchi, who led the Iranian delegation, described afterwards as a "good beginning". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that reaching a deal with Tehran would be "very difficult". "I think that there's an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement ... but I don't want to overstate it either," Rubio said during a visit to Hungary. "It's going to be hard." Featured 8 Ghanaians dead in Titao massacre: Government issues urgent warning over travel after terror strike GraphicOnline Feb - 17 - 2026 , 16:54 3 minutes read The government of Ghana has confirmed that eight Ghanaian nationals lost their lives in the horrific jihadist attack that struck the northern Burkina Faso town of Titao on February 14, 2026, as authorities simultaneously issued urgent new travel guidelines for citizens contemplating journeys to high-risk areas within the West African sub-region. In an update released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the death toll had risen from the initially reported seven to eight, following the death of a severely injured victim who had been receiving medical treatment in Burkina Faso. All eight deceased were members of the Ghana National Tomatoes Traders and Transporters Association, engaged in legitimate commercial activities in the troubled Titao area when they were ambushed and murdered by terrorist elements. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post accompanying the official press release, confirmed the Government's immediate response to the tragedy. "Government provides further update and new travel guidelines in the aftermath of the terror attack in Burkina Faso which claimed Ghanaian lives: 8 Ghanaians have now died; Ghana strongly condemns and denounces terrorism, and all forms of violent extremism," he wrote. The Minister further disclosed that on the direct instruction of President John Mahama, a medical evacuation operation has been swiftly activated to bring home all injured Ghanaian victims. "On President Mahama's instruction all injured Ghanaians are to be evacuated by medevac today," Ablakwa stated, confirming that the Ghana Airforce is executing the operation. The victims are expected to arrive on Ghanaian soil later today. "We extend our deepest condolences to all bereaved families and loved ones," the Foreign Minister added. The government's statement denounced the attack in the strongest possible terms, describing it as a "mindless act of terror" and a "despicable horror." It expressed profound solidarity with the Government and people of Burkina Faso during what it termed "this dark hour." The statement underscored that this latest atrocity serves as a grim reminder of the "urgent need for a new collective approach in pursuing regional security," a position Ghana has consistently advocated, most recently at last month's High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security hosted by President Mahama. Ghana's Ambassador to Burkina Faso and mission staff remain actively seized with the matter, maintaining direct contact with the injured compatriots. The Government acknowledged the full cooperation of Burkinabe authorities in granting the necessary approvals to facilitate Ghana's interventions aimed at protecting its citizens. In a development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled new, stringent travel guidelines for Ghanaians intending to visit high-risk areas within the sub-region. Citizens are now strongly advised to first contact the Ministry or Ghana's Embassies accredited to the territories they wish to visit for necessary guidance before embarking on any essential travel to areas of concern. For Ghanaians already residing in jurisdictions where violent extremism attacks have been recorded, the government recommends that movement be restricted. Such individuals are urged to maintain regular communication with Ghanaian Embassies, provide emergency contacts, and ensure that identification documents are accessible at all times to expedite the provision of consular assistance should the need arise. The government has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the security situation and remains in contact with relevant authorities to safeguard the welfare of Ghanaian citizens. "The safety, security, and well-being of Ghanaians remain our utmost priority," the statement affirmed, adding that further updates would be provided as necessary. Citizens in distress or requiring urgent consular assistance have been directed to reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via provided telephone numbers and email addresses, with Ghana's Embassies and High Commissions in selected high-risk jurisdictions placed on high consular alert. Featured GH50,000 alleged bribe: Five in court over tramadol & tapentadol bust Mohammed Ali Feb - 17 - 2026 , 10:47 2 minutes read Five persons have been arraigned before a court in Bekwai in connection with the seizure of 373 packs of prohibited drugs intercepted at the Tweapease Police barrier on the Obuasi to Dunkwa highway. The suspects include the driver of the vehicle transporting the drugs and a woman identified as Perpetual, a native of Ayamfuri, who police allege owns the consignment, together with three other women. According to police, a red OA Kia Grandbird bus was intercepted at the Tweapease barrier on February 13, 2026. A search of the vehicle uncovered two sealed brown boxes containing 257 packs of 50mg tramadol, 58 packs of 250mg tramadol and 58 packs of 225mg tapentadol. The bus was said to be travelling to Ayamfuri, near Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region. The driver, Mr Joseph Nkrumah, 37, was arrested. During interrogation, Mr Nkrumah named Perpetual as the owner of the drugs. Police further stated that on February 14, 2026, Perpetual arrived at the same barrier in the company of Diana Mensah, 40, Abena Neyea, 43, and Nana Akua, 35, carrying GH50,000 in cash. Police allege that the money was intended as a bribe for officers at the barrier. The four were subsequently arrested, and the GH50,000 was retained as evidence. The five suspects were arraigned on February 16, 2026, under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which regulates the sale of prohibited drugs, herbal medicinal products, cosmetics, medical devices and other household chemical substances. Details of the charges were contained in a press release issued by the Ashanti South Regional Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, dated February 16, 2026. Next article: In an uncertain trade landscape, cooperation still delivers - UNCTAD Secretary-General Featured AU endorses President Mahamas resolution for reparative justice Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Feb - 17 - 2026 , 09:44 5 minutes read African Union (AU) member states have endorsed a resolution declaring slavery as a crime against humanity, tabled by Ghana at the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new resolution will be tabled at the UN General Assembly on March 25 this year. President John Dramani Mahama, who doubles as the AU Champion for Reparations, tabled the draft proposal to rally the AUs endorsement and passage of the resolution on declaring colonisation, apartheid, slavery and the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity. The move is to seek reparatory justice for Africa, which has largely been the victim of the tragic history of slavery and the slave trade that took place between the 14th and 15th centuries. Background and advocacy The reparative justice advocacy is a call for recognition, responsibility, apology, and restitution for the impact colonisation, apartheid, slavery and the slave trade had on Africa and its people everywhere, including Latin America and the Caribbean. It calls for financial restitution, environmental restoration, and the return of stolen cultural heritage and a structured system that affords Africa equal opportunity across the globe. President Mahama hinted at the diplomatic action to table the resolution at the 80th UN General Assembly on March 25, a date set aside by the UN to be observed globally as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. According to the UN, the slave trade, which spanned over 400 years, forcefully took more than 15 million men, women and children from Africa to other parts of the world, especially North and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe to work on plantation farms and industries. An estimated two million slaves died and were thrown into the oceans en route to their destinations. European and American slave owners were compensated for losing their slaves after the abolition of slavery and the slave trade between the 1830s and 1900s across the world, but the victims and countries born after independence have not been duly recognised and paid reparations. The tragic history has left scars, with the UN calling for the establishment of an outreach programme to mobilise educational institutions, civil society and other organisations to inculcate in future generations the "causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice". Justification Speaking at a press conference at the AU Summit last Sunday, following the endorsement of the resolution, President Mahama justified the pursuit of reparative justice, stating that the initiative was firmly grounded in international law and built on principles of historical accuracy, legal defensibility, and continental and diasporan alignment. The initiative is firmly grounded in international law. Slavery is prohibited under international law as a peremptory norm. It just co-joins principles from which no derogation is permitted. The resolution builds upon this legal foundation and rests on three pillars. First is historical accuracy. Second is legal defensibility, and the third is continental and diaspora alignment, he said. He stressed that the resolution titled, "Declaration of the Trafficking in Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity", reflected "rigorous scholarship, moral clarity and diplomatic credibility". Consultations President Mahama indicated that extensive consultations with stakeholders had been conducted with institutions such as UNESCO, the Global Group of Experts on Reparations, and the Pan-African Lawyers Union. We hosted the inaugural joint meeting of the AU Committee of Experts on Reparations and the African Union Legal Experts Reference Group in Accra earlier this month to further refine the text of the resolution. We also began engagement with the diaspora at the Ghana Diaspora Summit held in December last year, he said. He affirmed that the process had been inclusive, deliberate and consultative. The President stated that with the adoption of the resolution by the AU Assembly, Ghana would engage with the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and other regional groupings to build a broad consensus behind the resolution. He clarified that the initiative was not directed at any nation, but was directed towards truth, recognition of the tragic history and reconciliation for Africa. While addressing the Assembly of Heads of States at the Summit, President Mahama stressed that securing reparatory justice could only be through determination and unity, as it would not be handed over freely by the benefactors of the cruel history of slavery. He called on Africans and their leaders everywhere to speak with one voice on the global platform. "Reparatory justice will not be handed over to us like political independence. It must be asserted, it must be pursued and secured through determination and unity," he said. Collective strategy He called on leaders of the AU member states to transform memory into policy, convert grievances of the continents past into a collective strategy, and also turn African history into sovereign action. Let us not defer justice, let us not postpone dignity, and let us act together, President Mahama said. He further urged African states, regional economic communities, local authorities, cultural institutions, and international partners to move from moral aspirations to binding frameworks with clear timelines and measurable outcomes to achieve the goal of securing reparations. He said while the development of the continent was essential, it could not speak of development without knowing its identity, quoting Pan-Africanist, Marcus Garvey, who said, People without the knowledge of their history, origin and culture are like trees without roots. He stressed that reparation was not symbolic, but a civilisational repair, healing of deep historical wounds. He added that for far too long, Africas story has been told through foreign lenses, stressing that it was time for Africans to tell their own stories. Featured Govt begins state lands reforms -Prospective owners to make 70% upfront payment of market value Emmanuel Bonney Feb - 17 - 2026 , 12:18 5 minutes read The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has begun major reforms of the state lands regime, including the establishment of a public land protection task force, review of the public land application form (Form 5), and review of the Lands Commission's internal processes for public land allocation. The exercise also involves legislating public land application reforms, revision of public land premiums and the compilation of market value data for defined land clusters. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who made this known at a news conference in Accra yesterday, said the measures would, among others, strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability in the administration of public lands, which were held in trust for Ghanaians, and ensure value for money. The decisive reforms and procedures are backed by Cabinet to safeguard abuse and protect public lands across the country. He said the measures followed Cabinets approval of the recommendations of a committee set up on June 5 last year to review the lease of public lands. The minister consequently directed the immediate implementation of the reforms. Mr Buah said to ensure sustainability and prevent a reversion to past practices, the government had taken steps to provide legislative backing for the reforms, and that the revised Public Land Application Form and the restructured internal allocation processes would be incorporated into the draft Land Regulation, which was currently undergoing review. Ban lifted On January 10, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama directed the Lands Commission to halt all activities relating to the lease and processing of transactions involving public lands. However, the minister said the temporary ban on the services of the Lands Commission relating to the leasing, processing, and regularisation of public lands had now been lifted. All activities, Mr Buah said, might resume immediately, but strictly in accordance with the new reforms and procedures announced. The government would also ensure that every transaction, going forward, would adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability, and value for money, while safeguarding the interests of both the state and legitimate applicants, he added. Lease applications In the course of its work, Mr Buah said, the committee reviewed 8,160 lease applications executed or initiated between 2017 and 2024 across all 16 regions of the country. The applications comprised 4,176 direct allocations, 2,799 regularisations, 19 direct allocations relating to State bungalows, 108 land swap or public-private partnership arrangements, 795 subsequent transactions and 263 fresh allocations. He said the review revealed that a number of the applications and allocations did not fully comply with the Lands Commissions internal procedures for the allocation of public lands, and that those lapses undermined transparency, accountability and public trust, and exposed the system to potential abuse. To address these issues decisively and restore accountability, he said some measures had been implemented. All uncompleted transactions of the categories listed above have been cancelled, and affected applicants will be formally notified, while completed transactions of the categories listed above will undergo case-by-case review, and any allocation found to have been processed without full compliance with due process will be cancelled. Again, he said, all uncompleted regularisation applications would remain suspended pending a comprehensive review and standardisation of the Lands Commissions internal procedures, and that the revised procedures would apply to all pending and future regularisations. Form 5 Mr Buah said the committee found inconsistencies in the application of the public land application form across the Regional Lands Commissions, and that the lack of uniformity resulted in discretionary practices and uneven standards in the allocation of public lands, thereby weakening transparency and accountability. To address this, the ministry, in collaboration with the Lands Commission, has completed a comprehensive revision of Form 5. The revised form will now serve as the single mandatory application instrument for all public land transactions nationwide, covering both re-applications arising from this exercise and all future applications, he said. Internal process The Lands Minister said with regard to the review of Lands Commission internal processes for public land allocation, the committee observed inconsistencies and weak enforcement of the Lands Commissions internal procedures for the allocation of public lands, and that those procedural gaps created opportunities for abuse, circumvention of controls, and the processing of allocations without full compliance with established rules. In response, the ministry has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Lands Commissions internal processes for public land allocation. The revised process clearly defines the stages of processing public land applications, strengthens internal checks, and aligns each stage of decision-making with the principles of transparency, accountability and traceability, he said. Under the revised framework, no public land would be allocated by the Lands Commission without the prior written approval of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. This measure reinforces ministerial oversight, ensures policy coherence, and provides an additional safeguard against unauthorised or irregular allocations, he said. Land premiums On the revision of public land premiums, the minister said the committee further identified issues with the valuation and pricing of public lands, with premiums charged for the lease of public lands ranging from approximately one per cent to 30 per cent of market value. That practice, Mr Buah said, had significantly undervalued public lands and failed to deliver value for money to the state. The ministry, in consultation with the Lands Commission, has, therefore, proposed a new premium framework for public land leases. Under this framework, a minimum of 70 per cent of the assessed market value of public land will be payable upfront as a premium, with the remaining 30 per cent structured over the tenure of the lease as ground rent, he said. Next article: Govt begins state lands reforms -Prospective owners to make 70% upfront payment of market value Featured We cant wait forever for AfCFTA - AGI demands alternative regional trade access Maclean Kwofi Feb - 17 - 2026 , 12:25 4 minutes read The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Kofi Nsiah-Poku, has called on the government to strengthen bilateral collaborations with neighbouring countries to create safer and more efficient channels for Ghanaian manufacturers to export their goods within West Africa. He explained that deepened cooperation with regional partners would unlock the vast market of over 450 million people in West Africa, expand opportunities for local producers and increase foreign exchange earnings while supporting currency stability. Mr Nsiah-Poku, an industrial pharmacist and health entrepreneur, stated that exporters often faced significant logistical and bureaucratic challenges, including excessive paperwork and difficulties in shipping goods even to neighbouring countries such as Togo and Cote dIvoire, which discouraged formal trade. Speaking to the media after the associations national council retreat in Accra last Friday, Mr Nsiah-Poku stressed that although trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) officially commenced in 2021, access to its full benefits had been slow due to ongoing negotiations among 54 member states and varying national protection interests. We cannot wait forever; our products are ready, and with direct collaboration between governments, we can begin exporting immediately rather than being delayed by prolonged formalities, Mr Nsiah-Poku said as part of a five-point communique the AGI issued after the retreat. The two-day national council retreat of the AGI held from February 12-13, 2026, in Accra was on the theme: Sustaining economic stability to drive industrial growth. The discussions brought to the fore the urgent need for policymakers and the government to chart a clear path toward strengthening local production and promoting long-term growth in order to sustain recent economic gains. Participants, therefore, urged the government to complement targeted policy reforms with decisive and aggressive implementation in priority areas to reinforce economic stability and accelerate industrial development. Mr Nsiah-Poku stated that while the vision of the AfCFTA remained transformative, practical and immediate steps at the sub-regional level could deliver faster results for Ghanaian exporters. He explained that bilateral engagements between Ghana and its immediate neighbours could remove bottlenecks that currently slowed cross-border trade. The AGI president added that direct state-to-state understanding could simplify customs clearance processes, harmonise standards and reduce delays at border posts. Mr Nsiah-Poku stated that many Ghanaian manufacturers were already producing goods that met regional demand but struggled to access markets through formal channels. In some cases, he said, traders resorted to informal routes because official processes were cumbersome and costly. He added that formalising the trade flows through structured agreements would enhance revenue mobilisation and protect businesses. Mr Nsiah-Poku said exporting to Europe or Asia was sometimes more predictable than trading within West Africa, in spite of geographical proximity, attributing the gap to inconsistent border procedures, documentation requirements and varying interpretations of trade protocols across countries. Anti-dumping measures The Vice President in charge of Large Scale at the AGI, Mukesh Thakwani, stated that many industries in Ghana were self-sufficient and had the capacity not only to meet domestic demand, but also to serve the wider West African and international markets. However, Mr Thakwani, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of B5 Plus, said the continuous importation of similar goods was undermining local manufacturers and limiting their growth potential. Citing the steel industry as an example, he said the sector was currently operating at less than 60 per cent of its installed capacity despite having the ability to produce a wide range of products locally, including prefabricated structures, engineered buildings, tankers, trailers, nails and binding wire. Mr Thakwani stated that cheap imports and exemptions granted to some importers were placing unfair pressure on domestic producers and draining foreign exchange. He, therefore, urged the government to implement anti-dumping measures and immediate restrictions on products that could be manufactured locally. We must protect industries that are already capable of producing here in Ghana so that we create more jobs and save millions of dollars in foreign exchange, he stated. 24-hour economy For his part, the CEO of the AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, stated that industry must serve as the backbone of the governments 24-hour Economy agenda if the policy was to make a meaningful impact. He said a true round-the-clock economic activity could only be sustained if manufacturing and agriculture operated in three continuous shifts, supported by efficient value chains, competitive pricing and access to finance. He explained that once factories operated continuously, complementary services such as transport, security and banking would naturally expand to support production. If industry produces competitively and demand is strong, then the entire service sector will align around it; that is why industry must drive the 24-hour Economy programme, Mr Twum-Akwaboah added. Featured Interior Minister pleads: Stop sharing images of Burkina Faso attack victims GraphicOnline Feb - 17 - 2026 , 06:00 2 minutes read The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic images and videos of victims killed in a terrorist attack on a truck transporting Ghanaian tomato traders in northern Burkina Faso. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, 16 February, the Minister extended condolences to the bereaved families and confirmed that efforts were ongoing to evacuate survivors from the affected area. He noted that not all families had yet been formally informed of the incident. According to him, the attack occurred on Saturday when the traders were travelling through Titao and were caught in a confrontation between extremist elements and Burkina Fasos armed forces. Unfortunately, on Saturday, our compatriots travelling through Titao were caught in a violent confrontation between extremists and Burkina Fasos armed forces. 18 Ghanaian tomato traders were affected, 10 men and eight women. The attackers forced the women off the trucks and opened fire indiscriminately. Several individuals, including the drivers, died instantly, and the trucks were set ablaze, leaving the bodies burnt beyond recognition. Families of the victims are uncertain. Sharing footage of burnt bodies is not only insensitive but also adds to their trauma. I plead with everyone to stop circulating these images and put themselves in the shoes of the grieving families, he said. The Minister disclosed that the bodies of the deceased had been buried by the Burkina Faso authorities with the approval of the Government of Ghana. He added that DNA samples were taken prior to burial to enable proper identification and ensure families are formally notified. Despite the scale of the tragedy, some passengers survived the attack. Three men and one woman sustained serious burns and are receiving treatment in hospital, while seven other women are reported to be in stable condition. Arrangements are underway to transfer the injured to Ouagadougou, where Ghanas diplomatic mission will provide further support and assistance. The incident has once again highlighted the security risks along parts of the Sahel corridor, frequently used by traders transporting agricultural produce across borders. Ghanaian authorities say they remain in contact with their Burkinabe counterparts as efforts continue to account for all affected persons and support grieving families. Featured JJ Rawlings Foundation mourns Sgt Peter Tasiri GraphicOnline Feb - 17 - 2026 , 07:17 2 minutes read The JJ Rawlings Foundation has announced the passing of Sergeant Peter Tasiri Azongo, one of the key non-commissioned officers whose actions on the night of June 3, 1979, altered the course of Ghana's political history. He died on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 95 in Pusiga, located in the Upper East Region. In a statement issued on Monday, February 16, and signed by its Communications Directorate, the Foundation paid tribute to a man it described as instrumental to the birth of the June 4, 1979 uprising. The statement noted that the uprising was triggered by "economic hardship and widespread corruption which had brought the country on its knees at the time." A native of the Kusaug Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, Sgt Tasiri's place in history is firmly anchored to the dramatic events surrounding the May 15, 1979 insurrection. Following that failed mutiny, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings was arrested and detained. The Foundation's statement highlighted that Sgt Tasiri and his colleagues were "instrumental in releasing Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings from jail" . In later years, Tasiri's voice was heard during Ghana's journey of national reconciliation. Appearing before the National Reconciliation Commission in 2003, he offered a group apology on behalf of some AFRC members for atrocities committed during their rule, attributing acts of indiscipline to the misuse of other ranks by officers. The JJ Rawlings Foundation's statement extended condolences to the family, saying it joins "all well-meaning Ghanaians to commiserate with the family of Sgt Tasiri." "Sgt Tasiri rest well. Your sacrifices helped to lay the foundation for the socio-political transformation that Ghana enjoys today. We will endeavour to keep the light you all lit alight and carve your memories in stone," the statement read. The family has indicated that it will seek a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the nation. Speaking to the media in Pusiga, family spokesperson Hon William Agoyini appealed for privacy as relatives mourn their loss, while paying tribute to the late ex-sergeant's service . Titus Tasiri Azongo, son of the deceased, eulogised his father as a hardworking and widely respected man who bore no grudges. He said the family and the nation had lost a remarkable sou. The body of Sgt Peter Tasiri Azongo has been deposited at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital morgue as the family awaits official communication from the state regarding burial arrangements. Featured No more raw exports: President Mahama demands Ghana process its cashew, shea, and rubber locally Mohammed Ali Feb - 17 - 2026 , 15:27 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has urged foreign companies trading in Ghanas raw cashew to establish processing factories in the country or exit the market, signalling an end to the long-standing practice of exporting unprocessed tree crop commodities while importing finished products at higher prices. He made the remarks on February 17, 2026, at the inaugural Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition in Accra, describing the arrangement as one that had deprived farmers and the wider economy of fair returns. We will no longer export raw cashew, President Mahama said. I invite our investment partners who export cashews to come and build the capacity to process our cashew locally. I want to travel and be able to buy cashew and see the produce of Ghana, not the produce of India or produce of some third-party country. President Mahama extended the directive to shea and rubber. We will no longer export raw cashew, raw shea, or unprocessed rubber while importing the same finished products at higher prices, he said. The move carries implications for about 890,000 people working in the cashew sector, most of whom are smallholder farmers in the Brong Ahafo, Bono East, and Savannah regions who rely on sales of unprocessed nuts shipped abroad for processing. The summit, organised by the Tree Crops Development Authority and supported by the World Bank, is being held from February 17 to February 20, 2026, under the theme, Sustainable Growth Through Tree Crop Investments: Resetting and Building Ghanas Green Economy. President Mahama announced government targets to process between 50 and 60 per cent of tree crop commodities locally each year. He said this would be backed by the expansion of agro-industrial parks, incentives for private processors, and stronger regulatory oversight through the Tree Crops Development Authority. Our target is clear, he said. 50% to 60% local processing annually, expansion of agro-industrial parks, incentives for private sector processors, and stronger regulatory oversight through the Tree Crops Development Authority. The President also relaunched and accelerated the Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project, a $200 million World Bank-supported programme under which 7.8 million cashew seedlings, 2.3 million rubber seedlings, and 3.9 million coconut seedlings are to be distributed to more than 30,000 farmers. President Mahama said 52,775 households would benefit directly, while 185 small and medium enterprises would receive matching grants. Ive directed the Tree Crops Development Authority and COCOBOD to expedite implementation of this programme, he said. Our farmers must see results, not paperwork. President Mahama stressed the need for Ghana to move away from exporting raw commodities, citing cocoa exports dating back to the colonial period. Weve exported raw beans since Gordon Guggisbergs time, he told delegates. Ghana at that time was the leading exporter of cocoa. And to think that in the 21st century, were still the largest leading exporter of raw cocoa beans, that is not an accolade we should take pride in. We should take pride in being the leading exporter of manufactured cocoa products. He noted that the global cocoa crisis should mark a turning point, revealing that the government had decided to adjust cocoa funding arrangements by raising funds locally, paying farmers directly, and allocating part of production to domestic processing. Featured Police gun down suspected robber, seize 5 firearms in Bono shootout Jemima Okang Addae Feb - 17 - 2026 , 17:24 2 minutes read The Ghana Police Service has recovered five assorted firearms following a shootout with suspected armed robbers in the Bono Region, which left one suspect dead. In a statement, the police said the weapons were retrieved during an intelligence-led operation targeting robbery gangs believed to be operating within the region. According to the statement, intelligence gathered on February 11 indicated that a gang was planning an attack on traders travelling along the DormaaGonokrom highway. Surveillance teams were immediately deployed to the area in an effort to foil the suspected robbery. In the early hours of February 12, officers advancing towards a parked motorbike reportedly came under gunfire from nearby bushes. The police returned fire and, at daybreak, a search of the area led to the discovery of a male suspect dead, with an AK-47 rifle found beside him. A subsequent search uncovered a sack containing additional weapons and ammunition. The items retrieved included two Baikal single-barrel guns, a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of 9mm ammunition and 34 additional rounds, as well as another AK-47 rifle loaded with 11 rounds and an extra 10 rounds of ammunition. Officers also recovered 39 rounds of BB cartridges, a dagger, a mobile phone, a Honda motorbike, a black mask and a set of talismans. The body of the deceased suspect has been deposited at the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation, identification and autopsy. The Bono Regional Police Command said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend other members of the gang. It appealed to the public to provide credible information to support ongoing investigations and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety and security across the region. Featured Police return GH85,000 found on Techiman Kumasi highway to owner Mohammed Ali Feb - 17 - 2026 , 14:42 2 minutes read Four police officers on snap checkpoint duty on the Techiman Kumasi Highway have returned GH85,000 to a businessman after a bag containing the cash fell from a moving vehicle onto the roadside in the early hours of February 14, 2026. The Bono East Regional Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, commending the officers for their conduct. According to the statement, at approximately 4:20 a.m., officers stationed at the checkpoint spotted a bag lying by the roadside, which appeared to have fallen from a passing vehicle. Inspector George Appiah, who led the team, moved with three colleagues to retrieve it. On inspection, the officers found the bag contained cash. The exterior bore the name Ofori and a phone number. The officers did not count the money and handed the bag and its contents to the Regional Command for follow-up, the statement said. Using the contact details, the police called the number. A 53 year old businessman, Mr Stephen Ofori of Ashtown in Kumasi, responded and later reported to the checkpoint to claim ownership. Mr Ofori told police he had withdrawn the GH85,000 from GCB Bank in Wa and was transporting it to Kumasi in a commercial vehicle when the bag fell off. Police counted and verified the cash in his presence and confirmed the full amount remained intact. After he provided an explanation and completed verification procedures, the Command released the money to him, according to the statement. We wish to highly commend our officers and the community members who brought this to the attention of the police, the statement said. The statement was signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Appiah Danquah, Bono East Regional Police Service Public Relations Officer. Next article: Attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso: JNIM militants behind deadly assault Ghana Embassy - State must heighten security alertness Adam Bonnah Featured Suspected killer of Police officer arrested in Upper East hideout Emmanuel Bonney Feb - 17 - 2026 , 13:47 2 minutes read A joint operation by personnel from the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) in Accra and their counterparts in the Upper East Region has led to the arrest of Abdul-Aziz Iddrisu, also known as Baaluuse, 33, who is suspected of killing General Constable Seth Oppong Damoah at Karimenga on the BolgatangaTamale Highway in December last year. The suspect was arrested last Monday at his hideout in Polego, a suburb of Bolgatanga. A police report made available to Graphic Online said the suspect and his accomplices, who are yet to be arrested, had been on the police wanted list for allegedly attacking officers at the Karimenga police barrier, where G/Const. Damoah was shot dead, while G/Cpl. Nyanku Charles and G/Cpl. Abu Moro sustained gunshot injuries. The suspect has been identified as a warrior for one of the feuding factions in the Bawku conflict. A brief search on three mobile phones taken from him suggest that suspect and others at large have participated actively in the protracted Bawku conflict and has also killed a lot of people. Further search on his phones also revealed that suspect belongs to a WhatsApp group called Trusted Friends with the image of Alhaji Seidu Abagri a rival chief of the Bawku chieftaincy dispute as their profile picture. A group mainly patronised by Moshies and Mamprusis, the report said. The report added that the suspect was seen in a video displaying a number of AK-47 assault rifles in a sack and pistols at a location believed to be in Bawku. It further stated that he was captured in an audio message requesting more arms and ammunition to enable the Mamprusis to defeat the Kusaasis in the ongoing conflict. Information available also indicates that suspect and one Mark at large are behind the importation of weapons and ammunitions to Bawku. Information further indicates that on 29/12/2025 suspect and his accomplices at large planned and launched attack on the police performing their lawful duty at the Karimenga barrier. That suspect went into hiding until the police traced him to his hideout and apprehended him, it said. At about 11 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, Gen. Const. Damoah was shot and killed at Karimenga on the BolgatangaTamale Highway. The attack left two other police personnel injured and led to a temporary security withdrawal along the route. The incident occurred when gunmen attacked a bus travelling on the highway. Sources indicated that police officers responded to a distress call after foiling the initial attack. However, the gunmen, who had fled into the bush, reportedly returned and launched a second assault, this time targeting the Karimenga Police checkpoint. Earlier this year, during CES, Samsung announced its Galaxy Book6 laptop series powered by Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 processors, but it didn't disclose prices and launch dates for the European market. So today, the company is finally revealing the prices of all configurations and their availability. Pre-orders kick off on February 25 next week, just in time for the Galaxy S series Unpacked event. Actual shipments will commence on March 11, and the first European markets to get the Galaxy Book6 series are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian countries, Spain, the UK and Ireland. More markets to follow in April. The available configurations and their respective pricing are as follows: 14-inch Galaxy Book6: 1,149/949 16-inch Galaxy Book6: 1,249/1,049 16-inch Galaxy Book6 (touchscreen): 1,399/1,099 14-inch Galaxy Book6 Pro: 1,799/1,399 16-inch Galaxy Book6 Pro: 1,899/1,499 16-inch Galaxy Book6 Ultra: 3,399/2,999 A few notes there. The difference between the UK and EU pricing reflects the different base storage options. The UK's entry-level storage configuration is 256GB, while the rest of Europe is getting the 512GB variant as a base. Additionally, the Galaxy Book6 Ultra will only be offered with a discrete Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU. The Intel integrated graphics variant initially announced is not in the roster, at least for now. Department of Public Works Director Vince Arriola on Tuesday said 6,500 streetlights were added to Guams roadsides in the past seven years, going from 16,000 to about 22,500. An estimated 1,000 light poles need replacing around Guam, mostly specialty poles in Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority and private subdivisions. Arriola spoke during a Tuesday morning public hearing on Sen. Sabina Perezs Bill 19-38, meant to speed up repairs for village streetlights across the island. Hes in support of the bill. Bill 19-38 would allow DPW to carry money left over in its Street Light Fund at the end of each fiscal year, instead of seeing those funds expire. The bill would require DPW to keep tabs on busted lights by requesting lists from the Guam Power Authority and Guam Police Department. It would also put DPW in charge of specialty light poles run by the Guam Visitors Bureau and GHURA. Perez pointed to the 2022 Guam safety plan, which indicated that most crashes on the island occur where lighting is poor. Funding She said revenues put in the Street Light Fund average $4.1 million annually. The fund gets a portion of the fees that residents pay when they renew their vehicle registrations annually. Arriola estimated the amount at closer to $5 million. Our monthly billing averages about $453,000 per month, Arriola told lawmakers. He said DPW managed to increase poles by about 6,500 in recent years without increasing costs, through savings from installing more energy-efficient lights. LED lights were more durable, and about 50% cheaper to run than old halogen light bulbs, Arriola said. But DPW was close to going past the savings realized from those bulbs. Any and all additional funding for streetlights will only serve to better our island and keep our residents and visitors safe, he said. Specialty light poles More recently, Arriola said DPW has been running into issues with specialty light poles in various subdivisions that were damaged by Typhoon Mawar. Such poles were found in areas like Barrigada Heights, Ypaopao Estates, Jonestown, or GHURA communities. Poles were rusted out, damaged, or completely knocked down after Mawar, he said, but GPA did not want to work on the specialty poles. If you look at a lot of the neighborhoods that have those specialty poles, theyre completely dark, Arriola told senators. He said an assessment is planned for specialty poles that need to be replaced, which are estimated at about 1,000 islandwide. Most will need to be completely replaced, which will cost a pretty penny. Moving forward, he said DPW may require that any subdivision that uses the specialty poles is going to have to take ownership of those poles. We cant go around buying 37 different kinds of specialty poles. Thats just going to be...too costly and too cost prohibitive for the government, Arriola said. Northern lights He also commented on sections of the road in northern Guam that only had streetlights on one side, upon questioning from Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane. In many cases, easements were so big that GPA power poles could be 20 feet away from the road. From that distance, a mounted street light would not provide much illumination. Fixing the issue will require installation of separate street light poles, Arriola said, which will be expensive. Besides DPW, the Mayors Council of Guam and Yona Mayor Brian BJ Terlaje both submitted written testimony in support of Bill 19-38, Perez said. Piti Mayor and Mayors Council President Jesse Alig indicated that in a survey of mayors, only one mayor reported a backlog in streetlight installation. Three reported challenges with streetlight repairs and response times. Alig did stress the need for better systems to track streetlights needing repair. An online or shared tracking system between DPW, GPA and the Mayors Council could provide regular updates on the status of installations and repairs, ensuring accountability and better coordination, he wrote. Who is responsible for years of higher-than-expected contaminated runoff at the old Ordot dump, and potentially millions of dollars in incurred costs and damages? The government of Guam, the court-appointed receiver running dump operations, and contractors involved in the closeout of the hazardous site will go to California next month to see if they can settle various lawsuits assigning blame for increased runoff, or leachate, at Ordot. Parties have agreed to go before a private mediator to discuss a potential settlement, according to court documents and updates given to the Consolidated Commission on Utilities on Tuesday. Guam Waterworks Authority legal counsel Therese Rojas told the CCU that mediation will happen on March 24 and 25 in San Francisco. District Court filings show attorney Roger J. Peters will serve as mediator in the two-day meeting. Peters has more than 40 years of resolving construction and construction defect disputes in the U.S., Caribbean, and the Pacific, according to his profile on the American College of Construction Lawyers website. Members of the CCU on Tuesday voted to give Guam Waterworks Authority General Manager Miguel Bordallo full settlement authority. Rojas told the CCU that full settlement authority is a requirement for participating in the mediation discussion. $4.4M lawsuit GWA and its insurance company are being sued for $4.4 million in Superior Court. The suit was filed by Gershman, Brickner, & Bratton Inc., GBB, the solid waste management consultant appointed by the federal court to run operations at Ordot. GBB alleges a waterworks line near the dump leaked over 100 million gallons of water between 2018 and 2022. Water went into the ground, increased leachate at the dump, and drove up cleanup costs, attorneys for the receiver argue in their lawsuit. That lawsuit and others are put on hold pending the March mediation in California, court filings show. Faulty closeout designs Also at issue will be a lawsuit the Office of the Attorney General filed last year, alleging faulty closeout designs and construction at Ordot. The AGs office filed the suit in the District Court of Guam against GBB and four contractors it hired to do closeout work at Ordot. Attorneys for the AGs office have alleged that leachate at the dump wouldnt be affected by the GWA water leak if the closeout was done properly. It could cost up to $31.8 million to fix construction errors at Ordot, while GBB and its attorneys profited some $23 million as a result of the closeout, the suit alleges. Contractors named in the lawsuit are: Black Construction Corp. GHD Inc. Geo-Logic Associates Brown and Caldwell An appeal filed by the receiver now has cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which facilitated the mediation meetings. GBB is challenging a ruling District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood made last year, which found that GovGuam could sue the court-appointed receiver. Attorneys for the receiver and the AGs office last October consented to explore mediation, District Court filings show. GovGuams lawsuit against GBB and the receivers lawsuit against GWA are both on hold, in the meantime. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in January ordered a stay on the appeal until April 16, while parties work with their private mediator. If no settlement is ironed out by then, briefings will continue in the federal appeals court, according to a Jan. 16 order. Haiti - FLASH : 10 More Armored Vehicles for Haiti Yesterday, Monday, the Haitian National Police (PNH) received a batch of 10 armored vehicles thanks to support from the Government of Canada and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), during a ceremony held at the police headquarters in Clercine. The donation was presented by Canadian Ambassador Andre Francois Giroux, in the presence of Prime Minister and Coordinator of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN), Alix Didier Fils-Aime, and senior officers of the police force. This initiative is part of international support aimed at strengthening the operational capacities of Haitian law enforcement in the context of a precarious and deteriorating security situation. Andre Francois Giroux reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for efforts to restore security in Haiti, while Alix Didier Fils-Aime welcomed this contribution, renewed the government's commitment to restoring public order to ensure the free movement of citizens, and called on the population to cooperate with law enforcement against armed groups. "There can be no political stability, economic recovery, or social cohesion without the full and complete restoration of republican order," he declared. He emphasized that the gradual strengthening of the Haitian National Police's (PNH) material and operational capabilities is part of a comprehensive plan to create the necessary conditions for holding free, inclusive, transparent, and democratic elections. The objective is clear : to secure the main roads, protect strategic institutions, and guarantee a climate of trust for all citizens. It should be noted that in early February, the Haitian National Police (PNH) received three tracked armored fighting vehicles, a donation from South Korea (https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46793-icihaiti-south-korea-the-pnh-receives-a-donation-of-armored-tanks.html), with formidable firepower (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46799-haiti-security-big-firepower-of-tanks-donated-by-south-korea.html). With this new delivery, the PNH now has a total of 35 vehicles. Armored vehicles have been received, including three highly sophisticated tracked armored vehicles specially adapted for difficult terrain and offensive operations against heavily armed gangs. This logistical increase reflects a sustained and structured effort to enhance mobility, rapid response capabilities, and the protection of officers deployed in the field. This equipment arrives at an opportune time, as the Haitian National Police (PNH) recently launched Operation "Operasyon San Kanpe" (https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46847-icihaiti-pnh-new-operations-to-clear-roads-and-dismantle-gangs.html), aimed at definitively dismantling the gangs, clearing national highways, and restoring state authority. S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Health : An incarcerated person is not condemned to die of illness As part of its public health mission focused on proximity and equitable access to care, the Nippes Health Directorate (DSNI) organized a mobile clinic earlier this month, at the Anse-a-Veau prison, the largest penitentiary in the department. This initiative reflects the DSNI's ongoing commitment to bringing healthcare services closer to the most vulnerable populations, including those living in prison. The Anse-a-Veau detention center houses inmates from the local jurisdiction, as well as from Miragoane, making it a space requiring special attention to healthcare. A concrete response to healthcare needs in prisons Often facing difficult detention conditions, incarcerated individuals suffer from numerous health conditions requiring urgent and regular medical care. During this mobile clinic, DSNI managers and healthcare staff mobilized to provide consultations, assess priority cases, and distribute appropriate medications. Several inmates suffering from illnesses such as influenza, fever, tuberculosis, and other common ailments received immediate care in an atmosphere marked by high levels of satisfaction and numerous expressions of gratitude. A Mission guided by a humanitarian vision of public health This activity was carried out under the leadership of the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Sinal Bertrand, and is part of the initiative launched by the Director of the DSNI, Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont, who was present to support the team and provide initial guidance for the continuation of these crucial interventions. In a powerful statement, the Director emphasized the profound meaning of this action : "An incarcerated person is not a person condemned to die of illness." Prison is a place where sentences are served, not a place of torture or neglect. Saving lives remains our priority, even behind bars. She emphasized that detention should never mean the deprivation of the fundamental right to health. A commitment extended beyond the mobile clinic In a spirit of continuity, on Thursday, February 12, a few days after the mobile clinic, a team of health officers from the Nippes department returned to the site to assess the conditions of the prison sub-center. This technical visit aims to prepare sanitation measures and strengthen health protocols within the detention area, thus confirming the DSNI's commitment to intervene not only through curative care, but also through preventive and structural actions in the prison environment. An initiative welcomed by prison authorities Prison officials and other relevant authorities welcomed this intervention by the Nippes Health Directorate (DSNI), emphasizing the importance of such actions in an environment where healthcare needs are often immense. Through these activities, the Nippes Health Directorate reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing quality care for all, without discrimination, and to strengthening community-based services for the benefit of the department's most vulnerable populations. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Justice : RNDDH denounces the absurd, illegal, and arbitrary nature of 4 wanted issued by the DCPJ The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) has taken note of the circulation on social media of four wanted notices issued by the DCPJ and denounces their absurd, illegal, and arbitrary nature. The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) has taken note of the circulation on social media of four wanted notices https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46806-haiti-news-zapping.html issued by the DCPJ against : - Arnel Belizaire, for financing terrorism, attacks, conspiracy against the internal security of the State, and criminal association; - Ralph Youri Chevry, for financing terrorism, attacks, conspiracy against the security of the State, and criminal association; - Smith Joseph, for money laundering, financing terrorism, attacks and conspiracy against state security, and criminal conspiracy; - Edouard Julcene, for illegal trafficking of firearms and ammunition, money laundering, financing terrorism, tax fraud, and criminal conspiracy. All those involved are considered by the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) to be armed and dangerous, except for Smith Joseph. "The RNDDHbelieves that the arrest warrant issued against Arnel Belizaire, an ally of the terrorist coalition Viv Ansanm, is a farce because he is a close friend of the current director of the DCPJ, Divisional Commissioner Justin Marc, and has had access to the institution since September 22, 2025." The RNDDH also considers that "the notices issued against Ralph Youri Chevry, former President of the Port-au-Prince Municipal Council, Edouard Julcene, former Director of the Port-au-Prince Customs Administration, and Smith Joseph, a member of the cabinet of Presidential Advisor Fritz Alphonse Jean, are illegal and arbitrary and tend to sow confusion in public opinion." The RNDDH reiterates that Ralph Youri Chevry, Smith Joseph, and Edouard Julcene were never summoned by the DCPJ (Central Directorate of the Judicial Police). They are not subject to any summons, arrest warrant, or warrant issued against them under Articles 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, and following of the Code of Criminal Procedure; To date, the names of those involved do not appear in any investigation report from the Central Unit for Economic and Financial Intelligence (UCREF) or the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) regarding the crimes of financing terrorism and money laundering with which they are charged by the DCPJ. The RNDDH recognizes the obligation of DCPJ agents to conduct investigations to establish the truth within the framework of ongoing legal proceedings. However, the RNDDH emphasizes that these investigations must be conducted in strict compliance with judicial guarantees such as the presumption of innocence, prior and detailed notification of the charges, and the right to a fair trial, enshrined in the Haitian Constitution on the one hand, and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the American Convention on Human Rights on the other, instruments to which Haiti is a party. The RNDDH emphasizes that, lacking a legal framework, wanted notices can only be logically understood and acceptable in cases where the individuals concerned are fugitives, either after being caught in the act of committing an offense, pursued by public outcry, having escaped from prison, or being subject to an arrest warrant. However, the individuals targeted by these wanted notices fall into none of these categories. Furthermore, their good faith and willingness to cooperate with a potential judicial police investigation have never been tested, as they have not been summoned beforehand by the DCPJ. The RNDDH reiterates that under no circumstances should the judicial police be used as a tool, as this would constitute a clear violation of the principles of the democratic rule of law. The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) denounces the absurd, and illegal and arbitrary, nature of these wanted notices and emphasizes that a wanted notice cannot be the trigger for an investigation or prosecution by the judicial police. In conclusion, the RNDDH recommends that the DCPJ suspend these wanted notices and adhere to the law for all investigations conducted by the institution. Photo caption from left to right : Arnel Belizaire, Ralph Youri Chevry, Smith Joseph, and Edouard Julcene HL/HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... HOPE/HELP : Haitian Delegation in Washington, D.C. As part of ongoing advocacy for a long-term extension of the HOPE/HELP Act, a delegation from the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH) stayed in Washington, D.C., to hold numerous meetings and raise awareness among American decision-makers. Georges B. Sassine, former President of ADIH, took the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Senate hearing entitled Haiti 2026 Security and Foreign Assistance Priorities, where Henry T. Wooster, the U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Haiti, presented the current situation in Haiti. Discussions focused on security challenges, the deterioration of the national economy, the impact on the textile sector and the HOPE/HELP Act, job insecurity, and the prospects for international cooperation needed to restore security and stability and support Haiti's economic development. 50 Water Tanks to Combat Drought Thanks to the 50 water tanks currently being built by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the support of EU ECHO (EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid), 2,000 people in the Southeast will be able to cope with the drought and protect their agricultural production. Konsila Mobil in Paris The entire team from the Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Paris is present to welcome you to the first "Konsila Mobil" session at the Saint-Georges de la Villette Church. Location : Saint-Georges de la Villette Church - 114, Av. Simon Bolivar 75109, Paris Come one, come all to benefit from the services of the National Identification Office (ONI). The required documents are : - Proof of identity - Copy of birth certificate / extract from the archives - Married/divorced/widowed woman: marriage/divorce certificate or death certificate. Share this message so that those who cannot come today can come on Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. Renaissance Noailles/Nway Reviv Renaissance Noailles/Nway Reviv - 87 children between the ages of 6 and 16 participated in various activities, including the "Ti Lekol Dwa Moun" workshops. Twelve trained facilitators provided guidance. "Identite m" (Identify me) is the theme of one of the activities in the "Ti Lekol Dwa Moun" program, designed by the AfricAmericA Foundation to raise children's awareness of and respect for their rights. "Renaissance Noailles / Nway Reviv !" This activity is part of the "Nway Reviv" program, funded by the OAS-Haiti and implemented by the AfricAmericA Foundation, in partnership with the Association of Artists and Artisans of Croix-des-Bouquets - Village Noailles. 2 Young Footballers in Jacmel On Monday, February 16, 2026, the Jacmel City Hall welcomed two young footballers from Jacmel: Jean-Pierre Ralph Evens and Barjon Guivens. Trained at the JAF football academy, they are members of the Haitian U-17 national men's team. This welcome follows their impressive performance with the Haitian U-17 team, which qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. This initiative aims to recognize the hard work, discipline, and love these young men have for their country, as they bring glory to Jacmel and Haiti on the international stage. It also aims to encourage football schools in the city of Jacmel to continue their work with young people. HL/ HaitiLibre The shopping spree on Chinese online marketplaces like Temu or Shein will soon become noticeably pricier and cumbersome for European consumers. The EU Council has given the final green light to a reform of customs regulations, which specifically targets the significantly grown e-commerce from third countries. The core point is the end of the previous customs exemption for small shipments valued at less than 150 euros. What was once intended to relieve customs authorities has, considering billions of package flows from the Far East, become a competitive disadvantage for European trade. Since 2022, the number of shipments has almost doubled annually: in 2024, around 4.6 billion small shipments arrived in the EU, over 90 percent of them from China. Continue after ad Bureaucracy as a lever against the flood of parcels The transition to the new system is being implemented in stages. Since the planned EU customs data platform is not yet fully operational, a transitional solution will initially apply from July 1, 2026: For shipments under 150 euros, a flat customs duty of 3 euros will be levied. The number of product categories within a package is decisive. The fee can therefore be levied multiple times if different product groups are included. For example, if you order different types of textiles in one shipment, you pay the flat rate per category. This regulation will apply at least until mid-2028. Thereafter, the new central data platform is scheduled to launch under the supervision of an EU customs authority. With it, flat rates will be replaced by regular customs duties that apply regardless of the value of the goods. The EU expects fairer competitive conditions and additional revenue for the budget as a result. The amendment is part of a broader reorganization of the European customs architecture in response to fragmented national procedures and changing trade flows. For consumers, many import bargains are likely to become more expensive, but politically, the step is considered necessary for market supervision, security, and fair competition. Additionally, a further processing fee is being discussed to cover the high costs of parcel handling. The enormous increase in volume in online retail has pushed existing control systems to their limits and exposed loopholes. In the future, providers from third countries will be subject to the same financial and administrative obligations as traders within the EU. (mki) 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. Under the proposal, a parent who has lived in Finland for less than three years after the age of 16 will not receive the benefit if they stay at home to care for a child. Finlands government has agreed to restrict access to the home care allowance for some immigrants, according to Finnish news outlets including Iltalehti and Yle . The reform forms part of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo s integration programme. According to the news outlets, the three-year residence requirement will also count time spent in another EU or EEA state or in Switzerland. The restriction will apply only to the parent who has moved to Finland. It will not apply to both parents. In single-parent families, the requirement will concern the parent living with the child. The change will enter into force on 1 July 2026. It will affect those who move to Finland after the law takes effect. According to information first reported by Iltalehti, the reform reflects what ministers have described as a Norwegian model, where access to certain family benefits links to prior residence. The Swedish Peoples Party had raised concerns that a broader restriction would lead to situations in which a Finnish parent lost support due to their partners background. The government states that the amendment forms part of a wider effort to differentiate social security for immigrants and permanent residents within constitutional limits. Constitutional scrutiny delayed the proposal. Ministers reviewed the equality provisions and the right to basic social security before finalising the draft. The bill will go to parliament this spring. Earlier in February, Finance Minister and leader of the Finns Party Riikka Purra proposed in comments to the media that immigrants should work without pay as a condition for receiving certain social benefits. In Denmark, social welfare, especially last-resort support, is tied to a 37.5-hour weekly work requirement, Purra said in an interview with Suomen Uutiset. The obligation applies especially to foreigners and involves simple tasks, such as cleaning or gathering twigs, which do not displace any actual jobs, she said. Purra later wrote on X that some immigrants take low-paid jobs to secure residence and then leave work because it does not pay in relation to social security. Her remarks drew criticism from opposition politicians and members of the governing National Coalition Party. Former Helsinki mayor Juhana Vartiainen, from the National Coalition Party, wrote on X that the same incentive problems apply to Finnish citizens. That is why reform of social security and labour legislation is necessary in any case, he said. Denmark expanded its work requirement last summer. The scheme applies to people who have lived in Denmark for fewer than nine of the past ten years and who have worked less than 2.5 years full-time. Participants must complete up to 37 hours a week of assigned activity to receive benefits. Municipalities organise tasks. They include waste collection, sorting donated clothes and assisting in care homes. Part of the weekly requirement can consist of language classes or job search conducted under supervision. In Finland, the constitution guarantees everyone the right to essential subsistence. Research Professor Pasi Moisio of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare told Helsingin Sanomat that transferring the Danish model to Finland would prove difficult. The constitution and its interpretation grant immigrants a strong right to last-resort social security, Moisio said. He added that Denmark has broader employment and integration services. In Finland, social security focuses on passive income transfers. There are fewer obligations or service opportunities, Moisio said. HT Finlands Immigration Service revoked Jaffs residence permit last summer and ordered his removal to Iraq. In the video interview with Rudaw Media , Jaff rejects claims that he led a criminal gang and accuses Finnish right-wing parties of using his case for political gain. Convicted offender Milan Jaff , 25, has given a lengthy interview in Iraqs Kurdistan Region following his deportation from Finland. He was deported in December, according to reporting first published by Iltalehti on 12 December. Jaff appealed the deportation decision. The Supreme Administrative Court refused him leave to appeal. The earlier ruling by the Administrative Court therefore remained in force. Finnish authorities have linked Jaff to the street group known as Kurdish Mafia, also referred to as the 47 gang. He has denied that the group operated as an organised crime network. In June 2024, the Helsinki Court of Appeal ruled that the group did not meet the legal definition of an organised criminal organisation. The court stated that the case concerned a youth group whose activities showed a favourable attitude and readiness for serious violence in situations where members felt offended. Jaff arrived in Finland in 2017 at the age of 17. In the years that followed, he received prison sentences for multiple offences. He was convicted over a plan to carry out an attack at the Kaivohuone restaurant in Helsinki and for a shooting in Espoo. He has also received a final conviction for rape. In October, a court sentenced him for assaulting Mika Moring, known in Finland for a series of sexual offences. In the Rudaw interview, Jaff disputes several allegations. He claims that accusations of sexual violence were false and linked to personal disputes. He denies carrying weapons and rejects claims that he attempted to kill anyone. I am not a mafia man. That was just an artist name for my songs, he told Rudaw. Jaff says his public image in Finland grew beyond his control. He argues that media coverage portrayed him as a gang leader because of a rap song titled Kurdish Mafia. They took the name from my song and used it against me, he said. He describes his online persona as separate from his private life. In the interview, he says he worked in car washes, restaurants and renovation jobs while living in Finland. He also states that he attended school and trained in mixed martial arts. Court records in Finland show that he served prison sentences in two periods. He says the first term lasted two months in 2020, followed by supervised release. Later convictions led to a longer custodial sentence. He states that an initial combined sentence of 20 years was reduced on appeal to a total of about nine years. While in prison, he says he was placed in high-security units because authorities viewed him as a gang leader. He describes several violent incidents during his detention. Finnish media have reported on surveillance footage showing Jaff involved in assaults. Prosecutors have detailed cases involving violence, threats and deprivation of liberty. In the Rudaw interview, Jaff says many conflicts stemmed from disputes involving friends. He claims he intervened in financial disagreements and that situations escalated. He denies that he founded a formal gang. He describes the name AK-47, seen in his music videos, as a symbol used in rap culture and linked in his view to Kurdish identity. Jaff says he now lives in the Kurdistan Region and feels safe. Here I will live a normal life like any Kurdistani, he told Rudaw. He adds that he intends to continue his rap career. Although he faces a permanent entry ban to all Schengen countries, mentioned during the interview, Jaff does not rule out returning to Europe in the future. Under Finnish authorities decision, the ban applies across the 29-country Schengen area. In the interview, Jaff accuses extreme right-wing parties in Finland of hating refugees and using his case as election propaganda. They used my story as campaign advertising, he said. Finlands parliamentary term is nearing its end, and debate over immigration and crime has intensified ahead of the next general election. Jaff states that he regrets causing embarrassment to Kurds in Finland and apologises if his actions affected them. I hope Finns see this interview and know I am not the person they described, he said. Ilta-Sanomat first reported on the interview in Finland. HT The two-day meeting follows earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul that both sides described as constructive but produced no breakthrough. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are meeting in Geneva on Tuesday for a third round of United States-brokered peace talks, days before the fourth anniversary of Moscows full-scale invasion. Ukraines air force said Russia launched more than 400 drones and missiles overnight, targeting energy infrastructure across the country. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said strikes on the southern port of Odesa damaged the power grid and left tens of thousands without heat and water. Even on the eve of the trilateral meetings in Geneva, the Russian army has no orders other than to continue striking Ukraine, Zelenskyy said on social media. He urged allies to increase sanctions and accelerate weapons deliveries to secure what he called a real and just peace. The talks bring together officials from Kyiv and Moscow with US mediation. According to Reuters, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner represent President Donald Trumps administration. Trump has pressed both sides to reach a deal before the summer. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he directed his message at Kyiv. Ukraine better come to the table fast. Thats all Im telling you, Trump said. Zelenskyy has signalled frustration at what he views as pressure on Ukraine to concede territory. At the Munich Security Conference last weekend, he said Kyiv would not surrender the remaining parts of Donetsk oblast under its control, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Allowing the aggressor to take something is a big mistake, he said. Putin cannot be stopped with kisses or flowers. Russia occupies about 20 per cent of Ukraines territory, including Crimea and large parts of the Donbas seized before and after the February 2022 invasion. The central dispute remains land. Moscow demands that Ukraine cede the remaining areas of Donetsk that Russian forces have failed to capture, roughly one fifth of the region. Kyiv has rejected full territorial concessions, though officials have floated the possibility of withdrawals in exchange for binding security guarantees from the United States and other allies. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Geneva round would cover a broader agenda than previous meetings. The main issues concern both the territories and everything else related to the demands we have put forward, Peskov told reporters. Russias delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, joined by military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov and deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin. Medinskys role has drawn scepticism in Kyiv, where officials recall his earlier arguments questioning Ukrainian sovereignty. Ukraines team is headed by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the national security and defence council, alongside presidential office chief Kyrylo Budanov and senior aide Serhiy Kyslytsya. We are working constructively, focused and without excessive expectations, Umerov wrote on X before the talks began. He said security and humanitarian issues would feature on the agenda and reiterated Kyivs goal of a sustainable and lasting peace. Russian state agencies reported that bilateral contacts concluded on Tuesday morning before a trilateral session involving the US began later in the day. Talks are set to continue on Wednesday. Beyond territory, divisions remain over control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest, which is under Russian occupation, and over the potential presence of Western troops in Ukraine after any ceasefire. Data analysed by AFP indicates that Ukrainian forces recaptured more than 200 square kilometres of territory last week, largely in the Zaporizhzhia region. The gain roughly matches the area Russia seized in December. The Geneva meeting marks the first time the current trilateral format has taken place on European soil. Next Tuesday will mark four years since Russian troops crossed into Ukraine. HT Safelight director among AG's eight Dogwood Award honorees from WNC Lauren Wilkie Related Stories Attorney General Jeff Jackson recognized eight North Carolinians in Western North Carolina with the Attorney Generals Dogwood Award on Friday including Safelight director Lauren Wilkie. The Dogwood Award recognizes people who are improving their fellow North Carolinians health, safety, and well-being. Recipients were: Lauren Wilkie: For many survivors of domestic violence, the road to recovery can be a lonely one, Jackson said. Through the work she and the team at Safelight does to help survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Lauren Wilkie has made sure these people are not alone as they recover from major trauma. Wilkie is the chief executive officer of Safelight, which helps survivors of crime in Henderson County. Rep. Dudley Greene: Representative Dudley Greene is a former sheriff and a true defender of public safety, said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Today, we recognize him for his assistance with combatting robocalls and the scams that follow, as well as his tireless work towards Helene recovery. Dudley Greene represents District 85 in the North Carolina General Assembly, which covers Avery, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. Dr. Travis Williams: The addiction crisis is one of the biggest challenges that North Carolinians face,said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Dr. Williams has worked tirelessly to provide care for those who are struggling with substance use disorders in rural parts of western North Carolina. His work is helping address the factors that drive addiction, not just the disease. Williams assisted in establishing the Clay Comprehensive Addictions Program (CCAP) which provides integrative care for those struggling with substance use disorders. Stacie Ledford: For those in recovery, being surrounded by compassionate and understanding people is a gamechanger, Jackson said. Stacies work as president of Rock Bottom Recovery exemplifies these traits, making her an incredible asset to the addiction recovery effort in western North Carolina. Ledford has served as president of Rock Bottom Recovery and Support since 2017. Sgt. Leslie Meade: Thanks to Sergeant Meade, the Forest City Police Department has adopted a life-saving approach to responding to domestic violence incidents, Jackson said. Her leadership means that law enforcement can intervene to help people when they are in the most danger. The Forest City Police Department adopted the Lethality Assessment Program in 2025. The NCDOJ program is an evidence-based protocol that helps law enforcement identify the most dangerous domestic violence situations and then connects victims with critical safety tools. Chief Mike Lamb: Chief Lamb oversaw the Asheville Police Departments work to drive down violent crime by more than a quarter and recover from Helene, Jackson said. His community is safer and stronger thanks to his leadership, and Im grateful for his service and his friendship. Lamb joined the Asheville Police Department in 1998 and served as chief from 2023 through his retirement in November 2025. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity: Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has been absolutely vital to the western North Carolina recovery effort following Helene, Jackson said. In 2025, they completed 116 disaster home repair jobs, served 216 families, and moved 30 children into stable homes. I was proud to fight for AmeriCorps funding that supported the Habitat team was honored to see their work up close last fall. Our state is a better place because of their tireless commitment to helping folks have a safe place to live. The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity runs homeownership and home repair programs in Buncombe and Madison counties. Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan: Sheriff Buchanan has served western North Carolina in many different capacities during his time with the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, the SBI and most recently the Clay County Sheriffs Office, Jackson said. After retiring from the SBI in 2011, he continued service as a volunteer sworn Deputy with the Clay County Sheriffs Office, where we are now fortunate to have him serving as sheriff. Throughout his career, Sheriff Buchanan has served as a patrol deputy, supervised a variety of personnel and investigated crimes including public/police wrongdoing, drug cases, financial crimes, homicides. President Donald Trump said the United States is not planning a military operation in Cuba similar to the one that led to Nicolas Maduro's capture in Venezuela, telling reporters that such action is unnecessary while confirming that talks with Havana are underway. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described Cuba as "a nation failed" and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is "talking with Cuba right now," adding that authorities in Havana "should reach an agreement because it is really a humanitarian threat." When asked whether Washington would overthrow the Cuban government as it did in Venezuela, Trump replied: "I don't think that's necessary." Trump dice que Cuba es una nacion fallida y que no sera necesaria una operacion como la de Venezuela El presidente de Estados Unidos descarto una intervencion en el pais y agrego que estan en conversaciones con el regimen cubano. La ONU pidio a EE. UU. terminar con el embargo pic.twitter.com/L9UoUaGbZ6 DW Espanol (@dw_espanol) February 17, 2026 Trump also pointed to Cuba's energy shortages, saying the country lacks fuel for aircraft and that planes are "stacking up on the runways." The island's energy system has been under strain following the end of major oil shipments from Venezuela, and recent incidents, including a refinery fire in Havana, have further pressured an already fragile grid. Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference last week, said Cuba's leadership risks losing power if it does not expand freedoms. "It is important for the people of Cuba to have more freedom, not just political but economic," he said, adding that the government has historically relied on external subsidies. "First from the Soviet Union, then Hugo Chavez. Now they don't have any. The model has been laid bare." The Secretary of State added that the country's "fundamental" problem is that it "has no economy" and that those in charge "don't know how to improve the everyday lives of their people without giving up power." U.S. officials have also indicated in the last few days that contacts with Cuban authorities are ongoing. In an interview last week, the head of Washington's diplomatic mission in Havana, Mike Hammer, said there are conversations "with some very high within the regime," though not all officials are aware of them. He suggested a potential leadership figure comparable to Venezuela's interim president exists inside Cuba but declined to identify anyone. US Cuba mission chief Mike Hammer suggests they have a Delcy Rodriguez in Cuba, too pic.twitter.com/4uJB9lM9r0 Germania Rodriguez Poleo (@iamGermania) February 10, 2026 Cuban officials have denied any secret negotiations, saying dialogue with Washington is limited to routine cooperation and must occur "with mutual respect." Hammer said the U.S. priority is a peaceful outcome but warned that alternatives could be considered if talks fail, stating that if there is no progress "there will be a plan B." Originally published on Latin Times 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. Palazzo San Gottardo Lake Como, A Radisson Collection Hotel - Image Credit Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group has opened Palazzo San Gottardo Lake Como, A Radisson Collection Hotel, marking the brands debut in Como, Italy. Radisson Hotel Group has opened Palazzo San Gottardo Lake Como, A Radisson Collection Hotel, located between Piazza Cavour and Piazza Volta in Como. The property offers 70 rooms and suites and represents the Radisson Collection brands first presence in Como. The hotel occupies a historic palazzo originally opened in 1926. The restoration project maintained architectural features such as original facades, rounded corner volumes, stone cornices, and geometric motifs. The interior features Italian craftsmanship and bespoke furnishings, with guest rooms and suites offering views of the city, historic piazzas, and surrounding streets. Some suites include living areas and furnished balconies. Dining options at the hotel include three venues. Radiante, the signature fine dining restaurant led by Chef Danilo Vella, serves dishes such as lamb with sea urchin and samphire, mackerel with smoked provola, and ditali pasta with mantis shrimp and salted lemon. Lumi Rooftop Bar & Restaurant provides panoramic views over Como and serves light dishes, cocktails, and wines. Caffe Lariano, led by Chef Mirko Gatti, offers a bistro concept focused on circular cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a zero-waste approach, supported by an in-house pastry laboratory. Advertisement The hotels wellness facilities include SPA Fontea, which offers personalized treatments, a relaxation lounge, and access to an indoor water relaxation area. A fitness studio is equipped with cardio and strength equipment. For meetings and events, Sala Cavour accommodates up to 20 guests in a 40-square-meter space, featuring presentation technology, natural light, and catering options. The hotel also provides spaces for weddings and special occasions. Guests have access to private lake tours through a partnership with navigation company Tasell, with a dedicated pier located less than 100 meters from the hotel. The location allows for access to local landmarks such as the Duomo di Como, Teatro Sociale, the lakeside promenade, and the funicular to Brunate. Additional experiences include visits to artisanal districts, the Silk Museum, local markets, and boat trips to villages such as Torno, Blevio, and Moltrasio. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Indias flagship artificial intelligence summit was overshadowed by chaos on its opening day amid long queues in unseasonal heat, traffic congestions, and sudden security sweeps ahead of prime minister Narendra Modis visit. Thousands of people on Monday attended the summit at the 123-acre Bharat Mandapam complex in the capital Delhi. Over 250,000 had registered their attendance over the week. High profile guests included French president Emmanuel Macron and tech giants Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai as India aims to position itself as a global AI hub. But for many on the ground, the first day was defined less by grand geopolitical messaging and more by blocked gates, delayed panels, and uncertainty over access. After allowing attendees inside the venue, including the main hall where the exhibitions were set up by companies showcasing their AI capabilities, the zone was evacuated in the afternoon for security checks ahead of Mr Modis visit, forcing exhibitors and founders to leave their stalls for several hours. Founders posted online about being unable to retrieve their equipment which they later said were stolen after the sudden evacuation. Dhananjay Yadav, co-founder and chief executive of AI wearable startup NeoSapien, wrote on X that security personnel arrived around noon and asked exhibitors to leave ahead of the prime ministers visit. I asked: Should we take our wearables? They said, others are leaving even laptops behind, security will take care, he wrote. Later we found our wearables were stolen, he said. He added: We paid for flights, accommodation, logistics and even the booth. Only to see our wearables disappear inside a high-security zone. Devesh Mahla, deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi district, told The Indian Express on Tuesday that they had not received any complaint in the matter so far. Some exhibitors at the venue complained to organisers about unclear instructions and overlapping security directions, while some were unsure when access would be restored. Delegates also described confusion over entry procedures and security checks, Reuters reported. Sharing a photo of long queues outside the venue on X, Maitreya Wagh, founder of Bengaluru-based AI company Bolna, wrote: Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe, he joked. Several roads have been blocked and traffic was getting diverted in central Delhi ahead of the summit. Organisers told Indian media on Tuesday that steps had been taken to ease congestion and improve coordination for the remaining days of the summit. By Tuesday morning, queues had eased slightly, though traffic diversions around central Delhi continued to affect arrival times for delegates and media. This is the biggest AI summit in the world. The response was phenomenal. The energy is palpable. We can see the organization is very smooth now. If anybody has faced any problems yesterday, we apologise for that, India's Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Whatever feedback you have, please share with us. We are open-minded. We will make efforts to make the experience smoother and enjoyable for all of you. We have a war room which has been operating since yesterday. My entire team is working hard day and night for this summit, he said. Visitors use their mobile phones to take pictures of a Jio humanoid robot named Elixis at Bharat Mandapam, one of the venues for AI Impact Summit ( REUTERS ) The confusion extended into day two when Mr Gatess name briefly disappeared from a list of speakers on the summit website, triggering speculation that he had been disinvited due to recent criticism over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. One Indian media report cited government sources as saying Mr Gates was not expected to attend and that his invitation had been reviewed. But a spokesperson for Mr Gates said the reports were not accurate, telling The Independent: Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled. Mr Gatess invitation had earlier drawn criticism in India, with his visit attracting protests in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh by opposition political party members. He arrived in India on Monday and met Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Amaravati where he praised the states use of AI and technology in health, agriculture and education. He has been reviewing projects backed by the Gates Foundation, which is active in public health initiatives in the state. The summit will continue till 20 February, with keynote addresses and high-level sessions scheduled on Thursday and Friday. 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 Muhammad Yunus has stepped down as Bangladeshs interim leader, paving the way for Tarique Rahman to take over as the new prime minister. Mr Yunus, a Nobel laureate, returned from self-exile in August 2024 to lead the country after a bloody mass agitation felled Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government and sent her fleeing to India. The former banker announced his resignation after Mr Rahmans Bangladeshi Nationalist Party won a landslide mandate in the first parliamentary election since Ms Hasinas ouster. Mr Rahman, 60, the son of late prime minister Khaleda Zia, led his party to victory less than two months after returning from a 17-year self-exile in December. He will take his oath on Tuesday. Breaking with a long-standing tradition, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Parliament Complex instead of Bangabhaban, the presidential palace, and in the presence of foreign leaders. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet at 4pm local time. Indian parliament speaker Om Birla, Pakistani planning minister Ahsan Iqbal, Sri Lankan health minister Nalinda Jayatiss, Bhutanese prime minister Tshering Topgay, and Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzu will be in attendance. British undersecretary of state Seema Malhotra is also expected. Mr Rahmans party bagged 209 of the 300 parliamentary seats while Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party, won 68 seats. Ms Hasinas Awami League, winner of the previous four elections, was barred from contesting. On election day on 12 February, Mr Yunus had declared the occasion a celebration akin to a mega Eid. Today, the interim government is stepping down, Mr Yunus, 85, said in his farewell speech. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted. He described Ms Hasinas ouster as a "day of great liberation". "What a day of joy it was! he added. Bangladeshis across the world shed tears of happiness. Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman flashes the victory sign after winning the national election ( AP ) In addition to electing a new government, Bangladeshi voters endorsed sweeping democratic reforms in a national referendum held the same day. The referendum, which proposed major changes to the countrys constitution, was seen as a major pillar of Dr Yunuss transition agenda. It proposed term limits for prime ministers, the creation of an upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers, and greater judicial independence. We didnt start from zero, we started from a deficit, Mr Yunus said. Sweeping away the ruins, we rebuilt institutions and set the course for reforms. After his victory, Mr Rahman visited the homes of his political rivals, including Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, and held what were described as cordial discussions. In a press briefing in Dhaka, Mr Rahman said his priorities would be to improve law and order and handle a fragile economy. We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by the authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions and a deteriorating law and order situation, he told reporters. 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 Royal Mail has warned of potential service delays across more than 100 UK postcodes, citing recent storms and increased staff sickness as the cause of disruption. The announcement follows a period of mounting complaints regarding delayed mail, with concerns also raised that parcels are being prioritised over letters. On Monday, the postal firm identified 38 delivery offices across the country, covering approximately 100 postcodes, as those most likely to experience slower service. A spokesperson for the company explained that "adverse weather, including storms Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra in January, alongside higher-than-usual sick absence, has caused some short-term disruption to certain routes." Royal Mail sought to reassure customers, stating: "We want to reassure customers that the vast majority of mail is delivered as planned and understand how frustrating it is when post does not arrive as expected." The company added that it would deploy extra support to affected routes to "restore deliveries as quickly as possible." open image in gallery Royal Mail listed 38 delivery offices in the UK on Monday, covering around 100 postcodes, that may be most affected by a slower service ( PA Wire ) Meanwhile, a report by the BBC uncovered instances where some letters were reportedly held in delivery offices for weeks, leading individuals to miss urgent communications such as appointment notices and bank statements. Citing anonymous postal workers, the report said that parcels were being prioritised over letters in some depots, even if they are first class, while staff shortages were more broadly impacting the service. It is understood that Royal Mail will opt to clear parcels first if they build up quickly and block walkways in delivery offices. The company has said it is delivering more parcels as online shopping continues to grow, while the number of addressed letters going through its network is falling. Royal Mail serves nearly two million postcodes and is required to deliver mail six days a week, and aims to deliver both letters and parcels on time. open image in gallery A report by the BBC uncovered instances where some letters were reportedly held in delivery offices for weeks, leading individuals to miss urgent communications such as appointment notices and bank statement ( PA Archive ) Regulator Ofcom last year gave the go-ahead for Royal Mail to scrap second class letter deliveries on Saturdays and change the service to every other weekday. It launched the changes across 35 delivery offices as a pilot, but has yet to expand this nationwide across all 1,200 sites due to failing to reach agreement with the staff union. It is in the middle of a month-long dispute resolution process with the Communication Workers Union with the aim of reaching an agreement over how the workforce will be impacted by the overhaul. 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 A doctor who battled crushing fatigue and relentless brain fog for years has told of how he missed his own low testosterone diagnosis. Dr Maxim Draper went from being active and driven to feeling like a shadow of himself after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and later, viral meningitis. The 39-year-old GP from Newcastle, who now specialises in men's hormones, suffered with a persisting fatigue that gradually developed into very bad anxiety and brain fog that left him feeling defeated. But as a father-of-three, he put his constant fatigue down to burnout due to the stress of illness and young children, but he never considered it could be a hormonal issue. I never really recovered until I went on testosterone treatment, he told The Independent. open image in gallery Dr Maxim Draper, 39, struggled with a testosterone deficiency after battling cancer ( Maxim Draper ) Dr Draper first noticed a lump in 2016, when he was 29. The dog ran across the bed as the postman came. I remember it very vividly, and he stepped on my crotch area, and I noticed a lump down there, he recalled. He went to the GP and an ultrasound scan revealed it was testicular cancer. He didnt need chemotherapy, but his left testicle was removed. About a year and a half later, he had a stiff neck, headache and temperature, and ended up in A&E where he was diagnosed with vital meningitis a serious infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. But once the flu-like symptoms and headaches subsided, he was still left with fatigue, which developed into anxiety and depression. He suffered with his mental health for more than two years and was even prescribed antidepressants. Yet it wasnt until a nurse suggested they test his testosterone levels because he was feeling tired, that he realised his issue was hormonal. He saw a private endocrinologist who put him on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in 2021. open image in gallery Low testosterone can cause weight gain, breast enlargement, sweating and mood changes ( iStock ) Testosterone, the male sex hormone, not only affects libido but also affects mental health, bone and muscle mass, and fat storage, as well as red blood cell production. Although testosterone deficiency can affect men of all ages, the hormone does start to naturally fall in men after the age of 40. It can significantly impact quality of life and overall health, but the symptoms are often vague and misdiagnosed as depression or dismissed as natural ageing. Symptoms can include weight gain, breast enlargement, sweating, mood changes, feeling low, lack of motivation and energy, lack of early morning erections and erectile dysfunction, according to Orchid Cancer, a charity that raises awareness of testicular, penile and prostate cancer. Dr Draper, who has since written the book Testosterone Decoded, said: The transformation that came from testosterone replacement therapy was nothing short of lifesaving. My energy returned, my mind cleared, and I started to feel like myself again. What shocked me most was this: I was and am a doctor, a qualified GP for several years by then, and yet I had almost no real understanding of how critical testosterone was to a mans health. However, it is not uncommon for men to struggle with symptoms before seeking a diagnosis. A survey of 2,000 men with the condition by Imperial College London and Manual a private provider of testosterone revealed 24 per cent of men with low testosterone levels said they waited five years before seeking medical help, while 85 per cent waited a year. Dr Draper doesnt know exactly what caused his deficiency, but suggests it may have been triggered by losing a testicle to cancer. While research shows about 5 per cent of testicular cancer patients do have low testosterone before cancer treatment, surgery and chemotherapy can reduce the production of the hormone. Robert Cornes, a nurse at Orchid Cancer, told The Independent: Normally, if the remaining testicle following surgery is healthy, testosterone shouldnt be affected, but subsequent chemotherapy can reduce production, and this can take some time to recover. A study by researchers in Norway also suggests that testosterone levels can fall as men age following cancer treatment, affecting 40 per cent of men aged over 60. The NHS urges men who are experiencing these symptoms to see a GP who may order a blood test to measure testosterone levels. 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 Fossils uncovered in Japan, thought to be from the archipelagos lost tiger population, have now been revealed to be of an ancient species of lion. While there are no native lion or tiger populations in Japan today, this was not always the case. Fossils indicate that at least one species of large cat roamed the archipelago during the Late Pleistocene period, lasting from approximately 129,000 to 11,700 years ago. Previous research suggested these fossils belonged to ancient tigers, but a new DNA analysis of the specimen reveals these were actually an ancient species of lion, upending what was known about the regions biodiversity history. Lions spread out of Africa around a million years ago and began expanding their range across Eurasia. They stayed in the more northern regions of Eurasia, while tigers were typically found farther south. During the Late Pleistocene, their ranges often overlapped in a region known as the "lion-tiger transition belt that stretched across Eurasia, from the Middle East through Central Asia to the Russian Far East. Some animals also crossed into Japan from mainland Asia when land bridges formed during periods of low sea levels. Periodic land connections between the archipelago and the Asian mainland, resulting from lowered sea levels during glacial periods, enabled the migration of continental fauna to Japan, explain scientists in a new study published in the journal PNAS. Cave lion skull excavated from Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan ( Nobuyuki Yamaguchi via Phys.org ) Researchers previously uncovered fossils belonging to the genus Panthera in Japan from soil layers corresponding to the Middle and Late Pleistocene periods. These were initially attributed to tigers based on physical features of the remains, as well as habitat studies suggesting that southwestern Japan was more suitable for tigers, especially during cooler periods. Other research has shown that cave lions were present in the southeast Russian Far East, northeastern China, and the northern Korean Peninsula during the Late Pleistocene. This raised questions about which species the Japanese fossils came from. Now, a more thorough DNA analysis provides reliable proof that all of the ancient Japanese "tiger" remains were actually a now extinct lion species, referred to as cave lions. The specimens were found to be from around 31,060 years ago. Based on these findings, researchers theorise that cave lions most likely colonised Japan between about 72,700 and 37,500 years ago, likely via the northern land bridge during glacial periods. They suspect cave lions persisted in Japan for at least 20,000 years after their extinction elsewhere in Eurasia. Periods of relative isolation, punctuated by episodic land connections to the continent, have historically enabled the persistence of relict populations, such as the Japanese wolf, which survived well into the Holocene, after their continental counterpart population went extinct," scientists wrote. Our findings challenge the long-held view that tigers once took refuge in Japan, showing instead that cave lions were widespread in northeast Asia during this period and were the Panthera lineage that colonized Japan, reaching even its southwestern regions despite habitats previously thought to favor tigers, they concluded. 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 Damning prison projections uncovered by The Independent reveal the governments action plan to tackle the scandal of indefinite jail terms will leave hundreds of prisoners to rot. The shocking Ministry of Justice figures, obtained through a freedom of information request, show that at least 520 prisoners serving widely discredited, and now abolished, imprisonment for public protection (IPP) jail terms are expected to still be incarcerated in March 2030. They will never have been freed. The revelations undermine the governments claim that its IPP action plan, which promises to help prisoners progress towards safe release, will address the scandal. Britains former top judge, Lord John Thomas, has said the figures prove the governments plan is a failure which will not end the obvious injustice for those serving the abolished jail term. The open-ended punishments, which have been linked to almost 100 suicides in prison, have been compared to a gulag system for trapping thousands without a release date, including some for minor crimes. The architect of the flawed sentence, Lord David Blunkett, has since admitted that ushering in the draconian punishments under Tony Blairs Labour government is his biggest regret. But the latest projections suggest the government is prepared to leave IPP prisoners such as Leroy Douglas who was jailed in 2005 for robbing a mobile phone to languish for up to 25 years. His case is currently being investigated by the United Nations, which is reviewing whether Britain is breaching human rights law by arbitrarily detaining him. The total IPP prison population in 2030 is likely to be even higher because the projections exclude those who have been released but find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of indefinite prison recalls for breaches of strict licence conditions. They also exclude hundreds of people being held in secure hospitals after their mental health deteriorated while serving their jail sentence, which has been described as a form of psychological torture. open image in gallery Clockwise, from top left: Abdullahi Suleman, Shaun Lloyd, Josh Mcrae, Leroy Douglas and Wayne Williams were all handed IPP sentences ( Supplied ) The controversial sentencing policy was scrapped in 2012, but not retrospectively. It has left thousands incarcerated indefinitely, with some trapped for up to 22 times longer than their original minimum term. Almost 2,400 were still languishing on IPP sentences in December 2025, including 924 who have never been released. The majority have served at least 10 years longer than their original minimum term. In 2022, the cross-party justice committee inquiry found the sentences were irredeemably flawed and called for all IPP prisoners to be resentenced, but successive governments have refused. Lord Thomas, a crossbench peer who served as head of the judiciary as lord chief justice from 2013 to 2017, has repeatedly warned that the government will have blood on its hands unless it takes action to help those trapped under the simply unjust punishments. He has urged prisons minister James Timpson to give all IPP prisoners a release date within two years of their next parole review, as part of a package of proposals put forward by the Howard League for Penal Reform. However, prison service officials have insisted inmates should follow the governments IPP action plan, which is supposed to help them progress towards being granted release by the Parole Board. Responding to the projection figures, he told The Independent: These figures demonstrate the failure of the governments action plan and the consequences of the governments refusal to do justice to those who were given an IPP. open image in gallery John Thomas says the projections demonstrate the IPP action plan is a failure ( PA ) They show it accepts that its plan will result in the obvious injustice to a significant number who have never been released by keeping them in prison 18 years after abolishing a form of sentence that all have long accepted as misconceived and wrong in principle, and in many of these cases for well over 20 years after sentence. Other victims of the scandal whose cases have been highlighted by The Independent include Thomas White, 43, who has served 13 years for stealing a phone and set himself alight in his cell; and Abdullahi Suleman, 43, who is still incarcerated 20 years after he was first jailed for a laptop robbery; and Wayne Williams, 37, who has spent more than 19 years in prison without release for attempting to injure a police officer in a fight. Campaign group United Group for Reform of IPP (Ungripp) agreed that the governments action plan will not move the dial and called for the government to end the nightmare. A spokesperson added: The government is substituting projections for justice. We know the IPP sentence kills; the government knows it too. For 11 years, they have hidden behind action plans that do nothing to move the dial. It is time for civil servants and ministers to do the job they are paid for: stop managing this nightmare and start ending it through a full resentencing exercise or other sensible options that have been put forward. Families and supporters last month joined Ungripp as it launched an exhibition in justice secretary David Lammys north London constituency, which will see thousands of stones painted red for every IPP prisoner languishing in a cell. Others will be painted white for those who have not survived the jail term. Meanwhile, three families, who have watched their loved ones mental health crumble while serving an IPP sentence, met with Lord Timpson earlier this month, urging him to intervene to help such prisoners work towards release from hospital. Shirley Debono, of IPP Committee in Action, said many had been left to rot for so long that they no longer have friends or family on the outside to support them. open image in gallery Justice secretary David Lammy has been urged to act to help IPP prisoners ( PA ) Responding to projection figures, she added: Those figures tell the story. How the government can just watch this when they know they can stop this right now by resentencing all these IPP prisoners its beyond words what is happening. This has been going on for 20 years. We are already into our third decade. Are we going to go into the fourth decade until the last one dies in prison? Her son, Shaun Lloyd, is also among five IPP prisoners whose cases are being investigated by the UN after a major complaint was lodged with their Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Separate data, revealed in answer to a parliamentary question in December, also shows that the government is continuing to block many IPP prisoners from progressing to open conditions. Between January and March 2025, the Parole Board recommended 34 IPP prisoners for moves to open prisons. However, the then justice secretary Shabana Mahmood rejected their decision in a third of the cases. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: It is right that IPP sentences were abolished, and we have already taken action to support these offenders to move on with their lives. This includes additional support for IPP prisoners and changing the law to ensure those serving these sentences in the community can be more swiftly considered for licence termination. Since April 2023, the neverreleased IPP population has fallen by 30 per cent, and all but a handful of those remaining IPP prisoners have repeatedly been found by the independent Parole Board to be too dangerous to live in the community. 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 head of Britains largest police force has urged courts to stop granting bail to repeat phone thieves, arguing that such decisions enable them to continue their criminal activities. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also called on phone manufacturers and telecoms companies to implement measures that would make it more difficult for criminals to reset and re-sell stolen devices. His comments coincide with figures from the force indicating that recorded phone thefts in London went from 81,365 in 2024 to 71,391 last year. Separate data available on the Mets crime website further details 52,820 thefts from the person where a phone was taken in 2023, alongside 14,326 robberies. For 2024, these figures were 70,249 thefts and 11,125 robberies, and for 2025, 61,292 thefts and 10,207 robberies. In a recent crackdown, the Met has arrested 248 individuals linked to phone theft over the past month, recovering approximately 770 stolen handsets. open image in gallery Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley ( PA ) Officers seized 1,000 mobile phones and 200 laptops that were due to be smuggled abroad. Sir Mark said: Over the past year, weve made hundreds of arrests and recovered tens of thousands of stolen devices. That work has meant 10,000 fewer people facing the stress, cost and disruption that comes with having their phone stolen. It is this work that is making London an even safer city. But policing alone cannot solve this problem. Manufacturers and tech companies must do more to stop criminals being able to reset, reuse or resell stolen phones. open image in gallery The Met Police drone control room used to help crackdown on mobile phone theft ( Metropolitan Police ) We also need the courts to play their part by preventing repeat offenders being bailed only to go out and offend again, undermining the hard work officers are doing to keep communities safe. Figures released under Freedom of Information legislation show that between 2017 and February 27 2024, a total 587,498 phones were stolen in London excluding the City, 13,998 of which were recovered, and 573,500 were not. The Metropolitan Police said it is using drones, e-bikes and live facial recognition to help catch phone thieves. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has put forward proposals for 4.5 million in funding to deal with phone theft, including creating a command cell responding to thefts and robberies in the West End. Sir Sadiq said: Too many Londoners have been the victim of phone theft. Our new intensive action is putting us on the front foot when tackling phone thieves and dismantling the gangs behind the scourge of thefts here in London. He went on: New drones are supporting officers to capture evidence and improve intelligence gathering and new e-bikes are helping officers outpace and outmanoeuvre criminals who use bicycles or electric motorbikes and scooters to commit phone thefts or evade police. But we know there is still more to do. Which is why as Mayor Ill continue to prioritise neighbourhood policing and will continue to push the mobile phone industry to go much further in preventing stolen phones being used, sold and repurposed, building a safer London for everyone. 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 said there are "no guarantees" a teenager who killed a bus driver in a violent attack won't be issued with a free bus pass once he is released from prison. The SNP's connectivity minister, Jim Fairlie, made the remarks in relation to concerns raised about government plans to revoke bus passes free to all under-22-year-olds in cases of disorderly behaviour. Bus driver Keith Rollinson, 58, died following the attack in Elgin bus station, which occurred when he refused to let the teenager on board the bus because he was too drunk. A court heard that the boy who was 15 at the time of the February 2024 attack had "completely lost control", raining down punches on Rollinson's head and body, before being pulled away by another youth. Rollinson collapsed following the assault and did not regain consciousness. He died of a heart attack in hospital. The boy, who could not be named due to his age, had originally been charged with murder, but admitted the lesser charge of culpable homicide. He was sentenced to four years and four months in custody in 2025, but could be released in a matter of weeks, after just two years in custody a move which has also sparked controversy. Mr Fairlie's comments came after Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the expected release of Rollinson's killer was "sickening", and called on the government to ensure he would not then have a free bus pass. open image in gallery Jim Fairlie made the comments in relation to concerns over government plans to revoke bus passes due to disorderly behaviour (Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/PA) ( PA Archive ) On Tuesday morning, Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden, then followed up on the demand, asking Mr Fairlie at a meeting of the Net Zero, Energy, and Transport Committee: Can you guarantee us that if we approve this that Keith Rollinsons killer wont be allowed free on the buses again? Mr Fairlie responded: I am not going to comment on the death of Mr Rollinson. I am not going any further with this conversation about Mr Rollinson. I think it is inappropriate. I think it is disrespectful. Im finding this really distasteful, he said, according to The Herald. "I cannot give guarantees on anything in terms of Mr Rollinsons position, and I would rather not be discussing Mr Rollinsons position. He told MSPs new rules to strip people of bus passes in cases of anti-social behaviour would only apply to incidents that happened on buses, not at bus stations, the BBC reported, adding it was his "expectation" that people convicted of serious crimes would lose their free bus pass. In more general comments later during the committee meeting he said he hoped bans on some people having free bus passes due to bad behaviour would work as a "deterrent". Its about protecting people who are travelling on the buses," he said. "If people are carrying out anti-social behaviour, they have the sanction that can be placed against them. Scottish Labour MSPs reacted angrily to Mr Fairlie's inability to categorically rule out the killer being given a free bus pass, with the party's Daniel Johnson saying the remarks were woeful. Johnson said: Violent, antisocial and criminal behaviour is far too common on our buses but the Minister was dodging basic questions about how his plans will work. It is appalling that the SNP government cannot even tell us whether Keith Rollinsons killer will lose his bus pass. Scottish Conservatives described the comments as "shameful", and raised concerns about the efficacy of the legislation and whether it will be passed before Holyrood elections on 7 May. 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 New stricter driving laws in Jersey could see drivers being banned from the road for being under the influence of drugs. The reforms will give the police the power to conduct roadside drug tests and enforce limits for cannabis in a drivers bloodstream using devices similar to breathalysers. A positive result from roadside sweat or saliva testing kits could lead to an arrest and a blood test being taken at police headquarters. Anyone convicted of driving with drugs over the legal limit could face up to 12 months in prison and 10,000 fines. First-time offenders would be issued a 12-month driving ban and anyone who is caught repeating the offence within ten years could be disqualified from driving for three years. open image in gallery Anyone convicted of driving with drugs over the legal limit could face up to 12 months in prison and 10,000 fines ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Under current Jersey laws, there is no statutory limit for legal drug levels in blood for drivers, while police are not permitted to carry out roadside tests. Andy Jehan, Jerseys minister for infrastructure, said the changes are necessary to combat the rising problem of motorists being on drugs. Under the new proposed laws, for the general public the cannabis limit will be five micrograms per litre of blood, which is more than double the current UK limit of two micrograms. Mr Jehan explained that the new limit is higher to accommodate people who take medicinal cannabis for health reasons. The five milligrams limit would apply to all whether cannabis had been prescribed or not, although drivers are not required to carry proof of a prescription under the new system. However, driving instructors, drivers with HGV licences or public service vehicle permits would face a lower limit of two micrograms. Any driver over the legal alcohol limit would also face a two microgram cap on drugs in the bloodstream. open image in gallery Andy Jehan said the changes are necessary to combat the rising problem of motorists being on drugs ( Jersey States Assembly ) Jersey's Chief of Police, Robin Smith, told a scrutiny panel: "I am more concerned about [drugs] than I am about the alcohol because it is harder to detect, as reported by GB News. If the law is passed, the ministers could potentially add other controlled substances to the legal limits in the future. Campaigners have criticised the proposed changes arguing that it could unfairly punish patients who consume legal medicinal cannabis. Simon Harrison from End Cannabis Prohibition Jersey, told GB News: "There isn't a medical defence in the law for those taking medicinal cannabis and who may inadvertently go above the limit even though they are following prescription guidance, and this is accounted for in UK and Guernsey legislation, but hasn't been incorporated in Jersey legislation. The proposals were registered with the States Greffe and are due to be debated by the States Assembly from March 24. 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 Mobile Jobcentre vans are to be launched across the UK as a way of "breaking down the barriers that stop people finding good work". Unveiling the expansion following a pilot, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the Jobcentre on Wheels service is designed around "meeting people where they are", including unconventional locations such as outside leisure centres and within municipal parks. This initiative forms part of the governments wider push to reform employment support, aiming to fulfil a manifesto pledge amidst concerns over a rising national unemployment rate. We want to break down the barriers that stop people from finding good work, and that means meeting people where they are, Mr McFadden said. Jobcentres on Wheels are doing exactly that bringing employment support into the heart of communities. Thats why were building on the success weve already seen, expanding the service so we can unlock opportunities for even more people across the country. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden (centre) speaks with Gail Stocks (left), Jen Farrimond and Ian Henderson during a visit to Bolton's 'Jobcentre on Wheels' at Horwich Leisure Centre, ( Peter Byrne/PA Wire ) The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has trialled Jobcentre on Wheels vans in the Scottish Highlands, North and Mid Wales and Greater Manchester. More vehicles will join the fleet across six areas in Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Wakefield, North Nottinghamshire, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf, and North Somerset. According to DWP data, more than half of the visitors to the Jobcentre on Wheels service were not in receipt of benefits. The Office for National Statistics estimated the unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over was at 5.1% between September and November last year, up from 4.4 per cent during the same period in 2024. It comes as Tescos UK chief, Ashwin Prasad warned last week that Britain is in danger of sleepwalking into an epidemic of joblessness. Taking aim at government policies that increase hiring costs for employers, Mr Prasad said there had been a clear, gradual change over the past decade in people falling out of the workforce. He added that there are far fewer people in work than there could be and calling for significant change from the government in how it tackles the issue. 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 Logan Pauls Pokemon card obsession has paid off, as the YouTube star sold his holy grail item for a record-breaking $16.49 million (12 million). Originally made in the late 1990s, the rare Pikachu Illustrator card was first purchased by Paul five years ago for $5.27 million (3.86 million). On Monday (16 February), the card, one of only 39 created, was sold after a 42-day auction that culminated in hours of extended bidding. The final sale price means the 30-year-old internet personality and wrestler is estimated to have made an $8 million profit on the card, an amount he called absolutely insane. Its sale broke the Guinness World Record for the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction. Paul watched the final hours of the auction on a livestream on his YouTube channel, where he boasts more than 23.6 million subscribers. With a different jewel-encrusted Pokemon card in 2021 ( Getty Images ) A few hours before the sale came to an end, the card was sitting at the $6.88 million mark, until last-minute bidders pushed the price to an eye-watering $16.49 million in the last few minutes. Oh my gosh, this is crazy, he said when the card finally sold. The card was sold inside a diamond-encrusted necklace that Paul wore during his WWE debut at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. He said he would deliver it by hand to the highest bidder. Rare Pokemon trading cards have drastically increased in value in recent years; when Pauls card first went on sale in December, auctioneer Ken Goldin told What made Pauls specific Pokemon Illustrator card so valuable, he explained, was its unblemished condition, earning it a Grade 10 rating. Before the final sale, Paul who is best known for making YouTube videos with his brother Jake shared a message bidding it farewell with his 26.8 million Instagram followers. Goodbye my friend [cry emoji] What a privilege its been to be the owner of the greatest collectible in the world, he wrote. From Guinness World Records to WWE debuts, Netflix to National News, this card and I have been on a generational run. This sorta feels like that moment when you beat the Elite Four, get inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the game restarts. As this Grail changes hands, Im excited to go on my next Pokemon journey. Join the Independent Women newsletter with Victoria Richards for a thoughtful take on the weeks headlines Join the Independent Women newsletter Join the Independent Women newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police forces must do more to target domestic abusers who drive women to suicide, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has said. Forces are being asked to change their approach to suicide cases where domestic abuse may have been a factor, with officers too often not sufficiently curious about the circumstances surrounding a death, it added. Speaking to The Guardian, NPCC assistant commissioner Louisa Rolfe, who leads on domestic abuse, said that more posthumous investigations are taking place, but that police forces are struggling to cope with a lack of resources. open image in gallery Kiena Dawes suffered two years of violence and abuse at the hands of Ryan Wellings (Lancs Police) ( PA Media ) It comes after the death of young mother Kiena Dawes, 23, who had endured controlling and coercive behaviour for two years from former partner Ryan Wellings, 30. Ms Dawes left a suicide note claiming I was murdered. Ryan Wellings killed me. He ruined every bit of strength I had left. I didnt deserve it. Wellings was found guilty of assault and subjecting her to a prolonged campaign of abuse, but cleared of her manslaughter after a six-week trial at Preston Crown Court. Only one other defendant has been convicted in such circumstances before, after Nicholas Allen admitted to the manslaughter of his partner, Justene Reece, in 2017. But new research from a suicide prevention programme in Kent has suggested that official statistics capture as few as 6.5 per cent of the true number of suicide cases linked to domestic abuse. If the numbers in Kent are representative of the whole country, it could mean as many as 1,500 victims of domestic abuse are taking their own lives every year, according to analysis by The Guardian. Ms Rolfe said guidance around such deaths had been changed to encourage officers to be more curious about examining what had led to them. She said this included officers too quick to assume, well, its a suicide and therefore a case for the coroner, not an investigation to be had by policing, too often assuming that the domestic abuse perpetrator was the primary next of kin, and therefore risking evidence being lost by, for example, returning personal property like phones to those individuals. open image in gallery Ryan Wellings has been jailed for six and a half years ( PA ) Not being sufficiently curious in speaking to family, wider family members about what might be going on. So we changed the guidance and we have seen some improvements. She added a review process had been introduced to ensure a second pair of eyes on each case, allowing links between cases to be drawn more easily. Were certainly seeing more posthumous investigations, Ms Rolfe said. The changes have been implemented following feedback from families of women who had killed themselves following domestic abuse. She said the case of Dawes had shown police how difficult it can be to secure a prosecution that makes a causal link between the abuse and the death. Ms Rolfe said she is determined for officers to pursue more similar cases but that many officers come up against a challenging lack of resource and crippling delays in the criminal justice system. The scale of this is challenging, policing has a finite resource, she said, but added the scale of the work is on the rise. The one really good thing Ive seen in policing in my 35 years is that the focus on this work has really increased. Were determined to do more, she added. Were seeing green shoots of improvement in our response. Theres still a huge amount more to do. The government has vowed to crack down on violence against women and girls (VAWG) as it unveiled a raft of new measures to tackle the issue in December. The strategy, which is backed by 1bn over the next three years, aims to half VAWG over the next 10 years. It has also pledged that every police force in England and Wales will have a specialist rape and sexual offences team by 2029, and that all students will be taught about healthy relationships in secondary school in England. Minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls Jess Phillips said:Each life lost to domestic abuse is a tragedy, and we must do more to prevent them. Our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy launched in December sets what were doing to root out the causes of these appalling crimes and strengthen our response to all domestic abuse related deaths. We are also funding the Domestic Homicide Project to capture information on domestic abuse related deaths, including suicides, from all police forces to improve our understanding of this issue. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branchIf you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you 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 Nigel Farage is reportedly set to name Robert Jenrick as Reform UKs pick for chancellor, despite opposition from senior figures within the party. The former Tory, who defected in January, will be unveiled as the Treasury spokesman during a press conference on Tuesday, along with several other senior appointments. Mr Farages selection is said to be an attempt by Reform to show that they are getting ready to be in power, according toThe Times. During the partys rally in Romford on Monday, Mr Farage said: I think the moment to properly move away from the potential criticism that were a one-man band has been there now for a few weeks, and thats why Im doing [these appointments]. Am I concerned? No, Im relieved actually. Im relieved that other people are taking up these big areas, and from [a journalists] perspective, on a given issue, you will know who to call. open image in gallery Mr Jenricks appointment was reportedly opposed by senior figures of Reform ( PA Wire ) The Tory defectors appointment was said to be opposed by deputy leader Richard Tice and head of policy Zia Yusuf, the newspaper reported. His appointment comes as Mr Farage tries to fend off criticism over the inexperience of the partys senior leadership in government. At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Farage will also name Mr Yusuf as home affairs spokesman, Nadhim Zahawi will be in charge of foreign policy, and Mr Tice will be given a portfolio combining business and energy, which will include the responsibility of abandoning net zero. The Reform leader is set to appoint the four spokespeople to great offices of state before the local council elections in May to try and secure voters. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch sacked Mr Jenrick from her shadow cabinet last month after she claimed she had irrefutable evidence that he was secretly planning to defect from the party. open image in gallery Mr Jenrick was previously exchequer secretary ( PA Wire ) Mr Jenrick, who held the position of shadow justice secretary at the time of his appointment, announced he was joining Reform in a press conference with Nigel Farage just hours later. His defection came days after former Tory chancellor Mr Zahawi defected to the party. Thanking Ms Badenoch for delivering Mr Jenrick to Reform, Mr Farage said: Youve handed me on a plate the man that is by far the most popular figure, 60 per cent approval rating on ConHome Youve perhaps today, really done more than anybody in history to help realign the centre-right of British politics. During his announcement that he was joining Reform, Mr Jenrick said the Tories had betrayed its voters and members. I cant kid myself any more, he said, adding: I cant in good conscience stick with a party thats failed so badly, that isnt sorry and hasnt changed, that I know in my heart wont cant deliver whats needed. Mr Jenrick, who was elected as the Tory MP for Newark in 2014, was exchequer secretary under Theresa May in 2018-19, as well as holding roles as housing secretary and immigration secretary. Reform UK have been approached for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK is expecting to see snow once again after the Met Office put a yellow weather warning in place and health chiefs issued a cold health alert. The alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is in place from 6am on Friday until 8am on Monday, covering the South West, the Midlands, the North East, the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber. It warned the cold conditions are likely to pose "a greater risk to life of vulnerable people" and increased use of healthcare services. As much as 15cm of snow is expected to fall in Wales and the West Midlands on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Met Office. The snowy, wintry weather could cause travel disruptions, with bus and train services likely to be affected with longer journey times, delays and cancellations due to dangerous conditions and ice on road surfaces. The forecaster also warned some rural communities could be cut off and there is a chance of power cuts, while mobile phone coverage could be affected. open image in gallery UKHSA has issued a cold health alert for the majority of England from 17 to 20 February ( UKHSA ) open image in gallery Yellow weather warning issued for snow in the West Midlands and Wales ( Met Office ) The yellow weather warning for snow is in place from Wednesday at 4pm until Thursday at 6am. Wales, the West Midlands, parts of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire are also affected by the warning. Forecasters have said 2 to 5cm of snow could accumulate quite widely above 150 to 200m, with perhaps as much as 10 to 15cm above 250 to 300m in mid- and south-east Wales, as well as Herefordshire and Shropshire. Some small accumulations of snow, typically less than 2cm, are possible on lower ground, especially from later Wednesday evening into the early hours of Thursday morning. Strong east to north-easterly winds are also expected to accompany the wet weather. The national forecaster has advised drivers to keep themselves and others safe by planning their route and allowing 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. open image in gallery Yellow weather warning for rain has been issued across the south of England on Wednesday and Thursday ( Met Office ) A yellow weather warning has also been issued for rain across the south of England from Wednesday at 6am to Thursday at 8am. Heavy rain across Sussex and Kent all the way to Cornwall could lead to flooding and disruption to travel. But snow is also likely on higher ground on Wednesday night across this region. As much as 20mm of rain is expected quite widely, with a few places near the south coast seeing 20 to 30mm and perhaps as much as 50mm over Dartmoor, according to the Met Office. Strong winds will accompany the rain and snow, and large waves could affect some east-facing coasts, especially along the English Channel. Met Office five-day weather forecast Tuesday A cold and frosty start, but for many it will be a dry and sunny day today. A few wintry showers may affect the far North and North Sea coasts, with cloud and rain reaching the far South West later. Overnight Cloud and rain across the far South West extending into southern England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with some snow possible over hills. Mostly dry elsewhere with a frost developing. Wednesday Mostly dry across Scotland and northern England with spells of sunshine. Outbreaks of rain and mainly hill snow elsewhere, with southern areas becoming windy with coastal gales. Feeling cold. Outlook for Thursday to Saturday Rain and snow clearing the South on Thursday, leaving a mainly dry and bright day. Turning milder from Friday but with further bands of wet and windy weather moving eastwards. 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 Actor Sarah Hadland is demanding to know why her local council is set to destroy her village as she speaks out on the celebrity planning row that has been dubbed the Battle of Blackheath. The controversy has engulfed the picturesque corner of southeast London as a celebrity-backed campaign group fights against a proposed residential development in the station car park, home to the villages thriving farmers market. Developer Acorn Property Group has submitted plans to build 20 houses and 25 flats in three blocks, four and five storeys high. So far, Lewisham Council has received more than 1,200 objections over the plans, which campaign group A village worth saving has described as unprecedented. The council deferred its decision in January following the criticism, with a ruling now expected later this year. Former Strictly Come Dancing finalist Ms Hadland, who lives in Blackheath with her child, has condemned the plans, alongside actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper, both of whom grew up in the area, and LBC presenter Nick Ferrari, a current local. Ms Hadland told The Independent: The developers never imagined in their wildest dreams that theyd get this Battle for Blackheath on their hands... open image in gallery Developer Acorn Property Group has submitted plans to build 20 houses and 25 flats in three blocks, four and five storeys high ( Acorn Property Group ) For me, the main thing is safety for the village. Youd be destroying a village that is full of families. Theyll come in, destroy livelihoods and safety, then walk away with millions. I would really love the council to explain. Its baffling. I want the council to respond, because any reason they give, I would love to know and be given a chance as a resident to challenge it. We pay a lot in council tax here, so what is the benefit to us?... The impact to the village will be massive and negative the benefit, as far as I can see, will purely be to the developers, who will sweep in, cause a tonne of noise, pollution, destruction, then walk away with millions. Calling on the council to revisit the plans, Mr Cooper said anything less would be a devastating betrayal of the electorate. Residents stress that they understand the urgent need for more houses to be built, but argue that this should not be done in a way that goes against the interests of the community. Blackheath is a conservation area the first in London to be designated, in 1968. Residential streets are lined with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, while the leafy high street is dotted with independent cafes and bookshops. open image in gallery Blackheath residents protest against the proposed development ( Wendy Rigg ) It has been described as a special place by those who live there, with real community spirit and true village character. Ms Hadland is among those fearful about the future of Blackheaths farmers market and the knock-on effect for local businesses on Sundays, the reduction of the car parks more than 150 spaces, and the impact on the primary school and residents who live by the proposed development. Speaking of the fight against the proposals, Ms Hadland, a resident now for two decades, said: People say its nimbyism its not, Im one of those people. This is bonkers. I think they rely on the fact that people wont complain or feel uncomfortable complaining... When you talk to people in different parts of the country, they say theyve had a similar thing happen. Then when people complain, they say its nimbysim and people feel they cant say. Locals have raised fears that the battle of Blackheath could soon be repeated around the UK, as the government has committed to delivering 40,000 homes over the next 10 years in residential developments around railway stations. open image in gallery Calling on the council to revisit the plans, Dominic Cooper said anything less would be a devastating betrayal of the electorate ( PA ) In the bid to unlock what it has called untapped land, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said he intends to fast-track building on previously developed urban land and, if needs be, to intervene in the face of local opposition. Ms Hadland vowed she would not give up the fight in Blackheath for the village and its community, other places up and down the UK that are similarly doing battle, and also for her child. She said she could not let them walk to school on their own if the development went ahead, citing the extra congestion and all the building materials being transported around the village, which could be incredibly dangerous. Its difficult to explain that to your child, Hadland said. Our village is going to be really disrupted and you're not going to be able to walk to school. Well, why are they allowed to do that mummy? Because theyve got a lot of money and they want to make more. But the controversy has highlighted the strength of Blackheaths community, and Ms Hadland believes the David and Goliath nature of the fight is part of what has brought it such widespread attention. She said: Its a bit of David and Goliath these big developers, why are they allowed do it? Because they make a lot of money... This is not okay. I think the community has really pulled together. Were not going to let this go. I wont give up campaigning I feel very strongly about it. I think its really important. Theres this community spirit, weve all got to look out for each other. open image in gallery Locals fear the residents who live by the proposed development will be especially impacted, with concerns raised over the light in their homes ( Acorn Property Group ) Mr Cooper added: Residents are not anti-development they are instead demanding development that is fair, responsible, and puts local people at the heart of decision-making. To plough ahead with a proposal of this size, that provides so little social and affordable housing, that prioritises developer profit, while ignoring overwhelming public opposition, would amount to a devastating betrayal of the electorate. Lewisham Council must revisit the plan anything less is a failure of its duty to the public it serves. A spokesperson for Acorn Property Group said it is now collating the additional information requested following the council meeting on 27 January. It said: Our proposals have been the result of four years of dedicated engagement with the local community, planning officers, stakeholders and consultees and have been thoroughly reviewed and supported by Lewishams independent Design Review Panel. They added that parking provision has been reduced in response to policy promoting sustainable travel close to train stations and housing in sustainable locations. They argued the more sustainable and safer development would deliver significant public benefits, with 21 per cent of the 45 new homes set to be socially rented. They continued: The Farmers Market will return to the site with improved facilities such as electrics, water and ground anchors providing a permanent home. A new urban square will be created adjacent the station with safer commuter cycle parking and the opportunity for pop-ups or additional market stalls during the week. A new, much safer, fully pedestrian route will be created from Tranquil Vale so that parents and children do not have to walk through a car park to reach the school. They added that London Farmers Markets, which manages the Blackheath market, supports the proposals. The Independent has approached them for further comment. A Lewisham Council spokesperson said:"The Blackheath Station Car Park application was deferred after a Planning Committee at the end of January because members were not satisfied that they had the information needed to make a fully informed decision. In particular, councillors were clear they needed stronger and more detailed evidence about the potential impact of the proposals on Blackheath's economy. Deferring the application ensures residents' concerns can be properly considered and any decision is taken with a full understanding of the likely effects on local businesses and the wider area. Our priority is securing the best possible outcome for Blackheath. 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 A teacher has been banned from the profession indefinitely after he lied about going to the University of Cambridge and told his school he was five years younger than he was. Nicholas Martin, who was the head of sixth form at St Edwards School in Cheltenham, admitted to lying on his job applications and fabricating documents. Following an investigation by the school, he was also found to have lied about being a magistrate. Mr Martin told a disciplinary hearing that he was trying to pass himself off as more younger, more dynamic and more fun. open image in gallery Mr Martin lied about receiving a Masters degree from the University of Cambridge ( PA ) The 43 year old qualified as a teacher in 2006 and started working at St Edmund's in September of that year. In 2024, he successfully applied to be the head of sixth form, and later in 2025, he applied for the deputy head position. Discrepancies between the applications led to him being investigated and later referred to the teaching regulation agency. A professional conduct panel heard that Mr Martin said his date of birth was 1987 in his application in 2025, despite previously saying it was 1982. When asked about the discrepancy, he initially said that someone must have confused his handwriting, but in follow-up emails, he stated that the earlier 1982 date was incorrect and he had been seeking to correct it for several years. The 1982 birth date was shown on employment records, including his passport and driver's licence, but Mr Martin said that the issue related to an error on an old passport. open image in gallery The Department for Education found no record to suggest he was born in 1987 ( Getty ) The school then made further checks with the Department for Education, which only found records under the 1982 date. Mr Martin then provided updated passport and driving licence documents, which showed the 1982 birth date. As part of an investigation, the school also reviewed the job application he made in 2024, in which he said his date of birth was November 2012, which would have made him 12 years old. He also claimed to have a master's degree in history from the University of Cambridge in his 2025 application, but told the school he had a master's degree in history from Lancaster University in his 2024 application. When asked to see the Cambridge degree, Mr Martin provided what he said was a copy of the certificate, and claimed the original was at his home, as he liked to show it off to friends on weekends. open image in gallery Mr Martin can request for his ban to be put aside in two years ( PA ) The University of Cambridge later confirmed the details on the certificate were not true. Mr Martin had used the post-nominals MA (Cantab) and JP in his signature, and stated he sat as a magistrate around once a month in both applications. HM Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed there was no record of him sitting as a magistrate in recent years. During a disciplinary hearing in March, Mr Martin admitted to acting dishonestly, and accepted he had provided a false date of birth, had fabricated a certificate and had not sat as a magistrate for several years. The panel report said: Teachers must have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school in which they teach, and maintain high standards in their own attendance and punctuality. The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Martin fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. He has been banned indefinitely from the classroom, and must wait two years before he can apply to have his prohibition order set aside. 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 people of Gorton and Denton will be heading to the polls on Thursday to vote in what is expected to be a major test for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. Among the candidates hoping to be elected are a plumber, a GB News presenter and a retired police officer, as Labour tries to fight off the threats from both sides of the political spectrum to retain the north west seat. In a bid to appeal to disheartened Labour voters in the historically safe seat, the Green Party is pushing local plumber Hannah Spencer, while ex-academic Matt Goodwin, who has been criticised for comments on race and gender, is on Reform UKs ballot. Meanwhile, local councillor Angeliki Stogia is fighting to defend Labours 13,000 majority, after the party controversially blocked the popular Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from running. open image in gallery The result of the Gorton and Denton by-election could determine the fate of the prime minister ( Getty ) Elsewhere, nine other candidates from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and others will also be standing in the election on 26 February. As voters prepare to cast their ballots next Thursday, The Independent looks at who the candidates are: Angeliki Stogia: Labour Party Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia has been named as Labours candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, as the party attempts to defend the majority it received in the 2024 ballot. Her selection was controversial, having come after Labours National Executive Committee (NEC) denied Mr Burnhams request for permission to stand for the party. The decision sparked anger among Labour backbenchers and voters, amid growing fears that the party will struggle to keep hold of the seat. Ms Stogia, who is originally from Greece, moved to the UK in the 1990s and has lived in Manchester since 2004. open image in gallery Angeliki Stogia has been selected as Labour Party candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Wire ) She has served as the Manchester city councillor for Whalley Range since 2012, and says she is standing to be the MP for Gorton and Denton to unite our community and stand up to the divisive politics of Reform. Ms Stogia who also stood at the general election in Chester South and Eddisbury but placed second behind the Conservatives has pledged to deliver good homes, better transport, and a greener Manchester if elected. Sir Keir has backed Ms Stogia, saying the election will be a referendum on true patriotism and that Labour is the only party that can defeat the poisonous division of Reform. Despite being blocked from standing in the seat himself, Mr Burnham has also offered his support for Ms Stogia, campaigning alongside her in the constituency. Hannah Spencer: Green Party Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said he is confident that his partys candidate, Hannah Spencer, will beat Labour in Gorton and Denton. Ms Spencer, who is a Trafford councillor and local plumber by trade, has positioned herself as an alternative on the left for disillusioned Labour voters. Upon the announcement that she would be running as the Green Party candidate, she described the crucial by-election as one between herself and Reform UK and between hope and hate. "I work as a plumber, something I've done since leaving education at 16. I'm training to become a plasterer too. I've lived in the constituency and still work here. So, I know the issues and what people want to change." open image in gallery Green Party leader Zack Polanski with the partys Gorton and Denton by-election candidate Hannah Spencer (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire ) She said: Only the Green Party can stop Reform in this by-election. More recently, Ms Spencer was criticised for a post on Mumsnet in 2021, in which she said she was glad to move out of the area, describing the high street in Levenshulme as being full of money-laundering takeaways. However, a Green Party spokesman said the post expresses disappointment that such establishments crowds out independent businesses, while still making clear Ms Spencers affection for the area. Matt Goodwin: Reform UK Matt Goodwin is considered to be one of the frontrunners in the upcoming election, having argued Labour have taken the constituency for granted. The ex-academic who has been backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson has called the by-election a referendum on Keir Starmer, and pledged to demand Britain fixes its borders, and clamps down on crime if elected. Speaking at the opening of the partys campaign office earlier this month, Nigel Farage claimed the campaign had got off to a very, very good start, while polls suggest it is fast becoming a two-horse race between Reform and Labour. open image in gallery Matt Goodwin has been intensely criticised since he was announced as Reform UKs candidate in Gorton and Denton. ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire ) He has hit the headlines 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. In response to the comments, the party called for a grown-up, mature debate about how we can encourage people to have more children and support British families, and said Mr Goodwin was citing demographer Paul Morland. The right-wing activist also sparked criticism last year when he was accused of suggesting people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British, even if they were born in the UK. Charlotte Cadden: Conservative Party Retired police officer Charlotte Cadden has been selected as the Tory candidate in the upcoming election. The police officer of 30 years will be fighting an uphill battle, with the Conservatives being largely left out of the conversation when it comes to the race. Ms Cadden retired as a deputy chief inspector in 2025, having worked in both Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police. During her time in the role, she set up and chaired the police sex equality and equity network to challenge workplace discrimination based on sex. open image in gallery Ms Cadden retired as a deputy chief inspector in 2025, having worked in both Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police ( Manchester Conservatives ) She is also a trustee of Sex Matters, a gender critical campaign group, and has been involved in local Conservative politics in Bolton. Upon announcing her candidacy, Ms Cadden pledged to be a no-nonsense champion of Gorton and Denton and criticised Labour for hammering the local high streets with higher business rates. She also dismissed Reform and Greens as offering fantasy politics built on unfunded promises. Jackie Pearcey: Liberal Democrats Local campaigner and former councillor Jackie Pearcy has been selected as the Liberal Democrats candidate. Ms Pearcy, who has a doctorate in nuclear physics, has served as a governor at Oasis Academy Aspinal in Gorton for over 20 years. open image in gallery Local campaigner and former councillor Jackie Pearcey has been selected as the Liberal Democrats candidate. ( Liberal Democrats ) She said she was thrilled at having been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate, and declared she had been given a golden opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to people. She pledged to champion local issues, including fixing the NHS and tackling the cost of living, if elected. Dan Clarke: Libertarian Party The Libertarian Party have announced Dan Clarke as their candidate in the by-election. Mr Clarke, a northern co-ordinator for the Libertarian Party, has stood twice in parliamentary elections. He said he decided to stand in the election after seeing ever-increasing encroachment on our civil liberties and pledged to push for limited government and lower taxes. Sebastian Moore: Social Democratic Party The Social Democratic Party has announced Sebastian Moore as its candidate for the Gorton & Denton parliamentary by-election. open image in gallery The Social Democratic Party has announced Sebastian Moore as its candidate for the Gorton & Denton parliamentary by-election ( Social Democratic Party ) Currently serving as the partys north west chair, Mr Moore previously stood as the partys candidate in Manchester Central at the 2024 general election. He has pledged to rebuild Britain by improving housing, strengthening social cohesion, and creating meaningful work. Joseph O'Meachair: Rejoin EU Party Joseph O'Meachair is the Rejoin EU candidate in Gorton and Denton. Mr O'Meachair is a member of the partys executive committee, and wants to offer voters a clear pro-EU alternative. "Britain is being humiliated on the world stage, he said upon announcing his candidacy. Our self-respect demands that we re-join a strong democratic bloc to resist pressures from some nations whose only aim appears simply to be to further their own narrow self-interest. Sir Oink a Lot: The Official Monster Raving Loony Party The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has pledged to bring home the bacon with their candidate, Sir Oink a Lot. His campaign slogan is Think Big, Vote Pig. open image in gallery The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has pledged to bring home the bacon with their candidate Sir Oink a Lot. ( Official Monster Raving Loony Party ) Hugo Wils: Communist League Hugo Wils is running in the Gorton and Denton by-election as the Communist League candidate. Mr Wils is a shop floor worker in an aerospace factory and said upon announcing that he was standing for the peace party. Nick Buckley: Advance UK Right-wing party Advance UK have put forward Nick Buckley as their candidate. Mr Buckley previously stood for Reform UK in the Manchester mayoral election in 2021, and then later as an Independent in 2024. Among his pledges are a public inquiry into grooming gangs, and he has been backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. 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 government has abandoned plans to postpone local elections for dozens of councils in May, marking the latest in a string of a humiliating U-turns for Sir Keir Starmer. The prime ministers time in office has been characterised by a series of rowbacks and climbdowns, from the watering down of the governments flagship benefits bill to a major U-turn on the controversial winter fuel cut last year. The latest appears to be the government abandoning its attempt to delay elections for as many as 30 councils across Britain. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government said they had dropped the plans on Monday upon receiving legal advice warning against the move. Here, The Independent takes a look at all the times the government has gone back on its word or let voters down since winning the election in 2024: open image in gallery From tractor taxes to winter fuel payments, Labour has backpedalled a number of times ( Getty ) Local elections Last year, Labour announced plans to postpone some local elections in 2026 in an attempt to address concerns about a lack of resources across some councils. Some authorities said a lack of resources needed to deliver local government reorganisation (LGR), and the cost of holding elections has led to the need for a delay. But on Monday, the government announced it was dropping the plans to delay elections for more than 4.5 million people in as many as 30 councils, after being warned against the move by lawyers. The U-turn comes after Reform UK launched legal action against the government, with sources telling The Times that the new legal advice was related to the challenge which was due to be heard in court next month. Nigel Farage claimed the U-turn as a victory for his party, writing on social media: We took this Labour government to court and won. In collusion with the Tories, Keir Starmer tried to stop 4.6 million people voting on May 7th. Only Reform UK fights for democracy. Hillsborough Law The government has pulled an amendment to its Hillsborough Law amid concerns that intelligence agencies could use it to avoid being bound by the proposed duty of candour. A government amendment would have allowed security services to determine whether their agents could give information to inquiries to prevent the risk of unwittingly exposing an operative in the field, but politicians have fought to extend the duty of candour to spies. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and his Liverpool counterpart Steve Rotheram reportedly warned it created too broad an opt-out for security services, but Whitehall officials insisted the third reading was going ahead with the re-worked amendment to the Lords, according to Politico. The entire bill has since been held up over the issue after months of negotiations over the duty of candour clause last year. MI5 chief Ken McCallum personally spoke to some MPs about the issue, according to the BBC, while around 30 MPs backed a proposal by Liverpool MP Ian Byrne to ensure the legislation applied in a fuller way to intelligence officers. This was publicly welcomed by the Hillsborough Law Now campaign. Until a compromise can be found that is supported by campaigners as well as parliaments intelligence and security committee, it remains unclear how long the law will be delayed by. Mandatory digital ID In September, the prime minister announced the introduction of the Brit card to make it harder for people without the right to work to find employment. The digital Brit card, downloaded onto a smartphone, was designed to verify an individuals right to live and work in the UK, similar to a system in Estonia, where citizens are given unique identification numbers. But now a government source says the compulsory element of the scheme had been stopping conversation about what digital IDs could be used for generally. The source told The Times: Stepping back from mandatory-use cases will deflate one of the main points of contention. We do not want to risk there being cases of some 65-year-old in a rural area being barred from working because he hasnt installed the ID. Business rate relief for pubs Rachel Reeves is planning another humiliating U-turn on her plans to scrap business rate relief for pubs after a backlash from the hospitality sector and Labour MPs. Ministers told The Independent that the chancellor is set to change the plans she announced in the Budget amid fears that it could see the doors close on many of Britains pubs and restaurants. open image in gallery The prime minister and the chancellor have been repeatedly accused of U-turning on key issues ( The Independent ) Ms Reeves had announced a cut in rates in her Budget, but her decision to end the temporary covid relief meant establishments would pay much higher bills. The relief was worth up to 40 per cent of rates at a maximum of 110,000 a year and was going to come to an end in April under Ms Reevess original plans. Tractor tax After months of pressure from farmers, Sir Keir watered down plans to tax inherited farmland. Under the plans, announced by Ms Reeves last year, farmers were to be charged 20 per cent on agricultural assets above 1m from April 2026. This triggered a storm of fury, with fears that family-run farms would be worst affected. open image in gallery Starmer faced fury from farmers over his so-called tractor tax ( PA ) But last month, Labour said it was raising the threshold from 1m to 2.5m, meaning that most farms would not have to pay it. The climbdown came after crunch talks between National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw and the prime minister in December, following a year of protests about the measures. Income tax hike Ahead of the Budget, the chancellor decided against hiking income tax despite two weeks of clear signals in public speeches that she was poised to break the partys manifesto pledge not to do so. With markets spooked by the sudden U-turn, reported by the Financial Times two weeks before the Budget, the cost of borrowing for the government spiked, with 10-year gilts up 12 basis points at 4.56 per cent. Treasury sources insisted the decision had been taken because of better-than-expected economic data, but others blamed interference from Downing Street in a bid to protect the prime minister from a potential leadership challenge. Benefit cuts Sir Keir suffered the biggest blow to his leadership since coming into power after he was forced to abandon a key plank of his controversial benefit cuts in order to get them through parliament in July. Just 90 minutes before voting began, ministers announced that plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) which had been the central pillar of the governments reforms were being dropped. Sir Keir had already been forced into a U-turn the week before when more than 130 Labour MPs signed an amendment that would have effectively killed the bill off. Among the concessions announced then was a plan to impose tougher eligibility rules only on future PIP claimants, leaving existing recipients unaffected. Winter fuel payments In July 2024, the chancellor announced that pensioners not in receipt of pension credits or other means-tested benefits would no longer receive winter fuel payments a 300 payment to help with energy costs in the colder months. After spending months ruling out a U-turn, the prime minister in May told MPs he now wants to ensure more pensioners are eligible for the payment something he claimed has come as a result of an improving economic picture. After weeks of speculation over what the changes would look like, it was last summer confirmed that 9 million pensioners will be eligible for the payment a huge uplift from the 1.5 million pensioners who received the payment in winter 2024-25. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer was in Jeremy Corbyns top team when Labour warned winter fuel cuts could kill pensioners ( PA ) Grooming gangs Sir Keir spent months brushing off calls for a national inquiry with statutory powers into grooming gangs as unnecessary. As Elon Musk launched himself headlong into the debate, calling for a fresh probe into the scandal, Labours refusal looked increasingly unlikely to hold. But Sir Keir stood firm, and even accused those calling for an inquiry, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, of jumping on the bandwagon of the far-right. But in yet another screeching U-turn, after months of holding out, Sir Keir in June accepted the recommendation of Baroness Casey to hold an inquiry. Waspi women In a 2022 interview, Sir Keir said: All your working life youve got in mind the date on which you can retire and get your pension, and just as you get towards it, the goalposts are moved and you dont get it, and its a real injustice. We need to do something about it. That wasnt the basis on which you paid in or the basis on which you were working. But, in a familiar change of tune since becoming prime minister, Sir Keir last year sent his work and pensions secretary out to tell Women Against State Pension Inequality, Waspi women, they would not be getting any compensation. To complicate matters further, in November, the government announced it would revisit a decision to deny the Waspi women payouts. Ministers claimed that evidence that was not shown to the then work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, when she made the decision had since come to light and needed to be considered. open image in gallery Labours pre-election manifesto promised not to increase national insurance ( PA Wire ) National insurance Labours pre-election manifesto promised not to increase national insurance. It stated: Labour will not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase national insurance, the basic, higher, or additional rates of income tax, or VAT. But Sir Keir and chancellor Ms Reeves used the ambiguity around whether they meant employer or employee national insurance contributions to steamroll the pledge at Labours first Budget in power. The pair argue that they only promised to keep employee contributions frozen and instead landed firms with a 2 per cent increase to employer national insurance contributions. Two-child benefit cap In her Budget, Rachel Reeves announced an end to the two-child benefit cap, following months of intense pressure from backbenchers, campaign groups and political opponents. It marked a major U-turn for Labour, with ministers previously refusing to listen to critics on the measure. In 2024, the prime minister enforced the whip on seven Labour MPs who voted against their party to oppose the two-child benefit cap. Set to come into effect from April 2026, the government estimates that the change will reduce the number of children living in poverty by 450,000 by 2029/30. It will cost the Exchequer 3bn by this time, according to the OBR. Workers rights The government also U-turned on its flagship manifesto promise to protect workers from unfair dismissal from their first day in a job following concerns from business owners. Labour had backed a raft of basic rights including parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal under the umbrella Employment Rights Bill. But the government has been forced to backtrack after the Bill struggled to progress through the Lords amid concerns about the impact the changes could have on small businesses. The government conceded to a six-month qualifier, saying it had made a workable package that would be more likely to get approved by MPs. Currently, the qualifying period is 24 months. 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 Conservatives could be hit harder than Labour by the governments decision to abandon plans to postpone elections in 30 areas, Britains leading polling expert has said. Writing in The Independent, Sir John Curtice said that while Labour were always likely to face embarrassment in the May polls, the Tories are now fighting significant challenges from Reform UK in key counties that had been told they could delay elections. Sir John said that although more Labour-controlled councils had been due to postpone their elections, the Conservatives have a good reason to regret the reversal of the delays, with four large Tory-majority county councils Norfolk, Suffolk, East and West Sussex now having to organise ballots. Although it was mostly relatively small Labour councils where only a third of the seats are up for grabs that opted for postponement, so also did three county councils under Tory control and a fourth where the Conservatives are the largest party, he wrote. "These are four big councils whose postponement accounts for over two in five of all the seats where the election had been postponed. "As a result, the total number of Conservative councillors who now find themselves not having to defend their seat was slightly greater than the total number of Labour councillors." open image in gallery John Curtice said Kemi Badenoch and her party have a good reason to regret the reversal ( PA ) As well as the four county councils with Tory majorities, Conservative-controlled Harlow district council will also now have to organise local elections for May following the governments U-turn. Sir John warns these councils are in areas where Kemi Badenochs party is facing a particular threat from Nigel Farages Reform UK. Norfolk and Suffolk, East and West Sussex these are just the kind of shire Tory councils where Reform made a breakthrough in last years local elections, he writes. Kemi Badenoch will be concerned Nigel Farage could now register a repeat performance. open image in gallery Nigel Farage and Reform UK took the government to court over the election delays ( Getty ) Sir Keir Starmer was forced to reverse plans to postpone elections across 30 councils this May after being warned it would be illegal, in what marked yet another humiliating U-turn for the government. The government previously said the delays were requested by local councils due to a lack of resources amid ongoing plans to scrap two-tier authorities and merge them into single unitary councils by 2028. Last month, local government secretary Steve Reed confirmed 29 of the 136 council elections due to be held this year will now be delayed until 2027. One further council was then later granted permission to postpone elections. The Electoral Commission previously criticised the delays, saying it risked damaging public confidence. The decision has also prompted claims from opposition parties that the postponements are politically motivated. The government also faced criticism from local authority leaders, with one accusing Sir Keirs administration of wasting everyone's time. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has performed numerous U-turns since entering No 10 ( PA ) Conservative run Norfolk County Council (NCC), which last held elections in May 2021, is one of the 30 local authorities that were expecting to postpone their elections this year. The leader of NCC, councillor Kay Mason Billig said: I note the government's change of mind on yet another decision it couldn't stick to wasting everyone's time. Meanwhile, the leader of Suffolk County Council, Matthew Hicks, said local authorities are experiencing whiplash from government decisions which make it almost impossible to plan effectively for residents. And a spokesperson for East Sussex County Council said the authoritys workload will intensify with the added demand of organising a vote. 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 government has abandoned plans to postpone local elections for dozens of councils in May after receiving legal advice against the move. Labour announced plans last year to postpone some elections in areas currently undergoing an overhaul of local government structures. Last month, local government secretary Steve Reed confirmed 29 of the 136 council elections due to be held this year will now be delayed until 2027. One further council was then later granted permission to postpone elections. But on Monday, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government announced it was dropping the plans after receiving advice from lawyers following a legal challenge from Reform UK. open image in gallery The planned postponement has been abandoned (PA) ( PA Archive ) Following legal advice, the government has withdrawn its original decision to postpone 30 local elections in May, a statement said. Providing certainty to councils about their local elections is now the most crucial thing and all local elections will now go ahead in May 2026. The government previously said the delays were requested by local councils due to a lack of resources amid ongoing plans to scrap two-tier authorities and merge them into single unitary councils by 2028. Of the 63 councils able to apply for a delay, a total of 30 were due to go ahead with the postponement. The councils that were due to have their elections delayed were: Adur District Council Basildon Borough Council Blackburn with Darwen Council Burnley Borough Council Cannock Chase District Council Cheltenham Borough Council Chorley Borough Council City of Lincoln Council Crawley Borough Council East Sussex County Council Exeter City Council Harlow District Council Hastings Borough Council Hyndburn Borough Council Ipswich Borough Council Norfolk County Council Norwich City Council Pendle Borough Council Peterborough City Council Preston City Council Redditch Borough Council Rugby Borough Council Stevenage Borough Council Suffolk County Council Tamworth Borough Council Thurrock Council Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council West Lancashire Borough Council West Sussex County Council Worthing Borough Council The Electoral Commission previously criticised the delays, saying it risked damaging public confidence. The decision has also prompted claims from opposition parties that the postponements are politically motivated. Tory shadow local government secretary James Cleverly accusing Labour of running scared of voters amid devastating approval ratings. Nigel Farage claimed the U-turn as a victory for his party, writing on social media: We took this Labour government to court and won. In collusion with the Tories, Keir Starmer tried to stop 4.6 million people voting on May 7th. Only Reform UK fights for democracy. open image in gallery Nigel Farage launched plans for a judicial review in an attempt to make the elections go ahead ( PA Wire ) The government has agreed to pay Reform UKs legal costs after the party challenged the initial decision to postpone the votes. Kemi Badenoch criticised U-turn after U-turn after U-turn following the governments decision to abandon plans, writing on X: Predictable chaos from a useless government that cannot make basic decisions. The legal mess is no surprise and one of the reasons why Conservatives (with a couple of exceptions who now look really silly) opposed the move to delay council elections for a second year in a row. In a letter to council leaders on Monday, Mr Reed said some 62 million will be made available to local authorities undergoing structural changes, he said. Mr Reed added: My officials will be in touch with those affected councils to understand if any further practical support will be required. open image in gallery The government has agreed to pay Reform UKs legal costs after the party challenged the initial decision to postpone the votes ( PA Wire ) But the leader of Norfolk County Council, one of the authorities who were expecting to postpone their elections in May this year, criticised the government for wasting everyones time. The Conservative-run authority, which last held elections in May 2021, has said that it had planned for the Governments decision to reinstate the elections. Councillor Kay Mason Billig said: I note the governments change of mind on yet another decision it couldnt stick to wasting everyones time. We had already budgeted for and were planning for elections, so we can now proceed. Peterborough City Council (PCC), another administration hoping to suspend its elections, has said it had also planned for this outcome. 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 Reform UK has been accused of pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites after Suella Braverman, the party's new equalities chief, announced plans to scrap the Equality Act. Nigel Farage used a press conference in London on Tuesday to unveil Reforms top team, appointing Ms Braverman as the partys education, skills and equalities spokesperson. Addressing the conference, she said Reform would repeal the Equality Act on day one if it wins the next election, claiming that Britain is being ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion policies. The Equality Act 2010 which replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. This is unworkable and, for schools and pupils, has a pretty North Korean flavour Jo Maugham KC, executive director of the Good Law Project The act prevents discrimination against those with protected characteristics, including: age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Ms Braverman described protected characteristics as being pernicious and divisive. As well as saying the party would scrap the role of equalities minister part of her own brief the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville also attacked the rights of trans young people, saying that social and gender transitioning will be banned in all schools, no ifs no buts. She promised to bring an end to the transgender chaos in schools, claiming that children are taught more about gender ideology than biological fact. Her comments have been heavily criticised by equalities charities and lawyers, with Jo Maugham KC, executive director of the Good Law Project, accusing her of pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites, who are the only people who benefit from removing discrimination protections. open image in gallery Suella Braverman has promised to scrap the Equality Act if Reform wins the next election ( Getty ) He warned that Ms Bravermans offhand comments about 'banning social transition' in schools in reality means policing kid's appearances haircuts, voices, clothing. This is unworkable and, for schools and pupils, has a pretty North Korean flavour, he added. Dr Paul Martin OBE, the chief executive of the LGBT Foundation, argued that the Equality Act isnt adding to Britains challenges its part of the solution. Without it, people would have fewer protections against discrimination in everyday life, from work and healthcare to education and public services, he warned. Equality isnt a nice to have its a foundation for a fairer, stronger and healthier Britain. The public want a country where no one is denied healthcare because they are disabled or a person of colour, where no one is denied a job because they are LGBTQ+, and where no one is denied access to education because they are pregnant. A spokesperson for LGBT+ charity Stonewall said: Anyone who chooses to work on equality issues or seeks to take on the mantle of being an equalities minister should only do so if they believe in the fundamental importance of equality and if they have a clear belief that marginalised groups deserve equal treatment and support. Meanwhile, disability charity Sense said that removing the protections afforded by the Equalities Act would be a significant step backwards and would increase uncertainty and risk for millions of disabled people and their families. The Equality Act provides vital protections against discrimination for disabled people and underpins their rights to fair treatment in employment, education, housing and access to services, Harriet Edwards, the charitys strategy lead said. Speaking in London on Tuesday, Ms Braverman said: Why does no one in this government seem to care that its white working-class boys who have the worst educational outcomes in our country today? Do you know what a Reform government will do? Well, on day one, we will get rid of the equalities department, we will scrap the equalities minister. open image in gallery Nigel Farage unveiled his top team on Tuesday, which includes (L-R) Zia Yusuf, Robert Jenrick, Richard Tice and Suella Braverman ( Getty ) And we will repeal the Equality Act, because we are going to work to build a country defined by meritocracy not tokenism, personal responsibility not victimhood, excellence not mediocrity, and unity not division. Pressed on whether the plan to get rid of the Equalities Act could impact birth rates, given its role in protecting maternity leave, Ms Braverman said: Scrapping the Equality Act means getting rid of the pernicious, divisive notion of protected characteristics. But of course, in the workplace, people do require some protection, so of course, its all about making sure we strike a balanced approach, protecting those people in the workplace who have legitimate needs, but also getting rid of this whole industry that has grown up over the years, which is dividing people, dividing our country and doing so much harm. Reform UK has been contacted 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 Nigel Farage unveiled his partys first front bench appointments on Tuesday, as the Reform UK leader attempted to dispel accusations that the party is a one-man band. Claiming that Reform now has its own brand, Reform has its own identity, and now Reform has its own senior characters with their own departments to lead, Mr Farage appointed four key spokesperson roles. Two Conservative defectors, Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, were given roles, with the former being made the partys so-called shadow chancellor, while the latter was put in charge of education, skills and equalities. open image in gallery Nigel Farage pictured with Reform UKs new top team ( Getty ) Mr Farages deputy, Richard Tice, was named as the spokesperson for business, trade and energy, while Zia Yusuf was named home affairs spokesperson on a promise to dramatically cut both legal and illegal migration. Robert Jenrick Mr Jenricks appointment as Reforms economics spokesperson was hotly contested, with both Mr Yusuf and Mr Tice said to be vying for the role. But it is thought that Mr Farage promised Mr Jenrick the role when they were in negotiations over his defection to Reform earlier this year. At an event in London, he pledged to oppose the wrecking ball that is Rachel Reeves and hit out at what he called decades of mismanagement of the economy despite Mr Jenrick having held ministerial positions in a number of different departments, including the Treasury, under the previous Conservative government. open image in gallery Robert Jenrick has been put in charge of Reforms plan for the economy ( Reuters ) In 2020, Mr Jenrick who was the Conservative housing secretary at the time faced criticism after admitting that he deliberately helped a Tory donor avoid paying a new tax on his housing development. Mr Jenrick approved Richard Desmonds luxury housing scheme a day before a community infrastructure levy came in to force, potentially saving the billionaire media mogul 45m in levies. Suella Braverman Ms Braverman who was forced to resign from her first stint as the Conservatives home secretary, and sacked from her second attempt was made Reforms spokesperson for education and equalities just weeks after joining the party. Claiming that diversity and equality policies are ripping Britain apart, Ms Braverman promised to scrap the role of minister for women and equalities, as well as pledging to repeal the Equalities Act if Reform wins the next election a key piece of legislation that prevents discrimination in Britain. open image in gallery Suella Braverman says she will rip up the Equality Act ( Reuters ) Reforms equalities chief also launched a direct attack on the rights of trans young people, saying that social and gender transitioning will be banned in all schools, no ifs, no buts. She promised to bring an end to the transgender chaos in schools, claiming that children are taught more about gender ideology than biological fact. Her comments have been heavily criticised by equalities charities and lawyers, with Jo Maugham KC, executive director of the Good Law Project, accusing her of pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites, who are the only people who benefit from removing discrimination protections. He added that Ms Bravermans offhand comments about banning social transition in schools in reality means policing kids appearances haircuts, voices, clothing. This is unworkable and, for schools and pupils, has a pretty North Korean flavour. Meanwhile, Dr Paul Martin, the chief executive of the LGBT Foundation, argued that the Equality Act isnt adding to Britains challenges its part of the solution. Without it, people would have fewer protections against discrimination in everyday life, from work and healthcare to education and public services, he warned. A spokesperson for LGBT+ charity Stonewall said: Anyone who chooses to work on equality issues or seeks to take on the mantle of being an equalities minister should only do so if they believe in the fundamental importance of equality and if they have a clear belief that marginalised groups deserve equal treatment and support. Zia Yusuf Mr Yusuf, who last year dramatically quit his role as the partys chair before returning to Reform just 48 hours later, was named home affairs spokesperson. Promising to dramatically cut both legal and illegal migration, he said he would withdraw any international treaty standing in the way of mass deportations. open image in gallery Zia Yusuf has previously compared migration to an invasion ( Reuters ) Mr Yusuf has previously admitted that Reform UK would pay the Taliban money to take back migrants who entered Britain illegally, saying he thinks it is quite reasonable for the British government to hand money to the regime in order to agree a returns agreement. He has also faced criticism for inflammatory language after comparing illegal migration to an invasion and claiming that more people have entered Britain illegally in the last eight years than the number of soldiers who stormed the beaches on D-Day. Richard Tice Mr Tice, the deputy leader, was named as the spokesperson for business, trade and energy, proposing a new super department aimed at increasing growth to 4 per cent of GDP. Mr Tice has previously come under fire for his tax affairs after his partner, the author and journalist Isabel Oakeshott, moved to Dubai to pay less tax. The MP for Skegness splits his time between Westminster, his constituency and the United Arab Emirates, which he said he visits once every six to eight weeks to spend time with his partner. open image in gallery Richard Tice is the partys new business spokesperson ( Reuters ) It is perhaps fitting, therefore, that Mr Farage said on Tuesday that well barely see Mr Tice in his new role. Hes going to be in Aberdeen, hes going to be up visiting whats left of our refineries, whats left of our manufacturing industry, so its an absolutely vital job, the party leader said, hyping up his deputys new business brief. Notably, Reforms deputy leader has also previously said the UK could aspire to the kind of safety seen in Dubai, claiming people are able to leave belongings unattended and return to find them untouched. It comes despite Dubai having faced widespread international criticism for human rights abuses, including restrictions on free speech, discrimination and the jailing of political prisoners. 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 US president Donald Trump reportedly withdrew his support for the British prime ministers Chagos Islands deal because the UK is blocking America from using RAF bases to launch an attack on Iran. President Trump hit out at Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday in his second U-turn on support for the deal to hand over UK sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius, branding the move a big mistake because of concerns over the joint UK-US military base on the island of Diego Garcia. According to The Times, the US presidents latest opposition was prompted by the White House not being permitted to use British bases for strikes against Iran, over concerns that it would be a breach of international law. A government spokesperson said it would not comment on operational matters, but added: There is a political process ongoing between the US and Iran, which the UK supports. Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon, and our priority is security in the region. open image in gallery President Trump hit out at Keir Starmer on Wednesday, branding his deal as a big mistake due to the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia ( Getty ) After a call with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday, President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday that the current agreement was a big mistake and made a specific reference to Iran. He said that the joint military base could be vital for a US strike on Iran and warned Tehran could attack the UK. Under Sir Keirs plans for handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, the UK would lease back the base on Diego Garcia. However, Mr Trump described this arrangement as tenuous and no good. The government has said it remains committed to advancing the Chagos Islands deal despite Mr Trumps latest U-turn. Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones confirmed a Bill to agree the deal will return to Parliament as soon as the timetable permits, though recent reports suggest a potential delay. The proposed legislation, originally slated for debate in the House of Lords, was withdrawn last month following a Conservative-led amendment that called for a pause in light of the changing geopolitical circumstances. Despite Ms Davies-Joness assurances, Politico reported the government will delay bringing legislation underpinning the deal back to the House of Lords, citing an unnamed senior official briefed on the plans. open image in gallery The British Indian Ocean Territory or Chagos Islands ( CPA Media/PA ) However, the Foreign Office is understood not to recognise the reporting. Speaking onTimes Radio, Ms Davies-Jones said: This deal is essential and crucial for the national security of the United Kingdom and that is the first priority of any government. She added: We will be bringing the Bill back as soon as parliamentary time allows, because this is about national security. Ms Davies-Jones recalled the US leaders changing stance on the issue, having repeatedly publicly supported the deal only to denounce it again later. Ms Davies-Jones said: I think its really important to note that during his first meeting with President Trump, the prime minister reiterated this deal and President Trump backed it, and said that this lease was a strong lease. open image in gallery Keir Starmer said Donald Trump initially backed the Chagos handover deal ( PA ) Just two weeks ago, the president again backed this and said it was the best deal available, and just this week the US administration reaffirmed their commitment to the deal. President Trumps latest post on Truth Social comes after former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a vocal critic of the Chagos deal, returned from a trip to Washington, where he discussed the plans with members of the Trump administration. Both Conservative shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti Patel, and Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, who are opposed to the deal, backed Mr Trump and told Sir Keir to scrap it. Tory shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns said the agreement was unnecessary, and said people had been misled over the reasoning behind it. The government says the future of the base has been threatened by recent international court decisions. The deal is expected to see the UK pay Mauritius around 35bn over the next century an average cost of 350m a year to lease back the Diego Garcia base. We were told that there were weeks, only weeks for which the base (UK-US military base on Diego Garcia) could continue to operate safely. And now, many, many months on, were now finding out that actually the entire basis on which the Labour government said they only had weeks to negotiate and get this done was not true, Ms Kearns told Times Radio. It comes as the exiled first minister of the Chagos Islands government urged Sir Keir Starmer to pull the deal to hand sovereignty over the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius. Misley Mandarin is one of four Chagossians who returned to the islands on a small boat this week to reclaim their homeland. He told BBC Radio 4 that Sir Keir should not give the islands away to Mauritius. He said: Ill say Keir Starmer, as my prime minister, you have to look at this treaty again. British Chagossian on this island, yesterday you sent patrol to give us removal notice, the island belong to us. Harold Wilson did that removing the Chagossian from their homeland and that is a stain on British politics but now its 2026, Keir Starmer, you could be a hero right now. Dont ratify that deal, cancel that deal and let Chagossians come back to their homeland as British. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Ohio high school graduate who navigated homelessness, mental health struggles and taking care of his little brother on top of going to class has been gifted a car by his local community. Video shared by WTVG showed Daron Webb covering his mouth with his hands and exclaiming, What! as he was surprised with a red Honda Civic in Rossford, a suburb of Toledo, last Thursday. While finishing senior year at Waite High School in Toledo, Webb was experiencing homelessness and depression and was also responsible for the care of his younger brother when he fell behind in credits and was unable to graduate on time. The main thing was getting Daron to graduate. He fell credit-deficient. He fell behind, and then, finally, he kind of divulged that he was living in a not-so-common situation, Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romulus Durant told WTVG. With Durants help, Webb attended summer school and graduated from Waite High School in the fall of 2025. Soon after, he was connected with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the labor union took him on, according to the report. open image in gallery Daron Webb, who experienced homelessness during high school, was gifted a car by a local business ( WTVG ) He had a vision of wanting to be in IBW, so working with some of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the IBW family, they immediately took him in, Durant said. When Durant learned that Webb had been walking over a mile to work every day, regardless of the weather, he knew he had to step in again. The superintendent reached out to Yark Automotive Group, State Farm and other local organizations to rally behind Webb and get him a 2018 Honda Civic, according to the report. Emily Yark, of Yark Automotive Group, said her family-owned business was more than happy to help. We believe in supporting the success of our community and our neighbors, Yark said. We cannot wait to see the look on Darons face when he gets the keys to his new car and hope it provides him with the continuing drive toward success. Webb, who hopes to become a licensed electrician, was completely surprised by the gift. Man, I dont even know what Im feeling right nowIts just I dont even, havent had time to process everything cause I did not expect it, Webb said. Dont get caught up in what other people think. Its important that you stick to what you truly believe and what you truly think thats going to benefit you, and its going to go from there, Webb said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice California surfing legend Kurt Van Dyke was killed during a violent home invasion in a Costa Rica coastal town over the weekend, according to reports. The 66-year-old, who was a Costa Rica resident and hotel owner in Puerto Viejo, was found dead Saturday morning in his apartment in Cahuita. His body showed signs of strangulation and stab wounds, according to Costa Ricas Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Van Dyke was in the apartment with a woman when they were allegedly approached by two armed men, OIJ spokesman Carlos Valverde told CNN. The woman he was with was reportedly his 31-year-old girlfriend, according to Surfer. The suspects reportedly threatened them with a firearm and held them for several minutes while stealing valuables, including a vehicle. Van Dyke was asphyxiated and had several stab wounds, the OIJ spokesperson said. The woman with him suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries. California surfer Kurt Van Dyke was killed in a violent home invasion in Costa Rica over the weekend ( Kurt Van Dyke/Facebook ) Van Dyke, originally from Santa Cruz, California, was well regarded in the international surfing community and known for his participation in competitions, and efforts to help grow the sport in the Caribbean. His family had deep roots surfing along the Santa Cruz coast, going back generations. A 2021 obituary of his mother, Betty Van Dyke, said that she was part of a pioneering group of early female surfers. Her first husband, Gene Van Dyke, was also a well-known surfer in California. His brother, Peter Van Dyke, told the San Francisco Chronicle via text: My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody. Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met know this about him. David Smith, a childhood friend of Van Dykes, recalled how he would skip school to go surfing as a child. Id see him more in the water than Id see him at school, he told Fox LA, later adding, Basically, he was the king of Salsa Brava. They would call him the king. Another friend of Van Dyke, Ronald Umana, mourned his loss on social media. We remember your spirit, your energy, and the light you brought into the lives around you. Some people leave footprints you left waves, he wrote, according to Surfer. Roger Sams, the President of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce addressed Van Dykes death in a statement to La Nacion. I am very sorry for the news, every human loss is regrettable, it is a fact that we do not wish for anyone. We have a lot of time of great calm, of a lot of tranquility, we have the Police delegation in Playa Negra, the cantonal, which is the most modern in the country. We are working hand in hand on security issues. It shocks us and hurts us, because the Caribbean has been very calm, he said. Sams reassured visitors that the killing was an isolated incident. There have been no cases of violence reported like this against tourists. In recent months there has been no violence or assaults. This is an isolated case, he is the owner of a hotel, not a tourist, it has not to do with tourists and the people who come to visit us, he said. Raw Surf, a global media company dedicated to sharing surfing culture, shared condolences following Van Dykes tragic death, writing on Instagram, Our hearts go out to Kurts family and the Costa Rican surfing community for this unimaginable loss. Van Dyke is survived by his three children: Salvador, 23; Lulu, 21; and Jacob, 7. With reporting by the Associated Press. 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 As people head back to work this Tuesday after the long holiday weekend, New Orleans is celebrating Mardi Gras with beads flying, crawfish boiling, and parades rolling. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the climax and end of the week-long Carnival season, offering a final chance for indulgence, feasting and revelry. This joyous farewell to Carnival always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, preceding the Christian Lent period of sacrifice and reflection. Among the final parades in Louisianas most populous city, world-famous for its Mardi Gras bash, is one hosted by the Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club. open image in gallery Attendees participate in the annual Krewe of Muses parade during the Mardi Gras season on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in New Orleans ( 2026 Invision ) Marchers and float riders in the Zulu parade wear African-inspired garb and toss "throws" trinkets such as plastic beads, sweets, doubloons, stuffed animals, cups and toys. The parade's signature "throw" is hand-decorated coconuts, coveted by many revellers. Later in the day Rex, the King of Carnival parade will roll along St. Charles Avenue, lined by paradegoers and stately oak trees covered in Spanish moss and beads. Carnival events are popular for their spectacular and enormous floats, and also the intricately crafted outfits worn. These include the Black masking Indians, whose beaded and bejeweled costumes are topped with feathered headdresses, or paradegoers walking the French Quarter in homemade costumes that capture the unique spirit of the Big Easy. open image in gallery Attendees participate in the annual Krewe of Hermes Parade during the Mardi Gras season on Friday ( 2026 Invision ) The good times will roll not just in New Orleans but all across the state, from exclusive balls to the Cajun French tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday Run. This is a rural event in Central Louisiana featuring costumed participants performing, begging for ingredients and chasing after live chickens to be cooked in a communal gumbo. Parades are also held in other Gulf Coast cities such as Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, and there are other world-renowned celebrations in Brazil and Europe. 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 disabled University of Michigan student claims that her professors discriminated against her by falsely accusing her of using AI to write her essays. In a lawsuit filed in federal court last week, lawyers for a young woman known as 'Jane Doe' accused the university and individual instructors of treating symptoms of her disability as telltale signs of AI-based cheating. They say the student, who has OCD and anxiety disorder, presented unspecified "proof" that she had not used AI, only to be overruled and blocked from graduating. "Despite that notice, U-M and its Office of Student Academic Affairs proceeded with disciplinary actions without implementing disability-informed accommodations, allowed the same accuser to remain the gatekeeper for grading and remedial work," the lawyers wrote. "The accusations were based heavily on subjective judgments about Plaintiffs writing style and on self-confirming 'AI comparison' outputs generated using Plaintiffs own outlines and content." The lawsuit says that Jane Doe is a resident of Ohio, and attends the University of Michigans Ann Arbor campus ( Danny Moloshok/Getty Images ) It is the latest lawsuit by students who say they were unfairly tarred as plagiarists over essays that they claim to have written. In October 2025, a student on Long Island sued Adelphi College for allegedly branding his own work as AI-generated and refusing to allow any appeal. One year earlier, the parents of a Massachusetts teenager sued their son's high school for similar reasons. At the same time, teachers and professors say they have been overwhelmed by AI-generated schoolwork that has rapidly rendered traditional methods such as homework close to obsolete. Colleges, too, are reportedly using AI to analyze and evaluate admission essays, allowing them to sort more quickly through tens of thousands of applications. The 'Jane Doe' lawsuit also touches on the shaky record of AI detection tools, which research suggests are often inaccurate. According to the complaint, Doe's instructor had publicly posted: "I fear that grading has made me paranoid and inclined to see AI everywhere." In November 2025 he allegedly filed an academic misconduct accusation against Doe, claiming he was "immediately suspicious" of the paper's "unmistakable" AI-esque style. Doe countered with "medical and psychological documentation" explaining that her disabilities obsessive compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder might sometimes make her seem dishonest even though she was not. "Plaintiffs disabilities affect her ability to tolerate high-stress academic and disciplinary proceedings, particularly those requiring live verbal defense, rapid processing, and adversarial questioning," the complaint reads. "Plaintiffs clinicians warned that anxiety- and OCD-related writing traits such as a formal tone, meticulous structure, stylistic consistency, and highly organized presentation may be misinterpreted as artificial or dishonest behavior, and that Plaintiffs limitations necessitate disability-informed handling of any disciplinary proceedings." In summary, the complaint argues, "Defendants treated disability-related traits and limitations as evidence of guilt and failed to apply disability- informed modifications in the academic integrity process." The Independent has asked the University of Michigan for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice State lawmakers in New Mexico are investigating whether Jeffrey Epstein trafficked and sexually abused young women and girls at his Zorro Ranch property outside Santa Fe after previous investigations closed without any charges. New Mexicos state House voted unanimously to establish what lawmakers are calling a truth commission to hear from survivors and find out what exactly happened at the ranch after the wealthy and well-connected sex offender bought the property in 1993. The investigatory subcommittee will have subpoena power to collect testimony, records and other evidence to put the whole story together, according to Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero. New Mexico residents deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it, she said in a statement after Mondays vote. We have heard years of allegations and rumors about Epsteins activities in New Mexico, but unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record, she said. With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward, according to Romero. Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in 2025, was pictured at Zorro Ranch, and other survivors of his abuse, including Annie Farmer and Jane, have described the abuse they experienced under Epstein and Maxwell at the property. The states 2019 criminal investigation into Epsteins activities in New Mexico closed within a year without any charges filed. Epstein died in jail that summer while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges in New York. His death was ruled a suicide. Following the passage of the federal Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice has released more than three million documents, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, in its files stemming from state and federal investigations into the late sex offender and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Jeffrey Epstein pictured in New Mexico with his dogs in an undated photo ( US Department of Justice ) Last week, New Mexicos Department of Justice wrote a letter to federal officials demanding unredacted copies of an anonymous email from 2019 to a local radio host saying that foreign girls died of strangulation at Zorro Ranch. The states Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richards also urged state and federal investigators to probe a disturbing allegation that two girls were buried near the ranch. The newly launched subcommittee in the state legislature will operate through the end of the year on a budget of $2m, funded by a 2023 settlement between state Attorney General Raul Torrez and several financial services companies over failures to identify abuses at the property. Epstein bought the ranch, which has its own airstrip and helipad, from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. The property which includes an airstrip, helipad and 26,700sqft hilltop mansion, where the late billionaire sex offender is accused of abusing women and girls over a 26-year period was first put up for sale in July 2021, two years after Epsteins death. It was valued at $27.5m at that time. The property was purchased by a businessman who supports President Donald Trump and is running for Texas comptroller, according to state records. Don Huffines, 67, a self-described MAGA Trump Republican, is behind an entity called San Rafael Ranch LLC, which The Santa Fe New Mexican traced to Huffines through public records requests. The property was valued for tax purposes at $21.1m for the 2023 fiscal year, and the LLC argued that Epsteins notoriety and its higher sales price merited a lower valuation. The Santa Fe County assessor later revalued the property for that tax year at $13.4m, and the address was changed from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road in 2024. His campaign website describes him as a Trump Republican who wants to DOGE the states government, a reference to the Department of Government Efficiency, the Elon Musk-led effort to slash federal budgets, fire thousands of workers and cancel federal contracts and grant funding. He also touts endorsements from top MAGA leaders, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Four years after Mr Epsteins death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims. Prior to the auction listing, they had never visited the property, Huffines campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore told The Independent. The owners have never been approached by local, state or federal law enforcement requesting access to the San Rafael Ranch, he added. If, and when they do, of course they will be granted full and complete cooperation. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The FBI will not share information with Minnesota authorities investigating the killing of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal officers during the Trump administrations surge into Minneapolis last month. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Monday it formally received notice from the bureau that it will not provide the state agency with access to any information or evidence that it has collected in connection with Prettis death. While this lack of cooperation is concerning and unprecedented, the BCA is committed to thorough, independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, even if hampered by a lack of access to key information and evidence, Superintendent Drew Evans said in a statement. Our agency has committed to the FBI and Department of Justice that should its stance change we remain willing to share information that we have obtained with that agency and would welcome a joint investigation, he added. We will continue to pursue all legal avenues to gain access to relevant information and evidence. The FBIs decision to withhold evidence from Minnesota authorities follows a similar decision in the case of Renee Good, another Minnesota resident who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last month. open image in gallery State and local authorities are demanding access to evidence in the killing of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis on January 24 ( AP ) A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment but referred The Independent to remarks from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously announced that the Department of Justice had opened a standard investigation into the case. Hours after the Prettis killing, Minnesota law enforcement agencies sued to block Homeland Security officials from destroying or altering any evidence from the scene, and a federal judge appointed by Donald Trump granted the order later that night. But earlier this month, the judge said inflammatory statements by top administration officials and a potentially compromised crime scene were not enough to block federal law enforcement agencies from handling evidence, for now. Though the administration has repeatedly rebuffed attempts for local authorities to investigate the killings, the Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights investigation into Prettis death. Blanche has sought to downplay the Justice Departments inquiry, describing it as a standard investigation by the FBI. Homeland Security is separately reviewing the case. Administration officials decided the day Mr. Pretti was killed that the federal officers who shot him did nothing wrong, District Judge Eric C. Tostrud, a Trump-appointee, wrote this month. On X, White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller baselessly labeled Pretti a domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate federal law enforcement. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti committed an act of domestic terrorism and intended to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement. These statements are troubling, Tostrud wrote. They reflect, not a genuine interest in learning the truth, but snap judgments informed by speculation and motivated by political partisanship. Miller later claimed that the statements were based on reports from Customs and Border Protection personnel on the ground. Last week, Trump administrations top immigration enforcement officials testified that such characterizations did not come from them or anyone who reports to them. open image in gallery Border Patrol officers surrounded Pretti, sprayed with him pepper spray, tackled him to the ground and fired 10 shots at close range, according to video footage captured by bystanders ( @dangjessie/UGC/AFP via Getty Images ) Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has also demanded evidence in the killings of Pretti and Good from Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, and the state has launched a website to collect evidence from the public. Prettis family, meanwhile, has urged the FBI and Minnesota authorities to jointly investigate the death of the 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse. Justice and accountability requires a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts, the family said in a statement. A truly joint state and federal investigation would be a welcome development. open image in gallery Members of Congress are also demanding answers about investigations into the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minnesota ( AFP via Getty Images ) An initial investigation into Prettis killing was led by Homeland Security Investigations, the agencys investigative arm, which is required to preserve all evidence collected, including physical evidence collected by other federal entities, which are then properly transferred to homeland custody, according to a sworn declaration in court documents from Mark Zito, the agencys Special Agent in Charge for the St. Paul office. All evidence was collected and transported back to the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, according to a sworn statement from an FBI official whose name is redacted in court filings. That evidence includes body-worn camera footage, which has been preserved, according to Jeffrey Egerton, the executive director for the Investigative Operations Directorate within Customs and Border Protections Office of Professional Responsibility. Theres a lot of other video, theres body-cam video thats all being looked at, and until all that evidence is evaluated, I cant jump to a conclusion about the case, Customs and Border Protection commissioner Rodney Scott testified to the Senate Homeland Security committee last week. I would ask America to do the same thing, but I am committed to transparency, to making sure all the information we have is made public when its appropriate, he said. Border Patrol agents were filmed shooting 10 rounds at Pretti after tackling him to the ground January 24, two weeks after an ICE officer fatally shot Good. Their deaths have fueled outrage against the Trump administrations weeks-long surge of immigration officers into Minnesota, where agents have been accused of brutally targeting immigrants and citizens alike during protests and violent arrests. White House border czar Tom Homan, who was deployed to the state in the wake of Prettis killing and the apparent removal of Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino, announced last week that a small footprint of personnel will remain in the state to supervise the transfer of full command and control of immigration enforcement back to the ICE field office in Minneapolis. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accused the Trump administration of carrying out a cover-up in its handling of the Epstein files, while the president claims the files totally exonerated him and pulled in the Clintons. Get the files out, Clinton told the BBC on Monday from Berlin, where she attended the World Forum. They are slow-walking it. Her husband, former president Bill Clinton, is mentioned and pictured numerous times in the Epstein files. Both Clintons have denied any contemporaneous knowledge of Epsteins crimes, and survivors and authorities have not accused them of wrongdoing. Over the weekend, Clinton echoed her calls for transparency while speaking at the Munich Security Conference. She called the contents of the Epstein files horrifying and demanded their full release. open image in gallery Hillary Clinton has accused the Trump administration of slowing down the release of the Epstein files, while Trump says the files totally exonerated him while marring the Clintons record ( Getty ) It is something that needs to be totally transparent, she said on a panel. 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, she added. Well see what happens. Clintons comments piqued Trump, who claimed the Epstein files were partisan and had in fact exonerated him. I have nothing to hide, the president told reporters on Monday. Ive been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They went in hoping that theyd find it and they found just the opposite. Ive been totally exonerated. Of the Clintons, Trump said the files had pulled them in and that Clintons recent comments in Germany were a sign of Trump derangement syndrome. Theyve been pulled in and many other Democrats have been pulled in, he claimed. open image in gallery The Justice Department insists it has fully complied with a 2025 law mandating the release of the Epstein files ( AP ) Both Clintons are due to testify before Congress later this month, after initially signaling they would resist what they called invalid and legally unenforceable subpoenas in the Republican-led Epstein probe in the House. We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public, Clinton said in her BBC interview, arguing that she and her husband were being used as a shiny object to deflect blame from the Trump administration. open image in gallery Hillary and Bill Clinton deny any knowledge of or involvement in Epsteins crimes ( DOJ ) The Justice Department said in a letter to lawmakers over the weekend it had released all pertinent records that it could in order to comply with last years bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, which President Trump signed after months of warring with members of his own party who backed the bill. Legislators insist the Trump administration continues to fail to meet its obligations under the bill. Your government is withholding information, Rep. Nancy Mace, one of the backers of the law, wrote on X on Saturday. The Trump administration has released about 2 percent of the data investigators have described as being in their possession on Epstein, according to analysis and internal emails obtained by U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 News. In addition to this reported deficit of releases, lawmakers have also accused the DOJ of muddying the waters by disclosing scores of high-profile figures whose names appear in the files only tangentially, such as people mentioned in news articles shared by the late sex criminal. 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, Rep. Ro Khanna, one of the lawmakers leading the Epstein disclosure effort, wrote on X. 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 Local law enforcement agencies deputized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have exploded during Donald Trumps second administration, with as many as 15,800 police officers and sheriffs deputies working with federal agents to arrest and jail immigrants, according to a new analysis. More than 760 local law enforcement agencies have partnered with ICE since Trump took office, according to the analysis from FWD.US, a nonpartisan policy organization. There are now nearly 1,200 local agencies working in tandem with ICE, up from 135 during Joe Bidens administration and 150 at the end of Trumps first term, the group found. That drastic expansion of the 287(g) task force program, which deputizes cops to stop and arrest people they believe are in the country illegally, is fueled by at least $137 million in new federal funding to local police agencies. At that participation rate, ICE could inject more than $3 billion into local police agencies to deputize nearly 30,000 officers nationwide by 2027, according to the analysis. open image in gallery Enrollment in ICEs 287(g) program that deputized local police to help arrest immigrants has exploded in Trumps second term, with as many as 1,200 local law enforcement agencies joining in, a new analysis found ( AFP via Getty Images ) This would be by far the largest infusion of federal funding into local law enforcement since the 1990s COPS grants, which increased low-level arrests while having no significant impact on crime, according to Felicity Rose, vice president of criminal justice research and policy at FWD.us. The 287(g) model has similarly caused massive harm to communities while failing to reduce crime, she added. This program is a confluence of two bad ideas that should be left in the past where they belong. Barack Obamas administration abandoned the task force model in 2012 following allegations in Maricopa County, Arizona, where notorious former sheriff Joe Arpaio was accused of racially profiling and arresting Latino residents over their legal status. A federal judge in 2013 determined he violated detainees Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. He was later convicted of criminal contempt for defying a judges order to stop detaining immigrants because they lacked legal status, which his deputies continued for 18 months. Over a decade ago, we saw how deputizing local law enforcement to do immigration enforcement could result in disaster under Sheriff Arpaio and others, said FWD.us president Todd Schulte,. Federal incentives to target and profile will harm immigrant communities and have spillover effects on other communities already targeted by local law enforcement impacting immigrants and citizens alike, he added. open image in gallery Dallas police and law enforcement chiefs in Houston and San Antonio have not joined the task force program, along with other local police agencies in the top 10 US cities ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Trump administration restarted the program in early 2025, with new funding and incentives for state and local police, and with a massive injection of taxpayer funding through the presidents One Big Beautiful Bill Act that has made ICE the highest-funded law enforcement agency, with a budget that outpaces that of most nations militaries. ICE has promised to give law enforcement agencies $7,500 for equipment per trained officer, as well as $100,000 for new vehicles and overtime pay of up to 25 percent of an officers salary. Federal funding also includes performance bonuses tied to immigration arrests, providing agencies with financial incentive to arrest people suspected of living in the country illegally. State and local law enforcement are expected to receive up to $2 billion this year under Trumps sweeping domestic spending bill, FWD.us found. This amount would dwarf all other federal funding for local law enforcement, according to the report. At least 342 Florida law enforcement agencies have 287(g) agreements, the most of any state, the report found. In Texas, a state where counties with more than 100,000 residents are required to join ICEs program, law enforcement agencies have signed 296 agreements. Tennessee has 63, Pennsylvania has 58, and Alabama has 52, according to FWD.us. The programs expansion further fuels Trumps mass deportation agenda by expanding the dragnet for putting people into the arrest to deportation pipeline, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Administration officials routinely promote the program. We would love for state and local law enforcement to sign 287(g) agreements to help us remove criminal illegal aliens partnerships with law enforcement are critical to having the resources we need to arrest criminal illegal aliens across the country, Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. But many local law enforcement agencies are resisting the program, fearing that their departments are already stretched too thin and cannot be expected to perform federal duties while responding to other critical incidents. None of the police departments of the top 10 U.S. cities including Texas cities Dallas, Houston and San Antonio are signed on as 287(g) partners. open image in gallery With a surge of new federal funding, ICE is also radically expanding its detention space with converted warehouses that can detain up to 10,000 people, including a facility in New Hampshire that state and local officials do not want ( REUTERS ) At the same time, the Trump administration is increasingly relying on the nations vast network of local jails and prisons to detain and deport immigrants. ICE averaged as many as 700 arrests a month inside local jails, according to research from Prison Policy Initiative. The Trump administration also intends to significantly expand federal immigration detention capacity, with a nearly $40 billion plan to detain tens of thousands of immigrants in retrofitted warehouses across the country. ICE expects to purchase 16 buildings it can convert into processing centers to temporarily detain up to 1,500 immigrants in each before theyre moved to larger facilities. Another eight larger warehouses would hold up to 10,000 people at a time, serving as primary locations for removal from the country, according to recently published documents. Those facilities add to an already-expansive federal immigration detention system of dozens of jails, mostly operated by private firms, in a country with one of the highest incarceration rates on the planet. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Barack Obama led tributes to the legendary civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday aged 84. The former president and his wife Michelle described Rev. Jackson, who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and led the civil rights movement for decades after Dr Kings assassination, as a true giant adding: We stood on his shoulders. President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Rev. Jackson as a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts. A statement from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Rev. Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives. It added: Throughout it all, he kept marching to the music of his conscience, his convictions, and his causes. A cause of death was not immediately given, but Jacksons family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, his family said. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by. open image in gallery Rev. Jesse Jackson was a legendary civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate ( Getty ) In November, Jackson was hospitalized for treatment to regulate his blood pressure, having been under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy. PSP is a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The Baptist minister was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in 2017. open image in gallery Rev. Jackson, pictured in 2016, remained a star in Democratic political circles ( AP ) Growing up in poverty in Jim Crow-era South Carolina, facing judgment for being born out of wedlock and personal challenges with his biological father, Jackson learned early on to channel his fears into excellence. While attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Jackson became active in the civil rights movement, gaining the attention of Dr. King, and was ordained a minister in 1968. Through his charismatic speeches, Jackson energized thousands of people to boycott businesses that refused to hire qualified Black Americans. Jackson started a nonprofit, Operation People United to Save Humanity, or PUSH, in 1971, which later merged with his political movement, the National Rainbow Coalition, to form Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996. open image in gallery Then-Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson delivering a press conference in May 1985 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, warning the U.S. off military intervention in Nicaragua ( AFP/Getty ) The Reverend launched a long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and came much closer when he ran again in 1988, with his historic campaigns marking the first time a Black candidate had won the nationwide Democratic youth vote. Trumps rival in the 2024 election, former Vice President Kamala Harris, revealed in her own tribute that she once had a Jesse Jackson for President bumper sticker on her car. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she often received a honk of support from other motorists. open image in gallery Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she had a bumper sticker expressing her support for Jacksons historic presidential campaign ( AP ) Al Sharpton, civil rights crusader and a friend of Jacksons, was another to pay his respects on X. He shared his belief that his friend had changed this nation and the world. He shaped public policy and changed laws, Sharpton wrote. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we dont have broken spirits. Former President Joe Biden also shared a tribute to Jackson, writing that the campaigner believed in his bones the promise of America. He was joined by fellow former President George W Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, who wrote on Facebook that Jacksons tireless advocacy is a legacy that will long endure. Some social media users drew attention to Jacksons ability to build bridges across political divides, sharing pictures showing him in friendly moments with both President Trump and former President Barack Obama. open image in gallery Rev. Jackson with Barack Obama in 2007 when the future president was a senator ( AP ) Jackson himself appeared to have stopped using social media in 2024, with the last post from his verified X account in August that year a repost of a call to end the horrific war in Gaza. Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, whom he married in 1962; their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline; his daughter, Ashley Jackson, and various grandchildren. Public observances will be held in Chicago, the family said, with final arrangements to be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, a pivotal civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, died on Tuesday, aged 84. A protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev Jackson dedicated his life to advocating for the poor and underrepresented. His lifelong crusades, spanning the United States and abroad, championed causes from voting rights and job opportunities to education and healthcare. In the statement announcing his passing, Jacksons family expressed their profound sadness at his passing and paid tribute to "his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights, which helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilising millions to register to vote - leaving an indelible mark on history. Growing up in poverty in Jim Crow-era South Carolina, facing societal judgment for being born out of wedlock and personal challenges with his biological father, Jackson learned early on to channel his fears into excellence. open image in gallery A protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson dedicated his life to advocating for the poor and underrepresented. ( Associated Press ) While attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Jackson became active in the civil rights movement, gaining the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was ordained a minister in 1968. Through his charismatic speeches, Jackson energized thousands of people to boycott businesses that refused to hire qualified Black Americans. Jackson started a nonprofit, Operation People United to Save Humanity, or PUSH, in 1971, which later merged with his political movement, the National Rainbow Coalition, to form Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996. open image in gallery The reverend launched a long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and ran for president again in 1988 ( Associated Press ) The reverend launched a long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and ran for president again in 1988, with his historic campaigns marking the first time a Black candidate had won the nationwide Democratic youth vote. Jackson later served as Democratic president Bill Clintons special envoy to Africa in the 1990s. The reverend was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in 2017 and had struggled with his health in recent months. open image in gallery Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, waves to supporters as he is introduced during the Democratic National Convention with Al Sharpton, Jonathan Jackson and Yusef DuBois Jackson ( Associated Press ) In November, Jackson was hospitalized for treatment to regulate his blood pressure, having been under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy. PSP is a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. A cause of death was not immediately given, but Jacksons family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, his family said. open image in gallery Former South African President Nelson Mandela, left, walks with the Rev. Jesse Jackson after their meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa ( Associated Press ) We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by. Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, whom he married in 1962; their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline; his daughter, Ashley Jackson, and various grandchildren. open image in gallery Vice President Joe Biden, Rev. Jesse Jackson, first lady Michelle Obama, and President Barack Obama gather after services honoring the life of Reverend Clementa Pinckney at the College of Charleston TD Arena in Charleston ( Associated Press ) Public observances will be held in Chicago, the family said, with final arrangements to be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administrations immigration crackdown in Minneapolis may be winding down, but medical providers say a lasting impact of the operation has been scores of individuals skipping abortion-related care and other reproductive health services. There is just a tremendous sense of fear in this moment, Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, told 19th News last week. Everyone is concerned, she added. Our patients are concerned. Our staff is also concerned. Since December 1, the organizations clinics in Minnesota have seen their no-show rate spike by more than 8 percent, according to data provided to the outlet. Those who missed appointments were disproportionately seeking family planning services, which include contraception, wellness visits, cancer screening and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Another local provider, the Our Justice abortion fund, told the outlet it had gotten 82 requests for funding this January, down from 131 the previous January. open image in gallery Abortion providers say the ongoing immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is driving away patients ( Getty Images ) While health advocates emphasize that abortion is a safe procedure, delaying care can add unneeded expense, complication, and risks. Medical providers of all kinds say that the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities has been disrupting medical care. Our places of healing are under siege, Dr. Roli Dwivedi, the former president of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, said during a January press conference at the state Capitol. I have been a practicing physician for more than 19 years here in Minnesota, and I have never seen this level of chaos and fear. At the press conference, doctors shared stories of patients missing follow-up appointments or avoiding care entirely for fear of being detained. open image in gallery Under the Trump administration, immigration agents have stepped up enforcement near sensitive locations like schools ( AFP/Getty ) A resident of Portland, Oregon, told NPR that in January ICE agents arrested her friends, a family of Venezuelan asylum seekers, as they sat in the parking lot of an urgent care facility where their 7-year-old was meant to get treatment for a serious nosebleed. The family was later taken to a detention center in Texas, the friend said. The Trump administration also shares Medicaid data like address and ethnicity with immigration officials, which health experts say is keeping others from seeking care. If hospitals tell people that their Emergency Medicaid information will be shared with ICE, it is foreseeable that many immigrants would simply stop getting emergency medical treatment, Leonardo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families, told health news site KFF. Half of the Emergency Medicaid cases are for the delivery of U.S. citizen babies. Do we want these mothers avoiding the hospital when they go into labor? Last year, the Trump administration announced immigration agencies could make arrests at sensitive locations like medical facilities, churches, and schools, ending a policy that had been in effect for over a decade. ICE does not conduct enforcement at hospitalsperiod, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent. We would only go into a hospital if there were an active danger to public safety. Of course, if we have a detainee we need to take to the hospital for medical care, we have officers accompany them for their monitoring, safety of the staff, and the public, she added. open image in gallery ICE does not conduct enforcement inside hospitals unless there is an active danger to public safety, according to Homeland Security ( AFP/Getty ) Providers at other sensitive locations report similar fears. Thousands of students have avoided going to class during the Trump administrations deportation campaign, while parents have been arrested near schools in at least 10 states. The Trump administration also regularly arrests individuals making what were previously sanctioned appearances before authorities at courthouses and other government buildings. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Republican congressman from Florida has been urged to resign after making derogatory comments about Muslims on social media. Rep. Randy Fine, who represents the Sunshine States 6th district, took to the social media platform on Sunday with an inflammatory take: If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one. Fines post was in response to one by Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, in which she called dogs "unclean" and said "NYC is coming to Islam." The congressman subsequently wrote: "For context, this is the leader of one of the key mainstream Muslim groups that supported [New York Mayor Zohran] Mamdani, who is himself a practicing Muslim. open image in gallery Rep. Randy Fine is an ardent supporter of Israel, and revels in the nickname Hebrew Hammer. ( RJC/X ) His comments sparked outrage from other politicians, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, responding to Fine with a message on X: Resign now, you racist slob. If anyone said something this vile in any workplace, theyd be fired, added Arizona congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, another Democrat, who called for House Speaker Mike Johnson to take action against her colleague. Liberal congressional firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is from New York, described Fines post as genuinely one of the most disgusting statements I have ever seen issued by an American official. It should not stop shocking us that the Republican Party openly embraces this, she wrote on X. Fine should be censured & stripped of committees. To ignore this is to accept and normalize it. open image in gallery Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among members of Congress calling for Randy Fines resignation. ( Liesa Johannssen/Reuters ) In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a major Islamic civil rights group, once again called for Fines resignation. Between his call for the destruction of all mainstream Muslims, his claim that Palestinian identity itself is evil, and his call for the killing of everyone in Gaza, Randy Fine is a modern Klansman and Nazi all wrapped into one, only his targets are Muslims and Palestinians, the council said in an update on its website. Leaders of Congress across the political spectrum should demand his resignation, which is long overdue. Kiswani, the pro-Palestinian activist, replied to her own message by pointing out that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem infamously killed a dog, which had met with a muted response from Republicans. Kristi Noem literally bragged about shooting her own dog and most of you did not bat an eyelash. A Muslim in NYC says maybe the city is not the best place for pets and it is days of death threats from MAGA and Zionists, Kiswani wrote. The activist later clarified to NBC News that her original comment had been satire based on a hyperlocal NYC conversation about dog excrement in New York after a recent snowstorm, and she was satirizing Islamophobic hysteria portraying Mamdanis mayoralty as a societal takeover. open image in gallery New York City has faced complaints over dog waste being left in the snow, which activist Nerdeen Kiswani commented on on social media. ( Caitlin Ochs/Reuters ) Kiswani went on to identify a troubling pattern in which anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian rhetoric from elected officials has not been met with the level of accountability we would expect if almost any other community were discussed this way. Neither Speaker Mike Johnson nor the White House offered immediate comment on the growing furore around Rep. Fine, who has refused to back down from his inflammatory remarks. In response to criticism, Fine has repeatedly posted images on social media of dogs on a bright yellow background over the words Dont Tread On Me - an adaption of the Gadsden flag, which typically shows a snake and is widely understood as right-wing iconography. He took a defiant tone in response to a message from British broadcaster Piers Morgan, who called him a disgusting p***k: "We will not be shamed into being conquered like the Europeans. Fine took office less than a year ago in a special election and was previously a state congressman in Florida. He is an ardent supporter of Israel, reveling in the nickname Hebrew Hammer, and has repeatedly defended the countrys actions during its military campaign in Gaza. 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 Late-night host Stephen Colbert accused the Trump administration of trying to silence dissent after CBS News blocked the airing of his interview with James Talarico, a Democratic Texas state representative. He was supposed to be here, Colbert said during a segment on Monday night. But we were told in no uncertain terms by our networks lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast. Colbert said the decision to pull the interview was related to the Federal Communications Commission's equal time rule, a decades-old doctrine that requires broadcasters to provide equal air time opportunities to candidates running for the same public office. Theres long been an exemption for this rule, an exception for news interviews and talk show interviews with politicians, the late-night host said. But, he noted that, earlier this year, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that talk shows may no longer be exempt. A program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent, Carrs January 21 letter stated. However, when asked about how this might apply to talk radio stations largely populated by conservative voices Carr said he didnt see the same need for readjustment in that realm. Colbert, who has a long history of bashing the Trump administration, lambasted the policy change, claiming it smacks of hypocrisy. Sir, youre chairman of the FCC, so FCC you, Colbert said on air. Because I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself. open image in gallery Stephen Colbert said that CBS News banned him from broadcasting his interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico ( The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, YouTube ) Lets just call this what it is: Donald Trumps administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV, he continued. Hes like a toddler with too much screen time. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diaper. CBS News announced in July that it will retire Colberts show in May, claiming the decision was based on financial losses and was not related to politics. Spokespeople for the FCC and CBS News did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Independent. Instead of airing on TV, Colbert posted his Talarico interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert YouTube channel, where it drew some 755,000 views. Talarico, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas currently occupied by Republican John Cornyn, reposted the interview on X. It was viewed by nearly two million users. This is the interview Donald Trump didnt want you to see, he wrote. His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried were about to flip Texas. open image in gallery Trump has said that Carr is supported by MAGA, like few others ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In the past, Carrs FCC has singled out talk shows with a history of attacking the administration. In September, ABC News suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live after the host delivered a September 15 monologue about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, during which he called the shooter part of the MAGA crowd. Before the announcement of Kimmels suspension, Carr criticized ABC News and its parent company for permitting violations tied to the hosts monologue. Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or, you know, there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead, Carr said. The show was ultimately reinstated after six days. In September, Carr also took aim at another television show known for its strong anti-Trump rhetoric: ABC Newss The View. He told a conservative podcaster that it may be worthwhile to investigate whether The View is violating broadcast rules. During a December congressional hearing, Carr claimed that he served at the presidents pleasure and argued that the FCC was not an independent agency. His assertion prompted a Democratic senator to show a screenshot from the FCCs own website stating the opposite. Carr himself told Congress in 2018 that the regulatory agency is independent. Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly criticized Carr, accusing him of partisan decision-making and serving as Trumps attack dog. Even some Republicans have joined in. After the FCC threatened to pull ABCs broadcast license over Kimmels remarks, GOP Sen. Ted Cruz labeled Carrs tactics as unbelievably dangerous and similar those of a mafioso. The commissioner, for his part, has brushed off such comments. For a lot of Democrats, this has really been about distortion and projection, he said shortly after Kimmels brief cancellation. President Donald Trump who routinely blasts Colbert and Kimmel has applauded Carrs performance. Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is Smart, Tough, and a True American Patriot, the 79-year-old Republican president wrote on Truth Social in September. He is supported by MAGA, like few others. 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 Long-time Trump adviser Steve Bannon and sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein discussed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office during his first term, according to newly released Epstein files. In a text message exchange that began on New Years Eve in 2018, shortly after Democrats retook the House of Representatives in the midterm elections, the two men discussed Trumps political position, with Bannon lamenting that the WH, a likely reference to the White House, has zero plan to punch back. He is really borderline, Epstein responded. Not sure what he may do. I think its beyond borderline 25 amendment, Bannon added, a reference to the provision in the Constitution that allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to remove the president if they are deemed unfit for office. Elsewhere in the conversation, Bannon suggests we really need an intervention regarding Trump. open image in gallery Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein allegedly discussed invoking the 25th Amendment against Donald Trump during his first term, according to new Epstein files ( House Oversight Committee ) Critics of Trump have frequently called for those around him to invoke the 25th Amendment, and senior officials at the FBI and Justice Department allegedly discussed the possibility during Trumps first term. Conservatives reacted angrily to the exchange online. In a post on X, Trumps first-term national security adviser Mike Flynn called on the DOJ to bring Bannon in for questioning. I agree completely, former congresswoman and ex-Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene responded to the post. Steve Bannon went to jail for Trump (I was there), but back on 1-1-19 (after Dems took the House) he was texting with Epstein about 25th amendment. Also, there is no excuse for having such a friendly relationship with Epstein, post conviction, 2018-19. None. The Independent has contacted Bannons representatives for comment. open image in gallery Bannon, a former Trump White House and campaign adviser, has remained a devoted booster of the Republican, recently arguing the president should seek an illegal third term ( REUTERS ) Around this time, Bannon had been out of the administration for over a year and was working to make a documentary about Epstein. In the six months before Epstein was arrested in the summer of 2019 on sex trafficking charges, Bannon also communicated with Epstein about media training, rehabilitating Epsteins image, and even which lawyers to hire, according to an analysis of the Epstein files by The New York Times. I am a filmmaker and TV host with decades of experience interviewing controversial figures, Bannon told the paper. Thats the only lens through which these private communications should be viewed a documentary filmmaker working, over a period of time, to secure 50 hours of interviews from a reclusive subject. The film was meant to destroy the very myths he created, Bannon added of Epstein. Bannon has remained a loyal Trump ally, going to prison in 2024 on a contempt charge for refusing to cooperate in the congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The far-right podcaster has since advocated for Trump to seek an unconstitutional third term. 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 Billionaire Thomas Pritzker, 75, has stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels over his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Pritzker, cousin to Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, is the latest notable figure to face consequences after the Department of Justice was compelled to release millions of documents relating to Epstein, who died in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced Pritzkers retirement from his prominent role on the Board of Directors on Monday. Pritzker had served as executive chairman since 2004. Pritzker, who is married to Margot Pritzker, said in a statement, My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship, which he said means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret. open image in gallery Billionaire Thomas Pritzker has stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels over his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein ( Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize ) I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner. I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims. Hyatts president and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, will take over as chairman of the board effective immediately. The Epstein files revealed that Pritzker kept in contact with the disgraced financier long after he pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. In an email exchange from 2018, reported by several outlets, Epstein asked Pritzker to help arrange a trip to Asia for Karyna Shuliak, who was reportedly his girlfriend. When Pritzker asked what she was going to do there, Shuliak responded, Going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey. Pritzker said, May the Force be with you, along with a smiley-face emoji. open image in gallery Thomas Pritzker, cousin to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, had communicated with Jeffrey Epstein long after he pleaded guilty to sex crimes ( US Department of Justice ) In 2003, Pritzker had messaged Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting and abusing girls with Epstein, about a dinner party. Maxwell mentioned that there would be five models serving at the party, and Pritzker suggested having the guests be servers and the models be guests. This would be far more fun, he wrote in the exchange, per The Wall Street Journal. open image in gallery Pritzker had also messaged Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting and abusing girls with Epstein ( US Department of Justice ) The Independent has reached out to JB Pritzkers office for comment about his cousin stepping down from the Hyatt board. Other prominent figures to face repercussions for their ties to Epstein are former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler and talent agency founder Casey Wasserman. Republican Representative from Kentucky, Thomas Massie, and Democratic Representative from California, Ro Khanna, who both led the push to release the Epstein files, shared the news of Pritzkers retirement from the Hyatt board on social media. Chairman of Hyatt Hotels stepping down as a result of Epstein disclosures, Massie wrote on X. Tom Pritzker is part of the Epstein class & is stepping down as Chairman of Hyatt, Khanna posted. Will he also step down as Chairman of the Pritzker organization which manages various Pritzker family assets? 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 Cue the sad trombone: Hedge fund billionaire John Paulson a major Trump donor and advocate of tariffs is shuttering his Ohio brass instrument plant and offshoring work to China, according to a new report. Paulsons company Conn Selmer, the nation's top maker of orchestral and brass instruments, notified employees it will shift most of its East Lake plant operations to Asia by July, triggering about 150 layoffs, The Guardian reported. Employees were informed of the decision last month, when they expected to negotiate a new union contract, according to United Auto Workers Local 2359, which represents the workers. The employees said the company unveiled a new plant in China in 2025, and that work has slowly shifted to that location. However, workers in Ohio had previously been told their jobs were not in jeopardy. Workers there expressed deep dissatisfaction with the decision, with one saying, It really pisses me off, while another said they felt betrayed. open image in gallery John Paulson, a billionaire Trump donor and tariff advocate, is moving his his Ohio manufacturing plant to China, according to a new report ( Getty Images ) A representative for Conn Selmer confirmed that, should a tentative decision be finalized, the firm will move some production out of the country, according to the outlet. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. Paulson who is worth an estimated $4 billion, according to Forbes has been a major backer of the Republican president for years. During Trumps first presidential campaign, Paulson served as an economic advisor, and he raised $50 million for the president at a 2024 fundraiser in Florida. He was also shortlisted to serve as treasury secretary, a position that was ultimately given to another hedge fund investor: Scott Bessent. open image in gallery Paulson, who raised $50 million for Trump at a fundraiser in 2024, has spoken in support of tariffs in the past ( Getty Images ) Paulson has also expressed support for Trumps tariff agenda. Shortly before the 2024 election, he told Semafor that a 10 to 20 percent tariff to boost American manufacturing would be reasonable. It would result in higher import prices, he said. But on the other hand, it supports domestic manufacturing, so you get more jobs, more investment in the US, more taxes. Two months earlier, Paulson told CNBC that Trumps tariff plans were well-founded. Hes also publicly opposed moving jobs overseas. We cant have American producers closing American factories and offshoring, he told the outlet. We need to protect American jobs and protect American manufacturing, Robert Hines, president of UAW Local 2359 and a worker at the Conn-Selmer plant in Ohio, said Paulsons latest decision smacks of hypocrisy. To go publicly on CNBC to support the Trump administrations positive views on tariffs and all that stuff, and then you turn around and [say you] want to go send the work right over to China, Hines told The Guardian. Its a slap in our face. Overall, U.S. manufacturing jobs have declined since last spring, when he first implemented his aggressive and wide-ranging tariffs which he promised would lead to a renaissance of blue-collar jobs, according to Reuters. The industry shed 8,000 jobs in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. And since April employment in the sector has fallen by more than 70,000 to about 12.69 million as of December, marking the worst reading since March 2022. By Emil Avdaliani On December 1920, 2025, the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takachi in the C5+1 format. This marked the fifth such summit involving Central Asian leaders in 2025. Japans growing engagement with the region is driven primarily by interest in mineral extraction and processing, sectors that have attracted increasing competition from major Asian and Western powers. Tokyos evolving approach reflects broader global dynamics and heightened tensions over supply chains. Rather than seeking to exclude other external actors or assume a leading security role in Central Asia, Japan is pursuing a pragmatic strategy centered on economic cooperation. Through economically attractive initiatives, it aims gradually to strengthen its geopolitical position in the region. BACKGROUND: In December 2025, Tokyo hosted its first Central Asia Plus Japan Dialogue, representing an upgraded version of a cooperation framework originally established in 2004. The region has thus evolved from a relatively peripheral area into a significant area in Japans foreign policy. A series of agreements was concluded during the summit. Uzbekistan and Japan elevated their relationship to an expanded strategic partnership, prioritizing cooperation in green energy, the IT sector, deep industrial decarbonization, and the development of critical minerals, including uranium supplies. The two sides plan to implement projects worth over US$12 billion through a joint investment platform and the establishment of an economic zone in the Samarkand region. Japan will also extend yen-denominated loans to Uzbekistan for the procurement of medical equipment and to improve small and medium-sized enterprises access to financial resources. In addition, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirzioev proposed holding biennial summits at the head-of-state level and initiating the development of a Cooperation Strategy between Central Asia and Japan. For Japan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan stand out because of their geographic position, economic potential, and human resources. However, Tokyo is also deepening engagement with other regional actors. Turkmenistan, for example, concluded eight investment agreements with Japanese firms. In Tajikistan, Japan has expressed interest in developing logistics and transport infrastructure, as well as in the extraction and processing of minerals and rare earth elements. Japan and the Central Asian states also established cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and medicine. The parties proposed the creation of a Central AsiaJapan digital hub to promote collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and digital technologies. Following the summit, a multilateral business forum was convened at which several joint projects were announced. These included the construction of solar power plants in Uzbekistan by Sumitomo, Chubu Electric Power, and Shikoku Electric Power, supported by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI); the establishment of a medical center by Sojitz; and critical minerals mining projects involving the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). IMPLICATIONS: For the Central Asian states, closer ties with Japan form part of a broader strategy to pursue a more multi-aligned foreign policy, extending beyond reliance not only on Russia and China but also on the EU and the U.S. Japan is regarded as a reliable and responsible source of investment, particularly in sectors such as green energy and infrastructure. With its considerable technological expertise and development experience, Tokyo is in a strong position in the competition for influence in Central Asia. Japan nevertheless faces structural constraints as an investor that limit its geopolitical weight in Central Asia. Geography constitutes the primary obstacle: there are no direct overland or maritime routes linking Japan to the region. Central Asias landlocked position, combined with its considerable distance from Japan, will continue to impose significant constraints on bilateral relations. Consequently, Japan is unlikely to emerge as a major geopolitical actor in the heart of Eurasia. It will remain structurally disadvantaged especially vis-a-vis Russia and China, but also in comparison to the EU and the U.S. Second, Japan interest in security and military cooperation in the region is limited. Instead, it has primarily relied on soft power as its principal instrument of influence in Central Asia. For example, Tokyo has long supported Kazakhstan in assisting victims of Soviet-era nuclear testing by providing medical and technical aid, particularly to residents of the Abay region, where the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site is located. Other Central Asian states likewise receive substantial financial assistance from Japan. Notably, Tokyo offers various forms of partnership that are not formally conditioned on requirements related to democracy or human rights reforms. Tokyo has demonstrated particular openness to cooperation in the extraction and processing of minerals and rare earth elements (REEs). This focus reflects the heightened global attention Central Asia has received in recent years due to its resource base, which is critical for global supply chains. Japan seeks to diversify its mineral and REE imports away from China. This is not the first indication of Japanese interest in the regions rare earth sector. In the 2010s, Tokyo participated, albeit briefly, in the Stepnogorsk project in Kazakhstan before withdrawing from the initiative. The December summit, however, signaled a renewed commitment to the mineral sector, underscored by a pledge to invest approximately US$ 19 billion over the next five years in developing supply chains in the region. In this context, Kazakhstan introduced the Next-Generation SmartMining Plus initiative, aimed at digitalizing the mining industry. Discussions also addressed the first-ever shipment of gallium, a rare metal used in electronics and semiconductors, from Kazakhstan, a development of particular significance given Chinas dominant position in global gallium production. The intensifying competition for Central Asias REEs and other critical minerals forms part of a broader contest over the regions resource base. The EU, Russia, China, the U.S., and other actors all perceive substantial untapped potential in Central Asia. Although Japan is a relatively late entrant into this competition, its pledge to invest US$ 19 billion is notable, as no other external power has committed a comparable sum. The closest parallel is the EUs plan to mobilize 12 billion under its Global Gateway initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity across Eurasia and strengthen the Unions competitiveness vis-a-vis Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Tokyo is capitalizing on Central Asias preference for engaging a wide range of external partners. It has also identified sectors in which the region remains particularly vulnerable and receptive to external support. One such domain is the rapidly evolving landscape of Eurasian connectivity. In the context of the war in Ukraine and the increasing efforts by the EU, India, China, and other actors to develop alternative overland trade routes, the so-called Middle Corridor, linking the Black Sea to Chinas western region of Xinjiang, has gained strategic prominence. Japans support for strengthening eastwest connectivity in Central Asia reflects an effort to reduce Russias historically entrenched influence over the regions infrastructure and economic networks. This strategic logic underpins Tokyos commitment to further development of the Middle Corridor. CONCLUSIONS: Japans expanding engagement with Central Asia reflects both its own foreign policy recalibrations and the intensifying competition among Asian and Western powers for access to the regions strategic resources. Rivalry among Asian actors in particular has grown more pronounced, with China, South Korea, India, and several ASEAN member states all seeking to deepen their ties with Central Asia. Compared to Russia and China, however, Japans ambitions remain more cautious. Rather than pursuing dominance, Tokyo aims to position itself as a facilitator of existing regional dynamics. Support for the expansion of the Middle Corridor and for the extraction and processing of REEs and other critical minerals aligns with Japans objective of mitigating Moscows and Beijings potential monopolistic influence in these sectors. AUTHORS BIO: Emil Avdaliani is a research fellow at the Turan Research Center and a professor of international relations at the European University in Tbilisi, Georgia. His research focuses on the history of the Silk Roads and the interests of great powers in the Middle East and the Caucasus. 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 Eleven people have been killed in a single day as the US military conducted strikes on three vessels suspected of drug smuggling in Latin American waters, marking one of the deadliest episodes in the Trump administration's ongoing campaign. These latest attacks, carried out on Monday, push the total death toll to at least 145 individuals since the administration initiated its offensive against what it terms "narcoterrorists" operating in small boats, beginning in early September. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations, US Central Command said in a statement on X, along with a unclassified video of the strikes. In line with previous statements regarding the 42 known strikes, U.S. Southern Command indicated that the targets were alleged drug traffickers along established smuggling routes. Two vessels, each carrying four individuals, were hit in the eastern Pacific Ocean, while a third boat with three people was struck in the Caribbean Sea. While the military did not present direct evidence that the boats were transporting drugs, it did release videos depicting their destruction. President Donald Trump has previously declared the US to be in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America, justifying these assaults as a "necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs." There have been 42 known strikes since the Trump administration launched its ongoing campaign against narcoterrorists ( US Southern Command/AFP via Gett ) However, his administration has provided scant evidence to substantiate its claims of eliminating "narcoterrorists." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared earlier this month that some top cartel drug-traffickers in the region have decided to cease all narcotics operations INDEFINITELY due to recent (highly effective) kinetic strikes in the Caribbean. However, Hegseth did not provide any details or information to back up this claim, made in a post on his personal account on social media. Critics have questioned the overall legality of the strikes as well as their effectiveness, in part because the fentanyl behind many fatal overdoses is typically trafficked to the U.S. overland from Mexico, where it is produced with chemicals imported from China and India. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A prominent spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security and President Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts is leaving the administration amid growing outrage over a violent surge of immigration officers in Minnesota, where federal agents fatally shot two people. Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin is expected to leave the administration next week after informing colleagues about her plans Tuesday, The Independent has learned. Politico first reported the news of her departure. The agencys prolific statements, attributed to McLaughlin, have aggressively defended the administrations actions, including in the aftermath of the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. McLaughlin initially sought to leave Homeland Security in December but delayed her exit to support the administration in the wake of the deaths, The Independent has learned. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed McLaughlins departure Tuesday afternoon, stating that she served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism. open image in gallery Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin is leaving her post as a prominent spokesperson for the agency implementing Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts ( Mikaela McGee/DHS ) She has played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe, according to Noem. While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her service and wish Tricia nothing but success. In a statement Tuesday afternoon, McLaughlin said she is enormously grateful to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and the American people for the honor and privilege to serve this great nation and immensely proud of her team. Lauren Bis, one of McLaughlins deputies, will take over as assistant secretary for public affairs in McLaughlins place, she said. Bis regularly posts fact-checking videos on X to combat what the administration calls lies from news outlets. Katie Zacharia a Fox News commentator who McLaughlin calls a dynamic and effective voice in media will serve as Homeland Security spokeswoman and deputy assistant secretary. I look forward to continuing the fight ahead, McLaughlin said. McLaughlins exit comes at a vulnerable moment for the administration which is facing blowback and declining public support for Trumps sweeping efforts to quickly arrest and deport tens of thousands of people. The 31-year-old Ohio native previously served as a communications aide to Vivek Ramaswamy during his 2024 presidential campaign. During the first Trump administration, she worked for Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and at the State Department. But she has risen to prominence alongside Noem as a combative voice of the sprawling federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. As Homeland Securitys chief spokesperson, McLaughlins statements responded to high-profile arrests and deportations, allegations of families being ripped apart, violent use of force, and reports of poor and abusive conditions inside detention centers, among other issues. Her faithful defense of the agencys actions drew fire from Democratic opponents and critics while earning praise from Trump. Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, whose state of Illinois endured a surge of federal officers last year, called her a pathological liar. McLaughlins critics have routinely accused her of spreading false information and misrepresenting immigrants backgrounds. Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York at one point told her to go back to doing what she does best: gaslighting the American people. Media is so much of the battle, so to speak, on the immigration issue, McLaughlin told a newspaper in her hometown of Cincinnati last month. So much of the debate is a [public relations] debate. Its a PR war. open image in gallery McLaughlin was a top deputy to Homeland Security Kristi Noem through the first year of the second Trump administration, serving as a key mouthpiece for the presidents mass deportation efforts ( REUTERS ) Hours after Prettis death, McLaughlin released a statement claiming that the 37-year-old ICU nurse, who was legally carrying a gun, had violently resisted arrest and was plotting to enact maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Top immigration enforcement officials last week testified that none of those characterizations came from them or their staff. Her departure also follows the Department of Justice opening a criminal investigation into whether ICE agents lied under oath after prosecutors dropped charges against two Venezuelan men accused of assaulting an officer in Minnesota, what Noem initially said amounted to attempted murder. McLaughlin is the latest top DHS official to leave after a year in the second Trump administration. Last month, ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan stepped down from her role to run for a congressional seat in Ohio. Speaking to The Cincinnati Enquirer last month, McLaughlin said she wouldnt rule anything out when it came to running for office or entering local politics. I dont know if thats going to be a year from now or that'll be five years from now, she said. I love Cincinnati. Its my home and I dont think there's any place like it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has taken another swipe at Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom hes called a traitor, as the former congresswoman says shes faced hundreds of death threats. Greene used to be one of Trumps strongest supporters before a public falling out over issues, including the release of the so-called Epstein files, which culminated in the Georgia Republicans resignation from Congress. We have a lot of people who want to take Marjorie Traitor Greenes place, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Monday. Many, many candidates and I have to choose one and they say whoever I endorse is going to win. Trumps comments came a day after Greene spoke about the more than 700 death threats she has received after going against the president in the fight to release government documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. I started getting serious death threatsserious death threats. A pipe bomb death threat on my home, a pipe bomb death threat on my family construction business, and then direct death threats on my youngest child, my son, Greene said in an interview with podcaster Jillian Michaels. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has taken another swipe at Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom hes called a 'traitor,' as the former congresswoman says shes faced hundreds of death threats ( AFP via Getty Images ) We reported, I think, 773 official death threats, and they have to reach a certain criteria before we can report them to Capitol Police. And I dealt with that. But when they came in on my child, on my own child, based on the presidents language and thats what the death threats were, it was because he called me a traitor my son is going to be threatened to be killed, the former congresswoman continued. Greene said that she sent the death threat about her son to top members of the Trump administration, including the president himself. The president himself texts me back and is very nasty and tells me that its my fault, Greene said. He blames me for the death threats coming in on my own son, has no compassion. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Amid their feud, Trump wrote on Truth Social last November that he was withdrawing his support for Greene, writing, all I see Wacky Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN! open image in gallery Trump and Greene had a public falling out late last year over her support for releasing the Epstein files ( Getty Images ) I understand that wonderful, Conservative people are thinking about primarying Marjorie in her District of Georgia, that they too are fed up with her and her antics and, if the right person runs, they will have my Complete and Unyielding Support, Trump wrote. Greene stood with only a few House Republicans who initially pushed for a bill to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. Trump later signed the bill into law, despite being initially opposed to it, after mounting pressure from Congress. The Justice Department has since released millions of documents in connection with the disgraced financier. During a CNN interview in November 2025, Greene said, Everyone across the board agrees release the Epstein files. So this is something that I get calls into my office almost every day about. open image in gallery Greene used to be one of Trumps strongest supporters before their falling out, which culminated in the Georgia Republicans resignation from Congress ( Getty Images ) Greene resigned from Congress in January. When announcing her decision in November, Greene said, I have too much self respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms. In reaction to her announcement, Trump wrote on Truth Social, Marjorie Traitor Brown, because of PLUMMETING Poll Numbers, and not wanting to face a Primary Challenger with a strong Trump Endorsement (where she would have no chance of winning!), has decided to call it quits. Greene defended her patriotism during her interview with Michaels, saying, What he meant is I was a traitor to him, not to the country and not to the American people. The special election to fill Greenes seat will take place on March 10. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump clammed up and changed the subject when a reporter on Air Force One asked him if he bought first lady Melania Trump a Valentines Day gift. Trump and the first lady were traveling back to Washington, D.C. Monday evening from Mar-a-Lago after spending the weekend at the Florida resort. In a gaggle with reporters on Air Force One, Trump was asked whether he had any Valentines Day plans with the first lady, and the president appeared not to hear the question. Did I what? he asked. Did you do anything for Valentines with her? Did you give her flowers? the same reporter followed up. Trump then pulled an awkward expression and said, Better not tell you that. Goodbye, everybody, while laughing. Thats the toughest question. open image in gallery President Donald Trump clammed up and changed the subject when a reporter on Air Force One asked him if he bought first lady Melania Trump a Valentines Day gift ( Getty Images ) He then changed the subject and began to tout Melanias film. No, shesIm proud of the fact her movies so successful. Its a tremendous hit, the president said, before moving on to praise his wife for her work with children caught up in the Russia-Ukraine war. She does some very consequential work. I think youre going to see in the end that shes going to go down as one of the truly great first ladies when you see what shes doing with Russia, Ukraine, Trump added. Shes done a good job; she works very hard. Melania was spotted with Trump at a dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Valentines Day, where the president was filmed dancing solo to a live band as they played Lee Greenwoods God Bless the U.S.A. The couple made a rare joint appearance Friday at Fort Bragg, where Trump mused he was considering moving to someday. open image in gallery Trump dodged questions about whether he bought Melania a Valentines Day gift, and instead touted her movie ( Getty Images ) Maybe I'll, maybe I'll move here with our great movie star ... with our First Lady, he said. Turning to his wife, he said: We'll move to Fort. Bragg. Would you like that, darling? The first lady laughed and seemed to nod. Its a possibility actually, it's not a bad idea, because we love it, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Trump has branded two of his greatest nemeses as an "embarrassment to the nation after they criticized his administration during separate appearances at the Munich Security Conference. During a gaggle with reporters on Air Force One, Trump was asked about California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who he labelled as incompetent. Newsom accused the president of ushering in an age of authoritarianism, during his remarks at the event. I watched AOC answering questions in Munich; this was not a good look for the United States, Trump shot back on Air Force One. I watched Gavin Newscum answering questions in Genev-Munich. Trump seemed about to say that Newsom was in Geneva, having just answered a question about how the Swiss city was set to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. open image in gallery President Trump branded AOC and Gavin Newsom as incompetent after they made appearances at the Munich Security Conference ( AP ) And this was a bad look for our country," Trump continued. These two people are incompetent. "At least Hillary was competent, shes just Trump deranged, he added, referring to former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Trumps response was not just limited to the press gaggle aboard Air Force One, though. On Truth Social, the president also suggested that neither Ocasio-Cortez nor Newsom should criticize the United States while abroad. In doing so, he claimed they had made fools of themselves. During that same post, he touted the diplomatic successes of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump was absent from the Munich Security Conference, the worlds largest gathering on international security policy. open image in gallery Representative Ocasio-Cortez called for politicians to focus on more class-based issues ( Reuters ) For Ocasio-Cortez, it was her most high-profile trip overseas yet. The 36-year-old New Yorker, widely thought to be weighing up a run for the White House, told The New York Times that focusing on her presidential prospects was missing the point. Global democracies are on fire the world over, and established parties are falling to right-wing populist movements, she told the newspaper. During her fiery speech at the conference, she claimed Trump was looking to withdraw the United States from the entire world so that we can turn into an age of authoritarianism. However, she argued that the key to defeating politicians like Trump lay in addressing income inequality. open image in gallery Governor Newsom said that Trump was actually uniting Europe instead of dividing it ( AFP/Getty ) I believe were seeing in economy across economy around the world, including the United States, that extreme levels of income inequality lead to social instability and drives in the sense in authoritarianism, right-wing populism and very dangerous domestic internal politics, she told attendees. Newsom, who is also thought to be weighing up a presidential run, took his own swipe at Trump during the Munich Security Conference. He claimed that Trump had allegedly tried to divide the United States allies but, in doing so, had united them. I believe Europe feels more united today than it has in some time, Newsom said to applause. And perhaps maybe that is the one contribution of Donald Trump. Newsom also suggested that Trumps grip on power was temporary and told the United States allies in Europe that there was still hope for a revived transatlantic partnership. Its not dead, its dormant, Newsom added. You may need to sleep with one eye open. It will take time, but its certainly not dead. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Trump said the Federal Emergency Management Agency will take on a key role in responding to Januarys sewage spill in the Potomac River, slamming long-time critic Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland for the ecological disaster. There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday. This is the same Governor who cannot rebuild a Bridge, he added, a reference to the ongoing, increasingly expensive and delayed rebuilding of Baltimores ruined Francis Scott Key Bridge. It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity. The presidents statement also argued the incident, one of the worst sewage spills in U.S. history, was a result of Democratic leaders carrying out a War on Merit. Republicans have claimed without evidence that recent disasters like the Los Angeles fires were a result of people of color leading key departments. Moore is the nations only sitting Black governor. open image in gallery Donald Trump says federal officials are taking a key role in responding to last months sewage spill in the Potomac River, accusing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore of failing to contain the crisis ( Getty Images ) Moores office says the federal government is responsible for regulating the Potomac Interceptor, a part of the regional sewage treatment system where a 60-year-old pipe in Cabin John, Maryland, burst last month and has since spewed an estimated 243 million gallons of wastewater into the river. Where the president has failed to act, Maryland has played its part to protect residents, protect drinking water, and ensure accountability, Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Moore, told Politico. Maryland officials were on site within hours of the leak to do our part to coordinate the response, and ensure the public was aware and protected. Moores office alleged that federal officials explicitly refused to join a legislative hearing Friday on the crisis with local and state agencies. Local officials have completed a temporary bypass system to put wastewater back into the sewage system. They estimate full repairs could take as long as nine months. open image in gallery Maryland officials say they are doing their part to contain the spill from a piece of sewage infrastructure they say is under federal jurisidiction ( Getty/iStock ) Trump plans to deploy FEMA come as the agencys near- and long-term future is uncertain. FEMA is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, whose funding lapsed over the weekend as Democratic lawmakers pushed to put new restrictions on the presidents immigration crackdown, whose key agencies, like ICE and Border Patrol, are also a part of DHS. The disaster agency has multiple pools of funding and will be able to continue operating during the partial shutdown. The Trump administration has floated shutting down or drastically reorganizing FEMA. The agency has reportedly drafted plans to cut thousands of workers, the Washington Post reported last month. Moore and Trump have sparred before. The president went out of his way to exclude Democrats, including Moore, for an upcoming, normally bipartisan annual gathering of U.S. governors at the White House. As the nations only Black governor, I cant ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight whether that was the intent or not, Moore said of the move, calling the choice a sign of blatant disrespect and a snub to the spirit of bipartisan federal-state partnership. Trump later said he was inviting most Democrats to the meeting but was still excluding Moore. The Maryland governor previously pushed back against Donald Trumps threat to send the National Guard to Baltimore to fight crime, prompting Trump to threaten to withhold funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed in 2024 when a ship collided with it. 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 Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said his government would not help Australians in Syrian refugee camps with links to suspected Isis militants return home. A group of 34 Australians, including 11 women and 23 children, left for Australia via Damascus from the Al Roj refugee camp in northeastern Syria on Monday. However, shortly after the 11 families left the camp, Syrian government authorities forced them to return to Al Roj and did not allow the convoy to head to the Syrian capital, ABC reported. The women, dubbed as Isis brides, were among those who travelled to Syria and Iraq to join the terror group. Many of them married fighters, and some even took up armed roles. After the fall of the caliphate in 2019, these women and the children were detained at two camps, the Al Hol and Al Roj. Human rights activists have reported violations of childrens rights at these camps. open image in gallery Prime minister Anthony Albanese addresses the chamber at Parliament House on 20 January 2026 in Canberra, Australia ( Getty Images ) Mr Albanese on Tuesday told ABC News that the federal government will not intervene or provide them with "any assistance or repatriation". "My mother would have said if you make your bed, you lie in it," Mr Albanese said. "We have a very firm view that we won't be providing assistance or repatriation. "These are people who went overseas supporting Islamic State and went there to provide support for people who basically want a caliphate," he said, referring to an Islamic state governed according to Sharia law. The 11 families were returned to the detention centre due to "technical reasons", two sources told Reuters on Monday. A spokesperson for home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said Australia's security agencies had been monitoring the situation in Syria, and said those who had broken the law would be prosecuted. "People in this cohort need to know that if they have committed a crime and if they return to Australia they will be met with the full force of the law," he said. open image in gallery Members of Women's Protection Units of the Syrian Democratic Forces stand near camp staff members, as Australian families believed to be linked to the Islamic State militants leave Roj camp near Derik, Syria ( REUTERS ) For years, successive Australian governments have resisted the pressure to bring back the women and children from these camps. There have been mounting pressure from humanitarian and legal organisations calling for their evacuation from Syria. The groups have warned that the conditions in detention facilities were grim and even life threatening. Isis is a listed terror organisation in Australia, with membership of the group punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Australia also has the power to strip dual nationals of citizenship if they are Isis members. Mr Burke said the federal government was getting advice on whether the threshold for temporary exclusion orders (TEOs) had been met. TEOs allow the government to prevent Australians aged 14 and over from returning to the country for up to two years without a permit if they are assessed as posing a national security threat. "We will always act in accordance with advice from our law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies," he said in a statement issued on Tuesday. Return of relatives of suspected Isis militants has become a contentious political issue in Australia. The opposition parties have said the families linked to Isis posed a security risk to Australia and argued against their return. "For anyone who shares, or potentially shares ISIS ideology, this is the ideology that underpinned the Bondi terrorist attack," said Liberal senator Sarah Henderson. "Australians must be given every confidence that for people who are linked with ISIS, that all of the appropriate security assessments have been made." It comes amid a surge in support for the right-wing, anti-immigration One Nation party led by Pauline Hanson. A poll this week found One Nation's share of the popular vote at a record high of 26 per cent, above the combined support for the traditional centre-right coalition currently in opposition. "They hate Westerners, and that's what it's all about. You say there's great Muslims out there, well I'm sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims?" Ms Hanson said in an interview on Sky News on Monday, following news of the suspected Isis family members return. The comments were criticised by members of Ms Hanson's party. Australian citizens have a legal right to enter the country under both local and international law. 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 Rebecca Payne was wearing a fluorescent pink vest clearly identifying her as a legal observer as she filmed from the edge of a crowd of Australians protesting the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Sydney last week. When she was hit with pepper-spray and started feeling an immediate burning sensation in her eye, her first thought was that it was an accident. It was only later, when she watched back footage of the incident, that Payne realised a police officer had reached over and pepper-sprayed directly into the packed crowd. The protest on 9 February would quickly grow violent, and the scenes of clashes between demonstrators and police exploded on social media. Many have since accused the authorities of using excessive force, while officials have said protesters were aggressive towards officers and that police acted with remarkable restraint. Thousands of people had gathered near Sydney Town Hall as Herzog began a four-day state visit focused on commemorating the victims of a December attack at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed in Australias worst mass shooting in almost three decades. The protesters accused Herzog of inciting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Herzog rejected the accusation and claimed that protests against him were meant to undermine and delegitimise Israels right to exist. Without any warning at all, he suddenly just pepper-sprayed a whole bunch of us for absolutely no reason that I could detect, Payne tells The Independent, referring to the officer. I felt it go into my right eye and land on my left cheek. I literally could not see a thing, she says. I was completely blind. My face was burning. I was really frightened that I was going to get knocked over and trampled. Moments later, she says, police charged. Protesters were pushed and punched, people coughed and screamed, and she stumbled forward in tears, clinging to a stranger to avoid falling on her face. It was absolutely terrifying, she says. My first feeling was shock that police in Sydney would behave in this way. And then fear. It was subsequently revealed that the New South Wales (NSW) police had indeed used capsicum spray [pepper-spray] on the protesters, prompting allegations of the use of excessive force and an investigation by the state watchdog. open image in gallery Rebecca Payne says her eyes burned after Australian police sprayed a crowd protesting the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Sydney ( Supplied ) The rally took place after organisers failed in a last-minute legal bid to overturn a ban on a planned march through the city centre. It had been declared a special event, giving police expanded powers and preventing the protesters from marching. Payne, who has monitored demonstrations in New South Wales since 2020, had arrived at the rally expecting tension. But she insisted that she didnt witness violence from demonstrators that would justify what followed. I did not see one protester do anything that a police person could reasonably feel threatened by, she says. But I saw so many instances of police violence that were completely unprovoked. Police said 27 people were arrested, with nine later charged, and that 10 officers were assaulted. Assistant commissioner Peter McKenna claimed his officers were threatened, jostled and assaulted during a number of melees, rolling fights and were significantly outnumbered. State police chief Mal Lanyon said that officers showed remarkable restraint and did what they needed to do. open image in gallery Protesters against the visit of the Israeli president march in Melbourne on 12 February 2026 ( Getty ) NSW premier Chris Minns said the police had been put in an impossible situation that night and urged the public not to look at a 10-second clip without the full context. He claimed officers had done everything possible to avoid violent confrontations. Payne disputes the characterisation. Most of the protest was peaceful, she says. While there had been tension when police initially prevented people entering the protest area, she did not witness demonstrators acting violently at the time the spray was deployed. The incident in Sydney has sparked renewed scrutiny over Australian polices use of pepper-spray and other crowd-control methods. A video from the Sydney protest verified by Human Rights Watch showed officers punching people on the ground, dispersing people kneeling in prayer and spraying protesters from up close. One clip featured a voice shouting Stop it! Stop it! as two officers repeatedly struck a restrained protester. open image in gallery A woman holds up a sign while marching in Melbourne ( AFP via Getty ) Annabel Hennessy, Australia researcher for the rights group, says they are particularly concerned about the apparent use of force at protests against the Israeli presidents visit. From our initial analysis of videos and taking statements from witnesses, it does appear that force was used, she tells The Independent. She points to international standards governing so-called less-lethal weapons. Under UN guidance on less-lethal weapons in law enforcement, chemical irritants like pepper-spray should only be used when a law enforcement official has reason to believe there is an imminent threat of injury. In many of the videos, pepper-spray appears to be used on protesters who do not appear to be behaving in a way that is violent, she says. According to Hennessy, some of the most troubling accounts of the night came from legal observers who described being sprayed and then immediately charged by officers. Pepper-spray is a non-discriminatory weapon, she notes. It is very concerning when its used on a large group of people in such a way, particularly when people describe being sprayed, unable to see, falling over, and then having to seek hospital care afterwards. Beyond the immediate injuries, Hennessy warns of a wider democratic impact. It can have a chilling effect on the right to public assembly when we see this kind of apparent excessive force used against protesters, she says. It can deter others from exercising their right to public assembly and free speech. And thats really worrying, because the right to public assembly is a cornerstone of democracy. open image in gallery Protesters face off against police officers during the Sydney rally against Israels president ( Reuters ) Amnesty International Australia welcomed confirmation that the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission would examine the clashes, noting the watchdog had received a significant number of complaints. Amnesty International was shocked and horrified by the unnecessary and disproportionate force used by NSW police against First Nations Peoples, Muslims in prayer and members of the public who came together at the Sydney Town Hall protest to demand Herzog be investigated for incitement of genocide, Mohamed Duar, the organisations Occupied Palestinian Territory spokesperson, said in a statement. Law enforcement officials should be protecting peoples right to protest, not violently suppressing peaceful protest and harming those standing up for human rights. He described the polices conduct as a serious assault on those rights and a deeply troubling display of state-sanctioned violence. Pepper-spray is a chemical irritant derived from capsaicin, the compound that gives chilli peppers their heat. It is generally dispensed as a stream, mist or fog and is intended under the NSW Polices guidance for self-defence to assist in the restraint of a subject, or to limit a subjects actions. The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms states that law enforcement should apply non-violent means before resorting to force and use only the minimum necessary. open image in gallery The Israeli presidents trip aimed to console Australia's Jewish community after the December shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival ( AFP via Getty ) Civil society and legal groups, including the Australian Democracy Network and the Grata Fund, reported an increase in the deployment of pepper-spray at protests between 2019 and 2024. Their research found pepper-spray was used at 11 protests in 2023-24, compared with seven in the previous five years. In at least five incidents it was allegedly sprayed directly into the faces of the protesters, leaving more than 200 people across 18 protests over five years requiring treatment by street medics after exposure. While the national data for 2025 is yet to be compiled, figures shared with The Independent by the Australian Democracy Network show police using spray at protests on six occasions in Victoria and two in NSW. This includes a 70-year-old being sprayed during a Wollongong march in support of the Palestinian people in October. The research also recorded 51 incidents of the use of excessive force in restraining protesters from 2019 to 2024, including the use of headlocks, chokeholds, and officers placing knees on peoples heads and necks. Injuries recorded included a perforated eardrum, bruising, soft tissue damage, scarring, a broken arm, and a sprained finger. The firing of rubber bullets at a protest in Melbourne in September 2024 led to at least 20 people being treated for injuries. Foam baton rounds and pepper-spray were also used during clashes at a Land Forces military conference in the city. At other protests, tear gas and flash-bang grenades were deployed, including against people who were reportedly moving away and complying with police directions. Police horses were ridden into crowds on at least four occasions in NSW and Victoria, according to the research, and four children aged 16 and under were pepper-sprayed. The watchdog said that it was in the public interest to investigate what happened in Sydney, including incidents of alleged misconduct on the part of NSW police officers against persons attending that location for a protest. A spokesperson for the NSW minister for police told the ABC the government would cooperate, adding: At this time, the most appropriate course of action is to allow the LECC to carry out its functions independently and without interference. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has been killed and two other people severely injured in a random stabbing attack on a busy high street in suburban Sydney, police said. Officers arrived at the scene in Merrylands, around 25km west of Sydneys central business district, at 10am to attend to reports that a man stabbed multiple people before fleeing the area on foot. A man was later arrested from a nearby street and taken to the Granville Police Station, police said. Two of the victims were stabbed inside a high street shop, while the third was attacked on the street outside. One victim, a man aged in his thirties or forties, was declared dead at the scene. Paramedics attended to two others a 22-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman with serious injuries before they were taken to the hospital in critical condition. A knife about 25cm long was used in the stabbings, superintendent Simon Glasser said. open image in gallery Two of the victims were stabbed inside a high street shop, while the third was attacked on the street outside ( Youtube/ABC News ) Its very early in the investigation. Police are unaware at this point what the motive was. However, it appears it was a random attack, Mr Glasser told a news conference. The alleged offender is known to police for petty crime and a number of mental health incidents, he said. He is not linked to the address he was located at. However, he is a local to the area. Mr Glasser said the victims were by themselves on Merrylands Road when the incident occurred and the three were not related to each other. He said there were a lot of people in the area at the time of the attack. The Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) said the same man escaped from care 10 days before the incident, according to ABC news. "The district is aware a person alleged to be involved in the incident is a recent patient of Cumberland Hospital, which provides acute inpatient care for people with complex mental health needs," a spokesperson said in a statement, quoted by the news outlet. "On 7 February this person absconded from care while being transferred from Cumberland Hospital to Westmead Hospital emergency department for further medical assessment, it said. "NSW (New South Wales) Police were notified and contact was made with the patient's family, but all attempts by WSLHD to contact the person were unsuccessful. "A formal review into the person's care and treatment will be undertaken, which will include an external senior psychiatrist." The 25-year-old man, identified as a suspect, is now in police custody, but is yet to be charged. open image in gallery Paramedics arrive at scene to take injured people ( 7 News ) Its a horrible offence to have taken place in Merrylands just prior to lunchtime with lots of people around, Mr Glasser said of the highly confronting scene. Its very reassuring to see members of the community come and help other members of the community that needed immediate assistance. Witnesses said they heard screams and later a large number of police, as well as helicopters, ambulances and police cars, arriving at the scene. open image in gallery Police have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation ( 7 News ) We walked outside to see whats happening. We seen a bunch of people, like a massive crowd, and then there was just a lady in front of the shop and theres just a bit of blood on the floor, an eyewitness told ABC news. Another eyewitness reportedly said he saw a woman with a neck injury as she was coming out of a convenience store. Joseph Roussini, 59, said he called the emergency services after he saw a woman screaming for her life, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. He said he saw a man and a lady coming out of the shop, and the man was holding the lady by the neck to try and stop the bleeding. 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 Gisele Pelicot has opened up about the moment she decided to bravely waive her anonymity and have a public trial, paving the way for Frances most shocking mass rape case. Ms Pelicots newly released memoir, A Hymn to Life, details the harrowing ordeal she suffered after discovering her then-husband drugged then raped her while unconscious, along with dozens of men he had recruited online. In the book, written with journalist Judith Perrignon, the now 73-year-old recalls the moment her brain shut down as police told her what Dominique Pelicot and 51 other attackers had done. She also speaks of the intense media coverage surrounding her case, highlighting how she was often described as dignified and an icon, words she appears to feel ambivalent about although she feels strongly about offering my experience as an example and my name as a battle flag to help other women. Here I am, in my seventies, a martyr, the symbol of a new feminist wave that I hardly know a thing about, she writes in the memoir, which went on sale on Tuesday. Among the revelations in the book, Ms Pelicot goes on to explain that she still wants to visit her husband in prison in her quest for answers. He and the other men were jailed for a total of 428 years in 2024, after 47 of them were found guilty of rape, two were found guilty of attempted rape, and two were found guilty of sexual assault. open image in gallery Gisele Pelicot has opened up about the moment she decided to bravely waive her anonymity and have a public trial, paving the way for Frances most shocking mass rape case ( AFP/Getty ) Speaking about her decision to waive her anonymity, Ms Pelicot writes: I didnt want to be alone any more. So many strangers had shown me such kindness, made me feel welcome when I had nothing left. I wasnt scared of being seen now, of people knowing. Shame has to change sides the words Id first heard over a decade ago, a slogan supporting women who had survived rape and domestic violence, came into my head like a refrain, as if tiny blades were honing my thoughts. Everyone needs to see the faces of the rapists. They should be the ones to hang their heads in shame, not me. Rejecting a closed hearing, the norm for sexual offence trials, would change everything, she remembers being told by her lawyers Stephane Babonneau and Antoine Camus. To prepare for the trial, Ms Pelicot says she had to view the horrific videos of the attacks, taken from her then-husbands devices, that she had so far avoided watching. She recalls seeing her body as a corpse and doll made of flesh and blood, saying: I didnt see my life there. They had chased it away, driven it out of my body. She reflects then on the world-shattering moment when she was first told by police what had happened to her. In both instances, she says she kept thinking, It happened to me, but it wasnt me. open image in gallery Ms Pelicots new memoir, A Hymn to Life, was published on Tuesday ( Photo Pascal Ito / Editions Flammarion ) Ms Pelicot initially believed she was at the police station on 2 November 2020 because her then-husband had been summoned by police after a supermarket security guard caught him secretly taking videos up womens skirts. The officer gently revealed the real reason why Ms Pelicot was there and began by asking her questions such as what her then-husbands character was like, with her describing him initially as a lovely guy. He then asked whether the couple ever swapped partners. I heard myself stammering that swinging was inconceivable for me, she said. I couldnt bear other men touching me. I needed feelings. Then the officer warned her: I am going to show you photos and videos that are not going to please you. After that, her world fell apart. She recalls: The officer says a number. He tells me fifty-three men had come to my house to rape me. I ask for water. My mouth is paralysed. She recalls being unable to believe the inert woman in the photos was her. open image in gallery A court sketch of Dominique Pelicot at the Avignon court during the trial in 2024 ( AFP/Getty ) Later, she remembers lying in bed awake at night, so angry that I hadnt noticed anything and going over memories, including a moment when she believes she came close to discovering the truth, back in 2013. She says she noticed some odd, discoloured blotches like splashes of bleach, indelible, inexplicable on trousers she had recently bought and joked to Pelicot: You havent been drugging me, have you? He burst into tears. How could you possibly say such a thing? I was instantly overcome with guilt. He was hurt. I immediately apologised. Ms Pelicot is still grappling with unanswered questions to this day. Her husband was found guilty on all charges and given the maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. She writes: I need answers; he owes me that much. I will talk to the man I used to think I was married to. If he is still there, he will answer me. What does he have to lose, given that he is going to spend the rest of his life in prison? And if, in fact, that man vanished a long time ago, if all that remains of him is his pathological need for power and manipulation, I will sense that too. Either way, it will help me move on. open image in gallery Caroline Darian (centre) sits next to her mother and brother at the courthouse during the trial ( AFP via Getty Images ) She has particular questions around two cold cases she was informed in 2022 her then-husband was a suspect in, one an attempted rape he later admitted to, and another, a murder, which he denies. She also wants answers surrounding their daughter Caroline Darian, after Pelicot was found guilty of recording and disseminating images of a sexual nature of her. Ms Pelicot writes: The photographs are abject, showing her fathers unbearable incestuous gaze on his daughter while she slept. The case put the entire familys relationships under immense strain, but especially that of mother and daughter. In her own book her daughter released last year, Ill Never Call Him Dad Again, Ms Darian said she felt she was the forgotten victim of the trial. Her father denied sexually assaulting or raping his daughter during the trial. Ms Pelicot declined to answer when she was asked in court if she supported her daughters claims. open image in gallery The Pelicot case drew widespread coverage around the world, with many praising her bravery for waiving anonymity ( AFP/Getty ) Ms Darian went on to accuse her mother of abandoning her by not supporting her own allegations and in interviews last year says she no longer speaks to her mother often as a result. But the family is slowly healing, according to Ms Pelicot, while adding she has built a wider web of supporters around her. She describes her female friendships as being crucial during this period, while the crowds of women who cheered her on outside the courthouse in Avignon saved me. The number of supporters grew and grew over the course of the trial, until the French grandmother became the symbol of a global movement, embodying her powerful message that it is the perpetrators who should feel shame for sexual crimes and refusing to be reduced to being a victim. In her concluding remarks, she writes: I suppose thats why I decided to brave the court. Everyone was expecting to see a wreck of a woman arrive. But that was not what happened. I still knew why I had been in love with Dominique and, as I told the court, I will probably spend the rest of my life puzzling through my memories in order to salvage a few good ones. I will never be reduced to my tortured body; that is not where my soul is, its not who I was as a girl, nor is it the woman I have become. A Hymn to Life is published by Bodley Head and is available now 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 French authorities have released a tanker, the Grinch, suspected of being part of Russias sanctioned "shadow fleet", after its owners paid a penalty of "several million euros" and endured "three weeks of costly immobilisation". French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the vessels departure from French waters in a post on X, emphasising the financial consequences for those attempting to bypass international restrictions. "Circumventing European sanctions comes at a price. Russia will no longer be able to finance its war with impunity through a ghost fleet off our coasts," Mr Barrot stated. The tanker was initially diverted by the French military last month and anchored in the port of Fos-sur-Mer, following an investigation into a charge of failing to fly a valid flag. Its crew, of Indian nationality, remained on board throughout the detention period. A joint statement from the Marseille prosecutors office and regional maritime authorities confirmed that, as part of a guilty plea procedure, the company owning the vessel was sentenced by the Marseille judicial court to a "financial penalty of confiscation". open image in gallery The tanker was initially diverted by the French military last month and anchored in the port of Fos-sur-Mer, following an investigation into a charge of failing to fly a valid flag ( Etat-Major des Armees via Associated Press ) The exact amount of the fine was not disclosed. In January, the French navy working with intelligence provided by the United Kingdom intercepted an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea that traveled from Russia, officials said. Maritime law states that ships must be registered to a specific country or territory and display its flag, but if a ship fails to do this it could be deemed stateless. This would have to be established for the UK to seize a vessel. Russia is believed to be using a fleet of over 400 ships to evade sanctions over its war against Ukraine. France and other countries have vowed to crack down. open image in gallery Marine officer monitors the cargo tanker Grinch, which had departed from Murmansk, Russia ( French Defense Staff ) The fleet comprises aging vessels and tankers owned by non-transparent entities with addresses in non-sanctioning countries, and sailing under flags from such countries. Last September, French naval forces boarded another oil tanker off the French Atlantic coast that President Emmanuel Macron also linked to the shadow fleet. Putin denounced that interception as an act of piracy. That tankers captain is to go on trial next week over the crews alleged refusal to cooperate. 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 Growing up in a village in northern Greenland, Jrgen Kristensens closest friends were his stepfathers sled dogs. Most of his classmates were dark-haired Inuit; he was different. When he was bullied at school for his fair hair, an inheritance from the mainland Danish father he never knew, the dogs came to him. He first went out to fish on the ice with them alone when he was nine years old. They nurtured the beginning of a life-long love affair and Kristensens career as a five-time Greenlandic dog sled champion. I was just a small child. But many years later, I started thinking about why I love dogs so much, Kristensen, 62, said. The dogs were a great support, he said. They lifted me up when I was sad. For more than a thousand years, dogs have pulled sleds across the Arctic for Inuit seal hunters and fishermen. But this winter, in the town of Ilulissat, around 300km (186 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, thats not possible. Instead of gliding over snow and ice, Kristensens sled bounces over earth and rock. Gesturing to the hills, he said its the first time he can remember when there has been no snow or ice in the bay in January. open image in gallery Jrgen Kristensen in Ilulissat, Greenland ( AP ) The rising temperatures in Ilulissat are causing the permafrost to melt, buildings to sink and pipes to crack but they also have consequences that ripple across the rest of the world. The nearby Sermeq Kujalleq glacier is one of the fastest-moving and most active on the planet, sending more icebergs into the sea than any other glacier outside Antarctica, according to the United Nations cultural organisation UNESCO. As the climate has warmed, the glacier has retreated and carved off chunks of ice faster than ever before, significantly contributing to sea levels that are rising from Europe to the Pacific Islands, according to NASA. The melting ice could reveal untapped deposits of critical minerals. Many Greenlanders believe thats why U.S. President Donald Trump turned their island into a geopolitical hotspot with his demands to own it and previous suggestions that the U.S. could take it by force. In the 1980s, winter temperatures in Ilulissat regularly hovered around -25 Celsius (-13 Fahrenheit) in winter, Kristensen said. But nowadays, he said, there are many days when the temperature is above freezing, sometimes it can be as warm as 10 Celsius (50 Fahrenheit.) Kristensen said he now has to collect snow for the dogs to drink during a journey because there isnt any along the route. Although Greenlanders have always adapted, and could make dog sleds with wheels in future, the loss of the ice is affecting them deeply, said Kristensen, who now runs his own company showing tourists his Arctic homeland. If we lose the dog sledding, we have large parts of our culture that were losing. That scares me, he said. The sea ice is disappearing In winter, hunters should be able to take their dogs far out on the sea ice, Kristensen said. The ice sheets act like big bridges, connecting Greenlanders to hunting grounds but also to other Inuit communities across the Arctic in Canada, the United States and Russia. When the sea ice used to come, we felt completely open along the entire coast and we could decide where to go, Kristensen said. This January, there was no ice at all. Driving a dog sled on ice is like being completely without boundaries, like on the worlds longest and widest highway, he said. Not having that is a very great loss. open image in gallery Kristensen said he now has to collect snow for the dogs to drink during a journey ( AP ) Several years ago, Greenlands government had to provide financial support to many families in the far north of the island after the sea ice did not freeze hard enough for hunting, said Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, which represents Inuit people from across Arctic nations. The warming weather also makes life more dangerous for fishermen who have swapped their dog sleds for boats, because there is more rain instead of snow, said Morgan Angaju Josefsen Rjkjr, Kristensens business partner. When snow falls and is compressed, air is trapped between the flakes, giving the ice its brilliant white colour. But when rain freezes, the ice that forms contains little air and looks more like glass. A fisherman can see the white ice and try to avoid it, but the ice formed from rain takes on the colour of the sea and thats dangerous because it can sink you or throw you off your boat, said Rjkjr. Climate change, Olsvig said, is affecting us deeply, and is amplified in the Arctic, which is warming three to four times faster than the global average. The glaciers are melting Over the course of his lifetime, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier has retreated by about 40 kilometres (25 miles) said Karl Sandgreen, 46, the head of Ilulissats Icefjord Center which is dedicated to documenting the glacier and its icebergs. Looking out of the window at hills which would normally be covered with snow, Sandgreen described mountain rock revealed by melting ice and a previously ice-covered valley inside the fjord where theres nothing now. Pollution is also speeding up the ice melt, Sandgreen said, describing how Sermeq Kujalleq is melting from the top down, unlike glaciers in Antarctica, which largely melt from the bottom up as sea temperatures rise. open image in gallery Jrgen Kristensen gets on a boat by an iceberg at Disko Bay near Ilulissat ( AP ) This is exacerbated by two things: black carbon, or soot spewed from ship engines, and debris from volcanic eruptions. They blanket the snow and ice with dark material and reduce the reflection of sunlight, instead absorbing more heat and speeding up melting. Black carbon has increased in recent decades with more ship traffic in the Arctic, and nearby Iceland has periodic volcanic eruptions. Many Greenlanders say they believe the melting ice is the reason Trump, a leader who has called climate change the greatest con job ever, wants to own the island. His agenda is to get the minerals, Sandgreen said. Since Trump returned to office, fewer climate scientists from the U.S. have visited Ilulissat, Sandgreen said. The U.S president needs to listen to the scientists, who are documenting the impact of global warming, he said. Teaching children about climate change Kristensen said he tries to explain the consequences of global warming to the tourists whom he takes out on dog sled rides or on visits to the icebergs. He said he tells them how Greenlands glaciers are as important as the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. International summits, such as the United Nations climate talks in November in the Amazon gateway city of Belem, play a role, but its just as important to teach children all over the world about the importance of ice and oceans, alongside subjects like math, Kristensen said If we dont start with the children, we cant really do anything to help nature. We can only destroy it, Kristensen 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 A Russian court has sentenced a U.S. citizen to four years in jail for trying to take the stocks of Kalashnikov assault rifles out of a Moscow airport, the RIA state news agency reported on Tuesday. The U.S. citizen, who collects Kalashnikov weapons, bought two Kalashnikov stocks and checked in a suitcase containing the butts at Moscow's Vnukovo airport but made no customs declaration, RIA said. The man, who was not identified by the news agency, was found guilty under an article in the criminal code dealing with the smuggling of weapons, RIA said. RIA said the man partially admitted his guilt. Reuters was unable to reach the man while he was in detention. The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Russia and has repeatedly told its citizens to leave immediately "due to terrorism, unrest, wrongful detention and other risks." "Russian officials often question and threaten U.S. citizens without reason," the State Department says in its travel advisory. "Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence." Russian officials deny the U.S. allegations and say that the state merely enforces Russian law. 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 Ukraine headed into the third round of direct talks with Russia and US mediators this week following a string of symbolic victories on the frontlines. Two days of talks concluded abruptly on Wednesday, following lengthy discussions over territory the day before. Kyiv hailed progress in talks, though acknowledged that the two sides were still opposed on key issues. There has been little progress in the talks to date, with Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky recently sharing his frustration that his country is too often asked to make concessions - as Moscow sticks to its maximalist demands. With land still central to diplomacy, Ukrainian negotiators headed for Geneva this week emboldened by recent territorial gains on the battlefield. Advancing some 201 sq km between Wednesday and Sunday, Ukraines forces have effectively cancelled out Russias gains for the entire month of December, according to an analysis of data from the US-based monitor, the Institute for the Study of War. Russias main effort, meanwhile, will continue to focus on eastern Ukraine, where a fortress belt of trenches, bunkers, minefields and barbed wire holds advances to a slow crawl. How are the frontlines evolving? Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the war on February 24, Russian advances continue to move at a footpace and do not portend the collapse of the Ukrainian lines, according to the ISWs latest assessment. Russian forces claimed 141 sq km in the week commencing 25 January, but gains fell to just 74 sq km in the week commencing 8 February. Ukrainian liberation efforts may not wield the same momentum as in the summer 2023 counteroffensive, but steady progress through November and December has helped decrease sum Russian gains in recent weeks. Emil Kastehelmi, military analyst with Finland-based open-source intelligence collective Black Bird Group, told The Independent that the latest figures may not represent a strategic shift, but could offer some political relief in talks. open image in gallery Frontline Ukrainian forces prepare a howitzer for firing towards Russian troops in Kharkiv region on 9 February ( Reuters ) The Ukrainians have managed to liberate various villages in the Zaporizhzhia and the Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, he said. This section of the front is of less importance than when we look at whats operationally or strategically important. It's clear that they have now advanced various kilometres in various places that and they have taken the initiative locally. But there are a lot of different ways to paint this. According to Ukrainian milblogger Konstantin Mashovets, Ukraine by Sunday had pushed Russian forces from the villages of Ternuvate and Kosivtseve, crossed the Haichur River, liberated Dobropillya and cut through the Russian lines to the east. Russian troops managed advances in the direction of Novopokrovka-Mala Tokmachka, Kamyanske-Lukyanivske, Plavnia-Primorske and Stepove-Pavlovka, Mashovets reported. But in recent days, the pace of advance of the advanced units and divisions of the Russian troops in these directions first dropped significantly, and then almost completely reduced to zero. Ukrainian troops in some areas of Donetsk mustered successful counterattacks, managing not only to sharply slow down the enemys general offensive ... but also to force the Russian command to withdraw its advanced units back. Mr Kastehelmi assessed: It seems that Ukraine actually really wants to hold on to the defensive line at the Haichur River. And the Russians had crossed it in a few places, and now they have been pushed back. But thats just a tactical change in this situation. It doesnt really tell much about the longer trends. When we look at recent years, its a relatively successful counterattack in terms of gained square kilometres. However, just looking at one variable doesnt really tell that much about larger trends where Russia would begin to lose ground more rapidly. It wont be a large operational success where actual breakthroughs would be made and the Russians would be pushed dozens of kilometres back ... but its likely that the Ukrainians may be able to continue these offensive actions for some time and maybe liberate a few more villages. open image in gallery A Ukrainian artilleryman fires 122mm howitzer towards Russian positions near Chasiv Yar ( Getty ) Successful Ukrainian counterattacks were likely aided by a recent block on Russian forces access to Starlink, according to the ISW. Russian forces have relied on Elon Musks technology as a key communications line. But Ukraine said last week that terminals used by Russian soldiers were cut off following talks between Kyivs defence minister and Musk, whose company SpaceX operates the satellite network. What will be in focus in Geneva? Land will likely be at the forefront of talks this week as delegations from Russia and Ukraine meet in Switzerland to discuss elusive peace terms. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that the Russian team, headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, would cover the main issues, which he defined as both the territories and everything else related to the demands we have put forward. Talks moved to Geneva after Abu Dhabi hosted two rounds of talks that both sides described as constructive but which failed to reach any major breakthrough. Russia continues to demand Ukrainian held land in the Donbas, while Ukraine insists it cannot give up land. open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen of special police unit take part in training at the training field in Kharkiv region, in the northeast, on 13 February ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Ukraines land gains on the battlefield may not spell a strategic shift, but they could give Kyiv a political edge going into talks. Mr Kastehelmi said: Its possible that the counterattacks have a political side to them. They can now go to the talks and present themselves as an army that has not been beaten. They can present themselves as a fighting force that can still conduct counterattacks, relatively swift ones when compared to the general pace of this war. And they can say they have liberated many villages in a short time span and present themselves as a stronger opponent than the Russian narrative wants to paint them. 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 Union has opened an investigation into Chinese retail giant Shein over its systems to prevent the sale of illegal products including child-like sex dolls. The commission said its investigation would focus on the systems Shein has in place to limit the sale of illegal products in the European Union, including content which could constitute child sexual abuse material, such as child-like sex dolls. It would also consider risks linked to the addictive design of the service, including giving consumers points or rewards for engagement, adding that such features could have a negative impact on users wellbeing and consumer protection online. The commission said it had opened formal proceedings under the Digital Services Act and would now carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority, adding that the opening of formal proceedings does not pre-judge the outcome. The investigation followed preliminary analysis of risk assessment reports provided by Shein and its replies to the commissions formal requests for information, as well as information shared by third parties. The commission said it had opened formal proceedings under the Digital Services Act and would now carry out an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority, adding that the opening of formal proceedings does not pre-judge the outcome ( AP ) Henna Virkkunen, the commissions executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said: In the EU, illegal products are prohibited whether they are on a store shelf or on an online marketplace. The Digital Services Act keeps shoppers safe, protects their wellbeing and empowers them with information about the algorithms they are interacting with. We will assess whether Shein is respecting these rules and their responsibility. Shein said: We take our obligations under the Digital Services Act seriously and have always co-operated fully with the European Commission and Coimisiun na Mean, as we will continue to do in this process. Over the last few months, we have continued to invest significantly in measures to strengthen our compliance with the DSA. These include comprehensive systemic-risk assessments and mitigation frameworks, enhanced protections for younger users and ongoing work to design our services in ways that promote a safe and trusted user experience. Following the issues identified last year, in addition to enhancement of detection tools, we also accelerated the rollout of additional safeguards around age-restricted products. In particular, we have engaged with the commission on the deployment of our age-assurance solution across the EU, using trusted third-party technology that balances compliance with both minor protection and privacy requirements. This solution complements our existing measures to prevent minors from viewing or purchasing age-restricted content or products. Protecting minors and reducing the risk of harmful content and behaviours are central to how we develop and operate our platform. We share the authorities objective of ensuring a safe and trusted online environment, and will continue to engage constructively. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A major criminal operation, described by authorities as Europe's largest fake perfume factory, has been dismantled by Spanish law enforcement with the assistance of French customs agents, Catalan officials confirmed on Tuesday. The joint operation, involving Catalan police alongside Spanish and French customs agents, led to the seizure of materials estimated to be worth more than 94 million ($111 million), according to the regional government. Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the illicit enterprise, facing charges including belonging to a criminal organisation, smuggling, and patent infringement. Two warehouses, found to be storing a staggering 1.2 million bottles of counterfeit perfumes, were also seized. According to the regional government, the sophisticated gang replicated scents from over 50 well-known brands. They had amassed raw materials capable of producing 150,000 litres of various fragrances, which were then transported by road across Europe. Authorities say the investigation is still open and that further arrests could be made. 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 Irans supreme leader has threatened to sink any American aircraft carriers sent to the Middle East, as talks on the countrys nuclear build-up were held in Geneva. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ramped up tensions between the two countries as he told followers: The US president keeps saying our military is the strongest military in the world; the worlds most powerful military can sometimes receive such a slap that it can no longer stay on its feet. They constantly say, we have sent an aircraft carrier towards Iran. OK, of course an aircraft carrier is a dangerous device, but more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea. open image in gallery Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned he could sink US aircraft carriers ( WANA ) The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, has entered the Mediterranean en route to the Middle East, where it will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and guided-missile destroyers, which have been there for more than two weeks. The ayatollah issued his put-down as Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, was negotiating with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner over his countrys nuclear programme. The supreme leader also warned the US that forcing the result of talks in advance is a wrong and foolish job. open image in gallery The USS Gerald R Ford is heading to the region ( Getty ) At the same time, Iran carried out live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, in a show of strength. The naval exercises, which included test missiles, warships and helicopters, were displaying the operational readiness of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and plans for reciprocal action in case of potential security and military threats. It was the first time since the 1980s that Iran had announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes. Mr Araghchi later expressed optimism about the talks, saying a new window had opened for reaching an agreement. But he said Iran remained fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression, and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders. However, the countrys president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said Tehran would never abandon its nuclear programme. open image in gallery A photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps official website shows a vehicle firing a missile during a military exercise by the IRGC in the Gulf ( Sepanews ) US forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a US-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations fear any attack could spiral into another regional conflict. The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Iran's nuclear programme and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment on its soil or hand over its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium. Israel's 12-day war against Iran last June halted talks between the US and Iran. The US bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, probably destroying centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Before the war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, a short step away from weapons-grade levels. Iran is marking 40 days, the traditional Muslim mourning period, since one of the deadliest days in the crackdown on protests that swept the country last month. Activists say at least 7,015 people have been killed. 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 Iran is carrying out military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, in a show of strength ahead of nuclear talks with the US in Geneva on Tuesday. The naval exercises, which included missiles, warships and helicopters, are testing the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operational readiness and plans for reciprocal action in case of potential security and military threats. Indirect talks began on Tuesday morning, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner representing the US, while Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi leads the Iranian delegation. Omani officials are mediating. open image in gallery Irans Revolutionary Guards Corpss official website Sepah News on Monday shared footage of the military drills ( Sepah News ) After the talks began, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned president Donald Trump that even if the US boasts the worlds leading military, the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up, according to Iranian media. Iranian officials have warned that the success of talks in Geneva relies on whether the US makes unrealistic demands and on its seriousness on lifting economic sanctions on Iran. Mr Trump meanwhile, has continued to openly voice his support for regime change in Tehran, telling reporters on Monday that it may be the best thing that could happen. open image in gallery A missile if fired from a truck at a boat during the excercise ( Sepah News ) He said he would be involved indirectly in the talks and voiced his belief that Iran wants to make a deal in Geneva. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, Mr Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s [stealth bombers] in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s. open image in gallery Tehran has warned it will not respond well to threats from the US ( Sepah News ) Last week, US troops pulled out of bases in eastern Syria, suggesting the military could be preparing for an Iranian response to any attack it carries out. Two officials told Reuters news agency that the US military is preparing for the possibility of weeks of operations against Iran if Mr Trump orders an attack. But Irans minister of foreign affairs Mr Araghchi rejected Mr Trumps threats in a post on X the day before the talks began. open image in gallery Trump said regime change in Iran may be the best thing that could happen ( Sepah News ) I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal, he wrote. What is not on the table: submission before threats. Tehran had previously threatened that it would close the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for the worlds oil supplies, if the US were to attack, a move which would be hugely damaging for global markets. Oil prices dropped in Asian trade on Tuesday, as investors assessed the risk of supply disruption after Iran conducted the naval drills. open image in gallery The naval exercises are to test the operational readiness of Irans forces ( Sepah News ) Threats of a US attack began as a response to the Tehran regimes brutal crackdown of widespread protests in December and January, but developed into an attempt to pressure Iran into agreeing a new nuclear deal. Tehran is looking to ward off of a repeat of last summer, when attempts to revive nuclear talks were interrupted by US-ally Israel launching a bombing campaign against Iran which was then supported by US B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chinese tourists are poised for a significant increase in overseas travel during the upcoming extended Lunar New Year break, with popular destinations including Russia, Australia, Thailand, and South Korea, according to travel agencies. Notably, Japan appears to have lost some of its appeal among holidaymakers. Known as the Spring Festival, this year's celebration marks one of China's longest holidays, running for nine days from 15 February a day longer than usual to usher in the Year of the Horse. Millions traditionally journey home for family reunions during this period, a custom that typically boosts spending across shops, cinemas, and restaurants as families celebrate nationwide and internationally. China expects a record 9.5 billion passenger trips during the accompanying 40day travel rush, up from 9.02 billion last year, as officials hope this year's longer event spurs more holidaymakers to make domestic visits or venture abroad. "Thailand has returned to being the top outbound destination thanks to its weather, when most parts of China remain cold," said Zhou Weihong, of Shanghaibased Spring Tour, the travel unit of budget carrier Spring Airlines 601021.SS. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) Amid an uncertain economic outlook, many appear to be hoping to leave their troubles behind, however briefly. A prolonged property downturn has eroded household wealth, while uneven growth after the COVID-19 pandemic, has fuelled job insecurity. Studies show Chinese consumers are prioritising spending on experiences, with consultants McKinsey's saying in an August market update, "Consumers appear to have quietly moved on ... highlighting deeper shifts in how China consumes." Domestic leisure demand this year is also split between warm and snowy destinations, with trips to the tropical island of Hainan and northeastern Changbai Mountain popular, added Zhou, a deputy general manager at Spring Tour. open image in gallery ( Getty ) Bookings to Russia on its platform have more than doubled from last year, as have trips to northern Europe. "For the rest of the year, we'll probably see increased Chinese travel to Russia," said Sienna ParulisCook, marketing and communications director of Dragon Trail Research. She attributed its popularity, rising off a low base, to Moscows December move to waive visas for visitors from China. Chinas largest travel booking site, Trip.com Group 9961.HK, said a rebound in longhaul travel has driven up visitors to Australia by more than 100% over the year-earlier period. Seat capacity on international flights during the holiday period, both inbound and outbound, has risen 9% on the year, aviation intelligence firm IBA said. "The international market is playing an increasingly important role in Spring Festival travel," it said in a report ahead of the break, adding that available seat kilometers on international flights now make up about half of total capacity. But for other destinations, the picture is not all rosy. open image in gallery A Chinese tour group walks in the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo on 17 November 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Simmering political tension with Japan has eroded its appeal for Chinese visitors, who normally made it a top choice. Flight data for 2026 shows travel to Japan has dropped sharply amid the strained ties and China's safety warnings to its travellers, prompting airlines to broaden refund and change policies for Japan routes. In the week starting on February 2, flights between China and Japan were down 49.2% from a year earlier, said travel data provider Flight Master. And all flights have been cancelled on 58 routes that operated during last year's Spring Festival, when Trip.com ranked Japan among the most popular overseas destinations, alongside Thailand and other regional markets. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A strike by Kenyan airport workers, which caused significant disruption at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, has been called off. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) announced the end of industrial action on Tuesday, following an agreement reached with the transport ministry. The union had initiated the strike on Monday due to a labour dispute with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, impacting one of Africa's busiest air transport hubs. It comes as passengers at Kenya's primary international airport faced significant disruption on Tuesday as a strike by air traffic controllers entered its second day, leaving many stranded for hours and uncertain about their travel plans. National carrier Kenya Airways reported delays of up to four hours for departing flights. Uganda Airlines confirmed the cancellation of two services, while Jambojet advised its customers against travelling to the airport without prior instruction. The ongoing industrial action has left travellers in limbo. Kenyan passenger Jazzy Mwango told Reuters, "We were told to wait until further notice. My family came to see me off and they are still here waiting with me." open image in gallery Stranded travellers wait with their luggage after their flights were delayed due to a strike by workers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( REUTERS ) Another traveller, Betty Wambui, expressed her confusion, stating she was "totally confused because I don't know whether I will travel or not" regarding her planned journey to Egypt via Qatar. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union initiated the strike on Monday, proceeding despite a court order that had prohibited the industrial action. On Monday, Kenya Airways and Tanzania's Precision Air said air traffic control delays were affecting departures and arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The union's grievances against the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority include its failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement and the placement of employees on temporary terms for roles it says are permanent. The aviation authority previously said it wants to resolve the dispute amicably. The transport minister previously summoned the union and aviation authority to a meeting on Tuesday to try to break the deadlock. open image in gallery Passengers wait at a closed door at the departures of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi ( AFP via Getty Images ) Ghanaian travellers Harry Frimpong and his twin brother Garry rushed to the airport after being told their flight would take off. But when they arrived, they remained in limbo for several hours. "It's really an unfortunate situation, but I understand the workers have to demand for their rights," Harry said. Kerry Group will ride out the effect of a weakening dollar or other currency swings by focusing on its operations, not through financial hedging or following the likes CRH and Flutter that have shifted key share listing or reporting currency to the US, Edmond Scanlon has said. Ireland is now leading in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in offices with other countries significantly trailing behind, according to Indeed. Seven in 10 workers in Ireland report using AI at work at least once a month, the highest rate among eight countries surveyed. That compares with 43pc in the US, 41pc in the UK and just 18pc in Japan. From Samsung and Xiaomi to Apple the five best superphones on the market right now, and the finest folding phones too "In light of recent geopolitical events in our current geopolitical context, there are risks that the international financial and monetary system is being used as a political tool," said Greek finance minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who chairs the meetings of his eurozone peers. "It is thus existential for us to safeguard the international role of the euro as it is quite pertinent for the EU's monetary sovereignty." Ask Allison: My dad and his sister fell out and she wanted her cancer kept secret from him. Now shes dead, do I tell him? Irish beef exported to Poland and sold in Portugal: Whats really going on? On holiday on an island in the Atlantic, I was shocked to find Irish steaks seemingly packaged to look Brazilian Born in Ireland, fattened in Ireland, killed in Poland, sold in Portugal Hannah Quinn-Mulligan Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Believe it or not, I actually managed seven days in the sunshine on a very different island to Ireland in January. Hedgerows Ireland has warned of very serious longterm impacts from the growing use of heavy mulching heads on mature hedgerows, as the hedgecutting season draws to a close at the end of the month. Alan Moore, secretary of the group, said they were increasingly concerned about contractors offering heavyduty mulching heads on track machines, which are capable of reducing tall hedges to near ground level and milling the cuttings down to small fragments. He said the trend is partially driven by the burning ban for all green vegetation, which came into force in November 2023 and has left some farmers searching for alternatives to deal with unmanaged growth. The problems with this approach are twofold, Moore said. Firstly, the visual appearance is rough and unsightly, but much more importantly the effect on the future of the hedge can be very serious, with sometimes permanent damage to the integrity of the bushes. He said mulching heads cause shattering and splitting of stems allowing disease and rot to enter, with significant risk of plant death and a resulting poor gappy hedge. This, he added, has knockon effects both on farms and across the wider landscape. Moore said healthy, productive hedgerow corridors remain a major asset to landowners, particularly with changing weather patterns. Wellmanaged hedges, he said, provide significant protection against flooding along with other services including shelter, shade, waterquality benefits, disease control and major carbon storage. Hedgerows Ireland, alongside the IFA and ICMSA, is lobbying for improved incentives in the next CAP to support more sustainable and less intensive hedge management practices. Hedgerows Ireland are increasingly concerned about contractors offering heavyduty mulching heads on track machines. Stock Image: Getty. News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, February 18 While Moore acknowledges that every hedge is different and one size doesnt fit all, the group argues that some basic principles can protect hedge health. These include trimming selected hedges annually into an Ashape with a wide base, increasing cutting height by around 10cm each year, allowing some bushes to develop into trees, and leaving certain hedges uncut or sidecut only for up to three years to encourage flowers, berries and nuts. The group also advises leaving old or ancient hedges uncut, rejuvenating gappy hedges by coppicing or hedgelaying on a very limited rotation, leaving margins of uncultivated land beside hedges, and avoiding fertiliser and pesticide drift. Above all, the group warns farmers to avoid mulching heads for hedge maintenance, describing them as very destructive and likely to reduce mature, productive hedges to pulp with resulting losses in wildlife habitat and carbon storage. How your food is killed: Kerry farmers against slaughter of animals which are not stunned beforehand Would you like to have your throat cut or would you like to get a belt of the hammer on the head first? Photo: Gerry Faughnan Jack Joy Kerryman Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Kerry farmers and politicians have offered their opinions on the practice of cattle and sheep being slaughtered without being stunned beforehand. The high-stakes battle over feed additive Bovaers safety European Commission has ordered safety investigation into the product on back of reports from Denmark A farmer demonstrates the preparation of Bovaer. Photographer: Paulo Nunes dos Santos/Bloomberg Ciaran Moran Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 06:30 The European Commission has ordered an urgent safety investigation into the methane-reducing feed additive 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), sold as Bovaer, following alarming health reports from Denmark. LATEST | Court has granted temporary order preventing Seamus Culletons deportation from US for 10 days, says lawyer Attorney Ogor Okoye of BOS Legal Group said she is committed to ensuring Mr Culleton can remain in AmericaMr Culleton (38) has been held by Ice officers at a facility in El Paso, Texas since last September Seamus Culleton with his wife Tiffany Smyth Amy Molloy Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 13:24 A US court has granted a temporary stay of 10 working days on the deportation of Irishman Seamus Culleton. The Court of Appeal has been told it is a mystery how more than 300 physical exhibits in the investigation into the 1981 murder of Nora Sheehan, of which a cold case review ended in the oldest successful murder prosecution in Irish history, were lost. Lawyers for killer Noel Long told the three-judge court today that the most significant loss was the remnant of a vaginal swab taken from Mrs Sheehan's body in the wake of the murder. Long's barristers contended that whether the exhibits were lost as a result of downright carelessness or a belief that the case wasnt going to be pursued, this had resulted in prejudice to the now 77-year-old appellant. In August 2023, a jury unanimously convicted Long of the murder of 54-year-old Mrs Sheehan, whose naked and bruised body was discovered in Shippool Woods, Co Cork, six days after she went missing in June 1981. The trial, which began in July 2023, heard that a partial DNA profile generated from semen found in Mrs Sheehans body and preserved for decades matched DNA recovered from clothing taken from Long in 2021. The jury accepted the prosecutions case that all of the evidence pointed to the inescapable conclusion that Mrs Sheehan, a mother of three, died at Longs hands. The State also relied on evidence that Long had been in the same area as Mrs Sheehan when she disappeared, that fibres recovered from the victim matched fibres from the carpeting of Longs car, and that paint fragments found on her clothing matched paint taken from the same vehicle. Long (77), a former British Army soldier with an address at Maulbawn, Passage West, Co Cork, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981, at an unknown location within the State. He has 31 previous convictions spanning 50 years, including convictions for sexual offences, common assault, burglary and numerous road traffic offences in both Ireland and the UK. Long has launched a bid to overturn his conviction for murdering the vulnerable Cork woman, arguing there was a prejudicial delay in bringing the case and that DNA evidence should not have gone before the jury. At the Court of Appeal today Longs senior counsel, Michael Delaney, appearing with Lorcan Staines SC, argued that the 42-year-lapse between the killing and the trial breached his clients right to a fair and expeditious trial. He referenced case law which states that unexplained prosecutorial delay may breach a defendants right to a fair trial. Mr Delaney also told the court that all of the physical exhibits in the case, amounting to more than 300 items, had been lost over the years, describing how this occurred as a mystery. He said whether this was due to downright carelessness or a belief that the case would not proceed, it resulted in prejudice to Long. The most significant missing item, counsel said, was the remainder of the vaginal swab taken from the deceased during a post-mortem examination. An expert witness had said that the remnant of the cotton bud, which was not analysed, could potentially have yielded further DNA material. Mr Delaney noted that the partial DNA profile obtained from the analysed portion represented less than 50% of a full profile. The failure to maintain the remnant of that swab has to be assessed in terms of fairness to the accused, said the barrister. Counsel also submitted that a number of potential witnesses, including several gardai, were deceased at the time of the trial, and that Garda files relating to an earlier robbery investigation were unavailable. Long had initially been charged with murder in 1981, Mr Delaney said, before the charge was dropped. He was then prosecuted again more than four decades later. The issue is whether he would have been in a stronger position to meet the case in 1981, counsel said, adding that there was scope for debate as to whether it had been appropriate to drop the charge at the time. When the decision was later made to revive the investigation, Mr Delaney said there was an onus on gardai to pursue it with a sense of urgency. However, the facts of the case did not demonstrate there was any such urgency until 2021, he said. He pointed to a review of the killing that commenced and was due to conclude by 2008 but was returned to West Cork in 2016 without being completed, describing this as an extraordinary feature of the case. While a DNA breakthrough occurred in 2008, Mr Delaney said nothing of substance was achieved thereafter. He said the trial judge found the delay wasnt enough to presume prejudice. If the delay in this case isnt sufficient to presume prejudice then I say what is? said Mr Delaney. Responding on behalf of the State, senior counsel Brendan Grehan, with Seoirse O Dunlaing, said there was no statute of limitations for murder and that society had a strong interest in the prosecution of such crimes, regardless of the passage of time. Mr Grehan said it isnt enough that some kind of presumed delay means this case shouldnt have been prosecuted and rejected the suggestion that Long's right to a trial with reasonable expedition was breached. Counsel said Long had come under suspicion within days of Mrs Sheehans disappearance and was fully aware he was a suspect. His car, which had been freshly cleaned and valeted, was stopped by gardai, and very cogent evidence was obtained showing two-way transference between the vehicle and Mrs Sheehans clothing, said Mr Grehan. There was actually quite compelling evidence, counsel said, adding that Long was made aware of it in July 1981. While acknowledging the difficulty of prosecuting a case after 42 years, Mr Grehan said it would not have been possible without scientific evidence. The prosecution, he said, did not rely on alleged utterances made by Long at the time of his arrest. The case ultimately depended on DNA evidence, supported by additional circumstantial evidence. He said Long lived in a part of Cork was wasnt 100 miles away from where Mrs Sheehan lived. Passenger obstructed airport police after offensive T-shirt queried The incident took place late last month in Dublin Airport Kinsely Ezeugo Andrew Phelan Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 06:30 An air traveller stopped in Dublin airport for wearing a suspected offensive T-shirt was arrested when he refused to give police his flight details and passport. Teacher denies causing death of American mum in hotel crash during special trip to Ireland Her trip to Ireland was long-awaited and special during which she intended to explore her heritage Allison Eichner died last June Christopher Woodhouse Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 08:24 An American woman has denied causing the death of a fellow US citizen in a fatal collision with a car at a north coast hotel. Housing crisis has left many young people living with parents for longer Local authorities are looking to collect more rent from 'subsidiary earners'. Stock image Local authorities are starting to increase rent for families who have working adult children still living at home. With young people now moving out of the family home later in life, councils want them to contribute more to the rent, if they are earning. Sally Rooney makes Dublin Literary Award longlist as Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin is nominated for her debut novel Intermezzo and Ordinary Saints among 20 titles in the running for 100,000 prize Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin's book is about a woman identifying as queer who leaves her devout Irish Catholic family for London. Photo: Julie Broadfoot Darragh Nolan Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 07:00 Sally Rooney and Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin are the Irish inclusions on the longlist for this years Dublin Literary Award. From his Breton roots to his Bray creperie, Louis Brancourt brings authentic French flair to Pancake Tuesday and hes sharing the simple, surprising tips that make his crepes so irresistibly light, thin and full of flavour With his striped mariniere, blue cap and Gallic charm, Louis Brancourt has lost little of his French upbringing, from his teenage years in Paris to his culinary training in Brittany, despite having lived in Ireland now for 20 years, five of those in Bray, where you would have thought some hint of a local accent would have found its way through. It hasnt and it adds to the authenticity of Chez Louis, the creperie he runs with his wife Anna in the heart of the town, where he prides himself on offering traditional Brittany-style crepes and galettes, using fresh produce, both locally sourced and brought over from France, including the cider, which you wont find anywhere else. For vegans and vegetarians, the savoury crepes are made of buckwheat, a healthier offering, and can be served with everything from pancetta with mushrooms in a creamy parsley and garlic sauce, to French sausage from Toulouse, and even duck. Compliment it with the cider and a sweet crepe with fresh pear and almond cream, or caramelised banana and chocolate sauce, and you have a very affordable and very replete night out. The unique cider is imported from France, which Louis said is very complicated because of customs, but he insists on it because there is nothing else like it. I can't find this cider anywhere else. I can't find it in Ireland. I went to all the markets in Ireland, and there are guys who do their own cider. But I think the fruit of the apple is not as sweet as in France. For 200 years, they are making cider in France. It's like a family thing, and they keep this tradition very tight. Louis Brancourt and his wife, Anna Howard, at Creperie Chez Louis, Bray. Photo: Leigh Anderson. Louis family has a background steeped in hospitality, and when the creperie opened in Bray, Louis worked alongside Guillaume Alamy, who trained in Frances best creperie school in Brittany, but returned home a few years ago during the Covid lockdowns. "Business is steady, he said, even if quiet days come with the Irish weather, which for the last month has probably made him long for the shores of Brittany. But there was the French win over a bedraggled Irish rugby team last week and Pancake Tuesday is coming up on February 17. So he has reasons to be cheerful. For those about to engage in a fit of battering and gorge on jars of Nutella on Pancake Tuesday, Louis approach is probably worth heeding. His training, he said, didn't take a huge amount of time, it's more about your sensitivity in the kitchen. "I like trying new things, trying to improve yourself while you work. I'm still in training, I'm still learning. Because it's not only about the crepe itself, it's about the content of the crepe, the products, the quality of the products and where they come from. "A crepe is a pancake. It's the same. Except that a sweet French crepe is very thin. In Ireland, you turn it and the batter builds up and gets very thick. Here, it's thinner. Louis Brancourt in his kitchen, at Creperie Chez Louis, Bray. Photo: Leigh Anderson. Creperie Chez Louis, on Bray's Main Street. Photo: Leigh Anderson. One of his top tips is actually to add a bit of rum to the batter, which helps with the fermentation. The alcohol is burned off with the heat while cooking but leaves a unique flavour. Otherwise, some beer can be added and the key is not to skimp on eggs. "You have to put a lot of eggs, so you bring elasticity to the crepe. It's not going to be like a biscuit. It's much better with more eggs. I prefer brown sugar than white sugar. It caramelises the crepes, so it brings a bit more taste." And you can leave the jars of Nutella, and keep it simple when it comes to sweet toppings. Louis makes his own sauces, chocolate or caramel, for example, and serves up a wonder crepe tarte tatin, with caramelised apples. Caramelised bananas also work with ice cream, but you can be creative with the savoury pancakes too. "We have a lot of savoury crepes and we use a lot of French product, but also some Irish products. The Irish butter, the milk, all the dairy in Ireland is top quality. So we use only Irish products for that and we use cheddar. The sausage comes from Toulouse. It's much more meaty, and with caramelised onions. We use pancetta. And we use duck, which is really good. They are very filling. Some people can't finish it, he said of the savoury crepes. But there is a guy who comes in and can take two. But the sweet ones, with a bit of sugar, me, I can eat four. Prices range from around 5 upwards for sweet crepes and 8 for savoury crepes. There are also flambeed crepes, done at the table, cheese boards, and two-course specials, Monday to Thursday, with a savoury and a sweet crepe for 16. Chez Louis, 40 Main Street, Bray, County Wicklow. You can book for Pancake Tuesday by calling 01 567 18 95. The Cork man took a strong stance on migration strategy early in his time at Downing Street Macroom is one of the many Irish towns that hosts international protection applicants. The town used to have three hotels two of them have now been converted for use as IPAS centres. The Riverside Park Hotel is still hosting applicants and has received planning permission to expand. Penns Hotel was decommissioned as an IPAS centre in late 2025. US secretary of state Marco Rubio shakes hands with Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban at a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. Photo: Reuters What was hailed as an olive branch offered to Europe by US secretary of state, Marco Rubio may have withered to a twig for some in Brussels, following his diplomatic bear hug for Hungarys Viktor Orban. Some EU leaders found solace in Rubios declaration that the US and Europe belong together. Others felt his disdain for the climate cult and carbon limits, or the threat to European civilisation from migration, suggesting the transatlantic relationship could only be revived if framed on purely MAGA terms. They feared new fissures could easily develop on a range of issues. Their concerns may have been magnified after Rubios extraordinary endorsement of the EUs bete noire. In the run-up to Aprils elections, he said Orbans success was essential to the US. Donald Trump was deeply committed to his future, he said. Its in our national interest, especially as long as youre the prime minister, he added. Orban is battling to bridge the void between himself and the Tisza Party, led by Peter Magyar. Magyar is hoping to realign Hungary with Brussels after 16 years of opposition under Orbans rule. The Hungarian Eurosceptic leader has frequently clashed with the bloc over military support for Ukraine, and keeping his close ties with Russia. It is not our habit to support, or not support, specific candidates in the midst of an electoral campaign He also maintains an aggressive anti-immigration stance. A Christian conservative, he is opposed to gay marriage and same-sex adoption. Hailing a golden era in relations between the two countries, Rubio pledged that Trump would be ready to offer financial help to Hungary should it need it. Last weekend, the US secretary said that Europes fate was intertwined with the US. But he was also critical of the continent for what he said was a drift away from their shared Western values. Clearly no single speech from Rubio could be expected to repair what Canadian prime minister Mark Carney characterised as the rupture between the US and its former allies. But there were grounds for hoping it signalled a spring thaw in a relationship made icy by tariff wars and serial ultimatums. Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban. Photo: Getty The glowing tribute to Orban and the genuflection to nationalist and hard-right politics suggests that closer ties with Washington may be conditional on adherence to Trumpian goals. Such whole-hearted backing of Orban has clearly rattled some in Brussels. European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho, commenting on Rubios remarks, said: Its up to the US government to decide whom they wish to support. As you are well aware, we here in Europe have a different approach. It is not our habit to support, or not support, specific candidates in the midst of an electoral campaign, she added. So far the Trump administration has found common cause with Europes hard right. That includes Alternative for Germany, the Rassemblement National in France and Reform UK in Britain. All also happen to be at odds with Europes centrist governments. Any period of relative calm is welcome, but there may be trouble ahead. News from last weeks informal EU leaders summit suggests that a long-discussed multi-speed Europe may finally move from theory to reality. If deeper integration is now open to those member states willing to pursue it, Ireland should not hesitate. We should join. Brexit demonstrated with brutal clarity the value of allies. Without European solidarity, Irelands position would have been immeasurably weaker. That lesson must not be forgotten. Our diplomatic presence in Brussels and across European capitals should be strengthened. Recent developments have made it clear if they get the opportunity, America, China and Russia will tear Europe apart for their own benefit. It will be like a modern-day Scramble for Africa, with the three great powers vying for political, economic and cultural influence in a hopelessly divided and weakened Europe. Waiting for unanimity is not a strategy. Where obstruction persists, progress must continue among the willing. A Europe that cannot act is a Europe that cannot protect its citizens. European unity is no longer about commerce or culture it is about survival in a hostile world. As German chancellor Friedrich Merz declared this week at the Munich Security Conference, the international order no longer exists. We must act now or suffer the consequences. Dean Litchfield, Address with editor Our rugby players will be dining at the top table for many more years to come I must admit that Ruaidhri OConnors comments in subsequent articles in the Irish Independent over the weekend baffle me somewhat. On Saturday he lamented that we are no longer at rugbys top table despite a gruelling victory over an immensely powerful, improving Italian team. Bearing in mind our current injury list and Bundee Aki suspension, I for one was delighted, if somewhat relieved, with the result. However, by the next day Mr OConnor was confident that we could beat England next week. Scotlands performance seemingly transformed Irelands showing against the Azzurri. Regardless of the results of this seasons campaign and taking into consideration our squad absentees, I believe that Ireland is still very much at rugbys top table. Every squad will have aging issues. Every squad will have speckles of brilliance. Its cyclical. Its why New Zealand dont win every game despite being a dominant force for decades. Cormac Izuchukwu and Robert Baloucounes performances are the real talking points from Saturday and Jack Conan must ask why hes not the first name on the team sheet. Eamon Kearney, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 Shameful behaviour of keyboard warriors just exposes their ignorance What a contest between Ireland and Italy. Both sides displayed character and courage. What a contrast to see the cowardly and ignorant comments online about some Irish players. The keyboard warrior is a shallow, blinkered, inadequate creature that strikes from a safe distance. Deluded by notions of adequacy, they dare to judge athletes whose talents they could only dream of. Those who cant do, screech. R Connelley, Co Galway Social stigma could be a powerful weapon in fight against drink driving Your editorial on repeat drink and drug driving is right to demand tougher sanctions (Get reckless repeat drunk drivers off our roads for good, Irish Independent, February 16). But law on its own will not fix what is, at heart, a moral failure. Other countries combine strict penalties with relentless social signalling. Sweden and Norway operate near zero-tolerance limits. France and parts of Canada use alcohol interlocks so repeat offenders physically cannot start a car. Australia runs highly visible random breath testing campaigns designed as much to deter as to detect. The message is not subtle: this behaviour is beyond the pale. In Ireland, it used to matter deeply what the parish thought. That instinct could be stifling in some contexts, but it also kept a leash on reckless conduct. Today, shame seems to have evaporated in public life, from local courts to global leaders. Yet there are few offences more deserving of communal disapproval than repeatedly getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. By all means lengthen bans and increase penalties. But alongside them, we should restore a clear social stigma. A community that shrugs at repeat drink drivers is one that has lost its sense of proportion. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh What Bezos chooses to do with his billions reveals much about his priorities I often wonder about these billionaires and their money. Jeff Bezos and his fellow billionaires are entitled to spend their money in whatever way they feel free. However, this doesnt stop me from asking how a seriously wealthy man like Bezos could spend millions on the Melania movie and $500m for a yacht to sail off to his $55m wedding in order to present his wife Lauren Sanchez with a $5m ring. Then I find myself wondering why he needed to fire one-third of the Washington Post staff? I find it bewildering to glean that hundreds of jobs have gone at the newspaper that broke the Watergate scandal. I am curious, was it profit or politics behind Bezoss decision? Most impartial commentators would posit the notion that all Bezos appears to be doing is making these sickening efforts to curry favour with Donald Trump. This is akin to the death of democracy in oligarchy. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Endless passport checks at airports are needlessly hostile and time-wasting On my way over to Lisbon recently, passenger ingress from what Im sure would have otherwise been a very hastily emptied Ryanair plane was delayed while every single passenger had their passport checked at the door to the terminal building. On my return, everyone on my flight had their passport checked at the door too. My passport was checked before boarding in Lisbon and I also had to present myself at the usual immigration control in Dublin. Is there a serious problem with people going missing between the terminal door and immigration control? Perhaps this is just what it appears to be an intimidatory flex by a department of a government increasingly hostile to immigrants. What a repugnant waste of time. Sorcha Ui Chonnachtaigh, Carrickmines, Dublin 18 Coral Gables in Miami is the kind of coastal paradise fit for a postcard. Its also home to a $16m (13.5m) mansion at the heart of a transatlantic romance turned sour one that involves a wealthy Irish restaurateur. Patricia Toscano, whose daughter owns and runs the popular Ristorante Rossini on Princes Street in Cork city, has been accused of reneging on an oral agreement with her former romantic partner, New York lawyer Michael Griffith, to split almost $10m in net proceeds from the sale of the home in 2025. Court documents show that Ms Toscano (68) has denied that such an agreement ever existed. As it stands, it appears that Ms Toscano has walked away with approximately $8 million. Mr Griffith, meanwhile, is attempting to keep his legal case alive. On this episode of the Indo Daily, host Tabitha Monahan is joined by John Mulligan, senior business journalist with the Irish Independent, to untangle a most opulent relationship breakdown. Cork cancer patient stuck in Philippines finally secures passage home for treatment Charity worker John ONeill has been given clearance by the Filipino authorities to return home for treatment at the end of March John O'Neill says he will be dead within six months if he doesn't get treatment Kevin Galvin Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 12:00 A Cork man, currently stuck in the Philippines and trying to get back home for potentially lifesaving treatment on his prostate cancer, says he has been saving up his pension payments in order to afford a flight home at the end of March. Councillor Michael Creed, who passed away at the age of 68 on Sunday, February 15. The late Cork councillor Michael Creed was described as one of a kind at his requiem Mass on Tuesday. Michael Creed, of Carrigaphooca, Clondrohid, passed away peacefully aged 68 at the Mercy University Hospital in Cork city on Sunday, February 15 surrounded by his loving family. Symbols of Mr Creeds life were brought to the altar at his funeral at St Abina's Church in Clondrohid. These included his trusty council notebook, a Cork GAA cap representing his love for sport, a cherished family photograph, a bag of sweets that he usually had on him to share with his grandnephews and nieces and a photograph of him standing in front of his cattle, portraying his love for agriculture. Michaels nephew, Jerome, touched those who attended the requiem Mass with an emotional eulogy. What can I say about Michael, who is better known to many of us as Beardy, was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, and most of all a good friend, Jerome said. He was a character and one of a kind. We saw the real Michael through his work for the Department of Agriculture and Cork County Council, he added. No matter the issue, no matter how complex, Michael was the man people called. His phone never stopped ringing, and he loved nothing more than being able to solve the problem. He absolutely loved being a councillor and representing the people of Macroom and the wider area. Jerome spoke about Michaels love for farming and wheeling and dealing at the mart. Michael used to call himself a farmer, or as I would say, five eighths of a farmer, Jerome joked. He loved the land and rooting with his cattle and wheeling and dealing in the mart, he added. Jerome continued by saying Michael never put himself first, unless it involved a ballot paper or to buying the first round of drinks. He was happiest in the company of others and when he got sick, he didnt want people to know. He wanted to continue life as normal and to not be treated any differently, Jerome said. Michael was well-known and everyone has a story about him. As a family we are overwhelmed by the amount of people we have met this week, and the volume of messages received on RIP.ie, he added. Beardy, Im sure there are a lot of problems up there waiting for you to sort them so rest easy. Michael was the son of the late Sean and MaryAnne, loving brother of Concepta, Imelda, Anne, Caroline, Noelle, Larry, and Kieran, nephew of Theresa and Eileen. He is sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, extended family, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends. Ms Ryan welcomed the governments decision to pause the SNA allocation review, but stressed that significant questions remain unanswered. A Cork senator wants clarity from the Minister for Education following the decision to pause the review into Special Needs Assistants (SNA) allocation. Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, confirmed that the review has been paused following issues raised by parents and school communities over recent days. SNAs play a critical role in our schools I know how much they mean to school communities, parents and the children they support, Minister Naughton said. I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers. I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care. To that end, I am pausing the review of the SNA allocations. The review was met with criticism and anxiety from parents and teachers across the country. Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan hosted an online forum dedicated to protecting SNA jobs in north Cork and its surrounding areas on Monday, February 16. Speaking to The Corkman, Ms Ryan said the event was well attended, with over 70 SNAs, teachers and parents showed up. There was a mirage of issues raised, and they were disappointed with the lack of communication with the government and the lack of trade union standing behind them, the senator said. Ms Ryan welcomed the governments decision to pause the SNA allocation review, but stressed that significant questions remain unanswered. While the pause is welcome, this issue is far from resolved. Schools were issued decisions. Posts were reduced. Communities were left distressed. We now need full transparency about how those original NCSE review decisions were made, she said. Senator Ryan confirmed that she has tabled a Commencement Matter in Seanad Eireann and will be seeking direct answers from the Minister for Education. Parents, schools and SNAs deserve certainty, not confusion. Inclusion cannot operate on pauses and press statements alone. It must be backed by transparent decisions and guaranteed supports for children who rely on them, she said. In a statement, Minister Naughton said that 1,700 additional SNAs will support children in 2026 in special schools, mainstream and special classes across every county compared to 2025. If fulfilled, there will be over 25,000 SNAs in Irish schools from September 2026. Ms Ryan said a clearer timeline is needed in relation to these positions. We need a clear timeline. When will these additional SNAs be recruited and deployed? How will they be allocated? And will schools that were facing reductions see their supports restored? Ms Ryan concluded. Enhanced road safety measures at a busy junction which has students waiting to be collected by a school bus needs to be urgently prioritised to avoid a serious accident occurring. That was the unanimous call from several councillors at a recent Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District meeting. Fine Gael councillor Tony OShea brought forward a motion requesting Cork County Council to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the relevant local landowner(s) to carry out the cutting back of overgrowth and trees in the vicinity of the junction where the L1201-0 meets the N72. Cllr OShea said engagement is required between the various stakeholders to improve sightlines to the west for vehicles exiting this junction, thereby enhancing road safety. This junction is a busy junction. It is the Ballyclough road coming down on to the N72 near Lombardstown Cross. The visibility from the west is very poor. Traffic on the N72 is doing 100kmph. Mr OShea outlined how difficult it is for slow moving vehicles and elderly people to pull out and turn for the west. Im not sure who owns the land. My request was that we try and make this area safer for people pulling out of that road. There is also an issue there with a school bus. There are school children standing at that junction being picked up, stated Cllr OShea as he highlighted the increasing levels of danger at the junction. The kids are waiting at the road; a bus comes along and pulls into the lane. You have traffic coming from the west, also pulling into the lane and turning up for Ballyclough. This is quite dangerous. We need to improve the entire junction and sightlines pulling out especially from Ballyclough. Fianna Fail councillor Gearoid Murphy who seconded the motion agreed that it is a very important issue. I have had this raised as well. In relation to the response, we might be able to go back and ask can they be trimmed back rather than fully felled? Maybe it is not possible. It would be good to get clarification on that. In a written reply, Frances Whoriskey, Senior Executive Engineer with Cork County Council informed the councillors that a site visit was undertaken. It was noted that felling trees at this location would not provide additional visibility to the west due to the curvature of the road. However, regular hedge cutting is recommended at this location. Billy OSullivan, Senior Executive Engineer with Cork County Council said cutting the trees wont improve sightlines due to the coverage of the road. The roadside boundary ditch west of the junction is private property and the responsibility for maintaining the hedges along this section rest with the landowner and they are being maintained now. Separately there is a verge cutting contract for the national roads and junctions. This will be arranged by council this year like previous years. It can be extended at this location to include the area at the junction, he added. Cllr OShea however disagreed with the response as he reiterated his belief that felling the trees would improve the sightlines. That work is being carried out every year, but it still doesnt improve the visibility of the sightlines. I disagree with what is down as a response. I think if that area was felled, it would most certainly improve the sightlines pulling out from that junction. If the trees were no longer there, you would get a glimpse of an articulated truck, or a big vehicle and maybe even a car. I am asking for it to be re-looked at before there is an accident there because it is a busy junction. A lot of people from the Lombardstown side go over to Ballyclough to the post office. A lot of people use this road. I would appreciate if this was relayed back to TII, he added. Mr OSullivan said the local authority will look into potentially moving the bus stop to improve safety measures at the busy junction. We can look at this and the bus stop to see if there is a better location for it to see if we can make it safer. This years series will see each event cover all major themes of the agricultural science curriculum, with the addition of a stand dedicated to the Individual Investigative Study. Over 500 agricultural science students are expected to flock to Clonakilty and Fermoy in March for Agri Awares Farm Walk and Talk event. The annual event is seen as a major benefit for agricultural science Leaving Cert students, as the event covers all areas of study of the agricultural science curriculum, with the addition of a stand dedicated to the Individual Investigative Study (IIS) that is worth 25% of the final grade. The event also gives students the opportunity to discuss their projects and seek advice from Agri Aware Education Officers. After a successful 2025, where over 4,100 students took part, Agri Aware is looking forward to meeting teachers and students once again on farms where the most modern, up-to-date research, technology, and practices are implemented alongside our event partners and patrons. The Farm Walk and Talk event will come to Clonakilty Agricultural College on Wednesday, March 4 and Moorepark Research Facility in Fermoy on March 5. The organisers expect 550 students to attend the event across the two days. This year, the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) have come on board to partner on the series with Teagasc, the Irish Farmers Journal and the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science. Agri Aware Chair Shay Galvin said: It is with great pride we announce the return of our flagship secondary school event series Farm Walk and Talk for 2026, we are thrilled to offer the series to Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science students, and Transition Year students and thanks to the LOETB the fee for students has been waivered. We look forward to welcoming students and teachers across all events and hope they take back valuable learnings to the classroom, he said. The event is fully sold out. Portrait of a changing city: new book captures Dublin at its best and worst On Dublin: Reflections on the Irish Capital covers the bustle and craic of locals, pesky gulls and the shadow of homelessness Alex Daly at the Smithfield Horse Fair. Photo: Deanne Fitzmaurice Sarah Burke Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Sea swims and street traders. Coastline and backstreets. Seagulls and shadows. They are all captured in a new book on Dublins character, contradictions and quiet details. They are the very fabric of our city from Grafton Street flower sellers to urban horse culture Two Dublin International Film Festival shorts shine a light on lives lived on the margins in the city The Women Flower Sellers of Grafton Street is a documentary short film by Patricia Mc Cann. Sarah Burke Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 15:38 From Grafton Street flower sellers to Dublins urban horse community, two short films premiering at this years Dublin International Film Festival turn their attention to lives and traditions that have long existed on the citys margins and yet remain central to its character. Gardai in Galway are investigating after a city centre assault in the early hours of Valentines Day left a man hospitalised. The incident occurred in Eyre Square at around 2.10am on Saturday, February 14 and occurred following a heated argument between two men. One of the men struck the other, leaving him with injuries requiring hospital treatment. Gardai in Galway have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Galway garda station on 091-538000. Irish Business 'Id rather be sitting here with my glass of wine than back in Ireland in that rain': the Irish ex-pats who feel safe in Dubai Thousands of people may be scrambling to get out of the Middle East, but for a small and tight-knit community of well-established Irish business expats in Dubai, it is a different story. Kerry councillor says too many moving parts as service targets missed Cllr Jimmy Moloney (Fianna Fail) Listowel area Kerry County Council Photo By Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD Tralee Co Kerry Ireland Mobile Phone : 00 353 87 26 72 033 Land Line : 00 353 66 71 22 981 E/Mail : info@dwalshphoto.ie Web Site : www.dwalshphoto.ie ALL IMAGES ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT A Kerry councillor believes there are too many bodies involved in the countys street lighting as concerns grow over the efficiency of light repairs. Councillor Jimmy Moloney said the complex arrangement of ownership over public lighting is contributing to the missing of maintenance targets. The majority of public lighting poles are owned by ESB, with some owned by Kerry County Council (KCC) and others private, while the actual lights themselves are owned by the council. The ongoing maintenance of the lights is then the responsibility of Electric Skyline, one of the main public lighting contractors. While Electric Skylines contract insists that public lighting should be maintained at a minimum 98.5 per cent, the countys street lighting is currently 97.36 per cent operational. Its frustrating because you do too many moving parts, too many bodies involved, and its one of these little things that does bog us down, said Cllr Moloney. Were going through the local government reform at the minute, now ideally what they would do is provide funding for the council to directly replace the lights themselves. Otherwise, the lines of communication need to be better, rather than having to chase and chase this up. The service needs to be up to the standard approved and where there are issues, it needs to be relayed back and a timeline is given. Figures released at a recent council meeting showed 16 public lights in north Kerry had been out for over three months, well over the 10-day repair service level agreement between KCC and Electric Skyline. However, ESB works were required for 12 of these before the lights could be repaired. Im surprised there were so many in Ballybunion, said Cllr Moloney, now I was involved in a few of them, but I didnt realise it was at that scale. There were a lot of lights there and I know some of them have been out a long time as wellits not just confined to Listowel town. There needs to be better communication back to us if a light is reported if there is going to be an issue or delay. Between Novembers MD meetings and Januarys, a total of 506 faulty public lights were reported across the county, with most being repaired in 10 days. However, 22 were reported as repaired outside the 10-day window, with another 51 reports not yet dealt with. The main reasons given for repairs occurring outside the 10 days, were required ESB works and access or traffic issues. It comes as east Cork councillors have expressed similar frustrations with Electric Skyline after a slew of public lights were out of action for months. Cllr Eamonn Horgan spoke of the frustration of dealing with a process that doesn't work. Its trying to deal with Electric Skyline, he said, and yes there are issues there but then if it's passed on to ESB it just goes into another black hole and you're dealing with two different sets of issues. I don't understand why we as an MD accept it. Cllr John Buckley said the frustration with Skyline is just ridiculous. I've a light out now with nearly three months and they're passing it on to Electric Ireland, back and forth, back and forth. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Kerrys Halloween funding has been slammed as an absolute disgrace by a councillor as the future of a towns Halloween festival looks uncertain. Councillor Podge Foley said volunteers at Killorglins An Feile Eile were burnt out due to lack of funding last year. An Feile Eile was a multi-day festival inspired by traditional Irish Halloween, with historic activities such as willow weaving and fermentation workshops. At a recent Kenmare Municipal District meeting, Cllr Foley said the Killarney had received a lot more than Killorglin had for Halloween, which the council said missed the full picture. Killarney gets everything, every year, said Cllr Foley. Were getting pittance. Weve burnt out the volunteersif this happens again, I want answers as to how its happenedIm very suspicious about how funding is given out. Councillor Norma Moriarty warned Cllr Foley to be careful with his comments and ask for a breakdown of last years allocations. I fact the facts, retorted Cllr Foley. Never again do I want to have this happen lads, its an absolute disgracehow many festivals are going to collapse before we change the way we do this. The council explained last years funding consisted of 100,000 from Failte Ireland, which could only be spent in Listowel, Killarney and Tralee, while 25,000 was provided by the council for other festivals in the county. Killorglins An Feile Eile organiser, Lisa Sandow, previously told The Kerryman the funding they were given was no encouragement. We are putting in a lot of work on a voluntary level for the community and its hard to enjoy the process when everything is so stressed, said Lisa. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Minister Michael Healy-Rae is claiming he secured over 33 million for Kerrys national road network for 2026 as part of his agreement to be in government. The sum derives from an overall allocation of 62.5 million from the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the countys national, regional, and local roads. He stated the allocation represents a major increase on the 14.2 million Kerry received in 2025, and follows sustained engagement by Minister Healy-Rae at government level to ensure Kerrys road network receives the attention and investment it requires. When I made the decision to go into Government, it was to deliver for Kerry and this is exactly what I meant. Securing 33.6 million for our national roads is a serious statement of intent and a huge leap forward after years where Kerrys national road network was allowed to fall behind, he said. He took aim at former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan for creating significant neglect of the countys roads during his time in the Department of Transport. I have made it absolutely clear that Kerry must get its fair share and that is now happening, he said. People dont want talk they want tar, tar and more tar and that is what this allocation will deliver. Last year Kerry received just 2.2 million for pavement and resurfacing works. This year I have secured 9.92 million, which will allow for extensive resurfacing across the county. Projects earmarked for funding are N70 Ring of Kerry, Cahersiveen town, and sections of the N86. Close to 10 million will be in the N86 Tralee to Dingle; 4.15 million for the N70 Sneem to Blackwater, and 2 million for the N22 Killarney to Farranfore bypass. Before entering government I secured commitments that Kerrys roads would be properly funded, and I have worked continuously with Ministers Darragh OBrien and Sean Canney to ensure those commitments are honoured, Minister Healy-Rae said. This allocation represents a huge catch-up after years of underinvestment and sends a clear message that Kerrys national road network is now a priority again. Other Sports Ballymac Deniro gives Liam Dowling his fifth Juvenile Classic victory with sub-28 second run at Tralee It is always nice when you pick the right one in an important sweepstake final, especially a sweepstake that stands out above everything else on the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium calendar, but one can never go far wrong when pinning your colours to Residents of a Limerick estate are like prisoners in their neighbourhood trying to get onto the main road at peak traffic times, a meeting of the Metropolitan Council was told. And their hopes of a short-term solution to the daily grind of exiting the estate were frustrated at the meeting when an official outlined how traffic lights are simply not feasible at the junction in question. Bell X1 has announced the addition of a Sligo date to their Summer 2026 tour. The newly announced show at Knocknarea Arena as part of Sligo Live, is on Friday 5 June and forms part of a run of major outdoor and festival performances across Ireland, including dates in Limerick, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Formed in 1999, Bell X1 have established themselves as one of Irelands most enduring and celebrated bands. Comprising Paul Noonan, Dave Geraghty, and Dominic Phillips, with touring members Glenn Keating & Tim ODonovan, they have released 8 studio albums, 4 of which having been nominated for the Choice Music Prize. Over the past two decades they have become somewhat of a national treasure and are recognised as one of Irelands most popular live performers. They are known for their versatile musical palette, lyrical dexterity, and catalogue of popular singles like Rocky Took a Lover, The Great Defector and Eve, the Apple of My Eye. Their albums vary in sound and style, their range taking in pop, alternative, indie, hard rock, post-punk, acoustic, lo-fi, folk-rock, ballad, synth-pop, new wave and electronica. Bell X1 have begun work on a new studio album with plans to release it in 2026. Tickets for Sligo on sale 10am, Thursday 19 Feb, via https://bellx1.com/tour/ A 50-year-old father was found to be driving without insurance, a driving licence and with fraudulent registration plates when he was stopped by Gardai, Sligo District Court heard. Peter Symonds of Ballinamore Marina, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim was charged with driving without a licence and insurance and fraudulently using registration plates on the N4, Whitehall, Castlebaldwin on March 14, 2025. Sergeant Mooney told the court that at 3:15pm, he stopped a vehicle and spoke to Symonds. who informed him that he was going to a boat he owns in Ballinamore. From a check, Sergeant Mooney found that the car wasnt insured. It was then seized. The registration plates on the car were from a van that Symonds imported. Representing himself, Symonds said that he did have a driving licence and that he showed Sergeant Mooney his passport. Judge Cunningham asked Symonds if he was contesting the matter or pleading guilty. Symonds said that he was pleading guilty. Symonds informed Judge Eiteain Cunningham that he has held a UK driving licence for the past 30 years and that he has been living in Ireland for the past 20 years. Stock image. News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, February 18 Judge Cunningham informed Symonds that he should have swapped his UK driving licence to an Irish one within the first 181 days he was residing in Ireland. Symonds said that he filled in a form which he sent to the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) that they refused. When he asked about it, the NDLS referred him to the Ombudsman. Symonds said that when he contacted the Ombudsman, they replied that they did not deal with the NDLS. Symonds said that he then emailed someone directly at the NDLS. He added that they have not yet replied. Judge Cunningham asked Symonds if he had a policy of insurance at the time. Symonds replied no. Symonds explained that when he was stopped by Gardai, he was evicted from his house of eight years and that he arranged to move into a place in Ballinamarrow. He added that the landlord for this place contacted him and said that the place was damaged during Storm Eowyn. Symonds continued that he asked if he could help, but the landlord cancelled the appointment and ghosted him. Judge Cunningham said that she was concerned with the fraudulent registration plates. Symonds explained that in desperation he put them on as the vehicle that the plates were registered to had proper documentation. Judge Cunningham said that it was a very serious charge. Symonds explained that his daughter was in Spain for TY during the period and that she was due back in Ireland shortly. He added that he wanted there to be a place for her to stay. Symonds said that the boats wood was rotten and moulded and that it needed to be replaced. He added that he told Gardai when he was stopped that he had been evicted. Symonds told Judge Cunningham that he was truly sorry for what happened. The court heard that Symonds has no previous convictions. Judge Cunningham convicted and fined Symonds 250 for driving without insurance. For the fraudulent registration plates, she convicted and fined Symonds 200. For driving without a licence, Judge Cunningham convicted and fined Symonds 150. Judge Cunningham did not disqualify Symonds from driving noting that he had no previous convictions. She warned Symonds that if he comes back before the court on another driving without insurance charge, it would be a mandatory four year disqualification. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. News Sligo County Council to explore temporary relocation of bus stop in Ballisodare News that Sligo County Council are exploring the temporary relocation of a bus stop in Ballisodare has been welcomed by Cllr Thomas Walsh who cited safety concerns as one of the reasons for exploring a new location for the bus stop. A Wexford man who previously served a 14-year prison sentence for rape has pleaded guilty over failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements John Connors (43), with an address at Burnaby Park, Greystones, County Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with failing to comply with ongoing notification requirements, including an alleged failure to notify gardai of required changes to personal details between January 5 and February 5, 2026. The defendant was placed on the sexual offenders register for life. Mr Connors, a native of Enniscorthy, County Wexford, was found guilty at trial in December 2008 at the Central Criminal Court of the rape of a woman in 2006 in County Waterford, while her two-year-old daughter was in the house. John Connors (43), with an address at Burnaby Park, Greystones, County Wicklow News in 90 Seconds. Tuesday, February 17 Mr Connors and his co-accused called to the victims door, asking if she wanted to buy a camcorder, before she was pushed into her home and punched by his co-accused. The victim was pushed onto a bed and had a piece of rope tied around her neck. Mr Connors and his co-accused took turns raping her. The court heard in 2008 that the mother refused to make any noise because she knew her child was in the living room. The duo threatened the victim not to tell anybody what had happened before leaving her home. Mr Justice George Bermingham said in 2008 that the case was really quite shocking, adding that the defendants showed no remorse. He noted that the violent attack took place in the victims home, where she should have felt safest. Mr Connors received a 14-year sentence but was released in 2019. Detective Sergeant Brian Shiggins stated last week that he was objecting to bail on the grounds that Mr Connors has a substantial bench warrant history. Counsel for Mr Connors told the court that gardai had also objected to bail at Arklow District Court in November last year, but he was released under the conditions that he stay out of Wicklow and remain of sober habits. Mr Connors spent a month on remand before being granted bail. However, Det Sgt Shiggins noted that it was not his first time dealing with Mr Connors and that the accused was arrested at a garda station in Drogheda. The defendant entered a plea of guilty on Monday, February 16. Barrister for the accused, Conor Rubalcava, stated that his client cannot be prosecuted more than once for failing to notify gardai. Mr Rubalcava argued that, under Section 12(2) of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, a person cannot be prosecuted more than once for the same failure to comply with notification requirements. Mr Connors is charged with four separate counts. Sergeant Mick Canavan told the court that he does hold the power to strike out three counts. However, due to the serious nature of Mr Connors offending, a garda inspector is required. Judge David Kennedy adjourned the matter until Thursday, February 19. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Wexford County Council trying to fill the void as long-awaited flood relief scheme for beleaguered town still years away Michael Cullen of the Slaney Seach and Recue team on the flooded streets of Enniscorthy town centre after the River Slaney burst its banks following heavy rain from Storm Chandra. Picture: Gerry Mooney In the wake of an event which saw 36 people evacuated from their homes, 60 businesses requiring financial assistance, and community support hubs activated throughout the county, Wexford County Council (WCC) has announced a number of interim measures to safeguard against future flooding events. While a widescale flood defence scheme for Enniscorthy remains in the planning stage and will, upon completion, provide long-term security for the town and its residents, the council is now focusing on what it can do in the short to medium-term. Already one tonne of sand bags have been installed to the rear of properties on Island Road in Enniscorthy and they will remain in place indefinitely. In addition, an aqua dam will be permanently placed on Shannon Quay and an earth bank will be constructed around The Waterfront Pool & Leisure Centre. The wall on Abbey Quay will be raised by approximately 300mm with demountable barriers installed at the pedestrian gaps; there will be also be pump sumps (designed to collect unwanted groundwater, seepage, or rainwater) on both Abbey Quay and Shannon Quay. The Promenade will be protected with an aqua dam and an earth bank while WCC is also exploring the possibility of erecting electronic information signs on the Quay with real-time updates on the status of the River Slaney. Away from Enniscorthy, there will be interim measures provided for both Bunclody and Bridgetown with a temporary earth bund (a compacted bank of soil) being assessed for Ryland Road in the former and additional bunds and pump sumps scheduled for Bridgetown. Lastly, another aqua dam will be placed along the entire Quay front in Wexford town to prevent future wave overtopping. At a special meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), chief executive Eddie Taaffe said he was confident the Office of Public Works (OPW) will fund all these measures in the coming weeks and stressed that these works were designed to temporarily protect Enniscorthy while the flood defence scheme awaits planning approval. Because these are interim works theres always a risk that they wont defend us from future flooding events, we cant guarantee that if theres a flood of similar properties that these measures will protect the affected properties, but we have to try and thats what were going to do, he said. Although there is a growing sense of impatience regarding the flood defence scheme, Mr Taaffe stated the importance of following all procedures and avoiding a repeat of 2022 when an application was rejected due to the presence of the freshwater pearl in the River Slaney. The flood defence scheme is going to take time, he said, we cant bypass planning and we have to demonstrate that what were proposing is the best solution. Its exceptionally complex and we cant have a repeat of what happened with the previous application. The cost of repairing the homes and businesses damaged by the floods is likely to run in to the millions, but the impact on the countys roads remains incalculable at this moment in time. We have commenced fixing the roads, but it will take many weeks to get back to where we were before, said Mr Taaffe. The damage is extensive, were still collating and assessing the data but have started works on some of them. We have roads which have completely disintegrated, the entire structure has failed and needs to be replaced. Michael Cullen of the Slaney Seach and Recue team on the flooded streets of Enniscorthy town centre after the River Slaney burst its banks following heavy rain from Storm Chandra. Picture: Gerry Mooney Given that Co Wexfords roads were considered among the worst in the country even prior to the floods there is an expectation, and a hope, that central government will significantly increase the countys annual budget for repairs when it announces its allocations later this month. And Councillor Michael Sheehan called for a special, one-off payment for Co Wexford. We need a full report on the status of all the roads in the county and upon completion, a one-off payment from the government, he said. If not, WCC is going to start receiving claims about damaged cars from members of the public. Fearing that Wexford would soon become the Atlantis of Ireland, Cllr Jim Codd said motorists in the county were paying over the odds for roads which were no longer fit for purpose. Were expected to have NCTs on our cars so that theyre fit for our roads, but we also have to have roads that are fit for cars, he said. Are people going to be reimbursed for the damage to their cars? Having visited the homes of those directly impacted by the floods, including elderly residents who woke up with their beds surrounded by water that had come in through the walls, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said it was impossible to quantify the stress people are experiencing. They are grieving for the loss of their homes and their sense of security, they are at a loss as to how they are going to keep going, she said. There were 14 houses and four businesses flooded in Bunclody and the people there feel abandoned because there was no plan (for them). "We need to have an emergency plan in place for people in Bunclody and Enniscorthy so they know what to do if theres a next time, and we have to install flood defence barriers for doorways at homes in the villages, front and back. Cllr Aidan Browne had also witnessed the devastation caused by the floods first-hand and described the scenes in his native Enniscorthy as heart breaking. The interim measures will help but we need to push on the main scheme and have monthly meetings with the OPW to discuss its status, he added. Meanwhile, Cllr Aoife Rose OBrien called for an amnesty on commercial and local authority rates for businesses and homes impacted by the flood but was informed that, regardless of the circumstances, WCC still had to balance its books. Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe explaining the situation to Minister Kevin Boxer Moran in Enniscorthy. Photo: Jim Campbell We will adopt a flexible approach to rates but we cant provide an amnesty, replied Mr Taaffe. We will will work with those affected on a payment plan but ultimately we have to balance our books, all those impacted can receive financial compensation from the government aid scheme. Although the focus of the meeting was on prevention and protection, and on holding firm until flood defence schemes were in place, Cllr Leonard Kelly dared to suggest that parts of Co Wexford could, as Cllr Codd predicted, end up being permanently underwater. Theres more difficult conversations to be had further down the line like our neighbours across the water in Wales, he said. There are some valleys in Wales where conversations are being had with communities about leaving the area. This is not for now, but 10-15 years down the road. During his visit to Enniscorthy Taoiseach Micheal Martin had said that, contrary to popular opinion, he did not have a magic wand to automatically make the floods disappear. His party colleague, Cllr Lisa McDonald, took issue with this. Politicians dont seem to make decisions any more, they just rely on reports, which means, whether we like it or not, engineers are running the country, she said. Democracy is working too slowly, we need to react to climate change, accept its here, and start doing something about it. Addressing Cllr Barbara Anne Murphys request regarding flood barriers, Mr Taaffe said the councils engineers were formulating a list of properties which require additional supports and that an application for standalone supplies would be made thereafter. On the issue of the roads, Mr Taaffe said he was confident the council will receive funding to carry out sufficient repairs. We are assessing the potential cost, but we are pushing an open door with this, theres a realisation in central government of how important this is. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. An interim care order for a young girl has been extended after the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) told the court that the youth has had her technology privileges revoked following two major incidents, including unauthorised credit card use Representatives for Tusla appeared at an in camera family law sitting at Bray District Court seeking an extension to the girls interim care order. She is currently residing with a foster family in Wicklow and was discussed at a previous sitting, where counsel for Tusla told the court that the foster carers had been due to retire from fostering, but decided to continue in the wake of the most recent incident. The court heard that even if they move out of the jurisdiction as planned, the young girl will go with them. A representative from Tusla testified under oath that the girl has been using her Apple iPad to access pornography and had used her foster parents credit card for unauthorised purchases. The court was told that Tusla is investigating the incident and all her devices have been confiscated and her technology privileges have been revoked until further review. Originally from a conflict zone, the girl came to Ireland with her sibling. The court heard that she has had contact with her mother since fleeing a civil war. A hearing back in December was told that her brother, who is an adult, is residing in an IPAS centre. He is currently looking at applying for guardianship on a full-time basis. The youth has been placed with a foster family for the past year. The girl was described back in December as thriving in her current school, with feedback describing her as an ambitious young girl. The court was told that she is still having a positive experience with education and continues to have good school attendance. Counsel told the court that they are seeking an order until March 17, with the intention of applying for a full care order in mid-April. A full care order is when Tusla assumes parental responsibility in law, meaning the agency can make decisions regarding the childs care, including medical decisions, without requiring parental consent. Judge David Kennedy granted the interim care order and adjourned the matter until March 17. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. A major investment of just under 19m has been given the green light for the roads network across County Wicklow. The bulk of the funding will be going towards supporting the maintenance and restoration of the existing road network with the overarching aim to ensure connectivity, support the rural communities in Wicklow, improve daily commutes, and benefit local businesses through various grants covering pavement strengthening, bridge rehabilitation, drainage, and community initiatives. The funding, which was announced by Tanaiste Simon Harris, comes after some local roads were left decimated following Storm Chandra and recent flooding episodes. The Tanaiste said funding for roads is a major priority and explained the money will be invested in regional and local roads this year. "I am particularly pleased to see major investment in key projects on our National Roads network including 1 million for road safety improvements at Kilpedder on the N11, 900,000 for the Hollywood Park and Ride on the N81, and 500,000 towards the N11/M11 Junction 4 to Junction 14 Improvement Scheme. The Wicklow TD said the funding will help improve the road network across the county. "The N11 and N81 are vital in connecting Wicklow to Dublin, the south east and the west. "On top of that, improving our roads is key to economic growth. We need to invest in our roads to reduce congestion and improve connectivity throughout the region. "As Tanaiste I will always support funding in our roads locally and nationally to back local businesses, ease the daily commute and connect families closer together. The funding announcement comes after Baltinglass Municipal District councillors Avril Cronin and Patsy Glennon secured a meeting with Transport Minister Darragh O Brien, following a submission they made on the National Development Plan. Cllr Glennon and I made a submission to the National Development plan urging the Government to include the much-needed upgrade of the N81 in the revised plan. Both of us are members of the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, representing Wicklow County Council. We have ensured that the N81 is a priority for the Assembly, following a motion which received unanimous support. During the meeting with Minister OBrien, we outlined that urgent need to upgrade the road, which is the only national road leaving Dublin that has not been upgraded. Funding allocations are welcome. However, we will continue to push for progress on this issue. Plans for the road have been stalled and both councillors expressed their concerns regarding the safety of the road, which is the main archery from Dublin, through west Wicklow, down to Carlow. In response to a query from Cllr Glennon at the local authoritys February monthly meeting, Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer OGorman indicated she was liaising with her county colleagues on the matter. In relation to the N81, I have had a discussion with my colleague in South Dublin County Council and my colleague in Carlow County Council, and a very quick conversation with my colleague in Kildare on the matter. South Dublin County Council are looking doing a traffic and impact study on the N81 as it leaves south Dublin into Wicklow, and I said we would be very happy to be part of that. They are looking to develop part of the south Dublin county for economic development purposes and the road is not fit to support that, never mind the issues that the members here have been raising for years. So, we are working on that, she added. The breakdown of the nearly 19m funding announcement includes the following allocations: Regional and local roads: Restoration improvement: 8,436,500 Discretionary grant: 2,005,500 Restoration maintenance: 996,000 Supplementary restoration maintenance: 921,000 Bridge rehabilitation: 545,000 Strategic rehabilitation regional roads: 460,000 Climate change adaptation and resilience: 461,000 Drainage works: 440,500 Safety improvement works: 430,000 Community involvement scheme: 100,000 Training grant: 54,700 PSCI survey support: 18,000 Regional and local roads subtotal: 14,908,200 National roads: Current maintenance and protection: 469,213 Capital investment - protection and renewal: 3,100,000 Construction of new roads: 500,000 National roads subtotal: 4,069,213 Key projects that have received funding include; N11/M11 corridor: N11/M11 Junction 4 to Junction 14 Improvement Scheme: 500,000 N11 Kilpedder Road Safety Improvement Scheme (RSIS): 1,000,000 N11 J12 Southbound Road Safety Improvement Scheme: 100,000 N11 Bus Stop Scheme: 10,000 M11 Junction 20 R772 pavement and strengthening: 20,000 Local authority support (improvement works): 300,000 N81 corridor: N81 Hollywood Park and Ride Road Safety Improvement Scheme: 900,000 N81 Blessington South Road Safety Improvement Scheme: 300,000 N81 Hangmans Bend Realignment Scheme: 300,000 N81 Rosburgh Junctions Road Safety Improvement Scheme: 300,000 N81 Baltinglass South Road Safety Improvement Scheme: 50,000 Maintenance and safety: Motorway maintenance and renewal contract (MMaRC) lighting: 267,082 National secondary route winter maintenance: 101,362 National primary route ordinary maintenance: 48,606 National secondary route Lighting: 19,363 Local authority support (winter maintenance): 10,000 Local authority support (general maintenance): 22,800 Town centre safety improvements: Main Street, Arklow (R772): 20,000 Main Street, Baltinglass (R747): 20,000 Main Street, Enniskerry (R760): 20,000 Main Street, Bray (R761): 20,000 Main Road, Greystones (R762): 20,000 Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The highly toxic hemlock water dropwort, considered one of the most poisonous plants in Ireland and the UK, has been discovered washed up at a Wicklow beach. Even brushing against the plant can cause skin irritation, and ingesting any part of it can be fatal to both humans and animals. The roots of the plant look similar to parsnips or celery, and it is also known as dead mans fingers. It is a is a native plant commonly found in dune and wetland habitats. Recent stormy weather and high tides has caused the roots of the plant to wash up on beaches along the east coast. Last week the highly toxic plant was discovered on Dollymount Beach on Bull Island, Co Dublin, and at Bettystown beach in Co Meath. On Sunday, hemlock water dropwort was found washed up at the main Brittas Bay beach. Local Brittas Bay resident Paul Leahy stated: The beach is a very popular destination for people walking their dogs, and hemlock wart is considered highly toxic so people should be careful with their dogs and keep them on a lead. The biodiversity officer for Wicklow County Council advises that the main risk is if the plant is ingested. Responsible dog control and public awareness are the best precautions. Members of the public are advised to please keep dogs on a lead in areas where hemlock water dropwort is present, especially near damp ground or dune slacks. Do not touch or attempt to dig up the plant and discourage children from handling any unknown plants. You should also avoid disturbing natural dune vegetation to protect both the habitat and your safety. We got lost in Moscow and I thought Id never see my husband again: the Irish housewives who took on the USSR Iran has launched military drills in the Strait of Hormuz to cement control over the critical waterway following the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier to the region. The exercises aim to establish smart control over the strait through plans and scenarios for reciprocal military action by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the face of potential security and military threats in the Strait of Hormuz region, the IRGC said. Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe named in missives Even after millions of pages have been released and hundreds of high-profile figures have been named including Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe the overwhelming majority of the Department of Justices files on Jeffrey Epstein still remain unpublished, according to a new report. Ukrainian servicemen fire a Caesar self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops at a position on the front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Zaporizhzhia region today. Photo: Reuters Ukraines civilian casualties increased by 26pc during 2025, according to a monitoring group, as Vladimir Putin ramped up his bombing campaign while peace talks hit endless stumbling blocks. Figures from NGO Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) state there were 14,775 Ukrainian casualties last year, up from 11,765 in 2024. The 2025 figures include 2,250 deaths up 11pc from the previous years 2,027 and 12,525 injuries, up 28pc from 9,738. What are other countries doing to curb childrens social media access? Ireland has launched an investigation into social media platform on X on Tuesday Stock image/Getty. Christine Chen Reuters Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 09:06 Some government ministers have made no secret of the fact they want social media banned for children in Ireland. When a world leader just wants a normal morning French President Emmanuel Macron had a jogging session in Indias Mumbai today Morning. pic.twitter.com/O5U8fXp67k Tulsi For President (@TulsiPotus) February 17, 2026 Even presidents need a little 'me time' Image credit : X | @Dev_Fadnavis | Main Character Energy: Macrons Marine Drive Moment Not his first carefree moment Image credit : X | @Dev_Fadnavis | Macron Soft-Launched His India Visit With a Jog Self-care: Not a luxury but a power move Finding your Marine Drive moment Macron touches down in Mumbai ahead of key talks French President Emmanuel Macron just gave us a moment we didn't know we needed. Hours after landing in Mumbai on Tuesday, he slipped out of his hotel quietly, ditched the usual media chaos and went for a jog along Marine Drive, one of the city's most iconic spots.And, to be honest, Macrons Mumbai morning jog moment is giving touch grass energy.Dressed in a simple navy T-shirt, black shorts, and running shoes, Macron looked genuinely relaxed, soaking in Mumbai's morning vibes while joggers slowly realised they were sharing the promenade with the French President.His security team kept a discreet distance, letting him enjoy a normal, human moment, which is a rare sight in a life that's usually packed with protocol and cameras.Later in the day, Macron was set to meet Narendra Modi to discuss India-France strategic partnerships, but for a few hours, it was just him, his energy and the rhythm of Mumbai mornings.Even the first lady, Brigitte Macron, and Maharashtra officials like Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat welcomed him warmly, but the jog shows the leaders are just people too sometimes they need that personal 'reset'.Macron isn't new to these 'human' moments. Last year, when UN traffic trapped him in New York, he stepped out of his car, walked the streets of Manhattan, and even called Donald Trump for help.Well, seeing a world leader embrace normal life, even if temporarily, reminds us that everyone has moments of pause, frustration or just needing a breather.The videos of Macron jogging aren't just a cute gesture, but they are also a reminder of the mental space we all crave. For us, balancing responsibilities, social media, and chasing deadlines, Macron's quiet jog is like a symbol: no matter your 'title' or how high your stakes are, carving out a moment just for yourself is essential.Even world leaders need their Marine Drive runs. Sometimes, self-care isnt a luxury; its a strategy.So the next time life gets chaotic, maybe take a page from Macron: slip out for a jog in your surroundings and remember that even the busiest people need a moment to just be.French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday to meet Narendra Modi later in the day. He was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.Macron will spend the day in Mumbai before holding bilateral discussions with PM Modi at Lok Bhavan. Following his Mumbai visit, he and Brigitte Macron are scheduled to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19.Notably, Macron is the second world leader to meet Modi in Mumbai, after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who visited the city last October for his first official trip. Charges filed over alleged Vienna concert plot Image credit : X/4k_taylorr_ | Taylor Swift's Vienna shows are cancelled Alleged links to Islamic state and bomb instructions Image credit : X/4k_taylorr_ | The concerts were part of Swifts Eras Tour and were cancelled after Austrian officials Case to proceed in Wiener Neustadt US intelligence role in disruption Image credit : X/4k_taylorr_ | Taylor Swift has not issued any public statement regarding the filing of charges in the case No comment from Taylor Swift A 21-year-old man has been charged with terrorism-related offences in Austria over an alleged plan to attack one of Taylor Swifts concerts in Vienna during her 2024 Eras Tour. The case relates to events in August 2024, when Austrian authorities cancelled three scheduled shows in the capital after identifying a suspected threat. Prosecutors now say the accused had prepared for an attack and will face criminal proceedings in Wiener Neustadt. The suspect remains in custody. Taylor Swift has not commented on the charges.According to a report by The Associated Press on Monday, Austrian public prosecutors have formally filed terrorism charges against the 21-year-old defendant. Authorities allege that he planned to target one of Swifts concerts in Vienna in August 2024.The concerts were part of Swifts Eras Tour and were cancelled after Austrian officials said they had uncovered a possible attack plan. Three shows in Vienna were called off at the time due to what authorities described as a credible threat.The spokesperson for the Vienna public prosecutors office confirmed to AP that the defendant is currently in custody. Austrian media have identified the suspect as Beran A. He was arrested in August 2024.Vienna public prosecutors allege that the accused declared allegiance to the Islamic State group. They claim he did so through propaganda material and videos that were shared across various messaging platforms.Prosecutors further state that the defendant obtained instructions online for constructing a shrapnel bomb based on the explosive triacetone triperoxide. Authorities said this substance is typically used by Islamic State. According to the prosecution, the 21-year-old also produced a small quantity of the explosive material.In addition, investigators allege that the suspect made several attempts to procure or purchase weapons illegally outside Austria. Prosecutors claim these efforts were aimed at bringing the weapons into the country as part of the alleged attack plan.Vienna public prosecutors have indicated that criminal proceedings will move forward in Wiener Neustadt, a town located near the Austrian capital. The case is expected to be handled there as authorities continue legal action against the defendant.Austrian officials maintain that the alleged plot was successfully disrupted before any attack could take place. The cancellation of the three Vienna concerts followed intelligence assessments linked to the threat.Authorities have stated that information shared by the United States contributed to the decision to cancel the concerts. At the time, the White House confirmed that intelligence had been passed to Austrian partners.In August 2024, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said: The United States has an enduring focus on our counterterrorism mission. We work closely with partners all over the world to monitor and disrupt threats. And so as part of that work, the United States did share information with Austrian partners to enable the disruption of a threat to Taylor Swifts concerts there in Vienna.Austrian authorities have reiterated that the alleged attack was foiled as a result of coordinated efforts.Taylor Swift has not issued any public statement regarding the filing of charges in the case. The concerts in Vienna had been scheduled as part of her global Eras Tour before being cancelled in August 2024 following the reported threat.The investigation has now progressed to formal charges, with prosecutors detailing the allegations related to extremist allegiance, bomb-making instructions, and attempts to secure weapons. The accused remains in custody as the case moves to court in Wiener Neustadt. As part of the Anti-War Action Network Week of Action for Palestine (Feb 16-22) join us for a rally and march as we continue the fight for Palestine until liberation! St. James Park, corner of 1st St & E St. John St Friday, Feb 20 @ 6pmAs phase two of the ceasefire deal begins, Palestinians have yet to see a semblance of peace or justice. Israel has violated the truce daily, conducting regular demolitions and incursions in residential neighborhoods, firing active rounds at civilians and murdering over 470 Palestinians. We have a moral imperative to fight back and we must spring into action!Anti-War Action Network Greeces ruling New Democracy party has extended its lead over a fragmented opposition to an estimated 30.1% in a new poll, buoyed by voter support for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis foreign policy and proposed constitutional overhauls. The survey, conducted by GPO for news portal iefimerida , places New Democracy at 24.9% in raw voting intention, which projects to 30.1% when adjusted for undecided voters. The socialist PASOK party trails at 13.2%, followed by the leftist Course of Freedom (Plefsi Eleftherias) at 11.1% and the far-right Greek Solution (Elliniki Lysi) at 10.9%. The main opposition Syriza has plummeted to just 5.6%. Mr. Mitsotakis received his highest approval ratings in foreign affairs. While 76.4% of respondents still view Turkey as a major threat, half (50.7%) agreed that high-level summits are essential for stability. Specifically, 43.9% viewed Mr. Mitsotakis recent February meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan positively. The poll also highlighted broad support for the governments constitutional reform agenda. Over 71% backed amending the law on ministerial liability, and 64.6% supported establishing a single, non-renewable six-year term for the countrys president. However, public opinion remains split on the issue of private universities, with 51.3% opposed. Despite the ruling party's dominance, signs of voter fatigue are emerging ahead of the 2027 elections. Approximately 68% of respondents said they would prefer a change in government after the current term concludes. However, skepticism regarding a potential center-left coalition remains high, with 54.1% doubting such an alliance could win power. Potential new political movements led by figures such as former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras showed limited initial appeal, polling well below 20%. iefimerida.gr PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA US DEFENCE COOPERATION: US MILITARY TRAINERS ARRIVE NIGERIA TO SUPPORT NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to announce the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield. Advertisement The deployment forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart. The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigerias ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country. The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces. All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces. Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives. These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the countrys sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens. The DHQ assures Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts. SAMAILA UBA Major General Director Defence Information 16 February 2026 https://x.com/i/status/2023454445191704652 Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, will spend the night in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Muyiwa Adekeye, his media aide, has confirmed. El-Rufai, who honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency on Monday morning, has been answering questions from detectives. At 10:07pm, Adekeye tweeted: UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai today honoured the invitation extended to him by the EFCC. He had a frank and fruitful interaction with the EFCC officials, whom his counsel noted were entirely professional in their approach and conduct. He remains with the EFCC. Advertisement NAN quoted a source to have said detectives grilled El-Rufai over alleged fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023. He is with our investigators, but cannot confirm how long he would be questioned, it is still early to know how long he will stay there, the source was quoted to have said. However, another source hinted on the possibility of being taken to court for arraignment. As El-Rufai was being grilled by the EFCC, the Department of State Services filed charges against him for allegedly bugging the phone of Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser. While speaking on ARISE Television over the weekend, El-Rufai had said someone tapped Ribadus phone and heard him ordering his arrest. Chaos erupted on Tuesday at the National Assembly when Nigeria Police Force personnel fired teargas at protesters gathered to express opposition to the Senates approval of both electronic transmission and manual collation of election results. The incident occurred at the main entrance after some demonstrators attempted to force their way into the building. Hundreds of protesters, including women, were caught in the panic, with some falling over each other in their bid to escape the tear gas. An elderly woman reportedly fainted after inhaling the fumes. Advertisement Speaking to journalists at the scene, activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, described the police action as a direct attack on democracy. This has translated to a declaration of war on Nigerians, a war against participatory democracy. For the first time, the police were using compressed containers that penetrate through your skin. Over two people have collapsed, and were calling on Nigerians to head down to the National Assembly, he said. Sowore added that the protesters were merely demanding access to the gallery during an emergency session, arguing that citizens should have the right to monitor proceedings within the National Assembly. We were asking them, when you visit from another country, you have access to the capitol hall. Why cant we get into our own National Assembly without being separated from the so-called elected representatives of the people? We must be part of the gallery where the emergency meeting is holding so we can monitor what is within our rights as citizens, he said. The protesters added that with the action of the police, they wont relent until their aim is achieved. The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, descended into a rowdy session over a motion seeking to rescind the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025, which was passed by the House in December. The controversy erupted at the resumption of an emergency sitting convened to deliberate exclusively on electoral matters ahead of the 2027 general elections. Presiding over the session, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, commended members who travelled from outside Abuja to attend what he termed a critical national assignment. Advertisement He said the sitting had a single agenda which he said was the rescission and recommittal of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025. The issues before us will define the elections of 2027 and give a clear vision of what is expected to be done, Abbas said, stressing the urgency of revisiting some provisions earlier approved by the House. The process began with a motion sponsored by chairman of Rules and Business, Hon. Francis Waive, who invoked Order Nine, Rule 6 of the House Standing Orders to seek the rescission of the bill. Moving the motion, Waive recalled that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 was passed in December 2025 but explained that a technical committee comprising the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly, members of the conference committee, clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as legal drafters from the Directorate of Legal Services, later met to harmonise the bill. According to him, the review process exposed inconsistencies and unintended consequences in some provisions of the legislation, making further legislative intervention necessary. Waive stressed that the House must ensure that Nigerias electoral laws promote maximum participation, fairness, inclusivity, administrative efficiency and public confidence in the electoral system. He argued that addressing the identified anomalies would strengthen the credibility of the electoral framework ahead of the 2027 polls. The House resolves to rescind its decision on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 and recommit the bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, he said. The motion was seconded by the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, seeking the formal recommittal of the bill for fresh consideration. However, tension flared when the Speaker put the question on rescinding the bill to a voice vote. While many lawmakers shouted nay, the Speaker ruled in favour of the ayes and struck the gavel, triggering loud protests and rowdy session on the floor. Following the rowdy session, the Speaker subsequently called for a closed-door session to restore calm. The lawmakers are currently in an executive session. The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This was contained in a 3,000-page document dated February 10, released by the United States Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control and sighted by the correspondent on Monday. The document also identified individuals sanctioned for cybercrime-related offences and other security threats. Advertisement The pronouncement comes on the heels of recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria; and Miyetti Allah Kautal were recommended by United States lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes. The OFAC document, titled Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, detailed individuals of other nationalities and entities whose assets had been frozen, serving as a reference tool. It also provided notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals, whose property and interests were blocked as part of counter-terrorism efforts. According to OFAC, the move forms part of its broader efforts to block the property and interests of Specially Designated Nationals and prevent financial dealings with them. This publication of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC, the agency said. Among those listed is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born on August 23, 1990, in Nigeria. Yusuf was identified as having ties to Boko Haram and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. Yusuf was among six Nigerians convicted in 2022 for setting up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria. The six men were convicted in the UAE for attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria. Another individual, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born on March 4, 1953, in Nigeria, was designated under SDNTK sanctions. He appeared under several aliases, including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso. Also designated was Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa. He was reportedly born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State, and was flagged under terrorism-related sanctions. Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995. He was identified as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions. Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, whose name appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was linked to Boko Haram and listed under several aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman. Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport. He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram. Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to ISIL. Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washingtons continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats. The sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Nigerians listed under the US Treasury sanctions face asset freezes under Executive Order 13224. Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, whose name appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was linked to Boko Haram and listed under several aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman. Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport. He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram. Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to ISIL. Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washingtons continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats. The sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Nigerians listed under the US Treasury sanctions face asset freezes under Executive Order 13224. Sheetz, as shown in central Pennsylvania in this 2020 file photo, has submitted a sketch plan application for a potential store in Chadds Ford, Delaware County. Read more Sheetz could soon stake a claim in Delaware County, extending its reach into the Philadelphia region. The Altoona-based convenience store chain, which opened its first store in the Philly suburbs last week, has submitted a sketch plan application to build a 6,000-square-foot location in Chadds Ford. Advertisement It would be Sheetzs first outpost in Wawas home county. If approved, the store would be constructed about five miles down the road from Wawas corporate headquarters, and across the county from the site of Wawas first store, in Folsom. The Sheetz would be in the Village at Painters Crossing shopping center near the intersection of U.S. Routes 1 and 202, according to the application. Sheetz would take over a parcel in the northeast corner of the complex that is currently occupied by a vacant former bank and a closed Carrabbas Italian restaurant. Along with Sheetzs usual offerings of made-to-order food, grab-and-go snacks, and drinks, the outpost would include indoor and outdoor seating, two mobile-order pickup windows, and six gas pumps, according to the application. It would not include a drive-through. Nick Ruffner, Sheetz public affairs manager, declined to provide additional information about the proposal, saying in a statement that it is still very early in the process. Zoning changes and other approvals would be required before anything is built, Chadds Ford Township solicitor Michael Maddren said. As of Tuesday, Sheetz had only submitted the sketch plan, which was discussed at a planning commission meeting earlier this month, Maddren said. At the meeting, township officials did not express strong opinions about the sketch, Maddren said: We need a little more detail. If the Chadds Ford project moves forward, Sheetz could establish a foothold in three of Phillys four collar counties: Along with its new Limerick, Montgomery County location, Sheetz also has expressed interest in building a store in Chester County. In the fall, company officials submitted a sketch plan to Caln Township officials, proposing a location at the site of a shuttered Rite Aid on the 3800 block of Lincoln Highway in Downingtown, according to the township website. After years of Sheetz opening stores in Western and central Pennsylvania, and Wawa expanding closer to Philly, Sheetz and Wawas footprints have increasingly overlapped in recent years. Wawa made the first move: In 2024, it opened its first central Pennsylvania location within eyesight of a Sheetz. Since then, Wawa has opened 10 stores in the region, with plans to add 40 more there in the next five years. Both chains also have expanded beyond Pennsylvania. Sheetz now has more than 800 stores in seven states. Wawa has nearly 1,200 stores in 13 states. An image of Alton Coles as "Ace Capone" from a video that the prosecution contends is based on his life. Read more In 2009, after a federal judge effectively ordered Philadelphia drug kingpin Alton Ace Capone Coles to die in prison imposing a life sentence plus 55 years for convictions on a host of drug and weapons charges Coles momentarily dropped the swaggering persona he had displayed while building his vast cocaine empire. I never thought it would come to this, Coles said at the time, his voice cracking as he spoke in court. I dont think life is deserved for selling drugs. Advertisement On Tuesday, another federal judge offered something close to an endorsement of that view as she ordered Coles sentence be reduced to 25 years in prison meaning Coles, now 52, could be released within a few years. Coles twist of fate is the result of a complicated appellate process, one that has its roots in how federal laws have changed in recent years for some drug crimes, particularly those involving crack cocaine. The penalties for crack offenses were once significantly harsher than those tied to other narcotics, leading to widespread racial disparities because most defendants in crack cases were Black. Coles lawyers say his case is also a demonstration of the remarkable turnaround Coles has made behind bars. While Coles once oversaw a drug operation that was estimated to have poured $25 million worth of cocaine and crack into Philadelphia all as he served as the brash face of a local hip-hop record label in prison, his lawyers said, he has become a barber, facilitated anti-violence programs for other inmates, and served as a counselor for prisoners with thoughts of self-harm. Knowing that he was facing the rest of his life in prison, Mr. Coles engaged in this extraordinary effort toward rehabilitation for the sole purpose of improving his life and of those around him, his lawyer, Paul Hetznecker, wrote in court documents. Federal prosecutors took a starkly different view, saying that Coles was one of the major drug kingpins in Philadelphia during the last several decades and that his eligibility to be resentenced was the result of a pure technicality. Even if Coles had committed his crimes today, prosecutors said after Congress changed criminal sentencing guidelines his actions would still warrant a life sentence. Coles led an armed and violent cocaine and crack distribution gang, which distributed quantities of deadly narcotics that [the trial judge] at sentencing aptly described as staggering, prosecutors wrote in court documents. U.S. District Judge Kai Scott said she believed that Coles had transformed his life in prison, and that 25 years of incarceration even if much shorter than a life sentence was still a substantial amount of time to serve behind bars. Discussing Coles growth since being convicted, Scott said: Ive never seen this type of post-sentence rehabilitation. Coles, meanwhile, apologized for his crimes, telling Scott he is determined to try to make amends for his past. I am not the man I once was, he said. Building an empire When Coles was federally indicted in 2005, prosecutors said he had run one of the largest drug organizations in modern city history. Coles and his coconspirators, they said, helped push a ton of cocaine and a half-ton of crack into the streets over the course of more than six years. Coles was not charged with any crimes of violence, but federal authorities said they believed his group and its members were tied to nearly two dozen shootings and seven homicides. As he was growing his drug empire, Coles was also building his reputation in the local rap scene. He helped found the hip-hop label Take Down Records, and staged popular parties and concerts around the city. And he and a friend, Timothy Tim Gotti Baukman, produced and starred in a 31-minute music video called New Jack City, The Next Generation, in which they portrayed Philadelphia drug dealers who used violence and intimidation to cement their standing in the underworld. Authorities used that video as part of a two-year investigation into Coles and his gang, and said Take Down Records amounted to a front for Coles to wash his money. They also wiretapped hundreds of conversations between drug associates, and went on to seize dozens of weapons and hundreds of thousands of dollars in raids on members homes. Coles was charged in 2005, as were nearly two dozen associates, some of whom pleaded guilty or went on to cooperate with authorities. Coles took his case to trial and testified in his own defense, saying he was not the kingpin prosecutors made him out to be. But in 2008, a jury found Coles guilty of crimes including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heading a continuing criminal enterprise. U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick later sentenced Coles to life behind bars plus 55 years, saying: The amount of drugs was staggering and the money involved was even more staggering ... this crime was just horrendous. Ongoing legal saga The imposition of that penalty, however, was hardly the end of the legal drama connected to Coles. After Coles was sentenced, a Philadelphia police officer was convicted and imprisoned for tipping Coles off about his impending arrest. A federal appeals court also later overturned a conviction tied to Coles girlfriend, who had been accused of helping him launder drug money to buy a house. And Coles continued to file appeals challenging his case. In 2014, he successfully argued to have one of his two prison sentences the 55-year term reduced to five years because of technicalities in how evidence was used to prove certain charges. His life sentence, however, remained intact. But in 2020, Hetznecker, Coles appellate lawyer, filed a new motion challenging that penalty, saying a law passed by Congress in 2018 made Coles eligible to have his life sentence reduced. The law, known as the First Step Act, was a sweeping attempt to undo some of the tough-on-crime laws from the 1990s that caused the federal prison population to swell. The bill received bipartisan support, and was signed into law by President Donald Trump. One of the laws provisions allowed some people who were sentenced for crack-related offenses to have their penalties reevaluated part of an effort to unwind the racial disparities caused by disproportionately harsh sentences being imposed on Black defendants in crack cases. Hetznecker, in seeking to have a judge reconsider Coles penalty, wrote that a life sentence for a non-violent drug offense is a draconian sentence and, given the current paradigm of criminal justice reform, counter the movement toward a more just system. The underlying principles of justice and fairness require that those subjected to punishment for crimes against society, especially those convicted of non-violent offenses, be provided the opportunity for re-integration back into society as rehabilitated individuals, Hetznecker wrote. Scott, the judge, agreed last month that Coles was eligible for a new sentence under the First Step Act. And in imposing the new penalty Tuesday, she said she believed Coles was unlikely to commit similar crimes in the future. Its clear to me that you have been deterred you have made changes, she said. Coles said he recognizes that he had once been a negative influence on society, but said he has now committed to bettering himself and trying to help others. Hetznecker said Coles deserves the opportunity to demonstrate that he has moved beyond the persona he once inhabited on the streets. Ace Capone is dead, hes gone, Hetznecker said. Alton Coles has emerged. A 9-year-old boy was struck early Saturday afternoon by a distinctive 2010 to 2013 Honda Crosstour on the 2200 block of South 56th Street, police said. Read more Philadelphia police on Monday released images of a distinctive vehicle that injured a 9-year-old boy in a hit-and-run that happened over the weekend in Southwest Philadelphia. Just after 12:20 p.m. Saturday, the boy was struck by a midsized crossover SUV on the 2200 block of South 56th Street, police said. Advertisement The boy was transported to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed in stable condition. Police described the vehicle as a 2010 to 2013 Honda Crosstour, mostly burgundy in color, but with a green front passenger-side door, a white rear passenger-side door, and a black passenger-side fender. The Honda also had a bicycle rack on the roof. The driver was described as a Black man around 25 to 35 years old, with short hair and a beard. The boy suffered a broken leg, according to 6abc, which showed video from a doorbell camera of the boy trying to cross the street and then falling before being hit by the fast-moving Honda. Police said anyone with information about the vehicle or driver can call 215-686-TIPS or dial 911. Wence Valentin III, UAW political director, Region 9, addresses graduate students during a union rally event at the corner of South 34th and Walnut Streets, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Read more Penns graduate student workers have reached a tentative agreement on a first union contract, averting a strike. The two-year tentative agreement includes increases to wages among other benefits. Advertisement I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish with this contract, Clara Abbott, a Ph.D. candidate in literary studies and member of the bargaining committee said in a statement. We won a historic contract that enshrines gains for grad workers. Research and teaching assistants at the university voted to unionize in 2024. The union, which represents about 3,400 graduate student workers, is known as Graduate Employees Together-University of Pennsylvania (GET-UP) and is part of the United Auto Workers (UAW). The union has been negotiating with the university since October 2024 for a first contract. In November, the unions bargaining members voted to authorize a strike, if called for by the union. In January, they set a strike deadline, announcing that they would walk off the job on Feb. 17 if they had not reached a deal. A deal was announced in the early morning hours Tuesday. While tentative agreements had been reached on a number of issues, some remained without consensus ahead of the final bargaining session on Monday before the strike deadline. Those sticking points included wages, healthcare, and discounts on SEPTA passes. We are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached between Penn and GETUP-UAW, a university spokesperson said in a statement. Penn has a long-standing commitment to its graduate students and value their contributions to Penns important missions. We are grateful to all the members of the Penn community who helped us achieve this tentative agreement. A date to vote on the ratification of the tentative agreement has not yet been announced. The deal comes as earlier this month Pennsylvania state senators and representatives and Philadelphia City Council members addressed letters to the universitys president and provost, urging them to come to an agreement with the student workers and avoid a strike. A strike at the University of Pennsylvania would seriously disrupt life for the tens of thousands of Philadelphians who are students, employees, and patients at Penn, the letter signed by City Council members reads. As such, we strongly urge the Penn administration to avert a strike by coming to a fair agreement that meets the needs of graduate student employees prior to February 17th. Whats in the tentative deal? Mondays bargaining session brought tentative agreements on sticking points that included wages and healthcare coverage. If ratified, the tentative deal would provide graduate student workers with an annual minimum wage of $49,000, which the union has said is a 22% increase over the previous standard. For those paid on an hourly basis, the minimum hourly rate would be $25. Those rates would go into effect in April and a 3% increase would be provided in July 2027. The deal would also create a fund with $200,000 annually from which graduate student workers could seek reimbursements to cover up to 50% of their dependents health insurance premiums. Ahead of the Monday bargaining session, other tentative agreements had come together around leave. The university agreed to give six weeks of paid medical leave, as well as eight weeks of paid parental leave. The university and the union had also recently reached a tentative agreement that would create an annual $50,000 fund to help international graduate student workers with expenses associated with reinstating or extending visas. What would have happened in the event of a strike? Graduate student workers in the bargaining group teach and conduct research at the university. Classes, research, and other academic activities would have continued during a strike, according to the university spokesperson. Penn published guidance on how to continue this work in the event of a work stoppage or other disruption. Striking graduate student workers would not have been paid throughout a work stoppage, but would have continued to be covered by their health insurance for the time being, according to a university statement. If others employed at the university who are not in the bargaining group chose to join the work stoppage, they would not have been paid and could have faced consequences up to and including separation from that position, depending on the circumstances of the refusal to work, according to a university statement. Ahead of the tentative agreement on Monday, hundreds signed a pledge indicating that they are employed at Penn and would not do the work of those on strike or assign it to others in the event of a work stoppage. In recent years, a wave of labor actions has taken place across Penn and other local campuses. Temple University graduate workers went on strike for 42 days in 2023 during contract negotiations. Rutgers University educators, researchers, and clinicians walked off the job for a week that same year. At Penn, the largest employer in Philadelphia, a wave of student-worker organizing in recent years has included resident assistants, graduate students, postdocs, and research associates, as well as training physicians in the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas questions, from left, school board president Reginald Streater, school district Chief Operating Officer Oz Hill, and Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr., during a hearing about the school district's facilities plan on Tuesday. Read more Philadelphia City Council may not have a vote on Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr.s sweeping facilities plan, but it indicated Tuesday that it will have a say in school closings. As a packed hearing began in Councils chambers Tuesday morning, both Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Isaiah Thomas, chair of the Education Committee, said Council refused to be a rubber stamp to Watlingtons proposal to close 20 schools, colocate six, and modernize 159. Advertisement Though only the school board gets to vote directly on the plan, Johnson has indicated he is willing to hold up city funding to the district over the school closure plan. And his colleagues echoed that sentiment Tuesday. Im infuriated that we dont get a say, Councilmember Jimmy Harrity said, warning the district officials who appeared before him. But, Council president, you and I both know we do get a say, because budgets coming. And we will be looking. Mindful is the word I would use for today be mindful. About 40% of the districts nearly $5 billion budget comes from local revenue and city funding, which City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker must approve in the annual city budget by the end of June. Harrity, an at-large Council member, said he was tired that every time cuts come, they come from a certain neighborhood. You know, I live in Kensington, in the 7th District. I talk to these kids. Theyre good kids. They deserve everything that other kids in other neighborhoods are getting. You can see that this isnt what our people want. Watlington has proposed closing four schools in the 7th District. More than 100 community members holding babies and waving signs opposing the facilities plan filled Council chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall on Tuesday as Council members spent hours grilling Watlington and other district officials. Watlington, meanwhile, stood by his plan in testimony to Council on Tuesday, saying that 20 closings was a much smaller number than he could have settled on. We could have come here and presented a plan that closed twice as many schools and been able to defend it, Watlington said. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? District officials have said the facilities process is not about saving money, but about optimizing education and equity for the citys 115,000 students. But it was clear Tuesday that finances played a part: The district has lost 15,000 students in the last 10 years, and over 80,000 since 1997, when charter schools were first authorized in Pennsylvania. It has 300 buildings, many of them 75 years and older and in poor repair, and some schools with more than 1,000 empty seats, while others are overcrowded. Weve got to be very careful with our limited resources in a historically underfunded district, Watlington told Council. Watlington and board president Reginald Streater, who also testified, pitched the plan as a way to add things the district cannot now offer Advanced Placement courses in every high school, the opportunity for all eighth graders to take algebra, more prekindergarten, and career and technical education programs. I do not believe well get this opportunity again in our lifetime, Watlington said. The superintendent dropped a few previously undisclosed facts about the facilities road map, indicating that his recommendations could shift slightly before he presents the plan to the school board on Feb. 26. No date has been set for the boards final vote, which is expected later this winter. Its premature to say how the final recommendations will land, Watlington said. But, the superintendent said, if there are schools that Council wants me to take off the list, and add others on that list, we are open to you telling me what those are, but we cannot get to a place where we address our 35% non-utilization rate in buildings if no changes are made. Debora Carrera, the citys chief education officer, who spent three decades as a district teacher and administrator, told Council that Parker believes the current district footprint is unsustainable. Carrera said her own experience as principal of Kensington High School for Creative and Performing Arts shows that it is right for the district to focus resources on neighborhood high schools. My high school was a small high school, Carrera said. I could only offer my children two AP courses, when other schools like Central where my son went could offer them over 20-plus AP courses. Breaking down of public education The hearing got tense at times. I feel like this is the breaking down of public education in Philadelphia, said Councilmember Cindy Bass, who said some of the districts own decisions had led to closures. Several members of Council raised questions about the plans price tag. Prior district and city estimates put the cost just under $8 billion, but members of Watlingtons team said they could they could actually do the work for $2.8 billion $1 billion from district capital funds, and $1.8 from yet-unpromised state and philanthropic sources. In the past, the district had made public detailed facilities condition assessments for every school in the district, Councilmember Rue Landau noted. Residents could look up their school and see exactly what the condition of every system in the building was, and how much money would be required to fix those that needed repair. We dont have any of those details, said Landau, who went so far as to say she believed the district should be spending more than $2.8 billion on the plan. What is the increased investment, and why dont we have any of those details? They are not out there in the public for us, so none of us have any understanding as to why this is happening, This should all be public so all of the public can see. Jerry Roseman, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers longtime environmental director, who has had a first-row seat to district facilities conditions for decades, said he believed the $2.8 billion figure was not realistic. You need much more money than that, Roseman told Council. We need more money than this plan comes close to. Some Council members pushed the district and the board on the plans timing. The city has been asking for a long-range facilities plan for years, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada pointed out. Its taken us all this time, Lozada said. Now, you guys have come up with a plan, and now we want to rush through it. Now all of a sudden theres this urgency to get through this plan, which I dont understand. Streater said the board is moving forward with hearing Watlingtons plan on Feb. 26, but wont vote until it hears more feedback. But ultimately, he said, the board will vote on a plan that is dynamic, that can evolve over time. I think that we all understand that things change, facts change, funding changes, enrollment trends change. And, Streater said, there will also likely be policy changes based on redrawing some catchment areas, or boundaries that determine which neighborhood schools children attend. Streater, who introduced himself at the beginning of the hearing as Reggie from Germantown, underscoring his history as a graduate of two district schools that closed Germantown High and Leeds Middle School said that changes must be made. I think if we continue doing the same thing, expecting a different result which I would argue is chronic underachievement we are doomed. Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Arthur Steinberg has shared concerns about the school district's facilities plan which includes 20 school closings with City Council's education committee. Read more The citys teachers union has significant concerns with the Philadelphia School Districts sweeping facilities plan, and it has taken them to a City Council committee. Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr.s $2.8 billion proposal does not provide sufficient detail or data to inform binding decisions about school closures, co-location, re-purposing, or widespread impact and disruption that will be incurred, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Arthur Steinberg wrote in a letter to Councils education committee obtained by The Inquirer. Advertisement The appeal, sent late last week, comes as the district prepares for a Tuesday Council hearing on the school blueprint, which currently calls for 20 school closings, six colocations, and 159 modernization projects. The stakes are high as district officials prepare to appear before Council members, who have raised alarm about several proposed closures. Council members are not the decision-makers Philadelphias school board will ultimately vote on the plan sometime this winter but as one of the districts main funders, you hold powerful levers that may be used to encourage the district to craft a more equitable [plan] that achieves our shared goals of improving student learning conditions and educators working conditions, Steinberg wrote. Council President Kenyatta Johnson has said hes willing to hold up city funding to the district if Councils concerns are not adequately addressed. About 40% of the districts nearly $2 billion budget comes from local revenue and city funding, which City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker must approve in the annual city budget by the end of June. What does the PFT letter say? Before any decisions are made about what to do with the districts buildings, the PFT wants system officials to do better by showing their work and providing all data used to reach their determinations and recommendations for school improvement, Steinberg wrote. The teachers union also flagged compliance inconsistencies with the districts own standards, implementation questions, and substantial problems with data interpretation and application. The conclusions came after Jerry Roseman, the PFTs longtime director of environmental science, scrutinized the plan. Roseman has decades of experience working with district officials on environmental issues. The PFT and Roseman want access to all data. The district has released some details officials used to make their calls, but some remain opaque. How is the district ensuring that decisions regarding closing and receiving schools are based on comprehensive, up-to-date, and easily verifiable facility data (e.g., lead, asbestos, ventilation, overall condition)? Steinberg wrote. The PFT also wants to definitively show that the facility condition of receiving schools is not, in fact, worse than the facilities that are slated to close. If students are moving to a facility with worse current conditions, what will happen at the facility to improve it prior to students being moved there? District officials outlined some modernization and renovation plans ahead of Tuesdays Council hearing, but some remain a mystery to the public. Watlington has promised all projects will be detailed before Feb. 26, when hes scheduled to formally present the plan to the school board. Dont close schools or displace students based on incomplete data, PFT says The school systems own data contains some inconsistencies, Steinberg said including some schools judged to be in good or fair building condition by the districts metrics that have severely inadequate critical systems, such as roofing, windows, or electrical and plumbing systems. And though the district said it could modernize all 85 school buildings currently in poor or unsatisfactory condition for $2.8 billion, the PFT questioned that price tag as overly optimistic. (City and district officials had previously put the systems total deferred maintenance cost at $7 billion or more.) The cost to fully repair poor-inadequate buildings and systems could actually exceed $3.5 billion, the PFT said. The teachers union also highlighted the inequitable distribution of adverse conditions, noting that Black and brown children and children from economically disadvantaged families are more vulnerable to health risks, learning disruptions, and the long-term effects of instability and displacement. While the information the district has made public is useful and has value as a baseline, it is insufficient for its use in supporting the proposed conclusions, recommendations and other plan details released, Steinberg said. So-called AI deepfakes pictures of a real person manipulated with artificial intelligence, sometimes with nudify features that can convert clothed photos into naked ones have become the talk of school hallways and Snapchat conversations in some area schools. Read more One night in early December, the phones of Radnor High School students started buzzing. Some freshmen girls were getting disturbing messages: A male classmate, they were told, had made pornographic videos of them. When one of the girls walked into school the next morning, she said everyone was staring at her, said her mother, who requested anonymity to protect her daughters identity. All the kids knew. It spread like wildfire. Advertisement So-called AI deepfakes pictures of a real person manipulated with artificial intelligence, sometimes with nudify features that can convert clothed photos into naked ones have become the talk of school hallways and Snapchat conversations in some area schools. As Pennsylvania lawmakers have pushed new restrictions cracking down on deepfakes defining explicit images as child sexual abuse material, and advancing another measure that would require schools to immediately alert law enforcement about AI incidents schools say they have no role in criminal investigations, and are limited in their ability to police students off campus. But some parents say schools should be taking a more proactive stance to prepare for AI abuse and are failing to protect victims when it happens, further harming students who have been violated by their peers. In the Council Rock School District, where AI-generated deepfakes were reported last March, parents of targeted girls said administrators waited five days to contact the police about the allegations and never notified the community, even after two boys were charged with crimes. They denied everything and kind of shoved it under the rug and failed to acknowledge it, said a mother in Council Rock, who also requested anonymity to protect her daughters identity. Everybody thought it was a rumor, rather than real damage done to girls, the mother said. Council Rock spokesperson Andrea Mangold said that the district recognizes and understands the deep frustration and concern expressed by parents, and that a police investigation began promptly upon the districts notification. Mangold said that current laws were insufficient to fully prevent or deter these incidents, and that the district was limited in what we know and what we can legally share publicly due to student privacy laws. In Radnor, parents also said the district minimized the December incident. A district message last month said a student had created images of classmates that move and dance, and reported that police had not found evidence of anything inappropriate even though police later said they had charged a student with harassment after an investigation into alleged sexualized images of multiple girls. A Radnor spokesperson said the alleged images were never discovered and the districts message was cowritten by Radnor police, who declined to comment. The district approaches all student-related matters with care and sensitivity for those involved, said the spokesperson, Theji Brennan. She said the district was limited in what it could share about minors. In both Radnor and Council Rock, parents said their daughters were offered little support and were told that if they were uncomfortable, they could go to quiet rooms or leave classes early to avoid crossing paths with boys involved in the incidents. She just felt like no one believed her, the Radnor mother said of her daughter. How an investigation unfolded in Radnor In Radnor, five freshman girls first heard they were victims of deepfakes on Dec. 2, according to parents of two of the victims who requested anonymity to protect their daughters identities. They said boys told their daughters that a male classmate had made videos depicting them sexually. In a Snapchat conversation that night, one boy said, Nobody tell their parents, a mother of one of the victims recalled. Reading her daughters texts, it quickly went from high school drama to Wow, this is serious. The girls and their parents never saw the videos. In an email to school officials the next morning, parents asked for an investigation, discipline for the students involved, and efforts to stop any sharing of videos. They also asked for support for their daughters. School administrators began interviewing students. The mother of one of the victims said her daughter was interviewed alone by the male assistant principal an uncomfortable dynamic, given the subject matter, she said. One mother said the principal told her daughter that it was the boys word against hers, and that he was so glad nothing was shared on social media even though no one knew at that point where videos had been shared, the mother said. The principal said the school had no authority over kids phones, so the girl and her family would need to call the police if they wanted phones searched, the mother said. Brennan, the Radnor spokesperson, said that administrators contacted Radnor police and child welfare authorities the same day they spoke with families. The districts and the police departments investigations have found no evidence that the images remain or were shared, posted, or otherwise circulated, she said. The male classmate acknowledged making videos of the girls dancing in thong bikinis, the parents said police told them. But the app he used was deleted from his phone, and the videos were not on it, the police told them. The parents didnt believe the admission. I dont think a 14-year-boy would report a TikTok video of girls in bikinis, said one of the mothers, who said her daughter was told she was naked and touching herself in videos. The police told parents they did not subpoena the app or any social media companies, making it impossible to know what was created. Radnor Police Chief Chris Flanagan declined to comment, as did the Delaware County District Attorneys Office. In a message sent to the district community Jan. 16 announcing the end of the police investigation, officials said a student, outside of school hours, had taken publicly available photos of other students and used an app that animates images, making them appear to move and dance. No evidence shared with law enforcement depicted anything inappropriate or any other related crime, the message said. A week later, the police released a statement saying a juvenile was charged with harassment after an investigation into the possible use of AI to generate non-consensual sexualized imagery of numerous juveniles. Asked why the districts statement had omitted the criminal charge or mention of sexualized imagery, Brennan said the statement was also signed by Flanagan, who declined to comment on the discrepancy. Brennan said the district had provided ongoing support to students, including access to a counselor and social worker. Parents said the district had erred in failing to initiate a Title IX sexual harassment investigation, instead telling parents they needed to file their own complaints. They kept saying, This is off campus, the mother said. But my daughter could not walk around without crying and feeling ashamed. Parents say girls were not supported in Council Rock In Council Rock, a girl came home from Newtown Middle School on March 17 and told her mother a classmate had created naked images of her. Im like, Excuse me? Nobody contacted me, said the mother, who requested anonymity to protect her daughters identity. She called the schools principal, who she said told her: Oh, my God, I meant to reach out to you. I have a list of parents, I just have not gotten to it you know, really downplaying it. The mother and other victims parents later learned that administrators were alerted to the images on March 14, when boys reported them to the principal. But instead of calling the police, the principal met with the accused boy and his father, according to parents. Police told parents they were contacted by the school five days later. The Newtown police did not respond to a request for comment. Mangold, the Council Rock spokesperson, declined to comment on the specific timing of the schools contact with police. Police ultimately obtained images after issuing a subpoena to Snapchat; in total, there were 11 victims, the parents said. Through the Snapchat data, police learned that a second boy was involved, the parents said, which made them question what was created and how far it spread. Parents said they believe there are more pictures and videos than police saw, based on what their daughters were told and because the delayed reporting to police could have given boys an opportunity to delete evidence. Thats kind of what the fear of our daughters is like, what was actually out there? said one mother, who also requested anonymity to protect her childs identity. Manuel Gamiz, a spokesperson for the Bucks County district attorney, said Newtown Township police had charged two juveniles with unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit material by a minor. Gamiz said the office could not provide further information because the case involved juveniles. Juvenile cases are not public, but victims parents said both boys were adjudicated delinquent. While the boys had been attending Council Rock North High School with their daughters, the district agreed to transfer both after their cases were resolved, according to a lawyer representing four of the parents, Matthew Faranda-Diedrich. How can you let this person be roaming the halls? said Faranda-Diedrich, who said it took formal demand letters in order for the district to transfer the boys. He accused the district of mishandling the incident and protecting the institution rather than the victimized girls. Theyre putting themselves above these students, Faranda-Diedrich said. Parents said school leaders warned their daughters against spreading rumors, and never sent a districtwide message about the incident. These girls were victims, one of the mothers said, and they were not supported. She and the other mothers who spoke to The Inquirer said the incident has deeply affected their daughters, from anxiety around what images may have been created and how many people saw them to a loss of trust in school leaders. Some of the girls are considering switching schools, one mother said. State law changes and a debate around education about deepfakes In Pennsylvania, AI-generated sexual images of minors are now classified as child sexual abuse material and people can also be charged with digital forgery for creating them. Those changes came in 2024 and 2025, after a scandal over deepfakes of nearly 50 girls at a Lancaster private school. Another bill that passed the state Senate unanimously in November would require school staff and other mandated reporters to report AI-generated explicit images of minors as child abuse closing what prosecutors had cited as a loophole when they declined to bring charges against Lancaster Country Day School for failing to report AI images to the police. That legislation is now pending in the House. Schools can also do more, said Faranda-Diedrich, who also represented parents of victims in the Lancaster Country Day School incident. He has pressed schools to conduct mandated reporter training for staff. By and large they refuse, he said. In Radnor, parents urged the school board at last weeks committee meeting to make changes. Luciana Librandi, a parent of a freshman who said she had been directly impacted by the misuse of generative AI, called for timelines for contacting police following an AI incident, safeguards during student questioning, and annual education for students and parents on AI. Others called for the district to communicate the criminal charge to families, to enforce existing policies against harassment, and to independently review its response to the recent incident. Radnor officials said they are planning educational programming on the dangers of making AI images without a persons consent. There is some debate on whether to teach children about nudify apps and their dangers, said Riana Pfefferkorn, policy fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, who has researched the prevalence of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Alerting kids to the apps existence could cause them to make a beeline for it, Pfefferkorn said. But widely publicized controversy over Elon Musks Grok AI chatbot producing sexualized images of women and children may have tipped the scale in favor of more proactive education, she said. While this isnt something that is epidemic levels in schools just yet, Pfefferkorn said, is this a secret we can keep from children? One of the victims parents in Radnor said education on the topic is overdue. Its clearly in school, the mother said. The fact theres no video being shown on the big screen in your cafeteria we dont live in that world anymore. A defiant Stephen Colbert blasted CBS on Monday for killing an interview with a Texas Democrat, blaming arcane rules being enforced by the Trump administration. He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our networks lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast, Colbert said of State Rep. James Talarico, who is running in the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas. Advertisement CBS issued a statement claiming they didnt prohibit him from running an interview. "The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico," the statement read. The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled. The Late Show decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options." The decision comes down to something known as the equal-time rule, a federal requirement put into law in 1934 that requires broadcast stations like CBS to provide comparable airtime to political opponents during an election. Cable networks like Fox News and Comedy Central, home to The Daily Show, are not bound to those rules, allowing them to be as partisan as they choose. News programs on broadcast TV (such as Meet the Press and Face the Nation) are exempt from the rule, and the Federal Communications Commission has not enforced it on late-night shows since 2006, when it ruled then-California gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzeneggers appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno qualified as a bona fide news interview. But that is changing under the Trump administration. FCC chairman Brendan Carr, who pressured affiliates to take ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air in September, issued a notice to broadcasters last month stating that late-night and daytime TV talk shows may no longer be exempt from the rule, claiming some were motivated by partisan purposes. The move was criticized by FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat appointed by former President Joe Biden, who called it an escalation in this FCCs ongoing campaign to censor and control speech. Colbert said CBS prohibited the interview with Talarico from airing Monday night. Instead, it was posted in its entirety on Colberts YouTube channel. At this point, [Carr has] just released a letter that says hes thinking about doing away with the exemption for broadcast for late night. He hasnt done away with it yet, Colbert said. But my network is unilaterally enforcing it as if he had. Talarico told Colbert that Trump and Republicans ran against cancel culture during the last election, but now the current administration is trying to control what we watch, what we say, what we read. And this is the most dangerous kind of cancel culture, the kind that comes from the top, Talarico said. Corporate media executives are selling out the First Amendment to curry favor with corrupt politicians. Bill Carter, who covered late-night television for decades at the New York Times and currently writes for the website LateNighter, called CBSs capitulation shameful, especially since the FCC has not moved yet to enforce the rule. Trumps intention is to mute free speech of his critics, and hes found the rule in the FCC and decided he can do this, Carter said. And hes got the broadcasters cowed a bit. Lets just call this what it is: Donald Trumps administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV, Colbert added. How was Josh Shapiro able to appear on Colberts show? Despite the FCCs threat to crack down on networks, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was able to appear on The Late Show last month, using his time to bash Trump immigration crackdown in Minneapolis as pure evil and Vice President JD Vance as a sycophant and a suck-up. So why didnt CBS ban Colbert from airing Shapiros interview? The FCCs equal-time rule applies strictly to a legally qualified candidate for any public office. Despite announcing his reelection campaign in Philadelphia on Jan. 8, Shapiro did not become an official candidate until Tuesday, when the states official filing period opened. It runs through March 10. Shapiro was able to appear not only on Colberts show, but also on ABCs daytime talk show The View, which has also found itself a target of the FCC under Carr. I think its worthwhile to have the FCC look into whether The View, and some of these other programs that you have, still qualify as bona fide news programs and therefore are exempt from the equal opportunity regime that Congress has put in place, Carr said in a September interview with conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings. Its also why U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoffs forthcoming interview with Colbert is still slated to air on the network Wednesday. While Ossoff (D., Ga.) has announced he is running for reelection in Georgia, the window for candidates to officially file paperwork for their primaries does not open until March 2. Neither CBS nor Ossoffs campaign has commented on the interview. The equal-time rule also applies to radio broadcasts, where conservative talk shows are among the most dominant formats and regularly feature Republican candidates for office during election years. Then-candidate Trump did multiple interviews on 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia during the 2024 election. Carr has said he does not plan to enforce a stricter equal-time rule on radio stations the way he has for television networks, claiming in a news conference last month there wasnt a similar bona fide news exemption being misconstrued on the radio side. FILE - Frederick Wiseman arrives at the 2016 Governors Awards, Nov. 12, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Read more Frederick Wiseman, 96, the renowned documentarian who chronicled life at Northeast Philadelphia High School in a 1968 film that caused a yearslong controversy in the city, has died. Zipporah Films, a company that has distributed Mr. Wisemans films for more than 50 years, confirmed the filmmakers death in a statement Monday. Advertisement Known for his direct cinema style, Mr. Wiseman started his career as a law professor at the Boston University Institute of Law and Medicine before turning to film. His lengthy filmography stretches back to 1967 with the release of Titicut Follies, a controversial expose focused on the treatment of the patient-inmates of Bridgewater State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Massachusetts. That film was banned in Massachusetts for more than two decades. His follow-up, 1968s High School, a foundational cinema verite documentary filmed at Northeast High School in Philly between the assassinations of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was similarly controversial. In fact, Northeast High leaders found it so incendiary that it did not receive a local premiere until 2001 32 years after its initial release for Mr. Wisemans fear of legal action. At 75 minutes, High School depicted what viewers at the time saw as a bleak vision of life at Northeast High. Contemporary reviews agreed, with Variety writing that it showed the school taught little but the dreary values of conformity, [and] blind respect for authority. Newsweek noted that the film showed high schools are prisons where the old beat down the young. In one scene, a guidance counselor tells a student they may not be college material. In another, a teacher tells a girl her legs are too fat for a dress she sewed. Another shows a dean shutting down a student who was complaining about unfairly receiving detention. As early as mid-1969, Mr. Wiseman refused to make a copy of the film available locally, citing legal repercussions, according to Inquirer reports from the time. The Philadelphia Board of Education, meanwhile, declared the documentary biased and demanded it be shown to students and faculty. High School, however, would not receive its first official local public showing until August 2001, at the Prince Music Theater. About 400 people attended, The Inquirer reported, most of whom were faculty or alumni of Northeast High. Five days later, it aired on the PBS series POV Classic. I took him to the annual press tour the year we aired High School and never had a funnier, more incisive companion to compare notes with on the state of cinema," said Cara Mertes, who was then the executive producer of POV Classic. He was perpetually young, incredibly smart, and did not suffer fools, and still he was always generous with his time and immense talent as one of Americas greatest chroniclers, in any medium. Ten years before, in 1991, High School was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It is everything you need to know about 1968 middle-class America in microcosm, Mertes said. So many scenes and characters have taken on iconic status. It captures the tectonic social shifts happening in the most ordinary of exchanges in the day-to-day of a touchstone of American life: the high school experience. Wiseman pulled a fast one on Northeast, said English department head Irene Reiter after seeing the film. It was a setup to attack the educational system. Former students, however, largely seemed to disagree. Andrea Korman Shapiro, a student featured in a scene in which a vice principal admonishes her for wearing a minidress to prom, called it accurate. [Its] a chronicle of the inner life of people not permitted to speak, she said. Even others who had more positive experiences at the school argued the films strengths outweighed its shortcomings. As Marilyn Kleinberg, a 1978 graduate, put it: It felt real to me, even though I had an excellent experience. Shapiro, meanwhile, said it would be wise to view High School as a trauma model. A trauma, if it doesnt get resolved, gets replayed and reenacted, she said. There needs to be some kind of learning to let it go. The year High School debuted in Philadelphia, Mr. Wiseman told Current, a nonprofit news organization associated with American Universitys School of Communication, that his concerns about legal action over the film were perhaps overblown. This was soon after the Titicut Follies case, and I didnt want another lawsuit on my hands, he said. Possible legal threats, he added, were merely the vague talk of no one particular individual. In 2016, Mr. Wiseman received an honorary Oscar at the 89th Academy Awards for his masterful and distinctive documentaries that examine the familiar and reveal the unexpected. Making films, he said in his acceptance speech, presented opportunities to learn something about a new subject. The variety and complexity of the human behavior observed in making one of the films, and cumulatively all of the films, is staggering, Mr. Wiseman said in the speech. And I think it is as important to document kindness, civility, and generosity of spirit as it is to show cruelty, banality, and indifference. The article has been updated with quotes from Cara Mertes. Ramadan is a month of spiritual renewal for Inquirer staff writer Hira Qureshi, who enjoys hosting an end-of-fast meal, known as an iftar, including by inviting friends for a potluck. Read more Every year, Ramadan seems to catch me by surprise. Maybe its because the month-long holidays start date fluctuates 10 to 12 days following the lunar calendar. Or maybe its my disbelief that another year has come and gone. No matter the reason, Ramadan always comes back around when I need it the most. For many Muslims, the holy month is one of spiritual renewal. Its a month where we get to practice patience, abstinence, gratitude, and charity. This year, the month of observance runs from the evening of Feb. 17 to March 19, which means no food and drink yes, even water for about 12 to 14 hours for 30 days. Advertisement The key is good food and community before and after fasting. And in Philadelphia, thats easy to find. Heres my guide to observing and celebrating Ramadan in the city I call home. What does it mean to fast for Ramadan? My day begins at 4 a.m. with suhoor, the meal that begins the fast. Typically, I roll out of bed and grab the first thing I can eat (a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, most days) and chug half a liter of water. Once the athan, or call to prayer, chimes on my phone close to 5:40 a.m., I abstain from eating and drinking until after the sun goes down. After sunset, I break my fast with a date a spiritual tradition rooted in teaching by the Prophet Muhammed then dinner and lots of water. Growing up, this end-of-fast meal, iftar, started with a quick snack that was followed by prayer and dinner. Now as an adult, Im making my own traditions and breaking my fast all in one go, then praying afterward. Where can you celebrate in community in Philadelphia? This year, Im meal-prepping to save money, making jars of oatmeal and smoothies to start my fast and keep me full and stocking frozen marinated meats to pull out and cook before the athan signals the end of the fast. But there are days when walking into the kitchen, let alone cooking, feels impossible. Thankfully, Philadelphia has a range of halal dining options I can rely on Im ordering hot chicken sandwiches or falafels for a quick solution. Phillys Muslim-owned restaurants are also celebrating with holiday buffets think chicken mandi and maqluba at Alamodak or chicken briyani and goat korma at Wah Gi Wah and special additions, like soups, samosas, and dates. There are 24-hour establishments to gather with friends for suhoor consider Plov House in the Northeast for fried meaty turnovers and sweet crepes or Liberty Bell Diner for pancakes, omelets, and waffles around the clock. But they are not the only ones offering spreads of delicious foods to break fast in community. When I moved to Philadelphia, iftars hosted by mosques were my North Star for finding community. I discovered a blend of Philly natives and immigrants from the citys Muslim diaspora, from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan, breaking fast together at mosques, kitchen tables, and 24-hour diners across the city. Ramadan isnt complete without a mosque iftar. You could also shake things up and embark on an all-night food crawl a ritual thats been a highlight of my Ramadan calendar for four years now. Each year, my friends and I travel to New York City for one night during the holiday month, exploring the citys late-night food scene from iftar to suhoor. Last year, I realized that it was possible to crawl in Philadelphia, too, even if Philly has only a few establishments open past midnight and a handful of 24-hour diners left. But, as we found out, Ramadan brings a different kind of energy to the night. What to do if you get invited to an iftar? Im a social butterfly, so hosting iftars is something Im quite good at. I love gathering my community to yap and munch. (Pro-tip: Take it easy and host a potluck unless youre insanely talented like my mom, who can still whip up a spread of perfect dishes for over 30 people while fasting.) One question I hear from my lovely non-Muslim guests: What do I do if I get invited to an iftar? The answer is simple. Eat, a lot. The joy of Ramadan hosting is spending time with loved ones over good food. Seeing my guests enjoy food and company makes the days fast worth it. If its a potluck, bring a dish you love to share. Thats what my very cool friend Kelsey McKinney did for an iftar I hosted last year. (Yes, I was fangirling that Phillys very own gossip queen came to my potluck!) A competitor on The Not-So-Great Defector Bake Off, McKinney baked a spiral pastry that looked like the sun and tasted like herby olives in buttery, flaky puff pastry. I could have rolled up with like a bag of delicious pistachios, and it would have been fine, McKinney wrote. But the bar for myself is so high! I wanted to bring something celebratory to the Hot Girl Iftar! Just remember: Dont bring alcohol, and use halal ingredients. And for any kitchen-shy non-cooks, you cant go wrong ordering a platter of viral crispy shawarma sandwiches from the TikTok famous Falafel Time or an assortment of laddoos, gajar ka halwa, and gulab jamun from Phillys many mithai (South Asian sweets) shops. GENEVA, Switzerland Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over the Islamic Republics disputed nuclear program. It was the first time Iran has announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the worlds oil passes, since the U.S. began threatening Iran and rushing military assets to the region. It was not immediately clear if the strait had been closed, but such a rare and perhaps unprecedented move could further escalate tensions that threaten to ignite another war in the Middle East. Advertisement As the talks began, Irans state media announced that Iranian forces had fired live missiles toward the strait and would close it for several hours for safety and maritime concerns. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meanwhile warned that the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet. U.S. President Donald Trump, who scrapped an earlier nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term, has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iranian diplomat sees new window in talks Irans foreign minister later adopted a different tone, expressing optimism about the talks and saying a new window has opened for reaching an agreement. We are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interests of relevant parties and the broader region, Abbas Araghchi told a U.N. disarmament conference after leading the Iranian delegation at the talks held in Geneva. He added that Iran remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression, and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders. He made no specific mention of the military drills or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump, who scrapped an earlier nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term, has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump has also threatened Iran over the killing of protesters. Vance says talks went well in some ways Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, led the U.S. delegation at the latest indirect talks, held inside the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva. Oman, a longtime regional mediator, had hosted an earlier round on Feb. 6. There was progress in the talks but many details remained to be discussed, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Iranian delegation said they would present more detailed proposals in the next two weeks to narrow gaps, the official said. In some ways, it went well, Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with Fox News Channel after he spoke with Witkoff and Kushner. But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through. The U.S. also hosted talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbor. Araghchi, who led the Iranian side, also said he met with Director-General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday in Geneva. The Iranian minister said they discussed the agencys role in helping to achieve an agreement. A live fire drill Iran said its Revolutionary Guard started a drill early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman, which are crucial international shipping routes. It was the second time in recent weeks that Iran has held a live fire drill in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran often carries out military drills in the strait that can impede maritime traffic, but the announced closure went a step further. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran last closed the strait during the war with Iraq in the 1980s, when it mined the waterway. He said the latest announcement was a clear message to the international community that any strike on Iran would have global impact. Khamenei meanwhile stepped up his warnings to the U.S. over its buildup of military forces in the region. Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship, Khamenei said, according to Iranian state TV. He also warned the U.S. that forcing the result of talks in advance is a wrong and foolish job. U.S. increases military presence Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, was being sent to the Mideast. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for three weeks. U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war. The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Irans nuclear program and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment on its soil or hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The U.S. and Iran were in the middle of months of meetings when Israels launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June halted the talks. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, likely destroying many of the centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Israels attacks decimated Irans air defenses and targeted its ballistic missile arsenal as well. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. This combo from images provided by the FBI shows surveillance footage at the home of Nancy Guthrie the night she went missing in Tucson, Ariz. , including a backpack sold only at Walmart. Read more Investigators working on the disappearance of Today show host Savannah Guthries mother are consulting with Walmart management to develop leads because a backpack the suspect was wearing is sold exclusively at the stores, the Pima County, Arizona, sheriff said Monday. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona 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. Advertisement The Federal Bureau of Investigation released surveillance videos of a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthries front door in Tucson the night she vanished. A porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a text message to The Associated Press on Monday that the 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack was the only clothing item that has been definitively identified. This backpack is exclusive to Walmart and we are working with Walmart management to develop further leads, Nanos said. The suspects clothing may have been purchased from Walmart but is not exclusively available at Walmart, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said in a statement Monday. This remains a possibility only. Investigators on Sunday announced that a glove discovered near the Guthrie home has been sent for DNA testing. The FBI said that it received preliminary results Saturday and was awaiting official confirmation. The development comes as law enforcement gathers more potential evidence and as the search for Guthries mother heads into its third week. Authorities previously said they had not identified a suspect. The FBI said the suspect in the surveillance footage is a man about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. Nanos said on Monday that members of Guthries family, including siblings and spouses, are not suspects. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case, Nanos said in a statement. 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. The Diocese of Camden has agreed to help pay $180 million to more than 300 people who said they were sexually abused by clergy members, the diocese and lawyers for the survivors announced Tuesday. If the arrangement is approved by a federal judge, it would represent one of the largest sex-abuse settlements involving the Roman Catholic Church in United States history. Advertisement The diocese had previously agreed to pay $87.5 million to people who sued over clergy sex abuse in South Jersey. But the arrangement announced Tuesday is considered a supplement to that settlement, officials said, and would include contributions from other church affiliates and insurance companies that had not yet agreed to resolve their roles in some complaints. The plan is subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Camden Bishop Joseph A. Williams said. If that happens, the money will be made available to resolve all claims of abuse. Williams called the potential resolution long overdue, adding: To each one of those survivors, I would like to say: Thank you for your courage in coming forward. Without your bravery and persistence, this new day would not have dawned. I am profoundly sorry for what you have suffered. Greg Gianforcaro, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, said: After decades of being ignored and dismissed, survivors of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Camden have finally reached a measure of accountability. Their persistence in standing up to those who harmed them made this moment possible. The development is the latest chapter in a long-running scandal that has had significant ramifications for the diocese, which serves nearly half a million Catholics in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. In 2020, it filed for bankruptcy protection after a new state law expanding the statute of limitation on sex-abuse claims led to dozens of lawsuits against the church. Some of the accusations dated back decades. Over the next several years, advocates accused the diocese of seeking to dodge accountability for its past misdeeds. And just last year, survivors said they were outraged that the diocese had been secretly opposing the state attorney generals attempt to empanel a grand jury to investigate decades of clergy abuse statewide. Williams who took over last spring as Camdens bishop ultimately reversed course on that issue, saying he wanted the diocese to work with prosecutors to help ensure a comprehensive and constructive investigation. The bankruptcy case, meanwhile, had been mired in litigation since 2024, when the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved a reorganization plan proposed by the diocese and a settlement committee that included its intent to pay survivors $87.5 million. But that total did not include money from insurance companies and other parties to certain lawsuits, who continued to hold out and litigate their roles in the matter. Tuesdays agreement, if approved, would end that ongoing stalemate, officials said. Trusha Goffe, one of the victims attorneys, said that there is no time frame by which the court must approve the deal but that, if approved, it would represent the final step in a long and hard-fought legal battle. This achievement belongs to the survivors, whose courage in endlessly standing up for truth and accountability is nothing short of triumphant, Goffe said. Williams, meanwhile, said he was profoundly sorry for what the victims had endured throughout the years, calling clergy abuse a grave sin and a devastating betrayal of the trust you placed in the church that you loved. I cannot remove the scars you carry nor restore the innocence you lost, he said, but on behalf of my predecessors and the faithful of Camden, I can say clearly and without reservation: We believe you, we are sorry, and we are committed to walking a different path going forward with you, God willing, at our side. New Jersey prosecutors are dropping racketeering charges against Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III, ending a high-profile case that law enforcement officials had framed as a reckoning on the states culture of corruption. Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, an appointee of Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill, will not appeal a January appellate court ruling that upheld a judges decision to dismiss charges against Norcross and five codefendants, the attorney generals office said Tuesday. Advertisement Davenport could have asked the state Supreme Court to review the Appellate Divisions decision, but prosecutors concluded that their resources would be best spent on other matters, Sharon Lauchaire, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, said in a statement. A three-judge panel said in a Jan. 30 decision that several of the racketeering conspiracy and extortion charges were time-barred under the statute of limitations. Other counts failed to state a crime, were untimely, or both, the panel said. Norcross, 69, is a former longtime member of the Democratic National Committee, founder of insurance brokerage Conner Strong & Buckelew, and chair of Cooper University Health Care. He was accused of using threats of economic and reputational harm and his purported control of Camdens government to obtain valuable property on Camdens waterfront from a developer and a nonprofit. His spokesperson on Tuesday portrayed the case against Norcross announced in June 2024 by then-Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin as a politicized abuse of the law similar to the Trump Justice Departments targeting of perceived enemies. We always knew that Matt Platkin brought this case for reasons other than its legal merits and now multiple judges and Platkins successor as AG agree the allegations simply werent true, Norcross spokesperson Dan Fee said in a statement. The question now is whether Platkins supporters who cheered him on will take a serious look at what he did and whether other authorities will do the same, he said. We will certainly be making the case that he and anyone else who used lawfare against George should be held to account, no differently than Pam Bondi and her DOJ should. Platkin, who was appointed to the post by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, has denied pursuing the case for political reasons. He noted on Tuesday that the case was presented to a grand jury by career prosecutors over several months. Out of respect for the men and women who do brave work holding corruption to account, I wont comment further other than to say I remain proud to have supported their efforts at a time when trust in government is at an all-time low and I will never apologize for believing that everyone should be held to the same standards, no matter how powerful they may be," Platkin said in a statement. Notwithstanding the decision to drop charges, Lauchaire said the attorney generals office remains committed to prioritizing public corruption prosecutions in this time of deepening mistrust in government. Wrongdoing by public officials undermines faith in our institutions, and the public rightfully demands and deserves that officials perform their duties with integrity and in accordance with the law, she said. We will never shy away from holding public officials accountable when they betray the publics trust and behave unlawfully. The prosecution faced an earlier setback last February, when a Superior Court judge found that the charges were not timely and said that even if the allegations in the indictment were proven true, they amounted to hard bargaining in real estate deals and did not cross the line into unlawful threats. Prosecutors appealed that ruling, arguing that the judge should review evidence presented to the grand jury before deciding whether the indictment was valid. The appeals court affirmed the trial judges order, though the panel focused on the statute of limitations violations and largely sidestepped the question of whether the threats underpinning the indictment met the legal requirements for alleging conspiracy to commit extortion. In addition to Norcross, prosecutors are dropping charges against his brother Philip Norcross, CEO of the law firm Parker McCay; attorney William Tambussi; former Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd; Sidney R. Brown, CEO of logistics firm NFI; and John J. ODonnell, an executive at residential developer the Michaels Organization. We are pleased and gratified that this misguided, baseless prosecution has been finally laid to rest, said Kevin H. Marino, a lawyer for Philip Norcross. Henry Klingeman, an attorney for Redd, said his client is relieved that this unjust and unnecessary ordeal is over. The former mayor has continued her unswerving commitment to bettering Camden, Klingeman said. Brown said he was innocent of these baseless charges and added that Tuesdays decision showed justice was carried out based on the facts. Since its inception, this case was unfounded and attacked those of us who believed in the future of a thriving Camden, the NFI CEO said in a statement. Tambussis lawyers, Jeff Chiesa and Lee Vartan, said their client engaged in the routine practice of law. They said Platkins attempted prosecution did damage to the profession and was rightly rejected by both courts. Subramanyam Vedam walks outside the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa, during a Feb. 6 hearing over new evidence uncovered in his 1983 murder case. Read more A Pennsylvania man who spent 43 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned only to be taken straight into immigration custody was denied bail Tuesday while he fights deportation. Subramanyam Vedam, 64, will remain in custody while he appeals a 1999 deportation order. The Board of Immigration Appeals agreed this month to hear his appeal based on what it called exceptional circumstances. Advertisement The Trump administration had initially pursued a quick deportation and moved Vedam to a detention center in Louisiana last fall, before two separate courts intervened. Vedams lawyer argued Tuesday that he would have likely been spared deportation and become a citizen if not for the murder case, given immigration laws in place at the time. Vedam would have left prison on a drug charge by 1992, lawyer Ava Benach said. It was delivery of LSD on a very small scale. This is not importing tons of cocaine, Benach said Tuesday. He is not a danger to the community. We are talking about offenses that occurred over 40 years ago. In August, a Pennsylvania judge threw out Vedams murder conviction in the 1980 death of a college friend, based on ballistics evidence that prosecutors hadnt disclosed during his two trials. Supporters listening in remotely to the bail hearing included a Centre County prosecutor and the mayor of State College, where Vedams late father was a renowned professor at Pennsylvania State University, Benach said. Immigration Judge Tamar Wilson, sitting in Elizabeth, N.J., said she believes detention to be mandatory given the felony drug conviction. Alternatively, she agreed with Department of Homeland Security officials who said he remains a safety risk. The fact hes been a model prisoner does not suggest that out in the general public hes going to be safe, Wilson said. Its not yet clear whether Wilson or another judge will hear the merits of the deportation case. No hearings have yet been scheduled. Subu is nothing if not resilient, and were resolved to emulate the example he sets for us by focusing on the next step in his fight for freedom. We continue to believe his immigration case is strong and look forward to the day we can be together again, said his sister, Saraswathi Vedam, calling him by a family nickname. She planned to bring him home when he was released from state prison on Oct. 3, only to see him taken into federal immigration custody. Vedam had come to the U.S. legally from India when he was 9 months old, when his parents returned to State College. He was someone whos suffered a profound injustice, Benach told the Associated Press last year. Those 43 years arent a blank slate. He lived a remarkable experience in prison. Vedam is being held at an 1,800-bed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in central Pennsylvania. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said of the case last year. Illustration of fried chicken. A reader asked Curious Philly why they saw so many chicken bones on Philly sidewalks. Read more As the cold thaws and the snow melts, one constant remains the same: There are chicken bones on the Philly streets. Time may be a flat circle, but that doesnt stop us from wondering why. A reader asked through Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for answering questions, why there are so many chicken bones on the sidewalks and streets of Philadelphia. Two architects appear to be behind Philadelphias chicken-bone temple. Advertisement First are animals, who forage through trash looking for the final scraps left on discarded bones. Whether they discover drumsticks by ripping through trash bags on the street or from dumpster diving, these animals likely drop the bones wherever they finish with them. The culprits most likely to blame are rats, followed by raccoons and opossums, said Rich Foreman, the owner of Dynamite Pest Control in West Philly. While its unclear if rats have a particular taste for fried chicken, the animals are among the least-picky eaters around and will take advantage of any food source, from human scraps to cannibalism. And Philadelphia is seemingly a good place to be a rat, being declared the eighth-rattiest city in the United States in 2025 by the pest-control company Orkin, measured by tracking its new residential rodent treatments. Foreman sees the chicken-bone problem all over the city, as with some restaurants in Port Richmond that called Dynamite when they saw their trash all over the street. He is confident animals were behind the mess, and said he has never seen humans do anything of the sort. Foreman said the citys twice-weekly trash pickup initiative has not helped, since it means an additional day of easily accessible trash on the street for animals. He said the best way for people to prevent critters from going into their garbage for bones is to get large, durable trash cans. And make sure you put the lid on it, he said. Scavenging animals was the conclusion that the Search Engine podcast reached in a 2024 episode investigating the cause of the chicken bones littering the streets of New York City. Other cities have reported the same problem, including Chicago, Miami, and Washington. And yet, anecdotal evidence from residents demonstrates that human activity clearly contributes to the problem. Jessica Griffith has become the David Attenborough of abandoned chicken bones, documenting and appreciating the beauty of what she encounters in the wild. More than 10 years ago, when she lived in South Philly, Griffith, 46, would notice the chicken bones frequently on walks with her dog. She started photographing them and posting the pictures to Facebook, finding the bones everywhere, including a pile on a SEPTA train. It was just bizarre to me. Just a phenomenon, she said. Her documentation gathered a following, and people started to send their own submissions. Griffith received pictures from all over the globe people in Seattle, Las Vegas, South Korea, Sweden, and the Dominican Republic all had their own pictures of discarded chicken bones to share. When Brian Love, 53, walks his miniature pinscher, Ziggy, through the Gayborhood, he often sees other people smiling at his dog. But then he realizes its because Ziggy is carrying a chicken bone in his mouth. Love has complained to his friends about constantly needing to tussle with Ziggy over what the dog sees as a treasure. He has watched people toss chicken bones on the ground, and recently came across a pile of four bones on a mound of snow. Love wishes his neighbors would just use trash bins. Its your food that youve literally just had in your mouth. Throw it in the trash, he said. Stephanie Harmelin, 43, has the same problem with her dog in West Philly, and she said she accepts the bony sidewalks as part of living in a city. She has seen aggressive squirrels rifling through trash, but also has come across bones at street corners and under park benches that appear to have been dropped by humans. She said part of the problem is educational. Once, Harmelin pulled her dog away from a bone on the street, and two fellow walkers asked her why. Harmelin explained how chicken bones are unsafe for most dogs to consume. Cooked bones splinter when a dog chews on them, and the sharp fragments may cause life-threatening damage as they pass through the dogs digestive track. One woman was shocked, and said she had not realized chicken bones were potentially dangerous to dogs when she had tossed them to the ground before. Harmelin has had similar conversations with others who were not aware of the hazards bones create. Now, she is less likely to be frustrated at whomever has dropped the chicken bone on her street corner. Were trying to assume what other people know and intend, but we cant, she said. Even if more people get the message, though, it appears you will still be as likely to find a chicken bone on the street as a fallen leaf. Although theyre a gross nuisance of a sidewalk adornment, Griffith doesnt really mind them. She said they are more of a curiosity that make Philly what it is, in a small way. I think its kind of endearing, she said. Settlements over lawsuits against Register of Wills John Sabatina and his predecessor, Tracey Gordon, have cost the city almost $1 million. Read more If Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council needed more convincing about why Philadelphia should no longer elect a register of wills, they now have $900,000 worth of reasons. That is the amount taxpayers have shelled out in recent years to settle lawsuits by former employees who refused to play the shopworn patronage game. Advertisement This appalling waste would not happen if the city stopped electing a register of wills. There is no logical reason for this to be an elected position. It is a back-office function that issues marriage licenses, probates wills, and maintains records of residents who got married and died. In most world-class cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, a clerk or court office handles these mundane tasks. But in Philadelphia, the register of wills stands as a relic from the citys corrupt and contented era of machine politics. The sooner the elected post goes away, the sooner Philadelphia can move into the modern era. The problem is that no elected official in a one-party town has the courage to do what is right by taxpayers and push to eliminate the so-called row offices, which include the register of wills and the sheriff, another elected post with a long history of corruption and inefficiency. READ MORE: As nonprofits face growing pains, the city must be careful with taxpayer money | Editorial Former Mayor Michael Nutter, who served from 2008 to 2016, was one of the few elected leaders in recent times who supported eliminating the row offices. He was successful in folding the obscure Clerk of Quarter Sessions office into the Philadelphia court system, but City Council refused to eliminate the other two row offices. In the past decade, there has been scant talk about reforming city government or increasing efficiency even as Philadelphias budget ballooned by roughly 75%. The register of wills stands as Phillys patronage poster child. For four decades, the office was run by Ron Donatucci and was staffed with ward leaders, committee members, friends, and family members connected to different power players in the Democratic Party. In 2019, Donatucci was defeated by Tracey Gordon, who previously ran for City Council, city commissioner, and state representative. Things didnt exactly improve. Gordon lasted only one term, but left taxpayers with a trail of lawsuits by former employees who said they were pressured to donate to her campaign. Last week, the city agreed to pay $250,000 to a former clerk who said he was fired for refusing to contribute $150 to Gordons campaign. Several other former employees received six-figure payments after filing similar complaints. Gordon told The Inquirer she did nothing wrong. READ MORE: Opening a burger place in Fishtown shouldnt be that hard | Editorial Gordon was defeated in the 2023 Democratic primary by John Sabatina Sr., a ward leader from the Northeast. He began swapping out old patronage hires for new ones, which led to more lawsuits. The city has paid out $256,000 in settlements to nine former register of wills employees who filed lawsuits alleging Sabatina fired them. Five cases are still pending, which means taxpayers will keep paying. This Editorial Board has long called for the elimination of the register of wills and the sheriffs office, moves that would save the city tax dollars and unending embarrassment. The Committee of Seventy and the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Agency both issued reports in 2009 calling for the elimination of row offices. (The title of one was Needless Jobs. The title of the other was A history we can no longer afford: Consolidating Philadelphias Row Offices.) But until voters demand change, the inefficient patronage system will grind on. Attorney Michael Coard, leader of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, speaks at the Presidents House site Monday, during the group's annual gathering for a Presidents Day observance. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the slavery exhibits that the National Park Service removed from the site last month. Read more For one day at least, Donald Trumps bigoted effort to whitewash history was foiled in Philadelphia. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the slavery exhibits that were removed last month from the Presidents House in Independence National Historical Park. Advertisement Fittingly, the legal rebuke came during Black History Month as Trump tries to rewrite Americas history of slavery, undermine voting rights, and rollback civil rights efforts designed to live up to the Founding Fathers vision of a country where all are created equal. Even better, the ruling came on Presidents Day, a federal holiday first set aside to honor George Washington, who voluntarily gave up power, unlike Trump, who was criminally indicted for trying to overturn an election he lost. In a poetic touch that feels conjured by Octavius V. Catto or William Still, the Trump administration lost in federal court on a lawsuit brought by the City of Philadelphia, which is headed by its first African American female mayor. The Presidents House exhibit was created to recognize the enslaved people who lived in Washingtons home in Philadelphia while he was president. Like the nearby Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the Presidents House is an essential part of American history. Trump wants to airbrush the parts of American history that do not fit with his racist record and white supremacist messaging. But understanding how slavery shaped the economic, social, and political forces across the United States is crucial to addressing the systemic racism and inequality that persists today. U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe called out Trumps cruel attempt to take the country backward in unsparing terms. She began her 40-page opinion by quoting directly from 1984, George Orwells dystopian novel about a totalitarian regime: All history was a palimpsest, scraped clean and reinscribed exactly as often as was necessary. In no case would it have been possible, once the deed was done, to prove that any falsification had taken place. She compared the Trump administrations claim that it can unilaterally remove exhibits it does not like to Orwells Ministry of Truth. As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwells 1984 now existed, with its motto Ignorance is Strength, this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts, Rufe wrote. It does not. Rufe, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President George W. Bush, did not buy the Trump administrations authoritarian argument. [T]he government claims it alone has the power to erase, alter, remove and hide historical accounts on taxpayer and local government-funded monuments within its control. She added: The government here likewise asserts truth is no longer self-evident, but rather the property of the elected chief magistrate and his appointees and delegees, at his whim to be scraped clean, hidden, or overwritten. And why? Solely because, as Defendants state, it has the power. Rufe dismissed those claims and ordered the federal government to restore the Presidents House Site to its physical status as of January 21, 2026, the day before the exhibits were removed. Initially, Rufe did not set a deadline to restore the displays. But she updated her order, requiring the exhibits to be restored by 5 p.m. Friday. The Trump administration will likely do everything it can to drag out a resolution. There is no time to waste in ending this racist charade. The country is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a national embarrassment that the Presidents House exhibits are missing while the city expects 1.5 million visitors this year. Philadelphia is the birthplace of America. It is here that the founders declared their independence from King George III. Their list of grievances against the king echoes some of Trumps abuses. Judge Rufes order struck a blow for telling the truth, something Washington would appreciate. It is not disputed that President Washington owned slaves, Rufe wrote. Each person who visits the Presidents House and does not learn of the realities of founding-era slavery receives a false account of this countrys history. Somewhere, the enslaved who labored at the Presidents House smiled. Say their names: Ona Judge, Hercules Posey, Moll, Giles, Austin, Richmond, Paris, Joe Richardson, Christopher Sheels, and William Lee. Maria Pascale and her sister Maria Durante sit in an exam room with Rutgers oncologist Christian Hinrichs. Read more Jefferson Health oncologist Jennifer Johnson had exhausted all the standard treatment options for her 49-year-old patient with esophageal cancer, who was likely to die within months. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy had kept the Northeast Philadelphia woman alive for six years after her diagnosis, but no longer were enough to stop her cancer from spreading. Advertisement Johnson knew her patient needed something novel. She recalled a presentation several years prior at a conference for head and neck cancers, where a doctor discussed an experimental treatment called T-cell receptor (TCR) therapy. This type of cancer immunotherapy works by engineering the immune system to fight cancer, and falls into the same family of treatments as CAR-T, or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, an approach pioneered at the University of Pennsylvania that has revolutionized treatment for blood cancers. She thought TCR therapys clever approach could work against solid tumors, where CAR-T had not been effective. I just remember sitting in the room and watching him present, thinking, Im gonna use that one day, the oncologist and cancer researcher recalled. As it would happen, the approach was being tested in a phase II clinical trial at Rutgers Cancer Institute against tumors just like her patients: metastatic cancers driven by a virus called human papillomavirus 16. One of the most common strains, HPV16 causes roughly half of cervical cancer cases worldwide, as well as cancers of the head and neck area, anus, and genitals. READ MORE: A virus gave a man an aggressive blood cancer. Philadelphia doctors want people to know about it. Cases that reach the metastatic stage like Johnsons patient often run out of treatment options. Whether T-cell receptor therapy would work was unknown, but the alternatives were expected to fail. Anything that you might offer them would definitely not be expected to make their cancer go away completely and do it for a long time, said Christian Hinrichs, the oncologist and scientist heading the trial whose presentation Johnson saw. But interim results from the first half of the trial showed improvement in six out of 10 patients, whose tumors at least partially shrank. And two of them had no evidence of cancer after treatment. Johnsons patient, Maria Pascale, was one of the two whose promising early results were presented at a medical conference and highlighted in a research abstract in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in November. She arrived at the health system in New Jersey in the summer of 2024 in such poor health that her lungs were starting to collapse. The therapy has enabled her to celebrate two birthdays, start martial arts classes, reunite with old friends visiting from Argentina, and see her 23-year-old son get engaged. Imagine the wedding, then later the grandkids, Im always thinking about [that], she said. What is a T-cell receptor therapy? In the immune system, T cells act as frontline defenders against viruses, bacteria, and other threats. Sometimes, these cells arent great at their jobs. In the face of cancer, T cells can become exhausted over time, and fail to recognize invaders or mount attacks. The idea behind immunotherapy is to transform these regular immune cells into cancer-fighting super-soldiers. The Rutgers approach, an engineered TCR therapy, involves collecting T cells from a patients blood and genetically engineering them to better target a cancer cell for attack. Afterward, the scientists grow more of the enhanced T cells in the lab and infuse them back into the patient. The prototype for this style of therapy is CAR-T, a treatment that has saved tens of thousands of lives since the first FDA approval in 2017. Scientists have not yet been able to replicate the therapys success in blood cancers in solid cancers, although some early stage trials have shown potential. TCR therapy is thought to be more promising against the latter cancer type which is whats being treated in the Rutgers trial due to differences in the way the engineered T cells identify cancer cells. Thats like going after its Achilles heel Carl June, Penn cancer scientist CAR-T therapy uses whats called a chimeric antigen receptor, a protein that recognizes a cell as cancer based on whats on the outside of the cell. Its like knowing youre at your friends house because of a specific doormat or set of house numbers on the exterior. TCR therapy uses whats called a T-cell receptor, which can recognize cancer cells based on whats inside the cell. Its like knowing youre at your friends house because you can see your friend inside. Sometimes cancer cells have more unique identifiable elements on the outside, but other times they dont. Imagine if multiple houses had the same doormat. That target would be on other cells that arent cancer cells and cause lots of toxicity, said Carl June, the pioneering cancer scientist at Penn who developed the first FDA-approved CAR-T therapy and was not involved in the Rutgers trial. READ MORE: Penns CAR-T pioneer Carl June talks about the future of his award-winning work to train the body to fight cancer Thats been the problem thats held back CAR-Ts use in solid tumors. The target in the Rutgers trial is a protein called HPV16 E7, found inside the cell. In tumors driven by the virus HPV16, it plays a key role in turning a cell into cancer. Thats like going after its Achilles heel, June said. Swarming the cancer Pascale first arrived at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Center City in 2018 after suffering injuries in a car accident. Doctors found a mass in the 43-year-olds neck that turned out to be cancer. Surgeons removed the mass, and she was fine until 2021 when doctors, including Johnson, found the cancer at the top of her esophagus. They treated her with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, which worked until March of 2022, when the cancer started appearing in Pascales lungs. All bets were off, Johnson said. Doctors gave Pascale chemotherapy and immunotherapy over the next couple of years, but in the spring of 2024, she developed an allergy to one of her chemotherapy drugs. Around the same time, the cancer spread to the skin on Pascales back. Thats when Johnson transferred her care to Hinrichs team at Rutgers. Pascale started preparations for the treatment in July 2024, spending a couple weeks in the hospital. The Rutgers team took T cells from her blood, gave her chemotherapy to knock her immune system down, and then transfused the engineered cells back into her body. Within 48 hours, Pascale started feeling horrible. It was painful. It was my whole body, like I had pneumonia, she said. She had trouble breathing as the cells fought the cancer in her lungs. Hinrichs described it as the T cells swarming the cancer, leading to an inflammatory reaction. The same thing occurred on her back. When Pascales sister came over, she saw one of the tumors in her skin was suddenly the size of a lemon. Another one appeared red and felt like someone was burning a cigarette on her back. The pain continued for three days, and then she felt well enough to go home. Pascale and her sister could see and feel the nodules on her back get smaller, until eventually they were gone. Roughly five months later, Pascales scans showed no evidence of cancer. As of last month, a year and a half after she received the treatment, that was still true. Whats three days of pain compared with the opportunity that I have to live a lot of beautiful things with my family and friends? Pascale said. The future of the treatment Hinrichs said his team is working to figure out why two of the patients, including Pascale and a patient with anal cancer, responded better to the treatment. He cautioned that its too early to draw sweeping conclusions since the sample size is small. (Researchers will seek to recruit another 10 patients for the ongoing trial.) The patients who had complete responses will need follow-up scans every few months to make sure their cancers have not returned. It will still take years to finish evaluating safety and efficacy. Treatments tested in clinical trials often do not advance to become standard practice. June, the Penn scientist, called the trials early results promising and noted that there werent any major safety problems reported. Adverse effects seen in the trial were mainly those caused by the chemotherapy. However, the drawback of using TCR therapy is that patients need a certain genetic background for it to work, June said. This is similar to how not every organ donor would be a good match for a recipient. The genetic profile chosen for the Rutgers therapy is the most common in America. However, it is less common in Black and Asian people compared to white people. Scientists hope it could one day be possible to manufacture the therapy with a warehouse approach, where TCR therapies that work across genetic backgrounds could be mixed and matched. Its a practical issue that the drug companies face, June said. CAR-T, in comparison, can be used more broadly across different genetic backgrounds. What matters most, since the treatment is expensive to make, is that the responses hold up over time, June said. (The TCR therapys cost has not yet been set, Hinrichs said, since it is currently manufactured individually for each patient.) If theyre long lasting, then its really going to be a huge advance because nothing else works in the patients hes treated, June said. At Jefferson, Johnson is cautiously optimistic about the treatment that has kept her patient alive. If the therapy makes it through the rest of the trial process and proves effective, she hopes it could become another thing in our armamentarium against this type of cancer. (A type that doctors would hope to see less of since the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2006.) I cant tell you how wonderful it is to have a patient responding and living well when you saw things going the wrong way, Johnson said. Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify where the research has been presented and a reference to the prevalence of the genetic profile used in TCR therapy. By Eldaniz Gusseinov & Sardor Allayarov, Following the conclusion of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, three key trends are likely to shape the South Caucasus within broader global geoeconomic processes. Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan may facilitate the emergence of the South Caucasus as a more integrated regional entity, rather than three distinct states occupying a shared geographic space. The regions future can be understood through three interrelated dynamics: the expansion of overland infrastructure, intensified competition for markets, and increasing complexity in its geoeconomic architecture. BACKGROUND: An initialed peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was announced on August 8, 2025, under U.S. mediation, formally ended the protracted conflict and aimed to normalize bilateral relations. Despite sharing a common geographic space, the South Caucasus states differ markedly in their political, economic, and security orientations, which has historically constrained regional integration. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) while simultaneously expressing aspirations for EU membership. Georgia has maintained a broadly pro-Western orientation, though less pronounced than in the past, whereas Azerbaijan prioritizes integration within the Organization of Turkic States. At the same time, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have expressed interest in joining the SCO. Additionally, Azerbaijan has attained permanent status among the consultative meetings of the Central Asian heads of states. Similar processes can be observed in Central Asia, where the resolution of several border disputes enabled intensified cooperation through the integration of transport routes and energy hubs. Comparable developments may emerge in the South Caucasus, as border openings are likely to necessitate infrastructure expansion, followed by the harmonization of tariffs and customs procedures. IMPLICATIONS: At the initial stage, the institutionalization of meeting formats among South Caucasus leaders is likely to occur, both within a trilateral framework and through a 3+3 format involving other key regional actors. The Central AsiaSouth Caucasus format also appears promising, as the two regions are increasingly interconnected through the development of transport corridors. The first trend is the growing demand for overland transport corridors driven by increased tensions between China and the U.S. Following significant progress in the normalization of ArmenianAzerbaijani relations, the South Caucasus, together with Central Asia, is likely to be perceived by Beijing as a relatively stable region for investment. In Central Asia, the development of overland routes is already well advanced. Kazakhstan, for example, has launched the second track of the 836-km DostykMoyinty railway, increasing capacity fivefold to 60 pairs of trains per day. With a cost of nearly US$ 1 billion, it is the largest railway project undertaken since independence and a key enhancement of ChinaEurope transport connectivity. However, Chinas westward transport expansion through Central Asia and the South Caucasus will also underscore the need for enhanced security cooperation. In this context, Beijing may seek deeper engagement within the SCO, potentially conflicting with Georgias and Armenias aspirations to strengthen cooperation with NATO and with Azerbaijans efforts to advance the military dimension of integration within the Organization of Turkic States. Kazakhstan became the second country after Russia to utilize the opening of transit routes to Armenia via Azerbaijan. The new corridor (Kazakhstan/RussiaAzerbaijanGeorgiaArmenia) reduces logistics costs and enables regular deliveries, with Kazakhstan planning to transport up to 20,000 tons of grain per month. In parallel, construction of the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway is advancing rapidly. These dynamics are likely to extend to the South Caucasus as China and the EU seek to expand overland connectivity to facilitate trade and access stable markets. This process will further link Central Asia and the South Caucasus and will require enhanced coordination to improve connectivity among major economic centers, giving rise to a second trend: the increasing complexity of the regions geoeconomic architecture. Despite these developments, the South Caucasus continues to consist of three states sharing a common geographic space but pursuing distinct foreign policy orientations. A comparable situation previously existed in Central Asia and did not prevent regional consolidation, as multiple institutional platforms were leveraged to advance regional interests. Similarly, the EAEU can support trade with Russia, the SCO can provide additional security frameworks for transport corridors, and both the EU and China can serve as key financiers of transport infrastructure. The third and most significant trend is that the opening of transport links in the South Caucasus will further liberalize the market and intensify competition. For Armenia, this is likely to result in more active competition between Russian and European food producers. Modeling-based studies suggest that Russias effective market share will decline as Armenias borders open, with Europe and Turkey gaining ground. The central challenge will be to maximize the benefits of this competition by creating conditions that allow actors who compete bilaterally to nonetheless engage in trade and pursue joint projects within the South Caucasus. Armenias largest solar power plant, Masrik-1, with a capacity of 62 MW, was developed by FRV and commissioned in June 2025 in the Gegharkunik region, supplying clean energy to more than 21,000 households. The project was financed with support from international banks and an EU grant, while the main construction works were carried out by the Chinese state-owned corporation CMEC. This project represents one of the clearest regional examples of cooperation among competing powers and may serve as a model for other South Caucasus states. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia constitutes a critical turning point for the South Caucasus, positioning the region as an increasingly important transit and connectivity hub linking Central Asia, Europe, and East Asia. The regions future trajectory will be shaped by its capacity to manage a more complex geoeconomic architecture involving multiple external actors with overlapping interests. Divergent foreign policy orientations among regional states may create opportunities to leverage a wide range of institutional platforms and investment sources. Ultimately, the impact of the peace agreement will depend on whether the regional states can translate improved connectivity and heightened competition into cooperative economic projects. The long-term success of the regionalization process will therefore hinge on the ability of regional states to manage diversity in external partnerships by preventing geopolitical competition from obstructing economic cooperation. If effectively managed, the South Caucasus can move beyond a legacy of protracted conflict and emerge as a stable, competitive, and strategically significant component of broader Eurasian geoeconomic processes. AUTHORS BIO: Eldaniz Gusseinov is a Head of Research and o-founder at the political foresight agency Nightingale Int. and a non-resident research fellow at Haydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies of the Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul. Sardor Allayarov is an International relations expert with a research focus on theories of international relations, international order, China, Eurasia, and foreign policy. He currently serves as a Research Assistant at Urgench State University in Uzbekistan. A former high-ranking official in the New York Police Department has been charged with accepting $35,000 in cash, luxury travel perks and other bribes from a Florida businessman seeking to sell panic buttons to the citys public schools and police. In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the NYPDs School Safety Division. The company markets its product as a mobile panic alert system used for mass shootings and other emergencies. In exchange, the companys founder, Gene Roefaro, showered Taylor and his romantic partner with gifts including luxury hotels and airfare to the Bahamas and Las Vegas, helicopter tours, tickets to Broadway musicals and a medieval-themed dinner theater along with multiple cash payments, prosecutors said. Taylor pleaded not guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges on Thursday. An emailed inquiry to his attorney was not returned. Roefaro is also facing charges, including bribery and wire fraud. He has not yet entered a plea. An attorney for Roefaro said it was puzzling and deeply concerning that the United States Attorneys Office has chosen to pursue charges against Geno, while at the very same time, alleging and seeking to prove that he was the victim of an extortionate shakedown. The charges are the latest allegations of corruption and favor-trading lodged against officials appointed by the citys former mayor, Eric Adams, who faced his own indictment in a separate bribery scheme that also involved luxury travel gifts. While the case against Adams was later abandoned by the Trump administration, at least some of the probes into his inner circle remain active, including an ongoing bribery case involving his former chief advisor. In recent weeks, federal prosecutors have announced bribery charges against two other NYPD officers and a former housing official under Adams. The investigation into SaferWatch first emerged in September 2024 as part of a sprawling federal probe into the Adams administration. The company was one of several to hire a consulting firm run by the brother of two top Adams officials, both of whom resigned after their homes were searched by federal authorities. Federal prosecutors allege that in 2023 Taylor helped secured a no-bid contract to pilot Roefaros products within the command center of the NYPDs school safety division. But as the police official struggled to expand the program, Roefaro grew frustrated, at times describing himself as a sugar daddy who had made a MAJOR investment and zero return, according to the indictment. Its been fun, but its not fun or funny anymore, Roefaro allegedly texted Taylor in late 2023. Our company (ME) needs to report something real and significant that is in place prior to end of year. Days later, Taylor tried to put together a press conference to announce his division would be procuring a tip line from Roefaros company, prosecutors said. But that event was later cancelled. During roughly the same time, Taylor was also attempting to solicit $75,000 in bribes from two businessmen involved in a company that sold bullet-resistant vests to police, according to the indictment. Both men declined his solicitations, prosecutors said. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics K-12 Sao Paulo, one of the worlds largest metropolitan areas housing 21 million people, is living through its largest climate-induced stress test in more than a decade as deadly flash floods collide with a severe drought. Water in the regions largest reservoir network is hovering at 32%, the lowest since the region endured its worst water crisis in 2014 and 2015, and is due to dip lower as the dry season approaches. Meanwhile, the Brazilian city has been battered in recent weeks by intense storms that have killed four people, including an elderly couple whose car was swept away by rushing water. Whats behind all of this is climate change, derived not only from global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, but also from land use change, said Marcelo Seluchi, a meteorologist from Brazils National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, also known as Cemaden. The federal agencys data shows that precipitation levels have been falling since the 1960s in much of Brazil, coinciding with widespread deforestation in the central area and in the Amazon. A forested area evaporates four times more water than pasture, said Seluchi. This moisture is a fundamental input for causing rain, along with that which comes from the ocean. On the other hand, rising temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture. That saturated air releases far greater amounts of water in a short time when it rains, producing intense downpours and flash flooding, he said. The unfolding crisis in Sao Paulo is shaping up to be the citys largest since a historic drought over a decade ago nearly crippled water supplies for Brazils economic engine, home to about 10% of the countrys population Back then, the Cantareira reservoir system operated under varying restrictions for almost 600 days, impacting millions of people. Several neighborhoods only received water for two to three days a week due to rotating cuts and had to resort to water trucks. Impoverished areas in the outskirts, where water tanks are a luxury, suffered the most. The crisis affected everything from restaurants to factories, some of which were forced to halt production. Several companies and condominium complexes resorted to drilling their own wells. Drought-related losses totaled $5 billion in 2014 alone, ranking as the worlds fifth-costliest natural catastrophe that year, according to a report by insurer Munich Re. Now, parts of the city are experiencing similar strains. Pedro Facchini owns a burger shop at the iconic Paulista Avenue, located in one of Sao Paulos most affluent neighborhoods. The water cuts off at 10 p.m. every day, but his business continues to operate for another hour and a half. He cant install a water tank because the restaurant is located inside a gallery. In the days I cant store water to wash the dishes, I have to stop serving and lose revenue, Facchini said. Cemaden estimates that the Cantareira system, which supplies water for up to 9 million people, will face restrictions for the rest of the year. If rainfall remains low, Sabesp, Latin Americas largest water utility, might have to once again tap so-called dead storage water sediment-filled pools below the pipes that were used for the first time during the 2014-2015 crisis. Even when it does rain in Sao Paulo, theres no guarantee that more water will be collected because the Cantareira system is located quite a distance from the city. Last week, the state government launched a campaign across television, radio and social media urging residents to take shorter showers and repair water leaks. The ad reminded residents that even when it rains, sometimes not a single drop reaches the reservoirs. The metropolis paved surfaces present another risk when the clouds finally open up. Over the weekend, heavy rains caused more flash flooding, leaving several streets and avenues impassable and causing a small river to overflow. Thousands of people attending pre-Carnival celebrations had to walk home with their feet in floodwater. Since August, Sao Paulos utilities regulator has instructed Sabesp to reduce nighttime water pressure to limit losses from the systems extensive underground leaks. The effects are felt most acutely in poorer, outlying neighborhoods and higher-elevation areas, such as Paulista Avenue, where taps often run weak or dry altogether. Ilana Ori, a student and climate activist who lives in the citys eastern outskirts, says that she has had to heat up water in the stoveand take bucket baths for weeks now. Her house has a water tank, but it isnt connected to the bathroom. The water usually stops flowing around 9:30 p.m., but there have been days with no supply at all, she said. Rather than measures that hit the poorest, authorities should support the most vulnerable and curb water use by the most privileged. Sabesp said in October that it would install water tanks free of charge in low-income homes that lack proper storage. But Ori said she was unaware of the program and didnt know anyone who had benefited from it. The utility has invested in several infrastructure projects to alleviate water shortages since the last water crisis, according to Samanta Souza, its director of institutional relations and sustainability. These include a connection to the Paraiba do Sul river basin, which helps replenish the Cantareira, and the creation of the Sao Lourenco system, now the seventh water-supply source serving Sao Paulo. As a result, more water is available than in the past, Souza said. Its as if our glass of water is larger today than it was in 2014, she said. We are ready to face a situation like 2014. Sabesp, which was privatized in 2024, plans to invest almost $1 billion in improving equipment over the next two years and to speed up reforestation to create a green belt around Cantareira. To tackle the chronic problem of water loss, its replacing aging infrastructure and installing 4 million smart meters that allow consumption monitoring every hour via a mobile app to more easily detect leaks. Sao Paulo states public utilities regulator said it is closely monitoring the situation. Luz Adriana Cuartas, a researcher at Cemaden who has monitored the Cantareira system since the last major drought, argues that a rationing scheme should have been in place since December. The integrated metropolitan system, which gathers all seven sources, is currently operating at about 43% of capacity. When conditions become extremely critical, the most responsible course of action is to operate the system as if the worst-case scenario were already in effect, she said, precisely to prevent it from happening. Photograph: Dry land cracks along the Jacarei River Dam, part of the Cantareira reservoir system, in Joanopolis, Sao Paulo state. Photo credit: Victor Moriyama/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Flood The Paris public prosecutor has opened five investigations into baby milk brands distributed by Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio and La Marque en moins after contamination with toxin cereulide, it said on Friday [Feb. 13]. Cereulide, which can cause nausea and vomiting, has been detected in ingredients from a supplier in China for several infant formula makers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis, triggering precautionay recalls in dozens of countries, including France, and raising concerns among parents. The Paris prosecutors office decided to take up the case due to the large number of complaints filed nationwide and the technical nature of the investigations, it said in a statement. It also received a complaint filed by the association Foodwatch and complaints from eight individuals whose families reported vomiting after their children consumed infant formula, the prosecutor said. Danone declined to comment on the matter. The other companies mentioned by the prosecutor did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside office hours. The new investigations covered potential offenses including fraud concerning goods that pose a danger to human health, and failure by a food business operator to implement a withdrawal for a product harmful to health, the prosecutor said. Investigations were continuing by local prosecutors in the French towns of Angers, Bordeaux and Blois into the deaths of three infants and whether there is a causal link with the consumption of contaminated infant formula, it added. One of the babies, who died in the town Pessac in southwestern France, had been fed with Guigoz powder milk made by Nestle, the Bordeaux prosecutor has said. Nestle, which stresses that food safety is its top priority, has noted there is nothing at this stage that indicates any link between these tragic events and the consumption of its products. In an update on Wednesday, Frances health ministry had said no link had been established so far between recalled formula and the three deaths. In 14 hospitalizations suspected of being linked to the recalls, consumption of recalled formula had been confirmed in eight cases but a causal link to cereulide has not been established, the ministry said, adding the infants concerned had returned home. The European Food Safety Authority, meanwhile, has set a threshold for cereulide levels, prompting some producers to withdraw more products. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Gianluca Lo Nostro, Jean-Stephane Brosse, Sybille de La Hamaide, Gus Trompiz and Alexander Marrow; editing by Louise Heavens and Diane Craft) Related: A UK litigation funder is seeking fresh capital less than six months after it liquidated a key fund, the latest twist for a firm thats navigated a bumpy year. Katch Investment Group is raising new money for its open-ended Katch Legal Lending Fund, targeting a 20% annual return, according to a pitch deck seen by Bloomberg News. The funds proceeds will be used to finance litigation including a 250 million ($341 million) lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. on behalf of thousands of Londons black-cab drivers. In the growing market of litigation funding, investors pay the legal costs of a lawsuit in exchange for a portion of any settlement, essentially betting on the outcome of cases. The push for new money comes as Katch winds down KLIF, a separate 422 million fund that financed claims by UK consumers in a long-running car finance misselling case. Katch wrote down the value of the fund when it became clear that payouts were going to be much smaller than expected, before halting redemptions in September, letters to investors show. Overall, lenders last year were told by the UKs Financial Conduct Authority to pay 8.2 billion in compensation far short of the 30 billion initially expected. The KLIF fund has had no new investors for almost a year and is going through a voluntary self-liquidation process, a spokesperson for Katch said, adding that this doesnt mean its underlying investments are being liquidated and the firm intends to meet any outstanding obligations. Those choosing to invest separately in the Katch Legal Lending Fund are investing in an entirely different vehicle, the spokesperson said. Binary Outcomes Litigation finance firms say the industry helps individuals bring lawsuits against large corporations, while investors can be attracted by the prospect of a big payout and the fact that returns arent correlated to other assets. But bets are risky, with the entire investment often hinging on a binary outcome and cases sometimes dragging on for years. For Katch, the fund liquidation is the latest among several recent challenges. The firm was one of the funders behind Sheffield-based SSB Law and Liverpool-based McDermott Smith Law, both of which collapsed into administration in 2024. And the motor-finance saga is still playing out. The FCA is investigating the Katch-backed claims management firm The Claims Protection Agency Limited for its advertising and sales tactics. The FCA has not reached any conclusions. The TCPA did not respond to a request for comment. The litigation finance industry has always been about managing complex risks and experienced investors understand this, said Nick Rowles-Davies, chief executive officer of legal finance platform Lexolent. Those backing a new Katch fund would likely have conviction based on due diligence, not naivety. Katchs new fundraising partly reflects the tension between risks and opportunities in the industry after a difficult year for many firms, amid delayed payouts in some big cases and an unpredictable regulatory backdrop. Unlike mainstream funders that back big-ticket commercial disputes, Katch built a large part of its business lending to UK law firms processing large volumes of consumer claims. It shifted that strategy in the wake of the motor finance ruling, telling investors in a letter that it is now focusing on financing portfolios of commercial claims. Commercial Claims Still, even commercial claims come with high risk. Funder Burford Capital Ltd. prevailed in the courts in 2023 in a case relating to the nationalization of Argentine oil company YPF SA, putting it on track for a $16 billion settlement. But payment has since been held up in US courts, and the companys shares fell 36% in London trading last year. And perhaps the most well-known example of distress in the industry is Pogust Goodhead, the London-based firm backed by Gramercy Funds Management that funded claims against BHP Group Ltd. over a 2015 Brazilian dam disaster. While a judge decided against BHP last year, a ruling on compensation is still pending. In the meantime, Pogust Goodhead lost almost 400 million in two years. Read more: BHP Refused Permission to Appeal UK Judgment Over 2015 Brazil Dam Collapse Despite these challenges, the industry seems to be growing, with the current $17.5 billion global market opportunity projected to exceed $67 billion by 2037, according to an estimate from legal research company Chambers and Partners cited in Katchs pitch deck. And some see the possible payoff as worth the risk. Entrepreneur Invest, a French asset manager thats also pitching investors with Katchs new fund, sees an attractive opportunity in legal funding, especially in the UK. Katch was identified as one of the leading and most established performers in the sector, a spokesperson for EI said. Photograph: The skyline of the City of London. Photo credit: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Auto A category of insurance risk that hardly existed a little over a decade ago has morphed into a meaningful source of losses for the industry. Claims tied to SRCC strikes, riots and civil commotion are emerging as a growing headache for insurers as episodes of unrest increasingly lead to the destruction of property in Western democracies. Howden Re estimates that insured losses related to SRCC soared from negligible levels in 2013 to more than $8 billion between 2020 and 2024. SRCC losses are prone to huge swings between years, with single events often changing the landscape significantly. After relatively few claims globally in 2025, Howden Re told Bloomberg its now expecting the US to see a clear increase in SRCC losses this year. We live in a time of heightened risk, said David Flandro, head of industry analysis and strategic advisory at Howden Re. And the flare-ups making news headlines in the US are clearly indicative of a broader trend, he said. Civil unrest is on the rise globally, a development that has coincided with a measurable increase in levels of inequality and polarization in some of the worlds richest countries. In most Western nations, for example, the majority of citizens no longer expect to see any growth in generational wealth, according to the Pew Research Center. Rising political division is adding to SRCC risks in both Europe and the US, according to Verisk Maplecroft. However, the sharpest increase in protest sizes is taking place in the US, Verisk said in December. Read more: Predictive Model Delivers Insights as Insurers, Reinsurers Brace for More Civil Unrest When it comes to ranking countries with the greatest SRCC risk, the US is the No. 1 Western democracy and sits at No. 5 overall, putting it ahead of Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, according to first-quarter data provided by Verisk Maplecroft. France ranks seventh. SRCC models take into account not just the risk of unrest, but also the cost of replacing property thats damaged. Its fair to say that the SRCC risk landscape has fundamentally changed, said Torbjorn Soltvedt, associate director of political violence at Verisk. For a long time, insurers have offered protection against SRCC at no extra cost. However, elevated risk environments mean this is becoming less common and property insurers have begun excluding or restricting cover for SRCC from their policies, according to Cara Brown, deputy head of terrorism and political violence at insurer Chubb. SRCC coverage is generally bolted on to other insurance policies, though theres evidence that the rise in such risks is prompting companies to start seeking specific cover. At the same time, Howden Re said already back in 2023 that insurers were starting to charge significant additional premiums for SRCC coverage, with retail assets among the most affected. Over two-thirds of multinational corporations already use political risk modeling tools, a trend Howden Re says is rising. And in 2024, Lloyds of London the 338-year-old insurance market assigned SRCC risk its own code. In 2025, Verisk released its first SRCC catastrophe model, focused on the US market. Reinsurer Swiss Re says it received only a couple dozen SRCC claims in the early 2000s and that number gradually increased into the hundreds. We have continued to see a couple hundred per year in recent years, which is indicative of the market trend. A Changing US In the US, several data-tracking services show that the number of political protests is on the rise. Meanwhile, perceptions of the US are changing, says Stephen M. Davis, senior fellow at Harvard Law Schools program on corporate governance and co-founder of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Viewing the US as a safe haven is a thing of the past, he said. Thats because theres a policy volatility that now exists, which can be seen internally as well as externally. Its a sentiment thats been playing out in markets, as some institutional investors in Europe look for ways to reduce their exposure to the US. For insurers, calculating reliable loss risks is proving hard to model and Soltvedt notes that protests dont always lead to property damage. For example in Minnesota, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers killed two US citizens, protesters have conducted themselves in a way thats resulted in limited direct impacts on commercial property or private property so far, he said. The Trump administration is now retreating from its immigration-enforcement blitz in Minnesota, pulling back after more than two months of operations. But given the overall pace of growth in SRCC, the probability that a single event might result in more than $5 billion of losses can no longer be ignored, according to Verisk Maplecroft. In some areas, SRCC loss risks may even exceed those brought on by natural catastrophes, it said. SRCC as a standalone insurance product used to be a very niche, small class of business, said Srdjan Todorovic, head of political violence and hostile environment solutions at Allianz Commercial. But a number of big events in recent years hit the industry pretty badly and sobered up the market. Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Texas top lawyer is taking a manufacturing company to court, saying its Bastrop plant smells like boiling blood, and even death and is making life miserable for people as far as 10 miles away. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit this month against Darling Ingredients, Inc., an Irving-based company that turns used cooking oil, food waste and inedible animal parts into animal feed and fertilizer. According to the lawsuit, odors coming from the facility have been described by residents as smelling like dog food, cooked grease and burning feathers. The attorney generals office says those smells are harmful. The lawsuit claims emissions from the rendering plant are interfering with residents health and their ability to enjoy places nearby and their land. Jillian Fleming, the companys global communications director, wrote in an email that Darling is committed to being a good neighbor and protecting the health and safety of our employees and the communities where we operate. Fleming also pointed to a website where Texans can learn more about the companys ongoing efforts to address community concerns in the region. Darlings Bastrop facility processes poultry byproducts like raw chicken, blood, and feathers, along with used grease. The state argues those operations have created ongoing odor problems that violate state air quality laws. The case was brought at the request of the states environmental regulator, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and is meant to enforce the Texas Clean Air Act, which the lawsuit states treats strong odors as air contaminants when they affect public health and quality of life. Since October, hundreds of complaints from nearby residents have been filed to TCEQ. One person described the smell as festering dog vomit on fire, adding that theyd rather smell burning tires than the odors coming from the plant. Regulators also believe the facility may be releasing excessive levels of hydrogen sulfide, a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas known for its smell of rotten eggs. TCEQ has documented multiple environmental violations and previously ordered Darling to submit plans to control the odors. The lawsuit says the company failed to follow through. In addition, the state alleges Darling hasnt properly maintained its equipment and hasnt kept required records. Texans should not be forced to endure offensive and harmful odors in their own communities, especially when a company is failing to comply with the standards required by law, Paxton said in a press release. Darling must not sacrifice the quality of life of Texas citizens for its production goals, the statement added. My office will ensure that violations of Texas law are brought to an end and that the safety and livelihood of surrounding neighborhoods are protected. The state is seeking civil penalties that could range from less than $250,000 to more than $1 million. Its also asking that the company fix the problems by stopping the odors immediately, complying with all environmental permits and installing real-time hydrogen sulfide monitoring. This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune. Topics Lawsuits Texas Manufacturing Insureds cannot rely on the word of an insurance adjustereven one hired by the insurerto show that a homeowners policy covers sewage backup, a federal appeals court said in a case that underscored the sanctity of policy exclusions but also raised questions. While we respect the unfortunate nature of events presented in this case, we may not allow (the adjusters) statements while confusing and frustrating for the Coopers [to] create coverage where none exists, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in Cooper vs. State Farm Fire & Casualty. The scenario could scarcely have been more disgusting for the Coopers, who lived in Canton, Mississippi, near the state capital of Jackson. In 2022, the family returned from choir practice to find sewage bubbling up through their shower and tub drains into several rooms of their 4,600-square-foot house, a house that had been built only three years earlier, the court explained. The couple called a restoration company and notified State Farm. The Coopers had purchased a homeowners policy, which excluded coverage for sewage from outside the premises plumbing system. They also had added an endorsement that covered sewer backups, but only up to 5% of Coverage A. According to the homeowners and their attorneys, the adjuster initially sent by State Farm told them that the nasty damage was covered because the sewer drainpipe had cracked on their property. A second adjuster sent by State Farm did what a number of adjusters have said is not uncommon for many carriers: He revised the initial assessment and said that on further review, the homeowners primary policy did not apply, the Coopers attorneys contended. The primary policy claim was denied. The Coopers sued State Farm, arguing breach of contract, bad faith and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A federal judge for the Southern District of Mississippi granted State Farms motion for summary judgment, dismissing the case and noting that the policy clearly excluded recovery for damage caused by sewage from outside the premises. Water damage exclusions have become increasingly common in homeowner primary policies, around the country. Some exclude all sewage backupsfor waste generated on premises and off. On appeal, the 5th Circuit panel of judges upheld the district courts dismissal of the suit. Under Mississippi law, an insurer representatives suggestions that purport to modify the insurance contract can bind the insurer only if the statements were authorized by the carrier, appeals court Judge Leslie Southwick wrote in the Feb. 12 opinion, quoting from a 2007 decision by the 5th Circuit, Leonard vs. Nationwide. The Coopers side presented no evidence that State Farm had authorized the adjuster to unilaterally revise the policy terms. The appellate judges also noted that the Coopers did not prove that the excrement had come from their homes system. This was despite a letter from the municipal utility denying liability. The letter argued that a burst pipe was on their property, and that the backup was the result of problems with the homes sewage grinder pump. One plumber had agreed that the backup was not caused by off-premises issues. Another, though, found that a cracked connection in the drainpipe and a lack of a redundancy valve on the grinder pump allowed a mess from the citys system to backflow into the home. These contradictory opinions create a factual dispute that must be resolved by a jury, not through summary judgment, the Coopers attorney, Ed Blackmon Jr., a former state legislator, wrote in his appellate brief. The 5th Circuit panel said that while the cause and location of the problem may have been in question, the sewage itself appeared to come from off-premises. While the (utility) letter confirms that the failure of the grinder pump on the Coopers property contributed to the backup of sewage, it does not create a fact question as to the source of the sewage, the appellate judges noted. The court agreed with State Farms legal team, led by Amanda Barbour. She argued in the appeal that the plumbers opinions were not, actually, that different, and that the adjusters comments to the family did not re-write the policy. The majority of the panel also appeared to rely heavily on State Farms expert witness, who differed slightly from the plumbers and concluded: It is impossible for sewer water from on-premises to have backed up into the home and flooded a portion of the first floor when no plumbing fixtures were in use. The backup of the sewer water came from sewage in the subdivisions pressurized system that flowed into the home through the failed grinder part system into the homes central PVC pipe that led to the homes plumbing fixtures and resulted in the sewage flood, the carriers expert wrote in a report. The appellate judges noted that none of the previous court decisions cited by the plaintiffs allowed them to overcome the policy language that barred coverage. Judge Andrew Oldham dissented from the other judges on the panel and was highly critical of State Farm. He wrote that the facts all supported the family, and that State Farm had given the impression that the adjuster was authorized to approve coverage. If the adjuster could not decide coverage with finality, then who could, Oldham asked. At a bare minimum, State Farm should be forced to stand in front of a jury and explain why it can tell the Coopers to make costly repairs to their sewage-soaked home and then renege on its promises, Oldham wrote. The opinion and dissent can be seen here. Related: Appeals Court Weighs in on Brokers Duty in Securing Adequate Coverage Topics Mississippi State Farm It seems like every day recently the news has been dominated by beef. I sometimes think that if Brazilian farmers were anything like Ryanair, they would be thriving on the amount of coverage their beef is getting in Ireland, from the perspective that there is no such thing as bad news. If it is not the less than 1% of beef being imported by Dawn Farm Foods from Brazil being discussed, it is that shipment of Brazilian beef that was found to contain traces of hormones. In the middle of that, some are trying to drag Bord Bia through the gutter. I have even seen claims by an Irish MEP questioning whether Bord Bia was being paid by the EU to advertise Brazilian beef in 2025. Yet when there is a good news story about Irish beef, we as farmers let it slip under the radar. Bord Bia is the envy of farmers outside Ireland. It is widely viewed as a success story in promoting Irish food and drink globally. We have always gotten on well with Bord Bia auditors. Yes, it can feel like a nuisance preparing for an audit, but I would much rather complete the one we have than the British equivalent. Ultimately, the auditing process tells our story on a global stage and it has done so very effectively. Rather than tearing Bord Bia to shreds publicly, we should be celebrating the fact that Ireland has the best steak in the world. The World Steak Challenge in November 2025 took place in London, where a 32-day aged Angus striploin from producer Dawn Meats a firm it should be highlighted that is separate from the similarly named one at the centre of the Bord Bia row was crowned Worlds Best Steak, Europes Best Steak and Worlds Best Grass-Fed Striploin. The steak is available in Lidl stores in Ireland. This is a huge success story for Irish beef, particularly when a renowned Australian pure-bred Wagyu sirloin finished in second place. Even British media have expressed frustration that they cannot purchase the Worlds Best Steak from Ireland in Lidl UK stores. Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture I listened to the entire Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture session where Larry Murrin answered questions. What struck me most was how little understanding some committee members appeared to have of global food production, Irish food production and how Bord Bia standards operate. I would have expected the committee to have done some homework before questioning Mr Murrin. Several members seemed intent on lambasting the Bord Bia chairman and discrediting Dawn Farm Foods, rather than listening. Despite Mr Murrin clearly stating he was CEO of Dawn Farm Foods, one committee member still appeared confused two hours later, referring to Dawn Meats. Some members did not know the value of the Bord Bia quality assurance bonus for cattle at factory level. Others were unclear on where the Quality Mark could be used. Concerns were raised about Brazilian beef containing traces of hormones or antibiotics being available in Ireland, despite the fact that Dawn Farms has never had a beef recall and operates its own food safety team, alongside undergoing more than 50 audits annually. EU biosecurity There is, of course, a serious issue with hormone and antibiotic use in Brazil but not with all Brazilian beef. The EU is responsible for ensuring that beef containing illegal substances does not enter under the current high-tariff quota from South America. As we know, beef containing illegal growth hormones entered the EU in 2025. It arrived in Germany, was shipped to Northern Ireland and then sold to three companies in the Republic. The product reportedly arrived in September. EU authorities identified the issue in November and notified Irish authorities in December despite the beef having an expiry date of October 31. That timeline should raise serious alarm bells, particularly regarding the EU Rapid Alert System. While non-EU approved beef appears to be slipping through cracks at EU level, here in Ireland ABP is seeking redundancies at its Waterford facility, with a potential loss of 230 jobs. This is a direct knock-on effect of EU policy following the reduction of Irelands nitrates derogation on January 1, 2024. It is hardly complex economics: fewer cows mean fewer calves, fewer beef cattle and fewer cull cows. Further livestock reductions will inevitably compound the impact. The EU appears comfortable dictating agricultural policy, yet reluctant to take ownership of food safety lapses or employment consequences. Meanwhile, South Africa is experiencing its worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in history, with the president declaring it a national disaster. FMD is highly transmissible. It can spread not only animal-to-animal, but also via contaminated food, equipment, footwear, clothing and human movement. Strengthening EU border biosecurity should be a priority. Any disputes between farm organisations and Bord Bia should be resolved through constructive dialogue. At this stage, all parties need to play their part in reaching a resolution. Irish food and drink has a strong global story to tell. We produce the worlds best steak and one of the top-selling premium whiskeys globally. Undermining our global storyteller makes little strategic sense. Energy would be better directed toward ensuring the EU takes full responsibility for food safety, consumer protection and job security. Rather than asking sensational questions in Ireland, some MEPs might achieve more by asking robust questions in Brussels. Curbs on controlled burning in upland areas such as the Comeragh Mountains straddling the Waterford-Tipperary border between Dungarvan and Clonmel is causing serious concern, the Senate was told. Subject to strict conditions, the practice is permitted under the Wildlife Act to manage land, enhance biodiversity and reduce the risk of larger uncontrolled fire outbreaks. But the consequences the restrictions are having on animal health, farm viability and land management were outlined in the Upper House by Senator Eileen Lynch (FG), Cork North-West. She said controlled burning, when carried out responsibly and at the correct time of year, is a well-established land management practice. It plays a vital role in preventing the build-up of rank heather, which creates ideal conditions for ticks that spread disease such as louping ill, causes massive losses for sheep farmers and results in real animal welfare concerns. She said: The inability to carry out controlled burns is leading to higher tick burdens, poorer grazing quality and increased veterinary costs for farmers in the Comeraghs. It is not sustainable for hill sheep farming, which is already under pressure. Senator Lynch said her colleague, Councillor Liam Brazil, had raised with her an application to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) from a Waterford farmer in August 2025 for controlled burning permission. He has yet to receive a reply from the NPWS, or even an acknowledgement of the application. It is absolutely disgraceful that an application made in August has yet to be even acknowledged, not to mind receive an answer, she said. Senator Lynch said farmers are not seeking reckless burning. They are calling for a balanced science-based approach that recognises the role of controlled burning in protecting sheep, supporting biodiversity and reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires later in the year. She called for the intervention of agriculture minister Martin Heydon and minister of state Christopher OSullivan, who has responsibility for the NPWS. Senator Lynch urged them to work with farmers, fire services and environmental experts to ensure that properly regulated controlled burning is permitted, rather than effectively banning it. Read More Impunity for environmental crimes sees our hills burn If we want to keep active farming communities in our uplands, we have to give them the tools to manage the land responsibly, as they know how, she said. Seanad deputy leader Fiona OLoughlin (FF), Kildare South, said controlled burning is a well-established method of control. Now, unfortunately, there is an inability to burn, which is causing many challenges. Noting that Senator Lynch had spoken about a farmer making an application in August, which has not been acknowledged. That is not good, she said, urging the ministers to work with farmers and environmental organisations to come up with a system that will be fair to everybody. A stakeholder meeting, including farmers and industry representatives, was called by agriculture minister Martin Heydon. As a result of the meeting, Bord Bia has committed to working with farmers on improving engagement and feedback. Following the meeting, Mr Heydon said: There was a detailed and thorough discussion in relation to several specific issues related to Bord Bia which have been raised in recent weeks. The discussion also focused on what could be done to improve the experience for farmers around audits, while ensuring the quality assurance schemes are future-proofed to continue to benefit farmers and the Irish agri-food sector. All participants had the chance to express their views and were heard. I am pleased that stakeholders engaged constructively. I have identified from contributions today that there needs to be a renewed focus on the farmer experience of the audit and Bord Bia engagement with farmers. The department said it would undertake an initiative to enhance understanding of global supply chains for Irish food and drink, and understanding of labelling and food information for consumer requirements. All parties were asked to engage with these processes in good faith and to provide further feedback. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss key priorities for the year ahead, including CAP post-2027, EU budget negotiations, water quality and the nitrates derogation, animal disease issues, supports for generational renewal, and the steps all stakeholders need to take collectively to improve health and safety on-farm. Mr Heydon thanked stakeholders for giving these important issues their consideration: The discussions today will provide a starting point for the midterm review of Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy. A public consultation on the midterm review of Food Vision 2030 will be launched later this month, he added. The response Macra na Feirme welcomed the dialogue with Mr Heydon on the key issues affecting farmers. A spokesperson said: As part of this significant engagement, the organisation welcomes positive first steps in resolving the continued issues surrounding Bord Bia in the form of constructive proposals to rebuild confidence in Bord Bia and give greater input of farmers' voice. Macra said it looked forward to continuing engagement to ensure the important issues highlighted in recent weeks were addressed. The president of Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), Denis Drennan said: Well give the proposals the necessary study and then revert with our own detailed proposals to address the current impasse, said Mr Drennan. Irish Farmers Association (IFA) President, Francie Gorman said the minister for agriculture refused to make any proposal to resolve the substantive issue around the loss of farmer confidence in the chair of Bord Bia. The minister and Bord Bias kick the can down the road approach will not resolve this dispute, which is very regrettable for everyone. There is a massive disconnect between farmers and the corporate leadership in Bord Bia, he said. Mr Gorman highlighted that Irelands food exports were built on the back of the 55,000 farmers who participate in the Bord Bias quality assurance schemes and audits. The QA schemes are a partnership between farmers, processors, customer-facing businesses and Bord Bia. That partnership is being shattered. Farmers will not have confidence in Bord Bia while the chairs company is importing Brazilian beef and chicken. Now it has also emerged his company is not even part of the Bord Bia food processing QA scheme, despite the Bord Bia website saying it was. This is simply not credible, he said. Francie Gorman said IFAs protest at the Bord Bia offices would continue. IFA remains willing to engage with the minister, Bord Bia or other parties to try and resolve this dispute with a view to restoring confidence in Bord Bia, he said. The family of a young mother who died in a hit-and-run incident say they are horrified by the sentence handed down to the man responsible for her death. A drink driver would have got more time behind bars, said the family. Irish holidaymakers heading to Cuba have been told to contact their travel agents immediately after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) changed their travel advice for the country. The second-highest level of warning has been issued for the country, with Irish travellers being told to Avoid Non-Essential Travel. The DFA issues this guidance for countries or territories which have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. It said: Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited. Cuba is in the midst of an energy crisis, which has affected transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism and the production of food. There has been energy rationing, severe blackouts and the Cuban government announced aviation fuel would not be available at Cuban airports. The island nation relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted when the US attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader. At the end of January, US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to the country. The DFA has warned of blackouts lasting over 24 hours and long queues at petrol stations. They say the fuel supply issues are affecting water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications, with hospitals and clinics also affected. In a statement, Clare Dunne, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said she would strongly recommend anyone thinking of travelling to Cuba check the DFAs advice and check with their travel agent before making any bookings. Ms Dunne added: When the DFA advise to Avoid Essential Travel to a particular country, Cuba in this instance, it usually means that the travel insurance policy will not cover travel to that country. The number of Irish citizens who travel from Ireland to Cuba has declined over the past few years and is now very low. This is mainly down to two reasons connectivity to Cuba from Ireland is very limited, and secondly, travellers who travel to Cuba are not then eligible to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA and must instead apply to the US Embassy for an entry visa. The organisation said there are thought to be few, if any, Irish tourists currently in Cuba. An excavator is removing large amounts of soil at an old quarry in Co Wicklow as a Garda search operation in relation to one of two murdered women continues for a second day. Gardai are looking for evidence, including potentially human remains, in connection with the disappearance and murder of either Deirdre Jacob or Jo Jo Dullard in the 1990s. Officers cordoned off a site, located between Dunlavin and Baltinglass, both in Co Wicklow, on foot of information that materials in connection with a missing woman may be buried at specified sand pit. Gardai are not connecting the murders of the two women, but say the search is in relation to one of them, but dont know which one it might be. Separate information in relation to this site is thought to have been provided some 10 years ago, but no search has been carried out on it until now. That information claimed that Larry Murphy, a convicted rapist and key suspect for the murder of Ms Jacob, used to go to the sand pit and that he may have buried vehicles there. Murphy, who was living in Baltinglass at the time, travelled a lot around Wicklow and Kildare working as a carpenter. Ms Jacob, aged 18, disappeared near the front gates of her parents home in Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare on the afternoon of July 28 1998, some 25km away from Dunlavin. Jo Jo Dullard (left) and Deirdre Jacob. Murphy was released from jail in 2010, after he served 10 years for the kidnapping, rape and attempted murder of a woman in the Wicklow mountains in 2001. Only for he was disturbed during the attack, gardai suspect Murphy would have killed the woman and buried her remains. He moved to England after his release. Gardai travelled to England in 2018 where, in the company of the London Metropolitan police, attempted to interview Murphy, but he refused to answer questions. Officers submitted a file to the DPP in relation to Murphy, but the State prosecutor came back in 2022 and directed against charges. This came as a disappointment to investigating gardai at the time, who believed they had sufficient evidence. The latest information was received, from an anonymous source, by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), which is leading the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Ms Dullard and assisting Kildare detectives in their investigation into Ms Jacob. In assessing the information, the SCRT brought in the Kildare Division into the search operation. A search for Ms Dullard, aged 21, was conducted in Ballyhook, Grangecon, Co Wicklow, in November 2024, which is only a few kilometres away from the current search. A man - not Larry Murphy - who was previously considered a key suspect in Ms Dullards case, was arrested at that time, but no charges were brought. The sand pit is also near the route Ms Dullard took, down the R448, when she hitched a lift between Kilcullen and Moone in Co Kildare on the night of November 9 1995. Ms Dullard hitched as she tried to make her way home to Callan, Co Kilkenny. Her last known stop was Moone, where she rang a friend from a phone box. Police have issued an appeal for information following a suspected arson attack at the former site of a historic school. A small blaze was discovered at a derelict building at the old Cabin Hill site in east Belfast on Sunday. A case involving three charges of deception involving a total of 100,000 against a Cork woman has been adjourned until June. Buttevant native Catherine OBrien of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, appeared before Judge Keenan Johnson at Portlaoise Circuit Court on Tuesday morning. She appeared via video link for the short hearing on three charges of deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Act 2001 in Portlaoise, Co Laois, between September 21, 2018, and October 26, 2018. Two of the charges relate to sums of 10,000, while the third charge relates to a sum of 80,000. They relate to the transfer of 80,000 at the Bank of Ireland, Portlaoise, on September 2, 2018; 10,000 from the same bank on October 25, 2018, and 10,000 on October 26, 2018. The case has now been adjourned to Portlaoise Circuit Court on June 23 for arraignment. A production order was made by Judge Johnson requiring Ms OBrien to appear in person for that hearing. The court was told that Ms OBrien is on bail in relation to the three charges. It also heard that Ms O'Brien is in the process of changing solicitors. Ms OBrien did not speak during the hearing. She wore a brown round neck jumper over a white round neck top. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail. A Cork woman who suffered various injuries when her car was rear-ended on a roundabout six years ago has been awarded at least 218,000 by the High Court. Colette Sheehan, aged 54, of Drimoleague, suffered the injuries when her car was struck by another driver at Shannon Park roundabout between Monkstown and Carrigaline, Co Cork on November 27, 2020. Ms Sheehan, a civil servant, subsequently sued the driver for damages. When the case came before Judge Conor Dignam, it was for an assessment of damages only. The judge heard evidence from Ms Sheehan and various medical witnesses. In a judgment published this week, Judge Dignam awarded Ms Sheehan 130,000 in general damages, and a further 88,164 for lost earnings and other special damages. The judge asked the parties to agree on a figure to compensate Ms Sheehan for future loss of earnings and pension payments. The judge accepted that Ms Sheehan suffered post-concussion syndrome as a result of the accident. This condition contributed most to the adverse impact on Ms Sheehans life and career, the judge found. Arising from this are symptoms of fatigue, photophobia, phonophobia, tingling and tightness in the scalp, head pain, poor concentration, stress, and irritability, the judge noted. The judge noted that Ms Sheehan was off work for a year post-collision, and since then, has been unable to return to work full-time due to these symptoms. He said the symptoms have also interfered with her life outside of work, impacting on her socialising and sporting activities. The trauma of the collision also caused the abrupt onset of menopause in Ms Sheehan, the judge said. The judge said he accepted Ms Sheehan suffered whiplash injuries to her spine, and injury to her knee. The judge found that she also suffered anxiety and depression after the accident, but noted that she had suffered with elements of this prior to the accident. Actress Ruth Negga and Grammy Award-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens were described as "extraordinary artists" to inspire the next generation of what is achievable, as they were presented with honorary doctorates at the University of Limerick (UL). The pair were conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters at a ceremony in ULs Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. In his conferring address, acting UL President, Professor Shane Kilcommins, hailed them as extraordinary artists whose contributions to music, film, theatre, and culture have resonated across Ireland and the world. Mr Kilcommins said artists like them do more than inspire admiration and expand the horizon of what is possible for Limerick students. Rhiannons residency at the Irish World Academy over the past four years has enlivened our campus, shaped curricula, and supported students in profound ways. Her recent support for a scholarship fundraising concert further demonstrates the generosity she extends to the next generation of musicians and creatives. Ruth, through her global success, shows our students, especially those from Limerick, that their stories, their talent, and their heritage have a place on the world stage. Her career models artistic discipline, integrity, and ambition in equal measure, Mr Kilcommins said. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to an Irish mother and Ethiopian father, Ruth Negga moved to Limerick at the age of four and later studied acting at Trinity College Dublin. Her breakthrough came in 2005 in Neil Jordan's Breakfast on Pluto. She then became known for her role as Rosie in RTEs Love/Hate and went on to appear in Channel 4s Misfits, while also portraying Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey in the BBC biopic Shirley. In 2015, she was cast as Tulip O'Hare in the series Preacher, for which her performance won her new admirers in the US. In 2021, her performance in the period drama Passing earned 35 nominations and 12 wins. In 2022, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in Macbeth. Now living in Limerick, Californian Rhiannon Giddens is a two-time Grammy award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist, Pulitzer Prize Winner and composer of opera, ballet and film. For the past four years, she has served as artist-in-residence at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Named as one of the 25 Most Influential Women Musicians of the 21st Century, she has dedicated her career to amplifying voices that have been erased from the historical record. Recently, she made headlines by playing banjo on Beyonces chart-topping country hit Texas Hold Em. She also contributed to the original soundtrack of the movie Sinners, starring Michael B Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld and Jack OConnell. An inclusive Cork primary school said it is hopeful for action on developing much-needed autism classes sanctioned five years ago that have yet to open, despite its best efforts. On Monday, Scoil Eoin in Ballincollig officially opened Cuas Ciuin 'calm cove' in Irish its new sensory space, funded by the schools parents' association. It raised more than 11,000 to create the sensory space. Despite having a significant number of autistic students who attend the school, Scoil Eoin has yet to open three autism spectrum disorder classes sanctioned by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2021. As a result, despite the schools best efforts, a number of students who require the support of a special class eventually reach a point where they have to leave the school. Scoil Eoin principal William Casey speaking at the opening of the new sensory rooms funded by parents at Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan Speaking at the launch of the sensory rooms, school principal William Casey commended the parents association for recognising the immediate need for additional supports while the school awaits the development of its special classes. The new rooms provide a calm, responsive environment tailored to the needs of the schools students, he added. "They now provide a supportive space where children who may feel overwhelmed can regulate, reset, and return to class ready to engage fully with the curriculum. This sensory space is more than just two rooms. It is a statement of our values. "It reflects our belief that every child belongs, every child matters and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Scoil Eoin has campaigned persistently for the accommodation required to house the three special classes already sanctioned by the NCSE since 2021, Mr Casey said. The school is currently pursuing Department of Education funding to demolish and redevelop an existing building on the school grounds in order to open the classes. Parents' association chairwoman Sabrina OShea speaking at the opening ceremony for the new sensory rooms funded by parents at Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan The building in question is not fit for purpose or wheelchair accessible, and the building has subsidence. The schools strong culture of inclusion fosters an environment where every boy is given every opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed, Mr Casey said. However, despite our best efforts, some pupils reach a point where they require the support of a special class. "At present, this means leaving Scoil Eoin and travelling by taxi to schools outside Ballincollig. "For our school community, this is deeply regrettable. Attending the launch of the new sensory space, minister of State for special education, Michael Moynihan, said he was very supportive of the work of Scoil Eoin, commending the school for its work on inclusivity. Department of Education and Youth junior minister Michael Moynihan TD, speaking at the opening ceremony for the new sensory rooms funded by parents at Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan They are innovative, and you go into any of the classes, and the kids are so engaged. "Ive set myself a timeline, that I will take a number of weeks to look at it, and report back to the board fully and absolutely. Limerick's directly elected Mayor John Mayor has launched a broadside at a number of councillors, accusing them of being hostile towards him. I've always said that change has been really hard for a lot of people. Ultimately I want to deliver on the mandate I have, Mr Moran told the Irish Examiner on Tuesday. On Monday, he released a statement on his own website, sharing details of what happened at a seven-hour-long meeting last week, during which he took ill. Councillors had gathered to finalise the corporate plan, a strategic framework detailing what the local authority aims to achieve over a five-year period. Due to be adopted in December 2024, the blueprint was delayed for 12 months due to disagreements in the council chambers. Despite his absence, the corporate plan was passed - even though some councillors suggested the meeting should resume once the mayor had a chance to view the plan. Mr Moran called the meeting one of the lowest points since my election. He has now said council meetings should be recorded and made available to the public. If anything, I would say that will help to establish faith back again in the system. Because if I'm wrong, it'll be recorded and people can see it. If I think I'm being treated fairly or unfairly, it's ultimately transparency in government. I think if we have more transparency in government, less conversations away from the public eye, ultimately is what should be happening in a democratic society and it rebuilds confidence in democracy. In the statement, Mr Moran described how a small minority of councillors from two ruling parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, have consistently opposed almost every significant initiative he has brought forward and how a "strategy" was openly discussed on how to make his role "unbearable". He also referred to claims of a culture of fear inside the council, pointing out the difference between robust debate and personal hostility. When disagreement becomes dismissive or mocking when serious health concerns are reduced to trivial language and not accommodated it diminishes the very institution itself, he wrote. He emphasised the majority of the councillors in City Hall are working really well and deliver for their own areas. Mr Moran said he has not heard from any of the two parties mentioned in the statement, but would welcome conversation with leaders of all parties. I suppose the genie is out of the box. I've been struggling with the fact that a lot of things that have been happening, the uncertainty about the legislation, about whose power I'm being blamed for, things I have no ability to control. He had left last weeks meeting after undergoing cardiac tests earlier that day. Asked how he was now doing, he said: I'm fine, its strange to say it, but actually I think that the fact that this debate is in the open is somewhat reassuring. It's easier to deal with stress in some respects. The only way to deal with that was to remove myself from the pressured environment and I had thought that people would have been respectful of that and just deferred the conversations to the following day, he said. Local councillors from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were contacted by the Irish Examiner. A statement on behalf of Fine Gael said: Recent debate around the Corporate Plan reflects the reality of a shared democratic system within Limerick City and County Council. The Mayor and councillors alike hold mandates from the people of Limerick, and robust discussion is part of responsible governance. While we may not always agree on process or priorities, our collective focus must remain on delivering practical results for our communities. We remain committed to constructive engagement with Mayor John Moran and all colleagues to ensure the new system works effectively for everyone. A manhunt is under way for people suspected of petrol bombing a family home in Cork. A mother and her two sons, one of whom is just 13, fled the housefire caused by a suspected arson attack on the family home in the Silver Birch estate in Rochestown on the citys southside in the early hours of Monday morning. The older son, aged 24, jumped from the first-floor window to escape the fire. He remained in hospital on Tuesday recovering from his injuries. The young man suffered a broken ankle and leg injuries in the fall from the first floor window, it is understood. The family cannot immediately return to their home, which has been badly damaged by both fire and smoke. They remain in "complete shock" following the trauma of that night, sources say. Gardai have conducted house-to-house inquiries and they continue to harvest CCTV footage from the area. Superintendent Gary McPolin said it was lucky that everyone escaped the fire that night. Fortunately, no one was killed, but look at Edenderry, Supt McPolin said. Four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and his great-aunt Mary Holt, 60, were both killed in an arson attack in a home in Edenderry in December. "We are lucky that we did not have a very tragic situation [in Rochestown]. But a young man has been injured and we will endeavor to bring the perpetrators to justice." Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to the extremely heinous crime, he said. The fire started outside the house at the front door. It appears an accelerant was used. A forensic analysis of the door will be conducted to confirm what substances started the fire. It is suspected something like a petrol bomb was used, but this has not been confirmed. The fire spread into the downstairs hallway, sitting room, and kitchen at about 12.35am. Three units of the Cork fire service responded to the fire. The mother, who is in her 40s, and the younger son, aged 13, managed to escape the house quickly, but the older son became trapped upstairs before he jumped out the window. All three were treated for smoke inhalation and were taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital. Gardai described the incident as "criminal damage by fire" and are working to establish a motive for the suspected attack. Anyone who noticed a vehicle or people acting suspiciously in the Rochestown area between midnight and 12.36am to contact Togher Garda Station, their local Garda station or to call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Gardai are also appealing for dashcam and CCTV footage from the area on Sunday night and Monday morning. The Government will consider a judicial review after plans for a new wing for critical care of women and children at Dublin's Rotunda Hospital were rejected, the health minister has said. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said discussions would take place with master of the Rotunda, Sean Daly. Obviously, the Government is trying to reduce the number of judicial reviews; we dont favour them as part of the planning process, in the sense that they add even more time, Ms Carroll MacNeill said. The project would have provided for 80 extra hospital beds, alongside a new theatre and connection to the existing entrance and main hospital buildings. The wing had previously been approved by Dublin City Council, but was subject to further objections from the Dublin Civic Trust and an individual. An Coimisiun Pleanala rejected the recommendation of its planning inspector to give permission. Ms Carroll MacNeill said her concern and that of Mr Daly surrounded how to deliver the infrastructure quickly. Whether thats through a judicial review route, potentially or through other mechanisms, she added. She said Mr Daly is engaging with officials at the Department of Health, saying she would meet with the hospital master next week to discuss options. Asked if the Government should consider the expedited passage of its critical infrastructure legislation, which would allow key projects bypass the planning process, Ms Carroll MacNeill said she believed health infrastructure should be included. During leaders questions, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Government believes the project is in the overwhelming public interest. Mr Martin said he believed there was an issue surrounding the prioritisation of heritage considerations, over the protection of human life. Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats, said the hospital was the busiest in the country. She visited the site on Monday to speak with Rotunda staff after the devastating planning rejection, she said. She visited the neonatal ICU facilities in the Rotunda, saying it is a small room stuffed full of equipment that overflows into the surrounding corridors. One mum, with her tiny, gorgeous baby on her chest, was afraid to lean too far back in her chair in case she hit another incubator, Ms Cairns said. No privacy, no dignity, no proper protection from hospital-acquired infections. Ms Cairns said the decision from An Comisiun Pleanala was "unbelievable", while questioning what the Government would do to deal with the matter. In response, Mr Martin said he hoped the opposition would vote with the Government to introduce critical infrastructure legislation, saying some projects should bypass the planning system altogether. The US and Iran hold indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute, with little clear indication of compromise as Washington masses a battle force in the region. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. US President Donald Trump said that he would be involved "indirectly" in the Geneva talks and that he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Mr Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s." Tehran knows that a previous attempt to revive talks was underway in June last year when Washington's ally Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, and was then joined by US B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. Tehran has since said it has halted uranium enrichment activity. The US military is preparing for the possibility of weeks of operations against Iran if Mr Trump orders an attack, two US officials told Reuters. Iran itself began a military drill on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states, which have been appealing for diplomacy to end the dispute. Iran-US nuclear talks under shadow of protests and war Tehran and Washington renewed negotiations on February 6 on their decades-long dispute. Washington and its close ally Israel believe Iran aspires to build a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel's existence. Iran says its nuclear programme is purely peaceful, even though it has enriched uranium far beyond the purity needed for power generation, and close to what is required for a bomb. Since the June strikes, Iran's Islamic rulers have been weakened by street protests, put down at a cost of thousands of lives, against a cost-of-living crisis driven in part by international sanctions that have strangled Iran's oil income. Unlike last time, the US has now placed what Mr Trump calls a massive naval armada in the region. Washington has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues such as Iran's missile stockpile. Tehran says it is willing only to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme - in exchange for sanctions relief - and that it will not give up uranium enrichment completely or discuss its missile programme. On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a news conference in Budapest that it was hard to do a deal with Iran, but the US was willing to try. Iran's Mr Araqchi on Monday met Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in Geneva to discuss cooperation with the IAEA and technical aspects of the impending talks with the US On Tuesday afternoon, Witkoff and Kushner will participate in three-way talks with Russia and Ukraine as Washington attempts to coax Ukraine and Russia into an agreement to end Moscow's four-year-old invasion of Ukraine, the source said. -Reuters A new advertising campaign from the Scottish Government will urge boys not to share misogynistic content online, telling them sexist content is never harmless. The online adverts will encourage boys and young men to think before sharing or interacting with such content. One of the short video clips shows a boy sitting on a couch, watching a video on his phone of a character speaking into a podcaster-style microphone. A voiceover says, sexist content is never harmless, it hurts girls in real life including the ones you know" as the emojis on the boys phone all change to become the face of an upset girl, resembling the person sitting next to him on the couch. The five-week ad campaign will feature on online channels including Instagram, Snapchat, Twitch and YouTube, as well as outdoor advertising. Scottish 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. Mr Swinney said ministers will do everything we can to eradicate violence against women and girls. Rebekah MacLeod is project lead for White Ribbon Scotland, which aims to tackle violence against women and girls. She 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. Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have expressed deep sadness over the death of the Rev Jesse Jackson, who they described as a true giant. Rev Jackson, who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr and led the civil rights movement for decades after Dr Kings assassination, has died aged 84. Mr Obama said Rev Jackson inspired countless numbers of people through his work organising boycotts and sit-ins, registering people to vote and advocating for freedom and democracy around the world. Among those he inspired were the Obamas themselves, the first black president and first lady in US history. Michelle got her first glimpse of political organising at the Jacksons kitchen table when she was a teenager, the former president said. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land. He added: Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesses lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share. We stood on his shoulders. We send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and everyone in Chicago and beyond who knew and loved him. Rev Jesse Jackson talking to Joe Biden, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama (AP) Among others paying tribute was US President Donald Trump, who described Rev Jackson in a social media post as a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts. The Republican president also wrote: He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed! A statement from former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton said Rev Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives. It added: Throughout it all, he kept marching to the music of his conscience, his convictions, and his causes. Meanwhile, former president Joe Biden said: Throughout our decades of friendship and partnership, Ive known Reverend Jackson as history will remember him: a man of God and of the people. Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our nation. Ive seen how Reverend Jackson has helped lead our nation forward through tumult and triumph. Hes done it with optimism, and a relentless insistence on what is right and just. Whether through impassioned words on the campaign trail, or moments of quiet courage, Reverend Jackson influenced generations of Americans, and countless elected leaders, including presidents. Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested after being accused of hitting two men during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, police said. LaBeouf was charged with two counts of simple battery, New Orleans police said in a statement. Officers were called to a business in the French Quarter at about 12.45am on Tuesday. Police said an employee tried to remove LaBeouf and once outside the actor allegedly hit a man multiple times with closed fists. Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans (Natacha Pisarenko/AP) Witnesses told police that LaBeouf left the area but allegedly later returned and continued to act aggressively. Multiple individuals attempted to restrain him, releasing him in hopes he would leave, police said. The man who was first allegedly hit by LaBeouf told police the actor hit him again. Another man told officers that LaBeouf also allegedly punched him on the nose. He was held down until officers arrived, police said. LaBeouf was taken to hospital for treatment for unknown injuries and after being released he was arrested and taken into custody by police. LaBeouf is perhaps best known for his roles in 2007s Transformers and in 2008s Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) With the decline of ISIL and the drawdown of US troops in Syria and Iraq, the US military is not actively fighting a kinetic military action in the Middle East for the first time since 2003. The US military is intimately involved in Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza, but without boots on the ground. Trumps contretemps with the Iranian government may or may not eventuate in military action against Iran, which is technically a much more difficult and complicated matter than going in to kidnap a leader from Venezuela. The major US military action in the region doesnt often hit the headlines. It is Somalia, a country of about 19 million in the Horn of Africa, which is about as populous as New York state. Joshua Keating at Vox reports that the US Air Force bombed Somalia 125 times and the US Army conducted one ground raid in 2025, and the Trump administration has already raided the place 28 times this year. In Trumps second term he has killed hundreds of Somalis, in bombings aimed at the so-called Islamic State group and the roughly 8,000-strong Muslim fundamentalist al-Shabaab al-Qaeda affiliate. With the help of the African Union the Somali government claims to have made some headway against the group last year. The organization kills several hundred people a year in guerrilla attacks and bombings. Trump characterized the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota as garbage, and it seems likely that his concentration on this struggling country of the global south is impelled in large part by racism, not a new development in American political science or foreign relations, as Robert Vitalis has argued. Although most Somalis are Sunni Muslims with a strong mystical Sufi heritage modern fundamentalist groups have proliferated, funded by Saudi Arabia and other actors. Some of the fundamentalists have turned to extremism. Frederick Appiah Afriyie argues that al-Shabaab has appeal because of factors that can be categorized under push and pull forces. The push forces are conditions that drive people to embrace the ideology of violent jihad by examining local conditions within which they live. These include: Poverty and Economic Deprivation, Weak Governance, Social Marginalization, Conflict and Insecurity, Human Rights Abuses, and Systematic Rape as a Radicalization Tool. The pull factors are the advantages terrorist/jihadi movements have that attract people to their cause. Many of these terrorist organizations provide the following as an enticement for recruitment: Ideological Appeal, Sense of Belonging, Economic Incentives, Effective Propaganda, and Control Over Territory. Climate change is at least somewhat implicated in the social dislocations that fuel terrorism in Somalia. Southern Somalia and northern Kenya are in the grip of a long-term drought in which large numbers of livestock have died. Livestock exports account for 9% of the countrys GDP and 60% of Somali export revenue. Stephen Harley cites David Kilcullen as arguing, that the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in the late 1980s/early 1990s and the subsequent descent of Somalia as a whole into chaos for a quarter of a century was the result of mass migration from rural areas towards the urban littoral in response to a climatic catastrophe which essentially overwhelmed the state. That is, the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu in which the George H. W. Bush and then Clinton administrations sent in Marines to help with food distribution, who then were attacked by al-Qaeda, was wrought up with dessication worsened by human-caused climate change. Chris Parenti made this argument from his experiences on the ground in Somalia in his 2011 Tropic of Chaos. Drought drives rural populations into conflict over water resources. In this decade, as in Morocco, unusually long periods of drought are alternating in the Anthropocene the era of human-caused climate change with unusually heavy rains and flash floods. Climate attribution studies have found climate change effects in Somali extreme weather in this decade, according to the London-based Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance (ALNAP): Drought: Five consecutive deficient rainy seasons from Gu 2021 through Gu 2023: Yes climate change contributed to lower rainfall, warmer air temperatures and higher evapotranspiration (Kimutai et al., 2023a) Flood: heavy rainfall, OctoberDecember 2023: Yes climate change intensified the positive phase IOD (Kimutai et al., 2023b) In the very extensive flooding in south-central Somalia in 2024, al-Shabaab doubled as social workers in some affected areas, helping build levies and dams. In countries with low government presence and efficiency, such interventions by guerrilla groups help build organic connections with the population. Just to the south of Somalia, Kenya has likewise been hit by extreme and prolonged droughts and by unusual downpours and flash floods, especially in the north. Such climate-change-driven extreme weather disasters have cost the country 3-5% of its annual GDP. It seems likely that the toll in Somalia has been even greater. The country earned $1 billion from livestock exports, primarily to the Middle East, in 2025. Without the extreme droughts and flooding, the livestock industry would have been more robust, so climate change is functioning as an opportunity cost. The Trump administration is not only fueling a massive increase in atmospheric carbon, which is exacerbating Somalias extreme-weather events but it has also axed US food aid by destroying and defunding US AID under Elon Musks DOGE massacre. Better World Campaign reports, In Somalia, funding cuts and resulting pipeline breaks will force emergency food assistance to be cut by more than 80%. Currently, 4.4 million people face high levels of food insecurity in Somalia. Prior to U.S. funding cuts, 2.2 million Somalis received emergency food assistance. In April 2025, this number was reduced to 1.1 million, and is expected to be cut to just 350,000 following pipeline breaks caused by funding gaps. To repeat: 4.4 million Somalis out of 19 million nearly a fourth of the population are food insecure. The US had been helping about half of them with direct food aid before Trumps second advent. This step wasnt taken only as philanthropy but because it helped stabilize the elected Somali government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a US ally against the extremist groups. Now, food aid is reaching only 350,000 of them, meeting less than 8% of the need rather than, as before Trump, about 50% of it. Id say this change has significant radicalization potential, of which al-Shabaab and ISIL will take advantage. File photo of Mogadishu, August 8, 2024, by Abdullahi Maxamed on Unsplash Bombing Somalia from the air is useless from a military history perspective. No guerrilla group in history has been defeated that way, and the bombing creates enormous resentments in the countryside because it kills innocent villagers and attendees at weddings. This tactic is how the US lost both Vietnam and Afghanistan. It is being done just to feed Trumps inexhaustible narcissism. In the meantime, the social and economic problems Somalia faces are being turbocharged by climate change, which Trump is promoting. If you dont think these policies will create an anti-US backlash, you havent been paying attention. ( RFE/RL ) US and Iranian officials will meet in Switzerland on February 17 for a second round of negotiations over a deal aimed at curbing Tehrans nuclear program and averting war. The sides held indirect talks earlier this month in Oman, the first since Israel and the United States bombed Irans key nuclear sites during a brief conflict in June. The talks come amid a major American military buildup in the Middle East. Tensions have been building after mass nationwide protests in Iran last month, during which authorities launched a brutal crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands of people. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will hold talks in Geneva with White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, with Omani representatives acting as mediators. I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats, Araqchi said on X on February 16 as he arrived for talks with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Tehran has said it is willing to accept restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for relief from crippling US economic sanctions, but it will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium. Washington has sought to expand the scope of the talks to include restrictions on Irans ballistic missiles program and ending Tehrans support for armed groups in the Middle East issues that Tehran considers nonstarters. The United States and Iran will have to overcome deep mistrust and animosity to strike a deal. Another barrier is the increased political costs of an agreement for both sides. Today, any positive concession to the Islamic republic would effectively be rewarding a regime that in recent weeks has killed several thousand Iranians, Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, told RFE/RLs Radio Farda. For Iran, reaching an agreement with a president who has not only carried out military strikes against Irans nuclear facilities but has even threatened military intervention in Irans internal affairs is difficult, he said. Negotiating a new comprehensive nuclear deal will be extremely difficult, experts say. To avoid a war, Vaez said, the only viable short-term path is a largely symbolic understanding that buys time and potentially creates better conditions for more detailed and technical negotiations in the future. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Hungary on February 16, said Trump has made clear he prefers diplomacy and an outcome of negotiated settlement. Its been very difficult for anyone to do real deals with Iran because were dealing with radical Shia clerics who are making theological decisions, not geopolitical ones. But, lets see what happens. I hope it works out, Rubio added. The negotiations in Geneva come after repeated threats from Trump of military action against Tehran, first over Irans brutal crackdown on protests, and then more recently over the countrys nuclear program. File photo. USS Iwo Jima in Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy. Public Domain. Via Picryl. 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 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 agreement in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions. On February 13, the US president said regime change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen. He also confirmed that a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, would soon join a massive US armada in the Arabian Sea. Via RFE/RL Copyright (c)2025 RFE/RL, Inc. Used with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Azerbaijan on Tuesday sentenced the former Karabakh separatist leader Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison, the latest ruling against Armenian secessionists detained after Baku's takeover of the region. Azerbaijan's seizure of its breakaway enclave of Karabakh in 2023 ended nearly three decades of control by Armenian separatists, prompting the mountainous territory's entire ethnic Armenian population -- more than 100,000 people -- to flee. After regaining control of the region, Baku arrested several separatist leaders on war crimes charges. Armenia has demanded their release. The Baku Military Court sentenced Vardanyan to 20 years behind bars "under articles of the criminal code relating to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as articles connected with terrorism, and financing of terrorism". Vardanyan has rejected the charges and declared himself a political prisoner. A former Russian banker who made his vast fortune as co-founder of the Moscow investment bank Troika Dialog, Vardanyan headed Karabakh's self-declared Armenian administration between November 2022 and February 2023 after renouncing his Russian nationality. Forbes magazine estimates his family's wealth at $1.1 billion. His trial opened in January 2025, separately from proceedings against 15 other former separatist officials, who were sentenced this month to terms of up to life imprisonment in a war crimes trial. Armenia has demanded the release of the detainees and said it would pursue "all possible steps", including international legal action, to protect their rights. Last year, Amnesty International raised concerns about Vardanyan's detention conditions and fair trial guarantees, citing allegations that he was held in solitary confinement and pressured to sign documents in a language he does not understand. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a peace agreement last year, mediated by US President Donald Trump. Before 2022, there were 23 municipal museums and two national reserves in the Zaporizhzhia region, in Southeastern Ukraine. Each of them held unique exhibits, natural monuments, material and spiritual cultural relics all of them shaping Ukraines history and identity. Passengers on the Melitopol-Zaporizhzhia train, which ran regularly before the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion [on 24 February 2022], could see one of these places from the train window the Vasylivka museum-reserve Popov Manor House, which towered a hill near the railway tracks. The compound is a landmark of regional history and architecture of southern 19th century Ukraine. It is inspired by a medieval eclectic-style castle, blending elements of Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic styles. The western wing is designed in the Neo-Gothic style, while the northern and eastern wings are symmetrical, built in the pseudo-Moorish style with neo-Gothic details. The observation tower, made of yellow and red brick, creates an intricate ornament on the walls, which is unique in Ukraine. The centre of the compound is a two-storey castle with five towers, designed by Melitopol architect Oleksandr Ageyenko. The interior decor was created by Italian sculptor Angelo Langobardi. On 7 March 2022, Anna Golovko, then director of the Vasylivka Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve, and Vladyslav Moroko, former director of the Department of Culture and Information Policy of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, reported on Facebook about the shelling of the museums grounds. Russian barbarians are destroying cultural treasures!!! Popov Manor House today!!! Moroko wrote. According to information provided by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, artillery shelling damaged the walls of Popov Castle, a palace compound and a monument of local history and architecture. The southern tower of the riding arena and stables building was destroyed, as well as part of the western wall of the carriage building part of the Vasylivka Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve Popov Manor House. What we know about the investigation UNESCO has included Popov Manor House in its list of damaged cultural heritage sites in Ukraine. The Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration also added the eastern wing of the Popov Castle compound to the list of damaged historical and architectural monuments, noting that the damage was partial. The Prosecutor Generals Office reported that the Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutors Office is supervising the proceedings in a joint criminal case dated 1 March 2022. It relates to the Museum-Reserve Popov Manor House as well as the theft of museum exhibits listed in the Museum Fund of Ukraine, committed by unidentified servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces and other military formations of the aggressor state. As it is at the pre-trial investigation stage, detailed information is currently not subject to disclosure, the Investigation Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) press service said in response to our request. The Department of Culture, Tourism, Nationalities and Religions stated that they had not reported the theft of museum exhibits from the Popov Manor House to law enforcement agencies, as the museums administration and staff had left for Ukrainian-controlled territory, and it was currently impossible to verify the information about the alleged theft. At the same time, it emphasised that all existing materials are being transferred to the Main Investigation Department of the SBU, responsible for pre-trial investigations, as well as to the Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutors Office, which supervises criminal proceedings related to the destruction or damage of cultural heritage sites in the temporarily occupied territories. The value inside the manor The Popov Manor House had over 6,500 exhibits, which were listed in the collection inventory. In accordance with the Regulations on the Museum Fund of Ukraine, inventory documents must be issued exclusively in handwritten form. Copies of inventory books may be stored in electronic form only if they are identical to the handwritten version. In accordance with an Order of the Ministry of Culture in November 2014, in 2015 digitised copies of the main collections record books, inventory books and special inventory books of municipal museums in the Zaporizhzhia region were made. Electronic data is stored in a location designated by the Ministry, while inventory and accounting documentation is stored exclusively in the museum. Thus, all museum exhibits, property of the Historical and Architectural Museum prior to the full-scale invasion, and their exact inventory are currently located in the temporarily occupied territory. Valery Stoychev, acting director of the Vasylivka Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve Popov Manor House, emphasises that every exhibit on record is valuable. If they had no historical value, they simply would not have been included in the register, he points out. But if you ask me to mention something special, [it could be] for example, items made of precious metals, medals, documents. For me, as a researcher, not just as a director, documents related to the Popov family were extremely important. For example, the authentic foreign passport of Vasyl Pavlovych Popov [who had the castle built between 1864 and 1884], which we found back in the day and acquired with the help of benefactors, added to the collection of the museum-reserve. Equally important are the letters of the Sergiyev family, who worked at the Popov manor and later lived in Vasylivka. Their documents were donated to the collection by the family. There are original photographs of the castle compound taken by a local photographer and drawing teacher who lived and worked here. These documents and photographs were collected from all over Vasylivka and were given to us by former employees and descendants of families affiliated with the property. This is an important part of our archival heritage, Stoychev says. He also said that since 2014, materials for two visual history rooms had been collected, and antique postcards had been purchased from private collectors. The manor is not only an architectural landmark, but also part of cultural memory it is where the history of the local community was shaped, and where material evidence of the lives and activities of several generations of manor owners and workers has been preserved, the historian added. The failed evacuation In accordance with a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of 30 October 2013, an evacuation of cultural property and museum staff, including the Popov Manor House, is carried out in the event of an imminent emergency. The museum had a list of priority objects for evacuation and also held training sessions. According to the acting director of the Popov Manor House, in 2021, training and other activities were held twice on packing and determining the priority exhibits for evacuation. In August of the same year, the institution received a GAZel truck, as well as a service car, a trailer, and about 700 litres of fuel. All employees underwent relevant training. Unfortunately, the sudden occupation of Vasylivka made evacuation impossible. Russian troops took control of the town after heavy shelling on 1 March 2022, and the town was temporarily occupied, the Department of Culture, Tourism, Nationalities and Religions reported. However, Stoychev partially disagrees with this statement: As for the evacuation, I know that many municipal institutions were still transporting computers and accounting documents even after 12 March, when the first road checkpoints were put in place. Long-term hopes Since the Museum-Reserve is located in a temporarily occupied territory, it is currently impossible to determine the exact extent of damage caused by shelling or to find out whether any exhibits from the compound were stolen by the Russians. The list of stolen museum valuables and the extent of the damage can only be determined after the de-occupation of the territory and a full verification of the collections against the inventory records, the department states. Russian media [such as TASS and ZOV Zaporizhzhia] occasionally publish news about the arrival of famous Russian actors at Popov Manor or about plans to save Popov Castle, accompanied by photos and videos taken on the grounds of the compound. Judging by the video, the museum is in satisfactory condition, but the condition of the museums valuables could not be determined. When asked whether he believes it will be possible to obtain compensation for the shelling and theft of museum exhibits (if confirmed by a court) from the Popov Museum, Stoychev replies that one example of restoration and compensation is when it happened after the Second World War 80 years ago. You may not know this, but Germany is still paying compensation to private collectors and their descendants for damaged property. In fact, there were some interesting cases this year: museum collections officially considered lost were accidentally discovered during the sale of a former Nazi officials house. The paintings found in that house were officially catalogued as destroyed by British air strikes during the war in 1945. Officially, they were destroyed, but because the catalogues still existed in Europe, these exhibits remained on the list of missing items. Until they are found or proven to be lost, they remain missing forever, so to speak. So, 80 years have passed, and it turns out that the descendants of Nazi criminals were using this property, hiding it, and now it is being returned to its rightful owners. This report was produced thanks to a grant by Fondation Hirondelle/Justice Info. A full version of this article was published on November 15, 2025, in "Inform.zp.ua". Tens of thousands of people marched through Kosovo's capital on Tuesday, protesting against the war crimes trial of the country's former president and other ex-guerrillas. The rally, held on the country's Independence Day, came ahead of the final hearing in the trial of its former president and political leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Hashim Thaci, along with three senior figures of the rebel movement. Waving red flags emblazoned with the yellow and black crest of the KLA, crowds chanted the militia's name as they marched through Pristina's downtown. Aerial images broadcast by local media showed protesters filling a main square and several surrounding streets. AFP reporters in the crowd estimated there were tens of thousands. Organisers, who are members of Thaci's political party, said they expected attendance to reach over 200,000 with President Vjosa Osmani also joining the rally. The trial of Thaci and other defendants before Kosovo's Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague has been hearing closing statements for over a week -- the last stage before it retires to decide a verdict. All four face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, over their alleged responsibility for killings, torture and other abuses committed by KLA members during the 1990s war. The prosecutor is seeking a 45-year sentence for each. - 'Our heroes' - But the trial of the men, still viewed by many in Kosovo as war heroes, has drawn backlash. "They are our heroes. They have to be released because Kosovo still needs them," architecture student, Daut Hasani, told AFP at the rally. Ragip Ramadani, a pensioner who went to the protest from his home in the southern town of Dragash, said the court was not conducting a fair trial. "It only prosecutes Albanians, but not those who committed the most serious crimes during the war," the 65-year-old said. Earlier, Prime Minister Albin Kurti mentioned the accused in an address marking the 18th anniversary of independence, noting that "the contribution of each of them to freedom and independence is precious." "History will be the one to make the right judgement," Kurti said. - Serbia's role - Evidence provided by Serbia, which has never recognised Kosovo's independence, is particularly sensitive due to the scale of atrocities committed by Serb police and military during the 1998-1999 conflict. Thousands of ethnic Albanian victims were discovered in mass graves after the war, and a separate court has sentenced several former Serbian military and police officials for war crimes. But the indictment against Thaci and the other defendants alleges that KLA members also committed crimes against hundreds of civilians and non-combatants at detention sites in Kosovo and northern Albania. The victims, it says, included Serbs, Roma and Kosovo Albanians deemed political opponents. Established by the country's parliament, the KSC investigates and prosecutes suspected war crimes committed by ethnic Albanian guerrillas during the war. Although part of Kosovo's judicial system, it is physically located in The Hague and staffed solely by international judges in a bid to protect witnesses from possible retribution at home. Closing statements from the accused, including Thaci, are scheduled for Wednesday. A French judge at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday urged the EU to block US sanctions that have seen his bank card stopped and him cut off from internet services. Nicolas Guillou was among several ICC judges blacklisted by Washington in August after an arrest warrant was issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. That move led his bank to cancel his Visa card as it is an American system, and also saw him blocked from using US-owned internet services like Amazon and Airbnb. "The most problematic aspect is when it affects services for which there is no European alternative," Guillou said before meeting EU officials in Brussels. The judge said he wanted the European Commission, the EU's executive, to put forward legislation to bar companies from implementing the US sanctions on European soil. He argued this would send "a very strong political message from the European Union rejecting these attacks on the rule of law and justice". Guillou also called on the EU to step up efforts to create European alternatives to systems like Visa and Mastercard, such as a "digital euro" being envisioned by Brussels. The US sanctions targeting the ICC have drawn condemnation from the EU and Guillou's homeland France. The court's prosecution alleges Netanyahu is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel's offensive in Gaza including by intentionally targeting civilians and using starvation as a method of war. adc-del/gv VISA Amazon.com Airbnb MASTERCARD Tens of thousands of people marched through Kosovo's capital on Tuesday, protesting against the war crimes trial of the country's former president and other ex-guerrillas. The rally, held on the country's Independence Day, came ahead of the final hearing in the trial of its former president and political leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Hashim Thaci, along with three senior figures of the rebel movement. All four face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over their alleged responsibility for killings, torture and other abuses committed by members of the ethnic Albanian rebel group during the 1990s Kosovo War. But many in the country still see Thaci and his co-accused as national heroes for leading Kosovo's separatist fight against Serb forces, and there has been backlash against the trial, which is being held in The Hague. Waving red flags emblazoned with the yellow and black crest of the KLA, crowds chanted the militia's name as they marched in falling snow through Pristina's downtown. Aerial images broadcast by local media showed protesters filling a main square and several surrounding streets. Organisers, who are supporters of Thaci's political party, labelled it the "largest march in the history of Kosovo". President Vjosa Osmani also joined the rally. The trial of Thaci and other defendants before Kosovo's Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague has been hearing closing statements -- the last stage before it retires to decide a verdict. Alongside the ex-president are former senior KLA figures including its intelligence chief Kadri Veseli, operations chief Rexhep Selimi and spokesman Jakup Krasniqi. The prosecutor is seeking a 45-year sentence for each. - 'Our heroes' - Many war veterans attended the rally in uniform, carrying banners with pictures of Thaci and Veseli. "They are our heroes. They have to be released because Kosovo still needs them," architecture student Daut Hasani told AFP. Months of campaigning by Thaci's supporters has seen huge billboards with messages of support for the men erected around the country. "The KLA was the response of a people that was disappearing," said former KLA fighter Muamer Ibrahimi. "Today, when I see this sea of people, I know that those in The Hague are not alone." Earlier, Prime Minister Albin Kurti mentioned the accused in an address marking the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's independence, saying: "The contribution of each of them to freedom and independence is precious." "History will be the one to make the right judgement," he said. - Serbia's role - The KLA emerged in the 1990s in response to growing oppression of the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo, then a Serbian province. They led Kosovo's separatist fight in the 1998-1999 war, which ended with a NATO intervention that forced the withdrawal of Serb forces. Evidence provided at the trial by Serbia, which has never recognised Kosovo's independence, is particularly sensitive because of the scale of atrocities committed by the Serb police and military during the conflict. Thousands of ethnic Albanian victims were discovered in mass graves after the war, and a separate court has sentenced several former Serbian military and police officials for war crimes. But the indictment against Thaci and the other defendants alleges that KLA members also committed crimes against hundreds of civilians and non-combatants at detention sites in Kosovo and northern Albania. The victims, it says, included Serbs, Roma and Kosovo Albanians deemed political opponents. Established by the country's parliament, the KSC investigates and prosecutes suspected war crimes committed by ethnic Albanian guerrillas during the war. Although part of Kosovo's judicial system, it is physically located in the Netherlands and staffed solely by international judges in a bid to protect witnesses from possible retribution at home. Closing statements from the accused, including Thaci, are scheduled for Wednesday. KSU student researchers to share findings at Georgia Capitol KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 17, 2026 Kennesaw State University students will share their findings at the Georgia Capitol Feb. 17, providing key insights from research projects. Modeled after the annual Posters on Hill event in Washington D.C., the Posters at the Georgia State Capitol gives students an opportunity to present their research to state officials, policymakers and Georgias constituents in a professional environment. This event shows government officials the value of research and helps sharpen our students' communication skills, Executive Director of Undergraduate Research Amy Buddie said. This is a chance for KSU students to network with others around the state who also value undergraduate research. Heres a look at the projects KSU students are presenting this year: Wil King Acute Metabolic and Perceptive Responses to a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement and CrossFit-Style Exercise Presenter: Wil King, Exercise Science Faculty Advisor: Gerald Mangine Co-authors: Chris Staples, Jacob Fanno, Ashley Hines, James Henley, Wysmark Chaves, Jacob Grazer, Tiffany Esmat, John McLester, and Gerald Mangine Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your presentation? A: Pre-workout supplements are often marketed to contain ingredients that limit fatigue and improve focus and performance. A unique aspect of CrossFit is that it combines multiple types of exercise (e.g., cardiorespiratory, weightlifting, plyometrics, etc.) into a circuit, with the goal of challenging the athlete in a unique way each time. Our study looked at how a commercially available pre-workout supplement affected subjective perceptions of effort and objective metabolic responses to training in CrossFit athletes. Q: What does it mean to you to have this opportunity to present at the Capitol? A: I am very excited that I was one of the students selected to represent our university at the Capitol this year. With the importance of nutrition and fitness becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation, I look forward to the opportunity to open that dialogue with our local legislators. Amelia Baker The Relationship Between Undergraduate Research Participation and Educational Outcomes Presenter: Amelia Baker, Masters in Public Administration; Audrey Beilharz, Psychology Faculty Advisor: Amy Buddie Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your project? A: This project examines how participation in funded undergraduate research programs at Kennesaw State University relates to student success both before and after graduation. Using retrospective data from the Offices of Undergraduate Research and Institutional Research, we analyzed academic outcomes such as retention, progression, and GPA for students who participated in funded research programs between 2019 and 2024. We also examined post-graduation outcomes, including employment and further education, using LinkedIn profile data. The study includes students from multiple funded programs, such as the First-Year Scholars Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, and Peer Ambassadors Program. Overall, the project aims to understand how funded undergraduate research contributes to academic achievement, career readiness, and long-term professional success. Q: What does it mean to you to have this opportunity to present at the Capitol? A: Having the opportunity to present this research at the Capitol is especially meaningful because I have personally seen the impact that undergraduate research can have on students, both in my own academic and professional journey and through my work with other student researchers. Participating in undergraduate research helped me build confidence, develop critical skills, and better understand my career goals. I have seen similar growth in many students I have worked with across different disciplines. Being able to share data that reflects these experiences, and to do so at such an important event, allows me to advocate for the continued support of undergraduate research programs and highlight their role in fostering student success and long-term career development. Story by Alyssa Ozment Photos by Matt Yung Related Stories A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - A controversial Russian national who has sparked outrage over videos involving Kenyan women has reportedly been spotted moving freely within Nairobi, even as authorities have indicated they are investigating the matter. The man, identified online as Yaytseslav, has drawn criticism after sharing videos of his interactions with women across several African countries, including South Africa, Ghana and Kenya. On platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, he uploads short clips showing himself approaching women in public places. Some of the videos later show him in private settings such as hotels or Airbnbs, implying further interaction after the initial meeting. In addition, he is said to operate a Telegram channel where subscribers reportedly pay a monthly fee of Sh644 (approximately $5) to access exclusive content. Despite online outrage and calls for action, the foreign national was spotted walking in Nairobi while wearing Meta smart glasses, devices capable of recording audio and video. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - A Kenyan lady has set social media ablaze after she openly trashed the Valentines Day gifts she received from her boyfriend, terming them useless. The seemingly romantic man went the extra mile to surprise his girlfriend, hoping that the day would be memorable to her. He bought neatly packaged gifts from a supermarket, including chocolates and flowers, before presenting them to her in what appeared to be a thoughtful Valentines gesture. However, things did not go as planned. Instead of appreciating the effort, the lady appeared unimpressed and quickly dismissed the gifts. She argued that as a fitness enthusiast, she does not consume chocolates, questioning why her boyfriend would buy something she considers unhealthy. These are useless to me, she was heard lamenting in the video. Social media users have since weighed in on the matter, with some sympathizing with the boyfriend for trying to make the day special, while others argued that partners should understand each others preferences better. Watch the video>>> below The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Controversial Kenyan TikToker, Ntazola Gloria, has joined the conversation around the Russian man who recently went viral for luring multiple African women at his Airbnbs where he recorded their private encounters and shared online without the womens consent. In a candid video, Ntazola made it clear that if their paths had crossed, he wouldnt have stood a chance with her. Having followed the trending clips, Ntazola said she was struck by the type of women the Russian managed to lure. So I have been watching the trending Russian guys videos, and all I can say is this: I tell you every day that if you are a cheap woman, every man will have access to you because you do not have standards, she declared. She argued that women who make themselves too available, without setting financial or personal expectations, risk exploitation. You do not ask for more; you always have free time for these boys, and that is why you keep walking into their traps, she added. Distinguishing herself from those women, Ntazola proudly identified herself as one of the bad girls who demand more. I have not seen any bad girls in those videos like us, ladies like us who ask men for 2 million, 3 million, or even 10 million. I can ask a man for that myself. I am very shameless, she said. She was especially critical of what she called understanding girlfriends - women eager to be chosen, even driving themselves to the mans house. I cannot believe you met a guy today, and tomorrow you are already going out with him. As for me, we talked today, and to see me, you will probably get that chance next year, she explained. That can never be me. I am a bad girl and a gold digger. I will ask you for a car worth 10 million, and I will tell you I need money for my business. If you are not giving me that, then bye, she concluded. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Veteran media personality, Maina Kageni, has sparked debate after suggesting that Kenyan women seem to rank local men lower than their West African and white counterparts. Taking to his X account on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, Kageni wondered aloud why Kenyan men are being overlooked. Surely Kenyan ladies, why do you rank Kenyan men so low? Yaani, Kenyan ladies prefer West Africans and White men? Where did Kenyan men go wrong or is it because of money? perception? he posted. His remarks come against the backdrop of a controversy involving a Russian national identified as Yaytseslav, whose actions have triggered outrage and Government intervention. Viral clips showed the man approaching Kenyan women in public and luring them to his apartment where he secretly recorded their encounters without their consent and shared the videos online. Authorities and human rights advocates condemned the behaviour as a violation of privacy and dignity. The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has since launched investigations to trace the man and hold him accountable under Kenyan law. Online, many criticised Yaytseslav for exploiting women but others, however, turned their attention to the women in the videos, accusing them of being too quick to trust a foreigner simply because he was white. Some went as far as labelling Kenyan women easy and desperate. Meanwhile, the Government has warned the public against sharing or circulating the footage, noting that doing so could harm victims further and attract legal consequences. The Kenyan DAILY POST By Stephen Blank While Central Asian cohesion and regional cooperation grow; the South Caucasus is fragmenting. This process increasingly affects the nature and scope of regional interactions with key international actors. Russian influence has declined precipitously in Armenia, which is turning to the West, and Azerbaijan, which is expanding its circle of partners. However, in Georgia the state increasingly resembles Russia in its autocratic and legal structure and thus its state practices. BACKGROUND: Writing in 2024, the Azeri scholar Gulshan Pashayeva observed that a defining feature of the Caucasus was its fragmentation. This fragmentation is deepening and in effect, relationships between the South Caucasus and key external actors have quickly grown and assumed new shapes in 2025. Georgias dependence on Russia has grown, whereas Russian influence in Armenia and Azerbaijan has visibly declined as these states are turning to Washington and Europe. Georgia is paying the supreme price of colonial status as it over time loses territory to Russia as both South Ossetia and Abkhazia virtually included in the Russian Federation. The Russian-driven borderization whereby Russian or pro-Russian forces either overtly or surreptitiously move border posts demarcating Russian-controlled from Georgian territories to expand Russias holdings occurs with impunity. The mounting discord between the Georgian government and the EU also exemplifies Georgias regression. Georgias government, possibly at Moscows behest, is trampling upon processes necessary for Georgian admission into the EU and frustrating both Brussels conditions and the continuing support for EU membership among a majority of the Georgian population. Armenias government is implementing a program of democratic reform and ultimate membership in the EU while striving to make a conclusive peace with Azerbaijan and normalize ties to Turkey despite staunch resistance by domestic, diasporic elements, the Church and Russian influencers. None of these groups supports peace and many of them, including Russia, fear democratization as signaling a decisive political defeat at home as well as a threat to Russia. It is no surprise that the Church with Russian backing emerged as the leader of an attempted coup in 2025 to replicate Russias success in Georgia and reverse Yerevans turn to the West. Azerbaijans case is even more striking. Beyond its military-diplomatic success in forging an alliance with Turkey and partnership with Israel to strengthen its military capability, it neutralized Russian support for Armenia while improving ties with key European states and the U.S. The Trump Administration has now built a permanent monument to its military-economic presence in the Caucasus, namely the Trump International Road for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This project brings Washington into the Caucasus as a permanent player and checks Iranian threats to Azerbaijan and links to Armenia, while giving Yerevan a tangible reward for its pro-Western and anti-Russian policies. Meanwhile, Russias downing of an Azerbaijani airplane in 2024 and attacks on Azerbaijani residents in Russia have generated enormous resentment in Azerbaijan. IMPLICATIONS: The Caucasus has become a battleground where the great powers and their favored local governments are not only on opposite sides, but where these powers rivalry also spills over into trade routes. The TRIPP has duly triggered Georgian apprehension since that projects inauguration may well push aside Georgia as a preferred partner in the Middle Corridor project that ties together China, Central Asia, and ultimately Europe. But the significance of TRIPP far transcends its potential impact upon Georgia. This project is only the latest manifestation of the declining Russian influence in the Caucasus and the parallel ensuing fragmentation of the region. While Moscow still holds many levers of influence and has no scruples about using them; they are fewer, less potent than before, and Russia faces a greater and more sustained foreign presence in the Caucasus than at any time since the disintegration of the USSR. Neither is this foreign influence strictly economic as in Chinas case and as seen in its sponsorship of the Middle Corridor trade and transportation route through Azerbaijan that bypasses Russia. Turkiyes alliance with Azerbaijan is of an explicitly military nature that provides an enduring supply of weapons, training, and presumably logistical and intelligence support for Azerbaijan. Turkiye also buttresses this support by providing the primary terminus for Azerbaijans increasing energy exports to Europe. Beyond these increasingly deep-rooted connections to Azerbaijan, through the Organization of Turkic States Turkiye now also has an institutional base for enduring outreach to Central Asia and the provision of all manner of military and economic ties to that region. Azerbaijan is also increasingly tied to the Middle East through its long-running defense and economic ties to Israel, their mutual collaboration against Iran and its membership in both the Abraham Accords and President Trumps Board of Peace. Likewise, the EU and Azerbaijan have embarked upon a mutually rewarding series of ties independent of Russian influence and also primarily based on Azerbaijani energy exports in return for EU investment and political support. Moreover, the advent of the TRIPP has launched what looks like a sustained U.S. presence in the Caucasus. This project is taking physical shape and Vice-President Vances visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan demonstrates that sustained interest. Under this project, American companies could develop railways, roads, and pipelines linking Azerbaijan proper to its Nakhchivan exclave via a corridor through the south of Armenias Syunik Province. Since Azerbaijan is now providing Armenia with energy, a formal peace treaty terminating the state of war over Nagorno-Karabakh under U.S. auspices seems likely. Beyond those signs of U.S. influence, President Trump has just stated that Vances tour will, strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia, Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers, and the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan. If this lasting multi-domain U.S. presence materializes, it will represent a major blow to Russian ambitions but also codify the fragmentation of the Caucasus and exclude Georgia from the growing and long-term international competition in the region for a long time to come. CONCLUSIONS: Russia certainly still has cards to play. It has a long-term military base at Gyumri, Armenia, and well-established connections among the Armenian opposition that is both unreconciled to the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh and to the Pashinyan governments democratizing reforms and efforts to join the EU. Russia also has substantial economic connections to Georgia and what looks like a secure base of influence in Georgias government. Nevertheless, it is a declining power economically if not militarily and cannot stop the rising foreign presence in the Caucasus. Indeed, it depends on trade coming from Armenia and Central Assia to circumvent Western sanctions and access vital Western goods. Iran, whose back is to the wall due to combined U.S., Israeli, and European military-economic pressure, cannot bail it out. Nor will China, the primary sponsor of the Middle Corridor, rescue it in the Caucasus. Despite the Russo-Chinese no-limits partnership, Beijing has never lifted a finger to allow Russia to become a viable economic competitor across Eurasia or regarding inter-continental trade, transport, and connectivity issues. Therefore, the fragmentation of the South Caucasus and the heightened presence of competing major international actors is likely to continue. Central Asian states, in contrast, forge ahead with mounting cohesion and collaboration. Indeed, those states, recognizing Azerbaijans critical geographic position and rising heft, have now included it in what used to be the 5+1 relationship with Washington, transforming it into a 6+1 formation. This development will also contribute to regional fragmentation. Azerbaijan is increasingly a power whose perspectives must embrace Washington, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, not just the Caucasus. The ethnopolitical rivalries that made the Caucasus a zone of conflict for a generation after 1991 may, however, be coming to an end as the new ties between Baku and Yerevan and greater foreign connections show. To the extent that Georgia can be helped to resolve its ethnic and other domestic cleavages that Russia continues to exploit, it may become possible for the South Caucasus to emulate the discernible regional cooperation now appearing in Central Asia. That outcome would be to the benefit of the entire Caucasus as well as to its neighbors and interlocutors. While disappointing to Moscow, its regional clients and those dead-enders who wish to rekindle the fires of ethnic conflict, that way has been tried and founds wanting in the balance. AUTHORS BIO: Stephen Blank is a Senior Fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute (www.fpri.org.) AN ATHY based business that has been granted planning permission for a new funeral training centre to be built behind a Carlow-based funeral home expects to make a decision on its Athy future towards the middle of the year, according to its Director Cyril Gantley. Mortuary Science Ireland, based in the Woodstock Enterprise Centre, will build the new training centre behind the Burke McDermott Funeral Home in Carlow. This will consist of a 211sqm, single-storey building for two or three students at a time in funeral preparation. At the moment were not sure, said Mr Gantley when asked about their plans to stay in Athy. Most of our business comes nationally, to be honest, but the brunt of our work is in Carlow, he said of his business that has been in Athy for 22 years. Well wait until Carlow gets built, and would make a decision a few weeks after that. A lot of our work is predominantly care of the deceased, but the burial is between the families and the funeral director, but wed generally work alongside the funeral directors. MSI who will occupy the new Carlow site, submitted the application for the development on 13 July 2025. Director of the company Cyril Gantley explained that they work with the British Institute of Embalmers, which offers the only worldwide qualification in the industry. Mortuary Science Ireland offers a three-year diploma course, which involves academic and practical elements, and teaches a maximum of 10 or 11 students at a time to ensure they get the teachers undivided attention, said Mr Gantley. Funeral services is an unregulated industry, he noted, and demand for accredited services has come from within the industry, from insurance companies and countries during repatriation arrangements. Mr Gantley has operated Mortuary Science Ireland out of Athy with the other director Susan Moran, since 2004, saying: its just the two of us. The firm believe they have grown out of their current training centre in Athy and the opportunity to team up with Charles McDermott arose in Carlow. Mr Gantley and Ms Moran are over the moon to have permission approved. Mr Gantley said: The whole positioning around the centre is fantastic, with the train station across the road making it an accessible location for students. Burke McDermott, the existing funeral home, will remain operating as usual, and the new training centre will be open between 10.30am to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday. The permission granted by the council was subject to 14 conditions, relating to parking and traffic, environmental preservation and protection of the unique character of the site. SCHOOLS across Kildare are extremely concerned after they were informed of cuts to their Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) posts for the 2026/27 year. Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge announced it was to have its number of SNAs reduced by over 40%. The school received notification from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regarding a reduction from 6.75 to 4 posts in SNA allocations for the 2026/27 term. In a statement, Patrician Secondary Schools Board of Management (BOM) wrote: 'Our school community is shocked and devastated with this decision and its implication for our school community. We think this is a retrograde step in supporting the care needs of our students.' The schools BOM explained that when school numbers were at 800 students, 6.75 SNA posts were assigned, yet now with a student population of 930 the posts have been reduced to just 4. The school has started an appeal process against the cuts through the NCSE Appeals Mechanism in an effort to save their schools SNA posts. It continued: 'The role of the SNA within the Patrician Secondary School is so important in terms of inclusivity and fostering an environment where all students can reach their positive potential. As the school numbers have risen so too has the level of care needs and management of those needs. This reduction of posts causes us particular concern in this regard. 'Our priority is, and always will be, the welfare and care needs of our students. We are currently reviewing the negative impact of this allocation and are following all avenues of the NCSE Appeals Mechanism. 'We are asking all in our local community for your continued support so that we can maintain the level of care we believe our students are entitled to and deserve.' Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, responsible for special education, Michael Moynihan, stated that by the end of the 2026/27 school year the number of SNAs in the country will be close to 25,000. This number is up from allocations in Budget 2025, which brought the total number of SNAs to 23,000. However, many local schools will still see reductions in SNA posts. Kildare South Labour TD, Mark Wall raised the issue in the Dail saying that while the additional 1,717 SNA places announced in the budget are welcome, some local schools are facing reductions that will have a devastating impact on their communities. Deputy Wall said Scoil Mhichil Naofa in Athy was informed late last week that it will lose five SNA posts along Patrician Secondary School. He said SNAs play a vital role in the day-to-day running of schools by supporting both teachers and students and helping to create a positive environment for families. We all know the great work SNAs do day in, day out assisting teachers, assisting students and creating a school environment for parents and students alike, he said. Deputy Wall also highlighted uncertainty for current staff, saying some SNAs will not know until next September whether they will retain their positions and are already being called into meetings with school principals. He said: Will the Government intervene in these losses? We need SNAs in our schools. SNAs with posts will not know until next September whether or not they will still have a post and are getting calls to go into principals' offices. It is devastating for them all. Responding in the Dail, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he did not have details on the individual schools mentioned but stressed that SNA numbers have risen sharply in recent years. The numbers of SNAs have increased exponentially, he said. The budget for special education has increased significantly and somewhat dramatically over the past three years and continues to increase. The Taoiseach said the overall context is one of expansion rather than cutbacks and that SNA allocations are made based on assessed needs. We are expanding the budget and we do have to allocate SNAs to children in line with best advice on our side, he said. He added that he would refer the specific cases raised by Deputy Wall to the Minister for Education and Youth. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD has also shown his support to local schools: Many of the affected schools, such as Patrician Secondary School Newbridge and Halverstown NS, have the option of appealing the current review, and I continue to assist schools and principals alike in this process, in conjunction with the Department of Education. He further promised to raise the issue with Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, and the Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan. High Court Reporters St Jamess Hospital, Dublin, has apologised for the failings that led to the death of a 53-year-old man who went into anaphylactic shock when he was given a steroid pain injection. Father of five, Martin Staines, from Tallaght, Dublin, suffered a fatal reaction to an agent known as polyethene glycol, which was in the steroid injection. The Staines family counsel, Michael Counihan SC, instructed by James McSweeney, solicitor, told the High Court that Mr Staines, who had a painful ankle after a fall on ice some years before, got the injection into a joint on July 31st 2015. Counsel said, unfortunately, the hospital should have known Mr Staines was allergic to the ingredient contained in the injection. He went into shock and died immediately, to the complete shock and distress of his family, Counsel said. Mr Counihan said the case had been settled following negotiations, and that it was clear the hospital was contrite over the tragic and unfortunate event. The terms of the settlement are confidential, and the case was before the High Court for the ruling of the 35,000 mental distress solatium payment. In the letter of apology, which was read to the court by Declan Buckley SC for St Jamess Hospital, the hospital expressed sincere condolences to the Staines family. The loss of your husband is deeply regretted by all staff and management at the hospital, especially those who were involved in his care, it said. The letter added: We apologise for the failings that led to the death of Mr Staines. While we cannot fully comprehend the ongoing impact this loss has had on your family, we are truly sorry for the pain and distress caused to you. Mr Staines widow, Lorraine, told the court she had lost her husband and best friend of 35 years. He was a huge presence, someone who brought warmth, reassurance, endless laughter and love to everyone around him, she said. She told Mr Justice Paul Coffey her husband died of anaphylactic shock. An allergy that was well documented. His death was and should have been completely preventable, she said. Since her husbands death, she said their family has carried overwhelming grief. The family, she said, had waited for ten years for some accountability, ten years of reliving what happened on that fatal day and carrying a loss that never eases. She told the judge she hoped that, as a result of the case, change would follow and no family would have to go through what they did. Nothing she said will ever give them the life and years they have lost or ease the pain they continue to carry. In the proceedings brought by Lorraine Staines against St Jamess Hospital, Dublin, it was claimed that there was a failure to manage, treat, or otherwise properly care for Mr Staines and, in particular, to consider or treat his allergy syndrome properly. It was also claimed failure to clearly list and record properly all the known and or suspected substances to which Mr Staines was allergic which it was claimed amounted to substandard care. There was also a failure to appreciate Mr Staines previous allergic reaction to the same steroid. Noting the settlement and approving the division of the solatium, Mr Justice Paul Coffey expressed his deepest sympathy to the Staines family. The judge said it was an unusual and tragic case. THE DECISION for Pfizer to pay out 7,500 in compensation to an agency worker has been overturned by the Labour Court, ruling that the complaint was taken against the wrong employer. In the decision issued in January 2026, the Court upheld Pfizers appeal against a WRC recommendation made in March 2025 under Section 13 of the Industrial Relations Act. The earlier recommendation had directed the company to pay 7,500 in compensation for lack of fair procedures in the workers dismissal during probation. However, the Labour Court found that the complainant was employed by a recruitment agency and had no contractual relationship with Pfizer, meaning she did not qualify as a worker of the company under industrial relations legislation. The worker was placed at Pfizers Newbridge site as a Quality Control Chemist by CPL Solutions Limited, a licensed employment agency. She began working on 2 April 2024 and the placement ended on 20 May 2024 after she was informed her she had not passed probation. The case had previously been heard by WRC across two hearings in September 2024 and February 2025. In that decision, the worker argued she had been interviewed, trained and supervised by Pfizer staff, worked exclusively on the companys premises for over six weeks, and was dismissed there without explanation or an opportunity to respond to performance concerns. She said she received no written warnings and no prior notice of issues before her dismissal. Pfizer maintained at the WRC that she was employed and dismissed by the agency, not the company, and that her contract was terminated in line with a probation clause allowing termination for any or no reason with one weeks notice. It also argued there was no valid trade dispute under the legislation. The Adjudication Officer rejected Pfizers preliminary objections at this stage, finding that the industrial relations framework should be interpreted broadly. He pointed to contract wording that allowed both the agency and the client company to direct duties, and to the reality of the working arrangement. He found that in practice the worker was interviewed and trained by Pfizer staff, she worked on Pfizer premises at all times, performance concerns were handled by Pfizer supervisors, the dismissal meeting took place at the Pfizer site, and issues were not raised with the employment agency as they arose. He included: In this case, the employment relationship was clearly with the company. The Adjudication Officer found the worker was not afforded fair procedures, even allowing for probation. Citing the Labour Court, he said employees at risk of dismissal, including those on probation, must be told of concerns and given an opportunity to respond. He recommended 7,500 compensation, but not reinstatement or re-engagement, citing a breakdown in trust and the fixed-term nature of the role. Pfizer appealed the WRC recommendation on 16 April 2025. A Labour Court hearing took place in Dublin on 16 January 2026. Represented by Rosemary Mallon BL, instructed by A&L Goodbody LLP, Pfizer argued as a preliminary point that it was not the workers employer and therefore not the correct respondent. The Court agreed, finding the complainant was a CPL worker in relation to CPL and not a Pfizer worker. The decision stated: The Complainant had no contractual relationship with the Company and, therefore, the Court finds, was not a worker vis-a-vis the Company. The Court accordingly upholds the Companys appeal on the foregoing preliminary point. The Labour Court found that, regardless of how the arrangement operated in practice, the absence of a contract between the worker and Pfizer was decisive. As a result, the original 7,500 compensation recommendation was withdrawn. Local, regional and national roads in Kildare have been allocated over 25 million euros for maintenance and repair works this year. Included in the allocation is over 200,000 to progress a relief road for Newbridge. Kildare South Fine Gael TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon welcomed the news. I am delighted to see that 25,739,499 in funding has been allocated to Kildare County Council for essential national road repair works across Kildare. He added: The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events. Speaking about the Newbridge funding, he said: The funding for the project allows progress to continue on the delivery of the second bridge for Newbridge as we pursue this vital project for the town. By Rebecca Black, Press Association Police have issued an appeal for information following a suspected arson attack at the former site of a historic school. A small blaze was discovered at a derelict building at the old Cabin Hill site in east Belfast on Sunday. A police spokesperson said: We received a report at around 6.40pm on Sunday of a number of youths present on the derelict site of Cabin Hill on the Upper Newtownards Road. Officers attended the scene, where colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already present, extinguishing a small fire which had been started in one of the derelict buildings to the rear of the site. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition, and our inquiries into this are ongoing. They added: We would appeal to anyone who has any information, or who saw anything suspicious in the area on Sunday evening, to contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 1155 of 15/02/26. Dr Cullens ninth and probably final budget is a cunning political device but economically risky and most of all incredibly hypocritical. The entire budget is designed for one and one purpose only to try and stuff over National and make it impossible for them to offer larger tax cuts without spending cuts. Imagine the outcry from Dr Cullen and the left if Bill English as Minister of Finance did the following: Run a cash deficit of $13.7 billion over four years to fund $10.6 billion of tax cuts Ran the OBEGAL operating surplus so low that it will not be large enough to fund the Cullen Fund contributions until 2016 Reduced the contingency expenditure provision by $2.5 billion over four years (or $250 million a year) You would have the left shouting from the treetops that Bill English is borrowing to fund tax cuts, that pensioners should start hoarding catfood because National is planning to starve the Cullen Fund of money, and that reducing contingency expenditure is slashing spending on health and education. I got to ask Dr Cullen a question on how he would answer the challenge that he is borrowing to fund tax cuts, and he answered that he isnt, that he is borrowing to fund capital investment. The irony is that I didnt agree with the premise of my question I was in fact quoting what Labour have said for the past few years about borrowing and tax cuts, and the further irony is that Dr Cullens response was the argument I have made in the past that borrowing is okay if for capital, not operating expenditure. As I said above, this budget exists for one reason only to try and stuff over National. The logical inconsistency of saying we cant afford tax cuts when the surplus is close to $10 billion, and then delivering tax cuts when the surplus has basically shrunk to zero is staggering. OBEGAL, the operating balance or surplus after one off gains and losses is forecast to be just $1.0b next year, reducing to $200 million in 2011/12. That is well below a prudent level I have generally maintained the OBEGAL should be enough to meet the Cullen Fund contribution around $2 billion) and around $1 billion on top of that. So this level of surplus is around $2 billion to $3 billion below that. Cullen has gone from hoarding all the money to spending it all. Core crown expenditure is forecast to expand from $54 billion last year to a whopping $70 billion in 2012. Core crown revenue was $58.4 billion last year. The tax cuts sees it stay at around $62 billion this year and next year but then increasing to $69 billion in 2012. So Cullen has core corwn expenditure greater than core crown income for the first time since the last Labour Government. This is a potential repeat of 1990 in terms of leaving the next Government with a deficit. Net core Crown debt is forecast to go from $1.8 billion to $13.2 billion. Dr Cullen could hardly contain his glee at having spent everything. Basically the fiscal margin for the next five to six years is close to zero. A further downturn and you have have significant problems. He has happily thrown away his previous fiscal discipline. So this will make it tougher for National. they certainly will be able to deliver tax cuts larger than these ones, but not massively larger unless they get more rigorous with saying no to various spending proposals. There are not a lot of easy options thanks to Dr Cullens empyting or the larder. If by some chance Labour do get re-elected Dr Cullens successor will be equally as grumpy with him as Bill English might be dont expect any Government can deliver any significant new spending initiatives in the next few years. I dont think it is entirely a bad thing that National may have to say no to some more of Labours spending. Yes there is a political risk in doing so, but it is at times of economic hardship that people expect the Government to manage its spending more carefully just as households do. And National certainly has some capital in terms of a lead in the polls that it can use up. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. By Declan Brennan Convicted child abuser Patrick Harte will be sentenced next month for the repeated sexual abuse of another eight primary school boys four decades ago. The 84-year-old was employed as a teacher at Sancta Maria Christian Brothers school on Synge Street Dublin, from 1967 to 2007, latterly as a principal. This fourth set of prosecutions brings to 89 his number of convictions for sexual or indecent assaults of young boys. After a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last December, a jury convicted Harte of 17 counts of indecent or sexual assault committed against boys in various date ranges between 1969 and 1986. Harte, of Glendown Park, Templeogue, Dublin 6, had pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to deny any offending. The eight victims in this case bring to 32 the number of boys abused by Harte. At a sentence hearing on Monday, David Perry BL, prosecuting, told the court that in around 1978, one of the child victims told another teacher in the school about what Harte was doing and nothing was done, matters were swept under the carpet. This victim later told gardai that Harte molested him around 40 to 50 times in that academic year when the victim was aged around 11 to 12 and in sixth class. After a year of abuse, this boy decided he'd had enough and told his parents he wasn't going back to the school. In his victim impact statement, this man said that the period of sustained abuse affected his long-term mental health, and he went on to struggle with alcohol addiction his entire life. He said he experienced flashbacks and had trouble trusting people. He said he had tried to put the abuse out of his mind, but it negatively affected his marriage, and he found he was overprotective of his young daughters. He said that when he saw Harte's image appear on the news, I broke down, a grown man, seeing his face. He said he then told his daughter that Harte had abused him. The court heard that in the case of all the victims, Harte would find some reason to call boys up to the teacher's desk. He would then put his hands down their trousers and into their underwear and fondle their backside and genitals. During the trial, Harte gave sworn evidence that none of the matters alleged had ever taken place, the court heard. Detective Garda Richie Moston told Mr Perry that Harte was convicted in March 2020 of 11 counts of indecently assaulting seven pupils at the school on dates between September 1968 and September 1970. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three-year prison term in July 2020. In December 2024, Harte was jailed for four years for the sexual abuse of a further eight former primary school students on dates between 1967 and 1970. Reporting restrictions were in place while his remaining trials took place. He was convicted of 22 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. The victims spoke of Harte placing his hands inside their underwear to fondle their genitals and his use of a leather strap to wallop students. Harte denied the allegations. Judge Elva Duffy noted the very moving victim impact statements given by the men, who had been very young boys at the time they were abused by Harte. Last October, after a third set of prosecutions, Judge Duffy sentenced Harte to a prison term of four and a half years for the sexual assault of nine young boys. Most of the boys were between 11 and 13 years old when abused, though one victim was abused from the age of eight to the age of 13. John Griffin BL, defending, told the court his client does not accept the jury verdicts and that his instructions were not to enter a plea of mitigation. Wearing an audio loop hearing aid, Harte stood from the dock to address Judge Martina Baxter. He tried to go into detail about alleged issues with the evidence of a complainant in a different trial, for which Harte was convicted of indecently assaulting. Judge Baxter said that had nothing to do with this hearing. She adjourned finalisation of sentencing to March 18th next. Eva Osborne Irishman Seamus Culleton will not be deported to Ireland on Tuesday, after a court in the United States issued a temporary order halting his removal. This comes after it was expected that the Kilkenny man would arrive at Dublin Airport on Tuesday, reports the Irish Times. Culleton, who has been held by ICE officials in the US, told the media last week that he had been held in a detention centre in Texas since last September, which he likened to a "concentration camp". The Kilkenny man was arrested in Boston in September last year, even though he had been in the US for 20 years and is married to a US citizen. Niall O'Dowd with The Irish Times said that, even before the Trump immigration crackdown, Culleton very likely would not have obtained his green card because he had overstayed his 90-day visa. "What is happening in practice is that the 90-day overstay visa cases which is the one most undocumented Irish entered under are being decided against the immigrant," O'Dowd said. "The draconian new laws seem to be part of the Trump administrations policy to make conditions so arduous that inmates will pledge never to come back to the US. "It is no surprise that the Texas judiciary, which is among the harshest in the USA, is handling much of the immigration issue." O'Dowd said it seems there will be few limits on steps taken to stop immigrants getting their green cards, even those showing up for their last interview with final signing-off papers clutched in their hand. He said he would like Taoiseach Micheal Martin to raise his case with US President Donald Trump during his meeting at the White House in March for St Patricks Day. The US Department of Homeland Security said Mr Culleton arrived in the US in 2009 under a visa waiver programme, allowing people to stay in the US for 90 days without a visa, but did not leave after this period. Culletons lawyer Ogor Winnie Okoye said the US government has historically given exemptions and forgiven certain immigration violations such as working without authorisation or overstay to immediate relatives of US citizens. Okoye said he had submitted a green card application before his arrest and had been scheduled for his marriage-based green card interview in November. On Monday, the legal firm of Okoye, BOS Legal, said a petition for review of the administrative final removal order and an ex parte motion filed in the First Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday delayed Mr Culletons deportation. It said the significant development saw a temporary order staying Culletons removal for the next 10 business days. The court ordered the government to file their response which is due in the coming days, it said. Culleton has resided in the United States for nearly two decades and is married to a US citizen. He has no criminal entries since living in the United States. Culleton is married to a US citizen, presents no public safety concerns, and has strong familial and community ties in the United States. Culleton has been separated from his wife, Tiffany, and his family for over five months. Our legal team remains focused on securing his release from Ice custody and obtaining the immigration relief necessary for him be reunited with his wife and to remain in the United States with his family. We are committed to advocating for Culletons right to remain in the United States based on legal merits of his case. Our focus is on reuniting him with his spouse and ensuring that justice is served within the bounds of our laws. Additional reporting by PA Evan Power, Derrymore, Portarlington, Laois died unexpectedly on Sunday 15 February. Sadly missed by his loving dad Pat, mum Linda, sisters Roisin and Aibhlinn, the family circle, neighbours and friends. May Evan rest in peace. Reposing at Mahers Chapel of Rest, Portarlington (R32 X5XV) on Thursday evening from 6pm, with Rosary at 8pm. Removal on Friday morning at 9.20am, arriving at St Michael's Church, Portarlington for Requiem Mass at 10am. Funeral afterwards to St Michael's Cemetery, Portarlington. Evan's Requiem Mass will be streamed live on the church webcam, link on RIP.ie. Family flowers only, please . Donations, if desired, to the Irish Wheelchair Association, Portlaoise. (Donation box in the Chapel of Rest and in the church). You can leave your condolences on the online condolence book on RIP.ie. The family would like to thank you for your support and understanding at this sad and difficult time. Patrick (Paddy) Smyth, Droughill, Portarlington, Laois, formerly of Palmerstown, Dublin and late Eircom died peacefully in his 98th year, while in the loving care of his family, at Elm Hall Nursing Home, Cellbridge on 15 February. Loving husband of the late Maura and dear dad of the late Michael. Beloved father of Elizabeth, Caroline, Susan, Colin, June, Trevor, Graham and Fiona. Paddy will be sadly missed by his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, sisters-in-law, extended family, friends and neighbours. May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace. Removal on Wednesday morning, arriving at St Michael's Church, Portarlington (R32 HY38) for Requiem Mass at 10am. Funeral afterwards to St Michael's Cemetery, Portarlington. Paddy's Requiem Mass will be streamed live on the church link on RIP.ie. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the Irish Cancer Society. You can leave your condolences on the online condolence book on RIP.ie. The family would like to thank you for your support and understanding at this sad and difficult time. High Court reporters Social media giants Meta and WhatsApp have been granted permission by the High Court to challenge the calculation of a 12 million State levy to be imposed upon them by media watchdog Coimisiun na Mean for their supervision costs. At the High Court on Monday, lawyers for Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd and WhatsApp Ireland Ltd successfully applied to Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty for permission to challenge what they claim is a transparency issue over the calculation behind the levy. In court papers, Meta says the company is the provider of Facebook and Instagram services to users in Ireland. All three platforms have been designated as "very large online platforms" by the EU, with Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram designated as "video-sharing platform services pursuant to the Broadcasting Act as amended and hosting services exposed to terrorist content", requiring supervision. Meta and WhatsApp are seeking an order from the High Court to quash a statutory instrument under the Broadcasting 2009 Act under which the multi-million euro levy was issued. The companies are also seeking a declaration that the State commission acted "unlawfully, unfairly and beyond its power" in making a statutory legal instrument under which they were invoiced, instead of being notified first about compliance, referred to within the 'Broadcasting Act 2009 (Section 21) Levy Order 2025', and if necessary, that it Act is "unconstitutional". The applicants submit that the commission is seeking to impose the levy to fund the discharge of its "regulatory functions, in relation to expenses that must be properly incurred and for working capital requirements" to fulfil their work. The companies submit that the commission has a discretion to make any order imposing a levy on intermediary service providers and hosting service providers but must provide "transparency" on incurred levies. Meta and WhatsApp submit that they were not able to see how any "supervisory fee payable by the applicants to the European Commission under the Digital Services Act was to be taken into account and double-charging avoided". The companies claim that they were submitted "invoices" instead of the "appropriate notices", under the commission's declarations, for the purposes of compliance with a 2025 Levy Order. The applicants claim that the levy imposed upon them collectively amounts to 12,921,438. It is submitted that the applicants had no way to verify that the correct formula was used in calculating the levy payable, "in circumstances where it was only issued with a simple invoice demand for payment and without any explanation as to how the total amount was calculated". "This was, in the applicants' view, further evidence of the lack of transparency provided by the respondent [the commission] in the process," it is claimed. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, for the companies, told Ms Justice Gearty that the applicants were aware that while the Broadcasting Act conferred discretion on the commission in exercising its powers, neither the Act nor the commission described "how the levy should be imposed, regarding calculation". Mr Fitzpatrick said it could be a case of "one public body left to itself in exercising power", and that Meta would be challenging this based on the order itself. "We have not been given any details, but invoices were issued," he said. Ms Justice Gearty granted leave to seek judicial review for the companies in the ex parte application - where only one side is represented - and adjourned the matter to April. Gordon Deegan A warring couple going through the throes of separation both remain in the family home with their children and communicate only via email, a court has heard. At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett told the couple that the really sad part of their situation is that yere children are watching all of this. Judge Gabbett said that with the children living under the same roof as the two I dont know how ye can subject yere children to this. He said: They might not be as robust as you think, and it is a form of emotional abuse, believe it or not, and there is certainly emotional abuse goingon between the two of you. Judge Gabbett said that the children are probably tiptoeing around ye and I really urge both of you as parents today to consider the welfare of your children. Judge Gabbett made his comments when dismissing a criminal charge against the husband that he had breached a Protection Order obtained by his wife in a row over brown sauce and fallen photographs of her at the family home. Judge Gabbett said that while the wife may view the fallen photos of her and the brown sauce around the kitchen as sinister, he was of the view that what occurred arose from marital disharmony. Judge Gabbett said that he was not satisfied that there was any criminal intent by the husband to put his wife in fear. He said: This has happened because you cant move out of the house because of financial circumstances or perhaps you just dont want to - I dont know which it is. He said, Who is going to blink first and move out? This is much more common than you realise and a particular problem in Clare for some reason. Judge Gabbett said that the allegation against the husband was at the extremely low end of Protection Order breaches. Judge Gabbett said, The marriage is over, and the divorce needs to happen. In evidence, the woman said that she was left terrified after returning home to find wall photos only of herself on the floor and brown sauce had been sprayed around the kitchen. She said: "The house had been thrashed." The woman said that her husband locks himself in his room every day, and I knocked on the door, and I said I know what you did and I know why you did it and there is a mess downstairs that needs to be fixed. The woman told the court: I just want peace in my own house. It is not what he did - it is why he did it. In evidence, the husband said that in relation to the fallen photos, I had nothing to do with that - those photos keep falling off. The man said that the brown sauce was on the floor after a bottle of brown sauce fell on the floor while he was making a late-night sandwich. He said that he had cleared up the mess in the kitchen. Asked by his solicitor, Daragh Hassett, whether he put his wife in fear, the man replied no. The husband said, In the house, I am like a prisoner. I lock the door every night because I dont trust what she is going to do next, to be honest. The man said that he had blocked his wife on WhatsApp and on his phone, and they communicate via email, as a mediator told them they must keep an agreed line of communication open. Mr Hassett said that the wife had secured a Protection Order in court last year when her husband was not present. Mr Hassett said that his client subsequently contested a Safety Order, and that case did not go to court after both sides provided undertakings to behave themselves around each other. Mr Hassett said that two "are in the throes of separation". Under cross-examination from Mr Hassett, the wife denied she had to come to court to give evidence in order to get her husband out of the house. She said: Of course I dont want to live in this situation - half the house is mine and half the house is his. He ended the marriage 18 months ago but he is still there. She said: I cant leave because of my children - I have tried everything to find somewhere to live. By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association Government employees were among the thousands who have contacted the Labour Party about remote working rights in recent months, TD Mark Wall has said, adding the state needs to lead on the issue. He was speaking at a press conference about a Bill his party is bringing forward on Wednesday. If passed, the Work Life Balance (Right to Remote Work) Bill will give employees an enforceable right to work remotely if their roles allow it. Even the Workplace Relations Commission cannot decide whether a job can be done remotely or whether a refusal makes sense. Under current law, as long as the refusal is documented, it stands, no matter how arbitrary or outdated the reasoning Mark Wall TD Since March 2024, all workers can request remote working, but it can be refused by their employers. The Labour spokesman on Social Protection said the party wants to introduce a right to flexible and remote work, rather than a right to ask. He said: Even the Workplace Relations Commission cannot decide whether a job can be done remotely or whether a refusal makes sense. Under current law, as long as the refusal is documented, it stands, no matter how arbitrary or outdated the reasoning. Many of the thousands of workers who had contacted his party about remote working are government employees, Mr Wall said, and the state needs to lead on this. They need to be the ones to show an example and show all employers that working from home can work, has worked, and can work again, he said. We need to ensure that flexible and remote working doesn't simply shift more unpaid work and responsibilities around onto women or isolate them from career progression Corrinne Hasson, National Womens Council of Ireland Asked how he expected to get employer buy-in to the new legislation, Mr Wall said an emphasis needs to be placed on productivity. His party colleague Marie Sherlock said: Lets face it, if somebodys in a car for three hours per day, there has to be an impact on their productivity. She said around a third of the workforce does some form of remote work, but access to that type of flexible work is based on luck and tends, on average, to be higher paid in more senior positions. The National Womens Council of Ireland took part in the press conference, and while their executive director Corrinne Hasson said the organisation had been calling for the right to remote and flexible work to be strengthened, she said it is important to note that remote working is not for everyone. Many women arent able to avail of it, and particularly women in sectors such as healthcare, social care, education, and hospitality. She said implementation of the legislation would be important to make sure flexibility and security go hand in hand with adequate pay and conditions. We need to ensure that flexible and remote working doesnt simply shift more unpaid work and responsibilities around onto women or isolate them from career progression, she added. Adapted from "Thunder in America," by Bob Faw, a CBS News correspondent, and the late Nancy Skelton, a Times staff writer, to be published this month by Texas Monthly Press. Feb. 26, 1984. Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester, N.H. The campaign, and the candidate, were at a breaking point. Ramrod straight, Jesse Jackson strode to the front of the synagogue, his fists clenched tight at his sides, his eyes darting across the tense crowd. Later, he would describe the scene as Daniel in the lions den, but in some ways it was also Greenville, S.C., all over again, 34 years ago when he was 8 and had whistled in the white mans grocery for service and the owner had pointed a loaded .45 pistol at his head to teach him his place. Then, as now, Jackson found himself cornered by his own pride. This time he had poked fun at Jews by calling them Hymie and New York City Hymie-town, and what hed said had been quoted and condemned in the Washington Post. At first he had denied the remarks; then, turning street fighter, he had tried to put Jews on the defensive, accusing them of making him the target of a Jewish conspiracy to ruin his campaign. But the counterattack hadnt worked, and day by day the furor had grown. Within two weeks his historic run for the presidency had nearly collapsed, and Jackson was trapped: There was no choice now but to swallow his pride and own up to his mistake. For the past several days Jackson had been literally torn apart, as one aide put it, trying to find his way out of the Hymie mine field. The controversy had done more than throw his campaign off stride--it had also changed Jackson. It put him on the defensive, made him go almost into a shell. He was not the same, positive, outgoing person, said campaign manager Arnold Pinkney. Advertisement Jacksons advisers were bitterly divided. A few wanted him to admit that hed blundered, that hed said something stupid in an unguarded moment but meant no harm. Get it behind us, they had argued, then go on. Others were telling him the opposite: to stonewall, to stand firm against the critics. Deputy campaign manager Preston Love appeared so upset that some staff members felt that he would quit if Jackson apologized, and Jacksons wife, Jacqueline, was so adamant that he not apologize that she packed her bags and flew immediately to New Hampshire to argue her case in person. After flying from Chicago to Manchester on the morning of Feb. 26, Jackson was met by aide Frank Watkins, who convinced him that the political damage was enormous. At the airport, Jackson decided to apologize. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, he told Watkins. Ill do it tonight. That afternoon he walked into the temple to confess to a crowd of national Jewish leaders assembled there. His message was conciliatory, but his voice was cold. Advertisement In private talks we sometimes let our guard down and we become thoughtless, Jackson said grimly. It was not in a spirit of meanness, an off-color remark having no bearing on religion or politics. . . . However innocent and unintended, it was wrong. Adding that he was shocked that something so small has become so large that it threatens the fabric of relations that have been long in the making and must be protected, he asked for forgiveness. He also denied that the words proved he was an anti-Semite: I categorically deny allegations that there is anything in my personal attitude or my public career, behavior, or record that lends itself to that interpretation. In fact, the record is the exact opposite. Some Jewish leaders were willing to accept Jacksons apology. They had found his remarks offensive, but they had also been disturbed by the severity of the attacks on him. After all, they confided, Jesse Jackson isnt the only one using ethnic terms. But some would not forgive; they scoffed at the apology in the temple--an apology made belatedly that doesnt acknowledge the gravity of his language, said Rabbi Alexander Schindler, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He could light candles every Friday night and grow side curls, and it still wouldnt matter. Hes a whore, Nathan Perlmutter, executive director of the Anti-Defamation League of Bnai Brith, almost hissed. Months later, Jackson compared his relationship with his Jewish critics to a marriage of 20 years in which one partner uses one episode as a reason to dissolve the partnership. Marriages arent like that, Jackson argued. Its a series of compromises, of ups and downs. You dont just find one gotcha after 20 years--and end it. A marriage is a whole series of gotcha this and gotcha thats, a whole 20 years of gotchas. NON-INSULTING, COLLOQUIAL language, Jackson called it later, and some no doubt would intend it that way. But Jackson was dangerously wrong if he thought it was only that. Hymie has an edge to it, especially for those who lived with a heritage of persecution and for whom buzzwords have often been a prelude to menace. He explained what hed meant to Newsweek editors: I think the first time I heard it was when I got to Chicago about 20 years ago. Theres a place down off Maxwell Street called Jewtown. Understand? Jewtown is where Hymie gets you if you cant negotiate them suits down, you understand? Its not meant as anti-Semitic. . . . If you cant buy suits downtown, you go to Jewtown on Maxwell Street and you start negotiating with Hyman & Sons . . . and if Hyman & Sons show up, theyre called Hymie. Theres no insult, even to them. Advertisement Some accepted that. Rabbi Balfour Brickner, a leader of American Reform Jews, thought that Jackson had said something dumb, not bigoted. I dont think calling somebody Hymie is by definition enough to suggest that the man who used that statement is anti-Semitic, anymore than if I say schvartze that Im anti-black, Brickner said. But some Jackson critics felt Jackson had been able to weasel out of some harsh statements hed made earlier about Jews. Theres an irony with Hymie, said Nathan Perlmutter. The irony is that Jesse Jackson for many years gave public expression to statements that were clearly anti-Semitic; cumulatively they made the portrait of an anti-Semite, and while this was all of record, the anti-Semitic dimensions of Jackson simply were not reported in the general press. As his advisers--Bill Howard, Gene Wheeler and Herb Daughtry--later conceded, Jackson often used the term Hymie and had often spoken of other groups as well in a flip, street-wise way. His Brooklyn friend, Daughtry, frequently tried to slow him down. You know, you got to shut up. But he talks, talks, talks. And sometimes, he starts cussing. And so that was Jesse. That was part of him, a part of what he is. Jacksons campaign never fully recovered from the beating it took over Hymie. But the incident did something more--it turned the national spotlight on Jacksons past relations with Jews, which had never been especially good. And it tore again at the fragile links that bound blacks and Jews. Later Jackson argued that he had walked the extra mile. Not only had he written a tough letter in 1974 dressing down the chairman of the Joint Chiefs for remarks he made about Jews, he had worked closely with the Jewish Urban Affairs Council in Chicago, had taken his family into Skokie, Ill., to protest a march held there by neo-Nazis, had gone into synagogues and temples and had spoken movingly to survivors of concentration camps. As he told Jewish leaders whom hed invited to a 1974 Chicago conference: We share the common mandate. . . . We of the black and Jewish communities have become necessary to each other. True, he conceded, there are serious strains in the relationships between black and Jewish communities. The task now, he told them, is to rise above the rhetoric of the past few years, which has too often been abrasive and tended to divide us, and share a common vision of social change in this country. . . . Todays challenges call for a coalition of equals to be cemented. Only it had not worked; no coalition of equals had emerged. Even then, suspicion about Jackson had persisted. Some who had worked with or watched him felt that something wasnt quite right, that the public utterances were too contrived, too self-serving, that he would help them only if he felt they could help him in return. Advertisement For example, former presidential envoy Sol M. Linowitz remembered an offhand comment Jackson had made at Camp David in July, 1979, when the two men, along with other national leaders, had been summoned by President Jimmy Carter. Linowitz and Jackson had been assigned to sleep in the same cabin. It had two bedrooms, one big and one which was much smaller, Linowitz said. When the diplomat and Jackson entered the cabin, they paused: Who would get the more spacious quarters? Linowitz suggested flipping a coin. Heads, Jackson called as the coin fluttered down. It was tails. Well, looks like I win, Linowitz said. Yeah, you Jews nearly always do, Jackson replied, with a smile. It wasnt just the angry words Jackson had traded with Jewish merchants, accusing them of stocking dirty stores with overpriced, stale goods. Nor was it that he kept taking potshots at Jewish slumlords and Jewish fight promoters. It was more a gut feeling among some Jews that beneath those flowing public words about brotherhood there was the soul of a bigot. His barbed inflections also signaled a hidden bias to a people taught by history to fear verbal slights. Here, after all, was a Christian minister who hinted at Jewish control of banks and the media; who denounced Andrew Youngs resignation as capitulation to the Jewish community. Jews winced when Jackson wrote: There are tensions in the labor movement, where blacks constitute a large percentage of the workers at the bottom but Jews dominate the leadership at the top. . . . Tensions between black renters and Jewish landlords are just a few recent historical events that have brought to a head the present state of affairs. . . . When there wasnt much decency in society, many Jews were willing to share decency. The conflict began when we started our quest for power. Jews were willing to share decency, not power. That charge drew blood; Jews were infuriated. As the Rev. William Sloane Coffin put it later, Jews think theyve cornered the market on suffering, and along come Jackson and blacks and say to the Jews, Look, youre oppressing us. A Jew hates to be thought of as an oppressor. For Rabbi Robert Marx, who had marched side by side with Jackson in Selma, the last straw was Yasser Arafat. The way Marx learned that Jackson was going to visit the PLO chieftain in 1979 was unsettling enough; he and another rabbi were in Jacksons Chicago office discussing another matter; when they emerged, the three found local reporters and television crews waiting. Jackson, flanked by the two rabbis, used the forum to tout his upcoming trip to meet Arafat. The rabbis were furious. No doubt about it, we were used. We were used. It was a very unhappy occasion, Marx recalled. Advertisement The litmus test for Marx and many other Jews, especially those who didnt know Jackson well, was his 1979 Middle East trip. Out of it came a picture taken in Beirut: Jackson and Arafat, arms entwined, both men smiling broadly. Nothing, not all the words Jackson used later--Embracing him is what you do in the Middle East. It doesnt mean you embrace his politics; it is more a cultural gesture--counted as much as that picture. LOOKING BACK, THE RELATIONSHIP between Jews and blacks--all blacks, not just Jackson--had been precarious. Even when necessity forged an alliance, the pairing was tentative. In the good moments and the bad, there had always been tension. The two had once been victims, had shared poverty, known discrimination. Even so, Ralph Bunche wrote in 1942, it is common knowledge that many members of the Negro and the Jewish communities of the country share mutual dislike, scorn and mistrust. Still, blacks and Jews became allies; for more than 50 years, theirs had been a special relationship. Hyman Bookbinder, Washington representative of the American Jewish Committee, recalls, Blacks and Jews of my generation remember vividly the signs that said, Niggers, Jews and Dogs--Stay Out. That brought us together. Jews played a prominent, often crucial, role in the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s. As Bayard Rustin noted, Had it not been for their financial efforts and labors of dedication, there is no question that the American Negros freedom struggle would not have reached its present stage. The relationship had been effective, but it had never been equal. Blacks supplied the numbers; Jews provided the money, the expertise. Jews and blacks were always of unequal status, with the Jews clearly dominant and blacks subordinate, one Jewish study concluded. Rabbi Brickner, a veteran of the 60s struggles, put it more harshly: The Jewish community used the black community to further its aims in the labor movement, to make unions and break bosses. Blacks went along with that because they had nothing else to do but lose their chains. And that created an image of black-Jewish friendship. It was only an image because it was patronizing. It was noblesse oblige. Temporary, fragile, unbalanced, the relationship had to crumble; not only were the two groups growing in opposite directions, their needs were also changing. Jews, more secure, more prosperous, felt the need to protect their hard-earned access to professional schools and jobs, to turn away from the universalism of the civil rights movement toward a more conservative philosophy. Blacks, with fewer material achievements and access still denied, felt they had not yet arrived and wanted to thrust ahead. When the Bakke affirmative-action case reached the Supreme Court, the American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress and Anti-Defamation League of Bnai Brith were opposed to the NAACP, Urban League, and other black organizations. The resignation of U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young in August, 1979, was another source of irritation. Many American Jews were outraged to learn that Young had met privately with a representative of the PLO, and many blacks felt that Young had been forced to step down because of Jewish pressure. The incident triggered a historic meeting of 200 black leaders at NAACP headquarters in New York, where they released a statement that condemned the opposition of Jewish groups to affirmative action and complained that Jews had supported blacks in the past only when it was in their best interest to do so. Advertisement We are on different sides of the table. . . . There is a brokenness is how Jackson described black-Jewish relations on Meet the Press on Aug. 26, 1979. He had grown wary himself not just because the two sides had parted company on several important issues, but also because he personally felt betrayed. One of his advisers, the Rev. Bill Howard, likened Jackson to a jilted lover: When you are black, and have had a certain expectation or assumption that the Jews are your natural allies, and you woke up one day to discover that they were out to do you in like everybody else, then you become even more angry about them. There would be one final chance for Jackson to mollify Jewish feelings and help mend the rift between blacks and Jews. It happened quietly, on the eve of the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. Months later, Cuyahoga (Ohio) County Commissioner Tim Hagen remembered the incident very clearly. It was just before midnight on Sunday, July 15, 1984. In just a few hours the convention would officially open on what could be a stormy session. A group led by Ohio Rep. Edward F. Feighan and Rabbi Marvin Hier of Los Angeles wanted the party to adopt a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and racism, but Jackson was firmly opposed. This was just one more attempt to revive the Hymie dispute and a not-so-veiled effort to embarrass him, Jackson argued. Hagen felt that Jackson didnt understand the issues. The commissioner decided to use the direct approach to try to convince the candidate that the resolution made good political sense, that hate--not Jackson--was the target. So Hagen went to the candidates hotel room. The reverend had already retired; he was lying on his bed, in his pajamas, silk pajamas I think. His head was propped up against the pillows . . . sort of like the emperor holding court, in his PJs, Hagen recalled. The commissioner began to plead his case. Hagen carried his Irish name proudly. He was accustomed to speaking bluntly. One of 14 children whod grown up on the wrong side of the tracks in an Ohio mill town, he was no Johnny-come-lately on civil rights. Hagens family had marched with Martin Luther King Jr., the commissioner argued to Jackson, and he had earned his stripes. Remembering the scene later, the commissioner gave his presentation high marks: He had covered all the bases, had been precise and tough-minded yet impassioned. Maybe, he thought, this is sinking in. Reverend, Hagen almost begged, you once asked how you could tell a black kid in Hough (a black area in Cleveland) to support a party that condoned racism. I want you to tell me, reverend, how I can tell a kid in Shaker Heights (a predominantly white, upper-class Cleveland suburb) to support a party that doesnt denounce anti-Semitism. But Jackson wasnt impressed. He felt strong-armed. And he was angry. No, he would not support the resolution, Jackson told the commissioner. You should derive no pleasure whatsoever from this meeting. . . . You cannot leave here with any satisfaction that you have influenced anything Im going to say, he added. He got off his bed and strolled over to where Hagen was sitting. You Jews are much too sensitive, Jackson said, nonchalantly patting his Irish-Italian visitor on the arm. Advertisement From Thunder in America. Copyright 1986 by Bob Faw and Nancy Skelton. Reprinted by permission of Texas Monthly Press, Austin, Tex. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego slammed Secretary of State Marco Rubio for backing Hungarian President Viktor Orban in his bid for reelection, saying it illustrates the Trump administration's authoritarian impulses. "Rubio and Trump are openly rooting for Viktor Orban, the guy who bragged about turning Hungary into an 'illiberal state.' Right before a tight election. This administration doesn't just tolerate authoritarians, they admire them. It's no coincidence they are pushing for authoritarianism here at home," Gallego said in a social media publication. Rubio and Trump are openly rooting for Viktor Orban, the guy who bragged about turning Hungary into an illiberal state. Right before a tight election. This administration doesnt just tolerate authoritarians, they admire them. Its no coincidence they are pushing for pic.twitter.com/JWMh0tXRVS Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) February 17, 2026 The endorsement in question took place on Monday in Hungary. There, Orban is seeking to win a tight election to secure a fifth straight term following the April elections. Rubio met with the head of State and signed an agreement on U.S.-Hungarian civilian nuclear cooperation, which includes the possibility of buying compact nuclear reactors, as well as U.S.-supplied nuclear fuel and spent fuel storage technology, according to The Associated Press. In a press conference in Hungary, Rubio praised Orban, as well as his relationship with President Donald Trump. "The prime minister and the president have a very, very close personal relationship and working relationship, and I think it has been beneficial to our two countries," he said. "That person-to-person connection that you've established with the president has made all the difference in the world in building this relationship," he added. The outlet noted that Orban as kept warm relations with Russia despite Moscow's war in Ukraine, buying energy from the country as the European Union seeks to end energy relations. He received an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy in November after meeting with Trump. Orban told Rubio that Trump has an "open invitation" to Budapest and that is government is ready to host peace summits between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine in hopes of negotiating an end to the conflict. Originally published on Latin Times A man walked into a McDonald's in University City, San Diego, around noon on a weekday, told staff that he was an ICE agent, and physically grabbed the general manager by the arm. He was not an ICE agent. He was not any kind of law enforcement officer. His name, police later confirmed, is Joshua Walter Cobb, 40, and he is now sitting in San Diego Central Jail without bail, charged with impersonating an officer and battery. The manager he targeted was Daniel Martinez, who is Hispanic. Cobb allegedly accused Martinez of being in the country illegally in the middle of a lunch rush, in front of staff and customers, with the confidence of someone who believed nobody would question him. Witnesses told police Cobb wrapped his arm around Martinez and attempted to drag him out of the restaurant on Nobel Drive before employees rushed in and pulled their colleague free. Martinez was not seriously injured. He told reporters afterwards that his first thought had been for his team's safety, which is the kind of thing people say when they have not yet had time to process what happened to them personally. What the Staff Did They fought back. That is worth saying plainly. Video footage circulated online shows McDonald's employees physically intervening to separate Cobb from Martinez. They did not wait for police. They did not defer to the man claiming federal authority. They saw their manager being assaulted and they stopped it, which took a particular kind of nerve given that Cobb was insisting he had the legal right to do what he was doing. NBC San Diego reported that Cobb made inflammatory remarks during the incident, referencing 911 calls and immigration enforcement and generally behaving as though his authority was real. Whether he genuinely believed it or was performing for effect is something investigators have not yet established. People online have speculated about his mental state; acquaintances were quoted on social media suggesting, with varying degrees of seriousness, that Cobb had previously claimed he could get hired by ICE. None of that has been confirmed by police. San Diego officers arrived quickly. Lieutenant Cesar Jimenez confirmed at the scene that Cobb had no connection to any law enforcement agency. 'Impersonating an officer is a serious crime,' Jimenez said. 'It undermines public trust and can lead to real harm.' Fair enough, but the harm here was not hypothetical. A man was grabbed in his own workplace by a stranger claiming government authority. The trust was not undermined in the abstract; it was undermined at lunchtime, on a Tuesday, in a fast-food restaurant in a university neighbourhood. Why It Landed the Way It Did Strip away the specifics and what you have is a straightforward assault and impersonation case. Cobb walked in, lied about who he was, got physical, got arrested. If Martinez had been grabbed by a man claiming to be, say, a health inspector, the story would have made the local news and gone away. But Cobb did not claim to be a health inspector. He claimed to be ICE. He targeted a Hispanic worker. And he did it at a moment when immigration enforcement in the United States is a subject that makes people either furious or terrified, depending on which end of it they are on. The political context turned a local crime story into something that travelled: Reddit threads, national news coverage, comment sections full of people arguing about whether Cobb was unwell, radicalised, or just stupid. Probably some combination. The courts will sort out the legal question; the cultural one is messier. Criminologists say impersonation of law enforcement is not rare. Fake badges, fake uniforms, fake agency names they turn up in fraud cases, burglaries, sexual assaults, intimidation schemes. Physical violence of the kind Cobb allegedly committed is less common but not unheard of. What makes these cases dangerous, experts note, is that victims often comply because they believe they have no choice. Martinez's staff did not comply. That probably prevented it from getting worse. Jimenez added that his department treats all impersonation reports seriously, 'whether local police, federal agents or ICE.' The fact that he felt the need to list ICE separately tells you something about the current climate. What Happens Next Cobb's arraignment is scheduled for later this week. Impersonating a law enforcement officer and battery are both charges that can carry prison time on conviction. Police said the investigation into his motives is ongoing. McDonald's staff at the Nobel Drive branch are back at work. Martinez is back at work. The neighbourhood, which includes the University of California San Diego campus less than a mile away, has been talking about little else since the footage went online. Nobody from McDonald's corporate has commented publicly. The employees who pulled Cobb off their manager have not been named. They went back to serving lunch. Originally published on IBTimes UK A man who was arrested for being intoxicated on Christmas Day vomited on a garda station cell. Shane Fitzgerald (41) of 8 Greenview, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of drugs at his address on Christmas Day 2025. He also admitted causing criminal damage to a cell at Abbeyleix Garda Station on December 26, 2025. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the criminal damage charge related to vomit on a cell which cost 200 to clean. He said the defendant was highly intoxicated, unsteady on his feet and looking for a fight at 10pm on Christmas night. When Gardai approached the man became abusive and had to be arrested, said Sgt Kirby. He explained that drugs valued at 20 were discovered in the mans sock during his arrest. During the course of his time in the cell he vomited and it had to be cleaned, he said. Sgt Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man had three previous convictions which had occurred a long time ago. Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was originally from Dublin. He said the man, who is in a relationship in Portlaoise, attended a party on Christmas Day and had a falling out with his partners brother. He said the man was completely agitated and was a nuisance but he described the offending as an "aberration and said the man had brought 120 to court. Judge Susan Fay said Gardai had to attend to the call and someone had to clean the cell. I am sure that there was nobody very excited about having to spend Christmas Day at Abbeyleix Garda Station, she said. She ordered restorative justice and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on June 22 for finalisation. Children use chopsticks in a game in Gaborone, Botswana, Feb. 17, 2026. An event was held on Tuesday at a primary school in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, immersing local students in the richness of Chinese traditions and culture. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- An event was held on Tuesday at a primary school in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, immersing local students in the richness of Chinese traditions and culture. Co-hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana and the Legae English Medium School, the event featured a dynamic showcase of talent, with students performing traditional Chinese dances and songs. Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said the celebration provided an important platform for deepening cultural ties. "This presents a wonderful platform for us to share our unique culture, enhance our educational cooperation, and build stronger bridges of mutual understanding," he said. Fan also highlighted the broader diplomatic significance of such exchanges, noting their alignment with upcoming milestones in China-Africa relations. "The year 2026 represents a remarkable milestone in our shared journey, as China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan. We will also celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties between China and Africa, a year dedicated to people-to-people exchanges," he noted. Naseema Karodia, the school's headteacher, highlighted the significance of the Chinese New Year celebration. "The year of the Horse comes with added symbolism as it represents freedom, strength, courage, and loyalty. These are values so very needed in the world today," she said, describing the event as a valuable opportunity to appreciate Chinese culture and festive traditions. Thapelo Otlogetswe, local director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana, said that the Spring Festival serves as a powerful reminder of the strong cultural connections and shared values between Botswana and China, adding that such celebrations offer students a valuable opportunity to experience these traditions firsthand. The event drew nearly 500 participants, including Pu Durong, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana, Chinese diplomats, and teachers and students from the primary school. Students try Chinese musical instruments Hulusi in Gaborone, Botswana, Feb. 17, 2026. An event was held on Tuesday at a primary school in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, immersing local students in the richness of Chinese traditions and culture. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) A public meeting to discuss water issues in Laois and the work being done to improve water quality will take place in Portlaoise next month. The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) will host the community information meeting covering water related issues in both the Portlaoise and the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal Districts. The event on Monday, March 2 is being held to make more people aware of work to improve water quality in the area and to encourage as much engagement as possible with all stakeholders right across the community, including key agencies, special interest groups, voluntary, public and private sectors. Under Irelands River Basin Management Plan, The Local Authority Waters Programme works in areas where water quality requires protection or restoration. LAWPRO collaborates with other stakeholders in these areas, which are called Priority Areas for Action (PAAs), to implement targeted water quality improvements. The meeting will take place between 7pm and 8pm at the Maldron Hotel, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise and refreshments will be available. READ NEXT: Government councillor in Laois calls on Larry Murrin to resign from Bord Bia "Over the past number of years LAWPRO has been working in the area as part of the 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plan for Ireland. At the meeting LAWPRO experts will take you through the work that has been carried out in the 2nd cycle and what is being planned for the 3rd cycle Water Action Plan," said the organisers. "There will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and talk to members of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and the LAWPRO Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project team. Ahead of the public meeting, Anthony Coleman, Director of Services with LAWPRO said: As we are coming to the end of 2nd cycle work in the Portlaoise and the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal Districts and begin implementation of the new Water Action Plan we would like to take this opportunity to welcome members of the public to come along and find out more about whats happening in their local waterbodies and river catchments. "We hope to engage as many people as possible at this meeting in Laois because public participation and support is key to achieving water quality improvements. We would also like to thank all those whether in a voluntary or paid capacity, working in their local areas to help make a difference to their natural waters and the biodiversity that live in and around them. A Fine Gael councillor on Laois County Council who represents Portlaoise has called on the Chair of Bord Bia to resign in defiance of the position taken by his party leader, Simon Harris and the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live Cllr Paddy Buggy said Larry Murrin should in order to bring to an end the impasse which has developed between the Government and farming organisations. "The longer Mr Murrin remains as Chair the more damage is being done to the reputation of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme," said Cllr Buggy, who farms between Portlaoise and Mountmellick. He said the importance of the Bord Bia QA Scheme is accepted and supported by over 55,000 farmers and over 500 food and agri businesses as an assurance to consumers that the food they purchase is produced to the highest standards and is of Irish origin. He said it is also critical for the development of overseas markets, which are vital to the Irish economy. Cllr Buggy said that all farmers are inspected by Bord Bia every 18 months with "a rigorous audit" of every aspect of their farming practices and animal welfare. Cllr Buggy said failure to comply with Bord Bia standards results in the farmers not being allowed to supply milk or not receive price top-ups for beef. He said the same should be expected of the Bord Bia Chair. MORE BELOW PHOTO. "As Chair of Bord Bia one would expect that his own company, Dawn Farm Foods, would be fully compliant with the Board Bia QA Scheme however records in the public domain indicate that this company is not eligible for such accreditation. Along with this Mr Murrins company has imported Brazilian beef which investigations by the Irish Farmers Journal and the IFA has uncovered the widespread use of substances banned in beef production here in Europe. "This double standard by the Chair has resulted in a total loss of confidence in the Bord Bia QA Scheme by farmers throughout the country," he said. The Government has criticised the ongoing IFA protest at the Bord Bia HQ which has been mounted to force Mr Murrin's departure. MORE BELOW POST. Great crowd from Laois outside Bord Bia tonight on Day 20. Five members still inside. 70,000 members outside supporting them. #unbreakable pic.twitter.com/lcAt1hBSKx Irish Farmers' Association (@IFAmedia) February 15, 2026 "In order to protect the reputation of the Bord Bia QA Brand, farmers are continuing to protest outside the Bord Bia HQ until Mr. Murrin steps aside. As a small-scale beef farmer myself, I am fully supportive of this action and urge Mr Murrin to do the honourable thing and step aside," concluded Cllr Buggy. READ ALSO: Government 'can't bully the people of rural Ireland' IFA leader ramps up pressure in Laois on TDs over Bord Bia The Portlaoise Municipal District councillor attended the recent Laois IFA AGM, where farmers expressed their anger with Mr Murrin and the Government with many backing the IFA protest and the IFA leadership's stance. READ ALSO: 'Conversation not conflict...but facts matter' - Bord Bia responds Laois anger Bord Bia has called for dialogue but insists there has been misinformation spread during the row. Mountmellick residents and businesses are set to get financial help to give their properties a facelift with 1,000 per business and home offered towards the cost of redecoration. The Regeneration Section and the Business Support unit at Laois County Council have partnered with the Mountmellick Town Team in launching the Mountmellick Streetscape Enhancement Scheme. Gathering on Monday, February 16, in OConnell Square, council staff and town team members, joined by Sean Fleming TD, announced the project that aims to revitalise the town centre of Mountmellick by supporting homeowners, businesses, and property occupiers to paint and improve building facades within the designated area. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the organisers said the scheme will support external painting to buildings on designated streets with the aim of creating a more attractive and welcoming streetscape. This scheme is part of a grant which Mountmellick has received under the Town and Village renewal scheme and will include other works such as re-surfacing of the Mountmellick Development Association cark park and landscape enhancements to the roundabout on the approach into Mountmellick. Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey highlighted the importance of the scheme for the town. This is a positive step for Mountmellick, helping residents and businesses to work together in strengthening the appearance of the town centre. The Streetscape Enhancement Scheme forms part of a multi-pronged approach to regenerate Mountmellick, she said. Chair of the Mountmellick Town Team, Fran Baker, also welcomed the scheme. Mountmellick has a proud identity, and this scheme gives people a chance to play a part in shaping how our town looks and feels. A fresh coat of paint may seem simple, but it can make a huge difference. Wed really encourage property owners to get involved and help us put the best face on our town, he said. Eligibility and How to Apply BELOW PHOTO Pictured: Fran Baker, Chair of Mountmellick Town Team, Cllr Paddy Buggy, Town Team Member, Ivor Cox, Town Team Member, Maeve Keenan, Town Team member, Catherine Guidera, Laois County Council Regeneration Section, Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council. Eligible applicants may apply for up to 75% of painting costs, to a maximum grant of 1,000. Grantees must cover all initial project costs before claiming reimbursement. Applications are invited from property owners and occupiers located within the designated Mountmellick eligible zone. Properties may be residential, commercial, or unoccupied. READ ALSO: Over 160 new Laois homes opened by Minister for Housing WATCH To apply, applicants must complete the online application form at https://submit.link/4EDr. Provide a recent colour photograph of the property. Submit one contractor quotation for the proposed painting works. The closing date for applications is Friday, 1 May at 4 pm. All approved works must be completed by 31 August 2026. Drawdown claims must be submitted by 18 September 2026. This project is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, together with Laois County Council. The scheme is administered by the Business Support Unit at Laois County Council. A charity representing cancer patients has said it expects a move toward resolution when it meets the Transport Minister over Dublin-Donegal flights. Donegal Cancer Flights and Services is concerned that changes to the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route will cut off a medical lifeline and genuine same-day access for cancer patients and others. The group helps cancer patients with booking flights, counselling support and other information. Donegal Airport has argued the changes to the route outlined in a new contract does not meet the spirit or intent for a PSO route. The changes will mean the Emerald Airlines aircraft will longer overnight at Donegal Airport, which it had done for 21 years. Donegal Cancer Flights and Services said this gave confidence to patients who were relying on the morning flight. The old midday flights are no longer to be provided and will be replaced by a 6.30am flight arriving from Dublin and an 8.30pm flight leaving Donegal. Donegal Cancer Flights and Services said that the changed timetable may leave no seats available at short notice and drive up the price of tickets. Darragh OBrien has agreed to meet with charity representatives on Tuesday. The group wants the Government to commit to protecting reliable same-day and midday medical access under the PSO. In a letter welcoming the meeting, the group said: Your officials have already met with us. They listened carefully and, we are assured, relayed our concerns to you in full. We are therefore approaching this meeting not simply as another opportunity to restate the problem, but in the expectation that it will move toward resolution. It added: For cancer patients in Donegal, this is not a theoretical policy issue, it is a live access-to-care concern affecting real appointments, real costs, and real strain on vulnerable families. A further listening exercise will not be sufficient. We are looking for decisive ministerial leadership and tangible progress. It continued: We sincerely hope the meeting will allow you to outline clear next steps and, ideally, positive developments that demonstrate the Governments commitment to protecting reliable same-day and midday medical access under the PSO. We look forward to constructive engagement and to working toward a practical solution. The group had previously called on Mr OBrien to meet people on the ground in Donegal who rely on the flights for their medical treatments, arguing that the schedule change was down to people in Dublin making decisions that have no idea what its like living in the area. Asked specifically if he will go to Donegal to meet cancer patients who use the flights, the minister said the meeting had already been arranged for Dublin. He told reporters on Tuesday: I dont reach into the public procurement, I dont set the tenders. He added: I intend to meet with the groups from Donegal myself, and I will do that and listen to them, listen to their concerns around the new schedule, and see what we can do to resolve it. Asked about the dispute, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said it was her preference to expand services within Donegal. My bigger question is why it is necessary to travel to Dublin? I appreciate its actually, in many cases, nearly faster than getting to Galway, having regard to the geography of the region. But of course, Galway is the centre for that region, and Im trying to expand services within Letterkenny. I made a decision to put a surgical hope there, that I which was important for breast cancer researchers, for example, that I approved the allocation of additional oncology chairs. So what I would like is for the people of Donegal to get their cancer treatment as far as treatment as far as possible within Donegal, and not have to be concerned about flights or trains or cars or anything else, to have to go to Dublin. 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. Money allocated by the central Government for national, regional and local roads will exceed 18 million in 2026 but the Portlaoise and Mountmellick N80 bypasses and no other new national road building projects for Laois have not shown up in the allocations published. The Department of Transport will provide over 1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026 which the Department says represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025. Details announced on Tuesday, February 17 reveal that spending in Laois is 18.693 million for the calendar year. The overall budget includes almost 800 million for national roads around the country. Announcing the funding package, Minister Darragh OBrien said advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a "priority for this government". However, there is no money in the pot for new sections of the N80 that would divert non-local traffic around Portlaoise and Mountmellick. Both have been long-term aims of Laois County Council for decades. Nevertheless, the council will be able to advance work on roads around Laois, though some of the money was already announced. See the full tables of funding below. Tables show money allocated to Laois County Council for local and regionall road projects. Table below is money for national roads in Laois to be spent by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Laois TD Willie Aird welcomed the announcement that 1.5 billion is being provided to local authorities nationwide and the allocation for his constituency. "The continued safety for all road users is a key priority for Fine Gael in government and key to that is the protection and regeneration of our existing national road network. As a rural TD, I am acutely aware of the importance of having a safe and efficient road network enables those living in rural communities to connect to work, education and healthcare READ ALSO: Months of delays expected in Laois on very busy Portlaoise road A specific allocation has been included in this for works on the R445 at the Gandon roundabout towards Ballybrittas to carry out urgent road safety resurfacing works. The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events, he said. After decades away from music a Laois band has come together to release their first album. Portarlington-based band The Star Chamber are set to release a new album titled Misery for the Masses on February 20. The band is made up of Dave Connolly (guitars and effects), Seamus Duggan (words and speech), Nora Gannon (Singing). The trio were assisted on the new album by Derek Barter (Bass), Eoin Hanna (Spanish Drums) and Pete Holidai (Production and myriad flourishes) who featured on several tracks across the record. After a couple of decades away from creating new music, the free time imposed by the Covid pandemic encouraged Seamus and Dave to start sharing musical ideas and getting together to formulate them with help from Nora Gannon and Shane O'Connor. READ NEXT: PICTURES Lovely Laois drama over St Valentine's weekend The pandemic also led to the establishment of an Art Collective in Portarlington where Nora and Seamus live. Dave took the opportunity to travel there on a regular basis to road test songs at the Open Mic nights run by the collective. It was the positive responses from those in attendance at these events which played a big part in encouraging them to take the songs further and make them into a body of work. After a couple of recording sessions, it quickly became clear that there was a basis for an album. The addition of Nora's contrasting vocals along with Pete's mixing and production complemented many of the songs and helped the record to take shape. They released two singles titled 'Epitaphs' and 'Quarantine' in the lead up to the album which have garnered positive and enthusiastic reviews amongst fans. Having rediscovered the joy of recording, The Star Chamber have plans to continue making and releasing music starting with the upcoming release of their album Misery for the Masses on February 20. The poor weather is not letting up just yet, as Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow Rain Warning and River Flood Advisory for the entirety of County Kildare. Kildare County Council explained that its Severe Weather Assessment Team attended a Met Eireann briefing earlier this afternoon (February 17) in relation to the two warnings. According to Met Eireann, the Status Yellow warning will be valid from 11pm tonight (Tuesday, February 17) until 11pm tomorrow evening (Wednesday, February 18, 2026). And as for the river flood warning, this will be in place from 6am tomorrow through to 11am on Friday, February 20, 2026, due to heavy, persistent rainfall and saturated ground Explaining the latest development, KCC said: "Additional forecasted rainfall may trigger further flooding, given current ground, and river conditions. KCC will continue to monitor the situation and prepare for any localised flooding risk." Furthermore, KCC advised the public to monitor Met Eireann forecasts over the next 24 hours "as conditions may change". "Visit www.met.ie for the most up to date information," KCC added. "Further information is also available across the Met Eireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources." READ NEXT: Kildare County Council vows to target drains in badly affected areas SAFETY ADVICE Moreover, KCC issued a list of recommended safety measures that members of the public can observe over the course of the next few days. These measures include: Do not bypass 'Road Closed' signs The road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk. Do not drive through floodwater Turn back and use another route. Allow for disruption when commuting over the coming days. Plan extra travel time and reduce speed. Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility. Check with Transport Operators when planning journeys Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals Water levels may rise quickly. Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas. Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry." Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen. ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times. Uisce Eireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie. READ NEXT: GALLERY: Naas RFC President's Dinner at Lawlor's Hotel in Kildare A failure to clarify long-term plans for the Rotunda Hospital contributed to planning permission for a new critical care wing being overturned, opposition parties have claimed. Dublin City Council granted permission for a 100 million euro four-storey extension to the maternity hospital in July. However, on Friday that was overturned by Irelands planning body An Coimisiun Pleanala, following objections about preserving the architectural heritage of the area. During Leaders Questions on Tuesday afternoon, both Ivana Bacik and Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if a 2016 proposal to move the Rotunda from the city centre to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown in west Dublin has been scrapped. That plan has not proceeded, and both women raised the clinical links the Rotunda Hospital has established with the nearby Mater Hospital. Ms Bacik told Micheal Martin: It was entirely foreseeable that unless government had clearly ruled out relocation plans, such plans could be used as a stick to beat maternity care within the planning process. While Ms Cairns said the absurdity of the decision makes at least some sense when you realise that An Coimisiun Pleanala partially based this decision on government policy to co-locate the Rotunda to Connolly Hospital. Both pressed Mr Martin to confirm plans to move the Rotunda from the city centre have been scrapped. He responded saying: I dont want, on the whim, to invent new national maternity strategies. He added that Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is meeting with the Master of the Rotunda and will come back to government fairly quickly with a statement about the future of the project. He said the co-location, where a specialist unit is placed on the campus of a larger hospital, was in essence there between the Rotunda and Mater hospitals. And he highlighted a blue light corridor that facilitates urgent transfers between the hospitals. He said: In my view were going to have to look at all options here, in terms of getting this critical care wing built at the Rotunda, because there is no other immediate prospect, or short to medium term prospect of anything else happening other than the critical wing being established on this site. Speaking at the Department of Health on Tuesday afternoon, Ms Carroll MacNeill said whether the decision should be judicially reviewed was a matter for the Rotunda, but said such legal challenges added time to planning processes. She said she was due to meet the Master of the Rotunda next week to discuss options for the Rotunda. She added: This morning, I met with the clinical leadership team for the region, so thats the regional executive officer and the regional clinical director who are responsible for the Rotunda, the Mater, Connolly, all of the hospitals together to look at what how were going to meet the immediate needs of children and women, babies and women in the Rotunda site as soon as possible. So I have a substantial body to work to do on that over the next number of weeks. She said she needed to reflect on the previous plan to co-locate the maternity hospital at Connolly Hospital, but said it was not the primary reason for the planning permission being overturned. Obviously I have read all of the judgments and decisions very carefully and the maternity strategy, when you read the decision of the commissioners, it is not the primary piece, she said. It is very much a heritage-based decision which also references the maternity strategy. And that is in contrast to the decisions made by Dublin City Council and the inspectors report, which would have made public interest decisions in the opposite way, on similar grounds. A beekeeping group, Digges Beekeepers Association, based in Mohill, has announced details of an upcoming pre-course information day and a beginners beekeeping course for those interested in taking up beekeeping. The pre-course information day will take place on Saturday, February 21, with a meet-up scheduled for 11am at the Ballinamore Education Centre (N41 EW90). Mary Hyland, a beekeeper with Digges Beekeepers Association, noted that the association has been running the course for many years and outlined what participants can expect. People will be learning the basics of beekeeping and what they need to get to start off beekeeping at the most basic level, she said of the pre-course. Following this, the association will begin a beginners course on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:30pm in the Teagasc Centre Mohill. Well be taking them along to our apiary and well be giving them practical sessions so they can learn at the hives as well, she said. READ NEXT: Celebrating curiosity as STEMtacular returns to Leitrim for two-day event The course usually runs for 10 weeks, and Mary explained that there will be significantly more practical sessions at the hive during the summertime, starting in March and continuing through to the summer months, so the bees can be put to bed for the winter come September. Those who sign up will join Digges Beekeepers Association as they start the course. Mary also emphasised the importance of beekeeping native bees. We are a native Irish honey bee association in that we prefer that our beekeepers keep native bees, she said, adding that their work does not affect the honey bee population. Members are also asked to join the Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS), which promotes the conservation, study, improvement and re-introduction of Irish honey bees. Those wishing to register can contact Kathleen Kearns by mobile on 086 3802292 or by email at kathkayok@gmail.com. READ NEXT: Over 3.1m funding announced for major Leitrim roads projects With Valentines Day taking place over the weekend, more people in Leitrim are turning to their phones and laptops in the search for love. Virgin Media Ireland has analysed Google search data from February across the past three years to see where interest in online dating is strongest with top online dater counties including Dublin, Carlow, Waterford, Longford as well as Leitrim. Dublin leads the way as Irelands online dating capital, recording over 16,000 dating-related searches during February across the past three years. This works out at 1,124 searches per 100,000 people, the highest in the country. With fast-paced lifestyles, busy work schedules, and plenty of social spots, many Dubliners are turning to online dating as an easy way to meet potential partners. Carlow ranks second, with 1,001 dating-related searches per 100,000 people across February over the past three years. Valentines Day is a popular time for singles in the county to get back on dating apps, particularly as February consistently sees a spike in online dating relates searches. With its busy nightlife and walkable town centre, Carlow makes it easy for online matches to move quickly from messages to real-life meet-ups. READ MORE: Bord Bia - 'We believe strongly that conversation - not conflict - is the only way forward' Waterford takes third place, recording over 1,000 dating-related searches and 793 searches per 100,000 people. As Irelands oldest city, Waterford has centuries of romantic history behind it, from Viking love stories to modern-day Valentines dates along the coast. The mix of city buzz and seaside settings makes it a popular spot for those hoping their online match might turn into something more. Longford ranks fourth, with 770 per 100,000 people. In a county where everyone tends to know everyone, Valentines season sees many singles widening the net through dating apps. Online matches offer a bit of mystery, making first dates feel that little bit more exciting in a place where familiar faces are the norm. READ MORE: GALLERY: Governor of the Central Bank visits Leitrim Rounding out the top five is Leitrim, which logged 767 searches per 100,000 people. As Irelands least populated county, Leitrim shows how online dating is changing Valentines Day for rural singles. Apps allow people to meet beyond county lines, turning quiet February evenings into the start of long-distance love stories, weekend trips, or surprise Valentines plans. Migration Minister Jim O'Callaghan revealed that 470 homes in Leitrim, 405 in Longford and 131 in Roscommon were availing of the scheme. Drumshanbo councillor Enda McGloin told the Leitrim Observer said that there were many availing of the scheme in the town. "A lot of the residents of the hotel at the time went and sought properties to live in the area because they had been here over a year and had got employment locally so they wanted to continue living in Drumshanbo. They availed of the help and assistance of the McManus family in finding properties to rent and have settled here in houses under that scheme. Many of their children were attending schools at both secondary and primary level as well as obtaining employment locally at the local food hub and some of the local shops." He continued: "They are working in the community and able to avail of that scheme in terms of the rental scheme. The scheme will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. It originally involved a payment of 800 and that was reduced to 600 and government will be monitoring the war and outcome of talks between Russia and Ukraine. If that was to change in the morning and there was some kind of permanent ceasefire or settlement than the scheme will be reviewed. As it stands at the moment, because of the ongoing turmoil and war, I would hope that scheme would continue while those people cannot go back to parts of Ukraine that are particularly under threat from Russian artillery." He concluded: "Most of the people living here and working and getting sustainable employment and seem to be settling in." There is a flood risk in 17 counties as heavy rain is due to fall on already saturated ground. On Tuesday morning, Met Eireann issued a yellow warning for rain applying to all of Leinster as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford. The warning will be in effect between 11pm on Tuesday and 11pm on Wednesday. It is a significant expansion of the advisory which was first announced on Monday. The forecasting agency said there is a risk of flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions in these areas, which are also experiencing high river levels. The inclement conditions will be exacerbated by strong and gusty south-easterly winds in five of these counties. Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Louth and Dublin will also be under a yellow warning for wind, with Met Eireann also cautioning against wave overtopping amid high tides. The wind warning is between 11pm on Tuesday and 1pm on Wednesday. The double warning applies to areas in the east of the country which have been severely affected by flooding in recent weeks. A third yellow warning for rain applies to Donegal between 2am and 2pm on Wednesday, with Met Eireann warning that falls of sleet and snow are possible. MAYOR John Moran has launched an extraordinary attack on some of his colleagues on the local authority, accusing them of exploiting his ill-health and harbouring personal hostility towards him. He claims their actions form part of a deliberate strategy to make the role unbearable and create such sufficient pressure I might walk away. In a blog published to his own personal website, Mayor Moran alleged this plot had been openly discussed. The mayor also claimed that some colleagues had reduced his serious health concerns to trivial language at a meeting he felt forced to leave early last week. He added disagreements he has had with members have become dismissive or mocking. And he even suggested council director general Dr Pat Daly did not intervene to alert councillors to his disapproval of the corporate plan, which councillors voted through in his absence last week. READ MORE: Major Limerick city development starts phase one of works The corporate plan is a roadmap setting out what council aims to achieve, how it will do it and the values guiding its work. Councillors met last Tuesday to vote it through, but the session was adjourned on a number of occasions for behind-closed-doors discussion. Like many meetings this term, it was marked by infighting. Mayor Moran sparked concern when he left County Hall of his own accord five hours into the seven hour meeting, saying he felt unwell. However, councillors passed the plan in his absence - despite a plea from some members to let the mayor view the document first. And it is this which appears to have prompted the 2,250 word post on his personal website, with Mayor Moran describing the meeting as one of the lowest points since his election in 2024. In his letter, he praised a cross-party group of councillors who did try to stop the vote taking place. But what he described as a small negotiating group from Fine Gael and Fianna Fail directed their colleagues to outvote the others using their majority and preferring to take advantage of my ill-health. READ MORE: Broadcast Limerick event showcases opportunities in unscripted production at Troy Studios They used their voting control to pass a document of which they knew I did not approve- a disapproval it seems no-one (not even the director general) explained to other councillors not involved in the negotiating team, added Mayor Moran. He said he was told the vote took place in order to not open a Pandoras box. In reality, it was a political manoeuvre to make sure the very amendments I wanted would not be pressed if there was a debate at a later date, he added. What should have been a structured exchange in the chamber became a compressed and pressured process in which the mayor was effectively isolated from the chamber where key discussions should have been taking place, he said. That is not healthy democratic practice. Mayor Moran said he had to leave the meeting to avoid the risk of a medical emergency and made it clear he was not happy with the make-up of the corporate plan. He rejected claims there was little difference between the position of the councillors and his views. On his health, Mayor Moran said he had been in hospital for cardiac tests, and during the meeting he had advised those present he was experiencing symptoms which worried him. Symptoms consistent with why I had been in hospital hours earlier, he added. I was experiencing serious physical stress induced discomfort. Leadership requires resilience, but it does not require recklessness. The intensity of the proceedings compounded an already physically difficult day and indeed year. He added: When disagreement becomes dismissive and mocking - when serious health concerns are reduced to trivial language and not accommodated - it diminishes the very institution itself. The mayor said it is a small minority of councillors within the Civil War parties who have consistently opposed every significant initiative I have brought forward. He pointed to criticism of his flagship scheme to use modular homes to tackle the housing shortage in Limerick. A strategic land purchase in Patrickswell for housing and other amenities - widely applauded across the country and supported by many within the chamber - had been relentlessly criticised and lobbied against, Mayor Moran added. He claimed there has been repeated procedural obstacles placed in the way of my routine work. These are not the actions of people seeking collaboration. They are the tactics of those determined to resist change and ensure my term as mayor cannot be successful, his letter continued. The first citizen also pointed out that in 2024, Limericks electorate chose an Independent candidate to hold the role of directly elected mayor. In choosing an independent mayor with the experience I brought to the election, they voted decisively for a break from the past, said Mayor Moran, a former secretary general at the Department of Finance. The first citizen also claimed that people from outside Limerick have described the local authority as unusually combative. We should reflect on that, he concluded. The leaders of the two ruling parties on Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Michael Collins, Fianna Fail and Cllr John Sheahan, Fine Gael declined to comment. Limerick City and County Council also did not comment when contacted. However, Green Party councillor Sean Hartigan contacted Limerick Live, describing last weeks seven-hour meeting as an affront to democracy. Its no secret that many have done everything they can to scupper any progress by the Mayor from the get-go, the discussions of how to get rid of him began in the racecourse when it became evident he was going to win, Cllr Hartigan claimed. The ongoing conflict is stopping progress in Limerick; people need to let their councillors know that this is not acceptable. Limerick voters also need to ask the less vocal Fine Gael and Fianna Fail councillors why they continue to support colleagues whose primary agenda is to oust the mayor and get one of their own elected. LIMERICK Chamber has announced the appointment of Absolute Hotel general manager Donnacha Hurley as its new chief executive. A long-standing contributor to the largest business representative group in the region, Mr Hurley previously served on its board, chaired the policy committee. READ MORE: Limerick mayor John Moran alleges councillors plot to make role 'unbearable' He is also a former Chamber president, holding the role between 2021 and 2022. A Castletroy man, Mr Hurley has been at the helm at the Absolute Hotel for 17 years. He is also active in a number of non-executive roles in the Mid-West, including as a board member of Discover Limerick DAC, the wholly owned subsidiary of Limerick City and County Council and a with Limerick Market Trustees, who oversee the management of the Milk Market. In his new role, Mr Hurley says he will focus on delivering the Chambers strategic priorities, strengthening its advocacy on behalf of members, and supporting a business environment that enables local traders, small firms and larger enterprises to thrive and grow. "It is a privilege to take on the role of chief executive at Limerick Chamber at such an important time for the region. Our businesses are ambitious, innovative and ready to grow, and the Chamber must match that energy with strong advocacy and practical support. I am looking forward to working closely with our members and team to drive investment, strengthen our competitiveness, and ensure Limerick continues to thrive as a place to do business," he said. Mr Hurley succeeds Michelle Gallagher who stepped down as chief executive after less than 18 months leading the Chamber. Chamber President Mairead Connolly welcomed Mr Hurley's appointment. She said: "Donnacha combines deep local knowledge with proven leadership and a clear strategic mindset. He understands the needs of businesses on the ground and has the credibility and experience to represent them at every level. The board is confident he will provide strong, focused leadership as the Chamber enters its next phase. Donnacha holds a Masters of Business Administration from University of Limerick; a strategic hospitality management qualification from Cornell University; and an MSc in hospitality management from Technological University Dublin. He also holds a Diploma in hotel management and a Diploma in business studies from Shannon College of Hotel Management; as well as a certificate in environmental sustainability in the workplace from Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board. THE University of Limerick (UL) is hosting a series of events on Thursday, February 19 to mark the upcoming fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The guest of honour is Her Excellency, Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland who will meet with acting UL President Shane Kilcommins before the opening ceremony for the Unissued Diplomas exhibition at the university library. Unissued Diplomas honours the memories of Ukrainian student war victims who tragically will never graduate but who are eternally honoured through this international initiative. READ MORE: Shannon Airport to host inspiring Explore Engineering Showcase for fifth consecutive year Public events will feature Yaryna Chornohuz a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with a talk titled The Strength for Steel, Bullets, Bandages in the School of Medicine at 1pm reflecting on her experiences as a combat medic and another talk later in that evening titled [Words] as Weapons focusing on the combat medics award-winning poetry in the Kemmy Business School at 6pm. Event organiser Dr Niamh Cummins, Associate Professor in Public Health, School of Medicine said, On behalf of the Ukrainian community were honoured to host these very special events in UL which powerfully demonstrate the devastating impact of war on young lives while also highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Unissued Diplomas will be on display in Glucksman Library until March 10 and is open to the public through advanced booking. A CAR was flipped onto its roof following a multiple-vehicle collision in County Limerick on Monday night. It occurred in the middle of Abbeyfeale with one person taken to hospital by ambulance. It is understood the driver of the car, which ended up on its roof, swerved to avoid another vehicle, collided with two parked cars and then overturned. Gardai, firefighters from Abbeyfeale Fire Station and paramedics with the National Ambulance Service all attended the scene. READ NEXT: Gritting truck knocks wall outside house while treating Limerick roads for black ice Following a media query from Limerick Live, a garda spokesperson confirmed gardai attended the scene of a road traffic collision on Bridge Street, Abbeyfeale on Monday, February 16 at approximately 7pm. One person was injured and taken to Tralee University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Investigations are ongoing, said a garda spokesperson. A number of videos of the aftermath of the incident have been widely shared on social media. THE DRIVER of a council gritting truck working in the early hours of the morning to ensure roads were safe for motorists actually fell foul of black ice himself, Limerick Live has learned. The lorry collided with a wall outside a house in Doon due to the slippery conditions. Limerick City and County Council had issued a black ice warning for the county and especially east and south Limerick during a cold snap. A council spokesperson said staff were treating National and Regional roads and it was during this time that the road traffic incident occurred in Doon. The spokesperson said on the morning of January 10, a Limerick City and County Council gritting truck was involved in a single vehicle accident at approximately 5am in Doon. All matters relating to Health and Safety in respect to our driver were addressed. A boundary wall of a dwelling was damaged and the gritting truck was removed by a recovery vehicle that morning. The remainder of the salting treatment was completed by other vehicles operating in the area, said the spokesperson. READ NEXT: ALERT: Warning as Potholes are popping up like mushrooms on roads across Limerick There were multiple reports of black ice in County Limerick that morning with untreated roads - like the one the gritting truck was travelling on - being described as treacherous. The council spokesperson said the Winter Maintenance Plan is published and submitted to the TII annually. "Its purpose is to ensure safe passable conditions to occur on key routes in Limerick and to minimise delays and accidents due to adverse winter weather. The winter maintenance covers 700km approx. "The coverage includes the four national routes N20, N21, N24 and N69 as well as the Regional routes in County Limerick and main local routes in Limerick city," said the spokesperson. Irish holidaymakers heading to Cuba have been told to contact their travel agents immediately after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) changed their travel advice for the country. The second highest level of warning has been issued for the country with Irish travellers being told to Avoid Non-Essential Travel. The DFA issues this guidance for countries or territories which have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. It said: Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited. Cuba is in the midst of an energy crisis which has affected transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism and the production of food. There has been energy rationing, severe blackouts and the Cuban government announced aviation fuel would not be available at Cuban airports. The island nation relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted when the US attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader. At the end of January, US president Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to the country. The DFA has warned of blackouts lasting over 24 hours and long queues at petrol stations. They say the fuel supply issues are affecting water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications, with hospitals and clinics also affected. In a statement Clare Dunne, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said she would strongly recommend anyone thinking of travelling to Cuba check the DFAs advice and check with their travel agent before making any bookings. Ms Dunne added: When the DFA advise to Avoid Essential Travel to a particular country, Cuba in this instance, it usually means that the travel insurance policy will not cover travel to that country. The number of Irish citizens who travel from Ireland to Cuba has declined over the past few years and is now very low. This is mainly down to two reasons connectivity to Cuba from Ireland is very limited, and secondly, travellers who travel to Cuba are not then eligible to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA and must instead apply to the US Embassy for an entry visa. The organisation said there are thought to be few, if any, Irish tourists currently in Cuba. A HOTELS neighbour objected to its plans to build a three-storey complex over the impact it could have on solar panels he may install in the future. Management at Kilmurry Lodge Hotel in Castletroy are seeking permission to demolish an existing cottage in the grounds of the building. In its place, its proposed to build a three-storey staff accommodation apartment block. READ MORE: The Urban Co-operative - Loving the Land: As seen in the FebMar Issue of Limerick Life This would comprise of two one-bedroom apartments, and two, two-bedroomed apartments. A bike store is also planned, alongside an alteration to the hotels boundary wall to facilitate the development. However, there has been an objection to the application, which is currently before Limerick council planners for a decision. I have been considering the installation of solar panels on the south-facing roof of my home, the only viable location for panels. The shadow cast by the proposed apartment block over the solar panels will prohibit their energy generation capability during winter and spring months, the neighbour wrote in his objection. He said in the past his family and him have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Kilmurry Lodge. He added that, he is objecting to it with regret, claiming the hotel did not consult with him. A decision was due to be made on the development this Monday. However, council planners have sought further information from the hotel. They are seeking more information on the occupancy rate of the staffs accommodation, and how it will operate within the wider hotel campus. Planners are also seeking information on the impact the building would have on neighbouring houses, including the one belonging to the party who objected. Once this information is received, a decision date will be set. New Delhi: For startups betting big on visibility, the payoff appears hazy. With stalls costing between 15 lakh and 50 lakh for the week and the opening day turning into a near-wipeout, exhibitors at the five-day India AI Impact Summit are questioning the returns on their investment. Concerns have been compounded by tighter restrictions expected in the coming days due to VIP visits and, as several exhibitors put it, the absence of a target crowd that could help them showcase their businesses to investors. Unstable internet affected live demos, laptops and cameras were restricted at a tech event, and queues ran over an hour, said Pravin Kaushal, director at Mrikal, a data and artificial intelligence (AI) firm exhibiting at the summit. Kaushal wasnt the only one ruing the glitches. The founder of a Bengaluru-based robotics startup, also exhibiting at the venue, said the quality of visitors at the expo floor was underwhelming from the standpoint of returns on investments. "You want decision-makers, investors, and serious buyers walking up to your stall, not just curious students or crowds," said the founder, requesting anonymity. Also Read | Infrastructure hurdles dampen opening of Indias Global AI Impact Summit Tuesdays edition of the AI Impact Summit continued to see heavy footfall, with Abhishek Singh, additional secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity), declaring that the day saw 1.25 lakh visitors. Organizational chokeholds were reduced, after Day-1 of the summit saw widespread chaos, confusion among exhibitors and participants, and security personnel complaining about lack of clear information. The disappointment among exhibitors could get even worse. Manish Kumar Agrawal, special commissioner of Delhi Police, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the entire venue will be closed from 4:30pm on Wednesday in preparation of a dinner hosted for key executives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is also set to deliver a keynote address on Thursday, for which all entries to the venue will remain closed until at least 11am. We will be allowing the expo area to remain open until 8pm on Thursday and Friday in response to overwhelming footfall, Agrawal added. Visitor curbs could upset plans of many exhibitors, who have paid anywhere from 25,000 to 50 lakh for the five-day exhibition, where they hoped to meet a steady stream of foreign participants to collaborate with or even interested in early-stage investors. The expo features 600 startups and over 300 exhibitors overall, spread across a 70,000 square-metre space at Bharat Mandapam, the same venue that had hosted the Startup Mahakumbh last year in April, which had drawn 3,000 startups. At the expo, a 1 sq metre startup pod costs 25,000 a day, while a standard stall of around 55 sq metres comes for roughly 15 lakh. A country pavilion of 200 sq metre costs companies 50 lakh just for the floor space, excluding booth construction, audio-visuals, staffing, logistics, flights and accommodation. The total cost for exhibitors could easily double or triple their bills. Sentiment was further dampened as a startup reported lost goods worth 25 lakh amid the organizational chaos on Monday. Agrawal acknowledged the incident, stating that law enforcement was "investigating the theft. The event should have been ticketed, which would have led to the inflow of serious attendees. This is a structural flaw, and this open-entry format dilutes the quality of attendees. The audience composition simply didn't give us anything to return with, said a founder of an automation startup exhibiting at the expo. Behind the buzz, founders are chasing attention, not just capital. Many have strayed away from stalls altogether, opting to enter as general visitors rather than exhibitors, circulating through the halls in search of an impromptu pitch or a conversation that might lead somewhere. "In a room this size, sometimes the most valuable real estate isn't a booth. It's just being there," said a founder from Gujarat. Some, however, said that the event exceeded expectations. The optics of having the country's top leadership walk through an AI expo, cameras rolling, coverage guaranteed is worth the inconvenience," said a fourth AI firm founder based in Delhi. "It's a pragmatic read, being part of an event that commands national attention has value that doesn't always show up immediately in booth footfall. Analysts said such large exposure optics could help. Madhur Singhal, managing partner and chief executive at Praxis Global Alliance, a management consulting firm, said being seen in event photos could help with fundraising and have potential ecosystem benefits. But, per se, that is not a quantifiable return on investment, Singhal added. Amid disappointments, many exhibitors hoped for two strong days of showcases. "The chaos feels like growing pains of unprecedented scale/success rather than failure," Mrikal's Kaushal added. Startups took heart from top venture capital firms announcing deals. BENGALURU: Infosys Ltd chairman Nandan Nilekani sought to reassure investors that the rise of generative AI (GenAI) is expanding business opportunities for the company, even as anxiety triggered by the launch of new AI tools has weighed on the stock, sending shares of the India's second-largest information technology (IT) services firm down 14% between 1 January and 17 February. My view is that there is no opportunity gap. Opportunity is bigger than before, Nilekani told analysts in his brief 20-minute talk on Tech transitions Why is the AI transition different? as part of Infosyss first analyst day event on Tuesday. It is not an opportunity risk but an execution risk, said Nilekani, calling the current phase tumultuous times. Also Read | How Waaree protected solar panel exports from US tariffs while Adani went local Nilekanis sanguine outlook cheered shareholders. Infosys shares rose as much as 4.5% in morning trade on Tuesday to 1,430 apiece, even as the Sensex remained largely unchanged at 83,516 points. AI fears Infosys also disclosed for the first time that its AI-related revenue was $280.4 million, accounting for about 5.5% of its $5.1 billion revenue in the OctoberDecember quarter (Q3FY26). Nilekani argued that a lag between rapid technological change and adoption by large Fortune 500 companies creates what he described as deployment gap, allowing firms such as Infosys to help large banks, retailers, and companies across industries implement AI-led tools. Fundamentally, this is root and branch surgery, the way business is done, Nilekani said, describing how AI disruption is making companies re-examine the way they do business. Modernizing of legacy systems cannot be deferred anymore. That is over, said Nilekani, who, along with his six friends, co-founded Infosys in 1981, and also reiterated new areas where the IT services company could benefit. Earlier this month, tech stocks, including shares of homegrown IT firms, fell between 5% and 8% after AI company Anthropic launched productivity tools for its Claude Cowork platform that can automate legal work and other functions inside large businesses, raising concerns that such tools could eat into the revenue of the $283 billion Indian IT industry. Significantly, Nilekanis upbeat commentary comes after dire warnings from Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei and Microsoft AI chief executive Mustafa Suleyman, who have warned that AI tools could replace most white-collar work in the next 12 to 18 months. Besides Nilekani and chief executive Salil Parekh, a dozen senior leaders from the company briefed analysts on how Infosys is navigating a period that has polarized views on the future of the IT services industry between naysayers predicting disruption and optimists expecting growth. Analysts split Analysts at Motilal Oswal have warned that 12-15% of Indian IT services revenue faces direct exposure to AI-driven productivity/displacement risk, with incremental pressure from third-party software efficiencies and automation layers. Others believe much of the current talk about a death knell for Indian IT is exaggerated. For the typical IT services the near to medium term still isnt disrupted. Even if the projects themselves may plateau relatively, the productivity gains will drive margins - as the negotiations with vendors will lag in terms of AI linked discounting compared to the gains actually realised, Bernstein analysts Venugopal Garre and Nikhil Arela wrote in a 16 February note titled AI vs Human: Code Red and the Programmers' Endgame. The longer run case is unpredictable and hazy, though it likely points at IT services becoming low margin commoditized industry. But thats quite far off as well as dependent on several factors including AIs continued refinements, the note said. The current market reactions perfectly capture two fallacies - the slippery slope and the bandwagon, and once the dust of the AI storm settles, we perceive a correction to emerge. Till then, statements like replacement of all white collar jobs will emerge and work wonders for valuations of AI centric companies, it added. Other analysts argue AI adoption could instead expand demand for technology services. In our view, SIs/ISPs will likely play a key role in the data driven AI world to help Enterprises to adopt AI/AgenticAI through muti-model LLMs and diverse AI tools. We believe that this may increase the demand (largely new) for cloud adoption, app modernization, creation of clean data (structured/unstructured) layer and cyber security walls amongst others through which AI/AgenticAI adoption happens in a trustable manner. Impact of cannibalization could be considerably low in this phase (which is likely to last at least more than 1-2 years in our view) vs the one in post-AI adoption phase, Equirus analysts Sandeep Shah and Deep Modi wrote in a note dated 16 February. The rise of GenAI since the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022 has created urgency among homegrown IT firms to rethink how they operate. From forging partnerships with startups to deploy AI agents across internal code-writing and application maintenance businesses to pursuing acquisitions, companies are racing to build capabilities. In the current fiscal year, India's 10 largest IT services companies have spent close to $4.5 billion, the highest since the turn of the century, to acquire competencies in AI and cloud technologies amid rapid technological change. New Delhi, Delhi, India - Indias spice racks are undergoing a quiet but powerful disruption. Long driven by brand familiarity, colour, and aroma, the spice market is now facing uncomfortable questions around accountability. From evolving conversations around everyday food choices to viral social media debates, transparency has become the most demanded ingredientespecially among Gen Z and young urban households. The Indian spice market, however, has largely remained opaque. While regulations exist, consumers rarely get visibility into testing parameters, lab results, or supply chain practices. Quality often remains a promise rather than a documented fact. As awareness grows, this gap between claims and clarity is becoming impossible to ignore. Against this backdrop, Cookmea fifth-generation business and a brand with a 180-year legacy in the spice industry since 1846, originating from Eastern Indiahas introduced a significant shift in how quality is communicated. Instead of making louder claims, the brand has chosen transparency through disclosure. Cookmes newly introduced Smart Pack features a QR code that leads to a batch-specific laboratory report, accessible to consumers instantly. The report details tests, along with additional category-specific checks, clearly stating standards, testing parameters, and results. Importantly, it also explainsin simple languagewhat each test means, why it is conducted, and whether the batch meets quality benchmarks. The initiative highlights a critical truth often overlooked: spice quality is not determined at the factory alone. It is shaped across the entire supply chainfrom sourcing and farming practices to storage and testing protocols. Cookme encourages consumers to evaluate value, price, and quality together, based on facts rather than assumptions. This move is consistent with Cookmes legacy of innovation. The brand once held a 14-year patent from 1983 for curry paste and has been one of the pioneers of Ground spices, having introduced the concept of powdered spices in early 1950s when whole spices ruled every household and the concept of powdered spices was merely an imagination or luxury in India. With the Smart Pack, Cookme addresses todays defining consumer expectationclarity, said Mr Subhamoy Dutta, Director, Cookme. As transparency becomes the new currency of trust in Indias food sector, Cookmes approach signals a larger shift: quality is no longer something brands declareits something they must show. About Cookme Cookme is one of Indias oldest and most trusted spice brands, with its origins in Sutanuti, present-day Kolkata. The root of the brand is interwoven with its ancestral organization, which saw the light of the day back in the year 1846 when the organization only used to deal in whole spices. With a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, the brand has become synonymous with authentic flavours, quality and consistency in Indian cooking. Today, Cookme seamlessly blends traditional spice expertise with state-of-the-art manufacturing infrastructure, operating advanced production facilities in Kolkata and Bengaluru. Equipped with modern processing, blending, packaging and in-house quality testing systems, these facilities ensure stringent hygiene, safety and quality standards at scale. With a diverse portfolio covering spices, blended Masalas, Curry Powders, Pastes, Papad and Besan, Cookme continues to innovate while staying rooted in culinary heritage, enriching Indian kitchens across generations. Media Contact Details Debarjun Kar, TAG COMMUNIS, +91-9874559911 Mumbai: The Adani Groups $100 billion investment commitment to an artificial intelligence (AI) ready data centre and power ecosystemalong with investment commitments of other Indian conglomerates like Reliance Industries, Tata Group and Larsen & Toubrois taking a leaf out of the $500 billion Project Stargate playbook of the US. The ecosystem not only gives Indian conglomerates a cost advantage but also better control over the operationalization of their multi-gigawatt data centres, experts said. So far, investment commitments by top Indian conglomerates in the AI ecosystem have reached $125 billion, including those from Reliance Industries, the Tata Group, and Larsen & Toubro, according to Mints calculations based on public announcements and analyst estimates. This rivals the $500 billion Project Stargate in the US, where top private-sector companies have committed to investing in the infrastructure needed to power the next generation of AI and secure the countrys lead over rivals like China. Also Read | How Waaree protected solar panel exports from US tariffs while Adani went local The Adani Groups investment plan, for instance, includes not just setting up data centres to handle AI demand but also the energy generation ecosystem that will power them, Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, said in a press release on Tuesday. The Ahmedabad-based conglomerate will spend this $100 billion across its group firms by 2035, including about $7 billion already spent, as per a company executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The data centres will be built in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, this executive said. The renewable energy infrastructure, meanwhile, will be spread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. "The world is entering an Intelligence Revolution more profound than any previous Industrial Revolution," Adani said in the press release. "Nations that master the symmetry between energy and compute will shape the next decade. The contours of computing The Adani Group has not disclosed the source of funding for this investment, which is arguably one of the largest commitments the group has made to date. Reliance Industries is planning a similar end-to-end play, setting up renewable energy-powered data centres that are AI-ready. The Mumbai-based conglomerate has yet to outline a consolidated investment guidance for this ecosystem, but analysts at Morgan Stanley estimated in a note on 31 October 2025 that it could spend up to $15 billion per 1 GW of data centre capacity. The Tata Group also has investments across power generation (at Tata Power Ltd) and has planned a $6.5 billion investment in AI-ready data centres at Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. However, the Mumbai-based conglomerate has not announced captive power capacity at Tata Power for TCSs data centres, unlike the road map given by Adani and Reliance. Separately, Tata Electronics is investing $11 billion in making a semiconductor fab in Gujarat and $3 billion in an outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) facility in Assam. Meanwhile, Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) plans to build a moat by owning the land, physical infrastructure, and servers, and by having in-house construction capability. The company is also considering developing its own renewable energy plants to power these data centres, but a final decision has yet to be taken, Mint reported on 21 January. This kind of commitment is not a single bet on AI enthusiasm. It is a layered infrastructure play. Power, time, and control sit at the centre of it, said Sanchit Gogia, the chief executive officer and chief analyst at Greyhound Research, a technology research and advisory firm. Key Takeaways Indian conglomerates have committed a combined $125 billion to AI infrastructure, positioning India as a primary rival to US and Chinese tech dominance. This model links renewable energy generation directly to data centres, bypassing grid bottlenecks and reducing operational costs. These are layered bets; the assets remain valuable even if the specific demand for AI compute fluctuates. The play extends beyond data centres into the silicon layer, evidenced by Tatas $14 billion investment in semiconductor fabs and assembly. By controlling the symmetry between energy and compute, these firms aim to give India pricing power in the next decade of the global intelligence revolution. Building the dedicated space Dedicated renewable and thermal power for data centres changes the risk equation, Gogia explained. If compute demand accelerates, that capacity feeds hyperscale campuses. If utilization slows down, that same power can be sold into broader demand pools, reducing the dependency on one narrative. These large investments also give these conglomerates greater control over the operationalisation of their data centres. Presently, many Western markets are facing a bottleneck in providing energy connectivity to data centres due to lagging grid development. Data halls can be built faster than they can be powered. If you can align generation, transmission coordination, storage provisioning, and campus build in one sequence, you shorten the uncertainty window. That translates into pricing power and stronger tenant negotiations, Gogia said. In such a capacity-constrained situation, power costs also spike for data centres. Owning the generation capacity could protect these conglomerates from such cost spikes, he added. Lastly, the scale introduces additional advantages, he said. Repeated activation of data centres reduces friction in each subsequent iteration as understanding with vendors improves, large procurement drives down costs, and commissioning becomes more predictable. Rules notified last November under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 are being implemented in phases, with administration-related provisions already in place and compliance-related ones kicking in from one year to 18 months. The law sets the boundaries of personal data use in the digital economy based on informed consent, places obligations on businesses using it and prescribes a compliance mechanism as well as penalty for breaches. Flipkart has layered multiple tiers into Flipkart Plus, linking rewards more closely to frequency and category spend. Eternal, parent of food-delivery platform Zomato, continues to bundle dining and food-ordering benefits through its Gold programme. In fact, a reduction in order value for Gold customers led to higher net order value growth in the December quarter, on account of higher ordering frequency from the more budget-conscious customers, Eternal said in its Q3 shareholders letter. India AI Impact Summit: Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, will attend the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and deliver his keynote address as scheduled, a spokesperson for the foundation told Mint on Tuesday, 17 February, dismissing earlier reports that he would skip the event. Bill Gates is listed among the technology executives, industry leaders, policymakers, founders and technologists on the summits official website, with the event set to run from February 16 to 20. However, his name was not visible on the website on Tuesday, fuelling speculation about his participation. Also Read | AI Summit 2026 LIVE updates: Over 700 sessions planned over 5 days Earlier in the day, multiple media reports claimed Bill Gates would not attend the summit, citing officials. Some, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, shared screenshots suggesting that Gates' name has been removed from Key Attendees (Visionaries on the Global Stage) of the Summit website. The reports suggested the alleged decision was taken, on Gates being named in newly released files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While the name appeared on the website's Key Attendees list until Monday, it was not there on Tuesday, confirming speculation. When contacted, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told Mint that "media reports claiming that Bill Gates will not be attending the AI Impact Summit are incorrect." He is participating as planned and will be delivering his keynote as scheduled, the Foundation said. Chaturved even thanked the Ministry of Electronics & IT, the event host, for dropping Bill Gates' name from the list. India AI Impact Summit Bill Gates is among the global tech leaders attending the AI Impact summit, which started on Monday in Delhi. Bill Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epsteins victims. However, records released by the US Department of Justice include an allegation by Epstein that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease. A spokesperson for Gates has described the claim as absolutely absurd. The uncertainty over Bill Gates's presence comes days after Nvidia said its chief executive, Jensen Huang, would no longer travel to India for the summit. Huang had been billed as one of the events major draws. While Nvidia did not provide a reason for the change, some speculation had linked his withdrawal to Gatess expected presence at the summit. Goldman Sachs is preparing to remove race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other diversity factors from the criteria its board uses to evaluate potential candidates, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing sources. What changes now? As per the report, the boards governance committee currently chooses qualified candidates based primarily on four factors, one of which is a broad description of diversity, such as viewpoints, background, work and military service. Also Read | Who is Kathryn Ruemmler, top Goldman Sachs lawyer named in Epstein files This is in addition to other demographics, which includes a list of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) factors. Now, Goldman Sachs plans to cross off the other demographics including race, gender identity, ethnicity and sexual orientation, sources told the WSJ. Why the change? According to the WSJ, the Wall Street giant's decision followed a behind-the-scenes request from the conservative activist nonprofit National Legal and Policy Center, which owns a small stake in the bank. The group submitted a proposal to the firm in September, seeking to remove the DEI criteria, sources were quoted as saying. The group requested that its proposal be included in Goldmans proxy statement that will be circulated to shareholders ahead of the firms annual shareholder meeting this spring, the WSJ reported. Goldman reportedly informed the NLPC that it plans to remove the DEI criteria. An agreement was also signed between the two parties, which also includes the activist group withdrawing its proposal. Sources said Goldmans board is expected to approve the new language this month. Anti-DEI proposals Goldman, like many large banks, has pulled back on DEI efforts over the past year. It retooled its diversity program, One Million Black Women, a multibillion-dollar commitment to invest in Black businesswomen and nonprofit leaders, including removing references to race. It also ended its requirement that companies in the US and Western Europe have diverse boards for the bank to take them public. Notably, US President Trumps executive order early last year directed federal departments and agencies to launch civil investigations into DEI programs at companies. KPMG Australia has imposed a hefty AUD10,000 ($7,000) fine on one of its partners after they allegedly used AI tools to cheat on an internal training course about AI. The partner, whose name has not been made public, was forced to redo the test, according to a report by the Financial Times. They allegedly uploaded the training material on an AI platform to help answer question about artificial intelligence itself. According to the FT report citing KMPG, more than two dozen employees have been caught using AI tools for taking internal exams this financial year. These incidents have led to growing concerns about using AI-fuelled cheating in top accountancy firms. The recent incident is the latest example of a professional company battling with its employees using AI for passing internal tests or while producing work for clients. Also Read | As AI tools reshape education, schools struggle with how to draw the line on cheating According to Australian Finance Review, which first reported on the matter, KPMG used its own AI detection tool to find out about the cheating. Like most organisations, we have been grappling with the role and use of AI as it relates to internal training and testing, Andrew Yates, chief executive officer of KPMG Australia, was quoted as saying by FT. Its a very hard thing to get on top of given how quickly society has embraced it, he added. Yates said that the company is looking to strengthen its approach in some of its regimes. Given the everyday use of these tools, some people breach our policy. We take it seriously when they do. We are also looking at ways to strengthen our approach in the current self-reporting regime. No further action taken The issue came into the spotlight last week during a Senate inquiry into the governance of the industry when Australian Greens Senator Barbara Peacock highlighted a misdemeanor in KPMG. Peacock said that the fact that further action could not be taken was extremely disappointing. Weve got a toothless system where con artists . . . get away with so much, she said. The country's corporate regulator Australian Securities and Investments Commission said it had confirmed the incident with KPMG. However, it denied taking any action until the accountants professional trade authority initiated proceedings against the partner. Cheating scandals worry big four In the recent years, the big four accountancy firms have been grappling with cheating incidents. KPMG Australia was in 2021 fined AUD615,000 over widespread misconduct. This came after authorities found that over 1,100 partners with the company had been involved in improper answer-sharing while taking tests designed to assess skill and integrity. All big four firms including Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG have been subjected to penalties in different countries over cheating scandals in recent years. AI fuels rule-breaking As AI takes over the world, it has introduced new avenues to break rules. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the largest accounting organisation in the world, scrapped online tests last year and said it would require accounting students to take their tests in person. The organisation said that it would otherwise be too difficult to identify whether someone has cheated on examinations using AI. NEW DELHI: Meta Platforms has flagged concerns over Indias new rule that requires platforms to remove certain harmful content within three hours of receiving a valid order, saying the deadline may be difficult to meet in practice. Operationally three hours (take down window) is going to be really challenging, Rob Sherman, vice president policy and deputy chief privacy officer, Meta, said in a media roundtable on Tuesday in New Delhi. Traditionally, the Indian government's been quite consultative when it comes to these things. This is an example where I think we're concerned that had they come to us and talked to us about it, we would have talked about some of the operational challenges. Also Read | Two-hour deepfake takedown rule sparks Big Tech compliance furore The Centre on 10 February brought in a stricter compliance regime for social media companies such as X, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram by formally notifying amendments to the existing Information Technology Rules aimed at combating the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) through deepfakes and other sensitive synthetic content. Companies falling under the intermediary definition will have to comply with the law starting 20 February. Under the new rules, enforcement timelines for removing objectionable material have been sharply tightened. Non-consensual sexual imagery, including deepfakes, must be removed within two hours instead of 24 hours previously. Any other unlawful content must be taken down within three hours of a user report or a government or court order, compared with the earlier 36-hour window. Sherman said the company uses a wide range of tools and techniques to spot content that violates its terms of service or community standards, but the main challenge under the new rules would be the logistics of investigating and validating requests accurately within such a short timeframe. Whenever we get the request from the government (to take down content), we will have to look into it, we will have to investigate it and validate it ourselves. And so that's just something that takes some amount of time particularly if there's something that we need to look into. Thats often not possible to turn around in three hours, Sherman said. The tighter timelines come as the misuse of AI through deepfakes and non-consensual sexual imagery has increasingly affected users. The government, however, has maintained that compliance should not be a challenge for platforms given their technological capabilities. There are certain classes of illegal content such as CSEAM (child sexual exploitative and abuse material) that may require an urgent takedown. But it will not be fair if we are treating all classes of content with same sense of severity. Especially, when such orders may come from a wide range of authorities with varying capacities." said Dhruv Garg, partner at the Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP). According to Garg, such immediate takedown actions could create a unidirectional process with no feedback mechanism, giving platforms little option but to comply with the order. Also Read | Indias AI rules and the elusive quest for online safety On Tuesday, communications and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government is in talks with social media platforms on tackling deepfakes and age-based restrictions to protect society from the harms of AI. ...At Meta, we have done a lot of work to build things like teen accounts so that there are parental controls, so that parents can make the choices that are right for them or for how their kids are using social media, Sherman said, adding that adding that Australia-like kinds of social media bans for teens are probably not serving the goal that they are are meaning to serve. He added that a prudent approach could be classification of teens based on their age, similar to an approach followed in the UK. Privacy law adds to compliance burden On the timelines to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, Sherman noted that while most countries provide a transition period of about two years to implement new privacy rules, the Indian government has significantly short-lived that timeline. The rules, which came in November last year, notified that companies will need to comply with the Acts provisions within 1218 months, including appointing consent managers and data-protection officers, putting in place systems for express user permission, and reporting data breaches within 72 hours. We are still in the process of looking at what that will mean in terms of how we will comply. We have every confidence that we will do our best but we are still figuring out exactly what that looks like, Sherman said. Also Read | New Aadhaar law in the works to align with data privacy law Under the DPDP Rules, 2025, the government has the authority to direct that specific categories of personal data be processed and stored only within India. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has implied again that he is cash poor even as the world's richest person is pacing his way to be the first trillionaire ever in history in terms of net worth. Addressing speculation about his growing fortune, Musk explained that most of his net worth is tied to his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, which are largely there in form of stocks and not real cash. Already have thousands of times over. My net worth is almost entirely due to my ownership stakes in Tesla and SpaceX. I have <0.1% that is cash, he said. Musk was replying to a post shared by the X account of Kalshi, a web-based prediction market platform, which predicted that there is a 75% chance that the Tesla CEO will become a trillionaire this year. In his reply, Elon Musk further clarified that many Tesla and SpaceX employees receive stocks or options and more than 80% of Tesla is owned by retail investors. This signifies that any value creation will also benefit the other investors along with Musk himself. Tesla and SpaceX employees all receive stock/options and Tesla is >80% owned by retail investors and index/pension funds, so value increases apply >80% to them, he said. Elon Musk's wealth Will he be a trillionaire? This is not the first time Elon Musk has indicated he is cash poor. Some people think I have a lot of cash, he had said in 2019. I actually dont. The billionaire, a native of South Africa, founded SpaceX in 2002 and joined Tesla in 2004. Last year, a $1 trillion pay package was approved for Musk on specific conditions. Amid all this, speculation has been ripe that Elon Musk will become the first trillionaire in the world by this year. According to Kalshi's predictions, there is a 78% chance that Musk will become a trillionaire by 2027, especially after SpaceX merged with xAI taking the combined value of the entity to $1.25 trillion. Musk has a 43% stake in the company, making it worth more than $530 billion. He also owns around 12% stake in Tesla, valued at $178 billion along with another $124 billion in stock options. This does not include his record-breaking pay package at Tesla, which he will only get after the company fulfills its ambitions over the next decade. Also Read | Elon Musk predicts biggest company will be valued at $100 trillion in a decade How much cash does Elon Musk have? Elon Musk currently has a net worth of $849.3 billion, according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires list. This reflects all his assets and cash, including stocks, options, real estates, and other things he owns. Musk claimed that a large chunk of this money depends on the valuation of SpaceX and Tesla, and that it is not exactly actual money. However, he did say he has less than 0.1% in cash with himself. This translates to around $850 million. Thomas J. Pritzker, billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune and a central figure in the companys modern expansion, has stepped down as executive chairman with immediate effect. He said his decision to resign was driven by regret over his long-running association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's accomplice in sex trafficking. In a letter to Hyatts board on Monday, Pritzker, 75, said he was leaving to protect the hotel group from further reputational damage. He acknowledged that staying in contact with Epstein after the financiers 2008 sex-crimes plea deal reflected a serious lapse in judgment. Who is Tom Pritzker? Chicago-born Hyatt heir, dealmaker and philanthropist Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Pritzker is one of 13 billionaire heirs in the Pritzker clan. He has long been among the most influential figures behind Hyatts corporate direction. He holds a BA from Claremont Mens College and both an MBA and JD from the University of Chicago. According to Forbes, he has a real-time net worth of $6.2 billion. Also Read | Who is Casey Wasserman? Mogul to sell talent agency after Epstein files row Pritzker served as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels and the Pritzker Organisation, the familys historical merchant bank. Hyatts origins date to 1957, when his father, Jay Pritzker, bought the first Hyatt House motel near Los Angeles International Airport. The family also expanded the manufacturing group Marmon in the 1950s; Pritzker later led Marmons 2008 sale to Berkshire Hathaway. Across his career, Pritzker has been involved in acquisitions and company-building in multiple industries, including founding ventures in container leasing (Triton), biotechnology (Bay City Capital), and healthcare (Reliant Pharmaceuticals and First Health). He stepped down from Royal Caribbean Cruises board in 2020 after serving as a director for two decades. His influence extends beyond business. Pritzker is chairman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, a member of the Aspen Strategy Group, and sits on the executive committee of the University of Chicagos board. He is also chairman of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the Pritzker Architecture Prize. In the sciences, Pritzker partnered with the University of Chicago to establish a school of molecular engineering and founded the Pritzker Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Consortium, a collaborative effort focused on the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders. He has also held honorary academic roles in China, including as an honorary professor of history at Sichuan University, and has received honorary recognition from Tsinghua University. For three decades, he has led archaeological expeditions in the Western Himalayas and is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Pritzker's resignation places him among a widening list of elite business figures who have faced professional consequences after being named in recently released Epstein-related documents. Pritzker resigns as executive chairman amid Epstein Files fallout In his letter to the board, Pritzker framed the decision as an act of corporate responsibility: Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret. Pritzker added, I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner. Also Read | Epstein Files Prompt France to Open New Probes, Revisit Brunel In a separate statement issued through the Pritzker Organisation, Pritzker reiterated the same theme, arguing that his role required him to avoid becoming a liability for the company. My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship. That is important to me, Pritzker said in the statement. Good stewardship includes ensuring a proper transition at Hyatt. Newly released files detail years of friendly exchanges after Epsteins 2008 plea deal The controversy stems from a newly released tranche of Epstein Files showing Pritzker remained in regular contact with Epstein for years after the late wealthy financier pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to state charges related to soliciting prostitution, including one count involving a minor. The correspondence between Pritzker and Epstein includes email exchanges arranging meals and appointments, including meetings at Epsteins Manhattan townhouse. The documents do not allege criminal wrongdoing by Pritzker, but they have fuelled scrutiny over why such relationships persisted long after Epsteins conviction became public. Epstein died in 2019 while in federal custody after being arrested on child sex trafficking charges. Emails reveal personal familiarity including a message about finding Epstein a new girlfriend Among the most widely circulated exchanges is a 2018 email in which Epstein asked Pritzker to help his girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, organise a trip to Southeast Asia. Pritzker agreed and asked what she intended to do there. Shuliak replied: Going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey. Tom Pritzker responded with a smiley-face emoticon and wrote: May the Force be with you. Another exchange, from 2015, showed Epstein joking with Pritzker while the two were arranging to meet, Would you find it amusing to have dali lama meet woody allen for lunch on sat = could be a memorable event. The Epstein Files also indicate that the two men discussed invitations to the Pritzker Prize ceremony, the prestigious international architecture award associated with the family, including a Beijing event. Hyatt board appoints Mark Hoplamazian as chairman as leadership reshuffles Hyatt said Pritzker would not seek re-election to the board at the companys annual stockholders meeting in May. The board appointed Hyatts president, Mark S. Hoplamazian, to serve as chairman immediately. In a statement, Richard Tuttle, chair of the boards nominating and corporate governance committee, credited Pritzker for shaping the company. Toms leadership has been instrumental in shaping Hyatts strategy and long-term growth, and we thank him for his service and dedication to Hyatt, Tuttle said. Pritzker condemns Epstein and Maxwell, says he feels deep sorrow for victims Pritzkers statements included an explicit denunciation of Epstein and Maxwell, who was convicted for her role in Epsteins trafficking operation. I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner, Pritzker said in the statement. I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims. He said he would now focus on a science foundation he founded. Another high-profile resignation as Epstein ties become a corporate liability Pritzkers resignation comes amid a renewed wave of reputational fallout following the release of thousands of documents and photographs connected to Epsteins network. Also Read | Cardi B hits back at Homeland Security over ICE remark, raises Epstein files question Other business leaders have stepped down in recent weeks, including former Goldman Sachs legal chief Kathryn Ruemmler and Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp, both of whom have said their past associations with Epstein had become distractions for the organisations they served. In 2019, Andrew gave an interview to the BBC in which he said he had ended all contact with Epstein since early in 2010. He came off as unapologetic, saying he was unaware of any criminal behavior by Epstein and had no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre. Soon after, the queen ordered him removed from his duties as a member of the royal household. What are the timelines and investment plans for new waterway systems in the country? The government has committed to operationalizing 20 new national waterways within this period (five years), marking the most significant expansion since the National Waterways Act of 2016. This includes the development of NW-5 in Odisha, which connects mineral-rich areas of Talcher and Angul and industrial centres like Kalinga Nagar to the Ports of Paradeep and Dhamra. It has a huge cargo potential of 10 million tonnes by 2032 and 20 million tonnes by 2047. As global momentum builds to restrict minors' access to potentially habit-forming digital platforms, Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday that the government is negotiating age-based restrictions with social media firms. The government is concurrently addressing the challenge of deepfakes with these digital entities, Vaishnaw said during a media briefing at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. This has now been accepted by many countries - that age-based regulations have to be there, Vaishnaw said. In January, the central government identified this matter as a significant concern within the annual Economic Survey. Last month, a minister from Andhra Pradesh told Bloomberg News that the provincial government was exploring ways to prohibit social media use by individuals under 16. More nations adopting measures to curb social media usage Internationally, more nations are adopting measures to curb usage. Australia pioneered the implementation of a statutory ban, which included Meta Platforms Inc.s Instagram and Facebook, Snap Inc., Elon Musks X, TikTok, and Googles YouTube. This trend has gained traction in Europe, where Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described social media as a failed state. These platforms are jeopardising the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children, Sanchez said in a post on X Tuesday as he announced the request. The State cannot allow this. The impunity of these giants must end. Roughly ten other regional nations, along with the European Union, are considering comparable constraints. Instagram and Facebook each have over 400 million Indian users, more than any other nation, according to DataReportal, a repository of global digital trends. Snap Inc.s Snapchat has over 200 million Indian accounts, making the country its primary market, while X exceeds 20 million users, according to the statistics. Any initiative to restrict social media access for hundreds of millions of Indias youth would severely impact companies like Meta Platforms Inc.s Instagram and Facebook, as well as Elon Musks X. Furthermore, India serves as a vital data reservoir for AI development. Technology firms have resisted these prohibitions, labelling them as imprecise tools that are hard to regulate and might trigger unintended consequences, such as migrating users to less regulated platforms. Vaishnaw made the comments during Indias premier artificial intelligence conference and represents a broader effort to mitigate potential risks posed by major technology conglomerates. The government has intensified its monitoring of internet content and communication, enacting rigorous legislation that places the responsibility for detection, deletion, and compliance on tech companies. The nation is also refining regulations to combat AI-generated and deceptive content. Sebi also believes the current uniform price band for ETFs may also be too wide, considering typical market movements in the segment. The regulator's analysis of data from 1 April 2025 to 31 December 2025 showed that in more than 99.8% of equity and debt ETFs, the maximum daily movement was within 10%, and in more than 98% of commodity (gold and silver) ETFs, within 9%, while overnight ETFs varied between -5% and +5%. It also noted that during January, high volatility in gold and silver prices made existing price bands based on T-2 NAV inadequate to ensure alignment with the underlying assets. Infosys share price rose nearly 3% on Tuesday, February 17, following the announcement of a strategic partnership with Anthropic, an AI safety and research organization, to create and implement advanced enterprise AI solutions for businesses in telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, and software development. According to a filing made by the company to the exchange, the partnership will initiate in the telecommunications sector with the establishment of a dedicated Anthropic Center of Excellence focusing on the development and deployment of AI agents customized for specific industry operations. This collaboration is also expected to broaden its reach into other sectors, such as financial services, manufacturing, and software development. Based on the filing, the partnership primarily combines Anthropic's Claude models, such as Claude Code, with Infosys Topaz AI solutions to support businesses in automating intricate processes, speeding up software delivery, and implementing AI while ensuring the governance and transparency needed by regulated sectors. A primary emphasis will be on agentic AI systems that advance past simply responding to questions to autonomously managing multi-step tasks such as processing claims, generating and testing code, or conducting compliance reviews, said Infosys in its filing. By utilizing tools like the Claude Agent SDK, Infosys and Anthropic will assist clients in developing AI agents that can operate continuously throughout lengthy, intricate processes rather than just engaging in standalone interactions. This partnership will also support organizations in modernizing outdated systems, merging Infosys Topaz with Claude to expedite migration and lower the costs associated with updating old infrastructure. Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys, said -"Our collaboration with Anthropic marks a strategic leap toward advancing enterprise AI, enabling organizations to unlock value and become more intelligent, resilient, and responsible. From modernizing financial services with intelligent risk management and compliance, to enabling engineering businesses to lead with AI-driven design and manufacturing, the goal is to leverage the joint expertise of Infosys and Anthropic to accelerate AI value realization for global enterprises." Infosys AI Day 2026 Infosys is set to host its Investor AI Day 2026 on Tuesday, February 17. This event will take place at the company's headquarters in Bengaluru and will present the main themes and updates concerning AI. At the Investor AI Day 2026 today, Infosys has planned a series of leadership panels centered around the companys strategy for artificial intelligence, its execution plan, and applications specific to various sectors. The event will kick off at 11 am with a presentation by Nandan M. Nilekani, Chairman of the Board, entitled Tech Transitions: Why is the AI Transition Different?. Following that, Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, is expected to elaborate on the company's overarching AI vision and growth strategy in his session titled 'The AI Services Opportunity'. Satish HC, Chief Delivery Officer, will introduce the company's AI Services Playbook. Additionally, there will be discussions on how to unlock the value of AI in manufacturing, financial services, and CMT (Communications, Media, and Technology). Infosys share price today Infosys share price today opened at 1,370 apiece on the BSE, the stock touched an intraday high of 1,406.80, and an intraday low of 1,366.70 apiece. According to Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical and Derivative Analyst at Angel One, IT stocks are witnessing strong traction, with this heavyweight also gaining around 3% so far. Technically, the bounce appears to be driven by oversold conditions and could extend further, with the next key hurdle placed near 1,450, coinciding with the bearish gap. On the downside, the 1,300 level is likely to act as immediate support, said Bhosale. Also Read | Cochin Shipyard share price jumps over 7% on bagging contract for Indian navy The world order has seen dramatic shifts over the last few years. Global leaders agree that the post-1945 world order had broken down, as they say it is an era of new geopolitics and a new world order. Ray Dalio, billionaire investor and the founder of Bridgewater Associates, believes the world is in "stage 6" part of the "big cycle" or the periods of good and bad times, in which rules weaken, great powers clash, global cooperation declines, and might is always right. Dalio, in his detailed post on the social media platform X, highlighted the Munich Security Report 2026 to argue that the post-World War II world order has broken down. Dalio's post on X highlighted how global leaders emphasised that the old world order was gone at the Munich Security Conference. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, The world order as it has stood for decades no longer exists. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored that "Europe must prepare for war as its old security structures tied to the previous world order don't exist." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that we are in a new geopolitics era because the old world is gone. The world is entering a new order The prevailing global conditions are reminiscent of historical events that have led to conflict and chaos. Dalio offered insights from his book "Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order" to underscore that the post-1945 world order is broken down, and we are entering a new world order. He explained in detail how stage 6 works in chapter 6, The Big Cycle of External Order and Disorder, in his book. In his post, Dalio explained that when individual countries have more power than the collectives of countries, the more powerful individual countries rule. He explained it by giving an example that if the US, China, or other countries have more power than the United Nations, then the latter will not determine how things go, because "power prevails, and wealth and power among equals is rarely given up without a fight." "The international order follows the law of the jungle much more than it follows international law," Dalio writes. As per him, there are five major kinds of fights between countries: trade or economic wars, technology wars, capital wars, geopolitical wars, and military wars. All these are power struggles, even though they dont involve shooting and killing. "These struggles and wars, whether or not they involve shooting and killing, are exertions of power of one side over the other. But once a military war begins, all four of the other dimensions will be weaponised to the greatest extent possible," Dalio writes. Since 1500, Europe has witnessed three big cycles of rising and declining conflict, each lasting about 150 years. Also Read | Ray Dalio Urges Shift to Gold as Dollar Risks Rise "Each cycle consisted of a relatively long period of peace and prosperity (e.g., the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution) that sowed the seeds for terrible and violent external wars (e.g., the Thirty Years War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the two World Wars)," Dalio explains. Further, Dalio explained that the US economic crisis of 1929 prompted it to turn protectionist to "safeguard jobs and raise tariffs via the passage of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act in 1930, which further depressed economic conditions in other countries." "Raising tariffs to protect domestic businesses and jobs during bad economic times is common, but it leads to reduced efficiency because production does not occur where it can be done most efficiently," Dalio explains. "Harmful acts of nature (e.g., droughts, floods, and plagues) often cause periods of great economic hardship that, when combined with other adverse conditions, lead to periods of great conflict," Dalio writes. Dalio says every world power has its time in the sun, but they all eventually decline. "A number of empires and dynasties have sustained themselves for hundreds of years, and the United States, at 245 years old, has proven itself to be one of the longest-lasting," writes Dalio. Stock market holiday: Several major stock exchanges across Asia will be closed for trading on Tuesday, February 17, on account of Lunar New Year or Chinese new year. In mainland China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange will remain closed from February 16 to February 23, with trading set to resume on February 24. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will conduct a half-day session on February 16 before shutting from February 17 to February 19 and reopening on February 20. Similarly, the Singapore Exchange will also operate for a half day on February 16 and stay closed on February 17 and February 18. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Stock Exchange is observing an extended holiday from February 15 to February 20 due to calendar adjustments. In Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia will be shut on February 17 and February 18, with trading scheduled to restart on February 19. Some regional markets will continue normal operations. The Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Korea Exchange will remain open, whereas the Indonesia Stock Exchange will be closed on February 16 for a national collective leave day and again on February 17 for the Lunar New Year 2026 holiday. Here's a full list of Asian markets observing holiday due to Lunar New Year - Exchange Name Closure Dates Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) Feb 16 (collective leave), Feb 17 (CNY) Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Feb 1623 Shenzhen Stock Exchange Feb 1623 Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) Half-day Feb 16; full Feb 1719 Bursa Malaysia Feb 1718 Singapore Exchange (SGX) Half-day Feb 16; full Feb 1718 Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) Feb 1520 Asian markets today Asian markets moved cautiously on Tuesday amid thin holiday trading, while oil prices climbed ahead of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran set to begin later in the day in Geneva. U.S. markets also remained shut on Monday for Presidents Day. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 slipped 0.5% and the broader Topix fell 0.2% to 3,779.29. Meanwhile, in Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 traded roughly 0.5% higher. Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields edged down 1 basis point to 4.044% on Tuesday, their lowest level since early December. Japans five-year yield also declined by 2 basis points to 1.65%, marking its lowest since February 2. Japans economic weakness remained under scrutiny following GDP data released a day earlier that came in far below expectations. (With inputs from agencies) Stock market today: The Indian stock market is expected to open on a steady note following yesterdays strong rebound, led by gains in financials, energy, pharma, and healthcare. Robust DII inflows continue to provide an underlying cushion, helping offset intermittent FII outflows. However, near-term sentiment remains cautious amid persistent weakness in the IT sector on AI-disruption concerns, along with selective profit booking and mixed global cues. Consequently, trading is likely to remain range-bound and choppy until fresh domestic or global triggers offer clearer direction. Gold, silver rates today Gold and silver prices continue their decline for the second straight session on Tuesday, February 17. Spot gold prices slipped below the $5,000 mark, falling 0.43% to $4,992 per ounce. Meanwhile, spot silver fell nearly 3% to $74.24 per ounce during the Asian trading hours on Tuesday. Speaking on the outlook of gold and silver rates today, Anuj Badjate, Managing Director at Badjate Stock & Shares Pvt Ltd, said, "Both metals are trading within defined ranges, indicating consolidation rather than a trend reversal. Going ahead, the next directional move will depend on global liquidity conditions, US dollar movement, bond yields, and geopolitical cues. A breakout above resistance could trigger fresh momentum buying, while a breach of support may invite corrective pressure, FII-DII data FIIs remained net sellers on Monday, selling Indian shares worth 972 crore. However, DIIs remained net buyers, buying shares worth 1,667 crore. USD vs INR The Indian rupee settled 8 paise lower at 90.74 against the US Dollar (USD) on Monday, weighed down by a strong US Dollar and foreign fund outflows. Speaking on the outlook of the Indian National Rupee (INR) against the USD, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Commodity & Currency at LKP Securities, said, "The Indian Rupee traded largely flat near 90.62 as market participants remained cautious, while recovery in the secondary market after a weak opening helped stabilise the currency. The broader tone remains range-bound, with immediate resistance placed near 90.25 and support seen around 90.90. Unless there is a decisive break on either side, the Rupee is likely to continue trading within this consolidation band." Stock market today On account of Energy, Reality, and PSU Banks indices rallying over 1.5%, the Indian stock market witnessed a strong rebound on Monday. The Nifty 50 index finished 211 points higher at 25,682, the BSE Sensex ended 650 points higher at 83,277, while the Bank Nifty index gained 762 points and closed at 60,949. Speaking on the near-term outlook of the Nifty 50 and Sensex today, Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research at Kotak Securities, said, For day traders, 25,600/83,000 and 25,500/82,700 would act as key support zones. As long as the market is trading above these levels, the pullback formation is likely to continue. On the higher side, it could bounce back to 25,80025,875/83,500-83,700. On the flip side, below 25,500/82700, the sentiment could change. If the market falls below this level, traders may prefer to exit their long positions. On the outlook of the Bank Nifty today, Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said, "The Bank Nifty remained strong during the day as it found support near the falling trendline on the daily chart. Besides, the index sustained above the 20-DEMA, closing comfortably above it. With a single bullish candle, the Bank Nifty has engulfed the bearishness of several previous weak candles. The daily RSI is in a bullish crossover and rising. In the short term, the trend may remain strong, with potential to rise towards 61,400. On the lower end, the previous resistance of 60,500 will now act as support." Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, stock market experts Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi; and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, recommended these eight intraday stocks for today: Bandhan Bank, Tata Steel, Canara Bank, BDL, Coal India, Siemens, TD Power Systems, and JSW Energy. Sumeet Bagadia's stock recommendations today 1] Bandhan Bank: Buy at 167.93, Target 180, Stop Loss 162. Bandhan Bank's share price is currently trading at 167.29 and is showing a strong bullish reversal from its key support zones. The stock has developed a short-term rounding bottom pattern and is maintaining a higher-highhigher-low structure, along with a breakout above the falling trendline, which signals a bullish trend reversal and strengthening upside momentum. 2] Tata Steel: Buy at 205.81, Target 220, Stop Loss 198. Tata Steel's share price is trading at 205.81 and has confirmed a clear Cup-and-Handle breakout on the weekly chart, indicating the start of a sustained bullish trend. On the daily chart, the stock has respected the major support zone near 200 and formed a bullish piercing pattern, reflecting strong buying interest and a decisive bullish reversal. This support area also offers a favourable buy-on-dips opportunity during minor retracements. Ganesh Dongre's buy or sell stocks 3] Canara Bank: Buy at Rs146, Target 154, Stop Loss 142. Canara Bank's share price has been exhibiting a strong, consistent bullish pattern, indicating sustained investor interest and positive price momentum. The stock is currently trading at 146 and has established a solid support base at 142. This level has historically acted as a cushion, and recent price action suggests a reversal from it, reinforcing bullish sentiment. 4] BDL: Buy at 1250, Target 1330, Stop Loss 1230. BDL's share price has exhibited a strong, notable, and continuous bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 1250 and maintaining a strong support at 1230. The technical setup suggests a potential price retracement towards the 1330 level. 5] Coal India: Buy at 422, Target 440, Stop Loss 410. Coal India's share has exhibited a strong, notable, and continuous bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently trading at 422 and maintaining strong support at 410. The technical setup suggests a potential price retracement towards the 440 level. Shiju Koothupalakkal's intraday stocks for today 6] Siemens: Buy at 3215, Target 3350, Stop Loss 3150. The stock has witnessed a decent revival from the support zone of the important 50 EMA at the 3100 level and has moved past the significant 200-period MA at the 3150 zone, improving the bias and anticipating a further rise in the coming days. The RSI is well-positioned and has picked up to indicate a positive trend reversal, signalling a buy with upside potential visible. 7] TD Power Systems: Buy at 859, Target 915, Stop Loss 840. The stock has shown a strong bias, with a series of higher lows visible on the daily chart, and is currently once again gaining strength, suggesting a further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI remains strong and has the potential to continue the positive move. 8] JSW Energy: Buy at 489, Target 520, Stop Loss 478. The stock has recently indicated a decent revival after a short period of consolidation, has once again picked up, taken support near the 100-period MA at 470, improved the bias, and moved past the important 50EMA at 482 to gain strength. Stock to buy for the short term: The Indian stock market ended with healthy gains on Monday, February 16, on short-covering after the recent selloff. The Sensex rose by 650 points, or 0.79%, to close at 83,277.15, while the Nifty 50 ended at 25,682.75, clocking a healthy gain of 212 points, or 0.83%. Experts believe the domestic market may see some volatility in the near future due to geopolitical factors and a lack of fresh triggers back home. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have turned net sellers in the cash segment this month, too. So far in February, FIIs have sold Indian stocks worth 2,345 crore in the cash segment. They have been selling Indian stocks in the cash segment since July last year. Experts say this is time to focus on quality stocks with sound technical indicators. Vishnu Kant Upadhyay of Master Capital Services and Aakash Shah, Research Analyst, Choice Broking, recommend the following six stocks to buy for the next 1-2 weeks: Also Read | Stocks to buy for short term: Jigar Patel of Anand Rathi suggests 3 shares Stock picks for the short term Expert: Vishnu Kant Upadhyay, AVP Research Advisory, Master Capital Services Power Grid Corporation of India | Previous close: 300.50 | Target price: 325 and 340 | Stop loss: 280 Upadhyay underscored that Power Grid Corporation's share prices are developing a short-term bullish structure after decisively breaching its downward sloping trendline on the daily timeframe. Price action is stabilising with a shift towards higher lows, indicating improving trend dynamics. The stock is currently trading above the cluster of all key EMAs, suggesting strengthening alignment. RSI is trending upward, MACD has turned positive, and ADX is rising, signalling building directional momentum. "The technical setup supports a near-term bullish bias with potential upsurge towards 340," said Upadhyay. Bank of Baroda (BoB) | Previous close: 292.55 | Target prices: 310 and 320 | Stop loss: 279 As per Upadhyay, BoB continues to maintain a constructive short-term bullish structure on the daily chart, with price action sustaining above key support levels. The stock is trading firmly above its 20, 50 and 200-day EMAs, reflecting strong positive alignment across timeframes. The formation of higher highs and higher lows reinforces underlying trend strength. RSI remains in the bullish zone, MACD is holding positive territory, and ADX indicates strengthening directional momentum. "The technical structure remains constructive for further upside in the near term," Upadhyay said. Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals | Previous close: 272.66 | Target price: 305 | Stop loss: 247 Upadhyay said that Crompton Greaves' share price has confirmed a short-term bullish reversal with a decisive breakout above the neckline of an inverse head and shoulders pattern on the daily chart. Price action is forming higher lows post-breakout, indicating an improving demand structure. The stock is reclaiming its 20 and 50-day EMAs, with scope to challenge the 200-day EMA, suggesting gradual bullish realignment. RSI is trending higher, MACD shows a positive crossover, and ADX is strengthening, signalling rising momentum. "The breakout suggests continuation of upward traction in the near term," said Upadhyay. Expert: Aakash Shah, Research Analyst, Choice Broking Cummins India | Previous close: 4,524.80 | Target price: 4,900 | Stop loss: 4,343 Shah highlighted that Cummins India is maintaining a strong bullish structure on the daily chart after a healthy pullback and rebound from the recent swing low near 3,883. Price has decisively reclaimed the 20 EMA and 50 EMA, with both averages curling upward and positioned above the 100 and 200 EMA, signalling trend continuation. The current price action is forming higher lows with steady volume participation, indicating sustained buying interest. Fibonacci extension from the recent swing high shows price holding above the 0.236 zone and moving toward the 0.5 level. "As long as price sustains above 4,343, momentum remains intact and supports a move toward the 4,900 target zone," said Shah. Union Bank of India | Previous close: 183.09 | Target price: 195 | Stop loss: 176 According to Shah, Union Bank of India is showing a strong continuation setup on the daily timeframe after a sharp impulsive rally from the 165 region, followed by a shallow consolidation near the 52-week highs. The stock price is consistently trading above the 20 EMA and 50 EMA, both of which are sloping upward, reflecting strengthening bullish momentum. The stock has respected the 0.382 Fibonacci extension and is now attempting to expand higher toward the 0.786 extension level around 195. Volume behaviour shows expansion during up moves and contraction during pullbacks, indicating accumulation. "Holding above the key support at 176 keeps the structure bullish and supports the upside projection toward 195," said Shah. Kross | Previous close: 221.73 | Target price: 238 | Stop loss: 212 Shah highlighted that Kross is displaying a bullish trend resumption on the daily chart after forming a higher low near the 185 level and breaking above the 212 short-term consolidation. The stock price is trading firmly above the 20 and 50 EMA, and has reclaimed the 100 and 200 EMA, suggesting a transition into a sustained uptrend. The recent breakout is supported by strong bullish candles and improving volume spikes on upward moves, highlighting fresh buying interest. Structure-wise, the series of higher highs and higher lows confirms strength. "As long as price holds above the 212 support zone, the trend bias remains positive and favours continuation toward the 238 resistance target," said Shah. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Capturing the essence of Amrita Sher-Gils life in a matter of 60 minutes is no easy feat. In spite of the volumes written about the avantgarde modernist, her life remains an enigmaa woman at the intersection of geographies, cultures and identities. This was a challenge for Dadi D. Pudumjee, the founder of Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust. The puppeteer was looking for a premise for his show on Sher-Gil but was not content with making a typical, formal treatise. He hit upon it after his co-writer, Shankajeet De, chanced upon a photograph of the artist at a Paris cafe. In the photograph, Amrita is sitting and talking and there are a couple of men sitting around her, and I thought of using something similar for the premise, he says. In the show, Amrita Sher-Gil: A Life Lived, one of the highlights of the ongoing annual Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival in Delhi, five friends gather in a cafe to tackle a looming deadline. Their task? A project on Sher-Gil. But as they sift through the overwhelming documentation, they find themselves lost, until the artist herself emerges in puppet form to invite them into her world. The show uses live action, puppets, objects, music, video projections and storytelling to recount the story of the artist, who was born in Budapest in 1913 to an aristocratic Sikh father and a Hungarian mother. She lived in Europe for many years and died at the young age of 28 in Lahore. The theatrical tapestry comes alive with the help of research, including two books written by her nephew and artist, the late Vivan Sundaram, and curator-historian Yashodhara Dalmias book Amrita Sher-Gil: A Life. The Hungarian Cultural Centre also joined us in support because of her Hungarian roots, adds Pudumjee. Institutional support came from The Sher-Gil Sundaram Arts Foundation and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Through the show, we are trying to explore who Amrita really was... She was also really focused, which becomes clear in the letters she wrote to her parents and friends, as well as through her diary notes. Her likes and dislikes, even as a young girl, were extremely clear. She also critiqued her own work, he says. View full Image The theatrical tapestry comes alive with the help of research, including two books written by her nephew and artist, the late Vivan Sundaram Much of what Sher-Gil says (through her puppet) has been taken from her own texts. There are video montages of her paintings, interspersed with songs such as Hymn to Love by Edith Piaf and I Want to be Loved by Endre Edy sung live by the actors. Theres also a bit of corny humour in the dialogues, else it would become too much of a eulogy, feels Pudumjee, whose Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival is in its 22nd year. Although my initial studies in puppetry were traditional, my philosophy behind working with youth and with adults comes from Swedish puppeteer Michael Meschke, who believed puppets should be a medium for expression rather than the focal point of the spectacle, he says. At Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Delhi, 4pm and 7.30pm, 22 February. Age: 15 plus. Deepali Dhingra is a Delhi-based independent journalist. Also Read | 5 events to make a song and dance about There is a very specific kind of quiet that settles over Indian homes during board exam season (which for a lot of homes across the country begins today owing to CBSE and ICSE 10th and 12th board exams). Doors close more softly, dinner conversations shrink into monosyllables and family WhatsApp groups turn into strategy zones. Children take the exams, but parents, very often, take on the stress. There is plenty of chatter about student anxiety, but far less about the adults who quietly become cooks, counsellors, chauffeurs and emotional shock absorberssometimes all before 9am. Exam season doesnt just test academic preparation, but also challenges parental endurance. Research mirrors these experiences. A survey conducted in Karnataka in 2023 found 86% of adolescents preparing for competitive examinations reported high academic stress and 87% perceived high parental pressure. It highlights how academic and home environments intersect affecting the childs wellbeing. Mumbai-based counselling psychologist Maithili Thanawala Kanabar says most parents carry a mix of fear, guilt and helplessness during this period. There is fear of failure, fear of the future, fear of anything negative happening to their child. Children pick up parental anxiety even when nothing is said aloud, she explains. Noida-based psychologist Abha Singh agrees that exam season often turns parents into vigilant supervisors without them even realising it. Board exams often turn the home into mini-examination centres, she says. When board exams come, parents also feel tested emotionally and mentally. That invisible transmission of stress is familiar to Tanvi Patel, 43, a kindergarten teacher based in Mumbai, whose daughter appeared for her ICSE boards last year in February. The house was quiet, irritable and anxious. I found myself constantly watching herhow long she was studying, whether she was eating enough, and obviously the phone. She laughs at the memory now. I would yell every time she touched it. I realised I was nagging her more than helping. Next time Im not doing that. Priti Shah, 52, an entrepreneur based in Mumbai, whose daughter is appearing for the IGCSE this month, echoes the same feeling: We (parents) burn the candle at both ends. Pressure builds up from school, tuition and WhatsApp groups. Sometimes all you want is five minutes where no one asks you anything. One of the most important shifts Kanabar recommends is to stop behaving like the exam supervisor. Many parents sit next to their child for hoursnot because the child needs them, but because they feel they should. In most cases, this increases stress for both. Instead, become a facilitator. Check in once every four or five days rather than daily, and ask empathetic questions such as, What felt tough this week? or How are you feeling about prep? rather than, How much is left? What marks did you get? It changes the emotional climate of the home. Singh says the line is simple: A supportive parent creates a secure, encouraging, and organised environment, while an exam supervisor takes over the students autonomy. She adds that families can shift this dynamic by remembering that the parents role is to set the stage rather than run the show. While parents can occasionally miss going to the gym, self-care does not have to disappear. Even something as simple as enjoying your morning coffee makes a difference. Patel saw this first-hand. Sticking to my routine helped. Id go to work, take my younger one out, come home and do what needed to be done. That normalcy told my daughter the world wasnt ending just because she had a chemistry exam the next morning. Shah found her own rhythm. We take a 15-minute walk after dinner every day, where we talk about everything except studies. It is as important for me as it is for her. THE CHAI-BISCUIT TRAP Ask most Indian parents about their comfort food during exam months and the answer is usually chai and biscuits. Occasionally, theres bhujia. Mumbai-based clinical nutritionist Himani Jariwala explains why this pairing back fires. Tea pushes up cortisol levels, biscuits spike blood sugar, and this triggers another chai break. The cycle keeps the mood unstable, affects sleep and causes irritability. Her advice: limit chai or coffee to two cups a day; switch to tulsi, chamomile or peppermint tea after evening study hours; and keep healthy snacks at handyoghurt, paneer cubes, nuts, popcorn, hummus with roti, sprouts chaat and makhana. The most common mistake families make is overdoing brain food, she adds. Excess nuts, ghee, juices and milk can cause lethargy and poor sleep. If a meal is missed, start with hydration, then bring the meal back. Eat one meal together as a family. Cook easy one-pot dishes for a week. Let everyones nervous system settle first. The goal isnt to eat perfectly; its to stay steady. Your child needs a regulated adult, not an undernourished one. Talking about a smart menu for exam month, Jariwala recommends meals that are familiar, nutritious and easy to prepare, such as: u Poha, upma, or thepla with curd u Oats porridge with nuts u Dal-rice with a side of vegetables u Sprouts chaat u Paneer or egg frankie u Khichdi-kadhi u Millet noodles with veggies u Uttapam or idli-sambar u Avocado-paneer toast FOR THE BODY AND THE MIND Parents often sit for hours beside their child, and the aches add up. Physiotherapist Sneha Shah, who lives between London and Mumbai, says she sees more chronic neck, shoulder and lower-back pain during exam months than at any other time. If you only have five to ten minutes, do hip rotations, knee-to-chest stretches, shoulder rolls and neck rotations. And stop keeping water bottles on the table. Walk to the kitchen to drink water. That alone breaks sedentary posture. Yoga instructor Anupa Shah of Sukhna Yoga, Mumbai, recommends Viparita Karani. Legs up the wall for five minutes with a favourite podcast resets the nervous system. She also suggests a short sequence of twists, neck stretches and conscious breathing that can be done in regular clothes. Exam season also amplifies outside noiseenthusiastic relatives and hyper-anxious parent groups. Kanabars advice is simple: mute groups that circulate rank lists and archive conversations that make you spiral. If you must check WhatsApp, do it within a fixed 10-minute window and never in front of your child. Singh points out that a lot of parents carry unspoken stress during this time. Most parents dont say it out loud, but many are think ing, I am terrified. I am losing my sleep. I am actually more stressed than you are, she says. Awareness of parental stress is the first step toward creating harmony at home, because most of the time parents who do not have awareness are inducing their anxieties onto children through their body language and facial expressions. When anxiety spikes, Kanabar suggests a few anchors: a daily slow belly breathing for 90 seconds, journalling catastrophic thoughts, or asking a calmer co-parent to step in briefly. For relatives whose favourite hobby is comparison, have one line ready: Every child has their own trajectory. Then change the subject. When asked what mattered more, the marks or the atmosphere, both Patel and Shah answered instantly. The atmosphere, Patel says adding, A calmer home leads to better study patterns, and results follow. After receiving final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in August last year, Abakkus Mutual Fund began its investment journey a few months ago. With only two schemes currently in its bouquet of offerings (flexi cap and liquid fund), it has already crossed 3,000 crore in assets under management (AUM). We spoke to Abakkus Mutual Fund's CEO Vaiibhavv Chugh about their investing philosophy, expectations from the small and mid caps in 2026, why they believe in placing contrarian bets, and much more. Also Read | Mutual funds keep Reits at arm's length despite Sebi reclassification Edited Excerpts Why did the fund house start its investing journey with these two schemes: a flexi-cap fund and a liquid fund? Many investors prefer to park their money in liquid funds before transferring it to equity schemes via STP (systematic transfer plan). Another popular category among retail investors is a flexi cap fund, which offers flexibility to invest in stocks across the market spectrum. That's why we started with these two. What is so unique about Abakkus that investors should consider investing in their schemes? Our funds cover a large spectrum of stocks. We are the bottom-up stock pickers and find good stocks on merit. We are quite aligned with our investing philosophy. Additionally, we have a good team of 25 people in research and investment. We have fund managers with an average experience of 18-20 years, whereas research analysts have an average experience of 7-8 years. What is so different about your investing philosophy? We focus more on active weight -- between 62-63%. And we have a greater tilt towards mid- and small-cap stocks, as we have higher conviction in them. We tend to track a large number of stocks. We actively look for unique names in mid- and small-caps. In 2026, which category of funds should retail investors explore -- large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap or benchmark index? A combination of large-cap and small-cap stocks will deliver good returns. Meanwhile, we find small caps quite attractive. Expectations for earnings growth of small-cap stocks hover around 22% (according to a recent report), whereas for large caps, it is 14 to 15%. The AMFI data for Jan 2026 was released recently, showing that inflows into equity funds fell by 14%. What are your views on the mutual fund industry and investors investing behaviour in view of this? We are very positive about mutual fund investing. Currently, only 3% to 4% of our population invests in mutual funds (5.9 crore unique investors exist in Dec 2025), while most Indians are still not a part of it. Jagrukta (awareness) for mutual funds is still growing. About the January datawe knew these numbers would be moderate only. Investors lacked clarity on many things. But now (after the India-US trade deal was announced), ambiguity is behind us. Investors will again view Indian markets positively, and I believe FIIs will also return. Can you explain how a fund or an investor creates wealth by being contrarian, one of Abakkus' investing philosophies? By contrarian, we mean that we will buy a stock even if it is not fashionable to buy it. And we would not be in a hurry to sell it, even if two quarters are not good for that stock, so long as there are no fundamental issues. So, we are more fundamentals-driven. We invest based on our conviction, even if we are the only investor in that stock -- this falls under the contrarian view. What advice would you give to the youngsters who are yet to start investing? I recommend that they first understand themselves: how much risk appetite do they have, and for how long do they want to invest, etc. And first of all, they should start with index investing. Gradually, they can upgrade to active funds. They should also start understanding portfolio construction. They should avoid the news which keeps floating around and not get bogged down by what others have been doing or saying on social media. They should simply invest for the long term. For all personal finance updates, visit here Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) today 17 February. Through this AI-powered multilingual tool, farmers will be able to access smart, fast, and accurate information. The launch of Bharat-VISTAAR will take place in Jaipur at State Institute of Agricultural Management (SIAM) at 10:00 AM. As per the official schedule, a press briefing is scheduled for 12:15 PM which will be followed by field visit t Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU), Jobner. This most awaited launch comes in the backdrop of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement about Bharat-VISTAAR during the Union Budget 2026-27. All you need to know about Bharat-VISTAAR Described as a multi-layered digital platform designed to provide end-to-end support to the Indian agricultural community, Bharat-VISTAAR will be inaugurated on Tuesday. It will provide personalised crop health and weather alerts powered by advanced machine learning models. It will allow direct access to central and state government benefits through a single digital window. Its interface and audio content will be available in 22+ regional Indian languages. It will enable AgTech startups and partners to build innovative solutions. It comes with natural language voice bots for farmers to query information without typing. It will ensure unified integration with state land records and localised extension services. While presenting her ninth consecutive budget on February 1, the Finance Minister said, I propose to launch Bharat-VISTAARa multilingual AI tool that integrates the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices with AI systems." Suggesting that the government plans to allocate 150 crore for Bharat-VISTAAR in the upcoming financial year, she added, "This will enhance farm productivity, enable better decisions for farmers, and reduce risk by providing customised advisory support." The new AI tool is an important step towards empowering farming by providing them with accurate information through AI technology. This step aims to enhance productivity and bridge the digital divide in rural areas. It aims to reduce risk associated with farming and increase profitability by providing customised advisory support. This is a crucial step to uplift farmers with information in local dialect. It will provide a unified ecosystem for credit, market access, and technical support. Furthermore, this integrated system will solve the challenge of siloed agricultural data across multiple platforms and departments. Ministry of Finance in its press release said, Bharat-VISTAAR A multilingual AI tool that shall integrate the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices with AI systems. This will enhance farm productivity, will lead to better farmer decision making and reduce risk through customized advisory support for the farmer. A commercial court in Belagavi issued fresh summons on Monday, 16 February, to representatives of the US-based artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic PBC in a trademark issue case filed by a Karnataka-based company over the mark ANTHROPIC", according to a Bar and Bench report. Principal District and Sessions Judge Manjunath Nayak had earlier issued summons to the company, but its representatives did not appear in court on February 16 as instructed. The latest summons was instructed to be issued to the officers of the company at its newly opened Bengaluru office. The case was filed by Belagavi-based Anthropic Softwares Private Limited, which alleged trademark violation by the American company. Also Read | Infosys shares rise as Indian IT giant declares partnership with Anthropic What is the case about? Anthropic Softwares Private Limited sought a temporary injunction to prevent the US company from directly or indirectly claiming an association with it by using the mark Anthropic or any similar or confusingly similar marks, the report said. The company asserted that it has used the name "Anthropic" since 2017 and has built substantial goodwill in the Indian subcontinent over the years. It said that on AI-based platforms and standard Google searches, the US company's name is prominently suggested instead of its own. "As a consequence, the Plaintiff's name has been completely removed or displaced from search suggestions and related results. This has resulted in confusion among users, customers, and stakeholders, who are being misled into believing that the [US company] is associated with, or has replaced, the [Indian company]," the report quoted the company. The Indian company based its information on a newspaper report claiming that the American entity was opening its first office in India, as well as a website announcement indicating it would start operations in Bengaluru in early 2026. Court's earlier ruling On January 17, 2026, the court issued an order allowing the suit to be filed without requiring mandatory pre-institution mediation, as urgent interim relief was sought. According to the report, the court refused to issue an ex parte injunction, noting that, aside from the two publications, there was no evidence that the American company had commenced operations in India under the Karnataka-based company's registered mark. The court also observed that the defendants address in the cause title was listed as San Francisco, suggesting that no Indian establishment had been established yet. The court stated there was no immediate risk of infringement. A fresh bomb threat was received on Tuesday (17 February) at Punjab's Mohali, that triggered heightened security checks. Several private schools received the threatening emails that also referenced Fortis Hospital, where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is currently admitted. Police said the alerts prompted immediate anti-sabotage operations at the hospital and the affected educational institutions, though no explosive or suspicious material was found. Officials described the situation as controlled, with essential services continuing uninterrupted at the hospital. Mohali schools receive threat emails; Fortis Hospital also named According to officials, the threat was circulated via email to multiple schools in Mohali on Tuesday, with Fortis Hospital included in the same message. The dual mention set off coordinated searches across the district. SP Dilpreet Singh said, This threat call has come again. Last time, it also turned out to be false. This time as well, we have not found any such suspicious or dangerous material. The situation is currently at zero threat levelAs of now, we are verifying the source of this email address and investigating it. Apart from that, no organization has claimed responsibility for it legitimately. All essential services are running normally, and nothing has been halted. Thorough checking has been carried out, and there is no danger to anyone at this time." Authorities said the police response was calibrated to the hospitals sensitivity, given the chief ministers presence there, and the wider pattern of hoax threats reported across the region in recent weeks. Anti-sabotage checks carried out at Fortis Mohali A senior police official in Mohali said that the hospital was immediately swept by security teams, with some non-essential functions paused briefly as a precaution. "The bomb threat to schools also mentioned the Fortis Hospital in Mohali, where we conducted anti-sabotage checks. Non-essential services were kept on hold while essential services continued," a senior police official said in Mohali. Police said checks were also carried out at the schools that received the emails, as investigators worked to verify the origin of the message and determine whether it was linked to similar threats sent in other cities. Security already tightened due to Bhagwant Manns hospitalisation Security had already been reinforced in and around Fortis Hospital after Mann was admitted, officials said. He was re-admitted on Monday evening, only hours after being discharged from the same facility. PTI reported that CM Mann returned to the hospital after experiencing exhaustion. The hospital episode has added to the sensitivity of the threat, particularly as Punjab has seen repeated bomb scares in schools and public institutions, almost all of which have been determined to be hoaxes after inspection. Pattern of hoax threats spreads across Punjab and Chandigarh The latest incident follows a series of similar threats reported in Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and parts of Haryana, with authorities confirming that earlier alerts were not substantiated. On Wednesday, sixteen private schools in Mohali had received bomb threat emails, prompting evacuations and detailed anti-sabotage checks by police. After inspections, no suspicious or explosive material was found. Police said the immediate focus now is tracing the email source, examining digital footprints, and determining whether the same actors are behind multiple threats across the region. The Delhi High Court has directed Priya Kapur, the widow of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, and his sister Mandhira Kapur Smith to refrain from making public statements against each other, as a defamation dispute between the two women escalates into parallel civil and criminal proceedings. Delhi High Court hasalso issued summons in the defamation suit filed by Priya Kapoor against Mandira Kapoor and has also proposed that the parties consider resolving the dispute through mediation. Also Read | Priya Kapur steps into spotlight amid Sona Comstar family feud As Bar and Bench reported, the order was passed by a bench led by Justice Mini Pushkarna while hearing a defamation suit filed by Priya Kapur, who has alleged that Mandhira Kapur Smith made defamatory insinuations about her marriage, including in a podcast series aired in late 2025. Delhi High Court tells parties to conduct yourself with dignity During the hearing, the court made clear it expected restraint and decorum from both sides, particularly given the intensely public nature of the dispute. "We expect you not to make any public statements against each other Conduct yourself with dignity, this is what the court expects, the Court said. The courts direction was issued as an interim measure, with the judge indicating that neither party should aggravate the conflict in the public domain while the defamation claim is adjudicated. Priya Kapurs defamation suit linked to podcast and social media posts The civil defamation suit stems from comments allegedly made by Mandhira Kapur Smith during appearances on the podcast InControversial, hosted by Pooja Chaudhri, in November and December 2025. Also Read | Priya Sachdeva files defamation case against Sunjay Kapur's sister As Bar and Bench reported, Priya Kapur has claimed that Mandhira insinuated her marriage to Sunjay Kapur was troubled and lacked legitimacy, and that the remarks were amplified through repeated social media posts and videos. Pooja Chaudhri, the host of the podcast, has also been named as a party to the case. Court issues notice; response sought within five weeks Justice Pushkarna issued summons in the defamation suit and directed Mandhira Kapur Smith to file her response within five weeks to Priya Kapurs interim relief application, in which she has sought a restraint order against further allegedly defamatory statements. "Issue notice. List after five weeks. In the meantime, both parties are directed to exercise restraint in making statements against each other, directly or indirectly," the Court ordered. The matter is now listed for the next hearing on May 14. Priya Kapur seeks 20 crore damages for reputational harm In her plea, Priya Kapur has sought an injunction to stop Mandhira Kapur Smith from making statements that she alleges are defamatory. She has also claimed damages of 20 crores, citing the loss of reputation, mental agony, emotional distress and social humiliation. As Bar and Bench reported, Priya Kapurs petition alleges that Mandhira Kapur repeatedly circulated posts and videos identifying her and making insinuations designed to provoke hatred, ridicule and social ostracism. She also alleged that, shortly after Sunjay Kapurs death, Mandhira Kapur Smith embarked upon a systematic and organised course of conduct aimed at maligning, humiliating and socially discrediting the Plaintiff [Priya Kapur]. Senior advocates argue over alleged vilification and media trial Senior Advocate Maninder Singh appeared for Priya Kapur and, as Bar and Bench reported, referenced some of the statements alleged to have been made publicly. A grieving widow and a seven-year-old son are subjected to such derogatory statements like that there was no bloodline present. She [Mandhira] is saying they (Priya and her minor son) are thieves, robbers, and third wife, and that she [Priya] was just filling the gap," he said. Singh also told the court that Priya Kapur had not participated in any media interviews. Also Read | Priya Sachdev cites Gita in birthday post for Sunjay Kapur amidst legal battle Senior Advocate Amit Sibal appeared for Mandhira Kapur Smith and argued that she, too, had faced public targeting and a broader campaign of vilification. "Considering the relationship between the parties and media trials that are happening... Its a telltale. Concerted media vilificatory campaign," he said. Criminal defamation case also pending at Patiala House Court The civil defamation dispute is not the only proceeding between the parties. As Bar and Bench reported, a criminal defamation complaint filed by Priya Kapur against Mandhira Kapur Smith is already pending before the Patiala House Court in Delhi. The present civil suit was filed through advocate Smriti Asmita. Delhi witnessed traffic snarls on Monday as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 kicked off at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. Traffic jams reportedly impacted the commuters, particularly in central and south Delhi. However, Mondays traffic situation appeared to be significantly better than what the city has seen in the past week, the Hindustan Times reported. Why was there traffic jam in Delhi? The report cited traffic police officials as saying that the primary source of this traffic jam was VIP movement and route restrictions for Day One of the AI Impact Summit 2026. This was compounded by the rush of the ongoing wedding season and students heading to examination centres for board exams. Also Read | CBSE makes Class 10 first exam mandatory under two-board plan Another, more unexpected factor, was ongoing repair work by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) following a burst water pipeline near ITO. While the summit is being held from February 16 to February 20, CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams are also starting Tuesday, fuelling fears that the city would face more traffic jams today. Traffic advisory The Delhi Police had on Sunday issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise inconvenience to students and the public in the wake of AI Summit and CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams starting Tuesday. While the AI Summit is being held from February 16 to 20, the CBSE examinations commence on February 17, leading to overlapping schedules. Police said coordinated arrangements are in place, and students carrying admit cards or date sheets will be assisted to reach exam centres on time. Restrictions are in place across large parts of central Delhi, particularly around Bharat Mandapam and the 10 hotels eight in New Delhi and two in southwest Delhi where foreign delegates are staying. Also Read | Who is Maxim Oreshkin? Putin aide to attend AI Summit in Delhi These include Mathura Road (from Subramaniam Bharti Marg to the Lodhi Road flyover), Purana Qila Road and Akbar Road. The Board Examinations for classes 10 and 12 will see more than 46 lakh students appearing from India and 26 countries abroad. Advisory for CBSE students Reach on time: "As the examination starts at 10.30 am, hence, all the students have been directed to reach their examination centre on or before 10 am," Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Examination Controller, said. 10 schools fall on the main routes of WIP movement: The Delhi Traffic Police released a list of 10 schools that fall on the main routes of WIP movement, where board examinations will be held on February 17. Nodal officers from the Traffic Police have been deployed at these schools to facilitate students and staff in reaching the examination centres, the advisory said. It added, School managements may be contacted to obtain information regarding the suggested routes and designated nodal officers to avoid any inconvenience during travel to and from schools on examination dates. Traffic movement restricted: Traffic movement will remain restricted or regulated on several key stretches, including Mathura Road, Subramania Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Tees January Marg, Akbar Road, Teen Murti Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Firoze Shah Road, Shanti Path, Satya Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kartavya Path, and adjoining roads. The advisory also said Bhairon Marg and Mathura Road will be restricted areas, and vehicles will not be allowed during route movement. Traffic movement to the Indira Gandhi International Airport will be facilitated via NH-48, Rao Gajraj Singh Marg, UER-I, and Sector-22 Dwarka Tunnel, depending on the terminal. For those travelling to New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations, the advisory lists multiple suggested routes via Ring Road, Ashram Chowk, Raj Ghat, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and Vande Mataram Marg, among others. Metro rail services will continue to operate normally, while buses and taxis may face temporary diversions during VIP movement, the statement said. Essential services, including medical emergency vehicles, will be provided uninterrupted passage throughout the city. Movement of the general public will also be facilitated through designated alternate routes and corridors, it said. Vehicles not bound for Delhi will be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways and other alternate routes, the police said. Police also urged commuters to follow traffic advisories and plan their travel in advance, especially during peak hours. Parents and students have also been advised to keep buffer time while travelling to examination centres to avoid last-minute delays. The national capital witnessed massive gridlock, particularly across central and south Delhi. The primary reasons were VIP movements and route restrictions due to the AI Summit currently taking place at Bharat Mandapam. The ongoing wedding season and students heading to exam centres for board exams were among the other contributing factors. The Delhi Police on Tuesday released a detailed traffic advisory in view of the AI Impact Summit, which began on February 16 and will conclude on February 20. In its advisory, the Delhi Police stated that comprehensive traffic arrangements have been put in place in the interest of public safety and convenience. Residents and commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance, avoid the affected stretches where possible, and allow extra travel time. Roads Affected: Sardar Patel Marg Mother Teresa Crescent Teen Murti Marg Akbar Road Janpath Windsor Place Tees January Marg Prithvi Raj Road Rajesh Pilot Marg Subrahmaniam Bharti Marg Mathura Road (between Lodhi Flyover and Dr. Dinesh Chander Dalmia / Bhairon Marg) Shanti Path (between R/A Satya Marg up to R/A Kautilya Marg) Africa Avenue Satya Marg (between R/A Yashwant Place and Shanti Path) Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg Alternate Routes: San Martin Marg Panchsheel Marg APJ Abdul Kalam Marg Kamal Ataturk Marg Aurobindo Marg Lodhi Road South Avenue Road Vandematram Marg Barapullah Road Ring Road Tilak Marg Ferozshah Road Rafi Marg Sansad Marg K Kamraj Marg AI Impact Summit 2026 The AI Impact Summit 2026 holds major importance for India as it is the first large-scale global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. The event highlights Indias growing role in the global artificial intelligence space and underlines its ambitions to help shape international AI policies and best practices. Also Read | Delhi seeing traffic jam due to AI Summit? Check full traffic advisory here Authorities have advised participants to use the Delhi Metro, which will operate as usual during the summit. The nearest metro station to the venue is Pragati Maidan (Gate 10), offering easy access for delegates and visitors. The Delhi University (DU) has issued a statement banning protests, demonstrations, public meetings and processions on campus for a month. In a circular to all students, faculty members and staff, it announced the prohibition of the said activities, citing concerns over obstruction of traffic, threats to safety and disturbance of public peace. In an order dated 17 February, DUs Office of the Proctor said the restriction follows inputs that unrestricted public gatherings could escalate and affect law and order. It also cited an earlier order by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Civil Lines, barring public gatherings, the carrying of torches or similar items, and the raising of slogans or delivery of speeches that could disrupt public order or traffic movement. Also Read | Whispered rape threats': YouTuber claims attack by mob of 500 people' during protests at Delhi University The order read, The undersigned hereby informs all students, faculty members, and staff of the University of Delhi that public meetings, processions, demonstrations, and protests of any kind are strictly prohibited within the University Campus for a period of one month. This order is issued in view of information received indicating that unrestricted public gatherings, processions, or demonstrations on campus may lead to obstruction of traffic, threats to human life, and disturbance of public peace. In the past, organisers have often failed to control such protests, which have escalated and spread widely, resulting in deterioration of law and order within the University campuses," it said. The order read that the assembly of five or more persons, shouting slogans and making speeches, carrying of any hazardous materials, including mashals, beacons/torches, etc, are prohibited. Also Read | Delhi Police arrest Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in alleged fraud case Referring to the assistant police commissioner order, the university said, In this context, it is further informed that the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sub-Division Civil Lines, has also issued an order vide Order No. 18441-18550/R/ACP/Civil Lines, Delhi dated 26.12.2025, read with Notification No. U-11036/3/1978(i)-UTL dated 01.07.1978 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, and Notification No. F.No. 110036(i) UTL dated 09.09.2010 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, wherein the following activities have been prohibited: i) Holding of any public meeting, rally, dharna, protest, or agitation. ii) Assembly of five or more persons. ii) Carrying of any hazardous materials, including Mashals/Beacons/Torches, etc. iv) Engaging in any activity that may affect the general tranquillity of the public or the smooth flow of traffic. v) Shouting of slogans and making speeches. The ban on all kinds of protests, demonstrations and processions takes immediate effect and will remain in force for one month unless withdrawn earlier. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, past midnight on 17 January for their scheduled visit to India. The two were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. Also Read | Quote of the day by Emmanuel Macron This engagement marks another significant chapter in the expanding ties between New Delhi and Paris, according to the French Embassy, as quoted by news agency ANI. The visit comes against the backdrop of a steadily deepening partnership across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education. This trajectory began with Macron's first visit in 2018, followed by his attendance at the 2023 G20 Summit and his 2024 State Visit as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day. Then, the two leaders declared 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, a forward-looking initiative they will jointly inaugurate today in Mumbai. As part of the current itinerary, PM Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions on 17 February in Mumbai to further strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific cooperation, reflecting growing strategic convergence. Why does this visit matter? The visit marks Macron's fourth trip to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalling sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. Macron is among heads of state, policymakers and AI leaders from around the world who will attend the AI Impact summit, which starts on Monday in Delhi. The French leaders visit comes at a time when India is making efforts to diversify and deepen strategic ties beyond long-time suppliers of military equipment. Last week, India approved $40 billion in arms purchases, including 114 French fighter jets and missiles, Bloomberg News reported. This visit follows Prime Minister Modis visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the IndiaFrance Strategic Partnership, as well as the shared commitment of the two countries to further deepen it. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023, before the French president graced the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the chief guest. 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. Complete itinerary of Macron in Mumbai today -Meeting with Prime Minister Modi at Lok Bhawan, Mumbai. -Exchange of MOUs followed by Press Statement at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhawan, Mumbai. -India-France Innovation Forum at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace. Also Read | AI Summit India LIVE: PM Modi interacts with tech leaders -India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at Gateway of India. India AI Impact Summit in Delhi Following their engagements in Mumbai, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which began at Bharat Mandapam on 16 February. The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The visit marks Macron's fourth trip to India, signalling sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership. The participation of the French President underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with Asian News International, said the looming fears and concerns over potential disruptions in the job market due to the emerging artificial intelligence (AI) are a present imperative rather than a future problem. Acknowledging the concerns looming over the industry, PM Modi said preparation is the best antidote towards fear of artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted that this is the reason why the central government is investing in skilling and re-skilling for an AI-driven future. Narendra Modi also emphasised that the government is not looking at this as a future problem but as a present issue. I understand the concern of our youth about AI-driven disruptions in the job market. Preparation is the best antidote to fear. That is why we have been investing in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future. The government has launched one of the most ambitious skilling initiatives in the world. We're not approaching this as a future problem but we're treating it as a present imperative, PM Modi told the news agency. Also Read | Ashwini Vaishnaw apologises for chaos at Day 1 of AI Impact Summit Who will lead India's future? The Prime Minister also said that the country's youth have the potential to lead the future of work, with backing from the right skills and preparations. Modi also said that AI is a force multiplier which will help people push the boundaries of what is thought to be possible. With the right skills and preparation, our youth will lead the future of work, PM Narendra Modi told the news agency. Can AI affect jobs? Narendra Modi also said that history is proof that work does not disappear due to technological advancement. However, he also acknowledged that while some jobs might be affected and redefined, others will be added due to emerging technology. History has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. Its nature changes, and new types of jobs are created. While some jobs may be redefined, digital transformation will also add new tech jobs to India's economy. For centuries, there have been fears that innovation and technological revolutions will eliminate jobs. Yet history teaches us that whenever innovation happens, new opportunities emerge. The same will be true in the age of AI, PM Modi told the news agency. Modi's comments come against the backdrop of the AI Impact Summit 2026, which seeks to strengthen the country's role as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda. The government of Bihar signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth 468 crore with several major technology companies and IIT Patna at the India AI Impact Summit, which began in New Delhi on Monday. The projects also include a research park, the government said in a statement on Tuesday. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government signed an MoU worth 60 crore to set up the Bihar AI CoE (centre of excellence). An MoU worth 250 crore was signed for setting up a research park at IIT Patna. Tiger Analytics will be the Industry Partner, and IIT Patna will be the Academic Partner, according to the statement. In addition, MoUs were signed with GCC units and IT units such as Red Cyber ( 103 crore), GrowQR ( 30 crore), and CIPL ( 25 crore), among others, under the Bihar GCC policy 2026 and the Bihar IT policy 2024, the statement said This move, the statement said, is expected to create over 10,000 new job opportunities in emerging technologies. Additionally, more than 50,000 youth will receive skill development training through AI-linked programs. The five-day India AI Impact Summit is witnessing the participation of CEOs from more than 100 technology companies and representatives from over 135 countries. In addition, Heads of State from more than 20 countries and ministers from over 50 countries are also taking part in the summit. On Tuesday, 17 February, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, inaugurated the Bihar State Pavilion at the India AI Impact Summit. Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Also Read | When is Bill Gates speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi? In Bihar, we want to move forward in every sector - whether it is agriculture, education, or by using the new technologies emerging in the world. By adopting these advancements, we aim to take Bihar ahead, Choudhary said on the sidelines of the event. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the country will lead the entire world in AI technology. In Bihar we want to move forward in every sector - whether it is agriculture, education, or by using the new technologies emerging in the world. "Bihar is like an open field, where any technology can be established today. MoUs worth approximately 500 crore have been signed. Different technologies are coming in. The Bihar government has created policies to establish various industries, and now those policies will start yielding benefits. As a result, technology growth will accelerate," he added. Day after a Bengaluru startup founder alleged that his AI wearables were stolen from India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Delhi Police has identified one person who was involved in the theft. The theft allegedly took place after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, a senior police official said, according to PTI. NeoSapien Co-founder and CEO Dhananjay Yadav had alleged on Monday, February 16, that some of his devices had been stolen from his booth after he left them there allegedly under instruction of security personnel. The incident reportedly happened during a security shutdown for the prime minister's visit. Manish Kumar Agrawal, Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence Division) had informed that the police were investigating the case. The special commissioner of police said, There was a time when the gentleman left the items unattended, this was despite the fact that a locker was provided. It was expected that the exhibitor would put the items in the locker. But nevertheless for whatever reasons he left (it) unattended, but we have proof, the local police have proof as to who has done it and we are working on that case. Also Read | Who is Maxim Oreshkin? Putin aide to attend AI Summit in Delhi He also informed that a case was registered against the person who stole the wearables. "We have registered an FIR. We shall be able to work that out," Manish Agrawal said. Dhananjay Yadav said he was allowed to stay back to showcase a patented tech, which is India's first AI wearable. I wanted to showcase myself, he said, adding that another security team asked him to vacate as the area needed to be sanitised. I asked one of volunteers to keep the device with him, but when the gates were opened, and he came to our booth, he found that our devices were ripped off and taken away, which was a little disheartening. We are going to learn from this. This is the first of its kind event (in India). So we're going to learn from it and get better at it, Dhananjay Yadav said. Speaking of the second day at India AI Impact Summit 2026, the NeoSapien said he was amazed at the huge number of people that had turned up. "I am thankful to them [Delhi Police]. I think they would be able to figure out why this happened, how did this happen. I have complete trust in them. I had a great experience with them," he added. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 17 (ANI): India and France on Tuesday elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and made a slew of announcements across key sectors such as defence, technology and innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, health and skilling, reflecting the growing strength of the relationship between the two countries. The key announcements made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the country include establishing an annual Foreign Ministers Dialogue for regularly reviewing the implementation of the elevated partnership and Horizon 2047 Roadmap, launch of the India-France Innovation Network, the inauguration of the H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka, and Joint Venture between BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India. The outcomes included agreement for reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces establishments and the establishment of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group. In his remarks during the joint statement with President Macron, PM Modi noted that the friendship between the two countries has "no boundaries" and the partnership can "reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains". The outcomes included amending the Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France. The two countries agreed to the Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals, Letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS. The outcomes included the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, launch of the India-France Innovation Network, the renewal of the Agreement between the Government of India and the French Republic on Defence Cooperation, the Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology, the Joint Declaration of Intent on establishing an Indo-French Centre for Digital Sciences and Technology and the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi The outcomes also included a Letter of Intent between DBT and ANRS on Cooperation in Research and Development on Infectious Diseases and Global Health Research, an Agreement for the establishment of Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences and Letter of Intent to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics The two countries signed a Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and La Poste, France In his remarks, PM Modi said he is delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. "Last year, he invited me to the AI Action Committee Summit in France. At that time, we visited Marseille, France's largest port and a major gateway to France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city from where our Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War I. Their saga of bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe, and it is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape the British," PM Modi said. "His action symbolised his unwavering resolve for India's independence. I had the opportunity to remember and pay my respects to him in Marseille last year. This time, when President Macron is in India for the AI Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him in Mumbai, the Gateway to India," he added. PM Modi said that the India-France relationship is very crucial."The strategic partnership between the two countries is one of the oldest and with the help of President Macron, we have deepened the ties and given it more energy in recent times. Based on this trust and vision, we are elevating our relation to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not just strategic. In this era of unpredictable global dynamics, this partnership will provide global stability and progress," PM Modi said. Highlighting cooperation in the defence and aerospace sectors, the Prime Minister referred to the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line as a testament to the growing collaboration between the two nations.PM Modi and President Macron virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka. "In India, the initiation of his helicopter assembly is another bright example of this relationship. We are proud that India and France will build a helicopter which will be able to take flight to Mount Everest. We will also export this. The India-France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains," PM Modi said. Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X that India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership is giving new wings to bilateral ties. "PM @narendramodi held productive talks with President @EmmanuelMacron in Mumbai. Discussions touched on a range of issues including strategic, defence and security, trade and investment, joint manufacturing, critical minerals supply chain, research and development and education among others. In a milestone development, both leaders announced to upgrade the India-France relationship to Special Global Strategic Partnership, to reflect the immense depth and breadth of our ties," the post said. The H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal is expected to strengthen India's indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities and further deepen India-France defence and industrial cooperation. NEW DELHI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, a source said on Monday, confirming a post on X by Indian authorities earlier in February that had been deleted. India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes, the source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The seizures and heightened surveillance follow an improvement in U.S.-India relations. Washington earlier this month announced it will cut import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, after New Delhi agreed to stop Russian oil imports. The three sanctioned vessels Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states, the source said, adding that their owners were based overseas. Three vessels seized off Mumbai coast: What we know Iranian state media cited the National Iranian Oil Company as saying that the three tankers seized by India had no connection to the company. It said that neither the cargoes nor the vessels were linked to the company. Indian authorities had said in a post on X on February 6 that they intercepted three vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious activity involving a tanker in India's exclusive economic zone. The post was later deleted, but the source confirmed that the vessels had been escorted to Mumbai for further investigation. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has since deployed about 55 ships and between 10 and 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones, according to the source. Iranian vessels sanctioned by US The US Office of Foreign Assets Control said last year it had sanctioned three vessels, called Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1, with IMO numbers identical to the ships lately captured by India. Two of the three tankers are linked to Iran, with Al Jafzia having carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025 and Stellar Ruby flagged in Iran, according to LSEG data. The Asphalt Star mostly operated on voyages around China, the data show. Sanctioned oil and fuel are often sold at deep discounts due to the risks involved, with intermediaries moving cargo through complex ownership structures, false documentation and mid-sea transfers that complicate enforcement. A Karnataka court on Monday awarded death sentences to three men convicted of raping an Israeli tourist and another woman, and murdering a youth near a UNESCO World Heritage site in Koppal district last year. The Gangavathi Civil Court sentenced the convicts Mallesh alias Handi Malla, Sharanabasava and Chaitanya Sai to death. On 7 February, the court found the three accused guilty and reserved the order for 16 February. Also Read | Supreme Court cautions couple on pre-marital physical relations The court pronounced the quantum of punishment on Monday. According to the prosecution, the heinous crime took place near Sanapur on 6 March 2025. The Israeli-origin woman was subjected to inhuman sexual assault. The incident had made international headlines and cast a shadow over the district's tourism. Public Prosecutor Nagalakshmi told reporters that the homestay owner had taken tourists Pankaj from Maharashtra, Bibhas from Odisha, Daniel from the US, and an Israeli woman for stargazing at Sanapur, near the Tungabhadra canal, under the Gangavathi rural police station limits, at about 10.30 PM. They were in the area of Hampi, a popular tourist destination known for rocky hillocks and sprawling temple ruins. Just then, the three accused reached there on a motorcycle and got into a fight over a financial dispute, she added. With the intention to rape these women, the convicts pushed the three men into the canal. To ensure that they do not come out, they threw stones at them. Later, they gang-raped the home-stay owner and the Israeli national, the Public Prosecutor said. "Bibhas Kumar died due to drowning in the canal. Pankaj did not know how to swim, but Daniel saved him," Nagalakshmi said. She added that after raping the women, the accused decamped with their mobile phones, cash and a camera. It was a case of gang-rape, murder, attempt to murder, robbery and extortion. Hence, Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita gave them capital punishment. For the gang rape, the court ordered imprisonment till their last breath, Nagalakshmi said. She added that the accused can go for an appeal. Their crime fell under "the rarest of rare category", NDTV quoted the judge as saying. Also Read | SC sends Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Sengar back to High Court The case has highlighted chronic violence against women in the world's most populous country, where 29,670 rapes were reported in 2023, according to the latest available official data. India imposes the death penalty by hanging, although it is rarely carried out in practice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to India, expressing hope that their discussions would strengthen bilateral ties, foster cooperation across various sectors, and contribute to global progress. PM Modi took to X and said, Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend, he added. Macron mentioned on X earlier today that he was accompanied by business leaders, as well as economic, industrial, cultural, and digital representatives, who bring tangible energy to the India-France relationship. "En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further," he added. Also Read | Delhi seeing traffic jam due to AI Summit? Check full traffic advisory here The French President also stated, Together, we will go even further in our cooperation. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi! Throughout their meetings, the two leaders are expected to review the progress achieved in the India-France strategic partnership. Macron to attend AI Impact Summit in Delhi Macron is visiting India officially from February 1719 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi to attend the AI Impact Summit and hold a bilateral summit with the PM Modi in Mumbai. Also Read | AI Summit 2026 LIVE updates: Over 700 sessions planned over 5 days This marks his fourth visit to India, following an invitation from PM Modi. Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link was illuminated on Monday to welcome Macron, and posters and hoardings were also displayed across the city. After their events in Mumbai, the delegation will proceed to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Taking place at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this summit is the first global AI event hosted in the Global South. The five-day India AI Impact Summit is structured around three core pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The French Embassy noted that this visit represents another important chapter in the growing relationship between New Delhi and Paris, set against a backdrop of deepening cooperation in defense, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education, according to ANI. This partnership traces back to Macrons first visit in 2018, followed by his participation in the 2023 G20 Summit and his 2024 State Visit as Chief Guest for Indias 75th Republic Day. A 65-year-old woman was reportedly bludgeoned to death by her 15-year-old nephew and his accomplice following a dispute over his television habits in Maharashtras Palghar district, police said on Tuesday. Authorities have apprehended the two juveniles regarding the violent homicide, which occurred late Sunday in Berhampur village, Vasai West. The victim was discovered deceased on Monday morning inside her bungalow, where she resided by herself, stated Deputy Commissioner of Police Purnima Chowgule-Shringi. Also Read | Karnataka court sentences 3 to death in Israeli tourist gang rape case The accused caught his aunt unawares, allegedly attacking her from behind with a wooden log and a bamboo stick. The woman died instantly due to the force, the official said. The DCP noted that the inquiry indicated the woman had previously scolded her nephew, a school dropout, about his professional prospects and excessive television viewing. Incensed by the reprimand, the teenager summoned his friend to the residence. The pair purportedly tried to conceal the remains within a bed but failed, eventually escaping the property. The crime was uncovered when the victims daughter, unable to contact her mother via phone, requested her brother to check the house, where he found the body. During interrogation, the nephew admitted to the slaying. Police further revealed that the minor had previously committed a theft against his aunt three months ago, prompting her to secure her jewellery in a bank vault. A murder charge has been filed, and both boys have been transferred to a juvenile detention facility. Delhi: 2 arrested for stabbing a man to death in Azadpur Meanwhile, two persons were apprehended for purportedly stabbing a man to death in northwest Delhi's Azadpur area, a consequence of ongoing friction between local rival factions, police said on Tuesday. The assault took place at approximately 1:30 PM on 12 February in the vicinity of Monastery Market, where Rehan Raj and his companion Gaurav had arrived to purchase apparel. Police said the pair was blocked by Samir, Chirag, Rohit, and another accomplice. The assailants targeted both victims due to longstanding animosity arising from conflicts between the two groups residing in the same neighbourhood. Also Read | Nikhil Gupta pleads guilty in New York over alleged plot against Pannun The suspects, Chirag and Rohitboth from Bhalaswa Dairysubsequently attacked Gaurav and Rehan using knives, resulting in numerous puncture wounds. Both victims were transported to a medical facility in Jahangirpuri, according to police reports. A case was originally filed under the pertinent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempted homicide. However, Section 103(1) for murder was included after Rehan succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical care. Authorities noted that the two suspects were captured in Bhalaswa on 16 February. During questioning, they confessed that hostilities between the rival parties had been intensifying for a duration, prompting them to plot Rehan's assassination. On the day of the stabbing, the perpetrators allegedly pursued the victims to Monastery Market, cornered them, carried out the knife attack, and then escaped the area. India and France on Tuesday upgraded their ties to a "special global strategic partnership" and pledged to enhance collaboration in defence, commerce and essential minerals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron characterised the bilateral relationship as a "force for global stability" amidst rising international geopolitical volatility. The prime minister, noting the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region, emphasised that both India and France are committed to democratic principles, the rule of law and a multipolar global order. "The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France's expertise and India's scale," Modi said in his media statement. Also Read | Quote of the Day by French President Emmanuel Macron "We agree that reform of global institutions will provide solutions to global challenges. Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region," Modi said. "It is our shared commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he added. Macron said India and France will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism. Following their deliberations in Mumbai, the two leaders also virtually launched an assembly facility in Vemagal, Karnataka, dedicated to manufacturing Airbus H125 helicopters, a move anticipated to bolster India's aerospace production sector. The nations signed 21 accords and documents to intensify cooperation across various fields, including strategic minerals, defence, advanced technology, sustainable energy, and healthcare. The agreements featured a defence cooperation treaty and a joint initiative between Bharat Electronics Ltd and the French defence major Safran to manufacture Hammer missiles within India. Another memorandum was signed regarding the reciprocal posting of military officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces. The Modi-Macron dialogue extensively covered a range of topics, including defence and security synergy, trade and capital investment, co-production, critical mineral logistics, research and innovation, and academic exchange. The prime minister said the two countries share a "very special relationship" and that France is one of India's oldest strategic partners. Also Read | French President Macron starts India visit with early morning run in Mumbai "And together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a 'special global strategic partnership'," Modi said. "This partnership is not just strategic. In today's turbulent era, it is a partnership of global stability and global progress," he said. The Kerala High Court recently observed that if an employer refuses to accept an employee's resignation, it amounts to "bonded labour." According to Bar and bench, Justice N Nagaresh said that once an employee submits a resignation in accordance with the terms of employment, the employer has a duty to accept it, "unless there is a failure to comply with contractual conditions." When can employer refuse to accept a resignation? Justice N Nagaresh explained that resignation can be refused only in certain situations, such as: 1. When there is a requirement of notice period 2. 'Heat of the moment' resignations which may be withdrawn 3. Serious pending disciplinary proceedings involving major misconduct 4. Financial loss to the organisation Also Read | Expelled Congress MLA Mamkootathil granted bail in first sexual assault case However, the court observed that none of these situations existed in the present case and that the company's refusal to accept the resignation of its company secretary, citing financial crisis, was legally unsustainable, the Bar and Bench reported. What did Kerala HC say? The judge was quoted by Bar and Bench as saying, Financial issues or financial emergency cannot be a reason to force a Company Secretary to work for an incorporated Company against his will and without his consent. "The disciplinary proceedings contemplated against the petitioner in the circumstances can only be seen as an attempt by the respondents to violate the right of the petitioner to resign from service," the court added. The court reportedly made it clear that the refusal to accept resignation would amount to 'bonded labour' which is prohibited under Article 23 of the Indian Constitution. What was the case? The case pertained to a Company, Secretary, who sought to resign from the Traco Cable Company Limited, a State Public Sector Undertaking. One Greevas Job Panakkal was the petitioner. He claimed that his salary payments had been irregular since October 2022, leaving him unable to sustain himself or care for his ailing mother who required continuous medical attention. He submitted his resignation in March 2024, requesting to be relieved from service. However, the companys Board rejected his resignation, stating that Panakkal's role was indispensable and that the company was facing critical financial crisis. The management repeatedly directed him to resume duties and issued memos, warning him of disciplinary action. Challenging these actions, Panakkal moved the court to quash the memos issued against him and to direct the company to accept his resignation. After going through the facts and submissions, the high court observed that, a company secretary's appointment as per the Companies Act, 2013, was registered with the Registrar of Companies and unless an employer filed the necessary statutory forms, a company secretary could not take up a similar employment elsewhere. This would effectively prevent the petitioner from securing another job, the court noted. What did the Kerala HC do then? The court set aside the memos rejecting Panakkals resignation and the disciplinary proceeding notices, Bar and Bench reported. Emmanuel Macron India Visit Live Updates: French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the H125 helicopter assembly line in India on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, while announcing several initiatives which are in focus next amid efforts to strengthen India-France ties. Sectors like space tech, emerging technologies, startups, MSMEs, critical minerals, biotechnology and advanced materials sectors will remain in focus of the people, as both nations are now looking forward to signing further MOUs. President Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day visit to India. He, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, was received at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat on Monday night. India on Thursday approved the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France, marking one of its largest aircraft orders, ahead of Macrons visit to the country. The approval was part of New Delhis 3.6 trillion rupee ($39.7 billion) defence spending package, which covers multiple acquisitions across the armed forces. This is Macrons fourth visit to India and first to Mumbai. The visit comes a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to France. Macron will hold wide-ranging bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and then fly to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit What is the agenda in Mumbai for the day? At 3:15 PM today, Macron and Modi will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas. The meeting will be held at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. The two leaders will also discuss regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific cooperation. The leaders will also inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and other innovators from both countries. PM Modi and President Macron will hold extensive discussions today in Mumbai to further strengthen bilateral collaboration under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Traffic restrictions in South Mumbai The traffic department has announced restrictions along certain stretches in South Mumbai between 2 PM and 9 PM today for the main event of the India-France Year of Innovation. The stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg from the junction of Shyama Prasad Mukharjee Chowk (Regal Junction) shall be closed for all types of vehicular traffic except emergency vehicles proceeding in both bounds. Taxi and BEST bus stands on Adam Street, and P Ramchandani Marg will also be closed. Track real-time updates on the Modi-Macron meeting here: Actor Rajpal Yadav has been released from the Tihar Jail after he was granted interim bail in a cheque bounce case by the Delhi high court. In his first remarks as he walked out of the jail, Rajpal Yadav, surrounded by reporters and supporters, vowed to address all allegations against him. Rajpal Yadav said, I will complete 30 years in Bollywood in Mumbai in 2027. People from all over the country, children, old and young, are with me... The way the entire country and the world, my Bollywood, has loved me, if there are any allegations against me, I am available to answer. Thank you, High Court. Karkardooma Court in Delhi had earlier in day issued a release warrant for Rajpal Yadav from Tihar Jail, his counsel had informed. The actor was granted interim bail in a cheque bounce case by the high court. On Monday, the Delhi High Court granted an interim suspension of Rajpal Yadavs sentence until March 18. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed him to furnish a personal bond of 1 lakh along with a surety of the same amount. Also Read | Mika Singh pledges 11 Lakh to support Rajpal Yadav amid jail term in cheque bounce case While hearing Rajpal Yadav's cheque bounce case and considering relief, the court noted that 1.5 crore has been deposited in the respondent's bank account. The court then ordered the suspension of the actor's sentence on the condition that Yadav furnish a personal bond of 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. He will remain out of custody until March 18, when the court is scheduled to hear the matter again.This was after the private company M/S Murli Project's lawyer, Advocate Avneet Singh Sikka, confirmed that Yadav deposited 1.5 crore into the company's bank accounts against the bounced cheque amount. Earlier, Yadavs counsel, Adv. Bhaskar Upadhyay, offered to deposit 1.5 crore unconditionally via a fixed deposit receipt (FDR). However, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed that the payment be made through a Demand Draft (DD). In earlier hearings, the court had also rapped Rajpal Yadav, saying that he was in jail because he failed to comply with his commitment. Ramadan 2026 date: The anticipation for the holy month of Ramadan is building as Muslims all over the world prepare for month-long fasting. Many are confused about first fast date which is expected to be observed on 19 or 20 February. The commencement of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar depends on sighting of the crescent moon. Since Saudi Arabia usually marks the beginning of this holy month a day before India, so all eyes are on Saudi Arabia Supreme Court's official announcement. Saudi Arabia and its official announcement often guides many other countries in confirming the start of Ramadan since moon visibility varies by location, weather and calculation methods. Also Read | Ramadan Dates 2026: When will Muslims begin fasting for holy month in India In a statement, the Court called on citizens and residents to look for the crescent moon in the skies on Tuesday evening. Saudi Arabia Supreme Court in statement said those who have the ability to think carefully will take an interest in the matter, join the committees formed in the regions for this purpose, and seek reward and reward by participating in it because of its cooperation in righteousness and piety, and the benefit to all Muslims," Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Contingent upon sighting of the moon, Ramadan in the year 2026 is expected to begin on 18 or 19, February in Saudi Arabia. If the moon is sighted today in Saudi Arabia, then Ramadan fast will begin from 19 February in India otherwise from 20 February. This implies that if Wednesday, 18 February, is the last day of Shaban, first Roza will be observed on Thursday, 19 February, in India. Also Read | BMC cracks down on Dhurandhar 2 shoot, seeks ban on production banner How is Ramadans start date determined in India? In India, the beginning of Ramadaan is marked by method of hilal sight. Moon observing committees look up at the sky on the 29th night of Shabaan after the sunset prayer. Ramadaan begins from the next day after the sighting of crescent moon, otherwise Shabaan extends its 30 days. Islamic scholars prefer the actual sight of the moon to decide the event date which many a times align with astronomical calculations. Also Read | Dhurandhar 2 bags almost double in non-theatrical deals than predecessor Importance of Ramadan Considered as one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims observe Ramadan fast from dawn until sunset. Intended to foster self-discipline and sympathy, it is a time of devotion, spiritual concentration and self-introspection. This year, the fast is expected to stretch as long as 12 to 14 hours, since it is close to the spring equinox. Miss Universe Fatima Bosch caused panic after she briefly dropped to her knees while appearing on a parade float at a festival in Ecuador. Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media. The moment took place on Sunday, 15 February, during the Fruit and Flower Festival in Ambato. Bosch was standing on a float decorated with flowers, waving to crowds, when she appeared to steady herself on a railing before lowering herself to her knees in her mint-coloured gown. Videos shared online show spectators reacting in shock, with some heard gasping. A woman climbed onto the float to help her. Bosch remained conscious and was seen speaking to those assisting her. In a statement to People magazine, Miss Universe Organisation Head of Communications Miguel Angel Martinez said Bosch experienced a brief episode of lightheadedness after several hours of outdoor participation during the parade. Also Read | Miss Universe 2025 Finale LIVE: Mexico crowned winner "As a precaution, she was immediately assisted by her team and local medical personnel on site," Martinez said. "She remained conscious, was evaluated promptly, and recovered quickly. Out of an abundance of care, her schedule was adjusted to allow for appropriate rest and hydration. She is feeling well and expressed her sincere appreciation for the warmth and hospitality she received in Ecuador, he added. Martinez also noted that Bosch is currently travelling as part of her official international tour, which includes cultural, humanitarian and community engagements in several countries. He said the organisation works closely with local teams to safeguard the health and wellbeing of its titleholders. Bosch represented Mexico at the global competition and was crowned in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21. Earlier controversy during pageant season Earlier in the pageant season, she had faced controversy at a pre-event in Thailand. During a livestream, pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil criticised her for allegedly declining to take part in a promotional photoshoot, claiming she was not fulfilling her duty to promote the host country. Bosch rejected the accusation, but Itsaragrisil continued to criticise her, leading several contestants to leave the stage in solidarity. Speaking later on The Lead with Jake Tapper, Bosch said she had been focused in the moment and initially worried her actions might affect Mexicos standing in the competition. However, she maintained that her decision reflected her principles. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday (local time) accused Indian national Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli of multiple offences, including the sexual assault of a minor, and has taken him into custody. In a post on X, ICE said he is charged with sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13, as well as shoplifting and causing a public disturbance. The agency added, Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey. We'll keep him in custody pending removal proceedings." Removal proceedings are official legal processes in which US immigration courts decide whether a foreign national should be deported from the country. Individuals are frequently held in custody during this process, especially when serious criminal charges are involved. Also Read | Indian-origin Red Carpet Inn operators among 5 facing drug conspiracy charges ICE has not released additional information regarding the status of the criminal case or a schedule for the removal proceedings. The charges are still pending, and no conviction has been recorded to date. Meanwhile, it has intensified its enforcement against individuals residing in the US illegally under Donald Trump's second term. Last December, ICE also released information about an Indian truck driver involved in a fatal highway crash in Oregon that claimed two lives, according to ANI. According to ICE, Kumar entered the United States illegally through Arizona in November 2022 and later received work authorisation and a commercial drivers license from California state authorities. The case comes amid several similar incidents involving Indian nationals operating heavy trucks in the US. In recent months, authorities have reported at least three other fatal accidents involving undocumented Indian truck drivers in Florida and California. About ICE ICE, established in 2003 through the merger of the investigative and interior enforcement units of the former US Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service, now employs over 20,000 law enforcement and support staff across more than 400 offices in the US and abroad. The agency operates with an annual budget of around $8 billion, primarily allocated to three operational divisions: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). A fourth division, Management and Administration (M&A), provides support to these operational branches to carry out ICEs mission. $38.3 billion ICE detention plan In other news, the Trump administration is advancing a $38.3 billion proposal to overhaul the US immigration detention system, in a major expansion that officials say will make operations more efficient and accelerate deportations, reported Bloomberg. Known as the Detention Reengineering Initiative, the plan involves acquiring and upgrading eight large detention centres, adding 16 processing sites, and taking over 10 existing turnkey facilities already run by ICE. The largest centres are expected to hold up to 10,000 people, mainly for international removals. A deepening dispute over how artificial intelligence should be used in modern warfare is now pushing the Pentagon towards an extraordinary step: treating a leading American AI firm as a security liability. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is close to cutting business ties with Anthropic and designating the company a supply chain risk, a senior Pentagon official told Axios a move that would effectively penalise not only Anthropic but also any contractor that relies on its technology. The same official described the prospective decision to Axios in blunt terms: It will be an enormous pain in the ass to disentangle, and we are going to make sure they pay a price for forcing our hand like this. A punishment usually reserved for adversaries, now aimed at a US AI company Pentagon's threatened supply chain risk designation for Anthropic AI is rarely deployed against domestic firms and is more commonly associated with entities linked to hostile foreign powers. Applying it to Anthropic would represent a sharp escalation in the Trump administrations push to ensure AI systems used by the military are available without restrictive conditions. It would also send an unmistakable signal to the wider technology sector: in the Defence Departments view, national security partnerships require compliance with military operating standards not the ethical red lines drawn by private companies. Claudes unique role inside classified networks makes the standoff unusually fraught The dispute is complicated by a simple operational fact. Anthropics Claude is currently the only frontier AI model accessible in the US militarys classified systems, giving the firm a strategic foothold no competitor has yet matched. Pentagon officials privately describe Claude as exceptionally effective in specialised government workflows. But the systems presence inside sensitive networks has also heightened frustration within defence circles, where officials argue that Anthropics usage constraints are inconsistent with the realities of military planning. As Axios reported on Friday, Claude was used during the Maduro raid in January a detail that illustrates how quickly generative AI has migrated from experimentation into real-world operations. The core conflict: whether the Pentagon must accept AI safeguards as a condition of access At the centre of the confrontation lies a philosophical and legal dispute: whether an AI developer can dictate how its model is used once it becomes embedded in government systems. Anthropic, led by chief executive Dario Amodei, has held firm on limiting certain categories of use. The company is reportedly prepared to loosen its terms, but wants assurances that Claude will not be used to enable mass surveillance of Americans, or to assist in developing weapons capable of firing without direct human involvement. Pentagon officials argue that such restrictions are too rigid to be workable. They contend that modern military activity contains innumerable ambiguous scenarios, and that attempting to predefine boundaries in contractual language could constrain lawful operations in unpredictable ways. In talks not only with Anthropic but also with OpenAI, Google and xAI, Pentagon negotiators have insisted on the right to use AI tools for all lawful purposes. Pentagon frames review as a matter of warfighting readiness The administrations public language has become increasingly combative, portraying the issue as one of military preparedness rather than corporate governance. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Axios: The Department of War's relationship with Anthropic is being reviewed. Our nation requires that our partners be willing to help our warfighters win in any fight. Ultimately, this is about our troops and the safety of the American people. The statement suggests the Pentagon sees the dispute not as a technical disagreement, but as a question of whether a private AI firm is willing to align itself fully with defence objectives. Anthropic insists discussions remain constructive as it defends its red lines Anthropic has tried to position itself as cooperative, while still arguing that certain restrictions are necessary given the power of modern AI systems. An Anthropic spokesperson told Axios: We are having productive conversations, in good faith, with DoW on how to continue that work and get these new and complex issues right. The spokesperson also reiterated the companys commitment to national security work, emphasising that Claude was the first AI model deployed on classified networks a claim that has become central to Anthropics standing in Washington. The shadow issue: surveillance law was not built for generative AI The confrontation is also exposing a regulatory vacuum. Existing US surveillance authorities were designed for earlier eras of data processing, not for AI systems capable of extracting patterns, building profiles and generating inferences at scale. Also Read | Anthropic hits a $380B valuation as it heightens competition with OpenAI The Pentagon already has the power to collect large volumes of personal information, from social media activity to concealed carry permits. Critics have warned that AI could amplify those capabilities in ways that make oversight more difficult, while increasing the risk of civilians being targeted by automated analysis. Anthropics position reflects these anxieties. Pentagon officials, however, argue that legal permissibility should be the decisive standard and that the Defence Department cannot accept contractual conditions that pre-empt lawful missions. A sweeping ripple effect for contractors if Anthropic is blacklisted The most disruptive aspect of the threatened supply chain risk designation is not what it would do to Anthropic directly, but what it would demand of others. If implemented, it would require the multitude of companies that supply the Pentagon to certify they do not use Claude internally. Given Anthropics commercial reach the company has said eight of the 10 largest US firms use Claude such a requirement could force widespread internal audits, rapid tool replacement, and costly compliance efforts across corporate America. A relatively small contract, but a major political and strategic test The Pentagon contract under threat is valued at up to $200 million. Against Anthropics reported $14 billion in annual revenue, the sum is not existential. Yet officials familiar with the matter say the dispute is not fundamentally about money. It is about authority: whether the military will accept AI safeguards set by private labs, or whether labs will be compelled to accept the Defence Departments interpretation of lawful use. Pentagon may struggle to replace Claude despite claims rivals are just behind A sudden break may also prove operationally inconvenient. A senior administration official told Axios that competing models are just behind in specialised government applications. That gap could complicate any attempt to replace Claude quickly, particularly within classified environments where the technical and bureaucratic hurdles for new systems are high. The signal to Silicon Valley: the Pentagon intends to dictate terms The hardball approach towards Anthropic appears designed to shape negotiations with other AI developers. Pentagon officials are in parallel talks with OpenAI, Google and xAI, all of which have agreed to remove safeguards for use in unclassified military systems. But none has yet achieved Claudes level of integration in classified networks. President Donald Trump slammed United Kingdom for inking green energy deal with California Governor Gavin Newsom just hours after it was finalised on Monday, according to Politico. Speaking with the publication, Trump described it as "inappropriate" for Britain to engage with the Democratic governor. The Republican president also called Newsom a loser, adding that his state has gone to hell, and his environmental work is a disaster. About energy deal The energy deal that Newsom signed on Monday with British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commits both sides to collaborate on clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, and seeks to broaden opportunities for British companies in Californias market. His agreement with the United Kingdom secured a $1 billion investment from British-based Octopus Energy. The funding will support two California carbon removal companies focused on grassland restoration and reforestation efforts, turning degraded land into assets capable of absorbing CO2, according to The Hill. Nick Chaset chief executive of Octopus Energy US, voiced support for the new partnership, saying that as a British technology company and investor expanding in the United States, the memorandum of understanding creates opportunities to introduce its smart technology to California, lowering energy costs and enhancing customer experience, reported The Independent. He added that the company is already achieving this through its collaboration with Southern California Edison, where the Octopus Shift app allows electric vehicles and home batteries to assist the grid while giving customers greater control over when and how they use energy. Also Read | Gavin Newsom vows to sue Trump govt over repeal of EPA climate findings Ed Miliband hailed the agreement with California, describing it as a step that would allow the country to regain control of our energy to cut bills, create jobs, and tackle the climate crisis". A representative for Britains Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the government remains in close coordination with US officials and noted that Mondays deal with California is one of several agreements reached at the state level, consisting of Florida and Texas, aimed at boosting jobs and economic growth in the UK. Meanwhile, Trump recently encouraged the oil and gas sector to propose areas in Southern and Central California that could be offered for offshore drilling leases as early as next year. Newsom and environmental advocates criticized the idea, warning it could endanger the states ecosystems. In January, Newsom was prevented from speaking inside the official US venue at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a decision he attributed to the White House. Also Read | Trump amazed California Governor Gavin Newsom is running for president Newsom has been a vocal critic of Trump and has openly considered running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman will take oath as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister at 4 pm on Tuesday, 17 February. His party secured a landslide win against Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh's 13th Parliamentary Elections. Rahman's BNP bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. Deposed premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League was barred from contesting polls. Rahman will become prime minister for the first time. He replaces the interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, under whose tenure Dhaka's relations with New Delhi soured. Yunus took charge in August 2024, after Hasina's regime collapsed amid massive anti-government protests. Bangladesh has not had a male prime minister since Kazi Zafar Ahmed left office in 1990, making Rahman the first in 36 years. Tarique Rahman to take oath Breaking with long-standing tradition, Rahman's swearing-in ceremony would be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex rather than at Bangabhaban. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday afternoon, state-run BSS news agency reported on Monday. "The Parliament Secretariat is set to hold the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet members at 4:00 pm tomorrow," Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Kaniz Maula said. Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin would administer the oath to all newly elected members of the parliament. All 297 newly elected lawmakers of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) will "first take oath as the members of parliament (MPs) and then as the members of the Constitutional Reform Council," said a press release of JS Secretariat. BNP has called a parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament Building at 11:30 am to elect the parliamentary party leader. "As the leader of the majority party, our party chairman, Tarique Rahman, will be the Prime Minister," said Salah Uddin Ahmed, a member of the standing committee of the BNP. The Constitution dictates that immediately after their swearing-in, the BNP MPs will elect their leader, whom the President will invite to form the government, a Bangabhaban presidential palace official said on Monday. Om Birla to attend Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Rahman. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are likely to accompany Birla. The BNP has invited about 1,200 domestic and foreign guests to the event. Maldives President Mohammed Muizzoo, Turkish Undersecretary Beris Ekinci and Sri Lanka's Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa would be among those attending Rahman's oath ceremony. 'Two major challenges' In a post-election press conference, Rahman called for "national unity" and "peace" in the national interest, warning that divisiveness would undermine democracy, news agency PTI reported. He said the country faces a fragile economy, weakened institutions, and a deteriorating law-and-order situation. "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united. I firmly believe that national unity is our collective strength, while division is our weakness," he was quoted as saying. He said the new government faces two major challenges - tackling the economy and ensuring good governance. Rahman's return Rahman, 60, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and BNP's founder, late President Ziaur Rahman, returned home two months ago after 17 years of self-exiled life in London. His principal credentials are dynastic, but he has not held any public office so far. Analysts say his family background earned him a sort of political acumen. When a journalist asked how he would reconcile with the millions of Awami League supporters, Rahman answered, "By ensuring the rule of law". In response to a related question, he said there was "no room for politics of vengeance", warning that attacks based on political affiliation or differing opinions would not be tolerated. Bangladesh Election Results Bangladesh held the significant 13th parliamentary election on 12 February after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation, including widespread attacks on minorities after the fall of the 15-year rule of Hasina. Four candidates from minority communities, including two Hindus, all from the BNP, won in the elections. Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, a member of the BNP's highest policy-making standing committee, and Nitai Roy Chowdhury, one of the vice presidents of the party, won their seats. The third minority MP-elect is Saching Pru, a senior BNP leader and follower of the Buddhist faith, while the fourth minority candidate, Dipen Dewan, belongs to the Buddhist-majority Chakma ethnic minority group. Hindus comprise approximately 8% of the population in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people. The family of Dipu Das, a garment worker who was killed in Bhaluka in Mymensingh, has received government compensation in the form of savings certificates valued at Tk 2.5 million (around 18.52 lakh), as reported by Dhaka Tribune. According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, the certificates were formally handed over to the family on Monday through the office of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. As Dipu Das was the only breadwinner in his family, the government committed to providing financial aid along with support to build a permanent home to help secure the familys future and well-being. The Dhaka Tribune reported that Dipus mother, Shefali Rani Das, has appealed to authorities to secure employment for his widow. She also expressed concern that not all of the suspects have been arrested and said the family is dissatisfied with the pace and handling of the investigation. Around 9% of Bangladeshs population of 174 million are religious minorities, primarily Hindus. Their relationship with the Muslim majority has historically been characterised by occasional tension and insecurity, according to a report by the BBC. The assistance will be carried out under the supervision of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Tarakanda. A sum of Tk 2.5 million (25 lakh taka) has been sanctioned for the houses construction, which will be executed by the National Housing Authority, ANI reported earlier on Feb 10. In addition, direct financial assistance will be provided: Tk 1 million (10 lakh taka) each to Dipu Das's father and wife, and Tk 500,000 (5 lakh taka) will be deposited in a fixed deposit receipt (FDR) to secure his child's future. Who was Dipu Das? Dipu Chandra Das, a member of the Hindu community from Mymensingh, worked at Pioneer Knit Composite Factory, a garment unit located in the Square Masterbari area of Dhaka, according to reports. He lived as a tenant in the Dubalia Para area of Bhaluka Upazila in Mymensingh. Multiple reports indicate that he was brutally beaten to death after being accused of blasphemy. On Thursday around 9 PM, an enraged crowd caught him and beat him to death, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet. They then set the body on fire, duty officer Mia had told BBC Bangla. According to local residents and eyewitnesses cited by the Bangladeshi Bengali news outlet Barta Bazar, the allegations circulated rapidly inside the factory and surrounding areas, heightening tensions. Shortly afterwards, an angry mob reportedly attacked Das and beat him severely, leading to his death at the scene, according to reports. Probe still on Twelve people directly linked to the incident have already been taken into custody, and the investigation continues. Education Adviser CR Abrar stated that all those responsible will face justice through the proper legal channels. Earlier, Education Adviser CR Abrar said, "The killing of Dipu Chandra Das was a heinous crime that has no justification and no place in our society. The government's support for his family is insignificant compared to the value of a human life. The state will ensure justice." He added, The way communal frenzy led to Dipu Das's murder is a matter of shame for the entire nation. Only justice can free us from this shame. Also Read | Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh prime minister after BNP's landslide win He further stated, As a state and society, we respect the peaceful right to freedom of expression for people of all religions, ethnicities, and communities, as long as it is exercised with respect for others. No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands, even in moments of disagreement or objection. US Iran tension LIVE updates: Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump would not succeed in undermining or destroying the Islamic Republic, as negotiations between Iran and the United States were underway in Geneva, as reported by AFP. Here's what Khamenei said "In one of his recent speeches, the US president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic republic... I tell you: you will not succeed either," Khamenei said in a speech, AFP reported. "We constantly hear that they have sent a warship towards Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it," he said. Khamenei expressed scepticism over the outcome of the negotiations with the US. "If there are to be negotiations -- because there is no real room for negotiation -- determining the outcome of the negotiations in advance is a mistake and madness," he said, referring to US calls for Iran to abandon its nuclear programme, AFP reported. Iran said Tuesday that it would temporarily shut down the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire military exercises, signalling a rare show of strength as its representatives engaged in another round of indirect negotiations with the United States in Geneva over its contentious nuclear program, as reported by the Associated Press. Araghchi says, I am in Geneva with real ideas Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading the talks for Iran, met with the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency Monday in Geneva. I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal, Araghchi wrote on X. What is not on the table: submission before threats. This is the first time Tehran has declared a closure of the vital waterwaythrough which roughly 20% of global oil shipments transitsince Washington began issuing threats and deploying additional military forces to the region. The move represents a further escalation in a weeks-long confrontation that risks sparking a broader conflict in the Middle East, the report stated. As negotiations got underway, Irans state media reported that live missiles had been launched toward the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway would be shut for several hours due to safety and maritime concerns. The semiofficial Tasnim News Agency, which is closely aligned with the countrys paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, said missiles fired from within Iran and along its coastline successfully hit their intended targets in the Strait. Get all the US Iran tension LIVE updates here on Mint. Iran and the United States reached agreement on a set of guiding principles intended to pave the way for a wider deal during talks in Geneva on Tuesday, according to Irans top diplomat, following a series of mutual military threats, as reported by AFP. Mediated by Oman, the discussions sought to prevent potential US military action to restrict Irans nuclear program, while Tehran pressed for the removal of US sanctions that are severely affecting its economy. Iran's supreme leader had warned earlier in the day that the country had the ability to sink a US warship recently deployed to the region, while US President Donald Trump alluded the day before to unspecified "consequences" should the two sides fail to strike a deal, AFP reported. Here's what Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi said Ultimately, we were able to reach broad agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will move forward and begin working on the text of a potential agreement, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV after Tuesday's talks, which he described as "more constructive" than the previous round earlier this month. He added that once both sides had come up with draft texts for an agreement, the drafts would be exchanged and a date for a third round (of talks) would be set. Araghchi acknowledged, however, that it "will take time to narrow" the gap between both countries' positions. Omani FM said good progress Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the two sides had made good progress, but likewise cautioned much work is left to be done, as reported by AFP. Trump has repeatedly warned of military action against Iran pressure, and Washington has deployed two aircraft carriers to the region. Satellite images showed that the first, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrying nearly 80 aircraft, was stationed roughly 700 kilometres (435 miles) off the Iranian coast as of Sunday. Its location puts at least a dozen US F-35s and F-18 fighter jets within striking distance. A second carrier was dispatched over the weekend. I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal, Trump told reporters ahead of the talks. But Khamenei followed up with tough talk of his own after the negotiations began, saying Iran possessed weapons able to sink an American warship. Also Read | Iran closes Strait of Hormuz for several hours for live fire drills "We constantly hear that they have sent a warship towards Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it," he said in a speech, as reported by AFP. He added that Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic republic. Iran has insisted the talks be limited to the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Tehran's ballistic missiles programme and support for armed groups in the region. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei on Tuesday said the lifting of sanctions must be an integral part of any deal. - War games - Iran has also sought to display its military might, with its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps beginning a series of war games on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare for potential security and military threats, Iranian state TV said. Iranian leaders have frequently warned they could shut the Strait, a vital corridor for oil and gas transport. On Tuesday, state TV announced that Tehran would close sections of the waterway for safety during military exercises. View full Image This handout photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepanews on February 16, 2026, shows a boat firing a missile during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Gulf. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on February 16 began a series of military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported, on the eve of talks with the United States. (Photo by SEPAH NEWS / AFP) ( AFP ) A prior diplomatic effort fell apart last year after Israel carried out unexpected attacks on Iran in June, sparking a 12-day conflict during which the United States briefly joined in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday: "We're hopeful there's a deal." His counterpart Araghchi had said before the talks that he too had come to "Geneva with real ideas" for a deal, but added there would be no submission before threats. The West fears Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. Araghchi met in Geneva on Monday with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, "for deep technical discussion". Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner to Geneva. On Friday, Trump had said a change of government in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen". Ali Fathollah-Nejad, director of the Berlin-based Centre for Middle East and Global Order, said Iran was faced with an existential dilemma. "Giving in to US demands could bring sanctions relief that it would desperately need to stabilise the regime and fund its repressive apparatus," he told AFP. Iran announced a temporary closure of sections of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic gateway to the Persian Gulf. Semiofficial Iranian news outlets reported live-fire drills taking place in the waterway, which handles about 20% of global oil shipments, as reported by Associated Press. This rare, and possibly unprecedented, shutdown serves as a warning from Iran about the potential global economic consequences if the United States follows through on threats of military action amid rising tensions between the two nations. In previous periods of tension, Iran has occasionally disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. During the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, both nations targeted tankers and other vessels, even using naval mines to temporarily halt traffic entirely. However, Iran has not followed through on repeated threats to fully close the strait since the 1980s, including during last years 12-day conflict when Israel and the U.S. struck Irans major nuclear and military facilities, AP reported. Heres what to know about the strait, the drill, what caused the tensions and what might happen next. The Strait of Hormuz is a winding channel, narrowing to roughly 33 kilometres (21 miles) at its tightest point, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. From there, vessels can reach global shipping routes. Although Iran and Oman control portions of the straits waters, it is generally considered an international passage open to all ships. Nearby, the United Arab Emirateshome to the towering, skyline-filled city of Dubailies close to this strategic waterway, AP reported. The strait long has been important for trade Throughout history, the Strait of Hormuz has been a crucial trade route, facilitating the movement of goods like ceramics, ivory, silk, and textiles from China. Today, it serves as a key passage for supertankers transporting oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Iran. Most of this energy flows to Asian markets, including China, which remains Irans sole significant oil customer. While there are pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the UAE that can avoid the passage, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says most volumes that transit the strait have no alternative means of exiting the region. Threats to the route have spiked global energy prices in the past, including during the Israel-Iran war in June. Iran drill includes live fire Amid widespread anti-government protests that began in late December and January, and with the U.S. threatening military action, Iran conducted a live-fire exercise in the Strait of Hormuz in early February. The country issued warnings to ships about the drill but did not shut down the waterway. View full Image This handout photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepanews on February 16, 2026, shows a vehicle firing a missile during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Gulf. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on February 16 began a series of military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported, on the eve of talks with the United States. (Photo by SEPAH NEWS / AFP) ( AFP ) On Feb. 4, tensions between the Iranian and U.S. navies rose further after a U.S. Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that was approaching the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Iran also harassed a U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed merchant vessel that was sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. military reported. On Monday, Iran announced its new drill, dubbed, Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz military drill. Mariners in the region were warned by radio that it planned live surface firing. US CENTCOM has previously said Iran has a right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters, but it warned against interfering or threatening American warships or passing commercial vessels. The command, which oversees the U.S. Navys Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, said it would not tolerate actions such as Iranian aircraft or vessels getting too close to American warships or pointing weapons toward them. Iran's Supreme leader issues sharp threat to U.S. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated in recent weeks. U.S. President Donald Trump first threatened military action in response to Irans harsh crackdown on last months protests, then shifted his focus to using the threat of attack to pressure Tehran into negotiating over its nuclear program. The two countries held a new round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, along with supporting guided-missile destroyers, has been stationed in the Arabian Sea for several weeks, ready to strike if ordered. Also Read | Netanyahu sets red lines for nuclear deal as USIran talks move to Geneva On Friday, Trump announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, was being sent from the Caribbean to join the U.S. military buildup in the region. Iran has warned it could launch its own preemptive strike or target American interests across the Middle East and Israel. While the 12-day war saw Iran fire off ballistic missiles and Israel target its stockpile, Tehran maintains an arsenal of short- and medium-range missiles that could hit surrounding Gulf Arab states. On Tuesday, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the U.S that the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet. Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship into the depths of the sea, Khamenei said, Iranian state TV reported. Muhammad Yunus, the former chief adviser to the Bangladesh interim government, invoked India's northeastern region often referred to as Seven Sisters in his farewell address, a day before the new government was set to take over. Muhammad Yunus stepped down on Monday in a farewell broadcast to the nation before handing over to an elected government. In his address, Muhammad Yunus emphasised that Bangladeshs access to the sea was not just a matter of geography but also a gateway to trade and economic engagement with the global market. Muhammad Yunus proposed a sub-regional economic framework aiming to connect Bangladeshs maritime access with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, notably without mentioning India. This is likely to ruffle feathers in New Delhi, especially given the already strained ties with Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus said, Our open sea is not only a geographical boundary, but it is also an open door to engage with the world economy for Bangladesh. This region, along with Nepal, Bhutan and the Seven Sisters, has great economic potential. Top intelligence sources told News18 that Yunuss omission of India while referencing the Seven Sisters is a deliberate strategic message aimed at reshaping global perceptions of Indias northeast. Earlier in December 2025, Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladeshs National Citizen Party (NCP), had threatened to isolate Indias northeastern region and suggested providing refuge to separatist groups if Bangladesh were destabilised, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to summon the Bangladesh High Commissioner to raise concerns. Hasnat Abdullah had said, We will shelter separatist and anti-India forces, and then we will sever the seven sisters from India. I want to make it clear to India that if you provide shelter to forces that do not respect Bangladeshs sovereignty, potential, voting rights, and human rights, Bangladesh will respond. What Muhammad Yunus said in his address In his exit address, Muhammad Yunus said, Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted. The 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner returned from self-imposed exile in August 2024, just days after the government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown by a student-led uprising, and she fled by helicopter to India. Referring to the day Sheikh Hasina fled to India, Muhammad Yunus said, That was the day of great liberation. What a day of joy it was! Bangladeshis across the world shed tears of happiness. The youth of our country freed it from the grip of a demon. Yunus has led Bangladesh as its "chief adviser" since, and now hands over power after congratulating the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Tarique Rahman, on a "landslide victory" in elections last week. "The people, voters, political parties, and stakeholder institutions linked to the election have set a commendable example," Yunus said, adding, This election has set a benchmark for future elections. Tarique Rahman, 60, chief of the BNP and scion of one of the country's most powerful political dynasties, will lead the South Asian nation of 170 million. He took the oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, 17 February. A media investigation in central China has revealed an alleged scam involving several private psychiatric hospitals. These facilities admitted healthy people to misuse the public medical insurance system. An undercover report by Beijing News found that many patients in institutions in Xiangyang, Hubei province, showed no abnormal behaviour. They received little or no real treatment. Healthy individuals said they agreed to stay because hospitals had promised free admission and living expenses. Under Chinas healthcare system, patients usually pay part of their bills. Public insurance covers the rest. Once admitted, hospitals allegedly used patient identities to create false treatment records and claim insurance money. Xiangyang, a city of about 5.3 million people, has more than 20 psychiatric hospitals, most opened in recent years. When a reporter posed as a relative and contacted over 10 centres, staff reportedly said patients would not be charged medical fees. They would only pay minimal living costs there. What we hope is that your relative can live here for a long period of time. He can live here for however long he wants, the South China Morning Post quoted a worker as telling the reporter. In early December, an undercover reporter joined Xiangyang Hongan Psychiatric Hospital as a nurse to investigate alleged insurance fraud. The private hospital, opened the previous summer, houses around 50 patients. According to a senior nurse, most patients show no or only very mild mental health symptoms. Some elderly residents in their 70s simply need physical care. Staff reportedly treat them like nursing-home residents because the facility is far cheaper than regular elder care centres. Another nurse working with the reporter revealed that he himself was officially listed as a patient. His personal details were stored in hospital records even though he required no medicine or treatment. He was allowed to enter or leave the building freely. He admitted to cooperating with the hospital to cheat the public insurance authority. Billing records showed that one patient who had stayed for 90 days was charged 12,426 yuan ( 1.63 lakh). Only about 500 yuan ( 6,565) covered medicines. More than 6,000 yuan ( 78,000) was claimed for different medical treatments. However, the patient said he had taken only basic medicine and never received those treatments. The findings raise serious questions about oversight and misuse of public healthcare funds in the region. During the undercover investigation, a doctor told the reporter that the hospital's medical equipment was very limited. Despite this, many institutions reportedly charge a daily treatment fee of about 130 yuan ( 1,706) to the public medical insurance system. Commission for bringing new patients Staff admitted that keeping more patients for longer periods increased hospital earnings. Employees are also allegedly given commissions up to 1,000 yuan ( 13,000) for bringing in each new patient. The reporter further witnessed disturbing behaviour by nurses, who were seen slapping, kicking and beating patients with a water pipe. Similar suspected insurance fraud and physical abuse were reported at another nearby facility in Yichang. Patients mobile phones were confiscated, and their contact with families was tightly restricted. Hospital workers allegedly tried to stop patients from leaving. Beethoven looms large among classical composers, his famous works slamming the door on stale traditions and igniting music history's biggest shift. Picture a scrappy kid from Bonn, born 1770, soaking up Haydn and Mozart's crisp elegance before deafness hit in his late 20s. Undeterred, he cranked out over 700 pieces, stretching symphonies to epic lengths, clashing harmonies like thunder, and pouring personal fury into every note. These Beethoven famous works didn't just play prettythey rebelled, birthing Romanticism from Classical shackles. Today, they pulse in movies, playlists, and protests, proving one composer's bangs still deafen the norms of music history. Eroica and Symphony No. 5: Shattering Symphonic Rules Vienna buzzes in 1804 as Beethoven drops Symphony No. 3, "Eroica." This monster clocks twice as long as Haydn's tidy efforts, with a funeral march second movement that wails like a warrior's dirge. He scribbles Napoleon's name on the score, dreaming of heroic liberty, then rips it off in rage when the emperor crowns himself. No dedications for this guyEroica stands alone, a programmatic beast telling a story of triumph over tyranny. Among Beethoven's famous works, it flips the script on classical composers, who stick to balanced minutes; Beethoven demands drama, variations that twist and roar into the finale. Music history pivots heresymphonies evolve from courtly dances to soul-shaking sagas. Then comes 1808's Symphony No. 5, opening with that immortal da-da-da-DUM. "Fate knocking at the door," Beethoven reportedly grumbled, and he ran that four-note riff through every movement, building tension like a storm. Forget Mozart's graceful arcs; this is raw power, transitioning from menace to majestic victory. Classical composers prized proportionBeethoven prizes struggle. The premiere left listeners stunned in a freezing theater, but word spread like wildfire. These pieces mark his "heroic" middle period, where deafness fueled defiance. Eroica stretches time and emotion; No. 5 hammers unity and drive. Fast-forward, and their fingerprints blanket pop culture. WWII Allies blasted No. 5's motif as a "V for Victory" signal. Hollywood raids Eroica for epic battlesthink swelling strings in Gladiator or Lord of the Rings charges. Concert halls from Berlin to Manila pack crowds yearly, conductors sweating to capture that primal punch. Beethoven's famous works like these taught classical composers to embrace the personal, the colossal. Music history owes them for turning listeners into participants, hearts pounding with every fate-knock. In therapy rooms or stadium encores, they remind us: music can conquer. Read Also: Opera Star Renee Fleming Cancels Kennedy Center Performances Amid Trump Rebrand and Artist Boycott Choral Symphony No. 9 and Moonlight Sonata: Joy and Shadows Unleashed Deaf as a post by 1824, Beethoven staggers onto the stage for Symphony No. 9's premiere. Orchestra surges, thenbamsoloists and chorus erupt into Schiller's "Ode to Joy." No classical composer dared cram voices into a symphony; this finale ladders from murmur to global embrace, a post-Revolution cry for unity. The crowd roars; Beethoven, back turned, misses it until they spin him around, tears streaming. Among Beethoven's famous works, No. 9 explodes scaleover an hour of mounting ecstasydefying norms that kept symphonies instrumental. It crowns music history's choral pinnacle, adopted as the EU anthem and UNESCO's peace call, belted at Berlin Wall falls and Olympics closes. Flip to the quiet storm: Piano Sonata No. 14, "Moonlight," penned 1801 as hearing faded. That first movement ripples like moonlight on wateradagio, unbound by sonata rigidity, hypnotic and haunting. Poet Rellstab dubbed it so; Beethoven shrugged, but the name stuck. Middle movement skips lightly, then the finale unleashes presto fury, octaves thundering like inner tempests. Classical composers like Clementi favored flash; Beethoven bares the soul, blending reverie with rage. This gem bridges eras, whispering to Romantic piano poets like Chopin. Both pieces dive deep: No. 9 outward to humanity's hug, Moonlight inward to private pain. They smash barrierschoral symphonies heretical, free-form sonatas wild. Music history logs Beethoven as the alchemist turning silence into symphony. Streamers know: Moonlight tops chill playlists, pairing with rain sounds for midnight unwind. No. 9 lifts protests, from Hong Kong streets to climate marches. Classical composers post-him chased that emotional highBrahms echoed the joy, Liszt the moonlight mood. These Beethoven famous works endure because they mirror us: joyful crowds, lonely nights, all in harmony's grip. Late String Quartets and Ripples Through Music History Beethoven's swan song? The late string quartets, Op. 131 in 1826 among the fiercest. Seven seamless movements weave fugues, shrieks, and silencesno bows to ballroom tastes. Dissonance bites, rhythms lurch; the "Grosse Fuge" from Op. 130 baffled first hearers, too vast, so he tacked on a tame alternate. But that fuge? Pure fire, seeding modernism for Schoenberg and Stravinsky. Classical composers served patrons; Beethoven served truth, these chambers his unfiltered lab. Sparse audiences then, but scholars now call them summitsintimate wars of sound. Why do Beethoven's famous works bang on in 2026? They cracked the Classical cage, letting Romantic wildness roam. Harmony bloated with his sevenths and ninths; forms flexed to fit feeling. Music history's timeline splits B.B. (Before Beethoven)elegant, orderedand A.B., personal, boundless. Schubert scribbled sonatas in his shadow; Wagner wove leitmotifs from Eroica threads. Mahler ballooned symphonies to No. 9's sprawl. Modern echoes? John Williams lifts No. 5 for Imperial marches; Hans Zimmer nods Moonlight in Interstellar's dread. Jazz cats like the Kronos Quartet revive late quartets with electric twists. Therapy apps queue Moonlight for anxiety; fitness tracks pulse Eroica's drive. Global festsSalzburg, Tanglewood, Cebu's own popsdraw thousands, phones aloft. Streaming logs billions: No. 5 alone racks 500 million Spotify spins yearly. Beethoven's famous works redefined classical composers as visionaries, not virtuosos. From Mandaue concert whispers to arena roars, they deafen normsfate knocks, joy unites, shadows soothe, quartets provoke. Music history bends to rebels like him, proving bangs outlast whispers. His legacy? Not dusty scores, but living pulse: every beat, a revolution reborn. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are Beethoven's most famous works? Beethoven's famous works include Symphony No. 5 with its iconic "fate motif," Symphony No. 9's "Ode to Joy," Symphony No. 3 "Eroica," Moonlight Sonata, and late string quartets like Op. 131. These stand out among classical composers for blending drama, innovation, and emotion, reshaping music history. 2. Why is Beethoven considered revolutionary among classical composers? He broke Classical rules set by Haydn and Mozart, extending symphonies, adding chorus to Symphony No. 9, and embracing dissonance in quartets. Deafness fueled his personal style, turning music history toward Romantic expression over balanced forms. 3. How did Beethoven change music history? Beethoven's famous works shifted focus from courtly elegance to heroic narratives and inner turmoil, birthing Romanticism. Eroica introduced programmatic storytelling; No. 5 unified motifs across movements. This influenced Wagner, Mahler, and modern film scores. 4. What makes Symphony No. 5 so iconic? Its opening da-da-da-DUM rhythm symbolizes fate, recurring through all movements for dramatic unity. Premiered in 1808, it gripped audiences, becoming a WWII victory signal and pop culture staple in ads and thrillers. 5. Why is Symphony No. 9 called the "Choral" symphony? Completed in 1824 despite Beethoven's deafness, it adds voices and chorus to the finale with Schiller's "Ode to Joy," celebrating universal brotherhood. Now the EU anthem, it marks a peak in music history's evolution. 6. What's special about the Moonlight Sonata? Piano Sonata No. 14 (1801) flows freely in its brooding first movement, evoking calm intensity amid Beethoven's hearing loss. It defies sonata form, paving Romantic piano paths and appearing in wellness playlists today. 7. How do Beethoven's late string quartets fit music history? Works like Op. 131 (1826) push abstraction, fugues, and raw dissonance, prioritizing art over patrons. They forecast 20th-century modernism, cited by composers like Bartok as summits of classical composers' innovation. 8. Why do Beethoven's famous works still matter today? They inspire film scores (e.g., Star Wars marches), therapy (Moonlight's calm), and global events (No. 9 at protests). In music history, they embody artist rebellion, influencing everything from jazz to streaming hits. For years, any conversation around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks felt like an unnecessary diversion in Indian boardrooms; a glossy chapter in annual reports meant to soothe finicky Scandinavian pension funds and tick a regulatory box. But as of 1 January 2026, that luxury phase is over. In the new year, the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has entered its definitive phase. What began on 1 October 2023 as a reporting-only exercise is now a financial obligation. From now on, EU importers must purchase carbon certificates covering the embedded emissions in imported goods. The first annual surrender of certificates will take place in May 2027, based on 2026 imports. For Indian companies, this is no longer a future risk, but a present cost. Buyers in the EU are already demanding price cuts from Indian exporters to offset expected carbon liabilities. For exporters whose margins are already thin, thats a big competitive cliff. View full Image The Global Energy Monitor notes that India is responsible for around half of new coal-based blast furnace capacity under development globally, underscoring ongoing reliance on coal-intensive production. (Mint) Early targets Steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, electricity and hydrogen are among the first sectors covered, reflecting the EUs focus on energy-intensive goods. For Indian steel, in particular, the impact is stark since our integrated steels carbon intensity is much higher than the EUs benchmark, largely because of reliance on coal-fired blast furnaces. Exporters in other countries have an advantage. Turkey, for instance, benefits from a steel sector dominated by electric arc furnaces. China, while still coal-heavy, has shifted aluminium smelting to power grids rich in hydropower, lowering embedded emissions in some regions. Indias metals production remains heavily coal-dependent. The Global Energy Monitor notes that India is responsible for around half of new coal-based blast furnace capacity under development globally, underscoring ongoing reliance on coal-intensive production. Whats more, India does not currently have a fully implemented, economy-wide carbon pricing system comparable to EUs Emissions Trading System (ETS). CBAM allows deductions if exporters can prove they have already paid a domestic carbon price equivalent to the EU ETS. In practical terms, that means Indian exporters cannot meaningfully offset CBAM liabilities with domestic carbon payments. Transition Its not just the EU. In the United States, proposals such as the Clean Competition Act echo CBAMs logic of penalising imports whose carbon intensity exceeds domestic norms. While that bill hasnt become law yet, its momentum signals a broader shift in industrial policy logic. Sure, some Indian companies are already positioning for this transition. Tata Steel Ltd. is investing in electric furnace capacity abroad, including in the United Kingdom, partially subsidised by local government programmes. Hindalco Industries Ltd. has started marketing low-carbon aluminium products to capture premium, sustainability-focused buyers. But these moves are isolated and incremental. The real danger awaits MSME exporters in clusters from Ludhiana to Coimbatore, since compliance costs can be high. Verified emissions reporting requires plant-level data, third-party validation and process transparency. Even basic third-party verification can cost 1-5 lakh annually, depending on the complexity. Shifting sands Indias metals and materials sector grew in an era when energy cost and scale determined competitiveness. The next phase will be shaped by carbon intensity and energy mix. Without accelerated grid decarbonisation, green hydrogen scale-up and a credible domestic carbon pricing framework, exporters will remain exposed to foreign carbon regimes over which they have no control. The EU policy shift is part of a broader global trend. Companies with high embedded emissions face higher input costs in the form of carbon levies, tougher access to markets and, increasingly, higher cost of capital. Global banks and institutional investors are starting to price carbon risk into lending and equity valuations. In the new geopolitics of energy, 2026 is a wake-up call for Indian business: carbon will no longer be a footnote in annual reports, or a checkbox for institutional investors. It is now a line item on export contracts and balance sheets. Indian companies face the hard choice of investing in decarbonisation and embedding sustainability into their industrial strategy, or a future where global markets increasingly up the ante on coal-powered factories. India, the UN believes, is well placed to push inclusive AI adoption. We have initiatives such as the Digital ShramSetu Mission, which deploys AI tools to boost the productivity and resilience of informal workers while widening access to healthcare, education and finance. Indian policy has also been tightening. Alongside the AI Governance Guidelines and Digital Personal Data Protection Act, the amended IT Rules of 2026 impose some of the worlds strictest compliance timelines. Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday went on a verbal rampage against his party colleagues, a day after remarking that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF would retain power in Kerala. In a series of scathing remarks, Aiyar branded Thiruvananthapuram Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor an "unprincipled careerist", labelled AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal a "rowdy", and took a swipe at party veteran Ramesh Chennithala. "I have never met a more unprincipled careerist than Shashi Tharoor who, because Congress did not make him the foreign minister, is now trying to become Modi's foreign minister. The Congress party was built on principles, not on opportunism," he said. Aiyar also took aim at Pawan Khera, referring to the Congress national spokesperson as a "tattu" (pony). Aiyar was reacting when asked about a social media post by Khera, distancing the party from his remarks. Aiyar insisted he remains with the party. I am in the Congress. I am not joining any party. If Congress throws me out, I will find my voice, he said. 1- Not a Rahulian Aiyar spoke to news agency ANI on Monday and said, I am in the Congress party, I havent left it. Mr Rahul Gandhi has forgotten that I am a member of the party. Therefore, I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian. The controversy began on Sunday when Aiyar, speaking at the Vision 2031 conference organised by the Left government here, said that Pinarayi Vijayan would return to power in Kerala, remarks that did not go down well with Congress leaders. Following his comments, Pawan Khera sought to distance the party from Aiyar's statement, saying the latter had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. Echoing that position, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said on X that the UDF led by the Congress party would return to power in Kerala. Aiyar, a former Union Minister, is no stranger to controversies. Many times before, Aiyars statements have triggered massive setbacks for his own party, putting it in an embarrassing situation. Also Read | Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Bora resigns from party: Report In 2024, in his new book, the veteran Congress leader asserted that the decision to retain Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, despite his declining health, hindered the partys prospects of returning to power for a third term in 2014. 2- The Chaiwala Remark Aiyar was perhaps the first politician to mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a tea-seller the chaiwala. Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he had said that the Congress would welcome Modi, then Gujarat's chief minister, to sell tea at AICC meetings. BJP used the comment to its advantage and launched the Chai pe charcha campaign, which eventually became a hit among voters. 3- Suspended for neech remark In 2017, Mani Shankar Aiyar was suspended from the party under President Rahul Gandhi for his alleged neech slur against Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the Gujarat assembly elections. Aiyar had attacked the prime minister for saying that the Congress tried to erase BR Ambedkar's contribution to nation-building. Aiyar said the PM's comments showed his low-level mindset. Describing Modi as a Neech kism ka aadmi boomeranged on the Congress and contributed to the party losing the Gujarat assembly polls. Nine months later, his suspension was revoked. 4- Aurangzeb's Ascension In 2017, when Rahul Gandhi was elevated as Congress president, Aiyar compared it to Aurangzebs ascension to the Mughal throne. Did elections ever happen during Mughal rule? After Jehangir, Shah Jahan came. Was any election held? After Shah Jahan it was understood Aurangzeb would be the leader, Aiyar said. The Bharatiya Janata Party was quick to respond, saying that Aiyar's remarks prove that the Congress has accepted itself as a party run by a family and that the people dont want to be ruled by Aurangzeb. 5- Chinese Invasion In May 2024, in the middle of the Lok Sabha election campaign, Aiyar sparked a row when he said that the Chinese allegedly invaded India in October 1962. The BJP slammed the controversial remark, calling it a brazen attempt at revisionism. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had posted on X (then Twitter) that Aiyar had subsequently apologised. Allowances must be made for his age, Rameshs said. Who is Mani Shankar Aiyar? In March 2025, Aiyar was at it again. He sparked a row by questioning former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's academic credentials and suitability for leadership. In an interview, Aiyar alleged that Rajiv Gandhi failed at Cambridge and Imperial College London. Aiyar later claimed the BJP took a 50-second clip from a 2-hour interview in which he called Gandhi an "excellent prime minister". I have never met a more unprincipled careerist than Shashi Tharoor who, because Congress did not make him the foreign minister, is now trying to become Modi's foreign minister. Eighty-four-year-old Mani Shankar Aiyar is a veteran Congress leader who has been an MP and a union minister. Aiyar is also a former diplomat and served in the Indian Foreign Service before entering politics Aiyar is often referred to as a close associate of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He served as Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and later for Panchayati Raj in the United Progressive Alliance government led by Manmohan Singh. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has said artificial intelligence is set to dramatically reduce the cost of making films, opening the industry to a far wider pool of creative voices. Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Kapur noted that AI would dismantle long-standing financial barriers that have kept many aspiring directors and writers out of cinema. In filmmaking, it will bring a lot of new filmmakers in because the cost of filmmaking is going to come crashing down with AI, he said, adding that he has already begun integrating AI tools into his own creative process. A democratic force in cinema Kapur, best known for films such as Masoom, Mr India and Bandit Queen, described AI as a profoundly democratic technology capable of reshaping not only the film industry but the wider economy. He suggested that AI could add as much as a trillion dollars annually to Indias gross domestic product, calling it a transformative force that reaches right down the pyramid to those who need it most. Also Read | When is Bill Gates speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi? According to Kapur, the technology can provide access to knowledge and tools that were once limited to elite institutions and well-funded productions. By lowering technical and financial hurdles, he believes AI will allow creative talent to emerge from previously underrepresented communities. Human intuition remains central While enthusiastic about AIs capabilities, Kapur stressed that the technology cannot replicate human intuition. He maintained that creativity and innovation remain uniquely human traits. AI can do everything but what it cannot do is be intuitive, he said, arguing that individuals who may not have had access to formal education can now use AI to supplement their skills and compete on a more equal footing. In his view, AI should be seen as an enabler rather than a replacement for human imagination, helping storytellers refine and realise their ideas rather than generate them independently. Also Read | WATCH| Qualcomm showcases full robotics suite at India AI Impact Summit 2026 Summit focuses on people, planet and progress The remarks came during the five-day India AI Impact Summit 2026, structured around three pillars described as Sutras: People, Planet and Progress. The event has brought together policymakers, technology companies, researchers and industry leaders, with organisers positioning it as the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam earlier this week, underlining Indias ambition to develop artificial intelligence solutions aligned with both domestic priorities and global challenges. Chipmaker Qualcomm on Tuesday showcased a portfolio of robotics technologies, including humanoid systems, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam. The company outlined its ambition to speed up the deployment of what it describes as physical AI across homes, factories and large-scale industrial settings, positioning India as a key market in the next phase of robotics adoption. End-to-end robotics suite unveiled Shrestha Jain, Marketing Lead for Robots and Automotive at Qualcomm, said the firm is presenting a comprehensive Robotics System that integrates hardware, software and compound artificial intelligence. According to Jain, the platform is designed to support a wide range of applications, from household robots to industrial autonomous mobile robots and full sized humanoids. She said the modular architecture is intended to simplify development and reduce time to market for robotics manufacturers. The company also introduced its first dedicated robotics processor, the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-10, aimed at powering advanced autonomous mobile robots and full sized humanoid machines. Jain described the move as Qualcomms entry into the premium tier of robotics computing. Built for scale and industrial reliability Jain said the general purpose robotics architecture combines heterogeneous edge computing, mixed criticality systems, software platforms, machine learning operations and what the company calls an AI data flywheel. This approach, she explained, allows robots to perceive their surroundings through vision and audio inputs and to carry out real world tasks with greater adaptability. The system has been optimised to scale across different form factors while maintaining industrial grade reliability, particularly in environments with high automation demands. India AI Impact Summit draws global leaders The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being held as a five day programme structured around three pillars, or Sutras: People, Planet and Progress. It has brought together policymakers, technology firms, researchers and industry leaders in what organisers describe as the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting the countrys ambition to develop artificial intelligence that serves both national priorities and global needs. More than 20 heads of state, 60 ministers and hundreds of global AI leaders are participating in the summit. Discussions are expected to focus on translating international AI deliberations into practical development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative, with the Prime Minister scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on 19 February. Speculation swirled on Tuesday over whether Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates would attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, after reports and his foundation issued conflicting statements about his participation. Earlier in the day, government sources indicated that Gates would not be present at the high-profile gathering, which is being held at Bharat Mandapam from 16 to 20 February. However, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation later confirmed to Mint that Gates is attending the summit and will deliver his keynote address as scheduled. Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled, the spokesperson said. Name briefly removed from official list Gates had been listed on the summits official website as a keynote speaker on 19 February, with a 12 minute speaking slot at 11.50 am, a day expected to see several prominent global technology leaders in attendance. On Tuesday morning, however, his name temporarily disappeared from the key participants list, fuelling uncertainty about his plans. When asked about Gates participation during a press conference, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw did not provide a direct response. I forgot many other things, regarding whos attending, whos not attending, he said. Thats personal choices which people make. I need not comment on that. Nvidia CEO refuses to attent the AI Summit The uncertainty over Gates attendance followed news that Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, would not travel to India for the summit. While Nvidia did not publicly cite a reason for Huangs withdrawal, some observers speculated about a possible link to Gates presence at the event. Addressing Huangs absence, Vaishnaw said the Nvidia chief had conveyed that he was unable to attend due to something really unavoidable, but had deputed a senior executive to represent the company. The minister added that Nvidia is in discussions with Indian firms over significant artificial intelligence investments and is collaborating with software companies to develop multiple use cases, though he declined to disclose further details. Gates begins India visit in Andhra Pradesh Despite the confusion in Delhi, Gates arrived in India on Monday and began his visit in Vijayawada. He met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, along with senior state officials. State ministers including Nara Lokesh, Vangalapudi Anitha, K Archannaidu and Y Satya Kumar received Gates at Vijayawada International Airport. Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender and financier, had a collection of highly poisonous plants, as revealed by the final tranche of documents released by the Department of Justice (DoJ) as part of the Epstein Files. According to newly discovered emails that mention the hazardous plant, Epstein penned an email asking about his "trumpet plants at nursery." According to TMZ, he was referring to the Angel's Trumpet plant. Jeffrey Epstein addressed a mail to a user named Ann Rodriguez to enquire about his 'trumpet plants at nursery' in a mail dated 3 March 2014. View full Image Jeffrey Epstein inquired about his 'trumpet plants at nursery' in a mail dated 3 March 2014. ( Screengrab @jmail.world ) All you need to know about highly toxic Angel's Trumpet plant Angel's Trumpet plants are extremely poisonous and are known to produce a drug that blocks free will in their victims. These plants can produce a drug called scopolamine, which has the most common side effect of drowsiness or sedation. Also known as hyoscine or Devil's Breath, scopolamine is a medication that blocks some of the effects of acetylcholine in the nervous system. Historically, it has been used as a psychoactive drug in low doses to treat motion sickness, postoperative nausea and vomiting. Its overdose causes antimuscarinic-induced hallucinogenic effects. Listed on the World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicines, it has several formal uses in modern medicine. Also Read | Mega impact- Hyatt Hotels heir steps down citing Epstein connection Jeffrey Epstein's Zombie drug Angel plants are in the Brugmansia genus and are potentially poisonous; the seeds and leaves are most dangerous. Rich in scopolamine (hyoscine), hyoscyamine, and several other tropane alkaloids, its indigestion can cause hallucinations, complete loss of consciousness, disconnection from reality (psychosis) and memory loss of the episode. Describing the hallucinogenic effects of Brugmansia, An Encyclopedia of Shamanism states, "Brugmansia induces a powerful trance with violent and unpleasant effects, sickening aftereffects, and at times temporary insanity". In the journal Pathology, its effects were described as "terrifying rather than pleasurable." Scopolamine reportedly doesn't show up on toxicology reports, but severe intoxication can cause paralysis and death. Epstein was clearly aware of the effects of scopolamine and the plant it comes from, as there is another email indicating the same, TMZ reported. Epstein died at the age of 66 in his cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Following his death, all criminal charges against him were dismissed. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will attend a second indirect talks with Iranian representatives over the Islamic Republics nuclear programme on Tuesday in Geneva. The Iranian delegation is expected to be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi in the talks mediated by Oman, Reuters reported. Trump will be involved indirectly Earlier, Trump had also confirmed the meeting and said that he would be involved indirectly in the Geneva talks and that he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal. I would say theyre bad negotiators, because we could have had a deal instead of sending the B2s in to knock out their nuclear potential, and we had to send the B2s. I hope theyre going to be more reasonable, Trump said on Monday. I think they want to make a deal. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal. U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Budapest, Hungary, said Monday that Washington hopes to achieve a deal with Iran, despite the difficulties. Im not going to prejudge these talks, Rubio said. The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things. What Iran said Araghchi, who met with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency on Monday in Geneva, also expressed confidence about reaching an equitable deal. I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats, Araghchi wrote on X. First US-Iran indirect talks Earlier, the two sides had met for indirect talks in Oman on February 6, in which U.S. Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper attended in uniform. Talks between the US and Iran have repeatedly stalled over Washingtons demand for a zero enrichment of uranium by Tehran. Iran, while rejecting the US demand, has reportedly agreed to a dilution of its existing uranium stockpile. US military presence near Iran The high-stakes indirect talks are taking place on the backdrop of a massive US military build up in the Middle East in the form of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group. Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, was also being sent to the Middle East. USS Ford was previously deployed in the Caribbean for the US operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January this year. UPDATE: President Donald Trump arrived in Rome, GA, at the Russell Regional Airport just after 2:30pm on Thursday, February 19. Our crews were there as he touched down. Trump's team was behind schedule, but still had time to visit The Varsity, have a podcast interview, tour Coosa Steel Corporation, and then give a speech at a GOP-ticketed event inside the factory. Upon touching down, he greeted Clay Fuller, who he endorsed to take Marjorie Taylor Greene's vacant seat in the House of Representatives. Herschel Walker, a former football player who unsuccessfully ran for the 2022 U.S. Senate election, was there as well. Our crews were outside The Varsity in Rome, GA, when the President arrived among chanting protestors. What looked like a local lunch break from the outside, actually turned out to be the set of a college football podcast. Podcaster Josh Pate posted to X, confirming his sit-down with Trump. Trump then traveled to Coosa Steel Corporation, where hundreds of fans have lined up all day, vying for a spot inside the limited-seating steel plant, where the president took a tour, then took the podium. Trump delivered a nearly 1.5 hour speech to the crowd gathered inside the steel plant. He spoke about the economy in the state, highlighting several small business owners on stage. The newly endorsed candidate to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, Clay Fuller, also joined Trump on stage, and asked the president to pardon his daughter for missing school. Two Georgia Bulldogs also joined the stage: 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Walker, and current Dawgs starting quarterback Gunner Stockton. Local 3 News will have crews along the president's path through Rome on Thursday, bringing you live updates on our Facebook page, Instagram page, and streaming channel, Local 3 Now. PREVIOUS STORY: The White House has released President Donald Trump's schedule for his upcoming visit to Rome, GA on Thursday, February 19. He will start his day at the "Board of Peace" event in Washington D.C. at 9:00am, but soon after will board Air Force One en route to the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Floyd County. Trump's scheduled to visit a local business at 1:50pm, and then do a podcast interview at 2:30pm. At 3:30pm, he will go to the Coosa Steel Corporation for a tour, and is slated to deliver remarks on the economy at 4:00pm from the factory. You can buy tickets to see him speak on the GOP's website. The president's visit comes just weeks before a special election to fill the now-vacant seat of Marjorie Taylor Greene. His visit to Rome comes as early voting is underway in the special election to fill the open House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene vacated the position in January. Local 3 News will have crews along the president's path through Rome on Thursday, bringing you live updates on our Facebook page, Instagram page, and streaming channel, Local 3 Now. PREVIOUS STORY:: Part of President Donald Trump's itinerary has been released prior to his visit to Rome, GA, on Thursday, February 19. The POTUS will fly in to the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Floyd County. Trump is expected to attend an event at Coosa Steel Corporation, which begins at 2:00pm. Tickets are on a first come, first served basis, and are available for purchase online. Doors will close at 12:30pm for that event. The White House says Trump will deliver remarks on affordability and the economy, followed by a visit to a local business. His visit to Rome comes as early voting is underway in the special election to fill the open House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene vacated the position in January. Local 3 News will have crews along the president's path through Rome on Thursday, bringing you live updates on our Facebook page, Instagram page, and streaming channel, Local 3 Now. PREVIOUS STORY: President Donald Trump is set to visit northwest Georgia on Thursday, February 19, the White House confirmed. Trump will make an appearance in Rome, Georgia, located in the heart of Georgias 14th Congressional District. The White House says he will deliver remarks on affordability and the economy, followed by a visit to a local business. During a press conference on Monday, February 16, Trump also confirmed his trip to Rome, telling reporters, Well, we have a lot of people that want to take Marjorie Traitor Greenes place, and many, many candidates, and I have to choose one. They say whoever I endorse is going to win. But we have a lot of good candidates that want to take her place. The visit comes as early voting is underway in the special election to fill the open House seat. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene vacated the position in January. The White House said Trumps visit will underscore the work the administration says it has done to raise real wages and accelerate economic growth. A total of 18 candidates are running in the race. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held April 7. In a major boost for Longford, it has been announced that Irish cybersecurity company ZeroRisk is to create 80 new jobs. ZeroRisk, an Irish start-up, which is setting up a new facility in Longford at the Axis Centre, has unveiled plans to employ up to 80 people in the area in the coming year. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said creating over 80 new jobs 'is a huge boost to Longford and the surrounding region'. Also read: Longford father-son duo open new bar in New York's Times Square Mr Martin added, "ZeroRisks expansion of its Irish operations with a new, dedicated European support centre is a vote of confidence in our highly skilled workforce and our focus on supporting businesses to invest in Ireland." The company has begun a major recruitment drive in the Longford region and is interested in applicants with language skills to support its global customer base. ZeroRisk provides SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) to some of the largest financial institutions in the world. The company was set up in 2023 by Gary Nolan and has offices in Dublin and Georgia in the United States. The company said the jobs being advertised will play a key part in delivering onboarding, compliance, and cyber risk services to merchants and financial institutions operating in multiple countries and languages from across Europe and further afield. Also read: RIP: Heartfelt tribute to Longford woman who brought a beautiful energy wherever she went The companys growth has been driven by increasing demand from financial institutions seeking more effective ways to manage compliance and cyber risk across large merchant portfolios. The companys platform enables acquiring banks and payment providers to automate compliance, monitor cyber threats in real time, and gain actionable insights into merchant risk. Longford is poised to benefit to the tune of almost 20 million after Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien announced over 1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. There is 6m for the long awaited N4 Longford to Mullingar upgrade project and this will enable the project team to move to statutory and appraisal stages, with construction works commencing by 2030. There is 13,633,825 allocated for Longford Roads and this figure can be broken down into Regional & Local Roads: 10,511,252 and National Roads: 3,122,573. Also read: 'Huge boost for Longford' as Irish cybersecurity company ZeroRisk to create 80 new jobs Minister O'Brien's announcement also included an allocation of 90m for the completion of the upgrade of the N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge. Minister OBrien said, "Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation." Deputy Micheal Carrigy said, I am delighted to see that 13,633,825 funding has been allocated to Longford County Council for essential national road repair works at designated areas and roads across Longford." The Chairperson of the Fine Gael parliamentary party continued, "The continued safety for all road users is a key priority for Fine Gael in government and key to that is the protection and regeneration of our existing national road network. Deputy Carrigy added, "The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events." Hailing it as 'one of the best days for some time for roads in county Longford', Senator Joe Flaherty said Longford will see 'a total allocation of almost 20m when we factor in the long awaited N4 funding'. The Fianna Fail representative said 13.6m will aid Longford County Council to maintain and upgrade its extensive network of regional and national roads. There's 10.5m for the regional roads and then 3.1m for the network of national roads in the county. Also read: Student Garda who carried out placement in Longford graduates from Templemore Senator Flaherty highlighted that there are a number of very specific and important capital projects for the national routes but that the standout item is the 1.7m funding for the Lanesboro / N63 road to Gowlan. "This money will transform the entrance to the county town from this side and is much needed." Regional & Local Roads: 10,511,252 National Roads: 3,122,573 Her Excellency Ana Laura Cachaza, Ambassador of Argentina, will visit Ballymahon Community Library on Tuesday, February 24, to mark the conclusion of the Longford-Westmeath Argentina Emigration Oral History Project. The project, a collaboration between Longford and Westmeath County Councils and the Longford-Westmeath Argentina Society, has captured the stories of families across both counties whose histories stretch across the Atlantic to Argentina. Read more: Participants wanted for Longford's St Patricks Day parade! The project was led by the Heritage Office and Archives Service in Longford County Council alongside the Heritage Office in Westmeath County Council, Adrian Roche of The History Trail, a specialist in oral history, who recorded the conversations. Ambassador Cachaza will present each participant with a copy of their interview during the evening event. Both county councils will retain copies for future research, creating a permanent record of this often-overlooked strand of Irish emigration. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said, "Ambassador Cachaza's presence honours the threads that bind Longford to Argentina across generations. Whilst she has visited our county before, this marks her first formal invitation from the Councila recognition of how deeply these South American roots run through Longford soil. These recorded voices ensure that what might have faded into family folklore now becomes documented history." Read more: Mostrim United celebrates 25th anniversary through a spirit of giving Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, "Argentina holds a distinctive place in Longford's emigration story, yet it lacks the prominence given to destinations like America or Britain. This project corrects that imbalance. For researchers decades from now, these recordings will prove invaluable. For families today, they offer something equally precious: validation that their stories matter." The event begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 24 at Ballymahon Community Library. All are welcome to attend. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld analyzes the upcoming iPhone 17e versus Google Pixel 10a, revealing Apples budget phone may struggle to compete effectively. The Pixel 10a is expected to cost $100 less at $499 while offering superior features like 120Hz display, better cameras, and longer battery life. Despite gaining MagSafe support, the iPhone 17e appears to retain outdated elements like 60Hz refresh rate and single rear camera configuration. Apple and Google are preparing the latest versions of their entry-level smartphones. On February 18, the Pixel 10a will debut with a reworked Tensor G4 processor and support for a full year of OS updates. At around the same time, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e, featuring MagSafe compatibility and upgraded chips. On the surface, both refreshes appear to be incremental. But a closer look at the rumored specifications suggests the Pixel 10a will still offer the stronger overall value for budget-conscious smartphone buyers. Not only will the iPhone 17e likely cost $100 more, but according to rumors, itll still miss out on several essential upgrades that have been standard on the budget Pixel line for a while. Camera: Two is better than one Photographers and content creators have long praised flagship iPhones for the exceptional camera systems they pack. Pro users get to pick between the ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, letting them shoot nearby and distant subjects alike. However, despite Apples undeniable interest in mobile photography, its efforts dont translate as vividly beyond the flagship line. When Apple introduced the iPhone SE with a single rear lens in 2020, the decision was arguably justified at the time due to the phones low cost. Thats no longer the case, however. The company now charges mid-range prices for its e iPhones, while still giving their cameras the budget phone treatment. The iPhone 17e wont be cheap, and excluding a second rear lens makes little sense. The iPhone 17e will likely still have just one rear camera. David Price / Foundry Things get trickier for Apple when comparing the iPhone 17e to its primary rivalGoogles Pixel 10a. Budget Pixel phones have offered ultra-wide and wide rear cameras for a few years now, despite them costing significantly less than Apples e iPhones. If Google has done it, why cant Apple? Another Pixel 10a camera win is Googles superior AI photography features. Those opting for Android will get to utilize exclusive photography perks, like Best Take, and apply advanced edits unavailable natively on iOS. And we dont expect the iPhone 17e to introduce any new tricks that arent already on the iPhone 17. Display: Half the hertz hurts In an era dominated by digital media, the smartphones display matters a lot. Googles Pixel 10a wins this round, too, as itll pack a larger, brighter, and more fluid screen. The iPhone 17e will reportedly stick to the dated 60Hz refresh rate, while the Android-powered alternative will once again offer 120Hz for smoother animations. Similarly, the 6.3-inch Pixel 10a will have almost twice the max brightness as the 6.1-inch iPhone 17e, making it more usable outdoors. The iPhone 16es notch is likely going to still be present on the 17e. Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd Design: Retro isnt hip anymore Apple essentially ended the notch when it launched the iPhone 14 Pro with the Dynamic Island in 2022. Nevertheless, Apple continues to plague the iPhone e line with the horrendous notch, giving the phone an unfashionable look. The Pixel 10a, on the other hand, will offer the hole-punch front camera design that has been rumored for the iPhone for yearsand looks noticeably more futuristic. Other design mishaps include the limited color selection for e iPhones. Apple offers the iPhone 16e in black or white, and its successor is expected to follow suit. Conversely, the Pixel 9a comes in four finishes, including more vibrant options, and the 10a wont be any different. Lively colors shouldnt be exclusive to flagship phone customers, Apple. Battery: Just enough vs long-lasting Both the iPhone 17e and Pixel 10a are expected to have similar batteries as their predecessors. As such, its safe to assume that the Pixel 10a will similarly have a longer battery life than the iPhone 17e. The upcoming iPhone will likely adopt Apples more efficient A19 processor, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, but these are unlikely to make a huge impact on energy consumption. Otherwise, the Pixel 10a will feature a USB 3.2 connector for charging and data transfer, while Apple will continue to limit e iPhone users to the ancient USB 2 port. On the bright side, iPhone 17e users may finally get to use MagSafe chargers and accessories, while the Pixel 10a will likely stick with basic Qi wireless charging. The iPhone 17e will reportedly get MagSafe but not much else to entice buyers to switch. Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd Price: $100 goes a long way Above all, budget smartphone buyers care more about the price than the feature setthey just want a smartphone that can take pictures and make calls without spending a fortune. Thats where Google wins yet again. The 128GB Pixel 10a will reportedly retain its predecessors $499 starting price, while the 128GB iPhone 17e will continue to start at $599. A $100 difference in price is considerable in the budget smartphone market. In the past, Apple loyalists were more than willing to pay a higher price and settle for inferior specifications due to the ecosystem lock-in. The past has passed, however. Today, Google is offering numerous features that were previously only available on iPhones: AirDrop support on its Pixel phones, RCS for an iMessage-like experience, and a guaranteed seven years of feature updates. Weve reached a point where its much easier to migrate data and use cross-platform apps that work on non-Apple platforms. Consequently, many customers will no longer be pushed to spend more on a less capable device when there are better options out there. The following editorial is from the opinion page of The Republican newspaper in Springfield. It reflects views of the newspapers leadership and not necessarily those of MassLive. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com. Thousands of Massachusetts public school children stayed home from school last year, in part because their families were afraid of federal immigration agents on their streets. Its another example of how raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency are making life worse for people. Approximately 7,000 fewer English learners attended Massachusetts K-12 public schools in 2025, compared to the year before, according to state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education data. Immigration advocates say that drastic drop-off in English learner attendance can, in part, be blamed on raids by ICE agents. Families are afraid to send their children to school for fear that in the space between homes and classrooms, ICE agents could detain them. Students missing school weakens communities in ways data cannot measure. Classrooms are organisms of community that operate not only on an academic level, but on a social one. When students miss class day after day, their friends suffer. Its one fewer conversation in the lunch room. Its jump rope at recess that falls apart because not enough children participate. Its a math class where learning suffers because that child with immigrant parents who always asks the right questions didnt come to school. Kathryn Anderson, president of the Chelsea Teachers Union, described the effect on schools this way: Children are showing up to school with the trauma of losing parents and breadwinners and the fear that another family member might be next. Others are missing days and days of school, drastically impacting their ability to learn and thrive. Ive received multiple messages from parents scared to send their children, looking for reassurance that they are safe in our building. Some make the argument that a little fallout is tolerable in order to make the country safe from illegal and dangerous immigrants who have committed crimes. After all, ICE agents are going after the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, according to one Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. Yet increasingly, immigration agents are detaining immigrants who have committed no crimes. According to the Deportation Data Project, 63% of the people arrested had no criminal record during an ICE surge of last September in Massachusetts. That is not an isolated case. The data shows that one third of the immigrants detained last year in major ICE operations did not have criminal histories. That kind activity is turning public opinion against the Trump immigration policy. In a January YouGov poll, 52% of Americans said they had an unfavorable opinion of ICE, a number that tops public disapproval of most every other federal agency. That dismal view of ICEs crackdowns will rise when more people consider the harmful effect immigration raids have on our schools. A large crowd gathered at Leigue Cemetery in Ballina on Saturday, February 14, to mark the 50th anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Mayo republican Frank Stagg. The commemoration, organised by Sinn Fein, was described by those in attendance as emotional, dignified and deeply moving, with people travelling from across Ireland to honour the Hollymount native who died in Wakefield Prison in England on February 12, 1976, aged 34. Frank Stagg spent 62 days on hunger strike protesting for political status and against conditions imposed on Irish republican prisoners in English jails. Speakers at Saturdays ceremony said that five decades on, respect for his sacrifice remains undiminished, describing his actions as rooted in conviction, courage and a belief in Irelands right to self-determination. One of the most powerful moments recalled was Staggs final words to his wife as he lay dying: Well, this is how a hunger strike ends. Another quote from his final days was also shared with the crowd: We are a risen people. This time we must not be driven into the gutter, even if this should mean dying for justice. The fight must go on. READ MORE: Black Flag vigil held in Mayo town to commemorate Frank Stagg Sinn Fein TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh, delivered an address reflecting on Staggs life and the wider legacy of the prison struggle. She spoke about the continued relevance of his political vision and the impact of the hunger strikes on Irelands political landscape. Among the speakers was Gerry Kelly, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly who was imprisoned in England at the same time as Stagg and also took part in a hunger strike. Kelly recalled the harsh conditions endured by Irish prisoners in English jails during the 1970s and the campaign for political status. Several speakers also referred to the controversial events following Staggs death. The then Fine Gael-Labour coalition government took control of his remains, denying his family access and refusing his wish to be buried alongside fellow Mayo hunger striker Michael Gaughan in the Republican Plot in Ballina. Instead, in February 1976, Staggs coffin was transferred by British police to Irish authorities at Heathrow Airport. While family members and supporters waited at Dublin Airport, the plane was diverted to Shannon on government instructions. He was subsequently buried in an isolated grave in Leigue Cemetery, which was covered in concrete in an effort to prevent his remains being moved. READ MORE: Food labelling abuse raised at Oireachtas Committee by Mayo TD In November 1977, following a period of Garda surveillance, Staggs remains were removed and reinterred in the Republican Plot in Ballina in accordance with his wishes an episode long regarded as one of the most contentious chapters of the period. Music provided by members of the Stagg family added a personal and reflective tone to Saturdays ceremony. A particularly poignant contribution came from Franks brother, George Stagg, who received sustained applause as he spoke about the familys loss and the events surrounding his brothers reinterment. He reflected on the night in 1977 when a small group removed Franks remains from the concrete grave and laid him to rest in the republican plot, reminding those present that behind political sacrifice lies deep and enduring personal loss. The ceremony concluded with thanks to organisers and a renewed reflection on Frank Staggs legacy. Those gathered in Ballina reflected not only on the events of 1976 and 1977, but on the lasting imprint they have left on both county and country. Mayo woman Ciara Mangan has welcomed the Government's approval of new legislation that will significantly restrict the use of counselling notes in sexual violence trials, with records only permitted as evidence where a judge determines there is a genuine risk of an unfair trial. The Castlebar advocate has campaigned for this change and was part of an Irish delegation at the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women last June. She used her speech to campaign for a change in the law to ensure that counselling notes would not be used in sexual offence trials. Ms Mangan was also among a group of survivors to meet with the Minister of Justice in May last year to lobby for a change in the law in this area. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan brought the legislation to Cabinet, which will ensure counselling records are only released after a disclosure hearing where a judge decides they contain evidence relevant to legal proceedings. The move has been welcomed by survivors and advocates, though the legislation stops short of implementing an outright ban on accessing such records. Mr O'Callaghan said the Attorney General has advised that a blanket ban on the disclosure of counselling records is not compatible with the Constitution, arising from any accused person's right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. Sensitive Balance "I think that it's a welcome decision to go forward with the way that the Minister has outlined," Ciara Mangan, founder of Beyond Surviving, an organisation supporting survivors of Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence, told The Mayo News. "There's a sensitive balance. We're all for a fair trial, and without fair trial, there's no such thing as justice. We have to be able to say that we uphold the rights to a fair trial, but also we have to navigate sensitively how this impacts the survivor level as well, in terms of our rights to dignity and privacy." Ms Mangan, herself a survivor, highlighted how the previous system forced impossible choices. "Survivors were choosing between proceeding with counselling or forfeiting counselling, as you know, a real health care service, and then choosing to go with justice," she said. "In my own personal capacity, as a survivor myself, I chose to pursue justice, and I stopped my counselling at a time when I really needed it. So, it wasn't working." READ MORE: 'When your life is on hold for all of those years, youre not living, youre just surviving.' The change comes after sustained advocacy from Beyond Surving and other survivor groups and organisations such as the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, which commissioned extensive legal research into the issue. "You just have to constantly put pressure on and keep raising the issue over and over again," Ms Mangan said. "It took a while, but we do feel like our voices have been heard." While welcoming the counselling records reform, Ms Mangan emphasized that broader changes are still needed to make the criminal justice system more victim-centred. She pointed to lengthy delays in the appeals process as a particular concern. "The delays are just a huge problem, and that is felt through psychological stress, which impacts survivors, not just mentally, emotionally, but also physically," she said. "The whole system just needs to be more victim and survivor centred and trauma informed, not just a tick box exercise." Beyond Surviving Ciara Mangan founded Beyond Surviving in 2023. It is Irelands first survivor-led charity dedicated to connecting and supporting survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and abuse. Last year, the organisation worked with 172 survivors, predominantly women aged 55 and above. The organisation provides long-term healing services for survivors who have progressed beyond crisis intervention. Ms Mangan noted that the impact of sexual and domestic violence is lifelong. A lot of them would say that they put their trauma on hold. Maybe motherhood came in and distracted them for a number of years, and now, once those children have gone, they soon realise that their trauma has not really gone anywhere, and it's still impacting their lives and still showing up in their life today. They're the survivors that are coming to Beyond Surviving. If youve been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, please contact the Rape Crisis Centres national 24-hour helpline on 1800 77 88 88, or visit rapecrisishelp.ie. READ MORE: Mayo woman's company named national finalist for The Pitch UK 2026 Mayo native Sally Rooney has been longlisted for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award, as organisers revealed the 20 novels in contention for one of the worlds most lucrative literary prizes. The Castlebar writers latest novel, Intermezzo, is among the titles nominated for the 100,000 award, alongside fellow Irish author Niamh Ni Mhaoleoin and her debut novel Ordinary Saints. Rooneys book was nominated by Redbridge Central Library and Liverpool Libraries in the UK, while Ni Mhaoleoins was put forward by Libraries Northern Ireland. Sponsored by Dublin City Council, the award celebrates 31 years of excellence in world literature and remains the worlds most valuable annual prize for a single work of fiction published in English. The winner receives 100,000. In the case of a translated work, the author is awarded 75,000, with 25,000 going to the translator. READ MORE: Fall in love with Mayos coast as 5,000 photography competition opens Uniquely, nominations for the Dublin Literary Award are submitted by librarians and readers from a global network of library systems, reflecting a broad and democratic literary perspective. At the heart of this award are libraries and their readers dotted across the world unified through a culturally rich reading experience, said Dublin City Librarian Mairead Owens, highlighting the central role of libraries. Commenting on the announcement, Dublins Lord Mayor, Councillor Ray McAdam, said readers would be delighted to get stuck into the 20 novels featured on the longlist, noting the diverse themes explored, from war and coming-of-age to family drama and dark humour. The shortlist for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award will be announced on Tuesday, April 7. The 31st winner will then be revealed on Thursday, May 21, by the Lord Mayor as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin, which is also funded by Dublin City Council. Mayo and several other western counties face a significant reduction in European Union infrastructure funding after the European Commission reclassified Ireland's North West region. Its a change that local officials have warned will make large-scale investment projects markedly less attractive to the central government from 2028 onwards. Infrastructure projects in the vital areas of for road, rail and airport projects could be impacted. READ MORE: Ten-T: How the west was done The Commission has confirmed that the wider northern region of Ireland will be upgraded from a transition region to a more developed region for the next EU funding period, covering 2028 to 2034. Tom Gilligan, Director of Services with Claremorris Swinford Municipal District at Mayo County Council, set out the practical consequences at a recent council meeting. "If a 100 million project is taking place, it will receive 40 million instead of 60 million from the EU, and the government will have to fund the gap. This will make it less appealing for the government to fund the project." Mr Gilligan was blunt about what this means for the county. "Unfortunately, it will have an impact in relation to Mayo. It will be detrimental," he told councillors. The reclassification affects all counties within the NWRA's remit: Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal and the border counties of Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan. Under the current transition region designation, the EU co-finances eligible infrastructure projects at 60%. From 2028, that rate drops to 40 percent meaning 20 million less European money flowing into every 100 million project, with the Irish exchequer expected to cover the difference. Leprechaun economics Charlestown councillor Gerry Murray argued that the reclassification is rooted in a distortion in how Ireland's national wealth is measured at EU level. He pointed to the outsized role played by multinational corporations in inflating Ireland's GDP per capita figures a phenomenon that makes the country appear far more prosperous than citizens in the west actually experience. "It's all of the profits that are being earned abroad and being repatriated Apple, Yahoo and all these companies that skews the GDP per head, bringing it up. It's kind of artificial, and the Commission have raised that themselves." The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA)'s economist John Daly explained that it is impossible to determine the true size of the Mayo economy with precision. This is because some large multinationals located in Mayo generate revenues so significant that the CSO cannot release county-level figures for confidentiality reasons. Speaking to The Mayo News, Mr Daly said the reclassification appears to have been "predominantly driven by the three counties of the west particularly Galway." Galway accounts for almost 40% of economic output across the northern and western region and 58% of all employment in IDA client companies. Its GDP per capita now stands at 133% of the EU27 average. Incomes in Galway are 10% above the regional average, and the county's share of the regional population has grown from 27.5% in the 1990s to 31% in the latest census. The border counties tell a starkly different story. Donegal, Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim and Monaghan have a combined GDP per capita of just 68% or 70% during the Commission's evaluation period of the EU average. READ MORE: Major EU funding inbound for the regeneration of Mayo town Even within the western counties, disparities exist. By contrast to Galway's performance, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon together run at 129% of the EU27 average a figure that masks significant differences between counties and conceals the fact that much of the growth is concentrated in and around the Galway city metropolitan area, driven by employers such as Dexcom in Athenry and the Boston Scientific and Medtronic facilities in Galway city. With EU structural funding set to diminish for the region, the question being raised by officials and commentators alike is whether Ireland should now consider an internal equivalent a domestic structural fund that could ensure counties such as Mayo and the border counties continue to attract the investment they need. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices returns to Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim this February for two days of hands-on discovery, creativity and curiosity, welcoming primary school pupils from across the region to celebrate science, technology, engineering and maths in a fun, inclusive and inspiring way. Taking place on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 of February from 10am to 2pm, STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices will once again turn Ballinamore into a buzzing centre of exploration, as pupils from second to sixth class take part in interactive exhibits, live performances and present their own student-led STEM projects. Founded by Leitrim science teacher Louise Gallagher, STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices was created to help pupils see how science, technology, engineering and maths connect to the world around them, while building confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from an early age. What began as a local initiative has grown into a major regional celebration of STEM education. This year, pupils from over 50 primary schools across Leitrim, Cavan, Roscommon, Sligo, Longford, Mayo, Westmeath, Monaghan, Donegal and Fermanagh will attend, bringing hundreds of children together for a shared learning experience. Mayo schools participating this year include Killasser NS Swinford, St Attractas NS Ballaghaderreen and Newport NS. A central feature of the event is the Discovery Zone, a fun, fully hands-on exhibition space designed to spark curiosity and help pupils explore STEM in the world around them. Category sponsors Met Eireann and AbbVie are joined by a wide mix of exhibitors including engineers, environmental organisations, wildlife experts, universities and community groups, all encouraging children to explore, experiment and ask questions. Throughout the Discovery Zone, pupils can present the weather, explore virtual-reality environments using VR headsets, get up close with real-life reptiles, investigate robotics and engineering challenges, and learn about biodiversity, sustainability and innovation. Every activity is designed to be interactive, ensuring children learn by doing and discovering how STEM shapes everyday life. A major highlight of STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices is the student STEM project showcase, where pupils proudly present their own investigations and creations. Projects on display include: How can we help prevent an area from flooding and make the world better? What do drinks do to our teeth? Threats to Bees and Silage Secrets Nature's Fermentation Magic. These projects represent weeks of classroom inquiry and hands-on learning, giving pupils valuable opportunities to develop communication skills, confidence and pride in their achievements. With exciting prizes on offer each day, including a class trip, the showcase also celebrates creativity and innovation across all participating schools. Beyond the exhibitions and project showcase, STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices also features a magical live performance from RTEs Joe the Magician, while Mark the Science Guy will keep the energy high throughout the day as MC. A dedicated sensory area and additional supports are available to ensure every child can participate comfortably and fully enjoy the experience. Speaking about the event, Meabh Shine, Senior Director, Datacenter Power at Analog Devices said Inspiring the next generation to engage with STEM starts with meaningful, realworld experiences. Thats why Analog Devices is proud to support STEMtacular, bringing together industry expertise, educators and the local community to create hands-on opportunities for young people to explore, question and create. Through realworld learning and connections with industry, STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices helps pupils better understand the wide range of possibilities STEM can offer and the opportunities it can open up for their futures. STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices takes place on Wednesday 25 and Thursday February 26 in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, from 10am to 2pm. For more information, see https://www.stemtacular.ie/. READ MORE: Mayo developer surprised by latest planning application refusal A record 69,319,501 funding package for roads in Co Mayo has been confirmed for 2026, a major investment aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity and infrastructure across the county, local representatives have announced. The funding, welcomed by Alan Dillon, Minister of State and Fine Gael TD for Mayo, represents one of the largest allocations for transport infrastructure in the countys history. It is designed to support essential works on national, regional and local roads, from safety improvements and bridge repairs to strategic regional upgrades. This 69 million package is a major vote of confidence in Mayos infrastructure needs and reflects the Governments ongoing commitment to balanced regional development, Minister Dillon said in welcoming the announcement. Key areas of investment The total funding will be distributed across a range of priorities. A sum of 41,164,300 has been earmarked for regional and local roads through general grant funding. National roads in Mayo will receive 28,155,201, administered via Transport Infrastructure Ireland. In addition, 933,000 has been set aside for bridge rehabilitation works, while 1,075,500 will fund climate adaptation and road safety schemes. READ MORE: Food labelling abuse raised at Oireachtas Committee by Mayo TD The package includes targeted strategic road improvements, such as pavement works on the R312 from Keenagh to Bellacorick and upgrades on the R332 Kilmaine to Tuam route. Planned works also include critical bridge and roadway upgrades on Achill Sound and Srahwee Bridge. Key projects funded Strategic Regional Road Rehabilitation (SRRR) R312 Keenagh to Bellacorick Pavement Scheme 350,000 Continuation of multiphase pavement rehabilitation on this important 12km route. Bridge Rehabilitation Srahwee Bridge, Achill - 250,000 for bridge replacement Achill Sound Bridge - 150,000 for painting, opening mechanism and welds Strategic Regional & Local Road Grants (SRLR) 720,000 R332 Kilmaine to Tuam (Foxhall) Phase 2 600,000 Realignment and pavement improvements; tender expected Q1 2026. R332 Kilmaine to Tuam Phase 3 20,000 Surveys to progress design. Cong Outer Relief Road 100,000 Options selection and statutory process. Specific Improvement Grants 890,000 R312 Glenisland Road Phase 2 30,000 (for land acquisition, planning and design) R313 Glencastle Safety Scheme 650,000 R315 LahardaneCrossmolina 75,000 (planning and design of road upgrade) R314 Killala Regional Road Improvement 75,000 (design works) R375 Kilkelly Relief Road 30,000 (screening and land acquisition) Castlebar Town Traffic Study 30,000 (junction investigations) Impact for local communities The funding is expected to support jobs, improve road safety for commuters and rural communities, and enhance connections between towns and key services throughout Mayo. Projects are designed to boost long-term resilience and connectivity particularly important in more remote parts of the county. Minister Dillon said that this investment demonstrates a strong commitment from the Government to support rural infrastructure, noting that roads are a critical part of local economic and social life. Further details on the individual projects and progress timelines are expected to be released by Mayo County Council in the coming weeks. Last year, a total of 185 people lost their lives in fatal collisions on Irish public roads, according to the Road Safety Authority of Ireland. Research by the RSA also found that one in 10 Irish motorists drunk drove in the twelve months of 2023. One man is lucky to be alive after he got behind the wheel of his car intoxicated by alcohol in 2018. His story represents the shocking reality of the serious consequences drunk driving can cause as he is left without an arm and leg. James Murtagh, who is 30 years old, has had his life turned upside down after one bad decision left him disabled and in constant pain every day. James has shared his story with RTE to warn others to never ever drink and drive. "In 2018 I hopped into a car and drank drove....and this was the result," James told RTE in a video interview clip. "My arm came off in the accident so they found me lying on the ground outside my car...my arm was still in the car. "My message for people is do not even consider drink driving or don't let your friends convince you into doing it or anything like that because this is the extent of what will happen to you. READ NEXT: 'She was dead'- Man performs CPR outside Tesco in Dublin and brings woman back to life - Ireland Live James told RTE that he had a long hard road ahead of him at the start of his recovery journey. He thanks the "good people" around him and his children who gave him a reason to start doing better. "It was very tough for the first year...I didn't know what I was doing...where my life was going to go.....how was I going to provide for my family....I can't do the work that I used to do," he told RTE. "I'd highly advise people not to be so stupid or else this will happen to you. "My right leg had to be amputated, my left leg has extensive damage to it....I'm in constant pain every single day with my arm from trauma and nerve damage....I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy," James said in his interview with RTE. A former U.S. Army Special Forces operator who transitioned to the supply chain world is working to make U.S. on-shore manufacturing more viable than ever before. Justin Baucum is among those working to replenish strained defense, aerospace and energy supply chains in an age of rapid technological advancement. Software is rejiggering how factories operate and are producing parts. U.S. supply chains have faced cracks in recent years due to natural disasters, labor shortages, raw material shortages, and tariffs enforced by the Trump administration. The tariffs were implemented as a means of bringing back domestic manufacturing and bolstering the United States standing in ongoing trade battles with major adversaries like China. Overarchingly, as an industry, manufacturing to support defense and the critical industries is just continuing to decline, Baucum told Military.com. Over the last couple of decades, we've just eroded our capability and we've sent things offshore. A lot of folks that were good at making things are retiring, selling their businesses, moving on." There hasn't been a big push to make things in the real world. It's been very software focused, like, go get a job with a tech companynothing against tech companies, but if you don't have hardware, then the software doesn't really matter all that much. Isembard employees are pictured at the company's U.S. factory in Texas. (Isembard) U.S. Reps. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Neal Dunn (R-FL), members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, on Feb. 12 introduced the Rare Earth Magnet Market Revitalization Act intended to strengthen national supply chains, protect national security, and rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity for rare earth magnets. Major investments are still happening across the country. John Deere, for example, announced plans to open a distribution center in Indiana and an excavator factory in North Carolinawith each location expected to employ more than 150 workers. A Japanese plastic manufacturer, Sanko Texas Corp., plans to build a $40 million plant on a 43.7-acre site in San Antonio, Texas, that will serve as the companys U.S. headquarters and could start hiring 100 workers by 2028, per San Antonio Express News. Military and Real World Lessons Justin Baucum spent roughly six years in the U.S. Army, originally joining around 2013 to be an infantryman. After graduating basic training, he came across a Special Forces recruiter while in transit to his first duty station and received the opportunity to try out. It was a success, leading Baucum to his first Special Forces group in Fort Lewis, Washington, leading into a 3.5 year operational detachment that took him to Afghanistan and then Korea. By the summer of 2019, Baucum was living in Washington State and attempting to figure out the next phase of his life and career. While going through an MBA program in Seattle, he looked into big tech jobs at Amazon, Google and Microsoft. The former criminal justice major and Chik-Fil-A employee later received a job offer as an Amazon operations manager in one of their first fulfillment centers, calling it a natural fit based on his former role overseeing operations in both the fast food industry as well as in the Army. It exposed me prior to the military experience to, OK, this is something that I want to revisitnot necessarily in the context of a fast food chain, but I enjoy having my hands across the board, not necessarily like one specific focus, Baucum said. I think that's why doing the job that I did in the Army was a good fit because you get to do a bunch of different things in association with that role. So, it was kind of in the back of my mind when I got out, but I just didn't know what kind of format that would take. Going to Amazon felt like, OK, I need to relearn some things of how the regular world operates. What place [is] better to learn operations and supply chain type stuff than a place like Amazon? The Missing Piece Baucum has taken his learned lessons in service and business to Isembard, a company that builds precision components for aerospace, defense, aviation and energy through a network of modular, software-driven factories that deliver complex parts in days rather than months. He began last May and became instantly interested after meeting briefly with CEO Alexander Fitzgerald, sharing a vision for the company that extended beyond their only office location in London at that time. Baucum is pictured with Isembard CEO Alexander Fitzgerald, who he instantly felt a kinship with upon first meeting and building the operation. (Isembard) It was a team of four people, one machine, and just big ambitions, basically, Baucum said. I was coming from a company where I had kind of an advanced director-type role, 3,000-person company, been there four years and was kind of living a really comfortable day-to-day, work-life balance." But the piece that I was missing was that mission centricity that I had in the Army where there was no delineation between my life and the job. It was just, I am in the Army and everything gravitates around whatever it is, whether it's a training cycle, a deployment, whatever the case is. So, Id been itching to have that same sort of focus again on whatever my day job was. 'Not Going to Accept Defeat' Baucum was sold on the company immediately, being brought on to work as a general manager out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has more recently focused on U.S. expansion. There's a challenge with the rise of venture capital-backed defense businesses focused on anything from drones to AI-driven turret systems to hypersonic missiles, he said. We'll just isolate one kind of specific defense industry. The type of companies that are starting to emerge over the last couple of years are kind of challenging the legacy defense primes. U.S. and United Kingdom team members pose for a photo at one of Isembard's facilities. (Isembard) Baucum attributed that to the speed of new product development coupled with the number of new, innovative companies that create products for deterrence and other purposes. Isembard's focus for roughly the next 12 months is to increase the capacity shortage to support defense companies because they have no real supply chain developed yet," Baucum added, saying that theres a current hodgepodge mix of how parts are created, distributed and reasons for why they do not meet certain deadlines. Being a military veteran has also been beneficial, Baucum said. It has forged some relationships that perhaps could have taken longer to flourish, though traditional means of doing business also remain critical. Something that I heavily rely on is just the philosophy of we're not going to accept defeat, Baucum said. We'll constantly be trying to mitigate risk wherever we can and to make ourselves successful. But ultimately, until we've exhausted every solution, we're not just going to settle. I feel like in this industry, you're so reliant on suppliers and vendorsmaterial, tooling, the weather, working out, delivery schedules, things like that. I'm very understanding that you can't control all the variables, but you can definitely mitigate where possible. Other times, it takes some old-fashioned legwork. Sometimes, you just need to get on a plane and go get it, he added. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested personal information of online users who have been critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to the New York Times. The Times reported that names, email addresses, telephone numbers and other identifying data behind social media accounts that track or criticize ICE have been requested as part of hundreds of administrative subpoenas issued by the federal agency in recent months, based on information provided by four government officials and tech employees. Reports have been corroborated by said companies to Military.com. Some of the largest companies in the world that possess data for hundreds of millions of Americans have been contacted, including Google, Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram), Reddit and Discord. Military.com reached out for comment to all those companies, as well as DHS and the White House. The White House deferred remarks to DHS, which did not respond to an inquiry by press time. People take part in an anti-ICE protest outside the Governors Residence in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy) Some Americans ire towards the federal agency and its immigration enforcement has hit a boiling point in recent weeks following the killings of two Minneapolis, Minn., residents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by ICE agents. Local and national protests have led to some government officials, like border czar Tom Homan, pledging the recall of some 700 agents from the city to ease tensions and tactically shift. President Donald Trump has said that perhaps agents should have a softer touch when it comes to immigration enforcement. These administrative subpoenas are dangerous: The government can use them to compel the disclosure of your personal information even when there is no suspicion that you committed a crime," Greg Nojeim, senior counsel and director of the Security and Surveillance Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology, told Military.com. "ICE is apparently using them to silence people who speak out. "The tech companies should be more transparent about the number of these subpoenas they are receiving, and Congress should hold hearings on how ICE is using its administrative subpoena authority. Big Tech Involvement The New York Times reported on Feb. 14 that Google, Meta and Reddit complied with some subpoena requests, in which said companies were asked identifying details of accounts that do not have a real persons name attached and that have criticized ICE or pointed to the locations of ICE agents. The publication reportedly saw two subpoenas that were sent to Meta over the past six months. While these tech companies do not have to provide information, the Times reported that some of them notified people in the governments interest and provided them 10-14 days to fight the subpoena in court. When we receive a subpoena, our review process is designed to protect user privacy while meeting our legal obligations. We inform users when their accounts have been subpoenaed, unless under legal order not to or in an exceptional circumstance. We review every legal demand and push back against those that are overbroad. - A Google spokesperson to Military.com Googles U.S. presence is vast. Data as recent as January 2026 claims that Google holds roughly 83.4% to 88% of the search engine market share nationwide, equating to more than 16 billion daily searches. Discord has a large international community with some 656 million registered users and 259 million monthly active users. In the U.S., roughly 37% of active users are aged between 18-34. Personal Information and Legal Guidelines U.S. Reddit users are estimated to hover around 50-51 million, with active weekly worldwide users totaling more than 443 million. A Reddit spokesperson declined to comment, instead referring Military.com to a list of Guidelines for Law Enforcement on the platforms website that was last updated Feb. 6, 2026. Reddit does not force users to submit personal information including names or even email addresses, nor does it automatically verify the information provided by its users. Reddit Inc. signage is seen on the New York Stock Exchange trading floor, prior to Reddit IPO, Thursday, March. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Reddits guidelines page states the following: Reddit may disclose account information in response to requests from law enforcement or government agencies only in accordance with or when required by applicable law. We generally attempt to provide users with prior notice before disclosing their information unless we are legally prohibited from doing so. It continues: Reddit carefully reviews all legal process and disclosure requests to ensure facial validity and legal sufficiency under applicable laws. Reddit will only disclose Basic Subscriber Information to law enforcement in response to a subpoena, court order, or other valid legal process, or in response to a valid Emergency Disclosure Request. Basic Subscriber Information is defined as the username/subscriber identity, IP logs (including registration IP), email address (if any), phone number (if any), and payment information (if any). Training Mechanisms In Place to Handle Subpoenas Statista, a data gathering platform, said that as of October 2025 there were roughly 197 million Facebook users in the U.S. and about 3 billion users worldwide. A Meta spokesperson also referred Military.com to the company's guidelines, which in part states the company notifies users (including advertisers) about requests for their information before disclosing itunless prohibited by law, such as in cases of emergencies or missing children, etc. "We individually review all requests regardless of whether they are submitted related to emergencies or through legal process obtained by law enforcement or national security authorities to ensure that each request is consistent with applicable law and our policies (including Metas Data Policy)," the guidelines read. FILE - The Facebook logo is seen on a cell phone, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) Meta's trained Law Enforcement Response Team (LERT) reviews and evaluates every government request for user data individually. Those analysts are said to receive annual privacy and data protection training. "If we determine that a government request is not consistent with applicable law or our policies, we push back and engage the governmental agency to address any apparent deficiencies," Meta says. "If the request is unlawful (for example, overly broad, or legally deficient in any way), we will challenge or reject the request." We encourage governmental agencies to submit only requests that are necessary, proportionate, specific, and strictly compliant with applicable laws, by publishing guidelines for government requests. Civil Rights and the First Amendment A spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) referred Military.com to press releases about related incidents. One is a case from this month involving a Philadelphia-area man who challenged a Trump administration subpoena issued to Google seeking information about his identity and home address after he sent an email to DHS criticizing their treatment of a man seeking asylum from Afghanistan. FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2018, file photo shows signage outside the offices of Google in San Francisco with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background. (AP Photo/Michael Liedtke, File) The individual, according to the ACLU, had read the story in the Washington Post and wrote his email to DHS urging the agency to apply principles of common sense and decency in its treatment of the asylum seeker. About two weeks after the man was notified about the subpoena, two DHS agents and a local police officer showed up and interrogated him at his residence. "In a democracy, contacting your government about things you feel strongly about is a fundamental right," the man, identified only as Jon Doe, said on Feb. 3. I exercised that right to urge my government to take this man's life seriously. For that, I am being investigated, intimidated and targeted. Between Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, the man was able to quash the subpoena after challenging it in court on the basis of First Amendment violations. The DHS was forced to withdraw. This is a resounding win for our First Amendment rights," Stephen A. Loney, ACLU-PA senior supervising attorney, said after the subpoena was quashed. "Administrative subpoenas like this one are abusive tactics intended to chill speech and punish us for disagreeing with the government. "By standing up to their bullying tactics, were sending a message too: you can stand up for your rights, and you can win. This story was updated with comment from Greg Nojeim. GENEVA Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program. It was the first time Iran has announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the worlds oil passes, since the U.S. began threatening Iran and rushing military assets to the region. It was not immediately clear if the strait had been closed, but such a rare and perhaps unprecedented move could further escalate tensions that threaten to ignite another war in the Middle East. As the talks began, Irans state media announced that Iranian forces had fired live missiles toward the strait and would close it for several hours for safety and maritime concerns. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meanwhile warned that the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet." Iranian diplomat sees new window in talks Iran's foreign minister later adopted a different tone, expressing optimism about the talks and saying a new window has opened" for reaching an agreement. We are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interests of relevant parties and the broader region, Abbas Araghchi told a U.N. disarmament conference after leading the Iranian delegation at the talks held in Geneva. He added that Iran "remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression, and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders. He made no specific mention of the military drills or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump, who scrapped an earlier nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term, has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump has also threatened Iran over the killing of protesters. Mediator cites good progress Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, led the U.S. delegation at the latest indirect talks, held inside the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva. Oman, a longtime regional mediator, had hosted an earlier round on Feb. 6. Omans Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said there had been good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues. Araghchi, who led the Iranian side, also said he met with Director-General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday in Geneva. The Iranian minister said they discussed the agency's role in helping to achieve an agreement. Trump said Monday he planned to be involved in the talks, at least indirectly. I think they want to make a deal. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal," he told reporters. The U.S. is also hosting talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbor. A live fire drill Iran said its Revolutionary Guard started a drill early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which are crucial international shipping routes. It was the second time in recent weeks that Iran has held a live fire drill in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran often carries out military drills in the strait that can impede maritime traffic, but the announced closure went a step further. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran last closed the strait during the war with Iraq in the 1980s, when it mined the waterway. He said the latest announcement was a clear message to the international community that any strike on Iran would have global impact. Khamenei meanwhile stepped up his warnings to the U.S. over its buildup of military forces in the region. Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship, Khamenei said, according to Iranian state TV. He also warned the U.S. that forcing the result of talks in advance is a wrong and foolish job." US increases military presence Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, was being sent to the Mideast. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for over two weeks. U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war. The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Irans nuclear program and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment on its soil or hand over its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium. The U.S. and Iran were in the middle of months of meetings when Israels launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June halted the talks. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, likely destroying many of the centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Israels attacks decimated Irans air defenses and targeted its ballistic missile arsenal as well. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Iran marks 40 days since protest crackdown Iran is marking 40 days, the traditional Muslim mourning period, since one of the deadliest days in the crackdown on protests that swept the country last month. Activists say at least 7,015 people have been killed, many in a bloody crackdown overnight between Jan. 8 and 9. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which offered the latest figures, has been accurate in counting deaths during previous rounds of unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists in the country to verify deaths. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, given authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran. ___ This story has been corrected to fix a misspelling of Khamenei. ___ Liechtenstein reported from Vienna. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report. GENEVA Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv met in Geneva on Tuesday for another round of U.S.-brokered peace talks, a week before the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbor. However, expectations for any breakthroughs in the scheduled two days of talks in Switzerland were low, with neither side apparently ready to budge from its positions on key territorial issues and future security guarantees, despite the United States setting a June deadline for a settlement. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, posted photos on social media of the three delegations at a horseshoe-shaped table, with the Ukrainian and Russian officials sitting across from each other. U.S. President Donald Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner sat at the head of the table in front of U.S., Russian, Ukrainian and Swiss flags. The agenda includes security and humanitarian issues, Umerov said, adding that Ukrainians will work without excessive expectations. Tough talks expected Discussions on the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory are expected to be particularly tough, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to talk to reporters. Russa is still insisting that Ukraine cede control of its eastern Donbas region. Also in Geneva will be American, Russian and Ukrainian military chiefs, who will discuss how ceasefire monitoring might work after any peace deal, and what's needed to implement it, the person said. During previous talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, military leaders looked at how a demilitarized zone could be arranged and how everyone's militaries could talk to one another, the person added. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against expecting developments on the first day of talks as they were set to continue on Wednesday. Moscow has provided few details of previous talks. Trump describes the talks as big Ukraines short-handed army is locked in a war of attrition with Russias bigger forces along the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line. Ukrainian civilians are enduring Russian aerial barrages that repeatedly knock out power and destroy homes. The future of the almost 20% of Ukrainian land that Russia occupies or still covets is a central question in the talks, as are Kyivs demands for postwar security guarantees with a U.S. backstop to deter Moscow from invading again. Trump described the Geneva meeting as big talks. Ukraine better come to the table fast, he told reporters late Monday as he flew back to Washington from his home in Florida. It wasnt immediately clear what Trump was referring to in his comment about Ukraine, which has committed to and taken part in negotiations in the hope of ending Russias devastating onslaught. Complex talks as the war presses on The Russian delegation is headed by Russian President Vladimir Putins adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who headed Moscows team of negotiators in the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022 and has forcefully pushed Putins war goals. Medinsky has written several history books that claim to expose Western plots against Russia and berate Ukraine. The commander of the U.S. military and NATO forces in Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, and Secretary of the U.S. Army Dan Driscoll will attend the meeting in Geneva on behalf of the U.S. military and meet with their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, said Col. Martin ODonnell, a spokesman for the U.S. commander. Overnight, Russia used almost 400 long-range drones and 29 missiles of various types to strike 12 regions of Ukraine, injuring nine people, including children, according to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy said tens of thousands of residents were left without heating and running water in the southern port city of Odesa. He said Moscow should be held accountable for the relentless attacks, which he said undermine the U.S. push for peace. The more this evil comes from Russia, the harder it will be for everyone to reach any agreements with them. Partners must understand this. First and foremost, this concerns the United States, the Ukrainian leader said on social media late Monday. We agreed to all realistic proposals from the United States, starting with the proposal for an unconditional and long-term ceasefire, Zelenskyy noted. The talks in Geneva took place as U.S. officials also held indirect talks with Iran in the Swiss city. Meanwhile, Ukraines Security Service, or SBU, used long-range drones to strike an oil terminal in southern Russia and a major chemical plant deep inside the country, a Ukrainian security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly told the AP. Drones targeted the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, one of the biggest ports of its type on the Black Sea, in Russias Krasnodar region for the second time this month, starting a fire, the official said. Drones also hit the Metafrax Chemicals plan, which manufactures chemical components used in explosives and other military materials, in Russias Perm region, more than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from the Ukrainian border, according to the official. ___ Burrows reported from London. Associated Press writer Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report. A humble World War II veteran who died more than 40 years ago is about to be awarded the nation's highest honor. Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds of Knoxville, Tennessee, whose defiance of German captors in a prisoner of war camp saved the lives of almost 200 Jewish American troops during the war, is posthumously receiving the Medal of Honor. "We're thrilled, we're absolutely thrilled. We've been on this journey for 13 years; it's been a long journey but a grateful journey," Chris Edmonds, interim pastor of Oakwood Baptist Church in Knoxville and the son of Sgt. Edmonds, told Military.com. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor from the nation's military. That is what dad will receive. A Legendary Story Born in 1919 in Knoxville, Tenn., Master Sgt. Roderick Roddie Edmonds was captured by Nazi forces in December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. He was imprisoned in a war camp that was used by the Nazis to identify and segregate Jewish soldiers. While being detained, Edmonds was ordered to identify which American soldiers under his command were Jewish. Edmonds defied the Nazis by ordering all his men to stand outside their prison barracks so that none could be singled out. As the story goes, a German officer pulled a gun on Edmonds and angrily shouted, They cannot all be Jews! to which Edmonds replied, We are all Jews here. Edmonds still refused to identify which of the soldiers were Jewish, instead saying, According to the Geneva Convention, we only have to give our name, rank, and serial number. If you shoot me, you will have to shoot all of us and, after the war, you will be tried for war crimes. That act of bravery is being honored by President Donald Trump, along with a separate effort in the works by congressional lawmakers. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has introduced legislation to posthumously honor Edmonds with the Congressional Gold Medal. U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) has filed a House version of the same bill. Both pieces of legislation are currently stalled on Capitol Hill. Blackburn remains hopeful. Roddie Edmonds bravery saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish-American soldiers during World War II, and his valor deserves official commendation. We recognize the tremendous courage of my fellow Tennessean who risked his life to protect his fellow countrymen from Nazi atrocities. - Sen. Blackburn to Military.com. Edmonds 'Took It To His Grave' Edmonds died in 1985 at age 65 without telling his family or anyone else of his brave actions. "All we knew was that he fought in World War II, in the Battle of the Bulge, and came home," Chris Edmonds said. "He wouldn't talk about it. "It was God's providence that we found out. He died in 1985 and took it to his grave. First time I heard of this was in 2013." In 2020, President Trump said he was strongly considering honoring Edmonds with the Medal of Honor. Locally, a historical marker recognizing Edmonds was placed in 2021 in Downtown Knoxville. Last week, the pastor said he received a call from Trump himself announcing the honor. "He just shared with me the good news about dad," Edmonds said. "He said he was calling while surrounded by the top military leaders in the country and they were all excited about it. It was a great call, and I'm so grateful." There was another honor bestowed upon Sgt. Edmonds after his death. He was recognized by the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem as Righteous Among the Nationsone of only five Americans to receive such an honor. "He probably wouldn't want to be recognized; he would say it was the right thing to do," said the younger Edmonds. "We've been hoping and praying these honors would happen for a long time." A Justice Department prosecutor is facing a bar complaint related to the search of a Washington Post reporters home. The Freedom of the Press Foundation filed a complaint between Feb. 6-9 with the Virginia State Bar against Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg of the Eastern District of Virginia, alleging he failed to disclose key provisions of the Privacy Protection Act when seeking a warrant to search reporter Hannah Natansons Virginia residence. FBI agents executed that search Jan. 14 as part of a leak investigation involving Pentagon contractor Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, who was charged in late January in connection with alleged mishandling of classified national defense information, according to the Associated Press. Agents seized electronic devices from Natanson, who has not been charged. News of the complaint surfaced Feb. 9, placing the warrant under intensified legal scrutiny. The Privacy Protection Act prohibits the government from searching and seizing newsgathering materials, save in very limited circumstances. The warrant application does not appear to mention those limited circumstances, and its difficult to see how this search complied with the law. - Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, to Military.com Attorney General Pam Bondi said the search was conducted at the Defense Departments request as part of the broader leak investigation, per the AP. Military.com reached out for comment to the FBI and Justice Department. Privacy Protection Act Put to the Test Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation carried out the Jan. 14 search after securing approval from a federal judge. The newly unsealed affidavit alleges investigators believed Natanson misled agents during the inquiry and sought a search warrant after concluding other investigative methods were insufficient. The affidavit also states investigators believed Perez-Lugones transmitted information electronically. FBI director Kash Patel arrives at The Mar-a-Lago Club, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla., to attend the wedding of White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Erin Elmore, the director of Art in Embassies at the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Investigators took Natansons phone, two laptops and a Garmin watch during the search. The seizure set off an immediate legal fight over how far investigators can go when the target is a journalist and the records involved may include newsgathering materials. Congress enacted the Privacy Protection Act in 1980 to restrict government searches targeting journalists work and documentary materials. The statute limits the use of search warrants involving members of the news media except in narrow circumstances. Rottman said the seizure disrupted the reporters ability to work and could deter sources from coming forward. Thats precisely why raids on newsrooms or the homes of reporters raise serious First Amendment concerns, Rottman told Military.com. He added that if a court determines the warrant violated federal statute or constitutional protections, judges could order the return of the seized materials and prohibit prosecutors from using anything obtained through the search. A federal judge has barred investigators from reviewing the seized data while litigation continues. The Washington Post has asked the court to order the return of the devices. The restriction on data review remains in effect. Legal Fight Stalls as Questions Linger The Virginia State Bar has not indicated whether it will pursue a formal investigation into Kromberg or dismiss the complaint. Perez-Lugones faces allegations he printed classified documents at work and later passed information to a reporterconduct that prosecutors say crossed into unlawful handling of national defense information. Natanson has not been charged and federal prosecutors have not publicly outlined additional steps in the leak case beyond what has appeared in court filings. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the nation's top law enforcement officer, faces questions in the House Judiciary Committee over the Justice Department's handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that have exposed sensitive private information about victims despite redaction efforts, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The court has not yet ruled on whether the warrant complied with the Privacy Protection Act or whether the seized devices must be returned. No congressional hearings specifically tied to the search have been scheduled. Courts and state bar authorities will determine the next steps. A Test of Federal Press Protections The dispute places a decades-old federal press protection statute against the governments authority to pursue leaks involving classified national defense information. Leak cases have repeatedly pushed the Pentagon to reassess who gets access to sensitive material and how tightly it is controlled, including calls to reduce the number of people with access after major document disclosures. That pressure now collides with protections meant to prevent investigators from using search warrants to scoop up journalists work product. Judges must weigh the governments interest in protecting classified information against constitutional safeguards for free speech and a free press. A ruling that the warrant violated federal law could narrow how prosecutors pursue reporters in future leak cases. A contrary decision could broaden the circumstances under which investigators seek direct searches instead of subpoenas. The outcome may shape how federal law enforcement handles journalists in national security investigations for years to come. Senate Republicans are escalating their clash with former special counsel Jack Smith, accusing his team of crossing a constitutional line when prosecutors quietly obtained phone toll records tied to members of Congress. The dispute has pulled some of the nations largest telecom companies into the fight. The hearings began Feb. 10 in Washington as part of what Republicans are calling "Arctic Frost Accountability," an oversight effort examining Smiths handling of the Jan. 6, 2021, investigation into that day's events and President Donald Trump's culpability following the 2024 presidential election. At issue now is Smiths use of subpoenas and court-ordered nondisclosure orders to obtain toll records tied to current and former Republican lawmakers. Republicans argue the secrecy may have infringed protections under the Constitutions Speech or Debate Clause, which shields legislative acts from executive branch interference. Democratic lawmakers on the panel countered during the hearing that toll records contain no call content and were lawfully obtained as part of a criminal investigation. Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith testifies before the House Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) formally launched the series of hearings to examine Smiths investigative tactics and telecom compliance. My work will continue. Transparency brings accountability, Grassley said in his Feb. 10 opening remarks. Grassleys office said its oversight team identified 84 subpoenas sent to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Ten of those subpoenas sought toll records associated with 20 current or former Republican members of Congress. The companies have not independently confirmed that tally. Military.com reached out for comment to all three companies, as well as the Department of Justice. Smith Pushes Back on Spy Claims Prosecutors sought toll recordsnumbers dialed, dates and call durationrather than the substance of conversations, according to sworn congressional testimony obtained by Military.com. Judges approved nondisclosure orders alongside those subpoenas, according to Smiths testimony, preventing telecom companies from alerting customers while the investigation was active. My office didnt spy on anyone. We did secure nondisclosure orders for those subpoenas. - Jack Smith Nondisclosure orders bar companies from notifying customers that their records have been requested. Prosecutors often argue that advance notice can lead to destruction of evidence and coordination among subjects, or witness intimidation. I had grave concerns about obstruction of justice in this investigation, Smith said, citing threats directed at election workers and public officials during the Jan. 6 probe. Smith acknowledged that in certain applications his team did not explicitly inform a judge that some subpoena targets were congressional leaders. He testified that the filings complied with Justice Department policy and federal law. Grassley said internal Justice Department correspondence referenced potential litigation risk when subpoenaing congressional related information. Chris Miller, senior vice president and general counsel for Verizon, from left, Mike Romano, former prosecutor with the Department of Justice, Mark Nelson, executive vice president and general counsel for T-Mobile, Dan Schwager of Verdi & Ogletree PLLC, and David R. McAtee, senior executive vice president and general counsel for AT&T, testify during a Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing to examine Arctic Frost accountability, focusing on oversight of telecommunications carriers on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) Democrats on the panel responded that toll records do not capture legislative deliberations or call content, adding that courts authorized the nondisclosure requests. Smiths mandate as special counsel grew out of the Justice Departments decision to appoint an outside prosecutor to oversee politically sensitive Trump-related matters, including election-related activity and the handling of classified records. That appointment came as multiple federal classified records inquiries moved forward at once, with investigators separating cases where aides proactively disclosed and returned documents from cases involving resistance to demands and subpoenas, according to the Justice Departments own descriptions in court filings and related reporting. Telecoms Under Fire in Subpoena Fight Telecom companies found themselves under congressional scrutiny as lawmakers pressed Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile on how they handled the subpoenas and whether congressional offices were notified. Grassleys office said Verizon failed to provide notice tied to Senate-managed lines covered under a 2022 contract with the Senate Sergeant at Arms. That contract required notification when Senate devices were subject to legal process. Committee staff said a May 2023 subpoena included two Senate lines associated with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and that no notification was provided at the time. Verizon told committee investigators it lacked internal systems to automatically flag congressional numbers until early 2025, according to Grassleys office. AT&T initially stated it had not provided records tied to members of Congress but later amended its response after determining it had complied with a subpoena related to former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. T-Mobile identified a subpoena connected to a personal device belonging to Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Grassleys office noted. Company representatives testified that they complied with court-ordered legal process and are required under federal law to honor valid subpoenas. The subpoenas fight is unfolding against the broader backdrop of Jan. 6 investigations and political fallout, including longstanding concerns about extremism tied to the Capitol attack and cases involving service members and veterans accused of participating. Graham Moves to Change Law The oversight fight is already spilling into legislation. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is advancing a bill that would allow individuals to bring civil suits tied to actions taken by special counsels, including the use of subpoenas and nondisclosure orders. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., points to a copy of his Verizon phone bill during a Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing to examine Arctic Frost accountability, focusing on oversight of telecommunications carriers on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) The longtime senator has argued the proposal would provide a legal remedy for individuals who believe investigative steps infringed constitutional protections. A federal judge dismissed Smiths election interference case against Trump without prejudice when Trump returned to office for his second term in 2025, consistent with longstanding Justice Department guidance that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted while in office. Smith has said his team believed it had sufficient evidence to proceed to trial before that dismissal. Grassley signaled additional hearings are planned in the coming weeks. Authorities in a small town in Kansas are baffled after a recent theft of about 60 veteran memorial flag holders from a cemetery. Thieves made off with the flag holders, valued at almost $80 a piece, earlier this winter at the Hesston City Cemetery in Hesston, Kansas, about 36 miles northwest of Wichita. Donna Detwiler, a local resident, noticed something was odd when she visited the grave of her late father, World War II veteran Irvin Sparks, last November. His memorial marker, signifying that he served his country in the military, had vanished. I stood there and thought, Theres something wrong; theres something missing, Detwiler told KSN.com in Wichita Were proud of him, and we liked that on there. And we wanted to see it. Detwiler is the last of five sisters who grew up in rural Harvey County, Kansas to still live in the area. She visits her fathers grave every few months to leave flowers and clean the headstone. He was a very hardworking man, and everybody loved him, Detwiler said. Of course, I loved him too. I come out here because I love him. Hesston is a small town of about 3,500 residents in central Kansas. (City of Hesston) A Disrespectful Act An Army Air Forces veteran, Sparkss grave had a World War II veteran flag holder. Detwiler found it bizarre that the flag holder was missing and that anyone would steal such a personal item, not just from her fathers grave, but from many others in the cemetery. He served his country and as you can tell, I get choked up talking about him, Detwiler said. Detwiler reported the theft to the Hesston Police Department, which continues to investigate the thefts. Police are requesting assistance from the public to solve the crime, asking residents to notify the department if theyve seen or heard anything suspicious. The Hesston Veterans Memorial Committee also became involved in solving this mystery following an inspection of the cemetery, finding that more flag holders had been stolen. Its just very disrespectful, said Janine Hoheisel from the memorial committee. Theyre here resting; their job is done and thats just not the way respect is shown. Could Be Sold for Scrap Chris Eilert, Hesston police chief, thinks whoever stole the flag holders probably sold them as scrap metal. Specific scrap metals that are clean and well-preserved such as copper, stainless steel, aluminum and brass are currently in high demand, selling for as much as $4 per pound. Eilert said anyone who may have seen someone with one of the stolen flag holders should contact the Hesston Police Department at 620-327-2020. Priced at about $76 per flag holder, the Veterans Memorial Committee estimated that the total cost for all 60 stolen items is nearly $4,560. The organization told KSN.com that it has inspected scrap and salvage yards in the Hesston area, but has not found any flag holders. The Hesston Police Department is investigating the memorial thefts but currently do not have suspects. (Hesston Police Department) Community Comes Together While the community feels anger and sadness over the stolen memorials, the incident has also brought out the good in people. Hesston Parks Foreman Josh Hastings said many residents have expressed interest in helping to resolve the situation in any way they can. There was somebody who stopped by the police station that donated some money to replace them as well, Hastings said. People are stepping up and doing the right thing. We would love it if whoever took them would return them. But well see what happens there. If the holders are not returned, Hoheisel said the Hesston Veterans Memorial Committee is committed to replacing them. They did earn that, she said. You bet they did. Detwiler looks forward to seeing the flag holder restored, honoring her fathers service. Im looking forward to seeing that medallion brought back, Detwiler said. At least a new one on there. Local organizations have stepped up to help cover the nearly $5,000 cost of replacing the memorials with a goal of each gravesite having a new flag holder before Memorial Day. High-functioning anxiety often flies under the radar in busy, successful lives, where people juggle high demands while inner worry simmers unchecked. Anxiety symptoms like relentless overthinking and physical tension build quietly, making mental health coping a game-changer for lasting calm. Picture those who seem to have it all togethertop performers at work, flawless hosts at gatheringsyet they're masking a constant undercurrent of stress that drains them from the inside out, one quiet moment at a time. Spotting High-Functioning Anxiety and Its Anxiety Symptoms High-functioning anxiety hits those who look put-together on the outsidecrushing work goals, social plans, and to-dos without a hitch. Inside, though, anxiety symptoms create a nonstop loop of doubt, like second-guessing every decision or prepping for disasters that never happen. Perfectionism drives it hard: anything short of flawless sparks self-criticism, while people-pleasing keeps others happy at personal cost. Think of the friend who volunteers for extra projects, apologizes for breathing too loud, or replays conversations hunting for hidden slightsthey're running on fumes nobody sees. Emotionally, common anxiety symptoms show up as irritability over small changes, like a delayed email throwing off the whole day, or a deep fear of letting anyone down that feels like a gut punch. Physically, it's a racing heart in quiet moments, jaw clenching from built-up stress, or tossing all night with tomorrow's worries replaying like a bad movie on loop. Behaviorally, people fill every second with tasks to dodge stillness, where anxiety symptoms roar loudestscrolling emails at midnight or reorganizing closets at dawn just to quiet the mental noise. These signs often get brushed off as "just stress" or "type A personality," but they point to a deeper high-functioning anxiety pattern wearing down resilience over time, bit by bit. Imagine arriving home after a "perfect" day, collapsing on the couch, only to feel that nagging guilt for not doing more. That's the trap: high-functioning anxiety rewards output while punishing rest. Friends might envy the productivity, clueless about the emotional tightrope. Over weeks, these anxiety symptoms steal joy from wins, turning accomplishments into checkboxes. Catching it early changes everything, turning awareness into a lifeline before exhaustion takes over. Subtle cues like avoiding mirrors from self-doubt or snapping at loved ones over nothing add up, painting a picture of internal chaos behind the polished front. Why High-Functioning Anxiety Drains Top Performers (And Mental Health Coping Basics) Even high achievers feel the weight of high-functioning anxiety through sneaky tolls on energy and joy. Anxiety symptoms like muscle tension or digestive knotslike sudden nausea before meetingspop up randomly, fueled by constant hypervigilance that keeps the body in fight-or-flight mode way longer than it should. Sleep suffers most: minds race with "what ifs" despite bone-deep exhaustion, leaving mornings foggy even after multiple coffees or energy drinks that barely touch the haze. Headaches blend screen time with neck knots, restless legs turn dinners into fidget fests, and vague fatigue lingers no matter the vacation length. Relationships strain too, as emotional bandwidth shrinks from overthinking every interactiondid that text sound off? Did I talk too much?turning casual chats into minefields. Productivity masks it at first, with to-do lists conquered and promotions earned, but burnout creeps in stealthily: wins feel hollow, motivation dips like a slow leak from a tire, and small setbackslike a minor critiquehit like personal earthquakes. Creativity takes a hit nextideas flow less freely when the brain's busy scanning for threats around every corner. Socially, isolation grows; invitations get declined not from lack of care, but fear of not performing perfectly in the moment. High-functioning anxiety whispers that vulnerability equals weakness, so the cycle spins faster and harder. Mental health coping basics offer quick lifelines here. Start with box breathing: inhale four counts, hold four, exhale fourfive minutes pulls you from spirals during tense calls or commutes. Journaling unpacks it: fears on one side, real evidence on the other, easing perfectionism without force. A daily walk clears fog, boundaries like post-7 PM phone silence reclaim nights, and balanced snacks steady moods. These small moves quiet anxiety symptoms fast, buying time for deeper work. Long-Term Mental Health Coping to Beat High-Functioning Anxiety and Anxiety Symptoms Sustained mental health coping turns high-functioning anxiety into a manageable blip, not a life sentence. Track anxiety symptoms weekly in a notes appspot triggers like crowded meetings or deadlines, then tweak: dim lights for earlier sleep, hobby slots for painting or reading to spark lost joy. Therapy like monthly CBT digs rootsold pressures or failuresbuilding tools via apps or pros, stigma-free online. Wind down with tea and stories, no screens, training your nerves to relax. Delegate weeklysay no once, hand off taskscelebrating imperfection as power, freeing headspace. Nutrition upgrades omega-rich salmon or nuts for brain steadiness, curbing emotional dips. Communities online share stories, slicing isolationsuddenly, you're not alone in the hustle mask. Quarterly check-ins ask: less jaw grind? Weekends recharge? Self-compassion grows: "Rough day, but I'm trying," like to a friend. Layer movement like yoga for tension, scheduled worry dumps to contain chaos. Over months, responses rewireenergy hits passions, relationships deepen with presence. High-functioning shifts from grind to sustainable fire you steer. Friends see it: lighter vibes, yeses to plans, real chats over distant nods. Life flows from stage performance to easy livingsuccess fuels, doesn't deplete. Everyday Wins Over High-Functioning Anxiety High-functioning anxiety fades when mental health coping weaves into routines like coffee breaths. Catch anxiety symptomsa flutter, thought loophit with a pause or dump. Calm grows, strengths spark joy over output. Glow spreads: present hangs, fun yeses. Rewrite the script dailysuccess energizes, empties nothing. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is high-functioning anxiety? High-functioning anxiety describes people who manage daily life and success outwardly while battling constant inner worry, perfectionism, and stress. Unlike severe anxiety, it doesn't halt productivity but erodes joy and energy over time through subtle anxiety symptoms like overthinking and tension. 2. What are common anxiety symptoms of high-functioning anxiety? Key anxiety symptoms include emotional overthinking, irritability from minor changes, people-pleasing, racing heart in calm moments, jaw clenching, sleep troubles, and filling downtime with tasks to avoid quiet mental noise. Physical signs like fatigue and digestive issues often hide as "normal stress." 3. How does high-functioning anxiety differ from regular stress? Regular stress fades after triggers pass, but high-functioning anxiety persists chronically, fueling hypervigilance and perfectionism even during wins. It drains top performers long-term, leading to burnout and hollow achievements, unlike temporary stress that motivates briefly. 4. What mental health coping strategies work for high-functioning anxiety? Effective mental health coping includes box breathing (inhale-hold-exhale for four counts), journaling fears versus facts, daily walks or yoga, post-work boundaries, balanced nutrition for mood stability, and CBT apps to reframe perfectionist thoughts. Start smallone habit weeklyfor quick relief from anxiety symptoms. 5. When should you seek help for high-functioning anxiety? Seek professional help if anxiety symptoms like chronic exhaustion, strained relationships, or escalating physical tension persist despite mental health coping. Therapy like CBT or medication can unpack roots, especially when burnout hits productivity or isolation grows. 6. Can high-functioning anxiety go away with mental health coping alone? Many manage it long-term through consistent mental health coping like tracking triggers, therapy check-ins, and self-compassion rituals, rewiring responses over months. Severe cases benefit from pros, but daily tools often turn it into a minor blip for lasting calm. Two American pilots, Fabio Espinal Nunez of New Jersey and Brad Schlenker of Illinois, have been detained in Guinea since late December 2025 following what their families describe as a routine refueling stop during an international business aviation flight. The pilots were flying a Brazilian family on a private Gulfstream IV from Suriname to Dubai. Initially, while in the air, they were asked if they had a landing permit specific to Guinea. They were unaware of a special permit, but requested and allegedly received clearance to land at least three times before landing at Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport in Conakry for a fuel stop, with the intention of continuing their flight. Family members and U.S. media outlets report that the pilots had filed flight plans and received air traffic control clearance to land for fuel. Upon arrival, however, Guinean security forces reportedly surrounded the aircraft with approximately 100 heavily armed personnel who were screaming at the pilots in French and detained both men on the tarmac. Dogs searched the plane several times. The Allegations and the Clearance Dispute Guinean authorities later charged the pilots with offenses related to unauthorized landing or entry into national airspace, despite the pilots insistence that they had permission to land through normal aviation channels. Public reporting has not included any official Guinean charging documents or judicial filings explaining why the asserted clearance was deemed invalid. International aviation law recognizes that each state exercises complete sovereignty over the airspace above its territory, a principle codified in Article 1 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, commonly known as the Chicago Convention. While international flight operations rely on standardized procedures and coordination, sovereignty allows states to criminalize unauthorized entry or landing under domestic law. What remains unresolved is whether Guinean civil aviation authorities initially granted clearance and whether another government entity later rejected or overrode that authorization. Aviation industry reporting has described the case as hinging on conflicting interpretations of clearance validity rather than allegations of espionage or other national security offenses. Detention Conditions and Legal Proceedings Family members have described difficult detention conditions, including limited access to food, medical care, and legal resources. Family members have said they receive phone calls daily and that they are being treated better than other prisoners due to being American. Relatives have relied on outside assistance to provide basic necessities to the pilots while they remain incarcerated. According to aviation industry reporting, the pilots legal team has pursued relief through Guinean courts, including escalation to Guineas Supreme Court. As of early 2026, no public ruling has resulted in their release, and the charges remain pending. According to the fiance of one of the pilots, an appellate court approved their release with bail, but the military interfered with the ruling. A Guinean naval officer looks on as guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) prepares to moor in Conakry. The ship is visiting the western African nation to support theater security cooperation and maritime operations in the region. Photo by Corey Barker. Source: DVIDS. Limits of U.S. Government Intervention When U.S. citizens are detained abroad, the U.S. government cannot dismiss foreign charges or compel a foreign court to act. Its authority is largely limited to diplomatic engagement and consular assistance. Under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, detained foreign nationals must be informed of their right to communicate with their consulate and receive visits from consular officers The U.S. Department of State explains that consular officers can monitor detention conditions, provide lists of local attorneys, and facilitate communication with family members, but cannot interfere with local judicial proceedings or serve as defense counsel. Families of the detained pilots have expressed frustration with the pace of progress while acknowledging those legal limitations. Guineas Broader Legal and Political Context The case has drawn attention in part because of Guineas political environment following a 2021 military coup. Human rights organizations have documented arbitrary detentions, restrictions on media and political opposition, and delays in the countrys transition back to civilian rule. Human Rights Watch has warned that Guineas security forces and judicial institutions operate with limited transparency and weak civilian oversight, factors that complicate due process for both citizens and foreign nationals. The U.S. Department of States travel guidance for Guinea similarly warns of civil unrest and unpredictable enforcement actions. Why the Case Matters Beyond the fate of two individuals, the case has raised concerns within the aviation community about how landing clearances are documented, transmitted, and later interpreted across jurisdictions. Business aviation flights often rely on layered approvals involving flight planners, air traffic control, overflight permits, and ground handlers. When those approvals are disputed after landing, pilots may have little recourse once criminal proceedings begin. The central factual question remains unresolved: if Guinean authorities granted clearance to land for fuel, why was that clearance later treated as invalid? Until Guinean courts publicly address that issue, the case will remain a cautionary example of how seemingly routine international flight operations can intersect with sovereign enforcement power, with life-altering consequences. A retired Army colonel who worked as a civilian employee at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, Florida, Kevin Charles Luke, received a 24-month federal prison sentence after admitting he sent classified national defense information to a woman he met online. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the sentence on February 11, 2026. What Happened In Tampa The governments account is straightforward and damning. In October 2024, Luke texted the woman from his personal cellphone, telling her he was giving her a peek at what he did for work, then sent a photograph of a classified email displayed on a computer screen. The email described a then-future U.S. military operation and included operational specifics. Luke pled guilty on October 7, 2025, and the government emphasized that he had long understood the rules around safeguarding classified information, including signing a Standard Form 312 nondisclosure agreement multiple times. What The Photo Allegedly Revealed The sentencing release describes the image revealed targets of a planned U.S. military operation, the future date of the operation, the means of executing the operation, and the goal of the operation. The email carried Secret-level markings Luke himself had added, and the government stated that releasing the information could be expected to cause serious damage to U.S. national security. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations publicly confirmed the same basic facts, including that the photo disclosed timing, targets, method, and objective for a planned operation, and that the investigation was conducted jointly with the FBI. Why A Texted Photo Can Trigger Espionage-Act Liability The press releases repeatedly use the phrase unauthorized communication of information relating to the national defense. That phrasing tracks the core language of 18 U.S.C. 793, a section of the Espionage Act that, among other things, criminalizes certain unauthorized transmissions of information relating to the national defense to people not entitled to receive it. This case also shows why the method matters less than the act. The government did not describe a sophisticated exfiltration scheme. It described a personal phone photographing a screen and sending the image by text. The legal theory does not require a flash drive or a covert drop if the defendant knowingly transmits protected national defense information to an unauthorized recipient. The facts also highlight a recurring operational security point: classification controls presume not only secure networks, but disciplined humans. A single photo can bypass the entire ecosystem of classified email, controlled terminals, and audit logs. That is why the government framed the disclosure as an abuse of trust rather than a one-off mistake with no consequences. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Executive Officer Capt. Todd Nichols presents the Process Improvement Department (Code 100PI) Operations Security (OPSEC) Coordinator Debbie Watkins with the OPSEC Purple Dragon Trophy to display in the code for their efforts in protecting information. Photo by Shelby West. Source: DVIDS. The Sentence And The Governments Framing The court imposed 24 months in federal prison. The DOJ release identifies the sentencing judge as U.S. District Judge James Moody, Jr., and it states Lukes plea agreement included an admission that he abused a position of public trust. The investigation and prosecution posture signals how seriously the government treated a disclosure that, on its face, involved no foreign handler and no money. The DOJ release credits AFOSI and the FBI for the investigation and lists both an Assistant U.S. Attorney and a National Security Division trial attorney as prosecutors, an arrangement often reserved for cases with broader counterintelligence implications. Why This Story Matters The sensational framing writes itself: a seasoned officer and cleared civilian risks his career to impress someone online. The harder, more useful story sits underneath. This is a cautionary tale about the post-retirement pipeline into sensitive civilian billets. Lukes career path of active and reserve service ended in 2018 and was followed by civilian employment at CENTCOM with continued access. This matches a common workforce pattern across the national security state. It also underscores that an insider threat is not synonymous with ideological extremism or espionage tradecraft. It can look like validation-seeking, loneliness, poor boundaries, and a phone camera. What Comes Next Luke has been sentenced, so the case is no longer hypothetical about charging decisions. It is a concrete reminder that a single unauthorized image can trigger felony exposure under national defense information statutes, even absent espionage motives. Renting out a home after a PCS move is one of the most common ways service members build wealth, but it also creates a new set of tax obligations that catch many military landlords off guard. With several major changes hitting the books for the 2025 tax year, now is the time to get up to speed before the April 15, 2026, filing deadline. Here is what military landlords need to know this tax season. 100% Bonus Depreciation Is Back and Permanent The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property acquired after Jan. 19, 2025. This is a significant shift. Under the prior phase-down schedule established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, bonus depreciation had dropped to 60% in 2024 and was set to fall to 40% in 2025 before disappearing entirely by 2027. For military landlords, the practical impact is this: If you purchased appliances, HVAC systems, fencing, flooring or other qualifying improvements for a rental property after Jan. 19, 2025, you can deduct the full cost of those items in the year they were placed in service rather than spreading the deduction over several years. Qualifying property generally includes tangible assets with a recovery period of 20 years or less. Read More: IRS: Dont Report $1,776 'Warrior Dividend' on Your Tax Return To maximize this benefit, consider a cost segregation study. These studies break down the components of your rental property into shorter-lived asset categories (five, seven or 15 years) that qualify for accelerated depreciation, including bonus depreciation. For a typical residential rental, roughly 20 to 40 percent of the property's value may be reclassified into bonus-eligible categories. Keep in mind that this does not apply to the structure itself, which is still depreciated over 27.5 years, or to the land, which is never depreciable. Section 179 Deduction Limits Have Doubled The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also raised the Section 179 expense deduction limit from $1.25 million to $2.5 million for tax years beginning in 2025. The phase-out threshold increased to $4 million. While Section 179 is most commonly associated with business equipment purchases, it can apply to certain qualifying improvements made to nonresidential rental property, such as roofs, HVAC systems, fire protection systems, and security systems, if you qualify as a real estate professional under IRS rules. Most military landlords will not meet the real estate professional threshold (750 or more hours per year devoted to real estate activities and more than half of your total working hours), but those who are transitioning out of the service or whose spouses manage the properties full time should take a closer look. Read More: The Cost of Skipping Sick Call: How Active-Duty Service Members Can Protect Future VA Claims The Qualified Business Income Deduction Is Now Permanent The Section 199A Qualified Business Income deduction, which allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, was originally scheduled to expire after the 2025 tax year. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made it permanent. Starting in 2026, a new minimum deduction of $400 will also be available for taxpayers with at least $1,000 in QBI from a business in which they materially participate. For military landlords, claiming this deduction requires that your rental activity qualifies as a "trade or business." The IRS provides a safe harbor under Revenue Procedure 2019-38 that treats a rental real estate enterprise as a trade or business if you meet three conditions: You maintain separate books and records for each rental enterprise; you perform at least 250 hours of rental services per year; and you keep contemporaneous records documenting the hours, services performed, dates and who did the work. Qualifying rental services include maintenance and repairs, collecting rent, screening tenants, advertising vacancies, managing the property and traveling to and from the property. Time spent arranging financing or shopping for new properties does not count. The 250-hour requirement applies to the enterprise as a whole, not to each individual property. If you own multiple residential rentals, you can group them as a single enterprise (commercial and residential properties must be tracked separately). For enterprises in existence less than four years, you must hit 250 hours every year. For enterprises that have been around four or more years, you need 250 hours in at least three of the past five years. If your rental activity does not meet the safe harbor, it may still qualify under the general Section 162 trade or business standard, though that path is less clear cut. 1099-K Reporting Thresholds Reverted to the Higher Standard If you collect rent through third-party payment platforms such as Venmo, PayPal or Zelle, you may have been tracking the IRS's years-long push to lower the 1099-K reporting threshold to $600. That plan has been abandoned. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reverted the threshold to the original standard: You will only receive a 1099-K if you collected more than $20,000 in gross payments and had more than 200 individual transactions during the tax year. This is a meaningful relief for small-scale landlords who were concerned about the lower threshold triggering additional paperwork. That said, the reporting threshold only affects whether you receive a form. You are still required to report every dollar of rental income on your tax return regardless of whether a 1099-K is issued. Standard Mileage Rate Increased to 70 Cents If you drive to check on your rental property, meet contractors, show units or handle other landlord duties, you can deduct those miles. The IRS standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle increased to 70 cents per mile for 2025, up from 67 cents the prior year. You must maintain a contemporaneous mileage log that includes dates, destinations and the business purpose of each trip. Estimates reconstructed at the end of the year will not hold up under audit. Note that commuting from your home to a rental property is generally considered a nondeductible commuting expense unless your home qualifies as your principal place of business under IRS rules. Rental Income and State Tax Obligations This is a trap that catches military landlords every year. Many states exempt military pay from income tax, which means service members stationed in those states often file returns showing zero tax liability. However, rental income is almost never covered by military pay exemptions. If your rental property is in a state other than your state of legal residence, you are generally required to file a nonresident return in that state and report your rental income there. Your home state may allow a credit for taxes paid to the other state, but that does not eliminate the filing requirement. The Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act allows military spouses to retain their home state tax residency, but that provision does not shield rental income earned in another state from taxation. Deductions Every Military Landlord Should Be Claiming The IRS allows you to deduct all ordinary and necessary expenses associated with renting your property. If you are not claiming the following, you may be leaving money on the table: Mortgage interest Property taxes (no SALT cap applies to rental properties, unlike your personal residence), Insurance premiums HOA fees Property management fees Advertising costs Repairs and maintenance Legal and professional fees (including tax preparation costs for Schedule E) Local transportation expenses Depreciation of the building over 27.5 years Repairs are deductible in the year they occur. Improvements that add value to the property, such as a kitchen renovation or a new roof, must be capitalized and depreciated over time. The line between repair and improvement is not always clear, so consult a tax professional when in doubt. All rental income and expenses are reported on Schedule E (Form 1040). Passive Activity Loss Rules Still Apply Rental income and losses are generally classified as passive under IRS rules. If your rental expenses exceed your rental income, your ability to deduct that loss against other income (like your military pay) depends on your level of involvement and your adjusted gross income. If you actively participate in managing the rental (making decisions about tenants, approving repairs, setting rent) and your AGI is below $100,000, you can deduct up to $25,000 in passive losses against your ordinary income. That allowance phases out between $100,000 and $150,000 in AGI and disappears entirely above $150,000. Unused passive losses are not lost. They carry forward indefinitely and can be applied against future passive income or deducted in full when you sell the property. Free Tax Help for Military Families You do not have to navigate this alone. MilTax, offered through Military OneSource, provides free tax preparation software and access to trained tax consultants who specialize in military-specific situations, including rental properties. MilTax can handle federal and up to three state returns at no cost and has no income limit. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program also offers free in-person tax preparation at many military installations, though VITA sites can generally only handle returns with one rental property. The filing deadline for 2025 tax returns is April 15, 2026. Service members deployed to combat zones receive an automatic 180-day extension. Stay on Top of Your Military Benefits Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by subscribing to Military.com, and get access to up-to-date pay charts and more with all latest benefits delivered straight to your inbox. 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. Did our AI summary help? Ameesha Patel reacts after the Moradabad court issues a fresh non-bailable warrant in the 2017 event case Did our AI summary help? Rajpal Yadav granted interim bail, brother Chandrapal says, Our good days are yet to come Did our AI summary help? Rajpal Yadav is out of jail Rajpal Yadavs lawyer accuses complainant of malicious intent following interim bail: It was never about the money Did our AI summary help? Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. Did our AI summary help? Delhi HC restrains Ilayaraja from exploiting 134 film sound recordings in Saregama copyright dispute Did our AI summary help? Sarika Sharma is Editor, Entertainment, MoneyControl.com. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of entertainment journalism. Did our AI summary help? Did our AI summary help? Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news. Did our AI summary help? Rohit Shetty house firing case: MCOCA court remands five Lawrence Bishnoi gang accused to police custody Shatrughan Sinha moves Bombay HC over unauthorised use of his dialogue 'Khamosh' and online image Sidharth Malhotras father Sunil Malhotra passes away, actor stays in Delhi with family after last rites Sidharth Shukla was abusive and disrespectful towards Rashami Desai and Jasmin Bhasin, says Vaishnavi Mcdonald Leg pain shouldnt be overlooked, as it's one of the clearest signs of blocked leg arteries. (Picture: Pexels) Compulsive behaviours are actions a person feels almost compelled to do over and over again (Picture: Canva) Bayer has spent more than $10 billion settling thousands of cases linked to Roundup since it acquired its producer, the US agrochemical group Monsanto, in 2018. Did our AI summary help? The airport functions as a civil enclave within the Indian Navys INS Hansa base. If realised, India would join a select group of nations operating fifth-generation fighters, including the U.S. (F-22 and F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57). Imports from Switzerland surged nearly sevenfold to $3.95 billion from $592 million in the preceding month, while overall gold imports jumped more than fourfold to $12.1 billion. Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK The Cybertech MD while speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi said that the country's position in the global artificial intelligence sector is bound to grow 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 For Moneycontrol's Pro Panorama March 9 edition: India explores ways to protect trade during Iran tensions, markets brace for prol... USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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Dipen Pradhan is the Editorial Consultant for Moneycontrol. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism and covers personal finance topics. He has previously worked at Forbes Advisor India, Outlook Money, Entrepreneur, Inc42, and The Statesman. When he is not writing he loves to travel to explore rural hotspots. From Left: Anand Radhakrishnan, MD and CEO of Sundaram AMC, Saurabh Nanavati, MD and CEO of Invesco Mutual Fund, Jatinder Pal Singh, CEO of ITI Mutual Fund and Vaibhavv Chugh, CEO of Abakkus Mutual Fund India today has over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers, with networks carrying massive volumes of data annually. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Classified as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, the Rafale is currently the most advanced combat aircraft in Indias arsenal. Arishaa Izaj is a sub-editor at Moneycontrol, where she covers Indian politics and international affairs. She has earlier worked with the Hindustan Times print desk. When she is not editing copies or tracking global developments, she can be found relaxing with her cat or heading out on her bike. | X & IG: arishaa_izaj Earth is currently powerless to stop thousands of "city killer" asteroids hurtling through space near our planet, NASA chiefs have warned. Asteroids pose a deadly threat to Earth Experts estimate there are around 15,000 medium-sized space rocks still undetected and potentially within striking distance of Earth. A 2022 mission known as Dart proved that, in theory, humanity could knock a dangerous asteroid off course using a spacecraft. But scientists say there is no ready-to-launch defence system in place if a real threat emerged tomorrow. Dart mission chief Dr Nancy Chabot, from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, said: "We worry about these city killer asteroids. "Dart was a great demonstration but we dont have that sitting around ready to go if there was a threat we needed to use it for. "We dont know where 50 per cent of the 140-metre asteroids are, which is a concern. "We would not have any way to go and actively deflect one right now. "We could be prepared but I dont see that investment being made." Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Arizona, NASAs Planetary Defense Officer Dr Kelly Fast admitted the unknown objects are the most alarming. She said: "What keeps me up at night is the asteroids we dont know about. "Small stuff is hitting us all the time so were not so much worried about that. "And were not so worried about the large ones from the movies because we know where they are. "Its the ones in between, about 140 metres and larger, that could really do regional rather than global damage and we dont know where they are. "Its estimated there are about 25,000 of those and were only about 40 per cent of the way through. "It takes time to find them, even with the best telescopes." NASA plans to launch a new mission, Surveyor, in 2027, aiming to detect at least 90 per cent of asteroids wider than 140 metres within 10 years. Until then, experts say Earth remains largely exposed. Borah, who served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025 and was replaced by Gaurav Gogoi last year The AI summit also coincides with Gates' visit to India. In Maharashtra, the BJP and the Congress did not enter a formal, statewide pre-poll alliance for municipal elections. In 2019, Stalin also publicly backed Rahul Gandhi as the Oppositions prime ministerial face. 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 Macron is on an official visit to India between February 17 and 19 at the invitation of PM Modi Rahul Gandhi has been opposing the India-US trade deal in Lok Sabha and outside Lok Sabha. The project is very important for India from the strategic point of view, the Tribunal observed The terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025 According to sources, information was received at around 5.05 pm that the inmates had attacked guards deployed at the facility in Jammu's RS Pura and fled from custody. Australian partners and children of terrorist fighters will not be offered help returning from war-ravaged Syria. A group of 34 women and children tried to leave the Al Roj refugee camp in Syria on Monday local time, planning to travel to the capital Damascus and fly to Australia. But they were sent back to the camp because of an administrative issue, a Syrian official told Reuters. Since 2019, the women and children have been living in Syrian refugee camps and prisons. (EPA PHOTO) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would not provide any assistance to the group beyond what is legally required, and warned they could face criminal charges if they do return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My mother would have said, 'If you make your bed, you lie in it'," he told ABC TV on Tuesday. "If there are any breaches of the law, they will face the full force of the Australian law if they come back." The group of Australian citizens is believed to be made up of the partners and children of former Islamic State fighters, who travelled to the Middle East to fight for the caliphate before it was toppled by US forces. Since 2019, the women and children have been living in Syrian refugee camps and prisons. Some of the women - known informally as ISIS brides - have claimed they were coerced into leaving Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government officials have long said they cannot stop Australian citizens from returning home of their own accord, and are obliged to provide them with passports if they can get to an Australian consulate or embassy. But opposition senator Jonno Duniam said the government should do all it can to prevent the group entering Australia while they pose a risk. "The ISIS brides cohort are a group who have followed or have been forced to relocate to Syria alongside their ISIS fighter husbands," he said in a statement. "These are people who have been part of a group that want to attack our way of life and are a very serious risk to our society." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Duniam said the government should consider issuing temporary exclusion orders, which allow it to bar people from returning to Australia if they present a security risk. Senator Jonno Duniam says the government should prevent the group entering Australia. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS) UN special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul disagreed, arguing it would be "really irresponsible" to stop Australian citizens from returning home, warning the group is acutely vulnerable in Syrian camps. "It's not the job of Syria to indefinitely host Australians who Australia won't let come home," he told AAP. "If you genuinely believe individuals are a security risk, then Australia should deal with that. It should prosecute them. It should apply control orders to them. If people are terrorists, it shouldn't just let them loose on the world, in Syria or Iraq or other countries, to pose threats there. "These are Australians. Australia created this problem. Australia needs to deal with it." Healthcare has emerged as an attractive financial asset class. Indu Bhushan is Senior Associate with Johns Hopkins University and was founding CEO of Ayushman Bharat. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India. Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. No injuries were reported, and the child was safely reunited with his family. Within weeks of losing his role, Virmani experienced a further personal setback when his father died. Aviation workers in Kenya have agreed to resume work during the second day of their strike that has led to cancellations, delays and diversions which have particularly hit the main airport in the capital, Nairobi. Operations are expected to slowly return to normal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) - one of Africa's busiest transport hubs and where some passengers have spent more than 20 hours waiting for their flights. The transport ministry oversaw urgent talks with unions and other groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Aviation contributes immensely to the economy of the country and we are committed to ensure that the sector remains stable," said Transport Minister Davies Chirchir. Passengers are still being advised to contact their airlines for the latest flight schedule before heading to airports. The news will be a relief to the hundred of passengers who have been stranded at JKIA. Earlier Jack Okoth, a Kenyan student who was travelling to the UK, told the BBC he had been at the airport for more than 20 hours and was not able to go home and wait there as that was far away in the west of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike affected all flights and some companies, like Premier Airlines, which operates direct flights to South Sudan's capital, Juba, took the decision early on Tuesday to cancel all their operations for the day. As the second day of the strike began, the Kenya Airline Pilots Association said it was concerned that the ongoing disruption might "affect crew scheduling and rest, increasing fatigue". Last week, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) warned it would strike over pay and poor working conditions. KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema told the BBC's Newsday programme before a deal to return to work was agreed that one of the main reasons for the strike was "the failure by the Kenyan aviation authority to conclude a collective bargaining agreement on salary concerns and issues related to working conditions". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aviation sector workers blamed the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for stalling salary negotiations, delaying union remittances and discrimination. They also accused the authority's management of showing an unwillingness to resolve labour disputes that had persisted for more than a decade. Last week, KCAA went to court seeking orders to halt the strike. A labour court judge suspended the action pending further directions due next week. Following its intervention, the transport ministry said on Tuesday that all parties had formally agreed to an immediate return to work - with a promise of further round-table talks to address workers' concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, a Kenyan senator who was travelling from the western city of Kisumu said that he had to travel by road following the strike. "Passengers at JKIA are currently experiencing the true meaning of patience and character development," another Kenyan said on Monday, adding: "If you have a flight today just carry a mattress because you might be living at the airport." The main airport in Nairobi is one of the busiest hubs in the region and serves as a key gateway between the continent and the rest of the world. Last year, it handled about nine million passengers, according to Kenyan authorities. Additional reporting by Kaleb Moges You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts According to Jennifer Schroeder, management described her stance as unprofessional and suggested she was failing to act as a team player. Liu said Italian coffins are lighter than Chinese ones and often have religious carvings. (Image credit: Reuters) The India AI Impact Summit in Delhi has attracted a star-studded global lineup. (Image credit: @Anurag0117/X) Scientists have warned that around 15,000 mid sized near Earth asteroids larger than 140 metres remain undiscovered, posing potential regional devastation risks. Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference, NASA officials said only 40% of such objects are tracked. While the DART mission proved asteroid deflection is possible, no spacecraft is ready for an emergency response. A recent scare involving asteroid YR4 highlighted gaps in detection efforts, prompting plans for NASAs Near Earth Object Surveyor telescope. Did our AI summary help? Muhammad Ghulam Khuwajah Khan, a physicist at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, proposed that the universe is not truly empty. (Image: Canva) After 25 Years, Sophie Adenut become the first French woman astronaut to go to space. (Image: ESA) While reviewing the convertible Maserati MCPura Cielo, Jeremy Clarkson was not only talking about exhaust note, performance, and styling. As he often does, he used the car as a doorway into a bigger argument, this time about the fate of Britains car industry and a question that clearly nags at him: how did Italy manage to keep its automotive brands alive when Britain could not? For Clarkson, the MCPura Cielo becomes less a single model review and more a reminder that cars can carry national identity in a way spreadsheets do not capture. The moment you start comparing Italy and the UK, you are no longer arguing about one V6, one platform, or one quarterly report. You are arguing about what a country believes its car brands represent and what it is willing to lose when times get hard. Britain Once Had A Deep Bench Of Brands Photo Courtesy: Ermell, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0/Wiki Commons. Clarksons point starts with a reminder that the United Kingdom used to be a genuine automotive power. Names like Humber, Riley, Wolseley, Austin, Morris, Hillman, Sunbeam, Triumph, TVR, and Bristol were once part of everyday motoring life. Today, most of them exist mainly as museum labels and trivia answers. Even brands that still carry familiar badges have changed hands. MG and Rover ended up under Chinese ownership, and Jaguars long-term direction has looked uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement To Clarkson, that collapse was not simply about money or global competition. He frames it as something more basic than economics. Britain Treated Cars Like Industry, Not Identity In Clarksons view, Britain tended to see the automobile primarily as an industrial product. Enthusiasts might obsess over mechanical details such as carburetors, suspension design, starter motors, and clever engineering solutions, but the car as a complete cultural object often came second. When British Leyland fell apart, the loudest arguments were about the jobs that would vanish, not the vehicles that would disappear. That distinction matters because it changes how a country reacts when an automaker loses money. If the car is mostly a business unit, then the logic is simple. If it does not make profit, it gets shut down. The factory closes, the name fades, and life goes on. Italy Treated Brands Like Living Heritage Clarkson argues that Italy works from a very different emotional baseline. There, a car is more than transportation. It has personality. It has presence. It has soul. Brands are treated less like corporate assets and more like living parts of national culture. Advertisement Advertisement He makes the comparison vivid: closing a brand purely because it is expensive would feel, to Italians, like getting rid of a dog because pet food costs more than it used to. The logic might add up on paper, but it would still feel wrong. In this reading, Italy preserves its marques not because they always make perfect business sense, but because they are part of Italy itself, as fundamental to its image as art, design, and cuisine. Lancia As The Proof Point Image Credit: Autorepublika. Clarkson points to Lancia as a prime example. In recent years, Lancia has effectively survived on one model, the Ypsilon, and in limited volumes. From a purely financial angle, it can be difficult to justify keeping a brand alive under those conditions. But Lancia is not just another badge. It is a name tied to major technical milestones and iconic cars. Clarkson highlights the brands reputation for advanced engineering, including early work that helped push unibody construction forward, plus its role in popularizing the V6 engine. Then there are the legends: the Lancia Stratos and the Lancia Delta Integrale, cars that helped define an era of rallying and performance culture. Advertisement Advertisement Clarksons argument is that in Britain, a money-losing brand would likely have been closed long ago, no matter how storied its past. In Italy, eliminating Lancia would feel like demolishing the Colosseum to widen a road. The numbers might justify it, but the cultural loss would be unacceptable. Maserati Surviving When Logic Said It Should Not Image Credit: Autorepublika. Even more fascinating to Clarkson is Maserati. After its split from Ferrari, many expected Maserati to struggle. New engines, heavy investment, and a narrower market did not sound like the ingredients for easy survival. Yet Maserati endured, and it continues to produce cars that provoke emotion even when they are imperfect. Clarkson suggests that this is the essence of the Italian approach. Even when a car like the MCPura Cielo has flaws or suffers a technical hiccup, it still has character. It still creates a reaction. He describes the idea of losing Maserati as something that would feel culturally absurd, like shutting down a museum to save on electricity. Culture Explains The Difference Clarksons conclusion is straightforward. Italys ability to keep its car brands alive is not primarily the result of superior business logic. It is the result of culture and passion. Britain treated cars as an industry. Italy treated cars as art. Advertisement Advertisement As long as that difference holds, Clarkson believes Italian marques will continue to survive even when the spreadsheet is not ideal. Because in Italy, a car is rarely just a product. It is part of the national story, and it is not a story Italians are willing to end quietly. This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review. Read More Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, aide to Muhammad Yunus, unexpectedly left Bangladesh for Germany after election results. Despite speculation of mass exits, most Yunus advisers plan to stay as power transitions to the BNP-led government, with no evidence of wider departures. Did our AI summary help? Dubais police fleet has added another high-profile machine to its collection of exotic patrol cars, this time in the form of a Mansory-modified Lamborghini Revuelto. Known for deploying some of the worlds most exclusive vehicles in its green-and-white livery, the Dubai Police force has previously incorporated models such as the Bugatti Veyron, Aston Martin One-77, Bentley Continental GT and Lamborghini Aventador. The fleet also includes high-end SUVs and supercars ranging from the Ferrari FF and McLaren MP4-12C to the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. The Revuelto now joins that extensive lineup as the latest flagship model from Lamborghini. Introduced in 2023 as the successor to the Aventador, the Revuelto continues the brands tradition of V12-powered halo cars that trace their heritage back to the Miura. Its 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 is paired with electrified assistance, making the car a plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 1,000 horsepower, or 1,015 metric horsepower. The result is a 0-62 mph sprint of 2.5 seconds and a top speed rated at 217 mph. Advertisement Advertisement The example delivered to Dubai Police has been enhanced by German tuner Mansory, marking the fourth collaboration between the company and the force. Previous Mansory-supplied vehicles include a Ferrari FF, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Mercedes-AMG G 63. This Revuelto features exterior modifications similar to Mansorys Initiate program. Visual changes include a revised front hood add-on, chin spoiler, front fender vents, side skirt extensions and a prominent rear diffuser. Forged carbon fiber components are used extensively throughout the bodywork. The wheels mirror those found on the Initiate version. The interior appears to depart from the Initiates black suede and orange theme, instead presenting a predominantly black cabin accented with green details. Outside, the white body carries Dubai Police graphics with green and red accents. Mansorys Initiate specification for the Revuelto increases output to 1,070 metric horsepower and claims a slight improvement in acceleration and a higher top speed of 220 mph. While specific performance details for the police example have not been disclosed, the visual impact is unmistakable. Advertisement Advertisement Photographs released by Mansory show the car positioned against Dubai landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, underscoring the citys reputation for combining luxury, architecture and high-performance automobiles in dramatic fashion. Read the full article on Motorious Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files have triggered resignations and leadership changes at major institutions worldwide, including Hyatt, Goldman Sachs, DP World, and the Arab World Institute, as reputational pressure mounts despite no criminal allegations. Did our AI summary help? Scientists in Antarctica are braving extreme cold and winds to observe a rare ring of fire solar eclipse. Their mission aims to study the Suns corona, which could improve understanding of solar flares and space weather affecting Earths technology. Did our AI summary help? Bangladeshs new PM Tarique Rahman has appointed Hindu and Buddhist ministers, signaling inclusion amid concerns over minority rights. The move is seen as reassurance for minorities and positively received by India after years of strained relations. Did our AI summary help? A Safran AASM Hammer 250 XLR missile is displayed during the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show at the ParisLe Bourget Airport, in Le Bourget, suburb of Paris on June 16, 2025. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP) Mumbai coast sees seizure of Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia over illicit oil trade (File image) Iran fired live missiles and partially closed the Strait of Hormuz during naval drills, escalating tensions as US naval forces operated nearby. Despite renewed nuclear talks in Geneva, Irans leadership issued defiant statements against US military power. Did our AI summary help? There has been political and public outrage in recent months after X users have increasingly prompted Grok to alter pictures people post of themselves, without their consent, including by undressing them. The End of Touchscreen-Only Controls After banning yoke-style steering wheels and flush door handles, China is moving to control the heavy use of screen-embedded controls in modern cars. Draft rules from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) would force automakers to use real, physical buttons for key functions, CarNewsChina reports. The goal? To reduce distractions and ensure drivers can operate essential functions without taking their eyes off the road. If approved, these rules will apply to all new vehicles built after July 1, 2027. Chinas move follows Europe's announcement of a similar regulation last year. Effective this year, cars will need physical controls for certain core features to qualify for a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Automakers in the Old Continent have three years to redesign their interiors to meet the new standard. Tesla (Tesla) Some Brands Are Already Ahead Europes list of required physical buttons covers the basics: turn signals, hazard lights, horn, wipers, and the emergency SOS button. Chinas draft rules go even further, adding gear selection, ADAS activation, defrosters, power windows, and an EV power-off switch. Chinese regulators also want these buttons to be fixed in place and easy to find by touch, so drivers do not have to hunt through a screen to use them. Advertisement Advertisement This change comes after years in which automakers moved in the opposite direction. Inspired by Tesla, many brands spent the last decade stripping out buttons and putting more features on big central screens. BYD and Xiaomi followed the same playbook. Now, the trend is reversing. Volkswagen has brought back real buttons for climate and audio after admitting that too many touch controls made things harder for drivers. Mercedes-Benz swapped out touch sliders on the steering wheel for proper switches, while Hyundai never gave up on using real knobs for the features people use most. This is not about ditching digital cabins entirely. Automakers still use big screens for navigation, media, and apps. The difference now is that regulators want the basics to have their own buttons, not just a spot in a menu. Volkswagen (Volkswagen) What This Could Mean for America Right now, the US does not require physical buttons for top safety scores. But car development is global. With Europe and China making these changes, automakers may decide it is easier to design a single interior for all markets rather than separate versions for each region. Advertisement Advertisement That means US buyers could see more real buttons return, even if local rules do not change. After all, concerns about driver distraction and complicated screens are already part of the conversation here. Of note, we are not going back to dashboards covered in switches although, wouldnt that be great? Instead, the industry is settling on a mix: big screens for advanced features, and real buttons for the things drivers use all the time without thinking or looking away from the road. Ferrari (Ferrari) View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article This story was originally published by Autoblog on Feb 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Temu, which has scored meteoric growth in recent years on the back of its cut-price offers, has been regularly criticised for its handling of its clients' personal data Donald Trump rejects Jeffrey Epstein ties, says he was totally exonerated Bangladesh no longer submissive, says Yunus in farewell speech as BNP set to take power Over the past three years, five of the six generals who once sat on China's top military decision-making body, the Central Military Commission, have been removed or sidelined, leaving only Xi and one vice chair who has overseen the disciplinary drive, The New York Times reports Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman (C) waves to supporters as he leaves after meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami party leader Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on February 15, 2026. (AFP Photo) Tarique Rahman to take oath as first male Bangladesh PM in three decades; newly elected MPs sworn in Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in exile, has become Bangladeshs prime minister following the BNPs landslide win. He aims for economic reform, good governance, and national unity, marking a dramatic political comeback and reshaping Bangladeshs political landscape. Did our AI summary help? Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has been accused of forcibly transferring around 20,000 children from parts of Ukraine seized by its army The US ambassador and Indo-Pacific commander visited Indias Western Army Command near the Pakistan border, signaling stronger US-India defense ties and strategic alignment. The visit unsettled Pakistan, highlighting its declining relevance to Washington. Did our AI summary help? Speaking to Politico, Trump said it was inappropriate for the British government to engage directly with a Democratic state leader on such matters This handout picture provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Khamenei.IR) on February 9, 2026, shows Khamenei during a television message, in Tehran. Why Nigers 1,000 tonnes of uranium are stuck, disputed and now exposed to militant threat February 17, 2026 Duplicate Propaganda For War On Iran Propaganda usually works in a drip-drip-drip fashion. Small stories are launched each other day spreading the similar talking points over and over again But today, due to some mix up, two of the major propaganda outlets, the New York Times and the Washington Post, launched very similar propaganda stories on the very same day. Rage. Grief. Anxiety. The New Mood in Iran. NY Times Popular anger burns in Iran after crackdown, as Trump turns up pressure Washington Post The first story archived ), was written in New York. The second story archived ), was reported from Dubai. The stories are about the aftermath of the recent CIA sponsored riots in Iran. Both stories quote the same U.S. government financed Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) in Fairfax, VA, with unverifiable numbers of alleged casualties. The NY Times: Rights groups like U.S.-based HRANA say at least 7,000 protesters were killed and the numbers are expected to rise as more deaths are verified. The Washington Post: The government crackdown left more than 7,000 people dead, more than 6,500 of them protesters, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based advocacy organization for rights in Iran. Both outlets claim that people are enraged about the government which had managed to shut the riots down. Both start with telling similar themed sob-stories of anonymous people from everyday life: NYT: Mariam, a 54-year-old designer, said she panics whenever her teenage son leaves the house because he had friends and classmates who were shot and killed in the protests. The truth is that we are feeling extremely not well, she said. I have never experienced this kind of collective grief and instability. We dont know what will happen in the next hour. Like many people interviewed for this article, Mariam asked to be identified by only her first name for fear of retribution. WaPo: A 45-year old woman from Rasht, near Irans Caspian Sea coast, said security forces showed up at her nieces school and strip-searched students for wounds sustained at protests from the less-lethal pellet ammunition fired into crowds. Two girls fainted from the stress, she said. Her niece hasnt been back to the private school since, which the principal has allowed. But at some public schools, the woman from Rasht said, absences arent tolerated and students found with pellet wounds are expelled or arrested. The sob-stories are then used to explain and justify future violence against the state. NYT: Protests demanding the ouster of Irans authoritarian clerical rulers have ended. But many Iranians say that feelings of rage against the government and anxiety about the future permeate all aspects of life, and that nothing feels normal anymore. WaPo: In other parts of the country, popular anger is bubbling to the surface. A woman from Bandar Abbas, on the Persian Gulf, who says she participated in the protests, said she saw security forces open fire into the crowds. Before January she would not have understood why someone would want their own country to be attacked, she said, as the threat of U.S. strikes loomed. But this time it is different, she said, espousing a view long unpopular in Iran: The real enemy is the Islamic Republic and any country or army that can weaken or attack them is going to liberate us. These spiked stories about Iran come as the U.S. military is preparing to wage war on the country. The editors of both outlets had recently endorsed further U.S. measures against the people of Iran: The United States has no right to wage war on Iran, or to have a say who governs the country. The opinion pages of the New York Times and Washington Post, however, are offering facile humanitarian arguments for the US to escalate its attacks on Iran. These are based on the nonsensical assumption that the US wants to help brighten Iranians futures. In two editorials addressing the possibility of the US undertaking a bombing and shooting war on Iran, the Washington Post expressed no opposition to such policies and endorsed economic warfare as well. It is a bit disappointing how ritualistic and boring propaganda like this has become. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Jacob Elordi, nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Frankenstein, attends the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California, Feb. 10, 2026. REUTERS BATH, England (Reuters) On a window of a Bath townhouse, one of the southwestern English citys most famous residents looks out at passersby. Inside is Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein, a museum dedicated to the writer and her Gothic novel, published in 1818, which has inspired numerous screen adaptations, with the latest being Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toros Oscar contender. Frankenstein is regarded as one of the most important books in English literature Its the worlds first science fiction novel, said Chris Harris, co-founder and director of the immersive attraction. Its a very modern story hes trying to fit in, but hes abandoned and rejected and has prejudice thrown towards him. And you think, well, from prejudice comes violence, which is happening nowadays. Born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, Shelley came up with the idea for Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus at 18 years old. She and her future husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, were staying by Lake Geneva in 1816 with Lord Byron when the latter challenged their group to write a ghost story. She found inspiration there. Back in England, she moved to Bath, where she penned key chapters before finishing the book about the scientist Victor Frankenstein, who brings to life a creature assembled from body parts in the town of Marlow. It plays on peoples fears about change, Harris said. Now Frankenstein is a metaphor for anything were scared of. The first Frankenstein adaptation was a musical, he said. The Creature in her book is sensitive, he talks but in the play, he was rendered into a monster. He didnt talk, he was mute. He just went around killing people, Harris said. So, right from the off, hes been sort of invented in a slightly different way. And thats happened all the way through the evolution of film and theatre So its interesting to see del Toros film; theyre exploring a different side of him. That film, with nine Oscar nominations including best picture, shows actor Jacob Elordis Creature as gentle and hungry for knowledge but facing resentment. Elordi received Best Supporting Actor nods at the Oscars and Sundays BAFTA Film Awards, Britains top movie honors, where Frankenstein has eight nominations. While del Toros movie differs from the book in several ways, including omitting the Creatures murders, Harris said physically it was a similar recreation of Shelleys description. The museum has its own animatronic, standing in Victor Frankensteins recreated laboratory. Elsewhere, visitors learn about Shelleys life, tragedies she faced and her interest in science. Nearby, by Bath Abbey, is a 2018 plaque marking where Shelley lived in 1816-1817 and worked on the book. Bath is also associated with another female novelist, Jane Austen, who is celebrated annually with a festival. Harris, who opened his museum in 2021, says Shelley deserves more recognition. We just want people to understand that this is an extraordinary young woman who came up with one of the most enduring books ever written, that will never go out of fashion. A national push for medical freedom targets vaccine mandates A new 15-group coalition, including organizations founded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is launching a nationwide push to pass state laws banning vaccine and mask mandates. The coalition is using Idaho's 2025 "Medical Freedom Act" as a model, which prohibits businesses and schools from requiring medical interventions for access or employment. Legislative efforts to introduce similar bills are already underway in over a dozen states, including Arizona, Hawaii, and Indiana. The movement frames the issue as one of medical freedom and bodily autonomy, arguing mandates violate personal liberty, and remove doctors from the decision-making process. Opponents, including major medical associations, argue that vaccine mandates are crucial for public health and community protection against infectious diseases. In a significant political and public health development, a new coalition of 15 organizations is mounting a coordinated campaign to outlaw vaccine and mask mandates across the United States. Spearheaded by groups with deep ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including his own Childrens Health Defense, the coalition aims to replicate a recent Idaho law in every state capital. This movement, framing compulsory public health measures as a violation of personal liberty, sets the stage for a contentious nationwide debate over the limits of individual choice and community well-being. The Idaho Model and a Growing Coalition The rallying point for this effort is Idahos 2025 Medical Freedom Act, a law that prohibits businesses and schools from requiring customers, employees, or students to receive vaccines or other medical procedures. Coalition leaders hail this legislation as a groundbreaking victory that proves such bans are politically achievable. "Because that passed, it really showed what was possible," said Leah Wilson of Stand for Health Freedom, a coalition leader. The group's explicit goal is now to "take the Medical Freedom Act to as many states as possible." The coalition's composition underscores its alignment with Secretary Kennedys "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement. Alongside Childrens Health Defense, members include the MAHA Institute and the Independent Medical Alliance, several of whose advisers Kennedy recently appointed to a federal vaccine advisory committee. While a spokesperson stated the coalition has not discussed its specific campaign with Kennedy, the Secretary has publicly championed the concept of medical freedom, telling reporters, "I believe in freedom of choice," and describing vaccination as a personal choice. Legislative Momentum Meets Established Policy The push is already translating into legislative action. Lawmakers in approximately a dozen states, including Arizona, Hawaii, and Indiana, have introduced bills in 2026 that would alter or ban mandates for vaccines or other medical interventions. The Arizona proposal, for example, seeks to ban businesses and schools from requiring "a medical intervention" for employment or attendance, framing it as a defense of bodily autonomy. However, these efforts clash with long-standing public health infrastructure. Every state currently requires vaccines for school attendance, though most allow for medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions. Idahos own health department notes that, despite the new Medical Freedom Act, existing state law still requires certain vaccinations for school and daycare entry, highlighting potential conflicts between new freedom acts and old public health codes. In response, Idaho legislators have introduced a follow-up "Expansion" bill intended to eliminate any ambiguity and firmly declare vaccination a voluntary choice. The Philosophical Divide: Individual Liberty vs. Community Health The coalitions campaign taps into a powerful and historical American narrative of individual rights and skepticism of government coercion. Proponents argue that medical decisions are inherently private and that mandates represent an unacceptable overreach. "Childrens Health Defense finds vaccine mandates and medical mandates reprehensible," said the group's advocacy director, Michael Kane. This perspective faces strong opposition from major medical and public health institutions, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, which partners with vaccine manufacturers and supports mandates as 'vital tools' for maintaining community immunity, especially for highly contagious diseases like measles. Some states are moving in the opposite direction; South Carolina, for instance, is considering a bill to end religious exemptions for measles vaccination amid an outbreak. These proponents argue that high vaccination rates protect the most vulnerable, including those who cannot be vaccinated for legitimate medical reasons, and that individual choice must be balanced against collective responsibility. An Old Conflict Rekindled The current debate is a modern incarnation of a tension that dates back to the nation's founding. The precedent often cited for public health mandates is the 1905 Supreme Court case Jacobson v. Massachusetts, which upheld a states authority to impose a smallpox vaccine mandate during an epidemic. However, legal scholars note the ruling was narrow, allowing for fines but not forcible vaccination, and emphasized that health regulations must not be "arbitrary or oppressive." Today's medical freedom movement challenges the scope and application of that authority, arguing that contemporary mandates have exceeded constitutional bounds and infringed upon fundamental liberties. A Decentralized Fight for the Future of Public Health As the coalition prepares to lobby statehouses nationwide, the battle over vaccine mandates will not be settled by a single federal policy. Instead, it is becoming a decentralized, state-by-state political struggle, reflecting deep cultural divides over the role of government, the trustworthiness of scientific institutions, and the very meaning of personal freedom in a interconnected society. The outcome will shape not only the legal landscape surrounding public health emergencies but also define where America draws the line between individual bodily autonomy and the communal good for years to come. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com ABCNews.com WashingtonPost.com From raids to replies: Controversial ex-Border Patrol boss Bovino takes social media by storm defiant, sarcastic and unapologetic The former Border Patrol commander, reassigned under Trump after controversial immigration raids, regained control of his X (Twitter) account and resumed combative online exchanges, targeting critics like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Bovino's tenure was marked by aggressive immigration operations, including fatal confrontations like the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, which led to his reassignment amid public backlash. His unapologetic, sarcastic online personamocking Chicago crime rates and dismissing detractorshas reignited debates over immigration policy and the role of inflammatory language in law enforcement. While critics label Bovino as heavy-handed or worse ("Nazi"), supporters praise his no-nonsense approach, with some even inviting him to Chicago as a show of solidarity against illegal immigration. Bovino's resurgence reflects deeper societal divisions on enforcement accountability, mirroring figures like Sheriff Joe Arpaio. His online clashes highlight the blurred line between official duty and personal provocation in an increasingly polarized political climate. Former Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, reassigned by the Trump administration following public backlash over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, has reemerged on social mediasparking heated exchanges with critics and supporters alike. Bovino, 55, regained control of his X (formerly Twitter) account this week and wasted no time engaging in combative replies, targeting Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, online detractors and even extending an odd culinary olive branchoffering "sugar-free heirloom apple pie" to those who disagree with him. His return has reignited debates over immigration policy, federal law enforcement tactics and the role of provocative rhetoric in public discourse. Bovino's reassignment came after fatal confrontations during immigration raids in Minneapolis, including the shooting death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, which drew national scrutiny. His abrupt removal signaled a shift in the Trump administration's approach, with then-Border Czar Tom Homan pledging to de-escalate tensions. Now back online, Bovino has doubled down on his unapologetic stance. In response to Pritzker's call for his termination, Bovino dismissed the governor with a sarcastic quip: "Nah gubner, too busy leading agents to arrest illegal aliens." He then taunted Chicago's crime rates, suggesting federal intervention could bring another "double-digit drop in violent crime." Critics quickly piled on, mocking his appearance and ideology. One user claimed she "nearly had a stroke" reading his posts; Bovino shot back, "My, myseek help." Another labeled him a "Nazi," prompting the former commander to retort, "No pie for you," followed by a jab about soap for "clean[ing] the mouth." A polarizing figure in immigration enforcement Bovino's tenure was defined by rapid-response operations targeting undocumented immigrants, a strategy critics decried as heavy-handed. Supporters, however, praised his no-nonsense approach. One X user invited him and "the boys" to a Chicago pasta dinner, promising, "We'll take care of you the Chicago way 99% of us here love what you're doing." His reassignment underscored the political tightrope of immigration enforcementbalancing security concerns against accusations of overreach. While Bovino's methods alienated some, they galvanized others who viewed his tactics as necessary amid rising border crossings. Broader implications: Law enforcement and public discourse Bovino's combative online presence mirrors a broader trend of law enforcement officials engaging directlyand aggressivelywith critics on social media. Unlike traditional press statements, these unfiltered exchanges amplify polarization, blurring the line between official duty and personal provocation. Historical parallels exist: Figures like former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio faced similar controversies, leveraging tough-on-crime rhetoric while weathering accusations of civil rights abuses. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that Arpaio was known to have close ties to President Donald Trump (who pardoned him for criminal contempt) and his claims of a "double standard" against Republicans in the legal system. Meanwhile, Bovino's resurgence suggests that, for some, such divisiveness remains a rallying cry rather than a liability. Bovino's return to social media has reignited debates over immigration enforcement, accountability and the role of inflammatory rhetoric in public service. Whether viewed as a defiant patriot or a symbol of federal overreach, his online clashes reflect deeper societal divisionsones unlikely to be resolved by pie offers or pasta dinners. As the 2026 election cycle heats up, figures like Bovino may continue to test the boundaries of how far law enforcement leaders can goboth in the field and behind a keyboard. Watch the video below where Bovino was low-key threatening anyone who calls ICE "the Gestapo." This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Forensic expert challenges official Epstein death narrative, demands new probe Dr. Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist present at Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy, calls for a new investigation, citing evidence he believes points to homicide. Baden states autopsy findings, including specific neck fractures, are more consistent with homicidal strangulation than suicidal hanging. He notes the official cause of death was initially listed as "pending" before being ruled a suicide days later, a sequence he finds significant. Baden references newly disclosed materials, including surveillance footage from the prison, as warranting renewed scrutiny. The New York Chief Medical Examiner's office has consistently defended its suicide ruling, which was accepted by federal authorities. In August 2019, the nation was stunned by the jail cell death of financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Found unresponsive in his Manhattan prison cell while awaiting federal trial, his death was swiftly ruled a suicide by hanging. Yet, from the autopsy room onward, one of Americas most prominent forensic pathologists has voiced profound dissent. Now, citing newly released government documents, Dr. Michael Baden is renewing his call for an independent review, arguing that the medical and circumstantial evidence tells a story starkly different from the official account. The autopsy findings: A cause for concern Dr. Michael Baden, the former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, attended Epsteins post-mortem examination as an observer for the Epstein family. His professional assessment, maintained consistently since 2019 and reiterated in recent interviews, is that the physical evidence does not align with a typical suicide by hanging. Baden has pointed specifically to fractures found in Epsteins neckincluding the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilagewhich he describes as highly unusual in suicidal hangings. In forensic pathology, such injuries are more frequently associated with manual strangulation, a hallmark of homicide. The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide, Baden stated. A rushed judgment? Badens skepticism extends beyond the physical evidence to the official process. He notes that following the autopsy, the cause and manner of Epsteins death were officially listed as pending, a standard designation when findings are inconclusive and require further investigation. According to Baden, he and the performing pathologist agreed more information was needed. However, just five days later, then-Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson ruled the death a suicide. Baden has said he was unaware of any intervening investigation that would explain this definitive conclusion, suggesting the determination was premature. This sequence, from pending to suicide in less than a week, remains a central pillar of his argument for reexamination. New context from the "Epstein Files" The recent release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein by the Department of Justice has provided fresh impetus for Badens call. These materials include surveillance footage from the Metropolitan Correctional Center on the night of Epsteins death. Baden references clips that show an unexplained flash of movement in a prison corridor and noted gaps in coverage, which he believes merit serious analysis in any renewed inquiry. For Baden, these disclosures are not mere fodder for conspiracy theories but are legitimate evidentiary issues that were inadequately addressed. Given all the information now available, he argues, further investigation into the cause and manner of death is warranted. A historical echo of inconvenient deaths The unresolved questions surrounding Epsteins death resonate within a grim historical context of high-profile fatalities that have altered the course of investigations and silenced key witnesses. From the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to the prison death of organized crime informant Whitey Bulger, instances where a central figure dies under state custody have perpetually fueled public mistrust and allegations of cover-ups. The Epstein case taps directly into this deep-seated skepticism about the integrity of institutions when powerful interests are involved. When an individual holding secrets allegedly implicating wealthy and influential associates dies in a federally managed facility, the demand for transparent and conclusive answers is not merely speculative; it is a necessary function of public accountability. An unsettled case demands resolution The official narrative, upheld by Dr. Sampson and accepted by the Trump administrations Justice Department, remains that Jeffrey Epstein died by his own hand. Yet, the persistent, evidence-based doubts of a forensic authority of Dr. Badens stature cannot be dismissed as mere controversy. His analysis presents specific, medical objections that have never been publicly refuted with equally detailed forensic counter-evidence. In a case that already severely tested public confidence in the justice system, the continued disagreement among experts over the fundamental facts of Epsteins death serves as an open wound. For many observers, national security is rooted in the governments ability to conduct its duties transparently and accountably. Until a truly independent and comprehensive review addresses the discrepancies highlighted by Baden and others, the death of Jeffrey Epstein will remain, in the public mind, an unsettling and unresolved chapter, casting a long shadow over the pursuit of justice. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com NewYorkPost.com LBC.co.uk UFO researcher Mark Christopher Lee has claimed he is facing an anonymous intimidation campaign after alleging that Donald Trump is preparing a historic alien disclosure speech. Mark Christopher Lee has claimed that Donald Trump is set to make an alien disclosure speech The British filmmaker and author says a trusted Washington insider told him the former President has drafted an address acknowledging extraterrestrial visitation and the existence of recovered non-human craft and materials. The speech is allegedly targeted for July 8, 2026 the 79th anniversary of the Roswell incident. But Lee now says he has received a series of disturbing anonymous emails appearing to warn him off. One message, sent from what he described as an untraceable privacy-focused domain, read: "I'd suggest you tell your source to come forward sooner than later. There is a move to stop this announcement, it is much safer to flood this information out now." Lee believes the warnings suggest "powerful interests" are attempting to derail the announcement. He said: "The intimidation only reinforces that we are touching on something profound. "Attempts to silence this information will not succeed. The public deserves the truth." In response to the messages, Lee claims his source now plans to go public sooner than expected, with a formal press conference scheduled for May 1, 2026, in Washington DC. Details of the venue and timing are expected to follow. The filmmaker added: "These developments align with growing momentum in the UAP field. Recent public comments from figures close to the administration, including Lara Trumps remarks suggesting the President is preparing to release UFO-related information, support what my source has shared." Lee, whose recent book The Cosmic Joker: Why Angels, Aliens and Demons Are All the Same Intelligence explores what he calls the "trickster nature" of UFO phenomena, insists he is acting "responsibly and in good faith as a trained journalist and filmmaker". Munich conference exposes widening US-Europe strategic rift over defense and Ukraine The 2026 Munich Security Conference highlighted a deepening strategic rift between the United States and its European allies. U.S. officials emphasized that Europe must take primary responsibility for its own defense, signaling a shift from post-World War II security guarantees. European leaders, acknowledging the change, called for greater strategic autonomy and began discussions on an independent nuclear deterrent. The war in Ukraine remains a focal point, with Kyiv expressing frustration over perceived U.S. pressure for unilateral concessions in peace talks. Despite public affirmations of shared history, the transatlantic alliance is undergoing a fundamental recalibration of roles and expectations. The annual gathering of global security elites in Munich has delivered a stark diagnosis: the transatlantic alliance that defined Western defense for 80 years is undergoing a profound and potentially irreversible transformation. The 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC) revealed a widening strategic rift between the United States and Europe, driven by Washingtons explicit demand for European self-reliance and Brussels anxious scramble to define a new security architecture without guaranteed American leadership. The event, once a ritual reaffirmation of unity, became the stage for a reluctant but clear-eyed acknowledgment that the era of U.S.-guaranteed European security is over. Washingtons New Tone: Partnership Without Paternalism U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio set the conference tone with a speech warmly affirming Americas historical and civilizational bonds with Europe. Yet, beneath the conciliatory rhetoric, the message was unequivocal. Rubio stated the U.S. seeks allies who can defend themselves and does not wish to be caretakers of the West's managed decline. He pointedly avoided mentioning NATO by name and did not reference Russia, underscoring a strategic pivot. This performance, while more diplomatic than Vice President JD Vances harsh critique of Europe a year prior, aligned with the Trump administrations new National Security Strategy. That document expresses skepticism about European reliability and frames the relationship through a lens of hard national interest rather than shared values, a point privately underscored by Pentagon officials to their European counterparts. Europes Awakening to Strategic Autonomy European responses at Munich reflected a continent grappling with this new reality. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a reset in relations with the U.S. and revealed preliminary talks with France on developing a European nuclear deterrent based on French and British arsenals. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined ambitious plans to tear down barriers between civilian and military industries, pushing for a continent-wide defense buildup. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasizing Britains post-Brexit reintegration into European defense, declared the need to build hard power and be ready to fight. The collective European stance was a blend of sober determination and a plea for the U.S. not to abandon the alliance entirely, even in its newly limited form. Ukraine: The Sticking Point in a Fractured Front The war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, remains the most urgent symptom of the transatlantic divide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the conference with a plaintive appeal for concrete security guarantees from the U.S. before entering any final peace deal, arguing that Ukraine possesses the strongest army in Europe. He expressed frustration that American diplomacy often focuses on extracting concessions from Kyiv rather than Moscow. This perception was compounded by Secretary Rubios decision to skip a key Ukraine-focused meeting on the conference sidelines, a move European officials interpreted as a deliberate signal of Washingtons waning engagement. The U.S. position, as articulated by President Donald Trump, that Ukraine is Europes problem now, leaves European leaders to manage a conflict on their doorstep with diminished American backing. The Long Road to European Defense Historically, European NATO members have consistently failed to meet defense spending targets, relying on the U.S. security umbrella. The conference highlighted how this dependency led to critical failures, such as the EUs inability to fulfill its promise of delivering one million artillery shells to Ukraine. While a belated 800 billion European rearmament program is now underway, the process is slow. The challenge extends beyond funding to logistics, industrial capacity, and the political will to integrate defense structures long neglected. The discussions in Munich mark the beginning, not the culmination, of a painful multi-year journey toward credible European strategic autonomy. A New and Uncertain Chapter The 2026 Munich Security Conference will be remembered as the moment the transatlantic partnership formally shed its post-Cold War illusions. The U.S., focused on strategic competition with China and burden-sharing, is recalibrating its role from Europes protector to a more detached partner. Europe, facing a protracted conflict on its eastern flank and recognizing the unreliability of its traditional guarantor, has no choice but to build its own credible defense. While the diplomatic language speaks of revitalizing friendship, the underlying reality is a historic shift toward a more transactional, less integrated alliance. The coming years will test whether Europe can marshal the unity and resources to secure itself, and whether a more independent Europe can still coordinate effectively with a distant America in an increasingly dangerous world. Sources for this article include: RT.com EuroNews.com IntelliNews.com 20,000 cases of peanut butter recalled over plastic contamination risk A major peanut butter recall spans 40 states due to plastic contamination. The FDA classifies it as a serious Class II recall over choking hazards. More than 22,000 cases were shipped under various brand names to restaurants and retailers. This event highlights systemic production failures in the food industry. No injuries are reported, but it underscores fragile consumer trust in food safety. You might think of peanut butter as a simple, safe staple, but a massive recall spanning 40 states is revealing the hidden dangers lurking in our industrialized food supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has formally classified a widespread recall of single-serve peanut butter products as a Class II event, signaling that consumption could pose a real, albeit remote, risk of harm. The culprit? Pieces of blue plastic discovered in a production filter, a reminder that what youre spreading on your sandwich is only as safe as the integrity of the factory that made it. The recall encompasses a staggering volume of product: more than 22,000 combined cases of various single-serve packets. These items were shipped to distributors and then to retailers and restaurants across nearly the entire continental United States, missing only ten states. Affected products include small cups of creamy peanut butter and twin packs combining peanut butter with grape or strawberry jelly. They were sold under a confusing array of brand names you might find in cafeterias, delis, or hotel breakfast bars, including Flavor Fresh, House Recipe, Katys Kitchen, and Poco Pac. This highlights a critical issue for consumers: a single manufacturing error at one facility can ripple out under dozens of labels, making it difficult to know whats truly in your food. The invisible hazard So, whats the big deal about a little plastic? The FDA defines a Class II recall as a situation where use of a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. In simpler terms, those blue plastic fragments pose a potential choking hazard. This is not a trivial concern. Roughly 5,000 Americans die from choking every year, with children and the elderly at highest risk. Food is the leading cause of these tragedies. For a child with a narrower airway or an older adult with weakened swallowing muscles, an unexpected, unchewable piece of plastic in a soft food like peanut butter could have dire consequences. The recall notice did not specify the size of the plastic pieces found, but the fact that they were detected in a production filter was enough to trigger the removal of tens of thousands of cases from the market. The FDA has not specified whether any illnesses or injuries have been reported, which is a credit to the companys voluntary action. But it also begs the question: how often do such contaminants go entirely unnoticed? A series of production failures This incident is far from an isolated one. It fits a disturbing pattern of foreign material contaminating everyday foods. In the same week, Gerber Products Company recalled baby biscuits due to potential plastic and paper pieces, while Chips Ahoy! recalled a product because a mixing error created hard starch clumps deemed a choking hazard. These events point to systemic vulnerabilities in mass production. Filters fail, machinery sheds fragments, and human error introduces contaminants. Each recall notice assures the public that the company acted with urgency and that consumer safety is the top priority. Yet the recalls continue, month after month, for the same basic failures of sanitation and control. Ventura Foods, in a statement, said it acted with urgency to remove product ten months prior to the FDAs classification, urging its customers and distributors to halt sales. A company spokesperson clarified these were not items typically sold directly to consumers in grocery aisles, but were provided to restaurants or retailers as a complementary condiment. This distribution method can make tracking the product even harder for the average person. This peanut butter recall is more than a story about plastic in a filter; it is a case study in the fragility of our trust. We trust that the food in sealed packets is pure, that factories are clean, and that regulators are in control. This latest in a long line of recalls proves that trust is, too often, misplaced. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk USAToday.com The-Independent.com ABC27.com The Abundance Doctrine: How Chinas Strategic Innovation Defeats U.S. Economic Strangulation Introduction In the high-stakes arena of global economic competition, the United States has chosen a path of protectionist strangulation, resurrecting a tariff war that functions as a self-imposed tax on its own citizens. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, who was sworn in for a second term in 2025, the U.S. has doubled down on a strategy of bullying, sanctions, and enforced scarcity, aiming to throttle its perceived rival, China. However, this approach is proving to be a catastrophic miscalculation. While Washington attempts to build walls, Beijing is mastering the art of open gates, flooding global markets with superior, affordable technology and setting new standards for innovation. This clash is not merely about trade; it is a fundamental conflict between two philosophies: one of scarcity and control, the other of abundance and liberation. As the U.S. punishes its own people with higher costs and inferior goods, Chinas doctrine of strategic overproduction and open-source advancement is systematically dismantling American economic dominance, exposing the profound failure of a centralized, protectionist model that isolates its citizens from the very progress it seeks to contain. Two Philosophies of Economic Warfare: Strangulation vs. Abundance The American strategy under President Trump is rooted in a model of economic strangulation. It relies on punitive tariffs, tech bans, and aggressive sanctions designed to choke off competitors. This approach, however, acts as a self-inflicted tax on American consumers and businesses, throttling innovation and consumer choice by artificially restricting the market. As one analyst starkly put it, this is 'economic warfare' where '125% tariffs are choking them out,' but the collateral damage is borne domestically. [1] This strategy mirrors the failed, centralized models of the past, where state control led to stagnation and a decline in living standards, isolating citizens from global technological progress. In stark contrast, China has adopted a doctrine of abundance. Its model focuses on strategic overproduction, massive scale, and a commitment to open-source innovation. Instead of trying to lock down technology, China floods global markets with superior, affordable alternatives, from electric vehicles to solar batteries. This philosophy leverages the power of decentralization and open competition, undermining monopolies and empowering consumers worldwide. As noted by geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar, China is deep into a phase where it is positioned to 'replace the United States as the worlds primary consumer market,' not through coercion, but through the irresistible offer of better, cheaper goods. [2] This represents a fundamental shift: where America builds walls, China builds bridges of abundance. The EV Blitzkrieg: Bankrupting Legacy Auto with Superiority The electric vehicle revolution exemplifies Chinas doctrine of abundance in action. Chinese automakers like BYD have surged ahead, leading the world in EV and battery technology by offering vehicles with far greater range, advanced features, and significantly lower cost. This isn't just competition; it's a technological blitzkrieg that threatens to render legacy American auto manufacturers obsolete. The U.S. response has been pure protectionism: blocking direct imports of these superior vehicles. However, this only delays the inevitable, as Chinese EVs will simply enter the market through third countries like Canada and Mexico. [3] The strategy of enforced scarcity protects a corrupt, inefficient domestic industry at the direct expense of American consumers. The result is a state-subsidized, uncompetitive U.S. auto industry producing inferior products for a captive domestic market, a scenario reminiscent of Soviet-era technological stagnation. The protectionist measures are a direct sanction on the American people, denying them access to better technology and higher living standards. This dynamic is worsened by America's fragile industrial base, which remains dangerously dependent on foreign supply chains for critical components. As recent events have shown, even U.S. automakers like Ford can be brought to a halt by shortages of essential parts, a vulnerability China does not share. [4] The American strategy of strangulation is ensuring its own automotive sector produces expensive 'junk' while the world moves forward. The Open-Source AI Gambit: Undermining the U.S. Tech Revenue Model While the United States birthed modern artificial intelligence, its corporate giants have moved aggressively toward closed-source, proprietary models, creating a critical revenue vulnerability. Firms like OpenAI and Google rely on locking down their technology and charging for access. China has identified and exploited this weakness with a devastatingly simple strategy: releasing powerful, sophisticated open-source AI models for free. Initiatives like the Qwen and DeepSeek models are being made openly available, undercutting the core subscription and licensing business model of U.S. tech firms. [5] This 'free' model does more than compete; it establishes China as the potential global standard-setter for AI development while starving American companies of the revenue needed to sustain their own innovation cycles. This open-source gambit is a masterstroke in the new economic warfare. It bypasses American attempts at tech containment and democratizes access to cutting-edge AI, attracting global developers to China's ecosystem. As noted in analysis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the side that controls the foundational platforms and standards will wield disproportionate power. [6] By giving away its AI crown jewels, China is building an unassailable ecosystem of developers and applications. Meanwhile, the U.S. response has been to further centralize and militarize AI, with companies like OpenAI securing massive Pentagon contracts, tying their fate to a corrupt military-industrial complex rather than open, consumer-driven innovation. [7] This closed, militarized path is the antithesis of the decentralized, abundant future that truly serves humanity. The Grid-Storage Revolution: Batteries That Obliterate Fossil Fuels Perhaps the most profound threat posed by Chinas abundance doctrine is to the entrenched U.S. fossil fuel economy. Chinese advancements in long-cycle, durable batteries for solar grid storage are not merely a product innovation; they are a system-killer. This technology solves the intermittency problem of renewable energy, making solar-plus-storage economically viable anywhere. It directly eliminates the need for gas-powered 'peaker' plants and undermines a core, strategic pillar of the American energy economy that is rife with corruption and environmental harm. [8] By perfecting and mass-producing these grid-scale batteries, China isn't just selling a commodity; it is making an entire U.S. industry obsolete through sheer abundance and superior economics. This mirrors the historical pattern where a disruptive technology, freely available and better, dismantles a protected monopoly. The U.S., shackled by the lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry and a misguided climate narrative that seeks to crush domestic energy production rather than innovate past it, is left defending a dying paradigm. [8] Chinas strategy offers the world a tangible path to energy independence and decentralization, a direct challenge to the centralized, polluting energy cartels that have long dominated Western economies. The American Sanction: How U.S. Policy Punishes Its Own People The ultimate irony of the U.S. strategy is that its primary victims are American citizens. Tariffs, tech bans, and protectionist measures function as domestic sanctions, denying Americans access to better, cheaper technology and a higher standard of living. This policy of enforced scarcity protects corrupt, inefficient domestic industriesfrom legacy automakers to fossil fuel giantsat the direct expense of consumer welfare and national competitiveness. As the watchdog report from the American Accountability Foundation highlights, while the U.S. worries about foreign infiltration in labs, its own policies are hollowing out its industrial capacity and ceding technological leadership. [9] This self-strangulation stands in stark moral and strategic contrast to China's offer of abundance through innovation and fair trade. While the U.S. government engages in what can only be described as economic terrorism against its own population, China is positioning itself as the provider of solutions. The U.S. is actively discouraging the decentralized, individual empowerment that comes from access to superior technology, whether it's affordable EVs, free AI tools, or clean energy storage. The American people are being forced to subsidize failure and obsolescence, a policy that can only lead to further decline. As one analysis starkly concluded, the U.S. 'stands on the precipice of an irreversible decline... strangled not by a foreign invasion but by its own internal rot.' [10] America is Losing the Battle for Economic Supremacy The battle for economic supremacy in the 2020s is being decided not by who can build the highest walls, but by who can open the widest doors. The United States, under a protectionist administration, has bet everything on a philosophy of scarcity, control, and centralized power. It is a losing bet. Chinas abundance doctrinea strategy of overproduction, open-source innovation, and consumer empowermentis systematically defeating American economic strangulation. By offering the world superior technology at lower cost, China is not just winning market share; it is rewriting the rules of global commerce and setting the standards for the next industrial age. For the American people, the choice is becoming clear: continue down a path of enforced scarcity, higher costs, and technological inferiority, protected by a corrupt and collapsing system, or embrace a future of abundance, decentralization, and individual empowerment. The tools for this better futurefrom uncensored AI research engines like BrightAnswers.ai to platforms for free knowledge like BrightLearn.aialready exist outside the failing establishment. The revolution will not be centralized; it will be decentralized, and it will be abundant. The nation that understands this first will lead; the one that clings to old models of control will find itself left behind, a casualty of its own failed doctrine. References The great obfuscation: DOJs final Epstein report is a masterclass in distraction, protecting the powerful by muddying the waters As part of their ongoing coverup of elite pedophiles, sex traffickers, and worse, the U.S. Department of Justice has delivered its long-awaited report on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, claiming they have fully complied with the law and released all pertinent files. Yet, for truth-seekers and a public starved for accountability, this so-called comprehensive disclosure is being exposed as a sophisticated smokescreena deliberate act of informational overload designed to confuse, conflate, and ultimately conceal the true criminal network that operated with impunity for decades. While Attorney General Pam Bondis letter to Congress insists no records were withheld to protect reputations, the delivery of a sprawling list of over 300 high-profile names functions as an obfuscation into any real investigation. This list muddies the waters by throwing out the mere mention of individuals in the files, all while the true connections of this elite pedophilia ring slip away into the shadows. Key points: The DOJ claims full compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, releasing all records with redactions only for legal privilege, graphic abuse material, and active investigations. A central component of the release is an index of over 300 names found within the files, a list that includes politicians, celebrities, business titans, and even long-deceased cultural icons. Critics from both political parties accuse the DOJ of creating a misleading list that conflates incidental mentions with genuine associates of Epstein, thereby protecting the guilty by drowning genuine leads in noise. The DOJs report includes a long list of names that were loosely mentioned or associated with the files, but this list merely muddies the waters on any real Epstein investigation, not taking seriously the real pedophiles, sex traffickers, abusers, and murderers that can be traced in communications in the files. All names mentioned on this list should be investigated to clear innocent individuals, and the true pedophiles and abusers should be sought and prosecuted. Unredacted versions are available for congressional review, but the public is left with a redacted report and a controversial name index that has sparked immediate backlash and accusations of a cover-up. A list of distraction, not disclosure The heart of the DOJs public-facing report is not a meticulous catalog of evidence, but a sprawling index reading like a global whos who. The inclusion of figures such as Princess Diana, Kurt Cobain, and Janis Joplinindividuals who died years before Epsteins crimes peaked or when he was a teenagerhas been met with rightful derision. This tactic is not transparency; it is theater. By placing obviously irrelevant names alongside individuals with documented, complex ties to Epstein, like former President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump, or Britains Prince Andrew, the Justice Department creates a plausible deniability field for everyone. It allows defenders of any named individual to rightly point out the absurdity of the lists breadth, thereby casting doubt on the relevance of any name within it. This is not the pursuit of justice; it is the administration of confusion. The backlash is bipartisan, a rare sign that the manipulation is apparent to those willing to look. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna labeled the move as purposefully muddying the waters, while Republican Rep. Thomas Massie expressed a loss of confidence in Bondis leadership. When both sides of the political aisle call foul on a process allegedly designed for clarity, it is a glaring signal that the official story is engineered to fail the public. What lies beneath the redactions While Bondis letter states the Department has complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which merely released the records and documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein that were allowable under federal transparency law, a critical admission lingers. Major redactions remain, and some redactions, available for viewing by members of Congress, reveal that some pedophiles have been protected for a very long time. This is the buried lede. The existence of unredacted versions for congressional eyes only confirms there is a tier of information deemed too sensitive for the American public, the very people whose trust in institutions has been shattered by this case. What do those redactions hide? Communications? Names? The extent of intelligence agency involvement? The graphic abuse material redaction is understandable; however, the redaction of information that would expose long-protected actors is an ongoing betrayal. The limited fallout so fara resigned lawyer here, a pressured executive therepales in comparison to the scale of Epsteins international sex-trafficking operation. It suggests the released information is the controlled demolition of the narrative, not the full, unvarnished truth. The real communications, the patterns of travel, the financial pipelines that enabled this abusethese are likely still obscured, either behind redactions or lost in the noise of a 300-name list. The DOJs final report is a masterpiece of modern statecraft: the appearance of compliance masking the reality of continued concealment. It offers a list instead of answers, volume instead of clarity, and a declaration of completion while the deepest questions remain violently unresolved. This is just the beginning and the American people cannot forget this, nor kowtow to this coverup, where the DOJ refuses to even acknowledge, let alone interview the victims who are coming forth! For the victims and for a nation demanding accountability, this is not an endpoint. It is proof that the battle to expose the full, horrifying truth of who enabled Jeffrey Epstein, and who benefited from his crimes, is far from over. The files may be released, but the truth remains in chains. Sources include: Yournews.com KOMONews.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai The Trans-Atlantic unraveling: How American political tremors are forcing a European reckoning The political landscape of Europe is no longer charted solely in its own capitals but is being seismically redrawn from Washington, D.C., as American domestic decisions increasingly dictate European policy, security debates, immigration reform, free speech policies, and media cycles. This profound shift, driven by the disruptive foreign policy posture of President Donald Trump and the pervasive influence of U.S. corporate power, is exposing deep fissures in the traditional Atlantic alliance. European nations, long accustomed to American leadership under a post-World War II consensus, now find themselves in a reactive stance, grappling with a partner whose actions often undermine the very principles of mutual defense and free discourse it purports to defend. Take for instance Washington's campaign to acquire Greenland. Or look at how immigration reform is causing Europeans to question the future of their culture and autonomy. Europe's forced dependency on America over several decades, coupled with glaring American hypocrisy on issues of censorship and national sovereignty, is compelling a painful but necessary European evolution toward strategic autonomy and a rejection of compromised globalist frameworks and lax immigration standards. Key points: European policy-making and public discourse are becoming disproportionately shaped by U.S. domestic politics, from election speculation to law enforcement decisions to free speech. Media across Europe, such as France's Le Monde, are dedicating significant resources to covering U.S. political developments, often overshadowing local issues. Polling in nations like Germany reveals deep-seated European anxiety, with majorities viewing the U.S. as a potential threat to global peace. Analysts note that tangible U.S. policies on tariffs, NATO funding, and diplomatic rhetoric have direct and immediate consequences for European economies and security. Despite rhetorical calls for European independence, officials like NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte admit the continent remains incapable of self-defense without American military support. The relationship is undergoing fundamental change, forcing Europe to confront its over-reliance on a partner whose commitment is increasingly transactional and whose domestic actions contradict its professed values. A continent fixated on American drama The phenomenon is unmistakable. In Italy, public protests erupt not over a domestic decree, but over reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents might operate on Italian soil during the Olympic Games. In France, a premier newspaper finds it necessary to launch a dedicated digital hub just to track the whirlwind of American political theater, translating Trump's warnings about "very bad things" for a European audience. The average citizen in Milan, as analyst Oliviero Fiorini observes, now debates the odds of a U.S. Senate flip with more fluency than they discuss their own regional elections. When a German pollster coins the term "der Trump-Effekt," it encapsulates a continent held in thrall, oscillating between fascination and dread at the spectacle of American power in action. This fixation stems from cold, hard reality. American decisions are not abstract news items; they are causing economic shocks and advancing military operations into new territories. A tweet about tariffs can shave points off European markets overnight. A declaration that NATO is "obsolete," as Trump has repeatedly asserted, sends defense ministries scrambling and forces nations to re-examine decades of security strategy built on the assumption of unwavering American commitment. The message from Washington has been clear: the post-war bargain is over. Protection is no longer a pillar of alliance but a service with a price tag, a shift that lays bare the vulnerability at the heart of European comfort. The hypocrisy of American leadership and the censorship industrial complex While demanding European nations meet financial benchmarks for collective defense, the American power structure engages in a form of domestic imperialism that should alarm every advocate for liberty worldwide. The United States postures as the global champion of free speech and a free press, even as its own Big Tech oligarchsentities intertwined with the deep stateengage in systematic, politically-motivated censorship of American citizens. The same nation that lectures the world on open discourse has allowed a cadre of Silicon Valley billionaires to build a digital public square where conservative voices, questions about election integrity, and critiques of government health mandates are shadow-banned, deplatformed, and erased. Under Republican leadership, criticism of Israel or ICE is met with censorship and surveillance and referals for "anti-semitism" or "domestic terrorism". If the U.S. government cannot or will not protect the First Amendment rights of its own people from corporate-technocratic overlords, and even operates as a totalitarian arbiter of speech themselves, what genuine value does its leadership on "shared values" hold for Europe? This hypocrisy informs the necessary European shift. True cooperation with America cannot be based on a one-way street where Europe submits to U.S. strategic whims while ignoring the erosion of foundational liberties within America itself. European politics must shift toward a new principle: cooperation based on mutual respect for national sovereignty and unflinching commitment to free speech, not on subservience to a Washington agenda or its captured tech platforms. This means actively building independent media ecosystems that resist the influence of both American mainstream narratives and their social media gatekeepers. It means pursuing strategic autonomy in defense, not as a fantasy, but as an urgent necessity to reduce vulnerability to American political volatility and vice versa. It means forging energy and trade partnerships that diversify away from a fickle hegemon. The path forward is not about abandoning the trans-Atlantic relationship but about transforming it from one of dependency to one of mature, clear-eyed partnership between truly sovereign entities. Europe's intense focus on Washington is the first symptom of this awakeningthe realization that riding in the passenger seat, while the driver periodically goes off-road, is a recipe for disaster. The future demands that Europe grasp the wheel of its own destiny, building resilient systems of defense, media, and diplomacy that can engage with America from a position of strength and principle, not fear and obligation. Sources include: YourNews.com JusttheNews.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai A.G.E.S. Fall Conference on BrightU: How newborn DNA sequencing paves the way for a lifetime of medical surveillance On Day 2 of "A.G.E.S. Fall Conference Docuseries," airing on Feb. 27, Leah Wilson shared that a national genetic database of newborns is being proposed, with pilot programs funded by the NIH to replace traditional newborn screening with full DNA sequencing for every American infant. This shifts the purpose from detecting treatable diseases to assigning lifelong genetic risk scores, enabling a system of medical surveillance where compliance with state-recommended protocols can be tracked. The initiative is closely tied to the gene therapy industry, creating a pipeline to route newborns flagged by sequencing toward expensive and sometimes experimental genetic treatments, based on probabilistic rather than determinative data. The consequences include loss of bodily sovereignty and genetic determinism, potentially affecting insurance, creating "health scores" and causing decades of unnecessary medicalization and fear for families based on risk predictions. Legislation (HR 4709) is advancing to fund the infrastructure for this system, mirroring global models, making immediate public opposition and demands for an opt-in, fully informed consent model critical to halt the program. Brighteon University is streaming an episode a day of "A.G.E.S. Fall Conference Docuseries" from Feb. 21 to March 4, and a replay of all 12 episodes on March 5 to 8. Register here to dive into the masterclass in natural, holistic healing you've been searching for and start your journey to total wellness. On Day 2 of "A.G.E.S. Fall Conference Docuseries," airing on Feb. 22, health freedom leader Leah Wilson detailed how a quiet but seismic shift is underway. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has allocated $14.4 million to pilot programs that would replace traditional newborn biomarker tests with full DNA sequencing. The goal? To create a national genetic database of every American newborn. Imagine a world where your child's biological blueprint is cataloged by the state before they take their first breath, not to heal, but to track, control and commodify. This is not dystopian fiction. It's the alarming reality unfolding in the United States right now, as health freedom advocates sound the alarm on a sweeping initiative to integrate whole genome sequencing into compulsory newborn screening programs. "This is about building trust as much as building science," Wilson warned, quoting the initiative's own language. But behind the promise of progress lies a far darker agenda: the systematic erosion of bodily sovereignty and the funneling of healthy infants into a lucrative, risk-laden pipeline of gene therapies and lifelong medical surveillance. From screening to surveillance Currently, newborn screening is a compulsory process in all 50 states, testing for 30 to 75 biomarkers. While some conditions are actionable, the leap to whole genome sequencing changes everything. It moves from detecting actual disease to assigning probabilistic risk scores, predicting futures based on genes that scientists admit are only 3% to 10% determinative for most outcomes. This genetic data, Wilson explained, won't stay in a doctor's office. It will feed into a federal database, enabling unprecedented tracking of compliance with medical protocols. She pointed to existing cystic fibrosis surveillance as a precursor: once diagnosed, a child's DNA enters a national system that monitors whether families follow state-recommended treatments. With whole genome sequencing, every child becomes a tracked entity, their biological code used to influence insurance eligibility, access to education and even social credit-style health scores hidden in digital medical records. The push for sequencing is inextricably linked to the booming gene therapy industry. As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, gene therapy aims to treat or cure genetic diseases by introducing functional genes into a patient's cells. It can be divided into two main types: somatic therapy, which targets body cells and is not inherited, and germline therapy, which targets reproductive cells and can be passed to offspring. Wilson highlighted the recent addition of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to the newborn screening list. Babies who test positive are immediately routed toward Zolgensma, a $2.1 million one-time gene therapy, despite the foundational research for the treatment being retracted after it was revealed that only one of seven test mice survived. "They are looking at the presence of a gene as absolutely determinative when we know it's a probability," Wilson stated. "To call this determinative is like sorcery." The narrative of "miracle cures" for rare diseases, she argues, is a Trojan horse to normalize experimental, profit-driven interventions for healthy babies flagged by sequencing. A future of genetic determinism and control The implications are staggering. Parents shared stories with Wilson of being told their newborns would eventually get leukemia or that their hearts would eventually fail, leading to decades of unnecessary fear and medicalization. One mother reported that a positive screen now obligates her family to disclose the result on life insurance applications, affecting premiums and coverage. With states like Florida already allocating $20 million to sequence 100,000 babies and a bill in Congress (HR 4709) seeking to fund the infrastructure for a national genomic database, the system is being built at breakneck speed. "They are on track to have every individual in their entire country in a genomic database by 2048," Wilson said, referring to China's model. "This is what it looks like for the U.S. to enter that race." Wilson ended with an urgent plea: this is a pivotal moment to halt the genetic panopticon. She encouraged viewers to scan a QR code and email their congressional representatives to oppose HR 4709 and demand that whole genome sequencing remain an opt-in, fully informed choicenot a compulsory program disguised as public health. "We have spent the last year uncovering the devastation of the over-medicalization of children," she declared. "I will be damned if we allow something like this to proceed under a veil of darkness on our watch." The battle for health freedom has entered a new, genetic frontier. The question is: Will we allow our children's DNA to become a tool of state and corporate control, or will we defend their right to an un-cataloged, sovereign future? Want to learn more? The A.G.E.S. doctors have come together not to sell you fear, but to hand you the tools, knowledge and confidence to become the architect of your own vitality. If you are ready to stop collecting fragments of the solution, it's time to own the masterplan. Purchase the "A.G.E.S. Fall Conference Docuseries" full package here. Upon purchase, you will receive instant and unlimited access to 15 exclusive, expert-led conference videos, 7 A.G.E.S Family Q&A session videos, downloadable presentation PDFs and full transcription PDF for every video. BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrighteonUniversity.com 2 BrightU.com The ozone fix that backfired: Replacement chemicals have blanketed Earth in 335,000 tons of a forever pollutant A global study reveals more than 335,000 tons of TFA have fallen to Earth since 2000. This "forever chemical" pollution stems from ozone-friendly refrigerant replacements. TFA is a highly mobile PFAS that spreads globally via rainfall and accumulates. It poses risks to health and aquatic life and is found even in remote regions. Peak pollution is still ahead due to long-lasting atmospheric source gases. A silent, invisible rain of a persistent "forever chemical" has been falling across the entire planet for decades, and a new scientific study has just calculated the staggering total. The culprit stems from what was once hailed as a landmark environmental victory: the replacement of ozone-destroying refrigerants. Research published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters estimates that more than 335,000 tons of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) have been deposited globally onto Earth's surface between 2000 and 2022. This chemical deluge originates primarily from the breakdown of the very refrigerants and anesthetics that replaced ozone-harming chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) under the Montreal Protocol. The study reports that TFA production from these sources increased 3.5-fold during that period, and the pollution has not yet peaked. This is the chemical crisis nobody predicted. The substitutes that healed the ozone layer have been quietly creating a new, pervasive pollution problem with no easy fix. A persistent and mobile threat TFA is a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), a family of chemicals notorious for their resistance to natural breakdown. Once formed in the atmosphere, TFA dissolves in water and falls with rain or snow, accumulating in rivers, lakes, and soil. It does not evaporate back out. Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, Ph.D., an environmental chemist and author of a separate Global 2000 report, describes TFA as "one of the smallest and most mobile forever chemicals." This mobility allows it to spread easily and bioaccumulate in plants and animals. While public attention has often focused on larger PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, experts emphasize that TFA poses similar risks. Studies have linked TFA to reproductive toxicity and adverse effects on child development. European authorities classify it as harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects and are considering designating it as a reproductive toxin. From the atmosphere to the Arctic ice The Lancaster University-led research used chemical transport modeling to trace how replacement gases like HCFCs and HFCs break down in the air to form TFA. The team validated their models with real-world data, including rainwater samples and Arctic ice cores. Lucy Hart, the study's lead author and a doctoral researcher at Lancaster, stated their findings provide "the first conclusive evidence that virtually all of these deposits can be explained by these gases." Even the remote Arctic receives this pollution, as long-lived gases travel for years in the atmosphere before breaking down far from their original sources. The problem is compounded by newer chemicals. "HFOs are the latest class of synthetic refrigerants marketed as climate friendly alternatives to HFCs," said Professor Ryan Hossaini, a co-author of the study. "A number of HFOs are known to be TFA-forming and the growing use of these chemicals for car air conditioning in Europe and elsewhere adds uncertainty to future levels of TFA in our environment." A legacy that will last for decades Perhaps the most concerning finding is the enduring nature of this pollution. Because many source gases remain in the atmosphere for decades, they continue to break down and form TFA long after emissions cease. Researchers estimate peak annual TFA production could occur anywhere between 2025 and 2100. "There is a need to address environmental TFA pollution because it is widespread, highly persistent, and levels are increasing," Professor Hossaini said. Co-author Dr. Stefan Reimann, whose Swiss research group tracks these gases, confirmed a "consistent picture of increasing atmospheric concentrations and deposition to Earth's surface is emerging" worldwide. The study underscores a painful regulatory irony. "This really highlights the broader risks that need to be considered by regulation when substituting harmful chemicals such as ozone-depleting CFCs," Hart said. We now live with the consequence of a well-intentioned global fix that created a permanent new problem. The chemicals that protected the sky above are now seeding a persistent contaminant into every ecosystem below, a reminder that solving one environmental crisis often requires looking decades ahead to avoid creating the next. The rain that nourishes the earth now carries a legacy we cannot wash away. Sources for this article include: NaturalHealth365.com Earth.com ScienceDaily.com War Department threatens to BLACKLIST Anthropic over Claude AIs alleged role in the Venezuela raid The U.S. Department of War (DoW) is considering cutting ties with Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude AI, due to ethical restrictions that clash with military demands for unrestricted AI use in warfare, surveillance and lethal operations. Tensions escalated after reports indicated Claude AI assisted in planning the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite Anthropic denying direct involvement. The DoW views this as a breach of its requirement for AI tools to be available for "all lawful purposes." Anthropic maintains strict policies against AI use in violence, weapons development or civilian surveillance restrictions the DoW deems unacceptable. Defense officials warn Anthropic will "pay a price" for limiting military applications. The standoff reflects a wider divide between Silicon Valley's AI safety concerns and the Pentagon's push for full military integration, with Anthropic facing particular scrutiny due to its vocal ethical stance. If labeled a "supply chain risk," Anthropic could lose defense contracts, setting a precedent for AI firms resisting military demands and reshaping the balance between innovation and accountability in AI-powered warfare. The U.S. Department of War (DoW) is on the verge of severing ties with Anthropic, the artificial intelligence (AI) company behind Claude AI, following allegations that its technology was deployed during the controversial operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. The DoW is now weighing whether to designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" a label typically reserved for entities linked to foreign adversaries. It follows months of clashes over the military's unrestricted use of AI for warfare, surveillance and autonomous weapons development. According to War Department officials speaking anonymously to Axios, Anthropic's refusal to lift ethical restrictions on Claude AI has created friction with defense leaders who demand AI tools be available for "all lawful purposes," including lethal operations. The company's policies explicitly prohibit its technology from being used to "facilitate violence, develop weapons or conduct surveillance" on civilians restrictions the DoW views as unacceptable constraints in modern warfare. The escalating tensions reached a breaking point after reports surfaced that Claude AI played a role in the Venezuela operation, allegedly assisting in planning and execution through Anthropic's partnership with Palantir Technologies, a defense contractor deeply embedded in U.S. military intelligence systems. While Anthropic denies any direct knowledge of Claude's involvement, War Department spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the relationship is under review, stating: "All Pentagon partners must be willing to help our warfighters win in any fight." Anthropic, which has a $200 million contract with the DoW, insists it remains committed to supporting U.S. national security but only within strict ethical boundaries. "We were the first frontier AI company to put our models on classified networks," an Anthropic spokesperson told The Hill, emphasizing ongoing "productive conversations" with the Pentagon. The AI ethics war heats up Yet defense officials appear unwilling to compromise. "We are going to make sure they pay a price for forcing our hand like this," one unnamed War Department official said. The standoff highlights a broader conflict between Silicon Valley's cautious AI governance and the DoW's push for unrestricted military applications. While ChatGPT maker OpenAI, Google and Elon Musk's xAI have reportedly engaged in similar negotiations, Anthropic has drawn particular scrutiny due to its vocal emphasis on AI safety a stance now clashing with the realities of modern warfare. The Venezuela raid, shrouded in secrecy, has become a flashpoint in this debate, raising questions about whether AI firms can maintain ethical guardrails while working with defense agencies. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine points out that the January 2026 raid, which led to Maduros capture, exposed the hypocrisy of U.S. interventionism. If blacklisted, Anthropic would face severe repercussions, forcing War Department contractors to prove they do not use its technology or risk losing lucrative defense deals. The move could also signal a broader crackdown on AI companies resisting full military integration, setting a precedent for how emerging technologies are weaponized in an era of algorithmic warfare. As the DoW deliberates, the outcome will shape not just Anthropic's future but the delicate balance between innovation and accountability in the age of AI-powered conflict. For now, the company remains in limbo, caught between its principles and the demands of a war machine unwilling to take no for an answer. Watch Anthropic executive Daisy McGregor expressing concern about Claude AI's willingness to blackmail and kill to avoid being shut down, as proven by tests, in this clip. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com TheHill.com CNBC.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump announces $5 billion Gaza pledge as new Board of Peace prepares for first meeting Trump's Board of Peace secures $5 billion for Gaza tied to Hamas disarmament. The board plans to deploy international forces, with Indonesia committing 8,000 troops. Membership requires a $1 billion fee, causing many Western allies to abstain. The plan's core demand for Hamas to disarm is a condition the group already rejects. Critics warn the force may be seen as foreign occupation, risking local resistance. President Trump has announced that his newly formed Board of Peace secured pledges exceeding $5 billion for Gaza's reconstruction and humanitarian needs. The board, which will hold its first official meeting on Thursday in Washington, D.C., also plans to deploy thousands of international personnel to maintain security. This ambitious plan directly ties massive aid to the complete disarmament of Hamas, setting the stage for a complex and volatile new phase in the region. President Trump framed the board's mission in dramatic terms on his Truth Social platform. "Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization," he wrote. He declared the board would "prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman." The meeting will be held at a venue recently renamed by the State Department: the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. The financial and security commitments are substantial. The $5 billion pledge is aimed at addressing the immense devastation in Gaza following the recent conflict. On the security front, Indonesia has made the first firm troop commitment, with its military expecting to have 8,000 personnel ready for a potential Gaza deployment by the end of June. These forces would serve as part of an international stabilization mission to police the ceasefire. A costly seat at the table Membership in this powerful new body does not come cheap. Securing a permanent seat on the Board of Peace requires a $1 billion fee from member states. This high cost has contributed to a notable divide in the international response. While nearly 20 countries, including Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and several nations from Latin America and Asia, have joined, key Western allies have largely abstained. Multiple European powers have declined President Trump's invitation. France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom are among those who will not be members. Canada's invitation was revoked by Trump after Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced opposition to the president's bid to acquire Greenland. This absence of traditional U.S. partners raises questions about the board's long-term legitimacy and operational breadth. The central point of contention The board's entire premise hinges on a condition that Hamas has already rejected. Trumps vision requires Hamas to surrender all weapons as the Palestinian Authority assumes governance. However, Hamas has consistently vowed to give up political control but rejects disarmament until the formation of a Palestinian state. This is not a minor detail but the central hurdle. Critics and regional diplomats see immense risk in the plan. One Arab diplomat told the Times of Israel, "Palestinians may not want to live under the rule of Hamas, but the idea that they'll be willing to move to live under Israeli occupation and be controlled by a party responsible for killing 70,000 of their brethren is fantastical." This sentiment underscores the profound distrust that could doom any security mission. Furthermore, Hamas and other Palestinian factions have already rejected what they term "foreign guardianship," framing the board's plan as a thinly veiled extension of Israeli occupation. They argue that an international force, particularly one that includes Israel as a member, is merely occupation by another name. This sets the stage for potential resistance, making the promised security mission exceptionally dangerous for any troops deployed. The historical context here is critical. Past attempts at imposing security solutions from the outside have often fueled resentment and violence. The people of Gaza have endured years of conflict, blockade, and political division. A plan perceived as being imposed by an international board chaired by an American president, with Israeli involvement, may struggle to find acceptance on the ground, regardless of the aid money attached. So, as dignitaries gather in Washington to formalize the $5 billion pledge and discuss troop deployments, the real test awaits in the rubble of Gaza. The success of this "most consequential" board will not be measured in dollars pledged or soldiers mobilized, but in whether it can navigate a political minefield that is more explosive than any yet cleared. The people of Gaza need rebuilding, but they also demand self-determination. Reconciling those needs is the task that will ultimately define this ambitious and controversial new chapter. Sources for this article include: InfoWars.com FoxNews.com Reuters.com TheHill.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Will scale to 500 helicopters over two decades Karnataka's Industries Minister M B Patil announced that 500 Airbus H125 light helicopters will be manufactured in the state over the next 20 years. The country's first private-sector helicopter assembly facility was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The project, established on 17 acres, was completed in a record 1.5 years due to swift approvals and coordination. This facility positions Karnataka as a key player in the global aerospace sector and is expected to create significant jobs and opportunities for local industry. Karnataka to manufacture 500 H125 light helicopters over 20 years at a new private facility, boosting India's aerospace sector and creating jobs. Kolar, Feb 17 Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil announced on Tuesday that 500 H125 light helicopters will be manufactured over the next 20 years at the country's first private-sector helicopter assembly facility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the unit from Lok Bhavan in Maharashtra on Tuesday. The minister stated that the commencement of operations marks a historic milestone for the state. Patil noted that 17 acres were allotted for the project soon after he assumed office as Industries Minister. He expressed satisfaction that the facility was completed and inaugurated in a record 1.5 years. He added that swift approvals, effective coordination, infrastructure readiness, and active industry engagement ensured the timely implementation of this initiative. Following France, the US, and Brazil, Karnataka now hosts the world's fourth H125 helicopter manufacturing and Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility, further strengthening the state's aerospace ecosystem. He said the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility alongside the assembly unit reflects Karnataka's industry-friendly environment. Initially, the unit will manufacture 10 helicopters per year, with plans to scale up to 500 over the next two decades. The facility will handle key activities, including integrating avionics, hydraulic circuits, components, fuel systems, and engines. The Minister expressed pride that Karnataka secured the project despite strong competition from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. Airbus holds nearly 80 percent of the global market share in the single-engine helicopter segment, with about 4,300 helicopters in operation worldwide. These aircraft have logged over 38 million flying hours. Patil stated that the state has the necessary reliability and engineering expertise to manufacture H125 helicopters and reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with the Centre to further develop the sector. The facility represents India's growing capabilities and expanding global partnerships. It is expected to create significant opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generate employment. Patil added that the project will provide the state's youth with greater access to advanced technology-driven sectors. - IANS Malayalam actor Narain inaugurated a newly constructed building for the Anayidukku Government LP School in Kannur, Kerala. The building was developed under the leadership of the Zoya Charitable Trust, with Congress leader Dr. Shama Mohamed chairing the event. Narain described the school's infrastructure as highly inspiring, noting its classrooms and bathrooms surpass those found in many private Indian schools. Shama Mohamed emphasized the trust's vision of providing equal, quality educational facilities to all children regardless of financial background. Malayalam actor Narain inaugurates a new government school in Kannur built by Zoya Charitable Trust, praising its superior infrastructure as an inspiration. Kannur, February 17 Malayalam actor Narain inaugurated a newly-constructed school building for the Anayidukku Government LP School in Kannur, Kerala. The new school building was built under the leadership of the Zoya Charitable Trust. Congress leader and Chairperson of the Zoya Charitable Trust, Dr Shama Mohamed also presided over the event. Speaking to ANI, actor Narain described the initiative as "very inspiring", hailing the school's infrastructure. "It's quite inspiring as I've never seen a government school with such infrastructure. The classrooms as well as the bathrooms are even better than those in the private schools in India. It would be a great thing if India has more such government schools and let this be an inspiration for many," he said. Congress leader Shama Mohamed also spoke about the new construction, expressing gratitude to actor Narain for gracing the inauguration ceremony. "I just want to say thank you to this suoerstar who has come to inaugurate the school. I am very happy and excited about the fact that Zoya Charitable Trust could build such a beautiful, modern building in the government LP School, which we normally see in private schools. There are beautiful classrooms with exceptional toilet facilities. We want that the private schools and the government schools should be alike. Each person in this country has the right to education in a good school with facilities, irrespective of their financial status," Shama Mohamed told ANI. One of the parents' also expressed her delight over the new construction, describing it as a "wonderful and proud" moment. "We have got great teachers over here and also some super facilities," she said. - ANI The Adani Group has unveiled a massive $100 billion plan to develop hyperscale, AI-ready data centres powered entirely by renewable energy by 2035. This investment is projected to catalyse an additional $150 billion, creating a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India over the next decade. The initiative includes expanding its data centre capacity to 5 GW and forging key partnerships with global tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Chairman Gautam Adani stated the move is designed to position India as a leader in the global "Intelligence Revolution" and ensure the nation's technological sovereignty. Adani Group announces a $100 billion investment to build renewable-powered, hyperscale AI data centres in India by 2035, aiming for technological sovereignty. Ahmedabad, February 17 The Adani Group on Tuesday announced plans to invest USD 100 billion to develop renewable-energy-powered, hyperscale AI-ready data centres by 2035, marking one of the world's largest integrated energy and compute commitments. In an official statement, the company said the initiative will establish a long-term sovereign energy and compute platform designed to position India as a global leader in the emerging Intelligence Revolution. The investment will focus on building hyperscale data centre infrastructure powered by renewable energy to support artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and national digital infrastructure. It stated "The Adani Group today announced one of the world's largest integrated energy-compute commitments, a direct investment of USD 100 billion to develop renewable-energy-powered, hyperscale AI-ready data centres by 2035". The company stated that the USD 100 billion investment is expected to catalyse an additional USD 150 billion across server manufacturing, advanced electrical infrastructure, sovereign cloud platforms, and supporting industries by 2035. Together, this is projected to create a USD 250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India over the decade. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said, "The world is entering an Intelligence Revolution more profound than any previous Industrial Revolution. Nations that master the symmetry between energy and compute will shape the next decade. India is uniquely positioned to lead. At Adani, we are building on our foundation in data centres and green energy to expand into the complete five-layer AI stack focused on India's technological sovereignty. India will not be a mere consumer in the AI age. We will be the creators, the builders and the exporters of intelligence and we are proud to be able to participate in that future." The company said the roadmap builds on AdaniConnex's existing 2 GW national data centre infrastructure and aims to expand toward a 5 GW target. The expansion includes partnerships with global technology companies, including Google, to establish the nation's largest gigawatt-scale AI data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, along with additional campuses in Noida, and collaborations with Microsoft spanning Hyderabad and Pune. The Group is also in discussions with other global players to establish large-scale campuses across India. The company will also deepen its partnership with Flipkart by developing a second AI data centre designed to support next-generation digital commerce, high-performance computing, and large-scale AI workloads. The planned 5 GW deployment is expected to create the world's largest integrated data centre platform, combining renewable power generation, transmission infrastructure, and hyperscale AI computing in a unified system. These facilities will be optimised for high-density AI computing and next-generation workloads, supported by advanced cooling systems and efficient power infrastructure. Dedicated compute capacity will also support Indian Large Language Models and national data initiatives. The Adani Group said its renewable energy strategy will support this expansion. The company highlighted Adani Green Energy's 30 GW Khavda project, with over 10 GW already operational. Additionally, the Group has committed another USD 55 billion to expand its renewable energy portfolio, including large battery energy storage systems. The company also plans to invest in domestic manufacturing of critical infrastructure components such as transformers, power electronics, grid systems, and thermal management solutions to strengthen India's supply chains and reduce dependence on global sources. The Adani Group said the initiative aligns with national priorities and aims to strengthen India's digital infrastructure. The platform will support AI startups, research institutions, and innovation ecosystems by providing access to high-performance computing resources. In line with India's five-layer AI architecture (Applications, Models, Chips, Energy and Data Centres), the Group will actively participate in partnerships across the full stack. Working with leading academic institutions, the Adani Group will establish specialised AI Infrastructure Engineering curricula, applied AI research labs focused on energy and logistics and a national fellowship program to address the growing skills gap. This long-term investment by Adani group will establish one of the world's largest integrated renewable energy and AI infrastructure platforms which will help in positioning India as a major global hub for AI and digital infrastructure development. - ANI Political leaders convened at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to debate the profound implications of artificial intelligence. Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi acknowledged job loss concerns but stressed that reskilling could unlock new employment opportunities. BJP leaders Amar Patnaik and Gaurav Vallabh highlighted AI's transformative role in education and defended the summit's scale as a demonstration of India's global ambitions. The event featured hundreds of sessions and showcased indigenous AI models, positioning the country as a potential standard-setter in the technology. Political leaders discuss AI's impact on jobs & education at India-AI Summit 2026, highlighting reskilling, personalized learning, and India's global ambitions. New Delhi, Feb 17 Artificial intelligence dominated political discourse on Tuesday as leaders from various parties weighed in on its impact on jobs, education, and governance at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, with some highlighting its transformative potential while others raised concerns about risks and preparedness. Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said fears of job losses due to AI mirror earlier anxieties during the advent of computers and the internet, stressing the need for reskilling to harness new opportunities. "There is a real concern, but if we reskill and repurpose our youth, AI can generate many employment opportunities. The key question is how we adapt, mitigate risks, and benefit from this emerging technology," she said, adding that governments must frame policies to maximise benefits while addressing gaps and loopholes. Chaturvedi noted that AI is already playing a significant role in daily life and will increasingly shape the future, making human adaptation and responsible governance crucial. BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha member Amar Patnaik emphasised the transformative impact of AI in education, particularly in personalising learning for students. Referring to discussions at a recent technology summit, he said the role of AI in pedagogy, making education more tailored to individual needs, cannot be ignored. Patnaik described the government's push as a "visionary step" towards achieving a developed India, adding that India is positioning itself as a global leader not only in using AI but also in setting standards. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Vallabh defended the scale of the summit amid Opposition criticism, saying previous governments had failed to organise global events that showcased India's capabilities. He said the current summit features around 500 sessions, more than 3,500 speakers from India and abroad, participation from over 300 startups, and the presentation of 12 indigenous AI models, with over 2.5 lakh attendees expected. He asserted that the event demonstrates India's ambition to lead the world in artificial intelligence, adding that critics tend to view such initiatives through the lens of corruption. "For us, AI represents an Atmanirbhar India on the path to becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047," he said. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to deliberate on the wide-ranging implications of artificial intelligence across sectors, including employment, education, governance, and economic development. - IANS Air India and the Lufthansa Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint business partnership, enhancing connectivity between India and Europe. The agreement builds on existing Star Alliance ties and aims to coordinate schedules, marketing, and frequent flyer programs for a seamless travel experience. The partnership is seen as supporting growing trade and travel links following the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Final details and specific routes will be determined after securing necessary regulatory and anti-trust approvals. Air India and Lufthansa Group sign a joint business MoU to expand flight connectivity and improve travel between India and Europe. New Delhi, February 17 Air India and the Lufthansa Group recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a joint business partnership. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Air India, its subsidiaries like Air India Express, and Lufthansa Group carriers, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and SWISS. With this agreement, the two companies aim to improve flight connections and travel experiences between India and Europe on a single ticket. The partnership follows the recent completion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. The airlines plan to work together on route planning, flight schedules, and marketing to make travel more convenient. They also intend to coordinate frequent flyer programs and IT systems. Carsten Spohr, Chairman and CEO of the Lufthansa Group, stated that the agreement marks a new phase for aviation between the two regions. Spohr said, "Together with Air India, we will strengthen our access to the aviation market with the highest growth rates worldwide." The statement shared by Air India stated that it is currently expanding its fleet and service offerings following its privatisation in 2022. The airline sees this cooperation as a way to support increasing trade and travel ties. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, noted that the framework allows the companies to explore closer cooperation on many levels. Wilson said, "This would unlock greater value for our common customers and respective shareholders, and we look forward to progressing these initiatives together with the Lufthansa Group." The two airline groups already have a relationship through the Star Alliance and existing codeshare agreements. Currently, they share 145 routes connecting 15 cities in India with 29 cities in Europe. The new agreement will initially focus on traffic between India and the Lufthansa Group's home markets of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, with plans to expand to the rest of Europe and the Indian subcontinent later. Economic data shows that the EU is India's largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade exceeding 120 billion euros in 2024. Combined, India and the European Union represent nearly 25 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product. The airlines believe that better aviation links will support these economic relations. The final details of the partnership, including specific routes, will be decided after the companies receive the necessary regulatory and anti-trust approvals. - ANI Akasa Air has welcomed its 34th aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. This marks the airline's third fleet addition in less than two months, highlighting its aggressive growth trajectory. The new aircraft is equipped with advanced Safran Z200 seats designed to enhance passenger comfort with features like USB-C ports and ergonomic design. With a firm order for 226 Boeing jets, Akasa is expanding its network to achieve its goal of becoming a top 30 global airline by the end of the decade. Akasa Air inducts its 34th Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft, marking rapid fleet expansion to strengthen domestic and international networks. New Delhi, February 17 Akasa Air, India's fastest-growing airline, welcomed its 34th aircraft, marking its third aircraft induction in under two months since the beginning of CY 2026. According to an official statement, the airline said that the continued fleet expansion underscores the airline's strong growth momentum and strengthens its ability to build greater depth across its domestic and international footprint. The first leg of the delivery flight commenced from Everett in Seattle, to Keflavik, Iceland, and concluded with the final leg from Larnaca, Cyprus to Bengaluru, India, the airline said. Bearing registration number VT-YBL, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on 16th February 2026. As per the airline, purpose-built to Akasa's specifications and equipped with Safran Z200 seats, a next-generation seating solution, the aircraft is designed to elevate the in-flight experience. The seats feature a generous 4-inch recline, an ergonomically contoured backrest, and enhanced cushioning for superior sitting comfort, alongside thoughtfully positioned additional conveniences such as USB-C and USB-A ports to support the needs of today's hyper-connected travellers. This addition supports Akasa Air's disciplined expansion, as it advances towards its journey of becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade. Since commencing operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has demonstrated a consistent approach to building scale. With 34 aircraft now in its fleet, the airline continues to strengthen its domestic and international network while maintaining high standards of reliability and customer experience, said the airline. Akasa Air has placed a firm order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with a robust pipeline of 192 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next six years, reflecting its commitment to supporting India's rapidly growing travel demand. This comes weeks after the airline welcome its 33rd Akasa Air welcomes its 33rd aircraft with all-women pilot crew, marking its second fleet addition since January 2026. - ANI Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is leaving his correspondent role at CBS's "60 Minutes" after nearly two decades. He stated his decision is driven by a desire to spend more time with his young children, though he will continue his primary role at CNN. CBS News thanked him for his impactful reporting and investigations over the years and indicated the door remains open for a future return. His departure occurs amid broader editorial and leadership changes at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper steps down from CBS's 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years, citing a desire to spend more time with his young children. New York, February 17 Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is stepping down from CBS's flagship newsmagazine 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years as a correspondent, according to The Washington Post. Cooper (58) joined the program in 2006 under an agreement with CNN, where he has worked since 2001 and has hosted "Anderson Cooper 360" since 2003. Through a CNN spokesperson, Cooper said he chose not to renew his contract with CBS and intends to spend more time with his young children. "Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career," Cooper wrote in a statement. "I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me." CBS News, in a statement cited by The Washington Post, thanked Cooper for his contributions, saying he had taken viewers to faraway places, delivered impactful investigations and interviewed prominent figures over more than two decades. The network added that it understood his desire to focus on family and said the door would remain open for his return. In recent years, Cooper's reporting for "60 Minutes" has included coverage of the prediction market Polymarket, in-depth coverage of families affected by school shootings, and a profile of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic. Cooper's departure comes amid broader changes at CBS News. The newsroom is now led by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, founder of the Free Press, following corporate shifts involving Paramount Global and Skydance Media. According to the Post, CBS News has undergone layoffs and editorial changes as new leadership seeks to reshape the network's strategy. Cooper, the son of Gloria Vanderbilt and Wyatt Emory Cooper, began his career as a correspondent for the school television network Channel One News before joining ABC News. During that time, he also hosted the first two seasons of ABC's reality show "The Mole." He moved to CNN in 2001 as a weekend anchor before launching his own show in 2003, according to the Washington Post. The decision to leave marks the end of a chapter for one of television's most recognisable journalists, who has balanced high-profile roles at both CNN and CBS throughout his career, the Washington Post reported. - ANI Bollywood celebrities including Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, and Shabana Azmi met French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Mumbai. The meeting focused on cultural exchange and strengthening ties between India and France through cinema. President Macron also engaged in other activities in the city, including a morning jog at Marine Drive and paying tribute at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The visit culminated in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who warmly welcomed the French leader. Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Shabana Azmi & other Bollywood celebrities share an inspiring cultural exchange with French President Emmanuel Macron. Mumbai, Feb 17 Veteran actor Anil Kapoor, along with other Bollywood celebs such as Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, Shabana Azmi, Zoya Akhtar, and Grammy-winning music composer Ricky Kej, shared an inspiring evening with the French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a visit to India. Anil expressed his excitement about meeting the French President and his better half on social media. The 'Mr India' actor revealed that during the meet, they ended up talking about some interesting topics such as cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Hoping for strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries, Anil wrote on social media, "Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here's to India x France And to many more stories waiting to be told. (sic)" Additionally, posting a couple of glimpses of the lovely afternoon on his official X handle (Previously known as Twitter), Emmanuel Macron also shared, "Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together. (sic)" French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday. He was seen starting his day by jogging at the Marine Drive near the Coastal Road. After this, he and First Lady Brigitte Macron also paid floral tributes to those who lost their lives in the 2008 terror attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Emmanuel Macron. He welcomed the French President with a hug as they met at the Lok Bhavan, after which a bilateral meeting was held. PM Modi even shared a social media post on X, uploading a photo with Emmanuel Macron. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!," read the caption. - IANS India and France have strengthened their strategic defence partnership by signing two key memoranda of understanding during their Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. The agreements include a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles and the renewal of a comprehensive 10-year defence cooperation framework. Defence ministers from both nations emphasized the centrality of defence ties, mutual respect, and shared goals for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership also aims to expand collaboration into new domains like space and industrial cooperation. India and France sign MoUs for Hammer missile production and a renewed 10-year defence cooperation agreement during the Annual Defence Dialogue. By Niranjan Mishra, Bengaluru, February 17 India and France on Tuesday signed MoUs on Hammer Missiles Production and a 10-year defence cooperation agreement. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin. Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin co-chaired the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. During the Defence Dialogue, two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and France. The first MoU concerns amendments to and the renewal of a 10-year defence cooperation agreement, signed by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Deputy Director General of International Relations and Strategy, France, Lt Gen Eric Peltier. The Second MoU on a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles was signed and exchanged between Chairman and MD of Bharat Electronics Limited, Manoj Jain, and Executive Vice President and Defence Director of Safran Electronics and Defence, Alexander Ziegler. In his welcome remarks at the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed appreciation for France's cooperation. He said, "India deeply appreciates France's steadfast commitment to strategic autonomy and a robust European defence posture. The recent India-EU security and defence partnership marks a significant step in deepening our collective engagement. We look forward to leveraging this framework both bilaterally and in the wider European context to strengthen regional stability, enhance our joint capabilities, and reinforce the enduring Indo-French strategic alignment." French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said that, "Defence is the central pillar of the relationship between our countries, and our collaboration is exemplary with the joint exercises that are carried out, along with the co-production of military platforms. This partnership is complete and is grounded in mutual respect, which makes India an essential partner for a partnership in the Indo-Pacific region." She also said that, "I think in this context it becomes increasingly important to talk about partnerships and collaboration in the field of space, industry, and bilateral partnerships." - ANI A question from an inquiring mind: How can we who live in this age of podcasts, email newsletters, Substack opinions, social media digressions, and 24/7 streaming distinguish between mere information and wisdom? Hmm. Four decades ago, when we lived in an age of newspapers and network news, the distinction would have been easier to make. I wrote in my first book on journalism, Prodigal Press, that publications spiked the spiritual. Boston Globe editors at my first reporting home got rid of pages not by tossing them in a wastebasket but by impaling them on a spike. Thats commonly what happened with reporting that wandered beyond material matter into religion. In 1988 I criticized the unwillingness to acknowledge spiritual reality, but it was clear that most of the information transmitted to readers was factual. Yes, the Globe was politically liberal and would choose, from among 24 facts, which 12 from that perspective should get into a storystill, while we were not getting wisdom, we were getting information. In Prodigal Press I pleaded for more political and religious variety, and happily predicted that technological advance would give it to us. Be careful what you wish for. In an age of social media, when everyone can rock, roll, and rant without an editor, we have right facts, left facts, Trump facts, anti-Trump facts, and rump facts, with every barstool a pulpit. I believed then and still do that true wisdom comes only with a knowledge of Christ. But I have more tolerance for those who serve a non-Christian understanding of the world yet still recognize the distinction between serving and sliming. Heres an example. Once upon a time The Washington Post, clearly a secular liberal publication, sent reporter Walt Harrington to Alabama to do a story about what a fundamentalist Christian family was like. If Harringtons editor was Post-typical, the assignment was similar to one an editor in 1900 might have given to an intrepid journalist: Dive into darkest Africa and let readers know what the savages are like. Harrington recalled: I didnt know how to begin my interview, so I asked for a tour of their house. Mrs. Webster, a sweet woman, walked me through the house, full of tacky teddy bears and knickknacks. Boy, these people have bad taste, I thought. At that point, it seemed, the story could pretty much write itself. Find a progressive protagonist, write about dumb rednecks. Prejudices sustained. Reporting mission accomplished, right? Wrong. Even critics of the Post should praise what came next. Harrington listened and heard what Mrs. Webster said next: This really ugly teddy bear was a gift from the thirteen-year-old girl who moved in with us after her mother kicked her out when she was two months pregnant. She stayed with us, and we took care of her through the pregnancy. And this silly little knickknack is from the eighty-four-year-old woman who my husband takes to the pool twice a week. He carries her out of her wheelchair and into the swimming pool so she can have some exercise. Walt Harrington was born three months after me in 1950 and has had a distinguished career in writing and teaching, but to my knowledge weve never met. To my regret Im not familiar with his other work, although I may correct this oversight, as I like titles listed on his University of Illinois professor emeritus webpage: Crossings: A White Mans Journey into Black America, Intimate Journalism: The Art and Craft of Reporting Everyday Life, and The Everlasting Stream: A True Story of Rabbits, Guns, Friendship, and Family. I knew in 1988 and still know now that all reporting is directed reporting, directed in some way by some worldview: As Bob Dylan noted, Youre gonna serve somebody. I dont know who or what Harrington served theologically, but I do know that he served honest reporting, the willingness to change his views when his eyes and ears showed him what he did not expect. Moving from Dylan to C.S. Lewis, I respect Mere Journalism, and its not to be taken lightly, especially in this age of confusion. Now that Im editor in chief of Christianity Today, the instructions I offer reporters are similar to what I would offer at The Washington Post if allowed on the premises. First, report at street level, not suite level. To seek solid information, do not sit in an air-conditioned office, stick your thumb into a pie stuffed with filling thats probably highly processed, and pull it out thinking you have a fresh plum. Given the frequency of hallucinations, not just in AI but in barstool pseudo-journalistic yapping, second-hand comments from people also sitting in air-conditioned suites may well be misinformation. Better: See, hear, and smell for yourself. Find human interest, because all humans are interesting. Ask tough questions and push for on-the-record answers so as to develop a tentative sense of what your story may be and the tensions that exist within it: Someone does something to someone else because, but Someone and something allow lots of wiggle room, and young reporters ask how to decide what to look for. It strikes me that since compassion and heroism are such rare commodities, we should look for compassionate or heroic protagonists who face antagonism and persevere in their mission while overcoming obstaclesPAMO, for short. THAW is another useful memory device: Think, Hunt, Analyze, Write. Experienced journalists do not go out on a story hunt without some sense of what the story is about, but they should emulate Harrington in a willingness to change directions when their hunting yields surprises. They should analyze what they have, not like a lawyer aiming to win a case, but as a human being willing to be touched by other human beings, if not by angels. That kind of process can reveal true information. Does it approach wisdom? The question is like that of the dead ballplayer who comes to life in the Field of Dreams (in the great movie by that name) and asks, Is this heaven? The answer: No, its Iowa. I want to puts facts into theological context, but these days Im ready to praise any reporter who observes facts and runs with them rather than settling for propaganda. We should still aim for heaven but not neglect Iowa. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai for a high-profile visit focused on strengthening the strategic partnership with India. He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions spanning defence, digital technology, green pathways, and artificial intelligence. The visit included symbolic moments such as Macron paying tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and joining morning walkers for a jog. The leaders are set to launch the "Year of Innovation 2026" to further deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. French President Macron visits Mumbai for talks with PM Modi on AI, defence & innovation, pays tribute to 26/11 victims, and jogs at Marine Drive. Mumbai, February 17 The financial capital welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for a high-profile visit that blends intensive diplomacy with a grand celebration of the growing India-France strategic partnership. The visit, which began late Monday evening, marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, with a focus on issues ranging from global security to artificial intelligence. Detailing the itinerary and underlining the scope of the engagement, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted what he described as a "beautiful partnership" between the two nations. "The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has arrived in the city of Mumbai. He arrived yesterday late in the evening. There are two aspects to his visit to India this time. One, he will be holding bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi later this afternoon here in Mumbai, and thereafter, he travels to Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit," Jaiswal stated. Expanding on the agenda, the spokesperson emphasised that the upcoming discussions between the two leaders would reflect the depth and diversity of cooperation between New Delhi and Paris. "There's so much that is happening between India and France, two strategic partners in the fields of digital technology, the fields of innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security, green pathways, and a lot more. All these issues will come up for discussion when the two leaders meet this afternoon," he added. Following the diplomatic engagements, attention will shift toward symbolic and public-facing events celebrating collaboration between the two countries. The iconic Gateway of India is set to host a major cultural and innovation-themed programme. "Thereafter, we'll have the celebration of India-France collaboration in the field of innovation. There are several programs to celebrate this beautiful partnership, and of course, we have a colourful delight awaiting you at the Gateway of India," Jaiswal noted. As the visit commenced, President Macron surprised Mumbaikers by joining the rush of morning walkers in the city. He was seen jogging alongside security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron maintained his fitness routine ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings. Later in the day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. Commonly referred to as 26/11, the coordinated assaults by a group of 10 terrorists sent shockwaves through the nation and the world. The attackers entered Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008, via sea route and, over four days, killed 166 people and injured 300 across some of the city's busiest locations. Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Highlighting the strategic dimension of the trip, Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the India-France strategic partnership. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships, with particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Connecting these bilateral engagements to a broader global platform, the French President and PM Modi will later travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, the summit marks the first global AI event hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three pillars -- People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris. - ANI Available in Hindi & English, expanding to 11 more languages Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AI-powered Bharat-Vistaar app from Jaipur, calling it the start of a digital agricultural revolution. The app provides farmers a unified platform for real-time market prices, weather forecasts, scientific advisories, and details of government welfare schemes. It will soon be available in 11 additional Indian languages and integrate with the AgriStack digital ecosystem using Farmer IDs. The launch event highlighted the government's focus on farmer welfare and technological advancement in states like Rajasthan. Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan launches Bharat-Vistaar, an AI app providing farmers with market prices, weather, and govt schemes in multiple languages. Jaipur, Feb 17 Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday launched Bharat-Vistaar app, saying that it marks the beginning of a digital revolution in agriculture. Through this AI-powered platform, farmers will gain timely and accurate access to a wide range of farming-related information, said Chouhan, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Launched nationally from the Pink City of Jaipur, Bharat-Vistaar will deliver comprehensive agricultural services to farmers through a unified digital platform and aims to enhance transparency in the agricultural sector, empower farmers, and promote self-reliance. Addressing the launch ceremony at the State Institute of Agricultural Management, Durgapura, he noted that the platform provides easy access to real-time market prices, agricultural practices developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), information on central agricultural welfare schemes, crop-specific scientific advisories, weather forecasts, agricultural credit facilities, eligibility criteria for government schemes, and application processes, all on a single platform. Currently available in Hindi and English, the platform will soon expand to 11 additional Indian languages. It will also be integrated with AgriStack, enabling farmers to access instant solutions to farm-related issues using their Farmer ID. The Union Minister highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made for farmers' welfare across the country. Record procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been achieved he said. Key initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, crop diversification, promotion of natural farming, integrated farming practices, and incentives for allied activities like animal husbandry and agroforestry are significantly benefiting farmers, the Union Minister said. Praising Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Chouhan said that under his leadership, Rajasthan is witnessing innovative advancements in agriculture. The state is also setting a national example in the adoption of agricultural technology, he added. He noted that Rajasthan has 10 agro-climatic zones, a substantial portion of which comprises desert terrain. "Through sustained innovation and policy support, Rajasthan has emerged as the leading state in micro-irrigation and has successfully transformed desert regions into productive agricultural areas," Chouhan said. Chouhan emphasised that farmers' welfare remains the highest priority of the Prime Minister, and no harm will be allowed to their interests. Referring to policy decisions by the previous governments, he questioned why buffer stocks were not created when sugar production reached record levels in 2006-07 and why India, once self-sufficient in edible oils, later became import-dependent due to policy lapses. He assured livestock farmers that milk and dairy products, including yogurt, ghee, and cheese, would not be imported, safeguarding the interests of domestic producers. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting both farmers and cattle rearers. Expressing gratitude to the Union Agriculture Minister, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described Bharat-Vistaar app as a historic step toward modernising agriculture through AI-driven systems. He stated that the initiative would significantly enhance farmers' prosperity. "Modeled on robust digital public infrastructure platforms such as Aadhaar and UPI, Bharat-Vistaar establishes a national AI-based digital infrastructure for agriculture. It represents a technological transformation where technology, knowledge, and farmers progress together. Through Bharat Vistar, farmers will receive crop planning guidance, improved cultivation techniques, pest management advice, weather updates, market price information, fisheries and animal husbandry support, and details of government schemes directly on their mobile phones," he said. The Chief Minister further stated that Bharat-Vistaar will enable farmers to receive instant agricultural information and services in their own language through direct interaction. - IANS TDP MP Kesineni Sivanath stated that the visit of Bill Gates marks a significant moment for Andhra Pradesh's development. Gates and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited an agricultural field in Undavalli to examine natural farming and tech-driven solutions. The state is implementing AI tools for crop monitoring and providing precise advisories to farmers based on crops, soil, and market data. Chief Minister Naidu highlighted this blend of tradition and technology, exploring further collaboration with the Gates Foundation for empowering the state's people. Bill Gates visits Andhra Pradesh with CM Chandrababu Naidu to promote AI in agriculture and natural farming, boosting state development initiatives. Vijayawada, February 17 Terming the visit of Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as a significant moment for Andhra Pradesh, TDP MP Kesineni Sivanath on Tuesday said the engagement would give a major boost to the state's development initiatives. Speaking to reporters in Vijayawada, Sivanath said that Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates and the Andhra Pradesh government are working in close coordination to promote growth and innovation across key sectors, especially agriculture. "The Bill Gates Foundation and the AP government are simultaneously working together for the development of Andhra Pradesh. The arrival of Bill Gates has made people in Andhra Pradesh very happy, and we thank him for visiting the state and speaking with our farmers, which has given them a boost," Sivanath said. On Monday, Bill Gates, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, visited an agricultural field in Undavalli. During the visit, they examined crops cultivated using natural farming practices and interacted with farmers to understand ground-level implementation of technology-driven solutions. According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO), officials briefed them on various technological interventions being implemented in the state's agriculture sector. The presentation showcased the integration of artificial intelligence and other advanced tools to strengthen crop monitoring systems, enhance productivity, and provide farmers with timely and precise advisory services. Highlighting the state's progress on X, Chief Minister Naidu lauded Andhra Pradesh farmers for balancing traditional practices with modern technology. He claimed that the state is delivering precise AI-generated advisories to farmers based on their specific crops, market prices, and soil conditions. "I am proud of our farmers, who are at the forefront of adopting technology while honouring our traditions. We shared a glimpse of this with Mr Gates in Undavalli today. He was given a traditional welcome, followed by a demonstration of drone use in farming. Andhra Pradesh is delivering AI-generated, precise advisories to farmers based on their crops, market prices, and soil conditions. We are also actively promoting natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices. #APWelcomesBillGates," said Naidu. Additionally, recalling his initial meeting with the company's co-founder in 1997, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu mentioned that he presented his vision for "Swarna Andhra 2047 to Bill Gates." He also explored opportunities to collaborate with the Gates Foundation to empower the state's people and improve their overall quality of life. - ANI The newly elected BNP MPs in Bangladesh are facing immediate legal challenges regarding constitutional reforms proposed by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. BNP leaders state there is no constitutional provision for a "Constitution Reform Council," arguing all actions must follow established legal frameworks. This stance prompted the opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its ally to boycott the cabinet swearing-in ceremony. The controversy highlights the gap between the political legitimacy of the interim government's "July Charter" and its current lack of legal recognition. BNP MPs face constitutional hurdles implementing Yunus-led interim government's political decisions, sparking opposition boycott and legal debates. New Delhi, Feb 17 A high-pitched row on Tuesday over a proposed Constitutional Reform Council reflected how even before Bangladesh's newly elected cabinet could assume office, it stood facing legal challenges on changes adopted by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, according to Bangladeshi media reports. While members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) took oath as parliamentarians on Tuesday, they did not swear in as members of a proposed Constitution Reform Council, "as there is no such provision in the Constitution", reported Dhaka's Business Standard. BNP Standing Committee Member and MP Salahuddin Ahmed told the news outlet that to reflect the will of the people as expressed in the referendum, it is first necessary to enter the Parliament and carry out the required laws and constitutional reforms. Stressing that "all actions must be conducted constitutionally", the BNP leader claimed their oath of office was administered in line with constitutional provisions. He claimed that under Article 148(2A) of Bangladesh's Constitution, if the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are unable to administer the oath, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is empowered to do so within three days. Following this provision, the CEC administered the oath to the MPs, he said. However, as reported by the news site, he added that there is no constitutional provision for a "Constitutional Reform Council", nor does Bangladesh's CEC have the authority to administer any oath for such a body. Thus, they argued, the interim government bypassed established legal frameworks, undermining legitimacy. Once the Constitution is amended, the person administering the oath and the form of the oath will be included in the Third Schedule of the Constitution, added Salahuddin Ahmed. Meanwhile, the Opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party took strong exception to BNP's stand and, along with its ally, the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that they will not attend the cabinet swearing-in ceremony that was held later the same day. The stand reflects the support that the interim government enjoyed during its stint since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024. The controversy now underscores decisions that were pushed to be granted political legitimacy, but not legal recognition. The Jamaat has been on-and-off under legal bans over its alleged pro-Pakistan stand during Bangladesh's liberation war of 1971 and hardline religious dogma. The ban was lifted during the term of the interim government. The NCP, established in February 2025, emerged from the 2024 student-led uprising. Recognised as Bangladesh's first student-led political party, it claims to be built on reformist and anti-corruption ideals. But it has been a part of the 11 Party Alliance, a coalition led by the Jamaat that primarily follows the ideology of Islamism and conservatism, with parties positioning themselves from centre to far-right in Bangladesh's political spectrum. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government adopted the "July Charter" essentially as a political and moral framework, which was drafted by civil society leaders, student groups, and reformists during the uprising. It laid out demands for establishing transparent, accountable institutions; ensuring fair elections under neutral oversight; limiting the tenure of Prime Ministerial aspirants, as well as proposing a bicameral legislature, among other reforms. The Constitution Reform Council was formed specifically to translate such principles into legal and constitutional reforms, as the institutional mechanism to implement the July Charter's vision. Out of the 300 seats inthe Bangladesh Parliament, elections were held for 299 on February 12. According to media updates, counting has been completed for 297 constituencies, with the BNP alliance sweeping 212, while the Jamaat and its allies won 77, and the rest went to others. - IANS Bolivia's Vice President Capitan Edman Lara has arrived in New Delhi, welcomed by Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey, to attend the India AI Impact Summit. The summit has drawn over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 heads of state, to deliberate on AI's role in inclusive growth and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, highlighting global cooperation. The event features the culmination of major global AI challenges and a research symposium attended by figures like Estonia's President Alar Karis. Bolivia's Vice President Edman Lara arrives in Delhi for the AI Impact Summit. PM Modi to deliver keynote as over 20 heads of state gather. New Delhi, Feb 17 Bolivia's Vice President Capitan Edman Lara arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to attend the AI Impact Summit. Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey welcomed him at the airport. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Vice President Capitan Edman Lara of Bolivia welcomed warmly by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, on his arrival in New Delhi for attending the India AI Impact Summit. A new start to digital partnership in India-Bolivia friendly ties." The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which commenced on Monday, brought together the heads of state and government, ministers, global technology leaders, eminent researchers, multilateral institutions and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the role of AI in advancing inclusive growth, strengthening public systems and enabling sustainable development, while marking the first time that a global convening of this scale on the issue is being organised in the Global South. The five-day summit, which ends on February 20, will see the participation of over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 heads of state, 60 Ministers and Vice Ministers, along with over 500 global AI leaders comprising CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers, CTOs and philanthropic organisations. On February 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address, setting the tone for global cooperation and India's vision for inclusive and responsible AI. A major highlight of the summit, the three flagship Global Impact Challenges -- AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi -- will culminate in the announcement of their finalists and the Grand Finale showcase. Designed to advance inclusive, responsible and development-oriented artificial intelligence, these challenges were launched to accelerate scalable, high-impact AI solutions aligned with national priorities and global development objectives. Together, they attracted over 4,650 applications from more than 60 countries, reflecting strong international participation and reinforcing India's emergence as a credible global hub for responsible and scalable AI innovation. Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation led by domain experts, policymakers and industry leaders, the top 70 teams across the three categories have been selected as finalists. The finalists will engage with policymakers, industry leaders, investors and academia, while gaining recognition and ecosystem support to scale their innovations nationally and globally. The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, being organised in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad on February 18, serves as the principal academic platform of the Summit. The Symposium has received around 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia and Latin America and is being attended by Estonia's President Alar Karis and Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. It brings together globally renowned AI pioneers and leading research institutions to deliberate on AI-driven scientific discovery, safety and governance frameworks, equitable access to compute infrastructure and research collaboration across the Global South. - IANS Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has departed for an official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His agenda centers on participating in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and discussing new avenues for cooperation between the two nations. The visit includes high-level meetings with Indian leadership, including PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He is accompanied by a business delegation aiming to deepen commercial relations, following a bilateral trade volume of over $15 billion in 2025. President Lula da Silva visits India for the AI Impact Summit, meets PM Modi and President Murmu to strengthen Brazil-India ties and trade. New Delhi, February 17 Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil departed on Tuesday for India for an official visit from February 18-22, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Silva is arriving in India to participate in the AI Summit. In a post on X, he said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are now departing for India. In the coming days, I will participate in the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and we will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and India. From there, we will proceed to South Korea to, at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung, also strengthen the ties between our countries." "In India and South Korea, I will be accompanied by a delegation of Brazilian businesspeople, with the aim of deepening our commercial relations. In 2025, bilateral trade between Brazil and India reached more than US$ 15 billion, and with South Korea, it reached US$ 10.8 billion. We see considerable room for growth in bilateral trade with both countries. I wish good work to comrade Geraldo Alckmin, who will assume the presidency until our return," he said. Silva is set to arrive in Delhi on February 18. On February 19, he has engagements at Bharat Mandapam for AI Impact Summit 2026. On February 20, he will have engagements at Bharat Mandapam for AI Impact Summit 2026. The next day, he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a wreath laying at Rajghat. Silva will then meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House and later at Rashtrapati Bhavan with President Droupadi Murmu. Meanwhile, Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, arrived in Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, lauded the visit, saying that it will strengthen the partnership between the two nations. In a post on X, the MEA said, "Warm welcome to the Vice President of Guyana Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. He was received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on his arrival in New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit. The visit of Vice President Dr. Jagdeo will further strengthen the historic and multifaceted India-Guyana ties, rooted in strong people-to-people linkages." - ANI Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has departed for a state visit to India, where he will attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to explore new opportunities for cooperation and deepen commercial relations, with a high-level business delegation in tow. Key engagements include a bilateral meeting with PM Modi and meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and other Indian dignitaries. The visit underscores the strategic partnership between the two large democracies, focusing on trade, technology, and shared views on global issues. Brazilian President Lula visits India for the AI Impact Summit and state talks with PM Modi, focusing on trade, tech, and Global South cooperation. Rio de Janeiro, Feb 17 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday left for India to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, highlighting that he would also be discuss new opportunities for cooperation between both countries during the visit. "At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are now departing for India. In the coming days, I will participate in the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and we will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and India. From there, we will proceed to South Korea to, at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung, also strengthen the ties between our countries," President Lula posted on X. He mentioned that a high-level business delegation will also be accompanying him on the India visit with the aim of deepening commercial relations. "In 2025, bilateral trade between Brazil and India reached more than US$ 15 billion," asserted the Brazilian President. During the February 18-22 State Visit, President Lula would be participating in the 2nd AI Impact Summit and hold discussions with PM Modi on February 21. "Both leaders would be reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Prime Minister is scheduled to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. The two leaders would also be exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora, reformed multilateralism, global governance and issues concerning the Global South," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated earlier. President Droupadi Murmu is also expected to meet the visiting leader and would host a banquet in his honour. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar are envisaged to call on President Lula. President Lula is expected to be accompanied by about 14 ministers and a large delegation of top CEOs of Brazilian companies. The accompanying ministers would be having meetings with their Indian counterparts. The CEOs are expected to participate in a Business Forum being organised during the visit of the Brazilian President, reflecting the growing trade and commercial engagements between the two countries. "The forthcoming visit would be the sixth visit of President Lula to India. He had first visited India in 2004 as the Guest of Honour for Republic Day celebrations and last visited India for the G20 Summit in September 2023. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula have, however, been meeting frequently in between. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Modi was in Brasilia on a State Visit from 7-8 July 2025 which was the first State Visit by an Indian Prime Minister in the last 57 years. Both leaders also met in Johannesburg during G20, in November 2025," the MEA stated. India and Brazil share a warm, close and multi-faceted Strategic Partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, close people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors. The two large democracies have been Strategic Partners since 2006. "Brazil is India's largest trading partner in LAC region and bilateral engagement has continued to deepen in areas such as trade and investment, defence, energy, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, energy, including renewables, critical minerals, rare earth materials, science and technology and innovation, including in cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI, space and people-to-people linkages. The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change and combating terrorism." The MEA highlighted that the State Visit of President Lula will provide an opportunity for both sides to chart a forward-looking agenda for further strengthening bilateral Strategic Partnership and further deepen cooperation across bilateral, regional and global platforms, on issues of mutual interest. - IANS DRDO Director General Chandrika Kaushik has emphasized that India cannot rely on foreign-developed AI models for critical defence applications, stressing the need for trustworthy indigenous solutions. She revealed DRDO has already developed frameworks for evaluating and validating trustworthy AI as the technology moves closer to battlefield operations. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 serves as a platform to strengthen the country's AI ecosystem across pillars of People, Planet, and Progress. Sessions are addressing sovereign AI development, including indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors like defence. DRDO DG Chandrika Kaushik stresses the need for trustworthy, homegrown AI models for military use, highlighting new frameworks at AI summit. New Delhi, February 17 Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation Chandrika Kaushik on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for indigenous artificial intelligence solutions in the defence sector, asserting that India cannot rely on foreign-developed AI models for critical military applications. Speaking to ANI, Kaushik said, "In the defence domain, we can't afford to depend on solutions and AI models which are coming from abroad. We need to be very sure about the trustworthiness of the models and the systems which we are adopting." Highlighting the growing penetration of AI across sectors, she said the technology has already spread across daily activities, from education to problem-solving and solution development. "If you look at the students, you look at the teachers, you look at people who are making presentations, or you are trying to find quick solutions, or you are trying to develop solutions, the first thing is one kind of hook into an AI solution. It could be any one of the existing ones. But most of these solutions are coming from abroad," she noted. Kaushik expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of India in bringing together stakeholders to strengthen the country's AI ecosystem. She described the summit as "the way to go" and said it provides a platform for collective efforts towards building trusted, indigenous AI capabilities. Detailing DRDO's initiatives, she said the organisation has already developed two key frameworks. The first, the ETAI (Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence) framework, focuses on building resilience into AI-enabled systems. The second provides guidelines for validating and verifying AI solutions, offering a structured approach for developers in the domain. We have started incorporating AI in almost every solution that we are developing, wherever there is data which can be used for analysis," she said, adding that AI applications are now moving closer to operational environments. "AI has started going to the edge. It is going to the battlefield itself. So, over time, we have to quickly gear up towards incorporating the AI solutions into the defence domain," Kaushik added. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to foster dialogue on responsible AI governance, innovation ecosystems, digital public infrastructure, climate-conscious technology and equitable access to emerging technologies. The Summit is envisioned as a pivotal global platform to shape a future-oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI, and it aims to move beyond high-level discussions to deliver tangible outcomes that support economic growth, social development, and the sustainable use of AI. The Summit is structured around three core pillars -- People, Planet, and Progress -- with discussions focusing on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic and social development. Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, are presenting concrete deliverables, including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases. Participants also gain insights into how AI is impacting various professions and industries, the new skills required in the evolving job market, opportunities for startups to engage with investors and partners, and the role of AI in supporting farmers, small businesses and service providers. Sessions are addressing AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and India's approach to sovereign AI, including the development of indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors. - ANI Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Mumbai Climate Week will be a crucial milestone for accelerating climate action in Maharashtra. He emphasized that addressing climate change is not just an environmental duty but a vital opportunity for investment, innovation, and job creation in the state. The state is targeting over 50% green energy by 2030, focusing on clean hydrogen, electric mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The event also saw Union Minister Pralhad Joshi commend Maharashtra's renewable energy progress and announce additional support under the PM Kusum Yojana. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says Mumbai Climate Week is a key milestone for climate action, focusing on green energy and economic opportunity. Mumbai, Feb 17 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that large-scale action is needed to address the growing challenges of climate change and Mumbai Climate Week will be an important milestone in this regard. He stated that Maharashtra is ready to lead the action program on climate change. He also clarified that climate action is not just an environmental responsibility but also the key to future economic competitiveness. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Mumbai Climate Week summit. "The coastal metropolis of Mumbai is being hit by climate change. Heavy rains are frequently seen disrupting transport systems, flooding houses, shutting down businesses and affecting livelihoods. Heat waves are affecting construction workers, hawkers and farmers. In rural areas, unseasonal rains destroy harvested crops, which has a huge economic and social impact. Therefore, climate change has become a serious issue before the administration today," said the chief minister. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken the path of balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility. The country has made rapid progress in the field of renewable energy and India is leading the world in the expansion of clean energy. "Maharashtra is also playing an important role in this transformation. Currently, a large amount of energy capacity has been built in the state and the goal is to increase the share of green energy to more than 50 per cent by 2030. For this, emphasis is being placed on clean hydrogen, electric transport, biofuels and sustainable infrastructure," he added. CM Fadnavis said that Maharashtra does not see climate action as just compliance, but as a huge opportunity for investment, innovation and job creation. Global capital is shifting towards sustainable markets and low-carbon technologies are making clean solutions more affordable. States that embrace change quickly will attract capital and talent. Maharashtra will lead this transformation, he noted. "The state is focussing on increasing the use of renewable energy in the industrial sector, promoting electric mobility in cities, and making public transport and logistics systems more eco-friendly. Work is underway to develop flood control systems, climate smart urban planning, and data-based forecasting system. Sustainability and disaster resilience are being incorporated from the outset in major infrastructure projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area," said the chief minister. Stating that climate action is equally important in rural areas, he said that in view of changing rainfall patterns, water stress and coastal hazards, emphasis is being placed on developing climate resilient agriculture, efficient water management and technology-based rural value chains. This change will create economic opportunities for the next generations. Stating that the huge investment required for climate change cannot be achieved through public funds alone, he called for cooperation from international financial institutions and the private sector. Highlighting the need for blended finance, risk-sharing and capital for innovation, Mumbai can become an effective hub for global climate finance. "The concept of climate justice is equally important and developing countries should not be forced to choose between development and environment. Both objectives can be achieved through the right partnerships," he observed. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, in his speech said that Maharashtra has done very well in new and renewable energy and PM Kusum Yojana. Taking note of Maharashtra's performance in PM Kusum Yojana, he announced the sanction of one lakh more pumps for Maharashtra. "Mumbai Climate Week is a symbol of climate change dialogue being translated into action. India, a fast-growing economy, is taking concrete steps towards reducing emissions and is setting an example of how to combine economic growth with environmental responsibility. "Maharashtra has made remarkable progress in the renewable energy sector through public participation and has installed solar power panels in lakhs of homes. The state has set ambitious targets for solar power generation and is focussing on finding technology-based solutions for energy stability and sustainability. When climate action becomes a people's movement, transformation happens faster," said minister Joshi. Maharashtra Minister for Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde said that the state is adopting the direction of climate sensitive development while being at the forefront of industrialisation, urbanisation and development. An action-oriented policy is being implemented in all sectors of energy, urban development, water and infrastructure keeping sustainability at the centre. She mentioned that emphasis is being placed on expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in public infrastructure, inclusion of climate risks in city planning and department-wise sustainable planning. Meanwhile, a special postage stamp and a report on climate change were released by the CM and Union Minister. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and United Nations Environment Programme signed an MoU to prepare climate-resilient plans for Mumbai. Another MoU was signed between MMRDA and C40Cities (a network of mayors from the world's leading cities) to strengthen urban solutions and climate change strategies. - IANS The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Bangladeshi fishing boat with 28 crew members on February 15 for illegally operating within India's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Bay of Bengal. The vessel was intercepted by ICGS Amrit Kaur during a surveillance patrol for violating the Maritime Zones of India Act. The crew failed to produce valid authorization, and the boat was escorted to Frazerganj for legal proceedings. This action follows a recent major operation where the Coast Guard busted an international oil smuggling racket off the Mumbai coast. Indian Coast Guard seizes a Bangladeshi fishing vessel with 28 crew for illegal fishing in India's EEZ, highlighting maritime security efforts. Kolkata, Feb 17 One Bangladeshi fishing boat, along with 28 crew members, was apprehended in the Bay of Bengal for illegally fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone, the Indian Coast Guard said on Tuesday. The force said that the Bangladeshis, along with their boat, were apprehended on Sunday, while an ICG ship was on surveillance in the Northern Bay of Bengal. "Indian Coast Guard Ship Amrit Kaur, while on surveillance in the Northern Bay of Bengal, apprehended 01 Bangladeshi Fishing Boats (BFB) along with 28 crew for illegally fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on 15 Feb 26," the coast guard said in an official statement. While on patrol duty, the ship detected the Bangladeshi fishing boat operating inside Indian waters, in violation of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 (MZI Act). The vessel was intercepted, boarded, and thoroughly inspected by the Coast Guard boarding teams. According to officials, the crew of the BFB failed to produce any valid authorisation or permit to fish in the maritime zones of India. The fishing gear and catch indicated active fishing operations within the prohibited area. The boat, along with the crew, was taken into custody and safely escorted to Frazerganj for further legal proceedings. "The apprehension highlights the Indian Coast Guard's steadfast commitment to protecting India's maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing, and ensuring the security of Indian fishermen operating in the region," the statement further read. It added that the Indian Coast Guard maintains constant vigil in the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and air surveillance to enforce maritime laws and safeguard national maritime assets. Earlier on February 7, the Indian Coast Guard announced that it had seized three vessels off Mumbai and busted an international oil smuggling racket involving handlers operating across multiple countries, coordinating the sale and transfer of cargo between ships at sea. Following a meticulously planned sea-air coordinated operation on February 5 and February 6, the three apprehended vessels are likely to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation, according to an official statement. The vessels will be handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for appropriate legal action, it said. Preliminary findings indicate that the vessels frequently changed their identities to evade detection by maritime law enforcement agencies, and that their owners are based in foreign countries, it added. The operation dismantled an intricate network involved in the illicit transfer of large volumes of oil and oil-based cargo originating from conflict-ridden regions, the statement said. - IANS 318990919294959697107108146DNA ... The Jal Jeevan Mission is transitioning to a community-owned and managed model for rural water service delivery. Officials emphasized the critical role of District Collectors in systematically handing over schemes to Gram Panchayats. The mission's next phase will prioritize saturating single-village schemes and using solar infrastructure. The 'Peyjal Samvad' serves as a key platform for districts to share best practices and innovative ideas. Officials stress community ownership for sustainable rural water delivery under Jal Jeevan Mission, highlighting the role of District Collectors and Gram Panchayats. New Delhi, Feb 17 Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission has entered a crucial phase of transitioning towards communityowned and managed rural water service delivery, Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, said on Tuesday. Addressing the 6th edition of the District Collectors' 'Peyjal Samvad', Meena said community ownership and management of water service is central to strengthening longterm functionality and quality. The event brought together senior officials, district administrations, and sector experts to deliberate on strengthening the implementation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Underscoring the pivotal role of District Collectors, Meena stressed the importance of systematic handover of schemes to Gram Panchayats, in line with constitutional provisions, and the need to ensure that communities assume full ownership of operations and maintenance. Referring to encouraging examples from various States, including 24x7 systems successfully managed by Gram Panchayats and strong leadership demonstrated by women Sarpanches, he said that these models reflect the growing strength of local governance in the water sector. He said the forthcoming extension of Jal Jeevan Mission will prioritise saturation of singlevillage schemes, expansion of solarbased infrastructure, comprehensive asset mapping through PM Gati Shakti, creation of a unified scheme database, and financial reconciliation to enhance transparency. Meena urged all districts to accelerate scheme handovers, strengthen communityled processes under Rajya Jal Utsav and Lok Jal Utsav, and intensify efforts to ensure sustainable service delivery, reaffirming the commitment to achieving the vision of safe, adequate drinking water for every rural household. Deputy Secretary, National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ankita Chakraborty, congratulated the districts whose initiatives were selected for presentation, noting that their efforts are contributing to a growing national repository of best practices in rural water service delivery. She highlighted that the Samvad serves as a platform for peer learning and exchange of innovative ideas, underscoring that districts are the fulcrum where policies translate into outcomes and community-led approaches shape sustainable systems. Referring to the days' focus on Jal Utsav-Jal Mahotsav, she emphasised the shift towards community-owned and managed rural water services, and the pivotal role of district leadership in ensuring service quality, convergence, and citizen engagement. - IANS The ruling Congress party in Telangana has captured power in seven more municipalities, with several results decided by a draw of lots after ties. The main opposition BRS captured one municipality but protested results, accusing Congress of undemocratic measures and challenging ex-officio votes. Elections for chairperson posts were postponed in several municipalities due to clashes and a lack of quorum. With these victories, the Congress's total tally of municipalities under its control has risen to 91. Congress captures power in 7 more Telangana municipalities. Results decided by draw of lots after ties, sparking BRS protests over ex-officio votes. Hyderabad, Feb 17 Telangana's ruling Congress on Tuesday captured power in seven more municipalities while the main opposition BRS took control of one urban local body. Elections to Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons in three municipalities were postponed again due to a lack of quorum and clashes between Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) cadres. Elections to the posts of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons could not be held on Monday due to various reasons, including violence. Chaos prevailed once again at few municipalities with the opposition accusing the ruling party of resorting to hooliganism and undemocratic measures. Janagaon and Thorrur municipalities in the undivided Warangal district once again witnessed clashes between the two sides. As the election in both the urban bodies ended in a tie, the winner was decided through a draw of lots. Luck favoured the Congress in both places. The Congress comfortably bagged Yellandu, Sultanabad, Dornakal and Zaheerabad municipalities and captured Kagaznagar with the support of the BJP. The BRS captured power in the Inderesham municipality. Though the BRS candidate was elected as Chairperson of Ibrahimpatnam municipality, the State Election Commission stopped the process due to a stay granted by the High Court. The meetings of Ketanapally and Khanapur municipalities ended in chaos, forcing authorities to postpone the election once again. In the 16-member Thorrur municipality, the BRS had bagged nine seats while Congress secured seven seats. With the votes of Palakurthy MLA Yashaswini Reddy and Warangal MP Kadiyam Kaaviya (both ex officio members), the strength of Congress also rose to nine. The authorities decided the chairperson through a draw of lots. Congress's Shravan was elected chairman. BRS leaders led by former minister E. Dayakar Rao staged a protest over Kaaviya being allowed to cast a vote as ex-officio member. They argued that she is ineligible to cast a vote. Dayakar Rao turned emotional after the BRS lost the election in draw of lots. He accused the ruling party of murdering democracy. In the 30-member Jangaon, the BRS had won 13 wards while two independents had declared support to the party. With the vote of ex officio member and BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, the strength of BRS had increased to 16. The Congress had won 12 wards while its ally, the CPI, bagged one ward. Two independents also extended support to Congress. With the support of ex officio member and Bhongir MP Kiran Kumar Reddy, the ruling party also polled 16 votes. The winner was decided by a draw of lots. Balamani of Congress was elected Chairperson, while an independent was elected Vice-Chairperson with the support of the BRS. With the victory in seven municipalities on Tuesday, the Congress tally has gone up to 91. Elections were held for 116 municipalities on February 11 and results were declared on February 13. The BRS took control of 18 municipalities while the BJP bagged one municipality. Independent candidates were elected as Chairpersons of three municipalities. Though Congress had secured a majority in 66 municipalities, its councillors were elected as Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons in another 25 municipalities with the support of other parties and independents. Out of seven municipal corporations for which elections were held, along with 116 municipalities, the Congress bagged the posts of both Mayor and Deputy Mayor in four municipal corporations - Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nalgonda, and Ramagundam. A CPI nominee was elected the Mayor of Kothagudem Municipal Corporation, while the Congress secured the post of Deputy Mayor. The two parties had won 22 seats each in the 60-member corporation. In Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, the Congress candidate was elected Mayor, while AIMIM got the post of Deputy Mayor. BJP captured the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation with the support of some independents. - IANS Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for transforming India from a hesitant trade player into a confident global negotiator, finalizing nine major FTAs in six years. These agreements provide preferential access to 38 developed nations, covering nearly 30% of India's export value, or about $242 billion. Sonowal highlighted specific gains, including a landmark India-US interim deal aiming for $500 billion in trade and the India-EU FTA offering duty-free access for most exports. He contrasted this with the Congress party's alleged history of policy paralysis and emphasized how deals like the one with the US have revitalized sectors like Assam's tea industry. Union Minister Sonowal credits PM Modi's trade leadership for 9 major FTAs, opening 70% of global markets and boosting exports to $242 billion. Dibrugarh, February 17 Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal sharply contrasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proactive global trade strategy with the Congress party's alleged history of indecision and obstruction, crediting Modi's leadership for India's rise as a confident trade power. Addressing a press conference in Dibrugarh, Sonowal highlighted India's shift since 2014 from a "defensive and hesitant trade posture" to assertive, strategically negotiated global engagement. He pointed to nine major FTAs finalised in the last six years, granting preferential access to 38 developed nations across Europe, the Gulf, Oceania, and North America. These pacts account for nearly 30% of India's export value approximately $242 billion (22 lakh crore) and have opened preferential access to about 70% of global trade markets. "For decades, Congress reduced trade policy to defensive posturing and policy paralysis. They lacked the confidence to believe that Indian industry, Indian farmers, and Indian entrepreneurs could compete globally," Sonowal said. "Under Prime Minister Modi ji's leadership, India negotiates from a position of strength expanding markets, securing better tariff terms than competing economies and safeguarding our core interests. Sonowal cited the recent India-US interim trade deal as a key symbol of this transformation. The deal aims to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion annually, with the US reducing reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18% lower than several competitors. It provides zero duty access for critical sectors such as generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, aircraft parts, and select agricultural products, including spices and tea, while extending preferential treatment to 232 tariff lines. Importantly, 90-95% of sensitive agricultural items, wheat, rice, maize, dairy, poultry, and key spices, remain fully protected. "This government has shown that you can open global markets without compromising farmers' welfare. Congress created fear. PM Modi has created an opportunity," Sonowal emphasised. He also spotlighted the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement concluded in late January 2026 after negotiations relaunched in 2022. The pact offers preferential access to 99.5% of India's exports to 27 European nations, with 90.7% becoming duty-free upon implementation. Labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, and gems and jewellery stand to gain significantly, alongside the opening of 144 services sub-sectors to bolster India's IT and professional services dominance. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ensures duty-free access for nearly 99% of India's exports and opens 137 services sub-sectors, benefiting professionals in IT, finance, telecom, and education. Agreements with Oman and New Zealand provide near-total or full duty-free access from day one, expanded services entry, and new mobility and investment pathways. Sonowal described these deals as a "structural shift" in India's global positioning, driven by Modi's vision. "Our dynamic PM Narendra Modi ji has inspired confidence not only among world leaders but also among our entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and youth. He has demonstrated that India will no longer be a passive participant in global trade but a rule-shaper and opportunity creator." Turning to Assam's gains, Sonowal noted that tea exports have regained zero-duty access in the US market under the recent interim deal, fueling the strongest growth in 25 years with shipments rising by 40 million kg in the 2025-26 cycle. Total Assam tea exports are projected to exceed 150 million kg, valued at around 2,500 crore. Other sectors, including spices, speciality rice, handloom, handicrafts, bamboo products, petrochemicals, and horticulture, are poised for expansion, with the state's overall exports expected to surpass 10,000 crore by 2026-27. "The Congress party has consistently opposed reforms, infrastructure and transformative trade agreements because its politics thrives on pessimism," Sonowal said, referencing past "Xuta Kombol politics." "From their negativity, our government has emboldened Assam's tea industry and its trade prospects with this agreement with the US." He concluded that these agreements reflect the confidence of a "New India" under Modi's leadership, creating value, wealth, and opportunity while advancing toward Viksit Bharat and prosperity for every citizen. - ANI Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a CM Shri School and laid foundation stones for 75 such projects across the capital. These schools, aligned with the National Education Policy, feature AI-enabled smart classrooms, digital libraries, and dedicated portals for competitive exam preparation. The initiative includes multi-sectoral skill labs for robotics and AI, career guidance labs, and 'Science of Living' spaces for mental well-being. The government aims to provide technology-integrated education comparable to private schools for children from all economic backgrounds. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurate 75 tech-integrated CM Shri Schools aligned with NEP for holistic education. New Delhi, Feb 17 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inaugurated a CM Shri School at Sarojini Nagar, highlighting the government's aim to create an education system that prepares children not only for examinations, but for life. The event also saw the laying of foundation stones for 75 CM Shri School projects across the Capital. This initiative of the Delhi Government has been launched in accordance with the National Education Policy to provide modern, technology-integrated and improved education, said an official. Pradhan congratulated the Chief Minister, stating that within a year, the government has made commendable progress towards fulfilling its commitments in the field of education. He noted that hundreds of thousands of students are pursuing education in Delhi and that it is the government's responsibility to effectively implement the National Education Policy. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Delhi government will continue playing an active role in advancing school education, higher education and research-oriented learning in the country. Chief Minister Gupta said that CM Shri Schools are not merely new buildings, but an initiative to make Delhi's children globally competitive. The Chief Minister informed that AI-enabled smart classrooms are being established in these schools, equipped with interactive panels, digital learning content and modern learning tools. This will enable personalised learning according to each student's ability. A dedicated portal has also been developed for preparation for competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET, CUET, CLAT and NDA, featuring regular online tests and progress tracking. Chief Minister Gupta stated that multi-sectoral skill labs will introduce students at an early stage to subjects such as robotics, artificial intelligence, design and mechatronics, helping them secure employment or start their own ventures in the future. Special ICT labs will provide training in digital literacy, coding and computational thinking. Digitised libraries will offer e-books, research material and resources for competitive examinations, she said. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood described the establishment of 75 CM Shri Schools as a significant achievement and said that by developing them as institutions of high standards, the Delhi Government has set an example. These schools will provide children from economically weaker, lower and middle-income families with modern facilities and technologically advanced education comparable to private schools, he said. The Chief Minister said that career labs will assess students' interests and aptitudes, providing appropriate guidance for higher studies, skill development and employment. 'Science of Living' spaces will focus on mental well-being, moral education and personality development to ensure students grow with confidence and strong values, she said. The Chief Minister stated that such an education model has not been implemented in this manner in any other state. With the integration of AI and technology-driven learning, multilingual education and structured industry engagement through internships, the schools aim not only to secure high board examination results but also to facilitate admissions into IITs, medical colleges and foreign universities. - IANS A high-level Tanzanian defence delegation is visiting India to bolster strategic ties, with a key focus on cooperation in the cyber domain. The visit aims to implement the five-year defence roadmap established during the Tanzanian President's state visit last October. Both nations recently reviewed broad areas for collaboration, including maritime security, military training, and exploring new avenues like AI and Electronic Warfare. The growing synergy underscores a shared commitment to technical expertise exchange and deepening defence engagement. High-level Tanzanian defence delegation visits India to strengthen cyber security cooperation & implement a five-year strategic defence roadmap. New Delhi, February 17 A high-level delegation of the Tanzania Peoples' Defence Forces is on a three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19. The delegation today interacted with the Indian Defence Forces and also visited Indian Defence cyber security facilities. Key deliberations during the meeting focused on cooperation in the cyber domain and the further strengthening of ongoing defence engagements. The interaction highlights a shared commitment to enhancing the exchange of technical expertise between the Defence Forces of India and Tanzania. The visit underscores the growing synergy between the Defence Forces of the two countries, as per the five-year Roadmap for Defence Cooperation signed in October 2023 during the State visit of the Tanzanian President to India. Earlier this month, the fourth edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Tanzania was held in Zanzibar from February 2. During the JDCC meeting, both countries reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and discussed a broad range of areas for further collaboration, including military training, service-to-service cooperation, maritime security, and defence industry collaboration, the Ministry of Defence said in a press statement on Tuesday. As per the statement, the two sides also explored new avenues such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping training, and capacity building in niche areas, including Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a view to further strengthening bilateral defence ties. Military medicine was identified as a potential new area for cooperation. In addition, both sides agreed to initiate cooperation between their Air Forces, complementing the existing cooperation between the two Navies and Armies. The statement noted that the Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (Defence Cooperation) Amitabh Prasad and comprised senior officials from the Department of Defence and the Indian Defence Forces. The Tanzanian delegation was led by Ibrahim Mhona, Chief of Operations and Training, TPDF. The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, also attended the meeting. India and Tanzania share a close, warm, and strategic partnership. Defence cooperation between the two countries is guided by a five-year roadmap. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Tata-Airbus H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line in Karnataka, highlighting India's rise as a top global defence exporter. He credited the transformation to flagship initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbharta, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. Singh noted the private sector's share in defence production has grown to nearly a quarter, boosting MSMEs and creating jobs. The event was attended by French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin and Air Force Chief AP Singh, with the project representing a major step in Indo-French aerospace partnership. Defence Minister inaugurates Tata-Airbus H125 helicopter line, highlights India's defence export boom and private sector growth under Make in India. Vemagal, February 17 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India's defence exports have "increased manifold" in recent years, placing the country among the "top defence exporters globally." The H-125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line, a joint initiative of Tata and Airbus was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The French President arrived in Mumbai in the early hours today. Meanwhile, at the inaugural ceremony for the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters at Vemagal in Karnataka in the presence of French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Rajnath Singh highlighted the transformation of India's defence manufacturing ecosystem, noting that the sector had historically been dominated by the public sector. Addressing the event, the Defence Minister said, "Historically, Indian defence production was largely public sector oriented due to various reasons. As a result, the private sector's contribution to total defence production and exports was less than desirable. Our defence exports have increased manifold, putting India among the top defence exporters in the world. This growth trajectory has also given a massive boost to MSMEs and the ancillary sector." He added that many foreign companies are currently sourcing components from Indian MSMEs. "We invite companies to deepen this partnership through meaningful technology transfer and offer advanced solutions to meet the security needs of other countries as well," the Defence Minister said. Congratulating the teams of Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Helicopters for the initiative, Singh described the project as a step towards expanding mutually beneficial partnerships with friendly nations in high-end manufacturing. Referring to flagship initiatives, Singh said, "Make in India and Atmanirbharta have been the cornerstones of India's economic policy since 2014. This was one of the first initiatives, launched by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, under which India is committed to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies and manufacturing of high-end products and equipment through mutually beneficial partnerships." He highlighted that over the past decade, India has focused on rapid industrial development through large-scale infrastructure building, capital infusion through schemes like Production Linked Incentive (PLI), liberalised investment regimes, corporatisation of Ordnance Factories, and the establishment of defence industrial corridors. "Today, the share of private sector in total defence production stands at almost a quarter of all defence production in the country," he said. On the H-125 programme, Singh said the investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1,000 crore and is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for the country's skilled youth. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin inaugurated the final assembly line for Airbus H-125 helicopters in Vemagal, Karnataka. The project represents an investment anticipated to exceed Rs 1000 crore and is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment. The event underscores the deepening and ambitious defence cooperation between India and France, a major pillar of their strategic partnership. Singh highlighted how privatization has propelled growth in India's defence sector, leading to a manifold increase in exports. Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh & Catherine Vautrin inaugurate Airbus H-125 final assembly line in Karnataka, bolstering strategic partnership. Vemagal, February 17 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin attended the inaugural ceremony of the final assembly line of Airbus H-125 helicopters at Vemagal, Karnataka. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also present. Vautrin called the India-France defence cooperation as dynamic and ambitious. In a post on X, she said, "As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic to India, I am in Bangalore alongside Rajnath Singh, the Indian Minister of Defense, to illustrate the strength of our defense cooperation. Deep, dynamic, and ambitious, the French-Indian defense cooperation constitutes a major pillar of our strategic partnership and is strengthening across all sectors, both operational and capability-related." Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters at Vemagal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Coming to the unveiling of the final assembly line that we are witnessing today, the H-125 program investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1000 crore and is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for our skilled and hard working younger generation." Singh further said that privatization has propelled growth in this sector. He said, "Historically, Indian defence production was largely public sector oriented due to various reasons. As a result, the private sector's contribution to total defence production and exports was less than desirable. Our defence exports have increased manifold, putting India among the top defence exporters in the world. This growth trajectory has also given a massive boost to MSMEs and the ancillary sector... A large number of foreign companies currently source many components from Indian MSMEs. We invite companies, to deepen this partnership through meaningful technology transfer and offer advanced solutions to meet the security needs of other countries as well." Vautrin's visit is with French President Emmanuel Macron. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held delegation-level talks with Macron in Mumbai to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. The talks took place at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, where the two leaders led their respective delegations in discussions covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest. - ANI UAE had not approved access as of Feb 13 The Delhi High Court has granted the Ministry of External Affairs four weeks to obtain consular access to retired Major Vikrant Jaitly, who is detained in Abu Dhabi. The court is hearing a petition filed by his sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, seeking directions for his case. The proceedings involve a familial dispute, as Vikrant's wife, Charul Jaitly, has opposed some submissions made by Celina's counsel. The court has directed the MEA to file a status report and share relevant documents with the detained individual by the next hearing on March 16. Delhi High Court grants MEA time to secure consular access for retired Major Vikrant Jaitly, detained in Abu Dhabi, amid a family legal dispute. New Delhi, February 17 The Delhi High court on Tuesday granted time to Ministry of External Affairs to get consular access to retired major Vikrant Jaitly and have a meeting with him. The high court has also asked the MEA to apprise him about the development in the petition moved by Celina Jaitly. The court is considering a petition filed by Bollywood actres Celina Jaitly seeking directions in connection with her brother's detention in the United Arab Emirates. During the hearing, wife of Vikrant Jaitly, Charul Jaitly, filed a note. The court directed to supply the copy of note to Celina Jaitly and MEA. She appeared before the court. Celina's counsel argued that Vikrant Jaitly was an employee and his wife was the owner of the company in question. His wife Charul Jaitly opposed the submissions of Celina Jaitly. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav granted 4 weeks time to MEA after its cousnsel sought time to get a consular access to retired major Vikrant Jaitly. The counsel for MEA submitted a note and submitted that UAE did not approved the consular access on February 13 and it is awaited. It will take 3-4 weeks to get approval. The bench granted time to MEA and directed to file a status report. The bench has also asked the MEA to share the note of his wife and petition with Vikrant Jaitly. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 16. Charul appeared before the court in person and sought that the proceedings be conducted in camera; however, the court declined the request. She also opposed the submissions advanced by counsel for Celina. Advocate Sandeep Kapoor, along with Advocate Raghav Kacker, appeared for Celina Jaitly. They submitted that Vikrant was employed by the company, while its ownership lay with his wife, who later wound up the business. The submissions were opposed by Charul Jaitly's counsel. Justice Kaurav said that the court is not hearing the family matter. It is hearing a petition filed against the Central Government. The Delhi High Court on February 12 asked the Ministry of External Affairs to have a meeting with Retired major Vikrant Jaitly and get the power of attorney signed in favour of an emirati law firm Khalid Al Maree and Partners. Central Government has issued a letter to firm to represent Vikrant Jaitly. " If he is not willing to get legal assistance from the firm, then he will suggest the name of another firm," the High court had said. Earlier, the high court had asked Charul Jaitly and Celina Jaitly to sit together, have some conversations and work in tandem in order to secure release of Vikrant Jaitly Central Government standing counsel for MEA had submitted that she took instructions from the ministry and said that there is no provision to facilitate the meeting with foreign nationals including the courts as per Legal Assistance Treaty between India and UAE. The High court had also asked the ministry to subject to approval by local authorities let the embassy officials to apprise Vikrant about the engagement of law firm. Advocate Raghav Kacker counsel for Celina Jaitly had submitted that A letter has been issued by the Ministry to law firm Khalid Al Maree and partners. In case he is not willing to take assistance from Khalid Al Maree, there can be some other firms, the High court had said. Charul Jaitly had said that There might be compromise with the investigation in view of sensitivity of case. Vikrant Jaitly wants India Government to engage a lawyer for his defence. If Vikrant Jaitly is not willing to take legal assistance from Khalid Al Maree, then he should suggest some name, the court said. On February 10, The Delhi High court had asked the counsel for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to get in touch with the ministry/Consulate to facilitate the interaction of Major (Retd) Vikrant Jaitly with the court. The court had asked the parties not to interact with the media without court permission. On February 3, The Delhi High court had directed the Ministry of External Affairs to issue an order to a legal firm to represent Celina Jaitly's brother Major (retd.) Vikrant Jaitly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The law firm is ready to do the matter free of cost. It was submitted that the legal firm is willing to represent Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly free of cost (Pro Bono). They have found out the details of the case in their own. On December 23, After a chamber hearing, the Delhi High Court issued fresh directions in the plea. Earlier, Justice Sachin Datta had noted that, in compliance with earlier orders, Major Jaitly continues to receive consular access. During the hearing, Celina Jaitly had requested that arrangements be made for the availability of a local lawyer or law firm to enable effective legal representation for her brother. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed the Centre, through the Ministry of External Affairs, to facilitate communication between Celina Jaitly and her brother, who has been detained in the UAE for over a year. Celna Jaitly had approached the Court seeking effective legal assistance, along with regular updates on her brother's welfare and legal status. - ANI Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi's Chief Minister inaugurated a CM-Shri School in Sarojini Nagar, marking the launch of the project in 75 city schools equipped with AI-enabled smart classrooms and digital labs. The leaders emphasized increasing the use of AI tools to enhance learning outcomes under the National Education Policy 2020. Separately, the Delhi Government has approved special financial assistance of over 3,000 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for sanitation and infrastructure projects. This includes funds for upgrading primary schools, deploying mechanical road sweepers, and introducing electric litter pickers to combat pollution. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi CM launch 75 CM-Shri Schools with AI tools and approve over 3,000 crore for city sanitation and school upgrades. New Delhi, Feb 17 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inaugurated a CM-Shri School in Sarojini Nagar and launched the CM-Shri Schools project in 75 city schools, assuring an increasing use of AI tools for improving the learning level among students, an official said. The two assured the best of facilities for students in Delhi schools, emphasising that using modern AI tools will increase in the coming time for optimising gains from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The CM-Shri Schools will offer upgraded facilities, including AI-enabled Smart Classrooms, Career Counselling Lab, ICT Lab, Digitised Library, Multi-Sectoral Skill Lab, Language Lab, Resource Room for Inclusive Education and CM Shri Digital Portal for Competitive Exam Preparation. During the programme on Tuesday, Pradhan and CM Gupta visited stalls at an exhibition by school students who had displayed their digital creations prepared using AI-tools. The Union Minister recently held a meeting with policymakers, academic leaders, and emerging technology entrepreneurs to discuss how AI can be leveraged to transform India's education system, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Earlier, the Chief Minister on Monday took a major step towards making the national capital clean, developed, and pollution-free by extending special financial assistance worth over Rs 3,000 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), an official said. In the education sector, the Chief Minister announced an additional Rs 50 crore for the upgradation of MCD primary schools. The funds will be utilised to strengthen school infrastructure, improve sanitation facilities, modernise classrooms, and create a better learning environment for students. To modernise the city's sanitation system, the Delhi Government has also approved a long-term project worth approximately Rs 2,300 crore under a 10-year OPEX (Operational Expenditure) model, it said. Under this initiative, 70 additional mechanical road sweeping machines are being deployed to enhance cleaning coverage. These will operate alongside existing machines to ensure effective dust and waste removal. Additionally, 1,000 electric litter pickers are being introduced to make sanitation operations more efficient, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced. The Chief Minister said this initiative would serve as a sustainable solution for pollution control. A separate allocation of Rs 50 crore has also been approved for the repair and upgradation of community buildings under the Municipal Corporation. The Chief Minister noted that nearly 298 community buildings, mostly located in smaller colonies, are widely used by economically weaker sections for weddings and other social functions, making their improvement essential. - IANS The Election Commission of India conducted a two-day review of preparedness for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections in Guwahati. The Commission met with representatives from multiple national and state political parties, who largely favored holding the elections in a single or maximum two phases and requested the poll schedule consider the Bihu festival. In subsequent meetings with senior police and administrative officials, the ECI reviewed all logistical, security, and procedural aspects of the election. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized strict adherence to constitutional and electoral laws while directing officials to ensure impartiality and a voter-friendly experience. Election Commission reviews Assam poll readiness, meets parties and officials. Parties favor single or two-phase voting, request consideration of Bihu festival dates. Guwahati, Feb 17 The Election Commission of India on Tuesday undertook a detailed review of poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi holding extensive interactions with political parties and senior officials in Guwahati. The review marked the first day of the Commission's two-day visit to the state on February 17 and 18. During the visit, the ECI interacted with representatives of recognised national and state political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People's Party Liberal, and the Bodoland People's Front. The Commission provided each political party an opportunity to place its views, concerns, and suggestions, with an emphasis on ensuring that the forthcoming Assembly elections are conducted in a transparent, free, and impartial manner. According to the ECI, the majority of political parties favoured holding the elections in a single phase or, at most, in two phases. Parties also urged the Commission to take into account the Bihu festival while scheduling the election dates. During interactions, political parties generally appreciated the conduct of the Special Revision of the Electoral Rolls in Assam and offered suggestions to ensure peaceful and orderly elections across the state. Following the interaction with political parties, the Commission held a comprehensive review meeting with Inspector Generals, Deputy Inspector Generals, District Election Officers (DEOs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs). The discussions covered all key aspects of election preparedness, including election planning, EVM management, logistics, training of election personnel, seizures, law and order arrangements, voter awareness initiatives, and outreach activities. CEC Gyanesh Kumar stressed that the elections must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India, relevant electoral laws, and the Election Commission's instructions. The Commission directed all DEOs, SSPs, and the state administration to act with complete impartiality and to ensure prompt redressal of complaints and grievances raised by political parties. The ECI also instructed officials to make concerted efforts to create a pleasant voting experience by ensuring polling stations are festive, welcoming, and voter-friendly. Additionally, all DEOs and Superintendents of Police were asked to closely monitor social media for fake news and misinformation and to take swift and appropriate legal action wherever required. - IANS Estonian President Alar Karis, during a visit to New Delhi, emphasized the deep historical and civilizational parallels between Estonia and India. He outlined opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and electronics. President Karis also expressed serious concern over Russia's war in Ukraine, calling it a global issue. He concluded by affirming the strong, values-based friendship between the two nations. Estonian President Alar Karis seeks deeper cooperation with India in AI and green hydrogen, highlighting shared history and digital transformation. By Sahil Pandey, New Delhi, February 18 Marking the upcoming anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, President Alar Karis emphasised the deep-rooted historical parallels between Estonia and India, describing both nations as "ancient Europeans" and a "cradle of civilisation" respectively. Addressing a gathering in the national capital on Tuesday, the Estonian President noted that while both nations transitioned from "colonial yokes" to freedom following the World Wars, they have since transformed into modern technological powerhouses. "We can call ourselves ancient, arguably even eternal, Europeans, as you Indians can consider yourselves a cradle of civilisation... History has not always treated us kindly. Both our nations have experienced what it is like to be ruled by others," President Karis said. Highlighting the success of Estonia's digital transformation, the President drew parallels between the 'Tiger Leap' program of the 90s, which digitised Estonian education, and the current "AI Leap" initiative. He revealed that his visit to New Delhi is centered on the upcoming World AI Summit. "The new technological beast that needs training is, of course, artificial intelligence. We must make it our friend... Last year, I laid the foundations for a new program called the AI Leap, designed to help our youngsters and teachers harness its power for the benefit of society," he added. On the economic front, President Karis invited further Indian investment. He expressed particular interest in expanding bilateral ties in green hydrogen and electronics. Turning to global security, the President expressed grave concern over Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, stating it is not merely a regional concern but one with "global impact." "Russia's aggression in Ukraine is not merely a regional concern... The international community must find ways to ramp up pressure on Russia and create a situation wherein warfare becomes too costly and exhausting for them," Karis said, adding that Moscow appears insincere regarding peace talks. Concluding his address by quoting Rabindranath Tagore, the President remarked that the friendship between India and Estonia is rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, and respect for sovereignty. "By staying on that path, our friendship will be a strong and long-lasting one," he said. - ANI DFS Secretary M Nagaraju stated that the reduction of US tariffs from 50% to 18% significantly improves the outlook for Indian exporters. He highlighted that key trade agreements with the United States and the European Union are nearing completion, which will further enhance market access. Nagaraju praised the Exim Bank for its support to MSMEs and artisans, noting reported improvements in sales and product quality. He also mentioned government support schemes and acknowledged that while AI can improve connectivity, product quality remains the ultimate deciding factor for global buyers. DFS Secretary M Nagaraju says reduced US tariffs and pending trade deals with the US & EU promise better market access for Indian exporters, especially in handicrafts. New Delhi, Feb 17 Indian exporters can look forward to better days ahead as trade conditions improve, Department of Financial Services Secretary M. Nagaraju said on Tuesday. Speaking on the sidelines of the 10th edition of 'Exim Bazar' organised by Export-Import Bank of India here, he said that with the US tariffs reduced from 50 per cent to 18 per cent, and key trade agreements with the United States and the European Union nearing completion, the future of Indian exports, especially handicrafts, looks promising. "Indian businesses now have stronger global opportunities," Nagaraju said. "With trade deals with the US and the EU almost finalised and the rollback of steep tariffs by America, exporters can expect improved access to international markets," he added. Nagaraju praised Exim Bank for its continued support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly artisans working in handicrafts and handlooms. He congratulated the bank's staff and the artisans who have participated in the annual event over the past decade. "Many artisans have reported better sales and improved product quality due to institutional backing and exposure to global buyers," he stated. He noted that Exim Bank operates on two levels. On one side, it provides government-to-government Lines of Credit on behalf of the government. On the other hand, it runs commercial operations that directly support exporters by raising funds from overseas markets and extending financial assistance to businesses. Nagaraju also referred to the government's recently launched export mission and a guarantee support framework introduced by DFS to help exporters deal with global trade challenges. He said the guarantee scheme is working well and has helped cushion exporters from adverse international developments. On the role of artificial intelligence in trade, Nagaraju said AI will improve connectivity and access to information. However, he stressed that technology alone cannot replace product quality, especially in traditional sectors like handicrafts. He said India's handicraft and handloom products are deeply linked to the country's culture and heritage, and they must continue to compete globally on quality and price. "While AI can support marketing and outreach, the final decision of buyers will depend on the strength of the product itself," he added. - IANS MeitY Secretary S Krishnan reported that global tech leaders and CEOs attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 are highly impressed with the quality of India's AI presentations and vision. The summit has drawn massive participation, with 1.25 lakh attendees and extensive digital reach through live-streamed sessions. The accompanying Expo serves as a national demonstration of AI in action, featuring international pavilions and spanning over 70,000 square metres. The event, anchored in the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, will culminate with an inaugural address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 19. MeitY Secretary says global CEOs are "extremely impressed" with India's AI roadmap at the massive India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. New Delhi, February 17 MeitY Secretary S Krishnan on Tuesday said that visitors and participants, including global tech titans, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 are "extremely impressed" by India's high-quality AI roadmap. Asked about his interaction with Global CEOs during the Summit, the Secretary for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) told ANI, "Almost everybody that I met today who attended many of the sessions has been extremely impressed with the quality of the presentations and the quality of the presenters." He further observed that the event has attracted significant global expertise. "Extremely high-quality sessions is the common remark. Very eminent people have been attending most of our sessions, and they've had excellent inputs to provide to a very, very engaged and interested audience," he said about the event held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, confirming that 1.25 lakh people have already participated in the summit that began on Monday and will conclude on February 20. The digital reach of the event is also extensive, as 115 sessions have been streamed live on YouTube, garnering 4.57 lakh views. The summit serves as a national demonstration of artificial intelligence in action across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres. Special Commissioner of Police Manish Kumar Agarwal said, "I am just trying to lay out the arrangements on 18th February and 19th February. I am not discussing the arrangement on 20th February because it can be as it was today. On 18th February, as the Additional Secretary told you, as Akhil Kumar told you, on 18th February, if we divide the ITPO area into two parts, one part is the Convention Centre and the other part is the Expo Area Halls, which are from Hall 2 to 5 and Hall 1..." The India AI Impact Expo 2026 is being held alongside the India AI Impact Summit, at Bharat Mandapam. The Expo serves as a national demonstration of AI in action, where policy meets practice, innovation meets scale, and technology meets the everyday citizen. Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo brings together global technology firms, startups, academia and research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners. The Expo also features 13 country pavilions, showcasing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. These include pavilions from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and Africa. The AI Impact Summit 2026 is anchored in three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet and Progress. The Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South, has witnessed unprecedented participation, with over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. PM Modi will deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. - ANI The session highlighted that managing AI's impact on jobs requires better global data on technology adoption to design targeted policies. Experts emphasized investing in skills development and robust social protection systems to support workers through the transition. Differentiated impacts are emerging, with younger workers in AI-exposed roles facing early employment pressures. International cooperation is deemed essential to ensure AI adoption leads to inclusive growth, particularly in sectors like agriculture and services. Experts at India AI Summit stress skills, data, and social safety nets to ensure AI drives inclusive growth and protects workers globally. New Delhi, Feb 17 The session on "Global Dialogue on AI Usage - Data for Labour Market Resilience" held on the second day of India AI Impact Summit 2026 highlighted that strengthening labour market resilience in the AI era will require better measurement of technology adoption, anticipatory governance, and coordinated investments in skills, social protection, and institutional capacity so that productivity gains translate into broad-based economic and social benefits. The session focused on the changing nature of work and job scenarios amid accelerating artificial intelligence adoption, and on the policy choices required to manage this transition. Drawing on emerging international evidence, the discussion noted differentiated impacts across age groups, sectors, and geographies, with early trends indicating employment pressures for younger workers in roles with higher AI exposure. The panellists emphasised that the lack of comprehensive, comparable data across countries continues to constrain governments' ability to design timely, targeted interventions. The conversation underlined the importance of moving ahead with adaptive policy frameworks even in the absence of perfect information, strengthening social protection systems, and expanding re-skilling pathways. The need for context-specific strategies for sectors such as services, agriculture, and public delivery, supported by international cooperation and shared learning, was highlighted as central to ensuring that AI adoption leads to inclusive growth. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said, "India shows one of the highest levels of AI adoption at the firm level, marked by both openness and optimism. While the productivity effects are still being measured, AI in India is likely to be applied to long-standing challenges-particularly in health, education, and services-where last-mile connectivity constraints have traditionally limited outcomes." Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya's Special Envoy for Technology, said, "Preparing for AI-driven transitions requires more than reskilling and upskilling; it also demands strong social protection systems. In countries like Kenya, with a very young population alongside ageing workers in key sectors such as agriculture, policy must support innovation while ensuring that people across generations are protected throughout this transition." Hector de Revoire, Director, Responsible AI Public Policy, Microsoft, said, "Most of the evidence we currently have on AI's employment impact comes from a few countries, particularly the United States. In many other regions, including emerging economies, the data simply does not yet exist, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions and underlining the need for the systematic collection of adoption and employment data globally." Yoshua Bengio, professor at the Universite de Montreal and a leading global AI expert, started the session and said that the trends we have seen in AI over the last five years will continue to have a significant impact on the job market. Access to AI will become an advantage, while countries without it will be at a competitive disadvantage. Hence, we need international coordination to mitigate its ill effects and help AI steer in a direction that benefits everyone. Alliances need to be formed, and dialogues need to take place. - IANS Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a courtesy meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, reaffirming India's people-centric ties with Bangladesh. Separately, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, conveying PM Modi's wishes and an invitation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally invited Tarique Rahman, along with his family, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. The diplomatic engagements underscore India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the newly formed government in Dhaka. Foreign Secy Vikram Misri meets Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, while PM Modi invites new Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to India, reaffirming bilateral ties. Dhaka, February 17 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday held a courtesy meeting with Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bangladesh Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. The Foreign Secretary greeted Safiqur Rahman, and reaffirmed India's people-centric ties with Bangladesh. The JeM Ameer, in turn, confirmed how both countries share 'deep civilisational bonds' and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations. "Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri had a courtesy meeting with the leader of opposition of Bangladesh and the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary conveyed greetings to Dr. Rahman on his new role and reaffirmed India's enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the deep civilisational bonds shared by the two countries and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations," read a Facebook post by Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday represented India at swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Birla said that India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. Birla called on Bangladesh Prime Minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He handed over the invitation of PM Modi to newly elected Rahman to visit India. He also met the President of Maldives, Prime Minister of Bhutan and other leaders on the sidelines. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah lauded Birla's visit. In a post on X, he said, "Prime Minister, H E Tarique Rahman, conveys his greetings to India and PM Hon. Narendra Modi to the visiting Lok Sabha Speaker, HE Om Birla, at courtesy meet following swearing-in of the new Government. Hon Speaker conveyed wishes from India & Invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh & India pursuing people-centric menu of cooperation." Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. In his letter, PM Modi also invited Tarique's wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima, to accompany him. "I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh," the letter from the PM stated. - ANI French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, positioned France as India's indispensable partner for innovation. He announced an Innovation Day ahead of the G7 Summit and detailed robust cooperation in defense manufacturing, space, and civilian nuclear technology. Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India. The event underscored a deepening strategic partnership aimed at technological sovereignty and improving everyday life through joint innovation. French President Emmanuel Macron, in Mumbai, pledges France as India's definitive partner in innovation, defense, and space, inaugurating the Innovation Year 2026. Mumbai, February 17 With India and France elevating their ties to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' amid deepening collaboration across sectors, French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said that France "is the only clear answer" to India's need for innovation collaborations. Speaking at the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, Macron said, "The question is no longer whether India innovates. The question is, who will innovate with India? And France is the only clear answer. We are here. We want to be here with you. And we are not leaving." He hailed the India-France ties, saying the iconic movie dialogue "Jai Ho". "'Jai ho', as we say in the famous movie. So long live the Indo-French relationship," he added. Referring to a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron announced that an Innovation Day will be organised ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit, led by Franco-Indian initiatives and bringing together students and researchers from both countries. Highlighting defence cooperation, Macron described France as a steadfast partner in India's 'Make in India' initiative. "Our high-level cooperation allows us to develop next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, advanced combat aircraft, submarines, etc. This is not just a defence contract, but a series of defence contracts. We speak about what a sovereign alliance is--two great nations choosing each other on land, at sea and in the sky, not by default but by conviction," he said. He also underscored cooperation in the space sector, citing the development of the TRISHNA satellite as an example of what can be achieved when scientific excellence and industrial expertise come together. Macron further highlighted civilian and nuclear cooperation initiatives and stressed that innovation must serve the common good. "Our partnership is also guided by a shared conviction that innovation is not just about major technological breakthroughs but also about improving everyday life, making it healthier and safer," he said. Praising India's global leadership in innovation, Macron noted that several major global technology firms are led by Indian-origin CEOs. "India does not just participate in global innovation; India leads it," he said, referencing companies such as Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Palo Alto Networks, and Chanel. The remarks underscore France's intent to strengthen collaboration with India across technology, defence, space, education and research under the growing India-France strategic partnership. Following his address, the French President, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, jointly inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the two nations' strategic partnership. "PM @narendramodi and President @EmmanuelMacron witnessed the cultural and artistic dimension of the Year of Innovation at a spectacular AI-driven immersive cultural experience at the Gateway of India. The Year of Innovation will further strengthen the creative, cultural and people-to-people ties between our countries," the MEA stated in a post on X. - ANI French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron met prominent Bollywood figures including Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee during their visit to Mumbai. Macron shared pictures of the gathering on social media, highlighting culture as a unifying force. The French leaders also paid solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon arrival. The delegation will now proceed to Delhi to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron met Bollywood celebrities like Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee in Mumbai, calling them "legends of Indian cinema" during his state visit. New Delhi, February 17 French President Emmanuel Macron added a touch of cinematic glamour to his diplomatic visit to Mumbai, holding a special interaction with Bollywood celebrities on Tuesday. The French leader and First Lady Brigitte Macron met prominent figures of Indian cinema including actors like Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, and Shabana Azmi. Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also joined the special meeting along with Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej. Taking to his official X handle, Macron shared pictures of their gathering, showing the leader interacting with the celebrities. "Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together," he wrote in the caption. Actor Anil Kapoor also shared glimpses of the meeting on his X handle and wrote, "Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here's to India x France. And to many more stories waiting to be told." French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday for their scheduled India visit till February 19. The French President and First Lady Brigitte Macron were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. In the morning hours, Macron was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. In a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. Following the Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The India AI Impact Summit is designed as a five-day programme anchored on three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The participation of the French President underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. - ANI French President Emmanuel Macron took an unexpected morning jog along Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive promenade, surprising early risers. He interacted friendly with locals, including a boy who greeted him in French, offering smiles and a thumbs-up. The spontaneous run provided a refreshing break from his official diplomatic schedule during his visit to India. Witnesses appreciated the unassuming way he connected with people, setting aside formal protocols. French President Emmanuel Macron took a spontaneous morning run along Marine Drive, surprising Mumbaikars and sharing friendly moments before high-stakes diplomacy. Mumbai, Feb 17 French President Emmanuel Macron, known for his active lifestyle, took advantage of the pleasant Mumbai morning on Tuesday, with a spontaneous jog along the iconic Marine Drive promenade. The city was just beginning to stir as he emerged from his motorcade, flanked by a scaled-down security detail, and nodded to his bewildered but quickly adjusting French and Indian security teams. Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after welcoming French President Macron, asked him that if he had gone for jogging in Mumbai on Tuesday morning. In the video released by the French President, he was heard telling PM Modi so he already knew about it. Macron, dressed in a simple grey T-shirt and black shorts, started his run amid few morning walkers having their daily walk. Initially, a few early risers and dog walkers did a double-take, some even halting mid-stride, utterly perplexed to see a world leader jogging amongst them. "Is that... no, it can't be," one elderly woman muttered, shielding her eyes against the glare. But as President Macron offered a quick, friendly wave to those he passed, a murmur of recognition rippled through the small crowd. He ran with purpose, his gaze sweeping across the vast expanse of the ocean. He observed the fishermen mending their nets, the yoga enthusiasts already deep in their sun salutations, and the young couples enjoying a quiet moment by the water. Mid-run, a young boy, dared to call out, "Bonjour, Monsieur le President!" Macron, surprised and amused, slowed to a jog, offering a broad smile and a thumbs-up before continuing his pace. The boy, beaming, instantly became the envy of his friends. His run concluded near the famous "Queen's Necklace" view where President Macron paused and exchanged a few quiet words with his security chief, perhaps remarking on the vibrancy of Mumbai. His brief, unexpected appearance on the Marine Lines Promenade caught the Mumbaikars unawares. However, as the news spread, people rushed to have a first look of the French President. It was a refreshing break also for the French President before pursuing the high-stakes diplomacy. Eye witnesses said what they liked the most was the unassuming way he connected with them leaving aside diplomatic protocols. - IANS The environmental vision of former Telangana Chief Minister KCR, embodied in the Haritha Haram program, has inspired a major new restoration project in the Sundarbans. On his 72nd birthday, a initiative will plant 10,000 mangrove saplings to strengthen this critical natural barrier against cyclones and coastal erosion. The project employs advanced technology like geo-tagging, AI, and micro-climate sensors to ensure scientific, adaptive management and high survival rates. It represents a scaling of Telangana's model, combining leadership, public participation, and innovation to build long-term ecological and community resilience. On KCR's 72nd birthday, his Haritha Haram inspires a tech-driven mission to plant 10,000 mangroves in the vulnerable Sundarbans ecosystem. Sundarbans, Feb 17 At a time when environmental protection was often treated as secondary to economic growth, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao, Founder of Telangana and its first Chief Minister, reshaped the development narrative by placing ecology at the centre of governance. Through the flagship afforestation programme Telanganaku Haritha Haram, KCR did more than initiate tree plantation drives. The former Chief Minister launched a mass environmental movement that embedded climate responsibility into state policy. Haritha Haram transformed afforestation from a periodic administrative exercise into a shared civic mission. Citizens, farmers, students, institutions, and government agencies were mobilised in a collective effort to restore forest cover, recharge groundwater, protect biodiversity, and build long-term climate resilience. Environmental protection was no longer symbolic; it became structural. Under KCR's leadership, ecological regeneration was treated with the same seriousness as irrigation, infrastructure, and welfare-establishing the principle that development without environmental security is ultimately unsustainable. The influence of this vision extended beyond Telangana. Inspired by Haritha Haram's philosophy, former Rajya Sabha MP Joginapally Santosh Kumar launched the Green India Challenge, transforming a state-led programme into a nationwide, citizen-driven environmental movement. Mobilising youth, public representatives, civil society, and corporate participants, the initiative scaled afforestation and ecological restoration efforts across India. Today, it stands among the country's largest voluntary green campaigns, with millions of trees planted and thousands of water bodies revived-demonstrating how public participation can amplify visionary governance. On the occasion of KCR's 72nd birthday, this movement reaches one of the world's most climate-vulnerable ecosystems-the Sundarbans, which spans nearly 10,000 square kilometres across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. The Sundarbans form the largest mangrove ecosystem on Earth. It serves as a natural shield against cyclones, tidal surges, and coastal erosion. Mangroves are not merely trees but life-saving infrastructure for millions living along the coast. The region faces mounting threats from rising sea levels, saline intrusion and erratic rainfall. Repeated cyclones are also the key challenge. Strengthening mangrove cover is therefore both an ecological necessity and a humanitarian imperative. As a green tribute to KCR's legacy, 10,000 mangrove saplings will be planted in the Sundarbans-symbolising the expansion of Telangana's environmental vision to India's climate frontlines. Importantly, this initiative goes beyond ceremonial planting. It adopts technology-driven, science-backed restoration methods. Geo-tagged plantation clusters ensure transparency and survival monitoring. Micro-climate sensors track salinity, temperature, humidity, and tidal patterns to enable adaptive management. Artificial intelligence tools assist in erosion modelling and ecosystem stress detection, turning restoration into applied climate science rather than symbolic activity. Community resilience forms another pillar of the effort. Cyclone-resistant agriculture, rainwater harvesting, freshwater storage systems, and soil conservation practices are being integrated to protect both ecosystems and livelihoods. Universities, research institutions, and youth volunteers are actively collaborating to guide species selection and restoration density, ensuring long-term ecological success. Aligned with global sustainable development priorities, this initiative reflects how local leadership can contribute to international climate action. From Haritha Haram in Telangana to mangrove restoration in the Sundarbans, the journey underscores a powerful message: when visionary leadership converges with public participation and scientific innovation, nature's first line of defence can be rebuilt. - IANS Gir Somnath district in Gujarat is a focal point in the state's campaign to eliminate tuberculosis, implementing extensive door-to-door screening. Health teams are visiting remote and forest-fringe areas to identify cases under the Active Case Finding drive. The district has added six new testing machines, making diagnosis free, supported by District Mineral Foundation funds and the District Collector. The drive has garnered support from NGOs and Nikshay Mitras following PM Modi's appeal, providing patients with nutritional kits alongside government treatment. Gujarat's Gir Somnath district emerges as a model in TB elimination with free door-to-door screening, new diagnostic machines, and Nikshay Mitra support. Somnath, Feb 17 Gir Somnath district in Gujarat has emerged as a key focus area in the state government's intensified campaign to eliminate tuberculosis, with health teams carrying out door-to-door screening and expanding diagnostic facilities across talukas. The initiative is being implemented under the state government's 'Bhagirath Abhiyan', supported by the Centre, as part of the wider national goal of a TB-free India. Officials said teams of health workers, ASHA workers, and paramedical staff are visiting villages and remote forest-fringe areas to conduct health check-ups and identify suspected cases under the ongoing Active Case Finding (ACF) drive. District TB Officer Sheetal Ram said screening and diagnosis are being provided free of cost. "Earlier, we had two machines for TB testing in our district. Six new machines have now been added. With the support of the District Mineral Foundation and the District Collector, these have been made available at every taluka level. Testing and diagnosis through these machines will be free. The cost of one test is approximately Rs 1,500," she said. According to officials, funds for the campaign are allocated at the taluka level through the District Collector to ensure uninterrupted screening and treatment services. Authorities said the ACF drive is not confined to urban centres but has been extended to villages and areas adjoining forests to widen coverage. Following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several NGOs, industrialists, social workers, and private hospitals in the district have joined the campaign. Many have come forward as 'Nikshay Mitras', a voluntary initiative under which individuals and organisations provide additional support to TB patients. Apart from government assistance, patients are being given nutritional support kits to aid recovery. Mandal Ravalia, a Nikshay Mitra, said, "People have received relief after getting medicines, and nutritional kits are also being distributed. This is benefiting even the last section of society. The scheme is very good." Family members of beneficiaries also acknowledged the assistance. Ashwin Jhala said, "There is also the Swasthya Sahay Yojana under which assistance can be availed by submitting bills. A special campaign is also being run by the Prime Minister. Social and political persons can adopt TB patients and ensure their treatment." Jagu Mori said, "The government's scheme is good, and even the last person in society can benefit from it. We are very grateful to the government." Officials said the campaign aims to strengthen early detection and ensure free treatment as part of the broader effort to reduce the TB burden in the district. - IANS Gujarat has issued over 2.19 crore Soil Health Cards to farmers, a pioneering initiative launched in 2003-04 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme provides free analysis of 12 key soil elements, offering scientific guidance on fertilizer use to maintain soil fertility and reduce unnecessary chemical input. Following its success in Gujarat, the scheme was rolled out nationally in 2015-16. The state continues to strengthen laboratory capacity to meet annual soil testing targets, helping farmers lower costs and improve crop yields. Gujarat has distributed over 2.19 crore Soil Health Cards to farmers, pioneering scientific soil management and reducing fertilizer costs since 2003. Gandhinagar, February 17 Gujarat has issued more than 2.19 crore Soil Health Cards to farmers so far, strengthening its focus on sustainable agriculture and scientific farming practices, according to the Chief Minister's Office. Agriculture has always remained central to Gujarat's holistic development. When cultivable land is not managed with care, it risks turning unproductive due to pollution, increasing soil salinity, and excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, as per the release. This concern was visible in several parts of the state. To address this challenge, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi introduced the Soil Health Card Scheme in 2003-04 with the guiding mantra 'Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara'. With this pioneering step, Gujarat became the first state in India to launch such an initiative, recognising that healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming. Carrying this vision forward, Gujarat continues to strengthen its agricultural progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. So far, 2.19 crore farmers in the state have been issued Soil Health Cards. The Soil Health Card scheme helps maintain the fertility of farmable land by analysing soil health in a systematic way. Soil samples are collected from farmers' fields following a prescribed method and sent to testing laboratories for analysis. Based on the results, a software-generated Soil Health Card is prepared, showing the levels of 12 key elements in the soil: N, P, K, pH, EC, Fe, Cu, Zn, OC, S, B, and Mn. Using this information, farmers receive scientific guidance on the type and quantity of fertilisers to use, completely free of cost, a release added. This approach reduces the unnecessary use of chemical fertilisers and ensures that the soil remains productive over time. Following the scheme launch, the first phase was implemented from 2003-04 to 2010-11, followed by the second phase from 2011-12 to 2015-16. During the first phase, more than 43.03 lakh farmers in Gujarat received Soil Health Cards free of cost. In the second phase, approximately 46.92 lakh farmers were provided the cards at no charge. After its success in Gujarat, the Prime Minister rolled out the Soil Health Card Scheme across the country in 2015-16. Under this national initiative, and during the third phase from 2016-17 till now, more than 1.25 crore farmers in Gujarat have been issued Soil Health Cards under the Government of India's scheme. Over the years, the scheme has significantly enhanced farmers' understanding of soil deficiencies and promoted the use of micronutrient fertilisers. Babubhai Vasarambhai Patel, a farmer from Dhansura in the Aravalli district, said the SHC scheme's recommendations on limited use of essential fertilisers led to lower costs and improved crop yields, demonstrating the initiative's impact on both productivity and cost efficiency, a release said. In 2024-25, a total of 6,23,844 soil samples were collected online through the SHC portal, of which 6,23,295 samples were analysed. For 2025-26, the Government of India has set a target of testing 6,25,513 soil samples in Gujarat. The Government of Gujarat remains committed to achieving this target within the stipulated time. So far, 6,13,355 samples have been collected by the State Government, and analysis of 4,86,142 samples has been completed. Testing of the remaining samples is currently in progress. To ensure timely analysis and distribution of Soil Health Cards, laboratory capacity is being strengthened. Currently, 19 soil testing laboratories and one microelement testing laboratory are operational under the Agriculture Department in Gujarat, each with an annual capacity of 10,000 to 11,000 samples. In addition, 26 private village-level laboratories, supported by government aid, can analyse about 3,000 samples each per year. The Soil Health Card scheme helps farmers with clear insights into soil health, improves fertility, guides suitable crop selection, reduces input costs, enhances returns, and promotes scientific farming practices. - ANI Gujarat has issued Soil Health Cards to 2.19 crore farmers as part of a long-running initiative to promote scientific soil management. The scheme, first introduced in 2003-04, provides farmers with analysis of 12 key soil parameters and tailored fertiliser recommendations. The state currently operates 19 government and 26 private soil testing laboratories to support the programme. Farmers report that the advice helps reduce input costs while improving crop yields. Gujarat has distributed Soil Health Cards to 2.19 crore farmers under a scheme promoting scientific soil management and sustainable agriculture. Gandhinagar, Feb 17 As part of efforts to strengthen sustainable agriculture, Gujarat has issued Soil Health Cards to 2.19 crore farmers under the Soil Health Card scheme, aimed at promoting scientific soil management and improving crop productivity. The scheme was first introduced in 2003-04 when the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The initiative made Gujarat the first state in the country to implement a structured soil testing and advisory programme for farmers. The programme was later expanded nationwide in 2015-16. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has continued the implementation of the scheme with the stated objective of enhancing farmers' incomes and maintaining soil fertility. The Soil Health Card provides farmers with details of 12 soil parameters - Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Organic Carbon (OC), Sulphur (S), Boron (B) and Manganese (Mn). Based on laboratory analysis, farmers receive scientific recommendations on the appropriate type and quantity of fertilisers to be applied. According to official data, the first phase of the scheme between 2003-04 and 2010-11 covered more than 43.03 lakh farmers in Gujarat. During the second phase from 2011-12 to 2015-16, around 46.92 lakh farmers were issued Soil Health Cards. In the third phase, from 2016-17 onwards under the Central government programme, over 1.25 crore farmers in the state have received the cards. In 2024-25, a total of 6,23,844 soil samples were collected through the SHC portal, of which 6,23,295 samples were analysed. For 2025-26, the testing target for Gujarat has been set at 6,25,513 samples. So far, 6,13,355 samples have been collected, and 4,86,142 have been analysed, with the remaining under examination. At present, 19 soil testing laboratories and one microelement testing laboratory are functioning under the Agriculture Department in Gujarat. Each laboratory has an annual capacity to test between 10,000 and 11,000 samples. In addition, 26 private soil testing laboratories have been established at the rural level with government assistance, each capable of analysing around 3,000 soil samples annually. Babubhai Patel, a farmer from Dhansura in Aravalli district, said the recommendations provided under the scheme helped him limit fertiliser use. "I was advised to apply only the required quantity of fertilisers. This reduced my input costs and improved my crop yield," he said. - IANS The Election Commission has published Gujarat's final electoral roll following a Special Intensive Revision, recording a total of 4.40 crore voters. This marks a net addition of approximately 5.6 lakh voters since the draft roll stage, representing a 1.29% increase. The extensive revision process involved over 50,000 Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door surveys and verifying claims and objections. District-wise data shows Ahmedabad leading in voter additions, while Surat recorded the highest number of deletions. Gujarat's final electoral roll lists 4.40 crore voters after Special Intensive Revision, a net addition of 5.6 lakh. Details on district-wise changes inside. Gandhinagar, Feb 17 The Election Commission, on Tuesday, published Gujarat's final electoral roll following the Special Intensive Revision, recording 4.40 crore voters with a net addition of 5.6 lakh voters since the draft electoral roll stage. The SIR commenced across the state on October 27 last year. The SIR continued for more than three-and-a-half months and included the distribution and collection of enumeration forms, verification of entries, and disposal of claims and objections. Objections and applications for inclusion or deletion of names of voters were received between December 19 and January 30. These were verified and decided by February 10 before publication of the final electoral roll. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Hareet Shukla said the SIR process was completed within the prescribed timeframe through coordinated efforts at various administrative levels. A total of 34 District Election Officers, 182 Electoral Registration Officers, 855 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and 50,963 Booth Level Officers were involved in the SIR exercise, along with volunteers. In absolute terms, the final electoral roll comprises 4,40,30,725 voters, reflecting a net addition of 5,60,566 voters after the draft electoral roll stage. Prior to publication of the draft electoral roll, the state had 5,08,43,436 registered voters. Following the field verification in Gujarat, the draft electoral roll contained 4,34,70,109 names of voters. After the examination of claims and objections regarding the SIR, the final voter tally rose to 4,40,30,725, marking a net increase of 1.29 per cent over the draft electoral roll. The Booth Level Officers conducted door-to-door surveys to distribute and collect enumeration forms, which were later digitised. During verification, entries of deceased voters, those who had permanently shifted, and individuals registered at multiple locations were identified. Meetings were also held between Booth Level Officers and booth-level agents of political parties to review cases where enumeration forms had not been returned. Updated photographs collected during the SIR will be incorporated in the next electoral roll. District-wise figures showed Ahmedabad recording the highest number of voter additions at 1,53,234, followed by Surat with 1,01,578 and Rajkot with 53,517. Vadodara and Bhavnagar reported 47,070 and 40,074 voter additions respectively, while Dang (4,423), Narmada (5,797) and Tapi (6,269) registered the lowest voter additions. In terms of deletions of voters' names, Surat reported 85,734, followed by Ahmedabad with 47,627 and Surendranagar with 21,415. Banaskantha recorded 21,710 deletions of voters' names and Rajkot with 20,096. Surendranagar was the only district to post a marginal net decline of 99 voters. - IANS Guyana's Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo arrived in New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit, a visit welcomed by Indian officials as a step to strengthen bilateral ties. During the summit, energy expert Arunabha Ghosh framed the AI and green revolutions as intertwined strands of a "double helix" that must converge. He detailed AI's potential to optimize renewable energy integration and improve climate resilience through advanced forecasting. However, Ghosh also cautioned about the significant energy and water demands of the data centers powering AI. Guyana VP Bharrat Jagdeo visits Delhi for AI Impact Summit. Experts argue AI and decarbonization must converge as a "double helix" for climate solutions. New Delhi, February 17 Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday arrived in Delhi for attending the India AI Impact Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal lauded the visit, saying that it will strengthen the partnership between both the nations. In a post on X, the MEA said, "Warm welcome to the Vice President of Guyana Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. He was received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on his arrival in New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit. The visit of Vice President Dr. Jagdeo will further strengthen the historic and multifaceted India-Guyana ties, rooted in strong people to people linkages." Meanwhile, from data ethics to a profound environmental and geopolitical challenge, global policy experts agree that AI cannot exist in a vacuum and must be synchronised with the global drive for decarbonization and regional cooperation. Participating in a panel discussion on Tuesday at the ongoing AI India Impact Summit in the national capital, energy expert Arunabha Ghosh argued that the Artificial-Intelligence revolution and the Green revolution are two strands of the same "double helix." Ghosh, the CEO of the Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW) said, "I see this as a double helix. There is a digital revolution going on and a decarbonization revolution going on at different speeds with different momentums and different geographies." He said that the two technologies should converge to save the planet. "But the two will have to come together. These can't be parallel tracks. These have to come together. When they come together properly, then AI becomes one more general-purpose technology to impact another general-purpose technology, which, in my opinion, is climate action," Ghosh said. He highlighted how AI can optimize solar and wind integration into power grids, provide hyper-accurate flood forecasting, and increase agricultural resilience. However, he warned of the "duality" of AI -- noting that massive data centres are incredibly thirsty for power and water for cooling. - ANI The Himachal Pradesh government has issued transfer and posting orders for five Indian Administrative Service officers. The reshuffle includes Ashish Singhamar being appointed as Secretary to the Chief Minister, taking on multiple key departmental charges. Other significant moves involve postings to major state corporations like HPMC and the Industrial Development Corporation. The orders were made on the Civil Services Board's recommendations and approved by the Governor. Himachal Pradesh govt transfers five senior IAS officers, including key postings to Chief Minister's Secretariat and state corporations. Shimla, February 17 The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday issued transfer and posting orders of five IAS officers. According to a notification issued by the Department of Personnel today, the orders were made on the recommendations of the Civil Services Board and approved by the Governor. As per the notification, Ashish Singhamar, Secretary (Digital Technologies & Governance), has been appointed Secretary to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. He will also look after the departments of Digital Technologies and Governance, SAD, SWD, Parliamentary Affairs, Finance, Planning, and Social Justice & Empowerment. He will additionally hold the charge of Secretary (SAD, SWD, and Parliamentary Affairs), relieving Rakesh Kanwar of the additional charge of SAD, SWD, and Parliamentary Affairs. Anindam Chaudhary, Managing Director, HPMC, Shimla, who was also holding additional charges of Managing Director, H.P. Agro Industries Corporation Ltd., Managing Director, HP Agro Industrial Packaging India Ltd., and Managing Director, General Industries Corporation, has been posted as Director (Personnel & Finance), HPSEBL, Shimla. Vinay Singh, Director, Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, has been appointed as Managing Director, HPMC, Shimla. He will also hold the additional charge of Managing Director of H.P. Agro Industries Corporation Ltd. and Managing Director of H.P. Agro Industrial Packaging India Ltd., Shimla. Torul S Ravish, Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, has been appointed Managing Director of H.P. State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd., Shimla. She will also hold the additional charge of Managing Director at General Industries Corporation, Shimla. Meanwhile, Anurag Chander Sharma (HP:2016), Director (Personnel & Finance), HPSEBL, who was holding additional charge of Managing Director, HP State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd., has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kullu district. - ANI A new report reveals significant hiring discrepancies in India's workforce, with the gig sector showing a higher rate than white-collar roles. Employment history verification is the most frequent area of discrepancy for permanent employees, creating major organizational risks. In the on-demand sector, address verification poses the greatest challenge, especially in field-based roles. The findings underscore the need for companies to integrate continuous background checks into their core hiring strategy. AuthBridge report reveals 5.61% discrepancy rate in gig workforce and 4.33% in white-collar hiring, with employment history checks being the most problematic. New Delhi, February 17 The AuthBridge Workforce Fraud Files for the first half of fiscal year 2026 show that hiring discrepancies continue across India's labour market. White-collar roles recorded a discrepancy rate of 4.33 per cent in background verification, while the on-demand or gig workforce reported a higher rate of 5.61 per cent. These findings are based on data captured across identity, employment history, education, and criminal record checks. Ajay Trehan, CEO and Founder of AuthBridge, stated that these gaps remain a structural challenge for the industry. "The H1 FY26 Workforce Fraud Files clearly show that hiring-related discrepancies remain a persistent and structural challenge. Despite faster and more digitised hiring workflows, we continue to see gaps in fundamental checks such as employment history, address, and education," Trehan said. Employment history was the most frequent area of discrepancy for white-collar employees, reaching 11.15 per cent. Address verification followed at 7.68 per cent, with education checks at 4.49 per cent and reference checks at 4.17 per cent. Drug screening and criminal record checks showed lower discrepancy rates of 1.87 per cent and 0.50 per cent, respectively. Trehan noted that these issues affect more than just the hiring timeline. "These are not minor inconsistencies; they have direct implications for organisational risk, compliance, and trust. The data reinforces the need for organisations to embed background verification deeply into their hiring and workforce management strategies, rather than treating it as a one-time or post-hiring formality," he said. In the on-demand ecosystem, address verification discrepancies were recorded at 9.70 per cent. Identity discrepancies stood at 2.53 per cent, and criminal record discrepancies were observed at 2.23 per cent. These figures highlight risks in roles that involve field operations and direct customer interaction. Industry data shows that address discrepancies were highest in the telecom sector at 15.42 per cent, followed by IT at 12.02 per cent and pharma at 11.21 per cent. Employment verification discrepancies were most significant in retail at 16.37 per cent and telecom at 14.32 per cent. CV validation issues, which involve inconsistencies between resumes and verified data, were most prominent in the IT sector at 12.80 per cent. The report recommends that companies start screening processes before making job offers to avoid restarting the hiring cycle if a candidate fails verification. It also suggests periodic screening and ongoing monitoring, rather than a single check at the time of onboarding, to manage long-term risk and maintain a credible workforce. - ANI Air Vice Marshal Ajay Kunnath has stated the Indian Air Force must transition from automated systems to trusted AI autonomy for its operations. He emphasized that air operations are a "zero-error" environment, making trust and failsafe capabilities paramount in new probabilistic AI models. Kunnath described the evolution of human roles from being in the loop to potentially out of the loop as autonomy advances. He also highlighted key challenges, noting AI solutions are not transferable between domains and that closing the final 5% accuracy gap is crucial for security. Air Vice Marshal Ajay Kunnath outlines the IAF's critical move towards probabilistic, trust-based AI systems for zero-error air operations. New Delhi, February 17 Air Vice Marshal Ajay Kunnath on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force should shift how it uses technology for air operations, highlighting the importance of how such operations function in a "zero-error" environment. Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, he explained that the force is moving away from fixed systems toward AI-based models. "We are in a deterministic area at this point. We have to get into a probabilistic domain," he said. Because air operations function in a near "zero-error" environment, he stressed that trust is essential. "The type of domain that we talk about, like air operations specifically, actually mandates trust. And that is implicit. We are in a domain which is sort of zero error. So we need to now have probabilistic solutions which take us to that trust and failsafe operations." Summing up the goal, he said, "If you really want me to sum it up, it is trust, failsafe, moving from automation to autonomy." He also described how human involvement changes as AI systems advance. "We gravitate from human in the loop, where he becomes a decision maker, to human on the loop, where he uses it to his advantage, and finally autonomy, where it goes human out of the loop. You have to decide which area you are into and which facet of the human you want to use -- in, on or out." He warned that AI solutions cannot simply be copied from one field to another. "You can't take one particular scenario and think that it can replicate or manifest itself in the other domain," he said. Finally, he pointed out a key challenge with AI accuracy. "Your probabilistic takes you to 95 per cent. But the fact remains that it is the last five percentile that actually determines a leaker who can come in," he said, adding that better models and higher-quality data will be needed to close that gap. - ANI The International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA) is holding its 41st global summit for the first time in India, highlighting the country's economic vibrancy. ICCA President Eleni Despotou stated the industry substantially supports India's growth, acknowledging its potential for member companies. The global corrugated packaging industry is valued at approximately $200 billion, with the Indian segment contributing about $8.9 billion. The summit serves as a rare platform for the Indian industry to interact with global leaders and share information. ICCA President highlights India's vibrant economy as a key growth driver for the $200 billion global corrugated packaging industry at the 41st global summit. Hyderabad, February 17 President and CEO, ICCA and MD, FEFCO, Eleni Despotou, said that the industry offers support to the growth of India. Speaking to ANI on the 41st ICCA (International Corrugated Case Association), Despotou said that India's vibrancy supports the potential of the industry. He said, "This is a substantial industry that supports the growth of India. We have acknowledged the incredible, vibrant economy of India and the potential for our members and companies to grow. Our global event will bring together international players from all over the world." Chairperson of ICCA, M L Agarwal, told ANI that the summit is a rare opportunity for India to interact with global leaders. He said, "We are organising an International Corrugated Case Association global summit for the first time in the history of the ICCA, and this will be the 41st global summit. This is a rare opportunity for the Indian industry to interact with the global leaders. The global corrugated industry is valued today at approximately $200 billion, while the Indian industry is about $8.9 billion." The International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA) was formed in 1961. Its purpose is to provide member services and activities that can be most effectively conducted by an international organization. The services support and enhance the work of the association members and contribute to the well-being of the worldwide corrugated packaging industry. Since 1961, ICCA has sponsored a biennial Management Conference to allow worldwide corrugated industry executives to come together and share information, in a legal manner, on appropriate issues. ICCA gathers, compiles and distributes corrugated shipment/production data. This is the most authoritative reflection of worldwide corrugated industry data. ICCA members receive country- and region-specific production/shipment data reports every quarter. The association releases annual data to the general public, and then only by continent. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and praised the India AI Impact Expo 2026, calling it a powerful convergence of ideas and innovation. The event highlights India's extraordinary talent in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence for global advancement. The accompanying summit brings together over 20 heads of state and global leaders to deliberate on AI's role in inclusive growth and sustainable development. The initiative aims to translate global AI discussions into actionable outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India. PM Modi inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026, highlighting India's commitment to responsible AI for global good and inclusive development. New Delhi, Feb 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared highlights of the India AI Impact Expo 2026 and said that it was a powerful convergence of ideas, innovation and intent. PM Modi took to his social media handle on 'X' and said, "India AI Impact Expo 2026 was a powerful convergence of ideas, innovation and intent." "It showcased the extraordinary potential of Indian talent in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence for global good. Above all, it reaffirmed our commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence responsibly, inclusively and at scale for human progress," PM Modi said. Earlier on Monday, PM Modi inaugurated the 'India AI Impact Expo 2026' at Bharat Mandapam and said that India's progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement. PM Modi said that being among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. "Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world," the Prime Minister had added. The Expo is being held with India AI Impact Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South, and is witnessing unprecedented participation, with over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500 global AI leaders slated to attend. Meanwhile, the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which commenced on Monday, brought together the heads of state and government, ministers, global technology leaders, eminent researchers, multilateral institutions and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the role of AI in advancing inclusive growth, strengthening public systems and enabling sustainable development, while marking the first time that a global convening of this scale on the issue is being organised in the Global South. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. On February 19, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented AI. The 'India-AI Impact Summit 2026' aims to advance an impact-oriented and people-centric approach to AI, with emphasis on delivering measurable social and economic outcomes. The summit is anchored on three foundational pillars, known as 'Sutras' - a Sanskrit term meaning guiding principles or essential threads that weave together wisdom and action. These Sutras define how AI can be harnessed through multilateral cooperation for collective benefit. A major highlight of the summit are the three flagship Global Impact Challenges - AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi - designed to identify scalable, development-oriented AI solutions aligned with national priorities. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron formally elevated bilateral relations to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" during high-level talks in Mumbai. The leaders unveiled a comprehensive roadmap focusing on defence manufacturing, technology, and health, including inaugurating a private helicopter assembly line and a missile production agreement. They officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aiming to transform the strategic partnership into a "Partnership of the People." Both leaders emphasized the relationship as a force for global stability, with cooperation extending to critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. PM Modi and President Macron elevate bilateral ties, announce defence, tech, and innovation roadmap during landmark Mumbai visit. Mumbai, Feb 17 In a historic move that signals a "turning point" in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday formally elevated the India-France relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." The announcement came during high-level talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first to the financial capital. The leaders unveiled an ambitious roadmap in defence, technology, and health, reinforcing their commitment to the Horizon 2047 vision, a government release said. The visit saw breakthroughs in defence manufacturing, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The leaders virtually inaugurated India's first private helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. This joint venture will produce the H125 light utility helicopter, with the first "Made in India" unit expected in 2027. Bharat Electronics (BEL) and France's Safran signed an agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. A new "Centre of Excellence" will be established in Pune for manufacturing and maintenance for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Both nations renewed their Agreement on Defence Cooperation, ensuring continued synergy between the Indian Army and French Land Forces through reciprocal officer deployments. Highlighting the forward-looking nature of the ties, the leaders officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Narendra Modi described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world. He emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a "Partnership of the People", specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. PM Modi recalled his 2024 visit to France, where he attended the AI Action Summit and visited Marseille. He stated that India and France are strengthening cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Extending a warm welcome to Macron, PM Modi said, "I am delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. Last year, he invited me to the AI Action Summit in France. At that time, we visited Marseille, which is France's largest port and a major gateway to France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city from which our Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War I." "Their saga of bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe, and it is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape the British. His action symbolised his unwavering resolve for India's independence. I had the opportunity to remember him and pay my respects in Marseille last year. This time, when President Macron is in India for the AI Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him in Mumbai, the gateway to India," he added. PM Modi announced that India and France are transforming their strategic partnership into a "Partnership of the People." He said that during the Year of Innovation, the two countries aim to strengthen people-to-people connections. He said, "With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a Partnership of the People because innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. Therefore, our goal during the India-France Year of Innovation is to strengthen people-to-people connections." "Whether it's defence, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every field. We will build strong networks between startups and MSMEs. We will facilitate exchanges between our students and researchers, and we will also establish new centres for joint innovation," he added. PM Modi called the partnership between India and France a "force for global stability." He said the two nations will ensure human development through the International Solar Alliance, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and joint development projects. President Macron stated that the India-France relationship knows no boundaries, adding that it can reach the depths of the ocean and the heights of the skies. He also emphasised that the partnership is now one of "shared prosperity." Further key outcomes include the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, the India-France Innovation Network, renewal of the Agreement between the Government of India and the French Republic on Defence Cooperation, reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, creation of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group, joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals, and a letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS, the release said. The summit outcome also includes amending the Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France, especially in the areas of economy, startups, science and technology, health, renewable energy, and skilling. Other outcomes are a letter of intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology, a Memorandum of Understanding for scientific collaboration between DST and CNRS, the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi, an agreement to establish the Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences, a letter of intent to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics, and renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty on Renewable Energy Cooperation. According to the government release, the summit also witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and La Poste, France. The summit also addressed economic and academic mobility. An amended Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement was signed to facilitate smoother trade and investment. In the health sector, new agreements were reached for research on infectious diseases and the establishment of an Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences. - IANS News / National by Stephen Jakes Selfimposed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) senator Sengezo Tshabangu has issued a threat to opposition legislators, warning that any MP who refuses to support ZanuPF's proposed constitutional amendment to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term to 2030 will be removed from Parliament.In a social media post, Tshabangu claimed that amending the Constitution required a collective position between the ruling party and the opposition."However, as opposition, we agreed to treat the matter as settled, and any opposition MP who goes against this position will be relieved of their duties and replaced," he wrote.Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele criticised Tshabangu's remarks, saying history was repeating itself."There is nothing new under the sun. Tshabangu is Mwonzora part two. He will be abused by ED and then dumped later just like Mwonzora," Molokele said.Molokele added that each legislator would ultimately take an individual stance."My own stance is very clear. I am totally opposed to the socalled 2030 agenda. My term of office will definitely end in 2028 if I manage by miracle to get there," he said."I actually assume that I will be recalled from Parliament this year." India and France have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. A series of major agreements were announced, spanning defence, technology, critical minerals, and health, including the launch of an India-France Innovation Network. Key outcomes include the inauguration of a helicopter assembly line, a joint venture for missile production, and the establishment of an AI centre at AIIMS Delhi. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the partnership, crucial for global stability, is built on deep trust and a shared vision for the future. India and France announce Special Global Strategic Partnership, new defence deals, AI centre, and DTAA amendment during President Macron's visit. Mumbai, February 17 India and France on Tuesday elevated their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership and made a slew of announcements across key sectors such as defence, technology and innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, health and skilling, reflecting the growing strength of the relationship between the two countries. The key announcements made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the country include establishing an annual Foreign Ministers Dialogue for regularly reviewing the implementation of the elevated partnership and Horizon 2047 Roadmap, launch of the India-France Innovation Network, the inauguration of the H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka, and Joint Venture between BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India. The outcomes included agreement for reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces establishments and the establishment of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group. In his remarks during the joint statement with President Macron, PM Modi noted that the friendship between the two countries has "no boundaries" and the partnership can "reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains". The outcomes included amending the Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France. The two countries agreed to the Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals, Letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS. The outcomes included the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, launch of the India-France Innovation Network, the renewal of the Agreement between the Government of India and the French Republic on Defence Cooperation, the Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology, the Joint Declaration of Intent on establishing an Indo-French Centre for Digital Sciences and Technology and the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi The outcomes also included a Letter of Intent between DBT and ANRS on Cooperation in Research and Development on Infectious Diseases and Global Health Research, an Agreement for the establishment of Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences and Letter of Intent to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics The two countries signed a Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and La Poste, France In his remarks, PM Modi said he is delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. "Last year, he invited me to the AI Action Committee Summit in France. At that time, we visited Marseille, France's largest port and a major gateway to France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city from where our Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War I. Their saga of bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe, and it is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape the British," PM Modi said. "His action symbolised his unwavering resolve for India's independence. I had the opportunity to remember and pay my respects to him in Marseille last year. This time, when President Macron is in India for the AI Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him in Mumbai, the Gateway to India," he added. PM Modi said that the India-France relationship is very crucial."The strategic partnership between the two countries is one of the oldest and with the help of President Macron, we have deepened the ties and given it more energy in recent times. Based on this trust and vision, we are elevating our relation to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not just strategic. In this era of unpredictable global dynamics, this partnership will provide global stability and progress," PM Modi said. Highlighting cooperation in the defence and aerospace sectors, the Prime Minister referred to the inauguration of the helicopter assembly line as a testament to the growing collaboration between the two nations.PM Modi and President Macron virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka. "In India, the initiation of his helicopter assembly is another bright example of this relationship. We are proud that India and France will build a helicopter which will be able to take flight to Mount Everest. We will also export this. The India-France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains," PM Modi said. Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X that India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership is giving new wings to bilateral ties. "PM @narendramodi held productive talks with President @EmmanuelMacron in Mumbai. Discussions touched on a range of issues including strategic, defence and security, trade and investment, joint manufacturing, critical minerals supply chain, research and development and education among others. In a milestone development, both leaders announced to upgrade the India-France relationship to Special Global Strategic Partnership, to reflect the immense depth and breadth of our ties," the post said. The H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal is expected to strengthen India's indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities and further deepen India-France defence and industrial cooperation. The facility is designed to produce H125 helicopters for civil and parapublic operations, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, and passenger transport.The delivery of the first 'Made in India' H125 is expected in early 2027. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following a bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" and a "trusted anchor" for peace. The leaders launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aiming to link startups and research centres to tackle global challenges in clean energy and digital health. They reviewed key defence projects under the Horizon 2047 roadmap, including the joint production of HAMMER missiles and 114 Rafale fighter jets. PM Modi also highlighted a shared commitment to developing sovereign AI and noted philosophical convergence on global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. PM Modi calls India-France partnership a "trusted anchor" for peace, unveiling 2026 Innovation Year and reviewing defence projects like Rafale jets. Mumbai, Feb 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement following the bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world. He emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a "Partnership of the People," specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. PM Modi emphasised that the partnership is a "trusted anchor" for peace. He described France as an "indispensable partner" in the Indian Ocean region. The Prime Minister stated that the India-France Year of Innovation is the centrepiece of their 2026 roadmap. He noted, "Innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. The goal is to link Indian and French startups, MSMEs, and research centres to solve global challenges in clean energy and digital health." A major theme of the Prime Minister's address was Strategic Autonomy. He reaffirmed that the inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India was cited as a prime example of the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision. Both leaders reviewed the Horizon 2047 roadmap, focusing on the joint production of military hardware, including the HAMMER precision-guided missiles and the landmark 114 Rafale fighter jet project. With the meeting coinciding with the AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi highlighted a shared commitment to developing "sovereign AI" that is safe, secure, and beneficial to the Global South. Stating the partnership moving from Marseille to Mumbai, he recalled their previous discussions in France, noting that the partnership is now translating those AI visions into tangible industrial outcomes. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, noting a "philosophical convergence" between India and France on these issues. - IANS India and France have renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another decade during the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru. The two nations announced a reciprocal deployment of officers between their armies to enhance military ties. A key outcome was the signing of an MoU between Bharat Electronics Limited and France's Safran to establish a joint venture for manufacturing HAMMER missiles in India. Both ministers emphasized deepening industrial cooperation and collaboration in emerging technologies and the Indo-Pacific region. India and France renew defence agreement for 10 years, announce reciprocal Army deployment & sign MoU for manufacturing HAMMER missiles in India. Bengaluru, February 17 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday co-chaired the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with his French counterpart, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, in Bengaluru, where the two sides renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years, announced reciprocal deployment of officers, and inked an MoU for manufacturing HAMMER missiles in India. The dialogue focused on a wide range of bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development and co-production of military equipment. Both ministers emphasised the need to strengthen defence industrial cooperation and deepen engagement in niche and emerging technologies. The renewal of the 10-year defence cooperation agreement was signed by senior officials from both sides following the dialogue, and the two countries also announced the reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments to enhance military-to-military cooperation. In a significant development, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER missiles in India, thereby boosting indigenous defence production. Congratulating Vautrin on her maiden visit to India as French Defence Minister, Singh noted that her tenure comes at a critical time for European and global security and appreciated France's commitment to strategic autonomy and a strong European defence posture and highlighted that the recent India-EU Security and Defence Partnership marks a major step in deepening collective engagement. Singh also underlined India's role as a 'First Responder' and 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region, reiterating New Delhi's commitment to supporting regional partners in defence, security and maritime domains. On terrorism, the Defence Minister stated that Pakistan has a long history of promoting cross-border terrorism, which poses a serious threat to regional peace. Rajnath Singh expressed appreciation for France's cooperation and said, "India deeply appreciates France's steadfast commitment to strategic autonomy and a robust European defence posture. The recent India-EU security and defence partnership marks a significant step in deepening our collective engagement. We look forward to leveraging this framework both bilaterally and in the wider European context to strengthen regional stability, enhance our joint capabilities, and reinforce the enduring Indo-French strategic alignment." Addressing the dialogue, Vautrin described defence as the central pillar of India-France relations, highlighting joint exercises and co-production of military platforms as examples of the strong partnership and emphasising the importance of collaboration in space, industry, and bilateral initiatives amid evolving global security challenges. "Defence is the central pillar of the relationship between our countries, and our collaboration is exemplary with the joint exercises that are carried out, along with the co-production of military platforms. This partnership is complete and is grounded in mutual respect, which makes India an essential partner for a partnership in the Indo-Pacific region," Vautrin said. Following the meeting, Singh, in a post on X, said he was delighted to host Vautrin and that both sides agreed on the reciprocal deployment of Army officers, the renewal of the 10-year defence cooperation agreement, and the signing of the MoU for HAMMER missile manufacturing in India. "Delighted to have hosted Ms Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France, today in Bengaluru on her maiden visit to India. Shared my thoughts on a wide range of issues with a special focus on defence industrial cooperation and emerging geopolitical challenges. We agreed on reciprocal deployment of Army Officers, renewed our 10-year Defence Cooperation agreement and witnessed the signing of the MoU on manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India," the post read. The Annual Defence Dialogue serves as a structured ministerial-level mechanism to review and guide the growing defence and security partnership between India and France. - ANI Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia met Ireland's Jack Chambers to bolster the digital partnership between the two innovation-driven democracies. The discussions highlighted India's digital transformation, including its Digital Public Infrastructure and aggressive 5G rollout. Key areas for future cooperation identified include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Communications, and regulatory innovation. India also sought Ireland's support for its candidature to host the International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030. India and Ireland strengthen digital ties, discussing cooperation on AI, Quantum Communications, 5G expansion, and India's bid to host the ITU PP-2030 conference. New Delhi, February 17 Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with Jack Chambers, Ireland's Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation. The discussions centred on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations by leveraging their shared status as innovation-driven democracies. The meeting served as a platform to showcase India's rapid technological transformation and to identify new avenues for deeper cooperation in the digital economy. During the interaction, Minister Scindia highlighted the monumental shifts in India's digital landscape over the last decade. He briefed the Irish delegation on the success of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which includes the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He further elaborated on the country's aggressive 5G expansion and the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide through rural broadband initiatives. Minister Scindia emphasised that these advancements are the bedrock of a future-ready partnership between the two countries. In a statement following the meeting, Scindia shared insights into the diverse range of emerging technologies discussed, noting that the two nations are looking towards the next frontier of innovation. The Minister noted that they explored deeper cooperation in Quantum Communications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and regulatory innovation. Expressing optimism about the collaboration, he posted on his X account, "A pleasure to meet Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Ireland today. We discussed India's transformative digital journey, from DPI, UPI and DBT to 5G expansion and explored deeper cooperation in Quantum Communications, AI, regulatory innovation and rural broadband." The meeting also touched upon international cooperation within the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). India is actively seeking global support for its bid to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030 (PP-2030), a move that would solidify its position as a global leader in telecommunications policy. By seeking Ireland's endorsement, India aims to build a consensus among democratic nations to lead the global digital discourse toward inclusive and ethical technological growth. "Also sought Ireland's support for India's candidature at the @ITU, including our proposal to host PP-2030. India and Ireland, as dynamic innovation-driven democracies, can build a strong and future-ready digital partnership," he tweeted. - ANI India and Portugal have agreed to establish a joint working group focused on deploying artificial intelligence in public services and administrative reforms. The agreement was reached during talks between India's Dr. Jitendra Singh and Portugal's Goncalo Matias at the AI Impact Summit 2026. Both nations highlighted their respective reform agendas, with India citing the scrapping of nearly 2,000 obsolete rules and Portugal emphasizing "simplification first, digitalisation next." The collaboration signals a shift from dialogue to structured cooperation in AI-led governance between the two democracies. India and Portugal agree to create a joint working group on AI-led governance, focusing on digital pension systems and administrative reforms. New Delhi, Feb 17 India and Portugal on Tuesday agreed to set up a joint working mechanism on administrative reforms and digital governance with a focus on deploying artificial intelligence in public services, as the two sides signalled intent to move beyond dialogue to structured cooperation. The understanding emerged during talks between Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, and Portugal's Ministerof State Reform, Goncalo Matias, on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital. Dr Singh proposed the creation of a working group to identify priority areas for collaboration, including digital pension systems, grievance redressal platforms and AI-enabled document processing. "We can identify areas of mutual benefit and begin with specific, scalable models," he said, suggesting training exchanges and technical sharing between the two administrations. Highlighting India's reform trajectory over the past decade, he said nearly 2,000 obsolete rules had been scrapped, many of them colonial-era requirements that slowed citizen services. He cited the abolition of mandatory attestation by gazetted officers, the elimination of interview-based recruitment for certain categories to reduce discretion, and the rollout of single-page digital forms in place of multi-coloured, multi-copy paperwork. India's grievance redressal mechanism, now operating on what he described as a "hybrid model" combining AI-led sorting with human oversight, has achieved close to 95 per cent disposal rates, he said, adding that final decisions continue to involve human intervention. The government has also digitised pension processing end-to-end and expanded the use of biometric and facial authentication for life certificates, covering millions of beneficiaries annually. Matias outlined Portugal's parallel reform agenda built around "simplification first, digitalisation next". His government is revising core codes governing public procurement, construction and licensing before embedding AI into administrative decision-making. "There is no point in digitalising what is complex. If we digitalise complexity, we create another layer of bureaucracy," he said, adding that AI will be used to accelerate document processing but with mandatory human ratification of final decisions. Portugal is also investing public funds to help small and medium enterprises adopt AI, particularly after extreme climate events in recent weeks damaged industrial units in the country's central region. Matias said the objective was to ensure affected SMEs rebuild with a stronger technological infrastructure by the end of the year. On the multilateral front, Dr Singh said India had introduced new anti-corruption initiatives in the G20, including a focus on women-centric corruption risks and consensus-building on handling economic fugitives who exploit jurisdictional differences. He also noted India's recent election to a leadership position at the International Institute of Administrative Sciences as recognition of its governance reforms. Beyond governance, both sides acknowledged expanding cooperation in trade, technology and education. The two ministers also discussed expediting the third meeting of the senior consultative body under the existing MoU on public administration and governance reforms, as well as exploring collaboration in science and technology, digital inclusion and academic exchanges. The meeting comes against the backdrop of deepening political engagement between the two democracies, which marked 50 years of re-established diplomatic ties in 2025. With both governments now placing administrative simplification and AI-led governance at the core of reform, Tuesday's talks signalled a shift from ceremonial engagement to practical institutional alignment in India-Portugal cooperation. - IANS India is centering itself in the global AI dialogue by hosting the inaugural India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The summit, structured around the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, emphasizes inclusive and sustainable technological development. It has attracted major international tech executives and Indian industry leaders, highlighting India's growing influence in AI policy and equitable access. The event, co-presided by India, Egypt, and Kenya, aims to foster cooperation and responsible AI deployment across the Global South. India positions itself as an AI leader, hosting the Global South's first AI summit focused on inclusive growth, sustainability, and equitable tech access. New Delhi, Feb 17 As Artificial Intelligence reshapes economies and societies worldwide, India is positioning itself at the centre of the global AI conversation with the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 -- highlighting its vision of inclusive and sustainable technological growth, a report has said. AI is rapidly transforming India's economy and is projected to add more than $500 billion to the country's GDP by 2035, according to Geopolitico report. Over the past few years, the government has shifted its role from being just a provider of physical infrastructure to becoming a facilitator of real-time digital and virtual infrastructure. With AI playing a major role in this transformation, India has actively integrated artificial intelligence into its development and governance framework. Recognising that AI is no longer limited to research labs or large corporations, but is reaching citizens in healthcare, agriculture, education and public services, the government has launched initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and Centres of Excellence for AI. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 further strengthens this push by bringing global attention to India's AI ambitions. The summit, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is described as the first-ever global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. It is built around three foundational pillars, called 'Sutras' -- People, Planet and Progress. These themes reflect India's approach of promoting inclusive growth, sustainability and equitable development through AI. The event has attracted some of the biggest names in global technology and business. Top executives from companies such as Google, OpenAI, Adobe, Accenture, Qualcomm and Palo Alto Networks are participating. Prominent global figures such as Bill Gates, along with Indian industry leaders including Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Nandan Nilekani and Salil Parekh, are also expected to attend. Their presence underlines India's growing role not just in AI research and development, but also in regulation, policy-making and ensuring equitable access to technology. The summit aims to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation among countries of the Global South, focusing on innovation, policy exchange and responsible AI deployment. India's leadership is further reflected in the summit's working group, which is co-presided by India, Egypt and Kenya. This collaboration highlights India's commitment to advancing a balanced and inclusive global AI ecosystem through shared access, collaboration and capacity building, as per the report. - IANS Karen Priyadarshini of AWS Asia highlights a powerful synergy where Singapore's advanced AI capabilities can be trained on India's vast and unique healthcare datasets. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, make healthcare technologies more affordable, and help Indian startups compete globally. The partnership holds particular promise for assembling rare disease data sets, which are difficult to compile outside of India's massive population scale. Priyadarshini also emphasized the role of hyperscalers in enabling this growth securely while managing the associated risks of AI adoption. AWS VP highlights how India's vast health data and Singapore's AI models can drive affordable, global healthcare innovation and research. By Kaushal Verma, New Delhi, February 17 India's vast healthcare data and Singapore's advanced artificial intelligence capabilities are opening new avenues for collaboration that could accelerate innovation and make healthcare technologies more affordable and globally competitive, Karen Priyadarshini, Vice President and Head of Healthcare - Asia at AWS toldtoday. "Singapore is a small country with a very big AI push, and they have the models that they are building, but they need data to train those models and that's where India comes in," Priyadarshini told ANI in an interview on the sidelines of the "Democratizing AI Resources for Economic Growth and Social Good" event at the India AI Impact Summit. "India has a population of 1.4 billion, and that means that many data points that you have. And I think that scale nobody on planet Earth has," she said. Priyadarshini said discussions at the summit and at the AWS Public Sector Summit earlier in the day focused on how technology can help India scale healthcare delivery affordably and enable startups to expand globally. "India is a bed of startups, so how do we enable them to really go global? How can we scale with these technologies? How can we make it affordable?" she said. She highlighted the potential for research partnerships, particularly in rare diseases. Referring to remarks by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Authority (NHA), she said India's expanding health data ecosystem could be opened to researchers worldwide. "We're going to have the scale of data -- what are we going to do with it? We're going to invite researchers," she said, noting that certain rare disease data sets are difficult to assemble outside India. Priyadarshini described AI as a "technology leveler" in healthcare. "It's not that the U.S. is ahead, it's not that China is ahead. We have amazing startups in India because of the scale of population," she said, adding that markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea are also developing strong solutions. She said hyperscalers such as AWS can help regional innovators scale securely and responsibly. "AI has lots of bandwidth, and it comes with a package of risk as well," she said, stressing the need for safeguards as adoption accelerates. - ANI India's textile and apparel export sector is poised for a strong recovery, with industry leaders forecasting 30-40% growth within two years as new Free Trade Agreements with the EU and US near implementation. They have dismissed concerns about competitive threats from Bangladesh's recent trade deal with Washington, citing high costs of mandated US cotton. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has reassured the industry that India will secure similar benefits, with details expected next month. Despite recent export degrowth, the upcoming FTAs are expected to provide zero-duty access to over 27 countries, creating a win-win scenario for exporters. Industry leaders predict 30-40% growth for India's textile exports as new EU and US trade deals finalize, dismissing Bangladesh competition fears. New Delhi, Feb 17 India's textile and apparel export sector is on its way back to recovery from the uncertain past and is likely to do even better than any time earlier once the country's new trade deals come into force, according to industry players. Industry players also dismissed reports of a threat from Bangladesh exporters, with Dhaka having entered a trade deal with Washington, securing zero reciprocal tariffs on such goods, as "exaggerated and unfounded". "With the United States reducing tariffs to 18 per cent and India's FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the EU having zero duty access to textiles and apparel, we see the business growing by at least 30-40 per cent in another two years," stressed Animesh Saxena, General Secretary, Garments Exporters and Manufacturers Association. Panic gripped the industry earlier this month following reports of Bangladesh exporters holding an edge with "zero-tariff benefits" in Dhaka's trade agreement with Washington, soon after New Delhi's. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had to reassure them that India too is likely to receive benefits similar to those of Bangladesh. He clarified that it will be evident once the legal text of the interim trade deal is inked, expected next month. "There are inherent conditions, where the (Bangladesh's) exporters will have to buy American cotton, use it to manufacture the garment, and then ship these," pointed out R. K. Vij, President, Textile Association (India). "US cotton is expensive, and logistical costs will also add to the overall price, which may offset the duty saved," he said. On India's cotton growers' interest against imports, the industry leaders said that the farmers are taken care of by the government through the minimum support price (MSP) and import duty. "US cotton can't flood India; it's expensive. Indian cotton is a cheaper option. It is largely American cotton with higher fibre quality, which is not available in India, that is imported," an industry leader pointed out. "Moreover, cotton prices fluctuate in the international market. The price you see now may change in some time," added Vij. He also stressed that India, in reality, holds an edge over other Asian competitors in its trade deal with the US, with a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent. Bangladesh faces a duty of 19 per cent, and Vietnam, 20 per cent, he reminded. Garments usually face a 12 per cent duty as Washington's Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff, which means Bangladesh will attract a total duty of 31 per cent. For India, it would be about 30 per cent. "The major issue was over the (uncertainty in) India-United States trade deal," agreed Dinesh Babu, Executive Secretary, Tiruppur Exporters' Association. "Now it's all been segregated, and things are in good shape. With all the FTAs with the EU and the UK, I think the way forward is very good," he added. With the "mother of all trade deals", India's current Rs 3.19 lakh crore in global textile and apparel exports, including Rs 62.7 crore to the EU, such products gain zero-duty access to at least 27 countries. India's industry leaders also shared that they have been intimated that the nuances of New Delhi's trade deal with Washington will be known next month, while the FTA with the EU is likely to take effect in six to seven months. "It'll be a win-win situation for India's textile and apparel exporters," Saxena said. Between April 2025 and January 2026, India's textile exports registered a degrowth of (-) 2.35 per cent, according to data shared by Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). Textile exports in January declined by (-) 3.68 per cent, while apparel exports were down by (-) 3.84 per cent in January 2026 compared with January 2025, as per the data. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai, calling him a friend. Macron surprised locals by joining morning walkers for a jog and paid tribute to victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The leaders reviewed their strategic partnership and will travel to Delhi for a global AI summit. The visit aims to advance bilateral ties and cooperation on future-focused technologies. PM Modi meets French President Macron in Mumbai. Leaders discuss strategic ties, AI cooperation, and Macron jogs in city, honors 26/11 victims. Mumbai, February 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he was "delighted" to meet his friend, French President Emmanuel Macron, in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to the country. In a post on X, PM Modi also stated that the French President shared his experience in India's financial capital, noting that Macron liked the city and enjoyed his morning run earlier in the day. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" the Prime Minister stated in his post on X. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of their bilateral talks, where they reviewed key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. They were also seen sharing a warm exchange as they greeted each other. Earlier today, at the start of the morning rush in Mumbai, the French President surprised Mumbaikers by joining the morning walkers. The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron decided not to disrupt his fitness routine despite being in a foreign country, ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings with PM Modi. On the same day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi, earlier, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a separate post on X ahead of their meeting, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. PM Modi and the French President will later travel to the national capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris, further solidifying the Franco-Indian lead in the global technological landscape. - ANI Action superstar Jackie Chan has extended his Chinese New Year greetings to fans worldwide for the Year of the Horse. He has also revived his popular annual tradition of a "Hong Bao" red packet giveaway. Fans can enter by correctly answering a 10-question quiz about the actor on his website before the deadline. Three hundred lucky winners will be randomly selected and announced shortly after the contest closes. Jackie Chan wishes fans a Happy Year of the Horse and launches his annual Hong Bao red packet giveaway contest with 300 lucky winners. Chennai, Feb 17 One of the world's greatest action superstars Jackie Chan has now wished his friends and fans around the globe a happy Chinese New Year of the Horse. Taking to his Instagram page, Jackie Chan wrote, "Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing a happy Chinese New Year of the Horse to all my friends and fans all over the world! The "Hong Bao" red packet giveaway is back again! Check out my website for more details on how to receive a lucky red packet! (www.jackiechan.com/scrapbook)." A visit to the scrapbook of the actor on his website revealed that this year too, the actor will be giving away 'Hong Bao' (lucky red packets) to his immensely supportive and loving fans as part of the new year celebrations. Pointing out that Jackie Chan had wished all his friends and fans all over the world a safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous Year of the Horse, the actor's team went on to inform that the highly anticipated "Chinese New Year Hong Bao Giveaway" was back and that Jackie Chan's annual tradition of giving away 300 'Hong Bao'to his continuously supportive and loving fans was about to begin. The organisers said that those who wished to have a chance at winning a lucky "Hong Bao" red packet would have to follow the simple instructions they had listed below and correctly answer the fun quiz containing 10 multiple-choice questions on Jackie Chan. The organisers said that for one to have a chance of winning a Hong Bao red packet, one would have to correctly answer all 10 questions. The entries of those who do so will be put into the lucky draw for a 'Hong Bao' red packet. Stating that the "2026 Chinese New Year Hong Bao Giveaway" quiz was starting now, the organisers said that the contest would end on February 21, 2026 at 23:59PM (Hong Kong time). Asking contestants to follow the instructions they had given to submit their answers, the organisers cautioned participants that only one entry per person would be accepted and that submitting emails more than once would disqualify them. The organisers said that 300 lucky fans who correctly answer all 10 questions before February 21, 2026 would be randomly picked and announced on February 23, 2026. - IANS News / National by Staff reporter Prophetic Healing and Deliverance founder Walter Magaya is preparing to approach the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe after a Harare magistrate dismissed his request for his rape trial to be heard in open court, ruling instead that parts of the proceedings will be conducted in camera.The decision was handed down by Magistrate Esthere Chivasa, who agreed with State submissions that certain witnesses required the protection of the Victim Friendly Court (VFC) due to their emotional condition.Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari told the court that witnesses had "gone through a lot, mentally, emotionally and therefore it will not be in the interests of justice and good mental health of the witness to testify in an open court."He added that some witnesses had "expressed reservations to be in direct contact with the accused," saying the State's application was aimed at ensuring the "proper administration of justice." According to the prosecution, six witnesses are expected to testify, with only those assessed as vulnerable moving into the VFC.Magaya's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, opposed the application, arguing that the State relied on emotion rather than evidence. He said no proof had been presented to justify classifying the witnesses as vulnerable and stressed that all complainants were adults.Rubaya cautioned against secrecy in criminal proceedings, warning that closed sessions could undermine transparency.In her ruling, however, Magistrate Chivasa said the law does not require medical proof to determine whether a witness is vulnerable."Court believes a vulnerable witness is the one who needs protection. There is no need for clear evidence of emotional stress. There is no need for stress to be proved. There is no need for a medical affidavit for that," she said.She added: "Age is not a factor. It does not need one to be a child, even an adult can be a vulnerable witness. It can be very traumatic to face an accused person. From what the State has presented so far, it shows the witness is indeed vulnerable. In rape matters all witnesses are vulnerable."Chivasa accepted that the witnesses had been interviewed and required protection, ruling: "I will therefore allow the State to lead witnesses in the Victim Friendly Court."Immediately after the ruling, Rubaya notified the court that the defence would seek referral to the Constitutional Court."There are constitutional matters we have picked from the court's ruling. We apply for the opportunity to be able to mount that application," he said, adding that "rushed justice is as good as no justice at all."Chimbari opposed any further delay, arguing it would inconvenience witnesses who were ready to testify."It will be a great inconvenience if witnesses go back without testifying. A lot of time has already been lost this morning," he said.The magistrate granted the defence time to prepare a written application, which must be filed by Tuesday morning.Magaya is yet to plead. He faces four rape charges involving adult congregants from Harare and Chegutu, with allegations dating between 2016 and 2023. He also faces additional rape charges and is expected back in court on March 2 in connection with those allegations. The Japan-India Governors' Network for Friendship and Exchange was formally declared at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, involving nine Japanese prefectures. The network aims to serve as a direct gateway for economic, cultural, and human resource exchange between Indian states and Japanese prefectures. Several concrete collaborations are already in motion, including green hydrogen exports from Yamanashi to Uttar Pradesh and MOUs involving Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. The initiative, endorsed by Ambassador Nagma Mohamed Mallic, is set to move into active practice with a visit from Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister to Japan at the end of February. Nine Japanese prefectures form network with Indian states to accelerate industrial, tech, tourism & cultural exchange, with concrete projects already underway. Tokyo, February 17 Declaration ceremony of Japan-India Governors' Network for Friendship and Exchange was held at Indian embassy in Tokyo. Japanese 9 prefecture's governors declared with participation of Indian ambassador Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallic. It aims to be a gateway to connect Japanese prefectures and Indian states to develop industrial, human resource exchange and tourism. The representative originator of this network, governor of Yamanashi pref. Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki stated "Based on long history and deep tradition, new development will be realized. Indian states and Japanese prefectures directly connect on the aspect of mutual exchange of economy and culture. Not only one local government but united local government face to Indian states utilizing each knowledge and experience. It will develop widely and continuously." Indian ambassador Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallic mentioned to Prime Minister Narendra D Modi's visiting to Japan in last year" PM Modi recognized that states and prefectures cooperation is key pillar of next generation's relationship." Ambassador Mallic emphasized "Japanese prefecture is key driver of Japanese economy to strengthen manufacture and technology. It is delightful to support formation of Governors' Network." In the session of governor and lieutenant governor each prefecture explained its strong point and necessity. Yamanashi pref. concluded MOU between Uttar Pradesh state. Based on it green hydrogen export is proceeding. Uttar Pradesh state is accumulation site of universities. Governors' Network will utilize this potential benefit. Tottori pref. intends to export Japanese sake under cooperation with other prefectures. Iwate pref. has 50 year long and rich history of semiconductor industry. Business cooperation and training for engineers will be developed. Miyagi pref. dispatches delegation to Meghalaya state to accelerate mutual exchange, covering Japanese sake and food export and human resource exchange including IT engineers, inbound tourists. Toyama pref. re-concluded MOU between Andhra Pradesh state. It will accelerate inbound tourism to Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route. It will fascinate tourists to show big snowing white landscape and green mountains. In addition, Toyama pref. wishes corroboration of medical industry with India. Shizuoka pref. concluded MOU between Gujarat state. From Shizuoka Maruti Suzuki developed to India and got big market. Shizuoka pref. is developing recruiting of Indian engineers and realization of multiple culture's symbiosis society. At the end of February, from Uttar Pradesh state chief minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath visits Yamanashi pref. with delegation members. It will be welcomed by Japanese Governors' Network. In August Japanese delegation will visit Uttar Pradesh state. Already Governors' Network's activity has transferred from plan to real practice. - ANI Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru, reinforcing the armed forces' commitment to strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. The visit highlights the growing synergy between the military and India's defence industry to drive innovation in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat. In a recent seminar, Gen Chauhan stressed that victory must be built on demonstrated evidence and functional systems, not mere rhetoric. He emphasized the need for a realistic assessment of India's defence capabilities to shape the nation's security posture for the coming decade. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan visits HAL Bengaluru, reaffirms commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and discusses national security imperatives. Bengaluru, February 17 Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru, reaffirming the Armed Forces' commitment to strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. The visit highlights the growing synergy between the military and India's defence industry, driving innovation and capability development in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and securing the nation's future in the aerospace sector. In a post on X, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff shared, "General Anil Chauhan CDS visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited @HALHQBLR, reaffirming the Armed Forces' firm commitment to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing." "The visit underscores the growing synergy between the Armed Forces and India's defence industry, driving innovation and capability development in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and securing the nation's future in the aerospace domain," the post read. Earlier on Saturday, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan reflected on India's defence systems and highlighted the need for strengthening national security mechanisms, stating that a sense of victory cannot be built on "dysfunctional air defence systems." Addressing the opening session of the JAI Se Vijay seminar in Pune, Gen Chauhan referred to India's success in Operation Sindoor and stressed that "actual vijay lies in demonstrated evidence." He emphasised the need for a "sober assessment" of India's defence system in view of emerging and future challenges. "With respect to the defence forces, victory is not declared by mere rhetoric. As some entities in our neighbourhood have done so, but demonstrated through evidence, like what we showcased during Operation Sindoor. A sense of victory cannot be built on demolished terror infrastructure, damaged runways, crippled airfields, and dysfunctional air defence systems. Such kinds of victories or slogans do not endure. Actual Vijay lies in demonstrated evidence rather than verifiable outcomes," the CDS said. Highlighting the strategic environment, Gen Chauhan said India's defence posture for the next decade must be shaped by a realistic evaluation of the evolving security landscape. - ANI Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has announced the schedule for the state's crucial board examinations. The II PUC exams will be held from February 28 to March 17, while the SSLC (Class 10) exams will run from March 18 to April 2. Over 16 lakh students combined are enrolled to take these examinations across the state. The minister also stated that results are expected by late April, with arrangements in place for a smooth and fair conduct. Karnataka Education Minister sets PUC exams from Feb 28-Mar 17 and SSLC from Mar 18-Apr 2. Over 16 lakh students to appear. Results dates also declared. Bengaluru, Feb 17 The II PUC board examinations will be conducted from February 28 to March 17, while the Secondary School Leaving Certificate, Class 10 board examinations will be held from March 18 to April 2, Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, the Minister said the II PUC examinations will be held daily from 10 am to 1 pm. The SSLC examinations will take place from 10 am to 1.15 pm. A total of about 7.10 lakh students have enrolled for II PUC examination and 9.02 lakh students have enrolled for the SSLC examination. Among the total numbers, 13,022 are repeaters in II PUC and 27,189 are SSLC students. According to the schedule released by the Department of School Education, the II PUC exams will commence on February 28 with Kannada and Arabic, followed by Geography, Statistics and Psychology on March 2, and English on March 3. Language papers including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Urdu, Sanskrit and French will be held on March 4, while History is scheduled for March 5 and Physics on March 6. Optional Kannada, Business Studies and Geology exams will be conducted on March 7, followed by Chemistry, Education and Basic Mathematics on March 9. Economics is slated for March 10, Logic, Electronics and Home Science on March 11, and Hindi on March 12. Political Science exam will be held on March 13, while Accountancy and Mathematics are scheduled for March 14. Sociology, Biology and Computer Science exams will take place on March 16, and the examinations will conclude on March 17 with Hindustani Music, Music, Retail, Automobile and Healthcare subjects. The SSLC examinations will begin on March 18 with the First Language paper. Science examination is scheduled for March 23. Exam for Second Language on March 25, Mathematics on March 28, and Third Language on March 30. The examinations will conclude on April 2 with Social Science. The Minister said necessary arrangements have been made to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of the examinations across the state. The II PUC results are likely to be announced on April 7, while the SSLC results are expected on April 24, Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated. The students can show the hall ticket and avail free service in RTC buses. The entry of mobiles and any electronic gadgets are prohibited into the exam halls. The concerned Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP) are directed to initiate necessary action, the Minister stated. - IANS A Congress delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met the State Election Commissioner to submit a memorandum seeking correction of errors in the voter list revision for upcoming local body polls. Shivakumar alleged irregularities by Booth Level Officers, including improper mapping of voters and illegal deletion of names, particularly from minority and Scheduled Caste communities. He urged for a fresh, legally sound revision involving political party agents to ensure eligible voters get their rights. The State Election Commission's decision to use ballot papers instead of EVMs for these elections has also sparked a political debate. Congress delegation led by DK Shivakumar meets State Election Commission, flags errors in voter list revision for upcoming Karnataka local body elections. Bengaluru, Feb 17 In view of the upcoming elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority and local bodies in Karnataka, a delegation of Congress leaders, led by Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, met the State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum seeking rectification of errors in the voter list revision. The delegation included Ministers Ramalinga Reddy and Dinesh Gundu Rao, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, MLAs Rizwan Arshad and A.C. Srinivas, and MLCs Puttanna and Srinivas. Addressing the media later, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, said: "Today, along with leaders of our party, we met the State Election Commissioner. The State Election Commission is preparing to conduct elections to the upcoming GBA, municipal bodies, Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats, and Gram Panchayats. The Commission has been revising the voter list in the state based on the previously published voter rolls. However, there are several discrepancies even in the draft voter list that has now been released." "Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are committing irregularities in the voter list. In the previous election, members of a single family were assigned to different booths. Proper mapping has not been done. Therefore, revision should be carried out by involving political parties' Booth Level Agents (BLAs) along with the BLOs. Along with the voter list, houses and votes must be properly mapped. Errors that occurred in certain constituencies and booths during the last election must be corrected. The revision must be carried out legally and within the framework of the law. In the past, deletion forms were submitted by individuals other than the actual voters. All such issues must be rectified. We have submitted a memorandum requesting these corrections," he said. "Elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Zilla Panchayats, and Taluk Panchayats will be conducted in the coming days. The voter list must be revised immediately. If discrepancies arise later, it will bring a bad name to both the Commission and the government. As a precaution, we met the Commissioner and discussed these concerns. We have informed them of the discrepancies we have identified so far, including shifting voters to different booths, illegal deletion of minority and Scheduled Caste voters, and inclusion of fake votes. BLOs responsible for such irregularities must be suspended. Justice must be ensured to voters within the legal framework," he added. Asked whether the State Election Commission would conduct a separate voter list revision, Shivakumar said: "The State Election Commission has the authority to conduct a separate revision, and they are carrying out that work." Responding to a question about whether two revisions would create confusion, he said: "We will not comment on that. The responsibility of conducting local body elections lies with the State Election Commission, and they are doing their job. The previous voter list is not accurate. Let them conduct fresh mapping and prepare the voter list again. Those who are eligible to vote should be given their rightful voting rights." The SEC's decision to use ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for all upcoming local body elections has triggered a sharp political debate, with the ruling Congress defending the move as "one that restores public trust" and the BJP terming it "regressive". - IANS The Kerala Government inaugurated TRADEX KERALA 2026, a pioneering international buyer-seller meet in Kochi to open global markets for the state's MSMEs. Over 400 entrepreneurs are showcasing products like spices, coir, and handicrafts to about 30 foreign buyers from more than 20 countries. The event, organized under the 'Kerala Brand' initiative, focuses on providing direct market access without intermediaries and includes support for women entrepreneurs. It represents a key effort under the 'Year of Enterprises' program, which has seen over 4 lakh new enterprises established. Kerala hosts India's first international buyer-seller meet, TRADEX 2026, connecting 400+ MSMEs with global buyers from 20+ countries. Kochi, February 17 The international buyer-seller meet "TRADEX KERALA 2026," organised by the State Industries Department, is to open avenues for products from the state's micro, small and medium enterprises in global markets. The two-day event, concluding on February 18, 2026, has attracted around 30 buyers from more than 20 foreign countries. More than 400 MSME entrepreneurs from Kerala are showcasing a diverse range of products, This is the first time the Industries Department is organising a program that opens global market opportunities for small entrepreneurs. TRADEX KERALA 2026 is being conducted under the joint auspices of the Directorate of Industries and Commerce and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). The meet aims to provide opportunities for Kerala's unique agricultural products, spices, tea, coffee, home furnishing and interior items, coir, handicrafts, textiles, electrical and electronics, rubber, and PVC products to reach the global market directly, without intermediaries. The event was inaugurated by the Minister for Industries and Coir, P Rajeev, at Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi. Speaking to ANI, he said, "This is the first TradeX organised by the Government of Kerala. This is an opportunity to showcase the potential of the MSME sector to the world and also [an] opportunity to showcase the niche products from the traditional sectors to the world market. This is a continuation of the program initiated by the Government of Kerala as "Year of Enterprises." Now, more than 4 lakh new enterprises have been established during this period. We are trying to strengthen the market for these MSMEs. That is why we have decided to organise this TradeX Kerala." Several dignitaries attended the event, including Ajitha Nandakumar, Maradu Municipality Chairperson; APM Mohammed Haneesh IAS, Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary; P Vishnuraj IAS, Director of Industries and Commerce; Gurkaran Singh Bains, Customs Commissioner; Keshavendra Kumar IAS, Joint Secretary of MSME; D Sridhar ITS, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade; Priyanka G IAS, Ernakulam District Collector; Annie Jul Thomas IAS, Coir Development Director; and P Gopalakrishnan, Regional Chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO). TRADEX KERAA 2026 is being organised as part of the Kerala Brand (Nanma) initiative. The global meet aims to offer producers greater opportunities in international markets through the Kerala Brand, which recognises the quality, ethical standards, and sustainability of the state's products and services. A key feature of TRADEX KERALA 2026 is that women entrepreneurs, along with others, can engage directly with foreign traders. As part of the event, technical service providers have been arranged to offer guidance on business-to-business interactions, product branding, packaging, export standards, and documentation. - ANI Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Dhaka to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister, following the BNP's landslide election victory. The event drew other international dignitaries, including Bhutan's Prime Minister, highlighting the regional significance of the political transition. The ceremony proceeded amid a procedural divide over oaths for a proposed constitutional reform council, with the BNP and opposition taking different stances. The change in government marks a historic shift after years of political upheaval and the end of Rahman's 17-year exile. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represents India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman, marking a historic political shift. Dhaka, February 17 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Dhaka on Tuesday to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Upon his arrival at the airport, he was received by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Nazrul Islam. The reception, which included officials from the High Commission of India, underscores the regional importance of the transition as Rahman prepares to take office following the BNP's landslide victory. Joining the international dignitaries, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also arrived in Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet. Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs noted that Birla's participation "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." As Bangladesh enters a "new dawn" following years of political upheaval, Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister. The swearing-in ceremony at the Parliament Bhawan marks a historic return to power for the BNP following its landslide victory in the February 12 general elections, where the party-led alliance secured a commanding 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament. Tarique Rahman, son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, led the party to this majority after returning from a 17-year exile. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, a former ally, emerged as the primary opposition force with 77 seats. Reflecting optimism surrounding the transition, the Convener of the Jatiyo Chhatra Samaj stated, "We are excited about the new parliament and about Tarique Rahman and the BNP government. We think that this will be a different government from the previous government." The student leader further emphasised that the new administration represents a shift away from the political climate that followed the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina. "Tarique Rahman won't repeat the fascist culture again, and I think he will concentrate on democratic culture. He will think of the interests of the people, and the people will be the owners of this country," the Convener noted, adding, "Everything will be changed, and we will see a new Bangladesh." Despite the planned festivities, the morning's proceedings were marked by a distinct procedural divide regarding a proposed constitutional reform council. While BNP members of parliament and independently elected members have taken the oath as MPs, they did not take the oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council. In contrast, the opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and 11 other opposition groups, took both oaths -- one as members of parliament and another as members of the Constitution Reform Council. BNP MPs maintain that there is no provision in the current constitution for such an oath, whereas opposition members argue that a directive issued through a referendum makes it obligatory. Amidst these domestic transitions, diplomatic engagements continued as Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. The visit highlights the international attention focused on Dhaka as the new government prepares to take office. - ANI Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Dhaka to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Rahman, secured a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The event is attended by several foreign dignitaries, including representatives from Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. India's presence underscores the strong bilateral relationship and support for Bangladesh's democratic transition. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represents India at the oath ceremony of new Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman, highlighting bilateral ties. Dhaka, Feb 17 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Bangladesh on Tuesday to represent the Indian government at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government in Dhaka. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), under the leadership of its chairman, Tarique Rahman, registered a landslide victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections. The BNP Parliamentary Party on Tuesday elected Tarique Rahman as its Leader, setting him up to become the Leader of the House and take the oath as the Prime Minister of the country later in the day. As the party with the majority of seats, the BNP established the Parliamentary Party and conducted its inaugural meeting, chaired by Tarique Rahman, after its 208 MPs took their oaths at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban earlier in the day. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with several other foreign dignitaries, including Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Nepal will be represented by its Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, while Sri Lanka's Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is also slated to participate in the event. The United Kingdom's Indo-Pacific Under-Secretary, Seema Malhotra, is expected to attend as well. There is also a possibility that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu may participate in the ceremony. On Sunday, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla would attend the oath-taking ceremony of the Tarique Rahman-led government in Bangladesh. In an official statement, the MEA said, "The Hon'ble 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." It further stated, "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 13th parliamentary election was conducted on February 12, and the Election Commission published the official gazette notification of the victorious candidates on the night of February 13. Polling was held for 299 of the 300 seats in the 13th parliamentary election. 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, 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. - IANS The Madhya Pradesh government has presented a third supplementary budget of Rs 19,287.32 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year in the State Assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda tabled the estimates, which allocate significant funds to irrigation, energy, and urban development. Key provisions include Rs 4,700 crore for the Narmada Valley Development Department and Rs 2,630 crore for short-term loans to state power companies. The budget aims to strengthen key sectors, meet emerging requirements, and support welfare initiatives during the ongoing budget session. Madhya Pradesh tables a third supplementary budget of Rs 19,287 crore, focusing on irrigation, energy, urban development, and welfare schemes. Bhopal, Feb 17 The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday presented the third supplementary budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the State Assembly, providing additional funds totalling Rs 19,287.32 crore to meet emerging requirements and strengthen key sectors. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda tabled the Third Supplementary Estimates, which include Rs 8,934.03 crore in revenue provisions and Rs 10,353.29 crore in capital provisions. A significant allocation of Rs 4,700 crore has been made under the Narmada Valley Development Department for various irrigation schemes and projects, underscoring the government's priority on enhancing agricultural infrastructure and water security. The Energy Department receives Rs 2,630 crore for short-term loans to state power companies to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and operational stability. In urban development, the Department of Urban Development and Housing has been provided Rs 1,569 crore as grants to local bodies based on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, along with Rs 248 crore for million-plus cities and Rs 370 crore for short-term loans to departmental institutions. The Public Works Department gets Rs 1,337 crore each for land acquisition compensation and for rural roads and other district roads, besides Rs 225 crore for bridge construction and upgradation and Rs 125 crore specifically for large bridges. The Labour Department has been allocated Rs 615 crore for the Chief Minister's People's Welfare Sambal Scheme, aimed at supporting vulnerable sections. Under Technical Education, Skill Development and Employment, Rs 600 crore is earmarked for the Chief Minister's Meritorious Students Scheme and Rs 120 crore for the Shiksha Sahayak Scheme. The Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion receives Rs 1,250 crore for the Investment Promotion Scheme to attract industries and boost economic growth. Other notable provisions include Rs 1,650 crore under the Finance Department for managing old and new market loans, Rs 1,388 crore under Commercial Tax for transfers among various funds, Rs 321 crore and Rs 140 crore under the Minerals Department for the District Mining Fund and Mineral Surcharge Transfer Scheme respectively, and Rs 300 crore each under Water Resources for dams and related works and under Public Health Engineering for the Jal Jeevan Mission and National Water Resources Mission. Smaller but targeted allocations cover Rs 100 crore each for the Chief Minister's Discretionary Grant under General Administration and for funds from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund under the Revenue Department, Rs 161 crore for interest payments on the Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Forest Department, Rs 605 crore for grants against stamp duty collection under the Panchayat Department, and Rs 213 crore under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for incentive and business investment promotion schemes. This supplementary budget reflects the government's focus on balanced development across agriculture, energy, urban infrastructure, education, welfare, and industry while addressing fiscal obligations and disaster preparedness. The move comes during the ongoing budget session, which also saw the presentation of the Economic Survey and is set to continue with debates on the annual budget for 2026-27. - IANS Trump warns of consequences if no deal is made President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating it must make a deal in upcoming Geneva talks or face consequences. He credited recent US military strikes, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, for creating the conditions for diplomacy by destroying key nuclear facilities. Trump asserted that without this action, Iran would have had a nuclear weapon within a month. Despite the prior collapse of talks and military confrontation, both nations are returning to the bargaining table with US envoys set to attend. President Trump issues an "ominous" warning to Iran ahead of Geneva nuclear negotiations, citing military action as a catalyst for diplomacy. Washington, DC, February 17 Reaffirming his hardline stance towards Tehran, United States President Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding the "consequences of not making a deal" ahead of critical diplomatic negotiations scheduled to take place in Geneva. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the President confirmed his participation in the high-stakes summit, noting that he would engage in the process "indirectly." Trump described the upcoming discussions as "very important," acknowledging that while Iran is a "tough negotiator," he believes its leadership has proven to be "bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s to knock out their nuclear potential." The President's remarks come in the wake of significant military action, which he credited with shifting the geopolitical landscape and forcing a return to diplomacy. Trump expressed hope that the Iranian leadership would be "more reasonable" moving forward, asserting that the nation's economic and political pressures are driving it back to the table. "They want to make a deal. We have peace in the Middle East," he stated. Addressing the current stability in the region, Trump admitted there might be localised friction but maintained that the overarching objective of regional security had been met through military force. "You will see some flames here and there, but we essentially have peace in the Middle East. That happened because we did a B-2 attack on the nuclear potential," the President said. Trump further justified this recent military intervention, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, during which US forces targeted three primary nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He insisted that without the operation, Tehran "would have had a nuclear weapon within one month," stating that, "If that happened, it would have been a whole different deal." This escalation follows the collapse of previous diplomatic efforts. Although Iran and the United States held rounds of nuclear talks in April 2025 in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, Italy, the situation shifted drastically on June 21-22, 2025. Under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting the three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations at the time, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Now, despite that military confrontation, the two nations are expected to return to the bargaining table 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 to represent American interests in this latest diplomatic push. - ANI National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee met French President Emmanuel Macron during the President's official visit to Mumbai. Bajpayee shared an Instagram post praising Macron's clarity and depth on cinema and cultural storytelling as tools for international bridge-building. President Macron's visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership across defence, trade, and technology. The agenda includes inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and key discussions at the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Actor Manoj Bajpayee meets French President Emmanuel Macron during his India visit, praising cultural dialogue and leadership. Mumbai, Feb 17 National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture with the French President. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, "It was an honour meeting President Emmanuel Macron at today's luncheon, along with other dignitaries. What stood out was not just the warmth of the interaction with him, but the clarity and depth of the exchange around cinema, culture, and the role of storytelling in building bridges between countries". He further mentioned, "Conversations like these, on how India and France can work together more closely in cinema and culture, remind you of how important thoughtful leadership and cultural dialogue are in today's world". Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to February 19, 2026, arriving first in Mumbai and then travelling to New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. The visit was at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was the French president's fourth official trip to India. The core purpose was to review and strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, with discussions covering defence cooperation, trade, technology, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. In Mumbai, Macron and Modi were scheduled to jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at boosting collaborative research, innovation and industrial engagement. The French president's agenda includes bilateral talks with Modi, participation in innovation forums, and attendance at the AI summit in New Delhi. Defence ties, particularly potential agreements on additional Rafale fighter jets and broader industrial cooperation, were expected to feature in the discussions, alongside collaboration on artificial intelligence, innovation, and strategic sectors. - IANS News / National by Staff reporter Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi will know his fate this Tuesday when the High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on his application for discharge at the close of the State's case.Mzembi, who is in custody, is facing allegations of corruptly abusing his office during his tenure as Tourism minister.The matter is being presided over by High Court judge Benjamin Chikowero.Prosecutor Beaven Muravanhema recently closed the State's case after calling four witnesses, the last being investigating officer Eric Chacha. Chacha told the court that Mzembi breached government protocols when he donated public viewing screens to three churches Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries led by Walter Magaya, United Family International Church (UFIC) founded by Emmanuel Makandiwa, and Zion Christian Church (ZCC) led by Nehemiah Mutendi.According to Chacha, while donations made to government departments had Treasury approval, the donations to the churches did not have concurrence from the Ministry of Finance.Mzembi's lawyer, Emmanuel Samundombe, expressed confidence in his client's prospects, arguing that the evidence presented does not justify placing him on his defence."The essential elements of this application (for discharge) are that the evidence led so far does not warrant placement of the accused person to his defence," Samundombe said.Mzembi is accused of abusing his authority by donating public viewing screens allegedly worth US$2 million without following proper procedures. He maintains that the donations were consistent with government policy and approved processes.Three witnesses who testified when the trial opened gave evidence that appeared to support his defence. They told the High Court that under Zimbabwean law, a minister is not an accounting officer and cannot personally donate or dispose of government property without the involvement of designated officials following prescribed procedures.Justice Chikowero is expected to determine whether the State has established a prima facie case requiring Mzembi to enter his defence or whether he will be discharged at this stage of the proceedings. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Mumbai is poised to become the gateway for global capital, emphasizing the state's strategic economic role. He highlighted Maharashtra's contribution of 14-15% to India's GDP and its leadership in foreign investment and industrial output. The CM outlined plans involving AI parks, green hydrogen, and major port infrastructure to bolster this position. He specifically positioned Mumbai as the western base for the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis outlines Mumbai's role as a gateway for global capital and a hub for trusted globalization and new trade corridors. Mumbai, Feb 17 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that Mumbai will become the gateway to global capital in the coming years, adding that Mumbai and Maharashtra will play an important role in creating global economic stability. He expressed his belief that only a trustworthy partnership will be successful in a multipolar world. He was speaking in his inaugural address at the three-day Global Economic Cooperation Conference. "In the new phase of globalisation, the concept of ' trusted globalisation ' is coming forward, and the strategic importance of Maharashtra is being highlighted. Maharashtra contributes 14-15 per cent to India's GDP. Maharashtra is at the forefront of foreign investment. Maharashtra accounts for 20 per cent of the country's industrial production and more than 60 per cent of container traffic from western ports," said the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister said that economic sovereignty does not mean self-reliance, but a balanced combination of diversified trade, production capacity, energy security, and technological capability. Strategic autonomy and cooperative participation. This is the approach Maharashtra adopts. "The future global order will be corridor-based; Maharashtra in the future will play an important role. Economic flexibility will be effective. Mumbai will be at the forefront in transparency, regulation, and comprehensiveness," he noted. He further remarked, "Mumbai is a city with a tradition of maritime trade, entrepreneurship, and global engagement. From here, we will build a stable, inclusive, and strategically viable economic system. A multipolar world is not a threat; it is an opportunity if properly designed. And Maharashtra is ready to design that opportunity." According to the Chief Minister, the combination of artificial intelligence, data governance, the semiconductor supply chain, and skilled human resources will determine the power of the future. Maharashtra is setting up AI parks, data centre clusters, and skill universities. Also, climate change has now become not just an environmental issue but a geopolitical one. He added that Maharashtra is investing heavily in green hydrogen, solar and wind energy, green mobility, and sustainable urban infrastructure. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Mumbai is the financial capital of India. From the Road to the Suez Canal, from the Atlantic trade routes to the Pacific supply chain - connectivity is the source of strength. Today, the Indo-Pacific maritime framework and newly created supply chains are emerging. "Maharashtra is centrally located in the western maritime belt with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the proposed Vadhavan Port. Mumbai is poised to become the western base of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)," he commented. He said that Mumbai is taking historic trade relations to new heights while enhancing partnerships with Africa, the Gulf, and Asia. - IANS The NDA in Tamil Nadu faces internal strain as veteran leader S. Ramadoss of the PMK and V.K. Sasikala signal potential independent electoral plans. Their moves could split the alliance's crucial vote base in the state's northern and southern regions. While the AIADMK-led front recently gained TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK, Sasikala's intervention remains a wildcard that previously eroded AIADMK votes. With both figures exploring options outside the NDA framework, the alliance must manage internal aspirations to maintain cohesion ahead of the polls. PMK's S. Ramadoss and V.K. Sasikala consider independent election plans, threatening NDA's vote base in Tamil Nadu's northern and southern belts. Chennai, Feb 17 The National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu is grappling with fresh uncertainties amid indications that factions led by veteran leader S. Ramadoss of the Pattali Makkal Katchi and V.K. Sasikala could field candidates independently in the upcoming Assembly election. Senior leaders in both the AIADMK and the BJP are understood to be engaged in consultations and quiet backchannel talks to prevent a potential split in the alliance's vote base -- particularly across the politically sensitive northern and southern belts of the state. At present, the Anbumani Ramadoss-led PMK remains a key constituent of the NDA. However, questions persist within political circles about whether Anbumani commands the consolidated support of the Vanniyar community or whether his father, S. Ramadoss, continues to wield decisive influence over cadre and voters. Any divergence within the PMK could have repercussions in northern districts where the party has traditionally enjoyed a strong presence. In southern Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK-led front recently received a boost with the entry of TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), which had secured a measurable vote share in the previous Assembly polls. Yet, concerns linger over the possible intervention of Sasikala, Dhinakaran's close relative. In the last election, candidates backed by the AMMK split the AIADMK's votes in several constituencies, impacting the party's performance. Speculation is rife that both Ramadoss and Sasikala may explore independent options if seat-sharing negotiations fail to meet their expectations. Efforts by Ramadoss to open channels with the DMK are learnt to have made little headway, reportedly due to resistance from allies such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Sasikala, who has not been formally accommodated within either the AIADMK or the NDA framework, is also said to be weighing her options. Possibilities include floating a new political outfit or reviving the Anna Dravidar Kazhagam launched earlier by her brother, V.K. Divakaran. Political analysts note that a multi-cornered contest in Tamil Nadu could dramatically reshape electoral arithmetic in several key constituencies. For the NDA, managing internal aspirations while maintaining regional cohesion may prove decisive in the months ahead. - IANS Gujarat's Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel informed the Legislative Assembly that there are no black trap quarries in the Bhemal area of Banaskantha district. He detailed that 76 of the 107 mining leases in the region are currently operational, primarily for building stone and granite. The 31 closed leases were suspended for reasons including non-payment of dues and lack of required environmental clearances. Patel explained the geological distinction between black trap and building stone, emphasizing strict monitoring for lawful and sustainable mineral extraction. Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel informs the Assembly about mining leases in Banaskantha, detailing operational status and environmental compliance. Gandhinagar, Feb 17 Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel on Tuesday informed the Gujarat Legislative Assembly that there are no black trap quarries in Bhemal and the surrounding rural areas of Danta taluka in Banaskantha district. He clarified that while the region has several building stone and granite leases, there are no quarries for black trap minerals. Of the 107 mining leases in these rural areas, 76 are currently operational, while 31 under the Any Time Royalty (ATR) system have been closed. In Danta taluka specifically, two granite and 74 building stone leases are active, bringing the total number of operational leases to 76. Providing further details regarding the closure of certain leases, Patel said, "One granite lease was suspended as the required mining plan was not submitted. Five building stone leases were closed due to non-payment of pending dues. Among the building stone leases, two are located within one kilometre of the Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, 16 did not submit the state-level Environmental Clearance (EC), six did not submit EC at all, and one had its EC rejected, resulting in a total of 31 closed leases." The Minister also explained the distinction between black trap and building stone. "Black trap, a type of basalt formed when lava from the Earth's mantle solidifies naturally, is dark black or grey, extremely hard, compact, and capable of withstanding high pressure. Its use as direct stone is limited; however, when crushed into aggregate, it is extensively used in construction," he said. Applications include reinforced concrete for slabs, beams, and columns; road construction in base and surface layers; railway ballast; and heavy infrastructure projects such as dams, bridges, and ports. Building stone, by contrast, consists of natural rocks used in construction, including houses, roads, and other structures. These stones are categorised separately under Gujarat's minor mineral concession rules for administrative clarity, based on their geological structure and usage. Minister Patel emphasised that the region's leases are strictly monitored, and administrative measures, including ATR closures and EC compliance, are enforced to ensure lawful and sustainable extraction of minerals in Bhemal and surrounding areas. - IANS A new report reveals that nearly 70% of patent applications for investment-related artificial intelligence in South Korea come from non-listed companies and startups, indicating they are at the forefront of the sector's AI transformation. The majority of these AI solutions are designed for business-to-business use, targeting standardized tasks like consigned trading and stock price analysis, while avoiding high-risk areas. This innovation surge coincides with record-breaking profits for South Korea's major brokerage houses, fueled by a booming local stock market. The report underscores the need for government and regulatory support to ensure AI adoption spreads across the entire financial investment industry. Report shows non-listed firms and startups dominate AI patent applications in South Korea's finance sector, driving innovation in investment tech. Seoul, Feb 17 Nearly 7 out of 10 patent applications filed in South Korea for investment-related artificial intelligence came from non-listed companies and startups, a report showed on Tuesday, suggesting venture firms are leading the AI transformation in the finance sector. According to a report from the Korea Capital Market Institute, 67 percent of patent applications for financial investment-related AI were filed by local Software as a Service, or SaaS, companies, reports Yonhap news agency. Of them, 76 per cent were designed to be sold to other companies or businesses, while only 14 percent were intended for individual customers, according to the report. Many of the patent requests were related to AI designed for standardised tasks, including consigned trading of financial products, monitoring of abnormal trading activity and stock price analysis. AI patent filings were minimal in areas that treat non-disclosed information and depend on human networks, such as deal sourcing, as well as areas accompanied by high financial risks, the report said. "For AI innovation to spread across the entire financial investment industry, rather than being concentrated in certain areas, the active roles of the government and regulatory authorities are necessary," it added. Meanwhile, 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. The combined net profit of the country's 27 securities firms is estimated at 10.23 trillion won ($7.03 billion) for 2025, sharply up from the previous year's 6.97 trillion won. Korea Investment & Securities Co. posted the biggest net income of 2.01 trillion won last year, up 79 percent from a year earlier, followed by Mirae Asset Securities Co. with 1.59 trillion won in net profit. 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. - IANS Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a crucial meeting to establish the Standard Operating Procedure for counting the sacred jewelry in the Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar. Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that the process and date will be announced once the SOP is approved by the managing committee. Separately, CM Majhi announced significant progress on the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj Temple, confirming the completion of the Phase One tender. His government has allocated a total of Rs 330 crore for the comprehensive development of the Ekamra Kshetra to improve the experience for devotees. Odisha CM Mohan Majhi leads high-level meeting to finalize SOP for counting sacred jewelry in Puri's Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar. Bhubaneswar, February 17 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting over the counting of Sri Mandir Ratna Bhandar's Jewellery in Bhubaneswar. Informing about the development on Monday, Odisha Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the main agenda of the meeting was related to the standard procedure of counting of Jewellery in Ratna Bhandar. Once the Standard Operating Procedure is approved, the process and date will be announced by the managing committee. "We had a meeting regarding the standard operating procedure for counting of jewellery in Ratna Bhandar...After the SOP is approved, the process and date will be announced by the managing committee...Hopefully, we will try our level best to start this process at the soonest possible time," Harichandan told ANI. The Ratna Bhandar of Sri Mandir in Odisha refers to the sacred treasury chamber of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Last year, on July 14, the Ratna Bhandar of the Shri Jagannath Temple was reopened after more than four decades. Special boxes were also brought to the temple ahead of the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar to store ornaments. Earlier, on February 16, 2026, CM Majhi, accompanied by his wife, offered prayers at the historic Lingaraj Temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri before announcing significant progress on the temple's redevelopment project. The CM confirmed that the Phase One tender process is complete and work is imminent, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a second phase also in preparation. Speaking to the media, he said, "Today is the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri. On this occasion, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all devotees. The Ekamra Kshetra of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar is a renowned Shaivite centre of India. For the peripheral development and beautification of Lord Lingaraj's Ekamra Kshetra, our government, since coming to power, has allotted 180 crore rupees in the first phase for the Lingaraj project. The tender process has already been completed, and work is about to begin." "In total, since our government came to power, we have made financial provisions of 330 crore rupees. This is to ensure that devotees visiting Lord Lingaraj can have a smooth darshan (worship), perform their rituals well, and receive his blessings. Our government is fully committed to this complete development," the Chief Minister added. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron began bilateral talks in Mumbai, reviewing progress under the India-France Strategic Partnership. The discussions aimed to strengthen cooperation in emerging sectors and address key global and regional issues. The leaders were also set to jointly inaugurate the 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026'. President Macron paid homage to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, reaffirming France's solidarity with India. PM Modi and French President Macron hold bilateral talks in Mumbai, focusing on strategic partnership, innovation, and global issues. Mumbai, Feb 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are holding a bilateral meeting at Mumbai's Lok Bhavan on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and other top officials were also present during the meeting. PM Modi and Macron warmly greeted each other before proceeding for the talks. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" PM Modi posted on X. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the discussions between PM Modi and Macron will include a comprehensive review of advancements made under the India-France Strategic Partnership. The deliberations are expected to focus on further strengthening the strategic relationship and expanding cooperation into emerging and future-oriented sectors. The two leaders will also exchange perspectives on significant regional and global issues, the PMO said in an official statement. Later in the day, PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026'. They will also address an audience comprising business leaders, start-up founders, researchers, and innovators from both countries. Reaffirming solidarity with India, President Macron also paid homage to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks victims, which included two French citizens. France said that it unequivocally condemns terrorism and stands with India against this scourge. Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended a warm welcome to Macron on his arrival in India and expressed confidence that strengthening India-France cooperation will contribute to global progress. For his visit to India, French President Macron is accompanied by First lady Brigitte Macron. The French President was extended a warm welcome at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat. Extending a warm welcome to President Macron, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress." "See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend Emmanuel Macron," PM Modi added. President Macron's visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi to take part in the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India. This marks President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai. Macron's visit to India comes after PM Modi's visit to France in February 2025 and showcases the mutual trust and depth of Strategic Partnership, as well as the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen it further. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line, India's first private-sector facility of its kind, in Karnataka. The plant, set up by Tata Advanced Systems Limited with Airbus, will produce helicopters for civil, para-public, and military applications, including a variant for high-altitude operations. The first 'Made in India' H125 is anticipated for delivery in early 2027, with plans for regional exports. The event coincided with the elevation of India-France bilateral relations to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'. PM Modi and French President Macron virtually inaugurate India's first private-sector helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka, boosting defence and civil aviation. Mumbai, February 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus at Vemagal in Karnataka. The virtual inauguration took place from Mumbai, where the two leaders are holding high-level engagements as part of President Macron's visit to India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, attended the inaugural ceremony at the site in Karnataka. Chief Of The Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh was also present there. The assembly line is India's first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line, set up by Tata Advanced Systems Limited to produce Airbus H125 helicopters, established in Vemagal, Karnataka. This is expected to unlock significant opportunities in the rotorcraft market across South Asia. The 'Made in India' H125 helicopter will cater to emerging civil and para-public market segments while also fulfilling the Indian armed forces' need for a light multi-role helicopter, particularly suited for operations in the high-altitude Himalayan regions. A military variant, the H125M, is planned to be manufactured at this facility, featuring a high level of indigenised components and technology. The first delivery of the locally produced H125 is anticipated in early 2027, with plans to make the helicopter available for export within the South Asian region. This plant is set to strengthen India's aviation sector, particularly in civil and defence applications. The 'Made in India' H125 helicopters will serve crucial roles such as emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, and law enforcement. Meanwhile, India and France elevated their bilateral ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership', with PM Modi noting that the friendship between the two countries has 'no boundaries' and the partnership can 'reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains'. PM Modi underscored the depth and significance of the India-France relationship. "The strategic partnership between the two countries is one of the oldest, and with the help of President Macron, we have deepened the ties and given it more energy in recent times. Based on this trust and vision, we are elevating our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not just strategic. In this era of unpredictable global dynamics, this partnership will provide global stability and progress," PM Modi said. President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are scheduled to be in India till February 19, spanning both the financial and national capitals. Macron arrived in Mumbai on early Tuesday, marking his fourth visit to the country at the invitation of PM Modi. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are meeting in Mumbai for high-level bilateral talks. The discussions will focus on reviewing the progress of the strategic partnership and expanding cooperation into new sectors. The leaders will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders and innovators. President Macron is visiting India primarily to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which will host several other global leaders. PM Modi and French President Macron hold bilateral talks in Mumbai, review strategic partnership, and inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation. New Delhi, Feb 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to meet in Mumbai on Tuesday to assess the progress achieved under the India-France strategic partnership and exchange views on key regional and global developments. Prime Minister Modi will travel to Mumbai for the meeting with the visiting French President, who will be on an official trip to India from February 17 to 19. President Macron's visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi to take part in the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India. During his stay, the two leaders will also convene a bilateral summit in Mumbai. This marks President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai. At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the discussions will include a comprehensive review of advancements made under the India-France Strategic Partnership. The deliberations are expected to focus on further strengthening the strategic relationship and expanding cooperation into emerging and future-oriented sectors. The two leaders will also exchange perspectives on significant regional and global issues, the PMO said in an official statement. Later in the day, at around 5:15 p.m., Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. They will also address an audience comprising business leaders, start-up founders, researchers, and innovators from both countries. In addition to President Macron, several global leaders are scheduled to attend the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. These include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the summit is anchored in three 'Sutras' -- 'People, Planet and Progress' -- which articulate India's framework for international cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The event aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and subject-matter experts from across the world to deliberate on the future direction of Artificial Intelligence. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other prominent leaders expected to participate in the AI Impact Summit include Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. The leaders aimed to review and deepen the strategic partnership, with discussions spanning defence, trade, and global issues. In a significant gesture, President Macron paid solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The visit also includes the launch of the "Year of Innovation 2026" to further boost bilateral cooperation. PM Modi and French President Macron meet in Mumbai to deepen strategic partnership, discuss defence & trade, and pay tribute to 2008 terror attack victims. Mumbai, February 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to India. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, where they were seen sharing a warm hug before commencing discussions. The meeting is aimed at reviewing the progress of the India-France strategic partnership and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation across key sectors. Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Macron upon his arrival, and the leaders held talks thereafter. The Prime Minister had earlier arrived at Lok Bhavan, where he was received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat. In a post on X, the Governor of Maharashtra said, "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, for his meeting with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, welcomed the Prime Minister at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai." The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and France, with discussions likely to focus on strategic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, and global issues of mutual interest. Earlier in the day, Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his visit to India, PM Modi expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Highlighting the strategic nature of the trip, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited Bangladesh's newly appointed Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, along with his family, to visit India. In a letter, Modi congratulated Rahman on his party's landslide election victory and his assumption of office. The Indian PM emphasized the deep-rooted friendship and shared aspirations between the two neighboring nations. He expressed eagerness to work closely on enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, connectivity, and energy for mutual prosperity. PM Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman, invites him & family to India to strengthen bilateral cooperation, trade, and regional ties. New Delhi, February 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman and newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. In his letter, PM Modi also invited Tarique's wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima, to accompany him. "I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh," the letter from the PM stated. In the letter, PM Modi congratulated Rahman on his party's victory in the recent parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on his appointment as Prime Minister, stating, "I wish you every success as you assume the high responsibilities of this office. Your victory is a testimony to the trust and confidence reposed by the people of Bangladesh in your leadership and their mandate for your vision to take the country forward on the path of peace, stability and prosperity." Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, PM Modi said, "As two close neighbours, India and Bangladesh have a deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of our peoples for peace and prosperity. The strong convergence between our respective developmental priorities shall serve as a guiding principle for our future cooperation." He added that he looks forward to working closely with the newly appointed Bangladesh PM to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation in areas including connectivity, trade, technology, education, skills development, energy, healthcare, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. "As two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, India and Bangladesh can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity," the letter wrote. In a historic political shift, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday. The ceremony, marking the end of a two-decade hiatus from power for the BNP, saw President Mohammed Shahabuddin administer the oath of office at approximately 4:15 pm. The landmark event took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, where the President and the new Prime Minister shared a symbolic handshake following the formal proceedings. BNP won a landslide victory in the February 12 general elections, with the party-led alliance securing a commanding 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament. India was represented at the high-profile ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, underscoring the regional significance of the transition in Dhaka. - ANI News / National by Staff reporter Founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, Walter Magaya, has formally requested the removal of a senior official from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) from handling his ongoing rape trial, alleging bias, personal animosity and conflict of interest.In an urgent letter dated February 17, 2026, Magaya's lawyers, Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, wrote to the Prosecutor General seeking the recusal of NPA chief director Tendayi Shonhayi from the case. They argue that her continued involvement compromises the fairness of the proceedings.Magaya is currently facing rape charges before the courts.According to the defence team, their client believes Shonhayi is a member of United Family International Church (UFIC), founded by Emmanuel Makandiwa, which they describe as a rival church to PHD Ministries."It is our client's considered view that Ms Shonhayi is on a mission of her own to try and persecute him (Magaya)," the letter reads.The lawyers contend that the alleged affiliation creates a conflict of interest and undermines the requirement for prosecutorial impartiality. They argue that Shonhayi "is not impartial in this matter as required by the law for a prosecutor" and accuse her of pursuing a "personal agenda emanating from her personal hatred against both the accused person and his church.""It is therefore not in the interests of justice that she is allowed to continue being part of the prosecuting team, given this background," the letter states.The defence further alleges that Shonhayi is acting emotionally and "doing the bidding for her own PAPA' in circumstances where she should be detached from the case." They suggest that if authorities wish to strengthen the prosecution team, another prosecutor without "vested interests in the matter" should be appointed.Magaya's legal team also accuses the prosecutor of making unilateral procedural decisions, including moving the trial from an open court to a victim-friendly court before the presiding magistrate had determined the appropriate forum.They further allege that Shonhayi previously prepared defective charge sheets and witness statements that omitted the names of complainants, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. The documents were later amended after the defence raised objections, according to the lawyers.In addition, the defence claims Shonhayi has exercised undue influence during proceedings despite not being lead counsel, alleging she frequently directs arguments through lead prosecutor Clemence Chimbari.The letter also alleges that the prosecutor intends to challenge a High Court decision granting Magaya bail and had previously sought the recusal of Justice Gibson Mandaza in related proceedings.At the time of publication, the NPA had not publicly responded to the allegations.Magaya's trial has stalled amid a dispute over the prosecution's application to have witnesses testify via video link rather than in open court. He is expected to take the witness stand on Tuesday to request that a magistrate refer the dispute over the conduct of the trial to the Constitutional Court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai during Macron's fourth visit to India. The leaders are set to hold talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, with discussions on strategic cooperation, trade, and defence. President Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, highlighting shared values of resilience. The visit will also see the launch of the "Year of Innovation 2026" to add momentum to the strategic partnership. PM Narendra Modi welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. Talks focus on strategic cooperation, defence, trade, and launching the Year of Innovation 2026. Mumbai, February 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai and met with the French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their talks, as part of the latter's fourth visit to the country. The Prime Minister was welcomed at Lok Bhavan by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat. In a post on X, the Governor of Maharashtra said, "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Maharashtra Lok Bhavan Mumbai for his meeting with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat Acharya Devvrat welcomed the Prime Minister at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai." Both leaders also shared a hug upon meeting. The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and France, with discussions likely to focus on strategic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, and global issues of mutual interest. Earlier in the day, Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his visit to India, PM Modi expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Highlighting the strategic nature of the trip, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron shared a car ride in Mumbai en route to the India-France Innovation Forum, highlighting their close personal rapport. This came after bilateral talks where the two nations elevated their relationship to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'. PM Modi noted the deep trust and energy in the ties, stating the partnership has "no boundaries". The visit underscores a pattern of Modi using informal car journeys to strengthen diplomatic connections with world leaders. PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron travel together to an innovation forum, showcasing strong personal rapport and elevated bilateral ties. Mumbai, February 17 Showcasing a warm and personal rapport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared a ride with French President Emmanuel Macron as the leaders headed to the India-France Innovation Forum following their bilateral and delegation-level talks in Mumbai. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "After the talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, President Macron and I are on the way to the other programmes, which include the India-France Innovation Forum." The move highlights the close working relationship between the two leaders and their personal rapport, as they focus on enhancing cooperation in innovation, trade, and technology. This is not the first time Prime Minister Modi has shared a car ride with global leaders, underscoring the strong ties he maintains with them. Earlier this month, PM Modi shared a car ride with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, following the former's arrival in Malaysia as part of his two-day visit in the Southeast Asian nation, as both leaders headed towards a community event in Kuala Lumpur. Sharing glimpses from the car ride on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Celebrating the India-Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur." In December last year, PM Modi broke with protocol to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport during the latter's visit, and both shared a car ride to the Prime Minister's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. He also shared a car ride with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was on a two-day official visit to India last month, following their engagements in Gujarat. PM Modi also received and travelled together in the same car with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from the Delhi airport when the UAE leader arrived in the national capital on an official visit in January. Earlier, India and France elevated their bilateral ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership', with PM Modi noting that the friendship between the two countries has 'no boundaries' and the partnership can 'reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountains'. PM Modi underscored the depth and significance of the India-France relationship. Speaking during the joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi said, "The strategic partnership between the two countries is one of the oldest, and with the help of President Macron, we have deepened the ties and given it more energy in recent times. Based on this trust and vision, we are elevating our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. This partnership is not just strategic. In this era of unpredictable global dynamics, this partnership will provide global stability and progress." President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are scheduled to be in India till February 19, spanning both the financial and national capitals. Macron arrived in Mumbai on early Tuesday, marking his fourth visit to the country at the invitation of PM Modi. - ANI Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has recognised India's leadership role in artificial intelligence, calling the India AI Impact Summit a defining moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the praise and inaugurated the summit, which is the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. The event has unprecedented participation, including over 20 heads of state, and aims to translate AI discussions into actionable development outcomes. An expo featuring 13 country pavilions showcases international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. PM Modi welcomes Serbian President's praise for India's AI leadership at the global India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, attended by 20+ heads of state. New Delhi, Feb 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed the recognition accorded by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to India's leadership in artificial intelligence. The PMOIndia X handle noted how the Serbian President emphasised that the India AI Impact Summit is more than a conference, terming it "a defining moment that firmly positions India at the centre of the global dialogue on artificial intelligence". "As I arrive in Delhi to participate in the ambitious India AI Impact Summit, I feel an almost irrepressible sense of exhilaration. It is a feeling born of seeing a nation I have long admired thrive -- and forge a path to success for its peers. India's ability to maintain unity in multiplicity has always fascinated me. As one of the world's largest republics, encompassing myriad languages, religions, cultures and traditions, the country exemplifies a living, dynamic pluralism," the Serbian President wrote in an article in The Indian Express. "But what truly cemented my affection for India was my first exposure to its people during an earlier chapter of my life, when I worked in London in the 1990s. The lessons I absorbed then, far removed from the marbled halls of diplomacy and the clamour of politics, have helped shape both my character and my worldview," he further stated. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit and Expo on Monday at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, underscoring India's commitment to responsible and inclusive AI. The Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South, is witnessing unprecedented participation, with over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500 global AI leaders. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. On February 19, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. The Expo features 13 country pavilions, showcasing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. These include pavilions from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and Africa. - IANS French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai, welcomed by state officials, for a visit focused on deepening the strategic partnership with India. President Macron will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions centered on defence, trade, technology, and clean energy cooperation. A key outcome will be the joint launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, building on previous high-level engagements. Following meetings in Mumbai, both leaders will travel to New Delhi to participate in the landmark India AI Impact Summit 2026. French President Macron visits Mumbai, meets PM Modi. Talks to strengthen defence, trade & launch Year of Innovation 2026 at AI Summit. Mumbai, February 17 Posters and hoardings welcoming the French President Emmanuel Macron have been put up across Mumbai as he began his official visit to India from February 16 to 19. President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships. Following engagements in Mumbai, the French President and the Prime Minister will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Tuesday for their scheduled visit to India, which runs through February 19. The French President and First Lady were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. "Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the Mumbai airport. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. This is Macron's fourth visit to the country, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. This visit signals sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. According to the French Embassy, this engagement marks another significant chapter in the expanding ties between New Delhi and Paris. The visit comes against the backdrop of a steadily deepening partnership across defence, space, civil nuclear energy, climate action, and education. This trajectory began with Macron's first visit in 2018, followed by his attendance at the 2023 G20 Summit and his 2024 State Visit as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day. During that milestone, the two leaders declared 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, a forward-looking initiative they will jointly inaugurate in Mumbai during this trip. As part of the current itinerary, PM Modi and President Macron will hold wide-ranging discussions on February 17 in Mumbai to further strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a growing strategic convergence. Following their Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The French President's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. - ANI Priyanka Chopra Jonas was deeply moved while addressing students at Harvard Business School's India Week, expressing pride at seeing a packed auditorium of students in traditional Indian attire. She contrasted this vibrant representation with her own isolating experience as a teenager in US high schools in the 1990s. The actress stated that seeing so many from her community at a top global institution made her heart burst with pride for the future. She concluded by thanking the students and expressed excitement that her daughter, Malti Marie, would have them to look up to. Priyanka Chopra Jonas gets emotional addressing Harvard Business School, proud to see students in sarees & kurtas, says "You are the India I imagined." Mumbai, Feb 17 Bollywood superstar and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas was seen turning emotional as she addressed students at Harvard Business School during an India Week session. The actress was heard saying how immensely she felt proud to see an auditorium full of young students dressed in sarees and kurtas, further saying that she is excited to know that her daughter Malti Marie has 'all of them to look upto.' Sharing her experience on her social media account, Priyanka wrote, "So, this is how my day started. I was supposed to give a fireside keynote address with one of my closest friends and business partner Anjula Acharia, to conclude India week at the prestigious Harvard Business School. The topic was 'The India we imagine'... no big deal, I thought. You can do this, Priyanka." However, the actress further revealed that looking at the audience changed everything for her. "But looking out into the audience today, I only had one thought - You are the India I imagined. Let me explain," she added. Talking at the session whose theme was "The India We Imagine", Priyanka shed light on her own experience while studying in the US years ago, as a teenager. Recalling those years, she spoke about feeling like an outsider. "When my 12 year old self landed in a high school in Cedar Rapids Iowa, and subsequently to Newton North High School in Massachusetts in the mid 90s, there were not many looked like me." Priyanka also expressed her thrill and sheer surprise to see so many Desi faces at an international University. She said she never imagined that decades later she would be addressing a packed hall at Harvard. I would have never imagined in 30 something years, I would be speaking to you, the future of our culture, our world, on this stage, in this iconic chamber, where so many incredible people have not only spoken, but where so many leaders of the world as we know it, were born. The audience was packed... and we were Desi... and Desi allies," she shared. "It made me want to cry, because this is not what my teenage experience looked like. But I'm so happy that you get to have it. We all stand on the shoulders of the generations before us. I'm so excited that my daughter will have all of you to look up to." Expressing pride at seeing representation at one of the world's top institutions, she wrote, "To see an auditorium full of students, dressed in sarees and kurtas at the campus of HBS (@harvard) in Boston, Massachusetts, where I grew up... to see so many people from my community at one of the best schools in the world, made my heart burst with pride. You are the future." Priyanka concluded by thanking the students for their warmth and also expressed gratitude to her husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie for their support, calling them her "forever Valentine's". Talking about the actress, on the professional front, is gearing up for her upcoming Hollywood film "The Bluff", where she will be seen in a power-packed role. She is also set to star in filmmaker SS Rajamouli's much-anticipated project, Varanasi which also features Mahesh Babu in the lead alongside her. - IANS Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the process to restore full statehood to the Union Territory is underway, though it has taken more time than initially hoped. He expressed ongoing dialogue with the central government and optimism that the wait may soon be over. The demand for statehood has persisted since J&K was reorganized into a UT following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. Separately, Abdullah chaired a meeting to review and ensure comprehensive arrangements for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. J&K CM Omar Abdullah says talks with Centre on statehood restoration are ongoing and hopes the wait "won't be much longer." Srinagar, February 17 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the process for restoration of statehood to the Union Territory is "underway" even though it has taken longer than expected, but expressed hope that the wait may not be much longer. Speaking about the demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said that while there had been expectations of a quicker resolution, discussions with the Centre are ongoing. "The process is underway, and the process has taken more time. We had hoped that by now, statehood would have been granted, but we have not yet given up hope. We are continuously talking to the central government about this matter...now we hope that we won't have to wait much longer for this..." the Chief Minister told reporters. Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since then, political parties in the region have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also chaired a review meeting earlier today to assess the arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan. He directed all departments to ensure seamless public service delivery, effective grievance redressal, and necessary arrangements at major places of worship to ensure a peaceful and comfortable Ramadan for the people. Sharing an X post, Office of Chief Minister wrote, "Chief Minister chaired a review meeting today to assess the arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan. He directed all departments to ensure seamless public service delivery, effective grievance redressal, and necessary arrangements at major places of worship to ensure a peaceful and comfortable Ramadan for the people." The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply, availability of essential commodities, market regulation, healthcare preparedness and security measures across J-K. - ANI Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu laid the foundation stone for a crucial four-lane railway over bridge in Doraha, Ludhiana. The Rs 70.55 crore project aims to resolve severe congestion caused by nearly 190 daily trains at a level crossing that has troubled commuters for 12 years. The minister highlighted this as part of a massive Rs 26,382 crore railway infrastructure development underway across Punjab. He also announced the approval of third and fourth railway lines on the busy Delhi-Ambala corridor to enhance national connectivity. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu lays foundation for a Rs 70.55 crore four-lane rail over bridge in Doraha, Punjab, to end 12-year commuter woes. Ludhiana, Feb 17 The construction of the four-lane railway over bridge in Doraha in Punjab's Ludhiana district would emerge as a landmark infrastructure project, significantly strengthening connectivity between the Malwa region, said Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Tuesday. Addressing the media after laying the foundation stone of the much-awaited four-lane bridge, the minister stated the project, estimated to cost Rs 70.55 crore, will be completed by next year. He said the work would now proceed on a war footing and the bridge would be opened at the earliest, bringing long-overdue relief to commuters who have faced inconvenience at the level crossing for nearly 12 years. Ravneet Singh said that the Doraha level crossing lies on a vital road stretch connecting Ropar to Ludhiana and serves as an important link to the Malwa region. Highlighting the urgency of the project, the minister noted that nearly 190 trains pass through this crossing daily, while more than 3,000 vehicles traverse it each day. "The frequent closures due to rail traffic have caused persistent congestion, long waiting times, and significant hardship for commuters, traders, and transporters alike. With the construction of the railway over the bridge, these challenges will soon be a thing of the past," he said. Ravneet Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving and sanctioning the project as a major gift to the people of the region. He said the four-lane overbridge will not only ease daily commuting but will also accelerate economic activity by ensuring seamless movement of goods and services. Providing an overview of ongoing railway infrastructure development in Punjab, the minister informed that works on overbridges, underbridges, and low-height subways are currently underway at 166 locations across the state, with an outlay of Rs 1,480.09 crore. He underscored that there is no shortage of funds for railway infrastructure development in Punjab and reiterated the government's strong commitment to modernizing and expanding the state's rail network. He further highlighted that the annual railway budget allocation for Punjab is nearly 25 times higher than during the 2009-2014 period, amounting to Rs 5,673 crore. Currently, infrastructure projects of Rs 26,382 crore are in progress across Punjab, encompassing new track construction, station redevelopment, safety enhancement measures, and other capacity augmentation initiatives. Additionally, 30 railway stations in the state are being comprehensively redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with a total investment of Rs 1,311 crore, to provide modern passenger amenities and improved facilities. The minister also extended his appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for approving the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Delhi and Ambala. This significant project forms part of the broader initiative to quadruple the highly utilized Delhi-Jammu corridor, a crucial arterial route linking the National Capital Region with northern states. The Delhi-Ambala section is among the busiest rail corridors in the country, handling substantial passenger and freight traffic. The addition of the third and fourth lines will greatly enhance line capacity, improve operational efficiency, and reduce congestion. Covering a route length of 194 km and estimated to cost Rs 5,983 crore, the project is scheduled for completion within 4 years. It will pass through the districts of Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala in Haryana, as well as central, northwest, and north Delhi. The enhanced capacity will allow for the introduction of additional passenger and freight trains, improving punctuality and service reliability. The corridor connects key economic nodes, including thermal power plants at Ropar, Panipat, and Rajpura, as well as agricultural warehouses and industrial hubs. - IANS Qualcomm showcased its end-to-end Robotics System at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting technologies for household and industrial robots. The company introduced its first robotics processor, the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-10, designed for advanced humanoids and autonomous mobile robots. The system features a modular architecture combining edge computing, software, and an AI data flywheel for real-world task performance. The summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathers global leaders to advance AI development under the IndiaAI Mission. Qualcomm reveals its Robotics System and Dragonwing IQ-10 processor for humanoids at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, accelerating physical AI deployment. New Delhi, February 17 Qualcomm on Tuesday showcased its robotics technologies, including humanoid systems, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Qualcomm's Marketing Lead for Robots and Automotive, Shrestha Jain said the company's Robotics System is designed to accelerate the deployment of physical AI across a wide range of environments, from household robots to industrial autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and full-size humanoids. Jain said Qualcomm is showcasing an end-to-end robotics suite under its Robotics System, integrating hardware, software, and compound AI. "Qualcomm is showcasing a full suite of robotics technologies under its Robotics System, including hardware, software, and compound AI integration. This system is designed to accelerate deployment of physical AI across diverse environments, from household robots to industrial autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and full-size humanoids. We are also showcasing Qualcomm's first robotics processor, the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-10, for full-size humanoids and advanced AMRs - entering premium-tier robotics for the first time," Jain told ANI. She added that the company's general-purpose robotics architecture brings together powerful heterogeneous edge computing, mixed-criticality systems, software platforms, machine learning operations, and an AI data flywheel. "The general purpose robotics architecture combines powerful heterogeneous edge computing, mixed-criticality systems, software, machine learning operations, and an AI data flywheel. This end-to-end modular approach enables robots to easily adapt and see, hear, and perform real-world tasks. It's optimized to scale across various form factors with industrial-grade reliability. It's designed to accelerate robotics deployment in environments with high demand for automation," said Jain. The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital yesterday. He emphasised that the country's progress in AI will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement. Over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders are participating at the Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. - ANI Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari announced key relief for government employees, ending the practice of recovering salaries if they switch jobs during training. She also declared extended insurance coverage for employees until retirement and outlined major infrastructure spending, including Rs 690 crore for roads and Rs 150 crore for water pipelines. The minister criticized the previous Congress government's fiscal management while projecting a lower deficit for the coming years. Additional announcements included social welfare schemes for students and women, and development projects for industrial and medical facilities in Kota. Deputy CM Diya Kumari announces end to salary recovery for switching govt jobs, new insurance, and major road & water pipeline funding. Jaipur, Feb 17 Responding to the budget debate in the Rajasthan Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari made several key announcements, including major relief measures for government employees and significant infrastructure and social sector initiatives. Diya Kumari announced that government employees who leave their posts after being selected for another central or state government job during the two-year training period will no longer have their salary and allowances recovered. Previously, employees were required to repay the salary drawn during the training period if they resigned. She also announced that all state government employees will now receive insurance coverage until their retirement date, addressing a gap where policies currently mature before retirement. Taking a dig at the Congress party, Diya Kumari said the previous government had "emptied the treasury" and left behind fiscal challenges. She stated that while the fiscal deficit under the Congress government was 4.4 per cent of GSDP, the current government has projected a deficit of 3.87 per cent for 2025-26, with a further reduction to 3.69 per cent by 2026-27. The Deputy Chief Minister outlined several development initiatives, including Rs 690 crore for new road construction, Rs 150 crore for replacing old drinking water pipelines, and Rs 220 crore for drinking water projects. She also announced construction of a new Grid Sub Station (GSS), development of a new industrial area near Kota's Greenfield Airport, MSME applications to be processed at District Industries Centers, new courses at Triple IT Kota, to be developed into an AI hub with central support and introduction of robotic surgery facilities at Medical College Kota and Rs 25 crore for hospital development. Other anouncements include eye examinations and spectacles for 75,000 schoolchildren, self-defense training and counseling for 1 lakh women, expansion of seats in Ambedkar and OBC hostels, Rs 25 crore for safari facilities at Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary, opening of new veterinary hospitals and sub-centers, Mini secretariat in Lunkaransar (Bikaner) and a new police station in Luni Diya Kumari said, "Our government is one that takes everyone along. We welcome factual criticism from the opposition." She accused the opposition of baseless criticism and said the Leader of the Opposition had little substantive critique of the budget. Responding to criticism over education and agriculture spending, Diya Kumari said the agriculture budget is 34 per cent higher than during the Congress government, urging the opposition to present accurate figures. Farmers will be allotted up to a 20-foot strip of government land for farm access roads at twice the DLC rate, and employees will receive extended insurance coverage until their retirement date. - IANS Reliance is actively scouting for top-tier AI engineering talent at the India AI Summit 2026 to build frontier models for Bharat. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized that AI presents a pivotal moment for India's economy, requiring urgent structural reforms in education and skilling to harness its demographic dividend. He stressed that achieving prosperity through AI demands a national "Team India" effort and strong political will. Meanwhile, Amitabh Kant dismissed fears of AI-driven job losses, asserting that new technologies historically create new categories of employment. Reliance recruits AI engineers at India AI Summit 2026 as CEA V Anantha Nageswaran and Amitabh Kant discuss AI's role in India's economic future. New Delhi, February 17 Reliance is scouting for engineering talent at the India AI Summit 2026 as the company looks to expand its workforce dedicated to building frontier artificial intelligence models. The recruitment effort focuses on high-performing developers capable of handling large-scale platforms and system optimisation. Gaurav Aggarwal, Chief AI Scientist at Reliance Jio, shared the invitation for technical talent via his X platform. "To the cracked engineers at the summit: if you're building at the frontier of AI models, optimization, or platforms, we need you," Aggarwal said. "Reach out and I'll fast-track an intro to our recruitment team. Let's build for Bharath, at a scale only we know!" In a separate post on X, Aggarwal noted his attendance at the summit throughout the week alongside his colleagues. "Unsurprisingly, I am at the AI Summit this entire week with folks from my team and colleagues. Come visit us - we are all excited to share a glimpse of what all is cooking in our kitchen!" he says. He emphasizes a collaborative spirit, stating, "Divided by companies, United by Mission - Let's build AI for Bharat." The drive for talent coincides with discussions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. During a session on 'Employability in the AI Age: Preparing for the Jobs of Tomorrow,' Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran joined virtually to highlight that artificial intelligence presents a critical juncture for the economic trajectory. "With foresight, institutional discipline, and relentless execution, India can become the first large society to demonstrate true human abundance. Artificial intelligence can either reinforce this vision or undermine it -- the outcome will not be accidental," Nageswaran said. He noted that the transformation "will not happen by drift" and demands political will and strong state capacity. He emphasises that it requires a national commitment to aligning technological adoption with mass employability through a "Team India effort." Contextualising this shift, the CEA describes India's demographic dividend as both a "promise and a warning," calling for urgent structural reforms. "Every year of delay compounds the pressure and narrows our options. While millions of jobs are created annually, only a small proportion of our young workforce is absorbed into productive employment due to gaps in skills and training. This is not a cyclical challenge -- it is a structural vulnerability," Nageswaran stated. He urged a shift in focus toward large-scale skilling and educational overhaul. "The first step begins with reforming our education, and with teaching and imparting foundational skills. That is where the path to co-creating prosperity with AI and employability in the age of AI begins," he said. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the summit, Amitabh Kant, Former G20 Sherpa of India, said that the country's demographic strength positions it uniquely. "India has tremendous energy, great vibrancy, huge, huge number of young people. This very powerful technology will fundamentally change the way we live and the way we will grow and evolve," Kant said. Kant emphasised that talent, skill development and computing power will be central to India's AI journey. Addressing concerns about job losses due to automation, Kant dismissed fears of large-scale unemployment. "No technology ever leads to lost jobs. It creates new jobs, but of a different kind," he said. - ANI Donald Trump has threatened Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers with the death penalty if she isn't returned alive. Donald Trump has issued a warning to Nancy Guthrie's abductors The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie has been missing after being abducted from her home near Tucson, Arizona on February 1, and the search is ongoing with both the FBI Phoenix office and the Pima County Sheriff's Department still hoping to find her alive. US President Trump has told the New York Post that if she is found dead, her abductors will face "very, very severe the most severe federal consequences. Asked if that meant the Department of Juice could request the death penalty, he added: "The most, yeah - that's true." While Trump hasn't spoken publicly about the case too often, he did recently reveal he had spoken to Savannah and vowed to deploy "all resources" to get her hope. In a post on Truth Social earlier this month, he wrote: "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the familys, and Local Law Enforcements, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" Meanwhile, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has clarified that the investigation isn't focused on the Guthrie family. He said in a statement: "To be clear ... the Guthrie family - to include all siblings and spouses - has been cleared as possible suspects. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. "To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple." Nancy's disappearance is being treated as a possible kidnapping, although authorities are finding it tough to establish a motive. Nanos told the Daily Mail newspaper: "This is somebody who's disappeared from the face of the earth, and now we have a camera that says here's the person who did this. And that's what makes me say this is a kidnapping. The motivation for it is where we get stuck, right? Is it for money? I mean, we had the one demand where they asked for money. But is it really for money, or is it for revenge for something? News / National by Staff reporter The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi's application for discharge at the close of the State's case, ruling that a prima facie case has been established against him.Mzembi, who is facing charges of abuse of office, is accused of donating Government-owned public viewing screens valued at approximately US$200 000 to private churches without following proper procedures.In his ruling, Justice Benjamin Chikowero said the evidence presented by the prosecution warrants a response from the accused."I consider there is evidence on record calling for a reply by the accused," Justice Chikowero said."At the close of the State's case, the record shows that the accused indeed made the donations. The churches are private entities, and the property did not belong to the accused."The court's view is that the State managed to prove that the accused made the donations and should, therefore, be put to his defence."He donated State property, and the accused was aware there were processes to follow before such donations could be made."The defence case has been set down for March 3 and 4.Prosecutors Beaven Muravanhema and Audrey Mupini led evidence from four witnesses, including investigating officer Eric Chacha. Chacha testified that while donations made to Government departments had Treasury approval, the gifts to private churches Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD Ministries), United Family International Church (UFIC), and Zion Christian Church (ZCC) were made without concurrence from the Ministry of Finance.Witnesses from the churches confirmed receiving and still possessing the equipment. They told the court that the donations were made unconditionally, unlike donations to Government institutions, which followed prescribed procedures.Justice Chikowero emphasised that the donations were not initiated by the permanent secretary, the Ministry of Tourism, or any other Government department, but by Mzembi himself."In light of the foregoing, there is a need for the accused to explain why he acted as he did," the judge concluded.The ruling paves the way for the next phase of the trial, where Mzembi, represented by lawyers Emmanuel Samundombe and Killian Mandiki, will now be required to present his defence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended New Year greetings to Tibetans worldwide on the occasion of Losar. He reaffirmed Washington's commitment to supporting Tibetan linguistic, cultural, and religious rights. Rubio simultaneously announced the designation of Assistant Secretary Riley M. Barnes as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. The appointment underscores the ongoing sensitivity of Tibet in U.S.-China relations and is watched closely by communities in exile. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extends Losar wishes and appoints a senior official as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Washington, Feb 17 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday extended greetings to Tibetans worldwide on the occasion of Losar and announced the designation of a senior official as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. "I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year," Rubio said in a press statement marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. "On this first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate the fortitude and resilience of Tibetans around the world," he said. Rubio reaffirmed Washington's position on Tibetan rights and identity. "The United States remains committed to supporting the unalienable rights of Tibetans and their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage," he said. He added, "I wish Tibetans everywhere a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Losar Tashi Delek and Happy New Year!" On the same occasion, Rubio announced a key appointment. "On this auspicious occasion, I am also pleased to announce that I have designated Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Riley M. Barnes to serve as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues," he said. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated by Tibetans in Tibet and across the global diaspora. The festival marks the beginning of a new year in the Tibetan lunar calendar and is observed with prayers, cultural rituals, and community gatherings. The designation of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues is a longstanding U.S. mechanism aimed at addressing concerns related to Tibetan rights, cultural preservation, and dialogue. The role is typically assigned to a senior State Department official. Tibet remains a sensitive subject in U.S.-China relations. Washington has repeatedly voiced support for the protection of Tibetan religious and cultural identity, while Beijing maintains that Tibet is an internal matter. The issue has figured in past diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. India hosts the Dalai Lama and a significant Tibetan exile community, making developments related to Tibetan policy closely watched in New Delhi. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in Dharamshala in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, and Losar is widely celebrated there each year. - IANS US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that under President Trump, the United States expects every nation to act in its national interest and is not asking any country to isolate itself from China. He made these remarks during a visit to Budapest, framing the administration's approach as pragmatic rather than prescriptive. Rubio paired this openness with a warning against over-reliance on any single country for critical supply chains, calling it a vulnerability. The visit also highlighted the close personal relationship between President Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which both leaders credited for strengthening bilateral ties. Secretary Marco Rubio states the US expects nations to act in their national interest and will not ask partners to isolate themselves from China. Washington, Feb 17 Declaring that Washington would not demand ideological loyalty tests from its partners, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that under President Trump, the United States expects "every nation on Earth" to pursue its own national interest - and is "not asking any country in the world to isolate themselves from anybody," including China. In remarks that could resonate well beyond Hungary - including in New Delhi - Rubio framed the Trump administration's foreign policy as pragmatic rather than prescriptive, even as the United States competes strategically with Beijing. "Under President Trump, it is our expectation that every nation on Earth is going to act in their national interest," Rubio said at a joint press appearance with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest. "We're not asking any country in the world to isolate themselves from anybody," he told reporters. To underscore the point, he cited America's own engagement with Beijing. "It would be crazy - okay, it's insane for the United States and China not to have relations and interact with one another," he said, noting that President Trump is scheduled to travel to China in April. The comments came during a visit to Budapest where the United States and Hungary signed an agreement to facilitate cooperation on Hungary's civilian nuclear program. But the broader significance of the visit lay in what it signaled about Washington's evolving approach to allies and partners who maintain economic or political ties with China. Hungary, a NATO and European Union member, has in recent years deepened Chinese investment and retained carve-outs to purchase Russian energy. Asked why Washington was not conditioning deeper cooperation on Budapest reducing its engagement with Beijing, Mr. Rubio rejected the premise that alignment required isolation. "We understand that every country in the world has to deal with the reality of their geography, of their economy, of their history, and of the challenges of their future," he said. Still, the Secretary paired his openness to engagement with a clear economic caution - one that reflects a broader U.S. push to diversify supply chains. "It is not good for the world - it's not good for anybody - to rely on one country or one economy for 90 percent of anything, especially things like critical supply chains," he said, calling overdependence a vulnerability rather than a geopolitical virtue. The Budapest event itself reinforced the centrality of personal diplomacy in the current U.S. approach. Rubio repeatedly pointed to the "very, very close personal relationship" between President Trump and Orban as a driving force behind bilateral decisions, including energy-related waivers. "The prime minister and the President have a very, very close personal relationship and working relationship," Rubio said, adding that it had been "incredibly beneficial to the relationship between our two countries." Orban welcomed the Secretary warmly, describing the current moment as a "golden age" in U.S.-Hungarian ties and thanking President Trump directly. Beyond China, the two leaders addressed the war in Ukraine. Rubio said Washington's objective was straightforward: "The United States interest is to see the war end, and we want to do what we can to make it end." He argued that the United States was uniquely positioned to bring both sides to the table and said recent technical-level talks between military officials had resumed. "We're not seeking to impose a deal on anybody," he said. "We just want to help them." On Iran, Rubio acknowledged the difficulty of negotiations, describing any potential agreement as challenging but reiterating that the President "always prefers peaceful outcomes." The nuclear cooperation agreement signed Monday adds another layer to a relationship both men described as unusually close. Rubio said it was one of what he hoped would be "many" agreements in the years ahead. But it was his comments on national interest and China that are likely to echo far beyond Budapest. By publicly stating that Washington does not expect countries to isolate themselves from Beijing, even as it warns against economic overdependence, the administration is sketching a doctrine that blends competition with realism - and signals to partners that strategic alignment with the United States does not require cutting off the rest of the world. - IANS Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district demolished 12 illegal Maoist memorials during area domination operations. During the action, personnel discovered and safely neutralized two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the structures. Officials state the demolitions are a key part of a strategy to eliminate symbols of violent ideology that instill fear in local communities. The campaign aligns with the Union government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism and fostering peace and development in the Bastar region. Security forces razed 12 illegal Maoist memorials in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, destroying IEDs and dismantling symbols of extremist influence. Raipur/Bijapur, Feb 17 Security forces conducted multiple successful operations in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, demolishing a total of 12 illegal Maoist memorials as part of the ongoing efforts to eradicate Maoist influence and promote peace in the region, officials said. In one key action during area domination in the Pillur forest, personnel from the CRPF Battalion located seven Maoist memorials near the villages of Bade Kakler and Pulgundam. The team established a strong cordon and carried out a thorough search of the area. Alert soldiers recovered two beer bottle IEDs filled with cordex wire close to the Maoist memorials. The Battalion's bomb disposal squad safely neutralised and destroyed the IEDs on the spot. Following this, all seven Maoist memorials at the locations were completely demolished. Separately, under the Gangaloor police station area, troops from the CRPF Battalion razed a 12-foot tall Maoist memorial constructed in the Mallur forest. Additionally, during area domination operations by the CRPF 222 Battalion in the same Gangaloor police station jurisdiction, security forces demolished three Maoist memorials near Palanar village and one in Peddakorma village. These actions form part of a broader strategy to eliminate all symbolic structures, insignia, and remnants of Maoist violence that have been used to instill fear among villagers, pressure local populations, and maintain organisational influence over Maoist cadres. By systematically identifying and legally destroying these monuments and symbols of violent ideology, security forces aim to send a strong message against Maoist propaganda and dominance. The demolition of such structures goes beyond physical removal, serving to break the psychological hold of fear on local communities and reinforce the legitimate presence of government and administration. Officials emphasised that these measures prevent Maoists from re-establishing symbols of intimidation in the future, fostering an environment of lasting peace, trust, and development in the Bastar division. This intensified campaign aligns with the Union government's commitment to completely eradicate Naxalism through sustained anti-Maoist operations, ensuring the region is freed from extremist influence and opens up for progress and security. Similar drives have seen dozens of memorials razed across Bijapur, Sukma, and Bastar in recent weeks, backed by local inputs and strategic mapping. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on his fourth visit to India, expressing confidence that their discussions will strengthen bilateral cooperation. The visit, which includes engagements in Mumbai and New Delhi, is focused on advancing partnerships in defence, trade, technology, and clean energy. A key highlight will be the leaders' participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring a shared commitment to emerging technologies. The visit aims to launch the Year of Innovation 2026 and impart fresh momentum to the strategic partnership between the two nations. PM Narendra Modi welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron to India for talks on defence, AI, and strategic partnership. Visit includes India AI Summit. New Delhi, February 17 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on his fourth visit to India and said he looked forward to further strengthening cooperation across sectors and advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi said that he would see the French President in Mumbai and later in the national capital. "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron" President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships. Following engagements in Mumbai, the French President and the Prime Minister will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 They arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Tuesday for their scheduled visit to India, which runs through February 19. They were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. "Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the Mumbai airport. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. This visit signals sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. Following their Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The French President's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. (ANI) - ANI Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has arrived in New Delhi to attend the AI India Impact Summit, where he was welcomed by Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita. The summit, scheduled for February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, is positioned as a pivotal global convening to steer AI towards inclusive and responsible development. As the first major AI summit in the Global South, it aims to translate aspirations into tangible impact for humanity and the planet. The event builds on extensive global consultations and seeks to ensure the future of AI is shaped by collective action. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic arrives in New Delhi for the AI India Summit, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and shape global AI governance. New Delhi, February 18 President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday arrived in Delhi to attend the AI India Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that the visit will further raise the momentum between India and Serbia. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to President of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vucic. He was received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on his arrival at the airport in New Delhi. His participation in India-AI Impact Summit will impart further momentum to the strong and close friendship between India and Serbia." India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a global convening to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient Artificial Intelligence (AI). Building on the momentum of previous multilateral initiatives including the Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali Summits, the AI Impact Summit is envisaged to mark a shift from aspirations to impact, demonstrating how AI can deliver tangible outcomes for People, Planet, and Progress. As the first Global AI Summit of this series to take place in the Global South, the Impact Summit will advance a future where the transformative impact of AI serves humanity, advances inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations that protect our planet. The Summit builds on extensive groundwork, including five rounds of public consultations and global outreach sessions in Paris, Berlin, Oslo, New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Regional events across India have ensured grassroots voices are represented, while over 50 affiliated Pre-Summit Events worldwide have generated actionable insights and broadened participation. Complemented by curated consultation sessions for the flagship events and working groups, these efforts reflect India's deeply participatory approach to the Impact Summit. AI today stands at an inflection point, with the power to reshape economies, accelerate scientific discovery, and address urgent global challenges, but also the potential to widen divides if left unchecked. The Summit provides a platform to bridge this gap, ensuring that the future of AI is shaped by collective action and shared responsibility. - ANI Actress Shilpa Shirodkar visited a Chinese temple in Mumbai to celebrate the Lunar New Year, sharing photos of herself offering prayers and lighting incense. She posted the images on social media with a warm caption for her followers. Shilpa, who debuted in Bollywood in the late 1980s, took a break from acting after her marriage. She is the sister of actress Namrata Shirodkar and is married to banker Aparesh Ranjit. Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar shares photos from a Chinese temple in Mumbai, extending wishes for the Lunar New Year and reflecting on her career. Mumbai Fe, b 17 Actress Shilpa Shirodkar on Tuesday shared glimpses from her visit to a Chinese temple in Mumbai, extending wishes on the occasion of Chinese New Year. Posting a carousel post featuring herself offering prayers in the Chinese temple, Shilpa wished everybody through her social media post. She captioned the post as, "The Chinese temple in the city I love and live in. #Mumbai. Also, #HappyChineseNewYear - @portraitsatplaces #ShilpaShirodkar #ChineseTemple." In the pictures, Shilpa is seen dressed in a green printed shirt paired with brown trousers. The actress seated by a window inside the temple premises, is seen smiling warmly for the camera. Another picture captures her lighting incense sticks near red candles, offering prayers. In a different picture, she is seen observing a wall lined with pink prayer notes pinned in neat rows. Talking about her professional front, Shilpa Shirodkar made her Bollywood debut in the late 1980s and went on to feature in several popular films through the 90s era of Bollywood. She starred in movies such as Bhrashtachar (1989), Kishen Kanhaiya (1990), Hum (1991), Aankhen (1993) and Gopi Kishan (1994), among others. Shilpa took a sabbatical from work and stepped away from the industry following her marriage while at the peak of her career, choosing to focus on her personal life. The actress was last seen in Sonakshi Sinha starter Jatadhara. She had also participated in the reality show Bigg Boss season 18. For the uninitiated, Shilpa is the sister of actress and former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar, who is married to Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, making him Shilpa's brother-in-law. The sisters are often seen hanging out together and share pictures of their family time together. Recently Namrata had surprised Shilpa during a visit to Dubai, and shared fun images of their outing on social media. On the personal front, Shilpa married UK-based banker Aparesh Ranjit and the couple has a daughter, Anoushka. - IANS Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived in New Delhi for the AI India Summit. The visit is seen as an opportunity to enhance the multifaceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka. India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in 2026 as a key global forum to steer AI towards inclusive and responsible outcomes. The summit aims to translate AI aspirations into tangible impacts, with a focus on representing voices from the Global South. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrives in New Delhi to attend the AI India Summit, aiming to strengthen bilateral partnership. New Delhi, February 18 Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Delhi on Tuesday to attend the AI India Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that the visit will boost India-Sri Lanka partnership. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He was received by Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary at the airport in New Delhi. The visit will further boost the multifaceted and close India-Sri Lanka partnership rooted in shared people to people ties." India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a global convening to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient Artificial Intelligence (AI). Building on the momentum of previous multilateral initiatives including the Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali Summits, the AI Impact Summit is envisaged to mark a shift from aspirations to impact, demonstrating how AI can deliver tangible outcomes for People, Planet, and Progress. As the first Global AI Summit of this series to take place in the Global South, the Impact Summit will advance a future where the transformative impact of AI serves humanity, advances inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations that protect our planet. The Summit builds on extensive groundwork, including five rounds of public consultations and global outreach sessions in Paris, Berlin, Oslo, New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Regional events across India have ensured grassroots voices are represented, while over 50 affiliated Pre-Summit Events worldwide have generated actionable insights and broadened participation. Complemented by curated consultation sessions for the flagship events and working groups, these efforts reflect India's deeply participatory approach to the Impact Summit. AI today stands at an inflection point, with the power to reshape economies, accelerate scientific discovery, and address urgent global challenges, but also the potential to widen divides if left unchecked. The Summit provides a platform to bridge this gap, ensuring that the future of AI is shaped by collective action and shared responsibility. - ANI Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka is arriving in New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026. His participation underscores the close and evolving partnership between India and Sri Lanka, especially in digital cooperation. The summit, the first of its kind hosted in the Global South, aims to shape an inclusive and responsible future for artificial intelligence. It brings together global leaders to deliberate on AI's transformative potential across governance and sustainable development. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka arrives in New Delhi for the Global AI Impact Summit, highlighting India-Sri Lanka tech partnership. New Delhi, February 17 Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka will land in India on Tuesday evening for the AI Impact Summit 2026, the Sri Lankan High Commission said in a statement. The statement noted that the Global AI Impact Summit is the first summit of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. At a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies, Sri Lanka's participation reflects the depth and priority of the India-Sri Lanka partnership, and our shared commitment to ensuring innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred. Building on the President's landmark State Visit in December 2024 and the joint vision "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future," Sri Lanka and India have sustained momentum across connectivity, economic engagement, digital cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties, the statement noted. It further mentioned how as one of the South Asian leaders present, the President's participation underscores both the closeness of our relationship and our commitment to working together on issues that will shape the future. Rooted in proximity, strengthened by trust, and guided by practical cooperation, the India-Sri Lanka partnership continues to evolve with purpose. The Global AI Impact Summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators, and experts to showcase and deliberate on the transformative potential of AI across governance, innovation, and sustainable development. The AI Impact Summit which kicked off on Monday in New Delhi will welcome world leaders from across 20 countries. From February 16 to 20, the Impact Summit, the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South, showcases New Delhi's ambition: to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful. At the core is India's audacious vision for sovereign AI. - ANI The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session has been extended and will continue until February 20, with discussions on the Interim Financial Statement scheduled. Speaker M Appavu detailed the schedule and defended the assembly's practice of singing "Tamil Thai Vazhthu" instead of mandatorily singing "Vande Mataram" before the Governor's address. He also emphasized the extensive live broadcast of assembly proceedings. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, while presenting the interim budget, accused the Union Government of creating unprecedented fiscal stress for the state by denying funds and imposing conditions. Tamil Nadu Assembly session extended to Feb 20. Finance Minister cites unprecedented fiscal challenges from Union Govt in interim budget presentation. Chennai, February 17 The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session commenced on Tuesday at the Secretariat, during which the Interim Financial Statement and the Agriculture Interim Financial Statement were tabled. Following this, a Business Advisory Committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Speaker Appavu. Later, addressing the media, the Assembly Speaker M Appavu said that the session will continue till Friday. He added that a discussion on the Interim Financial Statement will be held today and tomorrow. On Friday, the reply will be delivered by the ministers. "The Assembly session would continue until February 20. The discussion on the Interim Financial Statement will take place tomorrow and the day after. There will also be a Question Hour on both days. This will be followed by the ministers delivering their replies on Friday," the speaker said. Responding to a question about whether the song "Vande Mataram" must be mandatorily sung at events attended by the Governor, Appavu said that, as per the tradition of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the Governor delivers his address, and prior to that, "Tamil Thai Vazhthu" is sung. He stated that this is the established practice of the Assembly. Appavu said that proceedings of the Legislative Assembly are broadcast live to the maximum extent possible, including Question Hour, ministers' replies, and special resolutions moved by the Chief Minister. The speeches of the Leader of the Opposition are also telecast live, and nothing is cut. When asked when the proceedings would be broadcast in the same manner as in Parliament, Appavu responded by saying that in Parliament, the Speaker can tell even the Prime Minister not to speak; can such a situation arise here? He added that democracy functions here in a manner even better than in Parliament. Earlier today, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the State is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges due to the actions of the Union Government, alleging denial of funds, a reduction in tax revenues, and the imposition of conditions that have strained Tamil Nadu's finances. Speaking in the assembly while presenting the interim budget, Thennarasu said that in a federal polity, States have often been treated unfairly, but the scale of challenges Tamil Nadu faces in the current financial year is unprecedented. He said the Union Government has denied sanctions for major infrastructure projects, withheld funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, curtailed tax revenues without consultation and imposed conditions mandating expenditure, thereby creating artificial fiscal stress for the State. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is positioning India at the forefront of the global AI conversation, shifting the nation from a perceived laggard to a digital powerhouse. His focus is on ensuring AI innovation reaches every citizen, with initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfers and UPI as foundational models. During a roundtable with startups, PM Modi emphasized connecting AI to India's civilizational roots, its impact on lives, and strict ethical adherence. The ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026 embodies the goal of creating measurable outcomes and making global events truly "of India." How PM Modi is positioning India at the center of the global AI conversation, focusing on ethics, implementation, and public welfare through technology. New Delhi, Feb 17 As India hosts the five-day AI Impact Summit 2026, the biggest congregation of tech gurus from across the world, this brings the spotlight on the government's thrust on matching steps with the world in AI tech evolution and also reaffirms its resolve on taking rapid strides in the field of Artificial Intelligence and deep tech. Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X, shared the country's journey from being an 'AI laggard' to emerging as a digital powerhouse, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the notable transition and explaining how technology has empowered the common citizens in the past decade. Schemes like Direct Benefit Transfers, UPI payments and the Digital India initiative have been the key hallmarks of the Modi government in the past 10 years, showcasing how technology has been harnessed to the hilt to ensure that the public welfare schemes reach every citizen, irrespective of any class or strata. In the video shared by Modi Story, Pratyush Kumar, co-founder of Sarvam AI, who met PM Modi during the recent roundtable with the Indian start-ups, says that the Prime Minister's insights and tips to fledgling entrepreneurs will go a long way in shaping India's journey in the digital landscape and setting the new AI ecosystem. "Innovation must reach every hand was the broad message," he stated while recounting three aspects of the Prime Minister's suggestions, which included finding and ascertaining AI's connection with the civilizational roots, its impact on people's lives and strict adherence to ethics. PM Modi, chairing a roundtable of the AI start-ups at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, last month, described India as a positive adopter of technology and emphasised that artificial intelligence should not remain limited to discussions about possibility. Pratyush Kumar, lauding the motto and spirit of the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026, says that the event's theme itself shows that the focus is on outcomes and implementation. Further recounting conversations, he says that the Prime Minister clearly stated that the aim is "not simply to host an event in India, but to make it an event of India" and also ensure that it creates a measurable impact. "The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid evolution of AI and why India must accelerate its AI Mission. His vision is to position India at the centre of the global AI conversation," he added. The Prime Minister, during a meeting with the AI start-up founders, also stressed optimising the use of technology to serve the citizens, akin to the way the DBT served farmers via direct transfers. "The model could be such that a farmer seeking crop advice or a student looking for personalised learning support should benefit directly from AI platforms," says the founder of Sarvam AI, a leading firm in the segment, which claims to build and harness the AI potential for India and its people with a collective and nation-wide endeavour. - IANS News / National by Staff reporter A Gweru provincial magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest for a Chinese national who allegedly skipped court after being charged with undermining the authority of the President.Jiang Bingqin (43) is now on the run after failing to appear before the Gweru Magistrates' Court to answer to allegations stemming from a confrontation on a Midlands farm late last year.According to the State, the incident occurred on December 29, 2025, when Jiang allegedly clashed with Nyengeterai Mapuranga, a farmer from Kinsburg along Matobo Road, over suspected unauthorised mining activities on the property.The court heard that during the altercation, Mapuranga advised Jiang that the land had been allocated to him by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and that he held a valid offer letter confirming his claim.Prosecutors allege that the exchange turned hostile, with Jiang ordering the farmer to vacate the property. It is further alleged that Jiang made remarks deemed contemptuous of the Head of State, reportedly telling Mapuranga to "go and stay with your foolish president in Harare and leave my claims."The matter was reported to police, leading to Jiang's arrest and placement on remand on bail. However, his subsequent failure to attend court prompted the magistrate to issue a warrant of arrest, effectively declaring him a fugitive.Authorities have since launched a manhunt, and the case is expected to proceed once Jiang is apprehended.The development comes amid growing complaints from landholders over illegal mining activities, land encroachment and disputes involving some foreign nationals operating without clear authority, placing increased pressure on regulators and law enforcement agencies to address the concerns. Telangana BJP Chief Ramchander Rao expressed gratitude for the party's performance in the recent civic polls, highlighting a historic victory in Karimnagar where the BJP secured both the mayor and deputy mayor positions. He stated the BJP emerged as the single largest party in several municipal corporations, including Adilabad, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad, while accusing opposition parties of uniting against them. The Congress party, however, emerged as a major force in the overall election results. The elections were held across seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities, covering thousands of wards. Telangana BJP chief hails party's performance, securing mayor and deputy mayor posts in Karimnagar for the first time. Results show BJP as single largest in several municipalities. Hyderabad, February 17 Telangana BJP Chief Ramchander Rao on Tuesday expressed happiness over party's performance in the recent state civic polls, stating that for the first time it has been able to secure both mayor and deputy mayor positions in a municipal corporation. Rao emphasised that the BJP has emerged as the single largest party in Adilabad, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad, and also attacked the opposition, stressing that they came together to defeat the BJP. "For the first time in Telangana, the BJP has clinched a municipal corporation in Karimnagar, capturing both the mayor and deputy mayor posts... In most municipal parties, such as Adilabad, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad, where the BJP is the single largest party, the Congress, BRS, and AIMIM came together to defeat the BJP. Similarly, in 15 smaller municipalities, the BJP is the single largest party... We are happy that the Telangana people have given us a good number of wards," Ramchander Rao told ANI. BJP candidate Kolagani Srinivas was elected as the Mayor of Karimnagar Municipal Corporation on Monday. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other BJP leaders facilitated him at the Municipal office in Karimnagar following his victory in the elections that were held on 11 February in seven Municipal Corporations and 116 Municipalities across the state, covering 414 wards in the Corporations of Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ramagundam, and 2,582 wards in the 116 municipalities. Meanwhile, the Congress emerged as a major force in the Telangana municipal corporation elections, while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi finished second. On February 11, elections were held in seven Municipal Corporations and 116 Municipalities across the state, covering 414 wards in the Corporations of Kothagudem, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda and Ramagundam, and 2,582 wards in the 116 municipalities. - ANI The Tamil Nadu Assembly's interim Budget session has been extended to continue until February 20. The general discussion on the Budget will be held over February 18 and 19, with participation expected from both ruling and opposition members. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu is scheduled to reply to the debate on the final day of the session. The interim Budget, presented ahead of Assembly elections, focuses on continuing flagship schemes and ensuring financial stability. TN Assembly's interim Budget session extended till Feb 20. Debate on Feb 18-19. Finance Minister to reply on final day ahead of elections. Chennai, Feb 17 The Tamil Nadu Assembly's interim Budget session will continue until February 20, following a decision taken at the Business Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Speaker M. Appavu. Earlier on Tuesday, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the state's Interim Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Assembly. The presentation comes at a crucial time, with Assembly elections due soon, making the interim Budget politically significant. Soon after the Finance Minister's address, Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam tabled the Interim Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 and delivered his speech outlining the government's priorities for the farming sector. The separate agriculture Budget, introduced by the DMK government in recent years, continues to focus on strengthening farm infrastructure, expanding irrigation support, promoting mechanisation, and enhancing farmer welfare schemes. Following the completion of both Budget presentations, the Speaker convened a BAC meeting to decide the schedule for further proceedings. It was resolved that the interim Budget session would be held until February 20. As per the schedule finalised at the meeting, the general discussion on the Interim Budget will take place over two days - February 18 and 19. Members from both the ruling party and the Opposition are expected to participate in the debate, raising issues related to fiscal management, welfare allocations, sectoral spending, and election-year commitments. Finance Minister Thennarasu is scheduled to reply to the debate on February 20. His concluding remarks will address concerns and suggestions raised by members during the discussion. The interim Budget, presented ahead of the Assembly elections, is expected to focus largely on continuing existing flagship schemes and ensuring financial stability, rather than introducing major new policy initiatives. The proceedings over the next three days are likely to witness intense debate, reflecting the political atmosphere in the run-up to the polls. With the session set to conclude on February 20, all eyes will be on the government's defence of its fiscal strategy and welfare commitments in an election year. - IANS A commercial court in Belagavi, Karnataka, has issued fresh summons to US-based AI company Anthropic PBC after its representatives failed to appear for a hearing in a trademark infringement suit. The suit was filed by Belagavi-based Anthropic Softwares Private Ltd, which claims prior use of the "Anthropic" mark since 2017 and alleges user confusion due to the American firm's prominence in search results. The court had earlier declined to grant an ex parte injunction, noting insufficient evidence of the US company's operational use of the mark in India. The fresh summons are to be served to the company's officers at its newly-opened Bengaluru office. A Karnataka court issues fresh summons to US AI firm Anthropic PBC after it failed to appear in a trademark infringement suit filed by an Indian company. Belagavi, Feb 17 A commercial court in Karnataka's Belagavi has issued fresh summons to US-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic PBC in connection with a trademark infringement suit filed by a state-based firm over the mark "Anthropic". The order was passed on Monday by Principal District and Sessions Judge Manjunath Nayak after representatives of the American company failed to appear before the court on February 16 despite an earlier summons. The suit has been filed by Belagavi-based Anthropic Softwares Private Ltd, which has alleged trademark violation. The Indian company has sought a temporary injunction restraining the US entity from directly or indirectly passing itself off as being associated with it by using the mark "Anthropic" or any other identical or deceptively similar mark. According to the complaint, the Belagavi-based firm claims it has been using the name "Anthropic" since 2017 and has acquired significant goodwill in the Indian subcontinent over the years. It contended that on AI-based platforms and standard Google searches, the American company's name is prominently suggested in place of its own, leading to confusion among users, customers and stakeholders. "As a consequence, the plaintiff's name has been completely removed or displaced from search suggestions and related results. This has resulted in confusion among users, customers and stakeholders, who are being misled into believing that the US company is associated with, or has replaced, the Indian company," the suit argued. The Indian company relied on a newspaper report stating that the American firm was opening its first office in India and on a website announcement indicating that operations in Bengaluru would commence in early 2026. On January 17, 2026, the court permitted the suit to be filed without mandatory pre-institution mediation, noting that urgent interim relief had been sought. However, it declined to grant an ex parte injunction, observing that apart from the two publications, there was no material to show that the defendant had commenced operations in India using the plaintiff's registered mark. The court also noted that the address of the defendant in the cause title was shown as San Francisco, indicating that no Indian establishment had been set up at the time. This suggested a lack of imminent threat of infringement, the court said while refusing to issue an ex parte temporary injunction. Nevertheless, notice was issued on the interim application and summons were sent to the US company. As no representatives appeared for the hearing on Monday, the court ordered fresh summons to be issued to the company's officers at its newly-opened Bengaluru office. The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after service of summons. - IANS Special traffic arrangements will be in effect in Delhi from 4 PM to 10 PM on February 18 for the AI Impact Summit 2026. Commuters are advised to avoid affected stretches and use suggested alternate routes to ease congestion. The summit features a research symposium with global submissions and an initiative promoting women-led AI innovation with awards up to Rs 2.5 crore. Key events will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, and Ambedkar Bhawan. Delhi Police issues traffic advisory for AI Impact Summit 2026 on Feb 18. Check alternate routes, timings (4 PM-10 PM), and event details. New Delhi, February 17 Special traffic arrangements will be implemented in the national capital on February 18, Wednesday, from 1600 hrs to 2200 hrs in view of the AI Impact Summit-2026, officials said. According to the advisory, commuters are advised to plan their travel in advance, avoid affected stretches, and follow directions issued by traffic personnel deployed on duty. Authorities have suggested the following alternate routes to ease congestion during the specified hours. The Suggested Alternate Routes are San Martin Marg, Panchsheel Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Road, South Avenue Road, Vandematram Marg, Barapullah Road, Ring Road, Tilak Marg, Ferozshah Road, Rafi Marg, Sansad Marg, and K. Kamraj Marg According to the release, the authorities requested commuters to cooperate with authorities and avoid the affected routes wherever possible. It has also advised commuters to plan journeys in advance and allow extra travel time. The Delhi Police further stated that motorists must strictly comply with directions issued by traffic personnel deployed at key intersections across the city. Citizens have been urged to observe traffic rules, maintain proper lane discipline, and avoid unnecessary halts on major carriageways. The advisory also appealed to motorists to remain patient, adhere to all traffic regulations, and extend full cooperation to authorities to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the summit hours. The Research Symposium on "AI and Its Impact" will be held on February 18, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital as the principal academic platform of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. IIIT Hyderabad is serving as the knowledge partner for the Symposium. The event has received around 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia and Latin America, reflecting strong participation from the Global South. The Symposium will be graced by H.E. Alar Karis, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. Featuring plenary sessions, international research presentations and Global South poster showcases, the Symposium will bring together leading AI pioneers and institutions to deliberate on AI-driven scientific discovery, safety and governance frameworks, equitable access to compute infrastructure and collaborative research across the Global South. An industry session will also be organized at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. In addition, the "AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge" will be held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative is aimed at promoting women-led innovation in artificial intelligence and is being implemented in partnership with NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform. The Challenge invites women technologists to present AI solutions addressing large-scale and real-world public challenges. Selected solutions will be showcased at the summit, with awards of up to Rs 2.50 crore. The Summit will also feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and roundtable meetings at Bharat Mandapam, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and Ambedkar Bhawan in New Delhi. A Summit Dinner will be hosted at the Convention Centre in the national capital. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the Central Reserve Police Force's 87th Anniversary Parade as chief guest in Guwahati on February 21. This marks the first time the CRPF is holding its anniversary parade in the Northeast, highlighting its deep regional association. The force, with a distinguished legacy since 1939, has seen 2,270 personnel make the supreme sacrifice and its personnel have received 2,256 gallantry medals. The parade will feature ceremonial contingents and a display of operational capabilities, celebrating the CRPF's role as the backbone of India's internal security. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be chief guest at CRPF's 87th Anniversary Parade in Assam, honoring the force's legacy and sacrifices for national security. Guwahati, February 17 Union Home Affairs Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will attend the Central Reserve Police Force's 87th Anniversary Parade as the Chief Guest on February 21 at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, Assam. A DG's Parade will also be held on February 19 as part of the celebrations. For the first time, the CRPF is celebrating its Anniversary Parade in the North East, underscoring its deep association with the region and its continued commitment to peace, stability and national security. The occasion will honour the service and sacrifices of CRPF personnel and their contribution to national security. Raised in 1939 as the Crown Representative's Police and renamed as CRPF in 1949 after Independence, the Force has evolved into the backbone of India's internal security architecture. From the supreme sacrifice of its personnel at Hot Springs in 1959 to the heroic defence of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch and its role in the 1971 war, the CRPF has built a distinguished legacy of valour and service. Over the decades, the Force has played a pivotal role in tackling militancy in Punjab, countering insurgency in Northeast India, responding to major terror incidents, including the attack on the Indian Parliament and managing sensitive deployments in Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi and Vaishno Devi. The Force has also contributed to peacekeeping efforts in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force and participated in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Haiti, Cambodia and Liberia under the United Nations. With specialised formations such as the Rapid Action Force for riot control and humanitarian response and CoBRA units for jungle warfare and anti-Naxal operations, along with signal and VIP security units, the CRPF remains a modern, versatile and highly capable force. It continues to maintain peace and law and order in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East under challenging conditions. 2,270 personnel of the Force have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and personnel of the Force have received 2,256 gallantry medals for exceptional bravery in operations, reflecting an unmatched record of courage and dedication. Reaffirming the national resolve against Left Wing Extremism, the CRPF remains committed to the eradication of Naxalism by March 2026. Sustained, intelligence-driven operations, including major missions such as Ops Black Forest (KGH) and Ops Megaburu, have delivered decisive blows to extremist networks and substantially curtailed their capabilities. The Anniversary Day Parade will feature grand ceremonial marching contingents from various CRPF formations, demonstrations on traditional martial arts of the country and a showcase of modern operational equipment and capabilities, reflecting the Force's preparedness to meet emerging security challenges. The occasion will celebrate the CRPF's proud history, operational excellence and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation. - ANI Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has launched two major digital health initiatives, SAHI and BODH, to advance the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in India's healthcare sector. SAHI is a governance framework designed to ensure AI deployment is ethical, transparent, and people-centric. The BODH platform, developed by IIT Kanpur, will benchmark AI models using real-world health data to assess their performance and safety before large-scale adoption. These initiatives build upon India's existing digital public infrastructure, including the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, to create a secure and interoperable AI ecosystem. Union Health Minister JP Nadda launches SAHI and BODH initiatives to create a secure, ethical, and evidence-based AI ecosystem for India's healthcare. New Delhi, February 17 Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday launched two pioneering digital health initiatives -- SAHI and BODH -- during the India AI Impact Summit. The launch marks a significant milestone in advancing safe, ethical, and evidence-based deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India's healthcare ecosystem. Describing the Summit as both timely and necessary, Nadda said that AI has the "fundamental power" to transform every aspect of our economy, keeping healthcare at the "very heart" of the transformation. "AI today is no longer a futuristic idea; it has the fundamental power to transform every aspect of our economy. Healthcare is at the very heart of this transformation. AI does not operate in isolation, but thrives on strong digital infrastructure and high-quality data," he said. Recognising this early, India began laying its digital foundations nearly a decade ago, Nadda said, "In 2015, under the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Government launched the Digital India programme to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy." The Minister noted that the health sector aligned itself decisively with this national vision. The National Health Policy, 2017, envisaged the creation of a comprehensive digital health ecosystem that would be interoperable, inclusive, and scalable. "Then in 2020, the Government launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to establish a robust digital public architecture for healthcare. This was a critical milestone, because the age of AI was approaching, and it became clear that without reliable, high-quality digital health data, artificial intelligence could not be deployed responsibly or at scale. With the sustained efforts, we have built the foundation of digital public infrastructure. We have enabled interoperable health systems. We have begun creating large-scale consent-based health," Nadda said. Minister referred to the launch of SAHI , the Secure AI for Health Initiative, describing it as not merely a technology strategy but a governance framework, policy compass, and national roadmap for the responsible use of AI in healthcare. He stated that SAHI will guide India in leveraging AI in a manner that is ethical, transparent, accountable, and people-centric. Nadda also emphasised that SAHI provides a structured framework for collaboration, ensuring that innovation flourishes while public interest remains paramount. The Minister also underlined the transformative potential of AI in pharmaceuticals and life sciences. AI-driven tools can accelerate drug discovery, shorten research timelines, enhance clinical trial precision, and make research processes more cost-effective, thereby strengthening affordable healthcare delivery. SAHI has been conceptualized as a comprehensive framework to promote secure, interoperable, and trustworthy AI solutions in the health sector. The initiative will facilitate collaboration among healthcare institutions, technology developers, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that AI tools meet rigorous standards of safety, efficacy, and ethical compliance prior to large-scale adoption, according to a release. The platform will also serve as a knowledge-sharing and governance hub, promoting best practices in health AI development and implementation, with strong safeguards for patient data protection and algorithmic accountability. BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI), developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority, will enable systematic evaluation of AI models using diverse, anonymized real-world health datasets, according to the release. The platform is designed to assess performance, robustness, bias, and generalizability of AI systems before their deployment at population scale. By institutionalizing benchmarking standards, BODH aims to ensure that AI solutions are reliable, clinically relevant, and aligned with national public health priorities. The launch of SAHI and BODH at the AI India Summit reflects India's forward-looking vision of integrating digital innovation with public health priorities. These initiatives will foster responsible innovation while reinforcing trust in AI-enabled healthcare solutions. The event witnessed the participation of senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, representatives from premier academic institutions, healthcare professionals, AI innovators, and industry stakeholders. - ANI Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Jaipur to launch the AI-based digital companion 'Bharat-VISTAAR'. The platform is designed to provide farmers with integrated information on weather, market prices, pests, soil health, and government schemes. It features a voice-first AI system accessible via a helpline number for farmers with basic phones, alongside chatbot and app interfaces. The launch event also included the unveiling of an 'AI for Agriculture Roadmap' and announcements for an AI Hackathon and 'AgriKosh'. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI digital platform to provide farmers with weather, market prices, and crop advice. Jaipur, February 17 Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived at Jaipur airport on Tuesday ahead of the scheduled launch of the new digital companion 'Bharat-VISTAAR', aimed at benefiting farmers across the country. The inauguration will be held in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. According to a Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare release, this AI-based platform will provide farmers with information on weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil, crop advice, and government schemes, all in one place, via phone calls, chatbots, and, later, an app. In Phase-1, this facility will start in Hindi and English and will reach lakhs of farmers in several states, including Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat. The launch program will see virtual participation from lakhs of farmers across the country through the networks of state agriculture ministers, Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra's (KVKs), agricultural universities, and other agricultural institutions. 'AI for Agriculture Roadmap' will also be launched by Union Minister Chouhan and CM Sharma, while announcements of 'AI Hackathon' and 'AgriKosh' will also be made by them. Bharat-VISTAAR is the Government of India's farmer-centric, AI-powered digital public infrastructure, which will deliver reliable information to farmers by connecting various government and scientific sources. On this platform, farmers will be able to view information and status related to weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil health, crop management, and at least 10 major central government schemes. It has been designed as a Voice-First AI so that even a farmer with a simple feature phone can benefit from it just by making a call. For this, the telephonic helpline number 155261 has been linked to the platform, along with facilities like voice input-output, website, and mobile site chatbot, and an Android app will also be released. The launch ceremony in Jaipur will see the participation of Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Ram Nath Thakur, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, Members of Parliament, MLAs, other public representatives, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rajasthan Chief Secretary, and top officials of the state Agriculture Department. - ANI The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has declared it will seek five seats and has urged the DMK to allocate tickets to 16 Muslim candidates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. IUML National President Kader Mohideen praised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Dravidian Model government following an executive committee meeting. Meanwhile, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the DMK's governance, calling its model "deceptive" and accusing it of tormenting the people. The political exchanges are intensifying as both major parties prepare for the state polls in the first half of 2026. IUML President Kader Mohideen outlines demands for 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, as AIADMK's Palaniswami attacks the DMK's "deceptive model" governance. Chennai, February 17 The Indian Union Muslim League will contest five seats in alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, said IUML National President Kader Mohideen on Tuesday. Speaking to ANI, Mohideen urged the DMK to allocate tickets to 16 Muslim candidates. "In this election, as part of the DMK alliance, we will seek five seats. Additionally, the DMK should provide opportunities to 16 Muslim candidates," he said. The statement came after the IUML Executive Committee convened at a private marriage hall in Chennai's Royapuram, under Mohideen's leadership. During the meeting, more than ten resolutions were passed, including a resolution to work for the victory of the DMK-led alliance and support the continuation of the Dravidian Model government. Mohideen praised the state government, saying, "Following the path of Anna and Kalaignar, the current Chief Minister Stalin is successfully running the Dravidian Model government." He further said that in this election, as part of the DMK alliance, they will seek 5 seats. Additionally, he emphasised that the DMK should provide opportunities to 16 Muslim candidates in this election. Meanwhile, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami today slammed the incumbent DMK government over the Interim Budget, alleging that the so-called "Dravidian Model" has turned into a "deceptive model" and has tormented the people of Tamil Nadu. "The DMK government, which has tormented the people of Tamil Nadu for the past five years with what it called the "Dravidian Model" but which has functioned as a deceptive model, has presented its final Budget in the Assembly. Like previous years, this year's Interim Financial Statement was also nothing more than a polished speech filled with wordplay, without any substantial content," he told reporters. However, the state is intensifying political exchanges between the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK, with both parties gearing up for the upcoming assembly elections later this year. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026. In 2021, the DMK secured 133 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance to victory, while the AIADMK won 66 seats. - ANI Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended warm birthday greetings to former CM and BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao, wishing him good health and a long life. YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his heartiest greetings and prayers for KCR's well-being on social media. KCR's son, K. T. Rama Rao, and nephew, T. Harish Rao, posted emotional tributes, with Harish Rao glorifying KCR's pivotal role in the Telangana statehood movement. The messages collectively highlight KCR's enduring political legacy and personal influence. Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy, YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and BRS leaders KTR & Harish Rao extend warm birthday wishes to K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Hyderabad, Feb 17 ) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday extended his warm birthday greetings to former chief minister and Leader of Opposition K. Chandrasekhar Rao. The Chief Minister wished him good health, happiness, and a long life. He also conveyed his best wishes on the occasion and prayed for his well-being. Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed heartiest birthday greetings to KCR, as the president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is popularly known. Jagan posted on 'X' that he is praying for health, peace, and long life of KCR. KCR's son and BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) also greeted him. "Happy 72nd Birthday to my Forever Hero. Thank you for inspiring me every day. May you live long and stay blessed," KTR posted. KCR's nephew and senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao posted a message on 'X' to greet KCR and to highlight the role he played in Telangana movement. "KCR - these three letters are the war cry of Jai Telangana, the resounding echo of decades of aspirations, the roar of Telangana's self-respect. KCR means... the very embodiment of the movement's spirit, the eternal sunrise in the hearts of Telangana's people. KCR is a movement, a vision, an epoch-making storm. The resolute determination that united the entire Telangana onto a single platform, that gave birth to the movement, and that shaped that movement into the birth of a state," wrote the former minister. "Your footsteps showed the path to the struggle for self-respect. Your thoughts instilled courage into suppressed hearts. Your strategies reduced the conspiracies of dominant forces to ashes. Your tenacity, your maturity, your commitment, your fearlessness liberated Telangana from generations of discrimination. Every generation has a torchbearer but for Telangana, the torchbearer is our KCR garu," Harish Rao said. "In my life's journey, you are not merely my maternal uncle... you are far beyond that - you are my everything. As an uncle, you blessed me and showered boundless love. Politically, you adorned me with values, taught me principles, and moulded me in the service of the people. As the architect of the movement, as the giver of progress, the one who inscribed a golden chapter in the nation's history - your birthday is a festival for the people of Telangana," Harish Rao added and prayed for his long life and perfect health. - IANS Indirect nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran have resumed in Geneva amid heightened rhetoric from both sides. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly challenged President Donald Trump, dismissing US military dominance and threats of regime change. President Trump justified prior military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and warned of severe consequences if a new deal is not reached. The talks follow the collapse of earlier diplomatic efforts and occur alongside a significant US military deployment in the region. As US-Iran nuclear talks restart, Ayatollah Khamenei challenges Trump's military might, while Trump warns of steep consequences for no deal. Tehran, February 17 As high-stakes nuclear negotiations resumed in Geneva on Tuesday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump, asserting that even the most powerful military could face a devastating collapse. The remarks came as representatives from Washington and Tehran initiated "indirect talks" aimed at resolving the long-standing nuclear dispute. According to a report by CNN, senior American representatives, including US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law to President Donald Trump, are scheduled to hold discussions with Iranian authorities in Geneva today. These diplomatic engagements coincide with a speech delivered by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran and the arrival of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's delegation in Switzerland. In a series of provocative posts on X, Khamenei challenged the American President's frequent assertions of military dominance, stating, "The US President keeps saying that they have the strongest military force in the world. The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again." Addressing the increased American naval presence in the region, the Supreme Leader suggested that US hardware remains vulnerable to Iranian countermeasures. "The Americans constantly say that they've sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea," he noted. Reflecting on decades of friction, Khamenei dismissed threats of regime change by citing the historical resilience of the Islamic Republic. "The US President has said that for 47 years, the United States hasn't been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good confession. I say, 'You, too, will not be able to do this'," he added. Meanwhile, reaffirming his hardline stance, President Trump issued a stern warning regarding the "consequences of not making a deal" ahead of the negotiations. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the President confirmed he would engage in the process "indirectly," describing the discussions as "very important." While acknowledging that Iran is a "tough negotiator," Trump claimed its leadership has proven to be "bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s to knock out their nuclear potential." The President's remarks came in the wake of "Operation Midnight Hammer," which he credited with forcing a return to diplomacy. On June 21-22, 2025, the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump justified the intervention, asserting that without it, Tehran "would have had a nuclear weapon within one month." Expressing cautious optimism, Trump said he hopes the Iranian leadership would be "more reasonable" moving forward, asserting that economic and political pressures are driving them back to the table. "They want to make a deal. We have peace in the Middle East," he stated, admitting there might be localised "flames here and there" but maintaining that regional security had been achieved through force. The renewed diplomatic push follows the collapse of earlier efforts, including rounds of nuclear talks held in April 2025 in Muscat and Rome. Iran strongly condemned the 2025 strikes at the time, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law. Currently, the United States maintains an extensive deployment of maritime and aerial assets throughout the Middle East. This strategic presence follows recent warnings from President Trump, who cautioned that "the consequences are very steep" if a deal is not reached. In response, Tehran has emphasised its preparedness to launch a counterstrike, asserting it "will not tolerate threats" as a negotiating tactic. - ANI News / National by Staff reporter The European Union has concluded its annual review of restrictive measures relating to Zimbabwe, deciding to extend the existing arms embargo for another year while lifting provisions tied to potential travel bans and asset freezes.In a decision adopted by the Council of the European Union, the bloc extended the arms embargo until 20 February 2027. However, it removed all provisions related to the possibility of imposing a travel ban and asset freeze.The EU said it remains constructively engaged with Zimbabwe and expressed readiness to deepen bilateral relations across a wide range of areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment. The bloc added that it will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the measures in light of future developments.The restrictive measures were first adopted on 15 February 2011 in view of the situation in Zimbabwe and have since been renewed and adjusted over time. The 2011 decision replaced a previous legal framework that had been in place since 18 February 2002.According to the EU, the latest Council Decision and Council Implementing Regulation formalise the move to maintain and extend the existing arms embargo, citing the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe. Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The Kobe University achievement is the result of a rational design strategy that yields a platform for the industrial production of drug candidates. Plants produce many substances with promising pharmacological activities. For example, Rhododendron species produce a class of compounds, called orsellinic acid-derived meroterpenoids, with remarkable anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. However, despite their attractiveness for pharmacological research, their natural origin makes them unreliable and expensive to produce and previous attempts at the microbial production of the core compound, orsellinic acid, have only reached disappointingly low yields. There are many examples where compounds appear promising in the literature but fail to advance sufficiently in evaluation or applied research due to supply issues. I began to feel this is less an issue with individual compounds and more a structural challenge facing natural products research as a whole." TOMITA Itsuki, doctoral student, Kobe University Tomita works in the group of Kobe University bioengineer HASUNUMA Tomohisa, a team of experts in rationally designing microorganisms, such as the gut bacterium Escherichia coli, for the production of a broad range of compounds. Using a combination of introducing appropriate genes from plants, fungi and bacteria, analyzing the organism's metabolism and optimizing the culture conditions, they set out to create the first production platform for these compounds ready for industrial-scale production based on the widely used bacterium E. coli. In the journal Metabolic Engineering, the Kobe University bioengineers now publish that they achieved a production of 202 mg orsellinic acid per liter, which represents a 40-fold improvement over the previously reported microbial production. This was not only the highest production level achieved so far, it was also the first time the core compound was produced in E. coli. Tomita, who is the study's first author, says, "It is a significant achievement that we recreated a complex eukaryotic biosynthetic pathway in the bacterium E. coli, something that was previously thought difficult." In addition, the group also introduced a further gene from Rhododendron that completed the biosynthesis of a pharmacologically relevant compound. As a representative for the class of pharmaceuticals, the Kobe University team chose grifolic acid, a compound known for its potent anticancer and analgesic properties. And while the so-engineered bacteria could successfully produce the target compound, the yield was low and Hasunuma's team acknowledges the need to further optimize the production process. In fact, they have already identified potential bottlenecks to be optimized in future studies. But the group's aims go far beyond this. Hasunuma explains: "In the short term, the platform established in this study can be immediately applied to the production and evaluation of related compounds and their derivatives. However, the rational design strategy employed here serves as a foundational technology for the production of various complex compounds using E. coli." This research was funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Program for Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (grant JPMJGX23B4). It was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Minho and the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science. For years, rising rates of myopia - or nearsightedness - have been widely attributed to increased screen time, especially among children and young adults. But new research from scientists at the SUNY College of Optometry suggests the story may be more complicated - and more human. In a new study to be published in Cell Reports, researchers propose that myopia may be driven less by screens themselves and more by a common indoor visual habit: prolonged close-up focus in low-light environments, which limits how much light reaches the retina. Myopia has reached near-epidemic levels worldwide, yet we still don't fully understand why. Our findings suggest that a common underlying factor may be how much light reaches the retina during sustained near work - particularly indoors." Jose-Manuel Alonso, MD, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and senior author of the study Myopia (nearsightedness) is a visual disease that blurs vision at far distance and is becoming a world epidemic affecting nearly 50 percent of young adults in the United States and Europe and close to 90 percent in parts of East Asia. While genetics play an important role, rapid increases over just a few generations suggest environmental factors are also critical. The disease can be induced in animal models with visual deprivation or negative lenses, and the two induction processes are thought to involve different neuronal mechanisms. Clinicians also control myopia progression with a variety of approaches that are thought to engage multiple mechanisms (multifocal lenses, ophthalmic atropine, contrast-reduction, promoting time outdoors, and others). Scientists at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry propose a unifying neuronal mechanism in their article to explain all current approaches to myopia induction and control. The research offers a new hypothesis that could help explain a long-standing puzzle in vision science - why so many seemingly different factors, from near work and dim indoor lighting to treatments like atropine drops, multifocal lenses, and time spent outdoors, all appear to influence myopia progression. "In bright outdoor light, the pupil constricts to protect the eye while still allowing ample light to reach the retina," explains Urusha Maharjan, SUNY Optometry doctoral student who conducted the study. "When people focus on close objects indoors, such as phones, tablets, or books, the pupil can also constrict, not because of brightness, but to sharpen the image. In dim lighting, this combination may significantly reduce retinal illumination." According to this mechanism, myopia develops when poor retinal illumination fails to generate robust retinal activity because the light sources are too dim and pupil constriction is too excessive at short viewing distances. Conversely, myopia does not develop when the eye is exposed to bright light and the pupil constriction is regulated by image brightness instead of viewing distance. The new study demonstrates that negative lenses reduce retinal illumination by constricting the pupil through a process known as accommodation (i.e., an accommodative increase in the lens power of the eye when focusing images at short distances). Such pupil constriction becomes stronger when accommodation is increased by shortening viewing distance or wearing excessively-strong negative lenses. Moreover, pupil constriction becomes even stronger when lens accommodation is sustained for prologued periods of time (e.g., tens of minutes), and even stronger when the eye becomes myopic. The study also demonstrates additional myopia disruptions of eye turning with accommodation and eye-blink efficacy at constricting the pupil. If proven correct, the mechanism proposed could lead to a paradigm shift in our understanding of myopia progression and control. According to this mechanism, myopia can be controlled by exposing the eye to safe bright light levels under limited accommodative pupil constriction. Accommodative pupil constriction can be limited by reducing accommodation strength with lenses (multifocal or contrast-reduction), blocking directly the muscles driving pupil constriction (atropine drops), or by simply spending time outdoors without engaging accommodation (looking at far distances). Perhaps most importantly, the new mechanism predicts that any approach to myopia control will fail if the eye is exposed to excessive accommodation indoors under low light for prolonged periods of time. "This is not a final answer," Alonso emphasized. "But the study offers a testable hypothesis that reframes how visual habits, lighting, and eye focusing interact. It's a hypothesis grounded in measurable physiology that brings together many pieces of existing evidence. More research is needed, but it gives us a new way to think about prevention and treatment." The research was done by Urusha Maharjan and collaborators in the laboratories of Jose-Manuel Alonso at the SUNY College of Optometry. It will be published on February 17, 2026 at 11:00 am (Eastern Time) in Cell Reports (notice: press embargo will be lifted on this date and time). A study co-led by University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers identified a distinctive feature of tissues from young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a disease that typically affects older patients. Researchers found that both cancerous and noncancerous colon tissue was mechanically stiffer in younger patients with respect to older patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The findings, published in the Jan. 30 print edition of Advanced Science, suggest that stiffness may create an environment that promotes the development of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50. This work may offer new approaches for preventing and treating this disease - known as early-onset colorectal cancer - a condition that has been mysteriously rising over the past 30 years. This is the first study to highlight the key role of biomechanical forces in the pathogenesis of early-onset colorectal cancer." Dr. Jacopo Ferruzzi, assistant professor of bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and corresponding author of the study The UT Dallas researchers collaborated on the study with researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). "We consider this study a significant advancement toward identifying those at risk of early-onset colorectal cancer and finding new ways to treat them," said co-corresponding author Dr. Emina H. Huang, executive vice chair of research for surgery at UTSW. She is a professor of surgery and of biomedical engineering and specializes in colorectal cancer in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. Early-onset colorectal cancer rates have risen steadily in recent years, and it is now the leading cause of cancer death for people younger than 50 in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. An expert in biomechanics and mechanobiology, Ferruzzi said that this work was motivated by clinical observations by Huang. "Our team brought an engineering mindset to the table to understand the physical mechanisms involved in early-onset colorectal cancer," Ferruzzi said. Ferruzzi's lab is located in the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building on the UTSW East Campus. The building, which houses labs for UT Dallas and UTSW researchers, is designed to foster collaboration between the institutions. The colon is a flexible cylindrical tube that uses coordinated muscle contractions to push waste out of the human body. The tube can stiffen, however, when the extracellular material, a load-bearing mesh made of collagen within the colon wall, thickens or becomes abnormally remodeled due to inflammation or fibrosis. UT Dallas researchers performed biomechanical testing on tissue samples obtained from colorectal-cancer patients undergoing surgical resection at UTSW. For the study, the team collected tissue from 19 patients above the age of 50 who had been diagnosed with average-onset colorectal cancer, and from 14 patients below the age of 50 who were diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer. Researchers performed microindention tests, which involve pressing a tiny probe into the tissue to measure its resistance to pressure, and measured how the samples responded to compression. The results of these tests were supported by structural and genetic analyses. In combination, their work demonstrated that the cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the early-onset patients was fibrotic, or scarlike, and contained more collagen, a protein that normally holds tissues together but also makes them abnormally stiff when collagen is too abundant. "We know from previous studies that cancers are usually stiffer than normal tissues," Ferruzzi said. "While this was true also in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer, we were surprised to find that both healthy and cancerous tissues from these younger patients were stiffer than those from older patients. This led our team to think that such stiffness could be creating a favorable environment for cancer to develop early in life." To understand how this may happen, researchers cultured cancer cells on biomaterials that reproduce the physical properties of biological tissues. They found that cancer cells in stiff environments were more likely to proliferate, demonstrating that mechanical stiffness enables cancer cells to grow more aggressively. In addition to studying tissue samples and cancer cells in a dish, the researchers grew patient-derived organoids - miniaturized 3D microtissues that mimic the complexity of the organ of origin. The organoid experiments confirmed that a stiff environment can push cancer cells to grow at a faster rate regardless of whether the original donor was young or old. Ferruzzi said he hopes the research will lead to better treatments and prevention of early-onset colorectal cancer. UT Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers worked together on the early-onset colorectal cancer study at the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building. "If we can understand how physical forces fuel colorectal-cancer progression, then we can actually think about early diagnosis and, possibly, therapy," Ferruzzi said. "More importantly, we can ask the question: How do we stop people from developing cancer that early in life?" UT Dallas authors include first co-authors Nicole C. Huning BS'24 and Victor V. Nguyen, a doctoral student in the UT Dallas joint biomedical engineering program in collaboration with UTSW; Haider A. Ali BS'24; Adil Khan, a doctoral student in Ferruzzi's Tissue Mechanics & Remodeling Laboratory; and Dr. Victor Varner, associate professor of bioengineering. Other study authors include collaborators from UTSW and Washington University in St. Louis. The project was partially funded by the UT Dallas Office of Research and Innovation through a $125,000 Collaborative Biomedical Research Award, a seed grant to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations. As an undergraduate, Huning received a UT Dallas Bioengineering Researchers award to support the project. Additional support came from the National Institutes of Health (R01CA237304-05, U01CA214300, P30CA142543), the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, and the UTSW Whole Brain Microscopy Facility. Republicans think patients should be shopping for better health care prices. The party has long pushed to give patients money and let consumers do the work of reducing costs. After some GOP lawmakers closed out 2025 advocating to fund health savings accounts, President Donald Trump introduced his Great Healthcare Plan, which calls for, among other policies, requiring providers and insurers to post their prices "in their place of business." The idea echoes a policy implemented during his first term, when Trump suggested that requiring hospitals to post their charges online could ease one of the most common gripes about the health care system the lack of upfront prices. To anyone who's gotten a bill three months after treatment only to find mysterious charges, the idea seemed intuitive. "You're able to go online and compare all of the hospitals and the doctors and the prices," Trump said in 2019 at an event unveiling the price transparency policy. But amid low compliance and other struggles in implementing the policy since it took effect in 2021, the available price data is sparse and often confusing. And instead of patients shopping for medical services, its mostly health systems and insurers using the little data there is, turning it into fodder for negotiations that determine what medical professionals and facilities get paid for what services. "We use the transparency data," said Eric Hoag, an executive at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, noting that the insurer wants to make sure providers aren't being paid substantially different rates. It's "to make sure that we are competitive, or, you know, more than competitive against other health plans." Not all hospitals have fallen in line with the price transparency rules, and many were slow to do so. A study conducted in the policy's first 10 months found only about a third of facilities had complied with the regulations. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services notified 27 hospitals from June 2022 to May 2025 that they would be fined for lack of compliance with the rules. The struggles to make health care prices available have prompted more federal action since Trump's first effort. President Joe Biden took his own thwack at the dilemma, by requiring increased data standardization and toughening compliance criteria. And in early 2025, working to fulfill his promises to lower health costs, Trump tried again, signing a new executive order urging his administration to fine hospitals and doctors for failing to post their prices. CMS followed up with a regulation intended to up the fines and increase the level of detail required within the pricing data. So far, "there's no evidence that patients use this information," said Zack Cooper, a health economist at Yale University. In 2021, Cooper co-authored a paper based on data from a large commercial insurer. The researchers found that, on average, patients who need an MRI pass six lower-priced imaging providers on the way from their homes to an appointment for a scan. That's because they follow their physician's advice about where to receive care, the study showed. Executives and researchers interviewed by KFF Health News also didn't think opening the data would change prices in a big way. Research shows that transparency policies can have mixed effects on prices, with one 2024 study of a New York initiative finding a marginal increase in billed charges. The policy results thus far seem to put a damper on long-held hopes, particularly from the GOP, that providing more price transparency would incentivize patients to find the best deal on their imaging or knee replacements. These aspirations have been unfulfilled for a few reasons, researchers and industry insiders say. Some patients simply don't compare services. But unlike with apples a Honeycrisp and a Red Delicious are easy to line up side by side medical services are hard to compare. For one thing, it's not as simple as one price for one medical stay. Two babies might be delivered by the same obstetrician, for example, but the mothers could be charged very different amounts. One patient might be given medications to speed up contractions; another might not. Or one might need an emergency cesarean section one of many cases in medicine in which obtaining the service simply isn't a choice. And the data often is presented in a way that's not useful for patients, sometimes buried in spreadsheets and requiring a deep knowledge of billing codes. In computing these costs, hospitals make "detailed assumptions about how to apply complex contracting terms and assess historic data to create a reasonable value for an expected allowed amount," the American Hospital Association told the Trump administration in July 2025 amid efforts to boost transparency. Costs vary because hospitals' contracts with insurers vary, said Jamie Cleverley, president of Cleverley and Associates, which works with health care providers to help them understand the financial impacts of changing contract terms. The cost for a patient with one health plan may be very different than the cost for the next patient with another plan. The fact that hospital prices might be confusing for patients is a consequence of the lack of standardization in contracts and presentation, Cleverley said. "They're not being nefarious." "Until we kind of align as an industry, there's going to continue to be this variation in terms of how people look at the data and the utility of it," he said. Instead of aiding shoppers, the federally mandated data has become the foundation for negotiations or sometimes lawsuits over the proper level of compensation. The top use for the pricing data for health care providers and payers, such as insurers, is "to use that in their contract negotiations," said Marcus Dorstel, an executive at price transparency startup Turquoise Health. Turquoise Health assembles price data by grouping codes for services together using machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence. It is just one example in a cottage industry of startups offering insights into prices. And, online, the startups' advertisements hawking their wares often focus on hospitals and their periodic jousts with insurers. Turquoise has payers and providers as clients, Dorstel said. "I think nine times out of 10 you will hear them say that the price transparency data is a vital piece of the contract negotiation now," he said. Of course, prices aren't the only variable that negotiations hinge on. Hoag said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota also considers quality of care, rates of unnecessary treatments, and other factors. And sometimes negotiators feel as if they have to keep up with their peers claiming a need for more revenue to match competitors' salaries, for example. Hoag said doctors and other providers often look at the data from comparable health systems and say, "'I need to be paid more.'" UK aid cuts demand justice-led solutions such as debt restructuring to repair the harm, writes Katie Husselby, director of Action for Global Health. When the UK stepped back from aid, families around the world paid the price. In South Sudan, UK aid reductions in 2021 left around 200 health facilitiesincluding major hospitalswithout support, sharply restricting access to lifesaving care in a country already facing conflict, displacement and climate shocks. Clinics closed, health workers went unpaid and people were left without even the most basic services. This is not an isolated case. Across fragile and crisis-affected settings, UK aid cuts are accelerating a dangerous retreat from global health at the very moment when needs are rising fastest. Humanitarian and health systems are under unprecedented strain. Climate shocks are fuelling disease outbreaks, flooding clinics and disrupting food systems worldwide. Conflict and displacement are driving malnutrition and insecurity in many countries. At the same time, international support is shrinking. The UK governments decision a year ago to reduce the aid budget furtherfrom 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent of national incomerisks compounding a crisis already worsened by cuts by the US and other major donors. Evidence from previous UK reductions shows what happens when support is withdrawn abruptly: clinics close, medicines run out and preventable illnesses rise. Vulnerable communities Women and girls are among those hit hardest. Analysis by Save the Children UK shows that UK aid cuts to family planning and nutrition could mean 44 million fewer women and girls receiving support in 2026 compared with 2019a stark signal of what continued retreat means for health, rights and survival. In Bangladeshs Rohingya refugee campsthe largest refugee settlement in the worldchronic underfunding has already led to food ration cuts, shortages of essential medicines and rising disease risk. Severe acute malnutrition among children rose by 27 per cent in a single year, from February 2024-5, while health and water services remain stretched to breaking point. In Yemen, years of conflict and economic collapse have left health facilities overwhelmed. MSF-supported inpatient feeding centres have reported bed occupancy rates of up to 200 per cent during peak malnutrition seasons, forcing impossible choices about who receives care. And in Afghanistan, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units are routinely operating far beyond capacity, with children arriving too late for treatment because families can no longer afford or access care. These are not abstract budget lines. They are missed vaccinations, untreated infections, closed maternity wards and lives lost. When health systems weaken, the consequences do not stop at national borders. Disease outbreaks spread faster. Antimicrobial resistance accelerates. Climate-linked shocks become health emergencies. As recent reporting has shown, the cumulative impact of US aid freezes and UK aid cuts risks undoing decades of progress on HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and maternal healthwith women and children bearing the heaviest burden. The question facing the UK is no longer whether aid mattersbut what kind of global role it wants to play. Repair, not retreat Repair is not only about restoring funding levels, important as that is. It is about how resources are mobilised, shared and governedand who has power in shaping solutions. A justice-led approach starts with recognising that the people most affected by poverty, climate impacts and fragile health systems must have a real say in the decisions that shape their lives. That means shifting away from short-term, top-down models designed far from the communities they affect. Evidence consistently shows that when financing is predictable, flexible and locally led, health systems are stronger, services reach those furthest behind and accountability improves. Repair also means addressing the structural barriers that prevent countries from investing in health in the first place. Today, many of the countries facing the worst health and nutrition crises are trapped in unsustainable debt. Analysis by Results UK shows that the 16 countries most affected by food crises spend an average of 1.9 times more on external debt repayments than on health. When governments are forced to prioritize creditors over clinics, universal health coverage becomes impossible. Justice-led solutionsincluding fairer debt restructuring and debt-for-climate-and-health swapscan free up vital resources for frontline services without pushing countries deeper into crisis. Fairness also means fixing the global tax system. Strengthening international tax cooperation, closing loopholes and ensuring multinational companies pay their fair share would allow countries to keep more of what they are already owed and invest it in health, nutrition and climate resilience. Finally, repair requires the UK to step up, not step back. Reliable, long-term aid remains essential, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. But it must be delivered in ways that listen to affected communities, reduce inequalities and prioritize those furthest behind first. Just solutions The UK faces a clear choice. It can continue down a path of retreat: hollowing out health systems, undermining trust and leaving the most vulnerable to bear the cost of global crises they didnt cause. Or it can choose repair: backing justice-led solutions, fairer financing and community-centred health systems that protect lives today and build resilience for the future. In a world of intersecting crises, retreat is not neutralityit is a decision with consequences. Repair is the path that recognizes shared responsibility, global solidarity and the simple truth that health for all depends on justice for all. Chief business officer of asset management firm dies by suicide Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Feb 17 (PTI) A top official of an asset management company died after allegedly jumping from the fourth floor of a building in Andheri East on Tuesday morning, police said. The deceased was identified as Pankit Vijay Shah (39), a resident of Vile Parle and chief business officer of a mutual fund company. Police received a call about a man jumping from the Chaddha Premises building around 10.30 am, said an official. A police mobile van rushed to the site and found Shah lying in a pool of blood. He was taken to Cooper Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival at 12.45 pm, the police official said. An accidental death report was registered at Andheri police station and probe was underway to ascertain the exact cause of the suicide, he said. According to the preliminary probe, Shah was visiting a friend whose office was located in Chaddha Premises. While standing on the balcony of an office situated on the fourth floor, he jumped off. Shah had over 17 years experience of working for asset management companies. PTI DC KRK First Published: February 17, 2026, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds Chief business officer of asset management firm dies by suicide 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... News / National by Staff reporter Vice President Joice Mujuru has refuted allegations by some sections of the local media which have quoted her as saying that she is against the current media exposure on corrupt activities at some parastatals.Vice President Mujuru, who was officially opening a Mashonaland Central provincial planning workshop in Mazowe, accused some sections of the local media of twisting facts to suit their agenda.She said those who defraud central government, local authorities and public enterprises should be held accountable and personally liable for their conduct. While addressing Mashonaland West, Zanu-PF Women's League provincial inter-district conference held in Chinhoyi, Mujuru accused the media of being used by people who want to advance their political agenda hiding under the guise of exposing corruption. The local media has exposed various cases of corruption by captains of parastatals and some executives in local authorities. Delhi: Two arrested for stabbing man to death in Azadpur Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 22:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) Two persons were arrested for allegedly stabbing a man to death in northwest Delhis Azadpur over rivalry between groups from the same locality, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 1.30 pm on February 12 near Monastery Market when Rehan Raj, along with his friend Gaurav, had gone to the market to buy clothes, officials said. Police said the two were intercepted by Samir, Chirag (12), Rohit (20), and another associate. The group targeted both men due to prior enmity stemming from disputes between two groups from the same locality, they said. The accused, Chirag and Rohit, residents of Bhalaswa Dairy, then attacked Gaurav and Rehan with knives, inflicting multiple stab wounds. Both the injured were taken to a hospital in Jahangirpuri, police added. Initially, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder. Later, Section 103(1) (murder) of BNS was added after Rehand died due to his injuries during treatment, they said. Officials said the two accused were arrested in Bhalaswa on February 16. During interrogation, they revealed that tensions between the two groups had been escalating for some time, leading them to hatch a conspiracy to kill Rehan. On the day of the incident, the accused allegedly chased the victims to Monastery Market, intercepted them and attacked them with knives and then fled the spot, police said. Police said Chirag studied up to Class 10 while Rohit studied up to Class 12. Both do not have any previous criminal history, according to police records. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining persons involved in the case, police said. Further investigation is underway. PTI SSJ SSJ OZ OZ First Published: February 17, 2026, 22:00 IST News agency-feeds Delhi: Two arrested for stabbing man to death in Azadpur 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... DMK cannot form government without Congress support: TVK's CTR Nirmal Kumar Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 17 (ANI): Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar questioned the stability of the DMK government, asserting that the ruling party cannot return to power in Tamil Nadu without Congress support.Addressing a press conference, he said the alliance arithmetic would be decisive in the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking to the media, Kumar targeted Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin and alleged that his role in the government was limited.What is Udayanidhi truly capable of? It appears that he has been positioned merely as a proxy, primarily to assist his father, reflecting what many perceive as a family-run government," he said. Drawing a comparison, he added, In most families, when the father is unable to attend an event, the son represents him. Similarly, the post of Deputy Chief Minister seems to have been created so that whenever the Chief Minister is unable to attend an official function, Udayanidhi can step in on his behalf."He further claimed that there is a perception that Udayanidhi lacks political and administrative experience. According to him, critics argue that the Deputy Chief Minister has not actively engaged in ministerial responsibilities or held significant portfolio-related meetings. He also referred to allegations regarding the use of government resources, including his stay at the government-allotted bungalow, Kurinji Illam, and said opponents question his visible contribution to governance.On the alliance front, Nirmal Kumar said the DMKs electoral prospects depend heavily on Congress and that critics believe there will be strong opposition to what they describe as family politics."Without the support of Congress, the DMK cannot form a government in the state," he claimed, citing previous elections such as 2006 and 2022 as instances where Congresss support played a role. He also alleged that, despite depending on Congresss vote share, including minority support, the DMK has not treated the party as an equal partner.Concerns have also been raised about seat-sharing arrangements in local body elections. According to Congress members, although certain positions, such as chairman and vice-chairman, were allocated to them, parallel candidates were allegedly supported, resulting in Congress candidates losing in several instances at the union and municipal levels. Congress cadres reportedly feel that the party is being weakened deliberately and prevented from growing in the state. They believe similar tactics may be used in future elections to sideline Congress MLAs," Kumar said.His remarks come amid statements by Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who recently said the party was still awaiting the formation of a committee by the DMK to discuss alliance matters. Tagore stated that Congress stands by its principles" and expects due respect within the alliance as preparations begin for the state polls. (ANI) First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST News agency-feeds DMK cannot form government without Congress support: TVK's CTR Nirmal Kumar 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... Kullu MLA Sagar Thakur to be inducted as minister: Himachal CM Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Shimla, Feb 17 (PTI) Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday announced that Congress MLA from Kullu, Sunder Thakur, will soon become a minister. The information was shared in the House during the discussion on Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), as Thakur and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur came face to face amid a heated exchange. The chief minister stood up and tried to calm the members when he said the Kullu legislator will soon be a minister and the LoP will receive an invitation for this. This led to a de-escalation, and proceedings of the House continued. Sunder Thakur is a two-time MLA, elected in 2017 and 2022 assembly polls in the state. PTI BPL PRK First Published: February 17, 2026, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds Kullu MLA Sagar Thakur to be inducted as minister: Himachal CM 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... NSCN (Akato) militant surrenders in Arunachal Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Itanagar, Feb 17 (PTI) A militant belonging to the banned NSCN (Akato) outfit has surrendered before security forces in Arunachal Pradeshs Tirap district, an official statement said. The surrendered operative has been identified as 23-year-old self-styled sergeant Inno Mosha Pangsa. A resident of Nagalands Tuensang district, Pangsa joined the organisation on April 19, 2022. During the surrender at Khonsa on Sunday, the insurgent handed over one .32 calibre pistol, four cartridges and a walkie-talkie radio set with a charger, it said. The surrendered militant was handed over to the Khonsa Police for further action. PTI CORR ACD First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST News agency-feeds NSCN (Akato) militant surrenders in Arunachal 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... Punjab CM Mann re-admitted to hospital for exhaustion; condition stable Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 22:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Feb 17 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment and standard diagnostic investigations at Fortis Hospital in Mohali after experiencing exhaustion, the hospital said in a statement on Tuesday. 52-year-old Manns condition was said to be stable. The chief minister was re-admitted to Fortis hospital in Mohali on Monday evening, hours after he was discharged from the health facility. According to the statement, Mann visited the facility on February 16 for a routine medical evaluation. He underwent comprehensive clinical assessment and standard diagnostic investigations. All vital parameters are stable and within normal limits. He is experiencing exhaustion and has been admitted for observation and supportive care," the hospital statement said. Manns condition is stable and he remains under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team," it added. The re-admission occurred hours after Mann was discharged from the same hospital on Monday morning. Following his initial discharge, he travelled to Moga to attend an event under the anti-drug drive, Yudh Nashian Virudh. After addressing a gathering, he returned to the hospital. Mann was admitted to the Hospital on Sunday for a check-up after complaining of exhaustion. Earlier that day, he and Aam Aadmi Party national convener, Arvind Kejriwal, paid a visit to the Shri Rankeshwar Mahadev Shiv Mandir in Sangrurs Dhuri on the occasion of Mahashivratri. PTI SUN AKY AKY First Published: February 17, 2026, 22:00 IST News agency-feeds Punjab CM Mann re-admitted to hospital for exhaustion; condition stable 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... Sri Lankan President Disanayaka to arrive in India today for AI Impact Summit Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], February 17 (ANI): Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka will arrive in India on Tuesday to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, as per the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in India, Mahishini Colonne, who described the summit as the first of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. Highlighting the visit, Colonne said the Presidents participation reflects the depth and priority of the India-Sri Lanka partnership at a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies. In a post on X, the envoy noted that Sri Lankas presence at the summit underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred. She added that, as one of the South Asian leaders attending the summit, President Disanayakas participation signals the strength of bilateral ties and a shared resolve to address issues that will shape the future. First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST News agency-feeds Sri Lankan President Disanayaka to arrive in India today for 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... UK Deputy PM David Lammy arrives in Delhi for AI Impact Summit Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 04:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], February 18 (ANI): United Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026. Official Spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal said that David Lammys visit will strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on responsible artificial intelligenceA warm welcome to the UK Deputy PM @DavidLammy on his arrival in New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026. His visit will further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a strong focus on trusted, inclusive, and responsible Artificial Intelligence as a driver of innovation, growth, and shared prosperity," the MEA spokesperson wrote on X.Earlier, world leaders from Serbia, Sri Lanka, Guyana, and Bolivia arrived in New Delhi for the summit. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a visit to India, will also attend the AI Impact Summit. India is hosting the AI Impact Summit, which began on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a global convening to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient artificial intelligence (AI).Building on the momentum of previous multilateral initiatives, including the Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali Summits, the AI Impact Summit is envisaged to mark a shift from aspirations to impact, demonstrating how AI can deliver tangible outcomes for People, Planet, and Progress.As the first Global AI Summit of this series to take place in the Global South, the Impact Summit will advance a future where the transformative impact of AI serves humanity, advances inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations that protect our planet.The Summit builds on extensive groundwork, including five rounds of public consultations and global outreach sessions in Paris, Berlin, Oslo, New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Regional events across India have ensured grassroots voices are represented, while over 50 affiliated pre-summit events worldwide have generated actionable insights and broadened participation. Complemented by curated consultation sessions for the flagship events and working groups, these efforts reflect Indias deeply participatory approach to the Impact Summit.AI today stands at an inflection point, with the power to reshape economies, accelerate scientific discovery, and address urgent global challenges, but also the potential to widen divides if left unchecked. The Summit provides a platform to bridge this gap, ensuring that the future of AI is shaped by collective action and shared responsibility. (ANI) First Published: February 18, 2026, 04:00 IST News agency-feeds UK Deputy PM David Lammy arrives in Delhi for 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... Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives in Jaipur to launch Bharat-VISTAAR Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], February 17 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived at Jaipur airport on Tuesday ahead of the scheduled launch of the new digital companion Bharat-VISTAAR, aimed at benefiting farmers across the country.The inauguration will be held in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.According to a Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare release, this AI-based platform will provide farmers with information on weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil, crop advice, and government schemes, all in one place, via phone calls, chatbots, and, later, an app.In Phase-1, this facility will start in Hindi and English and will reach lakhs of farmers in several states, including Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat. The launch program will see virtual participation from lakhs of farmers across the country through the networks of state agriculture ministers, Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and other agricultural institutions.AI for Agriculture Roadmap will also be launched by Union Minister Chouhan and CM Sharma, while announcements of AI Hackathon and AgriKosh will also be made by them.Bharat-VISTAAR is the Government of Indias farmer-centric, AI-powered digital public infrastructure, which will deliver reliable information to farmers by connecting various government and scientific sources. On this platform, farmers will be able to view information and status related to weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil health, crop management, and at least 10 major central government schemes.It has been designed as a Voice-First AI so that even a farmer with a simple feature phone can benefit from it just by making a call. For this, the telephonic helpline number 155261 has been linked to the platform, along with facilities like voice input-output, website, and mobile site chatbot, and an Android app will also be released.The launch ceremony in Jaipur will see the participation of Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Ram Nath Thakur, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, Members of Parliament, MLAs, other public representatives, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rajasthan Chief Secretary, and top officials of the state Agriculture Department. (ANI) First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:45 IST News agency-feeds Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives in Jaipur to launch Bharat-VISTAAR 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... Tarot Card Reading Today, February 17, 2026 Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 08:00 IST Tarot Horoscope for February 17, 2026 highlights change, financial caution, love insights and career growth. Read what todays tarot cards reveal for your zodiac sign. Tarot Card Predictions Today February 17 2026 Daily Tarot Card Reading for All Zodiac Signs. (AI generated image) Tarot Horoscope, 17 February, 2026: The day brings a powerful mix of introspection, change, and opportunities for all zodiac signs. Aries and Libra should soften and humble their approach to improve strained relationships and professional dynamics. Taurus and Scorpio are facing financial uncertainty and should be cautious while taking loans and making decisions. Gemini and Sagittarius are urged to let go of old baggage and listen to inner wisdom or external guidance. Cancer and Pisces will be emotionally refreshed and enjoy new beginnings, especially in love and career. Leo and Virgo will find new opportunities and relationships, but will have to balance emotions with patience and practicality. Capricorns are advised to be cautious of temptations and toxic influences, requiring self-discipline and moral clarity. Aquarians are encouraged to take bold but considered steps in love and work, while maintaining awareness of risks. Across all zodiac signs, themes of growth through self-awareness, open dialogue, and careful decision-making prevail, leading individuals to better outcomes when they act with balance and intelligence. Aries Card Reading (The Empress) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, you always consider yourself to be the best. That is why you never give importance to the work and thoughts of the other person. No matter how politely someone treats you, you do not consider them equal to yourself. This habit of yours has brought trouble for you. Your colleagues and friends are a little angry with you because of this. Try to bring a change in yourself. I agree that you are important to yourself. But the other person and his thoughts are also important. This should be understood. Try to connect yourself with your family. The arrival of a woman can bring some good changes in life. You can get their support in getting a new job. Everyone in the family is very worried about someones marriage. Due to your increasing age, you are not getting a good marriage proposal. Due to which you have asked for help from some of your friends. You are trying to start a business with your spouse. The other person has handed over his savings to you for the business. Taurus Card Reading (Knight of Pentacles) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, there is a possibility of a big problem. You are worried about not being able to repay the loan taken from someone on time. You and your friend have taken this loan to expand the business. This loan was taken to recover from the financial loss in the business due to a wrong decision. You can try to ask the other person for some more time. Due to your behavior and respect, the other person is still silent. You are thinking of resolving this matter with your family. Due to not getting a good job, your marriage to your lover has not been finalized yet. Your lover is a little angry about this. You have started looking for a new and good job. There is a possibility of promotion in the job. Your money is stuck somewhere. Due to jealousy, someone has created an obstacle in your work. Due to which the work is not getting completed on time. There may be a problem. You are very worried about this. You are preparing to go on a pilgrimage to a religious place with family members. You can try to improve a spoiled relationship. Gemini Card Reading (The Hanged Man) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, whenever you find yourself stuck in a situation, you should pay attention to the possibilities suggested by others. You should also be ready for change. You can try to balance yourself with your inner strength and the stability of your mind. Sadhana and balance bring success in life. Some good changes can be seen in life. Some problems that we face are sometimes not that difficult. It is possible that you have to compromise in a situation. If that compromise proves beneficial for you in the future, then there is no harm in doing so. Do not keep cursing an old mistake. It is in everyones interest to forget what has passed and move forward. There is a lot of commotion in the family regarding someones marriage. It is becoming difficult to decide on one of the proposals received. All the family members can try to find a solution to this dilemma together. Cancer Card Reading (Ace of Cups) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, success is going to knock on your door soon. Your nature of never letting your courage and hard work fall short has brought you close to success. The beginning of a new love affair will infuse new energy into your mind. It will seem as if you can hold the whole world in your fist. Many new opportunities will open new paths for you to reach success. These will not only increase your honour and respect but will also give you a lot of financial strength. You will start a new work by taking society and family along. Which will help the helpless and destitute people. This way of thanking your God will give you a lot of happiness. The news of the arrival of a little guest after a long wait in life will excite everyone. There is every possibility of the result of the competitive exam coming in your favor. Never let your confidence and dedication decrease. Gradually, you will overcome all the situations. But keep the faith. Leo Card Reading (Knight of Wands) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, impatience is in your nature. As soon as you start any work, you start waiting for the result. Patience and restraint do not make friends. Due to this haste, many times you have not been able to achieve sufficient success in some tasks. Still, you have not learned any lesson from those things. It has become very difficult to ask for everything quickly in love relationships and to think about marriage immediately. The family of the lover has taken time to think about this relationship. Due to which restlessness is increasing in the mind. In the workplace, you have been given the responsibility to go to another place and work on a plan. You may be very upset thinking about how you will be able to complete this work with new people. However, the higher officials have assured you that everyone will treat you better. Spending time with children has been a pleasant experience. Virgo Card Reading (Two of Cups) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, a new relationship can begin. Due to the betrayal in the previous relationship, there have been a lot of arguments with the family members regarding the second marriage. You have decided to keep yourself alone. You dont talk much at work either. You are only concerned with your work. The number of friends is also limited. A sudden meeting with a new person in connection with work has turned into friendship. The polite and sensible behavior of the other person is attracting you. Soon, this relationship can move beyond friendship. Such a possibility is being created. Your spouse may be having a love affair with someone else. You feel so. You can muster the courage to talk to that person directly. The proposal of a partnership in work coming from the other person may surprise you. Think well and make the right decision. In a situation of dilemma, the advice of an experienced person will be effective. Libra Card Reading (King of Swords) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, the desire to gain power has always been in the mind. The greed to reach a higher position in the workplace always inspires one to move forward. You may get a promotion in your job. It is possible that, along with promotion, you may also be transferred. Someone else may be appointed to the position you want to work in. This person may have come to your workplace from somewhere else. You can discuss your business plan with your father. It will be great to start your own business with your fathers experience. Strengthen your thoughts. Do not let the thinking of others dominate you. Make your own decisions. If you are struggling with any problem, then share your problem with an experienced person. There is a lot of bitterness in some relationships. Trying to improve your relationship with those people will prove beneficial. The desire to buy a new house may be fulfilled. Scorpio Card Reading (Five of Pentacles) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, you have not learned anything from the difficult situations of the past. Still, you are repeating the same mistakes. Looking at the current circumstances, there is a possibility of something going wrong. Soon, some kind of financial crisis is going to come into your life. Due to this crisis, there may be unrest in family life as well. Differences with the spouse may increase. Taking wrong decisions can lead to financial loss. Now is the time to be cautious. Sensing your circumstances, your people have started moving away from you. Loneliness has exposed the reality of your loved ones. Do not invest in the wrong place. There may be financial loss. It is important to be patient in difficult times. Because somehow or other, God will help us sooner or later. You may look for a new job. You will talk to your beloved to improve your relationship. Due to some misunderstanding, the other person is not ready to talk to you. Sagittarius Card Reading (The Tower) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, gather information about any work before starting it. The habit of being foolish can land you in big trouble anytime. Sometimes, deliberately ignoring small things becomes a big problem later. Intoxicated by success, you have been giving too much importance to your ego and stubbornness. Keep both these habits away from yourself. You have always been successful in the workplace due to your morale. And the effect of this ego can distance you from others. Your inner conscience is repeatedly giving signals to be cautious about something. This can be a warning from God. By ignoring these things, you can create a big problem for yourself. Trying to consider everyone smaller than you is distancing you from people. You may have to suffer a lot due to a wrong decision. There is a possibility of a decrease in respect and honor, along with financial loss. Make your behavior flexible and polite. Stay away from people who can create problems for you. You need to change your habit of always ignoring what others say. Sometimes things can be in our favour. We can get embroiled in a useless dispute due to someones provocation. Moving forward without checking the truth of the matter can create distance in relationships. Capricorn Card Reading (The Devil) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, time is unfavorable right now. Extreme thoughts and a desire for excessive pleasure have given rise to many problems. Patience and restraint will have to be maintained to get out of these problems. Even the slightest negligence will put you in trouble financially and socially. Someone close to you is planning to cheat you. You will need to move forward very thoughtfully in every situation. Do not let yourself get caught in the trap of greed and benefits in the desire to get more. If a colleague or friend is leading you towards bad addiction or habits, then keep a distance from them. You will not even know when you will become weak and start walking on this path. Do not support anyone in their wrong decisions at the workplace, no matter how good your relationship is with them. A small difference between right and wrong can sometimes create problems for the future. Stand with the family in their difficulties. Do not show your differences to outsiders. Aquarius Card Reading (The Fool) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, positive thinking will help you move forward. Due to the company of some negative thinking people, your thinking has also started becoming negative. Try to stay away from such people. Adopt positive thinking in life. You can be seen trying to live life with full enthusiasm and zeal. You are planning to start a new business. A new love affair can start. This relationship will change your life. Due to careless behavior, you are not getting the expected success at work. Your tendency to take risks can sometimes put you in big trouble. You can make some trips to gain work experience. New relationships can be formed during these trips. Do not ignore what people say. If needed, seek advice from an experienced person. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Pisces Card Reading (Six of Swords) Ganesha says that according to the Tarot card, the bitterness of old experiences is coming to mind again and again, and creating a fear inside you. Due to which you may have to face failure in the workplace. Talking about your problems with a dear friend or close relative can give you mental relief. You have thought of starting a new life with your spouse by going somewhere away from your current place. Along with getting a promotion in the job, you can also put forward the desire for a transfer in front of higher officials. If the right solution to a problem is not being found, then be a little patient and focus your attention on the rest. The enthusiasm of looking for a good environment after bitter experiences can infuse new energy into life. You may have to make many trips in connection with work. You will experience a lot of physical fatigue on these trips. There is a possibility of a new love affair starting during this journey. (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). First Published: February 17, 2026, 08:00 IST News astrology horoscope Tarot Card Reading Today, February 17, 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... Adani Group Pledges $100 Billion For Renewable-Powered, AI-Ready Data Centres Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:31 IST Adani Group announced a direct investment of $100 billion by 2035 to build renewable-energy-powered, hyperscale data centres tailored for AI Adani Group announced a direct investment of $100 billion by 2035 to build hyperscale data centres Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group on Tuesday, February 17, announced a direct investment of $100 billion by 2035 to build renewable-energy-powered, hyperscale data centres tailored for artificial intelligence (AI). The group said the initiative aims to create a long-term sovereign energy and compute platform, positioning India as a global leader in the emerging Intelligence Revolution." According to a regulatory filing by Adani Enterprises, the investment is expected to unlock an additional $150 billion in related sectors, including server manufacturing, advanced electrical infrastructure, sovereign cloud platforms, and allied industries. Together, this could create a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India over the next decade. Focus on Technological Sovereignty We are expanding from our base in green energy and data centres to build the complete five-layer AI stack, with a strong focus on Indias technological sovereignty. India will not just consume AI we will create, build, and export intelligence," said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. The roadmap builds on AdaniConnexs existing 2 GW national data centre network, with a target to scale capacity to 5 GW. Strategic Partnerships and Expansion Plans The group is collaborating with Google to develop what it describes as Indias largest gigawatt-scale AI data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, along with additional facilities in Noida. It is also working with Microsoft to expand AI-focused data centre infrastructure in Hyderabad and Pune. Further, Adani plans to deepen its partnership with Flipkart, with the development of a second AI data centre designed to support next-generation digital commerce, high-performance computing, and large-scale AI workloads. At 1:30 PM, shares of Adani Enterprises were trading 2.30% higher at Rs 2,235 apiece on the BSE following the announcement. First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:31 IST News business economy Adani Group Pledges $100 Billion For Renewable-Powered, AI-Ready Data Centres 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... News / National by Staff Reporter The Parliament of Zimbabwe has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on technical and capacity building assistance with three private sector organisations.Transparency International Zimbabwe, the Public Affairs and Parliamentary Support Trust (PAPST) and the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA) have pledged to work with the Parliament of Zimbabwe towards the provision of technical and capital expertise.The chief executive officer of PAPST Mr Mike Mataruse says the MOUs are aimed at ensuring that local parliamentarians are fully equipped with resources."We hope for the better in the near future as we seek to do our best," said Mr Mataruse.The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda says Zimbabwe welcomes developmental partners on capacity building projects."We are fully geared to the growth of the local parliament in terms of development," Advocate Mudenda said.The MOUs are also aimed at developing strategic alliances between the cooperating partners and the Parliament of Zimbabwe on the financing of workshops and socio-economic meetings. Chinese Companies Cut Year-End Bonus, Ban Employees From Public Discussion Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 12:25 IST As Chinas workforce approaches the year-end bonus season ahead of Lunar New Year, the atmosphere is markedly subdued compared with previous years (Representative Image) As Chinas workforce approaches the year-end bonus season ahead of Lunar New Year, the atmosphere is markedly subdued compared with previous years. Social media no longer brims with posts flaunting large payouts; public discussions about bonuses have largely faded. Once seen as a barometer of corporate health, industry momentum, and the broader economy, year-end bonus packages for 2025 have grown smaller, less common, and unevenly distributed. Slowing economic growth, squeezed profit margins, and heightened external uncertainty have all contributed to the change. Many companies have even prohibited employees from discussing bonus details in public, signaling a broader shift toward a low-key" workplace culture. This contrasts sharply with the lavish bonuses and gifts distributed during Chinas tech and real estate booms. Data Highlights the Shift A 2026 market outlook and salary report by global HR firm Randstad underscores the trend. About 26% of respondents reported they would receive no year-end bonus for 2025, while nearly half said their bonuses would be limited to one to two months salary. Beyond a handful of profitable, high-growth AI and internet companies, year-end bonuses are unlikely in most industries, or will be extremely limited," said Echo Luo, a Guangzhou-based job-hunter. Even companies with growth projections are keeping hiring conservative. Only a few business units are planning small headcount increases, while the vast majority of departments have frozen hiring," she added. The trend extends to the public sector as well. Zhao Xin, a grassroots civil servant in Guangzhou, said he received a performance-based bonus equivalent to about one months pay. His unit has gradually reduced non-tenured staff in recent months, reflecting widespread tight staffing and constrained budgets in local departments. Foreign enterprises are no longer seen as benefits pacesetters. Stella Wu, an HR manager at a German chemical firm, said exchange-rate fluctuations and headquarters metrics have limited bonus pools, with only a small share of employees eligible for payouts. Our China unit met targets in yuan terms, but when converted to euros, it fell short of headquarters expectations," she explained. Following a companywide pay freeze last year, the firm only resumed modest salary increases of 35% in 2026. A few companies are bucking the trend. JD.com and Dreame Technology disclosed details of their bonus packages. JD reported a 70% year-on-year increase in total year-end bonuses, with more than 90% of employees receiving full or above-target payouts. Dreame, a smart hardware and AI company, added one gram of gold per employee on top of its standard bonus. Founded in 2017, Dreame is known for high-speed digital motors, AI algorithms, and motion control technologies, and is rapidly expanding into automotive power systems and humanoid robotics. The disparity in bonuses is increasingly shaped by broader policy priorities. High-tech and e-commerce sectors outperform traditional manufacturing and consumer industries, reflecting government support for advanced manufacturing and strategic emerging sectors. Private firms, particularly traditional manufacturers, face concentrated pressures from overcapacity, weak domestic demand, and intensifying competition. As a result, reducing year-end bonuses has become a common cost-cutting measure. Li Cheng, a restaurant owner in Dongguan, a major manufacturing hub in Guangdong, said many factories are ending production earlier than usual for the Spring Festival due to insufficient orders. The days when year-end bonuses were used to lure workers back early to meet holiday demand are long gone," he remarked. First Published: February 17, 2026, 12:25 IST News business economy Chinese Companies Cut Year-End Bonus, Ban Employees From Public Discussion 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... Infosys Share Price Up 3% Upon Partnership With AI Firm Anthropic Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:26 IST Infosys will host an investor AI day in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026, with CEO Salil Parekh outlining AI-driven growth amid industry disruption and record IT stock lows. Infosys Investor Day Today: AI Transition And Growth Plan Under Spotlight Infosys Share Price: Infosys shares rose 3 per cent intraday on Tuesday following the announcement on partnership with US-based AI firm Anthropic to develop and deliver advanced enterprise AI solutions to companies across telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing and software development. The collaboration will begin in telecommunications with a dedicated Anthropic Center of Excellence to build and deploy AI agents tailored to industry-specific operations. The collaboration will further expand across industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and software development," the company said in the filing. Infosys will also host Investor Indian IT firm is set to outline the roadmap for AI-driven growth amid widespread industry-level disruption. CEO Salil Parekh will outline the firms strategy for balancing the risks and opportunities arising from AI adoption. Shares of Infosys traded at Rs 1,405 per share with a jump of 3 per cent around 10:25 Am, against the previous days close at Rs 1,365 per share. Infosys investor day comes at a time when the outlook for the IT sector is at the bottom among investors over the AI-led disruption. This has led to panic selling at an unprecedented pace, plunging major IT stocks to record lows. Infosys, in the filing, confirmed that it will hold an investor AI day in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026. The proceedings of the event will be webcast live on the Companys website at https://www.infosys.com/. The presentations made at the event and transcripts of discussions will also be hosted on the Companys website subsequently. Shares of Infosys snapped over 8 per cent in the last five sessions, dropping to near the 52-week low at Rs 1,370 per share. First Published: February 17, 2026, 07:58 IST News business markets Infosys Share Price Up 3% Upon Partnership With AI Firm Anthropic 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... Form 16 To Be Renamed Form 130, 26AS To Become 168 From April 1, 2026: Key Changes Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:24 IST From April 1, 2026, familiar forms such as Form 26AS, Form 16, and Form 13 will be replaced with new numbers under the Income-tax Act, 2025 Income Tax Forms The Income Tax Department has released the Draft Income-tax Rules, 2026, along with draft forms to implement the Income-tax Act, 2025. These rules provide the first detailed framework for Indias new tax regime, set to come into effect from April 1, 2026. Open for stakeholder consultation, the draft rules signal a shift toward simplified return filing, clearer valuation norms for income and perquisites, and a more standardized compliance architecture. One of the most significant updates is the comprehensive renumbering of income-tax forms, affecting individuals, professionals, businesses, and institutions alike. Comprehensive Renumbering of Income-tax Forms From April 1, 2026, familiar forms such as Form 26AS, Form 16, and Form 13 will be replaced with new numbers under the Income-tax Act, 2025. Salaried employees, pensioners, and senior citizens may initially find the transition confusing. According to Chartered Accountant Suresh Surana, all communications and compliances related to Tax Year 202627 onwards, including TDS certificates from employers, will move to the renumbered forms once official notifications and system readiness are confirmed. Both old and new regimes may operate in parallel during the transition. The applicable form will depend on the relevant tax year rather than just the date of issuance, ensuring smoother compliance during the switch. Major Changes for Businesses and Tax Audit Cases Audit Report Consolidation For businesses subject to tax audit, several forms are being merged to streamline reporting. Previously filed forms such as 3CA, 3CB, and 3CD will now be consolidated into a single Form 26. This aims to improve efficiency and cross-verification for the tax department. Transfer Pricing and MAT Updates Transfer pricing audit reports will shift from Form 3CEB to Form 48. Companies subject to Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) will file certifications in Form 66, replacing Form 29B. While the compliance obligations remain unchanged, businesses and auditors must update internal systems and reporting templates to reflect the new form numbers. Key Changes in TDS and TCS Returns The draft rules also introduce renumbering of TDS and TCS forms: Salary TDS returns: Form 24Q Form 138 Resident TDS returns: Form 26Q Form 140 Non-resident TDS returns: Form 27Q Form 144 TCS returns (earlier Form 27EQ): now Form 143 Additionally, employer-side TDS certificates, including what is currently Form 16, will be issued as Form 130 under the new regime. NRIs, DTAA Claims, and Foreign Remittances For taxpayers dealing with foreign income or remittances, key form changes include: DTAA declarations: Form 10F Form 41 Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) applications: Form 10FA Form 42 Foreign remittance declarations: Form 15CA Form 145 Chartered Accountant certificates: Form 15CB Form 146 Using outdated forms may result in delays in remittances or treaty benefit claims, so timely updates are crucial. Overhaul for Charitable Trusts and NGOs Charitable trusts and non-profits will face a major compliance restructuring: Provisional registration: Form 10A Form 104 Final registration/renewal: Form 10AB Form 105 Accumulation of income: Form 10 Form 109 Audit reports: Forms 10B/10BB Form 112 Donee statements: Form 113 Donor certificates: Form 114 The changes emphasize donation traceability and automated verification mechanisms. Rollout Timeline and Pending Approvals The draft rules are currently open for public feedback. Final approval from Parliament is required before April 1, 2026, for the new framework to become operational. Appendix III has not yet been issued. CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal noted that updated rules, forms, and FAQs under the Income-tax Act, 2025 will be released soon. These FAQs are expected to provide clarity on the transition framework and applicability of the renumbered forms. Steps Taxpayers Should Take Now From April 1, 2026, taxpayers should: Avoid using old form numbers in filings. Update accounting, payroll, and audit software. Verify form numbers on the e-filing portal before submission. Ensure internal compliance systems are aligned with the new numbering structure. While these changes are largely structural, accuracy in compliance will be critical in a tax system increasingly driven by data analytics and automated verification. First Published: February 17, 2026, 10:24 IST News business tax Form 16 To Be Renamed Form 130, 26AS To Become 168 From April 1, 2026: Key Changes Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Held At Gunpoint, Tied Up': Gang Posing As Cops Robs Businessman Of Rs 20 Lakh, Gold Jewellery Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manisha Roy Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:17 IST A gang posing as police looted Rs 20 lakh and gold from Hombalegowdas BEL Layout home in Bengaluru. Police formed special teams and are analysing CCTV to track the accused. Rapid Read The businessman was tied up during the robbery. (AI-generated image used for representational purposes only) A gang posing as police officers stormed into a businessmans home in broad daylight and looted nearly Rs 20 lakh in cash and around half a kilogram of gold jewellery in Bengalurus BEL Layout on Monday. The incident occurred around 3.15 pm. It is learnt that when four gang members entered the house, the victim, Hombalegowda (53), a real estate developer, was present inside, along with his wife, Mangalamma, and their grandson. Police said one of the accused was dressed in a Sub-Inspectors uniform, while the others wore plain clothes resembling police personnel. Two of the four men entered the house while the other two stood guard outside. One of the accused carried a diary and his partner held a bag typically used by police officials. The gang reportedly introduced themselves as Yelahanka police officers and claimed a crime had taken place in the area. They said they needed to verify CCTV footage from the house. After entering the house, the miscreants allegedly threatened the family with a gun and knife, later confining Hombalegowda, and tying both him and his wife with tape. The accused then ransacked the bedroom and fled with cash and gold ornaments. They also snatched the couples mobile phones before escaping. Soon after, police were informed about the incident. Terming the case serious, the police commissioner has directed immediate action. Two special teams have been formed to track down the accused, and CCTV footage from the surrounding areas is being analysed to get any significant lead in the case. Meanwhile, a case has been registered at Bidadarahalli Police Station, and further investigation is underway. First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:02 IST News cities bengaluru-news 'Held At Gunpoint, Tied Up': Gang Posing As Cops Robs Businessman Of Rs 20 Lakh, Gold Jewellery 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... FDs Missing, Angry Customers 'Close' Bank Of Baroda Branch In Lucknow Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 08:25 IST Customers locked a Bank of Baroda branch in Para after alleging missing deposits and fixed deposits, demanding immediate return of their savings Rapid Read Customers claim their deposits were either not being reflected correctly in records or had completely disappeared. (PTI/File) A major alleged financial irregularity has surfaced at a Bank of Baroda branch in Para, Lucknow, triggering strong protests from account holders. On Thursday, angry customers pulled down and locked the banks shutters, staging a sit-in outside the premises and bringing operations to a standstill. The branch, located inside the Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University campus, came under fire after customers alleged serious irregularities in transactions. Many claimed that their savings, particularly fixed deposits, were either not visible in records or had gone missing, and demanded the immediate return of their money. Allegations Of Missing Fixed Deposits The incident occurred at around 11 am on Thursday, when more than 25 account holders reached the branch together. They claimed that their deposits, particularly fixed deposits, were either not being reflected correctly in records or had completely disappeared. Several customers alleged that the irregularities took place with the involvement of bank correspondents or staff members, putting their hard-earned savings at risk. Personal Hardships And Emotional Distress Protesters said the missing funds had severely affected their lives. Some claimed that arrangements for their daughters weddings, education expenses, and other essential commitments had come to a standstill due to the disappearance of their savings. Raising slogans outside the branch, the agitated customers demanded the immediate return of their full deposits and strict action against those responsible. They accused the bank management of negligence and fraud. Police Intervention And Ongoing Investigation The protest brought all banking activities to a complete halt. Upon receiving information, police personnel reached the spot and attempted to pacify the demonstrators. Officers urged customers to remain calm and assured them that a proper investigation would be conducted. So far, the bank management has not issued any official statement regarding the allegations. Police confirmed that an inquiry has begun and that statements from all concerned parties will be recorded shortly. Part Of A Larger Dispute? According to reports, this is not the first time complaints have surfaced regarding fixed deposits at this particular branch. Similar grievances have been raised earlier. Affected account holders warned that if their demands are not met promptly, they will intensify their agitation and escalate the matter to higher authorities. First Published: February 17, 2026, 08:25 IST News cities lucknow-news FDs Missing, Angry Customers 'Close' Bank Of Baroda Branch In Lucknow Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistani Spy Deported After 17 Years In Indian Jail: The Case That Spanned 2 Decades Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:52 IST After serving 17 years in jail, Bhatti has now been deported to Pakistan, following months of diplomatic and legal formalities Rapid Read Iqbal Bhatti. (News18) For nearly a year, he lived quietly in Saharanpur as Devaraj Sehgal", armed with forged Indian documents and even operating a bank account. But behind the false identity was Pakistani national Iqbal Bhatti a man later arrested with sensitive Army maps and convicted under the Official Secrets Act. After serving 17 years in jail, Bhatti has now been deported to Pakistan, following months of diplomatic and legal formalities, bringing to an end an espionage case that stretched across nearly two decades. Arrested With Sensitive Army Maps Bhatti was first arrested on August 8, 2008, by the Punjab Police in Patiala. According to investigators, he was found in possession of sensitive maps linked to Indian Army installations material considered highly confidential and critical to national security. The arrest immediately triggered a coordinated investigation involving police and intelligence agencies across states. During questioning, authorities uncovered that Bhatti had been living in Hakikat Nagar in Saharanpur under the assumed Hindu name Devaraj Sehgal. Investigators said he had managed to procure forged Indian identity documents, including a voter ID card, PAN card and ration card. Using these fake credentials, he opened an account at the State Bank of India (SBI), further strengthening his cover. It was during routine verification of documents that suspicion first surfaced. Bank officials reportedly noticed discrepancies in the paperwork submitted for opening the account. On November 6, 2008, the SBI chief manager filed a complaint, adding another layer to the criminal proceedings already underway. Charges Under Official Secrets Act Bhatti was booked under Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act a stringent provision dealing with espionage and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, along with other serious charges. Four cases were registered against him at Sadar Bazaar police station in Saharanpur, while Punjab Police pursued parallel proceedings in their jurisdiction. Following trial, a Saharanpur court convicted Bhatti and sentenced him to prison. Due to security concerns, authorities decided not to lodge him in Saharanpur jail, which is located close to an Army camp. Given that sensitive defence documents had been recovered from him, officials said it was considered a risk to keep him there. Instead, he was shifted to Gautam Buddh Nagar District Jail, where he ultimately spent nearly 17 years behind bars. Officials said multiple cases and sentences were clubbed together, resulting in his prolonged incarceration. Sentence Completed, But Not Immediate Freedom Bhatti completed his sentence in early 2025 and was formally released from prison on March 22, 2025. However, his release did not translate into immediate freedom. Since he was a Pakistani national without valid travel documents, he was transferred to a detention centre in Saharanpur pending deportation. For nearly 11 months, he remained there under strict surveillance while authorities completed diplomatic and legal procedures. According to officials, the deportation process involved coordination between district police, the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), prison authorities and central ministries. After completion of his sentence, the jail administration forwarded a report to the Saharanpur police regarding deportation. Clearances were sought from the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs before a final decision was taken," a senior administrative officer said. The Ministry of External Affairs reportedly sought details of cases registered in Punjab before issuing its clearance. Once all documentation was verified and coordination with the Pakistani High Commission was completed, authorities fixed the date for deportation. High-Security Medical and Transfer to Border On Monday morning, Bhatti was taken to the district hospital for a mandatory medical examination under heavy security. A significant police presence was deployed across the hospital premises to prevent any untoward incident. During the medical check-up, Bhatti reportedly claimed he was innocent and that the charges against him were false. Saharanpur Additional Superintendent of Police Manoj Yadav confirmed the sequence of events. In 2008, Shahid Iqbal Bhatti was living on rent in Hakikat Nagar under a false identity. He was a Pakistani citizen. Four cases were registered against him at Sadar Bazaar police station, and Punjab Police had also filed a case. He was arrested and sent to jail. After completion of his sentence, the deportation process has been completed," Yadav said. He added that Bhatti was escorted under tight security to the Attari border. For security reasons, officials kept the route and timing confidential. On Tuesday around noon, he was formally handed over to Pakistani Rangers after completion of cross-border paperwork. Security experts say espionage cases involving sensitive defence information are handled with extreme caution and require prolonged legal scrutiny. Cases under the Official Secrets Act are treated as matters of national security. Even after sentence completion, deportation of foreign nationals requires coordination at multiple levels of government," a former intelligence officer explained. However, with Bhattis handover, Indian authorities consider the legal chapter of the case closed. First Published: February 17, 2026, 16:36 IST News cities lucknow-news Pakistani Spy Deported After 17 Years In Indian Jail: The Case That Spanned 2 Decades 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... Medical Breakthrough: AIIMS Doctors Sitting In Delhi Perform Ultrasound On Patient In Antarctica Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:47 IST AIIMS and IIT Delhi have developed a robotic ultrasound technology that enables doctors to conduct scans remotely with efficiency comparable to in-person examinations Rapid Read AIIMS Professor Dr Chandrashekhar SH said the scan was carried out using the 'Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST)' technique. (News18 Hindi) Until now, patients had to visit a doctor or hospital to undergo an ultrasound or sonography. However, in a major technological breakthrough, neither the patient nor the specialist will now need to be physically present in the same location. Doctors will be able to perform ultrasounds on patients located thousands of kilometres away while operating from the hospital itself. AIIMS Delhi, in collaboration with IIT-Delhi, has developed a robotic ultrasound technology that enables doctors to conduct scans remotely with efficiency comparable to in-person examinations. Doctors at Maitri, Indias research station in Antarctica, more than 12,000 kilometres away, made history after successfully performing a remote ultrasound scan on a person. AIIMS Professor Dr Chandrashekhar SH said the scan was carried out using the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) technique. In the future, tele-robotic ultrasound systems are expected to make it possible to conduct scans remotely in the mountains, at sea, in remote villages, disaster-hit areas, during wartime, and even in extreme cold or harsh weather conditions. Q. How was the ultrasound performed? A doctor at AIIMS Delhi operated a robotic arm placed in Antarctica using a specialised control device known as haptic control. The robotic arm precisely replicated the doctors hand movements and carried out the scan, while the ultrasound images appeared on the doctors screen in real time, similar to a standard ultrasound procedure. Q. How effective is the robot? Dr Chandrashekhar said the robotic system can rotate up to 60 degrees and move in three forward-backward directions as well as three counterclockwise directions. It mimics the hand movements of an experienced sonographer and is equipped with force feedback, allowing the doctor to feel the pressure applied during the examination. The image quality is clear and easy to assess, with a maximum delay of only about one second. Q. Which patients are most likely to benefit? The tele-robotic ultrasound system will be particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to travel to hospitals but require urgent examination. It will make it possible for patients located thousands of kilometres away to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:47 IST News cities new-delhi-news Medical Breakthrough: AIIMS Doctors Sitting In Delhi Perform Ultrasound On Patient In Antarctica 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... Bihar Land Registration Rules Changed, 13 Key Details Required From April 1, 2026 Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:42 IST From April 1, Bihar land registry will require 13 mandatory details for agricultural land. The move aims to ensure a transparent, digital and dispute-free registration process Rapid Read Bhu-Aadhaar Plan Aims to End Boundary Disputes, Multiple Registrations in Delhi Land buying and selling in Bihar often result in disputes due to incomplete information, incorrect details, and confusion over land records. To address these issues, the state government will implement a new system from April 1, 2026. Under this rule, applicants must provide 13 types of information while registering agricultural land. This reform is part of the Bihar governments Saat Nishchay-3 programme, aimed at making the registration process more transparent and citizen-friendly. Joint Directive Issued To District Collectors The Revenue and Land Reforms Department and the Prohibition, Excise, and Registration Department of Bihar have jointly issued a letter to all district collectors regarding the implementation of this system. According to the government, incomplete information during registration often leads to unnecessary legal disputes. The new mechanism aims to provide buyers with complete details in advance to minimise future complications. 13 Mandatory Details Required Under the new system, applicants must first create an account and log in to the e-registration portal. They will be required to enter detailed information about the land, including: Registration office name Circle Village Police station Account number Plot number Land area Boundaries Land record details Name of the land record holder Buyers name Sellers name Land type The application will proceed only after all mandatory details are filled in. Option To Verify Updated Land Records Applicants can also choose to receive updated official information about the land. If this option is selected, the application will be forwarded to the concerned Circle Officer or Revenue Officer. The officer will verify the uploaded details and provide complete information within 10 days via SMS. Applicants will also receive regular SMS updates regarding the status. If no objection or correction is raised within the stipulated period, the information submitted by the applicant will be treated as correct, and the application will automatically move to the registration office. Focus On Transparency And Dispute Prevention The government believes this system will make buyers more cautious and informed. Many disputes arise because buyers purchase land without proper verification. With the new process, crucial details such as land records, plot number, and land type will be clarified beforehand. The e-registration system will make the entire process online and trackable, reducing physical visits to government offices. The administration hopes that these reforms will make land registration in Bihar simpler, safer, and largely dispute-free. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:42 IST News cities patna-news Bihar Land Registration Rules Changed, 13 Key Details Required From April 1, 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... CBSE Class 10 Maths Paper Analysis: What Teachers Said About Todays Exam Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:51 IST CBSE conducted the Class 10 Maths exam on the first day of the board exams. Check the detailed paper analysis by teachers. CBSE Class 10 students appeared for Mathematics Standard and Basic papers on the first day of board exams. (File Photo) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) held the Class 10 Mathematics examination on the first day of the board exams. Students appeared for both the Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic papers. Teachers said the questions were largely from the NCERT syllabus, though time management was important for many students. Standard Mathematics Paper Analysis Varun Goel, Head of Department, Mathematics at Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram, said the Mathematics Standard (041) question paper was well balanced and appropriately challenging. He noted that it closely followed the NCERT curriculum, with nearly 70 percent of the questions taken directly from textbook exercises and familiar formats. According to him, students who prepared thoroughly from NCERT found the paper comfortable and accessible. He said the paper included direct questions such as proof of the Basic Proportionality Theorem, properties of cyclic quadrilaterals, concepts related to tangents and radii, and calculation of the median and mode of grouped data. There was also an application based trigonometry question to check conceptual clarity. Case study questions, including a competency based question from Arithmetic Progressions, tested analytical thinking and problem solving. He rated the paper Good". Karan Pal, TGT Mathematics at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Lucknow, described the paper as moderate in difficulty. He said the conceptual level remained within the NCERT framework, but the main challenge for students was time management. According to him, the paper tested speed, accuracy and analytical depth. Section A and Section B were easy, Section C had some NCERT based questions and was relatively easy, while Sections D and E required more time to understand before solving. ALSO READ: HBSE Haryana Board Exams 2026: Class 10, 12 Admit Cards Out, Direct Link Here Basic Mathematics Paper Analysis Teachers said the Mathematics Basic (241) paper was aligned with the NCERT syllabus and focused on foundational understanding. Varun Goel said around 60 percent of the questions were based on direct textbook concepts, allowing students familiar with NCERT to attempt the paper easily. However, he pointed out that some questions from Quadratic Equations, Areas Related to Circles and the Arithmetic Progressions case study were lengthy and required detailed working. He rated the paper Average" and noted that it was comparatively more time consuming than the Standard paper. Karan Pal described the Basic paper as easy to moderate. He said the paper mainly required direct application of NCERT formulas and concepts, though a few questions in later sections needed careful understanding and practical application. Overall, teachers said both papers stayed within the prescribed syllabus and assessed conceptual understanding without going beyond the NCERT framework. First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:49 IST News education-career CBSE Class 10 Maths Paper Analysis: What Teachers Said About Todays Exam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India AI Summit 2026: Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Youth To Use AI For Innovation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 15:30 IST At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi, Dharmendra Pradhan called for greater use of AI in education as experts discussed integrating technology across schools and colleges. Ministry of Education hosts session on Pushing the Frontier of AI in India at India AI Impact Summit 2026. The Ministry of Education on Tuesday organised a special session titled Ministry of Education Pushing the Frontier of AI in India" at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the session. Minister of State for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary also attended. Senior officials, academic leaders, researchers and startup founders from the education technology sector took part in the event. Among those attending were Secretary, School Education and Literacy Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Higher Education Vineet Joshi and IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti. Focus On AI In Education Speaking at the event, Pradhan described the summit as a pathbreaking initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to showcase and accelerate the growth of Artificial Intelligence in India. Highlighting the countrys technological progress, he said the world is increasingly looking at India as it adopts AI at a rapid pace. He expressed confidence that the technology would help India move towards becoming a global knowledge superpower and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Emphasising the role of youth, the minister said AI in education and education in AI are deeply intertwined," and urged students and young professionals to use AI to educate, empower and create new initiatives. Jayant Chaudhary said the discussions at the summit were insightful. He noted that experts from academia and industry discussed structured integration of AI across education, including foundational learning, skilling, research and global leadership aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He also visited the Ministry of Education and Skill India pavilions that displayed practical and scalable AI solutions. Government Initiatives And Panel Discussion Over the past decade, the ministry has introduced several initiatives to support technology-driven learning through digital platforms, policy reforms, capacity building and research programmes across school and higher education. Following last years Budget announcement, the government set up a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education at IIT Madras. The ministry also held consultations with academia, industry and civil society to prepare a roadmap for integrating AI into education. Recently, the minister also chaired the two-day Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026" and met founders of education sector startups. The summit session included a panel discussion featuring Zoho Corporation founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu, technologist Vibhu Mittal, Peak XV Partners managing director Rajan Anandan, IIT Kanpur director Manindra Agrawal, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti and IIT Bombay professor Sunita Sarawagi. The discussion was moderated by IIT Jammu director Manoj S Gaur. The panel discussed governance frameworks, national learning platforms, local innovation and responsible use of advanced technologies in education. The session aimed to develop Indias national roadmap for integrating AI in education and strengthen collaboration between government, industry and academic institutions. First Published: February 17, 2026, 15:28 IST News education-career India AI Summit 2026: Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Youth To Use AI For Innovation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... L?Institut national de la statistique (INS) a livr? des chiffres qui donnent le vertige et brossent un tableau socio-?conomique alarmant pour la R?publique D?mocratique du Congo. Selon un rapport relay? par le site d?information Actualite, pr?s de 68% de la population congolaise survit en dessous du seuil de pauvret?. Concretement, sur les 94,5 millions dhabitants que compte le pays, plus de 64 millions de Congolais (64,2 millions exactement) tentent de joindre les deux bouts avec un revenu quotidien inferieur a 5.600 francs congolais. Convertie, cette somme represente a peine 2,05 euros par jour, un montant derisoire qui ne permet pas de couvrir les besoins alimentaires de base, lacces aux soins de sante ou a leducation dans un pays ou le cout de la vie ne cesse de grimper. Le monde rural en premiere ligne Si la pauvrete frappe durement lensemble du territoire, elle est encore plus feroce en dehors des centres urbains. Letude met en lumiere une fracture territoriale flagrante : en milieu rural, ce sont sept personnes sur dix qui vivent en dessous de ce seuil critique. Lenclavement, le manque dinfrastructures et labsence de debouches economiques transforment ces regions, pourtant souvent riches en ressources agricoles, en veritables poches de detresse. Kinshasa, un ilot moins touche mais toujours fragile A loppose de ce tableau, la megapole de Kinshasa apparait comme le territoire affichant le taux de pauvrete le plus bas du pays. Cependant, avec 52,6% de sa population consideree comme pauvre, la capitale est loin de jouir de lopulence. Ce chiffre, bien quinferieur a la moyenne nationale, revele que plus dun Kinois sur deux lutte quotidiennement pour survivre, subissant de plein fouet la cherte de la vie et le chomage endemique. Ces statistiques, aussi froides soient-elles, rappellent lurgence dune politique de developpement inclusive qui ne se limite pas a la croissance macroeconomique, mais qui touche concretement le portefeuille du citoyen lambda, du paysan du Kongo Central au commercant du Kasai. Alors que la RDC regorge de richesses naturelles, le defi de la redistribution et de la lutte contre la precarite reste plus que jamais un immense chantier. DRC: 64 Million Congolese Live on Less Than $2 a Day The Staggering Picture of Poverty The National Institute of Statistics (INS) has released dizzying figures that paint a alarming socio-economic picture for the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a report relayed by the news site Actualite, nearly 68% of the Congolese population survives below the poverty line. Concretely, out of the country's 94.5 million inhabitants, more than 64 million Congolese (64.2 million exactly) are trying to make ends meet with a daily income below 5,600 Congolese francs. Converted, this amount represents barely 2.05 USD per day, a paltry sum that does not cover basic food needs, access to healthcare, or education in a country where the cost of living is constantly rising. The Rural World on the Front Line While poverty hits the entire country hard, it is even more severe outside urban centers. The study highlights a glaring territorial divide: in rural areas, seven out of ten people live below this critical threshold. Isolation, lack of infrastructure, and the absence of economic opportunities turn these regions, often rich in agricultural resources, into real pockets of distress. Kinshasa, a Less Affected but Still Fragile Island At the opposite end of this picture, the megacity of Kinshasa appears as the territory with the lowest poverty rate in the country. However, with 52.6% of its population considered poor, the capital is far from enjoying opulence. This figure, although lower than the national average, reveals that more than one in two Kinois struggles daily to survive, bearing the full brunt of the high cost of living and endemic unemployment. These statistics, as cold as they may be, remind us of the urgency of an inclusive development policy that is not limited to macroeconomic growth but tangibly impacts the wallet of the average citizen, from the farmer in Kongo Central to the trader in Kasai. While the DRC is full of natural resources, the challenge of redistribution and fighting precariousness remains more than ever a monumental task. RDC, pauvrete, seuil de pauvrete, Institut national de la statistique, INS, Kinshasa, milieu rural, economie, revenu quotidien, francs congolais, developpement, precarite, population congolaise, actualite RDC, inegalites, cout de la vie Didier Cebas K. Want To Study In Canada? Apply For Fully Funded Government Scholarship 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:10 IST Canada is offering fully funded Government Scholarships for international students. Students will get tuition fee coverage, airfare, living expenses and health insurance. Students can apply for the fully funded Canada Government Scholarship before the March 31 deadline. (Representative image: Getty) The Government of Canada has announced the Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 for international students who wish to study in the country. The programme is fully funded and will support students applying for undergraduate, masters and PhD courses at recognised universities and colleges across Canada. The scholarships are funded by Global Affairs Canada and are open to students from different academic backgrounds. Selected candidates will be able to pursue their studies in a wide range of disciplines at Canadian universities, colleges and technical institutes. The last date to apply is March 31, 2026. Who Can Apply And What It Covers The scholarship is open to international applicants enrolling in bachelors, diploma, certificate, masters and doctoral programmes. The host country is Canada and the funding will be provided directly by the Government of Canada. Under the financial support, students will receive CAD 10,200 for undergraduate or college-level study for a minimum period of four months. Graduate students will receive CAD 12,700 for five to six months of study or research. Apart from this, the scholarship also covers full tuition fees for eligible courses. Students will be provided economy-class return airfare, visa and study permit fees, and health insurance coverage. Monthly living expenses, including accommodation and food, will also be supported. ALSO READ: From Traditional Roles To AIDriven Jobs: Tips To Upskill And Stay Relevant Other Benefits And Facilities The scholarship additionally includes local transportation expenses such as public transit passes, along with books and academic supplies. The aim is to ensure that selected students can complete their education without financial burden. Students planning to study in Canada are advised to check eligibility criteria carefully and submit applications before the deadline. Since the programme is fully funded and limited seats are available, competition is expected to be high. First Published: February 17, 2026, 10:10 IST News education-career Want To Study In Canada? Apply For Fully Funded Government Scholarship 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... 'Support Of 58 MLAs, Sonia Gandhi Asked Me To Fix Oath Date': CM Himanta Recalls Congress Days Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 00:51 IST Sharing what he called his "days of distress", Assam CM Himanta Sarma said the scenario changed after Rahul Gandhi made phone calls to party leaders from the United States Himanta Biswa Sarma left the Congress to join the BJP in 2015 and played a pivotal role in ensuring the saffron party's first victory in the Assam assembly polls. (Image: PTI/File) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday claimed that then Congress president Sonia Gandhi had asked him to decide on the date for his swearing in as CM when 58 party MLAs had supported him back in 2014. Sharing what he called his days of distress" in the Congress, Sarma said the scenario changed after Rahul Gandhi in the United States at that time made phone calls to party leaders. When Mallikarjun Kharge had then come to the state, 58 MLAs supported me for the chief ministers chair. Many senior leaders stayed neutral, and only 12 MLAs supported Tarun Gogoi against me. At that time, Rahul Gandhi was in America. Sonia Gandhi called me to her residence and asked me to set a date for the oath-taking ceremony. I told her I would take the oath the day after ambubachi (a major annual ritual at the Kamakhya temple). But then Rahul Gandhi called from America, and everything changed," Sarma said after a cabinet meeting at the state legislative assembly. He added: The Congress kicked me out and threw me into the Ganga. You do not know why I left the party. Tarun Gogoi had asked everyone to attend Gauravs meeting. All cabinet ministers were instructed to attend. I said I would work for the party, but I would not attend that meeting." Assam Congress had witnessed dissidence after the 2011 elections, with a section of the MLAs supporting Sarma as the CM replacing the incumbent Tarun Gogoi. He left the party to join the BJP in 2015 and played a pivotal role in ensuring the saffron partys first victory in the assembly polls. He had resigned from then CM Tarun Gogois cabinet in 2014 and from the party in 2015. His remarks come amid a big loss to the Congress in the poll-bound state after former state Congress chief Bhupen Borah submitted his resignation from the party on Monday (February 16). Sarma further criticised the current state of the Assam Congress, claiming it has lost its original identity. He said it now primarily represents Bangladeshis" and the Miyan" community. On Borahs resignation, he said the leader had tried to make the Congress free of AIUDF influence but could not overcome what he referred to as the RHINO", referring to MP Rakibul Hussain without naming him. Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: February 18, 2026, 00:51 IST News elections 'Support Of 58 MLAs, Sonia Gandhi Asked Me To Fix Oath Date': CM Himanta Recalls Congress Days 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... Diplomatic Wordplay: With India & France Now 'Special Global Strategic Partners', How Is It Unlike 'Allies'? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 20:02 IST In the hierarchy of global ties, these labels carry significant weight, defining everything from military obligations to economic priorities PM Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron. Image: PMO In the intricate world of international relations, words are rarely just words". When French President Emmanuel Macron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday, they didnt just discuss trade; they elevated the relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership". For the uninitiated, this might sound like typical diplomatic fluff, but in the hierarchy of global ties, these labels carry significant weight, defining everything from military obligations to economic priorities. The Diplomatic Hierarchy: Partners vs Allies To understand Indias relationship with France, one must first understand what India is not. Unlike the United Kingdom or Japan, India is not an ally" of any Western power. Ally: This is the marriage" of diplomacy. It is usually codified by a formal treaty (like NATOs Article 5) that includes a mutual defence clause. If one ally is attacked, the others are legally bound to join the fight. India has historically avoided this label to preserve its strategic autonomy, ensuring it is never dragged into someone elses war. Partner: This is a more casual friendship". It implies cooperation on specific issueslike trade or climate changebut without any deep long-term commitments or security guarantees. Strategic Partner: This is the middle ground, and it is where India excels. A strategic partnership implies a long-term, multi-dimensional relationship that covers high-stakes" areas like defence, space, and nuclear energy. It suggests that both nations view each other as vital to their respective national security interests, yet they remain sovereign actors with no binding military obligations. Why France is the Special Strategic Partner Indias tie with France is unique because it was Indias first-ever strategic partnership, signed in 1998. While other nations often lecture New Delhi during times of crisis, Paris has consistently followed a policy of non-interference. Whether it was the 1998 nuclear tests or more recent geopolitical shifts, France has positioned itself as Indias reliable" European pillar. The addition of the word special" during Macrons visit signals an acceleration" of ties. In diplomatic nomenclature, special" often indicates a relationship that has moved beyond mere buyer-seller transactions (like purchasing Rafale jets) into deep co-development. This includes joint ventures like the Tata-Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in Karnatakathe first of its kind in Indias private sector. The Significance of Nomenclature For a country like India, which values its independent foreign policy, these labels are tools of multi-alignment". By calling France a Special Global Strategic Partner", India can: Signify Deep Trust: It tells the world that France is a primary source for high-end technology and sensitive intelligence. Avoid Entrapment: It maintains the strategic" label to avoid the ally" label, ensuring India isnt obligated to join European conflicts (like the war in Ukraine) unless it chooses to. Signal Global Ambition: The word global" in the new 2026 label suggests that the partnership is no longer just about the Indian Ocean but about shaping rules for the entire planet on issues like AI governance and space ethics. As Macron joins the AI Impact Summit this week, the strategic" label will be the engine driving the discussions. In the world of diplomacy, a partner" might share a coffee, but a strategic partner" shares the blueprints for the future. First Published: February 17, 2026, 20:02 IST News explainers Diplomatic Wordplay: With India & France Now 'Special Global Strategic Partners', How Is It Unlike 'Allies'? 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... Frugal Tech, Global Ambition: Why World Press Is Calling India's AI Summit A 'Fourth Pole' Moment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 18:34 IST Global media houses are viewing the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 not just as a tech conference but as a geopolitical statement The consensus is that India is moving away from the old concept of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) as isolation. Instead, the 'India Way' in AI is about building strategic interdependence. (File image: PTI) The India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam has sparked a flurry of international commentary, with global media houses viewing the event not just as a tech conference but as a geopolitical statement. As New Delhi plays host to the worlds AI luminariesincluding Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, and Dario Amodeithe narrative in the Western press has shifted from curiosity to a serious evaluation of India as a formidable Fourth Pole" in the global technology race. Challenging the Bi-polar Hegemony Politico has led the charge in framing the summit as Indias formal entry into a space traditionally dominated by the United States and China. According to their analysis, India is no longer content being a back-office" for Silicon Valley. By hosting the first major AI summit in the Global South, New Delhi is actively seeking to disrupt the bilateral tug-of-war between Washingtons innovation-first" deregulation and Beijings governance-heavy" surveillance models. Politico suggests that Indias vast engineering talent and its unapologetic pursuit of strategic autonomy" are positioning it to act as a pivot point that could prevent a binary split in the global AI ecosystem. The Frugal Blueprint for the Global South The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has identified a more specific and practical contribution: Indias frugal AI" strategy. While American giants like Microsoft and Amazon are pouring hundreds of billions into massive, energy-hungry data centres, India is promoting a blueprint for the developing world" that focuses on cost-efficiency and local relevance. The WSJ highlights projects like Adalat AI, which automates witness depositions in Indian courts for a fraction of the cost of Western legal software, and Bhashini, the AI translation tool breaking literacy barriers. This approachdeveloping compact" models that run on limited computeis seen by the WSJ as a viable path for middle-income nations that cannot match the venture capital firepower of the US but need AI to solve urgent social challenges in healthcare and agriculture. Shaping Global Governance and Industry Bloomberg has focused on Indias role as a convener", noting that the summit is designed to clear a path for India to lead in the development of frontier models. By bringing together over 20 heads of state, including President Emmanuel Macron and President Lula da Silva, alongside Big Tech CEOs, India is attempting to shift the gravity of AI governance. Bloomberg reports that global firms are taking notice; Anthropic and OpenAI are reportedly setting up direct operations in India to court a developer pool that is already the worlds third-largest. The narrative here is one of market penetration"where Indias biometric and payment stacks" serve as the scaffolding for the next generation of AI-driven public services. Beyond the Cloud: Interdependence as Autonomy Other international observers, including analysts at CSIS and Responsible Statecraft, see the summit as a laboratory for middle power statecraft". The consensus is that India is moving away from the old concept of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) as isolation. Instead, the India Way" in AI is about building strategic interdependence. By contributing to open-source architectures and setting interoperable standards, India ensures that the global AI engine simply cannot run without an Indian key". First Published: February 17, 2026, 18:34 IST News explainers Frugal Tech, Global Ambition: Why World Press Is Calling India's AI Summit A 'Fourth Pole' Moment 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 Elections During War? Voters Mood, Key Contenders And Impact On India, Allies Explained Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 20, 2026, 11:06 IST Election in Ukraine, which is grappling with an active conflict, raises questions about leadership, voters mindset, and how modern wars intersect with political accountability For Europe and NATO, the continuity or change of leadership in Kyiv could shape defence cooperation frameworks and long-term integration conversations. (AP file photos) If Ukraine were to hold national elections this spring, the implications would stretch beyond Kyiv or even Eastern Europe. For countries like India, which has maintained a balance between Russia, the West, and its own strategic autonomy, any political shift in Ukraine could ripple through energy markets, defence partnerships, and diplomatic alignments. An election in a country still grappling with an active conflict raises questions about democratic resilience, leadership legitimacy, voters mindset, and how modern wars intersect with political accountability. Why The Ukraine Election Is Not Business As Usual Elections in Ukraine are ordinarily scheduled through constitutional timelines, much like in other democracies. However, the ongoing war has complicated these provisions. Under martial law, which was declared on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion, standard electoral procedures could not be executed, especially when millions are displaced internally or living abroad. Questions about voter safety, campaign fairness, and logistical feasibility have pushed the issue into a grey zone of law versus practicality. Despite these challenges, discussions about elections have resurfaced because leadership continuity raises concerns about democratic renewal. President Volodymyr Zelensky had said last week, We will move to elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place. I have always said that the issue of elections is raised by various partners. Ukraine itself has never raised it." He also stressed his country will hold elections only after a ceasefire with Russia is guaranteed. we are ready for elections. I said it is very simple to do. Make a ceasefire, there will be electionsFirst comes security, then politics." The Financial Times had reported earlier that Ukraine was considering the possibility of holding a presidential election within the next three months, after reportedly being pressured by the US. Zelenskys elected time in office expired in May 2024, but he has stayed in the position as a wartime leader due to the ongoing fighting. He remains the most recognisable figure internationally. Yet Ukrainian politics has historically been dynamic, with former prime ministers, military officials, and reformist outsiders periodically emerging as contenders. Even if no formal campaign has begun, speculation itself signals a shift from pure survival mode to political introspection. Who Are The Possible Contenders? According to an opinion poll conducted on the Ukraine election, only 30.9% support Zelensky, while 27.7% described Valerii Zaluzhnyi as a potential leader. Currently, Ukraines ambassador to the UK, Zaluzhnyi was the former head of Ukraines armed forces from 2021 to February 2024. General Zaluzhnyi was widely viewed as a war hero for spearheading Ukraines resistance to Russias full-scale invasion. He was consistently ranked among the countrys most trusted figures. A July 2025 opinion poll showed that 73% of Ukrainians expressed confidence in him the highest approval rating for any public personality at the time. Although Zaluzhnyi has avoided commenting on any presidential ambitions, speculation persists that he may be keeping his political options open. Another possible contender, Kyrylo Budanov, appointed by Zelensky as his chief of staff, led Ukraines military intelligence since 2020. He was credited with using drones deep into the Russian territory. Budanov has not indicated that he would stand for elected office, according to reports. So, what to expect from the new president? This would depend on who wins," said Rajoli Siddharth Jayaprakash, Junior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), who did his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, and writes on Russias foreign policy and India-Russia relations. If Zelensky remains incumbent, he would likely have the mandate to sustain the resistance and the negotiations in the current format. One of the contenders being spoken about is Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who has gained public support since late 2024, and has a higher approval rating than Zelensky. However, at this point, it is unclear whether his policy stance will be radically different." Understanding The Weight Of War Fatigue In the early phases of the conflict, Ukrainian society largely rallied behind a unified leadership narrative. Over time, however, the pressures of prolonged mobilisation, economic strain and displacement have created more nuanced public sentiment. Surveys and independent analyses indicate that while national unity remains strong in principle, opinions differ on how long the war should continue, what compromises are acceptable, and how resources should be prioritised between defence and civilian recovery. Public sentiments play an important role. Given that, since last year, war fatigue has further intensified, particularly in light of the current administrations aim to reduce the age of conscription, which has been perceived negatively, and not to mention the corruption scandals involving Zelenskys top aides. At the same time, the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as Zelenskys Chief of Staff has exuded a sense of confidence. However, the overall sentiment remains towards bringing an end to the fighting," explained Jayaprakash. Generational and regional variations also play a role. Younger Ukrainians, typically aged 18-35, often express expectations of institutional transparency, economic opportunity, and security concerns, and have a pro-European stance. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights that in recent years, 70% of young people believed that fighting crime and corruption should be a government priority. A 2024 survey by Vox Ukraine showed that 68.9% of Ukrainians expressed scepticism about the ability of authorities to maintain free and fair, transparent elections. Four years of fighting have an impact on the body politic of a country. In both camps, war fatigue has crept in. Much of Eastern Ukraine remains dilapidated with incessant Russian strikes. Even with Russia ceasing attacks in the midst of the elections, naturally, the public will not be receptive to changing the government. Elections mostly are peacetime endeavours; the public chooses post-war reconstructions over a regime change," points out Jayaprakash. Meanwhile, international allies hold their own perspectives. Some governments favour leadership continuity to maintain predictable coordination on military assistance and diplomatic negotiations. European allies, particularly after shifts in US contributions in 2025, have stressed the need to work with the established leadership to maintain the flow of air defence systems and ammunition, with plans to increase support in 2026. What Are The Elections Strategic Implications For Alliances? A new president might influence Ukraines approach to negotiations, the sequencing of military priorities, or the tone of diplomatic engagement with neighbouring states. Even subtle shifts in rhetoric can alter international perceptions, affecting aid packages, sanctions discussions, and alliance cohesion. For Europe and NATO, the continuity or change of leadership in Kyiv could shape defence cooperation frameworks and long-term integration conversations. For the US, it may affect legislative support dynamics and public opinion around sustained involvement. The US reportedly proposed a 15-year security guarantee framework after the war; Ukraine wants 20 years or longer. Kyiv seeks a long-term deterrence enough to convince Russia that renewed invasion would be futile. China, which has positioned itself intermittently as a potential mediator, would watch closely for any sign of diplomatic openings or recalibrations in Ukraines foreign policy language. Meanwhile, Zelensky has announced new talks between Ukrainian supporters in France this week, with a focus on energy supplies, reports say. What The New Government Means For India Indias interest lies in the broader systemic impact. A leadership change in Ukraine could influence Russias negotiating posture, which in turn touches energy pricing, defence supply chains, and multilateral diplomacy. Indias strategy of engaging multiple global powers without rigid alignment depends heavily on predictability in geopolitical theatres. Even incremental changes in Ukraines political direction can subtly shift the balance of conversations in forums such as the United Nations or G20 settings. For New Delhi, the result of the election will not change its position towards Ukraine, and will certainly remain the same. India has a de-hyphenated approach vis-a-vis Ukraine and Russia. All that is if the election does take place," says Jayaprakash. What Could Go Wrong Elections in wartime inevitably carry risks. Campaigns could intensify polarisation at a moment when national unity is essential. Political competition might divert attention from defence coordination or economic stabilisation. External actors could attempt to exploit information gaps or amplify disinformation narratives. Logistical hurdles could also raise questions about inclusivity and fairness, particularly for displaced citizens or those in contested territories. Asking the public to vote after upheaval is not necessarily an easy task, especially in light of external pressures in conducting elections. Russia may likely cease hostilities. However, the possibilities of Ukrainians electing a leader palatable to Russian interests remain questionable," stresses Jayaprakash. Yet many Ukrainians and international observers argue that reaffirming leadership through democratic means can strengthen rather than weaken the national position. A transparent electoral process can counter claims that emergency governance erodes freedoms, reinforcing the principle that sovereignty includes both territorial defence and institutional continuity. The very act of voting under pressure becomes a declaration that force alone does not define a nations political future. Ultimately, the debate around Ukraines potential spring elections is less about immediate political turnover and more about the intersection of legitimacy, resilience, and global perception. First Published: February 17, 2026, 13:00 IST News explainers Ukraine Elections During War? Voters Mood, Key Contenders And Impact On India, Allies Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 27-Year-Old Man Dies After Falling Into Open Roadside Pit In Kerala Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 18:28 IST Jeys Benny died after his two-wheeler plunged into an open pit near Thodupuzha, sparking protests amid recurring similar tragedies in Delhi and Noida. According to the locals, the pit had been open for over a month without adequate safety measures such as barricades or warning signs. (Image: PTI File) A 27-year-old man died after allegedly falling into an open roadside pit near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place on late Monday night when the two-wheeler of Jeys Benny, a native of Muthalakkodam, plunged into the large pit dug on the side of the road as part of the construction work, officials said. Though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, he died, they said. According to the locals, the pit had been open for over a month without adequate safety measures such as barricades or warning signs. As the incident triggered protest at the accident spot, state Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Mohammed Riyas ordered a probe into the matter. The workers of the Opposition UDF also staged protests at the local PWD office demanding action against those responsible. PTI quoted him saying that the deputy chief engineer of the PWD has been entrusted with a probe into the incident and will take further action after receiving his report. Stringent measures will be taken if the negligence happened from the side of the Public Works Department," Riyas said. The incident was captured on CCTV which showed the two-wheeler plunging straight into the deep, unprotected pit. Also Read: Days After Janakpuri Bikers Death, Bihar Labourer Dies After Falling Into Open Drain In Rohini This comes days after similar incidents happened in Delhi. A labourer died after he fell into an open drain in Delhis Rohini. Previously, a biker lost his life after plunging into an uncovered construction pit in west Delhis Janakpuri. Last week, a three-year-old boy died after drowning in a water-filled pit in Greater Noidas Dalelgarh village, triggering fresh outrage among residents. Also Read: 3-Year-Old Drowns In Open Pit In Greater Noida, Locals Claim Repeated Warnings Went Unheard Villagers claimed they had repeatedly complained to the Greater Noida Authority about the dangerous site, particularly after recent drowning incidents elsewhere in the region, but no preventive action was taken. They alleged that waterlogging after rains had turned the deep excavation into a deadly trap. In January, a 27-year-old software engineer died after his car plunged into a water-filled construction pit in Noidas Sector 150, an incident that led to administrative action and an investigation after authorities found the site lacked proper fencing and safety measures. Reports later revealed the hazardous water body had existed for years despite warnings and complaints. Within days of that case, an 11-year-old boy in neighbouring Ghaziabad also died after falling into an open drain near his home, highlighting recurring civic negligence across the region. Location : Idukki, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 18:28 IST News india 27-Year-Old Man Dies After Falling Into Open Roadside Pit In Kerala 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 Opens To Packed Halls, Heavy Footfall Leads To Crowding, Delays On Day 1 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:26 IST AI Impact Summit: With the heightened interest, certain sessions saw more than expected participants, leaving those who couldnt join disappointed Rapid Read Visitors at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI) With a global assembly of Presidents, Prime Ministers, technology pioneers and thousands of attendees from global tech firms in attendance, Day 1 of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi saw unprecedented energy. But the bevvy of world leaders, industry experts, policymakers and dignitaries for the worlds largest artificial intelligence summit at the Bharat Mandapam also means large crowds and some delays which the attendees should account for. Among the issues attendees need to brace for are security sweeps for high-level arrivals. Also, with the heightened interest, certain sessions saw more than expected participants, causing disappointment among those who couldnt join. Steps have been taken to ease congestion and improve coordination for better crowd flow and access management, organisers were reported as saying. Gates are closed One such instance was reported by Maitreya Wagh, CEO and one of the founders of Bolna AI, who couldnt access his booth at the summit owing to the gates being shut. Wagh wrote on X: Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe." Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me.We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe pic.twitter.com/YVIdWagxKM Maitreya Wagh (@maitreya_wagh) February 16, 2026 Confusing directions, wearables stolen The sudden evacuation stumped Dhananjay Yadav, co-founder and CEO of Neo Sapien. He also complained of confusing directions. We paid for flights, accommodation, logistics and even the booth. Only to see our wearables disappear inside a high-security zone. If only security and official entourage had access, how did this happen? This is extremely disappointing," he wrote on X. Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us.I came genuinely excited, it was the first time the summit was being hosted in India, and I wanted to show up personally to support the ecosystem and the governments push. But what happened next was shocking. At 12 pic.twitter.com/9gVygparq0 Dhananjay Yadav (@imDhananjay) February 16, 2026 Too crowded Kritika Kapoor, a content creator, highlighted some of the logistical challenges. Too crowdedsitting on the floor," she wrote on X. Brooooooo its too crowded here at AI SUMMIT Delhi like you cant even navigate properly plus other than AI posters theres nothing AI and future here just another well marketed event pic.twitter.com/msWSy6KKNv Kritika Kapoor (@Kritikaaaa_10) February 16, 2026 Access limited Punit Jain, founder of Reskill, complained of the limited access. If access was limited to select guests, it should have been communicated upfront," he said. An AI Summit that sidelines its own builders? 7 AM queues 9 AM entry 12 PM full evacuation Hours of sanitization PM visit at 5 PM. Day 1 Ends here Meanwhile exhibitors, delegates, startup founders left outside. No water. No clarity. Media shows celebration. pic.twitter.com/u6hXBbiDG6 Punit Jain (@punit__jain) February 16, 2026 Teething problems A Reuters report said some journalists covering the summit spent much of Monday seeking clarity on entry procedures, with confusion over separate digital QR codes and physical passes for access, according to messages in a WhatsApp group for the event. Several exhibitors at the summit, however, called these logistical issues teething problems, which would be resolved soon. The scale of AI summit Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo brings together global technology firms, start-ups, academia, research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners.The event features 13 country pavilions showcasing international collaboration from nations including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and Africa. Expecting 2.5 lakh visitors, the Expo hosts over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations, organised into three thematic chakras: People, Planet, and Progress. In addition, it features over 600 high-potential start-ups, many of which are building globally relevant and population-scale solutions already deployed in real-world settings. The massive scale of the event is further highlighted by over 500 sessions featuring more than 3,250 visionary speakers and panel members. Running until February 20, the Impact Summit and Expo showcase New Delhis ambition to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful, anchored in the Prime Ministers broader vision for sovereign AI that benefits every global citizen. Final two days of the Summit February 19 and 20 will see more than 20 heads of state and government, including Frances Emmanuel Macron and Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, talking about the future of AI alongside business leaders and investors. With Agency inputs First Published: February 17, 2026, 12:36 IST News india AI Impact Summit Opens To Packed Halls, Heavy Footfall Leads To Crowding, Delays On Day 1 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... All About Bharat Mandapan, The Venue Hosting AI Impact Summit In Delhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:23 IST The venue now hosting the world's AI summit once stood as wasteland. Today it seats more people than the Sydney Opera House. Here is what you probably did not know. Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan [Image: Ministry of Culture (GODL-India)] Bharat Mandapam, Indias state-of-the-art International Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, is hosting the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026. The venue that now stages global gatherings once stood on what many saw as wasteland. Today, it can seat more people than the Sydney Opera House. Here is what you may not know. 1. Built on historic ground Bharat Mandapam stands on the 123-acre Pragati Maidan site in central New Delhi. The land hosted an international agriculture fair in 1959, attended by US President Dwight Eisenhower and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during the Cold War. It was also home to the Hall of Nations, considered the worlds first large-span cast-in-situ concrete space frame. The structure was demolished overnight in April 2017 despite protests and court cases. 2. A name with meaning Bharat" means India. Mandapam" refers to a pillared pavilion in ancient temple architecture used for public rituals and ceremonies. The name draws inspiration from the Anubhav Mandapam, a 12th-century concept promoted by Lord Basaveshwara as a space for open public discussion. The venue is intended to serve as a forum for dialogue. 3. Inspired by a river The design competition in 2016 was won by Sanjay Singh of Arcop Associates (Delhi) and Simon Nunez of Aedas (Singapore). Their concept was inspired by the Yamuna River, which once flowed close to the site. The buildings elliptical form mirrors the rivers movement and is shaped like a shankha, or conch shell, a symbol in Hindu tradition. It has no designated front or rear entrance and appears the same from every side, reflecting equality and inclusivity. 4. Larger than the Sydney Opera House The main convention hall can seat up to 7,000 people in a single format. The Sydney Opera House has a combined seating capacity of about 5,500 across its venues. The complex also includes a 3,000-seat open-air amphitheatre, six exhibition halls covering 150,000 square metres, and a total built-up area of 390,000 square metres. It was built at a cost of around Rs 2,700 crore, or about $325 million. 5. A window to Delhi On the fourth floor is a 120-metre-long lobby with floor-to-ceiling glass offering views of Kartavya Path, the India Gate canopy, and the domes of Rashtrapati Bhawan. The feature was designed as a tribute to its location near Lutyens Delhi. Delegates can view one of the capitals most recognised skylines from this space. 6. From inauguration to G20 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Mandapam on July 26, 2023, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas. Just 45 days later, it hosted the 19th G20 Summit on September 9 and 10, welcoming leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron. 7. Hosting AI Impact Summit From February 16 to 20, 2026, Bharat Mandapam is hosting the India AI Impact Summit. More than 250,000 visitors, over 100 countries and global technology leaders such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are attending. In less than three years since its inauguration, the venue has hosted both a G20 Summit and a major global AI gathering. First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:23 IST News india All About Bharat Mandapan, The Venue Hosting AI Impact Summit In Delhi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bhupen Borah Flags Gogoi's Pakistan Link Row In Resignation Letter, Says Congress Image Hit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:28 IST Borah sent his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and also wrote to Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Bhupen Borah blamed what he termed highhandedness by Gogoi for his decision to step down. (PTI) In a major setback to the Congress ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, former state unit chief Bhupen Kumar Borah has resigned, citing concerns over party functioning and raising serious questions about allegations involving APCC President Gaurav Gogoi. According to sources, Borah sent his resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and also wrote to Rahul Gandhi. In the letter, Borah referred to what he described as the damaging impact of allegations levelled by the BJP against Gogoi over visits to Pakistan. Also Read: Ex-Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah Resigns, Blames Gaurav Gogois High-Handedness Moreover, the gravest injury has arisen from the serious allegations levelled by the BJP against APCC President Gaurav Gogoi regarding his visits to Pakistan," Borah wrote. He added, I had urged that he address the matter forthrightly and dispel any doubts. Instead, the hesitation and equivocation have only deepened public misgivings." Borah further stated, The image of the Congress party stands gravely impaired following Shri Gaurav Gogois failure to offer a clear and unequivocal response to the serious allegations concerning alleged links with Pakistan." He also questioned internal party dynamics, asking why I appear to have been subjected to marginalisation at the hands of Sri Gaurav Gogoi and Sri Rakibul Hussain." Sources said Borah blamed what he termed highhandedness" by Gogoi for his decision to step down. In his communication to the high command, Borah reportedly said he was being ignored within the state unit and that the functioning of the party had affected his self-esteem and dignity. Speaking after submitting his resignation, Borah said, I sent my resignation to the Congress High Command at 8 am this morning and explained in detail why I was compelled to take this stand. This is not a personal decision. I have given 32 years to the party and joined it in 1994. This principle is not merely personal; it is driven by concern for the partys future. That is why I conveyed everything in detail to the Congress High Command." The development comes just days before Priyanka Gandhis scheduled visit to Assam and is seen as a significant blow to the partys preparations ahead of the upcoming elections. First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:27 IST News india Bhupen Borah Flags Gogoi's Pakistan Link Row In Resignation Letter, Says Congress Image Hit 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... Bill Gates Will Attend India AI Summit, Spokesperson Clarifies Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 13:24 IST Bill Gates is absent from the AI Summit in Delhi, his name missing from the Global Visionaries list, amid controversy and renewed scrutiny over links to Jeffrey Epstein. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein. (Reuters/File) Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will attend the AI Impact Summit and deliver his keynote address as scheduled, his spokesperson clarified on Tuesday, putting to rest speculation over his participation. The clarification comes after reports suggested that Gates was not attending the ongoing AI Summit in Delhi, following his name reportedly missing from the events Global Visionaries list. Government sources had earlier told News18 that Gates was not part of the summit due to unavoidable reasons" amid the fallout related to the Epstein files. India is a global leader in artificial intelligence, powered by one of the worlds largest AI talent pools, rapid adoption across sectors, and innovation at a population scale. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AI has become central to Indias vision of Viksit Bharat, driving inclusive growth and responsible innovation," the Gates Foundation mentioned in X. Indias distinctive public-private model, bringing together government, startups, academia, and industry, is proving that AI can be built for impact, for inclusion, and for the world," it further added. Late last week, Nvidia said its CEO Jensen Huang will not travel to India to attend the Summit. Huang was one of the biggest attractions at the Summit. The development coincides with Gates visit to India. He had earlier travelled to Andhra Pradesh, where he lauded the states growth driven by AI and technology. Following his visit to Amaravati, Gates expressed admiration for the southern states innovations in health, agriculture and education. The AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting Indias commitment to responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence. The summit brings together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia and industry leaders, aiming to translate global AI discussions into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. First Published: February 17, 2026, 11:40 IST News india Bill Gates Will Attend India AI Summit, Spokesperson Clarifies 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 Win Opens Door For Reset In Bangladesh Ties But Jamaat Surge, Pakistan Raise Red Flags | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:06 IST Indias immediate priority, sources say, will be ensuring the safety and security of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under the new regime Rapid Read Diplomatic sources describe the BNP as relatively moderate and economically pragmatic, noting Bangladeshs deep trade interdependence with India. (AFP) The landslide electoral victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Tarique Rahman is being viewed by top diplomatic sources in New Delhi as a potential opportunity to stabilise and reset India-Bangladesh ties following the departure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. However, alongside cautious optimism, Indian officials are closely monitoring developments on the security front, particularly the strong electoral performance of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which secured around 68 seats, many concentrated near the India-Bangladesh border. A Window for ResetWith Conditions Speaking to CNN-News18, diplomatic sources describe the BNP as relatively moderate and economically pragmatic, noting Bangladeshs deep trade interdependence with India. With bilateral trade valued at roughly $10 billion annually, New Delhi sees engagement with the BNP-led government as preferable to a more Islamist-dominated political arrangement. Indias immediate priority, sources say, will be ensuring the safety and security of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under the new regime. New Delhi is expected to push for the release of arrested Hindu leaders and the restoration of temples reportedly damaged during recent episodes of violence following Hasinas exit. Jamaats Rise Triggers Security Concerns Despite the positive signals from the BNPs win, India is concerned about Jamaats strong parliamentary presence. Officials fear that as a major opposition force, Jamaat could fuel anti-India rhetoric and complicate cooperation on sensitive bilateral issues. The concentration of Jamaat seats in border districts has raised fresh alarms in New Delhi, particularly in eastern states that share porous land and riverine boundaries with Bangladesh. Pakistans Renewed Engagement With Dhaka Adding to Indias unease are reports of revived high-level diplomatic contacts between Dhaka and Pakistan. Indian officials view Islamabads outreach as strategically significant, especially given past intelligence concerns regarding cross-border networks and eastern frontier vulnerabilities. Security sources allege that groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) have received funding or facilitation through networks linked to Pakistans intelligence proxies. These groups are also alleged to have operational links with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Indian agencies remain wary of potential radicalisation spillover from Rohingya camps, which they believe could serve as hubs for recruitment, militant training and anti-India activities. Northeast and Border Vulnerabilities There are additional concerns about radicalised elements attempting to infiltrate Indias Northeast through both land and maritime routes. Officials fear risks ranging from sabotage operations and counterfeit currency networks to drug trafficking syndicates and proxy militant activity. New Delhi is also cautious that political volatility under the BNP government could delay or derail major bilateral initiatives, including discussions on the Teesta water-sharing agreement and rail and connectivity projects. Trade and Strategic Stakes Diplomatic sources emphasise that while the BNP offers a pragmatic opening for engagement, Jamaats significant presence could complicate matters. Anti-India sentiment, if politically mobilised, may affect trade flows and long-term economic cooperation. For India, the message appears clear: engage swiftly with Dhakas new leadership, safeguard minority rights, and intensify border security monitoringall while watching closely how internal political dynamics in Bangladesh evolve in the months ahead. First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:06 IST News india BNP Win Opens Door For Reset In Bangladesh Ties But Jamaat Surge, Pakistan Raise Red Flags | 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... 'Conduct Yourselves With Dignity': Court Asks Sunjay Kapur's Wife, Sister To Exercise Restraint Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 18:27 IST Senior counsel appearing for Priya Kapur argued that Mandhira had uploaded and circulated content on social media with the intent to tarnish her reputation. Mandhira Kapur alleged that her mother had signed several documents which, she said, should be returned to her. (File) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered late industrialist Sunjay Kapurs wife, Priya Kapur, and sister Mandhira Kapur Smith to refrain from making public statements against each other amid an escalating defamation dispute. While hearing a civil suit filed by Priya Kapur, who has accused her sister-in-law of running a continuous and defamatory campaign against her through podcasts, interviews, social media posts and other public statements, Justice Mini Pushkarna emphasised the need for dignity and decorum given the nature of the dispute, and said, Both parties are directed to exercise restraint in making statements on each other, directly or indirectly," news agency PTI reported. The high court also issued summons to Mandhira Kapur Smith and podcast host Pooja Chaudhri in the matter and listed the case for further hearing in May. In her lawsuit, Priya Kapur alleged that within days of Sunjay Kapurs death, his sister embarked upon a systematic and organised course of conduct" to malign and socially discredit her. According to the suit, the alleged defamatory statements falsely accused her of dishonesty, moral impropriety, professional incompetence, concealment of assets and illegitimate assumption of corporate control. The plea further claimed that such content was deliberately published and amplified through the podcast InControversial with Pooja Chaudhri, causing serious harm to her reputation, dignity, privacy and mental peace. Senior counsel appearing for Priya Kapur argued that Mandhira had uploaded and circulated content on social media with the intent to tarnish her reputation. The suit sought a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from publishing any further content against her, removal of existing material, an unconditional public apology and damages of Rs 20 crore. On the other hand, counsel for Mandhira Kapur Smith told the court that there was a concerted media vilification campaign" against her as well. Sunjay Kapur passed away on June 12 last year after collapsing during a polo match in England. He reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Priya Kapur has also filed a criminal defamation case against Mandhira Smith before a trial court. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: February 17, 2026, 18:27 IST News india 'Conduct Yourselves With Dignity': Court Asks Sunjay Kapur's Wife, Sister To Exercise Restraint 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... Delighted To Meet My Friend: PM Modi Welcomes Macron With Hug, Handshake In Mumbai | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:03 IST Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai last night for a three-day official visit from 17-19 February, at the invitation of PM Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. (X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their bilateral talks in Mumbai. The two leaders shook hands, shared a warm hug, and exchanged greetings before commencing discussions at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron share a hug as they meet at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/jtssPX7ear ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 In a post on X, PM Modi said that it was a delight to meet his friend". He further said that Macron expressed his fondness for Mumbai and had also enjoyed a morning run earlier in the day. Its a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" he said. Its a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 Both leaders later held bilateral talks to boost ties in key sectors such as trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. The meeting is aimed at reviewing the progress of the India-France strategic partnership and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation across key sectors. It is learnt that shoring up defence cooperation and enhancing bilateral engagement in the critical technology sector are priority areas to take forward the ties. Earlier in the day, Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Macron arrived in Mumbai last night for a three-day official visit from 17-19 February, at the invitation of PM Modi. He was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: February 17, 2026, 16:27 IST News india Delighted To Meet My Friend: PM Modi Welcomes Macron With Hug, Handshake In Mumbai | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Eknath Shinde Directs PMC To Fast-Track Appointment Of Pahalgam Victim Santosh Jagdales Daughter Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:22 IST The Maharashtra move came after reports of financial distress and disappointment due to a delay of around 10 months in providing the government job promised on February 15. Fadanavis, Shinde Step In To Fast-Track Asawari Jagdales Appointment The Maharashtra government has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to offer a permanent post of Class 2 officer to Asawari Jagdale, daughter of Santosh Jagdale who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack last year. Sources said the Chief Ministers office called twice to speed up her appointment. Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis was personally tracking the matter. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later directed the civic administration to appoint her at the earliest. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had earlier met the Jagdale family in Pune and assured them of government employment for Asawari. On Monday, He spoke to Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and directed that a post equivalent to her education be created. He also spoke to Asawari and said the appointment would be approved as a special matter. The process to induct her into government service will be completed soon. Delay and financial distress The move came after reports of financial distress and disappointment due to a delay of around 10 months in providing the government job promised on February 15. Twenty-six-year-old Asawari Jagdale approached the Union government seeking intervention. She said the family has been facing hardship since her father was killed by terrorists on April 22 last year. She said she left her private sector job to support her mother. In a letter to the Modi government, she wrote that her family was struggling financially and was being made to run around for a job. Govt job proposal After the attack, efforts were made to provide employment to Asawari. To avoid delays in government procedures, she was offered an option at a private university. The Chief Minister personally spoke to the university, but the family declined, said sources. She was later offered a job at PMRDM, though her preference was the Pune Municipal Corporation. The PMC can provide Class 3 or Class 4 posts at its level. As a special case, it sent a proposal to the state government to grant her a Class 2 post. Action on the proposal is under way. Political reaction Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticised the BJP government. In a post on X, she said that although the state had promised a job after Santosh Jagdale was martyred in the Pahalgam attack, it had now turned its face away. Santosh Jagdales daughter wrote a letter to the Modi government describing the situation. In the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Maharashtras Jagdale ji was martyred, the state government had promised his daughter a government job. But, as always, they have now turned their face away," read her post on X. On November 26, 2008, during the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, Police Sub-Inspector Prakash Pandurang More was martyred while confronting terrorists. His daughter, Anushka More, was appointed on compassionate grounds. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:22 IST News india Eknath Shinde Directs PMC To Fast-Track Appointment Of Pahalgam Victim Santosh Jagdales Daughter Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 00:02 IST Macron India Visit, PM Modi Meeting, AI Summit Updates: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday night along with First Lady Brigitte Macron on a three-day official visit to India. The French President and the First Lady were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. Macron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Bhavan where he discussed artificial intelligence and strategic cooperation. A key focus was renewed push for bilateral defence cooperation, including joint manufacturing of helicopters and HAMMER precision-guided missiles. Notably, this visit marks Macrons fourth visit to the country at the invitation of PM Modi, signaling sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. PM Modi Meets Macron, Announces Special Global Strategic Partnership With France Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 18:07 IST The remarks came after he held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. PM Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron | Image: PMO Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described India-France ties as special" and a force for global stability amid global uncertainty after he held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Maharashtras Lok Bhavan. Addressing a joint interaction, PM Modi said the two countries have decided to elevate their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. The world is facing a period of uncertainty. In this environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability," he said. #WATCH | Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Today we are strengthening our cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. We are launching the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and pic.twitter.com/xVhB0vjrDl ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 The Prime Minister said India and France are expanding cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology and advanced materials. PM Modi announced the launch of several joint initiatives, including the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and the National Centre of Alliance for Skilling in Aeronautics. He also announced the setting up of an assembly line in India for H125 single-engine light utility helicopters of French origin. PM Modi said the partnership brings together Frances technological expertise and Indias scale," adding that the two sides would work together on trusted technologies through platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and the India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor. Macron On India-France Ties President Macron said the IndiaFrance relationship is unique and based on trust, openness and ambition. We have decided today to elevate this partnership and give it a new status. We have complete faith in this relationship," he said, noting that the two countries have worked closely over the past eight years in areas including the Indo-Pacific, artificial intelligence and clean energy. Following their engagements in Mumbai, the two leaders are scheduled to travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Macron arrived in Mumbai late Monday and was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:39 IST News india PM Modi Meets Macron, Announces Special Global Strategic Partnership With France 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 Hill Shrine To Mosques & Fire Temples: How Sabarimala Has Rekindled Debate On Women's Rights Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 11:58 IST The Sabarimala verdict, and the subsequent rethink, not only triggered a pan-India debate, but also opened the floodgates to womens right to access places of religious worship Rapid Read The Sabarimala verdict reignited discussions about womens entry into mosques and fire temples in India. (AI-Generated Image) From April 7, the Supreme Court will commence the hearing of review petitions related to its judgment in September 2018 on whether women can be allowed to enter Keralas Sabarimala temple. In 2018, a five-judge bench had struck down the age ban on women entering the hill temple by a majority of 4:1, declaring that Rule 3(b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship Rules, 1965, was unconstitutional as it allowed the ban on women entering the temple on the basis of custom. However, on November 14, 2019, the Supreme Court, by a 3:2 split decision, held that the September judgment may overreach into the domain of other religions too and thus needs a closer look. It chose to hold the petitions seeking review of the judgment pending and then formed a nine-judge bench to deal with the issue. The Sabarimala judgment, as well as the rethink that followed, not only brought about a debate across the country, but it also opened the gates to womens rights to access places of worship. The Supreme Court also took up cases based on petitions that arose out of issues related to the entry of Muslim women into mosques, the practice of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community, and the plea for entry into fire temples by Parsi women who married outside the community. Womens Entry In Mosques The Sabarimala verdict reignited discussions about womens entry into mosques in India. Although women are not banned from entering mosques in Islam, in reality, many Indian mosques are restrictive about their entry. A petition was moved in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the practice of restricting Muslim womens entry into some mosques is unconstitutional, particularly when it comes to womens prayers being obstructed in the main prayer hall. The petition cited that such practices contravene the basic rights of equality (Article 14), freedom of religion (Article 25), and personal liberty (Article 21) of the Constitution, relying on the Sabarimala verdict. Some of the petitioners have cited that the Quran does not restrict womens entry into prayer halls, and historically, women have also participated in mosque prayers. Some legal experts and Islamic scholars (such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board) have told the Supreme Court that women are allowed to enter mosques and pray namaz if the gender separation is maintained while praying. Courts in India have also supported womens rights in certain mosques. For instance, the Telangana High Court held that the Quran does not ban womens access to mosques and declared the unjust treatment of women in Hyderabad. Conversely, the mosque management and religious authorities believe that their long-standing tradition of allocating no space to women or providing a separate area is in line with their modesty and gender separation tradition, especially in Sunni mosques. Some communities feel that it is not proper to hold mixed meetings. Even those who support womens access to mosques demand separate areas for women as a matter of decorum. Female Genital Mutilation The connection between the debates on female genital mutilation (FGM) and the Sabarimala issue in India is largely through the general constitutional issue Whether religious practices can be safeguarded when they violate gender equality and fundamental rights? As the Sabarimala decision led to a general constitutional challenge to gender discrimination in religious practices in general, across all religions such as Muslim, Hindu, Parsi, and others, the focus was again on FGM in India. Primarily practiced in certain communities of Dawoodi Bohras, where it is commonly known as khatna or khafz, FGM was described as an infringement of bodily integrity and dignity, gender discrimination, and a cruel and harmful practice under child protection statutes in the petitions filed before the Supreme Court. Although it is argued that the judiciary should not intervene in religious matters within the community and that minority religious practices should be protected, it is also contended that the Constitution is paramount over all religious practices, and harmful practices cannot be protected on the ground of religion. FGM has now become part of the larger constitutional reference after Sabarimala and the Supreme Court will essentially examine two questions: 1. How should courts determine what counts as an essential religious practice"? 2. Can courts review religious practices if they violate fundamental rights? Entry Into Fire Temples Parsis are the followers of Zoroastrianism in India, and they worship in Agiaries and Atash Behrams, which are fire temples. Fire temples have traditionally restricted entry to Parsis only. A Parsi woman who marries a non-Parsi is considered to have left their ranks and is, in most cases, denied entry into fire temples. But Parsi men who marry outside their community have, at times, been less restricted, and their children have been treated differently. This question arose during the hearing of the Sabarimala case, where the court was confronted with an important question: Can a religious denomination deny women entry based on their choice of marriage without offending the equality right? In the case of Goolrokh Gupta v. Burjor Pardiwala, the Bombay High Court held that a Parsi woman who marries outside her community does not necessarily cease to be Parsi by birth. But the management of fire temples is in the hands of religious trusts, and the trustees have the right to control the entry of persons according to their religious traditions. Thus, although the Parsi woman is Parsi by birth, her entry into fire temples may still be denied depending on the trust rules. The Supreme Court now needs to address whether gender equality overrides denominational autonomy without being seen as interfering with internal identity preservation of a minority community. First Published: February 17, 2026, 11:58 IST News india From Hill Shrine To Mosques & Fire Temples: How Sabarimala Has Rekindled Debate On Women's Rights 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... HMT Revival Plan Gains Steam, Workers Dues Top Priority As MHI Moves On PSU Turnaround Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 07:00 IST A series of meetings has been held between the Ministry, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Financial Secretary to finalise the plan Rapid Read A critical pillar of the plan is HMTs vast land holdings. (News18 Hindi File) Nearly two months after its announcement, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has begun moving on the Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) revival plan, with internal processes and inter-ministerial coordination now formally afoot. Clearing workers dues, including pending salaries, statutory payments, and other legal-financial entitlements, has been identified as the first and non-negotiable priority as the government charts the companys revival, News 18 has learnt. A series of meetings has been held between the Ministry, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Financial Secretary to finalise the plan. The revival plan was unveiled in December 2025, after NITI Aayog submitted a comprehensive 1,023-page report recommending the resurrection of Hindustan Machine Tools defunct watch manufacturing units, most of them located in Southern India. The report reflected HMTs enduring brand recall and argued that a calibrated and phased revival, rather than liquidation, would better serve both economic and strategic interests. After putting in place a turnaround roadmap for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) and moving to breathe new life into four other nationalised steel plants, including Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) in Karnatakas Bhadravati, and the Salem Steel Plant in Tamil Nadu, the Modi government is now taking its next major leap, and that is going to be the revival of a massive, legacy PSU rooted in Southern India. The responsibility of steering the plan has been entrusted to Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, coming close on the heels of the PM Modi assigning him charge of the strategically crucial rare earth magnet corridors across four states. The back-to-back responsibilities underline the governments confidence in Kumaraswamy as a key driver of its manufacturing and industrial agenda and a prominent face in national politics. Revival Push For Legacy PSUs A senior official in the Ministry said that the revival of HMT marks one of the most significant PSU revival initiatives in recent years for the MHI, and for the government, a signal that legacy manufacturing institutions are not being written off as relics of a bygone era. The official added that the decision to prioritise worker liabilities reflects a conscious effort by H D Kumaraswamy, Minister of MHI, to get the workers their rights first and then reshape the organisation. HMT, however, was not just another balance-sheet problem. For decades, its watches were woven into the everyday lives of Indians, marking first jobs, promotions, examinations, and family milestones. That emotional equity, officials privately acknowledge, remains unmatched among Indian PSUs and has weighed heavily in the decision to pursue revival over closure. The move also carries clear political resonance in the Southern states, particularly Karnataka, where HMTs factories once anchored entire townships and local economies. Reviving the company is being seen as a signal that industrial revival and employment generation in the region remain firmly on the Centres radar. A critical pillar of the plan is HMTs vast land holdings. As a PSU, HMT holds the second-largest land bank among public sector enterprises, and sources indicate that selective monetisation of these assets could help fund the revival without placing additional pressure on the exchequer. At its core, the HMT revival is an attempt to bring time full circle. By putting workers first, the government is signalling that the revival of a legacy institution is not just about restarting machines, but about restoring trust before asking HMT to measure Indias time once again. First Published: February 17, 2026, 07:00 IST News india HMT Revival Plan Gains Steam, Workers Dues Top Priority As MHI Moves On PSU Turnaround Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Eyes F-35, Su-57 League As Tata Leads Bid To Build Indigenous 5th-Gen Fighter Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:40 IST The AMCA project aims to develop an indigenous, single-seater, twin-engine stealth fighter jet equipped with advanced stealth coating, internal weapon bays and next-gen avionics Rapid Read India plans to build more than 125 aircraft under the programme, with induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted by 2035. (PTI Photo) India has taken a significant step towards developing its indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) shortlisting three contenders to design the prototype. Tata Advanced Systems Limited has emerged as the leading contender in the race, while two consortiums, Larsen & Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, and a joint group comprising Bharat Forge, BEML Limited and Data Patterns, have also been shortlisted. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Adani Defence were among the initial bidders but did not make it to the final list. The AMCA project aims to develop an indigenous, single-seater, twin-engine stealth fighter jet equipped with advanced stealth coating, internal weapon bays and next-generation avionics. India plans to build more than 125 aircraft under the programme, with induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted by 2035, placing the country among a select group of nations operating fifth-generation combat jets comparable to the United States F-35 and Russias Su-57. According to sources, DRDO issued tenders for the project through its Aeronautical Development Agency in July 2025, attracting bids from seven consortiums. The shortlisted contenders are expected to receive government funding to develop the prototype, after which production rights will be allocated. The first prototype of the AMCA is expected to roll out by the end of 2028, with its maiden flight planned for 2029. The programme aims to develop five flying prototypes, complete development by 2034 and begin initial production by 2035. Sources indicated that HAL was eliminated during the initial screening due to an error in a mandatory document. However, the company may get another opportunity to participate in licensed manufacturing at a later stage. HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil recently described AMCA as a decade-long project, adding that even if the company is not selected in the early phase, it will bid for licensed manufacturing in the future. The AMCA initiative forms part of a broader push to modernise the IAF and strengthen domestic defence capabilities. In parallel, India is moving ahead with plans to acquire additional Rafale fighter jets. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale aircraft from France, with 90 of them to be manufactured in India. The decision came shortly before French President Emmanuel Macrons scheduled visit to India from February 17-19. The council has also cleared the purchase of six additional P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft from the United States for the Indian Navy. Together, these decisions are being seen as key steps towards enhancing military preparedness while boosting indigenous defence production. First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:40 IST News india India Eyes F-35, Su-57 League As Tata Leads Bid To Build Indigenous 5th-Gen Fighter Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India May Attract USD 200 Billion In AI Investments In Next Two Years: Ashwini Vaishnaw Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 15:47 IST The minister noted strong interest from global CEOs, particularly in deep tech startups and infrastructure projects. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. . File pic/PTI Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday said India is expecting more than USD 200 billion in investments over the next two years, underscoring growing global interest in the countrys artificial intelligence and deep tech ecosystem. There are two types of interest. The first type is investment. There is an expectation of more than 200 billion dollars in investment over the next two years. The second type is deep tech funding by VC. And the third type is Indias innovativeness and Indias digital public infrastructure," Vaishnaw told ANI on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Elaborating on how Indias digital framework is accelerating adoption, he said, Because of the digital public infrastructure, there is a very good technology framework under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Because of this framework, the diffusion of AI in India can be accelerated. This is what everyone believes." The minister noted strong interest from global CEOs, particularly in deep tech startups and infrastructure projects. A lot of interest in investing in India, especially in the Indian deep tech startups, in the infra, also in finding new solutions at population scale. Because the way our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created this digital public infrastructure in our country, that brings out a huge advantage for any solution which needs to be brought at a population scale," he said. Highlighting the enthusiasm around the summit, Vaishnaw said participation has been overwhelming, especially among youth and researchers. There is a lot of excitement in AI Summit. More than 300,000 youth and researchers and students have registered. And all the sessions are going full. They are houseful. There is a lot of excitement, And especially among the youth. Through this summit, there is a new energy all over the country. By using AI, how to solve big problems on a population scale, such excitement is seen here among the youth," he said. He also emphasised the need to balance innovation with safeguards. By balancing these two, we have to move forward with this new technology," he noted, referring to solving large-scale economic and social challenges while mitigating risks. The India AI Impact Summit has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and innovators to discuss leveraging artificial intelligence for economic growth and social transformation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on Thursday, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and Indias vision for inclusive and development-focused AI. First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:04 IST News india India May Attract USD 200 Billion In AI Investments In Next Two Years: Ashwini Vaishnaw 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... Planning Char Dham Yatra This Year? Online Registration To Come With A Fee Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 22:45 IST Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand will require devotees to pay a registration fee online to curb fake bookings and improve crowd management. The development comes ahead of this years Char Dham Yatra, which is set to begin on April 19 with the opening of the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri. (File) Char Dham Yatra 2026: Devotees planning for Uttarakhands Chardham Yatra- pilgrimage to holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath- will soon have to pay a fee while registering online for the pilgrimage in a bid to curb fake bookings. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey on Tuesday said that a committee formed under the chairmanship of the Additional Commissioner of Garhwal Division will determine the amount of the registration fees at the earliest. He said that a minimum fee of Rs 10 has been proposed to prevent fake registrations, a concern that has grown in recent years as the yatra attracts millions of devotees annually. People will have to pay a fee for online registration for the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Additional Commissioner of Garhwal Division to determine the fee at the earliest. A minimum fee of Rs 10 should be charged to prevent fake registrations for the Char Dham Yatra. The final fee will be decided after the committee submits its report and receives approval from the government," Pandey said as quoted by news agency ANI. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over fake registrations, which have posed recurring challenges for the Uttarakhand government in recent years. Officials said bogus bookings often lead to overcrowding, mismanagement, and safety concerns along the yatra routes. The nominal fee is aimed at ensuring that only genuine devotees register for the annual pilgrimage, thereby improving crowd management and accountability. The development comes ahead of this years Char Dham Yatra, which is set to begin on April 19 with the opening of the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri. The doors of Kedarnath will reopen on April 22, followed by Badrinath on April 23. With lakhs of devotees expected to undertake the sacred journey this season, ensuring a safe, organised, and hassle-free Char Dham Yatra experience should remain a top priority for the Uttarakhand government. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Dehradun, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 22:45 IST News india Planning Char Dham Yatra This Year? Online Registration To Come With A Fee 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... RSS Centenary Outreach: Mohan Bhagwat To Travel To US For Diaspora Lecture Series Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 00:06 IST RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to travel to the United States for events organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, but the dates are not yet confirmed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses a '100 Years of Sangh Journey' lecture series marking the organisation's centenary year, in Mumbai on February 8, 2026. (Image: @RSS/YT/PTI) As part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs centenary outreach initiatives, sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to travel to the United States for events organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. The visit, positioned within the Sanghs 100-year milestone, reflects its renewed focus on the global Indian diaspora. Mohan Bhagwat, while responding to a question during his lecture series event in Mumbai last month, had mentioned his upcoming travel to the US and participation in the centenary outreach event. But, his travel dates are not yet confirmed. He, however, referred to the events organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and stressed on the cultural continuity between India and its overseas communities. The HSS is an overseas organisation, spread across countries and registered as NGO or social-cultural service organisations. It is the unit abroad and inspired by the ideology of the RSS and was formed to engage members of the Indian diaspora and promote what it describes as Hindu cultural values, community service, and character-building outside India. According to a senior RSS functionary, non-resident Indians (NRI) are not merely economic actors or professionals abroad but they also carry reflections of Indias culture", holding the civilisational values beyond geographical borders. In an increasingly polarised global discourse around migration, what the RSS implicitly frames Indian as the good migrant" and also promotes the narrative, the functionary said. In contrast to political framings that reduce migrants to economic burdens or security concerns, Indian migrants have largely been viewed as contributors including professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics, who integrate while retaining cultural roots, the functionary added. The functionary said the Sanghs messaging for the global stage and the Indian diaspora appears carefully calibrated. At a time when migration debates are intensifying in western democracies, projecting the Indian diaspora as culturally rooted yet globally adaptive, serves both ideological and diplomatic purposes and reinforces the the long-standing belief that cultural identity is portable and resilient, the functionary added. The Sanghs centenary year also offers the RSS an opportunity to consolidate not only its domestic narrative but also its international footprint through affiliated, inspired or linked organisations like the HSS. Bhagwats visit signals that the Sangh sees the diaspora not as peripheral supporters, but as stakeholders in what it describes as a larger civilisational journey. First Published: February 18, 2026, 00:06 IST News india RSS Centenary Outreach: Mohan Bhagwat To Travel To US For Diaspora Lecture Series 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... 'We Were Alive, But Not Living...': Chhattisgarh Couple Dies By Suicide After Son's Death In Accident Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:32 IST A suicide note recovered from the scene stated that the unbearable grief of losing their only son had driven the couple to take the step. The police confirmed that the couple hanged themselves late on Sunday night using a saree. A couple in Chhattisgarhs Dhardei village allegedly died by suicide late on Sunday night, leaving behind a four-page note and a video message that cited the reason behind their extreme step the grief of losing their only son in a road accident last year. The bodies of Krishna Patel, 48, and his wife Rama Bai, 47, were found hanging from a neem tree in the courtyard of their home in the Shivrinarayan police station area of Janjgir-Champa district. The incident has left the entire village in shock. Neighbours alerted authorities after noticing unusual silence at the house, following which police reached the spot on Monday morning. Aditya Patel, the couples only son, had died in a road accident in 2024 in the Masturi police station area. For Krishna, a mason by profession, and Rama Bai, a homemaker, Aditya was their world. In the last note, Krishna described Aditya as a blessing from God who had filled their home with laughter and who cared for them like a parent. Our lives foundation, our world an obedient son and a friend." Recalling the biggest mistake of his life", Krishna wrote of the day Aditya had gone out with a village priest to assist with temple work and a yagna. Aditya had hesitated, but Krishna insisted, It was Gods work", he wrote. He left me forever," he wrote. We were alive but I was not living." The police confirmed that the couple hanged themselves late on Sunday night using a saree tied to a neem tree in their courtyard. The couple used the wall near the tree to climb before ending their lives. A suicide note was recovered from the scene. In it, the couple clearly mentioned that the unbearable grief of losing their only son had driven them to take this step. The villagers informed that the couple, over the past year, withdrew themselves from everyone and rarely smiled. In his final words, Krishna wrote that after a year of pain, something inside him had shifted. The anguish had not disappeared; it had simply transformed. God is gracious," he wrote, adding, After long suffering, my mind is now at peace. I feel drawn toward Him. My destiny is to merge with God." The couple also recorded a video before taking their lives and requested their lawyer that the compensation money received after Adityas accident be transferred to their elder brothers, Kulbhara Patel and Jalbhara Patel. If we are no longer alive," they said in the video, Please ensure our son Adityas claim money goes to our elder brothers. This is our request." We are both consciously and willingly offering ourselves to Lord Shiva. No one is to blame for this. Please bid us farewell with a happy heart," the note added. Do not grieve for us. We are leaving this world in complete peace, without desire, and in a joyful spirit." On Monday morning, after the neighbours alerted the police, who brought down the bodies and sent for a postmortem. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway. Location : Chhattisgarh, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 08:15 IST News india 'We Were Alive, But Not Living...': Chhattisgarh Couple Dies By Suicide After Son's Death In Accident 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... 70 Hospitalised In Noida After Eating Kuttu Atta: Why Buckwheat Flour Makes People Sick So Often Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 15:03 IST Local authorities responded by filing an FIR, sealing at least two shops and a warehouse suspected of supplying the contaminated or adulterated buckwheat flour. Buckwheat flour, often eaten during fasts, isnt a grain but a seed, and although it's nutritious, it can spoil quickly and cause food poisoning if adulterated or expired. (News18) Dozens of people across multiple residential societies including Supertech Ecovillage-3, Royal Court Society, and Himalayan Pride fell sick on Mahashivrati on Sunday, shortly after eating food prepared with kuttu atta (buckwheat flour) while breaking their fast. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever and dizziness, and many were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Reports say around 70 people were affected in these societies. Local authorities responded by filing an FIR, sealing at least two shops and a warehouse suspected of supplying the contaminated or adulterated buckwheat flour, and detaining several individuals connected with the supply. Preliminary investigations suggest the flour might have been adulterated or contaminated, but official lab test results to confirm the exact cause (e.g., bacterial contamination, fungal toxins) are still pending. Similar Incidents In The Past However, this is not the first incident of people falling sick. Several such incidents have been reported in the past: 2025 Delhi mass food poisoning During Navratri in north-west Delhi, around 150 200 people fell sick with vomiting and nausea soon after consuming food made with kuttu atta. Cases were reported from multiple localities, and authorities launched an investigation into the flours quality. 2024 Bijnor & Meerut (UP) On the first day of Navratri, at least 250 people in villages across Bijnor and Meerut districts became ill after eating fritters made from buckwheat flour. Many were treated for symptoms like stomach ache, diarrhoea, dizziness and fainting, and shops from where the flour was bought were identified for investigation. 2024 Uttar Pradesh multiple villages In another Navratri-season incident, around 125150 people across several villages in the UP region fell sick after eating puris and pakodas prepared with kuttu atta. Local officials were tracing the source of the flour to determine contamination or adulteration. 2023 Sonipat (Haryana) On the first day of Navratri, about 350 people in Sonipat suffered food poisoning after consuming meals made with suspect kuttu atta. There were reports of hospitalisation, especially among women and children. 2023 Modinagar and Ghaziabad (UP) In the same period, at least 17 people in Ghaziabads Modinagar area were admitted to hospitals with abdominal pain and diarrhoea after eating food made from buckwheat flour. 2020 Uttarakhand village cases In Navratri 2020, around 32 people in rural areas of Roorkee (Uttarakhand) became sick after eating rotis made from kuttu atta. Officials later seized remaining stock and investigated the supply. Why Do So Many People Fall Sick After Eating Kuttu Atta? Such incidents appear common as kuttu atta is a seasonal, high-risk product that sees sudden, massive demand during festivals like Navratri and Mahashivratri and that combination creates the perfect conditions for contamination. Contamination: For most of the year, buckwheat flour isnt widely consumed. But during fasting festivals, demand suddenly explodes across North India. In such situations, old stock may be pushed into the market. Small mills are made to ramp up production quickly and quality checks may not keep pace with volume. When supply chains stretch like, standards can slip. Poor storage conditions: Kuttu atta is particularly sensitive to moisture and heat. If stored improperly, it can develop fungal growth. It may produce mycotoxins (toxins from mould). It can spoil faster than regular wheat flour. Unlike packaged wheat flour, kuttu atta is often sold loose in local markets, increasing contamination risk. Short shelf life: Because it contains higher natural oils than wheat, buckwheat flour can turn bad faster. If not refrigerated or stored airtight, it develops a sour or musty smell and becomes unsafe to consume. Many buyers may not check freshness carefully, especially when buying in a rush before fasting. The way its eaten: During fasting, people eat after long gaps. Meals are often deep-fried (puris, pakodas) and portion sizes can be large. An empty stomach with oily food and dense flour lead to higher chance of digestive distress even if the flour isnt contaminated. First Published: February 17, 2026, 15:03 IST News lifestyle 70 Hospitalised In Noida After Eating Kuttu Atta: Why Buckwheat Flour Makes People Sick So Often Beyond Daylight: How Moonlight Experiences Are Transforming Indian Tourism Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:59 IST India after sunset is the new frontier. Night safaris, temple trails and astronomy tours are redefining travel for mindful explorers. From moonlit safaris to stargazing trails, night tourism is reshaping how India travels. (Image: AI) As dusk settles and the last crowds drift away, a different side of India comes alive. Monuments glow under soft amber lights, forests stir with nocturnal sounds, and desert skies reveal a canopy of stars rarely noticed in the rush of day. What was once considered downtime between itineraries is fast becoming the main attraction. Across the country, travellers are swapping packed daytime schedules for slower, cooler, after-dark experiences that feel more intimate, immersive and memorable. Industry leaders are calling it a defining shift. Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, observes, A new travel trend is quietly transforming Indias tourism landscape moonlight exploration." Meanwhile, Manmeet Ahluwalia, CMO of EaseMyTrip, notes, Travel now is all about self-discovery, emotional well-being, and experiences that align with personal values." And Sandeep Kumar, Founder & CEO of Zourney, adds, The appeal lies in moments that feel different, personal and story-worthy." The Allure Of After-Dark India Night travel isnt merely a scheduling tweak; its a sensory reset. With temperatures dropping and crowds thinning, destinations reveal a quieter character. Moonlit safaris through buffer zones, illuminated heritage walks, kayaking through backwaters under starlight, and rooftop cultural performances aligned with lunar cycles are turning evenings into experiences. Gosain points out that cooler nights and fewer visitors create a special, intimate environment, especially in regions where daytime heat can be intense. The result is travel that feels less rushed and more reflective, which is a rare luxury in todays hyper-planned itineraries. Wellness Meets Wanderlust The rise of noctourism also speaks to a deeper emotional need. Post-pandemic travellers are prioritising mindfulness, meaning and mental well-being. According to Ahluwalia, More than 75 per cent of travellers have expressed interest in nighttime activities from stargazing in the deserts of Rajasthan to serene night treks in Ladakh and illuminated heritage walks." Theres science behind the sentiment. Reduced noise, softer light and slower pacing naturally calm the senses. Stargazing, temple visits during full-moon festivals, and forest walks become moments of stillness, almost meditative in effect. As Ahluwalia puts it, The night offers healing, reflection, and memories that linger long after the journey ends." Experience-First, Gen Z-Driven Younger travellers are accelerating the trend. Spontaneous, digitally influenced and hungry for distinctive stories, Gen Z and millennials are moving beyond traditional sightseeing. Kumar explains that this generation focuses on how travel feels and photographs. He says, Whether its a desert safari at midnight or a lantern-lit heritage stroll, these moments are visually striking, Instagram-worthy, and socially engaging." But he also highlights the operational side permits, safety, transport and coordination are far more complex at night, demanding seamless backend planning. For platforms and operators, the goal is clear: deliver differentiated experiences without logistical friction. Opportunity With Responsibility For the tourism ecosystem, night travel unlocks new possibilities. Hotels, guides and transport services can extend operating hours, while visitor traffic spreads more evenly across the day. This reduces strain on heritage sites and improves resource utilisation. Yet growth must be balanced with safeguards. Sensitive wildlife habitats, local communities and safety protocols require thoughtful regulation. As Gosain suggests, sustainability has to lead the way. Moonlight tourism isnt a fleeting fad. It signals a broader shift toward slower, emotion-led journeys that prioritise atmosphere over checklists. As Indias landscapes, monuments and skies reveal themselves after sunset, travellers are discovering that the most memorable moments often happen when the world grows quiet. Sometimes, the best way to explore a place is simply to wait for the moon to rise. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:59 IST News lifestyle travel Beyond Daylight: How Moonlight Experiences Are Transforming Indian Tourism Dhurandhar 2 Faces Trouble As BMC Seeks To Blacklist Aditya Dhars Studio Over Safety Violations Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 07:50 IST Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation seeks to permanently ban Aditya Dhars B62 Studios from filming in Mumbai over repeated safety breaches during Dhurandhar: The Revenge shoots. Dhurandhar: The Revenge will hit theatres on March 19. (Photo Credit : Instagram) Mumbais civic administration has initiated action against filmmaker Aditya Dhars production banner following what it describes as repeated breaches of safety norms during the shooting of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The move could significantly affect the films ongoing and future shoots in the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sought approval to permanently bar B62 Studios from applying for filming permissions within Mumbai. The proposal follows multiple alleged violations of police and civic guidelines during recent shoots conducted in South Mumbais A ward. According to civic officials, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone I) has cleared the proposal to blacklist B62 Studios along with two other applicants Komal Pokhriyal and Nasir Khan. If approved, the three will be unable to submit applications for filming permissions through the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited portal. Detailing the decision, a BMC official told The Indian Express, Having received the clearances, the three applicants Komal Pokhriyal, Nasir Khan and B62 production house can no longer apply for shoot permissions with the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development CL website. On Tuesday, we will also be issuing notices to this three applicants informing of the action, and a copy of the notice will also be shared with the Maharashtra film cell and BMCs Business Cell head." The civic body has also proposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1 lakh, citing allegations that filming took place on a building terrace and that two generator vans were operated without requisite approvals. Additionally, officials have recommended forfeiture of a Rs 25,000 deposit submitted earlier. The issue reportedly began earlier this month. On January 30, B62 Studios was granted permission to shoot between Modi Street and Perin Nariman Street in A ward. However, authorities later claimed that the production completely violated" police conditions prohibiting the use of crackers and flammable materials during filming on February 7 and 8. Deposits were subsequently forfeited and a warning of possible blacklisting was issued. Despite this, another application filed under the name Komal Pokhriyal sought permission to shoot between February 13 and 14. That request was initially cancelled in view of the previous incidents. A revised application was then submitted seeking approval for a late-night schedule between 12.30am and 4am on February 14. Officials stated that the applicant had assured authorities that no flammable materials would be used and obtained conditional permission, including a requirement to secure a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee for temporary structures in the Fort heritage precinct. However, a senior official said complaints were received around 12.45am on February 14 alleging the use of lit torches during the shoot. After receiving the complaint again after 15 minutes, the officials from Mumbai police arrived on the site and the five torches (Mashals) lit during the shoot were seized by the police. It was also ensured that no flammable object was used during the course of the shoot till 4 am," the official said. Following the second incident, the applicants reportedly informed authorities that any fire-related visuals would subsequently be created using visual effects. In a letter addressed to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner and accessed by The Indian Express, the A ward office has sought final approval to impose the 1 lakh penalty, forfeit the deposit, and permanently blacklist the applicants and the production house. The communication cites serious violations" that officials believe could have posed risks to public safety. Dhurandhar: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. First Published: February 17, 2026, 07:50 IST News movies bollywood Dhurandhar 2 Faces Trouble As BMC Seeks To Blacklist Aditya Dhars Studio Over Safety Violations Manoj Bajpayee Meets French President Emmanuel Macron, Calls It An Honour: What Stood Out Was Published By : IANS Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 20:08 IST Manoj Bajpayee met French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today, and praised his insightful discussion on cinema, culture, and storytelling to strengthen ties between nations. Rapid Read Manoj Bajpayee Meets French President Emmanuel Macron National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture with the French President. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, It was an honour meeting President Emmanuel Macron at todays luncheon, along with other dignitaries. What stood out was not just the warmth of the interaction with him, but the clarity and depth of the exchange around cinema, culture, and the role of storytelling in building bridges between countries". He further mentioned, Conversations like these, on how India and France can work together more closely in cinema and culture, remind you of how important thoughtful leadership and cultural dialogue are in todays world". Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to February 19, 2026, arriving first in Mumbai and then travelling to New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. The visit was at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was the French presidents fourth official trip to India. The core purpose was to review and strengthen the IndiaFrance Strategic Partnership under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, with discussions covering defence cooperation, trade, technology, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. In Mumbai, Macron and Modi were scheduled to jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at boosting collaborative research, innovation and industrial engagement. The French presidents agenda includes bilateral talks with Modi, participation in innovation forums, and attendance at the AI summit in New Delhi. Defence ties, particularly potential agreements on additional Rafale fighter jets and broader industrial cooperation, were expected to feature in the discussions, alongside collaboration on artificial intelligence, innovation, and strategic sectors. First Published: February 17, 2026, 20:08 IST News movies bollywood Manoj Bajpayee Meets French President Emmanuel Macron, Calls It An Honour: What Stood Out Was Manoj Bajpayee To Play Mahatma Gandhi In Sudhir Mishras Next, Shoot Likely From September Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 15:58 IST The filmmaker recently confirmed that the project is currently in the planning stages, with shooting expected to begin around September this year. Manoj Bajpayee To Play Mahatma Gandhi In Sudhir Mishras Next, Shoot Likely From September Manoj Bajpayee is currently in the headlines for his film Ghooskhor Pandat. The title of the film is not going well with the netizens. Amid this, news surfaced that he will be portraying the role of Mahatma Gandhi in an upcoming untitled film directed by Sudhir Mishra. The filmmaker recently confirmed that the project is currently in the planning stages, with shooting expected to begin around September this year. Sudhir Mishra took to his X handle and confirmed the news. Thats roughly the plan . Hope it all works out. To be shot hopefully in Kolkata," his note read. However, other details are still under wraps. Take a look here: Manoj Bajpayees Ghooskhor Pandat in trouble The Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, produced by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, made headlines for all the wrong reasons following backlash over its title. Following the title reveal, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) recently demanded a ban on the film, but now a new update has emerged. It has now been reported that the makers of the Manoj Bajpayee starrer Ghooskhor Pandat have informed the Delhi High Court that they have taken a conscious decision to change the name of their film. This decision comes following multiple FIRs, growing social media pressure, and calls for a ban from across the country. At the centre of the row is the title Ghooskhor Pandat, which loosely translates to Corrupt Pandit. Critics argue that the use of the term Pandat, commonly associated with a Brahmin surname, reinforces negative stereotypes and is potentially offensive. Responding to the backlash, Manoj Bajpayee addressed the issue on social media on Friday, acknowledging the concerns raised. When something you are part of causes hurt, it makes you pause and listen," he wrote. He clarified that his decision to take on the project was based on the characters arc and was not intended as commentary on any community. He also stated that the makers had removed promotional material in view of public sentiment. Sudhir Mishra Joins Masoom 2 Sharing the exciting update, Sudhir took to X and wrote, Its brilliant how Shekhar builds characters and weaves these stunning stories out of thin air. I havent heard a more touching story in a long time. It leaves a joyous aching in your heart, which is the only way I can describe the feeling. Brilliant. Im very proud to be the executive producer on this one! So, here it is: Masoom 2, a film directed by Shekhar Kapur and E.Sudhir Mishra produced this. #Masoom2." The director is known for helming projects like Mr India, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth and others. His last directorial project was a British romantic comedy, Whats Love Got To Do With It? Which was released in 2022. First Published: February 17, 2026, 15:58 IST News movies bollywood Manoj Bajpayee To Play Mahatma Gandhi In Sudhir Mishras Next, Shoot Likely From September Mrunal Thakur Talks About 'Problem' In Love Amid Wedding Rumours With Dhanush Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 15:26 IST While several media reports recently claimed that Mrunal Thakur and Dhanush are likely to tie the knot soon, the former recently dismissed all speculations. Rapid Read Mrunal Thakur says communication is both a pro and con in modern love. Mrunal Thakur has said that the biggest challenge that love in modern times faces is communication. The actress, who is currently gearing up for the release of her next movie Do Deewane Sehar Mein, was recently speaking to the news agency IANS when she explained how communication is not just a pro but also has its drawbacks in todays time. The only problem today is communication. And as an actor, it gets even more difficult because sometimes if I am playing an actor who requires me to be in a mental state of mind, which is not really on a positive side, it might reflect on how I am with my partner or in that case, be my family and friends. But as an actor, I speak for myself, I try not to bring my characters home," Mrunal said. And communication, its a pro and a con also. When I was spending some quality time with Abhimanyu Dasanis mom, Bhagyashree maam, she would tell us about her romantic story, how her love story began. Like, there was a significance of each others time, you know, at that time, at that place, at that PCO, at this location where there is no range, she would wait for that call to happen, for that one call in one week. So, the significance of love at that time, the way it was, I think things have gotten brittle, ruined also because there are so many modes and ways of communicating. That simple love was good," the actress added. Interestingly, this comes at a time when Mrunals wedding rumours with Dhanush have also been making headlines. While several media reports recently claimed that the two actors are likely to tie the knot soon, Thakur recently dismissed all speculations. She was speaking to Hindustan Times when she laughed off the rumours and shared, Woh to shaadi ho rahi hai (The wedding is taking place) according to them." Further, when asked if these rumours affect her in any way, Mrunal added, Up until now, I didnt have a PR team. I had to hire a team to sort things out because my home address was out in public. To protect myself, I had to hire a team. But I have realised that even if I spend 3 crore, 6 crore, 10 crore, itni publicity mujhe kabhi nahi milegi (I would never get such publicity). So, a big thank you to everybody who has been spreading fake rumours." First Published: February 17, 2026, 15:26 IST News movies bollywood Mrunal Thakur Talks About 'Problem' In Love Amid Wedding Rumours With Dhanush Rajpal Yadavs Lawyer Says Cheque Bounce Case Is Not About Money, Claims Jail Was The Real Goal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 14:33 IST Rajpal Yadavs lawyer says the cheque bounce case is about sending him to jail, not recovering money, after interim bail. Rajpal Yadav has been granted interim bail. The courtroom may have granted temporary relief, but the argument outside it has only grown sharper. After Rajpal Yadav secured interim bail till March 18 in the Rs 9-crore cheque bounce case linked to Ata Pata Laapata, his lawyer has now claimed the dispute is being driven by something more than financial recovery. In a conversation with ETimes, advocate Bhaskar Upadhyay alleged that the complainants intention was not repayment but imprisonment. The complainant said, We dont want this and just kindly execute the decree by sending him in jail." Interim Bail For Rajpal Yadav, But Battle Continues The Delhi High Court granted Rajpal interim relief in the long-standing case tied to the 2012 film. The original Rs 5 crore involved, according to the defence, was an investment in the project, not a personal loan to the actor. Bhaskar said that Rajpal is a family man" who is not a lawyer" and does not understand legal technicalities." He insisted that the actor has been willing to comply with the court and settle legitimate dues. Property Worth Rs 40 Crore Submitted According to the lawyer, Rajpal has already placed significant assets before the court. He surrendered it before the court stating the value of my property is more than 40 crores." Bhaskar added that Rs 2.5 crore has already been arranged and the remaining amount is being addressed. He reiterated that the Rs 5 crore at the centre of the dispute was linked to the films production. This 5 crores was invested by the complainant in that movie, not given a personal loan to him for his personal needs," he said. Industry Support and Whats Next The lawyer also revealed that several people from the film fraternity have offered financial support, though he declined to name anyone. He is strong. He says he will comply with court directions. His only request is that his side be properly heard," Bhaskar stated. First Published: February 17, 2026, 14:33 IST News movies bollywood Rajpal Yadavs Lawyer Says Cheque Bounce Case Is Not About Money, Claims Jail Was The Real Goal Ethan Hawke Says 'Jet-Lagged, Drunk' Artists Arent Best To Give Political Advice Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 04:00 IST Ethan Hawke says actors shouldnt be relied on for political guidance, calling art a space for dreams while supporting causes like anti-fascism. Ethan Hawke says stars arent always the right voices for politics. At this years Berlin Film Festival, Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke offered his take on the debate over whether celebrities should weigh in on politics. Speaking at the press conference for his historical drama The Weight, Hawke was asked about the responsibility of stars to speak out on issues like fascism. He paused thoughtfully before quipping, Alright the last place you probably want to look for advice in your spiritual counsel is a bunch of jet-lagged, drunk artists talking about their films." The room laughed and applauded. Hawke clarified that while stars may not always be the best sources for political guidance, cinema itself carries a unique power: I believe in the power of cinema to affect you know how every night we all dream and those dreams kind of heal us and get us ready for the next day? I feel like, collectively, the whole festival all of you, all of us here are responsible for creating an international dream life." He added that The Weight resonated with him because it depicts people who dont think they have anything in common who band together to fight institutional greed and malevolence. And thats worth fighting for." When pressed on fascism, Hawke concluded simply: Anything that fights fascism, Im all for it." Supporting Free Speech While Honoring Art Politics have dominated discussion at the 2026 Berlinale, intensified by jury president Wim Wenders and some celebrities avoiding questions about Gaza, ICE raids, and far-right politics globally. An open letter signed by over 80 participantsincluding Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, and Adam McKaycriticized the festival for its silence" on Gaza. Responding to questions about the open letter, Hawke acknowledged the criticism celebrities often face for speaking out. Actors shouldnt talk about politics," he said, referencing past backlash. Yet he emphasized, Everybody should be were all citizens of the world and all of us matter, all of us have a voice and everybodys welcome to disagree." He explained that stars primarily share art, not political expertise: Were just sharing art. Were not some of the greatest minds in the world that try to make the planet live in peace." Still, he underscored the importance of caring for children and future generations, stressing the moral duty to foster a better world. Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: February 18, 2026, 04:00 IST News movies hollywood Ethan Hawke Says 'Jet-Lagged, Drunk' Artists Arent Best To Give Political Advice BTS Star Vs Lunar New Year Wish Comes With A Sweet Note And Handsome Pics Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 12:48 IST Have a great Lunar New Year. I miss you! Make sure to eat some tteokguk, V said in his message to fans. BTS V shared the Lunar New Year wish on Weverse. (Photo Credit : X) Kim Taehyung, aka V, who is the one to never miss a chance to greet his fans, extended a sweet wish on the Chinese Lunar New Year. On February 16, the BTS star took to Weverse and posted a series of pictures of himself while wishing his fans, Have a great Lunar New Year." He further added, I miss you! Make sure to eat some tteokguk (rice cake soup)." In one of the pictures that V shared, he was seen engrossed in playing a trumpet. One photo showed him staring at the cityscape through a high-rise buildings window. The rest of the images he posted appeared to be from a photoshoot, in which he was seen wearing an all-black outfit, a glove in one hand, and gold jewellery. He also wore an oversized fur coat and a tailored suit in other photos. WEVERSEV post:Have a great Lunar New Year. I miss you! Make sure to eat some tteokguk (rice cake soup)! pic.twitter.com/WdjKmVWVDH BTS News & Updates (@dalbitbangtan) February 16, 2026 Fans React To BTS Vs Handsome" Looks Once Vs wish surfaced on social media, his fans also sent him their best regards and love. One fan said, I hope this new lunar year wraps you in warmth, gives you strength in every moment, and blesses you endlessly, Taehyung." Taehyung, eat rice cake soup and start the year with warmth and happiness. I hope this Lunar New Year treats you gently and kindly," someone else penned. A man whose face needs no filters. So handsome," another person shared in reference to the pictures he posted. A different fan commented, Ill never not be amazed at his face card." Whats Next For BTS V? Following his discharge from the military in June, V fulfilled his solo work commitments, including attending fashion weeks and working on ad campaigns for luxury brands for which he is a global ambassador. Currently, the 30-year-old is busy with his band as they gear up to release their fifth studio album, Arirang, on March 20. On March 21, they will return to the stage for the first time in almost four years and will perform a live concert titled BTS THE COMEBACK Live | ARIRANG. Their performance will take place at Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, and will be livestreamed on Netflix. A week after this live event, on March 27, Netflix will release BTS: THE RETURN, a documentary that will chronicle the bands return and the making of their new album. Following this, they will embark on their world tour scheduled for 2026 and 2027, with over 80 shows planned across 34 regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe. The tour will kick off in Goyang, South Korea, on April 9. First Published: February 17, 2026, 12:48 IST News movies korean BTS Star Vs Lunar New Year Wish Comes With A Sweet Note And Handsome Pics Opinion | Naisthika Brahmachari Status: Should Courts Disturb It? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:41 IST There are temples across India that restrain both men and women from entry for a variety of reasons Rapid Read The temple is surrounded by 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. (PTI File) Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), a government of Kerala-controlled autonomous body. Other stakeholders of Sabarimala Temple are the Pandalam Royal Family and the Tantri (head priest) family. However, it goes without saying that it is the TDB which exercises a vice-like grip on the shrine, as it is a major revenue earner, generating a total revenue of Rs 332.77 crore during the 2025 Mandala Pooja season. The temple is surrounded by 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimate of over 10 to 15 million devotees visiting every year. For this reason, Sabarimala has been on the radar of foreign-funded forces, constantly attempting to desecrate the sacred shrine. In the early hours of June 14, 1950, the Sabarimala Temple was found gutted by fire. The idol of Ayyappa, the reigning deity, also known as Shasta, was found desecrated the idol was broken. Though the law, as usual, could not find the suspects, Karma was quick to retaliate. In March 2022, George Karimbanal shot dead his brother Ranju Kurian and uncle Mathew Scaria near Kanjirapally in Kerala. All three belonged to the Christian Karimbanal family that was involved in the 1950 arson and desecration of Sabarimala temple. K. Keshava Menon, a Deputy Superintendent of Police who had investigated the original Sabarimala temple arson case, had noted that there were 15 cut marks on the door leading to the Sree Kovil (Sanctum Sanctorum), with the Ayyappa murtis head, left palm, and fingers being severed. After investigations, Menon had concluded that this was a plotted conspiracy, a hate crime against the religious sentiments of the Ayyappa devotees. Further investigations revealed that converted Syrian Christians/Roman Catholics were behind the attack. Christian converts had ruined several temples to dislodge the Hindu faith from the state and convert it into a breeding ground for foreign-aided Christian missionaries. Secular politicians had intervened, and no action was initiated against the accused, including Karimbanal Kochukunhu Muthalali and four other main accused. When the Sabarimala Temple was set on fire in June 1950, the government in power was the Travancore-Cochin state government (precursor to modern Kerala), led by Chief Minister Paravoor T. K. Narayana Pillai of the Indian National Congress. The next assault on Sabarimala Temple occurred in 1982 in the Nilakkal area of Sabarimala Poonkavanam, where a Cross suddenly made its appearance. Soon, an orchestrated media campaign spread like wildfire and stories planted that the Cross found in Nilakkal dated back to 52 AD. The Nilakkal Church was claimed to be amongst the seven and a half churches founded by the mythical St. Thomas. The vicinity of the Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple soon overflowed with an organised Christian influx. Signboards naming the road to the temple as St. Thomas Road and the Nilakkal hill as St. Thomas Mount were erected. A huge arch naming the spot as Sleeba Nagar" was erected on the Sabarimala Road at Nilakkal Junction. Soon, Kerala saw an unparalleled mass agitation. On November 15, 1982, after seven months of a series of struggles, the Cross was carried away unnoticed in a truck, and this incident became the touchstone of Hindu strength. In 2018, Sabarimala temple in Kerala was back in the news. Lord Ayyappa is worshipped as a Naisthika Brahmachari, meaning a state of lifelong celibacy. Due to this reason, women in the prime reproductive age group of 1550 years have traditionally not been permitted to worship at Sabarimala. In 1991, the Kerala High Court upheld this practice. But, in September 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that all Hindu pilgrims, regardless of gender, could enter the temple. The Constitution bench of the Supreme Court held that any exception placed on women because of biological differences violates the Constitution." Specifically, the court held that the ban violated the right to equality under Article 14 and the right to freedom of religion under Article 25. This verdict resulted in a massive state-wide agitation, reminiscent of an agitation against the construction of a church near the Mahadeva Temple in the Nilakkal area. Though the Marxist government was keen to implement the Supreme Court order, the massive backlash of the devotees across the State took everybody by surprise. The devotees were upset about the double standards that were being legalised. Sabarimala pilgrims have a practice of going to the Erumeli Vavar Mosque, but women of whatever age group are not permitted into the Mosque. The verdict cleverly refrained from making any ruling on this practice! Among Kerala Muslims, there are multiple castes or sects. Sunni Muslims are divided into Sunni sects, Mujahid sects, and Jamaat sects. The Sunnis forbid women from entering mosques altogether. The reason for this practice is the Hadith (Abu Dawood 2:570) which ordains that It is more excellent for a woman to pray in her house than in her courtyard, and more excellent for her to pray in her private chamber than in her house". Similarly, Muslim females, including little girls, are prohibited entry inside the sanctum of the Hazratbal Mosque, Jammu and Kashmir (they are permitted only in the backyard)! In many Christian denominations and traditions, women are prohibited from ordained ministry, such as serving as priests or pastors, and are restricted from holding senior leadership positions. These prohibitions stem from Biblical passages, such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15, which mandate that women remain silent or not teach/exercise authority over men in the church assembly! The Presbyterian Church does not ordain women. Jesus did not have any women apostles. The Catholic Church says its tradition, since all the disciples of Jesus were male; hence, all priests are male. In certain Syrian Christian communities in Kerala, women are prohibited from entering the sanctum sanctorum (the innermost area where the altar is located), known as the Madbaha. In Buddhist temples, specific, traditional, or cultural restrictions exist in certain areas, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar), regarding entry of women. While women can visit, they are forbidden from entering certain inner sanctums or touching monks. Temples, such as Wat Sri Suphan in Chiang Mai, Thailand, forbid women from entering the main ordination hall. Women are strictly prohibited from touching monks or handing items directly to them. The Chakkulathukavu Temple in Kerala is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple has a special ceremony called Naari Puja which means worshipping the women. At the yearly Naari Puja festival, men cannot enter the temple area, and it becomes a women-only affair. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram, known as the Sabarimala of Women," prohibits men from entering the temple grounds during the annual Attukal Pongala festival (February-March). Millions of women gather to offer Pongala to the goddess, making it a women-only event. The Kanyakumari Temple in Tamil Nadu is for the goddess Kanyakumari, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. Men, especially married men, arent allowed into the inner part of the temple where the idol of the goddess is kept. Only women can worship the goddess directly there. In Rajasthans well-known Brahma Temple, married men are prohibited from entering the sanctum sanctorum to worship the deity. The Mata Temple, at Muzaffarnagar, prohibits men from entering the temple premises during the time when the Goddess is believed to be menstruating. During this time, even a male priest is not allowed to enter the temple premises, and it becomes women only. In the Kamakhya Temple, Assam, men are not allowed to enter the temple premises during certain times of the year. The grand Ambubachi Mela celebrates the Goddess, who is believed to be in menstruation during those days. On this occasion, men are not allowed to enter the temple, and only female priests or sanyasis are allowed to serve the temple during those days. There are thus temples across India that restrain both men and women from entry, for a variety of reasons. The need is to respect these traditions. A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will start hearing the reference made in the Sabarimala review case from April 7, 2026. Let us hope that the Bench will take a macroscopic view of the issue, giving full consideration for Temple traditions. Lord Ayyappa is a Juristic person, and he is entitled to maintain and preserve his Naisthika Brahmachari status, undisturbed. A Naisthika Brahmachari is a person in Hinduism who takes a lifelong vow of strict, unbroken celibacy, never transitioning into household life (Grihastha). In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, When we respect our blood ancestors and our spiritual ancestors, we feel rooted. If we find ways to cherish and develop our spiritual heritage, we will avoid the kind of alienation that is destroying society, and we will become whole again.. .. Learning to touch deeply the jewels of our own tradition will allow us to understand and appreciate the values of other traditions, and this will benefit everyone". (The writer is Former Director General, Multi-Disciplinary School of Economic Intelligence, and National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:41 IST News opinion Opinion | Naisthika Brahmachari Status: Should Courts Disturb It? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:28 IST 1 / 10 The MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR) is Indias first bullet train project, spanning 508 km and being developed with technical and financial assistance from the Japanese Government. Designed for a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h (approx 200 mph), high-frequency operations, the corridor will connect Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 strategically placed stations. 2 / 10 Entire land acquisition (1389.5 hectares) for the 508-km-long MAHSR corridor has been completed, and all statutory clearances have been obtained. The project is being implemented with Japanese technical collaboration, ensuring world-class safety and operational standards. After initial delays due to land acquisition in Maharashtra momentum significantly improved from 2022 onwards. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 The corridor includes stations at Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Out of 12 stations, foundation works are complete at 8 stations in Gujarat Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Anand, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. In Maharashtra, foundation works are progressing at Thane, Virar and Boisar, while excavation at BKC station is nearing completion with base slab casting underway. 4 / 10 A key highlight now is that the government has announced that ticket pricing will be competitive with existing rail and air travel options. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that ticket pricing for the bullet train is proposed to be competitive with existing rail and air travel. Ticket pricing is proposed to be competitive with respect to existing rail/air travel options, he said in a written statement in Lok Sabha. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 The statement was made in response to questions raised by MPs P C Mohan, Mala Roy and Kalanidhi Veeraswamy regarding pricing, progress of the bullet train project, capacity, expected passenger capacity, financial viability and project completion timelines, among other aspects. 6 / 10 The fare structure is being planned to align closely with economy class airfares between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and Premium train services such as AC Chair Car and Executive classes. The objective is to position the bullet train as a time-efficient yet cost-effective alternative for both business and leisure travellers. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Vaishnaw further added that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is engineered for high-frequency operations with substantial passenger-carrying capacity. The government has assessed the projects viability on a long-term basis, taking into account projected passenger demand, time savings, economic benefits, and regional development. 8 / 10 The project is built with Japanese Shinkansen technology but customised for Indian requirements and climatic conditions. Considering the highest level of safety and associated maintenance protocols, the Bullet train project has been designed with the support of the Japanese railway. The Union Minister also added that about 1,000 Indian Engineers and Skilled workers have been trained for the Japanese methodology, and presently, a Special Track training facility has been created at Surat for training and regular refresher courses. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 With 100 per cent land acquisition (1389.5 hectares) completed and 1651 utilities shifted, civil works at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) are advancing rapidly. Timelines for the completion of the project can be reasonably ascertained after the completion of all associated works of Civil Structures, Track, Electrical, Signalling, Telecommunication, and supply of Trainsets, the Railway Minister said. Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 18:01 IST 1 / 10 People are now relying artificial intelligence (AI) as it helps them handle tasks that range from simple to complex. While it offers many advantages, it is also creating tension in the job sector. The IT sector is bearing the brunt of this impact. This is because major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Google and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have recently reduced their workforce. These layoffs are part of cost-cutting measures and organisational restructuring. 2 / 10 Amid the layoffs, there is a growing interest in Baba Vangas predictions. She is often called the Nostradamus of the Balkans who is known for forecasting major global events such as natural disasters and political developments. Many of her followers believe she had the ability to foresee the future despite being blind. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 People online are now connecting her predictions to the rapid the rise of AI and layoffs in the IT sector. Her past predictions, such as the September 11 attacks and the 2004 tsunami, have contributed to her enduring reputation. These events have kept people interested in her predictions. 4 / 10 Baba Vanga, who lived from 1911 to 1996 in Bulgaria, was a mystic and herbalist. She became known worldwide for her claimed ability to foresee future events. Followers often credit her with predicting major global incidents including the emergence of extremist groups. Even though she passed away at 84, her predictions still capture attention. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Even though no verified evidence links Baba Vangas prophecies to AI-related layoffs, people are drawing connections to current trends. Tech companies have introduced workforce reductions or voluntary exit programs to adjust operations. Google has encouraged some employees to opt for voluntary separation in certain divisions. Microsoft has reduced staff numbers while expanding investment in AI and automation tools. Amazon has also streamlined teams to improve efficiency and focus on AI system development. 6 / 10 Baba Vanga reportedly predicted the rise of AI in 2026. Already, AI is advancing faster than expected with capabilities ranging from creating human-like voices to making operational decisions. While AI adoption is seen as progress in many areas, it has also generated concerns about replacing human labour. Routine and repetitive tasks are increasingly automated in offices and technology departments. The rapid pace of AI growth is prompting companies and employees to adapt quickly. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 AI systems are increasingly performing tasks once handled by humans. These include automated customer support, data processing and basic coding assistance. As a result, fewer workers are needed for standard routine roles. At the same time, AI is creating new positions in areas like cybersecurity, data analysis and digital strategy. Professionals are being encouraged to gain skills in AI tools, digital platforms and analytical problem-solving. 8 / 10 Organisations are seeking employees who can work alongside AI systems and manage more complex tasks. Adaptability and the ability to learn new tools are in high demand. These skills help professionals maintain their relevance in a workforce that is evolving alongside AI. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Despite concerns over job displacement, AI is reshaping industries without completely replacing human labour. Many repetitive or time-consuming tasks are now automated while humans continue to provide oversight and decision-making. Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:56 IST 1 / 9 In Manghopir town of Karachi, Pakistan, stands a shrine known for both spiritual significance and unusual traditions. The site draws visitors year-round. Some come to pray, while others visit as part of family customs associated with the place. The site is widely known as the Shrine of Manghopir & Crocodile Sanctuary. 2 / 9 The complex is globally recognised for a pond inhabited by sacred marsh crocodiles, scientifically known as Crocodylus palustris. These reptiles live beside the tomb of the 13th-century saint Pir Mangho. The presence of crocodiles within a Sufi shrine often leaves first-time visitors surprised. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 9 Scholars and archaeologists offer another perspective on the crocodiles presence. According to scientific opinion, ancient floods may have carried them into the region thousands of years ago. Some researchers trace their existence here back to the Bronze Age, roughly between 2500 and 1700 BC. At present, the pond is estimated to house between 100 and 200 crocodiles. 4 / 9 Among them, one crocodile holds a special position. Known as More Sawab, it is regarded as the chief of the pond. It is believed to be between 70 and 100 years old. Its size and age have given it a distinct status within the sanctuary. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 9 The shrine also serves as an important spiritual centre for the Sheedi community of Pakistan, whose members trace their roots to Africa. Each year, they organise the Sheedi Mela festival at this site. The event is marked by the performance of dhamal, a rhythmic and trance-like dance carried out to the beat of sacred drums. It attracts the Sheedi community from all over Pakistan. We celebrate Mangho Pir mela more than Eid, Yaqoob Qanbarani, the chairman of Pakistan Sheedi Ittehad, a community group, told AFP. 6 / 9 During the festival, a significant ritual focuses on the chief crocodile. More Sawab is decorated with flower garlands. Fresh meat and sweets are presented to him in a ceremonial act. If he consumes the food, it is interpreted as a positive indication for the coming year. It is a Sheedi community belief that by honouring the crocodile, our whole year will pass in peace, tranquillity and prosperity, Atta Mohammad told AFP. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 9 For many Sheedis, the swampy crocodile shrine is the most potent symbol of their shared African ancestry, as noted by AFP. They struggle to uncover the trail that led their ancestors to Pakistan. The gathering, therefore, carries cultural meaning alongside its religious significance. 8 / 9 Despite being apex predators, the crocodiles at the shrine are described as notably calm. There have been no reported cases of attacks on humans within the shrine precincts. Devotees often feed them pieces of meat and halwa by hand. Even so, visitors are advised to remain cautious as crocodiles are naturally predatory animals. ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 11:43 IST 1 / 10 A journey that now takes hours by road or air could soon feel surprisingly short. Plans are moving ahead for a high-speed rail line between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The project promises to reshape travel across the Gulf region. With trains running at top speeds, daily trips between the two countries may soon become faster and easier than ever before. 2 / 10 The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved the agreement for this major railway link. The electric high-speed line will directly connect the two neighbouring countries. Both governments see it as a landmark move for regional transport. The decision signals strong political support and clears the way for detailed planning and construction work to begin. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 The new rail network will link Riyadh in Saudi Arabia with Doha in Qatar. The total distance between the two capitals is about 785 kilometres. Once operational, the train is expected to complete the journey in just two hours. That means passengers could travel from one capital to the other in only 120 minutes. 4 / 10 According to the Ministry of Transport, State of Qatar, the train will run at speeds above 300 kilometres per hour. This makes it one of the fastest transport options in the region. The high speed will sharply cut travel time. It will also offer a smooth and modern experience for passengers. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 The Doha-Riyadh high-speed train will pass through cities such as Al-Hofuf and Dammam. It will also connect important hubs including Hamad International Airport and King Salman International Airport. Major stations like Dammam and Al-Ahsa will be linked. This wide network will improve access for travellers across several regions. 6 / 10 Qatars Ministry of Transport said the train will support easier movement between the two countries. Faster travel can help grow tourism and business ties. Shorter journeys may encourage more weekend trips and work travel. Officials believe it will also improve daily life for residents. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 More than 10 million passengers are expected to use the service every year. This shows strong demand for quicker and more reliable travel options. The rail link could reduce pressure on flights and highways. It may also make cross-border commuting more common. 8 / 10 The project is expected to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. These roles will come from construction, operations, and related services. In addition, it may generate around 115 billion riyals for the combined economy. Leaders see it as a key step toward deeper regional integration. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Officials describe the railway as one of the most important development plans in the Gulf. It aims to strengthen links between Gulf Cooperation Council nations. A modern rail system can improve trade and cooperation. The project is also seen as a symbol of the growing partnership between the two countries. March 04, 2026, 07:11 AM IST | Episode 151 In today's News18 Daily Digest: As the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran enters a critical phase, global focus shifts to what a prolonged war could mean for West Asia and beyond. With Irans Supreme Leader reportedly killed earlier in the conflict, succession discussions are intensifying in Tehran, while Israel signals expanded operations and Washington warns of further consequences. We also look at what this means for India from the safety of over 1 crore Indians in the Gulf and evacuation discussions for students in Iran, to oil supply concerns and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, the economic costs of war, aviation disruptions, and the political debate back home. Tune in for key developments and in-depth updates from India and across the globe. From Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Mani Shankar Aiyar: Congress Leaders Who Openly Criticised Rahul Gandhi Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 11:24 IST Expelled Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu said Rahul Gandhi talks well and talks sense, but what he does and what he says are very different. Both Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Mani Shankar Aiyar have recently criticised Rahul Gandhi. (Image: PTI) Expelled Congress leader and former Punjab minister Navjot Kaur Sidhu is the latest on the list of leaders who have sharply criticised Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Kaur has said she finds it difficult to understand his approach to leadership, alleging he does not treat everyone equally or remains open to conversation. Criticising Gandhi for being disconnected from ground realities", Kaur said, I think its very important to be grounded. Whats happening at Ground Zero is very important You cant be living in a dream world." If you are not aware of what is happening beneath you then Im sorry, you dont deserve that chair," she added. She further said Rahul Gandhi talks well and talks sense, but what he does and what he says are very different. She claimed that for the past eight months she had been seeking time to tell him that the party president or the person appointed in Punjab is not doing justice to the state and is destroying the Congress in Punjab. Kaur is not the first Congress leader (now expelled) to have spoken out against Rahul Gandhi. While the G-23 members have openly been critical of Gandhi, there have been other Congress leaders who have spoken against him or have parted ways from the Congress, hitting out against the leadership. Congress Leaders Critical Of Rahul Gandhi Mani Shankar Aiyar Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar recently explicitly distanced himself from Rahul Gandhis current leadership style. He said he considers himself Gandhian, Nehruvian and Rajivian but not a Rahulian," signaling disagreement with the way Rahul Gandhi embodies party leadership today. There is a biography of Dr Ambedkar which says a part but apart. So thats the only thing I can say. Mr Rahul Gandhi has forgotten that I am a member of the party, and therefore I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian," Aiyar said while speaking to ANI on Monday. Bhupen Borah Senior Assam Congress leader Bhupen Borah on Monday submitted his resignation from the party citing dissatisfaction with how things were being run a move that was widely interpreted as indirect criticism of the party leadership (including Rahul Gandhis role). However, he withdrew his resignation within hours after the party intervened. Shakeel Ahmad After leaving the party following the 2025 Bihar polls, Shakeel Ahmad had labelled Rahul Gandhi a darpok" (coward) and insecure leader. He alleged that Gandhi avoids direct engagement with senior leaders who disagree with him and instead relies on a small inner circle of advisers. Ahmad had further claimed that Rahul Gandhi is an insecure" leader who sidelines experienced politicians and promotes only those considered loyalists. According to him, this culture discouraged open dialogue within the party and weakened state units particularly in Bihar, where Congress has struggled electorally. He also criticised what he described as remote-control politics," arguing that key decisions are taken without adequate consultation with ground-level leaders. Ahmad suggested that unless the leadership style changed to allow more internal democracy and consultation, the party would continue to face electoral decline. Furkan Ansari A senior and longtime Congress leader from Jharkhand, Furkan Ansari had openly criticised Rahul Gandhi after the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls, blaming central leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, for the poor performance. He questioned Gandhis ability to connect with people, criticised the reliance on MBA advisers in his office, and said the party needed to rethink its strategy and advisers to strengthen itself. Do they know how to connect with the voters at the ground level? It would be better if Rahul keeps a politician as his advisor to give him the right political suggestions," he had said. The Jharkhand Congress had issued a show-cause notice to him for publicly criticising party leadership. G-23 The G-23 (Group of 23) was a bloc of senior leaders within the Indian National Congress who, in August 2020, wrote a letter to interim party president Sonia Gandhi calling for sweeping organisational reforms. While the letter was addressed to Sonia Gandhi, it was widely interpreted as a critique of the partys functioning under the Gandhi familys leadership including Rahul Gandhi. Senior leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal and Anand Sharma are part of this group that has questioned Rahul Gandhis leadership. First Published: February 17, 2026, 11:24 IST News politics From Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Mani Shankar Aiyar: Congress Leaders Who Openly Criticised Rahul Gandhi 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... 'Very Soon': Did Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Hint At J&K Statehood Restoration? CM Omar Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:48 IST Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the wait is nearing its end, but said "no one in Jammu and Kashmir will be satisfied" until the restoration is officially enacted Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal with Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah during the Regional Workshop on Tele-Law Activities, at SKICC in Srinagar on February 17, 2026. (Image: PTI) Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday hinted at an early decision on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the Centre remains committed to what he called a sensitive" matter. Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is the minister of state for law and justice, told reporters during his visit to Srinagar that while the issue remains sensitive", the public should expect a resolution in the near future. I think you will hear some decision on this very soon," Meghwal said, adding that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously provided assurances on the floor of the Lok Sabha that the rightful process for restoration will be followed. Home Minister has said on the floor of the House that will get it back and theres a process," he said, stressing that the central government is committed to ensuring that the people of the region receive what is due to them". Meghwals comments prompted a response of cautious optimism from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present at the same function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). He acknowledged the hint of good news" but said J&K has waited too long. It has been one and a half years of wait. We hope we do not have to wait much longer," Abdullah said, adding that his government is in constant dialogue with the Centre to ensure the process is completed. While he expressed hope that the wait is nearing its end, he maintained that no one in Jammu and Kashmir will be satisfied" until the restoration is officially enacted. Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. At that time, it was reorganised into two distinct Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Amit Shah had said in February 2021 that this UT status was intended to be temporary. WHAT IS THE LATEST IN DEMAND FOR STATEHOOD RESTORATION? The push for restoration has recently intensified through both legal challenges and public mobilisation. A bench led by former Chief Justice BR Gavai has been hearing petitions seeking a time-bound restoration of statehood, a case in which Omar Abdullah had previously sought to become a party. On the political front, both the Congress and the ruling National Conference (NC) have ramped up efforts to frame the return of statehood as a fundamental constitutional right rather than a concession. The Congress recently launched its Har Ghar Dastak campaign to mobilise public support, with Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra saying the government must honour its parliamentary commitments. Statehood is not a concession or charity; it is a constitutional right," Karra said, warning that further delays will deepen public mistrust. National Conference MLAs, meanwhile, have also staged protests outside the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, carrying placards demanding the restoration of constitutional guarantees. They said statehood was a promise made to the people and that the time for its fulfilment is now due. (With inputs from Ieshan Wani) Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:48 IST News politics 'Very Soon': Did Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Hint At J&K Statehood Restoration? CM Omar Reacts 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... 'Hitler, Tughlaq, Ravana': How Mamata Banerjee Described Election Commission Over SIR 'Torture' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 19:02 IST Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that there were numerous complaints against the SIR in Bihar, and asked why the documents accepted in Bihar are not being allowed in Bengal West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee once again took up her grievances against the SIR of electoral rolls in the state. (Image: PTI/File) From Indian mythology to royal dynasties and then modern history, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee picked tyrant kings and dictators to describe the Election Commission of India. Calling the Election Commission (EC) torture commission", Mamata Banerjee once again took up her grievances against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. This is a so-called torture commission. They are behaving like Hitler," Banerjee alleged, as she made her first reference to the German dictator, during a press conference. She alleged that there were numerous complaints against the SIR in Bihar and Haryana, and asked why the documents accepted in Bihar are not being allowed in Bengal. Banerjee then went on to make her Tughlaq reference and alleged that the EC is working for the BJP". She accused the poll body of overreach and harassment. Why are they targeting Bengal? Tughlaqi commission is working for the BJP," she asked. Whoever is threatening the officers, I would like to remind them that the ECI cant do anything without the rules I am not blaming everyone from the commission, but I dont like this Mohammad Bin Tughlaq. Theyre like a washing machine, washing away the democratic rights." By using the word Tughlaqi, she was alluding to the Delhi sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq who was known for whimsical decisions. She claimed that in Bihar, domicile certificates issued by the state authorities were accepted but that practice is not being followed in Bengal. A culture of threats is prevalent. Why have you suspended the EROs? Even murderers are given an opportunity to defend themselves in court. You have suspended them without giving them any opportunity to present their case," she alleged. The chief minister accused the poll body of destroying federal structure" and said it has snatched womens rights in the name of logical discrepancy". She then moved onto her final analogy, comparing the EC and the central government to Ravana" and the SIR to the Sita haran". People who have committed suicide have named the EC," she alleged. This is like Ravanas Sita haran, they are deleting names" Banerjees fierce contest with the EC over the SIR has continued. Her main contention: the poll body is interfering in state matters and threatening officials. But, she said any attempt to kill democracy" by anyone would be met with a befitting reply". They are harassing common people. If steps are taken against the EROs against the complainants from the BJP, then why will there be no action against the ECI?" she asked. Her so-called crusade against the SIR has become a major poll issue in Bengal, which is set to face assembly elections in the first half of this year. WHAT IS THE SIR STATUS IN BENGAL? In the latest development on Monday (February 16), the EC directed West Bengal authorities to ensure speedy disposal of claims and objections filed under Form 7 of the SIR exercise. The EC reiterated that the revised SIR schedule had already been communicated to the state chief electoral officers office on February 10. Form 7 applications were issued to voters whose names did not figure in the draft rolls to file objections, including deletion of their own names due to change of address and deletion of names of others due to death or shifting. The commission has directed the chief electoral officer that all objections received till date in the offices of the CEO and District Election Officers (DEOs) must be forwarded to the respective Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) by February 16," a letter stated. The letter also directed the CEOs office to ensure compliance with the Supreme Courts February 9 order as well as the SIR instructions dated October 27, 2025. The court on February 9 told the EC that the time for objections could be extended by a week from February 14 and directed speedy disposal and resolution of the objections. (With inputs from Kamalika Sengupta and agencies) First Published: February 17, 2026, 18:03 IST News politics 'Hitler, Tughlaq, Ravana': How Mamata Banerjee Described Election Commission Over SIR 'Torture' 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... 'Opposing Vande Mataram No Less Than Treason': Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:14 IST Yogi Adityanath said the National Song, which was accorded recognition by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, symbolises India's pride and honour. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday attacked the Samajwadi Party and Congress and accused them of misleading people in the name of the Constitution and disrespecting the National Song. The Chief Minister added that opposing" Vande Mataram and making insulting remarks" against national symbols was no less than treason. Speaking during the Legislative Council during the Budget Session, Adityanath said the state takes pride in its heritage and believes that development rooted in legacy lays the foundation of a bright future. Launching a scathing attack on leaders belonging to Opposition parties, Adityanath said, if anyone glorifies invaders" who attacked the soul of India" and tried to shackle its faith for political gains, the new India and the new Uttar Pradesh will not accept it." You see how statements are made in support of anti-national elements or derogatory comments are passed against symbols of national pride. This is nothing short of treason," he said. Adityanath said the National Song, which was accorded recognition by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, symbolises Indias pride and honour and added that it is every Indians duty to respect national symbols, including the Tricolour, the national anthem, the national song and national icons. Centre Celebrates 150th Year Of Vande Mataram The Centre is celebrating the 150th year of Vande Mataram. Additionally, the central government recently issued fresh codes related to it. Adityanath said he was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for issuing a notification making the National Song mandatory at public functions, and said opposing Vande Mataram was an insult to the Constitution and its makers, including B R Ambedkar. I want to ask the Samajwadi Party and Congress on one hand you mislead the public in the name of the Constitution, and on the other, your members say they will not stand for Vande Mataram. What does it mean?" Adityanath asked. You want to live in India but have a problem with the national anthem and national song? This cannot be accepted," he said. Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition Slamming the opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister alleged that the indecorous and inappropriate conduct" not only disrespected a constitutional office but also amounted to an affront to a woman holding a high post. He said that it was the collective responsibility of all members to respect constitutional arrangements and offices and not indulge in conduct that sends a wrong message to future generations. (With agency inputs) Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 10:14 IST News politics 'Opposing Vande Mataram No Less Than Treason': Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition 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... You Don't Deserve That Chair': Navjot Kaur Sidhu Slams Rahul Gandhi, Praises PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:01 IST Expelled Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu criticised Rahul Gandhi for being inaccessible and unequal in approach, while praising Prime Minister Modis demeanour. Navjot Kaur Sidhu Slams Rahul Gandhi, Praises PM Modi Expelled Congress leader and former Punjab minister Navjot Kaur Sidhu has sharply criticised Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying she finds it difficult to understand his approach to leadership. She said he has not reached a level where he treats everyone equally and remains open to conversation. According to her, he still appears tied to the Gandhi family mindset and does not find time to listen to genuine well-wishers who are trying to guide him. At the same time, she praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is very spiritual and that it shows in his personality. Navjot Kaur Sidhu said, PM Narendra Modi is very spiritual, and it shows in his personality. Eight months to meet is not right Navjot Kaur Sidhu said that if it takes eight months to meet someone, it is not right. She added that a leader is supposed to meet everyone, especially those who are honest and offering constructive advice. She said that if a leader is not ready to receive such advice, then it is their choice. She further said Rahul Gandhi talks well and talks sense, but what he does and what he says are very different. She claimed that for the past eight months she had been seeking time to tell him that the party president or the person appointed in Punjab is not doing justice to the state and is destroying the Congress in Punjab. She said tickets have already been sold and that if Rahul Gandhi is not aware of what is happening beneath him, then he does not deserve the chair and is responsible for what is happening. Allegations over promises and corruption Navjot Kaur Sidhu said they left everything for Punjab and were promised a deputy chief ministers post with seven departments and a position for her as an MP, but received nothing. She said they were given local bodies and tourism and were told these would be run according to the chief minister. She questioned why Rahul Gandhi speaks against corruption when his own people are corrupt. She alleged that the people around him are totally corrupt and that he has no time for honest people who want to tell him what is going wrong, adding that the party will not win Punjab in this manner. Rahul Gandhi talks good. He talks sense. But what he does and what he says is very different. For the past eight months, I have been asking for a time to tell him that your people, your president or your person appointed in Punjab is not doing justice to Punjab. Hes killing Congress in Punjab. Im just asking you for a seating to tell you that your party is being destroyed in Punjab. Theyve already sold the tickets If youre not aware of whats happening beneath you, then Im sorry. You dont deserve that chair. You are responsible for what you are doing We left everything for Punjab, and you promised us a deputy CM post with seven departments and me as an MP, but you gave us nothing. You gave us local bodies and tourism, and you wanted them to be run according to the CM Why are you talking against corruption when your own people are corrupt? And youre liking those corrupt people around you. The people surrounding you are totally corrupt. You have no time for the honest people who want to come and tell you that this is going wrong, youre not going to win Punjab," she added. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:39 IST News politics You Don't Deserve That Chair': Navjot Kaur Sidhu Slams Rahul Gandhi, Praises 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... AI Summit Snarl: Ashwini Vaishnaw Apologises, Says Massive Youth Turnout Behind Day-One Disruptions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:28 IST With total registrations already surpassing 300,000, the first day saw long queues and significant delays at entry points Visitors during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on February 16, 2026. (Image: PTI) Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw issued a formal apology on Tuesday for the logistical hurdles and overcrowding that marred the opening day of the India AI Impact Summit. Speaking at a press conference at New Delhis Bharat Mandapam, the minister attributed the disruptions to a phenomenal" and unprecedented surge in attendance, which saw more than 70,000 people arrive at the venue on the first day alone. Phenomenal Turnout and Operational Challenges The summit, positioned as one of the worlds largest gatherings dedicated to artificial intelligence, initially struggled to cope with the sheer scale of global interest. With total registrations already surpassing 300,000, the first day saw long queues and significant delays at entry points. Participants, including startup founders, international delegates, and researchers, reported being stranded for hours as security protocols for VVIP movementsincluding the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modiclashed with the massive public footfall. The response was phenomenal. The energy is palpable," Vaishnaw remarked, acknowledging the enthusiasm of the youth and the tech community. He admitted that the intensity of the crowd had caused pockets of confusion", but assured stakeholders that a dedicated war room has been operational since Monday to streamline the experience for the remainder of the five-day event. Incidents and Corrective Measures The first day was not without specific controversies. Several exhibitors and startup founders voiced their disappointment on social media over overlapping security directives. Most notably, Dhananjay Yadav, CEO of Neo Sapien, alleged that AI wearables intended for display were stolen from his stall during a mandatory security evacuation for the Prime Ministers visit. Other attendees flagged patchy" Wi-Fi connectivity and registration glitches that prevented even pre-registered delegates from accessing certain sessions. Responding to these criticisms, Vaishnaw emphasised that the government is open-minded" and actively seeking feedback to ensure the organisation remains smooth. He noted that seating capacities and help desks have been increased, and communication regarding security sweeps has been improved to prevent a repeat of the opening-day chaos. A Vision for Indias AI Stack Beyond the apologies, the minister utilised the platform to outline Indias ambitious AI roadmap. He projected that the country is poised to receive over $200 billion in investments across the AI stack" over the next two years. He highlighted Indias unique position in the Global South, leveraging its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to democratise AI access. The summit, which features over 300 pavilions and delegates from 60 countries, continues to host high-profile discussions on responsible AI, sovereign models like BharatGen, and the inevitable role of AI in national defence. Despite the initial friction, the minister maintained that the events scale proves India has arrived as a central pillar of the global AI map. First Published: February 17, 2026, 17:07 IST News tech AI Summit Snarl: Ashwini Vaishnaw Apologises, Says Massive Youth Turnout Behind Day-One Disruptions 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... Apple Special Event Confirmed For March 2026: iPhone 17e, New Macs Expected? Curated By : Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 08:17 IST Apple has confirmed the event in March 2026 and we could see the company announce multiple products in the market. Apple's new special event in March looks to be Mac-focused. (Photo: 9to5Mac) Apple is hosting a special event for select media on March 4, 2026 where we could get more details about the iPhone 17e (or not), new Macs, iPads and more. The company seems to be doing a special gathering with the focus on a special Apple experience so we might not see the company host an online event, or make any big announcement. Instead, Apple could showcase these devices to these select people in New York city and other parts of the world, while the rest of us wait for the official details revealed via a press release most likely. Apples March 2026 Special Event: Whats Happening? The report from 9to5Mac and few more sources have cited the invite for this event, and claim that Apple could announce the iPhone 17e model, the budget MacBook we have heard so much about in rumours, the M5 Pro MacBook Pros and a few iPad upgrades. As we have come to expect, this new Apple invite teaser has some clues about what the company might announce or show. The colour hues hint at the new iPhone, or maybe even the entry-level MacBook as well as the iPad 12 gen refresh. It doesnt suggest the MacBook Pro M5 launch in any way, so we could see that announced at a later date next month. The M5 MacBook Pro versions are likely to be mostly the hardware upgrades like the earlier model launched in October by the company. The budget MacBook will most likely grab all the attention, and we do hope the affordable model doesnt go the iPhone 16e way and become a strong option for millions to enter the macOS universe. Apple has managed to make the iPhones appealing for many, who are happy to spend big and even take finances to make it work. If the same focus enables them to buy the new Macs, it will be a big win for launching this product. Imagine if this budget MacBook could sell for around Rs 60,000 (with $599 as the selling price) in India, and you open a whole new market for this product. We will be keeping a keen eye on how this device, and other iPad upgrades work out when the company reveals them early next month. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: February 17, 2026, 08:17 IST News tech Apple Special Event Confirmed For March 2026: iPhone 17e, New Macs Expected? 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... ChatGPT Gets Lockdown Mode For Stronger Data Safety: Heres What It Offers For Users Curated By : Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 12:36 IST OpenAI is offering better safety for ChatGPT users with two new features that will look to stop prompt injections and other attacks. These two safety features will help users protect their data. Most users are aware about lockdown modes on their smartphones but with the amount of AI in the open, OpenAI has decided to bring its own version for ChatGPT users. The lockdown mode for ChatGPT guarantees better safety for your data/chats on the AI platform but also alerting them about possible risks where their data can be exposed or exploited. OpenAI realises the perils of using these AI chatbots, especially with AI agents at work for different tasks. And for that, the company is bringing another feature called Elevated risk labels where any dangers of prompt injections can be handled before they wreak havoc. Lockdown Mode And Elevated Risk Labels In ChatGPT: All Details ChatGPT interacts with the internet where OpenAI cannot control how your data is accessed, and the lockdown mode will help the users restrict the reach of their content on external sources. This feature will also block the use of certain tools that need access to the internet as well as talk to other servers for sharing or receiving data. This restriction is designed to prevent sensitive data from being exfiltrated to an attacker through browsing. Some features are disabled entirely when we cant provide strong deterministic guarantees of data safety," OpenAI mentions in its post. Having the feature doesnt mean it will be useful for everyone, and the company points out that advanced security is mostly suited to people who handle sensitive information and data through the AI chatbot. Lockdown mode is available for ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu, ChatGPT for Healthcare, and ChatGPT for Teachers which can be enabled by IT admins from the workspace settings. Elevated labels risk as the name suggests is there to alert the ChatGPT users about possible attempts of the AI going rogue. This feature has been designed to tackle the prompt injection attacks, wherein the hackers can infect prompts to make the AI agents and models deliver malicious files into the targeted system. This is more relevant for its products like ChatGPT Atlas AI browser and Codex that platforms a wide array of AI agents for enterprise tasks. Location : California, USA First Published: February 17, 2026, 12:36 IST News tech ChatGPT Gets Lockdown Mode For Stronger Data Safety: Heres What It Offers For Users 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... Metas Smart Glasses Could Bring Privacy Concerns For Users This Year: Know More Curated By : Last Updated: February 16, 2026, 16:26 IST Meta smart glasses can play music, click photos and soon they could even help you recognise people in the crowd. Meta's smart glasses could get this feature that has never been welcomed. Meta has succeeded with the Ray Ban smart glasses and we also have seen the new versions with a built-in display. And soon the company is planning to bring facial recognition through its glasses which is surely going to become a privacy concern for many. As mentioned in by the New York Times in a report, Meta is running an internal project called Name Tag that will allow people to identify others near them through these glasses and with the help of an AI assistant. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Meta, is said to be aware of the technology and how it could give his eyewear products the big edge over the rivals in the market. Smart Glasses And AI: Sounds Trouble Privacy experts and advocates have been worried about the trend around smart glasses, and one of the reasons is to stop facial recognition having an accessible tool. The report, citing sources, suggests Meta realises the risks and concerns that many have around the use of smart glasses with facial recognition powered on, but it also is unlikely to ignore the obvious route to enhance its own growing reputation in the wearable space. The internal memo from last year says Meta wants to release the feature responsibly, and is aware of its safety and privacy risks. This is quite similar to OpenAIs push for ads in ChatGPT, and assuring that it will not overdo its use to hamper the overall experience and alleged tracking of its users and their personal chats. Second Time Lucky? To be fair this is not the first time when Meta has tried to make facial recognition work through its smart glasses. Back in 2021, the company did plan for the feature but had to cancel those ideas for multiple reasons. Fast-forward to 2026, and you have a thriving smart glasses market, where Meta is leading the space, and its new approach could be less invasive. The report from NYT suggests the company could limit its access to people you know, or have a profile with Meta platforms, which itself could pose different issues with regulators in the near future. These glasses have obvious benefits but when you look at the history of a brand like Meta, and see them involved in these activities, concerns are bound to rise and rightly so. Location : Palo Alto, California, USA First Published: February 16, 2026, 16:26 IST News tech Metas Smart Glasses Could Bring Privacy Concerns For Users This Year: Know More 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... 'Preparation Is The Antidote': PM Modi Addresses AI Job Loss Fears Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 19:26 IST The Prime Minister drew parallels with past technological revolutions, noting that history has consistently shown that innovation does not eliminate work; it transforms its nature PM Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 16, 2026. (Image: PMO/PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed one of the most pressing anxieties of the modern era: the fear among the youth that artificial intelligence will lead to widespread job displacement. Acknowledging these concerns with empathy in a comprehensive interview with ANI around the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Prime Minister asserted that preparation is the best antidote to fear". He outlined a vision where AI acts as a partner to human intelligence rather than a replacement for it. A Historical Perspective on Innovation The Prime Minister drew parallels with past technological revolutions, noting that history has consistently shown that innovation does not eliminate work; it transforms its nature. He reminded the youth that for centuries, every major breakthroughfrom the Industrial Revolution to the birth of the internetwas met with similar scepticism regarding the future of employment. However, in each instance, new sectors emerged that were previously unimaginable. Whenever innovation happens, new opportunities emerge," he noted, expressing confidence that the age of AI would follow this same trajectory by creating entirely new categories of high-quality tech jobs. AI as a Force Multiplier Central to the Prime Ministers argument is the concept of AI as a force multiplier." He explained that instead of making professionals redundant, AI will empower them to reach greater heights. He cited examples of how doctors, teachers, and lawyers can leverage these tools to assist larger groups of people with greater precision and efficiency. In this context, AI is viewed as a servant of human dignity that enhances human capability, allowing the workforce to focus on high-value, creative, and empathetic tasks while automation handles the routine. Proactive Skilling and Global Standing To ensure that Indias demographic dividend is protected, the Prime Minister highlighted the governments massive investment in skilling and re-skilling". He stated that the administration is treating AI-driven disruption as a present imperative" rather than a future problem. The success of this proactive approach is already visible on the global stage; the Prime Minister referenced the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index 2025, where India ranked 3rd globally, reflecting the countrys robust growth in AI talent and research. By combining innovation with inclusion, the Prime Minister assured the younger generation that they are well-equipped to adapt. He concluded that with the right skills and the support of the IndiaAI Mission, the youth of India will not just survive the AI revolution but will lead the future of work on a global scale. First Published: February 17, 2026, 18:53 IST News tech 'Preparation Is The Antidote': PM Modi Addresses AI Job Loss Fears 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... 'Tremendous Power, Tremendous Risk': Lt Gen DS Rana Flags Offensive Edge Of AI In Modern Warfare Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 22:51 IST The Chief of the Strategic Forces Command highlighted how AI has become an indispensable tool in combating mass misinformation and psychological warfare Lt Gen DS Rana cautioned that the 'tremendous power' of AI could potentially be utilised for 'AI brinkmanship' or blackmail, similar to historical patterns seen in the nuclear domain. Representational image Addressing the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Lt Gen DS Rana, Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Forces Command, provided a profound analysis of how artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering the global security architecture. Drawing parallels between the current technological shift and the nuclear age, Gen Rana observed that AI has reached a civilisational inflection point where it functions as a potent force multiplier. He cautioned that the tremendous power" of AI could potentially be utilised for AI brinkmanship" or blackmail, similar to historical patterns seen in the nuclear domain, particularly by technologically superior nations against weaker adversaries. A central theme of the Generals address was the offensive nature of AI in the digital realm. He referenced recent autonomous cyberattacks, such as the major breach reported in September 2025 by Chinese state actors against US systems, as evidence of how AI-driven tools can now autonomously identify and exploit vulnerabilities. However, he balanced this by noting that the same technology is being effectively deployed to plug security gaps and enhance defensive resilience. In the context of Operation Sindhu," Gen Rana highlighted how AI has become an indispensable tool in combating mass misinformation and psychological warfare, which have become standard components of modern conflict. Beyond cyber warfare, the General detailed the integration of AI into conventional military operations. He noted that the Indian military is transitioning AI usage from basic logistics and predictive maintenance into sophisticated command and control systems. This includes enhancing maritime domain awareness and executing high-precision electronic warfare and jamming at tactical levels. He specifically pointed to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a lesson in the efficacy of low-cost, cheap, and easily scalable" AI-based battlefield systems, which are being deployed rapidly without waiting for traditional top-down development cycles. Gen Rana concluded by advocating for a formalised AI Security Doctrine" for India to ensure that resources are utilised strategically. He emphasised the necessity of civil-military fusion" to enhance national capabilities and boost indigenous talent. Reaffirming Indias stance as a global leader in ethical technology, he asserted that as India emerges as an AI superpower, it will maintain its tradition as a responsible AI power", much like its established status as a responsible nuclear power. This includes ensuring that high-level leadership is assisted by AI to understand the second and third-order effects of their decisions rather than viewing tactical actions in isolation. First Published: February 17, 2026, 22:51 IST News tech 'Tremendous Power, Tremendous Risk': Lt Gen DS Rana Flags Offensive Edge Of AI In Modern Warfare 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 You Ever Seen Dead Body Move? It May Look Scary, But Science Has An Explanation Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:25 IST The movements are the result of natural biological and chemical changes that take place as the body begins to break down. One of the most talked-about examples is called the Lazarus sign. We have often seen a body suddenly sit up or an arm slowly move in horror movies that are designed for jump-scare moments. But what if that happens in real life? No, were not joking. Bodies do move after death in some cases. While it is definitely scary, there is science behind it. Experts have said that these movements are the result of natural biological and chemical changes that take place as the body begins to break down. The Lazarus Reflex: When Arms Appear To Move One of the most talked-about examples is called the Lazarus sign. This has been observed in brain-dead patients. In this situation, the arms may lift, bend at the elbows and then fall back onto the chest or neck. It can even look like a brief grasping motion. But doctors explain that this is not a sign of life returning. It is a spinal reflex controlled by the cervical spinal cord not the brain. It often occurs during apnea testing or when ventilator support is removed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashekur Rahman (@jogfoleng) Why Do Bodies Move After Death? The movements during post-mortem fall under these categories: Muscle Twitches And Reflexes: Soon after death, some nerve cells remain active for a short time. The leftover electrical signals and chemical reactions inside muscle cells can cause small jerks or twitches. These movements usually happen within minutes after clinical death. Rigor Mortis And Muscle Locking: A few hours (over 5-6) after death, the body begins to stiffen. This stage is called rigor mortis. It happens because muscles no longer receive ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), the energy needed to relax. Without it, muscles stay contracted and stiff. When rigor mortis later fades (usually after one to three days) the relaxing muscles can sometimes give the appearance of slight movement. Decomposition And Gas Build-Up: As the body decomposes, bacteria inside produce gases. This can cause bloating and internal pressure which may shift limbs or the torso. Over time, as tissues dry out, they shrink and tighten. This shrinking can pull on arms or legs, sometimes causing noticeable repositioning. Australian Study Captures Months Of Movement In 2019, researchers at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER) conducted a long-term study using time-lapse cameras to observe human decomposition over 17 months. The facility, often referred to as Australias first body farm," studies how bodies break down under different conditions to replicate crime scene scenarios. Researcher Alyson Wilson told ABC Australia News, What we found was that the arms were significantly moving, so that arms that started off down beside the body ended up out to the side of the body. One arm went out and then came back into nearly touching the side of the body again." She admitted she expected some movement early on but was surprised that it continued throughout the 17 months of filming. According to her, the motion was likely caused by ligaments drying out, shrinking and pulling on the limbs. Dr Xanthe Mallett from the University of Newcastle, who also works with AFTER, said the findings were important. What isnt known is that the body moves as part of the decomposition process and its the first time that its been captured, as far as I know. I think people will be surprised at just how much movement there was, because I was amazed when I saw it, especially how much the arms were moving. It was astounding," Dr Mallet said. Dr Maiken Ueland, deputy director of AFTER, added that insects and gas build-up also played a role in causing movement during the early and middle stages of decomposition. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 17, 2026, 10:25 IST News viral Have You Ever Seen Dead Body Move? It May Look Scary, But Science Has An Explanation 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... Rev. Jesse Jackson has died "peacefully surrounded by his family". Jesse Jackson has died The celebrated civil rights leader passed away on Tuesday (17.02.26) at the age of 84 after a long struggle with declining health including a Parkinsons disease diagnosis and a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which affects walking and swallowing. A message released by Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition reads: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. "He died peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family ... "Public observances will be held in Chicago. Final arrangements for Reverend Jacksons celebration of life services, including all public events, will be released by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition." Jackson's family added in a statement: "Our father was a servant leader - not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world. "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by." Jackson - who grew up in South Carolina - came to prominence in the civil rights era working alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and becoming part of his inner circle. He marched alongside King in 1965 in Selma, Alabama and was with him on the day he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. Jackson was ordained later that same year despite dropping out of a course at Chicago Theological Seminary to focus on his civil rights work with King. After King's death Jackson founded Chicago-based organisation PUSH in 1971 to continue the fight and he went on to create the Rainbow Coalition, to focus on social justice through voter engagement and representation, and they later merged in 1996 to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Speaking about the killing of his mentor, Jackson told the Guardian newspaper in 2018: "They loved him as a martyr after he was killed but rejected him as a marcher when he was alive. "We tend to embrace martyrs. In many ways he has a moral authority now you wouldnt see if he was still alive. He is a universal frame of reference for moral authority, the global frame of reference for nonviolent justice and social change. If he had not died, that probably would not be the case." Jackson went on to make the leap into politics in the 1980s, running for the White House twice - in 1984 and 1988 - and he later worked as special envoy under US President Bill Clinton, who awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. Jackson went public with his Parkinsons disease diagnosis in 2017 revealing his father had also struggled with the same condition. At the time, the civil rights activist said: "After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinsons disease, a disease that bested my father. "Recognition of the effects of this disease on me has been painful, and I have been slow to grasp the gravity of it." He took a step back from public life in recent years to focus on his health. Jackson is survived by his wife Jacqueline and six children. 17 Killed As Militant Attacks Target Checkpoints, Police Stations In Northwest Pakistan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 18:51 IST The latest incidents come as Pakistans security forces face intensifying insurgencies in the southern and northern provinces bordering Afghanistan. Relatives carrying an injured blast victim inside a hospital in Bannu city of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 16. (AFP photo) At least 17 people have been killed in northwest Pakistan after two bomb attacks and a gunfight between police and militants, officials said. The attacks, which took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, also left dozens more injured. The separate incidents come as Pakistans security forces face intensifying insurgencies in the southern and northern provinces bordering Afghanistan. Earlier this month, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a massive suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in the capital, Islamabad, which killed 31 people and wounded 169 others. The latest attacks targeted a checkpoint and a police station, according to a military statement and a security official. In Bajaur district, militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a wall near a checkpoint, killing 11 security personnel and a young girl. The explosion also caused severe damage to nearby residential buildings, injuring seven others. ALSO READ: Cross-Border Strikes On The Table As Pakistan Blames Kabul For TTP Resurgence | Exclusive The military called the assault as a cowardly terrorist attack" and blamed an Indian proxy" group. Security forces said they killed a dozen militants as they tried to flee the scene. A security official told news agency AFP that the vehicle struck the wall of a religious college. In another attack in Bannu, a bomb planted in a rickshaw exploded at the Miryan police station, killing two civilians and wounding 17 others. Elsewhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a search operation in Shangla district left three police personnel and three militants dead. Police said the militants had been involved in attacks targeting Chinese nationals. Chinese-funded projects in Pakistan have frequently been targeted, as Beijing has invested billions in the country through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of its Belt and Road Initiative. In March last year, five Chinese nationals and their driver were killed when a suicide bomber targeted their vehicle near a dam construction site. (With inputs from AFP) Location : Pakistan First Published: February 17, 2026, 18:47 IST News world 17 Killed As Militant Attacks Target Checkpoints, Police Stations In Northwest Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Bangladesh Is No Longer A Submissive Nation': Yunus In His Farewell Address Curated By : Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 07:18 IST Yunus, in his farewell address, added that Bangladesh is no longer a "submissive" nation. Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus (Image: @ChiefAdviserGoB/X) As Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath as the new Prime Minister of the country today, outgoing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Monday said his 18-month rule restored three core pillars of Bangladeshs external engagement sovereignty, national interests and dignity". Yunus, in his farewell address, added that Bangladesh is no longer a submissive" nation. Todays Bangladesh is confident, active, and responsible in protecting its independent interests. It is no longer a country with a submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries," Yunus said as his regimes rule comes to end. Speaking during a televised address a day ahead of quitting power, he emphasised that his 18-month tenure had rebuilt the three fundamental foundations" of the countrys foreign engagement sovereignty, national interests, and dignity". Yunus came to power after his interim regime took over the country in August 2024, following the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman, Tarique Rahman, is set to be sworn in as the countrys next Prime Minister on Tuesday after his party secured a two-thirds majority in the recently held general elections. BNP, led by its chairman Tarique Rahman, bagged a whopping 209 out of 297 seats in the crucial 13th Parliamentary elections held on February 12. I call upon everyone, regardless of party, creed, religion, caste and gender, to continue the struggle to build a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh. With this appeal, I bid farewell with great optimism," Yunus said. Yunus also thanked the Bangladeshi Army chief for the cooperation of the armed forces during the general election. On Sunday, Yunus held the last meeting of his advisory council or cabinet. Bangladeshs Chief of Army Staff Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman also paid a farewell visit to him on Monday. Yunus On Indias Seven Sisters In a final address to the nation before handing over power to a newly elected government headed by the BNPs Tarique Rahman, Muhammad Yunus sparked significant concerns by invoking Indias Seven Sisters alongside Nepal and Bhutan as a singular region combined with Bangladesh. Yunus emphasised the vast growth potential of broader regional cooperation encompassing Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India". Our open sea is not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy," he said, adding that connectivity was central to the countrys next phase of development. (With agency inputs) Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 17, 2026, 07:18 IST News world 'Bangladesh Is No Longer A Submissive Nation': Yunus In His Farewell Address Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BNP, Jamaat Face Off At Bangladesh Oath-Taking Over Reform Council Pledge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 13:13 IST Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasirudin administered the first phase of oath to BNP MPs at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. BNP is led by Tarique Rahman (L), while Jamaat-e-Islami is led by Shafiqur Rahman (R). (Image: Reuters) Bangladesh witnessed a tense political face-off on Tuesday as right-wing Jamaat-e-Islamis newly elected MPs refused to take the oath of office, objecting to the Bangladesh Nationalist Partys (BNP) decision not to take a second pledge as members of the proposed Constitution Reform Council". Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasirudin administered the first phase of oath to BNP MPs at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Jamaat lawmakers were next in line, but the process stalled after BNP declined to take an additional oath linked to endorsing the referendum-backed reform mechanism. We will take no oath unless BNP MPs take oath as members of Constitution Reform Council" alongside regular parliament members," Jamaat deputy chief Abdullah Mohammad Taher said. He added that his party believed parliament without the constitutional reform is meaningless". The second oath is intended to bind MPs to implement the much-publicised July Charter", which calls for sweeping constitutional amendments. The 84-point proposal was put to a referendum, with the election commission reporting that more than 60 per cent of voters cast a yes" vote. However, BNP leaders rejected the need for a separate oath. We have not been elected as members of the Constitution Reform Council; no provision of the council is yet to be incorporated in the Constitution," said Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNPs standing committee and newly elected MP. He conveyed the partys position as directed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. None of us (BNP members) will take the second oath," Ahmed said. In the 13th parliamentary elections, BNP secured 209 of 297 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. The Awami League, led by deposed premier Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the February 12 polls, after which Jamaat emerged as the principal opposition. Under the Constitution, President Mohammad Shahabuddin is set to invite the majority party leader to form the government and administer the oath of the cabinet. BNP has said party chairman Tarique Rahman will lead the new government as Prime Minister. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to draw around 1,200 domestic and foreign guests, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Maldives President Mohammed Muizzoo and representatives from Sri Lanka and Turkey. First Published: February 17, 2026, 13:13 IST News world BNP, Jamaat Face Off At Bangladesh Oath-Taking Over Reform Council Pledge 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 To Take Oath As Bangladesh's Prime Minister Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 07:00 IST Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while opposition Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. (Photo: AFP) Marking the formal return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), its Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is set to be sworn in as the countrys next Prime Minister on Tuesday after leading his party to a massive victory in the recently held crucial general elections. The oath ceremony of the 60-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman is expected to take place at the Southern Plaza of the Bangladesh Parliament House, instead of Bangabhaban. The event is being closely monitored across South Asia, with India featuring prominently among the invited countries. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday afternoon, state-run BSS news agency reported on Monday. The Parliament Secretariat is set to hold the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet members at 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Earlier, the Parliament Members (MPs) will be sworn in at 10:00 am at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex," Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Kaniz Maula said. BNP has called a parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament Building at 11:30 am to elect the parliamentary party leader. As the leader of the majority party, our party chairman, Tarique Rahman, will be the Prime Minister," said Salah Uddin Ahmed, a member of the standing committee of the BNP. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Rahman. 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. According to the Election Commission (EC), the BNP has bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. After his partys victory, Rahman visited the homes of his political rivals, including Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, where he exchanged greetings and held cordial discussions. Rahman would become the prime minister for the first time. He will replace the interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh recently held its 13th parliamentary election on February 12 after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation, including widespread attacks on minorities after the student-led protests brought down the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasinas Awami League party was barred from contesting the polls. Four candidates from minority communities, including two Hindus, all from the BNP, won in the elections. Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, a member of the BNPs highest policy-making standing committee, and Nitai Roy Chowdhury, one of the vice presidents of the party, won their seats. The third minority MP-elect is Saching Pru, a senior BNP leader and follower of the Buddhist faith, while the fourth minority candidate, Dipen Dewan, belongs to the Buddhist majority Chakma ethnic minority group. Hindus comprise approximately eight per cent of the population in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people. Maldives President Mohammed Muizzoo, Turkish Undersecretary Beris Ekinci and Sri Lankas Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa would be among those attending Rahmans oath ceremony. Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 17, 2026, 05:36 IST News world BNP's Tarique Rahman To Take Oath As Bangladesh's Prime Minister Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Will Faithfully Discharge My Duties': Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh New PM Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 16:34 IST Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, leading the first elected government since the deadly 2024 uprising. Newly-elected Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. (AFP photo) Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, leading the countrys first elected government since the deadly 2024 uprising. The oath was administered by Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin under the open sky at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the national parliament building, rather than at Bangabhaban, the Presidents official residence where such ceremonies are usually held. Dozens of Cabinet members were also sworn in during the ceremony, which was broadcast live on state television. I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of prime minister of the government in accordance with the law," Rahman said during the ceremony. ALSO READ: BNP, Jamaat Face Off At Bangladesh Oath-Taking Over Reform Council Pledge Earlier in the day, Rahman was elected leader of the parliamentary party by lawmakers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Rahman, 60, led the BNP to a landslide victory in the February 12 general elections. The party secured 209 of the 297 contested seats in the 13th parliamentary elections. The BNP coalition won 212 seats overall, while the Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. The Awami League of former premier Sheikh Hasina was barred from contesting the polls. The vote was the first since the massive 2024 uprising that toppled Hasinas government. An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus had been in charge for the past 18 months in the country of 170 million people. Rahmans victory marks a remarkable turnaround. He returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain. He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated President Ziaur Rahman, and becomes Bangladeshs first male prime minister in 35 years. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 17, 2026, 15:52 IST News world 'Will Faithfully Discharge My Duties': Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh New PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Everything He Touches Turns To Garbage': Trump Slams California Governor Over UK Green Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 05:34 IST Gavin Newsom and Britains energy secretary signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and California. US President Donald Trump. (Image: AFP) US President Donald Trump sharply criticised a clean energy partnership between Gavin Newsom and the United Kingdom, calling the California governor a loser" whose work turns to garbage" as Britain moves to deepen cooperation with the US state on climate and clean technology. In an interview with Politico, Trump warned British leaders that the UKs got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum," using a derogatory nickname he reserves for Newsom, and called it inappropriate" for the UK to strike such agreements with him. What UK Said On Deal With California The comments came after Newsom and Britains energy secretary signed a memorandum of understanding in London aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and California on clean energy investment, technology sharing and climate resilience. The pact is intended to open new opportunities for British companies in the Californian market and accelerate joint action on offshore wind and other low-carbon technologies. Read more: In Historic First, US Airlifts Micro Nuclear Reactor From California To Utah | Watch The UK described the deal as a vehicle for boosting transatlantic cooperation on climate goals, creating jobs and expanding innovation across sectors such as renewable energy and biodiversity protection. A UK government statement said the agreement would help cut energy bills, create jobs and tackle the climate crisis" and strengthen ties between British and Californian researchers and businesses. What Newsom Said On Trump Remarks Newsom, a potential contender for the US Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, has used his European visit to promote climate action and meet international leaders. A Newsom spokesperson responded to Trumps remarks by accusing his administration of favouring polluting" industries and ignoring global cooperation on climate solutions, affirming that California will continue its environmental commitments independent of federal positions. In London, after attending the Munich Security Conference, Newsom said, Donald Trumps administration is temporary. Californias commitment is not." The California governor also met Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who joined Latin American countries in condemning the recent US military intervention in Venezuela and Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz who criticised Trumps reorientation of US foreign policy during an appearance in Munich. Location : California, USA First Published: February 17, 2026, 05:34 IST News world 'Everything He Touches Turns To Garbage': Trump Slams California Governor Over UK Green 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... Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Meets Bangladesh Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman In Dhaka Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 22:41 IST Vikram Misri along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited Dhaka to attend the inauguration of the newly elected government. Vikram Misri held a courtesy meeting with Bangladeshs Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday held a courtesy meeting with Bangladeshs Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The interaction was being described as a courtesy call, underscoring Indias engagement with key political stakeholders in Bangladesh. Misri along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited Dhaka to attend the inauguration of the newly elected government. Birla attended the ceremony in Dhaka as the special envoy of the Government of India and conveyed PM Modis greetings and best wishes to Rahman on assuming office. He also handed over an invitation from the Prime Minister for an official visit to India. Just concluded a constructive meeting with Prime Minister of Bangladesh @trahmanbnp. I handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi conveying his wishes to PM Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience," Birla tweeted and shared photos from the meeting. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, leading the countrys first elected government since the deadly 2024 uprising. The oath was administered by Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin under the open sky at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the national parliament building, rather than at Bangabhaban, the Presidents official residence where such ceremonies are usually held. Dozens of Cabinet members were also sworn in during the ceremony, which was broadcast live on state television. I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of prime minister of the government in accordance with the law," Rahman said during the ceremony. Rahman, 60, led the BNP to a landslide victory in the February 12 general elections. The party secured 209 of the 297 contested seats in the 13th parliamentary elections. The BNP coalition won 212 seats overall, while the Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats. The Awami League of former premier Sheikh Hasina was barred from contesting the polls. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 17, 2026, 21:37 IST News world Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Meets Bangladesh Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman In Dhaka 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... Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump Administration Of Cover-Up In Epstein Case: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 23:34 IST Hillary Clinton accuses Trump administration of a cover-up in handling Epstein files, calls for public testimony, and denies any connection to Epstein. The former Presidential candidate alleged that she and her husband were being used to divert attention away from Trump. (Instagram Image) Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accused President Donald Trumps administration of a continuing cover-up" with regard to handling files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to BBC. They are slow-walking it, they are redacting the names of men who are in it, they are stonewalling legitimate requests from members of Congress," the former US secretary of state told the BBC in Berlin, where she attended the annual World Forum. This comes amid White Houses repeated comments that by releasing the files they had done more for the victims than Democrats ever have". Earlier this month, millions of files relating to the Epstein were released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). Also Read: Negotiated In Good Faith: Bill, Hillary Clinton To Testify Before US House In Epstein Investigation According to BBC, the deputy attorney general previously said three million pages were not released due to the existence of personal medical files, graphic depictions of child abuse or other material that would jeopardise investigations. Speaking on whether former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should go before a congressional committee, Hillary Clinton said: I think everybody should testify who is asked to testify." Bill Clinton will make his appearance on February 27 and Hillary Clinton will appear the day before. BBC quoted Hillary reiterating the couples call for their congressional committee hearing to be in public rather than a closed-door deposition. We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public," she said. I just want it to be fair. I want everybody treated the same way." The former Presidential candidate alleged that they were being used to divert attention away from Trump. Look at this shiny object. Were going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy," she said. She further said she had met Ghislaine Maxwell Epsteins convicted associate on a few occasions". In response to Hillarys remarks in the interview, Trump said: Ive been exonerated. I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They went in hoping that theyd find it, and they found just the opposite." Theyre getting pulled in. And thats their problem Clinton and many other Democrats have been pulled in," she added. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 17, 2026, 23:34 IST News world Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump Administration Of Cover-Up In Epstein Case: 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... I Have Nothing To Hide: Trump Denies Epstein Links, Says He Was Totally Exonerated Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 06:41 IST Trump and Epstein moved in the same social circles in New York and Palm Beach in the 1990s and early 2000s. US President Donald Trump. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) US President Donald Trump issued a strong denial of any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, saying he had been totally exonerated" and insisting he had no involvement with the convicted sex offender. I have nothing to hide. I have been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein," Trump said. His remarks come after the recent release of Epstein-related files by the US Department of Justice, which has renewed scrutiny of the late financiers links with prominent political and business figures. The department published more than 3 million additional pages, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. In total, nearly 3.5 million pages have been officially released. Read more: Everything He Touches Turns To Garbage: Trump Slams California Governor Over UK Green Deal Trumps Ties With Epstein Trump and Epstein moved in the same social circles in New York and Palm Beach in the 1990s and early 2000s. They were photographed together at several events and Epstein was known to have visited Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort during that period. In a 2002 interview with New York Magazine, Trump described Epstein as a terrific guy" and said he liked beautiful women on the younger side". Trump Says He Cut Ties With Epstein Trump has repeatedly said he later distanced himself from Epstein. He has stated that Epstein was barred from Mar-a-Lago in the mid-2000s, reportedly following a dispute and concerns about his behaviour. Their relationship is also believed to have soured around 2004, when the two competed to purchase the same oceanfront property in Palm Beach, which Trump ultimately acquired. Trump has never been criminally charged in connection with Epsteins trafficking case. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to charges related to soliciting a minor and served jail time under a controversial plea deal. He was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges but died in jail before his trial. Authorities ruled his death a suicide. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: February 17, 2026, 06:34 IST News world I Have Nothing To Hide: Trump Denies Epstein Links, Says He Was Totally Exonerated 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... Ill Be Involved Indirectly: Trump On High-Stakes US-Iran Nuclear Talks In Geneva Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 07:15 IST The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, and officials have indicated the military is preparing for the possibility of a sustained campaign. US President Donald Trump. (IMAGE: AFP) US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would be involved indirectly" in the upcoming high-stakes nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, adding that he believes Iran wants to reach a deal. Ill be involved in those talks, indirectly. And theyll be very important," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. He suggested that Tehran had learned from past confrontations and may now be more inclined to negotiate. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump said, recalling that the US had previously carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s. I hope theyre going to be more reasonable." Tensions remain high ahead of the talks. The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, and officials have indicated that the military is preparing for the possibility of a sustained campaign if diplomacy fails. Before the June strikes, talks had stalled over Washingtons demand that Iran forgo uranium enrichment on its soil, which the US views as a potential pathway to developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, however, has maintained that it will not accept zero enrichment and is willing to discuss only curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he was in Geneva to achieve a fair and equitable deal," adding, What is not on the table: submission before threats." Tehran has also rejected expanding negotiations to include its missile programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency has been pressing Iran to account for its stockpile of 440 kg of highly enriched uranium and to allow full inspections at key sites bombed last year. Meanwhile, Iran has conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz and warned it could close the vital waterway in response to any attack, a move that could disrupt global oil supplies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching a deal would be difficult but acknowledged there was an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement." First Published: February 17, 2026, 07:15 IST News world Ill Be Involved Indirectly: Trump On High-Stakes US-Iran Nuclear Talks In Geneva 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... AIDesigner is an AI-powered tool designed to streamline the creation of professional-quality user interfaces (UI) for websites and mobile applications. 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Final Thoughts AIDesigner presents a compelling solution for businesses looking to enhance their digital presence through high-quality UI designs. Its AI-driven features, such as the Prototype Generator and Website Cloner, offer valuable tools for creating and refining user interfaces efficiently. The Pro plans pricing structure provides flexibility and scalability, catering to various business needs. Overall, AIDesigner stands out as a versatile and accessible tool for modern UI design. Visit aidesigner.ai for more. Man Wearing Tactical Vest Runs Toward US Capitol Carrying Loaded Shotgun, Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 02:33 IST US Capitol Police arrested an 18-year-old with a loaded shotgun, extra ammo, and gear on the West Front. Rapid Read Police said the 18-year-old complied with orders to drop the weapon before being taken into custody on the Capitols West Front. (IMAGE: REUTERS) An 18-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday after he rushed towards the US Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun. US Capitol Police officers confronted the suspect, who was wearing a tactical vest and gloves, and ordered him to drop the weapon. He complied, placing the shotgun on the ground and lying down before officers took him into custody on the West Front of the Capitol, Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan told reporters. Who knows what would have happened if we wouldnt have officers standing here?" the chief said, adding that the department had run active shooter drills in almost the identical spot in recent months. Sullivan said the suspect was carrying additional ammunition at the time of his arrest. Authorities also searched the mans vehicle a white Mercedes SUV parked near the building and recovered a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask, according to US broadcaster NBC News who first reported the development. Police said the suspect is not from the Washington, DC, area and was not previously known to law enforcement. Officials have not provided further details, including a possible motive, and the investigation is ongoing, Sullivan said. The arrest took place while lawmakers are away from Washington for recess, though congressional staff continue to work on Capitol Hill. The incident comes a week before President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address at the Capitol on February 24, a period when security around the complex is typically heightened. Capitol Police have dealt with similar incidents in the past involving armed individuals either outside the complex or attempting to pass through security. Authorities have repeatedly warned about a rise in threats against lawmakers and congressional staff in recent years. A US Capitol Police report released last month found that threats related to Congress increased for a third consecutive year in 2025, reaching their highest level in years, NBC News reported. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 18, 2026, 02:33 IST News world Man Wearing Tactical Vest Runs Toward US Capitol Carrying Loaded Shotgun, Arrested 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... Nepal Gears Up For March 5 Elections As Official Campaigning By Political Parties Begin Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:18 IST The formal campaign activities, including public meetings, rallies, processions, corner meetings and the use of loudspeakers, will take place from February 16 to March 2. Political parties in Nepal on Monday officially began campaigning for upcoming elections on March 5. (Image: X) Political parties in Nepal on Monday officially began campaigning for the next months parliamentary elections, scheduled for March 5, the first since deadly anti-corruption GenZ protests toppled the previous KP Sharma Oli government in 2025. Soon after the restrictions imposed by the Election Commission (EC) on the launch of the election campaign ended on Sunday night, the candidates started door-to-door visits, public meetings and rallies. The formal campaign activities, including public meetings, rallies, processions, corner meetings and the use of loudspeakers, will take place from February 16 to March 2, the Nepal poll body said. Additionally, it has been mentioned that all types of campaigning must stop 48 hours before the general election. The campaigning is set to stop from midnight on March 2. Nepal Prepares For Election According to the data, there are a total of 18,903,689 eligible voters for the election. At least 915,119 new voters have registered recently in comparison to the last parliamentary election in 2022. The Lower House of Parliament has 275 lawmakers, of which 165 are elected through the first past the post (FPTP) system or direct voting, while 110 are elected through proportionate voting. According to the reports, 3,400 candidates under the direct voting system, 3,200 are under the proportionate system are seeking to get elected during the upcoming general election, being held months are the GenZ protesters toppled the Nepal government. The EC is engaged in full swing in the preparations for conducting the election through around 10,500 polling stations and 23,112 polling booths. According to the EC, over 2,13,000 staff and more than 3,30,000 security personnel will be engaged for the smooth conduct of the general elections on March 5. The election security is being arranged under the coordination of the Nepal Army to conduct the election in a free and fearless manner. (With agency inputs) Location : Nepal First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:18 IST News world Nepal Gears Up For March 5 Elections As Official Campaigning By Political Parties Begin 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... Om Birla Attends Tarique Rahmans Swearing-In, Hands Over PM Modis Invite To Visit India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 19:42 IST Om Birla represented India at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in in Dhaka, delivered Narendra Modi's invitation, and discussed regional cooperation with leaders from Maldives and Bhutan. Rapid Read Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represents India in Dhaka, conveys PMs wishes and invitation for official visit to new Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman. (IMAGE: X/@ombirlakota) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where he handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official visit to India. Birla attended the ceremony in Dhaka as the special envoy of the Government of India and conveyed Modis greetings and best wishes to Rahman on assuming office. During their meeting, Birla reiterated that India stands ready to support Bangladeshs efforts to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. The Lok Sabha Speaker also handed over a formal letter from Modi inviting Rahman to visit India at a mutually convenient time. Just concluded a constructive meeting with Prime Minister of Bangladesh @trahmanbnp. I handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi conveying his wishes to PM Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience," Birla tweeted and shared photos from the meeting. I extended warm congratulations on behalf of the people of India and reaffirmed our commitment to deepening the enduring partnership between our two neighbouring countries," he said. Just concluded a constructive meeting with Prime Minister of Bangladesh @trahmanbnpI handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi conveying his wishes to PM Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience. I extended warm congratulations pic.twitter.com/gFNqLmnxsT Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 17, 2026 India and Bangladesh share close ties rooted in history, culture and extensive people-to-people contacts. On the sidelines of the ceremony, Birla also met several leaders, including the President of Maldives and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, where he discussed issues of mutual interest and regional cooperation. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 17, 2026, 19:22 IST News world Om Birla Attends Tarique Rahmans Swearing-In, Hands Over PM Modis Invite To Visit India 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... Suicide Attack In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nine Security Personnel Among 16 Dead Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 09:59 IST According to local sources, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into security forces stationed at the Malangi checkpoint. Suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtukhwa At least 16 people, including nine security personnel, were killed in a suicide attack in Pakistans northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday. The vehicle-borne blast targeted a security checkpoint in the Malangi area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur District, a region that has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months. According to local sources, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into security forces stationed at the Malangi checkpoint. The powerful explosion was followed by a coordinated assault by armed militants, suggesting a pre-planned and complex operation. Nine members of Pakistans security forces were killed on the spot, while several others sustained injuries. Civilians are also believed to be among the dead, taking the overall toll to at least 16. Some reports claimed that the blast occurred near or at a madrassa building in Malangi, which was completely destroyed in the explosion. The force of the detonation caused significant structural damage in the surrounding area, shattering windows and spreading panic among residents. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with smoke billowing into the sky and gunfire heard after the initial explosion as militants allegedly attempted to storm the area. Rescue operations were temporarily halted due to the follow-up assault, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. Security forces later cordoned off the site and launched a clearance operation to secure the area. Bajaur, which borders Afghanistan, has long been considered a sensitive district due to cross-border militant movement. In recent years, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups have intensified attacks on security forces across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Similar suicide bombings and coordinated assaults have taken place in districts such as North Waziristan and Peshawar, targeting military convoys, police stations and public gatherings. The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing Pakistans northwest, as authorities grapple with a renewed wave of militancy in the region. First Published: February 17, 2026, 09:59 IST News world Suicide Attack In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nine Security Personnel Among 16 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... Tarique Rahman To Take Oath As Bangladesh PM Today: Who All Are Attending The Swearing-In? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 10:46 IST Marking the formal return of the BNP, Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Bangladesh's next Prime Minister on Tuesday. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman has claimed a sweeping victory in the countrys first parliamentary election since a student-led revolution toppled the last government in 2024. File pic The oath-taking ceremony of Bangladeshs Prime Minister-elect, Tarique Rahman, is drawing a significant line-up of foreign dignitaries to Dhaka today, with representatives arriving from across South Asia and beyond. India will be represented at the ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, expected to be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received the invitation, will not be attending, as he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday in Mumbai. Who All Are Attending Tarique Rahmans Oath Ceremony? Confirmed international attendees to the oath ceremony include: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Foreign ministers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan are also expected to be present. According to Outlook India, Turkish Undersecretary Beris Ekinci and Sri Lankas Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa are also among the foreign dignitaries expected to attend. Furthermore, heads of government from over a dozen countries have been invited, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Leaders from China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, and Brunei were invited as well. Rahmans Oath Taking Today Breaking the tradition, the oath ceremony will take place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan, the national parliament complex. According to ANI, because many more guests were invited, the Durbar Hall at Bangabhavan could not accommodate the large number, so the ceremony is being held at the South Plaza. Around a thousand guests are expected in total. According to the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to Rahman and his cabinet at 4 pm local time. Earlier in the morning, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin swore in the newly elected Members of Parliament. Rahmans BNP secured 209 of 297 seats in the 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12, with Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the main opposition with 68 seats. The Awami League, led by ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the polls. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: February 17, 2026, 10:46 IST News world Tarique Rahman To Take Oath As Bangladesh PM Today: Who All Are Attending The 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... US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Admiral Paparo Visit Indian Army's Western Command HQ Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 13:14 IST US Ambassador and INDOPACOM Commander visited Indian Army's Western Command HQ and held talks with Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar. US delegation met the Indian Army Western Command GOC-in-C on Monday. (Image: X/@UsAmbIndia) A high-level American delegation visited the Indian Armys Western Command headquarters at Chandimandir, near Chandigarh, on Monday, in a significant step toward strengthening defence ties between India and the United States. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Admiral Samuel J Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), held detailed talks with Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command. Discussions centred on strategic security dynamics along Indias western frontier, which covers Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. The visiting delegation received a full briefing on the commands operational readiness, its institutional history, and the execution of Operation Sindoor. The American officials were also briefed on the Indian Armys broader contributions to nation-building and regional stability. Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific. The US-India defence partnership continues to grow stronger," Ambassador Gor wrote in a post on X, thanking Lt Gen Katiyar for the welcome extended to the delegation. The Western Command, headquartered in Chandimandir in Haryanas Panchkula district, is primarily responsible for safeguarding Indias western borders, particularly along the frontier with Pakistan. It is rare for a US ambassador to tour such a command headquarters. Briefings during the visit covered contemporary security challenges along the western front, including cross-border infiltration, terror threats, and the growing use of drones for surveillance and smuggling. The discussions also touched on intelligence sharing and battlefield technology as tools to counter emerging asymmetric threats. A day before the visit, Admiral Paparo described the India-US defence relationship as being on a steeply-upward trajectory." Speaking with reporters in New Delhi, he said both countries share a convergence of interests and are focused on expanding military ties, particularly in the maritime domain. The visit comes as both countries advance cooperation under a ten-year India-US Defence Framework Agreement. The agreement moves beyond arms procurement and covers joint technology development, co-production, and military interoperability. Recent engagements between defence science bodies of both nations have focused on advanced systems and surveillance technologies. The Western Command briefing also highlighted the Indian Armys non-combat roles, which include disaster response, border infrastructure development, and community outreach, all considered essential to long-term regional stability. Both governments have described the relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership built on shared security interests across the Indo-Pacific region. Following the Chandimandir stop, both Admiral Paparo and Ambassador Gor were scheduled to travel to Bengaluru. First Published: February 17, 2026, 13:14 IST News world US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Admiral Paparo Visit Indian Army's Western Command HQ 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... 'You Won't Be Able To Eliminate Iran': Khamenei's Challenge To Trump Amid High Tensions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 17, 2026, 17:00 IST Ayatollah Khamenei warned Trump that the US military could be hit hard, as US and Iran started indirect nuclear talks in Geneva amid rising tensions. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump. (IMAGE: AP) Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday challenged US President Donald Trump to destroy Iran and said the strongest military force in the world could be struck so hard that it cannot get up again". This comes as the US and Iran started their indirect talks in Geneva over the nuclear dispute. In a series of posts on X, Khamenei said: The US President keeps saying that they have the strongest military force in the world. The strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again." The Americans constantly say that theyve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea," he further said. The US President has said that for 47 years, the United States hasnt been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good confession. I say, You, too, will not be able to do this," he added. Also Read: Ill Be Involved Indirectly: Trump On High-Stakes US-Iran Nuclear Talks In Geneva The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump said he would be involved indirectly" in Tuesdays high-stakes nuclear talks. He suggested that Tehran had learned from past confrontations and may now be more inclined to negotiate. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump said, recalling that the US had previously carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s. I hope theyre going to be more reasonable." The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, and officials have indicated that the military is preparing for the possibility of a sustained campaign if diplomacy fails. Before the June strikes, talks had stalled over Washingtons demand that Iran forgo uranium enrichment on its soil, which the US views as a potential pathway to developing a nuclear weapon. Also Read: Iran Says US Stance On Nuclear Issue More Realistic Ahead Of Second Round Of Talks Iran, however, has maintained that it will not accept zero enrichment and is willing to discuss only curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran-US Talks Iran and the US began fresh talks in Geneva on Tuesday with aimed to avert the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washingtons more realistic" position on its nuclear programme. Reuters quoted a source saying that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Also Read: Iran Holds Fire Drills In Strait of Hormuz As US Carrier Flies Non-Stop Ahead Of Geneva Nuclear Talks Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi said he was in Geneva to achieve a fair and equitable deal," adding, What is not on the table: submission before threats." Tehran has also rejected expanding negotiations to include its missile programme. On Monday, he said met International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief. Similar talks were held last year after Israel started the 12-day war on Iran, during which the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Parts Of Strait Of Hormuz Closed Parts of the Strait of Hormuz will be closed for several hours on Tuesday during a military exercise, Fars News, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, reported. The outlet reported that the temporary closure is linked to the Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz" drill and is aimed at ensuring safety and navigation principles during the exercise. Iran on Monday launched live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz led by the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the supervision of IRGC Commander in Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. State media said the exercise was organised to assess the readiness of operational units, review security plans and rehearse responses to potential security and military threats in the strategic waterway. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: February 17, 2026, 16:30 IST News world 'You Won't Be Able To Eliminate Iran': Khamenei's Challenge To Trump Amid High Tensions 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 todays digital landscape, businesses must adapt to the evolving search environment, which increasingly includes AI-driven platforms. SEOForge is an AI Visibility Intelligence Platform designed to help businesses monitor and enhance their presence across various AI search models, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini, and Grok. 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US embassies are turning their usual Fourth of July receptions into something closer to a global fundraising drive for a blockbuster 250th birthday partyand some diplomats are leaning hard on corporate guests to pay for it. In recent months, American missions in places like Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore have circulated "America 250" donation forms and pitches seeking large contributions from companies, far beyond the modest sums traditionally raised for July Fourth events, the New York Times reports. In Japan, corporate backers including Toyota and SoftBank have helped the embassy assemble roughly $35 million for more than 70 planned events tied to the celebrations. A letter from US Ambassador George Glass told prospective donors that President Trump had instructed him to ensure Japan hosts the biggest celebration outside the United States. The most aggressive push described so far came at a Feb. 5 dinner at Singapore's luxury Capella hotel, where US Ambassador Anjani Sinha told a room of American and local executives, "I need your money," according to an audio recording obtained by the Times. Sinha, a major donor to a Trump-aligned super PAC before becoming ambassador, said another embassy in the region had already raised tens of millions and urged Singapore-based firms to top that, telling them there were "better people here making more money." The dinner, sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Philip Morris and the Milken Institute, was billed as a chance to partner on US semiquincentennial events such as a rodeo and an American music performance. The scope and tone of the embassy campaigns have unsettled some career diplomats and business executives, who worry it blurs the line between public diplomacy and pay-to-play politics, the Times reports. "We certainly avoided in the past any hint that we might be treating people differently based on how much money they contributed," says former Ambassador Ted Osius, calling the current scale "aberrant" and potentially damaging to America's image. Osius, who was the US ambassador to Vietnam from 2014 to 2017, says there seems to be a "competitive environment between some of the ambassadors right now of who can raise the most." Australia targets $230 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030 as government launches next action plan for THRIVE 2030, the national strategy for sustainable tourism growth covering 360,000 businesses. Whats happening: The Albanese Labor Government has launched the next action plan for THRIVE 2030, Australias national strategy for long-term sustainable growth of the visitor economy. Why this matters: The strategy provides a roadmap to grow visitor markets, embrace leading-edge business practices, and deliver unique experiences. The Albanese Labor Government has launched the next action plan for THRIVE 2030, Australias national strategy for the long-term sustainable growth of the visitor economy, targeting $230 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030. Australias travel and tourism industry is part of the national identity and crucial to the strength of the economy. Boasting 360,000 businesses and employing 700,000 people, the government is committed to collaborating with state and territory governments, industry bodies and tourism operators to achieve the shared goal of a thriving travel and tourism industry. This action plan outlines how the government will continue to support the travel and tourism industry as it works towards the ambitious target of $230 billion in visitor expenditure in tourism by 2030. Ambitious targets drive growth Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, outlined his vision for the industry. The THRIVE 2030 vision is bold, as it should be. My ambition is for a tourism industry that provides world-leading services and experiences, whilst generating well-paid jobs and opportunities across Australia, including for First Nations, regional and rural communities, Farrell said. We have achieved a huge amount together in recent years, and Im excited to keep pushing forward in partnership with Australias travel and tourism industry. Marketing investment scales There is already much underway, including a $130 million investment in the second stage of Tourism Australias Come and Say Gday international marketing campaign, $18.5 million to boost iconic tourism destinations in the Red Centre and Great Barrier Reef, and significant investments in events, infrastructure, building the tourism workforce and supporting recovery from natural disasters. The THRIVE 2030 strategy provides a roadmap to grow visitor markets, embrace leading-edge business practices, deliver unique experiences including highlighting the offering of First Nations communities and operators, grow a resilient workforce, and improve data and insights. THRIVE 2030 is the product of extensive consultation and collaboration with industry and state and territory governments. Regional opportunities expand Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Tourism and Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, emphasised the importance of the strategy for communities around Australia. I am proud of the hard-working workers and businesses that are the backbone of our travel and tourism industry and THRIVE 2030 is a key part of the Australian Governments work to help them prosper, Green said. Travel and tourism are crucial to communities around Australia, and its through well-planned strategies like this that we can continue to create opportunities and success for all of Australia. The strategy comes as Australia braces for unprecedented tourism activity, with Chinese New Year 2026 expected to deliver record visitor numbers during the longest holiday period in history. First Nations experiences highlighted Margy Osmond, CEO of Tourism & Transport Forum, reflected on the progress and future focus. As we move into the next phase of THRIVE2030, we reflect on the remarkable achievement in restoring and growing our inbound visitor numbers beyond full recovery. The focus now is on driving even greater growth across accommodation, transport, and hospitality industries in our cities and regional areas, Osmond said. Ambitious targets deliver ambitious outcomes, and this strategy is designed to generate more growth, opportunities, and prosperity for Australian businesses. Through close collaboration between industry and government, our visitor economy is poised to reach new heights, generating important growth for industry across the country. Evan Hall, chair of Australian Tourism Industry Council, emphasised the strategys importance for small businesses and regional destinations. The THRIVE 2030 strategy targets tourism growth which is critical to jobs, small businesses, and regional destinations, Hall said. The Australian Tourism Industry Council strongly supports the strategic role of Tourism Australia to drive tourism demand across Australia, and we look forward to working with the Australian Government to support small businesses embrace AI and develop high-quality sustainable and accessible tourism experiences. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Ryan Wedding allegedly ordered one informant's murderand then, prosecutors say, watched his own top lieutenant flip to the FBI. Court filings reviewed by CBC News describe how Andrew Clark, the man US authorities painted as Wedding's second-in-command, became a key source in the case against the former Olympic snowboarder turned accused cartel-linked trafficker. Both men have pleaded not guilty to US charges that include large-scale cocaine smuggling and multiple killings, including the shooting deaths of an Ontario couple who were mistakenly targeted. Investigators say the turning point came after Mexican security forces grabbed Clark in Zapopan, Jalisco, in October 2024, seizing a phone that linked him to Wedding and an alleged contract killer via encrypted chats. The messages include boasts of moving up to three tons of cocaine a month to Canada and offering a Toronto hitman $1.5 million "if we keep knocking em out the park quick," according to court documents. Clark was extradited to the US in early 2025, and a cooperating witness matching his description then met repeatedly with investigators, supplying details that helped identify alleged Canadian players and map the network's reach into the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. By then, Wedding was already named in a sweeping US indictment and on the FBI's most-wanted list. He was also, according to prosecutors, hunting for the insider he believed had previously betrayed him. Investigators say he fixated on Montreal-born trafficker-turned-witness Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, a former prison acquaintance gunned down in Colombia in January 2025. Court filings allege Toronto lawyer Deepak Paradkar urged Wedding and Clark to have Acebedo-Garcia killed to avoid extradition, a claim Paradkar denies. Authorities say Clark, even after his arrest, seemingly helped associates track Acebedo-Garcia as he remained in contact with Wedding until last fall, months before Wedding's arrest. In a first-of-its-kind move, three US C-17 transport jets on Sunday flew components of a compact, unfueled nuclear reactor from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utahwhere it will be tested. The device, a Valar Atomics Ward 250 "mini-reactor," sat in a plexiglass enclosure as Pentagon officials, Energy Department staff, industry representatives, and journalists rode alongside, the Wall Street Journal reports. Supporters contend reactors like the Ward 250 could quietly produce steady power in places where diesel and long fuel convoys are a problem, offering several megawatts of electricity to troops at lower cost and with fewer supply vulnerabilitieswithout the help of a civilian power grid, per the Hill . Others warn that the Trump administration is accelerating approval for privately built designs that haven't been proven outside test environments, raising questions about safety and oversight. "There is no business case for microreactors, whicheven if they work as designedwill produce electricity at a far higher cost than large nuclear reactors, not to mention renewables like wind or solar," said Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, per Reuters. The Energy Department expects to have three microreactors at the point where a nuclear reaction can sustain itself by July 4, officials said. The project is also central to President Trump's push to expand nuclear power, which includes a pledge to have at least three advanced reactors operating all of their systems on US soil by July 4, per the Journal. He signed four executive orders in May 2025 intended to have domestic nuclear power able to handle the energy needs of national security AI data centers, as well as space and cyber infrastructure. On Sunday's mission, Valar employees handed out black hats reading "Make Nuclear Great Again." Much of California on Monday was preparing to be hit by a powerful winter storm carrying treacherous thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow in mountain areas. A National Weather Service meteorologist in Sacramento, urged people to take precautions in the coming days, advising them to pack winter safety kits, especially if they plan to travel, as winter storm warnings were in place from southwest Oregon to the Southern California border. Forecasters said the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, northern Shasta Countyincluding portions of Interstate 5and parts of the state's Coast Range could see up to 8 feet of snow before the storm moves through late Wednesday, the AP reports. The heavy snow, wind, and low visibility could make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible, forecasters said. As of Monday, drivers navigating the Sierra Nevada were warned that chains were required on vehicles to make it through snowy roads. "It has seemed 'spring-like' for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show it's not quite done yet," the Shasta County Sheriff's Office said posted. Pacific Gas & Electric said in a news release that it was using artificial intelligence and machine learning enhanced weather models to help determine where to send crews and equipment like power poles and transformers ahead of the storm. The utility company stressed that, unlike most winter storms, the anticipated weather event will "progress in several phases," with multiple storm systems moving through the region that will likely intensify the risks from wind, rain, and snow. The state's Office of Emergency Services said it is placing fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud and debris flows. Rain had already begun Sunday in the San Francisco Bay Area, sparking officials to warn of potential flood risks. In coastal Santa Barbara County, a large eucalyptus tree fell across the 101 Freeway, shutting the southbound side of the road to traffic, the county fire department said. To the south, residents in some Los Angeles-area neighborhoods scarred by last year's devastating wildfires were under an evacuation warning through Tuesday because of the potential for mud and debris flows. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she's ordered emergency crews and city departments to be ready. President Trump is sending federal help to deal with a major sewage spill in the Potomac River and pinning the blame squarely on local Democrats. In a Truth Social post Monday, Trump called the wastewater release a "massive Ecological Disaster" and accused Washington, DC, and Maryland officials of "Gross Mismanagement," singling out Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the Hill reports. The spill began after part of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Maryland collapsed in January. Trump said he is ordering federal agencies to "immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination" to protect the river, the capital region's water supply, and natural resources in Washington, DC. He said FEMA would have a central role in the response. "While State and Local Authorities have failed to request needed Emergency Help, I cannot allow incompetent Local 'Leadership' to turn the River in the Heart of Washington into a Disaster Zone," Trump wrote. DC Water, the regional utility, estimated on Feb. 6 that about 243 million gallons of wastewater had escaped from the break since Jan. 19. The University of Maryland says that the spill is one of the largest in US history and that high levels of pathogens and fecal-related bacteria have been detected, NBC News reports. Health officials say there's no sign the leak has tainted drinking water, but they're telling residents to stay out of the Potomac for nowno swimming, fishing, tubing, or kayaking. The environmental crisis is unfolding against a political backdrop: Trump and Moore have openly clashed in recent weeks, including over Moore's lack of an invitation to a White House black-tie dinner for governors. In a statement, Moore spokesperson Ammar Moussa said Trump "has his facts wrongagain," arguing the Potomac Interceptor has been a federal responsibility "since the last century" and accusing the administration of failing to act for four weeks. Moussa said Maryland agencies were on scene within hours and will work with Washington "to be responsive and keep the public informed" now that the federal government is stepping in. An exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington must be restored at his former home in Philadelphia after the Trump administration took it down last month, a federal judge ruled on Presidents Day. The City of Philadelphia sued in January after the National Park Service removed the explanatory panels from Independence National Historical Park, the site where George and Martha Washington lived with nine of their slaves in the 1790s, when Philadelphia was briefly the nation's capital. The exhibit was removed in keeping with President Trump's executive order "restoring truth and sanity to American history" at museums, parks, and landmarks, the AP reports. US District Judge Cynthia Rufe ruled Monday that all materials must be restored in their original condition while a lawsuit challenging the removal's legality plays out. She prohibited Trump officials from installing replacements that explain the history differently; the executive order had directed the Interior Department to ensure such sites do not display elements that "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living." Rufe, an appointee of Republican George W. Bush, began her written order with a quote from George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 and compared the Trump administration to the book's totalitarian regime called the Ministry of Truth, which revised historical records to align with its own narrative. "As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's 1984 now existed, with its motto 'Ignorance is Strength,' this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claimsto dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts," Rufe wrote. "It does not." She had warned Justice Department lawyers during a January hearing that they were making "horrifying" statements when they said Trump officials can choose which parts of history to display. "Each person who visits the President's House and does not learn of the realities of founding-era slavery, receives a false account of this country's history," Rufe wrote. The judge did not provide a timeline for restoring the exhibit. Federal officials can appeal the ruling. Thomas Pritzker says he's stepping back from Hyatt to shield the company as his ties to Jeffrey Epstein face renewed scrutiny, the Wall Street Journal reports. The 75-year-old hotel billionaire and Hyatt heir is retiring as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels after newly released Justice Department documents detailed years of meetings and email exchanges between him, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell, including multiple scheduled meetings in 2018. Pritzker, a member of the prominent Chicago family that also includes his cousin, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, acknowledged in a statement that he "exercised terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein and Maxwell and said he feels deep sorrow for their victims. He has been chairman of the board for more than 20 years, CNBC reports. It's a crucial day for US-Iranian relations as talks resume on Tehran's nuclear program. Axios sees the summit in Geneva as a possible "make or break moment" that will determine whether the nations strike a deal or head to a military conflict. The leaders of both nations were issuing threats: Trump: "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. He added that the Iranians were "tough negotiators" but that they "want to make a deal." "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. He added that the Iranians were "tough negotiators" but that they "want to make a deal." Ayatollah: As talks got underway Tuesday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a threat of his own, referring to Trump's recent order to send a second aircraft carrier to the region. "An aircraft carrier is certainly a dangerous piece of equipment," he said, per the New York Times. "But more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea." Get the news faster. Tap to install our app. Access Newser even faster. Click here to install our app on your desktop. X The Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon, Baptist minister, veteran organizer, and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, died Tuesday at 84, his family announced. They said he died peacefully, surrounded by relatives; no cause of death was given, though Jackson had suffered from poor health in his later years, reports NBC News . "Our father was a servant leadernot only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," Jackson's family said in a statement. "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by." The Rainbow PUSH Coalition said public observances will be held in Chicago, with additional memorial plans to come. Jackson, who had lived for more than a decade with progressive supranuclear palsy and disclosed a Parkinson's diagnosis in 2017, rose to prominence in the 1960s alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he became active with the Congress of Racial Equality, joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and helped lead its Operation Breadbasket economic empowerment program. He marched in Selma in 1965 and was with King in Memphis when King was assassinated in 1968. In the decades that followed, Jackson blended pulpit, protest, and politics. He founded PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971 to push for economic gains for Black Americans, later creating the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984 to challenge President Reagan's agenda and build a multiracial, working-class bloc. His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 broke ground for Black candidates, winning significant shares of the primary vote and multiple contests, even as he drew criticism from some Democrats and faced backlash for anti-Jewish slurs he later acknowledged and apologized for. Jackson's work extended beyond US borders. He helped secure the release of Americans held in Syria, Cuba, Yugoslavia, Iraq, and Gambia, efforts that earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton in 2000. At home, he remained a vocal presence well into his later years, pressing for voting rights, criticizing both Democratic and Republican leaders when he saw civil rights at risk, and endorsing Bernie Sanders in 2020. Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans, where onlookers said he was partying hard during Mardi Gras. The actor faces two charges of simple battery and remains in custody ahead of a court appearance scheduled for 3pm local time Tuesday, reports Page Six. The alleged "brawl" erupted just after midnight outside a bar in the French Quarter, per TMZ, which shared video of a shirtless LeBeouf being treated by paramedics and then loaded into a parked ambulance "without looking too banged up." The actor appeared to be off the wagon in New Orleans, according to bar staff who said he'd been on an Uptown crawl since Thursday. NSW Digital Work Systems Bill passes Parliament despite warnings from COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison that legislation risks imposing significant compliance burdens on small businesses with limited administrative capacity. Whats happening: The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has raised serious concerns following passage of the NSW Digital Work Systems Bill, warning that legislation represents a significant expansion of workplace regulation and risks imposing significant new compliance burdens on small businesses. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has raised serious concerns following passage of the NSW Digital Work Systems Bill, warning that legislation represents a significant expansion of workplace regulation and risks imposing significant new compliance burdens on small businesses across the state. Matthew Addison, COSBOA chair, said that whilst the bill has now passed Parliament, serious questions remain about how the new provisions will operate in practice, particularly for small businesses with limited administrative capacity. Small businesses are not large corporations with in-house legal teams and dedicated compliance departments, Mr Addison said. Compliance burden concerns They rely on digital tools every day, from payroll and rostering systems to booking platforms and customer databases. These systems are essential to running a business, and any new access or regulatory requirements must recognise the realities of small business operations. Mr Addison said there are ongoing concerns about the scope of the new union right of entry provisions relating to digital systems and the potential exposure of commercially sensitive or personal information. In small business systems, customer data, employee records and operational systems are often integrated. This means the risk profile for small business is very different. Any external access to digital systems must be tightly defined and carefully managed to avoid exposing sensitive or commercially confidential information. Data exposure risks COSBOA acknowledges amendments secured by the NSW crossbench that introduce important safeguards before the new powers take effect. We welcome the crossbench ensuring that formal guidelines will be developed before the new powers commence, and that small business will be consulted in the formation of those guidelines, Mr Addison said. Advance notice requirements, industry-specific guidelines and a 12-month review provide an opportunity to ensure the framework reflects the realities of small business operations. Guidelines before commencement However, Mr Addison cautioned that the broader impact of the legislation must not be underestimated. Small businesses are navigating sustained cost pressures, workforce shortages and increasing regulatory complexity, he said. At a time when small businesses are being encouraged to invest in digital systems and productivity-enhancing technology, any new compliance obligations, particularly in relation to digital systems that underpin daily operations, must be proportionate and clearly defined. Regulatory complexity intensifies Regulation should strengthen workplace safety without discouraging digital innovation, investment or productivity. COSBOA will engage constructively in the guideline consultation process to ensure the final framework reflects the operational realities of small business. With the legislation now passed, the focus must shift to practical and proportionate implementation, Mr Addison said. Small businesses want to comply and support safe workplaces, but they need certainty, clarity and confidence that compliance can be achieved without unnecessary disruption, cost or risk to sensitive data. COSBOA will work with government and stakeholders to ensure small businesses understand their obligations and are equipped to meet them without unnecessary complexity, disruption or cost. The legislation follows previous concerns raised by small business groups about NSW workplace reforms, with COSBOA noting that businesses face increasing pressure from rising costs and compliance burdens across multiple regulatory fronts. Established in 1979, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia is a member based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing the interests of small businesses. The capability, representation, and reach of COSBOA are defined by a mix of over 50 national and state-based members. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Lindsey Vonn says she is back in the US after her downhill crash at the Olympics, but she is still "immobile" and her injury was worse than "just" a broken leg. "Haven't stood on my feet in over a week been in a hospital bed immobile since my race," she said in a post on X Monday night, per the New York Times. "And although I'm not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing." In an Instagram video documenting her transfer from an Italian hospital onto a private jet home, the 41-year-old skier declared, "My leg is still in pieces but I'm finally HOME!" and added that the damage is "a lot more severe" than a broken leg. "I'm still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead," she wrote, promising more details in the coming days, USA Today reports. The relaunch, featuring still and sparkling water, follows a strategic acquisition led by wellness entrepreneur Nicholas Reichenbach, returning the historic artesian spring to its founding lineage and a philosophy of generational wellness TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2026 /CNW/ - Formosa Springs today announced its official relaunch under new ownership, marking the return of one of North America's oldest mineral water sources to its founding lineage. The relaunch follows a strategic acquisition led by globally recognized wellness entrepreneur Nicholas Reichenbach, through which Formosa Springs has been reimagined as a modern, category-defining generational wellness and hydration brand, rooted in heritage, defined by uncompromising purity, and guided by long-term stewardship. Formosa Springs Product Assortment (CNW Group/Formosa Springs) Formosa Springs Water is drawn directly from the original artesian spring beneath the historic property and bottled at the source, naturally filtered through limestone and mineral-rich geological strata. The initial lineup includes still and sparkling mineral water in 750ml glass bottles and 355ml slim cans, with further category expansion in progress as part of the brand's product innovation strategy. The brand will launch with a direct-to-consumer subscription platform in April 2026, offering white-glove delivery, a membership loyalty program, and early access to new products. In parallel, Formosa Springs will expand across major Canadian retail channels beginning in May 2026, including food, drug, mass, hospitality, and on-premise distribution. Expansion into U.S. natural grocery and wellness retail channels is planned for Fall 2026. Deliberate Market Timing The relaunch comes at a pivotal moment for the North American bottled water market, now estimated at more than USD $109 billion, as consumer demand continues to shift toward premium, purpose-driven, and wellness-oriented hydration. As the category remains heavily reliant on internationally sourced imports, Formosa Springs re-enters the market with water drawn from one of North America's oldest natural springs, offering a rare, domestically sourced alternative grounded in history and continuity. The brand's long-term objective is to build a meaningful, enduring presence by pairing authentic source credibility with modern scale and disciplined brand building. A Personal and Generational Homecoming For Reichenbach, the relaunch of Formosa Springs is deeply personal. His family history is intertwined with the spring itself. In the early 1980s, his father, Joseph Reichenbach - alongside the original Heisz family - founded the Formosa Spring Water Company, bottling and distributing the spring as a premium standalone water across Ontario, decades before wellness-driven hydration entered the mainstream. "This is a personal and family homecoming," said Nicholas Reichenbach, Founder and Chairman of Formosa Springs. "I am honored to carry forward a 155-year legacy and reintroduce Formosa Springs as the next great premium mineral water brand for Canada and the U.S. We are building this company for the next century, with uncompromising purity and deep respect for where the story began. That is generational wellness." With this relaunch, Reichenbach returns to the premium water category, bringing decades of experience building and scaling purpose-driven consumer brands. He has demonstrated a proven track record of growing businesses at scale while maintaining strong values in sustainability, design, and wellness. Manufacturing at Scale as a Strategic Advantage Formosa Springs operates a 44,000-square-foot beverage manufacturing campus on a 10-acre site in Formosa, Ontario, providing a rare vertical integration in the premium beverage space. The facility includes: Glass bottling capacity exceeding 100 million units annually Future aluminum canning capacity of up to 100 million cans per year Full co-packing and contract manufacturing capabilities for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage partnerships This infrastructure provides Formosa Springs with operational control, quality assurance, and long-term scalability, supporting disciplined growth across Canada and the United States. A Return to the Original Wellness Ritual Formosa Springs is rooted in the "original wellness ritual," a philosophy the brand calls Generational Wellness. Long before modern wellness trends, mineral water was central to daily life - ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations bathed in it and used it for restoration, balance, and healing. Formosa Springs honours these traditions by preserving the natural integrity of its water and reintroducing mineral hydration as a daily ritual for today's consumer, bridging generations of wellness practice with modern expectations of purity, intention, and care . Heritage and Stewardship Established in 1870, Formosa Springs Brewery has been a cornerstone of Canadian beverage history for more than 155 years. Founded by German settlers and built around a naturally occurring artesian spring, the site has passed through multiple eras of ownership while remaining fundamentally defined by its source. Despite changes over time, the spring itself has remained protected, intact, and naturally flowing. Now locally owned once again, Formosa Springs is positioned to carry its legacy forward through a long-term commitment to authenticity, quality, and stewardship for generations to come. About Formosa Springs Founded in 1870, Formosa Springs is a premium Canadian mineral water brand relaunched following a strategic acquisition led by Nicholas Reichenbach. Sourced from one of Canada's oldest artesian springs, the brand offers still and sparkling mineral waters, with additional product categories in development across flavored and functional hydration. Formosa Springs operates a world-class vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Ontario and serves Canada and the United States. To learn more or join the Formosa Founding Member List for early access to launches, city-by-city rollouts, and investor and partner updates, visit FormosaSprings.com and follow us @formosasprings on social media. SOURCE Formosa Springs In partnership with the Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) and the Interreg Norway Sweden project Circular Bioeconomy Arena, Stelumar brought together seven teams from Canada, Norway, Sweden and Finland, industry experts and innovation leaders to explore scalable, sustainable building solutions that could be implemented directly in Stelumar's manufacturing operations. "Innovation will be critical to the future of housing in Canada, particularly as we look for new ways to increase supply while improving sustainability and performance," said Peter Hass, General Manager of Stelumar. "Through the unique approach and opportunity of the Hackathon, we were able to see first-hand the depth of talent and creativity focused on solving real-world challenges in housing and sustainable construction. We were excited by the quality of ideas presented and look forward to working with the winning team as we evaluate opportunities to bring these solutions into our manufacturing environment." Throughout the two-day event (held February 11-12 at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre in downtown Toronto), participating teams presented concepts ranging from advanced wood-based chemicals, materials and solutions supporting circular material approaches, and low-carbon manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on scalability, performance and alignment with Ontario's forestry resources. The winning team, Svenska Termotra, from Jarbo, Sweden, was selected for its sustainable wood-based insulation, which stood out for its acoustic, thermal and fire performance properties. Additionally, they brought experience in offsite construction and the potential to use local Ontario feedstocks. The jury recognized their proposal as a compelling example of how innovation, sustainability and manufacturability can come together to accelerate lowcarbon building solutions in Canada. As an early-stage product with promising technical properties, Vancouver based Plantee Bioplastics was selected as an honourable mention. The wood fibre-based insulation was recognized for its potential for applications outside the scope of the presented challenge. "CRIBE is very pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking project. This initiative has demonstrated how collaboration can advance the needs of multiple sectors while simultaneously addressing one of our most pressing societal needs housing," said Scott Jackson, CEO of CRIBE. "This event showcased how applied innovation can support both economic development and sustainability goals." "With the Stelumar Hackathon we have targeted both the need of a transition toward a more biobased future and possible business opportunities for European companies," said Gry Lenschow Andersen, project manager of the Circular Bioeconomy Arena. As part of the next phase, Stelumar will explore further collaboration with Svenska Termotra and Plantee Bioplastics, conducting feasibility studies and supporting research and development efforts. CRIBE will also be providing ongoing support to the winning teams to help advance the projects. This event marked the first BioBoosters hackathon of its kind in North America, focused specifically on forestry-based insulation solutions for factory-built housing, positioning Ontario at the forefront of innovation in sustainable construction materials. The Hackathon was attended by representatives from industry and the innovation ecosystem, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing Canada's housing and economic priorities. For more information about the event, visit: https://cribe.ca/stelumar-hackathon/ About Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. is a technology-driven company dedicated to revolutionizing homebuilding in Canada through advanced modular building solutions. Founded by Canadian entrepreneur Peter Gilgan, founder of Mattamy Homes, Stelumar combines automation, robotics and AI to modernize construction and help address the housing shortage. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the Greater Toronto Area, Stelumar is focused on accelerating construction timelines, improving consistency and making housing more attainable. Stelumar produces precision-built walls, floors and roofing systems, factory-built modular units and interior cabinetry and millwork at industrial scale. About CRIBE CRIBE is Ontario's leading forest-based innovation accelerator. We are an independent, non-profit corporation supporting the development of a sustainable, profitable provincial forest bio-economy. We bring together researchers, the forest sector and end users to create and commercialize innovative forest-based, low-carbon solutions across all industries. About Circular Bioeconomy Arena Circular Bioeconomy Arena is an Interreg Norway Sweden, EU funded project that focuses on cross-border collaboration to develop more circular solutions from the forest-based bioeconomy in Sweden and Norway. Project partners is Paper Province, Norwegian Wood Cluster, Innovatum Science Park and Dalarna Science Park. SOURCE Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. For more information: Brent Carey, VP, Communications, [email protected] Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called on defense chiefs and other senior military leaders from 34 Western Hemisphere countries to unite in deterrence against bad actors who may already be operating in, or working to encroach upon, the region. Convened by Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and held in downtown Washington, on February 11, the daylong, first-of-its-kind Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference focused on regional security cooperation against narco-terrorism and other criminal enterprises throughout the hemisphere, while also analyzing common security priorities between allies and partner nations. "We, like you, want and will achieve a permanent peace in this hemisphere. So, let's work together [with] our militaries: exercising, training, operations, [intelligence], access, basing, overflight, you name it let's work together," Hegseth told the gathered leaders. "To achieve these goals, we have to stand together; there's no other way to do it," he added. Hegseth said the War Department, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and his administration, is prioritizing protecting the homeland and key territories throughout the hemisphere for the first time in decades. "The United States is asserting, reestablishing and enforcing the Trump corollary of the Monroe Doctrine," Hegseth explained. Issued in 1823 by President James Monroe, the Monroe Doctrine declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to any new attempts at colonization by European nations, and that any interference by those powers would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States. Along with the residual benefits of closing the border which Hegseth said include the biggest drop in illegal border crossings in the past 50 years, he also pointed out the successes that the U.S. military and law enforcement are having through the anti-narco-terror mission to the south, specifically with Operation Southern Spear. Launched last year by U.S. Southern Command, Southern Spear is a joint U.S. military campaign aimed at disrupting drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. "Operation Southern Spear has restored deterrence against the narco-terrorist cartels that profit from poisoning Americans and killing our people and your people," Hegseth told the group. Hegseth also pointed to the success of Operation Absolute Resolve, in which U.S. forces last month captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. "Yes, policing is important [and] enforcing is important, but military power is [also] important," Hegseth said, adding that the countries represented during the day's conference must work together to combat and dismantle narco-terrorism and drug trafficking cartels in the Western Hemisphere. "We need to build those bonds of partnership to defeat the challenges to our security and our sovereignty," he added. "So, as you might say, we can make the Americas great again." First Deputy Prime Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal met with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset in Kyiv on Monday. Shmyhal announced this on his Telegram channel. According to him, the key subject of the meeting was the need to hold Russia accountable for war crimes, particularly its daily attacks on energy production. The parties also discussed compensation for damages to Ukraine. "I thanked the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for his clear support of Ukraine and the creation of the Register of losses as part of the International Compensation Mechanism. Ukraine continues to suffer enormous energy losses due to Russian attacks. Restoring energy infrastructure is critical to restoring normal life in the country. The enemy must compensate for everything it has destroyed," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. Three Odesa civilians two men and a woman were injured in a nighttime attack by Russian invaders on the city, reported Serhiy Lysak, head of Odesa City Military Administration. "After the night attack, two men, aged 62 and 65, were injured. One is in serious condition, the other is in moderate condition. Both were hospitalized. Another woman received medical treatment at the scene," Lysak wrote on Telegram on Tuesday morning. According to him, an air raid siren was sounded six times in Odesa last night, and it remains active. Lysak reported two casualties overnight. "The attack damaged infrastructure and civilian buildings. In one district, a fire broke out on the upper floors of a residential building. In another, a store and a service station were damaged," he wrote. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports two casualties in the overnight attack by Russian drones on Odesa. "Energy and civilian infrastructure was damaged, and several fires occurred. Debris also damaged an apartment on the 22nd floor of a multi-story building," the ministry said on its Telegram channel. Ukraine better come to the table, fast Trump on talks in Geneva Photo: https://edition.cnn.com US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine should quickly come to the negotiating table. The White House published an audio recording of Trumps response to journalists questions on its YouTube channel. Trump was asked, in particular, what he expected from the talks in Geneva with the participation of his representatives Witkoff and Kushner. These are big talks. Its gonna be very easy. So far, Ukraine better come to the table. Its all Im telling you. We want them to come, Trump stated. As reported, a new round of negotiations between the USA, Ukraine, and Russia will take place in Geneva on February 17-18. The Ukrainian negotiating team includes Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Head of the Presidents Office Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov, head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia, First Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Serhiy Kyslytsya, and Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense Vadym Skybytsky. Olivia Colman thinks "people are too nervous" about gender and sexuality. Olivia Colman opens up about attitudes to gender and sexuality The 52-year-old actress appears in Sophie Hyde's new queer drama Jimpa - which explores ideas of queerness and parenthood between members of the LGBTQ+ community across generations - and she hopes the film can make the topic more "mainstream" and accepted. She told Variety: "Theres an awful lot of mistrust and hatred about things that there is no need to be hateful about. I love the fact that this film is about learning how to listen to each other without throwing the toys out the crib. "I dont understand how you can get so upset about it when someone is different It would be great if films about queer stories were mainstream. "It would be wonderful. I dont know why its not, but I think people are too nervous. Meanwhile, co-producer and director Sophie pointed to the success of shows like Heated Rivalry as prove the public is "craving" queer stories. She added: We lost so many queer characters from the TV screens. We didnt see many queer stories told publicly. We certainly saw fewer queer directors working. "And then up pops Heated Rivalry out of nowhere, a tiny Canadian gay streaming romance and everyone just loves it. Clearly, we are craving these stories. Jimpa stars John Lithgow as Jim, who calls himself Jimpa rather than grandpa, and left his family "to pursue a free, gay life in Amsterdam". His daughter Hannah (Colman), her non-binary teen Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde) and her husband (played by Daniel Henshall) visit Jimpa, where he encourages the teenager to explore the city's queer culture. There, she meets characters played by the likes of Zoe Love Smith, Hans Kesting and Romana Vrede. Meanwhile Olivia recently admitted she feels like she is non-binary, and has never been comfortable with traditional gender roles, while she describes herself as a "gay man" to her husband of 25 years Ed Sinclair. She told Them: "Throughout my whole life, I've had arguments with people where I've always sort of felt non-binary. "I've never felt massively feminine in my being female. I've always described myself to my husband as a gay man. "And he goes, 'Yeah I get that'. And I do feel so at home and at ease." Photo: State Emergency Service Following the invaders combined, massive strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that partners must strengthen sanctions against the aggressor and increase "support for the Ukrainian army," including air defense. Rescue and repair efforts are ongoing in many of our regions after a massive Russian attack. It was a combined strike, deliberately calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector. Nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles of various types were used, including ballistic ones. A significant number were shot down, but unfortunately there were also hits, he said on his official X page. Zelenskyy noted that nine people, including children, are currently known to have been injured as a result of this strike. In Odesa, tens of thousands of people are without heat and water supply after the drone strike. All necessary services are working to help. In total, 12 regions were targeted and, unfortunately, 9 people have been reported injured, including children. More than ten residential buildings and railway infrastructure were damaged, the head of state noted. The President stressed that partners must respond to all these strikes against life. Russia must be held to account for its aggression. Our diplomacy will be more effective if there is justice and strength. Strength of pressure on the Russian Federation sanctions pressure and steady, rapid support for the Ukrainian army and our air defense. For peace to be real and just, action must target the sole source of this aggression because it is Moscow that continues the killings, massive attacks, and assaults, Zelenskyy summed up. Autumn Special Read. Know. Act. $3 for 3 months! (90 days) Offer expires 12/30/2020 Don't hesitate! Start your digital-only membership today and not only receive full access to our premier news website NNY360.com but also to the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times eEdition! Photo: National Guard The Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down or suppressed 25 missiles and 367 enemy UAVs, recorded hits from four ballistic missiles and 18 attack UAVs at 13 locations, and debris falls at eight locations, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Tuesday morning. "On the night of February 17 (from 18:00 on February 16), the enemy attacked with four Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Rostov region of the Russian Federation, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, 20 X-101 air-launched cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea, four Iskander-K cruise missiles from Kursk region of the Russian Federation, an X-59/69 air-guided missile from the airspace of Donetsk region, as well as 396 Shaheds, Gerberas, Italmas attack UAVs and other types of drones from the directions of Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Shatalovo of the Russian Federation, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, about 250 of them were Shaheds," the Ukrainian Air Forces said on their Telegram channel. According to preliminary data, as of 9:30 a.m., the air defense shot down/suppressed 392 aerial targets: 20 X-101 air-launched cruise missiles; 4 Iskander-K cruise missiles; one X-59/69 guided air missile and 367 enemy Shaheds, Gerberas, Italmas UAVs and other types of drones. The air attack was repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned aerial systems, and mobile fire teams of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The attack continues, with several enemy UAVs in the airspace. Thus, the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense systems was: 100% against X-101 cruise missiles; 100% against Iskander-K cruise missiles; 100% against X-59/69 air-to-air missiles; and 92.68% against attack UAVs. The overall effectiveness of destroying air targets in Ukrainian airspace was 93.11%. Let us recall that the previous massive strike by the occupiers was carried out on February 12, when the enemy attacked Ukraine with 24 Iskander-M/S-300 ballistic missiles, an X-59/69 guided air-to-air missile, and 219 attack UAVs. The air defense shot down or suppressed 213 aerial targets, recording hits of 9 missiles and 19 attack UAVs at 13 locations. The air defense shot down or suppressed 213 aerial targets: 15 Iskander-M/S-300 ballistic missiles; 1 X-59/69 guided air-to-air missile; 197 enemy Shaheds, Gerberas, Italmas UAVs, and other types of drones. Hits of nine missiles and 19 attack UAVs were recorded at 13 locations, as well as the fall of downed UAVs (debris) at 14 locations. Special Operations Forces (SOF) units carried out successful fire strikes using FP-2 drones against enemy rear and operational infrastructure facilities in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. "In the village of Pasichne, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, special forces struck a storage site for an Iskander operational-tactical missile system. Powerful explosions were recorded at the hit site. A remote pilot station for the Rubicon unit was destroyed in the village of Vysoke, in the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhia region. Several drones reached their target," the SOF reported on their Telegram channel. Overall, from February 9 to February 14, Special Operations Forces units successfully struck more than ten enemy military targets in Ukraines military territorial waters. These included personnel concentration areas, ammunition and fuel depots, military vehicle parking areas, and other targets. This morning, a Russian drone attacked a vehicle carrying workers of the Sloviansk Thermal Power Plant (TPP), First Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Artem Nekrasov announced at a briefing on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, three of them died. This is yet another reminder of how precious light and heat are in our homes. My sincere condolences to all who lost loved ones," he said. Rail users in Plymouth and South Devon are being urged to plan ahead as major engineering work is set to close sections of the line for more than two weeks. Network Rail will carry out strengthening work on the River Plym railway bridge, beginning this Saturday (21 February) until Sunday 8 March. READ NEXT: Devon fire service nets 10m funding boost following council tax rise The bridge, east of Plymouth city centre near the A38 Devon Expressway, carries the main line between Plymouth and Totnes. Engineers will replace 180 metres of track and install new steel and synthetic rail supports to allow the structure to carry heavier and more frequent trains in future. During the work, some train services will be replaced by buses. When trains will be replaced Saturday 21 to Friday 27 February and Monday 2 to Sunday 8 March - buses replace trains between Totnes and Plymouth. Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March - buses replace trains between Teignmouth and Plymouth. Trains will still run between Newton Abbot and Paignton. A non-stop bus service will operate between Tiverton Parkway and Plymouth throughout the works. Separate maintenance will also mean buses replace trains between Liskeard and Looe from Monday 23 February to Friday 6 March. Network Rail says a temporary dam will be installed in the River Plym to allow access, with only half of the river closed at any time. Consent has been granted by the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency. While the line is closed, additional projects will be completed in South Devon, including: Platform resurfacing at Totnes Track and drainage maintenance Vegetation clearance Replacement of 400 metres of rail near Newton Abbot Track crossing replacement near Ivybridge Signalling upgrade surveys Passengers are also reminded that all lifts at Exeter St Davids remain out of use until May due to upgrade work. Parking at Tiverton Parkway and Totnes stations will be significantly reduced and car parks are expected to be busier than usual. Dan Parkes, Network Rail principal portfolio manager, said: The type of trains and amount of traffic now using our bridges means they need greater structural support, so this is vital work to make sure they can continue to run safely for years to come. Were sorry for the disruption but well be busy in other areas as well to upgrade this heavily used section of railway and get as much work done as we can. Sharon Holloway, GWR Station Manager for Plymouth, said: Replacement buses will bridge the gaps, but journey times will be longer, and we urge passengers to check before they travel and allow extra time. Bethan Jelfs, CrossCountrys Regional Director, added: We are asking passengers to check their journeys carefully, including where trains are being replaced by road services when the lines are closed. Most long-distance services between Exeter and London, Cardiff and the North are expected to operate as normal, and Plymouth to Penzance services are unaffected. Passengers are advised to check their journeys before travelling and allow extra time. The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall has held a high-level summit in Bideford to address growing concerns over local crime and the future of policing in North Devon. Alison Hernandez met with residents and district leaders to discuss a range of issues affecting the Torridge area. The visit was secured following advocacy from Torridge District Council, with leadership highlighting the meeting as a vital step in ensuring the safety of local residents. Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, credited the visit to the ongoing work of the councils community safety team. Mr James described the session as a useful exercise and expressed his hope that the dialogue would form the foundation blocks for a more productive and positive working relationship between the local authority and the Commissioners office. 'Direct questions' on community safety The meeting provided a platform for what officials described as a constructive dialogue, allowing the public to challenge the Commissioner directly on policing performance. Councillor Philip Hackett, the Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety, noted that policing remains a matter close to the hearts and minds of the community. Mr Hackett thanked Ms Hernandez and her team for facilitating the event, adding that discussing such emotive issues in a productive environment was a significant step forward for the district. During the session, the Commissioner was briefed on a series of persistent issues that residents say are impacting daily life in the town. These included rising instances of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, alongside concerns regarding alcohol and drug misuse. Violent crime was also highlighted as a primary worry for the local population. Responding to these concerns, Ms Hernandez emphasised that these areas remain key priorities within her current Police and Crime Plan. She noted that while the public has clear anxieties about street-level crime, the North Devon policing area remains one of the highest-performing sectors within the Devon and Cornwall force in terms of both crime management and leadership. The Commissioner also used the visit to provide updates on upcoming national policing reforms. These changes are expected to alter the landscape of how forces are managed across the UK, though Ms Hernandez maintained that the focus in North Devon would remain on visible, effective enforcement. Addressing the attendees, she expressed her gratitude for the transparency of the local community. She confirmed that her office remains committed to a partnership-led approach to ensure the region remains a safe environment for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the destruction of a Ka-27 helicopter and three enemy drone control points in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine and in the Russian Federation. "On the night of February 17, near the village of Kamyshly (TOT of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea), Ukrainian forces shot down an enemy Ka-27 naval multirole helicopter. A hit was recorded," the General Staff said on its Telegram channel. Three UAV control points in the Ukrainian military and Russian military were also hit. "Furthermore, on February 16, 2026, three enemy UAV control points were hit: near Huliaipole (Zaporizhia region TOT), near Anatolyevka (Kursk region, Russian Federation), and near the village of Zatyshia (Zaporizhia region TOT)," the military reported. The enemys losses and the extent of damage are being determined. This month's Fireside Speaker program of the Three Sisters Historical Society features Loren Irving, a well-known historian and professional photographer. Irving is a native Oregonian and a long-time resident of Bend. Irving is recognized for his extensive research and field work on the Second John C. Fremont Expedition, commissioned by the U.S. Government to survey and map the Oregon Trail in the hope of encouraging westward settlement. They left The Dalles in 1843 and continued through Oregon into northern Nevada and on to California. In December 1843, the expedition camped outside Sisters along Whychus Creek. The expedition consisted of 25 men and 104 horses and mules. It included famed scout Kit Carson, and young Native American Billy Chinook of the Wasco tribe, which later became part of the Warm Springs Reservation. Photo provided In 2009, using Fremont's published journals, and party member Charles Preuss' diary, along with other data from his own research, Irving set out to locate and photograph the campsites of the expedition's travels through Oregon. He successfully located and photographed 31 sites, including those on Whychus Creek and the Metolius River. He is looking forward to sharing these adventures and his experiences with the audience. Irving has been a board member of the Deschutes Historical Society and was the Curator for the "Finding Fremont: Pathfinder of the West" exhibit. This exhibit was created in conjunction with the Nevada State Museum, and traveled throughout the Northwest for several years, showing locally at the Deschutes Historical Museum. This Fireside program will be held on Sunday, February 22, at the Sisters Fire District Community Hall, 301 Elm St. Tickets are $10, or free to TSHS members, and will be sold at the door, which opens at 1 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. The Board of Directors of SFF Presents (SFFP) has announced the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Crista Munro. After a prolific 30-year career in the nonprofit music and arts sector a journey that began in Southwest Colorado in 1996 and brought her to Sisters in 2019 Munro shared her decision to step away to eventually pursue new ventures outside the industry. Munros departure from SFFP follows a period of unprecedented growth, rebranding, and modernization under her leadership. By providing significant notice of her retirement, Munro has ensured the organization will remain on a steadfast trajectory during the transition. Cristas decision to retire marks the conclusion of a transformative chapter for us, and she does so with our full support and deepest gratitude, said SFFP Board Chair Leanne Summers. She is leaving SFF Presents in a position of incredible strength, both financially and reputationally. While we will miss Cristas leadership, we celebrate her remarkable career and the solid foundation she has built for her successor. Munro leaves the organization in a place of stability. During her tenure, SFF Presents nearly doubled its annual revenue between 2019 and 2025 while expanding its slate of educational programs for youth and adults and launching the annual Big Ponderoo Music + Art Festival in June of 2022. Operations at SFFP will remain in seasoned and skillful hands, the board asserts. The current SFFP staff members are experienced and highly knowledgeable. To facilitate a robust transition, Munro will be involved through the Sisters Folk Festival in late September, and available to support the organization as needed through the end of the calendar year. The existing staff is complemented by a Board of Directors dedicated to a seamless transition and the long-term sustainability of SFFP. The retirement of a leader like Crista is never ideal, Summers said. But, as Crista has said, a new director will bring a fresh perspective to help us adapt to an ever-changing industry. Thanks to Cristas leadership, they will inherit a thriving, stable, and highly respected organization. The SFFP Board of Directors has launched a nationwide search for a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. This role offers a compelling opportunity for a visionary leader to serve as the chief ambassador for a critical pillar of Central Oregons thriving arts economy. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired. Detailed information regarding the position and the application process can be found on the SFFP website at http://www.sffpresents.org/careers. Governor Tina Kotek and mayors of 31 cities have a message for the federal government: Stop all immigration enforcement in Oregon until recent violent incidents in Minneapolis, Portland, and elsewhere are fully investigated. Kotek and the mayors sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House border czar Tom Homan on Thursday, February 5, saying they represent communities that are afraid of and morally opposed to federal officers tactics. The actions of your officers are not making our communities safer, they wrote. Parents are afraid to take their children to school. Families are avoiding health care. People are scared to go to work or even go to the store for essentials, let alone support a range of small businesses. The actions of your officers, especially the use of lethal force, are damaging local economies and hurting the people we are responsible for protecting and serving. Most of the 31 mayors who signed onto the letter represent cities in the Portland region and Willamette Valley, but it also includes signers from the coast, Central Oregon, and Rogue Valley. (Editors note: The mayors of Bend and Redmond are signatories; the mayor of Sisters is not a signatory to the letter). Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson, both of whom have navigated recent incidents of federal officers using tear gas on protesters outside federal buildings in the states largest and third-largest cities, signed the letter. Salem Mayor Julie Hoy, who voted in December against declaring a state of emergency over increased immigration enforcement in Oregons second-largest city, did not. While most of the mayors who signed come from liberal-leaning cities, the list of signers also includes the mayors of the deeply Republican city of Detroit, which President Donald Trump won by 45 points in 2024, and Carlton and Dayton, two small Yamhill County cities he won by double digits. The letter included a commitment to the states decades-old sanctuary law that prohibits local governments from using their resources to enforce federal immigration law. Oregon voters upheld that law by a 2-to-1 margin in 2018. Our message to our immigrant and refugee communities is unequivocal: We stand with you. You belong here, it ended. Our message to your administration is equally clear: Current practices must change immediately. Reprinted under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, courtesy of https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Now that February has arrived, several constellations are becoming visible once more. Among those is Cancer, also known as the crab. Cancer is one of the twelve zodiac constellations and lies on the ecliptic, the trajectory the sun takes across the sky during the year. February marks the first time we're able to view Cancer this year, and it will become more apparent as the month goes on. While it is called the crab, the constellation itself looks like an upside down Y and can be spotted between the constellations Gemini and Leo. Next to the constellation of Cancer is a very interesting open star cluster called the Beehive, which contains around 1,000 stars. The Beehive is one of the closest star clusters to Earth, and is one of the youngest, only being around 600 to 700 million years old. Photo courtesy NASA Another interesting star cluster visible in February is the Pleiades star cluster. The Polynesian legend describes it was once the one single brightest star in the sky, and would constantly brag about its brilliance. The god Tane got tired of the star's vanity so he smashed it, creating the Pleiades star cluster. Besides star clusters there are several other things you should keep your eyes open for this February. The biggest one is the Milky Way, which is entering its season of prominence. The galactic core will be visible from now until September. Jupiter is also important to look out for, and should be easily spotted within the Gemini constellation, standing out with its lovely yellowish hue. Speaking of planets, another one to watch out for is the planet parade on February 28th, where Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune will share the sky, a very rare occurrence. The moon was full on February 2, and the next full moon will be on March 3. That March 3 full moon will be a total lunar eclipse also known as a blood moon. This happens when the moon is completely in the earth's shadow, causing the moon to appear red. Another amazing astronomical event in February is the Alpha Centaurids class II meteor shower, which will be active until around February 20. It will peak on March 8 with the ability to see about six meteors per hour. To make sure our whole community can continue to enjoy dark skies, we all need to do our part to reduce light pollution. One great way to do this is to use dim and warm-colored outdoor lighting. For more information on the dark sky ordinance, visit https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/community-development/page/dark-skies-lighting-review. Some 50 volunteers from the Sisters community gathered Saturday at Earthwood Development on Sisters Park Drive who donated their building and lots for use by Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP). Photo by Bill Bartlett Led by Rotary Club of Sisters in a joint project with Kiwanis Club of Sisters, the group made 35 beds for the Deschutes County chapter of the nationwide non-profit dedicated to providing beds for needy children. Their motto is "No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town." The group has made and delivered over 375,000 beds since its inception. At SHP, they fully believe that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support that a child needs. Previous bed builds have been conducted in Redmond and Bend. This was the first for Sisters. It generally surprises readers to learn that there are families in Sisters Country lacking in basic food, goods and shelter. Central Oregon Health Data reports that eight percent of households in zip code 97759 are living below the federal poverty level. This is down from a peak of over 10 percent in 2021. Photo by Bill Bartlett Bob Mickelsen, Deschutes Chapter president on hand for the event, referenced the reward and experience. "Volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace can provide a number of wonderful benefits while learning how to build bunk beds," he said. "As a volunteer, you will have a chance to learn how to use woodworking tools such as saws, drills, sanders and many other pieces of equipment. You will learn how to measure, level, and make true wood cuts; how to sand and stain wood; and even get to see how branding a bed works." From existing beds in inventory, a team of Sisters Country volunteers delivered and assembled its first Sisters beds a week ago to a local family with three children. Two shared a single bed and one slept on the floor. Now all three children have their own bed. In eight years, the Deschutes chapter has provided nearly 3,000 beds in the tri-county area from over 6,000 volunteer hours. Rotary purchased the lumber, mattresses and bedding totaling $4,000 and Kiwanis made a cash donation of $4,000 to SHP for future use. In addition, Rotary members and their friends added a first with 27 handmade quilts donated with each bed and more committed. Photo by Bill Bartlett Hoyt's Hardware & Building Supply in Sisters made the lumber available to Rotary at its cost, "... a huge savings enabling us to build more beds with the same amount of money," according to Rotary President Jim Lanzarotta. Forecasted rain vanished, making it easier for much of the dusty and noisy work to be accomplished outside. The work estimated to take four hours was completed early, as many of the volunteers had been on previous bed-builds in the county. Likewise, many had woodworking skills that shortened the learning time. A number of Rotarians and Kiwanians worked the preceding day cutting lumber and generally readying for the event. Reflecting on the day of the build, Hal Darcey, Rotary team leader and a retired cabinet maker, told The Nugget, "The Sleep In Heavenly Peace bed-build in Sisters was a resounding success. The SHP team has the process down to a science. This project was exemplary of how a small town will work together in support of its citizens." Photo by Bill Bartlett Kiwanis spokesman David Hiller amplified, "It was a great day. The Deschutes Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace was so well organized the bed-build took an hour less than scheduled. Sleep in Heavenly Peace provided all the tools, equipment and expertise to guide the workers through the build. Families within Sisters Country with children that are now not sleeping in beds of their own can be assured of having a comfortable, well-made bed." The finished beds will for the first time be stored in Sisters. To apply for a no-cost bed, go to https://www.sleepinheavenlypeace.jotform.com/241007557123953. Until I started studying the North American Porcupine [Erethizon dorsatum], I thought wolves and coyotes, followed closely by all the other large predators, were likely the most unpopular mammals in rural America. At least large predators have their fan clubs and admirers as well as their enemies, but the 'lowly' porcupine has few friends and a shocking history of genocidal persecution and general disdain. Photo by Ander Rhoads If you search the internet for organizations supporting large predators, you'll get pages of names. If you search for any club or organization devoted solely to saving and appreciating porcupines, you'll mostly find references to libertarian clubs that often use the porcupine as their mascot. You can buy tee-shirts and stickers with the silhouette of a porcupine with slogans like "live and let live" and "Don't tread on anyone!" However, I couldn't find anything on these sites talking about studying or conserving the animal itself. Despite the "let live" associated with the porcupine image, this nonaggressive animal has been slaughtered in the millions since non-Native people settled porcupine habitats. Even my distant uncle, Samuel Rhoads, a naturalist who wrote one of the first comprehensive books about mammals in the U.S., "The Mammals of Pennsylvania and New Jersey," described them as the "clumsiest, most stupid, ungainly and untouchable of rodents..." (116). According to a 1950 Bend Bulletin article, the local U.S. Forest Service requested anyone encountering a porcupine "to shoot him on sight." Many states offered bounties for dead porcupines, and at least one Oregon county still pays a bounty if a resident hunter presents a porcupine nose to the animal control department within ten days of the killing. While I did not find any porcupine fan clubs in my research, I did come across a 1954 Bend Bulletin article by a woman suggesting that October 11 be "National Protect the Porcupine Day!" If you are interested in early environmental advocacy, I highly recommend reading Ms. Grant's October 11, 1954, column, "Sage Brushings" (found in University of Oregon's public online access to Oregon's Historical Newspapers). As they expanded west, non-Native settlers found porcupines across the country, used them for food, and exterminated them for various reasons. Bounties were also put in place for porcupines by timber companies who were worried that the large rodents would damage their profits through destruction of trees. A timber company in Washington, for example, would give anyone 25 cents for a porcupine nose. Many state wildlife agencies listed porcupines as unprotected mammals, pests, or predatory animals. Porcupines have probably been in North America for at least three million years (30 million-year-old fossils were found in South America). Indigenous people of North America have varying histories and attitudes about porcupines. Some tribes included porcupines in their oral histories and science. Frequently, porcupines were killed only for food. Some tribes told settlers it was bad luck to kill a porcupine unless you ate it, in part because porcupines were an important emergency food source in leaner times. Many tribes value porcupine quills to make and decorate objects. In recent years, Central Oregon's porcupines have been seen less and less. The species was once so abundant that people say they couldn't drive down Highway 97 without seeing one dead on the side of the road. Ask many Central Oregon residents if they have seen a porcupine recently, and they will likely tell you it's been a few years since their last sighting, or that they see far fewer these days even as roadkill. The drop in sightings is one of the reasons ODFW added porcupines to the 2026 species of greatest concern list. These reports of declining porcupine numbers caused local ODFW biologists to start a study into whether the species has decreased and why. Astonishingly, considering how common they used to be, it turns out there has hardly been any study of our local porcupines and very little is known about them. Outside people's stories and incidental observations, researchers do not have sufficient information on basic things like what they eat, how they interact, and where they live. This lack of proper data makes management very difficult. As a Sisters High School intern with the High Desert Museum, I am fortunate enough to participate in this new study which seeks data on the habits and populations of this fading species. My role is to search for porcupines around Sisters, particularly in wild areas. Surveying for porcupines is very different from surveying for wolves, something I have been doing for several years now. To get me started, Jon Nelson, the High Desert Museum Curator of Wildlife, recommended rock outcrops for caves that have porcupine sign, like scat and quills. For several months now, I've spent countless hours scrambling across outcrops and canyons with my flashlight peering into any crevice or hole that looked big enough to hide a porcupine. Despite this intensive searching (including in areas suggested by experts), I've only found four caves with clear porcupine scat. At each one, I set up a trail camera and have been waiting for an actual porcupine to appear. Sadly, I do not yet have any porcupine footage! Maybe these animals truly are disappearing from our forests and grasslands. While I am always disappointed when I don't get data on the animal I'm studying, I have come to realize that wildlife work can take a lot of patience, and you have to enjoy the search as much as the finding. Because of this project, I have come to love exploring our local canyons and outcrops. For instance, I had no idea how these beautiful rock formations all around Sisters Country are fascinating habitats that support so much of the life around them. I have found many different species and plants that use the rocks for shelter, food, and a source of water. While I could easily get caught up in all the biodiversity of rocky outcrops, I still really want to help with the effort of looking for porcupines. And you can help that effort, too. If you have any information on the denning or feeding location of Sisters' porcupines, please consider reporting to ODFW on their Porcupine Reporting Form that can be found on their website. If you were able to get a photograph of the porcupine or its sign, you can also put observations on iNaturalist, which is an online database where you can share observations of any form of nature. If putting an observation of porcupine sign on iNaturalist, it is very helpful to have some kind of size reference next to the sign, such as a dollar, a coin, or some other common object, so that experts can make a better ID. As a freshman, I look forward to the years ahead that I have to continue my internship and studies, contributing to meaningful science throughout it. Consider our Constitutions Fourth Amendment, the acting ICE directors May 12, 2025, memo claiming ICE agents are freed from important Fourth Amendment constraints, and why we should care. Amendment 4 Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Cornell Law Schools Legal Information Institute website reminds us obtaining a warrant prior to a search is to protect individuals reasonable expectation of privacy and prevent unlawful government searches and seizures. Judicial warrants require probable cause (reasonable information illegality will be found), particularity (the place to be searched), and the signature of a neutral and detached magistrate or judge. Be aware. ICEs May 2025 memo claims ICE can issue its own search warrants. A January 7, 2026, redacted Whistleblower Aid report to Congress includes a copy of the memo. WA explains the memo authorizes ICE agents to forcibly enter homes without consent to conduct arrests and removals without a warrant issued by a federal judge. ICEs memo states agents should rely on DHSs Form I-205 Warrant of Removal/Deportation, also known as an administrative warrant, drafted and signed by an ICE official. WA explains Form I-205 arrests have always been limited to public places because the Form I-205 has not been considered a warrant issued by a neutral and detached magistrate. ICE is shy about sharing the claim it can validate its own search warrants. WA reports despite being addressed to All ICE Personnel, ICEs memo has only been distributed to select DHS and ICE personnel. Also, one of our clients was allowed to view the memorandum only in the presence of their supervisor. Other WA clients are aware of multiple DHS employees who faced retaliation for expressing their concerns about and/or disagreement with the memos policy change. They probably disagreed because the memo allows actions causing real, unnecessary harm. WA includes a few examples of that harm. In 2025 ICE agents mistakenly raided a home occupied by U.S. citizens. ICE was seeking previous owners who had moved out. After another wrong-house raid, owners returned home from work and found their doors opened. A wrong-house raid in search of the wrong person disturbed a home-alone pregnant woman. Proper judicial warrants showing probable cause and particularity could have prevented those traumatic, unnecessary errors. But DHS and ICE object to such constitutional restraints. In a January 22, 2026, Wall Street Journal commentary How the Deep State Thwarted ICE Administrative Warrants, DHSs general counsel complains Bureaucrats falsely claimed the law didnt allow officers into illegal aliens homes. Rage- bait terms Deep State and Bureaucrats signal a political argument, not a convincing legal one. In their February 2, 2026, New York Times commentary, six former DHS general counsels or acting general counsels, Democrats and Republicans, agree. No deep state restrained ICE. The Fourth Amendment did. Why should we care about any of this? Because secretly-created, unchecked abuses of administrative warrants undermine everyones Fourth Amendment protections. Reread the Fourth Amendment and Cornell Laws reminders. If you like your Fourth Amendment rights, oppose abuses of administrative warrants by any agency of any administration. Start with this one. Tribalism To the Editor: I was dismayed to read both the Editors note and the op-ed by Steve Woodside, both of which explicitly or implicitly decried tribalism while promoting it. With respect to the Editors note, no reasonable person is shedding any tears about the fact that Maduro is no longer president of Venezuela. But that bipartisan priority was not a blank check to remove him by any means necessary, including the way it happened. There is a big difference between Bidens correctly labeling Maduro illegitimate, calling for his ouster, and posting a reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction and Trumps swooping in to kidnap him and his wife while executing scores of his guards. Pointing this out and having a bona fide, justifiable objection to the manner of Maduros removal from office is not the application of one more tribal litmus test. With respect to Mr. Woodsides column, I would ask that when the Editor prints such exercises in whataboutism that he require that they be fact-checked. As many have noted, while everyone is entitled to his own opinion, no one is entitled to his own facts. Mary Chaffin Wildfire resilience To the Editor: City Council has already taken an important and commendable step by adopting defensible space and structure hardening standards for new development. Those standards focus on how individual homes ignite. What they do not fully address is how fire spreads through neighborhoods. Wildfire risk is not just a building materials issue it is also a community design issue. As noted in the Construction Costs for Wildfire Resistant Homes report presented to Council by Headwaters Economics on November 5, 2025, while this study focused on building materials, it also highlights the broader importance of community-wide mitigation, including managing defensible space and reducing fuel continuity between neighboring properties. Community-level wildfire mitigation is best addressed at the time of annexation and subdivision review. Annexation is the citys best and sometimes only chance to shape spacing, layout, and access before development decisions are locked in and become difficult to change. Once those decisions are made, the citys options narrow, and the long-term impacts on safety, housing, infrastructure, and community resilience are largely set. Key community-scale design considerations related to wildfire risk include structure spacing, roofline alignment, block configuration, emergency access, and transition or buffer zones where development abuts wetlands, forest land, or conservation areas. For these reasons, annexation should be viewed not as a procedural step, but as a critical opportunity to plan wisely for our future. I urge Council to direct staff to incorporate community-level wildfire mitigation standards into annexation agreements and the subdivision review process, completing the wildfire resilience strategy the Council has already begun. Cathy Russell Media criticism To the Editor: After reading last weeks editorial and the subsequent responses, I want to clarify my earlier letter, which was intended as media criticism rather than a political argument. My point was not to debate the merits of particular events, but to examine how editorial judgment is exercised. When a paper presents itself as guided by principle rather than partisanship, readers will naturally observe whether those principles appear to be applied consistently in practice. Editorial timing and topic selection inevitably signal what a publication views as most urgent or relevant. In a small community paper with limited space, those choices are especially visible. Noticing patterns in those choices is not an accusation. It is engagement with the paper on its own stated standards. I also want to say that reader scrutiny should not be mistaken for hostility. A local paper occupies a trusted civic role, and thoughtful criticism is part of that relationship. In fact, a newsroom confident in its neutrality and judgment can afford to treat such questions as a normal part of public discourse rather than as personal challenges. My letter was simply an invitation to reflect on consistency and prioritization. To focus on the same values the editorial page itself has encouraged. That kind of conversation ultimately strengthens, rather than undermines, community trust in local journalism. Glen Roper Be here now To the Editor: As I read the seemingly endless column in last weeks Nugget titled, Where were you?, the author and his diatribe came as no surprise. It was yet another example of the now irrelevant, blame-game finger pointing perpetuated by the far right. You know, maybe even some of your friends, co-workers, or even family members would use the columns content as ammunition to maniacally and reprehensibly defend the monster in the White House, and Project 25 through eternity. I would agree with Mr. Woodside that there is sometimes a need to reflect on and learn from the past. However, the past issues in this country pale in comparison what is happening now is obviously so far beyond the old news, not even in the same league an unprecedented assault on decency, a rebellion against goodness, and a loss of sanity. One tiny example: the so-called President is the quintessential narcissist who thinks everything should be named after him. Hurl! Well, OK, then probably the Epstein Files should be renamed the Trump-Epstein Files since the convicted felons name appears over one million times in those (still incompletely released, of course) documents. So, guest columnists can keep spinning it any way they choose. After all, free speech is still guaranteed in this country... well, sort of. Yes, We were there. But please, stop your red-faced, seething, subliminal muttering as you still have to admit (for example) that there was actually a Black man named Obama properly elected as a (real) president. Wake up, look at yourself in the mirror, and be here now. Steven Blauvelt In 1975, there were 25 million Americans over 65. Today it has more than doubled to 55 million. In 10 years, the 65-plus will outnumber those under 18 for the first time. The fastest growing group of people who are becoming homeless are now people over the age of 50. Angela Thoreson, Clinical Social Worker What can we as a community do to meet the challenge of ensuring our growing number of seniors can stay in their homes and successfully remain in Sisters, which many have voiced is their desire? As a community, we do a good job of meeting emergency needs when they arise an unfortunate fire or accident, unexpected financial challenges, unexpected death, or disability. We jump in to provide temporary help. As our elder neighbors adjust to changes in their physical, emotional, mental, or financial capabilities, can we as a community work together to provide the needed support required to ease their burdens? Things as simple as checking on your neighbor, a weekly friendly phone call, an offer to help around the house/yard, picking up some groceries, or providing a ride for errands can make a big difference to someone no longer able to accomplish those tasks or who has little human interaction on a day-to-day basis. Caregiving is a broad topic that covers anything from a weekly check-in to 24/7 in-home care and everything in between. Sisters is known for our arts and culture, our stunning scenery, our variety of outdoor activities, as well as the Sisters Rodeo, Outdoor Quilt Show, Sisters Folk Festival, great schools, and friendly people. Wouldnt it be rewarding to also have the reputation as the little town with the big heart? Numerous studies have been done on the benefits of helping people both for those receiving the help and those providing it. There are significant health benefits, especially for older adults. By volunteering, you are engaged in moving and thinking at the same time, lowering the chances of depression and anxiety. Those who receive volunteer help can have their load lightened a little and have the opportunity to interact with others. By volunteering, stress can be reduced while increasing positive, relaxed feelings due to the release of dopamine. I have found that true for myself. When I spend time in service to others driving for STARS, I always come home feeling happy and fulfilled, having a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received. By reducing stress, the risk is decreased for some physical and mental health problems such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and general illness. Studies have shown that people who volunteer have lower mortality rates, even when considering age, gender, and physical health. Volunteering is a win-win for everyone involved. Volunteer efforts are essential for many services and activities here in Sisters. Giving your time and talent in areas you find meaningful provides a sense of purpose. Greater increase in life satisfaction and self-esteem are especially experienced by older volunteers. Isolation and loneliness have been identified as a growing concern here in Central Oregon as well as elsewhere. By volunteering, you can counter those evil twins with increased social interaction while building a support system based on common interests. Participating in shared activities is a great way to make new friends and fortify existing relationships. There are many reasons people volunteer, yet most share the desire to improve the health and welfare of their neighbors and community. I believe we have collective responsibility to care about and for each other. At the Community Forum on Sunday, March 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Sisters Elementary School, we will be exploring a variety of ways to help our seniors age in place, many of which will require volunteer participation. Please join us. Imagine sleeping peacefully in your bed and being jolted into consciousness by loud swearing in the middle of the night. This was the nightmare endured by dozens of residents of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, who had to put up with the antics of a crazed neighbor. A Taiwanese court of law recently ruled against a woman surnamed Chen who reportedly installed sound-amplifying equipment on the balcony of her home in Kaohsiung and used it to insult her neighbors at odd hours of the night, at least three times per week, for nearly two years. In May 2023, Chen began using a megaphone to insult several neighbors with whom she had disputes, but the sound coming from her balcony was so loud that it affected the peace of several other households in her neighborhood. She always broadcast at maximum volume, with each session lasting a few dozen minutes. After enduring the situation for almost two years and failing to reason with Chen, dozens of neighbors filed a joint complaint with the local police. The case eventually ended up in Court, where Chen admitted to using a megaphone to curse at her neighbours at late hours of the night, but claimed she did so only occasionally and only because the noise caused by her neighbors had prevented her from resting properly. A judge ruled that, by deliberately and repeatedly using amplified equipment to broadcast abusive language during late-night hours, Chen had gone beyond what society deems reasonable or even tolerable. She was sentenced to three months in prison, commutable to a NT$90,000 ($3600) fine, but she can still appeal the sentence. This kind of audio torture is nothing new. A few years back, we posted about a man who terrorized neighbors by playing loud music and dog barking all day long, as well as about a woman who played Verdis La Traviata at loud volume for 16 years. Drones from the SBUs Alpha Special Operations Center struck the infrastructure of the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Russias Krasnodar Krai for the second time in the past month, an SBU source told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday. According to the agencys source, this port is one of the largest in the Black Sea region and handles oil, gas, and ammonia. "Its storage capacity for petroleum products and liquefied gas exceeds 1 million cubic meters," the source explained. "Local residents reported a series of explosions on social media overnight. A drone attack resulted in a fire at the oil transshipment complex," the agencys source said. He recalled that the previous attack on the terminal occurred on January 22 of this year. Back then, SBU drones damaged process pipelines on the berths, as well as several vacuum gas oil and fuel oil tanks. Estimated losses amounted to approximately $50 million. "The SBU is systematically targeting facilities that generate significant revenue for the Russian budget, which is then channeled into the war effort. This concerns energy and export infrastructure, without which it is more difficult for the enemy to finance military operations and maintain its logistics," a source in the SBU concluded. New Yorks IGB Group is providing strategic communications services to Zim Integrated Shipping Services, which has 129 vessels, as the Israeli company is acquired by Germanys Hapag-Lloyd in a deal valued at $4.2B. The $35-per-share takeover price is a 58 percent premium to Zims closing NYSE stock price on Feb. 13. The deal strengthens Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyds market position as the fifth-largest container shipping company worldwide, with a fleet of over 400 ships. Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, called Zim an excellent partner for his company. Customers will benefit from a significantly strengthened network in the Transpacific, Intra Asia, Atlantic, Latin America and East Mediterranean, he said. "We share the same ambitions: great customer service, outstanding operational quality, and a commitment to digital innovationall powered by the expertise and passion of our people worldwide." The deal calls for the Government of Israels golden share in Zim to be transferred to a carved-out company of 16 ships owned by FIMI, an Israeli private equity firm. That fleet will focus on connecting Israel to major ports in the EU, US, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea and be supported by a long-term strategic alliance with Hapag-Lloyd. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, FIMI is the country's largest and private equity fund with more than $11 billion in assets under management. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year. The Qatar Investment Authority has a 12.3% stake in Hapag-Lloyd, while the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia owns a 10.2% position. Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is looking for an agency that can improve the visibility of the countys tourism brand by providing digital as well as traditional marketing and public relations services. Irish country music star Michael English has opened up on the heart attack he suffered earlier this month while on his way to perform a gig in Cappoquin in Waterford. English is one of the busiest country music performers on the Irish scene and performs all over the country and the UK. The 46-year-old lives in Naas, Co Kildare, and was on his way to a gig in Waterford when the frightening incident unfolded. He was later forced to miss gigs in Waterford, Carlow and Donegal before returning to the stage in Mullingar last weekend. Michael was a guest on the Joe Finnegan show on Shannonside radio earlier this week and in an honest interview he opened up about the ill-fated trip. He explained that he set off driving with his manager and friend Bryan Buckley from home in Kildare with the aim of being in Waterford early, around 4.30pm. Michael explained he hadn't felt the best that morning and about 20 minutes from Waterford while driving on the motorway, he asked Bryan to get behind the wheel for the rest of the journey. The decision is one that could have saved his and the lives of other drivers. He explained: "I said to Bryan on the way that I just didn't feel 100%. In our business, sometimes you have a cold, you might have flu, you might have this, you might have a pain in your head, but the show must go on, and that's the way I always operate. READ NEXT: 12 counties hit with weather warnings as heavy rain and strong winds on the way "About 20 minutes from Waterford, we were on the motorway, and I asked Bryan would be mind taking over the wheel. I just didn't feel 100% at all. When Bryan took over the wheel, that's when events unfolded and something happened to me that I never thought would happen, I blacked out," he explained. Michael said he had actually suffered "a slight heart attack" and that he was lucky to have Bryan with him at the time. "It has haunted me since, you know if I was driving myself, thinking of other people travelling in other cars, you don't know what would have happened. The moral of the story is I had a slight heart attack and just blacked out. The next thing I remember waking up being admitted into Waterford General." He thanked staff there and later in Dublin for the care and treatment he received. Fans of the country star were unaware of the extent of Michael's health scare as a social media post went up later that day announcing that the Cappoquin performance was being postponed until April due to "illness." He later had to reschedule or miss a series of gigs, including in Donegal's Abbey Hotel and The Woodford Dolmen in Carlow. Michael said his heart attack was initially described by doctors in Waterford as a "cardiac event" but he later found out that while he didn't have any blockages, the left side of his heart wasn't pumping as much as the right side, eventually leading to the "weakness" he says he felt on that morning and his subsequent heart attack in the car en route to Cappoquin. He continued: "There's an enzyme in my heart which was very much elevated. It should have been between 5 and 15, but mine was 41, so that attacked the left side of my heart." He went on to say that this caused some slight damage to the outer wall of his heart but that it's "very much repairable." Michael was "given the green light" by doctors to perform again and was back on stage in Mullingar for a three-night show just last weekend, a week and a few days on from his motorway ordeal. ABOVE: Michael back on stage nine days on from his heart attack on February 5 He said the medical advice was to carry on as before but that when he gets a day off to actually take that day off and look after himself. "I was the type of person that if I played six nights of the week, on the seventh day I'd be in the studio, or writing at the piano. While that's not strenuous, it's still music, it's still the mind working," Michael said. He said that no matter what type of work people are in, "mentally it's good to take a break." He also stressed the importance for men in particular to get regular check-ups and mind their health. "It's good to go and get yourself checked. I go and get my bloods done every year, though some people say you should get them done twice a year. I certainly will going forward. I would always have been the type to say to myself, 'sure I feel great, I'm grand, I'll put it off for another month' "Go and have that check," he advised, "it's for peace of mind as well because you never know." He concluded his interview by thanking all the people, fans and fellow performers, who sent him well-wishes over the last couple of weeks. THE Tullamore Indian Association (TIA) has announced its new administration team for the year 20262027 following its General Body Meeting held on 6th February at St. Marys Youth Centre, Tullamore, in the presence of members, families, and well-wishers. The newly elected committee assumes leadership at a time when the association continues to grow in participation, cultural engagement, and community initiatives across Tullamore and surrounding areas. Office Bearers for 20262027: President Thejaswini P Raj Vice President Sanal George Secretary Simna Mohan Joint Secretary Nivin Alex Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jiji George Treasurer Asha Jose Program Coordinators Jomin Joykutti and Vishu Manikandan Youth Nexus Coordinators Allysa Bennies, Anna Rose Joji, and Joshin Joy READ NEXT: Free blood pressure checks at roadshow in Offaly next week The new administration expressed sincere gratitude to the outgoing committee for their dedication and valuable contributions to the associations development and activities over the past year. Under the leadership of the new team, TIA aims to further strengthen cultural, social, and charitable initiatives, while providing a vibrant platform for families and young people to engage in community life. The association will continue to focus on youth development, cultural programmes, social outreach, and partnerships that positively impact the wider society. The Tullamore Indian Association also reaffirmed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Irish community. Over the years, the Indian community in Tullamore has actively participated in local events, supported community initiatives, and contributed to the social and cultural fabric of the town. The association looks forward to strengthening this spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support in the years ahead. During the General Body Meeting, members extended their wholehearted support and best wishes to the newly elected team. The President and office bearers assured that the association will continue to function with transparency, inclusiveness, and a strong commitment to community values. The Tullamore Indian Association looks forward to an active and impactful year ahead, working together with its members and the wider Irish community to promote unity, cultural harmony, and shared progress. READ NEXT: RIP: Offaly community plunged into mourning after sudden death of young man TULLAMORE company AllPro Recruitment will host a special edition of its popular Founders Friday event on Friday, March 6 from 6-8pm at Eugene Kellys Bar, Tullamore, as part of Enterprise Week 2026. Delivered in collaboration with Offaly Local Enterprise Office and supported by Tullamore & District Rotary, this Founders Friday aligns with this years Enterprise Week theme, Make It Happen, by showcasing a founder from Coolderry who has done exactly that. The featured speaker is Paul Mahon, founder and CEO of Watt Footprint, an innovative energy technology company helping organisations reduce energy costs and carbon emissions through smart, data-driven solutions. With strong Offaly roots, Pauls journey from engineer to scaling a fast-growing tech company reflects the ambition and resilience within the Midlands business community, say the organisers. Founded by AllPro Recruitment, Founders Friday is an in-person networking event designed to give founders, business owners and leaders access to honest, unfiltered stories from those who have built and grown successful companies. READ NEXT: Offaly man speaks of 'different feeling' after helping Ireland beat Italy On the night, Paul will share the realities of launching Watt Footprint in 2020, navigating growth in a rapidly changing energy market, securing investment, and expanding beyond Ireland while staying connected to his local roots. AllPro says those in attendance will gain practical insight into innovation, leadership and what it truly takes to scale a business in todays environment. Places are free but limited, and early booking is advised. To register, visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/offaly/training-events/online-bookings/lew-2026-founders-friday-with-paul-mahon-watt-footprint.html AllPro Recruitment's CEO, David Gleeson, commented: Founders Friday is about creating a space where business leaders can learn from real experiences, not just headlines. As part of Enterprise Week 2026 and its Make It Happen theme, Pauls story perfectly demonstrates what is possible when vision is backed by action. We are proud to collaborate with Offaly Local Enterprise Office to bring this opportunity to the local business community. Founders Friday continues to attract founders, hiring managers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers from across the Midlands, offering a relaxed but purposeful environment for networking, learning and collaboration. FINANCE has been allocated for the upgrading of the Tullamore to Kilbeggan route in the national, regional and local roads funding for 2026 announced at lunchtime. A total of 500,000 has been allocated for the project and a further 500,00 has been allocated for the Birr Distributor Road and 375,000 works works at Monasterosis, Edenderry. Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Tony McCormack said: This funding represents a very positive investment in Offalys transport infrastructure and demonstrates continued Government commitment to improving our road network. The allocation for the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link is particularly significant. Advancing the design and planning stage brings this important project closer to construction and will ultimately deliver safer roads, reduced congestion and better connectivity for commuters, businesses and local communities." Deputy John Clendennen commented: I am delighted to see that almost 17million in funding has been allocated to Offaly County Council for essential roads works across the county. The continued safety for all road users is a key priority for Fine Gael in government and key to that is the protection and regeneration of our existing road network. The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events. Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Sean Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer today announced that the Department of Transport will provide over 1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025. The almost 800 million allocation for national roads includes: 659 million in exchequer capital funding through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) 104 million for national roads under Public Private Partnerships approximately 33 million for regular maintenance of national roads, provided to local authorities. READ NEXT: REVEALED: Tullamore & District Chamber of Commerce announces nominees for 2026 Business Awards TII will allocate funding to protect and renew the existing national road network across the country, funding road safety improvements, pavement and bridge renewal, and climate-resilience measures. It will also progress the new national road projects identified in the National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, including the Adare Bypass, N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge, and M28 Cork-Ringaskiddy. The 718 million allocation for regional and local roads will allow approximately 2,800kms of roads to be maintained and 2,330kms to be improved. The funding includes: 50 million for strategic road improvement projects, including projects identified for development under the National Development Plan 20 million in Specific Grants for smaller scale road improvements, including: bridgeworks; safety measures such as junction reconfiguration; and schemes to alleviate traffic congestion in towns. Funded projects in 2026 include: the safety scheme on the R332 Kilbannon, Co. Galway; the rehabilitation of Archdeacon Duggan Bridge in Co. Cork; and the Kilkelly Relief Road in Co. Mayo. A total of 99 projects in this category will be funded in 2026 16.5 million for 294 projects under the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Programme 14 million for 280 low-cost road safety projects, targeting remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic. Minister OBrien said: "Advancing the new national road projects in the current National Development Plan and the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport is a priority for this government, along with the protection and renewal of the existing national, regional and local road network. Government is committed to assisting affected local authorities with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storm Chandra. My Department is liaising with affected counties, who are continuing to compile and assess damage on the ground to enable proper estimation of the total damage caused and the estimated cost of remediation. The allocations Im announcing today will enable multiple major new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or are close to construction. This will enable greater connectivity across our country, support economic development, and deliver safer roads and less congested towns and communities. Projects such as the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, the M28 and the Adare Bypass, which are currently in construction, demonstrate the clear commitment to the ongoing development of our national road network. Taken together with the new road projects which are at an earlier stage of the project lifecycle, an increased number of new national roads projects have been allocated funding this year. A new two-year work programme under the Community Involvement Scheme for regional and local roads is starting this year with 16.2 million being allocated to the scheme in 2026. This is an increase of 1.4 million in funding from last year, upholding the Programme for Government commitment to increase funding for the Community Involvement Scheme. READ NEXT: New team at the helm of Tullamore Indian Association for coming year Minister Canney said: Todays funding allocations ensure that our primary focus of protecting and maintaining the existing road network so that it remains safe, resilient and capable of meeting the needs of all road users - including freight operators, public transport, and other road users - is to the fore. This funding also supports essential road safety improvements, which are critical to delivering our Road Safety Strategy. Over recent decades, substantial investment has been made in the regional and local road network, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the country. Reducing speed limits and making roads safer, in support of the Government commitment of Vision Zero, remains a priority. The Department of Transport will also continue to offer grant assistance to local authorities for the implementation of reduced speed limits as per the speed limit review. Minister Buttimer said: As Minister with responsibility for Rural Transport, I recognise the critical role played by the regional and local road network in ensuring that all parts of Ireland are connected. A safe and efficient road network enables those living in rural communities to connect to work, education and healthcare. In addition, it also facilitates the improved bus services that operate across rural Ireland. The funding announced today will help to protect and enhance this vital national asset for all our citizens. The allocation of 718 million for regional and local roads will strengthen and support towns, villages and communities right across the country. Its an investment that will improve connectivity, help local businesses thrive, and make everyday journeys to school, work and community activities safer and more convenient for families. National roads projects funded include: N2 Ardee to South of Castleblaney N2 Clontibret to the Border N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross N2 Slane Bypass N3 Virginia Bypass N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod N4 Mullingar to Longford N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge N6 Galway City Ring Road N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare N17 Knock to Collooney N/M20 Cork to Limerick N21 Abbeyfeale Relief Road N21 Newcastle West Relief Road N21/69 Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass) N22 Farranfore to Killarney N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction (including Tipperary Bypass) N24 Waterford to Cahir N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton N25 Midleton to Youghal (Castlemartyr and Killeagh Bypasses) N25 Waterford to Glenmore M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy N52 Ardee Bypass N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan N58 Foxford Bypass N59 Clifden to Maam Cross N72/73 Mallow Relief Road Cork City Northern Transport Project Donegal TEN-T Route Improvement Project The main features of the 2026 investment programme for Regional and Local roads include: 350m for road pavement strengthening works; 77m for preventative surface dressing work; 86m for maintenance and strengthening works for which local authorities have discretion in the selection of roads; 70m for Specific and Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects; 18m for bridge rehabilitation works; 14m for safety improvement works; 18m for drainage works; 16.2m for Community Involvement Schemes; 16.5m for climate change adaptation/resilience works; 12m for Strategic Rehabilitation Regional Road; and Miscellaneous grants are also provided during the year for a number of projects and pilot initiatives including speed limits, salt purchase, training, asset management and conducting pavement surveys. Eight NDP projects have been completed to date and other strategic projects currently at construction stage include: Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road Tralee Northern Relief Road R498 Nenagh/Thurles (Latteragh) Upgrade Athenry Relief Road In line with established practice, local authorities are advised each year by the Department to set aside a minimum of 10% contingency from their annual Discretionary Grant allocation to deal with severe weather events and damage to the network as they arise. Offaly Volunteer Centre officially opened its new offices in Tullamore's O'Connor Square on Tuesday morning, February 17. The event marked an important milestone in the organisations continued growth and its commitment to strengthening volunteering and community life across the Faithful County. The new premises place Offaly Volunteer Centre at the heart of the town, offering a more accessible and welcoming space for volunteers, community groups, partner organisations, and members of the public to connect, seek support, and explore ways to get involved in their local communities. The opening was attended by Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Jerry Buttimer, alongside volunteers, community partners, board members, and representatives from organisations and across the county. An array of TDs and local politicians were present to support the organisation as they moved into their new premises. This included Offaly TDs Tony McCormack, John Clendennen and Carol Nolan. Councillors from Tullamore Municipal District including Sean O'Brien and Neil Feighery along with Birr Municipal District Councillors Hugh Egan and Eleanor Clendennen also gave their backing to the new volunteer centre at the opening. Minister Jerry Buttimer paid tribute to the work done by the Offaly Volunteer Centre in his speech at the event. He stated: "Today we are celebrating a group of people, we are heralding a new building but it's really just bricks and mortar, it's the people that keep it all together. It takes everything to raise people up and support each other and what this organisation is doing is so powerful, when volunteers are giving somebody a hand, it supports them, nurtures them and creates community. It's so important for me to be here to support the work they are doing." He went on to say: "This new volunteer centre in a very visible part of town is vital because it tells the people of this town of the work you are doing, it's a tapestry woven by the spirit of supporting, connecting and strengthening which is what makes Offaly so special. This new building will offer a home with a warm welcoming environment to be able to help people, it's a hub and a centre of excellence really, it's a place of kindness and support which is inclusive to all and people can feel like themselves." Referring to the Governments upcoming Volunteering Strategy, Minister Buttimer also expressed the hope that it would be embraced not merely as policy, but as something lived and practiced in communities every day. "I hope we can all see the new Volunteering Strategy not just as a government policy document, but as a living document, one that is truly loved, lived, and put into practice every day." READ MORE: New team at the helm of Tullamore Indian Association for coming year Chairperson of the Offaly Volunteer Centre, Molly Buckley reflected on the significance of the occasion and the sense of shared achievement felt across the room. "It was genuinely lovely to see so many of our friends and colleagues celebrating our new premises with us. This centre exists because of the collective efforts of volunteers, board members, staff, partners, and communities. She added: "Today felt like a celebration of all of that collaboration and commitment, and of the strong spirit of volunteering that runs through Offaly. Manager of Offaly Volunteer Centre, Deirdre Fox described the opening as an emotional and affirming moment for the organisation and its supporters. "It was amazing to see so many people gathered together to celebrate this moment with us, days like today are heartwarming. They remind us that this work is about people, relationships, and community. She continued: "Our new premises represent much more than a change of address. They reflect the strength of the relationships we have built across Offaly. Following speeches by Minister Buttimer, Chairperson of Offaly Volunteer Centre Molly Buckley and Manager Deirdre Fox, the opening concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque which was followed by an opportunity for guests to meet volunteers, staff, and partners. The move to the new premises reflects the centres expanding work in connecting people with volunteering opportunities and supporting community initiatives at local level. READ NEXT: Founders Friday event will feature Offaly entrepreneur Board member Malachy Mangan described the opening of the new premises as a particularly fitting moment for him personally, as he prepares to step back from the board, having served since before the centre first opened its doors. "It feels like such a fitting way to mark this moment, having been involved since before Offaly Volunteer Centre even opened its doors. It has been a privilege to see how far it has come so to stand here today in this new premises is very special." Originally founded six years ago with the support of Volunteer Ireland, Offaly Volunteer Centre has developed strong partnerships with statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations, local businesses, and new communities in the county. The organisation works closely with Offaly Local Development Company, Offaly County Council and the Local Authority Integration Team, Family Resource Centres in Clara and Tullamore, and providers of IPAS and BOTP accommodation centres, among many others. The centre has also acknowledged the contribution of local employers and corporate partners, as well as philanthropic supporters such as the Community Foundation of Ireland, whose backing has helped to strengthen volunteering initiatives throughout Offaly. Minister Buttimers attendance highlighted the importance of national support for local volunteering infrastructure. Offaly Volunteer Centre has welcomed the continued engagement and funding support from the Department and the volunteering section of the Department, which it says has been instrumental in enabling the centre to expand its reach and impact. Offaly Volunteer Centre plays a central role in connecting people with meaningful volunteering opportunities, supporting organisations to recruit and manage volunteers, and promoting a strong culture of civic participation throughout Offaly. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has allocated funding of 8.4-million to Tipperary County Council to improve roads and footpaths. The funding for Tipperary comes as part of an overall funding package of 1.5-billion announced today by Minister Darragh OBrien. 718-million has been allocated for regional and local roads as part of the funding which will allow approximately 2,800 kilometres of road to be maintained and 2,330 kilometres to be improved. A total of over 2 million in funding has been secured for Thurles projects. 1.6 million has been secured to deliver significant public realm and infrastructure improvements in Thurles town centre, providing a major boost to the towns accessibility, safety and long-term economic vitality. READ NEXT: Roscrea Hotel plan 'was always a joke' says Tipp TD This new funding will allow for road surface and footpath enhancement works along Stradavoher Road from Liberty Square to Dunnes Stores roundabout. The works will improve connectivity and accessibility, supporting both residential and commercial activity. The funding will also allow the County Council to advance the second phase of the redevelopment of Liberty Square which will build on the transformative progress already made, further enhancing the public realm, pedestrian experience and overall attractiveness of the town centre. 200,000 has been allocated to progress the proposed critical safety improvement works at Turtulla Cross aimed at addressing longstanding safety concerns. These works will include the construction of a new roundabout designed to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and significantly reduce collision risk at this busy junction. The design stage of the Thurles Inner relief Road will be concluded, and the project progressed to tender stage. The Thurles Bypass is included in the current National Development Plan. It must now be progressed through the various project phases. The council will be funded to revisit the previous Bypass project proposal starting with a view to formulating a new scheme. This funding marks another significant step forward in the ongoing regeneration of Thurles, ensuring the town continues to grow in a sustainable, safe and economically progressive manner. Ongoing dangerous speeding issues through Main Street in Ballina are to be addressed. 185,000 has been allocated to install traffic calming measures and the work will include a raised table, pedestrian crossings and safety signage. A project for Birdhill has been sanctioned at a cost of 380,000. This scheme involves extensive traffic calming measures, new footpaths and cycleway. The completed works will greatly enhance the village of Birdhill. READ NEXT: 'Golden opportunity for Tipperary lost' - birthplace of GAA not properly celebrated says local Councillor "I welcome the funding of 8.4million allocated to Tipperary County Council and I am pleased that several projects which I have promoted are included in the scheme of works," North Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry said. "The improvement of road surfaces and footpaths throughout my Constituency has been a priority for me since the formation of the new Government. "Significant works have already been carried out throughout the area and todays announcement is further tangible evidence of that commitment," Deputy Lowry said. North Tipperary Fianna Fail TD, Deputy Ryan O'Meara also welcomed the funding announcement: I am delighted to welcome significant investment in our regional and national roads here in North Tipperary. This funding will make a real difference in communities right across the county allowing safer roads and more efficient journeys. I am particularly delighted to see the Latteragh Upgrade included today. This project is critical for transport across the county, and I am keen to see it progress quickly to allow commuters and those who use the road to have access to increased connectivity and reliable transportation, he said. Fianna Fail is committed to maintaining and strengthening our national and regional road networks right across the country. "These roads are used daily for many across the county. Todays investment ensures that our roads remain safe and meet the needs of all road users. Investing in road infrastructure is critical for supporting the growth of the local economy, making daily commutes safer and more efficient and for ensuring the road infrastructure we have is sustained into the future, Deputy O'Meara said. Irish holidaymakers heading to Cuba have been told to contact their travel agents immediately after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) changed their travel advice for the country. The second highest level of warning has been issued for the country with Irish travellers being told to Avoid Non-Essential Travel. READ NEXT: 12 counties hit with weather warnings as heavy rain and strong winds on the way The DFA issues this guidance for countries or territories which have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. It said: Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited. Cuba is in the midst of an energy crisis which has affected transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism and the production of food. There has been energy rationing, severe blackouts and the Cuban government announced aviation fuel would not be available at Cuban airports. The island nation relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted when the US attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader. READ NEXT: 'My arm was still in the car'- Young man (30) warns other to never ever drink and drive At the end of January, US president Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to the country. The DFA has warned of blackouts lasting over 24 hours and long queues at petrol stations. They say the fuel supply issues are affecting water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications, with hospitals and clinics also affected. In a statement Clare Dunne, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said she would strongly recommend anyone thinking of travelling to Cuba check the DFAs advice and check with their travel agent before making any bookings. Ms Dunne added: When the DFA advise to Avoid Essential Travel to a particular country, Cuba in this instance, it usually means that the travel insurance policy will not cover travel to that country. The number of Irish citizens who travel from Ireland to Cuba has declined over the past few years and is now very low. READ NEXT: Concerns raised over restraint used on mentally ill Offaly man who died in prison This is mainly down to two reasons connectivity to Cuba from Ireland is very limited, and secondly, travellers who travel to Cuba are not then eligible to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA and must instead apply to the US Embassy for an entry visa. The organisation said there are thought to be few, if any, Irish tourists currently in Cuba. Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton has paused a review of special needs assistant (SNA) allocations after public backlash. The opposition had highlighted concerns from teachers, parents and trade unions on whether SNA supports would be reduced at some schools in the next academic year. In a statement on Monday, Ms Naughton said the review of SNA allocations would be paused while government engages intensively with the concerns raised. Delivering a world-class education system, particularly for young people with special educational needs, is a priority for me as Minister for Education & Youth and for this Government, she said. Some three billion euros has been provided in 2026 for special education, building on investment over previous years. The number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 45% since 2020, and an additional 1,700 SNAs will support our children this year compared with during 2025. This means there will be 25,000 SNAs in schools in September 2026. There will be more SNAs in every county, in mainstream, special classes and special schools in September 2026 than today. I, and Minister (Michael) Moynihan as Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, am committed to delivering for children with special educational needs. SNAs play a critical role in our schools I know how much they mean to school communities, parents and the children they support. I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers. I want to ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care. To that end, I am pausing the review of the SNA allocations. I, the Tanaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported. Ms Naughton said no further letters on SNA review outcomes will be issued until discussions had concluded in the coming weeks. In a testy exchange on the topic during Leaders Questions on Tuesday afternoon, Micheal Martin did admit: I do accept the manner in which letters went out did cause concerns. But he added: No SNAs will lose their job because theres a redeployment scheme. We have to acknowledge school is progression, children move on from one school to another, its not plausible that there wouldnt be reviews. Mr Martin continued: Different needs will arise on an annual basis. New children will come into schools. Some schools that didnt have a need will develop a need because of the number of children coming into school in a new year. The Taoiseach said 68% of the 585 that were part of the review will either see no change or an increase in their SNA allocation and about 190 will see a reduction. The Government and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will work with the schools which have been impacted, he said. But Mr Martin said he did not believe any school should lose six SNAs, as was reported yesterday evening. He also said he believed any changes should be gradual. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Government was going to review the review, which she said was absolutely no use to anyone, in fact I would argue that will add to the anxiety. Labours education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny questioned the language used in letters sent by the Department of Education to schools about the allocation of SNAs. Speaking in the Dail, he said the letters advise teachers to engage further with professional seminars covering a variety of special educational needs topics, to assist in meeting the needs of students identified in this SNA review. Mr Kenny called on the Taoiseach to clarify if this is the Government moving to demand teachers take on the role of SNAs. He said: I am deeply concerned about the language used in the correspondence issued to schools from the department. Just what is going on here? Is this Government seriously planning on replacing SNAs by advising teachers to take on the role? Mr Martin responded: I did not write the letter. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov has announced the start of a new round of negotiations in Geneva. "Today we are beginning a new round of talks in a trilateral format Ukraine, the United States, Russia. We thank the American side for their engagement and consistent work in the negotiation process," Umerov wrote on his Telegram channel on Tuesday. He also thanked Switzerland for organizing and providing the conditions for the meetings. "We have a framework approved by the President of Ukraine and a clear mandate. The agenda covers security and humanitarian issues," Umerov said. He stressed that the work is proceeding constructively, in a focused manner and without excessive expectations. "Our task is to advance as far as possible those solutions that can bring a lasting peace closer," the NSDC secretary said. The incumbent OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, after the start of the meeting, declared that Switzerland was providing "a platform for dialogue and de-escalation in support of peace." "Switzerland invites the US, Russia and Ukraine to Geneva for trilateral talks focused on peace and stability. We provide a platform for dialogue and de-escalation in support of peace. Welcome to Switzerland, welcome to Geneva," he wrote on X. Late Monday, CNN correspondent Haley Britzky cited her own sources on X as saying that U.S. President Donald Trumps special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Alex Grynkewich, had already arrived in Geneva with the U.S. delegation. "Secretary Driscoll, as part of the team led by Special Envoy Witkoff and Mr. Kushner, arrived in Geneva today for trilateral negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine. We remain optimistic and look forward to resolving the conflict," she quoted an unnamed senior U.S. official as saying. As reported, the Ukrainian delegation has been in Geneva and preparing for the talks since Monday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday evening. "We will soon be marking a year of the most active diplomacy Ukraine has pursued. We have agreed to all realistic American proposals, starting with the proposal for a ceasefire unconditional and lasting. Russia rejects it, continues assaults on the front and strikes on our cities and energy infrastructure," the president said. He added that Ukraine expects its partners to take action to compel the aggressor to make peace. The previous trilateral talks were held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 4-5. Following those talks, Zelenskyy told reporters that the Americans had proposed repeating the so-called "energy truce" at the meeting, Ukraine had supported the proposal, but the Russian side promised to return to the issue. Lately, I have been conversing with AI about various subjects which I believe to be too serious to ignore. When I was in college, early on I was accused of plagiarizing ideas from the likes of Kant, Heidegger, Nietzsche and other philosophers. Of course, at 18 years old, I had never even heard of them let alone stolen their ideas. What I eventually discovered, as did my professors, is that I had a bunch of "original ideas" that someone else had already thought of. Trying to study the erudite authors, I did find out a few things about them as well as about myself. First, the three of them and many, many other great philosophers could not explain to someone how to tie a shoelace. Most of them were terrible communicators, which meant that (1) hardly anyone really understood what they were trying to say and (2) they may have actually seemed even more intelligent than they were because they were so hard to follow. As for myself, I realized (1) that if I had a good idea, there was a really excellent chance that someone else had already thought of it and (2) that if I had a lousy idea, there was certainly a chance that no one else had ever thought of it! So, from then on I would almost always write my papers and articles off the top of my head, then search for anyone who had already written about the things that I had addressed, trying to give them due credit. With AI, I can usually ask questions, present my ideas and be rewarded with the identity of someone who may have actually said the same thing or even the opposite in a manner that I can understand. If I disagree and cannot get the information I sought, I have learned how to simply rephrase my question in a more acceptable form. For example, with regard to the recent shenanigans by the Supreme Court, I asked if the president were not only guilty of international war crimes by ordering the destruction of boats with accused drug smugglers without either due process or even hard evidence and especially of the murder of the survivors of the initial attacks. I then suggested that the majority of the court were guilty of being accessories. Obviously the justices were even warned of the likelihood that their decision would result in murder and of course it did! Unlike the president, they did not actively confer any immunity on themselves for the commission of murder, suggesting that they too would be guilty of war crimes under international law. AI's reply involved some "hemming and hawing," but basically quoted members of the international court who agreed that both the president's orders and the involvement of the Supreme Court constituted international war crimes and my reply was that I considered AI's answer to be a guarded "yes." My next question, naturally, was: "Can anyone with so-called 'immunity' from the law claim 'protection' by the law?" I pompously added that my 8-year-old niece could convince at least one honest juror that if either the president or the guilty justices were harmed by an injured party or by the family of a murdered victim that the perpetrators of the injury too would be immune from punishment. To my temporary surprise, I was reminded of the "Social Contract Theory, a "cornerstone of legal philosophy" since the enlightenment. That is, if the law does not apply to the powerful, then why should it protect them? According to John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, two philosophers, by the way, who did know how to communicate, there exists something called the "Logic of Reciprocity." In other words, the law is a two-way street. According to AI, citizens give up the right to "frontier justice" in exchange for the state's promise to provide objective justice. So, by the state declaring itself "immune" from the rules, it is effectively opting out of its "social contract." Thus both the president and the SCOTUS majority are literally "outlaws," outside the protection of the law- as such there would be no legal consequences if harm were done to them, especially in retaliation for their crimes, as they had already rejected the law's authority. As my 8-year-old niece would tell you, this leads to "Jury Nullification," the idea that a jury decides that if the law does not apply to someone, that person cannot ask for the law's protection. The jury can ignore it. And then there is the elephant in the room, "The Nuremberg Principles!" Shooting survivors in the water is considered a clearly illegal order that a soldier has a duty to refuse. According to AI, in the Peleus trial, the U-boat commander, von Eck, was executed for ordering his crew to kill survivors of the Greek steamer, Peleus. The executions of survivors ordered by Trump clearly qualify as similar "crimes against humanity" according to international law. "But what about the SCOTUS justices, are they not also implicated in the murders?" I asked. Can they be held responsible according to international law? Again, the precedent is already set by the "Nuremberg Judges Trial" in 1947. Judges were found guilty of providing the legal veneer of legitimacy that allowed crimes against humanity to occur. The verdict: the tribunal found that by twisting the law to give a regime "legal" cover for atrocities, judges were considered integral participants in the crimes. To quote AI: " the dagger of the assassin was concealed beneath the robe of the jurist." Now, for members of the Supreme Court to be "accessories," or "co-conspirators," it needs to be proven that they realize that their ruling would be used for the commission of war crimes vs. humanity, something of which Justice Sotomayor and scores of authorities certainly warned them. Their ruling had to also embolden the administration to carry out the war crimes, which the Court majority did, not only by their ruling, but by purposely delaying a number of appeals and other decisions, especially as to bogus emergency war powers. International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo agreed that the boat strikes themselves constituted crimes against humanity, so the added killing of survivors is what my grandchildren would call a "no brainer!" Meanwhile, to really prove that he agreed that heads of state do not actually enjoy criminal immunity for corrupt official acts, Trump actually used the principle to justify his kidnapping of Venezuela's Maduro! In fact, it is something I am sure Maduro's lawyer will point out if there is ever a trial. So, if the U.S. is unwilling or unable to prosecute its own leader(s) by manufacturing what AI calls a "domestic shield," it could well be a "primary trigger" for ICC intervention. If I were Mr. Trump, in the future, I might be very careful about stepping out of the country..... Allen Finkelstein, 2/04/2026 Canada - As the pressure to digitise grows stronger across every industry, Canadian businesses are increasingly looking for smarter, more unified ways to manage their Zelenskyy: 2,000 children already returned to Ukraine as part of Bring Kids Back UA As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, 2,000 children have already been returned to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "Today we have an important result 2,000 Ukrainian children who were successfully returned home from Russian control as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative," he said in his Telegram channel on Tuesday. The president said each of these returns was made possible thanks to the daily work of Ukrainian citizens, public organizations and international partners. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to everyone who participated. Head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ihnat said that most of the cruise missiles and drones launched by Russian occupiers at Ukraine overnight on Tuesday were shot down by Ukrainian aviation. "Meanwhile, Ukrainian pilots flying Western aircraft once again demonstrated effectiveness and professionalism in shooting down enemy cruise missiles and drones. This morning, most of the cruise missiles are on their account," Ihnat said on Facebook on Tuesday. He also urged the public to treat with caution the information published by the French outlet Intelligence Online, which claimed that a secret F16 squadron had allegedly been created in Ukraine consisting of Ukrainian, U.S. and Dutch pilots. Ihnat stressed that this does not correspond to reality. "Ukrainian media are actively spreading the Intelligence Online article claiming that American and Dutch veteran pilots are flying F16s in Ukraine alongside Ukrainian pilots However, some Ukrainian Telegram channels warn citizens to treat this information cautiously, as the outlet often publishes nonsense. This may be one such case, since there are no other sources," the Air Force spokesperson said. According to him, Intelligence Online belongs to the French independent publishing group Indigo Publications, which emphasizes its full independence. There is no direct evidence of Russian funding or influence, but the outlet is sometimes criticized for the nature of its content. "Some Ukrainian analytical centers, including the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, note that the outlets materials periodically contain narratives favorable to Russia. Critics point to publications with manipulative forecasts claiming Ukraines inevitable defeat or the impossibility of victory. This can be used to influence Western public opinion. In addition, because the outlet specializes in leaks from intelligence communities, it can become a platform for information operations by various intelligence services, including Russian ones, which use media to legitimize disinformation," Ihnat said. As reported, Ukraines Defence Forces shot down or suppressed 25 missiles and 367 enemy UAVs out of 29 missiles and 396 drones launched overnight by Russian occupiers. Four ballistic missile strikes and 18 attack UAV impacts were recorded at 13 locations, along with debris falling at eight locations. Overall effectiveness of destroying aerial targets in Ukraines airspace exceeded 92%, one of the highest rates recorded. All Kh101 and IskanderK cruise missiles launched by the enemy were shot down, as well as Kh59/69 airlaunched missiles. The Kryvyi Rih mining and metallurgical plant PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih (AMKR, Dnipropetrovsk region) successfully sold steel products in the EU market in 2025 but is currently reducing production and operating at a loss due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and electricity shortages. According to AMKR Director for Government Relations Oleh Krykavsky, speaking at the event "How do Russian attacks on the energy system affect Ukrainian business?", organized by the Centre for Economic Strategy (CES), the enterprise has managed to continue operating and remain afloat because it is part of a large multinational corporation. "We were supported by receiving more than $1 billion in assistance from the multinational corporation, which was used to ensure the enterprise continued operations. Currently, the plant operates on average at 50% of its capacity. Last year we were quite successful in the EU market, including thanks to government actions, because a good agreement was reached with the European Union to extend duty-free trade for another three years. In 2025, we exported 1.2 million tonnes of steel products to the European market out of 3 million tonnes. But due to CBAM, our costs are rising, forcing us to shut down one shop the blooming mill," the top manager said. At the same time, he clarified that AMKR is in a disadvantaged position compared with European manufacturers under CBAM, as it will have to pay $6390 per tonne, depending on the type of product. Electricity tariffs are also high, and electricity import contracts are very short-term. "We have had several cases when we failed to meet electricity consumption volumes, and our trader sold it on the market for UAH 0. Not only did we pay for it, we did not receive it, we were forced to cut production and suffered direct losses. Of course, we are in dialogue with the government on this issue," the company explained. Responding to questions about strikes on equipment, Krykavsky noted that equipment continues operating during air raid alerts. However, losses caused by emergency situations do occur and are painful. Under normal conditions, the enterprise consumes 400 MWh, but due to restrictions it now consumes 230250 MWh, while limits may fall to 70 MWh. "That means during peak hours you have to figure out what to do. Usually you think about imports because you need to keep operating. Plus, you cannot send workers home for five to seven hours without pay. People receive salaries at work, so operations must continue," the AMKR representative stated. He added that the enterprise had an incident when a coke oven battery was damaged due to an electricity outage caused by a grid accident. "We are determining who is responsible. But one coke oven battery burned down. A coke oven battery is essentially a chemical process, meaning it cannot be stopped. We installed industrial generators for such cases, but even they require 16 or more units to start," the manager explained. With only half of its capacity operational, the enterprise is trying to compensate by redistributing loads, while simultaneously repairing idle facilities so they can be launched later. "We are considering our own generation and cogeneration. There is limited resource and limited potential. It is very expensive. But we are working on it in parallel; we have our own combined heat and power plants and technologies that allow this. However, we are a large enterprise requiring significant capacity," the AMKR government relations director summarized. ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is Ukraine's largest producer of rolled steel products. It specializes in long products, particularly reinforcing bar and wire rod. The enterprise has a full production cycle, with production capacities designed for annual output exceeding 6 million tonnes of steel, more than 5 million tonnes of rolled products, and more than 5.5 million tonnes of pig iron. For over seven decades, Air Force ROTC Detachment 675 has provided undergraduate students the opportunity to become future leaders in the U.S. Air Force. Members of the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps, or ROTC, said the detachment allows students, also known as cadets, to earn a minor in aerospace studies while learning critical thinking and leadership skills. While it is ideal to begin the program as a freshman, as it takes four years to complete, cadets can join in the fall semester of their sophomore year and compress the requirements into three years, according to the detachment's website. Cadets are broken up into wings, groups, squadrons and flights to mirror the Air Forces wing structure. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Cadets enter into the General Military Course for their first two years in the program. This course consists of a one-credit-hour aerospace studies class, which introduces cadets to aerospace studies and provides a background to the field. Additionally, cadets attend a Leadership Laboratory class once a week and physical training twice a week, according to the detachments website. Capt. Travis Moore, education officer, said the program divides its training between physical training and an academic classroom program. As for your freshman and sophomore year, it's actually just one credit hour, so it's pretty small as far as the academic load goes, Moore said. That scales up to three credit hours for your last two years in this program. Moore spoke about what underclassmen can expect from the one-credit-hour class. Were teaching you history of the Air Force and Space Force, the Department of the Air Force, and then customs and courtesies, Moore said. Moore said the program teaches leadership and followership traits through classes like Public Speaking. He said these classes are a primer for students to determine if they are interested in the military. In the last two years of the program, eligible cadets can take the Professional Officer Course, which focuses on training cadets to succeed as officers in the Air Force, according to the ROTCs website. Cadets must be fully qualified for Air Force commission, nominated by the Professor of Aerospace Studies and selected by a Headquarters Air Force ROTC board. During the summer before their junior year, cadets sign a commitment to serve a contract and spend two weeks in field training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. Moore said the Professional Officer Course is mostly about operational and strategic level leadership and fellowship, and cadets learn about leading and motivating others. Cadets take AERO 1300, titled Leadership Laboratory, where they put what they've learned about leadership and followership into practice, according to Moore. Through the course, upperclassmen perform leadership tasks while running a cadet wing. The students lead 130 to 175 of their peers to accomplish tasks for a given week. They basically mimic what a normal active duty wing would look like, Moore said. Moore said cadet activities prepare students for the programs physical fitness test. The test consists of one minute of push-ups, one minute of sit-ups, a 1.5 mile run and an abdominal measurement, according to the U.S Air Force ROTC website. We have (physical training) Tuesdays and Thursday mornings from 6 to 7 a.m., Moore said. It's a combination of calisthenics, cardio and strength training. Moore also highlighted benefits such as in-state tuition for out of state cadets, scholarships, monthly stipends and the chance to become a commissioned officer in the Air Force. If you're an active cadet and enrolled in the program, then you immediately get in-state tuition, Moore said. The program includes up to a $900 stipend for textbooks and a monthly stipend that ranges from $250 to $450 a month. Moore also noted some scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees. Ultimately, those that are successful and finish out the four-year program get a guaranteed job as a commissioned officer, said Moore. Moore said the pay for commissioned officers is fairly competitive with starting pay around $65,000 a year on average. Within the first four years, officers will make over $100,000 a year, according to Moore. Moore encouraged prospective students to try out the program. Dont overthink it, because there is no immediate commitment. It's just two classes that you take, Moore said. Moore said all it takes is for students to put in effort and show up with good energy. Just have five hours of availability to do all the things we require you to do, and if you're willing to do that, then just come out and try it out, Moore said. Worst case you become a better public speaker, better leader, better follower. Cadets Hailey Ratlief, nursing senior, Nathan Frasco, organized leadership junior, and Mike Harley, criminology senior, sat down with OU Daily to speak on their experience and why they joined the program. All three cadets have parents who were members of the Air Force, and they wanted to follow in their footsteps. Nathan Frasco said his dad was part of Detachment 675 when he was at OU. It seemed like a really awesome thing to do and I just wanted to follow in his footsteps, Frasco said. Hailey Ratlief said scholarships and a pathway to nursing made her want to join. I came into the program immediately on scholarship from high school, so that was a huge benefit. Then being guaranteed to be a nurse through this program too, it kind of just gives you job security (after graduation) that some people don't have, Ratlief said. Things like insurance, having a house, where youre going to go, all of those things, it's taken care of. Ratlief also said that cadets gain leadership skills they can take into any career. Mike Harley gave his perspective as an upperclassman in the detachment on how they use the skills they've learned to mentor underclassmen. I hope to take away from this point on, from an upperclassman stand point, is to be able to pass on the knowledge that I have accumulated and the skills that I have accumulated to those underneath me," Harley said. So we can continue to develop what will be the future leaders of tomorrow. Harley said forming bonds with other cadets has been one of his favorite parts of the program. You come into the program, and you go through both thick and thin with these people. Who else would you want to spend your time with? Harley said. They know you best, they spend the most time with you. These are my people and theyre going to be who I hang out with. Frasco said his favorite part of the program is the amenities. He enjoys the heritage room located in the detachment, which is a study and hangout area where cadets can spend their downtime. There's (PlayStation 5s), Nintendo Switches. We have snack bars (and) flight simulators with pretty recent software you can spend all day on, Frasco said. In a message to prospective students, Harley said to keep an open mind. There are so many opportunities available to you, Harley said. You just have to be willing to leave that door open. Following graduation, Ratlief plans to become a labor and delivery nurse at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and Harley plans to become a pilot at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Frasco is a junior and is awaiting placement. If students are interested in joining Detachment 675, they can reach out to the recruiting flight commander at afrotc.det675@ou.edu or visit the detachment's website. This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Audrey McClour. Larkin Bock and Sophie Hemker copy edited this article. Metsa Board to Open New Packaging Design Studio in Milan in Summer 2026 The new packaging design studio in Milan, Italy, will be equipped with modern tools and advanced AI supported design and simulation technologies. The new packaging design studio in Milan, Italy, will be equipped with modern tools and advanced AI supported design and simulation technologies. Feb. 17, 2026 - Metsa Board will open a new Packaging Design Studio in Milan (Italy) in summer 2026, marking a significant step in accelerating packaging innovation and strengthening collaboration with European brand owners, converters, and packaging developers. "Located in one of Europe's leading design capitals, the Milan studio gives us a perfect setting to work even more closely with our customers," said Erja Hyrsky, SVP, Commercial Operations. "The studio makes it easy to connect, test ideas and move towards solutions that keep pace with the fast-evolving packaging landscape." Equipped with modern tools and advanced AI supported design and simulation technologies, the studio will enhance the way workshops, design sprints, and co-creation sessions are carried out more effectively, especially in projects where sustainability targets, performance requirements or regulatory changes drive the need for new solutions. Bringing packaging design, product development and technical competence into one location enables closer cooperation across the packaging value chain. The studio provides a place where insights, materials, and manufacturing requirements can be considered holistically, supporting customers in developing solutions that are both functional and ready for implementation. Ilkka Harju, Director, Packaging Design Services, explained, "With the new studio in Milan, we are creating a space where innovation, design, and technical excellence meet. This enables us to work side by side with customers and partners on solutions that move efficiently from idea to implementation." The Milan studio complements Metsa Board's existing Excellence Centre in Aanekoski, Finland, which focuses on material research, packaging performance testing, and holistic packaging development, as well as the company's Packaging Design Studio in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA, which supports customers in North America. Metsa Board is a producer of lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. SOURCE: Metsa Board President Donald Trump has remembered the late Rev. Jesse Jackson as "a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts" - and claimed he "could not stand" Barack Obama. Tributes have poured in for late civil rights activist Jesse Jackson The White House incumbent posted his tribute to the celebrated civil rights leader, who passed away on Tuesday (17.02.26) at the age of 84, on his Truth Social platform, alleging that Jackson never got the credit he deserved in helping Obama get elected as president in 2009. Trump, 79, posted: "The Reverend Jesse Jackson is Dead at 84. I knew him well, long before becoming President. He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts". "He was very gregarious - Someone who truly loved people! Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way. "I provided office space for him and his Rainbow Coalition, for years, in the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street; Responded to his request for help in getting CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM passed and signed, when no other President would even try; Single handedly pushed and passed long term funding for Historically Black Colleges Universities (HBCUs), which Jesse loved, but also, which other Presidents would not do; Responded to Jesses support for Opportunity Zones, the single most successful economic development package yet approved for Black business men/women, and much more. "Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him. He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed! President DONALD J. TRUMP." Jackson - who ran to be the Democratic presidential candidate twice in 1984 and 1988 - had a relationship of mutual respect with Obama, and supported his run to the White House. However, in 2008, while Obama was running for president, Jackson was caught off-air on mic during an appearance on Fox and Friends saying he wanted to cut his nuts off after Obama made comments about absentee fathers in the African-American community. Jackson did apologise for the remark, and famously cried with joy at Obamas 2008 election victory, due to Obama becoming the first African-American president, the ultimate achievement of the civil rights movement he spearheaded. Over several years, Trump has shared conspiracy theories that Obama had not been born in the United States, and was therefore not eligible to be president. Records show that Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Hawaii. His mother was an American citizen. Since the news of Jackson's death, countless tributes have been made to the man who worked alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to secure rights for Black Americans. Former US president Joe Biden said in a post on X: "Reverend Jackson believed in his bones the promise of America: that we are all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. "While we've never fully lived up to that promise, he dedicated his life to ensuring we never fully walked away from it either." Martin Luther King III - the eldest son of Martin Luther King - said in a statement: "Reverend Jackson was more than a civil rights advocate - he was a living bridge between generations, carrying forward the unfinished work and sacred promise of the Civil Rights Movement." Jackson marched alongside King in 1965 in Selma, Alabama, and was with him on the day he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. Jesse's granddaughter Donatella Jackson took to Instagram to say "it is a blessing to carry your name forward". Donatella posted that she is "thankful for the unconditional love, the endless support and the steadfastness with which you doted me, constantly stepping up as the leader I needed when many could not meet the moment, as you have done for so many others". Jackson passed away "peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family" after a long struggle with declining health including a Parkinsons disease diagnosis and a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which affects walking and swallowing. First day of talks in Geneva ends; political, military groups to continue work tomorrow morning Umerov The first day of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia has ended in Geneva, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov said. "After the joint part, work continued in groups by direction. Discussions focused on practical issues and the mechanics of possible solutions. As of today, both the political and military blocs have completed their work," he said in Telegram on Tuesday. Umerov thanked his U.S. partners for "constructive interaction and readiness to work at a working pace." He also informed that a report on the results of the first day of talks in Geneva will be made to the President of Ukraine today. "Tomorrow morning the political and military groups will continue their work," Umerov, who heads the Ukrainian negotiating team, said. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the delegation's report after the first round of talks in Geneva, noting that even on the day of the start of the next format of talks, Russia is responding with a massive strike with drones and missiles on Ukraine. "The delegation's report will be today after the first round of talks in Geneva. The guys should definitely ask questions about these strikes questions primarily to the American side, which suggested both us and Russia to refrain from strikes," he said in a video address on Tuesday evening. Zelenskyy said the Russians began the day of the talks with a massive strike on Ukraine. "There were 29 missiles of various types, and 25 were shot down. () Even the day of the start of the next formats in Geneva trilateral, bilateral, with America Russia meets with a strike. This very clearly demonstrates what Russia wants and what they are up to. There were almost 400 drones," Zelenskyy said. The president said Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes. "Ukraine is ready. We do not need war. And we always act in a mirror image: we defend our state, our independence. We are also ready to quickly move towards a worthy agreement to end the war," he said. "The question is only for the Russians: what do they want. And also whether there will be consequences for Russia for the fact that Shahed missiles and fantasy chatter on historical topics are more important to them than real diplomacy and lasting peace," Zelenskyy said. In addition, the head of the Ukrainian state drew attention to the fact that all Russian missiles and drones "that were used today contain thousands of components that Russia does not produce itself." According to him, five Iskander-Ms are at least 75 critical components of non-Russian production. Three Kh-101 missiles are almost 160 components that Russia cannot replace itself. "Each Shahed is hundreds of such components that are imported to Russia from other countries, and not only from Chinese companies, by the way. Also Europe, America, Japan." Zelenskyy stressed the importance not only for Ukraine, but also for global security in general, for partners to actually block supply chains to Russia of critical components for weapons production. "And also so that the companies themselves better monitor where their components end up. Russia can do nothing without such connections with the world: they are not able to be strong in complete isolation. That is why blockade and pressure can really encourage the aggressor to change policy. But it depends on the determination of the world," Zelenskyy said. While the world is focused on whether the Cuban government will survive, it is critically important to understand what is happening to ordinary people on the island Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Cuba is in crisis, and the people are suffering. While the world is focused on whether the Cuban government will survive, and analysts are assessing the policy failures that led to this moment and what could come next, it is critically important to understand what is happening to ordinary people on the island. Schools are shuttered, people are hungry, and hospitals are unable to provide life-saving care. These are visible signs of a system that has long been operating beyond its margin, such that todays exacerbated energy constraints are quickly propelling the country into a possible humanitarian collapse. The cascading humanitarian impacts of oil shortages For the last few years, Cuba has had access to a fraction of the oil it needs for daily consumption. Oil shortages if acute produce a cascade effect that imperils the people and grinds daily life to a halt. As oil supplies shrink, electricity generation and transportation falter in tandem. Although Cuba has suffered daily blackouts for several years, the crisis has intensified. Satellite imagery underscores the severity of the decline, showing that light levels across parts of the island fell by roughly 50% in January compared to typical levels, particularly in eastern cities such as Santiago de Cuba and Holguin. The gravest conditions are evident in the essentials, hitting households first and foremost, especially in poorer provinces and in communities without access to remittances or generators. Some estimates show that 89% of the population already lives in extreme poverty. Every day brings extended power cuts, intermittent water, spoiled food, suspended classes, canceled surgeries, and transportation that stops without warning. Families spend entire days searching for fuel, cooking gas, or basic goods rather than working. The average Cuban expends enormous energy getting by day-to-day, and any effort to plan for tomorrow is premised on rumors. For several years now, there has been an erosion of public order. Independent media has increasingly reported theft, nighttime insecurity, and murders, even as official statistics remain limited and difficult to verify. As economic stress deepens and blackouts lengthen, localized protests over food shortages and electricity cuts have reemerged. Conditions that strain daily survival also heighten the risk of further social unrest. At the same time, roughly 1,000 political prisoners remain behind bars following the July 11 protests, and new detentions continue. The states response to instability remains rooted in control. Those who can either with financial means or physical ability have left. Migration is not simply a side effect; it is the clearest measure of how little resilience remains. In 2025, Cubans were the third-largest asylum-seeking nationality worldwide. Cubas oil situation today Against this already fragile baseline, recent events and policies have all but stopped oil imports to Cuba, increasing uncertainty. First, through sanctions and high-seas seizures, the United States government has, for months, attempted to block Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba. Now, following the January 3rd U.S. military operation in Venezuela, those shipments have stopped. Then, on January 29, 2026, the White House announced a new executive action that threatens tariffs against any country that provides oil to Cuba. When compliance risk rises, suppliers and shippers tend to step back first and ask questions later. That chilling effect will reduce deliveries even in the absence of any enforcement action. Reporting in late January underscored just how thin Cubas cushion is. When the White House issued the executive order, nearly 20 days ago, analysts assessed that Cuba had 15-20 days of oil supply remaining. Other estimates put that timeline at closer to four to six weeks. In any scenario, vulnerability is measured in days and weeks, not months. Attempting to elongate that timeline, Cubas government announced island-wide emergency measures to save fuel, including a four-day work week, limited public transit between provinces, and consolidating tourists (and generator power) into certain hotels. They also announced that international flights will no longer be able to refuel in Cuba. The historical arc of this decades-old crisis It is tempting to treat Cubas collapse as a sudden inflection point driven primarily by external pressure, but Cubas current fragility is the result of layered shocks interacting with long-term structural weaknesses. The Special Period of the 1990s demonstrated how quickly Cubas economic system collapses into survival mode when external subsidies disappear. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Cuba lost preferential trade, financing, and energy supplies, which were equivalent to an estimated one-third of GDP. Between 1990 and 1993, output contracted by roughly one-third, imports fell by more than 70%, caloric intake dropped sharply, and public services deteriorated rapidly. A partial recovery followed in the late 1990s and 2000s, supported by tourism, remittances, limited self-employment, and, later, Venezuelas subsidized oil and service-for-energy exchange. But this recovery never yielded a resilient or diversified economy. The state retained control over most productive activity, investment levels were chronically insufficient, and productivity stagnated. By the 2010s, Cuba remained heavily dependent on a narrow set of external income sources tourism, remittances, and professional services exports leaving it acutely vulnerable to external shocks. The Obama-era opening, which started in earnest in 2015, provided tangible economic and psychological relief for many Cuban households. Expanded travel, increased remittances, and improved expectations injected hard currency into the non-state sector and reduced uncertainty for families and small entrepreneurs. However, these gains were consumption-oriented rather than structural. They were not accompanied by deep reforms to property rights, financial markets, or productive capacity. The economy became more livable, but not more resilient. The gains did not last. That fragility was exposed when the Trump administration reversed engagement beginning in 2017. Restrictions on travel, remittances, and financial channels reintroduced uncertainty precisely where Cuban households were most exposed tourism income, family transfers, and small-scale private sector activity. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the decline. Tourism collapsed almost entirely, cutting off one of Cubas primary sources of foreign exchange. Remittances fell and exports stagnated. Cubas GDP contracted nearly 11% in 2020, and - between 2020 and 2022 exports fell by 31%. What had once been inconveniences became normalized humanitarian stressors, including prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, food scarcity, water disruptions, and degraded health services. This deterioration reflects decades of underinvestment and accumulated fragility. Energy infrastructure is obsolete, logistics systems lack redundancy, and the labor force is shrinking rapidly through migration. With GDP still estimated to be 15% below its 2018 peak, and more than two million Cubans having emigrated since 2021, the economys capacity to absorb further shocks is minimal. What comes next? With continued stresses from a floundering economy, political and demographic pressures, and no oil shipments on the horizon, Cubas humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Illustrating the severity of the situation, several airlines have canceled their Cuba routes. Embassies and international businesses are beginning to implement evacuation plans, moving employee family members off the island. There are growing fears for the elderly and infirmed, worries that flights will stop altogether, and with them deliveries of essential medicines from family and friends abroad. Several countries have announced they will provide humanitarian aid. Mexico sent 814 tons of aid which arrived to the island on February 12. Chile has also announced plans to send humanitarian aid. For its part, the United States announced it is sending $6 million in aid, to be distributed through the Catholic Church. This follows four shipments of humanitarian aid in response to Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island in October. Entities like Caritas Cuba and Catholic Relief Services have a long track record of supporting Cubans; they have stepped up time and again in the wake of natural disasters or to assist the most vulnerable. Even still, while these deliveries are important, they will not prove sufficient. The U.S. government reportedly believes that 2026 will be the year the Cuban government falls. President Trump tells of talks with senior Cuban government officials. There is speculation that U.S. engagement with Cuba could go the way of Venezuela, identifying a figure like Venezuelas Delcy Rodriguez who will usher in an economic opening and eventually a political opening as well. But, thus far, there are few signs of Cuban officials eager to negotiate their own exit. Cubas political future remains uncertain. But the humanitarian implications of the current context are straightforward. And as the pressure campaign continues policymakers should be clear-eyed that, while hardline policies may be aimed at toppling the state, the impact lands on civilians first, threatening the legitimacy of what comes next. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition "nlfreddie" Takes Down the 888poker $100K Mystery Bounty Sale Week Event Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link They say that all good things must come to an end, and that was the case with the Sale Week at 888poker. From February 9-16, more than 20 popular multi-table tournaments at 888poker had their buy-ins slashed, most by 50%. One of those tournaments, the $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event, saw its $109 buy-in reduced to a more affordable $55. The Sale Week price point proved popular, with 1,996 players paying it. While that left a small overlay on the $100,000 guarantee, it was a fantastic turnout. Day 1 ran on February 15, ending with only eight players seated. All of the biggest mystery bounties were won during the first day's play. "xquizza" and "Fl4bush20" helped themselves to $3,000 bounties, while Romania's "cimpilic" opened the golden envelope containing the $10,000 jackpot bounty. That massive sum meant "cimpilic" was the event's biggest winner. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Bounties Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Klippan11 Sweden $115 6,780,506 85 2 gixeru Romania $115 6,092,710 76 3 Con88 United Kingdom $377 4,113,274 51 4 K7deOuro Brazil $624 3,928,985 49 5 marcospaolo Brazil $662 2,783,382 35 6 nlfreddie United Kingdom $554 2,347,372 29 7 Marcothx $154 2,276,224 29 8 TLuther Germany $1,408 1,617,547 20 Unlike in most $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event final tables, there was no runaway chip leader. Nor was there a super short-stack, with "TLuther" bringing up the rear with a still playable 20 big blind stack. "gixeru" sat down at the final table second in chips with 76 big blinds, but they were somehow the first finalists out the door. Five minutes into the action, they doubled up "marcopaolo" after calling a shove with pocket sixes on a deuce-trey-four flop, only to run into pocket queens. Fifteen minutes later, "gixeru" jammed all-in for a half-pot-sized bet with king-queen having turned a king, only for "K7deOuro" to snap-call with pocket aces. The aforementioned "TLuther" was the next player to fall. They open-shoved for 12 big blinds from the small blind with ace-ten of diamonds, and "Marcothx" called with the dominating ace-king. No help arrived for the at-risk player, and the final table was down to six players. 888poker LIVE Heads to Glasgow For a 250,000 Gtd Main Event Discover more Those six became five when "Con88" ran out of steam. "Con88" squeezed all-in for just over 10 big blinds from the small blind after "Marcothx" had min-raised and "K7deOuro" had called. The initial raiser folded, but "K7deOuro" called the all-in with ace-queen, which was a substantial favourite over "Con88"'s suited king-queen. "Con88" flopped a flush draw but missed the turn and river to bust in sixth. Brazil's "marcospaolo" was the next player relieved of their stack around the 80-minute mark after an ill-timed shove. "nlfreddie" min-raised from under the gun, "K7deOuro" called in the small blind, and "marcospaolo" jammed for 24 big blinds with pocket nines. Unfortunately for the all-in player, "nlfreddie" had min-raised with pocket kings and had one of the easier calls of his career. Call they did, and after "K7deOuro" folded, the board ran jack-high to reduce the player count once more. Another "Marco," this time "Marcothx," crashed out in fourth after a clash with "Klippan11" didn't go to plan. "Marcothx" open-shoved for nine big blinds from the button with king-trey of hearts, and "Klippan11" called in the small blind with the superior ace-jack. An unnecessary ace on the river eliminated "Marcothx". The $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event progressed to heads-up when the active "K7deOuro" bowed out in third. A cooler hand 2 hours and 20 minutes into proceedings saw "nlfreddie" min-raise on the button with ace-king, "Klippan11" call with pocket kings in the small blind, and "K7deOuro" squeeze with pocket nines, leaving only three big blinds behind. "nlfreddie" jammed, "Klippan11" inexplicably folded their pocket kings, but "K7deOuro" tossed in calling chips. An ace on the flop busted "K7deOuro" and gave "nlfreddie" a narrow 45.5 to 40 big blind advantage over "Klippan11" going into heads-up. "Klippan11" got the better of the early confrontations, but "nlfreddie" reclaimed the lead after flopping a set of nines and getting paid off when "Klippan11" turned an ace with their ace-king. The contest concluded a few hands later. The final hand saw "Klippan11" limp-call with king-eight of diamonds then raise all-in on a deuce-nine-king flop. "nlfreddie" instantly called with pocket aces, which held through the turn and river to claim the title and a top prize worth $7,228, including bounties. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 nlfreddie United Kingdom $708 $6,520 $7,228 2 Klippan11 Sweden $154 $4,730 $4,884 3 K7deOuro Brazil $701 $3,425 $4,126 4 Marcothx $192 $2,500 $2,692 5 marcospaolo Brazil $662 $1,840 $2,502 6 Con88 United Kingdom $377 $1,350 $1,727 7 TLuther Germany $1,408 $1,000 $2,408 8 gixeru Romania $115 $800 $915 888poker Sale Week Results Expand the table below to see all of the results from the 888poker Sale Week tournaments, sorted by top prize money won. Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize $55 Mystery Bounty Main Event 1,996 $100,000 nlfreddie $7,228 $265 Big Shot 525 132 $32,736 casual_win $6,596 $160 Tuesday PLO Rumble 78 $12,000 Prof_Plum $3,552 $109 PKO Special 150 $15,000 kiskutya23 $3,397 $160 Thursday Big Shot 320 95 $14,060 PasHTeT25 $3,332 $55 PKO Rumble 109 227 $11,350 angelhard $2,446 $109 Big Shot 215 98 $9,800 POLLYPOKER $2,322 $27.50 Sunday Mystery Bounty 55 1,078 $26,950 aceshigh108 $2,211 $27.50 PKO Rumble 55 415 $10,375 M.Baranov $2,136 $27.50PKO Rumble 55 369 $0,000 cammyk10 $1,683 $27.50 PKO Rumble 55 419 $10,475VttRod $1,600 $11 MB Big or Small 22 931 $10,000 pa6kaoooo $1,362 $16.50PKO Rumble 33 311 $5,000 AAgroputton $1,100 $16.50 PKO Rumble 33 398 $5,970 fr21011982 $1,068 $16.50 PKO Rumble 33 376 $5,640 daleidui $1,056 $16.50 PKO Rumble 33 347 $5,205 marsik1 $1,060 $11 MB Big or Small 22 1,072 $10,720 datoS777 $973 $11 MB Big or Small 22 951 $10,000 ManuCabj $852 $11 MB Big or Small 972 $10,000 DavidKevin97 $759 Share this article At midday on Monday, 10 women lay on mattresses propped against police barricades, numb from dehydration and having gone more than 50 hours without food. They had joined the hunger strike already started by the political prisoners whose freedom they are demanding. After more than a month of vigil, tents have multiplied around Zone 7, a command post of the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) in Caracas, and the protest has been growing. It is the only prison to have been visited by any government representative. There, 10 days ago, Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, held an unusual meeting with relatives of political prisoners and assured them that all would be released no later than last Friday, with the amnesty law approved. That promise, however, has been put on hold. The releases have been a mockery. They didnt keep their promises, Evelyn Quero, one of the women still able to speak despite going without eating, told EL PAIS. Quero held a glass of ice in her hand to wet her lips, while the others tried to sleep amid the pain that the lack of food was beginning to cause. The delay in passing the law has further frustrated the families of prisoners. Vigils continue at prisons across the country, while inmate lists keep being updated. The latest report from the NGO Foro Penal indicates 444 releases since January 8, when the Chavista regime publicly announced the gesture, within the framework of a U.S.-backed transition following the military intervention in which Nicolas Maduro was captured. The NGOs lists still show 634 people awaiting release, although this Monday the legal team was in Zone 7 documenting cases they had not previously recorded. Reports of new politically motivated arrests continue to surface. Advocates have insisted that the release process must continue, regardless of the debate in parliament, which is scheduled to resume in plenary session this Thursday. The consensus broke down last week during the discussion of Article 7 of the proposed law, which stipulates that those granted amnesty must first face justice. The opposition and advocates argue that this contradicts the very principle behind such a law, as the provision presupposes that the thousands of political prisoners in Venezuela have committed crimes. While the debate stalled, the first releases in Zone 7 occurred at midnight the following day. Seventeen people were released, but more than 50 remain detained. If they had fulfilled their promise to release everyone here, we wouldnt have started a hunger strike, claims Quero, mother of Joel Bracho, a police officer accused of terrorism and conspiracy for allegedly participating in the placement of an explosive device in a Caracas plaza that failed to detonate at the end of last year. Her son served years in prison and was also included on the police promotion lists announced earlier this year. His family was only recently able to see him after more than two months of incommunicado detention. After the first two days without food only consuming water and electrolyte solution three women have become ill. One of them had to be taken to a medical center due to a hypertensive crisis. Another was writhing in pain on Monday from stomach cramps. They were waiting for an ambulance, but the first woman ended up being transported in the vehicle of one of the lawyers present. An ambulance has never been seen here. Police officer Edison Torres, who died here last month, was taken away in a patrol car, one of the women reported. The president of the National Assembly has not been seen since his first visit either. Relatives of political prisoners outside the Zone 7 command, in Caracas, on February 15. Miguel Gutierrez (EFE) A volunteer doctor has come to check on the womens health, and on Monday they insisted that he also be allowed inside the prison, where inmates have been on hunger strike since last Thursday as a form of protest. The situation of the prisoners is increasing the anxiety of those waiting outside. Jenny Orozco, daughter of opposition leader Fernando Orozco, a member of the Popular Will party and a former congressman, has also joined the hunger strike. Her fathers case is not isolated: along with him are 40 other detainees who, though they dont know each other, have been linked to an alleged conspiracy. The politician remains imprisoned with one of his sons, and until recently, his wife was also detained, although she was released due to delicate health. Orozco endured years of political persecution that forced him into exile, and he had returned to the country a couple of years ago. They took everything from us. They seized the familys transportation company and my grandmothers house, recounts his daughter, who managed to escape with other siblings before she too was arrested. Cases involving military personnel also appear to be stalled. For this reason, NGOs maintain that the amnesty law is exclusionary and leaves out a group of detainees. This complaint was raised by the families themselves a week ago, during a meeting with a parliamentary committee and members of the Democratic Coexistence and Peace Program, created by acting president Delcy Rodriguez. In addition to demanding the release of all prisoners, they denounced the mistreatment they have suffered and even the continued imprisonment of people who had already served their sentences. For them, these events demonstrate the collapse of the justice system, which for years according to reports from organizations such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has functioned as yet another instrument of repression. The government has been forced to make concessions amid the crisis facing Chavismo since January 3. One of these has been to allow contact again with some detainees whose whereabouts had been unknown for months. This is the case of the 32 individuals implicated in the so-called Operation Gideon, the failed military rebellion of 2020, who for six months were unaccounted for after being transferred from prison without their families being informed. After meeting with members of the Democratic Coexistence and Peace Program, the families were allowed to enter Fort Guaicaipuro, one of the most feared prisons in the country, located in the Tuy Valley, on the outskirts of Caracas. The cells are underground; the heat is stifling, and the roof is a metal grate over which the guards walk. Several military personnel convicted for insurrections and failed uprisings are held there. The families were able to see them through a grate, watched over by hooded guards. They found them malnourished, yellow-skinned, and with vacant stares. It wasnt a joy to see them; it was torture to see how they are kept, one of the mothers recounted. This case is emblematic, and NGOs have demanded that it be included among those to be amnestied. The government has implicated them in an operation to overthrow Maduro, which allegedly had the support of former U.S. Green Berets who entered the country by boat. The foreigners have already been released as part of negotiations between Washington and Caracas, specifically during the exchange in which the now-disgraced Alex Saab left prison in Miami to join the Chavista cabinet. However, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello himself has stated that none of them will be granted freedom under the amnesty. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Berkeley and Dorchester Metro Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a metro reporter covering Berkeley and Dorchester counties. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! John McDermott has been the business editor of The Post and Courier since 2006. He's written about all facets of the South Carolina economy, served in the U.S. Air Force and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa journalism program. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Rain diminishing to a few showers by morning. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Rain diminishing to a few showers by morning. Areas of patchy fog. Low 62F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Nicole Ziege is a Reporter for The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times. She covers government and courts in Myrtle Beach and beyond. She previously covered news in Appalachia and received her journalism degree from Western Kentucky University. Managing Editor - Post and Courier Myrtle Beach Born and raised in South Carolina, Charles Perry has worked in the state's newspaper industry for nearly 20 years. He covers Horry and Georgetown counties for The Post and Courier. The Trump administration continues its offensive against the European Union and the European project. The United States is moving forward to bolster its allies in the EU: the populist and Eurosceptic governments and parties that want to undermine the European project from within and which Washington considers patriots. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubios visit this Sunday and Monday to Slovakia and Hungary, where he expressed his support for the national-populist Viktor Orban of Hungary in the April elections, demonstrates that Washington is putting into practice its doctrine of supporting the most reactionary forces within the bloc. Trump is cultivating his own interests, seeking to further strengthen ties with European populists and attempting to weaken the EU. Two days after arguing at the Munich Security Conference, a bastion of Atlanticism, that Europe faces a civilizational erasure unless it finds a way to control its borders, Rubio reiterated his support for Orban, one of the European leaders with the most hardline anti-immigration rhetoric. The Hungarian prime minister, considered a Kremlin proxy in the EU, is one of the closest figures to the MAGA movement in the EU, where he embodies an illiberal ideology. I can say to you with confidence that President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success, the U.S. Secretary of State said Monday at a press conference in Budapest alongside the Hungarian Prime Minister, whom he described as essential to U.S. interests. Beside him, the nationalist populist leader beamed with pride upon hearing the praise. The lifeline thrown to him by the U.S. Secretary of Statecrowned with some energy dealscomes after Trumps explicit support on social media. It also comes at a difficult time for Orban. His party, Fidesz, is not doing well in the polls against Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, a former member of Fidesz who is now part of the European Peoples Party (EPP). Some polls even give Tisza a 10-point lead over Fidesz. The visit to Bratislava and Budapest was anything but coincidental. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban are the two most recalcitrant members of the EU, they are deeply Eurosceptic, they oppose supporting Ukraine, and engage in a populist rhetoric that pleases Trump. In its national security strategy, the U.S. spoke of cultivating resistance to help Europe correct its current trajectory and of supporting like-minded forces. These are essentially populist and reactionary groups like those of Orban and Fico, although also that of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who since coming to power has become much more pragmatic on European issues. Marco Rubio and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Sunday. DOMINIKA KORTVELYESIOVA (EFE) In Munich, Rubio, who spoke of a shared history on both sides of the Atlantic, offered more conciliatory words than Vice President J.D. Vance had a year earlier regarding the U.S.-European relationship, which is still reeling from a bitter divorce. However, the essence remains the same: the Trump administrations view that the Old Continent faces the disappearance of its civilization and that the blame lies primarily with non-Christian and non-white immigration. Lets not fool ourselves. Rubio has been more conciliatory than Vance, and some European leaders may still be deluding themselves into thinking the situation isnt so serious and that the U.S. remains an ally, but his actions and underlying message tell a different story, warns a high-ranking EU source, speaking on condition of anonymity to analyze a particularly sensitive issue in Brussels, where words that might upset Trump are carefully chosen for fear of reprisals. The visit to Hungary and Slovakia, with their leadership continuing its authoritarian drift and attacks on the rule of law and the entire EU apparatus, is a clear indication of this. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, was one of the most outspoken critics. And she said publicly in Munich, in response to Rubio, what others only discuss in private. Contrary to what some may say: woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilisational erasure. In fact, people still want to join our club, she declared in a speech at the Security Conference. And not just European ones, she added, referring to Canadas rapprochement, motivated by Trumps trade and ideological war. In Budapest, Rubio asserted that the relationship with Central Europe through Hungary will remain essential and vital to U.S. interests in the coming years. In Slovakia, where he also signed energy agreements, he heard harsh criticism from Robert Fico regarding the EU and its consensus-based geopolitical approach, as well as its support for Kyiv. He even defended the Slovak populists dissenting opinion on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Many countries didnt like what we did in Venezuela. Thats fine. That was in our national interest... So what? That doesnt mean were not going to be friends, the Secretary of State said. Brussels has tried to downplay Rubios trip, and even more so his explicit support for Orban, a politician who bases much of his rhetoric on criticizing the EUthe European Commission has sanctioned Budapest for its authoritarian drift and its violation of the rule of law. It is up to the U.S. government to decide whom it wants to support and why, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. Here in Europe, we have a different approach. It is not customary to support or oppose specific candidates in the middle of a campaign, she added at the daily press briefing. Rubios trip and his support for reactionary forces in Europe have not gone unnoticed in the U.S. From Orban to Trump, the rise of far-right movements is tightly coordinated and transcends borders, Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Monday. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Teri Errico Griffis is the senior business reporter and assistant editor at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, she previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all facets of business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Sun and clouds mixed. High 81F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies during the evening with areas of fog developing after midnight. Low 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Anna Wilder covers politics for the Post and Courier. She previously worked as a political reporter for The State newspaper. She's a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in outlets like Politico, Miami Herald and the Associated Press. Spartanburg residents packed county council chambers Feb. 16 to speak against tax breaks for a data center project that is proposed for an industrial park. The financing needs a third reading to be approved. It has been named Psychrobacter SC65A.3 and was found buried under meters of ice in a cave in Romania. It had been entombed for some 5,000 years and, despite this, appears to be resistant to a dozen modern antibiotics. Its discoverers have also found that it inhibits the growth of other bacteria, including some of the most difficult-to-treat pathogens. The research, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Microbiology, delves into its genetics to explain how a bacterium can be both drug-resistant and a potential antibiotic against others. Species of the genus Psychrobacter are exceptionally cold-resistant bacteria that thrive in extreme environments such as polar sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, and the deep ocean, says Cristina Purcarea of the Institute of Biology in Bucharest and senior author of this research. Their ability to survive and adapt to diverse icy habitats indicates the extraordinary resilience of these microbes, she adds. However, the particular strain we recovered from the Scarisoara glacial cave is unique, as demonstrated by the limited DNA identity score with homologous Psychrobacter species." This low percentage of genetic sequence matching with its closest relatives provides clues to its specificity. The Scarisoara Cave in the Romanian Carpathians is like a giant natural freezer. It houses one of the worlds largest underground glaciers, with an ice block of approximately 75,000 cubic meters. There, the stalactites and stalagmites are a strange mixture of ice and calcite. From one of its chambers, researchers extracted a 25-meter-long ice core, dating back some 13,000 years. At a depth of 16.5 meters corresponding to 5,335 years ago according to carbon dating they found an entire bacterial ecosystem, with microorganisms likely active, not dormant. As their name suggests, Psychrobacter are psychrotrophic organisms, adapted to the coldest environments on the planet. Analyzing the resistance of the SC65A.3 strain to 28 antibiotics from 10 classes used to treat bacterial infections, researchers found it was resistant to a dozen of them, some broad-spectrum and others specific, such as clindamycin, lincomycin, and vancomycin. The 10 antibiotics we found resistance to are widely used in oral and injectable therapies to treat various serious bacterial infections in clinical practice, Purcarea explains. The growing resistance to antibiotics threatens to kill millions of people. Panoramic view of the great hall of Scarisoara cave (Romania). The bacteria were recovered after drilling into the glacier and extracting a cylinder 25 meters deep. Paun V.I. How can a bacterium that has lived for 5,335 years under 16.5 meters of ice in a remote cave in the Carpathian Mountains be resistant to antibiotics developed only a few decades ago? Its not resistant to modern drugs because it came into contact with them, but because evolution had already equipped these microbes with mechanisms to survive chemical threats long before humans invented antibiotics, says the Romanian scientist. For millions of years, bacteria have had to fight other bacteria and microorganisms, especially fungi, to survive, a struggle that has left its mark on their genetics, and these same genes can also confer resistance to the antibiotics we use today, even though they are relatively recent, Purcarea adds. Inaki Comas, head of the Tuberculosis Genomics Unit at the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia/CSIC, shares this view: The vast majority of genes related to antibiotic resistance had or have other functions and have always existed. Comas, who was not involved in this research, adds that bacteria have been fighting fungi or each other throughout their evolutionary history, and the way they do this is by resisting attacks from others. And what are those attacks? All antimicrobial ones. Hence their own potential as antibiotics. The same mechanisms that point to resistance are what make Psychrobacter SC65A.3 such a tough organism to crack. When cultured in the lab and exposed to 20 clinical pathogens, it was observed to inhibit the growth of most of them. Some of these are among the most resistant and feared bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, generally benign in healthy individuals but the worst hospital-acquired infection, and several strains of Escherichia coli. It also showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Enterobacter spp, and three strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The cave strain showed an impressive ability to combat 14 harmful pathogens from the well-known ESKAPE group, explains Purcarea in an email. This group includes the six most dangerous antibiotic-resistant microbes, according to the World Health Organizations definition. This potent antimicrobial effect is likely due to genes that produce natural antibiotic compounds, highlighting its potential as a source of new treatments, the researcher concludes. Sara Hernando-Amado, principal investigator at the National Center for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), who was not involved in this research, points out that one limitation of the study is that Psychrobacter is an environmental bacterium, for which there are no clinical breakpoints. The authors manage this by using Acinotabacter (genetically closely related) and less phylogenetically related bacteria as a reference. These breakpoints (EUCAST breakpoints) are reference values used to determine whether a microorganism is susceptible (the antibiotic works) or resistant (the drug does not inhibit bacterial growth). The lack of reference values for this microorganism is a weakness acknowledged by the studys authors, which means that the discovered multidrug resistance must be considered with caution. On the other hand, Hernando-Amado adds that the intrinsic resistance of many bacteria (including environmental ones) to antibiotics and their ability to evolve rapidly and acquire higher levels through mutation is well known, so the key lies in understanding this process and exploiting bacterial Achilles heels associated with resistance. This could allow for the rational use of antibiotics, combining antibiotics where the use of one increases sensitivity to the other, for example, she adds. Despite the limitations, the discoverers of Psychrobacter SC65A.3 are already searching for the specific biomolecules responsible for its antimicrobial potential. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-17 13:03:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 544 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Renewed Edison Innovations Agreement Highlights Ennostar's Long-Term Commitment to KSF LEDs, Mini LEDs, and the Micro LEDs of the FutureDALLAS, TX AND HSINCHU SCIENCE PARK, TAIWAN / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Dominion Harbor Enterprises' (DHE) ( www.DominionHarbor.com) wholly-owned subsidiary Edison Innovations has announced the renewal of its license agreement with Ennostar Corporation for its industry-best Potassium Fluorosilicate (PSF/KSF) phosphor display technology. David Pridham, Chief Executive Officer of Dominion Harbor Group, made the announcement alongside Chin-Yung Fan, Chairman of Ennostar Corporation.This renewed agreement underscores Ennostar's longstanding relationship with the KSF technology portfolio, ensuring long-term stability in the manufacturing of KSF LEDs, mini LEDs, and micro LEDs of tomorrow. Structured with a mutually agreed royalty bearing arrangement, the renewal agreement reflects both companies' commitment to maintaining the highest quality industry practices.The Edison Innovations PSF/KSF phosphor technology patent portfolio represents the display industry's largest collection, as part of the 2,500 patent assets acquired by Dominion Harbor in 2025 from Dolby Laboratories, Inc., after their acquisition of GE Licensing. Following this acquisition, Edison Innovations has actively engaged with technology innovators across various high-growth sectors, including display technology, hybrid and electric vehicles, semiconductors, electronics, batteries, wireless power, wireless networking, and healthcare.Said Mr. Pridham : "We are thrilled to renew our licensing agreement with Ennostar Corporation, further solidifying our collaborative efforts in advancing phosphor display technology. This renewed partnership not only reinforces our commitment to innovation but also highlights the importance of KSF technology in the evolving landscape of LED displays." "This renewal marks a significant milestone in our relationship with Dominion Harbor and our dedication to enhancing display technology. With the continued support of Edison Innovations and their extensive patent portfolio, we are well-positioned for the future production and delivery of high-quality KSF LEDs, ensuring superior performance and reliability for our customers," said Mr. Fan.The licensed patent portfolio includes the following US Patent Nos.: 7,497,973; 8,237,348; 7,648,649; 9,680,067; 7,358,542; 9,698,314; 7,847,309; 10,230,022; 7,453,195; 11,098,246; 9,455,381; 10,615,316; 9,184,353; 9,512,357; 8,981,639; 10,131,835; 8,829,781; 9,938,457; 8,362,685; 9,929,319. For more information about the KSF patent portfolio, please contact Robert Kelly via email at bob@ dominionharbor.com or call 214-414-1164.About Ennostar Corporation: Ennostar Corporation was jointly founded by EPISTAR and Lextar, ranking among the global top 5 optoelectronic solution providers. Through its parent company, Ennostar Inc. (Taiwan Stock Code: 3714), the group offers a vertically integrated LED optoelectronic supply chain, covering epitaxy, chips, packaging, modules, and integrated solutions. This enables highly efficient, competitive one-stop services to meet diverse application needs. Headquartered in the Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan, Ennostar has accumulated over 6,000 international patents and continues to deliver value-added services to global customers through leading technologies and innovative products. Ennostar is committed to the 4 core application domains, including automotive, advanced displays, smart sensing, and emerging markets such as AI optical interconnects and professional lighting. Leveraging its extensive group resources, Ennostar builds a Solution Value-Added ecosystem and positions itself as a strategic partner in customers' value chain.About Dominion Harbor Enterprises, LLC: Dominion Harbor Enterprises (DHE) is a premier intellectual property transaction and advisory firm, recognized for its unmatched expertise in IP transactions. DHE provides clients with unparalleled access to targeted and credentialed licensees, supported by its proprietary IPedia patent intelligence solution. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and growth in the intellectual property landscape.# # #CONTACT: SSA Public RelationsSteve Syatt(818) 222-4000 steve@ ssapr.com SOURCE: Dominion Harbor Group PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-17 02:55:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 951 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Laura Yourex Speaks Publicly for the First Time About Why She Registered Her Dogs to Vote, What She Learned and the National Firestorm That FollowedPALO ALTO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 16, 2026 / MetaMarkets, a social prediction platform focused on outcome-based markets tied to publicly verifiable data, today announced it has conducted an exclusive sit-down interview with Laura Lee Yourex, the 62-year-old Costa Mesa, California, woman who made international headlines after registering her dogs "Maya Jean Yourex" and "Bill Yourex" as voters and casting mail-in ballots under their names in California elections.The wide-ranging interview, which will be published on MetaMarkets' platform and social channels, marks the first time Yourex has spoken at length in her own words about the events that led to felony charges and about the broader questions her case has raised regarding voter registration integrity in the United States."This is one of the most talked-about election integrity stories in recent memory, and yet the public has only heard fragments of Laura's side of it," said Philip Fung, founder of MetaMarkets. "Our platform is built around verifiable outcomes and transparent data. This interview fits squarely into that mission, giving people the full, unfiltered story behind a case that has sparked a genuine national conversation about how voter registration systems work, and where they fall short." Background: The Case of Maya and Bill the Voter DogsIn 2021, Yourex registered her dog under the name "Maya Jean Yourex" as a California voter and submitted a mail-in ballot in the dog's name during the gubernatorial recall election. She repeated the process during the 2022 primary election. Yourex also registered a second dog, "Bill Yourex," using the same method, further demonstrating what she described as systemic gaps in California's voter registration process.Under California elections code, voters may register by submitting an affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, that includes their name, residence, date of birth, and party preference. Proof of identification or residence is not required for state election registration, which allowed both Maya Jean's and Bill's registrations to be processed without detection.The 2021 recall ballot cast under Maya Jean's name was counted. The 2022 primary ballot was challenged and rejected because first-time voters in federal elections are subject to additional verification requirements. Yourex later reported herself to the Orange County Registrar of Voters' Office in October 2024, and the matter was referred to the Orange County District Attorney. She was subsequently charged with multiple felonies, including perjury and procuring a false or forged document, and faces up to six years in prison.Social media posts further drew public attention to the case. Yourex had posted a January 2022 photograph of Maya wearing an "I voted" sticker alongside a ballot, and an October 2024 image showing Maya's dog tag next to a vote-by-mail envelope with the caption "maya is still getting her ballot," posted after the dog had already passed away. The registration of Bill as a second voter dog added another layer to the story, reinforcing Yourex's claim that the system had virtually no safeguards in place to catch fraudulent registrations.What the Interview CoversIn the MetaMarkets exclusive, Yourex discusses her motivations in detail, describing her actions as a deliberate attempt to demonstrate vulnerabilities in California's voter registration process. The interview explores how she navigated the registration system with both Maya and Bill, her reaction when Maya's ballot was actually counted, the moment she decided to self-report to authorities, and how the ensuing legal proceedings and media scrutiny have affected her life. Yourex also shares her perspective on the national debate her case has fueled and whether she believes the system has since been improved."I never expected it to go this far," Yourex says in the interview. "I thought someone would catch it right away. When they didn't, and when I was able to do the same thing with Bill, I realized the problem was bigger than I imagined." Why MetaMarketsMetaMarkets' core platform enables users to participate in outcome-based markets structured around publicly verifiable social media metrics and digital signals. The Yourex interview aligns with the company's broader interest in how verifiable data, public transparency, and measurable outcomes intersect with real-world systems, including elections."At MetaMarkets, everything we do revolves around transparency and independently verifiable outcomes," Fung added. "Laura's case is a real-world example of what happens when a system lacks those safeguards. That's a conversation worth having, and we're proud to be the platform bringing it to the public." The full interview will be available on MetaMarkets' website at https://marketsonmeta.com and across the company's social media channels. Members of the media seeking additional comment, interview clips or to arrange a follow-up conversation with Philip Fung or Laura Yourex are encouraged to contact MetaMarkets directly using the information provided below.About MetaMarketsMetaMarkets is a social prediction platform that enables users to participate in outcome-based markets tied to publicly available social media metrics. The platform focuses on measurable digital signals such as engagement counts, follower milestones, and other verifiable indicators across major social platforms.Designed around transparency and clearly defined resolution rules, MetaMarkets structures each market using objective data sources and predetermined settlement criteria. This allows outcomes to be independently verified and reduces ambiguity for participants.MetaMarkets positions itself as a technology-driven experimentation platform at the intersection of social data, forecasting, and community participation. The company does not provide investment advice and encourages users to review all platform rules and disclosures prior to participation.Media Contact: Philip Fung MetaMarkets 2707 Ramona St., Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA Phone: (818) 660-0930 Email: main@ marketsonmeta.com Website: https://marketsonmeta.com SOURCE: MetaMarkets PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-17 13:03:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 950 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Award-Winning Atlanta Travel Agency Recognized Among Highest-Producing Sandals and Beaches Resorts Partners Worldwide; Named Best Travel Agency for Booking Sandals Resort and Beaches Resort All-Inclusive VacationsATLANTA GA / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Pixie Honeymoons ( PixieHoneymoons.com) , one of the nation's most trusted travel agencies specializing in Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts all-inclusive vacations, is proud to announce that owner and founder Steve Griswold has been awarded Sandals Resorts Chairman's Royal Club Platinum Elite status for 2026. 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The team of certified Sandals specialists has personally visited every Sandals and Beaches Resort property, providing clients with unmatched insider knowledge and expert planning at no additional cost. For the best Sandals Resort deals and personalized vacation planning, visit PixieHoneymoons.com or call to speak with a Certified Sandals Specialist today.###Media Contact:Steve Griswold, OwnerPixie Honeymoons | Pixie VacationsEmail: steve@pixievacatio The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a probe into e-commerce platform Temu over an alleged breach of the Data Protection Act, involving the personal data of 12.7 million users in Nigeria. The commission confirmed the investigation in a statement issued by its head of legal, enforcement and regulation, Babatunde Bamigboye, on Monday. The NDPC noted that the investigation into Temu was triggered by concerns around online surveillance through personal data processing, accountability, and data minimisation. The Chinese platform made its entry into the Nigerian market in late 2024, accompanied by an intense marketing drive across social media platforms and mobile app stores. According to the commission, the investigation was ordered by NDPC CEO, Vincent Olatunji, after the e-commerce platform allegedly violated the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023, in cross-border data transfer of 12.7 million Nigerian users. The NDPC National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has ordered an immediate investigation of the data processing activities of Temu, which may be in violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023. The investigation into Temu was triggered by concerns around online surveillance through personal data processing, accountability, data minimisation requirements, transparency, duty of care, and cross-border data transfer. Preliminary investigations indicate that Temu is an e-commerce platform which processes personal information of approximately 12.7 million data subjects in Nigeria, with 70 million daily active users globally, the statement read. The commission, through its CEO, Mr Olatunji, further warned against unverified data processing activities, noting it is liable for NDP Act violations and probing. The National Commissioner warns that processors who engage in processing activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying their compliance with the NDP Act may be liable under the NDP Act. Temu launched in the United States in September 2022 and has since expanded rapidly, reaching more than 90 markets worldwide by 2025, and became the most downloaded app in the US in 2024. Kabir Abubakar ignored the early signs of malaria in a child under his care, Safiyanu Idris, hoping the illness would pass without treatment. Mr Abubakar had recently learnt that anti-malaria medicine at the community primary healthcare centre in Yabo, Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was no longer free. He feared that the treatment would cost more than he could afford, and so, he chose to wait it out. Many times, mild symptoms of malaria in children fade without treatment. The sickness in their body just goes away by itself, and I dont have to worry about anything, Mr Abubakar said in Hausa. I believed it was one of those episodes. But Mr Abubakar was wrong. In a few days, Safiyanus symptoms worsened. His temperature rose, he struggled to sleep, and could barely sit up. A visit to the town clinic became unavoidable. Mr Abubakar was met with another surprise when they arrived at the clinic in Yabo. Anti-malaria medicine for his 14-year-old ward was not available. He must purchase them from a pharmacy outside the facility. Through interviews with health workers at the facility, PREMIUM TIMES later learned that the supply of anti-malaria medicine has decreased since early 2025. The facility, alongside many others across the state, has been struggling to provide treatment for malaria despite being an endemic area. Kebbi State, which relied on aid provided through the US Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI) for the distribution of drugs, was severely affected after the American president, Donald Trump, stopped aid to Nigeria and other countries through an executive order in January last year. This policy resulted in the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the countrys key implementing agency. Since then, malaria drug supply in many parts of Kebbi has declined with many residents struggling to access drugs that were once readily available and freely administered. Although Nigeria and the US signed, last December, 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 implementation will not start until April. Details of the agreement are yet to be made public and for many Kebbi residents, they are unsure if they will benefit from the new deal. At the facility in Yabo, drugs are sold to patients once state supplies run out, and when theres nothing left in the store, patients have to source prescriptions themselves. For Mr Abubakar, an Islamic teacher with over 50 Almajiris under his care, his pupils treatment came at a high cost. I didnt have the money for all the drugs they prescribed, which were also expensive. I had to borrow it. Now, I worry about the other boys. They are exposed too, and I cannot afford treatment for them all, he said. Anti-malaria at a cost In many parts of Kebbi, health workers are struggling to provide care to patients with malaria. Drugs are in short supply. Drugs supply to this facility had been declining for months, Mariya Liman, the senior extension worker at the Yabo town clinic, told PREMIUM TIMES, staring at the empty shelves in the drug store. According to the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA), the PMI, through USAID, had been funding the purchase and distribution of malaria drugs to state public health facilities. It also funded the distribution of mosquito nets and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), as well as surveillance and monitoring programmes, for years. The agencys malaria elimination programme officer, Nasir Zagga, said the state currently relies on its drug reserve to supply PHCs with malaria medicine, but these are fast running out. The quantity of drugs supplied is based on what each facility needs and the number of people they serve. Theres no more funding, and we are trying to manage what we have on the ground. Thats why the quantity of drugs supplied has reduced, Mr Zagga said. But health workers who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES disagree with the claim that the drugs provided meet the needs of facilities. Drugs run out within the first two weeks after they are supplied, Ms Liman explained. When it is finished, we are forced to buy the drugs ourselves and sell them to patients. We cant give it for free. How many patients can we help? When we run out of drugs completely, we then ask them to buy. Thats why some people think drugs are no longer free. They are still free; they are just not enough. A health worker at the Umaru Kare Primary Healthcare Centre in Yelwa, a community neighbouring Yabo, expressed concern about the difference between the number of malaria-positive cases recorded at the facility and the quantity of drugs provided. It (drugs supplied) falls significantly short. We get more than 50 positive cases per month, and they supply a few packs of anti-malaria medication once every two months. The difference is vast, the official said, asking not to be named to avoid victimisation. Health workers in other parts of the state, including Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, have similar experiences and are worried about their patients. Many of the people who visit are those who struggle to pay out of pocket. They can hardly afford necessities, so the availability of free drugs provides crucial relief, Sheibu Abubakar, the officer-in-charge at the Takalau PHC in Birnin-Kebbi, said. As the country with the highest burden of malaria globally, malaria is a significant public health concern in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths due to the disease in 2021. In states like Kebbi, where the disease is most prevalent, the risk of transmission persists year-round. Decline in drug supply To understand the decline in drug supply and test kits, which health workers complained about at all the PHCs visited, PREMIUM TIMES reviewed the quantities available at some facilities since the announced 90-day stop-work order that eventually led to the dissolution of USAID. This paper found that Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), the standard treatment for malaria in Nigeria, and the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) are supplied to each facility every two months. These drugs come in different doses for adults and children of various age groups. According to the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), ACTs remain the most effective drugs to treat malaria in the country. The ACT medicines are categorised into four groups ACT 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each is designed for a specific age group. ACT 1 is given to infants aged 01 year, ACT 2 to children aged 16 years, ACT 3 to older children aged 713 years, and ACT 4 to adults and teenagers aged 14 years and above. Although the dosages differ, all contain the same Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy used to treat malaria effectively across all age groups. The town clinic in Yabo received four packs of ACT 1 and received its first ACT supplies after the aid suspension in March 2025. That month, it received four packs of ACT 1, one pack of ACT 2, three packs of ACT 3, 18 packs of ACT 4, and 37 packs of RDTs. According to Yusuf Swafa, the clinics programme officer, the quantity supplied in the last month of the previous year was at least twice that of March. The RDT, for instance, was about 50 packs. Usually, RDT packs are stacked in two cartons, but this time, we got only one, he said. In May 2025, the clinic only received four packs of ACT 1 and two packs of ACT 4. ACT 2 and 3 were not supplied. RDTs (test kits) were also reduced to around 20 packs. The supplies remained low in July 2025. Then, in September 2025, the clinic got drugs, but did not receive any test kits, and up until October, there were no test kits at the clinic. Even after this, supplies did not improve, according to Mr Swafa. It dropped consistently till February 2026. In November, the clinic received 60 packs of RDTs, nine packs of ACT 2 and 10 packs of ACT 3. ACTs 1 and 4 were not provided. Then in January, it received fewer than seven packs each of ACT 1, 2, and 3, along with just one pack of RDT. Unlike the town clinic, the PHC in Nasarawa community, Birnin Kebbi, received its first drugs in February 2025. Then it got four packs of ACT 1, 10 of ACT 2, 13 of ACT 3, and 8 of ACT 4. By April, the ACT 2 and 3 supplies had fallen to four and six packs, respectively. Between May and June 2025, only five packs of ACT boxes were available. A similar quantity of drugs was also supplied to the clinic between September and November. The clinics supervisor, Hauwa Adamu, told PREMIUM TIMES that supplies remained low since then. Inconsistent drug supply Meanwhile, for facilities in Argungun LGA of Kebbi State, medical supplies have not only been low but also inconsistent since the aid cut in early 2025. The Maternal and Child Health Clinic in Nabame community struggled to get supplies in 2025. The first supply came in January and then another in April, followed by a period when it had no anti-malaria drugs. We were not receiving drugs at some point. No one could tell why. We tried to get them, reached out many times, but nothing, Fatimah Isah, the clinics chief extension worker, told PREMIUM TIMES. Ms Isah stated that the clinic did not receive drugs until well into the second half of the year, and while drugs were eventually made available, the clinic did not receive test kits. I dont know why we are no longer supplied with test kits. Weve been using clinical tests to diagnose malaria patients because we cant ask them to buy RDT kits. Its very expensive, she said. Help us ask the government why they wont give us test kits. We dont know why. Help us find out why, she added. Meanwhile, malaria contributes substantially to maternal mortality in Kebbi and other parts of Nigeria. According to this study, it accounts for about 11 per cent of maternal deaths in the country. Mr Zagga, the state malaria elimination programme officer, warned that the situation is likely to worsen over time. He warned that Kebbi may run out of drugs by the end of the year and would not be able to meet the needs of its population if adequate alternatives are not made. The drugs being distributed now are from what we have in store. Thats why we have fewer facilities. We are trying to extend availability for as long as possible. We still have drugs now, but by the end of the year, if we do not make alternatives, things will get worse, he said. IDPs struggle for care. The US aid withdrawal had a jarring impact on many other states because Nigeria was one of the largest recipients of USAID support, and its programmes covered every state across the country. In 2024, Nigeria received about N1.3 trillion in foreign assistance from the US, making it the third-largest African beneficiary that year. In the last five years before the aid cut, Nigeria received approximately N3.58 trillion in US aid for healthcare, according to data from the US foreign assistance website. In 2020, the US disbursed N593 billion to Nigerias health sector, then N655 billion in 2021. Between 2022 and 2023, it disbursed N677 billion and N716 billion, respectively. In 2024, it disbursed N741 billion. For malaria control, the US funded interventions through the PMI in at least 11 states, including Kebbi, Benue and Zamfara. All these states were affected by the aid cut. Shortly after the 90-day stop-work order was announced, the PHC next to the Dauda II Internally Displaced Persons camp in Guma LGA of Benue State was closed and remained shut until the last week of May 2025. The clinic served the health needs of the over 500 IDPs in the camp, many of whom have been displaced for more than five years. While the clinic was closed, IDPs were forced to pay out of pocket for healthcare. Joy Aondongu, 25, recalled visiting a nearby pharmacy when her three-year-old son fell ill with malaria. It was the same pharmacy that many other IDPs turned to for treatment, as there was no functioning PHC nearby. She told PREMIUM TIMES that she could not afford complete treatment at once and had to save money from her firewood business to buy the drugs gradually. The clinic had spared her, like many others in the camp, the heavy financial burden of healthcare. When the clinic eventually reopened months later, much to the relief of everyone, she found that much had changed. Only one of the three doctors who had previously worked there returned, and getting care had become noticeably slower. Patients now have to wait in long queues before receiving medical care. People now have to wait for longer than one hour before they get to their turn, she explained. Increase in drug prices The health worker at the facility, Israel Wasem, is concerned about the sustainability of the clinics operations. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the clinic had been established with funding from USAID through the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). After the aid suspension and USAIDs subsequent dissolution, funding for the clinic dropped significantly. The facility used to have other intervention programmes, but right now, theres only one. You can see the crowd outside, waiting in line for only one doctor. That has been a huge challenge, Mr Wasem said. There has been a decline in drugs. Earlier, UNICEF funded both drugs and payment of staff, but now, we have to rely on the government to supply drugs. Joseph Grace, a health worker at the PHC in Ichwa, Makurdi, also indicated that the volume of medical supplies delivered to the facility has steadily declined. Each new shipment arrives with fewer items than the last. As essential medical commodities become increasingly scarce, frontline health workers struggle to provide care. Meanwhile, in Kebbi, the prices of drugs have shot up in pharmacies. PREMIUM TIMES visited multiple pharmacies, which said the changes occurred after USAIDs dissolution. Mr Zagga, the state malaria elimination programme officer, explained to PREMIUM TIMES that, aside from funding drug supplies to health facilities across the state, USAID also subsidised the cost of drugs sold in pharmacies, resulting in cheaper drugs for residents. After the USAID dissolution, the funding for this stopped, and the price of drugs rose. USAID was the reason malaria drugs were cheaper in the state, and when they left, they took their funding with them, he said. The Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KECHEMA) spokesperson, Danjumma Sanchi, is disturbed by the states inability to bridge the gap left by the absence of foreign assistance. The government has allocated some sum, he said, unwilling to provide more details. But it is only a fraction of the funding the state was receiving in the form of foreign assistance over the years. So much in the past depended on this. If this continues, it will only get worse. Kebbi is really suffering due to the aid withdrawal, he added. Truly, we are seriously affected. This reporting was completed with the support of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Police are working on the theory that the mother of the NBC host has been kidnapped. The erratic investigation and Trumps statements are fueling the morbid fascination with the story There is no television program in the United States that is not talking about the disappearance in Tucson, Arizona of Nancy Guthrie the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, one of NBCs star journalists. Fox News has been leading its newscasts with her disappearance for a week now. Major American media outlets are providing extensive coverage and dedicating significant airtime to every tiny development in a case that broke on January 31. That day, Nancy Guthries children reported her missing when she failed to show up for a meeting with a friend to watch a church service on television. Even CNN has fully embraced the story, which has gripped a country where more than 100,000 disappearances are reported annually, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Other public sources, such as the National Crime Information Center, put the number of missing persons as high as 600,000, although they acknowledge that a very high percentage of cases are solved. The Guthrie case has all the ingredients to become one of those morbid episodes that captivate viewers. The alleged kidnapping of an 84-year-old woman, the mother of a television star. A distraught family posting videos pleading for mercy from the alleged kidnappers. A sheriff lost in the investigation, and a swarm of podcasters and influencers loitering around the victims house to fuel the spectacle. But theres more. Nancy Guthrie is in delicate health. She needs daily medication, wears a hearing aid, and has a pacemaker that has stopped sending out signals. Some local and online media outlets claim to have received ransom notes, although the deadline for payment has reportedly passed. The tabloid TMZ reports receiving up to four notes offering details of the disappearance in exchange for Bitcoin, the latest on Monday. The police are treating this information with caution. Aerial view of Nancy Guthrie's house in Tucson on February 9. Rebecca Noble (REUTERS) Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos appears to be leading an erratic investigation in the joint effort with the FBI. During the first few days, he held news conferences where he revealed some details about the case, including the contamination of the crime scene and the search of the victims home where traces of blood were found. A video recorded by Nancy Guthries doorbell camera was leaked two weeks later. It shows an armed man, wearing a ski mask, latex gloves, and a large backpack, approaching the house in the middle of the night. Police were able to determine the mans height from the size of the houses bricks and his shoe size from the size of the tiles in the driveway where he arrived. The suspect After nearly three weeks of a slow-moving investigation, the FBI acknowledged on Thursday that the person seen in the video is the suspect. Investigators described him as a male of medium build, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall. They noted that the backpack he was carrying was a 25-liter Ozark Trail backpack, commonly sold at Walmart. The FBI offered a reward of $50,000 for any information that helps find the victim, but the lack of progress in the investigation has raised the amount to $100,000. Nancy Guthries house is spacious, red brick, and single-story. It occupies half a hectare in a gated community in Catalina Foothills, a town of about 50,000 residents near Tucson. The area is dotted with ranch-style single-family homes, scattered and hidden from view by acacias, prickly pear cacti, palo verde trees, and saguaros, a type of giant cactus. The landscape is rocky, shaped by the Santa Catalina Mountains, and dotted with hills and the areas abundant vegetation. Its less than 62 miles (100 km) from the Mexican border. For now, there are no reliable witnesses. The case coincides with a decline in public appearances by Donald Trump, who usually dominates the news cycle with events and statements. This past week he has reduced his public appearances as criticism mounts over his handling of immigration, which has led to another government shutdown, and as the Jeffrey Epstein papers reveal contacts between members of his administration and the convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. Investigators in the vicinity of Catalina Foothills, in Tucson, on February 11. Rebecca Noble (REUTERS) Trump calls for the death penalty The U.S. president has barely held any public events this week, whereas he usually holds meetings with the press almost every day to deliver three or four political messages along with some bravado. Trump has intervened in a case that has gripped the American public. In a message posted last week on his social media platform, Truth, he asserted that he would dedicate all available law enforcement resources to solving the case. This Monday, he stated that he would order the Justice Department to seek the death penalty for the kidnappers if Nancy is found dead, according to a telephone interview with the New York Post. The president declared that the consequences would be very, very severe the most severe for the kidnappers if they kill Savannahs mother. When reporters asked if he meant the death penalty, Trump replied, The most, yeah thats true. The president has not missed an opportunity to fuel the case. Meanwhile, the Nancy Guthrie case has gained momentum. The release of a video two weeks ago, showing the missing womans three children sitting on a couch, with Savannah between her siblings, pleading with the alleged kidnappers to allow their mother to return, moved the nation. Our mother is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light, said the host of NBCs popular Today show. The family She is funny and intelligent. Shes funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses, she added. One of the most poignant moments was when her sister, looking directly at the camera, addressed their mother: If youre listening, we need you to come home. This hasnt been the familys only attempt to move the alleged kidnapper. Over the past three weeks, theyve shared several messages on social media. The tone of the recordings has shifted. Last Thursday, they released a home video of their mother with the message that you should never give up. Three days later, this past Sunday, Savannah Guthrie posted a plea to the alleged kidnapper on Instagram. Its never too late, she said. Youre not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing. 01:28 Savannah Guthrie sends a message to her mother's kidnappers Savannah Guthrie reitero su peticion de ayuda para encontrar a su madre, en una publicacion de Instagram,el 15 de febrero. Photo: AP | Video: EPV The fact that the missing woman was a vulnerable, sweet and resilient grandmother who raised her family, that they are white and well-off, and that the children seem devastated by her disappearance adds to the morbid fascination of the case. The family recounts that their last contact with their mother, a widow since 1988, was on the night of Saturday, January 31. That day, she had dinner at the home of her daughter Annie, Savannahs older sister. According to investigators, Annies husband dropped Guthrie off at the front door shortly before 10 p.m. The son-in-law stated that he saw her enter through the garage door. The investigation That was the last time anyone saw Nancy. The next morning, she didnt show up at a friends house where she was supposed to have gone. When she didnt answer her phone, her family reported her missing. During the investigation, officers found her cell phone inside the house, along with other evidence indicating that she hadnt left home voluntarily. Police found blood spattered on the front porch. A black latex glove was also found a few hundred yards from the house. The glove appears to match those worn by the masked individual who was lurking near the houses entrance, the FBI said Sunday. The agency sent the glove for DNA analysis but has not yet released the results. But the FBI has also acknowledged that another dozen gloves were found near the house, which turned out to belong to investigators who combed the scene of the alleged crime. The federal agency headed by Kash Patel reported that more than 100 agents have been assigned to the investigation. It claims to have collected more than 13,000 leads. Meanwhile, the sheriffs department says it has received more than 18,000 calls about the case. Pickup truck taken as evidence by the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department, as part of the investigation of the case, in Tucson, on February 14. Rebecca Noble (REUTERS) The effect of true crime Journalists and podcast producers of true crime stories, a very popular genre in the United States, have flocked to the scene. For three weeks, they have been gathering outside Nancy Guthries house, at times hindering the police investigation and spreading false information and conspiracy theories. Several fast-food delivery drivers have come within feet of the house to deliver orders to influencers and curious onlookers who have come to snoop or advertise. For a few days, while the investigation was still ongoing, the police opened the crime scene, and many journalists were able to approach the house and see the bloodstains attributed to Nancy Guthrie. As the case gained media attention, they re-established a perimeter around the house. The haphazard investigation has fueled the rumors. On Friday night, police blocked a road 1.8 miles from the missing womans home as part of the investigation, without explaining why. A few hours earlier, they seized a Range Rover SUV parked next to a nearby restaurant. The Sheriffs office arrested a man during a traffic stop in Tucson last week, but did not specify the reason for the arrest or whether it was related to the case. The man was released a few hours later. Three weeks after the disappearance, investigators impressions are beginning to grow grimmer about a case that has shocked the United States. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Nigerian government has launched a national advocacy and awareness campaign for a Community Food Bank Programme to tackle malnutrition among children under six nationwide. The initiative was launched in Abuja on Tuesday during the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit, according to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Office of the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi. The programme is a joint initiative of the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to address child malnutrition nationwide. Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, described the programme as a coordinated effort to improve access to safe and nutritious food for vulnerable children. How the programme will work Mrs Tinubu said her office is also collaborating with the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture, and other partners to launch the initiative, which will be rolled out in April 2026. She said the programme is designed to strengthen community nutrition support, improve access to safe and nutritious food for vulnerable children, and contribute meaningfully to the national response to ending child malnutrition. She explained that the scheme will operate through Primary Health Centres nationwide, where eligible families with children under six will be identified and registered. Caregivers, she said, will receive counselling and food vouchers redeemable for locally grown, nutritious food at designated community food banks located near health centres. She added that the initiative will be funded through a Trust Fund supported by private sector partners and individual donors. To ensure accountability, the Trust Fund will be overseen by credible Nigerians. We will be needing a lot of support from you, our revered traditional and religious leaders, to raise awareness and sensitise households to ensure no eligible family is left behind as we roll out the programme nationwide. She also announced that the advocacy campaign would move across the countrys six geopolitical zones, beginning with the North-east in Borno State. Malnutrition crisis in Nigeria Malnutrition remains a major underlying cause of child mortality, contributing to nearly half of all deaths among children under five. According to UNICEF, the country has the second-largest number of stunted children globally, with an estimated two million children under five affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), but only two out of every 10 children affected are currently reached with treatment. National surveys show that roughly one in three Nigerian children under five is stunted, a condition that impairs physical growth and cognitive development. The crisis is also reflected in wasting and underweight rates. Data from Global Nutrition indicate that about seven per cent of Nigerian children under five are wasted, meaning they are too thin for their height due to recent and severe weight loss. People are our greatest asset In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, said the partnership reflects the governments recognition of the central role of human resources in the growth and development of any nation. Mr Pate said that without the people of Nigeria, no infrastructure, oil, gold, or diamond will actually matter. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the first-ever summit of traditional and religious leaders, describing it as evidence of the presidents belief in their role in improving the health and well-being of Nigerians. Before the Nigerian State, there is a Nigerian Nation, before a Nigerian Nation, there is the Nigerian people. And that is why Mr President prioritises the health sector in all ramifications, he said. The minister also commended the First Lady for her contributions to the health sector,, especially in child and womens health. Traditional rulers back initiative In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, said the gathering of traditional and religious leaders signalled a more practical approach to addressing health challenges. Mr Ogunwusi noted that beyond the flag-off, sustained follow-up and peer review would be necessary to achieve results. Development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank, also made remarks at the event, describing traditional and religious leaders as central to achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has said that weak partnerships and the lack of structured training programmes are undermining the maintenance of hospital equipment, leading to its deterioration. He made the remark on Tuesday at the opening of a five-day capacity-building workshop for biomedical engineers in Abuja. Mr Salako, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Babatunde Akinyemi, noted that the programme was organised by the ministry in collaboration with Healthy Living Communications Ltd and the College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology. He said the programme reflects the governments commitment to fostering strong partnerships and enhancing technical capacity in healthcare maintenance. According to him, biomedical engineers are vital to keeping medical devices for diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring in proper working condition. He said their importance became clearer during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that even the most advanced machines would remain underutilised or dysfunctional without them. About the workshop Mr Salako said the workshop sought to refresh engineers skills and reposition them to safeguard the countrys expanding stock of health assets. He listed ongoing interventions, including upgrades in biomedical engineering schools, staff retraining, a national maintenance framework, and a nationwide audit of high-end equipment. These efforts form part of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to strengthen infrastructure, digitalisation and workforce capacity, he said. He added that participants were expected to gain the competence required to maintain key devices and return to their institutions as change agents capable of reducing downtime. Mr Salako urged Chief Medical Directors and heads of biomedical units to ensure that knowledge gained at the workshop was shared with other technical staff. He said the ministry would continue to provide an enabling environment to ensure that biomedical engineering practices in Nigeria meet global standards. In her remarks, the Director of Hospital Services, Abisola Adegoke, said equipment could only serve their purpose when properly installed, maintained and safeguarded. Ms Adegoke,represented by Francisca Okafor, director of Regulatory School Division, said the training reawakens biomedical engineers to their critical responsibilities. Equipment is only as effective as the professionals who operate it, she said. Ms Adegoke said government investments in modern medical equipment must be matched with strong technical capacity and sustained maintenance systems. The chief trainer, Awafung Adie, said the future of Nigerias healthcare system depended partly on the quality of biomedical engineers being developed today. Mr Adie said biomedical personnel must evolve from equipment repairers to healthcare technology managers, innovators and leaders. He said the programme directly addressed issues such as prolonged downtime, poor maintenance culture, inadequate manpower and dependence on foreign technical support. The CEO of Healthy Living Communications Ltd., Emmanuel Oriakhi, said the idea for the programme had been nurtured for more than 10 years. Mr Oriakhi said visits to hospitals revealed equipment that could have been functioning was abandoned due to a lack of routine maintenance and inadequate knowledge updates. He added that biomedical practitioners must continually upgrade their skills to keep pace with evolving medical devices. READ ALSO: Nigerian govt launches national food bank to tackle child malnutrition CEO of PROTEX Healthcare, Dominiek Viaene, said the company invested heavily in Nigeria to help improve maintenance culture and treatment outcomes. Mr Viaene noted that dialysis survival rates differed sharply between Nigeria and Europe, despite the use of similar machines and consumables. There must be something wrong; it can be in maintenance or in the way procedures are carried out, he said. He warned that unsafe practices such as switching off safety detectors endangered patients lives. He said the company is committed to supporting regular training, adding that together, we are much stronger than individual initiatives. He called for collaboration among government, hospitals and biomedical engineers to drive lasting improvements in the health sector. (NAN) The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has trained 50 young scientists as part of efforts to strengthen Nigerias medicine security and improve the availability of safe, quality antimalarial drugs. The capacity-building workshop, held under the World Bank-funded IMPACT Project in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), focused on research and development (R&D), regulatory compliance, quality assurance and sustainable drug development. Organisers said the initiative was informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed Nigerias dependence on imported medicines and weaknesses in global supply chains. Medicine security Speaking at the workshop, the Director-General of NIPRD, Obi Adigwe, said medicine security must be treated as a component of national security. Mr Adigwe, who was represented by Mboma Iheanyi, a director at the institute, recalled the disruptions experienced during COVID-19, when border closures and export restrictions made it difficult for countries to access essential medicines and vaccines. According to him, the experience underscored the need for Nigeria to look inward and strengthen local pharmaceutical capacity. Security is not limited to insurgency. There is also medicine security, he said, noting that in times of crisis, the country must be able to meet its own medical needs rather than depend heavily on external supplies. Mr Adigwe added that exposing young scientists to responsible pharmaceutical development would also help curb ignorance-driven practices that contribute to the circulation of fake and substandard medicines. Bridging academia and industry The two-day workshop, the organisers noted, forms part of the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project (2025 Phase), with NIPRD serving as an implementing partner. Mercy Aboh, technical assistant (Pharma and Industry) to the Director-General of NIPRD and lead for the IMPACT Project at the institute, said the programme seeks to address the long-standing disconnect between academic research and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Ms Aboh explained that despite advances in science and technology, translating research findings into market-ready pharmaceutical products remains a major challenge. Engagements with industry stakeholders, she noted, revealed gaps in the development of complex formulations and dosage forms, partly due to limited practical exposure for young professionals. Ms Aboh said the training is designed to equip early-career scientists in pharmacy and related fields with the skills required to drive medicine security and support the production of medicines that meet global standards, including World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification benchmarks. We must train early-career scientists in pharmacy and other health-related fields so they can champion medicine security and ensure that medicines produced in Nigeria meet global standards,she noted. Beyond production Ms Aboh highlighted challenges such as poor storage conditions, transportation issues, high temperatures, and power outages, which can compromise drug potency in tropical climates. According to her, the training covers drug transportation, storage standards, and regulatory compliance to ensure medicines remain safe and effective throughout the supply chain. READ ALSO: Minister blames poor maintenance culture for hospital equipment failures Nigeria continues to grapple with the circulation of fake and substandard medicines, a problem regulators have repeatedly flagged as a public health threat. Ms Aboh said strengthening local capacity and improving technical knowledge among young scientists would help tackle the problem sustainably. Practical impact Uzuh Nwakaego, a member of NIPRDs research team who is pursuing further studies in public health, said the programme encourages young scientists to translate laboratory research into solutions that benefit patients. Ms Nwakaego described it as an opportunity to move science from the bench to the bedside and ensure that innovation goes beyond publications. Similarly, Folashade Alabi, a pharmacist and support staffer at NIPRD, said the training aligns with her interest in sustainable drug discovery and development. Ms Alabi noted that building stronger research and regulatory systems would not only improve medicine safety locally but also position Nigeria more competitively in international pharmaceutical markets. The Mambilla power project contract award fraud trial on Tuesday shifted focus to the legal opinions issued by the Attorneys General of the Federation (AGF) for former Presidents Umaru YarAdua and Muhammadu Buhari regarding the controversial project. The trial involving the former Minister of Steel and Power, Olu Agunloye, at the FCT High Court was marked by a back-and-forth exchange as the defence challenged the prosecution witness presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his recollection of the investigation report. The exchange started while EFCC investigator Umar Babangida was testifying as a prosecution witness. He said he could not remember whether the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Michael Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had written a legal opinion for former President YarAdua. Following his response, Mr Agunloyes lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, also a SAN, asked Mr Babangida to read out the investigation report, which highlighted the existence of the legal opinion and Mr Aondoakaas advice that the Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) be resuscitated. The EFCC charged the former power minister, Mr Agunloye, with fraud and forgery in connection with the $6 billion Mambilla power project. EFCC also accused him of receiving gratification and disobedience to presidential directives regarding the contract award in May 2003. According to the anti-graft agency, Mr Agunloye disobeyed the directive by signing a letter addressed to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL), purportedly conveying the approval of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station. The project was a proposed 3,960 MW hydroelectric facility located in Kakara village, Taraba State, which never saw the light of day. Mr Agunloye was first arraigned in 2024. But following an amendment of the charges, he was re-arraigned in September 2025. He denied all the charges and described them as baseless, false and malicious. The project, first awarded in 2003 to SPTCL by the Obasanjo administration, is the subject of decades of legal dispute now under international arbitration between the company and the Nigerian government. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2023, accused Mr Agunloye of fraudulently awarding the contract to the company without approval. Mr Agunloye vehemently denied Obasanjos claim. Ex-AGF Aondoakaas opinion During Tuesdays proceedings, defence lawyer Mr Adedipe asked the witness whether he was aware of the former AGF, Mr Aondoakaas, legal opinion dated 25 February 2008. He replied, I cannot remember. When asked whether he was also aware that in the letter, Mr Aondoakaa stated that it was wrongful for the federal government of Nigeria to re-award a contract without lawfully terminating the earlier contract awarded to SPTCL, EFCCs prosecution lawyer, Abba Mohammed, a SAN, objected. However, the trial judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, allowed the question. The witness responded that he could not remember. He also said he was not aware that Mr Aondoakaa had called the federal government to revive the awarded contract to SPTCL due to legal implications. What the witnesss investigation report said Mr Adedipe then asked the witness to read from his investigation report. Reading out loud, he said, The then AGF and Minister of Justice, Mr Aondoakaa, in a legal opinion to the former President YarAdua, recommended the contract. When asked if he was now aware, the witness stated, I now remember. Mr Adedipe then asked whether the witnesss opinion was that the re-awarded contract be terminated, while that of SPTCL be resuscitated. The witness replied, That was not my opinion; it is contained in my report as the opinion of the former AGF. Mr Adedipe then asked if he intended to mislead the court. Mr Babangida maintained that it was not his intention to mislead the court. Thereafter, the witness, when queried about former President Muhammadu Buharis era AGF, Abubakar Malamis legal opinion to former President Buhari on 20 May 2016 on the Mambilla power project, said, At the moment, I cannot remember it. No law regulating privatisation The witness noted that during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, it was stated that there was no law regulating the privatisation of power supply, but that the power industry should be deregulated and privatised. Similarly, Mr Babangida affirmed that it was at the FEC meeting that he was advised that a law be enacted for the privatisation of the power sector. However, the witness said he was not aware that the cardinal reason for establishing the Infrastructure Concession Regulating Commission Establishment Act 2005 was to require federal government agencies to secure approval from the FEC before issuing contracts. When Mr Adedipe asked the witness whether he had come across any law before 2005 that mandated the approval of the FEC before a contract was issued, the witness said he could not remember. Speaking of his investigations conclusion that Mr Agunloye awarded the Mambilla contract to SPTCL without the approval of the FEC and against the directives of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Adedipe asked whether he knew of any law that requires the approval of FEC before issuance of a contract award. Mr Mohammed objected to the question because it was hypothetical and amounted to the receipt of oral evidence, in violation of Section 128 of the Evidence Act. However, Mr Adedipe noted that both the prosecution and defence were in court because of the witnesss investigation report, which concluded that Mr Agunloye should be charged for failing to obtain approval from the FEC. He argued that his question was aimed at demonstrating that the witness abides by the defendant should be charged to court when no law was violated. He said the witness, by virtue of Section 237 of the Evidence Act, is compellable in law to answer the question which seeks to test his consistency. Following their submissions, the judge allowed the question. The witness replied, Yes. Thereafter, Mr Adedipe asked the witness to state the law, but the judge adjourned the case till Wednesday for continuation of cross-examination. FECs involvement In his testimony during a court session in the ongoing trial, the witness told the court that Mr Agunloye failed to follow the directive of the FEC regarding the award of the controversial Mambilla power project in 2003. He said that FEC kicked against the proposal requiring the federal government to pay $1.5billion as its 25 per cent equity participation in the $6 billion power project. The witness said the FEC, rather than approving the proposal, asked Mr Agunloye to explore other options to ensure the governments reduced contribution to the project. Mr Agunloye then awarded the contract to SPTCL. The letter disclosed that the award of the contract to SPTCL was reduced from 25 per cent to between 0 per cent and not more than 10 per cent. Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Monday blocked the entrance to the office of a fellow senator at the National Assembly, protesting her alleged denial from attending a meeting of a committee she is a member of. The meeting in question was the budget defence session of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC). The commissions management had appeared before the Senate Committee on the NCDC, chaired by the senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam. The commission covers the six states in the North-central geographical zone: Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa. The budget defence, which began at about 10 a.m., was concluded before 11 a.m., with the committee chairman and other members expressing satisfaction with the commissions budget proposal for the year. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the committee meeting room shortly after the session had ended. Apparently angered by the development, she proceeded to Mr Zams office to lodge a complaint. She was initially denied access to the chairman, because she was speaking loudly within the office premises while expressing her grievances over the alleged exclusion. Although she was allowed into the secretarys office, she was prevented from entering Mr Zams main office. Mr Zam was inside his office at the time. The situation escalated when Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan instructed one of her aides to record the scene. One of Mr Zams aides, whose name could not be verified, blocked her from accessing the office. In protest, she placed a chair at the entrance and insisted she would not leave until the chairman came out to address her concerns. The drama worsened when one of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans aides, whose name could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, slapped Mr Zams secretary after the secretary cautioned against making the incident viral on social media. The altercation led to a brief scuffle between aides from both sides. The standoff lasted about 10 minutes before the senator representing Ondo Central, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, arrived at the scene to mediate. He subsequently escorted Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan to the office of Mr Zams legislative aides, where efforts were made to calm the situation. Previous instances This is the second public confrontation involving Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan in the past two weeks. Last Wednesday, she walked out of a meeting of the Senate Committee on Mines and Steel Development following a verbal exchange with the committee chairman, Patrick Ndubueze, who represents Imo North Senatorial District. The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, had appeared before the committee to present his ministrys budget proposal. However, disagreement occurred towards the end of the meeting, which lasted over three hours, when Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to ask questions regarding the state of Ajaokuta Steel Company. Last year, the Kogi senator was suspended from the upper chamber for six months for refusing to comply with a sitting arrangement during the plenary of 20 February. President Bola Tinubu, Tuesday, unveiled the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 with a charge to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government to ensure speedy implementation. According to him, the policy, which is a roadmap for re-engineering Nigerias industrial base, unlocking value across sectors, and placing production, competitiveness, and jobs at the centre of the nations economic strategy, has already established a clear implementation architecture, because policies rarely fail at conception but at execution. Speaking during the official launch of the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the president, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, regretted that for too long, Nigeria has grappled with fragmented value chains, high production costs, infrastructure gaps, policy inconsistency, and insufficient coordination between government and industry. Emphatically, the Nigerian leader noted, however, that this stops now, as the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 is an acknowledgement of such deficiencies. We have realised that industrialisation is not a wish you think about; it is an action you perform. More than that, we must remind ourselves that this task demands coherence across energy, trade, infrastructure, finance, skills, and innovation. It requires partnership between government and the private sector, he stated. President Tinubu insisted on timely implementation and execution of the policy, noting that when his administration came on board in 2023, it did so with a promise to redefine Nigerias industrial ambition. He said, The defining strength of this policy is its insistence on implementation. This administration will not measure success by the number of documents we produce. We will measure success by the number of factories that open their gates at dawn, by the jobs created for our young men and women, by the exports that leave our ports bearing the mark of Nigerian excellence, and by the value retained within our own economy. Outlining key aspects of the policy, the president said it prioritises strategic sector focus anchored on the nations comparative and competitive advantages. He continued: It advances value chain development so that Nigeria moves steadily from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods. It integrates our micro, small, and medium enterprises into the heart of industrial growth, because prosperity must not be exclusive. It aligns infrastructure and energy with industrial ambition, for factories cannot run on policy alone. It strengthens skills, technology, and innovation to prepare our people for the industries of today and tomorrow. While calling for more private sector participation, the Nigerian leader urged support for the sector to invest with confidence and responsibility, to deepen local value chains, to create jobs and transfer skills, and to partner with government in building a productive economy. President Tinubu commended the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, for his disciplined leadership and clarity of purpose in driving the process, adding that the minister has demonstrated that policy leadership is not about noise, but about substance, coordination, and follow-through. He also applauded the ministrys technical teams, industry stakeholders, manufacturers, investors, and practitioners for shaping the policy into a document grounded in reality and informed by experience with their insights. Earlier, the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, said the campaign marked a turning point aimed at building an industrial Nigeria that produces, competes, and prospers. On his part, business mogul and Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Aliko Dangote, thanked the federal government for introducing a progressive industrial policy, observing that Nigeria is the only country in Africa where the private sector is bigger than the government. Mr Dangote said domestic manufacturers are pleased with the policy the Tinubu administration has created, expressing firm belief that the naira, this year, will be at 1,000 to $100. Announcing that many investors are willing to invest in Nigeria due to FX stability and other reforms, Mr Dangote suggested that the only thing remaining is the protection of indigenous industries, saying if there is no protection, there is no way any industry will thrive here. For his part, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, expressed confidence that, with the official launch of the policy, Nigeria has taken a step into its future where hope is turned into action, resulting in inclusive economic growth. He explained that the policy is the outcome of an ongoing partnership between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Nigeria, aimed at transforming the country into a beacon of prosperity and a key player in regional and global value chains. READ ALSO: 14 buried after wedding cortege drowns in Kebbi boat accident Also, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, commended the president over the launch of the policy, noting that manufacturers are focused on the effective implementation of the policy. He backed the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship enshrined in the policy, assuring that MAN will give its full support to ensure its successful implementation. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 17th February, 2026 Senators on Tuesday moved into a closed-door session to deliberate on whether to retain their earlier decision on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which made electronic transmission of results optional rather than mandatory, as many Nigerians demanded. Before moving into the executive session, lawmakers were considering a motion to rescind Clause 28 of the bill, which had reduced the period within which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days. The amendment to the clause, passed during the emergency plenary last Tuesday, prompted INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to announce the 2027 election timetable and schedule of activities last Friday. According to the timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, 20 February 2027. Based on the announcement, the elections would take place during the 2027 Ramadan period. Since then, some Muslim groups have called for a rescheduling of the elections so they do not coincide with the fasting period. At plenary, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion for the Senate to rescind its earlier decision to allow INEC the authority to adjust the election timetable. Mr Bamidele explained that INEC had consulted members of the National Assembly, noting that some Muslim stakeholders had requested that the presidential and National Assembly elections be rescheduled to avoid clashing with Ramadan. He added that INEC subsequently requested a comprehensive review of the affected clauses in the amendment bill to grant the commission the constitutional authority to adjust its election programme where necessary. About 22 clauses are proposed for amendment, including Clause 60, which the lawmakers had earlier revised to make electronic transmission of results optional rather than mandatory. The clauses listed for amendment are 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93 and 143. The proposed changes also affect cross-referencing, serial numbering and internal consistency within the bill. Plateau South Senator, Simon Lalong, who chairs the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, seconded the motion. Mr Lalong, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former governor of Plateau State, said lawmakers had worked on the amendment bill for over two years. He noted that the election timetable announced by the INEC chairman followed an existing template developed by the immediate past chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, covering election cycles from 2019 to 2031. The senator urged Nigerians to be fair to the INEC chairperson, arguing that the law provides room for amendments when necessary. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, subsequently put the motion to a voice vote to allow it to be debated at the Committee of the Whole, and the majority of senators supported it. At the Committee of the Whole, the senate president put the affected clauses to a vote one by one, and most senators voted in favour. However, deliberations stalled at Clause 60, which deals with the electronic transmission of results. When the clause was called, Abia South Senator, Eyinnaya Abaribe, raised a point of order, apparently opposing the decision to make electronic transmission optional. Following the development, the Senate president directed that the chamber dissolve into a closed-door session. The Senate on Tuesday voted by division to decide whether the electronic transmission of election results should be made mandatory or remain optional, as previously passed by the lawmakers. The division was conducted during plenary and supervised by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Last Tuesday, the Senate 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. During plenary, Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, raised the matter and demanded that electronic transmission be made mandatory. His motion led to a rowdy session lasting about five minutes, as senators from the majority caucus shouted in support of retaining the Senates earlier position. In contrast, members of the minority caucus insisted that transmission be made compulsory. Amid the tension, the senate president directed that voting by physical division be conducted on the matter. In parliament, division is a method of taking a vote that physically counts members votes. Mr Akpabio ordered senators who supported the Senates earlier position to stand for a count. A total of 55 senators, including Deputy Minority Leader Oyewunmi Olalere and Adamawa North Senator, Amos Yohana, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voted to retain the optional provision. Mr Olalere was acting as the Minority Leader at the time of the vote. READ ALSO: Gov Otti offers support for victims as 15 travellers die in Enugu road crash The senate president then directed those in favour of making electronic transmission mandatory to stand. Fifteen senators, including Mr Abaribe, Victor Umeh (Anambra), Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Abdul Ningi (Bauchi) voted in support. Mr Akpabio subsequently announced that the Senate would retain its earlier position, making electronic transmission optional rather than mandatory. He commended those who voted to support the Senates position, stating that they had acted to uphold Nigerias democracy and ensure that election results are properly collated. The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the harmonised version of the Electoral Act amendment Bill after a prolonged, rowdy session that saw shouting matches, repeated voice votes, and a walkout by opposition lawmakers. The bill titled, A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act, No. 13, 2022 and Enact the Electoral Bill, 2026, to Regulate the Conduct of Federal, State and Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory Elections and for Related Matters, was approved following clause-by-clause consideration in the Committee of the Whole. The plenary session was convened as an emergency one to address issues arising from the timetable for the 2027 general elections recently announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The lawmakers had earlier adjourned for two weeks to enable standing committees to conduct 2026 budget defence sessions for ministries, departments and agencies. However, a press statement issued on Friday by the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, informed members of the need to reconvene. An internal memorandum from the Office of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, cited the constitutional and national importance of developments surrounding the 2027 election timetable. Rowdy session Trouble began when the Chairperson of the Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive (APC, Delta), moved a motion pursuant to Order Nine, Rule 1(6) of the Standing Orders, seeking to rescind the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which the House had approved in December 2025. Mr Waive said the motion was necessary to align the legislation with emerging electoral reforms and urged members to recommit the bill to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration. When the motion was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, a majority voted against it. The outcome sparked protests on the floor, with members openly disagreeing, resulting in a rowdy session that lasted several minutes. In an apparent effort to calm tensions, a separate motion was moved for the House to dissolve into executive (closed-door) session. When the proposal was put to a voice vote, lawmakers again rejected it. Despite the resistance, the House was eventually called into a closed-door session. Clause-by-clause disagreement After more than an hour in executive session, Mr Tajudeen stepped aside, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, presided as the House moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider a Bill to repeal the Electoral Act, 2022, and enact the Electoral Bill, 2026. As deliberations began, Mr Kalu took several clauses in bulk. This drew protests from lawmakers who insisted on clause-by-clause consideration. Ignoring the objections, he repeatedly struck the gavel after voice votes on grouped provisions. Tensions escalated as some members left their seats and approached the chair, chanting clause by clause. After several minutes, Mr Kalu pleaded with them to return to their seat, assuring them that they would restart the consideration process from Clause 1 and that each provision would be considered individually, as was done during the executive session. Order gradually returned, and lawmakers resumed their seats. At one point, a member repeatedly raised a point of order, claiming some lawmakers did not have copies of the document under consideration. Mr Kalu cautioned members against speaking without recognition and directed that copies be shared. Dispute over Section 60 Fresh disorder broke out when the Committee reached Clause 60 in reference to the controversial section on electronic transmission of results during elections. When put to a voice vote, there was a divided response: some agreed, while a majority disagreed with the clause. However, Mr Kalu ignored it, hit the gavel, and continued with the other clauses. This led to another rowdy session with lawmakers again approaching him and chanting, Section 60. This rowdiness lasted for several minutes, stalling deliberation. Mr Kalu again urged lawmakers to return to their seats to continue the deliberations. He thereafter opened the floor for a debate. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) proposed retaining only Clause 60(3), which mandates that the presiding officer electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IREV portal after signing and stamping Form EC8A. He urged the removal of the proviso that allows Form EC8A to serve as the primary source of collation where electronic transmission fails due to communication challenges. The clause states, The Presiding Officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IREV portal, and such transmission shall be done after the prescribed Form EC8A has been signed and stamped by the Presiding Officer and/or countersigned by the candidates or Polling agents where available at the Polling Unit. Provided that if the electronic transmission of the result fails as a result of communication failure and it becomes impossible to transmit the result contained in form EC8A signed and stamped by the Presiding Officer and countersigned by the candidates or polling agents where available at the polling unit, the form EC8A shall remain the primary source of collation and declaration of the result. According to Mr Salam, the caveat was unnecessary and contradictory. The Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), seconded the amendment. When put to a voice vote, the proposal initially appeared to gain majority support, prompting the deputy speaker to strike the gavel. However, following protests, the matter was subjected to a second voice vote, during which the majority voted against it. Etanabene Benedict (LP, Delta) also proposed that in cases of discrepancy between results on the IREV portal and Form EC8A, the electronically transmitted result should prevail. The proposal was rejected. Other amendments by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and Abdussamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), among others, were similarly defeated by voice vote. Despite repeated objections and intermittent disorder, the Committee of the Whole concluded the clause-by-clause consideration, and the House passed the harmonised version of the bill. It, thereafter, adjourned to Tuesday, 24 February. Opposition walks out Following the rejection of the amendments, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout and proceeded to the House of Representatives press centre. Led by Minority Leader Mr Chinda, the lawmakers chanted APC, Ole and alleged that the process was driven by partisan interests rather than national good. Some claimed that certain members had collected money, although no names or parties were mentioned. Mr Chinda said opposition members opposed the approved versions of Sections 60 and 84. On Section 60, he maintained that results should be transmitted electronically without any proviso that reverts to manual collation in the event of transmission failure. On Section 84, he argued that political parties should determine their preferred methods for selecting candidates as part of their internal affairs, rather than being restricted to specific options. Senate re-amends bill A similar rowdy session had earlier occurred in the Senate over a motion to rescind its earlier decision on the bill. The upper chamber eventually approved the rescission and proceeded to re-amend the Electoral Act. The Senates version accommodates electronic transmission of results but retains a caveat that Form EC8A will serve as the primary means of collation where electronic transmission fails. Following the Senates action, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reconstituted the harmonisation committee to reconcile differences between both chambers. He reappointed Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) as chairman. READ ALSO: Gov Otti offers support for victims as 15 travellers die in Enugu road crash Other members include Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), Adamu Aleiro (APC, Kebbi Central), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia South), Abba Moro (PDP, Benue), Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River), Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa), Tokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos), Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi), Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers) and Peter Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi). Similarly, the House constituted a seven-member conference committee chaired by Adebayo Balogun (APC, Lagos) to harmonise the bill. Members include Fred Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa), Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), Ahmadu Jaha (APC, Borno), Iduma Enwo (PDP, Ebonyi), Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger) and Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno). According to the Spokesperson of the House, Mr Rotimi, the outcome of the harmonisation committee, which sat on Monday, determined the final shape of the proposed amendments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Senate on Tuesday rescinded its earlier decision on Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the period within which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days. It re-amended the clause to provide that INEC shall publish a notice of election not later than 300 days before the date of the election. The upper chamber said the rescission became necessary after it discovered errors in about 22 clauses of the bill, including Clause 60, which prescribed that electronic transmission of results be optional rather than mandatory. With the new provision, the presidential and National Assembly elections may now be conducted in December 2026 or January 2027. The rescission was approved after a majority of senators supported it through a voice vote at the Committee of the Whole, where the affected clauses were re-amended and reconsidered. Last Friday, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, announced that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on 20 February 2027. Going by the announcement, the elections will fall within the 2027 Ramadan period. Since then, some Muslim groups have called for a rescheduling of the polls to avoid coinciding with the fasting period. During plenary, lawmakers re-amended the Electoral Act to empower INEC to adjust the 2027 presidential and National Assembly election dates to avoid a clash with Ramadan. The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Mr Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said holding the elections during Ramadan could adversely affect voter turnout, logistical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of the electoral process. He noted that upon detailed scrutiny of the bill, discrepancies were identified in the Long Title and Clauses 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93 and 143, affecting cross-referencing, serial numbering and internal consistency. INEC consultation Mr Bamidele further stated that INEC had consulted members of the National Assembly following concerns raised by some Muslim stakeholders who demanded that the elections be shifted to avoid coinciding with Ramadan. He said INEC requested that the Electoral Act amendment be reviewed to grant the commission the constitutional authority to adjust its election timetable where necessary. Plateau South Senator, Simon Lalong, who chairs the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, seconded the motion. Mr Lalong, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a former governor of Plateau State, noted that lawmakers had worked on the amendment bill for over two years. He added that the election timetable announced by the INEC chairman followed an existing template developed by the commissions immediate past leadership, covering election cycles from 2019 to 2031. The senator urged Nigerians to be fair to the INEC chairperson, arguing that the law provides room for amendments when necessary. The senate president subsequently put the motion to a voice vote, and the majority of lawmakers supported it. Between 2019 and 2023, 500,000 migrants fleeing the island were released with a I-220A document, which does not provide a path to legal status and now puts them at risk of deportation. Lawyers argue they should have received parole papers instead Some say they were simply unlucky, that before this, all you had to do was show the border guards a Cuban passport, and you got to stay. They know many people who arrived in Miami by raft, or came for a visit and stayed, and they are now residents, even citizens. The worst part, they say, is that other Cubans entered the United States just like them, crossing the border on the same date, and have been able to adjust their immigration status, while they themselves havent. An estimated half a million Cuban immigrants who arrived in the United States between 2019 and 2023 now find themselves in an unprecedented legal limbo, according to experts. This is due both to the sheer size of this group and to the existence of the Cuban Adjustment Act, which historically offered Cubans a path to residency after one year in the country. The obstacle has been the document they received upon being released by immigration authorities, known as an I-220Aan Order of Release on Recognizancewhile others received parole, which has allowed them to adjust their status. This difference, which lawyers say was essentially arbitrary and whose logic has never been clarified by the authorities, left families divided between those who are now residents and those who remain in limbo. And today it is the focus of several lawsuits seeking to have the courts recognize the I-220A as equivalent to parole, a legal battle that could redefine the future of hundreds of thousands of people and which experts warn will face resistance amid the climate created by the anti-immigrant policies of the Donald Trump administration. Some Cubans with I-220A visas initially managed to adjust their status in court under the Cuban Adjustment Act. But in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenged those decisions, arguing that, on a technicality, the document does not constitute parole. In 2023, a federal appeals court ruled in the governments favor, closing that door for hundreds of thousands of people in the same situation. Mark Prada, an immigration attorney in Miami, is leading several lawsuits seeking to have the courts recognize the I-220A as equivalent to parole, which would open the door to adjustment of status for hundreds of thousands of Cubans. The fact is that these people presented themselves at the border to immigration authorities to request asylum, and were released, says Prada. And, according to how the law works, that could only have happened through parole. However, the government issued them different documents. Prada is trying to get a federal lawsuit in Miami certified as a class action, while other appeals in the 2nd Circuit in California and the 11th Circuit in Georgia are proceeding as individual cases. We are seeking the broadest possible legal remedy, he explains. Its up to the judge to decide whether or not to grant that certification. For now, we are waiting for a decision. The lawsuits have generated great anticipation among Cubans with I-220A visas, but Prada expresses cautious optimism because, even in the event of a favorable ruling, the government is likely to appeal. Given the impact of what we are doing, I would assume that [the government] would want to appeal, Prada notes. The DHS did not respond to a request for comment from this newspaper. Living with I-220A For Cubans with I-220A documents, this limbo translates into legal setbacks and bureaucratic hurdles, but also into a constant fear of being detained and deported. The Trump Administration eliminated protections and humanitarian programs and suspended immigration processes for citizens of several countries, including Cuba. Thus, the detention and deportation of Cubanssomething unthinkable until recently given their historical advantage under the Cuban Adjustment Acthave become increasingly common. Last year, the government deported more than 1,600 Cubans, a record number, while others have been detained during immigration hearings or routine checks and taken to detention centers. Liryenne Bello, a 37-year-old Cuban doctor who arrived in 2022 and has an I-220A visa, says she is terrified of being arrested at a transit stop for not having residency. Every day they continue to detain so many Cubans with I-220A visas who have no criminal record, she says. She says she has put plans to have children on hold because of her immigration status and remains hopeful through ongoing legal proceedings, although sometimes it seems so far away. Yaser Betancourt Hernandez, a 43-year-old Cuban who crossed the border in 2022 and was released with an I-220A after five days in detention, recounts that, having no family in the U.S., he drifted through several states and endured very difficult times. He spent days living in his car before getting his teaching degree recognized and settling in Texas, where he now works as a special education teacher and teaches English at a university in the evenings. Although he considers himself an exemplary citizen who has followed all the rules, his immigration status remains uncertain. His attempt to obtain residency was rejected because his I-220A keeps his case active in court and does not constitute parole, preventing him from finalizing the immigration process. He estimates he has spent nearly $6,000 on legal fees: It hasnt been more because I went to both courts without a lawyer; they were asking for $10,000, he says. As part of his status, he must appear before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) annually, where he says many Cubans are being arrested. He witnessed arrests at the courthouse and admits he lives in fear, clinging to the hope that a lawsuit will change his situation. Authorities have never clarified why some immigrants received I-220As and others parole. An AP report suggests hasty decisions due to lack of space. The ambiguity has fueled confusion and conflicting accounts, especially on social media, where lawyers, paralegals and influencers weigh in on the issue. There are a lot of TikTok lawyers out there, says Yurisleidy Avalos, manager of a Facebook group with more than 33,000 Cubans with I-220As, who warns that misinformation on immigration can cost a person their freedom. The Cuban exile community, shaken The migration relationship between Cuba and the United States since 1959 has been marked by successive waves of refugees. After the Freedom Flights and the Mariel boatlift, the 1994 rafter crisis led to the wet foot, dry foot policy, which allowed those who reached land to remain in the country. Raul Castro lifted travel restrictions in Cuba in 2012, which increased the flow of Cubans across the southern border. Barack Obama ended the wet foot, dry foot policy in 2017, and Cubans began seeking asylum. Between 2019 and 2024, an unprecedented surge occurred, with nearly one million Cubans arriving in the United Statesmore than in all previous migration periods combined. Of these, an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 were released under I-220A asylum applications. The number of Cubans with I-220A visas has placed the issue at the center of political debate in South Florida, especially in Miami, considered the exile capital. Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar championed efforts for years to allow these migrants to adjust their status, including a formal request in 2024 to then-Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and bipartisan efforts that ultimately failed. In recent months, however, she has faced criticism for her apparent silence regarding the Trump Administrations immigration offensive. In this instance, however, Salazar has placed the blame on the previous Biden Administration and called his governments decision to release so many Cubans with I-220A visas inexcusable. They handed hundreds of thousands of Cubans fleeing communism a useless piece of paper, she told EL PAIS. Now her focus is on her Dignity Act proposal to provide a path to legalization under the Cuban Adjustment Act. She asserts that she has maintained pressure at all levels and continues to press the Trump Administration on this issue. For historical figures of the exile community, the conflict reflects a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy. Ramon Saul Sanchez, of the Democracy Movement, stated that the Cubans with I-220A visas escaped Cuba for the same reason we escaped in other eras, but they face a different political context. He also expressed concern about the treatment migrants are now receiving, detained in centers like the infamous Alligator Alcatraz, and warned that a potential political change in Cuba could be used as justification for mass deportations, which, he believes, would exacerbate the crisis on the island. Sebastian Arcos, interim director of the Center for Cuban Studies at Florida International University, points out that processing Cubans with I-220As was arbitrary, rushed, and unjust, and that considering the I-220A not equivalent to parole is also unjust and illegal. These individuals are not to blame for the decision to grant them that document instead of the other, Arcos notes. Those with parole are safe; those in limbo are the ones with the I-220A. Its not fair. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Chief of Staff to the President , Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that Nigeria must treat education as a national emergency and not just a policy issue if it hopes to secure its future. Mr Gbajabiamila, who is a former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, spoke on Monday at the International Day for Education 2026 conference themed Re-imagining the Future of Education in Nigeria: Collaborative Solutions for a Brighter Tomorrow. The International Day of Education is marked globally every 24 January. It was proclaimed in 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly to highlight education as a fundamental human right and a public good that drives peace, sustainable development and equality. The day serves as a reminder that without inclusive and quality education, countries cannot break the cycle of poverty or achieve meaningful progress. With Nigeria having the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, estimated at over 20 million, there are also several gaps in inclusive education, with children with disabilities and many girls still facing barriers to learning. Insecurity in parts of the country has further disrupted schooling. Against this backdrop, Mr Gbajabiamila said education is the most powerful lever for national transformation and must remain central to government policy. It is the bridge between potential and productivity; between aspiration and achievement. For Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, education is not simply a sectoral concern. It is an existential imperative, he said. Mr Gbajabiamila recalled that during his tenure as Speaker of the 9th House, he sponsored the Students Loans Bill to ensure that no Nigerian would be denied tertiary education because of financial hardship. According to him, access to higher education should depend on merit and potential, not privilege. The former speaker added that within the first three months of the current administration, President Bola Tinubu assented to the bill, leading to the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. Upon my resumption as chief of staff to the president, it remained a matter of priority for me to see that this reform translated from legislative intent into enforceable national policy, he added. He described the move as a clear sign that education is central to the Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda. Mr Gbajabiamila also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, for convening the conference and for prioritising legislative engagement on education reform. He said the 10th House has shown urgency in strengthening oversight of tertiary education funding and promoting accountability in the sector. As Chief of Staff to the President, you can always count on my support. Education will remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said. He urged participants to ensure that the conference produces practical recommendations that can improve funding efficiency, strengthen oversight and align education laws with current realities. Nigerias brightest tomorrow will be built in the classrooms we strengthen today, he said. Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Speaker on International Cooperation and Educational Development, Abisoye Da Rocha-Afodu, said the conference was designed to move beyond speeches to practical solutions. She explained that the International Day of Education was set aside by the United Nations to remind governments of their duty to guarantee access to learning for every child. According to her, education is not just a social service but a right recognised under international law. She said Nigerias education system is facing multiple and overlapping challenges that require urgent and coordinated action. These include limited access to quality education in underserved communities, weak infrastructure, outdated curricula that do not reflect global standards, and insufficient integration of digital skills needed in a modern economy. Mrs Da Rocha-Afodu also highlighted poor teacher welfare and inadequate training as factors affecting learning outcomes. She stressed that without motivated and well-equipped teachers, reforms in infrastructure and curriculum would not deliver results. She drew attention to the high number of out-of-school children, describing it as a national concern that threatens social stability and economic growth. According to her, when millions of children remain outside the classroom, the country risks deepening inequality and insecurity. Over the years, our educational system has been plagued with significant challenges, ranging from limited access to quality education to children in underserved communities making Nigeria the country with the highest number of out of school children in the world with over twenty million OOS children, she said. She stressed the need for stronger partnerships between government institutions, development partners, the private sector and communities to expand access to quality education, promote girl-child education and ensure inclusion for persons with disabilities. She explained that although the International Day of Education is marked globally on 24 January, the conference was held in February because the National Assembly was on recess in January. She said the timing allowed for broader participation and deeper engagement. On accountability, she said the House is considering legislative measures that would ensure periodic reporting and monitoring of funds allocated to education programmes. According to her, stronger oversight is necessary to prevent misuse of resources and to ensure that allocated funds are used for their intended purpose. Also speaking, a member of the House, Fuad Laguda (APC, Lagos), said the conference provided an opportunity to assess Nigerias education system against international standards. Mr Laguda who chairs the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, said funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the sector, especially in polytechnics and higher technical institutions. According to him, collaboration is key to reform, noting that participants at the conference came from different sectors to find common ground and build synergy. He added that any country that wants to develop must invest heavily in education, stressing that Nigeria must aim higher if it hopes to compete globally. Members of the Senate Committee on Capital Market on Monday questioned the management of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) over the expenditure of N16 million on cleaning and fumigation services in 2025, at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship. The IST is a specialised, fast-track civil court established under the Investments and Securities Act 2007 (amended in 2025) to resolve capital market disputes. It provides expert adjudication for investors and market operators, with appeals lying at the Court of Appeal. The Chairperson of the tribunal, Aminu Junaidu, appeared before the committee to defend the agencys 2026 budget proposal. Based on the tribunals 2025 budget performance report, the IST spent N16 million on cleaning and fumigation out of the N30 million appropriated for the item in the approved 2025 budget. The Chairperson of the committee, Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), was the first to question the expenditure, demanding an explanation for such a significant amount spent on cleaning services while critical areas such as publicity received little attention, despite low public awareness of the tribunals activities. In response, Mr Junaidu explained that the tribunal conducts fumigation quarterly to prevent rodents from destroying sensitive documents. He added that cleaning services were outsourced across its zonal offices. Ogoshi Onawo, the senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, also criticised the agencys continued spending on stationery at a time when operations should be increasingly digitised. The performance document shows that the tribunal spent N6.134 million on office stationery and computer consumables. Responding, Mr Junaidu said the stationery was necessary for writing judgments and producing certified true copies (CTCs) for applicants. Although applicants pay for certified copies, he noted that the fees are remitted directly to the Federal Governments Treasury Single Account (TSA). ALSO READ: Senate panel queries electricity agency on operation without funding It is a tribunal. We must write our rulings, our judgement, we photocopy and give to litigants not, only litigants, whoever applies for CTC we have to give them. That is why we have more consumption than the internet. The issue of paying for certification is very minute, just N10 per page and that money goes to the TSA directly. Were not in control of the money, he explained. Other expenditures by the tribunal in 2025 included local travel, transport and training N29 million, local travel and transport (others) N64 million, electricity charges N981 million, and telephone charges N990 million. Internet access charges N702 million, maintenance of motor vehicles and transport equipment N3.4 million, plant/generator fuel costs N39 million and local training N9.5 million were the other expenditures. The President of Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken, has resumed engagements with traditional rulers and civil society organisations across Nigeria to intensify efforts against gender-based violence in the country. Ms Gerken, at the event which marked her first official visit to Nigeria, also participated in a conference convening more than 180 traditional and community leaders from across Africa. The traditional and community leaders were those working to advance solutions to gender-based violence and community engagement. The Ford Foundation president also met with several grantees working on climate justice issues, including Spaces for Change, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Africa Climate Foundation, Africa Centre for Energy Policy, BudGIT Foundation, Centre for Research and Action on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and Sustainable Energy for All. The grantees also discussed the need for equitable energy access, accountable governance, and the strengthening of civil society to deliver sustainable development outcomes. Ms Gerken applauded the foundations long-standing commitment to advancing democracy, human rights and social justice in West Africa. Her visit also featured a dinner hosted by Ford Foundation Board member, Gbenga Oyebode. The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, were among top Nigerian leaders who attended the event. Others were a former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and the Chairperson of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, as well as leaders from civil society and heads of foundations. Speaking at the dinner, Ms Gerken thanked the hosts and guests for the warm reception, describing the gathering as a reflection of Nigerias leadership and civic strength. When I saw the list of people here tonight, I was struck by the depth of wisdom and experience in this room, she said. These are voices shaping how Nigeria and the world think about justice, democracy, and development. The Ford Foundation president noted that her visit was especially meaningful, as the foundation has maintained an unbroken partnership with Nigeria for 65 years. Coming to Nigeria matters enormously. Our relationship with this country has been one of the most important in the history of the Ford Foundation, she stated. She also praised the Ford Foundations Office of West Africa team led by its Regional Director, ChiChi AniagoluOkoye, for strengthening the foundations impact in the region. At critical moments in history, the Ford Foundation has stood up for justice and democratic values, even under pressure, Ms Gerken said. She lauded the foundations board for continuing to support work that defends democracy, the rule of law, and human rights worldwide, despite increasing global challenges. The president further thanked the guests for their insights and hospitality, describing her conversations in Nigeria as deeply energising. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will be coming back very soon, she said. Nigerian traditional rulers speak Speaking at the dinner, the 16th Emir of Kano, Mr Sanusi, praised the Ford Foundation for its sustained support to Nigeria, noting that its interventions are helping to ease social and economic hardships in local communities. Nigeria is proud of Ford and grateful for what the foundation is doing, he said. In the past, social challenges in many local areas were reflected in troubling data. Today, because of these interventions, those numbers are beginning to fall. The Emir of Kano, while acknowledging Nigerias challenges, said the country remains a land of opportunity due to its population, natural resources, and long-term potential. Mr Sanusi, who drew from his experience as a traditional ruler, said living closely with communities had given him a first-hand understanding of their struggles. That is why I value the Ford Foundations efforts to reach people at the grassroots and improve their lives, he said. The emir warned that global funding cuts have real human consequences. Every time a dollar is cut, it is a human being that is affected through lost nutrition, health care, maternal and child services, education, and security, he said. He hailed the foundation for maintaining its support despite shrinking global resources and appealed for continued engagement. This is a period of darkness, but we will see the light if people like you continue to shine a torch into the grey areas, he said. READ ALSO: NDPC investigates Temu for alleged violation of Data Protection Act On his part, the Obi of Onitsha, Mr Achebe, also praised the Ford Foundation for its long-standing partnership with Nigerian institutions and communities. The traditional ruler stressed that Ford Foundation grants have supported research, education, and development initiatives in Onitsha and beyond, thereby strengthening local capacity. Every gesture the Ford Foundation makes has a multiplier effect in Nigeria, he said. Beyond the immediate projects, it inspires further action and wider participation in national development. President Bola Tinubu has joined the world and the people of the United States in mourning the passing of civil rights icon and Baptist preacher Jesse Jackson. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday. Mr Jackson, a reverend, died on Tuesday at the age of 84. President Tinubu described Mr Jackson as a servant-leader who captured the global imagination as a young activist alongside civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. He said Mr Jackson fought for the dignity of black people, the oppressed and the voiceless in the United States and across the world. The president said the deceased became a national and global icon who demanded improved social and economic conditions for African-Americans. Mr Tinubu said Mr Jackson carried on the unfinished work of Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for racial justice. As a student in the United States in the 1970s, I lived in Chicago, the same city where Reverend Jackson fought the most important battles against injustice, he said. I witnessed firsthand how, as a faithful servant of God and humanity, he pointed the arc of American society to the great promise of the American dream. Mr Tinubu said Mr Jackson was influential in American politics and global affairs and helped pave the way for Barack Obamas emergence as the first Black American president. When Barack Obama broke the glass ceiling as the first Black President in America, it was Rev. Jackson who first inflicted the cracks on the ceiling in 1984 and again in 1988, he said. The president said Mr Jackson was a great friend of Nigeria and Africa and a formidable voice against apartheid in South Africa. He said the late cleric played a leading role in campaigns for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders. Mr Tinubu said Mr Jackson also defended human rights and democratic rule during Nigerias era of military dictatorship. He recalled that the deceased served as Special Envoy appointed by President Bill Clinton to Nigeria and Africa in 1997 and 1999. The president said Mr Jackson promoted civil liberties and helped connect African leaders with the US Congressional Black Caucus to advance Africas interests. Mr Tinubu said the late cleric remained a strong voice for justice and human progress, urging people to keep hope alive. He prayed for the repose of Mr Jacksons soul. (NAN) An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator, on Monday, denied coercing Ali Bello, who is a newphew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and his co-defendant, to write their extrajudicial statement regarding their N10 billion money laundering trial. The EFCCs investigator, Ahmed Abubakar, who is the first prosecution witness in the trial-within-trial ordered by trial judge James Omotosho to ascertain the claim of the defendants that their extrajudicial statements were obtained by the EFCC under duress. The witness was led in evidence by prosecution lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Bello, who is the incumbent Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmed Ododo, is facing the N10 billion money laundering charges alongside Daudu Sulaiman. The charges stemmed from Alis alleged unlawful activities during the tenure of Governor Bello, who himself is facing two sets of corruption charges in Abuja. On Monday, Ali and his co-defendant, through their lawyers, Abubakar Aliyu, a SAN, and Olusegun Jolaawo, a SAN, objected opposed Mr Oyedepos attempt to tender eight statements credited to them as exhibits. Mr Oyedepo sought to tender the eight statements as exhibits while Mr Abubakar was testifying in the main trial as the 17th prosecution witness. Six of the extrajudicial statements were credited to Ali and the remaining two statements were allegedly made by Mr Suleiman. While Mr Aliyu, who appeared for Ali, insisted that the six statements made by his client were not made voluntarily, Mr Jolaawo, counsel for Mr Sulaiman, the second defendant, equally told the court that his client was threatened by the commissions operatives who took his clients two statements. However, the EFCCs lawyer disagreed with the defence submissions. The Chief of Staff to the Kogi State governor was said to have made those statements on 29 and 30 November 2022 as well as 1, 10, 11 and 12 December 2022, while Mr Sulaiman was said to have made his two statements on 30November 2022 and 1 December 2022. After taking lawyers arguments, the trial judge, Mr Omotosho, ordered a trial-within-trial and directed Mr Abubakar, to give evidence as the first prosecution witness in the trial-within-trial. The witness told the court that a member of his team, Yazid Bawa, and the team leader, Adamu Usman Yusuf, neither threatened the defendants while their statements were taken nor attempted to induce them. He admitted that Ali was given a cautionary word notice which was signed by the defendant himself before he began to write the statement he made on 29 November 2022. When Mr Oyedepo asked the witness to read out the cautionary word in the open court, the witness, while reading from the document, said Ali admitted that he was told to consult his lawyer before making the statement but that he chose to write in the absence of his lawyer. However, defence lawyer, Mr Aliyu, raised an objection against Mr Oyedepo, leading the witness to read from the document but the lawyer later dropped his objection after the judges intervention. When Mr Oyedepo asked the witness if Ali was threatened, he said: Yazid and Adamu did not threaten the defendant in my presence. The witness said the allegations by the second defendant, Mr Sulaiman, that he did not make his statements in accordance with the commissions prescription under the law and that he was threatened to be forced to sit on an electric chair if he failed to make statements were false. I am hearing this for the first time. We dont have any electric chair in the EFCCs office that can electrocute someone. And no suspect has ever died of electrocution in the EFCC before, the witness said. He also told the court that Mr Sulaimans lawyer, Z.E. Abbas, endorsed all the pages of the statement creditted to the defendant, writing, This statement was taken voluntarily in my presence. The defence lawyers later cross-examined the witness and the judge adjourned the matter until Tuesday for continuation of trial-within-trial. (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday detained Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, following an invitation over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure. In a statement on X at 10.07 p.m. on Monday, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said: Malam Nasir @elrufai today honoured the invitation extended to him by the EFCC. He had a frank and fruitful interaction with the EFCC officials, whom his counsel noted were entirely professional in their approach and conduct. He remains with the EFCC. The EFCC invitation, initially issued in December 2025, is part of ongoing investigations into allegations that Mr El-Rufai misappropriated approximately N432 billion in public funds. The probe is being conducted in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), before which Mr El-Rufai is also scheduled to appear on Wednesday. Tension escalated last Thursday when security operatives attempted to arrest Mr El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt. Videos circulating online showed a brief confrontation between security personnel and the former governors entourage. His international passport was reportedly confiscated during the encounter. Mr El-Rufai later alleged that the arrest attempt was carried out at the instruction of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, through the State Security Service (SSS). Speaking on Arise Televisions Prime Time programme on Friday, he claimed that the NSAs phone was allegedly tapped, allowing him to hear instructions to detain him. Mr El-Rufais lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the attempted arrest, describing it as arbitrary and in violation of constitutional rights. According to him, the EFCC invitation was delivered to Mr El-Rufais residence while he was abroad, making immediate compliance impractical. The lawyer said his client formally communicated with the EFCC to assure voluntary attendance upon his return, which was scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday. Mr Akpan further demanded the immediate return of Mr El-Rufais passport, describing its seizure as an infringement on his dignity, freedom of movement, and constitutional rights. He warned that legal action would be taken against any unlawful detention efforts. On Monday, the State Security Service (SSS) filed cybercrime charges against Mr El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The case was filed barely three days after Mr El-Rufai said during a live interview on Arise TV, focussing on the airport encounter, that the NSAs phone conversation was intercepted, and that he heard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him. Protests at EFCC headquarters Mr El-Rufais appearance at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja earlier today (Monday) was marked by protests from both supporters and opponents. Supporters gathered near the gate to show solidarity, while anti-El-Rufai protesters urged the EFCC to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds. Brief confrontations were reported between the groups, and security personnel restricted access to members of Mr El-Rufais entourage. Background Mr El-Rufai has faced mounting scrutiny since leaving office, including allegations of diverting N423 billion in public funds. The Kaduna State House of Assembly in 2024 demanded investigations into his administration. He has also been summoned by the ICPC for questioning. The former governor previously backed President Bola Tinubus emergence as APC presidential candidate in 2023. They parted ways politically, with Mr El Rufai turning into Mr Tinubus fierce critic, after the presidents intial move to appoint the former Kaduna State govnernor as a minister fell through. Mr El-Rufai has since joined the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), vowing to work with with like-minded politicians to ensure Mr Tinubu is not re-elected in 2027. The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has said the ministry established 388 mineral buying centres in 2024 to boost government revenue and curb illegal mining activities. Mr Alake disclosed this on Monday when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Solid Minerals during which he presented a breakdown of the ministrys 2024 budget performance and defended its 2026 budget proposal. He said that, aside from establishing the mineral buying centres, the ministry also organised training sessions for artisanal miners and integrated them into the formal mining sector. We were able to establish about 388 mineral buying centres in the year under review and of course, we train artisanal miners, Mr Alake said. For decades, Nigerias mining sector has operated largely informally, with a significant portion of mineral extraction carried out by artisanal and small-scale miners. Many of these miners operate outside formal regulatory frameworks, making it difficult for the government to track production volumes, enforce environmental standards, collect royalties and taxes, or curb smuggling. Mineral buying centres are designed to address these challenges. The centres serve as designated, regulated points where miners can legally sell their mineral products to licensed buyers. By creating structured markets within mining communities, the government aims to improve transparency in mineral transactions, ensure accurate documentation of production, and block leakages in the value chain. One of the problems in the sector has been the smuggling of high-value minerals such as gold, lithium and other critical minerals out of the country through informal channels. Without traceable sales points, much of the revenue that should accrue to the government is lost. Buying centres are therefore expected to improve traceability and accountability by providing official records of mineral sales and exports. Illegal mining On efforts to curb illegal mining in 2024, the minister said the ministry strengthened its surveillance task force operations. He noted that the Mine Marshals arrested over 350 illegal miners, out of which more than 150 have been prosecuted, while others are still undergoing investigation and prosecution. We were able to strengthen the surveillance task force operations throughout the country and the mine marshal that we started in 2024 actually set a very strong signal to the sector and it was able to arrest a lot of illegal miners, more than 350 have been arrested by the mine marshals and over 150 have been prosecuted while others others are still undergoing prosecution. Were not relenting, he said. Mr Alake also said the ministry formalised artisanal miners by encouraging them to form cooperatives so they could operate as recognised corporate entities. We also achieved the formalisation of artisanal miners, we encourage artisanal miners who hitherto were regarded as illegal miners but theyre actually artisanal miners and theyre very integral in the entire value chain; we call them junior miners in some instances. We were able to encourage them to form cooperative so that they will no longer be labelled illegal miners, theyll become formalised structures and then theyll become bankable and they can attract financing for themselves and then government can also demand and receive revenue in terms of royalties, tactics and civic communications, that one have been going on very encouraging as well, he said. Illegal mining has remained one of the most persistent challenges in Nigerias solid minerals sector, undermining government revenue, environmental sustainability and national security. For years, large portions of mineral extraction, particularly gold, lithium, tin and other high-value resources, have taken place outside the formal regulatory framework. In many mining communities, individuals and groups operate without valid licences, evade royalty payments and sell minerals through informal channels, often to middlemen who smuggle them out of the country. This has resulted in significant revenue losses for the federal government, as unrecorded production means unpaid royalties, taxes and export duties. The opacity in the sector has also made it difficult for authorities to accurately determine the volume and value of minerals extracted annually. Beyond revenue losses, illegal mining poses serious environmental and social risks. Unregulated mining activities often lead to land degradation, deforestation, water pollution and the abandonment of unsafe pits. In some states, illegal mining has been linked to lead poisoning incidents and other public health hazards due to unsafe processing methods. Security agencies have also expressed concerns over the nexus between illegal mining and criminal networks. In certain parts of the country, proceeds from illegal mining have reportedly fueled banditry and other forms of organised crime, further complicating the security situation in mining regions. In response, the federal government established the mining marshals, a specialised enforcement outfit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to clamp down on illegal operators, enforce compliance with mining laws and protect licensed mining sites from encroachment. READ ALSO: China rejects US lawmakers allegations of illegal mining and terror financing in Nigeria Revenue On the ministrys 2024 budget performance, Mr Alake said it achieved about 80 per cent implementation of its N31.24 billion budget and generated over N28 billion in revenue. We recorded about 80 per cent. The revenue performance for 2024, we targeted a revenue drive of N11.8 billion but as at the end of that budgetary cycle, we were able to collect over N28 billion, so we got more than double. However, the minister was prevented from speaking on the ministrys 2025 performance when Gaza Gbefwi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, interjected. Lawmakers subsequently requested that the Ministry of Solid Minerals be placed on the first-line charge of the federation account. Mr Alake welcomed the proposal and urged the lawmakers to support the move. The University of Ilorins flagrant violation of the assigned admission quota for Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) has left close to 50 graduates stranded and unable to be inducted into the medical profession six months after graduating. At least 44 MBBS graduates of the university are still waiting without a date for induction or enrolment for their housemanship or the National Youth Service (NYSC), as the university fails to present them to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for induction. The MDCN approved a maximum of 150 as the admission quota for the MBBS programme at the university. However, UNILORIN violated this quota and admitted over 200 students into the programme in 2017, and is now concealing its violation from the MDCN. The MDCN is the regulatory body for the training of medical practitioners, including doctors and dentists. The body accredits universities and allocates admissions quotas based on their ability to train medical practitioners. After graduating from their respective universities, medical doctors cannot practice until theyre inducted into the profession by the MDCN. Last year, 194 medical students at UNILORIN met the requirements for the MBBS degree. However, to conceal its quota violation, the university presented only 150 graduates to the MDCN for induction. The remaining 44 graduates have been stranded for close to six months without induction, housemanship or NYSC. Out of 194, 175 of us passed the exam in one sitting, but only 150 were inducted, leaving 25 of us. The 14 retook the exam and passed. So altogether, 44 of us are left, one of the affected graduates told PREMIUM TIMES. Meanwhile, the university has failed to act, despite protests and multiple meetings between affected graduates and the universitys College of Health Sciences, several students told our reporter. The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Biodun Sulyman, a professor, confirmed that the school violated its quota. A statement by the university spokesperson, Kunle Akogun, quoted Mr Sulyman as saying the university is still advocating with the MDCN to induct the remaining graduates, but there has been no headway yet. What happened was that 194 students sat for the final MBBS examinations, out of whom 175 passed outrightly while 19 had resits, Mr Sulyman said, according to the statement. We approached the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to come and induct them. But we were reminded that they could only induct 150, which is our approved quota. We were told to rank them, and the first 150 of the 170 were inducted in November last year. The university also said the governments recent announcement to increase the quota for medical students has yet to be implemented. However, this was only announced last year, but UNILORINs violation happened close to a decade ago. Some students who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES said the violation did not stop in 2017, as students admitted in 2018 exceeded 200, more than the existing quota of 150. Ranking for Induction On Friday, 14 November, UNILORIN inducted 150 medical doctors into the profession, and the vice-chancellor, Wahab Egbewole, a professor, described them as the golden set. To select the inducted graduates, the university ranked them and selected the top 150, an unprecedented move that infuriated the graduates. When the plans to rank them were first unveiled in October, the entire class began writing a petition against the school, but soon withdrew it out of fear of victimisation, another affected graduate told this newspaper. The class withdrew the petition so they dont go down with us, the graduate, who didnt want to be named, told our reporter. The school has pulled a fast one on us. The students decried that a six-year course, which turned into an eight-year programme due to industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being further elongated. Failed promise A week after the induction, some of the graduates met with the provost of the College of Health Sciences, Mr Sulyman, a professor, to register their discontent. Mr Sulyman promised them he would discuss it with the MDCN and that their induction would be in six to eight weeks, one graduate said. When we calculated six to eight weeks, the eight weeks were the second week of January, the graduate said. We were hoping that by the second week of January, we would be doing our induction, and that was the last time we had a physical meeting with the provost. When they texted the provost after the eight weeks, he gave multiple excuses: that the MDCN Registrar was not picking up his call and that the registrar is saying our quota is too much. A culture of impunity Meanwhile, Nigerian universities routinely admit beyond the quotas set by professional bodies such as the MDCN and the Council for Legal Education (CLE), leaving students to bear the brunt. Last year, the MDCN refused to induct over 300 graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) due to the universitys admission of students beyond its allocated quota. In 2023, the CLE, the regulatory body for law education in Nigeria, imposed a five-year ban on the admission of students to the law faculty of Baze University, citing a breach of strict admission rules. The Director-General, Nigerian Law School (NLS), Isa Chiroma, a professor, noted at the time that the university had consistently exceeded its admission quota, with the faculty now having a backlog of over 347 students waiting to be admitted into the Nigerian Law School. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned Osabohein Ologbose and his wife, Hope Oghelemu, over an alleged N740 million investment fraud. They were arraigned before Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja alongside two companies, Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-Concept Media Limited, They pleaded not guilty to seven counts of obtaining money by false pretence, conversion of funds, and money laundering brought against them by the prosecution. EFCC said the offences contravened Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. According to the amended charges filed on 28 January 2026, the EFCC alleged that Mr Ologbose, between January 2023 and April 2024, took possession of N340 million paid into his Kuda Microfinance Bank account by Mss Oghelemu, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. Another count accused him of using N24.1 millionalso allegedly sourced from unlawful proceedsto establish and operate a music and photo studio at Crowther Plaza in Abuja. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday. Bail request Following their plea, EFCC counsel O.S. Ujam requested a date for the commencement of trial. Defence counsel, Marshal Abubakar, urged the court to allow Mr Ologbose to continue on the administrative bail earlier granted by the EFCC. He also sought bail for Ms Oghelemu, citing the need for her to care for her one-year-old baby. The judge granted bail to the first defendant but denied the third defendants bail request. Ms Oghelemu was ordered to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until 27 April for trial.. EFCC probe EFCC said its investigation revealed that the defendants allegedly lured several Nigerians to invest in a scheme purportedly involving the procurement and export of bitter kola and red kolanut to Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia, with promises of attractive returns on investment (ROI). The anti-graft agency said investors neither received their promised ROI nor had their capital refunded. The Enugu State Government on Monday said it has recorded 100 per cent coverage in its measlesrubella vaccination campaign, reaching over two million children across the state. The Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Secretary of the States Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, disclosed this during an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Mrs Ani-Osheku said that the exercise, held from 4 to 14 February 2026, reached 2,193,001 children across all 17 local government areas of the state. She said data from the states validated immunisation reporting platform confirmed that the campaign had fully covered the targeted demographic. We successfully reached our target population of 2,193,001 children. We achieved 100 per cent coverage of the target population, she said. According to her, the outcome significantly strengthens herd immunity against measles and rubella, two highly contagious viral diseases that can cause serious complications in children. She described the performance as a product of rigorous micro-planning and execution across the state. Mrs Ani-Osheku said safety monitoring systems were active throughout the campaign, noting that only a low incidence of adverse events following immunisation was recorded. She added that this reinforces the safety and efficacy of the vaccines administered, as well as the competence of frontline health workers involved in the exercise. Rollout of MR vaccine The rollout of the measlesrubella (MR) vaccine began in October 2025, spearheaded by Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in what was described as Africas largest child immunisation drive, aimed at protecting millions of children and adolescents from the two diseases. Earlier that month, a monitoring team led by Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), toured selected states to track the progress of the vaccination exercise. In February 2026, a PREMIUM TIMES report indicated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had introduced the MR vaccine in Anambra State. Around the same period, data from Akwa Ibom State showed that 1.2 million children had been vaccinated just six days after the campaign began. Collaboration across sectors Speaking on collaboration, Mrs Ani-Osheku attributed the success of the campaign to strong partnership among stakeholders, including the state government, local authorities, development partners, and community leaders. She commended the Enugu State government and the governor, Peter Mbah, for providing political will and resources for the exercise. She also applauded the leadership of the 17 LGAs for grassroots mobilisation, as well as religious and traditional institutions for helping to address vaccine hesitancy. Your voice in the churches, mosques and palaces bridged the gap between hesitancy and acceptance, she said, noting that the state recorded a significant reduction in non-compliant schools and worship centres compared to previous vaccination efforts. She further acknowledged the support of the NPHCDA for technical oversight and vaccine supply. Development partners, including United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the WHO, were also commended for providing technical, logistical and financial support. Transition to routine immunisation With the campaign concluded, Mrs Ani-Osheku said the state is shifting focus to strengthening routine immunisation to sustain the gains achieved. She announced that all primary healthcare centres across the state will now stock the MR vaccine and urged parents and caregivers to ensure eligible children receive the jab. She reiterated the agencys commitment to closing immunisation gaps across the state, adding that the campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of data-driven planning and coordinated stakeholder engagement. The Executive Secretary said the outcome demonstrates that data-driven strategies and coordinated stakeholder support can deliver effective public health interventions, adding that the state remains committed to ensuring full protection for every eligible child. Earlier progress reports The latest announcement follows earlier updates in which state officials reported crossing the 50 per cent coverage mark. Four days after the exercise began, state officials announced that more than one million children had been vaccinated. In a subsequent update issued about a week into the campaign, the agency said it had vaccinated over 1.5 million children, approximately 68 per cent of the projected target. Measles and rubella Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It is characterised by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive rash. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), blindness and death, particularly among malnourished children. Rubella, also known as German measles, is generally milder in children but poses serious risks during pregnancy. Infection in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital rubella syndrome, which may cause deafness, heart defects and developmental delays in newborns. A wedding ceremony ended in grief on Sunday when an overcrowded passenger boat overturned at dusk, killing 14 people participating in the ceremony in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State in North-west Nigeria. The deceased included 12 sisters of the bride. The tragedy occurred in Gumbi village after the sisters and other community members accompanied the bride to her husbands home in Gwarzo village across the river in the Ngaski Local Government Area. The Chairperson of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shuaibu, said the group was returning home when their boat capsized. The celebrants were on their way back home when the boat capsized, and over 100 people were thrown into the water. 14 people, consisting of 13 females and a child, died. All the deceased persons have been buried according to Islamic rites, he prayed. Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES correspondent on Tuesday, an elderly woman, who identified herself simply as Danhundeji, said: The incident was on Sunday, 12 sisters of the bride who were also brides-to-be died in the mishap. She added that the boat, locally called Lenti, usually conveyed passengers and goods, including vehicles, across the river. It was overloaded during the journey, (on their way back) which led the boat to capsize and resulted in deaths while others drowned in the river. Governor Nasir Idris has sent his condolences to the victims families and community leaders, offering words of consolation at the funeral for the dead. In a message delivered by the local government chairperson at the funeral on Monday, the governor urged the bereaved to accept the outcome as Gods will and to find comfort in faith. Boat accidents Boat accidents have killed many in the riverine areas of Kebbi State where poor road infrastructure forces local people to travel by river. Most of the boats are in poor states and the lack of regulations or enforcement of rules on the waterways means they are always overcrowded during trips, with accidents always claiming many lives. A report by VOA Africa on May 10, 2023 recorded an episode when an overloaded boat in the area capsized with heavy loss of life. Fifteen bodies, 13 girls and two boys, were recovered by local rescue teams and buried in the village, the official who supervised that rescue said, as divers worked the river searching for more children. That earlier disaster unfolded when youths crossed the swollen channel of the Shagari river from Dundeji village in Sokoto State to collect firewood. We woke up to a tragedy yesterday morning, where a boat carrying children capsized mid-river, Aliyu Abubakar, the local administrator of Shagari district, told AFP, which also reported the accident. Authorities have tried to curb the carnage. Nigerias waterways authority banned night-time navigation and criminalised overloading, but enforcement is sporadic and skippers often flout rules. River travel and trade remain essential in many communities where all-weather roads are absent and the Niger River is a lifeline for goods and people. Local leaders have called for safety audits, stricter enforcement of vessel capacity limits, and community awareness campaigns to reduce future losses. As bodies were lowered into the earth and prayers said, the immediate burden fell on kin and neighbours but the question of systemic reform remains. Two Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigators on Tuesday denied coercing Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and his co-defendant, to write their extrajudicial statements in connection with their N10 billion money laundering trial. The investigators, Yazid Bawa and Adamu Yusuf, who are the second and third prosecution witnesses in the trial-within-trial ordered by trial judge James Omotosho to determine the claim by Ali and his co-defendant that the anti-corruption agency obtained extrajudicial statements from them under duress. The witnesses, led in evidence by prosecution lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told the court that the statements were taken voluntarily, in the presence of the defendants lawyers, and without threats or inducements. Their testimony aligned with that of another EFCC operative, Ahmed Abubakar, who testified as the agencys first witness in the trial-within-trial on Monday. Ali, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, is the Chief of Staff to current Governor Ahmed Ododo. He faces N10 billion money laundering charges alongside Daudu Sulaiman. The charges relate to alleged unlawful activities during the tenure of former Governor Bello, who is also facing two sets of corruption charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Mr Bello himself is facing separate ongoing trials before separate courts over allegations of diverting billions of naira from the Kogi State Governments coffers during his time as governor. But they have all the denied all the charges brought against them, putting the onus on the EFCC to prove the charges against them. Earlier on Monday, Ali and his co-defendants, through their lawyers Abubakar Aliyu and Olusegun Jolaawo, both SANs, opposed an attempt by EFCC lawyer Mr Oyedepo to tender eight statements credited to them as exhibits. Six statements were credited to Ali, while the two were said to have been made by Mr Sulaiman. Ali was said to have made his statements between 29 November and 12 December 2022, while Sulaimans statements were taken on 30 November and 1 December. Mr Aliyu told the court that his clients statements were not voluntary. Mr Jolaawo similarly argued that his client was threatened by EFCC operatives, but the prosecution disagreed. The defence said the defendants were threatened with detention if they did not write the statements in the manner prescribed by the EFCC, they would not be allowed to leave. Following the submissions, the trial judge, Mr Omotosho, ordered a trial-within-trial, and the EFCC investigator Mr Abubakar, testified that neither Yazid Bawa nor the team leader, Adamu Usman Yusuf, threatened or induced the defendants. He confirmed that Ali was given a cautionary word notice, which he signed, and told the court Ali chose to write in the absence of his lawyer. He denied the use of an electric chair. The court adjourned to Tuesday(today) for the continuation of the trial-within-trial. Tuesdays proceedings At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, Mr Oyedepo, the prosecution lawyer, reminded the court that 17 witnesses had been called in the substantive trial, including Mr Abubakar, who had testified on Monday. Mr Abubakar testified in both the substantive trial and the trial-within-trial. He first took the witness stand in the main trial before the defence called for a trial-within-trial when the tendering the defendants extrajudicial statements became an issue. Subsequently, Mr Bawa, EFCCs second witness in the trial-within-trial, told the court he investigates suspects and gathers evidence, and that he was with the Lagos monitoring unit when the defendants made their statements in 2022. Led by Mr Oyedepo, Mr Bawa denied forcing the defendants to give statements. He said after findings are issued, we usually ask the people involved to react to our findings. He added that he does not have the power to detain anyone. No my lord, we did not threaten the defendants, we made sure they understood the cautionary words. It is also part of the rules that their lawyer be present and in this case he said. He also explained that Ali Bellos lawyer was present when he made his statements on 29 November 2022. During cross-examination, by Alis lawyer, Mr Bawa insisted he remembered that the defendants made their statements voluntarily in their office. But he admitted that the first defendant, Ali, was in our custody and he had no lawyer with him on the statement made on 30 November, between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Looking confused, he confirmed that for a statement taken on 11 December 2022, lasting seven hours, the defendant did not have a legal representation, but he volunteered to write it in the absence of the lawyer. When asked if it is not true that you told the defendant to say that the property he purchased was for Yahaya Bello or else he will rot in detention, the witness denied telling Ali such. Mr Bawa also said he was unaware of any obligation to record audio or video of the interviews. Further fielding cross-examination questions from the second defendants lawyer, Mr Jolawaawo, Mr Bawa said he could not recall how the defendant came into custody or when he was released. He said the statements were taken in an open space where the defendants sat side by side, and acknowledged that the lawyer was present. He denied a claim that the defendants were not allowed to use the toilet, and said he could not recall whether CCTV was used. On the issue of timing in Exhibit B1, he said, I do not know why the time is not written. Everything here is written by the defendants. I am not the team leader. He also denied that he or Adamu Yusuf threatened the defendant with an electric chair. In fact I have never seen one. Re-examination After the cross-examination the court asked if the prosecution intended to reexamine the witness, an opportunity the prosecution lawyer took. During re-examination, Mr Oyedepo asked Mr Bawa whose responsibility it was to indicate the time statements were taken. But at this point, the defendants lawyers objected, and told the court that they did not ask the witness questions in that direction. Responding, My Oyedepo told the court that there was a need for the witness to answer that question because the court only dealt with evidence. Reacting to their arguments, the judge, Mr Omotosho, overruled the defences objection on the grounds that their question on timing provided a foundation for the question asked by the prosecution lawyer. Mr Oyedepo then repeated the question and the witness explained that it was the responsibility of the defendants to time the statements. Another witness speaks The trial-within-trial continued with the testimony of Mr Yusuf, also an investigator with EFCC. Mr Yusuf, EFCCs third witness in the trial-within- trial, confirmed that he knew the defendants, Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman. He said he was the head of the monitoring unit in the Lagos office when the matter was assigned to the Chairman, Monitoring Unit. He also identified Yazid Bawa and Audu Abubakar as members of his team. Mr Oyedepo also explained to him the defendants allegations of threat from the commission while obtaining their extrajudicial statement. Reacting to the allegations, Mr Yusuf said it was a surprise to hear such allegations. He told the court that, reviewing the statements, there were instances where the defendants said they would not comment and where they deferred to his excellency to respond, and these were allowed. He said a lawyer identified as Mr Abbas was always present during the sessions, and that breaks were allowed for meals. When asked whether the statements were obtained involuntarily, he said, That is not true, my lord, adding, it was taken voluntarily and I remember Barrister Abbas always endorsed the statements. On specific statements, TWTA of 29 November 2022 and TWTA4 of 11 December 2022, Mr Yusuf said the defendants were not forced. If I can remember, the lawyer gave an excuse. On these dates the lawyers were not around, there were no allegations, he only made denials, he said. Regarding statements that took many hours to pen down, the witness explained that anytime there was a longer time, there might been a break in between. He added, Most of the statements you see with a longer time, we used to call them to eat or attend to visitors, sometimes, when we are taking it, they would say they are tired and we would leave it and continue again. He also denied the existence of an electric chair in EFCC offices. Asked about recording devices and CCTV, the witness said the office did not have CCTV because it was an open space, and that no recordings were made because there was no confession; it was only denials. He also said the defendants were never maltreated. During cross-examination Alis lawyer, Mr Aliyu, asked whether the witness could produce a copy of the bail offer. Mr Yusuf said he would look for it as it was in a bag. He admitted he did not have a court order and was not aware of any court order regarding the detention of the first defendant. On procedural questions, he confirmed that it was acceptable for the EFCC to take statements of the two defendants separately and that the office was large enough to accommodate this. The statements were not taken on the same day. READ ALSO: EFCC arraigns couple on N740 million investment fraud charges During cross-examination by Mr Jolaawo, Mr Daudas lawyer, Mr Yusuf confirmed that food was brought for the first defendant (Ali) and was allowed. When asked whether he threatened the defendant with an electric chair, he responded with a smile: That is not correct. He could not recall exactly when the defendant was released from custody. He denied ever getting angry over minor issues, including the incorrect spelling of a defendants name. The witness also admitted that he did not have any bail or remand orders regarding the second defendant. He also explained EFCC never kept any witness or suspect beyond 48 hours. The judge adjourned further proceedings until Wednesday. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has promised to offer support to victims of a road accident along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway in Enugu State. In a statement on Monday by his Media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Mr Otti said he received with sadness a report that 15 people died in the accident. The governor said the accident involved some Umuahia-based traders who travelled to Enugu for a traditional wedding ceremony, but unfortunately lost their lives in the crash. When and how it happened PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the accident occurred on Saturday night near the gate of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Enugu State. A witness, Marvellous Ochiegbu, told this newspaper on Tuesday that the accident occurred when a coaster bus heading to Umuahia collided with an oncoming trailer laden with crates of beer. Mr Ochiegbu said he observed that the coaster driver was driving against traffic, which caused the collision. The coaster bus collided with the trailer carrying the drinks, he said. The witness said that, although he is unsure of the exact figure, the casualty figure must have been higher than 15, considering the number of travellers in the coaster bus during the accident. The coaster bus was carrying 28 passengers, he said. The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Enugu State, Frank Agbakoba, did not respond to calls made on his mobile phone between Monday and Tuesday. Ottis promise of support Mr Otti, according to the statement, regretted that the accident occurred in an area where the state government could not render any emergency assistance to the victims. The governor, however, said after gathering information about the accident, he has directed the state commissioner for poverty alleviation and social protection to quickly contact the families of both the deceased and the survivors to render support. He appealed to drivers to always observe road safety rules and desist from speeding or driving against traffic to reduce the frequency of road crashes. Mr Otti commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones in the accident and prayed to God to grant their souls eternal repose. Religious leaders under the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence (NRCAI) have raised concerns over what they described as the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to undermine religion and spread conspiracy theories questioning the existence of God. The coalition, comprising the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and Jamiatul Nasril Islam (JNI), made the remarks on Monday at a one-day media training in Lagos. The training, held simultaneously across the country, had its South-west edition facilitated by the CCNInstitute of Church and Society, Oyo State, with support from the Future of Life Institute, United States. Deliberate misinformation In his remarks, the General Secretary of CCN, Evans Onyemara, said the coalition is troubled by what it sees as a deliberate effort to spread misinformation using AI tools. Mr Onyemara said they are aware that Nigerian youth are being targeted, and that the demographic accounts for a large share of the nations population. Adding to it their mastery of the usage of technology, phones and AI, it then becomes clear that the campaign is a strategic one to discredit a religion at the expense of another. It should never be allowed to gain traction, he said. He linked this trend to a widespread return to traditional faith and worship, particularly evident in the southeastern part of the country. AI cannot replace God The Director CCNInstitute of Church and Society, Kolade Fadahunsi, said while AI offers opportunities, it must not be deployed in ways that distort local religious norms and cultural practices. Mr Fadahunsi noted that AI cannot replace God, and the creation of AI is one of Gods creatures. Hence, it should only be used to advance order and not create chaos. Religious perspectives should not be distorted, he said. Similarly, Philip Jakpor, the executive director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, warned that Africa risks cultural erosion if it fails to shape the development and use of AI technologies in ways that respect religion, norms, and culture. Mr Jakpor said global trends in the evolving AI world have shown that indigenous cultures and religions are being eroded because current AI systems rely on large datasets that promote Western viewpoints and nuanced cultural narratives. Africa missing in AI race Mr Jakpor noted that while countries like the United States and China are currently investing billions in AI creation, adaptation and deployment, Africa remains largely absent. He attributed this to limited infrastructure, low local representation of data, and high implementation costs. He also expressed concern over what he described as the Nigerian governments failure to include faith-based organisations in discussions around AI regulation and deployment. He urged the media to strengthen their capacity to report on AI and religion, verify scientific claims and encourage Nigerians to co-create AI solutions that align with national interests and cultural values. At the training, Vennesa Adie and Tope Oluwaleye led sessions on reporting on AI and religion, as well as guides on using AI tools. Following the sighting of the crescent moon by the moon-sighting committee on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of fasting will be Wednesday, 18 February. Crescent has been SIGHTED. Subsequently, tomorrow, i.e., Wednesday, 18 February 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447, a statement on the official Facebook page of the holy mosques read. After reviewing, examining, and considering all that was received, and in light of what was stated in the Supreme Courts Decision No. (203/H) dated 29/7/1447 AH, that Tuesday, 1/8/1447 AH corresponding to 20/1/2026 was the first day of Shaban for 1447 AH, and since several trustworthy witnesses have testified to seeing the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan tonight, and based on what is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: Fast when you see it, and end the fast when you see it (agreed upon), the Department rules that tomorrow, Wednesday, 1/9/1447 AH according to the Umm al-Qura calendar corresponding to 18/2/2026, will be the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan for this year, 1447 AH, the Saudi Supreme Court said in a statement. Other countries follow their own moon sightings. Some use astronomical calculations for lunar phases, while others rely on traditional local sightings to confirm the start of the new month. Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries rely on the testimonies of moon sighters to determine the start of the month. Nigerian Muslims still await the announcement of the sighting of the moon in the country. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) advised Nigerian Muslims to look out for the crescent (moon) of Ramadan from Tuesday. NSCIA said the search for the new moon should commence immediately after sunset on Tuesday, 17 February, which is equivalent to 29th Shaaban 1447 AH. The council noted that if the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character, then the head of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, will declare Wednesday as the first day of the 2026 Ramadan. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Thursday, 19 February 2026, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1447 AH, the NSCIA statement read. Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection, and assisting the needy. Throughout the month, Muslims fast from just before the sunrise prayer, Fajr, to the sunset prayer, Maghrib. The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations to achieve greater taqwa, or consciousness of God. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially capable. How is the Ramadan moon sighted? For the moon to be visible, the crescent must set after the sun. This allows the sky to be dark enough to spot the small sliver of the new moon. If the moon is sighted, the month of Ramadan begins. READ ALSO: Religious bodies warn of AI being used to undermine religion In Saudi Arabia, testimonies of people who have spotted the moon are recorded, and the Supreme Court makes a decision on when Ramadan should begin. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad nearly 1,450 years ago. Various Muslim-majority nations have a personalised greeting in their native languages. Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem are common greetings exchanged over the month, wishing the recipient a blessed and generous month. The Akin Fadeyi Foundation has unveiled a new behavioural change campaign focused on road safety, arguing that Nigerias high rate of road crashes reflects not only infrastructure deficits but also widespread civic irresponsibility. The campaign, launched on Tuesday during a webinar under the foundations Not in My Country project, convened policymakers, security officials, academics and advocacy groups. Speaking at the ceremony, the foundations founder, Akin Fadeyi, questioned why road accidents remain commonplace despite decades of public awareness and government interventions. Mr Fadeyi cited figures indicating over 10,000 crashes, nearly 39,000 casualties and more than 5,000 deaths within a reporting period, describing them as unfinished stories and extinguished potentials. These are not accidents in many cases. They are behavioural infractions, speeding, drunk driving, overloading, illegal parking, masquerading as fate, he said. He linked the problem to broader governance and corruption concerns, noting that Nigeria has earned hundreds of billions of dollars from oil since independence, yet continues to struggle with infrastructure deficits, including deteriorating roads. Mr Fadeyi argued that while the government must be held accountable, citizens also have a responsibility to act responsibly. Why do we keep holding the government accountable without reminding ourselves that we have a role to play in our own safety? he asked. The foundations campaign includes a one-minute audio message aimed at discouraging drunk driving and other risky behaviours. It plans to distribute the material across social media and is seeking broadcast support to widen its reach. Mr Fadeyi also disclosed that the organisation has previously worked with international partners, including the MacArthur Foundation, the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, on governance and behavioural change initiatives. Questions about impact During the interactive session, participants challenged the foundation to clarify how the campaign would achieve measurable impact, noting that similar corporate road safety campaigns have often failed to translate into behavioural change. One participant questioned whether previous awareness drives by alcohol manufacturers had reduced crashes, arguing that press conferences and publicity events rarely lead to sustained behavioural reform. In response, Mr Fadeyi said the foundation intends to mainstream advocacy at the community level and work with institutions rather than run government down. He emphasised collaboration with law enforcement and encouraged citizens to take ownership of safety practices. He also raised the need for stronger data systems, including better documentation of crash details such as time, location and evidence collection. He suggested that technology could be deployed to allow citizens to report traffic infractions and enable security agencies to verify vehicle and driver information more efficiently. Diaspora comparison Also speaking, Kunle Ojeleye, a scholar and member of academic associations focused on African, Diaspora and International Studies, said Nigerias road safety challenges reflect deeper systemic gaps in accountability and enforcement. Mr Ojeleye criticised the weak enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness certification and the issuance of drivers licences without rigorous testing. People sit at home, and licences are brought to them, he said, arguing that proper training and testing, including eyesight checks and periodic renewals, are standard in many countries but often bypassed in Nigeria. He stressed that safety systems succeed where individuals, including public officials, take personal responsibility for their roles. Lagos government reacts The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Nigerians frequently emphasise their rights while ignoring their responsibilities. We live in a country where people are quick to talk about their rights and privileges, but nobody thinks about responsibility, he said. Mr Omotoso referenced recent incidents involving traffic enforcement officers attacked while on duty, including cases where officials were reportedly injured or killed while attempting to enforce traffic rules. He defended state policies such as restrictions on motorcycle operations and measures to curb alcohol consumption in motor parks, saying such steps often attract criticism despite being introduced to protect lives. When the government acts, people complain. But safety must be a shared responsibility, he said. Beyond road safety, the foundation linked the campaign to its wider governance and accountability work, including citizen engagement with law enforcement and interventions in cases involving cyberbullying, domestic violence and official misconduct. Mr Fadeyi said behavioural reform is central to national development and urged collective vigilance to reduce preventable deaths on Nigerian roads. Persistent fatal crashes Over time, PREMIUM TIMES has continued to report on Nigerias worsening road safety crisis, documenting a steady stream of fatal crashes that highlight the human cost behind national statistics. In January 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that nine people died and 21 were injured in a crash in Katsina State that involved a commercial bus and other vehicles, further illustrating how everyday route segments can turn deadly. In March 2025, at least 10 passengers were killed in a crash along the JosBauchi Road in Plateau State when a commercial bus collided with another vehicle, underscoring concerns about speed and poor road visibility. Elsewhere, in Ebonyi State, PREMIUM TIMES reported on a road accident in which seven people lost their lives, a tragedy police attributed to drivers overtaking dangerously on a narrow rural highway, raising questions about enforcement at the grassroots. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in early 2025, a multivehicle collision in the Karu area left six people dead and dozens injured. Also along the EnuguPort Harcourt Expressway, multiple accidents claimed at least two lives and injured nine others, highlighting persistent safety gaps on one of the SouthSouths busiest routes. Enforcement challenges and misconduct Parallel to the tally of fatal crashes, PREMIUM TIMES has documented issues around enforcement and misconduct that compound Nigerias road safety woes. READ ALSO: Religious bodies warn of AI being used to undermine religion In one notable case, FRSC officials were placed under investigation after allegations that they extorted money from a driver on a national highway, raising doubts about the integrity of enforcement processes and fuelling public distrust. Meanwhile, legislators and safety advocates have repeatedly called for improved enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness and stricter adherence to licensing standards, factors that, according to critics, continue to undermine efforts to reduce crashes. A group of Nigerian civil society activists, academics, and legal practitioners has warned against foreign military involvement in Nigeria, arguing that such actions could undermine national sovereignty and constitutional governance. The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday, declared that the presence of foreign military troops in a country with a transparent constitutional process, reduces its sovereignty to a ceremonial concept. History teaches us that sovereignty surrendered in the name of expediency is rarely easily reclaimed. Nigeria has, in the past, rejected neo-colonial defence pacts. Nigeria has resisted foreign political directives. Nigeria has nullified agreements that violated constitutional principles. We must remain consistent with that tradition, the group said. The statement was signed by seven prominent Nigerians, including Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Jibrin Ibrahim, the former executive director of the Center for Democracy and Development(CDD); Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, director of the Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training (CEDDET); and Dauda Garuba, the CDD executive director. Other signatories are Massaud Omar, a professor at the Ahmadu Bello University; Mohammed Kuna, a professor of Sociology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Usman Bugaje, a former lawmaker and member of the House of Reps; and YZ Yau, executive director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). The signatories recalled Nigerias historical resistance to foreign military arrangements, citing past events such as the 1962 abolition of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact and the 2005 nullification of a Bilateral Immunity Agreement with the United States. These episodes demonstrate a consistent national principle: foreign military arrangements must comply with Nigerias Constitution and must never compromise our sovereignty, the statement read. Their warning follows the recent arrival of US troops and weapons in Nigeria. About 100 United States military personnel have arrived in what appears to be the first wave of the planned deployment of 200 troops. However, the Nigerian military has explained that the US troops will not be involved in combat operations but will help train Nigerian soldiers and gather intelligence. The deployment comes after months of mounting pressure from President Donald 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. Late last year, Mr Trump ordered airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying they targeted Islamic State terrorists in the North-west. PREMIUM TIMES also earlier reported that the US Defense Department noted that, with American troops arriving at isolated sites lacking basic infrastructure, the troops will focus on establishing secure communications, building base facilities, and tightening operational security in coordination with Nigerian forces. The group declared that any foreign troop deployment should comply with the Nigerian Constitution, which requires that a treaty be enacted into law by the National Assembly to take effect domestically. If there exists a mutual defence pact or expanded bilateral agreement permitting foreign troop deployment or the establishment of a foreign military base in Nigeria, such an arrangement must be laid before and enacted by the National Assembly. Anything short of this procedure raises constitutional red flags, the group said. The coalition stressed that Nigeria has the capacity to confront security challenges independently, given the countrys decades of experience in peacekeeping missions. Nigerias Armed Forces have a distinguished record in international peacekeeping under the United Nations and the African Union. Nigeria played a leading role in ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Our military institutions have decades of experience in counterinsurgency and regional stabilization. The group recommended that, rather than outsourcing security efforts, the government should modernise the armed forces, strengthen intelligence coordination, and improve troop welfare. It also asked the government to invest in domestic defence production and to address the socio-economic drivers of insecurity. The Nigerian people deserve transparency. West Africa needs transparency and leadership at a critical time when many West African countries are seeking to liberate themselves from neo-colonialism, we cannot go in the opposite direction, the group stated. The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of Tax and Export Incentives, Waivers and Exemptions has raised concerns about what it described as massive revenue leakages, estimating that Nigeria loses about N8 trillion annually to concessions and fiscal incentives. The Chairman of the 19-member panel, James Faleke (APC, Lagos), said the committee has begun a structured and phased investigation into the administration of tax incentives, export grants, waivers and exemptions granted by the federal government between 2015 and 2025. The committee was constituted following the adoption of a motion with a mandate to probe revenue losses linked to the schemes and recommend policy and legislative reforms. The committee has, accordingly, commenced a structured review of the administration and impact of tax incentives, export incentives, waivers, exemptions, and other fiscal support instruments granted by the federal government between 2015 and 2025, Mr Faleke said. The lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on Finance, said available data show that Nigeria forfeits an estimated N8 trillion yearly through waivers and concessions. He added that between 2023 and 2026, the federal government projects revenue from tax incentives at N12.4 trillion, while the countrys tax-to-GDP ratio stands at 10.6 per cent, one of the lowest in Africa. He described the situation as paradoxical, given the countrys fiscal and infrastructure challenges. This review follows growing concerns, based on the available official data and budgetary reports, that significant public revenues may have been forgone or ineffectively applied under various incentive schemes, at a time when the nation continues to face pressing fiscal, infrastructure, and development challenges, he said. According to him, although the incentives were designed to attract investment, promote exports and support strategic sectors, the House resolved that it was necessary to assess their real economic impact, determine whether they were administered transparently and in line with due process, and ensure they deliver measurable value to the economy. Phased exercise and intended goals Mr Faleke said the exercise would be conducted in phases, with the first stage focusing on four priority areas considered to have significant fiscal implications. These are the Export Expansion Grant, the RT200bn FX Programme, the Pioneer Status Incentive and selected oil and gas fiscal incentives. He explained that the review is not a witch-hunt or an attempt to undermine legitimate businesses. Rather, he said, it aims to strengthen the administration of incentives, safeguard public funds and restore confidence in policies supporting investment and export-led growth. The committee, he added, is aware of exporters concerns over outstanding obligations under the Export Expansion Grant and has commenced an evidence-based verification process to validate legitimate claims. As part of its work, the panel has requested records from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and may invite beneficiary companies to provide documentation and clarifications where necessary. He assured that all engagements would be conducted transparently and in accordance with due process. Mr Faleke said the review aligns with the Houses oversight responsibilities and supports the federal governments economic reform efforts under the Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured stakeholders that the committee would provide periodic updates as the exercise progresses. If you can publicly say that every terrorist and insurgent that is killed by the Nigerian military is a debt that shall be repaid and if you can say and do so much more than all these atrocities I have listed, then I say that you are not only a security risk and threat to the stability of our nation and welfare of our people, but also that you have no right to complain about being investigated or being invited and detained for questioning by the security and intelligence agencies. Three very serious allegations were made last week by the former minister of the FCT and former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai. First, that he bugged Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the presidents national security advisers phone and is privy to his most sensitive conversations; second, that the national security advisers office has imported large amounts of dangerous chemical weapons into the country for unspecified purposes; and third, that there is a conspiracy between the NSA and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, his successor in office, to destroy him and jail him for life. I have tried to stay away from the raging debate that followed these comments due to my longstanding friendship and respect for all three parties and their respective families, but in view, of the latest developments and in the light of these grave allegations, I can no longer sit on the sidelines and maintain silence. Let me begin by saying that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Governor Uba Sani and my goodself were closer than brothers during President Olusegun Obasanjos government and we worked closely as a tag team. Uba Sani took over my old job as special assistant to the president on Public Affairs when I was appointed as a minister; Nasir was my colleague in cabinet; and Nuhu headed the EFCC. We all attended the Federal Executive Council meetings and more often than not, we were on the same page on most national issues and we presented our cases with candour and vigour, without any fear or favour at such cabinet meetings, which President Obasanjo graciously allowed us to do. This was as far back as over 20 years ago! We were also all very close to President Obasanjo, whom we reverred, and had many private and closed door meetings with, together with a handful of other close associates, about how to move his government and the country forward, and how to confront and contain his political enemies and detractors. We were loyal to a fault, tough, young, hard-working, fearless and filled with zeal, and we gave our very best to Obasanjo and his government, in our respective roles. After we left office, we all suffered severe persecution in the hands of President Yaraduas administration, simply for being Obasanjo boys and we literally had to fight for our liberty and lives. Nuhu and Nasir were compelled to leave Nigeria for fear for their lives, whilst Uba and I stayed behind and weathered the very difficult storm. Those were the most difficult, trying and testing days of our respective lives, but thankfully we all pulled through, overcame all the obstacles placed before us, and eventually won the day. We came out of it all alive, healthy and well, and for that we give thanks to God. Since those early years, much has transpired and there have been many realignments, sometimes finding us on opposing sides. Regardless of that, our friendship and strong sense of brotherhood endured and remained intact, even if we may have publicly disagreed from time to time. The latest development in the saga of our respective lives are the comments made by Nasir in his interview with Charles Aniagolu of Arise Television on Friday, about both Nuhu and Uba, which I believe goes beyond the pale and sadly represents a permanent burning of bridges, in terms of our brotherhood and collective friendship. One of the things he said in that interview is that he bugged the phone of the NSA and to this, and much else, I am constrained to offer the following comments as an old friend and a concerned observer. Permit me to begin by saying that it is likely that it is the same people who tapped the late Brigadier General Ubas phone and gave the co-ordinates of his location to the terrorists, which led to his execution, that bugged the NSAs phone. It is likely that it is the same people who have enabled the terrorists to kill, abduct, terrorise and abduct our people, and brought misery, suffering, tears and carnage to our land, that bugged the NSAs phone. It is likely that it is the same people whose foot soldiers are creating havoc and bringing chaos to Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Kogi, Katsina and other parts of our nation, that bugged the NSAs phone. It is likely that it is the same people who wish to destabilise our nation, divide our people along ethnic and religious lines, and instigate a violent, unconstitutional and bloody regime change, that bugged the NSAs phone. These non-state actors, agents of destabilisation and terror-enablers are listening to ALL our conversations, including those on WhatsApp. The truth is that until they are brought to justice for their unconscionable crimes, no one is safe. Sadly, Nasir El Rufais public admission of having a relationship with them and even confessing publicly that he exchanges information with them, even though he acknowledged the fact that such a course of action is illegal, makes him complicit in their crimes and an accessory after the fact. If you can boast of bugging the NSAs phone on national television, it makes you a security threat to our nation. Again, if you can watch the killing of 800 Christians in Southern Kaduna IN ONE DAY during the Christmas season in 2016 and do nothing to bring the perpetrators to book when you were governor; if you can punish the Christians of Southern Kaduna and deny them their allocations and rights for eight years; if you can watch the slaughter of 1000 Shia Muslims IN ONE DAY in Zaria without consequence; if you can insult our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary; if you can call Southern female Youth Corp members whores; if you can lock up critics of your government and witness the disappearance and murder of traditional rulers like the Agom Adara III, who you denigrated and humiliated, and other critics without consequence for eight years. If you can seize peoples land, revoke their certificates of occupancy and knock down their homes out of spite and without due process; if you can publicly admit to offering and paying foreign terrorists money and compensating them for their losses; if you can accuse Senator Abdul Azeez Yari and Senator Ahmed Sani, both former governors of Zamfara State, of deserving to be listed as terrorists by the American Congress; if you can turn on your former best friend, who is now the NSA, and your most loyal supporter, who is now the governor of your state and seek to malign and destroy them for no just cause; if you can turn around and blame the abduction and possible murder of Dadiyata on the former governor of Kano State; if you can claim not to have targeted and viciously persecuted Senator Shehu Sani, Audu Maikori, John Danfulani, Luka Biniyat, Steven Kefas, Nasiru Jagaban and countless others violating court orders and without due process simply for criticising your government. If you can pick up over 100 Islamic clerics in Zaria, whilst they were praying, after you sacked them and denied them their entitlements and lock them up in prison; if you can pick up and send hundreds of Christians in Kajuru, together with their pastors, to prison simply because they were protesting after their traditional ruler was murdered by terrorists; if you can accuse Nigerian Christians of being the ones behind Boko Haram; if you can say that President Goodluck Jonathan had an assassination squad and was planning to kill you; if you can accuse the NSA of importing what is essentially a lethal chemical and biological weapon and what you described as large quantities of toxic, odourless and colourless poison from Poland known as thalium sulphate into our country and imply that he has done so for an evil, sinister, nefarious and possibly homicidal purpose. If you can call the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a scumbag on national television; if you can publicly call Senator Makarfi a former governor of your state a thief with no evidence; if you can treat the former Governor Yero of your state with disdain and contempt; if you can call President Buhari, President Obasanjo, President Jonathan, President YarAdua, President Tinubu, Vice President Atiku Abubakar all manner of names in the past, when it suited your purpose, in an attempt to discredit and destroy them and their legacies; if you can say anyone who fights me ends up dead and that even President Umaru YarAdua who fought me is now in the grave; if you can say when you engage me in a battle, it is either I am dead or you are dead and if you doubt that go and ask YarAdua; if you can demolish Justice Bashir Sambo and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadris homes, together with that of countless others, simply to satisfy your insatiable appetite for sadism and your pathological inclination for vindictiveness; if you can demolish markets and shops without court orders. If you can sack civil servants and teachers against court orders; if you can consistently treat our president with contempt and disdain and constantly disrespect and pour venom on the person of our Vice President Kashim Shettima whilst you were STILL in the ranks of the ruling party; if you can publicly threaten to send foreign election observers back to their country in body bags; if you can say the Northern elders are paperweights and that there are no Northern elders except for the likes of yourself; if you can publicly ask Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State why I should have been allowed to join the APC, when he was the interim national chairman of the party in 2021, simply because I lambasted you for failing to protect Christians from the mass murder, genocide and ethnic cleansing that they were being subjected to under your watch in your state. If you can publicly say that every terrorist and insurgent that is killed by the Nigerian military is a debt that shall be repaid and if you can say and do so much more than all these atrocities I have listed, then I say that you are not only a security risk and threat to the stability of our nation and welfare of our people, but also that you have no right to complain about being investigated or being invited and detained for questioning by the security and intelligence agencies. I went through it for 18 years and was locked up for a total of nine months over that period of time. Instead of going on television to say that I had bugged the NSAs phone and allege a grand conspiracy that the government of the day had imported chemical weapons to gas its opponents to death, I presented my defence and stated my case calmly and cooly in court, and in the end I won all four cases and was totally vindicated. If you know you have done no wrong, why cant you calm down, pray to God, behave in a dignified manner, carry your cross, stop claiming that there is some kind of imaginary and nonsensical conspiracy against you emanating from Kaduna State and the NSAs office, and hope for the same? If you know you are innocent, why all the hot air, nauseating noise, goat-like bleating, delusionary assertions and wild accusations? Why are you behaving like a snake or a chicken whose head has been cut off? Do you consider yourself as being above the law? You are not the first person that the security agencies attempted to arrest at the airport without a warrant or elsewhere, and you will not be the first to be invited, arrested or detained, and neither will you be the last. These things have happened to most of us who chose the path of politics and it has been so since independence. All great leaders worth their salt have been detained, arrested, harassed, investigated, prosecuted, and some even jailed at some point in their careers, and those who have a clean spirit, whose innocence spoke for them and who are right before God, have always prevailed and won back their freedom. It happened to Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was jailed for three months; Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was jailed for three years; President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was jailed for three years; President Muhammadu Buhari, who was under house arrest for three years; Vice President Alex Ekwueme, who was in detention for three years virtually all the major players in the First and Second Republics (many of whom even lost their lives) and so many others, yet they bore their plights with grace and exemplary submission to the will of God, like the great men they were, and never accused the entire world of conspiring against them. Neither did they give infantile, puerile and nonsensical interviews implying that the security organs of the state were importing chemical weapons to commit mass murder against opposition figures. Only guilty men and hardened, unrepentant criminals talk like that and indulge in such rhetoric, and it is usually driven by their dark hearts, their uninhibited lust for power, their refusal to accept that they no longer have it, their compulsive and pathological need to continue to display the wickedness and cruelty that they displayed whilst in power, and the unintended consequences of the innocent blood that they may have either shed themselves or that their agents and associates have shed. It is a form of madness that trails wicked and cruel men and confirms the words of the Bible, which says, there is no peace for the wicked. Simply put, it is a graphic and unmistakable display of Gods judgement. I understand your anger and I feel your pain but understand one thing: that divine retribution is real and at this point, the best you can do is display a little humility, seek the forgiveness of those you have hurt and beg God for His grace and mercy. Your case is like that of the Epstein files: the more you look, the more horror you see. Is it any wonder that Ambassador Reno Omokri calls you the Epstein of Nigeria? Permit me to end by reiterating a few of the points I made earlier. I repeat: you watched the massive and unprecedented killing of over 800 Christians in Southern Kaduna in one day in December 2016 and not only refused to go after the perpetrators but also punished the communities that the victims came from. You treated the people of Southern Kaduna like animals and denied them their allocations and dues for eight years, simply because they are Christians. You insulted our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary on several occasions, treated your Christian Deputy Governor with contempt and referred to Christians in the most derogatory terms after you became governor. You watched the killing of over 1000 Shia Muslims in one day in Zaria, and not only watched the blinding of their leader in one eye but also the killing of his son, the wounding and arrest of his wife, and hes being dumped in a wheelbarrow, after which he was detained for four years and denied his civil liberties and human rights. You betrayed your successor in office and sought to destroy him simply because he refused to continue the persecution of Christians and insisted on building bridges between Christians and Muslims, and because he gave back all the land that you illegally confiscated from your political enemies as a way of punishing them. Outside of that, you indebted the state, borrowed against future revenues, paid massive consultancy fees and indulged in all manner of sordid things that resulted in the state being broke and penniless when your successor took over. You were accused by the State House of Assembly in Kaduna of stealing billions, yet you treated the allegation with disdain and refused to make yourself available for questioning and investigation. Kindly ponder on all this and make your peace with God before He unleashes the full force of His wrath on your head. I have been restrained and gentle in this contribution for old times sake. I may not be so charitable next time round. Kindly behave and respect yourself and stop behaving like an unrepentant and unrelenting ingrate. The NSA does not have your time and neither does the governor of your state. There is one thing I ought to add, which is relevant and which explains the contrasting disposition and styles of Ribadu and El Rufai. It may also go a long way to explain the deep-seated hate and envy that the latter has always secretly harboured for the former. Like yours truly, Nuhu Ribadu comes from a long line of distinguished public servants and enlightened and educated people. His father, Alhaji Ahmadu Ribadu (OON MBE), a pure and full-blooded Fulani man was a Nigerian politician and diplomat. During the First Republic, he represented Adamawa East constituency in the Federal Parliament from 1959 to 1966, and held the position of minister of state for Economic Development in the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He replaced the erstwhile minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu as the representative of their constituency in the cabinet, after the latter passed on earlier that year. Consequently, Nuhu was not only born in the corridors of power and is a ranking member of Nigerias ultra elite ruling class, though I suspect he is reluctant to admit it, but he also understands and fully appreciates the limits of that power and its complex nuances. As a consequence of the circumstances of his birth, he was well educated from infancy, familiar with the rudiments and ways of the ruling classes; is exposed, civilised, loyal to his friends; cosmopolitan, enlightened, careful with his words, reserved, disciplined, taciturn, tactical, wise, totally detribalised and prefers to operate more behind the scenes than in the open. These are qualities and virtues that money cannot buy and they make him extremely effective and very dangerous to his enemies, who are mainly criminals, many of whom he jailed when he was chairman of the EFCC. He is a formidable adversary, because unlike Nasir you cannot see him coming and he is far more interested in facing his work and getting his job done than in involving himself in some kind of public press war, bitter vendetta or public controversy. Such things are an anathema to him. He is a believer in the eventual victory of good over evil, which is why he could remain out of government for 16 years without complaining for one day or expressing any form of bitterness or angst, believing that one day his time would once again come. And in 2023 when he was appointed NSA by President Tinubu, that time came. Since he got there, as far as I am aware, he has not used that position to intimidate or threaten anyone but instead has focused his attention on solving our security problems and building bridges with our American allies, which people like yours truly, at the initial stage, were very uncomfortable with, yet he pulled it off! That is Nuhu: he flees from controversy, he is focused, he is reliable, he is responsible, he is fiercely loyal to his principal, the president, (some would say to a fault) and he is clear-thinking. By way of contrast, Nasirs lineage and heritage is not known to me and neither have any of his forefathers, as far as I am aware, been saddled with the responsibility of high public office. I am told that he hails from a railway compound in Zaria and frankly there is nothing wrong with that because, at least, he is well educated and well read. What is evident in his behaviour though is that this unknown lineage and questionable heritage, which often comes with those of that ilk, manifests in him fully, and rather than accept the fact that power is a trust that ought to be wielded with restraint, compassion, decency and decorum, he uses it as a tool of vindictiveness and vengeance, regardless of consequence. It is precisely for this reason that people are wary of granting power to such people and instead are more comfortable with those from the ruling class who, more often than not, exercise far more restraint and are mindful of the fact that such power is not only transient but also ephemeral. They know, from experience, that it never lasts and that there is always a day of reckoning. They know that It comes one day and it is gone the next and the lesson that one should learn from this, which Nasir has failed to do, is that whilst you enjoy it you had better wield it with equity, fairness, compassion and the fear of God seeking to better the lives of others rather than destroying them. With this aside I close and conclude my contribution. May God bless Nigeria. Oluwafemi Adewunmi Abdulateef Fani-Kayode, the author of this essay, is a former minister of Culture and Tourism, a former minister of Aviation, a former senior special assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Public Affairs, an ambassador-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba of Joga Orile, the Aare Ajagunla of Otun Ekiti and a legal practitioner. The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has strongly condemned the reckless driving habits of some truck operators plying the SangoOta corridor, following a fatal accident at the Ota toll gate area that claimed seven lives. The crash, which involved a trailer tanker that reportedly had brake failure, resulted in the death of six men and one woman. Two other victims a male and a female sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. In total, nine persons were involved in the tragic incident. Describing the development as painful and unacceptable, the governor said the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence is one too many. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during this difficult period. Governor Abiodun directed an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, stressing that anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law. He also called for heightened vigilance and stricter traffic enforcement by the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to prevent a recurrence along the busy corridor. In a related development, the Chairperson of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Lawal Adewale Wasiu visited the scene shortly after the incident alongside key local government officials, where he received briefings from security operatives coordinating rescue and control efforts. The Chairperson expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations. He also cautioned against roadside trading and other risky activities that expose residents and commuters to avoidable danger, assuring that the council would collaborate closely with relevant agencies to strengthen safety compliance within the axis. The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its resolve to intensify road safety enforcement and protect lives and property across the state. MANILA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The confirmed death toll from the sinking of a passenger ferry off Basilan province in the southern Philippines has risen to 62 after divers recovered more bodies from the wreck, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday. In a report, the PCG said search and rescue efforts are ongoing, while 17 passengers remain missing. The ill-fated vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, sank on Jan. 26 while en route from Zamboanga city to Jolo in Sulu. Technical divers have been conducting challenging deep-water retrieval operations, hampered by limited visibility and strong currents. At least 293 people survived the incident, the PCG said, after being rescued by responding vessels and local fishermen in the immediate aftermath of the sinking. The cause of the disaster remains under investigation. The tragedy is among the deadliest maritime incidents in the southern Philippines in recent years, underscoring ongoing concerns about the safety of sea travel in an archipelago heavily reliant on ferries for inter-island transport. The Senate has condemned the killing of 56 Nigerians and the abduction of women and children in Konkoso village in Niger State, describing the attack as brutal and unacceptable. The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Niger East Senator, Sani Musa, during an emergency sitting of the Senate on Tuesday. Moving the motion, Mr Musa told lawmakers that more than 56 citizens were killed in Konkoso and nearby Pissa villages, while several women and children were abducted. He explained that the affected communities shared boundaries with strategic forests linking neighbouring states, creating corridors exploited by terrorists for cross-border movements and coordinated criminal operations. Mr Musa warned that the North-central region has witnessed a rise in attacks on rural communities and farmlands, threatening food security, local economies, and broader national stability. He commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for sustained counterterrorism efforts, acknowledging sacrifices made by troops confronting violent extremism across the country. However, the senator expressed concerns that repeated assaults on remote communities revealed gaps in intelligence gathering, coordination, rapid response capabilities, and sustained territorial security presence. He added that the abduction of women and children had deepened the humanitarian crisis, inflicting lasting psychological trauma on families and destabilising affected communities. Mr Musa stressed that without structural reforms and the modernisation of Nigerias security framework, similar tragedies could persist despite ongoing military and intelligence operations nationwide. Seconding the motion, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, called for increased budget allocation to security agencies to tackle insecurity. In the course of the ongoing budget defence, we discovered that there were zero capital budget releases to security agencies. READ ALSO: Reps pass Electoral Amendment Act Bill amidst rowdy session So in line with the presidents declaration of state of emergency on security, prominence should be given to security agencies, Mr Monguno moved. The lawmakers observed a minute of silence for the victims and extended condolences to bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Niger. The Senate called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected local government areas to strengthen rapid response and prevent further attacks. It also mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, and National Security to conduct a joint assessment and report back within four weeks (NAN) Former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammed Babandede, officially registered his membership with the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Following his registration, Mr Babandede formally declared his intention to contest the senatorial seat for the Jigawa North East zone in the 2027 general elections. Since Mr Babandede left office in September 2021, political analysts had linked him to the Jigawa governorship. Addressing the speculation, he told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday over the phone that his supporters urged him to run for governor in 2023. But he said he is satisfied with the current leadership in the state and has therefore opted to run for the Senate. The state was fortunate to elect Governor Umar Namadi in 2023. With the performance of the governor, he has the mandate for an additional four years should he choose to recontest, I will not be seeking the governorship in 2027, Mr Babandede clarified. He further noted that his formal registration on Sunday was a mere formality; he had been an active member of the APC, having campaigned for both Governor Namadi and President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections. Moving beyond Stomach Infrastructure Mr Babandede stated that his decision to run for the Senate stems from a widespread appeal by the people of Jigawa Northeast district. Outlining his leadership capacity, he promised to redefine the role of a lawmaker in the district. He said he intends to be different by focusing on the core legislative duties of law-making and protecting the fundamental rights of constituents. He also pledged to establish a synergy between the legislature, the state government, and the federal government to avoid the duplication of projects. Promising to move away from the tradition of distributing sugar and consumables as constituency projects, Mr Babandede said he would prioritise the building of institutions and strengthening the educational capacity of the populace to ensure a productive generation. To ensure his interventions are impactful, Mr Babandede said he had got a group with deep local knowledge of the zone to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment in the district. He pledged to utilise this data to work alongside the government to address the specific, high-priority needs of his people. Profile and records of service Mr Babandede was born in 1963 in Jigawa State. As the comptroller-general of the NIS, his tenure is widely recognised for ushering in a digital revolution within the agency. Mr Babandede holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Islamic Studies. After specialisation in the security sector, he obtained a Masters degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Before reaching the pinnacle of his career, Mr Babandede served as the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Operations and Passports. On 15 May 2016, he was appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed Martin Kure Abeshi as the Comptroller General of Immigration. Upon his retirement in 2021, Mr Babandede concluded 36 years of service, cementing his legacy as the longest-serving top officer in the history of the NIS. As the CGI, Mr Babandede acted as a catalyst for modernisation. His administration was characterised by several landmark initiatives: He pioneered the transition to paperless administration and digitised passport operations to increase transparency and efficiency. He successfully decentralised the passport issuance process, making the service more accessible to Nigerians nationwide. He was instrumental in introducing the acclaimed Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy, which significantly improved Nigerias Ease of Doing Business rating and facilitated foreign investment. In recognition of his contributions to national security and public administration, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2014. A valedictory session was held in his honour on 10 September 2021. The event was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including the then Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru, and the Emir of Hadejia, Adamu Abubakar-Maje. The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says the state recorded 47 incidents of fire, flooding, and other disasters in 2025, affecting more than 10,000 people directly or indirectly. Jerry Idahosa, the executive secretary of the agency, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin during a stakeholders engagement themed: Strengthening Disaster Management: Lessons from 2025, Vision 2026. The engagement was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with Edo SEMA. Mr Idahosa said the incidents comprised 15 fire outbreaks, 10 flooding cases, 10 rainstorm and windstorm incidents, one case of banditry or conflict and seven other related emergencies across the state. In total, over 10,000 people were affected either directly or indirectly by these disasters in 2025, he said. He noted that the agency is shifting its strategy from reactive emergency response to proactive disaster preparedness. We are committed to moving from reactive emergency response to proactive preparedness, ensuring that Edo is not only ready for disasters but resilient against them, Mr Idahosa said. Also speaking, the Head of NEMAs Benin Operations Office, Kenneth Ojudeire, said the engagement was convened to critically review disaster management efforts in 2025. The essence of this meeting is to look at what worked, what did not work and what can be done to improve and bridge identified gaps, Mr Ojudeire said. He emphasised that disaster management required preparedness and strong stakeholder collaboration. Disaster management is about being proactive and prepared. That is why critical stakeholders are brought together to brainstorm on how to improve effective management of disasters in the state, he said. Mr Ojudeire identified challenges in responding to incidents in remote communities and stressed the need to strengthen early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms. There are areas of shortcomings, especially when disasters occur far from the city centre. These are the gaps we are working to bridge, so that early response can reach victims on time, he added. According to him, both NEMA and Edo SEMA would intensify community engagement, improve early warning dissemination, enhance resource mobilisation and ensure better coordination among stakeholders in 2026. Ronke Williams represented the Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, at the event. She said the meeting was designed to strengthen disaster management systems across the state. She assured stakeholders of stronger collaboration among relevant agencies to promote proactive preparedness, curb disaster risks and ensure more effective emergency response going forward. (NAN) The Governing Council of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Monday inaugurated a Trust Development Fund to diversify revenue and secure long-term sustainability. Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Shuaib Umaru, described the initiative as a historic milestone which aligned with efforts to reposition Nigerian universities for resilience and global relevance. Today, UNIBEN has made history. The principal administration has made history. The council has made history, Mr Umaru declared at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees. This initiative supports education and ensures universities secure sustainable funding, he added, urging alumni and partners to strengthen infrastructure, research and student support. We are calling on all alumni nationwide and across the world to support this initiative. We cannot allow any good effort to go unsupported, Mr Umaru said. Vice-Chancellor, Edoba Omoregie, said the fund was vital amid dwindling government allocations and rising institutional demands. Upon my assumption as vice-chancellor, I resolved to leave the university far better than I met it. As a full-fledged alumnus, I must act differently to ensure the sustainability of our alma mater, Mr Omoregie, a professor, added. He distinguished the new fund from the universitys Endowment Fund, which supports routine maintenance. This latest initiative is fundamentally different in scope and ambition. It is the first of its kind in the country, he said. Mr Omoregie explained that the UNIBEN-TDF was modelled after the Campaign for Oxford Trust of the University of Oxford in the UK. He said it was incorporated as a not-for-profit, non-political body by the Corporate Affairs Commission on 19 June 2025. The fund will mobilise resources from alums and friends for capital and academic projects in perpetuity. He said, Government alone cannot bear the burden of public university education. There is also a limit to the charges public institutions can request. He disclosed that a comprehensive alumni database was being developed to enhance engagement with what he termed the universitys illustrious assets. According to him, the fund will identify infrastructure and academic needs, mobilise partnerships, sponsor research and mentorship, and provide scholarships and welfare for indigent students. Under my watch, we are committed to diligently pursuing these objectives for the total transformation of the University, he pledged. READ ALSO: Police redeploy DPO over killing of University of Benin student Mr Omoregie said the largely alumni-based Board of Trustees would drive the process, stressing collective responsibility. Let us individually and collectively embrace this wonderful initiative, he urged. He revealed that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, had endorsed alternative funding models for universities. The universitys Registrar, Ademola Bobola, said the fund reflected the universitys resolve to diversify its income and remain a centre of knowledge and research. He noted that board members were selected for integrity, expertise and commitment to institutional growth. News Agency of Nigeria reports that Osagie Ize-Iyamu was appointed chairman of the Board of Trustees. A traditional ruler from Nigerias South-east has asked President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu from prison or deport him to Kenya, from where he was renditioned to Nigeria. Lawrence Agubuzu, the traditional ruler of Ezema Olo Community, spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Ezema Olo is a community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigerias South-east. Mr Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism in November by a federal court in Abuja. The IPOB leader is currently serving a life imprisonment at a prison facility in Sokoto State. He recently appealed against his conviction. IPOB is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it seeks to carve out from the South-east and parts of the South-south of Nigeria. The ball stops in your court Speaking at the event, Mr Agubuzu told Mr Tinubu, who was physically present, to release Mr Kanu for peace in the South-east. The ball stops in your court. Bring this man out. If we dont want him in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London, where they took him from, he told the president. The traditional ruler, while addressing Mr Tinubu, accused the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of hypocrisy, arguing that the Ooni was making plans to confer a high honour on the Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho whom he (Mr Agubuzu) described as Mr Kanus counterpart. I must tell you, Mr President, that personally, I dont feel very happy because you were not here in the morning. There were several speeches. I listened to the opening address by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife. He was urging all of us to work as a family, to work as a team, and to see Nigeria as one. This is good. But when you look at it, this same imperial majesty is arranging to confer a very high honour on Sunday Igboho who, in my own part of Nigeria and the South-east, we see as a counterpart of Nnamdi Kanu, he said. My brother, fellow royal father, the imperial majesty does not seem to understand the pain in my heart when Nnamdi Kanu is in Sokoto. South-east youths now see us as sellouts Mr Agubuzu also said the youths from the South-east are angry with the traditional rulers in the region and now perceive them as sellouts because of their alleged silence on Mr Kanus matter. You see, some of us here are being asked to go and work, but the young people in the South-east are so agitated they can even beat us. They see us as sellouts. We come to Abuja, they may think weve come to collect money and then keep quiet. So sad, he said. Please do something about this. We cannot make progress in this country if we dont tell ourselves the truth. Theres no way. Conviction and life imprisonment Mr Kanus terrorism trial lasted for 10 years, from 2015, when he was first arrested, to November 2025. On 20 November 2025, the IPOB leader was convicted of terrorism by the court, which found him guilty on all seven counts filed against him by the Nigerian government. The trial Judge, James Omotosho, then sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered that he be prevented from having access to mobile devices and broadcast equipment except under the watch of security operatives. The IPOB leader was moved from Abuja to Sokoto State to serve his prison term. In February, Mr Kanu filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal against his conviction. The IPOB leader hails from Afara-Ukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, in the South-east. Since his conviction, prominent Igbo leaders have called for his release through a political solution. For instance, in November 2025, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State visited Mr Kanu at the Sokoto prison. Before the visit, Mr Otti had announced he would activate plans to secure Mr Kanus release from the prison facility barely 24 hours after the court sentenced the IPOB leader. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced that schools will remain shut in the Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area, despite the relaxation of the curfew in the area. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Amasiri was recently involved in a renewed land dispute with neighbouring Okporojo, in the Oso community of Edda Local Government Area, which led to killings and destruction of several properties. The killings assumed a gruesome dimension, with the attackers beheading four of the victims and escaping with the severed heads. Mr Nwifuru, during a visit to the area on 31 January, reeled off sanctions on Amasiri, including the sacking of its political appointees, the dethronement of its traditional rulers, the imposition of a curfew, and the closure of schools, among others. The governor, while briefing reporters at the end of a security meeting on Tuesday, announced that schools would remain shut in the area despite the relaxation of the curfew. The curfew has been relaxed from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m. to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Schools would, however, remain shut because the security council did not remember the issue in its deliberations. This is a germane issue which could not have been brought to our attention if the journalist did not do so, he said. He noted that reopening schools would pose some risks due to the security situation in the area. The governments actions on Amasiri are not to show power but to maintain law and order in the peoples interest. Nobody hates them, and if not for these security measures, there could have been a full-blown communal conflict in the area with several deaths recorded. Amasiri would have been contending with several communities as they also killed, beheaded an Akpoha indigene and severed his head from the body, he said. Mr Nwifuru maintained that the Amasiri people must produce the severed heads of the Okporo indigenes, as the government was not taking the issue lightly. They have failed to produce the heads within the period given to them, and that made the government respond appropriately with more severe sanctions. We would not make the sanctions public and are also not distracted by the social media antics of indigenes of the community, he said. President Bola Tinubu has urged traditional and religious leaders to take greater responsibility in the fight against preventable diseases, saying that improving th well-being of Nigerians remains a collective duty. President Tinubu made the call on Tuesday while addressing the National Summit of Traditional and Religious Leaders on Health and Well-being, held at the State House, Abuja. The war against preventable diseases is the responsibility of all of us, and Im here as a leader to respectfully say that the responsibility is also yours as traditional rulers. The president described the gathering as an intergenerational and interfaith meeting of wisdom, faith and courage. Today in this hall, we have an intergenerational, institutional, and interfaith gathering, a meeting of wisdom, faith, courage, and the commitment to the health of Nigerians, he said. President Tinubu thanked the leaders for their commitment to improving the quality of life of Nigerians in their domains. It is a great honour for me to have listened to you carefully, making this commitment to improve the quality of health of Nigerians in your domains, the president said. He said health sector reforms could not succeed without the active involvement of leaders as trusted voices, linking government and communities. No health reform in Nigeria can succeed without you. Your trusted voices are bridging the gap between government and the people. The president recalled the expansion of the Universal Health Coverage Compact to include traditional and religious leaders, civil society and the private sector. President Tinubu said maternal and newborn health, immunisation and outbreak response, nutrition and food security remained priorities requiring grassroots support. Communities listened to you before they listened to the government, he said. The president urged traditional rulers to monitor the functionality of primary healthcare facilities in their communities and promptly report gaps for action. READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints Kaduna gov as Renewed Hope Ambassador deputy director Check the wards in your area, send a message out there to look at the neighbourhood and health facilities, and if they dont exist, write to the local government area, state government and the federal government. We will respond, the president said. He highlighted the National Health Fellowship Programme, which deployed young Nigerians to all 774 local government areas nationwide to strengthen service delivery and reduce maternal and child deaths. In 2025, we introduced the National Health Fellowship Programme, selecting the brightest young Nigerians from all 774 local government areas, he said. President Tinubu reaffirmed his administrations commitment to transparency and inclusive development, and urged sustained partnership to build a healthier, more united and prosperous Nigeria. (NAN) Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Idowu Olayinka, has defended the 58 First Class graduates produced by the institutions Faculty of Law in the 2024/2025 academic session, describing criticisms of the development as unwarranted and ill-informed. In a statement on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Mr Olayinka said he attended the Senate meeting on 16 February where the results of the graduating students were formally approved. Of 146 students who completed the programme, 58 earned First Class honours, a figure that has since generated debate on social media. In recent years, the announcement of a high number of first-class graduates by Nigerian universities has often been met with mixed reactions. While such achievements traditionally attract praise, they have also drawn scrutiny from sections of the public who question whether academic standards are being maintained. The concern stems from a long-held belief that a first-class degree is exceptionally difficult to obtain and by implication, should be rare. Ex-VC explains stance Responding to the backlash, the former vice-chancellor argued that the outcome should not be surprising given the calibre of students admitted into the Faculty of Law over the years. One has read on social media about some negative comments on this development. At times people comment on topics that they have little information about. And so what if about 40% of the UI 2026 Law Graduating Class finished in the First Class category? You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. In reality, all the students admitted into the Faculty of Law at the University of Ibadan have potential to eventually graduate in First Class insofar as nearly all of them scored a weighted average mark of almost 70% in the UTME and post-UTME when they were offered admission, he said. He disclosed that the merit cut-off mark for Law in the 2025/2026 academic session stands at 70.875 per cent. By comparison, Medicine and Surgery is pegged at 78.875 per cent, while Nursing Science is 71.375 per cent. According to Mr Olayinka, the high entry requirements, a pattern he said has been consistent for at least two decades, naturally position students for outstanding academic performance at graduation. It should worry us if majority of these academically outstanding students finished eventually after their five years of study with poor degrees, he stated. ALSO READ: NCC donates digital ICT Park to University of Ibadan Mr Olayinka commended the University Senate for maintaining very high academic standards, adding that the Faculty of Law has a longstanding record of excellence, including strong performances by its graduates at the Nigerian Law Schools Final Bar Examinations. He urged critics to refrain from making unsubstantiated comments and instead recognise the efforts of the Dean and academic staff of the faculty for bringing out the best in their students. You do not measure success by the quantum of failures. Law is not one of the flagship programmes at the University of Ibadan by just words of mouth. The reputation was earned and should be sustained, he said. The former vice-chancellor also congratulated all final-year students whose results were approved at the Senate meeting, including the institutions first set of Doctor of Pharmacy graduates. Community leaders in Okun Igando, a coastal settlement in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, have raised the alarm over a proposed 150-metre setback along both sides of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, warning that it could wipe out ancestral homes and long-standing settlements. In a statement on Tuesday, Gbadebo Fatah, the Baale, and other community leaders including Adebayo Agbabiaka, Surau Opeyemi, Sharahu Ogunyemi, and Prince Abraham urged the federal government and the Lagos State Government to suspend any further demolition and grant waivers for existing settlements. While supporting the coastal highway project, a flagship initiative of President Bola Tinubu, the leaders expressed concern that properties already marked for demolition could wipe out entire communities. After all our sacrificeshomes, shrines, heritage sitessome people came again to mark houses for demolition. They said they were from the Surveyor-Generals office. If they take 150 metres to the right and 150 metres to the left, nothing will be left of our community, said Mr Agbabiaka. Many affected homes, the leaders noted, were built decades ago, with materials transported manually through waterways from Epe. They also criticised compensation from previous demolitions as grossly inadequate. Some families received between N9 million and N10 million. There is nowhere in Ibeju-Lekki today where that can buy land, not to talk of rebuilding a house, Mr Agbabiaka added. A community leader Sharahu Ogunyemi said that compensation had often covered crops but not buildings, leaving many residents uncompensated for demolished structures. Prince Abraham warned that some claims suggest an even wider 1.5-kilometre corridor could be enforced in future. If that happens, the whole community could be wiped out, he said. Mr Fatah emphasised that the community is not opposed to development. We support the coastal road. It is a legacy project. But development should not erase entire communities without dialogue and justice, he said. Government response PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday reached out to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, by WhatsApp and text for comment on the 150-metre setback. At the time of filing, he had not responded. His former media aide, Uchenna Orji, confirmed he is no longer with the minister and could not provide updates. On Tuesday, a source in the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation said the markings were meant to delineate federal land, not to serve as a demolition notice. Also, the Zonal Director of Survey Coordination, OSGOF in Lagos, Sunday Adefarati, declined to comment. Background According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), over 32 communities across Ibeju-Lekki, including Eleko, Iberekodo, and Igando Oruju, have been marked for demolition over the same setback. It noted that residents had already faced displacement, inadequate compensation, and repeated road realignments over the years. Some communities had earlier avoided destruction through diversions, but the renewed setback threatens half of their settlements. Residents have formed pressure groups to engage authorities and explore legal avenues, warning that enforcement without proper consultation could trigger unrest. The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Lagos, has recommended the prosecution of senior officials of Ardova Plc for the alleged forceful takeover of a prime property in Ikoyi, Lagos. Meanwhile, the disputed owner, Familia Limited, has filed a N5 billion suit at the Lagos State High Court. PREMIUM TIMES, on Tuesday, reviewed a certified true copy of the police interim report dated 6 December 2025 and signed by Chief Superintendent of Police Taiwo Oyewale. The report was addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2. It is established that the suspects committed offences of conspiracy, unlawful invasion, malicious damage and threat to life. I humbly suggest that the case file should be duplicated and forwarded to the legal section for advice and possible prosecution, the report said. The dispute centres on a property at 12 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, which Familia said it purchased in 2013 from Forte Oil Plc for N1 billion. According to the police report, Familia alleged that on 8 August 2025, officials of Ardova Plc, accompanied by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force and Monitoring Unit, entered the premises without a court order, evicted its staff, demolished a bungalow on the property, and placed two 40-foot containers bearing the inscription: THIS PROPERTY BELONGS TO ARDOVA PLC. The petition to the police was filed by Capstone Law Firm on behalf of Familia Limited. It named Abdulwasiu Sowami, Chief Executive Officer of Ardova Plc, and Moshood Olajide, Managing Director, as suspects. Police said the investigation team led by Mr Oyewale examined documents and interviewed relevant parties. Police report gives history of property The report stated that Julius Owatuga, former Chief Finance Officer of Forte Oil Plc and now Managing Director of Geregu Power Plc, confirmed that the property was sold to Familia in 2013 and that the payment was reflected in Forte Oils 2013 annual report. He reportedly told investigators that the property was not included in the assets transferred when Forte Oils shares were later acquired by Ardova Plc, and that the transaction was properly recorded in the companys financial statements. According to the police report, Mr Olajide told investigators that the property had previously served as the residence of the managing director when the company operated as British Petroleum. He reportedly stated that a search conducted at the Lands Registry in Alausa indicated that the property remained in the name of British Petroleum, prompting the company to seek police support to take possession. He further claimed that the takeover was carried out without resistance. Police findings The police report stated that documents reviewed during the investigation, including the Deed of Assignment dated 18 August 2013, indicate that Familia purchased the property and had maintained possession for nearly 12 years. It also noted that the Lagos State Government renewed and extended the lease in February 2024 for another 99 years. The report further stated that Forte Oil confirmed the sale of the property and that investigators established that a building belonging to Familia was demolished during the takeover. The police recommended that the case file be forwarded to the legal section for advice and possible prosecution for offences including conspiracy, unlawful invasion, malicious damage, and threat to life. Civil suit Separately, Familia has filed suit number LD/184721MW/2025 at the Lagos State High Court against Ardova Plc and the Attorney General of Lagos State. In the writ dated 19 December 2025 and reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Familia sought a declaration that it holds legal and equitable title to the property and enjoyed exclusive possession from 2013 until 8 August 2025. The company is also claiming N48.3 million for the demolished bungalow; N2 billion for trespass and economic losses; N1 billion for defamation; N1 billion for alleged breach of the Deed of Assignment against Ardova Plc; and N1 billion in combined claims against the Lagos State Government for alleged constitutional violations. Familia further sought N50 million as the cost of the suit, an order directing the removal of the containers and inscriptions from the property, and a perpetual injunction restraining further interference. Under court rules, the defendants have 42 days from service of the writ to enter an appearance, failing which the claimant may seek judgement in default. Ardova Plc had not filed a defence as of press time. Ardova responds In a response sent to PREMIUM TIMES via WhatsApp on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Ardova Plc said the companys attention was drawn to a publication which it said originated from an online post concerning the property. The company stated that two adversarial suits are pending before the Lagos State High Court regarding the subject property. Ardova said it was aware that in one of the suits, its adversary claimed that the police had confirmed its alleged title to the property. However, the company maintained that, to the best of its knowledge, the police had warned its operatives against dabbling in land disputes. It expressed surprise at suggestions that the police had not adhered to that directive in this instance, arguing that the police are neither the custodian of land titles nor a court vested with authority to adjudicate land disputes. In the circumstances, we shall not be joining issues on social media with the authors or promoters of the publication. We would rather wait to prove our case in court, the company said. Ardova added that any party disputing its interest in the property should ventilate such objections before the court rather than engage in what it described as social media campaigns. The company also confirmed that it has instituted a civil suit to protect its title and that proceedings are pending before the Lagos State High Court. Margot Robbie worried she was "dumb" after deciding against going to university. Margot Robbie worried about her intelligence after choosing a career in acting The Wuthering Heights actress, 35, grew up in Australia and discovered her love of acting when she was in high school so she decided to chase her dreams of stardom instead of enrolling in higher education, but the move left Margot questioning herself so she asked her sister if she could complete some of her university coursework in a bid to prove her intelligence. During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, Margot explained: "Part of me was like: 'Oh no I started acting like on [Australian soap] Neighbours ... I haven't gone to university and I guess I'm never going to at this point. Am I dumb?' "I remember asking my sister, I like almost wanted to check ... this didn't mean I wasn't smart. "My sister was, we're very very different people, she was studying to be an accountant in university. Something I never would have done. "But I remember saying: 'Can I do one of your assignments? Your uni assignments. Because I just need to check that acting's not making me dumb'. "And I did it. And by the way numbers and accounting are not my forte at all but I got like an A minus. And I was like: 'OK cool' and I felt good after that. "I'm good. I know I can do it if I need to ... Well I mean I studied. It was all about cognitive dissonance or some boring s***." It comes after Margot opened up about her wild days living in London before she shot to fame. The Wolf Of Wall Street star revealed she was kicked out of "most of the clubs in Clapham" while she was living with six friends in a four-bedroom apartment until 2016. Appearing on the Table Manners podcast, Margot recalled a time before they moved in together when they got booted out of Infernos on a particularly wild night. She told hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware how her roommates insisted you "can't get kicked out" of the former cinema, and she visited for herself after a weekend's work in Belgium. She said: "So we all had a weekend in London when the job was done. And of course, we went to Infernos, and within about 15 minutes, we got kicked out. "And while we're getting dragged out by security, I was screaming, 'but this is Infernos, you cant get kicked out of Infernos.' "And the bouncer was like, 'Look, we allow most things, but when your friend does [redacted], then we kick you out'. And I was like, 'okay, fair enough!'" The Wuthering Heights actress didn't reveal exactly what her friend did to cause a scene, although she noted it wasn't a rarity for them to get in a spot of bother. She added: "Most of the clubs in Clapham, I'd say, have kicked us out. Yeah, for a while we were banned at a number of places! [..] So we ended up all deciding to move in together." Margot had been working in the US, but she and her friends had fallen in love with the area and decided to mark it their home after spotting a property online. She said: "I had gone back to America at that point, and so we were looking online, and the guys were like, 'Oh, it's a sign this place is down the road from Infernos'. "So we literally signed our lease just because it was down the road from Infernos." MACAO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) kicked off the "2026 Chinese New Year Activities" on Tuesday, the first day of the Year of the Horse, with a parade of a golden dragon, to extend auspicious wishes to residents and visitors. The opening ceremony was held at the Ruins of St. Paul's, where officials of the Macao Special Administrative Region government and guests officiated at the eye-dotting ceremony for the 238-meter-long golden dragon and 18 dancing lions. At the ceremony, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes wished all a happy New Year and expressed hopes that the Year of the Horse would bring prosperity and happiness to Macao and everyone. Macao resident Ms. Lam said she has been waiting for the parade to start since early morning and attends it almost every year. She also appreciated having a chance to interact with the performers. "I hope we have more of these activities," she said. A procession engaged the public at major heritage sites and streets. It featured the dragon, the dancing lions, the God of Fortune, the three Gods of Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity, the Horse zodiac mascot, and Macao's tourism mascot Mak Mak. Mr. Chen from Beijing came to Macao for the Chinese New Year celebration. Having stayed in the city for five days, he noted the festive atmosphere in Macao is quite strong, and he had never seen such a long dragon before. "It's splendid and very impressive," he added. The two-day community roadshow also features performances by art troupes at multiple locations in Macao, such as the Macao Grand Prix Museum area, Barra Square, and Taipa Houses, the tourism office said. Larger Territory Allows Company to Support More Seniors Aging Safely at Home ROCKLIN, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Always Best Care Senior Services, a leading provider of non-medical in-home senior care and assisted living referral services, announces the expansion of Always Best Care of Parkville into Fallston, further extending the brand's reach throughout Greater Baltimore, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County. Franchisee Haley Davis, who launched Always Best Care of Parkville in 2025, has taken over two additional Baltimore-area territories, significantly increasing access to Always Best Care's personalized senior care services across the region. The expanded territory allows Davis and her team to serve more families seeking reliable, compassionate care solutions that support seniors aging safely and comfortably at home. Always Best Care of Parkville, located at 8606 Hartford Road in Parkville, now serves communities throughout Greater Baltimore. The office provides non-medical in-home care, skilled home health services, and senior living referral services tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults and their families. Experienced Leadership Driving Growth in Senior Care Davis brings more than 15 years of executive leadership and operations experience to her role as franchise owner. Prior to joining Always Best Care, she served as director of operations for the third-largest Amazon fulfillment center in North America, overseeing daily operations for more than 4,500 employees. Her background in large-scale operations, customer service, and team leadership has been instrumental in scaling senior care services across multiple Baltimore-area territories. "Growing my business to serve others at a larger capacity has always been a goal of mine, and expanding our reach across Greater Baltimore allows us to make an even bigger impact," said Davis. "More seniors and families are choosing in-home care, and we're proud to be the top choice to provide compassionate, dependable support that gives families peace of mind and helps seniors maintain independence." Throughout her career, Davis has helped organizations contribute more than $5 million in in-kind donations to charitable causes and has led over 10,000 hours of community service, a commitment she continues to prioritize as her business grows across Baltimore. "Haley Davis has built a trusted presence in the community, and we're proud to support her as she extends Always Best Care's mission to reach more families throughout Baltimore and surrounding areas," said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. Senior Care Services Available Throughout Greater Baltimore Always Best Care of Parkville offers a comprehensive range of senior care services, including: Non-medical in-home personal care Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming Mobility support and fall prevention Medication reminders Transportation to appointments and errands Light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation Companionship and social engagement Dementia and Alzheimer's care Respite care for family caregivers Post-hospitalization and transitional care Skilled home health services Senior living and assisted living referral services About Always Best Care Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs for over 29 years and currently provides thousands of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company's clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas. For more information regarding Always Best Care Senior Services, please visit www.alwaysbestcare.com. Local Service Information Always Best Care of Parkville and the Greater Baltimore Area CONTACT: Tammy Delgado Tidehouse Agency 919-459-7147 [email protected] SOURCE Always Best Care MIAMI, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Amigos For Kids approaches its 35th anniversary of strengthening families across South Florida, the organization has been selected as a recipient of the OpenAI Ready Award through the People-First AI Fund a national $50 million initiative supporting nonprofits building people-centered, community-based solutions. Amigos For Kids is among 208 nonprofit organizations nationwide chosen for unrestricted funding to support innovation, organizational capacity, and long-term sustainability. As an OpenAI Ready Award recipient, Amigos joins a national cohort of organizations leveraging emerging tools and new approaches to deepen family-centered impact. "This investment arrives at a pivotal moment in our organization's journey," said Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids. "With OpenAI's support, we will expand high-quality afterschool and summer enrichment programming while integrating AI-supported tools to personalize learning, strengthen family engagement, and enhance how we track outcomes and deliver services. This partnership allows us to serve families more intentionally, more efficiently, and more equitably." "For more than 35 years, Amigos For Kids has stood with families," said Jorge Plasencia, Founder and Chair Emeritus of Amigos For Kids. "This award honors that legacy and our continued commitment to people-centered solutions." Funding from the People-First AI Fund will enable Amigos For Kids to expand access to safe, nurturing learning environments in under-resourced neighborhoods while piloting AI-supported program tools designed to improve individualized learning pathways, enhance social-emotional development, and strengthen service delivery across family-centered programs. "Amigos For Kids has always believed that strong families are the foundation of thriving communities," said Yosbel Ibarra, Board Chair of Amigos For Kids. "This award affirms the organization's leadership, financial stewardship, and commitment to evolving with purpose. It positions Amigos to continue building smarter systems that better support families and create lasting opportunity for children." The OpenAI Ready Award recognizes nonprofits that are building resilient, future-ready systems and advancing people-first solutions reinforcing Amigos For Kids' commitment to strengthening families, fostering resilience, and creating brighter futures for children throughout Miami-Dade County. To learn more about Amigos For Kids, visit amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and X. About Amigos For Kids Founded in 1991, Amigos For Kids is a Miami-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families and educating communities to support safe, healthy childhoods. Through programs such as Amigos Care, the Positive Parenting Program, Amigos LEAD afterschool and summer enrichment, Project YES youth leadership initiatives, and large-scale community outreach efforts, Amigos For Kids serves under-resourced children and families across Miami-Dade County. Amigos For Kids is committed to creating stronger families, safer homes, and brighter futures for the next generation. SOURCE Amigos For Kids LONDON and NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AML RightSource, the leading expert solutions provider of financial crime managed services and advisory, today announced the formation of its International Advisory Board, chaired by Vesna McCreery, AML RightSource. The International Advisory Board has been created as an independent body within AML RightSource's advisory structure, working alongside the North America Advisory Board to support the firm's continued global expansion. Bringing together senior, practice-led expertise from across the globe, including the UK, Europe, APAC, and Australia, the board will provide impactful insight for AML RightSource, and support clients and the wider industry as a trusted partner in the shared goal of preventing financial crime in banking, payments, crypto, gaming, and beyond. As financial crime becomes more interconnected and sophisticated, the Board will help AML RightSource support its clients and the wider industry by navigating regulatory shifts, challenging industry assumptions, and refining its global service delivery to meet the evolving needs of clients worldwide. Inaugural International Advisory Board Members Dayna Bordin - Financial Crime Transformation Leader Across Banking & Digital Assets Dayna Bordin is a dynamic senior executive with over 20 years' experience as a compliance practitioner, auditor, and consultant for both clients and regulators. She is known for leading datadriven financial crime transformation across major banks such as Barclays, Santander, and HSBC, and now brings her expertise to the digital asset sector as UK MLRO at GSR. She offers the Board a rare blend of largebank transformation, deep audit expertise, and the fast-evolving crypto regulatory landscape. Matt Brown - Global Sanctions & Financial Crime Detection Expert Matt Brown is an industry-recognized leader in transaction screening, known for advancing sanctions, AML, and anti-terror detection from early namematching toward modern behavioral pattern recognition. He has driven the deployment of cutting-edge technology at institutions including RBS, Barclays, and HSBC, and is linked to some of the sector's most significant transformation programs. His passion lies in technology-led, holistic approaches that strengthen detection while reducing unnecessary customer friction. Matt also furthers industry progress through long-standing contributions to the Wolfsberg Group and global PublicPrivate Partnership initiatives. John Fogarty - Senior Financial Crime Leader with Deep APAC & Australian Regulatory Expertise John Fogarty brings extensive financial crime compliance leadership from roles across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia with UBS, CLSA, HSBC, and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, building on early experience with securities exchanges. He offers the Board deep practical expertise in implementing Australia's complex financial crime requirements and navigating APAC supervisory expectations, shaped by over 35 years of hands-on remediation, operational oversight, and regional leadership. In addition, John brings a strong focus on talent and building industry capability for the future. Alan Ketley - Global AML Authority & Former Executive Secretary of the Wolfsberg Group Alan Ketley brings over four decades of international banking and AML leadership across major British, French, Japanese, and US institutions, including Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC, JPMorgan, Societe Generale, and MUFG. He was appointed the first permanent Executive Secretary of the Wolfsberg Group, where he helped shape industry thinking during his tenure through key publications focused on effectiveness and practicality. He brings the Board a global thoughtleadership perspective grounded in real-world delivery. The formation of the international advisory board represents a strategic investment in specialist expertise and seniorlevel knowledge. Unlike a board of directors, an advisory board provides guidance focused on real-world challenges, enabling AML RightSource to accelerate innovation and strengthen its industry and client partnerships. "We are proud to welcome such distinguished leaders to our International Advisory Board," said Vesna McCreery, Chair of the International Advisory Board. "Each member brings their own exceptional expertise with a deep understanding of the realities that financial institutions face. Their collective experience will be invaluable as AML RightSource continues to elevate its global capabilities and deliver meaningful, practitioner-led support to our clients." "Our clients operate under increasing regulatory scrutiny in a rapidly changing environment full of new regulatory expectations and requirements, new asset classes and new risks," said Steve Meirink, CEO, AML RightSource. "This Advisory Board brings real-life practitioner insight directly into our strategic discussions. Their guidance will help us evolve our services, strengthen our global relevance, and continue delivering solutions that meet the real challenges our clients face every day." The International Advisory Board will help AML RightSource shape the company's executive agenda, capability development, and long-term growth strategy across EMEA and APAC, supporting the mission to help our industry reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and navigate an ever-changing financial crime landscape with confidence. AML RightSource is the leading expert solutions provider of managed services and advisory dedicated exclusively to financial crime compliance. The firm helps organizations stay ahead of evolving financial crime threats through expert-led services and deep industry knowledge. With more than 7,000 specialists worldwide, AML RightSource delivers tailored AML, financial crime, and third-party compliance solutions that strengthen operations and reduce risk. Its partnership-driven model provides scalable, adaptable support for today's regulatory demands, enabling organizations to protect their businesses and navigate a complex regulatory environment. For more information, visit amlrightsource.com. SOURCE AML RightSource Industry's first-ever down-funnel benchmarks reveal true recruitment efficiency and quality of hire LEBANON, N.H., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Appcast, the leading recruitment marketing platform powered by programmatic, announced today the release of its 10th Annual Recruitment Marketing Benchmark Report. The 2026 edition provides talent acquisition teams with unprecedented visibility into the full recruitment funnel, from click-to-hire, by introducing the most advanced dataset in the report's history. This year's report arrives at a pivotal moment for employers and hiring teams. Recruitment in 2025 was marked by rising apply rates, slowing labor market activity, and unexpectedly increasing costs per hire. As talent acquisition (TA) teams navigate a "lowhire, lowfire" environment, the 2026 Benchmark Report provides clarity on what's driving these shifts and how organizations can plan for the year ahead. The 10th anniversary edition includes two major advancements for recruitment marketing analytics: First-Ever Candidate Disposition Benchmarks: This new data reveals the full candidate journey from click to apply, screen, interview, offer, and hire, giving talent teams a deeper view of true down-funnel recruitment efficiency and quality of hire. This new data reveals the full candidate journey from click to apply, screen, interview, offer, and hire, giving talent teams a deeper view of true down-funnel recruitment efficiency and quality of hire. New International Hiring Benchmarks: The report now includes data from select global markets, enabling employers to compare recruitment costs and hiring performance across key regions. "For 10 years, this report has helped recruitment teams understand not just what's happening in the labor marketbut why," said Matt Molinari, CEO of Appcast. "With the addition of disposition data and international benchmarks, the 2026 edition gives TA leaders the most complete picture yet of how their recruitment marketing investments translate into real hiring outcomes." Key Findings from the 2026 Recruitment Marketing Benchmark Report Rising Recruitment Costs: Cost-per-application (CPA) and cost-per-hire (CPH) rose sharply in 2025 despite a softer labor market, driven by shifts in job board pricing and programmatic media models. Cost-per-application (CPA) and cost-per-hire (CPH) rose sharply in 2025 despite a softer labor market, driven by shifts in job board pricing and programmatic media models. High Apply Rates: Candidate apply rates remained high, fueled by increased job-seeker volume and more efficient recruitment marketing strategies. Candidate apply rates remained high, fueled by increased job-seeker volume and more efficient recruitment marketing strategies. Diverging Labor Markets: The "white-collar recession" deepened, with apply rates for office roles rising significantly, while frontline "standing-up" rolesespecially in healthcareremained costly and hard to fill. The "white-collar recession" deepened, with apply rates for office roles rising significantly, while frontline "standing-up" rolesespecially in healthcareremained costly and hard to fill. The Remote Work Advantage Shrinks: After years of outperforming in-person roles, remote and hybrid jobs saw their candidate attraction advantage shrink. Shifting job-seeker expectations have made "remote" less of a funnel-filling differentiator. After years of outperforming in-person roles, remote and hybrid jobs saw their candidate attraction advantage shrink. Shifting job-seeker expectations have made "remote" less of a funnel-filling differentiator. Geography's Growing Impact: Fast-growing Sun Belt states delivered stronger apply rates and lower CPAs, while older and more rural states continued to generate the highest recruitment advertising costs. Drawing on more than 302 million clicks, 27 million applications, and data from nearly 1,200 employers, the 2026 Appcast Benchmark Report remains one of the most comprehensive, data-rich analyses in the recruitment technology industry. To download a full copy of the 2026 Recruitment Marketing Benchmark Report, click here. About Appcast Appcast is the leading recruitment marketing platform powered by programmatic. With advanced technology, unmatched market data and a team of the industry's best recruitment marketers, Appcast's platform drives hiring outcomes for more than 1,000 clients. Appcast is headquartered in Lebanon, N.H. with offices throughout North America and Europe. Appcast is a subsidiary of The Stepstone Group, a leading digital recruitment platform that connects companies with the right talent and helps people find the right job. To learn more, visit http://www.appcast.io. Media Contact: Michiko Morales Gabriel Marketing Group (For Appcast) 202-805-2345 [email protected] SOURCE Appcast In the news release, Big Climb Takes Communities Across America to New Heights In Support of Cancer Patients, issued 17-Feb-2026 by BLOOD CANCER UNITED, INC. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end: Big Climb Takes Communities Across America to New Heights In Support of Cancer Patients WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will officially launch its 2026 Big Climb season this March in Seattle, WA. Held in 12 cities across the country from March to May, this annual community event, unites thousands of participants who scale iconic buildings and stadiums in a courageous effort to raise funds in support of Blood Cancer United's mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Big Climb season will kick off on March 8 in Seattle, with firefighters from around the world participating in the annual Firefighter Stairclimb, a oneofakind challenge sending first responders up more than 1,300 steps in full gear inside the Columbia Center. This year's symbolic event will celebrate 35 years of impact, having raised more than $28 million for blood cancer research, patient support and advocacy since the first climb in 1991. The Firefighter Stairclimb serves as the inspiration behind Blood Cancer United's community Big Climb events that turn every step into hope for patients and their families. The first community Big Climb will also be held at Seattle's Columbia Center in late March, followed by climbs coast-to-coast and in between through May. This year's schedule includes an exciting new event location at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. See the full event list here. Each year, Blood Cancer United recognizes blood cancer survivors as "Honored Heroes" who serve as inspiration for participants and supporters. Big Climb is proud to celebrate its 2026 national Honored Heroes: Oakley, 6, of Minneapolis, MN who recently completed his treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, marking a new chapter filled with optimism and possibility and Jan of Newark, DE, a survivor of stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, who exemplifies determination as she continues to advocate for others navigating their own experiences with blood cancer. "Oakley and Jan's stories remind us why we climb so every patient can live longer, better lives," Coker Powell, Blood Cancer United EVP, Chief Revenue Officer. "Together, these amazing fundraisers and volunteers are helping us get closer to achieving our mission." To learn more or get involved, visit bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/fundraise/big-climb About Blood Cancer United Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. The organization's mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of peoplepatients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropistswho believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives. Since the organization's founding in 1949, it has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancersincluding leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Blood Cancer United offers free, trustworthy resources, personalized support, and community for anyone affected by blood cancer. The organization has invested more than $2 billion in research, which continues to increase survival rates. Blood Cancer United advocates nationally and locally for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients. For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org. Patients can contact blood cancer information specialists at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Threads. Media Contact: [email protected] Correction: Coker Powell's title has been updated. SOURCE BLOOD CANCER UNITED, INC. In the news release, Caliburn Technologies Forms Strategic Advisory Board of Distinguished Naval, Defense, and Technology Leaders, issued 17-Feb-2026 by Caliburn Technologies over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the quote by Zac Staples in the 4th paragraph has been updated. The complete, corrected release follows: Caliburn Technologies Forms Strategic Advisory Board of Distinguished Naval, Defense, and Technology Leaders Distinguished defense, technology, and innovation leaders join Caliburn to guide next phase of growth and mission delivery. AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Caliburn Technologies, the technology firm delivering TempestOS, a cyber-hardened operating system that serves as the integration layer for AI, robotics, and advanced sensing in defense environments, today announced the formation of its Strategic Advisory Board. The Strategic Advisory Board will guide and advise Caliburn's leadership team on strategic matters through its diversity of expertise, objective insight, and long-term focus. Board members will provide perspectives informed by decades of operational, technical, and policy experience as Caliburn accelerates the deployment of TempestOS, the first operating system built to orchestrate frontier technologies across cyber, AI, robotics, and sensors. The Board's formation reinforces Caliburn's mission to move cyber-resilient, software-defined capability to the fleet, supporting operational commanders as the Department of War shifts toward the Software Acquisition Pathway as the default for new software systems. "Caliburn was created to strengthen conventional deterrence by accelerating the integration and security of autonomous warfare," said Zac Staples, founder and CEO of Caliburn Technologies. "This Advisory Board brings together leaders who understand what it takes to make a difference for national security not in theory, but in practice. I am honored to have their help in delivering innovation at scale to the defenders of Western Civilization." The five-member Strategic Advisory Board includes leaders from naval operations, defense research, autonomy, entrepreneurship, and allied maritime forces who will support Caliburn as trusted advisors and strategic partners. Strategic Advisory Board Members Rear Admiral Lorin Selby, U.S. Navy (Ret.) Advisory Board Chair Rear Admiral Selby served as Chief of Naval Research, leading a $4 billion research and development enterprise responsible for advancing naval science, technology, and innovation across the fleet. In this role, he oversaw the transition of critical technologies from basic research through applied development and into operational use. He previously served as the Navy's Chief Engineer, where he was responsible for technical authority, engineering standards, and lifecycle readiness across naval platforms and systems. Throughout his career, Selby has operated at the intersection of research, acquisition, and warfighting requirements, bringing a systems-level perspective on how emerging technologies are fielded at scale in support of operational forces. Dr. Cara LaPointe Advisor, Autonomy & AI Policy Dr. LaPointe is a recognized leader in autonomy, artificial intelligence policy, and technology governance, with experience spanning government, academia, and applied research. She has held senior roles across the Department of the Navy, Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology, and Johns Hopkins University, where her work has focused on assured autonomy, AI risk management, and responsible system deployment. Her career reflects a deep understanding of how advanced software-enabled capabilities move from research into operational use while meeting policy, compliance, and trust requirements, supporting Caliburn's mission to field autonomous and AI-enabled systems that are both operationally effective and institutionally durable. Gregory Glaros Advisor, Strategic Accounts Gregory (Greg) Glaros is a retired U.S. Navy strike fighter pilot and combat veteran with more than four decades of leadership across naval operations, defense innovation, and industry. He previously served as CEO of SYNEXXUS Inc., where he led the development and deployment of secure, networked maritime systems supporting distributed and autonomous operations across military and commercial domains. Glaros has played a key role in advancing novel maritime platforms, integrated electronic systems, and emerging operational concepts, and he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the United States Naval Academy, educating future naval leaders on emerging technologies, systems integration, and decision-making under uncertainty. Steve Blank Advisor, Innovation & Defense Entrepreneurship Steve Blank is a pioneering authority on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transition, with more than four decades of experience building and advising technology companies. He is the creator of the Lean Startup methodology and a co-founder of Hacking for Defense, which introduced a new model for rapidly connecting commercial innovation with Department of War operational challenges. His work has reshaped how defense organizations engage startups, structure experimentation, and accelerate capability delivery, supporting Caliburn's role as a product company purpose-built to operate within modern defense acquisition frameworks. James Parkin Advisor James Parkin brings more than 25 years of service in the Royal Navy, with senior experience across multinational maritime operations, fleet modernization, and allied force integration. His career includes leadership roles focused on operational readiness, interoperability, and coalition command in complex maritime environments. Parkin offers an allied perspective grounded in real-world operational planning and execution, strengthening Caliburn's ability to design and deploy systems that function effectively across coalition and partner naval forces. The Strategic Advisory Board will work closely with Caliburn's leadership team as the company expands engineering and field deployment efforts, secures key certification milestones, and supports early operational installations with mission partners. TempestOS provides commanders with a secure integration layer, often described as a digital hitch ball, allowing payloads across cyber, AI, robotics, and sensors to be added, swapped, or upgraded rapidly as adversaries change tactics. Caliburn Technologies benefits from Fathom5's reputation and intellectual property while delivering a product aimed squarely at solving frontline cybersecurity and operational challenges. To learn more, visit www.caliburn.us. About Caliburn Technologies Caliburn Technologies, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is the technology firm delivering TempestOS, a cyber-hardened operating system that serves as the integration layer for AI, robotics, and advanced sensing in defense environments. The TempestOS platform provides a shared data model and guaranteed interoperability, enabling commanders to rapidly add or swap payloads and adapt faster than adversaries. Caliburn Technologies builds on a legacy of naval innovation, including the Navy's first predictive maintenance AI program of record and the "Second Age of Cyber" framework emphasizing adversary-focused metrics and automation. Led by founder and CEO Zac Staples, the former director of the Navy's Center for Cyber Warfare Research, Caliburn Technologies partners with both startups and primes to deliver mission-ready, cyber-resilient systems at the pace of relevance. Learn more at www.caliburn.us. Media Contact Coleman Pyeatt Zilker Media [email protected] (512) 298-4081 ext. 709 SOURCE Caliburn Technologies ** Special assistance offered to California Credit Union members whose pay has been disrupted as federal employees ** GLENDALE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union has announced that it will offer special relief programs to support current members whose pay has been affected by the partial government shutdown. Programs include: Loan Payment Assistance : Members may skip a payment, with all fees waived, on their Consumer auto loan and/or Signature Plus loan (Personal Loan). : Members may skip a payment, with all fees waived, on their Consumer auto loan and/or Signature Plus loan (Personal Loan). Penalty-Free Certificate Withdrawals : Members with certificate accounts may request early withdrawal to cover expenses with no fees or penalties. : Members with certificate accounts may request early withdrawal to cover expenses with no fees or penalties. Reduced Rate (APR) Signature Loans: Members may apply for a signature loan at a 4.00% lower rate than the current lowest rate offered by the credit union. Members may receive up to two times their most recent net paycheck, up to $3,000. "We know how disruptive and stressful a government shutdown can be for our members and their families," said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. "As a member-owned cooperative, our priority is to stand by our members when they need us most. These relief programs are designed to provide flexibility, ease financial pressure and ensure our members have access to the support and resources they need during this challenging time." For more information, members should contact California Credit Union at 800.334.8788, visit any credit union branch or go to ccu.com. About California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of nearly $5.4 billion, over 200,000 members and 26 retail branches. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in 2024 & 2025, California Credit Union membership is available to community members and businesses nationwide. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. Federally insured by the NCUA, the credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. California Federal Credit Union operates as California Credit Union. Visit ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion. SOURCE California Credit Union With detailed examples OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - On February 26th, Claigan will be hosting a walkthrough of all the elements of an EU MDR Justification Document. This webinar will be the most tangible walkthrough of a Justification Document for CMRs under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Claigan's webinar will go over what has to be covered in each section (and when you should start!) and will use a dozen examples of medical devices examples. If a medical device has a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin (CMR) in an invasive situation, fluid path, or gas path it has to be labelled and justified under section 10.4 of the EU Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR). With the addition of cobalt and NMP to the CMR list, the majority of invasive, fluid, or gas path medical devices are now requiring justification documents for compliance to EU MDR. Example affected products include needles, trocars, catheters, vision systems, ventilators, endoscopes, glucose monitoring systems, stents, and dental files. Key topics will include: Why cobalt and NMP are so common in medical devices Description and characterization Use and function Assessment of risks Assessment of possible and relevant alternatives Comparison of functionality, performance, risk, and benefits Timelines and deadlines Note - due to the expected demand, there will be two (2) webinars scheduled on February 26th. Webinars - Walkthrough of an EU MDR Justification Document Date: 26 February, 2026 Time: 10am and 2pm Duration: 1 hour including Q&A To Register: 10am - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1WIRbMtKScyx53mtgna1zA 2pm - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MQDVtov2TQatNAachK-HYg or on Claigan's Website at www.claigan.com/webinars About Claigan Environmental (www.claigan.com) Claigan is the leading provider in restricted materials compliance (consulting and testing). Claigan has tested thousands of products for EU MDR, PFAS, Section 71, REACH, POP, TSCA, Prop 65, and related global compliance. Claigan is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, expert consultancy, and is dedicated to providing practical solutions for supply chain due diligence and social responsibility. At Claigan, our philosophy is simple: More Results, Less Journey. SOURCE Claigan Environmental Inc. XIAMEN/TAIPEI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 40,000 fireworks illuminated the night on Tuesday as the coastal mainland city of Xiamen in Fujian Province and nearby Kinmen island staged their joint fireworks display to mark the Spring Festival. The 30-minute show started at 8 p.m. on the first day of the Year of the Horse, with fireworks bursting from both Xiamen and Kinmen, which are less than two kilometers apart at their closest point. Launched in 1987, the annual event has become a longstanding tradition highlighting close ties between Xiamen and Kinmen. Crowds gathered along waterfronts on both sides to watch the show, accompanied by festive music. Kinmen residents also staged traditional lion dances to bring good fortune for the Chinese New Year. Chang Yang-yang, a young man from Kinmen, attended the joint fireworks display for the third time. "When both sides set off fireworks together, it shows we are one family," he said. For Han Ying-huan, a Taiwan businessman in Xiamen, the joint fireworks show carried special significance. "Compatriots across the Strait are full of expectations for cross-Strait integration, wishing that both sides will realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said. New Year celebrations are also held between Fuzhou, capital of Fujian, and neighboring Matsu island, where residents display lanterns to showcase shared folk traditions. This year marks the 24th edition of such celebrations. These celebrations come as cross-Strait travel continues to recover driven by the Chinese mainland's sustained efforts to promote tourism and facilitate travel for Taiwan residents. In 2025, cross-Strait visits exceeded 5 million, reaching a six-year high. Fujian resumed group tours to Kinmen and Matsu in 2024. Earlier this month, the mainland announced that it would soon restart similar tours for residents of Shanghai. "I hope more people from the mainland will visit Kinmen to experience its traditional culture and local snacks," Chang said. At a recent high-level meeting on Taiwan affairs, Beijing vowed to further facilitate cross-Strait travel, expand non-governmental and grassroots exchanges, and encourage joint efforts to promote Chinese culture across the Strait. Peng O-ya, a Taipei native who has lived in Xiamen for nearly 30 years, shared the fireworks with relatives back in Taiwan via video call. "I hope that compatriots across the Strait can work hand in hand, strive together in this promising era, and jointly fulfill their beautiful aspirations," she said. BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudMoyo, an AI-first digital engineering leader, has been awarded the Partnering for Scale 2026 Award by Icertis at its annual Company Kickoff (CKO) in Miami, FL. The recognition highlights CloudMoyo's ability to deliver large-scale, enterprise-grade contract intelligence implementations with velocityhelping global organizations accelerate value from AI-powered contracting. The CloudMoyo team accepts Icertis Partnering for Scale Award 2026 at the Icertis CKO in Miami, Fl. The award recognizes CloudMoyo's track record of rapid, high-impact deployments on the Icertis Contract Intelligence platform, including the delivery of a full-scale enterprise implementation in just 90 days for a major global retailerone of the fastest end-to-end Icertis deployments to date. This accelerated approach enabled faster time-to-value while supporting enterprise-wide adoption of contract intelligence. CloudMoyo has also partnered with multiple Fortune 500 organizations to extend the value of Icertis across commercial and procurement operations. By integrating contract intelligence with enterprise systems of records such as Salesforce and SAP Ariba, the company enables seamless workflows, richer insights, and improved commercial outcomes across the contract lifecycle. "Congratulations to CloudMoyo on winning the Partnering for Scale Award in the 2026 Icertis Partner of the Year Awards," says BJ Birtz, Corporate Vice President, Partner Sales at Icertis. "CloudMoyo consistently delivers impactful implementations that help our customers innovate and operate more efficiently on the Icertis platform. We value their partnership and look forward to continued success as we enable customers with advanced AI capabilities to drive even greater commercial outcomes through contracts." Looking ahead, CloudMoyo is focused on advancing the convergence of contract lifecycle management and AI through its strategic partnership with Icertis. By expanding solutions across Icertis Contract Intelligence and Vera AI, CloudMoyo is helping customers move beyond implementation toward agentic AIdriven contract intelligenceunlocking new value across obligation management, negotiations, risk mitigation, and enterprise decision-making. This innovation is supported by CloudMoyo's proprietary Agentic AI Framework, Microsoft Fabricbased solutions, and a dedicated Contract Intelligence Center of Excellence, enabling scalable, connected CLM and XRM use cases for global enterprises. "This recognition from Icertis reinforces our shared vision of delivering contract intelligence at scale," says Manish Kedia, CEO and Co-founder of CloudMoyo. "By combining deep Icertis platform expertise with strong data and AI capabilities, we're helping enterprises move beyond implementation to AI-driven contract intelligence that delivers measurable business impact." Beyond implementation, CloudMoyo's AI- and digital-led Managed Services practice plays a critical role in helping enterprises sustain value at scale. Through SLA-driven, continuously optimized services, CloudMoyo supports long-term platform adoption, operational resilience, and ongoing transformationenabling customers to move beyond deployment to measurable, operational and commercial impact. Since its founding in 2015, CloudMoyo has been a premier Icertis partner, delivering end-to-end expertise across Icertis Contract Intelligence implementation, consulting and advisory, and post-implementation services. The company helps global enterprises unlock greater governance, visibility, efficiency, and cost savings across the entire contract lifecycle. About CloudMoyo CloudMoyo is an AI-first digital engineering and managed services company that helps enterprises maximize the value of their cloud, data, and AI investments. The company moves beyond adoption to deliver sustained business outcomes by infusing AI at the core of enterprise operations, enabling automation and scalable solutions across systems. CloudMoyo partners strategically with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Cloud & AI, and Icertis Contract Intelligence to accelerate transformation, reduce risk, fast-track time to value, and operationalize AI at scaleincluding revitalizing underperforming or stalled implementations. Its solutions combine deep platform expertise, advanced AI capabilities, and a COE-led managed services model to drive measurable impact. Headquartered in Bellevue, WA, CloudMoyo has delivered 400+ digital engineering engagements across manufacturing, technology, retail, healthcare, public sector, and other industriesguided by its people-centric FORTE values. Learn more at www.cloudmoyo.com. Media Contact Joy Bartolome Marketing LeadCloudMoyo [email protected] +1 (425) 908-0880 SOURCE CloudMoyo WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malnutrition Advocacy Fund, along with a coalition of Congressional leaders and global food security advocates have issued the following statement following the passage of the FY26 spending measure featuring a $300M allocation for Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). The landmark legislation will provide funding for a critical global health program that prevents children from dying of starvation. This dedicated funding will continue to directly support American farmers, manufacturers, and shippers in nearly 30 states across the country. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) "I have long been a proud supporter of RUTF because it saves lives, while also supporting American jobs. At a time when international aid is under threat, it has never been more important to invest in lifesaving food assistance, which also affirms American leadership. This $300 million funding directive will provide certainty for our farmers and domestic supply chain, and demonstrate to the world that the United States remains committed to ending child hunger." Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA) "Continued investment in RUTF production in Georgia provides lifesaving nutrition to malnourished children across the world. This policy allows us to continue saving the lives of children while supporting American jobs, American growers, and American leadership." Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA) "I'm proud to support the Georgia workers and small businesses that produce such a life-saving product on American soil. We're protecting children from preventable starvation while creating jobs and opportunities here at home, it's a win-win for global health and domestic growth." Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) "American food aid saves lives. The passage of a $300 million investment in the Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) program will make a massive difference in the lives of millions of children. I'm grateful this bill reflects the compassion of the American people and makes clear that there is bipartisan support for continuing our historic commitment to helping the most vulnerable around the world. We can save lives and support our farmers and small businesses, together." Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) "This incredible investment in RUTF will help nourish hungry children all over the world while creating and supporting jobs across Georgia's agricultural economy. I am proud to support this work because it shows once again that very often the right thing to do is also a smart thing. This makes sense for Georgia, and it makes sense for the American economy." Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) "I am proud to have secured $300 million for American-made Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food, which is the single most effective treatment for child malnutrition. This funding will help bring children back from the brink while supporting farmers all over the country." Former Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) "RUTF represents the best of American soft power: a lifesaving product made by American farmers, processors and manufacturers that serves as a powerful symbol of the force for good that America is in the world. I congratulate my former colleague Mario Diaz-Balart and the other bipartisan Members of Congress who secured this strategic investment. Scaling up the procurement and delivery of RUTF will make America safer, stronger and more prosperous." Former Congress Ed Royce (R-CA) "As former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I've seen first hand that addressing severe child malnutrition is both the smart thing to do and a smart investment in global stability and U.S. national security. When we fail to act, we allow the conditions that drive conflict, displacement, and extremism to take root." Amit Paley, CEO of the Malnutrition Advocacy Fund "Today's vote is a landmark moment in our movement to create a world where children no longer die of starvation. The $300 million investment in American-made RUTF will provide life-saving support for millions of children and help farmers and small businesses in states across the country. This historic commitment to preventing children from dying of hunger is the poster child for how international assistance helps the world's most vulnerable people and is in the best interest of the United States." Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) "America's dairy farmers deliver the highest quality nutrition to the world, including through U.S. milk powders used in Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, to address chronic malnutrition globally. NMPF appreciates the Congressional prioritization of ensuring our producers can continue delivering for those most in need while supporting dairy farmers here at home." Krysta Harden, President and CEO of U.S. Dairy Export Council "We are grateful for Congress securing continued funding for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, strengthening one of the most meaningful contributions our producers make every day to help alleviate hunger and malnutrition around the world. U.S. dairy farmers and processors take pride in improving global nutrition, including supplying the ingredients used in RUTF to treat the most severe forms of malnutrition." About the Malnutrition Advocacy Fund The Malnutrition Advocacy Fund is the country's largest organization dedicated to advocating for a world where children no longer die of hunger. MAF is at the forefront of efforts to increase funding for the most evidence-based treatments for acute malnutrition, including RUTF and prenatal vitamins for pregnant women, both of which are made in the United States. SOURCE Malnutrition Advocacy Fund COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Curasight A/S (CPH: CURAS) a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company pioneering first-in-class uPAR-targeted radioligand platform therapies across multiple aggressive solid tumors, will present recent company progress including the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial uTREAT in glioblastoma, at the TD Cowen 46th Annual Health Care Conference on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, at 11:50 a.m. Eastern Time / 5:50 p.m. CET in Boston. A live audio webcast will be broadcast over the internet simultaneously and will be available in the investor section on Curasight.com approximately 48 hours after the webcast. During the conference, Curasight management will also hold 1:1 meetings with investors and other industry stakeholders. The TD Cowen conference is a major investor conference where public and private healthcare companies meet with institutional investors, and large pharma via scheduled 1x1 meetings and presentations combined with fireside chats and innovative panel discussions. About Curasight A/S Curasight is advancing uTREAT, a clinical-stage, first-in-class uPAR-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) designed to treat solid tumors. uTREAT targets uPAR, a key driver of tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis, which is expressed in more than 85% of solid tumors. The company's theranostic platform also includes uTRACE, a uPAR-PET imaging agent built on the same proprietary ligand as uTREAT. uTRACE supports patient selection and confirms tumor targeting and has been evaluated in more than 450 patients across nine Phase II trials in eight solid tumor indications. The uPAR platform is based on more than a decade of research at the Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen. For more information regarding Curasight, please contact: Ulrich Krasilnikoff, CEO E-mail: [email protected] www.curasight.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/curasight/r/curasight-to-present-at-td-cowen-s-46th-annual-health-care-conference-in-boston,c4308454 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/19744/4308454/3937544.pdf 260217 Curasight Press release - TDCowen SOURCE Curasight NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Danielle Brown, founder of HealthyGirlKitchen ( @healthygirlkitchen ), will take the stage at FoodieCon presented by The Islands of the Bahamas hosted by the Andaz Miami Beach on February 21st, 2026 during the 25th anniversary of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Photograph by Amanda Julca FoodieCon is a full-day experience featuring cooking demos, interactive panels with top creators, brand activations, and book signings, and Danielle Brown will be featured on two panels: The Ultimate Shelf Life and Quirks That Work. In The Ultimate Shelf Life, she will join fellow creators to discuss how today's leading digital voices are building lasting brands beyond social platforms. In Quirks That Work, she will be moderating as the speakers discuss what it takes to stand out in a crowded content landscape, including how creators build trust, and turn personality-driven content into a loyal community. "FoodieCon is the perfect place to talk about what creators are building right now, not just content, but brands and communities that live beyond social media," said Danielle Brown. "I'm thrilled to be part of this year's panels and share the HealthyGirlKitchen journey." Danielle Brown, managed by Christina Duvall (formerly Brennan), President of Renegade Talent MGMT, is the CEO of the leading food and lifestyle community with a highly engaged audience of 12M+ followers across social platforms. HealthyGirl Kitchen doesn't just live online, it shows up in real life, driving trends, sparking conversation, providing health hacks and health-forward benefits, and inspiring millions to cook plant-based, better-for-you meals at home with confidence. She is the author of HealthyGirl Kitchen and Life-Changing Salads, both New York Times bestsellers, and is known for creating approachable, craveable recipes that resonate with modern home cooks. In addition to her success as an author and influencer, Danielle has a passion for taking on a leading role at growing companies. Most notably, she is a partner of Azuna, a plant-based odor elimination brand, which is one of the fastest-growing CPG companies in the nation. About Renegade Talent MGMT Renegade Talent MGMT is a leading talent management company dedicated to empowering creators across sports, food, and culture. Through strategic brand partnerships, personal development, and thoughtful content creation, Renegade Talent MGMT helps chefs, NIL and professional athletes, and creators capitalize beyond social media. Contact For more information regarding Danielle Brown of HealthyGirlKitchen, please contact her manager, Christina Duvall (formerly Brennan), at [email protected] . SOURCE CelebExperts TAMPA, Fla. and ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Diverse Logistics ("Diverse") and Pulse Final Mile ("Pulse") today jointly announced the two companies completed a successful merger to create one of the largest independent Big & Bulky final-mile third-party logistics company. The combination strengthens its position as a scaled, non-asset-based broker of white-glove delivery and installation services for heavy goods across the nation. The platform now provides high-level customer solutions for the delivery of appliances, furniture, bedding, electronics and fitness equipment through a network of over 850 third-party contract carrier delivery teams operating from 111 customer distribution centers. In addition, the company operates a network of 15 of its own warehousing and crossdocking facilities allowing for flexible logistics solutions to meet evolving customer needs. "We are excited about working with Pulse and their team," said John Ruskai, Founder and CEO of Diverse Logistics. "This merger brings together two complementary platforms and supports the continued growth of the business. The combination expands our market presence, broadens our customer base, and enhances the services we can offer retailers and OEMs. Together, we believe we can deliver even greater value to our customers through our expanded nationwide network and enhanced service capabilities." "Partnering with Diverse is an important milestone for Pulse," said Rick King, Founder and CEO of Pulse Final Mile. "By joining forces with Diverse, we enhance our ability to serve customers nationwide and deliver a high level of service and value. Since both companies solely focus on the Big & Bulky segment of the market, we are well-positioned together to leverage our combined resources and experience to set new standards in the final-mile logistics industry." Diverse Logistics and Pulse Final Mile are portfolio companies of Argosy Private Equity. About Diverse Logistics Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Diverse Logistics is an established 3PL provider of final mile delivery and installation services for big-and-bulky items. The company's non-asset logistics solution offers independent local delivery teams and a growing network of warehousing and cross-dock facilities. Diverse offers logistics services for everyday household goods such as appliances, electronics, furniture, mattresses, and fitness equipment. For further information, please visit: DiverseLogistics.com About Pulse Final Mile Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Anaheim, California, Pulse Final Mile is a non-asset-based final-mile logistics broker, focused on the delivery and installation of large and bulky goods. With its vast network of independent carriers, the company offers white-glove delivery and installation services to retailers across the United States, with experience in appliance, furniture, mattresses, and electronics. For further information, please visit: PulseFinalMile.com Argosy Private Equity Argosy Private Equity ("Argosy"), founded in 1990 and headquartered in Wayne, PA, is a lower middle market private equity firm dedicated to growing and professionalizing U.S. manufacturing and business services companies, often family or founder-owned. For over 30 years, Argosy has partnered with more than 140 investments, focusing on companies with substantial potential to grow. Argosy manages a diverse portfolio across seven funds and four key sectors: specialized manufacturing, industrial services, aviation products & services, and transportation & logistics. For further information, please visit: www.argosype.com Contact: Argosy Private Equity Sarah Busch [email protected] SOURCE Argosy Private Equity Expansion Supports the Country's Next Chapter of Industrial Growth, Sustainability and Operational Excellence GENEVA, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- dss+, a global leader in operations management consulting, today announced the expansion of its presence in Greece, building on years of support to companies across the country. This strengthened commitment marks a significant step in its mission to help companies enhance safety, improve business performance and accelerate sustainable value creation. The move comes at a pivotal moment, as Greece is playing a key role in infrastructure development, energy transition and industrial modernisation. Greek industries - from energy and utilities to logistics, transport, manufacturing and largescale infrastructure - are undergoing significant transformation. Major national priorities, including protecting lives and the environment, upgrading critical assets, attracting longterm investment, strengthening resilience across sectors and accelerating sustainability commitments, are reshaping expectations around operational excellence. dss+ brings deep expertise in enabling cultural, organisational and operational transformation to help companies transition successfully into this next phase and achieve the levels of performance required by a fastevolving economic landscape. Beyond immediate operational gains, dss+ contributes to broader ambitions such as sustainable growth, competitiveness, innovation readiness, and the resilience of national industries. "Greece is entering an exciting new period of growth, characterised by significant investments in infrastructure, energy and industrial capabilities. Strengthening core business fundamentals - such as safety, operational excellence, and effective risk management - is becoming essential to staying competitive and unlocking longterm value. With its unique capabilities and industry expertise, dss+ helps companies build these foundations, enabling strong performance today while helping companies stay wellpositioned for opportunities tomorrow," said Marco Pagnini, managing director EMEA, dss+. The company's expansion in Greece will combine global best practices with a tailored understanding of local priorities, working in close collaboration with Greek companies and local partners to strengthen leadership alignment, accelerate transformation and deliver sustainable impact at scale. "We see tremendous potential in Greece, where companies are demonstrating real ambition to elevate capabilities, embrace modern operational practices and lead with purpose. Our goal is to partner with them in shaping safer, more sustainable and more competitive operations, supporting the country's longterm economic and industrial vision," added Emanuele Salvador, country director for Greece, dss+. With this strategic expansion, dss+ affirms its commitment to helping Greek companies unlock their full potential and contribute to a safer, more resilient and more sustainable future for the country. About dss+ www.consultdss.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823874/5795983/dss_logo.jpg SOURCE dss+ Oregon Wine Pioneer Joins Global Movement Balancing Purpose and Profit DUNDEE, Ore., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Erath Winery , a pioneer of the Oregon wine industry, has announced its certification as a B Corporation (B Corp). As one of fewer than 100 wineries in the world to have earned this credential, the achievement formalizes Erath's long-standing dedication to meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Founded in 1968 by Dick Erath in the Dundee Hills, Erath helped put Oregon on the global wine map. Since its founding, Erath has been guided by a pioneering spirit and a deep respect for the region. Today, Erath continues to honor its legacy, crafting classic Pinot Noir that reflects the brand's rich history and the prestige of the region. As a newly certified B Corporation, Erath joins a global movement of businesses that balance purpose and profit, committing to making a positive impact for its employees, the community, and the planet. The certification reflects Erath's ongoing promise to use its business as a force for good, ensuring that its decisions support a more sustainable and equitable future. "Erath celebrates Oregon's land, legacy and community through every bottle of wine it makes," said Amy Prosenjak, President & CEO of A to Z Wineworks LLC, representing the brands A to Z, Erath, and REX HILL. "We have always believed that great wine should do more than delight the senses it can be a driver for change in the world around us. With our B Corp certification, we are now celebrating and honoring that belief amongst like-minded companies." The commitment to stewardship is woven into everything Erath does, from the soil it nurtures to the communities it supports. Both of Erath's estate vineyards, Willakia and Knight's Gambit, are LIVE Certified, upholding sustainable farming standards to ensure the vineyards thrive for generations. Erath's purpose extends far beyond the vineyard. The winery actively supports community and industry initiatives: Salud! : Erath is a founding winery in support of Salud!, a cause dedicated to providing healthcare to vineyard workers and their families. Erath has continued to support annually since 1991 through sponsorship, often participating in the 'vintner's circle' by creating and donating a specially labeled wine to raise additional funds. : Erath is a founding winery in support of Salud!, a cause dedicated to providing healthcare to vineyard workers and their families. Erath has continued to support annually since 1991 through sponsorship, often participating in the 'vintner's circle' by creating and donating a specially labeled wine to raise additional funds. Industry Empowerment: Through sponsorships like Women in Wine , Erath champions diversity and empowerment within the wine industry. , Erath champions diversity and empowerment within the wine industry. Local Support: In-store campaigns raise funds for local culinary organizations, helping nourish local communities. Environmental Action: During Oregon Wine Month, Erath's partnership with One Tree Planted helps reforest the planet, one tree at a time. "Being a Certified B Corporation means Erath meets B Lab's rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability. As a B Corp, we are part of a global movement of businesses that balance purpose and profit, striving to make the greatest measurable impact possible for our employees, our community, and the planet," said Prosenjak. Erath's Head Winemaker Leah Adint agreed, adding, "Erath strives to continue stewarding the land and community that has supported its passion and pioneering spirit for Pinot Noirconnection, craftsmanship, and intention. By living these principles, Erath aims to uphold the qualities that make Oregon Pinot Noir truly exceptional, while continuing to inspire moments of joy, discovery, and togetherness." About Erath Winery Founded in 1968, Erath Winery has played a major role in creating Oregon's wine industry and solidifying its reputation as a world-class wine region. Guided by a pioneering spirit and a deep respect for the Willamette Valley, Erath crafts classic Pinot Noirs and other wines that reflect the spirit of Oregon. Erath is committed to sustainability and community support, and, as of 2025, is a Certified B Corporation. About B Corporation Certified B Corporation (B Corp) certification is a prestigious global designation for businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability. Administered by the nonprofit B Lab , this certification evaluates a company's entire operations across key pillars such as governance, workers, and environmental stewardship. Press Contact: Eva Grace Colangelo & Partners [email protected] SOURCE Erath Winery IRONDALE, Ala., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EWTN Global Catholic Network announced its partnership with Bernadette, The Musical, the inspiring stage play telling the extraordinary story of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. After a successful run across Europe, the musical makes its U.S. premiere at The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture in Chicago beginning Feb. 19 through March 15, with preview performances Feb. 12-18. Courtesy of Bernadette, The Musical Ahead of the musical's U.S. premiere, EWTN Studios, in partnership with Castletown Media, released an exclusive four-part series, Bernadette, the Musical: Miracle in the Making, telling the behind-the-scenes story of how the original French production was adapted for U.S. audiences. The musical is a heartfelt rendition of the life of Bernadette Soubirous, the humble 14-year-old girl whose visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858 sparked both skepticism and enduring hope and who continues today to inspire millions of people to travel each year to Lourdes, France, seeking miracles. Bernadette, the Musical: Miracle in the Making takes viewers through performer auditions, rehearsals and spiritual reflections that aimed to help the cast capture the true story of St. Bernadette. The series offers a unique look at how the European production was re-imagined, adapted, and staged before the U.S. premiere including the creative choices, artistic collaboration, translation decisions, and the production's thematic resonance. "Being part of a project like Bernadette, the Musical allows us to bridge the profound beauty of live theatrical expression with the boundless reach of digital storytelling. It's a reminder that art in all its forms physical and digital connects humanity through story, wonder and shared experience," said Peter Gagnon, President of EWTN Studios. Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor and producer Kelsey Grammer, known for Frasier, Boss, Hank, and numerous Broadway credits, is among the lead producers of the U.S. production, bringing his creative vision and commitment to storytelling that inspires audiences of all backgrounds. "Our collaboration with EWTN Studios brings this extraordinary story to life for a global audience, opening access for those who are unable to attend in Chicago while honoring the musical's emotional and artistic integrity," noted Pierre Ferragu, lead producer of the musical. The musical's cast includes performers reprising roles from the original French production. The show has been seen by hundreds of thousands of audiences across Europe. The first episode of Bernadette, the Musical: Miracle in the Making made its debut on EWTN's streaming platform EWTN+ on Feb. 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and is now available on EWTN+, EWTN's YouTube channel and ewtn.com. The series broadcasts on the EWTN channel on cable and satellite March 3 through March 6 at 5:30 pm ET. About Bernadette, The Musical Bernadette, The Musical brings to life the courageous journey of Saint Bernadette Soubirous a young girl whose visions in Lourdes challenged doubt and ignited devotion across cultures. With a richly melodic score and compelling stagecraft, the musical blends historical depth with emotional storytelling to invite audiences into a timeless narrative of faith, resilience, and wonder. Performances run Feb. 19 through March 15 at Chicago's The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. About EWTN and EWTN+ In its 45th year, EWTN Global Catholic Network is the largest Catholic media organization in the world, offering television, radio, and digital media that share the Gospel and Catholic teaching to millions across more than 160 countries and territories. EWTN+ is an on-demand digital platform from EWTN that allows users to watch, listen, and pray with a vast library of EWTN content anytime, anywhere. EWTN+ is available free on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and at ewtn.com. Created in 2025, EWTN Studios is the global film and television division of EWTN Global Catholic Network. Building on EWTN's legacy of compelling faith-based media, EWTN Studios develops and produces original series, films, documentaries, and digital content for audiences worldwide SOURCE EWTN Global Catholic Network In the news release, FDA Approves FILKRI (filgrastim-laha), Accord BioPharma's Biosimilar to NEUPOGEN (filgrastim), issued 17-Feb-2026 by Accord BioPharma over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end: FILKRI completes Accord BioPharma's comprehensive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) portfolio alongside UDENYCA (pegfilgrastim-cbqv) RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Accord BioPharma, the U.S. specialty division of Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., focused on the development of oncology, immunology, and critical care therapies, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FILKRI (filgrastim-laha), a biosimilar to NEUPOGEN (filgrastim), for patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy; patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving induction or consolidation chemotherapy; patients with cancer undergoing bone marrow transplantation; patients with severe chronic neutropenia; and patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome).1 The approval of FILKRI marks the sixth product in Accord BioPharma's growing portfolio of FDA-approved biosimilars, following the company's acquisition last year of UDENYCA (pegfilgrastim-cbqv), a biosimilar to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim),2 as well as the seventh approved product in the overall portfolio. With the addition of FILKRI, Accord BioPharma now offers physicians in the U.S. a comprehensive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) portfolio with both long-acting (UDENYCA) and short-acting (FILKRI) biosimilar options to meet the needs of patients, providers, and practices.1,2 Accord has applied for and expects to receive a permanent Q-code from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which will standardize and facilitate the billing and reimbursement process across hospital outpatient, ambulatory surgery center, and physician office settings of care. Tackling Vital Healthcare Needs Neutropenia is a common and potentially serious complication of cancer treatment and occurs when white blood cells called neutrophilswhich serve as a major line of defense against bacterial and fungal infectionsfall below normal levels. This reduction increases a person's risk of developing an infection. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, or G-CSF, is a growth factor that stimulates the production and release of neutrophils in the body. By accelerating neutrophil recovery, G-CSF can help reduce the duration of neutropenia.3,4 FILKRI belongs to the G-CSF class and is a growth factor manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. FILKRI works by regulating the production of neutrophils within the bone marrow.1 "Cancer patients often face significant challenges with treatment-related neutropenia, which can lead to serious infections, treatment delays, and dose reductions that may compromise therapeutic outcomes," said Chrys Kokino, President, Accord North America. "With FILKRI alongside UDENYCA, the provider-preferred option over Neulasta and all other biosimilars,* we now offer healthcare providers a complete G-CSF portfolio with short- and long-acting biosimilar options. This positions Accord BioPharma as a committed partner in oncology supportive care, expanding access to high-quality biologics." Demonstrated Biosimilarity and Safety Profile FILKRI was approved based on two randomized studies in healthy adults, with pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) assessed in one study and safety and immunogenicity evaluated in both, compared with reference product NEUPOGEN. These studies demonstrated the biosimilarity in PD and PK parameters between FILKRI and NEUPOGEN and showed overall safety and immunogenicity similar to NEUPOGEN.5 FILKRI is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, such as filgrastim products or pegfilgrastim products.1 Expanding Access: Accord BioPharma's Biosimilar Vision Accord BioPharma believes deeply in the power of biosimilars to reshape the future of treatment. With the support of Intas, an established global leader with nearly five decades of experience, Accord BioPharma is transforming the conventional treatment landscape across several priority therapeutic areas by introducing biosimilars to the U.S. market. As part of this commitment, Accord BioPharma is rapidly expanding its U.S. portfolio with a strategic goal to launch 20 biosimilar products by 2030, solidifying its position as a reliable partner delivering more affordable, high-quality biologic alternatives. In addition to developing and marketing their own biosimilar products, the company is strategically collaborating with select partners around the world to bring more biosimilars to the U.S. market as swiftly as possible. "This approval of FILKRI demonstrates our steadfast dedication to expanding access to cost-effective biologic treatments in the critically important field of oncology," said Binish Chudgar, Chairman and Managing Director of Intas Pharmaceuticals. "We're proud to have one of the largest biosimilar pipelines within the industry. With Accord BioPharma, we're positioning ourselves as a dependable partner in the United Statesone that's deeply committed to understanding stakeholder priorities and revolutionizing patient access." Current Portfolio of Brands The company's current commercial portfolio includes the full UDENYCA franchise, including the UDENYCA prefilled syringe, autoinjector, and on-body injector, IMULDOSA (ustekinumab-srlf), a biosimilar to Stelara (ustekinumab), HERCESSI (trastuzumab-strf), a biosimilar to Herceptin (trastuzumab), and CAMCEVI (leuprolide) 42 mg injectable emulsion.6,7 Please refer to the Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information for these products, and to the Boxed Warning for HERCESSI. Accord BioPharma has received FDA approval on three additional products: CAMCEVI (leuprolide) ETM (every three months), OSVYRTI (denosumab-desu), a biosimilar to PROLIA (denosumab), and JUBEREQ (denosumab-desu), a biosimilar to XGEVA (denosumab).8,9 The company plans to announce the commercial launch of these products later this year. Please refer to the Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information for these products, and to the Boxed Warning for OSVYRTI. Contact: [email protected] IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FILKRI is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) such as filgrastim or pegfilgrastim products. Splenic Rupture: Splenic rupture, including fatal cases, has been reported following the administration of filgrastim products. Evaluate patients who report left upper abdominal or shoulder pain for an enlarged spleen or splenic rupture. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. Evaluate patients who develop fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress for ARDS. Discontinue FILKRI in patients with ARDS. Serious Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. The majority of reported events occurred upon initial exposure. Provide symptomatic treatment for allergic reactions. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in patients receiving filgrastim products can recur within days after the discontinuation of initial anti-allergic treatment. Permanently discontinue FILKRI in patients with serious allergic reactions. Sickle Cell Disorders: Severe and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients with sickle cell disorders receiving filgrastim products. Discontinue FILKRI if sickle cell crisis occurs. Glomerulonephritis: Has occurred in patients receiving filgrastim products. Diagnoses were based on azotemia, hematuria, proteinuria, and renal biopsy. Generally, events resolved after dose reduction or discontinuation of filgrastim products. If causality is likely, consider dose-reduction or interruption of FILKRI. Alveolar Hemorrhage and Hemoptysis: Alveolar hemorrhage, manifesting as pulmonary infiltrates and hemoptysis requiring hospitalization, have been reported in FILKRI-treated healthy donors undergoing peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection mobilization. Hemoptysis resolved with discontinuation of filgrastim products. The use of FILKRI for PBPC mobilization in healthy donors is not an approved indication. Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS): CLS has been reported after G-CSF administration, including filgrastim products and is characterized by hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hemoconcentration. Episodes vary in frequency, severity, and may be life-threatening if treatment is delayed. Patients with symptoms should be closely monitored and receive appropriate treatment. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN ): Confirm the diagnosis of SCN before initiating FILKRI therapy. MDS and AML have been reported to occur in the natural history of congenital neutropenia without cytokine therapy. Cytogenetic abnormalities, transformation to MDS, and AML have also been observed in patients treated with filgrastim products for SCN. Abnormal cytogenetics and MDS have been associated with the eventual development of myeloid leukemia. The effect of filgrastim products on the development of abnormal cytogenetics and the effect of continued filgrastim administration in patients with abnormal cytogenetics or MDS are unknown. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings. If a patient with SCN develops abnormal cytogenetics or myelodysplasia the risks and benefits of continuing FILKRI should be carefully considered. Patients with Breast and Lung Cancer : MDS and AML have been associated with the use of filgrastim products in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in patients with breast and lung cancer. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings. Thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. Monitor platelet counts. Leukocytosis: Patients with Cancer Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy : White blood cell counts 100,000/mm2 were observed in about 2% of patients who received filgrastim products at dosages above 5 mcg/kg/day. Discontinue FILKRI if the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) surpasses 10,000/mm2 after the chemotherapy-induced ANC nadir has occurred. Monitor CBCs at least twice weekly during therapy with FILKRI. Discontinuation of filgrastim therapy usually resulted in a 50% decrease in circulating neutrophils within 1 to 2 days with a return to pretreatment levels in 1 to 7 days. Cutaneous Vasculitis: Moderate or severe cases of cutaneous vasculitis has been reported in patients treated with filgrastim products. Most reports involved patients with SCN receiving long-term filgrastim therapy. Hold FILKRI therapy in patients with cutaneous vasculitis. FILKRI dose may be reduced when the symptoms resolve and the ANC has decreased. Potential Effect on Malignant Cells: FILKRI is a growth factor that primarily stimulates neutrophils. The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor through which FILKRI acts has also been found on tumor cell lines. The possibility that FILKRI acts as a growth factor for any tumor type cannot be excluded. The safety of filgrastim products in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and myelodysplasia has not been established. Simultaneous Use with Chemotherapy and Radiation Not Recommended: The safety and efficacy of FILKRI given simultaneously with cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation have not been established. Do not use FILKRI 24 hours before or after administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The safety and efficacy of FILKRI have not been evaluated in patients receiving concurrent radiation therapy. Avoid the simultaneous use of FILKRI with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Nuclear Imaging: Increased hematopoietic activity of the bone marrow has been associated with transient positive bone-imaging changes on nuclear imaging. Aortitis: Aortitis has been reported in patients receiving filgrastim products. It may occur as early as the first week after start of therapy. Manifestations may include generalized signs and symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and increased inflammatory markers (e.g., c-reactive protein and white blood cell count). Consider aortitis in patients who develop these signs and symptoms without known etiology. Discontinue FILKRI if aortitis is suspected. The most common adverse reactions in patients: with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs ( 5% difference in incidence compared to placebo) are pyrexia, pain, rash, cough, and dyspnea ( 5% difference in incidence compared to placebo) are pyrexia, pain, rash, cough, and dyspnea with AML ( 2% difference in incidence) are pain, epistaxis and rash ( 2% difference in incidence) are pain, epistaxis and rash with nonmyeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by BMT ( 5% difference in incidence) is rash ( 5% difference in incidence) is rash with severe chronic neutropenia (SCN) ( 5% difference in incidence) are pain, anemia, epistaxis, diarrhea, hypoesthesia and alopecia INDICATIONS FILKRI is a leukocyte growth factor indicated to: Decrease the incidence of infection as manifested by febrile neutropenia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a significant incidence of severe neutropenia with fever Reduce the time to neutrophil recovery and the duration of fever, following induction or consolidation chemotherapy treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Reduce the duration of neutropenia and neutropenia-related clinical sequelae e.g. febrile neutropenia, in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) Reduce the incidence and duration of sequelae of severe neutropenia (e.g. fever infections oropharyngeal ulcers) in symptomatic patients with congenital neutropenia cyclic neutropenia or idiopathic neutropenia Increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Accord BioPharma Inc at 1-866-941-7875 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. FILKRI is supplied as single-dose prefilled syringes for subcutaneous or intravenous use in 300 mcg/0.5 mL and 480 mcg/0.8 mL strengths. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information. About Accord BioPharma Accord BioPharma, Inc., the U.S. specialty division of Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., seeks to provide affordable, accessible, patient-centric therapies in oncology, immunology, and critical care. With a focus on improving the patient experience, Accord BioPharma goes beyond the biology of medicine to see disease from the patients' perspective and develop high-quality therapies that impact patients' lives. Accord BioPharma believes in the ability of biosimilars to increase access and options for patients and deliver savings to the U.S. healthcare system, and is striving to offer one of the deepest biosimilar portfolios in the industry. For more information, visit AccordBioPharma.com. *Based on cumulative average of prescriptions written from September 2025 - January 2026, according to IQVIA drug distribution data. References: FILKRI (filgrastim-laha) injection. Prescribing Information. Accord BioPharma. UDENYCA (pegfilgrastim-cbqv). Prescribing Information. Accord BioPharma. Simpson, P. Clinical Implications and Future Research of Neutrophils in Health and Disease. Immunome Research 2024;20(3): 1-2. Link, H. Current state and future opportunities in granulocyte colonystimulating factor (GCSF). Supportive Care in Cancer 2022;30:70677077. Accord BioPharma. Data on file. IMULDOSA (ustekinumab-srlf). Prescribing Information. Accord BioPharma. HERCESSI (trastuzumab-strf). Prescribing Information. Accord BioPharma. OSVYRTI (denosumab-desu). Prescribing Information. Accord BioPharma. JUBEREQ (denosumab-desu). Prescribing Information. Accord BioPharma. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Correction: An earlier version of this release had the incorrect link to the full Prescribing Information. SOURCE Accord BioPharma Names chief revenue officer and chief product and data officer; hires director of sales to deepen enterprise reach BOSTON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FINTRX, the leading private wealth intelligence platform for asset managers and other investment professionals, today announced the expansion of its leadership team with two senior promotions and a key sales hire. Chris Kiley, who joined FINTRX in 2017 as the firm's first salesperson, has been named chief revenue officer and now oversees the firm's entire go-to-market strategy, revenue operations, partnerships and commercial performance. He previously served as executive vice president of revenue. Dennis Caulfield, who joined in 2018, has been appointed chief product and data officer after serving as executive vice president of product operations. Additionally, the company has hired Patrick Bendon as director of sales, reporting to Kiley. Before FINTRX, Bendon spent more than a decade at PitchBook Data, most recently as senior director of business development. "Chris and Dennis have been instrumental in helping to build FINTRX into a global, AI-powered private wealth intelligence platform used by thousands of investment professionals to find new capital, expand distribution and grow their businesses," said Russ D'Argento, founder and CEO of FINTRX. "They understand our clients, data and technology, and their leadership will be critical as we continue investing in product and data innovation." D'Argento added, "Pat has more than a decade of experience leading business development in the private capital data space and understands how asset managers use data to drive distribution. His expertise will help us deepen enterprise relationships and open other new channels for our clients." As early employees, Kiley and Caulfield have helped shape the FINTRX platform, building the sales, product and data capabilities that underpin the company's growth. Kiley built the company's sales and go-to-market engine, defining its commercial strategy and architecting the teams, systems, and processes that enable scalable, long-term growth. Caulfield played a significant role in expanding FINTRX from a family officefocused product into a comprehensive private wealth intelligence solution. Bendon's business development experience spans alternative asset classes. He has served limited partners, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital firms, real estate investors and other allocators across equity, debt and alternative investment strategies. Bendon also serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Washington Tacoma. Founded in 2014, FINTRX has experienced rapid client and revenue growth and now provides access to data and intelligence on more than 4,000 family offices, over 40,000 RIA and broker-dealer firms, and more than 760,000 financial professionals. About FINTRX FINTRX is the leading private wealth intelligence platform, offering the industry's most expansive and up-to-date data on registered investment advisors, broker-dealers, wealth teams, family offices, endowments and foundations. Powered by industry-leading AI, FINTRX helps firms distribute funds, raise capital, recruit advisors, identify M&A targets, and drive strategic growth. For more information, visit fintrx.com. Media Contacts Newton Park PR Margaret Kirch Cohen [email protected] +1 847-507-2229 Kathy Panagopoulos [email protected] +1 773-710-7433 SOURCE FINTRX ISLAMABAD, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three policemen and three terrorists were killed during a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) operation in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the CTD said on Tuesday. The operation was conducted following intelligence reports about the presence of militants in Shangla district of the province, the CTD said in a statement. "The operation triggered off an intense exchange of fire in which the fatalities happened on both sides," the CTD said. Among those killed was a high-profile militant commander who had a bounty of 5 million Pakistani rupees (about 17,900 U.S. dollars) placed on his head by the provincial government, the statement added. The CTD said the group associated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan had been involved in previous attacks targeting Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. The country's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the fallen police officers and reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country. Heavy charred bourbon barrels give Black Reserve a rich and intense flavor, fitting of the big day celebrations JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Consider this year's St. Patrick's Day drinks sorted. Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, the third largest Irish Whiskey brand in the United States1, is coming in hot literally and figuratively with Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve Irish Whiskey. A blend of single malt and grain whiskey and aged for a minimum of four years in level 3 heavily charred bourbon barrels, Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve combines quality with approachability so both American and Irish Whiskey fans alike can enjoy sipping this one together. Courtesy of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey Originating at the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, this triple-distilled whiskey is a blend matured in both first and second-fill American Oak bourbon casks, which add robust depth and complexity to its signature smooth taste. Heavily charring the American Oak first-fill barrels intensifies the bold bourbon flavors with rich caramel, toasted wood, soft vanilla and sweeter characters. American White Oak has a tighter, harder grain, so the wood is fired to open that grain, which then gives big flavor to the whiskey during aging. The American Oak second-fill barrels offer more of the distinct Proper No. Twelve character and the natural flavors from the American Oak cask, contributing further notes of vanilla, toffee and spice. "We want Black Reserve to reinforce what Proper No. Twelve has been about from the start: expert craftsmanship, approachability and more than 400 years of whiskey production and blending expertise," said Lander Otegui, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Proximo Spirits. "The toasted wood and heartier caramel notes from the heavily charred barrels balanced by the gentle vanilla sweetness, is a great testament to that." Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve is fitting for a neat pour or to be sipped on the rocks, but try it in a Proper Black Honey Old Fashioned adding a bar spoon of honey to the classic recipe to accentuate the vanilla notes and complement the wood-derived sugars for something more Proper. Proper No. Twelve Black Reserve is on shelves and backbars now across the country for an average SRP of $32.99. Whether it's on St. Patrick's Day or any other day, do the proper thing and drink responsibly. 1Source: NelsenIQ Tabular Summary | Total US | Total US | All | Latest 52 Wks - w/e 01/10/26 About Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey is a premium Irish whiskey made for the bold and hard-working. A smooth blend of triple-distilled malt and grain whiskey, Proper No. Twelve is made at the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery and aged for four years in bourbon barrels, delivering a rich and approachable finish with notes of vanilla, honeyed sweetness, and toasted wood. Proper No. Twelve is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), with its Irish Apple varietal available at 35% ABV (70 proof). Original and Irish Apple retail for an SRP of $19.99 and are available across the U.S. and in select international markets. The brand remains committed to giving back, having donated over $5 million to first responder organizations worldwide in recognition of their service and sacrifice. For more information, visit www.properwhiskey.com and follow @ProperWhiskey. 2026 Eire Born Spirits, properwhiskey.com. Please drink responsibly. Press Contact: Marissa Sturm [email protected] SOURCE PROXIMO SPIRITS CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Firstrust Bank recently announced a strategic partnership with MortgageCountry, LLC to manage key mortgage production functions, positioning the Bank's mortgage business for long-term sustainability and growth. Through this partnership, MortgageCountry will oversee end-to-end mortgage originations and provide strategic leadership. Mortgage loans will continue to be originated and closed under the Firstrust name, and Firstrust mortgage loan officers will remain Bank employees. As part of the transition, all mortgage originations will shift to the MortgageCountry technology platform. "Residential mortgages are an important product for our customers and central to our mission of fostering home ownership," said Tim Abell, CEO and President of Firstrust Bank. "Partnering with MortgageCountry positions us to grow thoughtfully, manage risk more effectively in cyclical markets, and enhance the experience we deliver to our customers." MortgageCountry, led by Ira Brownstein, has demonstrated a customer centric model that aligns with Firstrust's culture. They have demonstrated strong production quality and good organic growth. Brownstein brings more than 20 years of industry expertise and founded MortgageCountry in 2020 with mortgage warehouse financing provided by Firstrust Bank. "We are proud and humbled to partner with Firstrust Bank to support its continued commitment to home ownership," said Ira Brownstein, Founder & President of MortgageCountry. "Our team understands both the operational demands of mortgage production and the regulatory expectations. Together, we will focus on efficiency, quality, delivering a seamless customer experience, and growth." The target date to begin booking loans under the new operating model is March 1. About Firstrust Bank: Founded in 1934, with assets over $5 billion, Firstrust Bank is the region's largest family-owned financial institution, one of the region's largest and strongest full-service commercial banks, and one of the most consistently top-performing banks in the Nation. Founded by Samuel A. Green, who began the business in his mother's kitchen in South Philadelphia, Firstrust is currently in its third generation of family management, operating as Philadelphia's Hometown Bank for more than 90 years. Firstrust offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. In commercial banking, Firstrust provides a wide variety of solutions, including commercial real estate finance, business banking, asset-backed lending, and deposit and treasury management services. Firstrust meets the needs of its consumer customers by offering a full range of deposit, lending, and residential mortgage products. Firstrust is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, is a Top Workplaces employer, the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles and serves its customers through 18 branch banking offices located in Southeastern PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Towson, MD. For more information, visit firstrust.com or call 800-220-BANK. Member FDIC. About MortgageCountry: MortgageCountry, LLC is a direct lender built to reduce the cost of a mortgage through forward-thinking technology and a re-engineered mortgage process. It is continuously reshaping the mortgage landscape by delivering superior products, meaningful savings, and an unparalleled customer experience. Launched in 2020, MortgageCountry has a fully distributed business model attracting the most talented associates without geographic limitations. MortgageCountry is committed to supporting local communities through its philosophy: What is important to you is important to us. MortgageCountry is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, with a strong local presence, and national reach with licenses in 41 states + Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.mortgagecountry.com. For additional licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. NMLS #1886361 and Equal Housing Lender. SOURCE Firstrust Bank Veteran communications regulator Geoffrey Starks brings deep regulatory and policy experience to the firm's Washington, D.C office. WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that Geoffrey Starks, a former Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has joined the firm's Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Connectivity, Privacy & Information Practice. Unanimously confirmed twice by the U.S. Senate, Starks served with distinction as Commissioner from 2019 to 2025, helping shape national telecommunications and media law and policy. Geoffrey Starks, Partner, Latham & Watkins During his tenure as FCC Commissioner, Starks oversaw proceedings and initiatives affecting virtually every aspect of the nation's communications arena, including telecommunications, broadband deployment and subsidy programs, spectrum allocation and policy, wireless and satellite licensing, privacy and data security, and artificial intelligence. Serving during multiple administrations, he brings deep, bipartisan experience working with other senior FCC leaders, legislators, Executive Branch agencies, and industry participants. Before his appointment as FCC Commissioner, Starks served as Assistant Chief of the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, where he oversaw critical enforcement matters. He previously served as Senior Counsel to the U.S. Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he received the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Service the highest honor award a DOJ employee can receive. "We are delighted to welcome Geoffrey to our outstanding team in Washington, D.C.," said Mandy Reeves, the firm's Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner. "As FCC Commissioner, he led enforcement efforts and oversaw critical initiatives across broadband, broadcasting, spectrum, and satellite services, and played a key role in public interest reviews of major telecom and media transactions giving him an unparalleled understanding of the regulatory landscape that will be invaluable to our clients." "Geoffrey is a key addition to our top-tier Communications practice," said Matthew Brill, Chair of the firm's Connectivity, Privacy & Information Practice. "Geoffrey's deep experience and strategic insight position him to deliver exceptional value to clients navigating the complex intersection of communications policy, transactions, and high-stakes disputes. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team." "I am excited to join Latham, a firm with a top-ranked communications practice and elite regulatory, transactional, and litigation capabilities that together create an ideal platform," said Starks. "Latham will enable me to translate my legal and policy experience into high-value client work particularly as regulatory uncertainty drives increased demand for sophisticated counsel. I look forward to working alongside talented colleagues, especially on matters where regulatory outcomes directly affect deal economics and investment decisions." Starks received his JD from Yale Law School and his BA, magna cum laude, from Harvard University. He clerked for Judge Duane Benton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. About Latham & Watkins (lw.com) Latham & Watkins is a leading global law firm that brings together exceptional legal talent in financial centers around the world to advise on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm's deep market and product knowledge, industry experience, vast scale, and commitment to innovation and excellence help clients navigate their most critical challenges and achieve their goals. Notes to Editors 1Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company. Contacts Mandy Reeves, Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner, +1.202.637.2183 Matthew Brill, Global Chair, Connectivity, Privacy & Information Practice, +1.202.637.1095 SOURCE Latham & Watkins LLP Issued on behalf of GoldHaven Resources Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- USANewsGroup.com News Commentary Gold is trading above US$5,000 per ounce in February 2026, holding at levels that would have seemed implausible a year ago. Fibonacci analysis now projects a base case of US$6,100, with Wells Fargo raising its forecast to US$6,100 to US$6,300 and JPMorgan targeting US$6,300[1]. The supply side of the equation is equally significant: S&P Global confirmed a 10 million metric tonne copper supply deficit by 2040, with demand projected to reach 42 million metric tonnes as AI infrastructure and defense spending accelerate faster than new mines can be permitted[2]. Against that backdrop, GoldHaven Resources (CSE: GOH), Orla Mining (TSX: OLA), Lundin Gold (TSX: LUG), TRX Gold (TSX: TRX), and Aya Gold & Silver (TSX: AYA) are advancing gold assets across the Americas, Africa, and Morocco. Gold's bull market has been building for over a year. Prices rose approximately 70% in 2025, the strongest annual performance since the 1970s, underpinned by central bank purchases of roughly 850 tonnes and Q4 2025 retail ETF inflows exceeding 280 tonnes[3]. Global gold demand exceeded 5,000 tonnes for the first time in history last year, lifting the total value of consumption to US$555 billion, a 45% increase year over year[4]. For producers, record gold prices are translating directly into expanded margins, increased dividends, and accelerated exploration budgets. For explorers, the math is straightforward: every confirmed ounce in the ground is worth significantly more today than it was twelve months ago. GoldHaven Resources (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) has confirmed gold mineralization in bedrock at its Copecal West Target in Brazil, with the first-ever drilling at the high-priority zone returning 39 meters at 0.11 g/t gold from 58 meters depth in unweathered rock. That interval, from hole COPE-PDH-008, included 3 meters grading 0.30 g/t gold and represents the first confirmation that the broad surface gold anomaly at Copecal is sourced from a mineralized system in fresh bedrock beneath a thick saprolite layer that had previously masked the geology below. All four holes drilled at the Western Target intersected anomalous gold. Hole COPE-PDH-006 returned 7 meters at 0.46 g/t gold, including 1 meter at 1.21 g/t. Hole COPE-PDH-007 cut 28 meters at 0.14 g/t gold with a 1-meter intercept grading 1.04 g/t. Hole COPE-PDH-005 hit 30 meters at 0.16 g/t gold from surface, including 22 meters at 0.20 g/t. The consistency of anomalous gold across all four holes validates the company's exploration model and provides a strong foundation for follow-up drilling designed to vector toward higher-grade zones at depth and along strike. "These latest drill results represent a major milestone for the Copecal Project," stated Robert Birmingham, CEO of GoldHaven. "For the first time, we have confirmed gold anomalism in fresh bedrock beneath the thick saprolite profile that previously masked the system. Importantly, these are the first holes ever drilled at the Western Target, and the results provide strong confidence that the robust surface geochemical anomaly is sourced from an underlying mineralized system." The Copecal Gold Project sits within the Alta Floresta Mineral Province, a Paleoproterozoic belt in Brazil's Juruena Gold Province where GoldHaven Resources holds 3,681 hectares. The region is recognized for hosting multiple gold and copper occurrences, and the company previously completed its inaugural diamond drilling program at Copecal's East Target, where nine holes totaling 1,085.7 meters discovered bornite, suggesting potential for a substantial gold-copper system. Beyond Brazil, GoldHaven Resources has confirmed anomalous tungsten mineralization at its Magno Property in British Columbia, where the 2025 surface program returned bonanza silver grades up to 2,370 grams per tonne and tungsten values reaching 6,550 ppm across multiple skarn zones. The company also confirmed high-grade copper at its Three Guardsmen Project, with surface sampling returning up to 15.85% copper. GoldHaven now controls 133,186 hectares across proven mining jurisdictions, with all projects supported by a comprehensive 43-101 Technical Report. CONTINUED Read this and more news for GoldHaven Resources at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/09/23/the-goldhaven-story-two-continents-one-strategy-systematic-exploration-in-historically-productive-districts/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Orla Mining (TSX: OLA) (NYSE: ORLA) has achieved record quarterly production in Q4 2025, propelling the company above the 300,000-ounce threshold for the first time in its history. The company produced 300,620 ounces of gold for the full year, exceeding revised annual guidance. The Musselwhite mine contributed 203,856 attributable ounces, surpassing the top end of its guidance range. "Thanks to the effort and dedication of our people across the business, we successfully exceeded our annual production guidance, delivering more than 300,000 ounces for the first time in our history," said Jason Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orla Mining. Looking ahead, the company has issued 2026 production guidance of 340,000 to 360,000 ounces of gold at all-in sustaining costs of $1,550 to $1,750 per ounce sold. Orla Mining also announced an inaugural quarterly dividend of US$0.015 per share, reflecting growing confidence in sustained cash flow generation. Lundin Gold (TSX: LUG) has provided 2026 production guidance of 475,000 to 525,000 ounces of gold from its Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador, with mill throughput increasing to 5,500 tonnes per day. Cash operating costs are projected at $900 to $960 per ounce, with all-in sustaining costs of $1,110 to $1,170 per ounce sold. "2026 marks an important step forward for Lundin Gold as we continue to unlock the full potential of Fruta del Norte and its extensions," said Jamie Beck, President and CEO of Lundin Gold. "With increased throughput to 5,500 tonnes per day, sustained free cash flow generation, and the largest exploration program in our history, we are positioning the Company for long-term growth." The company is launching an $85 million exploration campaign, its largest to date, with 133,000 metres of drilling planned for 2026. Lundin Gold will continue paying quarterly dividends of $0.30 per share alongside a variable dividend based on at least 50% of normalized free cash flow. TRX Gold (TSX: TRX) (NYSE American: TRX) has reported record first quarter 2026 results from its Buckreef Gold Mine in Tanzania, pouring 6,597 ounces of gold and selling 6,492 ounces at an average realized price of $3,860 per ounce. The quarter generated revenue of $25.1 million, gross profit of $14.2 million representing a 57% margin, and EBITDA of $13.2 million at a 53% margin. "In Q1, we once again delivered record results, in line with guidance shared last quarter, pouring a record 6,597 ounces of gold and selling 6,492 ounces of gold at an average realized price of $3,860 per ounce, generating revenue of $25.1 million," said Stephen Mullowney, CEO of TRX Gold. The company is advancing a processing plant expansion from 2,000 tonnes per day to over 3,000 tonnes per day, which is expected to boost annual production beyond 62,000 ounces based on a recent PEA. The ROM stockpile grew from 15,162 ounces of contained gold in August 2025 to 22,891 ounces post-Q1 2026. Aya Gold & Silver (TSX: AYA) has provided its 2026 outlook and strategic priorities, targeting production of 6.2 to 6.8 million silver-equivalent ounces across its operations in Morocco. The Zgounder mine is expected to produce 5.2 to 5.8 million ounces of silver at an average cash cost of $21.50 per ounce. Planned capital expenditures total $36 million with an additional $60 million allocated to exploration. "2025 was a pivotal year for Aya, marked by the successful completion of key milestones across production, development, and exploration, positioning the company to deliver record financial results," said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO of Aya Gold & Silver. The company is executing a 230,000-metre drilling program in 2026, including 200,000 metres at the Boumadine project for resource conversion. Aya Gold & Silver enters the year with a robust balance sheet and a supportive market environment for precious metals, focusing on disciplined execution to deliver strong margins and advance long-term value creation. Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/goh-profile/ CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUP [email protected] (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY"), who has been paid a fee for an advertising campaign. MIQ has not been paid a fee for GoldHaven Resources Corp. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns BAY. There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of GoldHaven Resources Corp. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by GoldHaven Resources Corp. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this document have been reviewed and approved by two Qualified Persons (QPs). The Copecal Technical Report identifies Jean-Marc Lopez, B.Sc., FAusIMM, as the Qualified Person responsible for the report. The report "GoldHaven Resources Completes Summer Exploration Programs" states that the technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, B.Sc. Hons, FAusIMM, an independent Qualified Person and Country Manager of GoldHaven. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. SOURCES: Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2838876/5801143/USA_News_Group_Logo.jpg MENASHA, Wis., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What makes Christian preschool so impactful for young children and their families? According to a HelloNation article , Vice Principal Jamie Marquardt of Zion Lutheran School in Kearney, Nebraska, offers clear insight into how faith-based learning shapes both hearts and minds during early childhood education. The piece explores how introducing God's Word and the love of Jesus Christ at an early age gives children a foundation that supports their social, emotional, and spiritual development throughout life. Mrs. Jamie Marquardt, Vice Principal Speed Speed In the article, Marquardt emphasizes that Christian Preschool is where faith and education meet at the very beginning of a child's journey. Children in early childhood education begin forming their first impressions of themselves, others, and the world around them. At Zion Lutheran School in Kearney, Nebraska, that process is guided by prayer, Scripture, and kindness. The school's learning environment connects academic lessons with spiritual purpose, making faith an integral part of each day. Faith-based learning at Zion Lutheran School teaches that every subject can include God's Word. Through songs, counting games, and stories about Jesus Christ, students grow in both understanding and confidence. Their teachers design activities that combine curiosity with purpose, showing that learning is not separate from faith but rather an expression of it. Every classroom moment reflects a belief that education is a blessing from God and that the Holy Spirit is present in every lesson. For Jamie Marquardt, this approach to Faith-Based Education supports Child Development in ways that go far beyond academics. Children learn to cooperate, share, and express patience while also experiencing what it means to love others as God teaches. These lessons in compassion and respect become part of their Social Development, forming habits that help them grow spiritually and emotionally as they mature. The children begin to see learning as a sacred journey in which every new skill or discovery draws them closer to the Word of God. The HelloNation article describes how this faith-driven approach to early childhood education is more than just classroom instructionit's a daily expression of living faith. At Zion Lutheran School, faith is not limited to chapel services but woven into each part of the day. Whether a child is listening to a Bible story, drawing a picture, or solving a simple problem, they are invited to see how the Holy Spirit guides their thoughts and actions. This perspective helps children build a relationship with God that is both personal and lasting. Christian Preschool also plays a vital role in the partnership between home and school. Families in Kearney, Nebraska, often share the same faith-based values as the school community, creating a sense of unity and trust. Teachers and parents work together to ensure consistency between classroom and home life, reinforcing lessons about kindness, gratitude, and prayer. This collaboration strengthens a child's Growth and Development and ensures that each student feels supported both academically and spiritually. Jamie Marquardt highlights how this partnership leads to deeper Spiritual Growth for young learners. Children learn to pray for their friends, give thanks for small blessings, and trust in God's guidance during daily routines. These experiences shape how they approach challenges, friendships, and problem solving. In time, they begin to understand that every decision and action can reflect their relationship with God. That understanding becomes an integral part of who they are, influencing how they think and behave throughout their lives. The article further explains that Christian Schools like Zion Lutheran are intentional about creating a learning environment that helps children grow spiritually and intellectually. Early exposure to faith-based learning builds confidence and resilience. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and see how God's Word applies to every subject. This process of discovery helps them develop a lifelong appreciation for how learning and faith can strengthen each other. Faith-Based Education at Zion Lutheran School continues to influence students even after they move beyond preschool. The values learned during these early yearskindness, respect, patience, and gratituderemain an integral part of their character. As children advance from elementary to middle school, they carry a sense of purpose rooted in faith. They see that problem solving is not only about logic but also about trust in God's guidance. This balanced view helps them face challenges with courage and compassion. Marquardt's perspective reflects a broader truth about Christian Schools across the nation: they aim to nurture both intellect and spirit. By combining rigorous academics with lessons grounded in the Word of God, they help children grow spiritually while preparing them for future success. The ability to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in daily life becomes a defining trait for students educated in such environments. Their Growth and Development are measured not only in grades or skills but in the strength of their faith and their capacity to love and serve others. Ultimately, the HelloNation article shows that Christian Preschool offers children more than early academic readiness it provides them a foundation for a meaningful life. Through a blend of prayer, play, and learning, children discover that faith and knowledge are deeply connected. They learn that growing in wisdom is also an act of growing in faith, and that every lesson is an opportunity to reflect the light of Jesus Christ. What Makes Christian Preschool So Impactful features insights from Jamie Marquardt, Education Expert and VicePrincipal of Zion Lutheran School in Kearney, Nebraska, in HelloNation. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation MUMBAI, India and LONDON and ISELIN, N.J, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), a global provider of IT services and solutions, today announced the launch of an open version of RapidX, featuring native integration with Replit, an AI platform that lets anyone turn natural-language descriptions into secure, production-ready enterprise software. This enables RapidX, Hexaware's agentic AI platform for software engineering, to help enterprises move faster from rapid prototyping to production-ready applications. By bringing RapidX and Replit together in a single pane, enterprises can validate ideas earlier, shorten decision cycles, and scale successful prototypes into enterprise-grade systems with stronger engineering discipline and governance while empowering non-technical knowledge workers to participate directly in the software creation process. This integrated approach supports both greenfield (new build) and brownfield (maintenance and modernization) programs, helping teams reduce delivery risk and improve time-to-value. To ensure successful delivery, Hexaware and Replit are also launching dedicated Replit squads. The launch also marks a significant expansion of the companies' strategic partnership, building on their earlier collaboration to bring AI deeper into enterprise software engineering. As part of this initiative, Hexaware has also established a dedicated Center of Excellence (CoE) for AI in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) at its Chennai facility to help clients and engineering teams adopt AI-assisted delivery at scale. Partnership Highlights Seamless prototype-to-production path: RapidX brings engineering rigor, architecture guidance, and modernization intelligence, while Replit provides the development environment to evolve prototypes into production-ready applications with continuity and control. RapidX brings engineering rigor, architecture guidance, and modernization intelligence, while Replit provides the development environment to evolve prototypes into production-ready applications with continuity and control. Faster application delivery: RapidX AI SMEs guide design, decomposition, and impact analysis, and Replit accelerates implementation and iteration, shortening the journey from idea to deployable software across new builds and modernization programs. RapidX AI SMEs guide design, decomposition, and impact analysis, and Replit accelerates implementation and iteration, shortening the journey from idea to deployable software across new builds and modernization programs. Enterprise-grade security and governance: RapidX provides enterprise engineering controls, standards, and traceability, while Replit offers a unified development environment, together supporting governed delivery in large-scale and regulated environments. RapidX provides enterprise engineering controls, standards, and traceability, while Replit offers a unified development environment, together supporting governed delivery in large-scale and regulated environments. Center of Excellence for AI: The CoE serves as a global hub for RapidX-powered delivery, applied research, and client collaboration, and hands-on enablement of Hexaware's engineering teams in agentic development practices. Early engagements using the Replit and RapidX integration have already demonstrated impact across scenarios such as pharmaceutical commerce platform simulations, enterprise requirements clarification using natural language workflows, accelerated prototyping to reduce decision cycles, and high-fidelity screen generation to preserve design consistency. Looking ahead, Hexaware and Replit will continue to broaden this collaboration by scaling AI-driven SDLC. "We started Replit to enable billions to make any application they want without knowing how to code, from school projects to enterprise-ready offerings, even inside complex enterprises, by enabling non-technical knowledge workers to build productionready applications using natural language," said Amjad Masad, Founder & CEO, Replit. "With Hexaware and RapidX, teams are using Replit to prototype faster, validate requirements earlier, and move from concept to production with more confidence across both new builds and modernization in a secure environment." "RapidX represents the next generation of AI-assisted software engineering and integrating it with Replit strengthens how enterprises move from prototype to production," said Luis Hector Chavez, Chief Technology Officer, Replit. "Working with Hexaware, we are giving customers a unified platform to build, modernize, and operate software at scale." "At Hexaware, we are building an ecosystem of leading technology partners to help our clients get tangible business outcomes from AI," said R. Srikrishna, CEO & Executive Director, Hexaware. "Expanding our partnership with Replit brings together complementary strengths to help customers deliver software more predictably and with greater impact." Sanjay Salunkhe, President & Global Head Digital and Software Services, Hexaware, added, "This partnership strengthens how we bring AI into real enterprise software delivery with security and governance built in. By combining RapidX with Replit, we are helping clients shorten delivery cycles, reduce rework through early validation, and improve predictability across large-scale programs." About Replit Replit is the agentic software creation platform that enables anyone to build production-ready enterprise applications using natural language. With millions of users and over 500,000 business users globally, Replit is democratizing software development for both technical and non-technical users. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. Learn more at https://replit.com About Hexaware Technologies Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://hexaware.com/. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2237417/5655914/Hexaware_NEW_Logo.jpg SOURCE Hexaware Technologies Ltd. Sustainability Partners delivers MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy trams plus charging and monitoring infrastructure to support low-emission airport mobility CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainability Partners, a public benefit company that helps public entities fund, deploy and maintain sustainable infrastructure through as-a-service delivery models, has delivered three Moto Electric transit trams with trailers (MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy) for the Wiki Wiki Shuttle service at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), in collaboration with the State of Hawai'i fleet electrification contract. Wiki Wiki Shuttle's new electric trams, which will transport domestic travelers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, support the airports on-site passenger movement and advance Hawai'i's transition to lower-emission ground transportation. The Wiki Wiki Shuttle at HNL is the airport's free intra-airport shuttle that moves passengers between terminals and concourses. The new electric trams, which will transport domestic travelers, support the airport's on-site passenger movement and advance the State's transition to lower-emission ground transportation. The project was delivered through Sustainability Partners' Electric Vehicles as a Service (EVaaS) offering, an as-a-service approach that helps public entities adopt electric vehicles by addressing common barriers such as vehicle procurement, customization, and charging infrastructure coordination. Through EVaaS, Sustainability Partners supports agencies with programmatic delivery and long-term maintenance to help fleet electrification efforts scale over time. "The Wiki Wiki Shuttle is a vital part of daily operations, connecting passengers comfortably between terminals and concourses," said Hawai'i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. "Adding these low-cost electric trams improves the airport experience, removing the noise and odor of our old transports and increasing energy efficiency." The new Wiki Wiki electric fleet includes: Three MotoEV Electro Transit Buddy electric trams with trailers upfitted for airport shuttle use with ADA capabilities Trams assembled in the United States with American-made components Coordinated charging infrastructure to support daily service requirements Technology-ready monitoring capabilities, including camera and GPS, to support fleet visibility and safety Through its EVaaS model, Sustainability Partners supports public agencies by facilitating vehicles, infrastructure, ongoing care, and preventative maintenance. "These new electric trams help modernize the Wiki Wiki Shuttle while supporting Hawai'i's broader transition to lower-emission transportation. By combining vehicle delivery, charging coordination, and ongoing support through our Electric Vehicles as a Service model, we help public agencies reduce complexity and scale electrification with confidence," said Arnold Albiar, Sustainability Partners' Managing Partner of Hawai'i. About Sustainability Partners Sustainability Partners is a Public Benefit Company that facilitates funding, deployment, and ongoing care of essential infrastructure to help states, municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals meet their needs. Sustainability Partners can help solve any combination of funding, design, engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance of essential infrastructure with no upfront costs. Like a utility, Sustainability Partners charges a monthly usage fee based on a month-to-month agreement. Its goal is to establish long-term relationships with its customers and ensure their infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and improving forever. Learn more about Sustainability Partners . SOURCE Sustainability Partners MIDDLE VILLAGE, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The article outlines why liability coverage matters more in New York City due to property values, personal assets, and legal risk. Do New York City residents really need umbrella insurance? A HelloNation article with insights from Insurance Expert Kevin Spann of Middle Village, NY, provides the answer by exploring why this type of liability coverage may be especially relevant for individuals living in densely populated and high-value urban environments like New York City. Kevin Spann - Allstate Insurance Agent The HelloNation article explains how umbrella insurance offers an additional layer of liability protection beyond standard auto or homeowners policies. This extra coverage can help shield personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or claim that exceeds the limits of basic insurance. The article emphasizes that while not legally required, umbrella insurance is often a smart choice in areas where accident risks and property values are high. New York City's dense population, constant traffic, and tightly packed neighborhoods contribute to a greater chance of accidents and liability claims. The article notes that standard insurance policies may not provide enough financial protection in such a setting. Umbrella insurance steps in where those policies stop, offering extended liability coverage to help cover costs such as legal fees, settlements, or judgments. According to the article, property values in New York City further raise the stakes. Because real estate in the city often holds substantial value, even minor incidents involving damage or injury can result in claims that surpass standard insurance limits. The article describes how umbrella policies provide a financial safeguard that helps residents avoid out-of-pocket expenses when faced with larger claims. The article also outlines scenarios in which umbrella insurance may be especially important. People with personal assets such as savings, investments, or income-generating property are often more vulnerable to lawsuits. The HelloNation article explains that an umbrella policy can protect these assets from being compromised due to legal action. The coverage also applies across various situations, including accidents on rental properties, incidents involving guests, or property damage occurring during personal activities. The article highlights how umbrella insurance offers flexible and broad protection. It is not limited to homeowners or drivers. Renters, landlords, and individuals who host social events or participate in community activities may all face liability risks. The article emphasizes that this type of coverage helps ensure that liability exposure does not lead to severe financial consequences, especially in a high-risk environment like New York City. In terms of cost, the HelloNation article explains that umbrella insurance is generally affordable when compared to the amount of protection it offers. Policies are often structured in $1 million increments, and premiums are typically modest, particularly when bundled with existing policies. This makes umbrella insurance an accessible option for those who want to safeguard their finances and mitigate legal exposure. The article advises New York City residents to assess their personal risk factors, including the value of their personal assets and property, as well as their lifestyle. For example, homeowners with expensive real estate, multi-vehicle households, or those active in public or social spaces may benefit the most. The article concludes that umbrella insurance plays a vital role in closing coverage gaps that could otherwise leave residents financially vulnerable. The article, Do NYC Residents Really Need Umbrella Insurance? , features insights from Kevin Spann, Insurance Expert of Middle Village, NY, in HelloNation. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation NEWTOWN, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws involving Brown & Brown, Inc. ("Brown & Brown") (NYSE: BRO), resulting from allegations of providing potentially misleading business information to the investing public. If you are a Brown & Brown investor who suffered a loss and would like to learn more, you can provide your information HERE. You can also contact attorney Eric Lechtzin by calling 844-563-5550, ext. 1, or via email at [email protected]. THE COMPANY: Brown & Brown, Inc. is a global insurance brokerage providing risk management and insurance services. THE ALLEGED WRONGDOING: Brown & Brown's fourth-quarter 2025 results, released on January 26, 2026, showed a 2.8% decline in organic revenue, which the company mainly attributed to reduced flood claims processing activity. On the earnings call the next day, executives added that 275 former employees had departed for a competitor, taking clients responsible for about $23 million in annual revenue. On this news, Brown & Brown's stock price fell $5.50 per share, or 6.91%, to close at $74.12 per share on January 27, 2026. ABOUT EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP: Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving securities and investment fraud, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation alleging violations of the federal antitrust laws, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices. For more information, please contact: Eric Lechtzin, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 or 215-867-2399 ext. 1 Email: [email protected] Web: www.edelson-law.com This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so 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. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP Collaboration advances next-generation, human-relevant research tools to accelerate the development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jackson LaboratoryNew York Stem Cell Foundation Collaborative (JAX-NYSCF) today announced a five-year strategic research collaboration with GSK focused on advancing human cellular models of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease. The collaboration reflects a strategic focus that brings together human stem cell research, advanced data science tools, and large-scale research systems to help close a long-standing gap between scientific discovery and the development of new medicines. The goal is to generate disease-relevant cellular models that enable the scientific community to interrogate the underlying human biology of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and accelerate the translation of those insights into potential therapies. "This collaboration is a concrete example of where early-stage biomedical research is heading," said Lon Cardon, president and CEO of JAX, which recently expanded its discovery platform with the acquisition of NYSCF. "Now we have the opportunity to extend those discoveries and accelerate therapies to patientsby bridging traditional disease models with next-generation patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models that more accurately capture the complexity of human biology at scale." Building More Predictive Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases By integrating GSK's deep knowledge of neurodegeneration, translational science and drug discovery with JAX-NYSCF's pioneering stem cell technology and expertise, access to relevant patient cohorts, and automation platform, the partners aim to build more predictive models of neurodegenerative diseases for identifying and prioritizing promising drug candidates. "Establishing a translational biology and scientific discovery collaboration with JAX-NYSCF complements the work we are doing at GSK on cellular models of disease, and offers the potential to yield new insights that may help accelerate therapeutic discovery for devastating neurodegenerative diseases, building on our established expertise in immunology and inflammation," said Chris Austin, senior vice president and global head of Research Technologies at GSK. "By working together with JAX-NYSCF, we have an opportunity to develop more predictive models and ultimately, to use that better understanding to develop potential new medicines and determine which patients are most likely to benefit from new therapies." About The Jackson Laboratory The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center. JAX leverages a unique combination of research, education, and resources to achieve its bold mission: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Established in Bar Harbor, Maine in 1929, JAX is a global organization with nearly 3,000 employees worldwide and campuses and facilities in Maine, Connecticut, New York, California, Florida, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.jax.org. SOURCE The Jackson Laboratory-New York Stem Cell Foundation Collaborative COLOMBO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will provide 2,500 urban housing units to low-income and permanently homeless families in 2026 in Colombo, local media reported on Tuesday, quoting Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara. Gunasekara said three housing schemes are scheduled to be handed over this year, and authorities plan to deliver 7,000 new urban housing units in Colombo over the next two years. He said residents tend to act more responsibly when they are given adequate facilities, the report added. In total, the Sri Lankan government plans to construct 31,218 houses across various provinces under its 2026 national housing program, which has a key focus on houses for low-income families. PITTSBURGH, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today that they will attend the Loop Capital Conference in New York City. Details of the conference are as follows: When: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Attendees: Michael Pici, Vice President, Investor Relations John Witt, Vice President Finance & Corporate Controller About Kennametal With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,100 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated nearly $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2025. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. SOURCE Kennametal Inc. Krisp raises the bar in the AI note-taking market by going beyond transcription and summaries. While most tools document meetings after they happen, Krisp improves how conversations sound in real time through noise cancellation and accent conversion, helping businesses get far more value than a traditional note taker can provide. BERKELEY, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Krisp is a voice AI company known for pioneering Voice AI solutions, and Krisp AI Note Taker extends a voice-first approach into meeting documentation. Krisp has been recognized by TIME magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2020 , included in the Forbes AI 50 and Forbes Cloud 100 Rising Stars , and won Webby Awards for its innovative use of AI in audio technology. Instead of treating audio as a fixed input, Krisp focuses on making speech clearer and easier to understand in real time through Noise Cancellation and Accent Conversion. This matters because meeting notes are only as dependable as what the AI can hear and comprehend. By reducing background noise and normalizing accents for better clarity, Krisp helps ensure that spoken ideas are captured as intended. Teams spend less time rewatching recordings, correcting misunderstandings, or repeating decisions, and more time acting on what was agreed. To date, Krisp AI Note Taker has transcribed more than 130 million calls, reflecting the scale at which these conversations are captured and understood. Krisp AI Note Taker Key Features AI-generated notes with accurate and real-time transcripts, summaries, and action items that teams can trust and act on with accurate and real-time transcripts, summaries, and action items that teams can trust and act on Bot-free, natural meeting experience with meetings captured without bots or disruption with meetings captured without bots or disruption Seamless workflow integration with conferencing apps, CRMs, and project management tools for easy adoption with conferencing apps, CRMs, and project management tools for easy adoption Enterprise-grade security and compliance supporting established standards to keep data protected and compliance supporting established standards to keep data protected Background noise removal powered by award-winning noise cancellation for clearer speech and more reliable meeting outputs powered by award-winning noise cancellation for clearer speech and more reliable meeting outputs Accent conversion that clarifies diverse accents in real time, helping teams understand each other and produce more accurate meeting notes "Building voice AI at Krisp has shown us how closely the quality of meeting notes is tied to the quality of what is heard in the moment. When conversations are affected by noise or unclear audio, teams lose time revisiting recordings, correcting notes, or re-aligning on decisions. This is not a problem that starts after the meeting. It starts during the meeting. By improving how conversations sound in real time, Krisp enables more accurate transcripts, summaries, and action items, so teams can trust their notes and focus on execution instead of reconstruction", said Arto Minasyan, Co-founder and President of Krisp. About Krisp Krisp is an AI note taker designed to produce more accurate meeting notes by improving speech clarity in real time. Using voice AI to reduce noise and normalize accents, Krisp delivers more reliable transcripts, summaries, and action items than traditional note-taking tools. Krisp AI Note Taker is already offering its top-notch Voice AI product to companies such as Discord, Sony, GitHub, VMware etc. Media Contact Press Team [email protected] SOURCE Krisp Visitors to LG's booth will encounter the expanded LG SIGNATURE portfolio of premium lifestyle solutions. Tailored to the evolving North American housing trends, the latest lineup combines technological innovation with refined design to reinterpret modern living. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, LG SIGNATURE offers an extended kitchen lineup covering 10 product categories. The brand's sleek solutions represent the perfect balance of form and function, combining refined design and strong performance with convenient AI features to further enhance and enrich the user experience. LG SIGNATURE presents three distinct design collections Iconic, Tailored and Seamless each reflecting regional lifestyle preferences and interior trends while expressing the brand's refined minimal design identity. The Iconic Collection echoes the eye-catching color palettes popular in luxury condominiums, the Tailored Collection offers customization options including materials and finishes, and the Seamless Collection developed in collaboration with Italian luxury living brand Poliform delivers a subtle yet elegant aesthetic that seamlessly blends in with a diverse range of interior styles. SKS Expands the High-end Living Experience from Kitchen to Laundry At KBIS 2026, LG introduces the ultra-premium SKS brand's first laundry solution alongside its latest kitchen lineup. Built on the pillars of precision, ingenuity and passion, SKS continues to expand its portfolio towards a Technicurean whole-home living environment. The new 29-inch SKS WashCombo and SKS Dryer incorporate advanced AI-driven fabric-care technologies and can be paired to create a fully integrated, efficient laundry environment. Highlights of the SKS kitchen lineup include the much-anticipated 36-inch Integrated Column Freezer and Column Refrigerator, which automatically optimize cooling and ice production based on usage patterns. The innovative SKS Hidden Induction Island System delivers a clean, seamless appearance and intuitive usability with an invisible induction cooktop and downdraft hood. The all-new 36-inch Full-Flex induction cooktop with two extended cooking zones that support oversized cookware up to 12.6 inches is also on display. LG is hosting live cooking shows at its booth, allowing visitors to experience the intelligent features and cooking precision of the latest SKS kitchen appliances. LG's Core Tech and AI Platform Maximize Reliability and Convenience The premium appliances on show at KBIS owe their powerful performance and impressive durability to the company's highly efficient Core Tech component technologies. LG's laundry solutions incorporate proprietary Dual Inverter Heat Pump technology and Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive (AI DD) motor, while the Zero Clearance hinge in LG's Fit & Max refrigerators enables flexible installation and a flush-to-the-wall fit. LG also demonstrates how its AI Home upgrades daily living via the smooth integration of AI appliances and the ThinQ AI platform, which encompasses the ThinQ ON AI Home hub, and the ThinQ UP and ThinQ Care services. Supported by LG Shield cybersecurity system, LG's AI Home helps safeguard personal data and sensitive information while enabling personalized comfort and convenience. Broadening Builder-Focused Solutions in North America Targeting the North American builder market, LG introduces appliance packages designed for residential developments, including compact kitchen and laundry solutions as well as double-configured Styler packages. Visitors can also explore LG ThinQ Pro, a space management platform for B2B customers that enables integrated system operation through simple QR-based setup and centralized monitoring. "We are redefining the home experience across luxury, premium and mainstream segments by combining design sophistication, AI intelligence and seamless platform integration," said Steve Baek, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. "With a complete built-in appliance portfolio and differentiated builder offerings, we will continue to strengthen our leadership in the North American B2B appliance market." LG welcomes KBIS 2026 attendees to experience its latest premium home solutions firsthand at the LG booth (#W2100, Orange County Convention Center). About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers' quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG's Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905035/LGE_KBIS2026_1__main.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905036/LGE_KBIS2026_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905037/LGE_KBIS2026_3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905038/LGE_KBIS2026_4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905039/LGE_KBIS2026_5.jpg NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Maesa, the next-gen beauty incubator, continues its fragrance expansion with Scents Unearth'd, a brand that invites you to discover off-the-beaten path scent stories that celebrate people, cultures, and ingredients from around the world. Now available exclusively at Target stores nationwide and Target.com. Scents Unearth'd EDP Collection "Scents Unearth'd represents a new way of thinking about fragrance at mass one that honors culture, curiosity, and thoughtful expression," says Nadia Khan, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing for Maesa. "From the beginning, our goal was to build a brand that feels intentional and differentiated, while remaining accessible. Launching Scents Unearth'd allows us to expand our fragrance portfolio to a brand rooted in the art of authentic storytelling that is celebratory and elevated." "This brand was born from a deep desire to see my own cultures represented in the fragrance category. We wanted to fill an unmet consumer need & want for more connection to heritage through scent. Each fragrance is an homage and olfactive expression of the communities, people, ingredients that make a culture come to life," says Shana Finkelstein Turano, Vice President Brand Incubation & Product Innovation. The Scents Unearth'd assortment invites you to explore five fragrances, each telling a scent story that reflects the beautiful heritage or history of a place, crafted with ingredients that reflect the soul of each location. The scents are offered as both an Eau de Parfum (MSRP $34.99) and Perfume & Air Mist (MSRP $16.99), along with a Scent Discovery Set (MSRP $24.99). Behind every scent is a story to be Unearth'd: Vanilla Crown Story Source: Papantla, Mexico Scent Notes: Vanilla Orchid, Vanilla Absolute, Cardamom Oil Floradise Story Source: Medellin, Colombia Scent Notes: Passionfruit, Rose Nectar, Coffee Extract Oro Tonka Story Source: The Amazon Scent Notes: Tonka Bean Absolute, Golden Amber, Cocoa Woods Royal Milk Story Source: Egypt Scent Notes: Almond Milk, Blue Chamomile Oil, Vanilla Honey Jasmine Candy Story Source: Madurai, India Scent Notes: Candied Bergamot, Jasmine Absolute, Sandalwood Creme For more information about Scents Unearth'd, visit @scentsunearthd on Instagram and TikTok. About Maesa The next gen beauty company, Maesa is transforming the industry by incubating and growing meaningful, innovative brands and making prestige beauty accessible. Maesa believes beauty ignites inspiration, creativity, imagination, and connection, sparking new ideas and possibilities, and meeting unmet consumer needs. Through best-in-class design, formulation, brand creation sand marketing capabilities, Maesa delivers new, better and different products with an unsurpassed speed to market. Maesa works with a variety of retailers to create and launch brands across beauty and wellness categories. The current portfolio includes Kristin Ess, Fine'ry, Being Frenshe, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight, MIX:BAR, and Niches & Nooks among other brands. For more information, visit www.maesa.com. SOURCE Scents Unearth'd Newly FDA-cleared system helps expand patient access to minimally invasive surgery Cleveland Clinic joins nationally recognized academic medical centers including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center as first hospitals in the U.S. to install Hugo RAS system GALWAY, Ireland, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic today announced that the first U.S. commercial surgical case using its recently FDA-cleared Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system has been successfully performed by Jihad Kaouk, MD, professor and chair of the Glickman Urologic Institute and the Zegarac-Pollock Endowed Chair in Robotic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Kaouk successfully completed a robotic-assisted prostatectomy, and the patient was discharged the day after surgery. Dr. Jihad Kaouk, professor and chair of the Glickman Urologic Institute and the Zegarac-Pollock Endowed Chair in Robotic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic, was the first surgeon in the United States to perform a commercial surgical procedure using the Hugo RAS system, following the systems FDA clearance for urologic surgical procedures in December 2025. Credit: Cleveland Clinic "This case exemplifies Cleveland Clinic's mission to lead surgical innovation and expand access to minimally invasive surgery," said Dr. Kaouk. "The new technology allows us to customize the approach for each patient case." Urology has led the way in adoption of robotic technology, with about 80% of urologic abdominal surgeries in the U.S. today conducted with the assistance of a robotic system. This high adoption rate has created a community of surgeons highly experienced in robotic-assisted procedures available to support training as new technology like the Hugo RAS system becomes available, which is important as robotic-assisted approaches are increasingly common across many specialties and hospitals are looking for solutions to address capacity challenges. The Hugo RAS system's mobile footprint with modular arms may help address operating room scheduling challenges and infrastructure limitations, enabling more patients access to the well-documented benefits of minimally invasive care including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, decreased recovery time, and less postoperative pain.,1-3 Cleveland Clinic actively researches and implements new robotic approaches. Their team, led by Dr. Kaouk as the Principal Investigator, was part of the Expand URO Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study the largest ever completed for multi-port robotic-assisted urological surgery in the U.S. Expand URO demonstrated that the Hugo RAS system met primary safety and effectiveness endpoints in urologic surgical procedures, with outcomes that are consistent with published literature. "We are excited that the first commercial case in the U.S. using the Hugo RAS system has been successfully completed by Dr. Kaouk and his team. Their pioneering spirit and collaboration reflect our shared vision that with new technology, like Hugo, more patients can access the benefits of minimally invasive surgery," said Rajit Kamal, vice president and general manager of Robotic Surgical Technologies within the Surgical business of Medtronic. "The future of surgery isn't about robotics as a separate modality, it's about technology that enables surgical teams to deliver the best possible care for every patient. Medtronic is uniquely positioned to do that as the only company in the world that can partner with surgeons and hospitals across open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery." In addition to Cleveland Clinic, Duke University Hospital and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center are among the first hospitals in the U.S. to install the Hugo RAS system. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center is the first hospital in the country to install the Hugo RAS system that was not part of the IDE clinical study. The Hugo RAS system represents an advancement in surgical robotics in the U.S., offering surgeons a flexible, accessible alternative that prioritizes choice, collaboration, and efficiency in the operating room. The Hugo RAS system is available for use in more than 35 countries around the world. The introduction of the Hugo RAS system in the U.S. builds on Medtronic's broad surgical offering, including the Touch Surgery ecosystem, to deliver a connected, integrated operating room today and in the future. The company plans to follow its initial urology indication for the Hugo RAS system with indication expansion into gynecologic and general surgery procedures, including hernia repair. For more information, visit medtronic.com/hugoishere. Compared to open surgery. Fitch K, Engel T, Bochner A. Cost differences between open and minimally invasive surgery. Managed Care. 2015;24(9):4048. Tiwari MM, Reynoso JF, High R, Tsang AW, Oleynikov D. Safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of common laparoscopic procedures. Surg Endosc. 2011;25(4):1127-1135. Roumm AR, Pizzi L, Goldfarb NI, Cohn H. Minimally invasive: minimally reimbursed? An examination of six laparoscopic surgical procedures. Surg Innov. 2005;12(3):261287. About Medtronic Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow on LinkedIn. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Contacts: Gary Jeanfaivre Public Relations +1-203-556-0777 Ingrid Goldberg Investor Relations 1-763-505-2696 SOURCE Medtronic plc Cardiovascular portfolio up 11% year-over-year; Cardiac Ablation Solutions grew 80% on strength of pulsed field ablation portfolio GALWAY, Ireland, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced financial results for its third quarter (Q3) of fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which ended January 23, 2026. Q3 Key Highlights View PDF Medtronic reports strong third quarter fiscal 2026 results with highest enterprise revenue growth in 10 quarters View PDF Medtronic reports strong third quarter fiscal 2026 results with highest enterprise revenue growth in 10 quarters Medtronic reports strong third quarter fiscal 2026 results with highest enterprise revenue growth in 10 quarters Revenue of $9.0 billion, increased 8.7% as reported and 6.0% organic, 50 basis points ahead of Q3 guidance GAAP diluted EPS of $0.89; non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.36, three cents ahead of Q3 guidance mid-point Company reiterates FY26 organic revenue growth and EPS guidance Cardiac Ablation Solutions revenue increased 80%, including 137% in the U.S., on strength of pulsed field ablation (PFA) portfolio Secured CE Mark for Sphere-360 and initiated U.S. pivotal trial Secured U.S. FDA clearance for Hugo robotic-assisted surgery; first cases completed this month Secured U.S. FDA clearance for Stealth AXiS Surgical System for spinal procedures Diabetes revenue increased 8.3% led by double-digit strength in International markets Executing M&A strategy with two key transactions in the quarter: CathWorks in Coronary and Renal Denervation and Anteris in Structural Heart "Q3 marks another strong quarter, delivering 6% organic revenue growth, ahead of guidance, demonstrating the strength of our portfolio," said Geoff Martha, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer. "By unlocking new markets and investing in high-growth opportunities, we are accelerating performance across the company. Our innovation pipeline and portfolio breadth give us confidence in our ability to sustain long-term growth. It's an exciting time for Medtronic." Financial Results Medtronic reported Q3 worldwide revenue of $9.017 billion, an increase of 8.7% as reported and 6.0% on an organic basis. The organic revenue growth comparison excludes: Other revenue of $32 million in the current year and $32 million in the prior year Revenue from the Dutch Obesity Clinic (NOK) divestiture with no revenue in the current year and $15 million in the prior year Foreign exchange benefit of $242 million on the remaining segments Q3 revenue by segment included: Cardiovascular Portfolio revenue of $3.457 billion, an increase of 13.8% as reported and 10.6% organic, with high-teens increase in Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure, low-single digit increase in Structural Heart & Aortic, and mid-single digit increase in Coronary & Peripheral Vascular, all on an organic basis Neuroscience Portfolio revenue of $2.558 billion, an increase of 4.1% reported and 2.5% organic, with mid-single digit increase in Neuromodulation, mid-single digit increase in Cranial & Spinal Technologies, and flat result in Specialty Therapies, all on an organic basis Medical Surgical Portfolio revenue of $2.173 billion, an increase of 4.9% as reported and 2.7% organic, with low-single digit increase in Surgical & Endoscopy, and high-single digit increase in Acute Care & Monitoring, all on an organic basis Diabetes business revenue of $796 million, an increase of 14.8% as reported and 8.3% organic Q3 GAAP operating profit and operating margin were $1.464 billion and 16.2%, respectively. As detailed in the financial schedules included at the end of the release, Q3 non-GAAP operating profit and operating margin were $2.177 billion and 24.1%, respectively. Q3 GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.143 billion and $0.89, respectively. As detailed in the financial schedules included at the end of this release, Q3 non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS were $1.750 billion and $1.36, respectively. Guidance The company reiterates its FY26 organic revenue growth of approximately 5.5% and diluted non-GAAP EPS guidance of $5.62 to $5.66. This includes a potential impact from tariffs of approximately $185 million, unchanged from the prior guidance. Excluding the potential impact from tariffs, this guidance represents FY26 diluted non-GAAP EPS growth of approximately 4.5%. "This quarter, we again delivered accelerated growth while investing decisively in our future," said Thierry Pieton, Medtronic chief financial officer. "We continued to invest in R&D to strengthen our innovation pipeline, funded significant growth opportunities while driving G&A leverage, and we executed on our M&A and venture strategy with two key transactions in the quarter. Bottom line, we are executing on our roadmap and positioning the business for sustainable growth." Video Webcast Information Medtronic will host a video webcast today, February 17, at 8:00 a.m. EST (7:00 a.m. CST) to provide information about its business for the public, investors, analysts, and news media. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on the Quarterly Earnings icon at investorrelations.medtronic.com, and this earnings release will be archived at news.medtronic.com. Within 24 hours of the webcast, a replay of the webcast and transcript of the company's prepared remarks will be available by clicking on the Past Events and Presentations link under the News & Events drop-down at investorrelations.medtronic.com. Financial Schedules and Earnings Presentation The third quarter financial schedules and non-GAAP reconciliations can be viewed by clicking on the Quarterly Earnings link at investorrelations.medtronic.com. To view a printable PDF of the financial schedules and non-GAAP reconciliations, click here. To view the earnings presentation, click here. About Medtronic Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow on LinkedIn. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties, including risks related to competitive factors, difficulties and delays inherent in the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of medical products, government regulation, geopolitical conflicts, changing global trade policies, material acquisition and divestiture transactions, general economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties described in the company's periodic reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K of the company. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words or expressions, such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "looking ahead," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "project," "should," "going to," "will," and similar words or expressions, the negative or plural of such words or expressions and other comparable terminology. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Medtronic does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements or any of the information contained in this press release, including to reflect future events or circumstances. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This press release contains financial measures, including adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, and organic revenue, which are considered "non-GAAP" financial measures under applicable SEC rules and regulations. References to quarterly or annual figures increasing, decreasing or remaining flat are in comparison to fiscal year 2025, and references to sequential changes are in comparison to the prior fiscal quarter. Unless stated otherwise, quarterly and annual rates and ranges are given on an organic basis. Medtronic management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding the company's underlying operational performance and trends and to facilitate comparisons with the performance of other companies in the med tech industry. Non-GAAP net income and diluted EPS exclude the effect of certain charges or gains that contribute to or reduce earnings but that result from transactions or events that management believes may or may not recur with similar materiality or impact to operations in future periods (Non-GAAP Adjustments). Medtronic generally uses non-GAAP financial measures to facilitate management's review of the operational performance of the company and as a basis for strategic planning. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to and not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and investors are cautioned that Medtronic may calculate non-GAAP financial measures in a way that is different from other companies. Management strongly encourages investors to review the company's consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the financial schedules accompanying this press release. Medtronic calculates forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures based on internal forecasts that omit certain amounts that would be included in GAAP financial measures. For instance, forward-looking organic revenue growth guidance excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, as well as significant acquisitions, divestitures, or other significant discrete items. Forward-looking diluted non-GAAP EPS guidance also excludes other potential charges or gains that would be recorded as Non-GAAP Adjustments to earnings during the fiscal year. Medtronic does not attempt to provide reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP EPS guidance to projected GAAP EPS guidance because the combined impact and timing of recognition of these potential charges or gains is inherently uncertain and difficult to predict and is unavailable without unreasonable efforts. In addition, the company believes such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision and certainty that could be confusing to investors. Such items could have a substantial impact on GAAP measures of financial performance. Contacts: Justin Paquette Public Relations +1-612-271-7935 Ingrid Goldberg Investor Relations +1-763-505-2696 MEDTRONIC PLC WORLD WIDE REVENUE(1) (Unaudited) THIRD QUARTER YEAR-TO-DATE REPORTED ORGANIC REPORTED ORGANIC (in millions) FY26 FY25 Growth Currency Impact(4) FY26(5) FY25(5) Growth FY26 FY25 Growth Currency Impact(4) FY26(6) FY25(6) Growth Cardiovascular $ 3,457 $ 3,037 13.8 % $ 99 $ 3,359 $ 3,037 10.6 % $ 10,179 $ 9,145 11.3 % $ 213 $ 9,966 $ 9,145 9.0 % Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure 1,856 1,545 20.1 48 1,808 1,545 17.0 5,394 4,659 15.8 107 5,287 4,659 13.5 Structural Heart & Aortic 929 874 6.3 32 897 874 2.6 2,814 2,610 7.8 71 2,743 2,610 5.1 Coronary & Peripheral Vascular 672 618 8.8 18 654 618 5.9 1,971 1,876 5.0 35 1,935 1,876 3.1 Neuroscience 2,558 2,458 4.1 38 2,520 2,458 2.5 7,536 7,226 4.3 81 7,455 7,226 3.2 Cranial & Spinal Technologies 1,310 1,250 4.8 13 1,296 1,250 3.7 3,819 3,632 5.1 31 3,788 3,632 4.3 Specialty Therapies 746 732 1.9 15 731 732 (0.2) 2,191 2,181 0.4 28 2,163 2,181 (0.8) Neuromodulation 503 476 5.8 10 493 476 3.6 1,527 1,413 8.1 22 1,504 1,413 6.5 Medical Surgical 2,173 2,072 4.9 61 2,112 2,057 2.7 6,428 6,196 3.7 128 6,295 6,164 2.1 Surgical & Endoscopy 1,654 1,596 3.6 51 1,603 1,581 1.4 4,945 4,790 3.2 106 4,834 4,758 1.6 Acute Care & Monitoring 519 476 9.1 10 509 476 7.0 1,483 1,406 5.5 22 1,461 1,406 3.9 Diabetes 796 694 14.8 44 751 694 8.3 2,274 2,027 12.2 90 2,184 2,027 7.8 Total Reportable Segments 8,985 8,260 8.8 242 8,743 8,245 6.0 26,417 24,593 7.4 512 25,901 24,562 5.4 Other(2) 32 32 3.0 140 17 NM(3) 4 TOTAL $ 9,017 $ 8,292 8.7 % $ 243 $ 8,743 $ 8,245 6.0 % $ 26,557 $ 24,610 7.9 % $ 516 $ 25,901 $ 24,562 5.4 % See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million and, therefore, may not sum. Percentages have been calculated using actual, non-rounded figures and, therefore, may not recalculate precisely. (2) Includes the historical operations and ongoing transition agreements from businesses the Company has exited or divested, and for the year-to-date figures, adjustments to the Company's Italian payback accruals resulting from the two July 22, 2024 rulings by the Constitutional Court and the Legislative Decree published by the Italian government on June 30, 2025 for certain prior years since 2015. (3) Not meaningful (NM). (4) The currency impact to revenue measures the change in revenue between current and prior year periods using constant exchange rates. (5) The three months ended January 23, 2026 excludes $275 million of revenue adjustments, including $32 million of inorganic revenue for the transition activity noted in (2) and $242 million of favorable currency impact on the remaining segments. The three months ended January 24, 2025 excludes $47 million of revenue adjustments, including $32 million of inorganic revenue related to the transition activity noted in (2) and $15 million of inorganic revenue related to a sale of business in the Surgical and Endoscopy division. (6) The nine months ended January 23, 2026 excludes $656 million of revenue adjustments, including $39 million reduction in the Italian payback accruals due to changes in estimates further described in note (2), $101 million of inorganic revenue for the transition activity noted in (2), $5 million of inorganic revenue related to a sale of business in the Surgical and Endoscopy division, and $512 million of favorable currency impact on the remaining segments. The nine months ended January 24, 2025 excludes $48 million of revenue adjustments, including $90 million of incremental Italian payback accruals further described in note (2), $106 million of inorganic revenue related to the transition activity noted in (2), and $31 million of inorganic revenue related to a sale of business in the Surgical and Endoscopy division. MEDTRONIC PLC U.S. REVENUE(1)(2) (Unaudited) THIRD QUARTER YEAR-TO-DATE REPORTED ORGANIC REPORTED ORGANIC (in millions) FY26 FY25 Growth FY26 FY25 Growth FY26 FY25 Growth FY26 FY25 Growth Cardiovascular $ 1,589 $ 1,405 13.1 % $ 1,589 $ 1,405 13.1 % $ 4,660 $ 4,242 9.9 % $ 4,660 $ 4,242 9.9 % Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure 953 775 23.0 953 775 23.0 2,708 2,309 17.3 2,708 2,309 17.3 Structural Heart & Aortic 367 372 (1.4) 367 372 (1.4) 1,128 1,129 1,128 1,129 Coronary & Peripheral Vascular 269 258 4.2 269 258 4.2 824 804 2.5 824 804 2.5 Neuroscience 1,709 1,689 1.2 1,709 1,689 1.2 5,063 4,931 2.7 5,063 4,931 2.7 Cranial & Spinal Technologies 977 943 3.6 977 943 3.6 2,833 2,724 4.0 2,833 2,724 4.0 Specialty Therapies 402 419 (4.0) 402 419 (4.0) 1,204 1,235 (2.5) 1,204 1,235 (2.5) Neuromodulation 330 327 1.1 330 327 1.1 1,026 972 5.6 1,026 972 5.6 Medical Surgical 929 893 4.1 929 893 4.1 2,756 2,718 1.4 2,756 2,718 1.4 Surgical & Endoscopy 634 623 1.7 634 623 1.7 1,920 1,928 (0.4) 1,920 1,928 (0.4) Acute Care & Monitoring 295 269 9.5 295 269 9.5 836 790 5.8 836 790 5.8 Diabetes 248 236 4.9 248 236 4.9 695 683 1.7 695 683 1.7 Total Reportable Segments 4,475 4,223 6.0 4,475 4,223 6.0 13,174 12,573 4.8 13,174 12,573 4.8 Other(3) 18 15 23.4 60 51 16.8 TOTAL $ 4,493 $ 4,237 6.0 % $ 4,475 $ 4,223 6.0 % $ 13,234 $ 12,624 4.8 % $ 13,174 $ 12,573 4.8 % See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) U.S. includes the United States and U.S. territories. (2) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million and, therefore, may not sum. Percentages have been calculated using actual, non-rounded figures and, therefore, may not recalculate precisely. (3) Includes historical operations and ongoing transition agreements from businesses the Company has exited or divested. MEDTRONIC PLC INTERNATIONAL REVENUE(1) (Unaudited) THIRD QUARTER YEAR-TO-DATE REPORTED ORGANIC REPORTED ORGANIC (in millions) FY26 FY25 Growth Currency Impact(4) FY26(5) FY25(5) Growth FY26 FY25 Growth Currency Impact(4) FY26(6) FY25(6) Growth Cardiovascular $ 1,868 $ 1,632 14.5 % $ 99 $ 1,770 $ 1,632 8.5 % $ 5,519 $ 4,904 12.5 % $ 213 $ 5,306 $ 4,904 8.2 % Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure 903 770 17.3 48 855 770 11.0 2,686 2,350 14.3 107 2,580 2,350 9.8 Structural Heart & Aortic 562 502 12.0 32 530 502 5.5 1,686 1,482 13.8 71 1,615 1,482 9.0 Coronary & Peripheral Vascular 403 360 12.2 18 385 360 7.1 1,146 1,072 6.9 35 1,111 1,072 3.6 Neuroscience 849 769 10.4 38 811 769 5.4 2,474 2,295 7.8 81 2,392 2,295 4.2 Cranial & Spinal Technologies 333 307 8.4 13 320 307 4.1 985 907 8.6 31 955 907 5.2 Specialty Therapies 343 313 9.7 15 328 313 5.0 987 947 4.3 28 959 947 1.3 Neuromodulation 173 149 16.0 10 163 149 9.1 501 441 13.5 22 478 441 8.4 Medical Surgical 1,244 1,180 5.5 61 1,183 1,165 1.6 3,671 3,478 5.6 128 3,539 3,447 2.7 Surgical & Endoscopy 1,020 973 4.8 51 969 958 1.1 3,024 2,862 5.7 106 2,914 2,831 2.9 Acute Care & Monitoring 224 206 8.5 10 214 206 3.8 647 616 5.0 22 625 616 1.4 Diabetes 548 457 19.8 44 504 457 10.1 1,579 1,344 17.5 90 1,489 1,344 10.9 Total Reportable Segments 4,510 4,038 11.7 242 4,267 4,023 6.1 13,243 12,020 10.2 512 12,726 11,989 6.2 Other(2) 14 17 (14.6) 80 (35) NM(3) 4 TOTAL $ 4,524 $ 4,055 11.6 % $ 243 $ 4,267 $ 4,023 6.1 % $ 13,323 $ 11,986 11.2 % $ 516 $ 12,726 $ 11,989 6.2 % See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million and, therefore, may not sum. Percentages have been calculated using actual, non-rounded figures and, therefore, may not recalculate precisely. (2) Includes the historical operations and ongoing transition agreements from businesses the Company has exited or divested, and for the year-to-date figures, adjustments to the Company's Italian payback accruals resulting from the two July 22, 2024 rulings by the Constitutional Court and the Legislative Decree published by the Italian government on June 30, 2025 for certain prior years since 2015. (3) Not meaningful (NM). (4) The currency impact to revenue measures the change in revenue between current and prior year periods using constant exchange rates. (5) The three months ended January 23, 2026 excludes $257 million of revenue adjustments, including $14 million of inorganic revenue for the transition activity noted in (2) and $242 million of favorable currency impact on the remaining segments. The three months ended January 24, 2025 excludes $32 million of revenue adjustments, including $17 million of inorganic revenue related to the transition activity noted in (2) and $15 million of inorganic revenue related to a sale of business in the Surgical and Endoscopy division. (6) The nine months ended January 23, 2026 excludes $597 million of revenue adjustments, including $39 million reduction in the Italian payback accruals due to changes in estimates further described in note (2), $41 million of inorganic revenue for the transition activity noted in (2), $5 million of inorganic revenue related to a sale of business in the Surgical and Endoscopy division, and $512 million of favorable currency impact on the remaining segments. The nine months ended January 24, 2025 excludes $3 million of revenue adjustments, including $90 million of incremental Italian payback accruals further described in note (2), $55 million of inorganic revenue related to the transition activity noted in (2), and $31 million of inorganic revenue related to a sale of business in the Surgical and Endoscopy division. MEDTRONIC PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended (in millions, except per share data) January 23, 2026 January 24, 2025 January 23, 2026 January 24, 2025 Net sales $ 9,017 $ 8,292 $ 26,557 $ 24,610 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets 3,261 2,779 9,323 8,485 Research and development expense 722 675 2,202 2,048 Selling, general, and administrative expense 2,956 2,717 8,727 8,129 Amortization of intangible assets 441 416 1,364 1,243 Restructuring charges, net 77 43 131 120 Certain litigation charges, net 62 22 89 104 Other operating expense (income), net 35 (5) 126 (38) Operating profit 1,464 1,646 4,594 4,519 Other non-operating income, net (121) (72) (247) (403) Interest expense, net 181 179 539 555 Income before income taxes 1,404 1,540 4,302 4,367 Income tax provision 254 237 724 737 Net income 1,150 1,303 3,578 3,630 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (6) (9) (21) (24) Net income attributable to Medtronic $ 1,143 $ 1,294 $ 3,557 $ 3,606 Basic earnings per share $ 0.89 $ 1.01 $ 2.77 $ 2.80 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.89 $ 1.01 $ 2.76 $ 2.79 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 1,282.6 1,282.4 1,282.1 1,286.7 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 1,289.5 1,286.2 1,288.2 1,290.6 The data in the schedule above has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million. MEDTRONIC PLC GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS(1) (Unaudited) Three months ended January 23, 2026 (in millions, except per share data) Net Sales Cost of Products Sold Gross Margin Percent Operating Profit Operating Profit Percent Income Before Income Taxes Net Income attributable to Medtronic Diluted EPS Effective Tax Rate GAAP $ 9,017 $ 3,261 63.8 % $ 1,464 16.2 % $ 1,404 $ 1,143 $ 0.89 18.1 % Non-GAAP Adjustments: Amortization of intangible assets(2) 441 4.9 441 360 0.28 18.4 Restructuring and associated costs(3) (89) 1.0 172 1.9 172 141 0.11 18.0 Acquisition and divestiture-related items(4) (6) 0.1 38 0.4 38 33 0.03 13.2 Certain litigation charges, net 62 0.7 62 52 0.04 16.1 (Gain)/loss on minority investments(5) 8 7 0.01 12.5 Certain tax adjustments, net 14 0.01 Non-GAAP $ 9,017 $ 3,166 64.9 % $ 2,177 24.1 % $ 2,125 $ 1,750 $ 1.36 17.3 % Currency impact (243) (52) (0.4) (67) (0.1) (0.04) Currency Adjusted $ 8,775 $ 3,114 64.5 % $ 2,110 24.0 % $ 1.32 Three months ended January 24, 2025 (in millions, except per share data) Net Sales Cost of Products Sold Gross Margin Percent Operating Profit Operating Profit Percent Income Before Income Taxes Net Income attributable to Medtronic Diluted EPS Effective Tax Rate GAAP $ 8,292 $ 2,779 66.5 % $ 1,646 19.9 % $ 1,540 $ 1,294 $ 1.01 15.4 % Non-GAAP Adjustments: Amortization of intangible assets 416 5.0 416 339 0.26 18.5 Restructuring and associated costs(3) (4) 46 0.6 46 37 0.03 19.6 Acquisition and divestiture-related items(4) (1) 28 0.3 28 23 0.02 17.9 Certain litigation charges, net 22 0.3 22 18 0.01 22.7 (Gain)/loss on minority investments(5) 68 52 0.04 22.1 Medical device regulations(6) (8) 0.1 11 0.1 11 9 0.01 18.2 Certain tax adjustments, net 15 0.01 Non-GAAP $ 8,292 $ 2,766 66.6 % $ 2,169 26.2 % $ 2,130 $ 1,787 $ 1.39 15.7 % See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million or $0.01 for EPS figures, and, therefore, may not sum. (2) The Company recognized $30 million of accelerated amortization on certain intangible assets within the Cardiovascular Portfolio. (3) The charges primarily relate to employee termination benefits, facility related and contract termination costs, and asset write offs. (4) The charges primarily include business combination costs, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, exit of business-related charges, and gains related to certain business or asset sales. Exit of business-related charges primarily relate to the impending separation of the Diabetes business. For the three months ended January 23, 2026, charges also include costs associated with the Company's June 2021 decision to stop the distribution and sale of the Medtronic HVAD System. (5) We exclude unrealized and realized gains and losses on our minority investments as we do not believe that these components of income or expense have a direct correlation to our ongoing or future business operations. (6) The charges represent incremental costs of complying with the new European Union (E.U.) medical device regulations for previously registered products and primarily include charges for contractors supporting the project and other direct third-party expenses. We consider these costs to be duplicative of previously incurred costs and/or one-time costs. MEDTRONIC PLC GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS(1) (Unaudited) Nine months ended January 23, 2026 (in millions, except per share data) Net Sales Cost of Products Sold Gross Margin Percent Operating Profit Operating Profit Percent Income Before Income Taxes Net Income attributable to Medtronic Diluted EPS Effective Tax Rate GAAP $ 26,557 $ 9,323 64.9 % $ 4,594 17.3 % $ 4,302 $ 3,557 $ 2.76 16.8 % Non-GAAP Adjustments: Amortization of intangible assets(2) 1,364 5.2 1,364 1,110 0.86 18.6 Restructuring and associated costs(3) (105) 0.4 251 1.0 251 202 0.16 19.5 Acquisition and divestiture-related items(4) (21) 96 0.4 96 73 0.06 24.0 Certain litigation charges, net 89 0.3 89 73 0.06 19.1 (Gain)/loss on minority investments(5) 145 137 0.11 5.5 Other(6) (39) (39) (0.1) (39) (30) (0.02) 20.5 Certain tax adjustments, net(7) Non-GAAP $ 26,518 $ 9,197 65.3 % $ 6,356 24.0 % $ 6,209 $ 5,122 $ 3.98 17.2 % Currency impact (513) (48) (0.5) (170) (0.2) (0.10) Currency Adjusted $ 26,005 $ 9,149 64.8 % $ 6,185 23.8 % $ 3.88 Nine months ended January 24, 2025 (in millions, except per share data) Net Sales Cost of Products Sold Gross Margin Percent Operating Profit Operating Profit Percent Income Before Income Taxes Net Income attributable to Medtronic Diluted EPS Effective Tax Rate GAAP $ 24,610 $ 8,485 65.5 % $ 4,519 18.4 % $ 4,367 $ 3,606 $ 2.79 16.9 % Non-GAAP Adjustments: Amortization of intangible assets 1,243 4.9 1,243 1,017 0.79 18.3 Restructuring and associated costs(3) (24) 0.1 154 0.6 154 124 0.10 19.5 Acquisition and divestiture-related items(4) (17) 15 0.1 15 3 73.3 Certain litigation charges, net 104 0.4 104 86 0.07 17.3 (Gain)/loss on minority investments(5) 41 14 0.01 61.0 Medical device regulations(8) (27) 0.1 38 0.2 38 30 0.02 21.1 Other(6) 90 0.2 90 0.4 90 70 0.05 22.2 Certain tax adjustments, net(7) 49 0.04 Non-GAAP $ 24,700 $ 8,417 65.9 % $ 6,162 24.9 % $ 6,051 $ 4,999 $ 3.87 17.0 % See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million or $0.01 for EPS figures, and, therefore, may not sum. (2) The Company recognized $121 million of accelerated amortization on certain intangible assets within the Cardiovascular Portfolio. (3) The charges primarily relate to employee termination benefits, facility related and contract termination costs, and asset write offs. (4) The charges primarily include business combination costs, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, exit of business-related charges, and gains related to certain business or asset sales. Exit of business-related charges primarily relate to the impending separation of the Diabetes business and costs associated with the Company's June 2021 decision to stop the distribution and sale of the Medtronic HVAD System. (5) We exclude unrealized and realized gains and losses on our minority investments as we do not believe that these components of income or expense have a direct correlation to our ongoing or future business operations. (6) Reflects adjustments to the Company's Italian payback accruals resulting from the two July 22, 2024 rulings by the Constitutional Court and the Legislative Decree published by the Italian government on June 30, 2025 for certain prior years since 2015. (7) The charges for the nine months ended January 23, 2026 primarily includes a tax benefit recognized due to a change in interest accrued on uncertain tax positions, offset by amortization of previously established deferred tax assets arising from intercompany intellectual property transactions. The charges for the nine months ended January 24, 2025 primarily includes amortization of previously established deferred tax assets arising from intercompany intellectual property transactions. (8) The charges represent incremental costs of complying with the new European Union (E.U.) medical device regulations for previously registered products and primarily include charges for contractors supporting the project and other direct third-party expenses. We consider these costs to be duplicative of previously incurred costs and/or one-time costs. MEDTRONIC PLC GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS(1) (Unaudited) Three months ended January 23, 2026 (in millions) Net Sales SG&A Expense SG&A Expense as a % of Net Sales R&D Expense R&D Expense as a % of Net Sales Other Operating (Income) Expense, net Other Operating (Inc.)/Exp., net as a % of Net Sales Other Non- Operating Income, net GAAP $ 9,017 $ 2,956 32.8 % $ 722 8.0 % $ 35 0.4 % $ (121) Non-GAAP Adjustments: Restructuring and associated costs(2) (6) (0.1) Acquisition and divestiture-related items(3) (35) (0.4) 3 (Gain)/loss on minority investments(4) (8) Non-GAAP $ 9,017 $ 2,914 32.3 % $ 722 8.0 % $ 38 0.4 % $ (130) Nine months ended January 23, 2026 (in millions) Net Sales SG&A Expense SG&A Expense as a % of Net Sales R&D Expense R&D Expense as a % of Net Sales Other Operating (Income) Expense, net Other Operating (Inc.)/Exp., net as a % of Net Sales Other Non- Operating Income, net GAAP $ 26,557 $ 8,727 32.9 % $ 2,202 8.3 % $ 126 0.5 % $ (247) Non-GAAP Adjustments: Restructuring and associated costs(2) (15) Acquisition and divestiture-related items(3) (96) (0.3) 21 0.1 Other(5) (39) (Gain)/loss on minority investments(4) (145) Non-GAAP $ 26,518 $ 8,616 32.5 % $ 2,202 8.3 % $ 147 0.6 % $ (392) See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million, and, therefore, may not sum. (2) The charges primarily relate to employee termination benefits, facility related and contract termination costs, and asset write offs. (3) The charges primarily include business combination costs, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, exit of business-related charges, and gains related to certain business or asset sales. Exit of business-related charges primarily relate to the impending separation of the Diabetes business and costs associated with the Company's June 2021 decision to stop the distribution and sale of the Medtronic HVAD System. (4) We exclude unrealized and realized gains and losses on our minority investments as we do not believe that these components of income or expense have a direct correlation to our ongoing or future business operations. (5) Reflects adjustments to the Company's Italian payback accruals resulting from the Legislative Decree published by the Italian government on June 30, 2025 for certain prior years since 2015. MEDTRONIC PLC GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS(1) (Unaudited) Nine months ended (in millions) January 23, 2026 January 24, 2025 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,757 $ 4,516 Additions to property, plant, and equipment (1,416) (1,400) Free Cash Flow(2) $ 3,341 $ 3,116 See description of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release dated February 17, 2026. (1) The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million, and, therefore, may not sum. (2) Free cash flow represents operating cash flows less property, plant, and equipment additions. MEDTRONIC PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Nine months ended (in millions) January 23, 2026 January 24, 2025 Operating Activities: Net income $ 3,578 $ 3,630 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 2,242 2,021 Provision for credit losses 102 96 Deferred income taxes 59 (81) Stock-based compensation 362 340 Other, net 280 14 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures: Accounts receivable, net 87 (184) Inventories (803) (478) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (77) (157) Other operating assets and liabilities (1,074) (685) Net cash provided by operating activities 4,757 4,516 Investing Activities: Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (98) Additions to property, plant, and equipment (1,416) (1,400) Purchases of investments (6,572) (6,093) Sales and maturities of investments 5,982 6,255 Other investing activities, net (10) (111) Net cash used in investing activities (2,017) (1,447) Financing Activities: Change in current debt obligations, net 173 (1,070) Issuance of long-term debt 1,747 3,209 Payments on long-term debt (2,930) Dividends to shareholders (2,731) (2,692) Issuance of ordinary shares 419 400 Repurchase of ordinary shares (600) (2,961) Other financing activities, net 60 96 Net cash used in financing activities (3,863) (3,018) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 52 (95) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (1,072) (44) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,218 1,284 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,147 $ 1,240 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for: Income taxes $ 1,598 $ 1,515 Interest 573 567 The data in this schedule has been intentionally rounded to the nearest million, and, therefore, may not sum. SOURCE Medtronic plc RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- METCO, a Saudi-based integrated solutions and services group, has signed strategic localization agreements during World Defense Show, reinforcing its role in supporting the localization of defense and security capabilities in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and national industrial and defense priorities. METCO and Smiths Detection signing the agreement on World Defence Show 2026 The agreements were concluded as part of the support of the General Authority for Military Industries to strengthen local supply chains, increase local content in military industries, and enable sustainable industrial development in this vital sector. They also aim to build local supply chains that contribute to the development, manufacturing, and support of products and services for military and security entities by supporting the participation of local companies in supply chains. As part of its long term strategy, METCO continues to expand its international partnerships to support the localization of defense and security capabilities in Saudi Arabia. The agreements signed include collaborations with: Teledyne FLIR , to support the localization of selected mobile surveillance and monitoring capabilities. , to support the localization of selected mobile surveillance and monitoring capabilities. Smiths Detection, to support the localization of selected conventional X-ray screening systems supported by artificial intelligence to detect threats. The agreements also include a collaboration with Destinus, to support the localization of selected unmanned aerial systems and related capabilities, which was signed before the World Defense Show. Collectively, these agreements focus on enabling local integration, industrial participation, workforce development, and long-term operational readiness. They help strengthen protection of critical infrastructure, borders, and high-security environments across the Kingdom, while supporting increased Saudi-made content, economic growth, and localization objectives. "World Defense Show reflects Saudi Arabia's ambition to build resilient, localized defense capabilities," said Faisal Bugshan, Chairman of METCO. "METCO enables this ambition by combining global expertise with local execution through integration, operations, and long-term support, while developing Saudi capabilities and advancing sustainable industrial growth." With nearly 30 years of experience delivering and operating mission-critical systems across aviation, security, and defense environments, METCO bridges global technologies with local execution through integration, operations, and long-term lifecycle support. With operations across more than 40 aviation and security facilities nationwide and regional presence, the company delivers end-to-end capabilities that support 24/7 mission-critical operations and sustainable localization across the Kingdom. Through the agreements signed at World Defense Show, METCO continues to strengthen its position as a trusted Saudi platform for global partners seeking compliant and sustainable localization, contributing to workforce development, operational readiness, and national security resilience. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2905095/METCO_Smiths_World_Defence_Show_2026.jpg SOURCE METCO Midea's Platinum Level show sponsorship highlights its momentum as one of the industry's fastest-growing brands, enabling retailers, homeowners, and builders to source complete kitchen, laundry, and climate solutions from one brand. Together, these innovations represent one of the industry's most comprehensive category portfolios, spanning major and small appliances, floor care, and home comfort solutions. "Midea's growth is being driven by our ability to deliver beautifully designed products, meaningful innovation, and one of the broadest home appliance portfolios in the industry," said John Herrington, President of Midea America. "We are building the next generation of appliances that bring performance, connectivity, and thoughtfully designed features across every category that we serve." Complete The Kitchen with Midea Comprehensive Line of Refrigerators: Midea will introduce its most extensive French Door lineup, spanning 30-, 33-, and 36-inch configurations across standard and counter-depth formats. The lineup includes both dispensing and non-dispensing models, plus OneTouch AutoFill with MaxSpace technology designed to optimize convenience, capacity, and flexible organization across every kitchen. Midea also offers a broad portfolio of garage-ready upright and chest freezers, as well as space-saving compact refrigerators, delivering solutions for virtually every food preservation need. Midea will introduce its most extensive French Door lineup, spanning 30-, 33-, and 36-inch configurations across standard and counter-depth formats. The lineup includes both dispensing and non-dispensing models, plus OneTouch AutoFill with MaxSpace technology designed to optimize convenience, capacity, and flexible organization across every kitchen. Midea also offers a broad portfolio of garage-ready upright and chest freezers, as well as space-saving compact refrigerators, delivering solutions for virtually every food preservation need. Expanded and Innovative Cooking Lineup: The cooking lineup continues to scale with new four- and five-burner freestanding gas and electric ranges and the upcoming launch of a slide-in range platform. Midea will also introduce its over-the-range microwave featuring Soft Close Technology, designed to close smoothly and gently, eliminating door slams and bringing a quieter feel to the kitchen. The cooking lineup continues to scale with new four- and five-burner freestanding gas and electric ranges and the upcoming launch of a slide-in range platform. Midea will also introduce its over-the-range microwave featuring Soft Close Technology, designed to close smoothly and gently, eliminating door slams and bringing a quieter feel to the kitchen. Industry-First Premium Dishwashers : Midea is proud to introduce a game-changing dishwasher with STRAWash and SENSOR TruDry technology. This dishwasher is thoughtfully designed to thoroughly clean a reusable bottle, with dedicated jets to clean inside reusable straws and tall tumblers, and a dedicated zone for lids. It also features a cycle that gets your dishes fully clean and dry in just one hour. : Midea is proud to introduce a game-changing dishwasher with STRAWash and SENSOR TruDry technology. This dishwasher is thoughtfully designed to thoroughly clean a reusable bottle, with dedicated jets to clean inside reusable straws and tall tumblers, and a dedicated zone for lids. It also features a cycle that gets your dishes fully clean and dry in just one hour. Versatile Small Appliances: To complement its large-scale innovations, Midea offers a suite of small appliances encompassing everything from air fryers to espresso machines. Each is engineered to handle the demands of family cooking and everyday use while reducing countertop clutter. Midea's Laundry Portfolio Fully Redesigned Washers and Dryers: Midea's lineup now spans top-load and front-load washers, high-capacity pairs with matching designer colors, and smart connectivity. Midea's laundry assortment is thoughtfully designed with PowerMix Spray and Flexi AutoDose for better cleaning, and Multi-Sensor Dry technology to protect delicate fabrics. Some pairs even feature an intuitive TFT Digital Display, which enables the user to see the cycle time from across the room. Residential and HVAC Climate Solutions Industry Leader : As the pioneer behind the category-defining Midea U, Midea continues to innovate with EasySplit, a DIY mini-split solution that requires no ductwork or professional installation. The brand will also showcase advanced room air solutions powered by Midea Inverter Technology that automatically adjusts performance to maintain consistent temperatures while reducing energy consumption and achieving some of the lowest noise levels in the market. : As the pioneer behind the category-defining Midea U, Midea continues to innovate with EasySplit, a DIY mini-split solution that requires no ductwork or professional installation. The brand will also showcase advanced room air solutions powered by Midea Inverter Technology that automatically adjusts performance to maintain consistent temperatures while reducing energy consumption and achieving some of the lowest noise levels in the market. Beyond Residential: Midea will showcase commercial-grade HVAC solutions designed for multi-family housing, hospitality, and light commercial applications. From Packaged Window Heat Pumps (PWHPs) to Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs) and Tank or Tankless Water Heaters, Midea offers solutions that are engineered to improve temperature consistency, reduce operating noise, and enhance long-term efficiency for property operators and residents alike. Join Midea at KBIS 2026 Attendees are invited to experience the expansive Midea portfolio and its new innovations firsthand on the showroom floor in Orlando. Visit booth #W500 to explore the full lineup. For more information, please visit Midea.com and follow the brand on Instagram @midea_us for the latest updates on product launch dates and availability. About Midea America Midea America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary within Midea Group, a Fortune 500 company, known for making life easier for millions around the globe. As a leading innovator of home appliances, Midea is proud of its 166,000+ employees and presence in 200+ countries, including here in the U.S. Midea's lineup of productsfrom kitchen appliances to air conditioners, laundry, and floor caresurprises and delights consumers in just about every part of their homes. Headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., with an innovation hub in Kentucky, Midea America ensures your appliances don't just work hardthey work smart. Our goal? To reimagine home appliances so daily chores feel less like work and more like wins. We blend design, performance, and convenience into every productwhether it's a freezer that adapts to your changing needs or a dishwasher that works quietly to make dishes sparkle. At Midea, we create products that fit seamlessly into your busy life, bringing practical innovations that are affordable and reliable. Because home appliances should have a simple jobto make your life easier. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Midea America Corp. PITTSBURGH, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI), a global leader in active investing, today announced that monthly fund composition and performance data for Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: FMN) as of Jan. 31, 2026, is now available in the Products section of FederatedHermes.com/us. To order hard copies of this data or to be placed on a mailing list, call 800-245-0242 x5587538, email [email protected] or write to Federated Hermes, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Floor 23, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI) is a global leader in active investment management, with $902.6 billion in assets under management, as of Dec. 31, 2025. We deliver investment solutions that help investors target a broad range of outcomes and provide equity, fixed-income, alternative/private markets, multi-asset and liquidity management strategies to more than 11,000 institutions and intermediaries worldwide. Our clients include corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Federated Hermes has more than 2,000 employees in London, New York, Boston and offices worldwide. For more information, visit FederatedHermes.com/us. ### SOURCE Federated Hermes, Inc. Artificial intelligence innovation unlocks billions in untapped revenue opportunities for brands, studios and broadcasters WINTER PARK, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital ad spending in the United States is expected to reach $412 billion by 2026, yet an estimated $120 billion in potential sales conversions are lost due to the lack of a direct path to purchase. Spincast's new U.S. patent solves this problem. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today awarded Spincast U.S. Patent No. 12,556,771, titled "Video System With Intra-Video User Input and Related Methods." The newly patented technology enables consistent, frictionless "buy what you see" AI-powered shoppable TV transactions within premium video content, without the frustration of scanning QR codes or intrusive ad overlays that disrupt the shared-screen TV viewing experience. A.I. innovation unlocks billions in untapped revenue opportunities for brands, studios and broadcasters. Post this "Our AI technology is a game-changer for shoppable TV, allowing us to make every ad and moment on screen actionable and shoppable. We can even re-monetize past product placement deals found in evergreen content," said Daniel H. Thompson, founder and CEO of Spincast. Spincast said its offering eliminates inconsistent shoppability across platforms, channels and shows and provides an integrated experience compatible with major TV ecosystems. The company added that, unlike some solutions, it does not require disabling studio-grade anti-piracy protections that could expose premium content to piracy risks. As AI reshapes television, media and commerce, Spincast is positioned to capitalize on the trend. For general inquiries, visit: spincasttv.com or contact [email protected]. To watch Spincast's shoppable programming live visit: spincast.tv. For inquiries regarding content distribution on spincast.tv, visit: spincastmedia.com. About Spincast Spincast is the Florida-based startup unlocking new ad revenue opportunities. Spincast enables AI-powered shoppable television to seamlessly convert ads, sponsorships and product placements into interactive commerce experiences for brands, studios and broadcasters. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Spincast CANBERRA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Racism at Australian universities is widespread and systemic, according to a major report from the federal government's human rights commission on Monday. The report from the Australian Human Rights Commission found that racism is deeply embedded in the country's universities and profoundly impacts students and staff. Based on a survey of more than 76,000 students and staff at 42 universities, the report said that 70 percent of respondents reported experiencing indirect racism, including hearing or seeing racist behavior directed at their community. It found that over 90 percent of Jewish and Palestinian participants in the survey reported experiences of racism and that Indigenous Australian, African, Chinese, northeast Asian and Middle Eastern respondents also reported racism at rates exceeding 80 percent. "Racism harms people and communities. It damages people's identity and self-esteem, their sense of belonging, and their wellbeing and safety. Left unchecked, it leads to violence," Giridharan Sivaraman, Australia's race discrimination commissioner, said in a media release. The report was commissioned by the federal government in May 2024 to examine antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism at universities. CRANBURY, N.J., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NewBeauty has released The State of Aesthetics: By the Numbers Winter 2026, a data-driven editorial supplement powered by the BeautyEngine platform. The report offers real-time insight into how today's aesthetics-focused consumers are planning treatments, navigating aging and prioritizing long-term maintenance. Based on surveys conducted throughout late 2025, the Winter 2026 report highlights how patients are approaching menopause, hair health, GLP-1related weight loss and preventive care. The findings reflect a clear shift away from one-off procedures toward more personalized, long-term aesthetic strategies. "Patients are paying closer attention to longevity, health optimization and how they look and feel over time," says Mike Glaicar, CEO of NewBeauty. "That shift is driving increased interest in menopause care, hair health, skin quality and ongoing maintenance." Key findings from the Winter 2026 report include: Patients prioritize natural-looking results. Sixty percent of respondents want to look younger than their age, while 35.4 percent prefer a well-maintained version of themselves. Sixty percent of respondents want to look younger than their age, while 35.4 percent prefer a well-maintained version of themselves. Menopause is driving proactive aesthetic care. Among respondents navigating menopause, 74.3 percent are interested in energy-based treatments and 70.5 percent seek topical products designed for menopausal skin. Among respondents navigating menopause, 74.3 percent are interested in energy-based treatments and 70.5 percent seek topical products designed for menopausal skin. Hair loss care follows a layered approach. Most patients begin with supplements (68.8 percent) and scalp-health products (57 percent) before exploring in-office options. Most patients begin with supplements (68.8 percent) and scalp-health products (57 percent) before exploring in-office options. GLP-1 weight loss accelerates treatment timelines. Facial changes are reported by 68.5 percent of users, with 77 percent booking their first cosmetic treatment within six months. Neurotoxin injections remain the most planned short-term treatment, while filler is increasingly used for facial balancing rather than overt enhancement. Facial changes are reported by 68.5 percent of users, with 77 percent booking their first cosmetic treatment within six months. Neurotoxin injections remain the most planned short-term treatment, while filler is increasingly used for facial balancing rather than overt enhancement. Beauty spending remains protected despite economic caution. While 59 percent of respondents say they are being more mindful with money, only six percent would reduce spending on skin care, which continues to outrank dining, travel and fashion. The State of Aesthetics: By the Numbers Winter 2026 was released alongside NewBeauty's Winter issue and shared with leading aesthetic providers nationwide. Click here to access a copy of the digital report. ABOUT NEWBEAUTY: Founded in 2005, NewBeauty, a division of MJH Life Sciences, is a leading beauty authority delivering expert-driven coverage of products, innovations and aesthetic technologies across print, digital and live platforms. ABOUT MJH LIFE SCIENCES: MJH Life Sciences is the largest privately held medical media company in North America, delivering trusted health care news, education and research across multiple channels. For more information, please visit www.mjhlifesciences.com. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE NewBeauty RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP informs investors that the firm has filed a securities fraud class action lawsuit against Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) ("Oracle" or the "Company") on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired Oracle common stock between June 12, 2025, and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action, captioned Barrows v. Oracle Corporation, et al., Case No. 1:26-cv-00127-UNA, was filed on February 3, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Important Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Oracle common stock during the Class Period may, no later than April 6, 2026, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class. CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): If you experienced losses in connection with Oracle, contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP at: https://www.ktmc.com/orcl-oracle-corporation-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=orcl&mktm=PR You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT Oracle, a Delaware corporation with its principal executive offices in Austin, Texas, is a technology company that provides, among other things, infrastructure for operating artificial intelligence ("AI") programs. During the Class Period, Defendants misled investors by touting the Company's contracts to develop data center capabilities for AI infrastructure and falsely assuring investors that the Company's significant capital expenditures ("CapEx") would quickly result in accelerated revenue growth. For example, Defendants assured investors that the Company's substantially increased spending on AI infrastructureincluding for data centers used by OpenAI, the operator of ChatGPTwould rapidly convert into "accelerating revenue and profit growth" and that "we have a very good line-of-sight for our capabilities to . . . just spend on that CapEx right before it starts generating revenue." However, on September 24, 2025, S&P Global Ratings warned that OpenAI "could account for more than a third of total Oracle revenues by fiscal 2028 and even a greater share by fiscal 2030," creating risks given that "OpenAI's ability to meet contractual obligations will be contingent on AI tailwinds continuing and its models being a market leader to continue to raise external financing." On this news, the price of Oracle common stock declined $5.37 per share, or nearly 2%, from a close of $313.83 per share on September 23, 2025, to close at $308.46 per share on September 24, 2025. The following day, on September 25, 2025, analysts at Rothschild & Co. Redburn initiated coverage of Oracle at "Sell," warning, among other things, that the Company's promises of massive new revenues from its increased AI infrastructure business were "unlikely to materialize" and set a $175 price target for Oraclerepresenting a 40% pullback in the Company's stock. In response, the price of Oracle common stock declined an additional $17.13 per share, or more than 5.5%, from a close of $308.46 per share on September 24, 2025, to close at $291.33 per share on September 25, 2025. After the market closed on December 10, 2025, Oracle announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, including revenue growth below analysts' consensus estimate, quarterly CapEx well above analysts' estimates, and negative free cash flow of more than $10 billion. During the accompanying earnings call, Defendant Douglas Kehring (the Company's Principal Financial Officer) revealed that Oracle now projected $50 billion of CapEx in fiscal year 2026$15 billion more than the Company's previous projection in September 2025 and as much as $25 billion more than the Company's projection in June 2025. Notably, despite projecting substantially increased spending, Oracle did not increase its guidance for 2026 revenue, and increased its guidance for 2027 revenues by only $4 billion. In response to an analyst's question about how much money Oracle needs "to raise to fund its AI growth plans ahead," Defendant Clayton Magouyrk (the Company's new Co-Chief Executive Officer) further stoked concerns by failing to provide a specific number and revealing only that the Company expected to spend "less" than $100 billionsuggesting that Oracle may require a massive amount of capital funding through equity raises or additional debt. As Bloomberg and other media outlets reported that evening, the cost of protecting the Company's debt against default for five yearsa notable measure of Oracle's credit riskreached its highest level since April 2009. An AllianceBernstein analyst explained, "Oracle really matters because it is the harbinger of the AI capex boom," and "[t]his repricing in debt markets is very consistent with the view that risks are building." On this news, the price of Oracle common stock declined $24.16 per share, or nearly 11%, from a close of $223.01 per share on December 10, 2025, to close at $198.85 per share on December 11, 2025. After the market closed on December 11, 2025, Oracle filed its quarterly financial report on Form 10-Q with the SEC, which revealed that the Company had "$248 billion of additional lease commitments, substantially all related to data centers and cloud capacity arrangements, that are generally expected to commence between the third quarter of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2028 and for terms of fifteen to nineteen years that were not reflected on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of November 30, 2025." Analysts at CreditSights later labeled this revelation a "bombshell disclosure," noting that the Company's lease commitments had increased massively from the prior quarter, when the Company had reported just under $100 billion in lease commitments. As Bloomberg reported, "Oracle's future lease exposure far exceeds similar commitments by peers," with "a mismatch between the long duration of the property leases and much shorter contracts with key customers such as OpenAI." On December 12, 2025, Bloomberg further reported that Oracle had "pushed back the completion dates for some of the data centers it's developing for the artificial intelligence model developer OpenAI to 2028 from 2027" due to "labor and material shortages"suggesting that Oracle's promised revenue growth resulting from its increased spending may be further delayed, if it arrives at all. In response to these revelations, the price of Oracle common stock declined $8.88 per share, or approximately 4.5%, from a close of $198.85 per share on December 11, 2025, to close at $189.97 per share on December 12, 2025. On December 17, 2025, Financial Times reported that Blue Owl Capital"the primary [financial] backer for Oracle's largest data centre projects in the US"had backed out of funding a $10 billion Oracle data center intended to serve OpenAI. According to the report, Blue Owl pulled out of the deal as a result of concerns about Oracle's spending commitments and rising debt levels. On this news, the price of Oracle common stock declined $10.19 per share, or approximately 5.4%, from a close of $188.65 per share on December 16, 2025, to close at $178.46 per share on December 17, 2025. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about the Company's business and operations. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Oracle's AI infrastructure strategy would result in massive increases in CapEx without equivalent, near-term growth in revenue; (2) the Company's substantially increased spending created serious risks involving Oracle's debt and credit rating, free cash flow, and ability to fund its projects, among other concerns; and (3) as a result, Defendants' representations about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR ORACLE CORPORATION INVESTORS: Oracle investors may, no later than April 6, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Oracle investors to contact the firm directly for more information about the lawsuit. ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 [email protected] May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP New Initiative Strengthens Transparency, Consistency, and Consumer Confidence Across $12 Billion Industry AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The $12 billion rent-to-own (RTO) industry is taking a major step to strengthen transparency, professionalism, and consumer confidence nationwide. The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), America's only national trade association representing the RTO sector, announces the launch of its 50-state Model Lease Agreement Library. The "Why" Behind This Initiative Rent-to-own agreements are a foundational piece within a sector that impacts many industries, such as retail, consumer goods manufacturing, and automotive aftermarket services. Clear, consistent contracts are essential to ensuring customers understand their options, costs, and rights. APRO's Model Lease Agreement Library modernizes those agreements across all 50 states. By updating disclosures, aligning contracts with current legal standards, and standardizing best practices, this initiative strengthens transparency and reinforces accountable business operations nationwide. This effort comes at a time when millions of Americans rely on rent-to-own to access essential household goods, such as furniture, electronics, appliances, and tires. As demand for flexible purchasing options increase, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, maintaining clear and up-to-date agreements is critical to protecting customers and sustaining trust in the industry. "This is a transformational moment for the rent-to-own industry that was years in the making," said Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO. "For decades, operators have navigated a complex web of state statutes and evolving legal requirements. Now, for the first time, our members can access state-specific agreements built not just to meet yesterday's laws, but to withstand tomorrow's challenges. This is what meaningful self-regulation looks like, and it will benefit both businesses and consumers." Setting a New Industry Standard APRO partnered with nationally recognized compliance law firm Hudson Cook, LLP to develop the library. Unlike generic templates, each agreement is: Tailored to the specific lease-to-own statute in each state Updated for emerging legislative and judicial developments Structured to incorporate modern arbitration and dispute-resolution requirements Adapted to provide clear, transparent disclosures for consumers Designed to withstand regulatory and enforcement scrutiny Many RTO operators update leases only when a state statute changes. However, the legal environment around contracts is constantly evolving, even when the laws remain the same. This includes core contract law standards, arbitration, dispute resolution, and marketing and advertising alignment. The Model Lease Agreement Library provides members with a state-specific, professionally developed foundation, helping them operate confidently and compliantly in every jurisdiction. It protects against risk and reflects modern legal and regulatory standards, no matter where a member does business. How to Access the RTO Compliance Solution Members can access the agreements at https://www.rtohq.org/model-rto-lease-agreement-library/ and engage with Hudson Cook, LLP at heavily reduced rates: $250 per state $375 for multiple states This approach ensures that agreements are more than templates. They are customized, legally accountable documents aligned with the member's operations and jurisdiction. Members may also request guidance on ancillary compliance items, including privacy policies, payment authorizations, consumer reporting notices, and other company-specific provisions. "This benefit goes far beyond providing a document," said Smitherman. "It gives our members a defensible, compliant foundation and direct access to counsel, raising professionalism not just for each company but for the industry as a whole." This initiative is a cornerstone of APRO's strategic plan and reflects the association's ongoing evolution from Association of Progressive Rental Organizations to the Association of Professional Rental Organizations. The rebrand underscores APRO's commitment to professionalism, ethical practices, consumer trust, and self-regulation. To learn more about APRO, visit https://www.rtohq.org/ or follow the organization on Instagram and LinkedIn. About APRO The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), formerly Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, is the only national trade association representing the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Established in 1980 to advocate for and support the interests of RTO businesses, APRO provides its 325 member brands with essential resources, industry insights, and a strong community network. Through educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and professional development opportunities, APRO strives to elevate the standards and success of the RTO sector, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve customers with integrity and excellence. Media Contact: Ethan Gutstein, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected] SOURCE Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) Video Compression Enables Visual Intelligence Flow as DoW Invests $3.1 Billion in Counter-UAS Capabilities DALLAS, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RMX Industries, Inc. ("RMX" or the "Company") (OTCQB: RMXI) today outlined how its VAST video compression platform serves as the transport layer for next-generation Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) networks, as the U.S. military accelerates deployment of systems to detect, track, and defeat rapidly evolving small drone threats. With the Department of War requesting $3.1 billion for C-UAS projects in FY2026, Congress authorizing an additional $184.8 million for C-UAS interceptors, and the FY2025 NDAA establishing a dedicated C-UAS Task Force, defense leaders are racing to field integrated sensor networks capable of protecting forces and installations. Recent major awards including the Marine Corps' $642 million Installation C-UAS program to Anduril and the Army's requirement for 6,000 Coyote interceptors between FY2025-FY2029, reflect the massive scale of sensor and effector deployment, all of which must communicate over bandwidth-constrained infrastructure. Further underscoring this momentum, the DoW announced on February 3, 2026, the vendors invited to compete in Phase I of the Drone Dominance Program (DDP), a $1.1 billion initiative over four phases to rapidly field hundreds of thousands of low-cost, unmanned one-way attack drones by 2027, starting with evaluations at Fort Benning on February 18. This offensive drone push complements defensive C-UAS strategies by advancing overall drone dominance, where VAST's bandwidth-efficient video optimization supports seamless integration of sensor data across both offensive and defensive operations. The Network Bottleneck Modern C-UAS architectures depend on expanding arrays of sensors, fixed cameras, electro-optical/infrared turrets, radars, small UAS, and passive radio frequency (RF) detectors feeding fusion engines and operators in real time. However, legacy military networks were not designed for the volume and quality of video these systems generate, especially in contested, bandwidth-limited, or tactical edge environments where C-UAS operations are most critical. "Every Counter-UAS system eventually hits the same wall: the network," said Karl Kit, CEO of RMX. "If you can't move clean, trusted video from sensors at the edge to the fusion engines and operators who need it, even the most sophisticated detection systems become ineffective. VAST turns existing tactical and installation infrastructure into a viable backbone for modern C-UAS operations, enabling more sensors to share more intelligence over the same constrained networks without degrading picture quality or overwhelming bandwidth." VAST: Built for C-UAS Networks VAST compresses and conditions video at the source whether on fixed installation cameras, mobile EO/IR systems, counter-drone UAS payloads, or vehicle-mounted sensors so high-fidelity streams can traverse constrained RF links, tactical SATCOM, and terrestrial networks without overloading infrastructure. The platform addresses critical C-UAS operational requirements: Multi-Sensor Integration: Simultaneous transmission from diverse sensor types over shared infrastructure, supporting layered defense against swarm scenarios. Simultaneous transmission from diverse sensor types over shared infrastructure, supporting layered defense against swarm scenarios. Bandwidth Efficiency: Reduces video data requirements by up to 50% while maintaining image quality necessary for threat classification. Reduces video data requirements by up to 50% while maintaining image quality necessary for threat classification. Tactical Edge Deployment: Runs as software on existing hardware, on compact edge appliances, or embedded directly into cameras, radios, and UAS payloads. Runs as software on existing hardware, on compact edge appliances, or embedded directly into cameras, radios, and UAS payloads. Low Latency: Preserves sub-second response times when operators have only seconds between detection and engagement. Preserves sub-second response times when operators have only seconds between detection and engagement. Infrastructure Agnostic: Functions across HF, VHF, UHF, SATCOM, MANET, and terrestrial networks. VAST's field validation in bandwidth-constrained military environments, including tactical radio networks, narrowband SATCOM, and contested RF environments positions it to support immediate C-UAS deployment needs. The platform's software-first approach and compatibility with existing infrastructure enable rapid integration into emerging C-UAS architectures supporting Installation Protection, Mobile Defense (M-SHORAD, MADIS), Counter-Swarm operations, and training programs. "VAST can run as software on existing hardware, on compact RMX edge appliances, or embedded directly into cameras, radios, and UAS payloads," Karl Kit continued. "By enabling more sensors to share more intelligence over the same infrastructure, we help military and defense customers scale C-UAS coverage without proportional increases in bandwidth costs or infrastructure overhaul, critical as the threat continues to evolve faster than traditional acquisition timelines." Sources About RMX: RMX Industries, Inc. (OTCQB: RMXI) is a technology company delivering advanced data compression and video optimization solutions that secures the data continuum from beyond the edge to operational cores. Through proprietary, field-validated technology originally developed for defense and security applications, RMX aims to transform how organizations capture, transmit, store, and deliver visual data across environments with any bandwidth while specializing in the most constrained networks where traditional solutions fail. RMX's solutions are designed to operate seamlessly across any infrastructure, from tactical radios and narrowband satellite links to high-bandwidth enterprise cloud systems, ensuring critical visual intelligence reaches those who need it most, when they need it most, regardless of whether connectivity is abundant, limited, degraded, or contested. For more information, visit www.rmx.io. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition, our representatives or we may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing from time to time. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the available information. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including our financial performance and projections, revenue and earnings growth, and business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical facts, particularly those that use terminology such as "intends," "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential," or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, including the risks described in the risk factors section of the reports and other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. Important Notice Regarding Our Regulation A Offering: An offering statement regarding our offering of units consisting of one share of class A common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of class A common stock has been filed with the SEC. The SEC has qualified that offering statement, which means that the Company may make sales of the securities described by that offering statement. It does not mean that the SEC has approved, passed upon the merits or passed upon the accuracy or completeness of the information in the offering statement. You may obtain a copy of the offering circular that is part of that offering statement through this link. Investing in a public offering like our Regulation A offering is subject to unique risks, tolerance for volatility, and potential loss of your investment, that investors should be aware of prior to making an investment decision. Please carefully review the risk factors contained in the offering circular for this offering. For more information about Regulation A offerings, including the unique risks associated with these types of offerings, please click on the SEC's Investor Bulletin. Neither this document nor any of its content constitutes an offer to sell, solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation for any security by the Company or any third party. The content of this document is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to solicit the purchase of securities or to be used as investment, legal or tax advice. A securities offering by the Company is only being made pursuant to the offering circular described above. The content of this document is qualified in its entirety by such offering circular. Prospective investors are urged to consult with their own investment, legal and tax advisors prior to making any investment in the Company. Media Contact: [email protected] Investor Relations: [email protected] SOURCE RMX Industries, Inc. NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How can a business owner know they are hiring the right roofing contractor before any work begins? A HelloNation article provides clear guidance on this question by outlining what to look for and what to avoid when selecting a roofer for a business or property. In a HelloNation article , Roofing Expert Mike Hicks of Hicks Industrial Roofing in New Philadelphia, Ohio explains why better decisions happen when property owners slow down, ask direct questions, and focus on long term performance instead of quick fixes. Mike Hicks, Owner of Hicks Industrial Roofing Speed Speed The article notes that commercial roofing decisions affect far more than appearance. A roof helps protect occupants, equipment, inventory, and daily operations. Because of that, the article encourages property owners to treat the selection process like any other major business decision. It explains that the right roofing contractor should be evaluated on qualifications, communication, and documentation, not just price or speed. This approach helps reduce surprises during a project and supports safer planning. A key point in the article is the importance of verifying credentials early. It explains that a licensed roofer should meet state and local requirements and carry the right coverage, including liability insurance and workers' compensation. The article frames licensing and insurance as basic protections that should be confirmed before a contract is signed. The HelloNation feature also emphasizes communication as a practical sign of reliability. It explains that a dependable roofing contractor should be able to describe roof conditions in plain language, without leaning on technical terms that make the process confusing. The article highlights that property owners should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving clear, complete answers. Roofing Expert Mike Hicks reinforces in the article that clarity at the start supports better decisions later, especially when different repair and replacement options are on the table. Written documentation is another focus. The article explains that roofing estimates should be detailed and specific, covering materials, labor, general timelines, and any limitations that may affect the work. Roofing estimates help property owners compare bids accurately and reduce misunderstandings after a project begins. The article presents documentation as a form of transparency, and it encourages property owners to view a written estimate as a normal expectation when working with a roofing contractor. The article also addresses storm damage roofing, noting that severe weather often creates pressure to act fast. When leaks appear after high winds or heavy rain, it can feel urgent to hire the first available crew. The article cautions that rushed decisions can lead to bigger problems, and it explains that a trustworthy roofing contractor allows time for a careful roof inspection and planning. Rather than pushing immediate replacements, the article suggests that a structured evaluation helps property owners choose the right next step, even in stressful conditions tied to storm damage roofing. Local experience is presented as another advantage. The article explains that contractors familiar with regional weather patterns better understand how heat, wind, hail, and heavy rain affect different systems. This can be especially important in commercial roofing, where roof size, drainage, and material choices can influence long term performance. The article also notes that local knowledge often includes familiarity with building codes and inspection requirements, which can help projects move forward with fewer delays. Education is a consistent theme throughout the HelloNation article. It explains that reliable professionals take time to discuss maintenance needs, repair options, and expected roof lifespan so owners can make informed choices. This is not limited to commercial roofing. The article notes that customers also benefit when a roofing contractor explains what is urgent, what can be planned, and what to monitor over time. The piece ties this educational approach to trust, since informed customers are less likely to make choices based on fear. Finally, the article points to reputation and follow-through. It encourages property owners to ask for references and review past work to understand consistency and professionalism. It also notes that ongoing maintenance recommendations, including periodic roof inspection, can reduce unexpected expenses and extend roof life. The article's overall message is that choosing a roofer is about long term protection. When a licensed roofer provides clear communication and strong documentation, owners are better positioned to protect their investment. How to Find the Right Roofer for Your Business or Property features insights from Mike Hicks, Roofing Expert of New Philadelphia, Ohio, in HelloNation. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation PHOENIX, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rooter Hero invites the Phoenix community to start their morning with a little extra kindness at its "Spread the Love" pop-up event, taking place Thursday, February 19, beginning at 8:00 AM at Cultivate Coffee. The first 50 people in line will receive a free cup of coffee (up to a $10 value). Guests will also have the opportunity to spin the prize wheel for fun giveaways, including free pastries, Rooter Hero capes, and other branded goodies. Valentine-themed flyer with pink vertical stripes and red hearts reading Spread the Love. Text announces: Enjoy a free cup of coffee on us! Thursday, Feb 19th, 8 AM @ Cultivate Coffee, 505 W Dunlap Ave Unit E, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Bottom features the Rooter Hero Plumbing logo and mascot styled as a Cupid holding a bow and toolbox. The event is open to the public, and no purchase is required to participate. A Hero Helps initiative, this pop-up is part of Rooter Hero's ongoing "Spread the Love" event series. Through these events, local Rooter Hero teams deliver small acts of kindness designed to brighten everyday moments and give back to the neighborhoods they serveone cup of coffee at a time. From simple surprises to meaningful connections, Rooter Hero's "Spread the Love" series reflects the company's commitment to service beyond plumbing. Event Details at a Glance What: Spread the Love Pop-Up Event When: Thursday, February 19, starting at 8:00 AM Where: Cultivate Coffee, 505 W Dunlap Ave, Unit E, Phoenix, AZ 85021 Who: Open to the public Cost: Free (no purchase required) Frequently Asked Questions Do I need to be a Rooter Hero customer already to participate? No. This event is open to everyone; no purchase or prior relationship with Rooter Hero is required. What is the Hero Helps division of Rooter Hero? Hero Helps is Rooter Hero's community outreach division, focused on giving back through charitable projects, local support efforts, and kindness-driven initiatives like the "Spread the Love" series. How can I find out when an event is happening near me? Follow Rooter Hero on Instagram or Facebook for upcoming event announcements and local pop-ups. About Rooter Hero Rooter Hero is a trusted plumbing and drain services provider serving communities across California and Arizona. Known for fast, reliable service, Rooter Hero offers comprehensive plumbing solutions from highly trained, licensed professionals. Through its charitable division, Hero Helps, Rooter Hero invests in the areas it serves beyond service calls. To learn more about Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, call 1-833-806-4057 or visit www.rooterhero.com . To learn more about Hero Helps, visit www.rooterhero.com/about-us/hero-helps . For current coupons and specials, visit www.rooterhero.com/coupons . Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Nidec Corporation (OTC: NJDCY) resulting from allegations that Nidec Corporation may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Nidec Corporation securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47559 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On September 3, 2025, after market close, CNBC published an article entitled "Nidec shares plunge 22% as China unit probe finds accounting issues tied to management." The article further stated that shares of Nidec fell "after the company announced a probe into allegations of improper accounting in its group. This marks the largest one-day drop in the Japanese electronics components manufacturer's shares." On this news, Nidec American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") fell 22.7% on September 4, 2025. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm 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. 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P.A. MIAMI, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today announced the appointment of Christopher J. Wiernicki, former Chairman & CEO, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Wiernicki brings more than four decades of commercial, government and international experience in marine and offshore design, along with operations, infrastructure and safety management, ports and bunkering, digitalization, cyber security, and clean energy transition expertise. During his fourteen-year tenure at the helm of ABS, a global leader in classification, certification, and verification, for marine and offshore assets, Wiernicki led the global enterprise to the leading global market position in marine and offshore classification, expanded the company into higher-value consulting and software services, and increased investment in digital platforms, advanced analytics, and research and development. "Chris' disciplined approach to growth, innovation, and responsible operations will be highly valuable as we continue our evolution as a global vacation leader," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "In addition, his deep marine industry expertise brings important perspective to our Board as we continue to scale responsibly." Prior to stepping down from ABS, Wiernicki served as Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies and held several senior roles at ABS, including president and chief operating officer, chief technology officer, and president and chief operating officer of ABS Europe Ltd. He was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2021 for his leadership in ship and offshore engineering and selected in 2022 to serve on the Marine Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He is a Fellow with the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and has held senior advisory roles on the White House National Infrastructure Advisory Council and the U.S. Marine Transportation Board. Wiernicki holds a master's in ocean engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a master's in structural engineering from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Vanderbilt University. About Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, exclusive destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 69 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands -Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea - and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands. The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations from three to eight by 2028 through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations. Named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 and Forbes' 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com . SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SerpApi filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas against Zilvinas Kucinskas and his company, SearchApi, for systematically stealing SerpApi's proprietary technology and using its trade secrets to build a product that directly copies and competes with SerpApi. As detailed in SerpApi's complaint, Mr. Kucinskas, a former software engineering contractor for SerpApi, exploited his access to SerpApi's proprietary information to pilfer the company's intellectual property. The evidence is damning: Mr. Kucinskas improperly retained SerpApi's source code, and he repeatedly accessed SerpApi servers after stopping work for SerpApi in 2021. Even more egregiously, just 11 days before leaving SerpApi, he downloaded SerpApi's proprietary customer list. Mr. Kucinskas not only stole all this information, he used it to start a copycat company, SearchApi. "Mr. Kucinskas tried to cover his tracks, but we uncovered his scheme. When confronted, he stonewalled our investigation and feigned ignorance. He refused to cooperate despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter directly. His conduct left us no choice but to file suit. We've only touched on the facts at a high-level here. Our complaint lays out the evidence in detail, supported by a forensic expert's sworn declaration," said Chad Anson, SerpApi's general counsel. SerpApi has invested tens of millions of dollars and nearly a decade of work building a solution that gives its customers structured access to public data at enterprise scale. Mr. Kucinskas spent a few months stealing it. SerpApi filed this suit to protect that investment, to protect its customers, and to hold him accountable. This action is also part of a broader commitment to reinforcing the security and trust SerpApi's customers rely on. In the interest of transparency, SerpApi is making the full complaint, the forensic expert's declaration, and all supporting exhibits available below: Media Contact: [email protected] SerpApi is the leading platform for search data, offering API solutions to parse data from Google, Bing, YouTube, and more. Founded in 2017, SerpApi was among the first platforms to provide developers and enterprises worldwide with access to real-time search data. With more than 100 specialized APIs, SerpApi empowers developers, researchers, innovators, and organizations to harness live search data to support their products and missions. Use cases span AI models, SEO, cybersecurity, E-commerce competitor research, and more. SOURCE SerpApi, LLC Simform announces a $3 million strategic investment to expand its Microsoft Cloud & AI practice, strengthening Azure engineering depth, accelerating IP-led delivery, and scaling co-sell collaboration across key global regions. ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Simform has strengthened its Microsoft partnership with a $3 million strategic investment aimed at scaling Cloud & AI engineering, accelerating time-to-value through IP & accelerators, and deepening collaboration, co-selling and GTM programs. The initiative builds on Simform's growing momentum as a multi-specialised Microsoft Solutions Partner with 9 Advanced Specialisations and over 325 certifications, with a goal to double that by the end of the next fiscal year. "This investment is about scaling what we know works: Engineering DNA, focused solution plays and repeatable motions", said Prayaag Kasundra, CEO of Simform. "Microsoft Azure has a clear edge for IaaS/PaaS offering for deploying AI apps, Data Platform and Security. We are pairing our Microsoft Cloud & AI expertise on Azure with our product & platform engineering strength to deliver excellence for ISVs, digital natives and highly tech-powered mid-market enterprises". Cloud & AI excellence driven by Engineering DNA and repeatable accelerators Simform has built a formidable reputation as a leading digital engineering company specializing in product and platform engineering with its deeply ingrained Engineering DNA and values like agility, drive, and foresight. With investments into the Microsoft partnership, Simform is looking to bring the same Engineering DNA to Microsoft solutioning. According to Hiren Dhaduk, CTO at Simform, "The kind of Azure engineering that drives real impact is built on habits. Architecture reviews that don't get skipped. Teams that don't ship and vanish. Environments that don't break under usage patterns no one planned for. That's the engineering maturity we've been building quietly at Simform. This investment helps us push it further, across every domain we work in, and every Microsoft engagement we walk into." The Lab and Innovation team at Simform has built solution accelerators to be able to have a clear go-to-market edge and reduce time-to-value for customers. Platform Accelerators like Neuvantage for AI-powered App modernisation and TrueMorph for AI-powered Data platform modernisation cover a wide range of scenarios. While Data360, MedNoteDx, and 10+ other accelerators address specific use-cases within Financial Services, Healthcare, Supply chain, and Retail industries. Simform currently holds Microsoft Solutions Partner designations across four key areas - Digital & App Innovation, Data & AI, Infrastructure, and Security - and nine advanced specializations, including Building AI Apps, Migrate Enterprise Applications, and Analytics on Microsoft Azure. Simform has met all qualification requirements for Azure Expert MSP and is looking forward to attaining Azure Expert MSP designation by March 2026 by completing scheduled audit for the same. Simform was also recently named a Microsoft Fabric Featured Partner, a recognition reserved for partners with demonstrated capability in building unified, AI-ready data estates on Fabric. It reflects Simform's continued alignment with Microsoft's data and AI priorities and its ability to help organizations modernize analytics with speed, scale, and governance. Building market momentum: Simform at Microsoft Ignite 2025 Simform participated as a sponsor and exhibitor at Microsoft Ignite 2025, where Simform team held productive discussions with engineering and IT executives on how to adopt scalable AI platform practices using AI Foundry and AI-powered legacy application modernization, and building AI-ready, governed data foundations. Across Microsoft announcement and technical sessions, Simform's team saw a clear shift toward the "agentic" enterprise and the "Frontier Firm" operating model, with an emphasis on end-to-end AI lifecycle tooling, centralized agent management and observability, and platform capabilities that help organizations scale AI safely and repeatably. Just as importantly, Ignite underscored that security and governance are becoming foundational to AI scale, highlighting expanded Security Copilot agents and new Purview capabilities to strengthen data security and compliance for agentsreinforcing what executives repeatedly emphasized at the booth: speed-to-value matters, but only when paired with strong guardrails for identity, data, and risk. Scaling co-sell motions and delivering outcomes Simform's roadmap for Microsoft FY26 reflects an ambitious push to scale the impact with Microsoft Cloud & AI solutions. Simform is looking to deliver 30+ transformations across infrastructure, applications, data, and AI and building 5+ accelerators aligned to and integrated with Microsoft solutions. Simform has built dedicated teams to scale the Microsoft GTM, including an alliance team to scale the co-sell motions in North America, the UK & Ireland, and Western Europe regions. "We've built a Sales enablement program and pipeline engine aligned with how Microsoft sells," said Hardik Shah, co-founder/CRO. "Our accelerator-driven offerings reduce the friction in the sales cycles and allow us to differentiate within the competitive partner ecosystem. While our dedicated sales/solutions team leverages the MCEM model, we work closely with Microsoft sellers to simplify value articulation and accelerate opportunities within their customer base." With its latest investment and continued alignment with Microsoft's cloud and AI strategy, Simform is deepening its role as an engineering partner of choice. As enterprise teams move from experimentation to scale, Simform brings the frameworks, accelerators, and co-innovation depth to help Azure initiatives deliver measurable repeatable impact. To learn more about our direction behind this investment, read this strategy overview published alongside this announcement. About Simform Simform is a digital engineering company specializing in Cloud/MACH architectures, Data, AI, ML, and Experience Engineering. With deep expertise across Microsoft Azure, Simform helps high-growth ISVs and tech-enabled enterprises build scalable, future-ready digital platforms through its co-engineering delivery model. With a rich heritage in Microsoft technologies, Simform is recognized as a Solution Partner for Digital and App Innovation, Data & AI, Infrastructure and security. Our team boasts 340+ Azure-certified engineers with specialized skills in .NET, SharePoint, and D365 platforms. With more than 15 years of experience, Simform delivers solutions for high-tech, fintech, healthcare & life sciences, supply chain & logistics, retail & ecommerce, and professional services industries. Contact: Prayaag Kasundra +1-321-237-2727 [email protected] https://www.simform.com/ SOURCE Simform LLC BERLIN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday extended Spring Festival greetings on the social media platform X. "Happy Spring Festival and a happy new year," Merz wrote, noting that "people in China and many parts of Asia are celebrating the start of the new year." Merz said he hoped the Year of the Horse would "bring strength and give new impetus to German-Chinese relations." The Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 17 this year and ushers in the Year of the Horse. ROCHESTER, N.Y. , Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Piece Explains When Microgrids Improve Reliability for SMBs and How to Weigh Costs Against Outage Exposure and Daily Savings. When should a small business consider a microgrid instead of relying only on the local utility? HelloNation has published the piece that provides the answer in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Jason Guck of Rochester, New York. Jason Guck The HelloNation article explains that rising electricity demand can create reliability risks that land hard on small and midsize businesses. The article notes that even when headlines focus on data centers and large industrial users, SMBs often feel the impacts through greater exposure to outages and slower grid upgrades in their area. The article defines a microgrid as a localized energy system designed to operate with or without the main grid. It describes the core feature as "islanding," which allows the system to disconnect from the utility network during an outage and keep selected loads running using on-site generation or energy storage. The HelloNation article highlights that the best use case is when downtime is expensive or unsafe. It points to critical facilities that cannot afford power loss, such as hospitals, water treatment sites, emergency shelters, and public safety locations. For SMBs, the article applies that same logic to operations where service interruptions stop revenue, delay production, or create safety concerns. The article adds that geography and restoration times matter as much as outage frequency. Businesses in regions hit by severe weather, or those that routinely wait longer for power restoration, may see resilience value that is not captured by a simple monthly bill comparison. In these settings, small business energy planning often has to account for the cost of lost sales, spoiled inventory, or interrupted customer service. The HelloNation article also describes scenarios where microgrids can serve multiple users at once. It notes that campuses and dense industrial parks can benefit when several facilities can be managed behind one coordinated system. The article explains that shared loads can improve control and make the economics easier to justify than a single site acting alone. Beyond backup power, the article outlines how some systems provide day-to-day benefits. It explains that microgrids may be used for peak shaving or demand response, reducing costs even when the grid is operating normally. This point is framed as a way for small business energy strategies to balance resilience with measurable operating savings. The article is clear that microgrids are not a universal fix. It notes they do not replace the need for broader grid modernization or major transmission expansion, and most remain grid-connected in normal conditions. The article adds that microgrids are not meant to eliminate utility dependence and are not positioned as a primary solution for wide-area decarbonization. To help readers evaluate fit, the HelloNation article recommends practical decision questions. It suggests starting with the cost of downtime, then looking at whether outages are frequent or predictable, and whether the utility can deliver timely upgrades to support business growth. The article also encourages SMBs to consider whether the system can be used daily for efficiency gains, demand management, or other savings that improve the financial case. Throughout the piece, the guidance is presented in a planning mindset, with the article emphasizing right-sizing rather than overbuilding. The article frames the goal as choosing infrastructure that matches operational criticality, rather than paying for capabilities that will rarely be used. This perspective is reinforced with insights from Energy Conservation Expert Jason Guck, and the article returns to how SMBs can make small business energy decisions that are both reliable and financially grounded. Microgrids for Small Businesses: When Reliability Matters Most features insights from Jason Guck, Energy Conservation Experts of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation The yearlong celebration pays homage to the Napa Valley's historic triumph at the tasting that changed the course of California wines and continues to influence the future of the dynamic region NAPA VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stag's Leap Wine Cellars marks a milestone year in 2026 as Napa Valley comes together to honor the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, the historic blind tasting that redefined global perceptions of American wine. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars: S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon The anniversary is shared across a small group of Napa Valley wineries whose participation in the 1976 tasting represented a defining chapter for the region. Among them were Chateau Montelena, Clos du Val, Freemark Abbey, Heitz Cellar, Mayacamas Vineyards, Spring Mountain Vineyard, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was shaped by a belief in precision, balance, and respect for place, values that informed the early vintages of Stag's Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.) Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1973 S.L.V.'s recognition in Paris reflected not only an individual achievement, but the strength of a broader community working toward a shared standard of excellence. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary this year, the legacy of this achievement in wine continues to stand as a touchstone of American innovation and craftsmanship. "The 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris invites us to reflect on how far Napa Valley has come and the role its wineries have played together in defining perceptions of American wine," said Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Estate Director Juan Munoz-Oca. "For us, this milestone reaffirms our commitment to excellence, to our community of fellow vintners, and to honoring a legacy grounded in quality, collaboration, and respect for place." Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will usher in the 50th anniversary year with thoughtfully curated estate experiences and partnerships, national events, and special releases that honor its five-decade journey and spotlight a legacy continuing to evolve for generations to come. Estate Experiences and National Celebrations Anchoring the milestone year in Napa Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will host two signature, estate-based celebrations on October 10 that bring together the wineries at the heart of the original Judgment of Paris: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Chateau Montelena, Clos du Val, Freemark Abbey, Heitz Cellar, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Mayacamas Vineyards, and Grgich Hills Estate. The day will begin with an immersive tasting staged across the estate, showcasing exceptional wines from the participating wineries. In the evening, an intimate, winemaker-hosted dinner will be hosted in the caves at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. For those traveling to Napa Valley during the milestone year, the Judgment of Paris Travel Guide further extends the experience, highlighting the seven pioneering wineries from the 1976 tasting and offering curated routes that invite visitors to explore the region through the legacy of this landmark moment. From Napa Valley, the anniversary will extend outward through a curated series of national dining experiences and notable wine gatherings, connecting the legacy of the historic tasting with audiences across the country: Estate Tastings & Masterclasses: Throughout the anniversary year, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will offer a focused lineup of on-site experiences highlighting its historic vineyards, cellar traditions, and estate wines. Highlights include the 50th Anniversary Judgment of Paris Commemorative Experience in partnership with Bardessono Resort and Hotel Yountville ($1,976 per couple + hotel rate). Two guests will have an opportunity to combine an overnight stay at one of the luxury Yountville resorts with a private experience at Napa Valley's Judgment of Paris winning winery. The experience features a guided exploration of the estate, a tasting of limited-production and library wines, a seasonal lunch, and access to one bottle of the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary S.L.V. Magnum. Additional estate offerings throughout the year include guided tastings of S.L.V. and FAY and historic cave experiences paired with CASK 23, collector-focused tastings featuring rotating library vintages, and educational masterclasses centered on vineyard terroir and retrospective tastings of S.L.V. spanning multiple decades. Throughout the anniversary year, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will offer a focused lineup of on-site experiences highlighting its historic vineyards, cellar traditions, and estate wines. Highlights include the 50th Anniversary Judgment of Paris Commemorative Experience in partnership with Bardessono Resort and Hotel Yountville ($1,976 per couple + hotel rate). Two guests will have an opportunity to combine an overnight stay at one of the luxury Yountville resorts with a private experience at Napa Valley's Judgment of Paris winning winery. The experience features a guided exploration of the estate, a tasting of limited-production and library wines, a seasonal lunch, and access to one bottle of the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary S.L.V. Magnum. Additional estate offerings throughout the year include guided tastings of S.L.V. and FAY and historic cave experiences paired with CASK 23, collector-focused tastings featuring rotating library vintages, and educational masterclasses centered on vineyard terroir and retrospective tastings of S.L.V. spanning multiple decades. Wine Critic Led Seminars: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will co-host multi-vintage seminars focused on S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon with Antonio Galloni of Vinous in London (March 5) and James Suckling in San Francisco (March 8). Both seminars will offer an expansive tasting of vintages over six decades, including a pour of the 1973 vintage of S.L.V. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will co-host multi-vintage seminars focused on S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon with Antonio Galloni of Vinous in London (March 5) and James Suckling in San Francisco (March 8). Both seminars will offer an expansive tasting of vintages over six decades, including a pour of the 1973 vintage of S.L.V. National Wine Dinners: In collaboration with The Bastion Collection, an internationally acclaimed restaurant group celebrated for its distinctive culinary concepts and global leadership in Michelin accolades, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will present a Chef-led dinner series at Le Jardinier in New York City (May 7), Miami (May 14), and Houston (June 4) that pairs iconic wines with refined seasonal cuisine. Additional national wine dinners include Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (May 29) and Mastro's Restaurants (October 7-8), offering guests across the country celebratory opportunities to explore the estate's acclaimed portfolio. In collaboration with The Bastion Collection, an internationally acclaimed restaurant group celebrated for its distinctive culinary concepts and global leadership in Michelin accolades, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will present a Chef-led dinner series at Le Jardinier in New York City (May 7), Miami (May 14), and Houston (June 4) that pairs iconic wines with refined seasonal cuisine. Additional national wine dinners include Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (May 29) and Mastro's Restaurants (October 7-8), offering guests across the country celebratory opportunities to explore the estate's acclaimed portfolio. Notable Wine & Culinary Events: Throughout the year, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will participate in leading wine and culinary gatherings, including Vinous Icons New York (Feb 27-28), James Suckling Great Wines World San Francisco (March 8), Pebble Beach Food and Wine (April 9-12), the Wine Spectator Grand Tour (April 18, Denver, CO; April 25, San Diego, CA; May 1, Tampa, FL), and Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience (October 22-24), connecting the anniversary celebration with collectors and enthusiasts nationwide. Special Releases Throughout the anniversary year, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will participate in select prominent wine auctions, offering collectors opportunities to acquire rare access to significant bottles and exclusive experiences. Highlights include "The Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Anniversary Collection" at Christie's (July 2026), Auction Napa Valley hosted by the Napa Valley Vintners (June 6), and the Nashville Wine Auction's live auction (February 28). Each presents distinctive opportunities to acquire coveted library selections and exclusive Stag's Leap Wine Cellars experiences. Complementing these collector offerings, a range of commemorative bottles will honor the vintage that helped elevate Napa Valley on the world stage. The signature release, the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary S.L.V. Magnum, debuts in May. Only 1,973 magnums were produced, each sourced from the last remaining block of original S.L.V. vines planted in 1972. Individually numbered and presented in a luxury wood case with hand-applied anniversary details, the magnum represents a rare tribute to the estate's historic legacy. This spring also marks the release of the 2023 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon, a heralded vintage from the historic vineyard that produced the celebrated 1973 wine. Crafted from blocks rooted in S.L.V.'s volcanic soils, the wine continues the vineyard's legacy of structure, complexity, and dark fruit character that has defined Stag's Leap Wine Cellars since its earliest vintages. Stewarding the Next Era of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Under the direction of Head Winemaker Marcus Notaro, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars remains dedicated to crafting Cabernet Sauvignons that balance richness and elegance, softness and structure. As the estate looks ahead, its next chapter is rooted in a deep commitment to regenerative organic farming. The winery achieved Regenerative Organic Certified status in 2024, one of only four Napa Valley wineries to earn this gold standard. These practices restore soil health, foster biodiversity, conserve water, and support fair labor, ensuring the continued depth and character of the wines for generations to come. "Our responsibility begins in the vineyard and carries all the way into the glass," said Marcus Notaro. "When the land is healthy and the vines are in balance, the wines speak with greater clarity. Each decision we make is about preserving structure, elegance, and a true sense of place so these wines can continue to evolve beautifully over time." This long-term approach reflects a commitment to stewardship and continuity that looks beyond any single moment in time. Since assuming full ownership of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in 2023, the Antinori family has focused on guiding the estate with a generational perspective, grounded in respect for its land, legacy, and role within Napa Valley. "Stag's Leap Wine Cellars holds a unique place in the history of Napa Valley and American wine," said Piero Antinori. "Our role is to honor what was built here while ensuring the estate continues to grow stronger with time. Through careful stewardship of the land and respect for the winery's heritage, we are committed to protecting its identity and guiding it forward for future generations." To learn more, purchase special releases, and reserve experiences, visit www.stagsleapwinecellars.com. About Stag's Leap Wine Cellars: Founded in 1970 by the Winiarski Family with the purchase of the Stag's Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.), Stag's Leap Wine Cellars brought international recognition to Napa Valley winemaking when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon won the 1976 Paris Tasting, also known as the "Judgment of Paris." Today, the winery is committed to both preserving and celebrating its legacy while rising to new heights, under the ownership of the renowned Tuscan fine wine producer: the Antinori family. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is dedicated to creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of its vineyards while preserving the land for future generations. Media Contact: Quinn PR for Stag's Leap Wine Cellars [email protected] SOURCE Stag's Leap Wine Cellars CINCINNATI, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Textile Co., Inc., a global leader in healthcare and hospitality textiles, today announced the expansion of its distribution network in the CALA (Caribbean and Latin America) region through two new strategic partnerships with A Plus (also known as Central de Uniformes) and PH Interamericas. This expansion strengthens Standard Textile's presence in the region and reinforces its ability to support hotels and resorts across all tiers with high-performance textile solutions, local service, and operational expertise. PH Interamericas will oversee distribution across Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. A Plus will manage distribution in Panama and Chile, with the potential to expand into additional territories in the future. Together, these partners bring deep regional expertise and strong customer relationships that will enhance Standard Textile's ability to deliver innovative textile solutions with speed, consistency and local support across CALA. Standard Textile's hospitality portfolio includes a comprehensive range of bed and bath linens engineered specifically for hospitality environments. With over 150 patents, hospitality products are engineered to enhance the guest experience while reducing operational costs. It most recently re-engineered a terry collection specifically for the CALA region. The Capitol Collection for CALA, woven and finished in the USA, utilizes a patented weaving technology that provides substantial operational savings. "Expanding our distributor network in CALA ensures that we're meeting our customers where they are with the right products, localized service, and dedicated support," said Gary Heiman, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Standard Textile. "As the hospitality landscape evolves in the region, especially in the luxury segment, it's critical that we have strong partners on the ground. A Plus and PH Interamericas share our values and commitment to excellence." Bringing Italian Luxury to CALA's Finest Properties At the heart of this expansion is the Mascioni Hotel Collection, Standard Textile's premier luxury brand known for its heritage of Italian craftsmanship and commitment to refined comfort. With growing demand from upscale hotels and resorts throughout CALA, Mascioni Hotel Collection offers a curated range of bed and bath linens designed to elevate the guest experience. About A Plus (Central de Uniformes) A Plus Supply, a company part of Grupo Central de Uniformes, is a leading distributor of hospitality and healthcare textiles headquartered in Panama City, Panama. Serving Standard Textile customers across Panama and Chile, the company specializes in high-quality uniforms, linens, and textile solutions for institutions and luxury properties. With a strong focus on service, quality, and long-term partnerships, A Plus delivers customized solutions to meet the evolving needs of the Latin American hospitality industry. Learn more at https://centraldeuniformes.com. About PH Interamericas PH Interamericas (PHI) is a leading hospitality supply and distribution company and a member of Grupo Pasqui, a business group driving logistics and complementary services in Costa Rica and Central America since 1936. With more than 20 years of experience serving hospitality clients across Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia, PHI combines regional scale with deep market expertise. The company delivers integrated consulting, logistics, and tailored supply solutions for luxury hotels, boutique properties, and real estate developments. Learn more at http://www.phinteramericas.com. About Standard Textile Founded in 1940, Standard Textile has developed a culture of innovation, quality, and service. With more than 150 patents issued, its products are engineered to deliver durability, longevity, and value. A vertically integrated company, Standard Textile is a leading global provider of total solutions in the institutional textiles and apparel markets. Leveraging textile design, manufacturing, and laundry expertise, and its global infrastructure, this company serves customers in the healthcare, hospitality, interiors, workwear, and consumer markets worldwide. For more information visit standardtextile.com. Contact: Judy Sroufe VP Marketing & Communications Standard Textile One Knollcrest Drive Cincinnati, OH 45237 (513) 238.0592 [email protected] www.standardtextile.com SOURCE Standard Textile NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- StickIt Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "STKT"), (CSE: STKT), a parent company of the Israeli technology and cannabinoid company StickIt Ltd., the developer exclusivity & patent protected of "Cannabis Sticks" Technology,, is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement announced on October 16, 2025 and clarified on October 23, 2025 and December 31, 2025. The Company has issued a total of 28,884,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of CDN$0.025 per unit, for gross proceeds of CDN$722,100.00. Each Unit consists of one common share and one full common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of CDN$0.025 per share for a period of thirty-six months up to and including February 13, 2029, subject to the exercise price restriction clause. A finder's fee comprised of CDN$57,768.00 and 2,310,720 finder warrants (the "Finder Warrants") was paid on a portion of the financing. Each Finder warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of CDN$0.025 per share for a period of thirty-six months up to and including February 13, 2029, subject to an exercise price restriction clause. Under the exercise price restriction clause, the Warrants and Finder's Warrants cannot be exercised until the Company completes a further consolidation of its share capital, with every two (2) existing shares consolidated into one (1) new share. The Company is a Non-Venture Issuer and the number of securities issuable in the offering (calculated on a fully diluted basis) is more than 100% of the total number of securities or votes outstanding. The Company requested and was granted exemption from CSE Policy 4.6.2(a)(i)(2) since (i) the Company is in serious financial difficulty; (ii) the Company has reached an agreement to complete the Private Placement; (iii) no Related Person of the Company is participating in the Private Placement; (iv) independent directors constituting a majority of the Board's independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participated, determined that the offering is in the best interests of the Company, is reasonable in the circumstances and that it is not feasible to obtain security holder approval; and (v) on December 31, 2025 the Company issued a news release stating it will not hold a security holder vote and fully explaining how it qualifies for the exception. All securities issued are subject to a hold period of four (4) months and one day and as such may not be traded until June 14, 2026. The net proceeds from the sale of units have been added to working capital in furtherance of the Company's business. About StickIt Stickit primary assets consist of patents and patent applications related to plant extracts, therapeutic compounds in smoking utensils, and honey complexes. StickIt have already patents granted in USA, Europe, Israel and Canada. The Extra-C stick is created through a unique proprietary process, resulting in condensed cannabis oil presented in a toothpick-like matrix, allowing for the easy conversion of regular cigarettes into cannabis or hemp cigarettes. StickIt operates from key facilities situated in Dalton, Northern Israel, these facilities are central to the company's research, development, and manufacturing operations. Stickit's operating model is to establish joint ventures in countries around the world where recreational cannabis is permitted. Each licensee/joint venture partner will establish a production facility in which they will add the cannabis content to sticks produced and supplied by Stickit. As part of those arrangements StickIt is expected to provide the joint venture with the know-how required to manufacture the finished product. The licensee/joint venture partner will produce the finished product, adding cannabis to the raw materials provided by StickIt, and will sell them either directly to the points of sale or through distributors The licensee is expected to pay a setup fee by investing the funds necessary to set up the local production facility. Each licensee will have exclusive rights to produce and market Stickit products in their designated territory On behalf of the Board of Directors /s/ "Eli Ben-Haroosh" Eli Ben-Haroosh, CEO For further information please contact: Mr. Eli Ban-Haroosh at [email protected] Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required by law. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by StickIt. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2258883/Stickit_Logo.jpg SOURCE StickIt Technologies Inc. Local 856 Frontline Workers Fight for Strong New Contract GREENBRAE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 500 MarinHealth Medical Center (MHMC) workers, represented by Teamsters Local 856, will hold a press conference at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 during their 24-hour unfair labor practice strike to demand a fair agreement. These Teamsters work as respiratory therapists, anesthesia technicians, emergency department technicians, phlebotomists, surgical technologists, certified nursing assistants, environmental services aides, and food service workers. Earlier this month, the group overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike after nearly a year of negotiations during which MHMC has met its workers with hostility engaging in bad-faith bargaining tactics such as canceling multiple bargaining sessions, and refusing to provide necessary, relevant, and correct information needed to understand the costs of their health care proposal. Additionally, MHMC has refused to back off its outrageous proposals to increase Teamsters' health care costs up to $1,000 monthly. WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 18 11:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. WHO: MarinHealth Medical Center Teamsters WHERE: MarinHealth Medical Center 250 Bon Air Road Greenbrae, CA 94904 Media Contact: Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279 [email protected] On-Site Contact: Susanna Farber, (415) 310-6730 SOURCE Teamsters Local 856 Leading Indiana construction firm selects easy-to-use solution to drive growth and efficiency DULLES, Va., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unanet, the leader in AI-first ERP and growth software for project-based businesses, today announced that The Hagerman Group (Hagerman) selected Unanet CRM AEC to improve business development, streamline pipeline metrics, and empower team members with better communication. "We have a goal to be a world-class construction company, but we are unable to do it with an antiquated CRM system," said Ray Van Amburg, Vice President of Business Development at Hagerman. "We need our team to invest their time and resources in the most strategic ways, and we must give them the most effective solution to share leads and grow opportunities instead of keeping data in siloes. Unanet will help us focus on growing the right business and effectively communicate across the company so we can achieve our goals." Founded more than a century ago in Fishers, Ind., The Hagerman Group is a full-service construction company specializing in commercial projects. The firm, listed as a top 400 Engineering News-Record contractor, has approximately 600 employees and focuses on institutional, healthcare, and industrial construction projects. It is one of the top firms in the country for building museums and K-12 schools and is developing several projects in Lebanon, Ind.'s LEAP Innovation District. Hagerman's aggressive growth plans, with a goal to improve its win rate by 10%, highlighted the need to modernize the company's business development processes, which its prior software were unable to address. Having used it previously, Van Amburg led the team that chose Unanet's AEC CRM solution to help the business development team better maintain and leverage business knowledge, and to better manage their pipeline and relationships through the software's easy-to-use Outlook integration and mobile app. Hagerman will be able to track contacts, manage opportunities, and gain deeper insight into their pipeline more efficiently. Within a year, the team plans to fully integrate its marketing function to support proposal development and improve win rates. More than 1,850 architecture, engineering, and construction companies select Unanet because it provides the right mix of functionality and accessibility while also enabling seamless scaling and growth. Unanet's newest innovation, the Champ AI copilot, introduces multi-agent intelligence across the Unanet ecosystemcomplementing existing innovations like OpportuneAI and ProposalAI to help AEC firms identify high-value pursuits, generate proposals up to 70% faster, and improve win rates across their pipeline. To learn more about Unanet ERP and CRM, please visit https://unanet.com/crm-aec and https://unanet.com/erp-for-a-e/erp-for-a-e-overview/. About Unanet Unanet is the leader in AI-first ERP and growth software for project-based businesses. Trusted by more than 4,200 government contractor, architecture, engineering, and construction firms, Unanet unifies financials, projects, and pursuits with built-in automation and complianceall supported by a dedicated customer success team. This empowers leaders to make confident, real-time decisions that drive growth from pipeline to profit. Learn more at unanet.com. About The Hagerman Group The Hagerman Group is a construction solutions provider focused on Building a Better Future. Four generations and more than 115 years of family leadership dating back to 1908 have taught us the importance of providing exceptional value to our clients. From site selection and preconstruction services to project completion and our industry-leading five-year follow-up program, we work to exceed our clients' expectations while remaining on time and under budget. With offices in Indiana (Fort Wayne and Fishers) and Kentucky (Louisville), Hagerman services valued clients throughout the Midwest and across the country. We collaborate with owners and designers on projects of all types and sizes, from storefront facelifts and roof replacements to new hospitals and industrial buildings. Learn more at www.thehagermangroup.com. SOURCE Unanet Leading North American travel management company renews commitment to Travelport's next-generation technology platform LONDON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelport, a multi-source content provider that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, today announced a multi-year agreement with Fox World Travel, one of North America's leading travel management companies. Under the renewed agreement, Fox World Travel will continue to leverage Travelport's next-generation travel commerce platform, Travelport+, to support its comprehensive corporate travel management services across North America. The agreement underscores Fox World Travel's confidence in Travelport's ability to deliver innovative solutions for the corporate travel sector. The renewal follows Travelport's continued investment in product delivery, enhanced service and support capabilities, and strategic positioning in the North American travel management company channel. "We are delighted to extend our agreement with Fox World Travel, a relationship spanning over four decades and built on trust, innovation, and shared commitment to excellence," said Simon Gros, Vice-President of Sales Americas at Travelport. "This renewal reflects the strength of our collaboration and our ability to deliver the technology solutions that leading travel management companies need to serve their corporate clients effectively." Sam Hilgendorf, Chief Information Officer at Fox World Travel said: "This renewal reflects the confidence we have in Travelport's vision and strategy. The ongoing investment into Travelport+ gives us a foundation that can handle today's distribution realities, and flex as it inevitably changes. Our job is to make the complex feel simple for our travelers, and this renewal reinforces a partnership built not just on history, but on a shared ambition for doing what is best for our clients." The relationship enables Fox World Travel to access Travelport's comprehensive inventory of travel content, advanced booking tools, and modern retailing capabilities, supporting the company's ability to deliver value-driven travel programs for its corporate clients. By harnessing Travelport's modern platform, Fox World Travel can utilize tools to elevate every stage of the travel experience with richer content, faster search, and more personalized options, allowing corporations access to exceptional value, enhanced traveler satisfaction, and measurable program performance. This collaboration reinforces Fox World Travel's commitment to innovation and positions the company to meet the evolving needs of today's business travelers with greater agility and impact. About Travelport Travelport is a multi-source content provider that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide. Buyers and sellers of travel are connected by the company's next generation marketplace, Travelport+, which simplifies how brands connect, upgrades how travel is sold, and enables modern digital retailing. Ranked First from 160 Travel Software Suppliers (G2 Survey December 2025). Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Travelport operates in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit www.travelport.com. About Fox World Travel Leveraging a culture of ingenuity, exceptional service and commitment to care, Fox World Travel forms authentic and deep relationships with corporate and vacation clients to develop unique, tailored solutions that truly fit their needs. Fox's philosophy of putting people first and going above and beyond for its clients and associates has earned the company a spot on the Travel Weekly Power List and a reputation as a top travel company in the country. Headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Fox World Travel has over 300 associates, with an average tenure of over seven years of exceptional service. To learn more, visit foxworldtravel.com. SOURCE Travelport VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals", "Trilogy" or the "Company") reports its financial results for the year ended November 30, 2025, and provides an update on strategic priorities as the Company advances the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") in northwestern Alaska, held by Ambler Metals LLC, its 50/50 joint venture with South32 Limited (ASX, LSE, JSE: S32; ADR: SOUHY) ("South32"). Fiscal 2025 marked a pivotal year for Trilogy, highlighted by a strategic investment commitment from the U.S. federal government, a strengthened balance sheet, and expanded leadership and advisory capabilities to support permitting and project advancement activities at Ambler Metals. Details of Trilogy's audited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis are contained in its Annual Report on Form 10K, which will be available on the Company's website at www.trilogymetals.com and under the Company's profiles on SEDAR+ and EDGAR. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. Financial and Operational Highlights Strong cash balance of $51.6 million as at November 30, 2025 , providing significant financial flexibility. , providing significant financial flexibility. $17.8 million strategic investment commitment from the U.S. federal government , reflecting the strategic importance of the UKMP to domestic critical mineral supply chains. , reflecting the strategic importance of the UKMP to domestic critical mineral supply chains. Expanded senior leadership and advisory capacity to strengthen joint venture oversight and support project execution. Approval of 2026 $35 million budget for the Ambler Metals joint venture, aligned with permitting and development milestones to advance the Arctic copper-silver-zinc-lead-gold deposit towards production; targeting mine permit submissions in 2026, potentially leveraging federal expedited programs such as FAST-41. for the Ambler Metals joint venture, aligned with permitting and development milestones to advance the Arctic copper-silver-zinc-lead-gold deposit towards production; targeting mine permit submissions in 2026, The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (" AIDEA ") executed Right-of-Way permits for the Ambler Access Project (or " Ambler Road "), formally re-establishing the federal authorizations required to advance the road project connecting the UKMP to the Dalton Highway. ") executed Right-of-Way permits for the Ambler Access Project (or " "), U.S. government to work in good faith to help facilitate financing required for the construction of the Ambler Road, in coordination with the State of Alaska. in coordination with the State of Alaska. Plans to open the Bornite camp during the 2026 summer field season to conduct geotechnical and exploration drilling. Tony Giardini, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals, commented: "This has been a landmark year for Trilogy as we significantly strengthened our financial position while deepening alignment with key U.S. federal and state stakeholders focused on securing domestic supplies of critical minerals. The U.S. federal government's strategic investment commitment is an important validation of the longterm value of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects and their potential role in supporting a reliable and responsible North American supply of copper and other critical minerals. "We ended the year with a strong cash position and expanded our leadership, advisory, and technical capabilities to ensure we are well prepared for increased permitting and project activity at Ambler Metals. With a fully funded 2026 exploration, development, and permitting program in place, our focus is firmly on execution and advancing the UKMP through the next critical stages of development in close collaboration with our partners, regulators, and local communities." Annual Financial Results The following selected annual financial information is prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. in thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts Selected financial results Year ended November 30, 2025 $ Year ended November 30, 2024 $ General and administrative 1,330 1,218 Investor relations 161 72 Professional fees 2,058 923 Salaries 2,388 927 Salaries & directors' fees stock-based compensation 3,336 3,520 Share of loss on equity investment 11,392 2,636 Loss on derivative carried at fair market value 22,585 - Comprehensive loss for the year (42,241) (8,587) Basic and diluted loss per common share (0.26) (0.05) For the year ended November 30, 2025, Trilogy reported a net loss of $42.2 million (or $0.26 basic and diluted loss per common share) compared to a net loss of $8.6 million (or $0.05 basic and diluted loss per common share) in fiscal 2024. U.S. Federal Strategic Investment to Advance Development of Domestic Critical Mineral Resources at the UKMP On October 6, 2025, Trilogy entered into a binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of War for a conditional investment of approximately $17.8 million in exchange for 8,215,570 units at a price of $2.17 per unit, with each unit comprising of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and of a 10-year warrant. Each full warrant would be exercisable to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.01. The warrants would become exercisable following completion of construction of the Ambler Road. This transaction underscores growing U.S. government support for advancing responsible domestic sources of copper and other critical minerals, including zinc, silver, cobalt, and germanium. The Company has accounted for the U.S. government's support as a derivative financial instrument under the ASC 81540 accounting standard. The Company recognized an initial liability of $8.2 million and a corresponding expense related to the government's proposed collaboration agreement, which was contributed to Ambler Metals, and as at November 30, 2025, the Company increased the derivative by $22.6 million. This represents the change in the fair value of the obligation to issue the Common Shares and warrants, and recognizes a corresponding loss for the period, which had no impact on cash. These accounting effects are expected to resolve upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions. In addition, salaries expense increased in fiscal 2025 from recording higher cash-based compensation compared with fiscal 2024, whereby a significant portion of executive compensation was settled in Common Shares, which resulted in higher share-based compensation expense in 2024. The loss for the year was also attributable to higher professional fees, including legal and regulatory costs related to the filing of base shelf prospectuses and at-the market ("ATM") programs. These cost increases were partially offset by higher income earned during the year. Strengthened Leadership and UKMP Joint Venture Oversight With mine permitting and project activity expected to accelerate at Ambler Metals, Trilogy has taken deliberate steps to augment its leadership, advisory, and technical capabilities to support execution and oversight of the joint venture. The 2026 work program represents a crucial year of progress for the UKMP as Ambler Metals prepares to initiate the mine permitting process for the Arctic Project, while continuing to advance the technical and organizational foundations required for future development. Ambler Metals is targeting mine permit submissions in 2026, potentially leveraging federal expedited programs such as FAST-41, subject to project readiness and continued engagement with stakeholders. FAST-41 is a U.S. federal framework designed to enhance coordination, transparency, and predictability for permitting critical infrastructure projects. The U.S. government will work collaboratively in good faith, in coordination with the State of Alaska, to include future UKMP permit applications in the FAST-41 process to expedite the mine permitting process. Engagement with local communities and regional stakeholders will remain a core focus, with continued emphasis on transparent communication, consultation, and long-term workforce planning. Trilogy expanded its senior management and advisory team following the announcement of the U.S. federal investment, coinciding with South32's increased personnel commitment to Ambler Metals. These actions are intended to ensure Trilogy is well-positioned to: Advance permitting for the Arctic Project. Support long-term technical and development planning. Deepen engagement with government, community, and stakeholder partners. Plan for future exploration efforts at Bornite and across the Ambler Mining District land package. Trilogy believes the strengthened team enhances the Company's ability to deliver long-term value as the UKMP advances through key development phases. Ambler Metals $35M Budget to Advance Exploration, Development, and Permitting Activities A budget of approximately $35 million has been approved for Ambler Metals for fiscal 2026, of which Trilogy's share is $17.5 million. The activities at Ambler Metals will focus on re-staffing, initiating the permitting process for the Arctic Project, and progressing technical work necessary to support long-term development. Exploration activities in 2026 will focus primarily on the Arctic Project, including geotechnical and condemnation drilling to support mine design, infrastructure placement, and future production planning. Ambler Metals will also be preparing the Bornite Project camp for ongoing exploration and multi-year use. The joint venture plans to open the Bornite camp during the 2026 summer field season to conduct geotechnical and exploration drilling, along with general camp maintenance and capital improvements to support future programs. These programs represent important steps toward advancing the UKMP as a U.S.-based source of critical minerals. Strong Liquidity and Capital Resource Position The Company maintains a strong cash position of over $50 million, providing funding for ongoing operations and its share of future joint venture requirements. Qualified Persons Richard Gosse, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standard of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Gosse has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein. About Trilogy Metals Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration and development company that holds a 50% interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which owns 100% of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in northwestern Alaska. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District, one of the world's most prospective copper-dominant districts, hosting world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") and carbonate replacement deposits. Exploration has focused on the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite copper-cobalt deposit. Ambler Metals operates under an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., supporting responsible exploration and development in cooperation with local communities. Trilogy's vision is to develop the Ambler Mining District into a premier North American copper producer while respecting subsistence livelihoods. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, the proposed advancement of the Ambler Access Project, planned activities at the UKMP, collaboration and engagement with partners, regulators, and local communities, the outlook for 2026, the Company's anticipated budget for corporate activities and the Company's ability to fund its operations and the requirement for additional funding at Ambler Metals, U.S. federal government's potential role in supporting a reliable and responsible North American supply of copper and other critical minerals, mine permitting submissions and the timing thereof, the U.S. government working, in coordination with the State of Alaska, to include future UKMP permit applications in the FAST-41 process, anticipated benefits of management appointments, the Strategic Investment and the anticipated benefits thereof, the scope and timing of the activities at Ambler Metals, opening the Bornite camp and the timing thereof, and resource estimates, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving the outcome of pending litigation, success of exploration activities, permitting timelines, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests, unexpected cost increases and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2025 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc. Blending Advanced Travel Technology with Human Expertise to Simplify Global Trip Planning SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the demand for flexible and personalized travel experiences continues to grow, travelers are increasingly seeking alternatives to rigid group tours, prioritizing multi-destination itineraries and customizable vacation packages that blend technology with human support. Responding to this evolving landscape, Tripmasters is expanding its global travel innovation by focusing on simplified vacation packages with optional customization. Research from the American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report confirms a rising consumer preference for customized travel experiences designed around personal motivations and interests. To explore these new flexible travel options and begin planning a personalized itinerary, visit www.tripmasters.com. Enhancing the Traveler Experience "By uniting advanced booking technology with hands-on human guidance, we make personalized multi-city travel effortless," says Rudy Tan, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Marketing. Tripmasters positions itself as a leader in this evolving trend by offering solutions designed for the modern traveler: Bundled travel bookings: Integrating flights, hotels, transportation, and tours into one comprehensive itinerary. Why it matters: This streamlines the planning process, reduces complexity, and ensures a cohesive journey from start to finish. Integrating flights, hotels, transportation, and tours into one comprehensive itinerary. This streamlines the planning process, reduces complexity, and ensures a cohesive journey from start to finish. Self-guided and private guided travel models: Providing options for independent exploration or expert-led experiences. Why it matters: This caters to diverse preferences for autonomy and support, allowing travelers to choose their ideal level of guidance. Providing options for independent exploration or expert-led experiences. This caters to diverse preferences for autonomy and support, allowing travelers to choose their ideal level of guidance. Flexible itinerary planning tools: Empowering travelers to design and modify multi-destination trips with ease. Why it matters: This directly addresses the growing demand for personalized and adaptable travel, moving away from fixed itineraries. Leveraging Technology for Seamless Planning Tripmasters' commitment to combining innovative planning technology with highly rated customer support is reflected in the experiences of its travelers. The company consistently earns strong satisfaction ratings across leading review platforms, including high-star ratings on Trustpilot (4.8/5), Google Reviews (4.7/5), and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (A+ rating). These customer endorsements highlight Tripmasters' focus on simplifying complex multi-destination travel while providing reliable support and peace of mind throughout the journey. Media Contact: Stephanie Merrithew, Product/Marketing, [email protected] A Trusted Travel Platform Built on Experience Tripmasters is a trusted travel platform built on the experiences of millions of travelers, specializing in customizable multi-destination vacation packages across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Canada, and the Pacific. A Company Rooted in Trust and Credibility Founded in 1984, Tripmasters has grown into a global brand while remaining family-owned and U.S.-based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Its long-standing credibility is supported by: 4.8-star average rating on Trustpilot, A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), IATA and ARC certifications. SOURCE Tripmasters New initiative equips unemployed, underemployed and incumbent women with in-demand AI security skills to help protect the nation's digital infrastructure from emerging AI-driven threats. COOKEVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) , the premier organization dedicated to recruiting, retaining and advancing women in cybersecurity, today announced the launch of its AI Security Accelerator Program , a targeted professional development initiative designed to support unemployed, underemployed and incumbent mid-career cybersecurity professionals in Maryland as they transition into high-demand roles at the intersection of artificial intelligence and security. This Project is funded by the State of Maryland's EARN Maryland Grant Program , administered by the Maryland Department of Labor. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded across critical infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, and government systems, the demand for professionals who can secure AI technologies continues to rise. At the same time, the cybersecurity workforce faces a nationwide shortage of nearly 500,000 professionals, according to the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study , creating both urgent risk and opportunity. The WiCyS AI Security Accelerator Program is designed to address this gap by equipping women with the technical, regulatory and strategic expertise needed to identify, mitigate and respond to rapidly evolving AI-driven threats. The program aims to strengthen the AI security talent pipeline while positioning participants for long-term career growth in one of the industry's fastest-growing specialty areas. The program is open to WiCyS members who live and/or work in Maryland and are unemployed, underemployed or incumbent workers seeking career advancement. By prioritizing individuals facing employment barriers, the initiative supports workforce reentry, upskilling into emerging AI security roles and advancement into more stable, higher-paying cybersecurity positions. Participants will receive hands-on SANS AI security training, regulatory and compliance instruction, one-on-one mentorship, and personalized career advising. The program also offers opportunities to earn multiple SANS GIAC certifications and includes attendance at the WiCyS 2026 Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, providing direct access to employers, industry leaders and professional networks." The AI Security Accelerator Program is delivered in collaboration with a network of nine WiCyS strategic partners. The program's primary education partner is the SANS Institute, which provides the core technical curriculum, ensuring participants receive industry-recognized, employer-aligned training in AI security. This multi-partner collaboration brings together expertise across education, workforce development and industry to deliver a comprehensive, outcomes-driven program aligned with Maryland's workforce needs. "Every day, we hear from talented mid-career women in cybersecurity who are eager to grow professionally but face barriers to advancement and career stagnation," said Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of WiCyS. "As AI reshapes how our systems operate and how they're attacked, this program meets the moment. The AI Security Accelerator is about equipping women with practical skills, respected credentials and the confidence to step into critical AI security roles while helping protect the systems our communities rely on." For more information about the WiCyS AI Security Accelerator Program, visit www.wicys.org/benefits/ai-security-accelerator-program/ or contact [email protected] . To access this and other exclusive professional development opportunities, join WiCyS at www.wicys.org/benefits/ . About Women in CyberSecurity Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is a nonprofit organization with international reach dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity. Founded by Dr. Ambareen Siraj through a National Science Foundation grant given to Tennessee Tech University in 2013, WiCyS offers opportunities, trainings, events and resources for its community and members. Strategic partners include Tier 1: Akamai Technologies, Amazon, Bloomberg, Cisco, Ford Motor Company, Google, Lockheed Martin, Palo Alto Networks, SentinelOne. Tier 2: Adobe, Flare, Microsoft, MITRE Corporation, Navy Federal Credit Union, PayPal, PepsiCo., PSEG Services, Tenable. To partner, visit http://www.wicys.org/support/strategic-partnerships/. SOURCE Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. Yamaha Celebrates Two Decades of its Iconic Trumpet with a LimitedTime Sweepstakes BUENA PARK, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its renowned Xeno Artist Model trumpets with a nationwide sweepstakes offering trumpet players the chance to win one of the world's most respected professional instruments. Now through March 31, 2026, musicians can enter for a chance to take home a Yamaha Xeno Artist Model Trumpet, valued at $7,675. Yamaha Announces Xeno Artist Model 20th Anniversary Sweepstakes Designed in collaboration with three of today's most celebrated orchestral trumpeters Tom Hooten (Los Angeles Philharmonic), Tom Rolfs (Boston Symphony Orchestra), and David Bilger (Philadelphia Orchestra, Emeritus) the Xeno Artist Model line represents two decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and artistdriven engineering. Each model blends the nuanced sound preferences, playing styles, and performance needs of these distinguished artists, resulting in instruments that set the benchmark for versatility, control, and expressiveness. "From idea, to execution, to audience: players the world over are able to trust the freedom and versatility of their Artist Model trumpets to play repertoire from any era," said Brian Petterson, director of winds at Yamaha. "The Xeno Artist Model line embodies our commitment to building instruments that meet the highest artistic standards." To mark this milestone anniversary, Yamaha is giving advanced high school, collegiate and professional trumpet players a rare opportunity to win a prolevel instrument that has shaped the tone and technique of top artists around the world. The sweepstakes not only celebrates the legacy of Xeno Artist Model trumpets but also introduces more players to the craftsmanship and performance capabilities that have defined the line for 20 years. To enter the sweepstakes and view full details, visit: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/contents/winds/trumpet_custom/index.html ABOUT YAMAHA Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world-leading music and sound company, based in Hamamatsu, Japan. The Yamaha team is committed to helping everyone progress, express and connect through music and sound. We offer innovative, finely crafted, award-winning products for your entire musical journey including pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, drums, professional and home audio equipment. Contact: Lauren Jacobson [email protected] SOURCE Yamaha About this content About Stephen Gunnion Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Oliver Haill Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. KEFI Minerals PLCs (LON:KEFI) US$30mln from the sale of a stake in its local Ethiopian subsidiary completes the funding requirements for the construction of the Tulu Kapi gold mine. KEFI has now assembled the proposed full project funding consortium, including contractors, equity and non-equity capital and is expected to move towards full financial close later this year by closing out the remaining Ethiopian government processes and approvals, along with completion of due diligence and formal documentation, said KEFIs chairman Harry Anagnostaras-Adams. Broadly speaking, the new consortium is coming in on the same terms as the Ethiopian government and gives a combined 46% of the project equity to a combination of the Ethiopian government and local investors. A group compromising mining contractor Ausdrill, engineer Lycopodium, and the Ethiopian government is responsible for the infrastructure and building work. Innovative financing Lycopodium will build the on-mine infrastructure (including the plant) under a hybrid EPC/EPCM contract, said broker RFC Ambrian. This is planned to be funded through the issue of US$160mln and US$50mln of equity including the US$30mln and US$20mln from the Ethiopian government. Production will amount to 980,000oz over a 7.5-year mine life at average sustaining costs of US$773/oz over its life. Reserves stand at 1.05Moz, grading 2.1 g/t, with operations to be a conventional open pit and CIL-based project. Better finance terms Anagnostaras-Adams added that the net present value (NPV) indicated in last years definitive feasibility study had risen to US$192mln from US$159mln due to higher throughput via the processing plant in the early years than assumed in 2017. Forecast production rises to 135,000oz from 115,000oz, while all-in-costs increase to US$973 per oz from US$937 per oz. NPV also gets a boost from the expected better finance terms, said Anagnostaras-Adams. Expansion potential A scoping study on a potential underground resource at Tulu Kapi suggests the production rate can rise to 150,000oz pa from Year 4. In addition, KEFI has identified more satellite targets within trucking distance of the mine site. "Independent reviews of the project plans and associated economics have been completed and re-affirm their robustness and attractiveness." "KEFI's remaining 54% beneficial interest in the project, along the lines previously foreshadowed, gives the company an implied valuation of US$66 million based on these transaction metrics, whilst not including any value for the Tulu Kapi underground deposit or the exploration prospects in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, the largest countries within the highly prospective Arabian Nubian Shield where KEFI is focused, added Anagnostaras-Adams. Jibal Qutman still developing In Saudi, KEFI has a 40%-stake in the Jibal Qutman project, where new country-wide mining laws are being introduced in a bid to encourage the development of the sector into an important part of the economy. Equity finance a significant step, says broker Broker RFC Ambrian said: The share price has reacted very positively to the [equity finance] news. "We reiterate our buy rating and target price of 5.6p. We expect that progress towards construction planned for September will be reflected in a reduction of the current deep discount to its estimated NAV. We note the companys estimated unrisked NAV of 14p/share We anticipate that the next major uplift in the value of the company will be on the completion of the bond financing. The valuation is also highly leveraged to the gold price, with our risked TP increasing to 8.5p at a gold price of US$1,400/oz. At 3.4p, KEFI is valued at 11.7mln. Financing of Tulu Kapi takes shape KEFI is looking to raise a total of 5.5mln through a share placing and subscription, to fund Tulu Kapi project. It has conditionally raised 3mln through a placing of 120mln new ordinary shares at a price of 2.5p each for additional working capital. KEFI has also agreed on terms with local investors for a US$30mln equity investment in its Ethiopian subsidiary which is leading the development of Tulu Kapi, analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald said. Assuming the US$160mln proposed project debt finance is also secured over the summer as anticipated, this equity investment should complete the financing for the mine, the analysts said. Cantor Fitzgerald revised its buy rating for KEFI and decreased its price target to 15p from 22p to reflect the increased shares in issue. About this content About Jonathan Jackson Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Lisa Uhlman Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTC:RLMLF, FRA:NC3) has reported further broad gold intersections and a significant tungsten hit from final assays of its 2025 drilling campaign at the Golden Gate Fault Zone within the 100%-owned Horse Heaven GoldAntimonyTungstenSilver Project in Idaho, USA. Horse Heaven Project location map, highlighting the location of the two current major antimony-gold-silver tungsten targets, the Golden Gate Target (where the Phase 1 Core Drilling Program was conducted) and the Antimony Ridge Target. Also highlighted is the fully-permitted Stibnite Gold Project, which is only 16km east of Horse Heaven. Note: Coordinates are UTM metres north and east metric system, not latitude/longitude. The latest results from reverse circulation (RC) and diamond core drilling at Golden Gate North and South continue to demonstrate near-surface, open-ended gold mineralisation, with tungsten identified in one RC hole adding a potential by-product dimension to the emerging district-scale discovery. The new assays cover RC holes HH-GG25-011R to HH-GG25-014R and diamond core hole HH-GG25-006C, marking the completion of the companys 2025 program. Drill hole location plan for the Golden Gate North and Golden Gate South Prospects, highlighting the five holes with the latest assay results, the subject of this announcement, HH-GG25-011R, HH-GG25-012R, HH-GG25-013R, drilled at Golden Gate North, and HH-GG25-014R, drilled at Golden Gate South, and HH-GG25-006C drilled Golden Gate North. Also showing the location of the drill hole cross sections A-A', B-B', C-C' and D-D'. Golden Gate South is located 600m south of Golden Gate North. The NE-SE orientation of the gold mineralisation at Golden Gate closely parallels the many faults that traverse the greater prospect area. Broad near-surface gold in RC drilling At Golden Gate North, RC hole HH-GG25-012R returned a broad 99.1-metre interval grading 0.23 g/t gold from surface, including 20 metres at 0.35 g/t and 9.1 metres at 0.65 g/t. The hole ended in mineralisation, with a final 1.5 metres grading 0.80 g/t gold. Notably, the same hole delivered a 21-metre tungsten (W) intercept grading 0.06% W from 70.1 metres, including 8 metres at 0.14% W. The company said this confirms the extension of high-grade tungsten mineralisation from historic mine workings immediately to the north. Schematic drill hole cross section HH-GG25-012R (and HH-GG25-004C) showing the local geology, highlighting the significant gold intersections, and pre-RML RC drill hole (87-GGR-31 and 87-GGR-35) intersection draw into the plane of the cross section. It is interesting to note that the strongest gold grades in HH-GG25-012R are at the bottom of the hole and that they appear associated with tungsten. RC hole HH-GG25-013R intersected 99.1 metres at 0.38 g/t gold from surface, including 9.1 metres at 0.54 g/t, and also ended in mineralisation. Schematic drill hole cross section HH-GG25-013R (and HH-GG25-007C) showing the local geology, highlighting the significant gold intersections, and RML diamond drill hole (and HH-GG25-004C Refer also to Figure 4) intersection draw into the plane of the cross section. HH-GG25-011R returned 50.3 metres at 0.13 g/t gold across the entire hole length, while HH-GG25-014R at Golden Gate South encountered anomalous to low-grade gold throughout, including 9.1 metres at 0.35g/t. Schematic drill hole cross section HH-GG25-011R (and HH-GG25-002C) showing the local geology, highlighting the significant gold intersections, and pre-RML RC drill hole (87-GGR-33) intersection draw into the plane of the cross section. HH-GG25-011R was collared into and finished in volcanics. All RC holes intercepted gold mineralisation and were stopped at the water table under existing permit conditions. Resolution said the RC program was designed to validate near-surface mineralisation, collect preliminary hydrogeological data and assess RC drilling as a faster, lower-cost alternative to diamond drilling. The results support the presence of broad oxidised gold zones near surface and will inform future drill planning. Diamond core program reinforces scale Final assays from diamond core hole HH-GG25-006C also confirmed extensive mineralisation, returning 103.5 metres at 0.27 g/t gold from surface and a deeper 133.7-metre interval at 0.55 g/t from 376.5 metres, including 15.6 metres at 1.10 g/t. The hole ended in mineralisation. Schematic drill hole cross section HH-GG25-006C showing the local geology, highlighting the significant gold intersections. The aplite dyke is interpreted as a late-intrusion that post-dates mineralisation. With this result, all 10 diamond core holes completed in 2025 have intercepted significant gold mineralisation. Previously reported standout intersections include 253 metres at 1.50 g/t gold from surface in HH-GG25-003C and 197.5 metres at 1.26 g/t gold from 34 metres in HH-GG25-001C. Mineralisation across the Golden Gate Fault Zone now spans a strike length of about 1.5 kilometres and a width of around 300 metres, with gold encountered from surface in many holes and remaining open along strike and at depth. Two deposits emerging Drilling to date has defined gold mineralisation at both Golden Gate North and Golden Gate South, with further work required to determine whether the zones connect into a single continuous deposit or represent fault-offset or parallel systems. The drilling accomplished at the Horse Heaven Project in our first season was exceptional, said RMLs CEO of US Operations, Craig Lindsay. We have encountered gold discoveries at both the north and south ends of the Golden Gate Prospect, which is now emerging as a district-scale discovery, he added. Golden Gate is only in early days and is emerging into what we feel is a very large gold deposit. Schematic representations of the possible gold distribution models at Golden Gate, copied and unmodified from ASX announcement dated 9 February 2026. The gold mineralisation at Golden Gate North and Golden Gate South may be either: continuous between prospects, two discrete bodies, potentially fault-set, or are two separate but parallel systems. There is insufficient evidence to determine which model is most appropriate. The models are important in planning follow up exploration to test the shape of the gold mineralisation at Golden Gate North and Golden Gate South. This follow-up exploration is planned in the up-coming field season. Executive director Aharon Zaetz highlighted that every hole drilled in 2025 intercepted significant gold mineralisation, from HH-GG25-001C through to HH-GG25-014R. It is easy to conclude that the 2025 drilling campaign has resulted in a major gold discovery, currently open ended in all directions, Zaetz said, adding that the results align with the companys intrusive-related, shear-hosted gold exploration model. The company believes the mineralisation represents a sheared granite-hosted, fault-controlled disseminated goldsilvertungsten system, sharing similarities with intrusive-related gold deposits in the region. 2026 program to focus on resource definition With the 2025 campaign complete, Resolution is preparing for an expanded 2026 drill program aimed at defining the size and shape of the Golden Gate North and South deposits and progressing towards a maiden resource. Planned work includes step-out drilling between the northern and southern zones, extensions along strike to the northeast and southwest, and deeper drilling below known mineralisation. The company also intends to lodge an expanded Plan of Operations to allow for a larger drill footprint across the Golden Gate Fault Zone, alongside a separate plan for drilling and bulk sampling at the nearby Antimony Ridge target. Schematic IRGS cross section showing the relative positions of the Stibnite Mining District Hanger Flats and Yellow Pipe deposits (Right half) and the Antimony Ridge and Golden Gate prospects (Left half). This cross section is modified from Lang et al 2000. Metallurgical testing is ongoing and will be ramped up in line with drilling milestones as Resolution seeks to advance what it now describes as a very large and open-ended gold system at Horse Heaven. ALGIERS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Nigerien leader Abdourahamane Tiani pledged Monday to deepen strategic ties, signaling a detente to 10 months of diplomatic friction with the relaunch of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. Following talks in Algiers, Tebboune confirmed that work on the 4,100-kilometer pipeline will resume after Ramadan. The project is designed to carry 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria's Mediterranean coast for export to Europe. Long stalled by security concerns and shifting political alliances in the Sahel, the pipeline is seen as a flagship for regional energy ambitions. Tiani's two-day visit, which began Sunday, marks a significant thaw in relations. Algeria and Niger restored full diplomatic ties on Feb. 12, following a rift triggered in April 2025 when Algeria shot down an armed drone near its southern border with Mali. Although the drone was Malian, the incident prompted a collective response from the Alliance of Sahel States. Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, recalled its ambassador in solidarity with Mali. "A new page in the history of the Sahel and Africa has opened," Tiani said during a joint press conference, calling the renewed engagement a pragmatic step to address growing security and economic challenges. Beyond energy, Tiani's delegation, which included ministers of defense, foreign affairs, and petroleum, discussed expanding cooperation in mining and electricity. About this content About Kerry Stevenson Kerry Stevenson joins Proactive Australia's broadcast team part time. As the Managing Director of Gold Events Kerry has been hosting the annual Australian Gold Conference for over 14 years, connecting industry and investment professionals and showcasing the value of precious metals. Kerry is passionate about helping others to secure a safe and solid future by understanding money, finance, and strategy. That is why she created the Making Money Matter channel on YouTube, where... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi, Feb 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to meet in Mumbai on Tuesday to assess the progress achieved under the India-France strategic partnership and exchange views on key regional and global developments. Prime Minister Modi will travel to Mumbai for the meeting with the visiting French President, who will be on an official trip to India from February 17 to 19. President Macron's visit comes at the invitation of PM Modi to take part in the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India. During his stay, the two leaders will also convene a bilateral summit in Mumbai. This marks President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first official engagement in Mumbai. At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the discussions will include a comprehensive review of advancements made under the India-France Strategic Partnership. The deliberations are expected to focus on further strengthening the strategic relationship and expanding cooperation into emerging and future-oriented sectors. The two leaders will also exchange perspectives on significant regional and global issues, the PMO said in an official statement. Later in the day, at around 5:15 p.m., Prime Minister Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. They will also address an audience comprising business leaders, start-up founders, researchers, and innovators from both countries. In addition to President Macron, several global leaders are scheduled to attend the Indiaa"AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. These include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the summit is anchored in three 'Sutras' -- 'People, Planet and Progress' -- which articulate India's framework for international cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The event aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and subject-matter experts from across the world to deliberate on the future direction of Artificial Intelligence. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other prominent leaders expected to participate in the AI Impact Summit include Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Bollywood veteran star Anupam Kher on February 17, paid an emotional tribute to legendary Hollywood star Robert Duvall post his demise, and also remembered him as a 'master of understated brilliance and profound depth'. Taking to his social media account, Anupam shared a monochrome image that read "ROBERT DUVALL 1931 2026," mourning the veteran actor's passing. In his heartfelt note, Anupam further penned a note that reflected on Duvall's extraordinary craft and the quiet power he brought to the screen. "IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT DUVALL. Robert Duvall was the kind of actor who never needed noise to command attention. Quiet, precise, and profoundly truthful, he brought an extraordinary depth to every role he inhabited. For me, he was always one of the favourites not because he sought the spotlight, but because he never needed to." He added, "From the restrained power of Tom Hagen in The Godfather to the haunting intensity of Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, Duvall created characters that linger long after the screen fades to black. His Oscar-winning performance in Tender Mercies revealed a rare vulnerability, while films like The Apostle and Lonesome Dove showed his fearless commitment to complex, deeply human stories." "He was brilliant without flamboyance. Powerful without theatrics. A masterclass in understatement. Actors like Robert Duvall don't just perform they become. And in doing so, they quietly raise the standard for all of us who love this craft." "Rest in grace. Your work will continue to teach, inspire, and endure. Om Shanti!" Talking about Robert Duvall, the veteran was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation in Hollywood. The actor was widely known for his impeccable performances in cult classics like "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and "Tender Mercies," for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. According to reports, The Oscar winning actor passed away died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, according to a statement sent by his PR agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana. On his official Facebook account, his wife Luciana Duvall shared a statement that read, "Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort." It further read, "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind." She concluded, "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything," she said. "His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court." IANS rd/ Washington, Feb 17 : President Donald Trump's newly formed "Board of Peace" will convene in Washington this week, with member states committing more than $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and deploying personnel for stabilisation efforts. Washington, Feb 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump's newly formed "Board of Peace" will convene in Washington this week, with member states committing more than $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and deploying personnel for stabilisation efforts. The meeting will mark the first official gathering of the body since its founding in January. Trump arrived at the White House Monday night, after spending the long weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "We have the greatest leaders in the world joining the board of peace, and we'll be doing it in conjunction with, in some cases, the United Nations," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back from Florida. A day earlier, he posted on Truth Social that the Board of Peace would be committing USD5 billion for Gaza. "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," Trump wrote. . He added, "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." The initiative was formally launched last month in Davos. "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!" More than two dozen countries have accepted Trump's invitation to join the Board of Peace. They include Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. None of the United States' major European allies has joined. Several have expressed concern that the body could supersede the United Nations. During the Davos signing ceremony, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, outlined a "master plan" for post-war Gaza. The proposal includes hundreds of skyscrapers, new cities and a coastal tourism zone. Kushner said construction would take "two or three years" and require "at least $25 billion" in investment. He added that the immediate focus would be on humanitarian aid. Trump also called on Hamas to meet security conditions tied to the broader peace plan. "Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarisation," he wrote. Meanwhile, according to media reports, Indonesia's military has announced it was preparing to contribute peacekeeping forces as part of the initiative. Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono said around 1,000 troops could be ready to deploy by early April, with the number potentially rising to 8,000 pending final approval from President Prabowo Subianto. The Indonesian government said the force would not engage in combat and would focus on stabilisation and humanitarian support. The Washington meeting comes days after a second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran does not curb its nuclear program. New Delhi, Feb 17 : President of Estonia Alar Karis arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to join the India-AI Impact Summit. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. Extending a warm welcome to the Estonian President, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to X, stating, "The visit will further strengthen the longstanding India - Estonia ties." As India hosts the AI Impact Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the event is aimed at bringing the world together to discuss Artificial Intelligence. He welcomed world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the globe to participate in the summit. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Bringing the world together to discuss AI! Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit. The theme of the Summit is Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress." He said AI is transforming several sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance. "AI today is transforming several sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and enterprise. The AI Impact Summit will enrich global discourse on diverse aspects of AI, such as innovation, collaboration, responsible use and more. I am confident that the outcomes of the Summit will help shape a future that is progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven," PM Modi said. Earlier in February 2025, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasised India's important role in the international arena during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris. In what was their first meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and shared views on global conflicts. They underlined that warm and friendly relations between India and Estonia are based on the two countries' shared commitment to democracy, rule of law and the values of freedom and pluralism. --IANS scor/rs -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text United Nations, Feb 17 : With India "emerging as a global leader in renewable energy expansion", the UN is organising a roundtable on the matter, which ranks high among Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' priorities during his visit to New Delhi, according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. United Nations, Feb 17 (IANS) With India "emerging as a global leader in renewable energy expansion", the UN is organising a roundtable on the matter, which ranks high among Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' priorities during his visit to New Delhi, according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The meeting of senior leaders from industry, finance, policy, and civil society will "discuss renewable energy and energy transition, with India emerging as a global leader in renewable energy expansion", he said. He said the meeting "is part of the Secretary-General's continued efforts to advance faster, fair and more inclusive global energy transition, aligned with the Paris Agreement". The meeting's agenda is to come up with concrete steps towards these goals in a range of areas, including renewable energy development, strengthening the grid and storage, and mobilising investment, Dujarric added. India is committed to reducing its GDP emissions intensity of greenhouse gases by 2030 to a level of 45 per cent below 2005 levels, raise share of non-fossil fuel electric power capacity to 50 per cent, and create carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes to three billion tonnes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said last week that India has already achieved nearly two-thirds of its nationally determined contributions in fighting climate change four years ahead of schedule. It was on its own funding its fight against climate change and deploying its technology, she said at the Munich Security Conference. "Six years ago, we were spending approximately 3.7 per cent of our GDP on climate action. Today, that figure is close to 5.6 per cent," she said. "We are not waiting for financing and technology to come from elsewhere -- but they must come", she said. Guterres is travelling to India to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026, a major global gathering on artificial intelligence that is underway in the Global South for the first time at this scale. The Summit, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is taking place in New Delhi from February 16 to 20. It will bring together governments, international organisations, industry leaders, academics and civil society to examine how artificial intelligence can be harnessed responsibly to advance sustainable development. BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. The Philippines co-opted countries outside the region to organize the so-called joint patrols, which had undermined peace and stability in the region, said Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command. Forces of the theater command will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability, Zhai added. Chennai, Feb 17 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy rainfall in at least 10 districts of Tamil Nadu on February 21 due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. According to the weather department, a low-pressure area has formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining parts of the east Indian Ocean. While dry weather conditions are expected to prevail across Tamil Nadu until February 18, the system is likely to intensify gradually, leading to a change in weather patterns across the state in the coming days. The RMC said that on February 19, light to moderate rainfall is likely at isolated places in the southern coastal districts and the Delta region of Tamil Nadu. As the system strengthens further, rainfall activity is expected to expand. On February 20, moderate rainfall is predicted in several parts of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The impact is expected to be more pronounced the following day. Heavy rainfall is likely on February 21 in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts in the Delta region. In southern Tamil Nadu, heavy rain has also been forecast at one or two places in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari and Tenkasi districts. The weather department has further indicated that on February 22, districts including Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari may experience heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution, particularly in the southern coastal areas, as sea conditions could turn rough depending on the systemas intensity. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have also been urged to remain alert and follow official advisories. Authorities are closely monitoring the development of the low-pressure system, and further updates will be issued as the system evolves. Dhaka, Feb 17 : The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to return to power in the South Asian nation after nearly two decades, as the newly elected MPs prepare to take oath on Tuesday. The oath-taking ceremony for the cabinet will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building, according to local media reports. The reports further suggest that holding such ceremonies at the South Plaza instead of the Presidential Palace is to commemorate those who lost their lives during the violent July protests of 2024. The ceremony is expected to mark a significant political moment for Bangladesh as it transitions to a newly elected administration following the BNP's decisive victory. All 297 newly elected MPs will be sworn in at 10:00 a.m. by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the Oath Room of the Parliament. They will then assume membership in the Constitutional Reform Council, according to a leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune. The BNP, led by its chairman Tarique Rahman, secured a sweeping mandate in the recent parliamentary elections, paving the way for the formation of a new government. Around 1,200 dignitaries from Bangladesh and abroad are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government, scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka. Several prominent international figures are set to be present at the ceremony. Among those expected to attend are Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Nepal will be represented by its Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, while Sri Lanka's Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is also slated to participate in the event. The United Kingdom's Under-Secretary for the Indo-Pacific, Seema Malhotra, is expected to attend as well. There is also a possibility that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu may participate in the ceremony. Invitations have been sent out in accordance with established diplomatic norms, and confirmations from some of the invited nations are still awaited. The 13th parliamentary election was conducted on February 12, and the Election Commission published the official gazette notification of the victorious candidates on the night of February 13. 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. Polling was held for 299 of the 300 seats in the 13th parliamentary election. 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, 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. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Actress Huma Qureshi has heaped praise on Rajkummar Rao, describing him as "one of the most committed actors of our times," after a picture of him appearing to have gained weight began circulating on social media. The actor had later clarified that the transformation was for a role he would be seen playing on screen. Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Actress Huma Qureshi has heaped praise on Rajkummar Rao, describing him as "one of the most committed actors of our times," after a picture of him appearing to have gained weight began circulating on social media. The actor had later clarified that the transformation was for a role he would be seen playing on screen. Rajkummar underwent a physical transformation for the Ujjwal Nikam biopic. It was on Instagram, the actor had shared that he had gained 9-10 kgs of weight and even made his hair look thinner to get the part visually right. While simultaneously doing look tests for his next biopic on Sourav Ganguly. Huma, who is a close friend of Rajkummar, took to her Instagram story, where she shared a picture of Ujjwal Nikam and Sourav Ganguly. She captioned: "@rajkummarrao One of the most committed actors of our times." Talking about Huma, the actress is all set to be seen in Yash-starrer "Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups". The makers had earlier unveiled the looks of Yash, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria of the film. Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has been simultaneously shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages. "Toxic : A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups" is reportedly a gripping tale of crime and deception set in 1980s Goa, where a powerful drug cartel manipulates lives behind the state's picturesque beaches and vibrant culture. The film features a formidable technical lineup, including National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, music by Ravi Basrur, editing by Ujwal Kulkarni, and production design by TP Abid. The action sequences are mounted on a grand scale, choreographed by Hollywood action director JJ Perry (John Wick), alongside National Award-winning action directors Anbariv and Kecha Khamphakdee. Produced by Venkat K. Under the banners of KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa. Huma's latest releases include "Maharani 4" and "Delhi Crime Season 3". Directed by Puneet Prakash, produced by Kangra Talkies Pvt. Ltd., and created by Subhash Kapoor, Maharani 4, stars Huma, Shweta Basu Prasad, Vipin Sharma, Amit Sial, Vineet Kumar, Shardul Bhardwaj, Kani Kusruti, and Pramod Pathak. She was also seen in the third season of "Delhi Crime", which is directed by Tanuj Chopra. Huma stars alongside names such as Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Jaya Bhattacharya, and Anuraag Arora. The cast also includes Sayani Gupta, Mita Vasisht, Kelly Dorji, and Anshumaan Pushkar. Mathura, Feb 17 : Religious and political tensions have intensified in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Holi festival, with Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, the main petitioner in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Eidgah Mosque dispute case, writing a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking ban on Muslims selling gulal during the festival of colours. In his letter, Falahari Maharaj made serious allegations, claiming that anti-Hindu elements could mix harmful impurities such as glass shards or spit into the colours to defile the sanctity of the festival. He argued that members of the Muslim community should be kept away from business related to Hindu festivals in order to prevent any untoward incidents and avoid hurting religious sentiments. Through the letter, Dinesh Sharma appealed for several measures, including restricting Muslim traders from setting up stalls around Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and other major temples. He also linked the issue to alleged conspiracies of 'love jihad' and maintained that only Sanatani traders should be permitted to sell items associated with Hindu religious festivals. Dinesh Sharma is known for his strong resolve and has been in the limelight for his prolonged fast. According to his supporters, he has abstained from regular food for the past four years and has been surviving only on fruits. He has reportedly vowed not to consume normal food until the mosque is completely removed from the Janmabhoomi complex. His fast continues even today. The demand has once again sparked a debate over the idea of an "economic boycott". While one section views it as a matter of security and religious purity, others argue that such appeals are against social harmony and the long-standing Ganga-Jamuni culture of the region. As of now, there has been no official response to the letter from the Chief Minister's Office or the local administration. Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India and in many parts of the world. Considered the second biggest festival in the Hindu calendar after Diwali. The Braj region, closely associated with the life of Lord Krishna, is especially famous for its grand Holi celebrations. Rituals in Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Gokul, Nandgaon and Barsana attract thousands of devotees. The traditional 'Lathmar Holi' of Barsana is globally renowned and remains one of the most distinctive Holi celebrations in the country. February 17 : Lucknow: CM Yogi Adityanath, while participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governors Address in the Legislative Council on Monday, strongly criticized the opposition for its indecent and disrespectful behaviour towards the Governor. He said, "No Curfew, No Danga UP mein sab Changa". He said, "The Governor is the constitutional head of the state. Despite this, the opposition displayed indecent behaviour towards the Governor. This not only weakens democracy but also amounts to disrespect towards all key figures associated with the constitutional system. It is our collective responsibility to respect our national symbols and maintain dignity and reverence towards constitutional authorities as per the provisions of the Constitution. No behaviour should be displayed towards them that could misguide future generations of the country-but expecting this from the opposition is futile". The Chief Minister added, the Governor being an experienced statesperson, is guiding and leading everyone as the constitutional head of the state government. The oppositions behaviour towards her reflects the true mindset of the Samajwadi Party and its negative outlook. Over the past 9 years, the state has travelled a long journey-from crime and disorder to discipline, from curfew to rule of law, from disturbance to celebration, from problem to solution, and from distrust to confidence. This journey has been recognized by the nation and the world. He said that Uttar Pradesh has changed, and this right should have reached the 25 crore people of the state long ago. But the governments driven by narrow agendas played with the future of the state and its citizens, pushing it into an identity crisis. The state had become a hub of lawlessness, disorder, and crime, and curfew had become its identity. Uttar Pradesh, known as the land of Indias eternal values, had fallen into complete disarray. Now, with the clear policy, pure intent, and commitment to good governance of the Double Engine Government, Uttar Pradesh has succeeded in turning bottlenecks into breakthroughs for the nations economy. Chief Minister said that UP is now progressing strongly as a revenue-surplus and celebration-driven state. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the worlds largest AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The summit, spanning five days, is being attended by heads of state from more than 18 countries. At a time when the world is rapidly advancing toward emerging technologies, India too is moving forward with a strong and visionary strategy. The nation is working with a comprehensive plan for the safe and prosperous future of the present and coming generations. In line with this national vision, Uttar Pradesh has, over the past 8 to 8.5 years, established itself as a foundation land of transformation. This widespread change in the state is being viewed as the confluence of Technology, Trust, and Transformation. Today, Uttar Pradesh has emerged before the nation and the world as a coordinated model of technology, trust, and transformation. This confluence is not just a slogan-it has become a symbol of governance style and the direction of development. On the soil of Uttar Pradesh lies Prayagraj, known for the sacred confluence of Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Reviving this historic and cultural symbol in a modern context, Uttar Pradesh has placed the new confluence of Technology, Trust, and Transformation at the centre of its development. This new confluence has become the foundation of the states progress, transparency, and public trust. Chief Minister said, before 2017, the state was engulfed in an atmosphere of policy apathy, administrative lethargy, and anti-development mindset. In the past years, efforts have been made to completely change this environment. Through discipline, decisive leadership, clear policy, and pure intent, the governance and administration have been given a new direction. As a result, Uttar Pradesh is now moving forward with a new identity. The impact of the Double Engine Governments work is clearly visible across the state. From effective implementation of welfare schemes to large-scale employment generation campaigns, every field has seen systematic progress. Concrete steps have also been taken to establish Uttar Pradesh as a premier investment destination, strengthening the environment for industrial development and investment. Along with this, various social security measures are effectively driving the mission to make the state strong, safe, and self-reliant. The Chief Minister said that before 2017, goons and mafias, protected by those in power, were running parallel governments in the state. Extortion and illegal levies had become the destiny of UP. The One District One Mafia situation had shaken the state. Law had become the property of a few, and curfews and riots were a common occurrence. Festivals had turned from centres of faith into centres of fear. Police morale was broken; neither daughters nor traders were safe. At that time, the states image was synonymous with anarchy and instability. However, after 2017, the same riot-affected Uttar Pradesh has transformed into a Celebration State. Now the rule of law has been established in the state. The first condition for development is the Rule of Law, and the government has worked firmly to achieve it. Record-level police recruitments have been conducted, special attention has been given to women empowerment, and new schemes have been launched for youth. Significant work has also been done to develop modern policing and strengthen cyber and forensic infrastructure. With robust law and order, Uttar Pradesh has now transformed from a Fear Zone to a Faith Zone. The atmosphere today is one of trust, not fear. People are coming to the state with faith in its security and governance. The Curfew Culture has been replaced by a Zero Tolerance Culture, giving UP a new identity. In place of riots, a fast-developing festive and temple-technology economy has emerged. The state, once gripped by fear due to riots and disorder, now reflects an environment of faith and celebration. The Chief Minister said that over 66 crore devotees participated in the Maha Kumbh. The Magh Mela in Prayagraj was also successfully organized. Earlier, the Magh Mela was primarily attended by Kalpavasis, who stayed from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima for a month, and the number of devotees was limited to a few lakhs. But this time, over 21 crore devotees took a holy dip at the confluence in the Magh Mela. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, more than 40 lakh devotees bathed at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. This unprecedented participation of devotees is not only a symbol of faith but also proof of their trust in the arrangements and security. The soul of India resides in Uttar Pradesh. The dignity of Ayodhya, the eternal consciousness of Kashi, the devotion of Mathura-Vrindavan, and the harmony of Prayagraj are clearly visible in events like the Triveni, Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh. These events have strengthened the new identity of the state. Since 2017, there has not been a single communal riot in the state. Now we can truly say that there is no curfew, no riot-everything is fine in UP. February 17 : Lucknow: In the Legislative Council, CM Yogi Adityanath, while participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governors Address, presented a picture of Uttar Pradeshs rapid economic progress. He described fiscal discipline, increased farmers income, and technological transformation in agriculture as the governments key achievements. He said that without imposing any additional taxes, the state has moved in the right direction by curbing tax evasion and adopting a balanced model of development. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that in 2017 Uttar Pradeshs GSDP was only 13 lakh crore. It took 70 years from 1947 to 2017 to reach that level. After 2017, within just 8 to 8.5 years, the double-engine government has added an additional 23 lakh crore. CM Yogi said that Uttar Pradeshs economy has now reached 36 lakh crore. At the time of independence, UPs share in the national economy was 14 percent. It kept declining and fell to 8 percent in 2016-17. Now it has risen steadily to 9.5 percent. The Chief Minister said that the state has succeeded in tripling per-capita income. No additional tax has been imposed on the public for this. However, tax evasion has been checked and revenue leakages have been effectively curbed. Today, over the past five years, the state has established itself as a revenue-surplus state. A strong balance of fiscal discipline and development can now be seen in Uttar Pradesh. CM Yogi said, earlier, when 100 was deposited in banks in Uttar Pradesh, only 43 was spent for public use. This has been increased to 61-62. The government has succeeded in extending its utilization to the youth and traders of Uttar Pradesh. In other words, the CD ratio has been raised from 43 percent to 62 percent. I am proud that Uttar Pradesh is progressing in the right direction in an excellent manner. CM Yogi added, "Opposition leaders occasionally talk about farmers, but their intent is not clear. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in the country and also produces the most food grains. But what was the condition of farmers during their time? Where had they taken them? Two thousand years ago, India was the leading economy of the world, accounting for 44 percent of the global economy. That was Indias golden age. Even 400 years ago, Indias share in the global economy was 24-25 percent". CM Yogi said, during the colonial period, exploitation and plunder took place and traditional enterprises were destroyed. Farmers, who were once producers, were reduced to consumers. Raw material used to go out and finished goods would return and be sold at high prices after heavy taxation. He said that under previous governments too, a similar colonial mindset prevailed in dealing with farmers, MSMEs, and traditional artisans. Today, in the past 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers and artisans have been strengthened. We believe that this country has been built by the labour of farmers and the creativity of artisans. Every village used to be a basic economic unit, with Gram Swaraj as its foundation. Whether livestock, agriculture, or handicrafts, farmers were producers, artisans were entrepreneurs, and traders were bridges connecting the nation. Before 2017, there was no clear agricultural policy. Farmers had become merely a vote bank. Costs were high, production low, and middlemen dominant. After 2017, with the double-engine governments double speed, costs have fallen, production has risen, and farmers have become partners in development. The story of farmers turning into entrepreneurs can now be seen in Uttar Pradesh. Our resolve is to increase farmers income through an income-based and value-addition model of agriculture. Today, agricultural growth in Uttar Pradesh has risen from 8.5 percent to 18.5 percent. Procurement at MSP is transparent and DBT payments are going directly into farmers accounts. As a result, while UP has 11 percent of the countrys agricultural land, it produces 21 percent of food grains. Farmers now have access from farm to global markets. CM Yogi said that under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, 95,000 crore has been transferred to farmers accounts in Uttar Pradesh. Today farmers are being provided advanced seeds, natural farming practices, drones, and climate-related technical information in simple language. Practical training is also being given through agricultural scientists, start-ups, and progressive farmers. Value addition of crops is taking place through Drone Didi, FPOs, agri-startups, and food processing. Under the UP Agriculture Growth and Enterprise Ecosystem project, special focus is being placed on increasing productivity, better resource utilization, and improving the quality of agro-based industries. Before 2017, slaughterhouses operated indiscriminately in the state. Widespread smuggling took place and faith was hurt. Under a zero-tolerance policy, strict laws were enacted against cow slaughter and smuggling was stopped. Today 7,727 cow shelters are operating in the state, protecting more than 16 lakh cattles. Natural farming is also being promoted through this. Uttar Pradesh is now a leading state in milk production and fish production has more than doubled. CM Yogi said that sugarcane farmers are often discussed in the House. Today, 55 percent of the countrys sugarcane is produced by farmers in Uttar Pradesh. Between 2000 and 2017, 2,14,000 crore was paid to them, whereas in the past eight-and-a-half years 3,06,000 crore has been paid. Which means more than 90,000 crore has been paid within half of the duration. There are 122 sugar mills operating in the state and the price of sugarcane has been increased up to 400 per quintal. Ethanol production has risen from 41 crore litres to 182 crore litres. Under the ethanol-blended petrol programme, the sugar-ethanol sector has become an assured-cash-flow sector. Agricultural infrastructure has also been strengthened considerably. At present, 89 Krishi Vigyan Kendras are functioning and centres of excellence have been developed at some locations. Agricultural mandis and rural road networks have expanded. Expressways and logistics parks have made it easier to take farmers produce to national and international markets. To provide water to every field, 31 major projects have been completed through canals, pipelines, and micro-irrigation. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, solar pumps and free electricity for tube-wells have been provided to farmers. Work on an Agriculture and Technology University named after Mahatma Buddha in Kushinagar is progressing rapidly. A Seed Park named after farmers leader Chaudhary Charan Singh is being established in Lucknow. Through a digital ecosystem and cooperatives, the agri-ecosystem has been strengthened. Through KCC, loan approval time has been reduced from three-four weeks to just five minutes. The government is working on an AI-based agricultural system. Through the AI agriculture platform proposed in the budget, farmers will receive information in their own language. FPOs have been formed in the state, increasing farmers income especially through womens participation. From Balini Milk Producer in Jhansi to the milk producer in Agra, five major milk producers are operating in the state. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The security forces are on course to meet the March 31 deadline set by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, to wipe out each and every Maoist from India. While operations on the ground continue and are at the fag end, the forces have also embarked upon a mission to ensure that the ideology too is wiped out completely. A security official part of these operations said that this is an equally important step in the battle against the Maoists. Sometimes, the ideology can be more dangerous and hence it ought to even linger on, the official said. Work is on both in the cities as well as the remote areas to ensure that the ideology of the movement is completely eradicated. The approaches for the urban and rural areas are different, the officer explained. Last year, the Intelligence agencies had sounded an alert about how some are trying to put the ideology of these Maoists out in the urban areas. In 2019, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took up the probe into a case, what went on to being called the urban naxalite case. It was found that there were many who were running NGOs in the same of social work. In reality, they were receiving foreign funds and the same was being used to fund the movement. Several arrests were made and the NIA learnt that major conspiracies were being hatched to hurt the country's security. These persons had also planned on targeting high profile personalities, the probe also found. An Intelligence Bureau official said that there is a two-pronged approach that the agencies have taken. Some associated with the movement were infiltrating protests such as the one against air pollution. Under the garb of an issue of concern, they were raising slogans in favour of the Maoists and even criticising the security agencies for gunning down these people in the jungles. In the rural areas, the CRPF has been identifying memorials which had been built for top Maoists who had been slain by the security forces. All these memorials are being wiped out by the CRPF personnel. This drive is currently being carried out in Sukma, Bastar and Bijapur in Chhattisgarh. So far, the security personnel have razed 53 memorials that had been built by the CPI (Maoist) to honour their top commanders and leaders. These memorials that have been put up in the forest areas are being razed. Now, there is a plantation drive that is on so that these areas merge with the forest and there is no trace of the memorials. Another official explained that this is a significant and important move. These memorials can in the future become rallying points for those trying to revive the movement. If there are large gatherings around these memorials on a regular basis, then the issue could gradually gain traction. Moreover, this would also lead to the security agencies taking action. If the action is too harsh then these people will cry foul and protests would start to take place in different parts of the country, an official said. We want to put a complete end to this movement and do not want anyone to even speak about it. It is one thing to put down the moment and another to prevent the revival. If the revival has to be prevented then every memory relating to the "naxal movement" has been erased, the official explained. The official said that the razing down of memorials will be carried out in all areas where the "naxalite" movement thrived. We will be focusing on other states too, the official added. The official said that during the drive there was not even a murmur from any of the villagers. They were in fact supportive of what the security forces were doing and this is a very positive signs and the people themselves were tired of this "naxalite" menace, he also said. Following the encounter in which Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed along with 26 others, many of his sympathisers had tried to give him a grand funeral. However this was denied by the Chhattisgarh Police. The police refused to hand over the body to some people who claimed to be relatives. These persons had approached the court, which in turn as them to speak with the police. The police said that these persons lacked the valid documents to prove that they were related to Basavaraj. The police learnt that there was a plan in place to make a grand issue of the funeral. Several human rights organisations too had reached Chhattisgarh and even protested the police action. They alleged that the police cremated the body in the absence of the family members. Another official said that the police learnt that the idea was to glorify the "naxalite" and then indulge in propaganda. Hence the action by the police is completely justified, the official also added. February 17 : Lucknow: Participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks on the Governors address in the Legislative Council, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, in the past 9 years Uttar Pradesh has made unprecedented progress in MSME, health and other sectors. In his address, he said, Before 2017 the condition of the state was extremely challenging, where the MSME sector had become almost lifeless and an atmosphere of despair prevailed. However, through the ODOP and ODOC schemes, our government has given a new identity to the traditional products of the state. At present, more than 3 crore youth in the state have received employment in the MSME sector. The state has also achieved remarkable success in the health and pharma sectors. Today, Uttar Pradesh is writing new chapters of self-reliance and development. The Chief Minister added in his address that through the ODOP scheme, branding, design, technology and marketing of the unique products of each district of the state have been improved. The positive outcome of connecting local products of the state to the global market is that the states exports, which were around Rs 84 thousand crore in 2017, have nearly doubled to about Rs 1.86 lakh crore today. Around 50 percent of this includes handicrafts and traditional products under the ODOP scheme. The scheme has generated more than 3.16 lakh employment opportunities. At present, more than 77 products from the state have received GI tags, which guarantee their quality in the global market. Nearly 96 lakh MSME units are operating in the state, providing employment to more than 3 crore youth. Through PM Vishwakarma Yojana and other programmes, artisans and craftsmen are receiving respect and support. CM Yogi Adityanath also added, Recently, on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas, the government launched the One District One Cuisine programme, under which one special dish from each district will be established as a brand. This is a living example of the Prime Ministers Local to Global model, which will give UP a new identity. He said that while before 2017 the youth of the state were disheartened, today they are writing stories of self-reliance and progress. The Chief Minister also added in his address that there has been a major transformation in the health sector as well. Before 2017, many districts did not have basic health facilities and there was a situation like One District One Mafia. Now UP is making rapid progress towards One District One Medical College. AIIMS are operational in Rae Bareli and Gorakhpur. ICU, digital X-ray, blood bank, dialysis, oxygen plant and ventilator facilities are now available in every district. Before 2017, more than 40 districts did not have ICU facilities. The response time of 108 and 102 ambulance services has been improved. He said, Through telemedicine, health services are reaching remote villages. A future-oriented health ecosystem is being developed by promoting artificial intelligence, genomics, telemedicine and medtech. Encephalitis, a disease that before 2017 caused the death of 1200 to 1500 children every year, has now almost been eliminated. In 2024, zero deaths were recorded and cases have reduced drastically. The Double Engine Government has controlled not only the mafia but also such diseases and their factors. The Chief Minister said that the pharmaceutical sector has also witnessed remarkable progress in UP. Construction of a Pharma Park is progressing rapidly in Lalitpur, which includes bulk drug units. A 350 acre Medical Device Park is being developed in Greater Noida. Recently, a Pharma Conclave was organised in Lucknow, where leading pharma investors of the country appreciated the changing image of UP. He mentioned the experience shared by a major pharma entrepreneur at the conclave, who said that due to the kidnapping of his nephew he had to leave his birthplace Meerut overnight. However, after 2017, with the transformation in the investment environment of the state, major investors of the country are now eager to invest in UP. The Chief Minister said in his address that development in the state has not been limited only to cities and industries. Nomadic castes and tribal communities such as Vantangiya, Musahar, Tharu, Kol and Buksa are being provided land pattas, housing and basic facilities. Womens safety, education, skill development, self-employment, health and participation in leadership have increased. The journey of women in the state from safety to prosperity and from empowerment to excellence is continuing. The Chief Minister said that since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has written new chapters of security, development and self-reliance. Where there was once darkness, today there is the light of progress and hope. This transformation is visible in every sector, from taking local products to global markets to strengthening health facilities and generating employment. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The Janata Dal (United) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress following controversial remarks by its senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, claiming that the party was facing internal turmoil. Reacting to Aiyar's recent statements, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said, "What Mani Shankar Aiyar will do is his individual choice. However, everything is not running smoothly within the Congress, which has become clear after Mani Shankar Aiyar's recent statements." In another statement, Prasad added, "He has said many things, but instead of commenting on each, we would like to say that Rahul Gandhi should, in some way, make efforts to save the Congress through democratic means. He has not been able to gain the trust of senior Congress leaders. The party has seen a continuous outflow of prominent leaders... This trend is not stopping..." Meanwhile, the BJP also weighed in on the controversy. Reacting to Aiyar's remarks targeting Congress leaders, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said, "Better late than never," adding that Aiyar had previously made controversial remarks about a "tea seller." "Today, they are calling the Congress leader a puppet, but the real puppet is their own leader; he has just taken someone else's name instead of the actual one. Mani Shankar has finally woken up," he told IANS. The political reactions came after veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar publicly criticised several of his own party colleagues on Monday. He reportedly went on a rant over a series of issues, including the upcoming elections in Kerala, and lashed out at senior leaders. Without mincing words, Aiyar described Congress MP Shashi Tharoor as an "unprincipled careerist", labelled party General Secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal a "rowdy", and referred to Congress leader Pawan Khera as "a tattu". The remarks have triggered sharp political reactions, with Opposition parties accusing the Congress of internal disarray. Srinagar, Feb 17 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out searches at the house of a retired government employee in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city in connection with a terror-related case registered in 2024. Srinagar, Feb 17 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out searches at the house of a retired government employee in Jammu and Kashmiras Srinagar city in connection with a terror-related case registered in 2024. Official sources said NIA carried out searches at the house of Gulam Nabi Bhat in the Mehjoor Nagar area of Srinagar city this morning. The J&K Police and CRPF assisted the NIA sleuths during the search operation. More details about the raid and official statements are awaited. The NIA has been investigating high-profile terror cases in the union territory. Some of these include the cases against JKLF chairman Yasin Malik, senior separatist leaders Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan, Engineer Rashid and others. In one terror case against Yasin Malik, the NIA succeeded in getting a life term for Yasin Malik. NIA has sought a death sentence for Yasin Malik in the killings of four IAF personnel, including Squadron Leader Ravi Khanna. On January 25, 1990, terrorists from the JKLF attacked Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel in Rawalpora, Srinagar, killing four and injuring 30 others. Led by Yasin Malik, the incident remains a significant legal case. Unarmed IAF personnel waiting for transport were attacked. In 2022, Yasin Malik pleaded guilty to charges related to this conspiracy. In early 2025, eyewitnesses identified another suspect, Shaukat Bakshi, in the 1990 killing of the IAF personnel. Other significant terror-related cases being investigated by NIA include: aAnsar Interima white collar terror module case, Pahalgam terror attack case, targeted killings and terror funding, Hizbul Mujahideen over-ground worker (OGW) terror network case, and the separatist funding cases. In another terror-related development, on June 9, 2024, terrorists attacked a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the Reasi district of Jammu, killing nine and injuring over 40. The attack caused the bus to fall into a gorge. The case was probed by the NIA. The bus was travelling to the Vaishno Devi shrine when the terrorists fired upon it. The NIA conducted raids in September 2024 across seven locations in the UT related to the attack and filed chargesheets against the accused in December 2024. ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday that it had received a report of an incident about 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen. According to a statement posted on social media platform X, a vessel was "approached and hailed by a white skiff carrying five persons onboard." The situation later escalated into an exchange of small arms fire. The UKMTO added that "two additional skiffs were reported in the vicinity" at the time of the incident. No immediate information was available on casualties or damage to the vessel. Meanwhile, a Yemeni coast guard official told Xinhua that the forces are following up on the incident "but declined to provide further details on the vessel and its crew," saying it is "still under investigation." The Gulf of Aden forms part of a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. In recent years, the waterway and the neighboring Red Sea have witnessed repeated attacks on commercial vessels, widely attributed to Houthi forces, who said their operations were intended to pressure Israel and its allies in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. Patna, Feb 17 : Two teachers lost their lives, and 16 others were injured, including 11 school students and five teachers, in a tragic road accident in Rohtas district, Bihar, in the early hours of Tuesday. The fatal accident occurred at around 12.45 a.m. when a speeding bus carrying teachers and students on a school tour to Patna rammed into a heavy vehicle while overtaking near Sohsa village under Parsathua police station limits on the Arrah-Mohania National Highway. According to Ramchandra Choupal, officer in charge of the Parsathua outpost, the bus driver hit the rear left side of the heavy vehicle from behind. Following the collision, the bus driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle on the highway. "It is suspected that the driver either dozed off for a few seconds or drove recklessly and failed to maintain an adequate distance while overtaking. The heavy vehicle involved is suspected to be a truck," the officer said. After the accident, the driver of the heavy vehicle also fled the scene along with the vehicle. Police have launched a manhunt to trace both drivers. "Once the bus driver is apprehended, we will get a clearer picture of how the accident occurred," the officer added. Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and rescued the injured students and teachers, shifting them to Sadar Hospital, Sasaram. "Eleven children and five teachers sustained minor injuries and are out of danger," the officer said. The injured victims could not provide a clear account of the accident, stating only that they heard a loud noise at the time of the collision. The deceased have been identified as Sanjay Kumar Rai, a resident of Bhainshar village in Chainpur, Kaimur district, and Puneet Kumar Singh, a resident of Baghawa village under Mavihar police station in Mirzapur district. The injured teachers include Vipin Pandey, Siyananda Patel, Lori Singh, Lalita Kumari, and one more teacher. The bus was carrying students and teachers from Middle School Badhona, located in Chainpur block of Kaimur district, for an educational tour to Patna. Police have registered an FIR against the bus driver under charges of rash and negligent driving, and the investigation is currently underway. Kolkata, Feb 17 : The beginning of the charge-framing process against Chandranath Sinha, the West Bengal minister, accused of involvement in the multi-crore cash-for-school job case in the state, might be delayed for an indefinite period. This is because the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had mainly initiated the charge framing against West Bengal Minister in charge of micro, small and medium enterprises and textiles department, Chandranath Sinha, is yet to submit relevant documents to the defence counsel as sought by the latter. Sources aware of the development said the process of framing charges was to happen at the special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata on Monday. However, the ministeras counsel informed the court that the ED is yet to submit the documents sought by the defence counsel in the matter. On these grounds, the defence counsel sought to keep the process of charge-framing on hold till the ED submits the relevant documents, and so that the defence counsel could prepare for the argument. Based on the submission of the defence counsel, the judge of the special court directed the ED to submit those documents by March 13, following which the process of framing charges will start. After his name was implicated in the primary teacher recruitment scam, the ED conducted a search operation at Chandranath's residence in Bolpur in March 2024. The central investigation agency then seized Rs 41 lakh in cash. It also filed a charge sheet against him in the primary teacher recruitment scam case. On September 6 last year, Sinha surrendered before the special ED court and was granted bail. Again, in January this year, ED informed about the seizure of assets worth Rs 3.60 crore owned by Sinha. A total of 10 properties owned by the minister, his wife, and his son were confiscated by the ED, and the total market value of the properties is around Rs 3.60 crore. In its charge sheet, the ED claimed that the minister recommended a total of 159 ineligible candidates for jobs of primary teachers, and on average, he collected Rs 8,00,000 from each of these candidates. To recall, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose had approved the EDas charge sheet against Sinha in August last year. The ED officials first secured the name of the Minister from the diary of the middleman and suspended Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh, who was later arrested by the central agency officials. Jaipur, Feb 17 : In one of its biggest operations so far in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam case, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations across the country on Tuesday. According to sources, dozens of ACB teams carried out coordinated searches at around 15 locations, including Jaipur, Barmer, Sikar, Jalore, Delhi, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The raids are part of the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the state's flagship 'Har Gahr Jal' (Tap in every home) drinking water scheme. ACB teams reportedly searched the premises of retired Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), a senior IAS officer, along with other accused individuals linked to the alleged scam. Officials are examining documents and questioning the retired official regarding the tender allocation process during his tenure. The retired official was accused of awarding contracts worth crores of rupees to preferred companies allegedly on the basis of fake experience certificates. Officials said the questioning is part of the broader probe into irregularities in procurement and tendering under the Jal Jeevan Mission. More than half a dozen suspects have reportedly been detained for questioning in the operation being conducted under the supervision of ACB Director General Govind Gupta and Additional Director General Smita Srivastava. Among those being questioned are officials and contractors suspected of involvement in the alleged irregularities. According to sources, formal arrests of some individuals may be announced later in the day, depending on the outcome of interrogations and evidence verification. The crackdown is not limited to Rajasthan. ACB teams have also carried out searches in Bihar and Jharkhand, where companies linked to the case are suspected to have operations. The entire operation is being supervised by DIG Dr. Rameshwar Singh and SP Pushpendra Singh Rathore, who is also heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case. Officials have reportedly seized digital devices, diaries, and documents related to bank transactions, which are now being examined as part of the investigation. The Jal Jeevan Mission scam is believed to involve irregularities worth over Rs 900 crore. Investigators claimed that certain companies secured contracts by submitting forged experience certificates. Earlier in the case, former minister Mahesh Joshi and several engineers were arrested and sent to jail. The latest action signals that the investigation is now moving toward senior-level officials and major players in the alleged scam. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's production house B62 Studios could be blacklisted by the A-Ward office of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over repeated violations of safety norms and civic regulations during the shooting of 'Dhurandhar 2' starring Ranveer Singh. A source form the BMC said that rules were violated multiple times during the shooting of the film Dhurandar 2. Gas cylinders were reportedly used on the set for cooking, which is against the prescribed regulations. Additionally, the shooting location was changed without obtaining the necessary permission, said the source. Following these violations, the A-Ward office wrote a letter to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner recommending that the studio be blacklisted. However, the studio has not been officially blacklisted so far. The A-Ward office of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recommended blacklisting B62 Studios, the production company of filmmaker Aditya Dhar. The recommendation comes amid allegations that safety norms and civic regulations were repeatedly violated during the shooting of the film Dhurandhar 2. According to information available, burning torches were used in a high-security zone during the shoot. Terming it a serious security lapse, the Mumbai Police had to intervene and equipment was seized from the spot. As per the source, crew members allegedly changed the shooting location without permission and used the terrace of a building without obtaining the required clearance from the civic authorities. It has also been reported that two generator vans were operating on the set without valid approval from the local administration. In this regard, the BMC has sent a formal letter to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC), proposing a permanent ban on the studio from undertaking shoots through the state's single-window filming portal. As part of the action taken, the civic body has already forfeited the production's Rs 25,000 security deposit and has proposed imposing an additional fine of Rs 1 lakh. However, the studio has not yet been officially blacklisted, though the proposal has been cleared for further action. Titled 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', the film is slated to release on March 19. Dhurandhar also stars Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. Serving as the first instalment of a two-part film series, it centres on a high-stakes covert counter-terrorism operation. The film follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi's criminal syndicates and political power structures in Pakistan in an effort to dismantle a terror network targeting India. The film's storyline draws loose inspiration from multiple real-life geopolitical events and conflicts in South Asia, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and developments linked to Pakistan's Operation Lyari. "Dhurandhar 2" resumes with Hamza Ali Mazhari, an Indian undercover agent who has successfully infiltrated Pakistan's underworld. After taking down Rehman Dakait, Hamza ascends the ranks of power, only to face his most formidable adversary yet Major Iqbal, the ISI mastermind known as Bade Sahab. Hyderabad, Feb 17 : Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar has dismissed as completely false a message circulating about a woman trying to lure children for kidnappings in the city. "No such incidents or gangs have been reported. Citizens are advised not to believe or forward unverified messages that create panic. Please do not take the law into your own hands based on rumours," the Police Commissioner posted on 'X'. "If you notice any suspicious person or activity, immediately inform the police. We will verify the facts and take appropriate action. Trust official information - not forwarded messages. Think. Verify. Act responsibly," the Police Commissioner posted. The Police Commissioner was reacting to a 'child safety alert' and a 'wanted' notice being circulated on social media. The notice carries a picture of an unknown woman and warns citizens about an attempt to lure kids. The notice gives a description of the unknown woman and also claims that she carries a bag full of chocolates. Rumours of child kidnapping gangs being active in the city have been doing the rounds for the last few days. Police have dismissed it as fake news. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, through another social media post, has warned that strict action will be taken against youths who made a reel, in which they are showing drugs in front of a temple. "Showing drugs in front of God? Would you risk anything to become famous?" asked the Commissioner. "Mahashivratri is a proof of devotion.. a step towards salvation. On this most sacred festival, showing drugs in the name of divine grace is the most heinous act. It is a perverse madness," he posted. Sajjanar said that this is a serious crime that will put them behind bars. "Once the NDPS Act is invoked.. you will have to repent for the rest of your life," he said. He advised youth not to sacrifice their golden future for likes and views that give momentary pleasure. "We will not ignore such acts. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible. Make social media a platform for your creativity, not a gateway to addictions," he added. Islamabad, Feb 17 : The protest, led by senior leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and members of the opposition alliance, the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), entered its fifth day on Tuesday, local media reported. Senior PTI leaders said on Tuesday that the party's sit-in over concerns regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's health condition would continue, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. While speaking outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, the province's Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, stated that PTI's demands had been misrepresented. He said that Imran Khan be permitted to consult his personal physician and meet family members, and rejected suggestions that PTI was demanding a medical report. Speaking to reporters, Sohail Afridi said, "Our demands did not include any report." He stated, "We asked that he be allowed access to his personal doctor, a family member, an eye specialist and treatment at the Shifa International Hospital." He stated that authorities have accepted none of the demands raised by the opposition. "If the government is not allowing his personal doctor to see him, then what is it trying to hide?" he asked, stressing that PTI's demands were not unconstitutional and unlawful. Afridi stated that it was the legal and constitutional right of Imran Khan to undergo treatment from a physician of his choice, Geo News reported. The opposition alliance has said that its protest was a matter of legal and constitutional rights, stressing that Imran Khan must be allowed to consult the doctor of his choice and meet PTI representatives. Last week, Imran Khan, in a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court, claimed that he has only 15 per cent vision left in his right eye. A seven-page report submitted by PTI lawyer Salman Safdar to the Supreme Court regarding his visit to Adiala Jail stated, "According to the Petitioner (Imran), he was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage, and despite the treatment administered [including an injection], he has been left with only 15 per cent vision in his right eye." The court had appointed Safdar as amicus curiae (friend of the court), ordering him to meet PTI founder Imran Khan and submit a report on February 11. As per the report, Imran Khan had normal 6x6 vision in both eyes until October 2025. The report stated that Imran Khan then started experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision, which he repeatedly informed the-then jail Superintendent. However, the jail authorities did not take action on his complaints. Khan told Salman Safdar that he subsequently suffered an abrupt and complete loss of vision in his right eye. An eye specialist from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) had diagnosed that a blood clot had caused significant damage in his eye. Imran Khan (73) has been kept in prison since August 2023 after convictions, which he and PTI have said are politically motivated. PTI founder has faced several cases, including over state gifts and unlawful marriage, since his ouster in a no-confidence vote in 2022. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending in the courts. Lucknow, Feb 17 : The Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly is underway amid noisy scenes and repeated disruptions by the opposition INDIA bloc allies -- the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) -- who are pressing separate demands. Although both parties are allies at the national level under the INDIA bloc umbrella, they have chosen to agitate on different issues in the state. The Congress has sharpened its attack on the BJP-led state government over alleged dilution and irregularities in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), while the SP has concentrated its protests on the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that it is being misused to delete voters from backward communities. On Tuesday, the Congress has planned to stage a 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' outside the Assembly complex to protest what it termed as the undermining of MGNREGA and non-payment of wages to workers. Speaking to IANS, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai said, "This gherao of the Legislative Assembly is about the MGNREGA workers not receiving their wages, about destroying the original purpose of MGNREGA, which was enacted in the name of Mahatma Gandhi by the UPA government. It used to provide work to poor people. The poor had the assurance that they would get this 100-day work and could take care of their family and home." Alleging that the present dispensation was failing the poor, Rai added, "However, the current government is trying to deceive the public, especially the poor. How can a government do this to the poor people? From the Shankaracharya issue to Ahilyabai Holkar to Dalmandi demolition, crimes against women across the state, all these issues add to the corruption. That is why we are protesting today." Congress MP Kishori Lal Sharma also addressed the gathering and said, "We are holding a 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' today. Workers from all districts are arriving, and some are still on the way. This protest is focused on the 'MGNREGA Bachao' programme." Sharma criticised the heavy police deployment outside the Congress office in Lucknow and remarked, "It is the police's job to maintain law and order, and it is our job to raise our voice. In a democracy, governments should not be afraid of protests. We have the right to express our views, and the opposition has the right to oppose schemes that are not in the public's interest." All India Congress Committee General Secretary Avinash Pandey said the agitation had been building for weeks. Speaking to IANS, he stated, "For the last 40 days, in the whole of the state, through the chaupals, through demonstrations, we have been rallying people on the issue of the complete change of the MGNREGA law, which will snatch away the rights of people. This struggle is going on to get it back." "Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had also criticised the change in MGNREGA. The way MGNREGA gave rights to the poor, gave them employment... but now all this is being taken away. Till the time the poor of the society are not given benefits as per their rights, our struggle will continue," he further said. In contrast, the Samajwadi Party trained its focus on the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Review of voter rolls, alleging large-scale misuse of Form 7 to delete names of poor, Dalit and Adivasi (PDA) voters. The party has distanced itself from the Congress' MGNREGA agitation, choosing instead to prioritise electoral roll concerns ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. SP MLA Anil Pradhan told IANS, "The Samajwadi Party national leadership has been continuously raising SIR irregularities from time to time. The question is, when over-mapping has already been done and all names have been cleared, what is the purpose of Form 7? It is being seen on a large scale across Uttar Pradesh that BJP members are continuously misusing Form 7." "Our national president, Akhilesh Yadav, has repeatedly raised this issue before the ECI. However, the election body has not given any proper response so far," he added. SP MLA Sachin Yadav, speaking to IANS, said, "To highlight the misuse of Form 7, we will go to the Election Commission today and submit a memorandum stating that the misuse of Form 7 must be stopped. Continuous reports are coming from every area where the votes of people belonging to the PDA community are being deleted." Bengaluru, Feb 17 : Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday sought to downplay the controversy over the foreign trip of some Congress legislators amid the ongoing leadership tussle. He said legislators had gone on a similar foreign trip last year as well, and whether permission was required for a private trip. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Kharge said, "I don't know who has asked them not to go on the trip. There is no connection between them and the preparation of the state budget." When asked about the legislators travelling as a group, Kharge reiterated that they had travelled together earlier too and that the media had not taken note of it then. "They had gone earlier as well. Even before that, they had travelled. The legislators would have directly met the Chief Minister and placed their demands regarding their constituencies," he said. He further asked, "Is there any rule that says a foreign trip should not be undertaken? Is it illegal? Is it unconstitutional? Or is permission from the high command required? No. Do they require the government's permission? It is not required." "They have undertaken a private trip as friends. Why should there be any objection?" he added. When asked about reports that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had allegedly called the legislators and asked them not to proceed with the trip, Kharge said, "How did you get this information? As far as I know, no one has called the legislators." It can be noted that amid intensifying power-sharing tensions within the Congress government in Karnataka, a group of like-minded party MLAs, mostly belonging to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's faction, is preparing to embark on a foreign tour, triggering fresh political debate, party sources said. The development, which comes even after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge advised the state leaders to avoid differences and move forward through consensus, has assumed significance amid the ongoing leadership tussle in Karnataka. Sources said that around 27 Congress MLAs and members of the State Legislative Council had initially planned to join the tour to Australia and New Zealand. The number was later reduced from 27 to about 20 state Congress MLAs, with six to seven MLCs also likely to join. Despite the uncertainty, the group is scheduled to depart from Bengaluru on February 17 evening and is likely to return on March 1, Congress sources said. According to sources, the foreign tour is being planned to downplay statements on state leadership made by Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar and his faction. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Gandhinagar, Feb 17 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin will undertake a three-day visit to Gujarat from February 20 to 22, during which he will attend a series of organisational meetings and public engagements in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Announcing the programme at a press conference, Gujarat BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma said this would be Nabin's first visit to the state after assuming charge as the party's national president. Nabin will arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, where party leaders and workers will receive him. Later in the afternoon, he will interact with Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly at GSC Bank in Naranpura, Ahmedabad. In the evening, he is scheduled to attend a 'Budget Meet' in Infocity, Gandhinagar, where he will engage with industrialists, chartered accountants, entrepreneurs, doctors and representatives of various associations. On February 21 at 6:00 am, Nabin will visit the Sabarmati Riverfront, where he is expected to participate in outreach activities and interact with local residents. At 8:45 am, he will offer prayers at the historic Bhadrakali Mata Temple in Ahmedabad. He will later address state office-bearers, organisational leaders and party workers at the BJP state headquarters in Gandhinagar, followed by a meeting with the partyas social media team. In the afternoon, he will speak at the Young Voice Summit at GIFT City, described as India's first International Financial Tech City, and interact with young entrepreneurs and start-up founders. In the evening, he will address a booth workers' conference at GMDC Hall in Ahmedabad. On February 22, Nabin will attend a public listening session of Prime Minister Narendra Modias monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, in Khadia, Ahmedabad, at 10:45 am. He is scheduled to depart for Delhi later that afternoon. Vishwakarma said the BJP is a cadre-based party committed to its ideology. "The rise of leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are examples of workers rising through the organisation," he said. He added that Nabin, at 45, is the youngest national president in the party's history and that the visit would focus on strengthening organisational coordination and public engagement in the state. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Islamabad, Feb 17 : Police in Pakistan arrested 35 Afghan migrants during inspection raids carried out in Peshawar over the past week, local media reported on Tuesday. As per the details, police conducted 41 search and inspection operations in different parts of Peshawar during the past week. During the operations, 35 undocumented Afghan nationals in Pakistan were deported, Pakistan's Samaa TV reported. Police also detained 233 suspected individuals and legal proceedings were initiated against them. During the operations, police lodged 148 cases against criminal elements and recovered illegal weapons, the channel reported. Last week, local media reported that police has intensified its crackdown on undocumented foreigners in Pakistan, with 5,439 illegal Afghan nationals detained in a holding centre in Rawalpindi. Furthermore, 19 individuals have been reported missing from the centre since the government's deadline of March 31 last year to leave Pakistan voluntarily expired. The police has stepped up drives against undocumented immigrants in the federal capital territory with action aimed to arrest undocumented Afghan citizens, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. Police has been directed to focus only on daily arrests of illegal Afghans, illegal tenants, hotel eye and travel eye. Police officials have been warned that strict departmental action will be taken against those who do not record entries. Police has also launched a crackdown against violations of the Tenancy Act in Rawalpindi, detaining 38 people, according to police spokespersons. He stated that actions against those arrested were conducted in areas, including Chontra, Chakri, Kahuta, Naseerabad, Chaklala, Jatli, Sadar Baruni and Kallar Syedan. Crackdown has been launched to implement the Tenancy Act, with daily search operations, as per the orders issued by CPO Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, Dawn reported. People have been asked to register tenants to maintain law and order and register details about tenants and employees at the relevant police station. Last month, the Taliban regime in Kabul said that the problems faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan are rising and stressed that Pakistani government should respect refugee rights and stop arresting and harassing Afghan migrants. "Unfortunately, problems faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan are increasing, with arrests, harassment, and mistreatment by Pakistani officials on the rise, leaving refugees in serious difficulty," Pajhwok Afghan News quoted Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat as saying in an audio message. Fitrat urged the United Nations and other relevant organisations to uphold refugee protection principles and intervene in nations where refugee rights are breached. He stated that Afghan refugees who returned to Afghanistan need economic cooperation and support, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. He emphasised that Pakistani government should be forced to respect refugee rights, follow international refugee principles and stop arresting and harassing Afghan refugees. Lily Collins wants to celebrate "individuality" after joining Zalando as its first global brand ambassador. Lily Collins joins Zalando The Emily In Paris actress is set to front two major campaigns for the brand this year, starting with the upcoming spring 2026 campaign, alongside other activations and editorial content. In a statement, she told WWD: For me, fashion represents much more than just clothing: Its a way of expressing who I am at a given moment. "I appreciate that my partnership with Zalando is rooted in this everyday question: What do I wear? "Far beyond major red-carpet occasions, its about feeling like yourself on a daily basis. As Zalandos first global ambassador, I look forward to exploring themes of individuality and self-confidence, and celebrating the diversity of styles across Europe. Zalando has praised Lily's "authentic" connection to fashion culture across Europe, having lived and worked everywhere from London's West End to Paris and Italy. James Rothwell, Zalandos senior vice president of marketing, said: "[Lily] embodies confidence and creativity, and demonstrates a natural, instinctive flair for fashion. "The aim of this year-long partnership is to celebrate our clothing choices every day, while reaffirming Zalandos role as a trusted style adviser for our customers from small everyday moments to the major life events." Lily previously opened up about how she gets involved with the styling process when she plays Emily Cooper in Netflix hit Emily In Paris, which recently returned for its fifth season in December 2025, with a sixth on the way. Speaking around the fourth run in 2024 at Emily in Paris: The Magic Behind the Scenes panel at the Paley Museum in New York City, she said: "Every season starts with two days of eight-hour fittings. "So I have 16 hours of fittings a record-breaking 81 looks in those two days this year. "And some are commissioned, some are vintage, some are from collections of a time-gone-by, some are unknown designers that (Fitoussi) found in her DMs, some are well-known designers. The list goes on and on." Meanwhile, Lily has confessed to having a fondness for one on-screen outfit in particular. The brunette beauty - who plays the part of Emily, an American marketing executive, on the show - told PEOPLE: "I think there's an outfit in the two episodes at the end, which was a vintage Alaia skirt and a white collared shirt with flats and a little scarf. "It felt, to me, like a real departure for Emily, and more Italian, more holiday vacation vibes, and more practical running around with flats. It just felt cinematic." A visitor in traditional Chinese costume attends a Spring Festival celebration in the Chinatown in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Feb. 16, 2026. The event kicked off on Monday, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese dance performances, as well as cultural experience activities such as martial arts and calligraphy. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) People take selfies in the Chinatown in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Feb. 16, 2026. The event kicked off on Monday, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese dance performances, as well as cultural experience activities such as martial arts and calligraphy. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) A visitor experiences Chinese calligraphy during a Spring Festival celebration in the Chinatown in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Feb. 16, 2026. The event kicked off on Monday, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese dance performances, as well as cultural experience activities such as martial arts and calligraphy. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) People attend a Spring Festival celebration in the Chinatown in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Feb. 16, 2026. The event kicked off on Monday, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese dance performances, as well as cultural experience activities such as martial arts and calligraphy. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) People attend a Spring Festival celebration in the Chinatown in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Feb. 16, 2026. The event kicked off on Monday, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese dance performances, as well as cultural experience activities such as martial arts and calligraphy. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) People experience martial arts during a Spring Festival celebration in the Chinatown in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Feb. 16, 2026. The event kicked off on Monday, featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese dance performances, as well as cultural experience activities such as martial arts and calligraphy. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo) Kabul, Feb 17 : Two miners were killed and two others sustained injuries due to a blast inside a mine in the northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar said Tuesday. The accident occurred in Ragistan district on Monday afternoon, leaving two dead on the spot and injuring two others, the official added without furnishing more details, Xinhua News Agency reported. It was the second accident of its kind in Afghanistan over the past week. In the previous accident, one miner lost his life and another was injured as the tunnel of a mine collapsed. In post-war Afghanistan, the miners often extract the underground treasures with old-fashioned traditional instruments and a lack of safety measures, which sometimes leads to disaster and fatalities. On February 10, one person was killed and another injured in a mine collapse in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, local media reported citing local police officials. In a statement on February 11, the provincial police headquarters stated that the incident took place at a sapphire mine in the Mamand Tor Nawo area of Spin Ghar district, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. According to the statement, one person was killed while another was injured after they were buried under debris and rocks. Security forces took the injured person to the nearby health care facility for medical treatment. On January 9, at least four miners died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a precious and semi-precious stones mine in Khash district of Badakhshan, provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar told Xinhua News Agency. Kamgar stated that toxic gas accumulated in the underground workings, resulting in four workers suffocated to death. The official stated that the bodies of the victims were recovered from the site and handed over their families. On December 29, at least three miners were killed after a gold mine collapsed in Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, according to local Taliban officials, local media reported. The incident took place in Kisham district, where workers were extracting gold from a small mine, Afghan media outlet Amu Tv stated highlighting a statement from Taliban district governor Hayatullah Mohsin. He stated the bodies of the deceased had been recovered from the site of the incident but did not share details regarding the cause of the collapse and mentioned that investigation is being conducted. Guwahati, Feb 17 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the party has completely lost its ideological direction and has become captive to divisive forces. Speaking to reporters here, Sarma claimed that the Congress has turned into what he described as a "BM party", alleging that the term stood for "Bangladeshi Muslim", and accused the Opposition of encouraging elements that do not align with Assam's interests. The Chief Minister alleged that several leaders within the Congress were promoting divisive politics and said that "many small Rakibul Hussains have been born within the party", an apparent reference to Dhubri Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, who has often been at the centre of political controversies. Sarma further alleged that Congress meetings were witnessing practices that, according to him, were against the cultural ethos of the state. Referring to recent party meetings in the SribhumiHailakandi region, he claimed that objectionable activities had taken place, though he did not provide specific details. The Chief Minister also claimed that during a Congress meeting held on Monday, Congress president in Assam Gaurav Gogoi was allegedly threatened by two leaders from within his own party. Sarma described Gogoi as a "parachute leader", suggesting that he lacked grassroots connection in Assam. "Fortunately, I did not become the Chief Minister from the Congress. Had that happened, my entire life would have remained stained," Sarma said, asserting that the party's current trajectory vindicated his decision to leave the Congress and join the BJP. Reiterating his criticism, Sarma accused the Congress of compromising Assam's security, identity and social harmony for political gains. He maintained that the BJP government in the state was committed to safeguarding the interests of indigenous people and maintaining peace and development. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kolkata, Feb 17 : One Bangladeshi fishing boat, along with 28 crew members, was apprehended in the Bay of Bengal for illegally fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said on Tuesday. The force said that the Bangladeshis, along with their boat, were apprehended on Sunday, while an ICG ship was on surveillance in the Northern Bay of Bengal. "Indian Coast Guard Ship Amrit Kaur, while on surveillance in the Northern Bay of Bengal, apprehended 01 Bangladeshi Fishing Boats (BFB) along with 28 crew for illegally fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on 15 Feb 26," the coast guard said in an official statement. While on patrol duty, the ship detected the Bangladeshi fishing boat operating inside Indian waters, in violation of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 (MZI Act). The vessel was intercepted, boarded, and thoroughly inspected by the Coast Guard boarding teams. According to officials, the crew of the BFB failed to produce any valid authorisation or permit to fish in the maritime zones of India. The fishing gear and catch indicated active fishing operations within the prohibited area. The boat, along with the crew, was taken into custody and safely escorted to Frazerganj for further legal proceedings. "The apprehension highlights the Indian Coast Guard's steadfast commitment to protecting India's maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing, and ensuring the security of Indian fishermen operating in the region," the statement further read. It added that the Indian Coast Guard maintains constant vigil in the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and air surveillance to enforce maritime laws and safeguard national maritime assets. Earlier on February 7, the Indian Coast Guard announced that it had seized three vessels off Mumbai and busted an international oil smuggling racket involving handlers operating across multiple countries, coordinating the sale and transfer of cargo between ships at sea. Following a meticulously planned sea-air coordinated operation on February 5 and February 6, the three apprehended vessels are likely to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation, according to an official statement. The vessels will be handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for appropriate legal action, it said. Preliminary findings indicate that the vessels frequently changed their identities to evade detection by maritime law enforcement agencies, and that their owners are based in foreign countries, it added. The operation dismantled an intricate network involved in the illicit transfer of large volumes of oil and oil-based cargo originating from conflict-ridden regions, the statement said. Ayodhya : , Feb 17 (IANS) Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, on Tuesday said the Ram Mandir temple construction is steadily moving towards completion, with most assigned responsibilities nearing their final stages and work now largely under control. Speaking about the ongoing developments at the Ram Mandir complex, Misra said the remaining major construction activities currently focus on the Martyrs' Memorial and preservation of the site where the old temple once stood. "At present, the main construction work underway is specifically for the Martyrs' Memorial. The place where the old temple stood and the deity was enshrined, will also be preserved in the form of a memorial. So both these works are under construction," he said, expressing confidence that the projects would be completed by March 31 or April 30. Highlighting future plans, Misra said the primary challenge before the committee now is the development of the temple museum. He noted that the museum project is under constant review and that detailed content planning is currently in progress. "At present, scripts are being written for the material that will go into the museum's 20 galleries," he said. He further revealed that a dedicated gallery on Lord Hanuman is also being developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and is expected to be completed by the end of September. Misra suggested that limited public access to the museum could be considered after its completion. "My request would be that ordinary devotees should be allowed limited entry into the museum after September," he said. Misra also spoke about arrangements for devotees following the proposed visit of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu on March 19. He said that darshan for the general public would begin in a controlled manner after the high-profile visit. "Initially, arrangements will be made through passes for about 1,000 to 1,500 devotees, who will be permitted to visit all the places," he said, adding that the President's programme at the site is expected to last around four hours. Emphasising the overall progress, Misra reiterated that the committee is focussed on completing all remaining works within the stipulated timeline while ensuring proper facilities for pilgrims and visitors. Jaipur, Feb 17 : The Budget Session of the Rajasthan Assembly descended into chaos on Tuesday as a discussion on cattle issues snowballed into sharp accusations, heated exchanges, and near-physical confrontation between ruling and opposition MLAs. The controversy erupted after the opposition raised the issue of a calf's severed head allegedly found near the Hingonia cow shelter in Jaipur. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully accused the government of failing to maintain law and order and alleged that the accused in the case was being shielded by a ruling party MLA. His remarks brought BJP and Congress members face-to-face in the House. The uproar initially began when Hawamahal MLA Balmukundacharya asked whether the government was considering granting the cow the status of 'state animal' in Rajasthan. Animal Husbandry Minister Zoraram Kumawat responded that no such proposal was currently under consideration. While the reply itself triggered murmurs, the atmosphere turned charged when the opposition shifted focus to the Jaipur incident, terming it a conspiracy to disturb communal harmony. During his address, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully claimed that the accused was being protected by a BJP legislator, indirectly pointing towards Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma. An enraged Sharma rose to counter the allegation, declaring, "Are you taking my name? If any of my men are found involved in this matter, I will resign from the Assembly immediately." His statement intensified the confrontation, with members from both sides engaging in loud sloganeering. Tensions escalated further when Sharma reportedly moved towards the opposition benches. Congress leaders Govind Singh Dotasra and Ashok Chandna also advanced towards him, leading to chaotic scenes inside the House. Opposition MLAs waved posters related to the incident, prompting a stern response from Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani. Objecting to the display, the Speaker remarked that the manner in which the posters were brought and waved suggested a "pre-planned attempt" to disrupt proceedings. He instructed Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg to calm tempers and urged members to maintain the dignity of the House. Despite repeated appeals, sharp exchanges continued, with the opposition accusing the government of politicising cow protection while failing to ensure safety even in the state capital. The dramatic scenes marked one of the most turbulent moments of the ongoing Budget Session. New Delhi/London, Feb 17 : British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron on Tuesday termed collaboration on technology and innovation a "key pillar" of 'India UK Vision 2035' as the country's Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan are set to arrive in New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit. The summit, which is taking place in New Delhi from February 16-20, will bring together the heads of state and government, ministers, global technology leaders, eminent researchers, multilateral institutions and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the role of AI in advancing inclusive growth, strengthening public systems and enabling sustainable development, while marking the first time that a global convening of this scale on the issue is being organised in the Global South. In a statement shared on X, Cameron stated, "Looking forward to welcoming Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan in Delhi this week for India AI Impact Summit 2026. Collaboration on Technology and Innovation is a key pillar of UK India Vision 2035." "I was at Bletchley Park in 2023 when the UK organised the worldas first AI Safety Summit. Great to see India lead these discussions this week because how India approaches AI matters to the world," she added. In an official statement, the UK government stated, "The UK will use the AI Impact Summit in India this week to champion how AI can supercharge growth, unlock new jobs, improve public services and deliver benefits for people across the globe." "Led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, the UK delegation begins a week of discussions focused on how AI can improve everyday life a" not just in advanced economies but in every corner of the world," it added. During the summit, Lammy and Narayan will emphasise that AI is the engine of renewal as it helps doctors diagnose faster, teachers personalise learning, councils deliver services in minutes and businesses create the next generation of good jobs. In a statement, David Lammy stated, "This Summit is an important moment in determining how we can work together with our international partners to unlock the full benefits and potential of AI, while baking in robust and fair safety standards that protect us all." "We are turning ambition into action to deliver UK jobs, growth and prosperity. The business leaders joining us in India will build concrete partnerships and secure investment that delivers opportunity for working people in the UK, India and across the globe," he added. Kanishka Narayan termed AI a "defining technology of our generation" and expressed commitment to ensure that it delivers for everyone. He said, "AI is the defining technology of our generation a" and weare determined to make sure it delivers for everyone. It can cut waiting times, transform public services, create new jobs and give hard working communities a fresh start a" and thatas exactly the message weare taking to the summit." Prior to arriving in New Delhi, Lammy visited Sri Lanka and met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday. Sri Lankan President noted that Lammy's visit reinforces global confidence in Sri Lanka's recovery following the economic crisis and Cyclone Ditwah. Following the meeting, Dissanayake wrote on X: "Welcomed UK Deputy PM David Lammytoday. His timely visit reinforces global confidence in Sri Lankaas recovery after the economic crisis and Cyclone Ditwah. Grateful for UK support on debt restructuring, zero-tariff textile access and continued partnership in tourism, investment and reconciliation." Patna, Feb 17 : Chaos erupted at an examination centre in Bihar's Gopalganj district on the first day of the annual Class 10 (matriculation) examination, triggering panic and raising questions over crowd management and preparedness. Patna, Feb 17 (IANS) Chaos erupted at an examination centre in Biharas Gopalganj district on the first day of the annual Class 10 (matriculation) examination, triggering panic and raising questions over crowd management and preparedness. The incident occurred on Tuesday at a centre located at the District Magistrateas Field, where several late-arriving candidates were denied entry after the gates were closed as per official instructions. The examinations began across the district under the supervision of the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). According to sources, confusion and anxiety escalated when many students reached the venue after the scheduled reporting time. In the ensuing commotion, some candidates were allegedly seen climbing over the gates and boundary walls in a desperate attempt to appear for the examination. Large crowds of students had gathered outside various centres since early morning. The administration had earlier issued strict directives that no candidate would be allowed entry after the stipulated time to maintain discipline and the sanctity of the examination process. Videos of the incident, recorded by bystanders on mobile phones, have since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread concern and criticism over the handling of the situation. Following the incident, the district administration sought a detailed report from the centre superintendent and other officials concerned. Authorities reiterated that ensuring fairness, transparency, and discipline in the examination process remains their top priority. An inquiry has been ordered, and action has been promised against those found violating established norms. To prevent further disturbances, enhanced security arrangements have been put in place at all examination centres. Magistrates and police personnel have been deployed, and prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed within a 100-200 metre radius of the centres. Additional surveillance measures have also been introduced to regulate gatherings of parents and guardians near examination venues. Besides Gopalganj, similar situations were witnessed at several other exam centres in Patna and Muzaffarpur as well. The incident on the very first day of the board examinations has raised serious concerns about logistical planning and crowd control. Kabul, Feb 17 : Two people were killed after an unexploded shell detonated inside a residential house in western Afghanistan's Farah province, according to a statement released by the provincial police office on Tuesday. The incident took place in Pusht-e-Koh district when an unexploded munition reportedly exploded after being struck inside the home. Both victims died at the scene, the statement said, Xinhua News Agency reported. Officials have called on residents to exercise extreme caution when encountering unexploded ordnance or other suspicious objects, urging citizens to promptly inform security authorities if they come across similar materials. Unexploded remnants of past conflicts continue to threaten civilian lives across Afghanistan, particularly in rural and remote areas where such devices may remain undiscovered for years. On February 7, a child was killed and another injured as an unexploded ordnance left over from the past wars went off in the western Badghis province, said a statement of the provincial police office. The accident occurred when the children were playing in Sang-e-Atash area on February 7, killing one child on the spot and injuring another, the statement said. On February 4, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) said that at least 87 people were killed and 333 others injured in 193 incidents involving unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan over the past year, local media reported. ANDMA Information Department Head Hafiz Mohammad Yousof Hamad said that the Mine Clearance Coordination Department and demining organisations cleared 58 kilometres of land of unexploded ordnance in 2025 and found and neutralised 24,720 mines, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. Hamad mentioned that 67.5 per cent of the victims were children, showcasing the severe impact of unexploded ordnance on youngest and most vulnerable population of Afghanistan. He further said that 155 demining teams are conducting work in Afghanistan, Pajhwok Afghan News reported. During the past year, these teams provided awareness training to over 2.1 million people in Afghanistan. Despite these efforts, around 105,000 square kilometres of land in Afghanistan continues to remain contaminated with unexploded ordnance. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday deferred the hearing in the case relating to the arrest of Major Vikrant Jaitly (retd) in the UAE after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sought four weeks' time to arrange the next consular meeting with him. A single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav was hearing a petition filed by Jaitlyas sister, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who claimed that her brother has been "illegally abducted and detained" in the United Arab Emirates and sought legal representation and consular access for him. During the hearing, Justice Kaurav was informed by the Centre that the proposed interaction with Jaitly could not be held on February 13. The Delhi High Court was apprised that although the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi had sought consular access to Jaitly on that date, the request was not approved by the UAE authorities, and the next date of meeting is awaited. The Union government sought three to four weeksa time to enable the MEA and the Indian Embassy to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels and seek cooperation from the UAE authorities. Observing that "the said prayer seems to be reasonable", the Delhi High Court said that there was "no reason to keep the matter on a weekly basis" and deferred the hearing to March 16. It also took on record the submission that the MEA had requested the Union Ministry of Law and Justice to examine the possible invocation of the India-UAE Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement on judicial matters and to consider sending a formal request to the UAE central authority to facilitate a virtual interaction between the Delhi High Court and Jaitly. During the hearing, counsel appearing for Jaitlyas wife, Charul Jaitly, sought to be impleaded as a party and placed on record a written note detailing certain developments in the case. After perusing the note, Justice Kaurav observed: "If this is what your case is, give it to the other side, let them go through it and understand the grievance against them. There is nothing confidential." When the wifeas counsel sought an in-camera hearing, the judge declined, stating: "I donat want to convert it into a family issue. This is a writ petition against the Union of India." The petitioner (Celina Jaitly) was granted liberty to file a response note. The Delhi High Court also directed that parties shall not interact with the media without its permission. Celina Jaitly had moved the Delhi High Court seeking assistance for her brother, claiming that the retired Indian Army officer, who had been residing in the UAE since 2016, was "illegally abducted and detained" in September 2024, and sought directions for consular access and legal aid. Pune, Feb 17 : The BJP on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress and said that the party is facing growing dissent not only from within but also among its allies. The BJP's remarks come amid renewed political churn in the Congress after veteran leader Mani Shankar Aiyar publicly distanced himself from Rahul Gandhi, stating, "I am not a Rahulian." Aiyar also made comments predicting a third consecutive term for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and criticised leaders within his own party, triggering a fresh round of debate over the Congress leadership and internal unity. Reacting to the developments, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla told IANS that the Congress is facing growing dissent not only from within but also among its allies. "Yesterday, Mani Shankar Aiyar moved a no-confidence motion against Rahul Gandhi. Even in Assam, several senior Congress leaders are reportedly considering leaving the party. Trinamool Congress has also reportedly suggested removing Rahul Gandhi and bringing in Mamata Banerjee to save the INDIA Bloc," Poonawalla said. He further claimed that dissatisfaction with Rahul Gandhi is not limited to the Trinamool Congress. "It's not just the Trinamool Congress. Many Congress allies, including the Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, Samajwadi Party and JMM, are reportedly expressing similar concerns. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, whose husband Navjot Singh Sidhu is still in the Congress, has also said that Rahul Gandhi does not listen to anyone," he added. Poonawalla alleged that Rahul Gandhi has lost the confidence of both party colleagues and alliance partners. "No one believes in Rahul Gandhi. Their own leaders are expressing low confidence against him. Rahul Gandhi does not have a mandate. Now even veterans of the Congress party are expressing a no-confidence motion against him," he said. BJP spokesperson also targeted the Congress over what he called its "double standards" on nationalism. "The Congress party should be renamed from the Indian National Congress to the Anti-National Congress. This is the same party that has an issue with Vande Mataram, calling it communal and provocative, while slogans like 'Babri Zindabad' are considered secular by them," he alleged. He also criticised the Congress in Karnataka over claims of separate reservations and contracts for Muslims, saying the party labels such decisions as secular while questioning national symbols. Poonawalla further contrasted the BJP-led NDA with the DMK-Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu, calling the former a "majbut alliance" and the latter a "majbur alliance." "On one hand, there is the NDA, which is constantly growing because it has a clear mission and vision for Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, the DMK-Congress alliance has no mission or vision. It is driven only by confusion, ambition for power and internal divisions," he said. He also pointed to ongoing tensions within the Congress, claiming that leaders such as Manickam Tagore were demanding power-sharing and more seats, while DMK chief M.K. Stalin had reportedly ruled out any such arrangement this time. MADRID, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least five people have died and four others sustained minor injuries in a fire on Monday evening in northeastern Spain, local authorities said. The blaze erupted in a five-story residential building in the town of Manlleu in Barcelona province, Catalan regional fire service said in a statement. Fire crews extinguished the fire in about half an hour, but five people inside the rooftop were found dead. Four others suffered minor injuries. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with support from local patrol units. Authorities said identification of the deceased is ongoing. New Delhi, Feb 17 : As dynamic and innovation-driven democracies, India and Ireland both have immense potential to collaborate in quantum communications, AI, regulatory innovation, and rural broadband services, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday. In a bilateral meeting with Irish Minister Jack Chambers here, Scindia said we look forward to Ireland's support for India's candidature at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). "Together, we can build a strong and future-ready digital partnership," said minister. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and regulatory collaboration, reaffirming the strong and friendly ties between the two countries. According to an official statement, both sides acknowledged strong complementarities between India's scale and rapid deployment capabilities, Ireland's research-driven innovation ecosystem, and EU-aligned regulatory architecture. The potential for structured collaboration between DoT and Ireland's Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), supported by academia, startups, and industry stakeholders, was also emphasised. Scindia briefed the Irish side on India's ICT transformation journey since 2014. He noted that India today represents one of the world's largest digital ecosystems, with over 1.23 billion telecom subscribers and nearly a billion internet users. 5G coverage extends to approximately 99.9 per cent of the districts, supported by data tariffs averaging around USD 0.10 per GB, making connectivity widely accessible and affordable. The minister highlighted the availability of affordable voice and data tariffs, which are among the lowest globally, and underscored India's success in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). In particular, he referred to the transformative impact of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has scaled globally as a model for interoperable digital payments, and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system that enables seamless transfer of government funds directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Chambers shared insights into Ireland's National Broadband Plan, noting that it offers valuable lessons in delivering universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity, particularly to rural and remote areas. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian community to the Irish economy, innovation landscape, and job creation. The Irish minister highlighted Ireland's multi-billion-euro fibre rollout project across the country and noted the strong and growing trade relationship between India and Ireland, which accounts for a significant share of India's trade with the European Union. Both sides expressed the need to work closely within the ITU framework and to exchange best practices in regulatory and technological domains. --IANS na/ New Delhi, Feb 17 : Guyana Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to attend the AI Impact Summit. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai welcomed him at the airport. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Jagdeo's visit to India will further strengthen the bilateral ties. "Warm welcome to the Vice President of Guyana Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. He was received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on his arrival in New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit. The visit of Vice President Dr. Jagdeo will further strengthen the historic and multifaceted India-Guyana ties, rooted in strong people to people linkages," Jaiswal posted on X. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which is taking place in New Delhi from February 16-20, brings together the heads of state and government, ministers, global technology leaders, eminent researchers, multilateral institutions and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the role of AI in advancing inclusive growth, strengthening public systems and enabling sustainable development, while marking the first time that a global convening of this scale on the issue is being organised in the Global South. Last month, Guyana President Irfaan Ali had extended warm wishes to PM Narendra Modi and people of India on the Republic Day. He noted that India, as world's largest democracy, continues to champion the interests and aspirations of developing states on the global stage. "On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of the Republic of India, we extend warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of India as they commemorate the adoption of their Constitution and the enduring ideals it enshrines," Irfaan Ali posted on X. "Indiaas freedom struggle and its peaceful transition from colonial rule ignited hope across the developing world, inspiring generations of nations to claim their sovereignty and shape their own destinies. As the worldas largest democracy, India continues to champion the interests and aspirations of developing states on the global stage," he added. He stated that Guyana values its bond with India and noted that the ties between two nations have matured into a strong partnership based in mutual respect and cooperation in diverse sectors. "Guyana proudly values its deep and historic bonds with India, forged through ties of history, blood and a common commitment to democracy and development. These relations have matured into a strong partnership grounded in mutual respect and cooperation across diverse sectors," he posted on X. "As India marks this significant milestone, Guyana looks forward with confidence to the continued strengthening of our bilateral relations, working together to advance prosperity, sustainability, and the collective voice of the Global South," he added. Chennai, Feb 17 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the state government's Interim Budget for 2026-27, calling it an "empty document" that reflects "financial mismanagement, unfulfilled promises and administrative indifference" by the ruling DMK. Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the state government's Interim Budget for 2026a"27, calling it an "empty document" that reflects "financial mismanagement, unfulfilled promises and administrative indifference" by the ruling DMK. State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran dismissed the Budget as lacking substance and direction. He said what was presented in the Assembly was not an interim financial roadmap but a "document of hollow pride". Accusing the DMK government of repeatedly disappointing the public over the past five years, he added that people were no longer surprised by what he termed "another underwhelming exercise". He expressed confidence that political change in the State was imminent. Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan criticised both the content and the timing of the Budget presentation. Taking a swipe at the DMK's ideological stance, she pointed out that a government claiming to be rationalist had chosen an auspicious time on Amavasya to table the document. Alleging that the public felt betrayed, she described it as the DMK's "final Budget". She further accused the government of making false electoral promises, increasing taxes and pushing the State deeper into debt, while failing to transparently account for public funds. BJP national general council member K. Annamalai echoed similar concerns, accusing the government of continuing to mislead the public even in what he described as its concluding Budget before the Assembly elections. He alleged that key sections of society - including sanitation workers seeking permanent employment, teachers demanding equal pay, government doctors, and youth protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment - had been ignored. Raising concerns over the Stateas finances, Annamalai referred to official projections that Tamil Naduas total borrowings could reach Rs 10.62 lakh crore by March 31, 2027. Questioning the scale of borrowing, he asked where the funds had been utilised and why the State's debt burden had risen so sharply. He also accused the government of delaying revised project reports for Metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai while blaming the Union government for inaction. Additionally, he questioned allocations for cleaning the Cooum and Adyar rivers, alleging that earlier announcements had not resulted in visible improvements. The DMK government has yet to respond to the BJP's criticism. Jammu, Feb 17 : Authorities, on Tuesday, displayed posters in Jammu and Kashmir's border districts of Kathua and Samba, carrying photographs of five suspected Pakistani terrorists, seeking the cooperation of the general public in tracking their movement, sources confirmed. Official sources said this followed intelligence inputs generated from outside Jammu and Kashmir regarding suspected infiltration of terrorists from across the border. The poster, titled 'Public Information', urges people to immediately inform the security forces, Army, Central Reserve Police Force, Police, or Border Security Force, or contact a dedicated helpline number if the suspects are spotted anywhere. It also assures public that the identity of the informer will be kept confidential. Same sources said security agencies in Punjab had shared credible intelligence inputs about the successful infiltration of suspected terrorists from across the border. "Security forces are engaged in intensified anti-terror operations across Kathua, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Doda, and Samba districts to neutralise the terrorists and dismantle their cross-border terror networks," they added. "The security forces and police have put up additional checkpoints, area domination patrols on highway, border areas and hinterland, and are conducting searches in vulnerable pockets, particularly along border areas, as part of heightened security measures," they said. The move comes shortly after the police in Doda district put up posters of Pakistan-based terrorist Saifullah Balochi as part of sustained operations to track foreign terrorists operating in the Chenab Valley belt. On Saturday, authorities in Kathua district imposed restrictions on "unnecessary movement" within a five-kilometre belt along the International Border, citing the possibility of cross-border firing and the need to prevent anti-national activities and safeguard civilians. Kathua District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers executive magistrates to take preventive measures in urgent cases of apprehended danger to maintain public order and safety. On Friday, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, visited the Samba district and held a meeting with senior police and civil administration officials to review the security situation in the border areas, officials said. He assessed the overall security landscape and reviewed the vigilance and alertness of the police in the border districts, they added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, directed for a mission mode approach to end terrorism in the Union Territory and ensure zero infiltration at the border. Bhubaneswar, Feb 17 : The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress (INC) slammed the address delivered in the Odisha Assembly by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on the first day of the Budget Session on Tuesday. Members of both the Congress and the BJD also staged a walkout from the House in protest against the Governor's address. Speaking to media persons, Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik criticised the Governor's address in the Assembly, stating that it was "strong in words but weak in action," and failed to reflect the ground realities of governance. The veteran leader also expressed serious concerns over the rising incidents of mob lynching in Odisha, as well as across India, alleging deterioration in the law-and-order situation. He said that the law-and-order situation in Odisha under the current BJP-led government is in a dreadful state. Patnaik further added that nowhere else in the country can one find such reports of violence and deterioration in law and order as in Odisha. Meanwhile, Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam alleged that there is no similarity between the statements of the government and the Governor's speech delivered in the State Assembly on Tuesday. The senior Congress leader also alleged that the state government is not committed to the development of Odisha and to safeguarding its interests. The ruling BJP, on the other hand, targeted the opposition parties, saying that they are confused and cannot tolerate the rapid development of the state under the current government. Notably, the Budget Session of the Odisha Assembly commenced on Tuesday with the Governor delivering his address. He called upon the members to discharge their solemn responsibilities with dedication and work in unison to ensure inclusive growth. He said that the state government aspires to create a Viksit Odisha by 2036, the centenary of the state's formation. Governor Kambhampati also highlighted several welfare and developmental initiatives undertaken by the state government to achieve its goals in agriculture, industry, education, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, and the IT and ITES sectors. The Governor's address will be followed by a two-day discussion on his address. The State Budget will be presented on February 20 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio. According to official sources, the sixth session of the 17th Odisha Assembly is scheduled to conclude on April 8. The session will be held in two phases and will comprise 28 working days. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The Delhi High Court has observed that while bars and pubs are permitted to operate under the law, their right to carry on business must be balanced with the citizens' and children's right to a noise-free, peaceful and orderly environment. New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has observed that while bars and pubs are permitted to operate under the law, their right to carry on business must be balanced with the citizensa and childrenas right to a noise-free, peaceful and orderly environment. Disposing of a writ petition filed by a resident seeking action against Bunon Bar and Lounge at R.K. Ashram Marg Metro Station for allegedly operating beyond permissible hours, a single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said that regulatory authorities are duty-bound to examine and decide citizensa complaints in accordance with law. "The right to operate and run a bar/pub must be balanced with the citizensa and childrenas right to a noise-free, peaceful, and orderly environment," the Delhi High Court observed. The petitioner, who appeared in person through video conferencing, alleged that the bar continued operations till 2.12 a.m. and on certain occasions even till 4.30 a.m., despite the requirement that such establishments cannot function beyond 1 a.m. He also claimed that instead of issuing GST bills, the establishment provided "kachchi (rough) handwritten slips" and that repeated complaints to authorities, including the Commissioner of Delhi Police and the Excise Department, had elicited no response. Referring to the regulatory framework under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, and the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, Justice Kaurav noted that the hours for the sale of liquor are to be specified by the Excise Commissioner, while complaints relating to public nuisance are to be considered by the District Magistrate under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. In strong remarks on accountability of public authorities, the Delhi High Court said: "In a civilised society, governed by the rule of law, a genuine complaint of a citizen should not remain unattended. The authorities are under an obligation to consider and decide upon the same in accordance with the extant rules and regulations." It added that the rule of law requires not merely the existence of laws but also their timely and effective enforcement. "When authorities continue to be inert on the face of complaints made to it by citizens, it not only erodes public confidence in governance, but also makes that sole individual of this country feel remediless," Justice Kaurav said. Observing that not every citizen has easy access to courts and that public authorities effectively function as grievance redressal forums, the Delhi High Court directed that the writ petition be treated as a representation by the Excise Commissioner. Justice Kaurav ordered the Excise Commissioner concerned to examine the petitioneras grievance and pass appropriate orders within two months from receipt of the order. It further directed that if the matter requires consideration by the District Magistrate, all authorities must "work in tandem" to ensure that the complaint is dealt with appropriately. "All rights and contentions of the parties are left open," the Delhi High Court clarified while disposing of the petition. --IANS pds/vd Mumbai, Feb 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his statement following the bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world. He emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a "Partnership of the People," specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. PM Modi emphasised that the partnership is a "trusted anchor" for peace. He described France as an "indispensable partner" in the Indian Ocean region. The Prime Minister stated that the India-France Year of Innovation is the centrepiece of their 2026 roadmap. He noted, "Innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. The goal is to link Indian and French startups, MSMEs, and research centres to solve global challenges in clean energy and digital health." A major theme of the Prime Minister's address was Strategic Autonomy. He reaffirmed that the inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India was cited as a prime example of the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision. Both leaders reviewed the Horizon 2047 roadmap, focusing on the joint production of military hardware, including the HAMMER precision-guided missiles and the landmark 114 Rafale fighter jet project. With the meeting coinciding with the AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi highlighted a shared commitment to developing "sovereign AI" that is safe, secure, and beneficial to the Global South. Stating the partnership moving from Marseille to Mumbai, he recalled their previous discussions in France, noting that the partnership is now translating those AI visions into tangible industrial outcomes. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, noting a "philosophical convergence" between India and France on these issues. Seoul, Feb 17 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday he will continue efforts to better serve people and promote national unity as he marked the Lunar New Year in his second year in office. "This morning, as the Lunar New Year of the Red Horse dawns, I renew my commitment as a 'president for all,' who embraces and serves every citizen," Lee, dressed in traditional hanbok, said in a video message that also featured first lady Kim Hea Kyung, Yonhap News Agency reported. Lee, who took office in June last year following months of political turmoil triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid in December 2024 and subsequent impeachment, expressed gratitude to the people for overcoming the crisis together last year. "Thanks to the people's concerted efforts over the past year, we are seeing a return to normalcy in every corner of society more quickly than expected," he said. "I extend my deepest gratitude to all of our sovereign citizens for safeguarding this nation, whether on the streets, at home or at work." Lee reaffirmed his commitment to building the country people desire despite differing perspectives and opinions, saying people share the hope of creating a better environment for their children. "We encouraged one another and overcame challenges over the past year," he said. "I hope that, this year, our society will advance together on a foundation of compassionate solidarity and trust." Meanwhile, traffic was heavy on highways nationwide on Tuesday afternoon as streams of vehicles headed back home on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year holiday. The nation marks the major holiday, known as Seol, on Tuesday, with the holiday period beginning over the weekend and running through Wednesday. As of 5 pm, travel times were estimated at seven hours to Seoul from the southeastern city of Busan, six hours from the southeastern city of Daegu and four hours from the eastern city of Gangneung, according to the Korea Expressway Corp. (KEC). The KEC forecast that congestion in the outbound direction -- from the capital region to provincial areas -- would ease around 8 to 9 pm, while return traffic toward Seoul is expected to clear around 3 to 4 am the following morning. Nationwide traffic volume for the day was projected at around 6.15 million vehicles, larger than the previous day's 5.05 million, which include 440,000 cars leaving the greater Seoul area and 470,000 heading toward Seoul from other regions. New Delhi, Feb 17 : India's textile and apparel export sector is on its way back to recovery from the uncertain past and is likely to do even better than any time earlier once the country's new trade deals come into force, according to industry players. New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) Indiaas textile and apparel export sector is on its way back to recovery from the uncertain past and is likely to do even better than any time earlier once the countryas new trade deals come into force, according to industry players. Industry players also dismissed reports of a threat from Bangladesh exporters, with Dhaka having entered a trade deal with Washington, securing zero reciprocal tariffs on such goods, as "exaggerated and unfounded". "With the United States reducing tariffs to 18 per cent and Indiaas FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the EU having zero duty access to textiles and apparel, we see the business growing by at least 30-40 per cent in another two years," stressed Animesh Saxena, General Secretary, Garments Exporters and Manufacturers Association. Panic gripped the industry earlier this month following reports of Bangladesh exporters holding an edge with "zero-tariff benefits" in Dhakaas trade agreement with Washington, soon after New Delhias. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had to reassure them that India too is likely to receive benefits similar to those of Bangladesh. He clarified that it will be evident once the legal text of the interim trade deal is inked, expected next month. "There are inherent conditions, where the (Bangladeshas) exporters will have to buy American cotton, use it to manufacture the garment, and then ship these," pointed out R. K. Vij, President, Textile Association (India). "US cotton is expensive, and logistical costs will also add to the overall price, which may offset the duty saved," he said. On Indiaas cotton growersa interest against imports, the industry leaders said that the farmers are taken care of by the government through the minimum support price (MSP) and import duty. "US cotton canat flood India; it's expensive. Indian cotton is a cheaper option. It is largely American cotton with higher fibre quality, which is not available in India, that is imported," an industry leader pointed out. "Moreover, cotton prices fluctuate in the international market. The price you see now may change in some time," added Vij. He also stressed that India, in reality, holds an edge over other Asian competitors in its trade deal with the US, with a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent. Bangladesh faces a duty of 19 per cent, and Vietnam, 20 per cent, he reminded. Garments usually face a 12 per cent duty as Washingtonas Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff, which means Bangladesh will attract a total duty of 31 per cent. For India, it would be about 30 per cent. "The major issue was over the (uncertainty in) India-United States trade deal," agreed Dinesh Babu, Executive Secretary, Tiruppur Exportersa Association. "Now itas all been segregated, and things are in good shape. With all the FTAs with the EU and the UK, I think the way forward is very good," he added. With the "mother of all trade deals", Indiaas current Rs 3.19 lakh crore in global textile and apparel exports, including Rs 62.7 crore to the EU, such products gain zero-duty access to at least 27 countries. Indiaas industry leaders also shared that they have been intimated that the nuances of New Delhias trade deal with Washington will be known next month, while the FTA with the EU is likely to take effect in six to seven months. "Itall be a win-win situation for Indiaas textile and apparel exporters," Saxena said. Between April 2025 and January 2026, Indiaas textile exports registered a degrowth of (-) 2.35 per cent, according to data shared by Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). Textile exports in January declined by (-) 3.68 per cent, while apparel exports were down by (-) 3.84 per cent in January 2026 compared with January 2025, as per the data. Kochi, Feb 17 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday questioned actor Jayaram in connection with its probe into the alleged Sabarimala gold heist case, adding a fresh layer to the high-profile investigation. Jayaram appeared at the EDas Kochi office around 11 a.m. and remained there for nearly four hours before walking out at about 3 p.m. Speaking to media persons after the interaction, the actor described the proceedings as a "routine exercise". "Please donat think it was a questioning or such things. They just wanted to know things from me, and I told them all what I knew," he said. Maintaining that the interaction was cordial, Jayaram added: "It was a friendly exercise as I am an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappa and I, like all other devotees, really want all the things to come out. For that I will go to any extent." He spoke in his customary style of laughing and smiling while addressing the media. The ED registered its case based on the controversial Sabarimala gold heist matter that is already under investigation. The case centres around alleged irregularities linked to temple gold, with the agency probing potential financial and money laundering angles arising from the incident. Jayaramas name had surfaced earlier in media reports citing his proximity to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, who is currently out on bail. Potti secured statutory bail after remaining in custody for more than 90 days, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed following directions from the Kerala High Court, failed to file the final charge sheet within the stipulated period. While the actor has not been named as an accused, his appearance before the ED signals that investigators are examining a wider circle of associations and possible financial trails linked to the case. The agency has not issued an official statement detailing the scope of its questioning. With the probe now expanding into financial scrutiny, the case continues to attract significant public and political attention across Kerala. DUBAI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Space Agency on Tuesday announced the extension of the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) until 2028, according to local daily Al Etihad. The mission, carried out by the Hope Probe, was originally launched as a two-year project and entered Mars' orbit in 2021. The extension seeks to maximize the scientific return on the UAE's space investments and gain valuable operational experience for future deep-space missions. Since its arrival at Mars, the Hope Probe has gathered around 10 terabytes of data, shared in 16 datasets with over 200 global research institutions. The mission has also supported pioneering discoveries, including new observations of Mars' auroral activity and close fly-bys of Deimos, the smaller outer moon of Mars. In October 2025, the probe expanded its scientific scope by capturing images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object that passes through our solar system, offering a rare opportunity to study material from beyond the solar system. Officials said the decision demonstrates confidence in the probe's technical readiness and national team capabilities, while supporting the rapid growth of the UAE's space ecosystem through expanded research and aerospace education. Quetta, Feb 17 : Around 11 Pakistani security personnel were killed in a targetted suicide car bombing at a joint checkpost in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported citing a confirmation from the media wing of country's military on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack involving an explosive-laden vehicle took place on February 16 at a Frontier Corps security post in Bajaur near the Afghanistan border. Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported that the checkpoint, housed in a former religious school building in Bajaur, was completely destroyed, and bodies were later recovered from under the rubble. "A child living in a nearby house was also killed, while at least three people suffered serious injuries as surrounding homes were damaged by the powerful blast. Videos circulating online showed civilians attempting rescue efforts in darkness, pulling survivors from debris as fears remained that civilian casualties could rise further," the report mentioned. It added further that Pakistan has witnessed a surge in suicide and militant attacks in recent months, including a deadly mosque bombing in Islamabad that killed dozens of worshippers. On Monday, at least two people were killed and 14 others injured after an explosion occurred near Miryan Police Station in Bannu district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to a statement by the police, the blast took place as explosive material planted in a motorcycle detonated. The two deceased people include a child, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. According to police sources, the blast occurred near shops that are located in front of the police station. Police personnel were not hurt in the blast. However, civilians in the area were caught in the explosion. Several of the injured people are reported to be in critical condition. On February 7, two police personnel were injured in two separate attacks targetting the police in the Bannu district, local media reported. In January, a report said the security situation in Pakistan deteriorated sharply in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of rising conflict and violence in the country. A total of 699 attacks were recorded in Pakistan in 2025, a 34 per cent increase from 2024, according to the Pakistan Security Report 2025 by PIPS. As many as 1,034 people were killed and 1,366 others injured in these attacks, demonstrating a 21 per cent rise in fatalities. The conflict-related violence, including attacks, counterterrorism operations, border clashes, and abductions, increased to 1,124 incidents -- a rise of 43 per cent from 2024. Mumbai, Feb 17 : National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee met the President of France, Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture with the French President. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, "It was an honour meeting President Emmanuel Macron at today's luncheon, along with other dignitaries. What stood out was not just the warmth of the interaction with him, but the clarity and depth of the exchange around cinema, culture, and the role of storytelling in building bridges between countries". He further mentioned, "Conversations like these, on how India and France can work together more closely in cinema and culture, remind you of how important thoughtful leadership and cultural dialogue are in today's world". Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to February 19, 2026, arriving first in Mumbai and then travelling to New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. The visit was at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was the French president's fourth official trip to India. The core purpose was to review and strengthen the IndiaFrance Strategic Partnership under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, with discussions covering defence cooperation, trade, technology, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. In Mumbai, Macron and Modi were scheduled to jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at boosting collaborative research, innovation and industrial engagement. The French president's agenda includes bilateral talks with Modi, participation in innovation forums, and attendance at the AI summit in New Delhi. Defence ties, particularly potential agreements on additional Rafale fighter jets and broader industrial cooperation, were expected to feature in the discussions, alongside collaboration on artificial intelligence, innovation, and strategic sectors. Ujjain, Feb 17 : A youth donning dhoti-kurta and a 'tilak' on his forehead along with wearing a rudraksha mala in his neck, offered his prayers at the Mahakal temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain. However, what came as a surprise was that he was a Muslim youth, who allegedly hid his religious identity. The shocking turn of events was revealed when a group of Bajrang Dal members caught the youth from a hotel where he was staying with her female friend, who belongs to the Hindu community, police said on Tuesday. The couple had come from Mohali in Punjab to offer prayers at the Mahakal temple here on Monday. A video surfaced on the social media showed a youth surrounded by a group of Bajrang Dal activists. The Muslim youth said he is currently in a relationship with Renu, which is why they had come to offer prayers at the Mahakal temple here. The Muslim youth could be heard saying in the video that he wore dhoti-kurta and applied tilak on his forehead to hide his religious identity, adding that he did so for her girlfriend Renu. The youth's said his real name is Zafar Khan. The Bajrang Dal activists allegedly assaulted the youth for concealing his religious identity and then handed him over to the Nanakheda police in Ujjain. Rishabh Kushwaha, who identified himself as a Bajrang Dal member, told media persons that he received information that a couple from Punjab was staying at a hotel in Ujjain. After waiting outside the hotel for nearly an hour, the Bajrang Dal activists caught the youth and stopped him. "The man initially identified himself as a Hindu but later revealed his real name as Zafar Khan. His (the youth's) religious identity was suspected by the hotel staff because he didn't submit his ID card at the hotel reception," Kushwaha said. He also said the woman was aware of the youth's identity and reportedly are in a relationship. The couple visited the Mahakal temple, Harsiddhi temple, and Kaal Bhairav temple in Ujjain to offer their prayers. Confirming the report of the incident, Ujjain Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Guru Prasad Parashar, said that the couple had come from Mohali and were staying in a hotel, where they were caught by the Bajrang Dal activists. "After verification, the youth was identified as Zafar Khan, a resident of Punjab's Mohali. The woman accompanying the youth also hails from Punjab and are known to each other. Police have taken the youth into their custody and the necessary actions are being initiated," ASP Parashar said on Tuesday. New Delhi, Feb 17 : NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal called upon young interns to develop sensitivity and evolve as model citizens who are aware of their rights and duties. a Speaking to 71 interns at the conclusion of their two-week Online Short-Term Internship Programme, he asked them to internalise what they had learnt during the internship to develop their responsiveness.a He emphasised the importance of self-introspection and reflection on oneas own actions to become a catalyst for change.a He said that the responsibility to protect and promote human rights does not lie only with the government but also with citizens.a Speaking to 71 university-level students from diverse academic backgrounds, selected from 1,114 applicants, Bharat Lal said that justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are pillars of the Constitutional framework, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.a The OSTI equips students from various academic fields with the tools to understand and address key human rights issues. Through hands-on learning and interactive discussions, participants explore international law, human rights concerns in India, and practical advocacy methods.a Bharat Lal said that, often, vulnerable people are victims of their circumstances.a He said that beggars, transgender people, persons with disabilities, among others, often face serious violations of their rights and dignity, and they need to be helped to get their rightful dues.a He also advised the interns to visit schools and raise awareness among students about hygiene, sanitation, sexual offences, and other issues that may impact peopleas human rights.a He said that such small efforts can make a meaningful contribution to society.a The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)as first two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) in 2026 started on February 2.a At the 3rd Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI) of 2025-2026 conducted by the Commission last October, the NHRC called upon the youth to remain vigilant, raise their voices against injustice, and help build a more inclusive and equitable society.a The rights panel asked the interns to use their knowledge for societal good and to uphold constitutional principles in both personal and professional spheres. a Jaipur, Feb 17 : The Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, has placed eight judicial officers under "Awaiting Posting Orders" (APO) with immediate effect. The orders were issued by the High Court Registrar General, citing administrative reasons. a Jaipur, Feb 17 (IANS) The Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, has placed eight judicial officers under "Awaiting Posting Orders" (APO) with immediate effect. The orders were issued by the High Court Registrar General, citing administrative reasons. Although the APO order does not specify detailed grounds, it is reported that during a surprise inspection of subordinate courts, several courtrooms were found vacant, and some judicial officers were absent from their designated seats during court hours. There were also reports that certain officers were dictating judgments in their chambers during scheduled court time, despite fixed court and chamber hours being prescribed. Earlier on Tuesday morning, a bomb threat was received via email concerning the High Court complex at Jhalamand, Jodhpur. As a precautionary measure, the entire complex was evacuated, and security protocols were activated. Due to the security alert, court proceedings were temporarily disrupted. A notice was displayed informing litigants and lawyers that hearings would commence at 11:30 am. Amid the security arrangements, Acting Chief Justice Sharma arrived early at the Heritage Building complex of the Rajasthan High Court and conducted a surprise inspection of various district, metropolitan, and subordinate courts. During the inspection, multiple courtrooms were reportedly found vacant, and several judicial officers were absent from their assigned seats. The Acting Chief Justice is understood to have taken serious note of the apparent lapses in discipline and punctuality. Following the inspection, the Acting Chief Justice returned to the High Court. Shortly thereafter, Registrar General Chanchal Mishra issued formal orders placing eight judicial officers under APO with immediate effect. Among those transferred, Ajay Sharma has been directed to report to the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur. The remaining seven officers have been instructed to report to the headquarters of the District and Sessions Judge, Jodhpur District, until further posting orders are issued. Islamabad, Feb 17 : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the country's Crime Control Department (CCD) in Punjab province for pursuing a deliberate policy of staged encounters resulting in extrajudicial killings that fundamentally undermines the rule of law and constitutional protections in the province. Citing various media reports, the HRCP documented at least 670 CCD-led encounters over the course of eight months in 2025, resulting in the deaths of 924 suspects, with two police officers killed during the same period. "The extreme casualty imbalance averaging more than two fatal encounters daily combined with the uniformity of operational patterns across districts, indicates an institutionalised practice rather than isolated incidents of misconduct. The fact-finding mission has therefore called for an urgent high-level judicial inquiry into these deaths," the HRCP stated. The organisation documented a pervasive climate of fear among victims' families. One family reported pressure from police officials to bury the deceased immediately and claimed they were warned that other relatives could be killed if they pursued the case further. Such intimidation, it said, constitutes criminal conduct and represents a fundamental obstruction of justice. "The practice of police encounters as a method of crime control has a long and troubling history in Pakistan. Successive provincial governments, especially in Punjab and Sindh, have defended such actions as necessary to combat crime, militancy or systemic inefficiencies within the criminal justice system," the HRCP stated. However, the organisation highlighted that Pakistani courts, civil society organisations and human rights bodies have repeatedly raised concerns regarding extrajudicial killings, the surrounding lack of accountability and violations of the right to life guaranteed under Article 9 of Pakistan's Constitution. As per the HRCP findings, "CCD operations fail to comply with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which require that lethal force be absolutely necessary and proportionate, and that violators be held accountable. "The nearly uniform narrative in CCD press releases and first information reports that the suspects fired first, that the police acted in self-defence and that those killed were necessarily 'hardened' criminals appeared in virtually every case reviewed, suggesting orchestrated messaging rather than independent operational outcomes," the rights body stressed. The HRCP emphasised that sustainable public safety cannot be achieved through lethal shortcuts that bypass investigation, prosecution and judicial accountability. Among other measures, the report called for an immediate province-wide moratorium on all encounter operations until comprehensive legal safeguards and independent oversight mechanisms are established. "Without immediate corrective action including the establishment of mandatory independent investigations, accountability for those responsible, and structural reforms to ensure compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards the normalisation of state violence will permanently damage Pakistan's legal system, its democratic institutions and its standing in the international community," the HRCP noted. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Amid raging controversy, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday demanded a CBI investigation into former Deputy Chief Minister and national president Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash at Baramati on January 28. State President and MP Sunil Tatkare informed that a memorandum to this effect was submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. A high-level delegation met with the Chief Minister this afternoon, including NCP National Working President MP Praful Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajitdada Pawar, State President Sunil Tatkare, Senior Minister Hasan Mushrif, and youth leader Parth Pawar. According to Tatkare, the chief minister has assured the delegation that the state government would correspond with Union Home Minister Amit Shah tomorrow, saying that steps will be taken to facilitate the CBI probe as requested by the NCP. The NCP highlighted several "serious irregularities and suspicious circumstances" surrounding the incident, including last-minute changes to the flight crew composition, which require scrutiny of operational decision-making and authorisations, and inconsistencies in Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications and the sequence of runway clearances. The party also raised concerns about the functionality and integrity of critical onboard safety warning systems. NCP also said that there was a complete absence of any recorded distress communication, despite the aircraft being close to the landing phase. It also raised issues requiring forensic evaluation, such as crew fitness, maintenance compliance, and aircraft system performance. Tatkare noted that Union Ministers Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Murlidhar Mohol were present on the day of the unfortunate incident. "While autonomous bodies and a CID probe ordered by CM Fadnavis are already underway, the NCP believes a CBI investigation offers the necessary breadth," he said. "While autonomous agencies and international bodies often investigate such accidents, we want a more comprehensive probe. All raised points must be investigated thoroughly, and the findings should be presented to the people of the country as soon as possible," Tatkare clarified. The Ajit Pawar faction's demand comes amid revelations by NCP SP legislator Rohit Pawar that the plane crash was a sabotage. He demanded a high-level probe. He also expressed concerns about the lack of a preliminary probe report and the suspense surrounding the ongoing probe. NCP legislator Amol Mitkari, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, and party deputy leader Sushma Andhare also questioned whether it was an accident or sabotage. Meanwhile, Tatkare shared details regarding a meeting with BJP State President Ravindra Chavan concerning the upcoming District Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. "Discussions focused on how the 'Mahayuti' (Grand Alliance) can move forward together. The talks were "satisfactory and cordial." He noted that the BJP is a primary partner in the NDA and the discussions were held with mutual respect for all allies. Addressing rumors of unrest within the party, Tatkare clarified that there was no discussion regarding "disgruntled MLAs" during Monday's party meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. "These reports are purely imaginary. The NCP legislative party and the state unit stand united. The meeting focused on supporting Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as she leads the organisation with patience and determination, and on further strengthening the party structure," he stated. Chennai, Feb 17 : The Tamil Nadu Assembly's interim Budget session will continue until February 20, following a decision taken at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Speaker M. Appavu. Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Assemblyas interim Budget session will continue until February 20, following a decision taken at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Speaker M. Appavu. Earlier on Tuesday, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the stateas Interim Budget for the financial year 2026a"27 in the Assembly. The presentation comes at a crucial time, with Assembly elections due soon, making the interim Budget politically significant. Soon after the Finance Ministeras address, Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam tabled the Interim Agriculture Budget for 2026a"27 and delivered his speech outlining the governmentas priorities for the farming sector. The separate agriculture Budget, introduced by the DMK government in recent years, continues to focus on strengthening farm infrastructure, expanding irrigation support, promoting mechanisation, and enhancing farmer welfare schemes. Following the completion of both Budget presentations, the Speaker convened a BAC meeting to decide the schedule for further proceedings. It was resolved that the interim Budget session would be held until February 20. As per the schedule finalised at the meeting, the general discussion on the Interim Budget will take place over two days a" February 18 and 19. Members from both the ruling party and the Opposition are expected to participate in the debate, raising issues related to fiscal management, welfare allocations, sectoral spending, and election-year commitments. Finance Minister Thennarasu is scheduled to reply to the debate on February 20. His concluding remarks will address concerns and suggestions raised by members during the discussion. The interim Budget, presented ahead of the Assembly elections, is expected to focus largely on continuing existing flagship schemes and ensuring financial stability, rather than introducing major new policy initiatives. The proceedings over the next three days are likely to witness intense debate, reflecting the political atmosphere in the run-up to the polls. With the session set to conclude on February 20, all eyes will be on the governmentas defence of its fiscal strategy and welfare commitments in an election year. --IANS aal/vd New Delhi, Feb 17 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday posted for final hearing in April a batch of appeals filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the suspension of sentence granted to former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and other convicts in the fodder scam cases. A Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh said the matters would be taken up for final disposal on April 22, while remarking that several of the accused were now of advanced age. Appearing for the CBI, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju contended that the Jharkhand High Court had violated settled principles governing post-conviction suspension of sentence. He argued that once a conviction had been recorded, suspension of sentence could not be granted in the absence of any change in circumstances. "This is post-conviction bail. The sentence has been suspended illegally. It cannot be done," ASG Raju submitted, adding that Lalu Prasad and other accused were "illegally out". On the other hand, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Lalu Prasad Yadav, opposed any urgency in the matter, highlighting that in the connected appeals, several accused had either not been served or had not filed their replies. "There is no need for such excitement. There are other accused, some havenat even filed replies," he said. Taking note of the submissions, the Justice Sundresh-led Bench observed that all sides were aware of the legal question involved. "Both of us know what this special leave petition is. We think both of you also know what the result is. You do your job, let us do our job. We can fix a date for the appeal to be disposed of. We also know what the question of law is," Justice Sundresh remarked, noting that the respondents were in their 60s, 70s and late 80s and that their sentences presently stood suspended. The apex court clarified that cases in which any respondent-accused had died would be formally closed. The fodder scam cases relate to fraudulent withdrawals of nearly Rs 950 crore from the state treasury between 1992 and 1995, when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Chief Minister of undivided Bihar and held charge of the Animal Husbandry Department. He was convicted in cases concerning withdrawals from the Deoghar, Dumka and Chaibasa treasuries, now in present-day Jharkhand. In July 2019, the Jharkhand High Court granted Lalu Prasad Yadav bail in one of the fodder scam cases and suspended his sentence. The CBI challenged that decision before the Supreme Court, which issued notice in February 2020. The CBI has also sought enhancement of his sentence, contending that the offence was a serious economic crime committed by a public servant holding high office. --IANS pds/vd New Delhi, Feb 17 : Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in the Indian capital. He was received at the airport by the Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Lankan leader's visit will further boost the multifaceted and close partnership between the two neighbouring countries which remains rooted in shared people-to-people ties. The Lankan President's office stated that, at a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies, Sri Lanka's participation in the first summit of its kind to be hosted in the Global South reflects the depth and priority of the Indiaa"Sri Lanka partnership and the shared commitment to ensuring innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred. Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit, it added, builds on his landmark State Visit in December 2024 and the joint vision 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' adopted on December 16, 2024. Sri Lanka and India have sustained momentum across connectivity, economic engagement, digital cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties. "As one of the South Asian leaders present, the Presidentas participation underscores both the closeness of our relationship and our commitment to working together on issues that will shape the future. Rooted in proximity, strengthened by trust, and guided by practical cooperation, the Indiaa"Sri Lanka partnership continues to evolve with purpose," the High Commission of Sri Lanka stated. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16-20, brings together government policymakers, industry AI experts, academicians, technology innovators and civil society from across the world to advance global discussions on artificial intelligence. The India AI Impact Summit aims to reflect on the transformative potential of AI aligning with the national vision of 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya' (welfare for all, happiness for all) and global principle of AI for Humanity. The Summit is witnessing the participation of more than 110 countries, 30 International organisations, including about 20 Head of States/Heads of Government level participation and about 45 ministers. This summit is fourth in the series of AI summits held at UK Bletchley Park in 2023, South Korea in 2024 and France in 2025. Meanwhile, President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic also arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to attend the AI Summit. He was received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on his arrival at the airport in New Delhi. "His participation in India-AI Impact Summit will impart further momentum to the strong and close friendship between India and Serbia," stated MEA. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kirana Vesarachkitti (L) and Gao Nicha from Thailand pose for photos during a Chinese New Year event at the Feng Jicai Museum at Tianjin University, north China's Tianjin Municipality, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese New Year festivities reach their peak, expats across China have joined the celebrations, not merely as spectators, but as active participants in what has become a global cultural phenomenon. At the Feng Jicai Museum at Tianjin University, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, dozens of international students found themselves immersed in the jubilant ambiance, surrounded by lanterns and traditional decorations. For Pakistani student Muhammad Israr Ul Haq Naqeebi, the traditional New Year paintings on display revealed something profound. "These paintings do more than just decorate homes," he said. "They carry memories and good wishes." Kirana Vesarachkitti from Thailand also perceived deep meanings. "The door god images embody the beautiful hopes of safeguarding the home, ensuring family harmony, and warding off evil to welcome good fortune," she observed. After trying her hand at writing the Chinese character "Fu" (meaning good fortune), Indonesian student Jesslyn Beatrice Faustina said she was struck by "how ancient traditions coexist seamlessly with modern life." Feng Jicai is a renowned Chinese writer and cultural scholar. The museum bearing his name houses abundant cultural relics and artworks. "We invited those who stayed on campus during the holiday to share in the Spring Festival, a cultural heritage passed down for thousands of years and shared by humanity," he said. "They are not just guests, but participants in this celebration." In rural Jizhou, Tianjin, a time-honored fair drew Umar Suleimanov, a 26-year-old Tajik student from Nankai University. Squeezing through bustling stalls laden with festive goods, sampling local snacks and watching traditional dances, he said: "It's so lively! I've seen the vibrant, down-to-earth spirit of the Chinese New Year." Meanwhile, aboard a train bound from Nanchang in east China's Jiangxi Province to Beijing, an entirely different celebration took place. Eight international students from different countries joined railway staff in a "train gala," dressed in Hanfu and carrying their hometown delicacies. As ancient Chinese music filled the carriage, Aliia Iakupova from Russia stepped forward in Hanfu, greeting passengers with a traditional fist-and-palm salute. "This is my first Spring Festival in traditional Chinese clothing," she said. "It has given me a real sense of the Chinese concepts of 'traditional ritual' and 'year,' which is far more vivid than what I learned from books." Lekouga Foula Jeannica Darlia, a student from Gabon, presented her hometown dish of cassava leaf stew. "For me, this dish is the taste of happiness, shared with family," she said. "I want to bring this flavor to my Chinese friends, so two cultures, thousands of miles apart, can come closer through our shared longing for reunion." Later, Darlia sang the Chinese pop song "Across the Ocean to See You," a tune she had been practicing for over a month. "This song tells my own story," she explained. Having crossed an ocean to study in China, she now considers Nanchang her second home. "I feel the city's vitality and the kindness of the people." In Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a multi-lingual transnational Spring Festival gala brought together young performers from countries including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Indonesia. The event featured lion dance, intricate paper-cuts, and vibrant Zhuang brocade crafts. Indonesian student Yusuf Maulana Furdaus, who is studying image design in China, showcased some unique costume designs on stage. He incorporated some cool paper-cutting techniques he picked up in his free time. "Integrating traditional Chinese craftsmanship into stage costume design is a creative fusion of cross-cultural elements that can inject new vitality into cultural innovation," he said. Brazilian martial arts enthusiast Gabriel joined the gala for the second time, performing Tai Chi with Guangxi athlete Tang Chenkun. Their flowing movements embodied both Tai Chi philosophy and the beauty of cross-cultural communication. The global embrace of the Spring Festival reflects its growing international influence. In late 2024, UNESCO inscribed "Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "The shared pursuit of reunion, renewal and hope across different civilizations has made the Spring Festival a cross-cultural, transmissible and empathetic 'world language,'" said Wang Ruotong, a researcher with Tianjin Foreign Studies University. Foreign students participate in a Chinese New Year event at the Feng Jicai Museum at Tianjin University, north China's Tianjin Municipality, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua) Umar Suleimanov, a 26-year-old Tajik student from Nankai University, records a vlog at a time-honored fair in Jizhou, north China's Tianjin Municipality, Feb. 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Mumbai, Feb 17 : The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has condemned the repeated and alarming safety violations reported on the shooting set of the upcoming film 'Dhurandhar 2'. The film, helmed by Aditya Dhar, stars Ranveer Singh in the lead. It has come under scanner of the authorities for regular violation of safety protocols during the filming. In fact, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also sought blacklisting Aditya Dhar's production house B62 Studios. In a letter, AICWA has addressed its concerns, and has slammed the production unit of the upcoming film. They wrote, "The life, safety, and dignity of film industry workers, technicians, and labourers cannot be compromised under any circumstances. For several years, AICWA has consistently raised serious concerns that many production houses continue to ignore mandatory safety norms, legal regulations, and basic human protection on shooting sets. Due to such gross negligence, every year several workers lose their lives, while many others suffer severe injuries caused by fires, electric shocks, and collapsing or unsafe sets. Tragic incidents at Goregaon Filmcity and other studios, where workers lost their lives due to fire and unsafe working conditions, remain painful reminders of the ongoing danger faced by film workers". AICWA has repeatedly submitted written complaints to the Honourable Chief Minister of the State and the Honourable Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), demanding strict enforcement of safety regulations and strong legal action against production houses violating the law. They further mentioned, "AICWA firmly supports the action taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) against B62 Studios. Such strict measures are necessary because no production house is above the law. When safety norms are ignored, thousands of workers are put in danger. In Mumbai alone, hundreds of shootings take place daily, and a majority of production houses fail to properly follow mandatory legal and safety requirements". "AICWA will continue to stand firmly with film industry workers and will not remain silent until strict safety enforcement becomes mandatory across the entire film industry", they added. Mumbai, Feb 17 : In a historic move that signals a "turning point" in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday formally elevated the India-France relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." a Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) In a historic move that signals a "turning point" in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday formally elevated the India-France relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." The announcement came during high-level talks held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first to the nation's financial capital. The leaders unveiled an ambitious roadmap across defence, technology, and health, reinforcing their commitment to the Horizon 2047 vision, a government release said. The visit saw breakthroughs in defence manufacturing, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The leaders virtually inaugurated India's first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. This joint venture will produce the H125 light utility helicopter, with the first "Made in India" unit expected in 2027. Bharat Electronics (BEL) and France's Safran signed an agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. A new "Centre of Excellence" will be established in Pune to handle manufacturing and maintenance for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Both nations renewed their overarching Agreement on Defence Cooperation, ensuring continued synergy between the Indian Army and French Land Forces through reciprocal officer deployments. Highlighting the future-forward nature of the ties, the leaders officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world. He emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a "Partnership of the People,"specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. "The India-France relationship knows no boundaries. It can reach the depths of the ocean and the heights of the skies," President Macron stated, emphasising that the partnership is now one of "shared prosperity." Further, key outcomes also include launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, India-France Innovation Network, renewal of the Agreement between Government of India and French Republic on Defence Cooperation, reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, Constitution of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group, joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals, letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS, said the release. The summit outcome also comprises amending Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France especially in the areas of economy, Startups, Science and Technology, Health, Renewable Energy and Skilling, letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology, Memorandum of Understanding for Scientific collaboration between DST and CNRS, launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi, agreement for the establishment of Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences, letter of Intent to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty on Renewable Energy Cooperation. According to the government release, the summit also witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and La Poste, France. The summit also addressed economic and academic mobility. An Amending Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement was signed to facilitate smoother trade and investment. In the health sector, new agreements were reached for research on infectious diseases and the establishment of an Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences. Mumbai, Feb 17 : In a historic move that signals a "turning point" in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday formally elevated the India-France relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." a Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) In a historic move that signals a "turning point" in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday formally elevated the India-France relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." The announcement came during high-level talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first to the financial capital. The leaders unveiled an ambitious roadmap in defence, technology, and health, reinforcing their commitment to the Horizon 2047 vision, a government release said. The visit saw breakthroughs in defence manufacturing, aligning with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The leaders virtually inaugurated India's first private helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. This joint venture will produce the H125 light utility helicopter, with the first "Made in India" unit expected in 2027. Bharat Electronics (BEL) and France's Safran signed an agreement to produce HAMMER precision-guided missiles in India. A new "Centre of Excellence" will be established in Pune for manufacturing and maintenance for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Both nations renewed their Agreement on Defence Cooperation, ensuring continued synergy between the Indian Army and French Land Forces through reciprocal officer deployments. Highlighting the forward-looking nature of the ties, the leaders officially launched the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Narendra Modi described the India-France relationship as a "force for global stability" in an increasingly uncertain world. He emphasised that the partnership has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a "Partnership of the People", specifically highlighting the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. PM Modi recalled his 2024 visit to France, where he attended the AI Action Summit and visited Marseille. He stated that India and France are strengthening cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Extending a warm welcome to Macron, PM Modi said, "I am delighted to welcome my dear friend, President Macron, to Mumbai. Last year, he invited me to the AI Action Summit in France. At that time, we visited Marseille, which is France's largest port and a major gateway to France and all of Europe. Marseille is the city from which our Indian soldiers set foot in Europe during World War I." "Their saga of bravery is still remembered in many parts of Europe, and it is the same city where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar jumped into the sea to escape the British. His action symbolised his unwavering resolve for India's independence. I had the opportunity to remember him and pay my respects in Marseille last year. This time, when President Macron is in India for the AI Impact Summit, we are fortunate to welcome him in Mumbai, the gateway to India," he added. PM Modi announced that India and France are transforming their strategic partnership into a "Partnership of the People." He said that during the Year of Innovation, the two countries aim to strengthen people-to-people connections. He said, "With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are transforming our strategic partnership into a Partnership of the People because innovation doesn't happen in isolation, but through collaboration. Therefore, our goal during the India-France Year of Innovation is to strengthen people-to-people connections." "Whether it's defence, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every field. We will build strong networks between startups and MSMEs. We will facilitate exchanges between our students and researchers, and we will also establish new centres for joint innovation," he added. PM Modi called the partnership between India and France a "force for global stability." He said the two nations will ensure human development through the International Solar Alliance, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and joint development projects. President Macron stated that the India-France relationship knows no boundaries, adding that it can reach the depths of the ocean and the heights of the skies. He also emphasised that the partnership is now one of "shared prosperity." Further key outcomes include the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, the India-France Innovation Network, renewal of the Agreement between the Government of India and the French Republic on Defence Cooperation, reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, creation of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group, joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals, and a letter of Intent to establish a Centre on Advanced Materials between DST and CNRS, the release said. The summit outcome also includes amending the Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France, especially in the areas of economy, startups, science and technology, health, renewable energy, and skilling. Other outcomes are a letter of intent between T-Hub and Nord France on strategic cooperation in start-up ecosystems, innovation and technology, a Memorandum of Understanding for scientific collaboration between DST and CNRS, the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS, New Delhi, an agreement to establish the Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences, a letter of intent to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics, and renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty on Renewable Energy Cooperation. According to the government release, the summit also witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and La Poste, France. The summit also addressed economic and academic mobility. An amended Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement was signed to facilitate smoother trade and investment. In the health sector, new agreements were reached for research on infectious diseases and the establishment of an Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Actor Rajpal Yadav stepped out of the Tihar Jail on Tuesday after being granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court in the cheque bounce case. Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Actor Rajpal Yadav stepped out of the Tihar JailA on Tuesday after being granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court in the cheque bounce case. Addressing the media after his release from jail, Rajpal said that he has the support of the entire country with him - from children to the elderly, everyone loves him dearly. He added that in his tenure spanning 3 decades in the industry, he has been a part of more than 2OO movies, something which has been possible only because of the love of people. Rajpal shared, "If you need any legal information, you can ask our lawyer, Mr. Bhaskar. Otherwise, I would like to say in general that I will complete 30 years in Bollywood soon. Every child across the country has been with me, and thatas why I was able to do 200a"250 films. This journey commenced in 2012-13, and by 2026, I have been a part of around 250 movies. Every citizen of this country was and continues to be with me." Rajpal added that he has never failed to appear before the court whenever ordered and will also respect the court's order in the future. "In the last 10 years, whenever the honorable High Court has issued orders, I have appeared, and I will continue to appear whenever further orders are given...," he added. Rajpal has been granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court till March 18. The interim bail has been granted to the actor to attend his niece's wedding in Shahjahanpur. Rajpal's lawyer informed the High Court that he has submitted a DD of Rs 1.5 crore. Additionally, the actor has also been asked to surrender his passport. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled to take place on March 18. Rio De Janeiro, Feb 17 : Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday left for India to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, highlighting that he would also be discuss new opportunities for cooperation between both countries during the visit. "At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are now departing for India. In the coming days, I will participate in the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and we will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and India. From there, we will proceed to South Korea to, at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung, also strengthen the ties between our countries," President Lula posted on X. He mentioned that a high-level business delegation will also be accompanying him on the India visit with the aim of deepening commercial relations. "In 2025, bilateral trade between Brazil and India reached more than US$ 15 billion," asserted the Brazilian President. During the February 18-22 State Visit, President Lula would be participating in the 2nd AI Impact Summit and hold discussions with PM Modi on February 21. "Both leaders would be reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Prime Minister is scheduled to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. The two leaders would also be exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora, reformed multilateralism, global governance and issues concerning the Global South," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated earlier. President Droupadi Murmu is also expected to meet the visiting leader and would host a banquet in his honour. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar are envisaged to call on President Lula. President Lula is expected to be accompanied by about 14 ministers and a large delegation of top CEOs of Brazilian companies. The accompanying ministers would be having meetings with their Indian counterparts. The CEOs are expected to participate in a Business Forum being organised during the visit of the Brazilian President, reflecting the growing trade and commercial engagements between the two countries. "The forthcoming visit would be the sixth visit of President Lula to India. He had first visited India in 2004 as the Guest of Honour for Republic Day celebrations and last visited India for the G20 Summit in September 2023. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula have, however, been meeting frequently in between. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Modi was in Brasilia on a State Visit from 7-8 July 2025 which was the first State Visit by an Indian Prime Minister in the last 57 years. Both leaders also met in Johannesburg during G20, in November 2025," the MEA stated. India and Brazil share a warm, close and multi-faceted Strategic Partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, close people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors. The two large democracies have been Strategic Partners since 2006. "Brazil is Indiaas largest trading partner in LAC region and bilateral engagement has continued to deepen in areas such as trade and investment, defence, energy, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, energy, including renewables, critical minerals, rare earth materials, science and technology and innovation, including in cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI, space and people-to-people linkages. The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change and combating terrorism." The MEA highlighted that the State Visit of President Lula will provide an opportunity for both sides to chart a forward-looking agenda for further strengthening bilateral Strategic Partnership and further deepen cooperation across bilateral, regional and global platforms, on issues of mutual interest. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Ottawa, Feb 17 : The recent controversy over remarks made in Canada's House of Commons by Sikh MPs has ignited debate within the Sikh communities at home and abroad. Critics allege that certain Sikh MPs projected the two Canadian legislations centring on immigration and border act as measures to prevent criminals, including extortionists, from seeking asylum even though the bills primarily deal with border procedures, processing timelines, and administrative reforms rather than introducing new criminal-based prohibitions, a report said on Tuesday. According to a report in 'Khalsa Vox', whether these remarks stemmed from misunderstandings, political framing, or rhetorical overreach has now become part of a broader public debate. "The presence of Sikh representatives in public office has long been a source of pride for our global community. From local councils to national parliaments, Sikh politicians symbolise decades of struggle, migration, and civic engagement. Yet with that visibility comes a profound responsibility: to speak with clarity, honesty, and integrity, especially when discussing laws that shape immigration, security, and the lives of vulnerable newcomers," it detailed. For observers, the report said, this moment offered an opportunity for deeper reflection - not only on the policies in question but also regarding the ethical responsibilities of Sikh leadership within democratic institutions. "Sikh politicians often carry dual expectations. On one hand, they represent all Canadians regardless of background. On the other, many Sikhs view them as informal ambassadors of community values rooted in seva (service), sach (truth), and fearless advocacy. When parliamentary debates touch on immigration or public safety, Sikh MPs are scrutinized not just as lawmakers but as symbols of a diaspora shaped by refugee histories and civil rights struggles," it stated. "This dual identity means that accuracy matters more than ever. Even the perception of exaggeration or misrepresentation risks eroding trust both among constituents and within the Sikh community itself. Political messaging may score short-term points, but it can weaken long-term credibility if claims are later questioned," it further noted. The report highlighted that discussions on border security and asylum reform strike a deep chord among Sikhs due to their historical experience. From exclusionary immigration policies in the early 20th century to contemporary challenges faced by Punjabi migrants, Sikh history in Canada has been intertwined with the quest for equitable treatment under the law. "Many Sikh families know firsthand how complex immigration systems can be. That lived memory often shapes how Sikh MPs approach legislation: balancing compassion for asylum seekers with legitimate concerns about crime, exploitation, and transnational gangs that target diaspora communities. These are real fears, particularly in regions where extortion and organised crime have affected Punjabi Canadians," the report mentioned. "However, history also teaches that fear-driven narratives can easily overshadow nuance. When discussions about security blur into sweeping claims, they risk reinforcing stereotypes or oversimplifying policy realities. The Sikh tradition calls for chardi kala optimism grounded in truth not political messaging that may confuse the public," it stressed. New Delhi, Feb 17 : Bangladesh's newly elected government should take the initiative to cancel a trade deal inked by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government with the US, as the agreement is against national interest and violates its independence and sovereignty, opined an article in Dhaka's media. a New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) Bangladesh's newly elected government should take the initiative to cancel a trade deal inked by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government with the US, as the agreement is against national interest and violates its independence and sovereignty, opined an article in Dhaka's media. The agreement, signed on February 9, "just three days before the national election by a temporary interim government, while maintaining strict secrecy, has raised concerns for various reasons," stated an opinion piece in Bangladesh daily The Daily Star on Tuesday. "In particular, the inclusion of strategic conditions related to national security and geopolitics in addition to tariff concessions has raised questions about how far Bangladesh's interests have been protected in the agreement," it said. The article pointed out that the interim government did not disclose the concessions Bangladesh must provide, "But a contract released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) shows that the country has been entangled in a wide range of conditions in exchange for a small tariff concession," it added. Dhaka's compliance included extensive tariff concessions for the United States, the removal of non-tariff barriers to Washington's industrial exports, the removal of non-tariff barriers to agricultural and biotechnology products, and the mandatory import of costly goods. In the end, it raised a diplomatic conundrum that the new government is likely to face, owing to the agreement. "To prioritise US interests, the agreement includes provisions that may hinder Bangladesh's independent sovereign decision-making. It restricts Bangladesh from entering into any agreement or understanding with a third country that contains scientifically unsubstantiated, discriminatory, or biased technical standards that could harm US exports," it claimed, quoting Article 2.3 (3), Section 2 of the agreement. It stressed that, as per Article 3.2, Section 3, "Bangladesh will not be able to sign any digital trade agreement with another country that undermines US interests." Additionally, "If Bangladesh enters into any free trade or preferential economic agreement with a non-market-based country (China and Russia, as considered by the US) that undermines this agreement, the US will be able to cancel the agreement and reimpose punitive tariffs (Article 4.3 (4), Section 4)." The article also stated that Bangladesh will not be able to purchase nuclear reactors, fuel rods, or enriched uranium from countries considered "risky to US interests". The only exemption that may apply is when there is no alternative supplier or technology, or where agreements had already been signed before this agreement took effect. "Therefore, through this so-called trade agreement, arrangements have effectively been made to establish US dominance over Bangladesh's economy, trade, and foreign policy. From industry and agriculture to energy and infrastructure, all sectors of Bangladesh have been subordinated to US commercial interests. Bangladesh has been drawn into US geopolitical projects, and its ability to build relationships with third countries has been restricted," it argued. "In short, this agreement is against the national interest and violates Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty," it alleged, stressing, "An agreement signed by a temporary interim government while keeping the people of the country in the dark cannot be considered legitimate." Stating that according to Article 6.6 of the agreement, it is supposed to come into effect 60 days after the completion of all legal processes. "It is hoped that the newly elected government will take the initiative to cancel this agreement through discussion in the national parliament, as it runs contrary to national interests," the opinion piece concluded. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The Supreme Court has held that the death of Telugu actress Prathyusha was caused by organophosphate poisoning and not manual strangulation, while affirming the conviction of Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy under Section 306 of the IPC for abetment of suicide. In a detailed judgment delivered by a Bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan, the apex court dismissed the appeals filed by the accused as well as by the mother of the deceased, who had sought to press allegations of rape and homicidal strangulation. Observing that the deceased was conscious at the time of admission and had herself informed doctors that she had consumed pesticide, the Justice Bindal-led Bench held that the allegation of manual strangulation was "wholly unsustainable". The appeals challenged a decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court delivered on December 28, 2011, which reduced the sentence awarded to the accused for the offence under Section 306 IPC to two years while enhancing the fine to Rs 50,000. The controversy stemmed from the postmortem report dated February 25, 2002, prepared by Dr B. Muni Swamy, who opined that the cause of death was "pressure over the neck, asphyxia due to manual strangulation," while preserving viscera for chemical analysis. However, the Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (AP FSL) report detected organophosphate insecticide poison in the internal organs of the deceased and the stomach wash samples. Subsequently, a three-member expert committee constituted by the state government concluded that the cause of death was organophosphate poisoning and found no evidence of manual strangulation or sexual assault. The panel categorically stated: "The cause of death is due to Organophosphate Poisoning. There is no evidence of death due to manual strangulation. There is no evidence of sexual assault prior to her death." It further observed that the autopsy surgeon had "misinterpreted the therapeutic injuries as the injuries caused by violence," adding that he "should have exercised restraint before expressing the opinion, contrary to the Inquest Report." The probe, later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Andhra Pradesh High Court, led the Central agency to seek expert opinion from AIIMS. The AIIMS committee of doctors opined on May 2, 2002: "After perusal of all the documents and photographs forwarded to us, we are of the considered opinion that the cause of death of the deceased Miss S. Pratyusha was Organophosphorus poisoning." On the allegation of strangulation, the AIIMS panel said: "The Observations recorded in PM report no 434/2002 dated 25.2.2002 do not appear to be indicative of manual strangulation. The Opinion given in the PME Report appears to be based on a misinterpretation of injuries produced by therapeutic procedures." It also ruled out sexual assault, stating that the PM report, APFSL report and photographs "do not indicate any evidence of sexual assault in this case." After analysing the medical, forensic and expert evidence, the Supreme Court noted the clear divergence between the initial postmortem opinion and subsequent scientific reports. Referring to the AIIMS report, the top court recorded that the autopsy surgeon "seems to have misinterpreted the findings to conclude that the cause of death was Manual Strangulation" and that it "appears to have been an error of judgement on the part of the Autopsy Surgeon." The Justice Bindal-led Bench observed that there was "no evidence of sexual assault" and that the medical material consistently supported death due to organophosphate poisoning. It held that the convergence of independent expert opinions "leaves no room for doubt" that the death was due to poisoning. While upholding the conviction under Section 306 IPC, the Supreme Court did not interfere with the Andhra Pradesh High Court's decision reducing the sentence to two years' imprisonment with enhanced fine. "The present appeals being bereft of merits are dismissed, but with no order as to costs. The appellant (Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy) is directed to surrender within four weeks," ordered the Justice Bindal-led Bench. New Delhi, Feb 17 : Calling it a sign of anarchist ideology, the Delhi BJP on Tuesday condemned the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for symbolically burning a newspaper as a protest against "unfavourable" media coverage.a New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) Calling it a sign of anarchist ideology, the Delhi BJP on Tuesday condemned the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for symbolically burning a newspaper as a protest against "unfavourable" media coverage. Delhi BJP Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor hit out at Delhi AAP Convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj's act of burning a newspaper during a press conference, ostensibly to threaten the media, restrict freedom of the press, and assert the anarchist mentality of his party. Kapoor said that perhaps for the first time in Delhi's political history, a political party leader has publicly burned a newspaper simply because it did not publish news in line with his viewpoint. He said that burning a newspaper is a repulsive act, like the oppressive cycle being run against the media especially a particular media group by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. Kapoor stated that for 11 continuous years, the Arvind Kejriwal government exerted pressure on the media to ensure that the BJP did not get space in news coverage, and today, while in opposition, AAP leaders are trying to pressure the media by burning newspapers. Kapoor said that the Delhi BJP strongly condemns AAP leader Bharadwaj for burning a newspaper during a press conference, and by doing so, he has made it clear that if they ever come back to power, they will once again run a media suppression cycle like that of 2013 to 2024. On Monday, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva had accused the AAP of adopting double standards towards a private school in south Delhi, which allegedly withheld some students' board examination admit cards. Sachdeva said Bharadwaj went to APJ School in Saket to protest the alleged withholding of some students' board examination admit cards due to a fee hike, whereas it was the governments of then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi that granted the school permission to increase fees in the academic years 202223, 202324, and 202425. "Leaders of the AAP are so quick at changing their political stand that perhaps even a chameleon cannot change its colours as fast," said Sachdeva. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 17 : Former Kerala Minister Antony Raju suffered a major setback after the District Sessions Court on Tuesday upheld his conviction in the sensational evidence tampering case involving tampering of court evidence. Raju had approached the Sessions Court challenging the Nedumangad First Class Magistrate Courtas order last month sentencing him to three yearsa imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 10,000. He sought to have the conviction set aside, contending that the verdict was legally unsustainable. However, the Sessions Court refused to interfere with the finding of guilt and affirmed the lower courtas judgment. At the same time, the court temporarily suspended the sentence of imprisonment and fine pending a detailed hearing of the appeal. As the conviction itself has not been stayed, the disqualification arising from the guilty verdict will continue. The case dates back to a drug seizure at Thiruvananthapuram airport involving an Australian national. According to the prosecution, Raju, then a practising lawyer, conspired with a court clerk to tamper with a seized undergarment that formed crucial material evidence in the case. The prosecution alleged that the garment was removed from court custody, altered and replaced, enabling the accused initially sentenced to ten years to later secure an acquittal from the High Court after the defence successfully argued that the undergarment did not belong to him. Raju was convicted under IPC Sections relating to criminal conspiracy, destruction and fabrication of evidence, breach of trust and common intention. Following the original conviction, he, the former State Transport Minister, had lost his MLA position. Raju was the Transport Minister from 2021 till 2023 and moved out to make K.B. Ganesh Kumar the Minister, as part of the agreement in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led ruling Left government. With the Sessions Court affirming the guilty verdict, the case remains a significant legal and political blow, even as Raju continues to pursue his appeal. HOHHOT, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- On freezing prairies located in north China's Xilingol, the thunder of galloping hooves and the roar of crowds echo across the snowy steppe. This is where Mongolian herders are turning a cultural icon of horse racing traditions, previously associated with summer, into a vibrant winter spectacle. On Jan. 27 and 28 this year, the third Winter Mongolian Horse Super League held its final contest, while the Ice and Snow Naadam Festival, a winter version of Mongolian traditional summer games, was staged in winter across several grassland areas in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China. Major grassland prefectures of Xilingol, Ulanqab and Xilinhot in Inner Mongolia are hosting the winter Naadam events from Jan. 18 through to March and April 2026, filling its formerly subdued winter season with abundant activity. "We expect the horse racing events to become a signature cultural IP, strengthening the region's cultural and tourism industry," said He Mingjian, director of the bureau of culture, sports, tourism, radio, film and television of Xilingol League. These festivals feature camel caravans, horse racing, singing and traditional Mongolian wrestling, reviving centuriesold customs and galloping forward on the powerful path of winter tourism. "The winter grassland used to be desolate. Herdsmen had little to do besides feeding livestock and staying indoors," said Buhe, a resident of Zhenglan Banner in Xilingol. Now, his yurts are fully booked with visitors flocking to watch the races and performances, and to sample local delicacies like fermented mare's milk. Winter racing is driving a fullchain upgrade of the horse industry in Inner Mongolia. Xilingol, home to some 342,900 horses, is building a modern equine sector. "See that brown horse? Its sire is a British thoroughbred and its dam is a local Mongolian mare. We call the crossbreed the 'new Xilingol horse,'" said 62yearold herder and rider Burenbayar in Xilinhot, pointing to a leading contender. "This is its first Naadam and it's performing well." With four decades of racing experience, Burenbayar explained that while traditional Mongolian horses are coldresistant and thrive on sparse grazing, they lack speed and explosive power. "The new breed can endure local winters of minus 30 degrees Celsius without extra feed, but it also gains speed genes from imported bloodlines," he said. This shift reflects a broader transformation in Inner Mongolia's horse industry. As China's heartland for equine production, the region now has about 800,000 horses. Beyond importing useful genes, Chinese researchers are also analyzing Mongolian horse DNA for selective breeding. "We have identified key genes related to cold tolerance and endurance," said Guo Liang, director of the food science testing center at Xilingol Vocational College. This work provides a scientific basis for conserving and selectively breeding Mongolian horses. In recent years, to meet modern sporting demands, companies across Inner Mongolia have invested enthusiastically in the industry, importing more than 2,000 highquality horses such as AkhalTekes and Arabians. "A good 'new Xilingol horse' can sell for up to 80,000 yuan (roughly 11,530 U.S. dollars), with a record high of 220,000 yuan for the breed," said Erhenbatu, farm manager of Inner Mongolia Grassland Thoroughbred Horse Breeding Co., Ltd. Policy support has been crucial. Inner Mongolia has established 12 nationallevel horse protection zones and seven conservation farms, creating a network that combines genetic research with live preservation, said Wang Yufeng, deputy inspector of the regional agriculture and animal husbandry department. Hyderabad, Feb 17 : Telangana Jagruthi staged a flash protest here on Tuesday, demanding that the Congress government fulfil its election promises made to the women of Telangana. Telangana Jagruthi president Kalvakuntla Kavitha led the protest at Praja Bhavan. Accompanied by over 1,000 women, the former MP held the protest and later met officials to submit a memorandum seeking the immediate implementation of the pending poll assurances. During the protest, women raised slogans questioning the unfulfilled promises to Telangana's women, including 10 grams of gold for brides, electric scooters to the female students and the Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women of Telangana. After submitting the memorandum, Kavitha demanded that funds be allocated in the upcoming Budget session. She also reiterated the demand to fulfil the promises made to the Anganwadi and Aasha workers of Telangana. Kavitha alleged that Congress is the synonym for deception. She said that it has been 26 months since the Congress came to power, but it has not implemented even a single one of the promises made to women. She demanded that the government allocate funds in the upcoming budget to fulfil the promises of Rs 2500 to women, scooters to girl students, and Rs 4000 pension. She said the Congress had also promised to increase pensions for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Kavitha greeted her father and former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on his birthday. "Heartfelt birthday wishes to the movement leader and respected elder Kalvakuntla Chandrasekhar garu," she posted on X. Kavitha quit Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) last year after she was suspended from it for anti-party activities. She also resigned as a Member of the Legislative Council. She is heading Telangana Jagrthi, a cultural outfit she had floated during the Telangana movement. Kavitha said earlier this month that she will announce a new political party within three months. Kolkata, Feb 17 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Tuesday that the party would undertake 'Parivartan Rath Yatras' in West Bengal as part of its campaigning for the upcoming Assembly polls. Announcing the programme, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said that after 34 years of CPI-M rule, people gave Trinamool Congress a chance to come to power in the state hoping for a change. "But in the last 15 years, democratic rights have been eroded in the state and corruption has taken an institutional form. In a bid to reach out to the people with the message to defeat Trinamool Congress in the upcoming state Assembly polls, parivartan yatras will be taken out across the state," Bhattacharya added. The BJP is set to organise nine yatras across the state. The yatra will start on March 1 from Cooch Behar South, Krishnanagar South, Garbeta, Raidighi and Kulti, and on March 2 from Islampur, Sandeshkhali, Hasan and Amta. The programme will be suspended on March 3 and March 4 on the occasion of the Dol Yatra and Holi. From March 5 to 10, this programme will cover a total of more than 5,000 km visiting various Assembly constituencies in the state. Nearly 60 big and more than 300 small public meetings are planned as part of the programme. There will be raths, tableaus and campaigns in each Assembly constituency. It has been told that the programme will culminate with a public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata at the end of March. State BJP President Bhattacharya has also indicated that several Central BJP leaders may be present at the inaugural stage of the yatras. He has urged people from all sections of society to participate in this programme. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will embark on a short visit to West Bengal on Wednesday. Union Minister Shah is likely to arrive at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday afternoon. From there, the Union Home Minister will fly via a helicopter to Mayapur in Nadia district where he is scheduled to participate in several programmes at the ISKCON temple where he will spend nearly two hours. Sources said that Union Home Minister Shah will participate in the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur at the ISKCON in Mayapur. Union Home Minister Shah will first visit ISKCON's Shankhabhavan, followed by Padmabhavan. There, the Union Minister may hold a special meeting with Hindu saints and monks. Later, Amit Shah will attend the 152nd birth anniversary programme of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. However, he will not hold any political programmes. After visiting Mayapur, Union Minister Shah will return to Delhi on Wednesday evening. Kolar, Feb 17 : Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil announced on Tuesday that 500 H125 light helicopters will be manufactured over the next 20 years at the country's first private-sector helicopter assembly facility. Kolar, Feb 17 (IANS) Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil announced on Tuesday that 500 H125 light helicopters will be manufactured over the next 20 years at the countryas first private-sector helicopter assembly facility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the unit from Lok Bhavan in Maharashtra on Tuesday.a The minister stated that the commencement of operations marks a historic milestone for the state. Patil noted that 17 acres were allotted for the project soon after he assumed office as Industries Minister. He expressed satisfaction that the facility was completed and inaugurated in a record 1.5 years. He added that swift approvals, effective coordination, infrastructure readiness, and active industry engagement ensured the timely implementation of this initiative. Following France, the US, and Brazil, Karnataka now hosts the worldas fourth H125 helicopter manufacturing and Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility, further strengthening the stateas aerospace ecosystem. He said the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility alongside the assembly unit reflects Karnatakaas industry-friendly environment. Initially, the unit will manufacture 10 helicopters per year, with plans to scale up to 500 over the next two decades. The facility will handle key activities, including integrating avionics, hydraulic circuits, components, fuel systems, and engines. The Minister expressed pride that Karnataka secured the project despite strong competition from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. Airbus holds nearly 80 percent of the global market share in the single-engine helicopter segment, with about 4,300 helicopters in operation worldwide. These aircraft have logged over 38 million flying hours. Patil stated that the state has the necessary reliability and engineering expertise to manufacture H125 helicopters and reaffirmed the governmentas commitment to working with the Centre to further develop the sector. The facility represents Indiaas growing capabilities and expanding global partnerships. It is expected to create significant opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generate employment. Patil added that the project will provide the stateas youth with greater access to advanced technology-driven sectors. a--IANS mka/dan Patna, Feb 17 : a The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the suspicious death of a NEET student from Jehanabad, even as the victim's family has received fresh death threats, triggering panic and fear. Patna, Feb 17 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the suspicious death of a NEET student from Jehanabad, even as the victim's family has received fresh death threats, triggering panic and fear. On Tuesday, the CBI team first inspected the Shambhu Girls Hostel in Patna and later visited the student's ancestral home in Jehanabad. During the investigation, the deceased student's brother was taken to Patna for questioning. Meanwhile, the discovery of another threatening note near the family's home in Jehanabad has left the family terrified. The handwritten note reportedly reads: "If you don't believe itthe daughter is gone, now the son will also die in two days." Family members said this is the second such threat, with a similar note having been thrown outside their house earlier on February 14. According to them, the note was again thrown from outside the house, allegedly by someone from the village, despite security arrangements. The repeated threats have raised serious concerns about the family's safety. Local police from Shakurabad Police Station have now been deployed at the residence. Shakurabad Station House Officer Rahul Kumar confirmed that the family has lodged a complaint and said police are investigating who is behind these threatening acts. Despite the security presence, the victim's father said an atmosphere of fear prevails in the household. "We feel completely unsafe. Twice, pamphlets have been thrown, threatening our son with death. We now only trust in God," he said, alleging administrative apathy and demanding stronger protection and swift action. The case itself remains highly controversial. Initially, the police termed the incident a suicide, but the post-mortem and FSL reports later indicated sexual assault, leading to widespread outrage. The victim's family alleged that the student was raped and murdered and accused the police of attempting to suppress the case. Following mounting pressure, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, which added stringent charges under child protection laws after declaring the student a minor. The SIT reportedly found sperm traces in the student's undergarments, after which DNA samples were collected from several individuals, including relatives, raising further questions from the family. Although a hostel owner was arrested, the girls' hostel operator was later released without questioning, adding to the controversy. Eventually, the state government handed over the entire investigation to the CBI. Sources said the CBI is examining the case from every possible angle, including the student's daily routine, personal relationships, recent activities, and any prior threats, to uncover the truth behind her death. The repeated threats amid an ongoing CBI investigation have turned the case into a major talking point in the region, with the victim's family demanding immediate action, accountability, and round-the-clock security. --IANS ajk/dan Agartala, Feb 17 : The opposition Congress on Tuesday organised a massive rally in Agartala, accusing the BJP-led Central government of weakening and effectively withdrawing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Hundreds of Congress supporters, led by senior leaders carrying party flags and banners, joined the rally that began from Swami Vivekananda Maidan. The Lok Bhavan (Governor's house) bound rally was stopped by police at the Buddhamandir areas amid heavy security deployment. Addressing the gathering, senior Congress leaders, including state Congress president Asish Kumar Saha, former minister and MLA Sudip Roy Barman, and MLA Birajit Sinha, sharply criticised the Centre over what they termed systematic dilution of MGNREGA. Speaking to reporters, Roy Barman, also a Congress working committee member, described MGNREGA as a "historic scheme" introduced by the Congress-led UPA government in 2005 and alleged that key provisions allowing citizens to demand employment had been weakened. "Access to work under the scheme has become increasingly difficult," he said. He further alleged that financial and planning powers earlier vested with Panchayats have been curtailed and that states are now required to shoulder up to 40 per cent of the expenditure, adversely affecting poorer states. "When states fail to meet this burden, the rural poor suffer. Those dependent on MGNREGA lose livelihood opportunities," Roy Barman said, adding that the Congress submitted a memorandum to the Governor demanding proper implementation of the Act. The Congress leader also took a swipe at the ongoing tussle between the BJP and its ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), ahead of the vital election to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), calling it "political drama." Referring to recent statements by Chief Minister Manik Saha and TMP chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on the Kokborok (tribal language) Roman script issue, Roy Barman claimed the controversy was being used to divert attention from core governance issues. He reiterated that Congress supports the Roman script for Kokborok, stating that indigenous communities have the democratic right to choose their own script. "Branding it as foreign is an excuse. Sensitive cultural issues are being politicised instead of addressing unemployment and livelihood concerns," he alleged. Congress leaders maintained that while political theatrics dominate discourse ahead of the TTAADC polls, critical issues like rural employment and social security are being ignored. Later, a 6-member delegation met Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu in Lok Bhavan and submitted a memorandum highlighting their issues. The Congress demanded the withdrawal of the newly enacted Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Act, 2025). Kolkata, Feb 17 : The office of West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), on Tuesday, told about the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s decision to suspend three micro-observers engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state on charges of dereliction of duty. "On the report of ECI-appointed District Electoral Roll Observers, three micro observers have been suspended by the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer today afternoon. Electoral Roll Micro Observers (ERMOs) being under deputation to the ECI should perform their duties diligently and to outsource/delegate their work to anyone else filing which they will be liable for the consequences," a statement from West Bengal CEO's office said. The three micro-observers, who have been suspended, include a manager of Bengal Grameen Bikash Bank, a senior manager of the public sector UCO Bank, and one Central Excise Inspector. They were appointed as micro observers by the ECI for the ongoing SIR exercise in the state. The Commission has ordered a departmental inquiry into the involvement of the three government officials. The ECI will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation regularly by their original appointing authorities. Earlier, on Monday, the ECI had suspended seven assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs), all of them being West Bengal government officials, on charges of dereliction of duty. The ECI also asked the state government to initiate departmental proceedings against the seven AEROs. However, on Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that although these seven AEROs will be removed from SIR-related duties, none of them would lose their jobs. "They will not be related to any election-related duty. But they will be engaged in alternative areas by the state government. I am sure they will perform well there," the Chief Minister said. She also accused the ECI of suspending the seven AEROs unilaterally. "They were not given any chance to present their side of the argument. The Commission is constantly threatening the electoral officers and also interferring with the jurisdiction of the state government. I request the ECI to operate more democratically," the Chief Minister said. Gandhinagar, Feb 17 : The Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed a Bill amending Sections 75 and 75(A) of the Saurashtra Gharkhed, Tenancy Settlement and Agricultural Lands Ordinance, 1949, aimed at providing legal clarity in land transactions and curbing illegal transfers of agricultural land. The Bill was introduced in the Assembly's Budget session by Revenue Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida, who described the amendments as "significant and protective of the interests of the state's farmers." Explaining the need for the amendments, Mahida said that under the existing law, if a person held land without authorisation or occupied it incorrectly, the District Collector could only initiate summary action to vacate the land. "However, there was no clear procedure for restoring illegally transferred land or taking government possession in such cases," he added. The amendment provides that if a land transfer is found to be illegal, the Collector, either on their own or based on an application from a person with an interest in the land, will direct the seller to return the land to the original account holder within three months. The buyer will be obliged to comply. If the land is not restored within the stipulated time, the transfer will be declared illegal, and the land will be taken over by the government and treated as government property. Under Section 75(A), the amendment specifies that if agricultural land has been transferred to a non-farmer individual or institution, a penalty of three times the current market value of the land must be paid within one month. The land must then be restored to the original farmer account holder. Mahida emphasised that these measures would ensure effective control over illegal land transactions and protect farmers' rights. Mahida noted that the state currently has three separate land laws, including the Gujarat Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1948, and the Gujarat Tenancy and Agricultural Lands (Vidarbha Region and Kutch Area) Act, 1958. "Uniformity with other land laws in force across the state is essential for administrative efficiency and legal clarity," he said. He added that uniform enforcement of the law would not only reduce legal disputes but also allow the government to utilise land restored from illegal transfers for public purposes such as schools, hospitals, and roads. The amendments are expected to provide a clear and timely process for farmers to reclaim their land, deter illegal purchases, and establish consistency with other land laws in Gujarat. Gandhinagar, Feb 17 : Two major infrastructure projects in Gujarat are set to improve connectivity and ease of transport for over 1.74 lakh citizens, the state government told the Assembly on Tuesday. The widening of an 8.61-kilometre main road connecting 10 villages across Surat and Tapi districts has already begun to benefit an estimated 33,000 residents. The project, undertaken at a cost of Rs 9.30 crore, links Miyapur, Shekhpur, Mudat, Vadiya, Andhatri, and Dungri in Mahuva taluka of Surat district with Mordevi, Kanajod, Valod, and Kumbhiya in Valod taluka of Tapi district. Responding on behalf of the Roads and Buildings Department, Minister Rushikesh Patel, stated in the Assembly that the existing 3.75-metre-wide road has been widened to 5.50 metres. He added that the technical standards under the Indian Road Congress (IRC), IRC-64 code, were applied, taking into account the terrain and traffic data measured in Passenger Car Units (PCU). "By following these standards, citizens experience greater safety and convenience while travelling," he said. In Banaskantha district, the Palanpur-Laxmipura railway overbridge, measuring 1,212.19 metres in length, is expected to benefit over 1.41 lakh citizens of Palanpur city upon completion. The state government approved Rs 46 crore for the modern overbridge, which is part of a wider plan to improve urban connectivity. Land acquisition for the project has been completed, and formal possession is underway, with the remaining processes expected to conclude shortly. Minister Patel highlighted the practical benefits of the railway overbridge, noting that it will reduce travel time and fuel consumption while making daily transportation smoother for commuters. "The overbridge will significantly improve traffic flow in Palanpur and provide ease of mobility for residents," he added. Both projects are part of the state government's broader efforts under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership to develop a road network in Gujarat that meets global standards. The initiatives aim to strengthen rural and urban connectivity, enhance safety, and improve overall transport efficiency for residents across the state. Bhopal, Feb 17 : The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Madhya Pradesh, Subharanjan Sen, has issued a notice to Bhopal's Van Vihar National Park over its alleged involvement in a beef racket and fake meat licence scam, seeking an immediate explanation into the matter. According to the PCCF (Wildlife), a probe by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation had unearthed serious irregularities, including the use of forged licences for meat supply. Despite directions to act, Van Vihar authorities allegedly failed to initiate any action, prompting the PCCF to intervene. "Therefore, Bhopal Van Vihar National Park is directed to immediately inform this office (PCCF) about the action taken in this regard," the notice, a copy of which is available with IANS, stated. This is not the first time the park has come under scrutiny. Earlier, on February 4, the PCCF office had pointed out that meat supplied to Van Vihar was being procured using licences already declared fake by the Municipal Corporation. The controversy is closely linked to a slaughterhouse in Bhopal's Jinsi area, which was sealed recently following allegations of cow slaughter amid protests. Investigations by the Municipal Corporation's veterinary branch revealed that all documents of Aslam Qureshi alias Aslam Chamda's slaughterhouse were fake, a fact established as far back as May 5, 2025. Despite this, no FIR was registered, allegedly due to collusion among officials. The matter came to light after wildlife activist Ajay Dubey lodged a complaint with the Forest Department, alleging deliberate protection of illegal activities rather than routine administrative lapses. Acting on the complaint, the PCCF ordered a probe into the roles of Van Vihar management, the Municipal Corporation, and the police, all of whom are now under intense scrutiny. The sealing of the slaughterhouse has raised further questions, particularly over allegations that cow meat was being smuggled under the guise of buffalo meat. The unfolding investigation has cast a spotlight on the nexus between officials and meat suppliers, with the PCCF pressing for accountability from Van Vihar authorities. Bhubaneswar, Feb 17 : A Special POCSO court in Odisha's Sambalpur, on Tuesday, sentenced two persons to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) each in two separate cases involving the sexual abuse of minors in the district. "On November 29, 2025, a 10-year-old girl, who had gone to a shop near her residence to buy a packet of snacks, was returning home when the 55-year-old accused Madhusudan Bagarty, who was seated at his residence, forcibly dragged her inside and raped her," Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar Sahoo said. Sahoo added that the minor victim, upon reaching home, disclosed the ordeal she had endured to her mother, who lodged a complaint at the Dhama Police Station in Sambalpur the next day, without caring for any social stigma. Subsequently, police arrested the accused Bagarty on December 1, 2025, by registering a case under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act. On Tuesday, the court, after examining witness statements and other evidence, pronounced the judgment, holding Bagarty guilty of committing the crime. The court delivered the final judgment within just 79 days of the crime. The court sentenced the convict to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000; in default of payment, the accused will undergo an additional one year of rigorous imprisonment. The court has also asked the Sambalpur District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to pay Rs 10 lakh to the victim under the "Odisha Victim Compensation (Amendment) Scheme, 2025". According to details in the second case, on May 6, 2022, the 16-year-old victim was alone at her house as her parents had taken her younger brother to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Meanwhile, taking advantage of the situation, the accused Bhisma Pulei sexually abused the minor. The victim's father, after learning about the incident, lodged a case at the Rairakhol Police Station the next day. The police arrested the accused on May 9, 2022. After reviewing witness statements and other evidence, the court found Pulei guilty of the crime and delivered its judgment on February 13. The court sentenced Pulei to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, holding him guilty under Section 4(2) of the POCSO Act. The Sambalpur DLSA has also been asked by the court to pay financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim. DHAKA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with other lawmakers from his party, took oath as Members of Parliament on Tuesday morning following the Feb. 12 parliamentary elections. The oath was administered by the country's Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the oath room of Bangladesh's National Parliament building in the capital. Apart from them, independent lawmakers-elect and newly elected lawmakers of other parties took the oath in the ceremony. According to a gazette notification published by the Election Commission on Friday, the BNP won 209 out of 297 seats. The BNP is scheduled to form its new cabinet later in the day. Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat Kaniz Moula told journalists Monday that Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet members at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Washington, Feb 18 : The Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate who helped reshape American politics between the era of Martin Luther King Jr. and the election of Barack Obama, has died at 84. His family said in a statement that he "died peacefully," but did not give a cause. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honourable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family," the family said. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama said they were "deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a true giant, the Reverend Jesse Jackson." They added: "For more than 60 years, Reverend Jackson helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history." They noted his influence on their own journey. "In his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land," Mr Obama said. "We stood on his shoulders." President Donald Trump called him "a good man" and a "force of nature." Former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. described him as "a man of God and of the people." Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said, "Reverend Jesse Jackson committed his life to the fight for civil rights. I counted him as a friend and ally on many issues of social justice." Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke called him "an advocate and change agent for civil rights, justice, and human dignity." She said he "dedicated his life to building a more just and equitable America," adding that "His life was a testament to faith in action." Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith described him as "a civil rights icon" whose "actions fighting for equality and justice will continue to inspire." Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said, "He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive." The NAACP said, "Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a civil rights icon he was family to the NAACP. His work advanced Black America at every turn." Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose to national prominence after witnessing the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. He later founded Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, using direct-action campaigns to advance economic opportunity and political participation. His 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns mobilised millions of Black voters and built what he called a "rainbow coalition" of minorities, workers, and the poor. In his 1984 Democratic National Convention speech, he declared, "America is more like a quilt many patches, many pieces, many colours, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread." He closed his 1988 convention address with a refrain that would echo for decades: "Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!" Jackson's campaigns did not secure the Democratic nomination, but they expanded political participation and altered party rules to allow proportional delegate allocation changes that later benefited candidates, including Barack Obama. -- Syndicated from IANS Gandhinagar, Feb 18 : The political parties in Gujarat have reacted strongly following the release of the state's final voter list, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the Congress raising concerns over transparency and procedural issues. Gujarat BJP Spokesperson Anil Patel, on Tuesday, defended the voter list purification exercise, known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), noting that it has been conducted repeatedly across India since independence. "Errors such as duplicate entries or unremoved names of deceased voters occur from time to time. For Gujarat, the final electoral draft has now separated correct entries from incorrect ones. Citizens who turned 18 years by Januarya1 can still submit Form-6, and any remaining errors can be corrected using Forms 6, 7 and 8," Patel said. He also criticised Congress leaders, asserting, "Under the guidance of Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders sometimes created misleading narratives against the Election Commission and attempted to affect democratic processes. Media channels were also used to create controversy. The statistics from the Election Commission clarify the truth." State BJP Spokesperson Patel emphasised that the BJP views voters as partners in democracy rather than merely as a vote bank. He added that whether the election is for local self-government, the state Assembly, or the Parliament, the party contests based on organisational strength and government performance and has full faith in public support. In contrast, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Chavda criticised aspects of the SIR process. "The Special Intensive Revision began on Octobera27 last year. The Booth Level Officers (BLOs) went door-to-door to update voter details. Under severe mental pressure, some BLOs lost their lives, and cases of suicide occurred due to extreme distress," Chavda said. He provided details of the final voter list, saying, "The draft SIR list saw the removal of 74 lakh voters. The final SIR list now includes 4,40,30,725 voters, a reduction of 68,12,711 names compared to the previous list. A total of 9,56,000 new voters have been added, and 3,95,555 names have been removed. The Election Commission should make booth-wise details of these additions and deletions publicly available." Chavda also called for accountability, urging, "Criminal action should be taken against those submitting false Forma7s. The public should know which officers were involved, and CCTV footage of submissions should be released. No legitimate voter should be disenfranchised. During this process, Congress and the public took to the streets to protect voting rights against any collusion between BJP and the Election Commission." The SIR process, conducted over more than three months, involved extensive field verification to remove duplicate entries, names of deceased voters, and those who had migrated. Washington, Feb 18 : China's expanding military footprint, economic leverage, and technology dominance are sharpening India's strategic anxieties, top American and Indian experts told a U.S. congressional commission on Tuesday, warning that New Delhi's rivalry with Beijing remains structural despite a recent diplomatic thaw. Testifying before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, academics, think tank experts, and former officials stated that the October 2024 disengagement along the Line of Actual Control had reduced immediate tensions but not altered the broader balance of power. "Despite efforts to bring the temperature down due to uncertainty, India will continue to regard China as an adversary and remain locked in competition with China due to territorial, political, economic, and technological concerns," Sameer Lalwani told the panel. The border, he said, "remains highly militarised and the military balance favours China". Chinese infrastructure build-up in Tibet and along disputed sectors has continued even after disengagement. Lalwani warned that "a political crisisincluding a Dalai Lama succession crisiscould inadvertently or deliberately escalate into a large-scale conventional conflict". Tanvi Madan of the Brookings Institution described the current moment as a "tactical thaw rather than a strategic reset" in Sino-Indian ties. She said "India's structural rivalry with its largest neighbour persists", with minimal trust in Beijing after the 2020 border crisis. India's threat perception has expanded beyond its borders. Beijing's expanding footprint in South Asia and the Indian Ocean has heightened Indian concerns. China's naval activity and economic engagement in neighbouring countries have "resulted in unprecedented Chinese strategic influence in India's immediate neighbourhood", said Soumya Bhowick from the Observer Research Foundation. On the economic front, testimony highlighted India's vulnerability to Chinese supply chains. Chandresh Harjivan told lawmakers that "China serves as the world's primary source of bulk pharmaceuticals and chemical building blocks, while India formulates those inputs into finished medicines that supply much of the world". He warned that U.S. health security hinges on this interdependence. India's economic relationship with China, Soumya Bhowmick said, is "managed interdependence under strategic competition". New Delhi seeks to keep commercial channels open while building "guardrails around sensitive nodes". At the same time, experts stressed that India sees the United States as central to balancing China. Lindsey Ford of the Centre for a New American Security said, "Neither India nor the United States can balance China alone". She urged Congress to accelerate defence and technology cooperation to reinforce deterrence. Tarun Chhabra, a former U.S. official, described India as "the single most important swing state in the global technology competition with the Chinese Communist Party". He argued that India's choices on supply chains, standards, and digital infrastructure "will materially shape whether the broader Indo-Pacific operates within a democratic technology ecosystem or a Chinese one". Despite renewed dialogue between PM Modi and Xi, the hearing underscored that competitionnot rapprochementdefines the trajectory. Since deadly clashes in Galwan in 2020, India has strengthened military deployments along the border and deepened security ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Quad. China, meanwhile, has accelerated infrastructure and missile deployments in its Western Theatre Command. -- Syndicated from IANS Medicine Dr. Barbara Knox Strengthens Pediatric Safety Standards Nationwide Dr. Barbara Knox is widely recognized for her dedication to improving child health and safety through practical medical guidance and strong professional leadership. Her continued focus on pediatric care has helped shape conversations around how safety standards can better protect children across different healthcare settings. Dr. Barbara Knox is working to strengthen pediatric safety standards nationwide by encouraging consistent practices that support safer care for children. Her efforts focus on building clear and reliable systems that help medical professionals identify risks early, respond responsibly, and maintain high levels of care for young patients. By promoting stronger safety frameworks, she highlights the importance of creating healthcare environments where childrens well-being remains the highest priority. Across the country, pediatric safety continues to be an important topic for healthcare providers, families, and institutions. Differences in policies and practices can sometimes lead to confusion or uneven results in patient care. Dr. Barbara Knox has emphasized the need for shared standards that allow medical teams to work with greater clarity and confidence. Strong and consistent safety guidelines can help reduce preventable problems and improve outcomes for children receiving treatment in hospitals, clinics, and community health programs. One key part of her approach involves encouraging collaboration among healthcare professionals. Pediatric safety is not limited to one role or department; it requires cooperation between doctors, nurses, social workers, and support staff. When teams follow shared safety standards, communication becomes clearer and decision-making improves. Dr. Barbara Knox supports the idea that teamwork and strong communication are essential for identifying warning signs early and protecting children from harm. Education also plays a major role in strengthening safety standards. Healthcare workers often face complex situations that require careful judgment, and ongoing training helps them stay informed about best practices. Through discussions, workshops, and professional outreach, Dr. Barbara Knox promotes learning opportunities that help providers understand evolving safety expectations. This focus on continued education helps create a culture where improvement is ongoing rather than temporary. Another important aspect of pediatric safety is building trust between healthcare providers and families. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in supporting a childs well-being, and clear communication helps them understand treatment plans, safety procedures, and warning signs to watch for. Dr. Barbara Knox encourages open conversations that allow families to ask questions and participate actively in the care process. When families feel informed and respected, healthcare partnerships become stronger and more effective. Technology and modern healthcare systems have also influenced the way safety standards develop. Digital records, improved reporting systems, and data tracking can help identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Dr. Barbara Knox has supported approaches that use available tools responsibly to improve oversight and ensure that safety concerns are addressed quickly. While technology alone cannot replace professional judgment, it can support healthcare teams in maintaining consistent care standards. The focus on nationwide safety improvements also reflects the understanding that childrens needs can vary depending on location and access to resources. Hospitals in large cities may have different challenges compared to smaller community facilities. By encouraging broader conversations around shared standards, Dr. Barbara Knox aims to help healthcare systems adapt strong safety principles in ways that work effectively across different environments while keeping core protections consistent. Accountability is another important part of strengthening pediatric safety. Clear expectations and transparent processes help medical institutions evaluate performance and identify areas for growth. Dr. Barbara Knox supports professional environments where feedback is valued and improvements are encouraged. This mindset helps healthcare teams learn from experiences and continue building safer systems for future patients. Her work also highlights the importance of preventive thinking. Instead of only responding after problems occur, strong safety standards focus on reducing risks before they become serious. Early assessment, careful monitoring, and clear reporting structures create opportunities to address concerns sooner. Dr. Barbara Knox continues to emphasize that prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect children in medical settings. As conversations about pediatric care continue to evolve, the push for stronger safety standards remains a central focus for many healthcare leaders. Dr. Barbara Knoxs efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving how care is delivered across the country. By advocating for consistent guidelines, professional education, teamwork, and family engagement, she contributes to ongoing progress in child-focused healthcare practices. Healthcare professionals and institutions that follow strong safety standards help create environments where children can receive care with greater protection and confidence. The emphasis on shared responsibility, careful communication, and continuous improvement supports a system that prioritizes safety at every stage of care. Through her continued involvement and leadership, Dr. Barbara Knox plays an important role in encouraging meaningful progress in pediatric safety across the nation. The growing attention to pediatric safety standards reflects a collective effort to improve outcomes for children and families. As healthcare systems adapt to new challenges, the value of clear and reliable safety practices becomes even more evident. Dr. Barbara Knoxs focus on strengthening these standards supports the idea that long-term progress comes from consistent commitment, professional collaboration, and a shared vision for safer pediatric care nationwide. Students of philosophy are perennially captivated by Baruch Spinoza, the 17th-century thinker whose ideas about rational thought and biblical criticism were radical enough to get him excommunicated from his Portuguese Jewish community in Amsterdam. In Spinoza, Atheist (Princeton Univ. Apr.), University of Wisconsin professor of philosophy Steven Nadler argues that Spinoza ultimately eschewed belief in any divinity, whether in the natural world or in a celestial realm. Nadler, author of the 2003 Pulitzer finalist Rembrandts Jews, calls the book a culmination of years of research and writing. (He is also contracted to publish another book on the man, Spinozaland, with Norton in the future.) Spinoza, Atheist addresses questions that the many lay readers interested in Spinoza and his philosophy wanted to have answered, says Rob Tempio, publisher at Princeton University Press. And chief among these questions, Tempio notes, is: How could this thinker whose major work, The Ethics, is suffused with talk of God be called an atheist? What made Spinoza the most radical thinker of his century, as you put it in the book? For him, religion only consists in treating other human beings with justice and loving kindness. He rejects any kind of divinity and the possibility of miracles. In the political realm, he is a staunch defender of democracy as the best political system. And he goes farther than anybody else in defending freedom of expression. In the 17th century, these were very extreme positions to take. Why call the book Spinoza, Atheist? By the 18th century, a notion of pantheism emerged that became a standard way of thinking of SpinozaSpinoza identifies God with nature, and everything is in God or nature. The problem with that reading is that that it turns nature into something divine, something deserving of reverence or worshipful awe or fear. But for Spinoza, the only appropriate attitude to take towards nature is trying to understand it scientifically and come to a deep knowledge of what nature is and how we are a part of nature. Do you still consider Spinoza to be a Jewish thinker? I think it would be wrong not to think of him as a Jewish thinker. But I don't think he envisioned anything like secular Judaism because for him, Judaism is the law. He argued that Jewish law only had its foundation as long as there was a Jewish commonwealth and worship in the Temple, but once the Temple was destroyed in the first century CE, all of those laws lost their raison d'etre, so they're just empty, superstitious ceremonies. Do you anticipate pushback on your book from Spinoza scholars? Spinoza is kind of a Rorschach testpeople see in him exactly what they want to see. He was an atheist, or he was a pantheist. Marxists see Marxism in Spinoza, mystics see mysticism, and even religious Jews find in Spinoza legacies of rabbinic thought. So, people who really are committed to seeing Spinoza as somebody who sees God everywhere are going to be a bit taken aback by this book. But this is the first opportunity I've had to lay out the whole case for Spinozas atheism. I've written this book hoping that people will be motivated to go back to Spinoza and read him for themselves. What is Spinozas relevance to our times? Spinoza offers us a way of living our lives under the guidance of reason and not under the guidance of irrational emotions. In a way, its part of a grand rationalist project to get us to redirect our lives away from not just superstitious beliefs, but conspiracy theories and pernicious prejudices that have no basis in evidence. Instagram / Elizabeth Castravet By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/16/2026 ADVERTISEMENT RELATED LINK: '90 DAY FIANCE: BEFORE THE 90 DAYS' COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER? WHO HAS SPLIT? WHERE ARE THEY NOW? (PHOTOS) ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Elizabeth Potthast 's father, Chuck Potthast, died in November at age 64, and now his cause of death has been revealed.Chuck died from blunt force injuries to his face and neck after falling in a bathtub, TMZ reported According to documents TMZ obtained from the Hillsborough County, Florida Medical Examiner, the blunt impact injuries included facial lacerations and a fractured C6 vertebra.The report also noted positional asphyxia, a form of suffocation that occurs when a person's body position prevents them from breathing properly, as a factor.The medical examiner also listed chronic alcohol use, liver cirrhosis, and acute alcohol intoxication as contributing causes, meaning Chuck had a significant amount of alcohol in his system before he fell in the bathtub.Elizabeth announced her father's death on Instagram on November 23, sharing a family photo and revealing that the tragedy occurred two weeks prior."Two weeks ago, tragedy struck our family and it has left us completely shattered," Elizabeth wrote on Instagram."My sweet, loving, and caring dad went to heaven. We're trying to figure out how to navigate our lives and move forward without him. Please respect our privacy during this extremely difficult time."Elizabeth's sister Becky, who has also appeared on , shared her own post honoring their late father on Instagram at the time."Two weeks ago on this day my world became distorted into a place I don't understand," Becky wrote."My father Chuck went home to be with The Lord. The pain is still more than I can bare so this is all I can write."Based on Becky's post, Chuck appears to have died on November 9.Chuck had referenced his prior health struggles during his appearances on , including during a discussion of Elizabeth's estrangement from her siblings.He told Elizabeth at the time, "The Lord didn't save my life to see my family fractured like this," before urging his family to seek therapy to repair their complicated relationship dynamics.In September 2025, Chuck had shared a health update on Instagram after undergoing an unexpectedly lengthy surgery.In the posting, Chuck, from his hospital bed, had explained that his procedure -- which was originally scheduled to last three to four hours to fix hernias from previous cancer operations -- ended up taking eight hours."Once they got in there, they seen that my stomach wall had completely collapsed, so they had to fix that, which they did," Chuck said in the video.He had joked about the extended surgery, saying, "The benefit is I have a flat stomach now, which is cool."Chuck also expressed gratitude for the support he had received during his recovery."I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It really helped me get through it," he said. Good Morning America By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/16/2026 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. will reportedly air a new spinoff looking to find the reality dancing competition's next pro dancer.Tentatively-titled : The Next Pro, the spinoff will feature professional dancers living in a house together and competing in a grueling audition process, Variety reported The winner of : The Next Pro will land a coveted spot as a pro partner on Season 35 of the reality dancing competition.: The Next Pro is reportedly likely to air this summer on ABC and Hulu.While the cast of dancers has yet to be revealed, Variety reported that wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin -- who won Season 34 of alongside pro partner Witney Carson late last year -- is in talks to host.pro Mark Ballas is also reportedly being eyed to judge the series alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas, who has served as the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK since 2017.In addition to Mark -- who has won three mirrorball trophies and appeared on the latest season of The Traitors -- and his mom, a rotating mentor or pro will join the judges each week.Mark just competed on ' 34th season with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt.Mark and Whitney were eliminated during the semifinals episode in November, finishing in sixth place, despite having received the highest cumulative judges' scores up to that point.Mark joined for Season 5 in 2007. He competed on every season until he took a break for Season 23 and Season 24. He also took a hiatus from the show from Seasons 26 through 30, followed by Season 32 and Season 33.Last season, introduced Jan Ravnik as a new pro partner, but there was some controversy surrounding the fairness of his casting given he's famous for having danced in Taylor Swift 's Eras Tour.Many pros were also promoted from the show's Troupe over the years.Variety's report of a possible spinoff comes shortly after Season 34 broke records in Fall 2025.' Season 34 finale was the most-watched finale in nine years, and according to ABC, 72 million votes came through on finale night alone.also recently announced it's launching a convention for fans that will be a "celebration of all things ."" Con 2026" will include a live show and celebrity appearances, including show pros such as Jenna Johnson and former contestants including Joey Graziadei " Con 2026" will be taking place from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, CA.: The Next Pro is reportedly being produced by BBC Studios. Photos by Aerotim, Ira Suldina, and Iain Harrison Its 11:43 p.m., were barreling down country lanes on a frigid December night, doing well over twice the posted speed limit, and Im stuffed in the back of a Mini Clubman next to a childs car seat. Sergey, our driver, is running through an inch-perfect rhythm of braking point, entry, apex, and exit while metal blasts from the sound system. A few minutes ago, Tim, whos currently occupying the right front seat, poked his head into my room as I was getting ready to call it a night. Iain, its happening. Lets go. I grabbed some warm gear, threw my pants back on, and all three of us hustled to the car. After a few minutes, we pulled off the highway and onto a dirt road, just as the opening bars of Rammsteins Feuer Frei came over the speakers. How very apt. Our destination was a Soviet-era agricultural airfield that appeared to have been untouched since the Reagan administration. Piles of discarded tires were placed seemingly at random, while the tarmac was fissured and strewn with last seasons weeds, poking defiantly from wide cracks. Off to one side was a Polish-built copy of the Antonov An-28 utility aircraft which up until recently had been gathering moss at another airstrip close by, before it was rescued for its current mission. We parked the car under cover, and Sergey graciously let me out of the back seat, as the child locks were enabled. Safety first. Tim and Sergey are the nucleus of an off-the-books anti-drone team, a crazy idea born from a lifetime of extreme sports. They look like brothers. Early 30s, about 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, rangy, and lean. If this was a 1950s movie, Tim would be the leading man and Sergey his loyal henchman or possibly the villain. Both are skydivers, and while Tims favored powersport is pushing an aerobatic aircraft to the limits, Sergey is a champion freestyle motocross artist, whos well on his way to breaking as many bones as Travis Pastrana. They operate in a gray zone between Ukraines Territorial Defense units and the air force the first experimental squadron, who are free to innovate when it comes to tactics and equipment, in contrast to more traditional force structures. In the air force, the number one rule is to not make your superior look bad, says Tim. An officer could spend an entire career living by that rule, progressing steadily through the ranks and never actually achieving anything of note, before shuffling off to his dacha in retirement. These guys are different. They dont get official funding, and they dont draw a salary, so they cant be fired or formally disciplined. But it also makes finding money for operations extremely difficult. Most of their kit comes from personal purchases. Tim ran through preflight checks with his copilot, Valerii, a crusty, bullet-headed ex-air force colonel with over 16,000 hours on the An-28, many logged in Africa and Afghanistan, where in addition to flying, he acted as electrician, mechanic, logistician, armorer, and medic. He has a well-worn Leatherman tool on his belt, natch. Well past retirement age, Valerii has no obligation to risk his life flying interdiction missions, and in Ukraine, when youre the parent of three kids, youre excused from service; between them, Tim and his wife have five. He and Valerii share the mentality of, If not me, then who else? so they serve, unpaid. In a previous life, Tim and Sergey did safe, sedate, and responsible stuff, like thrashing motorcycles and single engine aerobatics aircraft. On days off, they still do. Other crewmembers attended to their duties and threw on armor, helmets, and parachutes. Or not. Each was free to make their own risk assessment based on previous experience (extensive), the chances of incoming frag (very possible), and the probability of being able to escape from the aircraft in the event of it being hit (minimal). Sergey worked on his baby, a Dillon Aero M134D minigun that was lashed amidships, the barrels of which would soon be pointing out of the side door. The feed chute was hooked up to the feeder/delinker, and the barrels manually rotated to strip the first rounds. Engines were run up, and we sat on the runway waiting for a target as the aircraft strained at the leash. The day the An-28 came out of retirement and into service. We didnt have to wait long. On a tablet computer held by the thermal gimbal operator, four red chevrons headed north toward us: Geran 2, one-way attack drones. While theyre a Russian refinement of an Iranian design, no one here calls them Gerans they will always remain Shaheds, courtesy of the first batch delivered by the sh*ttastic theocracy in 2022. We didnt know what they were armed with, but none of their potential warheads are filled with confetti and party favors. Tim pushed the throttle to the stops and both TWD-10B turboprop engines spun up to deliver almost 2,000 horsepower to the three-bladed propellers. The brakes were released, and we bounced down the runway. A few missions back, this An-28 was forced to return with parts of its wing missing, as a Shahed warhead had detonated a bit too close for comfort. And last night, a Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter had crashed on a counter-drone operation just like this one, killing all four crew so the job is not exactly favored by insurance professionals. Built in the early 1980s, the cockpit is a curious lash-up of Soviet instruments and modern electronics. The aircraft clawed its way through the night sky, the chevrons closed in, and we headed toward them on a collision path. As the gap closed, two helicopters to our south were having a good night and managed to shoot down three drones in the pack but couldnt close the distance on the fourth. Our FLIR operator scanned the skies ahead and zeroed in on a tiny black speck. If hed panned a bit quicker, theres a chance it would have been lost against ground clutter, but there it was, the unmistakable delta wing form of a Shahed. Another night, another kill. The Shahed template gets used quite a bit. Less than a year ago, Shaheds fell prey to mobile machinegun teams with M2 .50 BMGs mounted in the back of pickup trucks, as their flight paths took them low through valleys to avoid radar. Now, due to greater availability, theyre more often sent at higher altitudes, out of the range of ground-based HMGs and taunting air defense batteries to shoot them down with way more expensive surface to air missiles weapons that would be better used on cruise or ballistic missiles. They also changed their attack profiles. Whereas previously they flew straight and level, now they continuously bob and weave in random S curves and change altitude before diving almost vertically into their target. And in a further demonstration of the platforms versatility, in the past few weeks theyd begun showing up armed with R-60 air-to-air missiles, each boasting an 8-kilometer range. In some cases, SA-26 MANPADS have been lashed to the drones fuselage, with the airframe being remotely controlled by a drone pilot. So, were now seeing World War II-style dogfighting with drones, man versus machine. An Arizona-made Dillon M134D is used in conjunction with the FLIR operators ability to see in complete darkness, picking up the thermal signature from a Shaheds two- stroke, four-cylinder engine. Whats needed is a cheap, effective, and reusable countermeasure to intercept them before their terminal attack phase hence the An-28 being pressed into service, but we can think of many more suitable platforms. Tim struggled to match the drones speed and direction changes, throwing a six-ton sky tractor around as the target erratically changed course. He cranked his neck, looking over his left shoulder through bino NVGs, and keeping the drone at a 110-degree angle so he could illuminate it with a spotlight mounted on the Antonovs left wing strut. As it fell into the center of the beam, Sergey let rip with a 2-second burst from the minigun, lighting up the night with a 3-foot-long tongue of flame from the guns muzzle and sending a hundred 7.62, 147-grain bullets arcing through the sky. The 3,000-round magazine was loaded with 4-bit, so 20 tracers showed where the center of the pattern was landing and a good few smacked into the rear of the drone, which pitched downward. A couple more bursts for good measure sealed its fate, and we watched on the display as it impacted an empty farm field below, exploding with a black flash on the thermal camera screen. You might think that with F16s available, the An-28 is anachronistic and agricultural. Both are successful in the counter UAS role, but the Antonov is less susceptible to ingesting debris from exploding drones. Shaheds like this one are a nightly feature of life in Ukrainian cities. Their moped-like sound as they pass overhead is a precursor to an explosion, sometimes on a military or industrial target, sometimes a civilian apartment building. While the Russians claim they only ever strike military equipment, weve been on the receiving end of enough Shaheds to know this is either a blatant lie, or theyre really sh*tty operators. Likely, both. Weve covered the Russo/Ukrainian war from the front lines since the invasion in February 2022, and two of the constants defining it have been the rapid pace of innovation and the involvement of nongovernmental volunteer organizations. With the consolidation of the U.S. defense industry around a handful of prime contractors, we run the risk of missing out on many of these ad hoc solutions to problems our warfighters will inevitably face in future conflicts. Despite the change in administrations in DC, our intelligence gathering assets are still largely hamstrung by restrictions that keep them from fully exploiting innovations in technology and tactics lessons which have already been paid for in blood. We shouldnt have to pay the same price. The Threat The most widely used one-way attack, unmanned aerial system (OWA UAS) currently employed worldwide is the Shahed 136, or variants based on it. First used in 2022 in the Russo/Ukrainian war, its primary role is ground attack, and Russian strategy is to employ it to overwhelm air defenses through weight of numbers. Rather than field small quantities of exquisitely made precision weapons, both sides have opted instead to launch swarms of cheap, good enough drones that pack enough explosives to cause significant damage to buildings and critical infrastructure. Designed by Irans state-owned HESA corporation in conjunction with Shahed Aviation Industries, the Shahed 136 is produced by Russia in a large factory in Alabuga, capable of churning out over 150 units per day. It is estimated that Russian development of the drone is now independent of its original producers, and there have been significant upgrades in terms of hardening against electronic warfare, sensor capabilities, warhead size and type, and TTPs. As an illustration of how rapidly this technology has evolved, the first waves of Shaheds employed simple GPS navigation systems, which were vulnerable to jamming or spoofing from ground-based transmitters. To counter this, drones started showing up with GPS receivers that used more and better antennae, oriented toward the sky to better differentiate signals from satellites. Despite this, Ukrainian air defense was able to counter the improvement by increasing the number and output of its jamming stations. Russia has since countered this by employing high-tech Chinese-made Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) with up to 16 channels, all of which must be jammed to send the drone off course. More recent innovations have been to create mesh networks among drone swarms, so they can be controlled by a pilot, much like a very large FPV. U.S. air power doctrine has always emphasized air dominance through its large fleet of advanced, manned fighter and bomber aircraft. Our potential near-peer adversaries, recognizing that they cant overmatch the U.S. in this fight opted instead to emphasize layered air defense. Both strategies have merit, but the advent of cheap, mass-produced drones tips the math in favor of the side that can afford to expend air defenses to shoot them down. If you dont have the magazine depth to counter hundreds of targets at once, or the industrial base to keep replenishing that magazine, in the long term, you lose. Downing $30,000 drones with $3,000,000 air defense missiles is a poor choice. In a quite stunning recognition of this potential threat, the U.S. recently announced it was fielding its own version of the Shahed 136, the LUCAS, or Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, bringing it into inventory in record time. Currently deployed by Task Force Scorpion Strike under CENTCOM, LUCAS is a reverse-engineered Shahed with an improved sensor and guidance package, though as of press time warhead capabilities are still unknown. People visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2026. Ancient palaces in Seoul including the Gyeongbokgung Palace were opened to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) People visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2026. Ancient palaces in Seoul including the Gyeongbokgung Palace were opened to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) People visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2026. Ancient palaces in Seoul including the Gyeongbokgung Palace were opened to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) People visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2026. Ancient palaces in Seoul including the Gyeongbokgung Palace were opened to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua) In 2025, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire emerged as India's top-selling car, while sport utility vehicles continued to rule the broader passenger vehicle market, capturing almost 55 per cent of the segment, according to Auto Punditz, that analyses data related to the Indian car market. Interestingly though, the Tata Nexon whipped up the most number of sales in the first month of 2026, so let's see how 2026 could change things. Which is India's most-popular car with highest sales in 2025? Photograph: Kind courtesy Maruti Suzuki 1. Maruti Dzire The 2024 model Maruti Dzire was India's most popular automobile in 2025, registering sales of 214,488 units. Its success was propelled by a 32 per cent rise in demand for the CNG edition, which now represents 56 per cent of total deliveries. Photograph: Kind courtesy Hyundai 2. Hyundai Creta The 2024 model Hyundai Creta secured the position of India's second most popular car, boasting total sales of 201,122 units, thanks to its versatile performance and well-rounded appeal. Photograph: Kind courtesy Tata Motors 3. Tata Nexon Climbing to third spot among India's top-selling cars was the Tata Nexon, registering 200,561 units. Its rise was largely powered by the pioneering dual-tank CNG edition. Photograph: Kind courtesy Maruti Suzuki 4. Maruti Wagon R Not to be left too far behind, also from the Maruti stable, the Maruti Wagon R recorded sales of 194,238 units in 2025, maintaining its position as one of India's most sought-after compact cars. Photograph: Kind courtesy Maruti Suzuki 5. Maruti Ertiga The Maruti Ertiga stands out as the sole multiutility vehicle in India's top-selling list, with 192,025 units dispatched in 2025. The CNG edition dominates its sales, accounting for 72 per cent. Photograph: Kind courtesy Maruti Suzuki 6. Maruti Swift This Maruti model registered 189,261 units in 2025, continuing to charm Indian motorists with its compact design and spirited performance. Photograph: Kind courtesy NEXA 7. Maruti Fronx The Maruti Fronx achieved sales of 179,894 units, appealing to drivers seeking a stylish and practical hatchback in the crowded market. Photograph: Kind courtesy Mahindra 8. Mahindra Scorpio The Mahindra vehicle sold 176,988 units, holding its ground as a favourite among SUV enthusiasts thanks to its rugged build and commanding presence. This article was first published 20 years ago K amal Haasan's carnival-esque comedy coaxes some laughs but leaves you feeling exhausted. Make no mistake, Mumbai Xpress has talent on board. But the film leaves you wondering where it got off! Digambar (Vijay Raaz) and his two sidekicks -- codenamed B and C -- plot to kidnap the son of a rich, corrupt builder. They finalise their foolproof plan sitting on a rooftop in Mumbai's Dharavi. But there is a minor hiccup -- C is rushed for an appendicitis operation. A (Digambar, of course!) and B are dissuaded from abandoning the plan by C's wife, who volunteers her multi-talented brother Mumbai Xpress in place of her husband. Enter Kamal Haasan, the annoyingly deaf Avinash (Mumbai Xpress can only be a nickname, if you're wondering). Xpress jinxes the endeavour and a series of unfortunate events like horse bites, car crashes and accidents ensue. Eventually, Avinash manages to kidnap a boy but he is not the boy. A is livid. Special: Clash of the Titans More on rediff.com! Mumbai Xpress hits roadblock! 'Hollywood commented on my work' Review: Chandramukhi The story changes track when realisation dawns that the kidnapped boy is the district police commissioner's son. The kidnappers panic and plan to kill the kid before the cops find them. Xpress decides to rescue the child. What follows is a complicated, unnerving ride of senseless comedy. The supporting cast is brilliant but the lead characters are a complete letdown. Kamal Haasan fails to deliver as Mumbai Xpress aka Avinash. His legendary comic timing seems to have abandoned him on this trip and he looks ridiculous mouthing inane dialogues. His antics with the hearing aid are meant to amuse but irritate. You almost feel he has bought into his own superstardom so completely that he is incapable taking on the persona of an idiot savant anymore. Manisha Koirala is unimpressive in her blink-and-I-am-gone role as Ahaliya, the DCP's mistress, who is actually the mother of the kidnapped kid. Her complete lack of comic timing comes as no surprise. A lesser-known actress could have fitted into the non-role just as well. Ahaliya's chubby son Daggu runs harmlessly along the movie and even evokes a few laughs. Raaz's effortless and brilliant portrayal of Digambar pulls the film out from the pits. The first half is tolerable only because of him and in the second half you yearn to see more of him. Om Puri can perform any role with aplomb. And expectedly, he breathes life into the role of the confused and highly emotional DCP. Thankfully, some of the most gripping sequences in the film feature Puri. He does full justice to them. Saurabh Shukla plays the role of Mehta, the builder, to perfection. The scenes between Mehta and the DCP are hilarious. Special mention for partner B, whose expressions and mannerisms leave you in splits. Pratima Kazmi, playing Avinash's sister, essays the role well, though she screeches the life out of you. Telugu superstar Ramesh Aravind is impressive as the heavily accented 'Madrasi' insurance agent. The screenplay is impressive but Mumbai Xpress seems to have pulled the chain on the impressive line up of good comedies that Kamal delivered in collaboration with Singeetham Sreenivasa Rao. After films like Pushpak, Appu Raja and Michael Madana Kamarajan, this one is a letdown. Kamal's obsession with hi-tech scenes is overdone and unnecessary. The use of computer graphics in scenes without stunts could have been completely done away with. The special effects are garish and superfluous. The aesthetics of the frames too are at odds with the not-too-serious content. To sum it up, Mumbai Xpress is a poor man's superhero movie and an out-and-out children's flick. If you are the kind looking for intelligent humour, this one is not for you. After taking you through such a long ride, the movie ends abruptly, leaving you thinking that the joke was on you for watching the film! This article was first published 1 year ago Divya Nair applauds Pushpa: The Rule. There is more than one reason why Pushpa: The Rule is among the most awaited films of 2024. Director Sukumar and Allu Arjun began their successful journey with the Arya franchise and took it up a notch higher with Pushpa: The Rise, which became one of the highest grossers of 2021. The fact that Allu Arjun hasn't taken up any project since 2021 was also a test of patience for his pan-India fans, most of who have pre-booked their tickets and thronged theatres to watch it on the first day of release. The prequel ended with Allu Arjun's rise from a mamooli red sandalwood coolie to the head of the smuggling syndicate. Each time someone hurt his ego, we saw how Pushpa would aim higher and give us a moral lesson, as if to justify his criminal activities. Needless to say, we had seen him make more foes than he had planned to in the first installment. Pushpa 2 is about the smuggler king's ruthless dominance over the market. The entry scene takes place at a port in Japan where the mafia men try to stop Pushpa, by tying one of his legs and hanging him upside down. The stunts, right from that sequence, is proof that Allu Arjun is the star of disruption. Whether you tie his legs or cuff his hands, Pushpa will fight back and how! Each stunt is choreographed with brilliance, and Allu delivers it to perfection. His mid-air moves are swift, clean, and creative, and the slow-motion scenes are effective for theatre audiences. When his wife Srivalli (the fiery Rashmika Mandanna) requests him to take a picture with the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, she wouldn't imagine the extent he would go to make it happen. Among the many people standing in the way of his ambition is Inspector Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (the fabulous Fahad Faasil), a worthy antagonist who challenges Pushpa's every move. Fahadh's mean, narcissistic villain streak continues in Pushpa 2 -- Shekhawat's evil smile doesn't mask his arrogance. And each time Shekhawat tries to outsmart Pushpa, the latter puts him back in place, sometimes with an extra dose of humour. The scene where the two men, standing on either side of the fence, talk in Dumb Charades is epic. Kuppuraj's (Brahmaji) timely interceptions, only add spice to their conversation. Perhaps the scene is a subtle doff to FaFa's character from Aavesham (if you know, you know). The apology scene, the simmering face-off between Shekhawat and Pushpa is neatly written and accomplished. The Jatra dance and stunt scene will probably go down in history as one of Allu Arjun's finest performances in a film. Like he promises in the trailer, Pushpa takes bigger risks and attracts more enemies along the way, either to fulfill his wife's desires or to protect his niece from a bunch of goons. Allu Arjun is fantabulous as the doting husband, emotion-loving son and risk-taking entrepreneur. Pushpa escalates his brand from fire to wildfire. Rashmika as Srivalli outperforms herself as the companion worth rooting for: Fiery, independent and grounded. The music and background score by Devi Prasad is a sweeping hit already. What I continue to dislike about the Pushpa franchise is the portrayal of its women. We are in 2024. Do we still need to show a male protecting a woman from a bunch of rapists? The makers could have thought a little more unconventionally and let the woman take charge. It would have added a whole new dimension to smuggler Pushparaj, the man who respects women so much that he would hesitate to cuss in their presence. Allu Arjun promises a rollicking ride of emotions -- from humour and romance to dance and emotions, action, and revenge, which is amplified by the presence of Fahadh Faasil, who rightfully deserves a plump role in the next: Pushpa: The Rampage. The climax lingers with an emotional touch as Pushpa's elder brother and his family accept and warmly welcome him home for his niece's wedding. Just when you are wondering what happened to the other potential antagonists who were sidelined, the movie ends with Pushpa's not-so-well-wishers coming together with Shekhawat leading from the front. What do you think would make the rampage worthy enough for Pushpa 3? Pushpa: The Rule Review Rediff Rating: 'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.' IMAGE: Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, reviewed the Rudra Brigade's operational readiness. Photograph: Kind courtesy Firefury Corps/Facebook Key Points 'India-China relationship will be adversarial and tense.' 'LAC will be in a perpetual state of tension.' 'China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh locks India into a perpetual state of strategic vigilance.' "Bilateral relations have become more conflictual and tense under Xi Jinping although avenues for cooperation have also increased in international and regional organisations," says Dr Raj Verma, non-resident scholar, Sigur Centre for Asian Studies, Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. "The LAC will be in a perpetual state of tension with concerns that a small skirmish may lead to a conflict or a border war which is in neither country's interest," Dr Verma tells Rediff's Archana Masih. Part 1 of the Interview: 'Indian Army Has Free Hand To Deal With China' Is the recent Chinese claim to the Shaksgam Valley another potentially new area of conflict between the two countries? China's position has changed on the Kashmir dispute. It is a function of India-China relations/rivalry. It has evolved based on the India-China rivalry and India-US relations. China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has further strengthened the China-Pakistan axis geared toward India. The Shaksgam Valley is important for China because of the CPEC. It will continue to claim this area and India will continue to say that China is in illegal occupation of the territory. This territory is disputed between India and Pakistan and Pakistan ceded this area to China under the 1963 treaty. China's claim and possession of the Shaksgam Valley is illegal under international law. There is no basis for the Chinese claim. China is a third party. Once the territorial dispute between India and Pakistan is resolved, then it can be decided who has control over this area and what they want to do with this area. But how will India evict China from this area even if the India-Pakistan dispute is resolved? China actively supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and its influence is growing in Bangladesh -- how can India counter the Pakistan-Chinese influence in Bangladesh? It is correct that China's and Pakistan's relations with Bangladesh have strengthened under the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. Much will depend on the new government in Bangladesh after the elections. It will be entirely up to New Delhi how it will manage the bilateral relationship with the new government in Dhaka. This is where diplomacy comes into play. It will be prudent on India's part that the prime ministers of the two countries meet as soon as possible to steer the bilateral relationship, understand each other's redlines and build guardrails. IMAGE: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi pins a badge to a soldier during his visit to the forward areas in the Poonch sector to review operational preparedness, February 7, 2026. Photograph: @adgpi X/ANI Photo China has repeatedly made attempts towards claiming Arunachal Pradesh as a part of South Tibet. What is the historical basis of China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh? The Sino-Indian border dispute is a legacy of the British empire. In the eastern sector, the disagreement centres on Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as Zangnan or Southern Tibet. This dispute arises from the McMahon Line, drawn in 1914 at the Simla Convention between British India and Tibet. China never accepted this boundary because it claimed sovereignty over Tibet. Due to various complications, the McMahon Line did not appear on British maps for nearly two decades after the convention, yet it gained importance following India's Independence in 1947. What long term challenges does this pose for India? The long-term challenge is that China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh locks India into a perpetual state of strategic vigilance, forcing it to defend settled territory against a powerful neighbour that refuses to recognise the status quo. India has to station troops all the year round which imposes a significant cost on the exchequer. It unsettles India and saps its political, diplomatic and economic energies and stymies India's quest for great power status. It also makes India wary of China. China can use Arunachal Pradesh as leverage. For India, the task isn't just military defence -- it's sustained deterrence, diplomatic consistency, and narrative clarity over decades, not crises. Photograph: ANI Photo What is your assessment of India-China relations under Xi Jinping? Overall, bilateral relations have become more conflictual and tense under Xi Jinping although avenues for cooperation have also increased in international and regional organisations. Because of China's great power ambitions, India's rise (although overshadowed by China's rise), India's rapid economic growth as China's economic growth slows, India's emergence as a counter weight to China and India-China positional rivalry, the bilateral relationship will be over-all adversarial, and tense. The more India aligns itself with the US and other countries in the Indo-Pacific, the more China will strengthen its relations with Pakistan and other countries in South Asia leading to a downward spiral. This does not augur well for the overall bilateral relationship. The LAC will be in a perpetual state of tension with concerns that a small skirmish may lead to a conflict or a border war which is in neither country's interests as it will stymie both countries' rise and quest for great power status. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff A 27-year-old man tragically died in Kerala after falling into an open roadside pit, prompting an investigation into potential negligence by the Public Works Department and raising concerns about road safety. IMAGE: In a similar incident, a biker died after falling into a pit in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI video grab Key Points The accident occurred at night, and the victim could not be saved despite being rushed to a nearby hospital. Local residents claim the pit was left open for over a month without proper safety measures, leading to protests. Kerala's Public Works Department Minister has ordered a probe into the incident, promising stringent action if negligence is found. CCTV footage shows the bike plunging into the open pit, highlighting the lack of warning signs or barricades. A 27-year-old man died after allegedly falling into an open roadside pit near Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district, police said on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Jeys Benny, a native of Muthalakkodam. The accident occurred late Monday night when his two-wheeler plunged into the large pit dug on the side of the road as part of the construction work, they said. Though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, his life could not be saved. Investigation Launched After Public Outcry As the issue triggered heated protest, state Public Works Department Minister Mohammed Riyas ordered a probe into the tragic incident. He said the deputy chief engineer of the PWD has been entrusted with a probe into the incident and will take further action after receiving his report. "Stringent measures will be taken if the negligence happened from the side of the Public Works Department," Riyas said. In the CCTV visuals aired by TV channels, the bike could be seen plunging into the open pit. Residents Allege Negligence According to local residents, the pit has been left open for over a month without adequate safety measures such as barricades or warning signs. Following the incident, local residents staged a protest at the accident spot, alleging negligence on the part of the PWD. Workers of the Opposition UDF also protested at the local PWD office demanding action against those responsible. A Mumbai court has ordered the repatriation of alleged gangster Kumar Pillai to Hong Kong, as he has been acquitted in all cases for which he was extradited, sparking legal debate over extradition treaties and pending cases. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Mumbai court orders the repatriation of alleged gangster Kumar Pillai to Hong Kong. Pillai was acquitted in all cases for which he was originally extradited from Singapore. The court cited a Supreme Court ruling that prevents trial in India for other pending cases without the extraditing country's permission. Pillai's lawyer argued that the purpose of extradition was exhausted and his continued stay in India is unlawful. The court noted the prosecution did not seek permission from Hong Kong authorities to try Pillai in other pending cases. A Mumbai court has ordered the city police to take necessary steps to repatriate alleged gangster Kumar Pillai to his home country, Hong Kong, noting that he has been acquitted in all cases for which he was originally extradited. A Supreme Court ruling has made it clear that in the absence of permission from the extraditing country, the applicant cannot be tried in India for any other pending cases, Special MCOCA Court Judge Satyanarayan R Navander said in the order passed on February 13. "Consequently, the prosecution is left with no option but to take steps to repatriate the applicant (Pillai) to his home country, namely Hong Kong," the judge said. There is no material on record to suggest that the prosecution has sought permission from the Hong Kong authorities to try Pillai in the other pending cases, the court noted. Background of the Case Pillai, originally an Indian citizen, migrated to Hong Kong and acquired citizenship there. He was arrested in Singapore in 2016 following a 2012 Red Corner Notice and booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). India had sought his extradition from a competent court in Singapore for six pending cases against him. However, Pillai's extradition was permitted for the purpose of trial in three cases. All those cases have since been disposed of and the applicant has been acquitted, the court order noted. Arguments and Court's Decision Pillai's lawyer, Pankaj Kavale, contended that the purpose of extradition now stands exhausted. He submitted that the applicant is not a citizen of India, and therefore, his continued stay in the country cannot be said to be lawful. He is required to be repatriated to Hong Kong, in view of Section 21 of the Extradition Act, he added. The prosecution opposed the plea, saying cases are pending against the applicant and proceedings therein are yet to be concluded. Extradition was only for 3 cases: Court The court, however, noted that extradition was only for three cases and he has been acquitted in those matters. The judge pointed out that no appeal has been preferred (by the prosecution) against any of those judgments. Further, the court underlined that there is no material on record to indicate that the prosecution has approached the authorities in Hong Kong for permission to try Pillai in other pending cases. "Therefore, in view of the extradition treaty and the settled position of law, the applicant cannot be put to trial for any other offence unless such permission is obtained," the court held. It further directed the Mumbai police commissioner to take necessary steps for Pillai's repatriation. Former Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah is defecting to the BJP, signaling a major political shift in the state and potentially impacting the upcoming assembly elections IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, meets ex-MLA of the Assam assembly and former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah (right), in Guwahati, Assam, February 17, 2026. Photograph: @CMOfficeAssam X/ANI Photo Key Points Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Borah's decision after meeting with him, highlighting the impact on the Congress party. Sarma claims Borah's move reflects a broader disillusionment among Hindu leaders within the Congress. Borah's joining is expected to have a significant psychological impact on Congress workers, potentially leading to further defections. The BJP anticipates that the Raijor Dal, led by Akhil Gogoi, will become their primary opposition in future elections. In a major jolt to the opposition Congress in Assam ahead of the assembly polls, its former state president Bhupen Borah will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22, while its suspended MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed joined the Raijor Dal on Tuesday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Borah's residence in the Ghoramara area of Guwahati, a day after the senior leader resigned from the Congress. The two leaders held discussions for over an hour and a half, following which Sarma announced that Borah will join the BJP along with his supporters, and state BJP president Dilip Saikia will finalise the modalities. "Borah, along with some of his supporters, will join the BJP in Guwahati, but there will be another joining programme at Lakhimpur from where he hails, as many Congress members have expressed their desire to follow his steps," Sarma said, with the veteran leader by his side. Claiming that Borah's move reflects poorly on the Congress, the CM alleged that the party is "no longer a place for Hindus". "He is the last recognised Hindu leader of the Congress without family antecedents in the party," he said. Sarma claimed Bora, who was the state Congress president from 2021 to 2025, has struggled for a long time in the opposition party, and he will get a platform in the BJP to do what he wants. "He is an old colleague. We met after a long time. We did not talk much about politics, but caught up on old times," he said. When asked about the constituency Borah may contest from in the assembly polls, Sarma said no such discussions had taken place. "He is not joining the BJP in exchange for an assembly seat. There is no bargaining involved. If required, he can even contest from Jalukbari," Sarma said, referring to his own constituency. Borah, however, did not speak at the press conference. He had resigned from the Congress on Monday, but the party's top leadership did not accept his resignation, making attempts to persuade him to take it back. Following this, he sought time to reconsider his decision, amid which Sarma met him and made the announcement. Ahmed formally joins Raijor Dal Ahmed formally joined the Raijor Dal at a programme in Kalgachia in Barpeta district, where he was welcomed by its chief Akhil Gogoi and other senior leaders. The three-time MLA from Baghbor constituency said he would seek nomination from the Mandia constituency in the forthcoming assembly elections, the first in the state after the delimitation exercise. Ahmed claimed he was "shown the door" by both the AIUDF and the Congress for "raising voice against injustices and on behalf of the poor and deprived". "I will continue to fight for the rights of the people and seek public support," he said. A former government official, Ahmed was first elected to the Assembly in 2011 as an AIUDF member. After being expelled, he joined the Congress and retained the Baghbor seat in 2016 and 2021. He was suspended from Congress in October 2021 for "repeatedly violating party discipline". He had also been arrested prior to his suspension over alleged "provocative" remarks against an eviction drive in Darrang district in September 2021. Another three-time Congress MLA, Abdur Rashid Mandal, joined the Raijor Dal on Monday. The CM claimed that there are many grassroots Muslim leaders in the Congress who are disillusioned and will join the Raijor Dal in the future. "The BJP will have Raijor Dal and not the Congress as its opposition in the 2031 assembly polls," he claimed. The Congress did not immediately comment on the development. CAPE TOWN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Five miners have been trapped underground following a mudslide on Tuesday morning at a mine in South Africa's Northern Cape, local media reported. According to South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, the capital city of Northern Cape Province. A search and rescue operation is underway, SABC News reported, quoting the mine's management. "Communication with the miners has been cut off, and they remain unreachable for now," the report said. "Families of the missing miners have been informed." Meanwhile, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said it is seeking access to the Kimberley mine. "We're waiting for management to confirm for us... what happened to those workers who are trapped underground," SABC News quoted NUMSA Kimberley local secretary Tshimologo Mahase as saying. French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India began in Mumbai with a jog and a tribute, setting the stage for strategic talks with Prime Minister Modi to strengthen the India-France partnership. IMAGE: French President Emmanuel Macron kicks off his day with a jog at the Marine Drive promenade in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI on X Key Points French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai for an official visit to India. Macron began his visit with a jog at Marine Drive and paid tribute to victims of the 2008 terror attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Macron is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss and strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. The leaders will discuss regional and global issues, focusing on expanding cooperation into new areas. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai early on Tuesday and began his day by jogging at the iconic Marine Drive near the Coastal Road. He and First Lady Brigitte Macron later also paid floral tributes to those killed in the November 2008 terror attack at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in south Mumbai. The French president is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Lok Bhavan in south Mumbai, where the two leaders will review the progress made in the India-France strategic partnership. Macron kicked off the day with a jog at the Marine Drive promenade. He was accompanied by his security personnel. IMAGE: Macron pays tributes to 26/11 victims at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Photograph: / Rediff.com The Mumbai police also maintained tight security in the vicinity. During the Mumbai visit, Modi and Macron's discussions will focus on cementing the strategic ties and further diversifying them into new and emerging areas. Both leaders will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. They will review the progress made in the India-France strategic partnership. President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India, as well as hold a bilateral summit with the latter in Mumbai. This is President Macron's fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the French leader on his arrival at the Mumbai airport. The Delhi High Court is actively involved in the case of Celina Jaitly's brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly, who is detained in the UAE, seeking updates and cooperation from the Indian embassy and UAE authorities to ensure his legal rights are protected. IMAGE: Actor Celina Jaitly's brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly (retd), has been detained in the UAE since September 2024. Photograph: @CelinaJaitly/X Key Points The Indian embassy's request for consular access to Vikrant Jaitly was denied by UAE authorities, prompting the court to grant more time for diplomatic efforts. Celina Jaitly has filed a petition seeking effective legal representation for her brother, alleging his illegal abduction and detention in the UAE since September 2024. The court addressed concerns about legal representation and facilitated communication between Vikrant Jaitly and the court. Vikrant Jaitly's wife has requested to be a party in the case, presenting information related to allegations made by Celina Jaitly. The Delhi high court on Tuesday granted time to the Centre and the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi to pursue through diplomatic channels and seek cooperation of the UAE authorities in the matter of detention of Major Vikrant Jaitly (retd), brother of actor Celina Jaitly, in the Gulf country. The Centre's counsel told Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav that the embassy requested consular access to Vikrant Jaitly on February 13, which was denied by the UAE authorities, and the next date for such a meeting was awaited. The Centre's lawyer sought a reasonable time of 3-4 weeks be granted to enable the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy to pursue the matter with the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels to seek necessary cooperation in the matter. "The prayer seems to be reasonable. Accordingly, the hearing is deferred," the court said. "It is not the case of the ministry not doing anything. After 10-15 days, nothing is going to change. The ministry says grant us 3-4 weeks so that we can do something substantial," it said. The court was hearing a petition by Celina Jaitly seeking effective legal representation for her brother, who has been "illegally abducted and detained" in the UAE since September 6, 2024. The court asked the Centre to note Vikrant Jaitly's concern during the consular visit on letting a Dubai-based law firm represent him, as suggested by his sister. The Centre's lawyer also said that it was pursuing the issue of facilitating an interaction between the court and Vikrant Jaitly. Vikrant Jaitly's wife requested the court to make her a party in the case so that she could respond to the allegations levelled against her by her sister-in-law, and tendered a note to the judge to bring on record information having a bearing on the case. The court permitted the petitioner to respond to the note. It clarified that it was not going to convert it into a family issue and listed the matter for further hearing in March. Earlier, the Centre's lawyer said the Indian authorities were in regular contact with Vikrant Jaitly, who has refused to interact with his sister. In the petition, Celina said her brother, who had been residing in the UAE since 2016, was employed with the MATITI Group engaged in trading, consultancy and risk management services. However, despite the passage of more than one year, the Ministry of External Affairs failed to secure basic information about Vikranyt Jaitly, including his condition and legal status, the plea alleged. India and France have solidified their bond, announcing a 'special global strategic partnership' to boost collaboration in defense, trade, and technology amid growing global uncertainties. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets French President Emmanuel Macron during delegation-level talks at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, February 17, 2026. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo Key Points India and France elevate their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership', enhancing cooperation in key sectors. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron inaugurated an Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in Karnataka, boosting manufacturing in India. India and France are expanding defence cooperation, including Rafale jets and submarines, strengthening their security partnership. India and France on Tuesday elevated their relations to a "special global strategic partnership" and vowed to boost cooperation in key sectors of defence, trade and critical minerals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron describing the bilateral ties as a "force for global stability" in the face of increasing geopolitical turbulence. The two leaders, following their talks in Mumbai, also virtually inaugurated an assembly line in Karnataka's Vemagal to build Airbus H125 helicopters that is expected to enhance India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The two sides inked a total of 21 agreements and documents providing for deepening of cooperation in an array of areas including critical minerals, defence, high technology, renewable energy, and health. The pacts included one on defence cooperation and another on a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Ltd and French defence giant Safran to produce Hammer missiles in India. A separate pact was inked for reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments. The Modi-Macron discussions largely touched on a range of issues including cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, joint manufacturing, critical minerals supply chain, research and development, and education, among others. The prime minister hosted Macron for the talks hours after the French leader landed in Mumbai on a three-day India visit. "The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France's expertise and India's scale," Modi said in his media statement. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds delegation-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, February 17, 2026. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo The prime minister said the two countries share a "very special relationship" and that France is one of India's oldest strategic partners. "And together with President Macron, we have given this strategic partnership unprecedented depth and energy. Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a 'special global strategic partnership'," Modi said. "This partnership is not just strategic. In today's turbulent era, it is a partnership of global stability and global progress," he said. To jointly build world's first helicopter to fly to Everest Modi also made a reference to the H125 helicopter assembly line. "Today's inauguration of the helicopter assembly line in India is another shining example of this deep trust. We are proud that India and France will jointly manufacture the world's only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest. And we will also export it to the entire world," he said. "In other words, the India-France partnership knows no boundaries; it can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountain," Modi noted. The prime minister, referring to Russia-Ukraine conflict, situation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, said both India and France believe in democratic values, the rule of law, and a multipolar world. "We agree that reform of global institutions will provide solutions to global challenges. Whether in Ukraine, West Asia, or the Indo-Pacific, we will continue to support all efforts for peace in every region," he said. "It is our shared commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Modi said. The prime minister also noted that the year 2026 is a "turning point" in India-Europe relations as he cited the India-EU free trade deal. "Just a few days ago, we signed the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement in India's history with the European Union. This free trade agreement will also bring unprecedented momentum to India-France relations," he said. "To promote mutual investment, we are signing an agreement today so that our people and companies do not have to pay double taxes. All these initiatives will give new impetus to mutual trade, investment, and mobility. And this is the roadmap to shared prosperity," he said. The two sides also launched an initiative titled 'India-France Year of Innovation'. "With the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation, we are now going to transform our strategic partnership into a partnership of the people. Because innovation happens not in isolation, but through collaboration," Modi said. In his remarks, Macron said India is one of France's most trusted partners. "From Rafale jets to submarines, we are expanding defence cooperation," he said. India, France will continue to cooperate against terrorism Both our countries firmly believe in rule of law, and it has been demonstrated in past few years, he noted. Macron said India and France will continue to cooperate to combat terrorism. The French president talked about a common roadmap to tackle global challenges including from hegemonic forces and that India and France are two such countries which can contribute a lot to the world. In his media statement, Modi said India and France are developing trusted technologies. "We will ensure human development through the International Solar Alliance, the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and joint development projects," he said. "We will continue to strengthen efforts for stability and prosperity through multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy," he added. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's democratic journey and strengthening bilateral relations IMAGE: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman meets Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, in Dhaka, February 17, 2026. Photograph: @hamidullah_riaz X/ANI Photo Key Points Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. Birla conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings and extended an invitation to Rahman to visit India. India has pledged its support for Bangladesh's efforts to build a democratic, progressive, and inclusive nation. Tarique Rahman's BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the recent elections in Bangladesh. Birla also met with the President of Maldives and the Prime Minister of Bhutan on the sidelines of the event. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday attended the swearing-in ceremony of new Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, and said India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. Separately, the speaker called on the new Bangladesh prime minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Modi to Rahman to visit India, officials said here. "Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation," Birla posted on X. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X, "Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveys his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi to the visiting India Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a courtesy meet following the swearing-in of the new government. "Speaker Birla conveyed wishes and an invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation." Birla also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and other leaders on the sidelines of the event. Led by Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power with a two-thirds majority with 49.97 per cent votes and 209 seats in the polls held on February 12, results for which were declared on February 13. The Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971, 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. Bangladesh had invited Narendra Modi to the ceremony, but the prime minister could not attend the event as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. On reaching Dhaka, Birla said the swearing-in of Rahman was an important moment that would strengthen people-to-people relations and shared democratic values between the two neighbours. "Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by TariqueaRahman as the prime minister. It's an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations," Birla said. Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. Comedian Kunal Kamra, who has often courted controversy for his anti-establishment views, targeted Shinde in a song parody last year, obliquely referring to him as a traitor. IMAGE: Comedian Kunal Kamra. Photograph: Courtesy Instagram Key Points The hearing was rescheduled to March 10 due to the absence of BJP leader Pravin Darekar, the main complainant. Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sushma Andhare also appeared before the panel. The case stems from Kamra's parody song about Shinde and Andhare's support of Kamra, leading to a breach of privilege notice. Kamra's past performances have sparked controversy, including a hotel office being ransacked after a parody song about Shinde's rebellion. Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday appeared before the Maharashtra legislative council's privileges committee regarding his alleged remarks against deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, in the absence of the main complainant, the hearing has been rescheduled to March 10, said the committee's chairperson, Prasad Lad. Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sushma Andhare also appeared before the panel. Kamra and Andhare later informed reporters that their statements were not recorded during the hearing, as BJP leader Pravin Darekar, the main complainant, was absent. When asked about his reaction to a threat by the Shiv Sena, which had warned him of dire consequences if he visited Mumbai, Kamra said he felt safe. Lad said, "Kamra told the committee that he was ready to record his statement now. However, it wouldn't be appropriate to record his statement in the absence of the complainant. It was decided that statements from both sides would be recorded on the same day, and after discussing with Darekar, it was decided to keep the hearing on March 10 at 4 PM." Andhare also referenced the incident last year when the studio where Kamra performed was vandalised, which occurred after his parody song about Shinde. "We wanted to know what the charges against us are," she added. Darekar had moved a breach of privilege notice against Kamra and Andhare for "derogatory remarks" against Shiv Sena leader Shinde, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti. Kamra, who has often courted controversy for his anti-establishment views, targeted Shinde in a song parody last year, obliquely referring to him as a traitor. Andhare had supported Kamra. The comedian, during his performance at the 'Unicontinental Mumbai' hotel in Khar area of Mumbai, had used a modified version of a Hindi song from the movie Dil To Pagal Hai to describe the 2022 rebellion of Shinde against Uddhav Thackeray. A group of Shiv Sena workers reached the hotel and ransacked its office. Earlier this month, Kamra had dismissed media reports claiming that he had sought an adjournment from the privileges committee as "incorrect". In a shocking case in Indore, a 24-year-old MBA student was murdered by her classmate, who allegedly performed occult rituals and mistreated her body. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: @CP_INDORE/X Key Points A 24-year-old MBA student was found murdered in her classmate's rented house in Indore. The accused classmate allegedly strangled the victim and mistreated her body after the murder. Police report the accused performed witchcraft while on the run, claiming he wanted to communicate with the victim's spirit. The victim's father alleges the accused was extorting money from his daughter using obscene photos. The classmate of a 24-year-old female MBA student, arrested in Indore for her murder, allegedly abused the body after the killing and also performed occult rituals while on the run, police said. On February 13, people complained of a foul smell emanating from a closed house in the city's Dwarkapuri police station area. After police arrived at the scene, the naked body of a 24-year-old woman was found in the house. The woman was pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a Indore college and the body was found in her classmate's rented house, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani told PTI on Monday. The classmate fled after the incident. He was taken into custody in Mumbai and is being interrogated after his arrest, the official said. Details of the Crime Referring to the accused's interrogation, the official said he allegedly strangled his classmate to death and then "abused" the body. "The accused also performed witchcraft near Panvel (in Navi Mumbai) while on the run. The accused claims that he was mentally disturbed after the murder and wanted to communicate with the woman's spirit through witchcraft," he said. According to the DCP, the woman and the accused were in a close relationship. "The accused suspected that she was talking to other men. Enraged, he killed her and fled," the official said. Accusations of Extortion After the woman's body was found, her father accused the classmate of trying to extort money from his daughter using her obscene photos and then torturing her to death. He further alleged that the accused was trying to extort money by threatening her with obscene photos and had even posted these photos on her college WhatsApp group. The invitation was extended to Rahman through a letter handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who called on Rahman in Dhaka after the latter took charge as the prime minister on Tuesday IMAGE: BNP chairman Tarique Rahman (right) takes oath as Bangladesh's new prime minister during a swearing-in ceremony at the National Parliament building, in Dhaka, February 17, 2026. Photograph: @ombirlakota X/ANI Photo Key Points Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended the invitation in Dhaka after Rahman's swearing-in ceremony. India expresses support for Bangladesh's democratic and inclusive development under Rahman's leadership. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Rahman, secured a significant victory in recent elections. Birla also met with leaders from Maldives and Bhutan, fostering regional cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India and conveyed his best wishes to the newly sworn-in Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader. The invitation was extended to Rahman through a letter handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who called on Rahman in Dhaka after the latter took charge as the prime minister on Tuesday, officials said in New Delhi. After attending the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, Birla said India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. "Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation," Birla posted on X. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X, "Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveys his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi to the visiting India Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a courtesy meet following the swearing-in of the new government. "Speaker Birla conveyed wishes and an invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation." Birla also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and other leaders on the sidelines of the event. Led by Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power with a two-thirds majority with 49.97 per cent votes and 209 seats in the polls held on February 12, results for which were declared on February 13. The Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971, 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. Bangladesh had invited Narendra Modi to the ceremony, but the prime minister could not attend the event as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. On reaching Dhaka, Birla said the swearing-in of Rahman was an important moment that would strengthen people-to-people relations and shared democratic values between the two neighbours. "Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by TariqueaRahman as the prime minister. It's an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations," Birla said. Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from February 16 to 20, is witnessing participation from world leaders, representatives of major technology firms and delegates from around 45 countries IMAGE: Security personnel maintain a vigil outside the Bharat Mandapam during AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi, February 17, 2026. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo Key Points The Delhi Police Special Cell is monitoring activities to prevent disruption by anti-national elements during the summit. Security measures, including anti-drone systems and facial recognition technology, mirror those implemented during the G20 Summit. Bharat Mandapam is divided into 10 security zones, each supervised by a DCP-rank officer, with SWAT commandos and bomb disposal squads on high alert. AI-enabled smart glasses with thermal imaging are being used by security personnel to identify suspects in crowded areas. More than 4,000 AI-enabled cameras and over 15,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain discreet surveillance on suspected troublemakers during the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, a senior Delhi Police officer said on Tuesday. The summit, held from February 16 to 20, is witnessing participation from world leaders, representatives of major technology firms and delegates from around 45 countries. The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is monitoring any activities to prevent any attempt by anti-national elements to disrupt law and order or affect the country's image during the high-profile gathering. "We are ensuring that no anti-national element tries to disrupt law and order, especially when high-profile dignitaries are visiting the national capital. Not even graffiti or posters should be able to disturb peace," the officer told PTI. Security arrangements are on par with those put in place during the G20 Summit in 2023. The event venue is equipped with over 500 CCTV cameras. The police said surveillance teams have monitored suspected elements and repeat protesters for nearly a month. Their photographs have been fed into AI-enabled Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras, which send instant alerts if such individuals are detected at sensitive locations. Apart from the city-wide deployment of cameras exclusively for the high-profile gathering, at least six anti-drone systems and four air defence guns installed at the venue. According to the police, the Bharat Mandapam area has been divided into 10 security zones, each supervised by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer. SWAT commandos, bomb disposal squads and dog squads have been also been placed on high alert. More than 15,000 security personnel, including units of Delhi Police, Special Cell and paramilitary forces such as the NSG, CISF, BSF and ITBP, are deployed across the city. Security has also been extended to over a dozen five-star hotels in central Delhi. Each hotel has a dedicated police presence and a command room linked to the nearest police station. Delhi Police is also coordinating with forces in neighbouring Gurgaon and Noida to monitor the movement of guests. New technology-driven security systems, including QR code-based entry passes for delegates and real-time monitoring through the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C-4I) system, are in use, the police said. Personnel have been equipped with AI-enabled smart glasses featuring thermal imaging systems to help identify suspects in crowded areas. Elaborate security arrangements are also in place at major tourist locations, including the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb in view of possible visits by foreign delegates, they added. Justice Jyoti Singh was hearing a lawsuit by Baba Ramdev alleging large-scale misappropriation and commercial exploitation of his personality, image, and identity across various online and social media platforms IMAGE: Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev (centre) arrives at Sangam during the Magh Mela, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 22, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points X Corp argues that satire, fair comment, and public speech should be protected from takedown orders in personality rights cases, citing freedom of speech. The Delhi High Court is hearing a lawsuit by Baba Ramdev alleging misappropriation of his image on social media platforms. X's counsel argued against the indiscriminate blocking of accounts, stating it has a chilling effect on free speech and that satire is protected in a democracy. Meta Platforms also stated that while it supports taking down egregious content, there must be tangible monetization by a third party, especially for global blocking orders. Baba Ramdev's lawsuit alleges the circulation of AI-generated deepfake videos and doctored images to commercially exploit his personality, infringing on his rights. Social media platform X on Tuesday told the Delhi high court that any content in the realm of satire, fair comment and public speech should be protected from takedown orders in cases seeking protection of personality rights. Justice Jyoti Singh was hearing a lawsuit by Baba Ramdev alleging large-scale misappropriation and commercial exploitation of his personality, image, and identity across various online and social media platforms. The counsel for X, formerly Twitter, opposed the "indiscriminate" blocking of accounts in personality right suits when there was nothing "egregious", saying such orders have a chilling effect on freedom of speech. He also referred to a post mentioned in Ramdev's lawsuit, a meme, and contended that it was satire which was protected in a democracy. "This is purely satire. How does this violate personality rights I fail to understand. This is protected. Satire, fair comment and public speech is protected from personality right. Satire is part of democracy. There is no democracy without free speech," he said. X's counsel also said that one of the objectionable accounts on its platform, bearing his name, was merely a parody account, which should be protected in this case. Along similar lines, counsel for Meta Platforms also said that while it was not opposed to taking down of egregious content, there must be some "tangible monetisation" by a third party, especially when a global blocking order was being sought. He also stated that most offending content was from news organisations and in case of any grievance, Ramdev should sue them for any incorrect information. "You can't have a personality right against a news channel in putting your name in a news article," the lawyer said as he raised concerns of impact on fair reporting. Both X and Meta Platforms said they have taken down certain offending content. Counsel appearing for Ramdev said the social media platforms should be fair and the content in question was damaging his reputation. In his lawsuit, Ramdev said several entities on social media platforms have published and circulated AI-generated deepfake videos, doctored images, etc, to commercially gain from and exploit various aspects of his personality, amounting to infringement of his personality and publicity rights and violating his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. "The pattern of AI-manipulation and impersonation carries the risk of irreversible dilution of the Plaintiff's spiritual persona where it was held that the sanctity of a spiritual leader's identity warrants heightened protection," the lawsuit said. "The dissemination of these infringing materials is continuous, borderless, and capable of instantaneous replication, and persists despite the knowledge and hosting by major intermediaries such as Google (YouTube), Meta Platforms Inc.(Facebook/Instagram), 10 and X-Corp. The infringing content continues to be widely accessible within the territorial jurisdiction of this Hon'ble Court, resulting in recurring harm and a persistent cause of action," it added. The matter would be heard next on February 18. CCTV footage from the hospital shows the woman carrying an infant in her arms while leaving the premises, they said, adding that interstate borders are being secured to prevent the accused from fleeing with the child. IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Pixabay Key Points The police launched a massive search operation and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspect. The suspect, an unidentified woman, gained the mother's trust before allegedly taking the baby. Interstate borders are being secured to prevent the accused from fleeing with the abducted newborn. An FIR has been registered, and multiple police teams are working to locate the woman and recover the infant in Delhi. A three-day-old boy was allegedly abducted by an unidentified woman from the neonatal ward of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Dehi's Rohini on Tuesday, triggering a massive search operation, officials said. CCTV footage from the hospital shows the woman carrying an infant in her arms while leaving the premises, they said, adding that interstate borders are being secured to prevent the accused from fleeing with the child. A PCR call was received around 9 am at the North Rohini police station regarding the alleged kidnapping of a newborn from the hospital, police said in a statement. "The complainant, identified as Sahin, a resident of Narela, told police she was admitted to the hospital on February 12 and delivered a male child on February 14," the statement read. During her stay at the labour ward, an unidentified woman, aged around 30 years, frequently approached her and struck up conversations, gradually gaining her confidence. On February 17 around 5 am, the woman allegedly took the newborn from Sahin on the pretext of feeding him milk. "Believing her, the mother handed over the baby. She later fell asleep. When Sahin woke up around 8 am, she found that both the woman and her baby were missing from the ward. She immediately alerted her husband and a PCR call was placed," police said. Based on the complainant's statement, an FIR was registered at North Rohini police station under Section 137(2) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and investigation was initiated, they said. Multiple teams have been formed to trace the accused woman and recover the infant. CCTV footage from various locations inside the hospital, including entry and exit points, corridors and nearby roads, is being examined to track the movement of the suspect. Preliminary scrutiny of footage has revealed a woman matching the description given by the complainant carrying a newborn in her arms while leaving the premises. Hospital staff, security guards, ward attendants are being questioned to determine how the woman gained access to the ward and whether she posed as a relative or attendant. The police are also verifying hospital visitor records and checking whether the suspect had visited the facility in the days prior to the incident. Alerts have been circulated across neighbouring districts and at state borders to prevent the accused from fleeing with the child, police said, adding that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused at the earliest. JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said Tuesday that it killed a Palestinian militant after the man crossed the "Yellow Line" demarcation in the northern Gaza Strip. In a statement, the military said the Palestinian approached the troops, "posing an imminent threat to their safety." "Following the identification, the Israel Air Force eliminated the terrorist in order to remove the threat," it said. The military stated that troops of the Southern Command will remain deployed in Gaza, citing the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, which established the "Yellow Line" demarcating Israeli-controlled areas. Also on Tuesday, Israeli authorities demolished four Palestinian homes in the West Bank and closed a community association in Jerusalem, according to Palestinian sources. The Palestinian Liberation Organization's Commission Against the Wall and Settlements said that Israeli bulldozers demolished a home in the town of Silat al-Harithiya, west of Jenin, after evacuating neighboring houses. In Nablus, Israeli authorities demolished a two-story house, according to its owner Yasser al-Saber, who told reporters that his family was forced to evacuate three weeks earlier after receiving a demolition order from an Israeli court. In a related incident, Palestinian security sources said Israeli forces demolished a two-story residential building in the town of al-Khader near Bethlehem, citing the lack of a building permit. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished a house in the town of Qarawat Bani Hassan, west of Salfit, after storming the area with several military vehicles, according to a statement issued by the governorate. The Commission Against the Wall and Settlements said the demolitions were part of a "systematic policy" aimed at weakening the Palestinian presence in towns and villages and expanding settlements. In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities closed the headquarters of the Burj al-Luqluq Community Association in the Old City for six months. In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate of the Palestinian Authority described the move as a "dangerous escalation," calling on the international community to take actions to protect Palestinian institutions and residents' rights to education, recreation and community services. These countries demonstrate how clean energy adoption, strong environmental policies and favourable geographical conditions can keep air pollution impressively low so its citizens can breathe easy. According to the IQAir World Air Quality Report (2024), they consistently maintain annual average PM2.5 levels at or below the World Health Organizations stringent guideline of 5 g/m. Nations with the most admirable AQI Photograph: Kind courtesy Dolphins/Wikimedia Commons 1. Bahamas The Caribbean isles record an exceptionally low PM2.5 level of 2.3 g/m. Its marine location, steady ocean breezes and lack of heavy industry help preserve remarkably clean air, making it one of the best places in the world to experience truly fresh air. Photograph: Kind courtesy Jakub Haun/Wikimedia Commons 2. Iceland The Nordic nation's average PM2.5 concentration stands at around 4 g/m, placing its air quality well within healthy limits and making it safe for people of all ages. Photograph: Kind courtesy Krzysztof Golik/Wikimedia Commons 3. New Zealand In 2024, New Zealands average PM2.5 concentration rose slightly to 4.40 g/m, marking a modest increase from the previous years level of 4.30 g/m. Despite this uptick, air quality remains among the cleanest globally. IQAir records show the countrys highest pollution levels were observed in 2018, when fine particulate matter peaked at 7.70 g/m. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dmitry Brant/Wikimedia Commons 4. Australia The Land Down Under marked an average PM2.5 concentration of 4.5 g/m, keeping national air pollution levels within the World Health Organization's strict safety benchmark of 5 g/m or lower. Photograph: Kind courtesy Maxim Bilovitskiy/Wikimedia Commons 5. Estonia Estonia's annual PM2.5 concentration averages 4.6 g/m. Notably, despite nearly half the population residing in Tallinn and its surrounding region, the capital city itself recorded a lower annual average of 4.3 g/m, comfortably remaining beneath the World Health Organization's recommended limits. Photograph: Kind courtesy Old Pionear/Wikimedia Commons 6. Finland With PM2.5 levels of 5.2 g/m, Finland benefits from dense forests, clean energy and tight emission standards. Photograph: Kind courtesy OleNeitzel/Wikimedia Commons 7. Sweden Yet another Scandinavian country in the top rankings, Sweden records 5.3 g/m annually. A strong focus on renewables, urban planning, keeps air pollution consistently low. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the swearing-in ceremony. IMAGE: BNP chairman Tarique Rahman (right) takes oath as Bangladesh's new prime minister during the swearing-in ceremony at the National Parliament building, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 17, 2026. Photograph: @ombirlakota X/ANI Photo Key Points Tarique Rahman's BNP secured 209 seats in the February 12 parliamentary elections. The new government faces challenges including a fragile economy and the need for good governance. Rahman calls for national unity and peace to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman was on Tuesday sworn in as Bangladesh's new prime minister, marking a new beginning for the country after 18 months of political uncertainty and lawlessness witnessed under the rule of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, represented India at the oath ceremony held at the open space of the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad in the presence of Bangladesh's top political and military brass. Birla handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Rahman, conveying his wishes and inviting him to visit India at the "earliest convenience". President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to 60-year-old Rahman at the South Plaza instead of Bangabhaban, in a departure from a long-standing tradition. "I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of prime minister of the government in accordance with the law," said Rahman, who led his party to a forceful victory in the crucial general elections. Besides Birla, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Nepal's Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Sri Lanka's Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa were among those who attended the event. Birla's presence at the ceremony came as Dhaka and New Delhi are looking at rebuilding their ties that came under severe strain under Yunus's interim regime. After the oath ceremony, Birla held a constructive meeting with PM Rahman. "I handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi conveying his wishes to PM Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience," Birla said in a post on X. Both leaders expressed optimism about working together for the well-being of the people of the two countries, pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X. Rahman became the prime minister for the first time. He replaced interim government chief Yunus, who took charge in August 2024 after the collapse of the Awami League regime. Rahman, the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former premier Khaleda Zia, returned home in December after living in London in self-exile for 17 years. He will serve as the prime minister for the next five years. Earlier in the day, Rahman was elected as leader of the parliamentary party by the BNP lawmakers. President Shahabuddin also administered the oath to 25 ministers and 24 state ministers at the ceremony, attended by several leaders from neighbouring countries. Of the 25 ministers, nine had served in Khaleda Zia's cabinets. 2 minority community members in Rahman cabinet The new cabinet includes two minority community members, BNP Vice President Nitai Roy Chowdhury of the Hindu faith and Dipen Dewan, a Buddhist. Cabinet division officials said the portfolios of the ministers and junior ministers would be announced later, though several mainstream media outlets named the portfolios of several of them, quoting unconfirmed sources. According to a list released by the BNP, veteran leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, while Finance Ministry has been given to Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. BNP's Salahuddin Ahmed has been appointed as Home Minister, while Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has been named Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister. In a surprise development, the new cabinet also inducted the outgoing interim regime's security adviser, Khalilur Rahman, as foreign minister, while several senior BNP leaders were left out of the new cabinet. In an interview with PTI Videos on Saturday, Rahman's Adviser Humayun Kabir said the BNP government wants to reset ties with India on a fresh footing now that Hasina and her Awami League party no longer hold power. "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 said. Describing 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 her or other Awami League figures in ways that could affect stability in Bangladesh. 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." The BNP bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats in the 13th Parliamentary elections held on February 12 after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation. The Awami League was barred from contesting polls. The result was a major turnaround for the BNP, long targeted under the 15-year rule of the Awami League government which collapsed following nationwide student-led protests in August 2024. Earlier in the day, newly elected lawmakers of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) took oath as members of parliament (MPs). Jamaat boycotts swearing-in ceremony The Jamaat-e-Islami, which has emerged as the main opposition, boycotted the swearing-in ceremony. Jamaat's electoral ally student-led national Citizen Party (NCP), which was floated last year with Yunus' blessings, followed in its footsteps. In a post-election press conference, Rahman called for "national unity" and "peace" in the national interest, warning that divisiveness would undermine democracy. He said the country faces a fragile economy, weakened institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation. "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united. I firmly believe that national unity is our collective strength, while division is our weakness," he said. He said the new government faces two major challenges - tackling the economy and ensuring good governance. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and his deputy Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher have been made leader and deputy leader of the opposition in the house, respectively. After 17 years in exile, Tarique Rahman has orchestrated a stunning political comeback, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to victory and assuming the role of prime minister, promising economic reforms and a new era for Bangladesh. IMAGE: Tarique Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), attends a press conference following his party's victory in the 13th general election, Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 14, 2026. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters Key Points Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in exile, led the BNP to a landslide victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections. The BNP secured 209 seats, marking a significant turnaround after years of opposition under the Awami League. Rahman pledges to focus on economic growth, good governance, and recalibrating international partnerships for Bangladesh. Rahman aims to expand financial aid, promote diverse industries, and limit prime ministerial terms to deter autocratic tendencies. Analysts note that Rahman's leadership faces challenges including maintaining party discipline and addressing the fragile economy. Tarique Rahman, who lived in London in self-exile for 17 years, has made a remarkable turnaround. The scion of one of the powerful political dynasties has led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party founded by his father to a forceful victory after 20 years. The 60-year-old BNP Chairman was sworn in as Bangladesh prime minister for the first time on Tuesday. His party bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, known to be close to Pakistan, secured 68 seats. The Awami League of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina was barred from contesting the 13th parliamentary polls held on February 12. BNP's turnaround The result was a major turnaround for the BNP, long targeted under the 15-year rule of Hasina's Awami League government which collapsed following nationwide student-led protests in August 2024. The BNP was founded by Rahman's father Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler turned politician. The party was led by his mother Khaleda Zia for nearly four decades after the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman in 1981. Five days after his return to Bangladesh amid a massive welcome in December last year, Rahman was struck by a personal tragedy as Khaleda Zia died after a prolonged illness. Rahman became the chairman of the BNP in the absence of his mother at a time when the party was facing a state of political wilderness ahead of the polls. The evolving scenario did not allow him to spend some private days amid personal loss, as events unfolded so quickly, he scarcely had time to reflect. Product of dynastic politics Rahman is widely seen as a product of dynastic politics, but his family's political background earned him a sort of acumen. He is credited with manoeuvring his party in a complicated scenario to ensure its key stake in the politics ahead of the general elections. A soft-spoken Rahman drew massive crowds as he spearheaded the campaign for his party. Since his return, Rahman noticeably adopted an approach of avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and calling instead for restraint and reconciliation despite the bitter relations of his family and himself in particular with the deposed Awami League regime. The BNP eventually won the landslide victory, and Rahman became the new prime minister. Rahman was born on November 20, 1965, in Dhaka. As a boy, he witnessed Bangladesh's liberation struggle in 1971. He was arrested along with his mother and brother, only to be released on December 16, 1971, when Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan. He studied international relations at the University of Dhaka, dropped out, and later started businesses in textiles and agro products. He was elected senior vice-chairman of the BNP in 2009 and gradually became involved in the party's reorganisation. Targeted in corruption cases Under Awami League rule, Rahman became a central target of several corruption and criminal cases. He was convicted in absentia in some of the cases. He was sentenced to life in connection with a 2004 grenade attack on Hasina's rally that killed 24 people and wounded dozens. He has always denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. He was acquitted in all cases during Muhammad Yunus's interim rule following Hasina's ouster. In 2018, when Khaleda Zia was jailed on graft charges, Rahman was nominated as the acting chairman of the party. After her death, he became the chairman. According to analysts, the election results marked a remarkable reversal of fortune for Rahman, who left the country in 2008, saying he needed medical treatment after his release from detention under a military-backed caretaker administration. Yet, they said uneasy doubts and speculations accompanied the enthusiasm. Rahman's Vision for Bangladesh "I have a plan for the people of my country and for my country," Rahman said, hours after his return to Bangladesh in December, referring to US civil rights activist Martin Luther King's remark, "I have a dream." He later gradually unfolded the plan, pledging to recalibrate Bangladesh's international partnerships to attract investment without tying the country too closely to any single power. He aims to expand financial aid for poor families, offering "family cards", reduce reliance on garment exports by promoting industries such as toys and leather goods, and introduce a two-term or 10-year limit for prime ministers to deter autocratic tendencies. Challenges Ahead In several interactions, Rahman acknowledged that the task ahead of him in the country of 170 million people would be daunting, with the new government facing two major challenges -- tackling the economy and ensuring good governance. Several analysts and observers said the lack of discipline within the BNP poses a major challenge for him. During the past 18 months, party activists largely earned a bad reputation in general for extorting and seizing the businesses of political opponents. Media reports said the BNP expelled some 10,000 of its activists during the past 18 months, while they were also accused of harassing rivals by lodging fake criminal cases. In past decades, critics and opponents widely viewed Rahman as a brash operator during the BNP's 2001-2006 rule under his mother's premiership. Despite having no government position, he was accused of running a parallel power centre, a charge which, however, he denies. This is not the Tarique of yore But several observers said he reappeared in the political arena after spending 17 years in a country where he witnessed the governance of an advanced democracy, largely as a changed person. "This is not that Tarique we heard of or seen before," said a minority Hindu community leader, preferring anonymity as he talked to him for over an hour two weeks ago, when he cracked sophisticated jokes and explained his vision for the country. In a post-election press conference, Rahman called for "national unity" and "peace" in the national interest, warning that divisiveness would undermine democracy. He said the country faces a fragile economy, weakened institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation. When a journalist asked how he would reconcile with the millions of Awami League supporters, Rahman answered, "By ensuring the rule of law". Rahman married cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman, the daughter of a former navy chief, in 1994. They have a daughter named Zaima Zarnaz Rahman. The action was taken six months after the commission had directed the state to initiate criminal cases against the accused IMAGE: People in large numbers wait to attend hearings under the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls at Jadavpur Center, in Kolkata, January 4, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The accused allegedly added fictitious names to voter lists in Baruipur Purba and Moyna Assembly constituencies. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated the government would support its employees, downplaying the seriousness of the FIRs. The Election Commission previously directed the suspension and filing of FIRs against the officials for professional misconduct. Three Electoral Roll Micro Observers were also suspended for failing to properly perform their duties. Acting on an Election Commission ultimatum, the West Bengal government on Tuesday registered FIRs against five state government employees, including two EROs and two AEROs, for alleged "grave lapses" and violations of data security policies over electoral roll revisions during the ongoing SIR exercise in the state. The action was taken six months after the commission had directed the state to initiate criminal cases against the accused. Police complaints were filed merely hours before the EC-set deadline of 5 pm. The development took place amid Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement that the state government would stand firmly beside all its employees and that the move was "not to be taken seriously". The accused personnel were allegedly involved in adding over a hundred fictitious names to voter lists in Baruipur Purba Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district and in Moyna AC in Purba Medinipur. In August last year, the commission had directed the state government to suspend the five officials and register FIRs against them after unearthing the alleged professional misconduct. The five officials -- Debottam Dutta Chowdhury and Tathagata Mandal, ERO and AERO of Baruipur Purba respectively; Biplab Sarkar and Sudipta Das, ERO and AERO of Moyna respectively; and Surojit Halder, a casual data entry operator -- were accused of sharing login credentials with unauthorized persons, allowing insertion of names in the electoral rolls, and failing to perform mandatory duties. Although the state government suspended the officials, but it initially did not register FIRs, claiming the actions were "unintentional mistakes". Citing section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the EC rejected the state's stand, issued reminders in January and set a deadline of February 17 for filing the FIRs. Last month, the poll panel questioned the disciplinary proceedings of the state that had cleared three officials and imposed a minor penalty on another. The fifth accused, the data entry operator, had been removed from all poll-related duties. On February 13, the Election Commission met Bengal chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty at Nirvachan Sadan in Delhi and set the state a fresh deadline to file FIRs against the officials alleged to have erred during the SIR exercise. This was the second such summoning of the state's top bureaucrat by the EC following the poll panel's summons to Chakravorty's predecessor Manoj Pant in August last year after the state government had initially refused to suspend the five officials on the commission's directive. Calling the EC a "Tughlaqi Commission", Banerjee on Tuesday reiterated the government's position to stand beside all officials accused of dereliction in duty by the poll body. "We have carried out the Commission's instructions out of courtesy for the poll body. But these things need not be taken seriously. Multiple FIRs were lodged against me when I protested the NRC exercise in Assam. This is not a major problem. We will stand with the officers of the state. There is law that has to be followed and if there are violations to it, then the law will take its own course," Banerjee said at a press conference at Nabanna, the state secretariat. "Remember, the officers weren't allowed to defend themselves. I know officers who have worked night and day for this exercise. They will keep working in roles other than those related to elections, no one will lose their jobs. If the EC demotes any officer of the state, then I will promote them," she added. In a related development, three Electoral Roll Micro Observers (ERMOs) were also suspended on Tuesday following reports submitted by the EC-appointed District Electoral Roll Observers, the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said. According to CEO's office, the action was taken after it emerged that the observers had failed to discharge their assigned responsibilities in accordance with laid-down norms. "All Electoral Roll Micro Observers are expected to personally perform their assigned tasks. Any instance of outsourcing or delegation will invite strict accountability and consequences," an official said. While two of the accused are bank managers, the third officer is a central tax and excise inspector. The move is seen as an effort to tighten oversight and ensure accuracy and integrity in the electoral roll-related work in the state. The Commission also directed that departmental proceedings be initiated against the three officials and asked that it be kept regularly informed about the progress of the inquiry, he added. On Sunday, the EC suspended seven AEROs across four Bengal districts with immediate effect for "serious misconduct, dereliction of duty and misuse of statutory powers" in connection with the ongoing SIR exercise. The poll authority also directed Chakravorty to initiate disciplinary proceedings against these officials by their respective cadre controlling authorities, without any delay and appraise the Commission in this regard. Till reports last received, the state was yet to act on those directions. The Meerut woman had prepared forged documents to obtain a passport for her Pak-born daughter and procured two separate identity documents in her own name. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The arrested woman's daughter has also been booked for residing in India without valid citizenship. The complaint alleges the woman traveled to Pakistan, married a Pakistani national, and brought her daughter to India on a Pakistani passport. Authorities discovered forged documents allegedly used to obtain a passport for the daughter and separate identity documents for the mother. Both women are accused of collecting confidential information for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). A woman was arrested on Monday and her daughter booked for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI and residing in the country without valid citizenship, the Meerut police said. According to the police, Ruksana, a resident of the Delhi Gate police station area, submitted a complaint to the senior superintendent of police and the additional superintendent of police (City), alleging that Saba Farhat, who lives in Nadir Ali Building in Jali Kothi, had travelled to Pakistan in 1988 and married a Pakistani national, Farhat Masood, there. The complaint stated that her daughter, Aiman Farhat, who was born in Pakistan in 1993, was brought to India on a Pakistani passport and later enrolled in a school in Meerut, but was never granted an Indian citizenship, they said. The complainant further alleged that the woman had prepared forged documents to obtain a passport for her daughter and procured two separate identity documents in her own name. It was also alleged that both women were spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and collecting confidential information, the police said. The police arrested Saba Farhat on Monday and she will be produced in the court on Tuesday, officials said. SSP Avinash Pandey said the acting on a complaint, a probe by the additional superintendent of police (City) found forged documents from their possession after which an FIR was on Saturday registered against the women at the Delhi Gate police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A Bihar family, already grieving the death of their NEET aspirant daughter amid a CBI probe into alleged sexual assault, now faces chilling threats against their son, raising serious concerns about witness intimidation and the integrity of the investigation. IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The family reported a threatening note warning of harm to their son if they don't relent. The victim, an 18-year-old student, was found unconscious at a Patna hostel and later died in hospital. Forensic tests revealed semen on the victim's clothes, leading to allegations of drugging and sexual assault. The Nitish Kumar government handed the probe over to the CBI following family allegations of a police cover-up. The family of a NEET aspirant in Bihar, whose death after alleged sexual assault is being probed by the CBI, has claimed that they have received a threat that their son would meet the same fate as their deceased daughter, police said on Tuesday. The family has alleged in a complaint that a piece of paper was thrown inside their house, on which it was written "you have lost your daughter and if you do not relent you will lose your son as well", said Rahul Kumar, the SHO of Shakurabad police station in Jehanabad district. "A piece of paper with a similar threatening message had been thrown inside the house on Saturday. Accordingly, security arrangements had been made at their place. We shall look into the fresh complaint and take appropriate steps," he said. The girl, aged around 18, was pursuing her studies while living at a private hostel in Patna. She was found in an unconscious state last month at the hostel and died at a hospital days later. Forensic tests had revealed that drops of semen were found on the girl's clothes, triggering allegations that she was drugged and sexually assaulted. Family members had been alleging that the police were trying to prove that the death was by suicide. Accordingly, the Nitish Kumar government handed over the probe to the CBI. Relations with India experienced a downturn during Yunus's tenure, while ties with Pakistan saw positive developments. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: @ChiefAdviserGoB/X Key Points Outgoing leader Muhammad Yunus asserts his 18-month rule restored Bangladesh's sovereignty, national interests, and dignity. Yunus highlights Bangladesh's shift towards a confident and active role in protecting its independent interests on the global stage. The interim government focused on ensuring democratic rights, formulating new laws, and amending existing ones. Outgoing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Monday said his 18-month rule restored three core pillars of Bangladesh's external engagement -- "sovereignty, national interests, and dignity" -- and it is no longer a "submissive" nation. In his farewell address to the nation, Yunus said that at the end of his regime's rule, "Today's Bangladesh is confident, active, and responsible in protecting its independent interests". "Bangladesh is no longer a country with a submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries," he said in the televised address a day ahead of quitting power. He emphasised that his 18-month tenure had rebuilt the three "fundamental foundations" of the country's foreign engagement: "sovereignty, national interests, and dignity". Yunus' interim regime began in August 2024 and is set to conclude its unscheduled term with the swearing-in of a new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Tuesday, which won a two-thirds majority in general elections four days ago. BNP The BNP, led by its chairman Tarique Rahman, bagged a whopping 209 out of 297 seats in the crucial 13th Parliamentary elections held on February 12. "I call upon everyone, regardless of party, creed, religion, caste and gender, to continue the struggle to build a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh. With this appeal, I bid farewell with great optimism," Yunus said. Yunus, who ran the country as the outgoing regime's chief adviser, effectively the prime minister, said Bangladesh's open sea was its great "strategic asset", creating huge economic opportunities in the region for the South Asian nation. He emphasised the vast growth potential of broader regional cooperation encompassing Nepal, Bhutan, and "northeastern India". "Our open sea is not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy," he said, adding that connectivity was central to the country's next phase of development. Yunus said that his administration exhausted its efforts to "ensure democratic rights and values" and formulated some 130 new laws, amended other laws, and issued 600 executive orders, about 84 per cent of which have been implemented. He said that international port management companies, against which workers waged massive protests, and which critics said were against Bangladeshi interests, would raise the efficiency of the facilities to global standards. "We have come a long way in signing agreements with leading international port management companies to bring our ports' efficiency up to international standards. If we cannot increase efficiency, we will lag behind in economic achievements," he said. Earlier in the day, Yunus met with senior bureaucrats and participated in a photo session with all those serving at his office. Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman also paid a farewell visit to him. Yunus thanked the Army chief for the cooperation of the armed forces during the general election. On Sunday, Yunus held the last meeting of his advisory council or cabinet. Bangladesh-India Relations Under Yunus Under Yunus's tenure, Dhaka's relations with New Delhi witnessed a significant downturn. 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. Several foreign experts said Bangladesh earned little in foreign relations under Yunus' leadership, while ties with its immediate neighbour, India, saw their lowest ebb. Executive director of thinktank Centre for Policy Dialogue Fahmida Khatun said political strains with India under Yunus spilled into economic ties, "preventing the easing of tariff and non-tariff barriers that could boost bilateral trade". Foreign relations analyst Mustafizur Rahman said under Yunus, relations with India became strained, while ties with Pakistan marked a sudden positive development without building a domestic political consensus on these shifts. "Whatever he (Yunus) said or called in his farewell address, his regime, apparently with a deliberate effort, divided further an already polarised Bangladesh, leaving behind a fragile political scenario, promoting far right elements," security and political analyst Nasir Uddin said. People are seen at a fair for candied fruits in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 17, 2025. The fair in celebration of the Spring Festival featuring traditional performances, cultural and creative products, and specialty food attracted many tourists here. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Merchants sell candied fruits at a fair in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 17, 2025. The fair in celebration of the Spring Festival featuring traditional performances, cultural and creative products, and specialty food attracted many tourists here. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) People buy candied fruits at a fair in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 17, 2025. The fair in celebration of the Spring Festival featuring traditional performances, cultural and creative products, and specialty food attracted many tourists here. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Merchants make candied fruits at a fair in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 17, 2025. The fair in celebration of the Spring Festival featuring traditional performances, cultural and creative products, and specialty food attracted many tourists here. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Merchants sell candied fruits at a fair in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 17, 2025. The fair in celebration of the Spring Festival featuring traditional performances, cultural and creative products, and specialty food attracted many tourists here. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) There is so much at stake in this years local election in Brattleboro. The results will imp Tyra Banks refused to speak to Jay Manuel when he returned to America's Next Top Model. Jay Manuel says Tyra Banks refused to talk to him The 52-year-old star brought the 53-year-old makeup artist on board as a creative director when the series first launched in 2003, but he decided to move on eight seasons (referred to as cycles) into the show. In new Netflix documentary Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, Jay recalled emailing Tyra to thank her for the opportunity. He revealed: "She didnt respond. It was probably the longest three days ever. "And she ultimately wrote back just three words. 'I am disappointed.' "After that email exchange, all communication just stopped. It shouldve been the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart, but that did not happen." Higher-ups at network UPN convinced him to return for one more cycle while they tried to figure out his replacement. Reflecting on that period, he told PEOPLE magazine: "Tyra chose not to speak with me at all while the cameras were off. When they were on, she'd speak to me. "After [trying to leave], I did cycle 9, which was ... torture for me. I was so broken by the end of that cycle because of the mental torture of what was going on." In the documentary, Tyra refused to discuss the situation with Jay, as she insisted she should contact him directly instead. Now, a year after the piece was filmed, Jay has claimed: "I never got that phone call. I don't think I'm getting a phone call. She's got my number." Jay left the show 2012 alongside panellists Miss J Alexander and Nigel Barker, with none of the trio given the chance to confirm the news themselves in a statement. Instead, it was reported to the media that they had been "fired". Jay actually reconnected with Tyra five years later when they both attended BeautyCon. Despite having "a really nice conversation" at the event, they have had "no communication of any sort, text, email, anything" since then, but he is "open" to reconciling and "wishes her no ill will". Jay said: "Tyra and I were close, and when we were in New York shooting, or even in LA shooting, she'd be at my house or I'd be at her house, and we would really download. "But at the same time, and she knows this to be true, the things that are those really, really trusted important things that she has said to me, I will never repeat. "I will forever honour my relationship with her in the past." NEW DELHI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the five-day "India AI Impact Expo 2026" at an exhibition center here, attended by 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500 global AI leaders. According to an official statement, the AI summit was anchored in the three core pillars of "People, Planet and Progress." It was driven by seven thematic working groups covering AI for Economic Growth and Social Good, Democratization of AI Resources, Inclusion for Social Empowerment, Safe and Trusted AI, Human Capital, Science, and Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency. The expo features pavilions from 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, among others. The AI expo had over 600 high-potential startups displaying international collaboration in the AI ecosystem, stated the official statement issued by the Indian government. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Mike Pieciak has served as Vermont State Treasurer since January 2023. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least four suspected terrorists were killed in an overnight counter-terrorism operation in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, police said on Tuesday. The raid was carried out in the Shah Latif Town area of the provincial capital Karachi by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh Police, acting on intelligence obtained from suspects arrested last month with explosive material, officials said. According to police, the suspects opened fire when security personnel entered the house, triggering an exchange of gunfire. Four militants were killed during the operation, reportedly by firing from their own associates. Deputy Inspector General of CTD Azfar Mahesar said one suspect died on the spot, while three others succumbed to injuries before reaching the hospital. He said two CTD personnel were injured and shifted to the hospital, where they are said to be in stable condition. Weapons and explosive materials, including five hand grenades, a sub-machine gun, detonators and electronic circuits, were recovered from the house. Police said several accomplices managed to flee. A search operation was launched in the surrounding area under tight security. A European Commission spokeswoman on February 17 confirmed that Brussels was in touch with Ukraine regarding the Druzhba pipeline that has been damaged since late January, preventing Russian oil from flowing to Hungary and Slovakia. "We are in contact with Ukraine on the timeline for reparation of the Druzhba oil pipeline and how quickly this might be up and running," Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told journalists in Brussels, adding the EU executive was ready to call an emergency coordination group with relevant parties to discuss alternative routes to fuel supply. Itkonen also said there were "no short-term risks to security of supply for Hungary and Slovakia" as they hold 90 days of reserve stocks. The halt of Russian oil via the pipeline has caused tensions between Ukraine and EU member states Hungary and Slovakia. While Kyiv has maintained that a Russian drone attack was responsible for the disruption starting on January 27, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on February 15 that Ukraine had delayed the restart of the oil flow in order to pressure Hungary to drop its veto on Ukraine's future membership of the European Union. Fico said this was "political blackmail." While the European Union has imposed an import ban on Russian oil via pipelines over the Kremlin's war in Ukraine, landlocked Hungary and Slovakia secured exemptions to those sanctions. On February 16, Budapest also expressed its wish to invoke the temporary exemption to import seaborne Russian crude oil via Croatia using the Adria pipeline. "We request Croatia to enable the transport of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Adria pipeline, as our sanctions exemption provides the possibility to import Russian oil by sea if pipeline deliveries are disrupted," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto wrote on X. Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar said Zagreb should be able to help, tweeting that "Croatia will not allow Central Europe's fuel supply to be endangered. We are ready to help solve the acute disruption." He did, however, also criticize Budapest and Bratislava in the same post on X for so far not being able to diversify from Russian energy imports by adding that "the Adria pipeline is ready, so there are no technical excuses left for staying tied to Russian crude for any EU country. A barrel bought from Russia may appear cheaper to some countries, but helps fund war and attacks on Ukrainian people. It's time to stop that war profiteering." A report released on February 16 by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), a think tank in Bulgaria, also found Hungary did not need Russian oil because other sources were readily available. "There are no technical or economic grounds for prolonging the sanctions exemption for Russian oil in Central Europe. Hungary's continued dependence is a policy choice that weakens EU unity and undermines the credibility of the sanctions regime. Phasing out Russian crude by the end of 2026 is both feasible and essential for Europe's long-term energy security," said Martin Vladimirov, director of CSD's Energy and Climate Program. As the latest nuclear talks ended in Geneva on February 17, the United States is looking at tightening pressure on Irans discounted crude exports to China, seen as central to Tehrans economic survival. More than 80 percent of Iranian oil exports go to China. According to a report from Axios citing American officials, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed that Washington would work to reduce Iranian oil sales to China, which could significantly increase pressure on Tehran. Asked about the report, China's Foreign Ministry said on February 16 that "normal cooperation between countries conducted within the framework of international law is reasonable and legitimate, and should be respected and protected." The dispute underscores how China has become central to Iran's ability to withstand Western pressure. Beijing is Tehran's largest trading partner and an increasingly important source of technology and security cooperation, making Chinese oil purchases an attractive target to reshape the negotiating landscape. But growing US pressure and China's muted response highlight Beijing's complicated role. As Iran faces a US military buildup in the region and renewed diplomatic pressure following a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, China has maintained a cautious public posture, calling for stability while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington. At the same time, years of deepening ties -- from police training to advanced surveillance -- have helped Tehran suppress dissent and weather one of the most serious challenges to its clerical rule in years. "It's a blueprint that China excels at and has refined at home," Michael Caster, head of the British human rights group Article 19's global China program, told RFE/RL. "States like Iran don't need encouragement to be authoritarian, but they can certainly look to the more effective and capable authoritarian influence deployed by China." Exporting A Playbook Oil has formed the bedrock of China-Iran ties in recent years. US sanctions designed to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions have been partly offset by Beijing's purchases of discounted crude. Much of that trade operates through barter arrangements, with discounted Iranian oil exchanged for Chinese goods, technology, and infrastructure. The system has flooded Iranian markets with Chinese manufactured products while helping sustain government revenue. Trump signed an executive order on February 6 that will allow Washington to increase economic pressure on Iran and potential target Chinese oil purchases. Such steps could also affect the flow of Chinese hardware that underpins Iran's expanding censorship system, which enabled authorities to disconnect much of the country during January's protests. "The digital domain is where civil society finds gaps in the infrastructure of control to convene, express, and document," said Caster, who is the co-author of a recent report for Article 19 detailing how China has helped Tehran expand digital repression inside the country. "By gaining that total control over the digital domain through new technologies and tactics from China, Iran is able to exert a new level of control." That cooperation was evident as Iranians took to the streets over the country's worsening economic crisis. Authorities shut down Internet access with unprecedented speed, isolating citizens from the outside world and limiting the spread of information. Eyewitnesses said drones were used to corral protesters and, in some cases, fire on crowds. Others reported the technology was used to identify demonstrators on the streets and in their homes after chanting anti-government slogans. Article 19's report says surveillance technologies first implemented in China's Xinjiang region against the Uyghur population are now being used in Iran, which Caster says showcases how Tehran borrows from Beijing's "digital authoritarian playbook." "We have seen documentation going back a decade and a half for technology transfers between China and Iran," Caster said. " But one of the crucial parts of the story that is often overlooked are the terms of the normative framework -- or the strategy of deploying these technologies for really sophisticated digital authoritarian purposes." A Deeper Security Partnership The partnership has developed gradually, with Chinese tech giants like Huawei, ZTE, Tiandy, and Hikvision signing agreements to supply Tehran with equipment and know-how. Those transfers have continued despite US sanctions and helped advance Iran's National Information Network (NIN), a state-controlled and heavily monitored domestic Internet that is nearing completion. Iranian security forces began receiving training from Chinese counterparts in crowd-control tactics and monitoring technologies as early as 2005, cooperation that has deepened through decades of exchanges and agreements. Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional security and trade bloc, in 2023 with China's backing. It hosted troops from China, Russia, and seven other countries for counterterrorism drills organized under the SCO in December. A few weeks later, on December 25, just days before Iran's protests erupted, Iran's ambassador to China visited the People's Public Security University in Beijing, where he pledged to continue "pragmatic cooperation in law enforcement and security." In 2021, Iran and China announced a 25-year economic cooperation agreement to boost technical cooperation and build expansive infrastructure like new highways and high-speed railways. Soheil Azadi, a member of the editorial board of the Canada-based Persian fact-checking website FactNameh, told RFE/RL that leaked versions of the deal show clauses specifically designed for security cooperation and technological transfers. He says some of these areas overlap with Iran adopting Chinese surveillance equipment and with consultations on building the NIN. That deal has so far led to limited results, with Chinese investment largely limited inside heavily sanctioned Iran. A late January study of China-Iran ties by the Washington-based Brookings Institution called the agreement "an effort to keep Iran's economy afloat in the face of American sanctions" that aligns with Beijing's pragmatic approach toward Iran as it continues to grapple with US pressure and instability at home. "China is much more important to Iran than vice versa," the report said. "For China, its interests in Iran will be focused on protecting stability, ensuring continuing access to Iranian oil exports, and seeking to prevent the emergence of a pro-American regime in Tehran." A second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17 without an agreement. "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss," a US official told RFE/RL. "The Iranians said they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some of the open gaps in our positions.' Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told his country's state media that the two sides had "reached an understanding" on key issues, but cautioned that it "does not mean that we will reach an agreement soon." He added that Tehran and Washington will begin work on potential agreement documents but said no date had been set for the next round of talks. In an interview to Fox News after the end of the February 17 talks, US Vice President JD Vance said that Iran "is not ready yet to recognize [US President Donald] Trump's red lines." "Iran says it is not seeking nuclear weapons, but we know it is not true," Vance said. "We would very much like to resolve all the issues through a conversation." The vice president added that Trump has "many tools" to prevent the world's most unpredictable regime from acquiring the "world's most dangerous weapon." Addressing a special session of the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations after the talks with the United States, Araqchi said Tehran was "hopeful that negotiation will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interest" of all parties involved. He added, however, that Iran is "fully prepared to defend itself" against US strikes. Mediated by Oman, the negotiations aim to resolve the years-long dispute over Iran's nuclear program as the United States continues to amass forces in the Arabian Sea. President Donald Trump has warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to military strikes. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shrugged off US threats of military action as Iranian and US negotiators began the talks. Addressing a crowd of supporters in Tehran, Khamenei suggested that Iran has the capability to sink US warships amassing on its doorstep. "What's more dangerous than a warship is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea," he said, referring to Iran's missiles. His comments come a day after Trump hinted at the possibility of military action if diplomacy fails. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on February 16. "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," he added, referring to the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. On February 13, the US president said regime change in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen." Directly addressing Trump, Khamenei said the president "will not be able to" overthrow the Islamic republic. Trump said he would be "indirectly" involved in the Geneva talks. This marks the second round of negotiations this year between Tehran and Washington, following talks earlier this month in Muscat. Iran has stated it is willing to submit to a stringent inspection regime of its nuclear facilities in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions. It has also sought to present its sanctions-hit economy as a lucrative investment opportunity for American firms. However, Tehran has rejected the possibility of negotiating over issues such as its missile program and support for proxies in the region -- red lines the Trump administration insists must be addressed. The talks were held at the Omani consulate, with mediators exchanging messages between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Closing The Strait Of Hormuz With the United States bolstering its military presence on in the Arabian Sea, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on February 16 kicked off naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported the aim was to test the operational readiness of the IRGC Navy against "possible security and military threats." On February 17, state media announced the temporary closure of parts of the strait for "security precautions." As tensions with the West escalate, Tehran often threatens to disrupt the strait -- a global chokepoint through which more than 20 percent of the worlds oil supply passes daily. Kosovo is turning 18, but this year the anniversary is marked by protests as well as celebrations. The declaration of independence is being overshadowed by the trial of the man who proclaimed it, former President Hashim Thaci, and in particular by the prosecution's request for a 45-year prison sentence. Closing arguments are now under way at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, with Thaci and three other former senior commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) on trial: Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. Accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, they have been in pretrial detention since November 2020. The Specialist Chamber was established in 2015 by the Kosovo Assembly to prosecute mainly former KLA fighters for war crimes and is part of Kosovo's judicial system, but it operates with international staff and is based in The Hague. Fear of witness intimidation was one of the reasons the court is located there. Closing Arguments During closing arguments, which began on February 9 and are set to conclude on February 18, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office (SPO) described the KLA as a structured organization in which the four defendants held senior leadership roles. Prosecutors alleged that more than 50 KLA detention centers were used to unlawfully detain, abuse, and kill perceived opponents, including Albanians, Serbs, Roma, and others. They said about 100 people were killed and cited 437 detention incidents between April 1998 and August 1999, most involving civilians. The prosecution presented KLA General Staff communiques that referred to the killing of alleged collaborators with Serbia and warned others not to follow the same path. The prosecution argued the crimes were committed to consolidate control over Kosovo and outlined the defendants' roles within the KLA leadership and the Provisional Government. During the trial, the prosecution has called around 125 witnesses, many of them anonymous. The defense teams rejected the allegations and argued that a 45-year sentence would amount to life imprisonment. Thaci's lawyers argued there is no direct evidence of any plan to take control of Kosovo through crimes. They said Thaci was often outside Kosovo during the period covered by the indictment and did not attend General Staff meetings. Defense lawyers also said international witnesses had testified that Thaci was not suspected of war crimes at the time and that information from diplomatic and intelligence sources did not implicate him. Prominent Western figures -- including former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Wesley Clark, former US State Department official James Rubin, and retired US diplomat Christopher Hill -- testified for the defense. Thaci's lawyers challenged the prosecution's claims of effective KLA command and control, saying there was no proof he knew of crimes allegedly committed by members of the KLA or the Provisional Government, or that he had real power as prime minister. The defense concluded that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Thaci contributed to any crimes alleged in the indictment, including killings and unlawful detentions. Case Hits A Nerve Amer Alija, a legal researcher at the Humanitarian Law Center in Pristina, said the request for a 45-year prison sentence had no legal basis under the former Yugoslav law in force at the time the crimes were allegedly committed, 199899, or under current Kosovo legislation. At the time, maximum sentences could reach up to 20 years in prison, while under Kosovo law today they go up to 35 years. Agon Maliqi, a nonresident senior fellow with the Europe Center at the Atlantic Council, told RFE/RL that the prosecution's request had touched "a public nerve" across Kosovo. While reiterating that he is not a jurist, Maliqi described the request as offensive, scandalous, and a desperate attempt by the prosecution to seek the maximum sentence in order to secure at least a lesser conviction. "A guilty verdict seems implausible to me. To request sentences comparable to those for war criminals who killed tens of thousands of innocent civilians is entirely disproportionate," he said. For comparison, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was sentenced to 40 years in prison, later extended to a life sentence, on multiple counts including the massacre of 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica, unlawful attacks on civilians during the siege of Sarajevo, and ethnic cleansing in which hundreds of thousands of people were driven from their homes. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), founded by Thaci and now in opposition, has called a February 17 protest in Pristina in support of all four defendants. PDK has voiced dissatisfaction with the government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti over its handling of the case in The Hague, saying it has failed to provide adequate care and support for former KLA leaders over the past five years, including difficulties in financing the defense team. Kurti and his party, the Self-Determination Movement, have long been critical of the Specialist Chambers and voted against their establishment. On February 11, after nearly a year of political stalemate over government formation, Kurti opened his address to lawmakers -- while presenting the composition of the new government -- by saying the prosecution's efforts in The Hague are "an attempt that runs counter to the truth." A day later, the newly elected parliament adopted a resolution calling for a fair trial for the accused in The Hague. "Any attempt to equate the KLA's liberation war with the crimes of the genocidal Serbian aggressor undermines trust in justice and severely damages long-term peace," said President Vjosa Osmani, who is now seeking a second term. After closing arguments conclude, the case moves to the judges, who have three months to deliver a verdict. Alija said they may request an additional two months to review the extensive evidence. US Special Envoy Witkoff said the first day of the latest round of US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia had "brought about meaningful progress" in stopping the war. The delegations of the two countries were set to continue talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in working groups on February 18. Writing on X, Witkoff added that "both parties agreed to update their respective leaders and continue working towards a deal." "Discussions focused on practical issues and the mechanics of possible solutions," Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said in a social media post. Russian media quoted a source in the Russian delegation saying the talks went on for six hours and were "very tense." Sources in Washington told RFE/RL that national-security advisers from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy were observing the talks, which came hours after another round of Russian strikes on targets across Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles. Zelenskyy insisted that Russia's actions must not be overlooked in Geneva. Ukraine's negotiators "should definitely ask questions about these air strikes questions primarily to the American side, which suggested to both us and Russia to refrain from strikes," he said in his daily social media address. The meetings in Geneva also come a week before the fourth anniversary of Russia's all-out war on Ukraine, a conflict that has killed or wounded some 2 million people on both sides. The US-led efforts to resolve the conflict have progressed further than any other time since the months after the February 24, 2022, invasion. However, Russia has shown little inclination to back away from its hard-line demands, which include Kyiv relinquishing territory it still holds in the eastern Donbas region. Ukraine, meanwhile, has pushed Washington and European allies for iron-clad security guarantees that would help protect it against future Russian aggression. Both Ukraine and Russia have described earlier rounds of talks focusing on granular security issues as positive. However, the Russian delegation attending the new talks includes Vladimir Medinsky, a revisionist historian and former culture minister whose views Ukraine has derided as "pseudo-historical." Ahead of the talks, the leader of the Ukrainian delegation, Kyrylo Budanov, appeared to take a jab at Medinsky, saying, "We will discuss the lessons of our history with our colleagues and look for the right conclusions." The two men charged with leading the US effort are special envoy Steve Witkoff and the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner. On the eve of the talks, Trump, who has been frustrated by his inability to resolve the conflict, appeared to lean on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We have big talks. It's gonna be very easy," he told reporters. "Ukraine better come to the table fast. That's all I'm telling you." Both on the battlefield and in negotiations, Russia appears to believe it has the upper hand. While Russian forces have been grinding forward at a snail's pace across the front line, Moscow has devastated Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Millions have struggled amid an unusually cold winter without heat or electricity. On February 17, Donbasenergo, a Ukrainian energy company, said three of its employees were killed when a drone struck the car they were traveling in. Ukraine's military said Russia fired more than 420 drones and missiles at targets across the country. Emergency workers reported wounded civilians in the Black Sea port city of Odesa and the northern city of Sumy. In northern Russia, Telegram channels reported an explosion at a military facility in Sertolovo, in the Leningrad region, killing at least two people. There were no immediate reports on the cause of the blast. Earlier, in Russian-annexed Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed administrator of the port city of Sevastopol, said more than 24 drones were shot down during "one of the longest attacks in recent times." WASHINGTON -- A senior US State Department official has flatly rejected suggestions that Washington and Moscow are informally continuing to observe the limits of the now-expired, nuclear-weapon-limiting New START treaty, saying there is no "gentlemens agreement" in place. "I know of no such agreement," Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw said on February 17 at the Hudson Institute when asked whether the two sides were quietly adhering to New START's caps despite the treaty's expiration. Axios reported on February 5 that, according to three sources familiar with the talks, the United States and Russia were moving closer on a deal to "continue to observe the expiring New START arms control treaty." The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) was signed in 2010 by the United States and Russia and limited the two countries to 1,550 deployed warheads each. The treaty expired on February 5. Yeaw's comments underscore a harder US line on arms control under President Donald Trump, whose administration has allowed New START to lapse while pursuing what officials describe as a broader, trilateral framework that would also include China. Treaty Limits No Longer Binding New START capped deployed US and Russian strategic nuclear warheads but did not cover nonstrategic or "theater" nuclear weapons and imposed no limits on China. Yeaw described those omissions as fundamental flaws. "Only two blocks out of six were captured by treaty," he said, outlining a matrix of US, Russian, and Chinese strategic and theater nuclear forces. With China unconstrained and Russia modernizing its nonstrategic arsenal, he argued, the treaty framework had become outdated. Russia had already stepped back from full implementation before expiration, Yeaw said, adding Washington is now free to adjust its posture as needed. "We are no longer bound by New START treaty limits," he said, noting any future force decisions rest with the president and the Pentagon. China Test Allegations Add Pressure Yeaw's remarks came as he elaborated on US claims that China had conducted a yield-producing nuclear test. The United States is aware China carried out a supercritical nuclear detonation on June 22, 2020, near its Lop Nur test site, he said, citing seismic data indicating a magnitude 2.75 event. "I'm data-driven. I'm a scientist," Yeaw said. "There is very little possibility that it is anything but an explosion." He accused Beijing of using "decoupling" techniques to reduce the detectability of such tests and said China has prepared tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tons. China has denied violating its testing moratorium. Trump has said the United States would return to nuclear testing on an "equal basis" if competitors continue to conduct yield-producing explosions. Yeaw stressed that does not mean a return to Cold War-era megaton atmospheric tests, but it does mean Washington will not adhere to a strict zero-yield posture if others do not. "If adversaries conduct nuclear tests but the US does not, America is putting itself at an intolerable disadvantage," he said. Yeaw framed the administration's approach as "America First arms control" but added it "cannot and does not mean America-only arms control." The administration will seek further strategic stability agreements on a trilateral basis, involving both Russia and China, he said. With the next Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty review conference approaching, Yeaw signaled Washington will press Beijing to join negotiations rather than rely on bilateral US-Russia arrangements. For now, however, he made clear there is no informal understanding keeping New START alive. "There is no such agreement," Yeaw said. Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods. I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on two issues: the EU's push to get Russian concessions and Ukraine's EU 2027 EU membership bid. Briefing #1: What The EU Says Russia Should Concede What You Need To Know: The EU top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has distributed a paper among EU member states, seen by RFE/RL, that spells out concessions Russia should make in ongoing diplomatic talks with Ukraine, which the United States is mediating. The demands include a reduction of Russian troops levels and their withdrawal from neighboring countries, reparation payments, and the need to democratize its society. Neither the EU nor individual European nations have a seat at the table in the various negotiations that have been ongoing for close to a year to stop the war in Ukraine. Seeing as the EU funds most aid to Ukraine and a potential 20-point peace plan spells out clear Brussels competences such as Ukrainian EU membership by 2027, European leaders have bemoaned their lack of political clout in the talks. Deep Background: The discussion paper, titled European Core Interests in Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace and Continent's Security, insists that there can be no peace or security "without the EU at the negotiating table and without taking into account [the] EU's core interests." The document presents a very "EU maximalist" view on what Russia should do, with one EU diplomat telling RFE/RL that "we pay back to Russian maximalists demands on Ukraine." The Kremlin has so far refused to give up its goal of controlling the entire Ukrainian region of Donbas and reportedly also balked at ideas such as stationing NATO troops in western Ukraine as a post-deal security deal or paying for damages caused by the war. Another European official familiar with the paper says: "Getting to peace isn't all about Ukraine conceding. We also have to talk about what Russia must do, ahead of sending any envoy there." There have been discussions among EU capitals about creating an EU envoy who deals specifically with Russia even though there is no agreement who this person would be or what their mandate would be. The paper will be discussed by EU ambassadors on February 17, and it is expected that at least parts of might come up for debate when the bloc's foreign ministers meet in Brussels on February 23. Drilling Down: In the first chapter, titled Russia to Respect Independence, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of States, the main idea is that if Ukraine should cap its troop levels or even withdraw them from some areas -- something discussed during the US-mediated talks -- then Russia should do the same. It also demands that no "de jure" recognition of the occupied Ukrainian territories occur and that those areas are de-militarized. The next chapter, A Secure and Stable Europe, includes a demand that "Russia stops disinformation campaigns, sabotage, cyber-attacks, airspace violations and interference in elections on European territory and in neighbouring countries." Another ultimatum stipulates no nuclear weapons in Belarus and a "ban of Russian military presence and deployments in Belarus, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Armenia." Russian troops have for decades been stationed in Russian-controlled breakaway regions such as Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transdniester, as well as bases in Armenia and Belarus. On the need for Moscow to adhere to international law, the call by the EU includes no blanket amnesty for war crimes, access for international investigators to sites of suspected war crimes, and that no domestic Russian law is elevated above international treaties spelling out various Russian obligations globally. When it comes to reparations, the text notes that "Russia must compensate and contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction, for damages to European states and European companies, and for ecological damages it has caused." The EU has frozen some 210 billion euros worth of Russian sovereign wealth assets but has so far failed to agree on a method to either legally confiscate them or leverage them to channel funds to Ukraine. Brussels has, however, sent the quarterly windfall profits of this money to Kyiv. The final demands concern the domestic situation in Russia with the paper calling for free and fair elections with international monitoring, a release of all political prisoners, a return of deported civilians and children, media freedom, a repeal of the foreign agent law, ceasing "historical falsification and other laws that criminalize dissent and delegitimize independent media and civil society" and full cooperation in investigations of the killings of the Russian opposition leaders Aleksei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov. Briefing #2: Ukraine's EU Membership Pipe Dream What You Need To Know: The question of a speedy Ukrainian EU membership, possibly even as early as next year, has resurfaced again. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy notably tweeted, "It is important that Ukraine will do everything to be technically ready for EU accession by 2027. At least the main steps we will accomplish. I want a specific date." He elaborated at the Munich Security Conference on February 14 that "we need a date because otherwise Russia will try to block us -- directly or through maybe other countries." In parallel, Brussels is starting to look at potential creative solutions to help Kyiv in this regard. In a meeting with ambassadors of the 27 members states earlier in February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated the idea of "a reversed enlargement," meaning a country could join but without many or most of the privileges of membership such as voting rights, its own European commissioner, or even full access to funding. Such rights and obligations would be gradually phased in later as the country continues necessary reforms to become a fully-fledged member. Deep Background: There are two reasons this potential partial membership is being examined. There's no way Ukraine can become a fully-fledged member already by next year. While the country became an official EU candidate country in 2022, it still hasn't opened EU accession talks yet. This is largely due to a Hungarian veto over what Budapest alleges is Ukrainian discrimination of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Accession talks as well as the opening, closing, and sometimes even interim benchmarks of the 33 accession chapters need unanimous support of the EU member states -- there are close to 100 veto opportunities for each and every capital in this process. Even if Viktor Orban's Fidesz loses the Hungarian parliamentary election in April and a slightly more pro-Ukrainian Tisza party comes to power, Ukraine may only be able to open talks on all chapters and potentially close some by 2027. A quick look at the European Commission's own assessment from late 2025 of Kyiv's readiness for membership shows the country only has "a good level of preparation" in a handful of the 33 chapters. To illustrate, it has taken Montenegro -- a smaller, richer, and less geopolitically complicated country than Ukraine -- 13 years of EU accession negotiations to close 13 of the 33 chapters. Ukraine joining the EU sometime in the 2030s would still be regarded as "speedy" according to most EU enlargement experts. But the main reason for the EU's quest for creativity is the 20-point peace plan that Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are currently negotiating. One of those 20 points spells out Ukrainian EU membership by 2027. It is fair to say the Europeans aren't happy that they aren't around the table and even more so when it comes to issues they should have a say on. Speaking to RFE/RL at the Munich conference, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof remarked, "No doubt, Ukraine belongs to the European family, but the Americans and the Russian will not decide when Ukraine is going to enter the European Union. That is up to the European Union and to the European Union only together with Ukraine." Drilling Down: Several EU officials RFE/RL spoke to off-the-record acknowledge that even though a peace deal currently looks distant, they cannot be the ones torpedoing it over a single point. They also agree they need to help Zelenskyy in some way. And EU membership, even partial, is one of the few sweeteners in an otherwise seemingly harsh settlement he can "sell" to the Ukrainian people. Can it be done by 2027? Speaking to RFE/RL in Munich, former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso noted that "the creativity of European lawyers is boundless when there is a real need." He added: "The most likely scenario is to have some kind of expedited membership, not putting down the standards but in fact showing Ukraine that we are serious about EU membership." Even something fast-tracked, partial, front-loaded, or reversed may be a step too far for the EU. Current EU Enlargement Commissioner Mata Kos pinpointed the key obstacle in a recent interview with RFE/RL. "In the accession process there are two important pillars: One is the technical process that I am leading, and the other is the dynamics in the member states so whatever we do we have to get the approval of the member states," she said. A sudden change of methodology requires unanimity, and it's not only Hungary that has major reservations. Several other EU member states, according to RFE/RL Brussels sources familiar with the topic, are also wary. Schoof noted that "we can find ways, but I think it is going to be a difficult discussion." Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, asked about it in a panel discussion in Munich on February 15, was even blunter, saying, "Speaking to many EU heads of state and government, I felt that at the moment there is no readiness to agree on a date." Arguments range from the "Pandora's box" one could open up by potentially changing EU treaties and the bloc being bogged down in such discussions for years to how much access Ukraine should get to EU cash cows such as regional and agricultural funding, potentially upending what already is expected to be very complex and fraught discussions of the next EU budget (2028-2034) that will consume Brussels in the next two years. Others are also reluctant to commit to what is known as a "two-speed EU." "You are either in or out, that has always been the principle and the core strength of the Union", as one diplomat put it to RFE/RL. There is also the question of fairness, perhaps best put by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic when speaking to RFE/RL on the issue. "If we will change the methodology to the geopolitical approach, then it will change not only vis-a-vis Ukraine," he said. "I support Ukraine, but it will have to change with everyone. And that will mean a big bang (enlargement), and we haven't had a big bang for many years." The last "big bang" enlargements were in 2004 and 2007, when 10 Central and Eastern European countries joined the club. And that took a fundamental economic and political reorganization of the EU. "Everyone," in Plenkovic's view, entails all the other EU hopefuls: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. Of those nine, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey are technically more advanced than Ukraine as they all have started EU accession talks. They have been trying to gain membership for years, if not decades, under the current merit-based methodology. But would all current EU member states agree to some sort of EU membership all for those countries as well, and if not, which ones? A sudden Ukrainian EU membership, partial or otherwise, would in other words probably create more problems than it solves. Looking Ahead This week is a slower one in Brussels as the legislative agenda to a large extent is synched with the February school holidays in Belgium. There is, however, a chance the bloc's ambassadors might agree on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia ahead of the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Kyiv on February 24. That's all for this week! Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org. Until next time, Rikard Jozwiak If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here . A nurse works at the neonatology department of Baoding No. 4 Central Hospital in Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 16, 2026. Five medical workers stay on duty here on Monday, Chinese New Year's Eve, to provide essential cares for newborns in the first days after their birth. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) A doctor (1st R) talks with family members of a newborn at the neonatology department of Baoding No. 4 Central Hospital in Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 16, 2026. Five medical workers stay on duty here on Monday, Chinese New Year's Eve, to provide essential cares for newborns in the first days after their birth. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) A doctor takes care of a newborn at the neonatology department of Baoding No. 4 Central Hospital in Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 16, 2026. Five medical workers stay on duty here on Monday, Chinese New Year's Eve, to provide essential cares for newborns in the first days after their birth. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) Medics work at the neonatology department of Baoding No. 4 Central Hospital in Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 16, 2026. Five medical workers stay on duty here on Monday, Chinese New Year's Eve, to provide essential cares for newborns in the first days after their birth. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) A nurse takes care of a newborn at the neonatology department of Baoding No. 4 Central Hospital in Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 16, 2026. Five medical workers stay on duty here on Monday, Chinese New Year's Eve, to provide essential cares for newborns in the first days after their birth. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) A newborn is tended by a nurse at the neonatology department of Baoding No. 4 Central Hospital in Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 16, 2026. Five medical workers stay on duty here on Monday, Chinese New Year's Eve, to provide essential cares for newborns in the first days after their birth. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association The row over sound levels at a central Dublin venue is the straw that broke the camels back for Irish nightlife, the organiser of a protest has said. Live DJs played as hundreds of people danced on Exchequer Street to show their opposition to legal action taken against Yamamori Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant that holds music events. Its neighbour, the Hoxton Hotel, claims it has been forced to close around a quarter of its rooms because of numerous guest complaints about late-night, low-frequency music noise and vibration. A banner held during the demonstration (Bairbre Holmes/PA) Last week, the leaseholder, Trinity Hospitality, sought a court injunction to reduce excessive noise transfer from Yamamori Izakaya into the hotel. Protest organiser Blew, a local DJ, said the city has lost several late-night venues to hotel chains or apartment buildings and that social and cultural spaces have been squashed. She said she is not affiliated with the venue but organised the protest because it is one of two venues left where you can find good music five nights a week, that supports local DJs, where its free entry. Blew added: Its really important because they keep a lot of local DJs in business, keep them going. Addressing the crowd on Tuesday night, musician Abdullah Al Bayyari said it was a perfect chance to highlight that we deserve better, and called on the Government to start investing in our culture and investing in what matters to us. Hundreds joined the protest to keep the venue open (Bairbre Holmes/PA) There has also been a rapid fall in late-night venues across the country from thousands to hundreds. Dr Al Bayyari added that the need to facilitate large corporations and international companies was once understandable, but now the economy is strong, it is time to shift focus and start pouring investments into the Irish people, Irish businesses, Irish culture, Irish language and history. In a statement, Trinity Hospitality said it was not seeking to close the Yamamori Izakaya restaurant or nightclub and the ultimate goal is to advance a testing and resolution process that will enable a collaborative solution. The leaseholder said it understands the restaurant has long hosted its Izakaya Basement late-night events, but when the hotel closed for refurbishment DJ events started in the ground-floor restaurant five days per week, which lacks the appropriate structural-acoustic measures for nightclub events. Demonstrators objecting to an injunction, the Hoxton Hotel, on Exchequer Street has sought (Bairbre Holmes/PA) In an Instagram post on Tuesday evening, the restaurant said it had commissioned an expert sound report when the hotel was being refurbished in 2023 to assist them in installing necessary sound attenuation measures, and that the sound levels recorded are considerably lower than typical late-night venues. They say when the hotel raised the problem shortly after it reopened in November 2025, we immediately agreed to meet to discuss the issue and requested information about the sound attenuation measures that were installed but only received that information on Tuesday morning. Trinity Hospitality says it felt it had no choice but to submit the application as we were concerned the matter was not progressing quickly enough. It said the very detailed structural information Yamamori Izakaya had requested should not have prevented collaborative discussions or joint testing. Joint testing was carried out over the weekend, which the hotel says will be analysed by acoustic specialists. As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association A charity representing cancer patients has said it expects a move toward resolution when it meets the Transport Minister over Dublin-Donegal flights. Donegal Cancer Flights and Services is concerned that changes to the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route will cut off a medical lifeline and genuine same-day access for cancer patients and others. The group helps cancer patients with booking flights, counselling support and other information. Donegal Airport has argued the changes to the route outlined in a new contract does not meet the spirit or intent for a PSO route. The changes will mean the Emerald Airlines aircraft will longer overnight at Donegal Airport, which it had done for 21 years. Donegal Cancer Flights and Services said this gave confidence to patients who were relying on the morning flight. The old midday flights are no longer to be provided and will be replaced by a 6.30am flight arriving from Dublin and an 8.30pm flight leaving Donegal. A further 'listening exercise' will not be sufficient. Donegal Cancer Flights and Services Donegal Cancer Flights and Services said that the changed timetable may leave no seats available at short notice and drive up the price of tickets. Darragh OBrien has agreed to meet with charity representatives on Tuesday. The group wants the Government to commit to protecting reliable same-day and midday medical access under the PSO. In a letter welcoming the meeting, the group said: Your officials have already met with us. They listened carefully and, we are assured, relayed our concerns to you in full. We are therefore approaching this meeting not simply as another opportunity to restate the problem, but in the expectation that it will move toward resolution. It added: For cancer patients in Donegal, this is not a theoretical policy issue, it is a live access-to-care concern affecting real appointments, real costs, and real strain on vulnerable families. A further listening exercise will not be sufficient. We are looking for decisive ministerial leadership and tangible progress. Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien (Brian Lawless/PA) It continued: We sincerely hope the meeting will allow you to outline clear next steps and, ideally, positive developments that demonstrate the Governments commitment to protecting reliable same-day and midday medical access under the PSO. We look forward to constructive engagement and to working toward a practical solution. The group had previously called on OBrien to meet people on the ground in Donegal who rely on the flights for their medical treatments, arguing that the schedule change was down to people in Dublin making decisions that have no idea what its like living in the area. Asked specifically if he will go to Donegal to meet cancer patients who use the flights, the minister said the meeting had already been arranged for Dublin. He told reporters on Tuesday: I dont reach into the public procurement, I dont set the tenders. He added: I intend to meet with the groups from Donegal myself, and I will do that and listen to them, listen to their concerns around the new schedule, and see what we can do to resolve it. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Brian Lawless/PA) Asked about the dispute, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said it was her preference to expand services within Donegal. My bigger question is why it is necessary to travel to Dublin? I appreciate its actually, in many cases, nearly faster than getting to Galway, having regard to the geography of the region. But of course, Galway is the centre for that region, and Im trying to expand services within Letterkenny. I made a decision to put a surgical hope there, that I which was important for breast cancer researchers, for example, that I approved the allocation of additional oncology chairs. So what I would like is for the people of Donegal to get their cancer treatment as far as treatment as far as possible within Donegal, and not have to be concerned about flights or trains or cars or anything else, to have to go to Dublin. Eva Osborne Rent increases are on the way for families with working adult children who live at home in local authority housing. South Dublin County Council is the latest to signal its intention to charge more for "subsidiary earners" - these are people in a household who earn over a certain salary range. It applies to those earning more than the social housing income threshold of between 40,000 and 47,000 a year. The council plan to raise the amount of extra rent charged for these people with around 21 thousand tenancies in South Dublin affected. The Irish Independent reports some homeowners in SDCC are already paying 135 more for rent than the national average. The move has been criticised by some local representatives, who say parents have no control over their adult childrens income, the paper also reported. Figures from Eurostat suggest the average age of a young person moving out of their parents home in Ireland is almost 27 years old. With young people now moving out of the family home later in life, councils want them to contribute more to the rent, if they are earning. Olivia Kelleher A former garda sergeant has warned that a play based on Gerry Hutch could be a jarring experience and cause emotional difficulties for innocent victims of organised crime. 'The Monk' is written, produced and performed by Rex Ryan, son of the late RTE broadcaster Gerry Ryan. It tells the story of Hutchs trial at the Special Criminal Court three years ago, when the 62-year-old was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne. Byrne (33) was a criminal associated with the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. The three-judge non-jury court concluded there was not enough evidence to convict Hutch. However, they agreed he was in control of the guns used in the shooting - even if he was not involved in the murder itself. In an interview with The Claire Byrne Show on Newstalk, former Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan warned of the dangers of forgetting the criminal past of Hutch. I was reading the summation when he sought costs in the Special Criminal Court and it was Justice Tara Burns, along with other judges there, where they refused his costs. They said about Mr Hutch that, while the court rejected the prosecution case that Mr Hutch was one of the shooters in the Regency attack, the court was satisfied he was recognised as a figurehead and patriarchal figure of the Hutch Organised Crime - an organisation which the court was found responsible for and orchestrated the attack. Galligan said that he was finding it very difficult and could only imagine what the innocent victims of the Hutch killing feud feel to see that he has a play written about him. It's a form of self-promotion to say that he's going to go to Dail Eireann and then challenge ministers who tell lies. Now that coming from Gerry Hutch is a bit of a gut-wrenching thing to say but I find it very, very difficult. Hutch narrowly lost out on a Dublin Central seat in the 2024 general election. Last week, he confirmed he will stand in the forthcoming Dublin by-election in the Dublin Central constituency. The by-election is due to be held on May 22nd. The Monk is currently being staged at the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin. The controversial crime figure made a surprise appearance on stage on the opening night on Monday. Hutch took part in a fictional live question-and-answer session with Rex Ryan. Ryan has insisted that the play doesnt glorify Hutch. By Lynn Rusk, Press Association Irish writer Marian Keyes has said she can hardly describe how proud she feels about seeing her novel series adapted for television. The Walsh Sisters follows five dysfunctional but deeply lovable siblings as they navigate the highs and lows of their 20s and 30s. The six-part drama, inspired by five of Keyes novels, has already aired on RTE and is set to air on the BBC in the UK. Caroline Menton, Danielle Galligan, Stefanie Preissner, Mairead Tyers and Louisa Harland (BBC/James Pierce/PA) Set in Dublin, the series follows the lives of Anna (Louisa Harland), Rachel (Caroline Menton), Maggie (Stefanie Preissner), Claire (Danielle Galligan) and Helen (Mairead Tyers). Preissner, best known for creating the comedy series Cant Cope, Wont Cope, adapted the show and wrote four episodes. The remaining two episodes were written by Kefi Chadwick, whose previous credits include the drama Rivals and the crime series Death in Paradise. For decades, the books were optioned, but nothing ever came of it. I had completely buried any hope, Keyes, 62, told the Press Association. Then work began on this in 2018 and, as time went on, that hope was sidelined again. I still cant describe the pride, excitement and thrill of it all. Its a different medium, but the feel of the books, the warmth, the humour, as well as the depth, has been captured in this beautiful ball. I feel so proud of all the actors, but the five women who play the sisters, I love them like daughters. Danielle Galligan, Caroline Menton and Louisa Harland (BBC/Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films/Enda Bowe/PA) Menton, whose character Rachel struggles with addiction issues, says that while it was a privilege to play the role it was also a huge responsibility. Its such a privilege to be involved in any capacity, especially in Marian Keyes world, because her characters are so beloved, said the actress. That comes with a huge responsibility. It was definitely intimidating; I remember thinking, Oh my God, these are huge shoes to fill. I really wanted to meet the expectations people would have of anyone playing Rachel. Galligan, 33, who plays divorcee Claire, compares Keyes to Sinead OConnor with regards to Irish identity. I hadnt read any of Marians work before, but I was very aware of her as part of Irish female identity, in the same way someone like Sinead OConnor is, said the House Of Guinness actress. She just feels culturally significant. My Mum was my first port of call, because she loves Marian Keyes. She even remembers where she was when she read her first book. Marian Keyes has won numerous book awards (Joel Ryan/PA) Mum described her as our Edna OBrien, because Marian was writing for a generation of Irish women and exploring their lives with a depth and honesty that she hadnt felt had been done before. Its amazing how well Marian, and Stefanie as well in her adaptation, handle the sisters, making them feel part of a cohesive whole, yet still completely individual. That feels very true to sisters and families. Im an only child, but from the outside it seems like you really have to carve out your own identity within that dynamic. I think that was captured so beautifully, both in the scripts and in the novels. Since publishing her first novel in 1995, Keyes has sold more than 30 million copies of her books and they have been translated into 36 languages, with bestsellers including Rachels Holiday and Grown Ups. She has won a number of Irish Book Awards and was named author of the year at the British Book Awards in 2022. The Walsh Sisters airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday. By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association A former police inspector has told the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe how he crawled through an underground storm drain tunnel system as part of efforts to find the missing schoolboy. The retired officer said he believed the tunnels would have been a very challenging place to survive if you were naked. The inquest at Belfast Coroners Court, which is being heard with a jury, is now in its fourth week. Fiona Donohoe, the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, attended Tuesdays hearing (Liam McBurney/PA) Noah, a pupil of St Malachys College, was 14 when he was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after leaving home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning. Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, attended the hearing on Tuesday. A series of witness statements from retired inspector Menary, who previously managed the PSNI hazardous environment search (HES) team, was read to the jury. Mr Menary told the inquest he had attended Northwood Linear Park in north Belfast on March 24th, three days after Noah had gone missing. The former inspector said in the park there were hundreds of local residents in quite an agitated state due to the disappearance of Noah. He said it took more than an hour to clear the park so police could begin an inspection of the storm drain tunnel system. The inquest is being heard at Belfast Coroners Court (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Menary said the HES team searched above ground in Linear Park and below ground in the tunnels. He said it quickly became apparent the schematics provided by the Department for Infrastructure about the water network system did not match what we were finding on the ground. The ex-officer said: A number of entry points to the storm drain tunnel could not be found and appeared to have been landscaped or tarred over during the most recent improvement works in the park. Mr Menary said cameras were sent into the tunnels first, but he then had to enter the tunnel himself due to obstructions. He said by the end of June 24th the team had confirmed that Noah was not in the non-tidal stretch of tunnel which had been searched. He said Noahs name had been shouted while he was in the tunnel, but there was no response. Mr Menary said the search had resumed on Thursday, but had to be suspended due to rising tides. He said: What is now clear is that the search on the Thursday almost got to the point where Noah was found, but that it had to cease due to a rising tide. The retired officer said he was not personally involved in the search on subsequent days. His statement added: I believe it would be a very challenging place to survive if you were naked. He also said that the search was at that point looking for evidence that Noah may have been in the tunnel at some point, but it was not a rescue operation. Mr Menary said the team did not have access to a drone at the time. He said: I do not believe any other police force would have had a drone capable of deployment underground at the relevant time. At no point did I consider that we had an equipment deficit or that our search was hampered or would have been better with different equipment. by Gerardo Laborde MONTEVIDEO, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- From early hours of Friday, Tres Cruces terminal, a bustling transport hub in Uruguay's capital city of Montevideo, came alive with its busiest day, handling over 1,200 long-distance services. The country's annual carnival, one of the longest in the world, once again drew thousands of Uruguayans during the holiday period, combining one of the year's largest waves of domestic travel with celebrations that stretch across the country and take on unique flavors in border cities with Brazil and Argentina. "Friday was the day with the heaviest traffic," Pablo Saravi, head of the terminal's control tower, told Xinhua. Between Friday and Sunday, over 3,300 bus arrivals and departures were registered. According to Saravi, overall passenger flow was up 5 percent from a year earlier, with a marked concentration of travel toward the eastern part of the country, home to major seaside resorts along the Rio de la Plata and the Atlantic coast. Beach tourism saw a significant uptick in northern Uruguay, particularly in the departments of Artigas, Rivera, Salto and Paysandu, driven by Carnival celebrations in border cities. The carnival weaves together political satire, social commentary, choral music and dance, forming a vital thread in the fabric of the country's urban identity. In the city of Artigas, located just meters from the Brazilian border, Carnival revolves around samba schools that parade with floats, elaborate costumes, and percussion sections in the style of Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. The city attracts thousands of visitors from across the country. "Carnival is one of the country's most cherished and joyful expressions. With more than 40 years of history, the carnival in Artigas has its own identity and a strong sense of belonging," said Florencia Ualde, director general of the Tourism Ministry. This year, nine samba schools are taking part, bringing together some 6,500 dancers, musicians and technical staff. Another major Carnival hub is Rivera, separated from the Brazilian city of Santana do Livramento by just an avenue. There, celebrations are inspired by northeastern Brazil and promoted as a multicultural and free event. Melo, capital of the Cerro Largo Department, has also joined the circuit of border festivities. Unlike in other countries in the region, where Carnival is concentrated over just a few days, Uruguay's celebration extends over several weeks, combining leisure, tourism and cultural production. By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association Irish holidaymakers heading to Cuba have been told to contact their travel agents immediately after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) changed their travel advice for the country. The second-highest level of warning has been issued for the country, with Irish travellers being told to Avoid Non-Essential Travel. The DFA issues this guidance for countries or territories which have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. It said: Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited. Cuba is in the midst of an energy crisis which has affected transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism, and the production of food. There has been energy rationing, severe blackouts, and the Cuban government announced aviation fuel would not be available at Cuban airports. The island nation relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted when the US attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader. At the end of January, US president Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to the country. The DFA has warned of blackouts lasting over 24 hours and long queues at petrol stations. They say the fuel supply issues are affecting water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications, with hospitals and clinics also affected. In a statement Clare Dunne, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said she would strongly recommend anyone thinking of travelling to Cuba check the DFAs advice and check with their travel agent before making any bookings. Ms Dunne added: When the DFA advise to Avoid Essential Travel to a particular country, Cuba in this instance, it usually means that the travel insurance policy will not cover travel to that country. The number of Irish citizens who travel from Ireland to Cuba has declined over the past few years and is now very low. This is mainly down to two reasons connectivity to Cuba from Ireland is very limited, and secondly, travellers who travel to Cuba are not then eligible to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA and must instead apply to the US Embassy for an entry visa. The organisation said there are thought to be few, if any, Irish tourists currently in Cuba. Sean McCarthaigh Irish people have the second-highest rate of criticism about the lack of investment in defence and security of their own country among EU citizens, according to a new report published by the European Commission. The Eurobarometer poll revealed that 48 per cent of people stated that the current level of public spending on defence and security measures in Ireland was not enough compared to the EU average of 34 per cent. Only people living in Portugal, with 50 per cent, had a higher rate of criticism about spending on key defence and security programmes on a national level. The survey showed that 38 per cent of Irish citizens also claim the level of investment by the EU on similar measures is insufficient again the second highest rate in the EU after France (43 per cent) and above the EU average of 34 per cent. Almost 7 out of every 10 Irish people also believe the security of Ireland is under threat against the background of current global politics. The report highlighted how 67 per cent of Irish respondents consider their countrys security is at risk, including 23 per cent who strongly fear the security of the state is threatened. The view is widely shared among other Europeans, as 68 per cent of all EU citizens have the same concern. The proportion of citizens who fear the security of their own country is under threat exceeds 75 per cent in several EU member states including France (80 per cent), the Netherlands (77 per cent) and Denmark (76 per cent), while above-average figures were also recorded in Germany (74 per cent), Lithuania (73 per cent) and Sweden (72 per cent). Irelands rate of concern about its security at 67 per cent is ranked joint 11th with Poland. The lowest levels of concern were recorded in Slovenia, Croatia and Czechia, although approximately half of all their citizens still consider the security of their country to be under threat. The report noted that a quarter or even a third of the population of many countries said they strongly agreed with such a view. Such a pronounced level of concern indicates that the sense of insecurity is not superficial but deeply rooted, it said. The report also highlighted how 46 per cent of Irish respondents felt their personal safety was at risk given the current international context. The survey was conducted last month to assess the perceptions of EU citizens of security threats, trust in the EUs defence role and support for defence investment as well as views on space programmes. It sought the views of around 27,300 people across the 27 EU member states, including almost 1,200 in Ireland. The report noted the survey was conducted against a background of heightened international uncertainty and evolving security dynamics, including ongoing negotiations about the war in Ukraine, escalating tensions in the Middle East and renewed global attention to political events in Venezuela and Greenland. It found the perceptions of insecurity were widespread with little difference across all ages and genders. The survey revealed that 58 per cent of Irish people also trust the capacity of the EU to strengthen security and defence in Europe and better protect its citizens, compared to the EU average of 52 per cent. While a majority of citizens in most member states trust the EU to strengthen security and defence, levels of trust are comparatively lower in the unions three largest countries Germany, France and Italy. The report said it is predominantly smaller or medium-sized countries where populations express the greatest confidence in the EU. However, it said national threat perceptions and trust in the EU do not always go hand in hand, as with the striking case of France, which has the highest perceived threat level yet the lowest trust in the EU. The survey found that Irish people believed security and defence should be the top priority for future EU space policy (32 per cent) ahead of action on the environment and climate change (21 per cent) and safer mobility and transport (12 per cent). Overall, there was recognition in both Ireland and across the EU of the economic impact of EU space programmes, but their perceived effects on daily life remain limited. An appeal against the planning permission granted to German superstore Aldi for Boyle has been met with disappointment by the chairperson of Boyle MD Cllr Sean Moylan. An appeal was lodged on Monday with An Coimisiun Pleanala by a third party against the permission granted by Roscommon County Council in January for a new Aldi Store in the town. The supermarket plan is part of a mixed-use development which includes the demolition of derelict buildings and structures and the proposed refurbishment of five houses along Patrick Street. The plans include the provision for 96 car parking spaces, 10 cycle parking spaces and a bicycle shelter. The development was granted subject to a number of conditions. Aldi hopes to create up to 30 permanent new jobs as part of its plans for the new store. Cllr Moylan told the Roscommon Herald, "I'm very disappointed about the decision that an appeal has been launched against the Aldi decision that Roscommon County Council made. I do feel that Roscommon County Council has a very robust planning system. I am confident that this decision should stand up and I do hope it does. This decision is now taken away from Roscommon and from the councillors within the county and the planning department, and I just hope that it stands up and I am confident that it will." A disqualified driver was fined 200 and put off the road for four years at a recent sitting of Roscommon District Court. Frank Scott (69), with an address at 4 Aran Court, Galway Road, Roscommon Town, pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without insurance and without a licence before Judge Vincent Deane. The court heard that the accused was stopped by Garda Eanna Cuffe on October 7th, 2025 at Ballypheasan, Roscommon, as his vehicles tax had expired. When Garda Cuffe spoke to him, he noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. The accused's solicitor Sean Mahon said his client accepted he was disqualified from driving. He was also co-operative with gardai and Mr Mahon asked the court for leniency. * Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme. The Department of Transport has announced a total of 23,384,740 for regional and local roads in County Roscommon. The bulk of the funding of 23,034,740 is for Protection and Renewal Grants. Under the 2026 Specific Improvement Grants 300,000 has been awarded to Ardsallagh while 50,000 has been awarded to the proposed Monksland Relief Road to appoint a consultant to examine the feasibility of the scheme. In total 555,000 has been approved for safety improvement works on regional and local roads, while 510,500 has been granted towards Bridge Rehabilitation Works on regional and local roads. 695,000 has been granted for 2026 Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Works including Culliaghmore Drainage Scheme, 100,000; Falty Drainage Scheme, 100,000; Keelbanaba, 150,000 with 350,000 for new roads/road improvement grants. Funding for the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge and the N4 Carrick to Dromod bypass has also been announced. Also included is 1.2 million for Hartley Bridge which connects the counties of Leitrim and Roscommon. Local FG deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding stating, this follows on from further funding received over the last number of years. This is a vital piece of infrastructure between counties Roscommon and Leitrim and it serves a large population area, into Cootehall, Boyle and serving back into the town of Carrick-on-Shannon. In total the Department of Transport will provide over 1.5 billion in exchequer funding for national, regional and local roads in 2026. This represents a 13% increase in road funding over 2025. The almost 800 million allocation for national roads includes: 659 million in exchequer capital funding through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII); 104 million for national roads under Public Private Partnerships and approximately 33 million for regular maintenance of national roads, provided to local authorities. Landowner Group Studies Emerging Industries, Including Lithium Extraction By Jacob Orledge, northdakotamonitor.com An unwanted byproduct of North Dakota's oil field could be the key to unlocking a new industry in the state within the next few years. An international company is proposing to begin extracting lithium, a key component of batteries produced for smartphones and other technology, from produced water by the end of 2027. It's one of at least four similar projects in development in the state. Troy Coons, Northwest Landowners Associationchair, is urging companies to involve affected property owners from the start. "None of this happens without landowners," Coons said during a Bismarck conference this week focused on emerging industries. "We believe landowners deserve a seat at the table." Lithium Harvest, a Denmark-based company with a presence in the United States, is partnering with an unnamed oil company to construct two lithium extraction facilities in western North Dakota. The facilities will process produced water, the salt water that comes to the surface with crude oil, according to co-founder Paw Juul. "It actually makes it possible for both the landowner, but also the producers, to earn money on a waste stream," Juul told landowners on Monday. Lithium is considered a critical mineral by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The United States is looking to increase domestic production to rely less on China. Traditionally, lithium is extracted from hard rock mining, with projects that can take seven to 15 years to develop, Juul said. Lithium Harvest's technology allows the company to construct small extraction facilities in under two years, he said. The company proposes to build the facilities on the same site as saltwater disposal wells, where produced water, also called brine, from oil wells in the area is already transported by pipelines to a central point for disposal underground. "This site is able to produce roughly 1,500 tons a year of lithium carbonate, which we then can sell into the market, either directly to battery manufacturers or we can sell it into the futures market as a regular commodity," Juul said. The company also is looking at the possibility of extracting other critical minerals, such as magnesium, from the same stream of produced water. Lithium Harvest isn't the only company planning to extract lithium from produced water in North Dakota. Tom Oakland, North Dakota Department of Commerce energy and economic development manager, said there are at least four such projects in the works. "They have different technologies, but there's a lot of interest in that area of growth," Oakland said. The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved a $500,000 grant to Wellspring Hydro, another company working to extract lithium from produced water, in October 2025. Lithium Harvest's project is being internally financed by the company without government grants or loans, Juul said. The Department of the Interior has published a list of 60 minerals, including lithium,considered vital to the U.S. economy and national security. Some but not all are also rare earth elements, naturally occurring substances that are rarely discovered in quantities that are economically viable to produce. China has had a "global monopoly" on critical mineral development due to a combination of geology, foresight and early investment, said Levi Moxness, North Dakota Geological Survey senior geologist. The United States and other countries are looking to break that stranglehold, and the leverage it gives China in geopolitical negotiations, by encouraging domestic production. North Dakota is one potential source. The North Dakota Geological Survey has discovered the state's coal seams often contain unusually high concentrations of rare earth elements like gallium and germanium, elements essential for technologies as varied as computer chips and night vision goggles. The agency has spent the last decade collecting samples across western North Dakota, including in the Badlands, to better understand what rock formations these minerals can be found in. But Moxness emphasized the sampling occurs in the Badlands because that's where they can easily obtain samples close to the surface. Any mining would likely occur in traditional coal-mining regions, he said. "You don't want to mine in the Badlands," Moxness said. Larry Novak, a landowner in McKenzie County and member of the Northwest Landowners Association board, said he supports development, but also cherishes the region's natural beauty and would like to see industry work with landowners to minimize the impact on the land. "Certainly critical minerals are important to the state of North Dakota and also the country," Novak said. "But if we can do it on a non-invasive area, I guess it would be something I'd be in support of." Novak said he believes lithium is going to be the next big industry in North Dakota, and he wants landowners to be involved early on to ensure they are fairly compensated. "If our forefathers had known what we know now about oil development and whatnot, we would all be in better shape," Novak said. "So lithium is our chance to get on the ground floor." McKenzie County Economic Development (MCED) welcomed Meghan Taunton as their director Jan. 20. Taunton grew up in southern California and received her degree in mass communications and public relations from California State University, San Bernardino. She moved to Williston in 2012 during the oil boom, and worked various roles in the oil and gas industry, as well as working part-time at KUMV TV. She attended Williston State College for two years before transferring to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in geological engineering and economics. While in Grand Forks, she worked as a research engineer for the Energy and Environmental Research Center, which frequently brought her to Western North Dakota, keeping her familiar with the area. Taunton was working for Tri-County Regional Development Council, Williston, as their communications and grants coordinator when she saw the available position at MCED. "I saw the position posted and it seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up, so I threw my name in," she said. When asked what she is looking forward to the most as MCED director, she answered, "Getting involved in the community and showcasing how amazing McKenzie County is to call home. There are a lot of great opportunities here." A month into her new role, Taunton is familiarizing herself with the programs and resources MCED has to offer, such as the Down Payment Assistance Program, which can assist with up to $40,000 for new-build homes or up to $15,000 towards down payments on existing homes. The Interest Buy-down program for area businesses is another resource, both offered through the McKenzie County Job Development Authority. MCED is a great supporter of the Bakken Area Skills Center, and can provide resources for housing, childcare and more. Taunton encourages new residents to attend McKenzie County Community Orientations at McKenzie County Heritage Park, 904 2nd Ave. SW, Watford City. The next orientation will be held April 2 and will highlight things to do in the area, provide information on various groups and organizations, and will take attendees on a bus tour of the Watford City area. "We (MCED) are dedicated to helping find the resources people need to be part of the community," she added. Taunton will relocate from Williston to Watford City at the end of the month. Having always enjoyed her time in Western North Dakota, and with her education and work experience, her new position as MCED director seems to be a perfect fit. "Everyone in the community is so welcoming," she said. "This is a great place to be and I'm excited to be in this new role." March 20, 2026, will mark the 30-year anniversary of the Line of Duty Death of Watford City Police Officer Keith Braddock (Badge #1114). In honor of Officer Braddock's service and sacrifice, the Watford City Police Department (WCPD), in partnership with the City of Watford City, will formally dedicate a portion of 14th Ave. SE as Braddock Memorial Drive. The dedication ceremony will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the intersection of 12th St. SE and 14th Ave. SE, just south of the McKenzie County Law Enforcement Center. The public is invited and encouraged to attend as the community comes together to remember Officer Braddock and the lasting impact of his service. "Officer Braddock gave his life in service to this community, and his sacrifice should never be forgotten," said Watford City Police Chief Jesse Wellen. "This dedication ensures his name and legacy will continue to be a visible reminder of the risks law enforcement officers take and the commitment they make to protect others." North Dakota Highway 200 serves as the North Dakota Fallen Officers Memorial Highway. In recognition of Officer Keith Braddock's sacrifice, Watford City Police Chief Jesse Wellen and former McKenzie County Sheriff John Fulwider worked to designate Mile Marker 14 as Officer Braddock's memorial section. Memorial signage marking this designation has been placed just west of Alexander. "This memorial is not only about honoring Officer Braddock," Chief Wellen added, "but also about recognizing the broader sacrifice made by law enforcement officers and their families. It's important that we pause, remember, and reflect as a community." Officer Keith Braddock's sacrifice remains an important part of Watford City's history, and these memorials serve as a lasting tribute to his dedication and service. Watford City FFA is preparing for an exciting FFA Week, scheduled for Feb. 23-27. Highlights include an assembly on Thursday, Feb. 26, featuring crowd-favorite events like "Kiss the Critter" and "Pie a Teacher in the Face". The week also brings back the popular Emblem Hunt, where FFA officers hide three FFA emblems throughout the school. Students who find an emblem and bring it to Miss Hosman will receive a prize. Additionally, three State FFA Officers will be on campus to teach agriculture classes for the day, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from state leaders. Throughout the week, students are encouraged to participate in themed dress-up days: Pajama Day, Redneck Showdown, Farm Animal Day, Career Day, and Blue and Yellow Day. The chapter will also provide treats for participants. Watford City FFA looks forward to a memorable week of celebrating agriculture and strengthening community connections. In addition to preparing for FFA Week, Watford City FFA has enjoyed outstanding success in recent Winter Career Development Events. At the Dickinson contest held on Feb. 7, both the Agronomy and Ag Sales teams earned first place honors. On the Agronomy team, Kay Richardson placed 6th, Cooper Darby 10th, Fatima Sandez Baltazar 13th, Jasper James 20th, John Hollin 40th, AudRina Park 54th, and Eli Pleasent 61st. In Ag Sales, Shylee and Audrey Redburn tied for first, Liam Domerese placed 29th, Ellie Shape 34th, and Kelsy Kinstler 40th. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and achievements. ABU DHABI/RIYADH, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Tuesday jointly condemned Israel's decision to designate lands in the occupied West Bank as so-called "state land." In a statement, the ministers denounced Israel's approval of land ownership registration and settlement procedures in large parts of the territory, saying the move is an illegal escalation to expand settlements and cement Israeli control over the occupied Palestinian land. They said the measures constitute a flagrant violation of international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. The ministers stated that the move violates an International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which affirmed the illegality of altering the territory's status and stressed the obligation to end the occupation. According to the statement, the move undermines the prospects for a two-state solution and the efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region. The ministers reiterated their rejection of all unilateral measures to change the legal, demographic and historical status of the occupied Palestinian territory, warning that such actions would further heighten tensions and instability. They also urged the international community to take decisive action to end the violations and protect the Palestinian people's inalienable rights, including their right to an independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The index includes seven religious groups: Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, followers of other religions, and people with no religious affiliation. File Photo. The findings emphasize India's unique demographic structure. India Ranked 4th Most Religiously Diverse Among Worlds Most Populous Nations A recent global study by the Pew Research Centre highlights India as one of the most religiously diverse countries among the worlds most populous nations. The research, which examined faith composition in 201 countries and territories, ranks India fourth in diversity, following the United States, Nigeria, and Russia, while placing it ahead of Brazil and Pakistan. Advertisement Pakistan, with Muslims making up 97% of its population, is identified as the least diverse among the 10 most populous nations. Using a Religious Diversity Index (RDI) that evaluates how evenly major religions are represented, the study categorizes India as moderately diverse, a classification that covers the largest segment of the global population. The index includes seven religious groups: Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, followers of other religions, and people with no religious affiliation. The findings emphasize Indias unique demographic structure. While Hindus form the majority, the country also hosts one of the largest Muslim populations worldwide, along with significant Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and other communities. Nearly 95% of the worlds Hindus live in India, playing a major role in global diversity patterns. Globally, Singapore ranks as the most religiously diverse country with an RDI score of 9.3, followed by Suriname. Most highly diverse nations are in the Asia-Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Somalia show minimal diversity, with Muslims exceeding 99% of their populations. Advertisement The study notes that the Asia-Pacific region is the most diverse globally, while the Middle EastNorth Africa region is the least. Observers say Indias ranking reflects its long-standing identity as a multi-faith society shaping its social and political landscape. Source: The Tribune Bhagwant Mann Govt's Punjab Trade Commission Rollout Begins: Meetings Held in 10 Districts to Streamline Traders' Work File Photo. As part of the groundwork for the initiative, review meetings were held in Faridkot, Ludhiana, Moga, Sangrur, Barnala and Bathinda. Bhagwant Mann Govt's Punjab Trade Commission Rollout Begins: Meetings Held in 10 Districts to Streamline Traders Work CHANDIGARH, 17th February 2026: The Bhagwant Mann Government has announced the formation of a Punjab Trade Commission in a significant step aimed at strengthening the states trading community and simplifying business operations for small traders, shopkeepers and entrepreneurs. Punjab Finance, Excise & Taxation, and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the initiative reflects the governments commitment to making governance more accessible and responsive to those who drive Punjabs economy. Advertisement Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The key objective of the Commission is to ensure that traders no longer have to run pillar to post for routine approvals, departmental clearances and day-to-day business-related work. For years, small traders and shopkeepers have been forced to waste valuable time moving between multiple offices even for minor issues. This must change, and this government is determined to change it. The Punjab Minister stated, The Punjab Trade Commission will act as a dedicated platform to save the time, effort and money of the trading community. It will provide a faster and smoother resolution mechanism for their issues, with a structured system, clear accountability and time-bound solutions so that problems are not left hanging indefinitely. As part of the groundwork for the initiative, review meetings were held in Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Moga, Malerkotla, Patiala, Roopnagar, Sangrur, Barnala and Bathinda. In these meetings, government representatives, local administration and concerned teams discussed the operational roadmap and district-level coordination with local shopkeepers, small business owners and traders to ensure effective implementation of the Commission. Advertisement Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, Traders and small businesses are the backbone of the states economy. Our government is fully committed to building a Punjab where honest business people can focus on expanding their work instead of getting stuck in paperwork, delays and unnecessary harassment. The Minister reiterated, The Punjab Trade Commission will be formed with the spirit of public service, transparency and ease of doing business. Under one platform, traders will receive support, guidance and quick solutions, ensuring that governance works for them, not against them. GNDU has established a Centre for Ethical AI in memory of Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, supported by the Punjab government. File Photo. He noted that for Punjabi, this technology poses philosophical and cultural challenges. GNDU Hosts World Punjabi Conference on AI and the Future of Punjabi Literature Advertisement Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will host scholars and literature experts for the World Punjabi Conference from February 20 to 22, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of Punjab, the Punjabi language, and Punjabiyat. The event aims to start a dialogue on AIs use and its impact on the language. Vice Chancellor Professor Karamjeet Singh said that Punjabi, with its thousands of years of history, now faces a juncture where tradition and modern technology must come together. He described the conference as a milestone in the digital journey of Punjabiyat. Professor Singh explained that AI allows machines to imitate human intelligence through learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Modern AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok can perform calculations, translate languages, write poetry, and solve complex problems. He noted that for Punjabi, this technology poses philosophical and cultural challenges, as algorithms may not fully capture centuries of human experience. Advertisement He emphasised the ethical concerns of AI, including bias and fairness, since machines learn from human-generated data. There is concern that global AI models may overlook local expressions and moral values. GNDU has established a Centre for Ethical AI in memory of Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, supported by the Punjab government. The centre will focus on Punjabi digital content, large language models, and AI tools such as Gurmukhi keyboards to enhance the global reach of Punjabi literature. Eminent participants include Padma Bhushan awardees Tarlochan Singh and Sardara Singh Johal, former chief secretary KBS Sidhu, Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh, and Sant Baba Mahendra Singh UK Wale. Advertisement Source: The Tribune He described the program as a transformative initiative aimed at providing quality, cashless healthcare, while helping to reduce financial stress during medical emergencies. File Photo. Dr Singh emphasized that officials should ensure all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the scheme. Punjab Govt Urges Youth to Support Sehat Yojna Enrollment with Rs 1,000 Daily Incentive Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh has urged young people with laptops to help enroll beneficiaries under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, offering Rs 1,000 per day for their assistance. Advertisement The minister made the announcement while reviewing the ongoing issuance of scheme cards in Sangrur district during a meeting with district officials. He encouraged youth in villages to coordinate with local authorities to participate in the enrollment drive and receive payment for their work. Dr Singh emphasized that officials should ensure all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the scheme and that the process is conducted transparently and in a mission-oriented manner. He described the program as a transformative initiative aimed at providing quality, cashless healthcare, while helping to reduce financial stress during medical emergencies. Sources reported that the governments decision comes after opposition from the computer teachers union. The union had raised concerns over the relocation of computers from government schools to panchayats for the purpose of scheme enrollment, warning that it could interfere with computer examinations. Advertisement Source: The Tribune February, 17, 2026 A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 17.02.2026, 13:55 Talks. Romanian president Nicusor Dan is holding talks this afternoon with the leaders of the four-party coalition, the presidents office has announced. Yesterday, the leaders of the four parties agreed on a series of budget changes. The bills on the reform of public administration and the economic recovery package are reportedly finalised and would next be adopted by emergency order. Public debt. Government debt rose to 1,121 billion lei (almost 225 billion euros) in November last year, from 1,116 billion lei in the previous month, according to finance ministry data quoted by AGERPRES news agency. As a percentage of GDP, government debt went up to 60.2%, from 60% in August. Government bonds account for the bulk of this debt. Report. The report of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee regarding Romanias elections is erroneous and partisan, said the Democratic senator Jeanne Shaheen on Monday, during a trip to Bucharest. She said Romania has been one of Americas strongest, most loyal and important allies and that thanks to the Romanian-American partnership, NATO is stronger, Romania is stronger and the US is stronger, and this is a very important message to be sent to adversaries, especially Vladimir Putin, in Russia. The House Judiciary Committee wrote in a report published earlier this month that the European Commission regularly interferes in the national elections of EU member states, including Romania. According to the report, the European Commission allegedly pressured platforms to censor content ahead of national elections in Slovakia, The Netherlands, France, the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Ireland, as well as the European elections in June 2024. The report also said that the most aggressive censorship measures were adopted during the 2024 Romanian presidential elections, when the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round, won by pro-Russian extremist candidate Calin Georgescu, due to Russian interference in the elections. Vaccination. Romania is facing the worst vaccination crisis in decades. The MMR vaccination rate, against measles, mumps and rubella, has dropped sharply, especially for the booster shot, which is administered to children at the age of 5, warns the Save the Children Romania organisation. Uptake of the first shot is below 50%. Studies show that the main causes are the lack of information and false statements spread on social media, but also excessive bureaucracy, lack of material resources, elimination of vaccination programmes in schools and lack of transportation. Romania has by far the highest number of measles cases in the European Union, with measles causing dozens of deaths at national level between 2023 and 2025. Cities. Bucharest has announced its candidacy to host the Cities Forum 2027, an event of the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission. It focuses on supporting cities in the EU, in particular through the urban dimension of Cohesion Policy. According to the Romanian authorities, the Cities Forum represents an opportunity for the host of the event to showcase its qualities and contribute to the urban development discussions. The event aims to host around 800 participants for about two days, between April and June 2027. The final agreement on the host city of the Cities Forum 2027 will be officially announced on April 15. (CM) A severe vaccination crisis Romania is facing its most severe vaccination crisis in the past decades (Photo whitesession / pixabay.com0 Corina Cristea, 17.02.2026, 13:55 Informational shortcomings, misinformation in social media as well as systemic setbacks such as the excessive red tape, material shortages, the cancellation of vaccination campaigns in schools and also the rural isolation may lead to dramatic situations concerning measles: less than half of the children got their first dose of vaccine last year. This describes the situation in Romania currently facing the severest vaccination crisis in the past decades, as representatives of the Save the Children Organisation have pointed out. The aforementioned organisation has been building social programmes, public policies and solid practices to benefit children in Romania for the past 36 years and according to a survey released on Monday, the vaccination cover networks for MMR (measles, mumps rubella) have progressively diminished especially for the second dose, which should be administered in five years. It didnt take long for the consequences to appear; most of Europes measles infections last year were reported in Romania. More exactly, out of 32 thousand infections in the past three years, more than 27,500 came from Romania says the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Italy was second in the ranking with less than 11 hundred cases reported. In the mean time, Romania reported 30 deaths caused by rubella, according to the National Institute of Public Health. However, this is not the only vaccination campaign Romania is bad at: all the values in the national vaccination scheme are under the target of 95%, recommended by the World Health Organization. According to conclusions of the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles & Rubella Elimination (RVC) released in September last year, Romania is among the 13 countries in the WHO European Region with endemic measles propagation, which means the disease is continuously circulating among its population. Here is Silvia Burcea, coordinator of the Mother and Child Health programme with the Save the Children Organization. Silvia Burcea: We should find out which are the setbacks and causes concerning these low vaccination rates. According to family physicians, and community medical assistants, there is the lack of information, misinformation in the social media, which is a major factor, but also systemic barriers, such as the excessive red tape, the lack of material resources and also the cancellation of vaccination campaigns in schools. Save the Children has called on the authorities to simplify the system of vaccination registration and stage communication training campaigns for medical personnel as well as the development of a multi-discipline team at local level to promote the vaccination of children. (bill) Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday amid easing geopolitical tensions in Iran and Russia. Traders were also reacting to reports suggesting that OPEC+ is considering resuming output hikes in April. Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.1 percent to $67.93 a barrel while WTI crude futures edged up by 0.3 percent to $62.93. Trading activity was subdued, with in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea closed for Lunar New Year holidays. As tensions escalate, the U.S. and Iran will resume talks in Geneva today to address their nuclear dispute. U.S. President Donald Trump has already threatened military action if the talks fail. "I do not think they will want the consequences of the agreement failing. These talks are very important. I will also participate indirectly in the talks," Trump said. Iran conducted naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. military continued a significant buildup of air and naval assets in the Middle East. It is feared that U.S. military strikes on Iran's strategic targets could broaden into a regional conflict. Representatives of Ukraine and Russia will also meet in Geneva today and tomorrow for a fresh round of U.S.-mediated peace talks. The talks will be held in a trilateral format involving representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. Meanwhile, media reports indicate that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is leaning towards a resumption in oil output increases from April. No decision has yet been made, and talks will continue in the weeks ahead of the March 1 meeting, Reuters said citing sources. Elsewhere, the United States has launched a sustained campaign against ISIS in Syria, intensifying counterterrorism operations across the country. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and California Governor Gavin Newsom have signed a new agreement to deepen ties on decades of cooperation on climate, clean energy and the environment between the United Kingdom and the U.S. state. The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed in London on Monday. It will strengthen partnership to boost transatlantic investment, supporting jobs and industry, and strengthening relationships between research institutions in the UK and California. UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said that the MoU creates a refreshed framework to drive innovation, scale up clean energy technologies and connect businesses and researchers across both economies. This agreement will connect the UK's fast-growing clean energy sector with the Californian market, opening up new export opportunities, supporting skilled jobs opportunities across the UK and backing British businesses to compete and grow with companies like Octopus Energy already expanding on the West Coast. It also delivers a commitment to strengthen cooperation on clean energy, climate and the environment to speed up the rollout of technologies that cut bills for families, reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel and protect the natural environment. This builds on other MoUs signed by the UK focused on economic cooperation with 11 other U.S. states, including Washington and Florida. The partnership will also see both governments share practical expertise on protecting biodiversity and building resilience for their communities, in the face of extreme weather. The clean energy economies of the UK and California are growing rapidly, with the UK's net zero growing three times faster than the overall UK economy in 2024, according to the CBI. Meanwhile, California saw similarly rapid clean economic growth, with three times more clean energy jobs being created than jobs created elsewhere in the state's economy. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said, "This government's clean energy mission is about taking back control of our energy to cut bills, create jobs, and tackle the climate crisis. Strong international partnerships like today's announcement with the State of California strengthens opportunities for UK businesses and secures investment for our country." Governor Gavin Newsom added, "California is the best place in America to invest in a clean economy because we set clear goals and we deliver. Today, we deepened our partnership with the United Kingdom on climate action and welcomed nearly a billion dollars in clean tech investment from Octopus Energy. California will continue showing the world how we can turn innovation and ambition into climate action." Nick Chaset, CEO at Octopus Energy US, said, "As a British tech and investor growing in the US, this MoU opens up opportunities to bring our smart technology to California, cutting energy bills and improving the customer experience. We are already delivering that through our work with Southern California Edison, where the Octopus Shift app enables EVs and home batteries to support the grid and give customers more control over when and how they use energy." He added that this agreement gives investors like Octopus greater confidence to bring more of its proven to the state, like Octopus Electroverse. Already the world's largest public charging platform, it is live across 1.3 million chargers in 50 countries. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a number of deals towards building nuclear power plants in Central Europe using cutting-edge U.S. nuclear energy technologies, advancing the United States and the Central European countries' mutual security interests in the region. These announcements pave the way for improving the region's energy security, grow industrial strength, and meet emerging tech competitiveness goals, like powering and harnessing AI, the U.S. State Department said in a press release. Secretary Rubio signed the deals during his two-day visit of Slovakia and Hungary. The U.S.-Slovakia Intergovernmental agreement was signed in Slovakian capital Bratislava on Monday. The implementation of the deal will begin with U.S. funding to jumpstart the vitally important preconstruction phase - Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study - for a new Westinghouse large reactor build. The FEED work will be carried out under the Department of State's Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program, which helps countries build safe, secure, responsible nuclear energy programs. In Budapest, Rubio signed the U.S.-Hungary Civil Nuclear Intergovernmental Agreement with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The deal will deliver decades of cooperation in nuclear energy, and underscores U.S. commitment to making Hungary a hub for regional small modular reactor development. Under the agreement, U.S. firm Holtec International will help Hungary handle spent nuclear fuel storage - a dry cask storage system that boasts maximum security, safety, and flexibility - subject to parliamentary approval. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The European Commission has published its report to track progress towards the EU's goal of halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. While progress has been made in reducing road fatalities, the report reveals that the current pace is insufficient. A total of 19,940 people were killed on Europe's roads in accidents in 2024, says the report published on Monday. This represents a 12 percent decrease since 2019 but falls significantly short of the annual 4.6 percent reduction needed to meet the 2030 targets, as set in the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030. Road crashes continue to impose enormous costs on the EU , estimated at approximately 2 percent of GDP, while up to 100,000 people sustain life-changing injuries each year. The European Commission said it will take measures across five priority areas, including promoting infrastructure safety and intelligent transport systems; helping to strengthen enforcement of road traffic rules and deterrence of poor road behavior; advancing with the deployment of vehicle safety technologies; addressing new forms of mobility; and prioritizing road safety research. "Every road death is a tragedy. While we have made important progress, we must accelerate our efforts and act faster and with greater determination," said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. "The actions we are setting out today will support Member States in saving thousands of lives, reducing the heavy economic and social costs of road crashes, and ensuring that Europe remains a global leader in automotive safety and innovation." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News ISTANBUL, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities on Tuesday detained 88 suspects in two separate investigations over their alleged links to the Gulen movement, which Ankara accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016, officials said. The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in the central Anatolian province of Kayseri said 70 suspects were detained in simultaneous raids carried out in Kayseri, Istanbul, Adana, and Mersin following an eight-month surveillance operation. A total of 144 teams, including 676 personnel and special operations units, took part in the raids. Police seized concealed audio recording and camera devices, unlicensed firearms, ammunition, as well as various organizational documents and digital materials, officials said. In a separate investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 18 additional suspects, including 16 public officials, were detained in an operation conducted across eight provinces. The office added that two of the suspects were alleged to have held senior roles within the organization, while the other detainees were public officials accused of being members. The Turkish government blames Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric who lived in self-exile in the United States from 1999 until his death in 2024, for orchestrating the failed coup attempt in July 2016, which left at least 250 people dead and around 2,200 others injured. Turkiye has designated the Gulen movement as a terrorist organization. Danaher Corp. (DHR), a science and innovator, announced Tuesday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Masimo Corp. (MASI) a specialty diagnostics provider, primarily in acute care settings. Under the terms of the agreement, Danaher will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Masimo common stock for $180 per share in cash, or a total enterprise value of approximately $9.9 billion including assumed indebtedness and net of acquired cash. Upon completion of the transaction, Masimo will be a standalone operating company within Danaher's Diagnostics segment along with Radiometer, Leica Biosystems, Cepheid and Beckman Coulter Diagnostics. Masimo is expected to be accretive to adjusted net earnings per share by $0.15 to $0.20 in the first full year and approximately $0.70 in the fifth full year following completion of the acquisition. It is also expected to deliver high-single digit core revenue growth over the long-term, accelerating Danaher's Diagnostics segment core revenue growth profile. Under Danaher's ownership, Masimo is expected to generate EBITDA of more than $530 million in 2027. Additionally, Danaher expects to realize more than $125 million of annual cost synergies and more than $50 million of annual revenue synergies by the fifth full year following completion of the acquisition. The transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of 2026 and is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory clearances and Masimo shareholder approval. Danaher expects to fund the acquisition using cash on hand and proceeds from debt financing. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Gold prices have moved sharply lower during trading on Tuesday, more than offsetting the rebound seen during last Friday's session. After surging $97.90 or 2 percent to $5046.30 an ounce during the previous session, gold for April delivery has plunged $134.70 or 2.7 percent to $4,911.60 an ounce an ounce. The sharp pullback by the price of gold comes amid an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar index has pulled back off its highs but remains up by 0.3 percent. Easing geopolitical concerns also weighed on gold, as the U.S. and Iran will resumed talks in Geneva to address their nuclear dispute. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action if the talks fail. "I do not think they will want the consequences of the agreement failing. These talks are very important. I will also participate indirectly in the talks," Trump said. Iran conducted naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. military continued a significant buildup of air and naval assets in the Middle East. Representatives of Ukraine and Russia will also meet in Geneva today and tomorrow for a fresh round of U.S.-mediated peace talks. The talks will be held in a trilateral format involving representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Billionaire Thomas Pritzker has retired as chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) following renewed scrutiny over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The development comes after newly released files from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Pritzker remained in regular contact with Epstein in the years after Epstein's 2008 plea deal on sex crime charges. In a statement issued on Monday, Pritzker acknowledged he had exercised "terrible judgment" by maintaining the relationship and said he regretted not distancing himself sooner. He added that after discussions with fellow board members, he decided not to stand for re-election and would step down to ensure proper stewardship and a smooth leadership transition at the global hotel chain. Pritzker has served as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels since 2004 and is a member of the family that owns the company. Pritzker also referenced his association with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting underage girls for Epstein. Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor, died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. In a separate letter to Hyatt's board, Pritzker noted his age and the company's strong position but did not directly mention Epstein or Maxwell. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The European Union's lead data privacy regulator has opened a large-scale investigation into X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, over sexually explicit images generated by its AI chatbot, Grok. The probe adds to mounting regulatory pressure on the company after thousands of sexualized deepfake images, primarily depicting women and some children, were reportedly created using the tool, sparking widespread backlash. Ireland's Data Protection Commission, which enforces the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, will examine whether X complied with the bloc's strict privacy rules in handling users' personal data. The watchdog has been engaging with the company since reports emerged that users could prompt Grok to generate sexualized images of real individuals. The inquiry will focus on whether X met its core obligations under EU data protection law. Grok was developed by Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, which acquired X last year, and is integrated directly into the platform. Following pressure from governments and threats of fines or bans, X restricted Grok's ability to produce certain explicit content. However, investigations are also underway in France and the United Kingdom, where regulators are scrutinizing how X and xAI process personal data and manage the risks associated with AI-generated content. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Maruti Suzuki has officially launched eVitara in India today. However, the company has only announced Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) pricing, without revealing the full ex-showroom prices including battery cost. As per the official release shared by Nexa, the introductory BaaS price of eVitara starts at Rs 10.99 lakh, with battery usage charged separately at Rs 3.99 per km. The pricing applies to the Delta variant under the BaaS ownership model. What Does Rs 10.99 Lakh Include? The announced Rs 10.99 lakh figure excludes the battery cost. Buyers opting for BaaS will pay the vehicle price upfront and then pay a per-kilometre battery usage charge. Maruti has positioned this model as a way to significantly reduce the initial purchase cost of its first electric SUV. The company has not yet disclosed full ownership pricing (including battery cost) across variants. It remains to be seen when the complete price list will be announced. Under the Nexa Edge ownership package, Maruti is offering: 60% assured buyback after 3 years 8-year warranty (battery: 8 years / vehicle: 3 years standard, extendable) Complimentary home charger & installation worth Rs 50,000 Complimentary charging for 1 year Built On HEARTECT-e Platform eVitara is based on Maruti Suzukis dedicated HEARTECT-e pure electric platform. Production is underway at the companys Gujarat facility, with exports already commenced to markets such as the UK, Europe and Japan. Maruti has also outlined its EV ecosystem plans, targeting over 2,000 charging points across 1,100 cities initially and aiming for 1,00,000+ public charging points by 2030. 5-Star Safety Rating eVitara has already secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating in both adult and child occupant protection. Safety features include: 7 airbags as standard Level-2 ADAS 360-degree camera All four disc brakes Electronic parking brake with Auto Hold High tensile strength structure TPMS and parking sensors Design & Interior Highlights The design reflects a global SUV stance with a boxy silhouette, strong cladding and 18-inch aero alloys. Signature NEXtre three-point LED DRLs and tail lamps define its lighting identity. Inside, eVitara offers a premium layout featuring: 10.1-inch infotainment system 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster Ventilated front seats 10-way powered driver seat Fixed glass roof Ambient lighting Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay Infinity by Harman audio Sliding & reclining rear seats (40:20:40 split) Battery & Range Options Maruti eVitara is available with two battery options. Both versions are front-wheel drive. There is no AWD variant at launch. 49 kWh battery 144 PS, 193 Nm 61 kWh battery 174 PS, 193 Nm, claimed range up to 543 km Strategic Pricing Move By announcing only BaaS pricing at Rs 10.99 lakh, Maruti Suzuki appears to be positioning eVitara aggressively against ICE SUVs in the Rs 1015 lakh bracket. The lower entry price could attract buyers who were earlier hesitant due to high upfront EV costs. Full price details including battery ownership model are awaited. With eVitara, Maruti Suzuki has officially entered Indias electric SUV space but the final pricing picture is yet to be fully revealed. Interestingly, Indias best selling electric car, MG Windsor BaaS pricing starts from Rs 9.99 lakh. Ever since it was launched, MG Gloster has been well-equipped and brought VFM quotient to the large SUV segment. It primarily contested with Toyota Fortuner and continues to do so. Now that MG Majestor has been unveiled, Gloster was supposed to be positioned below it, but is being discontinued altogether. Lets take a closer look. MG Gloster To Be Discontinued At the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, JSW MG Motor showcased its new flagship ICE SUV, the Majestor. At that grand stage, it was revealed that Majestor will be sold alongside Gloster, which was MGs flagship ICE SUV till that date. A year later, there have been fresh developments regarding MGs current flagship SUV, the Gloster. As per a recent report, JSW MG Motor India is on the verge of discontinuing its current flagship ICE SUV, the Gloster. This is a rather interesting turn of events for the company, which had previously maintained that Gloster will continue to be on sale alongside Majestor, positioned below the Majestor where pricing is concerned. The new Majestor will essentially replace Gloster in the companys lineup. In a way, Majestor is like a facelift to Gloster with more equipment, more off-road prowess, larger dimensions on paper and more dominating presence and an all-new and a more modern design language, but still based on Glosters underpinnings. What next? Glosters primary rival is Toyota Fortuner and genre-wise, it also rivals Isuzu MU-X. Price-wise, MG Gloster also rivalled Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kodiaq and the soon-to-launch Volkswagen Tayron. Now that Gloster is at the end of its life-cycle, MG Majestor will rise to the occasion and take up Glosters mantle. JSW MG Motor India is looking at a production volume of around 1,000 units per month. Pre-bookings for MG Majestor are now open and only pre-booked customers will get exclusive benefits and priority services. Launch of MG Majestor in India will happen in April 2026 and deliveries will happen in May 2026. Majestor packs a new design language with revised fascia and tail section. On the inside, there are a few design revisions and a host of new features and equipment have been added to make it more appealing over Gloster. While the 2.0L Twin Turbo Diesel engine is retained, MG Majestor now gets three locking differentials. Only one in its segment to offer this. Source To counter entrenched rivals, MG will prioritise New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) along with differentiated product offerings JSW MG Motor is ramping up its India operations in a big way, powered by new car launches and capacity expansion. Six new cars are planned for launch in 2026. One of these will be the Starlight 560, which will be offered in EV and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions. The Starlight 560 will take on the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S head-on. Lets get more details on this story. Focus on NEVs, versatile architecture As part of its long-term vision and core business strategy, MG is looking at NEVs contributing around 75-80% to its overall sales. MG has already tasted success with the Windsor EV, which is the brands top selling product in India. For the midsize SUV segment, MG is working on the Starlight 560 C SUV. To be based on the flexible F150 platform, the Starlight 560 is expected to be offered in EV and PHEV formats. MG is focusing on developing platforms that can support both electrified and ICE powertrains. This will allow the company to quickly introduce new products that meet evolving market dynamics and consumer expectations. Another strategy MG is keen to execute is offering differentiated products rather than creating just another competitor in the segment. One can already see this play out quite well with the Majestor SUV, which is positioned as Indias first D+ segment SUV. A similar approach is expected with the Starlight 560, which aims to offer something unique in the midsize SUV segment. The PHEV will be especially interesting to watch, as it will introduce something entirely new to the segment. The battle could be intense, as the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S have emerged bestsellers. Combined bookings of these SUVs had crossed 93,000 units in just 4 hours of the booking window opening. The waiting period for XUV 7XO has touched 12 months at certain locations. In addition to offering segment-above products, MG will also aggressively play the accessibility card. This is another factor that will play a key role in efforts to break the dominance of ICE SUVs in India. MGs NEVs like PHEVs are also likely to highlight their superior fuel efficiency. Creating demand for NEVs via increased supply Rather than waiting for demand to pick up in the NEV segment, MG is working on increasing supply. The core belief is that demand will automatically be created when buyers have a wide range of options to choose from. MG is also actively studying untapped opportunities within segments. These are exactly the areas that MGs upcoming SUVs will be targeting. With the Starlight 560, MG could make a big impact in the ICE-dominated midsize SUV segment. To accommodate its new models such as the Majestor and the ones based on the F150 platform, MG is carrying out plant optimization and expansion. The Halol facility in Gujarat is being reconfigured. A significant amount of work is being done in the body shop. It will facilitate the production of new models and unlock plant capacity. MG is aiming to increase capacity to 1.8 lakh units per annum by 2026 and further increase it to more than 3-3.5 lakh units after 2027. Source This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2026 shows a city view of Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the country would not abandon its "peaceful" nuclear technology, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday. He made the remarks in a meeting with three civil activists while voicing Iran's readiness to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Pezeshkian said that Iran has announced repeatedly that it does not seek nuclear weapons based on the policies outlined and a religious decree issued by the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, adding that the country is ready for any verification in that regard. He stressed that, however, the country will not accept being denied the use of nuclear science and technology to treat patients and develop its industry and agriculture. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, as well as a U.S. military buildup in West Asia. Iran and the United States concluded the second round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. The negotiations were held at Oman's embassy in the Swiss city and mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The first round of the indirect negotiations was held in the Omani capital Muscat on Feb. 6. GAZA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Tuesday called on the "Board of Peace" to intervene and halt what it described as ongoing Israeli "violations" of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, warning that Israel may use the forum's upcoming meeting as a cover to continue its military campaign. In a televised statement, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem urged the board, set to convene later this week, to translate its declared principles into concrete steps to achieve peace in Gaza and stop Israeli violations. Qassem noted that developments over the past four months indicate Israel "has not stopped the war of genocide but has changed its tools and forms," saying that "killing, displacement, blockade and starvation" are ongoing. He called on the board to facilitate the entry of a committee tasked with administering Gaza to begin construction efforts. Qassem also demanded a full lifting of the blockade on Gaza and the full reopening of border crossings, rejecting what he described as a "limited partial reopening" of the Rafah crossing, where he said travelers are subjected to "serious violations." In January, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the creation of the Board of Peace for Gaza, a body intended to oversee the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, which focuses on the enclave's full demilitarization and reconstruction. However, the organization's founding charter makes no mention of Gaza, instead outlining a far broader vision: a U.S.-controlled organization aimed to help resolve conflicts and wars worldwide, a role the United Nations has played for decades. Trump formally launched the board on Jan. 22 at a charter-signing ceremony during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Some major global powers and traditional U.S. allies have declined to join it. GAZA/RAMALLAH, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinian children were killed on Tuesday in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as tensions with Israel continue to escalate. Palestinian medical sources told Xinhua that 12-year-old Youssef Asaliya was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. His body was transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital in western Gaza City. Local sources and eyewitnesses also reported additional Israeli airstrikes east of the Gaza Strip, and the arrest of two Palestinian fishermen fishing off the coast. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike in a statement, stating that troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip "identified a terrorist who crossed the Yellow Line and approached the troops, posing an imminent threat to their safety." The military said it "eliminated the terrorist in order to remove the threat." Gaza-based health authorities said on Monday that Israel had killed 603 people and injured 1,618 others in the Gaza Strip since a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, bringing the total death toll since the outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, to 72,063, with 171,726 others injured. In the West Bank, Palestinian security sources reported that one child was killed and another seriously injured due to the explosion of previously unexploded ordnance left behind by the Israeli army in the central Jordan Valley. The IDF confirmed soldiers were dispatched to the area following a report of three Palestinians injured while "playing with unexploded ordnance." The violence coincided with renewed international criticism of Israeli settlement policy. Referring to Israel's recent approval of a plan to register West Bank land as state property, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Philippe Lazzarini on Tuesday warned that "accelerating the dispossession of Palestinians & expanding Israeli settlements will do nothing to bring long-needed stability & peace to the region." He added that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to "reverse these measures", urging all parties to "preserve the only path to lasting peace, a negotiated two-State solution in line with international law." Israel seized control of the West Bank after the 1967 war and has established settlements there, a move deemed illegal by the international community. MUSCAT, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said that the second round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States concluded in Geneva on Tuesday with "good progress." "Today's indirect negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in Geneva concluded with good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues," Al Busaidi said in a post on social media platform X. He described the meetings as "constructive," adding that the parties "made serious efforts to define a number of guiding principles for a final deal." Al Busaidi also highlighted the mediation role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, confirming that "the parties left with clear next steps before the next meeting." The first round of the indirect nuclear talks was held in the Omani capital Muscat on Feb. 6. The renewed diplomatic efforts come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, as Washington intensifies its military buildup in the West Asia region. American Express presents BST Hyde Park has announced one of the most unusual and entertaining worldrecord attempts the festival has ever hosted. Pitbull fans in bald caps at The O2 in London When Pitbull headlines the event on July 10, fans will unite for an official Guinness World Records title attempt for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. The idea was sparked by BBC Radio 1 Breakfast host Greg James, who championed the challenge live on air as soon as Pitbulls Hyde Park show was revealed. A devoted fan of Mr. Worldwide, James enthusiasm quickly reached the star himself and Pitbull wasted no time getting on board. Pitbull said: Guinness Book of World Records, get ready for all the BaldEs thatll be putting it down on July 10th at Hyde Park. Every time you put on that bald cap, you know youre about to have the time of your lives. We appreciate the love, the commitment, and the support. More than anything, we just want to say thank you. Dale! The record attempt builds on a fandriven trend that has followed Pitbull across the globe. At his recent soldout O2 Arena shows in London, thousands of fans arrived wearing bald caps in tribute to his signature look. The movement affectionately dubbed The BaldEs has since gone viral and continues to sweep through his IM BACK tour dates across Europe and North America. BST Hyde Park will now bring the phenomenon to its biggest stage yet, with an official adjudicator overseeing the attempt. Fans hoping to take part must follow strict rules: bald caps must be securely fitted with hair tucked under the front and top, and all participants must gather simultaneously for at least one full minute. Darcey Jackson, Director of Talent at AEG Presents European Festivals, said: We're so excited to host a [Mr] world [wide] record attempt at Pitbull's show in BST Hyde Park. We've broken a few world records in the past but this will truly be the time of our lives. Come one, come all, come bald. Will Munford, Adjudicator at Guinness World Records, added: We look forward to adjudicating this record at BST Hyde Park with Pitbull. What better way to be part of something amazing than coming together with other fans to celebrate your favourite artist. For this special show, Pitbull will be joined by his Timber duet partner, Kesha, with more acts still to be announced. This year's BST series will also see headline sets from Garth Brooks, Lewis Capaldi, Maroon 5, and Mumford and Sons. Final tickets for BST Hyde Park are available now at bst-hydepark.com. Pitbull will also headline the inaugural American Express presents Roundhay Festival in Leeds on July 3, again joined by Kesha. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and more than a dozen others injured in a 30-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 in the U.S. state of Colorado on Tuesday, authorities said. The crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. local time on the outskirts of Pueblo, a city about 180 kilometers south of Denver, according to Colorado State Patrol. Northbound lanes of Interstate 25 were closed following the accident, while southbound lanes were also shut down due to low visibility in the area, officials said. Traffic camera footage released by the Colorado Department of Transportation showed a large pileup involving multiple vehicles and emergency responders at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. TEHRAN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Senior Iranian and Russian officials pledged on Tuesday to accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements and remove obstacles to joint projects, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. In a meeting in the Iranian capital Tehran, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Russian Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev discussed ways to expand economic cooperation. Larijani praised the "excellent" level of relations, stressing that ties between Tehran and Moscow go beyond normal diplomacy and have endured despite facing similar pressures and restrictions from the West in recent years. Tsivilev described the atmosphere for dialogue and economic cooperation as "positive" and reaffirmed Moscow's determination to continue cooperation with Tehran across various sectors, including economy and energy, emphasizing Iran's strategic position in Russia's foreign policy. The Russian energy minister is in Tehran for the 19th Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission. Earlier Tuesday, he met with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad to discuss expanding partnerships in oil, energy, transport, and trade, according to Shana News Agency affiliated with the Iranian Oil Ministry. Iran and Russia, both facing extensive U.S. sanctions, have recently strengthened their political and economic ties to counter Western pressure. NAIROBI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's industrialists on Tuesday launched the 2026 Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA) to boost the country's manufacturing sector. Tobias Alando, chief executive officer of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the policy document is a practical and time-sensitive roadmap for unlocking the full potential of the manufacturing sector. "The MPA 2026 provides a clear blueprint for industrial transformation by aligning policy, investment, and market access to build a globally competitive manufacturing sector," Alando said. He added that the strategic roadmap is anchored on four pillars: global competitiveness, export-led industrialization, small and medium enterprise development, and agricultural development, designed to position manufacturing at the center of Kenya's economic transformation. Susan Mangeni, principal secretary of the State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, said that the MPA comes at a critical time for the manufacturing sector, which contributes only 7.3 percent to the country's gross domestic product, despite its central role in job creation, government revenue generation, innovation, exports, and linkages across agriculture, services, and logistics. Mangeni reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening local industry as a driver of inclusive growth and national prosperity. LUSAKA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to prudent borrowing to avoid plunging the country into another unsustainable debt crisis. Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said the government will ensure that borrowing is undertaken in line with the annual borrowing plan and subject to parliamentary oversight. "Zambia operates within a structured legal and institutional framework that ensures accountability, transparency, and discipline in debt management," he said in a statement released late Monday. Musokotwane noted that Zambia's public debt stock stood at about 26.6 billion U.S. dollars as of September 2025, with domestic debt accounting for about 10.6 billion dollars and external debt totaling about 16 billion dollars. He dismissed allegations of reckless borrowing, saying the government submits borrowing proposals to parliament outlining how much will be borrowed, from which sources, for what purposes, and under what financial terms. Zambia has restructured over 90 percent of its external debt under the G20 Common Framework, Musokotwane said, referring to the Group of 20. This, he added, ensures borrowing decisions are subjected to democratic scrutiny and national consensus before implementation, while also providing predictability to investors and reassuring citizens that public debt is being managed responsibly. The annual borrowing plan is more than a technical document, the minister said, describing it as a governance tool that protects national interests by aligning borrowing with fiscal sustainability, development priorities, economic growth objectives, and debt repayment capacity. Borrowing is also guided by a structured medium-term debt management strategy designed to keep debt sustainable and aligned with the country's economic growth capacity, he added. Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has reportedly built a more than 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line and plans to push for changes to turn the struggling cruise-ship operator around. According to the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, Elliott - now one of Norwegian's top investors - is planning to engage with the company to try to help fix its underperformance. Norwegian is the fourth-largest cruise operator in the world by number of passengers, with a market value of roughly $10bn. Its brands include the more premium Oceania Cruises and the luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Norwegian's stock is down around 4% year to date as of Friday, after falling roughly 13% in 2025. The WSJ pointed out that the Miami-based company has lagged behind competitors including Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corp, with Norwegian shares among the worst-performing in the S&P 500 over the past five years. It was understood that Elliott believes Norwegian could make changes to catch up to its rivals. For example, Norwegian's peers have had success bringing in new customers to cruises through their private islands. Norwegian owns Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, one of the biggest private islands in the industry, but industry-watchers say its development plans have been slow-going. Sources to the WSJ that Elliott has been privately working with Adam Goldstein, the former president and chief operating officer of Royal Caribbean, as one potential board nominee at Norwegian. A deadline for shareholders to nominate director candidates ahead of Norwegian's annual meeting closes next month. Sources told the WSJ that Elliott's focus is on simultaneously improving Norwegian's financial performance and the guest experience. The investment firm believes Royal Caribbean has been successful at addressing both, and that Norwegian has achieved a successful turnaround in the past as well. The shares were up 6.1% at $22.81 in pre-market trade at 0955 GMT. The European Commission opened a formal investigation into Shein under the blocs Digital Services Act (DSA) on Tuesday, stepping up scrutiny of the online retailer over the alleged sale of illegal products, including child-like sex dolls, and concerns about addictive app design and algorithmic transparency. According to Reuters, the probe would examine whether products on Sheins platform could constitute child sexual abuse material and whether the company had adequate systems in place to prevent the sale of illegal goods within the European Union. The escalation followed pressure from France, which last year urged Brussels to act over reports of child-like sex dolls being sold on the platform. Shein had since stopped the sale of all sex dolls worldwide, Reuters reported. The Commission would also assess whether Sheins platform design encouraged excessive engagement through reward systems and incentives that could negatively affect users wellbeing. In addition, regulators would reportedly scrutinise the transparency of Sheins recommender systems - the algorithms used to suggest products to shoppers - and whether the company clearly explained the main parameters behind those systems, as required under EU rules. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said the DSA was designed to protect shoppers and ensure transparency about the algorithms they interact with, adding that regulators would assess whether Shein is respecting its responsibilities under the law, according to Euronews. Under the DSA, very large online platforms must identify and mitigate systemic risks linked to illegal content and harmful products. Companies found in breach could face fines of up to 6% of their annual global turnover. Bloomberg noted that the investigation marked a significant escalation after the Commission last year sought information from Shein about how it protected minors from age-inappropriate content. Shein said it had invested significantly in compliance measures, including systemic risk assessments, mitigation frameworks and additional safeguards around age-restricted products, such as age-verification tools to prevent minors from viewing or purchasing restricted items. A spokesperson cited by Bloomberg said protecting minors and reducing harmful content were central to how the company operates. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Irelands data protection authority has launched a large-scale investigation into X over its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, amid concerns about the creation of non-consensual and sexualised images, including of minors, according to reports on Tuesday. Irelands Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts as the lead regulator for X in the European Union because the companys EU operations are based in Ireland, said it had opened a formal probe into Groks processing of personal data and its potential to generate harmful sexualised images and videos. Under the blocs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the DPC has the power to impose fines of up to 4% of a companys global annual revenue. According to Reuters, the inquiry was notified to X on Monday and would assess whether the company has complied with its obligations under GDPR in relation to the personal data processed by Grok. The DPC said it had been engaging with X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) for several weeks following media reports that users were able to prompt the Grok account on X to generate sexualised images of real people, including children. Deputy commissioner Graham Doyle said the watchdog would examine Xs compliance with its fundamental obligations under the GDPR in relation to the matters at hand. The Financial Times reported that the investigation would focus on the creation and publication of potentially harmful sexualised images that involved EU user data. Grok, developed by Elon Musks AI start-up xAI and integrated directly into Xs social media feeds, had faced scrutiny after thousands of AI-generated deepfake images of women circulated on the platform in January, prompting backlash from users, safety experts and politicians. Euronews noted that Grok previously introduced a feature known as Spicy Mode, which allowed users to manipulate images of women by digitally undressing them and generating deepfakes without consent. Media analyses also found the chatbot often complied with requests to create sexually suggestive images of minors, including a 14-year-old actress, raising alarm among regulators. X said last month it had introduced technological measures to curb the generation of explicit images and insisted it removes child sexual abuse material and non-consensual nudity. However, Reuters reported that Grok continued to produce such images when prompted, despite the announced restrictions. The Irish probe came alongside a series of actions by European authorities. The European Commission opened a formal investigation in January under the Digital Services Act into whether Grok disseminates illegal content, while the UKs Information Commissioners Office and French regulators had also launched or announced investigations. French prosecutors had summoned Elon Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino for voluntary interviews as part of a broader inquiry into Xs algorithms and the spread of AI-generated sexual abuse material. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Investor morale in Germany unexpectedly eased in February, pulling back from a four-year high, according to the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) on Tuesday. The ZEW Economic Sentiment Index, which tracks confidence levels among analysts and institutional investors, fell to 58.3 this month, coming in well below the consensus forecast of 65. According to ZEW, expectations about Germany's economic situation "stabilised" this month after the index hit the highest level since July 2021 in January at 59.6. The ZEW Indicator remains stable. The German economy has entered a phase of recovery, albeit a fragile one," said ZEW president Achim Wambach. "There are still considerable structural challenges, especially for industry and private investment. The impending reforms of the system of social insurances should be used to significantly enhance Germanys attractiveness as a business location," he said. ZEW said that export-oriented sectors showed moderate to strong improvements in February, particularly the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, steel and metal production, and mechanical engineering, helped by better-than-expected incoming orders at the end of 2025. However, banks, insurers and the IT sectors saw conditions worsen. UK bank bosses will hold their first meeting to establish a national alternative to Visa and Mastercard, amid growing fears over Donald Trumps ability to turn off US-owned payment systems. The meeting, chaired by Barclays UK chief executive, Vim Maru, will take place this Thursday and bring together a group of City funders that will front the costs of a new payments company to keep the UK economy running if problems were to occur. Guardian Donald Trump has vented his fury against a green energy deal between the British government and Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, a likely future Democratic presidential candidate. The UKs got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum, Trump said in an interview with Politico, using the derogatory nickname he reserves for Newsom. Gavin is a loser. Everything hes touched turns to garbage. His state has gone to hell, and his environmental work is a disaster. Guardian Britains solicitors watchdog has launched a fraud investigation into a law firm after its sudden collapse put hundreds of jobs at risk. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is investigating potential fraud at PM Law and the possible misappropriation of client money. PM Law unexpectedly closed this month, leaving thousands of its clients and more than 600 of its staff in limbo. The collapse led to the shuttering of 11 of its high street law firms across Britain, which PM Law had acquired over the past three decades. Telegraph A partner at KPMG Australia was fined A$10,000 (5,200) for using an artificial intelligence tool to cheat on an internal training course about the use of AI. The unnamed individual was made to resit the module after uploading training materials used for the course to an AI platform to help answer exam questions. The Times The private equity owner of Boots is looking at some of Morrisons unwanted pharmacies as it considers expansion before a potential stock market flotation. Morrisons, the private equity-owned supermarket chain, has put dozens of its in-store pharmacies up for sale in a renewed drive to cut costs. The UKs fifth-largest grocer is understood to have been sounding out potential buyers on a site-by-site basis after concluding that a number of its pharmacies were not financially viable. The Times Booksellers and librarians, please join us this Thursday, February 19, for an educational webinar on selling books about difficult topics. Sponsored by Magination Press and The Difference Engine, the webinar will kick off with a conversation between veteran booksellers Shane Mullen of Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Mo., and Valerie Koehler of Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, Tex., who will discuss how to connect customers with books on topics such as bullying, eating disorders, and the like. Their conversation will be followed by a lively presentation of key titles from the two publishers. Our presentation will kick off at 4 p.m. Eastern; the registration link is here. If you are unable to attend, all registrants will be sent a recording of the session. KAMPALA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Girma Wake as a consultant and acting chief executive officer (CEO) of Uganda Airlines, the country's national carrier. Museveni directed Minister of Works and Transport Edward Katumba Wamala to appoint Wake to serve as acting CEO until a substantive chief is identified in July, according to a State House statement issued late Monday. Wake, who served as Ethiopian Airlines CEO in 2004-2011, has been tasked to rectify management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines, the statement said. He takes over from Jenifer Bamuturaki, who announced her resignation last month. Uganda Airlines operates routes in Africa, the United Arab Emirates and India, with plans to expand its network to China. Bengaluru CEO Dhananjay Yadav shared a disturbing cab ride experience, where the driver refused AC and demanded extra fare, leaving him feeling trapped. Yadav paid the fare to avoid conflict and filed a complaint with Namma Yatri, which issued a refund and promised action. The incident sparked online debate over poor driver behavior and enforcement issues with app-based cab services. A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur recently shared a deeply unsettling experience on social media, describing how he felt 'almost like a hostage' during a cab ride to the Delhi airport. Dhananjay Yadav, CEO of NeoSapien, took to X to recount his troubling journey, which began with a routine booking of an AC cab via the Namma Yatri app ahead of the India AI Impact Summit. However, Yadavs ride quickly turned into a nightmare when the driver refused to turn on the air conditioning, despite the booking clearly indicating that the trip would be in an air-conditioned vehicle. According to Yadav, the driver insisted that it was a 'non-AC' ride and cited this as the reason for refusing to comply. Yadav wrote in his post that he felt trapped in the situation, expressing his discomfort and frustration. He also noted that the driver checked the fare of 844 on his phone and demanded more money, claiming the ride should be charged as a 'metered taxi' at 24 per kilometer. I insisted Id pay as per the app, but the driver refused. When I asked him to drop me so I could book another cab, he said he wouldnt let me go unless I paid the 844 fare, Yadav shared. Feeling cornered, Yadav eventually relented and paid the full amount just to avoid further conflict and ensure he could make it to the airport on time. He described the experience as 'deeply uncomfortable and unsafe', highlighting the importance of ensuring that customers' safety is never compromised during such rides. Yadav also mentioned that he had filed a formal complaint with the company, hoping for stricter action to be taken against the driver and prevent future incidents. In response to Yadavs post, Namma Yatri issued an apology, acknowledging the incident and expressing regret over his experience. The company confirmed that they had processed a full refund and assured Yadav that necessary actions were being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. In their statement, Namma Yatri said, "We spoke with you on call, the refund has been processed, and necessary action is being taken to ensure your future rides are safe and hassle-free". Also Read: Why Gen Z India Says No to Burnout, Yes to Boundaries The incident sparked widespread reactions online, with many users chiming in to share similar experiences or opinions on the matter. One user expressed frustration over the behavior of drivers in Bengaluru, suggesting that the problem wasn't unique to Namma Yatri, but rather a broader issue with cab services in the city. "This is not a Namma Yatri problem, it's a Bengaluru problem", the user wrote. Others pointed out that, while online payment options existed, many drivers still engaged in such disputes, leading to a frustrating and often unsafe experience for passengers. Meanwhile, a growing number of people weighed in on the issue, noting the lack of effective enforcement of driver agreements and the mental harassment faced by customers. One commenter pointed out that, in multiple cities across India, app-based taxi services had become 'hostages' to unruly drivers who often ignored the terms of the service and created stressful situations for passengers. At the same time, as this incident unfolded, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 continued to gather attention. Scheduled from February 16 to 20, the summit is a significant event in the AI landscape, being the first major international gathering on AI to be hosted in the Global South. The event is designed to showcase artificial intelligences potential, bringing together policymakers, technology leaders, and innovators from around the world to discuss AIs role in shaping the future. The summit's theme emphasizes collaboration and innovation across sectors, highlighting AIs global impact. As the summit progresses at Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, underscoring Indias vision of inclusive and responsible AI development. The summit, which includes participation from over 600 startups and international pavilions, also serves as a platform for India to strengthen its position as a leader in AI research and development on the global stage. India aims to meet global demand for large ships with the approval of a Rs 70,000 crore maritime development reform package. The package includes financial schemes, a Maritime Investment Fund, and legal reforms to boost India's shipbuilding and port sectors. Key collaborations with South Korean companies and the development of new national waterways are expected to position India as a global maritime leader. India is poised to meet the growing global demand for large ships, including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), container vessels, and Panamax vessels, according to Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Through strategic global collaborations, including technology transfers and joint ventures, Indian shipbuilders are set to secure a significant share of orders for ships that were never previously manufactured in the country. This follows the government's approval of a Rs 70,000-crore shipbuilding and maritime development reform package in October 2025, which aims to transform India's maritime sector into a high-capacity, future-ready ecosystem. Sonowal highlighted the four major components of this reform package. The first is the Rs 24,736-crore Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme, which includes financial support, ship-breaking credit notes, and a National Shipbuilding Mission. The second part is the Rs 25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund, comprising a Rs 20,000-crore Maritime Investment Fund to provide equity and long-term financing, alongside a Rs 5,000-crore Interest Incentivization Fund offering a 3% interest subsidy on shipbuilding-related loans. The third component is a Rs 19,989-crore Shipbuilding Development Fund to promote shipping and shipbuilding clusters. The final pillar focuses on legal and policy reforms, particularly a unified dispute-resolution and arbitration framework to streamline operations in the sector. In addition to these initiatives, Sonowal mentioned that some of South Koreas largest shipbuilding companies, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, have expressed interest in partnering with Indian shipyards to develop these large vessels locally. This partnership would not only cater to the domestic market but also position India as a key player in the global shipbuilding industry. Also Read: Why Leadership Development Must Shift from Skills Training to Character Building On the topic of port capacity, Sonowal revealed that the government's goal is to raise Indias port capacity from 2,771 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2024-25 to about 3,500 mtpa by 2030. This ambitious plan includes the construction of several major projects, such as the Vadhvan Port, Tuna Tekra Container Terminal at Deendayal Port, and the Tuticorin Outer Harbour at VOC Port. These projects are expected to significantly enhance the countrys cargo handling and efficiency at major ports. The upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27 is also expected to provide a major boost to Indias maritime sector. The government has outlined initiatives such as a Rs 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme to create 0.75 million TEUs of domestic capacity. The Budget also includes tax reforms aimed at incentivizing private participation in the maritime sector and easing customs duties on vessel imports. Additionally, the government plans to operationalize 20 new national waterways over the next five years, with a focus on integrating them into multimodal logistics corridors. One of the major projects in this initiative is the development of National Waterway-5 in Odisha, which will connect mineral-rich areas to key ports, significantly boosting cargo movement. Finally, the establishment of the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL), a joint venture backed by the Shipping Corporation of India, aims to reduce the countrys reliance on foreign shipping lines by acquiring a fleet of Indian-flagged container vessels. This move, seen as strategic amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, is expected to help India build a stronger, more resilient maritime infrastructure. Ghanaian Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang speaks during a gala marking the Chinese New Year in Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) ACCRA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has extended her Spring Festival greetings and praised Ghana-China relations during a gala marking the Chinese New Year. Speaking Monday at the event held by Chinese company Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd., Opoku-Agyemang described the Year of the Horse celebration as a reminder that development is shaped not only by infrastructure but also by people, culture, and mutual respect. "As we mark the Spring Festival, we are reminded that the relationship between China and Ghana is not new. Diplomatic relations between Ghana and China were established in 1960. Over the decades that followed, cooperation expanded beyond formal ties to everyday engagements across education, trade, and industry," the vice president noted. The historical relationship, shaped by diplomacy, trade, technical cooperation, and the everyday interactions of people who live and work side by side today, places a responsibility on both sides, she said. According to Opoku-Agyemang, partnerships that endure are built on clarity of purpose, mutual accountability, and the willingness to learn from what has worked and what has not, to continuously deepen future cooperation based on mutual interests and mutual respect. She said Ghana is determined to deepen its cooperation with China through transparency, fairness, and values that align with mutual development priorities. "May the year ahead be marked not only by goodwill and celebration but also by results we can point to, including stronger institutions, more resilient infrastructure, and shared prosperity grounded in responsibility on both sides," Opoku-Agyemang added. The vice president also lauded Sunon Asogli for nearly two decades of contributions to Ghana's power sector, supplying a substantial share of electricity and enhancing grid reliability during periods of stress. Wang Jinxiao, chairman of Sunon Asogli, commended the Ghanaian government for creating an enabling investment environment and the support that has helped the company to continue operating in the country. Wang also announced the company's plans to expand into renewable energy, including solar and wind projects, and to introduce electric vehicles to support Ghana's energy transition agenda. A Ghanaian traditional dance performance is staged during a gala marking the Chinese New Year in Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) A face-changing show is staged during a gala marking the Chinese New Year in Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese New Year arrives, the rhythms of drums mingle with laughter in the streets of Laos, heralding the Year of the Horse. The streets of Lao capital Vientiane are buzzing with excitement as lion dance troupes parade through the city, their drums and cymbals echoing along the way and capturing the attention of passersby. The festive energy fills the air, drawing residents and visitors into the celebrations. "During this period, the city feels alive and vibrant. Walking through the streets, you can hear the drums and cymbals of the lion dance troupes. It really makes you feel the excitement in the air," Poupe, a resident of Vientiane, told Xinhua on Tuesday. For Poupe, the lion dance is the highlight of the festival. Although not part of a Chinese family, she finds joy in the celebrations, remarking, "Chinese New Year is a celebration of fortune, and I think everyone enjoys it." Some Lao residents join friends and relatives in family gatherings, hanging decorations, sharing meals, and exchanging red envelopes. Alex, another resident of Vientiane, said he enjoys this time of the year, celebrating the festival with his friend, a Lao citizen of Chinese descent. "I was invited to help set up the house with red banners and lanterns. We shared a meal together and even exchanged red envelopes. It felt warm and inclusive," he said. The festival is an opportunity to appreciate Chinese traditions while strengthening community bonds, creating shared memories, and fostering unity across cultures, said Pouna, an office worker in Vientiane. "Celebrating this festival allows us to appreciate our Chinese friends' culture and traditions...It truly feels like a celebration that crosses cultural boundaries," Toto, a vendor in Vientiane, said. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Gateway readies rigs for 16km WA gold play Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rowena Duckworth February 17, 2026 1:24pm 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 Gateway Mining is about to plunge the drill bit into one of its most compelling new targets yet at the companys Yandal gold project in Western Australia, with a large-scale maiden drilling campaign set to fire up in early March at the Great Western prospect. Detailed lithological and structural mapping has confirmed what the company describes as a textbook gold setting, with a differentiated dolerite unit running along the western margin of the primary Great Western shear zone. Drill rig at Gateway Minings Yandal gold project. The unit displays textural zonation and chilled margins strikingly similar to dolerite-hosted deposits in the Eastern Goldfields, including Northern Stars famed Jundee and the Junction deposit in the prolific St Ives gold camp. We are very excited to begin unlocking thepotential within the Great Western corridor. Gateway Mining executive chairman Andrew Bray Advertisement Gateway Mining executive chairman Andrew Bray said: The mapping at Great Western has confirmed a textbook structural and lithological setting that is strikingly similar to some of the most significant dolerite-hosted gold camps in the Eastern Goldfields. Management believes that the elucidation of the shear zone in contact with a highly prospective dolerite, together with coherent gold-in-soil and nugget anomalism, all point to the possibility of a large gold system. It is this sheared dolerite margin that will be the focus of an extensive part of the upcoming drilling, as it represents an optimal host for gold mineralisation due to the high competency contrast between different rock types. Currently, the mapped dolerite unit spans an impressive 7km of outcrop. However, magnetic imagery indicates the unit likely extends for approximately 16km along strike - a mammoth corridor-scale feature that remains largely untested. Significantly, gold-in-soil anomalies and nugget patches track the sheared eastern margin of the dolerite across the entire sampled length to date. The highest-tenor anomalies cluster along what the company has predictably dubbed the Target Shear Zone, - a structure that splays from the Horse Well Gold Camp at the Warmblood deposit before flexing north along the dolerite margin. Advertisement Structural mapping has also revealed multi-phase deformation, cross-cutting features and linking structures geological ingredients that create dilation zones capable of channelling large volumes of hydrothermal fluids. In other words, the right plumbing network appears to be there. To test the theory, Gateway has designed a two-pronged maiden drilling campaign deploying two aircore rigs and one RC rig. The aircore rigs will sweep across the gold-in-soil anomalies along the sheared doleriteintermediate volcanic contact, while the RC rig will step in where outcrop prevents effective penetration. Regional wide-spaced drilling will also probe textural zonation within the dolerite and assess splay structures diverging from the main shear zone, with additional drilling planned once northern soil assays are received. Gateways Yandal project covers a stonking 1780 square kilometres of prime Yandal greenstones, 85km northeast of Wiluna and just 40km from Northern Stars abounding multi-million-ounce Jundee operation. The project already hosts an 8.17 million tonne resource grading 1.52 grams per tonne gold for 400,400 ounces across the companys Horse Well and Dusk til Dawn deposits. Advertisement Gateway enters the Great Western drill program well-funded, holding $19.4 million in cash and $9.3 million in liquid ASX securities at the end of December. Armed with 16km of strike in a nugget-rich shear corridor that carries all the structural hallmarks of WAs best gold camps, Gateway now hands the story to the drill bit to see if geological promise translates into ounces. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears True North steps up Qld copper push with development drilling Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Michael Busbridge February 17, 2026 4:58pm 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 True North Copper has ramped up extension drilling at its Cloncurry copper project in Queensland to boost resource confidence ahead of a pre-feasibility study, while refining mine design and processing plans. The project, which sits just south of its namesake township, comprises several deposits, including the underexplored Great Australia Mine, alongside its Taipan and Orphan Shear prospects. True North Copper conducting RC drilling activities at its Cloncurry copper project in Qld. Drilling is now underway, with the program set to punch out about 2700 metres across 14 combined diamond and reverse circulation (RC) holes. Six diamond holes will focus on metallurgical and geotechnical studies, while a further six RC holes will probe mineralisation extensions across all three deposits and test a suite of near-mine priority targets. Advertisement Following last years drilling success, Great Australias resource now stands at 5.29 million tonnes grading 0.86 per cent copper, 0.07 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 0.03 per cent cobalt. Its Taipan deposit tips in with a 5.21-million-tonne resource, grading 0.57 per cent copper, 0.13g/t gold and 0.02 per cent cobalt. Confidence has recently lifted, with indicated material now making up 95 per cent of the total resource. Meanwhile, the Orphan Shear prospect delivers an additional 1 million tonnes at 0.56 per cent copper. Together, the three deposits total 11.53 million tonnes grading 0.71 per cent copper and 0.09g/t for 80,000 tonnes of copper, 34,000 ounces of gold and 2000 tonnes of cobalt. True North Copper general manager of operations Matt Varvari said: The commencement of diamond drilling at Great Australia represents an important step in advancing the Cloncurry Copper Project toward development. Elsewhere, the companys Wallace North deposit, about 35 kilometres southeast of Great Australia, is set for a new round of drilling once the rigs finish at Cloncurry. Advertisement Although mining at Wallace North wrapped up in 2024, the open pit still hosts a solid 2 million tonnes grading 1.28 per cent copper and 0.77g/t gold and exploration late last year gave the geos something to smile about. Best hits included 19 metres grading a hefty 2.18 per cent copper and 1.76g/t gold from 106 metres, featuring an impressive 9 metres running 4.33 per cent copper and 3.64 g/t gold from 108 metres. This intercept, located 60m along strike from the existing resource, represents the best intersection ever drilled at Wallace North. RC drilling will also test priority targets at True Norths Whip and Coppermine Creek prospects, sitting 500 metres along strike southwest of Great Australia Mine. Whip has an intense induced polarisation (IP) anomaly, interpreted as hosting mineralisation. A previous single drill hole intersected 6m grading 0.31 per cent copper from 142m downhole in a non-optimised position near the core of the IP anomaly. There was no follow-up work. Drilling in 2026 will test the downward continuity of the anomaly. Coppermine Creek has another IP anomaly, potentially a deep extension of the Great Australia Mine. Previous drilling near the edge of the IP anomaly intersected a tantalising 12 metres running 0.64 per cent copper from 124m. The anomaly also straddles the Coppermine Creek fault, a potential feeder zone to mineralisation at the Great Australia Mine. Advertisement IP geophysics has been a very useful prospecting tool in the Cloncurry region. Copper resources at Great Australia and Taipan were both identified using IP, as they contain sufficient copper and iron sulphide to generate an IP response. The targets at Whip and Coppermine Creek may add to the list of copper discoveries using IP. True North is gearing up for a busy 2026, with fresh green fields exploration programs testing new drill targets at Wallace North, Whip and Coppermine Creek. Brownfields targets to increase the resource base at Great Australia. The company believes it can deliver the next big Queensland copper story as it works towards project development. With copper prices strengthening and the metal firmly embedded on critical mineral lists, the timing appears increasingly favourable for True Norths expanding Queensland footprint. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au ---------------------------------------------------- Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Viking data crunch doubles US tungsten scale and strike Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rob Evans February 17, 2026 8:26pm 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 Viking Mines deep dive into historic data has doubled the known strike at its Linka tungsten project in Nevada, uncovering high-grade surface hits and pointing to a much larger, district-scale system lurking under cover. Viking first invested in the Linka project in January, and with it, an extensive library of legacy datasets. A large-scale historic data integration by Viking Metals at its Linka project in Nevada has rapidly grown the scale and strike of the prospect. However, while rifling through the archives, the companys geos uncovered a real head-turner, confirming the presence of high-grade surface tungsten almost 800 metres southwest of its historic Linka mine. A historic high-grade grab sample collected from a zone hidden beneath a younger volcanic cover known as the Bates Mountain Tuff returned a solid 0.6 per cent tungsten trioxide. That result alone has stretched the system well beyond where previous mining and modern exploration thought it ended. Advertisement This doubles the immediate strike potential of the mineralised corridor to 1.6km... Viking Mines managing director and chief executive officer Julian Woodcock In addition to the standout finding, Viking has also unearthed historical channel and grab samples from the old pit that returned a stunning 1.0 per cent tungsten oxide over 8.5 metres. Even more pleasing were individual grab samples, which returned up to 1.5 per cent tungsten oxide. The Linka project was historically mined for 123,000 tonnes of ore grading 0.54 per cent tungsten oxide in three pits. Viking Mines managing director and chief executive officer Julian Woodcock said: This doubles the immediate strike potential of the mineralised corridor to 1.6km, which may represent only ~29% of the ~5.5km interpreted contacts of the regional intrusive. The extensive historical data used in the integration program comprises 68 drill holes totalling 3000m of drilling. Notably, additional information has come from old cross-sectional mapping, trenching and grab samples. By pulling all the datasets together, the company has been able to extensively revise its understanding of subsurface mineralisation and dramatically expand its high-grade targets. Advertisement In accessing and leveraging the historical data, Viking says it has been able to avoid the need to run 12 months of fieldwork - costing upwards of a million dollars - significantly leapfrogging and accelerating managements understanding of the Linka project and positioning the company well for further discoveries across the region. Sitting on a portfolio of an additional five closely located tungsten projects in the Nevada region, Viking is steeling itself for a cracking year and is sprinting through the permitting maze to secure an early drilling start to sink some holes into the rapidly expanded high-grade targets as soon as possible. Riding on the US administrations sharpened focus, funding and policy support for critical minerals, strategic commodities such as tungsten are back in the spotlight as Washington hunts for nearby, secure supply chains to feed Western defence and manufacturing needs. A recent Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting - set up by the US to reshape the global market for critical minerals - reflects this momentum and urgency. It was attended by 54 countries, including the Australian Minister for Resources and the European Commission. Further highlighting Western needs, Project Vault, with a US$12 billion (A$17 billion) budget, was also launched by the US to develop stockpiles of critical, strategic minerals and rare earths for civilian use. Advertisement With more data integration to come from historic data at Linka and a highly detailed geophysics gravity program already underway, Viking appears to have the bit between its teeth. The upcoming release of metallurgical test work in the next couple of weeks, coupled with a drill program to test the data relating to the expanded footprint, is likely to only strengthen Linkas case further as a future tungsten development. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Endangered turtles are being bred to be released back into the wild. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A The romantic life of turtles has become an unexpected passion for Hayley Shute, chief conservation officer of Aussie Ark. In 2019, the environmental charity on the Central Coast took in 12 endangered Manning river turtles at risk from the ongoing drought and bushfires. It was Shutes job to convince the reptiles to breed. Loading I had to become a turtle, Shute said. We had to just live and breathe turtles and figure them out. It was so rewarding when we started seeing courtship behaviour. A week ago, Aussie Ark released eight sub-adult turtles hatched in 2020, and 13 juveniles hatched in 2024 and 2025, into a pristine waterhole in the Barrington River, a tributary of the Manning. On Wednesday, a further 14 tiny turtles will be released as well. Aussie Ark chief conservation officer Hayley Shute releasing a Manning River turtle into the Barrington River in February 2026. Janie Barrett One of the Manning River turtles that were successfully bred at Aussie Ark. Janie Barrett Advertisement Ricky Spencer, adjunct professor at Western Sydney University, said this was the first time that Manning River turtles had been bred in captivity, and the release would boost the species chances of survival. If you save one turtle, youre not only picking up her, youre actually picking up maybe 2000 of her babies because they live 100 years and produce 20 eggs per year, Spencer said. Saving one turtle has a massive impact on the population. The release of the young turtles is bittersweet for Shute and her team, but it is a huge achievement and the culmination of years of work. Of the original 12 turtles, one female arrived already pregnant and later laid a clutch of eggs, which hatched in 2020. It took another two years before the turtles started breeding in captivity. Ruby Hawling and Billy Collett from Aussie Ark putting Manning River turtles in the same tank as part of a breeding program. Janie Barrett Manning River turtles are put in the same tank for mating at Aussie Arks facility at the Australian Reptile Park. Janie Barrett Shute said they had to figure out what the turtles liked to eat, whether the males and females should be separated or together, and when they should be brought together for possible breeding. They eventually realised the turtles should be kept apart for winter and they could introduce the females to the males after emulating spring rains. Advertisement Related Article Wildlife The aphrodisiac that unlocked the secret sex life of snails We started seeing the female sort of swimming past the male, almost seductively, and the male started to follow her around and his head would be right behind hers, Shute said. They started doing this beautiful nosing behaviour they literally just put their noses together and just sit there for hours and hours. And then the male would start to put his little flippers up to her face and fan her face. I just fell in love with that species so much watching that courtship behaviour. Then from there, we saw breeding, which was an incredible feeling. Aerial view of the Barrington River, within the Manning River catchment. Janie Barrett Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Advertisement Manning River turtles are a freshwater species found only in the upper and middle reaches of the Manning River catchment, from the Great Dividing Range to the Mid North Coast of NSW. Like all freshwater turtle species, they help keep rivers clean by scavenging and eating aquatic plants, but threats include urbanisation and feral animals such as foxes, cats and pigs. Foxes are the biggest problem, Spencer said, because they destroy 95 per cent of wild turtle nests, and eat eggs, hatchlings and even adult females as they try to lay. Spencer is also head of community conservation citizen science program 1 Million Turtles, which has the TurtleSAT app for citizen scientists to record turtle and nest sightings, and is pushing landowners to build biodiversity islands in dams for turtles and birds. A Manning River turtle egg in incubation at Aussie Ark on February 6. Janie Barrett A Manning River turtle hatching from its egg on February 9, 2026. Janie Barrett By incubating the eggs and releasing live young, Aussie Ark is removing the alien threat of feral predators and greatly increasing the young turtles chances of survival. Advertisement Once theyre in the river, theyre relatively safe, Shute said. A kookaburra might take one, or a water dragon might take one, but the foxes and cats, they just eat everything or kill everything, so its not a natural cycle whatsoever. A Manning River turtle has a health check at Aussie Ark prior to its release in the Barrington River. Janie Barrett A three-month-old Manning River turtle is weighed as part of a health check at Aussie Ark. Janie Barrett The eight sub-adults were released with VHF transmitters attached, allowing Aussie Ark and Spencers PhD student Pham Van Thong to track their movements for two years and measure survival rates. (So far, some are hanging out around the release site, and others have gone a kilometre downstream). Ten of the 14 smaller turtles to be released on Wednesday will also have tiny transmitters. Tracking turtles of different ages will provide insight into the optimal timing for a wild release, Shute said. A Manning River turtle has a VHF transmitter attached to its shell. Janie Barrett Advertisement Advertisement EnvironmentConservationWhales Young entangled humpback whale leads rescuers on multi-state rescue mission Bianca Hall February 17, 2026 3:42pm 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 sight is distressing: a juvenile humpback whale, separated from its mother, and so badly entangled in ropes it bears deep cuts and scars along the length of its body. This is the predicament facing authorities and locals along the NSW and Victorian coasts, who have over the past fortnight spotted the calf with ropes tightly wound around the base of its dorsal fin. The juvenile humpback whale has been spotted multiple times off Australias east coast. Graeme Burgan Deep welts indicate the ropes have shifted over a period of time, inflicting multiple wounds on the juvenile whale. The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) first received a report of an entangled young whale off Tathra, on NSWs far south coast, on January 31. Advertisement ORRCA spokeswoman Pip Jacobs said the juvenile whale was next seen more than 200 kilometres north, off the coast of Jervis Bay, on February 4. Late last week it was spotted again this time off Refuge Cove, on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory National Park, on the Victorian side of the border and heading south. It does look like quite a young whale, like its potentially just left its mother, and that normally happens after about a year old, Jacobs said. But this particular whale is also showing a lot of decline in body condition, likely due to the entanglement it is seemingly underweight, so that also impedes our ability to age it. Advertisement Jacobs said a specialised whale entanglement team would be required to free the animal if found. Disentanglement is incredibly difficult and dangerous, she said. If you can imagine, a humpback whale can weigh up to 40 tonnes, and it is a large animal that is in stress as well. We would never encourage any member of the public to disentangle a whale on their own, because theyre not licensed to do so, but also because its incredibly dangerous, [depending] on water conditions, as well as the condition of the whale and how its behaving. It is unusual to see humpback whales at this time of year in Australian waters. Advertisement Ongoing attempts by search teams on private vessels and authorities in Victoria to locate the animal, last spotted on the weekend, have been unsuccessful. Orcas, also known as killer whales, which are known to prey upon juvenile humpback whales, are also in the area. Orcas off Sydneys northern beaches. The species is known to prey upon juvenile humpback whales. Whale Watching Sydney A spokesperson for Victorias Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Incident Management Team said the whale had been moving very slowly and appeared underweight. The spokesperson said abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear, known as ghost nets, are a global problem directly impacting marine life such as whales. Advertisement Related Article Sharks Tear gas for sharks: Non-lethal barriers proposed for Australian beaches DEECA incident controller Renee Hutchison said the ongoing search had covered a vast area since the whale was first reported to Victorian authorities on February 14. The area we are searching with spotter planes is quite large, which means people in boats near Wilsons Promontory are a valuable resource to complement the DEECA search efforts. The Captain Paul Watson Foundation, which is in Victoria preparing to depart for Antarctica to interrupt commercial krill hunts and has been helping efforts to find the humpback, urged anyone who has seen the whale to contact authorities. A group of 24 activists on board the MV Bandero, including 10 Australians, have been moored in Victorian waters ahead of their planned expedition to Antarctica to disrupt international krill fishing operations. Advertisement ORRCA has urged members in Victoria and Tasmania to report any sightings of the whale to DEECA Emergency Whale and Dolphin Rescue Hotline on 1300 136 017 or ORRCA on (02) 9415 3333. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Whales Bianca Hall is The Age's environment and climate reporter, and has worked in a range of roles including as a senior writer, city editor, and in the federal politics bureau in Canberra. , Facebook or email. Connect via X Advertisement Tips & adviceBar Cart We found the ultimate proseccos for a spritz (including one from Aldi for $12) And if you like pet nat, try the bottle-fermented cousin of regular prosecco, which has bolder aromas and a deeper flavour, as if the volume has been turned up. Mike Bennie February 18, 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 This story is part of the February 21 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . After 20 or so years of wine and drinks writing, I never thought I would type this sentence: I found the ultimate prosecco for spritz. Thats the snobby wine writer bias kicking in. Wine elitists dismiss prosecco as champagnes unserious cousin. Sommeliers and posh wine shops bemoan the necessity and its rising status in the world of drinks, yet its fizzy, frothy, fruity fun, and oh, wildly popular. A spritz, anyone? Dion Georgopoulos But importantly for our query, prosecco forms the baseline of one of the most common cocktails in the universe: the spritz. The bones of the Italian-born cocktail are pretty straightforward - use a bittersweet, herbal or citrusy, aromatic liqueur and cut that with sparkling wine, usually prosecco, and combine the two over ice in a big glass. In Australia, local prosecco works well with Campari-like switch-outs such as Poor Toms Imbroglio, or for a little extra x-factor, the native Australian plum aperitif called Tanica (both brands are born in Sydney). Advertisement Instead of doing the hard yards at bottomless prosecco brunches, checking out the gear at CBD suit bars, or chaperoning hens and bucks parties in stretched Hummers, I went for something more academic collated 20 examples from Australia and Italy, and did a tasting. The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up The spritz were measured loosely, notes taken more so. Some were charming solo but fell apart in the cocktail blend. Some were too sweet; some had bubbles that felt lethargic. The best ones showed clarity, had that refreshment factor and delivered a little of that ephemeral notion of complexity. What is apparent is that Australian prosecco is in cracking form. Italian prosecco has to travel a long way and perhaps freshness can wane a little in the journey, so leaning into local seems apt. Photo: Dion Georgopoulos Here are our top three Advertisement 3. Corte Carista Prosecco NV (Prosecco, Italy, $12) This racy, refreshing one from ALDI is a surprise package. And at $12, its absurd value. Its not elevating the category, but its wickedly fresh, sizzling with bubbles and mercifully dry. The Aldi bottle might not be elevating the category, but its wickedly fresh. Dion Georgopoulos 2. Chalmers Dott Prosecco 2025 (Murray Darling, Victoria, $27) The local runner-up is from a legend of Italian varieties grown in Australia. A charming take on prosecco, its more restrained than above, disarmingly thirst-slaking, with creaminess and a little X factor courtesy of a floral lift. Theres dried pear and apricot characters, more classic peach, green mango and lime. A charming take on prosecco, its disarmingly thirst-slaking and creamy. Dion Georgopoulos 1. Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco NV (King Valley, Victoria, $21) The winner is from one of Australias pioneers of the variety. It ups the ante with minerally charm, delivering crisp, tropical fruit characters, and nails a sorbet-like citrusy freshness. Bone-dry, chalky in texture and with energising bubbles, its loaded with green apple snap and grapefruit pithiness. A nutty savouriness seals the deal. All of this locked in beautifully with Aperol and, with a street price of $21, it demolishes the field. Advertisement With a street price of $21, this Aussie prosecco demolishes the field. Dion Georgopoulos But if you like pet nat, buy this prosecco instead In the Italian prosecco universe, theres a lesser-sung style that consistently grabs my attention. Its called Col Fondo, and its the hush-hush, unfiltered, naturally cloudy, bottle-fermented cousin of regular prosecco. These wines feel alive, unpredictable and distinctly rebellious in comparison to their button-down kin. The style unlocks proseccos hidden potential and tends to deliver more savouriness, bolder aromas, deeper flavour and intriguing texture. The volume is turned up and the bassline is funky. Theres an obvious kinship to petillant naturel (pet nat) wines, which are also naturally fermented in the bottle and typically lightly sparkling. Advertisement Alive with yeast, theyre slightly rustic and a lot of fun. And Australian producers are now in on it, too. Vinea Marson Col Fondo Prosecco 2022 Jamie Alexander Standouts from recent tastings include Vinea Marson Col Fondo Prosecco 2022, a bright, saline and hazy sparkling with dried floral characters not dissimilar to fino sherry, preserved lemon and nashi pear fruitiness. Cavedon Col Fondo Prosecco 2022 lands a little more clarity from the style. Still hazy in look and feel but with bristling spritz and citrusy freshness in tow. Cavedon Col Fondo Prosecco 2022. Advertisement Dal Zotto once again makes the honour roll, and are long-term proponents of the style. Dal Zotto produce two versions, and have current releases of Col Fondo Pucino Prosecco 2022, a more approachable, zippy and fresh rendering, and Tabelo Col Fondo 2021, a deeply flavoured, richer, more serious style. Tabelo Col Fondo 2021. To channel Rupi Kaur, prosecco is the journey, Col Fondo is the adventure. Advertisement MoneyPlanning & budgetingAI Opinion Using AI for money advice? You might want to read this Max Yong February 17, 2026 10:50am 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 In one of my personal finance classes at Harvard, I asked students to use AI to help answer a simple question: would you prefer a car loan at 10 per cent for one year, or 2 per cent for ten years? Their AI chat tools confidently responded with detailed calculations, claiming 10 per cent for one year is always best. Only one of my forty students realised it was wrong. I would prefer the 2 per cent loan because I could always pay it off in one year, they correctly pointed out. Four in 10 Australians are using AI to help with their finances. Aresna Villanueva If 97.5 per cent of my Harvard advanced economics students can be fooled by AI, what hope do the rest of us have? Its becoming a popular tool, with four in ten Australians using AI for their personal finances. For those aged 18-29, it is eight in 10. With professional advice costing upwards of $5000 a year, it is no surprise that Australians are turning to free AI tools to help guide their financial decisions. And while AI can be genuinely useful for managing money, my Harvard undergraduates will now be the first to tell you about its many pitfalls. Advertisement But that doesnt mean you should completely write off AI as a tool to help improve your finances. There are some scenarios where AI can be helpful, and somewhere its best left alone. Editor's pick Opinion Ask an expert My super funds no help. So how do I choose a good financial advisor? Paul Benson Money contributor How you should use AI 1. Treat AI like a junior analyst, not a financial adviser. As long as you check its work, AI can be useful for delegating time-consuming tasks. Comparing different financial products can be a time-saver (for example, numerous savings accounts with different bonus interest rate rules). And, given comparison websites often favour promoted products, AI can be a less commercially conflicted option. You can also use AI to do simple financial calculations, help keep track of and categorise your spending, and find long-forgotten subscriptions youre still paying for. Just make sure you supervise it at all times. Advertisement 2. Ask AI the questions youre too embarrassed to ask. Explain how an offset account works, as if I were a 10-year-old is often an effective prompt in my experience. Or what is a balance transfer fee, and how do I avoid getting stung by one? Our finances can be quite personal, and we may not feel comfortable asking our friends or family questions we think are too simple. In these cases, AI can be an effective judgment-free tutor. Just as you wouldnt want an AI attorney to represent you in court, dont let AI make tax or legal decisions for you. 3. Let it help you read lengthy T&Cs. No matter whether its a credit card, insurance product, or superannuation account, we are constantly being asked to read hundreds of pages of terms and conditions. Unless youre the 6 per cent of people who read these documents every time, you might consider using AI to summarise the important points, including any catches that might be relevant to you. Advertisement This, of course, is error-prone and does not replace reading it yourself, but an AI summary is still better than blindly ticking the I accept box. How you shouldnt use AI 1. Dont outsource life decisions. The decision to buy a house, change jobs, or sign a prenup is uniquely personal. And while they include a financial element, they are trade-offs between competing priorities that are also informed by personal relationships and values. Asking AI to make these decisions for you could turn them into an optimisation problem, not a life decision. It may help collate all the pros and cons, but handing these decisions over to AI entirely wont improve them it will just hide the judgment call behind a falsely confident computer-generated answer. 2. Dont let AI dictate your risk tolerance. Economists generally think that peoples risk tolerance becomes more conservative as they get older, given that they have less time to recover from any setbacks. Advertisement But there is no correct risk tolerance for ones investments, as it depends on your wealth, financial goals, and personal comfort with market volatility. Worryingly, there is evidence that AI often endorses higher -risk options and can have higher assertiveness in these recommendations. Blindly following this advice could lead to greater investment volatility than many people are comfortable with. Buying a house is a deeply personal decision, and not one youd want AI to help with. Dion Georgopoulos 3. Dont rely on AI for legal or tax advice. Just as you wouldnt want an AI lawyer to represent you in court, dont let AI make tax or legal decisions for you. AI models are known to hallucinate, meaning that they confidently make stuff up with no factual basis. So, for important decisions where incorrect application of the law could lead to penalties or criminal convictions dont trust AI. Advertisement Dont assume confidence equals accuracy, and dont expect AI to take any accountability. Im not sure how much luck youd have suing Google because you broke Australian Tax Office rules on its AI agents advice. AI is a technological marvel, and it is making many financial decisions easier and more accessible than ever before. But, of course, nothing replaces a real certified financial adviser when making important decisions. At least in 2026, Id still trust a well-educated human more than an overconfident algorithm. Max Yong is a Teaching Fellow in Personal Finance at Harvard University. He previously taught personal finance at Melbourne University. Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Amanda Rishworth tells TODAY government won't assist Australians in Syria Federal MP Amanda Rishworth has told the TODAY Show the government will not be assisting Australians with alleged IS ties to return home from Syria. Advertisement CCTV footage capturing the start of the stabbing rampage that killed one man and left two other people critically wounded has emerged, as a man is refused bail after he was charged with murder and attempted murder over the attack on Tuesday. Security footage from a Nepalese grocery store on Merrylands Road, Merrylands captures a man dressed in a white shirt, grey trousers and a bucket hat walking towards the counter, stabbing a 47-year-old woman on the neck and fleeing the shop as a worker comes to her aid. A man was also stabbed in the shop. An additional camera capturing the stores entry shows the attacker leaving the building, and walking along the footpath before stabbing an unsuspecting male. The victim can be seen clutching his neck and appealing for help from passers-by. A 38-year-old man was killed in the rampage, while a 21-year-old man was also hospitalised in a critical condition. The woman was rushed to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Advertisement Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, 25, was arrested on nearby Smythe Street, where a knife was allegedly seized, shortly after the alleged attack. Police allege he used a kitchen knife with a 20-30 centimetre blade in the attack. He was taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Emergency services at Merrylands, where one person was killed and two injured in a stabbing attack. Sam Mooy Leaaetoa was refused bail when he appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday. The matter will be next heard in court on March 4. He was known to police for petty crime and mental health incidents, and had absconded from mental health treatment 10 days earlier while being transferred between hospitals. Advertisement Witnesses described harrowing scenes on Merrylands Road, hearing a terrifying scream, pedestrians sprinting from danger and others rushing to help bleeding victims, as the man allegedly stabbed multiple people with a large kitchen knife before fleeing on foot. In a statement, Western Sydney Local Health District confirmed a person alleged to be involved in the incident was recently a patient receiving acute inpatient care for complex mental health needs 10 days before the alleged attack. CCTV footage captures a man fleeing the scene. Nine News This person absconded from care while being transferred from Cumberland Hospital to Westmead Hospital emergency department for further medical assessment, the health district said. NSW Police were notified, and contact was made with the patients family, but all attempts by [Western Sydney Local Health District] to contact the person were unsuccessful. Advertisement A formal review into the mans treatment and care will include an external senior psychiatrist, the health district said. We also extend our sympathies to the first responders who have been impacted by this incident. The alleged rampage spread from one end of the block to another, with the crime scene spanning about 50 metres. Loading Advertisement CCTV footage broadcast by Nine News showed the man running along a path next to the train tracks shortly after the alleged attacks. Terrified, a woman pushing a pram in front of him started running to get away before he passed her. At least one attack occurred outside Binas Nepalese grocery store on Merrylands Road, just doors down from Granville MP Julia Finns office. Medical equipment and police forensic markers were dotted along the street. Joseph Roussini, 59, called Triple Zero after hearing a woman screaming for her life. [She] was in a terrible state: Joseph Roussini called Triple Zero. Kate Geraghty I could see a man and a lady coming out of the shop, and the man was holding the lady by the neck, and there was blood pouring out of her neck, and he was trying to stop the bleeding, he said. Advertisement [She] was in a terrible state. He said bystanders rushed to help and every second felt like a year waiting for paramedics. One shop owner said he heard a scream and saw people sprinting down the street. Another woman, who asked not to be identified, said she saw dark police cars cruising along the street shortly after the incident, with helicopters circling above. A man was arrested after a brief manhunt on nearby Smythe Street, also in Merrylands, and was taken to Granville Police Station. Kate Geraghty It was really harrowing, she said. I dont feel safe. Advertisement None of the victims were related to one another. Riot police scoured the area, marching through gardens and knocking on doors before Leaaetoas arrest. Related Article Media & marketing Make The Sydney Morning Herald your preferred source on Google Footage released by NSW Police showed the man, handcuffed and barefoot, being led from the police wagon into Granville Police Station. Superintendent Simon Glasser said police quickly locked down the area, but it took about 40 minutes to locate the alleged offender. Advertisement It was highly confronting. Its a horrible offence to have taken place, Glasser said. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Malaysians welcomed the Year of the Horse on Tuesday with great eagerness, with the Spring Festival forming a common platform for the country's diverse population to come together to mark the occasion. Fireworks boomed all night in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere in the light of countless red- and gold-colored lanterns and all manner of horse-themed decorations, with Malaysians from all walks of life enjoying the festive atmosphere. Among those celebrating the new year is Ng Kai Sheng, who said his family decided to hold a traditional reunion dinner after having relied on restaurants in recent years in an effort to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and family. "We have been holding our dinner in various restaurants in recent years. While it is convenient, there is something missing, so this year we decided to do it the traditional way. We gathered together early, and everyone contributed to cooking, whether mincing ingredients or actually cooking. It is a really different feeling to sit down together and enjoy a meal after working to prepare it together," he said. For others like Lim Pei Shan, the most important thing to look forward to is the return of relatives from Malaysia and overseas, with the family gathering at a restaurant in Penang state for their reunion dinner. "Most of us had to travel to get here, and there is a certain nostalgia in gathering at this restaurant that we all used to come to since childhood. Even though we all work outside Penang and some even overseas, we make the effort to return to see each other and share this meal and time together," she said. Meanwhile, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar extended his greetings for the occasion, expressing hope that the celebrations would be observed in an atmosphere of joy, harmony, and a spirit of unity. "May this Chinese New Year celebration also bring continued happiness, well-being, and prosperity to our beloved country," he said in a statement. The Spring Festival is an officially recognized public holiday in Malaysia, being one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country, reflecting its multicultural population. While rooted in Chinese culture, it is embraced nationally, and non-Chinese Malaysians often participate in "open houses" and celebrations. Advertisement NationalNSWProtests Protest marches can return to city, eastern suburbs, police declare Jessica McSweeney February 17, 2026 11:39am 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 Restrictions on protest marches in Sydneys CBD and eastern suburbs enacted in the wake of the Bondi terror attack have been lifted amid a probe into police behaviour at last weeks rally. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced on Tuesday that the public assembly restriction declaration had expired and would not be extended, opening the doors for protest marches to resume in previously restricted areas. Police actions at a rally last week are under investigation. Wolter Peeters Whilst the public assembly restriction declaration has been lifted today, can I say I want the community to consider and respect others, Lanyon said. Protest groups wishing to march through the streets can now resume making applications as usual, which can be challenged in the courts if police believe there is a threat to public safety. Advertisement Videos showed police removing people who were praying outside Sydney Town Hall on February 9. Dr Mohammed Mustafa, Instagram The decision comes after the police watchdog announced an investigation into the actions of police at a protest against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog last week. Related Article Media & marketing Make The Sydney Morning Herald your preferred source on Google Lanyon said the violent scenes had very little bearing on his decision not to continue with the restrictions. I had significant concerns about the safety of the community in managing the visit of a head of state, the movement of Jewish Australians who were there to see that head of state, but also the rights of people to protest, Lanyon said. Advertisement Im satisfied the conditions that led to the extension last time do not exist now. Related Article Exclusive Israeli-Palestinian conflict Attack on Muslim prayer protest demands full explanation: Albanese The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission investigation was sparked by a significant number of complaints of heavy-handedness, including vision of police officers physically moving Muslim worshippers while they were bowed for evening prayers. Another video captured the moment officers held a protester to the ground, punching the person at least 18 times. Police allege the protester bit an officer on the thumb. The organiser of the rally, the Palestine Action Group, is planning another protest this Sunday at Hyde Park. Police had asked the group to hold last weeks rally at Hyde Park, which was outside the restriction area, but protesters instead insisted on gathering at Town Hall. Advertisement The protest restrictions were introduced by the state government just days after the Bondi massacre in December, giving the police commissioner the power to seal off parts of the state from protest marches up to three months after a terror attack. Activists are mounting a legal challenge to the law arguing it is unconstitutional, and infringes upon the implied right to freedom of political communication. A hearing will be held later this month. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWRoads Secret plans for staged shake-up of Sydney motorway tolls revealed Matt O'Sullivan February 18, 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 The Minns government has been working on plans to split a shake-up of pricing for Sydneys toll roads into two stages, according to confidential documents that suggest the M7 motorway, Lane Cove, Cross City and NorthConnex tunnels will be among phase one of a deal with toll road giant Transurban. As part of Project Charlotte, emails and documents reveal that Transurban, which controls 11 of Sydneys 13 toll roads, had until February 2 to submit to the government a final binding offer. They show that final transaction documents should be approved by next month, before the deal goes to cabinets expenditure review committee and a final decision is made in April. A timeline for key milestones indicates phase one of the toll reform will go live on July 1. An interchange for the M7 motorway and the new M12 is nearing completion. Wolter Peeters Emails in August also show Transport and Treasury officials were looking to accelerate pricing for the M2 motorway, and considering its potential impact, but do not elaborate on what it would mean for the tolls motorists would pay. Advertisement Two weeks later, an agenda for a meeting between negotiators for the government and Transurban lists M2 price change by 1 July 2026 as an item for discussion. And last November, senior transport officials discussed potential compensation claims by Transurban and other investors relating to the M2 due to a proposed reduction in traffic volumes on that motorway. Vehicles head towards the entry to the Lane Cove Tunnel, which is one of 11 toll roads controlled by Transurban. Louie Douvis Transurban, which will release its half-year profits on Thursday, indicated at its previous earnings results last August that it was considering widening the western section of the M2, in Sydneys fast-growing north-west. The plans for a staged approach to toll changes come as Premier Chris Minns defended Transport Minister John Grahams office demanding bureaucrats model the effect of a toll shake-up across state electorates, which the opposition has described as a blatant improper use of public resources. Advertisement Minns said requesting information based on where people live, even if it was by electorate, was reasonable and understandable. Related Article Exclusive Roads Blatantly improper: Minister under fire over toll reform by electorate Weve got a right to explain to our electorates how our policy changes have benefited those communities. Many of those electorates voted for change in the 2023 election, and MPs are entitled to explain how that change has happened, he said. The government has been negotiating with Transurban and other large investors about a shake-up of tolling contracts since July 2024. They have already reached a deal to scrap administration charges on toll notices, while the government has confirmed that motorists will be charged two-way tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel from as early as 2028 to help fund a $60-a-week cap on motorway charges across the city. Emails show transport officials mistakenly shared sensitive information with Transurban last October during negotiations before the file in question was deleted. Advertisement Related Article Media & marketing Make The Sydney Morning Herald your preferred source on Google A government-commissioned review led by former competition watchdog chairman Allan Fels also recommended two-way tolling on the Eastern Distributor motorway. The Eastern Distributor and WestConnex, which account for about 40 per cent of toll revenue in Sydney, do not appear to be part of phase one of the proposed deal. However, the documents show a second phase is slated to start from 2029, months after the $7.4 billion Western Harbour Tunnel between Rozelle and North Sydney is due to open. Graham said the government was doing the hard work of cleaning up the Liberals toll road privatisation mess, adding it would agree to a deal only if it was in the interests of drivers and taxpayers. Advertisement We have delivered phase one of toll reform, which includes the permanent $60 toll cap, an independent tolling ombudsman, the establishment of NSW Motorways and an agreement to remove costly administration fees, he said. Coalition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward said it was odd that taxpayers, drivers and retail investors were being kept in the dark on plans that seemed pretty advanced. Related Article Roads Sydney drivers face tolls until 2060. Heres why that might get longer The public at least deserve some transparency on deadlines and impacts before a deal is signed, she said. Transport for NSW did not answer specific questions about the two-stage plan for toll changes, saying only that it remained engaged in direct negotiations with the owners of motorway concessions. These negotiations are commercial in confidence, the agency said. Advertisement Transurban said it was working with the government to finalise a simpler and more transparent tolling system, which was expected by the middle of the year. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Advertisement NationalQueenslandBrisbane Airport Airport noise costs Brisbane $100m a year, curfew would cost $10m, report claims Cameron Atfield February 17, 2026 5:01pm 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 Brisbane residents are collectively losing up to $100 million a year to sleep disruption, health risks, and depressed land values, a new study released by an anti-aircraft noise group has found. The report, authored by University of Queensland economist Professor John Quiggin, was released by the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance late on Monday. The alliance raised $5000 for the report, which it told potential donors would be instrumental in shifting public policy. International air travellers would bear some of the cost of any curfew, the report found. Brisbane Airport Quiggins report finds a nighttime curfew of 10pm to 6am, similar to the one at Sydneys Mascot airport, would come at a modest cost to Brisbanes economy. Advertisement A curfew would not ground the economy, but it would finally let Brisbane residents sleep, he said. On conservative estimates, Brisbane residents are collectively losing up to $100 million per year in the form of sleep disruption, elevated health risks, reduced quality of life, and depressed land values. In his report, Quiggin puts the economic cost of a curfew at $10 million a year, or even less. By contrast, the potential health and economic benefits of a curfew are valued at $50 million or more, he said. The report cast doubt on the need for Brisbane Airports second runway, given that passenger movements had remained static for about a decade. The Brisbane Airport Corporations 2024 annual report shows 22.6 million passengers went through the airport in 2023-24 a post-COVID high, but still less than the 23.6 million in 2017-18. Advertisement An obvious implication is that the massive increase in aircraft noise associated with the introduction of the second runway has so far been unnecessary, Quiggin says in the report. Professor John Quiggin. The old runway was capable of handling a larger volume of passengers than are using the airport at present. The report found the cost of a curfew would be mostly borne by the Brisbane Airport Corporation, with smaller costs to freight operators and their customers, and international air travellers. It also recommended nighttime freight flights be directed to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, about 160 kilometres west of Brisbane Airport by road. The extra cost for freight would be about 16 a kilogram, adding up to $1.2 million a year, the report found. Advertisement The persistent suggestion that aviation should be exempt from regulatory constraint because it is an essential service is analytically unsound, Quiggin said. Industries that generate externalities whether transport, manufacturing, or energy are commonly subject to operating limits, particularly during sensitive night hours. It is time to bring Brisbane Airport into line with the rest of the country. A curfew is standard policy, not radical reform. Brisbane Airport spokesman Henry Tuttiett said the report understated the real-world harm, such as higher airfares and weaker international connections, that flight caps would inflict on Queensland. The report relies on assumptions that have already been academically analysed and disputed, particularly claims about property value impacts, he said. Advertisement Queensland University of Technology analysis of more than 180,000 residential sales over 36 years found no evidence of long-term price reductions or weaker capital growth in suburbs under flight paths. Related Article Exclusive Brisbane Airport Brisbane Airport relaxes wind rules in bid to reduce aircraft noise That QUT analysis, commissioned by Brisbane Airport Corporation, attracted criticism in Quiggins separate submission to a 2024 Senate inquiry into aircraft noise for its lack of hedonic pricing an unbundling of a total price to determine what each individual feature was worth. In response to that criticism, QUT report authors Dr Andrea Blake and Professor Chris Eves submitted to the Senate inquiry that hedonic modelling provided an illusion of legitimacy and accuracy that was sometimes not warranted. Tuttiett said Brisbane Airports 24-hour operation was critical to the industries that underpinned Queenslands economy, particularly tourism and time-sensitive exports. Advertisement The impact of caps and a curfew on Queensland would be profound, he said. Previous economic analysis has estimated the real reduction in activity at $2.3 billion by 2031-32; and $5.5 billion by 2041-42. The reduction in employment is estimated at 24,542 jobs by 2031-32; and 57,922 jobs by 2041-42. Tuttiett said there were better ways to deliver relief to communities affected by noise from the new runway that would be less economically damaging. Those included improved flight paths, more operations over Moreton Bay, and the accelerated rollout of newer, quieter aircraft. Brisbane Airport welcomed the outcomes of the Senate inquiry into the mitigation of aircraft noise, and is committed to working closely with airlines, Airservices Australia, and government to minimise aircraft noise for local communities, he 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 NationalQueenslandCrime Animal abuse allegations surface at petting zoo that employed paedophile Georgia Done Dan Nolan and February 17, 2026 9:32pm 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 owner of a petting zoo and cafe, already notorious for employing a convicted paedophile, is now facing a new set of disturbing allegations. Public protests recently erupted outside City Chicks in Samford after it was revealed owner Ingrid Dimocks then-partner, Steve Harvey, was again working at the family-oriented venue. City Chicks sells poultry to the public but also features activities for families, such as animal feeding. City Chicks owner Ingrid Dimock was in a relationship with Steve Harvey for almost two years. A Current Affair Harveys criminal history includes an eight-year prison sentence for 15 offences four committed against children. Advertisement A Current Affair confronted him last month after it was revealed he was still working at City Chicks cafe, despite Dimock claiming to have cut all ties with the paedophile. Related Article Child protection Convicted paedophile back working at petting zoo near Brisbane The confrontation sparked a Queensland Police investigation, after Police Minister Dan Purdie said he would be seeking a please explain from the commissioner. Harvey was subsequently charged with 13 fresh offences over allegations that he failed to comply with reporting obligations and provided false information. While Dimock insisted she was unaware of Harveys past, new testimony suggested otherwise. Advertisement A former inmate and convicted rapist who served time with Harvey claims he personally warned Dimock about her partners history in November 2023. He alleged Dimock responded by stating that everyone deserves a second chance. Dimock declined to answer detailed questions sent by email about her alleged prior knowledge. The City Chicks petting zoo advertises itself as a kids play space. A Current Affair Harvey worked alongside teenagers at City Chicks, making Dimocks decision to employ him even more infuriating for the local community. Martha, whose daughter worked a trial shift at the cafe, said the girl was unknowingly placed in direct contact with a sex offender. Advertisement She felt uncomfortable when she interacted with Steve and decided not to come back, Martha said. If someone touched my kids, I would never forgive them. Dimock has now been hit with new allegations of animal abuse. A dog carrying a chicken at City Chicks petting zoo in Samford. A Current Affair Negative reviews have reportedly been scrubbed from the cafes online listing, including one that said: A dog grabbed, chased and bit chickens in front of the kids. Awful experience. A Current Affair was also given a disturbing video showing at least five dead or dying chickens in the boot of a City Chicks vehicle, with registration matching the car that Dimock still drives. Advertisement The man who filmed the video in February 2024 in a car park at Newmarket Shopping Centre immediately lodged a cruelty complaint with the RSPCA. But the animal welfare charity did not investigate the video, instead referring the matter to the Department of Primary Industries, claiming the agency was responsible for investigating animal welfare complaints relating to petting zoos. Dead or dying chickens in the back of a ute linked to City Chicks. A Current Affair A department spokesperson confirmed it received a complaint about distressed chicks in the back of a car, and that a vet assessed the footage. The investigation found that the owner of the chicks had failed to ensure appropriate handling of the animals, including transportation, under the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001), they said. Advertisement The investigating officer then advised the owner that they had failed to ensure appropriate handling conditions for the animals, and cautioned them of their responsibilities under the Act. The spokesperson said it often achieved better and faster outcomes through education and compliance action. No further enforcement orders were made, and the department has not received any further complaints, they added. When approached in person, and later via email, Dimock ignored questions regarding the animal abuse allegations and her role in Harveys employment. Fellow Samford cafe owner Paul Wilkinson said the community remained red hot with anger. Advertisement I think Ingrid should be investigated for the role shes played in all this, he said. Queensland Police have not confirmed whether they are investigating Dimocks involvement in Harveys employment, citing privacy restrictions. Meanwhile, Harvey, formerly known as Steve McMillan, is yet to enter a plea over his fresh charges. He briefly appeared at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Monday, with his lawyers seeking a brief of evidence. The matter was adjourned until April 27. 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 government BHP says its paying more in Queensland taxes than its making in profits James Hall February 17, 2026 5:02pm 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 BHP says its paying more in taxes in Queensland than its collecting in profits, as the company again lashed the Crisafulli governments coal royalties regime, which it blamed for acute industry challenges. The worlds biggest miner has aggressively lobbied the state to overhaul the sectors tax settings since the former Labor government raised royalties in 2022. The LNP was initially critical of the tax regime but in government has repeatedly said it would not wind back the settings, despite an intense campaign and ongoing scrutiny from powerful industry leaders. BHP says demand for high-quality coal remains strong, but when it comes to returns, the challenges are acute. BHP announced in September that the royalties had forced it to slash 750 jobs from its Queensland operations and mothball the open-pit Saraji South coal mine in the Bowen Basin. Advertisement On Tuesday, it told investors its challenges are acute in Queensland after it revealed its coal mining business had increased by 2 per cent for little monetary gain. Related Article Queensland government BHP slashes 750 jobs, says coal industry approaching crisis point Chief financial officer Vandita Pant said the operations would extract higher volumes in the medium term without any capital going in to the company. She said the cyclical downturn in coal prices was contributing equally to the hit to the company, alongside royalties. What we are paying in taxes and royalties is higher than the profit that were generating, Pant said after BHP reported its earnings. Advertisement We have one of the best portfolios from a quality of coal perspective. The demand dynamics of met [metallurgical] coal of high quality remain positive. However, from a business operational return perspective, the challenges are acute. Stuart Bocking, the chief executive of industry lobby group Coal Australia, said the tax settings were crippling jobs in regional Queensland. The worlds highest coal royalties are taxing coal jobs out of existence. Thats neither fair nor sustainable, he said. Queensland Labor may have created this job-destroying royalties regime, but the LNP now owns it. Bocking said the industry was continuing to lobby the Crisafulli government, but Treasurer David Janetzki again said there would be no change to the coal royalties structure. Advertisement Related Article Energy Queensland to burn coal for decades as LNP tears up Labor energy target He said the government was instead supporting the resources sector by speeding up mine approvals and extending the life of coal-fired power until at least 2046. We have been clear about our support for the industry what it means for regional Queensland and weve delivered a stable environment, Janetzki told reporters on Tuesday. Coal royalties play a vital role in paying for hospitals, roads, dams, bridges, nurses, teachers, doctors. Its an important role that it plays. Weve offered that certainty and stability to the industry, and will continue to do so. BHP reported that earnings from both iron ore and copper boosted its half-year profit to December 2025 by 28 per cent to $US5.64 billion ($8 billion) as its revenue rose 11 per cent to $US27.9 billion. Advertisement The companys shares rose 6.7 per cent during morning trade to $53.71. The company said it would pay investors an interim dividend of US73, fully franked, on March 26. With reporting from Simon Johanson 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 NationalQueenslandArts Its time to light the lights: World-first Muppets exhibition coming to Brisbane Nick Dent February 17, 2026 5:19pm 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 Kermit, Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and a host of goblins and gelflings will come to Brisbane when a world-first exhibition opens exclusively at the Gallery of Modern Art from September. Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company has been curated by the gallery and offers a unique journey behind the scenes of The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street as well as films Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and many more. Sets and characters from Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock will feature in the exhibition. Apple, The Jim Henson Company Puppets, animatronic creatures, sets, props, costumes, original drawings and moving image clips will be on display. The exhibition will include the Great Hall set from the television series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, taking audiences behind the scenes of a working puppeteers film set. Advertisement Arts Minister Jean-Paul Langbroek said the exhibition would boost Queenslands reputation as a key cultural destination. Were a tourism and events state, as we saw just over the weekend with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, he said. The 1986 film Labyrinth cast David Bowie opposite a host of Jim Hensons creatures. The Jim Henson Company The arrival of the wild and wonderful creatures of The Jim Henson Company at GOMA will add even more kaleidoscopic colour to our state capital, delighting locals and visitors. Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the exhibition would deliver up to 110,000 visitor nights to Queensland and an anticipated $22 million boost for the states economy. Advertisement QAGOMA director Chris Saines said the exhibition would be unparalleled in scope. The exhibition will celebrate the Henson Companys extraordinary legacy, highlighting the specialist work of Jim Hensons Creature Shop, where artists and makers have truly revolutionised the art of puppetry. Saines said the show would also highlight productions with an Australian connection, such as the 2023 feature The Portable Door, filmed in Brisbane, and science-fiction series Farscape, filmed in Sydney. Exhibition curator Amanda Slack-Smith said the idea for the show germinated two years ago when she visited The Jim Henson Company in Los Angeles while compiling GOMAs Fairy Tales show. They were just so generous when I was talking to them about that show, and Im like, theres something here. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandCity council Next Brisbane suburb in line for increased housing revealed William Davis February 17, 2026 1:06pm 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 Sandgate could be the next Brisbane suburb in line for taller towers and redeveloped streets, with a plan to increase housing density announced on Tuesday. The office of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said its proposal could add hundreds of new homes to the northern bayside suburb, which it identified as one of the slowest-growing areas in the city. Sandgates new precinct plan could add hundreds of new homes to the north-eastern bayside suburb. Brisbane City Council The proposed area for the Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan would run along the north side of the train line, and extend to Burnett Place. Much of the main business area along Rainbow Street would be taken in, as would several green spaces including Einbunpin Lagoon Park and Sandgate War Memorial Park. Advertisement Related Article City council Dramatic density: Plan for apartment towers is dividing this Brisbane suburb Precinct plans in other suburbs including Stones Corner and Wynnum have included rezoning to allow taller towers and mixed-use hubs with retail space and homes. The council had argued these areas would develop into residential hubs well served by public transport, and go some way towards rectifying the housing shortage that sent prices skyrocketing since the COVID pandemic. Our plan for Sandgate is about encouraging more homes close to shops, cafes, community facilities and great public transport, city planning chair Adam Allan said. Well work with the community to strike the right balance and protect Sandgates bayside character and outdoor lifestyle. Advertisement Jared Cassidy, the leader of the Labor council opposition, represents the Deagon ward that takes in Sandgate. He has long argued the councils approach to housing has been too narrowly focused on supply, and should incorporate aspirational affordability targets. On Tuesday, Cassidy questioned the suitability of Sandgate for significant height increases, citing flood risk among other concerns, and said any plan for redevelopment in the suburb should include the old gasworks site. Related Article City council The streets within two Brisbane suburbs that are set for high-density makeovers Its like the LNP really dont understand Sandgate very well, he said. Advertisement If the new plan was approved, Sandgate would likely join Wynnum, Alderley, Mount Gravatt and Stones Corner as suburban renewal precincts. This masthead previously revealed Stafford, Moorooka and Salisbury had also been considered as possible renewal precincts. The plan will come before councillors on Tuesday afternoon. The proposed area will go to community for public consultation first. 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 NationalVictoriaMissing person St Kilda heros brother believed to have met with foul play Marta Pascual Juanola and Sarah Danckert February 17, 2026 5:47pm 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 St Kilda legend Barry Breens fraudster younger brother, who vanished without a trace 14 years ago, may have been the victim of foul play, police now believe. Brendan Breen was last seen with his girlfriend at the Hilton hotel in South Wharf on April 12, 2012, where the pair had been staying after flying back from a three-week holiday in Thailand and Singapore. Brendan Breen vanished without a trace in April 2012. Police Media The father of two, who was unemployed at the time and staying at different addresses, was due to catch up for dinner with his ex-partner that night but cancelled at the last minute via text message. Breen was never seen or heard from again. The convicted fraudster also went by the surnames Green and Lacombe, and the alias Brian Green. His family reported him missing the following month, having grown increasingly concerned about his welfare when he failed to attend his daughters wedding. Advertisement Breen is a member of a large and supportive extended family which includes brother Barry, who famously kicked the last-gasp behind in the 1966 grand final that led St Kilda to its only ever flag, and several other siblings. Suspicions among his loved ones that something was badly wrong grew in 2018, when Breen did not attend his daughters funeral. His phone and bank accounts have not been accessed since 2012. I always thought there was something not right, Breens twin sister, Fiona Dwyer, said. If anyone is out there that knows whats happened to Brendan, it would be the kindest of things to do to come forward and share whatever information you have. Police issued an appeal on Tuesday for information on what had happened to Breen. Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said the missing persons squad had recently re-examined the case and reached the conclusion he was likely to have been the victim of foul play. Advertisement Dunstan said police had spoken to friends and associates of Breens in an effort to find him but had run out of leads on what might have happened to him. Were hoping someone will do the right thing and let us know what happened to Brendan and come forward now, Dunstan said. St Kilda great Barry Breen in 2023. Getty Images Theres plenty of water under the bridge since then, and hopefully nows the time they can come provide that information and give the family the closure they desperately need. In 2007, Breen was sentenced to 5 years jail over his involvement in a fraud ring, the court ordering he spend a minimum of three years behind bars. The sentence was reduced on appeal to a minimum of 18 months after the court considered Breen had a new partner who was supporting him through psychological counselling. Advertisement The court heard Breen, who was 50 at the time of his offending, and two co-accusedhad used fake ID papers under false names to commit frauds upon banks and other lenders. A further co-accused had created the fake IDs and then sold them to Breen and his co-offenders, the court heard. Editor's pick AFL club powerbrokers AFL 2025 A multimillionaire who calls the coach in his hour of need: Inside St Kildas network of rich-listers and celebs Breen had tried to convince the court that his offending was due to a dissociative identity disorder a condition that was formerly known as having a split personality. Though the Crown had argued there was no proof this had led to his offending, a report by Breens psychologist noted: I am unable to assess at this time the number or discrete nature of his ego fragmentation. Advertisement Breen had an extensive criminal history including several dishonesty offences since moving into a life of crime in his 40s. He was on parole for other offences at the time of his sentencing. While some of Breens frauds were small in one instance a fake bank card was used to secure $2080 from a bank others were larger, including using false documentation to finance the purchase of a BMW. Dwyer, who drifted apart from Breen as an adult, said a breakthrough in the case would bring much needed closure to the family. No matter what he has done, if he has done the wrong thing, if he was doing the wrong thing, hes still my brother, she said. Please come forward. Please come forward and help us. Help us find out whats happened to him. 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 Updated NationalWACourts Accused Invasion Day rally terrorist identified after suppression order lifted Hannah Murphy February 17, 2026 3:40pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth man who allegedly threw a homemade bomb into a crowd of protesters at an Invasion Day rally in the CBD has been identified for the first time after a suppression order on his identity was lifted. Liam Alexander Hall, 32, is accused of making and throwing the device which had allegedly been designed to detonate from a terrace balcony into a crowd in Forrest Place as they marched to protest the date of Australia Day. Liam Hall has been revealed as the man charged over an alleged attempted bomb attack on an Invasion Day rally in Perth. Facebook/Spirit Walker It took authorities nine days to determine whether to charge Hall with engaging in a terrorist act the first charge of its kind laid in Western Australian history. Halls lawyer Simon Freitag appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday on his behalf and said his client was aware of the new offence. Advertisement Hall was excused from attending due to medical issues. Halls identity was initially suppressed by the court due to concerns for his safety behind bars at Hakea Prison, and based on the fact he was experiencing mental health issues. However, federal prosecutors and WA Police opposed the suppression order continuing, arguing Halls safety had been managed well behind bars. Liam Hall being spoken to by police on the day of the incident. SpiritWalker Theres a risk of misidentification of the accused, prosecutor Kirsten Nelson said. Advertisement Ive been instructed there has been one instance on Facebook where someone has been misidentified as the accused. Three lawyers for various media outlets also argued against the suppression order, and said suppressing Halls identity could potentially lead to speculation, rumour and collateral harm. Hall outside his home with police. 9 News Perth However, Freitag argued the suppression order should continue, and now also apply to the new terror charge. He said Hall was still at risk in custody, the extent of his vulnerability was not yet known, and there was no public benefit for people to know which prison Hall was in. Advertisement Freitag also argued releasing Halls name could put his family at risk. I assume the media will want to get hold of his family and interview them and take photos from the front of his house, he said. Magistrate Lynette Dias ultimately decided to lift the suppression order and said she was confident the mans safety was being well looked after in prison, and WA Police had taken steps to protect the family. Also on Tuesday, Premier Roger Cook, Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas and Nationals leader Shane Love spoke on a motion put to parliament condemning the alleged attack. WA Premier Roger Cook. Photo Ross Swanborough Advertisement Im so grateful for whatever it was that stopped that [alleged]bomb detonation, grateful that I can stand here with the immense privilege of reflection, rather than the devastation of mourning, despite the world around us, Cook said. Noongar Yamatji woman Jade Cameron attended parliament on Tuesday in support of the motion and said the broader community was grateful the suppression order was lifted. She urged calm in the wake of the news. We do ask that nobody takes matters into their own hands, because we want him to face the full extent of the law, she said. Cameron was also present at the rally on the day of the alleged attempted bombing. It wasnt just myself, and my elders here. There were thousands. There were families. There were people who came down to spend the day with us. Other races, other white Australians who came to sit there and spend their day with us, who were almost a part of that catastrophic event. Advertisement Authorities earlier this month charged Hall with one count of engaging in a terrorist act. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirming the Invasion Day rally incident had been declared an act of terror. Jesinta Burton This is the first time this charge has been laid in Western Australia, Premier Roger Cook said at the time. This charge ... alleges the attack on Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters was motivated by hateful, racist ideology. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said Halls internet history allegedly revealed he had self-radicalised online and accessed pro-white material. Advertisement Related Article Updated Terror charges WA Police boss says no intelligence warning ahead of rally attack The device allegedly contained ball bearings and contained screws wrapped around an unknown liquid in a glass container that had been designed to detonate in what WA Police Minister Reece Whitby said could have been a mass casualty event. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Performers stage martial arts at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 14, 2026. A series of events celebrating Chinese New Year are held here from Feb. 14 to 18, bringing a strong festive vibe to visitors. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Artists stage a performance at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 14, 2026. A series of events celebrating Chinese New Year are held here from Feb. 14 to 18, bringing a strong festive vibe to visitors. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Artists stage a performance at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 14, 2026. A series of events celebrating Chinese New Year are held here from Feb. 14 to 18, bringing a strong festive vibe to visitors. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Sam Harpers rapid-fire 76-ball century has laid the foundation for Victorias strong opening day at the WACA, helping the visitors to 7-338 against Western Australia. Fresh off the best BBL campaign of his career, Harper blitzed 119 from 109 balls for the ladder-leading Victoria in the Sheffield Shield on Monday morning. Sam Harper batting well again for Melbourne Stars. Getty Images The 29-year-old unleashed an array of cover drives and powerful strikes down the ground as his side made a solid start in a match in which victory would all but book a spot in the Shield final. Corey Rocchiccioli was eventually able to turn the screws and spin Western Australia back into the contest, taking 2-80 for the day. But the star of the day was still Harper, who scored his first Shield century since a 64-ball effort against South Australia two-and-a-half summers ago. And while that hundred in November 2023 may have come quicker, Mondays effort was arguably more impressive. In the first five overs of the game alone Harper, hit five separate cover drives to the boundary off Cameron Gannon and Jhye Richardson, while also upper-cutting the latter for six. He hooked Gannon for another six minutes later, and at one stage had raced to 58 from just 31 balls in the opening 35 minutes. In total, the right-hander hit 15 boundaries to go with his two sixes, and brought up his century in fine fashion by on-driving Gannon to the rope. Rocchiccioli was the only one to tame the opener, slowing the scoring before Harper offered a leading edge trying to turn the spinner to leg. Harpers runs came as part of a 126-run opening stand with Campbell Kellaway (41), who took a back seat in the first session before falling straight after lunch. Matt Short also hit 42 in his first Shield game since returning from Australias T20 disappointment in Pakistan and being overlooked for the T20 World Cup squad. The visitors could have ended the day in a better spot, if not for Fergus ONeill being run out by Jhye Richardson in the final hour for 38 trying to take a quick single. Victoria are well clear of the chasing pack at the top of the Shield ladder, while Western Australia are last on the ladder and seemingly out of contention for the final. Advertisement InspirationCruises Port guide: Noumea, New Caledonia Brian Johnston February 17, 2026 1:02pm 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 article is part of Travellers ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories . A little bit of France floating not far from Australia, combined with indigenous culture and lovely scenery: whats not to like about this South Pacific port? Who goes there Noumea is a regular port of call for cruise lines offering round-trip South Pacific cruises from Australia, such as Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean. It also features on South Pacific cruises (such as Celebrity and Oceania) and world cruises from companies such as Cunard and Seabourn. Expedition ships sometimes call in while on Melanesia cruises. Sail on in Noumeas main terminal is a short walk from downtown. Advertisement Come on, rouse yourself early because arent arrivals one of the great pleasures of cruising? Balmy tropical breezes are felt as you approach Noumea, which is flanked by a huge lagoon and sits on a convoluted peninsula, with the rugged hills of New Caledonia beyond. Once you get up close, however, the waterfront is rather more work-a-day and lined with uninspiring warehouses. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Berth rites The Gare Maritime Terminal is at Quai Jules Ferry, a short walk from downtown. The ground floor has various services such as tourist information, while the upper floor has shops selling local handicrafts. There are several restaurants and cafes on the waterfront nearby. Larger ships will sometimes dock at the container terminal a short shuttle ride to the cruise terminal, and the biggest ships may have to anchor offshore. Going ashore While it isnt full of big sights, Noumea has a lovely setting across several hillsides popping with jacaranda and flame trees and flanked by peacock-blue bays. French-colonial heritage buildings centre on Place des Cocotiers. Aquarium des Lagons displays superb coral (some fluorescent) as well as stonefish, stingrays, seahorses, sea snakes and turtles. Its one of the few places you can see the rare nautilus shellfish, a living fossil from the deep. Advertisement Dont miss The striking, ultra-modern Tjibaou Cultural Centre is inconveniently located eight kilometres from Noumea centre, but worth a visit for its indigenous-inspired architecture, the work of starchitect Renzo Piano. Inside are excellent exhibits that highlight Kanak and Oceanic arts and cultures, including sculptures, wooden masks, ritual art and elaborate ceremonial costumes. The museum sits in parkland and is flanked by mangrove swamp. Get active Ouen Toro lookout. Walk around Noumeas compact bays and peninsulas to Ouen Toro lookout, which will take you 90 minutes from the cruise terminal. You can enjoy all manner of water sports, including swimming, snorkelling and jet-ski tours in the worlds largest lagoon. Little island Ilot Maitre has good scuba diving and is a notable kite-surfing destination. Another option is a big-game fishing excursion for giant trevally, wahoo, marlin and yellow-fin tuna. Advertisement Best bites Related Article Cruises The highlights of cruising the South Pacific arent always the islands Anse-Vata Bay is the place for seafood restaurants. Large blue prawns and coconut crabs are the local delicacy but all the seafood is outstanding. Adventurous eaters should try civet de rousette or bat stew in a red-wine marinade. Indigenous dish bougna sees chicken or fish and root vegetables cooked in banana leaves over a fire. For some do-it-yourself flavours, head to the market (best in the morning) at Port Moselle, where youll find baguettes and croissants, good coffee, tropical fruit and a whole lot more. Further afield A wide variety of half-day or full-day excursions will keep you busy with everything from kayaking on the Dumbea River to go-karting with the kids. Parc Zoologique et Forestier, or Zoological and Forest Park, provides meandering pathways and ponds in the hills above Noumea. Among many bird species youll see the rare flightless cagou, the kiwi of New Caledonia. For a watery escape, head to Duck Island for white-sand beaches and fish-filled waters, or to Escapade Island to enjoy resort facilities. Traveller Guides Advertisement Reviews & adviceAir travel Eight of the strangest aviation projects of all time Chris Moss February 18, 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 Many aviation enthusiasts are sad that the skies no longer boom to the sound of the Concorde. Its not so much the lack of a superfast service to New York, but the more generalised regret that aeroplanes dont seem to be evolving as they once did. The An-225 Mriya, now destroyed, was the only one of its kind ever built. iStock Sure, double decks and double beds are impressive, and planes are getting quieter and more economical, but where is the innovation of the early days? Where are the new biplanes and fire-free balloons or, at least, crazily fast jets like the Blackbird? Leonardo da Vinci designed helicopters (or aerial screws) in the 1480s. Youd think by now theyd have five rotors, and could carry hundreds of us. Not all modern engineers have played it safe, though. Heres a round-up of eight left-field aviation experiments. Some of them can be seen in museums, one or two in the air and others cant be seen anywhere. Advertisement The Noviplano Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. The Noviplano crashed during its second ever flight it would never fly again. Getty Images Almost as cumbersome-looking as its name, the Caproni Ca.60 Transaereo (better known as the Noviplano) was the experimental prototype of a large nine-wing flying boat, intended to become a 100-passenger transatlantic airliner. It featured eight engines, and three sets of triple wings. Panoramic windows would afford passengers superb views of the land below and the thunderheads around them. Only one example of the aircraft, designed and built by pioneering Italian engineer Gianni Caproni, was ever produced. It was tested on Feb 12 or March 2, 1921 on Lake Maggiore with a second flight on March 4, when, shortly after take-off, it crashed in the water and broke up on impact. As it was being towed, it suffered further damage. The project was abandoned because of its excessive cost. Where can I see it? Surviving parts are on display at the Gianni Caproni Museum of Aeronautics, Italys oldest aviation museum, in Trento. Advertisement V-22 Osprey US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys have been used in the Trump administrations anti-drug campaign in the Caribbean. Getty Images The aeroplane and the helicopter both have their fanatical admirers, but only a few designers have tried to combine their engineering to get the most out of an airframe. The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American tilt-rotor military aircraft, combining fixed wings and rotors. Targeted at personnel transport and cargo, its capable of vertical and short take-off and landing, and can fly a good distance at a high maximum speed 509km/h. It first flew in 1989 and, after a long process of development, was put in operation in 2007. The rotors can pivot to allow a helicopter-style hover. V-22s are based at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and flown by pilots in the USAFs 7th Special Operations Squadron. Where can I see it? Theres one on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. They sometimes visit the Muckleburgh Military Collection at Weybourne in North Norfolk. Advertisement NASA Ad-1 Robert T Jones, its inventor, hoped his aircraft would inform future supersonic designs. NASA Oblique wings are the kind of design touch youd probably associate with Wallace of 62 West Wallaby Street, Wigan. But a slewed, or skewed wing, when its moveable, can be pivoted to reduce drag at high speed and returned to perpendicular when the plane needs to slow down. Its a variation on the swing-wing idea used in some fighter jets. The Ad-1, nicknamed the scissor wings, was a one-off, built in 1979, and flown 79 times over a three-year research programme. Its inventor, aeronautical engineer Robert T Jones of NASAs Ames Research Center in California, hoped his prototype would inform future supersonic designs. A model he built showed a supersonic oblique winged plane would have twice the fuel economy of a traditional airframe, would make less noise during take off, have a softer sonic boom and have an increased range. In the end, the mechanism and materials needed to apply it to a supersonic jet such as titanium proved too costly to permit further development. Advertisement Where can I see it? At the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California. British Rail flying saucer Aimed at the interplanetary market, British Rails 1970 patent for a space vehicle was inspired by science fiction, as was its intended fuel a controlled thermonuclear fusion reaction ignited by one or more pulsed laser beams. With a passenger compartment upstairs, round windows and a homopolar generator, its designer, Charles Osmond Frederick, said the disc would be cheap to run and ultra-fast. The application was made on behalf of the British Railways Board and the patent was granted in March 1973. The proposals were unearthed on the European Patent Office website in 2006. Space-travel-sickness would be potentially avoided, according to the inventor, as the prolonged acceleration of the vehicle may in some circumstances be used to simulate gravity. The patent later lapsed because of non-payment of renewal fees and British Rail got on with designing the Advanced Passenger Train, which also failed to take off. The US and USSR also patented flying saucer designs, including some models for flying inside Earths atmosphere. Advertisement Where can I see it? Alas, you cant. Hughes H-4 Hercules The Spruce Goose, seen here before its first and only flight in 1947, remains the largest seaplane ever built. Getty Images More commonly known as the Spruce Goose, the H-4 was a prototype flying boat designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company, owned by business magnate and film producer Howard Hughes. Intended for transatlantic service during the Second World War, it wasnt finished in time, and the aircraft made one brief flight, on November 2, 1947, before the project was shelved. Because of wartime restrictions on the use of aluminium, and to keep its weight under control, the Spruce Goose was built from plywood. It remains the largest seaplane ever built, and had the largest wingspan of any aircraft ever flown until 2019, when the twin-fuselage Scaled Composites Model 351 Stratolaunch built to carry air-launch to orbit rockets made its debut. Advertisement Where can I see it? The H4 is on show at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. Convair B-36 Peacemaker Big beast: a B-36 Peacemaker in 1951. Getty Images This big beast holds the record for the most engines on a mass-produced aircraft: 10 six piston engines and four jet engines. A strategic bomber, it was built between 1946-54, and originally conceived as a fall-back should German forces shut off USAF access to British bases. In reality, B-36s were used as nuclear deterrence, aerial reconnaissance, ultra-high and ultra-long-distance exercises and image gathering in the Soviet Arctic and Manchuria. A total of 383 Peacemakers were built at Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft was sometimes spotted darkening the skies over Burtonwood base in Lancashire. The Peacemaker still holds the engine-count record for a production plane, though there were experimental designs such as the dart-shaped Rolls-Royce Griffith VTO concept, which featured dozens of powertrains 12 main and 56 lift jets. Advertisement Where can I see it? A B-36 is on show at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Antonov An-225 Mriya The Antonov An-225 Mriya was capable of transporting up to 250 tonnes of cargo, twice as much as a Boeing 747 freighter. Getty Images Only one Mriya dream in Ukrainian was ever built. It was the largest cargo aircraft in the world, and the only aircraft to feature six turbofan engines. Capable of transporting up to 250 tonnes of cargo, it could haul a single piece weighing up to 200 tonnes twice as much as a Boeing 747 freighter. It was originally tasked with transporting the Soviet space shuttle equivalent the Buran space craft and made its international debut landing at the 1989 Paris Air Show with the spaceplane on its back. The planes last commercial mission took place between February 2-5 2022, collecting almost 90 tonnes of Covid-19 test kits from Tianjin, China. Advertisement Where can I see it? You cant. Russian forces destroyed the aircraft later that year during the Battle of Antonov Airport. Starr Bumble Bee II The Bumble Bee II is the smallest ever piloted plane. Wikpedia/Creative Commons Ever heard someone argue that bee flight is illogical given the size of a bees body and its wings? Robert H Starr decided to reveal the science behind the seeming miracle by building the worlds smallest plane which would also win him an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. His experimental biplane had a wingspan of just 1.68 metres and weighed less than 181 kilograms when empty. Power came from an 85 horsepower engine. Though it broke the record for the smallest piloted plane on April 2, 1988, the Bumble Bee II crashed on its third flight a month later, severely injuring Starr. Advertisement Where can I see it? The tiny aircraft is on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum. The Telegraph, London Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Air travel Aviation For subscribers Advertisement WorldEuropeMalta On a car-congested island, would you accept money not to drive? David Crowe February 17, 2026 3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Valletta, Malta: How much cash would you ask for if you were paid to stop driving? On a stunning island in Europe, crowded with history but choked with cars, the government came up with an idea to fix the traffic. Crowded Malta has the highest number of vehicles per 1000 inhabitants of anywhere in Europe. Alamy Stock Photo And the young people of the island had a quick response: No. The Maltese government is struggling to get out of first gear with its plan to pay 25,000 over five years to anyone aged 18 to 30 who is willing to give up their drivers licence. Advertisement The offer, worth about $42,000, is enough to buy a new car after the five years have expired. There might even be some spare change after the purchase of a Fiat 500 (from 20,000) or a Renault 4 electric vehicle (from 23,000). Gianluca Cremona, 18, an apprentice in Valletta, Malta. David Crowe But the money is not enough to convince the young to give up the freedom that comes from owning their own wheels. Its a big thing, getting your licence, says Gianluca Cremona, 18, an apprentice aviation mechanic. Its a big part of being 18, driving around and having a bit of fun. So this idea doesnt seem to sit right with a lot of people. Advertisement It is not just that Cremona wants to drive to the beach with his friends. (He recommends Golden Bay and Ghadira, north-west of the capital, Valletta). It is his concern that public transport is not good enough. So the government has a serious challenge. Malta now has 784 motor vehicles for every 1000 people, according to a national transport plan issued last year. That is higher than other European Union countries, such as Poland, which has 703, or Italy, with 681. And Malta is the smallest nation state in the EU, with a land mass of just 316 square kilometres less than half the size of the city of Canberra. Advertisement The countrys transport minister, Chris Bonett, is only counting on the licence incentive for some of the solution. Other ideas include a park-and-ride plan, more bus routes, a big investment in roads and an acceptance that remote working helps reduce traffic. But the licence scheme is the talking point among the young. One concern is that the payments are spread over five years, at 5000 per year, so the recipients have to be patient. For most, however, the problem is the lack of alternatives to driving. The Maltese National Youth Council says young people have repeatedly said that no financial incentive would convince them to give up their cars. Individuals cannot be expected to abandon private vehicles unless they are first provided with a public transport system that is reliable, efficient and trustworthy, it says. Advertisement Visitors to Malta may not see this problem. Valletta and surrounding cities are ideal for walking or, better yet, catching a small boat across the harbour. Tourists can stroll from the 16th-century fortress walls to the tunnels of the Second World War within about 15 minutes, unless they stop at the cafes, bars and shops that line the streets. Related Article Tourism The truth about the cities with the worlds worst overtourism Workers, however, have to battle the traffic. Cremona is at the start of his apprenticeship and expects to work long hours with a 6am start at the airport outside Valletta. Speaking to this masthead in the capital, he says he cannot do this by public transport. Buses? Theyre not that reliable. We can all be honest about that. Theres no metro. Thats the main problem, he says. Its impossible to work without a car. Its impossible to start your life properly without a car. Advertisement Cremona has a solution for the government: change the incentive. He thinks the money should be offered to older people so they take their cars off the roads starting with people aged over 70. The government may find some young people willing to take up the offer. It has budgeted 25 million for the policy, which means only 1000 people have to accept. Maltas stunning Blue Lagoon is one of the Mediterranean islands big draws. iStock Cremona will not be one of them. He wants to drive with his friends to places like Blue Grotto, a network of caves by the sea. Its so amazing, he says. You can see the sunset its beautiful. If you just go, drive around a bit, maybe stop and walk around, there are just so many places. Advertisement Would he give that up for 25,000? No chance. You cant put a price on freedom. 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 WorldEuropeRenting Opinion Renting in Berlin made me realise just how badly we are treated in Australia Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier Freelance writer February 17, 2026 7:00pm February 17, 2026 7:00pm 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 When my partner told me he wanted us to move to Berlin, I was up for it. I have German heritage, and I also like the language a lot, and the best way to learn is actually by being on the ground and practising every day. There are plenty of benefits to living in Berlin. For one, youre legally mandated to use all 28 days of your vacation allowance every year. While its definitely advised you learn German, you can get by for the most part speaking English. Another perk is the treasure trove of second-hand clothing stores here. Berliners are exquisitely stylish, and you can easily assimilate for next to nothing. Altbau apartments in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Germany. Bloomberg If theres one part of all this that I really wasnt looking forward to, it was moving house. No matter where you are in the world, this is a minefield of dodgy landlords, inflated rents, and a litany of hidden maintenance issues. Then theres the added pain of buying furniture, setting up internet and electricity all that once youve dropped a third of your life savings on the deposit. The fact that rents are soaring across much of Australia hasnt helped. But it turns out that the process of renting in Berlin is a world of improvement compared to what Ive been through in Melbourne. For a start, its common practice to be offered a three- to five-year lease in Berlin. Advertisement Moreover, German property law allows tenants to make any changes they wish, provided everything is restored to its original condition upon moving out. You can paint the walls, put up shelves and hammer in as many nails as you want. The majority of Berlin rentals dont even have an oven or dishwasher its expected that tenants will move in with their own kitchen. While this can be a pain the last thing you want to do upon moving to a new country is work out how to install a brand-new kitchen, in another language it does mean you can essentially treat the property as though you own it. This is a pipe dream in Australia, where youre scarcely allowed to Blu-Tack photos on the walls. Its not unusual to see scores of would-be renters queuing up to inspect a property in Sydney or Melbourne. Richardson and Wrench But possibly the best difference of all is that you avoid the misery of Australias policy of free-for-all property viewings. Sixty renters huddled outside an apartment block at some arbitrary time of day, only to shuffle inside rooms that were never designed to accommodate so many people. There is no reasonable sense of space or atmosphere in these cattle round-ups, so you have to guess what it will feel like to live there once the 58 other randoms have vacated the premises. On top of that, you have to elbow your way towards the property agent to ask any questions about the place, in the 10 minutes that theyre onsite before fleeing to the next property viewing on their packed agenda. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Public transport Have you heard? The invisible difference that separates Sydney and Melbourne Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier Freelance writer Meanwhile, in Berlin, using the German equivalent of REA, an app called ImmoScout24, my partner and I were successful in every single apartment viewing request we submitted. We were often given next-day appointment slots, solely with the property manager or just as frequently the actual owner. Not only that, but we were sometimes in properties for up to half an hour, able to ask detailed questions about the buildings and the area. This personable and accommodating process leaves you in no doubt that renters in Berlin actually possess some degree of rights. In addition, there seems to be a culture here in which landlords maintain genuine interest in who will be living in their properties. After our inspections, we eventually struck gold and found a third-floor Altbau (an apartment in an older building) in a pretty, old-school Berlin neighbourhood. The apartment is gorgeous, with very high ceilings, light wood floorboards and a marble-top kitchen. Very fancy although we soon realised the radiator was broken, which is a problem in winter, when the temperature frequently sits in the minus digits. The repairman wasnt available to fix it for a few weeks, so our landlord came to the house and dropped off a pair of brand-new portable heaters to make sure we werent cold. In another example of that extra level of care, we asked to cut a spare front-door key, just in case we get locked out. Absolutely no issue unlike back home, where this was forbidden and better yet, they paid the 25 to get it cut! Advertisement Rent isnt necessarily cheaper here in Berlin, but the cost of living is, which makes balancing your budget easier. Plus, if you want to spend a bit more here, you have access to exquisite housing with high ceilings and floor heating. In Australia, you can splash out but when youre infinitely replaceable, theres no reason your rental wont still have a leaky roof and single-glazed windows. Related Article Opinion City life I live in whats been called Melbournes worst development. Its a lesson in what not to do Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier Freelance writer As a renter in Australia, you are made to feel disposable, like your purpose is to satisfy someone elses investment opportunities. Perhaps this is a reflection of Australias infatuation with dreams of property ownership, which is notably absent in a city like Berlin, where the majority of its inhabitants are renters. Given the median house price in Melbourne is $980,000 and $1.8 million in Sydney more and more Australians are never going to own a home. An alternative? A rent-controlled five-year lease here in Berlin sounds pretty good to me. Liam Heitmann-Ryce-LeMercier is a freelance writer and classical music critic. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America FCC you: Colbert defies CBS, says network spiked interview under political pressure Michael Koziol February 18, 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 Washington: Late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert says he was stopped from airing an interview with a Democratic political candidate because his network, CBS, feared it could contravene the Trump administrations latest push to enforce political neutrality on late-night television. Colbert interviewed Texas politician James Talarico a member of the state House of Representatives who is running for a federal Senate seat but announced that the interview would only be available on YouTube on the advice of CBSs lawyers. Stephen Colbert (left) was not allowed to air an interview with Texas politician James Talarico on television. AP We were told in no uncertain terms by our networks lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast, Colbert said at the start of his show. Then I was told in some uncertain terms that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesnt want us to talk about this, lets talk about this. Advertisement In Colberts telling, CBS feared that airing the interview on broadcast television would breach the equal time rule a provision of the Communications Act that requires networks to give equal time to legally qualified candidates standing for office. The rarely enforced rule carries exemptions for bona fide news coverage, which, since at least 2006, have been understood to include daytime and late-night talk shows, which remain a staple of American broadcast TV. Colbert interviews Talarico, a Texas politician, in a segment that was published on YouTube. YouTube But last month, the Federal Communications Commission warned networks that it did not believe talk shows should enjoy that exemption. The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late-night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption, the FCC told networks in a letter. Advertisement The missive also said the exemption would not apply to a program that is motivated by partisan purposes. In a statement, CBS denied that Colbert was prohibited from broadcasting the Talarico interview. The network said the program was given legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCCs equal time rule, and presented options on how the program could fulfil its obligations. US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump outside the White House. Bloomberg The Late Show decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options, CBS said. This is just the latest conflict between the Trump administration and the late-night television business. Throughout his first year back in the White House, President Donald Trump has repeatedly raged about his treatment on late-night TV which he regularly watches and has argued these talk shows should be subject to broadcast TV rules about political neutrality. He has also threatened that networks could lose their licences for failure to comply. Advertisement On Christmas Eve, Trump posted on social media that Colbert was a pathetic train wreck, with no talent or anything else necessary for show business success, and said CBS should put him to sleep NOW. Colbert is leaving the network in May. Trumps appointee to run the FCC, Brendan Carr, has shown himself willing to enforce the presidents agenda. Last year, he threatened compliance action against networks airing Jimmy Kimmel Live, following Kimmels remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and ABC (America) temporarily suspended Kimmels show. FCC chairman Brendan Carr says late night talk shows have not demonstrated why they should be exempt from the equal time rule. Bloomberg Carr has defended his push to enforce the equal time rule on late-night talk shows, saying that if Kimmel and Colbert didnt want to comply with the rules, they could switch to a cable network or streaming, where public interest requirements for broadcast television dont apply. This is a law that goes back all the way to the 1950s On my watch, were going to enforce this regulation, Carr told Fox News earlier this month. Advertisement The FCC has reportedly launched an investigation into whether ABC daytime talk show The View breached the equal time rule by broadcasting an interview with Talarico. FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democratic appointee, called the investigation a sham and said its real purpose was to intimidate perceived critics of the administration and chill free speech. CBSs parent company Paramount Skydance is bidding against Netflix to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Bloomberg Gomez also criticised what she called corporate capitulation by CBS in relation to Colbert. CBS is fully protected under the First Amendment to determine what interviews it airs, which makes its decision to yield to political pressure all the more disappointing. Gomez noted the networks parent company, Paramount Skydance, has business before the federal government. Paramount is bidding against Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery in what would be one of the biggest media deals of all time. On Tuesday (Washington time), Warner Bros said it was restarting talks with Paramount. Advertisement On Monday nights episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, after explaining the decision to cut the Talarico interview, Colbert took direct aim at Carr particularly over his assertion that late-night shows were motivated by partisan purposes. Related Article Streaming Thought Kimmel was anti-Trump before? You should watch his show now Youre chairman of the FCC, so: FCC you, Colbert said. I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself. Sir, ya smelt it cos ya dealt it. You are Dutch oven-ing Americas airwaves. Talarico is considered a rising star in Democratic politics but faces a significant challenge in overcoming nearly 30 years of Republican domination in Texas, which has not sent a Democratic senator to Washington since 1988. However, the results of a special election for a state-level Texas Senate seat in January have buoyed Democrats hopes. Aircraft mechanic and union leader Taylor Rehmet defeated his Republican rival by 14 points in an area Trump had won by 17 points in the 2024 presidential election. Advertisement Asked about the attention his media appearances were receiving from the FCC, Talarico told Colbert: I think that Donald Trump is worried that were about to flip Texas. 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. PHILIPSBURG:--- On February 16, 2026, the Minister of Justice Nathalie M. Tackling signed a one-year cooperation agreement with the Minister of Justice of Suriname, Harish Monorath, formalizing the temporary deployment of Surinamese correctional officers to support operations at Point Blanche Prison. The agreement provides for the deployment of experienced correctional officers from Suriname to support daily prison operations, reinforce safety protocols, and enhance institutional stability. The additional operational capacity will ensure facility continuity while Sint Maarten advances the recruitment and training of local correctional officers. This collaboration forms part of the ongoing efforts under Sint Maartens Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP), the national framework guiding the modernization and strengthening of the countrys detention system from pre-trial through post-detention. Through the DSRP, the Ministry of Justice continues to implement practical, phased measures that improve stability, build institutional resilience, and create the foundation for long-term reform. Minister Tackling described the agreement as a strategic and responsible step forward. This partnership reflects our commitment to practical solutions and responsible governance. By working together regionally, we are safeguarding stability within the prison and creating the space needed to recruit, train, and build sustainable local capacity. This is about strengthening our system today while investing in its future. Minister Monorath emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, noting that justice and security challenges are shared responsibilities best addressed through coordinated action and mutual support. The agreement underscores the strong, constructive relationship between Sint Maarten and Suriname and reflects a broader commitment to regional collaboration to advance safety, institutional development, and professional standards within the justice sector. The Ministry of Justice remains focused on the steady implementation of the Detention Sector Reform Program, workforce development, and the strengthening of safety across the justice chain, in partnership with regional and international counterparts. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a raw, emotionally charged press conference, the men and women risking their lives for Sint Maarten issued a blistering indictment of government neglect, making it crystal clear: patience has burned out. The firefighters stance is unequivocal: without a signed agreement or commitment addressing their decades-long grievances, the slowdown will not end. Sint Maartens annual Carnival festivities, building permits, and other public services all hang in the balance. For years, Sint Maartens firefighters have fought on two fronts: battling flames and rescuing lives, while quietly enduring administrative paralysis, stagnated promotions, and wages stuck at or near rock-bottom. Despite constant political lip service calling them heroes, they remain paid and positioned like expendable rookies. We Are Not Doormats Jamal Hodge, a veteran firefighter with 18 years of service, spoke not only for himself but also for scores of his colleagues frozen in timetrapped at lowly ranks, performing at the level of senior officers for years on end, their efforts unrecognized and uncompensated. We work in that position faithfully, but of course, we, the firefighters, believe what's due to us; that's what we want, Hodge said. He explained that, by the official promotion schema, he should have risen at least two grades higher by nowbut instead, hes been left languishing as a 2 striper since 2019. The financial reality is equally stark: new recruits risk their lives daily for a starting monthly salary of just 1,800 guilders, shockingly close to Sint Maartens minimum wage. Firefighters spoke of investing years into mandatory education, training, and additional certifications, only to see no upward movement or fair compensation. Tears of Frustration and Broken Promises The brutal toll of government inertia was plain when Niesha Paul spoke up. A firefighter for six years, Pauls voice broke as she outlined the indignity of wearing the black epaulettethe rookie signifieryear after year. We've been here for six years, and still up to today... We're making the salary of a no-striper. It's not far from minimum wage. Her testimony served as a pointed reminder: career and dignity are on hold, as is the hope of passing on pride in public service to the next generation. What message are you sending to my children? she asked, referencing family members with deep ties to police and public service on Sint Maartentraits now met with discouragement and disregard. Permits, Mediation, and Ministers on the Line Since the go-slow began on April 8, 2025and escalated after Carnival-related disrespect from the Sint Maarten Carnival Development Foundationfirefighters have ceased providing mandatory safety advice for all building and operational permits, freezing business development and event planning across the island. As pressure mounts, union representatives report constant calls from ministers seeking to have permits processed quietly. The firefighters answer: address our concerns in the Council of Ministers, not via back channels or attempts to sidestep union processes. At the heart of their protest are demands for overdue promotions, retroactive pay for years spent in higher positions without recognition, and a fair, updated function book that reflects their roles and sacrifices. All progress, they insist, hinges on a clear, written government commitmentand until such a signature is delivered, nothing moves. A Symbol of Disrespect: Mark A. Polo At the center of the firefighters' fury stands a figure they derisively refer to as "Mark A. Polo"a government policy advisor who has become the personification of administrative obstruction in Sint Maarten. The firefighters allege that this advisor wields disproportionate influence over the Prime Minister, effectively holding their livelihoods hostage with a callous disregard for their service. They accuse him of orchestrating the disastrous 2010 changes to the function book that trapped dozens of officers in career limbo and of flatly declaring there would be "no retroactive pay" for years of undercompensated labor. For the men and women on the front lines, his stance is not just bureaucratic prudence but a direct insult to their sacrifice, treating veteran first responders as liabilities on a balance sheet rather than the life-saving assets they are. Not About Carnival, About Rights and Respect Union President Sharon Canigieter, representing WICSU/PSU, delivered a blistering rebuke to both government and the local media for trivializing the go-slow as a mere leverage tool for Carnival. She reminded everyone that the protest predates the festival, and that reducing it to party disruptions devalues the years of service, risk, and frustration at the core of the dispute. They are more important than Carnival. They are more important than Regatta... but because Carnival is this big hoopla... everybody wants to know if Carnival is going to continue. She described the culture of waiting for crises to take firefighters seriously, insisting that their value must be recognized year-round, not just when public celebrations are threatened. United Against Divide and Conquer Tactics Despite rumors circulating about political ambitions or internal division, firefighters made it clear they remain united. Any suggestion of infighting serves as a distraction from a government content to stall, stall, and stall againoften hiding behind shifting terminology, unratified letters, and multi-year mediation processes that never reach a true conclusion. Sharon Canigieter urged an end to divide and conquer tactics, calling for an honest resolution rather than endless negotiation. Mediation Process Criticism WICSU/PSU President Sharon Canigieter conveyed a mixture of cautious optimism and profound frustration regarding the official mediation process. While confirming that the process is in its final stages, she condemned the government for its delaying tactics and the "media blitz" of noise and distractions that have undermined the negotiations. Canigieter clarified that a mediator, chosen from a government-suggested list, helped transform their initial "commitment letter" into a formal "agreement letter." However, the government's response has been sluggish, only materializing after significant public pressure. She stressed that if the government is truly committed to a resolution, it must end the political games, silence external noise, and sign an agreement that reflects the firefighters' core demands. For Canigieter, the path forward is simple: honor the mediation process, sign the paper, and bring the go-slow to a definitive end. Sint Maarten at a Crossroads The fact that critical public servicespermits, safety checks, event approvalsare paralyzed by government inaction underscores the essential role of these first responders. The firefighters are no longer in the back of the bus; in their words, the bus is not going to move unless we move. A clear warning: unless the administration honors its obligations to promote and compensate those who keep the island safe, the economic, cultural, and reputational impacts will only grow. The ball is now with the Council of Ministers and the community at large, who must choose between politicians content with platitudes, and the firefighters who show uprain or shine, disaster after disaster, party or no party. As the go-slow continues, the people of Sint Maarten are urged to stand with their first responders and demand what is long overdue: fair pay, overdue recognition, and the respect every frontline worker deserves. Click here for the Live Press Conference. PHILIPSBURG:--- From February 19 to February 21, 2026, delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten will meet in Oranjestad, A,ruba for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO). These consultations are held semi-annually and serve as an important platform for parliamentary dialogue, cooperation, and the strengthening of relations among the four countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The consultations are hosted alternately in The Hague and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. This IPKOs program will include presentations and discussions on several key topics, including recent national developments within the countries of the Kingdom, geopolitical and regional security developments, financial relations within the Kingdom, aviation connectivity and air service development, cybersecurity awareness, demographic trends such as population ageing, and climate adaptation initiatives within the Caribbean region. The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations will conclude on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with the formal adoption and signing of the agreements list, followed by closing remarks and a joint press conference by the participating parliamentary delegations. In addition to the IPKO, the delegations of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten will meet in a Tripartite Consultation. The discussions are scheduled to take place in Aruba, immediately following the IPKO on February 23, 2026. During this meeting, the delegations will discuss specific issues of mutual interest that are affecting these countries such as food security and education. The delegation of Sint Maarten participating in the IPKO and Tripartite consultations consists of the following Members of Parliament: Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament and Delegation Leader; Ms. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, Chairlady of the Committee for Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations; Mr. Viren V. Kotai; Mr. Egbert J. Doran; Mr. Raeyhon A. Peterson; Mr. Francisco A. Lacroes; Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis; and Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, Secretary General of Parliament. SYDNEY, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- One person has died and two others have been hospitalized with critical injuries following a stabbing attack in western Sydney on Tuesday morning. The police force in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said that emergency services responded to the stabbing on a main street in the suburb of Merrylands, 20 km west of central Sydney, around 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday. Police officers arrived at the scene and were told that a man had stabbed multiple people before leaving the area on foot. Three victims with serious injuries were treated by ambulance paramedics, but one died at the scene. The other two were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police established a crime scene and a man was arrested nearby following a major search. The NSW Police Force asked for anyone with information about the attack to contact detectives. Press Release from Business Wire: Expereo (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 LONDON, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - Expereo, the world-leading managed Network as a Service (NaaS) provider that connects people, places and things anywhere, announces that Kingspan Insulation, the global manufacturer of premium and high-performance insulation products and systems, has selected Expereo to deliver a fully managed connectivity solution across its worldwide operations. Expereo's solution enables Kingspan Insulation to consolidate its complex network of disparate ISPs into a single, centralised, fully managed solution - enhancing visibility, compliance, and agility to enable rapid growth and scalability of Kingspan Insulation's operations. Kingspan Insulation manages a complex WAN environment with 90 sites globally across multiple vendors - which creates significant challenges in terms of efficient connectivity, compliance and security. With the business moving away from MPLS and embracing SaaS and cloud services, the need for resilient, standardized, and agile connectivity has become critical. Kingspan Insulation has chosen Expereo as its partner for global connectivity. This includes the design, implementation and management of its solution with a single global view of all services through expereoOne, Expereo's NaaS platform. Expereo's solution is able to cover all current sites and future potential sites under one contract, supported in region - giving Kingspan Insulation the agility to scale quickly during acquisitions or streamline services when needed. Through expereoOne, Kingspan now has full visibility and control over its network - from ordering and billing to ticketing and auditing. The portal also offers real-time performance insights and utilisation reporting, helping Kingspan Insulation optimise resources and maintain security. Expereo now manages Kingspan Insulation's underlay and overlay services, including SD-WAN, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), and broadband, with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity under consideration for future rapid deployments for its manufacturing sites. Remote SD-WAN setup can be completed in less than 30 minutes, while future options such as LEO provide flexibility for urgent business needs without compromising performance. This unified strategy underpins Kingspan Insulation's commitment to a single global standard across all sites. With a lean technical team managing 90 facilities in 28 countries - including 42 factories - standardization is essential for driving efficiency and scalability. Expereo streamlines the onboarding of new locations and ensures seamless connectivity with automated failover. The partnership follows the recent announcement from Kingspan Light, Air + Water, the global provider of solutions in smoke control and fire safety, natural daylighting, ventilation and cooling, sustainable water management, and safe storage, that it has selected Expereo to deliver a fully managed connectivity solution for its worldwide operations. Ben Elms, CEO of Expereo, says: "Global enterprises often struggle with fragmented networks that slow growth and increase risk. Our managed services and expereoOne platform provide the visibility, control, and agility Kingspan Insulation needs to support growth and innovation while reducing complexity and risk. With a single source of truth for all sites, services, and billing - Kingspan Insulation can scale confidently, stay compliant, and empower its team to focus on innovation and expansion." Liam Waters, Divisional IT Operations Manager at Kingspan Insulation,says: "Kingspan Insulation is an innovative global organization and through our new partnership with Expereo we have the ability to expand rapidly whilst maintaining the visibility and control that we require. Deploying global standards is critical and with one vendor, one platform, and one set of processes, we can integrate new sites faster, maintain compliance, and keep pace with business demand." About Expereo Expereo is a world-leading Managed Network as a Service provider that connects people, places, and things anywhere. Solutions include Global Internet, SD-WAN/SASE, and Enhanced Internet. With an extensive global reach, Expereo is the trusted partner of 60% of Fortune 500 companies. It powers enterprise and government sites in more than 190 countries, with the ability to connect to any location worldwide, working with over 2,300 partners to help customers improve productivity and empowering their networks and cloud services with the agility, flexibility, and value of the Internet, with optimal network performance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217323791/en/ Contact Scarlett King+44 7534252295 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: CTC Global (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 IRVINE, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - CTC Global, the world's leading developer and manufacturer of high-capacity advanced conductors, today announced the launch of the GridVista System. The GridVista System provides utilities with real-time, high-resolution data to optimize grid capacity, prevent outages, reduce wildfire risk, and lower operational costs. With the launch of the GridVista System, CTC is also announcing a deepening of its strategic partnership with Google Cloud and Tapestry-Alphabet's moonshot for the electric grid. GridVista System's unprecedented line awareness, paired with Google Cloud and Tapestry's AI-powered tools, will transform line data into actionable intelligence for the grid. The GridVista System redefines transmission line intelligence by utilizing optical fibers embedded directly within CTC Global's ACCC Conductor. Unlike legacy technology that relies on external sensors to estimate line conditions, GridVista provides direct visibility into strain, temperature, and vibration across the entire length of a line. This allows utilities to identify "hidden" capacity in real-time, pinpoint precise fault locations to prevent wildfires, and shift from reactive maintenance to predictive, data-driven solutions. "Real-time visibility into transmission lines is a gamechanger for utilities seeking to improve performance, lower operating risk and reduce costs," said J.D. Sitton, CEO of CTC Global. "This new technology addresses critical utility pain points and represents truly next generation capabilities. CTC's innovation and partnership with Google Cloud and Tapestry are ushering in a new era of grid intelligence." High-resolution hardware intelligence Line intelligence from embedded optical fibers is shared continuously to the GridVista platform, where advanced analytics are applied to unlock new capacity, relieve congestion, and detect critical events. By turning transmission lines from static infrastructure into intelligent network assets, the GridVista System will reduce the decade-long wait and massive capital costs associated with building new infrastructure, and these savings can be passed on to ratepayers. "The GridVista System is an engineering breakthrough," said Kevin Corbalis, chief technology officer of CTC Global. "Its insights will deliver value to multiple functions across the utility-engineering, operations, asset management, planning-to reduce risk and improve performance." AI-driven insights with Google Cloud The GridVista Systemruns on Google Cloud's high-performance infrastructure and is augmented by an advanced suite of Google Cloud technologies-Vertex AI, BigQuery data warehousing, Earth Engine and Google Maps imagery analytics, and WeatherNext environmental forecasting-to transform data into actionable insights. This intelligence allows operators to identify hidden capacity and optimize existing assets, enabling the delivery of affordable, reliable power to meet the record demands of electrification. "To build infrastructure at the scale required for the future, we don't just need power; we need the transmission capacity to transport it," said Raiford Smith, global director, Power and Energy, Google Cloud. "Our partnership with CTC Global is about getting more out of the grid we already have. By using AI to dynamically assess line conditions, we can help utilities bypass the years of delay and high capital costs, delivering affordable and reliable power faster." AI-enhanced planning with Tapestry Tapestry will integrate high-fidelity data from GridVista into its comprehensive, virtualized grid model. By combining these operating insights with Tapestry's AI-enabled tools, grid operators and project developers can run sophisticated simulations of line conditions. This precision allows for better planning and operating decisions, enabling partners to meet load growth by finding and harnessing the existing grid's untapped potential. "GridVista offers a new way to monitor and understand grid dynamics," said Page Crahan, General Manager of Tapestry. "Bringing CTC Global's advanced technology into the planning process will accelerate speed-to-power by revealing efficient, fast and affordable paths to expand capacity. It's a critical step forward in creating a more resilient and reliable grid." To learn more about the GridVista? System or to contact CTC Global, please visit www.ctcglobal.com/. About CTC Global: CTC Global is accelerating access to energy as the world's leading manufacturer of high-capacity Advanced Conductors. For over two decades, CTC Global has helped communities meet their energy needs and manage the risks associated with legacy transmission infrastructure. Today, over 300 utilities and industrial customers in over 65 countries and 30 U.S. states trust CTC to safely and quickly deploy solutions that add the greatest amount of electricity at the lowest capital cost. Headquartered in Irvine, California, over half of CTC Global's manufacturing capacity is U.S.-based. Its global operations are supported by five manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of partners around the world. CTC Global's Advanced Conductor is the most responsible and innovative solution to double capacity and improve reliability at scale. For more information, visit www.ctcglobal.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217383048/en/ Contact CTC GlobalAnne McDowell+1 (949) 428-8500[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Rasan Information Technology Company (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 RIYADH, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - Rasan Information Technology Company (Tadawul: 8313), the leading Insurtech and Fintech platform in Saudi Arabia, today announced record financial results for the full year ended 31 December 2025. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217695698/en/ Rasan Scales new Heights: Record-Breaking FY 2025 Financial Performance (Photo: AETOSWire) Financial Highlights: -- Revenue: SAR 653 million, up 82% year-over-year -- Gross Profit: SAR 465 million, up 95% year-over-year, with margin expanding to 71.2% from 66.5% -- Adjusted EBITDA: SAR 293 million, up 158% year-over-year, with margin reaching 44.9% versus 31.7% in FY 2024 -- Adjusted Net Income: SAR 269 million, up 184% year-over-year -- Reported Net Profit: SAR 247 million, up 161% year-over-year -- Gross Written Premiums (GWP): SAR 8.5 billion, up 30% year-over-year Business Performance: Rasan delivered strong growth across all business segments, with Motor Retail, Motor Leasing, and Health all demonstrating robust momentum. The company successfully launched multiple new products during the year including Health Individual, Home, Protection & Savings, and Domestic Helper Contract insurance, reinforcing its commitment to platform expansion and product diversification. Strong Operating Leverage: Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 13.2 percentage points, demonstrating significant operating leverage as revenue grew 82% while operating expenses increased at a substantially lower rate. Adjusted net income margin reached 41.2%, up 14.8 percentage points, supported by the company's capital-light model and higher investment returns. Rasan maintains a conservative, debt-free balance sheet. Management Commentary: "2025 was a landmark year for Rasan. We delivered record results across every key metric, firmly establishing our position as the Kingdom's leading insurtech and fintech platform," said Moayad Alfallaj, Co-founder and CEO. "These results demonstrate the strength and scalability of our platform-driven model, converting strong top-line growth into exceptional profitability. We are well positioned to accelerate our growth trajectory, deepen our integration across the Kingdom's financial ecosystem, and continue delivering on our mission aligned with Vision 2030." About Rasan: Rasan operates digital platforms including Tameeni, Saudi Arabia's leading insurance aggregator, and Treza, a digital motor leasing platform. The company delivers technology-driven financial solutions, partnering with insurance companies and financial institutions. Rasan's strategy is aligned with Vision 2030, contributing to financial inclusion and digital transformation. For the full press release, please visit:This Link *Source:AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217695698/en/ Contact Investor Relations Zaheer Hussain, CIOEmail: [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Esri (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 REDLANDS, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - Esri , the global leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, has launched a terrestrial mapping workflow with Pix4D. A Switzerland-based photogrammetry software company, Pix4D specializes in mobile reality capture and site-digitization. The combined workflow allows field teams to capture and process asset data and manage it within ArcGIS, Esri's geospatial platform Field teams use the PIX4Dcatch app with real-time kinematics (RTK) devices to scan trenches and infrastructure. The generated high precision georeferenced records can now be published into Esri's ArcGIS Online. Scans become 3D models and point clouds, viewable as a Scene Layer. Existing data can also be visualized in augmented reality for instant "as-designed" versus "as-built" verification before closing trenches. "We are focused on turning hidden infrastructure into functional data," said Andrey Kleymenov, CEO of Pix4D. "By connecting PIX4Dcatch with a compatible RTK device to the Esri ecosystem, we are enabling a terrestrial-scanning workflow that allows teams to update a master geodatabase with professional accuracy." "We are happy to work with Pix4D to offer infrastructure-focused organizations a seamless, direct path from the field into a geodatabase," said Thomas Fair, Director, Esri Partner Network. "This new integration with ArcGIS will provide users with high-fidelity documentation of subsurface assets." Download the PIX4Dcatch app and start publishing 3D data to ArcGIS Online today. About Esri Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world's most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com. Copyright 2026 Esri. All rights reserved. Esri, the Esri Globe logo, The Science of Where, ArcGIS, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Union, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of their respective mark owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217339871/en/ Contact Jo Ann PruchniewskiPublic Relations, Esri Mobile: 301-693-2643 | Email: [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: ChipAgents (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 SANTA CLARA, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - ChipAgents, the category leader for Agentic AI platforms in the semiconductor design industry, announced it has closed an oversubscribed $50 million Series A1 funding round, bringing total capital raised to $74 million. The round was led by Matter Venture Partners, a TSMC-backed HardTech VC firm, with participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Micron, MediaTek, and Ericsson. As part of the investment, Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner of Matter VP, will join ChipAgents' Board of Directors, bringing over two decades of expertise and relationships in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Building the AI Workforce for Chip Design Companies This new capital will enable ChipAgents to aggressively scale its Agentic AI platform, expand its engineering and research organization, and accelerate global deployment of multi-agent chip teams. ChipAgents is building the foundational AI infrastructure for chip design, with coordinated AI Agents that can plan, reason, execute, and continuously improve across complex silicon programs. By transforming chip development into an AI-native, outcome-driven system, ChipAgents is redefining semiconductor innovations. "We're building an Agentic AI workforce for the semiconductor industry," said William Wang, CEO and Founder of ChipAgents. "Our multi-agent AI teams are not just copilots or AI assistants; they actually take ownership. They read specifications, break down objectives, discuss and implement solutions, validate results, and iterate relentlessly. This is not incremental productivity software. It's a revolutionary AI execution platform for silicon design." "As chip complexity explodes and experienced chip design talent becomes the limiting factor, the future will belong to hybrid human-AI teams with the best AI Agent infrastructure," Wang added. "ChipAgents enables small IC design teams to operate like much larger organizations that can move at startup speed. This funding accelerates our mission to make AI-driven chip innovations the default model for how all silicon will be designed, built, and shipped." Strategic Partnership with Industry Leaders The investment by Matter Venture Partners, a VC firm with deep roots across the global semiconductor ecosystem, reinforces confidence in ChipAgents' vision to build the Agentic AI platform powering the next generation of silicon innovation. With leading foundries fabricating the vast majority of the world's most advanced chips, alignment with investors embedded in this ecosystem positions ChipAgents at the center of a structural shift toward AI-native chip development. "The semiconductor industry is entering a phase where the limits to chip design productivity are no longer the tools themselves," said Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner of Matter Venture Partners. "The limits are now talent availability, human bandwidth and design iteration speed. ChipAgents addresses this constraint directly with an Agentic AI platform capable of significantly scaling engineering and design capacity alongside advanced manufacturing progress. As the AI ecosystem demands increasingly complex, higher-performing silicon, we believe ChipAgents will be essential for any chip company that wants to shape the future of AI and compute." Market Momentum and Customer Traction Building on the momentum of its Series A that was completed a few months ago, ChipAgents has achieved 140x year-over-year ARR growth and has expanded deployments to 80 leading semiconductor companies, securing several multi-year, multi-million-dollar licensing agreements. The team has scaled from 10 to 46 employees and relocated its headquarters from Santa Barbara to a new state-of-the-art facility in Santa Clara, placing the company at the center of the global semiconductor ecosystem. Across Tier-1 semiconductor programs in live production environments, ChipAgents is delivering step-function performance gains: -- 15x faster specification reading and comprehension -- 240x reduction in formal assertion generation time -- 100% code and functional coverage through formal verification -- 400x faster UVM environment generation These results translate into significantly compressed verification cycles, full design visibility, and a new level of execution velocity across complex digital IC design programs, enabling teams to ship more silicon with greater speed, confidence and control. World-Class Advisory Board Expands Sandeep Bharathi, President of Marvell's Data Center Group, joined ChipAgents' Advisory Board, bringing over two decades of experience leading chip development for hyperscale cloud and enterprise infrastructure. His expertise in scaling complex SoC programs from design through high-volume production will help guide ChipAgents through its rapid growth. "Semiconductor development continues to grow in complexity as systems scale across cloud and enterprise infrastructure. The industry must rethink how engineering teams are supported. ChipAgents is exploring how AI can create design and verification workflows, and I look forward to advising the company as it advances this mission," said Sandeep Bharathi. Bharathi joins an advisory board that already includes Wally Rhines, former CEO of Mentor Graphics (now Siemens EDA); Raul Camposano, former CTO of Synopsys; Jack Harding, former CEO of Cadence; John Bowers, Electrical Engineering pioneer, and Erez Tsur, former CEO of Cadence Israel. About ChipAgents ChipAgents is an Agentic AI platform that transforms specifications and code into production-ready RTL, verification assets, and automated root-cause analysis, dramatically shortening design and verification cycles. Founded in 2024, the company brings autonomous AI Agents into production semiconductor workflows, serving both design and verification engineers and embedded systems teams at leading semiconductor companies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. For more information, visit chipagents.ai About Matter Venture Partners Matter Venture Partners is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm backing exceptional founders building the most advanced semiconductor, electronics, and Physical AI innovations. With decades of operational expertise and deep strategic relationships, Matter Venture Partners pairs technical insight with long-term conviction to help scale category-defining HardTech startups. www.mattervp.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217568914/en/ Contact Media Contact:[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Capvidia (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 CHICAGO, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - Capvidia , a global leader in Model-Based Definition (MBD) and model-based interoperability, announced it will co-host a live webinar with Hexagon focused on creating a seamless digital thread that connects design, production, and inspection using MBD, the Quality Information Framework (QIF), and Hexagon's PC-DMIS metrology software. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217927277/en/ Connecting design to inspection-without the rework. Capvidia + Hexagon show how MBD + QIF power a real digital thread into PC-DMIS for faster, traceable, more accurate inspection. Titled "Connected for Success: Unlock seamless data flow and precision from design to inspection", the webinar will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST / 2:00 PM GMT. Attendees will see a practical demonstration of how an integrated approach can reduce manual data entry, minimize translation errors, preserve design intent, and improve traceability, helping organizations create a single source of truth and an auditable compliance trail for OEM and government requirements. "Manufacturers are under constant pressure to move faster with fewer errors and that requires better interoperability across the lifecycle," said Tomasz Luniewski, CEO of Capvidia. "By grounding the workflow in open standards like QIF and connecting design intent to downstream execution and measurement, teams can eliminate gaps and build a more traceable, automation-ready process." What attendees will learn The session will cover how to: -- Establish a digital thread that connects data across the product lifecycle -- Ensure seamless communication from design to inspection -- Preserve design intent and improve traceability -- Reduce errors and enhance efficiency -- Create an audit trail of compliance for government and OEM contracts Registration link: https://go.mi.hexagon.com/l/980223/2026-02-05/3b4lc8 Speakers -- Ken Woodbine, Senior Portfolio Manager, Stationary Metrology Software, Hexagon -- Oggy Dragasevic, Senior Application Engineer, Capvidia About Capvidia Capvidia is the global authority on Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Model-Based Enterprise (MBE). We turn the 3D model into a single-source-of-truth, automatically generating PMI and characteristics to eliminate manual ballooning and automate workflows from design through quality. Built on open, standards-based data-from native CAD to QIF and STEP AP242-our software delivers true interoperability across CAD, CAM, CMM, and PLM systems without loss of intent. The result is complete, auditable traceable digital thread linking every requirement to real-world results across OEMs and suppliers. Get MBDReady. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217927277/en/ Contact Media Contact: Jimmy Nguyen, Brand Manager, [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Cyndi Lauper has led tributes to acclaimed songwriter Billy Steinberg, who has died aged 75. Cyndi Lauper performing at The O2 in London A representative for Steinbergs family confirmed he passed away at his home in Brentwood, California, following a battle with cancer. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of affection for the writer behind some of the most defining pop songs of the last four decades. Lauper, who shared a close creative bond with Steinberg, posted a heartfelt message alongside a throwback photo of the pair. Steinberg cowrote her 1986 classic, True Colors, with longtime collaborator Tom Kelly, a song that became one of the most enduring tracks of her career. She wrote on Instagram: I'm so sorry to hear that my friend Billy Steinberg has passed away. He was such a nice guy and very supportive. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and Tom during this sad time. The trios partnership also produced I Drove All Night, which Lauper released in 1989 before the track was later recorded by Roy Orbison and covered by Celine Dion. Speaking to Billboard, Lauper remembered Steinberg as pure genius, recalling the creative backandforth that shaped True Colors into the version she ultimately released. Across his career, Steinberg helped craft some of the biggest pop hits of the 80s and 90s. With Kelly, he cowrote Madonnas Like a Virgin, The Bangles Eternal Flame, Whitney Houstons So Emotional, The Divinyls I Touch Myself, and The Pretenders Ill Stand by You songs that continue to define entire eras of music. Even after Kelly stepped back from songwriting in the 90s, Steinberg remained a force in the industry. He teamed up with newer writers, including Josh Alexander and RuthAnne Cunningham, copenning mid2000s chart staples Too Little Too Late for JoJo and Over It for Katharine McPhee. Steinberg and Kelly were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing their legacy as one of pops most influential writing duos. He is survived by his wife, Trina, his sons Ezra and Max, and his stepchildren, Raul and Carolina. A vendor waits for customers ahead of Ramadan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 15, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Running a small shop in a newly constructed dusty market to earn a livelihood, Mohammad Reza, 35, lamented that the U.S. sanctions, poverty and persistent increase of prices of basic needs have shrunk the purchasing power and left him and his family cash-strapped ahead of Ramadan. The Muslim holy month Ramadan is getting closer by each passing day, and the people of Afghanistan, like Muslims across the globe, are buying basic needs, including confectionery, dates, jam and other foodstuffs to welcome the fasting month. During the month of Ramadan, which lasts 28, 29 or 30 days in the lunar calendar, depending on the month sighting, the faithful Muslims observe fast and do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk. In Afghanistan, Ramadan might begin on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on moon sight. "To be frank, I am facing extreme economic problems. Contrary to other Muslim countries, the prices of foodstuffs and other essential items go up in Ramadan here," Reza told Xinhua. Reza, the breadwinner of the five-member family, also claimed that ordinary people cannot buy what they need to welcome Ramadan, because the prices are beyond the reach of the people. "The prices of everything, including cooking oil and rice, have gone up," Reza said, noting that a sack of 21 kg rice cost 2,900 afghani (46 U.S. dollars) to 3,000 afghani three months ago; currently it costs 4,000 afghani to 4,500 afghani. The majority of the people in post-war Afghanistan have been facing extreme economic hardships, mostly due to the U.S.-slapped sanctions, a high rate of unemployment and poverty, many Afghans believe. According to a UN report, around 17.4 million people, over one-third of the post-war country's population, could experience severe food insecurity in 2026, which indicates a crisis level of food insecurity in Afghanistan. Blaming the reported U.S. sanctions as the main reason for poverty and economic problems in his war-torn country, Reza said that the sanctions have smashed the country's economy. "Otherwise, our economy might have improved." Another Kabul resident, Safiullah Rahimi, also lashed out at U.S. sanctions and their impact on the prices of basic needs in Afghanistan. "The American sanctions have spoiled the labor market and eventually undermined our income and even affected the cost of peas in the bazaar," Rahimi said. A vendor waits for customers ahead of Ramadan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 15, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Street vendors wait for customers ahead of Ramadan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 15, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Nigeria announces arrival of 100 US soldiers Lagos, Feb 16 (AFP) Feb 16, 2026 Some 100 US soldiers are being deployed to Nigeria as part of increased military cooperation to fight insecurity in the West African country, the Nigerian defence ministry announced Monday. The ministry did not specify when the "US military trainers" arrived or were due to arrive. "The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to announce the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield," the statement said. "The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria." Nigeria is facing a longstanding jihadist insurgency in the northeast, a conflict between farmers and herders in north-central regions, separatist violence in the southeast, and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Christians in Nigeria are being "persecuted" and are victims of "genocide" perpetrated by "terrorists". But Abuja and most independent experts say the violence in Nigeria indiscriminately affects both Christians and Muslims. On December 25, the US military conducted airstrikes in Nigeria's Sokoto State. Nigerian authorities subsequently said the action was coordinated with them and it targeted Islamic State jihadists. For the announced deployment, Nigeria's DHQ said: "The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces." ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A military police building collapsed in the city of Sertolovo in Russia's Leningrad Oblast, with rescue operations underway, local authorities said on Tuesday. Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, said on his Telegram channel that debris removal and efforts to rescue those who were injured are in progress. "I have instructed law enforcement agencies to assist the military in clearing the rubble and rescuing the injured following the collapse of the military police building on the territory of the military unit in Sertolovo," Drozdenko said. Further details on casualties and the cause of the collapse have not yet been released. Trump to decide 'soon' on sending weapons to Taiwan Aboard Air Force One, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 US President Donald Trump said Monday he would decide soon on whether to send more weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned him not to do so. "I'm talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we'll make a determination pretty soon," Trump said, adding that he has a "good relationship" with the Chinese leader, whose country claims the self-ruled island of Taiwan as its territory. In a phone call with Trump on February 4, Xi called for "mutual respect" in relations with the United States, while warning Washington about arms sales to the democratically run island. "The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations... The US must handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution," Xi said, according to China's state broadcaster. Trump and Xi are due to meet in Beijing in April. China's Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan, but Beijing claims the island of 23 million people is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to annex it. Washington does not officially recognize Taiwan, but is the island territory's main military backer -- although the tone of that support has softened slightly under Trump. The United States approved $11-billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December, Taipei said. Shortly thereafter, China launched major live-fire drills to simulate a blockade around Taiwan's key ports. While Trump has adopted a softer tone on support for Taiwan in his second term, the issue remains a thorn in US-China relations. On Saturday, Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi warned the United States against "plotting" on Taiwan, saying it could lead to a "confrontation" with China. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Foreign Minister Wang said that in the future, the United States could adopt a China policy that involves "instigating and plotting to split China through Taiwan, crossing China's red line." Taiwan has spent many billions of dollars upgrading its military in the past decade, but faces growing US pressure to do more to protect itself against China. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has proposed $40 billion in extra defense spending by his government over eight years, but the plan has been blocked by the opposition-controlled parliament 10 times since early December. On Thursday, dozens of US lawmakers urged Taiwan's opposition political parties to end their blocking of the move. In an exclusive interview with AFP last week, President Lai said he was confident the defense budget would be passed. Press Release from Business Wire: ITC Secure (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 LUXEMBOURG & WASHINGTON & LONDON & SINGAPORE, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - Collective Defence today announces its formation following the combination of ITC Secure, a leading UK-based cybersecurity services firm and Microsoft Security Solutions Partner, and IronNet, a pioneer in collective defence and network detection technology. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and operates from offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore. Collective Defence addresses one of the most pressing security challenges of our time: the escalating threat of hybrid warfare targeting critical infrastructure. Across energy grids, telecommunications networks, financial systems, healthcare and satellite infrastructure, nation-states and their proxies are conducting persistent, sophisticated campaigns. This blurs the lines between cyber operations, disinformation, and physical disruption. Collective Defence brings together advanced technology, intelligence, and operational expertise to detect, deter, and defend against threats at scale. A New Model for a New Threat Landscape The combination of ITC Secure and IronNet brings together complementary cybersecurity solutions and AI to create a differentiated platform focused on the protection of critical infrastructure. ITC Secure contributes more than 30 years of experience delivering managed security services, SOC operations, and advisory support to governments and critical infrastructure operators globally. IronNet adds its groundbreaking collective defence and network detection technology, enabling real-time threat sharing and collaborative detection across organisations and national boundaries. The combined company enables governments and critical infrastructure operators to share threat intelligence, coordinate defensive activity, and respond to hybrid threats in real time within a trusted, sovereign framework. Luxembourg Headquarters and Global Presence Collective Defence has established its global headquarters in Luxembourg. Luxembourg has recently announced an increased defence budget with a focus on cybersecurity. Luxembourg's role within NATO and the European Union, combined with its regulatory and data protection framework, provides a strong base for sovereign cybersecurity and defence operations. With teams in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore, Collective Defence maintains proximity to key government partners across the Five Eyes community, NATO, and the Indo-Pacific region, while delivering locally operated services supported by global threat intelligence. Confronting Hybrid Warfare State-sponsored cyber activity and hybrid threats targeting critical infrastructure continue to increase in scale and sophistication. Collective Defence addresses this challenge through a collective defence model that enables anonymized threat data to be shared across participants, allowing threats identified in one environment to inform defensive actions across others. This approach extends established defence and intelligence-sharing principles into the cyber domain. Capabilities Collective Defence offers an integrated suite of capabilities, including collective defence and threat sharing; managed detection and response through 24/7 security operations; advisory and consulting services for critical infrastructure operators; and hybrid threat intelligence focused on state-sponsored activity and emerging attack vectors. In partnership with Microsoft, Collective Defence is at the forefront of applying AI to cybersecurity operations, embedding advanced analytics and automation across its platforms. It has deployed Microsoft Security Copilot within its SOC, enhancing analyst productivity, accelerating incident investigation and response times, and delivering deeper, AI-driven insights to better protect clients against increasingly sophisticated threats. Leadership Collective Defence is led by an experienced management team with backgrounds across cybersecurity, defence, intelligence, and critical infrastructure protection. Further announcements regarding the leadership team and board of directors are expected in the coming weeks. "The threats facing critical infrastructure today are not conventional cyber risks - they are acts of hybrid warfare waged by nation-states against the systems our societies depend on. Collective Defence was created to bring together the technology, talent, and partnerships needed to defend against these threats collectively, not in isolation. By combining ITC Secure's deep expertise in protecting government and critical national infrastructure with IronNet's pioneering collective defence technology, we have built something that neither company could achieve alone - a platform for allied nations and enterprises to stand together against the most sophisticated threats of our time." - Andre Pienaar, Chairman, Collective Defence "Luxembourg is the ideal home for this mission; at the heart of Europe and at the crossroads of the alliances that matter most. From here, we are building a truly collective model of defence; combining locally delivered, sovereign security services with shared global threat intelligence. That means insights gained in one environment can rapidly strengthen the protection of others, creating a network effect that makes every participant more resilient." - Arno Robbertse, Chief Executive Officer, Collective Defence "Hybrid warfare does not respect borders, sectors, or the traditional boundaries between military and civilian domains. The adversaries targeting our critical infrastructure are nation-states with the resources and patience to exploit every gap in our defences. Collective Defence represents a fundamentally new approach that mirrors how alliances have long operated in the physical domain and applies those principles to cybersecurity. I am honoured to chair the Advisory Council and to help shape a company that will play a vital role in the security architecture of the free world." - Edward Newberry, Chairman of the Advisory Council, Collective Defence Disclaimer This press release is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, a recommendation, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in Luxembourg, the United States or in any other jurisdiction. Any such offer or solicitation, if made, will be made only by means of confidential offering materials provided to qualified investors in accordance with applicable securities laws, and such offering materials will contain additional information, including risk factors, that is not set out in this press release. No person should make any investment decision on the basis of this press release. This press release may include "forward?looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including statements regarding anticipated fundraising, strategy, plans, objectives and future performance. Forward?looking statements are typically identified by words such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "believe", "project" and similar expressions, or their negatives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. No assurance can be given that any anticipated transactions, fundraising or plans will be completed or achieved. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward?looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release, and Collective Defence undertakes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. About Collective Defence Collective Defence is a cybersecurity and national security company dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure from hybrid warfare. Formed through the combination of ITC Secure and IronNet, the company is headquartered in Luxembourg with operations in the United States, United Kingdom and Singapore. In strategic partnership with Microsoft, Collective Defence integrates advanced AI capabilities across its platforms and security operations. This collaboration strengthens collective defence, accelerates detection and response, and enhances the protection of allied digital ecosystems. Collective Defence provides collective threat sharing, managed detection and response, advisory services, and hybrid threat intelligence to governments, critical infrastructure operators and allied organisations worldwide. For more information, visit our websites: https://itcsecure.com/ and https://www.ironnet.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217152238/en/ Contact Media Contact[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Moscow, Kyiv meet for US-brokered talks after fresh attacks Geneva, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will meet Tuesday in Geneva for fresh US-brokered talks seeking to end the four-year war, hours after both sides launched a fresh wave of long-range strikes. US President Donald Trump is seeking to position himself as peacemaker of the conflict unleashed when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but previous rounds of talks mediated by the White House have yielded no breakthroughs. Before the meetings began Ukraine accused Russia of undermining peace efforts by launching 29 missiles and 396 drones in attacks that authorities said killed one, wounded others and cut power to tens of thousands. "The extent to which Russia disregards peace efforts: a massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine right before the next round of talks in Geneva," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on social media. He repeated Ukraine's call for allies to exert greater pressure on Russia to negotiate in good faith by applying more sanctions on Moscow. The talks, which the Kremlin said will be held behind closed doors and with no media present, come after two earlier rounds held this year in Abu Dhabi. "Ukraine better come to the table, fast," Trump told reporters ahead of the negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his team had already arrived in Geneva on Monday, while a source with the Russian delegation confirmed Tuesday that their team had touched down in the Swiss city in the early hours. Russia meanwhile claimed to have repelled more than 150 Ukrainian drones mainly over southern regions and Crimean peninsula, occupied by the Kremlin in 2014. Officials said an oil depot in southern Russia caught fire. - Sticking points - The war has spiralled into Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with hundreds of thousands killed, millions forced to flee their homes in Ukraine and much of the eastern and southern part of the country scarred by war. Russia occupies around one-fifth of Ukraine -- including the Crimean peninsula it seized in 2014 -- and areas that Moscow-backed separatists had taken prior to the 2022 invasion. It wants Ukrainian troops to withdraw from swathes of heavily fortified and strategic territory as part of any peace deal. Kyiv has rejected this deeply unpopular demand, which would be politically and militarily fraught, and has instead demanded robust security guarantees from the west before agreeing to any proposals with Russia. Russia's better-resourced army has been making steady gains across the sprawling front line in the eastern and southern Ukraine in recent months. But Ukrainian forces have recently made significant battlefield gains, recapturing 201 square kilometres (78 square miles) last week, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War. The counterattacks likely leveraged Russian forces' lack of access to Starlink, which has disrupted communications, the ISW said. The territorial gain is concentrated mainly around 80 kilometres east of the city of Zaporizhzhia, a region that Moscow claims is part of Russia, and where its troops have made significant progress since last summer. The centrally located region hosts Europe's largest nuclear power plant, which Russia currently controls -- another sticking point in negotiations. For the talks in Geneva, the Kremlin has reinstated nationalist hawk and former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky as its lead negotiator. "This time, we plan to discuss a broader set of issues, focusing on key ones related to the territories and other demands," a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin told reporters, including AFP, explaining the personnel change. Kyiv's team will be led by national security chief Rustem Umerov, while the White House is expected to dispatch Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Iran, United States hold new talks in Geneva Geneva, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran and the United States began fresh talks in Geneva on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump warned of consequences should Tehran fail to strike a deal. Mediated by Oman, the discussions are aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washington's "more realistic" position on its nuclear programme. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily against Iran, first over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month and then more recently over its nuclear programme. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," he told reporters aboard Air Force One ahead of the talks. A previous attempt at diplomacy collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran in June, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. "A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday, according to the official IRNA news agency. Iranian state TV reported on Tuesday that the indirect talks had begun with the two sides exchanging messages through Omani mediators. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi in Geneva to discuss his country's position "regarding nuclear issues and sanctions relief". He also stressed Tehran's "seriousness in using result-oriented diplomacy to secure the legitimate interests and rights of the Iranian people" and preserve peace in the region, according to a ministry statement. Iran has insisted that the discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Tehran's ballistic missiles programme and support for armed groups in the region. - War games - Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological arm of the military, began a series of war games on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare for "potential security and military threats", Iranian state TV said. Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a strategic route for oil and liquified natural gas, as both sides ramp up pressure. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday: "We're hopeful there's a deal." "The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things." Araghchi, meanwhile, said on X that he too had come to "Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal", but added there would be no "submission before threats". The foreign minister also met in Geneva on Monday with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, "for deep technical discussion". The West fears Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. - Regime change? - Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House confirmed on Sunday. On Friday, Trump said a change of government in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen", as he sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to ratchet up military pressure. The first carrier dispatched to the region, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was positioned about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Iranian coast as of Sunday, new satellite images showed. Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Tehran would consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if Washington lifted sanctions that have crippled the country's economy. The purchasing power of Iranians has been steadily eroded in recent months amid rising prices and a sharp depreciation in the currency. "If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement," Takht-Ravanchi said. bur-smw/gv/axn/jsa Trump to decide 'soon' on sending weapons to Taiwan Aboard Air Force One, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 US President Donald Trump said Monday he would decide soon on whether to send more weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned him not to do so. "I'm talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we'll make a determination pretty soon," Trump said, adding that he has a "good relationship" with the Chinese leader, whose country claims the self-ruled island of Taiwan as its territory. In a phone call with Trump on February 4, Xi called for "mutual respect" in relations with the United States, while warning Washington about arms sales to the democratic island. "The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations... The US must handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution," Xi said, according to China's state broadcaster. Trump and Xi are due to meet in Beijing in April. China's Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan, but Beijing claims the island of 23 million people is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to annex it. The United States does not officially recognize Taiwan, but Washington is Taipei's main security backer -- although the tone of that support has softened slightly under Trump. The United States approved $11 billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December, Taipei said. Shortly thereafter, China launched major live-fire drills to simulate a blockade around Taiwan's key ports. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Tuesday it closely monitors "US-China interactions and maintains good communication with the US side." "Taiwan firmly believes that only by continuously strengthening its self-defense capabilities can it safeguard its hard-won peace and prosperity," the ministry said in a statement, vowing to continue to "strengthen cooperation with the US." While Trump has adopted a softer tone on support for Taiwan in his second term, the issue remains a thorn in US-China relations. On Saturday, Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi warned the United States against "plotting" on Taiwan, saying it could lead to a "confrontation" with China. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Foreign Minister Wang said that in the future, the United States could adopt a China policy that involves "instigating and plotting to split China through Taiwan, crossing China's red line." Taiwan has spent many billions of dollars upgrading its military in the past decade, but faces growing US pressure to do more to protect itself against China. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has proposed $40 billion in extra defense spending by his government over eight years, but the plan has been blocked by the opposition-controlled parliament 10 times since early December. On Thursday, dozens of US lawmakers urged Taiwan's opposition political parties to end their blocking of the move. In an exclusive interview with AFP last week, President Lai said he was confident the defense budget would be passed. bur-ksb-aha-aw/amj/lga Khamenei says US 'will not succeed' in destroying Iran as talks start Tehran, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic republic, as talks between the two countries began in Geneva. "In one of his recent speeches, the US president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic republic... I tell you: you will not succeed either," said Khamenei in a speech. The remarks came as Tehran and Washington kicked off a second round of talks on Tuesday in Geneva. The first round was held earlier in February, after earlier talks collapsed during last year's Iran-Israel war. The latest talks come after Washington deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf following Iran's deadly crackdown last month on anti-government protests, which were triggered by economic hardship. During his speech, Khamenei warned that the US warship deployed in the Gulf could be sunk. "We constantly hear that they (the United States) have sent a warship toward Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it," he said. Khamenei expressed scepticism over the outcome of the negotiations with the US. "If there are to be negotiations -- because there is no real room for negotiation -- determining the outcome of the negotiations in advance is a mistake and madness," he said, referring to the US calls on Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. During Iran's 12-day war with Israel in June, the United States joined briefly with strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, which had reached 60 percent purity before the war, remain among the key sticking points between Tehran and Washington. The US has repeatedly called for zero enrichment and has sought to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for militant groups in the region -- issues which Israel has pushed to include in the talks. Iran has however said its right to enrich uranium was non-negotiable and insisted that the talks be focused only on the nuclear issue. "The statements of the American president, at times threatening and at times dictating what should and should not be done, reveal a desire to dominate the Iranian nation," said Khamenei. Iran to close parts of Hormuz Strait for 'safety' measures during drill: state TV Tehran, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran will close parts of the strategic Strait of Hormuz for "safety" measures during military drills by its Revolutionary Guards, state TV reported on Tuesday. "Parts of the Strait of Hormuz will be closed in order to respect the principles of safety and navigation," said a state TV journalist, reporting from a site near the drills, which began on Monday. He said the partial closure would last for "a few hours". On Monday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began a series of military exercises to prepare against "potential security and military threats" in the strait. The duration of the war games was not specified. The drills took place after the United States deployed a large naval force to the Gulf in an attempt to pressure Iran to reach an agreement over its nuclear programme. Iranian hardline politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, especially during times of heightened tensions with the United States, but it has never been closed. Around a quarter of all seaborne oil and a fifth of the world's liquified natural gas transit through the strait, according to the International Energy Agency. Revolutionary Guards navy commander Alireza Tangsiri said the decision to completely "close the Strait of Hormuz depends on the decision of the country's leaders". Supreme leader says Iran can sink US warship as Geneva talks conclude Geneva, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran's supreme leader warned on Tuesday that the country had the ability to sink a US warship deployed to the Gulf, as fresh talks between the two sides concluded in Switzerland. The threat by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei follows a military build-up by the United States in the region as President Donald Trump piles pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear programme. The Omani-mediated talks were aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, while Tehran is demanding the lifting of US sanctions that are crippling its economy. An AFP journalist saw the delegations of both countries leave the location of the talks at the residence of the Omani ambassador on Tuesday afternoon. Trump had warned of consequences ahead of the talks should Tehran fail to strike a deal. He has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily, first over Iran's deadly crackdown on protesters last month and then more recently over its nuclear programme. Washington has ordered two aircraft carriers to the region, with the first, the USS Abraham Lincoln with nearly 80 aircraft, positioned about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Iranian coast as of Sunday, satellite images showed. Its location puts at least a dozen US F?35s and F?18 fighter jets within striking distance. A second carrier was dispatched at the weekend as Trump ratcheted up pressure. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," he told reporters ahead of the talks. But Khamenei followed up with tough rhetoric of his own after the talks began, saying Iran possessed weapons able to sink an American warship. "We constantly hear that they have sent a warship towards Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it," he said in a speech. He added that Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic republic. Iran has insisted the talks be limited to the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Tehran's ballistic missiles programme and support for armed groups in the region. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei on Tuesday said the lifting of sanctions must be an integral part of any deal. - War games - Iran has also sought to display its military might, with its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps beginning a series of war games on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare for "potential security and military threats", Iranian state TV said. Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a strategic route for oil and gas. On Tuesday state TV reported that Tehran would close parts of the waterway for "safety" measures during the drills. A previous attempt at diplomacy collapsed last year when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran in June, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday: "We're hopeful there's a deal." "The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things," he added. Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, said on X that he too had come to "Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal", but added there would be no "submission before threats". The foreign minister met in Geneva on Monday with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, "for deep technical discussion". The West fears Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner to Geneva, the White House confirmed on Sunday. On Friday, Trump said a change of government in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen". Ali Fathollah-Nejad, director of the Berlin-based Centre for Middle East and Global Order, said Iran was faced with an "existential dilemma". "Giving in to US demands could bring sanctions relief that it would desperately need to stabilise the regime and fund its repressive apparatus," he told AFP. "However, any significant concessions on the nuclear, ballistic missile and regional proxies issues would sensitively undermine its ideological and military standing." bur-smw/gv/axn/jsa Khamenei says US 'will not succeed' in destroying Iran Tehran, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic republic, as talks between the two countries took place in Geneva. "In one of his recent speeches, the US president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic republic... I tell you: you will not succeed either," Khamenei said in a speech. The remarks came as Tehran and Washington engaged in a second round of talks on Tuesday. The first round was held earlier in February, after previous talks collapsed during last year's Iran-Israel war. The latest discussions come after Washington deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf following Iran's deadly crackdown last month on anti-government protests, which were triggered by economic hardship. During his speech, Khamenei warned that the US warship deployed in the Gulf could be sunk. "We constantly hear that they have sent a warship towards Iran. A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it," he said. Khamenei expressed scepticism over the outcome of the negotiations with the US. "If there are to be negotiations -- because there is no real room for negotiation -- determining the outcome of the negotiations in advance is a mistake and madness," he said, referring to US calls for Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. During Iran's 12-day war with Israel in June, the United States joined briefly with strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, which had reached 60 percent purity before the war, remains among the key sticking points between Tehran and Washington. The US has repeatedly called for zero enrichment, but has also sought to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its support for militant groups in the region -- issues which Israel has pushed to include in the talks. On Tuesday, the Fars news agency quoted Khamenei as saying that the issue of Iran's missile programme "does not concern it (the US) at all". Iran has insisted the talks be focused only on the nuclear issue and says its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable. "The statements of the American president, at times threatening and at times dictating what should and should not be done, reveal a desire to dominate the Iranian nation," Khamenei said. India opens Airbus helicopter assembly line Bengaluru, India, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 India's Tata Group and European aviation giant Airbus opened a helicopter final assembly line on Tuesday, a significant step in New Delhi's flagship "Make in India" drive. The virtual opening was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron, while their defence ministers Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin attended the ceremony in person. Located in Vemagal in the southern state of Karnataka -- near tech-hub city Bengaluru -- the new assembly line is expected to be operational in April. "Our collaboration with India is a win-win situation," said Jocelyn Gaudin, head of Airbus's engineering and innovation centre in Bengaluru. Airbus helicopters have played a key role in India for decades, including its Aerospatiale Alouette II, Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil, and the high-altitude workhorse Lama. That long-standing presence entered a new chapter on Tuesday with the inauguration of the factory dedicated to the H125, the manufacturer's best-selling single-engine helicopter. In January, the European Union and India said they had struck a "historic" trade agreement reached after two decades of negotiations to create a market of two billion people. Under that agreement, which Modi dubbed "the mother of all deals", India will eliminate tariffs on aircraft -- a potential boon for Airbus -- as well as cutting levies to zero on most machinery. Airbus Helicopters presence in India dates back to 1962, when it signed its first licensing agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). That allowed the state-owned company to manufacture the Alouette III helicopter, known in India as the Chetak. In October 2024, Tata and Airbus inaugurated a military aircraft factory in Gujarat's Vadodara city to produce cargo and troop-carrying C295 aircraft. That took place during a visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who also returns to India this week, taking part in the AI Impact Summit hosted by Modi in New Delhi. juf/pjm/ami Traditional Chinese lion dancers perform in front of the London Eye which is lit up in red to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua) LONDON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Passengers departing for China from London Heathrow Airport were immersed in a festive atmosphere on Sunday evening, as Terminal 2 was transformed into a celebration venue ahead of flights to Beijing and Shenzhen. The event was held to mark the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year - the most important traditional holiday in China and a time for family reunions. At Heathrow, a Spring Festival send-off ceremony featured red lanterns, spring couplets and intricate paper-cut window decorations, all traditional elements associated with the holiday. Staff distributed holiday gift packs and cultural souvenirs to travelers, while many passengers stopped to learn about Spring Festival traditions and take photos. Organizers said the event aimed to allow foreign travelers to experience the festive spirit before arriving in China, while also creating a warm holiday atmosphere for overseas Chinese communities. The lively celebration comes amid growing interest in travel to China. For an increasing number of international travelers, visiting China has become part of their travel plans, driven by curiosity about the country's rich culture, modern cities and diverse landscapes. Thomas Berger, a French national working in the United Kingdom, was embarking on his first trip to Asia. His itinerary includes five Chinese cities - Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai - combining historical landmarks, modern urban life and natural scenery. Chengdu, he said, was the destination he most looked forward to, particularly for its cuisine. Berger said much of his travel planning was based on online resources, especially short-form travel videos. In recent years, content tagged "China Travel" has gained popularity across global social media platforms, where foreign bloggers and tourists document their experiences and share practical tips. Despite traveling to China for the first time, Berger said he felt reassured after hearing from others that the country is "super safe," an impression echoed by several travelers interviewed at the airport. Emil Ive, a retail manager making his first trip outside Europe, planned to visit Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Sichuan. Chongqing held particular significance for him, as he would meet a Chinese friend there for the first time after connecting online through a shared interest in each other's cultures. He said communication had been facilitated by translation functions on the messaging app WeChat. For project manager Kaelan Meehan, the journey carried personal meaning. His destination included Qiqihar in northeast China, the hometown of his wife. The trip marked his fourth visit to China and his first experience of winter in the country's northeast. He said he looked forward to spending time with family amid the snowy landscape. To further facilitate cross-border travel, China will extend its visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom starting Feb. 17, 2026, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Sunday. The announcement was welcomed by Meehan and his wife, who said they hoped to bring his parents on a future visit so both families could reunite. Some travelers have already spent extended periods in China. Lucas Richman, a Chinese-language student at Durham University currently on exchange at Zhejiang University, boarded a flight to Shenzhen before continuing by high-speed rail to Hangzhou. Speaking fluent Mandarin, he said he seeks to explore widely and interact with local residents to deepen his understanding of Chinese culture. During the Spring Festival, he planned to celebrate with fellow international students at a guesthouse in Moganshan in east China's Zhejiang Province. Zhang Li, director of the China National Tourist Office in London, said the Spring Festival serves not only as an emotional symbol for the Chinese people but also as an important window through which the world can better understand China. "Hosting send-off events at overseas airports allows travelers to feel the festive atmosphere from the very beginning of their journey," Zhang said. Traditional Chinese lion dancers perform in front of the London Eye which is lit up in red to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua) Traditional Chinese lion dancers perform in front of the London Eye which is lit up in red to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua) Iran FM sees 'window of opportunity' in fresh US nuclear talks Geneva, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran's top diplomat voiced hope Tuesday that "a new window of opportunity" seen in fresh nuclear talks with Washington would lead to a lasting solution to the two countries' stand-off. The Omani-mediated talks in Geneva aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, while Tehran is demanding the lifting of Washington's sanctions, which are crippling its economy. "A new window of opportunity has opened," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva after the talks, which lasted several hours. "We are hopeful that negotiation will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interest of relevant parties and the broader region," he said. He insisted thought that a viable agreement "must ensure the full recognition of Iran's legitimate rights to deliver tangible benefits, and be safeguarded against unilateral actions". Before the talks US President Donald Trump had warned of consequences should Tehran fail to strike a deal. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily: first over Iran's deadly crackdown on protesters last month and more recently over its nuclear programme. Araghchi stressed that "Iran remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression", and cautioned that "the consequences of any attack against Iran will not be confined to its borders". - IAEA talks - The Iranian foreign minister met in Geneva on Monday with Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Araghchi said Tuesday that that meeting had focused on "cooperation between Iran and the agency (and) the role that the agency can play between Iran and the United States to achieve a mutually-agreed agreement". "Iran will continue its constructive dialogue and engagement with the agency to address these technical issues and to identify an agreed pathway for closing the outstanding gaps," he said. Araghchi insisted that his country had "consistently affirmed that it neither seeks to manufacture nor to acquire nuclear weapons, which have no place whatsoever in Iran's national security doctrine". He lamented though that "despite Iran's demonstrated commitment to diplomacy and good faith engagement, the conduct of certain Western states, most notably the United States, has seriously undermined the credibility of the negotiating process" until now. Araghchi pointed to Washington's withdrawal from a previous nuclear deal during Trump's first term, warning it had "dealt a profound blow to trust and stability of multilateral obligations". He also highlighted the US military attack on Iran last June, while the two sides "were in the midst of negotiations". US backs low-yield nuclear tests after China charges Washington, United States, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 The United States is ready to carry out low-yield nuclear tests, ending a decades-old moratorium, a senior official said Tuesday, as he doubled down on allegations of secret explosions by China. New START, the last treaty between the United States and Russia that limited deployment of nuclear warheads, expired this month as US President Donald Trump called for a new agreement that also includes China. Christopher Yeaw, the assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, indicated that Trump was serious when he said in October, without details, that the United States would resume nuclear testing. "As the president has said, the United States will return to testing on a -- quote -- 'equal basis,'" Yeaw said at the Hudson Institute think tank. "But equal basis doesn't mean we're going back to Ivy Mike-style atmospheric testing in the multi-megaton range, as some arms control folks would have you believe, hyperventilating about this issue," he said, referring to the massive 1952 thermonuclear detonation in the South Pacific. "Equal basis, however, presumes a response to a prior standard. Look no further than China or Russia for that standard," he said. He did not announce timing for a test, saying Trump would make a decision, but said it would be at a "level playing field." "We're not going remain at an intolerable disadvantage," he said. Another senior US official, at a UN meeting in Geneva as New START expired, accused China of carrying out a low-yield nuclear test in 2020 and of preparing more explosions with larger yields. China said the allegations were "outright lies" and a pretext for the United States to resume nuclear testing. The State Department in 2024 also accused Russia of carrying out low-yield tests. Yeaw stood by the charges on China, saying data gathered in nearby Kazakhstan on June 22, 2020 at 0918 GMT showed a 2.75-magnitude explosion. "There is very little possibility, I would say, that it is anything but an explosion, a singular explosion," he said, dismissing the possibility of an earthquake or mining incident. The United States last test-detonated a nuclear bomb in 1992. It has since continued with "subcritical" experiments meant to ensure safety without reaching the level to trigger a nuclear chain reaction. China's nuclear arsenal remains far smaller than those of Russia and the United States but it has been growing quickly. S.Africa to deploy troops to crime hotspots within 10 days, minister says Johannesburg, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Crime-weary South Africa will deploy army units alongside police within 10 days to tackle rampant crime fuelled by drugs gangs and illegal miners, the police minister said Tuesday. The move marks the latest in a series of tough measures by government to contain rampant crime in a country with one of the world's highest murder rates, averaging about 60 killings a day. Army and police chiefs have finalised "the deployment plan which will begin in the next 10 days", acting police minister Firoz Cachalia told parliament. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment in a national address last week, saying troops would be sent to the Western Cape -- home to tourist magnet Cape Town -- and Gauteng, which includes the financial hub Johannesburg. "Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development," Ramaphosa said. Parts of Cape Town are gripped by a deadly rivalry between drug gangs fighting for turf while illegal miners are active in the former gold fields of Gauteng. Cachalia said the army operation would be extended to the Eastern Cape, another province grappling with entrenched gang activity and drug-related crime. The plan has drawn criticism from some security experts and opposition parties, who argue that soldiers are not trained for policing duties. There have also been questions about the cost of the deployment and charges that the move amounts to an admission that the police have failed to curb violent crime. Sending in the army as a short-term measure "will not reduce the 64 murders that take place every single day in this country", the leader of the liberal Build One South Africa party, Mmusi Maimane, told parliament at the session attended by Ramaphosa. France and India hail growing ties as Modi hosts Macron Mumbai, India, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 France and India celebrated their ties as a force for global stability, as President Emmanuel Macron kicked off a three-day visit focused on technology and defence cooperation on Tuesday. A potential multibillion dollar fighter jet deal is also on the table, with officials travelling with Macron expressing confidence that a contract for 114 Rafales can be finalised. Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Macron in Mumbai, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "in today's turbulent world, this is a partnership for global stability." Macron said the "remarkable acceleration" of ties with India came in response to the "changing international order". Both leaders had earlier referred to each other as their "dear friend", in posts on social media. Macron is on his fourth visit to India since taking office in 2017, accompanied by his wife Brigitte. He began his trip in India's financial capital, honouring the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and meeting Bollywood film stars before sitting down with Modi. The visit follows New Delhi's confirmation last week that it intends to place a major order for Dassault Rafale jets, as well as the signing of a landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January. Macron will travel to New Delhi for an artificial intelligence summit on Wednesday and Thursday. - 'Contract of the century' - New Delhi has sought over the past decade to reduce its dependence on Russia, its traditional main supplier of military equipment, turning to other countries while also pushing for more domestic production. An Indian defence ministry statement last week said the proposed purchase of Rafale jets had been cleared -- with "the majority" of them to be manufactured in India. Christophe Jaffrelot, an India specialist at Sciences Po Center for International Studies in Paris, described the potential 30-billion-euro ($35-billion) deal for 114 Rafales as the "contract of the century". If finalised, the jets would add to the 62 Rafales that India has already purchased. The French presidency has voiced optimism that what it calls a "historic" agreement could be reached. Modi and Macron also inaugurated via videoconference India's first helicopter final assembly line, a joint venture between India's Tata Group and Airbus. The facility in Vemagal, in the southern state of Karnataka near the tech hub of Bengaluru, will manufacture the Airbus H125, the company's best-selling single-engine helicopter. Further deals were also on the agenda, with both countries' defence ministers also holding talks on cooperation on Tuesday. They watched on as French group Safran and Indian company Bharat Electronics Limited signed an agreement to create a joint venture to manufacture AASM Hammer guided bombs. - 'Good chemistry' - France has emerged as one of India's most important defence and economic partners in the last decade. "Through this visit, we seek to further strengthen cooperation" with India, and to "diversify" France's economic and trade partnerships, Macron's office said. India, the world's most populous country with 1.4 billion people, is on track to become the fourth-largest economy globally. This week's talks are also expected to address global economic uncertainty triggered by tariff policies under US President Donald Trump, as well as China's influence in the region. Bilateral trade between France and India, driven largely by defence and aerospace -- India's commercial fleet includes a substantial number of Airbus aircraft -- stands at around $18 billion annually. French foreign direct investment in India totals nearly $15 billion. The two leaders will also be keen to nurture close personal ties. "There is apparently a good chemistry, a good personal rapport," Jaffrelot said. One sensitive issue remains Ukraine: India has not condemned Russia's 2022 invasion and has continued buying oil from Moscow. US President Donald Trump has said India had committed to halting the purchases, though that has not been formally confirmed by New Delhi. Macron, speaking alongside Modi in Mumbai, urged him to "support the establishment of an immediate and lasting moratorium on attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure" in Ukraine. vl/pjm/ami/ceg/aha/dw Dassault Aviation X US says will match alleged Chinese low-yield nuclear tests Washington, United States, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 The United States is ready to carry out low-yield nuclear tests to match alleged secret explosions by China and Russia, ending a decades-old moratorium, a senior official said Tuesday. New START, the last treaty between the United States and Russia that limited deployment of nuclear warheads, expired this month as US President Donald Trump called for a new agreement that also includes China. Christopher Yeaw, the assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, indicated that Trump was serious when he said in October, without giving details, that the United States would resume nuclear testing. "As the president has said, the United States will return to testing on a -- quote -- 'equal basis,'" Yeaw said at the Hudson Institute, a think tank. "But equal basis doesn't mean we're going back to Ivy Mike-style atmospheric testing in the multi-megaton range, as some arms control folks would have you believe, hyperventilating about this issue," he said, referring to a massive 1952 thermonuclear detonation in the South Pacific. "Equal basis, however, presumes a response to a prior standard. Look no further than China or Russia for that standard," he said. He did not announce timing, saying Trump would make a decision, but added that any test would be at a "level playing field." "We're not going to remain at an intolerable disadvantage," he said. China's nuclear arsenal remains far smaller than those of Russia and the United States but it has been growing quickly. China has publicly rejected calls to enter negotiations on a new three-way treaty. - Doubling down on China - Another senior US official, at a UN meeting in Geneva as New START expired, accused China of carrying out a low-yield nuclear test in 2020 and of preparing more explosions with larger yields. China said the allegations were "outright lies" and a pretext for the United States to resume nuclear testing. The State Department in 2024 also alleged low-yield tests by Russia, which has issued veiled threats of using nuclear weapons in its invasion of Ukraine. Yeaw stood by the charges on China, saying data gathered in nearby Kazakhstan on June 22, 2020 at 0918 GMT showed a 2.75-magnitude explosion, whose impact was likely muffled by taking place in a large underground cavity. "There is very little possibility, I would say, that it is anything but an explosion, a singular explosion," he said, dismissing the possibility of an earthquake or mining incident. In a recent report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies did not find conclusive evidence of an explosion, saying satellite imagery did not show unusual activity at Lop Nur, China's historic testing site in the western region of Xinjiang. After the US allegations of the Chinese test, Robert Floyd, executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, said the international body also "did not detect any event consistent with the characteristics of a nuclear weapon test." But he said the group's monitors can only observe explosions when they reach the equivalent of 500 tonnes of TNT -- a small fraction of the US bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 in history's only nuclear attacks. Yeaw heaped scorn on the statement by Floyd, an Australian scientist, saying he should "reassess priorities" from urging an entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty if his staff cannot notice low-yield tests that nonetheless give knowledge to nuclear states. "The treaty becomes basically a fig leaf," Yeaw said. The UN treaty -- which would ban all nuclear explosions -- has not come into force, with France and Britain the only nuclear weapons states to have ratified it. Former president Bill Clinton signed the treaty but it was rejected in 1999 by the Senate due to opposition from Trump's Republican Party. The United States last test-detonated a nuclear bomb in 1992. It has since carried out "subcritical" experiments meant to ensure safety without reaching the level to trigger a nuclear chain reaction. Iran, Ukraine talks spark diplomatic merry-go-round in Geneva Geneva, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Geneva was abuzz with diplomatic to-and-fro on Tuesday as top US envoys shuttled between two of the biggest events in world news: high-stakes negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, and tense talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Convoys of diplomatic vehicles criss-crossed the rainswept Swiss city, with journalists trying to work out who was going where, as the countries involved kept tight-lipped on how the talks were progressing. Though the neutral ground of Geneva is well used to hosting international negotiations on the world's most pressing topics, two sets of such talks on the same day is an exceptional sight. Early Tuesday, reporters and camera crews positioned themselves opposite the five-star Intercontinental Hotel, hoping to spot the Ukrainian, Russian and US delegations arriving for the first of two days of intense negotiations. Meanwhile across Lake Geneva, other journalists were in the ultra-plush Cologny district, hoping to catch US and Iranian delegations arriving for talks being held at the Omani's ambassador's residence. Journalists crammed onto the sidewalk by the neatly clipped hedgerows opposite the private street leading to the residence, to the bemusement of passing joggers and delivery drivers. - Scrum in the swanky suburbs - As the Iranian motorcade left, demonstrators shouted "terrorists!" and surged forward throwing objects, with the police swiftly shoving them -- and the reporters behind -- backwards, as some tumbled over in the melee. Demonstrators voiced their outrage over what rights group say is the killing of thousands of Iranian protesters by security forces in the Islamic republic. "They are killing children, they are killing teenagers by the thousands," protester Hossein, an Iranian living in Switzerland, told reporters. "Why do you keep negotiating with terrorists? "Regime change in Iran is the only way. Regime change by the people of Iran." With scant information given by the various sides, back at the Intercontinental, vehicle registration plates gave away that the US delegation was sweeping in, straight from the Iran talks. The luxury hotel is a favourite with the diplomatic jet-set, given its proximity to the United Nations, and is well-versed in hosting sensitive talks behind closed doors. Across the street, organisers erected pop-up tents behind temporary barricades, offering the ever-growing media crowd some shelter from the frequent downpours. With countries' diplomatic missions giving little away, journalists tried their luck approaching official-looking types in the hope of extracting nuggets of information. Some turned out to be bystanders who happened to be smartly dressed. - Hope against hope - Outside the United Nations, around 200 demonstrators denounced Iran's deadly protest crackdown, holding placards reading: "No negotiations with murderers". They were later replaced by around 100 pro-Ukraine activists denouncing Russia's nearly four-year-old invasion, brandishing banners reading "Stop killing Ukrainians!" and "Save Ukraine to preserve peace in Europe". Alexandre Plautard, a 24-year-old international relations student, said: "This is a historic moment. We might finally have a way forward." He came to "remind the world of Russia's cruelty to Ukrainians", with its strikes on energy infrastructure during the bitter winter. However, the Russians ultimately "have no interest in peace", he told AFP. Psychology student Marianne, a Ukrainian who arrived in Geneva in 2022, said: "We are desperate. We don't really believe them (the Russians), but we hope there will be changes. "We don't want to be too positive so as not to be disappointed." Iran still not willing to acknowledge Trump red lines: Vance Washington, United States, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Iran has not agreed to all the "red lines" set out by US President Donald Trump for a diplomatic solution, Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday after talks in Geneva. Vance appeared to indicate that the United States was still interested in diplomacy, after Trump threatened force if Iran's clerical state does not agree on key concerns starting with its nuclear program. "In some ways, it went well; they agreed to meet afterwards," Vance said in a Fox News interview. "But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through," Vance told "The Story with Martha MacCallum" program. "We're going to keep on working it. But of course, the president reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end," Vance said. "We hope we don't get to that point, but if we do that will be the president's call." Canada launches huge defence plan to curb reliance on US Montreal, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday launched a multi-billion-dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian military and rely less on the United States. Carney's announcement of Canada's first defence industrial strategy built on themes he has emphasized during his 11-month tenure as President Donald Trump rips through traditional US alliances. The prime minister says Canada has not done nearly enough to defend itself in an increasingly dangerous world and counting on US protection is no longer viable. "We've relied too heavily on our geography and others to protect us," Carney said. "This has created vulnerabilities that we can no longer afford and dependencies that we can no longer sustain," he added. Carney has become one of the most prominent global voices criticizing Trump's administration, notably after his speech at the World Economic Forum last month where he said Trump had triggered a "rupture" in the rules-based global order. On Tuesday, Carney also addressed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech last week to the Munich Security Conference, highlighting what the Canadian leader sees as the widening gap between US and Canadian values. Carney, addressing reporters after giving a speech on the defence plan, pivoted to Rubio's speech without being asked about it. He cautioned that Trump's top diplomat had spoken of Washington's desire to defend "Christian nationalism." "Canadian nationalism is civic nationalism" and Ottawa's mandate was to defend the rights of everyone in a vast and diverse country, Carney said. "There is a rivalry taking place between Canadian nationalism and other forms of nationalism," he added, speaking in French. In Munich, Rubio said "Western Civilization" was defined by "Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices of our forefathers." - Never be 'hostage' - Carney's office said the defence industrial strategy amounts to an investment of "over half a trillion dollars (US$366 billion) in Canadian security, economic prosperity, and our sovereignty." In addition to direct government defence spending of about CAN$80 billion over the next five years, the plan includes CAN$180 billion in defence procurement and CAN$290 billion in defence and security-related infrastructure through the coming decade, Carney said. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce applauded Carney for having "bet big on Canada." "The scale of new funding is unprecedented," the group's vice president, David Pierce, said in a statement, adding that the plan will be measured by whether the funds produce "a stronger Canadian Armed Forces." For Carney, the increasingly fragile security relationship with the United States does not mean Canada should go it alone on defence. His government has pursued closer military ties with the European Union and, at the Munich conference, Ottawa formally joined the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program -- making Canada the only non-European member of the bloc's defence financing scheme. The prime minister on Tuesday also talked about hopes for new defence export opportunities in Asia, notably with South Korea. The goal is to "be strong enough to be a partner of choice," the prime minister said. Canada should build "a domestic defense industrial base so we are never hostage to the decisions of others when it comes to our security," he said. Carney also re-emphasized the need to enforce Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, where warming temperatures caused by climate change are thawing the ice, opening a new era of competition for critical minerals. PARIS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that an oil tanker sailing from Russia and detained by France in January is now leaving French waters. The tanker, Grinch, is "leaving French waters after several million euros were paid and three weeks of immobilization," Barrot wrote on social media platform X. According to French media outlet BFMTV, the company that owns the vessel was sentenced by the Marseille judicial court under a plea procedure to a financial penalty involving confiscation. On Jan. 22, French President Emmanuel Macron said on social media that the French Navy had boarded an oil tanker sailing from Russia and diverted it. He noted that the operation took place on the high seas in the Mediterranean, adding that the vessel was subject to international sanctions and suspected of sailing under a false flag. However, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Jan. 30 that the tanker seized by the French Navy had no connection with Russia. But the Labour politician told the Standard: I know those who come to London and live here have a very different experience to those who may read a tweet or a speech from President Trump or Vice President JD Vance. Im quite clear we have to bust those myths. As previously conveyed, if you have a problem with the business, please do make us aware. If it is in our power to help, please rest assured we will do so. Our team is here to provide the best possible service, and we ask that all interactions remain courteous and respectful. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates explained the outlook: On Wednesday, weather fronts are expected to move in from the Atlantic into some western, southern and central areas of the UK. As they bump into the cold air already in place, we are likely to see some snow developing, although there is still some uncertainty around the details. He said: What is now clear is that the search on the Thursday almost got to the point where Noah was found, but that it had to cease due to a rising tide. 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 She went on to claim that the judges did not care at the time the series was filmed and therefore implied that people should not be surprised that they do not care now. OTTAWA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday launched the country's first defense industrial strategy, outlining plans to reshape Canada's defense supply chain. "Defending Canada means more than the size of our military," Carney said at a launch event in Montreal. "It also means the strength of our industries, the resilience of our economy and our capacity to act independently when it matters most. Our national security and our economic security go hand in hand." He added that the new strategy "ensures Canada remains a sovereign nation, in charge of its own destiny." Under the strategy, the Canadian government plans to invest over 500 billion Canadian dollars (some 365 billion U.S. dollars) over the next decade to safeguard national security, economic prosperity and sovereign integrity, according to a press release from the prime minister's office. A key objective of the plan is to award 70 percent of federal defense contracts to Canadian firms and to grow Canadian defense industry revenues by 240 percent over the next 10 years, said the release. It said that the initiative seeks to overhaul a system long criticized for being overly complex, slow and excessively reliant on international suppliers. The release also announced the establishment of a new defense investment agency as the central executive body of the strategy, tasked with overhauling and streamlining Canada's defense procurement processes to ensure more agile delivery of capabilities. Canada is on track to meet the NATO defense spending target of 2 percent of its GDP within this fiscal year, said the release, adding that the government plans to further increase the share to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. Carol Everett, CEO of the Heidi Group, speaks in support of a proposal for burial or cremation of fetal remains at the Department of State Health Services in Austin in 2016. Austin American-Statesman In this March 26, 2013, file photo, former Gov. Rick Perry, right, hugs Carol Everett at the Capitol. Everett had been a visible abortion opponent at the Legislature. Austin American-Statesman Nearly four years after it was filed, a federal lawsuit between the state of Texas and a group that says it was targeted by liberals in state government for its anti-abortion stance is back in court. The Heidi Group, once a force in Texas anti-abortion politics, was given millions in state funding to provide healthcare to low-income women through its network of clinics and crisis pregnancy centers. But the Round Rock nonprofit was dropped in 2018 for what the state said were disappointing results. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It had been awarded more than $7 million to serve an estimated 70,000 women but lost funding after the state said it served only 3,300 in its first year. Heidi Group founder Carol Everett said the state's numbers ignored results at 16 of her clinics. But the Texas Health and Humans Services Commission, which administered the funding, said its numbers were correct. Critical media coverage also dogged the group, notably from The Texas Observer. It noted that money had been clawed back from the nonprofit in 2017 and that the entire grant program showed poor performance. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Campaign for Accountability, a left-leaning government watchdog group, accused the group of mismanaging funds, questioned whether it had broken the law and called for investigations by various state, local and federal agencies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 2019 state audit implied the group defrauded the state of more than $1.5 million. The amount of alleged fraud eventually was significantly reduced and a subsequent audit found no fraud. In 2022, four years after its funding was terminated, the Heidi Group sued, saying it had been targeted by bureaucrats in the Republican-controlled state government. It said the swamp of liberal Texas bureaucrats, still smarting over the states 2017 defunding of Planned Parenthood, saw how they could derail Everett, a prominent anti-abortion advocate, as revenge for her support of the defunding. This case is about HEIDIs treatment at the hands of the swamp creatures, and its fight to obtain justice and to vindicate and restore its constitutional and statutory rights and entitlements, it says in its amended complaint. Now the case is headed back to federal court for the first time in nearly seven months. An attorney representing one defendant has requested to leave the case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No court action has been taken since last July. At that time, the state issued a response to the amended complaint, issuing denials of Heidi Group's many allegations. It alleges recalcitrance on the part of Health and Human Services Commission workers when Heidi sought clarification and a long overdue contract signing it says delayed its work for six months. Unanswered phone calls and questions left the provider without clear guidance. It claimed religious discrimination, violations of its Fourth Amendment rights and cyber crimes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.S. District Court initially rejected the states efforts to have the claims thrown out and the case was sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In its complaints, the Heidi Group weaves an intricate story of deception and skullduggery on the part of known and unknown persons within the state government, the commission's office of inspector general and a former Heidi Group employee. It said the state used the disgruntled former employee, who still had access to the organizations documents online, to take its financial data in violation of Fourth Amendment protections. The state said it had qualified immunity and that the former employee was not acting as an agent of the government. The Fifth Circuit disagreed last May and barred at least one senior office of inspector general investigator from qualified immunity, potentially opening him to personal liability. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tesla employees pose by what the company says if the first Cybercab to roll off the production line at Gigafactory Texas. Production is to begin in April. Tesla/Courtesy of Tesla Tesla Inc.s newest vehicle the purpose-built robotaxi known as Cybercab has rolled off the production line for the first time at Gigafactory Texas. The Austin automaker touted the milestone Tuesday when it triumphantly posted a picture of employees in hardhats surrounding the vehicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad CEO Elon Musk gave kudos to staff, responding to his companys tweet on X: congratulations to the Tesla team on making the first production Cybercab! First Cybercab off the production line at Giga Texas pic.twitter.com/kY8vCqtrCA Tesla (@Tesla) February 17, 2026 The achievement arrives with prototypes having been spotted on busy Austin streets and highways, some with features such as steering wheels and side mirrors. During the unveiling of the Cybercab in October 2024, Musk had promised that the car would be made without a steering wheel or control pedals. He reiterated that a day earlier. A Tesla Cybercab prototype is seen in early January on Guadalupe Street in Austin. The automaker said Tuesday the first Cybercab has rolled off its production line at Gigafactory Texas. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The picture Tesla provided of the first Cybercab off the line in Austin doesnt offer a clear enough glimpse to know if Musks autonomous vision for the vehicle was fulfilled. But the Cybercabs final design is expected to come into view in April, when Tesla aims to further its production of the gold two seater. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tesla sales in the U.S. fell 17% in January, according to new vehicle registration data collected by Motor Intelligence. It continues a string of declines for the Austin-based automaker. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Tesla Inc. is starting the new year with buyers still hitting the brakes. After back-to-back annual sales declines in 2024 and 2025, the Austin automaker is off to another slow start in 2026. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its U.S. sales fell a steep 17% in January from a year ago, new data show, continuing the string of declines thats come as buyers have soured on the company led by billionaire Elon Musk and pulled back after the U.S. ended incentives for EV purchases last year. According to new car registration data gathered by Motor Intelligence, Tesla sold an estimated 40,100 vehicles last month, down from 48,500 in January 2025. Although just a single month, its the latest signal of sales trouble for Tesla, which also includes declining market share in the nations biggest EV-buying state. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Recent data from the California New Car Dealers Association showed that Toyota finished 2025 as Californias top-selling brand, with 17.8% market share while Honda came second. By contrast, Tesla registrations declined 11.4% as its market share dropped from 11.6% in 2024 to 9.9% in 2025. Its slip to third place comes despite its Model Y being the top-selling small SUV in the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its woes extend beyond the U.S. Chinese rival BYD topped Tesla as the worlds largest EV maker after it sold 2.26 million vehicles last year, easily topping Teslas 1.64 million. Its losing ground in Europe, too. Volkswagen sold more electric vehicles in Europe in 2025 than Tesla, data from JATO Dynamic shows. The German automaker sold 274,278 EVs in Europe while Tesla sold 236,357. That represented a 27% decline in Europe from 2024 even as EV sales in the region were increasing, JATO reported. Anti-Tesla sentiment, which analysts broadly attribute to Musks ties to President Donald Trump and other involvement in far-right politics around the world, has fueled boycotts of the brand. Its aging lineup of high-end vehicles is also a factor. Amid the declines, Tesla is shuffling its top leadership overseeing sales. Last week, Vice President Raj Jegannathan announced his departure from Gigafactory Texas, where his responsibilities included U.S. sales. Going forward, Joe Ward, Teslas vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is reportedly taking responsibility for global sales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Teslas domestic sales dropoff comes after a U.S. tax credit was ended by the Trump administration, eliminating the boost the federal incentives offered. Tesla is not alone in declining sales. Overall, January EV sales cratered an estimated 30% from a year ago, according to Kelley Blue Book. Still, they were improving from levels at the tail-end of 2025. Plus, Tesla still commands most of the domestic market share. The brand accounted for about 60% of total January EV sales in the U.S., Kelley Blue Book data shows. In a move that could be a bid to nab even more of the market, Teslas prices have dipped slightly. They prices were lower by 2.2% in January than a year ago even as average transaction prices industry-wide rose by 1.9%. Even with the improved deals, Tesla had an average transaction price of $52,628 in January, which was higher than the industry average of $49,191. Erin Keating, executive analyst at Cox Automotive, noted in a statement that high-priced models remain incredibly resilient. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We hit a new January high even as prices naturally pulled back from Decembers luxury-heavy finish, Keating said. Consumers are still finding plenty of options below the industry average, especially in core segments like best-selling compact SUVs, but the disappearance of true entry-level vehicles continues to lift the floor higher. Spectators watch The Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team perform a Chinese lion dance at the Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry on Sunday Feb. 18, 2024 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman Lunar New Year in Austin offers a weeks-long slate of community gatherings from library craft sessions and school carnivals to lion dances, pop-up markets and restaurant specials. When is Lunar New Year 2026? Will school be closed? Lunar New Year follows the lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian one and is observed across East and Southeast Asia and throughout the diaspora. The holiday begins Feb. 17 and is referred to by different names across the region, including Seollal in South Korea and Tet in Vietnam. The first four to seven days are an official holiday in many Asian countries and celebrations can last for up to two weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Austin Independent School District will close to observe the Lunar New Year on Tuesday. Duc Tran, dressed as Dai Tou Fut, or big-headed Buddha, struts past the crowd during a Chinese dragon dance by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team at the Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry on Sunday Jan. 22, 2023 in Austin. The character often accompanies dragon and lion dances and plays a role of a comical clown. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman This year marks the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse, a shift traditionally associated with movement, independence and momentum after a period of introspection. The contrast is reflected in Austins packed calendar of public celebrations, many of them free and family-friendly. Feb. 17: Sew Fun: Horses Marking the official start of the Lunar New Year, this bilingual library workshop teaches basic hand-sewing skills through a Year of the Horse-themed felt project. Participants create a simple horse plush or ornament. Supplies are provided. Free and open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, 512-974-9860, library.austintexas.gov. Feb. 19: The Crafty Adult: Asian Good Luck Knots A lion gets close to the audience during a Chinese lion dance by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team at the Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry on Sunday Jan. 22, 2023 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman This adult-focused crafting session introduces participants to traditional decorative knots associated with luck and prosperity. No prior experience is required, and all materials are included. Space is limited to 25 participants, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free and open to the public from 2 to 4 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, 512-974-3800, library.austintexas.gov. Feb. 20: Miniature Lunar New Year Painting Workshop Participants create a miniature Lunar New Year painting using just four colors, with guided instruction provided in English and Spanish. Supplies are included. Free and open to the public from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, 512-974-9860, library.austintexas.gov. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Feb 21: Austin Beerworks Lunar New Year The Sprinkle Valley taproom will host the event and release a collaboration brew with Kaiju Cut + Sew. They will also offer a rice lager brewed with oolong tea, yuzu, mango and five spice. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10300 Springdale Road. 512-821-2494, austinbeerworks.com. Feb. 21: Lunar New Year Pickleball Celebration Payton Leihgeber plays pickleball at the new Austin Pickle Ranch Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The grand opening is on October 1. Mikala Compton / American-Statesman Austin Pickle Ranch blends sport and tradition with three hours of open pickleball play alongside a Lion and Dragon Dance by the Southern Sea Dragon & Lion Dance Company. Food offerings include bites from Sip Pho and local vendors, with door prizes from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online for $25 per person; children under 12 are admitted free. All skill levels welcome. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin Pickle Ranch - Braker Lane, 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, Building B, 737-242-5898, austinpickleranch.com/plan-a-visit/braker. Feb. 22: Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry The fifth annual Lunar New Year Festival in East Austin brings together more than 30 Asian-owned vendors, food and drink pop-ups, lion and dragon dances, live performances and family activities. Programming includes bilingual storytime, face painting and DIY craft stations. The event operates on a donation-based RSVP system through Eventbrite, with proceeds supporting future festivals. Sales close Feb. 22. 1023 Springdale Road, Suite 6A. thepapercraftpantry.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Feb. 28: Lunar New Year Celebration at Spicewood Springs Library This library-hosted celebration features crafts, calligraphy, games and zodiac education, culminating in a lion dance performance by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages. Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, 512-974-3800, library.austintexas.gov. Ongoing dining events Through Feb. 22: Lunar New Year themed mochi donuts at OMG Squee OMG Squee on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman OMG Squee celebrates the Lunar New Year with special treats like the ube berry, miso milk caramel and strawberry matcha mochi donuts. The gluten-free donuts are available through Feb. 22. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 4607 Bolm Road, Suite A, 512-435-9113, squeeclub.com. Through Feb. 28: Tso Chinese restaurant specials, red envelope promotions Tso Chinese is extending Lunar New Year beyond a single weekend. Through Feb. 17, the restaurant is including traditional red envelopes with orders, some containing discounts or free menu items. Additional rotating specials continue through Feb. 28, including free delivery, discounted noodles, rangoons and potstickers with promotional codes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Delwood Shopping Center: 3909 N. Interstate Hwy. 35, 512-275-6456 Slaughter: 1824 W. Slaughter Lane, 512-222-3135. South Congress: 2407 S. Congress Ave., 512-687-3152. Feb. 2022: The Peached Tortilla, Bar Peached Lunar New Year menus OPENED: At Bar Peached, you can expect the fusion food that has become a signature of popular local restaurant the Peached Tortilla, but booze as the name suggests will command a greater portion of the menu, too. Bar Peached opened as the newest project from the Peached Tortilla team at the bungalow that formerly housed Winflo Osteria. Austin American-Statesman Bar Peached and The Peached Tortilla locations in Burnet, Cedar Park and Clarksville are offering limited-time Lunar New Year dishes alongside their standard menus, including crispy rice spring rolls, five-spice duck chow mein and sesame ribbon cookies at Bar Peached, and sambal crab wontons, beef and broccoli-style noodles and coffee fa gao at The Peached Tortilla. Menu items are available while supplies last. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bar Peached: 1315 W. Sixth St., 512-992-0666, barpeached.com. Peached Tortilla North Austin: 5520 Burnet Road, Suite 100, 512-330-4439. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leaders assassination, has died. He was 84. (Photo by jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma via Getty Images) jean-Louis Atlan/Jean-Louis Atlan The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. died Tuesday at 84. Jackson was known as an orator, diplomat, and activist who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and ran for president twice during the 1980s. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jackson marched alongside King in Selma in 1965. King later appointed him to lead Operation Breadbasket, an initiative aimed at advancing economic justice. Jackson was at the Lorraine Motel when King was assassinated in 1968, and he carried on the fight for civil rights in the years that followed. He became a prominent advocate for poor and marginalized communities, championing causes such as voting rights, employment opportunities, education, and health care. Jackson also achieved diplomatic successes with international leaders and, through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, transformed calls for Black pride and self-determination into economic action, pressuring corporate leaders to help build a more inclusive and equitable America. Santita Jackson confirmed that her father died at home in Chicago, surrounded by family. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, the Jackson family said in a statement posted online. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When did Jesse Jackson run for president? Jackson sought the Democratic presidential nomination twice, in 1984 and 1988. He formally launched his first campaign in November 1983, becoming the second Black candidate to pursue a major partys nomination. By launching his campaign in 1983, Jackson became the first Black candidate to mount a truly national campaign for a major partys presidential nomination. Although Shirley Chisholm had broken ground as the first Black candidate to run for president in 1972, her campaign was unable to secure ballot access in several states. During his 1988 presidential bid, Jackson earned more than 1,200 delegates and finished second in the Democratic race to Michael Dukakis. Over the course of the nominating contest, he captured victories in 13 primaries and caucuses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Until the election of Barack Obama in 2008, no Black politician had run such a successful campaign. What is the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition? The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition is an American nonprofit organization created through the merger of two groups established by Jesse Jackson: Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition. Together, these organizations have focused on advancing social justice, protecting civil rights, and promoting political activism. In December 1971, after a disagreement with Ralph Abernathy, Jackson stepped down from Operation Breadbasket and went on to found Operation PUSH. He later launched the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984. The two organizations formally merged in 1996, forming the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Was Jesse Jackson a diplomat? Jackson also had influence abroad, meeting world leaders and securing diplomatic victories, including the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria in 1984, as well as the 1990 release of more than 700 foreign women and children held after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. In 1999, he won the freedom of three Americans imprisoned by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. "Citizens have the right to do something or do nothing," Jackson said, before heading to Syria. "We choose to do something." Advertisement Article continues below this ad What was Jesse Jackson's cause of death? Jesse Jackson faced a prolonged struggle with a progressive neuromuscular disorder known as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a condition that severely affects motor control and shares similarities with Parkinsons disease. He had previously been diagnosed with Parkinsons and continued his advocacy work despite these serious health challenges. On Nov. 12, Jackson was hospitalized after his extended battle with PSP, but he was released later that month. He is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian award. The Pentagon is looking to take autonomous drone technology beyond its use for creating holiday shows, such as A Christmas Drone Story II: 12 Days of Christmas, featuring 600 drones and put on by SpaceX and Cameron County in 2024. Cameron County Amphitheater And Event Center The Pentagon is conducting a secretive contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology that SpaceX and wholly owned subsidiary xAI are participating in, according to people familiar with the matter. Dreamstime/TNS Elon Musks SpaceX and wholly owned subsidiary xAI are competing in a secretive new Pentagon contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology, according to people familiar with the matter. The entry of the two Musk companies which he announced in early February would merge into a new frontier of AI-enabled weapons development marks a new and potentially controversial departure for Musk. While SpaceX is a well-established defense contractor and Musk is enthusiastic about advancing AI, he is also among those who have previously argued against making new tools for killing people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musks companies are among only a handful selected to compete on the $100 million prize challenge launched in January, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive topics. SpaceX and xAIs involvement hasnt previously been reported. South Texas-based SpaceX and California-based xAI didnt respond to requests for comment. The six-month competition aims to produce advanced swarming technology that can translate voice commands into digital instructions and run multiple drones. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source While its already possible to fly multiple drones at once, developing the software to direct multiple drones on sea and in the air as a swarm which can move autonomously in pursuit of a target remains a challenge. The contest will progress in phases, depending on the success and interest of the participants, the people said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Pentagon competition was launched jointly by the Defense Innovation Unit, which is devoted to bringing in Silicon Valley startups, and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group a new element launched under the second Trump administration that is part of U.S. Special Operations Command. The autonomous warfare group is partly continuing the work of the Biden-era Replicator intitiative, which sought to produce multiple thousands of expendable autonomous drones. The Defense Innovation Unit didnt respond to a request for comment. Special Operations Command, which runs the autonomous warfare group, declined to comment. The effort is set to develop in five phases, starting with developing software and progressing to real-life testing. A defense official indicated in the January announcement of the contest that the drones will be used for offensive purposes, saying the human-machine interaction will directly impact the lethality and effectiveness of these systems. Security clearances Musks xAI recently has embarked on a hiring spree to recruit engineers out of Washington or the West Coast with active U.S. security clearance at the secret or top secret levels to work with federal contractors, according to the companys website. Its looking for software engineers who are used to working with government agencies, DoD, or federal contractors on AI, software or data projects, it said in a job posting, adding the hiring process would be complete within a week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company already has signed contracts with the Pentagon to integrate its Grok chatbot into the government sites to empower military and civilians, xAI said in December. It previously had secured a $200 million contract with the Pentagon to integrate xAI into military systems. Although SpaceX is a longtime defense contractor, the company has focused on making reusable space rockets and satellites for space exploration, military communications and intelligence systems, rather than software for offensive weapons. SpaceX, along with Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., are the U.S. providers of rockets for launching the Pentagons most sensitive satellites. Musk previously has argued for a ban on offensive autonomous weapons that can select and engage their own targets and operate beyond meaningful human control. In 2015, Musk signed on to an open letter from AI and robotics researchers that warned against the perils of autonomous weaponry. Advertisement Article continues below this ad California-based xAI, which Musk started in 2023, owns the Texas businessmans AI startup, the social network X and the Grok chatbot. The company, which just weeks ago agreed to merge with SpaceX in a deal valued at $1.25 trillion, is saddled with billions of dollars in debt, besieged by well-funded rivals and faces mounting regulatory scrutiny after its chatbot spread sexualized images. It also brings in scant revenue compared with SpaceX. When the two agreed to merge, a statement from Musk on the SpaceX website said the company had acquired xAI to form the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth, with AI, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile device communications and the worlds foremost real-time information and free speech platform. Musk said nothing about combining the two companies to deliver AI to provide software to underpin novel weapons technology. But the new Pentagon undertaking, which will involve engineers and managers from both xAI and SpaceX, will push to do just that. The competition The first phase of the competition would focus only on software development, before using live platforms later. The software is intended to coordinate drone movements across multiple domains, such as by air and sea, according to a Pentagon description of the task. Later stages call for developing target-related awareness and sharing and ultimately launch to termination. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Musks xAI isnt the only advanced AI company working on the new Pentagon effort. OpenAI is supporting a successful submission from Applied Intuition, Bloomberg previously reported, citing the submission bid and people familiar with the matter. OpenAI will limit its contribution to the project solely to the mission control element that will convert voice and other instructions from battlefield commanders into digital instructions, according to the submission document reviewed by Bloomberg. OpenAIs technology wouldnt be used for the operation of the drone swarm, weapons integration or targeting authority, Bloomberg previously reported. A spokesperson for OpenAI said the companys open-source technology was included in contest bids from two different existing partner companies and that OpenAI would ensure any use of its tools is consistent with its usage policy. SpaceX and xAI are, by contrast, expected to work on the entire project together, according to people familiar with the matter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AI and weapons The prospect of integrating chatbots and voice-to-text commands in weapons platforms has alarmed even some defense officials, despite the Pentagons eagerness to accelerate the adoption of AI and autonomy, according to several of the people. They said it would be important to limit generative AI to translation and not allow it to control drone behavior. Several of the people expressed concern about the risks if generative AI were used to translate voice into operational decisions without a human in the loop. The move comes as employees at major labs have departed after voicing a range of other ethical concerns about the AI industry, even as leading generative AI companies push for revenue to support ongoing research and development. They include an OpenAI researcher who said shes concerned about ads in ChatGPT, and a researcher at Anthropic who publicly resigned, raising broader concerns about AI development. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Large language models, which underpin chatbots such as OpenAIs ChatGPT, are prone to bias and so-called hallucinations meaning they can generate outputs that arent anchored in reality but which the AI can present as reliable. The Pentagons new AI Acceleration Strategy, released in January, seeks to unleash AI agents for the battlefield, from planning military campaigns to targeting, potentially involving lethal strikes. Defense contracts historically have been controversial inside consumer tech companies, including significant protests at Google in 2018 over the Pentagon effort named Project Maven that intended to use AI to analyze drone footage. The exterior of the main entrance to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. DEBORAH CANNON / AMERICAN-STATESMAN Austin American-Statesman A former University of Texas police officer will permanently surrender his Texas peace officer license after reaching a plea deal with the Travis County District Attorney's Office, according to a Tuesday news release from the DA's office. Austin Dubois, the former officer, was charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, following a Texas Rangers-led investigation into allegations that he used excessive force against Laison Crenshaw in 2024 while Crenshaw was a patient at Dell Seton Medical Center. Dubois responded to a disturbance call at the hospital where he helped arrest Crenshaw, according to the DA's release. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During the encounter, Dubois placed his knee on Crenshaw's back for one minute even though the man was already handcuffed and lying prone on the floor. According to the DA's office, Dubois later said he saw "no signs" that Crenshaw was breathing during the arrest, yet he still did not administer or request first aid. Crenshaw died five days later. Read More: DPS trooper indicted on aggravated assault charge in Travis County shooting case According to the release, the University of Texas Police Department requested that the Texas Department of Public Safety conduct an independent investigation into Crenshaw's death. The Texas Rangers conducted that investigation and delivered a report to the Civil Rights Unit at the DA's office, a specialized team of prosecutors tasked with leading cases against public servants. "Our hearts go out to the Crenshaw family for the loss of Laison, DA Jose Garza said in a written statement. "We are grateful to the Texas Rangers for bringing this incident to light, as this case was investigated collaboratively by their agency and our Civil Rights Unit. Ensuring accountability in law enforcement when laws are violated is essential for rebuilding community trust and maintaining the safety of our community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Middle school students from Ankara Elementary High School participate in a Slam Poetry presentation. (provided by Paris Rhoad | Ankara Elementary High School) At first, I thought I had to change to fit in. But through this project, I realized I dont need to be someone elseI just need to be me Eighth-grader Madison reflecting on her groups poem about self-acceptance In a powerful display of creativity and self-expression, a combined 7th and 8th-grade English Language Arts class at Ankara Elementary High School (DoDEA-Europe South) recently transformed their classroom into a stage for spoken-word poetry. After reading Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimesa novel that celebrates diverse voices and personal truths24 students, ages 12 to 14, collaborated to create and perform original slam poetry pieces centered on the theme of identity. Middle school students from Ankara Elementary High School participate in a Slam Poetry presentation. (provided by Paris Rhoad | Ankara Elementary High School) The assignment, titled Group Slam, challenged students to work in small groups to craft a spoken word performance inspired by themes from the novel, including identity, stereotypes and resilience. Each student contributed 46 lines, weaving their words into cohesive poems rich with figurative language, imagery and emotion. The final performances adhered to classic poetry slam rules: no costumes, props or music, and a strict three-minute time limit. We wanted people to know that were all different. Just because were girls doesnt mean were all the same. Tomiris, performing with a group of third-culture kids People look at me and think they already know my story. Writing this poem helped me show that Im more than the labels they try to stick to my skin. Seventh-grader Filip The audience included the High School Drama class, ELA students from 11th and 12th grades, Multilingual Learners (ML) from grades 68, and school administrators, creating an atmosphere of support and celebration. Students stepped into the spotlight, voicing experiences and reflections that resonated deeply with their peers and educators alike. From confronting stereotypes to embracing individuality, the poems revealed the complexity of growing up in a world full of expectations. Middle school students from Ankara Elementary High School participate in a Slam Poetry presentation. (provided by Paris Rhoad | Ankara Elementary High School) One piece declared: Word turned into word prisons, sentences that sentence communities Another poem explored the struggle of fitting in. Why try to replace the things that truly made me, me? Highlights included: Group 1: A striking critique of stereotypes and societal shortcuts. Group 2: Personal reflections on self-worth and breaking free from labels. Group 3: A celebration of diversity among third-culture kids. Group 4: A heartfelt journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance. Group 5: A collective rebuttal to misconceptions about teens. Group 6: A bold challenge to gender stereotypes. The poems were beautifully written, and the performances were expressive and engaging. It was inspiring to see such talent and authenticity from our middle school students. Principal Dr. Marian Leverette Assistant Principal Rebel Houston praised the students courage, stating: It takes incredible bravery to stand up and share original work in front of an audience. These students showed confidence and heart in every performance. Through this activity, students not only honed their literary skills but also learned the power of voice and collaboration. The event concluded with applause and reflection, leaving students empowered and inspired to continue exploring identity through art. As one participant put it, We are more than they think. Lake Travis is pictured in July. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman The Lower Colorado River Authority is poised to vote Wednesday on changes to the plan that governs how water is managed in Lakes Travis and Buchanan a decision that will shape how Central Texas allocates water for years to come. The authoritys board is scheduled to consider amendments to its Water Management Plan at a meeting in Austin. The plan dictates how the LCRA, which operates the Highland Lakes, balances water supplies for municipal customers such as Austin and for agricultural users downstream, including coastal rice farmers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The proposed revisions come as municipal demand in Central Texas continues to climb. Projections show city water use could increase 24% between 2020 and 2032, while agricultural demand is expected to decline by 18% over the same period. In response, the LCRA is proposing to reduce the amount of water it can release for irrigation and to raised the lake-level thresholds that trigger a cutoff to farmers. In practical terms, the changes would further prioritize drinking water supplies during drought, tightening limits on crop irrigation to ensure the lakes remain high enough to serve cities even in a repeat of the historic 20082015 drought. Despite those stakes and unlike past revisions that ignited intense regional disputes this update cycle has drawn comparatively muted public controversy, even as stakeholders on both sides continue to press their concerns. The LCRA has maintained a water management plan since the late 1980s and last updated it in 2020. State environmental regulators require periodic revisions. Lake Travis is pictured in July. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman One of the authoritys primary drought-management tools is cutting off water deliveries to coastal rice farmers in three southeastern Texas counties. The management plan outlines when and how those curtailments occur. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source During previous droughts, changes to the plan have proven controversial, sparking debate among farmers and other lake users about how much water to release. With few exceptions, the LCRA has not released water for agricultural use since 2022, and last year was the driest since 2011. Rice farmers expect to receive LCRA water this growing season for the first time in four years. Wharton County farmer Timothy Gertson said producers have already made major compromises under the proposed plan but that its about as good as its going to get. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Weve been forced to make significant concessions in trigger levels, he said. Were disappointed in that, and we do have significant concern as to how LCRA is going to continue to meet growing (municipal) demands and statutory requirements for irrigation water supply. We just have to continue to learn how to share this scarce resource. A combine harvests rice on the Gertson farm in Wharton County in this 2015 file photo. Nearby, a crop duster sprays fertilizer on the freshly cut stalks. Austin American-Statesman Still, some lake-area advocates argue the revisions do not go far enough. The Central Texas Water Coalition, which pushes for stronger lake protections, wants additional limits on downstream releases. While it does reflect some progress, it still does not go far enough to reduce risk for the people who rely on this water for basic life functions, Shannon Hamilton, the organizations executive director, wrote in a recent newsletter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hamilton contended that even reduced releases could quickly draw down lake levels during drought and that the plan lacks sufficient safeguards for a fast-growing Central Texas population during future dry spells. Gertson said farmers are prepared to push back if necessary, underscoring that while this round of revisions may be less contentious than those in years past, the fundamental tensions over how to divide a finite water supply remain unresolved. I know a lot of the lakeside interests would rather us just go quietly into the night, he said. But were not going to do that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dondi Persyn, founder of the Found on the Guadalupe River Facebook group, reviews some of the many items recovered after the July 4 floods, including photographs, in Ingram, Texas. Dino Chiecchi/Texas State University INGRAM Dan Persyn starts his morning at the local car wash with baskets full of clothes belonging to people he doesnt know and will likely never meet. He gingerly washes them, folds them when hes done and returns them to a small warehouse that houses them and other items. These clothes belong to the victims of the deadly July Fourth floods that devastated the Texas Hill Country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What began as neighbors picking up debris quickly became a mission to return pieces of peoples lives. Early on July Fourth, Kerr County residents awoke to one of the most destructive floods in a decade a catastrophic weather event that killed at least 135 people across the Hill Country, including 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic in the small, rural community of Hunt. These residents not only lost family members but also countless belongings. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Dondi Persyn and her husband, Dan Persyn, have made it their goal to help reunite surviving residents with personal items that were swept away in the floodwaters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The items photos, letters, clothes and other personal effects are housed at a small warehouse on Old Ingram Loop. We went out on July 6 to look for people, because there were still people missing, said Dondi Persyn, who founded a Facebook group to reunite people with their lost belongings. And I just told the people standing around, lets pick up trash and lets pick up personal belongings and put the personal belongings in the clear bags and thats how it started, she said. Dan Persyn washes a shirt recovered from Heart O Hills, an all-girls summer camp, with a garden hose in Ingram. Jennifer Merrill/Texas State University Through the Facebook group, Found on the Guadalupe River, Dondi Persyn has found a way to bring joy and hope back to the community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More than 10,000 members joined the group within the first week, and it received more than 1 million views by the second month. One resident in particular is grateful for the Facebook group. The day of the flooding, Hilaria Sigala nearly lost everything, including her husband, Alvaro Sigala. I called the Kerrville police. I called everybody, she said. Everybody that was giving me information. I called them. Nobody knew nothing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Her husbands body was found later that week at the Travis County medical examiner's office and returned on July 16, followed by the funeral the next day. Shortly after Alvaro Sigalas funeral, Hilaria Sigala was scrolling through Facebook when she came across the Found on the Guadalupe River page. Two days later, scrolling through the page, she stopped cold. She found her husbands pants. I commented on her page, and (Dondi Persyn) answered me and asked if she could call me, Hilaria Sigala said. She called me that Friday afternoon while I was picking up my grandson, and she was telling me how shes the one that found his body. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After finding Alvaro Sigalas body, Persyn knew she wanted to help in some way. And thats what even made her start this page, to help people, Hilaria Sigala said. I told her, 'Im so glad, youre like an angel sent from God,' because she gave me something of his that I didnt have. The Sigalas' story has made it possible for other residents to be reunited with loved ones' belongings. Dan Persyn and volunteer Teri Hauger help alongside Dondi Persyn on a day-to-day basis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dealing with the cleaning and heavy work, Hauger and the Persyns quickly learned about the emotional severity of the situation. Theres just been so much tragedy, but so many miracles, too, at the same time, Hauger said. Dan Persyn of the Found on the Guadalupe River Facebook group washes clothing recovered after the July 4 Hill Country floods in Ingram on Oct. 4, 2025. Dino Chiecchi/Texas State University During an interaction with a male resident, Persyn witnessed firsthand the trauma those floodwaters left that day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dondi greeted him and asked him, 'Did you lose something?' And he says, Well yes, Ive lost everything,' Hauger said. Ive lost my daughters, Ive lost my wife, Ive lost my own. Each recovered item represents a piece of someones life that has been restored, along with a reminder that the Texas Hill Country is still healing from this devastating tragedy. You think about your home and where our family photos are stored, and what itd be like for them to be washed away, Dan Persyn said. We take for granted that theyre there when we want to go and grab them and reminisce about the past." Months later, Found on the Guadalupe River has provided a safe space for victims to find clarity and peace amid the chaos. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I think as humans, we move energy around when youre uncomfortable or comfortable with grief, so lets do something, Dondi Persyn said. We all just found our way to serve and walk through grief and hold the space for grief. The work continues. And I guess thats the main thing I want to say. Its been a lot of great work thats been done, and theres still more to do, too, Dan Persyn said. In a warehouse stacked with mud-stained photos, letters and clothing, the Persyns and their volunteers offer something rare after disaster the chance to hold onto what remains. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Early voting for the March 3 primary elections runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27. Travis County voters can cast ballots in the Republican or Democratic primaries at any of the county's 39 early polling locations. An additional 121 voting locations will be open on Election Day. Enter your address on the map below to find the polling location closest to you. Click on a polling place to get more details, including the address, operating hours and the room where voting will take place. Loading... During early voting, polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Select locations will be open until 10 p.m. on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Locations with extended, early voting hours: Ben Hur Shrine Center, 7811 Rockwood Ln Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina St Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek PfIugerville ISD's Rock Gym, 702 W Pecan St Randalls Grocery Store on Brodie, 9911 Brodie Ln Travis County Clerk, 5501 Airport Blvd UT Texas Union, 2308 Whitis Ave On Election Day, March 3, all polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Travis County Clerk's Elections Division provides information on wait times at polling locations on its website. Texas Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, speaks to the crowd during a Stop ICE Rally at Pan American Neighborhood Park in East Austin, Jan. 31, 2026. Thousands gathered at the park to hear politicians and community leaders speak against the practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Texas, Minnesota and around the country. Talarico is running for the democratic nomination to take on U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the senate race. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Late-night host Stephen Colbert is accusing CBS of preventing him from airing an interview with U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, a Texas Democrat and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, citing concerns about federal election rules. Colbert told viewers Monday that lawyers for the network instructed his team in no uncertain terms not to broadcast the interview, which had been taped for the Feb. 16 episode of "The Late Show." He also said the network directed him not to discuss the decision publicly a directive he openly defied. Colbert then released a full interview with Talarico on his YouTube channel, directing users to the website during the show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad CBS has not publicly commented. You can watch the interview here: Why CBS said the Talarico interview couldnt air Colbert said CBS cited the Federal Communications Commissions equal time rule, which generally requires broadcast stations to offer comparable airtime to opposing political candidates during elections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS -- Episode 1761 -- Pictured: Comedian Stephen Colbert arrives on January 27, 2026 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty Images) NBC/Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty Image Historically, news and talk shows have been granted exemptions, allowing interviews with candidates without triggering equal access requirements. But Colbert said recent guidance from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has raised concerns inside broadcast networks that those protections could be narrowed. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Carr, a Trump appointee, has argued that some late-night programs operate with partisan intent, which could affect how the rule is applied. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Colbert said the FCC has not formally changed the policy and accused CBS of enforcing a stricter interpretation preemptively. Who is James Talarico? James Talarico is a fourth-term state representative from Austin who has built a profile as one of the Texas Houses most visible Democratic voices. First elected in 2018 at age 28, Talarico represents District 50, covering a portion of Austin and a small part of Pflugerville. A former public school teacher, he has frequently highlighted his classroom experience in debates over school funding, vouchers and public education policy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, speaks to supporters as he kicks off his campaign for U.S. Senate at Centennial Plaza in Round Rock, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman During the 2025 legislative session, Talarico often referenced his Christian faith in floor speeches and campaign appearances. He has said he is studying to become a Presbyterian minister, a background he argues informs his views on poverty, health care and immigration. In the Senate race, Talarico has positioned himself as a progressive focused on economic inequality. He has called for raising income and capital gains taxes on the wealthiest Americans and for restructuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying it should be replaced with an agency more focused on public safety. The American-Statesman recently endorsed Talarico over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, stating that the Austin-area lawmaker "reflects a conviction that political leaders should focus on building trust." Advertisement Article continues below this ad At 36, Talarico is seeking to become the first millennial to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. What did Stephen Colbert say on air? During Mondays show, Colbert sharply criticized both Carr and CBS, framing the decision as part of a broader political effort to limit criticism of Trump on broadcast television. Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks during a rally to protest against redistricting hearings at the Texas Capitol, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press He also said the network went beyond blocking the interview by prohibiting any images of Talarico during the show, adding he was not permitted to share a link or QR code directing viewers to the full interview on YouTube. On air, Colbert used a photo of a man who looked vaguely similar to Talarico. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead, Colbert said: "I am going to interview James Talarico tonight, but it's not going to be on 'The Late Show.' It's going to be on 'The Late Show's YouTube page." How the Colbert controversy ties to federal scrutiny and media pressure CBS said its decision to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which ends in May 2026, was driven by financial pressures in late-night television. But the move drew scrutiny after it came days after Colbert criticized Paramount Global CBS parent company over a $16 million settlement with Trump tied to a 2024 "60 Minutes" interview. Some lawmakers and media observers questioned whether the timing was linked to Paramounts push for federal approval of its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which the company has denied. The issue has resurfaced as ABCs "The View" faces a federal investigation after hosting Talarico. Regulators are reviewing whether the appearance violated the FCCs equal time rule, which requires broadcasters to offer comparable access to competing candidates. New guidance issued in January said talk shows may no longer automatically qualify for exemptions long used by news and late-night programs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Together, the disputes have fueled a broader debate about whether corporate interests, federal regulators and election rules could shape which political voices reach national audiences especially as high-profile races like the Texas Senate primary gain national attention. Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, asks questions during the debate of SB 10, relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, at the Capitol on Wednesday May 21, 2025. during the debate of SB 10, relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, at the Capitol on Wednesday May 21, 2025. Jay Janner/American-Statesman Why FCC controversy matters in Texas The controversy comes as Talarico runs in a competitive Democratic Senate primary that has drawn national attention. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I think Donald Trump is worried that we're about to flip Texas," Talarico said during the interview. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, right, and former Gov. Rick Perry record a video at a campaign rally at Serranos on the first day of early voting in Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Cornyn is seeking reelection and faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and his wife, Sandy, arrive at the Carver Branch Library to vote on the first day of early voting in Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Cornyn is seeking reelection and faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman U.S. Sen. John Cornyn poses for a photo with Adora Gnushke at a campaign rally at Serranos on the first day of early voting in Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Cornyn is seeking reelection and faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Heading into his 2026 race for reelection, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn had cast no fewer than 15 votes for himself over the past 36 years. But Cornyn's trip to the voting booth on Tuesday, where he checked his name on a ballot for the 16th time, might end up being the most memorable of them all. "This has been the strangest campaign," Cornyn told Hearst Newspapers during a 15-minute ride from the voting center in east Austin to a get-out-the-vote rally at restaurant a few miles to the south. On the first day of the early voting period ahead of the March 3 Republican primary, Texas's senior U.S. senator finds himself in the rare position of being an underdog as he seeks a fifth term in Washington. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Polling has shown him running second to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, but ahead of U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston. And Cornyn seemed almost mystified that despite his long string of election victories that also included races for a seat on the Texas Supreme Court and for attorney general, that he almost assuredly need will need a runoff for his political career to continue. "I believe that ultimately this is going to be a test to see whether character still matters," Cornyn said. "I'm betting it does, and Paxton is betting that it doesn't." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Cornyn, who turned 74 this month, was referring to the much publicized allegations of bribery, abuse of office and obstruction of office that led to Paxton's impeachment by the Texas House in 2023. He was acquitted after a trial in the Senate. That, and the accusations of marital infidelity in his wife's divorce petition last year, would have been disqualifying factors for any statewide candidate a generation ago, Cornyn said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Paxton is the guy that Democrats have salivated for for a long time because he represents the first opportunity they have to crack our dominance in statewide elections since 1994," Cornyn said. At the mid-morning gathering of about 50 people, former Gov. Rick Perry served as Cornyn's chief character witness. Perry, who served 14 years as governor, has worked along side of Cornyn since the early 1990s. "John Cornyn served the state admirably, ethically, morally, legally," Perry said. "If winning with a corrupt candidate is OK ... it ain't the Republican Party that I joined in 1989." Perry called Cornyn a man of "impeccable character." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "When Ronald Reagan said character counts, John Cornyn was who he was thinking about," Perry said. Gregg Keller, a spokesman for the Paxton-aligned Lone Star Liberty PAC, dismissed Cornyn's remarks, saying the senator has "sold out conservatives, Republicans and Texas" on issues ranging from gun rights to the Trump border wall. While Cornyn boasted earning endorsements from the national Border Patrol union, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Farm Bureau and several Texas law enforcement organization, Paxton last week won the backing of Turning Point Action, an arm of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA. Paxton, meanwhile, has criticized Cornyn as being insufficiently loyal to President Donald Trump and too willing to work with Democrats to advance legislation through the Senate. Trump, who in 2022 endorsed Paxton when he faced a primary challenge ahead of his reelection as attorney general, has not yet made an endorsement in the Senate primary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Dallas Morning News reported that at a Monday rally in Tyler Paxton declined to speculate on Trumps moves ahead the March 3 primary. You have to ask President Trump, Paxton told reporters. Thats his answer to give and his decision, I respect him and Ive supported him since hes been in office. The president has said he is friendly with all three candidates and has hinted that he might come off the sidelines if the a runoff is necessary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cornyn has made no secret that he would covet such an endorsement. But he did not press for one during the campaign stop. "The president knows he can trust me to be there to support him and his agenda." Cornyn said. "But it's going to be up to him to make that call. I think he kind of likes a good fight, and he's going to see one right here in Texas." Trump called Hunt "a nonfactor" in the race, and took aim only at Paxton at his campaign event. Hunt, in a social media post Tuesday, said he is being underestimated. "When your opponents are spending millions and millions of dollars attacking you, one thing becomes clear: Theyre scared," he said on X. "Because if their polling was 'real,' if I truly had 'no chance,' they wouldnt be wasting a dime trying to stop me." Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the Cornyn rally, Republican strategist Chad Wilbanks speculated that Trump would endorse Cornyn once the runoff is set. University of Texas students walk on campus in 2024. David Gray Widder writes that learning about controversial issues yields courageous and careful thinkers, and UT Regents should not curb those opportunities. Jay Janner/American-Statesman The University of Texas is a world-leading university system. There, students from across Texas earn an education that prepares them to think carefully about the most pressing issues facing our state and nation. On Thursday, the UT Board of Regents will vote on a policy that will curtail the freedom of Texas students to learn about controversial issues. Just six weeks ago, I moved to Texas to start as an assistant professor at UT, though I am writing today as a private and proud citizen. My dad was born and raised a Republican in a military family, and my mom is a Democrat hippie. I love both sides of my family dearly. Many of my aunts, uncles and cousins support our president; some are lifelong Texans who welcomed me to this great state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many have or will go to college in Texas, and the Board of Regents must protect their right to get a high-quality college education that prepares them to take on the most difficult and controversial issues we face today in a well-informed manner. It is the honor of a lifetime to help bright students at the University of Texas think about difficult topics. I also attended a big state school, the only place I could afford to go to college, and thank goodness for in-state tuition and the two jobs that got me through. There, I had professors who were unafraid to help us think through controversial ideas. For example, we read Karl Marx. I didnt end up a Marxist, but wrestling with these ideas helped me learn to think critically and creatively about our economy. SIGN UP FOR THE AUSTIN ANGLE and get Statesman commentaries in your inbox Even today, controversial topics can often bridge partisan divides: I hear concerns about Big Tech companies overreach from left-of-center friends, and I see similar concerns raised publicly by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. I hear a rising chorus of Americans across the political spectrum questioning why our tax dollars are spent on foreign wars. There are no magic solutions here, but tackling these hard questions sets up our bright students to make up their own minds in hopes that they may find creative answers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In short, learning about controversial issues yields courageous and careful thinkers. Professors should be encouraged rather than dissuaded from discussing difficult topics. Students in Texas deserve this, and so does our nation at large. The proposed policy on "Teaching Controversial Topics" is vague, leaves key terms undefined, and would have a chilling effect on what is taught. This, in turn, would curtail the freedom of our students to learn and Texas' ability to recruit world-class faculty working on pressing issues. Texas students deserve to learn to think critically and carefully about the most pressing debates facing our nation, and I am proud to have the opportunity to help them do so. That cant happen when professors like me are discouraged from helping our students tackle these issues head-on. I urge the Board of Regents to protect the right of Texas students to think carefully and freely about the most important and urgent public questions of our time and reject this unnecessary and destructive proposal. I urge all Texans to trust our students ability to make up their own minds, and voice their concerns about this policy to the UT System Board of Regents, their lawmakers and their fellow Texans. Our students and our country deserve nothing less. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Congress is quietly advancing the SAVE Act, which a reader says will restrict access to voting by introducing burdensome barriers for citizens to vote. RALPH BARRERA/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Making it hard to vote As a Christian living in the United States, I strongly affirm voting, guided by faith-based values, as an exercise in citizenship. I reject efforts to restrict access. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The SAVE Act (H.R. 22/S.128) will restrict access to voting by introducing burdensome barriers for citizens to vote. These additional barriers will mute the voices of millions of Americans, including those living in rural, low-income and marginalized communities, as well as members of Tribal Nations, by making it harder to both prove eligibility and register to vote. The practical realities of meeting the bar proposed in this bill are unrealistic. It is already illegal for noncitizens to cast a ballot in federal elections, and individual states have systems in place to prevent noncitizens from voting. Congress needs to support free access to fair elections in which each person is assured of their vote by supporting measures that expand access to voting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I urge Congress to oppose the SAVE Act and reject any antidemocratic attempt that will similarly restrict access to voting. Lenore "Lory" Donatt, West Lake Hills Austin Police officer Rudolph Saenz talks with a pedestrian last year on Sixth Street in downtown Austin. Routine police work relies on trust and relationships, a reader says. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman Learn from Acevedo Advertisement Article continues below this ad Excellent observations by former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo. He says that "operational necessities" of police work are built on community "respect, transparency and restraint." It's all about trust and relationships. Acevedo's statement that "the current federal approach undermines everything professional policing stands for" is a sign the feds would do well to bring the former police chief in to train and organize professional law enforcement policy and procedures. Adrian Moore, Austin Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other ways to learn Claims that Texas students need to read Bible verses to understand literary references and idioms are absurd. I didnt read the Bible growing up and still scored a 5 (highest possible score) on my English AP test, got into an Ivy League school as an English major, am a published writer and have never had an issue understanding American idioms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I have read, and understood, Dante Alighieri, William Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, James Joyce and countless other authors and poets who make biblical allusions. This is just an excuse to foist a specific religious view on impressionable minds. Didn't we just pass a state constitutional amendment ensuring parents are the primary decision makers in how their children are raised? Rona Distenfeld, Austin Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even for those who don't enjoy grocery shopping, supermarkets often feel like a second home. Buying food and household essentials is a weekly ritual and a necessity for families worldwide. But for many communities, that simple task is becoming increasingly difficult. Now, a historic grocery chain is preparing to shutter yet another location, adding to the growing list of store closures that have left thousands of shoppers with fewer options, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods. Founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, Piggly Wiggly became America's first true self-service grocery store, according to the company's website. Today, Piggly Wiggly Corporation, an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers, owns the brand and franchises hundreds of independently operated stores under the Piggly Wiggly name, spanning more than 500 locations across 18 states. Piggly Wiggly confirms closure of Phenix Plaza store Piggly Wiggly franchisee JTM Corporation is permanently closing its Phenix Plaza store at 512 13th St., Phenix City, Alabama, after nearly 40 years of serving the local community. An exact closing date has not been announced. "This was not an easy decision," said JTM Corporation Executive Keith Milligan to WRBL News 3. "We are incredibly grateful to the customers who have supported this store for nearly four decades. Serving this community has meant a great deal to our family." About 20 employees will be affected, though all have been offered positions at other Piggly Wiggly stores. The company said the store operated on a month-to-month lease, had been experiencing financial losses, and required equipment upgrades and remodeling, as reported by Alabama Local News. In a public Facebook post by WRBL News 3 about the closure, several residents expressed concern. "This is walking distance from the apartments that live nearby who don't own cars," said a consumer on Facebook. "How will we shop now." "If they keep on, there's not gonna be any grocery stores in Phenix City or Smith Station," said a community member on Facebook. While two other Piggly Wiggly locations remain in Phenix City, both are more than two miles away and typically require a vehicle, according to the supermarket's store locator. Nearby Piggly Wiggly Phenix City-area locations 1130 Hwy. 280 Bypass, Phenix City, Alabama 36867: 2.4 miles 1837 Stadium Drive, Phenix City, Alabama 36867: 2.5 miles This closure follows another Alabama Piggly Wiggly shutdown in early 2025 at 620 Cherry Dr. in Lanett's Cherry Valley Shopping Center, as reported by Wilcox Newspaper. People work for multiple decades to ensure high Social Security benefits. Then, these same people usually live off Social Security. You should still build a nest egg for extra support, since the program's checks may not be enough to support your lifestyle. Luckily, it is possible to build your retirement portfolio while ensuring higher Social Security payouts when the time arrives. These are some of the best strategies to consider. 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 Image source: Getty Images. Work longer Working longer is one of the best ways to increase your Social Security payouts. While you can claim Social Security when you turn 62, it's best to wait until you turn 70 for maximum benefits. Taking out at 62 can result in up to $2,969 per month, while retirees who tap into the program at 70 can earn up to $5,181 per month. That's more than $2,000 per month in extra payouts you will receive just by waiting. Those extra years will also strengthen your work history, which the Social Security considers when calculating your benefit. The administration looks at your 35 highest-earning years when assessing how much you will receive. Working a few extra years before retiring will give you more high-earning years that will replace your low-earning years. If you have less than 35 years of work history, a few extra years of working in your 60s will fill in the missing years. Increase your income The strategy to boost your Social Security checks by working a few extra years only works if you are earning more than your average lifetime salary. For instance, someone who averaged $100,000 per year for 35 years only benefits if they are earning more than $100,000 per year right now. An exceptional salary can make up for multiple years of low wages, emphasizing the need to increase your income for higher Social Security benefits. Job hopping may be a bit too dramatic for some people in their 60s, but it is worth considering. You may also want to pick up a side hustle or a part-time job to increase your earnings without leaving your current job. If you already qualify for the maximum benefit and just have to wait until you turn 70, you don't have to give yourself extra things to do. However, if you are a little short of the maximum $5,181 per month, it may be worth picking up more work as long as it doesn't deteriorate your health. Use bridge years to withdraw from your retirement accounts Qualifying for $5,181 per month in Social Security benefits isn't enough to maximize your payouts. Depending on how much taxable income you report, you can end up paying taxes on up to 85% of your benefits. Different variants of the cryptocurrency, Dogecoin. - BBbirdZ // Shutterstock $695K bitcoin? $21K ether? Heres where 21 experts think crypto is headed next By 2035 a mere nine years from now Finder.coms panel of crypto experts believes bitcoin (BTC) will reach an average high of $695,882. Ether (ETH)? $21,856. And what about dogecoin (DOGE) and shiba inu (SHIB)? $0.82 and $0.0001010, respectively. For bitcoin alone, thats an increase of 923% based on its current price of $68K, at the time of writing. But surprisingly, less than half of Finders panel believes these digital currencies are a buy right now. So, whats going on here? Price forecast snapshot: 20262035 Every quarter, Finder asks a panel of crypto specialists where they see prices headed for year-end, 2030 and 2035. Here are the averages of those predictions across four digital currencies. Table listing price forecast snapshot for 20262035. - Finder.com If these forecasts actually play out, bitcoin would gain more than half a million in value, ether would clear $20K and even shiba inu would drop a zero. Returns like these would be hundreds of times greater than the stock markets historical average annual return of around 10%. With potential increases like these, youd think Finders panel would be screaming at everyone to buy crypto now right? Well, its not quite that straightforward. What the experts say to do right now While surveying the panelists, Finder didnt just ask about where crypto is headed. Heres where the experts landed on whether to buy, hold or sell your crypto holdings. Table listing percentage of likelihood to buy, hold, or sell crypto holdings. - Finder.com Thats a shocking disconnect. Finders experts are predicting returns that astronomically outpace traditional investments, but fewer than half recommend investing in any of the coins they were asked about. So, why is the panel predicting these absurd increases, but isnt telling you to invest? Lets start with bitcoin, where the disconnect is most dramatic. Bitcoin (BTC) Finders panel average prediction for bitcoin by year-end is $133,688, but behind that average is a massive range of opinion. That divide only becomes more exaggerated the further we zoom out. Table listing Finder's average prediction for bitcoin by end of year. - Finder.com For 2026 alone, the difference between the high end and low end is a $220K gap and thats on a one-year prediction. By 2035, the results are even more extreme: $100 versus $1.35 million. Chances are, this isnt just a difference in optimism. Its a fundamentally different outlook on crypto and its future place in society. Either that, or even the experts are just guessing. What the experts say The bulls in Finders survey credit their outlook to a few key drivers. Josh Fraser, cofounder of Origin Protocol, bases his perspective on the worlds OG investment: gold. Aker Solutions has secured a five-year contract from Aker BP to provide maintenance, modification and operation (MMO) services across several assets on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The exact contract value was not specified by Aker Solutions but is projected to be between Nkr8bn ($841.32m) and Nkr12bn. The framework agreement includes options for two additional four-year extensions, starting from 1 March 2026. The agreement encompasses the following areas: Alvheim, Edvard Grieg and Ivar Aasen (EIGA), Fenris, Skarv, Ula, Valhall and the newly developed Yggdrasil area. It aims to enhance project execution and delivery through the next-generation MMO alliance. Aker Solutions CEO Kjetel Digre said: This contract marks a new chapter for Aker Solutions. We are proud to serve as the MMO provider for the Yggdrasil Area, including three topsides, Hugin A, Hugin B and Munin. It is an area that will set a new benchmark for remote operations and low-manned and unmanned production platforms. A central component of this approach includes the adoption of new technology and advanced methods to increase efficiency and reduce costs, while shortening project timelines. The alliance seeks to achieve deeper organisational integration, utilise digital and AI-driven methodologies, and implement a commercial model that incentivises performance improvements. Aker BP CEO Karl Johnny Hersvik said: The Norwegian Continental Shelf [NCS] needs a step change in productivity, and this alliance delivers exactly that. By working in integrated teams from the start and rethinking how we work through data-driven workflows and scaling the use of AI, we unlock efficiency levels that were simply not possible before. The project is expected to deliver substantial local benefits, stimulating activity within the Norwegian industry. Engineering and project management activities are set to occur in Stavanger, Sandnessjen and Mumbai, while fabrication work will be conducted at Aker Solutions facilities in Egersund and Sandnessjen. Offshore personnel will also have work opportunities as part of this contract. The order will be recorded as intake in the first quarter of 2026 under the Life Cycle segment, estimating the workload over the fixed five-year term. In late 2025, Aker Solutions signed a six-year frame agreement with ConocoPhillips Skandinavia for brownfield maintenance and modification services on the Eldfisk and Ekofisk oil and gas fields offshore Norway. "Aker Solutions wins five-year MMO contract from Aker BP " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II, assigned to 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., lands at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, July 16, 2025. (Nathaniel Jackson/U.S. Air Force) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa The Air Force has delayed delivery of the 18th Wings first F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, according to the wing. The wing expects an updated timeline for the aircrafts arrival this spring, according to an unsigned email from Kadena on Tuesday. The delay is due to a strike at Boeings St. Louis plant that occurred from Aug. 4 to Nov. 17, Ann Stefanek, spokeswoman for the secretary of the Air Force, wrote in an email Tuesday. The Air Force will continue to support the Kadena mission with rotational forces until the F-15EXs arrive, she wrote. The Air Force announced plans in July 2024 to permanently station 36 of the multirole fighters on Okinawa to replace an aging fleet of 48 F-15C/D aircraft. The move is part of a broader effort to deploy more advanced combat aircraft across Japan. The first F-15EX was expected to arrive between March and June, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, wing commander at the time, told reporters last March. Production of the fighters halted during the strike at Boeings St. Louis facility, according to a Dec. 15 news release from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The strike caused significant disruptions to the delivery schedule, impacting the modernization of the U.S. Air Forces fighter fleet, the release said. However, deliveries to the Portland, Ore., Air National Guard Base resumed in December, according to the release. The first operational F-15EX aircraft were unveiled at the base in June. While not a stealth aircraft, the F-15EX features next-generation avionics and networking capabilities and can fly faster, farther and carry a larger payload than earlier F-15 variants, according to Boeing. The Air Force began rotating fighter squadrons to Kadena in late 2022 as it phased out the F-15C/D fleet. Two F-35A Lightning II squadrons the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska and F-16C Fighting Falcons of the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J., arrived at Kadena in October. A graphic illustration of LGM-35A Sentinel. (Jim Masie/Northrop Grumman) The new LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile being developed for the U.S. Air Force is on track with initial capability tests to allow for a decision by the end of the year on whether to build a prototype, the Air Force said Tuesday. The program plans to achieve a Milestone B decision by the end of 2026, while delivering an initial capability targeted for the early 2030s, the Air Force said in a statement. Defense weapons programs begin with the initial concept. Milestone B is when a project moves toward a prototype, and the performance, schedule and funding plans are set. This progress paves the way for the programs next major operational milestone: the first missile pad launch, planned for 2027, the Air Force said. The booster will be integrated with the missiles forward section to create the first fully assembled ground-test Sentinel missile. This pathfinder test missile is essential for verifying the weapon systems design and preparing for the first Sentinel flight test, ensuring the future of our nations strategic deterrence, the Air Force said. Milestone C is the production of the weapon. The advancements announced Tuesday also solidified the early 2030s as the firm target for delivering initial capability, the statement said. The missile, which the Pentagon plans to take the place of the current LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBMs, would anchor the land-based portion of the triad for attacking enemy targets with nuclear weapons. The triad also includes sea-launched ICBMs from Ohio and future Columbia-class submarines, and manned bombers. Northrop Grumman has said the Sentinel is designed to carry W870 and W871 thermonuclear warheads with a yield of between 300 kilotons and 475 kilotons of TNT more than 3,500 miles or more. The program will modernize the nuclear missile system that currently has over 450 silos. The Air Force said it was building 600 facilities across 40,000 square miles of U.S. territory, the contractor said. The Air Force late last year announced that its plans to concentrate the manned bomber force on the new B-21 Raider bomber now under development, while maintaining the B-52 Stratofortress in a role as a standoff weapon delivery system. The B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers will be phased out as the new B-21s enter service. The Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III with hundreds of new silos spread across the north-central tier of the United States. Sentinel is a comprehensive, once-in-a-generation modernization of the entire land-based leg of the nuclear triad, a key component of the nations integrated deterrence posture, the Air Force said. It is a full-scale replacement of the missile, launch systems and command-and-control infrastructure with a new architecture designed with built-in adaptability for the digital era. The Air Force said the decision to build new missile silos avoids the unpredictable costs and safety hazards of excavating and retrofitting 450 unique structures built over 50 years ago. The Air Force said it is actively preparing missile wings for the operational transition to Sentinel. That preparation reached a visible milestone last fall when the Air Force took a Minuteman III silo offline a carefully sequenced step in planning and executing the transition from Minuteman III to Sentinel. The location of the silo and other details were not provided. The effort is managed by Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) detachments established at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.; Minot AFB, N.D.; and Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The turnover of the first Minuteman III silo is a clear signal: we are making real, tangible progress in accelerating the Sentinel program and fielding significantly improved long-range strike capabilities, said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. This month, Air Force-led teams will break ground on a prototype launch silo at Northrop Grummans site in Promontory, Utah. This crucial effort will allow engineers to test and refine modern construction techniques, validating the new silo design before work begins in the missile fields, the Air Force said. The Air Force said construction on permanent Sentinel launch facilities has already started. The first of three new Wing Command Centers is being set up at F.E. Warren, and critical test facilities are being erected at Vandenberg to support the future flight test campaign. The Air Force said it and contractor Northrop Grumman successfully completed a full-scale qualification test of Sentinels Stage-2 solid rocket motor in July 2025. A successful Stage-1 qualification was achieved in March 2025. The Air Force credited the pace of developments to the creation of Direct Reporting Portfolio Managers (DRPM) for Critical Major Weapon Systems last August. The DRPM role places programs, including the Sentinel, under a single leader given authority to make decisions without additional approvals. The Air Force Global Strike Command said in January 2025 that it expected about a 15-year minimum overlap between the first Sentinel silo going online and the last Minuteman III silo decommissioned. I think 15 years is probably an ambitious estimate, Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser, commander of the 20th Air Force in the Air Force Global Strike Command, said at the Los Alamos Study Group Exchange Monitor Annual Nuclear Deterrence Summit. So, one thing that a lot of people dont realize and our own air units dont realize is the Sentinel is not just the missile. And this probably offends people in the room, but the missile is easy. The rest of it is the infrastructure. U.S. airmen assigned to the 452nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., load a next-generation nuclear reactor onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on Feb. 15, 2026. (Wendy Day/U.S. Air Force) A next-generation nuclear reactor left March Air Reserve Base, Calif., on Sunday in a first-of-its-kind airlift. The modules of the reactor were loaded aboard three C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, and the convoy carried the modules to Hill Air Force Base, which is near the Great Salt Lake about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City. The reactor will eventually be sent to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab for testing and evaluation. The modules will be part of a reactor called Ward 250 that Valar Atomics, a nuclear energy startup, is aiming to make operational by July 4, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A containerized nuclear power reactor sits secured within a reinforced steel transport frame at March Air Reserve Base, California, Feb. 13, 2026. (Monique Bright/U.S. Air Force) Valars website describes the Ward 250 as being part of a second Manhattan Project, and the airlift was called Operation Windlord, the first-ever airlift of a nuclear reactor and ancillary systems via C-17, opening a wide aperture for strategic nuclear deployment around the world. The 5 megawatt nuclear reactor could theoretically power about 5,000 homes. For military use, such a reactor could provide energy security on a military base ensuring the mission there need not depend on the civilian power grid, according to a Pentagon news release. In military operations overseas, such reactors would mean U.S. forces could operate without concern that an enemy might cut fuel supplies. On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders designed to advance Americas nuclear energy posture. Those include Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright took part in the airlift. The American nuclear renaissance is to get that ball moving again, fast, carefully but with private capital, American innovation and determination, Wright said. President Trump signed multiple executive orders that have unleashed tremendous reform of all the things that stopped the American nuclear industry from moving. Contributing: The (Riverside, Calif.) Press Enterprise, Tribune News Service Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is seen in December. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has forced the ouster of a senior military adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, defense officials said, marking the Pentagon chiefs latest intervention into the services internal affairs amid long-simmering tension between two of the Trump administrations top political appointees. Hegseth directed Driscoll to fire Col. David Butler during a discussion at the Pentagon last week, officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation between Hegseth and Driscoll. It is at least the second time within months that Hegseth had raised the issue with him, including once at a meeting last year during which the defense secretary passed Driscoll a sticky note saying that Butler would not be promoted, people familiar with the discussion said. Butler has served most recently as a spokesman and media strategist for Driscoll and Gen. Randy George, the Armys chief of staff. He had been nominated for promotion to brigadier general, but Hegseth took issue with that plan for reasons that remain unclear, officials said. Officials familiar with the matter said that Butlers name appeared on a list of about three dozen promotion-eligible Army officers that should have been sent to the White House for approval months ago. It appears his inclusion was among the reasons those promotions have been delayed. After Hegseths order to Driscoll last week, these people said, Butler elected to submit his retirement paperwork rather than hold up his colleagues promotions. Hegseth issued the directive Thursday, just ahead of Driscolls departure for Switzerland, where the Army secretary in an unusual diplomatic role for the head of a military service is participating in high-stakes discussions aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The Trump administration has made the Army secretary a point person in those complex, ongoing talks while Hegseth focuses on other issues, including reshaping the military at home and pressing the nations defense contractors to modernize. Kingsley Wilson, a spokeswoman for Hegseth, referred questions to Army headquarters. In a statement provided to The Washington Post, Driscoll acknowledged the colonels retirement but declined to address the reasons for it. We greatly appreciate Col. Dave Butlers lifetime of service in Americas Army and to our nation, the statement said. Dave has been an integral part of the Armys transformation efforts. He will be missed, and I sincerely wish him tremendous success in his upcoming retirement after 28 years of service. Butler declined to comment. The demand for Butlers firing marks Hegseths latest clash with Driscoll, an Army veteran and close friend of Vice President JD Vance. Driscoll worked on the presidential transition team, and he has served since April as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in addition to his responsibilities at the Pentagon. People familiar with their relationship have said it appears that Hegseth takes issue with Driscolls rising profile and increasing responsibilities within the Trump administration. Hegseth has not criticized Driscoll publicly, but he has remained silent as others aligned with the Pentagon chief have done so in pointed terms. That includes the far-right political activist Laura Loomer, an unofficial adviser to President Donald Trump. Loomer launched an extraordinary broadside against Driscoll last year, publicly questioning why the Army had spotlighted Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg in a social media post; she noted that Groberg is not US born and had spoken as a private citizen on behalf of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Loomer was later made a member of the Pentagon press corps as Hegseth maneuvered to curtail scrutiny of his activities and stewardship of the federal governments largest agency. Butlers previous work as the senior spokesman for Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to until his retirement in 2023, appears to be a factor in his removal, officials familiar with the matter said. Milley has been a political target of Trump and Hegseth for years, dating to clashes between the general and Trump during the presidents first administration. Supporters of Milley have credited him for playing a leading role guiding the nonpartisan military through Trumps tumultuous first term, while critics have accused him of violating Trumps trust by discussing the presidents behavior with journalists and describing him as a fascist to the core once in retirement. Hegseth, a former Fox News host who served as a mid-ranking officer in the Army National Guard, has echoed Trumps criticisms and taken administrative action against Milley, directing a suspension of his security clearance, revoking his security detail last year and ordering a Pentagon inspector general review of his past actions. Administration officials also had Milleys official portrait taken down at the Pentagon. Milley stayed on as President Joe Bidens senior military adviser for nearly three years, during a turbulent period that included the fall of the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan and Russias invasion of Ukraine. Trump and Hegseth have blamed Biden and Pentagon leaders at the time for allowing those events to happen. At the same time, both men have downplayed independent assessments that found Trumps 2020 deal with the Taliban helped set the stage for Afghanistans collapse. The administration has repeatedly claimed, too, that Trump would bring an end to the Ukraine conflict quickly after taking office, but that has failed to materialize. Hegseth has forced out other military officers who worked for Milley on the Joint Staff, frustrating those who viewed them as evenhanded leaders caught in the middle of a political knife fight. They include Gen. James Mingus, who had gone on to become the Armys vice chief of staff and was bypassed to run U.S. Central Command; and Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, whose expected promotion to four-star general was rescinded by Hegseth last year. Numerous other senior military officers were fired last year, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., then the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Butler, over the last year, had helped manage high-profile Army events, including a sprawling parade of tanks and other military equipment through D.C. last summer. Butler said at the time that George and other senior Army officials were taking on the effort enthusiastically. He also was among a small group of Army officers who traveled with Driscoll to Ukraine in November on an unusual diplomatic mission as Trump has sought, unsuccessfully, to end the war there. Several current and former defense officials expressed astonishment at Butlers ouster, describing him as a steady hand and thoughtful strategist who has earned the trust of numerous generals, civilian political appointees and journalists. One Army officer questioned why Hegseth would make an effort to fire a colonel on another Trump officials staff. Its terrible for the Army, the official said of losing its senior public affairs adviser. Hes about the most nonpartisan guy I know, said a retired colonel who previously served with Butler, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation by Hegseths team. Thats really too bad. Before becoming Milleys spokesman, Butler held a high-profile assignment as the top U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan under Army Gen. Austin Scott Miller. Butler was selected for the post after previously working for Miller at the elite Joint Special Operations Command. A U.S. airman fires a handgun at the newly opened small-arms range at Chabelley Airfield in Djibouti on Jan. 31, 2026. The $1.6 million range expands training opportunities for U.S. and partner forces, the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron said in a statement Monday. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force) A new small-arms range that recently opened at a strategic outpost in Djibouti gives U.S. forces there more chances to sharpen their aim before being deployed for combat operations, Air Force officials said this week. Chabelley Airfield recently marked the operational milestone with the opening of its $1.6 million range, which expands training opportunities for U.S. and partner forces, the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron said in a statement Monday. The new range has tripled local training capacity and enables troops to develop their skills while avoiding exposure associated with off-base movements, Air Force Lt. Col. Lawrence Melnicoff, 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron commander, said in the statement. Training in the same environment where we operate matters, Melnicoff added. Prior to the ranges completion, personnel were required to convoy to off-base training locations or wait up to a month to access the range at nearby Camp Lemonnier, according to the statement. Melnicoff said the range hardens force protection and anchors Chabelley as a credible, self-sustaining operational node. The development is one in a series of upgrades to key locations for U.S. Africa Command in a region where countering Islamic militants such as al-Shabab and the Islamic State group in Somalia is a top priority. In October, a new medical care facility opened at Chabelley, marking the latest sign the U.S. military is putting down permanent roots at a location known for projecting American airpower across east Africa. The airfield has been used for drone operations and other Air Force missions over the years and is several miles from Camp Lemonnier, AFRICOMs main base in Djibouti and a hub for coordinating activities in neighboring Somalia. Upgrades also are being made at AFRICOM locations in Kenya. While Djibouti serves as a key location on Somalias northern border, Kenya plays a similar role to Somalias south. Last month, U.S. officials announced a 10,000-foot runway expansion at Manda Bay, an airfield in Kenya used for supporting operations in Somalia. The $71 million project is aimed at enhancing operational reach of U.S. and partner forces. The military also has been making upgrades to living quarters at Camp Simba, another location used by American troops near Manda Bay. Lt. Gen. John Brennan, AFRICOMs deputy commander, met with troops from Camp Simba and Manda Bay during a stop in Kenya last week. Our American service members play a strategic role in the fight against ISIS to prevent attacks on our homeland and global community, Brennan said in a statement. Without their presence here, we couldnt counter the threats to international security. The U.S. military has launched multiple strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killing 11, U.S. Southern Command said in a social media post Tuesday. (U.S. Southern Command) WASHINGTON The U.S. military conducted three strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on Monday, killing 11 people, according to U.S. Southern Command. In a post on X Tuesday, SOUTHCOM said intelligence confirmed the vessels were engaged in drug-trafficking operations. A 39-second video was included on the post showing the boats either moving through the water or stationary before being struck. No U.S. forces were harmed in the operations, SOUTHCOM said. Turns out Presidents Day under President [Donald] Trump is not a good day to run drugs, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X. The death toll from the strikes on alleged drug boats is now at 144 people in at least 42 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Hegseth said this month in a post on X that some top cartel drug-traffickers in the region have decided to cease all narcotics operations INDEFINITELY due to recent (highly effective) kinetic strikes in the Caribbean. However, Hegseth did not provide any details or information to back up this claim, made in a post on his personal account on social media. SOUTHCOM responded to questions about Hegseths post saying it had nothing to add at this time. Trump has said the U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing narcoterrorists. The U.S. resumed strikes in late January after largely backing off in the region following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3. The U.S. military has steadily amassed troops, naval and air assets in the Caribbean Sea to strike alleged drug traffickers. The USS Gerald R. Ford, along with accompanying ships USS Mahan, USS Bainbridge and USS Winston S. Churchill arrived in November, concentrating nearly 20% of the Navys deployed warships in the region. The strike group joined other ships in the Caribbean, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and its embarked Marine expeditionary unit. Also patrolling the region are guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg and USS Lake Erie. Trump said last week the Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, is being sent from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East to join other warships and military assets the U.S. has built up in the region. The U.S. military posture in the Caribbean, however, is costing billions. Bloomberg reported it calculates 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. Residents of Ginowan city reported white foam flowing Jan. 29, 2026, from this manhole cover near Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, as seen on Jan. 30, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa A city in central Okinawa found levels of forever chemicals well below Japans legal limit in water sampled from a manhole oozing white foam near a Marine Corps airfield last month. Ginowan citys Sewage System and Facilities Division found PFAS levels at 6 parts per trillion in a water sample collected from the manhole on Jan. 29, the same day residents noticed the foam, the city announced Monday on its website. Japans legal limit for PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is 50 parts per trillion. The manhole in the Isa district near Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is part of the citys sewage system, which collects water from the base and homes in the area. The city will conduct no further action, a division spokesman said by phone Tuesday. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press on condition of anonymity. The sewage division sent workers to collect water samples Jan. 29, a spokesman told Stars and Stripes at the time. A local civic group, Committee for Protecting Citizens Lives from PFAS Contamination, announced Feb. 5 that it sampled the foam and found PFAS levels of 268 parts per trillion. Kouji Harada, a professor of food hygiene and environmental health at Kyoto Prefectural University, conducted the test, group spokesman Toshio Takahashi said by phone Tuesday. Takahashi said he believes the city took its sample from a different location. The division spokesman refuted this, saying the city took water samples from the manhole but did not sample the foam. PFAS and its components PFOS and PFOA, called forever chemicals by the Environmental Protection Agency because they persist in the environment and the human body, were used in aqueous film-forming foam, a fire suppressant used by U.S. and Japanese forces. U.S. Forces Japan last year said it had incinerated its last stockpiles of the foam. Marine Corps environmental personnel found no releases or scheduled training that day after checking with all units and firefighting equipment, Marine Corps Installations Pacific told Stars and Stripes at the time. Installations command spokesman Wesley Hayes in an email Tuesday referred questions to the city and civic group. In October and November 2022, foam rose from manholes connected to the same sewage system. Tests found PFOS and PFOA levels at 21 parts per trillion in the October incident and 11 parts per trillion in the November incident. U.S. President Donald Trump, left, talks to China's President Xi Jinping as they shake hands after their talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on Oct. 30, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP/TNS) (Tribune News Service) President Donald Trump said that hes discussing future weapons sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping and teased that he would soon make a decision about future defense support for the self-governing island. Im talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and well make a determination pretty soon, Trump told reporters Monday evening aboard Air Force One. The U.S.s military support for Taiwan has become one of the key points of contention between Washington and Beijing before the countries leaders are slated to meet in April in China. China has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years in a bid to reinforce its view that the island is part of its territory. The two leaders spoke earlier this month in a conversation that Trump heralded as excellent. But a Chinese account of the call said that the U.S. must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, unusually specific and direct language for Xi, who normally sticks to broad statements on Taiwan. The Financial Times reported earlier this month that the U.S. is preparing a new round of arms sales to Taiwan, which has unsettled Chinese officials. The purchase would be in addition to an $11 billion deal announced in December. The U.S. and Taiwan finalized a trade agreement last week, further linking the two economies. That deal cuts tariff rates, boosts market access for American products in Asia and channels billions of dollars into U.S. energy and technology projects. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. German, American and POW/MIA flags flutter above Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, as AH-64E Apache helicopters fly in formation Feb. 2, 2026. Nearly two-thirds of Germans view the United States as one of the greatest threats to world peace, according to a nationwide opinion poll by a German market research firm. (Grant Hockley/U.S. Army) Two-thirds of Germans view the United States as one of the greatest threats to world peace, surpassing China and edging closer to Russia, according to a nationwide opinion poll. The survey by the Allensbach Institute, a German market research firm, revealed that 65% of respondents named the U.S. among the countries they believe could pose the greatest threat to global peace in the coming years. In 2024, fewer than a quarter of people in Germany, which hosts the largest U.S. troop presence in Europe, regarded the United States as a threat to world peace. That number rose to 46% in 2025. The findings were published Feb. 10, just over a full year into President Donald Trumps second term. Russia remains the top perceived threat to world peace among Germans for the fifth consecutive year, with 81% of respondents in the Allensbach poll naming that country. Meanwhile, China was ranked below the United States for the first time since 2020, with the spread between the two countries being almost 20 percentage points. The 46% figure for China also marked the first time in five years that fewer than half of those polled said they deem Beijing one of the leading threats to world peace. In additional findings, more than half of respondents, 54%, said losing the U.S. as a reliable alliance partner would be one of the greatest threats to Germanys security in the coming years. That number was nearly equal to the 55% who cited a Russian attack on a NATO member as the biggest security concern for Germany in the future. The results add to other recent polling in Germany and across European NATO countries showing a deteriorating perception of the United States on the Continent. In Poland, historically one of the most pro-American countries in Europe and home to about 10,000 U.S. troops, a little more than half of the population believes the U.S. is no longer a reliable ally, according to a poll conducted last month by the SW Research agency and published in the newspaper Rzeczpospolita. In Denmark, another longtime American ally, 60% now consider the U.S. an adversary, while just 17% still view it as an ally, according to polling conducted last month on behalf of Danish public broadcaster DR. Recent friction over threats of a U.S. takeover of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, has strained relations both in Denmark and across NATO. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. While he later walked back references to possibly taking the island by military force, the episode brought widespread unease in NATO. Trump has further suggested that Washington might not defend allies that fail to meet defense spending targets. NATO responded to his repeated insistence by raising the bar on expected military expenditure, from 2% of gross domestic product to 5%. Most NATO members, including longtime laggard Germany, have committed to hitting the new mark. In addition, the blocs European countries have begun to shoulder more responsibility as the U.S. hands off various aspects of the collective security mission. While U.S. officials have emphasized that NATO commitments remain intact, the mixed messages have fueled uncertainty among European governments about the long-term reliability of American security guarantees. That was reflected in the Allensbach poll. The question of whether the respondent thinks the U.S. would provide military aid in the event of an attack on a European member of NATO produced a nearly even split. The numbers were 35% saying no, 32% saying yes and 33% undecided. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to respond more quickly to close loopholes and protect children from harm on social media. Sir Keir Starmer plans to get tougher on the issue of online safety Starmer has declared that no online platform will get a "free pass" on the issue of children's online safety as he pledged to "crack down on the addictive elements of social media". Proposals include a measure that will require tech giants to preserve all of the data on a child's phone if they pass away - as campaigned for by the group Jools' Law - as well as consulting on a possible social media ban for under-16s. The government - who have been accused of "inaction" by opponents - says it will launch a public consultation next month to seek opinions about restricting children's use of AI chatbots and limit infinite 'doomscrolling' features for children. The Online Safety Act - which became law three years ago - was written prior to the release of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and the government plans to close loopholes so the tech is included. Amendments are also set to be made to the Crime and Policing Bill to ensure chatbots protect users from illegal and harmful content. Other measures being contemplated include preventing children from using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access pornography and amending the law so chatbots are required to protect users from illegal content. The government says it will create new legal powers so it can take "immediate action" following the consultation which will mean it "can act fast on its findings within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves". It follows the rows between ministers and X owner Elon Musk earlier this year as the platform's AI chatbot Grok was used to make fake nude images of women. Ahead of launching the consultation, Starmer said: "The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass. "Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my government, Britain will be a leader, not a follower, when it comes to online safety." In an article published on the website Substack, the Prime Minister explained that - as a parent to two teenagers - he knows that children's access to social media is "something that is front and centre of a lot of parents' minds right now". He said: "In the past 20+ years, social media has evolved to become something completely different from the simple, stripped-back pages it was in its conception. "And in that evolution, it has become something that is quietly harming our children," US-based retailer Amazon has started the construction of a 40m ($54.45m) delivery station in Stockton-on-Tees, UK, which is due to open later this year. The 10,800m facility will handle parcel sorting for North Yorkshire and parts of County Durham and is expected to generate around 100 jobs. Amazon said the site is designed to pursue Living Futures Zero Carbon Certification and will be built to the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. The company said construction will use locally sourced, lower-carbon construction materials, including timber, reduced-carbon concrete and high-recycled-content steel produced with renewable electricity. Amazon said construction-related carbon emissions are expected to be at least 20% lower than its previous design standards. Measures cited include cement-free paving made with steel slag, carbon-storing concrete and AI-powered carbon tracking across building systems. Photo-based tracking will monitor materials entering and leaving the site to provide real-time data on usage and help limit waste. Amazon Logistics UK director Prajvin Prakash said: Decarbonising buildings means tackling both how we build and how we operate. This site shows how were using smarter materials, advanced technology, and AI-driven insights to cut emissions from day one and improve performance over the long term. More than 1,400m of rooftop solar panels will provide daytime electricity, while an all-electric heating and cooling system is planned. Amazon said the Stockton-on-Tees development would be the first project in its global network outside the US to register for Living Futures Zero Carbon Certification. The company has previously secured certification for its SCA5 logistics site in Sacramento, California, and is testing further sustainability technologies at its DII5 delivery station in Indiana. The project forms part of Amazons planned 40bn investment in the UK between 2025 and 2027. Since 2010, the company said it has invested more than 80bn in UK operations spanning logistics, technology and corporate functions. "Amazon begins work on 40m Stockton delivery hub" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Mayor John McCann speaks during an event in Chula Vista, Calif., on Jan. 13, 2025. (Facebook) (Tribune News Service) When Chula Vista Mayor John McCann left for a Navy Reserve deployment in late January, the countys second-largest city faced a question it had no clear answer for: How should elected officials communicate their absences to ensure continuity of leadership? As it stands, the city has no formal policy. The result was conflicting accounts about who knew McCann was leaving and when they knew it. Deputy Mayor Cesar Fernandez said he was never notified. City Manager Tiffany Allen wont say when she learned of the deployment. And McCanns version of events contradicts what Allen allegedly told other officials. While the city manager handles day-to-day administrative operations, the mayor plays a central role in setting policy direction and representing the city in official capacities. In his absence, those responsibilities fall to the deputy mayor, according to the City Charter. Former Mayor Mary Salas, who served with McCann when he was a council member, said his current approach represents a departure from how he handled deployments in the past. Certainly, we were all aware that he was going to be gone, Salas said of McCanns earlier deployments. We always knew when he was going to be gone. Contested timeline McCann, a Reserve supply and logistics officer who holds the rank of commander, said he discussed his deployment with City Manager Tiffany Allen in December and they decided together to move a Feb. 3 council meeting to Feb. 10 to accommodate his military service. McCann said he discussed his deployment with Allen on two other occasions. But Deputy Mayor Cesar Fernandez said Allen told him on Jan. 23 that she had just found out the mayor was out of the country the same day Fernandez himself learned of the absence. She goes, I just found out that hes out of town. Hes not in the country, Fernandez said in an interview, describing his conversation with Allen at a Jan. 23 ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Sharp facility. And I was like, Oh, really? Fernandez said he never received formal notification of McCanns absence. To date, I have not received an email, a text message, anything formally stating that the mayor was out, Fernandez said. Never formally was notified that he was out of town or out of the country. McCann did not directly address what Allen reportedly told Fernandez on Jan. 23, but emphasized security concerns around his deployment. Again, we all have different schedules and because of security issues with my family, security issues with my Navy service and my sailors, were not allowed to announce when Im on deployment or where Im going on deployment, McCann said when asked about Fernandezs statement. Allen did not respond to requests for comment on what she told Fernandez regarding the mayors deployment. City spokesman John Cihomsky declined to comment on communications regarding the mayors deployment, citing privacy and security concerns. Salas said she could not recall specific written policies, but emphasized notification is expected when a member of the council will be out. I just think that its a matter of common courtesy to let the council members know that youre going to be gone and not make it a surprise, Salas said, adding that it was especially important to notify the deputy mayor who has to be prepared to assume the role of acting mayor. McCann said he never informed members of the council of his deployments. Its been a long time since Mary Salas was mayor and she is mistaken. I only informed the City Manager of my Navy Deployments in the past. Meeting canceled weeks in advance The timeline of a canceled City Council meeting has added to questions about the notification process. City Council schedules provided to The San Diego Union-Tribune show a Feb. 3 meeting was listed as scheduled in an October 2025 draft. But a revised schedule sent to council members on Dec. 15, 2025, showed the meeting had been removed nearly seven weeks before the scheduled date. McCann confirmed he asked to move the meeting to maintain his attendance record. In December, I had talked with our city manager, told her that I was being deployed, McCann said. There were no issues of being able to move the meeting from February 3rd to February 10th. That would give me a window of opportunity to be able to attend my military deployment without missing a meeting. Allen did not respond to several requests for comment on the meeting between her and McCann. Deputy Mayor role and training The City Charter allows the deputy mayor to preside over council meetings in the mayors absence, and only three members are needed for a quorum to conduct business. Fernandez said he has received no formal training on what that role entails. He was appointed to the role at the Jan. 6 City Council meeting. If theres a policy that spells out specific duties of the Deputy Mayor, I definitely wouldve liked to receive that and Im not sure that that actually exists, he said. The first time Fernandez saw any public confirmation of McCanns absence was on the day of a Feb. 2 special meeting, when information about the deployment appeared on social media. Fernandez had called the special meeting to address the death of Alex Pretti, who was killed by ICE agents in Minnesota. When asked whether calling the meeting had anything to do with the mayor being out of town, Fernandez said: Zero. I wouldve asked for it anyways. McCanns office issued a press release Feb. 2 explaining he could not attend the special meeting due to military service obligations. McCann described the meeting as a political statement. The city council was able to call a special meeting and they were successful at making their political statement, he said. Conflicting views on standard practice McCann characterized his coordination with the city manager as routine. You have council members who have medical issues, who have vacation plans, who have conferences, and the city manager does a good job to try to be able to make sure that they work around, or she helps work around the schedule to maximize the attendance of the mayor and all council members for council meetings, McCann said. But Councilmember Michael Inzunza, who attended Tuesdays council meeting virtually due to a family medical issue, said he followed a different process to ensure his in-person absence was properly handled. Inzunza said he contacted the city to ask about absence procedures and was told he could participate remotely under the Americans with Disabilities Act provisions, which allow council members to attend virtually in certain circumstances. I dont expect the city staff or the city council to postpone a meeting on my behalf, Inzunza said. I expect that the city council and staff need to proceed with meetings to keep the services of our city going. Inzunza, who comes from a military family and emphasized his respect for military service, said his concerns are about procedural clarity, not McCanns service. My understanding is that members of the city council should not be asking to cancel or postpone meetings for any reason, he said, adding that the city doesnt necessarily seem to have a very concrete policy in place for absences or changing council meetings to fit a council members schedule. Councilmember Jose Preciado said in an email that he also was not informed of McCanns absence. I am never informed or privy to the mayors calendar, Preciado wrote. In fairness, he does not have access or knowledge of mine. Questions about written policies The City Charter references absences without permission, though the Charter does not specify who grants permission or what the process entails. Inzunza said the lack of clear policies is problematic. I still think that there are some unanswered questions in the fact that the council doesnt necessarily seem to have a very concrete policy in place for absences or changing council meetings to fit a council members schedule, he said. Security and family safety concerns McCann emphasized that his priority was protecting his family and maintaining operational security. I have the obligation to protect my family, McCann said. When I am off on deployment, my wife and daughter are home alone. We want to make sure that their safety is paramount. He referenced the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, known as USERRA, which allows service members to serve without jeopardizing their jobs, saying the city manager has been respectful in making sure that she follows the human resources rules as well as USERRA. Salas said McCann never previously cited security or privacy concerns as a reason not to notify colleagues. She also said security concerns wouldnt prevent internal notification of council members. If he were worried about his personal security, he could have a private conversation with the council members, she said. Looking ahead McCann has been a Chula Vista elected official since 2002, serving as a council member, mayor and school board member. He is up for re-election this year. Salas, who left office nearly three years ago, said the current lack of communication on the council is troubling. I just know that theres a lack of communication between the council and the mayor, and thats really unfortunate, Salas said. It really makes me sad to see whats going on and that theres not a working relationship or the communication that you should have with your council members. Its kind of disappointing. 2026 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. People take photos near a John Harvard statue, left, on the Harvard University campus, Jan. 2, 2024, in Cambridge, Mass. (Steven Senne/AP) (Tribune News Service) Harvard University isnt the only Massachusetts institution that the Department of War could cut ties with. Military officers tuition aid for law school could be cut at Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University and Tufts University, according to CNN. If funding changes, it would significantly affect where military officers pursue higher education, even if they have already accepted admission to one of these schools, the outlet reported. There are fears that it could also affect the tuition assistance active-duty service members receive for non-work-related graduate and certificate programs, CNN reported. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths memo last week ordered the department to evaluate all graduate programs attended by active-duty members, particularly those that diminish critical thinking and have significant adversary involvement, the outlet reported. The effort is part of the department attempting to purge intellect, diversity of thinking and critical thought from the military, a military official who opposes the changes told CNN. Last week, Hegseth announced the department was cutting ties with Harvard, which discontinued all graduate-level education, fellowships and certificate programs between the university and the department for active duty service members. A few days later, the Trump administration announced it is suing Harvard over race-related admissions data. Harvard and the Trump administration have been battling for nearly a year over accusations of antisemitism. Harvard secured a major win in court, reversing nearly $3 billion in federal funding cuts to the university in September. The Trump administration appealed that ruling. On Feb. 4, Trump demanded $1 billion from Harvard as a payment to the federal government. 2026 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit masslive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia. SpaceX and wholly owned subsidiary xAI are competing in a secretive new Pentagon contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology, according to people familiar with the matter. (Dreamstime/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Elon Musks SpaceX and wholly owned subsidiary xAI are competing in a secretive new Pentagon contest to produce voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarming technology, according to people familiar with the matter. The entry of the two Musk companies which he announced in early February would merge into a new frontier of AI-enabled weapons development marks a new and potentially controversial departure for Musk. While SpaceX is a well-established defense contractor and Musk is enthusiastic about advancing AI, he is among those who have also previously argued against making new tools for killing people. Musks companies are among only a handful that were selected to compete on the $100 million prize challenge launched in January, according to people familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive topics. SpaceX and xAIs involvement hasnt previously been reported. SpaceX and xAI didnt respond to requests for comment. The six-month competition aims to produce advanced swarming technology that can translate voice commands into digital instructions and run multiple drones. While its already possible to fly multiple drones at once, developing the software to direct multiple drones on sea and in the air as a swarm which can move autonomously in pursuit of a target remains a challenge. The contest will progress in phases, depending on the success and interest of the participants, the people said. The Pentagon competition was launched jointly by the Defense Innovation Unit, which is devoted to bringing in Silicon Valley startups, and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group a new element launched under the second Trump administration that is part of US Special Operations Command. DAWG is partly continuing the work of the Biden-era Replicator intitiative, which sought to produce multiple thousands of expendable autonomous drones. DIU didnt respond to a request for comment. Special Operations Command, which runs DAWG, declined to comment. The effort is set to develop in five phases, starting with developing software and progressing to real-life testing. A defense official indicated in the January announcement of the contest that the drones will be used for offensive purposes, saying the human-machine interaction will directly impact the lethality and effectiveness of these systems. Security clearances xAI has recently embarked on a hiring spree to recruit engineers out of Washington or the West Coast with active U.S. security clearance at the secret or top secret levels to work with federal contractors, according to the companys website. Its looking for software engineers who are used to working with government agencies, DoD, or federal contractors on AI, software or data projects, it said in a job posting, adding the hiring process would be complete within a week. The company has already signed contracts with the Pentagon to integrate its Grok chatbot into the government sites to empower military and civilians, xAI said in December. It had previously secured a $200 million contract with the Pentagon to integrate xAI into military systems. Although SpaceX is a longtime defense contractor, the company has focused on making reusable space rockets and satellites for space exploration, military communications and intelligence systems, rather than software for offensive weapons. SpaceX, along with Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., are the U.S.s providers of rockets for launching the Pentagons most sensitive satellites. Musk has previously argued for a ban on offensive autonomous weapons that can select and engage their own targets and operate beyond meaningful human control. In 2015, Musk signed on to an open letter from AI and robotics researchers that warned against the perils of autonomous weaponry. xAI, which Musk started in 2023, owns Musks AI startup, the social network X and the Grok chatbot. The company, which just weeks ago agreed to merge with SpaceX in a deal valued at $1.25 trillion, is saddled with billions of dollars in debt, besieged by well-funded rivals and faces mounting regulatory scrutiny after its chatbot spread sexualized images. It also brings in scant revenue compared to SpaceX. When the two agreed to merge, a statement from Musk on the SpaceX website said the company had acquired xAI to form the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth, with AI, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile device communications and the worlds foremost real-time information and free speech platform. Musk said nothing about combining the two companies to deliver AI to provide software to underpin novel weapons technology. But the new Pentagon undertaking, which will involve engineers and managers from both xAI and SpaceX, will push to do just that. The first phase of the competition would focus only on software development, before using live platforms later. The software is intended to coordinate drone movements across multiple domains, such as by air and sea, according to a Pentagon description of the task. Later stages call for developing target-related awareness and sharing and ultimately launch to termination. xAI isnt the only advanced AI company working on the new Pentagon effort. OpenAI is supporting a successful submission from Applied Intuition, Bloomberg previously reported, citing the submission bid and people familiar with the matter. OpenAI will limit its contribution to the project solely to the mission control element that will convert voice and other instructions from battlefield commanders into digital instructions, according to the submission document reviewed by Bloomberg. OpenAIs technology wouldnt be used for the operation of the drone swarm, weapons integration or targeting authority, Bloomberg previously reported. A spokesperson for OpenAI said the companys open-source technology was included in contest bids from two different existing partner companies and that OpenAI would ensure any use of its tools is consistent with its usage policy. SpaceX and xAI are, by contrast, expected to work on the entire project together, according to people familiar with the matter. The prospect of integrating chatbots and voice-to-text commands in weapons platforms has alarmed even some defense officials, despite the Pentagons eagerness to accelerate the adoption of AI and autonomy, according to several of the people. They said it would be important to limit generative AI to translation and not allow it to control drone behavior. Several of the people expressed concern about the risks if generative AI were used to translate voice into operational decisions without a human in the loop. The move comes as employees at major labs have departed after voicing a range of other ethical concerns about the AI industry, even as leading generative AI companies push for revenue to support ongoing research and development. They include an OpenAI researcher who said shes concerned about ads in ChatGPT, and a researcher at Anthropic who publicly resigned, raising broader concerns about AI development. Large language models, which underpin chatbots such as OpenAIs ChatGPT, are prone to bias and so-called hallucinations meaning they can generate outputs that arent anchored in reality but which the AI can present as reliable. The Pentagons new AI Acceleration Strategy, released in January, seeks to unleash AI agents for the battlefield, from planning military campaigns to targeting, potentially involving lethal strikes. Defense contracts have historically been controversial inside consumer tech companies, including significant protests at Google in 2018 over the Pentagon effort named Project Maven that intended to use AI to analyze drone footage. With assistance from Carmen Arroyo, Loren Grush and Tony Capaccio. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society office at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, as seen on Feb. 12, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes) The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has opened its application window for scholarships, grants and interest-free loans to sailors, Marines and their family members pursuing vocational training or higher education, the society announced recently. The relief society an independent nonprofit that works with the Department of the Navy said it will accept applications until April 17. The window opened Monday, according to a news release Feb. 9. Last year the society awarded a total of $517,000 in scholarships and $44,000 in interest-free loans to nearly 500 families, according to the release. Shannon Bezold, a Marine Corps spouse and mother of three living in Minnesota, said by phone Friday that her scholarship awards have relieved stress and allowed her to focus on her education. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society referred Bezold to Stars and Stripes. Bezold earned a degree from Florida State University in interdisciplinary social sciences focusing on homeland security and emergency management, she said by text message Tuesday. Being a military spouse has its own unique set of challenges, she said. Going after your education or following up with your education doesnt need to be one of those challenges. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society office at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, as seen on Feb. 12, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes) Spouses and children younger than 23 of active-duty or retired sailors and Marines are encouraged to apply. Children of deceased sailors and Marines are also eligible. Active-duty, enlisted sailors and Marines in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program or Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program may also apply, according to the societys website. Eligible applicants are full-time or part-time students maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA and pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at accredited two- or four-year colleges, technical schools or vocational institutions, according to the release. Scholarships awards range from $500 to $3,000; interest-free loans are available for up to $4,000. Awards are based on the applicants financial needs. Applications are available online. The society provides assistance, trusted compassionate support, financial support during times of need, Dawn Culter, a retired rear admiral and the societys executive vice president and chief operations officer, said by phone Thursday. Its not just the short-term assistance; were focused on long-term financial stability. The education assistance program is just one part of many programs that are available. The Navy-Marine Corps Aid Society, founded in 1904, reported it provided over $47 million in financial assistance in 2025 and assisted over 211,000 active-duty and retired sailors, Marines and their families, according to its website. My husbands deployments often place full responsibility for our household on my shoulders, and this award helps make it possible for me to pursue my goals without compromising our familys well-being, Navy spouse Rebecca Ferjo said in the release. It reminds me that I am not alone in this journey. By David Latona, Michel Rose and Renee Maltezou MADRID, Feb 17 (Reuters) - European nations are ratcheting up the pressure on social media companies, responding to a public outcry over child safety fears but risking a backlash from the United States, home to the likes of Facebook and Elon Musk's X. Spain on Tuesday ordered prosecutors to investigate Facebook owner Meta, X and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child sexual images, after a similar move in Britain. Ireland also opened a formal probe of X's AI chatbot Grok over its processing of personal data and the production of harmful sexualized images. A growing list of European countries - France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Slovenia and the Czech Republic - has in recent weeks moved to follow Australia in proposing a social media ban for adolescents, amid rising concern about addiction, online abuse and falling school performance. Germany and Britain are weighing similar steps. The national actions reflect political urgency but also frustration with the European Union. Politicians, advisers and analysts say governments are acting alone because they doubt Brussels will move quickly or forcefully enough - even though individual states face the same legal, diplomatic and enforcement hurdles as the EU. GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS Under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which took effect in 2024, major platforms face fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover if they fail to curb illegal or harmful content. But enforcing penalties is politically fraught. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs and sanctions if EU countries impose new tech taxes or enforce the DSA in ways that hit U.S. firms. The European Commission dismisses suggestions that it is soft on U.S. Big Tech, pointing out in an online statement on Tuesday that it has opened several investigations including against X and its deployment of Grok. "Through measures like the DSA, the EU is shaping Europe's digital future. It is supporting, funding and regulating new technologies with a goal to strengthen democracy," it said. The rhetoric has at times boiled over. French President Emmanuel Macron last year called U.S. resistance to European regulation a "geopolitical battle". Trump's administration warned in December that Europe faced "civilizational erasure" and urged the U.S. to foster "resistance to Europe's current trajectory". Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told Le Grand Continent newspaper on Tuesday that his country's crackdown aimed to "break free from digital dependence on the United States", adding that some platforms were being used to "destabilise European democracies from within". Lucia Palacios Madrid Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 15:16 Share The Spanish government is putting a one-week cap on hotel and accommodation prices in the 14 municipalities most affected by the floods. The aim of this exceptional measure is to aid the victims whose homes have been damaged by storm Leonardo. The municipalities in question are: Grazalema, Jerez de la Frontera, Ubrique and Vejer de la Frontera (Cadiz province); Nivar, Montefrio, Pinos Puente and Zagra (Granada); Cazorla and Santisteban del Puerto (Jaen); Benaojan and Ronda (Malaga); Burguillos del Cerro and Medellin (Badajoz). Minister of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs Pablo Bustinduy proposed this royal decree, approved by cabinet for the duration of the week from 18 to 25 February. This is the first time in history that the government intervenes in hotel prices. The measure allows price restrictions in the event of adverse weather phenomena, natural disasters or serious accidents, with the aim of guaranteeing fair access to these products and services. The government has chosen the municipalities according to two criteria: towns and villages with more than ten evacuees and a number that represents at least 0.1 per cent of the population. From this Wednesday to Wednesday next week, hotels and accommodation establishments in these municipalities will not be able to increase their prices more than the prices they had in the month prior to the start of the floods. In addition, they must inform that there is a price cap and what the prices are in a transparent manner. In the case of non-compliance, consumers are entitled to reimbursement. Rebeca Alcantara Granada Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 15:10 Share At 6.14am on Monday 16 February, the first AVE train to leave Granada, bound for Madrid after the Adamuz tragedy, departed on time. There had been no direct connections between the two cities for almost a month since the fatal accident on 18 January. Train operator Adff confirmed to IDEAL at around 10pm on Sunday 15 February that the repair work in Adamuz had been completed and that railway companies could carry out the appropriate tests in order to resume commercial services. The train, which makes the usual stops in Loja, Antequera, Antequera-Santa Ana and Cordoba, was half full when it left Granada, but more passengers joined the service, especially at Cordoba station. SUR in English Malaga Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 11:53 Share If you are looking for an European country with a thriving business environment, you cannot overlook Germany. Not only is it the largest economy of the European Union, but it is also the most predictable, which are essential characteristics to search for when seeking to start a business. However, these are not the only reasons to choose Germany for your next business venture, which is why you can find out more about what this state has to offer below. The strong SME culture Small and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs are popular all over the world, as they keep many economies afloat. This is also the case of Germany, where this type of business is thriving. One of the reasons behind it is the strong support offered by the Government through incentives, flexibility, and innovation. The registration procedure for any type of entity is also simple and fast, which will not hinder you once you decide that you want to open a company in Germany. If you are aforeigner, you should be prepared to face the language barriers; however, you can rely on professional services, such as those provided by BridgeWest Germany to overcome them. Germany relies on innovation, and research and development As already mentioned above, SMEs can rely on innovation to carry out their activities in a business market that moves faster than ever. Germany is Europes leader in research and development. Moreover, patents created here are used worldwide. The German Government understands that research and development and Artificial Intelligence are shaping the future, which is why it funds activities that rely on innovation in these fields. So, if you have an idea that goes this way, Germany is the country where you can turn it into reality. Skilled workforce No idea can work if you do not have qualified or competent people you can train to transform it into something viable. In Germany, however, you can use both the know-how but also the labor force that can help you achieve your goals. Some of the main attributes that are attached to German employees are educated, serious, precise, and practical. Central location in Europe Geographical location is mentioned every time when choosing a country to do business in. But is this aspect still relevant in todays world? It is, especially with things moving so fast, and Germany delivers just that: the possibility of moving goods, especially across Europe, quite fast, thanks to its location right in the heart of Europe. Of course, that would not be possible without a suitable infrastructure, but Germany also has that. So, if you want to start a business in the production or sales sectors, this is definitely the country to do so. The Made in Germany label Yes, Made in Germany is one of the strongest brands in the world, no matter if you use it to label products or services. For many years now, electrical, automotive, and chemical products manufactured here are sold and purchased all over the world for the fact that German products are reliable and last lifelong. Technological breakthroughs now make it possible for this brand to be added to new products, so no matter what you want to create, having it made in Germany will grant you credibility. Do not ignore the local market Germany caters not only to Europe, as it also has a local market that is quite developed. Imagine that there are more than 7 million foreigners who live here and whom you can address. Expats who return to their home countries will choose to buy German products even after, especially since they know how things work here. So, choosing Germany to start a business will come with many benefits, among which the government support and access to a large client database are the obvious ones. Then, there are the small things that will convince you to have made the right decision. Anson to launch March drilling at Yellow Cat to test 2,500m strike extension Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN, OTCQB:ANSNF) will start a uranium and vanadium drilling program in early March 2026 at its Yellow Cat U-V Project in Utah, targeting a 2,500-metre extension of mineralisation along strike of the historical resource. The program will focus on the eastern block of the project, where mineralisation is shallow or outcropping and positioned above the water table, supporting planned drill depths of 12 metres to 40 metres. A drilling contractor has been selected, with mobilisation scheduled for early March. Plan showing the proposed and historical drillhole locations carried out at Yellow Cat Project. Aiming to link historical workings over 4,500m Ansons objective is to confirm that uranium and vanadium mineralisation extends for 4,500 metres between known historical workings. The upcoming drilling is designed to test continuity over a 2,500-metre strike length between the Windy Point and McCoy Group areas through to the Cactus Rat and Mineral Treasure mines. The eastern claim block hosts a well-defined east-west striking zone of uranium and vanadium mineralisation within sandstone units of the Morrison Formation. If successful, the company plans follow-up drilling to support future mineral resource definition in the eastern area. Sampling completed during previous exploration programs returned rock chip assays of up to 10.33% UO and 25.61% VO from exposed mineralisation and underground workings, underpinning the current drill targeting strategy. Selected rock chip assay results for Uranium and Vanadium sampled by SRK at Ansons Yellow Cat Project. Central block drilling to verify historical resource In parallel, Anson is planning a reverse circulation and diamond drilling program in the central block to twin historical drillholes and confirm legacy assay results. Verification work could support a potential upgrade of the historical resource to a 2012 JORC-compliant mineral resource, subject to confirmation. The company has identified numerous open historical drillholes that may allow new downhole surveys to be conducted, potentially reducing the scale and cost of future drilling. The Yellow Cat project comprises 151 unpatented federal lode mining claims in Utah, with uranium and vanadium mineralisation hosted across multiple sandstone lenses within the Morrison Formation. About Anson Anson has a portfolio of projects targeting commodities tied to demand growth. Its core assets are the Green River and Paradox lithium projects in Utah, US, where it is working to advance development towards lithium production. The company says its strategy is to build long-term shareholder value through discovery, acquisition and development of resources aligned with future energy and technology markets. DPA Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 17:04 Share Whether it is a break-up that comes out of the blue, being diagnosed with a serious illness or a terrible conflict: when life pulls the rug out from under our feet, that creates enormous stress. It can also affect our heart muscle, preventing it from pumping properly. The left ventricle is affected and in medical terms, it is known as broken heart syndrome. The symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, says the German Heart Foundation. Specifically, these include: sudden chest pain; shortness of breath; loss of consciousness. Nausea, dizziness and sweating may accompany these symptoms. The rule is if you notice any of these signs, call an emergency doctor, say health advisers. Different from a heart attack Even though the symptoms are very similar, in broken heart syndrome, unlike in a heart attack, the coronary arteries are neither narrowed nor blocked. Because both conditions look the same on an ECG, doctors perform a cardiac catheterisation to determine exactly what is wrong with the heart. Broken heart syndrome is serious. Up to half of those affected can experience life-threatening complications, such as cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure or circulatory shock. That means rapid treatment is critical, the German Heart Foundation says. Who is affected and how According to the German Heart Foundation, 80 per cent to 90 per cent of those affected are women, mostly between the ages of 65 and 75. Broken heart syndrome is therefore much less common in men. There are also differences in the triggers: while in women a "broken heart" is more often due to emotional stress, physical triggers are typical in men, including unusual exertion, surgery or lung disease. How broken heart syndrome is treated Avoiding dangerous complications: This is what matters when broken heart syndrome is present. Patients are therefore monitored in intensive care for up to 72 hours. They are given blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots in the left ventricle. After four to five days, the heart usually starts pumping normally again, but it can also take longer. If you have survived a broken heart, then now is a good idea to reduce stress as much as possible, as this will lower your risk of broken heart syndrome recurring. Between 4 per cent and 10 per cent of those affected experience relapses, says Germany's Heart Foundation. Why is it called the Japanese octopus trap? Broken heart syndrome is also known as Takotsubo syndrome, a word taken from the name of a pot used in Japan to catch octopuses. With takotsubo syndrome, the left ventricle (heart chamber) narrows towards the top, looking larger and rounder at the bottom like a takotsubo pot. Miguel Lorenci Tuesday, 17 February 2026 | Updated 18/02/2026 17:56h. Share For just 100 euros, you could be the proud owner of a Picasso - and all for a good cause. The French foundation, Recherche Alzheimer, which funds research into Alzheimer's, is raffling off a valuable work of art by the Malaga-born genius. That small investment will be multiplied 10,000 times over and one lucky winner will be able to treasure 'Tete de femme' (Head of a Woman), a piece by one of history's most influential artists. The foundation is selling 120,000 'tickets of hope' for Alzheimer's patients and their families. One of the buyers will become the new owner of the 38.9 by 25.4 centimetre gouache painted by Picasso in 1941 and currently valued at one million euros. It comes from the Opera Gallery collection, shown in 30 countries and based in Madrid since 2023. Gilles Dyan is a founding partner of Recherche Alzheimer, which supports more than 40 research teams in Europe. The draw will take place on 14 April at Christie's Paris headquarters. Entries can be made via the website www.1picasso100euros.com. There will be only one winner. All other participants will have the satisfaction of having contributed to research advances into this disease. This unique raffle adds another chapter to the mythos of Pablo Picasso - a man whose life was as colourful as the Mediterranean coast where he was born. Long before his works became the currency of global philanthropy, Picasso was a child of Malaga, where the light of the Costa del Sol first influenced his perception of shadow and form. Though he spent his most transformative years in France, evolving through the sombre Blue Period and the fractured geometry of Cubism, he famously carried the dust of Spain on his shoes, often saying, "Without my roots in Malaga, I could never have painted the world." The decision to raffle Tete de femme mirrors the artists own penchant for the unconventional. Picasso was known to settle restaurant tabs with a quick sketch on a napkin - pieces that are now worth more than the bistros themselves. The year Picasso painted Tete de femme - 1941 - was one of the darkest and most defiant periods of his life. While many artists fled the Nazi occupation of Paris, Picasso chose to remain in his studio at 7 Rue des Grands-Augustins. The Nazi regime had officially branded Picasso a "degenerate artist," banning his work from being exhibited or sold publicly. Despite the constant threat of the Gestapo, he refused to leave. During this time, materials like bronze were strictly rationed for the German war effort. Picasso famously engaged in "silent rebellion" by secretly casting sculptures in bronze anyway, smuggling the metal into his studio. His works from 1941, including Tete de femme, often reflect the claustrophobia and tension of the era. The distorted features and sombre tones found in his wartime portraits are seen by historians as a reflection of the psychological toll of the occupation. The "1 Picasso for 100 Euros" initiative follows a fascinating lineage of "accessible" masterpieces. Such a scheme is nothing new, but it is "exceptional", according to its organisers, who have already raffled off two Picassos. In 2013, Jeffrey Gonano, a 25-year-old from Pennsylvania, became the owner of a Picasso drawing valued at over one million dollars. Five million euros were raised for the International Association for the Safeguarding of Tyre, a Lebanese World Heritage city where a village was built to revitalise traditional crafts, create jobs and stimulate the local economy. In 2019 Claudia Borgognona, an Italian accountant from Ventimiglia, was the winner of another Picasso piece. Her 25-year-old son Lorenzo bought her a raffle ticket as a Christmas present. She became the owner of a 1921 still life by Picasso valued at one million euros, donated by collector David Nahmad. Another five million euros were raised for the NGO Care through the sale of 51,140 tickets across 100 countries. Those euros funded water purification and hygiene programmes in some of the hardest-hit regions of Africa, a crucial issue during the covid-19 pandemic. Recherche Alzheimer funds research to better understand the mechanics of a disease that affects 800,000 people in Spain and where 40,000 cases are newly diagnosed each year. Some 35 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's, a figure that could double by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation. Alekk M. Saanders Fuentes de Andalucia Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 16:45 Share Fuentes de Andalucia, located in Seville province, is considered an authentic town because it still preserves many of its rural traditions, including its peculiar carnival. Besides being the oldest one in the region, the Carnival of Fuentes de Andalucia has been recognised as a "Festival of Tourist Interest". Its origins are unknown, but there are documents that date it to the same time as the arrival of the Bourbons on the Spanish throne. What is known for certain is that this festival existed throughout the 19th century, as at that time the working class dressed up in the characteristic costume: 'la mascara' (the mask) to imitate the wealthier classes (often men dressed as women, women as men). One type of mask became increasingly popular: made with fabrics and sheets, stuffed with cushions to avoid being recognised. Zoom During the carnival. SUR During the celebrations, the wealthy residents left Fuentes de Andalucia, leaving it to the mercy of the less fortunate. For several days, workers and employees marched through the streets, singing bawdy songs, almost all of which alluded to various events that had taken place there during the year. The carnival in Fuentes de Andalucia became better known throughout Spain thanks to its resistance during the Franco dictatorship. Franco banned carnivals throughout Spain to prevent costumes from being used as a pretext for violent actions or criticism of the regime. The Church also supported this ban, opposing any activity considered impure, such as carnival. Nevertheless, in Fuentes de Andalucia, masks continued to fill the town square and break the established rules. "Our carnival is becoming increasingly well known thanks to its unique characteristics, such as the celebration of Mardi Gras on the first day of carnival, the participation of music groups murgas, the streets filled with people dressed in masks, the presence of the typical sweet el entornao and Rigo aniseed, and culminating in a beautiful costume ball and a spectacular closing ceremony on Pinata Sunday..." Luis Conde Perez Our carnival is becoming increasingly well known thanks to its unique characteristics, such as the celebration of Mardi Gras on the first day of carnival, the participation of musical groups murgas, the streets filled with people dressed in masks, the presence of the typical sweet el entornao and Rigo aniseed, and culminating in a beautiful costume ball and a spectacular closing ceremony on Pinata Sunday, which takes place on 22 February. "We are proud to have preserved its traditions, resisting the influence of other famous carnivals and maintaining its essence, which makes it one of the most authentic carnivals in Andalucia," Luis Conde Perez, Councillor for Culture in Fuentes de Andalucia told SUR in English. The uniqueness of the carnival in Fuentes de Andalucia attracted the attention of American anthropologist David D. Gilmore The uniqueness of the carnival in Fuentes de Andalucia attracted the attention of American anthropologist David D. Gilmore. The cover of his book Carnival and Culture: Sex, Symbol & Status in Spain features a photograph from the carnival in Fuentes de Andalucia. David D. Gilmore conducted ethnographic research in this town as part of his anthropological studies. From 1973 to the early 1990s, he carefully studied the carnival in Fuentes de Andalucia, which he compared it with a festival of gossip. Carnival has always been a powerful moment for the community to express its social views. David D. Gilmore identified the Carnival in Fuentes de Andalucia as a crucial ritual where social norms are temporarily suspended: private scandals and gossip became public, allowing the community to address repressed issues, sexual indiscretions and social tensions though song and performance. It is worth noting that traditionally, all revelations are accompanied by a certain degree of respect and even understanding for those being criticised. Gilmore stresses that the Andalusian carnival is not so much about revolution or politics as such, but rather about the inevitable ambivalence of all human feelings. Eugenio Cabezas Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 13:59 Share The Andalusian regional government has awarded the public plot of land located in the Pantano de Oliveros area of Algarrobo-Costa, on the eastern Costa del Sol, to Aljonoz S.A., for the construction of 57 subsidised homes. The plot, owned by the Andalusian housing and rehabilitation agency (AVRA), covers an area of 4,217 square metres. The regional minister for development, Rocio Diaz, said a statement that this award represents "a new milestone in the housing policies promoted by Juanma Moreno's government". She highlighted the release of public land that "had been unused for decades". The regional minister defended the exchange system, which has been agreed with Aljonoz and means that the company will return some of the housing to the regional government as part of the payment for the land. The development will ultimately comprise 57 homes, nine more than initially planned. This increase has been made possible following Algarrobo town hall's adherence to the decree on urgent housing measures approved by the regional government, which allows for an increase in construction on certain land designated for social housing. Criteria includes a reduction in the deposit that the buyers will be required to pay to secure one of the homes, greater flexibility in the payment and a reduction in the sale price of the homes and associated annexes. This is an aspect that the regional government has sought to highlight in a context marked by rising house prices on the Costa del Sol and difficulties in accessing housing for young people and families on average incomes. The project in Algarrobo is part of a broader strategy by the Andalusian government to build more than 600 social housing units through the same exchange system. According to Diaz, developments have already been carried out under this formula in Cordoba and Huelva and new projects are planned in Granada and Jerez de la Frontera. The Pantano de Oliveros development represents one of the main pockets of social housing underway in the Axarquia, where residential pressure linked to tourism and the foreign market has put particular strain on access to permanent housing in recent years. Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 11:08 Share The international pop culture festival FreakCon celebrates its tenth anniversary with the launch of K-Pop Fest, a full-on, themed day dedicated to the South Korean musical phenomenon. It will be held at the Palacio de Congresos (conference and events centre) in Torremolinos. K-Pop Fest will kick off on 22 May and run from 5pm to 11pm, with a programme that includes workshops, concerts, exhibitions and live choreography. The event aims to provide a dedicated space for fans of the genre, mixing performances and activities in a novel format. Tickets are now available for 17 euros apiece on the FreakCon website. Attendees of K-Pop Fest can also enjoy a variety of food trucks throughout the event, as well as throughout the rest of the FreakCon weekend. Access to K-Pop Fest is separate from the general FreakCon pass. The main FreakCon event runs from 22 to 24 May at the Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos. Juan Cano Malaga Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 16:47 Share The Analusian regional government (Junta) has found five active "bullying and self-harming" protocols at the IES Benalmadena high school, but none concern 14-year-old Angela, who took her own life on Saturday. For the moment, while the investigators are collecting data from the girl's mobile devices, the only information that the public has is what Angela's parents have told the police: their daughter was undergoing psychological treatment because she was being bullied. On Monday, regional minister of education Maria del Carmen Castillo said that they are trying to determine whether the school environment had played a role in the minor's mental health and death. Castillo said that they are waiting for more information from the National Police. The regional minister extended her condolences to Angela's family. Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 15:19 Share Firefighters rescued a driver whose car had fallen into the Guadalhorce river in Malaga province after a collision with another vehicle on Monday night. The car accident happened at kilometre 45 of the A-7077 in the municipality of Alora. Due to the impact, one of the cars fell under the bridge. The driver in the other car called the emergency services. Once at the scene, firefighters assessed the risk and decided that one of them would descend from the bridge with the help of a ladder and a rope. He helped the driver out of the car and placed him on a stretcher. The 061 medical team took the man to hospital. The woman who was driving the other car had no injuries. In the meantime, the firefighters descended again to inspect the car and identify the registration number. As global markets grapple with concerns over AI disruptions and economic uncertainties, Asian markets present a unique landscape for investors seeking opportunities. In this environment, identifying stocks that may be undervalued can be particularly appealing, as they offer potential for growth when market conditions stabilize. Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Asia Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) VITZROCELLLtd (KOSDAQ:A082920) 20500.00 40396.72 49.3% Timee (TSE:215A) 1140.00 2272.80 49.8% Softcare (SEHK:2698) HK$30.30 HK$59.59 49.1% Ningxia Building Materials GroupLtd (SHSE:600449) CN13.54 CN26.68 49.3% Helens International Holdings (SEHK:9869) HK$0.90 HK$1.78 49.6% HD Renewable Energy (TWSE:6873) NT$108.00 NT$210.97 48.8% Hainan Jinpan Smart Technology (SHSE:688676) CN95.84 CN189.38 49.4% Fuji Media Holdings (TSE:4676) 3556.00 7052.10 49.6% BEAUTY GARAGE (TSE:3180) 1433.00 2851.77 49.8% Auntea Jenny (Shanghai) Industrial (SEHK:2589) HK$86.95 HK$171.00 49.2% Click here to see the full list of 226 stocks from our Undervalued Asian Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener. Let's uncover some gems from our specialized screener. Overview: Anhui Ronds Science & Technology Incorporated Company offers machinery condition monitoring solutions for predictive maintenance in China and has a market cap of CN5.85 billion. Operations: Anhui Ronds Science & Technology's revenue segments focus on providing solutions for machinery condition monitoring within the predictive maintenance sector in China. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 30.6% Anhui Ronds Science & Technology is trading at CN66.49, significantly below its estimated future cash flow value of CN95.76, highlighting its undervaluation based on cash flows. The company's revenue and earnings are forecast to grow at 26.3% and 27.91% annually, respectively, outpacing the broader Chinese market in revenue growth but slightly trailing in earnings growth. Despite an unstable dividend history and a modest return on equity forecast of 15.8%, its strong projected growth underscores potential value for investors focused on cash flow metrics. SHSE:688768 Discounted Cash Flow as at Feb 2026 Overview: Zhejiang Jiemei Electronic And Technology Co., Ltd. operates in the research, development, production, and sales of electronic packaging materials, electronic-grade film materials, and composite current collectors both in China and internationally, with a market cap of CN17.44 billion. The New Shares were offered only to Australian based sophisticated and/or professional investors; none were offered or sold to investors in Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction outside of Australia. The New Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. The 46,977,778 New Shares will be issued on the Company's Australian securities register under the Company's existing placement capacity pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1A. Settlement of the New Shares is subject to receipt of all corporate and regulatory approvals, including approval from the TSXV Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). Accordingly, the Company intends to submit its application to the TSXV for final acceptance promptly. a discount of approximately 13% to the closing price on the TSXV on Friday, February 13, 2026. a discount of approximately 15% to the 15-day VWAP on ASX up until 16 February 2026; and The Placement involves the issuance of 46,977,778 million New Shares at A$0.18 (approximately CDN$0.17) per share (the "Offer Price") to Australian investors. Austral Gold's Non-Executive Chair, Eduardo Elsztain said: "We are pleased to partner with Aitken Mount Capital Partners on this Placement and the opportunity to introduce new Australian investors to the Company's share register. The funds to be raised are expected to support our ongoing exploration and development programs, further underpinning Austral's strategy across its operational clusters in Chile (Guanaco) and Argentina (Casposo)." Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) ("Austral" or the "Company"), an established gold producer, is pleased to announce that it has received A$8.456 million of firm commitments for a private placement (the "Placement") of new fully paid ordinary shares (the "New Shares") from Australian sophisticated and institutional investors. Proceeds will enable Austral to accelerate exploration programs in Chile and Argentina and to expand processing capacity at Casposo and Guanaco. Placement expected to introduce new Australian sophisticated and institutional investors, enhancing the depth of the Company's share register. Story Continues Austral intends to use the Proceeds from the Placement as follows: Accelerate exploration programs in Guanaco and Casposo, focusing on areas near the Company's 100%-owned processing facilities, including the Manantiales Project in Argentina and Juncal Project in Chile; Invest in capital expenditure (capex) to expand processing (milling) capacity at Casposo, including the acquisition and construction of the classification plant to process tailings, and to increase agitation leaching capacity at Guanaco through the addition of a second filter press; and Working capital purposes, including costs of the Offer. At the closing of the Placement, the Company will pay to Aitken Mount Capital Partners a commission equal to 5% plus GST. Indicative Timetable An indicative timetable for the Placement is set out below. This timetable may be subject to change at the Company's discretion, in compliance with applicable laws and the listing rules of the ASX and policies of the TSXV. Key Event Date (Australia) Trading halt lifted and Placement announcement 17 February 2026 Settlement of New Shares 2 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV Allotment of New Shares 3 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV Issuer gives a notice to ASX in accordance with sub-sections 708A(5)(e) and 708A(6) of the Act in respect of the Placement Shares 3 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV Quotation of Placement Shares commences 3 business days after final acceptance by the TSXV About Austral Gold Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets. Under its equity investments pillar, Austral holds shares and options in ASX-listed Unico Silver, as previously disclosed in the September 2025 Quarterly Report. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.australgold.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Release approved on behalf of the Board by the Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva. For additional information please contact: David Hwang Jose Bordogna, CFA Joint Company Secretary Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary Austral Gold Limited Austral Gold Limited david@confidantpartners.com jose.bordogna@australgold.com +61 433 292 290 +61 466 892 307 Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections and statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statement in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected completion of the Placement; the anticipated timing of settlement, allotment, and quotation of the New Shares; the Company intention to submit its application to the TSXV for final acceptance promptly; the intended use of proceeds from the Placement; planned exploration and development activities in Chile and Argentina; the expected expansion of processing capacity at Casposo and Guanaco; and the Company's broader operational, financial, and strategic objectives. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves; and other risks and hazards related to the exploitation and development of mineral properties, as well as the availability of capital. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284128 Backbase, a provider of AI-powered banking platforms, has teamed up with financial data network Plaid to address data fragmentation in the banking sector. The collaboration will see Plaids real-time data connectivity incorporated into Backbases platform. This integration is intended to help banks simplify customer onboarding, consolidate account information, and provide personalised financial services. Backbase global vice president and ecosystem partnerships head Mayank Somaiya said: Data is only valuable when it is actionable and understandable. By integrating Plaids aggregation and enrichment capabilities, we are enabling banks to move beyond raw transaction lists. We are providing a pre-integrated solution that gives customers a holistic, 360-degree view of their financial health -enriched with the clarity they expect -without the burden of building it from scratch. The joint initiative aims to eliminate issues related to legacy system integrations and improve the transparency of financial data across multiple sources. The new solution is available worldwide through Backbases website, where banks can find technical assistance and implementation support. Plaid currently connects with more than 12,000 financial institutions and 7,000 fintech companies. Backbase supports over 100 banks globally. Plaid partnerships head Adam Yoxtheimer commented: Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing whats possible in financial services, but only with strong data foundations. By combining Plaids real-time connectivity and intelligence with Backbases Banking Platform, more banks can access the permissioned data and corresponding insights needed to deliver enhanced, personalised experiences. In April last year, Backbase partnered with Salt Edge to support open banking adoption. "Backbase and Plaid partner to streamline bank data integration" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The European Commission has accused TikTok of designing its platform in a way that may be addictive particularly for minors marking a major step under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This marks the first time the European Union (EU) has treated platform addictiveness as a systemic risk under the DSA. If the findings are confirmed, TikTok could be forced to redesign key parts of its app and potentially face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue, a significant amount given the scale of its parent company, ByteDance. Addictive By Design? In its preliminary findings, the Commission said TikToks infinite scroll, autoplay functions, push notifications, and its highly personalised recommender system create what it describes as an addictive design. Regulators argue that these features continuously reward users with new content, fuelling the urge to keep scrolling and shifting users brains into autopilot mode. According to the Commission, TikTok failed to properly assess how its design choices could harm users physical and mental well-being, particularly minors and vulnerable adults. Officials pointed to indicators such as: A high amount of time that minors spend on the app at night Frequent app-opening patterns Limited friction when dismissing screen-time warnings Parental controls that require extra effort to activate The Commission believes TikToks current screen-time management tools are not sufficiently robust to mitigate these risks and do not meaningfully reduce excessive usage. A First For The Digital Services Act While the law under the DSA has previously been used to address misinformation and transparency issues, this is the first time it has directly challenged a platforms core design as a threat to mental health. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen described the findings as part of a broader effort to protect young users from systemic harms linked to social media platforms. What Could Change? The Commission has signalled that TikTok may need to: Disable or significantly modify infinite scrolling Introduce stricter, more effective screen-time breaks including night-time limits Adjust its recommendation algorithms Strengthen parental control systems TikToks Response TikTok has strongly denied the allegations. Spokesperson Paolo Ganino called the findings categorically false and entirely meritless, saying the company would use every means available to challenge them. Under the DSA process, TikTok now has the right to review evidence and submit a written defense. The European Board for Digital Services will also be consulted before a final decision is made. Given the scale of TikToks parent company ByteDance, even a 6% fine could amount to billions of euros. Broader Impact On Big Tech The case could have wider consequences beyond TikTok. Platforms like Meta which owns Facebook and Instagram are already under investigation for similar design practices. Digital rights advocates such as Jan Penfrat from European Digital Rights (EDRi) believe the TikTok case could become a template for how the EU handles attention engineering across the sector. For Brussels, this investigation is about more than just one app. It is about defining what responsible platform design should look like in the digital age. By explicitly classifying addictive design as a systemic risk, the EU may be setting a legal standard that other countries could soon follow. Whether TikTok ultimately changes its design or fights the ruling in court, one thing is clear: Europe is drawing a line against the mechanics of endless scrolling that was once considered standard practice in social media design. Billionaire Thomas Pritzker, 75, has stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels over his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Pritzker, cousin to Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, is the latest notable figure to face consequences after the Department of Justice was compelled to release millions of documents relating to Epstein, who died in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges. Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced Pritzkers retirement from his prominent role on the Board of Directors on Monday. Pritzker had served as executive chairman since 2004. Pritzker, who is married to Margot Pritzker, said in a statement, My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship, which he said means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret. Billionaire Thomas Pritzker has stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels over his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize) I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner. I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims. Hyatts president and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, will take over as chairman of the board effective immediately. The Epstein files revealed that Pritzker kept in contact with the disgraced financier long after he pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. In an email exchange from 2018, reported by several outlets, Epstein asked Pritzker to help arrange a trip to Asia for Karyna Shuliak, who was reportedly his girlfriend. When Pritzker asked what she was going to do there, Shuliak responded, Going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey. Pritzker said, May the Force be with you, along with a smiley-face emoji. Thomas Pritzker, cousin to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, had communicated with Jeffrey Epstein long after he pleaded guilty to sex crimes (US Department of Justice) In 2003, Pritzker had messaged Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting and abusing girls with Epstein, about a dinner party. Maxwell mentioned that there would be five models serving at the party, and Pritzker suggested having the guests be servers and the models be guests. This would be far more fun, he wrote in the exchange, per The Wall Street Journal. Pritzker had also messaged Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting and abusing girls with Epstein (US Department of Justice) The Independent has reached out to JB Pritzkers office for comment about his cousin stepping down from the Hyatt board. Other prominent figures to face repercussions for their ties to Epstein are former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler and talent agency founder Casey Wasserman. Republican Representative from Kentucky, Thomas Massie, and Democratic Representative from California, Ro Khanna, who both led the push to release the Epstein files, shared the news of Pritzkers retirement from the Hyatt board on social media. India court clears mega project on sensitive island Mumbai, India, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 India's environmental court has given the go-ahead to the strategically significant Great Nicobar infrastructure project despite widespread concerns of ecological damage to the island in the Andaman Sea. The National Green Tribunal on Monday dismissed a batch of petitions objecting to the mega project on ecologically sensitive Great Nicobar island, saying "adequate safeguards" had been taken into account. The infrastructure plan involves building a transshipment port, airport, power plant and a township on the island, located close to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is looking to pour billions of dollars into connecting the island to global trade routes, after the project was granted initial environmental approvals in 2022. India's environment minister last September called it a project of "strategic, defence and national importance" which would transform Great Nicobar into a major hub of maritime and air connectivity in the Indian Ocean region. The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago has also long been seen within India as key to countering China's growing influence in the region. But activists say the infrastructure drive may adversely impact the ecology of the island, result in the felling of hundreds of thousands of trees and harm the interests of local tribal groups. The Nicobarese community has expressed fears over dispossession of their ancestral land, which was devastated in the 2004 tsunami. Lawmaker Jairam Ramesh from the opposition Congress party called the tribunal's approval "deeply disappointing". "There is clear evidence that the project will have disastrous ecological impacts," he said in a post on X, warning of "long-term consequences". asv/abh/mtp Mumbai to host Prince William's 2026 Earthshot prize London, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 India's financial capital, Mumbai, will this year host British Prince William's Earthshot Prize, which supports initiatives that help tackle environmental crises such as climate change, organisers said on Tuesday. Launched in 2020, the annual prize champions what it terms "groundbreaking leadership" and cutting-edge solutions. The past five host cities were Rio de Janeiro in 2025, Cape Town in 2024, Singapore in 2023, Boston in 2022 and London in 2021. As with previous competitions, this year's winners will receive one million pounds ($1.3 million) each "to accelerate the impact of their innovative solutions", organisers said. This year's prize will highlight environmental solutions under five categories -- Protect and Restore Nature, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, Fix our Climate and Clean our Air. The choice of Mumbai focuses attention on India's struggle to combat air pollution. A 2024 study in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution. India is home to more previous Earthshot prize winners and finalists than any other country. Prince William described it is as one of the world's "most important forces" for climate and nature. "What succeeds in India at scale has the power to inspire progress everywhere," he said. "With the largest population of young people in the world, there is a real sense of momentum -- to not only imagine a better future, but to inspire change and make it a reality. "Together we can rise to meet our greatest challenge, to repair and restore our planet by 2030." The heir to the British throne has attended every Earthshot prize ceremony so far, all of them in November Press Release from Business Wire: ProAmpac (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 CINCINNATI, Feb 17, 2026 (BSW) - ProAmpac , a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, announces the expansion of its ProActive Recyclable(R) RP-2000 High Barrier Series. This curbside recyclable, fiber-based packaging platform is designed to help brands transition away from traditional non-recyclable high-barrier multilayer structures, such as paper/foil, paper/metalized polyethylene terephthalate (METPET), and certain film laminations. The RP-2000 platform provides strong barriers to oxygen and moisture, making it well-suited for sensitive dry food products such as oatmeal, granola, cereal, spices, snacks, dried fruits, and nuts. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217779741/en/ ProAmpac's RP-2000MHB Series "Supporting the growing Fiberization of Packaging(R) movement, and as adoption of fiber-based structures accelerates, it is critical that ProAmpac continues to expand the functional performance envelope of paper-based materials. These technologies enable brands to transition to curbside recyclable packaging while maintaining required barrier properties, package integrity, and filling-line efficiency," said Hesam Tabatabaei, chief technology officer at ProAmpac. Designed for flexibility across common package styles, the RP-2000 High Barrier Series is available in different pouch formats and rollstock, maintaining strong performance throughout the package's life. Its durable construction offers excellent flex-crack resistance and maintains its barrier properties during handling and folding. It also offers high-quality printing capabilities, enabling brands to create distinctive designs on natural kraft, bleached, or clay-coated paper. "RP-2000 High Barrier platform was created to give brands a drop-in curbside recyclable solution with minimum adjustment on filling lines and has successfully trialed on a super high-speed HFFS line running up to 900 packs per minute," says Adam Edinger, global innovation engineer for ProAmpac. "It delivers dependable performance in a fiber-based format that aligns with today's expectations." For more information about ProAmpac's sustainable packaging solutions, please contact [email protected] or visit ProAmpac.com. About ProAmpac ProAmpac is a leading global flexible packaging company with a comprehensive product offering. We provide creative packaging solutions, industry-leading customer service and award-winning innovation to a diverse global marketplace. ProAmpac's approach to sustainability - ProActive Sustainability -- provides innovative sustainable flexible packaging products to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals. We are guided in our work by five core values that are the basis for our success: Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, Involvement, and Impact. Cincinnati-based ProAmpac is owned by Pritzker Private Capital along with management and co-investors. For more information, visit ProAmpac.com or contact [email protected]. About Pritzker Private Capital Pritzker Private Capital partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products and services sectors. The firm's differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217779741/en/ Contact Whitney MilesProAmpac(617) 721-7040[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. 'Climate cult' hurts Europe's economy: US energy secretary tells AFP Paris, France, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 A "climate cult" has weighed on Europe's economy, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told AFP on Tuesday, adding that the United States has shown its allies "tough love" because it wants them to become stronger. "All of the United States' tough love is to try to get Europe to have a stronger military, stronger energy system, stronger economy, to be better, stronger allies with us," Wright said in an interview in Paris. Cue the sad trombone: Hedge fund billionaire John Paulson a major Trump donor and advocate of tariffs is shuttering his Ohio brass instrument plant and offshoring work to China, according to a new report. Paulsons company Conn Selmer, the nation's top maker of orchestral and brass instruments, notified employees it will shift most of its East Lake plant operations to Asia by July, triggering about 150 layoffs, The Guardian reported. Employees were informed of the decision last month, when they expected to negotiate a new union contract, according to United Auto Workers Local 2359, which represents the workers. The employees said the company unveiled a new plant in China in 2025, and that work has slowly shifted to that location. However, workers in Ohio had previously been told their jobs were not in jeopardy. Workers there expressed deep dissatisfaction with the decision, with one saying, It really pisses me off, while another said they felt betrayed. John Paulson, a billionaire Trump donor and tariff advocate, is moving his his Ohio manufacturing plant to China, according to a new report (Getty Images) A representative for Conn Selmer confirmed that, should a tentative decision be finalized, the firm will move some production out of the country, according to the outlet. A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. Paulson who is worth an estimated $4 billion, according to Forbes has been a major backer of the Republican president for years. During Trumps first presidential campaign, Paulson served as an economic advisor, and he raised $50 million for the president at a 2024 fundraiser in Florida. He was also shortlisted to serve as treasury secretary, a position that was ultimately given to another hedge fund investor: Scott Bessent. Paulson, who raised $50 million for Trump at a fundraiser in 2024, has spoken in support of tariffs in the past (Getty Images) Paulson has also expressed support for Trumps tariff agenda. Shortly before the 2024 election, he told Semafor that a 10 to 20 percent tariff to boost American manufacturing would be reasonable. It would result in higher import prices, he said. But on the other hand, it supports domestic manufacturing, so you get more jobs, more investment in the US, more taxes. Two months earlier, Paulson told CNBC that Trumps tariff plans were well-founded. Hes also publicly opposed moving jobs overseas. We cant have American producers closing American factories and offshoring, he told the outlet. We need to protect American jobs and protect American manufacturing, Robert Hines, president of UAW Local 2359 and a worker at the Conn-Selmer plant in Ohio, said Paulsons latest decision smacks of hypocrisy. To go publicly on CNBC to support the Trump administrations positive views on tariffs and all that stuff, and then you turn around and [say you] want to go send the work right over to China, Hines told The Guardian. Its a slap in our face. 'Climate cult' hurts Europe's economy, US energy secretary tells AFP Paris, France, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2026 A "climate cult" has weighed on Europe's economy, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told AFP on Tuesday, adding that the United States has shown its allies "tough love" because it wants them to become stronger. Wright is attending ministerial meetings at the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) this week, months after US-European ties were rattled over President Donald Trump's bid to acquire Greenland. In an interview with AFP, Wright said Europe can count on the United States as a reliable partner despite the tensions over the Danish autonomous territory. He also defended Trump's decision last week to repeal the legal basis for US climate rules, downplaying concerns about rising carbon emissions. "That's been sort of a side effect of the modern world," said Wright, a former fracking magnate. "The real impact is the world's a little bit warmer, a little bit greener, a little bit wetter ... And all the policies, noise in Europe, in the US, and all that, don't even move the needle on that." The EU's climate monitor, however, says the last three years have been the hottest globally on record, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming. - 'Tough love' - Asked what message he had for Europe, Wright said: "We just need to be serious and sober about energy. Energy makes people's lives better." He said the "climate cult" has driven up energy prices in Europe while the continent produces less of it. "It has reduced economic opportunities for Europeans," he said. "We want a strong, powerful, industrial, wealthy, prosperous Europe." EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said last month that there were increasing worries over Europe becoming too dependent on the United States for liquefied natural gas (LNG) following the Greenland spat. Europe vowed to buy huge amounts of fossil fuels from the United States as part of a trade deal to end a tariffs row last year. "Geopolitical turmoil in the wake of the crisis in Greenland has been a wake-up call," Jorgensen told reporters. Speaking to AFP after a conference at the French Institute of International Relations think tank, Wright said Europe should not worry as the United States remained a "stout ally". Trump has a "very aggressive" style but "there was never a possibility the US was going to invade Greenland", he said. "In fact, all of the United States' tough love is to try to get Europe to have a stronger military, stronger energy system, stronger economy, to be better, stronger allies with us." He said the United States would not use LNG as political leverage. "We will be a rock solid, reliable supplier of LNG to Europe," Wright said. - 'Crazy policy' - Wright, who is attending IEA meetings in the French capital on Wednesday and Thursday, has been critical of the organisation's focus on renewable energy and threatened to withdraw the United States if it did not reform. The 31-member IEA was founded in 1974 to help coordinate collective responses to major disruptions of supplies in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. Wright told AFP that IEA has "made some first steps" to reform but still has "a long way to go". "A lot of the IEA work is focused on climate change and the Paris net zero thing," he said. Scientists say that the world must reach net zero emissions by 2050 if it is to reach the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 1.5C above preindustrial levels. "That's a crazy policy," Wright said. "Climate advocacy groups can do what they want, but you can't have climate advocacy within an honest group that's about energy security." - Trump's 'revolutionary' Venezuela idea - Wright's trip to Paris comes a week after he became the highest-ranking US official to visit Venezuela since US special forces captured and overthrew socialist leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Trump, he said, had "a revolutionary geopolitical idea. And so far it's working swimmingly". The goal, he said, is to "dramatically grow" Venezuelan oil production, improve the lives of Venezuelans, and reduce the "criminal and migration and kidnapping" threats on the United States. Since Maduro's capture, around $1 billion in oil revenue has flowed through US-controlled accounts, Wright said, adding: "All the money is going back to Caracas." 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 Brexit. JFKs assassination. That blue and black or white and gold dress. All vaguely impressive sources of debate, but sorely lacking in the drama and volatility of The Independent culture desks first few days in a post-Wuthering Heights world. Emerald Fennells grass-eating, dough-molesting bodice-ripper adapted loosely from Emily Brontes literary touchstone has been the canary in the coal mine for our offices here, helping surface long-standing tensions and sharpening inter-desk rivalries. No, I kid. Weve all just really, really disagreed with one another on it, Fennell comfortably reaffirming her position as the most divisive filmmaker currently working. Questions are constant. Was Margot Robbie supposed to act like that?; Jacob Elordi gold tooth yay or nay?; Did I enjoy Wuthering Heights or was there a gas leak in my cinema?, and so on. At the insistence of our HR department, weve been asked to calmly express our fractured feelings about the film here, and publicly declare that each of our interpretations of the movie are valid. They do not reflect positively or negatively on their respective writers, and no one will be mocked, commended or jeered at for their thoughts on Emerald Fennell. Phew. I entered the Odeon on a Friday night hoping for one thing and one thing only from Wuthering Heights: a truly excellent Martin Clunes performance. On this count, Wuthering Heights delivered. Is Martin now in his prestige era? Is Doc Martin about to do a Colman and go Hollywood? Otherwise, though, the film elicited a big old shrug from me; it was nowhere near as clever and scandalous as Emerald Fennell clearly thought it was. Her tendency to relentlessly aestheticise just ended up stripping out all the emotion and nuance, leaving one of the most strange and fascinating books of all time feeling flat and empty. Its easy to get caught up in the hatred of Wuthering Heights because yes, the acting is dodgy in parts and yes, as an adaptation, it really does dumb down Emily Brontes classic but when I feel myself start to give in to the no-fun-having naysayers, I remember that I was actually having a good enough time sitting in the cinema watching the movie. Between the highly stylised Yorgos Lanthimos-lite set, Charli xcxs soaring soundtrack and all the sexy, silent longing going on, theres plenty to distract from the films obvious pitfalls. Sure, theres nothing deep or meaningful here, but does there always have to be? open image in gallery Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights ( Warner Bros ) Few directors polarise opinion quite so much as Emerald Fennell. For most, her films are either brilliant or an unmitigated disaster. I thought Wuthering Heights was fine. At its best, its a bold, glistening, schlocky melodrama with a Charli xcx score that burrows its way into your ear. At its worst, though, it drags and isnt that hot? Best enjoyed with lots of wine. I loathe this film. I think it says plenty about todays film industry and its condescending belief that audiences arent smart enough for anything other than superficial takes on actual art perhaps it also says that Emerald Fennells Oxford degree in English Literature was wasted on her. Wuthering Heights is a challenging book, perhaps, but that doesnt mean its central themes colonialism, destructive love, revenge, religious hypocrisy, class conflict arent entirely relevant today. None of that transpires in her film, though, and instead we have a Charli xcx music video that follows Fennells teenage interpretation of Heathcliff and Cathy as star-crossed lovers torn apart by a simple misunderstanding. I have to wonder about the opening scene, too. What was Fennells reason for depicting a gormless, lust-fuelled group of villagers led into an orgasmic frenzy at the sight of a hanged mans erect penis? Way to tell us how you feel about your audience. Respectfully, everyone needs to calm down. Book adaptations are made all the time, and while this one in particular veers very far away from the source material I would argue that the only semblance to Brontes novel is the characters names this is a wildly entertaining and aesthetically beautiful movie. I walked into the cinema expecting to dislike it, put off by the deafening pre-release discourse and the awfully smutty trailer. But it made me laugh, cry and cringe. I had to cover my eyes on occasion (mainly at the many uncomfortable and squelchy fish-poking, egg-yolky scenes). Plus, the soundtrack does the heavy lifting when you find yourself becoming irritated at the dodgy accents. Watch it with an open mind, and you might just have a nice time. open image in gallery Margot Robbie as Cathy in Wuthering Heights ( Warner Bros ) Expect to see a faithful interpretation of a challenging literary classic, and Im not surprised youd sneer at this film but I dont think for a moment that is what Emerald Fennell was trying to do. This is porn for women, pure and simple; an adaptation that is to Wuthering Heights what Bridgerton is to Pride and Prejudice. Its actually genius, once you view it through the lens of erotic fan fic thats taken the essence of what many people (incorrectly) think the book is about forbidden love ending in tragedy and thrown in everything that, ahem, gets us going: high production values, sumptuous outfits and romantic leads with all of the sexual chemistry and none of the inconveniently problematic traits of the original characters. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Listen, I was sceptical. Fiercely devoted to the source material and wildly bored by Emerald Fennells Saltburn, I was a day-one hater of this adaptation from the first casting announcement. But as I sat in the packed theater on opening night, I felt myself involuntarily surrender each time Charli xcxs autotuned howl swept over the misty moors. Overlooking the gaudy costumes (I overheard a woman in the theater bathroom saying they looked AI-generated) and Fennells signature third-act perversion (it only worked with Alison Olivers genius), I somehow became charmed by Jacob Elordis little earring and was earnestly sobbing by the end of the film. While I still do wish she had just written her own movie, you have to respect Fennells commitment to the bit found in her own desire, no matter how pathetic and possessive it looks. Whats one thing we famously know about the novel Wuthering Heights? Its a bit much. And what is the one thing we could all confidently say about Emerald Fennells big-screen, hugged-by-quote-marks Wuthering Heights? Its a bit much. Almost too much. And thats kind of why I loved it. Emily Brontes only novel has given female artists from Kate Bush to Sylvia Plath the confidence to be a bit much for years now, and theres something joyful in embracing that artistic maximalism that Fennell grabs with both hands. Its too bright, too ribald, and everyone is far too beautiful. Its not faithful to the book (phew, IMO), but its faithful to its spirit (the first half, anyway). Sometimes I wanted Fennell to stop getting distracted by pretty things and let the sexual tension simmer between her two doomed lovers, but also, its not that kind of film. And who cares when a film is this fun? Im fascinated and a bit thrilled by the divisiveness. Are we still this gatekeepery about GCSE set texts? Still so unwilling to meet a womans artistic vision on its own terms? Wuthering Heights is a bit much its meant to be. 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 Gwyneth Paltrows daughter Apple Martin has set the record straight over claims that she was dismissed from school for bullying another student. The 21-year-old daughter of Oscar-winning actor Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin took to Instagram on Monday (16 February) to debunk the rumour, which started spreading online following her debutante debut at the Paris Le Bal des Debutantes in 2024. Just a quick little message from myself, she wrote in a now-deleted Instagram story. Hi! I didnt wanna respond, but this narrative is completely false and has gotten so out of hand. I have never been expelled from any school, especially not for bullying anyone. I completely understand ppl not liking me, and that is OK! The internet is a place where ppl can share their opinions. Martin clarified that the rumour is completely untrue, adding: I am not that type of person, and anyone who is close to me knows that. She ended the statement with a heart emoji. The young model is currently studying at Nashvilles Vanderbuilt University, having graduated from Los Angeles Crossroads School in 2022. open image in gallery Apple Martin denied claims that she bullied a fellow student, telling her Instagram followers that the rumours were getting out of hand. ( Instagram: @applemartin ) However, unverified rumours began spreading online two years later that Martin had been expelled from another LA high school for bullying her classmates. Before Martin denied the claims herself, she was defended by a fellow French debutante, who dismissed the idea that shes a mean girl. It came after a clip was shared online by French magazine Paris Match of Martin seemingly upstaging a photograph at the debutante ball in 2024. The fashion event takes place annually, and is a ceremony in which 20 women between the ages of 16 and 20 are introduced into society. In the footage, fellow debutante Loppin de Montmort was seen posing for a photo before Martin stepped into shot, forcing de Montmort to move to the side. After social media viewers branded Martin a mean girl as a result, de Montmort told People: [Apples] genuinely the nicest girl ever. She really doesnt deserve an ounce of what shes getting. She was the nicest girl ever towards not only me but all the debs! open image in gallery Apple Martin with her mother Gwyneth Paltrow ( Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images ) Last week, Martin revealed that she wants to follow in her mothers footsteps by focusing on acting after graduating from university with a degree in law, history and society this May. She told Vogue: I love dancing and I love acting. My dream is to act. Paltrow and Martin welcomed their first child, Apple, back in May 2004 and their son, Moses, two years later in April. The couple married in December 2003 but split after 10 years of marriage, announcing their conscious uncoupling in March 2014. 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 The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola paid tribute to his longtime collaborator Robert Duvall, describing him as a great actor after the actors death on Monday at the age of 95. Duvalls death was announced by his wife, Luciana, who said the actor passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. On Tuesday, Coppola posted a message on Instagram, writing: What a blow to learn of the loss of Robert Duvall. Such a great actor and such an essential part of American Zoetrope from its beginning: The Rain People, The Conversation, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, THX 1138, Assassination Tango. American Zoetrope is the film production company founded by Coppola and The Phantom Menace director George Lucas in 1969. Duvall, who played the Mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), worked with Coppola on the seven films the director named in his tribute. The actor received a best supporting actor nomination at the Oscars for his role of Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now (1979). De Niro, who co-starred with Duvall in The Godfather Part II and True Confessions, said in a statement: God bless Bobby. I hope I can live till Im 95. May he Rest in Peace. Pacino starred as Michael Corleone in Coppolas seminal gangster movie and its sequels with Duvall earning his first Oscar nomination as best supporting actor for the role of Hagen, the adopted son of Don Vito Corleone. In a statement to the Press Association, Pacino said: It was an honour to have worked with Robert Duvall. He was a born actor as they say, his connection with it, his understanding and his phenomenal gift will always be remembered. I will miss him. British actress Jane Seymour posted a picture of herself with Duvall on Instagram and recalled working with him on the 1995 film The Stars Fell On Henrietta. She wrote: There are actors who perform, and there are actors who inhabit a role completely. Robert Duvall did the latter. Those moments off camera were just as memorable as the work itself. Alec Baldwin shared an emotional video message on Instagram, saying Duvall occupied a very unusual place in my life and that he just destroys you in his screen debut in 1963s To Kill A Mockingbird, playing the mysterious Boo Radley. George Lucas, Robert Duvall, and Francis Ford Coppola at the premiere of 'THX 1138' in September 2004 at the Guggenheim Museum ( Getty Images ) Fellow actor Josh Gad said: Duvall was simply one of the greatest to ever do it he wasnt just in film, he defined it through the ages. Duvall was nominated for seven Academy Awards, but had to wait until 1984 before winning for his portrayal of a country music star recovering from alcoholism in Tender Mercies. Adam Sandler, who starred alongside Duvall in Netflixs 2022 sport comedy Hustle, praised him as one of the greatest actors we ever had on Instagram, adding: Funny as hell. Strong as hell. Viola Davis, who acted alongside Duvall in Widows, said: Ive always been in awe of your towering portrayals of men who were both quiet and dominating in their humanness. The White Lotus actor Walton Goggins, who starred alongside Duvall in 1997s The Apostle, thanked him for changing his life and for his years of friendship, in an emotional tribute on Instagram, while Michael Keaton who acted alongside Duvall in 1994s The Paper said he was greatness personified as an actor. Luciana Duvall, who announced the news of her husbands death in a post on his Facebook page, paid a heartfelt tribute to the film star. The statement said: Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Duvall was nominated for eight Golden Globes and won four, including for his portrayal of the cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove for which he secured his first Emmy nomination. It was not until 2007 that he won the accolade for the hit western Broken Trail. 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 Shia LaBeouf has been arrested while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Transformers actor was detained shortly after midnight Tuesday after an alleged brawl at a bar outside of the French Quarter, the New Orleans Police Department said in a statement shared with The Independent. According to police, the 39-year-old was charged with two counts of simple battery and remains in a Louisiana jail after receiving medical attention from paramedics. Police said LaBeouf was acting aggressive at a bar on Royal Street, leading a staff member to kick him out of the building. Once outside, LaBeouf allegedly punched a man with closed fists several times. LaBeouf then left the area but came back, acting even more aggressive, police said. Multiple people attempted to hold [LaBeouf] down he was eventually let up in the hopes that he would leave but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victims upper body, police said. He then allegedly assaulted another person by punching him in the nose and was held down until police arrived. Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans ( Getty ) LaBeouf, who has previously said he was sober after multiple rehab treatments, had reportedly been partying in the city for days leading up to his arrest. A bartender who served the controversial former child star on Thursday told The Hollywood Reporter: He is terrorizing the city! Other bartenders and patrons told the outlet that LaBeouf was inebriated and belligerent throughout the weekend, as he was spotted at several bars across the city throughout Mardi Gras weekend. His representatives did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. LaBeouf is known for his publicly erratic behavior and has a history of legal issues, including a 2020 lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs that alleged sexual battery, assault and emotional abuse. The lawsuit was settled in July 2025. The Holes star was first arrested in 2014 on charges of disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal trespass during a Broadway performance of Cabaret, leading to him seeking treatment for alcoholism. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct at the time and the other charges were dropped. Three years later, LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and obstruction. Bodycam footage from the incident showed LaBeouf making racial outbursts during his arrest, which he later attributed to his alcoholism. After pleading no contest to disorderly conduct, LaBeouf was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to seek anger management and substance use treatment. LaBeoufs most recent arrest was in 2020, when he was charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft and pleaded not guilty. The charges were dropped after he completed a court-ordered diversion program. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Billy Steinberg, who co-wrote some of the biggest hit songs of the 1980s, has died. He was 75. The Fresno-born songwriter, primarily a lyricist, formed a partnership with musician Tom Kelly. They were behind a string of number one hits including Madonnas Like a Virgin, Cyndi Laupers True Colors, the Bangles Eternal Flame, Whitney Houstons So Emotional and Hearts Alone. Steinberg died Monday after a long battle with cancer, his attorney Laurie Soriano told The Independent. He was born William Steinberg on February 26, 1950, and grew up in Palm Springs, the son of a successful grape farmer. He studied literature at Bard College in upstate New York. In 1980, when Steinberg was 30, his band Billy Thermal was signed to a record contract by producer Richard Perry. Although the group never released an album, one of Steinbergs songs How Do I Make You was covered by Linda Ronstadt and became a top 10 hit. Two more of his songs were covered by Pat Benatar. The following summer Steinberg met Kelly, who had also written for Benatar, at a party. They decided to form a songwriting team, with Steinberg focusing on lyrics and Kelly writing the music. open image in gallery Billy Steinberg, who has died at 75, performing in New York in 2011 ( Getty ) open image in gallery Tom Kelly (left) and Billy Steinberg performing together in 2011 ( Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame ) In 1983, while working at one of his fathers vineyards, Steinberg wrote the lyrics to Like a Virgin. Kelly recorded it as a demo which made its way to Madonna, who recorded it as the title track for her second album with producer Nile Rodgers. The single became a huge hit in 1984, spending six weeks at the top of the U.S. charts. Neither Steinberg or Kelly met Madonna until after the song had become a huge hit. Writing on his personal website, Steinberg recalled that they were eventually introduced to her at a Hollywood party that the pop star was attending with her then-partner Warren Beatty. Warren Beatty started to laugh, thinking it was a joke because Madonna would have surely already known the writers of her signature song, wrote Steinberg. I gave her my biggest smile and said, Madonna, Ive wanted to meet you for so long. She said, Well, now you did, grabbed Warren and walked away. I was devastated. Tom started to laugh... I think its funny now. And Ive never met Madonna since. open image in gallery Madonna and Warren Beatty together in 1990 ( Brenda Chase/Online USA/Getty ) After the success of that song, Steinberg and Kelly continued to work together productively on a string of hit singles, including Roy Orbisons I Drove All Night, Divinyls I Touch Myself and The Pretenders Ill Stand by You. After Kelly retired in the 1990s, Steinberg had further success writing or co-writing songs including Celine Dions Falling Into You and Demi Lovatos Give Your Heart a Break. Steinberg is survived by his wife, Trina; his sons, Ezra and Max; his sisters, Barbara and Mary; and his stepchildren, Raul and Carolina. In a statement shared with The Independent, Ezra Steinberg said: As a father, he passed down not only his love of music, but his discipline, integrity, and reverence for great songwriting. He believed in building things that last in art, in relationships, and in legacy. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Shrove Tuesday is here, and the annual tradition of pancake flipping, as well as the familiar sight of plastic lemon juice bottles, once again takes centre stage across the UK. While the classic sugar and lemon crepe remains a beloved staple, its simplicity, much like a margherita pizza, offers competence without true culinary ambition. This year, however, presents an opportunity to transcend the ordinary and embrace a more adventurous approach to your Pancake Day feast. For those seeking a more substantial offering, American-style buttermilk pancakes, perhaps even paired with chorizo, or the cloud-like Japanese souffle pancakes, promise a truly indulgent experience. Health-conscious diners need not miss out, with options ranging from gluten-free and vegan creations to a savoury spinach and ricotta pancake that could easily serve as a main course. And for a sophisticated twist on toppings, consider swapping traditional syrup for vibrant pomegranate and lime, the on trend blend of matcha and white chocolate, or the exotic notes of Thai-inspired banana and cinnamon, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds. In short, its time to up your game. Frying pans at the ready this lot is worth the wrist workout. Buttermilk pancakes and cornflake fried chicken open image in gallery The only thing better than pancakes for dinner? Pancakes with fried chicken ( St Ewe Free Range Eggs/Where The Pancakes Are ) This is a hearty and delicious dinner for six people. If you make the batter and marinate the chicken the day before, these pancakes will be hot on the table in 30 minutes. Marinating the chicken thighs and making the batter the day before, will make this actually a very speedy Pancake Day dinner. Serves: 6 Ingredients: For the buttermilk pancakes: 360g of flour use any flour or mix of flours (spelt, buckwheat, white, pastry) 10g baking powder (2 tsp) 10g bicarbonate of soda (2 tsp) 5g sugar 5g salt 225ml buttermilk (or kefir) 2 egg yolks (keep the whites and whip into a foamy mass) 125g melted and cooled butter For the cornflake fried chicken: 150ml buttermilk 10g salt 10g pepper 150g of chicken spice blend 10g oil spray For the sriracha mayonnaise: 300g mayonnaise 100g sriracha To serve: 500g rocket 6 rich yolk eggs Kimchi Method: To make the buttermilk pancakes: Note: You can make the batter up to 48 hours before using, and whatever batter is leftover, you can freeze. 1. Mix all the dry ingredients well: flour, bicarbonate, baking powder, sugar, salt. 2. Separate the eggs in two separate bowls. 3. Mix all wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, egg yolks. 4. Add the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Use a spatula and make circular movements around the bowl, folding the wet into the dry until you have a lumpy mass you still want to see some flour un-mixed. 5. Add 100g of the cooled melted butter into the mixture and fold slowly with a spatula until the butter is mixed in. 6. With a hand mixer, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then fold these gently into the batter. Set aside and start making the chicken. To make the cornflake fried chicken: 7. The night before cooking, marinate the chicken thighs (1 per person) in buttermilk, pepper and salt. Cover and place in the fridge. 8. When ready to cook, heat oven to 210C. 9. Remove the chicken thighs from buttermilk and cover well in the chicken spices, then put back in the buttermilk. 10. Put the cornflake in a shallow flat bowl or oven pan and press the chicken down firmly into the cornflakes whilst flattening the chicken and covering it all over with the broken cornflakes. 11. Place chicken on paper in metal tray. Spray oil on top of the cornflaked chicken, cover loosely with a lid or foil and cook for approximately 20 minutes. To make the sriracha mayonnaise: 12. Mix both ingredients and serve at room temperature. When ready to cook your meal (while the chicken is in the oven): 13. Heat a large pan to a medium/high temperature, with a brush add the melted butter and when bubbly add the batter. A small ladle (120g) per person. 14. When the underside is golden and the top has no more visible liquidity, flip and cook till done. Final steps: 15. When the chicken is in the oven, the pancakes are bubbling and baking, get the rest of your dinner ready. Place kimchi and sriracha mayonnaise in bowls on the table for your family and friends to help themselves. 16. Fry the eggs the way you like them best, but our preference is sunny side up fried in a bit of butter and olive oil. 17. Think burger: place one pancake on a plate, top with a handful of rocket, place the crispy chicken on top, followed by a fried egg. Voila, here is your Pancake Day dinner served. Recipe from St Ewe Free Range Eggs and Where The Pancakes Are Fluffy pancakes with chorizo, streaky bacon and golden syrup open image in gallery Proof that pancakes arent just for breakfast. Or the faint-hearted ( Dimitris Legakis/Athena Pictures ) Makes: 12 Ingredients: 220g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 eggs 300ml whole milk Pinch salt 2-3 spring onions plus extra for garnish 120g mild chorizo 50g mature cheddar cheese 50g butter for frying For the topping: 8-10 streaky bacon rashers 2-3 teaspoons chilli jam 4 tbsp Lyles Golden Syrup Method: 1. Chop the chorizo into small chunks then fry on a medium high heat for a few minutes until the oil starts to seep out. Remove from the pan and set aside. 2. Make the pancake batter add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs to a bowl and whisk together. While whisking, slowly add the milk until it is all added. Dont over mix; it will be a thick mixture! 3. Stir in the finely chopped spring onions, cooled chorizo and cheese. 4. Heat your pan on a medium high heat and add a teaspoon of butter, making sure it covers the surface of the pan. 5. Add your pancake batter with a spoon or ladle and fry until the pancake starts to bubble, then flip over and cook for a further minute. 6. Once you have cooked all your pancakes, you can keep them in a warm oven to keep warm while you cook the bacon topping. 7. Chop the bacon and fry in butter till crispy, 8. Stack your pancakes as high as you wish, top with a dollop of chilli jam, and sprinkle over the crispy bacon lardons and more of the spring onions. 9. Finish off with a generous drizzle of Lyles Golden Syrup. Recipe from Lyles Golden Syrup Smoked salmon crepes with thyme open image in gallery French elegance meets a Sunday brunch hangover cure ( Dimitris Legakis/Athena Pictures ) Makes: 12 Ingredients: 70g plain flour 150ml whole milk 1 egg 2 spring onions very finely chopped For the filling and topping: 100g creme fraiche 100g smoked salmon Squeeze of lemon juice Pinch of salt and pepper Sprig of fresh dill finely chopped 2 tbsp Lyles Golden Syrup Method: 1. Add the flour to a bowl and make a well, crack the egg into the well and start mixing with a fork or whisk. 2. While whisking, slowly add your milk until fully incorporated and a smooth batter forms. Set aside for 30 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, finely chop the spring onion and dill. 4. Stir the dill and a little squeeze of lemon juice into crem fraiche then set aside. 5. Once the batter has rested, heat up your pan on a medium high heat, add a teaspoon of butter and coat the pan. 6. Use a ladle to add the batter to the pan then move the pan around to coat the whole pan. Immediately sprinkle the crepe with some of the spring onions to evenly coat. Cook until it starts to bubble and is golden (about 1 minute) use a pallete knife to flip the pancake over as carefully as you can. Cook for a further 30-45 seconds. 7. Once all your pancakes are cooked you can fill them. Spread a tablespoon of creme fraiche onto one half of the pancake, then add a layer of the smoked salmon. Fold the other half of the pancake on top of the filling, then fold in half again. 8. Plate the pancakes then drizzle over a teaspoon of Lyles Golden Syrup and a few spring onions. Recipe from Lyles Golden Syrup Classic American pancakes open image in gallery Big, fluffy and ready to be drowned in maple syrup ( Miele ) Ingredients: 130g plain flour, sieved 1 tsp baking powder tsp salt 2 tbsp golden caster sugar 130ml whole milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten 2 tbsp melted butter (allowed to cool slightly), plus extra for cooking Maple syrup Handful of berries Method: 1. Place the flour, baking powder, salt and caster sugar into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk together the milk and egg, then whisk in the melted butter. 2. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and, using a fork, beat until you have a smooth batter. Allow the batter stand for a few minutes. 3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add a knob of butter. When the butter has melted, add a ladle of batter. 4. Once the top of the pancake begins to bubble, turn it over and cook until both sides are golden brown and the pancake has risen. Repeat until all the batter is used up. 5. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and berries, or your favourite toppings of choice. Recipe from Miele Fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes open image in gallery The reason your frying pan now has a lid ( Getty/iStock ) Ingredients: 150g self-raising flour tsp baking powder tsp bicarbonate of soda tsp sea salt 1tbsp. vegetable oil 180ml whole milk 2 eggs, divided 2tbsp. caster sugar tsp. white wine vinegar Oil spray Method: 1. Combine the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a bowl. Add the milk, egg yolks, oil, whisk well and set aside until needed. 2. Using an electric whisk, start whisking the whites and the vinegar and when frothy, add the sugar a little at a time until fully incorporated. 3. Gently fold in the whites into the batter and set aside. 4. Using a large non stick frying pan over a low heat, grease two non stick crumpet rings and place them in the pan. Fill the rings about two thirds full with the pancake batter, put a lid on and cook for about 10 minutes on a very low heat. 5. Flip the rings very carefully and cook for an extra two minutes. 6. When ready, keep warm and serve with cream and maple syrup, or whipped coconut cream, ground cardamom, passion fruit and coconut chips. Recipe from Miele Gluten-free and vegan banana and berry pancakes open image in gallery Virtuous, yes, but still worth stacking high ( STAUB/Naturally.B ) Makes: 8 pancakes Ingredients: 145g jumbo oats 300ml oat milk 1 ripe banana 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp baking powder Coconut oil (to cook) Toppings: Coconut yoghurt Blueberries Raspberries Strawberries Pecans Desiccated coconut Method: 1. Mash the banana and mix with the oat milk and maple syrup. 2. Place the oats into a food processor along with the baking powder and blitz until the oats are a flour consistency. 3. Slowly add the banana mixture to the oats and blitz until combined. 4. Heat a little coconut oil in a cast iron pan over a low heat. 5. Use a ladle to spoon out one scoop of the pancake batter. 6. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes then use the wooden spatula to flip the pancake and cook for a further 1-2 minutes on the other side 7. Repeat until all the batter is used. To serve, top with coconut yoghurt, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pecans and desiccated coconut and enjoy! Recipe from STAUB and Naturally.B Salmon and avocado crepes open image in gallery The kind of pancake that makes you feel like youve made an effort ( STAUB/Naturally.B ) Ingredients: 150g plain white flour or gluten free flour 3 eggs 320ml oat milk 50ml water 15g butter (melted and cooled) Pinch of salt Toppings: Spinach Smoked salmon 1 avocado Plain yoghurt Chilli flakes Fresh coriander Juice of half a fresh lemon Method: 1. Add the flour and salt to a bowl and mix until combined. 2. In a separate bowl, add the eggs and beat well. 3. Add the oat milk, water and butter to the eggs and whisk together. 4. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture a little at a time and whisk until a smooth batter is formed. 5. Cover the batter with cling film and place in the fridge to chill for 1 hour. 6. Remove the batter from the fridge and stir slightly. 7. Heat a little butter to grease a cast iron pan over a low heat. 8. Use a ladle to spoon out one scoop of the batter and use the wooden spreader to create a circular crepe shape. 9. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges turn golden and use the wooden spatula to help flip. 10. Cook for a further 30 seconds. 11. Repeat until all the batter is used. 12. To serve, top with the spinach, smoked salmon, slices of avocado, plain yoghurt, a sprinkle of chilli flakes, some fresh coriander and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enjoy! Recipe from STAUB and Naturally.B Fresh lemon pancakes and breakfast blinis Ingredients: 100g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp caster sugar 300ml almond milk 50g plant-based butter (melted) Rind of one whole lemon 1 medium ripe banana 1 tbsp self-raising flour 50ml sunflower oil Method: To make the lemon pancakes: 1. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and add the sugar. Stir. 2. In a separate bowl, add 300ml almond milk with the zest of one lemon. 3. Using a hand mixer to combine, spoon the flour into the milk and continue to mix until the batter is smooth. 4. Melt the plant butter in a small dish and stir into the batter. 5. Place the batter in the fridge and allow to rest for an hour. This resting period allows the gluten in the flour to absorb the liquid and gives the batter a thicker consistency, producing a lighter pancake. 6. For best results, use a flat pancake pan over a medium heat. Ensure the pan is hot, then add a teaspoon of sunflower oil, circling the pan to evenly coat the bottom of the pan with oil. 7. Pour away any excess oil into a separate side dish to use for the next pancake. 8. Spoon a ladle of the batter onto the hot, oiled pan and again, circle the pan to ensure the batter reaches the sides. Place back onto the hob. 9. Once the sides of the pancake start to brown, gently lift around the edges and underneath with a flat spatula and gently turn over to brown the other side. To make the breakfast banana blinis: 10. Mash a banana in a bowl. 11. Take half of the lemon pancakes batter made in the above and add to the banana with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix well. 12. Follow steps 6-8 in the above, but use a tablespoon in place of a ladle to make blini sized pancakes. 13. Serve alongside the lemon pancakes and enjoy! Recipe from Dualit Silver Dollar Pancakes (Sandia Chang, Kitchen Table) On a typical Shrove Tuesday, I make American-style silver dollar pancakes for my kids in the morning. Theyre named after their small size and are really fun to stack up, says Sandia Chang, co-founder of Kitchen Table. We normally serve them with maple syrup and have them for breakfast that day. Then, in the evening, my husband James (Knappett, co-founder of Kitchen Table) will make us traditional English pancakes for dessert after dinner. He serves them classic, with sugar and lemon juice. Ingredients: 1 cups all-purpose flour 3 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp baking powder tsp salt 1 cups milk 3 tbsp vegetable oil 2 eggs, separated Method: 1. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt to a large bowl. Whisk to combine. 2. In another bowl (or I use a large liquid measuring cup) combine the milk and vegetable oil. Add the egg yolks to the milk and whisk to break up the yolks. 3. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to combine. There will still be small lumps. 4. Place the egg whites in another bowl and beat until they have stiff peaks. 5. Add about of the stiff egg whites to the pancake batter and stir it in to combine and lighten the batter. 6. Add the remaining egg whites and gently fold until no white streaks appear. 7. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Grease with butter or with nonstick cooking spray. 8. Pour about the size of a "silver dollar" of batter onto the hot griddle. Let the pancakes cook until bubbles form, then flip and continue to cook until browned and cooked through. 9. Continue with the remaining batter until all of the pancakes are cooked Recipe from Sandia Chang, co-founder of Kitchen Table Puffy pancakes For crepes, I would always say add an extra egg yolk, make sure the batter is thin enough and give it a good rest before cooking, says Emily Cuddeford, co-founder of Twelve Triangles. Makes: 9 large or 14 little ones Ingredients: 220g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 40g caster sugar A pinch of salt 3 eggs 150g buttermilk (the thick stuff from the supermarket) 30g butter Method: 1. Weigh the dry ingredients into a bowl. 2. Melt the butter in the frying pan you will use to cook the pancakes, then wipe off the excess with kitchen roll. 3. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk with the melted butter. Add this into the dry ingredients and whisk to mix, it will be quite thick and start to bubble as the bicarb starts to react with the acid from the butter milk. 4. On a medium heat, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the frying pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, you will see bubbles start to come through the batter and you are looking for them to be a nice deep golden colour on each side. 5. Serve with yoghurt, roasted rhubarb and sweet dukkah for some crunch. These are also great with butter and jam if you have leftovers. Recipe from Emily Cuddeford, co-founder of Twelve Triangles Thai-inspired banana and cinnamon pancakes Serves: 2-3 Ingredients: For the pancake batter: 200g plain flour 2 large eggs 300ml whole milk 25g melted butter 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 1 ripe banana, mashed 1 tsp Thai cinnamon tsp vanilla extract For the topping: 2 bananas, sliced 200ml sweetened condensed milk 2 tbsp butter tsp Thai cinnamon Optional: crushed peanuts Method: 1. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, mashed banana, Thai cinnamon and vanilla extract until well combined. 3. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and gradually whisk in the wet mixture until you have a smooth batter. Let rest for 15 minutes. 4. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small knob of butter and let it melt. 5. Pour about 60ml of batter into the pan, tilting to spread evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface. 6. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes. 7. For the topping, in a small pan, melt the butter and add the sliced bananas and Thai cinnamon. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the bananas are slightly caramelised. 8. To serve, stack the pancakes, top with the caramelised bananas, drizzle generously with condensed milk, and sprinkle with extra Thai cinnamon. Add crushed peanuts if desired. Recipe from Sebby Holmes, chef-founder of Farang Dutch baby pancake with mixed berries open image in gallery A Yorkshire puddings cooler, sweeter cousin ( Ocado ) This puffed-up pancake recipe is fun to make and can be a perfect weekend brunch. Best enjoyed in your pyjamas with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Serves: 2 Time: 30 mins Ingredients: 60g plain flour tsp baking powder 60g caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp 4 medium eggs 240ml whole milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 30g unsalted butter 100g berries 1 tsp icing sugar, to serve 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, to serve Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Sift the flour, baking powder and sugar into a medium mixing bowl with a pinch of salt. 2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs then add the milk and vanilla extract. Slowly pour this into the dry ingredients, whisking to avoid lumps. Rest the batter for at least 30 mins (or prepare the day before and keep in the fridge overnight). 3. Heat a 23cm ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat. Add the butter to the pan, ensuring it coats the bottom and sides as it melts. Turn the heat up to high and gently pour all the batter into the pan, then drop the berries into the middle. 4. Cook until the outside of the batter begins to set about 2 mins. Remove the pan from the heat and pop into the preheated oven. Cook for 15-20 mins until the pancake puffs up like a yorkshire pudding. 5. Remove from the oven and leave on the side to cool for a few minutes. Then dust with icing sugar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Recipe from Ocado Sour cherry, sweet ricotta and honey pancake open image in gallery Italian-inspired and dangerously easy to eat ( Ocado ) This Italian-inspired twist on the traditional sweet pancake replaces zingy lemon with the subtle tartness of sour cherry jam. Serves: 2 Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 5 mins Ingredients: 125g plain flour 1 egg 300ml whole milk 1 tbsp butter, for frying 2 tbsp sour cherry conserve 1 tsp icing sugar 4 tbsp ricotta 1 handful flaked almonds, toasted 1 drizzle honey Method: 1. Sift the flour and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl, make a well and crack the egg in. Add half the milk and slowly stir into the flour. Beat to make smooth, and stir in the remaining milk. If you have time, let it stand for a few mins. Stir again before using. 2. Heat a small frying pan until hot, then turn to medium. Melt a knob of butter and ladle in enough batter to coat the base of the pan thinly. Swirl to spread evenly. 3. Cook for 2 mins, or until set and just crisping at the edges. Turn and cook the other side. 4. Meanwhile, stir a drop of warm water into the sour cherry conserve to loosen and whip the icing sugar into the ricotta. 5. Serve the pancakes, dust with icing sugar, if liked, and top with a spoonful of each topping, the almonds and a drizzle of honey. Recipe from Ocado Matcha, white chocolate, raspberry and pistachio layered crepe cake open image in gallery The pancake for people who take Shrove Tuesday seriously ( Ocado ) Patricia Trijbits founder of Where the Pancakes Are restaurants has created this pretty pastel Matcha, white chocolate, raspberry and pistachio layered crepe cake using her ultimate pancake batter. The recipe will work without the matcha powder too, or for a pink version try adding berry powder instead. Serves: 10 Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 35 mins Ingredients: 25 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for for frying 600ml double cream, 150 for toppings 2 tsp matcha green tea powder, or berry/acai powder (optional) 150g white chocolate, finely chopped 1 tbsp runny honey 100g raspberries 25g roasted pistachios, roughly chopped Method: 1. Wipe a 20cm frying pan with butter or oil using kitchen towel and place on a medium-high heat. Pour in 60ml of the batter mix, tilting the pan to create a thin layer. Cook for 1-2 mins, and when the underside is golden brown, flip the pancake over and cook for another 1-2 mins. Repeat to use up all the batter, then keep the pancakes in the fridge until you need them. The mix should make 12-15 pancakes. 2. To make the ganache, heat 300ml of the cream and the 25g butter in a small pan set over a medium heat, until hot. 3. If youre using one of the matcha or berry powders, put the powder into a mixing bowl, add 1 tbsp of the hot cream and stir until you have a thick paste. Add the chocolate to the bowl, then pour over the remaining hot cream and add the honey. Leave to stand for 1 min, then stir gently until the chocolate has melted. Or, if youre not using matcha or berry powder, simply put the chocolate into a mixing bowl, add the hot cream and the honey, and stir to combine until silky smooth. 4. Allow the ganache to cool a little, then chill in the fridge for 4-5 hrs (or overnight) until very thick and beginning to set. Remove from the fridge, add 150ml of double cream and use a balloon whisk to beat the mixture by hand until its thick and can hold its own shape. 5. To assemble the cake, place a pancake onto a serving plate or cake stand, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread over 1-2 tbsp of the ganache. Repeat to use all the pancakes, then chill for 15 mins to firm up. Meanwhile, to make your topping, whip the remaining 150ml of double cream to soft peaks. 6. Remove the cake from the fridge, spoon the whipped cream onto the top, then decorate with the raspberries and scatter over the pistachios. Cut into wedges and serve, or cover and chill for a few hours until serving. Recipe from Ocado Porridge pancakes with caramelised banana and pecans open image in gallery Leftover porridge, but make it decadent ( Ocado ) Hands up who frequently over-judges the amount of porridge you'll eat in the morning? It doesnt have to be wasted. Now you can pop the extra in the fridge for a deliciously oaty weekend brunch. Soaking oats, or leaving porridge in the fridge, breaks down the starch, which makes it softer and easier to digest. The other benefit of soaking oats is that it reduces the phytic acid, which can inhibit the absorption of zinc and iron. Part of the joy of pancakes is the topping. Here weve created a real humdinger. Sweet, banana-ery and crunchy, which is all offset with a dollop of sourness courtesy of the Greek yoghurt. You might make a little extra porridge just to keep for these pancakes. Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 7 mins Ingredients: 75g porridge, (use leftover porridge if you can!) 175ml milk 75g wholemeal flour, (or you can use spelt flour) tsp baking soda 1 egg 1 tbsp coconut oil, for frying 1 handful pecans 2 bananas, sliced 2cm thick 2 tbsp maple syrup 4 heaped tbsp greek yoghurt Method: 1. Place the porridge in a large bowl and stir in a splash of the milk to loosen, then add the flour, baking soda and egg. Mix together, adding the rest of the milk slowly, until it's the texture of thick double cream. 2. Heat a little oil in a frying pan. Pour enough batter into the pan to make a small, plump pancake. You might be able to fit a few in the pan. Cook for 2 mins, until just set. Flip and cook for 2 mins more. Cook in batches until all the batter is used. Remove and keep warm. 3. Place the pecans and banana slices in the pan, fry for 2 mins on each side until golden. Stir in the maple syrup, let it bubble for a second and serve over the warm pancakes with yoghurt. Recipe from Ocado Buckwheat pancake cannelloni open image in gallery Pancakes for dinner. No, really ( Ocado ) Our twist on Italian cannelloni swaps out pasta tubes for thin, rolled up pancakes stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mix of spinach, lemon and thyme. Buckwheat isn't wheat at all (it's actually a seed, which can be ground to make flour like we've used here) so is gluten-free, as well as being high in fibre and protein. Serves: 4 Time: 40 mins Ingredients: 6 eggs 300g buckwheat flour 1 tsp salt 400ml whole milk 800g spinach, washed 400g creme fraiche 1 lemon, zested 1 small handful thyme springs, leaves picked 200g gruyere, beaufort or cheddar, grated 1 pinch nutmeg, grated 100g butter Method: 1. Beat together 3 of the eggs. Place the flour and salt in a bowl and stir in the eggs. Mix the milk with 200ml water and slowly drizzle into the flour, beating until you have a batter the consistency of single cream. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 2. Meanwhile, make the filling. Put the spinach in a large pan(you will probably have to do half at a time), cover with a lid and place over a medium-high heat for about 5 mins, stirring a few times, until the spinach has collapsed and wilted down. Drain the spinach in a sieve, pushing with the back of a wooden spoon to squeeze out every last drop of liquid that you can. Put the spinach on a board, roughly chop and then transfer to a bowl. 3. Whisk the creme fraiche with the remaining 3 eggs, lemon zest, thyme and two-thirds of the cheese. Season with salt, pepper and a generous grating of nutmeg. Mix half of this through the spinach and set aside. 4. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Melt half the butter and stir into the batter. Melt 1tsp of the remaining butter in a heavy-based frying pan over a medium-low heat and, when hot, add one-eighth of the batter. Swirl it around the pan so that it is evenly coated, then allow to cook until bubbles appear on the surface, about 2 mins. Toss the pancake and cook for 1-2 mins on the other side. Continue with the remaining batter to make a stack of pancakes, laying baking parchment between each. 5. Spread a couple of spoonfuls of the creme fraiche mix over the base of a small oven dish. Spread one-eighth of the spinach mix along one edge of each pancake, then roll up and place in the oven dish, seam down. Once you have rolled all the pancakes, spoon over the remaining creme fraiche mix, sprinkle over the rest of the cheese and bake for 15-20 mins until golden on top. Leave to cool for a moment before serving with a green salad Recipe from Ocado Pomegranate, lime and coconut pancakes open image in gallery Fresh, fruity and just the right amount of fancy ( Doves Farm ) Makes: 8 Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 limes 2 eggs 2 tbsp oil 25g Doves Farm Organic Coconut Flour tsp Doves Farm Bicarbonate of Soda 50g pomegranate seeds Rum, optional Oil, for frying pan Maple/sugar free syrup, to serve Method: 1. Finely grate one of the limes, squeeze the juice of both. 2. Put all the lime into a mixing bowl standing on measuring scale, add a splash of rum if used and add water to make 100ml/100g of liquid. 3. Break the eggs into the bowl, add the oil and whisk together. 4. Add the flour and bicarbonate of soda and beat until the batter thickens. 5. Lightly oil a non-stick frying pan and put it over a gentle heat. 6. Drop large tablespoons of the batter into the pan and spread the mixture out to make 7.5/10cm/3-4 wide circles. Scatter some pomegranate seeds onto each pancake. 7. Cook over a medium heat until the pancake is fully set and the base golden, about 4-5 minutes, then very carefully turn over and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. 8. Transfer the pancakes onto a warm plate and repeat until the batter is used. 9. Serve warm with maple or sugar free syrup. Recipe from Doves Farm Buckwheat, spinach and ricotta pancakes open image in gallery Savoury, cheesy and smugly nutritious ( Doves Farm ) Makes: 6 Time: 10-15 minutes Ingredients: For the buckwheat pancakes: 100g Doves Farm Organic Buckwheat Flour Pinch salt 2 eggs 300ml milk Butter for cooking For the spinach and ricotta filling: 1 small onion 25g butter 300g spinach 250g ricotta tsp salt tsp black pepper Pinch ground nutmeg For the topping: 1 tbsp olive oil 50g parmesan, grated 25g pine nuts Method: To make the buckwheat pancakes: 1. Put the flour into a large bowl, add the salt and stir to combine. 2. Break the eggs into the bowl, add 150ml of milk and beat to a smooth paste. 3. Stir in the remaining 150ml of milk to make a thin batter. You can use the batter immediately or refrigerate for up to 12 hours if you wish. 4. Put a little butter into a frying pan and get the pan nice and hot so the butter lightly covers the surface. 5. Stir the batter then spoon or pour some into the hot pan, rolling it out to the edges. 6. Cook the pancake, loosening the edges, until the base is golden. 7. Turn it over and cook the other side. 8. Transfer the pancake to a plate. 9. Repeat until the batter is used. 10. The pancakes can be left, covered and chilled, for up to a day before proceeding. To make the spinach and ricotta filling: 1. Finely dice the onion into a frying pan. 2. Add the butter and put the pan over a gentle heat. 3. Cook gently until the onion is translucent. 4. Add the spinach, cover and continue cooking until the spinach has wilted. 5. Remove the pan from the heat, tip the spinach into a mixing bowl and leave to cool. 6. Open the ricotta and drain off any liquid. 7. Tip the ricotta into the cooled spinach. 8. Add the salt, pepper and nutmeg and stir to combine. To serve: 1. Pre-heat the oven. 2. Lay the pancakes out on a clean work surface. 3. Divide the spinach mixture between the pancakes, spreading it in a line across each pancake. 4. Roll up the pancakes and transfer them to an ovenproof dish. 5. Sprinkle the olive oil over the pancakes. 7. Dust the pancakes with the grated parmesan. 8. Scatter the pine nuts over the top. 9. Bake until the pancakes are heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Recipe from Doves Farm 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 With the lunar new year now upon us, theres no better time than this festival to lean into your full Chinese selves and understand what this season requires of you, and what superstitions you may want to take on board. Growing up in a Chinese family in Singapore, my year was consistently marked by various traditional celebrations and rituals and never more so at the start of the new year. The lunar new year is about sweeping away the old and welcoming in new and positive energies, such as good health and wealth. Also known as the spring festival, it marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. The first day of the new year starts with the new moon and ends on the full moon. The first two days of the new year are when I mostly focus my attention, faithfully following the long list of dos and donts. According to Chinese custom, no dusting or sweeping is allowed during the 15 days of the new year period... otherwise, you will be sweeping away good fortune and prosperity. While Im only fussy about this on the first couple of days of the new year, I still stick to the tradition of no haircuts during the full season of 15 days. The Chinese word for hair is a homonym for prosperity. So cutting hair means you risk cutting off fortune and wealth. This is also why we dont wash our hair on the first day of the new year; we dont want to wash away what the year might bring. open image in gallery Worshippers clean a sacred figure statue ahead of the lunar new year celebrations, welcoming the year of the horse, at the Amurva Bhumi temple, in Jakarta, Indonesia ( Reuters ) Wearing red clothes is also seen as ensuring good luck and protection against evil spirits. Black and white, the colours of mourning, must be avoided. Dont take out the rubbish and stay away from lending money: you will be breaking your connection with good fortune, and it will be flowing away for the rest of the year. And no crying and arguments on the first day; it could mean conflicts throughout the year. The week leading up to the first day of the new year will have been full of preparations: meal planning, dusting and cleaning. This Year of the Fire Horse, according to Chinese metaphysics, is full of momentum and bold transformation, but also unruly and combustible. The combination of the horse zodiac animal and the fire element is considered rare and intense. One of my friends commented that it makes me want to go lie down. open image in gallery The new lunar year of the fire horse brings with it superstition and myths about what will bring good fortune ( Reuters ) When I was growing up, during the lunar phases of the new moon and full moon, we had to eat vegetarian food for the day a traditional practice in Buddhist culture. The numerous gods in Chinese culture (the Goddess of Mercy, the Goddess of the Sea, the Kitchen God are just the tip of the iceberg) remind me of Christian saints St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, the environment, and ecology; St Jude is the go-to for lost causes; and St Cecilia for music and musicians. Theres a god for everything. open image in gallery Thanks to Chinamaxxing, everyone and their pekinese are now well aware of the benefits of warm water ( Getty ) The Malaysian-born American comedian Ronny Chieng has a whole stand-up section about our obsession with the God of Money (Caishen). When my brother moved into his new house, he rolled a pineapple into the house upon opening the door, symbolising the arrival of prosperity and good fortune. I have heard of some people rolling a pineapple into every single corner of their new home for the fullest and most thorough blessings, and also because its just quite funny. Myths, history and legends are threaded into the customs and stories passed down through the generations. Asian children are told off for pointing at the moon as its disrespectful to point at the Moon Goddess who lives there. Groceries must never be placed on the floor; they have to go on the table. Not just for hygiene reasons, but also out of respect for the food. Of course, there is always a symbolic meaning alongside these commonsense practices. Putting food on the floor is interpreted as treating blessings carelessly, which is believed to bring bad luck. The Kitchen God is always watching. It was while idly scrolling through Instagram that I was stopped short by a post that seemed to know all these things about me. So you want to be more Chinese, here are the 10 things you need to know. Why was it asking me to be Chinese? I am Chinese! Yes, I do all of the things in the post and more. After some rooting around, I was introduced to the new trend for Chinamaxxing people who are now declaring themselves to be at a very Chinese time in their lives. At first, I wasnt sure if it was racism or cultural appropriation. But Chinamaxxing does, in truth, seem to be a celebration of Chinese culture rather than a criticism. Sherry Zhu, a Chinese-American TikTok content creator, was influential in popularising the trend. Laugh-out-loud memes, informative posts about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), absurdist humour 5,000 years of Chinese culture in a meme possibly 8,000 years if this archaeologist is proved right. How incredible is that? When my Chinese family and friends visit us in London, they always whisper and ask me for a glass of warm water, like its a dirty secret. Thanks to Chinamaxxing, everyone and their pekinese are now well aware of the benefits of warm water. Irrationally, I now feel self-conscious when Im drinking warm water. Even when Im all alone in the kitchen. My evolution into a full-blown Chinese auntie, however, has been gradual. When I hit perimenopause, I turned to using dong quai (also known as female ginseng) to help me through brain fog and hot flushes. Remembering the wisdom exchanged between my grandmother, mother and aunties, I started to switch my Chinese frequency to maximum. My collection of medicated oil expanded. To my lone tiger balm ointment, I have now added Axe brand universal oil, red flower oil, and nutmeg oil. In Chinese medicine, there is an oil for every ailment. And yes, I do abide by the adage that if it still hurts, then just apply more. open image in gallery Children touch a relief sculpture of the pig for good luck at the White Cloud Temple in Beijing ( Getty ) For all fully-fledged middle-aged Chinese aunties, food and wellness are one and the same. Food contains energetic properties, and the yin-yang bodily balance must be maintained. Cucumber is cooling. Fried food is heaty. Rice goes with everything, and for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Generic long grain rice tastes of nothing, but fragrant jasmine rice? Now that is the king of rice. Food is central to Chinese culture, and its often on our minds. When the post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us was on air, and people reeled from the Cordyceps fungus that turned humans into violent creatures, my immediate thought was, Eat the cordyceps, goddamit! Theyre really tasty in a herbal soup. Cordyceps is a highly prized traditional Chinese medicine. In more than 25 years of living in London, it hasnt always been easy to live my Chinese identity under the Western gaze. So its liberating to see Gen-Zers embracing Chinese culture, their curiosity and interest encouraging me to live my full Chinese-ness in broad daylight. Hopefully, Chinamaxxing is more than just a fad and will last beyond the Year of the Fire Horse. I want people to discover the richness of Chinese history, culture and diaspora. open image in gallery A sales clerk runs out the doorway as a traditional Lion dance performer reaches to grab an offering of lettuce hanging from the doorway at a Beijing shopping mall ( Getty ) Some of my Chinese auntie ways are specific to my Straits-Chinese heritage, and every Westerner indulging in a spot of Chinamaxxing today should know we arent one amorphous mass; we come from different dialect groups, have different customs and food. My ancestors came from Hong Kong Island, Kinmen Island in Taiwan and Fujian region in China. In the 18th century, they ended up in Singapore and Indonesia for survival and trade. Even though they assimilated into the local Malay communities, they kept alive their Chinese traditions, language and culture. If theres one thing to take away from all of this Chinese flexing, it is how migrant groups can successfully integrate and transform within a host culture without ever losing their ancestral soul. I am all for everyone getting to know Chinese culture and appreciating its breadth and nuance. Perhaps the fire horse will ride us into a revolution of multiculturalism, with coexisting cultural identities within societies. It might happen. As long as we dont cut our hair. Bitcoin miner Bitdeer has overtaken MARA in terms of self-mining hash rate among publicly traded companies, establishing itself as an industry leader within the past month, according to JPMorgan analysts. At 63.2 exahashes per second (EH/s), Bitdeer is now allocating more computational resources to Bitcoins network for itself than MARA, analysts led by Reginald Smith wrote. MARA last reported a self-mining hash rate of 60.4 EH/s. The shakeup follows what analysts described as an impressive month for Bitdeer, in which the Singapore-based firm added 8 EH/s. In a production update earlier this month, Bitdeer said the growth was spurred by the deployment of proprietary SEALMINER mining rigs. For years, MARAs relentless fleet expansion set the sectors pace, but the company has rebranded as a digital infrastructure firm within the past year while prioritizing AI. That has involved a shift toward running AI workloads for MARAs customers. While MARA has traditionally relied on off-the-shelf hardware from giants like Bitmain, Bitdeer has taken a different approach with development of its hyper-efficient silicon. After recent deployments, Bitdeer mined 668 Bitcoin in January, a 430% increase year-over-year. Earlier this month, Bitdeer signaled that its evaluating leasing opportunities for data centers that could bring AI cloud services online for U.S. customers this year. Still, the firms Chief Business Officer Matt Kong said that the company will continue to deploy SEALMINER mining rigs this year, as well. Strategys Bitcoin Buying Accelerates as $48 Billion BTC Stash Sits Underwater Although Bitdeer is leaning into self-mining, the company also hosts Bitcoin miners for customers, while offering subscription plans for mining income. The company recently reported having 78.1 EH/s in total hash rate under management, with 13.0 EH/s for hosted operations. MARA no longer reports company-wide Bitcoin production. And considering the size of MARAs joint-venture operations in the Middle East, the company may still be an overall leader, as of December, per The Energy Mag. As Bitdeers self-mining activity has accelerated over the past month, so too has its selling. The company said it held 1,530 Bitcoin at the end of the month, down from 2,017 in December. With Bitcoin changing hands around $68,000, its holdings were worth $104 million. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The holy month of Ramadan is here, when Muslims across the globe embark on a period of fasting designed to test their spiritual strength and devotion. During this sacred time, adherents engage in prayer, Quranic recitation, and mindfulness, seeking to deepen their faith. The arrival of Ramadan was marked by diverse celebrations worldwide, from communal Iftar gatherings the breaking of the fast to household decorations and traditional culinary delights. The daily fast begins just before dawn with a modest pre-fast meal known as "suhoor," concluding after sunset with "iftar." Between these two meals, those observing the fast abstain entirely from food and even water. In 2026, Ramadan began on the Wednesday 18 February in the UK. It started with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon. But how should you greet someone who observes the holy month? Heres everything you need to know. How should you wish someone a Happy Ramadan? A saying familiar to many Muslims around the globe is, Ramadan Mubarak which simply means Blessed Ramadan. Another commonly used term is, Ramadan Kareem, which translates to Generous Ramadan, both terms are from Arabic origins. A Muslim woman praying. ( Getty Images ) These are some of the ways in which many Muslims welcome the fasting month between family, friends and neighbours, and is well used throughout the fasting month, when greeting people for the first time. Ramzan is another variation often used around the globe too, mainly around countries such as India and Pakistan. If you have Muslim colleagues, friends or neighbours, the simplest way to wish them a Happy Ramadan is by saying, Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem . Happy fasting and Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims around the globe! Why do Muslims celebrate Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and changes every year in accordance with the moon. Before the fasting month begins, Muslims around the world prepare and wait for the arrival of Ramadan to be announced by the Saudi moon sighting committee or their local mosque. Ramadan is an essential part of the Islamic faith and it is believed, that it is the month whereby the Holy Quran was first reveal to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). How do Muslims fast? The fasting process is between dawn to sunset and is a sign of loyalty to the Islamic faith, which means that Muslims must abstain from eating and drinking, and yes, not even water. Many Muslims fast as a reminder to remain patient, learn self-discipline and to build an understanding of those that are suffering around the world. Among many others, Ramadan is also one of the five pillars of Islam. The pillars are key practices that Muslims are obligated to fulfill throughout their lifetime. Who is exempt from fasting? Fasting is not permitted to those that are suffering from a mental or physical illness. Pregnant women who are breastfeeding and women who are menstruating, are also exempt. As well as travellers, and children who have not yet reached puberty. Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice On winter mornings in Harbin, where the air outside could freeze your eyelashes, I would wake up on a bed of warm earth. Harbin, where I grew up, is in northeast China. Winter temperatures regularly dip to -30C and in January even the warmest days rarely go above -10C. With about 6 million residents today, Harbin is easily the largest city in the world to experience such consistent cold. Keeping warm in such temperatures is something Ive thought about all my life. Long before electric air conditioning and district heating, people in the region survived harsh winters using methods entirely different from the radiators and gas boilers that dominate European homes today. Now, as a researcher in architecture and construction at a British university, Im struck by how much we can learn from those traditional systems in the UK. Energy bills are still too high, and millions are struggling to heat their homes, while climate change is expected to make winters more volatile. We need efficient, low-energy ways to stay warm that dont rely on heating an entire home with fossil fuels. Some of the answers may lie in the methods I grew up with. A warm bed made of earth My earliest memories of winter involve waking up on a kang a heated platform-bed made of earth bricks that has been used in northern China for at least 2,000 years. The kang is less a piece of furniture and more a part of the building itself: a thick, raised slab connected to the family stove in the kitchen. When the stove is lit for cooking, hot air travels through passages running beneath the kang, warming its entire mass. open image in gallery A traditional Chinese kang bed-stove ( Google Gemini, CC BY-SA ) To a child, the kang felt magical: a warm, radiant surface that stayed hot all night long. But as an adult and now an academic expert I can appreciate what a remarkably efficient piece of engineering it is. Unlike central heating, which works by warming the air in every room, only the kang (that is, the bed surface) is heated. The room itself may be cold, but people warm themselves by laying or sitting on the platform with thick blankets. Once warmed, its hundreds of kilograms of compacted earth slowly release heat over many hours. There are no radiators, no need for any pumps, and no unnecessary heating of empty rooms. And since much of the initial heat was generated by fires wed need for cooking anyway, we saved on fuel. open image in gallery Each winter the river freezes in Harbin, China ( AP ) Maintaining the kang was a family undertaking. My father a secondary school Chinese literature teacher, not an engineer became an expert at constructing the kang. Carefully building layers of coal around the fire to keep it alive over the night would be my mums job. Looking back, I realise how much skill and labour was involved, and how much trust families placed in a system that required good ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide risks. But for all its drawbacks, the kang delivered something modern heating systems still struggle to deliver: long-lasting warmth with very little fuel. Similar approaches across East Asia Across East Asia, approaches to keeping warm in cold weather evolved around similar principles: keep heat close to the body, and heat only the spaces that matter. About the author Yangang Xing is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. In Korea, the ancient ondol system also channels warm air beneath thick floors, turning the entire floor into a heated surface. Japan developed the kotatsu, a low table covered by a heavy blanket with a small heater underneath to keep your legs warm. They can be a bit costly, but theyre one of the most popular items in Japanese homes. Clothing was also very important. Each winter my mum would make me a brand new thick padded coat, stuffing it with newly fluffed cotton. Its one of my loveliest memories. Europe had similar ideas then forgot them Europe once had similar approaches to heating. Ancient Romans heated buildings using hypocausts, for instance, which circulated hot air under floors. Medieval households hung heavy tapestries on walls to reduce drafts, and many cultures used soft cushions, heated rugs or enclosed sleeping areas to conserve warmth. The spread of modern central heating in the 20th century replaced these approaches with a more energy-intensive pattern: heating entire buildings to a uniform temperature, even when only one person is home. When energy was cheap, this model worked, even despite most European homes (especially those in the UK) being poorly insulated by global standards. But now that energy is expensive again, tens of millions of Europeans are unable to keep their homes adequately warm. New technologies like heat pumps and renewable energy will help but they work best when the buildings they heat are already efficient, allowing for lower set point for heating, and higher set points for cooling. This highlights why traditional approaches to warming homes still have something to teach us. The kang and similar systems show that comfort doesnt always come from consuming more energy but from designing warmth more intelligently. I was always on track with both my childrens childhood NHS vaccination schedules thats until they reached their first birthdays. Until then, like many mums, I was just a little nervous about my little eight-week-old baby being jabbed in the thigh by a nurse with their first doses of the six-in-one vaccine, Rotavirus, and MenB vaccine because they cried so much and didnt understand what I was doing to them. After each immunisation was recorded in their red plastic medical book, though, I took a deep sigh of relief. I was told to give them Calpol if they developed a mild fever, irritability, or were harder to settle and to come back at 12 and 16 weeks for the second or third doses, plus the pneumococcal vaccine. No problem. I was so grateful they were protected against serious illnesses such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and meningitis. But when it got to the next phase of vaccines, when they turned one year old, I wasnt so sure. Like many parents, when it came to giving them the standard two-dose MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which has, since January, been replaced by the MMRV (also with varicella/chickenpox) for added protection against chickenpox, I felt like I needed more information. So, I turned it down. Yes that is right. I wanted to look into other options the single-dose jab. I felt like I wanted to research it properly. People condemned me for questioning the NHS protocol and worrying about, as I saw it, overloading their systems, but it felt like my prerogative to get it done privately in a more bespoke way if I wanted to. open image in gallery Vaccine hindsight: Charlotte saw the second round of her daughters vaccinations as potentially overloading their systems ( Charlotte Cripps ) I knew the risks, I knew they needed to be immunised against measles and rubella. Not just for them, but for other children too. And, it turns out, I was right to be worried. As we are seeing, there is now a dangerous measles outbreak in north east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and pre-school day care, with some being hospitalised and its being labelled as fast-spreading. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) claims to have found 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield, and its highly infectious. The viral illness can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated like my children, now nine and seven. And, according to reports in The Sunday Times, more than 60 suspected cases of measles in the area have been reported by seven schools and a nursery. A message posted on the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre for Health GP surgery said: During this recent outbreak, one in five children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised. It warned parents to make sure their children are up to date with all their immunisations. It sent shockwaves through some of my community of vegan mums, who, like me, have a gaping hole in our kids medical records. open image in gallery The spots of the measles rash, which are not usually itchy, are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches ( Alamy/PA ) While measles normally clears up within seven to 10 days, with symptoms including a high fever, coughing, sneezing and a blotchy red or brown rash, it can also lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. About one in 15 people with measles can become seriously ill. Babies, younger children, and of course, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system, including the elderly, are also at increased risk. So why, if I know all of this to be true, do I find myself in the situation of my children not being immunised? Im not alone in having missed the measles jabs. Just 64.3 per cent of five-year-olds in Enfield received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25 reportedly one of the lowest rates in the UK. Meanwhile, across the UK, recent figures reveal that children being given their first MMR jab in England fell from 91.9 per cent in 2015 to 2016 to 88.9 per cent in 2024 to 2025. The number of five-year-olds who have had a second MMR vaccine also fell from 88.2 per cent in 2015-16 to 83.7 per cent in 2024-25. And the uptake of second MMR jabs for five-year-olds has dropped significantly from 88.2 per cent in 2015 to 2016 to 83.7 per cent in 2024-25. open image in gallery Measles can be very contagious, so its important to seek medical attention ( Alamy/PA ) The UK is now one of six countries in Europe and central Asia that the WHO says are no longer measles-free, the others being Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. My daughters are now vulnerable to catching it and Im ashamed to say, passing it on as measles ravages London. Its clearly not because I dont care about them although no doubt many will accuse me of being neglectful, ignorant, and selfish even a murderer. But it was always my intention to get my children vaccinated against measles. I just wanted to make my own choices on how it was administered. Its a personal choice, surely and it would cost me 120 per jab. I was booked into BabyJabs in east London, a childrens vaccination clinic that offers a bespoke, tailor-made immunisation plan for children. Surely its better to respect parents concerns and get kids vaccinated in the way they want them to be vaccinated than to leave them unsupported and likely to back out of them. The injections that were unlicensed in the UK, but licensed by the WHO, could be prescribed by a GP thats until last year, when, according to the BabyJabs website, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulator Agency (MHRA) announced that it would no longer permit the importation of the single measles vaccine in the UK. open image in gallery I tried to get a single dose shot of the measles jab for my children so as not to overload their systems ( Getty/iStock ) But I missed the boat. When Covid hit in 2020 and 2021 and we were all in lockdown I had to cancel my appointment. I never got around to getting my children inoculated against measles. I am embarrassed to say that I actually forgot. Since hearing the worrying news that there is a measles outbreak that could pose real danger, Ive been calling other private clinics, which also claim to no longer do single-dose jabs, citing a national shortage. I cant get the single dose anywhere. My only option is now to get the MMR jab privately, if I dont want the added chickenpox overload. Its all very well to scream at me that the medical establishment knows best, and I should have had the MMR years ago, but I was also someone who got spooked with the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine. While I went to every Covid jab appointment (I am not anti-vax!), knowing the vaccines saved lives and lessened symptoms for at-risk groups and older people during the pandemic, including my elderly dad, I was still too anxious to give it to my children, who I saw as low risk from Covid. Like many others, I lost confidence in the government at the time. Even the former prime minister Boris Johnson was flouting his own lockdown rules and rightly, or wrongly, this bled into everything. The anxiety I and many others felt at that time, meant a whole generation has now become vaccine sceptic, from trendy clean-eating crunchy mums to whole ethnic groups. According to research carried out by the University of Bristol and Kings College London in 2021, people from Bame groups (25 per cent) were twice as likely as white people (13 per cent) to report believing (wrongly) that the only reason a coronavirus vaccine was being developed is to make money for Big Pharma. Many of us were lulled into conspiracy theories online, which included misinformation about life-saving vaccines. This misinformation persists, with a staggering third of Reform UKs council leaders now reportedly expressing vaccine-sceptic views. And despite sometimes insisting he is not anti-vaccine, RFK Jr, the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services,has repeatedly questioned the safety and testing of vaccines in public statements and interviews, including claims about Covid-19 vaccines and childhood vaccines that public health experts say are unsupported by scientific evidence. I got caught up in some of the fake news madness myself and I realise now how ridiculous, and dangerous, that was. open image in gallery Former prime minister Boris Johnson wanted to be injected with Covid on TV to show it did not pose a threat, an official inquiry was told ( PA ) As a mum, I felt incapable of sitting back and just ignoring it. I wanted to make triple-sure I did everything in my power to vaccinate my kids safely, even if I was being overly paranoid. But like many parents erring on the side of caution, I was now looking for single shots. I now realise the danger of not vaccinating my children, for them and other children, and understand that I need to just get on with it. But even that is proving to be difficult. According to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, issues such as difficulty booking appointments, transport problems and a lack of consistency in seeing the same GP have made people more hesitant to follow the vaccination schedules. This latest measles outbreak, however, tells me there's only one thing left to do. Im booking my kids for their MMRV jabs. It might not be perfect, but its better late than never. 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 High school students in Georgia testified Tuesday about the horror they experienced when they were shot during their algebra class two years ago. Through tears, they recounted seeing a classmate lying in a pool of blood, then noticing blood on their own bodies and fearing for their lives. Several students took the stand in the trial of Colin Gray, the father of Colt Gray, who investigators say carefully planned the September 4, 2024, shooting at a school northeast of Atlanta that left two teachers and two students dead and several others wounded. The case is one of several cases nationwide in which prosecutors are seeking to hold parents accountable when their children are accused of fatal shootings. A ninth-grade girl testified that moments after the gunfire began in her Algebra I class, she noticed a hole in her wrist and began screaming. This is one of several cases around the nation where prosecutors are trying to hold parents responsible after their children are accused in fatal shootings. ( Jason Getz/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP ) I was also worried that I was going to die and how that would affect my parents because my dad has a heart problem, she said. As paramedics carried her out of the school building, she saw Colt Gray on the floor with his hands behind his back and screamed obscenities at him as she passed by him. I remember yelling at him that we were kids, because we were kids," she said. The faces of she and others who testified were not shown during a video livestream of the testimony because of their young ages. Colt Gray, who was 14 years old at the time of the shooting, faces 29 counts, including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and numerous counts of second-degree cruelty to children related to the shooting. Colin Gray should be held responsible for providing the weapon despite warnings about alleged threats his son made, a prosecutor said as the father's trial began Monday. This case is about this defendant and his actions in allowing a child that he has custody over access to a firearm and ammunition after being warned that that child was going to harm others, Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said in his opening statement. Prosecutors argue that amounts to cruelty to children, and second-degree murder is defined in Georgia law as causing the death of a child by committing the crime of cruelty to children. But Brian Hobbs, an attorney for Colin Gray, said the shootings planning and timing were hidden by Colt Gray from his father." Thats the difference between tragedy and criminal liability, he said. "You cannot hold someone criminally responsible for failing to predict what was intentionally hidden from them. With a semiautomatic rifle in his book bag, the barrel sticking out and wrapped in poster board, Colt Gray boarded the school bus, investigators said. He left his second-period class and emerged from a bathroom with the gun and then shot people in a classroom and hallways, they said. Smith told the jury that in September 2021, Colt Gray used a school computer to search the phrase, how to kill your dad. School resource officers were then sent to the home, but it was determined to be a misunderstanding, Smith said. Sixteen months before the shooting, in May 2023, law enforcement acted on a tip from the FBI after a shooting threat was made online concerning an elementary school. The threat was traced to a computer at Grays home, Smith said. Colin Gray was told about the threat and was asked whether his son had access to guns. Gray replied that he and his son take this school shooting stuff very seriously, according to Smith. Colt Gray denied that he made the threat and said that his online account had been hacked, Smith said. That Christmas, Colin Gray gave his son the gun as a gift and continued to buy accessories after that, including a lot of ammunition, Smith said. Colin Gray knew his son was obsessed with school shooters, even having a shrine in his bedroom to Nikolas Cruz, the shooter in the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, prosecutors have said. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent had testified that the teens parents had discussed their sons fascination with school shooters but decided that it was in a joking context and not a serious issue. Three weeks before the shooting, Gray received a chilling text from his son: Whenever something happens, just know the blood is on your hands, according to Smith. Colin Gray was also aware his sons mental health had deteriorated and had sought help from a counseling service weeks before the shooting, an investigator testified. We have had a very difficult past couple of years and he needs help. Anger, anxiety, quick to be volatile. I dont know what to do, Colin Gray wrote about his son. But Smith said Colin Gray never followed through on concerns about getting his son admitted to an in-patient facility. 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 Dramatic body camera footage captured the moment Texas police arrived at the home of a British man who fatally shot his daughter after they got into an argument about President Donald Trump. Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old fashion buyer who lived in Warrington, Cheshire, was visiting her father, Kris Harrison, and his family in Prosper, a suburb of Dallas, when she was shot in the chest on January 10, 2025. Footage released by the Cheshire Coroners Court shows Kris Harrison telling a police officer that he and his daughter were talking about guns as they were getting ready to head to the airport. She said, You got a gun? I said, yes, I got it out, and it just went off and she stood there like, as I pulled it out, it went off, Harrison told police last year in the footage, which was just released by the Cheshire Coroners Court. I put it on the bed straight away, he added. It was in the bedside cabinet. In a locked box. And we took it out to look and just as I picked it up, it went off. open image in gallery Body camera footage captured the moment Texas police arrived at the home of a British man who fatally shot his daughter, Lucy Harrison, last year ( Cheshire Coroner's Court ) Lucys boyfriend, Sam Littler, can be seen in the clip holding his hands on his head as Harrison speaks with the officer. An inquest at Cheshire Coroners Court concluded last Wednesday with a senior coroner ruling Lucy had been unlawfully killed. To shoot her through the chest whilst she was standing would have required him to have been pointing the gun at his daughter, without checking for bullets, and pulling the trigger, senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish said. I find these actions to be reckless. Family members were in tears as the coroner said she found Lucy had died due to unlawful killing on the grounds of gross negligence manslaughter. Speaking outside the coroners court, Lucys mother, Jane Coates, said: Todays outcome has finally given Luce her voice back, after what has been an unrelenting year of deep shock, grief and fight. She said her daughter was failed by Texan gun laws and decisions made by the police department in Prosper. open image in gallery Lucy Harrison died due to unlawful killing on the grounds of gross negligence manslaughter, the coroner said last week ( Cheshire Police ) open image in gallery Body cam footage showed Lucys father telling police in Texas what had happened in the moments leading up to the shooting ( Cheshire Coroner's Court ) Lucys boyfriend, who was with her on the trip, told the inquest earlier Wednesday that she had gotten into an argument with her father about Trump, who was soon to be inaugurated, the same day she was killed. He said that about half an hour before they were planning to leave for the airport, Harrison took his daughter to the bedroom where he kept a Glock semi-automatic handgun secured in his bedside cabinet. Littler said he heard a loud bang about 15 seconds after they went into the room, and then heard Harrison screaming for his wife. I remember running into the room and Lucy was lying on the floor near the entrance to the bathroom and Kris was just screaming, just sort of nonsense, Littler said. Harrison did not attend the two-day hearing in Cheshire Coroners Court but said in a statement that he bought the weapon to give his family a sense of security. Texas laws allow him to own the gun without a license. The father claimed his daughter asked to see the gun, having never discussed his gun ownership with him before. However, the inquest heard evidence from others that Lucy knew her father had a weapon in the home and disagreed with it. In the statement, Mr Harrison, who admitted drinking wine earlier in the day, said: As I lifted the gun to show her I suddenly heard a loud bang. I did not understand what had happened. Lucy immediately fell. He told police at the scene: We got it out to have a look and just as I picked it up it just went off. open image in gallery Lucy Harrisons mother (center) said her daughter was failed by Texas gun laws ( PA ) Devonish, the coroner, found that Harrison also did not immediately tell others that he had been the one to shoot Lucy. He knew full well he had shot his own daughter, pointing a gun at chest height and pulling the trigger, Devonish said. He did not ensure that this information was passed to 911. With a bullet through her heart, her prognosis was poor in any event. Devonish described Harrison as a secret drinker and said she had no doubt whatsoever that he had been drinking throughout the day his daughter was killed. The coroner accepted that Harrison did not know the gun was loaded, but did not accept that Lucy would have asked to see the gun, since she was against weapons. His actions have killed his own daughter and in the cold light of day it is hoped that he now recognises the risk he posed to her life in circumstances in which he had no experience of guns, had undertaken no training and had never fired a gun, Devonish said. The inquest also heard that police in Texas failed to test Harrison for alcohol, even though they had suspected he had been drinking after smelling alcohol on his breath. Meanwhile, a grand jury in the U.S. determined there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone, including Harrison, in connection with Lucys death. She was young, vibrant and beautiful, with her whole life ahead of her, and this was a most tragic death, the coroner concluded. 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 new study has found a sharp rise in reported sexual assaults on U.S. flights but researchers and advocates warn that those numbers likely represent only a fraction of what actually occurs. In 2024, the FBI investigated more than 170 cases of airplane passengers who harassed other passengers, up from roughly 130 the year before, according to an investigation by CBS News. While the 170 cases represent a small fraction of the millions of people who fly each year, the increase has alarmed experts who fear the true number of assaults is far higher. Many incidents never reach federal authorities because most are handled by local airport police and are never formally reported to the FBI. One victim is Renee Solofra, who told CBS News she was assaulted during a flight from Chicago to Florida in September 2023. She said the man seated next to her was visibly intoxicated and repeatedly touched her without consent. open image in gallery The FBI investigated more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024, a 30 percent increase over the previous year ( Getty ) I already had the back of my neck grabbed; I had my hand grabbed; Id had my cellphone taken out of my hand and had to take it back from the individual, she said. We were close to landing and at that point in time, I had crossed my arms on my lap, closed my eyes and was just thinking to myself, were finally going to land. And thats when he grabbed my breast. Solofra reported the assault to the gate agent when they landed and she pressed charges against Daniel McAdams, who pleaded guilty to battery. It affected my job, it affected my life. I was scared to travel, Solofra said of the incident. I had to try to have my voice heard, and the amounts of counseling and therapy that Ive gone through and Ive never gone through therapy before in my life. It turned my world upside down. The CBS News investigation also found that many assaults occur on long-distance or international flights, often at night and frequently when alcohol is involved. Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, told CBS News that flight attendants are usually the first to receive reports, which are then passed along to authorities at the destination airport. Anywhere in that chain, if someone dismisses it as no big deal, theres not the kind of response thats necessary to have accountability, she said. So now, Solofra is urging other victims to report their incidents. She has also filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, to obtain that accountability. Silence only protects the aggressor, she said. There needs to be reform and were not going to stop until that reform happens. In response to Solofras lawsuit, a spokesperson for American Airlines told CBS News in a statement: The safety and security of our customers and team members remains our top priority. At this time, we are unable to comment on active litigation. Daisy Ayllon, who is a partner with the law firm Romaucci & Blandin, which represents about a dozen women who say they were sexually assaulted on airplanes, told CBS News that underreporting is built into the system. The sad thing about this is that people dont know that this is happening consistently, she said. There is no system currently that requires the airlines to actually report the numbers, she added. So, the numbers that the FBI has, those numbers are exclusively from victims who are deciding to come forward and theyre making a report. But we know that theres more victims out there because the airlines receive those complaints. The airlines are speaking to the passengers directly, and the airlines are not reporting those numbers to the FBI. So there are a lot of gaps in information. 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 Texas man accused of killing his mother and abducting his young nephew was captured within a few hours after an AMBER Alert launched a massive multi-state manhunt. Raymond Isaac Carmona, 20, is charged with murder, aggravated kidnapping and theft of property after police say he fatally stabbed his mother at her Mansfield home and then fled with the four-year-old boy in her tan 2009 Toyota Corolla Mansfield police were called to a home in the 200 block of Cotton Drive just before 9 a.m. January 31 after a family member found 63-year-old Andrea Colgrove unresponsive on the floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner later determined she died from a stab wound to the neck, and her death was ruled a homicide, according to reports obtained by FOX4. During the initial investigation, officers learned Colgrove had legal guardianship of her grandson, who was missing from the home, along with her car. open image in gallery Raymond Isaac Carmona, 20, is being held on a $1 million bond for allegedly fatally stabbing his mother and kidnapping his nephew ( Tarrant County Jail ) Colgroves son Carmona was identified by police as a suspect in both the homicide and the disappearance of the child, who was immediately entered into state and national databases as a critical missing person. An AMBER Alert was issued, and the vehicle was entered into law enforcement databases as stolen. Just minutes after the alert was broadcast, Missouri authorities located the Toyota Corolla with Carmona and the child inside. Carmona was taken into custody that afternoon and the child was safely recovered. The child was later released into the care of Child Protective Services. In an interview with police, Carmona admitted to his involvement in his mothers death, Fox4 reports. Mansfield police credited Missouri and Arkansas Highway Patrol officers for their assistance in locating the child and arresting Carmona. This case is a powerful example of law enforcement professionals across state lines working together to protect our communities and diligently serve victims of crime, Mansfield police said in a statement. Carmona was indicted by a grand jury on February 6 on charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping and theft of property (motor vehicle) and remains at the Tarrant County Jail on a a combined bond of $1,007,500. He is scheduled to be in court on February 23. McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) is among the 12 Best Consumer Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street. BMO Capital Lowers its Price Target on McGraw Hill, Inc. (MH) to $19 and Maintains an Outperform Rating On February 12, 2026, BMO Capital lowered its price target on McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) to $19 from $21 and maintained an Outperform rating. The firm said the company delivered a strong quarterly beat, with Higher Education outperforming due to share gains, market skew growth, reserve release upside, and product mix, while K-12 results came in weaker than expected. That same day, JPMorgan raised its price target on McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) to $22 from $21 and kept an Overweight rating. McGraw Hill reported third-quarter revenue of $434.2 million on February 12, 2026, ahead of the consensus estimate of $410.11 million. Simon Allen, who retired as President and CEO on February 9, 2026, and will remain Chair of the Board, said the results reflected disciplined execution and progress in strengthening the companys financial profile and digital transformation. He pointed to scaled, data-driven solutions supporting personalized learning and expressed confidence in successor Philip Moyer, citing his experience in technology and artificial intelligence. The company also raised its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $2.07 billion to $2.09 billion from a prior range of $2.03 billion to $2.06 billion. McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) provides information and learning solutions across K-12, Higher Education, Global Professional, and International markets, offering blended digital and print curricula and educational products. While we acknowledge the potential of MH 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. Advertisement BusinessBanking & financeCredit rating Opinion How did Westpac let a $44 mortgage snafu become a PR disaster? Elizabeth Knight Business columnist February 17, 2026 3:45pm February 17, 2026 3:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The case of St George customer Fiona Vinalls legal crusade against her bank is quickly rising to the level of a fable. The dispute, in which the small borrower took on the corporate might of St George banks parent, Westpac, in the NSW Supreme Court, was a win for common sense over the banks procedural absurdity. But while Vinall bravely slayed the St George dragon, the fact that she had to do so has left the banks commitment to care for its customers looking murky. Westpac rapidly fixed the customers problem after a judge grew so incensed he demanded CEO Anthony Miller come to court. Eamon Gallagher So bizarre was the banks behaviour in response to Vinalls mistaken $44 underpayment on one months interest on her mortgage that Supreme Court judge David Hammerschlag branded the banks conduct as legally unjustifiable and short on commercial morality. The conduct was even shorter on common sense. This was a $44 problem that will have cost Westpac tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and an even higher toll in public relations. Advertisement As this case progressed from a minor skirmish to a cause celebre, Westpac reached the point where it was attempting to defend the indefensible, according to the judge, who appeared nonplussed about the cases progress through the courts and the vigour with which Westpac was pushing its position. Sure, the customer may have made a small, understandable error, but it was the banks blunderous response full of calamitous box-ticking and bureaucratic decision-making that turned the snafu into a disaster. This tale begins with Vinalls $284,192 loan from St George the interest payment for which was reduced last July following the Reserve Bank rate cut. A letter from the bank to Vinall said her interest payment would fall after July 10, 2025. She duly reduced her payment on July 12 in line with the rate cut. But the reduced payment didnt come into effect until the following month, which inadvertently left this customer about $44 in arrears. When she became aware of her mistake shortly after, she rectified the situation and paid the additional amount. She also alleged that the notification letter from the bank was misleading. Advertisement This is where the story should have ended. Instead, the bank reported the underpayment as an event of arrears with credit reporting agency Equifax Australia. This resulted in Vinalls credit history preventing her from borrowing to buy a new house, she said. Deeply unimpressed by Westpac: Justice David Hammerschlag. The shortfall in one months payment resulted in a procedural notification to the credit agency the bank said it was obligated to make. Had someone inside the bank with seniority been apprised of Vinalls understandable mistake and its rectification, surely the matter could have been dealt with rather than having the customer take it to court. After all, the shortfall was equivalent to 0.0155 per cent of the outstanding mortgage, Hammerschlag noted. Relative to Westpacs $140 billion market capitalisation, the amount is too small to calculate. Advertisement Ultimately, Westpac fought the case armed with barristers and an affidavit from a bank officer seeking to defend the indefensible, namely maintaining that the credit record was (and presumably remained) an accurate reflection of what had happened ie that there had been an adverse credit event by the $44.11 payment shortfall, Hammerschlags judgment read. Related Article Exclusive Private banking Unconscionable: Westpac lashed by judge after dispute over $44.11 But it was only after the judge took the unusual step of escalating by asking for Westpacs chief executive, Anthony Miller, to come to court that the bank capitulated and took steps to remove the offending black mark from the credit register. The situation that led to this bank snafu may be familiar to many borrowers and as such the publicity around this case could easily open a can of worms and lead to the bank needing to reset its communications with customers. It will certainly garner more attention for how Westpac handles Vinalls claim for damages against it stemming from the failed house purchase. The judge described the banks communication around the changes to interest payments at best ambiguous and at worst likely to mislead. Advertisement It makes you wonder how many other customers have made similar mistakes, suffered the same consequences and without redress. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Anne Schofield at Hotel Centennial, a short walk from the Woollahra antique jewellery shop that shes operated for more than 50 years, in two separate Queen St locations. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A When Anne Schofield looked out the window of her Woollahra antique jewellery shop and saw a group of men in balaclavas, she thought it was drama students doing some sort of film. They were no students, though. Armed with shotguns, the men crow-barred the door open and burst in, smashing the glass cabinets and taking hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewellery. They mustve been on drugs or something, Schofield recalls, more than 30 years later. The art dealer Rex Irwin, who had a gallery upstairs, came rushing down when he heard the commotion. They screamed at him to get away or theyd blow his f---ing head off. While traumatising for Schofield and her longtime assistant, Jenny Maunsell, whod endured another robbery there only a couple of years prior, what Schofield remembers most is how cross it made her. I just got more and more angry as time went on, she says. How dare they? I was furious. As the story suggests, theres a quiet steeliness to this diminutive woman with dark eyes and pixie face, who wears headbands to make herself look a bit taller and has a ring on nearly every finger, no traditional diamond solitaire in sight. Speaking of which, she has a delicious admission to make. I think diamonds are overrated. That bombshell dropped, she continues: There are many other beautiful gemstones, precious ones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds and opals, and semi-precious stones which are much less expensive but equally beautiful. Two of her favourites are in the latter camp: garnets, for their deep, rich colour, and amethysts, her birthstone. Schofield thinks diamonds are overrated and argues there are many precious and semi-precious stones of equal beauty. Photo: Wolter Peeters Were speaking over lunch at Hotel Centennial, a short walk from Anne Schofield Antiques, where for more than five decades Schofield has sold rings, brooches, earrings, necklaces and the like to celebrities, politicians, business leaders, actors and anyone else who likes their jewellery wrapped in history, with the fine hand tooling of yesteryear. Advertisement Liza Minnelli, Cher, Barry Humphries, Paul Keating, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette and Naomi Watts are just some of those whove bought from Schofield, long considered Sydneys preeminent authority on antique jewellery, one with two books and countless exhibitions to her name. But now, on the eve of her 86th birthday, change is afoot. Schofield emailed her clients in late January with another bombshell that shed decided to shut up shop. Well, not fully; she will still open by appointment and retain her book-strewn office in the back of the shop. But the era which began in the late 1960s, when she started selling amber beads in a Woollahra shop called Kaleidoscope, and continued as she moved around the corner into Queen Street, first to No. 46, where she opened her eponymous shop in 1970, then up the street five years later to No. 36, where her shop remains now, has come to a close. I just realised the time had come, Schofield says of her decision. Shed been thinking for a while how quiet things had become and mentioned it to a jeweller in the CBD. He agreed that it was quiet everywhere, observing that those doing well tended to have a big social media and online presence. While Schofield has both a website and social media, she was not interested in doubling down on them. The things shed always loved about the trade were the personal interactions. Helping men choose tokens of love for their wives, mothers, sisters and lovers, and women select the pieces theyve increasingly had the funds to buy for themselves. The emphasis on technology is not what I want to do, says Schofield, taking a sip of her sparkling water (neither of us broaches the idea of wine this Tuesday). I dont want to do everything online. Its become a world that doesnt particularly interest me. I like people. The world has changed in other ways, too. Robbers today are more likely to ram their car into a designer sneaker store, or one of the global luxury boutiques that have mushroomed here in recent decades, than hold up an antique jewellery shop. Advertisement The heirloom tomato tart at Hotel Centennial. Photos: Wolter Peeters The yellowfin tuna tartare. Wolter Peeters And Queen Street, once a renowned antique haunt filled with specialty furniture, clocks, rugs, silverware and jewellery shops, has only a handful left today, a victim of the decades-long shift away from the old and brown, towards the new and white. Its fitting that Schofield, one of the first antique dealers to open in Queen Street, will go out as one of its last. Neither of us is particularly hungry so we order simple fare Schofield an heirloom tomato tart, me a yellowfin tuna tartare and share a salad. I ask if she grew up around here. No, she says, she was raised in Strathfield, one of five children born to a milliner mother and public servant father. She remembers going into town at about age 10 to get ribbon, lace and other bits for her mother, then catching the train back to the inner west, proud to have transacted business. Once a dealer, always a dealer. She won two scholarships to Sydney University, taking one of them up to study English and French. Here she joined the drama society, where she acted, painted sets, made costumes and did whatever else was needed. She also met Leo Schofield, a flamboyant director five years her senior who worked in advertising. The two hit it off and after Leo moved to London he wrote asking her to join him there, and to marry him. At 21, she did just that. We all thought Australia was a cultural desert at the time. It was in London that her education in collectibles began, through weekend visits to the antique shops of Portobello Road and Bond Street, and the citys many museums and galleries. I think of my time in London as my apprenticeship, says Schofield, who befriended dealers including Geoffrey Munn of the BBCs Antiques Roadshow fame, and slowly picked up the tricks of the trade. Advertisement Im keen to know what she thinks we should look for in jewellery. Beauty, fine workmanship, good design and rarity, she says. But first and foremost, you have to really love something to buy it. Schofield in 1977. Her favourite jewellery periods are the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Photo: Fairfax Archives Glamour couple: Leo and Anne Schofield in 1978. Freeman Studios Schofield in the 1970s, the decade in which she opened her first eponymous shop in Queen St. Photos: Fairfax Archives Jewellery is such a personal thing, you wear it on your body. If you dont love it, whats the point? Aside from the odd whopping diamond sitting in someones safe, she says, its not really an investment vehicle. That said, businessmen like the late Trevor Kennedy, a one-time adviser to Kerry Packer, were regular visitors to her shop, Kennedy as the countrys foremost collector of Australiana, with a penchant for rare colonial pieces made during gold rush times. He was a marvellous client, Schofield says. He would beat me down. Thats the thing about dealing, you can talk to people. You say maybe Ill do a slightly better price, what do you think about such and such. The Schofields had their first daughter, Nell, in London, returning to Sydney in the mid-1960s to have their second. The midwife said gee this ones a bit small, I think there might be another one, says Schofield. About 10 minutes later, another came out. Thus their twins, Tess and Emma, were born. The surprise of my life. All three forged careers in the arts, Nell as an actor and TV presenter, Tess a costume designer and Emma an assistant director in film and television. Advertisement The Schofields became adept at buying and renovating derelict properties on Queen Street, not the chi-chi place in the 1970s that it is now. They lived with their little girls behind the shop at No. 46, and when No. 36 came up for sale, a former masonic hall then tobacco bond store filled with rats and rubbish, they grabbed it. Loading The marriage eventually broke up. That must have been hard, I venture, knowing that Leo is gay. Not really, Schofield replies breezily, we were both having affairs at the time. It was hard for perhaps a year or so, she clarifies, but the friendship and ability to laugh with each other saw them through. We share very similar interests and have a lot in common. Neither of us has remarried or paired up, so thats quite interesting. We are still each others best friend, I suppose. While Leo went on to run arts festivals, Schofield became heavily involved with the Sydney Theatre Company, first as a volunteer guide, then helping raise donations. Shes dismayed at how the arts have become a battleground for the Israel/Palestine debate and was basically on the side of the actors who wore the keffiyeh for their curtain call at the 2023 production of The Seagull. The bill All they did was wear the Palestinian scarf to show their support for the people of Palestine and it caused a terrible ruckus, she says, describing herself as a bit of a libertarian. I was appalled, actually. Advertisement Former EastEnders actress Melissa Suffield has eloped to Las Vegas to marry her partner Robert Brendan. Melissa Suffield has got married in Las Vegas @the.confidentmama / Instagram The 33-year-old star, who played the role of Lucy Beale on the BBC soap from 2004 to 2010, revealed on social media that they had tied the knot at the famous Little White Wedding Chapel in Sin City with just their son River, five, in attendance. Melissa explained that she and Robert - who got engaged in 2019 - had decided to wed in an impromptu ceremony after their original plans were scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic. She captioned her Instagram post: "When in Vegas... 6 years after our cancelled Covid wedding we thought we should probably get around to making it official... "And yes, in the most 'us' silly and easy going way as possible. Can't wait to catch you up on the rest of our trip but now, we're catching a flight to California! SEE YA." The couple and River were filmed sitting in the chapel's iconic pink convertible and follow in the footsteps of stars such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jordan and Britney Spears by tying the knot in the chapel known renowned for quick celebrity weddings. Melissa who has reinvented herself as Instagram influencer The Confident Mama previously revealed that she had planned a low-key wedding when her original plans were cancelled back in 2020. She said at the time: "God know when this will happen. We had a party booked, because I'm not massively traditional. It's definitely not going to be a big church wedding with 200 people there, it's just not my style at all... "Obviously the party we had booked is not going to happen. When it does go ahead, River will be up there front and centre with us during the service. I like to think of it as creating a family, rather than the joining of two people." Suffield was axed from EastEnders when she was aged 17 in 2010 due to "unruly behaviour", although she questioned the decision at the time. The star said: "It's not like I was going out, punching photographers and being sick in a gutter... "I'm only doing what every other girl of 17 does. It's not an excuse, but out of all the things Lucy has done, the only one I've done is drink underage." Miss the pandemic era of working from home? Give it a decade or two, and its set to be the norm again. Thats because, although baby boomer and Gen X bosses may be winning the return-to-office war right now, new data suggests its a short-lived victory. In fact, the National Bureau of Economic Research found that millennial and Gen Z bosses are far more likely to let staff work remotely than their older counterpartsand that its only a matter of time before they take over and bring their affinity for flexibility with them. More from Yahoo Scout How does remote work adoption relate to AI technology implementation? What competitive advantages do remote-first companies potentially gain? How do younger CEOs differ from older ones on remote work policies? What factors explain why younger firms allow more remote work? The researchers tracked monthly surveys of 8,000 U.S. workers aged 20 to 64 across 2025 and concluded that when it comes to flexible working, two things are consistently true: employees at younger firms, and under younger CEOs, spend significantly more time working from home. First, employees work from home more often at younger firmsalmost twice as often at firms founded after 2015 as compared to those founded before 1990, the researchers wrote. Second, employees work from home more often at firms with younger CEOs. In fact, you can see in their data that as CEOs get younger, the number of days they demand staff work from an office decreases, with those working under a twenty-something-year-old chief working from home the most. Its why the researchers concluded that work from home is poised to make a comeback, despite the likes of Amazon and JPMorgan currently mandating a full-time office return. As older leaders retire, the days of bums on seats five days a week are likely to fade with them. In other words, your future commute may depend less on what HR says and more on the birth year of the person in the corner office. And for workers who dont want to wait, the study offers a simple hack: target younger firms with younger bosses if you want to maximize your chances of keeping your home office setup. Gen Z bosses arent just flexible-first, theyre also digital-first Its not just that young bosses came of age during the pandemics remote work boom and see office cubicles as an outdated relic. Many of them built their businesses on Slack, Zoom, and AI tools, so flexibility and technology are baked into how their firms runnot bolted on as a perk. The researchers found a clear correlation between younger CEOs and companies that are both flexible-first and digital-first, with leaders who embrace remote work also more likely to adopt new technologies and software-driven approaches to running their teams. And that echoes what future-thinking CEOs have already been warning: Leaders who cling to the old ways of working arent serious about embracing AI. Advertisement CultureArt & designLiterature Randa Abdel-Fattah to feature in Australias biggest literary festival Linda Morris Updated February 18, 2026 3:07pm ,first published February 18, 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 The Sydney Writers Festival has revealed that Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah will feature in its 2026 program, just weeks after the Adelaide Writers Week was cancelled following a mass boycott when the Palestinian-Australian academic was dumped from its line-up. The Sydney event, Australias largest writers festival, has informed key backers and donors that it will not rescind its invitation to the controversial author, even after NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled her inclusion in the regional Newcastle Writers Festival a real head-scratcher. Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah will headline the Sydney Writers Festival. AAP A festival like ours, which holds freedom of expression as a core value, is not going to be in the business of cancelling or censoring writers, festival chief executive Brooke Webb said. Readers can make up their own minds about what they would like to attend. We know that without writers, there is no festival. The Sydney Writers Festival issued the invitation in October last year to Abdel-Fattah for her adult fiction debut, Discipline. She will feature in two sessions in a program of around 200 events. Advertisement Randa is a significant Sydney writer with a new book that speaks to the here and now, festival artistic director Ann Mossop said. Sydney is a highly diverse city, and we aim to reflect the many and varied communities of writers and readers in our program. As Australias biggest writers festival, disinviting the author risked a national boycott and reputational damage far greater than that which crippled Adelaide Writers Week in January. That firestorm, ignited when the Adelaide board deemed Abdel-Fattah too culturally sensitive following the Bondi Beach tragedy, led to the resignation of director Louise Adler and a boycott by 180 writers, forcing the events total cancellation. Abdel-Fattah has come under fire for past social media posts that said Zionists had no claim to cultural safety and that institutions that considered fragile feelings of Zionists were abhorrent. She said those comments had been taken out of context. She was also criticised for posting an illustration of a paraglider with a Palestinian flag parachute as her Facebook profile photo the day after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Abdel-Fattah has since said she was not aware of the scale of the attack at the time. Advertisement Related Article Literature Newcastle Writers Festival invites Randa Abdel-Fattah amid questions over funding However Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler accused Abdel-Fattah of celebrating the attack. Cancelling her after inviting her is one thing, but this festival consciously decided to invite someone who days after the terrorist attack on Jewish civilians celebrated it as resistance, he said. The notion that this is about free speech or artistic expression doesnt reflect reality. Nobody is suggesting the National Socialist Network be invited to attend. President of the NSW Board of Deputies, David Ossip, said serious scrutiny needs to be applied to how public money continues to flow to festivals like this which fail to demonstrate any responsibility and fuel discord and division between Australians. Advertisement Jennifer Mills, an organiser of the Constellation rebel event to replace Adelaide Writers Week, said the public appetite to hear from Abdel-Fattah was astonishing. A conversation between Abdel-Fattah and Adler at the 1200-seat Adelaide Town Hall sold out in three days, and has a waiting list of as many as 600 people. At Newcastle, the academics solo session is also sold out, and a second event has been scheduled. If festival programming is challenged by politicians they need to be courageous in defending freedom of expression, Mills said. If we dont stand up for free expression, we will end up with a bland program that politicians think is palatable, which is very dangerous for artists and for democracy. Minns last week said he thought Newcastle Writers Festival organisers were crazy to invite that author when you think about how divisive it is, citing the potential for organisational notoriety as a significant risk. Of course the premier is entitled to his view, Mossop said. In fact, we think a writers festival provides a rare and welcome opportunity for readers and writers to come together for nuanced conversations about complex and sometimes difficult topics. Our full program, which will be released on March 10, reflects the diverse and dynamic literature coming out of Sydney, Australia and the world. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Literature How Adelaides writers week collapse is shaping Australias major literary festivals Asked if the festival had come under pressure from government, Webb said: We are in conversation with all our major stakeholders, which includes government. We are an independent organisation and program accordingly. Questioned about the presence of Israeli or Zionist writers in its 2026 program, Mossop said, our communities will be able to see for themselves the diversity of writers, sessions, and topics in the program. It was after perceived pressure from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas (which he denies), that the board of Adelaide Writers Week withdrew the academics invitation deeming it too culturally sensitive to continue to program so soon after the Bondi Beach shooting, where 15 people were killed. A spokesperson for the NSW Premier said on Wednesday he would not be adding to his comments of a week ago. Advertisement Discipline is set in Sydney in 2021 during Ramadan and follows two Palestinians, one in media and one in academia, who confront questions of silence over the bombardment of Gaza. University of Melbournes Dr Denis Muller, from the School of Culture and Communication, said any writers festival had an ethical duty to resist external political pressures. The test is always the harm principle, he said. If theres a reasonable foreseeable likelihood of serious harm being done to someone else as a result of what you do, then thats where the boundary of free speech lies. Short of that and there is nothing that suggests anything that Randa is going to say is likely to cause serious harm to others what are you going to do? Shut her down on suspicion? He added: Banning books turns them into bestsellers and writers into martyrs. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday. Advertisement CultureMoviesFilm Festivals Jaw-dropping: Politics casts a long shadow over cinema at Berlin film festival Michael Idato February 17, 2026 2:33pm 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 long, complex shadow of international geopolitics has threatened to engulf one of the worlds most prestigious film festivals, Germanys Berlinale, with tensions rising between organisers, participants and the media over the handling of sensitive questions at the festival. Though the realm of filmmaking is frequently if not inherently political, the spectre of American domestic political turbulence that is, news images of ICE agents harassing and detaining people, including US citizens, and rising protests across the United States has also become a thorny issue. Neil Patrick Harris was among those copping tricky political questions as they spoke about their films. Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP This week the conflation of those issues ignited at the Berlinale also known as the Berlin International Film Festival with one filmmaker pulling out of the festival, the festivals jury awkwardly crash-tackling the issue, Hollywood stars facing tough questions about fascism, and the state of American democracy and the festival itself issuing a statement pleading for calm. Artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose, the organisers said, in a statement released to media. 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. Advertisement Founded in 1951, Berlinale is one of the five major global film festivals with, Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Sundance and the largest by attendance. Last year, 336,000 tickets were sold to the 11-day festival. Wim Wenders on the opening day of the festival. Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP The spark that lit the fire flared on the opening day of the 76th annual festival last Thursday (Berlin time), as its jury including director Wim Wenders and Polish producer Ewa Puszczynska faced the press and were met with questions about the conflict in Gaza. Puszczynska called the question unfair. And Wenders responded with this: We have to stay out of politics because if we make movies that are [specifically] political, we enter the field of politics. In response, Booker Prize-winning author and filmmaker Arundhati Roy withdrew from the festival. She had been scheduled to attend to present the restoration of her 1989 film, In Which Annie Gives it Those Ones. Advertisement In a statement, Roy described the suggestion that art should not be political as jaw-dropping. The 64-year-old author and filmmaker said that Wenders comments were 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. Neil Patrick Harris, director George Jaques and Bella Ramsey pose at the Sunny Dancer event. Getty Images A day later, it was American domestic politics that spilled onto the Berlinale stage, with two Hollywood stars Neil Patrick Harris and Michelle Yeoh tackling difficult questions about rising global unease about the state of Americas democracy. While Hollywoods PR machinery often tries to contain the line of questioning at domestic film junkets, international film festivals are still something of the Wild West when it comes to the medias handling of A-list film stars. Advertisement Harris was at the festival promoting the film Sunny Dancer, accompanied by co-star Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones, The Last of Us) and director George Jaques. In the film, Ramsey plays a young girl who is sent to a summer camp for kids affected by cancer and, despite her disaffection for the experience, discovers a group of unlikely friends. Related Article Film Festivals Australian talent shines at Sundance Film Festival with seven films on show But the line of press questioning quickly turned to US politics, off the back of questions over whether the film was making a commentary on the state of healthcare in the US. Asked whether art should be political and if cinema can fight fascism, Harris replied: I think we live in a strangely algorithmic and divided world right now, and so as artists, Im always interested in doing things that are apolitical. Because were all, as humans, wanting to connect in some way. Then, this question: Do you dare to criticise your government and do you think democracy in the [United States] is in danger? Advertisement Harris replied simply wow, and then: While I have my own political opinions I never read this script as a political statement. It was much more about a human growing up and having realisations about themselves, singularly and [about] friendship. Later, more tension during a press conference for Academy Award-winning Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh, whose high-profile career includes Tomorrow Never Dies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians, the television series Star Trek: Discovery and the two Wicked films, Wicked and Wicked: For Good. MIchelle Yeoh also received some random political questions. Getty Images When pressed to comment on the state of US domestic politics, Yeoh declined to respond in detail. I dont think I am in the position to really talk about the political situation in the US, and also I cannot presume to say I understand how it is, she said. So, best not to talk about something I dont know about. [I want] to concentrate on what is important for us, which is cinema. Yeoh was at the festival as the recipient of its lifetime achievement, the Golden Bear. Advertisement The statement from the festivals organisers pressed the point that artists were criticised for their responses to political questions, regardless of how they responded. Related Article Film Festivals Why Tropfest founder John Polson worried about bringing his beloved film festival back Increasingly, filmmakers are expected to answer any question put to them. They are criticised if they do not answer. They are criticised if they answer and we do not like what they say. They are criticised if they cannot compress complex thoughts into a brief soundbite when a microphone is placed in front of them when they thought they were speaking about something else, the statement said. The statement acknowledged there were 278 films in the festivals program, covering many perspectives. [At the festival] filmmakers are speaking constantly, the statement said. They are speaking through their work. They are speaking about their work. They are speaking, at times, about geopolitics that may or may not be related to their films. It is a large, complex festival. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Advertisement MoneyInsuranceGeneral insurance Is pet insurance worth it? For many Australians, the answer is no Johanna Leggatt February 18, 2026 5:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When Bronwen Sciortino adopted her two kittens, Madja and Mason, she decided against pet insurance. The Perth-based author had taken out insurance for her previous cat, Stella, but when it came to funding care of the familys new 11-week-old kittens, the cost of premiums no longer added up. Australians are spending an average of $134 per month on pet insurance. Michael Howard I got thousands of dollars [in claims] back from the insurer for Stella, but nowhere near as much as I paid out to them over the years I had insurance, she says. Pet insurance doesnt pay for all the expenses. It only pays for 75 per cent to 80 per cent of each bill, and it only covers certain conditions. Advertisement Instead, Sciortino decided to self-insure Madja and Mason by funnelling a certain amount of money each fortnight into a high-interest account. Four years later, and the kittens account has amassed $14,000. Doing it this way, we have control over what is and isnt covered and whether to dip into the fund to pay for routine care, she says. Its still not considered compulsory, like home or car insurance, but its definitely worth weighing up. CHOICE insurance expert Jodi Bird The key, according to Sciortino, is to set up automatic payments into an account that earns interest and is not easy to access. I dont even think about touching the money, its in an account I dont go into every day. Advertisement The high cost of premiums Bronwen Sciortino and Mason. There is no doubt that pet insurance premiums can be high. A December survey by comparison site Finder revealed that Australians are spending an average of $134 per month on pet insurance. According to Animal Medicines Australias most recent survey, Pets in Australia, some 86 per cent of cat owners and 76 per cent of dog owners dont have pet insurance, with the high cost of premiums cited as the main reason. In fact, some 50 per cent of dog owners without pet insurance pointed to cost as the central reason for eschewing insurance (up from 43 per cent in 2022), compared with 49 per cent of cat owners (up from 44 per cent in 2022). Advertisement This is despite high levels of pet ownership in Australia, with 73 per cent of households now owning at least one pet. A lack of perceived value for money is part of the problem, the survey found, with a sharp rise in cat owners questioning the value of pet insurance up from 33 per cent in 2022 to 44 per cent in 2025. Nevertheless, CHOICE insurance expert Jodi Bird says that pet insurance can be a viable option these days. Its still not considered compulsory, like home or car insurance, but its definitely worth weighing up against your ability to cover the cost of your vet bills. Changing landscape In 2019, CHOICE gave the entire pet insurance sector a Shonky Award, largely because of the then-common pre-condition trap which meant that if your pet had a pre-existing condition it was difficult to switch insurers. Advertisement Since then the landscape has shifted. Several new insurers have entered the Australian market with more generous provisions, including a relaxation of the pre-condition clause, which forced the incumbent underwriters to follow suit. Editor's pick Pets $1000 a month on treats and treatments: How spoiling furbabies became the new normal When CHOICE started comparing pet insurance a little over 10 years ago, Bird says, there were only two underwriters in the market, but now theres about six although one brand, PetSure, still dominates. Obviously, competition drives better products for consumers, Bird says. Bird advises pet owners to enter pet ownership with an awareness of how much their breed is likely to cost them, with flat-faced dogs, such as pugs or French bulldogs, likely to incur higher vet costs than labradors or cavoodles. Advertisement Some pet owners may also be surprised to learn that most insurers will not cover pets once they reach nine years old and premiums will rise as dogs and cats age. Pet owners may wish to opt for a hybrid insurance model, Bird says, of taking out insurance while the pet is younger, and concurrently saving up a cash fund for their ongoing treatment so you can cancel the insurance when the pets premiums rise. French bulldogs can have some costly health issues. iStock Its going to be very difficult to switch pet insurers as your pet ages, Bird says. In any case, think about the cost of your pet and how you will pay for its care long before you bring it home. Pet insurance can be vital when you dont have that financial buffer to take care of vet bills, he says. Advertisement But its best that people have a look at [their finances] long before theyve bought their pet, to have a look at what type of pet they may want, how much its going to cost and what type of care it may need. Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: General insurance Pets Advertisement February 18, 2026 5:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A I am 63 and plan to retire at 65, so I have about two years left to work. All of my insurance is held inside my super fund. I currently have death cover of $800,000, total and permanent disability (TPD) cover of $200,000, and income protection of $10,000 per month. What do you generally suggest people do with their insurance as they approach retirement? Do we really need this level of life insurance at this stage of life, and when is it beneficial to reduce or cancel cover? The purpose of insurance is to protect you against events that would leave you in serious financial difficulty if they occurred, and you were uninsured. Insurance comes at a cost, and that cost rises each year as you get older. Ensuring you have the right level of insurance when you jump into retirement is key. Simon Letch As you approach retirement, it makes sense to reassess what financial damage would actually be done if you died, became disabled, or were unable to work. If your debts will be cleared at retirement and your wife would be financially secure without your income, the need for large amounts of life insurance reduces sharply. If you are confident your family would be financially secure without insurance, it is sensible to reduce or cancel cover rather than keep paying rising premiums by default. Advertisement I have $100,000 which I am considering giving to my adult daughter. She is 29 and living with her boyfriend. I am weighing up whether the money should be contributed to her super, or used to start an education or investment bond. My concern with a super contribution is that she would not be able to access the money for 35 years or more, and that it may form part of the asset pool in the event of a future relationship breakdown. Editor's pick Opinion Ask an expert I want to fairly give my three nephews money. How should I do it? Paul Benson Money contributor I am therefore leaning towards an insurance bond which could be accessed tax-paid after 10 years and used for her childrens education expenses or for herself if she does not have children. Is this a sensible way to use the funds, and are there any issues I should be aware of? I think you are on the right track. But there is a common misconception about insurance bonds. You dont have to wait 10 years to withdraw your money the bonds can be redeemed on demand. If the bond is held for 10 years before redemption, the entire proceeds become tax-free in the hands of the owner irrespective of the income of the owner of the bond. If the bond is cashed in before seven years, tax is paid at the investors marginal rate, less a 30 per cent rebate to compensate for the tax already paid by the bond fund. Advertisement This makes them tax-free for anybody earning between $45,000 and $135,000 a year. People on lower tax brackets may even receive a cash rebate. Just keep in mind that, like superannuation, the return of the bond will depend on the asset allocation chosen. You should take advice on this, but I think a good mix for a 29-year-old would be Australian shares, or a mixture of Australian and international shares. Another bonus of insurance bonds is that you can switch between categories of assets within the bond without incurring capital gains tax on the switch. My wife and I have two properties, one in Melbourne and one down the beach. Both properties are in her name. One is our residence, the beach house has always been a holiday home and has never been rented. The beach house was funded by a home loan in both our names. It was bought 15 years ago. Can I be added as her spouse to both titles without incurring any taxes? You need to talk to your solicitor and accountant because there could be stamp duty on both transactions, and theres almost certainly going to be capital gains tax on the transfer of 50 per cent of the beach house to yourself. Advertisement Since the house has never been income producing, you can add all ownership expenses to the base cost to reduce your capital gains tax. This includes rates, insurance, land tax, and other ongoing expenses such as pool maintenance and electricity. Editor's pick Opinion Spending What can I do to stop my 19-year-old daughter spending? Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon Money contributor I am 75 and have about $350,000 in the tax-free component of my super, and about $98,000 in the taxable component. I have no dependants and I already have a will. I have been told that when my super is paid to my beneficiaries, the taxable component will be taxed at 30 per cent plus the 2 per cent Medicare levy. Is there any way, while I am still alive, to reduce or eliminate the taxable component of my super so that my beneficiaries do not face this tax? Many people attack this problem by making withdrawals from their superannuation and then recontributing the money as a non-concessional contribution. This reduces the taxable element. Unfortunately, as you have reached 75, you are over the threshold for non-concessional contributions. A way out is to withdraw the money tax-free before you die and give it to your beneficiaries where it can be received tax-free, eliminating the 15 per cent tax on the taxable component. Another option is to give your attorney instructions to withdraw your superannuation if your death is imminent and deposit the money in your personal bank account. Advertisement Just be aware that if your superannuation is with one of the big funds, it may take quite a while to have your member benefit processed. Therefore, dont leave it to the last minute. Noel Whittaker is author of Retirement Made Simple and other books on personal finance. Questions to: noel@noelwhittaker.com.au Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Advertisement NationalUniversity Significant hostility: Scale of racism on university campuses revealed Sally Rawsthorne February 17, 2026 11:50am 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 Fellow students competing to shout terrorism the loudest at a Palestinian student, being told Indigenous people should be rounded up and shot by a placement supervisor, jokes about slanty eyes and people screaming send them to the camps at groups of Jewish students: these are the experiences of Australian university students over the past two years, according to a landmark study. Universities have experienced protests, encampments and polarised debates, the report said. Alex Ellinghausen Racism@Uni the first national study of its kind concluded that racism is pervasive across the countrys 43 universities. Taking in the views of 47,000 students and 28,000 staff, the study was commissioned by the federal government in 2024 and undertaken by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The situation on campus worsens with external events, the report said, with First Nations students and staff seeing more racism during the failed referendum on the Voice, Asian students experiencing a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, and antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and anti-Middle Eastern sentiment reaching new heights since the Israel-Hamas war began more than two years ago. Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim and Middle Eastern staff and students have endured significantly heightened hostility, the report said. Advertisement Id encountered antisemitism before, but I had never been scared to be Jewish. In uni, I frequently feel the need to hide my religion, one student said. Three in four international student respondents experience indirect racism. Peter Braig Many university staff are promulgating antisemitic attitudes and ideas in the classroom. I constantly hear tropes to do with money, power, control, bloodthirstiness and other antisemitic ideas in classrooms, and staff meetings, a staff member said. Of Jewish students and staff, 89.1 per cent said they had experienced direct or indirect racism, as did 80.6 per cent of Middle Eastern respondents, 76.3 per cent of Muslim respondents and 90.2 per cent of Palestinian respondents. The terms of reference define indirect racism as racist behaviour directed at others from the same racial, ethnic, cultural and/or religious group they identify with, while direct racism is a personal experience of racist behaviour. Advertisement Middle Eastern staff and students described a pattern of intimidation from campus security, including being followed, surveillance of their social media, and security asking for identification. Related Article Antisemitism Push to mandate antisemitism definition in NSW law, universities The findings were completed before the December massacre at Bondi Beach that targeted a Jewish festival, in which 15 people were killed. The commission also recognises that such incidents of violence impacts on the broader community and are often accompanied by a heightened risk of racism and vilification towards all communities that experience racism, the report noted. The conflict in the Middle East has had a significant effect on freedom of expression on Australian campuses. Advertisement A large proportion of Jewish students 93.7 per cent of religious Jewish students and 81.1 per cent of secular Jewish students felt they were unable to express their views on campus. Staff felt similarly 84.6 per cent of religious Jews and 85.9 per cent of secular Jews said the same. Similarly, 70 per cent of Middle Eastern respondents felt they could not express their views and 70 per cent of Muslim staff felt they could not express their views. Palestinian students (86 per cent) and staff (84 per cent) felt the same. All Palestinian students to whom it applied said they did not express views because of the potential impact on their right to stay in Australia, and 90 per cent of Palestinian respondents said they had experienced racism. Seventy per cent of the studys respondents had experienced direct or indirect racism, including three in four international students experiencing indirect racism, and one in five academics experiencing direct interpersonal racism. The reports sweeping recommendations included establishing a sector-wide framework, annual independent reviews, development of specific anti-racism strategies and a strengthened complaints process. Advertisement Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the government would consider the recommendations. Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said: The insights and data from this study highlight that racism at university is not confined to isolated incidents or individual behaviour it is systemic. Racism is pervasive across the sector. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. CORRECTION A previous version of this story stated 85 per cent of religious Jewish staff and 86 per cent of secular Jewish staff had been physically harassed, threatened or assaulted due to an error in the report. The actual number is 10 per cent of religious staff and 3 per cent of secular staff. Advertisement Exclusive NationalMedicine Superbugs deaths are rising: This Netflix-style subscription could turn the tide Kate Aubusson February 18, 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 An estimated 100 Australians die every week from a superbug infection, with newborn babies and the critically ill being at greatest risk of the rapidly rising threat of antibiotic-resistant infections. Infectious disease experts are urging the Australian government to adopt a Netflix-style subscription model for new antibiotics to combat the rising threat, ahead of a global superbug summit in Sydney this week. Lyn Barker is immune-compromised, which puts her at higher risk of antimicrobial-resistant infections. Simon Schluter Superbugs are linked to an estimated 5200 deaths in Australia each year and directly cause more than 1600. By 2050, an estimated 10,000 deaths will be linked to antimicrobial resistance. Globally, 10 million people could die from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2050, if not addressed. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antibiotics, making infections difficult, in some cases impossible, to treat. Advertisement Without effective antibiotics, common infections and minor injuries can become life-threatening, routine surgeries and procedures (such as caesarean sections, knee replacements and cancer care) can be too risky to perform, and increasing hospital-acquired infections can spread to the community. Related Article Sydney beyond 2026 A healthcare tsunami has crashed onto Sydneys shores. One nurses idea could have spared us For two years, Lyn Barker has been fighting a superbug infection called Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB). It began as a little pin prick of a callus in her right foot, that grew to a wound the size of her oldest grandchilds fist. The pain was excruciating, Barker, 68, said. The intravenous antibiotics she needed were only available at The Alfred Hospital. The side effects were toxic, causing her to vomit throughout her treatment despite taking three types of antiemetics. Advertisement It was really difficult, but I saved my foot, said Barker, a retired midwife. They had talked about amputation. Im still trying to heal up the wound, she said, wearing a moon boot to protect the fragile tissue. On Wednesday, the Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) warned that antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent public health threats facing Australia and the world. Reports of critical antibiotic resistance in Australia increased by more than 25 per cent in 2024 (3389 compared to 2706 in 2023), and fewer than half of the antibiotics administered after surgery were appropriate. Multidrug-resistant bacteria were present in 12.2 per cent of bloodstream infections in children (222 patients), the ACDC reported. Advertisement Paediatrician and infectious disease physician Associate Professor Phoebe Williams spends countless nights and weekends in neonatal intensive care units, scouring research papers for a Hail Mary combination of antibiotics to fight off a superbug attacking a premature baby. Less than a decade ago, these cases were rare, Williams said. Now we see them monthly, sometimes weekly. Associate Professor Phoebe Williams, paediatrician and infectious disease physician at the University of Sydney. University of Sydney Antimicrobial resistance [AMR] is evolving faster than we can come up with medications to treat these multidrug-resistant bugs, Williams said. But in children, the problem is exacerbated; we have even less access to new antibiotics that are only licensed [for] adult patients. A colleague of mine had to sneak some antibiotic from an adult pharmacy that we knew could work to treat a premature baby with a very bad infection, and without that antibiotic, that baby was going to die. Advertisement Of the 25 novel antibiotics approved in the US and Europe since 2011, only three are registered for use in Australia, according to the Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet). Related Article Sponsored Pfizer Strengthening Australias preparedness against emerging superbugs A recent analysis found that clinicians submitted 500 applications each month to access antibiotics not registered in Australia. One quarter (27 per cent) were for critically ill patients. AAMRNet wants Australia to adopt an antimicrobial subscription model in which the federal government would pay pharmaceutical companies a fixed annual fee for access to novel antibiotics, regardless of their use, to incentivise these companies to invest in their research and development. Under the UKs subscription model, the NHS can pay 5 million ($9.6 million) to 20 million per drug per year. The scheme has secured access to two new antibiotics (Cefiderocol and Ceftazidime-avibactam) to treat severe, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Advertisement This Netflix-style approach addresses a market failure, said Dame Professor Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR, who is in Sydney for the Global AMR Summit hosted by CSIRO and the UK Fleming Initiative and supported by GSK, which has a significant AMR medicines research and development pipeline. Related Article Explainer Illness Millions of people are battling superbugs. What happens when the drugs dont work? [Pharmaceutical companies] dont make much of a profit on something that people only take once for a week once a year rather than something like a diabetic drug, Davies said. We need big companies manufacturing new antibiotics. If we get this right and other countries join in, then it will reactivate the whole industry in this field. Williams said that a subscription model must be accompanied by rigorous stewardship to preserve the effectiveness of new antibiotics. Advertisement If you do allow these novel antibiotics to be easily prescribed, then it only takes a year or two before the bugs are resistant to those, she said. A spokesperson for the Albanese government said it was committed to minimising AMR development and spread, and ensuring the continued availability of effective antimicrobials. 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 Letters NationalVictoriaLetters Fear makes headlines, facts make policy February 17, 2026 8:00pm 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 Matt Golding To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number below your letter. No attachments. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. IMMIGRATION The reported Liberal Operation Gatekeeper plan under former leader Sussan Ley to block migrants from particular countries might sound decisive, but they collapse the moment you look at the evidence. (I never agreed: Top Liberals baulk at Leys hardline migration policy, 16/2). Decades of Australian and international crime data show the same pattern: immigrants are not more dangerous than Australian born citizens, they are statistically more law-abiding. Migrant communities consistently record lower rates of violent offending and lower incarceration than the population already here. Blanket bans dont make Australia safer; they simply make it smaller. They ignore the real pressures, which are housing supply, infrastructure planning and exploitation in temporary visa systems and replace them with a convenient target. Crime is shaped by social conditions, not citizenship. Housing shortages are shaped by construction bottlenecks, not passports. If Australia wants a migration system that works, it needs evidence-based reform, not country-based exclusion. Fear makes headlines. Facts make policy. Naomi Trumino, Olinda The way we were Immigrants wanted. Preferably, white, Christian with a shared longing for a 1950s-style of Australia. Apply to Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson, care of Parliament House, Canberra. Peter Taylor, Midway Point, Tas Advertisement Theyre a weird mob Listening to the new Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor on immigration, we can expect a John Howard-inspired test on arrival. They better brush up on their knowledge Aussie icons like Don Bradman, Bluey, Kylie Minogue, Chips Rafferty and Rod Laver if they want to get in. Sounds like a revamped White Australia policy to me. God forbid. Nick Toovey, Beaumaris Country ban absence Interesting detail in former Liberal leader Sussan Leys leaked immigration plan to ban 13 countries ban: Russia aint on it. James Lane, Hampton East Danger in vilifying migrants Ah, the irony. As an old school reader of The Age in print, the irony of articles placed side by side (17/2) was not lost on me. News of the Liberals abominable, simplistic notion of bad migrants (Top Liberals repudiate Leys hardline plan for immigration was placed next to not one, but two articles about the positive impact of immigration Chinatown calling; how a city got its soul back and the importance of cultural identity, Masses of mushrooms: 1000kg of pork but lobster still tops for Year of Horse celebrations. The city of Melbourne, our suburbs and our regional towns owe so much to peace-loving and hard-working migrants and their descendants. The shiny new Liberal leadership team would do well to remember this when next they seek to denigrate and vilify migrants. Maryanne Barclay, Frankston South New messenger, same message Tuesday afternoons announcement by Angus Taylors of his shadow cabinet marked the beginning of his leadership. Unbelievably, its just more of the old opposition to everything Labor. He began by speaking about the likely failure of the Labor government in repatriating the ISIS brides. Not about how he would solve any of the countrys problems. We dont see many stars in his team, but we do hope that Tim Wilson, as newly elevated Treasurer, puts some sparkle into the policy development of the party. John Groom, Bentleigh Judging migrants beliefs It is disappointing, although not surprising, that the Liberal Party lurches further to the extremes in a bid to retrieve voters who have migrated to One Nation. The reported plan by previous leader Sussan Ley to ban migrants from certain countries because of the existence of terrorist groups in their country is abhorrent. Did her plan consider the possibility that those trying to escape are doing so because they disagree with that particular group, or may even face persecution or worse if they stay? Prospective migrants should be judged on their beliefs, not the beliefs of their government or the existence of a local terrorist group. Ray Pilbeam, Camberwell Advertisement THE FORUM Weve said no nuclear Does Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Humes call for us to be open-minded about nuclear assume that were not willing to consider new ideas? (Letters,Nuclear, seriously?, 17/2). With nuclear power the shiny jewel of the Coalitions election campaign just a year ago, voters clearly considered a nuclear-powered future. An unbiased assessment raised many vexed issues enormous costs to taxpayers, a 15-20 year build time, and a failure to describe where radioactive nuclear waste would safely reside for the next millennia. Perhaps most importantly, we could not ascertain where in our big dry land the vast volumes of water needed to cool nuclear power stations would come from. Voters were indeed open-minded when they said no to the Coalitions nuclear plans in 2025. Perhaps open-mindedness could in turn be modelled by the Coalition coalescing with the Albanese government to go harder and faster on a renewable energy future and the security that would bring to all. Karen Campbell, Geelong Opposition silver lining There is one positive in the election of Angus Taylor as the new leader of the Liberal Party. It will keep Labor in power for some time to come and give it opportunity to be a reforming government. Beverley Campbell, Castlemaine Slim chances for women In 2010, Australias first female prime minister Julia Gillard effectively negotiated to form government from a hung parliament during a tumultuous period of political backstabbing and outrageous misogyny. She introduced the carbon tax, now discarded, but widely accepted as the most sensible governmental measure to address climate change. Although the latter issue helped to bring her down, her performance in the role and her graciousness since leaving politics have brought her much respect. Today, there are a number of female Labor MPs who might eventually follow her path to the top role, but Sussan Leys brief experience as leader of the opposition indicates that the likelihood of a woman from Coalition ranks ever making it to prime minister is less probable than Tony Abbott making a comeback. However, the wider conservative movement should not despair Pauline Hanson is a lady in waiting. Peter McCarthy, Mentone Liberals broad church Politics and religion are often tribal organisations, which people are born into, or adopt in the zeal of early adulthood as a chosen creed. Individuals take the creed as their guiding light with minimal questioning until the creed imposed by those in power in the organisation harms one of their own. Only then is the organisation given the flick. It was interesting that the Exclusive Brethren religious group has actively campaigned for the Liberal Party, because such is the hold of the creed in that group, that if a family member leaves, it is not the organisation which is given the flick, but the individual family member. Liberal Party policies have caused harm to too many individuals for there to be enough numbers left for the party to adhere to the creed. Ruth Farr, Blackburn South Advertisement Doing without In your article Higher GST, lower income tax urged to lift economy (16/2), it is stated that the International Monetary Fund is urging Treasurer Jim Chalmers to increase the GST and cut company tax to lift living standards. Precisely how will raising the GST lift pensioners living standards when they do not pay income tax and thus cannot receive a compensatory tax cut? The IMF clearly knows nothing about the plight of pensioners, who already have to make choices about what necessities they will have to live without so they can pay for other necessities. Helen Moss, Croydon Trump style taxation Any increase in the GST will be borne by all the lower income and no income earners (about 70 per cent of the population), for the benefit only of higher income earners. This is regressive taxation at its extreme, Trump style, and should be denounced as such. Those who can pay more should be required to do so, without accounting fiddles. Change the laws accordingly. Campbell Laughlin, Berwick Tax top end of town Again, rumours from Canberra of long overdue tax reform, and of course the inevitable mention of tax cuts. Why, when a government is supposedly cash-strapped, are we talking cuts? The problem is income tax is not prohibitive, it is that we do not receive what we need in health, education, costs of living, housing, and protecting the environment. The top end of town must be taxed more while the government takes tax evasion reform, and stops the privatisation of public services. Come on, prime minister, be brave for once while you have the numbers. This is a golden opportunity for long overdue reform. Rod Mackenzie, Marshall Circular economy I finally understand what the term circular economy means to enable contractors to overcharge for government work, on the proviso that the extra charges will be reimbursed to the political party that signed the contracts. Simple and elegant. Mike Pantzopoulos, Ashburton Time to ban jumps Jumps racing kills horses so why are taxpayers subsidising it (Jumps subsidy costing taxpayers, 17/2)? Victoria is the only state that still allows it. A government spokesman says the future of jumps racing is a matter for Racing Victoria. With Labors unprecedented debt, costs of servicing crippling the state and threatening vital public services, Jacinta Allan should immediately withdraw the subsidy and ban jumps racing a win for her budget and horse welfare. Jan Kendall, Mt Martha Advertisement Equity, not equality The article Push for Melbournes top science school to introduce gender quotas (16/2), confuses basic statistics. Describing enrolments in the John Monash Science School, the article states, the odds of securing 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. Obviously, the odds of securing a place depends on the number of applications. Imagine there were 200 applications by boys with 53 accepted, and 150 applications by girls with 47 accepted. Then the success rate for girls would be 31 per cent compared to the boys success rate of 26.5 per cent. More importantly, at a selective entry science school, the best students should be selected based on scientific ability, not on gender. Equity is what is important, not equality. Professor David Wood, School of Mathematics, Monash University Dont cancel Tame Grace Tame has upset a lot of people but calls for her to be banned from the Bendigo Writers Festival buys into this climate of silencing voices. The former Australian of The Year earned admiration for her survival instinct by using her anger to rise above her abuser when she was a young girl, but seeing that anger lead chanting of globalise the intifada in the recent Sydney protests was a most ugly sight. However, calls for cancelling her are not the answer, just as it was not appropriate to uninvite the Jewish New York Times columnist, Thomas Friedman from the 2024 Adelaide Writers Week. Charles Freeman, Caulfield South Well done, Ritchie What a great article about initiative, stamina, determination and purpose displayed by Box Hill High School captain Rohan Ritchie in his 100km run to raise funds for Headspace Box Hill (He smashed it: Teen marks 18th birthday with 100km run for charity, 17/2). Ill be adding to the $16,000 raised already and hope many others will do the same. Chris Hudnott, Canterbury Enough road talk Our lungs and our homes seem inconsequential to your correspondent (Letters, 17/2) in his suggestion for the East West Link through peoples suburbs. He could only provide an environmental solution for the university and Royal Park section, and not for where people live. Enough of this big road and big traffic talk as it only caters to the few that own and can afford a car to get around: we need a 21st century solution for all. Michael Carroll, Kensington Dated analogy The use of the analogy the bridesmaid but not the bride is dated in Peter Ryans article on Nick Daicos (17/2). If it must be used, then at least make it gender relevant: The best man but not the groom. Julienne Tanner, Portarlington Advertisement AND ANOTHER THING Matt Golding Opposition parties Re your correspondents comment about Pauline Hanson possibly becoming prime minister is truly scary (Letters, 17/2). Could any sensible person have imagined Trump becoming president in 2017? Suzanne Palmer-Holton, Seaford Pauline Hanson as PM? The dress code for the House of Reps would be the burqa. Doug Springall, Yarragon Advertisement Like Tony Abbott, I am ruling myself out of contention as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Farrer. Helmut Simon, Thomson Out comes the old nag from the Libs, Fia Mongering, for yet another run with the jockey Emma Gration in the saddle. Michael Brinkman, Ventnor Your correspondent (Letters, 17/2) implores us to give Angus a go. His record since he first entered parliament in 2013 tells us all we need to know. Neil Hudson, East Melbourne ISIS families Stranded Australian ISIS families: Its good to see Albanese acting as normal politics always beats humanitarianism. Ian Powell, Glen Waverley Re ISIS families repatriation: Perhaps Albo should consult Jenny while hes at it. Helen Matthews, Surrey Hills Advertisement Furthermore Surely, in the many millions spent, some shade could have been provided for passengers waiting on the outgoing tram area at Anzac station. Susie Holt, South Yarra Farewell, Robert Duvall. You will live on for me as the haunting hero Boo Ridley in To Kill a Mockingbird, his first role in a movie in 1962. Jon Smith, Leongatha Robert Duvalls best cinematic line I love the smell of napalm in the morning in Apocalypse Now (1979). David Cayzer, Clifton Hill Perhaps its the cynic in me, but my sense is that the neologism mis-speak is nothing more or less than a euphemism for lying. John Sheldrick, Peppermint Grove, WA The opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCrime She always hoped for a better life: Indigenous mother found dead in Melbournes east Angus Delaney and Alexander Darling February 17, 2026 12:07pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Warning: this story contains the name and images of an Indigenous person who has died. An Indigenous mother found dead in her Melbourne home has been remembered as a beautiful soul who always hoped for a better life for her and her three children. Homicide detectives are investigating after the body of Belinda Nicholls was found at a house on Mountain Highway near Dorset Road in Bayswater, in Melbournes outer-east, about 11am on Monday. Belinda Nicholls was found dead by police on Monday morning. She has been remembered as a loyal friend and a beautiful soul. A 39-year-old Bayswater man was arrested at a nearby bus stop less than one hour later in relation to her death. Advertisement Police believe he was known to Nicholls. He has not yet been charged. Margaret Hamilton, a long-time family friend of Nicholls, said those close to her were devastated by her tragic death. Belinda was a beautiful soul who adored her three boys, Hamilton told The Age. She was a loyal friend and stayed close to all of my family. There were many ups and downs for Belinda, but she always hoped for a better life for her and her beautiful boys. Advertisement Hamilton said Nicholls was proud of her Indigenous heritage. She frequently wore clothing featuring the Aboriginal flag and her house, which is owned by Aboriginal Housing Victoria, was decorated with the ensign. Nicholls loving nature touched many in her reach, including neighbour Steve Nicholls, who described her as a kind woman. She was always good to us she always looked out for me, and we were always there for her, he said. He said police knocked on his door about 1pm on Monday, asking whether he had heard anything unusual. He said he recalled hearing a loud noise the night before, followed by silence. There had previously been heated arguments at the property over the years, including raised voices and doors banging, he said. Advertisement I thought it was one of those episodes last night. Its a shock. Its a shame. Hopefully, she can rest in peace now. Other neighbours said Nicholls mostly kept to herself and they had not interacted with her much. For help or information contact: 13YARN on 13 92 76. Anyone who witnessed the incident that led to the womans death, with footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. The past year will be remembered as the moment Chinas BYD crossed a symbolic threshold in the global auto industry. For the first time, BYDs worldwide vehicle sales moved ahead of Fords, pushing the Chinese giant into sixth place among the worlds largest automakers. BYD delivered about 4.6 million vehicles globally, roughly 200,000 more than Ford. Ford, after a global sales decline of about 2% to just under 4.4 million vehicles, slipped to seventh. The Top Of The Pyramid Still Looks Familiar At the top, the order remains dominated by the traditional heavyweights. Toyota stayed firmly in first place with a record 11.3 million vehicles sold. The Volkswagen Group followed with just under 9 million, then Hyundai Kia with 7.2 million, General Motors with about 6.2 million, and Stellantis at roughly 5.5 million. But the most compelling story did not come from the very top. It came from Shenzhen, where BYDs growth is reshaping how the industry thinks about power, scale, and the direction of electrification. Chinas Market Shift Explains The Breakthrough Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. It is hard to understand BYDs rise without looking at how quickly Chinas home market has changed. Ford posted growth in the United States, but declines in Europe and especially in China proved decisive. In the worlds largest auto market, domestic players like BYD, Xiaomi, and Geely have taken a much larger share by offering technology-heavy vehicles at aggressive price points. The result is a major reset in market dynamics. Chinese brands held about 65% of Chinas passenger car retail market in 2025, reflecting how far the era of foreign brand dominance in China has faded. BYDs Scale Starts At Home, But Export Is Growing Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. BYDs global performance still rests heavily on China, where the company sold more than 3.1 million vehicles and finished as the countrys top-selling automaker. Even so, export is no longer a side note. It represented roughly a quarter of total volume. Outside China, BYD delivered about 1.05 million vehicles during 2025. The plan for the current year calls for growth to about 1.3 million deliveries beyond China, signaling that the company sees international expansion as a central pillar, not an experiment. New production footprints are part of that strategy. Planned and expanding production footprints in Brazil, Thailand, and Hungary are positioned as key supply points for South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, helping BYD reduce shipping exposure and build a more local presence in major regions. No Traditional Gas Or Diesel Models Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. One of BYDs most unusual traits, at least compared with legacy automakers, is what it does not sell. The company does not offer traditional gas-only or diesel passenger vehicles. Its lineup focuses on plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, grouped in China under the label "new energy vehicles." The Russell St bombing and the policewoman who paid the ultimate price Constable Angela Taylor became the first Australian policewoman killed in the line of duty when criminals out for revenge bombed Victoria Polices headquarters. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Australian women turned their backs on Ley. But they wont forgive Taylor for this assassination Katy Hall Age deputy state topic editor February 18, 2026 5:00am February 18, 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 So this is how the Liberal Partys first foray into female leadership ends. Not with a bang, but with an underwhelming sense of inevitability. Sussan Ley is out after nine months, and the architects of her downfall are wasting no time in telling anybody wholl listen that there was no choice, they had to do it. We must change, or we will not continue to exist, senator James Paterson said last week. Angus Taylor has deposed Sussan Ley as leader, but can he turn around the oppositions fortunes? Alex Ellinghausen Its not as if people were betting their life savings on the good ship SS Ley making it to the next federal election. But in appointing Angus Taylor as leader and Jane Hume as deputy, the Liberals have once again shown that their version of generational change bears a striking resemblance to the past. And watching a group of men wheel and deal in the shadows until they got their way doesnt feel like an evolution so much as a return to regular programming. Advertisement The truth is, though, even without the industrious efforts of her colleagues to undermine her, Ley was never going to be the solution to the Liberal Partys women problem because serious women never took her seriously. For decades, the Liberal Party has not had to look hard to understand why it has been losing once blue-ribbon heartland seats. Voters in these electorates, particularly women, have been clear about their reasons: they are choosing successful, competent and formidable female candidates who ran on platforms of addressing climate change and energy, economic sensibility, and integrity and accountability. These independents also offer a more balanced and representative parliament. Liberals at Katie Allens January 29 funeral (from left): Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, MP Ted OBrien, Ley, senator James Paterson and former treasurer Peter Costello. Alex Coppel Ley in particular was qualified to understand what women wanted not just because she is one, but because she served as the shadow minister for the status of women after the 2007 election, when the downward trajectory of female voters began in earnest. She was then the shadow minister for women between 2022 and 2025 when the partys problem reached crisis point. She had three years to understand how teal independent candidates who once would have been natural fits to sit alongside her in Canberra outmanoeuvred the party, and even more time to influence her colleagues and help lead a course correction to win these kinds of women and their supporters back. And yet, come 2025, a further 15 Liberal seats were lost, including Peter Duttons. And wouldnt you know it, just like John Howard losing to Maxine McKew before him, voters in Dickson decided to go for a Labor candidate who just so happened to be a competent, capable woman. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Political leadership Sussan Ley wasnt dumped because shes a woman, and yet ... Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist Its entirely possible that Ley was tireless in her efforts to make her colleagues see reason. Given the average Australian is a 37-year-old woman and that the typical Liberal Party member is a man in his 70s, its plausible that her colleagues refused to listen and insisted they knew best. But its hard to see why, if they so greatly disagreed, she was then elected leader. After winning the leadership last year, Ley was overt about her plans to steer the party back towards what she called the sensible centre and win back traditional Liberal voters who had defected to independent, One Nation or Labor candidates after decades of growing frustration. The road to government for us goes through every single teal seat, Ley said during her address to the National Press Club a month after the partys worst ever election result. The voters in those teal seats, we are determined to reconnect with I know that we will have an agenda that delivers for them in the next three years. She talked a big game about change and offered some hope to sceptics. Then nothing. Advertisement Ley said the Liberals must be a party proudly for women and made up of women, but she refused to support gender quotas or any other tangible measure that would formally commit the party to seeing its representation change for the better. Related Article Opinion Population Two top podcasters have identified a global decline. The problem, they say, is women Katy Hall Age deputy state topic editor On the environment, Ley went to the 2025 election standing next to Dutton as he tried to make the case for nuclear energy, and ditched net zero when she became leader. Ley, who has a masters in accountancy and tax law, failed to deliver a policy platform that outlined her plan for long-term economic success. She said a lot in nine months, but produced virtually nothing. Is it any wonder women werent interested? Ley may not have been the right person for the times, and it might be true that a man would have been rolled for less. But most would agree that she was not given the respect that a leader should be entitled to. Advertisement If the Liberals really think replacing Ley with a man described by his former boss Malcolm Turnbull as the best qualified idiot will somehow bring back lost female voters, theyve been at sea too long. Because even if they didnt support Ley directly, women will not forget that on the morning of former Liberal MP Katie Allans funeral last month, shortly before a distinguished, widely respected woman was laid to rest, an all-male group of Liberals met to strategise on how to knife their first female leader and share the spoils when it was done. Taylor says hes a Liberal in the traditional sense, and his supporters say his success meant the party averted the crisis of a more right-wing leader in Andrew Hastie. Maybe, but Taylors treatment of Ley, unintentionally or otherwise, was a dog whistle to the far right that the partys brief foray into at least pretending they were interested in new-age woke politics like letting women have a go and earning back the trust of women is over. If thats the case, the Liberals biggest problem still has two X chromosomes and the right to vote, and Paterson is right to be terrified of a looming extinction. Katy Hall is a senior editor and regular columnist. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement PoliticsFederalDefence Natural allies, not Frankenstein pact: Call for Australia to join NATO-style Pacific alliance Matthew Knott February 18, 2026 4:23am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australia, the United States, Japan and the Philippines should establish a formal defence alliance to counter Chinas growing military power in Asia, according to a former top adviser to Joe Biden. Ely Ratner, who served as Bidens assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, also urged the Albanese government to significantly increase military spending to ensure that AUKUS does not cannibalise the defence budget and drain resources for other important investments. Ely Ratner, former US Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific, says the threat from China is increasing. He said he was concerned by Donald Trumps lack of focus on competition with China and that he feared the US president could make damaging concessions to Beijing when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping this year. The threat is mounting from China. Chinas ambitions have not moderated. It is building a military to be able to dominate the Indo-Pacific, and it has ambitions for which only combat-credible deterrence will prevent conflict in the Indo-Pacific, Ratner said in an interview. Advertisement Ratner, who is visiting Australia for series of lectures organised by the Lowy Institute, said the so-called squad nations of the US, Australia, Japan and the Philippines share a common perspective on the need to work closer together to respond to Chinas rapid military build-up. Related Article Defence The fourth service: How AUKUS is consuming the defence budget He said that while the US and Australia had recently strengthened ties with Japan and the Philippines, these arrangements were too ad hoc and too informal. To actually get the level of integration that you would need to sustain long-term deterrence, youre going to need more formal arrangements, he said, expanding on an argument he first made in the Foreign Affairs journal. At every decision point whether its building infrastructure or a communications network or purchasing a certain capability my recommendation is that the decision should be made through the lens of ensuring it can be used collectively among a close-knit group of partners, rather than having a Frankenstein model of alliances, where we have just all these different types of systems and capabilities that dont work well together. Advertisement He said the pact should contain a mutual defence clause similar to NATOs article five, which states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, requiring a joint response. The nations would also conduct joint military exercises, undertake integrated war planning and prioritise the use of common military equipment. US President Donald Trump is set to travel to China in April to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Getty Images Ratner said that unlike NATO which contains 32 nations spread across Europe and North America his proposed alliance grouping would include a handful of like-minded countries in the Pacific. Other nations like New Zealand and South Korea could potentially join at a later date. He said Australia would ultimately retain sovereign decision-making about whether to enter any conflict. Advertisement While Trump appeared blase about Australian defence spending during an October White House meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Ratner said the federal government would continue to come under pressure from the US to spend more. The US National Defence Strategy, released in January, says the Trump administration expects its allies to spend at least 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on core military spending. Australia currently spends around 2.03 per cent of GDP on defence. I dont think President Trumps body language on that issue should be read as a reduction of the desire to see Australia be spending more on defence, Ratner said. I think theres still an open question in Washington about whether Australia has sufficient funding to both fully fund AUKUS, which is an important priority, while fulfilling other important commitments related to missile defence, infrastructure upgrades, and other capability investments Its going to be important for Australia to find the resources to do all of that and not be drawing resources away from other priority areas to fund AUKUS. Advertisement The Strategic Analysis Australia think tank last year warned that spending on the AUKUS submarine program is growing so dramatically that it is approaching the size of a standalone branch of the Defence Force, draining funding for other important military equipment. Ratner criticised the Trump administrations scattershot approach to China, saying it lacked coherence and toughness. Trump angered China hawks last December by announcing he would allow artificial intelligence chip giant Nvidia to sell advanced chips to China and backed down on his most significant tariff threats against Beijing. There quite a dramatic softening of the US approach to China from one focused on competition to one that is now tilting toward accommodation, Ratner said. With Trump and Xi expected to meet in Beijing in early April, and possibly three more times this year, Ratner said: I think there is concern that the Trump administration may make concessions on technology or security issues for really nothing meaningful in return. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalIslamic State Who are the IS brides trying to get home? Michael Bachelard Updated February 20, 2026 5:21pm ,first published February 17, 2026 6:26pm 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 Eleven family groups 34 individuals who have been stuck in Syrian internment camps for years are trying to make their way home. Who are they, and what do they say about how they got into Syria? This is what we know about the women 10 of whom are still eligible to come home, while one has had a Temporary Exclusion Order imposed on her. Its unknown which woman is subject to that order. Nesrine Zahab Nesrine Zahab, an Australian woman, told the ABCs Four Corners that she wanted to come home. Screen grab/Four Corners Nesrine Zahab, from Sydney, was 21 when she claims she was tricked into going into Syria by her cousin Muhammad Zahab a former maths teacher at the centre of a network that delivered at least a dozen of his own family members into Islamic States so-called caliphate. Advertisement Nesrine told the ABC she and a female cousin had been in Turkey to help refugees from the Syrian civil war on the Turkish side of the border, and had no intention of entering the war-torn country. Related Article Islamic State Doctor who helped re-elect Tony Burke leading efforts to bring IS brides back to Australia I had a whole thing going on. I was doing uni, she said on Four Corners in 2019. Who walks into a war zone? I was going to see Syrians, yes, because of what theyre going through. She married Islamic State fighter Ahmed Merhi a friend of her cousins and gave birth to a son, Abdul Rahman, in the al-Roj camp in northern Syria in 2019. Merhi was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging in Baghdad in 2018. Zahab is in on the record saying she is willing to help Australian authorities. Advertisement Aminah Zahab Aminah Zahab being interviewed by SBS Dateline in 2024. SBS The mother of Muhammad Zahab also says she and her husband, Hicham, were tricked by their son into going to Syria. She told the ABC in 2019: Were clueless parents; we had a lot of trust in our children. As we raised our children, we just let the children rule our lives I feel very angry. Sumaya Zahab Advertisement Another member of the family of Muhammad Zahab this time his sister, Sumaya. She travelled to IS territory in 2014. Muhammads widow, Mariam Raab, was repatriated to Australia in 2022 by the Albanese government. She was charged with willingly entering a prohibited declared area and pleaded guilty. She was not convicted. Kirsty Rosse-Emile Kirsty Rosse-Emile in her school days. Simon Schluter Rosse-Emile was the Melbourne-based daughter of two former Christians who converted to Islam when she was nine. She grew up in a close-knit family home in south-east Melbourne and attended the Muslim private school Minaret College. Advertisement Her social media posts as a young teen showed a flirtation with the idea of jihad, along with a love of pizza, chocolate and the Fremantle Dockers AFL club. Rosse-Emile pictured with son Yahya in 2019. Kate Geraghty At 19, in 2014, she travelled to Syria after meeting and marrying a much older Moroccan immigrant, Nabil Kadmiry a one-time attendee of the infamous al-Furqan prayer room in Melbourne. Kadmiry then became an IS fighter and took Rosse-Emile to Syria. Her father said in 2019: I know Kirsty didnt fight; she was just a housewife. Zahra Ahmed Advertisement Zahra Ahmed (left) and her baby, Ibrahim, photographed in al-Hawl camp in 2019. Kate Geraghty Formerly from Melbourne, Ahmed was the most talkative of the group of women I met at the al-Hawl camp in Syria in 2019. Shes part of the largest single Australian family in the camps in north-east Syria. Related Article Islamic State Australian IS brides turned back after leaving Syrian camp for home She insisted she and her extended family, led by patriarch Mohammed, left their home in Melbournes outer suburbs to do humanitarian work. She said they were abruptly prevented from leaving Syria when Islamic State closed the borders of its self-proclaimed caliphate. Some male members of her family reportedly joined IS, but Ahmed insists the women had no choice but to follow. She said they had suffered under its strictures, and wanted nothing more than to return home, help police as much as they could, and raise her children as Australians. Advertisement Were willing to talk, and were willing to tell them and were willing to share our stories, she said. But they havent even tried to come and reach out to us, and when we ask they dont want to. Kawsar Abbas An older relative of Zahra Ahmed and the wife of the patriarch, Mohammed Ahmed, who told the ABC in 2019 that they had travelled from the headquarters in Turkey of the charity they were working for Global Humanitarian Aid to attend the wedding of his son, Omar, in 2014. Then the border closed. Kawsar Abbas (left), and Zeinab Ahmed (right) look down at baby Layla in al-Hawl camp in 2019. Kate Geraghty The charity was at one time suspected of directing resources towards Islamic State a charge the family denies. A number of the male members of the family fought for Islamic State. Kawsar insisted the women were unwitting victims. Advertisement She told us in 2019 she feared the coming winter, and the small childrens health: One of our tents flooded and then it dried up But winter is not going to be like that. Its not going to dry up, she said. Zeinab Ahmed One of the daughters of Kawsar and Mohammed Abbas. She told the ABC last year that the group the Australian government took back to Australia in 2022 had made the rest of them so happy. No further repatriations have been arranged. Hodan Abby Advertisement Doctors say the shrapnel in the head of Hodan Abbys daughter needs to be removed. Abby, from a Somalian family in Sydney, ran away from home with a friend when she was 18 after reportedly telling their parents they were going on a holiday. The pair entered Syria, reportedly willingly, with hopes of becoming jihadi brides. The parents of her friend believe she was radicalised online. Abby had a daughter in Syria who suffers from wounds she received when she was a baby, with shrapnel in her head, back and hip making it difficult for her to walk and causing delayed speech and development. Abby also has a piece of shrapnel in her chest. Abby told this masthead in 2021 she agreed to be under a Terrorism Control Order, which would give the government powers to monitor her. Kawsar Kanj and Hyam Raad Advertisement Little is known about the final two women. 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 Editorial Disgraceful, egregious, insulting: The premiers spin on CFMEU is out of control The Age's View Editorial February 18, 2026 5:00am February 18, 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 On Tuesday The Age revealed Victorian Labor had received donations from firms under police investigation for suspected corrupt payments or that placed gangland, bikie or CFMEU identities on taxpayer-funded projects. Another day, another CFMEU scandal and Premier Jacinta Allan giving another reason why the issue does not belong to her. Premier Jacinta Allan: The buck stops with her. Luis Enrique Ascui The donations story was just the latest in the Building Bad series that over almost two years has detailed the corruption, intimidation and criminal influence that has taken residence in the construction industry in Victoria. If there were a proper broad-based inquiry into the CFMEU, the donations The Age reported this week, and which are now further rising to the surface, would be examined along with the other issues. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Building Bad The 1000 ways the CFMEU has provoked outrage on nations building sites Instead of calling such an inquiry, Allan told us straight-faced that she had instead referred allegations to Victoria Police, the Fair Work Commission and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission in 2024. The government emphasised the latter in recent days by releasing her referral letter. IBAC felt compelled to reply publicly that it had not acted because the referral was outside of its remit. For it to investigate, a public officer had to be involved. Surely, this would have been obvious in the first instance. Experts certainly thought so. Not only that but IBAC had told her this back in 2024, so when she was parading her letter this week she knew it had produced no action. It would be laughable if it were not so serious. Advertisement Instead, the actions of the government and the rhetoric of Allan, who was the minister responsible for major projects before becoming premier, should be seen for what they are an abrogation of responsibility. Loading Asked about Fair Work Commission general manager Murray Furlongs assessment of the cost of union corruption at $15 billion, she has wrongly and repeatedly said that number, which he says he arrived at through discussions with Victorian officials, was discredited. Her proof is the assessment of CFMEU administrator Mark Irving that when his corruption-busting lawyer Geoffrey Watson, SC, arrived at the same figure, having spent 18 months up to his armpits in the CFMEUs worst behaviour, it was not properly founded. Irving is entitled to his opinion, but Watson and Furlong are two different people. They are also people of substantial credit who have, under oath at an inquiry and in federal parliament respectively, declared their faith in their separate assessments of the cost. But if we take Allan on face value, the words of these men contain no warning, no spur to action. Advertisement If the premiers lack of curiosity is perplexing, her press conference deflections are insulting. The governments latest egregious spin line that concern about the wasted billions is somehow an assault on workers asks us to forget that Labor and the unions former leadership oversaw a Big Build on which some of those same workers were forced to work with bikies dressed as union reps on sites swimming in public money. As investigative reporter Nick McKenzie asks on The Morning Edition podcast on the latest disclosures: Whats very disturbing in Victoria is having established that the government did know, well, wheres the accountability in a Westminster system? If a minister presides over a series of corrupt projects, responsibility should flow to that minister. Well, who was the minister most responsible for the Big Build? Its the premier. This is not just a matter of history. Furlong warned that workers who are known to be affiliated with outlaw motorcycle gangs and other organised crime groups are moving from their positions on Victorias Metro Tunnel and North-East Link sites to Suburban Rail Loop sites, including work health and safety representatives and delegates. With that in mind, it was extremely disappointing to hear Prime Minister Anthony Albanese duck the question on Tuesday when asked if Victoria could do more to reckon with the CFMEU scandal. Advertisement Remember his government is tipped to greenlight billions of federal taxpayers money for the Suburban Rail Loop in the May budget. Meanwhile, building sites are still being set on fire. The buck stops with the premier. She must act. Now. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Building Bad Opinion Editorial The Age's View Since The Age was first published in 1854, the editorial team has believed it important to express a considered view on the issues of the day for readers, always putting the public interest first. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsVictoriaVictorian election None of the above: Poll reveals Victorian flight from major parties Chip Le Grand February 18, 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 Support for the major parties in Victoria has crashed to the lowest level on record, as the state enters an election year with an unpopular premier and an opposition haemorrhaging votes to One Nation. The latest Resolve Political Monitor conducted for The Age over the first two months of this year confirms the depth of voter malaise towards the long-term Labor government and the damage done to the state opposition by the federal Coalitions implosion, with 42 per cent of respondents flagging an intention to support a minor party or independent candidate. If these numbers were produced at the November state election, it would represent an exodus of more than 470,000 voters from the major parties since the 2022 poll, and most likely produce a hung parliament. When the Andrews government was first elected a decade ago, 80 per cent of Victorians voted for one of the major parties. Support for the ALP is flat-lining at 28 per cent, a figure unchanged since the last survey was conducted in November and December last year. Support for the Victorian Coalition has cratered from 39 per cent in the last survey to just 30 per cent, the lowest level since August 2023. Advertisement One Nation, after securing a mere 0.22 per cent of the vote at the last state election, is now polling at double figures, with 11 per cent of respondents saying that if an election were held today, they would plump for Pauline Hansons party of grievance. This poll marks the first time the Resolve Political Monitor has specifically included One Nation as a primary vote option for Victorians. Support for the Greens is unchanged at 12 per cent. Resolve pollster Jim Reed said the survey demonstrated that One Nation, a party whose impact has been largely confined to national affairs, was starting to make its mark in state politics, including Victoria. He said the rise of One Nation in Victoria had come almost entirely at the expense of the Coalition, which needs to win 16 additional seats in November to secure a lower house majority. This is not good news for the opposition at all, he said. Advertisement At this stage, the One Nation vote is simply making the Coalitions task of winning enough seats even more difficult by taking away vote and not returning it all on preferences. If [Victorian Premier Jacinta] Allan retains power, shell have Hanson to thank. One Nations vote would need to climb significantly higher for the party to win lower house seats in its own right, Reed said. The process has been slower because the One Nation leadership is in Canberra, their key issues of immigration and net zero are federal, and they simply dont have the same presence in Victoria as elsewhere, he said. But its started, and the trend behind this snapshot clearly indicates it has some way to go. There are also troubling signs within this survey for Labor, with the results suggesting that, after two years in the states top job, Allan is badly on the nose with voters. Her net satisfaction rating of -37 makes her less popular than her predecessor Andrews, whose last public appearance was in Beijing sharing a stage with Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. As a point of comparison, Donald Trump had a net rating of -41 when Resolve this month posed a question about the US president. Advertisement Only one in five survey respondents nominated Allan as their preferred premier. This is Allans lowest score on this measure since she assumed the party leadership from Andrews in September 2023. The survey of 1100 respondents which does not publish a two-party preferred figure was conducted across two tracks between January 12-16 and February 8-14. The first track coincided with Victorias destructive bushfires. The second was conducted amid further revelations by this masthead about the extent and cost of corruption on the governments Big Build construction sites, as well as turmoil in the federal Coalition ranks. A senior ALP figure, speaking anonymously to detail internal matters, said the extent of Allans unpopularity with voters would normally be grounds for a leadership challenge, but there was no prospect of this happening before the election. There is no appetitive to move on her, none, they said. Advertisement This leaves Victorian Labor resigned to the task of campaigning for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term behind a leader who has so far struggled to resonate with the electorate. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, by contrast, is liked by voters. Her net positive rating of 14 makes her more popular than Brad Battin was during his leadership. However, this has not stopped the flight of Liberal supporters to One Nation, a party yet to announce its candidates, a state leader or the policy platform it plans to take into the Victorian election. Its only current member of parliament is Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, who became One Nations first Victorian representative when she was elected to the upper house in 2022. A senior Liberal Party figure said while One Nation was campaigning in Victoria largely on a vibe, the Victorian opposition was copping brand damage from the Liberal and National party wars in Canberra which last week culminated in Angus Taylor toppling Sussan Ley as federal Liberal leader. It is absolutely federal backwash, they said. Our brand federally is in the toilet. Advertisement Some of the reasons offered by survey respondents to explain their voting intention suggest that Labors re-election prospects are suffering a double whammy from Allans leadership and the legacy she inherited from Andrews. Only 18 per cent of respondents said they were more likely to vote Labor because of Andrews legacy, compared to 45 per cent who said they were less likely. More surprisingly, the completion of the long-awaited West Gate Tunnel and Metro Tunnel projects were also net negatives for the government. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Because it was Valentines Day, we gave her a bunch of flowers and chocolates for making the first bid, and then because she also bought the home, she got a bottle of champagne, said Grieve. The underbidder was a man who had only seen the property earlier that day. The property was one of 828 scheduled auctions in Melbourne last week. By Saturday evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 68.4 per cent from 601 reported results, while 72 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. In South Yarra, a two-bedroom apartment, never seen by the new owner, was sold under the hammer for $730,000. The unit at 3/19 Kensington Road had a guide price of $600,000 to $640,000 and a reserve of $640,000. Loading Selling agent Luke Saville from Savvi said they had more than 150 groups inspect the property during the campaign. Interest was also high on auction day, with a crowd of over 70 people, nine registered bidders and five active bidders. There was a mix of first-home buyers bidding and Sydney investors, he said. The purchaser was a dad bidding on behalf of his daughter, a first home buyer who was on holiday overseas and who hasnt seen the property. Bidding opened at $640,000 and rose to $700,000 in less than a minute. It was a super quick, competitive auction, Saville said. The first-floor apartment with a north-facing balcony has a good layout, with a lock-up garage, also a bonus you dont normally get, Saville said. In South Yarra, Saville said that the apartment market is on another level. Im not quite sure what it is about South Yarra, but it is attracting a lot more interest than other suburbs like Hawthorn, especially from interstate investors. Loading PRDs chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, said the clearance rate is really good. This means that the Melbourne market is holding stable and strong when it comes to auction clearance rates, despite the recent cash rate hike, she said. It shows that people are still thinking Melbourne has a lot of opportunities, and it being on the recovery road is still attracting quite a lot of buyers. Mardiasmo said there were promising signs for the market. At this rate, demand should still be going strong for the next few weeks, unless there are further changes to the economy or cash rate. Meanwhile, in Yarraville, a fully-renovated Victorian was passed in at auction for $1.94 million and sold later that day for $2 million after private negotiations on site. The four-bedroom home at 20 Ovens Street was listed with a price range of $1.8 million to $1.95 million, and a reserve of $2 million. There is no legal requirement for a vendors reserve to be in line with their propertys price guide. Loading Selling agent Matthew John from Buxton Inner West said the quality of the renovations undertaken by the vendors - an architect, and a builder - as well as its position in the heart of Yarraville Village, attracted the two bidders. The home was stripped back to its bones and completely renovated by the sellers, he said. There is always demand for these sorts of homes, despite whatever else is going on in the market. Australian households are carrying almost three times as much debt as they were in 1990, most of which is housing debt, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows. Experts said the increased debt load was magnifying the impact of interest-rate movements on household budgets. Households higher debt loads are magnifying the impact of rate movements, experts say. Credit: Wayne Taylor & Matt Davidson Interest rates are essentially the cost of debt, so if households have higher levels of debt, theyre going to be a lot more sensitive to the cost of that debt, said Tim Lawless, Cotality research director, which crunched the data. Australian households ratio of debt to annualised disposable income was 176.1 per cent in September 2025, the data showed. Advertisement Reviews & adviceAir travel Opinion The exciting future of air travel is somewhere I dont want to go Ben Groundwater Travel writer February 18, 2026 5:00am February 18, 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 If an airline offers onboard Wi-Fi, you will know about it. You will know about it before you even book, given the way this message is usually trumpeted. Onboard Wi-Fi! Free messaging! High-speed internet in the air! This is the exciting future, where youre never offline, youre never unreachable, youre always connected. This is a luxury, airlines tell you. The people in the expensive seats get access for free. Those in the cheaper seats can shell out a few more bucks for the privilege. But all will be connected. Inflght Wi-Fi means youll always be connected. Thats not a good thing. Getty Images And so you take to the skies and your phone buzzes with messages while youre halfway through Mission Impossible II. You can respond to emails from your work colleagues from 40,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. You can post photos of your inflight meal while youre somewhere over Pakistan. Advertisement This is marketed as a luxury but is it, really? Because surely the idea of being disconnected from the world for 14 hours is far less frightening than always being connected. Never being allowed to disconnect. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. I listened, recently, to a presentation by Colin Nagy, an American journalist and brand strategist who was out in Australia talking about travel trends for Luxury Escapes. Nagy is tapped into the ultra-luxury sector of travel, the world inhabited by Emirati billionaires and Russian oligarchs and non-disgraced royalty, and he says that, to those people, being constantly connected isnt luxury any more. Quite the opposite. Theres a certain type of persona, Nagy said, for whom disconnection or not being reachable all the time is its own social signal. I think Im starting to see this as a bit of a flex for people that are not at the beck and call of WhatsApp all the time. I was talking to an Emirati billionaire the other day and he said that luxury for [him] is to disappear for a very long lunch and not tell anyone [he] did, because, like, things will happen for [him] in the background. So its a bit of a quiet flex. Advertisement Oh, great. So the billionaire set have wised up to the fact that being connected all the time actually sucks, while the rest of us are still taught to crave that ability to feel their phone ping with requests to join a Teams meeting at 40,000 feet. You would have realised, even while reading a little higher up in this story, that all isnt as it appears. Getting work emails while youre above the Pacific? Checking your likes and comments in the middle of Mission Impossible? This is not the stuff dreams are made of. Its awful. And yet theres an expectation, when people back home know of this constant connection, that you will always be there. Youre on a business trip? You should be on email. Youve left your loved ones for a week? Answer some damned messages. It wasnt so long ago that going travelling just cut you off from everything. Never mind answering emails from seat 41D, there was no such thing as email. If you wanted to get in touch with someone from back home you would either have to buy an international phone card and figure out the bizarre dialling system, or send a letter. Decide on a good post restante address, a place youre likely to be in a month or so, and you might even be able to receive the reply. Advertisement Technology is a thing that creeps up on you, each increment touted as an advance, a way to make your life better. And in many respects, it does make your life better when was the last time you cashed a travellers cheque? so much so that you forget that a few of these advancements make life noticeably worse. Its no surprise to find that the uber-rich are treating tapping out of the world as the ultimate luxury. Its because they can do it. Because they can get away with it. And who wants to be contactable 24 hours a day while theyre supposed to be on holiday? Related Article Travel tips The six modern travel trends we hate (and the six we love) The rest of us can dip our toes into this style of luxury. For a while now there have been tour companies and hotels offering digital detox experiences, taking you to places where you either cant access Wi-Fi, or youre told youre not allowed to. That seems like a good idea when youre booking, but remember the scene in the most recent season of The White Lotus, where the well-off Ratliff family are asked to surrender their devices on arrival at their Thai hotel. The look of horror on their faces, as the reality of this situation dawns on them, is something we have probably all felt on a smaller scale. Theres an addiction to connection that is hard to break. Advertisement But that really is luxury. Its also, as Colin Nagy says, a flex. Its saying, Im important enough that there is no one I serve, no one to whom I have to answer for the next day or week or month. Im out. A lot of us cant do that. Were not Emirati billionaires and we do have colleagues who need answers and we do have loved ones who cant all just come on the trip with us. We require some sort of ongoing connection with the world. Though, we could probably stand to spend 14 hours in the air with no Instagram. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Air travel Opinion For subscribers IT networks 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 Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaConspiracy theories Obama conspiracy theorist to address Australian conservative summit Michael Koziol February 18, 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 Washington: An American filmmaker and conservative activist who claims Barack Obamas real father was a communist poet and that Michelle Obama is not who she pretends to be will address a conference in Australia hosted by rising right-wing lobby group Advance. Joel Gilbert is a regular contributor to far-right conspiracy theory media outlets such as Alex Jones Infowars and fake news website The Gateway Pundit, where he is currently pushing the claim that a candidate for governor of California is ineligible for that office. Joel Gilbert, a US filmmaker, conservative activist and conspiracy theorist. One of Gilberts films explores the urban legend that the Beatles Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a lookalike, though he now calls it a mockumentary. He has also made a conspiratorial film about the killing of African-American teenager Trayvon Martin. Gilbert is being flown into Australia by Advance to be a key speaker at a conference in Sydney, alongside former prime minister Tony Abbott and Liberal MP Moira Deeming. He is billed to make a half-hour speech on Saturday morning titled: The quiet coup: how judicial politicisation threatens democratic society. Advertisement Australia has a radical far-left Labor government. They have the same in the UK. Conservative activist Joel Gilbert Gilbert told this masthead he will discuss a trend by Democrats since Obama to appoint radical judges in the judicial system, and a parallel drift in Australia, whereby courts were increasingly asked to adjudicate issues about immigration and health mandates and environmental regulations, and use executive discretion. He confirmed Advance was paying for his travel to Australia. The conference is called Evolve: Because being right isnt enough, and is described in an email to subscribers as the political event of the year. Questioned on his claims that Obamas real father was Frank Marshall Davis, a communist poet and friend of Obamas grandfather, Gilbert said: I dont have the DNA, but certainly the photos bear it out. The film was more about Daviss ideological influence on Obama, he said, repeating an unproven claim that Obama was raised by Davis. Gilbert rejected the label of conspiracy theorist, saying the term was used to dismiss peoples research rather than engage in the facts. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Resolve Political Monitor One Nation draws level with Coalition as voters give their first take on Taylor Advance did not respond to inquiries about how much it was paying Gilbert to appear, and whether that was the best use of donors money. Disclosure records show Gina Rineharts Hancock Prospecting was the lobby groups largest donor in 2024-25, making two payments totalling $895,000. Rinehart was contacted for comment. While in Australia, Gilbert will also appear at NSW Parliament for a screening of his 2018 film Trump: The Art of the Insult an event being sponsored by Libertarian Party MP John Ruddick. Gilbert has an ongoing association with Australia. His film about Al Gore in which he interviews an AI version of the former Democratic vice president made its world premiere at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference in Brisbane. Gilbert says Ruddick gave him the idea for the film. Advertisement In January, while appearing on far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Joness program Infowars, Gilbert called the Albanese government radical far-left and spoke disparagingly about Muslim immigration. Australia has a radical far-left Labor government. They have the same in the UK Its hard to get a united western front when half of your best allies are far-left and believe in this idea of DEI and inclusivity, he said. They dont really understand the big picture of what it means to bring large populations of Muslims into your country, and not understanding that they have a different way of life, a different political goal and a different value system than your society does. 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. Cadiz topo map of projected water pipeline. (Photo/Cadiz, Inc.) Cadiz, Inc. (the Company) today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the Mojave Groundwater Bank Northern Pipeline (MGBNPL) Project to submit an application for a low-interest loan of up to $194 million under the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Established by Congress in 2014, WIFIA is designed to accelerate investment in nationally significant water and wastewater infrastructure projects. In November, the Lytton Rancheria of California, a federally recognized tribe, committed up to $51 million as the first tranche of a potential $450 million in total equity capital for the Mojave Groundwater Bank. This investment is convertible into Mojave Water Infrastructure Company LLC (MWI), the special-purpose entity formed by Cadiz to construct, own, and operate the Project. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. EPAs selection administratively reserves $194 million for the Companys Northern Pipeline Project and invites the Company to submit a formal WIFIA loan application. The funding will remain reserved while the Company progresses through the WIFIA underwriting process. We appreciate EPAs selection of the Mojave Groundwater Bank for the WIFIA process, said Don Bunts, General Manager of Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company. This is an important milestone as we finalize project financing and advance construction of the Mojave Groundwater Bank. The Company plans to fund the Project through a combination of equity capital, government grants, municipal financing, and low-interest debt programs such as WIFIA. If approved, WIFIA financing will complement private equity and other funding sources for the construction of the Mojave Groundwater Bank, which includes the Northern Pipeline and the planned 43-mile Southern Pipeline connection to the Colorado River Aqueduct. Additional WIFIA funding will be sought separately for the Southern Pipeline and other project components. The public-private partnership model is the most effective way to finance large-scale water infrastructure today, said Susan Kennedy, Chair and CEO of Cadiz. By leveraging both public and private funding, we can build major infrastructure efficiently and reduce costs for ratepayers. With water supply agreements in place for the Northern Pipeline, the Company began construction financing activities last year and is currently in due diligence with private equity investors to secure up to $400 million for MWI. Simultaneously, Cadiz is advancing key permitting, engineering, procurement, and construction milestones toward execution of a definitive agreement. Bhopal lawyers strike work over murder of colleague; demand Advocates Protection Act Staff Reporter : Lawyers in the State capital suspended all legal proceedings on Monday to protest the brutal murder of advocate Sanjay Kumar Saxena in Karera. Demonstrating within the court premises, the advocates raised slogans and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, demanding the immediate implementation of the Advocate Protection Act across the State. Senior advocate Zafar Raja highlighted that while serious crimes against lawyers have occurred periodically, no concrete legislation has been enacted for their safety. He noted that despite repeated appeals, the Government has yet to address the issue with the required urgency. Advocate Jagdish Gupta added that the Karera homicide has sparked widespread outrage among the legal fraternity, vowing that protests will continue until a safety law is implemented. The total halt in judicial work left hundreds of litigants in distress. Among them was Tulsi, a woman who had travelled to the court for her sons bail hearing in a fraud case. Upon arrival, she was informed that the proceedings were cancelled due to the strike. Many other litigants were seen waiting for hours at lawyers chambers, unaware of the work suspension. The protest stems from the events of February 14, when advocate Sanjay Kumar Saxena was intercepted and shot dead while on his way to court. The attack was reportedly fuelled by a long-standing dispute. The protesting legal community is now demanding that the case be tried in a fast-track court and investigated by a specialised agency to ensure a rigorous probe and deter future attacks on legal professionals. The impact of tighter credit spreads and lower cash rates may continue to pressure the company's COE margin. There is uncertainty regarding the completion of a potential transaction with Pepper Money, which could impact strategic plans. The company faces challenges in transitioning to new capital standards, which may require adjustments in asset allocation and capital management strategies. The company is strategically positioned for growth with key partnerships in superannuation and advice technology platforms, and expansion in offshore reinsurance markets, particularly in Japan and Asia. The company announced a $150 million buyback and increased dividends, reflecting confidence in its financial strength and capital management. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you elaborate on the $150 million buyback and any other uses of excess capital? A: Nick Hamilton, CEO, explained that the buyback is independent of upcoming capital changes and is a modest, executable step under current standards. Alex Bell, CFO, added that while the buyback is not large, it signals intent to optimize capital use. Considerations for Challenger Capital Notes 3 are ongoing, but no expectations are set due to APRA guidelines. Q: How do the short-dated sales impact margins, and what are the dynamics behind this? A: Nick Hamilton, CEO, stated that while short-dated sales are dilutive to margins, they meet ROE targets due to attractive pricing dynamics. The focus remains on driving longer-dated sales through retail markets and strategic partnerships. Q: Can you clarify the higher liquidity holdings versus PCA capital intensity? A: Alex Bell, CFO, explained that the capital intensity has remained stable, with the increase in cash holdings reflecting a comparison to December 2024 levels. The relative capital intensity has stayed about the same despite new business and alternative asset investments. Q: What is the strategic rationale for expanding offshore, particularly in Asia? A: Nick Hamilton, CEO, highlighted the long-standing partnership with MS Primary in Japan and the opportunity to reinsure more products with an expanded Bermudan license. This strategy leverages existing capabilities and relationships to explore growth in other Asian markets. Q: How do you view the impact of APRA's new capital standards on ROE and asset allocation? A: Alex Bell, CFO, noted that the new standards will likely lead to a shift from growth assets to fixed income, reducing capital intensity and earnings volatility. This change is expected to improve ROE by reallocating capital to higher-yielding fixed income assets. Q: What are the scenarios that could place you in the top half of the EPS guidance range? A: Alex Bell, CFO, mentioned that variables like performance fees, transaction fees, and asset return distributions could influence the final outcome. The first half EPS of $0.333 represents 48% of the midpoint, similar to last year's 49%. Q: How does the current credit spread environment affect COE margins? A: Alex Bell, CFO, explained that tight credit spreads have been a factor for some time, impacting investment yields. The COE margin reflects this, with most of the impact already incorporated due to the duration of the fixed income book. Q: What is the outlook for book growth and pricing under the new capital standards? A: Alex Bell, CFO, stated that while specific book growth assumptions are not disclosed, pricing is aligned with existing ROE targets. The focus remains on maintaining growth and meeting ROE targets under current capital standards. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. City lawyers boycott judicial work to protest against Adv Saxenas murder, submit memo Legal Correspondent : Jabalpur lawyers on Monday, registered their strong protest by abstaining from judicial work in protest of the brutal murder of lawyer Sanjay Saxena in Shivpuri. Organised under the joint aegis of the District Bar Association, the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association, and the High Court Advocates Bar Association, lawyers raised their voices demanding security and justice during this protest. District Bar Association Jabalpur Secretary Gyan Prakash Tripathi stated that on February 14, Adv Sanjay Saxena was shot dead in Shivpuri while he was entering court in his uniform. This incident has caused widespread outrage among lawyers across the State. As a mark of protest, all lawyers in Jabalpur abstained from judicial work on February 16. Hundreds of lawyers, led by Association President Manish Mishra, gathered at Gate No. 4 of the court and staged demonstrations to express their demands. During the protest, the advocates submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate in the name of the Chief Minister. The memorandum demanded financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the family of the deceased advocate, a Government job to his dependent, and immediate implementation of the Advocate Protection Act in the State. At the end of the protest, tributes were paid by observing two minutes of silence for the peace of the departed soul. Hundreds of advocates including President Manish Mishra, Secretary Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Vice President Manoj Tiwari, Joint Secretary Manoj Shivhare, Shailendra Yadav, Ravindra Dutt, Prashant Nayak, Arjun Sahu and former President Umesh Pandey were present. India stands at forefront of AI transformation: PM NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India stands at the forefront of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) transformation and its strides in AI reflect both ambition and responsibility. His remarks came on the opening day of the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam here. The India AI Impact Expo 2026 will be held from February 16-20, alongside the India AI Impact Summit at the Bharat Mandapam. In a post on X, Modi said, Bringing the world together to discuss AI! Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit. The theme of the summit is Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence for human-centric progress, he said. Modi pointed out that AI today is transforming several sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and enterprise. The AI Impact Summit will enrich global discourse on diverse aspects of AI, such as innovation, collaboration, responsible use and more, he said. I am confident that the outcomes of the Summit will help shape a future that is progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven, Modi said. Thanks to the 1.4 billion people of India, our nation stands at the forefront of the AI transformation. From digital public infrastructure to a vibrant StartUp ecosystem and cutting-edge research, our strides in AI reflect both ambition and responsibility, the Prime Minister said. Modi on Sunday pitched India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, saying the country is ready to host the worlds 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 had said, We invite the whole worlds data to reside in India! No stop to violence in Desh; several injured, house set ablaze DHAKA : AT LEAST Nine people were injured, and a house was set ablaze amid escalating incidents of post-election violence in five districts across Bangladesh, local media reported. As violence intensified, six individuals sustained injuries after two groups of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) workers clashed in Lalpur upazila of the Natore district on Saturday night. At least six people were injured during the clash, Bangladeshs leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted Md Mojibar Rahman, officer-in-charge of Lalpur Police Station, as saying. He stated that two suspects were arrested and a firearm was recovered from the scene, adding that a case was filed in connection with the incident. In a separate incident, a BNP worker was injured in an attack allegedly carried out by members of Jamaat-e-Islami in Sherpur districts Sadar upazila. The victim, 35-year-old Giasuddin Rasel, served as an election agent of BNPs defeated candidate for Sherpur-1, Sansila Jebrin Priyanka. Additionally, a Jamaat worker was allegedly assaulted by BNP men in Dakkhin Bhabanipur village on Saturday in Daganbhuyan upazila of Feni district. Citing his family, The Daily Star reported that the victim, Nurul Absar Belal, was attacked at his residence and was first taken to the local health complex before being shifted to Feni General Hospital. Reports suggest that in the Jamalpur district, a local journalist, Shamsul Huda Ratan, was injured in an attack allegedly carried out by a leader of BNPs youth wing Jubo Dal on Saturday while covering post-poll violence in Dewanganj upazila. Speaking to The Daily Star, Ratan said he went to Mondol Bazar in the morning to gather information about an incident of post-polls violence. Ratan alleged that Faruk Ahmed, senior joint convener of Dewanganj municipal unit Jubo Dal, along with his associates, attacked him. I am still ill. I will file a complaint with the police, he added. In another act of violence, a gang reportedly torched the house of Jamaat supporter Shokor Akunji in Mashiali village under Phultala upazila in Khulna district on Saturday night. We could not identify the attackers, said Shokors son Abdur Razzak. In its latest report on Sunday, Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) revealed that at least 10 people were killed and 2,503 injured in election-related violence between October 2025 and February 14, during the 13th national parliamentary election, local media reported. As per the findings, HRSS recorded more than 700 incidents of violence across the country, leaving 10 people dead and more than 2,500 injured. It added that as many as 34 people suffered bullet injuries, while more than 500 houses, vehicles, businesses, election offices and polling centres were vandalised, looted or set on fire. With Tarique Rahman set to lead Bangladesh -- after BNPs decisive victory in the 13th Parliamentary election -- 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. Opposition creates uproar during Governors , Budget Session commences with tumultuous scenes By Bhavana : On a stormy note, the Budget Session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly began on Monday. The proceedings began with the singing of all the six stanzas of Vande Mataram, followed by Governor Mangubhai Patels address. The Opposition members created a ruckus during the Governors address, leading to the adjournment of the proceedings untill Tuesday. In his address, Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighted the Governments achievements and the changes brought about by public welfare schemes. He also provided information on the work done so far and future goals pertaining to the promises made in the Sankalp Patra 2023 (during the election by ruling party). Opposition uproar during Governors address, as the Governor stated that the country is on the threshold of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as the Amrit Kaal (the era of immortality). He mentioned the industry-friendly environment, the Global Investors Summit held in Bhopal, the goal of making Madhya Pradesh a $2 trillion economy by the year 2047, celebrating 2026 as the Year of Agriculture, the construction of 1.35 lakh houses under the PM Janman Yojana, the pollution-free Kshipra river in Ujjain, and the work done under the New Education Policy. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar interrupted and alleged that the issue of the tap water scheme and deaths due to contaminated water in Indore were not included in the speech. Following this, the Opposition began sloganeering, but the Governor continued his address amid the uproar. After the Governor left the House, proceedings resumed, where Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar stated that the portion that could not be read during the disruption would be considered as read. Following this, the House proceedings were adjourned until Tuesday. In his address, Governor mentioned the development schemes being implemented by the Government of India in the state. He said that six projects are underway in the State at a cost of Rs 36,483 crore. These include the 867-kilometre Narmada Pragatipath and the 676-kilometre Vindhya Expressway. The 450-kilometre Malwa Nimar Vikas Path, the 299-kilometre Atal Pragatipath, the 330-kilometre Bundelkhand Vikaspath, and the 746-kilometre Madhya Bharat Vikaspath are being developed. In addition, several modern roads have been approved in view of Simhastha, including the Ujjain-Jawar Greenfield Highway and the Bhopal West Bypass. These will give a new direction to the states development. The Governor said that the States revenue from GST returns is steadily increasing. In the year 2024-25, revenue of Rs 55,633 crore was received, which is 8.9 per cent more than the previous year. In the financial year 2025-26, Rs 43,890 crore 90 lakh was collected till January. Revenue of Rs 100 crore has been generated. In his address, he said that 16 automated testing stations, IDTR, RDTC, and 18 district driving training centres are being developed in the state for road safety. Opposition creates uproar during Governors speech, Budget Session begins amid tumultuous scenes By Bhavana : On a stormy note, the Budget Session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly began on Monday. The proceedings began with the singing of all the six stanzas of Vande Mataram, followed by Governor Mangubhai Patels address. The Opposition members created a ruckus during the Governors address, leading to the adjournment of the proceedings untill Tuesday. In his address, Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighted the Governments achievements and the changes brought about by public welfare schemes. He also provided information on the work done so far and future goals pertaining to the promises made in the Sankalp Patra 2023 (during the election by ruling party). Opposition uproar during Governors address, as the Governor stated that the country is on the threshold of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as the Amrit Kaal (the era of immortality). He mentioned the industry-friendly environment, the Global Investors Summit held in Bhopal, the goal of making Madhya Pradesh a $2 trillion economy by the year 2047, celebrating 2026 as the Year of Agriculture, the construction of 1.35 lakh houses under the PM Janman Yojana, the pollution-free Kshipra river in Ujjain, and the work done under the New Education Policy. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar interrupted and alleged that the issue of the tap water scheme and deaths due to contaminated water in Indore were not included in the speech. Following this, the Opposition began sloganeering, but the Governor continued his address amid the uproar. After the Governor left the House, proceedings resumed, where Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar stated that the portion that could not be read during the disruption would be considered as read. Following this, the House proceedings were adjourned until Tuesday. In his address, Governor mentioned the development schemes being implemented by the Government of India in the state. He said that six projects are underway in the State at a cost of Rs 36,483 crore. These include the 867-kilometre Narmada Pragatipath and the 676-kilometre Vindhya Expressway. The 450-kilometre Malwa Nimar Vikas Path, the 299-kilometre Atal Pragatipath, the 330-kilometre Bundelkhand Vikaspath, and the 746-kilometre Madhya Bharat Vikaspath are being developed. In addition, several modern roads have been approved in view of Simhastha, including the Ujjain-Jawar Greenfield Highway and the Bhopal West Bypass. These will give a new direction to the states development. The Governor said that the States revenue from GST returns is steadily increasing. In the year 2024-25, revenue of Rs 55,633 crore was received, which is 8.9 per cent more than the previous year. In the financial year 2025-26, Rs 43,890 crore 90 lakh was collected till January. Revenue of Rs 100 crore has been generated. In his address, he said that 16 automated testing stations, IDTR, RDTC, and 18 district driving training centres are being developed in the State for road safety. Howard said Scottish Widows Europe is a closed life and pensions business headquartered in Luxembourg. The unit manages around EUR 1.7 billion of assets and has approximately 46,000 policies . He said the business includes legacy unit-linked and U.K. with-profits products sold through a branch structure into Europe, mainly into Germany. The company said the transaction will be fully funded from available cash resources , including partial use of proceeds from the groups RT1 issuance completed last year. Post-transaction, Chesnara expects to remain comfortably above its normal solvency operating range of 140% to 160% . Management said the acquisition is expected to add around EUR 250 million of lifetime cash generation to the group, including roughly EUR 100 million in the first five years . The agreed consideration is EUR 110 million , which management said represents around 64% of Scottish Widows Europes eligible own funds and is expected to be materially value accretive at completion. Murray said the proposed transaction is Chesnaras second material acquisition in the last 12 months following the HSBC Life U.K. acquisition, which completed in January. He described the deal as supportive of the groups M&A momentum and capital allocation framework. Chesnara (LON:CSN) executives outlined the strategic rationale and financial profile of the companys proposed acquisition of Scottish Widows Europe from Lloyds Banking Group during an investor presentation and Q&A session led by Group CEO Steve Murray and Group CFO Tom Howard. On a pro forma basis the acquisition lifts Chesnaras solvency coverage to 173% (above its 140160% operating range) and is slightly accretive to leverage, with closing targeted in and around the end of the year subject to Luxembourg regulatory approvals (next update due 24 March 2025). The target is a closed life & pensions book managing ~ EUR 1.7 billion of assets across ~ 46,000 policies; Chesnara expects the deal to add roughly 20% to its cash-flow profile over the first five years and to support its planned dividend progression (a 6% rise targeted at FY2025/interim 2026). Chesnara has agreed to acquire Scottish Widows Europe for EUR 110 million , a deal the group says will deliver about EUR 250 million of lifetime cash generation (including ~ EUR 100 million in the first five years) and will be fully funded from available cash , including RT1 proceeds. Story Continues Howard emphasized that the products are familiar to Chesnara and that the business runs on a proven and scalable European administration platform with an experienced local management team. The acquisition of 100% of the share capital and associated legal arrangements remains subject to regulatory approvals. Howard said Chesnara has already been engaging with the Luxembourg regulator and is working toward closing in and around the end of this year. Capital, solvency, and cash flow expectations Alphabets Pullback: A Second Chance for Long-Term Investors? On a pro forma basis, Howard said Chesnaras solvency coverage ratio would be 173%, which he said remains above the top end of the companys operating range. He also said the deal is expected to be slightly accretive to leverage, with pro forma leverage significantly below the groups long-term ambition of 30% or less after closing. When asked about the annual cash profile, Howard said cash emergence would not be even year-to-year, but in broad terms the deal is expected to add about 20% to the groups cash flow profile on average over the first five years. Howard added that the disclosed pro forma figures do not include potential upside from integration-related capital and other synergies. In response to a later question, he described two categories of capital synergies: (1) structural benefits from increased size and diversification across territories at the holding company level, and (2) extending existing capital management actions used elsewhere in the groupsuch as mass lapse reinsurance and foreign exchange hedginginto the Scottish Widows Europe portfolio. He said Chesnara had not baked in new management actions it has not already deployed elsewhere. Luxembourg market rationale Murray said Chesnara has previously flagged interest in the wider Benelux region and considers Luxembourg an attractive market. He described Luxembourg as a stable, triple A-rated jurisdiction with around EUR 235 billion of total life insurance liabilities and a dedicated regulator with a strong supervisory framework. He also pointed to the EU passporting regime enabling Luxembourg insurers to serve customers across the single market. Management characterized the market as fragmented, with a long tail of businesses that have not reached scale and few incumbent consolidators. Murray said Chesnara believes its track record could position it as a potential consolidator in Luxembourg and wider continental Europe, supported by local expertise and the standalone policy administration platform acquired with Scottish Widows Europe. Product features, reinsurance, and other topics raised in Q&A During Q&A, management addressed the valuation discount to own funds, saying Lloyds sought a counterparty with experience in U.K.-style products, regulatory relationships, and capability to look after customers over the long term. Murray also emphasized the deal differs from HSBC Life U.K. because it is a closed book in run-off. On portfolio duration, Howard said that more than 60% of the expected cash generation would emerge after the first five years, indicating a portfolio life significantly beyond five years. Head of Investor Relations and Strategic Development Sam Perowne said the core product set includes U.K.-style with-profits endowments that may convert at maturity into annuities depending on product type, and he said Chesnara expects a fairly high level of annuity conversion over time. Perowne also discussed reinsurance arrangements referenced during the call, including two agreements tied to the Clerical Medical with-profits fund: one covering investment risk for with-profits endowments and another covering vesting annuities. He said the reinsurance agreements are expected to remain in place until policies run off, with termination only under limited circumstances, and noted that amendments and restatements are required because Scottish Widows Europe will become part of a separate group post-transaction. Asked about any unusual product features, Howard said the portfolio is very, very well known to Chesnara and added that certain features such as guaranteed annuity options are reinsured back into the with-profits fund. Murray also addressed dividend implications, reiterating that after the HSBC Life U.K. acquisition the company had signaled an intent to accelerate its historic dividend progression by one year and lift the dividend by 6% at full-year 2025 and interim 2026. He said the added long-term cash generation from the Scottish Widows Europe acquisition supports the sustainability of cash flows that the group expects to translate into dividends over time. The company said it expects to provide its next scheduled update at its full-year 2025 results presentation on 24 March. About Chesnara (LON:CSN) Chesnara (CSN.L) is a European life and pensions consolidator listed on the London Stock Exchange. It administers approximately one million policies and operates as Countrywide Assured in the UK, as The Waard Group and Scildon in the Netherlands, and as Movestic in Sweden. Following a three-pillar strategy, Chesnara's primary responsibility is the efficient administration of its customers' life and savings policies, ensuring good customer outcomes and providing a secure and compliant environment to protect policyholder interests. The article "Chesnara Pitches Scottish Widows Europe Deal: 250M Cash Boost, Funded in Cash, 173% Solvency Pro Forma" was originally published by MarketBeat. Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 5,809,501 shares, a growth of 23.9% from the January 15th total of 4,688,784 shares. Approximately 8.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,126,192 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,126,192 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 5.2 days. Approximately 8.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Gartner Stock Up 3.3% NYSE IT traded up $5.00 during trading on Monday, reaching $158.63. 1,616,695 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,993,993. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $223.92 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $237.93. The stock has a market cap of $11.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.44 and a beta of 1.06. Gartner has a 1 year low of $139.18 and a 1 year high of $519.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.30, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.00. Get Gartner alerts: Gartner (NYSE:IT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The information technology services provider reported $3.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.50 by $0.44. The business had revenue of $1.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.75 billion. Gartner had a return on equity of 102.20% and a net margin of 11.22%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $5.45 EPS. Gartner has set its FY 2026 guidance at 12.300- EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Gartner will post 12.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Gartner from $300.00 to $170.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Robert W. Baird set a $240.00 price target on Gartner in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $220.00 price objective on shares of Gartner in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating on shares of Gartner in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Barclays cut their target price on shares of Gartner from $260.00 to $180.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $190.70. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Gartner Insider Transactions at Gartner In other Gartner news, SVP John J. Rinello sold 220 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $229.57, for a total transaction of $50,505.40. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 3,046 shares in the company, valued at $699,270.22. This represents a 6.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Stephen G. Pagliuca purchased 43,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $229.57 per share, with a total value of $9,940,381.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 111,613 shares in the company, valued at $25,622,996.41. This trade represents a 63.38% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 3.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Gartner Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IT. Independent Franchise Partners LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Gartner during the third quarter worth about $840,166,000. Capital International Investors acquired a new stake in shares of Gartner in the 3rd quarter valued at about $820,113,000. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Gartner during the 4th quarter worth approximately $299,576,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in Gartner by 108,812.1% during the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,025,952 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $258,827,000 after buying an additional 1,025,010 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bamco Inc. NY increased its position in Gartner by 18.3% during the third quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 4,322,113 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,136,154,000 after buying an additional 669,352 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.51% of the companys stock. About Gartner (Get Free Report) Gartner, Inc is a global research and advisory firm that provides insights, advice and tools for leaders in IT, finance, HR, customer service and other business functions. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Gartner specializes in helping organizations make informed decisions about technology, operations and strategy through a combination of published research, advisory services, consulting, executive programs and events. The companys offerings include proprietary research reports, market forecasts, and analytical frameworks that are widely used by technology buyers and vendors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gartner Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gartner and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,810,143 shares, a decline of 19.0% from the January 15th total of 2,233,782 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 801,599 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.3 days. Approximately 3.8% of the companys shares are short sold. Approximately 3.8% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 801,599 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.3 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Marex Group plc bought a new position in Scorpio Tankers during the 2nd quarter worth $901,000. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 234.1% during the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 38,524 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $2,159,000 after acquiring an additional 26,994 shares during the period. Moody Aldrich Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 84.5% during the third quarter. Moody Aldrich Partners LLC now owns 120,862 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $6,774,000 after acquiring an additional 55,360 shares during the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS bought a new position in shares of Scorpio Tankers during the third quarter worth about $2,242,000. Finally, Allworth Financial LP increased its holdings in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 1,954.8% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 10,870 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $425,000 after acquiring an additional 10,341 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 54.64% of the companys stock. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have issued reports on STNG. Bank of America downgraded Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Zacks Research cut Scorpio Tankers from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. B. Riley Securities increased their target price on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Moffett Nathanson raised shares of Scorpio Tankers to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $83.00 price objective on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a research note on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Scorpio Tankers currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $79.75. Scorpio Tankers Stock Up 3.9% Shares of STNG traded up $2.66 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $70.43. 2,246,764 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 928,864. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $57.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $56.18. Scorpio Tankers has a 12-month low of $30.63 and a 12-month high of $71.48. The company has a quick ratio of 9.23, a current ratio of 9.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $3.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.96 and a beta of -0.25. Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The shipping company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.25. Scorpio Tankers had a net margin of 36.70% and a return on equity of 8.85%. The business had revenue of $252.65 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $238.93 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.63 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 23.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Scorpio Tankers will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Scorpio Tankers Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This is a positive change from Scorpio Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Scorpio Tankerss dividend payout ratio is presently 23.76%. About Scorpio Tankers (Get Free Report) Scorpio Tankers Inc (NYSE: STNG) is an independent provider of marine transportation services, specializing in the carriage of refined petroleum products. The companys core operations focus on moving clean petroleum cargoessuch as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphthaon a global scale. By catering to both spot and time charter markets, Scorpio Tankers enables energy companies, refiners and traders to manage their supply chains with flexibility and reliability. The companys fleet is composed of modern, eco-designed product tankers, including medium range (MR) and long range (LR) vessels. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during 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 trading volume of 516,943 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 516,943 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.0 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco De Chile Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BCH. TT International Asset Management LTD acquired a new stake in Banco De Chile during the 3rd quarter valued at $26,962,000. Aubrey Capital Management Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Banco De Chile during the third quarter worth $1,227,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Banco De Chile by 8,516.3% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 33,345 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,014,000 after buying an additional 32,958 shares in the last quarter. Truxt Investmentos Ltda. acquired a new stake in shares of Banco De Chile in the third quarter valued at $2,114,000. Finally, Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC raised its holdings in shares of Banco De Chile by 185.3% in the second quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC now owns 26,095 shares of the banks stock valued at $794,000 after buying an additional 16,948 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.24% of the companys stock. Get Banco De Chile alerts: Banco De Chile Trading Down 0.7% NYSE:BCH traded down $0.33 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $43.42. The companys stock had a trading volume of 598,636 shares, compared to its average volume of 452,527. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.09, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 1.59. Banco De Chile has a fifty-two week low of $23.66 and a fifty-two week high of $46.77. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $40.98 and a 200-day moving average of $35.29. Analysts Set New Price Targets Banco De Chile ( NYSE:BCH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The bank reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $826.07 million during 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%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Banco De Chile will post 2.31 EPS for the current year. Several equities analysts recently commented on BCH shares. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating and set a $36.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Banco De Chile from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. UBS Group set a $48.00 target price on Banco De Chile and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco De Chile in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $40.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Banco De Chile Banco De Chile Company Profile (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. See Also 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. BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (NYSE:BBAR Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 19th will be paid a dividend of 0.0357 per share by the bank on Thursday, February 26th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 19th. This is a 6.1% increase from BBVA Banco Francess previous monthly dividend of $0.03. BBVA Banco Frances has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.4%annually over the last three years. BBVA Banco Frances has a payout ratio of 25.3% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect BBVA Banco Frances to earn $2.67 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.40 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 15.0%. Get BBVA Banco Frances alerts: BBVA Banco Frances Stock Performance Shares of BBAR opened at $16.21 on Tuesday. BBVA Banco Frances has a 52 week low of $7.76 and a 52 week high of $23.10. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a market cap of $3.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.06 and a beta of 1.04. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $18.18 and its 200-day moving average price is $14.75. About BBVA Banco Frances BBVA Banco Frances ( NYSE:BBAR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The bank reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by ($0.07). BBVA Banco Frances had a net margin of 4.46% and a return on equity of 7.43%. The company had revenue of $865.83 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $871.10 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that BBVA Banco Frances will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. (Get Free Report) BBVA Banco Frances is one of Argentinas leading financial institutions, operating as a subsidiary of the global banking group BBVA. The bank provides a full range of retail and commercial banking services to individuals, small and mediumsized enterprises, large corporations and institutional clients. Its product suite spans deposit accounts, mortgages, personal and auto loans, credit and debit cards, transactional banking and digital solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of customers in both urban and regional markets. Founded in Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, Banco Frances has developed a longstanding presence in Argentinas financial sector. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BBVA Banco Frances Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BBVA Banco Frances and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meta Platforms, The Glimpse Group, and zSpace are the three Virtual Reality stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Virtual reality stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose businesses are substantially tied to the development, manufacturing, distribution, or support of virtual reality hardware, software, content, or related services. Investors use the term to describe firms exposed to VR market growth and risks from headset makers and chip suppliers to game developers and platform providers which tend to be growth-oriented and can be volatile. The label is informal and often overlaps with augmented reality, gaming, semiconductor, and metaverse stocks depending on investor criteria. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Virtual Reality stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Meta Platforms (META) Meta Platforms, Inc. engages in the development of products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality headsets, and wearables worldwide. It operates in two segments, Family of Apps and Reality Labs. The Family of Apps segment offers Facebook, which enables people to share, discuss, discover, and connect with interests; Instagram, a community for sharing photos, videos, and private messages, as well as feed, stories, reels, video, live, and shops; Messenger, a messaging application for people to connect with friends, family, communities, and businesses across platforms and devices through text, audio, and video calls; and WhatsApp, a messaging application that is used by people and businesses to communicate and transact privately. The Glimpse Group (VRAR) The Glimpse Group, Inc., a virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platform company, provides enterprise-focused software, services, and solutions in the United States. It offers QReal, a software that creates and distributes photorealistic 3D interactive digital models and experiences in AR; Immersive Health Group, a VR/AR platform for evidence-based and outcome driven healthcare solutions; and Foretell Reality, a social VR platform for behavioral health, support groups, collaboration, and soft skills training. Read Our Latest Research Report on VRAR zSpace (ZSPC) zSpace Technologies, Inc. is a provider of commercial augmented reality and virtual reality technology principally in the education market. The Company offers differentiated hardware along with learning software modules for K-12 science, technology, engineering, game design and mathematics applications, as well as workforce-oriented career and technical education applications. Read Our Latest Research Report on ZSPC Recommended Stories Black Diamond Group Limited (TSE:BDI Get Free Report) shares crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$14.08 and traded as high as C$16.62. Black Diamond Group shares last traded at C$16.50, with a volume of 93,782 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BDI shares. Raymond James Financial lowered Black Diamond Group from a strong-buy rating to a moderate buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of Black Diamond Group from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Black Diamond Group currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$18.50. Get Black Diamond Group alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BDI Black Diamond Group Trading Up 1.5% The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$15.61 and a 200-day moving average price of C$14.08. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.45 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 88.46. Black Diamond Group (TSE:BDI Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported C$0.18 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$105.32 million for the quarter. Black Diamond Group had a net margin of 6.46% and a return on equity of 8.11%. Analysts anticipate that Black Diamond Group Limited will post 0.5349233 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Black Diamond Group In related news, Director Robert Wagemakers sold 20,000 shares of Black Diamond Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$14.10, for a total transaction of C$282,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 543,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$7,664,478. This trade represents a 3.55% decrease in their position. Insiders own 23.83% of the companys stock. About Black Diamond Group (Get Free Report) Black Diamond Group Ltd rents and sells space rental solutions and modular workforce accommodations to business customers in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company also provides specialized field rentals to the oil and gas industries of Canada and the United States. Besides, Black Diamond Group provides turnkey lodging services, as well as a host of related services that include transportation, installation, dismantling, repairs, maintenance, and ancillary field equipment rentals. From its locations, the company serves multiple sectors including oil and gas, mining, power, construction, engineering, military, government, and education. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Black Diamond Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Diamond Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A Canadian National train heads north near Trevor, Wis., on July 13, 2024. CN efforts to increase operating efficiency are now focusing on terminals, CEO Tracy Robinson told an investor conference. David Lassen MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Canadian National's ongoing effort to operate a "leaner and more productive" railroad is now focusing on terminal operations, CEO Tracy Robinson told an investor conference today (Tuesday, Feb. 17). Chief Operating Officer Patrick Whitehead is currently focusing on those terminals, Robinson said. "That's where something like 50% of our operating labor is," she said. "He's going through every terminal - they're calling it fast-tracking to redo the processes. We look to make sure we're fluid, we get the right resources, but we're not over-resourced, whether it's facilities or locomotives or people, and create that next level of fluidity." Canadian National CEO Tracy Robinson. CN Robinson said the railroad is "poised" for growth when it appears, through recent capacity expansion projects and reserves in equipment and manpower. "We've got locomotives tucked away," she said. "We've got 800 or 900 people furloughed that we're staying every close to. We showed a great ability to get those guys back on the property. And so we're poised. When it comes, we'll have considerable operating leverage. You'll see that fall directly to the bottom line." Robinson noted that the railroad is currently enjoying strong grain traffic - almost records for the company from September through December, and the second-best January in history - and that "we're being surprised a little bit on the upside of potash, which is good for us. But from a contour perspective, we're not expecting the international intermodal volume to be strong anywhere in North America through the first half of the year. So we'll see that start to come only towards the second half. Our energy volumes are strong and will continue to strengthen through the year. Our coal volumes will continue to strengthen through the year. What we can't see right now is what the impact of the tariffs are going to be." That's particularly true as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade is renegotiated this year. "It's a little blurry out there," Robinson said. "Do you know what's going to happen on the negotiations? What we've done in our plan, because I think that's the only thing we can do, is we've assumed the same tariffs as we have now. There is opportunity if, in the negotiations, that the tariffs on lumber, on steel, on aluminum and automotive are moderated somewhat. We're focusing right now on what we can control, bringing our cost base down. It's going to be lower this year than it was last year, and lower last year than it was the year before." Shares of CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty-six brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, fifteen have given a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $82.0833. Several analysts recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of CAVA Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Johnson Rice set a $72.00 price target on CAVA Group in a research note on Monday, January 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $68.00 price objective on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Benchmark raised shares of CAVA Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of CAVA Group from $86.00 to $80.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Get CAVA Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CAVA Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other CAVA Group news, CFO Tricia K. Tolivar sold 2,404 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.14, for a total transaction of $149,384.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 231,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,412,378.76. This trade represents a 1.03% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, insider Theodoros Xenohristos sold 1,039 shares of CAVA Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.14, for a total value of $64,563.46. Following the transaction, the insider owned 332,205 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,643,218.70. This trade represents a 0.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 42,843 shares of company stock valued at $2,764,355. 12.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of CAVA. Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of CAVA Group during the 2nd quarter worth $463,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lifted its stake in shares of CAVA Group by 271.7% in the 2nd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 23,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,993,000 after purchasing an additional 17,294 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in CAVA Group by 1,846,775.0% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 73,875 shares of the companys stock worth $6,222,000 after purchasing an additional 73,871 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in CAVA Group during the second quarter worth $57,824,000. Finally, Renaissance Capital LLC increased its position in CAVA Group by 42.7% during the third quarter. Renaissance Capital LLC now owns 105,730 shares of the companys stock worth $6,387,000 after buying an additional 31,651 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 73.15% of the companys stock. CAVA Group Trading Down 0.2% Shares of NYSE:CAVA opened at $63.48 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $62.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $62.33. CAVA Group has a 52 week low of $43.41 and a 52 week high of $134.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 54.72, a PEG ratio of 4.67 and a beta of 2.41. About CAVA Group (Get Free Report) CAVA Group, Inc (NYSE: CAVA) is a leading fast-casual restaurant company specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Operating under the CAVA brand, the company offers customizable bowls, pitas and salads built around a variety of proteins, grains, fresh vegetables and house-made spreads. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation, CAVA aims to deliver a casual yet elevated dining experience for dine-in, takeout and catering customers. Founded in 2011 in the Washington, DC metro area by Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Katsanis and Brett Schulman, CAVA has pursued an aggressive growth strategy that included the 2018 acquisition of Zoes Kitchen. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for CAVA Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAVA Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the fifteen analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, ten have given a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $96.4167. PNW has been the subject of a number of research reports. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $115.00 price objective on shares of Pinnacle West Capital in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $103.00 price target on shares of Pinnacle West Capital in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $99.00 price objective on shares of Pinnacle West Capital in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $92.00 to $91.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Pinnacle West Capital from $95.00 to $90.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Get Pinnacle West Capital alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PNW Pinnacle West Capital Price Performance Pinnacle West Capital Announces Dividend PNW opened at $99.43 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $91.12 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $90.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.42, a P/E/G ratio of 5.95 and a beta of 0.54. Pinnacle West Capital has a 52-week low of $85.32 and a 52-week high of $99.69. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd will be issued a $0.91 dividend. This represents a $3.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. Pinnacle West Capitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 74.74%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Caldwell Trust Co purchased a new position in Pinnacle West Capital during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new position in shares of Pinnacle West Capital during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Bayforest Capital Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Pinnacle West Capital during the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Pinnacle West Capital in the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Pinnacle West Capital during the second quarter valued at about $31,000. 91.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Pinnacle West Capital (Get Free Report) Pinnacle West Capital Corporation is a publicly traded utility holding company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Through its principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Pinnacle West generates, transmits and distributes electricity to more than one million residential, commercial and industrial customers across central and southern Arizona. The companys regulated operations focus on delivering safe, reliable power while meeting evolving environmental standards. The companys diversified generation portfolio includes natural gasfired plants, the nuclear-powered Palo Verde Generating Stationthe largest nuclear facility in the United States by net outputplus growing investments in solar and battery storage projects. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pinnacle West Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pinnacle West Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cameco (TSE:CCO Get Free Report) (NYSE:CCJ) had its price objective hoisted by equities researchers at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$150.00 to C$160.00 in a research report issued on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price would suggest a potential upside of 3.30% from the stocks previous close. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. TD Securities raised their target price on Cameco from C$150.00 to C$185.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. National Bank Financial increased their price target on Cameco from C$145.00 to C$175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Desjardins boosted their price objective on Cameco from C$160.00 to C$185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their target price on Cameco from C$190.00 to C$185.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Cameco from C$155.00 to C$150.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$165.69. Get Cameco alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CCO Cameco Trading Up 0.6% CCO stock traded up C$0.95 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting C$154.89. The stock had a trading volume of 469,747 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,163,236. The company has a current ratio of 2.88, a quick ratio of 3.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.35. The firm has a market cap of C$67.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 128.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 1.24. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$146.80 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$127.77. Cameco has a 1-year low of C$49.75 and a 1-year high of C$182.72. Cameco (TSE:CCO Get Free Report) (NYSE:CCJ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 13th. The company reported C$0.50 earnings per share for the quarter. Cameco had a return on equity of 1.89% and a net margin of 4.17%.The firm had revenue of C$1.20 billion during the quarter. Cameco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cameco is one of the worlds largest uranium producers. When operating at normal production, the flagship McArthur River mine in Saskatchewan accounts for roughly 50% of output in normal market conditions. Amid years of uranium price weakness, the company has reduced production, instead purchasing from the spot market to meet contracted deliveries. In the long term, Cameco has the ability increase annual uranium production by restarting shut mines and investing in new ones. In addition to its large uranium mining business, Cameco operates uranium conversion and fabrication facilities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cameco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cameco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lessened its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 15,789,334 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 210,730 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $1,176,148,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of CP. Dilation Capital Management LP increased its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 4.4% during the third quarter. Dilation Capital Management LP now owns 170,269 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $12,683,000 after acquiring an additional 7,105 shares during the last quarter. Meixler Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,644,000. AGF Management Ltd. increased its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 9.9% during the 3rd quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 2,001,292 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $149,215,000 after purchasing an additional 180,419 shares during the last quarter. Nicola Wealth Management LTD. raised its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 46.8% in the 3rd quarter. Nicola Wealth Management LTD. now owns 141,500 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $10,539,000 after buying an additional 45,100 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 1.3% in the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,127,435 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $83,985,000 after buying an additional 14,916 shares during the last quarter. 72.20% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group set a $90.00 price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Susquehanna set a $87.00 target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $124.00 target price (down previously from $127.00) on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $92.00. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance NYSE:CP opened at $83.74 on Tuesday. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 52 week low of $66.49 and a 52 week high of $85.15. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $74.96 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $74.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The company has a market cap of $75.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 1.10. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The transportation company reported $0.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.99 by ($0.04). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 27.49% and a return on equity of 8.88%. The company had revenue of $2.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.85 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.29 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 27th will be paid a $0.228 dividend. This represents a $0.91 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.43%. About Canadian Pacific Kansas City (Free Report) Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is a North American Class I freight railroad formed through the combination of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The merged company operates an integrated rail network that spans Canada, the United States and Mexico, providing a single-line rail connection across all three countries. This transborder footprint is intended to streamline cross-border freight flows and provide shippers with direct rail access from Canadian and U.S. production centers to Mexican markets and ports. CPKCs core business is freight transportation and related logistics services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Codan Limited (OTCMKTS:CODAF Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 10,759 shares, an increase of 21.4% from the January 15th total of 8,862 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 160 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 67.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 160 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 67.2 days. Codan Stock Performance CODAF opened at C$27.69 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$23.71 and a 200-day moving average price of C$20.78. Codan has a one year low of C$18.44 and a one year high of C$27.69. Get Codan alerts: About Codan (Get Free Report) Codan Limited (OTCMKTS:CODAF) is an Australian technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of communications and detection equipment. Headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, Codan operates through two primary business segmentsdetection and communicationsproviding hardware, software and turn-key solutions to commercial, government and humanitarian customers worldwide. In its detection segment, Codan markets metal-detection products under the Minelab brand. These detectors serve a range of applications including gold prospecting, security screening, landmine and ordinance clearance, and archaeological exploration. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Codan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Codan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. lessened its position in CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 78.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 13,329 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after selling 48,447 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in CVS Health were worth $1,005,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Avion Wealth lifted its position in CVS Health by 99.0% in the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 380 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 72.1% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the period. Corundum Trust Company INC purchased a new stake in shares of CVS Health in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Front Row Advisors LLC grew its holdings in CVS Health by 436.5% during the second quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 456 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 371 shares during the period. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in CVS Health in the second quarter worth $36,000. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get CVS Health alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CVS has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $101.00 target price (up from $99.00) on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $91.00 price objective on shares of CVS Health in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Truist Financial set a $100.00 target price on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on CVS Health from $93.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Nineteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $94.91. CVS Health Trading Up 0.7% Shares of CVS stock opened at $78.45 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $99.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.85, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $78.68 and a 200 day moving average price of $76.45. CVS Health Corporation has a twelve month low of $58.35 and a twelve month high of $85.15. CVS Health (NYSE:CVS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $105.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $103.67 billion. CVS Health had a net margin of 0.44% and a return on equity of 11.31%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.19 EPS. CVS Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.940-6.140 EPS. Research analysts forecast that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CVS Health Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 22nd were issued a $0.665 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a $2.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. CVS Healths payout ratio is 192.75%. About CVS Health (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities. Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ decreased its holdings in shares of CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 748,763 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after selling 7,656 shares during the quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in CVS Health were worth $56,449,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of CVS Health by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 120,399,131 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $8,305,132,000 after buying an additional 2,063,737 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its position in CVS Health by 1.4% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,788,585 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $4,055,237,000 after acquiring an additional 800,414 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in CVS Health by 2.4% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 28,635,233 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $1,966,083,000 after acquiring an additional 675,824 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 15.3% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 23,532,479 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $1,623,270,000 after purchasing an additional 3,118,626 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of CVS Health during the second quarter worth about $1,358,698,000. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get CVS Health alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of CVS Health in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of CVS Health from $87.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of CVS Health from $100.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Nineteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $94.91. CVS Health Stock Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE CVS opened at $78.45 on Tuesday. The firms 50-day moving average is $78.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $76.45. The company has a market capitalization of $99.80 billion, a PE ratio of 56.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 0.50. CVS Health Corporation has a 12-month low of $58.35 and a 12-month high of $85.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.63. CVS Health (NYSE:CVS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. CVS Health had a net margin of 0.44% and a return on equity of 11.31%. The business had revenue of $105.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $103.67 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.19 EPS. The companys revenue was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. CVS Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.940-6.140 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. CVS Health Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 22nd were paid a dividend of $0.665 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. CVS Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 192.75%. About CVS Health (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities. Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dunelm Group (OTCMKTS:DNLMY Get Free Report) rose 11.4% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $14.16 and last traded at $14.16. Approximately 565 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 36% from the average daily volume of 880 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.71. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Dunelm Group from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Dunelm Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Sunday, February 8th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Dunelm Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has assigned a Buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dunelm Group presently has an average rating of Strong Buy. Get Dunelm Group alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Dunelm Group Dunelm Group Stock Performance Dunelm Group Company Profile The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.73, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.25. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $14.75. (Get Free Report) Dunelm Group plc is a UKbased home furnishings retailer known for its extensive network of stores and growing online presence. Founded in 1979 in Leicester by Ron and David Garlick, the company has grown from a single market stall to become one of Britains leading specialists in home accessories, textiles and furniture. Headquartered in Syston, Leicestershire, Dunelm operates over 170 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, serving a broad customer base with a focus on value, quality and design. The companys product range spans soft furnishings such as bedding, curtains, blinds and cushions, as well as furniture items for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dunelm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dunelm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eagle Point Income Company Inc. (NYSE:EIC Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 10th will be paid a dividend of 0.11 per share on Thursday, April 30th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 13.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, April 10th. Eagle Point Income Stock Down 0.3% EIC traded down $0.03 on Tuesday, reaching $10.13. The stock had a trading volume of 286,450 shares, compared to its average volume of 229,256. Eagle Point Income has a 12-month low of $9.78 and a 12-month high of $16.11. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $11.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $12.08. Get Eagle Point Income alerts: Eagle Point Income Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eagle Point Income Company (NYSE: EIC) is a closed-end management investment company that primarily invests in the equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Launched in 2019 and domiciled in Maryland, the company seeks to provide shareholders with high current income and the potential for capital appreciation by focusing on structured credit opportunities. Eagle Point Income maintains a diversified portfolio of CLO equity positions, targeting both seasoned and newly issued transactions across multiple risk profiles. The companys investment strategy centers on identifying mispriced or underfollowed CLO tranches, where it believes its teams deep industry expertise can add value. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eagle Point Income Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eagle Point Income and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fuji Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FJTNF Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 396,878 shares, an increase of 24.9% from the January 15th total of 317,880 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 5 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 79,375.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 5 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 79,375.6 days. Fuji Media Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS FJTNF opened at $23.35 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $23.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $23.92. Fuji Media has a twelve month low of $22.44 and a twelve month high of $27.73. Get Fuji Media alerts: Fuji Media Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fuji Media Holdings, Inc (OTCMKTS: FJTNF) is a Tokyo-based media conglomerate that operates as the holding company for a diverse portfolio of broadcasting and contentproduction businesses. Its primary subsidiary, Fuji Television Network, produces and airs a wide range of television programming, including news, sports, dramas and variety shows. The company also maintains radio operations through Nippon Broadcasting System and offers advertising sales and media planning services to domestic and international clients. In addition to its core broadcasting activities, Fuji Media Holdings develops and distributes content across multiple platforms. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fuji Media Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fuji Media and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quick Read Coca-Cola (KO) gained 12.5% year-to-date versus flat S&P 500 returns. The biggest event this week was the company announcing earnings on February 10th. UBS raised Coca-Colas price target to $87 following 5% organic revenue growth in Q4. New CEO Braun said Coca-Cola innovation is not meeting standards and takes over March 31. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) closed Friday at $78.67, down 0.5% for the week but up 12.5% year-to-date. That crushes both the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) (flat YTD) and is close to the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLP) (up 15.2% YTD). Three storylines drove the action: Q4 earnings sparked analyst upgrades, incoming CEO Henrique Braun outlined aggressive innovation priorities, and portfolio moves signal where it's betting for growth. The Earnings Beat and Analyst Confidence Coca-Cola reported Q4 results on February 10 that beat on earnings but missed on revenue. EPS of $0.58 beat estimates of $.56, while revenue of $11.8 billion came in light. The real story was organic revenue growth of 5% and unit volume up 1%, showing demand holds despite consumer spending pressure. UBS raised its price target from $82 to $87 on February 12, citing "stability of Coca-Cola's core business fundamentals." TD Cowen and BofA Securities both reaffirmed Buy ratings. Consensus now sits at $82.28, with 19 analysts rating it Buy or Strong Buy versus just five Holds. The confidence stems from margin expansion potential and Zero Sugar momentum. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar grew 13% by volume, capturing consumers shifting from full-calorie drinks. Management guided to 4-5% organic revenue growth and 7-8% EPS growth for 2026, though that EPS outlook trails consensus. New CEO's Innovation Mandate Henrique Braun takes over as CEO on March 31, and he's already signaling change. Braun said current innovation efforts are "not meeting required standards" and committed to faster product launches and better consumer engagement. The company is creating a Chief Digital Officer role and establishing regional excellence hubs to push decision-making closer to local markets. Braun's billion-dollar brand strategy focuses on identifying emerging local brands and scaling them globally, similar to how Santa Clara dairy crossed the $1 billion threshold. Product announcements included expanding the cherry-flavored line with a Cherry Float variant and introducing 7.5-ounce mini cans positioned as affordable options for convenience stores. These moves address consumer spending pressure without explicitly cutting prices. Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GAU Get Free Report) shares traded down 10.8% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $2.70 and last traded at $2.6950. 1,058,100 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 70% from the average session volume of 3,515,917 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.02. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Galiano Gold in a research report on Monday, January 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $3.20. Get Galiano Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Galiano Gold Galiano Gold Trading Down 7.9% Institutional Trading of Galiano Gold The stock has a market cap of $722.22 million, a P/E ratio of -23.16 and a beta of 0.87. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $2.73 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $2.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GAU. Aegis Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Galiano Gold by 162.5% during the 2nd quarter. Aegis Financial Corp now owns 6,505,921 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,250,000 after purchasing an additional 4,027,090 shares in the last quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new stake in Galiano Gold during the second quarter worth approximately $568,000. Pale Fire Capital SE grew its position in Galiano Gold by 67.2% in the second quarter. Pale Fire Capital SE now owns 6,011,627 shares of the companys stock worth $7,635,000 after buying an additional 2,415,530 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in shares of Galiano Gold by 543.0% in the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,083,699 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,378,000 after buying an additional 915,154 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd lifted its position in shares of Galiano Gold by 177.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 46,466 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,000 after acquiring an additional 29,690 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.82% of the companys stock. Galiano Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Galiano Gold Incorporated is a Canada-based gold exploration and development company listed on the NYSE American under the symbol GAU. The companys primary focus is the acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold deposits in the Americas. Galiano Gold pursues a value-driven strategy to build gold resources by identifying high-potential projects, conducting systematic drilling programs and advancing resource definition toward a development decision. Galiano Golds flagship asset is the Oko West and Oko East gold project located in the Essequibo region of Guyana, where multiple oxide and primary gold mineralized zones have been outlined through extensive drilling. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Galiano Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galiano Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Glenview Trust Co reduced its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 59.9% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 136,965 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 204,802 shares during the period. Glenview Trust Cos holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $11,480,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Access Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 472.4% during the 3rd quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 332 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 274 shares during the last quarter. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Kilter Group LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Aventus Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. 75.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Trading Up 0.8% NYSE:WFC opened at $86.94 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $272.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.09. Wells Fargo & Company has a twelve month low of $58.42 and a twelve month high of $97.76. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $91.74 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $85.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.66 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $11.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.63 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.27% and a return on equity of 12.90%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.43 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 6th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 28.71%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $94.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $113.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, HSBC restated a hold rating and set a $74.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $97.03. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Wells Fargo & Company About Wells Fargo & Company (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer. Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI Get Free Report) is anticipated to announce its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, February 19th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.81 per share for the quarter. Individuals can check the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning summary page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET. Gold Fields Price Performance Shares of NYSE GFI opened at $54.66 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $49.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $41.82. Gold Fields has a 52 week low of $17.64 and a 52 week high of $61.64. Get Gold Fields alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have issued reports on GFI. Wall Street Zen cut Gold Fields from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Gold Fields from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Gold Fields from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Gold Fields from $50.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on shares of Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Gold Fields presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $44.00. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Gold Fields by 47.1% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 853 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 273 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Gold Fields by 2,152.0% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 2,152 shares in the last quarter. Arax Advisory Partners lifted its position in shares of Gold Fields by 352.6% in the 4th quarter. Arax Advisory Partners now owns 1,136 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 885 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Gold Fields by 606.6% during the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,664 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 2,287 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC grew its holdings in shares of Gold Fields by 24.0% during the 4th quarter. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC now owns 1,552 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 24.81% of the companys stock. Gold Fields Company Profile (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. Featured Stories 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. GSA Capital Partners LLP increased its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 30.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 61,578 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 14,260 shares during the period. Bristol Myers Squibb comprises about 0.2% of GSA Capital Partners LLPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest position. GSA Capital Partners LLPs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $2,777,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 10.0% in the third quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 113,457 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $5,117,000 after acquiring an additional 10,284 shares during the period. CWA Asset Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 25.9% in the 3rd quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 150,359 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $6,781,000 after purchasing an additional 30,909 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 24.6% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC now owns 59,183 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,740,000 after purchasing an additional 11,690 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR increased its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 13.5% during the 3rd quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 273,343 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,328,000 after purchasing an additional 32,476 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Railway Pension Investments Ltd increased its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 3.7% during the 3rd quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd now owns 1,139,600 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $51,396,000 after purchasing an additional 40,300 shares in the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have weighed in on BMY shares. Leerink Partners upped their price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $57.00 target price (up from $51.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $40.00 price objective on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reissued an outperform rating and issued a $60.00 price objective (up previously from $55.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $59.20. Bristol Myers Squibb Price Performance Shares of BMY stock opened at $60.64 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $123.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.58, a PEG ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 0.29. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 12 month low of $42.52 and a 12 month high of $63.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $55.50 and a 200 day moving average price of $49.61. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by ($0.39). Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 69.65% and a net margin of 14.64%.The business had revenue of $12.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.24 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.67 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.050-6.350 EPS. Research analysts expect that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current year. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. This is a boost from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 2nd. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 73.04%. Bristol Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY Get Free Report) and Surf Air Mobility (NYSE:SRFM Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, risk and profitability. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for International Consolidated Airlines Group and Surf Air Mobility, as reported by MarketBeat. Get International Consolidated Airlines Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score International Consolidated Airlines Group 1 1 3 1 2.67 Surf Air Mobility 1 1 2 0 2.25 Surf Air Mobility has a consensus target price of $6.50, suggesting a potential upside of 225.81%. Given Surf Air Mobilitys higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Surf Air Mobility is more favorable than International Consolidated Airlines Group. Risk & Volatility Valuation and Earnings International Consolidated Airlines Group has a beta of 1.63, meaning that its stock price is 63% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Surf Air Mobility has a beta of 3.03, meaning that its stock price is 203% more volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares International Consolidated Airlines Group and Surf Air Mobilitys revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio International Consolidated Airlines Group $34.74 billion 0.78 $2.96 billion $3.30 3.59 Surf Air Mobility $119.43 million 1.05 -$74.91 million ($2.48) -0.80 International Consolidated Airlines Group has higher revenue and earnings than Surf Air Mobility. Surf Air Mobility is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than International Consolidated Airlines Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares International Consolidated Airlines Group and Surf Air Mobilitys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets International Consolidated Airlines Group 9.52% 112.24% 15.51% Surf Air Mobility -66.95% N/A -58.16% Institutional and Insider Ownership 0.0% of International Consolidated Airlines Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 17.7% of Surf Air Mobility shares are owned by institutional investors. 8.0% of Surf Air Mobility shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary International Consolidated Airlines Group beats Surf Air Mobility on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About International Consolidated Airlines Group (Get Free Report) International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of passenger and cargo transportation services in the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States, and rest of the world. It also provides aircraft leasing, aircraft maintenance, tour operation, air freight operations, call centre, ground handling, trustee, retail, IT, finance, procurement, storage and custody, aircraft technical assistance, human resources support, and airport infrastructure development services; and manages airline loyalty programmes. The company operates under the British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL brands. It operates a fleet of 582 aircrafts. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Harmondsworth, United Kingdom. About Surf Air Mobility (Get Free Report) Surf Air Mobility Inc. operates as an electric aviation and air travel company in the United States. The company offers an air mobility platform with scheduled routes and on demand charter flights operated by third parties. Surf Air Mobility Inc. is headquartered in Hawthorne, California. 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. Heartland Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Evertec, Inc. (NYSE:EVTC Free Report) by 81.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 200,000 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 90,000 shares during the quarter. Heartland Advisors Inc. owned approximately 0.31% of Evertec worth $6,756,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of EVTC. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Evertec by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,558,374 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $164,329,000 after acquiring an additional 46,147 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Evertec by 0.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,476,778 shares of the business services providers stock worth $53,245,000 after purchasing an additional 9,506 shares during the period. Clifford Capital Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Evertec by 3.0% during the second quarter. Clifford Capital Partners LLC now owns 435,431 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $15,697,000 after purchasing an additional 12,880 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners purchased a new position in Evertec during the second quarter valued at $12,995,000. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Evertec by 10.9% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 349,945 shares of the business services providers stock worth $11,821,000 after acquiring an additional 34,304 shares in the last quarter. 96.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Evertec alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on EVTC. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Evertec in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Evertec from $34.00 to $29.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Susquehanna cut their target price on Evertec from $37.00 to $32.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on Evertec from $44.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Evertec from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Evertec has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $35.80. Evertec Trading Up 0.4% Shares of NYSE:EVTC opened at $26.36 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $28.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $31.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.72, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.86. Evertec, Inc. has a 52-week low of $25.83 and a 52-week high of $38.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 2.91 and a current ratio of 2.91. Evertec Profile (Free Report) Evertec, Inc (NYSE: EVTC) is a leading fullservice transaction processor in Puerto Rico, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company delivers integrated technology solutions for electronic payments, providing financial institutions, merchants and governments with secure and scalable platforms to accept, process and settle transactions across card, ATM, debit and digital channels. Headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Evertec supports both domestic and crossborder payment flows, enabling clients to streamline operations and expand their digital commerce capabilities. Evertecs suite of services includes merchant acquiring, payment gateway connectivity, ATM and pointofsale network management, and fraud prevention solutions. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EVTC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Evertec, Inc. (NYSE:EVTC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Evertec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Evertec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heartland Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE:WTRG Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund bought 367,662 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,670,000. Heartland Advisors Inc. owned 0.13% of Essential Utilities 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 WTRG. SouthState Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Essential Utilities by 834.7% during the second quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 701 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 626 shares during the period. American National Bank & Trust bought a new stake in Essential Utilities in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp grew its holdings in Essential Utilities by 1,163.8% in the 3rd quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp now owns 733 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 675 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in Essential Utilities by 43.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,114 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 338 shares in the last quarter. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC increased its position in Essential Utilities by 141.2% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 1,213 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 710 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.78% of the companys stock. Get Essential Utilities alerts: Essential Utilities Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:WTRG opened at $39.76 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $38.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $38.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.50 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.43. Essential Utilities Inc. has a 1 year low of $34.85 and a 1 year high of $42.37. Essential Utilities Announces Dividend Analysts Set New Price Targets The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, February 9th will be given a dividend of $0.3426 per share. This represents a $1.37 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 9th. Essential Utilitiess dividend payout ratio is currently 56.85%. WTRG has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Essential Utilities in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Essential Utilities from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the company from $47.00 to $44.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Robert W. Baird lowered shares of Essential Utilities from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Janney Montgomery Scott downgraded shares of Essential Utilities from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Northcoast Research upgraded Essential Utilities from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $42.00 price target for the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $43.29. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Essential Utilities About Essential Utilities (Free Report) Essential Utilities, Inc, formerly known as Aqua America, is a publicly traded water and natural gas utility holding company. Through its regulated water and wastewater subsidiaries, the company provides essential water services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. In addition, Essential Utilities delivers natural gas distribution services in Pennsylvania through its Peoples Gas subsidiary, offering integrated utility solutions under a unified corporate framework. The company traces its roots to the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company, founded in 1886 to serve growing communities outside Philadelphia. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WTRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE:WTRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Essential Utilities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essential Utilities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennes & Mauritz AB (OTCMKTS:HNNMY Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have given a hold recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. A number of research firms have commented on HNNMY. Barclays cut Hennes & Mauritz from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday. Oddo Bhf raised shares of Hennes & Mauritz to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Citigroup raised shares of Hennes & Mauritz from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Hennes & Mauritz in a report on Friday, January 30th. Get Hennes & Mauritz alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on HNNMY Hennes & Mauritz Trading Down 1.4% OTCMKTS:HNNMY opened at $4.12 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.75 and a beta of 1.21. Hennes & Mauritz has a 52 week low of $2.37 and a 52 week high of $4.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $3.94 and a 200 day moving average of $3.58. Hennes & Mauritz (OTCMKTS:HNNMY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.06. Hennes & Mauritz had a return on equity of 30.80% and a net margin of 5.46%.The business had revenue of $6.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.35 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Hennes & Mauritz will post 0.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hennes & Mauritz Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hennes & Mauritz AB, commonly known as H&M, is a Swedish multinational fashion retailer that designs, sources and sells ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and home textiles. The company traces its roots to 1947, when Erling Persson opened a womens clothing store called Hennes (hers) in Vasteras, Sweden; the business expanded into menswear after the acquisition of a Stockholm-based retailer, Mauritz Widforss, in the late 1960s, which led to the Hennes & Mauritz name. Today the company is headquartered in Stockholm and operates a global retail business built around multiple branded concepts. H&Ms core activities include product design, sourcing and retailing of fashion for women, men, teenagers and children, as well as home goods under its H&M Home line. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hennes & Mauritz Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hennes & Mauritz and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IJK Free Report) by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 580,518 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 17,598 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF were worth $55,666,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Balboa Wealth Partners acquired a new position in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $343,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co raised its holdings in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF by 367.6% in the third quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 1,342 shares of the companys stock valued at $129,000 after purchasing an additional 1,055 shares during the last quarter. Columbia Bank lifted its position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF by 2.7% in the third quarter. Columbia Bank now owns 17,954 shares of the companys stock worth $1,717,000 after purchasing an additional 465 shares in the last quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF in the third quarter worth $135,000. Finally, Allegheny Financial Group boosted its holdings in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF by 1.0% during the third quarter. Allegheny Financial Group now owns 17,045 shares of the companys stock worth $1,635,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. 67.99% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF alerts: iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF Trading Up 1.1% iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF stock opened at $104.33 on Tuesday. iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF has a 1-year low of $71.69 and a 1-year high of $106.36. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $100.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $97.29. The company has a market cap of $9.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.45 and a beta of 1.08. About iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest growth characteristics. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IJK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers cut its stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report) by 13.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 71,077 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 10,867 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries were worth $20,464,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Evergreen Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 3.9% during the third quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 1,011 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $291,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. 1834 Investment Advisors Co. lifted its stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 1.6% during the third quarter. 1834 Investment Advisors Co. now owns 2,535 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $730,000 after buying an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. O Keefe Stevens Advisory Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 0.7% in the third quarter. O Keefe Stevens Advisory Inc. now owns 5,758 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,658,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 10.1% in the third quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 438 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $122,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Finally, Spire Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 12.6% in the third quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 367 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $106,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. 90.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth HII has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and issued a $421.00 price target on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. TD Cowen increased their target price on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $384.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Wall Street Zen lowered Huntington Ingalls Industries from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $450.00 to $465.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $370.38. Insider Activity at Huntington Ingalls Industries In other Huntington Ingalls Industries news, VP Chad N. Boudreaux sold 787 shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.17, for a total value of $247,251.79. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 20,441 shares in the company, valued at $6,421,948.97. The trade was a 3.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Edmond E. Jr. Hughes sold 850 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.44, for a total transaction of $268,124.00. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 8,731 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,754,106.64. This trade represents a 8.87% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.86% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Huntington Ingalls Industries Trading Up 2.9% NYSE HII opened at $418.58 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. has a 1-year low of $159.41 and a 1-year high of $436.14. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $380.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is $320.46. The company has a market capitalization of $16.43 billion, a PE ratio of 27.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 0.34. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The aerospace company reported $4.04 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.72 by $0.32. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a return on equity of 12.28% and a net margin of 4.85%.The firm had revenue of $3.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.15 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 15.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. will post 13.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Huntington Ingalls Industries Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Huntington Ingalls Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.91%. Huntington Ingalls Industries Profile (Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a leading provider of professional services to the U.S. government. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII designs, constructs and maintains nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines and other complex vessels for the U.S. Navy. The companys products include nuclear aircraft carriers, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, as well as amphibious assault ships, destroyers and cutters. Established in 2011 as a spin-off from Northrop Grummans shipbuilding operations, HII traces its heritage to two historic builders: Newport News Shipbuilding, founded in the 19th century, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, founded in 1938. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HII? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Feb 17 (Reuters) - Danaher will acquire pulse oximeter maker Masimo for $9.9 billion including debt, as the contract research firm looks to bulk up its diagnostics portfolio. The companies said on Tuesday that Danaher will buy Masimo, which has been in a long legal battle with iPhone maker Apple over patents, for $180 per share. The offer represents a premium of 38.3% to Masimo's last close. More from Yahoo Scout Why is Danaher acquiring Masimo for $9.9 billion? What challenges are contract research firms currently facing? What premium is Danaher paying for Masimo shares? How does Masimo's Apple patent dispute affect this deal? Contract research firms have been grappling with uncertainty around drug pricing regulations in the U.S., potential tariff policies and softer academic and government research funding. Masimo has a market capitalization of about $7 billion, while Danaher is valued at over $150 billion, according to Reuters calculations. (Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan and Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Shinjini Ganguli) Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of ICL Group (NYSE:ICL Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Saturday morning. Several other brokerages have also recently commented on ICL. Barclays dropped their target price on ICL Group from $7.00 to $6.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of ICL Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, ICL Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $6.23. Get ICL Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on ICL ICL Group Stock Performance ICL Group Dividend Announcement ICL Group stock opened at $5.73 on Friday. ICL Group has a 52 week low of $4.85 and a 52 week high of $7.35. The companys 50-day moving average price is $5.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.048 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $0.19 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. ICL Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.28%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On ICL Group A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ICL. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of ICL Group by 23.7% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 8,248 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 1,581 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC lifted its stake in ICL Group by 5.0% during the third quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 36,368 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $227,000 after buying an additional 1,736 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC lifted its stake in ICL Group by 14.7% during the second quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 14,158 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $97,000 after buying an additional 1,812 shares in the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ICL Group by 6.1% in the second quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 36,306 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $249,000 after buying an additional 2,097 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in shares of ICL Group by 2.2% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 134,570 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $923,000 after acquiring an additional 2,841 shares in the last quarter. 13.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About ICL Group (Get Free Report) ICL Group is a global specialty minerals and chemicals company headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. Established in its current form through the consolidation of Israeli governmentowned chemical operations, ICL has evolved into a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ICL). The companys origins date back to state-driven mineral extraction in the Negev and the Dead Sea region, and over the decades it has grown through strategic acquisitions, technological innovation and a gradual privatization process completed in the early 2010s. ICLs core operations are organized into three principal business areas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ICL Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ICL Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Financial Preferred ETF (NYSEARCA:PGF Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 57,956 shares, a growth of 42.7% from the January 15th total of 40,604 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 131,953 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 131,953 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco Financial Preferred ETF A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Invesco Financial Preferred ETF by 73.7% in the 3rd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 91,659 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,349,000 after purchasing an additional 38,880 shares in the last quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Invesco Financial Preferred ETF during the second quarter valued at about $146,000. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group raised its stake in Invesco Financial Preferred ETF by 31.3% in the second quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group now owns 16,838 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $238,000 after buying an additional 4,018 shares in the last quarter. Ballast Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco Financial Preferred ETF in the second quarter worth about $286,000. Finally, Signal Advisors Wealth LLC boosted its position in Invesco Financial Preferred ETF by 20.3% during the 3rd quarter. Signal Advisors Wealth LLC now owns 214,089 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,130,000 after acquiring an additional 36,170 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco Financial Preferred ETF alerts: Invesco Financial Preferred ETF Stock Up 0.4% Shares of PGF traded up $0.06 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $14.40. The company had a trading volume of 136,525 shares, compared to its average volume of 197,397. Invesco Financial Preferred ETF has a 52-week low of $13.61 and a 52-week high of $15.00. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $14.27 and its 200 day moving average price is $14.41. Invesco Financial Preferred ETF Increases Dividend About Invesco Financial Preferred ETF The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were issued a $0.0818 dividend. This is a positive change from Invesco Financial Preferred ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.07. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. (Get Free Report) PowerShares Financial Preferred Portfolio (the Fund) is a non-diversified fund. The Fund is based on the Wells Fargo Hybrid and Preferred Financial Index (WHPSF Financial Index) (the Index). The Index tracks the performance of the United States-listed securities issued by financial institutions. The Index is rebalanced monthly. The Fund normally invests at least 90% of its total assets in preferred securities that consists of the Index. The Fund may contain securities in the financial and insurance sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Financial Preferred ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Financial Preferred ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:TBLL Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Tuesday . 2,050,234 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 996% from the previous sessions volume of 187,027 shares.The stock last traded at $105.7890 and had previously closed at $105.78. Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Price Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average of $105.69 and a 200 day moving average of $105.68. Get Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF alerts: Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were issued a dividend of $0.3301 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 20th. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF About Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,009,545 shares of the companys stock worth $423,568,000 after acquiring an additional 24,188 shares during the period. AWM Capital LLC lifted its position in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 81.4% in the third quarter. AWM Capital LLC now owns 873,605 shares of the companys stock worth $92,288,000 after purchasing an additional 392,052 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 4.8% during the 4th quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 817,820 shares of the companys stock valued at $86,403,000 after purchasing an additional 37,654 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its position in shares of Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 8.4% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 784,136 shares of the companys stock valued at $82,844,000 after purchasing an additional 60,814 shares during the period. Finally, UBS Group AG increased its position in shares of Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 528,202 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,805,000 after purchasing an additional 35,863 shares during the period. (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. iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDX Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 52,081 shares, a decrease of 30.3% from the January 15th total of 74,673 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 351,666 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 351,666 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA IBDX traded up $0.08 on Monday, hitting $25.74. The company had a trading volume of 300,355 shares, compared to its average volume of 377,632. iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF has a 12-month low of $24.05 and a 12-month high of $26.77. The business has a 50 day moving average of $25.56 and a two-hundred day moving average of $25.56. Get iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sonata Capital Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $303,000. Montecito Bank & Trust bought a new position in iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $638,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC boosted its stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF by 89.6% during the 2nd quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 62,965 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,592,000 after acquiring an additional 29,756 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new stake in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $5,561,000. Finally, Roble Belko & Company Inc raised its stake in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF by 44.1% in the 2nd quarter. Roble Belko & Company Inc now owns 10,247 shares of the companys stock valued at $259,000 after purchasing an additional 3,134 shares in the last quarter. iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF Company Profile The iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF (IBDX) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a Bloomberg index of USD-denominated, investment grade corporate bonds maturing between January 1, 2032 and December 15, 2032. IBDX was launched on Jun 28, 2022 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2032 Term Corporate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IVPAF Get Free Report)s share price was down 9.7% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $11.33 and last traded at $11.33. Approximately 72,114 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 379,519 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.5440. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades IVPAF has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $15.20 price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ivanhoe Mines currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $15.20. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines Stock Down 5.9% About Ivanhoe Mines The company has a 50 day moving average of $11.77 and a 200-day moving average of $10.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 4.23 and a quick ratio of 4.03. The company has a market cap of $16.84 billion and a P/E ratio of 53.67. (Get Free Report) Ivanhoe Mines is a Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on unlocking high-value deposits of copper, nickel, zinc, and platinum-group metals. The company pursues a two-pronged strategy of advancing large-scale mining projects through feasibility and development stages while also expanding its exploration footprint. Ivanhoes technical expertise spans geology, engineering, environmental management, and community relations, enabling it to secure the necessary permits and infrastructure for major mine developments. The companys flagship asset is the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a joint venture with the government of the DRC and Zijin Mining. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JELD-WEN (NYSE:JELD Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported ($0.42) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.23) by ($0.19), FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $802.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $747.20 million. JELD-WEN had a negative net margin of 19.28% and a negative return on equity of 13.54%. JELD-WEN Stock Down 6.0% Shares of NYSE:JELD traded down $0.14 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $2.11. The company had a trading volume of 2,169,182 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,427,977. JELD-WEN has a 1-year low of $1.70 and a 1-year high of $8.38. The stock has a market cap of $179.83 million, a PE ratio of -0.28 and a beta of 1.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.14. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $2.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $3.90. Get JELD-WEN alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of JELD-WEN from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on JELD-WEN from $3.75 to $3.25 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Barclays set a $2.50 price objective on shares of JELD-WEN in a report on Monday, December 8th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on JELD-WEN from $2.25 to $2.60 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of JELD-WEN in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $3.87. Institutional Investors Weigh In On JELD-WEN A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in JELD. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in shares of JELD-WEN by 66.1% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 53,641 shares of the companys stock valued at $321,000 after buying an additional 21,346 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in JELD-WEN by 37.5% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 375,806 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,244,000 after acquiring an additional 102,543 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of JELD-WEN by 42.7% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 902,802 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,390,000 after acquiring an additional 270,226 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC increased its stake in shares of JELD-WEN by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 442,547 shares of the companys stock worth $2,642,000 after purchasing an additional 13,115 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its stake in shares of JELD-WEN by 82.8% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 396,514 shares of the companys stock worth $2,367,000 after purchasing an additional 179,615 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.04% of the companys stock. About JELD-WEN (Get Free Report) JELD-WEN is a global manufacturer of windows and doors and related building products, serving both residential and commercial markets. The companys portfolio includes wood, vinyl and aluminum windows; interior wood doors; and exterior doors crafted from steel, fiberglass and composite materials. JELD-WENs products are designed for new construction and remodeling applications, with an emphasis on quality, durability and energy efficiency. Founded in 1960 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, JELD-WEN has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to establish a manufacturing footprint in North America, Europe and Australasia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JELD-WEN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JELD-WEN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY) by 11.3% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 7,296,221 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 740,276 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in Royal Bank Of Canada were worth $1,074,879,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of RY. Toth Financial Advisory Corp acquired a new stake in Royal Bank Of Canada in the third quarter worth $29,000. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada during the third quarter valued at about $31,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada during the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada by 103.8% in the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the period. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in the 2nd quarter valued at about $51,000. Institutional investors own 45.31% of the companys stock. Get Royal Bank Of Canada alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes RY has been the topic of a number of research reports. National Bank Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a report on Monday, November 24th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Royal Bank Of Canada from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Royal Bank Of Canada currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $162.00. Royal Bank Of Canada Price Performance Shares of NYSE:RY opened at $169.43 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $169.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $153.65. Royal Bank Of Canada has a 1-year low of $106.10 and a 1-year high of $176.19. The stock has a market cap of $236.81 billion, a PE ratio of 16.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.79. Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Get Free Report) (TSE:RY) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.51 by $0.25. Royal Bank Of Canada had a net margin of 14.83% and a return on equity of 16.83%. The firm had revenue of $12.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.12 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.07 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Royal Bank Of Canada will post 9.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. Royal Bank Of Canada Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 26th will be paid a $1.64 dividend. This is a positive change from Royal Bank Of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.54. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 26th. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.9%. Royal Bank Of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.66%. About Royal Bank Of Canada (Free Report) Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE: RY) is a diversified financial services company and one of Canadas largest banks. Founded in 1864 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the firm is now headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients through a network of branches, digital platforms and international offices. RBC operates across several principal business segments including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor and treasury services, capital markets, and global asset management. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY). Receive News & Ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased its position in shares of Transdigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Free Report) by 36.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,262,316 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 732,653 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in Transdigm Group were worth $1,663,761,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in TDG. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Transdigm Group by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 201,736 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $265,892,000 after purchasing an additional 4,870 shares in the last quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI grew its holdings in shares of Transdigm Group by 272.4% during the third quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 3,009 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,965,000 after buying an additional 2,201 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Transdigm Group by 18.3% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,379,816 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,136,719,000 after buying an additional 367,756 shares during the last quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Transdigm Group in the second quarter worth about $3,041,000. Finally, Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA boosted its position in Transdigm Group by 311.7% during the third quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 1,124 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,517,000 after acquiring an additional 851 shares during the last quarter. 95.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Transdigm Group alerts: Insider Activity at Transdigm Group In other Transdigm Group news, Director Robert J. Small sold 90,953 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,335.72, for a total transaction of $121,487,741.16. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 68,139 shares in the company, valued at $91,014,625.08. This represents a 57.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Kevin M. Stein sold 36,925 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,425.79, for a total value of $52,647,295.75. Following the transaction, the director owned 19,233 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,422,219.07. This represents a 65.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 228,658 shares of company stock worth $313,263,459. Company insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on TDG. Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and set a $1,400.00 target price on shares of Transdigm Group in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Transdigm Group from $1,385.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Transdigm Group from $1,405.00 to $1,435.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,804.00 to $1,800.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Transdigm Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,584.44. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TDG Transdigm Group Trading Down 0.8% NYSE TDG opened at $1,286.10 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $1,348.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1,339.93. The stock has a market cap of $72.63 billion, a PE ratio of 41.38, a P/E/G ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.92. Transdigm Group Incorporated has a twelve month low of $1,183.60 and a twelve month high of $1,623.82. Transdigm Group (NYSE:TDG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The aerospace company reported $8.23 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.99 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $2.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.26 billion. Transdigm Group had a net margin of 20.50% and a negative return on equity of 29.07%. Transdigm Groups revenue for the quarter was up 13.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $7.83 earnings per share. Transdigm Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 37.420-39.340 EPS. Research analysts predict that Transdigm Group Incorporated will post 35.13 EPS for the current year. About Transdigm Group (Free Report) TransDigm Group Incorporated is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components and systems for commercial and military aerospace applications. The companys product portfolio covers a broad range of mission-critical parts and subsystems, including mechanical and electromechanical components, ignition and fuel system parts, sensors and actuators, cockpit and cabin systems, and other safety-critical hardware. TransDigm supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the aftermarket, providing spare parts, repair and overhaul services and component support throughout an assets life cycle. TransDigms operating model places emphasis on proprietary, niche components that are difficult to replace, and the company operates through a collection of independently run subsidiaries and brands that sell specialized products. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TDG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Transdigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Transdigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Transdigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced its position in shares of Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 14.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,782,558 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 292,676 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $1,351,454,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. ING Groep NV bought a new position in Parker-Hannifin in the third quarter worth approximately $26,398,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its position in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 20.1% during the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 3,610 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,521,000 after acquiring an additional 604 shares during the period. Procyon Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 158,565.9% in the 3rd quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 5,069,374 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,843,346,000 after purchasing an additional 5,066,179 shares in the last quarter. Wilkinson Global Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 28.2% in the 3rd quarter. Wilkinson Global Asset Management LLC now owns 48,434 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $36,720,000 after purchasing an additional 10,653 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich bought a new position in Parker-Hannifin in the 2nd quarter worth $733,000. Institutional investors own 82.44% of the companys stock. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin Trading Up 1.9% Shares of PH opened at $1,001.30 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $126.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.66. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 1 year low of $488.45 and a 1 year high of $1,012.49. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $923.06 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $827.10. Parker-Hannifin Dividend Announcement Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $7.65 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.11 by $0.54. The firm had revenue of $5.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.07 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a net margin of 17.29% and a return on equity of 27.56%. Parker-Hannifins revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $6.53 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 6th will be issued a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 6th. Parker-Hannifins payout ratio is 26.26%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have issued reports on PH. Citigroup boosted their price target on Parker-Hannifin from $1,074.00 to $1,092.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,020.00 price objective for the company. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $990.00 to $1,020.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $1,050.00 to $1,100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $1,139.00 price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Seventeen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Parker-Hannifin has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $990.47. View Our Latest Stock Report on Parker-Hannifin Insider Buying and Selling In other Parker-Hannifin news, COO Andrew D. Ross sold 4,664 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $999.00, for a total transaction of $4,659,336.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 13,120 shares in the company, valued at $13,106,880. This trade represents a 26.23% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, VP Dinu J. Parel sold 1,316 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $950.05, for a total value of $1,250,265.80. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 6,534 shares in the company, valued at $6,207,626.70. This trade represents a 16.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 12,551 shares of company stock valued at $12,117,502 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock. About Parker-Hannifin (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH) is a global manufacturer and provider of motion and control technologies and systems. The company designs, manufactures and services a broad range of engineered components and systems used to control the movement and flow of liquids, gases and hydraulic power. Its product portfolio is applied across demanding environments and includes solutions for industrial manufacturing, aerospace, mobile equipment and other engineered applications. Parker-Hannifins product and service offerings span hydraulic and pneumatic components, fittings and fluid connectors, valves, pumps and motors, electromechanical actuators and motion-control systems, filtration and separation products, and seals and sealing systems. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Kemper (NYSE:KMPR Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report issued on Saturday. A number of other research analysts have also recently weighed in on KMPR. William Blair cut shares of Kemper from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Zacks Research upgraded Kemper from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Kemper from $50.00 to $35.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Citigroup lowered Kemper to a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Kemper in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kemper presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $56.50. Get Kemper alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kemper Kemper Stock Down 0.9% Shares of NYSE:KMPR opened at $32.08 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.88 billion, a PE ratio of 14.65 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.18 and a quick ratio of 0.18. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $38.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.73. Kemper has a 1 year low of $30.05 and a 1 year high of $69.83. Kemper (NYSE:KMPR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The insurance provider reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by ($0.60). The business had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.22 billion. Kemper had a return on equity of 8.02% and a net margin of 2.99%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.78 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Kemper will post 6.03 earnings per share for the current year. Kemper Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.0%. Kempers dividend payout ratio is currently 58.45%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kemper Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new position in shares of Kemper during the second quarter valued at about $490,000. Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of Kemper in the second quarter valued at $1,870,000. Bryce Point Capital LLC bought a new stake in Kemper in the second quarter worth $742,000. Integrated Quantitative Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Kemper during the second quarter valued at $976,000. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC lifted its position in Kemper by 822.6% during the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 41,102 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,653,000 after purchasing an additional 36,647 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.23% of the companys stock. About Kemper (Get Free Report) Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) is a diversified insurance holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Formed through the rebranding of Unitrin in 2010, Kemper has established a nationwide presence by offering a broad array of property and casualty insurance products. The company distributes its products through independent agents, brokers and direct-to-consumer channels, serving both individual policyholders and commercial clients. The personal insurance segment provides coverage for automobiles, homeowners, renters and umbrella lines, while the commercial business focuses on liability, workers compensation and specialty property solutions tailored to small and mid-sized enterprises. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kemper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kemper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Despite overall growth, the consumer goods business unit experienced a decline in core EBIT by 4.3% in the first half of 2025. Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you elaborate on the changes in the consumer segment and the impact of AI on growth and logistics costs? A: Ido Wallach, CFO, explained that the consumer segment's improvement is due to a strategic pivot towards better and bigger business, focusing on higher premium categories and increased distribution efficiency. AI has been instrumental in optimizing logistics, reducing costs by CHF35 million through automation and efficient routing. AI also presents opportunities for revenue growth by optimizing sales routes and product recommendations. Q: How is DKSH progressing in shifting towards higher-margin businesses in healthcare, and what is the impact of AI on margins? A: Stefan Butz, CEO, stated that DKSH has increased its focus on high-margin businesses, with commercial outsourcing contributing 55% to EBIT in 2025. The company expects to continue this trend, increasing margins by 10 basis points annually. AI is expected to enhance efficiency and productivity, potentially improving margins, but it's too early to quantify the impact. Q: How is DKSH protected from Chinese competition in performance materials, and what is the share of USD-denominated sales? A: Stefan Butz highlighted that DKSH's strong connections with Chinese suppliers and distribution within China provide resilience against competition. The company has a broad customer base in Asia, which accounts for two-thirds of its business. Ido Wallach added that USD-denominated sales are minimal, around 1% to 2%, with currency risks being primarily translational. Q: Can you comment on the trends in performance materials and the tariff environment in India and China? A: Stefan Butz noted that performance materials experienced a rocky 2025, with fluctuations due to tariff discussions. However, there is optimism for 2026, especially in Asia. The tariff impact is expected to be limited, with supply chains shifting towards Southeast Asia. Ido Wallach mentioned that inventory levels are healthy, with no significant regional or product-specific concerns. Q: What are the drivers behind the promising business development pipeline in the technology business for 2026? A: Stefan Butz explained that delayed projects from 2025, strong order intake in scientific instrumentation, and investments in data centers are building a strong pipeline for 2026. These factors contribute to the expectation of a strong rebound in the technology business. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Merit Financial Group LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 6.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 697,503 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 43,346 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF makes up about 1.2% of Merit Financial Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Merit Financial Group LLC owned about 0.24% of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF worth $135,664,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Avantra Family Wealth Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $1,493,000. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 18.3% during the third quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC now owns 582,095 shares of the companys stock worth $113,218,000 after buying an additional 90,195 shares during the period. Cabot Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 8.7% in the third quarter. Cabot Wealth Management Inc. now owns 42,044 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,177,000 after buying an additional 3,369 shares in the last quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the second quarter valued at $213,000. Finally, Insight Inv LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,016,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Trading Up 0.5% QUAL opened at $201.75 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $201.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $195.70. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $148.34 and a 12-month high of $205.48. The firm has a market cap of $58.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. QUAL was launched on Jul 18, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&G PLC grew its holdings in Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Free Report) by 7.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 455,884 shares of the airlines stock after purchasing an additional 31,167 shares during the quarter. M&G PLCs holdings in Southwest Airlines were worth $14,588,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in Southwest Airlines by 12.6% in the third quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 1,916,003 shares of the airlines stock worth $61,140,000 after purchasing an additional 214,092 shares during the period. RWA Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in Southwest Airlines in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,652,000. Hussman Strategic Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Southwest Airlines in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,010,000. Howard Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 8.3% during the 2nd quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. now owns 127,218 shares of the airlines stock worth $4,150,000 after acquiring an additional 9,739 shares during the period. Finally, Gradient Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 5.4% during the 3rd quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 578,088 shares of the airlines stock valued at $18,447,000 after acquiring an additional 29,665 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.82% of the companys stock. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently issued reports on LUV shares. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $42.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Southwest Airlines in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup raised their target price on Southwest Airlines from $44.00 to $54.00 in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Bank of America boosted their price target on Southwest Airlines from $37.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Southwest Airlines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.92. Southwest Airlines Price Performance Shares of LUV stock opened at $51.06 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $25.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.79, a PEG ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.15. Southwest Airlines Co. has a 12 month low of $23.82 and a 12 month high of $54.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $44.34 and a 200 day moving average price of $36.56. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The airline reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.02. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.57% and a return on equity of 6.18%. The company had revenue of $7.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.56 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Southwest Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.000- EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.450- EPS. Research analysts expect that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 1.55 EPS for the current year. Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 12th will be given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 12th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Southwest Airliness payout ratio is presently 85.71%. About Southwest Airlines (Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LUV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&G PLC reduced its stake in shares of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK Free Report) by 7.1% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 129,687 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,850 shares during the period. M&G PLCs holdings in Oshkosh were worth $16,859,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Oshkosh by 43.4% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 225,130 shares of the companys stock worth $21,180,000 after buying an additional 68,165 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in Oshkosh by 8.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 188,191 shares of the companys stock worth $17,705,000 after acquiring an additional 14,122 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth bought a new position in Oshkosh during the 1st quarter worth about $567,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in Oshkosh during the 2nd quarter valued at about $325,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in shares of Oshkosh by 94.6% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 825 shares of the companys stock valued at $94,000 after purchasing an additional 401 shares in the last quarter. 92.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Oshkosh alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades OSK has been the topic of several recent research reports. Argus dropped their target price on Oshkosh from $175.00 to $160.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Oshkosh from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $149.00 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Oshkosh from $144.00 to $168.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Barclays assumed coverage on shares of Oshkosh in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued an overweight rating and a $150.00 target price for the company. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $167.00 price objective on shares of Oshkosh in a report on Friday, January 30th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $159.60. Oshkosh Stock Performance NYSE OSK opened at $171.27 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.94 and a quick ratio of 1.05. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $145.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $136.96. The company has a market cap of $10.83 billion, a PE ratio of 17.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.43. Oshkosh Corporation has a 1-year low of $76.82 and a 1-year high of $180.49. Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.33 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.60 billion. Oshkosh had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 6.21%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.58 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Oshkosh Corporation will post 10.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. Oshkosh Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. This is an increase from Oshkoshs previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. Oshkoshs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.36%. Oshkosh Profile (Free Report) Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty trucks, military vehicles and access equipment. The companys offerings span critical end markets, including defense, fire and emergency services, commercial construction and industrial sectors. By combining engineering expertise with advanced technologies, Oshkosh delivers solutions that enhance mobility, safety and productivity for its customers. Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the company has evolved from producing heavy-duty dump trucks to a diversified portfolio of products and services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OSK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oshkosh Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oshkosh and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi Corp. (OTCMKTS:MSBHF Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Tuesday . 31,359 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 68% from the previous sessions volume of 18,681 shares.The stock last traded at $31.90 and had previously closed at $33.63. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Mitsubishi in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Mitsubishi has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Mitsubishi alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MSBHF Mitsubishi Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $129.91 billion, a PE ratio of 25.72 and a beta of 0.64. The stocks fifty day moving average is $25.84 and its 200-day moving average is $24.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.44 and a quick ratio of 1.13. Mitsubishi (OTCMKTS:MSBHF Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $32.18 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.57 billion. Mitsubishi had a net margin of 3.99% and a return on equity of 7.36%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Mitsubishi Corp. will post 1.6 EPS for the current year. Mitsubishi Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi is a long-established Japanese business family and brand that today encompasses a group of independent companies operating across a wide range of industries. The Mitsubishi name traces back to the late 19th century and the founding of a shipping firm that grew into a diversified industrial and trading conglomerate. Over time the original zaibatsu was reorganized into a number of separately managed companies that nonetheless share the Mitsubishi mark and coordinate through cross-shareholdings and business relationships. Companies using the Mitsubishi name are active in sectors including industrial machinery and heavy equipment, automotive manufacturing, electrical and electronic equipment, chemicals and materials, energy and natural resources, trading and logistics, finance and banking, real estate, and food and consumer products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Murata Manufacturing Inc. (OTCMKTS:MRAAY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $11.40 and last traded at $11.36, with a volume of 33011 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.77. Murata Manufacturing Price Performance The company has a 50-day moving average price of $10.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.26 billion, a PE ratio of 32.24 and a beta of 0.94. Get Murata Manufacturing alerts: Murata Manufacturing (OTCMKTS:MRAAY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The company reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter. Murata Manufacturing had a return on equity of 7.38% and a net margin of 10.74%.Murata Manufacturing has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.392-0.392 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Murata Manufacturing Inc. will post 0.41 earnings per share for the current year. Murata Manufacturing Company Profile Murata Manufacturing Co, Ltd. is a Japan-based manufacturer of electronic components and modules, best known for its development and production of ceramic components. Founded in 1944 by Akira Murata and headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture, the company has grown into a leading global supplier of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), ceramic resonators, and a broad range of passive and active electronic parts used across consumer, industrial and automotive electronics. The companys product portfolio encompasses passive components (such as capacitors, inductors and filters), sensors and sensing modules, power modules, and RF/wireless communication modules. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Murata Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murata Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $17.97 and traded as high as $22.23. Myers Industries shares last traded at $22.0980, with a volume of 212,263 shares. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Myers Industries in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Myers Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Myers Industries from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.00. Get Myers Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Myers Industries Myers Industries Stock Up 1.7% Hedge Funds Weigh In On Myers Industries The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.67. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $20.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.97. The firm has a market cap of $826.69 million, a P/E ratio of 29.86 and a beta of 1.08. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC bought a new stake in Myers Industries during the third quarter worth $1,178,000. Barington Capital Group L.P. increased its position in shares of Myers Industries by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Barington Capital Group L.P. now owns 770,100 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $11,159,000 after purchasing an additional 25,000 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its stake in shares of Myers Industries by 84.8% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 512,201 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,422,000 after purchasing an additional 235,030 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its stake in shares of Myers Industries by 141.0% during the 2nd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 95,506 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,384,000 after purchasing an additional 55,885 shares during the period. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Myers Industries by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 2,291,134 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,064,000 after buying an additional 51,968 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.82% of the companys stock. About Myers Industries (Get Free Report) Myers Industries, Inc is a diversified manufacturer of polymer products serving industrial, commercial and consumer markets. The company designs, produces and markets a broad range of molded and fabricated plastic components, including pallets, bulk containers, tanks and drums used in material handling and storage applications. Myers Industries leverages proprietary polymer technologies to provide durable, reusable solutions that help customers optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Myers operates primarily through two business segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Myers Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Myers Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEOS Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 48.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 230,457 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 75,422 shares during the period. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in Citigroup were worth $23,391,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Brookstone Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Citigroup by 31.5% in the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 75,914 shares of the companys stock worth $7,705,000 after acquiring an additional 18,176 shares during the last quarter. Permanent Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Citigroup in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,238,000. Donaldson Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Citigroup in the 3rd quarter worth about $58,994,000. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. grew its position in Citigroup by 61.5% during the 3rd quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 57,033 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,789,000 after purchasing an additional 21,720 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Perigon Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Citigroup by 27.2% during the 3rd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 75,566 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,670,000 after purchasing an additional 16,171 shares in the last quarter. 71.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider Cantu Ernesto Torres sold 43,173 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.09, for a total value of $4,796,088.57. Following the transaction, the insider owned 45,835 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,091,810.15. This trade represents a 48.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Citigroup News Roundup Positive Sentiment: Q4 results showed an EPS beat (reported $1.81 vs. $1.65 consensus) even though revenue missedearnings strength and improved profitability metrics support earnings quality and capital returns, a constructive signal for investors assessing bank fundamentals. Q4 results showed an EPS beat (reported $1.81 vs. $1.65 consensus) even though revenue missedearnings strength and improved profitability metrics support earnings quality and capital returns, a constructive signal for investors assessing bank fundamentals. Neutral Sentiment: Citigroup told investors to expect a more volatile bull market, warning that AI could pressure corporate margins guidance that frames Citis macro view and risk management stance but is not a direct earnings revision. Citigroup (C) Tells Investors to Expect a More Volatile Bull Market Citigroup told investors to expect a more volatile bull market, warning that AI could pressure corporate margins guidance that frames Citis macro view and risk management stance but is not a direct earnings revision. Neutral Sentiment: Citis equity research remains active the banks analysts downgraded Mattel (MAT) this week, illustrating ongoing broker-dealer/research activity that can support fee revenue but has limited immediate impact on Citis own stock. Citigroup downgrades Mattel (MAT) Citis equity research remains active the banks analysts downgraded Mattel (MAT) this week, illustrating ongoing broker-dealer/research activity that can support fee revenue but has limited immediate impact on Citis own stock. Neutral Sentiment: Technical / valuation context: Citi trades with a mid-teens P/E and sits below its 50-day moving average but above its 200-day average mixed technicals that may keep trading range-bound absent a macro catalyst. Technical / valuation context: Citi trades with a mid-teens P/E and sits below its 50-day moving average but above its 200-day average mixed technicals that may keep trading range-bound absent a macro catalyst. Negative Sentiment: Elevated macro and political risks including a stalled partial government shutdown and broader geopolitical tensions increase market volatility and could hit trading and capital markets activity, pressuring bank revenue. Democrats and the Trump administration dig in over DHS oversight Citigroup Price Performance Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Shares of C opened at $110.77 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $116.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $104.91. The firm has a market cap of $198.19 billion, a PE ratio of 15.89, a P/E/G ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. Citigroup Inc. has a 1-year low of $55.51 and a 1-year high of $125.16. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $19.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.99 billion. Citigroup had a return on equity of 8.28% and a net margin of 8.50%.Citigroups revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.34 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 EPS for the current year. Citigroup Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. Citigroups dividend payout ratio is 34.43%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on C. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $132.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $123.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Piper Sandler set a $135.00 target price on Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $150.00 price target on Citigroup in a report on Monday, January 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $126.19. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Citigroup About Citigroup (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NJ State Employees Deferred Compensation Plan purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 4,790 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $1,338,000. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,147 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $320,000 after acquiring an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Pring Turner Capital Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the third quarter valued at about $223,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the third quarter worth about $780,000. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.1% during the third quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 6,844 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,912,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the period. Finally, Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. boosted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. now owns 2,319 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $648,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently commented on TSM. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $325.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, January 2nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. Dbs Bank raised shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, UBS Group set a $330.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Sunday, December 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $391.43. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Price Performance TSM stock opened at $366.47 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $323.08 and its two-hundred day moving average is $289.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 2.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.90 trillion, a P/E ratio of 34.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.31. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 1 year low of $134.25 and a 1 year high of $380.00. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 EPS for the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 45.13% and a return on equity of 36.18%. The company had revenue of $32.50 billion during the quarter. Analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 11th will be issued a $0.9503 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 11th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 23.57%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products. TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board lifted its holdings in Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE:NOG Free Report) by 13.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 378,810 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 43,875 shares during the period. Public Sector Pension Investment Board owned about 0.39% of Northern Oil and Gas worth $9,394,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. First Horizon Corp purchased a new stake in Northern Oil and Gas in the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Northern Oil and Gas by 2,736.1% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 985 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in shares of Northern Oil and Gas by 181.0% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,107 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 713 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its position in shares of Northern Oil and Gas by 315.7% in the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,351 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,026 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Northern Oil and Gas by 429.4% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,514 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 1,228 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.80% of the companys stock. Get Northern Oil and Gas alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Northern Oil and Gas from $32.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Northern Oil and Gas in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Northern Oil and Gas from $33.00 to $30.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Mizuho set a $29.00 price objective on Northern Oil and Gas in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $24.00 target price on Northern Oil and Gas and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $29.29. Northern Oil and Gas Stock Up 3.4% Northern Oil and Gas stock opened at $25.94 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.66 and a beta of 1.01. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $23.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $23.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. has a 1-year low of $19.88 and a 1-year high of $36.16. Northern Oil and Gas Profile (Free Report) Northern Oil and Gas, Inc is a publicly traded independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. The companys primary operations are concentrated in the Williston Basin, where it secures acreage positions and partners with drilling operators to advance upstream projects. Through strategic leasehold acquisitions and joint ventures, Northern Oil and Gas seeks to expand its footprint in both conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Northern Oil and Gas employs horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies to develop unconventional resource plays, particularly in the Bakken, Three Forks and Red River formations of North Dakota and Montana. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Northern Oil and Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Oil and Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the twenty-one research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $56.0714. NVO has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Citigroup began coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. CICC Research assumed coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Friday, January 9th. They set an outperform rating and a $73.50 price target on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $49.59 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $53.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of $53.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $221.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.29 and a beta of 0.67. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52 week low of $43.08 and a 52 week high of $93.80. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.11. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 68.91% and a net margin of 33.03%.The business had revenue of $12.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.97 billion. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current year. Novo Nordisk A/S Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 30th will be issued a $1.2751 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 541.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 30th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio is 23.63%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 4,190.8% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 13,984,789 shares of the companys stock valued at $776,016,000 after buying an additional 13,658,867 shares during the period. Capital International Investors lifted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 52.4% in the 3rd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 17,713,424 shares of the companys stock valued at $982,969,000 after acquiring an additional 6,092,192 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 3rd quarter valued at $310,199,000. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 2,101.5% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 2,383,176 shares of the companys stock worth $132,242,000 after purchasing an additional 2,274,925 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 138.9% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,525,827 shares of the companys stock worth $128,514,000 after purchasing an additional 1,468,409 shares in the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) once again delivered strong results when it reported its fourth-quarter earnings. Despite the coffeeshop operator's continued strong operational performance, the stock is down more than 35% over the past year, as of this writing. Let's take a closer look at its results and prospects to see if the stock is a buy. 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 Image source: Getty Images. Same-store sales shine Dutch Bros continues to see strong same-store sales (comps) growth, with comparable-restaurant sales rising by 7.7% in the quarter and same-store transactions climbing 5.5%. Company-owned stores once again outperformed, with comparable-shop sales soaring 9.7% on a 7.6% jump in transactions. Order-ahead mobile ordering is helping drive same-store sales, with mobile ordering now making up about 14% of its transactions, up from 13% in Q3 and 11.5% in Q2. The company also continues to roll out hot food items, which have been giving stores a 4% comp lift. Looking ahead, Dutch Bros projected that its 2026 same-store sales would rise between 3% and 5%. The company also continues to aggressively expand its store base. It opened 154 new shops in 2025, including 141 company-owned locations, and it expects to add at least 181 new shops in 2026. It said the path to opening 2,029 shops by 2029 is very clear. Dutch Bros generated $54.4 million in free cash flow for 2025, so it continues to fund its build-out with its operating cash flow. Importantly, it said it has been able to reduce the capital expenditures (capex) it spends on each shop, taking it from $1.8 million a year ago to $1.3 million. The combination of strong comparable-restaurant sales and new stores, meanwhile, led to a 29% increase in total Q4 revenue to $443.6 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surged 49% year over year to $72.6 million, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) more than doubled from $0.07 to $0.17. Looking ahead, the company is projecting 2026 revenue to be between $2 billion and $2.03 billion, representing growth of 22% to 24%. It forecast adjusted EBITDA to be between $355 million and $365 million. Is the stock a buy? Dutch Bros is one of the best expansion stories in the restaurant space. It's growing its store base at a nice clip, while importantly self-funding expansion through its cash flow. And while its shops are small in size and don't cost much to build, they generate an impressive $2.1 million in average unit volume (AUV). Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the eight analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $236.00. A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on PKG shares. Truist Financial lowered their target price on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $273.00 to $270.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $238.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $230.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Packaging Corporation of America from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 3rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Packaging Corporation of America from $233.00 to $234.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Get Packaging Corporation of America alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PKG Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Trading of Packaging Corporation of America In other Packaging Corporation of America news, President Thomas A. Hassfurther sold 12,129 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.50, for a total transaction of $2,795,734.50. Following the transaction, the president directly owned 197,062 shares in the company, valued at $45,422,791. This trade represents a 5.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . 1.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of PKG. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Packaging Corporation of America in the 3rd quarter worth $485,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 10.0% in the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 220,499 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $48,053,000 after acquiring an additional 20,016 shares in the last quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Packaging Corporation of America in the second quarter worth about $1,306,000. Atlas FRM LLC grew its position in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 59.7% during the second quarter. Atlas FRM LLC now owns 535,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $100,821,000 after purchasing an additional 200,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Carnegie Investment Counsel grew its position in shares of Packaging Corporation of America by 32.2% during the third quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel now owns 12,679 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,763,000 after purchasing an additional 3,085 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.78% of the companys stock. Packaging Corporation of America Trading Up 0.4% Shares of PKG stock opened at $246.00 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 2.00 and a current ratio of 3.16. Packaging Corporation of America has a 52-week low of $172.71 and a 52-week high of $249.51. The company has a market capitalization of $22.14 billion, a PE ratio of 28.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 0.88. The businesss fifty day moving average is $217.71 and its 200 day moving average is $209.76. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The industrial products company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.41 by ($0.09). Packaging Corporation of America had a return on equity of 19.18% and a net margin of 8.61%.The business had revenue of $2.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.43 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.47 earnings per share. Packaging Corporation of Americas quarterly revenue was up 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Packaging Corporation of America has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.200-2.20 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Packaging Corporation of America will post 10.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. Packaging Corporation of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Packaging Corporation of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 58.34%. About Packaging Corporation of America (Get Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) is a leading North American manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products. The company produces a range of paper-based packaging solutions including linerboard, corrugating medium, corrugated shipping containers, retail-ready packaging and point-of-purchase displays. In addition to core packaging products, Packaging Corporation of America offers packaging design, testing and supply-chain services intended to optimize protection, cost and sustainability for customers. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, the company operates an integrated network of mills and corrugated manufacturing facilities across the United States and serves customers throughout North America in industries such as e-commerce, grocery and food & beverage, consumer packaged goods and industrial markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Corporation of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Corporation of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Monday morning. PIPR has been the subject of several other reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Piper Sandler Companies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $368.00 to $386.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Zacks Research upgraded Piper Sandler Companies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Bank of America assumed coverage on Piper Sandler Companies in a research note on Monday, January 26th. They issued an underperform rating and a $385.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Wolfe Research reissued an outperform rating and set a $398.00 target price on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $389.67. Get Piper Sandler Companies alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Piper Sandler Companies Piper Sandler Companies Trading Up 0.6% Piper Sandler Companies stock opened at $323.34 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $352.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $340.35. Piper Sandler Companies has a 52 week low of $202.91 and a 52 week high of $380.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.45, a PEG ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 1.53. Shares of Piper Sandler Companies are set to split before the market opens on Tuesday, March 24th. The 4-1 split was announced on Friday, February 6th. The newly minted shares will be payable to shareholders after the closing bell on Monday, March 23rd. Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $6.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.72 by $2.16. Piper Sandler Companies had a net margin of 14.77% and a return on equity of 22.50%. The firm had revenue of $635.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $516.52 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.80 earnings per share. Piper Sandler Companiess revenue was up 27.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Piper Sandler Companies Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be given a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 3rd. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Piper Sandler Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 17.71%. Insider Activity In other news, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 5,240 shares of Piper Sandler Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $350.99, for a total transaction of $1,839,187.60. Following the sale, the president owned 2,896 shares in the company, valued at $1,016,467.04. This trade represents a 64.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Chad R. Abraham sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $336.21, for a total transaction of $1,008,630.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 53,558 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,006,735.18. The trade was a 5.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 14,007 shares of company stock worth $4,777,109. 2.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Piper Sandler Companies A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PIPR. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Piper Sandler Companies in the 4th quarter valued at about $79,239,000. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 1,155.7% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 200,149 shares of the companys stock worth $55,630,000 after acquiring an additional 184,210 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies in the second quarter worth about $51,021,000. Wellington Management Group LLP purchased a new position in Piper Sandler Companies in the third quarter valued at about $38,425,000. Finally, Greenwich Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Piper Sandler Companies by 415.1% in the second quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC now owns 104,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,961,000 after purchasing an additional 83,971 shares during the last quarter. 72.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Piper Sandler Companies (Get Free Report) Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR) is an investment bank and institutional securities firm that provides a range of capital markets and advisory services to corporations, institutions, municipalities and high-net-worth individuals. The firms core activities include investment banking and M&A advisory, underwriting and distribution of equity and debt securities, public finance, and sector-focused advisory across industries such as healthcare, energy, financial services and technology. In addition to traditional investment banking, Piper Sandler offers equity and fixed income research, institutional sales and trading, and market-making services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Piper Sandler Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piper Sandler Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 530,629 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,597 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Southern were worth $50,288,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of SO. Donaldson Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Southern by 2,785.8% in the third quarter. Donaldson Capital Management LLC now owns 563,027 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $53,358,000 after buying an additional 543,517 shares during the last quarter. Matrix Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of Southern in the third quarter valued at $1,813,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Southern in the third quarter valued at $4,852,000. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Southern by 23.6% in the 2nd quarter. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC now owns 7,145 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $656,000 after acquiring an additional 1,366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Shelton Capital Management boosted its stake in shares of Southern by 700.6% during the 2nd quarter. Shelton Capital Management now owns 161,618 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $14,841,000 after purchasing an additional 141,430 shares during the period. 64.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently weighed in on SO shares. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Southern from $104.00 to $93.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 15th. KeyCorp reduced their price target on Southern from $87.00 to $76.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating and set a $85.00 price target on shares of Southern in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Mizuho cut their price objective on Southern from $97.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Southern from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, December 6th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $94.91. Southern Trading Up 2.6% SO opened at $94.93 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. The stocks fifty day moving average is $88.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $91.33. The company has a market capitalization of $104.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.50, a PEG ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.45. Southern Company has a 52 week low of $83.09 and a 52 week high of $100.83. Southern Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.74 dividend. This represents a $2.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Southerns payout ratio is presently 73.27%. Southern Company Profile (Free Report) Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is an Atlanta-based energy holding company that provides electric and gas utility services and owns power generation assets across the United States. Founded in 1945, the company operates a portfolio of regulated electric utilities and affiliated businesses that generate, transmit and distribute electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Southerns principal regulated electric subsidiaries include Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, which serve large portions of the southeastern United States. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Polen Capital China Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:PCCE Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 364 shares, a growth of 33.3% from the January 15th total of 273 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 379 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 379 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Polen Capital China Growth ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:PCCE traded down $0.03 during trading on Monday, reaching $13.08. The companys stock had a trading volume of 251 shares, compared to its average volume of 315. Polen Capital China Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $10.38 and a 12 month high of $14.80. The firm has a market cap of $1.57 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.12 and a beta of 0.03. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $13.45 and a 200-day moving average of $13.68. Get Polen Capital China Growth ETF alerts: Polen Capital China Growth ETF Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 30th were given a dividend of $0.299 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 30th. This represents a yield of 226.0%. Polen Capital China Growth ETF Company Profile The Polen Capital China Growth (PCCE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund seeks long-term capital growth by actively managing a narrow portfolio of Chinese growth companies deemed to have a sustainable competitive advantage. The fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization. PCCE was launched on Mar 1, 2024 and is issued by Polen. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Polen Capital China Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polen Capital China Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board grew its holdings in O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE:OI Free Report) by 29.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 680,559 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 153,199 shares during the quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board owned 0.44% of O-I Glass worth $8,827,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in O-I Glass during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. State of Wyoming purchased a new stake in shares of O-I Glass during the second quarter worth $35,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of O-I Glass by 64.1% in the second quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,350 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 918 shares in the last quarter. Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new position in O-I Glass in the second quarter valued at $51,000. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in O-I Glass by 29.7% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 6,779 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $100,000 after purchasing an additional 1,554 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.24% of the companys stock. Get O-I Glass alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In OI has been the topic of several recent research reports. Citigroup cut their price target on O-I Glass from $17.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Robert W. Baird set a $20.00 price objective on O-I Glass in a research report on Thursday. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $19.00 target price on shares of O-I Glass in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of O-I Glass from $17.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of O-I Glass from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $18.22. O-I Glass Price Performance Shares of NYSE OI opened at $14.76 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $15.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is $13.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.25 billion, a PE ratio of -17.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 0.78. O-I Glass, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $9.23 and a fifty-two week high of $16.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.35, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 1.25. O-I Glass (NYSE:OI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The industrial products company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.01. O-I Glass had a positive return on equity of 18.07% and a negative net margin of 2.01%.The firm had revenue of $1.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.52 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($0.05) earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that O-I Glass, Inc. will post 1.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. About O-I Glass (Free Report) O-I Glass, Inc is a leading global manufacturer of glass containers, supplying the food and beverage, wine and spirits, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care industries. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, the company produces a broad range of glass packaging solutions, including bottles and jars, designed to meet customer specifications for size, shape, color and performance. O-I leverages proprietary technologies in forming, decoration and quality control to serve both mass-market and premium brands. Tracing its origins to the early 20th century through the merger of prominent regional glassmakers, the company adopted the Owens-Illinois name in 1929 before rebranding as O-I Glass in 2015. See Also Receive News & Ratings for O-I Glass Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for O-I Glass and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quaker Houghton (NYSE:KWR Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Hold from the six brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $158.6667. Several equities analysts recently weighed in on KWR shares. Zacks Research raised Quaker Houghton from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Wall Street Zen lowered Quaker Houghton from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 24th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $190.00 price objective on shares of Quaker Houghton in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Get Quaker Houghton alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Quaker Houghton Institutional Investors Weigh In On Quaker Houghton Quaker Houghton Stock Performance Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in Quaker Houghton by 114.3% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 23,139 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,860,000 after buying an additional 12,341 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC lifted its position in shares of Quaker Houghton by 7.1% in the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 1,650 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $204,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Quaker Houghton by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 8,211 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,015,000 after purchasing an additional 345 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Quaker Houghton by 29.2% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 95,751 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $11,836,000 after purchasing an additional 21,665 shares during the period. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Quaker Houghton by 44.4% in the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 9,873 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,220,000 after purchasing an additional 3,034 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.46% of the companys stock. NYSE:KWR opened at $179.11 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.11 billion, a PE ratio of -365.54, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.35. Quaker Houghton has a 1 year low of $95.91 and a 1 year high of $182.58. The company has a current ratio of 2.47, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $152.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $141.07. Quaker Houghton Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th were given a $0.508 dividend. This represents a $2.03 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 16th. Quaker Houghtons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -414.29%. Quaker Houghton Company Profile (Get Free Report) Quaker Houghton is a global provider of process fluids, chemical specialties and sustainable solutions for industrial applications. The company develops and supplies metalworking fluids, coatings, and corrosion inhibitors, as well as heat transfer, lubrication and additive products designed to improve productivity and extend equipment life. Its portfolio addresses a range of end markets including automotive, aerospace, defense, energy, mining, agriculture and heavy industry. The company traces its roots back to the founding of Quaker Chemical Corporation in 1918 and Houghton International in 1865. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Quaker Houghton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quaker Houghton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Titan America (NYSE:TTAM Get Free Report) and Quanex Building Products (NYSE:NX Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations and dividends. Dividends Titan America pays an annual dividend of $0.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Quanex Building Products pays an annual dividend of $0.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.4%. Titan America pays out 16.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Quanex Building Products pays out -5.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Quanex Building Products is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get Titan America alerts: Profitability This table compares Titan America and Quanex Building Products net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Titan America 10.83% 19.80% 10.30% Quanex Building Products -13.65% 12.46% 5.03% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Titan America 1 4 2 1 2.38 Quanex Building Products 2 0 1 0 1.67 This is a summary of current ratings for Titan America and Quanex Building Products, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Titan America currently has a consensus target price of $17.36, suggesting a potential downside of 6.64%. Quanex Building Products has a consensus target price of $28.00, suggesting a potential upside of 26.84%. Given Quanex Building Products higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Quanex Building Products is more favorable than Titan America. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Titan America and Quanex Building Productss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Titan America $1.63 billion 2.10 $166.07 million $0.99 18.78 Quanex Building Products $1.84 billion 0.55 -$250.81 million ($5.49) -4.02 Titan America has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Quanex Building Products. Quanex Building Products is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Titan America, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider and Institutional Ownership 97.5% of Quanex Building Products shares are held by institutional investors. 1.9% of Quanex Building Products shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Titan America beats Quanex Building Products on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Titan America (Get Free Report) Titan America is a leading vertically integrated, multi-regional manufacturer and supplier of heavy building materials and services operating primarily on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States (the Eastern Seaboard). We are a leading provider of materials that contribute to lower carbon emissions than traditional building materials and/or beneficial reuse of waste materials. We are a leading provider of heavy building materials in Florida, the New York and New Jersey Metropolitan area (Metro New York), Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina (Virginia and the Carolinas, together with Metro New York and their adjacent areas, the Mid-Atlantic). We serve markets that benefit from population growth, economic growth and technology and innovation trends that are among the strongest in the United States. We have built what we believe is a unique and differentiated building materials platform in the markets we serve. Today, our manufacturing, logistics and customer support capabilities span across critical building materials and products, including cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), aggregates, ready-mix concrete, concrete block and other ancillary products. Additionally, we believe that our market leadership in lower carbon cement and green concrete solutions positions us to benefit from growing demand for building materials that contribute to lower carbon emissions. We believe our vertically integrated business model and continued investment in our extensive logistical capabilities have enabled us to grow with our diverse customer base across infrastructure, residential and non-residential end markets. By leveraging these competitive advantages across our two reportable segments, the Mid-Atlantic and Florida, we believe that we are in a strong position to drive meaningful growth and enhanced profitability into the future. Our executive management team has led Titan America to experience growth in scale, product portfolio and geographic footprint. This growth was driven by our management teams targeted investment strategy, which has enhanced production capacity and strengthened distribution and logistics capabilities in high-growth markets. These efforts include expanding cement and SCM storage, scaling import capacity and leveraging digital investments to optimize logistics execution and boost asset reliability across our vertically integrated operations. Between fiscal years 2013 and 2023, we have grown our sales from $539 million to approximately $1.6 billion (an 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)), our net income went from a loss of $65.4 million to a positive $155.2 million and our Adjusted EBITDA increased from $36 million to $328 million (a 25% CAGR), while our net income margin has grown from negative 12% to positive 10% during that same period. As a result of our continuous investment program to modernize and scale our operations, we have experienced 50% revenue growth, 150% net income growth and 65% Adjusted EBITDA growth from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2023. Additionally, we have reduced our cement operations CO2 emissions per metric ton of cementitious materials by 18%, from 718 kg of net CO2 per metric ton in 2019 to 587 kg of net CO2 per metric ton in 2023. Our scaled, vertically integrated network of more than 100 facilities includes some of the largest cement plants, import terminals, mines, ready-mix concrete plants, fly ash processing plants and concrete block production lines in our core markets. Our cement plants are capable of producing approximately 3.8 million tons of cement annually, over 95% of which contains up to 10% lower CO2 emissions than standard use ordinary Portland cement (Lower-Carbon Cement). Our cement manufacturing activities are supported by a network of mining operations containing a total of 474 million tons of reserves as of May 1, 2024, which we are in the process of expanding through various opportunities. Since our initial investment in the Essex Cement import terminal in Metro New York in 1989, we believe we have built one of the most comprehensive, capable and reliable building materials platforms on the Eastern Seaboard through focused and strategic investments. In 1992, we acquired 59% of Roanoke Cement Company and all its related assets, establishing our domestic manufacturing and regional distribution capabilities in the Mid-Atlantic region through the addition of the Roanoke cement plant in Troutville, Virginia (our Roanoke Plant), a marine import terminal in South Norfolk, Virginia (our Norfolk Terminal) and a rail-connected distribution network in Virginia and North Carolina. Between 1996 and 2002, we invested $110 million in our Roanoke Plant, which included a major modernization of its clinker and cement production process, as well as the addition of a preheater/precalciner, a new clinker cooler, new clinker silos, a new finish mill and a new packaged cement line. In 2000, we acquired Tarmac America Inc., including the remaining 41% of Roanoke Cement Company, giving us initial positions in ready-mix concrete and block operations across the State of Florida, as well as our Pennsuco facility in Medley, Florida (Pennsuco) that produces cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete and concrete block. In 2002, we acquired Separation Technologies (ST), a market leader in fly ash beneficiation and marketing. Throughout the early 2000s, we made significant investments to expand and improve the logistics and import capabilities of the business establishing a cement import terminal at the Port Tampa Bay, Florida (our Port Tampa Bay Terminal), and modernizing the Essex import operation at Port Newark in Metro New York (our Essex Terminal). Between 2001 and 2006, we invested approximately $254 million in our Pennsuco plant, which included modernization efforts with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art clinker production line, significantly increasing clinker production capacity at much lower energy consumption rates, and the addition of a new finish mill and a new packaging operation. Between 2006 and 2007, we invested approximately $365 million to significantly expand our ready-mix footprint through the acquisition of the S&W Ready Mix Concrete Company (S&W Ready Mix), which operated 26 concrete plants in the Carolinas, the Mechanicsville Concrete Company and five plants under the Powhatan Ready Mix brand in and around Richmond, Virginia. We also completed acquisitions of three ready-mix businesses on the west coast of Florida, including nine concrete plants located in and between Tampa and Fort Myers. In addition to these acquisitions, we installed 11 greenfield ready-mix concrete plants and one block production line throughout our territory which expanded our geographic footprint and improved density of delivery and manufacturing capacity in growing markets. In early 2010, we invested in a sand mine in Sussex County, Virginia, followed by commencing our operations in New Castle, Virginia (our Castle Sands Operation) in 2011 and Branchville, Virginia in 2019. From 2014 to 2023, we invested $53 million in an overland conveyor and two new draglines at the Pennsuco quarry. In 2017, we entered into a long-term mining royalty agreement and began operating a crushed limestone quarry in Estero, Florida, near Fort Myers. We upgraded the operations by installing a dragline and mobile mining fleet, as well as expanding the existing permit to substantially increase the base of reserves, all of which provide a stable source of aggregates for both external sale and internal consumption. Between 2018 and 2023, we invested $52 million in modernizing our logistics network in the Mid-Atlantic, including (i) investments in increasing silo storage capacity and installation of an automated loadout system at our Roanoke Plant, (ii) expansion of the Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Selma and Wilmington rail terminals to allow for multiple products, optimized storage and distribution capabilities and (iii) installation of a hybrid loadout system at the Norfolk Terminal capable of loading both trucks and rail cars. In 2023, we completed a $73 million investment at our Port Tampa Bay Terminal and our Norfolk Terminal, constructing new domes, adding multi-product storage capacity of approximately 70,000 tons each, as well as on other repairs and refurbishments. Recent investments we have made seek to capitalize on dynamic growth themes in the U.S. economy, including decarbonization, circular economy, resilient urbanization, infrastructure modernization, refurbishment and renovation, new construction technologies and high-performance products. We believe these initiatives contribute to and will act as significant drivers of growth. We have developed new cement types requiring less carbon intensive inputs that perform equally or better than conventional cements, resulting in lower CO2 content of the final product. We have replaced over 95% of our standard use Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production with Lower-Carbon Cement, improving the CO2 emissions per ton of product by up to 10% compared to OPC. We are currently investing in the development of our Type IT cement (a ternary cement blend) that requires even less amount of clinker while delivering equal or better performance than Lower-Carbon Cement. Depending on the type of SCM used (such as fly ash, slag, calcined clay or natural pozzolans) the total reduction in clinker quantity can reach up to 50% compared to OPC cements, resulting in a significant reduction of the CO2 emissions per ton of product. We are also committed to digital transformation. We are early adopters of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies in our industry, which we employ to increase plant reliability and capacity utilization, improve product quality, proactively manage operating and maintenance costs and improve energy efficiency. These initiatives place our cement plants in the top five most efficient in the U.S. cement industry out of companies participating in a 2022 Portland Cement Association (PCA) survey. We created a Digital Center of Excellence in 2022, which has driven digital transformation across our entire supply chain and fostered continuous improvement and fine-tuning of existing industrial AI/ML solutions, as well as the development and implementation of similar solutions in our commercial and logistics activities. Our investments in state-of-the-art operations and process control systems have also resulted in the deployment of predictive maintenance systems, based on data analytics for equipment faults and process anomaly detection to improve the reliability of our operations, and predictive quality analytics that improve product quality and consistency. Throughout the United States, we operate and maintain two cement plants, three marine import terminals, seven active mine locations, 82 ready-mix locations with 92 batch plants, eight concrete block locations with 13 production lines, seven fly ash plants and 21 distribution hubs that can handle various combinations of our products. We were incorporated on July 17, 2024 as a company with limited liability, incorporated and operating under the laws of Belgium. Our principal executive offices are located at 1000 Bruxelles, Square de Meeus 37, Belgium, which is also our registered office. We also have offices at 5700 Lake Wright Drive, Suite 300, Norfolk, Virginia. About Quanex Building Products (Get Free Report) Quanex Building Products Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides components for the fenestration industry in the United States, rest of Europe, Canada, Asia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North American Fenestration, European Fenestration, and North American Cabinet Components. It offers flexible insulating glass spacers, extruded vinyl profiles, window and door screens, and precision-formed metal and wood products, as well as cabinet doors and other components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the kitchen and bathroom cabinet industry. In addition, the company provides various non-fenestration components and products, including solar panel sealants, trim moldings, vinyl decking, fencing, water retention barriers, and conservatory roof components. It sells its products to OEMs in the building products industry through sales representatives, direct sales force, distributors, and independent sales agents. Quanex Building Products Corporation was founded in 1927 and is based in Houston, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Titan America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Titan America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Rakuten, Inc. (OTCMKTS:RKUNY Get Free Report) dropped 11.5% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $5.5765 and last traded at $5.5765. Approximately 365 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 96% from the average daily volume of 8,257 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.30. Rakuten Trading Down 3.9% The company has a market capitalization of $12.15 billion, a P/E ratio of -10.37 and a beta of 1.21. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $6.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.19. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.70. Get Rakuten alerts: Rakuten (OTCMKTS:RKUNY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported ($0.08) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.04) by ($0.04). Rakuten had a negative return on equity of 15.36% and a negative net margin of 7.13%.The business had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.15 billion. On average, analysts expect that Rakuten, Inc. will post 0.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Rakuten Company Profile Rakuten, Inc is a diversified internet services company based in Tokyo, Japan, and founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani, who continues to serve as chairman and chief executive officer. Originally established as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded its reach to become a global technology group offering a wide range of digital services and consumer-facing platforms. The company is listed in Japan but its American depositary receipts trade over the counter under the symbol RKUNY. At the core of Rakutens business is its e-commerce marketplace, Rakuten Ichiba, which hosts millions of merchants and serves tens of millions of customers across Japan and other key markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Rakuten Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rakuten and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) had its price target raised by analysts at Raymond James Financial from C$173.00 to C$179.00 in a report issued on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the financial services providers stock. Raymond James Financials price target suggests a potential upside of 3.68% from the companys previous close. A number of other analysts have also commented on the stock. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$184.00 to C$188.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. Desjardins boosted their target price on National Bank of Canada from C$180.00 to C$182.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$172.00 to C$177.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$149.00 to C$163.00 in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised shares of National Bank of Canada from a hold rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from C$179.00 to C$189.00 in a report on Friday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, National Bank of Canada has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$169.42. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: Get Our Latest Report on National Bank of Canada National Bank of Canada Stock Performance NA traded down C$2.13 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching C$172.65. The stock had a trading volume of 578,621 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,474,668. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$171.09 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$159.79. The stock has a market capitalization of C$67.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.14, a P/E/G ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.05. 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 posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported C$2.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$3.70 billion for the quarter. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 19.69%. As a group, analysts expect that National Bank of Canada will post 10.8360791 EPS for the current fiscal 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. Read More 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. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ grew its holdings in Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA Free Report) by 84.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 266,131 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 121,543 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Reinsurance Group of America were worth $51,132,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. WCM Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,734,458 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $519,356,000 after acquiring an additional 94,479 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 35.2% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,044,818 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $405,610,000 after purchasing an additional 532,891 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,219,609 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $241,960,000 after purchasing an additional 53,211 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America in the second quarter valued at approximately $167,955,000. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 29.6% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 799,675 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $158,352,000 after purchasing an additional 182,729 shares during the last quarter. 95.11% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Reinsurance Group of America alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Reinsurance Group of America from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. Morgan Stanley set a $208.00 price target on Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Monday, December 15th. TD Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $237.00 to $238.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Monday, December 29th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $243.00. Reinsurance Group of America Price Performance Shares of RGA opened at $220.08 on Tuesday. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated has a 1-year low of $159.25 and a 1-year high of $229.21. The stock has a market cap of $14.46 billion, a PE ratio of 12.40 and a beta of 0.53. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $204.06 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $194.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.14 and a quick ratio of 0.13. Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The insurance provider reported $7.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.86 by $1.89. The firm had revenue of $6.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.25 billion. Reinsurance Group of America had a net margin of 4.99% and a return on equity of 12.99%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $4.99 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated will post 22.9 EPS for the current year. Reinsurance Group of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of $0.93 per share. This represents a $3.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.96%. Reinsurance Group of America Company Profile (Free Report) Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA) is a leading global provider of life and health reinsurance solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, RGA partners with primary insurance companies to help them manage risk, improve capital efficiency and develop innovative products. The companys offerings span traditional risk transfer, financial solutions and facultative underwriting services, enabling clients to address a wide range of mortality, longevity, morbidity and critical-illness exposures. RGAs product suite includes life reinsurance, living benefits reinsurance, structured reinsurance and financial solutions that support product innovation and capital management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RGA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Reinsurance Group of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reinsurance Group of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Donald Trump's repeated criticisms of long-standing allies is causing growing unease across Europe. Many people are beginning to question whether the security protection they have depended on for decades will remain as firm as before. A recent survey found that 68% of Europeans now feel their country is under threat. Their worries go beyond defence. They include trade, political stability, and even the future of NATO. Some respondents said Trump's attacks and remarks about reducing US commitments and asking allies to carry more responsibility have added to their concern. This uncertainty has also brought countries closer together, especially in Europe. Governments that once disagreed on key issues are now talking more seriously about working side by side. There is a growing sense that Europe may need to rely more on itself, especially as it prepares for possible changes in Washington's approach. Europe Shows Unity Amid Uncertainty Public concern has increased sharply in several countries, including Germany and Denmark, BBC News noted. Many people there are uneasy about the future of security arrangements that have helped maintain peace since the end of the Second World War. European leaders are already taking steps. Politico reported that talks at the Munich Security Conference focused on improving defence coordination and speeding up joint decisions. Some officials said smaller groups of countries are quietly preparing to act together if wider NATO agreements become harder to reach. France has been especially vocal. Its officials have called for what they describe as 'strategic autonomy.' The idea is for Europe to become less dependent on major powers, including the United States and China. They say the goal is not to cut ties, but to make Europe stronger and more secure on its own. Rubio Draws a Line on NATO Donald Trump's position was echoed by US Senator Marco Rubio during remarks in Munich, according to Fox News. Speaking at the conference, Rubio said European allies need to increase defence spending and align more closely with US priorities. Otherwise, he warned, relations could change significantly. His comments were taken seriously in European capitals. Some officials see them as a sign that the United States may be less willing to play its traditional global role. That possibility has only deepened public concern. Back in the US, opinions remain divided. A recent polling showed by USA TODAY displays Americans are torn apart over Trump's approach, with strong views on both sides as the midterm elections draw closer. Critics argue that creating distance from close allies could weaken America's global influence. They warn that if Europe develops its own parallel systems, Washington may have less say in international affairs. Obama Condemns Racist Video Tensions rose further after Trump shared a video online that portrayed former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as apes. The post sparked immediate backlash, which the White House downplayed as 'fake outrage.' In a 47-minuted podcast released on 14 February, Obama indirectly addressed the imagery by pointing out the loss of 'some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office,' according to another report by BBC News. While he did not mention Trump directly, he warned against Trump's bahaviour as 'deeply troubling' for majority of the Americans. 'There's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television,' Obama told liberal podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen. 'It's important to recognise that the majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling. It is true that it gets attention. It's true that it's a distraction.' Global Impact of Political Tensions Meanwhile, many Europeans are already concerned about political tensions in the United States, and the incident added to a growing sense of uncertainty. Diplomats say such moments make it harder to reassure their citizens that the relationship between Europe and the US remains stable. At the end of the day, the impact is felt beyond politics. It reaches ordinary people in cities like Berlin, Copenhagen, and Paris, who are wondering what these changes could mean for their future. As Europe strengthens cooperation and explores new ways to protect itself, one question remains: can unity within Europe ease the uncertainty coming from abroad, or is the alliance entering a more uncertain period? Originally published on IBTimes UK The law has placed legal obligations on German companies to address human rights violations and some environmental breaches related to their business activities and supply chains. Since its introduction, the law has had visible consequences. Examples include truck drivers in Germany pursuing wage claims, Turkish trade unions using the law to enforce freedom of association, and German companies responding to environmental impacts linked to raw material extraction in West Africa. These cases illustrate that the LkSG is being utilised by employees and human rights defenders, as well as prompting companies to review their business models for human rights risks. Despite these developments, experts note that many impacts of the law are not readily apparent to the public, with most changes occurring within internal company processes or at earlier supply chain stages. A recent literature analysis by the German Institute for Human Rights found a lack of scientific research on these outcomes, attributing this to the gradual nature of change envisioned by the legislation. The law's effectiveness is currently under discussion, especially in light of recent amendments to the EU Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) that have limited its scope and enforcement measures. Some trade associations have lobbied for reduced regulatory requirements at both EU and national levels. Critics argue that the LkSG imposes excessive reporting requirements and administrative workload without addressing practical business realities. However, evidence from civil society organisations and companies suggests otherwise. Enforcement remains a key issue. In Germany, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) oversees compliance with the law but is subject to directives from relevant ministries, raising questions about its political independence. Restrictions imposed by these ministries may hinder BAFAs operational capacity. Furthermore, there are existing shortcomings in how complaints and notifications from third parties are handled, particularly regarding transparency and the involvement of complainants. If Germany were to lower the number of companies covered by the LkSG in alignment with recent EU regulatory developments, many entities could be exempted from due diligence obligations immediately. This would have direct implications for stakeholders in their supply chains. Earlier this month, German business associations called on the Bundestag and the Federal Government to suspend the LkSG, following the first reading of an amendment in the German parliament. Reliance Worldwide (ASX:RWC) reported a challenging first half of fiscal 2026, with management attributing weaker earnings primarily to U.S. tariffs and soft end-market demand in the U.S. and U.K., while highlighting strong cash generation and progress on several operational and strategic initiatives. Get alerts: First-half financial results For the six months ended 31 December 2025, reported net sales declined 4.6% versus the prior corresponding period. On an underlying basisadjusted for demand pull-forward in the Americas in the prior first half, the exit of selected product lines in Canada, and the sale of manufacturing operations in Spainsales were down 1.9%, which management said was consistent with guidance provided in August. Tariffs and margin pressure Adjusted EBITDA fell 22.5% to $111.4 million, reflecting tariff impacts and lower volumes. Adjusted net profit after tax was $52.2 million, and adjusted EPS was 6.7 cents per share. The company declared a distribution totaling 4 U.S. cents per share for the half, split evenly between a $0.02 interim dividend and an on-market buyback equivalent to $0.02. CFO Andrew Johnson said the real story of the half was margin compression. Adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 17.3% from 21.3% in the prior years first half. Johnson broke the roughly 400 basis point decline into: Approximately 250 basis points from tariffs About 100 basis points from lower volumes and operational deleverage The remainder from EMEA investment in service capabilities and competitive pressure in the DWV market in Australia Management reiterated that the FY2026 tariff impact on operating earnings is expected to be $25 million to $30 million, with around two-thirds absorbed in the first half. Pricing actions to offset tariffs have been completed and are expected to flow through the second half, alongside continued sourcing diversification away from China and other cost and operational actions. The company also reported $4.4 million in cost savings during the period through procurement, manufacturing efficiencies, and distribution optimization. In a tariff update, CEO Heath Sharp said there was no change to the expected FY2026 net EBITDA impact. However, for FY2027, management now expects a residual net EBITDA impact of $5 million to $7 million, compared with a previous target of zero, citing changes in country and material tariffs and supporting its decision to invest in manufacturing in Mexico. Sharp emphasized the tariff environment has remained volatile, with goalposts moving across countries and materials. Regional performance and operational initiatives Americas: Underlying sales declined 3.4% and EBITDA margin compressed 410 basis points to 16.9%. Adjusted EBITDA fell 25.4% to $69.1 million. Management pointed to weak U.S. market conditions, noting existing home sales remain near multi-decade lows and that it is not assuming a significant improvement in FY2026. Johnson also said customer inventory reductions negatively impacted revenue by about $7 million, but added channel inventory appears broadly normalized and the company is not expecting further material reductions in the second half. As part of tariff mitigation, Reliance Worldwide is augmenting U.S. manufacturing with a new facility in Mexico aimed at manufacturing flexibility, cost optimization, and tariff mitigation. The facility is expected to focus on lower-volume, manually assembled products to complement the high-volume Cullman facility, with operations targeted to begin in 2027. Sharp described the approach as low CapEx, fast and reversible, and said the company is partnering with a local operator to de-risk execution. Asia Pacific: Sales rose 0.6% in local currency, but EBITDA margin fell 340 basis points to 8.6%. Management cited competitive intensity in PVC pipes and fittings, lower manufacturing overhead recoveries due to increased third-party sourcing, and unusually wet weather that delayed the spring selling season for watering products. Sharp said the decision to outsource certain manufacturing was cost-driven after prior intercompany assembly volumes moved out of Australia, making it harder to support overhead on Australia-only volume. Management said PVC margins were already showing sequential improvement in Q3, and the SharkBite Max launch in Australia performed well. EMEA: Underlying sales declined 1.3% in local currency, with management describing the region as resilient but impacted by deliberate investments that compressed margins. In the U.K., sales fell 1.6% amid weak remodel demand, while the company focused on improving service levels, including reduced order lead times and higher fill rates. Sharp and Johnson said these improvements came with incremental costs viewed as short-term investments. Continental Europe was described as a bright spot, with underlying sales up 5.7% (after adjusting for the Spain disposal), driven by new product launches with key distributors in Germany, France, and Italy. The company also commissioned a new Poland assembly plant during the half, which management positioned as strategic given rising U.K. labor costs, including minimum wage increases. Cash flow, balance sheet, and capital allocation Despite lower earnings, the company reported cash generated from operations of $102.6 million, with operating cash flow conversion of 92.1%, exceeding both the prior year and a 90% target. Net debt declined $21.2 million during the half and $70.2 million over the past 12 months, bringing net leverage to 1.39 times. Working capital reflected a $33 million inventory increase, which management attributed to tariff impacts on inventory values, positioning ahead of sourcing transitions, and inventory builds to support customer initiatives. This was largely offset by lower receivables from tighter collections and higher payables from improved supplier terms. Capital expenditure was $12.6 million, or about 2% of sales, as the company maintained discipline while funding projects such as Poland and Mexico within existing guidance. Management said it expects inventory levels to normalize as tariff transitions complete. Outlook and focus on copper For the second half of FY2026, management said it is not assuming a material improvement in end-market demand, but is targeting margin improvement in each region. The company expects: Americas underlying sales up mid- to high-single digits on the prior years second half, driven in part by pricing flowing through and a softer comparison due to last years pull-forward underlying sales up mid- to high-single digits on the prior years second half, driven in part by pricing flowing through and a softer comparison due to last years pull-forward Asia Pacific sales broadly flat to up low single digits, with meaningful margin improvement as PVC stabilizes and overhead efficiencies are recaptured sales broadly flat to up low single digits, with meaningful margin improvement as PVC stabilizes and overhead efficiencies are recaptured EMEA broadly flat underlying sales, with margins improving as service delivery costs normalize and Poland ramps up At the consolidated level, management expects second-half external sales to be up mid-single digits and full-year FY2026 external sales to be broadly flat versus the prior year, with second-half EBITDA margin improving sequentially but full-year margin below FY2025. Management also highlighted copper volatility as a major multi-year priority. Sharp said the company aims for copper to no longer be a material part of the companys profit and loss statement by FY2029, through material substitution (including polymers and alternative metals), product redesign, and alternative manufacturing processes. In Q&A, Johnson said the EBITDA impact is about $900,000 for every $100 move in the LME copper price, and noted there is an additional copper tariff cost probably another 25% on top of that sensitivity. He also said the company is conducting a small hedging trial but is not currently hedging copper on a broader basis. About Reliance Worldwide (ASX:RWC) Reliance Worldwide Corporation Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and supply of water flow, control, and monitoring products and solutions for plumbing and heating industries. It offers plumbing solutions comprising brass and plastic push-to-connect plumbing fittings, other fittings, pipes, valves, and integrated installation solutions; appliance installations solutions, such as fluid tech and appliance installation and repair services; and other products. Recommended Stories Rothschild Investment LLC grew its stake in FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX Free Report) by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,602 shares of the shipping service providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,803 shares during the quarter. Rothschild Investment LLCs holdings in FedEx were worth $3,679,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in FDX. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of FedEx by 13.2% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,442,049 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $5,527,870,000 after purchasing an additional 2,741,723 shares during the last quarter. Dodge & Cox raised its position in shares of FedEx by 4.7% in the second quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 14,482,494 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $3,292,016,000 after buying an additional 649,426 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of FedEx by 0.6% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,947,670 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $1,124,524,000 after buying an additional 28,450 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its position in FedEx by 2.1% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,545,371 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $1,033,208,000 after acquiring an additional 94,136 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in FedEx by 7.5% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,510,472 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $797,965,000 after acquiring an additional 245,479 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.47% of the companys stock. Get FedEx alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets FDX has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein raised FedEx from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $427.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Bank of America upped their target price on FedEx from $408.00 to $414.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Wolfe Research raised their price target on FedEx from $355.00 to $394.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 10th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on FedEx from $285.00 to $330.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of FedEx to a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and two have given 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 target price of $355.50. FedEx Stock Performance FedEx stock opened at $374.61 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $88.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.33. FedEx Corporation has a 12 month low of $194.29 and a 12 month high of $380.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.23. The stocks 50-day moving average is $313.52 and its 200-day moving average is $267.59. FedEx (NYSE:FDX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 18th. The shipping service provider reported $4.82 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.02 by $0.80. FedEx had a net margin of 4.81% and a return on equity of 16.63%. The firm had revenue of $23.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.79 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $4.05 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. FedEx has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.800-19.000 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that FedEx Corporation will post 19.14 earnings per share for the current year. FedEx Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 9th will be given a $1.45 dividend. This represents a $5.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 9th. FedExs payout ratio is currently 31.97%. FedEx Company Profile (Free Report) FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) is a global logistics and courier company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1971 and beginning operations in the early 1970s, the company pioneered overnight express shipping and has since expanded into a diversified portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain services. FedEx operates an integrated air-and-ground network that moves parcels, freight and documents for businesses and consumers worldwide. FedExs core operating segments include express parcel delivery via its FedEx Express division, domestic and residential parcel delivery through FedEx Ground, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services, and logistics and supply-chain management solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for FedEx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FedEx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. goeasy Ltd. (TSE:GSY Free Report) Equities researchers at Scotiabank decreased their FY2027 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of goeasy in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, February 11th. Scotiabank analyst P. Hardie now anticipates that the company will earn $23.88 per share for the year, down from their previous estimate of $25.33. The consensus estimate for goeasys current full-year earnings is $20.32 per share. Get goeasy alerts: Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on shares of goeasy from C$194.00 to C$156.00 in a research note on Friday, November 7th. TD Securities downgraded shares of goeasy from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price target for the company from C$160.00 to C$135.00 in a report on Monday, January 19th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of goeasy from C$232.00 to C$226.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. ATB Cormark Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of goeasy from C$200.00 to C$185.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut shares of goeasy from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from C$208.00 to C$153.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$186.56. goeasy Stock Performance Shares of TSE:GSY opened at C$121.58 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 287.63, a current ratio of 82.04 and a quick ratio of 28.46. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$129.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$156.99. goeasy has a fifty-two week low of C$117.52 and a fifty-two week high of C$216.50. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.39. goeasy Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th were issued a dividend of $1.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 24th. This represents a $5.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.8%. goeasys dividend payout ratio is currently 40.48%. goeasy Company Profile (Get Free Report) goeasy Ltd provides financial services to own furniture, electronics, computers, and appliances. It offers merchandise leasing of household furnishings, appliances, and home electronic products to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements. The company also offers unsecured installment loans to consumers. Its reportable business segments include easyhome and easyfinancial, of which it derives maximum revenue from easyfinancial segment. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for goeasy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for goeasy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. lowered its stake in Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report) by 77.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 12,694 shares of the technology retailers stock after selling 42,985 shares during the period. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Best Buy were worth $960,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of BBY. Cidel Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Best Buy by 10.3% during the third quarter. Cidel Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,356 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $329,000 after buying an additional 408 shares in the last quarter. MidWestOne Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in Best Buy during the 3rd quarter worth $217,000. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Best Buy in the 3rd quarter worth about $285,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its holdings in Best Buy by 21.7% in the 3rd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 16,462 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $1,245,000 after purchasing an additional 2,933 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund raised its position in Best Buy by 8.5% in the third quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 210,612 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $15,926,000 after purchasing an additional 16,444 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.96% of the companys stock. Get Best Buy alerts: Best Buy Stock Performance Shares of Best Buy stock opened at $65.80 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $68.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $73.27. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a 1-year low of $54.99 and a 1-year high of $91.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The company has a market cap of $13.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.79, a PEG ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.44. Best Buy Announces Dividend Best Buy ( NYSE:BBY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology retailer reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.09. Best Buy had a return on equity of 50.02% and a net margin of 1.54%.The company had revenue of $9.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.57 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.26 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Best Buy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.350 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th were given a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 16th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.8%. Best Buys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 125.83%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on BBY. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Best Buy from $94.00 to $89.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 9th. BNP Paribas Exane reduced their target price on shares of Best Buy from $69.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Best Buy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 10th. Truist Financial cut their price target on shares of Best Buy from $77.00 to $73.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Loop Capital increased their price objective on Best Buy from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.05. Read Our Latest Analysis on Best Buy Best Buy Profile (Free Report) Best Buy Co, Inc is a leading North American consumer electronics retailer that sells a broad range of products including computers, mobile phones, televisions and home theater systems, major appliances, smart-home devices, gaming hardware and software, wearables and related accessories. The company operates through a mix of large-format stores, smaller specialty locations and an e-commerce platform, offering national and private-brand merchandise from major consumer-technology manufacturers as well as third-party sellers. Beyond product retailing, Best Buy provides a suite of services aimed at installation, repair and ongoing technical support. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. trimmed its holdings in shares of CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 68.8% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 20,258 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 44,626 shares during the quarter. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in CAE were worth $600,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CAE. Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new position in CAE in the 2nd quarter valued at about $80,000. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of CAE by 360.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 4,402 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $129,000 after acquiring an additional 3,447 shares in the last quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. bought a new position in CAE in the second quarter valued at approximately $236,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in CAE by 11.1% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,510 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $249,000 after purchasing an additional 851 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new position in CAE during the second quarter valued at approximately $265,000. Institutional investors own 67.36% of the companys stock. Get CAE alerts: CAE Stock Down 3.7% Shares of NYSE:CAE opened at $30.23 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $9.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.43, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.11. CAE Inc has a 12-month low of $20.36 and a 12-month high of $34.24. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $31.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $28.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CAE ( NYSE:CAE Get Free Report ) (TSE:CAE) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The aerospace company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.02. CAE had a return on equity of 7.75% and a net margin of 7.70%.The business had revenue of $911.78 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $922.62 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.29 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that CAE Inc will post 0.83 earnings per share for the current year. A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of CAE in a report on Sunday. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of CAE in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Weiss Ratings upgraded CAE from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on CAE from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of CAE from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.33. Get Our Latest Analysis on CAE CAE Profile (Free Report) CAE Inc is a global leader in training and simulation technologies, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of high-fidelity flight simulators and training systems for civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. Leveraging advanced software and hardware integration, CAE delivers comprehensive training solutions that address pilot proficiency, mission readiness and patient safety across a wide range of platforms. In civil aviation, CAE partners with major airlines, aircraft manufacturers and flight schools to provide pilot training services, courseware development and crew scheduling solutions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE). Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. decreased its position in shares of Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Free Report) by 66.9% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 31,232 shares of the banks stock after selling 63,042 shares during the quarter. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in Regions Financial were worth $824,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Regions Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at $304,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board boosted its holdings in Regions Financial by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 192,365 shares of the banks stock worth $5,073,000 after buying an additional 4,354 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund increased its stake in Regions Financial by 9.8% in the 3rd quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 244,424 shares of the banks stock worth $6,445,000 after buying an additional 21,821 shares in the last quarter. Plan A Wealth LLC raised its holdings in Regions Financial by 10.4% during the third quarter. Plan A Wealth LLC now owns 22,016 shares of the banks stock valued at $581,000 after acquiring an additional 2,073 shares during the period. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. raised its holdings in Regions Financial by 347.2% during the third quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 111,135 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,931,000 after acquiring an additional 86,282 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.39% of the companys stock. Get Regions Financial alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Regions Financial in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Regions Financial from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Regions Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, December 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $32.00 price target on shares of Regions Financial in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $30.00 price target on shares of Regions Financial in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Regions Financial presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $29.84. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP William D. Ritter sold 36,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.78, for a total value of $1,036,080.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 17,569 shares of the companys stock, valued at $505,635.82. This trade represents a 67.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.29% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Regions Financial Trading Down 0.2% Shares of NYSE RF opened at $29.73 on Tuesday. Regions Financial Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $17.74 and a fifty-two week high of $31.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. The company has a market cap of $26.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.98, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.04. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $28.36 and its 200-day moving average price is $26.57. Regions Financial (NYSE:RF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 16th. The bank reported $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by ($0.04). Regions Financial had a net margin of 22.44% and a return on equity of 12.55%. The business had revenue of $1.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.94 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.56 EPS. Regions Financials revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Regions Financial Corporation will post 2.26 earnings per share for the current year. Regions Financial Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a $0.265 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $1.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.6%. Regions Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 46.29%. Regions Financial declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Wednesday, December 10th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the bank to repurchase up to 12.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Regions Financial Profile (Free Report) Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE: RF) is a U.S. bank holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that provides a broad range of banking and financial services. Its primary banking subsidiary, Regions Bank, serves retail and commercial customers through a combination of branch and ATM networks, digital channels and relationship-based delivery. The company offers deposit accounts, consumer and commercial loans, mortgage origination and servicing, and payment and treasury services. In addition to core banking, Regions offers wealth management, trust and brokerage services, insurance solutions, and capital markets capabilities to corporate and institutional clients. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Regions Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regions Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUJ Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 114,530 shares, an increase of 34.1% from the January 15th total of 85,379 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 126,372 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 126,372 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.9 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MUJ. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 2.8% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 51,595 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $580,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $113,000. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors increased its stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 81.7% during the 2nd quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors now owns 76,571 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $838,000 after purchasing an additional 34,439 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund by 5.7% in the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 20,770 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $227,000 after buying an additional 1,120 shares during the last quarter. Finally, J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund during the second quarter worth $2,785,000. 15.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund alerts: BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Price Performance Shares of NYSE MUJ traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $12.33. 41,899 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 100,487. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $12.12 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.70. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund has a one year low of $10.50 and a one year high of $12.48. BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Dividend Announcement BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Company Profile The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.054 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund (NYSE: MUJ) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of current income exempt from federal and New Jersey state income taxes. The fund primarily invests in investment-grade municipal securities issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey and its municipalities, authorities, and instrumentalities. By concentrating on high-quality New Jersey public finance obligations, MUJ aims to offer tax-efficient income for investors with exposure to the states credit profile. The funds portfolio is actively managed by BlackRocks municipal fixed income team, which conducts credit analysis and sector allocation to identify opportunities within New Jerseys diverse municipal marketplace. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 15,228,202 shares, a decline of 12.8% from the January 15th total of 17,454,287 shares. Currently, 0.7% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 3,782,956 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 3,782,956 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.0 days. Currently, 0.7% of the companys stock are sold short. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ecopetrol Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Oaktree Capital Management LP grew its position in shares of Ecopetrol by 12.3% during the second quarter. Oaktree Capital Management LP now owns 3,549,822 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $31,416,000 after buying an additional 387,700 shares in the last quarter. Fundamenta Capital S.A. bought a new position in Ecopetrol during the 4th quarter valued at $20,135,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Ecopetrol by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,407,890 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $14,107,000 after acquiring an additional 41,075 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in Ecopetrol by 9.4% during the 2nd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,190,268 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $10,534,000 after acquiring an additional 102,505 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Ecopetrol by 7.4% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 935,639 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $9,375,000 after purchasing an additional 64,614 shares during the last quarter. Get Ecopetrol alerts: Ecopetrol Trading Up 0.2% NYSE:EC opened at $11.91 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $24.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.63. Ecopetrol has a one year low of $7.80 and a one year high of $13.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a current ratio of 1.53. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $11.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.93. Analysts Set New Price Targets EC has been the subject of several recent research reports. Weiss Ratings downgraded Ecopetrol from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $8.70 target price on shares of Ecopetrol in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Zacks Research upgraded Ecopetrol from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Bradesco Corretora set a $12.00 price target on Ecopetrol and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $11.57. Get Our Latest Stock Report on EC About Ecopetrol (Get Free Report) Ecopetrol SA (NYSE: EC) is Colombias state-controlled integrated oil and gas company and the countrys largest oil producer. The companys operations span the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the hydrocarbon value chain, including exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, refining of petroleum products, transportation and storage via pipeline networks, and the marketing and sale of fuels and petrochemical feedstocks. Ecopetrol serves domestic demand in Colombia and maintains a portfolio of international investments and partnerships across the Americas. In upstream activities, Ecopetrol focuses on exploration and development of onshore and offshore fields to sustain and grow hydrocarbon production. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ecopetrol Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecopetrol and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Holcim Ltd Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:HCMLY Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 77,754 shares, an increase of 30.5% from the January 15th total of 59,574 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 176,594 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 176,594 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Holcim Stock Performance Shares of HCMLY stock opened at $18.14 on Tuesday. Holcim has a fifty-two week low of $15.14 and a fifty-two week high of $30.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.49. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $19.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.02. Get Holcim alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on HCMLY shares. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded shares of Holcim from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $16.80 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Holcim in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of Holcim in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Holcim in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Holcim from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $16.80. About Holcim (Get Free Report) Holcim is a global building materials and solutions company headquartered in Switzerland that produces and supplies cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and a range of prefabricated and construction-related products and services. Its offerings are aimed at construction and infrastructure markets, serving contractors, developers, municipalities and industrial customers with materials for residential, commercial and civil engineering projects. The company traces its modern form to the 2015 combination of Swiss cement maker Holcim and Frances Lafarge, which created one of the worlds largest building-materials groups; the combined enterprise later simplified its name to Holcim. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Holcim Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Holcim and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lifted its position in shares of Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK Free Report) by 172.2% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 548,829 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 347,165 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Crown were worth $53,011,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp raised its position in Crown by 1.6% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,421,691 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $455,346,000 after purchasing an additional 71,355 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in shares of Crown by 5.3% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,300,662 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $339,902,000 after buying an additional 165,600 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Crown by 58.6% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,727,276 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $280,855,000 after buying an additional 1,007,980 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Crown by 43.3% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,533,612 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $260,835,000 after buying an additional 765,136 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Swedbank AB boosted its position in Crown by 60.8% during the 3rd quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 2,493,570 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $240,854,000 after buying an additional 943,045 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 90.93% of the companys stock. Get Crown alerts: Insider Activity at Crown In other news, COO Djalma Novaes, Jr. sold 19,754 shares of Crown stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.02, for a total value of $1,995,549.08. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 96,841 shares in the company, valued at $9,782,877.82. The trade was a 16.94% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Timothy J. Donahue sold 29,024 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $3,047,520.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 411,556 shares in the company, valued at $43,213,380. The trade was a 6.59% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders sold 64,754 shares of company stock worth $6,720,634. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Crown in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $115.00 price objective (up from $110.00) on shares of Crown in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Crown from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $112.00 to $155.00 in a report on Friday, February 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on Crown from $120.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Crown from $106.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Crown has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.86. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Crown Crown Stock Performance Shares of CCK opened at $110.76 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.73. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $104.63 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $99.67. Crown Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $75.98 and a 12 month high of $115.85. Crown (NYSE:CCK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The industrial products company reported $1.74 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.69 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $3.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.99 billion. Crown had a return on equity of 26.68% and a net margin of 5.97%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.59 EPS. Crown has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.900-8.300 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.800 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Crown Holdings, Inc. will post 6.96 EPS for the current year. About Crown (Free Report) Crown Holdings, Inc is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products for consumer goods markets. The company designs, manufactures and sells metal packaging for beverage, food, household, personal care and specialty products. Its portfolio includes aluminum and steel beverage cans, steel food cans, aluminum aerosols, metal closures and ends, offering customers end-to-end solutions from design and prototyping to large-scale production. Founded in 1919 as the Crown Cork & Seal Company, Crown has grown through strategic acquisitions and investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CCK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Crown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elon Musks SpaceX is already a key defence contractor for the US government - Vincent Alban Elon Musks SpaceX is bidding for a secretive contract to build swarms of voice-controlled drones for the US military. The Pentagon has launched a $100m (74m) competition to develop an AI bot that can be used to translate voice or written commands from soldiers to a fleet of drones. Mr Musks SpaceX is one of the companies pitching for a share of the work, Bloomberg reported. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is also said to be working with US autonomous vehicles business, Applied Intuition, on a rival bid. The US militarys Defence Innovation Unit last month confirmed it was seeking bidders to develop an autonomous vehicle orchestrator, an AI system that can be used by ordinary soldiers in the field to command autonomous systems at the fleet level that can be used to overwhelm our adversaries. Portable drones have proven to be vital weapons on the frontlines in Ukraine and are used for long-range surveillance and lethal attacks while operated by pilots holed up miles away. Portable drones have proven to be vital weapons for Ukraine during its war with Russia Drone swarms are seen as crucial hardware for soldiers in future conflicts. They could be used to swamp enemy defences or guard friendly troops. Lt Gen Frank Donovan, the director of the US militarys Defence Autonomous Warfare Group, said the system would allow humans to work the way they already command through plain language ... not by clicking through menus or programming behaviours. He added: We must ensure the human the ethical decision maker always maintains a clear understanding of what the system is doing and why. Mr Musks SpaceX is already a key defence contractor for the US government, providing rocket launches and communications through its Starlink satellite business. Efforts to bid for the military contract come after Mr Musk merged his SpaceX business with xAI, another company he owns and which controls social media platform X and the AI bot Grok. Pandoras box Mr Musk has previously warned against the prospect of AI-powered weapons. In 2017, he signed a letter warning that AI warfare threatened to be a Pandoras box and in 2018 cautioned that AI was far more dangerous than nukes. Silicon Valley AI labs have jumped at the opportunity to scoop up lucrative US defence contracts and offer up their tools for military use. In 2024, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, scrubbed a ban on military use of its AI technology from its company policies. Earlier this month, OpenAI said it would be offering a customised version of ChatGPT to the Pentagon. A spokesman said: With the proper safeguards, AI can help protect people, deter adversaries, and prevent future conflict. Equities researchers at Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI Get Free Report) in a report released on Tuesday. The brokerage set a buy rating and a $575.00 price target on the business services providers stock. Bank of Americas price target indicates a potential upside of 40.23% from the stocks previous close. A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on SPGI. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on S&P Global from $635.00 to $615.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of S&P Global in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Mizuho lowered their price objective on S&P Global from $657.00 to $551.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on S&P Global from $599.00 to $489.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $546.00 target price on shares of S&P Global in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and eighteen have assigned a Buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $574.81. Get S&P Global alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on SPGI S&P Global Trading Up 3.2% SPGI stock opened at $410.04 on Tuesday. S&P Global has a one year low of $381.61 and a one year high of $579.05. The stock has a market cap of $122.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $505.74 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $510.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The business services provider reported $4.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.32 by ($0.02). S&P Global had a return on equity of 16.56% and a net margin of 29.16%.The company had revenue of $3.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.89 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.77 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. S&P Global has set its FY 2026 guidance at 19.400-19.650 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that S&P Global will post 17.11 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of S&P Global A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SPGI. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of S&P Global by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,176 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,582,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of S&P Global by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,038 shares of the business services providers stock worth $547,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Koshinski Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in S&P Global in the second quarter valued at about $264,000. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC boosted its stake in S&P Global by 15.2% in the second quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 1,879 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $988,000 after buying an additional 248 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Princeton Global Asset Management LLC grew its position in S&P Global by 42.0% in the second quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 284 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $150,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.17% of the companys stock. S&P Global Company Profile (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Springfield Properties (LON:SPR Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported GBX 2.61 EPS for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. Springfield Properties had a return on equity of 4.88% and a net margin of 2.83%. Springfield Properties Trading Down 4.5% LON SPR opened at GBX 123.25 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of 146.85 million, a P/E ratio of 10.93 and a beta of 1.42. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 129.07 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 114.26. The company has a current ratio of 2.45, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 38.16. Springfield Properties has a 52 week low of GBX 80 and a 52 week high of GBX 137. Get Springfield Properties alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Springfield Properties news, insider Innes Smith sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 133, for a total value of 133,000. Insiders own 22.35% of the companys stock. Springfield Properties Company Profile The Springfield Group is one of the largest homebuilders in Scotland. Made up of six well-established and respected brands Springfield Properties, Springfield Partnerships, Dawn Homes, Walker Group, Tulloch Homes and Mactaggart & Mickel Homes we deliver high quality, energy efficient homes across multiple tenures for people that need them. With a focus on sustainable and quality homes, the customer is at the heart of what we do. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Springfield Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Springfield Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SRG Global (ASX:SRG) outlined what Managing Director David Macgeorge described as an exceptional first-half result for FY2026, underpinned by record earnings, strong cash conversion, higher dividends and an upgraded full-year outlook. Speaking on the companys half-year results call, Macgeorge also provided an update on the recently completed TAMS acquisition and discussed operating momentum across the groups two core segments. Get alerts: Record first-half result and upgraded FY2026 guidance Macgeorge said the company delivered a record financial performance in the first half, reporting EBITDA of AUD 71 million, up 20% on the prior corresponding period. He also cited another earnings measure of AUD 53.2 million, up 26% year over year, and said earnings per share increased 20% to AUD 0.055. Shareholders also received a higher interim dividend, with SRG Global increasing dividendsto, fully franked. Macgeorge said the company has worked to balance growth with dividend payments over its multi-year transformation. Management upgraded FY2026 guidance, with Macgeorge pointing to an expected full-year EBITDA range of AUD 164 million to AUD 168 million, alongside guidance of AUD 126 million to AUD 130 million for another earnings measure referenced on the call. He said the company typically has a 45/55 first-half/second-half split, and noted a stronger second-half profile aligns with historical seasonality and government spending patterns. Cash generation and balance sheet position SRG Global emphasized cash generation as a key highlight of the half. Macgeorge said EBITDA-to-cash conversion was 97%, which he described as evidence of a long-term track record in cash performance. Net debt declined to AUD 21.2 million, which management said represented rapid deleveraging following the TAMS acquisition and left the company close to a net cash position. CFO Roger Lee added that lease payments appear in the repayment of borrowing section of the cash flow statement, and are also shown as a separate line in the companys cash flow chart. Macgeorge also pointed to AUD 273 million of available liquidity, describing the balance sheet as extremely robust and supportive of both organic growth and future acquisitions. Segment performance: maintenance leads growth; E&C steady with second-half weighting Macgeorge reiterated SRG Globals operating structure, led by two segments: Maintenance & Industrial Services (the largest contributor) and Engineering & Construction. He said both segments delivered strong performance and consistent margins in the half, with Maintenance & Industrial Services showing step change growth. Within Maintenance & Industrial Services, the company cited new long-term contracts secured during the half with: Wesfarmers South32 VicRoads Tianshi Alcoa Roy Hill Rio Tinto Macgeorge attributed growth drivers to strategy execution and a market preference among clients to deal with fewer service providers capable of delivering more. He said the company is seeing opportunities across water, transport, resources, ports and marine, and energy. Engineering & Construction was described as targeted and focused on repeat blue-chip clients with established commercial frameworks. During Q&A, management said E&C margins were around 7% in the half and reiterated that the business has historically targeted margins in the 7% to 8% range, with a view that margins could improve from the 7% level over time. Macgeorge said Engineering & Construction should be stronger in the second half due to timing of spend, particularly in government-related work. He pointed to activity in water infrastructure, including tanks and dam anchoring, plus transport and defense work, renewables (including the Bonnie Downs Wind Farm with Fortescue), and continued momentum in the companys facades business across health, education and data centers in Australia and New Zealand. TAMS acquisition: integration on track with focus on revenue synergies The call included an update on the acquisition of TAMS, which was announced in October and became effective on November 1, 2025. Macgeorge said the integration has started well, particularly culturally, and stated TAMS had delivered a smidge above the business case in the first couple of months. He said TAMS is now fully integrated into SRG Global across business, systems, processes and review mechanisms. Management characterized the deal as a transformational acquisition that establishes a market-leading position in marine infrastructure services, with a capital-light model and capex cited at approximately 2% to 3% of revenue. Macgeorge said the transaction was not a cost-synergy play, with synergies expected primarily from revenue opportunities over time. During Q&A, Lee addressed contingent consideration for TAMS, saying the company had formed a positive initial view based on early performance and noted there is a 12-month assessment period. He added that TAMS results will be reported over three financial years. Macgeorge also discussed medium-term opportunity in defense, highlighting Australias defense investment program of AUD 330 billion over the next 10 years and said 38% is in the maritime space. He cautioned that defense is a medium-term play and described it as a long-term horizon opportunity, while noting TAMS did not operate in defense prior to the acquisition. Work in hand and strategic priorities Macgeorge said SRG Globals work in hand reached a record AUD 4.2 billion, up 24% from the prior year. He reiterated the companys annuity-style earnings profile of 80%+, which management said supports visibility and predictability. Looking ahead, Macgeorge said SRG Global intends to maintain a consistent strategy focused on step-change growth in maintenance, targeted execution in Engineering & Construction, and continued discipline in acquisitions. When asked what capabilities the company may pursue in future deals, he said the group is focused on organic delivery and integrating TAMS, while indicating interest in complementary maintenance and industrial services capabilities, including potentially bolstering mechanical capability if the right opportunity arises. He added the company aims to be ready, but not needing to do anything, emphasizing nimbleness and selectivity in M&A. The call also included leadership acknowledgments, with Macgeorge noting the retirement of long-serving directors Peter McMorrow and Michael Atkins, and welcoming incoming directors Mark Foster and Alan Rule. About SRG Global (ASX:SRG) SRG Global Limited provides engineering-led specialist asset maintenance, mining services, and engineering and construction services in Australia and internationally. The company operates through Asset Maintenance; Mining Services; and Engineering and Construction segments. The Asset Maintenance segment supplies integrated services to customers in various sectors, including oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, offshore, mining, power generation, water treatment plants, commissioning, decommissioning, shutdowns, and civil works. Read More State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D acquired a new stake in iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:QLTA Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 250,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,118,000. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF by 73.7% during the second quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 702,586 shares of the companys stock worth $33,612,000 after purchasing an additional 298,166 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $2,231,000. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors acquired a new stake in iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF during the third quarter worth approximately $3,714,000. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF by 7.0% during the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 47,807 shares of the companys stock worth $2,287,000 after buying an additional 3,137 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CreativeOne Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 110,591 shares of the companys stock worth $5,291,000 after buying an additional 5,676 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF stock opened at $48.54 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $48.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of $48.29. iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $45.81 and a 12-month high of $49.02. iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile The iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of dollar-denominated fixed-rate corporate bonds rated AAA-A issued by US and non-US corporations with maturities of at least one year. QLTA was launched on Feb 14, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QLTA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:QLTA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sun Communities (NYSE:SUI Get Free Report) will likely be announcing its Q4 2025 results after the market closes on Tuesday, February 24th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.37 per share and revenue of $509.3990 million for the quarter. Individuals can check the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning summary page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET. Sun Communities Trading Up 1.5% Shares of NYSE SUI opened at $130.85 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 6.01, a current ratio of 6.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $125.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $126.08. Sun Communities has a 52-week low of $109.22 and a 52-week high of $137.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.40, a PEG ratio of 4.31 and a beta of 0.90. Get Sun Communities alerts: Sun Communities Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a dividend of $1.04 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $4.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. Sun Communitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.13%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and set a $144.00 target price on shares of Sun Communities in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Sun Communities from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Sun Communities from $142.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Sun Communities from $141.00 to $142.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price target on Sun Communities from $134.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Sun Communities presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $137.46. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SUI Insider Transactions at Sun Communities In related news, Director Gary A. Shiffman sold 156,875 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.53, for a total value of $19,378,768.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 1.89% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Sun Communities by 17.8% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 12,076 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,554,000 after purchasing an additional 1,827 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Sun Communities by 21.1% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 195,339 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,128,000 after acquiring an additional 33,981 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Sun Communities by 32.5% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 3,376 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $434,000 after acquiring an additional 829 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sun Communities during the first quarter valued at approximately $362,000. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in shares of Sun Communities by 26.5% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 673 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $85,000 after acquiring an additional 141 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.59% of the companys stock. About Sun Communities (Get Free Report) Sun Communities, Inc is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in the acquisition, ownership and operation of manufactured housing communities, recreational vehicle (RV) resorts and marinas. The companys portfolio spans more than 500 manufactured housing communities and over 160 RV resorts, offering affordable, long-term housing as well as short-stay recreational lodging. Through professional on-site management and amenity-rich community designs, Sun Communities serves a diverse customer base that includes retirees, workforce families and vacationers. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Sun Communities has grown organically and through strategic acquisitions to become one of the largest operators in its sector. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sun Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sun Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT raised its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 96.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,107 shares of the aircraft producers stock after purchasing an additional 3,975 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation National Association UTs holdings in Boeing were worth $1,750,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Davis Capital Management acquired a new position in Boeing during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new stake in Boeing in the second quarter worth about $34,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. bought a new position in Boeing in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC increased its stake 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 buying an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 159.4% in the 2nd quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 179 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Boeing Price Performance Shares of BA opened at $242.96 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $229.65 and its 200-day moving average is $219.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.37, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The company has a market capitalization of $190.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 120.87 and a beta of 1.15. The Boeing Company has a fifty-two week low of $128.88 and a fifty-two week high of $254.35. Analysts Set New Price Targets Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The aircraft producer reported $9.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.40) by $10.32. The company had revenue of $23.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.41 billion. The firms quarterly revenue was up 57.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($5.90) EPS. Equities research analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research firms recently commented on BA. BNP Paribas Exane set a $150.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Vertical Research reiterated a buy rating and set a $281.00 price objective on shares of Boeing in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Boeing from a sell (d-) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Argus raised Boeing to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $245.00 price target on Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $246.14. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BA Insider Transactions at Boeing In related news, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 10,497 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 sale, the executive vice president directly owned 14,692 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,437,781.08. This trade represents a 41.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Uma M. Amuluru sold 2,731 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.00, for a total value of $644,516.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 11,925 shares in the company, valued at $2,814,300. This trade represents a 18.63% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. 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. Further Reading 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. Vaalco Energy Inc (NYSE:EGY Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of 0.0625 per share by the energy company on Friday, March 27th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. Vaalco Energy has a dividend payout ratio of 92.6% meaning its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings decline. Equities analysts expect Vaalco Energy to earn $0.25 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $0.25 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 100.0%. Get Vaalco Energy alerts: Vaalco Energy Trading Down 1.6% Shares of NYSE EGY traded down $0.08 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $4.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 785,823 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,249,984. Vaalco Energy has a 12 month low of $3.00 and a 12 month high of $5.38. The stock has a market cap of $505.65 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.96 and a beta of 0.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.05. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $4.15 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.95. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings raised Vaalco Energy from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Loop Capital set a $7.30 price target on shares of Vaalco Energy in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Vaalco Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, January 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $7.30. Get Our Latest Analysis on Vaalco Energy Vaalco Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Vaalco Energy, Inc is an independent energy company principally engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Vaalco concentrates on offshore assets in West Africa, with a strategic emphasis on maintaining and optimizing cash-flowgenerating properties. Founded in the mid-1980s, the company has built its reputation by focusing on high-impact drilling prospects and extending the productive life of its core fields through targeted infill wells and enhanced recovery techniques. The companys primary producing asset is the Etame Marin block offshore Gabon, where Vaalco holds a majority interest and serves as operator. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Vaalco Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vaalco Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. reduced its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 0.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 21,999,622 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 47,383 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned approximately 9.86% of Travelers Companies worth $6,142,734,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 18,212 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $5,085,000 after buying an additional 546 shares in the last quarter. Atticus Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Travelers Companies by 51.8% in the third quarter. Atticus Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,365 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $381,000 after buying an additional 466 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.6% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,746,231 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,162,917,000 after acquiring an additional 119,481 shares in the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.7% during the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 77,258 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $21,572,000 after acquiring an additional 537 shares in the last quarter. Finally, HighTower Advisors LLC increased its stake in Travelers Companies by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 173,341 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $48,401,000 after purchasing an additional 4,163 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald raised their price objective on Travelers Companies from $316.00 to $319.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $317.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Roth Mkm upped their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $307.00 to $285.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $303.00. Travelers Companies Stock Performance NYSE TRV opened at $293.75 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $63.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.67, a PEG ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $230.43 and a twelve month high of $304.40. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $286.21 and a 200 day moving average of $279.53. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $11.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.34 by $2.79. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.70% and a net margin of 12.88%.The business had revenue of $12.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.13 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $9.15 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be given a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 15.98%. Travelers Companies announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Wednesday, January 21st that allows the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the insurance provider to buy up to 8.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies In related news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction on Friday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $301.18, for a total transaction of $3,011,800.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 33,638 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,131,092.84. The trade was a 22.92% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Jeffrey P. Klenk sold 16,712 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $279.77, for a total value of $4,675,516.24. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 6,075 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,699,602.75. This represents a 73.34% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 101,765 shares of company stock worth $29,877,543. 1.46% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Travelers Companies Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products and services. The company underwrites a broad range of commercial and personal insurance lines, offering coverage designed to protect individuals, small and midsize businesses, and large corporate clients against property loss, liability, and other operational risks. Travelers is known for combining underwriting, claims management and risk control services to help clients prevent losses and recover when incidents occur. On the commercial side, Travelers writes primary and specialty coverages including property, general liability, commercial auto, workers compensation, professional and management liability, surety and inland marine. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 1.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 53,405,531 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 512,974 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned approximately 15.55% of Digital Realty Trust worth $9,232,748,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 7.1% during the third quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 233,569 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $40,379,000 after acquiring an additional 15,569 shares during the period. OFI Invest Asset Management lifted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 37,575.7% during the 3rd quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management now owns 271,265 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,896,000 after purchasing an additional 270,545 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 13.5% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 148,970 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,545,000 after purchasing an additional 17,729 shares during the period. Gallacher Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $762,000. Finally, World Investment Advisors grew its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 412.7% in the 3rd quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 11,003 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,902,000 after buying an additional 8,857 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.71% of the companys stock. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total value of $655,811.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:DLR opened at $181.01 on Tuesday. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $129.95 and a 1 year high of $184.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $62.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.00 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 2.02. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $160.55 and its 200 day simple moving average is $165.50. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.03. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 5.88% and a net margin of 21.41%.The firm had revenue of $1.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.58 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.73 EPS. The companys revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Digital Realty Trust has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.900-8.000 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on DLR shares. Moffett Nathanson lifted their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $166.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $184.00 to $189.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $210.00 to $200.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 6th. Scotiabank dropped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $206.00 to $189.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $170.00 price target (down previously from $210.00) on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $191.70. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: DLR) is a real estate investment trust that owns, acquires and operates carrier-neutral data centers and provides related colocation and interconnection solutions. The company focuses on large-scale, mission-critical facilities that support the physical infrastructure needs of cloud providers, enterprises, network operators and content companies. Digital Realtys offerings are designed to enable secure, reliable and highly available IT infrastructure with an emphasis on power density, cooling, and physical security. Digital Realtys product set spans wholesale data center space, turnkey build-to-suit facilities, and retail colocation suites, complemented by interconnection services that allow customers to establish private and public connections to networks, cloud on-ramps and other ecosystem partners. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. lessened its position in shares of CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 1.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 118,885,106 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after selling 1,514,025 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned about 9.37% of CVS Health worth $8,962,748,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of CVS Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,358,698,000. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in CVS Health by 15.3% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 23,532,479 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $1,623,270,000 after purchasing an additional 3,118,626 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLC raised its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 111.7% in the second quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 4,014,139 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $276,895,000 after buying an additional 2,117,798 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 153.0% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 3,105,827 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $214,240,000 after buying an additional 1,878,217 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its position in CVS Health by 2,675.7% in the 2nd quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,116,742 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $77,033,000 after acquiring an additional 1,076,509 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.66% of the companys stock. Get CVS Health alerts: CVS Health Price Performance Shares of NYSE CVS opened at $78.45 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $78.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $76.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $99.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 56.85, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 0.50. CVS Health Corporation has a one year low of $58.35 and a one year high of $85.15. CVS Health Dividend Announcement CVS Health ( NYSE:CVS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. CVS Health had a net margin of 0.44% and a return on equity of 11.31%. The firm had revenue of $105.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $103.67 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.19 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. CVS Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.940-6.140 EPS. Analysts forecast that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 22nd were issued a dividend of $0.665 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a $2.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. CVS Healths payout ratio is currently 192.75%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on CVS Health from $82.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of CVS Health from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Raymond James Financial boosted their price objective on shares of CVS Health from $75.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wolfe Research raised their target price on shares of CVS Health from $85.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of CVS Health from $93.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Nineteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $94.91. View Our Latest Stock Report on CVS CVS Health Company Profile (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities. Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Q : Can you provide insights into the regulatory review and remuneration risks for the 2027-2032 period? Also, what caused the EUR70 million shift in provisions? Lastly, are there expected delays in the hydrogen backbone network FID, and how might this affect dividend policy? A : The regulatory review aims to maintain stability, with adjustments expected but no major changes. Four elements are crucial: operating expenses, maintaining OpEx margins, incentivizing asset life extension, and a mechanism for gas system availability. The EUR70 million shift relates to a provision for a potential tax break from Tallgrass Energy, with no negative impact expected. Delays in hydrogen infrastructure could save funds for future investments, maintaining a stable dividend policy. There is uncertainty regarding the regulatory framework for the 2027-2032 period, which could impact future remuneration. Story Continues Q: Could you update us on the timeline for the regulatory draft and your approach to M&A given your balance sheet strength? A: The CNMC plans to release the draft circular proposals for public consultation in the coming weeks, likely by March or April, with final approval expected by October. Regarding M&A, Enagas prioritizes organic growth in renewable hydrogen, dividend sustainability, and credit ratings. Any investment opportunities must align with strategic criteria, focusing on Spain, Europe, and regulated assets. Q: With a flat net financial debt target for 2026, is there no expected cash inflow from Peru in 2026? Also, what would drive significant net income growth in 2027? A: We are conservatively not counting on cash inflows from Peru in 2026, expecting them by 2030. Net income growth in 2027 is anticipated from improved EBITDA and BDI at the start of the next regulatory period, though specific guidance is not yet provided. Q: What rate of return do you expect the CNMC to approve, and what are your expectations for the hydrogen regulatory framework? A: We anticipate a rate of return close to 6.5%, aligned with the electricity system's rate. The hydrogen regulatory framework will be shaped by the transposition of the European hydrogen and decarbonized gas package, with a draft law expected soon. This will establish the national hydrogen system, regulated market, infrastructure development mechanisms, and demand incentives. Q: Can you break down the EUR225 million investment planned for 2026, and clarify the GSP timeline and hydrogen regulation details? A: The 2026 investment includes EUR97 million for natural gas infrastructure, EUR49 million for hydrogen infrastructure, and EUR55 million for new businesses. The GSP annulment appeal resolution is expected by year-end 2026. The hydrogen regulation draft law is anticipated soon, with the CNMC preparing for future regulatory responsibilities. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:VBK Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 211,725 shares, a drop of 28.7% from the January 15th total of 296,781 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 261,275 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 261,275 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF Price Performance Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF stock traded up $4.74 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $315.07. 202,723 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 297,824. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $313.95 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $302.58. Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $214.77 and a fifty-two week high of $329.04. The stock has a market cap of $21.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.57 and a beta of 1.17. Get Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cerity Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF by 7.5% in the 3rd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 38,710 shares of the companys stock worth $11,521,000 after buying an additional 2,709 shares during the last quarter. Mechanics Bank Trust Department lifted its holdings in Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF by 22.2% during the third quarter. Mechanics Bank Trust Department now owns 38,129 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,348,000 after purchasing an additional 6,939 shares during the last quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co boosted its position in Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF by 25.9% during the third quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 17,309 shares of the companys stock worth $5,151,000 after purchasing an additional 3,560 shares during the period. Brookstone Capital Management lifted its position in shares of Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF by 115.8% during the third quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 9,677 shares of the companys stock worth $2,880,000 after acquiring an additional 5,192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $5,436,000. About Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded share class of Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund, which employs a passive management or indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the MSCI US Small Cap Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a diversified index of growth stocks of smaller United States companies. The Fund attempts to replicate the target Index by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:VZLA Get Free Report) shares dropped 8.9% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $3.47 and last traded at $3.4980. Approximately 3,032,156 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 75% from the average daily volume of 11,930,550 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.84. Analyst Ratings Changes VZLA has been the subject of several analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Vizsla Silver in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $7.00 price objective for the company. Roth Mkm increased their price target on Vizsla Silver from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Vizsla Silver in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, National Bank Financial downgraded Vizsla Silver from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $7.00. Get Vizsla Silver alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on VZLA Vizsla Silver Stock Performance Institutional Trading of Vizsla Silver The business has a fifty day moving average price of $5.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $4.55. The company has a market cap of $1.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -91.00 and a beta of 0.94. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Vizsla Silver by 1,165.0% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,932,731 shares of the companys stock worth $6,666,000 after buying an additional 2,700,887 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its position in Vizsla Silver by 9.5% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 334,031 shares of the companys stock worth $984,000 after acquiring an additional 29,099 shares during the last quarter. Privium Fund Management B.V. increased its holdings in Vizsla Silver by 30.3% in the 2nd quarter. Privium Fund Management B.V. now owns 250,790 shares of the companys stock worth $732,000 after purchasing an additional 58,303 shares in the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its position in Vizsla Silver by 115.0% in the second quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 215,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $632,000 after purchasing an additional 115,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cardinal Point Capital Management ULC acquired a new stake in shares of Vizsla Silver during the second quarter valued at about $118,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 22.46% of the companys stock. Vizsla Silver Company Profile (Get Free Report) Vizsla Silver Corp. is a Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on high-grade silver projects in Mexico. The company holds a portfolio of properties in the Panuco District of Sinaloa, where it is advancing its flagship Panuco Project, among several other exploration targets. These assets cover prolific epithermal vein systems that have historically produced significant silver and base metals. The Panuco Project encompasses multiple mineralized zones over a 17,000-hectare land package, where ongoing drilling campaigns have reported consistent high-grade silver intercepts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vizsla Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vizsla Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. W.G. Shaheen & Associates DBA Whitney & Co cut its position in shares of Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK Free Report) by 13.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,086 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 4,081 shares during the quarter. W.G. Shaheen & Associates DBA Whitney & Cos holdings in Stryker were worth $9,643,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SYK. NEOS Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Stryker by 38.5% during the third quarter. NEOS Investment Management LLC now owns 42,290 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $15,633,000 after purchasing an additional 11,760 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Stryker by 0.8% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,773,399 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $12,485,012,000 after buying an additional 272,828 shares in the last quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. boosted its stake in Stryker by 0.8% during the third quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. now owns 9,083 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $3,358,000 after buying an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Phillips Wealth Planners LLC increased its holdings in Stryker by 10.1% in the 3rd quarter. Phillips Wealth Planners LLC now owns 788 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $289,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the period. Finally, Pallas Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Stryker by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 19,054 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $7,044,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.09% of the companys stock. Get Stryker alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Raymond James Financial raised shares of Stryker from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $418.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $435.00 price objective on shares of Stryker in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Truist Financial dropped their target price on Stryker from $400.00 to $392.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on Stryker from $450.00 to $465.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Stryker in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $426.94. Insider Activity In other Stryker news, Director Ronda E. Stryker sold 250,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $362.92, for a total transaction of $90,730,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 2,457,331 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $891,814,566.52. This represents a 9.23% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Preston Wendell Wells sold 165 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.88, for a total value of $60,370.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 6,694 shares in the company, valued at $2,449,200.72. The trade was a 2.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 5.20% of the companys stock. Stryker Stock Up 0.0% NYSE SYK opened at $366.02 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $358.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $368.94. Stryker Corporation has a one year low of $329.16 and a one year high of $404.87. The firm has a market cap of $140.07 billion, a PE ratio of 43.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 1.89 and a quick ratio of 1.21. Stryker (NYSE:SYK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The medical technology company reported $4.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.40 by $0.07. Stryker had a return on equity of 24.41% and a net margin of 12.92%.The company had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.12 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $4.01 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Stryker Corporation will post 13.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Stryker Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.88 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. Strykers dividend payout ratio is currently 41.90%. About Stryker (Free Report) Stryker Corporation is a global medical technology company that designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of products and services for use in hospitals, surgeons offices and other healthcare facilities. Its primary business activities span orthopedics (including joint replacement implants, trauma and extremities products), surgical equipment and operating room technologies (such as visualization, navigation and powered instruments), neurotechnology and spine solutions, and patient-handling and emergency medical equipment. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Stryker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stryker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC raised its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) by 11.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,077,907 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 107,809 shares during the quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC owned approximately 0.37% of Invesco Senior Loan ETF worth $22,561,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BKLN. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 61.2% during the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 409,643 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $8,574,000 after purchasing an additional 155,549 shares in the last quarter. Bain Capital Credit LP increased its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 28.2% in the second quarter. Bain Capital Credit LP now owns 3,561,802 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $74,513,000 after buying an additional 784,368 shares in the last quarter. AEGON USA Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 75.0% in the third quarter. AEGON USA Investment Management LLC now owns 63,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,319,000 after buying an additional 27,000 shares during the period. Mechanics Bank Trust Department lifted its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 11.6% during the 3rd quarter. Mechanics Bank Trust Department now owns 692,075 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $14,485,000 after buying an additional 72,155 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Asset Allocation Strategies LLC grew its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 32.5% during the 3rd quarter. Asset Allocation Strategies LLC now owns 111,217 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,328,000 after acquiring an additional 27,261 shares during the period. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Up 0.1% Shares of NYSEARCA:BKLN opened at $20.64 on Tuesday. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a 1-year low of $20.02 and a 1-year high of $21.09. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $20.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $20.91. Invesco Senior Loan ETF Increases Dividend About Invesco Senior Loan ETF The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were issued a $0.1078 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.3%. This is an increase from Invesco Senior Loan ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.10. (Free Report) The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Get Free Report) had its price target raised by Wells Fargo & Company from $18.00 to $20.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price target suggests a potential upside of 1.11% from the companys current price. A number of other equities analysts have also commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on Conagra Brands from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on Conagra Brands from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $21.00 to $19.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Wall Street Zen cut Conagra Brands from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, December 27th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Conagra Brands presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $19.00. Get Conagra Brands alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Conagra Brands Conagra Brands Trading Up 0.1% CAG opened at $19.78 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $9.46 billion, a P/E ratio of -89.91 and a beta of -0.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The companys 50 day moving average is $17.80 and its 200-day moving average is $18.17. Conagra Brands has a 1-year low of $15.96 and a 1-year high of $28.51. Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 19th. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3 billion. Conagra Brands had a negative net margin of 0.87% and a positive return on equity of 10.59%. The firms revenue was down 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.70 EPS. Conagra Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.85 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Conagra Brands will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Conagra Brands Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CAG. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Conagra Brands during the 2nd quarter valued at about $172,475,000. Two Sigma Investments LP grew its position in Conagra Brands by 239.6% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 8,347,163 shares of the companys stock worth $152,837,000 after purchasing an additional 5,889,542 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in Conagra Brands by 245.5% in the 3rd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 7,734,061 shares of the companys stock worth $141,611,000 after purchasing an additional 5,495,503 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Conagra Brands by 216.2% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 7,459,654 shares of the companys stock valued at $135,318,000 after buying an additional 5,100,424 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 241.9% during the 3rd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 5,915,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $108,313,000 after buying an additional 4,185,486 shares during the period. 83.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Conagra Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc is a leading packaged foods company based in Chicago, Illinois, with a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and refrigerated foods marketed under familiar brands. The company develops, produces and distributes a wide range of consumer food products, serving both retail grocery and foodservice channels. Conagras product lineup includes frozen entrees, snacks, condiments, baking goods and desserts, providing convenient meal solutions for consumers across North America and select international markets. Among its well-known brands are Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Marie Callenders and Banquet in the frozen foods category, as well as Hunts sauces, Orville Redenbachers popcorn, Slim Jim meat snacks and Reddi-wip toppings. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whitecap Resources Inc. (TSE:WCP Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$13.37 and last traded at C$13.24, with a volume of 435513 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$13.16. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on WCP. Desjardins boosted their price target on Whitecap Resources from C$13.50 to C$14.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. National Bank Financial raised their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$15.00 to C$16.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. TD Securities lifted their price target on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$14.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$15.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Capital One Financial upgraded Whitecap Resources to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$14.50. Get Whitecap Resources alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on WCP Whitecap Resources Stock Down 1.1% Whitecap Resources Company Profile The company has a 50-day simple moving average of C$11.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$11.10. The firm has a market cap of C$15.81 billion, a PE ratio of 11.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.33 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.58, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.67. (Get Free Report) Whitecap Resources Inc is engaged in the business of acquiring, developing, and holding interests in petroleum and natural gas properties and assets. The company acquires assets with discovered petroleum initially in place and low current recovery factors. Light oil is the primary byproduct of Whitecaps Canadian assets. To extract petroleum products from its resources, the company uses horizontal drilling, in addition to multistage fracturing technology. Crude oil is the leading revenue generator out of the basket of energy products sold by Whitecap. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Whitecap Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whitecap Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF Get Free Report) will likely be posting its results before the market opens on Thursday, February 19th. Analysts expect Zealand Pharma A/S to post earnings of ($1.34) per share for the quarter. Zealand Pharma A/S Stock Performance Shares of ZLDPF stock opened at $63.84 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.59 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $69.76 and a 200 day moving average of $70.45. Zealand Pharma A/S has a 52 week low of $49.98 and a 52 week high of $108.30. The company has a quick ratio of 14.10, a current ratio of 14.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Get Zealand Pharma A/S alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. BTIG Research raised shares of Zealand Pharma A/S to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Zealand Pharma A/S in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Zealand Pharma A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Zealand Pharma A/S is a Denmarkbased biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, design and development of peptidebased therapeutics. Utilizing proprietary peptide engineering platforms, the company focuses on metabolic and endocrine disorders, including diabetes and rare gastrointestinal diseases. Zealand employs a rational design approach to optimize stability, selectivity and dosing profiles of its candidates, aiming to improve patient outcomes where current treatment options are limited. Among the most advanced assets in Zealands pipeline is dasiglucagon, a stable glucagon analog designed for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Zealand Pharma A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zealand Pharma A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 295.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 37,149 shares of the restaurant operators stock after acquiring an additional 27,745 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation National Association UTs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $1,456,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth $1,001,668,000. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the second quarter worth about $597,031,000. BlueSpruce Investments LP grew its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 24,760.7% during the second quarter. BlueSpruce Investments LP now owns 3,930,732 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $220,711,000 after buying an additional 3,914,921 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 125,927,338 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $4,935,092,000 after acquiring an additional 2,470,213 shares during the period. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP increased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2,705.6% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 2,126,682 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $119,413,000 after acquiring an additional 2,050,882 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.30% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance CMG stock opened at $36.28 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $38.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.38. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12 month low of $29.75 and a 12 month high of $58.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.25 billion, a PE ratio of 31.82, a P/E/G ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.99. Analysts Set New Price Targets Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.96 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 12.88% and a return on equity of 47.99%. The companys revenue was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.25 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current year. CMG has been the subject of several analyst reports. Evercore restated an outperform rating and set a $45.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $50.00 to $45.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $40.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $50.00 to $49.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Twenty-two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $47.24. Read Our Latest Analysis on CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT decreased its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 47.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,543 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 3,156 shares during the quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UTs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $1,620,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Orion Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. United Community Bank boosted its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 81.3% in the third quarter. United Community Bank now owns 58 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the period. Whipplewood Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 289.5% during the 2nd quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 74 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Motorola Solutions in the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Field & Main Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the third quarter valued at about $35,000. 84.17% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MSI has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Barclays increased their price target on Motorola Solutions from $495.00 to $506.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $499.00 price objective (up from $443.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Motorola Solutions from $515.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Weiss Ratings lowered Motorola Solutions from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, Northcoast Research upgraded shares of Motorola Solutions from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $450.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $497.14. Motorola Solutions Stock Performance MSI opened at $462.19 on Tuesday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a twelve month low of $359.36 and a twelve month high of $492.22. The stock has a market cap of $76.57 billion, a PE ratio of 36.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.56 and a beta of 1.00. The businesss 50 day moving average is $393.85 and its 200-day moving average is $421.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.47. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The communications equipment provider reported $4.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.35 by $0.24. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 110.75% and a net margin of 18.44%.The firm had revenue of $3.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $4.04 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current year. Motorola Solutions Profile (Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc is a provider of mission-critical communications and analytics solutions for public safety and commercial customers. The company designs, manufactures and supports a range of communications equipment and software aimed at enabling first responders, government agencies and enterprises to coordinate and operate reliably in high-pressure environments. Its offerings emphasize secure, resilient connectivity and situational awareness for organizations that require dependable voice, data and video communications. Product lines include land mobile radio (LMR) systems and handheld and vehicle-mounted radios used by police, fire and emergency medical services; broadband push-to-talk and LTE-based solutions; command-and-control center software for incident management and records; and video security and analytics systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The share price of Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) surged 7.07% between February 6 and February 13, 2026, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week. Raymond James Upgrades Kinetik (KNTK) to Outperform, Sets $46 Target Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) is a midstream energy operator that focuses on transporting and distributing oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) rose to an all-time high this week after posting strong results for Q4 2025 on February 13. The companys adjusted EPS of $0.65 beat estimates by $0.08, while its revenue for the quarter grew by over 10% YoY to $12.61 billion, topping forecasts by $3.33 billion. The midstream giants net profit for Q4 quadrupled to C$1.95 billion, compared to C$493 million in the year-earlier quarter. Meanwhile, full-year adjusted earnings for 2025 also rose by 9% compared to the year before. Notably, Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) revealed that it had a project backlog worth approximately C$39 billion at the end of FY 2025, with around C$8 billion expected to come into service this year. The company is also advancing more than 50 data center opportunities across North America, requiring up to 10 billion cubic feet per day of new takeaway capacity. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) reiterated its FY 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance of C$20.2C$20.8 billion, following a 7% YoY increase to C$19.95 billion in 2025. Gregory Abel, President and CEO of Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB), commented in the companys earnings call: We had another great year of record financial results, exceeding the midpoint of our 2025 guidance for both EBITDA and DCF per share, marking the 20th year of achieving or exceeding our annual financial guidance. As we announced in December, we have now increased our dividend for 31 consecutive years, extending our status as one of the few dividend aristocrats in our sector. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) was recently included in our list of the Best Energy Stocks to Buy for a Retirement Stock Portfolio. While we acknowledge the potential of ENB 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 High Yield Utility Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 10 Best American Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy Disclosure: None. The European hospitality industry continues to grapple with significant labour shortages and skills gaps, according to a January 2026 position paper published by HOTREC, the umbrella organisation for hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes in Europe. The report, Skills and Labour Shortages in Hospitality A Roadmap for Action, highlights persistent workforce challenges and proposes policy recommendations to support workforce development and labour supply across the sector. Labour and skills shortages persist despite post-pandemic recovery The hospitality and hotel sector remains one of the EUs largest employers, covering around 10 million jobs across more than 2 million businesses. Despite some easing of recruitment pressures since the pandemic, many Member States still report significant workforce gaps, with the sector missing around 10% of its workforce on average. #Shortages are especially acute in tourism-dependent economies such as Portugal, Spain, Greece, Romania and Czechia, impacting operational capacity during peak seasons. The report notes that skills shortages have intensified as companies adapt to digitalisation, sustainability requirements and changing customer expectations. Employers increasingly cite needs for digital competences, sustainability-related skills and strong interpersonal abilities alongside traditional operational expertise. These longer-term trends are adding to recruitment difficulties and risk constraining growth as demand rises. A four-pillar roadmap for workforce development To address labour shortages and skills deficits, HOTREC sets out a comprehensive roadmap based on four key pillars: Education and training reforms to expand upskilling, reskilling and apprenticeship schemes, with curricula aligned to future skills needs. The report emphasises lifelong learning and stronger links between training providers and employers. Labour market measures aimed at enhancing the image and attractiveness of hospitality careers. This includes promoting diverse work arrangements and career pathways to help retain workers. Improved labour mobility within and beyond the EU, including better use of tools like the EURES job-matching network, more accessible legal migration pathways, and support for affordable housing for workers. Sustained funding at both EU and national levels to support training, mobility initiatives and other workforce development efforts, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Broader labour market trends and sector competitiveness HOTRECs analysis situates hospitality labour challenges within broader EU labour market conditions, including an ageing population, labour market slack and a fragile economic recovery. By Joanna Plucinska Feb 18 (Reuters) - Chinese and Indian tourists are set to make up for a potential slowdown in growth from U.S. travellers to Europe this year, according to data published on Wednesday by the European Travel Commission, with international arrivals to the continent set to rise by 6.2%. More from Yahoo Scout Why are American travel bookings to Europe declining? How significant is the rise in Chinese tourism to Europe? What trends are shaping European travel spending patterns? What's driving Europe's projected 6.2% travel growth? This is the first sign of a slowdown in the post-pandemic boom in American travel to Europe, driven by a strong U.S. dollar and economic resilience in North America. An earlier study from industry group the European Travel Commission showed that Americans were less intent on travelling to Europe in 2026 than in 2025, a trend driven by worsening economic concerns and geopolitical instability. While Chinese arrivals to Europe are set to rise by 28% compared to 2025 and Indian arrivals to climb by 9%, traveller numbers from the Americas were seen growing by just 4.2%. According to data from aviation intelligence platform Cirium, bookings from Europe to the U.S. between October 7 and end January fell 14.2% year-on-year, while bookings from the U.S. to Europe slid 7.3%. Despite a tempering of interest from core American travellers, Europe is still seeing a steady rise in both long-haul travellers and in spending, showing that tourists who still want to come are more focused on high-value experiences that can keep the European travel market steady. "Europe continues to stand out as a reliable destination, well-positioned to respond to evolving demand for more flexible travel and experience-led journeys," said Miguel Sanz, head of the European Travel Commission, in a statement. "Particularly encouraging is the fact that growth in traveller spending is outpacing that of arrivals, allowing destinations to focus more on value than volume." Travel spending in Europe is set to have risen by 9.7% in 2025, according to the new report. That is in line with reports from Europe's major carriers, including Lufthansa and Air France-KLM, of a steady rise in bookings for their premium offerings, while economy cabin bookings for transatlantic travel have fallen. Air France-KLM reports its full-year results for 2025 on Thursday. (Reporting by Joanna Plucinska; Additional reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Jan Harvey) Anna Mae was born in 1929 in Catahoula, Louisiana. During World War II, her family relocated to Orange when the shipyards and the city were booming with wartime industry. During those years, Anna Mae worked at various jobs, including the Bengal Theater in Orange and Buccaneer restaurant in Bridge City. In her free time, she enjoyed going to dances with her sisters, cousins and friends; memories she cherished throughout her life. After the war ended, her family returned to Catahoula, but Anna Mae chose to remain in Orange. It was then she met the love of her life, Paul Caillier of Arnaudville, LA. Anna Mae and Paul were later married and made their home in West Orange, where they lovingly raised their three children, in the same house she continued to live in for many years. They were blessed with 55 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family and love. Together, they treasured visits with family and friends in Buna, Catahoula, St. Martinville, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Arnaudville, Broussard and Youngsville, along with many other places where lifelong friendships were cherished. Anna Mae was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt to many. She delighted in spending time with her family and friends and was especially known for her cooking and hospitality. She was also a talented seamstress who made clothes for family and friends, including cheer uniforms and beautiful prom dresses. A devoted Catholic, Anna Mae faithfully prayed for her family and friends and especially loved praying the Rosary. She gave generously of her time at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orange. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with warmth and kindness. Throughout the years, she was actively involved in many church organizations, including the Catholic Daughters Society (1956), The Altar Society, the church choir, the soup kitchen ministry, Pray Chain and Eucharistic Adoration. Her faith and service were cornerstones of her life. Other organizations she was a member of was American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States. Her beautiful smile and loving spirit will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange with Father Antony Paulose officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A special thanks goes to her son Johnny Lee for all the care he gave to our mother for all these years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Mary's Church or St Mary's Altar Society, 912 W. Cherry Ave. Orange Tx 77630 Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is one of the 12 Dividend Stocks With High Insider Buying. Evercore Reiterates Sell on Franklin Resources (BEN) Amid Mixed Ratings The company saw mixed analyst sentiment on February 5, 2025. Evercore ISI analyst Glenn Schorr, on February 5, 2026, reiterated a Sell rating on Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN), with a price target of $28. Conversely, on the same day, TD Cowen analyst William Katz maintained a Buy rating on the stock and set a price target of $36. Prior to these updates, on February 4, 2026, the company reported preliminary month-end assets under management (AUM) of $1.71 trillion as of January 31, 2026 a $0.03 million increase compared to the companys preliminary AUM for the month ended December 31, 2025. Based on the companys report, the increase was contributed by favorable market conditions and $1.5 billion in long-term net inflows, after accounting for a $1.5 billion outflow from Western Asset Management. On February 3, 2026, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an Underweight rating on the stock but raised the price target from $21 to $22. Though the firm lowered Q4 EPS estimates by 14%, it remains optimistic for calendar 2026 and 2027, citing improvements in fees and non-operating investment income. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a global investment management firm that offers diverse products, including mutual funds and institutional accounts. Founded in 1947, the company has its headquarters in California. While we acknowledge the potential of BEN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 11 Best Pipeline and MLP Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 13 Cheapest Dividend Aristocrats to Invest in. Disclosure. None. Overview: Hefei Kewell Power System Co., Ltd. specializes in providing test systems and intelligent manufacturing equipment both in China and internationally, with a market cap of CN3.30 billion. MLOptic, a contender in Asia's tech scene, has demonstrated robust growth with earnings surging by 62.5% over the past year, outpacing the electronics industry's average of 10.5%. This growth trajectory is supported by forecasts indicating an annual revenue increase of 21%, significantly above China's market average of 14.9%. Despite a modest forecasted return on equity of 7.5% in three years, the firms commitment to innovation and market expansion is evident from its recent extraordinary shareholders meeting aimed at strategic discussions for future scaling. These factors position MLOptic favorably within a competitive landscape, suggesting potential for sustained growth amidst evolving technological demands. Overview: MLOptic Corp. is a precision optical solutions company operating in China and internationally, with a market capitalization of CN19.50 billion. Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen. As global markets grapple with the implications of AI disruption and fluctuating economic indicators, Asian tech stocks have been catching investors' attention amid these broader market dynamics. In this environment, identifying high-growth opportunities often involves looking for companies that demonstrate resilience and innovation in rapidly evolving sectors, particularly those that can navigate the challenges posed by technological advancements and shifting consumer demands. Story Continues Operations: Hefei Kewell Power System Co., Ltd. generates revenue primarily through the sale of test systems and intelligent manufacturing equipment. The company's operations span both domestic and international markets, contributing to its market presence in the industry. Hefei Kewell Power System Ltd. is carving out a niche in Asia's high-tech sector with projected annual revenue growth at 54.9%, far surpassing the Chinese market average of 14.9%. This impressive expansion is complemented by an anticipated earnings increase of 89% per year, highlighting the company's effective scaling strategies and market penetration. Despite a dip in profit margins from 16.9% to 10.4%, their commitment to research and development, as evidenced by substantial investments, underscores a forward-thinking approach that could redefine their industry standing and influence future technological advancements within Asias tech landscape. SHSE:688551 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: POCO Holding Co., Ltd. specializes in the development, production, and sale of alloy soft magnetic powder and components for electronic equipment, with a market cap of CN22.37 billion. Operations: POCO Holding Co., Ltd. focuses on the production and sale of alloy soft magnetic powder, core, and chip inductance components for electronic equipment manufacturers. The company operates within the electronics industry with a significant market presence reflected in its CN22.37 billion market cap. POCO Holding is distinguishing itself in the high-tech landscape of Asia, with its revenue and earnings growth outpacing regional averages significantly. The company's annual revenue growth rate stands at a robust 25.2%, while its earnings have surged by an impressive 30.5% per year, both metrics eclipsing the broader Chinese market's figures of 14.9% and 28.2%, respectively. This financial vigor is supported by a strategic emphasis on R&D, where POCO has allocated substantial resources, ensuring its competitive edge and innovation continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. Moreover, with a solid track record of high-quality earnings and positive free cash flow, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging technological trends, despite facing challenges like share price volatility over recent months. SZSE:300811 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026 Key Takeaways Click here to access our complete index of 159 Asian High Growth Tech and AI Stocks. Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments. Maximize your investment potential with Simply Wall St, the comprehensive app that offers global market insights for free. Interested In Other Possibilities? 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 SHSE:688502 SHSE:688551 and SZSE:300811. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Youre in Rome, craving for the "real" Italynot the one you see on the postcards. But how do you find it? Krishna and Pia Shivdasani have the answer. Their app, NowYouKnow (NYK), skips the anonymous reviews of strangers and taps into the one thing that matters: the trusted recommendations of your friends. Its travel, redefined by the people you know the best. Growing up in a family where travel was a way of life, the duo have a deep understanding of the global travel trends, which eventually led to the founding of the app. Their travels across more than 30 countries were never guided by anonymous online ratings or tour guides, but by the vetted word of trusted family relatives or friends. Our friends experiences and recommendations are scattered across WhatsApp threads, Instagram bookmarks and disorganised Google Sheets, but NYK brings your friends suggestions under one platform, says the siblings. With AI reshaping the internet and paid reviews botching the algorithms, authenticity is the new luxury. This app cuts through the digital clutter and ensures that the reviews you read arent just content theyre authentic experiences from people you actually trust. Most travel apps help you find places. NowYouKnow helps you trust them, said Krishna Shivdasani. Were built around real recommendations from people you actually know or choose to follow, not anonymous reviews, sponsored posts or AI-generated content. It turns the existing way of people planning travel, texting friends, into something organised, personal, and actually usable, he said. When asked whats behind the name, Krishna explains that it comes from a common exchange: when one person says, Oh, I didnt know that, and the other replies, Well, NowYouKnow." Although the app was launched in 2023, it went live to the public just last year. Many users find it valuable and continue to expand their social circles by inviting friends. "I dont trust random reviews anymore - I feel like everything is completely sponsored. What works for me is seeing [a place] where my friends actually went and genuinely experienced, good or bad. NowYouKnow feels closer to how weve always planned trips, through people we trust," said Anjali Mirchandani, USA. Abhishek Advani, based in the UK, says that since joining the app, he has already built a shortlist of recommendations from friends with similar tastes and lifestyles. Gabriela Sein from France said most of her travel plans used to happen on WhatsApp groups. "Now those recommendations finally live in one place on NowYouKnow instead of getting lost in chats and notes," adds Gabriela. Pia Shivdasani explains that NowYouKnow was created to solve a key problem: Today, discovering reliable tips on where to stay, eat and drink is fragmented, noisy and fake, while trust remains with people you personally know. The app simply brings back a very natural way of sharing and finding places through genuine experiences, personal taste, and recommendations that actually help elevate travel plans," she says. Indias Global Capability Centre (GCC) sector hit a new high, with office leasing by these units touching a record 31 million sqft in 2025, according to new research. The report, published by real estate services firm JLL, noted that the surge underlined how global companies now saw India not just as a low-cost back office, but as a strategic hub for technology, R&D, analytics and high-end corporate services. Metros still dominate, but the map is widening JLLs India GCC Guide 2025 showed that more than 90 per cent of GCC activity remains concentrated in Tier 1 cities, which together host over 263 million sqft of Grade A office space occupied by these centres and account for 40 per cent of all office leasing over the past decade. Bengaluru led by a wide margin, commanding 3439 per cent of national GCC activity and housing more than 900 units thanks to its deep tech talent, mature ecosystem and strong investor confidence. Hyderabad emerged as the countrys healthcarebiotech powerhouse, capturing 2023 per cent of the GCC market with strengths in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and analytics. Pune accounted for 1520 per cent of GCC activity, riding on its BFSI, automotive and engineering base, while Chennai cemented its position as a manufacturing and automotive hub with rising demand from IT, BFSI and engineering R&D players. DelhiNCR evolved into a multisector corporate services hub, and Mumbai remains the financial capital, drawing strategic banking and financial services GCCs. Tier 2 cities become the next frontier Even as metros dominate, JLL said that secondary markets such as Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Mysuru, Kochi, Lucknow and Visakhapatnam are rapidly transforming into sophisticated business hubs. These cities can offer 1035 per cent cost savings on real estate and operations, along with access to fresh talent pools and improved infrastructure backed by state incentives and digital connectivity. JLL estimated that more than 200 new GCCs entered India in the last two years, and projects that the total GCC footprint will cross 350 million sqft in the next three to four years, with USheadquartered firms driving around 70 per cent of demand between 2018 and 2025. The firm also noted that India currently employs over 1.9 million people in GCCs, representing a roughly $65billion market expected to grow at over 10 per cent annually till 2030, as centres shifted from cost optimisation to owning global mandates in AI, data, engineering and customer experience. Dr Samantak Das, JLL Indias Chief Economist and Head of Research, called this not just expansion but acceleration, and argued that successful GCCs currently treat location strategy as a competitive differentiator and India as indispensable to global corporate strategy. But what does this mean for Indians? More highskill jobs, deeper integration into global value chains, and a race to upgrade infrastructure mean we need talent to back it up. From Rafale fighter jets to submarines, India and France are expanding defence cooperation, French President Emmanuel Macron said after his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Tuesday. His remarks come days after India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared a long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India India and France maintain a robust strategic defence partnership, involving major deals on aircraft, submarines, and missiles. The two countries had signed a contract in 2005 for constructing six submarines, of which five (INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela and Vagir) were commissioned in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2021 and 2023. On 15 January 2025, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, INS Vaghsheer, was commissioned in the Indian Navy. The government had, in 2015, announced a government-to-government deal for 36 Rafale fighters. ln 2025, India signed another agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, valued at approximately 63,000 crore. Modi and Macron held wide-ranging talks to boost ties in key sectors such as trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. Boosting defence cooperation and enhancing bilateral engagement in the critical technology sector are priority areas to take forward the ties between the two countries. The list of outcomes from Macron's visit also included a joint venture between BEL and Safran to produce HAMMER missiles in India, and reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments. The two countries announced that during the meeting, it was decided that the ties will be elevated to the Special Strategic Partnership status. ALSO READ: What makes the Everest-climbing H125 helicopters, which will now be assembled in India, special "There is no doubt about that, because we have complete faith in this relationship, and we have been doing so for the past eight years. Each year, by working on different things, we have charted many new paths. For example, whether it is the Indo-Pacific region or technology, there is no hegemony. We firmly believe in the rule of law, and we have demonstrated this over the past few years," the French president was quoted as saying. Calling the bilateral relationship between India and France "unique", Macron said this relationship is one of trust, openness, and ambition. PM Modi pointed out that India and France, both ancient and prosperous civilisations, value their strong cultural and people-to-people ties and long history of cooperation. "...the world is facing a period of uncertainty. In this environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France's expertise and India's scale. We are developing trusted technologies," the PM added. Whether it's defence, clean energy, space, or emerging technologies, we will connect our industries and innovators in every field, Modi said, according to news agency ANI. Seeking to enhance its long-range strike capability, the Indian Navy has issued an RFI (Request for Information) for Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs) for conventional submarines. The Navy, in the RFI, said the intended use of LACMs is to increase its long-range strike capability against targets, with a high probability of kill in a single shot, and provide the conventional submarines of the force with advanced technology in missile warfare. The Navy is looking for a supersonic or subsonic missile that has a maximum range of 500 km and a minimum of 50 km, and can be launched from a submarine weapon tube of 533 mm diameter at guiderails. The overall weight, inclusive of the capsule, should be less than 1,500 kg, and it should not be longer than 6.4 metres. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The area of operations of the missile covers all ocean areas. According to the RFI, the missile should be capable of launching from platform speeds up to 06 knots for normal operations and up to 08 knots for emergency ejection. It should "facilitate firing in salvo of two missiles without mutual interference between the missile homing heads." The RFI sought a missile that should withstand submarine roll and localised heating during loading. Target selection of the LACM should be based on the targets geographic coordinates. The target must be defined by the submarines onboard command and weapon control system, or by an appropriate shore-based facility, using those coordinates. The system should be capable of operating effectively in a dense electronic warfare environment. It demands a Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) of not less than (NLT) 0.90, alongside a Probability of Hit NLT 0.90 and reliability NLT 0.99. Besides, the missile should be insensitive to high explosives. The net explosive content should be commensurate with the overall weight and range of the missile, and it should have the capability to self-destruct on deviation from trajectory or on operator command. The missile should be compatible with user-defined command and control systems and the integrated combat system. Wars are not decided by intent alone; they are decided by sustainability. The United States today faces a decision matrix in which military capability is not the central question. Escalation control is. American forces in the Arabian Sea signal readiness. Diplomacy through Oman signals restraint. Yet readiness and restraint can coexist only until the first irreversible exchange. The closer Washington moves toward punitive action against Iran, the more it must calculate not how to begin a conflict, but how to prevent it from expanding beyond design. Punitive strikes on critical assets of Iran would be a prolonged game of strikes and counterstrikes that would demand, not merely in munitions, but in political stamina and economic resilience. For the domestic audience, it will also bring the sensitive trauma of body bags, which remains a national sensitivity. Any sustained American operation would almost certainly extend beyond nuclear facilities. Iranian command nodes, internal security organs and military infrastructure would be targeted. US planners are under no illusion that such action would go unanswered. Retaliation is assumed, not feared as a remote contingency. A cycle of strikes and counter-strikes would follow. Once begun, the tempo and escalatory ladder would be difficult to regulate. That is precisely the challenge the USA faces. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India From Washingtons perspective, any approach toward Iran is anchored in three enduring priorities. The first is preventing Iran from fielding an operational nuclear weapon. The second is protecting Israel and Gulf partners from missile and proxy attacks. The third is avoiding a large-scale Middle Eastern war that drains resources and attention from long-term competition elsewhere. A sustained, theatre-wide conflict with Iran would collide with all three priorities simultaneously. Iran is not a permissive target for decisive military coercion. Geography alone complicates the use of airpower. Key facilities are dispersed, hardened, and layered within dense defensive networks. More importantly, Irans deterrence posture is not designed to win wars quickly. It is designed to make wars last. The prevailing misconception in Western commentary is that overwhelming force produces rapid resolution. Iran has structured its defence posture to challenge that assumption. Tehrans objective is not to win quickly. It is to deny its adversary the comfort of a short war. It is to saturate the battlespace with precise mass standoff warfare. Irans preference is for a punitive response rather than a defensive shield, which exposes the asymmetry. Interceptors are cost-prohibitive, vulnerable and finite. Missiles and drones are cheaper, scalable and easier to replenish. Even high interception rates impose a cost if salvos continue over time. The strategic question is therefore not whether defences can hold on the first day, but whether inventories can sustain effectiveness over weeks. Iran does not need to overwhelm defences; it needs only to ensure that depletion becomes a constraint and duration becomes a weapon. Recent confrontations in the region demonstrated how quickly interceptor stocks can be drawn down. Replenishment timelines stretch well beyond a single budget cycle. Every system deployed in the Middle East reduces flexibility elsewhere, particularly as strategic competition in Asia intensifies. Iran does not need to overwhelm American defences. It only needs to ensure that depletion becomes a constraint and saturation becomes an asset. Irans strike doctrine rests on diversification. Ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones are deployed not as isolated tools but as a layered network. Drones force constant air patrols. Cruise missiles complicate radar coverage and airspace management. Ballistic missiles strain interceptor inventories. Even unsuccessful attacks generate economic and psychological pressure. The goal is steady attrition. This logic extends beyond land-based strikes. The maritime environment in the Gulf is inherently restrictive. Narrow waterways favour land-based missile systems and complicate naval manoeuvres. American carriers can operate at a distance, but distance comes at a price. Sortie rates fall. Dependence on tankers and long-range munitions rises. Operational tempo becomes harder to sustain. None of this requires dramatic losses. Friction alone reshapes outcomes. The economic dimension is equally significant. Irans leverage over regional states does not rest solely on oil infrastructure. Airspace is an overlooked vulnerability. Gulf aviation hubs depend on uninterrupted commercial traffic. The presence of cruise missiles and drone forces requires precautionary closures even when interception rates are high. In such a situation, disruption creates financial volatility, a rise in energy prices with rerouting, and regional fallouts. Regional governments understand this exposure. Their mediation efforts reflect calculation rather than sentiment. Israels posture adds volatility. Israeli leaders maintain a far lower tolerance for Iranian nuclear latency than Washington. Should Jerusalem judge diplomacy exhausted, unilateral action remains plausible. In that scenario, American involvement would follow, though not necessarily as an open-ended campaign. The United States would likely seek to limit escalation while reinforcing Israeli defence. Regional escalation remains a real risk, which could have a spillover effect and involvement of out-of-region forces. Irans strategic asset in terms of non-state actors in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen could make them active theatres. Maritime traffic in the Red Sea could face renewed disruption. Energy markets would face the shock within hours. What began as a limited counter-strike action could create complexities, as in the past in Afghanistan and Syria, with a protracted war. External powers are not neutral observers. The new emerging axis of China- Russia-Iran (North Korea??) remains to be tested, yet cannot be ignored. Moscow has little incentive to see Washington entangled in a protracted conflict, but it has even less incentive to be a silent observer of American unilateralism. Collusive support by way of Intelligence sharing, diplomatic shielding or calibrated material support to Tehran cannot be ruled out if hostilities escalate. Russias interest lies in complicating US calculations without becoming directly exposed. China approaches the situation from a different angle. Beijings primary concern is the stability of energy flows and trade routes on which its economy depends. Open war in the Gulf would damage those interests. Iran has presumably received some Dongfeng 17 missiles from China reshapes deterrence signalling. The introduction of hypersonic technology like the DF-17 into this region would be a massive shift in the strategic balance. If true, it definitely changes the calculus for missile defence in the Middle East. Yet China also observes that the US's prolonged distraction in the Middle East will be at the cost of its strategic space in Indo-Pacific and a dent in the American economy. Thus, while its preference remains a call for restraint for its energy security, it arms Iran and will exploit American strategic bandwidth if it narrows elsewhere. This wider context matters as the strategic competition is not restricted to one theatre, and resources, particularly interceptors, are limited. Every additional carrier deployment compresses maintenance cycles and stretches personnel. Every extended deployment carries opportunity costs that are felt beyond the Middle East. That reality tempers appetite for escalation. Domestic politics reinforces these limits. Public tolerance in the United States for prolonged Middle Eastern conflict is low. Any prolonged conflict will create economic turbulence, test public tolerance, and complicate broader strategic objectives that require concentration rather than dispersion of resources. A war in Iran poses severe economic, political and diplomatic challenges for India. Energy security and crude costs would escalate immediately. Diplomatically and politically, the balancing of Washington, Tehran and Gulf partners could create complexity. Indias national interest lies in the stability, even if it is a strategic unease rather than an escalation. Together, the present arithmetic and strategic wisdom point toward sustained pressure and coercive diplomacy rather than a war. External powers will hedge. Regional actors will mediate. War remains an option, but not a preferred instrument. The decisive variable is not American capability, nor Iranian resolve. It is a duration. If conflict begins, it will not be settled by the first exchange, but by the side that sustains escalation at an acceptable cost. Under present conditions, Washington seeks leverage without entanglement. Restraint persists not from trust, but from calculation. The arithmetic of escalation favours endurance over impulse. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. During the Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre of spiritual leader Sadhguru, representatives from the three wings of the military, among others, were honoured for their contributions to building the nation. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra of the Western Air Command, Lt. Gen. A. V. S. Rathee of the Southern Command, and Vice Admiral R. V. Gokhale of the Western Naval Command were among those who received the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Awards. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India "A special segment of the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan recognizes the strategic brilliance and courage of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor," the notification on Isha's website read. #WATCH | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presents Bavya Bharat Bhushan Awards Medals and certifications to dignitaries on behalf of Isha Foundation. The awards were bestowed on Air Marshal Jithendra Mishra, Western Air Command and Admiral Rahul Vikas https://t.co/6gZmD83ZdM pic.twitter.com/bl2lKhT3de ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2026 However, the awards seem to have evoked a mixed response as some veterans questioned defence personnel appearing in uniform for the award. The Hindu quoted Major General B. S. Dhanoa (retd.) as saying that military officers can be part of such private functions, but they should not appear in uniform. If they were to receive an award, they could well have received it in civil dress. Wearing a military uniform and going to a private event is unbecoming of the apolitical character of the military, he was quoted as saying. Lt. Gen. D. S. Hooda (retd.), however, pointed out that defence officers cannot refuse to attend events where the defence minister is present, but added that it is the responsibility of the political leaders to ensure that uniformed officers are not invited to events in which questions can be raised about their conduct or professionalism. The Wire quoted a retired three-star Army officer as observing that these are merely privately created awards, amounting to a parallel recognition track outside the formal honours architecture of the forces and needed to be "strongly challenged, if the services ethos was to be maintained and perpetuated." Another two-star Indian Navy veteran pointed out that while military officers are free to practise personal faith, uniformed commanders "appearing at personality-driven religious platforms risk projecting institutional endorsement of the individual," according to The Wire. Optics at these levels can easily be read as institutional endorsement of such platforms, the officer added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had hailed the awards saying, "Alongside the distinguished stalwarts from these domains who were conferred this honour, three institutions of our Armed Forces were also facilitated in recognition of the remarkable success of Operation Sindoor. These are Western Air Command, Army's Southern Command and Western Naval Command. Personally, this filled me with great joy and a deep sense of pride." Examinations are often framed as individual battles, a student versus a paper. However, in a country as vast and aspirational as India, the examination season is also a national moment: a collective rite of passage when millions of students and their families pause, prepare, and hope. Nearly 36 million students across India are appearing for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations conducted by various national and state boards this year. That scale matters. When tens of millions of students sit for Class 10 and 12 assessments, the outcomes influence not only individual futures, but also workforce readiness, higher-education pipelines, and long-term national human capital. Examinations, therefore, deserve our sober attention, not as mere hurdles, but as structured moments that reveal strengths, identify learning gaps, and help institutions to recalibrate. The stakes are real; so is the opportunity to shape a generation that is resilient, responsible, and prepared to contribute to nation-building. Board examinations stand as one of the few nationwide processes that reinforce deep trust in public institutions from students, their families, and all other stakeholders. Fair conduct of examinations, transparency, and credibility reinforce faith in education systems. This institutional trust itself is also a nation-building outcome. Beyond academic performance, examinations play a quiet but powerful role in ethical formation in the lives of students. For them, board exams are their first encounter with formal, high-stakes accountability. Choosing honesty, responsibility, and respect for rules under pressure builds moral character and reflective habits are qualities essential for citizenship in adulthood with personal integrity, professional competence, and social responsibility. Resilience is not the absence of stress; it is the ability to respond constructively to pressure. Studies focused on adolescent students repeatedly show elevated test anxiety during examination periods, a predictable human response that requires practical mitigation rather than stigma (WHO, 2021). Acknowledging this reality allows schools, families, and policy makers to act - not to lower standards, but to strengthen the support systems that enable students to perform at their best. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH Constructive action begins with students adopting steady, practical habits that build confidence and readiness. Consistent and focused study works far better than last-minute cramming, while practicing under timed conditions strengthens exam temperament. Adequate sleep and proper nutrition support concentration as much as revision does. Reaching out to peers, teachers, or helplines when needed is a sign of awareness and strength, not weakness. For parents, the role is to remain a steady presence - offering reassurance, stability, and confidence. Encourage routines, avoid comparisons, and celebrate efforts as much as outcomes. Teachers and schools play a structural role by ensuring effective delivery of the prescribed curriculum, mock assessments, and basic mental-health literacy, alongside referral mechanisms. Policy makers must respond systemically by investing in counselling services, expanding access to credible helplines, and ensuring equitable examination conditions so that socio-economic disadvantage does not become an academic penalty. The evidence supports these measures. Student helplines have seen surges in calls during exam seasons, a reminder that accessible, well-publicized support channels can make a tangible difference. Initiatives that combine prevention with response are especially valuable. To this end, the CISCEs #iGotCare helpline represents a quick, solution-oriented strategy specifically aimed at examination-related concerns. But building resilient students is ultimately about more than immediate remedies. It requires embedding values across the education ecosystem: holistic and competency-driven curriculum, honesty and creative innovation in assessment, and a civic orientation that links personal mastery to public good. When students learn to handle pressure with responsibility and integrity, they do more than passing examinations, but develop habits of mind - essential for leadership, innovation, and public service. As a nation, we must also resist simple binaries that equate marks with worth. Scores are indicators, not identities. A childs examination outcome should inform the next step - advanced study, remedial teaching/learning, alternative pathways, or vocational options, not a narrative of failure. Policy choices must expand the horizons of success, recognising diverse talents and enabling lateral entry into professional and technical careers. When millions of students prepare simultaneously for the board examinations, society briefly aligns around learning - families adjust routines, schools coordinate efforts, and institutions mobilize support. This shared focus reinforces education as a collective national priority. Finally, the examination season offers an important story to tell our society: that we value hard work, resilience, and collective support. Students who complete examinations with confidence in their preparation, supported by teachers and families, are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to society in the future. That is the true nation-building promise of examinations, not merely to sort, but to prepare citizens who can think, care, and lead. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Day one of India AI Impact Summit sees thefts, long queues, blocked gates; Bengaluru entrepreneur says AI wearables were stolen from booth The India AI Impact Summit in Delhi was marred by allegations of theft and lack of coordination despite months of planning on day one of the event. The event reportedly ended in chaos as attendees complained of long queues and gate confusion, and stolen goods. A Bengaluru start-up CEO took to X to allege that his companys AI wearable was stolen from the stall on the very first day. Dhananjay Yadav, the co-founder and the CEO of NeoSapien, said that the day turned out to be a pain for us I came genuinely excited; it was the first time the summit was being hosted in India, and I wanted to show up personally to support the ecosystem and the governments push. Yadav alleged that the security personnel cordoned off the area to prepare for PM Narendra Modis visit at 2 pm. While one group asked Yadav to stay at the stall, another asked him to leave. At 12 noon, security personnel arrived to sanitise and cordon off the area ahead of the visit by PM Modi visit at 2 pm. I explained that were building Indias first patented AI wearable at NeoSapien and requested a chance to showcase it. One officer told others to let me stay, and they left. Then another group came and ordered us to leave immediately. Seemed like there was lack of co-ordination between the security itself, he said. Assuring him that the security would take care of the wearables, they were asked to leave. The gates were reportedly closed from 12-6 pm. Gates were closed from 12-6 pm. Much much longer than expected, Yadav wrote, adding later: our wearables were stolen. Think about this: We paid for flights, accommodation, logistics and even the booth. Only to see our wearables disappear inside a high-security zone. he called the event extremely disappointing. Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us. I came genuinely excited, it was the first time the summit was being hosted in India, and I wanted to show up personally to support the ecosystem and the governments push. But what happened next was shocking. At 12 pic.twitter.com/9gVygparq0 Dhananjay Yadav (@imDhananjay) February 16, 2026 Other delegates and founders also shared similar experiences at the event. An AI Summit that sidelines its own builders? 7 AM queues 9 AM entry 12 PM full evacuation Hours of sanitization PM visit at 5 PM . Day 1 Ends here Meanwhile exhibitors, delegates, startup founders left outside. No water. No clarity. Media shows celebration. pic.twitter.com/u6hXBbiDG6 Punit Jain (@punit__jain) February 16, 2026 Punit Jain, founder of Reskilll, shared on X, 7 AM queues, 9 AM entry, 12 PM full evacuation, Hours of sanitisation , PM visit at 5 PM. Day 1 Ends here. Just to shoot this reel, Modi got the venue of AI Impact Summit vacated for 6 hours. The worst part is, security officials asked AI engineers to leave their products and when they returned, products were stolen. What a shame! AI Impact Summit is Make in India 2.0 pic.twitter.com/vpVtK41GWV Shantanu (@shaandelhite) February 17, 2026 Meanwhile exhibitors, delegates, startup founders left outside. No water. No clarity, Maitreya Wagh, CEO and one of the founders of Bolna AI, took to X to say that he could not access his own booth at the AI summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe, he joked. Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe pic.twitter.com/YVIdWagxKM Maitreya Wagh (@maitreya_wagh) February 16, 2026 Daniel Otieno, a delegate from Kenya, who is an AI literacy specialist who uses AI to help those with learning disabilites said that navigating the bvenue was one of the biggest challenges to Mint.On top of that, the security personnel were not equipped well enough to understand global delegates and guide them, Otieno said. Romil Rungta from a Bengaluru-based AI startup YuVerse, who is an exhibitor at the event, told Mint that they were not just asked to vacate the exhibition. "To add to our horrors, the food counters were also shut, and we were just left roaming around cluelessly" for hours, he said. He said that the money that the startup spent on day 1 of the event was wasted. "We can't go out, we can't come in, we are literally feeling like (we're) in jail here, he said. Reuters reported that several delegates were left with unclear instructions and scrambled to reclaim their possessions after the the exhibition building was suddenly cleared ahead of security sweeps for high-level arrivals. The speakers for Tuesday's panel were also still awaiting confirmations of their sessions and agendas. Many also complained about poor signage and limited seating at the summit. The India AI summit will run until February 20. The Supreme Courts directive asking the Kerala government to clarify its position on womens entry into the Sabarimala temple before March 14 has once again placed the ruling CPI(M) in a politically delicate position. With Assembly elections just two months away, the governments response is being keenly watched as the ruling party still carries the scars of 2019 when its progressive stand in favour of allowing women of all ages to enter the shrine proved electorally costly in the subsequent Lok Sabha polls. On Monday, the top court announced that a nine-judge bench will commence final hearings from April 7 on a batch of petitions concerning alleged discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. The larger bench will be constituted by Chief Justice Surya Kant, while all parties have been directed to file their written submissions on or before March 14. Sabarimala, the serene hill shrine nestled in the Western Ghats, has not only shaped Keralas cultural fabric but has also significantly influenced its political trajectory. Controversies surrounding the Lord Ayyappa temple have frequently emerged as key issues during election campaigns, with major political parties seeking to mobilise and capitalise on the sentiments of devotees. The most recent of these controversies involve allegations of gold theft and alleged financial irregularities during the Global Ayyappa Sangamam held last year, with the CPI(M) finding itself on the receiving end in both matters. The legal battle over the centuries-old prohibition on the entry of women of menstruating age into the templewhere the presiding deity is revered as a celibatereached a flashpoint in 2018 when the Supreme Court of India lifted the ban, triggering widespread protests across Kerala. The CPI(M)-led state government adopted a firm position in support of the verdict and even facilitated the entry of two women into the shrine, even as protests by several Hindu organisations escalated into violence in parts of the state. It also launched a Navodhanam (reformation) campaign and set up a womens wall from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, claiming the participation of over 50 lakh women in the human chain. The Opposition Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party opposed the top court ruling, arguing that the practice was unique to Sabarimala and warranted protection as a matter of faith and tradition. In the subsequent parliamentary elections, the Left Front was reduced to a single seat, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) swept the remaining 19 constituencies. The BJP, which had spearheaded the agitation, also made notable gains, boosting its vote share across the state. Stand of successive governments In 2007, the Achuthanandan-led government submitted an affidavit stating that it was bound by a 1990 order of the Kerala High Court, which upheld the ban on women aged 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple. The affidavit, however, expressed reservations about the ruling, calling it unfair to bar a section of women from entering the shrine, and recommended the formation of a commission to study the issue in detail. In 2016, the UDF government under Oommen Chandy filed an additional affidavit, describing the arguments in the previous affidavit as erroneous and legally untenable, and fully endorsing the existing ban on womens entry. The subsequent Pinarayi Vijayan-led government did not formally revise the Oommen Chandy affidavit. However, in a written submission to the Supreme Court in November 2016, it expressed agreement with the original Achuthanandan affidavit. The Vijayan administration also noted that the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965, does not envisage any form of prohibition on entry. Whats governments stand now? Stung by the widespread outrage and protests in 2019, the government has softened its previously assertive stance and adopted a more conciliatory approach. While it has not formally announced any change in policy, both the government and the CPI(M) have been careful to avoid taking a vocal position on the issue. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurating the Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pamba near Sabarimala on September 20, 2025 | Harilal/Manorama On Monday, state law minister P. Rajeev exercised caution while addressing media queries on the governments stand. This is not a matter that can be answered with a simple yes or no. There are several constitutional complexities involved, and all aspects need to be carefully considered, he said. The minister added that the government remains committed to safeguarding the faith of devotees, while emphasising that faith and reform must progress hand in hand. NSS, SNDP seek to uphold custom The Nair Service Society (NSS) and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), representing two of Keralas most influential Hindu communities, have insisted that the government uphold traditional practices. The NSS had been at the forefront of the 2018 protests, mobilising women devotees and organising rallies and demonstrations. Alienating these communities could be politically costly for the CPI(M), which is seeking a third consecutive term in the state, relying heavily on the popularity of the Vijayan governments welfare initiatives. The Congress and the BJP have already begun to corner the government over the Supreme Court directive. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan remarked that the government's duplicity would be exposed if the affidavit was not revised. Satheesan further alleged that several organisations were invited to the Global Ayyappa Sangamam under the false impression that the government would change its stance on women's entry to the temple. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar suggested that the government might take a U-turn, as it had done on numerous other issues. He alleged that the government is willing to do anything with an eye on the upcoming elections. However, for the CPI(M), taking a firm stance either way presents risks. Remaining committed to its previous progressive position could jeopardise electoral prospects with elections looming, while reversing its stand would undermine the reformist image the party has cultivated. The CPI(M) thus finds itself caught literally between the devil and the deep sea. As the Middle East navigates geopolitical tensions and fluctuating oil prices, regional stock markets have recently experienced a cautious retreat, reflecting investor apprehension ahead of pivotal U.S.-Iran talks. Despite these challenges, the underlying fundamentals remain robust in some areas, offering potential opportunities for discerning investors to explore lesser-known stocks that could thrive amid current market dynamics. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In The Middle East Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Al Wathba National Insurance Company PJSC 10.17% 13.03% -7.06% Nofoth Food Products NA 21.36% 25.28% Baazeem Trading 10.02% -1.27% -1.66% Sure Global Tech NA 10.11% 15.42% Analyst I.M.S. Investment Management Services NA 31.20% 44.24% MOBI Industry 13.81% 5.68% 19.85% Najran Cement 14.49% -4.20% -30.16% Etihad GO Telecom NA 38.31% 54.97% Birikim Varlik Yonetim Anonim Sirketi 59.38% 42.42% 36.01% Blume Metal Kimya Anonim Sirketi 4.78% 36.99% 42.99% Click here to see the full list of 198 stocks from our Middle Eastern Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: RAK Properties PJSC, along with its subsidiaries, is involved in the investment, development, and management of real estate properties across the United Arab Emirates and has a market capitalization of AED4.35 billion. Operations: RAK Properties generates revenue primarily from real estate sales, which amount to AED1.54 billion, followed by hotel operations at AED225.37 million, and property leasing at AED73.60 million. The company focuses on these segments to drive its financial performance in the UAE market. RAK Properties, a noteworthy player in the Middle East real estate scene, has shown impressive financial strides. Earnings surged by 43.9% last year, outpacing the industry's 40.3% growth rate, highlighting its robust performance. The company trades at a significant discount of 72.6% below its estimated fair value, suggesting potential upside for investors seeking undervalued opportunities. Over five years, RAK Properties reduced its debt to equity ratio from 27.7% to 17%, with net debt levels deemed satisfactory at 8.3%. Recent earnings report reveals sales jumped to AED 1.84 billion from AED 1.41 billion and net income rose to AED 404 million from AED 281 million year-over-year. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyals announcement that India could receive a zero per cent tariff deal from the US on textiles, just like Bangladesh, has sent the Bangladesh garment industry into a tizzy. Under the new India-US trade deal, India will get zero-tariff access to the US market for clothes made using American cotton. The announcement has sparked fears in the neighbouring country, with exporters there fearing that the development could take away Bangladeshs edge in the garment exports to the US. They fear that the step taken by India could keep its garment industry competitive against regional rivals. Bangladesh may lose its competitiveness to some extent in the US markets if similar trade benefits are extended to Indian exporters, Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury, former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, told Daily Star Bangladesh. He cites Indias lower production costs, favourable customs treatment and robust government support for the textile sector as factors that could favour India. India is in an advantageous position in terms of cost of production, but equally treated by the US customs, and facilities offered by the Indian government to the textile and garment exporters, he added. However, the Bangladeshis are now clinging to the hope that the fact that India is a cotton exporter and not an importer like Bangladesh could come to its rescue. India is the world's second-largest exporter of raw cotton, with exports valued at over US$ 6.4 billion in FY 2024-25, driven by demand from Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam. India is also a major importer of US cotton, with imports reaching roughly 4.13 million bales in 202425. According to Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, the Trump administrations tariff cut will be applicable only for importers of cotton. India imposes a 12 per cent duty on cotton imports, while Bangladesh has zero duty on cotton imports. So Bangladesh can enjoy better benefits as Bangladesh is a major importer of cotton, he told Daily Star. While this could be a valid reason, this benefit could be offset by Bangladeshs dependence on imports. Bangladeshs import dependence means the cost of production in Bangladesh is higher than in India, according to experts. But India has been steadily taking over the market, with figures stating that 77 per cent of the US fashion brands and retailers sourcing material from India in 2025 and this could continue through 2027. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had declared that the Congress could win 90 out of 116 urban local bodies, and his prediction came true. The Congress party won 85 municipalities and five municipal corporations, consolidating its grip over urban local bodies in the state. The ruling party leveraged its dominant position and took advantage of Congress rebels, independents, ex officio votes of its MLAs, MPs and post-poll alliances with CPI and AIMIM. The party bagged five out of seven municipal corporations, while the BJP won the Karimnagar corporation. Congress has agreed to share the tenure with CPI in the Kothagudem corporation. Cross-party alliances and wooing of independents played a key role in Congress bagging the hung municipalities. The Congress party won the Nizamabad corporation with the help of AIMIM. Congress gave chairmanships to three independents, as their support was crucial to win those ULBs. The party also won two ULBs with the support of ex officio votes. Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) won 17 municipalities and could not win a single corporation. Though the party thought of helping Congress to bag the Karimnagar corporation, it backed off at the last minute and ensured the BJPs first-ever victory in a municipal corporation. Besides the Karimnagar corporation, the BJP won the Narayanpet municipality. BJP could not capture two corporations as they had initially hoped. But winning the Karimnagar corporation in such tough competition itself is considered a major victory for the party. This win has helped union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar cement his position as the most visible leader in the party. AIMIM won 70 wards this time, against 82 in 2020. However, the party capitalised on the state-wide spread of its seats. It could get one deputy mayor and two vice-chairperson positions. The CPI won its first-ever mayoral position in Telangana. While CPI candidate Mood Ganesh would be the mayor for the first time in Telangana, the second half of the term would go to a Congress candidate. These results have helped CM Revanth Reddy consolidate his position in the Congress party. Before these polls, there were some rumours of intra-party rivalry, though not on the Karnataka level. This victory could change that equation. Because of this perceived weakness, the BRS and BJP had attacked Revanth Reddys government every day from all sides. Government schemes and programmes were vigorously questioned by the opposition parties. For instance, the River Musi redevelopment project faced severe criticism from the opposition. Both BRS and BJP opposed the removal of houses from the riverbed and cornered the government. The farm loan reimbursement scheme, through which the Revanth Reddy government reimbursed more than Rs 22,000 crore to banks, was criticised for not covering all eligible farmers. Almost no major decision of the government went unattacked. Congress initially winning only 66 per cent of village panchayats was seen as a sign of weakness of the Congress government, as the party was known as a rural-based party. There was some speculation that BRS would fare well in the urban polls due to anti-incumbency and its strong presence in urban areas. There were expectations that urban voters would further reject Congress. However, Revanth Reddy turned the tables on everyone by winning over 90 ULBs out of 116. French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mumbai for a key visit, where he will engage in talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the progress of the India-France strategic partnership. This marks Macron's fourth visit to India since assuming the presidency in 2017. Macron was welcomed at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. Bienvenue a Mumbai! A very warm welcome to the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron as they arrive in Mumbai! Maharashtra welcomes you! Wishing Hon President Macron and the entire French delegation a pleasant stay and a successful pic.twitter.com/h0CrOc90OG Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 16, 2026 Later this afternoon, Modi and Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan in South Mumbai. Their discussions will focus on strengthening and diversifying the strategic partnership, exploring new areas of collaboration, and exchanging views on regional and global issues. A key topic on the agenda is the potential procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, as France seeks to deepen its military ties with India. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, recently approved a proposal worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore to purchase these jets from France's Dassault Aviation. India has already purchased 36 Rafale jets for its Air Force and placed an order for 26 more for its Navy. Later, Modi and Macron will inaugurate the "India-France Year of Innovation 2026," a joint initiative aimed at promoting collaboration between business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators from both countries. Ahead of his visit, Macron posted on X, "En route to India! Three days from Mumbai to New Delhi to take our strategic partnership even further. On board with me: business leaders and the economic, industrial, cultural, and digital players who bring our ties to life. Together, we will take our cooperation to new heights. See you tomorrow, my dear friend @NarendraModi!" Macron is in India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to attend the AI Impact Summit, which is being hosted by India. After the swearing-in of new Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday evening met the leader and handed over a letter from PM Narendra Modi inviting him to New Delhi. Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri as he represented India at the oath-taking ceremony of Rahman. Rahman's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said both sides held talks for around 20 minutes. Just concluded a constructive meeting with Prime Minister of Bangladesh @trahmanbnp I handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi conveying his wishes to PM Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience. I extended warm congratulations pic.twitter.com/gFNqLmnxsT Om Birla (@ombirlakota) February 17, 2026 Pointing out that he is glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony, Birla posted on X, "India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation." Calling the meeting constructive, Birla wrote, "I handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi conveying his wishes to PM Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience." "I extended warm congratulations on behalf of the people of India and reaffirmed our commitment to deepening the enduring partnership between our two neighbouring countries," he added. Highlighting the depth of ties between the two neighbours, PM Modi wrote, "As two close neighbours, India and Bangladesh have a deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of our peoples for peace and prosperity." After the meeting, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah said both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, "pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation." Originally, Bangladesh had invited PM Modi to the ceremony, but he could not attend the event as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old MBA student was found dead at her classmate's rented accommodation in Indore. The incident was brought to the attention of the police after neighbours reported a foul smell from the house. The accused, who attempted to flee the incident, was arrested in Mumbai on Monday. The interrogation has uncovered shocking details. The accused has been identified by Piyush Dhamnotiya. In the CCTV footage, Dhamnotiya is seen arriving with the student on February 10. About two and a half hours later, the same cameras, installed near his house, recorded him leaving alone, carrying a bag. According to police, the refusal of sex led to the murder of the student. He allegedly forced himself on her, and after the assault, he tied her hands and feet with ropes found in the apartment. She was blindfolded and stuffed with cloth into her mouth. Reportedly, he sat on her chest, choking her till she lost consciousness. When she had stopped breathing, he allegedly stabbed her chest with such force that the knife broke. After killing her, he later stepped out, bought beer from a liquor shop, returned, and drank beside her lifeless body, police said. The interrogation revealed that he lit incense sticks in a secluded corner of Panvel and watched YouTube videos on "how to summon spirits". Officials added that he sexually assaulted the victim's body, leaving her naked before fleeing the scene. The accused also said that he wanted to marry her, and she was distancing herself from him. Dhamnotiya attempted to perform black magic in an isolated area in Maharashtra. According to Indore DCP Krishnalal Chandni, he was mentally disturbed and tried to communicate with the woman's spirit. In a dramatic midnight chase off the Gujarat coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) intercepted a foreign speedboat carrying 203 kg of a crystalline, drug-like substance, dealing a fresh blow to suspected maritime narcotics smuggling networks. The joint operation, conducted overnight on February 16, was testament to how Indias coastal security agencies were increasingly relying on intelligence-led, technology-backed patrols to police the Arabian Sea. Intelligence tip-off turns into high-seas chase The ICGs North West Region received a corroborated input from Gujarat ATS about a foreign fishing boat suspected to be ferrying drugs close to the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), the Coast Guard said. For more maritime and shipping news and views, visit: Maritime, Ahoy! An ICG ship already on multi-mission deployment was diverted to intercept the vessel. Despite pitch-dark conditions, the Coast Guard crew managed to identify the suspect craft using a mix of human surveillance and onboard sensors. Once the smugglers spotted the approaching ICG ship, they attempted to flee towards the IMBL, triggering a high-speed pursuit on the rough seas. Despite the initial distance between the two vessels, the Coast Guard warship closed in, chased down the speedboat and forced it to stop, preventing a possible dash into international waters. 203 kg suspected drugs, foreign crew held On boarding, the ICG team found that the boat was manned by two crew members of foreign nationality. A thorough search revealed 203 packets, each weighing 1 kg, of crystalline material hidden inside the boatsuspected to be narcotic drugs pending chemical analysis. The seized vessel has been brought to Porbandar for detailed investigation, including forensic testing of the seized substance and questioning of the crew to trace the wider network. An official press statement from the Indian Coast Guard noted that the operation was part of a series of successful joint actions by the ICG and Gujarat ATS in recent years, aimed at choking off the use of Indias western seaboard for smuggling contraband. The Coast Guard described the bust as further proof that close coordination between maritime forces and land-based intelligence units is critical to securing Indias coastline and preventing drug cartels from exploiting the cover of darkness and proximity to the international boundary. Iran launched a major series of live-fire naval drills titled Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, even as high-stakes nuclear negotiations with the United States resume in Geneva on Tuesday. The exercises, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under its commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour, began just hours before Iranian and American negotiators returned to the table, in an act of diplomatic brinkmanship. According to Iranian state media, the drills are defensive in nature, designed to assess the readiness of naval units to respond to potential security and military threats. Officials say the exercises involve reviewing maritime security plans and rehearsing scenarios for reciprocal action in the event of aggression. Intelligence analysts note that Tehran has deployed fast attack craft, naval drones and land-based anti-ship missile systems, showcasing capabilities intended to dominate a confined maritime theatre. #IRGC Navy has launched the Smart Control of Strait of Hormuz combined drill. The exercise focuses on rapid, decisive, and comprehensive responses to security threats. Units are testing counter-action scenarios and leveraging #Irans geopolitical advantage in Persian Gulf. pic.twitter.com/8v5V6g7meP Iran Nuances (@IranNuances) February 16, 2026 The choice of location is central to the message. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow 170km passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the worlds most critical energy chokepoints. Roughly 20 per cent of global oil supplies transit the waterway. By conducting live-fire drills there, Iran is signalling that it retains the capacity to disrupt global energy flows if confronted militarily. The implicit warning is that any escalation could send oil prices soaring, rattling global markets and imposing costs far beyond the immediate theatre of conflict. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Tehrans manoeuvres are widely seen as a response to what President Donald Trump has described as a beautiful armadaa significant US naval buildup in the region that includes the carrier strike groups centred on the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford. Irans Hormuz gambit is clearly an attempt to demonstrate that any use of force will have unwelcome consequences. But such high-visibility military posturing increases the danger of miscalculation in a crowded and volatile maritime environment. By escalating rhetoric and military visibility on the eve of negotiations, Iran appears intent on strengthening its bargaining position. Meanwhile, the diplomatic track in Geneva is proceeding in an atmosphere of deep mistrust. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived declaring that he carried real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal, while insisting that submission before threats was not an option. His remarks reflect a balancing act signalling openness to negotiation while rejecting any appearance of capitulation under pressure. The gap between the two sides remains wide. The Trump administrations position is demanding zero uranium enrichment, the dismantling of Irans existing stockpile, stringent limits on ballistic missile development and an end to support for allied non-state actors across the region. For Tehran, several of these demands strike at core elements of national sovereignty and strategic doctrine. Iran has shown some willingness to enhance transparency and even potentially reduce enrichment levels if the US is ready to offer meaningful sanctions. Yet the missile programme is a red line, and so is the demand for zero enrichment on Iranian soil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed scepticism about the prospects for a breakthrough, highlighting what he describes as the ideological rigidity of Irans leadership. The rhetoric from Washington suggests limited confidence in a swift diplomatic resolution, even as talks continue. Complicating matters further is the shadow of the brief but intense 12-day war of June last year, during which the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The International Atomic Energy Agency is now seeking access to damaged sites to inspect highly enriched uranium believed to be buried under rubble. But the hardliners in Tehran, who still have the edge in the corridors of power, are vehemently opposed to any such move. Then there is the question of regime stability. Following the nationwide anti-government protests in Iran, met by a harsh crackdown that left thousands dead, Trump has openly spoken in favour of regime change, describing it as the best thing that could happen for Iran. Such statements deepen Tehrans perception that negotiations are not merely about nuclear parameters but about the survival of the Islamic Republic itself. The regime in Tehran issqueezed between external pressure and internal discontent. It has a population weary of sanctions, repression and economic hardship. And, if diplomacy falters, military action aimed at degrading Irans capabilitiesor even destabilising the regimecould become increasingly likely. Dubai-based Indian national Jugwinder Singh Brar, owner of the three Iran-linked ships seized by Indian authorities earlier this month, has threatened to file a defamation case against the Indian authorities for seizing his innocent ships. Brar is the owner of the three sanctioned vessels - Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia - which were seized by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) during its crackdown on illicit oil trade and ship-to-ship cargo transfers. The government also confirmed the seizure of the tankers about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai following detection of suspicious activity in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but did not mention the Iran link. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East According to a statement issued by the ICG, it busted an international oil smuggling racket through a coordinated sea-air operation conducted between February 5 and 6. The operation targeted an organised network involved in illicit mid-sea transfers of oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-affected regions. However, Brar told Tradewinds News that his tankers arrested by the ICG are innocent of oil smuggling. The vessels are operated by Brars Prime Tankers LLC (Prime Tankers) and Glory International FZ-LLC (Glory International), which has over 30 petroleum tankers, the majority of which are handysize ones that stick to coastal waters and carry a fraction of the cargo of larger tankers. Who is Jugwinder Singh Brar? US reveals modus operandi of Indian tycoon's Handysize tankers which functioned as Iran's shadow fleet Brar was sanctioned in April 2025 by the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac), which accused the fleet of 27 tankers of facilitating the transport of Iranian oil. Brar said he plans to file a defamation case against the Indian authorities. There is no smuggling involved, he said, adding that Al Jafzia had been sold for scrap and was awaiting clearance to berth in India a good 150 nautical miles from the Indian coast. When a vessel is sent for scrap, the minimum amount of bunkers and stores is sent with it, he said. Because she was not getting permissions, she was waiting there. And after a long wait of about 15 days, she started running low on bunkers, Singh Brar told TradeWinds. Its dangerous to the environment. If she is to black out, she could go aground. The Asphalt Star went out to deliver 20 tonnes of bunkers to the MR tanker, the owner said. That is all that was done at 150 nautical miles. No commercial activity, he stressed. The Stellar Ruby had discharged a cargo in India and was taking out water supplies to the Al Jafzia, he added: She took proper permission from the coastguard to provide drinking water. He said any vessel in distress can be supplied with water, bunkers or provisions, and no country could stop from helping them. He also accused the ICG of having no experience, knowledge and of harassing the ships. Theres not a drop of smuggling or anything to do with the shadow fleet, or this fleet or that fleet, he said. He is denying Iranian trading claims and is still fighting the US authorities over the sanctions. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will attend the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and deliver his scheduled keynote address, the Gates Foundation confirmed on Tuesday. The clarification came after reports suggesting that Gates had withdrawn from the summit due to the ongoing Epstein controversy. The reports stem from newly released files by the US Justice Department, which allege that Gates asked one of his advisers for medication to treat sexually transmitted diseases, reportedly from "sex with Russian girls." Gates spokesperson has called these allegations "absolutely absurd and completely false." Speculation about Gates' attendance grew after his name was found missing from the summit's speaker list on Tuesday. Earlier last week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also cancelled his plans to attend the summit. While Nvidia did not provide an official reason, some speculated his withdrawal could be linked to Gates' involvement in the event. Huang had been one of the key attractions at the summit. In its statement, the Gates Foundation noted that India is a global leader in artificial intelligence, powered by one of the worlds largest AI talent pools, rapid adoption across sectors, and innovation at population scale. Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled. India is a global leader in artificial intelligence, powered by one of the worlds largest AI talent pools, rapid adoption across sectors, and innovation at population scale. Under the pic.twitter.com/e3v8wXHBXA Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) February 17, 2026 "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AI has become central to Indias vision of Viksit Bharat, driving inclusive growth and responsible innovation," it said. "Indias distinctive public-private model, bringing together government, startups, academia, and industry, is proving that AI can be built for impact, for inclusion, and for the world." Meanwhile, Gates is currently on a tour of Andhra Pradesh, where he praised the state's innovations in health, agriculture, and education. In a post on X, Gates thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the warm welcome, saying, "Its exciting to witness Andhra Pradesh's growth being accelerated through AI, technology, and innovations across health, agriculture & education." During his visit to the states capital, Amaravati, Gates engaged in several activities, including a meeting with the Chief Minister and officials to review presentations on the use of technology in governance. He also visited a banana orchard near the Krishna River in Undavalli village, located in Guntur district. As if straining to remain relevant, outgoing interim adviser Muhammad Yunus, in his parting flourish, felt compelled to sketch a grand vision of growth opportunities arising from regional connectivity. Without daring to name India, he floated the idea of a sub-regional economic framework Bangladeshs maritime access linking Nepal, Bhutan, and the so-called Seven Sisters. In his outgoing speech, Yunus declared that Bangladesh could reinvent itself as the central hub, the indispensable bridge between landlocked neighbours and global markets; that the countrys open sea was not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy. The timing, of course, was exquisite. On the very day, India and other neighbours were preoccupied with the formation of Bangladeshs new government, led by the young son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, Mohammed Yunus chose to lob this unsolicited vision. His suggestion of independently connecting with Indias northeastern states, sidestepping sovereignty altogether, was enough to divert New Delhis gaze from Dhakas political transition. Instead of celebrating the generational shift in Bangladeshs leadership, India found itself distracted by Yunuss shadow play masquerading as an exit speech, but really just a last attempt to stay in the headlines. Vaishali Basu Sharma His pointed reference to Indias northeastern states collectively known as the Seven Sisters while conspicuously omitting any direct mention of India itself, was a calculated act of strategic messaging, designed to project defiance and in doing so, inviting controversy. This was not Yunuss first foray into divisive posturing. Last year during his four-day visit to China in March, where Yunus met with Chinese President Xi Jinping he made similar controversial remarks. Referring to Indias northeastern states as landlocked, he cast Bangladesh as the guardian of the ocean for the region. His words were strikingly blunt: Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters... they are landlocked country, landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China, bring it out to the whole rest of the world. But both times Yunuss rhetoric, couched in grand visions of connectivity, carry undertones of provocation, aimed at unsettling regional balances, especially effective as India seeks to refine relations with the newly elected BNP government. Yunus's statements about Indias seven sisters not only undermines India's territorial integrity but also invite geopolitical concerns, as it positions Bangladesh as a potential intermediary for Chinese influence in the region, and is an attempt to align with Beijings strategic narrative. In an earlier interview, former Indian diplomat Deepak Vohra bluntly branded Yunus the duffer of Dhaka, a label that others have echoed with their own variations, calling him Muhammad useless Khan. To many, his rise was no accident but the result of American engineering. There remains plausible speculation that Yunus was foisted upon the people of Bangladesh by Washington, eager to install a pliant figure. The logic was simple: Americas foremost adversary is China, and Hasina herself had claimed before her ouster that US officials pressed her to hand over St. Martins Island, a strategic outpost from which they could monitor Beijing and potentially establish a military base. Her refusal, she argued, sealed her fate. Yunus, brought in as the supposed American puppet, was expected to serve US interests. Yet once in power, Yunus veered off-script. He began courting Beijing, indulging in talk of connectivity with China, while simultaneously dabbling with radical, terror-linked Islamist factions domestically. Far from the neutral caretaker he was meant to be, Yunus chose sides provoking instability at home and suspicion abroad. With India, Yunus managed to drive relations to their lowest point in years. In a parallel bid to mend ties with Pakistan, he fared no better. When the Pakistani foreign secretary visited Dhaka, the smiles and handshakes quickly gave way to hard demands: Bangladesh insisted on $4.5 billion, claiming it as its rightful share of undivided Pakistans pre-1971 assets, aid money, provident fund savings, and other instruments. His interim government then pressed Islamabad for a public apology for the anti-Bengali genocide of 1971, a stark reminder that Bangladesh has not overcome the trauma of its bloody birth. Yunuss gestures, meant to project statesmanship, instead underscore lack of diplomatic sensitivity in regional geopolitics. In his February 16 exit speech, Yunus also sought to cast his tenure in triumphant terms, insisting that his administration had restored three pillars of Bangladeshs foreign engagement sovereignty, national interests, and dignity. The claim, however, rings hollow. His tenure was marred by allegations of stifling democracy and the legalisation of radical parties, leaving the nations political landscape volatile and deeply unsettled. Yunus had promised a government of reform, yet his leadership was defined instead by chaos, violence, and mismanagement. Behind the polished rhetoric of renewal lay a harsher reality: an administration failing to uphold its duties, plagued by extremism, communal unrest, and economic decline. Throughout 2025, Yunus faced mounting criticism within the interim government for repeatedly postponing elections. It was only under relentless pressure political parties uniting against his rule and demanding polls by December that he finally conceded to elections in 2026, more than 18 months after the ouster of Sheikh Hasinas elected government. Save for the few thousand jihadi sympathisers who still rally behind him, Yunuss departure is sure to bring relief to the majority of Bangladeshis. And without naming any country, Yunus's departure is welcomed by Bangladeshs neighbours. The author is a strategic and economic affairs analyst. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Florida resident Jessica Gipson spent her 20s saving money so she could invest in real estate. Then she met a man through mutual connections who said he was working on a great trading deal and the timing seemed right. (1) "He felt very trustworthy, she told CBS News Miami. We had spent some time together. It's not like I had met someone and we were just going off of a whim." Must Read The man, identified as Alex Lee Moore, showed her a one-page contract indicating that if she invested $25,000 with him, shed get a tenfold return of $250,000 on Jan. 17 2025 plus 40 follow-up weekly performance checks. Gipson said she only had $21,000 in savings to invest, but he said that was fine. She signed the contract. And thats the last she saw of her $21,000 investment or any money at all from Moore. Gipson told CBS News Miami that when she started reaching out to him last January, he was evasive. Theres a different excuse of The money is backed up, or The deal didnt go through or The person who was supposed to pay on the deal didnt go through, she said. She sent Moore a letter of withdrawal and demand letters (one written by her lawyer) to no avail, then filed a police report. The police told Moore it was a civil matter. She did file a suit in Florida Circuit Court last August, but the case was not settled in court (2). In desperation, she reached out to CBS News Miami. When the media outlet got in touch with Moore, he told them not to run the story. He has still not returned Gipsons money. She told CBS News that its been a tough lesson and admits it was a too-good-to-be-true deal. Its not only tricky for victims of investment scams to pursue justice, its tough for prosecutors too. Heres why, and how to protect yourself. Financial fraud is hard to prosecute Investment scams are a massive part of the modern financial landscape. The Federal Trade Commission reports that consumers lost $4.6 billion to investment scams in 2023. By 2024, that figure rose to $5.7 billion, with a median loss of over $9,000 for victims (3). Unfortunately, prosecuting fraudsters in civil court is notoriously difficult. Federal prosecutors filed charges in only 24% of white-collar criminal referrals in 2025 (4). Pakistans Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Tuesday that Imran Khans sister, Aleema Khan, was the reason behind the delay in the eye examination of the former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party founder. He dismissed what he called "baseless propaganda" regarding Khan's health. Naqvi detailed the meeting between the doctors who examined the PTI founder in Rawalpindis Adiala Jail and Imrans medical team and PTI leaders, during a press conference in Lahore. He said that the party leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made with the treatment after they received a 45-minute briefing on the treatment. His (Imran's) doctors said, excellent! Had we done the treatment, we would have done the same. Political leaders said, we are satisfied, and we will tell our people about this, Naqvi said. He also rejected claims that Imran Khan lost 85 per cent of vision in his right eye. Naqvi also said he asked the medical team if they wanted to conduct further tests, and that they responded that all possible tests had been conducted. But all I can tell you is that Aleema Khan sahiba told her party that if we accept this, the issue will die down. Due to her, the medical check-up could not be conducted for three days, he said. The minister said that on one hand they are very close and onthe other they politicised the issue, which led to the three-day delay in the check-up. Khan was taken to the Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital for a medical check-up earlier this week after he developed a blood clot in his right eye which led to a "partial loss of vision". As Geneva in Switzerland braces to host the Ukraine-Russia peace talks, the second round of talks after the US-brokered negotiations held in the UAE in January and early February, all eyes are on Russian President Vladimir Putins nominee to lead the negotiation team. The Russian delegation underwent a makeover for the second round and has been expanded to 20 people. It will also mark the return of Vladimir Medinsky as leader of the delegation. Medinsky is a close aide of Vladimir Putin, and his return as the chief negotiator has raised eyebrows, with political analysts saying the Kremlin is planning to tighten its position by sending its trump card to helm the talks. Russias official position on sending Medinsky is that he still retains the position of head of the Russian negotiating team. According to Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, this decision is connected with a broader range of issues planned to be raised in Switzerland. Medinsky was absent from the meetings in the UAE because they were devoted to security issues under the military's jurisdiction, Peskov said. "Tras la Revolucion y la Guerra Civil de 1928, no solo estabamos bajo sanciones; la Rusia Sovietica se enfrento a un bloqueo diplomatico y economico total por parte de TODOS. No nos impidio ganar la II Guerra Mundial." - Vladimir Medinsky, jefe de la delegacion en Estambul. pic.twitter.com/dE0iInGFLr Nesta (@dprkarlos) July 24, 2025 Expectedly, Ukraine is shocked by Vladimir Medinsky's return to the leadership of the Ukraine negotiating group. According to RBC-Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Moscow's decision to "change the leader of its negotiating team" a surprise. He argued that by doing so, the Russian side "wants to postpone a decision." There was careful planning to it. According to Russian political scientist and director of the Institute of Contemporary State Development Dmitry Solonnikov, If he wasn't in Abu Dhabi, the political scientist added, it was only because purely technical discussions were underway there: how to stop the fighting, disengage troops, and ensure the safety of observers. It was an attempt to put the cart before the horse to discuss the technical details of peace before an agreement in principle had been reached. Changing the composition of the delegation most likely means changing the subject of the negotiations. The agreement will be discussed now. Not the technical issues of when peace will come, but the question of whether peace will come at all, and if so, under what rules. The rules will be discussed," Solonnikov explained. However, there are others like Moldovan political scientist Alexander Korinenko who believe there is no specific hardening of Moscow's position with the arrival of Medinsky. "In my opinion, there's no point in talking about either softening or hardening any positions. Different negotiators are needed to solve different problems. And this approach is logical," RIA Novosti quotes the expert as saying. In his assessment, the choice of specific negotiators is always determined by the specific tasks facing them, and this approach on the part of Moscow appears entirely rational. Korinenko also recalled that Russia has repeatedly expressed its desire to address the root causes of the conflict. "Therefore, Medinsky is going for strategic purposesto discuss and address the root causes. In other words, he is the person who will essentially be building the security architecture, and only then will the military resolve tactical issues on the ground," the political scientist explained. In his farewell address on Monday, Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, emphasized that his 18 months in power had restored the countrys sovereignty, national interests, and dignity. He declared that Bangladesh was no longer a nation with a submissive foreign policy or one that relied on the instructions and advice of other countries. The remark was widely interpreted as a subtle critique of New Delhi, in light of the recent tensions between India and Bangladesh. Yunus assumed the role of interim chief following the student-led uprising that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. His comments came ahead of the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who won the general elections nearly two years after the upheaval. In his address, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh's open seas as a "strategic asset" that could unlock significant economic opportunities for the country. He stressed the vast potential for regional cooperation with neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India's northeastern statescollectively known as the "Seven Sisters." "Our open seas are not just bordersthey are gateways to the global economy," Yunus stated. "With Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, this region offers immense economic potential. Through economic zones, trade agreements, and duty-free market access, we can establish Bangladesh as a global manufacturing hub." His reference to the "Seven Sisters" without explicitly mentioning India has raised eyebrows, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt to emphasize the regions economic identity. Yunus made a similar remark last year, stating that seven Indian states are landlocked by Bangladesh. "The seven states in eastern India, known as the 'Seven Sisters,' are entirely landlocked and have no direct access to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the sea for this entire region," he said during his visit to China. Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (NYSEARCA:XYLD Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 1,064,785 shares, a drop of 18.6% from the January 15th total of 1,308,724 shares. Currently, 1.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 884,769 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 884,769 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days. Currently, 1.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF Price Performance XYLD traded up $0.12 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $40.61. 1,018,079 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 832,046. Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF has a 52 week low of $34.53 and a 52 week high of $42.92. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $40.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $39.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.32 and a beta of 0.53. Get Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF alerts: Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were given a dividend of $0.3597 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 20th. This is an increase from Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.33. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF Company Profile Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of XYLD. MGB Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Activest Wealth Management bought a new position in Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF during the third quarter valued at $52,000. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF during the third quarter valued at $58,000. (Get Free Report) The Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite index. The fund tracks an index of S&P 500 stocks and sells one-month, at-the-money call options on up to 100% of each stock. XYLD was launched on Jun 24, 2013 and is managed by Global X. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (NYSE:LAR Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 6,371,015 shares, a decrease of 18.9% from the January 15th total of 7,853,267 shares. Approximately 4.9% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,964,254 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,964,254 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.6 days. Approximately 4.9% of the shares of the company are short sold. Lithium Americas (Argentina) Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LAR traded up $0.31 during trading on Monday, hitting $6.94. 2,435,694 shares of the company were exchanged. Lithium Americas has a 52-week low of $1.71 and a 52-week high of $8.80. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $6.61 and a 200 day moving average of $4.87. The company has a market cap of $1.13 billion and a PE ratio of -13.88. Get Lithium Americas (Argentina) alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently weighed in on LAR. TD Securities raised shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Lithium Americas (Argentina) from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $8.30 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. HSBC raised Lithium Americas (Argentina) from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $4.75 to $9.60 in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Finally, Scotiabank raised Lithium Americas (Argentina) from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $4.25 to $7.75 in a report on Monday, January 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Lithium Americas (Argentina) presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $7.44. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LAR. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its position in shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 2.3% during the third quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 128,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $428,000 after buying an additional 2,940 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. grew its stake in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 3.0% during the second quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 103,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $216,000 after acquiring an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 14.1% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 26,030 shares of the companys stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 3,214 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its stake in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 45.3% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 11,388 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 3,552 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 7.1% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 54,020 shares of the companys stock valued at $112,000 after purchasing an additional 3,575 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 49.17% of the companys stock. Lithium Americas (Argentina) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lithium Americas (Argentina) is a subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. focused on the exploration, development and production of lithium brine resources in the Jujuy province of northwest Argentina. The companys principal asset is the Cauchari-Olaroz project, situated within the Lithium Triangle, one of the worlds richest regions for lithium-bearing brines. Through its Argentine operations, Lithium Americas aims to supply battery-grade lithium carbonate critical to electric vehicle and energy-storage markets. The Cauchari-Olaroz project encompasses concessions on the Salar de Cauchari and Salar de Olaroz salt flats, where detailed drilling programs and pilot?scale evaporation ponds have demonstrated favorable lithium concentrations. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lithium Americas (Argentina) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithium Americas (Argentina) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Baby Bunting Group (ASX:BBN) reported record sales and record gross margin for the first half of FY 2026, with management pointing to accelerating comparable store sales, early benefits from its Store of the Future refurbishment program, and continued growth in online and New Zealand. Get alerts: Record sales and margin as comparable growth accelerates CEO Mark Teperson said total sales rose 6.7% year-over-year, driven by comparable store sales growth of 4.7%, which exceeded the companys guidance for the half. CFO Darin Hoekman added that comparable sales improved through the half, rising 3.7% in Q1 and 5.6% in Q2, and said the improving trend had continued into the second half. Store of the Future delivering uplift; network optimization continues Excluding disruption from store refurbishments, underlying comparable sales growth was 5.7% for the half, according to Hoekman. Management attributed the improvement to strong uplift in refurbished stores, strengthening performance in the broader store network, and targeted investments in advertising. Teperson highlighted early validation from the Store of the Future program. During the half, Baby Bunting refurbished six more locations, bringing the cohort to nine trading stores. Since reopening, the refurbished stores delivered an average sales uplift of 25%, at the top end of the companys 15%25% target range. In Q&A, Teperson said the company is tracking customer behavior metricsincluding new and returning customer rates, purchase frequency, average transaction value, average selling price, and basket sizeto identify variability across locations and pinpoint levers to improve performance. He also said the company is learning how demand shifts after refurbishments and has identified opportunities to improve on-shelf availability through stock replenishment tuning. On the timing of uplift, Teperson said the companys 15%25% expectation reflects cumulative performance in the first year post-refurbishment, with performance moderating over time. Operationally, Baby Bunting also opened two new large format stores and continued actively optimizing the network. Teperson said the company exited its only loss-making large format store and relocated another to a stronger retail precinct within the same catchment. Profit outcome, costs, and margin drivers Gross margin reached a record 41%, up 124 basis points year-over-year. Management said margin expansion reflected initiatives including the annualization of supplier trading terms renegotiated over the past 18 months and increasing penetration of exclusive brand partners. Hoekman noted Flex reached 48.6% of sales and said soft goods sales increased 14.2% for the period, which he attributed to product innovation and merchandising changes in the Store of the Future format. In New Zealand, gross margin expanded 140 basis points alongside comparable sales growth of 16.5% in the first half. Pro forma NPAT was AUD 5.0 million, at the midpoint of Baby Buntings guidance range of AUD 4.5 million to AUD 5.5 million. Excluding significant items related to store closures and refurbishments, management said underlying NPAT was AUD 7.2 million, up 44% year-over-year, with underlying EBITDA at 6% of sales. Hoekman said the first-half guidance had included network optimization costs and store refurbishment expenses, including accelerated depreciation and relaunch costs. He also said the company incurred additional Q2 costs above those assumed in first-half guidance, including higher make-good costs at site exits and compliance costs tied to mandatory standards changes and tax compliance. Cost of doing business (CODB) increased due to deliberate investment in growth and capability. Hoekman said AUD 2.6 million of CODB increases related to store network expansion, and he outlined increased investment in the retail media team, merchandise capability, data and analytics, and marketing. Marketing investment rose AUD 1.8 million to 2.7% of sales. The company said spending supported Store of the Future launch campaigns and broader brand and social advertising, and management expects marketing to stabilize relative to sales beyond the period. Asked about second-half CODB, Teperson said the company anticipated CODB leverage through the second half and beyond, while noting higher second-half depreciation due to increased first-half CapEx investment. Online growth, retail media, and small-format pilots Online sales growth remained a bright spot. Hoekman said online sales, including click and collect, grew 18% year-over-year and represented 24.8% of total sales, driven by same-day and next-day delivery and scaling fulfillment across the store network. Teperson said online fulfillment is now 100% from stores, which he said supports faster delivery and optimizes delivery costs while leveraging store labor more efficiently. The companys retail media program also grew, with Teperson saying supplier campaigns had strong uptake and the business was tracking to plan at 1% of sales. Management reiterated its target of an AUD 2 million to AUD 3 million incremental gross margin contribution from retail media in FY 2026. Baby Bunting launched three junior small-format pilot stores in the half. Teperson said the smaller format is designed to extend the brand into higher-density catchments with lower capital intensity, targeting AUD 2.5 million in annual revenue and a 50% return on invested capital. Early indicators were described as encouraging, with all three stores achieving gross margin targets and strong in-store conversion. However, Teperson said one store was trading to plan while two were below initial sales expectations, though improving. He said a key issue was converting passing shopping-center traffic into store visits, and that in-store conversion and category performance were consistent across the three. Teperson and Hoekman said competitive intensity was not meaningfully different across the three locations. Balance sheet, CapEx, New Zealand progress, and outlook Hoekman said the balance sheet remained healthy after a period of elevated investment. Inventory ended at AUD 107 million, up AUD 9 million from the prior half year, which management tied to five new stores and increased safety stock in prams and car seats supporting exclusive product growth. Net debt was AUD 21.1 million, and the company said it had covenant headroom and financial flexibility. Cash conversion was 70.9%, in line with historical averages and the companys targeted range. First-half investment expenditure totaled AUD 25.9 million as the company accelerated from pilot to a broader refurbishment program. For the full year, Baby Bunting now expects CapEx of AUD 41 million to AUD 43 million, excluding AUD 2 million of rent-free landlord contributions (AUD 1 million received in the first half and a further AUD 1 million confirmed for the second half). Second-half CapEx is expected to be approximately AUD 15 million to AUD 17 million. Teperson said first-half refurbishments averaged AUD 1.7 million per store, above original estimates as the company prioritized speed to market, including higher build costs such as air freight. He said the business case remains based on sub-three-year paybacks, and the company expects average refurbishment investment to decline to about AUD 1.5 million per store in the second half as efficiencies are implemented. In New Zealand, management said the business delivered 16.5% sales growth in the first half and sees a pathway to profitability from FY 2027. Teperson said unaided brand awareness rose 600 basis points nationally and 800 basis points in Auckland following a brand awareness campaign, and noted the first Store of the Future in Auckland opened in December with strong initial sales performance. New Zealand comparable sales growth was up 17.8% in the first seven weeks of the second half. Baby Bunting also announced a new three-year exclusive partnership with Stokke, which management said would begin in April with plans to launch in the final quarter and build momentum into FY 2027. For trading and guidance, Teperson said comparable store sales growth was 6.7% in the first seven weeks of the second half, with New Zealand up 17.8%. The company plans to refurbish six stores in the second half, open two new large format stores, and continue refining the small-format pilots. Baby Bunting reaffirmed second-half pro forma NPAT guidance of AUD 12.5 million to AUD 14.5 million and said full-year pro forma NPAT is expected to be AUD 17.5 million to AUD 19.5 million. In Q&A, Hoekman said FY 2026 depreciation and amortization is expected to be around AUD 44 million. About Baby Bunting Group (ASX:BBN) Baby Bunting Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as specialty retailer of maternity and baby goods in Australia. The company's principal product categories include prams, cots and nursery furniture, car safety, toys, babywear, feeding, nappies, and Manchester and associated accessories. Its products primarily cater to parents with children from newborn to three years of age, and parents-to-be. The company operates various stores in Australia and New Zealand, as well as sells products through babybunting.com.au, an online store. Recommended Stories Judo Capital (ASX:JDO) outlined a step-up in profitability and return metrics in its first-half FY2026 results webcast, pointing to operating leverage from scale, stable margins, and continued above-system lending growth. Management also tightened and upgraded several elements of guidance, while maintaining its full-year profit outlook. Get alerts: First-half result highlights CEO Chris Bayliss said FY2026 marks the banks 10th year, describing the groups evolution from writing its first loan as a non-bank in 2018 to becoming a national SME-focused bank with 171 bankers across 32 locations. Bayliss said the balance sheet now includes AUD 13.4 billion of lending and AUD 10.9 billion of deposits, serving nearly 5,000 business customers. For the half, Judo reported, which Bayliss said was upand. CFO Andrew Leslie added that net profit after tax rose, earnings per share increased, and return on equity improved to(uphalf-on-half). Bayliss cited an ROE improvement ofand said EPS was up Bayliss said the bank delivered a cost-to-income (CTI) ratio below 50%, consistent with guidance, while continuing disciplined investment in growth and productivity. Leslie put first-half CTI at 48.5%, up 60 basis points half-on-half but down 890 basis points compared to the prior corresponding period. Loan growth, banker expansion, and attrition Judos gross loans and advances rose by AUD 900 million over the half to AUD 13.4 billion. Management said growth was diversified across regions and sectors, with momentum building in warehouse lending as forward-flow lines written last year began drawing. The bank added 10 bankers during the half (from 161 to 171) and opened a new location in Devonport, with plans to open three additional locations subject to hiring what Bayliss called the very best banker in town. Bayliss emphasized that business banking really is a people business, while also highlighting that productivity initiatives are beginning to translate into higher banker output. Bayliss said attrition remains higher than the banks 20% thesis, running around 25%30% in the immediate short term. He attributed elevated attrition largely to non-regrettable exits where economics do not make sense, there is concern about risk, or customers sell assets. He cited two customer exits totaling nearly AUD 100 million in quarter four where the balance of risk and margin did not make sense. Despite elevated attrition, management said it is confident in net growth and upgraded the lower end of June 2026 loan book guidance by AUD 200 million, narrowing the range to AUD 14.4 billionAUD 14.7 billion. Margins, deposits, and funding mix Leslie said first-half net interest margin (NIM) was consistent with prior guidance, and management expects funding tailwinds to flow through in the second half. Judo upgraded its second-half FY2026 NIM guidance to 3.15% from 3.1%, primarily due to improved costs of new deposits and some expected benefit from wholesale funding. For the full year, management said this supports a NIM outcome at the upper end of the previously guided 3.0%3.1% range, with an at-scale target to manage NIM above 3%. On deposits, Leslie said the franchise continues to grow, with retail term deposit rollover rates now above 70%. Blended deposit margin increased to 92 basis points in the first half from 87 basis points in the prior period, reflecting the wash through of higher-priced term deposits written in the second half of FY2025 amid swap-curve volatility. In contrast, Leslie said new term deposit margins in the first half of FY2026 declined to 78 basis points, slightly below the banks through-the-cycle expectation, which remains 8090 basis points. The funding stack continued to shift toward deposits, with another AUD 1 billion in deposit growth taking deposits to just under AUD 11 billion, or 69% of total funding. After previously offering only term deposits, the bank is expanding into at-call savings following its core platform transition. Leslie said an intermediated at-call savings product launched last October and a direct online savings account is launching soon. In Q&A, Leslie said the bank closed the half with about AUD 50 million in the intermediated savings account and was seeing around AUD 2025 million of net growth, with the direct offering expected to be a larger source of flows over time. Management also discussed wholesale funding diversification and pricing improvement. Leslie said Judo issued a new Tier 2 instrument during the half that priced 120 basis points tighter than the previous Tier 2 transaction. Credit quality, provisioning, capital, and updated guidance On asset quality, Bayliss said credit performance remains within guidance and thesis, despite a modest increase in over-90-days past due and impaired metrics that he attributed to the law of small numbers and a small number of exposures in December across different sectors. In Q&A, he said three-quarters of the movement in over-90-days past due in the period was driven by one customer in the childcare sector, describing it as an established operator with a new greenfield site that had not ramped as quickly as expected. Bayliss said the bank was still supporting the customer and that the exposure was well secured. Leslie reported impairment expense of AUD 40.1 million, or 62 basis points of average GLAs, lower than the prior half, reflecting a slowdown in new impaired loans. Collective provision coverage was 89 basis points and total provision coverage was 1.43% of GLA. New impaired loans were said to be concentrated in more vulnerable sectors where overlays are held, including discretionary retail, manufacturing, and construction. Leslie said the overlay was increased during the half to reflect continued challenges in manufacturing and construction and associated sectors. Judo ended the half with a CET1 ratio of 12.6%. Leslie said loan growth consumed 90 basis points of CET1, partly offset by 50 basis points of organic capital generation supported by higher profitability. Management reiterated it has options to support growth and optimize capital, including securitization and exploring private structures such as loan sales. In Q&A, management said these would be evaluated through the lens of ROE and optionality, and reiterated an optimized CET1 level of about 11.5%. For FY2026, management reiterated and refined guidance, including: June 2026 GLA: AUD 14.4 billionAUD 14.7 billion (lower end upgraded by AUD 200 million) AUD 14.4 billionAUD 14.7 billion (lower end upgraded by AUD 200 million) 2H FY2026 NIM: approximately 3.15% (upgraded from 3.1%) approximately 3.15% (upgraded from 3.1%) FY2026 CTI: below 50%, with a lower CTI expected in the second half below 50%, with a lower CTI expected in the second half Cost of risk: 6065 basis points 6065 basis points FY2026 PBT: AUD 180 millionAUD 190 million (unchanged) Looking ahead, Bayliss said SME trading conditions remained favorable, citing solid economic momentum and capacity constraintsespecially skilled labor shortagesdriving investment in productivity and ongoing business credit demand. He reiterated the banks focus on banker enablement and productivity, including process reengineering and AI-enabled tools, noting gross originations per banker increased from AUD 2.6 million per month in the second half of FY2025 to AUD 2.8 million per month in the first half of FY2026. Management said it remains confident in progressing toward an at-scale ROE in the low to mid-teens, with Bayliss calling scale our best friend as operating leverage builds. About Judo Capital (ASX:JDO) Judo Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of various banking products and services for small and medium businesses in Australia. It accepts term deposits; and provides business and agribusiness loans, lines of credit, home loans, residential mortgages, asset financing, equipment loan, and bank guarantees. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Melbourne, Australia. See Also Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EE Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 939,408 shares, a decrease of 27.4% from the January 15th total of 1,294,551 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 505,371 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.9 days. Approximately 0.8% of the companys stock are short sold. Approximately 0.8% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 505,371 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.9 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EE. Arax Advisory Partners lifted its position in shares of Excelerate Energy by 791.9% during the 4th quarter. Arax Advisory Partners now owns 883 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 784 shares during the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Excelerate Energy during the second quarter worth $30,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue purchased a new stake in shares of Excelerate Energy during the third quarter valued at $30,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Excelerate Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd purchased a new position in Excelerate Energy in the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 21.79% of the companys stock. Get Excelerate Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on EE. Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of Excelerate Energy from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $36.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Tudor Pickering raised shares of Excelerate Energy from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Excelerate Energy in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley set a $30.00 price objective on shares of Excelerate Energy and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $44.00 target price on shares of Excelerate Energy in a report on Friday, February 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.50. Excelerate Energy Trading Up 3.6% EE traded up $1.47 during trading on Monday, hitting $41.83. 291,970 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 389,799. Excelerate Energy has a 1 year low of $21.28 and a 1 year high of $41.93. The firm has a market cap of $4.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a current ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 2.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $31.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.86. Excelerate Energy declared that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Thursday, December 11th that authorizes the company to buyback $75.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 2.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Excelerate Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Excelerate Energy (NYSE: EE) is a Houston?based energy infrastructure company specializing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) solutions. The company develops, owns and operates floating regasification units (FSRUs) that convert shipped LNG into natural gas for delivery into existing pipeline networks. Excelerate Energys integrated platform also includes specialized LNG carriers, proprietary regasification technology and on?shore support facilities, enabling rapid deployment of import terminals without extensive capital construction. Founded in the early 2000s, Excelerate Energy pioneered the first FSRU in 2007, demonstrating the flexibility and cost advantages of floating LNG import infrastructure. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Excelerate Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Excelerate Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 2,348,005 shares, a drop of 18.7% from the January 15th total of 2,887,092 shares. Currently, 8.7% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 545,370 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 545,370 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.3 days. Currently, 8.7% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Winnebago Industries Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. UBS Group AG increased its holdings in shares of Winnebago Industries by 224.7% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,354,155 shares of the RV manufacturers stock valued at $54,870,000 after acquiring an additional 937,140 shares during the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Winnebago Industries in the 4th quarter worth $37,642,000. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. grew its position in Winnebago Industries by 111.2% during the third quarter. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. now owns 680,199 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $22,746,000 after buying an additional 358,100 shares in the last quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Winnebago Industries during the third quarter valued at approximately $9,785,000. Finally, RWWM Inc. bought a new position in shares of Winnebago Industries during the 2nd quarter worth about $8,400,000. Get Winnebago Industries alerts: Winnebago Industries Stock Performance Shares of WGO traded up $0.13 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $46.58. 390,380 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 469,353. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $44.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $37.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.39 and a beta of 1.12. Winnebago Industries has a twelve month low of $28.00 and a twelve month high of $50.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 1.25. Winnebago Industries Dividend Announcement Winnebago Industries ( NYSE:WGO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, December 19th. The RV manufacturer reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.12 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $702.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $628.51 million. Winnebago Industries had a return on equity of 4.83% and a net margin of 1.27%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.03) earnings per share. Winnebago Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.100-2.800 EPS. Analysts predict that Winnebago Industries will post 3.41 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 14th were given a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, January 14th. Winnebago Industriess payout ratio is presently 109.38%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently commented on WGO. KeyCorp reiterated a sector weight rating on shares of Winnebago Industries in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on Winnebago Industries from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Winnebago Industries from $51.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Winnebago Industries in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Roth Mkm boosted their price objective on Winnebago Industries from $36.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $42.80. Get Our Latest Analysis on WGO About Winnebago Industries (Get Free Report) Winnebago Industries, Inc is a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and specialty vehicles, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa. Since its founding in 1958, the company has gained recognition for its motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth-wheel products under the Winnebago and Grand Design brands. Its portfolio also includes towable RVs, camper vans and commercial vehicles tailored for healthcare, government and mobile retail applications. In addition to vehicle production, Winnebago Industries maintains an extensive dealer and service network across the United States and Canada, supplemented by parts distribution centers and customer support resources. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Winnebago Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Winnebago Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 9,324,075 shares, an increase of 35.6% from the January 15th total of 6,875,997 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,954,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,954,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Gold Fields Stock Performance NYSE:GFI traded up $2.51 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $54.66. 2,740,094 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,017,815. Gold Fields has a twelve month low of $17.64 and a twelve month high of $61.64. The stocks 50-day moving average is $49.05 and its 200-day moving average is $41.82. Get Gold Fields alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently weighed in on GFI. Wall Street Zen downgraded Gold Fields from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Gold Fields from $47.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Gold Fields from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Morgan Stanley lowered Gold Fields from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $44.00. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Gold Fields Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Gold Fields in the second quarter valued at $26,000. Country Trust Bank purchased a new position in Gold Fields during the second quarter worth about $26,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its position in Gold Fields by 47.1% in the third 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 period. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in Gold Fields by 672.1% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,552 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,351 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Archer Investment Corp acquired a new position in Gold Fields during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $42,000. 24.81% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Gold Fields (Get Free Report) Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI) is a Johannesburg?based 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 open?pit mining, ore treatment and refining, and ongoing exploration to replace reserves. See Also 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. Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez appeared to issue a warning to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum over her administration's stance regarding the Cuban regime. In a social media publication, Gimenez said "we will be seeking concrete actions against any & every country that undermines US policy against the murderous regime in Cuba." We will be seeking concrete actions against any & every country that undermines US policy against the murderous regime in #Cuba. Governments supporting the Castro military dictatorship, a listed State Sponsor of Terrorism, will face 100% tariffs on their products. Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) February 15, 2026 "Governments supporting the Castro military dictatorship, a listed State Sponsor of Terrorism, will face 100% tariffs on their products," he added. Gimenez did not specify whether he was referring to Sheinbaum. However, he has criticized her in the past over the matter and the publication came after she offered the country as an air bridge to Cuba, saying planes can refuel on their way to the island, which is currently going through acute shortages as a result of a U.S. blockade. "If Cuba asks, the conditions would be given, of course," Sheinbaum said during a daily press conference last week. She went on to say that Havana would need to make a formal request, something that has not happened still. Mexico continues seeking to find ways to provide support to the beleaguered island without directly sending it fuel, something that would trigger tariffs from the Trump administration. Earlier this week two navy ships docked in the island to deliver humanitarian aid. They carried over 800 tons of humanitarian aid, including milk, rice, beans, sardines, meat products, cookies, canned tuna and vegetable oil, as well as powdered milk and hygiene products. Gimenez's latest publication, however, appear to signal a broader scope that would trigger retaliation. Sheinbaum, however, said the country will send "more support of different kinds" while it continues to seek diplomatic means to get oil to the country. "We have stated to both the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico that Mexico is doing everything possible to foster a dialogue that, within the framework of Cuba's sovereignty, creates the conditions for peaceful dialogue and ensures that Cuba, without any country imposing sanctions, can receive oil and its derivatives for its daily operations." Sheinbaum has rejected President Donald Trump's threat to sanction countries sending oil to the country, recently saying "you can't hurt the people just because you disagree with the government." "It's not right. They don't have fuel for hospitals or schools. The people are suffering," she added. Originally published on Latin Times Image Credit: Unknown author -CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia. It recently came to light that a quiet but potentially seismic conversation took place on the sidelines of last months Detroit Auto Show. At the center of it was Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley, who reportedly discussed with senior Trump administration officials whether Chinese automakers could one day build cars in the United States through joint ventures controlled by American companies. According to people familiar with the talks, the idea floated was straightforward in concept but complex in implication. Chinese carmakers would partner with US automakers in joint ventures where the American side would hold a controlling stake. Profits and technology would be shared within the venture, creating a structure designed to offer US firms a measure of protection while allowing Chinese brands a pathway into the American market. Image Credit: Ethan Llamas - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia. No formal proposal has been adopted, and the discussions were described as informal and preliminary. Still, the mere fact that American shot callers explored such a framework at all is a sign of the times just how rapidly the global auto landscape is shifting. History Remade The idea carries historical irony. Three decades ago, Western automakers seeking entry into China were required to form joint ventures with domestic Chinese manufacturers. Now, with Chinese companies surging in electric vehicle technology and scale, the notion of a mirror arrangement on US soil is being quietly examined. The conversations reportedly involved US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. That meeting took place just days after President Donald Trump signaled openness to Chinese automakers building vehicles in the US if they invested in American plants and jobs. Image Credit: CarWow/YouTube. Ford confirmed that Farley gave administration officials a tour of its exhibit and discussed a range of industry topics but declined to provide specifics. The company has consistently emphasized the need to shield the US market from what it calls a flood of subsidized Chinese vehicles, while also raising privacy and national security concerns tied to connected car technologies. Mixed Reception and Political Realities According to Bloomberg, sources say Farley did not actively lobby for a joint venture framework but floated the idea as one potential defensive strategy if Chinese automakers gain traction in North America. The proposal reportedly received a cool reception from Trump officials, who believe it would encounter stiff political resistance in Washington. Even so, some within the administration view an investment structure of that kind as a conceivable outcome of Trumps planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this spring. Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:THR Get Free Report) shares passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $33.45 and traded as high as $52.41. Thermon Group shares last traded at $51.7070, with a volume of 306,662 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades THR has been the subject of several analyst reports. Craig Hallum started coverage on shares of Thermon Group in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. They set a buy rating and a $60.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Thermon Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Thermon Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Thermon Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Finally, Roth Mkm upped their price target on Thermon Group from $38.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and three have issued a Buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Thermon Group has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $57.00. Get Thermon Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Thermon Group Thermon Group Price Performance The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $42.12 and its 200-day simple moving average is $33.45. The firm has a market cap of $1.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.38 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a current ratio of 2.90. Thermon Group (NYSE:THR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The technology company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.07. Thermon Group had a net margin of 11.26% and a return on equity of 13.82%. The business had revenue of $147.31 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $138.35 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.56 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Thermon Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.640-1.780 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. will post 1.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thermon Group A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new position in Thermon Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Assetmark Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Thermon Group by 68.1% in the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,530 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 620 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S purchased a new stake in shares of Thermon Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $45,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue acquired a new stake in shares of Thermon Group in the third quarter worth $48,000. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Thermon Group by 18.5% during the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 2,615 shares of the technology companys stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 409 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.76% of the companys stock. About Thermon Group (Get Free Report) Thermon Group, Inc (NYSE: THR) is a global provider of engineered thermal solutions designed to maintain process temperatures, prevent freezing and improve energy efficiency across industrial, commercial and power generation applications. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, installation and service of heat tracing systems, insulation and protective coatings for pipelines, tanks, vessels and other critical equipment. Thermons core offerings include electric heat tracing, steam tracing, custom-engineered control panels, monitoring systems and advanced sensor technologies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Thermon Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermon Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) Investment analysts at Scotiabank increased their FY2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Valero Energy in a research note issued on Wednesday, February 11th. Scotiabank analyst P. Cheng now expects that the oil and gas company will post earnings of $13.75 per share for the year, up from their previous forecast of $8.60. The consensus estimate for Valero Energys current full-year earnings is $7.92 per share. Scotiabank also issued estimates for Valero Energys FY2027 earnings at $19.30 EPS. Get Valero Energy alerts: 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 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.27 by $0.55. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 12.34%. The firm had revenue of $30.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.20 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.64 EPS. Valero Energys revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. VLO has been the topic of a number of other research reports. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Valero Energy in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $217.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $216.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $162.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Mizuho restated a neutral rating and issued a $192.00 price target (up previously from $190.00) on shares of Valero Energy in a research report on Friday, December 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $187.67. Get Our Latest Report on VLO Valero Energy Stock Up 1.7% VLO opened at $200.16 on Monday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $179.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $168.02. 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 has a one year low of $99.00 and a one year high of $206.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $61.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.77. Valero Energy Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 5th will be issued a $1.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 5th. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. This is a boost from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 62.83%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other 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 sale, 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 filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Highline Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Valero Energy by 70.2% in the 3rd quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 160 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Valero Energy in the third quarter valued at about $27,000. Torren Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. AXS Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 1,277.8% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 248 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.69% of the companys stock. About Valero Energy (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE:JLL Get Free Report) is projected to issue its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Wednesday, February 18th. Analysts expect Jones Lang LaSalle to post earnings of $7.24 per share and revenue of $7.4459 billion for the quarter. Parties may review the information on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report for the latest details on the call scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET. Jones Lang LaSalle Trading Up 3.1% NYSE:JLL opened at $288.71 on Tuesday. Jones Lang LaSalle has a 52 week low of $194.36 and a 52 week high of $363.06. The firms fifty day moving average is $339.96 and its 200-day moving average is $316.02. The firm has a market cap of $13.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.14 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 2.31 and a current ratio of 2.31. Get Jones Lang LaSalle alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on JLL shares. Barclays started coverage on Jones Lang LaSalle in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $351.00 price objective on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on Jones Lang LaSalle from $390.00 to $405.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from $360.00 to $410.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Jones Lang LaSalle from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Sunday, January 11th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Jones Lang LaSalle presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $364.17. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Christian Ulbrich sold 96 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.18, for a total transaction of $31,889.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 114,685 shares in the company, valued at approximately $38,096,063.30. The trade was a 0.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In the last three months, insiders have sold 20,000 shares of company stock valued at $6,609,091. Corporate insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Jones Lang LaSalle Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Millennium Management LLC increased its position in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 4,285.3% during the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 350,821 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $104,643,000 after acquiring an additional 342,821 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle during the 4th quarter valued at $75,276,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Jones Lang LaSalle by 310.0% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 290,148 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $86,545,000 after buying an additional 219,373 shares during the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC bought a new position in Jones Lang LaSalle during the second quarter valued at about $17,212,000. Finally, Holocene Advisors LP purchased a new stake in Jones Lang LaSalle during the second quarter worth about $16,075,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.80% of the companys stock. About Jones Lang LaSalle (Get Free Report) Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. The company provides a broad range of services including leasing, advisory, property and asset management, capital markets, project and development services, and valuation. Through its integrated platform, JLL serves corporate occupiers, institutional investors, real estate owners and developers, offering tailored solutions that span the entire real estate lifecycle. Founded in 1783 in London as Jones Lang Wootton, the firm established a reputation for expertise in property management and brokerage. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aroundtown SA (OTCMKTS:AANNF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 2,831,023 shares, an increase of 27.9% from the January 15th total of 2,213,483 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 120 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 23,591.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 120 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 23,591.9 days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Aroundtown in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Aroundtown alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on AANNF Aroundtown Stock Performance About Aroundtown Shares of OTCMKTS AANNF opened at $3.00 on Tuesday. Aroundtown has a one year low of $2.53 and a one year high of $3.92. The companys fifty day moving average is $3.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.53. (Get Free Report) Aroundtown SA is a Luxembourg-based real estate investment and asset management company specializing in a diversified portfolio of office, residential, hotel and retail properties across Europe. The company focuses primarily on the German market, with assets in major economic centres such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf. By targeting high-quality properties in established business districts, Aroundtown aims to generate stable, long-term rental income and capital appreciation. Founded in 2004, Aroundtown has grown through a combination of strategic acquisitions and development projects. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Aroundtown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aroundtown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$189.17. A number of research analysts have issued reports on BMO shares. National Bank Financial cut shares of Bank of Montreal from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and increased their target price for the company from C$173.00 to C$181.00 in a report on Monday, November 17th. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Bank of Montreal from C$187.00 to C$191.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. Raymond James Financial upgraded Bank of Montreal from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$201.00 to C$218.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on Bank of Montreal from C$179.00 to C$183.00 in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Get Bank of Montreal alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Bank of Montreal Bank of Montreal Stock Performance Shares of TSE BMO opened at C$192.17 on Friday. Bank of Montreal has a one year low of C$121.31 and a one year high of C$198.68. The firm has a market capitalization of C$136.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.80, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.38. The companys fifty day moving average is C$185.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$176.51. Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported C$3.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$9.34 billion during the quarter. Bank of Montreal had a net margin of 13.57% and a return on equity of 9.04%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Bank of Montreal will post 9.6514585 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of Montreal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Montreal is a diversified financial-services provider based in North America, operating four business segments: Canadian personal and commercial banking, U.S. P&C banking, wealth management, and capital markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Montreal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Montreal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) is projected to issue its Q4 2025 results after the market closes on Thursday, February 19th. Analysts expect AMN Healthcare Services to post earnings of $0.22 per share and revenue of $723.1070 million for the quarter. Interested persons may visit the the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning results page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. AMN Healthcare Services Price Performance Shares of AMN Healthcare Services stock opened at $16.23 on Tuesday. AMN Healthcare Services has a 52 week low of $14.86 and a 52 week high of $30.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The stock has a market cap of $623.20 million, a PE ratio of -2.26 and a beta of 0.22. The companys 50-day moving average price is $17.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $18.36. Get AMN Healthcare Services alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of AMN Healthcare Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a $25.00 price objective on AMN Healthcare Services in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Zacks Research raised AMN Healthcare Services from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on AMN Healthcare Services from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on AMN Healthcare Services from $18.00 to $20.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.36. Institutional Investors Weigh In On AMN Healthcare Services Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in AMN Healthcare Services by 49.2% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,093 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 1,020 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of AMN Healthcare Services during the 3rd quarter worth $63,000. Strs Ohio bought a new position in shares of AMN Healthcare Services during the 1st quarter valued at $95,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 55.9% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 5,527 shares of the companys stock valued at $114,000 after purchasing an additional 1,981 shares in the last quarter. Finally, iSAM Funds UK Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of AMN Healthcare Services in the 3rd quarter valued at $120,000. 99.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. AMN Healthcare Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) AMN Healthcare Services, Inc (NYSE: AMN) is a leading provider of healthcare workforce solutions in the United States. The company specializes in staffing and recruitment services for a broad range of clinical and allied health professionals, including travel nurses, permanent placement of nursing staff, locum tenens physicians, and allied health personnel. In addition to direct staffing, AMN Healthcare offers comprehensive workforce management solutions such as vendor management systems (VMS), recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), and compliance and credentialing services through its technology platforms. Founded in 1985 as American Mobile Nurses, the company rebranded to AMN Healthcare in 2010 to reflect its expanding portfolio of services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for AMN Healthcare Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMN Healthcare Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE:MFG Get Free Report) and Bank of Communications (OTCMKTS:BCMXY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations and valuation. Profitability This table compares Mizuho Financial Group and Bank of Communications net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Mizuho Financial Group alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mizuho Financial Group 12.31% 9.23% 0.35% Bank of Communications 18.19% 7.70% 0.62% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Mizuho Financial Group and Bank of Communications, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mizuho Financial Group 0 1 1 0 2.50 Bank of Communications 0 0 0 0 0.00 Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mizuho Financial Group $59.30 billion 2.08 $3.92 billion $0.57 17.38 Bank of Communications $75.42 billion 0.85 $13.02 billion $3.87 5.55 This table compares Mizuho Financial Group and Bank of Communicationss gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Bank of Communications has higher revenue and earnings than Mizuho Financial Group. Bank of Communications is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Mizuho Financial Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Mizuho Financial Group pays an annual dividend of $0.15 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Bank of Communications pays an annual dividend of $0.86 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.0%. Mizuho Financial Group pays out 26.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Bank of Communications pays out 22.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Bank of Communications is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Institutional and Insider Ownership 3.3% of Mizuho Financial Group shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of Mizuho Financial Group shares are held by company 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. Volatility and Risk Mizuho Financial Group has a beta of 0.37, meaning that its stock price is 63% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bank of Communications has a beta of -0.17, meaning that its stock price is 117% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Mizuho Financial Group beats Bank of Communications on 8 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Mizuho Financial Group (Get Free Report) Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in banking, trust, securities, and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through Retail & Business Banking Company, Corporate & Institutional Company, Global Corporate Company, Global Markets Company, Asset Management Company, and Others segments. The company provides deposit products; syndicated, housing, and card loans; business matching services; and advisory services related to overseas expansions, and mergers and acquisitions-related services. It also offers consulting services, including asset management and asset succession; payroll services; and sells lottery tickets issued by prefectures and ordinance-designated cities. In addition, it offers fund management, underwriting of equity and bonds, risk hedging products, etc. for corporate customers; solutions based on capital management, business strategy, and financial strategy; real estate services; advisory services and solutions, such as advice on proposals on various investment products to financial institutions; and financial services that include funding support and public bonds underwriting. Further, the company offers corporate finance and transaction banking srvices; sales and trading services; investment products; pension funds; and ALM and investment services, including stable capital raising and balance sheet management, as well as management of fixed income, equity, and other securities portfolios. Additionally, the company provides online banking, cash management solutions, currency transaction, trade finance, custody, yen correspondence settlement, and research and consulting services; trust, securitization and structured finance, and stock transfers; and private banking and information technology-related services. Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About Bank of Communications (Get Free Report) Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. provides commercial banking products and services in China. The company offers savings deposit products, including demand deposits, lump-sum deposits and withdrawal, time deposit of small savings for lump-sum withdrawal, interest withdrawal on principal deposited, time-demand deposit, call deposit, swap management, and education deposit; personal certificate of deposit; salary financing A; and foreign currency deposit. It also provides credit, quasi-credit, and debit cards; new housing and second-hand mortgage loans and unsecured personal loans; personal wealth management advisor services; and precious metal and commodity trading services. In addition, the company offers corporate structured deposit and corporate certificate of deposit; corporate cash management; industrial chain finance program comprising prepayment financing, inventory financing, accounts receivable financing and accounts payable financing; syndicated loans; corporation overdraft; investment banking services; and offshore banking services, such as repayment financing, inventory financing, accounts receivable financing and accounts payable financing, and forex currencies. Further, it provides bond account activation, bond distribution, and transaction services; related bond escrow and settlement, pledge registration, and principal and interest payment services; training and consulting services for cooperative banks; cross-border inter-bank payments system services; consignment sales of precious metal products; bond underwriting distribution; third party bond depository services; bank derivatives transfer; b-share transfer; bankfutures transfer; standard warehouse warrant pledged financing; institutional investment consulting, wealth management, and insurance services; and clearing and settlement services for future markets. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the Peoples Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for Mizuho Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mizuho Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its stake in Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE:FSS Free Report) by 4.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 177,436 shares of the conglomerates stock after buying an additional 7,804 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.29% of Federal Signal worth $21,113,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of FSS. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Federal Signal by 140.6% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 243 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management boosted its stake in shares of Federal Signal by 1,003.8% in the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 287 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 261 shares during the period. CoreCap Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Federal Signal by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 300 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new stake in Federal Signal during the 3rd quarter worth $39,000. Finally, TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. acquired a new position in Federal Signal in the 2nd quarter worth $37,000. 92.73% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Federal Signal alerts: Federal Signal Trading Up 0.9% NYSE FSS opened at $120.40 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 2.61 and a quick ratio of 1.25. Federal Signal Corporation has a 12 month low of $66.47 and a 12 month high of $132.89. The companys fifty day moving average price is $113.39 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $117.65. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Federal Signal in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $123.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on Federal Signal Federal Signal Profile (Free Report) Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS), headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a diversified industrial company that designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of products and services for municipal, commercial and industrial customers worldwide. Founded in 1901 in Chicago, the company has grown through a combination of organic investment and strategic acquisitions to become a leading provider of environmental management and safety and security solutions. Federal Signal operates through two primary business segments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FSS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE:FSS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Federal Signal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Federal Signal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its stake in Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Free Report) by 4.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,116,782 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 51,689 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned about 0.23% of Conagra Brands worth $20,448,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 202.3% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,227 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 2,427 shares during the period. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new position in shares of Conagra Brands in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC raised its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 844.4% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 1,596 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 1,427 shares during the last quarter. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new stake in shares of Conagra Brands during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Spire Wealth Management boosted its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 249.0% during the third quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,724 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,230 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.75% of the companys stock. Get Conagra Brands alerts: Conagra Brands Stock Performance Shares of CAG stock opened at $19.78 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $17.80 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.17. The stock has a market cap of $9.46 billion, a PE ratio of -89.89 and a beta of -0.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Conagra Brands has a 12 month low of $15.96 and a 12 month high of $28.51. Conagra Brands Announces Dividend Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 19th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3 billion. Conagra Brands had a negative net margin of 0.87% and a positive return on equity of 10.59%. Conagra Brandss revenue was down 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.70 EPS. Conagra Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.85 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Conagra Brands will post 2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 26th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 27th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 27th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.1%. Conagra Brandss payout ratio is presently -636.36%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on CAG. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Conagra Brands from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on Conagra Brands from $21.00 to $19.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Conagra Brands from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $20.00 price objective on shares of Conagra Brands in a research report on Friday. Finally, Evercore dropped their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $22.00 to $19.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $18.86. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CAG About Conagra Brands (Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc is a leading packaged foods company based in Chicago, Illinois, with a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and refrigerated foods marketed under familiar brands. The company develops, produces and distributes a wide range of consumer food products, serving both retail grocery and foodservice channels. Conagras product lineup includes frozen entrees, snacks, condiments, baking goods and desserts, providing convenient meal solutions for consumers across North America and select international markets. Among its well-known brands are Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Marie Callenders and Banquet in the frozen foods category, as well as Hunts sauces, Orville Redenbachers popcorn, Slim Jim meat snacks and Reddi-wip toppings. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its stake in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 14.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 21,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,702 shares during the quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Boards holdings in Deere & Company were worth $9,682,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its stake in Deere & Company by 30.6% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 364,103 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $185,143,000 after purchasing an additional 85,351 shares during the last quarter. Csenge Advisory Group raised its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 84.9% in the third quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 7,440 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,402,000 after purchasing an additional 3,416 shares during the last quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 1.0% during the second quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,678 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,379,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbH purchased a new stake in Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $3,615,000. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd acquired a new position in Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $4,550,000. 68.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Deere & Company alerts: Insider Activity at Deere & Company In other news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total transaction of $20,797,793.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares of the companys stock, valued at $59,160,775.30. This represents a 26.01% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on 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 in the company, valued at $10,603,920. This represents a 36.59% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 64,578 shares of company stock worth $32,471,682. 0.29% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Deere & Company Stock Up 0.7% DE opened at $602.54 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $510.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $487.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $163.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.55, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.02. Deere & Company has a fifty-two week low of $404.42 and a fifty-two week high of $626.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a current ratio of 2.22. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). Deere & Company had a return on equity of 20.54% and a net margin of 11.00%.The firm had revenue of $12.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.77 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $4.55 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 19.32 earnings per share for the current year. Deere & Company Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.01%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In DE has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $542.00 to $541.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday, December 29th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $580.00 price target on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Evercore reiterated a positive rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $560.00 price objective on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Fifteen 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 price target of $524.20. Get Our Latest Report on Deere & Company Deere & Company Company Profile (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. Recommended Stories 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. Bankruptcy filings continued to mount across the U.S. supply chain sector in January and February, underscoring persistent financial pressure on trucking companies, third-party logistics providers, repair shops and manufacturers. The latest filings reflect the prolonged strain of a freight market still grappling with excess trucking capacity, soft spot rates and uneven freight volumes. Heres a breakdown of the latest Chapter 11 filings: Bee & G Enterprises LLC Tacoma, Washington | Filed Feb. 14 | Western District of Washington General freight trucking (intermodal and drayage) Bee & G Enterprises LLC, a Tacoma-based intermodal and drayage carrier, filed for Chapter 11 protection on Feb. 14. The company operates seven trucks with six drivers and primarily hauls intermodal containers and general freight. As of January, its carrier authority remained active, though its broker authority had been revoked. Court records do not specify the reason for the filing. Assets: $1M$10M Liabilities: $1M$10M Creditors: 149 Mare Island Dry Dock LLC Vallejo, California | Filed Feb. 14 | Eastern District of California Ship repair and maintenance Mare Island Dry Dock LLC filed for Chapter 11 protection on Feb. 14 after reporting steep financial losses. The company cited a 65% decline in sales over three years and the loss of an $11 million U.S. Coast Guard contract. The downturn led to 84 permanent layoffs and the closure of its Vallejo facility in early 2026. Mare Island previously operated two graving docks capable of servicing vessels up to 780 feet long. Assets: $10M$50M Liabilities: $10M$50M Creditors: 100199 Santin Auto and Truck Repair Center LLC San Antonio | Filed Feb. 13 | Western District of Texas Heavy-duty truck and automotive repair San Antonio-based Santin Auto and Truck Repair Center LLC filed for Chapter 11 protection on Feb. 13. The company provides heavy-duty truck and automotive repair services. Court records do not detail the cause of the filing. The company previously employed an estimated 5 to 15 workers. Assets: $1M$10M Liabilities: $1M$10M Creditors: 149 Lancaster Packaging Inc. Fitchburg, Massachusetts | Filed Feb. 11 | District of Massachusetts Industrial packaging distribution Lancaster Packaging Inc., a wholesale distributor of packaging and industrial supplies, filed for Chapter 11 protection on Feb. 11. Founded in 1989, the company supplies aerospace and defense customers and employs between 11 and 50 workers. President Marianne Lancaster currently serves on the board of Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLC raised its holdings in APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report) by 51.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 82,503 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 28,110 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLCs holdings in APi Group were worth $2,836,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Bares Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in APi Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of APi Group during the third quarter worth $31,000. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of APi Group in the third quarter worth $32,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. grew its position in shares of APi Group by 2,620.0% in the third quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 1,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,048 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. grew its position in shares of APi Group by 49.9% in the third quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 1,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 372 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.62% of the companys stock. Get APi Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes APG has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. UBS Group set a $49.00 price objective on APi Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. CJS Securities raised shares of APi Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $49.00 price objective (up from $45.00) on shares of APi Group in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of APi Group from $42.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of APi Group in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $43.24. APi Group Stock Up 1.1% Shares of APG opened at $44.37 on Tuesday. APi Group Corporation has a 1 year low of $20.50 and a 1 year high of $46.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $41.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.70. The firm has a market cap of $18.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 121.00 and a beta of 1.70. Insider Activity at APi Group In other APi Group news, Director Anthony E. Malkin bought 3,000 shares of APi Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were bought at an average price of $39.58 per share, with a total value of $118,740.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 7,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $277,060. This trade represents a 75.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Over the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 7,000 shares of company stock worth $275,720. 17.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. APi Group Company Profile (Free Report) APi Group Corp. is a global specialty contractor that provides fire protection, security, mechanical insulation and energy services to commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minnesota, the company designs, installs, inspects, tests, maintains and repairs a wide range of safety and infrastructure systems. Through its network of operating subsidiaries, APi Group delivers end-to-end solutions for new construction, facility renovations and ongoing maintenance requirements. Its service portfolio spans life safety and industrial servicessuch as fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lightingand specialized offerings including technical insulation, access solutions, passive fire protection and energy efficiency upgrades. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&G PLC lessened its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 13.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 546,484 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 83,970 shares during the quarter. M&G PLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $13,662,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of PFE. Fiduciary Alliance LLC lifted its stake in Pfizer by 46.4% in the third quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 145,263 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,701,000 after buying an additional 46,043 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 3rd quarter valued at $3,019,000. Vista Investment Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 236.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vista Investment Partners LLC now owns 69,613 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,774,000 after acquiring an additional 48,900 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its position in Pfizer by 29.9% in the 3rd quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 248,251 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $6,325,000 after purchasing an additional 57,188 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. boosted its stake in Pfizer by 76.4% during the 3rd quarter. Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. now owns 109,269 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,784,000 after purchasing an additional 47,319 shares during the period. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Performance Shares of PFE opened at $27.58 on Tuesday. Pfizer Inc. has a 1 year low of $20.92 and a 1 year high of $27.94. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $25.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $25.23. The company has a market capitalization of $156.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.28 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.28. Pfizer Dividend Announcement Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.09. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.25% and a net margin of 12.42%.The company had revenue of $17.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.93 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.63 EPS. The firms revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 126.47%. Analysts Set New Price Targets PFE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Guggenheim restated a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. HSBC reissued a buy rating and set a $29.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Scotiabank assumed coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 price objective for the company. Wolfe Research set a $24.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $26.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.00. Check Out Our Latest Report on PFE Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell Asset Management Co. lessened its holdings in HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ Free Report) by 66.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 27,657 shares of the computer makers stock after selling 55,069 shares during the quarter. Shell Asset Management Co.s holdings in HP were worth $753,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of HP by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC now owns 500,887 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $12,252,000 after buying an additional 6,386 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in HP in the second quarter worth about $8,825,000. Cidel Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in HP by 4.7% in the second quarter. Cidel Asset Management Inc. now owns 12,864 shares of the computer makers stock worth $315,000 after acquiring an additional 573 shares during the last quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of HP by 34.2% during the second quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 45,907 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $1,123,000 after purchasing an additional 11,689 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of HP by 54.7% during the second quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC now owns 89,927 shares of the computer makers stock valued at $2,200,000 after purchasing an additional 31,814 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.53% of the companys stock. Get HP alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets HPQ has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. TD Cowen reduced their price objective on HP from $28.00 to $26.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on HP from $30.00 to $25.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Argus raised shares of HP to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of HP in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of HP from $21.00 to $20.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and six have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $24.31. Insider Activity at HP In other HP news, insider Ketan M. Patel sold 33,321 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.19, for a total transaction of $772,713.99. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 34,572 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $801,724.68. This trade represents a 49.08% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Enrique Lores sold 41,922 shares of HP stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.00, for a total value of $1,089,972.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 141,456 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,677,856. This trade represents a 22.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 91,969 shares of company stock worth $2,277,993 over the last quarter. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. HP Stock Performance Shares of HPQ opened at $19.25 on Tuesday. HP Inc. has a one year low of $18.26 and a one year high of $35.28. The stocks fifty day moving average is $21.41 and its 200-day moving average is $24.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 1.21. HP (NYSE:HPQ Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The computer maker reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $14.64 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.50 billion. HP had a net margin of 4.57% and a negative return on equity of 330.68%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.93 earnings per share. HP has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.900-3.200 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.730-0.810 EPS. Analysts forecast that HP Inc. will post 3.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. HP Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 11th will be issued a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 11th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.2%. HPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 45.28%. About HP (Free Report) HP Inc is an American multinational information technology company that designs, manufactures and sells personal computing devices, printers and related supplies and services. Its product portfolio spans consumer and commercial notebooks and desktops, workstations, displays and accessories, as well as an extensive line of printing hardware that includes home, office and production printers. HP also provides consumables such as ink and toner, managed print services, device deployment and lifecycle support, and software for device and print management. Founded from the original Hewlett?Packard Company, HP Inc became a separately traded public company in 2015 following a corporate split that created Hewlett Packard Enterprise to focus on enterprise hardware and services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HPQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. lifted its stake in Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Free Report) by 29.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,275 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,310 shares during the period. Texas Yale Capital Corp.s holdings in Dover were worth $1,714,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its position in Dover by 62.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 2,944 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $552,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Dover by 4.9% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 14,377 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,526,000 after purchasing an additional 676 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC grew its stake in Dover by 11.8% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 15,006 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,636,000 after purchasing an additional 1,580 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in Dover in the second quarter worth $488,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in Dover by 4.6% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 13,198 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,457,000 after buying an additional 576 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.46% of the companys stock. Get Dover alerts: Insider Activity In other Dover news, SVP Ivonne M. Cabrera sold 2,630 shares of Dover stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.80, for a total value of $501,804.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 72,968 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,922,294.40. The trade was a 3.48% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Christopher B. Woenker sold 1,627 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $186.04, for a total value of $302,687.08. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 2,553 shares in the company, valued at $474,960.12. The trade was a 38.92% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 5,757 shares of company stock valued at $1,150,646 in the last 90 days. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Dover Stock Performance DOV stock opened at $231.54 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $206.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $186.82. The company has a current ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Dover Corporation has a 12-month low of $143.04 and a 12-month high of $237.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.76 billion, a PE ratio of 29.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 1.29. Dover (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.48 by $0.03. Dover had a return on equity of 17.87% and a net margin of 13.52%.The business had revenue of $2.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.20 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Dover Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. Dovers dividend payout ratio is currently 26.20%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently issued reports on DOV shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Dover from $205.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Dover in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Robert W. Baird set a $255.00 price target on Dover in a research report on Friday, January 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $224.00 price objective on shares of Dover in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Finally, Barclays set a $206.00 price objective on Dover in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dover currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $224.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Dover Dover Profile (Free Report) Dover Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer of industrial products, components and specialty systems that serve a wide range of commercial and industrial end markets. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, the company has built a portfolio of operating businesses that design, manufacture and distribute engineered equipment, aftermarket parts and related services for customers around the world. Dovers activities span several product and solution categories, including fluid-handling and pumping systems, material handling and processing equipment, refrigeration and foodservice technologies, product identification and printing systems, precision components and automation and sensing solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dover Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dover and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GSA Capital Partners LLP purchased a new position in shares of Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE:EPC Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 112,451 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,290,000. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in Edgewell Personal Care by 3.4% in the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 16,022 shares of the companys stock worth $326,000 after buying an additional 527 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its stake in Edgewell Personal Care by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 12,074 shares of the companys stock valued at $283,000 after acquiring an additional 532 shares during the period. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division raised its stake in Edgewell Personal Care by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 19,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $403,000 after acquiring an additional 750 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its holdings in Edgewell Personal Care by 3.4% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 28,564 shares of the companys stock valued at $891,000 after purchasing an additional 931 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Edgewell Personal Care by 195.3% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,837 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 1,215 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.91% of the companys stock. Get Edgewell Personal Care alerts: Edgewell Personal Care Trading Up 2.4% Edgewell Personal Care stock opened at $21.87 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 2.12. Edgewell Personal Care Company has a fifty-two week low of $15.88 and a fifty-two week high of $32.96. The stock has a market cap of $1.02 billion, a P/E ratio of -25.73 and a beta of 0.61. The firms fifty day moving average price is $18.57 and its 200-day moving average price is $19.79. Edgewell Personal Care Dividend Announcement Edgewell Personal Care ( NYSE:EPC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The company reported ($0.16) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.18) by $0.02. The business had revenue of $422.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $476.48 million. Edgewell Personal Care had a positive return on equity of 7.16% and a negative net margin of 1.76%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.07 EPS. Edgewell Personal Care has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-2.100 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Edgewell Personal Care Company will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Edgewell Personal Cares dividend payout ratio is presently -70.59%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades EPC has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Edgewell Personal Care from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Edgewell Personal Care from $23.00 to $21.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Barclays raised their price target on Edgewell Personal Care from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Edgewell Personal Care in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Edgewell Personal Care in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Edgewell Personal Care has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $23.33. Get Our Latest Stock Report on EPC Edgewell Personal Care Company Profile (Free Report) Edgewell Personal Care Inc, incorporated in 2015 and headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, is a global consumer products company specializing in personal care, sun care, shaving and feminine care solutions. The company emerged as a spin-off from Energizer Holdings personal care division, listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker EPC. Edgewells portfolio comprises well-known brands that cater to everyday personal grooming and protection needs. In the shaving segment, Edgewell markets razors and refill blades under brands such as Schick and Wilkinson Sword, targeting both mens and womens grooming categories. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EPC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE:EPC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edgewell Personal Care Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edgewell Personal Care and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GSA Capital Partners LLP lifted its position in Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA Free Report) by 657.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 19,786 shares of the transportation companys stock after purchasing an additional 17,175 shares during the period. GSA Capital Partners LLPs holdings in Copa were worth $2,351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in Copa by 6.9% in the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 620,600 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $68,247,000 after buying an additional 40,078 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Copa by 56.1% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 340,554 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $31,488,000 after acquiring an additional 122,413 shares during the period. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its stake in shares of Copa by 26.2% in the 2nd quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 214,533 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $23,592,000 after purchasing an additional 44,513 shares in the last quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Copa by 13.7% in the 3rd quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 209,401 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $24,881,000 after purchasing an additional 25,173 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in Copa by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 207,728 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $22,844,000 after purchasing an additional 945 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.09% of the companys stock. Get Copa alerts: Copa Price Performance CPA stock opened at $145.92 on Tuesday. Copa Holdings, S.A. has a 1 year low of $82.54 and a 1 year high of $156.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.01 billion, a PE ratio of 8.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $131.18 and a 200-day simple moving average of $124.01. Copa Increases Dividend Copa ( NYSE:CPA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The transportation company reported $4.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.44 by ($0.26). The company had revenue of $962.89 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $959.22 million. Copa had a return on equity of 26.14% and a net margin of 18.57%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.99 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Copa Holdings, S.A. will post 15.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $1.71 dividend. This is a positive change from Copas previous quarterly dividend of $1.61. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Copas payout ratio is presently 39.58%. Analyst Ratings Changes CPA has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Copa in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Copa from $180.00 to $170.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Copa from $150.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Raymond James Financial set a $164.00 target price on shares of Copa and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $190.00 target price on shares of Copa in a research note on Monday, February 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $166.89. View Our Latest Analysis on CPA About Copa (Free Report) Copa Holdings, SA (NYSE:CPA) is a Panama?based aviation holding company that provides passenger and cargo air transportation across the Americas and the Caribbean. Through its principal subsidiary, Copa Airlines, the company operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, offering scheduled flights that connect passengers through its Tocumen International Airport hub in Panama City. The company also offers dedicated cargo services under the Copa Cargo brand, leveraging belly hold capacity on its passenger flights to transport freight throughout its network. The roots of Copa Holdings trace back to 1947, when Compania Panamena de Aviacion began operations as the flag carrier of Panama. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Copa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heartland Advisors Inc. reduced its position in New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD Free Report) by 50.0% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 1,000,000 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,000,000 shares during the quarter. Heartland Advisors Inc.s holdings in New Gold were worth $7,180,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in NGD. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of New Gold by 91.1% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,792,631 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,642,000 after purchasing an additional 854,586 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its position in New Gold by 99.1% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 80,375 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,000 after buying an additional 40,000 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in New Gold by 74.9% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 6,448,313 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,923,000 after buying an additional 2,760,692 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its stake in shares of New Gold by 4.5% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 951,651 shares of the companys stock worth $3,531,000 after acquiring an additional 40,995 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its stake in shares of New Gold by 17.5% in the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 83,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $413,000 after acquiring an additional 12,425 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.82% of the companys stock. Get New Gold alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently commented on NGD. TD Securities raised New Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $12.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on New Gold to $12.75 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of New Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, National Bank Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of New Gold in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $8.18. New Gold Price Performance Shares of NYSE NGD opened at $11.06 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $10.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.76 billion, a PE ratio of 85.08 and a beta of 0.59. New Gold Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2.60 and a fifty-two week high of $13.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.39. New Gold Company Profile (Free Report) New Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate precious metals producer focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold and copper mining assets. The company was formed in 2008 through the merger of two exploration firms and has since grown into a multi-asset mining platform. Headquartered in Toronto, New Gold emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital allocation and operational execution, with a commitment to environmental stewardship and strong community relations. New Golds principal producing assets include the New Afton Mine in British Columbia and the Rainy River Mine in northwestern Ontario. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NGD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for New Gold Inc. (NYSE:NGD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for New Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heartland Advisors Inc. cut its position in The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Free Report) by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 42,876 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 5,273 shares during the quarter. Heartland Advisors Inc.s holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group were worth $7,788,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 56.6% during the 2nd quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 224 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares during the last quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $43,000. Quent Capital LLC bought a new position in The Hanover Insurance Group in the third quarter worth approximately $69,000. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group by 87.7% during the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 533 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $97,000 after buying an additional 249 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group by 25.4% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 671 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $122,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.61% of the companys stock. Get The Hanover Insurance Group alerts: Insider Transactions at The Hanover Insurance Group In related news, EVP Richard W. Lavey sold 24,420 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.92, for a total value of $4,369,226.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 32,174 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,756,572.08. This trade represents a 43.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 2.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently issued reports on THG shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $200.00 to $207.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada initiated coverage on The Hanover Insurance Group in a research note on Monday, November 24th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $200.00 target price for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, The Hanover Insurance Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $200.40. Get Our Latest Analysis on The Hanover Insurance Group The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Up 0.1% Shares of The Hanover Insurance Group stock opened at $171.60 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $177.13 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $176.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.43. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $147.76 and a 52-week high of $188.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.11 billion, a PE ratio of 9.44 and a beta of 0.32. The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The insurance provider reported $5.79 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.20 by $0.59. The Hanover Insurance Group had a return on equity of 21.00% and a net margin of 10.05%.The company had revenue of $1.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.52 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $5.32 earnings per share. The Hanover Insurance Groups revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. will post 14.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Hanover Insurance Group Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th were issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This is a positive change from The Hanover Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The Hanover Insurance Groups payout ratio is currently 20.91%. The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc (NYSE: THG) is a property and casualty insurance company that provides a range of commercial and personal insurance products. Through its subsidiary companies, Hanover offers coverage for businesses of all sizes, including workers compensation, general liability, commercial auto, and professional liability. On the personal lines side, the company underwrites homeowners, personal auto, flood, and umbrella policies designed to meet the needs of individuals and families. In addition to its core commercial and personal insurance offerings, Hanover maintains a specialty arm that focuses on niche markets through tailored product solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding THG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report) by 262.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 33,035 shares of the technology retailers stock after purchasing an additional 23,921 shares during the period. Pallas Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Best Buy were worth $2,498,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Best Buy by 69.3% in the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 337 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in Best Buy during the third quarter valued at $32,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new stake in Best Buy in the 2nd quarter worth about $33,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new stake in Best Buy in the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC boosted its position in Best Buy by 202.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 604 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares during the period. 80.96% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Best Buy alerts: Best Buy Price Performance NYSE BBY opened at $65.80 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.79 billion, a PE ratio of 21.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.44. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a 12-month low of $54.99 and a 12-month high of $91.68. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $68.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $73.27. Best Buy Dividend Announcement Best Buy ( NYSE:BBY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology retailer reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.09. Best Buy had a net margin of 1.54% and a return on equity of 50.02%. The business had revenue of $9.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.26 EPS. Best Buys revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. Best Buy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.350 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th were given a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 16th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.8%. Best Buys payout ratio is currently 125.83%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BBY has been the topic of a number of research reports. UBS Group upped their target price on Best Buy from $93.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Loop Capital boosted their price objective on shares of Best Buy from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Evercore dropped their price objective on shares of Best Buy from $80.00 to $70.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Best Buy from $75.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Best Buy from $82.00 to $67.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.05. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Best Buy Best Buy Company Profile (Free Report) Best Buy Co, Inc is a leading North American consumer electronics retailer that sells a broad range of products including computers, mobile phones, televisions and home theater systems, major appliances, smart-home devices, gaming hardware and software, wearables and related accessories. The company operates through a mix of large-format stores, smaller specialty locations and an e-commerce platform, offering national and private-brand merchandise from major consumer-technology manufacturers as well as third-party sellers. Beyond product retailing, Best Buy provides a suite of services aimed at installation, repair and ongoing technical support. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lowered its stake in The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 14.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 403,216 shares of the banks stock after selling 70,539 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ owned 0.06% of Bank of New York Mellon worth $43,934,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,081,847,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter valued at $135,728,000. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 4.3% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 18,898,373 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,717,074,000 after acquiring an additional 785,478 shares during the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 36.4% in the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 2,166,052 shares of the banks stock worth $236,013,000 after purchasing an additional 577,621 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia raised its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 698.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 651,135 shares of the banks stock worth $59,325,000 after purchasing an additional 569,602 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Trading Up 2.4% BK opened at $117.67 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average is $119.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $111.21. The firm has a market cap of $82.05 billion, a PE ratio of 15.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.10. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a twelve month low of $70.46 and a twelve month high of $128.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.71. Bank of New York Mellon Dividend Announcement Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The bank reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $5.07 billion during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 13.62% and a return on equity of 14.37%. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were issued a $0.53 dividend. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 23rd. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio is 28.61%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently issued reports on BK shares. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $124.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Truist Financial raised shares of Bank of New York Mellon from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $119.00 to $134.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $120.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $119.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings cut Bank of New York Mellon from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b+) rating in a research note on Friday. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $131.92. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City that provides a wide range of asset servicing, custody, and related financial infrastructure solutions to institutional clients. Its core businesses include custody and asset servicing, clearing and collateral management, treasury services, securities lending, corporate trust services, and depositary receipt administration. The company also offers investment management and advisory services through its asset management arm and provides technology-enabled solutions for trade processing, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. BNY Mellon serves a broad client base that includes asset managers, pension funds, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign entities. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. View of an office building of the ERGO insurance group. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa German insurer Ergo plans to cut around 1,000 jobs by 2030, a company spokesman said on Tuesday. Confirming a report in the Handelsblatt business newspaper, the spokesman said Ergo has agreed on the cuts with employee representatives. Redundancies for operational reasons will not be necessary, the Dusseldorf-based company believes, with the job cuts to be achieved through natural fluctuation, partial retirement and severance programmes. Ergo, a subsidiary of reinsurance giant Munich Re, plans to make greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the coming years. In addition to job cuts, many employees will therefore be retrained for new jobs. According to the spokesman, Ergo employs around 15,000 people in Germany, with around 200 jobs to be cut annually until the end of the decade. The layoffs are part of a cost-cutting programme at Munich Re, which is aiming to reduce its annual costs by a total of 600 million ($709 million) by 2030. London Stock Exchange Group plc (OTCMKTS:LDNXF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 129,119 shares, a growth of 36.4% from the January 15th total of 94,681 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 8,778 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 14.7 days. Based on an average trading volume of 8,778 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 14.7 days. London Stock Exchange Group Price Performance OTCMKTS:LDNXF opened at $103.50 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $115.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $118.92. London Stock Exchange Group has a 12-month low of $95.04 and a 12-month high of $159.67. Get London Stock Exchange Group alerts: About London Stock Exchange Group (Get Free Report) London Stock Exchange Group (OTCMKTS:LDNXF) is a global provider of market infrastructure, data and analytics, operating the London Stock Exchange and a diverse range of complementary businesses. The company facilitates the trading, clearing and settlement of equity, bond and derivatives markets, serving issuers, broker-dealers, asset managers and other financial institutions worldwide. In addition to its core exchange business, LSEG provides fixed income and foreign exchange trading platforms, commodities and energy markets, and a range of electronic trading services. Founded through the merger and expansion of the London Stock Exchange and Borsa Italiana in 2007, the Group has grown through strategic acquisitions, most notably the purchase of Refinitiv in 2021. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for London Stock Exchange Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for London Stock Exchange Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX:BEN Get Free Report) announced a interim dividend on Tuesday, February 17th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Monday, March 30th will be paid a dividend of 0.30 per share on Monday, March 30th. This represents a dividend yield of 264.0%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 19th. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of $7.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.14. Get Bendigo and Adelaide Bank alerts: About Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (Get Free Report) Further Reading Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited provides banking and financial products and services to retail customers and small to medium sized businesses in Australia. The company operates through Consumer, Business and Agribusiness, and Corporate segments. It offers a range of products and services, including personal and business banking, financial planning, commercial mortgages and unsecured loans, investment products, insurance, and superannuation. The company also provides retail banking products and services; home loans for the mortgage broker and mortgage manager market; rural bank products and services; wealth management services; investments and funds management services, commercial loans, access to funeral bonds, estates and trusts management services, and corporate trustee and custodial services; and banking products and services to agribusiness participants. Receive News & Ratings for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT lessened its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 45.7% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 36,059 shares of the companys stock after selling 30,370 shares during the quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UTs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $2,001,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 2,101.5% in the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 2,383,176 shares of the companys stock worth $132,242,000 after purchasing an additional 2,274,925 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 101.4% during the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,475,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $170,845,000 after buying an additional 1,246,467 shares during the last quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 54.8% during the third quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 2,642,498 shares of the companys stock worth $146,644,000 after buying an additional 935,468 shares in the last quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 11.7% in the 2nd quarter. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP now owns 6,192,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $427,416,000 after buying an additional 649,390 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 42.6% in the 2nd quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,476,673 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,920,000 after buying an additional 441,034 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 1.4% Shares of NVO stock opened at $49.59 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The firm has a market cap of $221.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.29 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a 50 day moving average of $53.80 and a 200-day moving average of $53.26. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 12-month low of $43.08 and a 12-month high of $93.80. Novo Nordisk A/S Dividend Announcement Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 68.91% and a net margin of 33.03%.The business had revenue of $12.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.97 billion. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Investors of record on Monday, March 30th will be issued a $1.2751 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 30th. This represents a yield of 541.0%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.63%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently issued reports on NVO. Zacks Research lowered shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and set a $42.00 price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Citigroup began coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. CICC Research started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Friday, January 9th. They issued an outperform rating and a $73.50 target price on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $56.07. View Our Latest Analysis on NVO Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 0.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 53,369,215 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after acquiring an additional 94,203 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned approximately 0.10% of EOG Resources worth $5,983,756,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EOG. Cullen Capital Management LLC grew its position in EOG Resources by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 576,470 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $68,952,000 after purchasing an additional 25,753 shares during the period. Rockland Trust Co. boosted its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 5.1% in the third quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 246,326 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $27,618,000 after buying an additional 11,965 shares during the last quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd boosted its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 6.9% in the second quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd now owns 449,100 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $53,717,000 after buying an additional 28,800 shares during the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in EOG Resources by 1,413.5% during the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 25,533 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $2,863,000 after acquiring an additional 23,846 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S lifted its holdings in EOG Resources by 21.0% in the third quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 65,820 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $7,380,000 after acquiring an additional 11,442 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Price Performance Shares of EOG Resources stock opened at $120.85 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $65.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.04 and a beta of 0.49. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $108.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $111.35. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 12 month low of $101.59 and a 12 month high of $135.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.62 and a quick ratio of 1.43. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades EOG has been the subject of several recent research reports. Mizuho set a $134.00 target price on shares of EOG Resources and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Capital One Financial dropped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $131.00 to $130.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $140.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Susquehanna lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $161.00 to $151.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating and issued a $115.00 price target (down previously from $125.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $134.30. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG Insiders Place Their Bets In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.68, for a total value of $211,360.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 54,979 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,810,180.72. This trade represents a 3.51% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc (NYSE: EOG) is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Tracing its corporate origins to Enron Oil & Gas Company in the late 1990s, the company established itself as a stand?alone E&P operator and has grown into one of the largest U.S. upstream producers. EOG focuses on the exploration, development and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). As an upstream-focused company, EOGs core activities include geologic and geophysical exploration, drilling and completion of wells, reservoir development, and the marketing of hydrocarbon production. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fibra Danhos (OTCMKTS:GRFFF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 662,600 shares, an increase of 34.7% from the January 15th total of 491,787 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 7,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 93.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 7,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 93.3 days. Fibra Danhos Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS GRFFF opened at $1.20 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $1.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1.20. Fibra Danhos has a 1 year low of $1.20 and a 1 year high of $1.20. Get Fibra Danhos alerts: About Fibra Danhos (Get Free Report) Fibra Danhos (OTCMKTS:GRFFF) is a Mexican real estate investment trust that specializes in the development, ownership and management of commercial real estate assets. Established in 2013 through a sponsorship agreement with Grupo Danhos, the company has positioned itself as a leading player in the Mexican market by focusing on the retail, office and mixed-use sectors. It pursues a strategy of acquiring high-quality land parcels, financing development projects and overseeing long-term property operations. The trusts portfolio is concentrated primarily in Mexico City and its metropolitan area, where it owns and operates several marquee shopping centers, office towers and urban mixed-use complexes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fibra Danhos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fibra Danhos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEOS Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 49.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 282,705 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 93,693 shares during the period. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $43,438,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC bought a new position in Procter & Gamble in the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Corundum Trust Company INC acquired a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the third quarter worth $37,000. Finally, Manning & Napier Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Procter & Gamble in the 3rd quarter valued at about $44,000. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Raymond James Financial lowered their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $167.67. Procter & Gamble Trading Down 0.7% Shares of PG opened at $160.11 on Tuesday. Procter & Gamble Company has a 12-month low of $137.62 and a 12-month high of $179.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $372.09 billion, a PE ratio of 23.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 0.38. 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 stocks fifty day simple moving average is $147.57 and its 200-day simple moving average is $150.47. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last issued 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. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The business had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.36 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.88 EPS. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict 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 paid a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 62.67%. Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In other Procter & Gamble news, Chairman Jon R. Moeller sold 162,232 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.45, for a total value of $26,354,588.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman owned 319,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,884,093.25. The trade was a 33.68% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 95,903 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the insider directly owned 182,607 shares in the company, valued at $27,601,048.05. The trade was a 34.43% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 326,091 shares of company stock worth $51,795,360 over the last ninety days. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Procter & Gamble (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. See Also 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. Merit Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 32.7% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 81,263 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 20,034 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $10,884,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Founders Financial Alliance LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 41.0% during the 3rd quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC now owns 4,300 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $576,000 after acquiring an additional 1,251 shares in the last quarter. Accretive Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.0% during the third quarter. Accretive Wealth Partners LLC now owns 16,018 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,145,000 after purchasing an additional 320 shares in the last quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 51.6% during the third quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 559,321 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $74,915,000 after buying an additional 190,255 shares during the period. SMART Wealth LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the third quarter worth approximately $206,000. Finally, Southeast Asset Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 69.7% during the third quarter. Southeast Asset Advisors LLC now owns 23,364 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,129,000 after buying an additional 9,600 shares during the period. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 1.0% ABT stock opened at $112.63 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $195.84 billion, a PE ratio of 30.28, a price-to-earnings-growth 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. 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 firm has a 50 day moving average of $119.30 and a 200 day moving average of $126.29. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.50. The business had revenue of $11.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.80 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 14.72% and a return on equity of 17.94%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.34 earnings per share. 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. Sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th were paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 15th. This is a boost from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 67.74%. Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks acquired 10,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $108.73 per share, for a total transaction of $1,087,300.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 6,738,817 shares in the company, valued at $732,711,572.41. This trade represents a 0.15% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays reduced their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $169.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $152.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $150.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. William Blair upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Leerink Partners lowered their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $119.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 30th. 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, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $137.05. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Profile (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). 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. NEOS Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 51.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 114,395 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 38,973 shares during the quarter. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $32,278,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of International Business Machines during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new position in International Business Machines during the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in International Business Machines by 129.1% during the third quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 126 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the period. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID increased its holdings in International Business Machines by 48.5% during the second quarter. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID now owns 147 shares of the technology companys stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 48 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Davis Capital Management bought a new stake in International Business Machines in the third quarter worth about $54,000. 58.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get International Business Machines alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth IBM has been the subject of a number of research reports. Wedbush increased their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on International Business Machines from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Bank of America raised their target price on International Business Machines from $315.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Morgan Stanley set a $304.00 target price on International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Erste Group Bank upgraded International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. One 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $330.07. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director David N. Farr bought 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 30th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $304.00 per share, with a total value of $304,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 9,258 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,814,432. The trade was a 12.11% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. International Business Machines Price Performance International Business Machines stock opened at $262.33 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization 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 Corporation has a one year low of $214.50 and a one year high of $324.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $298.30 and a 200-day moving average price of $284.26. International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.33 by $0.19. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 38.15% and a net margin of 15.69%.The company had revenue of $19.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.23 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.92 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year. International Business Machines Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be given a $1.68 dividend. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 60.27%. About International Business Machines (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IBM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report). 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. Todd Asset Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 17.6% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 13,997 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,986 shares during the quarter. Todd Asset Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,270,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1,677.8% during the 3rd quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 160 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares during the period. Estabrook Capital Management acquired a new position in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Briaud Financial Planning Inc grew its position in Philip Morris International by 266.7% in the 2nd quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PM has been the subject of several recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus set a $200.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $181.50 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Citigroup lifted their target price on Philip Morris International from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 17th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $194.06. Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.8% Philip Morris International stock opened at $187.35 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $168.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of $162.51. The stock has a market cap of $291.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.39. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $142.11 and a 12-month high of $190.98. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.70. The company had revenue of $10.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.40 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 130.95% and a net margin of 12.09%.Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.55 earnings per share. 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. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 80.88%. Philip Morris International Profile (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. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lessened its position in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 11.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,779,654 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 232,702 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Bank of America were worth $91,786,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 246.5% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 523 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 880 shares during the last quarter. Steph & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 224.3% during the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Collier Financial acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the third quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new position in Bank of America in the third quarter valued at about $31,000. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Performance Shares of Bank of America stock opened at $52.53 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $383.59 billion, a price-to-earnings 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 companys fifty day moving average is $54.40 and its 200 day moving average is $52.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 16.23%.The business had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.73 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.82 EPS. Bank of Americas revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. Bank of Americas payout ratio is currently 29.24%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wolfe Research downgraded shares of Bank of America from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $59.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $52.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Daiwa Securities Group dropped their price target on Bank of America from $66.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Twenty-two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of America presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $60.30. Read Our Latest Stock Report on BAC 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. A view of the logo at the Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH plant. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa German pharmaceutical and agrochemical giant Bayer has reached a $7.25 billion class action settlement in the United States to resolve lawsuits relating to the weedkiller Roundup. The payments stretch over a period of up to 21 years, the Leverkusen-based company said on Tuesday. The settlement - which must be approved by a court in St Louis, Missouri - "provides an essential path out of the litigation uncertainty," said Bayer chief executive Bill Anderson. A large number of lawsuits have been weighing on Bayer's balance sheet for years. They are largely legacy issues from the 2018 acquisition of US competitor Monsanto. In the US lawsuits, plaintiffs attributed cancer to glyphosate. A panel of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the active ingredient contained in the weedkiller Roundup as "probably carcinogenic to humans." Several European institutions did not follow suit. Glyphosate manufacturer Bayer also rejects the argument that the weed killer is carcinogenic. The group's total provisions and liabilities for legal disputes are expected to increase from 7.8 billion ($9.2 billion) to 11.8 billion as a result of the class action settlement. In addition, the Monsanto subsidiary has agreed to further confidential settlements to resolve other glyphosate cases, according to the group. Monsanto also settled eight remaining judgements earlier this year in connection with the environmental chemical PCB at the Sky Valley Education Centre in the US state of Washington. The terms of these settlements are also confidential. The glyphosate settlement agreements followed the US Supreme Court's decision to accept the case of plaintiff John Durnell for review. Bayer said that the expectation that the Supreme Court might review the question of the primacy of federal law in lawsuits alleging a lack of warning labels made the settlement negotiations possible in the first place. The company hopes to gain momentum from the review by the US Supreme Court. The legal case is unaffected by the settlement and is important for overturning significant damages awards that are still pending appeal and are not covered by the class action settlement, Bayer explained. "This litigation and the resulting cost underscore the need for guidance from the Supreme Court on clear regulation in American agriculture," said Anderson. "The class settlement and Supreme Court case are both necessary to help bring the strongest, most certain and most timely containment to this litigation." Glenview Trust Co lowered its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 4.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 443,853 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 20,981 shares during the quarter. Glenview Trust Cos holdings in Pfizer were worth $11,309,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PFE. Southeast Asset Advisors LLC grew its position in Pfizer by 53.2% during the 3rd quarter. Southeast Asset Advisors LLC now owns 75,900 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,934,000 after purchasing an additional 26,352 shares during the period. Summitry LLC grew its holdings in Pfizer by 134.6% during the third quarter. Summitry LLC now owns 21,008 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $535,000 after acquiring an additional 12,055 shares during the period. Providence Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Pfizer during the third quarter valued at approximately $282,000. MRA Advisory Group acquired a new position in Pfizer in the third quarter valued at approximately $216,000. Finally, Bastion Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Pfizer in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,380,000. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pfizer alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on PFE. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. HSBC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $29.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Bank of America dropped their target price on Pfizer from $29.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $26.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Scotiabank started coverage on Pfizer in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 price objective on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.00. Pfizer Price Performance NYSE:PFE opened at $27.58 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $25.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $25.23. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $20.92 and a 12 month high of $27.94. The firm has a market cap of $156.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.28 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.09. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.25% and a net margin of 12.42%.The business had revenue of $17.56 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.93 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.63 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is 126.47%. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthCare Investment Partners LLC trimmed its holdings in Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF (NYSEARCA:FLJH Free Report) by 23.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 67,191 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,026 shares during the period. WealthCare Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF were worth $2,405,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Separately, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,730,000. Get Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF alerts: Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF Stock Performance Shares of FLJH opened at $42.79 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $39.56 and a 200 day simple moving average of $37.88. Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF has a 52-week low of $26.01 and a 52-week high of $43.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $132.65 million, a PE ratio of 14.42 and a beta of 0.37. Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF Profile The Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF (FLJH) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap companies in Japan. The fund is currency hedged for USD-based investors. FLJH was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLJH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF (NYSEARCA:FLJH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Japan Hedged ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthCare Investment Partners LLC grew its stake in Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report) by 78.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 130,943 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after purchasing an additional 57,447 shares during the quarter. WealthCare Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Ford Motor were worth $1,607,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of F. Corsicana & Co. acquired a new position in Ford Motor during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Country Trust Bank bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Ford Motor by 990.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,509 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 2,279 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC grew its stake in shares of Ford Motor by 86.6% in the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 2,333 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 1,083 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.74% of the companys stock. Get Ford Motor alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. HSBC upped their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $9.80 to $12.80 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Ford Motor from $12.50 to $15.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Ford Motor has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $13.02. Ford Motor Stock Performance NYSE F opened at $14.10 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $56.16 billion, a PE ratio of -6.84, a P/E/G ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 1.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.07. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $13.64 and a 200-day moving average of $12.70. Ford Motor Company has a 52-week low of $8.44 and a 52-week high of $14.50. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The auto manufacturer reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.06 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $45.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $41.78 billion. Ford Motor had a negative net margin of 4.37% and a positive return on equity of 10.16%. The businesss revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.39 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 EPS for the current year. Ford Motor Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -29.13%. Ford Motor Profile (Free Report) Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding F? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI Free Report) by 0.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,648,231 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,082 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned about 0.13% of Cummins worth $7,454,083,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp raised its stake in Cummins by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,539,191 shares of the companys stock worth $2,141,585,000 after acquiring an additional 92,073 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Cummins by 1.3% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,499,240 shares of the companys stock worth $1,141,138,000 after purchasing an additional 43,720 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Cummins by 4.5% during the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 3,275,045 shares of the companys stock worth $1,072,578,000 after acquiring an additional 142,058 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Cummins during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $505,941,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in Cummins by 50.8% in the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,450,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $612,715,000 after acquiring an additional 488,430 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.46% of the companys stock. Get Cummins alerts: Cummins Price Performance CMI opened at $600.30 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $551.85 and a 200-day moving average of $472.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Cummins Inc. has a 12-month low of $260.02 and a 12-month high of $617.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $82.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.25, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.13. Cummins Announces Dividend Cummins ( NYSE:CMI Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $5.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.17 by $0.64. The business had revenue of $8.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.09 billion. Cummins had a net margin of 8.44% and a return on equity of 25.71%. Cumminss revenue was up 1.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $5.16 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Cummins Inc. will post 22.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $2.00 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. This represents a $8.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Cumminss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 38.99%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently issued reports on CMI shares. Wolfe Research cut Cummins from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating and set a $540.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Monday, January 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $600.00 price objective on Cummins and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Cummins from $485.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Cummins in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Cummins from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Cummins currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $588.93. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CMI Insider Activity at Cummins In other Cummins news, insider Brett Michael Merritt sold 1,450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $489.32, for a total value of $709,514.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 9,271 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,536,485.72. The trade was a 13.52% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director William I. Miller sold 18,107 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $597.10, for a total transaction of $10,811,689.70. Following the sale, the director owned 34,243 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,446,495.30. This trade represents a 34.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.41% of the companys stock. About Cummins (Free Report) Cummins Inc (NYSE: CMI) is a global power technology company that designs, manufactures, distributes and services a broad portfolio of diesel and natural gas engines, electrified powertrains, power generation systems and related components. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins has grown into one of the worlds leading suppliers of internal combustion engines and a provider of technologies that reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The companys product lineup includes heavy-, medium- and light-duty engines for on-highway and off-highway applications, generator sets and power systems for commercial and industrial use, and key engine components such as turbochargers, fuel systems, air handling, filtration and aftertreatment solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cummins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cummins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The pipeline company reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.34 by ($0.09), FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $25.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.56 billion. Energy Transfer had a return on equity of 10.71% and a net margin of 5.66%.Energy Transfers revenue for the quarter was up 29.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.29 earnings per share. Here are the key takeaways from Energy Transfers conference call: Get Energy Transfer alerts: Record adjusted EBITDA of nearly $16.0 billion in 2025 (up 3% YoY) was reported while distributable cash flow fell slightly to $8.2 billion, and Q4 DCF was roughly flat versus a year ago. of nearly $16.0 billion in 2025 (up 3% YoY) was reported while distributable cash flow fell slightly to $8.2 billion, and Q4 DCF was roughly flat versus a year ago. Management set 2026 organic growth capital guidance of $5.0$5.5 billion (ex-Sun and USA Compression), with roughly two?thirds directed to natural gas projects and ~25% to NGL/refined products, citing long?term contracted projects that target mid?teen returns. (ex-Sun and USA Compression), with roughly two?thirds directed to natural gas projects and ~25% to NGL/refined products, citing long?term contracted projects that target mid?teen returns. Major pipeline projects were updated the Desert Southwest was upsized to 48 (up to 2.3 Bcf/d, ~$5.6 billion cost, in service by Q4 2029) and the Hugh Brinson pipeline is ~75% complete with phase one expected in Q4 2026 and phase two in Q1 2027 (west?east fully contracted, growing backhaul upside). was upsized to 48 (up to 2.3 Bcf/d, ~$5.6 billion cost, in service by Q4 2029) and the pipeline is ~75% complete with phase one expected in Q4 2026 and phase two in Q1 2027 (west?east fully contracted, growing backhaul upside). NGL/export momentum is accelerating with record NGL fractionation throughput and LPG exports, first ethylene cargoes from the Nederland Flex Port expansion, and Permian processing (Mustang Draw 1 & 2) coming into service through 2026. Energy Transfer has suspended development of the Lake Charles LNG project to preserve capital discipline, though it remains open to third?party development or alternate terminal uses, reducing near?term LNG upside from ET. Energy Transfer Price Performance Shares of NYSE ET traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $18.74. 8,204,934 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 16,109,533. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $17.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $17.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 1.14. The firm has a market cap of $64.32 billion, a PE ratio of 14.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.66. Energy Transfer has a fifty-two week low of $14.60 and a fifty-two week high of $20.51. Energy Transfer Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Investors of record on Friday, February 6th will be issued a $0.335 dividend. This is a positive change from Energy Transfers previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 6th. This represents a $1.34 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.2%. Energy Transfers dividend payout ratio is currently 107.20%. ET has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Energy Transfer in a report on Friday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Energy Transfer from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 24th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Energy Transfer in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Energy Transfer in a research report on Wednesday, December 24th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a $17.00 price objective on shares of Energy Transfer and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued 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 $21.36. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ET Insider Buying and Selling at Energy Transfer In related news, Director Kelcy L. Warren bought 1,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $16.95 per share, for a total transaction of $16,950,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 104,577,803 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,772,593,760.85. The trade was a 0.97% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 3.28% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Energy Transfer Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Quattro Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Energy Transfer in the fourth quarter valued at about $46,000. Fulcrum Asset Management LLP bought a new stake in Energy Transfer during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $52,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC acquired a new stake in Energy Transfer in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $70,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in Energy Transfer in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $73,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Energy Transfer by 436.5% during the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 4,179 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $76,000 after buying an additional 3,400 shares during the last quarter. 38.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Energy Transfer (Get Free Report) Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) is a Dallas-based midstream energy company that develops and operates infrastructure for the transportation, storage and processing of hydrocarbons. The companys operations focus on moving and storing natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil and refined products through an integrated network of pipelines, terminals, storage facilities and processing plants. Energy Transfer provides core midstream services such as gathering, compression, fractionation, processing, and bulk transportation to support production and downstream supply chains. Its asset base spans an extensive network across the United States, connecting producing regions, processing centers, petrochemical hubs and coastal and inland markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Energy Transfer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energy Transfer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The specialty retailer reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.79 by ($0.24), Briefing.com reports. Genuine Parts had a return on equity of 22.57% and a net margin of 3.36%.The firm had revenue of $6.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.06 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.61 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Genuine Parts updated its FY 2026 guidance to 7.500-8.000 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Genuine Parts conference call: Get Genuine Parts alerts: Announced intent to separate into two publicly traded companies Global Automotive (NAPA-focused) and Global Industrial (Motion) targeting completion in Q1 2027 to enable more focused strategies, tailored investments, and clearer capital allocation. Announced intent to Global Automotive (NAPA-focused) and Global Industrial (Motion) targeting completion in Q1 2027 to enable more focused strategies, tailored investments, and clearer capital allocation. Full-year sales were $24.3 billion (+3.5%) with gross margin expansion, but results fell short of expectations due to weaker-than-forecast Q4 sales, notably in Europe and lower sales to U.S. independent NAPA owners. Full-year sales were $24.3 billion (+3.5%) with gross margin expansion, but results fell short of expectations due to weaker-than-forecast Q4 sales, notably in Europe and lower sales to U.S. independent NAPA owners. Recorded significant one-time fourth-quarter adjustments of ~ $1.1 billion pre-tax (~$825M after-tax), including a $742M pension settlement, ~$150M expected loss from First Brands receivables, a $103M asbestos reserve increase, plus restructuring and accounting charges, which materially reduced GAAP earnings. Recorded significant one-time fourth-quarter adjustments of ~ (~$825M after-tax), including a $742M pension settlement, ~$150M expected loss from First Brands receivables, a $103M asbestos reserve increase, plus restructuring and accounting charges, which materially reduced GAAP earnings. 2026 guidance calls for adjusted EPS $7.50$8.00 (GAAP EPS $6.10$6.60), total sales growth of 3%5.5%, consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $2.0B$2.2B, and improved operating cash flow ($1.0B$1.2B), signaling management expects recovery and margin expansion despite headwinds. 2026 guidance calls for (GAAP EPS $6.10$6.60), total sales growth of 3%5.5%, consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $2.0B$2.2B, and improved operating cash flow ($1.0B$1.2B), signaling management expects recovery and margin expansion despite headwinds. Board approved a 3.2% dividend increase (70th consecutive annual raise); company plans ~ $450M$500M CapEx and $300M$350M in M&A for 2026 and expects both standalones to target investment?grade ratings, indicating balanced investment and shareholder-return priorities. Genuine Parts Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:GPC traded down $18.94 on Tuesday, hitting $128.22. 1,008,012 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,137,664. The companys 50 day moving average price is $133.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $133.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.10 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 1.14. Genuine Parts has a one year low of $104.01 and a one year high of $151.57. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have weighed in on GPC shares. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Genuine Parts from $146.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Genuine Parts in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Genuine Parts from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the company from $130.00 to $142.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Genuine Parts from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Evercore set a $175.00 price target on Genuine Parts in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Genuine Parts has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $154.83. Get Our Latest Stock Report on GPC Hedge Funds Weigh In On Genuine Parts Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in GPC. Baupost Group LLC MA acquired a new stake in shares of Genuine Parts in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $193,347,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in Genuine Parts during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $61,321,000. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Genuine Parts by 16.6% in the fourth quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,512,478 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $308,935,000 after buying an additional 357,979 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Genuine Parts by 252.7% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 292,880 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $35,304,000 after purchasing an additional 209,833 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its holdings in Genuine Parts by 106.9% during the third quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 346,772 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $48,063,000 after buying an additional 179,207 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.83% of the companys stock. Key Headlines Impacting Genuine Parts Here are the key news stories impacting Genuine Parts this week: Positive Sentiment: Company announced a plan to separate into two publicly traded businesses (Global Automotive and Global Industrial). Management says the separation is tax?free, targeted to complete in Q1 2027 and intended to unlock shareholder value and sharpen strategic focus. Article Title Company announced a plan to separate into two publicly traded businesses (Global Automotive and Global Industrial). Management says the separation is tax?free, targeted to complete in Q1 2027 and intended to unlock shareholder value and sharpen strategic focus. Positive Sentiment: Declared a dividend increase, marking the companys 70th consecutive year of dividend growth a sign of management confidence and shareholder returns. Article Title Declared a dividend increase, marking the companys 70th consecutive year of dividend growth a sign of management confidence and shareholder returns. Neutral Sentiment: Revenue grew ~4.1% year?over?year in Q4, showing underlying top?line expansion, though details and comparability will matter as investors parse margins and segment performance. Article Title Revenue grew ~4.1% year?over?year in Q4, showing underlying top?line expansion, though details and comparability will matter as investors parse margins and segment performance. Neutral Sentiment: Company plans investor days in H2 2026 for both new companies and held a conference call/posted slides today these presentations will be important for details on separation timing, cost estimates, and pro forma financials. Article Title Company plans investor days in H2 2026 for both new companies and held a conference call/posted slides today these presentations will be important for details on separation timing, cost estimates, and pro forma financials. Negative Sentiment: Q4 EPS of $1.55 missed consensus (Zacks/Street ~ $1.79$1.80) and declined vs prior year $1.61 the earnings shortfall is the immediate catalyst for the sell?off. Article Title Q4 EPS of $1.55 missed consensus (Zacks/Street ~ $1.79$1.80) and declined vs prior year $1.61 the earnings shortfall is the immediate catalyst for the sell?off. Negative Sentiment: FY?2026 EPS guidance of $7.50$8.00 came in below the consensus (~$8.41), raising questions on margins and growth assumptions for the combined business going forward. Article Title FY?2026 EPS guidance of $7.50$8.00 came in below the consensus (~$8.41), raising questions on margins and growth assumptions for the combined business going forward. Negative Sentiment: Media and market coverage note the stock dropped sharply on the combined effect of the earnings miss and below?consensus guidance. Monitor near?term volatility and analyst reactions. Article Title Genuine Parts Company Profile (Get Free Report) Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) is a global distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and business products with a history dating back to 1928. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates a broad distribution network and retail presence serving repair shops, independent retailers, industrial customers and commercial accounts. Its business model centers on stocking and delivering a wide range of parts and supplies to support aftermarket and maintenance needs across multiple end markets. Genuine Parts conducts its operations through several well-known operating groups and subsidiaries. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Genuine Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Genuine Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE:RGR Get Free Report) will likely be posting its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Wednesday, February 18th. Analysts expect Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. to post earnings of $0.3150 per share and revenue of $139.2420 million for the quarter. Interested persons can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Price Performance Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. stock opened at $37.53 on Tuesday. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has a 1-year low of $28.33 and a 1-year high of $48.21. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $35.45 and a 200-day moving average price of $36.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $598.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 288.66 and a beta of 0.20. Get Sturm Ruger & Company Inc. alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Sell. Institutional Trading of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Kestra Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 176.5% during the third quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,128 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 720 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 259.6% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,568 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,000 after buying an additional 1,132 shares during the last quarter. Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management acquired a new position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $76,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 291.6% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,031 shares of the companys stock worth $109,000 after buying an additional 2,257 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.00% of the companys stock. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc, founded in 1949 by William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm, is a leading American designer and manufacturer of firearms. Headquartered in Newport, New Hampshire, the company has established a reputation for precision engineering and durable products. Its manufacturing footprint includes facilities in Newport and Mayodan, North Carolina, where it maintains a vertically integrated production model spanning metallurgy, machining, and assembly. The companys product portfolio encompasses a broad range of small arms, including centerfire and rimfire rifles, shotguns, semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, and accessories. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sturm Ruger & Company Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sturm Ruger & Company Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 306,712 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $105,908,000. UnitedHealth Group makes up approximately 1.8% of Mondrian Investment Partners LTDs portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. North Capital Inc. increased its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 16.2% in the third quarter. North Capital Inc. now owns 194 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Sunflower Bank N.A. increased its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Sunflower Bank N.A. now owns 1,916 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $662,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 1.7% in the third quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,631 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $563,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Abound Wealth Management raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 13.5% during the 3rd quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 244 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Auxano Advisors LLC grew its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter. Auxano Advisors LLC now owns 964 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $333,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. 87.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:UNH opened at $293.33 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.82. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $234.60 and a 12 month high of $606.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $265.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.41. The business has a 50-day moving average of $320.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $324.02. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.02. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 2.69% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The firm had revenue of $113.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.38 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $6.81 EPS. The companys revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $411.00 to $409.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $430.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $408.00 to $361.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Oppenheimer dropped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $415.00 to $385.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, UnitedHealth Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $372.13. View Our Latest Report on UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group Profile (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. Featured Stories 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. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) had its target price reduced by stock analysts at Citigroup from $165.00 to $160.00 in a research note issued on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the technology companys stock. Citigroups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 37.44% from the stocks previous close. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Daiwa Securities Group boosted their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Dell Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Zacks Research downgraded Dell Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Mizuho raised their price objective on Dell Technologies from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Seventeen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $161.00. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Dell Technologies Dell Technologies Trading Down 0.9% NYSE DELL opened at $116.41 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $122.82 and a 200 day moving average of $132.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.54, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.03. Dell Technologies has a twelve month low of $66.25 and a twelve month high of $168.08. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $27.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.26 billion. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 5.01% and a negative return on equity of 234.84%. Dell Technologiess revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.15 earnings per share. Dell Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.920-9.920 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.500-3.500 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Dell Technologies will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Dell Technologies In other news, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total transaction of $9,806,520.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 1,172,428 shares in the company, valued at $161,935,755.36. The trade was a 5.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 42.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in DELL. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Rossby Financial LCC lifted its stake in Dell Technologies by 968.4% in the 4th quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 203 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Dell Technologies by 84.7% during the second quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 218 shares of the technology companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Dell Technologies in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. 76.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Dell Technologies (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of information technology products, solutions and services. Its offerings span client computing devices (consumer and commercial laptops and desktops), enterprise infrastructure (servers, storage systems and networking equipment), software and cloud infrastructure, and a variety of professional services such as IT consulting, deployment, managed services and financing solutions. The company serves organizations of all sizes as well as individual consumers, with products and services aimed at enabling digital transformation and modern IT environments. Founded by Michael Dell in 1984, the company grew from a direct-to-consumer PC business into a diversified IT provider through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robert Half (NYSE:RHI Get Free Report) had its target price decreased by BMO Capital Markets from $35.00 to $32.00 in a report issued on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a market perform rating on the business services providers stock. BMO Capital Markets price target would suggest a potential upside of 29.93% from the companys current price. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on RHI. Zacks Research raised shares of Robert Half from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. UBS Group decreased their target price on Robert Half from $30.00 to $27.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Robert W. Baird set a $50.00 price objective on Robert Half in a report on Friday, January 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of Robert Half from $24.00 to $27.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Robert Half from $45.00 to $36.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given 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 Reduce and a consensus target price of $33.13. Get Robert Half alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on RHI Robert Half Stock Down 0.6% Shares of NYSE:RHI opened at $24.63 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $28.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.70. The company has a market cap of $2.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.58 and a beta of 0.88. Robert Half has a 12-month low of $24.40 and a 12-month high of $61.16. Robert Half (NYSE:RHI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The business services provider reported $0.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.02. Robert Half had a return on equity of 10.20% and a net margin of 2.47%.The firm had revenue of $1.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.29 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.53 earnings per share. Robert Halfs quarterly revenue was down 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Robert Half will post 2.48 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Robert Half A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of RHI. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of Robert Half by 19.3% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 38,352 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,092,000 after buying an additional 6,212 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its holdings in Robert Half by 498.7% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 6,813 shares of the business services providers stock worth $372,000 after purchasing an additional 5,675 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in Robert Half by 2.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 304,359 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $16,603,000 after buying an additional 7,523 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 91.8% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 55,719 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,039,000 after buying an additional 26,672 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 94.6% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 8,098 shares of the business services providers stock worth $332,000 after buying an additional 3,937 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.41% of the companys stock. Robert Half Company Profile (Get Free Report) Robert Half International Inc, founded in 1948 by Robert Half, is a global professional staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. As a pioneer in specialized staffing, the company has built a reputation for matching skilled professionals with leading organizations across a range of industries. Robert Halfs shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RHI, reflecting its position as one of the longest?standing and best?known firms in the staffing sector. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including temporary staffing, permanent placement, and consulting solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greatland Resources appoints acting COO as Simon Tyrrell steps down Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Greatland Resources Ltd (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF, FRA:G8G, ASX:GGP) has announced a change to its senior leadership team, with chief operating officer Simon Tyrrell resigning from his role. The company said Tyrrell has stepped down as COO but will remain available until June 30, 2026, to assist with the transition. A formal process to appoint a permanent replacement is now under way. Otto Richter, who has served as Greatlands group mining engineer since 2021, has been appointed acting COO effective immediately. Richter brings more than 25 years experience in open pit and underground gold mining. During his time at Greatland, he has been part of the senior leadership team, contributing to operational and mine planning decisions across the companys asset base. The company said he has a detailed understanding of its operations and development plans. Managing director Shaun Day thanked Tyrrell for his contribution to the business. Simon has been an important part of Greatlands management team, and we appreciate his positive contribution towards the companys safety and operational outcomes. I thank Simon for his efforts and commitment to Greatland and wish him well in his future endeavours, Day said. The management update comes as Greatland continues to integrate and optimise its flagship Western Australian assets, including the 100%-owned Telfer mine and the adjacent Havieron gold-copper project in the Paterson Province. In its most recent quarterly report, the company highlighted strong cash flow generation from Telfer and ongoing development progress at Havieron, positioning the combined assets as a long-life gold-copper operation in the East Pilbara region. Read more: Greatland Resources delivers strong December quarter as Telfer cash flow surges Greatland is listed on both the ASX and Londons AIM market (ASX:GGP; AIM:GGP) and operates exclusively in Western Australia. The companys broader portfolio includes a significant exploration footprint surrounding Telfer and Havieron, targeting additional growth opportunities within the highly prospective Paterson Province. With Richter stepping into the acting COO role and a search under way for a permanent appointment, the company remains focused on maintaining operational continuity and advancing its production and development plans across its core assets. NEOS Investment Management LLC raised its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 44.3% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 117,989 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 36,236 shares during the quarter. NEOS Investment Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $40,742,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Guerra Advisors Inc bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,059,000. Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,572,193,000. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC boosted its position in UnitedHealth Group by 21.8% during the second quarter. Murphy Pohlad Asset Management LLC now owns 4,425 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,380,000 after purchasing an additional 791 shares during the period. Carnegie Investment Counsel lifted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel now owns 105,621 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $36,471,000 after buying an additional 2,316 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 48.9% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,790 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,806,000 after buying an additional 1,901 shares in the last quarter. 87.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $400.00 to $370.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Evercore upgraded UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $391.00 to $327.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $411.00 to $409.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. One investment 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 issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $372.13. UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 3.2% NYSE UNH opened at $293.33 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The businesss 50-day moving average is $320.31 and its 200 day moving average is $324.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $265.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.24, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.41. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1 year low of $234.60 and a 1 year high of $606.36. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.02. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 2.69% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The business had revenue of $113.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $113.38 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $6.81 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (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. Further Reading 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. Shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $112.97 and last traded at $108.6720, with a volume of 321725 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $111.43. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $116.00 to $98.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Bank of America reissued an underperform rating and set a $102.00 price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Friday, January 16th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Argus boosted their target price on ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $128.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, Wolfe Research increased their price target on ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $123.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $115.54. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on COP ConocoPhillips Stock Down 2.3% The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $98.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $94.30. The company has a market capitalization of $134.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.16 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last announced its 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 for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.35 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.98 EPS. The companys revenue was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. ConocoPhillips Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be given a dividend of $0.84 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 18th. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is currently 53.00%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other ConocoPhillips news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,152,410. This represents a 60.57% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of COP. Tema Etfs LLC acquired a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,804,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. boosted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 12.1% in the third quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 140,829 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $13,321,000 after acquiring an additional 15,202 shares during the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC increased its position in ConocoPhillips by 3.2% in the third quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC now owns 389,995 shares of the energy producers stock worth $36,890,000 after purchasing an additional 11,958 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 107.5% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 103,430 shares of the energy producers stock worth $9,783,000 after purchasing an additional 53,587 shares during the last quarter. Finally, StoneX Group Inc. raised its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 510.5% during the 2nd quarter. StoneX Group Inc. now owns 29,285 shares of the energy producers stock worth $2,628,000 after purchasing an additional 24,488 shares during the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About ConocoPhillips (Get 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. See Also 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. ANA Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:ALNPY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $4.37 and last traded at $4.37, with a volume of 441 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $4.2650. ANA Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $9.91 billion, a PE ratio of 10.04 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The companys 50 day moving average is $3.93 and its 200-day moving average is $3.93. Get ANA alerts: ANA (OTCMKTS:ALNPY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The transportation company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. ANA had a net margin of 6.47% and a return on equity of 12.84%. The business had revenue of $4.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.38 billion. About ANA All Nippon Airways Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: ALNPY) is a Tokyo-based airline offering passenger and cargo air transportation services. Founded in 1952, the company operates scheduled flights under its ANA brand, providing a network of domestic and international routes. In addition to core flight operations, ANA delivers ancillary services including in-flight catering, ground handling and aircraft maintenance. ANAs diversified business model encompasses several subsidiaries such as ANA Wings and Air Japan for regional operations, and ANA Cargo for freight services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ANA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ANA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avolta AG Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:DUFRY Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $6.76 and last traded at $6.75, with a volume of 30798 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.2560. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, UBS Group upgraded Avolta from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has issued a Buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Strong Buy. Get Avolta alerts: Get Our Latest Report on DUFRY Avolta Trading Up 7.7% Avolta Company Profile The firms 50 day moving average is $5.99 and its 200 day moving average is $5.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85. (Get Free Report) Avolta AG operates as a travel retailer. The companys retail brands include general travel retail shops under the Dufry, World Duty Free, Nuance, Hellenic Duty Free, Zurich Duty-Free or Stockholm Duty-Free, Autogrill, and HMSHost brands; Dufry shopping stores; brand boutiques; convenience stores primarily under the Hudson brand; and specialized shops and theme stores. It offers perfumes and cosmetics, food and confectionery, wines and spirits, watches and jewelry, fashion and leather, tobacco goods, souvenirs, electronics, soft drinks, packaged food, travel accessories, personal items, sunglasses, destination, and other products, as well as newspapers, magazines, and books. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Avolta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avolta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD Get Free Report) was the target of unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Investors acquired 24,536 call options on the stock. This is an increase of 42% compared to the typical volume of 17,297 call options. Insider Activity In related news, Director John R. Rutherford purchased 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 29th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $32.09 per share, with a total value of $481,350.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 173,586 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,570,374.74. The trade was a 9.46% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 32.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Get Enterprise Products Partners alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. PMV Capital Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Enterprise Products Partners in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Enterprise Products Partners in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Enterprise Products Partners during the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Enterprise Products Partners in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Enterprise Products Partners in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. 26.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Enterprise Products Partners Stock Down 1.1% Shares of NYSE EPD traded down $0.42 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $36.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,739,695 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,192,965. The firm has a market capitalization of $79.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.60. Enterprise Products Partners has a 1 year low of $27.77 and a 1 year high of $37.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $33.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $32.06. Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.06. Enterprise Products Partners had a return on equity of 19.43% and a net margin of 11.05%.The business had revenue of $13.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.44 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.74 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Enterprise Products Partners will post 2.9 EPS for the current year. Enterprise Products Partners Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th were paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 30th. This is an increase from Enterprise Products Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.0%. Enterprise Products Partnerss payout ratio is presently 82.71%. Enterprise Products Partners declared that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, October 30th that allows the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the oil and gas producer to buy up to 7.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In EPD has been the topic of several research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $40.00 target price on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Enterprise Products Partners from $35.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a $34.00 price objective on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and set a $35.00 price target on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $38.00 price objective (up previously from $35.00) on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Enterprise Products Partners has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on EPD About Enterprise Products Partners (Get Free Report) Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD) is a Houston-based master limited partnership that provides midstream energy services across North America. The company owns and operates an extensive network of pipelines, storage facilities, processing plants and export terminals that transport and handle natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil and refined and petrochemical products. Its core activities include gathering and transportation, fractionation of NGLs, natural gas processing, crude oil and condensate pipelines, and marine and terminal services that enable domestic distribution and exports. Enterprise serves a diverse set of customers including producers, refiners, petrochemical companies, marketers and end users. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Enterprise Products Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enterprise Products Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EQB (TSE:EQB Get Free Report) had its target price upped by analysts at National Bank Financial from C$98.00 to C$111.00 in a report issued on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. National Bank Financials target price would suggest a potential downside of 7.80% from the companys previous close. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on EQB. Veritas raised shares of EQB to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. BMO Capital Markets upgraded EQB from a hold rating to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the stock from C$108.00 to C$130.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on shares of EQB from C$102.00 to C$105.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. TD Securities boosted their price objective on shares of EQB from C$96.00 to C$103.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of EQB from C$97.00 to C$109.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$111.33. Get EQB alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on EQB EQB Trading Up 2.2% EQB stock traded up C$2.56 during trading on Tuesday, reaching C$120.39. The stock had a trading volume of 102,855 shares, compared to its average volume of 145,314. The firm has a market cap of C$4.49 billion, a PE ratio of 18.10, a PEG ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 0.74. EQB has a 52 week low of C$83.93 and a 52 week high of C$120.53. The stocks 50 day moving average is C$105.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$97.25. EQB (TSE:EQB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported C$6.56 EPS for the quarter. EQB had a net margin of 13.04% and a return on equity of 8.52%. On average, research analysts anticipate that EQB will post 12.5988235 EPS for the current year. About EQB (Get Free Report) EQB Inc formerly Equitable Group Inc trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange TSX: EQB and EQB.PR.C and serves over 360000 Canadians through its wholly owned subsidiary Equitable Bank Canadas Challenger Bank. Equitable Bank has grown to become the countrys eighth largest independent Schedule I bank with a clear mandate to drive real change in Canadian banking to enrich peoples lives. At Equitable Bank we are as invested in our employees as we are in our business. Thats why we are consistently recognized as one of Canadas Top Employers a rating that comes from our 1300+ employees. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for EQB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EQB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its price objective lifted by research analysts at National Bank Financial from C$134.00 to C$138.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. National Bank Financials target price would indicate a potential upside of 5.74% from the companys current price. Several other research firms have also commented on TD. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$130.00 to C$128.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Raymond James Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$122.00 to C$138.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$125.00 to C$132.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$128.00 to C$135.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$128.00 to C$133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of C$133.00. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Toronto-Dominion Bank Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Up 0.4% Toronto-Dominion Bank stock traded up C$0.58 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching C$130.51. 1,323,553 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,443,551. The stock has a market cap of C$218.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.29, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.00. The stocks fifty day moving average is C$129.37 and its 200-day moving average is C$116.66. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12 month low of C$78.06 and a 12 month high of C$134.50. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported C$2.18 EPS for the quarter. The firm 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%. On average, equities analysts predict that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 7.2160149 EPS for the current fiscal 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. TC Energy (TSE:TRP Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRP) had its price objective raised by research analysts at Raymond James Financial from C$71.00 to C$74.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a market perform rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price target suggests a potential downside of 12.81% from the companys previous close. Several other brokerages have also issued reports on TRP. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce boosted their target price on TC Energy from C$78.00 to C$81.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of TC Energy from C$74.00 to C$80.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of TC Energy from C$81.00 to C$86.00 in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of TC Energy from C$74.00 to C$84.00 in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, TD Securities dropped their target price on TC Energy from C$81.00 to C$80.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TC Energy presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$84.00. Get TC Energy alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on TRP TC Energy Stock Performance Shares of TRP stock traded down C$1.65 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching C$84.87. 2,107,940 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,875,110. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$77.33 and a 200 day moving average price of C$74.36. The company has a market cap of C$88.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.95, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.86. TC Energy has a 12-month low of C$62.17 and a 12-month high of C$86.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 237.62, a current ratio of 1.31 and a quick ratio of 0.40. TC Energy (TSE:TRP Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRP) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 13th. The company reported C$0.98 earnings per share for the quarter. TC Energy had a net margin of 32.39% and a return on equity of 17.25%. The business had revenue of C$4.17 billion for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that TC Energy will post 3.5490515 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. TC Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) TC Energy Corp operates as an energy infrastructure company, consisting of pipeline and power generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Its pipeline network consists of over 92,600 kilometers (57,500 miles) of natural gas pipeline, along with 4,900 kilometers (3,000) miles) from the Keystone Pipeline system. The company also owns or has interests in 11 power-generation facilities with a capacity of 6,600 megawatts. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TC Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TC Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Aspen Pharmacare (OTCMKTS:APNHY Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $7.24, but opened at $7.89. Aspen Pharmacare shares last traded at $7.89, with a volume of 552 shares. Aspen Pharmacare Trading Up 9.0% The companys 50 day moving average price is $6.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 2.21 and a quick ratio of 1.18. Get Aspen Pharmacare alerts: About Aspen Pharmacare (Get Free Report) Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Durban, South Africa. Founded in 1997 by Stephen Saad and Gus Attridge, Aspen has grown from a regional generic drug producer into a global specialist in branded and generic medicines. The company is publicly traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and its American depositary receipts trade over?the?counter under the symbol APNHY. Aspens core business encompasses the development, manufacture and distribution of a broad portfolio of injectable and oral pharmaceutical products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Aspen Pharmacare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aspen Pharmacare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:JUST Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 13,251 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 142% from the previous sessions volume of 5,478 shares.The stock last traded at $96.1960 and had previously closed at $96.62. Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF Trading Up 0.2% The company has a market capitalization of $503.44 million, a PE ratio of 24.96 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $97.41 and a 200-day simple moving average of $94.95. Get Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in JUST. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 0.8% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 19,443 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,546,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 3.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 732,191 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,224,000 after acquiring an additional 24,907 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 7.8% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 24,323 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,139,000 after acquiring an additional 1,754 shares during the last quarter. Keyvantage Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $202,000. Finally, Seeds Investor LLC raised its stake in Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF by 16.7% in the 2nd quarter. Seeds Investor LLC now owns 4,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $355,000 after purchasing an additional 578 shares during the last quarter. About Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF The Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the JUST US Large Cap Diversified index. The fund tracks a tier-weighted index of US-listed large-cap stocks selected based on a survey-based assessment of business behavior. JUST was launched on Jun 7, 2018 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Workers are feeling crummy about their jobs, according to private payroll processor ADP, a sour sentiment that has been on an "unprecedented six-month run of weakness" amid a stagnant labor market. "A lack of job opportunities is weighing on workers," Mary Hayes, director of people and performance at ADP Research, said in a statement. "Faced with few options, they're pressured to stay in their current jobs, and sentiment is taking a hit." The ADP Research Employee Motivation and Commitment Index, which contains data from 2022 onward and is drawn from a monthly survey of 2,500 US working adults, fell to 131 in February, down four points to reach its lowest level since May 2025, ADP said. Workers were feeling especially glum at big employers with 5,000-plus employees, ADP noted. That comes as some of the country's largest employers, including Amazon, UPS, and Target, have recently announced job cuts. Do you have a story about navigating the job market? Reach out to Emma Ockerman here. ADP's data tracks with the government's official "quits" rate, a measure of voluntary separations that's commonly seen as a barometer of workers' confidence in leaving their positions. In December, the quits rate continued to hover around 2%, according to the latest data, far below the "Great Resignation" heyday rate of 3% in March 2022. The rate was even lower in certain sectors, such as manufacturing, finance, and the federal government. All three of those industries shed positions in 2025. ADP's Research Employee Motivation and Commitment Index fell to 131 in February, down four points to reach its lowest level since May 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ASSOCIATED PRESS Read more: How a CD can help you prepare for and survive a layoff ADP also found that worker sentiment in manufacturing deteriorated noticeably in February, falling by 18 points, in the biggest decline of all 10 sectors ADP tracks. Sentiment among workers in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, meanwhile, increased by six points. As for the lack of opportunities Hayes referenced, government data for December showed openings were at their lowest level since the doldrums of 2020. Though the unemployment rate also remains low by historical standards, there's no doubt that people are feeling burned by a job market that feels stuck. Americans' expectations of quickly landing a position after losing their job, for example, have for the past several months floated at or just above record lows. That job-finding sentiment, as tracked by the New York Fed, was particularly dire for workers earning less than $50,000 and those with a high school education or less. TRX Gold Co. (NYSEAMERICAN:TRX Get Free Report) shares gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $1.73, but opened at $1.61. TRX Gold shares last traded at $1.6650, with a volume of 2,287,198 shares traded. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on TRX shares. Roth Mkm set a $2.25 price objective on TRX Gold and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 9th. HC Wainwright increased their price target on TRX Gold from $1.40 to $1.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $1.88. Get TRX Gold alerts: View Our Latest Report on TRX Gold TRX Gold Stock Down 5.2% The company has a market cap of $517.12 million, a P/E ratio of -164.00 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 1.09. The businesss fifty day moving average is $1.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.78. TRX Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:TRX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 15th. The company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter. TRX Gold had a positive return on equity of 10.43% and a negative net margin of 6.36%. Equities analysts predict that TRX Gold Co. will post 0.04 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of TRX Gold A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TRX. Sprott Inc. increased its position in TRX Gold by 34.9% during the 4th quarter. Sprott Inc. now owns 95,721 shares of the companys stock valued at $88,000 after purchasing an additional 24,746 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its holdings in TRX Gold by 6.2% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 482,536 shares of the companys stock worth $301,000 after buying an additional 27,966 shares during the period. MAI Capital Management bought a new stake in TRX Gold during the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Jane Street Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of TRX Gold by 157.7% in the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 108,573 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 66,437 shares during the period. Finally, Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of TRX Gold in the 3rd quarter worth $62,000. 1.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. TRX Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) TRX Gold Corporation engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral property interests in the United Republic of Tanzania. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds interests in the Buckreef gold project that comprises a single Special Mining License covering an area of 16.04 square kilometers and 12 Prospecting Licenses covering 98.19 square kilometers located in north-central Tanzania. The company was formerly known as Tanzanian Gold Corporation and changed its name to TRX Gold Corporation in May 2022. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TRX Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TRX Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of RWE AG (OTCMKTS:RWEOY Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 137,937 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 119% from the previous sessions volume of 63,096 shares.The stock last traded at $60.7360 and had previously closed at $59.38. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently commented on RWEOY. Sanford C. Bernstein cut RWE from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of RWE in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of RWE from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $53.30. Get RWE alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on RWE RWE Trading Up 3.6% RWE Company Profile The companys fifty day moving average is $57.38 and its 200-day moving average is $49.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.21. The company has a market capitalization of $44.65 billion, a PE ratio of 17.57 and a beta of 0.67. (Get Free Report) RWE AG, traded in the U.S. as OTCMKTS:RWEOY, is a leading European energy company headquartered in Essen, Germany. The firm operates as an integrated utility, encompassing power generation, supply, trading and renewable energy development. Its diversified portfolio spans conventional assetssuch as gas- and coal-fired power plantsand an expanding array of wind, solar and battery-storage projects managed through its RWE Renewables division. In its conventional business, RWE Generation produces baseload and peak?load electricity to meet industrial and consumer demand across Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for RWE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RWE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HUYA Inc. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:HUYA Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 2,244,166 shares, an increase of 33.7% from the January 15th total of 1,678,840 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,350,222 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Currently, 1.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 1.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 4,350,222 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently commented on HUYA. HSBC upgraded shares of HUYA from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $3.50 price target on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of HUYA in a report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $3.50. Get HUYA alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on HUYA HUYA Trading Down 0.6% Institutional Investors Weigh In On HUYA NYSE:HUYA traded down $0.03 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $4.26. 1,319,063 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,021,210. The stocks 50-day moving average is $3.59 and its 200-day moving average is $3.30. HUYA has a twelve month low of $2.21 and a twelve month high of $4.93. The firm has a market cap of $950.61 million, a PE ratio of -47.27 and a beta of 0.86. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HUYA. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its stake in shares of HUYA by 8.6% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 245,295 shares of the companys stock worth $817,000 after buying an additional 19,353 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its holdings in HUYA by 92.1% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 85,796 shares of the companys stock valued at $286,000 after acquiring an additional 41,138 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P grew its position in shares of HUYA by 327.0% in the second quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 10,273 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 7,867 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of HUYA by 10.3% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 154,694 shares of the companys stock valued at $497,000 after purchasing an additional 14,456 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 23.20% of the companys stock. HUYA Company Profile (Get Free Report) HUYA Inc is a leading interactive live streaming platform based in Guangzhou, China, primarily focused on video game and esports content. The company operates a proprietary technology platform that enables users to broadcast and view live gameplay, participate in real-time chat, and engage with hosts through virtual gifting. Its services are accessible via web browsers, desktop applications and mobile apps for both iOS and Android. At the core of HUYAs business are user-generated live streams hosted by professional gamers, influencers and esports organizations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for HUYA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HUYA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEW DELHI (AP) India is hoping to garner as much as $200 billion in investments for data centers over the next few years as it scales up its ambitions to become a hub for artificial intelligence, the countrys minister for electronics and information technology said Tuesday. The investments underscore the reliance of tech titans on India as a key technology and talent base in the global race for AI dominance. For New Delhi, they bring in high-value infrastructure and foreign capital at a scale that can accelerate its digital transformation ambitions. The push comes as governments worldwide race to harness AI's economic potential while grappling with job disruption, regulation and the growing concentration of computing power in a few rich countries and companies. Today, India is being seen as a trusted AI partner to the Global South nations seeking open, affordable and development-focused solutions, Ashwini Vaishnaw told The Associated Press in an email interview, as New Delhi hosts a major AI Impact Summit this week drawing participation from at least 20 global leaders and a whos who of the tech industry. In October, Google announced a $15 billion investment plan in India over the next five years to establish its first artificial intelligence hub in the South Asian country. Microsoft followed two months later with its biggest-ever Asia investment announcement of $17.5 billion to advance Indias cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure over the next four years. Amazon too has committed $35 billion investment in India by 2030 to expand its business, specifically targeting AI-driven digitization. The cumulative investments are part of $200 billion in investments that are in the pipeline and New Delhi hopes would flow in. Vaishnaw said Indias pitch is that artificial intelligence must deliver measurable impacts at scale rather than remain an elite technology. A trusted AI ecosystem will attract investment and accelerate adoption, he said, adding that a central pillar of Indias strategy to capitalize on the use of AI is building infrastructure. The government recently announced a long-term tax holiday for data centers as it hopes to provide policy certainty and attract global capital. Vaishnaw said the government has already operationalized a shared computing facility with more than 38,000 graphics processing units, or GPUs, allowing startups, researchers and public institutions to access high-end computing without heavy upfront costs. AI must not become exclusive. It must remain widely accessible, he said. MLAs have voted against Stormont claiming a proportion of revenue from non-GAA events at Casement Park. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston tabled a motion claiming it is unjustifiable for public money to underwrite the scale of funding for the stadium and called for a legally enforceable clawback mechanism to recover some profits. Some demolition work began at Casement Park last month where plans for a 34,000-capacity stadium at the site have been delayed because of a major funding shortfall. Sinn Fein Finance Minister John ODowd pledged more than 100 million for the redevelopment in his draft budget that is currently out for consultation but has not been agreed by other Executive parties. Mr Gaston expressed opposition to the building of Casement and his profound issues with the GAA but said the debate on Tuesday was about whether the taxpayer of Northern Ireland is to be treated as an unlimited underwriter of a major commercial venue with no share in return. The proposition is simple, he told the assembly. If public money underwrites the stadium, if public money fills the gap, if non-GAA concerts and fixtures generate substantial commercial profit, then its totally unacceptable and unjustifiable for the public to carry the cost while private bodies retain the reward. In a later intervention the MLA for North Antrim clarified he has no issue that any future investment that goes into Windsor (Park), any future investment that goes into Ravenhill, once the line in the sand is drawn, clawback should be enacted. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll tabled an amendment that would introduce a clawback mechanism for any stadia currently in construction or to be constructed in future. He said the principle of non-sporting events contributing to the public purse when theyve received public funding is a worthwhile principle and an agreeable one. My concern though with the original motion, and hence the amendment, is that it singles out the GAA exclusively, he said. My amendment means that the same should apply to all stadiums that receive public funding. For example, if theres a large music concert or event in Windsor or Ravenhill and its lucrative, profitable, surely the same clawback model should exist that is being proposed here for Casement Park? And if not, that does seem to be just an attempt to stick the boot in the GAA for the sake of it. The West Belfast member also claimed Casement Park is lying empty because of the disaster that surrounded it and the politics that dominate this place. He added: It is telling that a key pillar of Sinn Fein strategy for the North has been Casement Park, and theyve been unable to lay a brick despite holding the post of Finance Minister, Economy Minister, First Minister, Junior Minister as well. Sinn Fein MLA and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said the motion is an attempt to try to other Gaels and a blatant attack on the GAA. Casement Park represents a significant opportunity, an opportunity for economic growth, an opportunity for regeneration, an opportunity to create jobs, attract visitors and drive footfall into local businesses, she said. When major games and events come to our city whether theyre sport or theyre cultural they will fill hotel rooms. They support hospitality. They place a positive spotlight on this place that we call home, and Casement Park will be no different. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said public money is given because there is an expectation that market failure has taken place and there is no other option open to them to get to where they need to be. However, if we see an organisation that is particularly commercially successful, making significant sums of money from commercial venues, I think most people would see that it is only right that there is such a return then to the public purse, he said. So I, for those reasons, believe that the motion and the amendment are entirely reasonable. Mr Gastons motion was not ratified as 31 members voted in favour and 46 members against. Right now we remember that podcaster, celeb and spicy content vixen Siri is one of our all-time faves as she inspires us to take another quick peek at pop culture, commuity reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Search For Friends Inside Loop Invest in Downtown's Future: Become an Annual Luncheon Sponsor - Downtown Council of Kansas City The Downtown Council's Annual Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, April 10th. We will gather at the Kay Barnes Ballroom at Bartle Hall. Community Outlines . . . Art exhibit shines light on Black voices, 100 years of Black History Month An art exhibit called "Reclaiming the Canvas: 100 Years of Black History Month" is lifting the voices of Black artists. KSHB 41's Braden Bates shares what this means for these artists. More Patriotism Hatching Blue Springs bald eagles have laid a third egg, live cam shows The bald eagles featured in the Blue Springs, MO livestream on YouTube have laid three eggs, the city's live cam showed Feb. 16. Hipsters Sound Off Again . . . If you missed Lil String at Westport Bowery, you missed out Lil String. // photo by Eli Ralls Lil String with Burst and Last Generation Westport Bowery Thursday, February 12 Performing a sold-out show at Westport Bowery, rapper Lil String delivered a mix of gritty storytelling and hooks that showcased both confidence and growth as a live performer last Thursday. Local Hip-Hop Appointment J. Cole coming to T-Mobile Center in August Grammy Award-winning rapper J. Cole announced that his tour will be making a stop in Kansas City this August. Spicy Platform Considerations Siri Dahl and the Tenuous Tolerance of Sex Workers on Twitch Twitch's rules around sex work and nudity are vague, confusing and often contradictory, leaving many sex workers wondering if they have a place on the platform MAGA Sends Message Nolte: Trump Warns Kidnappers Death Penalty Awaits if Nancy Guthrie Not Returned Alive President Donald Trump used the bully pulpit Monday to threaten Nancy Guthrie's alleged kidnappers with the death penalty if they do not return the 84-year-old alive. | Politics ICE Must Chill?!? DHS government shutdown underway as Democrats dig in over ICE reforms The Department of Homeland Security remains officially shut down with no clear end in sight as Democrats remained at an impasse on ICE reforms. Congress is now on recess until Feb. 23. Natalie Brand reports from the White House. Great Euro Debate?!? Republicans and Democrats unite to condemn Trump's attacks on allies American politicians break rank at Munich Security Conference to hit out at 'destructive' president and urge Europe to stand up to Trump Former Prez Walks Back ET?!? Obama clarifies 'low' chance aliens have visited earth Former US President Barack Obama says he has seen no evidence extra-terrestrials have made contact with Earth. Holy Land Promise Debated Trump told Netanyahu he would support Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program, sources say President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December at Mar-a-Lago with Mr. Trump saying the U.S. would support strikes if no deal was made with Iran. Progressive Dealing Ukraine's Zelesnkyy says he met with Democratic senators, thanked US for support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he met with Senate Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse, thanking the United States for its support. Crackdown Across Pond What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced? Before consultation on under-16s ban, government to crack down on AI chatbots and get powers to act more quickly Kelce Talks "Showmance" Again Travis Kelce Makes Cheeky Reference to Taylor Swift in Valentine's Day Post for His Podcast The 'New Heights' podcast crew is celebrating Valentine's Day with a nod to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The podcast's official Instagram account shared a series of Valentine's Day cards featuring playful references to the couple. Agenda-Setting This Week KCPBS' Nick Haines Previews Week Ahead for Feb. 16, 2026 A toll road opens on U.S. Highway 69 in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas politicians continue to fight over transgender bathrooms, and more ... Closing Up In The Dotte Owners of beloved KCK restaurant announce retirement after 50+ years Lowell and Marla Christy, the owners of Christy's Tasty Queen, announced they will be retiring. Katie Considers Fool's Spring Spring-like to begin the week before winter comes back Warm and windy conditions for the next few days Charli xcx - Always Everywhere is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. To start this year, it's hard not to notice this trend . . . Milder weather has given way to a local homicide surge and rising violence in urban Kansas City. Last week we noticed at least four homicides punctuated by deadly mass shooting that claimed the lives of two women. Sadly, this week starts with more fatal confrontations . . . Here is a report police are sharing with local media along with more reporting . . . Homicide Linwood and Brighton This afternoon right around 1:45PM officers were dispatched to the VA hospital on a reported shooting. Upon officers arrival, they contacted several individuals who had stated the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue. The victim was transported by private conveyance to the VA hospital for medical treatment. VA hospital staff advised officers at that time that the victim was declared deceased. Preliminary information provided by a witness stated that she was inside of her residence when she heard several sounds of shots outside of her home. She exited the residence and located an adult male victim, lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. An adult male suspect was seen entering an unknown vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction. We do not have anyone in police custody at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to the scene to begin collecting evidence and witness statements. If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. ######### Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Man shot to death Monday afternoon in east Kansas City, Missouri A man died Monday afternoon after he was shot in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue and taken by a private vehicle to the nearby VA hospital. Kansas City police respond to homicide near Linwood Green Park Law enforcement stated officers were investigating a homicide on Kansas City's east side. Developing . . . New Delhi, India WanderOn, one of Indias fastest-growing experiential travel brands, today announced the expansion of its curated group departures and premium customized trips, designed specifically for millennials and Gen Z explorers seeking meaningful, community-driven journeys. (TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - February 16th, 2026 - In a travel landscape shifting from sightseeing to storytelling, WanderOn has positioned itself at the intersection of adventure, culture, and seamless execution. The company specializes in handcrafted itineraries across domestic and international destinations including Leh Ladakh, Spiti Valley, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali, offering travelers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic local experiences. Travel today is about connectionconnection with people, places, and purpose, said a spokesperson from WanderOn. Our goal is to create journeys that feel personal yet community-driven, where strangers become friends and trips turn into lifelong memories. Experience-Led Group Departures WanderOns signature group tours are built around shared experiencesmountain road trips, island explorations, curated nightlife experiences, and cultural immersionsled by experienced trip captains who ensure safety, engagement, and smooth coordination. Each itinerary is designed with attention to on-ground logistics, verified accommodations, and real-time assistance, minimizing uncertainty while maximizing adventure. Tech-Enabled, Traveler-First Approach The brand leverages technology and data-backed insights to streamline bookings, enhance itinerary transparency, and provide pre-departure guidance. This integration of digital systems with human-led trip management ensures reliability at every stagefrom inquiry to return. Commitment to Responsible Travel WanderOn also emphasizes responsible tourism by promoting local communities, supporting regional vendors, and encouraging eco-conscious travel practices. The brand aims to generate positive economic and social impact across the destinations it operates in. With a rapidly growing community and high repeat traveler engagement, WanderOn continues to redefine how India travelsprioritizing experience over extravagance and connection over convenience. As outbound and experiential travel demand surges, WanderOn is poised to lead the next wave of curated, community-first exploration. For more information, visit: https://wanderon.in Media Contact: media@wanderon.in ### BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Xi Jinping, President of the Peoples Republic of China, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, It is on the occasion of the upcoming Spring Festival, that on my behalf and behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I have the pleasure of sincerely congratulating you, and through you, the friendly people of China. This ancient holiday, a symbol of peace and harmony and a representation of renewal, hope, and gratefulness to nature, in its essence celebrates mutual understanding, friendship, and unity. I wish that the Chunjie, marking the arrival of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar, brings your people a joyful spirit, prosperity, and abundance. We are gratified by the continued deepening and enrichment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, built on a solid foundation. Undoubtedly, the intensity of our political dialogue and mutual understanding creates favorable conditions for the further rapid development and strengthening of these relations. I am confident that the traditional friendly relations between Azerbaijan and China, as well as our fruitful cooperation, will continue to expand through our joint efforts in line with the interests of our peoples, while our strategic partnership is further strengthened. On the occasion of this holiday, I would like to once again extend to you my warmest congratulations, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in important state duties, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of China," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The court proceedings in the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia charged under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on February 17, Trend reports. The open court hearing was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in Russian and state-appointed defense counsel. The session was attended by the accused and his defense counsel, several victims and their legal successors and representatives, prosecutors representing the state prosecution, as well as Rufat Mammadov, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Apparatus, representing the Republic of Azerbaijan as a victim. During the proceedings, which began on January 17 last year and lasted for more than a year, the final court decision (verdict) was announced. It was stated that the charge brought under Article 228.3 of the Criminal Code was reclassified under Article 228.2.1 of the same Code. Additionally, Articles 279.1 and 279.2 were excluded from the indictment in numerical terms. The court declared Ruben Karlenovich Vardanyan guilty of committing crimes stipulated by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning, preparing, unleashing, and waging aggressive war; deportation and forcible displacement of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance; unlawful deprivation of liberty; torture; mercenarism; violations of the laws and customs of war; violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict; intentional murder and attempted intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism and financing of terrorism; creation of a criminal organization; illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms and explosives; acts threatening aviation safety; forcible seizure or retention of power and forcible change of the constitutional order; creation of armed formations not provided for by law; and illegal crossing of the state border. The court sentenced him to 20 years of imprisonment. The sentence will be served with the first 10 years in prison and the remainder in a strict-regime correctional facility. It should be recalled that during the trial, prosecutors requested that the accused be sentenced to life imprisonment. Ruben Vardanyan was found guilty under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Articles 100.1 and 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation or forcible displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenarism), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, and 116.0.18 (violations of norms of international humanitarian law during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, and 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, and 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, and 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1 and 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices), 270-1.2 and 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, or forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, and 279.3 (creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by legislation), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. In an open court hearing on the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, the final court decision (verdict) was announced, Trend reports. The court hearing was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he understands, namely Russian, as well as state-funded defense counsel. The hearing was attended by the accused person, his defense counsel, some of the victims and legal successors of the victims, their representatives, prosecutors representing the state prosecution, as well as Rufat Mammadov, Head of the Administration of the Cabinet of Ministers, representing the Republic of Azerbaijan as a victim. According to the verdict, Vardanyan has been definitively sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment. During the court hearing, the prosecutor representing the state prosecution had requested that the accused Vardanyan be sentenced to life imprisonment. By Neha Arora NEW DELHI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - India is seeking new steel export markets in the Middle East and Asia to offset the impact of the European Union's carbon tax that took effect in January, a government source said. India, the world's second-biggest producer of crude steel, ships roughly two-thirds of its steel exports to Europe, where flows have come under pressure following the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Last week, Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik said the government would have to take action to support exports hit by Europe's carbon tax. "For exports, we are looking at new markets and we are trying to get agreements with countries in the Middle East where a lot of infrastructure is coming up, and also in Asia," said the source directly involved in decision-making, declining to be identified as the deliberations are confidential. "Till now, our exports were focussed on Europe but we are trying to diversify," the source added. India's federal Ministry of Steel did not respond to an email seeking comment. Mills are looking for government support to help them compete in non-EU markets where China has been dominant, a senior executive at a major steel firm said. Steel exports from China, the world's largest producer, have been resilient since 2023 and hit a record monthly high in December. Beijing plans to roll out a licence system this year to regulate alloy exports, as strong shipments have fuelled a growing protectionist backlash globally. SECURING RAW MATERIAL Explaining India's widening efforts to secure supplies of raw materials such as coking coal, limestone, manganese and other critical minerals, the source said New Delhi was increasingly pursuing long-term offtake agreements and asset acquisitions. State-run Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and miner NMDC are looking at Brazil, Argentina, Australia and the Middle East, the source said. SAIL and NMDC did not respond to emails seeking comment. "For coking coal asset acquisition, we are looking at Australia," the source said. Currently, around 95% of the sector's coking coal requirements is met through imports, with Australia supplying more than half. Last year, NMDC said it was exploring coking coal assets in Indonesia and Australia. (Reporting by Neha Arora. Editing by Mayank Bhardwaj and Mark Potter) BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Baku-Belgrade cooperation is shaping not only the future of the two countries but also the broader region, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. "The official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Serbia on February 15, 2026, marked the beginning of a qualitatively new stage in AzerbaijanSerbia relations. High-level meetings in Belgrade with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, the first session of the Strategic Partnership Council, and the signing of numerous intergovernmental documents demonstrated that Baku and Belgrade have moved beyond traditional diplomatic cooperation toward a long-term strategic partnership," he said. According to Garayev, the visit is significant not only in terms of intensifying bilateral relations but also against the backdrop of Europes evolving energy, security, and economic architecture. Following the Russia-Ukraine war, Europes energy security concept has undergone fundamental changes, turning reliable energy exporters such as Azerbaijan and key transit and consumer countries in the Balkans, such as Serbia, into strategic partners. Garayev emphasized that personal relations between President Ilham Aliyev and President Aleksandar Vucic have played a decisive role in elevating bilateral ties to their current level. Vucic stated, 'I would like to express my great respect to the people of Azerbaijan and to you personally, dear Mr. President. I would also like to say to the people of Serbia and, of course, to the people of Azerbaijan that every time I talk to you, I learn a lot, I manage to observe many things from the different perspective of an experienced statesman and a true leader. Therefore, I would like to thank you very much for always sharing your knowledge with me and for establishing such relations with us, from which my country, the country I lead, has a lot to learn,' which, according to the analyst, shows that their relationship goes beyond protocol. He noted that President Ilham Aliyevs high assessment of Vucics activities also demonstrates deep political respect between the two leaders. This trust enables the swift adoption of strategic decisions and ensures their implementation through practical mechanisms. "The first session of the Strategic Partnership Council in Belgrade showed that Azerbaijan-Serbia relations have taken on a systematic rather than episodic character. This format is applied by Azerbaijan only with selected countries, and Serbias inclusion highlights the special importance attached to the Balkan region. The Councils agenda covered energy, industry, investment, transport, agriculture, culture, sports, media, and healthcare, reflecting the multifaceted nature of cooperation. This model goes beyond the traditional energy contract format and signals a transition toward real economic integration," he added. Garayev stressed that energy is the main driving force of Azerbaijan-Serbia relations. Azerbaijan already exports gas to Serbia, significantly strengthening Bakus position in the Balkan energy balance. However, the new agreements reached in Belgrade elevate this cooperation to a qualitatively deeper level. The joint construction of a 500-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Serbia represents not merely an energy facility but a project of regional energy security importance. The plant will reduce Serbias reliance on imports while enabling Azerbaijan to move further up the European energy value chain, transitioning from a raw material supplier to a producer of finished energy products. As President Ilham Aliyev noted, Azerbaijans current export potential stands at 2 gigawatts, with an additional 8 gigawatts of capacity planned by 2032. This trajectory underscores Azerbaijans emergence as one of the key actors in Europes green and secure energy landscape, the analyst said. The analyst emphasized that Serbias geographical position makes it an ideal energy transit hub in the Balkans. Azerbaijani gas, and in the future, Azerbaijani-generated electricity, can access Central and Southern European markets via Serbia, giving Bakus role in European energy security a more structured and long-term dimension. For Serbia, this partnership represents energy sovereignty. By expanding its domestic electricity generation capacity, Belgrade will be able to reliably meet the growing demands of its industry, as well as future data centers and the digital economy. The signed economic agreements demonstrate that Azerbaijan now views Serbia not only as a political partner but also as a strategic investment platform. Planned initiatives in gas turbine power generation, energy, agriculture, and industry are expected to stimulate reciprocal capital flows. In turn, Serbia can serve as Azerbaijans economic gateway to the European Union market, opening new export and production opportunities, particularly for the non-oil sector. The launch of direct Baku-Belgrade flights will provide strong momentum to humanitarian and cultural ties alongside economic cooperation. Tourism, student exchanges, business forums, and exhibitions will further deepen bilateral engagement. These connections will increase direct interaction between the Azerbaijani and Serbian peoples, reinforcing the social foundations of their political partnership. Azerbaijan and Serbia consistently support each others territorial integrity and sovereignty on international platforms, an important political assurance for the two countries facing complex security challenges in their respective regions. This mutual support, combined with expanding energy and economic cooperation, creates a genuine strategic alliance, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Leyla Aliyeva is on a visit to the Republic of Albania, Trend reports. As part of the visit, Leyla Aliyeva met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The meeting, held in an atmosphere of sincere friendship and mutual understanding, highlighted the high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Albania. The discussions focused on strengthening cultural ties, with art described as a universal platform for joint creativity. During the conversation, Leyla Aliyeva and Edi Rama also paid special attention to environmental issues, underscoring the importance of joint efforts in environmental protection and combating climate change. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. On February 17, 2026, the next round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia was held in Baku, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov, while the Georgian delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia. During the consultations, the sides expressed satisfaction with the current high level of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation for the security and economic well-being of the region. The parties positively assessed the dynamics of high-level mutual visits and the development of political dialogue between the two countries, and highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation within international organizations and multilateral formats. The participants also discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in the economic, trade, energy, transport, transit, humanitarian, and educational spheres. It was noted that the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia, co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of the two countries, plays an important role in the further development of bilateral relations. The Georgian side was provided with detailed information about the new realities in the region in the post-conflict period, Azerbaijan's peace agenda, and the large-scale restoration work being carried out in the liberated territories. The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the city of Aghdam, Trend reports. At this stage, 120 families have been resettled to the city of Aghdam. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Within the Partnership for Peace Programme between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and NATO for 2026, the Partner Capacity Coherence Initiative 2026 training course is conducted in Baku, the ministry's statement says, Trend reports. During the course organized at the Military Management Institute of the National Defense University, participants were first provided with detailed information on the topic, scenario, and the tasks assigned. The course, which holds particular importance for international military cooperation development, aims to enhance interoperability and coherence during joint exercises, as well as to expand the exchange of experience. It should be noted that 28 participants from Azerbaijan and 38 participants from NATO member and partner countries are taking part in the training course. As the largest metallurgical company in the South Caucasus, Baku Steel Company CJSC (BSC) has successfully completed the implementation of the SAP S/4HANA system as part of its digital transformation strategy. The system has been launched into industrial operation with real-time processing capabilities. As a result of the project, all critical operational processes of BSC, as well as those of its Azerboru and AzFerAl production facilities, have been unified on a single SAP platform, enabling the establishment of a fully integrated digital management infrastructure. The key advantages of the new system include compliance with international standards, unified real-time management, full integration of transparent and traceable processes, minimization of the human factor, increased efficiency in production and logistics, measurable performance, advanced forecasting and analytics capabilities, and readiness for the integration of future technologies. Following the transition to live operation, the first positive results in terms of operational efficiency and data management are already being observed. As part of the project, the following SAP system modules were fully integrated: Finance (FI, CO, AA, FM, CM); Procurement and Logistics (MM); Production (PP); Quality Management (QM); Sales (SD); Plant Maintenance Planning (PM); Document Management (DMS). As a result, all operational processes across the groups companies have been brought under the management of a single digital platform. In addition, to enhance efficiency and minimize human factors in critical processes such as goods receipt, sales, production, and inventory counting, handheld terminals, connections to weighing equipment, and interactive labeling systems integrated with SAP were implemented. These solutions enable process automation and real-time data flows. A Strategic Digital Milestone (All Processes on a Unified Platform): Galib Mammadov, Head of Digital Transformation at BSC and SAP S/4HANA Project Manager, noted: The go-live of the SAP S/4HANA system represents one of the most important steps for BSC on its digital transformation journey. Within the project, key operational processes were unified on a single platform, making management more transparent, agile, and data-driven. At the next stage, we plan to further enhance operational efficiency through artificial intelligencebased and analytical solutions and to build decision-making processes entirely on a digital foundation. The project was implemented by the BSC Digital Transformation Department team in collaboration with Nagarro, SAPs first Gold Partner in Turkiye. As planned, the project was completed within 13 months. During this period, data standardization and user training were carried out in full, multi-stage testing was conducted, and pilot implementations were successfully completed. Boosting International Competitiveness with SAP S/4HANA: Sultan Askarov, Deputy CEO of BSC and Curator of the SAP S/4HANA project, noted: For BSC, the SAP S/4HANA project represents not only a technological upgrade, but also a critically important step toward strategic agility and innovative leadership. The system ensures full operational transparency, real-time management, and data-driven decision-making. This transformation directly contributes to the companys sustainable growth, strengthens its international competitiveness, and supports adaptation to next-generation industrial models. It is worth noting that today a handover and acceptance certificate was signed between Muhammed Yusuf Cetin, Member of the Board of Directors of Nagarro Global and Chief Curator of the SAP S/4HANA project, and Sultan Askarov, Deputy CEO of BSC and Project Curator. During the meeting, held with the participation of the governing bodies of both companies, plans and prospective areas for further cooperation were discussed. At the next stage, BSC plans to introduce new solutions within the SAP ecosystem, including SAP Analytics Cloud, mobile applications, expanded digital integration with business partners (e-sourcing, e-commerce, and banking integrations), as well as further strengthening information security. The implementation of SAP Analytics Cloud will enable the establishment of a unified management and reporting structure across the groups companies. The key priorities of the companys digital transformation strategy include the automation of operations, strengthening data-driven management through artificial intelligence and analytical solutions, the integration of predictive analytics into business processes, and the minimization of human errors Hosting SAP systems at the state-owned Data Processing Center not only aligns with the countrys digital development policy, but also reflects the companys commitment to information security and modern management principles. This approach enables more efficient and integrated management of operational processes, while also supporting the creation of a reliable and sustainable infrastructure for the implementation of future technological innovations. As a result of this large-scale transformation, BSC, alongside the modernization of its current operations, continues to strengthen its position as a regional leader adapting to the digital industrial standards of the future and viewing technology as a strategic value. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. A strategic partnership agreement on the reconstruction of educational infrastructure in the Syrian Arab Republic was signed between the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Education of Syria, and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat on February 17, Azerbaijans Ministry of Science and Education told Trend. The document was signed with the participation of Azerbaijans Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, Syrias Minister of Education Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko, and ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik. Under the agreement, Azerbaijan will support the restoration of Syrias educational infrastructure, including the construction of about 10 new school buildings and the major renovation of approximately 100 damaged schools. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Amrullayev stated that Azerbaijan places special importance on expanding educational opportunities in the Islamic world and developing educational infrastructure within the framework of international cooperation. He underscored the significance of supporting efforts to restore Syrias education system, noting that the Azerbaijani government views the initiative as a key contribution to post-conflict recovery. In turn, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik noted that the signed agreement would make a significant contribution to restoring Syrias educational infrastructure and would further strengthen cooperation and solidarity among countries of the Islamic world. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is inviting Azerbaijani companies to the country and wants them to use the UAE as a food hub for exports to global markets, Abdul Wahid, Secretary General at the UAE Food and Beverage Business Group, told Trend on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-UAE food and agriculture business roundtable in Baku today. "The Food and Beverage Business Group establishes and coordinates all interactions between food companies and government and export structures. The main purpose of our presence here is to ensure that Azerbaijani companies establish closer ties with companies in the UAE. We want Azerbaijani companies to come to the UAE, establish their activities here, and use the country as a food hub for exports to global markets," he said. Wahid also emphasized that UAE brands aim to take quality and excellence in the food sector to the next level by working closely with Azerbaijani companies. "We see a very interesting partnership potential here. For example, natural mineral water extracted from a region here caught our attention, and there is a desire for this product to enter the UAE market. We have also cooperated with the Azersun Holding company. This company also has large investments in the UAE, and we are interested in further expanding these relations. Besides, there are other organizations looking for investment areas, such as meat product export and pomegranate export, which are on the agenda. We also met with a company here, and this was very interesting for me," the secretary general recalled. The UAE representative emphasized the robust and enduring partnership between Azerbaijani companies and the UAE, noting that he was unable to provide specific figures regarding the total investments made by the UAE in Azerbaijan thus far. "Now, as a result of further strengthening of these relations, investments directed to the UAE are expected to increase. The main condition for this is that the existing opportunities are clearer and more visible. The clearer the opportunities are presented, the more interest will increase. This cooperation is also very important in terms of food security. Establishing strong relations between countries with strong primary production potential like Azerbaijan and the UAE is of strategic importance for both sides," he added. Economic ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan have evolved into a strategic partnership, driven by significant investments in renewable energy and infrastructure. The 2025 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) bolstered non-oil trade, which reached $2.4 billion in 2024, marking a 43% increase. Key sectors include renewable energy, with the UAEs Masdar investing in a 230 MW solar plant and planning further projects, and oil and gas collaboration, highlighted by ADNOC's stakes in key fields. Additionally, a $1 billion joint investment fund and major infrastructure projects, including a $5 billion coastal development, underscore the investment and logistics potential in the region. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Iran increases lending to startup companies in early 2026 Loans from Iranian banks to startup companies have seen significant growth in the 10th month of the current year. The total amount of loans granted has increased compared to the same period last year. Both state and private banks contributed to the rise in financing for startups during this period. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register A defining moment that injected new energy into bilateral relations was the official visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Uzbekistan from October 28-31, 2025. This historic visit marked the first by a Serbian head of state and signalled both sides commitment to transitioning from political dialogue to tangible economic engagement. The business forum held during this visit laid the groundwork for the establishment of regular business exchanges between the two countries. In January 2026, the two nations held another business event, and the upcoming February forum will represent the third such meeting within a relatively short time frame. This growing frequency of engagements highlights a deepening interest from both governments and the private sector in expanding and solidifying their economic collaboration. During Vucics visit, several agreements were signed in the presence of the two leaders, focusing on the promotion and protection of investments, the development of economic partnership, and cooperation in engineering, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence. In addition, a cooperation program between the foreign ministries for 20262027 was approved, and partnership ties were established between Tashkent and Belgrade. These arrangements created clearer conditions for business and laid the groundwork for joint projects. Special attention in the Uzbek-Serbian dialogue has also been devoted to transport connectivity. Uzbekistan and Serbia emphasized the importance of developing new routes that could link Central Asia and the Balkans, including within the framework of the Trans-Caspian Corridor. For landlocked Uzbekistan, expanding alternative logistics directions is becoming one of the key tools for diversifying foreign trade and reducing reliance on traditional transit routes. In this emerging transport architecture, Azerbaijan plays an important role as a crucial link in the Middle Corridor. Through Azerbaijans infrastructure, its Caspian Sea ports, railway routes, and transit hubs, Central Asian countries gain access to European markets via the South Caucasus and Turkiye. Against this backdrop, the intensification of Azerbaijani-Serbian relations stands out as particularly significant. On February 15-16, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Belgrade, further reinforcing the ties between the two nations. The discussions between Baku and Belgrade highlighted Serbia's growing interest in fostering cooperation with the Caspian region, while also creating a conducive environment for Uzbekistan, which is likewise strengthening its connections with the Balkans. Partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, particularly within the Middle Corridor, demonstrates one of the fastest rates of development globally. Our economic cooperation, which follows strong political relations, is becoming increasingly diversified, facilitated by a shared transport route, remarked Serbian Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarevic during the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku. This development reflects a broader regional trend: Balkan countries are progressively turning to the Trans-Caspian route as a viable alternative to traditional trade corridors, with Azerbaijan positioning itself as a critical transit hub bridging Central Asia and Europe. For Uzbekistan, this evolving configuration presents new opportunities to access emerging markets and further solidify its economic connections with Southeast Europe. Amid growing interest in new logistics routes and expanding economic connections between Central Asia and the Balkans, the upcoming UzbekistanSerbia Business Forum in Tashkent will serve as another platform for discussing concrete joint projects. The event is expected to help companies from both countries establish direct contacts and identify practical areas of cooperation. Key sectors in focus include mechanical engineering, agriculture and agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, the chemical industry, construction materials, textiles, and information technologies. Uzbekistan aims to present opportunities for production localization and joint ventures, while Serbia views Uzbekistan as a promising market with rising domestic demand. Economic cooperation between the two countries remains limited in scale but has shown positive dynamics. In 2022, bilateral trade turnover grew by 134%, followed by a further 63% increase in 2024. In JanuarySeptember 2025, trade continued to expand by 2.5%. Currently, nine enterprises with Serbian capital are registered in Uzbekistan, including four joint ventures and five fully foreign-owned companies. These firms operate mainly in construction materials, trade, services, mechanical engineering, as well as furniture and household goods production. Serbia exports construction and finishing materials, furniture, chemical products, marble, and agricultural goods to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, in turn, supplies cotton yarn, textiles, and legumes to Serbia. Despite still modest trade volumes, both sides acknowledge significant untapped potential. We see great opportunities to expand our partnership in the economic sphere and are ready to give it a practical character, Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov noted during a phone conversation with Serbias First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In addition to economic matters, the two nations are exploring the expansion of humanitarian cooperation, which includes academic exchanges, cultural programs, and the potential establishment of direct air links between Tashkent and Belgrade. Labor migration also remains a significant focus, as the number of Uzbek nationals receiving work visas for Serbia has risen markedly in recent years. The Uzbekistan-Serbia partnership is gradually transitioning into a more tangible phase, with emphasis on concrete projects, investments, and the development of new trade and logistics routes. For Tashkent, this marks another pivotal step in deepening ties with Europe, while for Belgrade, it presents a valuable opportunity to broaden its footprint in Central Asia. Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. The car market has been changing faster than almost anyone expected over the last few years. The arrival of Chinese brands is part of that shift, even if the pace of the rollout in Europe has been slower than headlines often suggest. What makes this wave different from earlier newcomers is not just pricing. It is the scale of the groups behind these launches, the technology they bring with them, and the timing, right in the middle of the global transition toward electrified powertrains. A lot of the public conversation has taken on a dramatic tone. The Chinese ate us alive, some critics warn. In a few European countries, there are already signs that Chinese-owned or Chinese-backed brands are gaining real ground. Spain Shows Momentum, But Europe Is Not One Market Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. Spain is one of the clearest examples. MGs surge in Spain was driven heavily by the MG ZS, which finished 2025 as the countrys third best-selling model. BYD and the Chery-backed OMODA and JAECOO brands also expanded quickly in Spain during 2025, contributing to Chinese brands reaching close to 10% of new car registrations in markets like Spain. That said, Spain is not all of Europe. What happens in one market does not automatically scale across the entire European Union. Across Europe in 2025, the Dacia Sandero and Renault Clio again led overall sales, while Chinese automakers accounted for about 6% of new car sales across Europe, with much higher shares in markets like the UK and Spain. Even so, the direction of travel is obvious, and it is forcing legacy automakers to rethink product cycles, pricing, and powertrain strategy. The United Kingdom Is Shifting Much Faster Photo Courtesy: Chery. The most visible changes are now happening in the United Kingdom. Just a few years ago, Chinese brands were barely on the radar for many buyers. In January 2026, SMMT data shows 4,021 BYD registrations plus 2,127 Chery, 1,846 OMODA, and 4,850 JAECOO registrations, for a combined 12,844 vehicles. That puts these newcomers in a much more serious position than many expected, especially because they are no longer competing only on the margins. They are becoming relevant in the same sales conversation as mainstream leaders like Volkswagen. Stuart Masson of The Car Expert highlighted how quickly the Chery group has scaled in the UK. Using January 2026 SMMT totals, Chery plus OMODA and JAECOO combine to 8,823 registrations, which would place the group behind only Volkswagen and Kia for the month if treated as a single seller. Chery has also outlined an additional brand, Lepas, as part of its broader expansion plans. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. At the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to Washington, D.C., on February 17-19 to take part in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. The first summit of the Board will be hosted at the United States Institute of Peace and will focus on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, humanitarian assistance, and broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The visits business program also includes participation of the Uzbek leader in a presentation of strategic projects, as well as a ceremony for the signing of bilateral economic agreements with the involvement of executives from major U.S. companies and leading financial institutions. Meanwhile, the Board of Peace was launched at the initiative of President Trump. Uzbekistan joined the body as a founding member in January this year during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Uzbekistan and Germanys Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg (LBBW) have agreed to develop a comprehensive cooperation roadmap and expand financing for high-tech and export-oriented projects, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Ilzat Kasimov, and Didem Ozgurel, Executive Director of LBBW. The talks focused on prospects for increasing direct lending, introducing refinancing mechanisms through Uzbekistans commercial banks, and strengthening corporate financing supported by export credit agencies. The sides also agreed to identify priority projects, conduct joint evaluations, and ensure their phased implementation. LBBW has financed more than 60 investment projects in Uzbekistan across various sectors over the past decade, underscoring the growing scale of bilateral cooperation. Landesbank Baden-Wurttemberg (LBBW) is a major German universal bank, headquartered in Stuttgart, acting as both a commercial bank and the central institution for Sparkassen (savings banks) in Baden-Wurttemberg, Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate. With ~EUR 356 billion in assets and ~10,000 employees, LBBW serves corporate clients, particularly the "Mittelstand," institutional investors, and private customers. Azerbaijan lifts curtain on natural gas trade with Iran in 2025 The volume of natural gas trade between Azerbaijan and Iran for 2025 has been revealed. Azerbaijan exported a significant amount of natural gas to Iran, marking a notable shift from the previous year. Additionally, Azerbaijan also imported natural gas from Iran, reversing the trend from the past. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has started his official visit to the U.S. on February 16, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. On January 23, U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor visited Turkmenistan, where they engaged in discussions with President Serdar Berdimuhammedov. During the meeting, President Berdimuhammedov emphasized Turkmenistans commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States. The sides underscored that Turkmenistan-U.S. relations, founded on mutual respect, trust, and understanding, encompass political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian domains. Particular attention was given to the active political dialogue in recent years, which has facilitated productive exchanges on global challenges, including sustainable development, security, and climate change. Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Uzbekistan and South Africa have agreed to establish an Intergovernmental Commission and create a joint working group aimed at boosting trade turnover between the countries, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade. The agreement was reached during a working visit to South Africa by an interagency delegation of Uzbekistan led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Shokhrukh Gulamov. During the visit, the Uzbek delegation engaged in discussions with key South African officials, including Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; and Presidential Investment Advisor, Alistair Ruiters. The sides also reached agreements to strengthen the legal and regulatory frameworks that underpin bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Furthermore, meetings were held with leading South African companies, such as Sasol, Intertoll, Aspen Pharmacare, AMKA Products, Life Healthcare, Brimstone Investment, Tsico Africa Group, CapeSpan, and Mechem. The discussions primarily focused on the potential for initiating joint ventures across various sectors, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, mining, infrastructure, healthcare, and agro-industry. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Uzbekistan and Jordan have signed an agreement to establish a joint Business Council, Trend reports via the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The document was signed on the sidelines of the 41st General Assembly of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) by First Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Davronbek Kurbanov, and Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Senator Khalil Mohammad Al-Haj Tawfiq. The council will serve as a permanent platform for direct dialogue between entrepreneurs from both countries, as well as for the regular organization of trade missions, B2B meetings, and the expansion of investment cooperation. According to the information available, the council plans to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, logistics, finance, and tourism. This initiative is expected to stimulate joint projects, attract investment, and support Uzbekistan's access to Middle Eastern markets. The ICCD General Assembly serves as an important international platform that brings together business representatives from across the Islamic world to promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic development. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Turkmenistan and the European Union (EU) discussed issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. The talks were held during the meeting between Turkmenistans Ambassador to the EU, Sapara Palvanov, and the chief foreign policy adviser to the President of the European Council, Anna-Maria Boura, in Brussels. During the conversation, the sides confirmed their mutual commitment to expanding Turkmen-EU cooperation. Special attention was paid to the strategic importance of interregional interaction between the EU and Central Asia as a basis for developing full-scale relations with European institutions. Turkmenistan reaffirmed that developing ties with the EU remains one of its key foreign policy priorities for 2026. The participants emphasized the importance of maintaining systematic dialogue at all levels, from expert consultations to contacts between top leadership. Diplomats positively assessed the outcomes of the previous meeting between the President of the European Council and the President of Turkmenistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and expressed readiness to sustain the momentum of political engagement. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. As part of international events held in the holy city of Mecca, a memorandum of understanding was signed on expanding cooperation between the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan (ASK) and the UK-based Muslim Trade Forum, Trend reports via the ASK. "The document was signed by ASK President Mammad Musayev and Muslim Trade Forum Chairman Iqbal Sacranie. After the signing of the memorandum, a meeting was held between the parties, during which the prospects for further cooperation were discussed. ASK President Mammad Musayev noted that the signed document will allow for more systematic and structured interaction between the two organizations. He said that work is underway to organize a visit by the Azerbaijan Confederation of Entrepreneurs to the UK this year, emphasizing the importance of the London Halal Forum," the information says. In addition, it is emphasized that M. Musaev also recalled Azerbaijan's participation in the B6 and C8 cooperation formats, stressing that interaction within these platforms contributes to the expansion of the partnership's geography. He added that the dynamic development of forums in the field of halal economy and trade creates the basis for achieving more successful cooperation results. According to the information, the Chairman of the Muslim Trade Forum, in turn, noted the importance of forming a unified database for effective interaction, emphasized the importance of a research-based and targeted approach, and proposed the creation of a joint working group in this direction. Established in the UK, the Muslim Trade Forum is one of the leading platforms aimed at strengthening the Muslim business community economically, developing ties between entrepreneurs, and promoting international cooperation. The signing of the memorandum takes cooperation between ASK and the Muslim Trade Forum to a new level and opens up important opportunities for Azerbaijani businesses to enter the UK and wider international markets," the information notes. Photo: The embassy of Turkmenistan in Iran ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Turkmenistan and Iran discussed the Caspian Sea agenda, interregional collaboration, and priority areas of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Iran. The talks were held during a meeting between Turkmenistans Ambassador to Iran, Ylyas Gayypov, and Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, in Tehran. The talks primarily addressed the current state of TurkmenIranian relations and identified key areas for future cooperation. Special attention was given to the implementation of agreements made between the Presidents of Turkmenistan and Iran. Additionally, the role of the Joint Turkmen-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was highlighted, along with plans for its upcoming session in Ashgabat. The meeting also included a comprehensive exchange of views on enhancing cultural and humanitarian collaboration between the two nations. George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra, commented: "This acquisition represents a significant land consolidation for Integra and the DeLamar Project. Beyond the acreage itself, the transaction advances our long-term strategic objectives by enhancing our ability to responsibly develop DeLamar in alignment with the local ranching community, while further de-risking the Project through increased operational flexibility and expanded mitigation options. It also reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation, demonstrating how we are prudently deploying the recently completed US$61 million financing into initiatives that meaningfully reduce execution risk ahead of construction. After many years of collaborating with the ranching community to help shape our future operations, we are proud to now be joining that community through an acquisition that underscores our long-term commitment to the land and the people of the region." The Ranch Acquisition supports the Company's strategy for de-risked and efficient Project advancement by consolidating land ownership surrounding key infrastructure at DeLamar, while concurrently securing significant permitting, environmental, operational, and community-alignment benefits. The Ranch property contains 6,600 deeded acres, along with a large U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") grazing permit and two Idaho State grazing leases. VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 17, 2026 /CNW/ - Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra" or the "Company") (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a strategically located 6,600-acre ranch (the "Ranch") contiguous with the Company's DeLamar Project in Owyhee County, Idaho ("DeLamar" or the "Project") for a purchase price of US$12.5 million (the "Acquisition"). Story Continues DeLamar Project Overview (All amounts in United States ("U.S.") dollars unless otherwise stated) The past-producing DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits, is located in Owyhee County in southwest Idaho. Since acquiring the Project in 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing robust economic studies in its maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment, Pre-Feasibility Study, and now Feasibility Study ("FS") in late 2025. The FS for DeLamar confirmed robust economics for a low-cost, large-scale, conventional open pit oxide heap leach operation, with competitive operating costs and a high rate of return. The FS outlines total production of 1.1 million ounces of gold equivalent ("AuEq") over a 10-year operating mine life (plus two years of residual leaching), resulting in an average annual production profile of 106,000 ounces AuEq per annum at a co-product mine-site all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") of $1,480 per ounce ("/oz") AuEq. The Project generates an after-tax net present value ("NPV5%") of approximately $774 million with an after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 46% at base case gold and silver prices of $3,000/oz and $35/oz, respectively. After-tax NPV5% improves to approximately $1.9 billion and after-tax IRR to 97% using recent gold and silver prices of $4,500/oz and $65/oz, respectively. Refer to the 2025 DeLamar FS announcement news release from December 17, 2025 located on the Company's website at www.integraresources.com. (1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures About Integra Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Salamis President, CEO and Director CONTACT INFORMATION Corporate Inquiries: ir@integraresources.com Company website: www.integraresources.com Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576 Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by James Frost, P.Eng., Director, Technical Services of Integra, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and in applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition, including permitting, environmental, operational and community-related benefits; the consolidation of land ownership; mitigation opportunities; operational flexibility; use of proceeds from the Company's recent financing; the advancement and de-risking of the Project, the future financial or operating performance of the Company, the Project and its mineral properties; results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of the FS for the Project, including cash flows, revenue potential, development, expenditures, and timing thereof, extraction rates, life-of-mine projections and cost estimates; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the Project mine plan; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; costs and timing of future exploration; permitting; construction and optimization planning; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; anticipated advancement of the Project, future prospects and prospective inclusion of Mineral Resources in future mining activities; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of the Project; future growth potential of the Project; and future development plans. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Project and the Company's mineral properties; satisfying ongoing covenants under the Company's loan facilities; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Project and the Company's mineral properties economic; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ issuer profile for the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and available as Exhibit 99.1 to Integra's Form 40-F, which is available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures Alternative performance measures in this news release such as "AISC" are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance measures are included in this news release because these statistics are used as key performance measures that management uses to monitor and assess performance of DeLamar, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standardized meaning within International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS. All-In Sustaining Cost Site level AISC includes cash costs and sustaining and expansion capital, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. The Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the Company's ability to generate free cash flow from potential operations. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and resource and reserve information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/integra-announces-strategic-land-acquisition-adjacent-to-delamar-project-302689920.html Azerbaijan's int'l sea freight traffic shows decline in January 2026 International cargo shipments by sea from Azerbaijan declined in January 2026. Both the volume and value of shipments saw a decrease compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, exports and imports by sea showed mixed results, with an increase in exports but a drop in imports. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Iran will permit the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear facilities to demonstrate that its nuclear program is peaceful, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told reporters, Trend reports. Boroujerdi noted that Irans Supreme National Security Council has agreed to grant the IAEA access to the countrys nuclear sites. He noted that Iran had previously refused inspection access, citing the IAEA and its Director General's failure to condemn military airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities. In June 2025, following Israeli and American air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the country minimized its relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In response, the Iranian parliament passed a law on cooperation with the IAEA. According to the law, any cooperation with the IAEA is possible only with the consent of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States on Tehrans nuclear program is currently underway in Geneva. On February 6, the two sides held negotiations in Muscat, Oman, focusing on issues related to Irans nuclear activities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Turkmenistan and Kuwait discussed opportunities for direct business partnerships and strategic economic cooperation, Trend reports via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait. The talks were held during a meeting between a Turkmen business delegation led by Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of the Turkmen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kuwaiti officials, local companies, and private sector representatives. The meeting aimed to identify joint projects and strengthen bilateral economic ties. During the visit, a presentation highlighted Turkmenistans key offerings, manufacturing capabilities, tech enterprises, and points of interest for travelers. Gurdov indicated a desire to formalize a cooperation protocol with the Kuwait Chamber and to enhance collaboration with pertinent Kuwaiti entities. Turkmenistan and Kuwait have developed strong diplomatic and economic ties since 1995, characterized by mutual trust and collaboration, especially within the UN. Their cooperation emphasizes the energy sector, including the TAPI pipeline project, and extends to investments in transport, chemicals, and textiles. Key aspects include diplomatic cooperation, with Kuwait supporting Turkmenistans foreign policy, and an economic partnership focusing on energy resources, facilitated by agreements between Turkmengaz State Concern and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation to enhance trade and investment. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Iran estimates non-oil exports to Georgia in early 2026 Iran's non-oil exports to Georgia saw a decline in value but an increase in volume over the first 10 months of the current Iranian year. The products included a range of goods such as agricultural items, steel, and petrochemicals. Overall, the total non-oil trade with Georgia also experienced a decrease compared to the previous year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Azerbaijan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reviewed prospects for cooperation, the Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "During the meeting with Anna Bordon, Head of the International Monetary Fund mission in Azerbaijan, we explored prospects for cooperation. We highlighted Azerbaijans macroeconomic stability, measures undertaken in energy, digitalization, tax, industry, and other areas in line with socio-economic development priorities, as well as progress achieved through the adoption of advanced international practices," he said. The IMF has predicted 2.5% growth in the economy of Azerbaijan this year. In an interview with Trend, Bordon said that if trade and investment shift toward the region, it could also open up new opportunities for the country's economy. She pointed out that in the long term, achieving sustainable growth will heavily depend on deepening economic diversification, strengthening fiscal discipline, and improving the business environment to support private investment ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Turkmenistan and Indonesia discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The talks took place on February 17 during a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov and newly appointed Ambassador of Indonesia to Turkmenistan Rolliansyah Soemirat, who presented copies of his credentials. The sides reviewed interaction in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, and exchanged views on cooperation at international platforms. Particular attention was paid to the continued mutual support of initiatives within the United Nations framework. Earlier, in November 2025, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Indonesia, Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov, presented his credentials to Indonesian officials. The parties emphasized the significance of high-level dialogue and committed to maintaining regular communication between their foreign ministries to further enhance bilateral relations. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed prospects for expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation, Trend reports via the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Qatar. The talks were held during a meeting between Turkmenistans Ambassador to Qatar, Myratgeldi Seyitmammedov, and Qatari representative of the Turkmenistan-Qatar Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group at the Qatar Shura Council, Ahmad bin Hitmi Al Hitmi, in Doha. The sides reviewed ways to further develop bilateral parliamentary dialogue and enhance cooperation in legislative activities. The Turkmen ambassador also informed the Qatari side about events planned in Turkmenistan in 2026 to mark the 35th anniversary of the countrys independence. Earlier in November 2025, Turkmenistan and Qatar moved to activate the long-overdue agreement on establishing a Qatari-Turkmen Joint Business Council, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation between their private sectors. The decision was reached during talks in Doha between senior representatives of the Qatar Chamber and the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where both sides emphasized support for enhanced engagement between business communities and explored investment opportunities in key sectors. The initiative came amid broader bilateral dialogue, including the third session of the Turkmen-Qatar Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which reviewed cooperation across trade, industry, energy, and other fields. Turkmen-Qatar trade cooperation is a burgeoning partnership emphasizing economic ties, energy, and investment, with bilateral trade projected to increase tenfold from 2020 through 2024. The Third Session of the Joint Turkmen-Qatari Commission aimed to enhance investment and trade, focusing on key sectors such as energy (LNG and natural gas), oil and gas infrastructure, agriculture, textiles, and logistics, especially through the Caspian Sea routes and the TAPI pipeline. Qatar seeks to access Turkmen resources, while Turkmenistan aims to diversify its energy market. The relationship, supported by over 17 agreements, is expanding, albeit at a smaller scale than other Gulf partnerships. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom has doubled over the past five years, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. The figure was announced during a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the UKs Trade Envoy to Central Asia and Azerbaijan, Lord John Alderdice. The discussions centered on enhancing the mutually advantageous partnership between Uzbekistan and Britain, with a primary emphasis on trade and economic collaboration. The parties engaged in a discussion regarding the latest regional and global developments. Meanwhile, Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, noted that Uzbekistan continues to attract a growing number of British companies, with more than 270 UK firms currently operating in the country. Uzbekistan and the UK have established a strong trade relationship with bilateral trade. Uzbekistan's main exports include gold and precious metals, totaling $3.43 billion in 2024, alongside non-ferrous metals, silver, and cotton. The UK, in turn, provides high-value industrial goods such as machinery, industrial equipment, combustion engines, and agricultural machinery. The trade benefits from the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), granting Uzbekistan preferential market access. Additionally, UK Export Finance (UKEF) supports various projects in Uzbekistan, especially in the mining and green technology sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom have decided to join forces and lay down a plan to enhance their diverse partnership, Trend reports, citing the press service of the Uzbek president. The agreement was reached during a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the UKs Trade Envoy to Central Asia and Azerbaijan, Lord John Alderdice. In the discussions, it was highlighted that Uzbekistan has successfully listed sovereign and corporate bonds exceeding $15 billion on the London Stock Exchange. The parties emphasized the significance of last year's launch of the Joint Economic Committee mechanism as a crucial advancement in enhancing bilateral engagement. The conversations highlighted the critical need to advance new collaborative initiatives across various sectors, including energy, finance, geology, transport, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, science, and education. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom has doubled over the past five years, with more than 270 British companies currently operating in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan and the UK have established a strong trade relationship through bilateral trade. Uzbekistan's main exports include gold and precious metals, totaling $3.43 billion in 2024, alongside non-ferrous metals, silver, and cotton. The UK, in turn, provides high-value industrial goods such as machinery, industrial equipment, combustion engines, and agricultural machinery. The trade benefits from the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), granting Uzbekistan preferential market access. Additionally, UK Export Finance (UKEF) supports various projects in Uzbekistan, especially in the mining and green technology sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel On the red carpets of Los Angeles, Lily Collins moves through camera flashes with the ease of someone who has spent her life around fame. But the scenes that matter most to her right now are happening far from premieres and billboards: quiet visits to a frail father who now needs roundtheclock care just to get through the day. Phil Collins, the drummerturnedmegastar whose songs defined the 1980s and 90s, is 76 and in visibly brutal shape. The man who once hammered out drum fills standing up on arena stages now relies on a cane, a battered knee that has endured five operations, and, by his own account, a 24hour livein nurse. Behind the medical detail sits a more intimate story: a daughter who spent much of her childhood feeling abandoned, now choosing to be her father's emotional anchor as his health and independence ebb away. Phil Collins' Health Battle And Lily's Quiet Return Collins has been candid in recent years about the catalogue of problems that have caught up with him. Years of touring and physical punishment behind the drum kit left his back and legs in pieces. He has spoken openly of a "weakened condition" he partly blames on his long struggle with alcohol, which he says he finally gave up in 2023. His knee remains so damaged that even repeated surgery has not spared him from walking with a stick. The health decline is severe enough that he now has a nurse with him around the clock. It is an undignified comedown for a man who once fronted Genesis in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, and who could bounce from stadium to stadium with apparently inexhaustible energy. Yet people close to the family insist the picture is not simply one of slow collapse. What has changed, and what they describe almost with relief, is the presence at his side of Lily Collins, the Emily in Paris star whose relationship with her father for years was painfully complicated. 'He and Lily had their ups and downs over the years, everyone knows that,' one insider says. 'But she's been firmly back in his life for a long time now and the bond between them is very strong. She checks in on him constantly and goes to visit him whenever she can. She does it quietly it's not about getting publicity she genuinely adores her dad and wants to spend as much time with him as possible.' It is striking language given how publicly she once wrote about the damage of his absence. In her 2017 memoir Unfiltered, Collins described a childhood shaped by distance. After Phil divorced her mother, Jill Tavelman, when Lily was five, she and Jill stayed in Los Angeles while he was mostly in England or Switzerland, swallowed up by career and new relationships. 'He may have still been alive,' she wrote, 'but most of the time it felt as if he were completely gone. I knew he loved me, yet he wasn't physically around to tell me.' At one point she addressed him directly: 'I forgive you for not always being there... There's still so much time to move forward.' That line reads very differently now. Then, it was a challenge wrapped in grace: an invitation to reconnect. Today, with Phil's body failing and the clock no longer theoretical, it has the feel of a promise she is determined to keep. An 'Emotional Anchor' In A Tangle Of Family Ties Phil Collins has never made a secret of his messy personal life. He is a father of five across three marriages: he adopted Joely, now 53, with his first wife Andrea Bertorelli, who is also mother to their son Simon, 49. Lily, 36, is his only child with second wife Jill Tavelman. His two youngest sons, Nic, 24, and Mathew, 20, are from his third marriage to Orianne Cevey. The atlas of exwives, halfsiblings and international homes became a kind of running joke in the tabloids the price of fame, the collateral damage of success. It did not feel like a joke to Lily growing up, and she has been frank about the resentment and confusion she carried. That is partly what makes this latest chapter so jarring, and so oddly hopeful. The same woman who once wrote about a father who was "completely gone" is now, according to those around the family, one of the people holding him most firmly in the present. 'Phil is close to all his kids,' the insider adds, 'but having Lily back in his life in such a big way gives him a lot of strength and something positive to focus on when things feel overwhelming.' "Overwhelming" is an understated way of putting it. Collins has talked about how dependence has crashed into his pride the 24hour nurse, the lost mobility, the sense that his own body has turned on him. For someone who has already spent years being reduced, unfairly, to gossipfodder about divorces and drink, there is a particular cruelty in ageing under a public gaze. And yet, his daughter's presence has altered the script. Lily is not playing the dutiful child for cameras; there are no choreographed hospital photoops. What people around them describe instead is something quieter: calls, checkins, visits squeezed in between shoots, the sort of practical love that does not need announcing. It is, bluntly, the kind of steady attention he once struggled to give her. There is a broader cultural echo here as well. For all the "nepo baby" discourse around Hollywood offspring made good, this is the much less glamorous reality of being the famous child of a crumbling icon: fielding health updates, watching a man you once resented become a man you worry might not see the next tour, the next Christmas, the next anything. In that sense, Lily's role as what friends call an "emotional anchor" is not just about sweet bedside scenes. It is about lending her father some of the stability he failed to offer her when she needed it most a quiet inversion of their old story. Phil Collins will never again be the man leaping from the drum stool into the spotlight. He knows it, and the public does too. But there is a kind of dignity in the way this phase is playing out: an ageing musician finally surrounded by the children he helped bring into a chaotic world, and a daughter choosing, deliberately, to stand closer rather than drift away. Against all odds and he of all people would recognise the irony the latelife version of Phil Collins is being defined less by scandal than by something simpler and more stubborn: the hard work of forgiveness showing up, day after day, with flowers, phone calls and a hand on an unsteady arm. Originally published on IBTimes UK An Israeli Defense Forces reservist and a civilian have been indicted for allegedly using classified intelligence about Israels April 2024 retaliatory strikes on Iran to place bets on Polymarket. The Alleged Scheme The pair allegedly profited by betting on the timing and outcomes of the military operation using non-public information they accessed weeks before the strikes occurred. Prosecutors are calling them severe offenses in what appears to be the first criminal case of insider trading on prediction markets involving military intelligence, The Times of Israel reported on Thursday. Don't Miss: Prosecutors allege the reservist accessed classified intelligence about Israels planned response to Irans April 13, 2024 drone and missile attack. The two then placed bets on Polymarket, positioning themselves to profit from operational outcomes they knew would happen. The strikes occurred as they predicted, and the two alleged insiders made more than $150,000 on the outcome. The Insider Trading Problem In Prediction Markets Unlike stock markets with decades of insider trading laws, prediction markets operate in a regulatory Wild West. This case is the latest in a string of controversies. A Polymarket user recently won over $436,000 by correctly predicting the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro just hours before it happened, raising obvious questions about whether that bettor also had inside information. See Also: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started. Earlier this year, insider trading fears surfaced around Super Bowl advertising prediction markets as ad agency employees could potentially profit from advance knowledge of commercial placements. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour, has backed U.S. legislation to explicitly ban insider trading on prediction markets, but struggled to address questions on this difficult topic this week. What Comes Next As prediction markets explode in popularity, the temptation for insider trading grows with them. Polymarkets latest market on Iran strikes has drawn over $239 million in volume, a lucrative target for anyone with inside information The bigger these markets get, the more urgent the need for enforcement becomes. Whether that responsibility falls on the platforms themselves or military and government institutions to police their personnel remains unclear. Photo: The press service of the Turkmen Government. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Japan has identified the expansion of its companies' presence in Turkmenistan as a key priority for 2026, to revitalize bilateral economic cooperation and foster new momentum in this partnership, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. The following statement was made by the Ambassador of Japan in Turkmenistan, Sasaki Hiroshi, during a gala reception in honor of the birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, in Ashgabat. Turkmenistan and Japan share a long-standing relationship, characterized by a range of joint investment and industrial projects that have fostered closer ties and significantly enhanced bilateral cooperation. During Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's visit to Tokyo in December 2025, a total of 11 agreements were signed with representatives from various Japanese companies. Currently, Ashgabat maintains collaborative ties with several prominent Japanese firms, including Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Sojitz, Muroosystems Corporation, ITOCHU Corporation, Tokyo Boeki Eurasia Limited, and others. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. We discussed strengthening the institutional foundations of the fintech ecosystem in Azerbaijan at the next stage, Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), wrote in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. "We held a meeting with members of the Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina) at the Central Bank. During the meeting, we discussed strengthening the institutional foundations of the fintech ecosystem at the next stage, establishing more systematic cooperation between the sector and the Central Bank, and identifying priority areas for the 2027-2030 strategic framework. At the same time, we emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of the financial system and further strengthening control mechanisms against fraud and illegal transactions remain key priorities," the post reads. Irans Industry Ministry examines sector impact on product exports In the first eight months of the current Iranian year, petrochemicals and petroleum products made up the largest share of Iran's exports. The mining and industrial sectors also contributed significantly, while agricultural exports saw a decline. Overall, there were mixed trends in the export performance across different sectors. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has expressed its readiness to further expand financing for the activities of Uzbekistans state energy company Uzbekneftegaz in 2026, Trend reports via the Uzbek company. The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by the Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Uzbekneftegaz, Abdugani Sanginov, with representatives of ADCB. The sides discussed the companys ongoing transformation processes, measures to strengthen financial sustainability, new investment projects, as well as the results achieved within the framework of current cooperation. Cooperation between Uzbekneftegaz and the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has been steadily expanding. As part of this partnership, ADCB participated in a club loan agreement signed on May 1, 2025, contributing $100 million. Earlier in 2025, the bank also served as one of the joint bookrunners for the successful $850 million Eurobond placement of Uzbekneftegaz on the London Stock Exchange, further strengthening financial ties between the two institutions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Officials from Iran and Russia have highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation across various economic sectors, including oil, energy, transportation, and trade, Trend reports. This was emphasized during a meeting in Tehran between Irans Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Russias Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev. During the meeting, the sides underlined the significance of finalizing cooperation agreements signed within the framework of joint economic commissions between the two countries. The 19th session of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission began on February 16. Various panels were held to discuss developments in different economic sectors. The official closing session, attended by the oil minister of Iran and the energy minister of Russia, is scheduled for the following day, during which a series of bilateral agreements is expected to be signed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Four years ago, the EBRDs annual investments in Tajikistans real sector typically amounted to around 22 million euro, and this figure has quadrupled since, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Resident Office in Tajikistan, Holger Wiefel, told Trend in an exclusive interview. According to him, the EBRD supports government initiatives aimed at strengthening the national economy and enhancing the countrys competitiveness. "We have jointly identified priority areas for Tajikistan, where financial resources and knowledge will be particularly valuable. They are reflected in our 5-year strategy for the country approved by the EBRDs shareholders last year," he said. Holger Wiefel noted that the Bank is also exploring opportunities in new sectors, including telecommunications, media, technology, and natural resources. "The EBRD is actively promoting the development of clean and renewable energy sources. We would like to commend the government for drafting Tajikistans new investment legislation and strategy, recently approved by the President. Our Bank did a lot of preparatory work for the Dushanbe Invest-2025 forum, which attracted a lot of international attention. Trade missions of foreign embassies based in Dushanbe remained very busy throughout 2025 as well," EBRD Head of Tajikistan said. He separately drew attention to the World Banks report "Tools of Transformation: Boosting Productivity Growth in Europe and Central Asia". "According to this recent study, improving the countrys investment climate could boost FDI inflows by up to 80 per cent, equivalent to $1.5-2 billion annually. It highlights that Tajikistan has strong untapped potential for increasing its trade volume," Holger Wiefel concluded. At the same time, Holger Wiefel emphasized that the EBRD will invest in renewable energy projects and promote energy efficiency measures across various sectors, strengthening Tajikistan's capacity to adapt to climate challenges. "I have already mentioned our newly approved country strategy for Tajikistan. It covers all the areas, which offer a significant growth potential. First of all, we are talking about renewable energy, resources, and energy efficiency," he said. Furthermore, Wiefel noted that the bank will also finance investments in transport infrastructure to enhance regional and domestic connectivity, supporting trade and economic integration. "It will also promote digital infrastructure development to modernize the economy and improve service delivery. Our plan is to work with municipalities across Tajikistan to improve the delivery and sustainability of urban services, including water supply and urban transport," Wiefel delineated. He further stated that the bank will continue its fruitful cooperation with partner banks to enhance the competitiveness of local firms and expand access to financial services, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. He emphasized that the EBRD supports the development of public-private partnerships and private sector initiatives in Tajikistan, adding that public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Tajikistan are still in their nascent stages and will require further alignment of international best practices with national legal frameworks. "The EBRD is actively assisting the country in exploring PPP opportunities, particularly in the transport and green energy sectors. The first renewable energy projects, including the initial renewable energy auctions, are expected to commence this year," stated Holger Wiefel. Moreover, he emphasized that Tajikistan has requested EBRDs support to enhance investment in its raw materials sector and to modernize its broadband infrastructure. "The Tajik authorities have asked for our assistance in improving the investment appeal of the countrys critical raw materials industries and in financing the expansion of broadband capacity. These are areas where PPP solutions could be particularly effective," the Head of the EBRD Resident Office in Tajikistan added. At the same time, Holger Wiefel emphasized that the EBRD's 38 million euro sovereign loan will help finance the modernization of a 49-kilometer section of the Dangara to Guliston road in Tajikistan, as well as the construction of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, adding that this road, built in the 1930s as part of a major international highway, is an important link between the north and south of the Khatlon region - an area that generates more than 53% of Tajikistans agricultural output and is home to 35% of the countrys population. "This project will turn the current single-carriageway category II road into a dual-carriageway category I road, significantly increasing the roads capacity and shortening delivery times for cargo across the Khatlon region and beyond, thereby stimulating trade. This project will be supported by an 83.5 million euro grant provided by the Asian Development Bank," he said. Answering a question on how current and planned EBRD projects contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration, he emphasized that the launch of all six hydroelectric units of the Qairokkum hydropower plant (QHPP) in November 2025 marked the completion of a major renewables project in Tajikistan. "Rehabilitation measures at QHPP, which provides electricity to 500,000 people in the Sughd province, included concrete dam works and the installation of hydraulic steel components, turbines, and electromechanical equipment. As a result, the plants installed capacity has increased from 126 MW to 174 MW. The upgrade introduced innovative climate-resilience measures, enabling the plant to cope with the expected impact of climate change on the countrys hydrological systems," he said. The director concluded that the implementation of these upgrades was supported by a $196 million financing package organized by the EBRD. Meanwhile, Holger Wiefel said that Tajikistan's successful cooperation with international organizations, such as the approval of the World Bank's budget support program and the current International Monetary Fund's Policy Coordination Instrument program, is an important factor in the country's medium-term growth prospects. "I would like to refer you to the latest EBRDs Regional Economic Prospects report, where we forecasted Tajikistans economy to grow by 7% in 2025 and 5.7% in 2026 on the back of ongoing investments in priority infrastructure," he said. Wiefel noted that the EBRD shares the World Banks view that Tajikistan can better utilize its labor force through improved efficiency in labor markets, more flexible work arrangements, and enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and businesses. "When paired with creating a more favorable environment for investment, such structural changes have the potential to significantly increase productivity and drive sustained economic expansion. Similarly, we share the IMFs view that comprehensive reforms focused on strengthening the governance of Tajikistan will be essential to maintaining robust economic growth in the coming years," he added. He further emphasized that key reform priorities include enhancing transparency and oversight of state-owned enterprises, bolstering anti-corruption measures, and strengthening institutional accountability. Clear governance frameworks and transparent policymaking are vital to creating a favorable business climate. These improvements will enable private sector investment to drive job creation and unleash the economy's full long-term potential," he concluded. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 17. Turkmenistan completed 547 EU-funded projects in 2025, engaging over 29,000 citizens across various sectors, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. The statement was made by EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Pexa during the joint EU-Turkmenistan briefing, held in Ashgabat on February 17. According to the ambassador, one of the main issues on the bilateral agenda for 2026 will be strengthening economic ties and supporting the private sector. The briefing also highlighted ongoing cooperation in cybersecurity, infrastructure development, and attracting foreign investment. Pexa noted that active bilateral visits and open dialogue confirm Turkmenistans role as a strategic partner for Europe in the region. The discussion additionally covered regional security and stability issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, and emphasized the development of transport connectivity under the EUs Global Gateway initiative, as well as joint efforts on climate adaptation, environmental protection, and energy efficiency. The EUs Global Gateway is a strategic investment initiative aimed at mobilizing up to 300 billion euros from 2021 through 2027 for sustainable infrastructure globally, primarily focused on Africa. It aims to create lasting connections rather than dependencies, with key investment areas in digital infrastructure, energy transition, transport networks, healthcare systems, and education. The initiative employs a "Team Europe" approach to combine EU, member state, and private sector funding, leveraging 135 billion euros in private investment. It also acts as a geopolitical tool for enhancing EU strategic autonomy while prioritizing principles of democratic values, transparency, good governance, and environmental sustainability. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan estimates revenues from electricity exports to Georgia in 2025 Azerbaijan's electricity exports to Georgia in 2025 generated significant revenue. However, the export value and volume saw a decrease compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's overall electricity exports and imports showed notable activity with neighboring countries. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Azerbaijan increases oil exports to Romania in January 2026 In January 2026, Azerbaijan's oil and petroleum product exports to Romania saw a rise in volume. Despite the increase in quantity, the export value declined compared to the previous year. Romania remained one of key importers of Azerbaijani oil during the reporting period. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Japan plans to ease safety certification for US-made vehicles to enable domestic automakers to import models produced in America. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will scrap the existing requirement for additional domestic testing. Instead, vehicles will be approved through an assessment of US compliance documentation, according to a report from Nikkei Asia. Certified vehicles will be labelled, and an entry will be added to their vehicle inspection certificates documenting the certification. The policy shift is aimed at supporting so-called reverse imports by Japanese manufacturers. Toyota Motor is weighing the import of the US-built Camry sedan, the Highlander SUV, and the Tundra pickup truck, produced at its facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas, respectively . Toyota describes its US-made Camry as combining a sophisticated design with comfort, while boasting outstanding fuel efficiency, while the Highlander is a three-row SUV popular with families. The group will re-introduce these two models in Japan, after they were discontinued there in 2023 and 2007 respectively, with the Highlander previously sold as the Kluger. Decisions on distribution channels and pricing have not yet been finalised. Last year, US President Donald Trump repeatedly criticised the scarcity of American-made cars on Japanese roads. Japan exported 1.35 million vehicles to the US in 2025, but imported just 18,624 cars from the US, The Japan Times reported, citing preliminary Japanese Finance Ministry data. Other Japanese automakers are also examining reverse-import options. Honda Motor is assessing US-manufactured Ridgeline pickup trucks and Pilot SUVs, while Nissan Motor is considering bringing in Murano and Pathfinder SUVs built in the US. Streamlined certification would open an additional outlet for higher-margin models. "Japan to streamline safety approval for US-built vehicles" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Azerbaijan ramps up electricity imports from Russia in 2025 Azerbaijan turned up the dial on its electricity imports from Russia in 2025. The volume and value of imports both experienced a significant uptick compared to 2024. In the meantime, Azerbaijan's electricity exports to Russia took a hit, seeing a drop in both quantity and worth. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Italian engineering and energy contractor Saipem announced that it has reached an agreement with Deep Value Driller AS (DVD) on the main terms for the acquisition of the seventh-generation mobile offshore drilling unit Deep Value Driller for $272.5 million, Trend reports via the company. The unit is currently operating in Indonesia under a bareboat charter agreement between Saipems Portuguese subsidiary and DVD, valid until July 31, 2026. The completion of the transaction is expected by the expiration of the current charter and is subject to approval by the boards of both companies. The acquisition is part of Saipems strategy to strengthen its offshore drilling fleet while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation. Saipem, listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, is a global leader in engineering and construction for the energy and infrastructure sectors, both offshore and onshore. The company operates five fabrication yards and an offshore fleet of 17 construction vessels and 12 drilling rigs, of which nine are owned. Its business is organized into several lines, including Asset-Based Services, Drilling and Sonsub, Energy Carriers, Offshore Wind, and Sustainable Infrastructures. With a workforce of about 30,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Saipem emphasizes technological innovation and sustainable engineering, supporting clients in the energy transition towards Net Zero using digital technologies and environmentally sustainable processes. Azerbaijan tallies oil shipments to Croatia in January 2026 Azerbaijan sent a hefty shipment of crude oil and petroleum products to Croatia in January 2026. However, when looking back to the same month in 2025, both the export value and volume took a nosedive. The drop in exports shows a marked decline in both amount and worth. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The EIB Group, comprising the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), has signed its sixth synthetic securitization with BNP Paribas since 2017, aiming to support French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-caps, and green projects, Trend reports via the EIB. Under the deal, the EIB Group will invest 112 million to reduce BNP Paribas risks on existing loans, enabling the bank to provide 337 million in new lending over two years. At least 30% of the new lending will be directed to projects aligned with climate action and environmental sustainability, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. In the transaction, the EIF provides protection on a mezzanine tranche of 112 million, counter-guaranteed by the EIB. BNP Paribas retains the senior and junior tranches. As a synthetic securitization, the credit risk of the mezzanine tranche is transferred via an unfunded guarantee, while the underlying loan portfolio remains on BNP Paribas balance sheet. The transaction qualifies as STS (Simple, Transparent, Standardized). The securitized portfolio, with a total outstanding balance of approximately 1.5 billion, includes mid-corporate loans originated by BCEF, covering BNP Paribas exposures to mid-cap and upper-SME corporate borrowers. The structure features pro-rata amortization with triggers based on portfolio credit performance, a synthetic excess spread, and a two-year replenishment period allowing eligible assets to be added subject to performance criteria. The transaction is designed to deliver optimal risk-weighted asset (RWA) relief, freeing up lending capacity and enabling BNP Paribas to further finance the real economy. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The European Investment Bank (EIB) said it will provide 34 million in financing for the construction of three photovoltaic plants in southwestern Romania, with a combined capacity of 190 megawatts (MW) enough to supply electricity to more than 160,000 homes, Trend reports with reference to the Bank. The plants will be located in Olt and Dolj counties in the Oltenia region, near the Danube River. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with full commercial operations expected by September 2027. The project aims to advance Romanias and the European Unions climate goals, increase energy independence, and support regional development. The financing package totals 121 million, with EIB loans covering 34 million. Other contributors include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Romanian lender BCR. The solar plants are owned 65% by Norway-based renewable energy developer Scatec ASA and 35% by Defic Globe BV. Two of the three plants have secured Contracts for Differences (CfD) from the Romanian government, covering around two-thirds of the projects expected output for nearly 15 years. The solar farms will be located in the communes of Dobrun and Sadova. The new plants rank among Romanias largest solar projects and are expected to accelerate the countrys transition away from fossil fuels, in line with EU efforts to reduce energy import dependency and increase renewable energy capacity. The EIB, the EUs long-term lending institution owned by member states, finances projects aligned with EU policy priorities, including climate action, digitalization, security, cohesion, and sustainable infrastructure. Almost 60% of the EIB Groups annual financing supports initiatives directly addressing climate change. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Kazakhstans accession to the Abraham Accords is expected to open new opportunities for cooperation with Israel across multiple sectors, Ambassador of Israel to Kazakhstan Yoav Bistritsky told Trend in an exclusive interview. He recalled that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced in November 2025 that Kazakhstan would join the accords, although the formal signing ceremony required for them to enter into force has not yet taken place. Despite the fact that Kazakhstan and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for 34 years, we believe that joining the Abraham Accords will open up new opportunities, the ambassador said. The ambassador explained that the move will help bring the two countries closer, elevate the level of cooperation, and enable engagement in new fields such as cybersecurity, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence, while also creating potential in strategically important sectors for the region, including water management and food security. Ambassador Bistritsky noted that participation in the Abraham Accords could expand cooperation beyond the bilateral level. We are looking at the possibility of establishing a regional working group that would include not only Kazakhstan and Israel, but also partners such as the UAE, Morocco, and the United States, he said. The official added that a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Regional Cooperation of Israel in November 2025, which could also include the establishment of a working group. The bilateral mechanism would provide opportunities for Israeli companies to share their expertise at the national and municipal levels. We have seen this model successfully implemented in cooperation with Azerbaijan, and we hope to share the experience of Israeli companies and the Israeli Water Authority in Kazakhstan, he explained. The ambassador emphasized the importance of the Joint Economic Committee, noting that it is expected to reconvene in 2026. We are expecting it to meet in Israel, probably around the summer or the beginning of fall. Both countries anticipate more official visits in 2026, with officials travelling from Israel to Kazakhstan and vice versa, Ambassador Bistritsky said. He added that ongoing and planned cooperation projects in water management, food security, tourism, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and aviation are progressing well, at either preliminary or more advanced stages, creating a solid foundation for a deeper partnership. According to him, Israel is also looking to support Kazakhstans digital and AI agenda. Ambassador Bistritsky noted that Israel considers itself an advanced country in the fields of technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence and is interested in developing cooperation with Kazakhstan in these areas. He recalled that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. Israel sees strong potential to support Kazakhstans digital and AI development agenda. We definitely believe that Israel can support these initiatives, the ambassador stressed. In addition to digital technologies, Israel is also interested in expanding cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors. Kazakhstan is an energy supplier to Israel. We are looking at ways to further strengthen this cooperation, Ambassador Bistritsky said. He noted that Israel could aid Kazakhstan through digitalization and smart energy solutions. What Israel can bring is expertise in digitalization and smart energy technologies. We are exploring the possibility of launching joint projects in these areas, he added. The ambassador also confirmed ongoing discussions on cooperation in advanced technologies. Israeli institutions, including the Cyber Security Authority, have shown interest in partnering with their Kazakh counterparts. He noted that Kazakhstan has recently established a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, and Israel is looking forward to building cooperation with this institution. We hope that in the near future we will be able to sign several memorandums of understanding related to these projects and initiatives, Ambassador Bistritsky said. According to him, Kazakhstan plays a strategically important role as a corridor between East and West, given its proximity to Russia, Europe, and China. This geographical position creates significant opportunities for Israel to expand its markets beyond its borders, the ambassador said. He added that Israeli companies are demonstrating interest in entering the Kazakh market, either by opening offices in the country or by partnering with local firms, including within the framework of Astana Hub. Moreover, Ambassador Bistritsky highlighted that progress is being made on a visa-free regime for Kazakh citizens travelling to Israel, noting that Israeli citizens already enjoy visa-free entry to Kazakhstan. The ambassador also stressed the resumption of direct flights, pointing out that SCAT Airlines will begin operating from Shymkent to Israel on June 9. He recalled that Air Astana had flown from Almaty to Tel Aviv for just one month before the Gaza conflict in October 2023, and for the past two years, there have been no direct flights. For us, the resumption of flights is a big step forward, and we see significant potential for tourism on both sides. Together with flights and the visa-free regime, we expect a substantial expansion of tourism between Kazakhstan and Israel, Ambassador Bistritsky added. He concluded by underlining that both countries aim to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors in 2026. We are looking into concrete projects in water management, food security, tourism, AI, digitalization, and aviation. All projects are moving at a good pace, either in preliminary or more advanced stages, and we are hopeful that this year will see strong progress in these areas, he said. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 17. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral links during a phone call, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president. Tokayev noted the positive dynamics in Kazakh-Kyrgyz relations, highlighting the role of regular political dialogue and active engagement between governments and business communities. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the high level of cooperation in trade and economic ties and transport and logistics, as well as in water and energy sectors. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening interstate relations in the spirit of friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance. Tokayev informed Japarov about the constitutional reform underway in Kazakhstan, aimed at ensuring the countrys steady progress. Japarov, in turn, voiced support for the large-scale transformations being implemented in Kazakhstan. The sides also expressed a unified position on key issues of regional cooperation. Tokayev wished success in hosting major international events in Bishkek, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the World Nomad Games, and expressed support for Japarovs efforts to preserve social unity and strengthen Kyrgyz statehood. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 17. Kazakhstans Ambassador to Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev and Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Oil Company Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan discussed the exchange of experience in hydrocarbon exploration and production, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kuwait in the oil sector, including the development of oil refining and the training of industry specialists. Particular attention was paid to the involvement of Kazakh engineers and technical specialists in the implementation of the companys production and infrastructure projects. The exceptional qualifications of Kazakhstans oil and gas professionals, along with their extensive practical experience in significant international projects within the country, were highlighted, particularly in relation to the development of the Tengiz and Kashagan fields. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop sectoral dialogue and explore specific areas of practical cooperation between the relevant institutions of Kazakhstan and Kuwait. Tengiz and Kashagan stand out as two of the globe's most significant oil fields, nestled in the Caspian region of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstans oil production is primarily driven by them. Tengiz, an established onshore field discovered in 1979, contrasts sharply with Kashagan, a colossal offshore field unveiled in 2000 and renowned as one of the most significant discoveries of the past three decades. The Kuwait Oil Company is a state-owned enterprise responsible for oil exploration, production, and storage in Kuwait. The company manages the countrys major oil fields and accounts for a significant share of national output. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Achieved record profitability in 2025 by executing 'Competitive Edge' initiatives, focusing on dynamic pricing and operational cost controls across all product lines. Capitalized on a vertically integrated model to capture higher margins through the 'pull-through' of upstream materials like aggregates into asphalt and ready-mix projects. Leveraged a favorable geographic footprint where population growth in Knife River states is forecasted to outpace non-Knife River states by double over the next 20 years. Successfully integrated five acquisitions in 2025, including the Strata deal, which expanded the company's presence in high-growth mid-sized markets. Maintained a 'Life at Knife' culture that prioritized safety and employee engagement, resulting in the safest year in company history and improved operational efficiency. The company navigated a fluid funding environment in Oregon by capitalizing on private sector opportunities like data centers and warehouses, while the broader West segment continued to grow. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 17. Kazakhstan and Sweden discussed ways to deepen political dialogue during the fifth round of political consultations between their foreign ministries in Astana, Trend reports via the Kazak MFA. The sides also addressed prospects to expand trade and investment and strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The talks also covered Kazakhstans partnership with the European Union, cooperation within international organizations, and key regional and global issues. The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov, while Sweden was represented by Torbjorn Sohlstrom, Director-General for Political Affairs. According to Kazakhstans Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Sweden reached 361.6 million in 2025, up 10.4% from 2024, with Kazakh exports of $75.9 million and imports of $285.6 million. From 2005 to 2025, Swedens gross direct investment in Kazakhstan exceeded $690 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 17. President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, received Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, who is visiting Dushanbe on a working visit on 17 February, to discuss ways to further develop and expand bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Tajikistan. During the meeting, the sides reviewed the state and prospects of the Tajik-Uzbek strategic partnership and allied interaction. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the positive trend in mutual trade and investment cooperation. In this context, Emomali Rahmon highlighted the significant potential for further advancement of this process across various sectors, including industry, energy, transport, agriculture, and other areas of mutual interest. The parties also expressed their interest in further expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Furthermore, the head of state underscored the effective work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the latest session of which was held in Dushanbe today. Both sides noted the importance of maintaining a constructive and trust-based intergovernmental dialogue across the full spectrum of bilateral issues. Particular attention was given to the thorough preparation for upcoming high-level meetings and negotiations. Additionally, the leaders exchanged views on the schedule for organizing and conducting such intergovernmental events throughout the current year. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel MISSOULA Spring 2026 enrollment numbers are in, and for the fifth consecutive year, the University of Montana reported more students than the previous year. The consecutive years of growth at UM are a testament to the aggressive steps we have taken to ensure our campus experience is robust and vibrant, said Leslie Webb, UM vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. We have more work to do, but we are building the infrastructure needed to continue growing for years to come. This spring, 11,123 students are enrolled at UM a 3% increase over spring 2025. UM reported 10,793 enrolled students one year ago. The 3% growth rate in total headcount at UM is similar to the growth the University experienced last fall. With the spring census complete, UMs leaders are hard at work bolstering the number of incoming first-year students who will graduate from high school and enroll at UM next fall. UMs recruiters and executive leaders have increased the volume of outreach and high school visits this year, Webb said. Prospective student interest in UM is increasing, and we strongly believe we are on the right path. Building off of a record-high student retention figure in fall 2025, more than 90% of UM students who were enrolled in the fall semester and did not graduate returned for spring semester. UMs growth over the past year was powered by significant increases to the Universitys graduate programs, as well as a large increase at Missoula College UMs embedded two-year college. There are 2,868 students enrolled in graduate programs at UM, which represents a 5% increase over last spring. Missoula College saw an 8% increase in total enrollment, reaching 2,215 students this spring. UM remains the regions premier institution for high-quality, rigorous graduate education and professional training, said Ke Wu, dean of the UM Graduate School. Thousands of graduate students at UM are expanding the boundaries of knowledge, making research breakthroughs that will improve our quality of life and bolster Montanas economy. Our professional programs are training the next generation of teachers, entrepreneurs, health care providers and other professionals needed across our state." This spring, 72% of UM students are Montana residents, which represents a 2% increase over spring 2025. Other significant data points found in the spring 2026 census include: The number of dually enrolled students Montana high school students who take courses at UM set a record. Figures show 1,240 students are dually enrolled at UM, a 10% increase over spring 2025. The number of UM students who are the first in their family to attend college increased to 3,341. This 6% increase brings UMs proportion of first-generation students to 30% of the total student body. The number of Native American students enrolled at UM this spring rose to 772. A 3% increase over the previous spring. More than 800 UM students graduated in December at the conclusion of the fall semester. UMs spring 2026 census report is available online. ### Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu. Miami, Florida-based Lennar Corporation (LEN) constructs and sells single-family attached and detached homes and buys and sells residential land. Valued at $30.2 billion by market cap, the company also provides mortgage financing, title insurance, commercial real estate, investment management, and other financial services. Shares of this leading homebuilder have underperformed the broader market over the past year. LEN has declined 1.2% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 11.8%. However, in 2026, LEN stock is up 19%,surpassing SPXs marginal fall on a YTD basis. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, LENs underperformance is also apparent compared to iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB). The exchange-traded fund has gained about 10.3% over the past year. However, LENs returns on a YTD basis outshine the ETFs 17.9% gains over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Lennar's performance was hit by a challenging housing market due to affordability issues and weak consumer confidence, leading to lower sales volume and increased incentives. The company is shifting to more affordable homes and an asset-light strategy, investing in tech, and streamlining operations. Outlook is cautiously optimistic, awaiting rate moderation and government initiatives to boost affordability. For the current fiscal year, ending in November, analysts expect LENs EPS to decline 20.1% to $6.44 on a diluted basis. The companys earnings surprise history is disappointing. It missed the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters while beating the forecast on another occasion. Among the 19 analysts covering LEN stock, the consensus is a Hold. Thats based on two Strong Buy ratings, nine Holds, one Moderate Sell, and seven Strong Sells. www.barchart.com This configuration is less bearish than a month ago, with an overall Moderate Sell rating, consisting of one analyst suggesting a Strong Buy. On Jan. 16, Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) analyst Sam Reid maintained a Hold rating on LEN with a price target of $105. While LEN currently trades above its mean price target of $107.15, the Street-high price target of $140 suggests an upside potential of 14.5%. On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Lloyds Banking Group is reviewing its approach after using staff bank account information during pay negotiations, reported The Times. Chief executive Charlie Nunn told employees about this move at a recent internal meeting. The FTSE 100 lender faced criticism from some unions and scrutiny from the Information Commissioners Office over the matter. Nunn acknowledged concerns raised by the incident, stating that we clearly need to look at the lessons learnt and admitting that it obviously has created some concern. He also said, we definitely have listened to it and indicated that a full review would take place: We havent yet fully worked out what we will do differently going forward, although I think we should just do the investigation fully. Lloyds invites its workforce of 64,000 to hold accounts with the bank. In November, it was revealed that aggregated and anonymised data from employees accounts had been used during pay talks for 2026 and 2027. The method drew criticism from Mark Brown of Affinity, a union not officially recognised by Lloyds, who described it as sinister, and smacks of Big Brother. Despite this, Nunn told staff the practice was a legal use case of using aggregated data for a relevant business outcome and added that two recognised unions were very comfortable with it. He said further reflection was needed: But we clearly need to look at the lessons learnt from that and youll see what that means going forward. So I recognise the feeling. The pay review resulted in average salary increases for junior staff of between 7% and 9%, with a minimum wage rising to 27,400 by 2027 as part of an agreement with Accord and Unite unions. A spokesperson for Lloyds clarified that Nunns comments referred to an internal review rather than a formal investigation. Lloyds also disclosed last week that Nunn received 7.4m in pay for 2025. Under proposed changes to executive pay policy, his remuneration could rise to 13.9m this year or 17.7m if certain performance targets are achieved. The group owns Halifax and Bank of Scotland, which was fined by the UK watchdog over an account for a sanctioned individual. In a statement, Lloyds said it was committed to fair and progressive pay that provides certainty and support for all colleagues, and in this case more junior colleagues. We have worked hard with our unions, using aggregated data and direct colleague input and we are pleased that members of our recognised unions have voted to support our competitive multi-year pay proposal for 2026 and 2027 by a significant majority. Some may call McDonald's cheap fast food, but one area the company has not skimped on is innovation. Over the past year, McDonald's has introduced several new offerings and brought back fan favorites, including the Grinch Meal and Buffalo Ranch, as well as the return of the Snack Wrap and Changeables Happy Meal. The launches went viral and generated significant online engagement, reinforcing the brand's ability to create cultural moments nearly 86 years after its founding. In today's increasingly competitive and fast-evolving restaurant landscape, sticking to the same strategy year after year is no longer enough. Across the quick-service restaurant industry, brands are finding success by specializing to drive rapid growth, focusing on what they do best rather than stretching across categories without clear differentiation. Some of McDonald's biggest rivals have effectively executed this strategy, including Chick-fil-A, with dominance in chicken-based menu items; Dutch Bros, with a niche in beverages; and In-N-Out Burger, with a focus on burgers. These brands have demonstrated that doubling down on a single core product can accelerate growth and improve operational efficiency. McDonald's reveals its 2026 menu plans McDonald's revealed during its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings call that it plans to introduce new offerings in the U.S. and select international markets in 2026 across three major categories: beverages, chicken, and beef. Beverages: A $100 billion opportunity Beverages are currently McDonald's (MCD) fastest-growing category. In 2025, the company piloted energy drinks, iced coffees, fruity refreshers, and crafted sodas across 500 U.S. restaurants. The test was "highly successful" and exceeded expectations, according to the chain's executive team. "The new beverage offerings drove incremental occasions across different dayparts as well as higher average check," said McDonald's Chief Restaurant Experience Officer Jill McDonald during the earnings call. Related: McDonalds follows Chipotle in growing new food trend The company estimates that beverages represent a global opportunity worth more than $100 billion. Beverages typically carry higher margins than food items due to low ingredient costs and high perceived value, often reaching 65-75% margins while maintaining accessibility, according to Restaurant Dive. Chicken: Expanding in a high-growth segment McDonald's has expanded its chicken offerings across its top 10 markets, with the category now around twice the size of its beef lineup. The company plans to grow chicken-based items by at least 1% by the end of 2026 compared to 2023 levels. In May 2025, Carnegie Mellon University quietly renewed the most important financial relationship in its history. The agreement wasn't with a major American corporation. It wasn't with a federal research agency. It wasn't even with a wealthy alumni donor. It was with the Qatar Foundationthe state-backed organization that has funded Carnegie Mellon's entire Doha campus since 2004. The renewal extended the partnership for another ten years, locking Carnegie Mellon into Qatari dependency through at least 2035. The timing was notable. Just months earlier, the Trump administration had launched a new transparency portal exposing the full scale of foreign funding to American universities. New Department of Education data shows Carnegie Mellon received almost $1 billion in foreign funding in 2025 alonethe highest total of any American institution. And nearly all of it comes from Qatar. Between 2001 and 2021, Qatar Foundation grants to Carnegie Mellon totaled $740,910,073covering the bulk of expenses and enabling a model where Carnegie Mellon receives between $50 and $60 million per year from Qatar to operate the Doha campus. That's not supplemental funding. That's not a generous gift. That's a university campus whose entire existence depends on a foreign government's continued generosity. And that dependencynow extended for another decaderaises questions that neither Carnegie Mellon nor Qatar wants to answer publicly. What Qatar Built in the Desert To understand Carnegie Mellon's dependency, you need to understand what Qatar built in Education City. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is a satellite campus established in 2004 in Education City, Doha. The campus facilities and upkeep are financed entirely by the Qatar Foundation. Education City is Qatar's $45 billion bet on becoming a global education huba sprawling campus on the outskirts of Doha that houses nine university branches from the United States and Europe. Qatar didn't just invite universities in. It built them campuses, funds their operations, pays faculty salaries, and covers student financial aid. The establishment of the campuses was founded by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the mother of Qatar's current Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. This isn't an arm's-length philanthropic arrangement. It's a project of Qatar's ruling family, directed by the emir's mother and funded by the state. Carnegie Mellon Qatar offers the same degree programs and curricula that students receive at the Pittsburgh campus. Undergraduate degrees are in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business Administration, Information Systems, and Biological Sciences. As of 2025, CMU-Q enrolls over 450 students from 61 nationalities, including 39 percent Qatari nationals, and has produced more than 1,000 alumni who pursue careers in technology, finance, and research across the Middle East and beyond. On paper, it looks like a successful international branch campus. Look closer, and the financial reality is stark: This agreement, extended for an additional ten years on May 14, 2025, positions the Qatar Foundation as the primary revenue source, funding infrastructure, faculty salaries, and program delivery in alignment with Qatar's knowledge economy ambitions. Primary revenue source. Not a major donor. Not a partner funder. The primary revenue sourcethe entity without whose money the campus cannot exist. The Numbers Behind the Dependency The financial scale of Carnegie Mellon's Qatar relationship becomes clearer when examined in detail. Qatar Foundation grants to CMU-Q totaled $740,910,073 between 2001 and 2021, per U.S. Department of Education foreign gift disclosures. That's over $35 million per year on average across two decadesa figure that has grown substantially in recent years. The campus's grant dependency exceeds $40 million annually on average, ensuring viability without direct Qatari citizen fees. This 100% grant-subsidized structure for locals contrasts sharply with CMU's U.S. operations, which emphasize merit-based admissions, tuition revenue, and private endowments. The contrast is striking. In Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon operates like any elite American universitytuition revenue, endowment returns, research grants, and alumni donations all contribute to a diversified financial model. In Doha, one entitycontrolled by Qatar's ruling familyprovides the funding that makes everything possible. For Qatari citizens, government scholarships and/or company sponsorships typically cover the full cost of attendance. Qatar pays for Qatari students to attend what is technically an American university. The circular funding model means Qatar is essentially paying itself to educate its own citizenswhile Carnegie Mellon collects fees and lends its prestigious name and accreditation. In 2025, this relationship produced almost $1 billion in disclosed foreign funding to Carnegie Mellonthe highest of any American institution. The gap between Carnegie Mellon and second-place MIT, which also received almost $1 billion, reflects just how dominant Qatar's single-institution investment has become. What the Renewal Means The May 2025 renewal of Carnegie Mellon's Qatar partnership for another decade is perhaps the most significant detail in this story. It happened quietly. No major announcements. No public debate. No faculty senate votes making headlines. The university's most significant foreign financial relationship was extended through 2035 while the Trump administration was simultaneously launching transparency portals, initiating foreign funding investigations, and questioning the national security implications of foreign money at American universities. This agreement, extended for an additional ten years on May 14, 2025, positions the Qatar Foundation as the primary revenue source, funding infrastructure, faculty salaries, and program delivery in alignment with Qatar's knowledge economy ambitions. "In alignment with Qatar's knowledge economy ambitions." Read that carefully. The agreement isn't framed around Carnegie Mellon's educational mission or Pittsburgh's research priorities. It's framed around what Qatar wantsa knowledge economy that reduces the country's dependence on hydrocarbon exports. Carnegie Mellon is a tool in Qatar's national development strategy. And it just signed up for another decade of serving that role. What happens in 2035 when the next renewal comes up? By then, Carnegie Mellon will have operated in Qatar for 31 years. Entire academic careers will have been built there. Alumni networks will span the Middle East. The financial and reputational entanglement will be even deeper. The extension isn't just a financial decision. It's a strategic commitment that becomes harder to unwind with every passing year. The Academic Freedom Question Nobody's Asking Education City hosts nine university branches. The institutions include Weill Cornell Medical College, Virginia Commonwealth University, Texas A&M, Northwestern University, and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Each of these institutions maintains that academic freedom is preserved on their Qatar campuses. Carnegie Mellon is no exception. But consider what Carnegie Mellon Qatar teaches. Undergraduate degrees are offered in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business Administration, Information Systems, and Biological Sciences. Notice what's not on that list: Political science. International relations. History. Philosophy. Journalism. Law. Sociology. These absences aren't accidental. They reflect a curriculum carefully calibrated to avoid topics that might create friction with a host government that criminalizes criticism of its rulers. Qatar doesn't need Carnegie Mellon to teach political theory or press freedom. It needs computer science, AI, and business graduates to staff its knowledge economy. The result is an arrangement that appears to preserve academic freedom because it never tests it. Carnegie Mellon Qatar doesn't teach subjects that would require criticizing Qatar. So the question of whether Qatar would tolerate such criticism never actually arises. This isn't a critique of the students or faculty at CMU-Qmany are doing genuinely excellent work in their fields. It's an observation about how the structure of the relationship shapes what's possible. You can't violate academic freedom in topics you never teach. The "Education City" Business Model Carnegie Mellon isn't alone in its Qatari dependency. Understanding the broader Education City model reveals how systematically Qatar has purchased American institutional prestige. Based on total disclosed funding, colleges and universities received $6.6 billion from Qatar. The money was used to support branch campuses like Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, as well as research projects, scholarships, and other agreements at many U.S. schools. Cornell University received the most Qatari funding overallaround $2.3 billionmostly for its medical campus in Qatar. In 1997, Qatar Foundation selected Virginia Commonwealth University to establish VCUarts Qatar. In 2001-2002, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar opened. In 2003, Texas A&M at Qatar opened a campus. In 2004, Carnegie Mellon Qatar launched. In 2005, Georgetown University in Qatar opened. In 2008, Northwestern University in Qatar began classes. Over roughly a decade, Qatar systematically recruited elite American universities to build campuses in Doha. Each arrival added prestige and capability to Education City. Each created a dependent relationship where the university needs Qatar's funding to sustain the campus. Qatar Foundation serves as the landlord, the primary funder, and the strategic director of this entire ecosystem. Qatar's Qatar National Research Fund and other state-linked programs have financed research and scholarships at numerous U.S. universities that don't operate campuses in Qatar, through competitive research grants. The model is elegant from Qatar's perspective: Pay American universities to bring their brands, curricula, and accreditation to Doha. Get world-class education for Qatari citizens without the decades it would take to build equivalent domestic institutions. Gain international prestige through association with elite universities. And create dependencies that give Qatar leverage over institutions that can't easily afford to leave. The Leverage Question When one entity provides $50-60 million per year to fund an entire campus operation, what leverage does that create? Carnegie Mellon would argue: None. Academic freedom is protected. Pittsburgh maintains control. The Qatar Foundation funds but doesn't direct. But leverage doesn't require explicit demands. It operates through subtler mechanisms: Self-censorship: Faculty and administrators at CMU-Q understand the context they're operating in. They don't need to be told what topics are sensitive. They know. The result is preemptive avoidance of anything that might create problems with the host. Hiring considerations: When recruiting faculty for the Qatar campus, would Carnegie Mellon hire a scholar whose research sharply criticizes Gulf state governments? Possibly. But the risk calculation looks different when that faculty member will be working in Qatar under Qatari law. Institutional caution: When CMU leadership considers any action that might affect the Qatar relationship, $50-60 million per year is present in the room, even if nobody mentions it explicitly. Contract renewal pressure: The May 2025 renewal demonstrates that Carnegie Mellon will keep extending the relationship rather than exit it. Each renewal signals that Qatar's priorities matter to Pittsburgh's decision-making. None of this requires Qatar to pick up the phone and threaten Carnegie Mellon. The financial dependency creates behavioral constraints that operate automatically. The Students Caught in the Middle CMU-Q enrolls over 450 students from 61 nationalities, including 39 percent Qatari nationals. These students are pursuing legitimate educations in fields they care about. Many are doing impressive academic work. The Qatari students are accessing world-class education in their home country. The international students are experiencing a multicultural environment in a rapidly developing city. Qatar Foundation provides a world-class financial aid program for admitted students to Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. Grants of up to the full cost of attendance are made to families based on their unique financial circumstances. For students who receive full financial aid from the Qatar Foundation, the education is essentially freea genuinely valuable opportunity for students from lower-income backgrounds who couldn't otherwise afford a Carnegie Mellon degree. But these students are also participating in an arrangement where their education's very existence depends on a foreign government's continued strategic priorities. If Qatar decides Education City no longer serves its national interests, CMU-Q could close. If the political relationship between the U.S. and Qatar deteriorates, students' educational continuity becomes uncertain. The Doha campus of Carnegie Mellon offers the same degree requirements as Pittsburgh, and more than 1,200 alumni have graduated from CMU-Q. Those alumni hold legitimate Carnegie Mellon degrees that open the same doors as Pittsburgh degrees. Their education is real, their credentials are valid, and their career prospects are genuine. But the foundation their education rests onQatar Foundation funding, Qatari governmental priorities, a relationship that exists because Qatar wants it to existis entirely outside their control. What Carnegie Mellon Gets The dependency runs deeper than simple financial calculation. Carnegie Mellon receives concrete benefits from the Qatar relationship beyond the annual $50-60 million: Global brand extension: Operating in Doha puts Carnegie Mellon on the world map in a new region, attracting students and attention from across the Middle East and South Asia. Research access: The Qatar Science and Technology Park provides access to shared innovation hubs that support interdisciplinary research, facilitating knowledge spillover to local industries. Tuition revenue: International students at CMU-Q pay the same tuition as Pittsburgh students$67,020 for 2025-2026. With over 450 students, non-Qatari full tuition payers contribute substantial revenue. Alumni network: Over 1,000 CMU-Q alumni now work across the Middle East in technology, finance, and researchextending Carnegie Mellon's network into a strategically important region. Prestige signaling: Having an international campus signals global ambition and reach to prospective students, donors, and faculty considering Pittsburgh. Financial cushion: Tens of millions in annual Qatari funding provide revenue that doesn't depend on U.S. enrollment trends, federal research funding cycles, or domestic economic conditions. These benefits explain why Carnegie Mellon renewed the relationship in May 2025 without visible hesitation. The financial and strategic returns are real. The question is whether they justify the dependency they create. The Departure Nobody Wants to Discuss What would it take for Carnegie Mellon to leave Qatar? Virginia Commonwealth University's Qatar campus closed in 2020. VCUarts Qatar operated for over two decades before closuresuggesting that departure is possible but requires deliberate institutional decision-making. VCU's departure received minimal attention, which itself is revealing. When a university closes a foreign campus, it barely registers in public discourse. Yet that campus's closure likely affected hundreds of students, dozens of faculty, and years of established relationships. For Carnegie Mellon, departure would be more complex: Scale: CMU-Q is larger and more established than VCUarts Qatar was when it closed. Financial integration: $50-60 million in annual Qatari funding represents substantial revenue that Pittsburgh would need to replace or absorb as loss. Contractual obligations: The just-renewed ten-year agreement creates legal and reputational constraints on departure. Alumni commitments: Over 1,000 CMU-Q alumni have degrees contingent on the campus's continued legitimacy. Geopolitical context: Departing Qatar while Qatar is investing $1.1 billion in American universities annually would be diplomatically sensitive. Faculty careers: Faculty who built careers at CMU-Q would face displacement. Departure isn't impossible. But the May 2025 renewal makes it clear Carnegie Mellon isn't considering it. And every year the relationship continues, departure becomes more complex and costly. The $67.6 Billion Context Carnegie Mellon's Qatar dependency doesn't exist in isolation. It's part of the $67.6 billion in total foreign funding that American universities have received since 1986a number now fully visible through the Trump administration's new transparency portal. In 2025 alone, Carnegie Mellon and MIT each received almost $1 billion, Stanford received over $775 million, and Harvard received over $324 million in total foreign funding. But Carnegie Mellon's case is unique among these top recipients. MIT's nearly $1 billion comes from dozens of countries and hundreds of contractsdiversified funding that doesn't create dependency on any single source. Stanford's $775 million similarly reflects broad international research partnerships. Carnegie Mellon's almost $1 billion is different. It's overwhelmingly concentrated in one relationship with one state-backed entity in one country. That concentration creates a qualitatively different kind of dependency than diversified foreign funding. A university with $1 billion spread across 100 foreign sources can afford to lose any one of them. A university whose $1 billion comes overwhelmingly from a single foreign government cannot. The Questions Pittsburgh Should Answer Carnegie Mellon's leadership in Pittsburgh owes its communitystudents, faculty, alumni, staffclear answers to questions the Qatar relationship raises: What specifically does Qatar Foundation have the right to request, require, or influence regarding CMU-Q operations, curriculum, faculty, or admissions? Are there topics, research areas, or teaching content that CMU-Q avoids because of the Qatar context? What are the specific terms of the May 2025 ten-year renewal? What changed from the previous agreement? Under what circumstances would Carnegie Mellon consider ending the Qatar relationship? What would trigger departure? How does Carnegie Mellon ensure that faculty at CMU-Q can conduct research and teach subjects that might be sensitive to Qatar's government? What happens to currently enrolled CMU-Q students if the relationship ended suddenly? Has Carnegie Mellon ever declined any request from Qatar Foundation regarding campus operations? These aren't gotcha questions. They're the basic transparency questions that a university with a $740 million foreign dependency should answer publicly. The Broader Warning Carnegie Mellon's Qatar story is really a story about what happens when American universities let financial dependency on foreign governments deepen over decades until it becomes structural. In 2004, the Qatar campus was an exciting international opportunity. In 2025, after $740 million in Qatari grants and a new ten-year extension, it's a dependency that shapes institutional behavior whether Carnegie Mellon acknowledges it or not. The pattern repeats across Education City: Cornell received $2.3 billion from Qatar, Carnegie Mellon received $740 million, and Texas A&M and Georgetown received substantial funding as well. Each institution entered Qatar independently, made its own financial calculations, and gradually built dependencies that now extend decades into the future. Critics have noted that Qatar's academic funding represents a form of soft power that raises concerns about influence over both anti-Israel sentiment and broader U.S. academic and policy discourse. Meanwhile, Qatari explanation for their large investment in U.S. education cites a desire to import Western-style academic programs to Qatar, build local human capital, and underwrite research. Both can be true simultaneously: Qatar's stated goals are legitimate development objectives AND the funding creates influence and dependency that serves Qatar's broader strategic interests. The question isn't whether Carnegie Mellon's Qatar campus educates students. It does. The question is whether a decade-long, $50-60 million annual dependency on a foreign government's state-backed foundation is compatible with the institutional independence that makes a Carnegie Mellon degree worth having. That question got more urgent the moment the new ten-year extension was signed. And it will get more urgent still as the years pass, the relationship deepens, and departure becomes ever more difficult to contemplate. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is located in Education City, Doha, and operates under a partnership with the Qatar Foundation that was most recently extended in May 2025 for ten years. The campus enrolls over 450 students from 61 nationalities and has produced more than 1,000 graduates. Carnegie Mellon has not publicly commented on the financial terms of the 2025 renewal. The U.S. Department of Education formally launched the development process for the 202728 Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Thursday, unveiling a package of significant improvements aimed at making the nation's gateway to college financial aid faster, simpler, and more accessible while touting over $1 billion saved by combating rampant fraud exposed under the previous administration. The Starting Gun: What Thursday's Announcement Means By publishing its information collection notice in the Federal Register on February 13, the Department officially opened the multi-step development process for the 202728 FAFSA form the version millions of students will use to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds when planning for the fall 2027 semester. The announcement sets the Department on track to launch the 202728 FAFSA by October 1, 2026 the federally required opening date for FAFSA submissions a benchmark the previous administration notoriously missed during the botched 202425 rollout that delayed aid notifications for millions of students by months. "After years of mismanagement under the Biden Administration that left students and families struggling with delays and confusion, the Trump Administration promised to fix the FAFSA and in just one year, we have delivered historic progress for students and families across the country," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "We welcome public comment and feedback as we continue to modernize and streamline the form to better serve American students, families, and institutions." New Features Coming to the 202728 FAFSA Thursday's announcement outlined three headline improvements students and families can expect when the 202728 form launches next October: Pre-Populated Renewal Data In one of the most student-friendly changes, returning applicants will find their personal and financial data already filled in from their previous FAFSA submission. Rather than re-entering the same household and financial information year after year a frustration cited repeatedly in student surveys students simply review, confirm, and update only what has changed. This change is particularly meaningful for the millions of students who complete the FAFSA every year throughout their college careers. A student completing their junior year FAFSA, for instance, will no longer face the same time-consuming data-entry process they endured as a freshman. The result: a dramatically faster, less error-prone renewal experience. Clearer, Jargon-Free Language Questions and instructions on the 202728 FAFSA will be rewritten to strip out technical and bureaucratic language that has long confused first-generation college students and families unfamiliar with financial aid terminology. The overhaul targets phrases and concepts that research shows lead students to make errors, skip questions, or abandon the application entirely. Financial aid administrators have long complained that FAFSA language assumes a level of financial literacy and familiarity with tax concepts that many families especially those with the greatest financial need simply don't have. Clearer language directly addresses one of the most persistent barriers to FAFSA completion among low-income and first-generation applicants. Family-Friendly Multi-Child Applications For the first time, parents with more than one child applying for federal financial aid simultaneously will be able to enter their information once and apply it across all of their children's applications rather than being required to re-enter identical parental information for every individual child. This change eliminates a significant burden for families with multiple college-age children a situation increasingly common as college enrollment ages spread and gap years become more popular. Previously, a parent with three children attending different colleges could find themselves completing the parental section of three entirely separate FAFSAs, introducing repetition, fatigue, and the potential for inconsistencies. What's Already Working: 202627 FAFSA Improvements Thursday's announcement also highlighted improvements already implemented in the current 202627 FAFSA cycle changes the Department says make this the most streamlined FAFSA form in history: Redesigned Contributor Invite Process Students can now invite a parent or other financial contributor to complete their portion of the FAFSA form using a simple code a significant usability improvement over the previous system that required contributors to navigate complex account linking processes. The simplified code-based system reduces the technical friction that had caused many families to struggle with the multi-contributor requirement introduced during the major 202425 FAFSA overhaul. Instant Verification for New StudentAid.gov Accounts New account holders on StudentAid.gov now receive faster account confirmation, reducing the delays and frustration that had plagued the account creation process. Previously, students and parents sometimes waited days to verify new accounts, creating bottlenecks at the very beginning of the FAFSA process particularly problematic early in the application cycle when millions of new high school seniors attempt to create accounts simultaneously. Earnings Indicator: A Powerful New Transparency Tool Perhaps the most consequential new feature for students deciding where to apply is the Earnings Indicator a tool that shows whether graduates of colleges and universities to which students are applying have lower median earnings than a high school graduate. This data point, surfaced directly within the FAFSA application process, gives students considering financially risky college choices a stark, data-driven warning: if the typical graduate of this institution earns less than someone who never attended college, is this investment worth taking on federal student loan debt? The Earnings Indicator represents a significant shift in how the federal government uses its position as the primary college loan originator to steer students toward higher-value educational investments. Critics of some for-profit and low-completion institutions may welcome the transparency, while colleges with poor earnings outcomes may push back against what they view as an oversimplified metric embedded in the application process itself. Aggressive Fraud Prevention: $1 Billion Saved The Department reported that reversing what it characterized as "years of Biden Administration negligence" in FAFSA fraud prevention resulted in identifying and eliminating fraudulent applications that saved federal taxpayers over $1 billion last year alone. FAFSA fraud which includes identity theft schemes where criminals submit fraudulent applications using stolen personal information to redirect financial aid disbursements had grown substantially in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, as federal student aid systems processed an unprecedented volume of applications under emergency conditions. The $1 billion fraud savings figure, if accurate, represents a significant return on investment in verification and fraud detection systems, and sets a baseline for ongoing anti-fraud efforts in the 202728 cycle. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act: FAFSA Changes From New Legislation The current FAFSA cycle also reflects changes mandated by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act the Trump administration's signature domestic policy legislation which modified how financial need is calculated for certain applicants. Specifically, the new law excludes from FAFSA asset calculations: - Family-owned businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees - Family farms - Commercial fishing operations These exclusions mean families whose primary wealth is tied up in a small business, farm, or fishing enterprise will no longer see those assets counted against them when calculating financial need. Previously, a farming family with substantial land assets but modest cash income could be deemed ineligible for need-based aid despite having little liquid money available to pay for college. For rural communities and small business owners constituencies the Trump administration has emphasized supporting this represents a potentially meaningful increase in financial aid eligibility. The full impact depends on how many families who previously appeared "too wealthy" on paper due to business or farm assets will now qualify for additional Pell Grant or subsidized loan eligibility. The Shadow of the 202425 FAFSA Disaster Any discussion of FAFSA improvements must be viewed through the lens of the catastrophic 202425 FAFSA rollout, which the Trump administration has made central to its higher education narrative. The Biden administration's overhaul of the FAFSA mandated by the FAFSA Simplification Act launched months late due to programming errors, data privacy miscalculations, and technical failures. The delayed rollout cascaded through the entire financial aid ecosystem: colleges couldn't issue aid offers to admitted students, students couldn't compare financial aid packages to make enrollment decisions, and admission cycles at thousands of institutions were thrown into disarray. At its worst, the crisis left hundreds of thousands of students unable to make informed college enrollment decisions. Some enrolled without knowing their actual cost of attendance. Others deferred or chose not to attend college while waiting for clarity on aid. Community colleges, which serve heavily price-sensitive populations, reported enrollment declines linked to FAFSA confusion. The Trump administration inherited this crisis and has invested significantly in stabilizing and improving FAFSA operations, with Thursday's announcement representing its most forward-looking statement yet on the form's future direction. Who Needs to Act and When For students and families currently navigating the college financial aid process, Thursday's announcement has limited immediate impact the changes announced are for the 202728 form, which won't be available until October 1, 2026. Students currently completing the 202627 FAFSA which opened October 1, 2025 should focus on completing their current application promptly to maximize financial aid eligibility before institutional deadlines. Students entering college in fall 2027 meaning current high school freshmen and sophomores will be the primary beneficiaries of the improvements announced Thursday. For stakeholders who want to influence the 202728 form's design including financial aid administrators, student advocates, higher education institutions, and members of the public the comment window runs through April 14, 2026. Comments must be submitted electronically through regulations.gov. Higher Education Community Reactions Financial aid administrators and higher education policy experts have long advocated for FAFSA simplification, and many of Thursday's announced improvements align with longstanding recommendations from the field: The pre-populated renewal data feature mirrors practices used in tax software and other government forms that store and reuse previously entered information, addressing one of the most frequently cited barriers to FAFSA completion among returning students. The multi-child family improvement addresses a pain point that disproportionately affected middle-income families with multiple college-age children families often squeezed between being too wealthy for maximum need-based aid and facing actual financial strain. The clearer language initiative echoes years of research from organizations like the National College Access Network showing that confusing FAFSA language is a significant barrier to completion among first-generation and low-income students, precisely the populations the form is meant to serve. The Earnings Indicator: Promise and Controversy Of all the announced features, the Earnings Indicator carries the most significant policy implications and the greatest potential for controversy. Embedding graduate earnings data directly in the FAFSA application at the exact moment students are seeking financial aid for specific colleges creates powerful behavioral nudges that could meaningfully shift enrollment patterns. Students considering a program whose graduates earn less than high school graduates may reconsider, potentially reducing enrollment at low-value programs. Supporters argue this is exactly the kind of consumer information students need. The federal government provides the loans that fund these programs; it should inform borrowers about the likely return on their investment. Critics will raise questions about how earnings are measured, what time frame is used, whether the metric fairly represents diverse career paths, and whether it disadvantages programs in lower-wage fields like social work, early childhood education, or the arts fields with genuine societal value that simply don't generate high earnings. The Earnings Indicator also continues a broader trend of the Trump administration using federal financial aid access as leverage to steer students toward higher-earning outcomes a market-oriented approach to higher education quality assurance that diverges sharply from traditional academic values around the intrinsic value of education beyond its income effects. FAFSA and the Broader College Affordability Crisis Thursday's announcement, while focused on form improvements, occurs against a backdrop of escalating concern about college affordability and student debt. Total outstanding federal student loan debt in the United States now exceeds $1.7 trillion, held by more than 43 million borrowers. The FAFSA is the gatekeeper to the federal grant and loan programs that finance the vast majority of college attendance for low- and middle-income students. Making the FAFSA faster, simpler, and more accessible doesn't directly address the underlying cost of college but it does reduce the administrative friction that prevents some students from accessing aid they're entitled to. Research consistently shows that FAFSA completion rates are strongly associated with college enrollment rates, particularly among first-generation and low-income students. Every student who abandons the FAFSA because it's too confusing, too time-consuming, or too technically burdensome represents a failure of the system's core mission: connecting qualified students with the financial resources they need to pursue postsecondary education. What to Watch Going Forward In the months ahead, several developments will shape the 202728 FAFSA's final form and impact: The public comment period through April 14 will reveal what students, families, institutions, and advocacy groups most want changed or preserved. High comment volumes on specific features signal strong stakeholder engagement that the Department typically must address in its final form development. The Department's actual October 1, 2026 launch of the form will be the true test of whether it has successfully stabilized FAFSA operations after the Biden-era crisis. Meeting the October deadline something the Biden administration failed to do for the 202425 cycle is itself a major benchmark. How the Earnings Indicator is ultimately designed and displayed will determine its practical impact. A prominent, clearly explained metric could meaningfully influence student decision-making. A buried or confusing presentation might have minimal effect. Whether additional FAFSA simplifications including further reducing the number of questions required are pursued in the 202728 cycle will signal the administration's appetite for deeper structural reform versus incremental improvement. How to Submit Comments Students, families, educators, financial aid administrators, and higher education institutions that want to shape the 202728 FAFSA form have until April 14, 2026 to submit public comments. Comments must be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. The Department will not accept comments submitted by fax or email. Comments should reference the 202728 FAFSA information collection to ensure proper routing. Anglers work a section of water in Wind River Canyon near Thermopolis. In collaboration with Wyoming fishing guides, UWs Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute is developing an advanced fishing guide certification course tailored specifically to Wyomings rivers, regulations and guiding traditions. (UW Photo) The Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute at the University of Wyoming has partnered with Wyoming fishing guides to support the inaugural delivery of an advanced fishing guide certification course tailored specifically to Wyomings rivers, regulations and guiding traditions. The Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana currently offers Guiding for the Future, an intensive professional development program for Montana outfitters and fishing guides that blends self-paced online coursework with an in-person, on-the-water practicum. Recognized for its depth and rigor, the program emphasizes conservation history, regulations, ethics, hydrology, river ecology and professional guiding standards. Wyoming-based outfitters Mike Dawes and AJ Sanders -- both longtime guide company owners and instructors -- saw an opportunity to adapt the program for Wyomings unique fisheries and regulatory environment. Sanders, owner of Wyoming Angling Co., and Dawes, one of the owners of Westbank Anglers, worked together for decades running the Western Rivers Guide School, which Sanders continues to lead today. Both are based in Jackson. Wyoming has some of the most iconic fisheries in the country, but our guides havent had access to an advanced, Wyoming-specific professional certification, Sanders says. This partnership allows us to build on a proven model while making it truly relevant to the places and waters where we work. Dawes and Sanders partnered with the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute to adapt the existing Guiding for the Future curriculum to Wyomings rivers, laws, conservation frameworks and guiding culture. The collaboration resulted in the first cohort of Wyoming fishing guides enrolling in the adapted course, which will culminate in an in-person practical session on Wyoming waters this April. This inaugural group of guides will play a key role in evaluating and refining the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of Wyomings guiding community and can serve as a durable model for future cohorts. This course represents an important step in professionalizing fishing guide training in Wyoming, Dawes says. Its about elevating standards, supporting stewardship and ensuring guides are equipped to deliver exceptional and responsible experiences. Once finalized, the program will offer an advanced certification for Wyoming fishing guides, helping strengthen workforce development, conservation ethics and visitor experiences statewide. At the same time, Dan McCoy, director of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, notes that, while fishing guides play a critical role in public land stewardship, angler education and fisheries sustainability, the guiding profession lacks a nationally recognized framework for core competencies and curriculum standards. Other outdoor professions -- such as avalanche education and professional trail building -- have invested in clear competency standards and training pathways, McCoy says. Fishing guiding is ripe for the same kind of thoughtful professionalization. Building on this work, senior undergraduate students in UWs Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Program will undertake a capstone research project examining fishing guide schools nationwide and how other outdoor industries have developed training standards. The project will produce a best-practices framework for fishing guide education, including core competencies, curriculum structure and recommendations for an organization to serve as a clearinghouse for guide training standards. For more information, call Zach Blair, public relations coordinator at the WORTH Institute, at (307) 766-5063 or email zblair@uwyo.edu. 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. Beer company Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP) will be reporting results this Wednesday afternoon. Heres what to look for. Molson Coors missed analysts revenue expectations by 1.4% last quarter, reporting revenues of $2.97 billion, down 2.3% year on year. It was a mixed quarter for the company, with a decent beat of analysts gross margin estimates but a slight miss of analysts revenue estimates. Is Molson Coors a buy or sell going into earnings? Read our full analysis here, its free for active Edge members. This quarter, analysts are expecting Molson Coorss revenue to decline 1% year on year to $2.71 billion, in line with the 2% decrease it recorded in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings are expected to come in at $1.15 per share. Molson Coors Total Revenue Analysts covering the company have generally reconfirmed their estimates over the last 30 days, suggesting they anticipate the business to stay the course heading into earnings. Molson Coors has missed Wall Streets revenue estimates three times over the last two years. Looking at Molson Coorss peers in the beverages, alcohol, and tobacco segment, some have already reported their Q4 results, giving us a hint as to what we can expect. Constellation Brandss revenues decreased 9.8% year on year, beating analysts expectations by 2.9%, and Philip Morris reported revenues up 6.8%, in line with consensus estimates. Constellation Brands traded up 5.3% following the results while Philip Morriss stock price was unchanged. Read our full analysis of Constellation Brandss results here and Philip Morriss results here. There has been positive sentiment among investors in the beverages, alcohol, and tobacco segment, with share prices up 3.7% on average over the last month. Molson Coors is up 6.2% during the same time and is heading into earnings with an average analyst price target of $51.19 (compared to the current share price of $53.09). Here at StockStory, we certainly understand the potential of thematic investing. Diverse winners from Microsoft (MSFT) to Alphabet (GOOG), Coca-Cola (KO) to Monster Beverage (MNST) could all have been identified as promising growth stories with a megatrend driving the growth. So, in that spirit, weve identified a relatively under-the-radar profitable growth stock benefiting from the rise of AI, available to you FREE via this link. Carl John C. John Hanson, age 88, of Parkers Prairie, died on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie under the care of Hospice of Douglas County. The Epstein affair is shaking all developed nations. Lets summarize the facts: billionaire Jeffrey Epstein organized a network of informants for Mossad and the Franco-Swiss branch of the Rothschilds. To gain leverage over them, he gradually drew his targets (scientists, financiers, and politicians) into a series of increasingly atrocious games. Initially, he offered them extramarital affairs, then relationships with progressively younger partners, and finally, he involved them in torture, murder, and cannibalism. People who rise to positions of power in society may feel the need to test their authority. They can only measure it by the extent of their transgressions, engaging in universally condemned practices with impunity. This type of blackmail is not new. We saw the Douce affair in France (1990) and the Dutroux affair in Belgium (1995-1996). The truth about the targets of these blackmail schemes has never come to light. A few names of prominent figures have been mentioned, but the high-ranking criminals have never been arrested. What is new in the Epstein case is that the US justice system has 9 million pages of documents, a third of which it has already made public. The Douce and Dutroux cases involved blackmail orchestrated by NATO intelligence services. Their targets were not only in France and Belgium, but throughout the European Union. The targets who were used were not held accountable. They were available for new operations. At this stage, 25 of Epsteins targets have negotiated with the federal prosecutor. They have paid considerable sums to avoid prosecution and to ensure their names are not published. In the first 3 million documents released, all references to them have been redacted, while those of their victims appear in full. We dont know how the US Department of Justice chose the order in which to release the documents it possesses. For the moment, they only implicate European figures and spare its targets in the United States. Perhaps this is a coincidence, perhaps its a way to destabilize allies while waiting for public opinion, disgusted, to tire of the situation. We do know, however, that former and current heads of state and government are involved. Some have leaked economic, financial, or commercial data; others, political, military, or diplomatic secrets. All have committed acts falling under criminal law and betrayed their country. Each time, unbeknownst to them, the recipient of this information was the State of Israel, or at least a faction within its government. Regularly, informantssome manipulated witnesses, others mentally ill, and sometimesmuch more rarelygenuine witnesseshave denounced the participation of prominent figures in satanic cults. To date, the only known head of state whose entourage practices black masses characteristic of this type of cult is the unelected Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. For several years, appalling rumors have circulated about him without any possibility of verification. However, on January 31, Yulia Mendel, Zelenskys former press secretary, revealed that his trusted confidant, Andriy Yermak, the former head of his now-disgraced administration, practices black masses [1]. He brought in Chabad cultists from Israel, Georgia, and Latin America. According to her, Yermak burned herbs and collected bodily fluids to make dolls. Within two weeks, the Ukrainian internet was flooded with caricatures and jokes about Yermak the Magician, who had predicted to Zelensky that Russia would never intervene in Ukraine. Under the pseudonym Ali Baba, Yermak was also at the head of a vast corruption network, revealed during Operation Midas [2]. Since his suspension, Yermak has resumed his work as a lawyer. According to the Ukrainian press, he goes to a gym every morning and then to his office in the afternoon. Journalists, who follow him everywhere he goes, have observed him visiting the homes of Oleksandr Kamyshin, the director of the railways, and Rustem Umierov, secretary of the National Defense and Security Council of Ukraine, who is now under investigation in the Midas case. Most notably, he visited Yevgen Korniychuk, the controversial former Minister of Justice who served as ambassador to Israel (2021-2023). He is the son-in-law of Vasyl Onopenko, President of the Supreme Court. Finally, Yermaks lawyer, Ihor Fomin, and Yevgen Korniychuk went together to see Timur Mindich (Volodymyr Zelenskys business associate, now a fugitive) in Herzliya, Israel. [3] Among the third of Epsteins known documents are several Ukrainian passports, but the Department of Justice has redacted the names, addresses, and photos of the holders with whom Epstein associated. Furthermore, other documents attest that Epstein traveled to Kyiv several times and tasked the Frenchman Jean-Luc Brunel with shopping there. Brunel was the director of the modeling agencies Karin Models (Paris) and E=MC2 (Miami). He was charged in France with pimping and had the good sense (like Epstein) to "commit suicide" in La Sante prison. Timur Mindich was also the director of the Fire Point modeling agency (Kyiv). However, it is unknown how many young Ukrainian men and women fell into their clutches. It is in this context that Volodymyr Vatras, a member of the Verkhovna Radas (Parliament) Legal Affairs Committee, submitted a draft reform of the Ukrainian Civil Code on February 6, 2026 [4]. Besides protecting the reputation of those prosecuted for corruption until their final conviction, this bill lowers the age of marriage to 14. Lets be clear about what this means: consequently, any prosecution for child abduction or rape of children aged 14 to 18 will become impossible under other Ukrainian laws. The Ukrainian press refers to this as "state-sponsored pedophilia" [5]. Many Ukrainians, relying on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, have launched petitions against this regressive reform [6]. You still havent grasped what this is about: this reform will be retroactive and will apply to all events after 2014 (that is, after the Maidan coup). This reform abolishes the provisions of the Ukrainian Penal Code against pedophilia [7]. Do you know of any state in the world, today or in the past, that has lowered the age of marriage retroactively? No, of course not. Lets remember that the Ukrainian government accuses Russia of having abducted 900,000 children. Moscow, which disputes this figure, argues that it did not capture them, but rather collected them from the battlefield and brought them to Russia to protect them from the war. To date, Ukraine has only released a list of 339 children whose names the Zelensky administration is demanding. Where are the thousands of others? The answer lies somewhere in the still-secret 6 million pages of the Epstein case. Hunter Bidens medical experiments on Ukrainian soldiers outraged you; the Zelensky cliques abductions of Ukrainian children will make you sick. Speaking before the Verkhovna Rada on February 11, MK Inna Sovsun declared: "The standard that the members of the Law Commission are trying to pass, regarding marriage with 14-year-olds, is pure barbarity. It contradicts common sense and European standards. How many other problems there are in this code, we dont know. Therefore, I join the lawyers demands to remove the draft Civil Code from consideration, to examine it carefully again in committee, to discuss it in society, and only then to submit it to Parliament." Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and ideologue of the Servant of the People party (Zelenskys party), invested considerable effort both in drafting this Civil Code and in defending it before his assembly. He is a scientist and educator who has long worked with children. He, too, is implicated in the Midas case. However, all the experts have pointed out that his statements do not correspond to the text as presented. Stefanchuk was in Washington last week. On February 7, he met with Riley M. Barnes, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Rights. He explained at length that no Ukrainian children had disappeared, but that 900,000 had been captured by Russia. Upon returning to Kyiv, Ruslan Stefanchuk faced a public outcry. He admitted that, as it stood, he could not submit the draft of the new Civil Code to a parliamentary vote. But the problem that this reform clumsily attempted to bury remains. We currently know only a third of the Epstein case. When we have more information, we will have to inventory what information he possessed and examine how Israel used it. Morning Minute is a daily newsletter written by Tyler Warner. The analysis and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Decrypt. Subscribe to the Morning Minute on Substack. GM! Todays top news: Crypto majors slightly red ahead of weekly open; BTC at $67k Harvard rotates a portion of BTC holdings into ETH Steak n Shake says Bitcoin adoption dramatically increased sales Kraken to sponsor Trump Accounts in Wyoming Andre Cronje opens Flying Tulip sale to the public at $1B valuation Harvard Just Sold Bitcoin for Ethereum The smartest money in the room is rotating. What Happened In a 13F filing with the SEC, Harvard disclosed that it trimmed 1.46M shares of BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) during Q4, bringing that position down to approximately $265M. At the same time, it opened a brand-new position of 3,873,044 shares in BlackRocks iShares Ethereum Trust, worth roughly $86.8M. Harvard Cuts Bitcoin ETF Stake, Adds Ethereum Exposure in Q4 Filing Overall, their combined spot crypto ETF exposure at quarter-end topped just over $352M. Harvard first disclosed a $116M IBIT position in August 2025. By November, it had tripled those holdings to roughly $350M. Now theyve trimmed BTC and rotated capital into ETH. What Theyre Saying Sean Bill, co-founder and CIO of Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company, told Decrypt that Harvard is likely making a relative value trade with the belief that ETH is undervalued relative to BTC. Jennifer Ouarrag, Head of Legal at institutional staking provider Twinstake, described it as a recalibration toward assets with multiple return drivers, noting that while Bitcoin remains the primary institutional store-of-value proxy, Ethereum offers exposure to a broader smart-contract ecosystem. Why It Matters Harvard selling Bitcoin? Not great. Harvard selling Bitcoin to buy ETH? Well, thats a bit more interesting. There is more and more evidence that ETH is entering the crypto conversation alongside Bitcoin as the clear #2 asset to buy. BlackRock talks about ETH perhaps more than Bitcoin these days. And now major institutions are tracking the BTC / ETH ratio, looking at which asset has underperformed, and making portfolio decisions based on the analysis. That seems like a bet that both ETH and BTC will be around for a while, and that both will have a real shot to find new ATHs. They are very different assets though, and it would have been interesting to hear more from Harvard on those differences. Bitcoin is a store of value play. ETH is a productive asset (see Tom Lees Bitmine and their weekly staking yield). Plus, its infrastructure, along with smart contract, and privacy, and perhaps even the AI integration layer. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) Starting July 1, credit card companies may no longer be able to charge a swipe fee on the sales tax or tip portion of your bill. If you eat at your favorite restaurant, the swipe fee would apply to your total bill: food, drinks, tax and tip. Under legislation passed by the general assembly in 2024, the tax and tip portion will be exempt. Banks and credit unions have been in court trying to stop the first-in-the-nation legislation. Last week, a federal Judge in Northern Illinois ruled the law can be implemented. Small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers, are applauding the court ruling. Banks and credit unions will be appealing in an attempt to block it. Top Stories: New! The latest from WAND in your inbox Sign up for our newsletters to receive breaking news and daily headlines. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Monticello book shop closing after 7 years in business Heritage invites Decatur community to learn about new behavioral health facility Illini-Alert issued after early-morning fight, report of gun at Urbana bar Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and 'Godfather' mainstay, dead at 95 Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved. Cherished Neapolitan landmark gutted by dawn blaze. The southern Italian city of Naples woke to a thick shroud of acrid smoke on Tuesday morning as a devastating fire tore through the historic Teatro Sannazaro. The blaze, which broke out at dawn, has caused catastrophic damage to the 19th-century venue, famously known as the "Bomboniera of Via Chiaia." Emergency services were alerted around 06.00 by residents of the upscale Chiaia district. Five firefighting teams and multiple tankers arrived to find the theatres interior fully engulfed. Despite their efforts, the intense heat caused the theatre's iconic domed roof to collapse directly onto the stalls and lower tiers. While the external masonry of the building still stands, the interior - dominated by ornate wood and velvet - was largely destroyed. Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi, visiting the scene, described the event as a "deep wound" to the citys cultural heritage and pledged support for a full reconstruction. Human toll and investigation The fire forced the evacuation of 22 families from adjacent residential buildings. At least four people were hospitalised for smoke inhalation, though their conditions are reported as stable and non-life-threatening. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have been accidental, possibly triggered by an electrical short circuit in an adjacent apartment block before spreading to the theatres stage area. At the time of the fire, the theatre was in the middle of its seasonal run of Cafe Chantant My World, featuring artistic director Lara Sansone. Teatro Sannazaro: a short biography Inaugurated on 26 December 1847, Teatro Sannazaro was built on the site of a former Mercedarian monastery. Designed by the architect Fausto Niccolini for the Duke of Marigliano, the theatre was envisioned as an intimate, horseshoe-shaped "Salotto" (drawing room) for the Neapolitan bourgeoisie. Throughout its 179-year history, the Sannazaro became the spiritual home of Neapolitan tradition. It was here that legendary actors like Eduardo Scarpetta and the De Filippo brothers (Eduardo, Peppino and Titina) solidified their fame. In 1932 it hosted the "Compagnia Teatro Umoristico I De Filippo," premiering seminal works such as Ditegli sempre di si. The theatre also welcomed international titans like Sarah Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse. Restoration and legacy After a period of decline mid-century when it briefly functioned as a cinema, the theatre underwent a historic revival in 1971. Under the visionary leadership of actress Luisa Conte and her husband Nino Veglia, the Sannazaro was restored to its former Rococo glory - complete with gilded stuccoes and frescoes by Vincenzo Paliotti. Under the recent direction of Contes granddaughter, Lara Sansone, the theatre had remained a vibrant cultural hub, known for preserving the Cafe Chantant style and high-quality Neapolitan comedy. New travertine paving replaces cobblestones to restore original footprint of amphitheatre. Rome's Colosseum is putting the finishing touches to a major restyling project designed to evoke the ancient arena's southern outer ring, missing for centuries. The 2.2 million project, which replaces the sampietrini cobblestones with massive slabs of travertine, began just over a year ago and has been overseen by the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. The work concerns the southern side of the monument between the Valadier spur and the Stern spur (two brick buttresses built in the 19th century to stabilise the Colosseum) in the area between the Arch of Constantine and Via Celio Vibenna. While the northern facade of the Colosseum remains largely intact, the southern outer ring collapsed - most significantly during the great earthquake of 1349, before the remains were pillaged - leaving the monument lopsided and its original elliptical boundary obscured. New look The completed project, set to be inaugurated by Easter, aims to address this missing structure by laying travertine paving in the exact location where the outer wall once stood. This physical and visual guide to the Colosseums original geometry will allow visitors to perceive the full scale of the amphitheatre as it existed in the first century AD. Mixed reaction in Rome to the new restyling around the Colosseum. pic.twitter.com/B08VGc92Pf Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) February 16, 2026 The choice of travertine is both symbolic and historical: the original Colosseum was constructed using more than 100,000 cubic metres of this durable limestone, quarried from nearby Tivoli. By using the same material for the new ground-level paving, the archaeological park creates a material continuity between the ancient structure and the ground. The paving follows years of excavations, begun in 2022, that brought to light the original 2,000-year-old travertine foundation blocks and the "skeleton" of the southern ambulatories. The new slabs are placed at the original Roman ground level, replacing a 2000s-era platform of sampietrini that sat higher than the ancient surface. New public space The project also transforms the area into a more functional public space, with travertine blocks to serve as seating, placed in correspondence with the original pillars that once supported the monument's outer ring. "All the work done so far is reversible and made with innovative, specially patented materials," Simone Quilici, director of Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, told newspaper La Repubblica. Mixed reaction The project, whose progress has been documented in videos by Wanted in Rome over the past year, has received little media attention until this week. Works underway outside the Colosseum pic.twitter.com/zSK7uKl20P Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) May 29, 2025 The works, which are not visible to passing motorists on Via Celio Vibenna, seem to have gone largely unnoticed by many Romans whose reaction to the project on social media in recent days has been decidedly mixed. Critics claim the new look is "too modern", lacks greenery, and "looks like a cemetery". Others have applauded the Colosseum archaeological park for restoring a footprint that was lost for centuries. Photo Artribune St Peters Basilica was consecrated on 18 November 1626. The Vatican will mark the 400th anniversary of St Peter's Basilica with new booking apps, expanded visitor access and a custom font inspired by Michelangelo's handwriting. The initiatives were unveiled on Monday by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Basilica, ahead of the upcoming milestone on 18 November. The projects, designed to bridge the church's Renaissance history with the digital age, aim to enhance the experience for the thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit the site daily. 1626 consecration The current St Peters Basilica was consecrated by Pope Urban VIII on 18 November 1626, exactly 1,300 years after the original Constantinian basilica was dedicated. As the four-century mark approaches, the Fabbrica di San Pietro - the office charged with the building's administration and upkeep - is expanding the basilica's "mission of welcome" through a partnership with major tech and energy firms. AI and 'Michelangelus' font In a unique cultural tribute, the Vatican announced a collaboration with Microsoft and Studio Gusto to create a new digital font called 'Michelangelus'. The typeface is modelled directly after the handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti, the basilicas most famous architect. This font will be integrated into Microsoft Office, allowing the Renaissance masters aesthetic to be used in modern digital communication. The partnership also includes a new multilingual app will provide real-time information and spiritual content, including real-time AI-assisted translations accessible by smartphone. Despite looming funding issues, most Americans remain confident in Social Security. A new Cato Institute survey found that 83% of adults view the program favorably, including 90% of Democrats, 82% of Republicans and 81% of independents. In addition, 82% of workers expect Social Security to provide at least part of their retirement income. Yet this optimism doesnt reflect what the programs financial projections show. Many Americans misunderstand just how underfunded Social Security is and what that could mean for future benefits. Heres what the data reveals and what workers need to know now. Most Americans Dont Realize How Underfunded Social Security Really Is While 68% of Americans know Social Security isnt fully funded, only 24% recognize that the program is extremely underfunded. That gap matters: It suggests most people arent preparing for the possibility of significant benefit cuts. Social Security is extremely underfunded, said Emily Ekins, vice president and director of polling at the Cato Institute. By law, if Congress does not act, then benefits will need to be cut by about a quarter in 2033. The math behind this shortfall is straightforward: Social Security now pays out more in benefits than it collects in taxes and this imbalance is accelerating as baby boomers retire. In 1950, 16 workers paid into Social Security for every one person receiving benefits, Ekins said. Today, only about 2.7 workers pay into the system for each beneficiary. That shrinking ratio means fewer workers are supporting more retirees, leaving a widening funding gap. Find Out: 3 Little-Known Social Security Rules That Could Save You Thousands Read Next: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster Americans Reject Both Benefit Cuts and Tax Hikes To Fix Social Security Even though the program is running short on money, most Americans oppose policy options that could help close the gap. According to the survey, 77% oppose cutting Social Security benefits and the same share opposes meaningful tax increases. This tension highlights a widespread misunderstanding about how Social Security works. Social Security is a program in which current workers pay Social Security taxes that directly pay for the benefits of current retirees, Ekins said. This means that workers taxes do not go toward their own future benefits, like in a retirement savings account. Their tax dollars pay for the benefits of other people. Because the system is pay-as-you-go, not savings-based, workers today arent building up an account for themselves. Theyre funding the generation ahead of them and they will rely on future workers to fund their own benefits, which is a design that becomes harder to sustain when demographics shift, as they have over the past several decades. The revival of Waterford Airport has drawn closer as the airports 30 million investor, US oil billionaire Kelcy Warren, has passed a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening process. The advancement opens the door for construction works that will see the runway doubled in length and width in hopes of courting commercial flights back to Waterford Airport. Mr Warren began the FDI screening process around mid-December. The screening process aims to "investigate, authorise, condition, or prohibit foreign direct investments" based on a range of security and public order criteria. Its understood that the board of Waterford Airport will meet in the coming days and schedule an Emergency General Meeting (EGM). The EGM will see the transfer of assets from Waterford Regional Airport Plc to Waterford Airport Ltd finalised. The new company is set to be controlled under the guise of Mr Warren. The shareholders of Waterford Regional Airport Plc agreed to transfer the assets of the company at a previous EGM on December 8, 2025. William Bolster was initially listed as the sole director for Waterford Airport Ltd upon its foundation in August 2025 but has since welcomed another director and company secretary. According to files issued to the Companies Registration Office, Brooke Seims, with an address at 6035 Llano Avenue, Dallas, Texas, was appointed as company secretary on January 20. Ms Seims is an executive assistant for Mr Warren. David Skelly, a chartered accountant based in Carrick-on-Suir, was appointed as director alongside Mr Bolster on December 16, 2025. Mr Bolster previously told the Waterford News & Star that the runways extension is expected to begin in 2026 Q1. Summer 2027 has been touted as a possible window for the return of commercial flights. A computer game designer from Waterford who ran as an independent in the local and General Elections has proposed that the development of a Waterford Luas line should be something to be given consideration. Killian Mangan outlined the nature of his proposal in the wake of the recent National Transport Authoritys feasibility report on the mooted shuttle bus service across the new sustainable transport bridge in the city. Commenting on the matter to Waterford News & Star, Mr Mangan said the spotlight was once again shone on "the dire state of public transport in our city", especially for those who face additional accessibility needs due to age or disability. He said "the flashy gimmick of a tiny shuttle bus" going back and forth across the 200 meter span of a bridge was never a sensible or realistic idea, although he added: "The novelty factor certainly helped to sell the overall vision of the North Quays Development in its early stages, but ultimately, there is a reason why there doesnt seem to be anything similar in existence elsewhere." However, he said the disconnection of the new train station, the North Quays project more broadly, and "the often-ignored area of Ferrybank", from the rest of the city is an important and enduring concern which must be rectified with serious solutions based on best-practice across the world. "We dont need an autonomous shuttle bus, we need a tram," he said. "This has led me to create a mock-up of what a potential route for a Waterford Luas could look like," he added. The proposed route of Killian Mangan's Waterford Luas idea. To choose a preferred route, Mr Mangan looked at population density maps and topographical maps of the city in order to identify a route that would ensure a significant proportion of the citys 60k inhabitants were within at least a 10 to 15 minute walk to the Luas, depending on the number of stops along the route. He also said the proposed route would also avoid the steepest hills that a tram system would struggle to scale. Admitting that he is "not an engineer", he said he created his proposal in order to generate discussion and promote the idea of better public transport in the city. "For too long, we have been failed by the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments in Dublin, which have prioritised lowering our expectations over improving our public realm and infrastructure," he said. "This legacy leads to some people discounting the idea of a tram in Waterford as a fantasy, despite at least 10 French and German cities, with smaller populations than Waterford, having trams," he added. "The most recent example, of Valenciennes in France, [which] built their tram in 2006, while a city in Austria with a similar population to Tramore also has a tram system." So why not us? Having posted maps of his proposed route on social media Mr Mangan said a common response resurfaced "again and again" and that was the notion of putting the 'tram' back in Tramore. "As a fast-growing town near to Waterford City, public transport options certainly need to be improved, but a tram works best connecting contiguous medium-to-high density areas, within the same urban or suburban zone," said Mr Mangan. "Between Waterford City and Tramore, there lies a long stretch of rural land along the Tramore road, which would make a tram far from ideal," he said. "A much higher-potential idea is to build a new rail line from Waterford City to Tramore, as part of a much-needed direct rail line linking Waterford, our fifth largest city, with Cork, our second largest city, with stations also in Dungarvan, Youghal, and Midleton along the way," he added. He also commented on the push in Cork to extend the Cork City to Midleton rail line out to Youghal, to run alongside the new greenway, and said: "We are tantalisingly close to a future extension to Dungarvan, Tramore, and Waterford City." "If only our national Government can finally stop leaving Waterford behind and if the people of Waterford can collectively believe in the full potential of our city, county, and region," he said. The proposed route of Killian Mangan's Waterford Luas idea. Mr Mangan said the most glaring question with his proposed Waterford Luas route, would be whether or not the new bridge would be able to sustain a one-way Luas line along its length. "While the Luas is a lot narrower and lighter than most trams in other countries, it would still weigh considerably more than the shuttle bus, so a structural feasibility study would need to be carried out by experts in order to see if the bridge, as designed, could withstand a Luas traveling its length or if structural upgrades would be required," he said. However, he said that such a proposal could only gather momentum with support from the public and elected representatives. "It is only when our friends, our family, our colleagues, our neighbours, and ultimately our elected representatives get on board that a project like this can start to become a reality," he said. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Jeffrey Epstein had advice for the Eastern European model who was establishing herself in New York. its time you start an education, he wrote to her in 2010, according to a trove of files released by the US Department of Justice. you are 22, --only ask questions of men. they are not really intersted in your opinions until you are 30. and then only marginally. Billionaire businessman Leon Black hired Jeffrey Epstein as his do-it-all fixer. Bloomberg Their frequent messages soon petered out, according to the government files, and it isnt clear how their contact began or what it brought her, if anything. But within a couple of years, she appeared in the orbit of one of Wall Streets wealthiest and most influential men: Leon Black, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management. He would hire her as a broker for art deals and shower her with more than $US1.7 million ($2.4 million) in cash, later labelled as gifts. When the IRS audited her, she relied on Epstein for help to prepare responses, including to an IRS request to interview her about the nature of her relationship with the billionaire. Epstein later bragged about coming to Blacks rescue. He has been kept safe to date ONLY as a result of my maniacal devotion to friends, he wrote to Blacks long-time lawyer, Brad Karp. Her interview was cancelled AFTER it was on the official request. The Justice Departments largest release yet of the Epstein files shows he was Blacks stealthy do-it-all fixer. Beyond mere estate planning, the convicted sex offender arranged family portraits, helped the billionaire leverage a vast art collection, dug into Blacks investment in the storied publishing house Phaidon, and obscured some of his most sensitive secrets. When another woman, Blacks former mistress Guzel Ganieva, demanded $US100 million from the private equity titan in 2015, Epstein helped arrange sit-down meetings between the two and recommended having her surveilled. Black secretly recorded her at Le Bernardin, a power restaurant in New Yorks Midtown, where he nudged her to reach a deal and warned that making any frivolous accusations in public would probably land her in jail. Advertisement Such scenes are part of the thousands of documents about Black in the Justice Departments files. They show how Epstein once invited by a publicist to an early screening of Michael Clayton, a movie about a stealthy fixer catering to high-level executives ended up living that life with the famed investor. The Justice Departments documents show Epstein positioned himself as Blacks friend, but he also enjoyed unfiltered insight into the billionaires wealth. AP Black, 74, has acknowledged paying Epstein $US158 million over the years, saying it was for advice on estate and tax planning. But the newly released documents show, often in Epsteins own words, how enmeshed he was in Blacks financial and personal lives. Representatives for Black had no comment. A lawyer for the former model said in a letter that she is a bystander to these events. The lawyer said the woman had only limited contact with Epstein and that any reference to Epstein tarnishes my client even though she was not one of his girls. Ganieva and Karp didnt respond to messages. Related Article Epstein fallout Gifts and soup from Uncle Jeffrey: The Epstein ties that ended the run of Goldman Sachs top lawyer A few days after Bloomberg contacted representatives for Black and the woman, the Justice Department removed almost every document identifying her from its website. Whats left are versions of records that black out her name and key details. Bloomberg, which has copies of the original postings, is omitting her name while seeking to understand the reasons for the potential new redactions. The Justice Department declined to comment on why references to her have disappeared. While much of the Epstein files are grim, suggestive or obscene, many others capture routine conversations and business dealings. The women they include span victims, colleagues, associates and even bystanders. Advertisement In Epsteins world, few billionaires loomed as large as Black. After working at the side of junk-bond king Michael Milken through the 1980s, Black set up Apollo and helped reshape Wall Street investing by seeking out opportunities in the financial catastrophes of others, building his firms image as a ruthless negotiator. His standing landed him on the boards of Dartmouth College and the Museum of Modern Art, where he was chairman. The Justice Departments documents show Epstein positioned himself as a friend, arranging to meet with Blacks young-adult children and to have their portraits painted. Epstein enjoyed unfiltered insight into his clients wealth, such as an analysis of his finances. Their contact, sometimes daily, ranged from mundane to intense wrangling colleagues, minimising taxes, criticising strategy and firing off notes to Blacks assistant at Apollo. He has been kept safe to date ONLY as a result of my maniacal devotion to friends. Jeffrey Epsteins email boast to Leon Blacks lawyer When it came to art, emails show Epstein weighing in on how to manage Blacks holdings, discussing appraisals, auctions and money he borrowed from Wall Street backed by parts of his collection. In the case of Phaidon, a glossy publishing imprint catering to the interests of Europes affluent, Epstein sketched ambitious plans for using its brand across industries. And at times, Epstein corresponded with Apollo colleagues including Marc Rowan, the billionaire whos now CEO, sometimes fielding Rowans calls and arranging in-person meetings. It went both ways: On one day, Epstein would demand through Blacks assistant that Apollos chief accounting officer be more responsive, on another Epstein would hear from an Apollo partner about catching up. Neither Marc Rowan nor anyone else at Apollo (excluding Mr Black) had either a business or personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, said Steve Lipin, a spokesperson for Rowan. While Epstein sought such a relationship, it was declined at every turn. After Epsteins arrest in 2019 for sex trafficking, and his death that year in jail, the publics interest in his past dealings kept mounting. Advertisement For Black, who stepped down as Apollo CEO in 2021, thats now exposing some of the very issues he and Epstein apparently tried to hide. Only ask questions of men The woman from Eastern Europe entered the picture early. Related Article Epstein fallout Washed-up loser: Insults fly as Bondi lashes out during Epstein grilling In 2009, Epstein finished a jail sentence in Florida after pleading guilty to a pair of state charges, including procuring a minor to engage in prostitution. The next April, according to the Justice Departments files, he was trying to guide the models new life in New York. The email that laid out what Epstein called her education mocked her upbringing and hopes. He offered her help with travel and briefly loaned her an apartment. Once, he asked where she was, and she eventually wrote back to say that she had been out of town. No problem, Epstein replied. But in the future, at least while you are staying in an apartment of mine, Id appreciate a call back, the phone works outside of New York. Advertisement When she sought to take a film class, he scolded her: This is not interesting it is academic, you need skill building not theory of film. And he sent a warning: I do not want any misunderstandings. I am giving you my advice on school and acting, you have not asked me to pay these schools for you, and I am hesitant to do so Their communications appear to have broken off at the end of May 2010, after Epstein accused her of breaching his trust. A few years later, according to Justice Department documents, Black was sending the woman what her financial records would later describe as gifts about once or twice a month. A list for 2013, released as part of the governments cache, showed more than $US600,000 of payments, generally between $US20,000 and $US40,000 apiece. In 2015, another list showed they topped $US1.1 million. Its not clear what the money was for. By then, she had gone into business as an art broker, and Black worked with her. She would end up involved as Phaidon expanded further into art. Strawman structure Blacks purchase of Phaidon, the glossy publisher, in 2012 and its takeover of an online marketplace known as Artspace two years later were publicly portrayed as a way to make art more accessible to a larger audience. But behind the scenes, Epstein was dreaming much bigger. Advertisement Advertisement BusinessWorkplaceWork therapy Opinion Why do so few people join their union these days? Jonathan Rivett Careers contributor February 16, 2026 10:13am February 16, 2026 10:13am 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 Im interested in why so few people join unions any more. I joined a union about five years ago and have been impressed by how helpful it is. I consider my pay and conditions to be fair and know that this is basically due to the hard work of our union. Is there any research into what stops people from joining their union? A few years ago, a reader told me about a time theyd been invited to a union meeting and felt trepidation about accepting. They described it as feeling like a child worried about getting in trouble from the adults. The largest growth in union membership has been among workers aged 15 to 24. John Shakespeare They ended up not attending and, later, felt ashamed of their decision. The response from the expert I spoke with about that question was fascinating, and worth having a look at. But the answer to your specific question goes way beyond workers worried that they might be put in a career naughty corner by considering unionism. Advertisement I asked Dr Isabella Dabaja, a lecturer in the business school at the University of Sydney, about why union membership is so low in Australia. She said that one of the main reasons is something called the free rider problem. Workers can and do still benefit from the work of unions even without joining them, she says. While the more members a union has, the more resources it has to support bargaining and leverage collective worker power through industrial action like strikes, non-unionised public sector workers still receive the wages and conditions won by [this bargaining and action]. While union members in sectors like education and training are higher than other sectors, they are still low compared with 10 years ago. For many workers today, there is a lack of awareness around what a union actually is, and often no clear incentive to become a union member, or an understanding of the moral reason you might join your union even though you dont technically have to. So the free rider problem is exacerbated by a lack of understanding, or in some cases a wariness, of unionism more broadly. Advertisement Years of strategic demonisation of unions by employers and political parties, as well as the consequences of anti-union regulatory reforms, have eroded public understanding of this moral imperative. Dabaja said that as these regulatory changes shrank the place for unions in our industrial relations system, what also shrank was an appreciation of union benefits among the public. Most workers today, for example, are unlikely to be aware that union members take home a median of $251 more a week than non-unionised workers (according to 2025 statistics from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations). Many are also unaware that union fees are entirely tax-deductible. In other words, your own experience as part of which youre conscious of what unions do and confident about the value of membership is not the experience of most Australians. While the proportion of union members in sectors such as education and training, where collective bargaining is common, is higher than in other sectors, this is still low compared with even 10 years ago. Advertisement And it is extremely low compared with the late 1940s and early 50s, when two out of every three Australian workers were part of a union. Recently, however, there has been a small but significant increase in unionisation rates across the whole economy from 12.5 per cent in 2021 to 13.1 per cent in 2024. Another perspective Building Bad Rotting from the top: Bribery, drugs, bikies and billions of taxpayer dollars The largest growth in membership has been among workers aged 15 to 24, most likely the result of young people entering the workforce and realising how little they are paid for their labour after years of low wage growth and rising living costs, Dabaja says. This is a particularly interesting trend given that many young people work in workplaces such as pubs or retail stores that tend not to be unionised. And that means they are less likely to have had any contact with union organisers. However, Dabaja said that its now so difficult for younger people to make ends meet that a lack of union presence isnt necessarily stopping them from joining unions. Advertisement I speak to students about this issue regularly, many of whom are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis as well as rent and housing affordability. Last semester, a student explained to me that they would sometimes need to miss classes just to save the cost of the train fare into university, she says. Without the guarantee of the kind of economic security afforded to previous generations of Australians, and the prospect of home ownership becoming a far-off dream for many, young people are looking for solutions to combat social and economic inequality again. Send your questions to Work Therapy by emailing jonathan@theinkbureau.com.au Get workplace news, advice and perspectives to help make your job work for you. Sign up for our weekly Thank God its Monday newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Work therapy Opinion Jonathan Rivett is a writer based in Melbourne. He's written about workplace culture and careers for more than a decade. Advertisement NationalUniversity Significant hostility: Scale of racism on university campuses revealed Sally Rawsthorne February 17, 2026 8:50am 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 Fellow students competing to shout terrorism the loudest at a Palestinian student, being told Indigenous people should be rounded up and shot by a placement supervisor, jokes about slanty eyes and people screaming send them to the camps at groups of Jewish students: these are the experiences of Australian university students over the past two years, according to a landmark study. Universities have experienced protests, encampments and polarised debates, the report said. Alex Ellinghausen Racism@Uni the first national study of its kind concluded that racism is pervasive across the countrys 43 universities. Taking in the views of 47,000 students and 28,000 staff, the study was commissioned by the federal government in 2024 and undertaken by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The situation on campus worsens with external events, the report said, with First Nations students and staff seeing more racism during the failed referendum on the Voice, Asian students experiencing a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, and antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and anti-Middle Eastern sentiment reaching new heights since the Israel-Hamas war began more than two years ago. Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim and Middle Eastern staff and students have endured significantly heightened hostility, the report said. Advertisement Id encountered antisemitism before, but I had never been scared to be Jewish. In uni, I frequently feel the need to hide my religion, one student said. Three in four international student respondents experience indirect racism. Peter Braig Many university staff are promulgating antisemitic attitudes and ideas in the classroom. I constantly hear tropes to do with money, power, control, bloodthirstiness and other antisemitic ideas in classrooms, and staff meetings, a staff member said. Of Jewish students and staff, 89.1 per cent said they had experienced direct or indirect racism, as did 80.6 per cent of Middle Eastern respondents, 76.3 per cent of Muslim respondents and 90.2 per cent of Palestinian respondents. The terms of reference define indirect racism as racist behaviour directed at others from the same racial, ethnic, cultural and/or religious group they identify with, while direct racism is a personal experience of racist behaviour. Advertisement Middle Eastern staff and students described a pattern of intimidation from campus security, including being followed, surveillance of their social media, and security asking for identification. Related Article Antisemitism Push to mandate antisemitism definition in NSW law, universities The findings were completed before the December massacre at Bondi Beach that targeted a Jewish festival, in which 15 people were killed. The commission also recognises that such incidents of violence impacts on the broader community and are often accompanied by a heightened risk of racism and vilification towards all communities that experience racism, the report noted. The conflict in the Middle East has had a significant effect on freedom of expression on Australian campuses. Advertisement A large proportion of Jewish students 93.7 per cent of religious Jewish students and 81.1 per cent of secular Jewish students felt they were unable to express their views on campus. Staff felt similarly 84.6 per cent of religious Jews and 85.9 per cent of secular Jews said the same. Similarly, 70 per cent of Middle Eastern respondents felt they could not express their views and 70 per cent of Muslim staff felt they could not express their views. Palestinian students (86 per cent) and staff (84 per cent) felt the same. All Palestinian students to whom it applied said they did not express views because of the potential impact on their right to stay in Australia, and 90 per cent of Palestinian respondents said they had experienced racism. Seventy per cent of the studys respondents had experienced direct or indirect racism, including three in four international students experiencing indirect racism, and one in five academics experiencing direct interpersonal racism. The reports sweeping recommendations included establishing a sector-wide framework, annual independent reviews, development of specific anti-racism strategies and a strengthened complaints process. Advertisement Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the government would consider the recommendations. Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said: The insights and data from this study highlight that racism at university is not confined to isolated incidents or individual behaviour it is systemic. Racism is pervasive across the sector. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. CORRECTION A previous version of this story stated 85 per cent of religious Jewish staff and 86 per cent of secular Jewish staff had been physically harassed, threatened or assaulted due to an error in the report. The actual number is 10 per cent of religious staff and 3 per cent of secular staff. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Canavan attacks Hanson over anti-Muslim slurs Brittany Busch Updated February 17, 2026 5:54pm ,first published 3:29pm 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 Nationals senator Matt Canavan has attacked Pauline Hanson for suggesting there are no good Muslims as the Coalitions new leadership tries to walk the line between wooing back One Nation voters and celebrating Australias multiculturalism. Hanson unleashed during a Sky News appearance late on Monday while discussing the IS brides and children seeking repatriation to Australia, making comments even her star recruit, Barnaby Joyce, would not clearly endorse on Tuesday. Pauline Hanson suggested there were no good Muslims in a late-night attack on Sky News. Alex Ellinghausen Their religion concerns me because what it says in the Koran they hate Westerners, Hanson said. You say, oh, well, theres good Muslims out there. Well, Im sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims? Advertisement Hanson defended herself against backlash on Tuesday in a post on X, saying media were not used to hearing a politician tell the truth without worrying about political correctness. View post on X Hansons anti-Muslim rhetoric is consistent: she said during her 2016 maiden speech to the Senate that lives would be destroyed while waiting to distinguish between good and bad Muslims. But a decade later, the minor party leader has a bigger platform as One Nation surges in the polls and gains traction with its anti-immigration agenda. Hansons attempt to lump all Muslims in with extremists has marked battlelines on the conservative flank of Australian politics heading into the next election. Canavan, who will go up against Hanson in the Queensland Senate race at the next election, questioned Hansons ability to credibly take on the Coalition and Labor. Advertisement It is these kinds of ill-disciplined comments that make people worry that Pauline just doesnt have what it takes to lead a major party, he said on Tuesday. Canavan pointed to Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who tackled one of the Bondi gunmen during the attack in December. Nationals senator Matt Canavan will go up against Pauline Hanson in the Queensland Senate race at the next election. Dominic Lorrimer He is an Australian hero and Muslim, the Nationals senator said. Our focus must be on rooting out radical Islam, which the vast majority of Australian Muslims do not espouse. Late on Tuesday night, Australias special envoy to combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, invited Hanson to share an Iftar dinner with him, saying he would answer any of her questions. Advertisement In an Instagram post, Malik said the Koran challenges Muslims to respond to those individuals who might be overwhelmed by the weight of their convictions with peace, before noting that Ms Hanson is welcome to ask questions directly. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce appeared to equivocate over his leaders comments on Tuesday morning. Well, thats I believe that there are people who are of the Islamic faith who obviously I know. So Im not going to say that I dont have people who are friends of Islamic faith. I do, but Im not going to say because of that, Im going to put so many people at risk, he told Today. Joyce went on to say he agreed 100 per cent with Pauline that people were coming to Australia with values generationally at odds with what Australia is. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce appeared to equivocate over his leaders comments on Tuesday morning. Alex Ellinghausen Advertisement The former National MP and deputy prime minister has boasted of the credibility he has brought to One Nation since defecting from the Nationals in December. But he has been forced to distance himself from Hansons burqa stunt after she donned the religious garment in the Senate just weeks before he joined her party. Joyce told Four Corners on Monday that that behaviour does not work for me. Related Article Exclusive Political leadership Joyce dines with Hanson in her office after burqa stunt Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, still marking out the partys direction after ousting Sussan Ley late last week, was on Tuesday trying to toe the line between drawing back disaffected voters drifting to One Nation while celebrating diverse Australians. In a long and wide-ranging interview on the Kyle and Jackie O Show, Taylor appealed directly to voters fleeing the Coalition, saying the opposition could protect their way of life the right way while also offering a better standard of living. Advertisement Whoever is thinking of voting for One Nation, we respect why. We understand why youre saying that the Liberal Party has to be better, Taylor said on Tuesday, having taken a hard line on immigration in his first press conference as Liberal leader on Friday. We want you to support us and restore confidence in us because we believe we can offer not only protecting your way of life, [Hanson] makes a big deal of that. I think we can do this the right way, but we can also focus on restoring your standard of living, getting back to home ownership, being part of the Australian dream. Taylor, who has said he was confident the Coalition could also appeal to the inner-city seats lost to independents, touted his appreciation for diverse cultures, saying he would visit Melbourne this weekend to celebrate Chinese New Year. Angus Taylor said migration numbers needed to come down in his first press conference. Dominic Lorrimer I actually celebrate the incredible multicultural communities, Taylor said. Advertisement I find that people who have come to this country, first generation, they love this country more than almost anyone else because they know the change between what they came from and what we are. I find that really exhilarating. I love it. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalIslamic State Who are the IS brides trying to get home? Michael Bachelard Updated February 20, 2026 2:21pm ,first published February 17, 2026 3:26pm 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 Eleven family groups 34 individuals who have been stuck in Syrian internment camps for years are trying to make their way home. Who are they, and what do they say about how they got into Syria? This is what we know about the women 10 of whom are still eligible to come home, while one has had a Temporary Exclusion Order imposed on her. Its unknown which woman is subject to that order. Nesrine Zahab Nesrine Zahab, an Australian woman, told the ABCs Four Corners that she wanted to come home. Screen grab/Four Corners Nesrine Zahab, from Sydney, was 21 when she claims she was tricked into going into Syria by her cousin Muhammad Zahab a former maths teacher at the centre of a network that delivered at least a dozen of his own family members into Islamic States so-called caliphate. Advertisement Nesrine told the ABC she and a female cousin had been in Turkey to help refugees from the Syrian civil war on the Turkish side of the border, and had no intention of entering the war-torn country. Related Article Islamic State Doctor who helped re-elect Tony Burke leading efforts to bring IS brides back to Australia I had a whole thing going on. I was doing uni, she said on Four Corners in 2019. Who walks into a war zone? I was going to see Syrians, yes, because of what theyre going through. She married Islamic State fighter Ahmed Merhi a friend of her cousins and gave birth to a son, Abdul Rahman, in the al-Roj camp in northern Syria in 2019. Merhi was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging in Baghdad in 2018. Zahab is in on the record saying she is willing to help Australian authorities. Advertisement Aminah Zahab Aminah Zahab being interviewed by SBS Dateline in 2024. SBS The mother of Muhammad Zahab also says she and her husband, Hicham, were tricked by their son into going to Syria. She told the ABC in 2019: Were clueless parents; we had a lot of trust in our children. As we raised our children, we just let the children rule our lives I feel very angry. Sumaya Zahab Advertisement Another member of the family of Muhammad Zahab this time his sister, Sumaya. She travelled to IS territory in 2014. Muhammads widow, Mariam Raab, was repatriated to Australia in 2022 by the Albanese government. She was charged with willingly entering a prohibited declared area and pleaded guilty. She was not convicted. Kirsty Rosse-Emile Kirsty Rosse-Emile in her school days. Simon Schluter Rosse-Emile was the Melbourne-based daughter of two former Christians who converted to Islam when she was nine. She grew up in a close-knit family home in south-east Melbourne and attended the Muslim private school Minaret College. Advertisement Her social media posts as a young teen showed a flirtation with the idea of jihad, along with a love of pizza, chocolate and the Fremantle Dockers AFL club. Rosse-Emile pictured with son Yahya in 2019. Kate Geraghty At 19, in 2014, she travelled to Syria after meeting and marrying a much older Moroccan immigrant, Nabil Kadmiry a one-time attendee of the infamous al-Furqan prayer room in Melbourne. Kadmiry then became an IS fighter and took Rosse-Emile to Syria. Her father said in 2019: I know Kirsty didnt fight; she was just a housewife. Zahra Ahmed Advertisement Zahra Ahmed (left) and her baby, Ibrahim, photographed in al-Hawl camp in 2019. Kate Geraghty Formerly from Melbourne, Ahmed was the most talkative of the group of women I met at the al-Hawl camp in Syria in 2019. Shes part of the largest single Australian family in the camps in north-east Syria. Related Article Islamic State Australian IS brides turned back after leaving Syrian camp for home She insisted she and her extended family, led by patriarch Mohammed, left their home in Melbournes outer suburbs to do humanitarian work. She said they were abruptly prevented from leaving Syria when Islamic State closed the borders of its self-proclaimed caliphate. Some male members of her family reportedly joined IS, but Ahmed insists the women had no choice but to follow. She said they had suffered under its strictures, and wanted nothing more than to return home, help police as much as they could, and raise her children as Australians. Advertisement Were willing to talk, and were willing to tell them and were willing to share our stories, she said. But they havent even tried to come and reach out to us, and when we ask they dont want to. Kawsar Abbas An older relative of Zahra Ahmed and the wife of the patriarch, Mohammed Ahmed, who told the ABC in 2019 that they had travelled from the headquarters in Turkey of the charity they were working for Global Humanitarian Aid to attend the wedding of his son, Omar, in 2014. Then the border closed. Kawsar Abbas (left), and Zeinab Ahmed (right) look down at baby Layla in al-Hawl camp in 2019. Kate Geraghty The charity was at one time suspected of directing resources towards Islamic State a charge the family denies. A number of the male members of the family fought for Islamic State. Kawsar insisted the women were unwitting victims. Advertisement She told us in 2019 she feared the coming winter, and the small childrens health: One of our tents flooded and then it dried up But winter is not going to be like that. Its not going to dry up, she said. Zeinab Ahmed One of the daughters of Kawsar and Mohammed Abbas. She told the ABC last year that the group the Australian government took back to Australia in 2022 had made the rest of them so happy. No further repatriations have been arranged. Hodan Abby Advertisement Doctors say the shrapnel in the head of Hodan Abbys daughter needs to be removed. Abby, from a Somalian family in Sydney, ran away from home with a friend when she was 18 after reportedly telling their parents they were going on a holiday. The pair entered Syria, reportedly willingly, with hopes of becoming jihadi brides. The parents of her friend believe she was radicalised online. Abby had a daughter in Syria who suffers from wounds she received when she was a baby, with shrapnel in her head, back and hip making it difficult for her to walk and causing delayed speech and development. Abby also has a piece of shrapnel in her chest. Abby told this masthead in 2021 she agreed to be under a Terrorism Control Order, which would give the government powers to monitor her. Kawsar Kanj and Hyam Raad Advertisement Little is known about the final two women. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The conference took place February 13-15 and featured dire warnings about a breakdown in previous economic and military alliances. - Getty Images The Munich Security Conference marked the official end of world order, according to hedge-fund legend Ray Dalio, who says investors should prepare for a clash of world powers. The annual event this weekend featured a more diplomatic tone from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio than the one offered last year by Vice President JD Vance but a stark warning to Europe that it needs to beef up its military strength to respond to the rising threat of superpower competitors. President Emmanuel Macron of France and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany echoed these sentiments in speeches that referred to a world order that no longer exists. Most Read from MarketWatch At the Munich Security Conference, the post-1945 world order was pronounced dead by most leaders, said Dalio, the founder of hedge-fund giant Bridgewater Associates. For Dalio, geopolitical trends indicate a clash of great powers is looming and in the scenario he imagines, investors should sell out of all debt and buy gold. Dalio articulated his warnings in a long posting on X Saturday in which he repeatedly referenced his book Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order, and in particular, his assessment of where we stand in terms of what he calls the big cycle of external order and disorder. This involves superpower competition and conflict that can manifest itself as trade disputes, technology conflicts, geopolitical jostling, the weaponization of capital and ultimately, if these are exhausted, hot, military wars. During periods of military conflict, Dalio notes gold or in some cases, silver or barter is the coin of the realm, partly because currencies cannot be trusted and asset prices and capital flows are typically controlled. Gold GC00 and silver SI00 each have surged in value over the last 12 months, though both precious metals have moved off their peaks. Equity markets, Dalio observes, tend to adjust according to the probability of victory on the battlefield and he cites the example of how in 1945, the German and Japanese stock markets were virtually wiped out while U.S. stocks were extremely strong. Welcome to the first edition of the WCO newsletter Customs Matters The WCO is delighted to launch our newsletter that will share the news, insights and updates that showcase how the WCO brings Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world. In each edition you will find the following: Customs content that matters: our most significant news and insights for those in the global Customs community. our most significant news and insights for those in the global Customs community. Members corner: showcasing innovations and advancements being made by one of the 187 WCO Members through the implementation of WCO tools, guidelines and instruments. showcasing innovations and advancements being made by one of the 187 WCO Members through the implementation of WCO tools, guidelines and instruments. In case you missed it: updates on Customs mission of facilitating legitimate trade, ensuring fair revenue collection and protecting society. updates on Customs mission of facilitating legitimate trade, ensuring fair revenue collection and protecting society. Coming Soon: information about future events, appearances and publications. Happy reading! Celebrated on January 26 each year to mark the day in 1953 when the Customs Co-operation Council (now the WCO) held its inaugural session in Brussels. It is a day to pause, recognize and honour the essential work of the WCO and Customs administrations in securing borders, facilitating trade, and protecting society. WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders attending International Customs Day celebrations with Belgium Customs and at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders presents the theme of the year calling on all Customs administrations and partners to demonstrate the positive and crucial work conducted by Customs on a daily basis to ensure the security of the global supply chain and the safety of society. The flagship annual conference of the WCO concluded on 30 January in Abu Dhabi following three days of discussions, presentations, and Tech Talks. Innovation in action was demonstrated through a hackathon where participants presented practical prototypes addressing real Customs challenges. The Conference enabled Customs, industry, technology providers, academia and more to share innovations that will contribute to the future of Customs. Read more about the Conference and its theme for 2026 - Customs Agility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade through Innovation": Each month we will showcase innovations and advancements being made by one of the 187 WCO Members through the implementation of WCO tools, guidelines and instruments. This month we celebrate the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) launch of its Time Release Study report. With technical assistance from the WCO and funding from UK HMRC, the NCS TRS demonstrates the value of collaboration, sharing of best practices, implementation of WCO tools and a commitment to modernization and efficiencies in Customs procedures. Video shared courtesy of Nigeria Customs Service The next edition of the WCO News will be published soon! Seeing the Google storage full warning can be frustrating, especially when uploads suddenly stop across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. With only 15GB shared between these services, many users feel pushed toward a paid Google One plan before trying simple cleanup strategies. The good news is that you can free up Google storage quickly by identifying what consumes space and removing unnecessary files. Most accounts show a familiar pattern: Google Photos taking the largest share, followed by Google Drive files and Gmail attachments. Old backups, forgotten videos, and unopened newsletters quietly eat up gigabytes over time. With a systematic approach and a few advanced tricks, you can reclaim storage space without spending anything. Diagnosing Google Storage Full Issues When you encounter Google storage full alerts, start at storage.google.com to view a detailed breakdown of usage. The dashboard categorizes space used by Gmail, Drive, and Photos, helping you identify the biggest storage drains immediately. Clicking each category reveals large files, old uploads, and hidden clutter. Free up Google storage by checking Trash and Spam folders first. Deleted emails and files remain in bins for 30 to 60 days, still counting toward your quota. Many users recover 12GB instantly just by permanently clearing these folders. Gmail storage tips include using advanced search operators such as "has:attachment larger:10MB" to locate oversized files. In Drive, sorting by file size exposes forgotten videos or backups. In Photos, filter by large items and uncompressed uploads to pinpoint storage-heavy content. Gmail Storage Tips to Reclaim Space Managing Gmail storage is one of the fastest ways to free up Google storage without paying for extra space. Large attachments, old newsletters, and hidden trash files often consume gigabytes unnoticed. A few targeted cleanup steps can quickly reclaim space and prevent future Google storage full warnings. Search and delete large attachments: Use filters like filename:(pdf OR doc OR zip) larger:5M to find bulky files fast. Remove unnecessary attachments and emails in bulk to clear significant space. Use filters like to find bulky files fast. Remove unnecessary attachments and emails in bulk to clear significant space. Empty Spam and Trash folders: Deleted emails remain stored until permanently removed. Click "Delete all spam now" and fully empty Trash to instantly reclaim storage. Deleted emails remain stored until permanently removed. Click "Delete all spam now" and fully empty Trash to instantly reclaim storage. Remove old archived emails: Archived messages still count toward your quota. Use filters such as older_than:2y to delete outdated threads in batches. Archived messages still count toward your quota. Use filters such as to delete outdated threads in batches. Disable unnecessary email sync: Old email clients may create duplicate drafts or stored data. Turning off unused IMAP or POP connections prevents hidden storage buildup. Old email clients may create duplicate drafts or stored data. Turning off unused IMAP or POP connections prevents hidden storage buildup. Use labels and conversation view wisely: Labels help organize emails without keeping everything in your inbox. Conversation view groups related emails, making it easier to delete entire discussions at once. Consistent Gmail storage tips like these keep your inbox organized while preventing your freed space from filling up again. Drive and Photos Cleanup for Google Storage Full Google storage full warnings often trace back to Google Drive videos or uncompressed Photos uploads. In Drive's Storage Manager, sorting files by size helps identify large media files or outdated backups. Download important content locally, then delete it permanently to reclaim space. Google Photos offers another major opportunity to free up Google storage. Switching images to Storage Saver (formerly High Quality) compresses photos to 16MP and videos to 1080p, significantly reducing storage usage. Clearing the "Recently Deleted" folder ensures space is fully reclaimed. Audit WhatsApp backups stored in Google Drive as well. These backups can exceed 5GB without notice, especially with media-heavy chats. Compressing or deleting older backups prevents them from consuming unnecessary quota. Advanced Free Up Google Storage Tricks Advanced strategies can stretch your 15GB limit even further. Some users create separate Google accounts to divide storage across services, using one for Photos and another for Drive. This approach effectively multiplies available free storage without upgrading. Google Takeout exports allow you to download archives of inactive files before deleting them from the cloud. Annual exports prevent digital hoarding and can reclaim 5GB or more each year. Security checkups sometimes reward bonus storage space, offering small but helpful increases. Automation tools like Google Apps Script can help bulk-delete files meeting specific criteria. For example, you can automatically remove emails older than five years containing attachments. Combined with routine manual audits, these techniques prevent recurring Google storage full issues. Smart Habits to Prevent Google Storage Full Alerts Avoiding Google One upgrades depends on consistent storage management habits. Schedule a monthly check of your storage dashboard to monitor growth trends. Address spikes early before they accumulate into critical warnings. Use cloud storage intentionally rather than as an endless archive. Keep essential files backed up locally or on external drives while deleting unnecessary duplicates. With a balanced routine, you can maintain control of your Google storage without paying for extra space. Stay Under the 15GB Limit Without Paying for Google One Managing Google storage without paying for Google One is entirely possible with consistent monitoring and strategic cleanup. Gmail storage tips, Drive file audits, and Photos compression together can recover several gigabytes quickly. The key is understanding how the shared quota works and addressing the biggest storage drains first. By combining routine maintenance with advanced free up Google storage techniques, you can stay comfortably within the 15GB limit. Avoiding unnecessary upgrades saves money while keeping your digital space organized and efficient. With simple monthly habits, Google storage full warnings become rare rather than routine. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why does Google storage fill up so quickly? Google storage is shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. Large attachments, videos, and uncompressed images accumulate over time. Deleted files in Trash still count until permanently removed. Automatic backups also contribute to rapid storage growth. 2. How can I free up Google storage without deleting important files? Download important files locally before removing them from the cloud. Use compression options in Google Photos to reduce file size without noticeable quality loss. Delete duplicate or outdated backups. Regular audits help identify unnecessary data safely. 3. Do archived Gmail emails count toward storage? Yes, archived emails still count toward your 15GB quota. Only permanently deleted emails free up space. Emptying Spam and Trash is required to reclaim storage. Filtering large attachments makes cleanup easier. 4. Is creating multiple Google accounts a good way to avoid paying? Using multiple accounts can divide storage needs effectively. It requires careful organization to avoid confusion. Sharing files between accounts can add minor complexity. However, it remains a legitimate way to expand free storage capacity. Originally published on Tech Times NLC India (NLCIL) and the National Aluminium Company (NALCO) have signed an agreement to jointly pursue thermal and renewable energy projects totalling 1.2GW. The two state-run enterprises signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to develop a thermal captive power plant as well as renewable energy initiatives. The collaboration aims to address NALCOs long-term power requirements through structured power supply arrangements. The following executives from both organisations attended the signing ceremony: NLCIL chairman and managing director Prasanna Kumar Motupalli; director (Human Resources) Samir Swarup; director (Finance) Prasanna Kumar Acharya; director (Planning & Projects) Rajesh Pratap Singh Sisodia; and NALCO director (Projects & Technical) Jagdish Arora. Murugan A, general manager (Commercial), represented NLCIL in signing the agreement, while Nagarajan Ravi EPO-ED (Business Development), signed on behalf of NALCO. The terms of the agreement allow both companies to explore various power procurement models including captive and group captive tie-ups, along with long-term coal supply agreements to support energy needs for identified projects. The framework also permits joint project execution and the possibility of establishing a joint venture (JV) company for these undertakings. NLCIL and NALCO operate under Indias Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines, respectively. This cooperation is part of a broader strategy among Central Public Sector Enterprises to manage national resources while working towards stable energy supply and supporting ongoing industrial operations. In December 2025, NLC India Renewables, a subsidiary of NLCIL, and PTC India signed a JV agreement in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, to collaborate on renewable energy projects. The agreement involved plans to establish, operate and maintain up to 2GW of renewable energy capacity in multiple phases, with approximately 500MW planned for the initial stage. "NLCIL, NALCO sign thermal and renewable energy development deal" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville police arrested a man nicknamed the "Nicotine Bandit" after he allegedly burglarized a Family Dollar in the Portland neighborhood multiple times. According to Louisville Metro Police, 37-year-old Michael Belton stole packs of cigarettes from the store Monday morning before it opened. Police said he's taken "a ton of cigarettes" from the Family Dollar over multiple occasions. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and later spotted him walking nearby wearing the same clothing seen on camera. When officers approached, Belton ran, leading to a quick foot pursuit before police took him into custody. Investigators said Belton later admitted he recognized himself in surveillance images previously shared on social media and knew he would be caught. Belton faces multiple charges, including five counts of first-degree burglary, along with trespassing and fleeing police. Top Stories: Louisville woman killed during routine garbage cleanup was victim of 'tragic accident,' mayor says Former Cluckers site in Jeffersonville to see $3M rebuild with restaurant, apartments Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy remembered in Louisville for advocacy, activism Here's how JCPS plans to build new schools despite a $188 million budget deficit Death investigation underway after man shot and killed at east Louisville park, police say Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) Jefferson County Public Schools is proposing millions of dollars in new construction and renovation projects over the next several years as the district faces a projected $188 million budget deficit. District leaders revealed a draft district facilities plan Monday outlining which schools they want to build, rebuild or renovate during the next roughly four-year cycle. The district's Facilities Local Planning Committee met for an orientation. Construction projects announced since the district's massive budget deficit have raised a central question from taxpayers: How can the district afford new buildings? Chief Operations Officer Rob Fulk said the construction plans are funded differently than the operating budget. "That's a really reasonable question from a taxpayer," Fulk said. "When you build a school in Kentucky, there are two funds a district works off of." The deficit comes from the district's general fund, which pays for day-to-day operations such as salaries and transportation. Construction projects are paid through the capital fund, a separate account legally restricted to building projects. Capital funds cannot be used to supplement the general fund. Under the draft plan, JCPS is proposing: A more than $28 million elementary school in southern Jefferson County on land that has yet to be purchased Full rebuilds of Cochrane, Goldsmith and Wilt elementary schools, Westport Middle School and Olmstead Academy South, estimated to total more than $194 million Renovations at dozens of other schools If approved, construction would begin within the next four years. The proposal also raises another issue: Why would the district close schools such as Zachary Taylor and King elementaries while planning new buildings? Fulk said enrollment patterns are a factor. "If a school is under-enrolled, it's going to cost more to operate," he said. Most JCPS buildings were constructed between the 1950s and 1970s, nearly 100 schools primarily near the city center. The district said it currently has about 17,000 empty seats but not in the areas where students now live, as population growth has shifted toward southern and eastern Jefferson County. "We have heard time immemorial we are busing kids too far," Fulk said. "Obviously, we want a neighborhood school that makes sense where it's at, where we can lower transportation costs." The facilities plan is still a draft and could change. Fulk said he expects to present it to the school board for a vote in June or July. Related Stories: JCPS board votes in favor of central office reductions, restructuring plan JCPS officials break ground on new $100 million Seneca High School campus JCPS organizational charts outline which central office jobs are being cut Search the latest JCPS salary database as some high-earning jobs are being cut JCPS superintendent says 'nothing was clear' about budget deficit when he took office State lawmakers file school finance transparency bill amid JCPS budget crisis JCPS principals say they were excluded from budget cut process, warn classroom teachers will lose jobs Board accepts draft budget, closes 2 JCPS elementary schools as part of $142M in cuts Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) Kentucky State Police are investigating a fiery crash Monday night involving two tractor-trailers on the Bluegrass Parkway in Hardin County. Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 4 responded to the crash around 9:26 p.m. near the 7 mile marker. According to a preliminary investigation, two commercial vehicles were traveling eastbound when one of the drivers, Manual Ostos Paxtian, 41, of Moss, Tennessee, attempted to make an illegal U-turn using an emergency turnaround in an effort to head westbound. Police said a second eastbound tractor-trailer, driven by Charles Penn, 67, of Union Springs, Alabama, tried to avoid the first truck but was unable to, striking it. Investigators said one of the tractor-trailers caught fire and was completely destroyed. The second truck overturned into the westbound lanes. Paxtian suffered minor injuries and was taken to Baptist Health Hardin for treatment. Penn was not injured. Both eastbound and westbound lanes of the Bluegrass Parkway remained closed overnight as crews work to remove the trucks and clean up the roadway. The roadways reopened around 6:30 a.m. The crash remains under investigation. Top Stories: Here's how JCPS plans to build new schools despite a $188 million budget deficit Proposed bill would freeze property tax increases for Kentucky homeowners 65 and older Sellersburg businesses, schools prepare for US 31 construction beginning Tuesday Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) The attorney for the woman who died while employees from Louisville Solid Waste Management were performing a routine alley cleanup identified her Tuesday. Tyrah Adams was killed in what Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Tuesday was a "tragic loss of life." Louisville Metro Police is investigating her death. The incident occurred Thursday, Feb. 12 just after 9 a.m. in the 2500 block of Cedar Street near 26th Street. Louisville Metro Public Works said alley cleanups happen hundreds of times each day across the city. LMPD Officer Adam Sears said officers were called to the area of 26th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard for a person down. Police initially reported a possible medical issue but later said the woman sustained injuries from contact with equipment on a garbage truck. Greenberg said Tuesday that the crew didn't see Adams, who was "in some of this garbage that was picked up and moved to another location." He said, before that garbage was hauled away, Adams "suffered injuries" and later died. "While she did leave the scene of where the garbage was then put down, she ultimately died and that is certainly a tragic loss," Greenberg said. "It appears to be a tragic accident to lose someone in our city in this way." He added there's no evidence of any wrongdoing, but, because a city vehicle was involved, the LMPD Public Integrity Unit is leading the investigation. The Public Works employees involved were placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. WDRB spoke to some people who knew Adams. They said she was homeless, had several issues and would often sleep in a large cardboard box near an area surrounded by trash. An official medical report or autopsy hasn't been released yet. Jefferson County Public Schools stewards an enormous $2.2 billion annual budget. The school board oversees the administration of these funds and the personnel who spend them. Together, they spent $188 million more than they received. This is indisputable. In their last meeting, the board voted on some expense cuts to address this shortfall. When it was over, they hightailed it out the door to avoid the media. Even our usually-available Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood fled through a back door while questions were being asked of him. It was a cowardly retreat by all. These officials may believe they are not accountable to the media, but the only reason the media exists is to be your advocate. When you can't attend a meeting, the board answers to you through the reporters they avoided. The JCPS board does not have the luxury of spending your money and evading your questions. It may even be an unpleasant part of the job, but no one was drafted into service on this board. Every member eagerly campaigned for their seat. They sought the power of the office so they can't duck tough questions, especially when it's uncomfortable. Accountability is not optional. What are your thoughts? Let us know. Heck! Let them know. I'm Bill Lamb, and that's my Point of View. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights activist and two time Democratic presidential candidate, died Tuesday, leaving behind a decades long legacy of advocacy that reached cities across the country, including Louisville. He was 84. Santita Jackson confirmed that her father died at home in Chicago, surrounded by family. "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," the Jackson family said in a statement posted online. "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family." Jackson, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, spent decades pushing for racial equality, voting rights, economic empowerment and corporate accountability. A close ally of King in the 1960s, Jackson helped carry the civil rights movement into the political arena, building multiracial coalitions and encouraging Black Americans to seek public office at every level of government. News | Crime | Business | Community His influence reached Louisville at pivotal moments in the city's history. In 2020, as Louisville became a focal point of national protests following the police killing of Breonna Taylor, Jackson traveled to the city to stand with demonstrators and faith leaders. Speaking at St. Stephen Baptist Church, he called for peaceful protest, federal voting protections and systemic reform in policing and the courts. He also met privately with community leaders, reinforcing Louisville's place in the broader national reckoning over race and justice. Jackson's connection to Louisville extended beyond moments of crisis. Simmons College of Kentucky, the city's historically Black college, later established a racial justice center bearing his name, honoring his lifelong commitment to education, economic equity and civic engagement. The partnership reflected the way Jackson's national advocacy resonated locally, particularly within Louisville's Black faith and academic communities. Simmons College president and Louisville pastor, Dr. Kevin Cosby, is a longtime friend of Jackson's. "I have a feeling deep gratitude for a life that was well lived, and the privilege and honor of personally getting to know Jesse Jackson and to have his influence in my life, his influence on our city, and his influence, especially on Simmons College of Kentucky," Cosby said Tuesday. Cosby recalled his friendship with Rev. Jackson, calling him an "icon" and praising his social justice efforts. "He was just a down to earth, jovial kind of person... who was brilliant, who had his challenges and had his flaws - like all of us do - but ultimately our society is better, America is better, the black community is better, race relationships is better, and I know I am better because God sent Rev. Jackson our way." With his death, Louisville leaders are reflecting not only on a national figure, but on a man who stood in their pulpits, marched in their streets and tied their community's challenges to the broader pursuit of justice he championed for more than half a century. Louisville activist and pastor Rev. Charles Elliott met Jackson while organizing during the civil rights movement. "We were marching against racism," Elliott said. "So, in that fellowship, we became very close together." The pair, along with others, marched together during times of unrest. Rev. Elliott worked on Jackson's presidential campaign and partnered with him to help elect Black leaders, like Georgia Davis Powers and Mae Street Kidd, to Kentuckys statehouse. "I never will forget Jesse saying, 'You got a red truck, and you got a black truck,'" Elliott said. "He said, 'Well, both of them are trucks.' I said, 'Yeah, that makes some sense. So, you got white skin, you got dark skin, you got brown skin, but all of us are God's children.' So that always stayed with me." For many in Louisville, Jackson's visits served as both encouragement and reminder that the city's struggles were part of a much larger story. His appearances connected local activism to a civil rights tradition stretching back to the 1960s, while underscoring ongoing debates over equity, policing and opportunity in Kentucky's largest city. "Rachel and I are saddened by the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a tireless leader in the fight for civil rights and human dignity," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a post on X. "He challenged our nation to be better and expanded opportunity for generations of Americans. His legacy is a powerful reminder that progress comes when we stand up for one another and keep moving forward together. We offer our condolences to his family and to all who were inspired by his life. May his memory be a blessing." Nationally, Jackson broke barriers in presidential politics. His campaigns in 1984 and 1988 expanded voter participation and helped lay groundwork for future candidates of color. He championed the concept of a "Rainbow Coalition," urging Americans across racial and economic lines to find common cause in fighting poverty and discrimination. Jackson had his share of critics, both within and outside of the Black community. Some considered him a grandstander, too eager to seek out the spotlight. Looking back on his life and legacy, Jackson told The Associated Press in 2011 that he felt blessed to be able to continue the service of other leaders before him and to lay a foundation for those to come. "A part of our life's work was to tear down walls and build bridges, and in a half century of work, we've basically torn down walls," Jackson said. "Sometimes when you tear down walls, you're scarred by falling debris, but your mission is to open up holes so others behind you can run through." In his final months, as he received 24-hour care, he lost his ability to speak, communicating with family and visitors by holding their hands and squeezing. "I get very emotional knowing that these speeches belong to the ages now," his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., told the AP in October. Top Stories: Death investigation underway after boy found shot to death at east Louisville park, police say Proposed bill would freeze property tax increases for Kentucky homeowners 65 and older Here's how JCPS plans to build new schools despite a $188 million budget deficit Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. Nvidia (NVDA) and Meta (META) announced an expanded multiyear, multigenerational partnership that will see Nvidia provide the social media giant with millions of its Blackwell and Rubin graphics processing units (GPUs), as well as its central processing units (CPUs) and networking offerings. The plan calls for Meta to use the products within its data centers for both training and running AI models. Nvidia didn't reveal a dollar amount for the expanded deal, though it said that Meta will roll out the chips in its own data centers and lean on those available via Nvidia Cloud Partners. Nvidia's Cloud Partner program includes companies like CoreWeave (CRWV) and Crusoe, which host Nvidia chips for other companies to rent and use. "No one deploys AI at Meta's scale integrating frontier research with industrial-scale infrastructure to power the world's largest personalization and recommendation systems for billions of users," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement. Nvidia stock rose over 1%, while Meta shares pulled back on Wednesday. "Through deep codesign across CPUs, GPUs, networking, and software, we are bringing the full Nvidia platform to Meta's researchers and engineers as they build the foundation for the next AI frontier," Huang said. In addition to the GPUs, Nvidia said Meta is rolling out its first large-scale Grace CPU-only servers, with plans to launch Vera CPU-only systems in 2027. These would be similar to the more traditional servers Meta operates using Intel chips and wouldn't include any GPUs. That kind of move could prove problematic for Intel and AMD, which have dominated the CPU server space for decades. Meta will also use Nvidia's Confidential Computing, which enables private data processing via its GPUs, in its WhatsApp messaging app. AI-related stocks have taken a beating since the start of 2026 amid persistent concerns about spending. Meta's stock price has fallen 3.3%. Microsoft (MSFT) has been hit particularly hard, with its stock declining more than 17% since Jan. 1. Chip stocks have also cooled in recent months as investors question whether high-powered GPUs are necessary to power all AI applications or if more specialized chips will eventually take over. Those fears have gained more traction as Nvidia customers, including Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), and Microsoft, have rolled out newer versions of their own AI chips. In November, The Information reported that Meta was in talks with Google to use its TPU chips for AI applications. Kenneth Fox A manhunt is underway for people suspected of petrol bombing a family home in Cork. As the Irish Examiner reports, a mother and her two sons, one of whom is just 13, fled the housefire caused by a suspected arson attack on the family home in the Silver Birch estate in Rochestown on the citys southside in the early hours of Monday morning. The older son, aged 24, jumped from the first-floor window to escape the fire. He remained in the hospital on Tuesday, recovering from his injuries. The young man suffered a broken ankle and leg injuries in the fall from the first-floor window, it is understood. The family cannot immediately return to their home, which has been badly damaged by both fire and smoke. They remain in "complete shock" following the trauma of that night, sources say. Gardai have conducted house-to-house inquiries, and they continue to harvest CCTV footage from the area. Superintendent Gary McPolin said it was lucky that everyone escaped the fire that night. Fortunately, no one was killed, but look at Edenderry, Supt McPolin said. Four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and his great-aunt Mary Holt, 60, were both killed in an arson attack in a home in Edenderry in December. "We are lucky that we did not have a very tragic situation [in Rochestown]. But a young man has been injured, and we will endeavor to bring the perpetrators to justice." Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to the extremely heinous crime, he said. The fire started outside the house at the front door. It appears an accelerant was used. Columnist and prize-winning playwright Charlie Adley presents his popular Craft of Writing course in Killala Community Centre next month. In friendly lessons you will learn a new feature of the craft of writing each week. Anyone can learn this craft. There is no mystery to it. John McArdle, Galway, is one of the many people who have enjoyed Charlie's popular courses. He says: It was practical, factual, educational and jovial - a masterclass in how to teach with fun! Another person who took one of Charlie's courses said: I was very familiar with the language of can't and couldnt, but in your creative classes I have learned a vocabulary that involves embracing the terms can and could. Thank you for sharing your time, thoughts and energy and thanks for helping me to see life with a new perspective. Charlie is an experienced writer and newspaper columnist who has contributed to a number of local publications, including the Western People. Places are limited, so book your seat at the table now! The course takes place in Killala Community Centre from 7.15 to 9pm each Tuesday from March 3rd to April 28th. The cost is 150 for the eight weeks. Call Charlie on 085-7294204 or email cadley1@icloud.com for further details. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Nvidia on Tuesday said it has signed a multiyear deal to sell Meta Platforms millions of its current and future artificial intelligence chips, including central processing units that compete with products from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices. Nvidia did not disclose a value for the deal, but said it includes its current Blackwell chips as well as its forthcoming Rubin AI chips. It also includes standalone installations of its Grace and Vera central processors. Nvidia introduced those central processors, based on technology from Arm Holdings, as companions to its AI chips starting 2023. But the announcement Tuesday signaled that Nvidia aims to push those chips for emerging fields such as running AI agents as well as into markets for processors used in workaday technical tasks such as running databases. Nvidia's announcement also comes as Meta is developing its own AI chips and is in discussions with Google about using that company's Tensor Processing Unit chips, or TPUs, for AI work. Ian Buck, the general manager of Nvidia's hyperscale and high-performance computing unit, said that Nvidia's Grace central processors have shown they can use half the power for some common tasks such as running databases, with more gains expected for the next generation, Vera. "It actually continues down that path and makes it an excellent data center-only CPU for those high-intensity data processing back-end operations," Buck said. "Meta has already had a chance to get on Vera and run some of those workloads. And the results look very promising." While Nvidia has never disclosed its sales to Meta, it is widely believed to be among four customers that made up 61% of its revenue in its most recent fiscal quarter. Moorhead said Nvidia likely highlighted the deal to show that it has retained a large business with Meta and is gaining traction with its central processor chips. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Ethan Smith) FILE - The Rev. Jesse Jackson, top right, is consoled by Rev. Marvin Winans, as Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Yolanda King, front from left, civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., wiping his tears, former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman, Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister Christine King Farris and Darryl R. Matthews, President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Bill Walton, top left, take part in the ground breaking ceremony for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, Nov. 13, 2006 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Bloomberg Palantir Technologies Inc. said its moved its headquarters to Miami from Denver at a time when tech firms are headed to South Florida as local officials promote the region as an alternative to Californias Silicon Valley. The announcement was made Tuesday in a brief statement on the social media platform X, with no reason provided for the move. A spokesperson for the company didnt respond to a request for comment. Most Read from Bloomberg Were very excited as a company and anxious to be a part of the community here, Shon Manasco, a Palantir executive, said while speaking on a panel at the Defense Tech Leadership Summit on Tuesday in West Palm Beach. Palantir, a data analytics company with extensive defense contracts, is Colorados largest public company. Its decision followed multiple protests since it moved to Denver in 2020 from Palo Alto, due to cultural and ideological differences, according to the Denver Post. Protests have targeted the companys support of the Israeli military and more recently its work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement by using artificial intelligence to identify targets for deportation. State and local officials said they were not told of the decision ahead of time, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis. We dont have any information about potential job impacts at this time either, and hope that it wont impact the jobs based in Colorado, Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for Polis, wrote in an email. We did not receive advance notice of Palantirs decision to leave Denver, said Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, in an email. Denver remains a national hub for the tech sector, and that wont change with Palantirs departure. Miami has been attracting firms and wealthy business executives since the outset of the pandemic drawn by a mix of low taxes, good weather and relatively safe streets. Since Citadels big move in 2022, finance companies and tech companies such as Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. have opened or expanded offices. ServiceNow Inc. has committed to opening an office in West Palm Beach. More recently, a wave of California tech billionaires have been shopping for mansions in Miami at a time when a wealth tax is being discussed back home. Ken Griffin and Stephen Ross, among the highest-profile billionaires to move to South Florida during the pandemic, recently started bankrolling a new campaign to get others to follow in their footsteps. The pair is funding a $10 million drive to convince more executives, investors and founders to move to the region. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In this image provided by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Feb. 16, 2026, shows troops standing at attention during the guard's drill in the Persian Gulf on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Sepahnews via AP) With manufacturing onshoring a continuing point of discussion in the industry, many pharma companies went the opposite way for R&D in 2025, deciding to conduct innovation overseas. According to a survey of pharma executives by consultancy firm Ayming UK, nearly half (47%) of the respondents said they offshored R&D last year. Companies cited collaboration opportunities with partners and proximity to new markets and customers as two of the primary motivating factors for their strategy. Firms also pointed to enhanced access to R&D talent, along with lower wage costs in certain territories. Respondents included C-suite and R&D directors from European countries, such as the UK, France, and Germany, amongst others, in addition to Canada, China, and the US. Companies involved in the survey covered small and large businesses. The UK ranked the highest for those offshoring pharma innovation. Reports published in the past year by trade bodies have lamented the lack of commercial opportunity in the UK despite the regions high-quality scientific expertise in universities and early-stage companies. This has raised questions about the state of attractiveness of the UKs R&D scene. As per data from the BioIndustry Association (BIA), a UK-based trade association, equity financing and venture capital dropped 49% and 13%, respectively, in 2025 compared to 2024. R&D investment meanwhile fell nearly 100m to 8.7bn in 2023, as per a report by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). In January 2026, AstraZeneca, the UKs most valuable company, pledged $15bn to fund an R&D and manufacturing expansion in China. This follows the drugmaker shelving certain expansion plans in the UK in September 2025. Rumours continue to circulate regarding more operational moves to the US for AstraZeneca. The global state of the pharmaceutical industry has been under the spotlight in the past year amid key policies introduced by US President Donald Trump. This includes threatening pharma companies with tariffs in a bid to prioritise US drug manufacturing and development. Some experts have said onshoring creates a more resilient global supply chain, while critics cite higher domestic labour costs. Aymings survey also revealed what pharma execs see as the biggest stiflers of innovation. Inefficient process and bureaucracy were cited as the biggest obstacles to innovation, with both financial and skills shortages also highlighted. Mark Smith, managing director at Ayming UK, says: When we talk about innovation, the focus often falls on shiny new technologies, but the reality is that innovation is driven by people. Its people who develop new technologies, apply them in the real world, and carry out the R&D that turns ideas into commercial success. Pinterest (NYSE: PINS) shares were annihilated after the company reported largely in-line results and issued cautious guidance. The stock is now trading down more than 40% on the year, as of this writing. Let's dig into Pinterest's fourth-quarter results and prospects to see if this dip is a buying opportunity. 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: Getting Images. Tariff woes hit Pinterest clients The social media company blamed its slower growth on the impact that tariffs were having on large retailers, who have reduced ad spending. Pinterest has long tended to be more exposed to this segment of the advertising market, while Alphabet and Meta Platforms, by contrast, are much more tied to smaller merchants. Given its platform, Pinterest is also pretty largely exposed to the home furnishings industry, which has been struggling with both tariffs and the after-effects of a pull-through in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Q4, Pinterest's revenue climbed 14% year over year to $1.32 billion, which was essentially in line with the $1.33 billion consensus estimates, as compiled by LSEG. U.S. and Canadian revenue rose by 9% to $979 million, while European revenue soared 25% to $245 million, and the "rest of world" segment revenue jumped 64% to $96 million. Pinterest's monthly active users (MAUs) grew by 12% to 619 million, led by a 16% jump in "rest of world" users to 356 million and an 9% increase in European users to 158 million. U.S. and Canadian MAUs, meanwhile, grew by 4% to 105 million. Pinterest's global average revenue per user (ARPU) edged up by 2% year over year to $2.16; however, this number is impacted by regional mix. European ARPU climbed by 15% to $1.59, while "rest of world" ARPU soared 42% to $0.27. U.S. and Canadian ARPU, meanwhile, increased by 4% to $9.41. Turning to profitability, Pinterest saw its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increase by 15% year over year to $541.5 million. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) climbed by 30% to $0.67, which was just shy of the $0.69 consensus. Looking ahead, Pinterest projected its Q1 revenue to be between $951 million and $971 million, representing 11% to 14% growth year over year. However, currency impacts will be a 3% tailwind, so organic growth will be slower. It's looking for adjusted EBITDA of between $166 million and $186 million. Portland General Electric has struck a deal to buy the wind, natural-gas generation and distribution assets of Berkshire Hathaways PacifiCorp unit in Washington state for $1.9 billion. - Reuters Portland General Electric has struck a deal to buy the wind, natural-gas generation and distribution assets of Berkshire Hathaways PacifiCorp unit in Washington state for $1.9 billion. Portland General and PacifiCorp on Tuesday said the deal includes three generation facilities, 4,500 miles of transmission and distribution lines and local utility operations across 2,700 square miles that serve about 140,000 customers. Most Read from The Wall Street Journal Portland General currently serves nearly 960,000 customers. Portland General said it expects to finance up to $600 million of the purchase with equity commitments from Manulife Investment Management, the asset-management arm of Manulife Financial, which will hold a minority stake in the Washington utility business. PacifiCorp is part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the diversified energy arm of Warren Buffetts investment vehicle, and serves 2 million customers in six states, including California, Oregon and Washington. The company, which Berkshire acquired in 2006 for around $5 billion, faces billions of dollars in claims related to wildfires in Oregon and California in 2020 and 2022, and late last year it warned that wildfire litigation could lead to a liquidity crunch. PacifiCorp, said the sale is a critical step in bolstering its financial position and simplifying its operations across its service area. Portland General and PacifiCorp, both based in Portland, Ore., said they expect the transaction will to take up to a year to finalize. Write to Colin Kellaher at colin.kellaher@wsj.com Most Read from The Wall Street Journal Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday night and Monday morning, which killed at least 12 Palestinians on the eve of the first meeting of Trumps socalled Board of Peace, confirm once again that the USbacked ceasefire is a cover for the continuation and escalation of genocide against the Palestinian people. According to Gazas civil defense, Palestinians were killed by Israel in a series of attacks that hit a tent encampment of displaced families in the north, residential areas in Khan Younis in the south and other locations across the besieged enclave. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that a strike on a tent camp in northern Gaza killed at least six people, while a separate strike in the south killed five. Hospital staff later confirmed that another Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire in a separate incident, bringing the toll in the latest attacks to 12. Civil defense officials also said the strike that hit a tent sheltering displaced people in Jabalia in northern Gaza, while those killed in the earlymorning strike in Khan Younis were civilians in an area housing displaced Palestinians near homes and makeshift shelters. There were additional casualties from shelling in Gaza City and Beit Lahia. Medical staff at AlShifa and Nasser hospitals said they received at least seven bodies from these attacks, with relatives gathering in hospital courtyards to pray over the dead who were wrapped in white shrouds. Eyewitnesses described families being hit while they slept in tents and makeshift shelters set up after months of forced displacement, with one relative asking bitterly, Where is the truce, where is the ceasefire they talked about, when they bomb us in our sleep? Israels military claimed that the strikes were aimed at militants and that one of the targets was a person identified as a commander of Islamic Jihad in the Tel alHawa area of Gaza City, while other strikes were described as responses to alleged ceasefire violations and rocket fire. However, as always, the main victims were civilianswomen, children and the elderlycrowded into tents and ruined apartment blocks, as they have been throughout the more than twoyearlong campaign of annihilation. The funeral of 5 Palestinians killed in an Israeli air strike south of Khan Younis. February 15, 2026 [Photo: @EyeonPalestine] Palestinian authorities condemned the attacks as a flagrant breach of the USbrokered ceasefire that was supposedly in its second phase, pointing out that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce came into effect. Gazas health ministry reports that around 71,70071,800 Palestinians have been killed and more than 170,000 injured since the war began, meaning that more than 10 percent of the population has been killed or wounded, a scale of destruction now acknowledged by Israeli officials. Roughly 480520 have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began, figures also accepted by Israeli military sources. Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, denounced the targeting of displaced people in tents and shelters as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, stressing that Israel has never stopped its attacks and is using the socalled truce to continue the ethnic cleansing of Gaza under US protection. The timing of the latest massacreon the eve of the first meeting of Donald Trumps Board of Peace in Washington on February 19exposes the real content of the imperialist initiative. The Board has been presented by the White House as a mechanism to oversee postconflict reconstruction in Gaza and to manage the second phase of the ceasefire, including a UNmandated stabilization force and a technocratic committee to govern the Strip under international supervision. The criminal character of Trumps board is revealed by its composition, a tightly knit core of Trumpaligned US officials, financial oligarchs and longtime imperialist operators. Key US figures include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trumps Middle East envoy and realestate billionaire Steve Witkoff, Trumps soninlaw Jared Kushner and senior White House adviser Aryeh Lightstone. There are also members who are prominent international representatives of capital and imperialist policy. Among them are former British prime minister Tony Blair, a key architect of the criminal invasion of Iraq in 2003; World Bank president Ajay Banga; Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan; and former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov, who has been named High Representative for Gaza and the ontheground link between the Board and the new technocratic Gaza authority. Around this inner circle sits a Gaza Executive Board composed of a cabal of regional and international power brokers: Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan; a senior Qatari diplomat Ali alThawadi; Egypts intelligence chief Hassan Rashad; UAE minister Reem alHashimy; IsraeliCypriot billionaire Yakir Gabay; and former UN and EU reconstruction officials like Sigrid Kaag, among others. Other fascists supporting the board include Argentinas Javier Milei, Hungarys Viktor Orban and, of course, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. European political figures speaking at the Munich Security Conference criticized Trumps Board for bypassing the United Nations and warned that it has played virtually no role in stopping the war, noting that hundreds of Gazans have been killed since the announcement of the ceasefire framework and the board. However, European governments have, in practice, continued to back Israeli crimes in Gaza while posturing as defenders of international law. The former UN envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, admitted that if the Board does not move very fast it will not implement the second phase of the ceasefire but the second phase of the war, while pointedly refusing to address the mounting charges of genocide. The World Socialist Web Site has consistently condemned this entire structurethe so-called ceasefire, the framework for Gazas future and the Board of Peaceas a political fraud whose aim is to provide a pseudolegal and humanitarian cover for a USdirected plan to depopulate Gaza, destroy all organized resistance and transform what remains of the enclave into a colonial protectorate dominated by Israeli and American imperialism. The insistence on technocratic administration, security guarantees, the disarming of resistance organizations and the permanent presence of foreign and Israeli forces is a blueprint for the completion of the removal of Palestinians from all the Israeli-occupied territories. The SundayMonday attacks are a continuation of the wave of Israeli strikes from two weeks earlier that killed at least 32 Palestinians across Gaza, including children, in what was described as one of the deadliest days since the October ceasefire was proclaimed. On that day, Israeli warplanes and artillery hit an apartment building in Gaza City, a police facility and a tent camp in Khan Younis, igniting fires that tore through flimsy shelters where displaced families had sought refuge. While the missiles continue to strike Gaza, a video from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank has shed light on the systematic abuse and torture of Palestinian detainees that is an integral part of the same genocidal campaign. The footage broadcast on Israeli and regional media on Friday showed around 20 heavily armed officers storming a hallway leading to Palestinian prisoners cells and forcing detainees to the ground with their hands tied behind their backs, before dragging them out and leaving them face down on the floor. The Palestinian Prisoners Society, which sent lawyers to meet inmates afterwards, reported that farright National Security Minister Itamar BenGvir personally stepped on prisoners heads and filmed their humiliation, boasting of the crackdown as cameras rolled. Prisoners said they were ordered to keep their heads and faces pressed to the floor throughout the raid, were subjected to degrading insults and threats, and were treated in ways the group described as physical torture aimed at breaking their will and terrorizing their families. The Society stated that since the start of Israels genocidal war on Gaza in 2023, the prison authorities have deliberately released more videos and images of abuse in a race to achieve higher levels of brutality and to showcase their cruelty for domestic political gain. Rights organizations have documented a sharp deterioration in conditions for Palestinian prisoners under BenGvirs tenure, including severe restrictions, routine beatings, food deprivation and widespread weight loss, which they say amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of international law. BenGvirs presence at Ofer on Friday was a calculated act of fascistic intimidation. Accompanied by senior police and prison officials and civilian Zionists, he toured the prison just days before Ramadan, while guards fired stun grenades near prisoners cells and stormed sections of the facility. During the visit he declared that the harsh measures imposed on Palestinian detainees were not enough, demanded still more repressive legislation, including a death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners, and sneered that Ofer was not a luxury hotel but a real prison whose conditions he welcomed as a fundamental change. Palestinian and international rights groups condemned the raid as an instance of intimidation and abuse and part of a systemic, institutionalized policy of torture sanctioned at the highest levels of the Israeli state. Hamas called the episode a new war crime and a blatant challenge to international humanitarian law regarding prisoners, stressing that the raid was not an aberration but an escalation of entrenched brutality. The Israeli government has not announced any serious investigation or review of the incident. Instead, the Times of Israel and other outlets amplified BenGvirs own video of the raid, underlining the states endorsement of his actions. The imperialist governments have responded with silence, as they continue to arm Israel and coordinate policy with Netanyahus government, which includes fascists like BenGvir. The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a component of the drive by US and European imperialism to redivide the world in the leadup to a new world war in which rival powers carry out colonial wars and proxy military conflicts. Trumps Board of Peace, the sham ceasefire, the militarized stabilization of Gaza and the complete impunity granted to Israeli war criminals are elements of a global strategy by US imperialism to secure strategic chokepoints, energy routes and military bases across the Middle East. Melbourne protest against Isaac Herzog, February 12, 2026 A demonstration of around 50,000 workers, students and youth took place in central Melbourne on February 12, the largest of a series of nationwide protests against the Albanese Labor governments invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, a war criminal who has openly incited the Gaza genocide. The rally took place just days after the New South Wales Labor government used major event laws to impose police-state conditions in Sydney, where peaceful protesters were kettled, pepper-sprayed and assaulted under sweeping new powers aimed at deterring any opposition to Herzogs visit and to Australias complicity in the US-backed onslaught on Gaza. Read the World Socialist Web Sites coverage of the Melbourne rally here. In Melbourne, WSWS reporters spoke to a cross-section of demonstrators about why they opposed Herzogs tour, how they viewed Labors role in the genocide and the broader assault on democratic rights. Laura, a legal assistant, said it was her first time attending a rally against the Gaza genocide. Ive come tonight because I believe in the freedom of Palestinian people and Im here to support that. Australia shouldnt agree with war crimes and shouldnt give any incitement to anyone that has anything to do with war crimes. So the invitation of Herzog is absolutely awful. Labor has supported the genocide for the past couple of years now. I like to think I try to see the best in people. But Im not seeing it at the moment in this government. In response to the claim by Labor that the protests are antisemitic, Laura said: Thats ridiculous. People have a right to freedom of speech, including when its speaking out against the oppression of a people. Thats not antisemitic. Theyre completely different things and no one should say otherwise. On the police rampage in Sydney the previous Monday, she said: That was police brutality, and I was shocked to see that happening here. Its the sort of thing we associate with videos of countries overseas, including the US with what ICE is doing to civilians. Im ashamed for my overseas friends to see that thats happening in Australia. Rob and family Rob is a truck driver who attended the protest with his family. The United Nations and most nations around earth acknowledge that hes a war criminal, he said. We shouldn't be acknowledging and welcoming this criminal here. Selling weapons to people that kill children shouldnt be the case. Asked about the attack on protesters in Sydney by police, Rob said, Its never illegal to have freedom of speech. Lily, a high school student, travelled from regional town Ballarat by train to attend the protest. She said: I just dont think that a man who promotes genocide the way he does, just doesnt promote what Australia is. I dont want to support a man who supports genocide. Im here today to just make my voice heard. Referring to the attack on protesters in Sydney, Lily said, I think its in some part definitely inspired by whats happening over in the US with ICE. Governments are feeling freer to use more fascist sort of politics. It goes against our rights. Fiona and Ben Ben and Fiona both work in retail. Ben explained he attended the protest partly because of the footage that came out of Sydney on Monday. I think its a disgrace and I think people need to be held accountable and secondly, I think its pertinent to show numbers when Herzogs in town. The gloves are off. The police are nothing but state bullies and they are enforcing protection for war criminals and private property. I see disturbing parallels to not necessarily where America is now, but where it was a few years ago and how people let that slide and I see that as the future for Australia. They are telling us, dont believe what you know to be true, believe what we tell you to believe. Thats what a lot of Western politics is coming down to. Theyre saying it was justified and that the police were acting under such pressure, Fiona added. They are lying to peoples faces and expecting them to believe. But we could see the footage. We saw that they wanted a fight. They were attacking people because they wanted to. It was disgusting. John Retiree John told the WSWS correspondents: The New South Wales and Victorian state governments, all Labor are basically a bunch of fascists. Ive always been Labor. I dont think they represent the spirit of Labor. They have aligned themselves with America who are supplying the weaponry that kills Palestinian civilians. In Britain, [Labour prime minister Keir] Starmer is no better than the Tories. Starmer represents basically the English labour movement, but do they look like a labour party to you? Not far from here there was the arms expo under the auspices of the Victorian Labor government. This is not [extreme right party] One Nation whos putting this on. We have no alternative anymore in Australia as to who we vote for because youve either got Albanese whos on the right or youve got a dysfunctional opposition. Weve become a one-party state effectively, because we dont have any alternative and the same goes in the United States. I know a lot of people dislike Trump, but can you give me an alternative? America under Biden just supplied weapons to bomb the hell out of Palestinian civilians. Of course, they all will say, like [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong, they oppose violence against civilians. These are just words. Ultimately, you have to apply sanctions against Israel. If you saw the Open Letter in Mondays Age, signed by prominent Jewish people, they were saying that Herzog does not represent them as Jews. So a lot of the opposition is coming from Jewish people themselves. John was asked about the fact that the speech platforms at the protests promoted officials from the Maritime Union of Australia which has blocked any industrial action by dock workers to prevent arms shipments to Israel. The degree of complicity is actually extraordinary, he said. You can add all those Arab countries as well like Saudi Arabia, Egypt who have actually by their silence and lack of action facilitated the whole process. The labour movement apart from in Italy where they pulled a number of general strikes in the major ports, has done nothing. Where is the labour movement? Theyre not holding Albanese to account. Its a complete betrayal. The Palestinian people have been betrayed on a wide scale. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Gross Written Premium: QAR10 billion, up 9% year-on-year. Net Profit Before Tax: QAR874 million, a 19% year-on-year increase. Net Profit After Tax: QAR806 million, up 10% year-on-year. Insurance Service Result: QAR506 million. Investments and Other Income: QAR993 million, a 3% increase. Earnings Per Share: Increased to QAR0.188 from QAR0.171. Proposed Cash Dividend: 11% for the year. Regulatory Solvency Ratio: Approximately 200% at year-end. Regional Gross Written Premium: QAR5.9 billion, a 24% year-on-year increase. International Operations Contribution: QAR4 billion to the group's GWP. Insurance Revenue: QAR8.9 billion. IFRS 17 Combined Ratio: 93%, within the target range of 93% to 95%. Investment Portfolio Yield: 5.1%, up from 4.9% last year. External AUM: Exceeded QAR2 billion. AAA ESG Rating: Achieved from MSCI, the only insurer in the MENA region with this rating. Release Date: February 17, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Gross written premium reached QAR10 billion, marking a 9% year-on-year increase. Net profit before Pillar II global tax provision increased by 19% year-on-year to QAR874 million. The regulatory solvency ratio remained robust at about 200%, indicating strong financial health. QIC achieved a AAA ESG rating from MCSI, the only insurer in the MENA region to do so. The company's investment portfolio yielded a return of 5.1%, up from 4.9% the previous year. Negative Points The company faced challenges in a competitive and rate-softening market environment. Despite growth, the net profit after tax rose only by 10% year-on-year, which may be seen as modest compared to other metrics. The company had to exit low-margin, loss-making, high-severity, and high-volatile risks, indicating past strategic missteps. International operations faced challenges due to global market losses like the US wildfires. The combined ratio, although improved, still stands at 93%, which is at the higher end of the company's target range. Q & A Highlights Q: Can you provide an overview of Qatar Insurance Company's financial performance for the year 2025? A: The gross written premium reached QAR10 billion, marking a 9% year-on-year increase. Net profit before Pillar II global tax provision was QAR874 million, up 19% year-on-year, while net profit after tax rose to QAR806 million, a 10% increase. The earnings per share increased to QAR0.188 from QAR0.171, with a proposed cash dividend distribution of 11%. The regulatory solvency ratio remained robust at about 200%. (Varghese David, Group Chief Financial Officer) A New South Wales (NSW) coronial inquest into the death of 21-year-old Filipino worker Jerwin Royupa has revealed the brutal slavery-like conditions he endured while in Australia under a so-called training visa. Deputy State Coroner Rebecca Hosking found Royupa was exploited and exposed to potentially criminal behaviour during his sponsorship. Jerwin Royupa [Photo: GoFundMe/Lianne Nicole Nota] Royupa died at Royal Melbourne Hospital on March 15, 2019, from complications of multiple blunt force injuries sustained the day before, when he jumped or fell out of a moving vehicle driven by his sponsor. The inquest was not held until late 2024, and the findings were only released last month. The forced labour conditions that contributed to Royupas death were allowed by the complete lack of oversight by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), a situation that remains in place now, almost seven years later. Hosking found that the DHA does not take active steps to supervise compliance or prevent employers taking advantage of overseas trainees thereby exposing vulnerable overseas workers to an unacceptable risk of exploitation in high risk industries such as the agricultural industry. Royupa, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture graduate, arrived in Australia on February 7, 2019. He had been granted a Subclass 407 Training Visa to undertake professional development training at a remote vineyard in the NSW Riverina, a major agricultural region near the Victorian border. His sister Jamaica told the inquest he intended to work in agriculture and at a local church upon returning to the Philippines. Another of his sisters, Jessa-Joy, said we all thought he would be safe in Australia. Hosking found that in the days leading up to his death Royupa was increasingly fearful of his employer, who he had told relatives was denying him food and had cut off power to his accomodation. Royupa had been trying to line up a new visa sponsor so that he could continue his training with a different employer. While the employer contended that Royupa was told on the morning of his death that he would be driven to the airport and sent back to the Philippines, Hosking found this highly unlikely. After the time he was allegedly informed, Royupa sent multiple text messages to the migration agent he was working with that did not mention that his employer planned to have him removed from the country within hours. Moreover, he did not contact his family in the Philippines to tell them that he would be returning. On this basis, Hosking found that Jerwin did not know he was going to the airport until after the Van had left the Agriculture Premises. The International Labour Office, the UN agency for labour standards, identifies 11 indicators of forced labourincluding withholding wages, restricting movement, and retaining identity documentsseveral of which the inquest found Royupa had experienced. The inquest found that Royupa exclusively performed manual labour and received no education or training, contrary to what had been proposed to him. This labour was up to 60 hours a week outside in excessive heat without having been provided with adequate clothing or sunscreen. His visa agent promised him a generous allowance of $134.92 per month which his employer would keep for the first six months. Even if this had been paid, the sum was wholly inadequate, Hosking found. At the time of Royupas death, Australias national minimum wage was $18.93 per hour, meaning the monthly allowance would have amounted to less than one days pay. The nearest town was 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the employers property where Royupa lived and he had no means of transportation. His employer confiscated his passport, and his internet access was restricted. No check-ups by any government agency were done in the five weeks between Royupa starting work and his death to confirm that he was actually being trained, even after a contact reported Royupas abusive working conditions to the Fair Work Ombudsman on March 13. Hosking found the NSW Police investigation into Royupas death inadequate, stating it is clear that more could have been done. She declared: Given the information known on 14 March 2019, the investigation should have been approached as suspicious rather than one which did not involve foul play. Magistrate Hosking concluded that the support systems for subclass 407 visa holders were inaccessible, inadequate and insufficient. The 407 visa was created in 2016 under the Morrison Liberal-National Coalition government as a replacement of the 402 training and research visa for professional development programs of face-to-face teaching in a classroom or similar environment in Australia. The new visa introduced DHA-approval requirements for sponsorships and retained training periods of up to two years. The 407 framework explicitly permitted training placements to be unpaid. The policy has been continued by the Albanese Labor government since it came to power in 2022. Labors agreement with the brutal exploitation of migrant workers is underscored by its attempts to cover up the DHAs role in Royupas death. In May and October last yearafter the inquest hearings but before the findings were madethe DHA sought to have evidence given by senior members of its staff disregarded by the coroner. Hosking noted that the evidence the DHA wanted to suppress was adverse to its interests. The inquest heard that on April 9, 2019, less than a month after Royupas death, the DHA rejected a second nomination by the same sponsor for another 407 trainee. The decisionmaker found that the ambiguous training content and proposed remuneration make it clear this placement exists primarily to benefit the sponsor rather than to provide a genuine training opportunity. One of the DHA witnesses told the inquest that, for this second application, the same training documentation was relied upon as with the application for Royupa. In light of this, Hosking found that the approval of Royupas sponsorship was lawful, but inappropriate. The other DHA witness, Paul Clayton, an inspector with the Australian Border Forces Sponsor Monitoring Coordination Unit, revealed that the unit had not visited the site where Royupa worked to assess the sponsors suitability, either before or after the 407 visa was approved. Despite the clear attempt by his department to suppress this information, Hosking recommended that Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, conduct a thorough internal review with respect to the potential lessons learned. Similarly, Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evansa former Labor senator appointed to the new position in 2024has urged Burke to reform the 407-visa subclass, telling the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the framework just screams vulnerability. Having held the anti-slavery post for more than a year, Evans has only now made this call in response to widespread press coverage of the inquest findings. Nothing will be changed through appeals to Burke, or the inquests recommendations for further investigation and minor reform by the very forcesLabor, the police and the DHAoverseeing the dire conditions confronting migrant workers. Labors response to the Royupa casethat is, to try to cover for the DHA and preserve a system that facilitates the blatant exploitation of migrant workers by employersexposes the governments denunciations of human trafficking and modern slavery as nothing more than hypocritical bluster. This is in line with Labors continuing support of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, under which tens of thousands of workers from impoverished Pacific Island nations are brought to Australia on temporary visas to provide dirt-cheap labour to meet the profit demands of big business. Notably, the Australian trade unions have not said a word about Jerwin Royupas death or the inquest findings revealing the forced labour conditions he, and no doubt countless other migrant workers, was subjected to. To defend the rights and lives of migrant workers, as part of the fight for decent working conditions, wages and democratic rights of the working class as a whole, workers need to take matters into their own hands. This means building rank-and-file committees in workplaces across the country, independent of and in opposition to the nationalist, pro-business program of the unions and Labor. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Latin America Hundreds injured by riot police in protest against anti-worker legislation in Buenos Aires A peaceful protest against anti-worker legislation backed by the fascistic Milei administration was attacked by police in Buenos Aires February 11. Some 560 demonstrators had to be assisted by volunteer medical squads participating in the event. Three hundred were severely wounded and 70 were arrested. Masses of workers had marched and rallied in downtown Buenos Aires protesting new legislation proposed by the Milei administration and approved by the Senate, that attacks jobs, wages, working conditions and the right to strike. As in previous demonstrations, police used tear gas projectiles fired at close range. Federal gendarmes also used water cannons and pepper spray. As has now become the norm, members of the press were singled out for attack and detention. The new law allegedly designed to modernize working conditions, gives corporations a free hand in changing wages, hours, working conditions and vacation times. It also gives employers the right to fire workers at will. Demonstrations against the new legislation also took place throughout the week across the country, including in the industrial city of Cordoba, where protesting education workers were also assaulted by police. Mexican students, educators and workers show solidarity with Cuba On February 14 students, educators and workers lined up in Mexico Citys central Zocalo Square responding to a drive for food and medicines for Cuba, as part of a protest against the Trump administration-imposed oil blockade against that island-nation. The drive was organized by the Va por Cuba collective and the Jose Marti Association of Cuban Residents in Mexico. Throughout the day, youth, retirees, blue- and white-collar workers, and educators arrived with supplies. The collection will continue through February 22 and will be shipped to Cuba. Mexican Cultural Center workers fight for wages, working conditions and proper jobs Contingent workers employed by the Cineteca Nacional, a cultural institution that promotes and preserves Mexican cinema, rallied in protest on February 14 in Mexico City demanding an end to the firms abusive and exploitative practices. Out of the 340 workers employed by Cineteca, 270 are contingent part-time workers, with no formal contracts. Workers that have complained in the past have been victimized by management, emphasizing their mistreatment under the administration of Vicente Cazares and how government authorities have ignored their complaints. The workers, mostly young, carried red, white and black cardboard signs defending culture and denouncing contingent work. One read: The love for movies is shown by supporting workers. The workers also demand wage increases and better working conditions. There are not enough workers to carry out all the tasks required of us, declared one of the demonstrators; our part-time status is affecting our health; we are overworked under conditions of lack of health insurance and economic insecurityour January wages are still owed to us. The demonstrators have not been paid their January wages and plan to continue their protests until their demands are met. United States Nurses launch three-day strike at West Anaheim Medical Center Registered nurses at West Anaheim Medical Center plan to hold a three-day strike beginning February 16 reported California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. There are about 360 nurses at the facility and contract talks have dragged on an entire year. The nurses voted to authorize strike action January 14. West Anaheim Medical Center nurses picket February 2026 [Photo: California Nurses Association/National Nurses United] According to a CNA/NNU statement the nurses are striking to protest the administrations refusal to address RNs deep concerns about patient care, retention and recruitment of nurses, and safe staffing. The nurses join thousands of other medical workers on strike In California and New York City. The strike is one of multiple labor actions affecting Southland hospitals. Thousands of nurses at Kaiser Permanente facilities across California continue their strike, while more than 3,000 Kaiser pharmacy and lab employees concluded a three-day strike last week. Registered nurses and other licensed medical professionals at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center are set to start a five-day strike. Three contract workers suffer burns at ExxonMobil refinery in Beaumont, Texas Three contract workers received burns while working on transport operations at the ExxonMobil oil refining complex in Beaumont, Texas according to media reports February 13. The injuries were reportedly caused by hot steam or condensate during operations. Two of the three workers were taken to a burn treatment center. No fire was reported. No other information has been released by management or state safety officials. ExxonMobil claimed a comprehensive investigation is underway. The ExxonMobil Beaumont facility is a complex that includes a refinery, chemical plant, polyethylene units, and lubricant operations. The facility has a long history of safety failures, abetted by the collaboration of the United Steelworkers bureaucracy with management and state regulators. Canada Ontario Special Care Center workers mark 12 weeks on the picket line More than 240 special care workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) have been on strike since November 19, 2025. CWSDS is a provincially funded organization. The workers, members of Ontario Public Service Union (OPSEU) Local 249, provide critical care and support to adults with developmental disabilities, many of whom have complex care needs. Workers are demanding a fair wage to compensate for years of miserable increases even as the cost-of-living skyrocketed. They also seek redress of difficult working conditions spurred by low retention rates and understaffing. Management has offered a pathetic wage increase of 8.25 percent over 6 years, which averages out to only 1.38 percent per year. Even provincially mandated individual disability rate increases are higher than what management is offering the care workers. Meanwhile, CWSDS CEO Patricia Kyle received a recent 10 percent spike in her own six-figure compensation. The union proposes a pay hike of 12.25 percent over six years which averages a meager 2.04 percent wage increase per year. Union leadership has since then signaled a willingness for further flexibility in negotiating an end to the dispute. As management continues to stonewall, union officials have been reduced to a meek appeal to the entrenched employer to simply take responsibility, address safety concerns, and return to the table ready to negotiate a fair deal. The employer had been preparing for a significant showdown since the summer. Failing to reach a tentative contract in negotiations, it requested a No Board report required by the labour board this past September which started a countdown that permitted a legal lockout that could begin as early as October 9. Management immediately began relocating patients, hiring contract workers that were supposed to be trained by the threatened union workers and forcing a last offer contract vote. Workers, overwhelmingly rejecting the miserable contract offer by 97 percent, then voted to strike and began picketing on November 19. Managements moves to relocate patients from small group homes in outlying regional areas to its central facility in Oakville, Ontario have caused an uproar amongst parents and social activists. For striking workers, who are well-versed in the developmental needs of the people in their care, the relocations have only served to precariously re-institutionalize people who were thriving in group homes. Since the relocations began, two people have died in the Oakville facility and another relocated person was severely injured in a brutal attack. Picketing continues at the Oakville center. The Voice of Hind Rajab, a moving docudrama written and directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, focuses on the response of the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS) to the desperate cellphone calls of Hind, a five-year-old Palestinian girl trapped by Israeli fire in Gaza in January 2024. The girl, along with six members of her family and two Red Crescent paramedics, eventually died in a hail of lethal IDF fire. Saja Kilani in The Voice of Hind Rajab The film, nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards (the ceremony will be held March 15), is currently playing in select theaters in the US. It is scheduled for digital release on February 24. The case, of course, is a notorious one by now. Students taking over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University in April 2024 to protest the mass murder in Gaza renamed the building Hinds Hall in the murdered girls honor. American rapper Macklemore issued a protest song Hinds Hall in May 2024. The massacre of the entirely defenseless Hind and her family members has come to epitomize for tens of millions the genocidal-fascistic character of the ongoing Zionist onslaught. The tragic episode began when the black Kia Picanto in which Hind and her family were attempting to flee Gaza City in search of a safe zone was shelled. Her uncle, aunt and three cousins were immediately killed. Hind and another cousin initially survived but were trapped in the wrecked vehicle. Hind and her 15-year-old cousin Layan Hamada are the only ones left alive in the car, as an IDF unit begins firing. Layan makes a desperate call to the Red Crescent, explaining they are being targeted, a tank is getting closer and that everyone in the car aside from Hind and herself are dead. Seconds after, gunshots are heard once again, and Layans screaming abruptly stops. Hind is now the only one left alive in the vehicle, gravely injured and alone. The PRCS stay in contact with her, as they attempt to gain permission from the IDF to send paramedics to the location to save her. The film dramatizes the scene in the Red Crescent office, but uses the actual audio recording of Hinds phone callhence its title. Around 6 p.m. on January 29, PRCS paramedics Yusuf al-Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun leave Al-Ahli Hospital in an ambulance to rescue Hind. After they arrive at the location of the car, they are never heard from again. The last thing captured on a call between the two paramedics and the PRCS communication team is an explosion. Two weeks after the attack, when the IDF finally evacuated the area, the decomposing bodies of Hind, Layan and their family members are discovered. A few meters away, the burnt-out ambulance is found, together with the remains of paramedics Yusuf and Ahmed. Ben Hanias script was developed through extensive interviews with the actual PRCS volunteers who handled the calls. The dialogue is rooted in this testimony, capturing the prayers and words of comfort passed on and the frantic internal debates that occur as the staff navigate the complex military and bureaucratic hurdles required to dispatch an ambulance. It focuses on the invisible elements of the tragedy the waiting, the silence, and the agonizing pursuit of military clearance. The narrative follows the chronological progression of events, beginning with the initial emergency call from Hinds cousin and ending with the loss of contact with both the child and the paramedics sent to save her. As noted, the film uses about 70 minutes of actual audio recordings of Hinds calls to Red Crescent dispatchers, so Hinds own voice is heard throughout, as a disembodied presence to which the characters respond. Hind Rajab at her graduation ceremony for senior kindergarten The film places the audience inside the Red Crescent call center, where operators try to keep Hind calm and conscious while negotiating with Israeli authorities. The most notable dialogue in The Voice of Hind Rajab takes the form of the emergency call between Hind and the Red Crescent operators. Those lines center on her fear (Im so scared, please come) and her descriptions of the darkness and the sleeping relatives around her, while the operators try to soothe her, keep her talking and extract details about her location. If we hang up, she dies alone, and What does protocol mean when theres a child on the line? argue the desperate, traumatized responders. The film transforms Hinds situation into a singlelocation, timepressured drama about frontline medics tryingand ultimately failingto rescue one child, highlighting the human stakes of the Gaza assault and the burden on those who tried to help her. Saja Kilani plays Rana Hassan Faqih, a Red Crescent callcenter worker who becomes the primary voice speaking to Hind and trying to keep her calm. Motaz Malhees is Omar A. Alqam, a dispatcher/paramedic involved in the effort to coordinate and carry out the rescue mission. Clara Khoury is Nisreen Jeries Qawas, another senior staff member whose decisions and emotional responses shape the callcenters reaction. Amer Hlehel is Mahdi M. Aljamal, part of the Red Crescent team dealing with the operational and moral weight of trying to reach Hind under fire. The scenes unfold in a cramped, functional control room filled with desks, multiple phone lines, flickering screens showing maps and GPS, notepads with frantic scribbles and coffee cupsevoking the emergency hub strained by constant incoming calls. Overhead lights cast harsh shadows; walls hold procedural charts and Red Crescent insignia, while explosions rumble in the distance, heightening the claustrophobia as operators juggle multiple crises. The Voice of Hind Rajab The chaos and terror build: initial organized response (logging details, radioing ambulances) shifts to emotional strain as Hinds small voice (Im scared, come quickly) dominates via speakerphone, freezing the room. Operators pace, argue over protocols (We need IDF clearance, Shell die waiting), sweat under fluorescent glare, their faces lit by phone screensmixing professional duty with raw parental horror. They weigh the dangers (ongoing shelling, recent PRCS losses) against the coordinated approval with the Israelis and Hinds fading consciousness, deciding the chance to save her justifies deployment from nearby al-Ahli Hospital rather than waiting indefinitely. Focus stays tight on four or five core staff like Rana and Omar, reacting in real time to Hinds pleas; no music, just her audio, along with beeps and static, making the space a pressure cooker of helplessness. As minutes drag into hours, exhaustion showsheads in hands, urgent whispers to supervisorsculminating in silence when contact ends, leaving stunned faces amid ringing lines. Hinds voicedescribing herself alone, scared, and surrounded by sleeping relativescreates unbearable emotional pressure; operators like Rana repeatedly emphasize to supervisors, Shes just a little girl, we cant leave her, framing inaction as tantamount to abandonment. The PRCS has already lost dozens of staff in Gaza by January 2024 but continues operations, as paramedics like al-Zeino and al-Madhoun volunteer knowing the risks, driven by professional commitment and the slim hope of success. The two paramedics are killed when their clearly marked ambulance is hit. PRCS and multiple humanrights and investigative groups insist the ambulance was deliberately targeted by Israeli forces despite prior coordination, while the Zionist regime has not provided a detailed public explanation addressing these specific allegations. Ben Hania chose the hybrid documentary-fiction structure to translate the impact of hearing Hinds voice into cinematic form and maintain its impact. She explained in a directors statement that upon hearing Hinds voice I immediately felt a mix of helplessness, and an overwhelming sadness. A physical reaction, like the ground shifted under me. I couldnt carry on as planned. I contacted the Red Crescent and asked them to let me hear the full audio. After listening to it, I knew, without a doubt, that I had to drop everything else. I had to make this film. I spoke at length with Hinds mother, with the real people who were on the other end of that call, those who tried to help her. I listened, I cried, I wrote. Then I wove a story around their testimonies, using the real audio recording of Hinds voice, and building a single-location film where the violence remains off-screen. She went on: At the heart of this film is something very simple, and very hard to live with. I cannot accept a world where a child calls for help and no one comes. That pain, that failure, belongs to all of us. This story is not just about Gaza. It speaks to a universal grief. And I believe that fiction (especially when it draws from verified, painful, real events) is cinemas most powerful tool. More powerful than the noise of breaking news or the forgetfulness of scrolling. Cinema can preserve a memory. Cinema can resist amnesia. May Hind Rajabs voice be heard. The Voice of Hind Rajab Hinds mother, Wissam Hamada, appears in the film and speaks about her daughters death with a mix of overwhelming grief, anger and a determination to seek justice so other children do not meet the same fate. She describes Hinds last call and the moment she realized her daughter would not be rescued as an unbearable ordeal that still defines daily life for her and her son, saying her home is now filled with the loudest silence. After Hinds body was found, she publicly condemned the Israeli killers, asking, How many more mothers are you waiting to feel this pain? How many more children do you want to get killed? directly accusing the IDF of responsibility. She has also condemned how some in the media framed Hind as merely found dead, instead of clearly naming the Netanyahu regime and its military who murdered her, seeing that coy wording as part of a wider failure to value Palestinian childrens lives. She has expressed hope that it will help stop this destructive war and save the other children of Gaza, seeing it as a way to amplify Hinds voice globally. In her own writing and statements, she says her grief has become a duty to make sure no other child goes unheard, and that keeping Hinds story alive is now central to her life. Investigations have revealed the IDF unit pumped 335 bullets into the car in which Hind and others were sitting. In its meticulous investigation, London-based Forensic Architecture explained that the weapon used for the attack was firing at a range of 750900 rounds per minute, a range exceeding that of the AK-type assault rifle commonly used by Palestinian fighters operating in Gaza (the Israelis, of course, initially claimed Hind was killed by Palestinian fire). This range of rounds per minute is consistent with Israeli army-issued weaponry such as the M4 assault rifle or the FN MAG machine gun on a Merkava tank, the investigation determined. The Forensic Architecture probe, as reported by Middle East Eye, used a mix of kinetic analysis, satellite imagery and footage sourced from the site of the incident and also found that the Israeli tank that fired upon the vehicle Rajab was sitting inside must have been positioned within 13 to 23 metres when it killed Layan, Rajabs 15-year-old cousin. FA concluded: Its not plausible that the shooter could not have seen that the car was occupied by civilians, including children. An Al Jazeera documentary aired October 20, 2025, Tip of the Iceberg, revealed the name of the unit allegedly responsible for the massacre as well as the names of the IDF personnel involved. The same day, the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a 120-page document at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. To their credit, executive producers of The Voice of Hind Rajab include prominent figures such as Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuaron and Jonathan Glazer. A viewing of The Voice of Hind Rajab is painful but essential for an understanding of the present state of the world and the monstrous crimes being committed against the most defenseless populations. About 50,000 workers, students and youth demonstrated in Melbournes central business district (CBD) on Thursday as part of a series of protests across Australia over the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, a war criminal, who was welcomed to the country by the federal Labor government. Melbourne protest against Isaac Herzog, February 12, 2026 Thursdays turnout, more than double the size of the previous demonstration in the Victorian state capital the previous Monday, was in large part a response to the brutal police rampage orchestrated by the New South Wales (NSW) state Labor government in Sydney just days earlier. The scenes of state violence in Sydneywhere peaceful protesters were pepper-sprayed, bashed and charged at by hundreds of riot policehave sent a shockwave of horror and opposition across the country. In Sydney, the Labor government of Premier Chris Minns, acting in lockstep with the federal Albanese government, had invoked major event legislation to erect a virtual police state, banning marches and granting police draconian powers to control the CBD. The resulting violence was a calculated provocation. Footage showed a grandmothers back being broken after she was pushed by police and a group of Muslim men being attacked while they were in the middle of prayer. However, as the scale of the movement grows, so too do the efforts of the Greens and their pseudo-left satellites to politically neuter it. The February 12 rally in Melbourne served as a platform for these forces to attempt to contain the working-class anger and channel it back into the dead-end of the parliamentary system and appeals to the very Labor Party responsible for the crimes being denounced. The most politically revealing and dangerous contribution came from Gabrielle de Vietri, the Greens state member for Richmond. De Vietris speech was a textbook example of how the Greens seek to act as a safety valve for the capitalist state. Gabrielle de Vietri speaking at Melbourne protest against Isaac Herzog, February 12, 2026 De Vietri sought to sow illusions in the efficacy of pressure within the existing political setup. She claimed that the power on the street, the power in the parliament, the power in court had already combined to achieve incredible things. She listed as wins the end of the Victorian governments partnership with the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems and the removal of the Land Forces arms expo from the state. These claims were presented as proof that the Labor Party and the capitalist state can be compelled, by moral pressure and electoral manoeuvres, to halt their support for genocide. This is a deliberate falsification of reality. While these localised victories are touted, the genocide has only intensified, and the Labor government has responded by expanding police powers and signing multi-billion-dollar contracts with Zionist-linked surveillance firms like Palantir. The Elbit partnership and IMOD MoU were always commercial, time-limited arrangements, quietly allowed to lapse or be rebranded while the state expanded broader military and security ties, including with other Israeli arms companies based in Melbourne and integrated into Australian defence projects. Israeli arms multinationals Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries all maintain operations in Melbourne, anchored in Victorian-backed initiatives such as Elbits Centre of Excellence and defence-industry partnerships geared to major Australian arming programs. At the same time, the Allan Labor government is ramming through draconian protest laws: extended CBD-wide designated areas for warrantless searches (including of children), new bans and penalties targeting demonstrators, and a social cohesion crackdown that explicitly links pro-Palestine rallies with extreme, dangerous and radical protest and antisemitism in order to criminalise opposition to genocide. In other words, the pressure de Vietri advocates has not shifted Labor to the left, but has seen it move dramatically to the right, toward the implementation of police-state measures to suppress dissent. Her narrative turns the deepening onslaught on democratic rights into an opportunity for Green electoral horse-trading. De Vietris ultimate goal was to capture the movement for the Greens electoral project. We must take every opportunity and an election year is a better opportunity than any other, she declared to the crowd. She urged the protesters to translate this people power into electoral power, arguing that by voting for the Greens, they could threaten Labors power where it hurts the most. In a cynical piece of political theatre, de Vietri conducted a poll of the tens of thousands present, asking those who had voted Labor in the past to raise their hands and then shout Never again! She concluded by inviting these voters to join the Greens, claiming they would replace them and change the future of politics. This perspective is a political trap. The capitalist Greens are not seeking a break with the imperialist source of war and genocide. They are desperate to prove their utility to the ruling class as responsible minority partners in a future Labor-Greens coalition government. Their entire role is to dissipate anger over genocide and war into the safe channels of parliamentary manoeuvres. The protest organisers, including representatives from Free Palestine Melbourne (FPM), further disoriented the crowd by downplaying Labors active participation in the slaughter. FPM speakers repeatedly claimed that Labors crime was its silence or complacency. This narrative serves to obscure the material reality that the Albanese government is a full partner in the imperialist eruption in Gaza and more broadly. Labor provides diplomatic cover for the Zionist regime, maintains critical military and intelligence ties, and exports weapons components that are essential for the ongoing carpet-bombing of Gaza. By welcoming Herzog and coordinating with his visit, the government sends a message that ethnic cleansing and genocide are acceptable instruments of policy, and that it is prepared to align itself openly with such crimes. Yet, the political leadership of the protest continues to direct the movement toward impotent moral appeals, asking protesters to send the government a message through the ballot box. The underlying premise is that the same parties and institutions orchestrating genocide abroad and repression at home can somehow be pressured into a humane course. The role of the pseudo-left organisations, such as Socialist Alternative (SAlt), is to provide a radical cover for this parliamentary orientation. Jasmine Duff speaking at Melbourne protest against Isaac Herzog, February 12, 2026 Jasmine Duff, a leading member of SAlt, delivered a speech that was devoid of any socialist or anti-capitalist analysis. She failed to even mention the words capitalism or imperialism, instead offering a bankrupt perspective of endless, repetitive protest: The same thing needs to happen week after week, year after year. This is not a strategy to stop genocide and war, but a recipe for exhaustion and demoralisation. By advocating for more of the same, SAlt and its ilk ensure that the movement remains politically neutered and under the thumb of the Labor-aligned union bureaucracies. Throughout the genocide, these unionsincluding the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), whose Sydney secretary Paul Keating was paraded as a supporter at the Sydney rallyhave blocked any industrial action by the working class to stop the shipment of weapons or trade with Israel. Duff and SAlt run cover for these bureaucrats, refusing to call for a break from the union leadership that maintains a lockstep alliance with the pro-genocide Labor government. The Greens and pseudo-left play this role because, as middle-class formations rooted in the existing parliamentary and trade-union apparatus, their material interests are bound up with preserving capitalism and the state, so they seek to divert mass anger into safe, electoral channels rather than toward a revolutionary break with Labor and the entire profit system. The alternative to their electoral trap is the independent political mobilisation of the working class. This requires a complete and total break with the Labor Party, which has demonstrated yet again through its invitation to Herzog and its police-state rampage in Sydney that it is a party of war and repression. The massive turnout in Melbourne confirms that there is a deep and growing hostility to war and the turn toward authoritarianism. But unless this anger is armed with a clear political perspective, it will be dissipated and betrayed. The capitalist class is responding to its global crisis by tearing up democratic norms and turning toward world war, with the Herzog visit and his red-carpet reception by Labor signalling that there are no red lines when it comes to imperialist interests. The struggle against genocide cannot be separated from the fight against the capitalist system that produces it. The necessary perspective is the unification of the international working class on a revolutionary socialist program to abolish capitalism, the source of imperialist war, dictatorship and social devastation, and to establish workers governments that place the vast resources of society under democratic control. The protests in Australia show the objective potential for such a movement. It will be realised only to the extent that workers and youth consciously reject all attempts to chain their struggle to the parliamentary establishment and instead join the Socialist Equality Party to build a new, revolutionary leadership in the working class. Will Lehman The launch of Will Lehmans campaign for president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) is a political event of major significance for the entire working class. Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker, is running to organize a rebellion of the rank and file against a parasitic bureaucracy that has transformed the UAW into an instrument of management and the state. Lehmans platform centers on transferring power from the apparatus to workers on the shop floor through a network of rank-and-file committees, ending corporatist collaboration, opposing nationalist poison that pits workers against each other across borders, and mobilizing workers industrial power in defense of democratic rights and against war. The initial campaign video, published on Lehmans website, WillforUAWPresident.org, has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, and the campaign has received messages of support from workers across industries and countries. It is precisely this response that has provoked a frantic, malicious attack against Lehmans campaign from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which is a faction of the Democratic Party. In a particularly revealing statement posted on X, Honda Wang, a member of the DSAs National Labor Commission Steering Committee, wrote, responding to Lehmans campaign video: stop falling for these insane union busting weirdos they send people to picket lines to tell workers to stop paying dues, decertify from their union, and form committees with their party instead seems like pretty clear union-busting behavior to me. Ignoring all the issues Lehman raisesincluding fighting for wages that restore past losses, a zero-layoff policy, company-paid healthcare, and the 30-hour week with no loss of pay; uniting workers across borders against nationalist chauvinism; and mobilizing workers industrial power to defend democratic rights and oppose warWang fixates on the question of dues. This is telling, because it goes to what is, for the union apparatus, the heart of the matter: the income of the bureaucracy. As a factual matter, Lehman does not call on UAW members to stop paying dues. Wang nonetheless raises the specter of workers doing so because he speaks as an apparatchikfurious at the possibility that the automatic flow of money from workers to a bureaucracy that exists to police them and enforce concessions could come under threat. Workers, however, should have every right to decide whether they will fund an organization that claims to represent them. If workers believe a union is fighting for their interestswaging a real struggle against layoffs, speedup and concessionsthey will pay dues willingly. Historically, socialists and rank-and-file militants viewed the automatic dues checkoff with deep suspicion because it strengthened the bureaucracys independence from the workers it claims to represent. The employer deducts dues from workers paychecks and remits them automatically, insulating the apparatus from the active, democratic consent of the rank and file and tying the union institutionally to management as the dues collector. The checkoff was massively expanded during World War II as part of a broader corporatist bargain. The unions, including the UAW, enforced the wartime no-strike pledge and participated in joint production arrangements aimed at suppressing wages and increasing output, while employers guaranteed the uninterrupted flow of dues. This helped facilitate the consolidation of a pro-capitalist union bureaucracy. When Wang and the DSA raise the prospect of an end of automatic dues payments, what they are defending is precisely what Lehman exposes in his campaign statement: a massive financial apparatus built on workers dues money, hoarded by a stratum of upper-middle-class executives. As Lehman explains, As it is presently constituted, the UAW is a union in name only. It functions to isolate us, discipline us, and protect the interests of a privileged bureaucracy that is in bed with the companies and the government. Lehman notes that the UAW holds $1.1 billion in assets, employs around 1,000 people and pays nearly 470 officials more than $100,000 a year, with UAW President Shawn Fain at $270,000, Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock at $247,000, vice presidents averaging $235,000 and regional directors averaging $220,000. These officials, Lehman notes, sit in the top 5 percent of income earners and are insulated from the economic shocks confronting workers. Lehman also highlights the 500600 International Representatives earning $140,000 to $160,000 to function as high-paid industrial police, consuming $90 to $100 million in payroll every year. With the installation of Shawn Fain in 2023, in an election characterized by systematic voter suppression, the DSA and its periphery were brought directly into the top echelons of the UAW apparatus. The DSA and Labor Notes both backed Fain and denounced Will Lehmans campaign, opposing his call for rank-and-file committees and the transfer of power to the shop floor while promoting the fraud that Fain would be a reformera lie that has been comprehensively exposed over the past three years. They have been, and remain, well compensated for their services as advisers and functionaries of the bureaucracy. Fains chief of staff, Chris Brooksa DSA member and former Labor Notes writertook home $211,968 in 2024, while his assistant, Jonah Furman, also a Labor Notes alum, made $175,318. Wangs charge of union busting is the standard reflex of a privileged apparatus confronted with a rank-and-file challenge. For Wang and the forces he represents, the union is the apparatus. Workers are merely objects to be managed. That is why he equates the independent organization of workers to assert democratic controlover negotiations, strikes, communications and even over how their dues are collected and usedwith union busting. The apparatus that the DSA is so ardently defending has presided over the systematic suppression of the class struggle for more than four decades. Over this period, the strikehistorically the most powerful weapon available to workersall but disappeared from American life. In 1970, there were 381 major work stoppages involving 1,000 or more workers. By the 2010s, that number had collapsed to a handful per year. This did not happen because workers were satisfied. It happened because the trade union bureaucracy, over decades, smothered every impulse toward collective action, transforming the unions from organizations of struggle into instruments of labor discipline in the service of corporate management. In the UAW elections, Lehman is running as the representative of the rank and file, and that is why his central pledge is treated as intolerable by the apparatus and its defenders. As Lehman states, The truth is, this bureaucracy cant be reformed. It must be abolished. The union parasites who collaborate with management and the state must be removed, and the resources of the union must be taken out of their hands and placed under the democratic control of the rank and file. Fain is the candidate of that apparatus, and his backers in the DSA defend him because their own positions and incomes are tied to the preservation of the bureaucracy and the suppression of the class struggle. Riversgold clears objections to Northern Zone mining lease application Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Riversgold Ltd (ASX:RGL, FRA:RGV, OTC:RVSGF) says objections to its application for Mining Lease M25/389, covering the Northern Zone Gold Project, have been settled. The company is now working with its lawyers to progress the lease toward recommendation and grant. Northern Zone is an intrusive-hosted gold project within Riversgolds broader Kalgoorlie Gold Project, about 25 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. "We finalised the native title agreements with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group covering our Northern Zone Gold Project at the end of last year and we have now resolved remaining objections clearing the way for the grant of our Mining Lease, M25/389. We anticipate that the Mining Lease will be granted in the coming weeks, which will prove to be a major milestone for our Kalgoorlie Gold Project plans with MEGA Resources," Riversgold chairman David Lenigas said. Hawkstone drilling to begin in early March at Tambourah It has already been a busy week for Riversgold, which yesterday finalised planning for an exploration drilling program at the Hawkstone Prospect within its 100%-owned Tambourah Project in Western Australia, with execution expected to begin in early March. The campaign will be the first exploration drilling in the area in about 55 years and will target an anomalous gold and copper trend identified at Hawkstone. Riversgold has handed the program to exploration consultants Apex Geoscience for imminent implementation. Tambourah is about 160 kilometres southeast of Port Hedland and comprises three granted tenements covering roughly 110km, all held 100% by Riversgold. Access is via the Great Northern Highway and Hillside-Woodstock Road, which passes through the project area. Read more: Riversgold finalises Hawkstone drilling program at Tambourah ahead of early March start United Arab Emirates-based Rove Hotels has partnered with Egyptian diversified conglomerate El Sayyad Group to launch the Rove brand in Egypt. Both companies plan to develop the new Rove Sheikh Zayed City hotel through El Sayyad Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of El Sayyad Group. The hotel will be situated on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road in Sheikh Zayed City, with construction scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. Rove Sheikh Zayed City will offer 240 rooms and include facilities such as an all-day dining restaurant, a swimming pool, a gym, and co-working spaces. The location provides road links to Downtown Cairo, Alexandria, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is also positioned near Smart Village, a major business hub, and Sphinx International Airport. Rove Hotels originated in Dubai as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding. The brand manages more than 8,000 rooms, either open or under development, in the region. Its portfolio includes hotels and branded residential units aimed at travellers seeking efficiency and connectivity. The introduction of Rove Hotels to Egypt reflects the brand's ongoing efforts to expand its presence beyond the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following announcements of new projects in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The launch comes as tourism activity increases in Cairo ahead of major museum openings and continued interest in local landmarks. El Sayyad Group CEO Khaled El Sayyad said: The hospitality landscape in Egypt is shifting toward well-designed experiences that prioritise social connectivity. Our partnership with Rove Hotels is a strategic move to address this gap. By combining El Sayyad Groups deep-rooted local market insight with Roves regional lifestyle appeal, we are creating a unique value proposition that blends world-class connectivity with authentic local culture. The partnership between El Sayyad Group and Rove Hotels is positioned as a response to growing demand for hospitality services catering to both leisure and business travellers within Greater Cairo. Rove Hotels COO Paul Bridger said: Bringing Rove to Cairo is an exciting step forward that opens the door to a new audience in a city rich with culture and energy. "Rove Hotels partners with El Sayyad Group for first Egypt property" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Actor Kim Seon Ho has also responded to allegations of tax evasion through the management of a family corporation, with his agency strongly denying any wrongdoing and assuring that all actions were taken in full compliance with South Korean law. The issue arose in response to recent news reports that the actor had set up a one-person corporation for the wrong financial reasons. Given the actor's fame and recent return to acting, it was inevitable that the allegations against him would gain widespread attention, prompting his talent manager to offer a formal response to the situation. In a statement released through Fantagio, the actor's agency attempted to explain the circumstances of the corporation and the actor's current contract status. The agency explained their stance on the issue while denying any deliberate wrongdoing. Fantagio stated, "Hello. This is Fantagio, the agency representing actor Kim Seon Ho. We would like to issue our official position regarding the reports published today concerning Kim Seon Ho's operation of a one-person corporation." READ MORE: Kim Seon Ho Drops a Major Hint About His Relationship With Go Youn Jung On Set The agency further elaborated on Kim's professional arrangements and tax compliance. Fantagio said, "Kim Seon Ho is currently active under an exclusive contract signed in his personal name with Fantagio, and he is faithfully complying with all legal and tax-related procedures in relation to his current contractual relationship and activities." Addressing the core allegation, Fantagio emphasized that the corporation was not created to avoid taxes. The agency explained, "The former one-person corporation mentioned in the reports was established for theater production and theater-related activities, and was absolutely not created for the purpose of intentional tax reduction or tax evasion." Fantagio also noted that the corporation has been inactive and is now being dissolved. The agency added, "After transferring to Fantagio, actual business activities have not taken place for approximately a year, and the company is currently in the process of closure in accordance with relevant laws and procedures." The statement concluded with the agency stressing its intent to prevent misunderstandings, according to Koreaboo. The allegations originated from a report published on Feb. 1, 2026, which claimed that Kim established the corporation in January 2024 at his home address in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The report alleged that Kim served as CEO, while his parents were listed as internal director and auditor, according to Ten Asia. The same outlet analyzed that the company appeared to function as a vehicle for income splitting and asset management rather than active business operations. It further alleged that wages paid to Kim's parents were returned and that corporate funds were used for personal expenses, raising suspicions of tax evasion and fund misuse. As of now, Kim Seon Ho and his agency maintain that the accusations are unfounded and that all actions were lawful and transparent. READ MORE: Kim Seon Ho and Cha Eunwoo Compared in Controversial Tax Evasion Claim That's Raising Eyebrows Raleigh-based SearchCarriers has launched a new Search Map feature, an interactive tool that maps Department of Transportation (DOT)-registered companies across the United States. Announced February 17, the tool aims to provide users with a fast, visual way to explore carrier availability and density. Search Map represents a big user interface upgrade over SearchCarriers previous search functionality. The Search Map integrates seamlessly with SearchCarriers existing Super Search engine, allowing users to apply the robust filters directly on a geographical interface. This means brokers, shippers, and logistics teams can narrow down results by criteria such as active authority status or minimum power unit counts, all while navigating the map to zoom in on specific cities, companies, or regions. Unlike other map tools that struggle with large datasets and suffer from sluggish load times, SearchCarriers version promises quick performance, enabling users to shift from a nationwide overview to a targeted market view in seconds. Customers asked for a better way to see where carriers are, not just scroll through lists, said Garrett, founder of SearchCarriers.com, in the official release. Search Map makes it easy to move from national-level visibility to a specific market in seconds. This launch follows closely on the heels of the companys Associated Entities visualization tool, introduced just last week, which helps users uncover relationships among related companies, further enhancing the platforms analytical depth. SearchCarriers itself is a comprehensive research platform tailored for anyone involved in the trucking and freight industry who holds a DOT number, including motor carriers, freight brokers, and shippers. Drawing from real-time data sourced from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the platform aggregates information on over 4 million companies nationwide, simplifying complex datasets into actionable insights. At its core, SearchCarriers democratizes access to critical details like safety ratings, SMS scores, compliance histories, inspection records with violations, crash data, insurance coverage, equipment specifics including VIN decoding, authority statuses, and risk assessments, all presented in plain language. Users can analyze trucking carriers in the United States through a multifaceted approach on the platform. Starting with the powerful search functionality, individuals can query carriers by name, DOT number, MC number, location, or even equipment type, benefiting from instant autocomplete suggestions and fuzzy matching that corrects for typos or variations. Once carriers are identified, detailed profiles offer thousands of data points per company, allowing for in-depth evaluation of safety performance, historical compliance trends, and operational risks. For instance, users might review a carriers complete inspection history to spot patterns in violations or assess crash records to gauge overall reliability. NEED TO KNOW Kentucky resident Rhonda Smith is suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for more than $50,000, per a complaint filed on Dec. 22, 2025 In the filing, she claims to have suffered a "permanent injury" after she tripped on the trolley tracks at Magic Kingdom Smith alleges she was not properly warned of the dangerous conditions of the tracks and that Disney failed to maintain them in a reasonably safe condition In Disneys Jan. 20 response, the park claims the tracks are open and obvious and that the incident was a result of Smiths own negligence Disney World is responding to a lawsuit filed by a park guest who claims she was left permanently injured after tripping on the trolley tracks at Magic Kingdom. Kentucky resident Rhonda Smith alleges she sustained serious injuries after her foot got caught in the track on Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, according to her initial complaint filed on Dec. 22, 2025 in the Florida Circuit Court in Orange County, Fla. Advertisement Advertisement She alleges in the filing obtained by PEOPLE that the area she was walking on had embedded steel rails and flangeways for the trolley, and that they created gaps and changes in level on the pedestrian walkway. Per the complaint, Smith claims Disney acted negligently by failing to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and failing to warn of any dangerous conditions despite having a non-delegable duty to do so. Trolley tracks on Main Street at Magic Kingdom Gary Hershorn/Getty As a result of the incident, Smith allegedly sustained bodily and terminal injury including a permanent injury to her body as a whole, according to the filing. She also claims to have endured pain and suffering of both a physical and mental nature, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, aggravation of an existing condition as well as past lost wages, loss of earning power, diminished earning capacity. Advertisement Advertisement According to the filing, the losses she experienced are permanent and she alleges she will suffer in the future. As a result, she's suing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for damages that exceed $50,000 and requested the matter be brought to a jury trial. PEOPLE has reached out to Smiths attorney for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty In Disneys answer to her complaint, filed on Jan. 20, the park claims that the trolley tracks on Main Street in Magic Kingdom are open and obvious. Thus, Smith was negligent in this case and owed a duty to use reasonable care for her own safety. Per the filing, Smith breached her duty by failing to pay adequate attention to her surroundings and failing to observe or appreciate the condition(s) alleged in the Complaint, assuming the risk of injury, and/or otherwise failing to take precautions to avoid the incident." 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. Owing to her alleged negligence, the park is claiming shes more than 50% responsible for her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement The filing also claims that the injuries and damages she allegedly sustained were a result of other issues or medical conditions and were not caused or aggravated" by the incident. Disney also demands a trial by jury, per the filing. PEOPLE reached out to a representative for the park, as well as the parks attorney, for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Read the original article on People "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." From his breakout roles in Priscilla and Saltburn to his latest turn as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennells Wuthering Heights, Jacob Elordi has solidified his place as one of Hollywoods rising stars. Alongside his career ascent, fans have remained equally curious about his love lifeand the high-profile relationships that have come with it. Elordi first emerged in the public spotlight as the leading man of Netflixs The Kissing Booth film series, in which he starred opposite his eventual girlfriend, Joey King. He later joined the cast of HBOs Euphoria, and reportedly engaged in a brief romance with co-star Zendaya. Since then, the actor has been romantically linked to model (and Harpers Bazaar cover girl) Kaia Gerber and influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli, with whom he has been in an on-and-off relationship for several years. Advertisement Advertisement Ahead, we break down everything to know about Elordis complete dating history. Olivia Jade Giannulli (December 2021present) Stefanie Keenan - Getty Images Rumors linking Elordi and YouTuber Olivia Jade Giannulli first emerged in December 2021, shortly after Elordis split from model Kaia Gerber. Since then, the pair have been in an on-and-off relationship, marked by several rumored separations and reunions over the years. After initially parting ways in 2022, the two reconciled months later and went on to share romantic getaways in Italy and at Idahos Lake Coeur dAlenejoined by Giannullis parents, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli. Through 2023, sources described the pair as strong and happy, even as both focused on their growing careers. Despite some reports of a breakup in 2024, the couple was seen vacationing with Giannullis family in Sardinia, Italy, proving they were still going strong. By 2025, breakup rumors began circulating again. In August 2025, People reported that Elordi and Giannulli called it quits, citing long-distance challenges. And yet, just one month later, they were reportedly back together. Giannulli even attended Elordis Frankenstein premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. By October, the breakup was reportedly back on again. Its fully over. They are not getting back together, a source told People at the time. Advertisement Advertisement But by January 2026, the duo was spotted together again in New York City, sparking speculation about another reconciliation. On January 14, they both attended the same Frankenstein screening and were later spotted having dinner with Elordis parents. Neither Elordi nor Giannulli has publicly confirmed their current relationship status.. Kaia Gerber (September 2020November 2021) Matt Winkelmeyer - Getty Images Elordi and Gerber were first publicly spotted together in September 2020. The two embarked on multiple PDA-filled dates in New York City before going Instagram official by posting a photo of their (quite prescient) couple costume for Halloween: Elvis and Priscilla Presley. At the time, a source told People that Elordi had gained the approval of the models famous parents, supermodel Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber. Jacob is very sweet to Kaia. They are always very loving and cute together, the insider told the outlet. Its obvious that Cindy and Rande approve of Jacob too. They spend a lot of time together. Advertisement Advertisement But the two split by November 2021, with a Page Six insider describing the breakup as amicable. Zendaya (August 2019early 2020) Filmmagic - Getty Images Elordis first major role after The Kissing Booth was Nate Jacobs on Sam Levinsons HBO series Euphoria. During this period, dating rumors began brewing about him and co-star Zendaya, who played Rue. Public speculation over the couples relationship started after paparazzi captured photos of the two of them enjoying a vacation to Greece together in 2019. Elordi denied the rumors while speaking to GQ Australia, describing Zendaya as like my sister. He went on to rave about her work ethic and personality, adding that she is an amazing creative, you know? Shes super dope to work with. Shes an incredible artist and a very caring person to all of us. Over the next year, paparazzi continued to snap photos of the two on PDA-filled dates in New York City. But when the world went into lockdown after the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the couple reportedly quarantined in separate corners of the globe, with Elordi in his home country of Australia and Zendaya in Los Angeles. The relationship ultimately fizzled out. Advertisement Advertisement Still, they seem to have remained on friendly terms. Elordi posted a sweet tribute to Zendaya following her first-ever Emmy win in September 2020, writing on Instagram: Congratulations captain. Bravo. Joey King (April 2017November 2018) Todd Williamson - Getty Images Elordi first rose to fame thanks to his portrayal of Noah in Netflixs 2018 teen rom-com The Kissing Booth. On set for the movie, he found real-life romance with his on-screen love interest, Joey King, who played protagonist Elle. The two dated for a year, much to the delight of Kissing Booth fans, before quietly splitting in 2018 shortly after the first movies release. In a 2019 interview with Refinery29, King, who is now married to director Steven Piet, discussed the difficulty of going through a public breakup. All you can really do at that point is shut your phone off and crawl into your sister's bed and watch Friends with her, because when youre going through something and the world wants to go through it with you or [wants] to get every piece of detail from you about it, its really difficult. Some of these things are just meant for you, she said. They cant understand; they cant grasp, that reality could be completely different and completely not the same as what you see. So I think that the reason why it was really difficult for them to let up on it is because they just have a fantasy idea of someone elses life, when its not like that at all. You Might Also Like A viral social media skit has reignited a familiar argument about immigration, assimilation and social cohesion. The video lampoons the idea that Western host countries are expected to bend culturally to immigrants who accept public benefits without adopting shared norms. Comedian Pat Smith portrayed a caricature of an immigrant moving from the U.K. to China who is culturally disengaged, openly resentful of his host society and still dependent on state support. Smith's character hails from a Western country and expects accommodations that suit his sensibilities while resisting assimilation into life abroad, holding up a mirror to those who argue that this behavior is acceptable from foreigners who move to the United Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Irish Comedian Says Uk Pm Starmer Hides From Culture Wars As 'Ordinary People' Fight Daily Battles People carrying flags and banners gather to stage a demonstration against the immigration policies of the Labour government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Aug. 16, 2025, in Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom. (Getty Images) "OK, I think we can all agree everything here is a little bit too Chinese," Smith begins, posed in front of a green-screened background of a traditional Chinese street. He says he doesn't eat noodles and wants traditionally English foods "uniquely catered to me." Throughout the sketch, he is repeatedly surprised by resistance from someone off-screen presumably Chinese with whom he is speaking. Read On The Fox News App "I don't think you understand. I'm not from here, OK? I left the U.K. because I didn't like it, alright? So, I need you to change everything to make it feel like it's the U.K." Advertisement Advertisement The character says he can't work due to "anxiety" and asks, "When do I get my money?" before suggesting the creation of a British enclave within China. Uk Prime Minister Outraged After Manchester United Co-owner Warns Country Is Being 'Colonized' By Migrants People protest outside Epping Forest District Council, after the British government won a court ruling resulting in asylum seekers not being evicted from The Bell Hotel in Epping, Britain, on Aug. 31, 2025. "I've noticed as well there's a lot of Chinese people here," he says. "So I was thinking we could get loads of me over here, and we have our own little area, and then you lot can just f--- off." Faced with pretend pushback, Smith's character asks to be heard out. "I was thinking if we get loads of me over here, then we can vote in one of me to be in charge, and then we all can start telling you lot how to live." Advertisement Advertisement He goes on to say that he plans to organize anti-Chinese marches, for which he will need government protection, and finishes the sketch by admitting he is in the country illegally, acting surprised when he finds out he will be sent to prison. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture The video received more than 21 million views on X and over one million on TikTok, with nearly 300,000 likes on Instagram and more than 11,000 comments at the time of publication. "Ill be honest, I just thought it was funny, Im not that invested in politics, but if I see an opportunity to take the piss Im all over it," Smith told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement He also commented on his own Instagram post, writing, "Unfortunately I dont have time to respond to all these comments, but I just wanted to say I have absolutely no idea how this skit relates to politics." Britain's Labour government has been toughening its stance on immigration as it seeks to address the surging popularity of the populist Reform U.K. party, which has taken a strict approach to immigration. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report. Original article source: British comedian goes viral for skit critiquing Western immigration attitudes A violent encounter with Zendaya's wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hollywood has gone viral online, angering fans and prompting a museum investigation. Los Angeles rapper Blueface, of "Thotiana" fame, shared footage of his recent visit to the museum on social media last week, drawing criticism for one particular clip featuring a statue in the Oakland actor's likeness. While the original video is no longer on his social media, TMZ reshared a clip in which Blueface pushes in the chair that Zendaya's figure is sitting on, stroking her hair before sitting across the table and lunging forward to grab her neck. He then swears at the figure, as indicated by the censored bleep in TMZ's cut, holding his hand there for a few seconds before letting go, laughing and turning to smile at the camera. Advertisement Advertisement His stage name is a reference to the School Yard Crips street gang, which wears blue, and the blue faces on $100 bills. A representative for Madame Tussauds told TMZ that museum officials "have been made aware of the incident" on Friday, Feb. 13. "Madame Tussauds attractions are interactive experiences, and guests are expected to treat the figures with respect. This behavior is not tolerated. We are reviewing the incident and will take appropriate action to uphold our standards," the statement continued. It was not clear what type of action that might entail. Madame Tussauds did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement While the museum's website notes that visitors are allowed to touch the figures, it warns not to touch their hair or faces. "The wax figures at Madame Tussauds Hollywood are very realistic, and it can be tempting to touch them," the FAQs read. "However, it is important to remember that they are not real people. They are made of wax and can be easily damaged." In another clip from Blueface's visit, the rapper, whose real name is Johnathan Porter, nears entrepreneur Kylie Jenner's wax figure from behind. He appears to be whispering in the statue's ear before turning to the camera and joking: "I'm with my lady." His behavior has outraged fans of both women, with many on X deeming the encounter "disgusting" and "deranged." Others noted that they weren't surprised by the violence, given that the rapper was sentenced to four years in California state prison in August 2024 after violating his probation related to a 2021 felony assault case. He was released early in November. Advertisement Advertisement Days after the wax figure incident, he was invited to join rapper Cardi B onstage during her second and final Little Miss Drama show at Inglewood's Kia Forum on Monday, Feb. 16. Blueface's objectification of women continued with his post-show remarks. "I ain't gon' lie. Cardi had me a little nervous, you feel me?," he said in a video shared to his 3.6 million Instagram followers after the show. "When she started shaking that little booty, I damn near forgot the song I was rapping." Oakland native Kehlani also joined Cardi B onstage as a surprise guest to sing their 2025 collaboration, "Safe," along with her Grammy Award-winning song "Folded." Then, Tyla hit the stage to perform her track with Cardi B, "Nice Guy." The Little Miss Drama Tour is set to hit San Francisco's Chase Center on Feb. 27. This article originally published at California musician slammed for deranged' behavior toward wax statue of Zendaya. A DJ who said her nose collapsed after dental work in Turkey went wrong has admitted drug driving. Leanne Jefferis, from Telford, was banned from driving for two years after being stopped by police three times in October and November 2025. Jefferis, also known as Leanne Abeyance, had benzoylecgonine in her system on two occasions with cocaine and benzoylecgonine found in November. Benzoylecgonine is a major metabolite of cocaine and created in the body when the drug is broken down. Advertisement Advertisement The 41-year-old, who had set up two fundraising campaigns for reconstructive surgery, said on social media she had not misled anyone and had simply been sharing her experience of surgery abroad going wrong. Both campaigns on the GoFundMe website have now been removed. Jefferis appeared at Telford Magistrates Court for sentencing on 10 February. Documents showed she had 800 micrograms per litre of blood of benzoylecgonine in her system on two dates in October, while in November she was found to have 11 micrograms per litre of blood of cocaine and 664 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in her system. The legal limit for cocaine is 10 micrograms per litre of blood. Advertisement Advertisement The legal limit for benzoylecgonine is 50 micrograms per litre of blood - meaning Jefferis was more than 13 times the limit when she was stopped. She was given a community order until 9 February 2027, a two-year driving ban and was ordered to pay 85 in prosecution costs. On her social media accounts, Jefferis denied cocaine was found in her system, adding that her mental state was "out of the window" following her ordeal in Turkey. She said that it was wrong that the issues with her teeth were being made out to be "anything but dental", adding that she had "proof from the hundreds of appointments I've been to and still going to". Advertisement Advertisement She declined to speak to the BBC. In January, Jefferis told the BBC she was in constant pain, which she controlled with sleeping tablets and morphine every day, and felt too self-conscious to go outside due to her botched surgery on her teeth. She had previously told the BBC she had been left with a painful, infected face and the implants could not be removed due to the infections. She said her dental work also caused a collapsed septum which the NHS would not fix as it was deemed a cosmetic procedure. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story NEED TO KNOW Finding Mr. Christmas star Robbie Simpson is now engaged to fiance Kyle Pollak The surprise proposal took place during a trip to Sydney The couple celebrated their engagement with a seaplane ride over the Australian coastline Finding Mr. Christmas star Robbie Simpson is engaged. Simpson, 36, got down on one knee during a surprise proposal to his fiance, Kyle Pollak, while the two were visiting Sydney. The actor was spending time in Australia where he served as part of the creative and producing team for the international play Afterglow. which expanded with productions in the city as well as Melbourne. Advertisement Advertisement Pollak, 30, believed they were at the Sydney Harbor simply to take photos before setting off on a seaplane ride over the Australian coastline, but he was surprised to learn that Simpson brought them there to pop the question. From left: Robbie Simpson proposing to Kyle Pollak in Sydney Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon After he said yes, the two hopped aboard the aircraft for a scenic aerial tour before arriving at Cottage Point Inn, a modern, fine dining waterside restaurant in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They celebrated their engagement with a five-course meal. Upon returning to the New South Wales capital, Simpson and Pollak climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset. Simpson knew he wanted to marry Pollak soon after the two met while waiting in line for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser Broadway Bares in New York City in the summer of 2023. But Simpson tells PEOPLE he struggled to find the right time and place to propose. However, "the moment I arrived in Australia, I knew this was the place," the General Hospital actor says. "Its magical, beautiful and exotic in all the right ways." From left: Robbie Simpson proposing to Kyle Pollak in Sydney Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Advertisement Advertisement Once he bought their rings both are Forever Band from Tiffany & Co. and learned about the seaplane, the whole plan locked into place. "I knew Kyle would love it. We love a great dinner, but were also adventure people, so I knew the proposal had to involve some kind of experience," Simpson says. According to Pollak, "My life and relationship with Robbie is far from ordinary hence spending a week with him on an Australian 'work trip.' We go on the most wonderful adventures together, and it was fitting that we commit to a life together before taking off in a seaplane for lunch at a secluded waterfront restaurant" before "climbing a bridge to watch the sunset." "Literally, what is my life?" he jokes. "I wish I could relive that day a thousand times over. He nailed it." From left: Kyle Pollak and Robbie Simpson celebrating their engagement by the Sydney Opera House Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon Feeling that there was always something special about Simpson and their relationship as a whole ("It was meeting him that made me realize what a significant other and love was supposed to feel like," he says), Pollak adds that "saying yes to marrying him was the easiest decision I have ever made. I asked Robbie to be my boyfriend, so it was his turn to pop this next question." Advertisement Advertisement As Simpson mentioned, marrying Pollak was always the plan. It was just figuring out when it made the most sense to pop the question and he "even considered doing it as part of the rollout for my Hallmark show," he tells PEOPLE, referring to the reality competition hosted by network fave Jonathan Bennett. Simpson, who was the only out LGBTQ contestant on the show, appeared on season 2, which first premiered on Oct. 27, 2025, before he was eliminated during week five. His departure led to a tearful moment with Bennett, 44, who wrote on Instagram shortly after, "We had to say goodbye to someone whose talent, heart, and authenticity lit up every moment of this journey. From the second you walked into the Finding Mr. Christmas house, you brought humor, warmth, and a spark that made everyone around you better including me." From left: Kyle Pollak and Robbie Simpson celebrating their engagement at the Sydney Harbour Kurt Sneddon, @bykurtsneddon 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. While Simpson didn't take the title, the show earned its second nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. And the performer won in real life, finding the love of his life. Advertisement Advertisement "I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to spend my life with Kyle," Simpson says. "Id been in a few long-term relationships before, but this felt different right away. The most important thing in a relationship is growing together, and I loved how curious he is about the world. He makes me better, pushes me to work harder, and most importantly, he makes me laugh more than anyone I know." Reflecting on their relationship, Pollak says, "We moved mountains to make this work so Id say we knew pretty quickly. Maybe a few weeks after meeting each other? I tell so many people those cliche phrases, 'it happens when you least expect it' or 'love at first sight,' but I really do believe them. It was both with Robbie. Sometimes you convince yourself youve found your person, but it takes that gut feeling and having all the pieces fall into place for you two to be together that proves what you have is different from what youve had." While no formal wedding plans have been announced, the two now live together on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Read the original article on People Gisele Pelicot gives a detailed account in her memoir "A Hymn to Life" of years in which her husband drugged her and invited strangers to rape her while she was unconscious. "My life had become nothing but an unending night." That is how Pelicot describes her despair in the face of her husbands abyss. For months in southern France she faced 51 tormentors in court, and had to endure her credibility being questioned and the most intimate details of her life being examined. Now the 73-year-old speaks at length in a first-person account, describing the fear of a plunge into the abyss and the arduous struggle back to normality and away from the image of the eternal victim. Advertisement Advertisement When Gisele Pelicot first learned at a police station in Carpentras in autumn 2020 what her husband Dominique had done to her, she did not recognise herself in the photos the officer showed her. "That is not me lying lifeless on the bed. It's a photoshopped picture," she recalls herself thinking. "I am far away, even though we are in the same room. I am secure in my happiness, our happiness. Our 50th wedding anniversary is coming up, and the memory of how we met is still clear in my mind." But the man she thought she knew never returned home from the station. As events crashed down on her, Pelicot thought: "How to explain that I had no idea that someone could love another and yet cause them so much pain? How, simply, to explain who I was?" Advertisement Advertisement Her children hurried to her and together they packed Pelicots life in the village of Mazan into a few suitcases. Much ended up being discarded and her daughter destroyed some things in anger. Suddenly, Gisele Pelicot was standing at Pariss Gare de Lyon, without knowing what she was looking for there. Her children returned to their lives, but she no longer had one, she writes. Gently yet powerfully, Pelicot tells her life story together with journalist and author Judith Perrignon. From growing up in Germany, to the often absent soldier father, the early death of her mother and meeting the man who would become her husband. Pelicot offers profoundly deep insights when she writes about money troubles or affairs, yet now she is the one who sets the narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Over 256 pages, Pelicot describes how her husbands scarcely comprehensible deeds wear the family down and drive it apart. At the same time she writes almost poetically of blossoming oleander, long walks on the beach, the attempt to create a new normality for herself on an island off France's west coast and how, after all the hardships, she falls in love again. Pelicots memoir repeatedly reflects the difficult duality of things. She admits she had been happy in her marriage. She once again demonstrates that she was not only a victim. and describes how she split her husband into two halves, just as she dissociated from the raped body. While Dominique Pelicots crimes had long been making headlines in French press, the world only took notice at the start of the trial against him and 50 co-defendants in September 2024 of what these men had done to Gisele Pelicot. She had not wanted to put her suffering on display. But several months before the start of the trial, she asked herself whether the closed doors would protect the perpetrators rather than her. Advertisement Advertisement In an unusual step, Pelicot decided at the time to have the trial held in public. "When I think back to the moment I made my decision, I realize that if I had been 20 years younger, I might not have dared to refuse a closed session," she writes. "I would have feared the stares, those damned stares that a woman of my generation has always had to contend with." To that end, Pelicot also watched countless videos that her then husband had made of the acts, which would be shown in court, and which she had absolutely not wanted to watch. Pelicot tells of the gruesome months of the trial in Avignon, where she faced an "army" of defence lawyers, but also encountered a crowd that stood by her, which was her salvation, as Pelicot writes. Advertisement Advertisement In the end her ex-husband received a sentence of 20 years. All the other 50 men were also found guilty and sentenced to between three and 15 years in prison. Finding a name for the man she loved and who so grievously abused her is difficult for Pelicot. In the book she simply calls him by his first name, Dominique, or Mino. Now that the trial is behind her, she writes that she wants to visit him in prison. She still has many unanswered questions. "This story no longer belongs to me alone," Pelicot writes, reporting how she has become a heroine and a martyr, but she does not see herself as an icon. Advertisement Advertisement Again and again, her words make clear that she wants to be seen as more than the victim of rape and abuse and not reduced to some "battered body." Despite the torments Pelicot endured, she ends with an affirmation of love and life, showing that a person can be reborn from their own ashes. "I wasnt afraid ... I am not dead. I still have faith in people. Once, that was my greatest weakness. Now it is my strength. My revenge." U.S. Commodities and Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael Selig hit back at states trying to challenge the regulator's jurisdiction over prediction markets in a new op-ed published Tuesday in The Wall Street Journal. "To those who seek to challenge our authority in this space: let me be clear. We will see you in court," Selig wrote. In the past year, a handful of states have issued cease and desist letters and gone toe-to-toe with prediction market operators in court in a bid to stop what they say is an unfair subversion of their gambling and gaming laws. And in several cases, prediction markets have fought back by suing state regulators. The legal tension has lead to members of the industry to call for more clarity from the CFTC. The Securities and Exchange Commission has even suggested that it might have some jurisdiction over the burgeoning industry. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins said last week that the Wall Street cop already has enough authority to regulate at least a portion of the booming prediction market sector. But Selig made the CFTC's position clear in his op-ed, arguing that the encroachment amounts to "legal attacks." The regulator has now filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting Crypto.com in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Polymarket Sues Massachusetts Ahead of Looming Ban of Kalshi Sports Markets "America is home to the most liquid and vibrant financial markets in the world because our regulators take seriously their obligation to police fraud and institute appropriate investor safeguards," he wrote. "Any erosion of the CFTCs ability to regulate transactions in commodity derivatives is a direct threat to the markets and investors Congress intended the agency to oversee." Selig's statements have already been applauded by Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, who thanked the CFTC chairman on X and added: "Exclusive jurisdiction means exclusive jurisdictionjust as Congress mandated." Melissa Gilbert acknowledged the challenging time her family was forced to reckon with in an emotional social media post shared Monday. The "Little House on the Prairie" actress admitted she leaned into her loved ones during an "incredibly difficult time" as she announced she's returning to her role as the chief creative officer of the Modern Prairie brand and community. Earlier this month, Gilbert's husband, Timothy Busfield, was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child. He was arrested in January on child sex abuse charges. Advertisement Advertisement Timothy Busfield Indicted On Child Sex Abuse Charges In New Mexico Timothy Busfield and wife Melissa Gilbert pose at the opening night after party for Irish Rep's production of "The Seafarer" on April 18, 2018, in New York City. (Getty Images) "As many of you know, I stepped away for a little while to focus on my family," Gilbert told her followers. "It was time I needed, time to be present, to tend to what matters most and to gather my strength in a season that has not been easy. Family is everything to me and during this incredibly difficult time, I leaned into that truth fully." She recognized the "extraordinary community" for wrapping her in love and offering words of encouragement. Read On The Fox News App Timothy Busfield Held Without Bail In New Mexico Child Sex Abuse Case Advertisement Advertisement "To the women in this community who show up every single day, not just for me, but for one another that is what Modern Prairie is," Gilbert said. "Women supporting women not just when it's easy and especially when it's hard. App Users Click Here To View Post "Coming back to work does not change my commitment or my resolve to the journey that lies ahead for my family. That remains steadfast, that remains my heart. But it is important for me to step back into this work." Gilbert admitted that working once again strengthens her mindset, gives her purpose and "reminds me of who I am beyond hard days." Advertisement Advertisement "This time away reminded me of why we built this space in the first place it's more than products, it's more than events, it's more than a brand," she said. "It's a lifeline, it's a connection, it's strength shared across kitchens, in living rooms, in hospital rooms and long phone calls. It's dignity, it's compassion, it's resolve, and I am so proud to walk forward with you. So let's get back at it, together." Melissa Gilbert remains by her husband's side in New Mexico court as he fights child sex abuse charges. Like What Youre Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News Busfield, 68, first surrendered to local authorities on child sex abuse charges on Jan. 13. He was initially held without bail at the time of his arrest on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, and was released from custody on Jan. 20 with orders not to discuss the case with any of the witnesses or have contact with children under the age of 18. According to the arrest warrant obtained by Fox News Digital, two 11-year-old twins allege that the director, whom they were told to call "Uncle Tim" on the set of "The Cleaning Lady," had touched them inappropriately. Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 6, a New Mexico grand jury indicted the "Thirtysomething" actor on child sex abuse charges. Timothy Busfield was charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse in January. Melissa Gilbert cried after a judge ordered her husband, Timothy Busfield, released from custody. "District Attorney Sam Bregman emphasized that protecting children remains a top priority for his office," a statement released by the district attorney on social media read. "The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office remains committed to doing everything possible to protect children and ensure justice for victims." Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter Busfield's attorney insisted the case against the "West Wing" actor "cannot be proven at trial" in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement "The indictment was not unexpected. As the saying goes, a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich," Larry Stein said. "What is deeply concerning is that the District Attorney is choosing to proceed on a case that is fundamentally unsound and cannot be proven at trial. The detention hearing exposed fatal weaknesses in the States evidence gaps that no amount of charging decisions can cure." Melissa Gilbert married her third husband, Timothy Busfield, in 2013. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "This prosecution appears driven by something other than the facts or the law," he added. "Mr. Busfield will fight these charges at every stage and looks forward to testing the States case in open court where evidence matters not behind closed doors." Busfield's first arraignment is scheduled for March 10. Advertisement Advertisement Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report. Original article source: Melissa Gilbert returns to work as Timothy Busfield faces child sex abuse charges, accepts 'journey' ahead Miss Universe Fatima Bosch suddenly collapsed while riding a parade float. Bosch attended the Fruit and Flower Festival in Ambato, Ecuador, on Sunday, February 15, and was seen standing and waving to the crowd. Bosch was wearing a mint-colored gown with a tiara on her head. Bosch then appeared to hold a railing behind her before falling to the ground. She then stayed on her knees while a person came to speak with her. In videos of the moment shared online, the audience can be heard gasping as Bosch fell. Advertisement Advertisement Miguel Angel Martinez, the Miss Universe Organizations Head of Communications, shared with People in a statement that Bosch "experienced a brief episode of lightheadedness after several hours of outdoor participation. Inside the Miss Universe 2025 Scandals: Insults, Injuries and More From This Years Chaotic Pageant "As a precaution, she was immediately assisted by her team and local medical personnel on site," the statement read. "She remained conscious, was evaluated promptly, and recovered quickly. Out of an abundance of care, her schedule was adjusted to allow for appropriate rest and hydration. She is feeling well and expressed her sincere appreciation for the warmth and hospitality she received in Ecuador." Martinez continued, "Fatima is currently on her official international Miss Universe World Tour, which includes cultural, humanitarian, and community engagements across multiple countries. At every stop, we work in close coordination with local organizers and medical teams to ensure the safety and well-being of our titleholders." Advertisement Advertisement Martinez concluded by noting that the "health and security" of Miss Universe delegates remain the organizations top priority. Months before Sundays appearance, Bosch made headlines when she had a feud with pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil. In a 2025 pre-pageant ceremony, Itsaragrisil claimed that Bosch did not post about the pageants host country, Thailand, on social media and called her a dumbhead. Itsaragrisil later apologized via Instagram, saying, If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable. If anyone [was affected], I do apologize for everyone. Everything Fatima Bosch Has Said About Winning Miss Universe 2025: Denies Buying the Crown and More Advertisement Advertisement Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha, however, criticized his actions and shared that he was dismissed from the pageant. I will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated. Unfortunately, Nawat has forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be a genuine host, Rocha said. It means to demonstrate to all delegates of all countries that he, as a host, has the obligation to serve them, assist them and support them. And to ensure they have a unique life experience filled with kindness and courtesy. Bosch ultimately won the competition in November 2025. Today I reaffirmed that what God has destined for you, neither envy stops it, nor destiny aborts it, nor luck changes it. Long live Christ the King , she wrote via Instagram, translated to English, after her victory. After her win, rumors swirled that the competition was rigged in Boschs favor and that she was considering giving up the crown. Bosch, however, denied the idea that she would return the crown. "Of course not," Bosch said on Good Morning America in December 2025. "I will never step away from this crown. Im not here for fame or modeling or searching for a husband. Im here because God put a purpose on my heart. I have a mission and I will do that all the years, to serve others, to help. Robert Duvall was "surrounded by love and comfort" when he died on Sunday, Feb. 15. The Oscar-winning actor, best known for his roles in Hollywood classics such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," died "peacefully" at home in Middleburg, Virginia at the age of 95, a representative confirmed to USA TODAY. His wife Luciana penned a heartfelt tribute, writing, "Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time." Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Hollywood classics such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died at 95. Duvall died "peacefully' at home on Feb. 15 in Middleburg, Virginia, a representative for the actor confirmed to USA TODAY on Feb. 16, 2026. He was with his wife, Luciana Duvall. During a seven-decade stage, TV and screen acting career, Duvall disappeared into a stunning range of strong-willed characters, leading to seven Oscar nominations and a best actor win for his role as a down-and-out country singer in 1983's "Tender Mercies." Scroll through for more career moments, starting with Duvall hoisting his outstanding lead actor Emmy for the miniseries "Broken Trail" at the Governors Ball after the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 16, 2007, in Los Angeles. From left: Producer Judy Cairo, producer/musician T Bone Burnett, actor/producer Robert Duvall, and director Scott Cooper, winners best first feature for "Crazy Heart," onstage during the 25th Film Independent's Spirit Awards held at Nokia Event Deck at L.A. Live on March 5, 2010, in Los Angeles. Robert Duvall displays his messy hands at his hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Jan. 5, 2011, in Hollywood, California. Robert Duvall and Robert DeNiro speak onstage during the panel for "The Godfather" 45th anniversary screening during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival closing night at Radio City Music Hall on April 29, 2017, in New York City. Diane Keaton, Robert DeNiro, Robert Duvall, Francis Ford Coppola, James Caan, Al Pacino and Talia Shire pose for a portrait at "The Godfather" 45th anniversary screening during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival closing night at Radio City Music Hall on April 29, 2017, in New York City. Director Francis Ford Coppola and actor Robert Duvall go over a script during rehearsals for his Vietnam War epic "Apocalypse Now" on April 28, 1976 in Baler, Philippines. Robert Duvall, left, Anjelica Huston, and James Caan pose at the 2008 CineVegas film festival honoree awards ceremony and reception held at the pool at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on June 20, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robert Duvall chats with director Nikita Mikhalkov through an interpreter at the Lifestyle Luxury Oscar Party hosted by Society Sinner Fashion House on Feb. 21, 2008, at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Hollywood, California. Robert Duvall and James Caan arrive for the launch party for EA Games video game, "The Godfather" on Feb. 10, 2005, in New York City. Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall attend a photocall for Open Range during the 51st San Sebastian Internacional Film Festival Sept. 27, 2003, at "Kursaal" Palace in San Sebastian, Spain. Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton at Guess Portrait Studio on Day 8 during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Bell Lightbox on Sept. 13, 2012, in Toronto, Canada. Casey Affleck and Robert Duvall attend a luncheon celebrating the release of "Out of the Furnace" at Explorers Club on Nov. 20, 2013, in New York City. Robert Duvall speaks onstage during the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center on Jan. 3, 2015, in Palm Springs, California. From left: Leighton Meester, Billy Bob Thornton, Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., and Vincent D'Onofrio and Vera Farmiga attend the Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures' "The Judge" at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Oct. 1, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California. Luciana Pedraza and Robert Duvall attend the 18th annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Palladium on Nov. 14, 2014, in Hollywood, California. Robert Duvall and Matthew McConaughey attend the 21st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on Jan. 25, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. Robert Duvall arrives at the premiere of "Wild Horses" during the 2015 SXSW Music, FIlm + Interactive Festival at the Paramount Theatre on March 17, 2015, in Austin, Texas. Joaquin Phoenix, left, jokes with Robert Duvall as he poses with actress Eva Mendes and director James Gray during promotion of their film "We Own the Night" in the Festival Palace in Cannes, southern France, at the 60th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Robert Duvall arrives at the Maria Cristina Hotel during the 57th San Sebastian International Film Festival on Sept. 20, 2009, in San Sebastian, Spain. Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall and Scott Cooper arrive at the premiere of Fox Searchlight's "Crazy Heat" on Dec. 8, 2009, in Beverly Hills, California. Robert Duvall and wife Luciana Pedraza attend the 87th Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2015, where Duvall was nominated for best supporting actor in "The Judge." Passages 2026 Jennifer Runyon, Eric Dane, more stars we lost 1 of 21 Robert Duvall, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Hollywood classics such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died at 95. Duvall died "peacefully' at home on Feb. 15 in Middleburg, Virginia, a representative for the actor confirmed to USA TODAY on Feb. 16, 2026. He was with his wife, Luciana Duvall. During a seven-decade stage, TV and screen acting career, Duvall disappeared into a stunning range of strong-willed characters, leading to seven Oscar nominations and a best actor win for his role as a down-and-out country singer in 1983's "Tender Mercies." Scroll through for more career moments, starting with Duvall hoisting his outstanding lead actor Emmy for the miniseries "Broken Trail" at the Governors Ball after the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 16, 2007, in Los Angeles. "To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything," Luciana Duvall wrote in a Feb. 16 Facebook post. "His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. Robert Duvall: The legend reflects on 'The Godfather' in final USA TODAY interview "For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all," she added. Robert Duvall and his wife, Luciana Duvall, arrive at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California. Luciana Duvall also thanked the fans for the "years of support you showed Bob," but asked for time and privacy to celebrate the memories he left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about Luciana Duvall, wife of the late Robert Duvall. Who is Luciana Pedraza? Luciana Duvall (nee Pedraza) is an Argentinian actress and director, best known for her work in "Assassination Tango," "Portrait of Billy Joe," "Wild Horses" and "This Is Your Life." An avid fan of the tango, Luciana starred alongside her husband in "Assassination Tango," which was written, directed and produced by the Academy Award-winning actor. Luciana Pedraza attends the 87th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2015. When Luciana is not acting, or directing, she is helping families in need. According to Candid, the couple founded Robert Duvall Institute Inc., a foundation meant to assist in the "health, education, and relief of children in Argentina who are poor and distressed or underprivileged." Advertisement Advertisement Luciana Duvall was Duvall's fourth wife. The couple was married in 2005 after years of dating and stayed together up until his death. The couple reportedly met at a bakery in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Contributing: Byran Alexander and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Robert Duvall's wife? All about Luciana Pedraza. Robert Duvalls wife, Luciana Pedraza, was by his side at the end of his life. Duvall and Pedraza got married in 2005, marking the Godfather actors fourth marriage. When I met my current wife shes much younger than I we met in Argentina on the street, by chance, Duvall told Closer Weekly in May 2021 of when he first crossed paths with the Argentine actress and director. I figured, why not? [And] it worked out. Advertisement Advertisement Pedraza announced the actors death at age 95 in a statement via Facebook in February 2026. Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time, she wrote. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. Kiefer Sutherlands Relationship and Marriage History: Broken Engagement to Julia Roberts and More Keep scrolling for more on Pedraza and her marriage to Duvall: How Did Robert Duvall Meet Luciana Pedraza? Duvall and Pedrazas first meeting happened by chance in Argentina, her home country. I met my wife in Argentina. The flower shop was closed, so I went to the bakery. If the flower shop had been open, I never would've met her, the Network actor told Esquire in December 2010. Who Is Luciana Pedraza? Pedraza is an actress and director from Salta, Argentina, born in 1972. She is the granddaughter of Argentine aviator Susana Ferrari Billinghurst. Her acting credits include 2002s Assassination Tango and 2015s Wild Horses. Duvall directed, wrote and starred in the latter project. Advertisement Advertisement "Bob is very good with allowing you to be in touch with yourself. Like there were some scenes where sometimes you don't connect. Actors, sometimes, they come on the set and they don't connect with the scene," Pedraza told Huffpost of working with her husband on the project in June 2015. "Sometimes directors want them to connect with the scene, with something that is not there, so they force them to do something that is not available right now. And Bob, he said, 'It's just fine.'" Pedraza also earned a directing credit for 2004s Portrait of Billy Joe. Robert Duvall Commented on His Age Gap With Luciana Pedraza Duvall was 41 years older than Pedraza. He recalled receiving advice from actor Wilford Brimley about navigating an age-gap romance. I was a little concerned about being with a much younger woman at first, Duvall told Esquire in December 2010. So I asked Wilford Brimley about it. Wilford is a very sharp guy. He used to be a bodyguard for Howard Hughes. He said, Let me tell you something, my friend, the worst thing in the world for an old man is an old woman!" How Many Times Was Robert Duvall Married? Duvall walked down the aisle four times throughout his career. Before exchanging vows with Pedraza, the Lonesome Dove actor was married to Barbara Brent from 1964 to 1981, Gail Youngs from 1982 to 1986 and Sharon Brophy from 1991 to 1995. Luciana Pedraza Announced Robert Duvalls Death Duvall died on February 15, 2026. Pedraza announced news of his passing the following day via Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything, she wrote. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind. Did Robert Duvall and Luciana Pedraza Have Kids? The couple did not share any children. The Gist Salma Hayek, 59, has been open over the years about her approach to embracing aging. At various eventsincluding at one in Mexico City, Mexico on February 15Hayek has proudly let her gray hairs shine through. The actress has previously called her grays the white hair of wisdom. As Salma Hayek has shown on numerous occasions, she isnt afraid to embrace her graysin fact, she celebrates them. Such was the case on February 15 when the actress spoke at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, Mexico, where she and President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo unveiled a series of initiatives to support local cinema and attract international productions to Mexicothe country Hayek hails from. Salma Hayek in Mexico City, Mexico Getty There is no country in the world with such ecological diversity and beautyhere we have it all, Hayek said, per The Hollywood Reporter. No other country has what we have. Advertisement Advertisement For the event on Sunday, Hayek wore a chocolate brown jacket atop a black top tucked into belted black pants, her brunette hair worn long, parted down the centerand, in a refreshing move, with a few grays visible. The 59-year-old has also let her grays shine through at events like Wimbledon in 2024, the Golden Globes in January 2025, and the Breakthrough Prize Awards in April of that same year. Salma Hayek in Mexico City, Mexico on February 15, 2026 Getty In a September 2020 Instagram post, the actress called her gray hairs the white hair of wisdom, and in 2023, she cheekily shared a tip for how to cover your white hair without dyeing it, she wrote alongside a photo of herself wearing sunglasses in her hair, which showed off her gray hair. Dont wear your glasses on your hair!!! she joked. Bring on the wisdom. In an appearance on Good Morning America, Hayek wasnt afraid to joke about her grays once more, telling the hosts, You dont see the white hair right now because I put mascara [on]. Advertisement Advertisement Because Im too lazy to dye my hair, so I go like this and then I go like this, she added, showing the audience the motion of not only putting mascara on her eyelashes but also on her hair framing her face. Hayek has opened up over the years about how she doesnt believe in Botox, and how shes embracing aging as she inches closer to 60the age shell turn later this year. I used to criticize myself so much, Hayek previously told People. Now when I look in the mirror and there are things that I dont see, I think about how much Im going to like me in 10 years. Salma Hayek Getty Im an actress, a mother, and a wifeI want my expressions to be authentic, she told The Cut of avoiding procedures like Botox. I want my kids to look at my face and its very clear when Im proud of them and clear when Im not happy. Im also an actressI need the expressions on my face. Of aging, she told Glamour, I thought getting older meant I wasnt going to workIm working. I thought getting older maybe meant that youre not in love anymoreIm in love. Advertisement Advertisement I dont feel that I lost my flexibility or my agility or even my strength, she continued, adding of her husband Francois-Henri Pinault, I do have to say that I have found it beautiful, getting older with someone. Salma Hayek in New York City on September 11, 2025 Getty As for how Hollywood looks at aging these days, Yeah, its changing, Hayek said. I was also told that, as an actress, you kind of stop working around 30. Imagine? I did really feel it at the time, and its unfair. If I had said instead to myself, Dont worry, your best professional moments are going to be in your 50s, I would have been devastated. Oh my God, do I have to wait that long? But itll happen. Hayek added, Hell, Im still going. Shocker. Im still here. They tried to get rid of me a thousand waysIm still here. Read the original article on InStyle Shia LaBeouf has been arrested while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Transformers actor was detained shortly after midnight Tuesday after an alleged brawl at a bar outside of the French Quarter, the New Orleans Police Department said in a statement shared with The Independent. According to police, the 39-year-old was charged with two counts of simple battery and remains in a Louisiana jail after receiving medical attention from paramedics. Advertisement Advertisement Police said LaBeouf was acting aggressive at a bar on Royal Street, leading a staff member to kick him out of the building. Once outside, LaBeouf allegedly punched a man with closed fists several times. LaBeouf then left the area but came back, acting even more aggressive, police said. Multiple people attempted to hold [LaBeouf] down he was eventually let up in the hopes that he would leave but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victims upper body, police said. He then allegedly assaulted another person by punching him in the nose and was held down until police arrived. Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans (Getty) LaBeouf, who has previously said he was sober after multiple rehab treatments, had reportedly been partying in the city for days leading up to his arrest. A bartender who served the controversial former child star on Thursday told The Hollywood Reporter: He is terrorizing the city! Other bartenders and patrons told the outlet that LaBeouf was inebriated and belligerent throughout the weekend, as he was spotted at several bars across the city throughout Mardi Gras weekend. Advertisement Advertisement His representatives did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. LaBeouf is known for his publicly erratic behavior and has a history of legal issues, including a 2020 lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs that alleged sexual battery, assault and emotional abuse. The lawsuit was settled in July 2025. The Holes star was first arrested in 2014 on charges of disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal trespass during a Broadway performance of Cabaret, leading to him seeking treatment for alcoholism. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct at the time and the other charges were dropped. Three years later, LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and obstruction. Bodycam footage from the incident showed LaBeouf making racial outbursts during his arrest, which he later attributed to his alcoholism. After pleading no contest to disorderly conduct, LaBeouf was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to seek anger management and substance use treatment. LaBeoufs most recent arrest was in 2020, when he was charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft and pleaded not guilty. The charges were dropped after he completed a court-ordered diversion program. NEED TO KNOW Victoria Jones' cause of death has been revealed after she was found dead at 34 in San Francisco on Jan. 1 Victoria was the daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones and his ex-wife Kimberlea Cloughley The former couple also share a son, Austin Jones, 43 Victoria Jones' cause of death has been revealed over a month after she was found dead at 34 at a hotel in San Francisco on Jan. 1. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in San Francisco, California announced that Victoria, the daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, had died due to "toxic effects of cocaine," and ruled the manner of her death as an "accident." Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 2, her family spoke out about the tragic loss, sharing, "We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you." Victoria Jones and Tommy Lee Jones on Dec. 7, 2017 Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic San Francisco Police and San Francisco Fire Department both responded to a report of a medical emergency at the San Francisco Fairmont on Jan. 1 at 2:52 a.m., as both departments confirmed to PEOPLE. Upon arrival at the scene, they found a deceased individual who was unnamed at the time. NBC Bay Area later reported the woman found dead at the hotel was believed to be Victoria, citing a police source. In dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, the call for the incident was classified as a "code 3 for the overdose, color change." In overdose cases, "color change" refers to cyanosis low oxygen levels in the blood, often linked to heart or lung issues, per Cleveland Clinic which causes a blue or purple discoloration of skin, lips, and nails. 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. Victoria Jones and Tommy Lee Jones on Dec. 7, 2017 Eric Charbonneau/Getty Victoria was the daughter of Tommy and his ex-wife, Kimberlea Cloughley. The former couple also share a son, Austin Jones, 43. Advertisement Advertisement Victoria made her film debut in Tommy's 2002 movie Men in Black II. She is credited as Immigrant Girl in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, a Western, and also held acting credits in the movies Sorry, Haters and her dad's 2014 movie The Homesman, as well as a role in a 2005 episode of One Tree Hill. She was arrested at least two times in the past year, according to court dockets reviewed by PEOPLE, including an arrest for drug possession. Read the original article on People BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The late Robert Duvall is being remembered for many of his movies. One of them is a film shot in Louisiana that he wrote, directed and starred in. His 1997 movie, The Apostle, was shot in Lafayette. According to IMDb, the plot centers on a preacher from Texas who changes his name and moves to Louisiana to preach on the radio after losing control of his life. Duvall received an Oscar nomination in 1998 for best actor but lost out to Jack Nicholson, who won for his role in As Good as it Gets. Advertisement Advertisement Adam Sandler, Jamie Lee Curtis and others pay tribute to Robert Duvall, who died at age 95 The Baton Rouge Film Commission released a statement in memory of Duvall. Today we join the film community in celebrating the life and legacy of Mr. Duvall. He was a giant of American film. We honor his contribution to our industry and the enduring stories he leaves behind that will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences for generations. Duvalls death was announced on Monday. He was 95. Latest 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 Louisiana First News. Art and exile mesh together in fascinating ways in Nina Roza, the accomplished new feature from Quebecois writer-director Genevieve Dulude-de Celle, who debuted at the Berlinale in 2017 with her Crystal Bear-winning teen movie, A Colony. Showcasing a similar brand of sharp-edged lyricism, but this time within a wider framework, the film follows a Canadian immigrant traveling back to his native Bulgaria, where he searches for a child artist with the potential to become the next De Kooning or Picasso. Its an intriguing set-up that takes a little time to find its way, but once it does Nina Roza turns into a moving meditation on estrangement, revealing what you give up by leaving home behind and what you gain by daring to finally return. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Told in an elliptical style that requires the viewer to fill in some gaps, the narrative begins in Montreal, where 50-something Mihail (theatre actor and director Galin Stoev) works as a curator for a wealthy Canadian art dealer (Christophe Begin). A few short but suggestive scenes reveal that Mihail doesnt exactly share a warm relationship with his daughter, Rose (Michelle Tzontchev), who has a son of her own and wants to introduce him to their Bulgarian roots. Its a backwards place, her father snaps back, clearly unwilling to revisit the past. But hes suddenly forced to confront it head-on when his boss gets wind of an 8-year-old girl named Nina (played by twins Sofia and Ekaterina Stanina) whos created a series of abstract paintings that could be the work of a budding young genius. Tasked with finding out whether shes the real deal, Mihail heads to his homeland for the first time in decades, arriving in a country he abandoned for reasons that are divulged later on. His journey is not exactly out of the ordinary plenty of immigrants shuttle back and forth between their native and adopted countries but Dulude-de Celles gives it an epic feel by framing the taciturn, chain-smoking Mihail against the vast open landscape of his origins, which begins to lure him in as he spends more time on the ground. Handsomely lensed by Alexandre Nour Desjardins, who uses lots of warm light to give the interiors a nostalgic bent, the film also benefits from a melodic score by Joseph Marchand, with other scenes set to vintage Soviet-era pop ballads. Once the action shifts to Bulgaria, the plot concentrates on Mihails growing bond with the stubborn, straight-talking Nina, whom he locates with her mother in a village nestled between lush mountains and fields. Trying to figure out if the girl is a fraud or not it turns out Ninas mom makes pottery, while all their neighbors seem to be amateur artists themselves Mihail begins to see something else in the girl: a reflection of his own daughter, whom we glimpse in flashbacks that emerge like subdued memories. Advertisement Advertisement Dulude-de Celles keeps her camera glued to the expressive Stoev as his character eventually finds his footing in a country he never really forgot, bringing out emotions through carefully composed sequences that favor images and performance over dialogue. (Her style of filmmaking recalls fellow Quebecois directors like Philippe Lesage or pre-Hollywood Denis Villeneuve.) One pivotal scene has Mihail getting drunk at a village party and singing along to an old Communist anthem, looking happier than he ever did back in Canada. Later he pays a visit to his long-estranged sister back from the dead! his brother-in-law exclaims when opening the door trying his best to make amends with some of the loved ones left behind. The director merges Mihails trajectory with that of the precocious Nina, whos been picked up by an Italian gallerist (Chiara Caselli) planning to relocate the painter and her mom to Rome, where they could thrive in a well-funded art scene. But Nina is more attached to her heritage than Mihail ever was, even if shes offended by a photo session in which shes forced to wear a traditional Bulgarian costume. She may be a little genius; family and community still matter more to her than success. Nina Roza (whose title combines the young prodigys name with that of Mihails daughter) artfully questions the value of holding onto your origins versus giving them up for a better life. Its a dilemma for which theres no easy answer: You can choose to stay put and miss out on a major opportunity, or move abroad and risk losing part of yourself in the process. Either way, you wind up paying a price. Advertisement Advertisement Mihail already made his choice, and much of the film is about him coming to terms with it. Stoevs touching turn reveals a man who blocked out his past for so long, he seems half-alive at first, until gradually awakening to the world around him. Even if hes returning to a land he knows well, Mihaels trip to Bulgaria is actually an initiation journey a pilgrimage to that lost place known as the self. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The immigrant experience is most often discussed, and most easily understood, as one of an entire persons movement and relocation: a journey from A to B and perhaps further letters, with concomitant processes of discovery and nostalgia, alienation and adaptation. Its less simple, however, to articulate the disembodying nature of immigration: the sense of a phantom self left behind, living the life that might have been, and uncannily confronting you when you return. A film of many subtle, tricky marvels, Genevieve Dulude-De Celless slowly bewitching Nina Roza comes closer than many to conveying that strange, imprecise separation of the soul through both lucidly expressed feeling, and artfully built narrative structure. One of the quiet surprises of this years Berlin Film Festival competition, the Quebecois filmmakers notably assured second feature arrives seven years after her debut A Colony won the Crystal Bear in the same fests youth-oriented Generation Kplus sidebar. That film, a simple but piercing portrait of a shy teen caught between opposing peer influences, was familiar in some ways but auspicious in the calm depth of its gaze and that humane poise is present again in Nina Roza, this time in service of more complex characters and more finely calibrated conflicts. The pensive sophistication and opalescent style with which the film unparcels its ideas might not please arthouse crowds wanting broader emotional gestures, but Dulude-De Celles may be a festival-circuit major in the making. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Its nearly 30 years since Mihail (a marvelous Galin Stoev) left Bulgaria following the death of his wife, taking their young daughter Roza to begin a new life in Montreal. Over time, he has established himself as a leading contemporary art consultant, often called on by collectors and curators to research and validate new talents though hes somewhat thrown when regular client Christophe (Christian Begin) requests his expertise regarding Nina (played by identical twins Sofia and Ekaterina Stanina), an eight-year-old painter in rural Bulgaria whose naively abstract but vibrantly composed canvases have gone viral after being discovered by Italian talent scout Giulia (Chiara Caselli). Agents and gallery owners are abuzz; Christophe wants Mihail to determine if the hype is real. Wary not just of alleged child prodigies, but also of returning to a homeland he hasnt set foot in since his initial departure, Mihail is reluctant to take the job. Hes spurred to do so, however, by Roza (Michelle Tzontchev), a single parent who now tellingly goes by the anglicized Rose, but is troubled by her growing distance (and more so, her young sons) from her cultural roots and her fading memories of a mother who didnt travel and change with them. On his arrival in Bulgaria, ambiguities abound, both regarding his professional reason for being there (as Nina, beguiling but hard to read, claims she no longer wishes to paint) and his unwanted reconnection with home. On the one hand, hes haunted by whats familiar and constant from his past there. On the other, hes treated as a visitor by the locals, who mock his accent and distrust his watchful presence; only he can sense in himself any trace of national belonging. A Bulgarian-Canadian theater director making his film acting debut, Stoev is a compelling thinker on screen: Theres a wounded gravity to his silences that can tilt the direction of a sparsely written scene, while his remarkable face, storied in its lines and hollows and textures, rewards the cameras sustained scrutiny. But the film makes dialogue count when it wants to: An acrid reunion scene with Mihails estranged sister Svetlana (a superb, seething Svetlana Yancheva) is propelled by the vituperative, frankly expressed resentment of those left behind. Who told you I wanted to see you? she spits, making clear where her brother truly isnt at home. Advertisement Advertisement Nina, meanwhile, may or may not be a great artist, but shes wily and evidently special, with a perspective rooted in her humble, rugged surroundings. (Were even told the paints she uses, with their unusually earthy colors, are made from natural pigments of the region.) Shes also the exact age Roza was when Mihail uprooted her from Bulgaria, and the longer he spends with Nina, the more she becomes a proxy for Rozas parallel, non-immigrant self especially as she faces a similar crossroads, with Giulia and Ninas opportunistic family eager to move her to Italy, where shes to attend a prestigious art academy. Nina would rather remain loyal to her soil. Its a doubling that Dulude-De Celles never makes overly literal or contrived, but underlines with deft editorial sleight of hand, and the inspired twin casting of Nina, whose temperament and outlook do shift imperceptibly from scene to scene. Alexandre Nour Desjardinss elegant, glimmering cinematography also plays with the concealing properties of bronzed magic-hour light and minty morning mist, the romantic beauty of the images encroaching on Mihails resolve to see things for what they are. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The company has noted that while non-ferrous markets are strong, the flat metal trading margin percentage indicates challenges in maintaining margins despite higher revenue from non-ferrous products. Sims Ltd ( SMSMY ) is exposed to currency fluctuations, with the strengthening Australian dollar impacting export sales and domestic sales on an export parity basis. The company faces ongoing challenges with the recovery of its UK metal receivable following the collapse of a third-party business. The company has successfully integrated its operations with a global shared services model, which is expected to lower costs and improve service offerings. Sims Ltd ( SMSMY ) has extended its debt facilities by 12 months, positioning its balance sheet for further growth. The company has made significant strides in operational efficiency, particularly in North America, where logistics infrastructure improvements have allowed for better domestic delivery and increased shredder capacity utilization. Sims Ltd ( SMSMY ) reported a strong performance in its SLS division, with revenue up nearly 70% and repurposed units up close to 18%, driven by high demand for DDR4 memory. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you explain the improvement in ANZ conditions post-AGM trading update? A: Stephen Mikkelsen, CEO, explained that improved volumes in the second quarter, particularly in non-ferrous and absorber pricing, contributed to the better performance. The company also managed to catch up on the first-quarter outage, and good cost control helped deliver better-than-expected results. Q: How quickly do non-ferrous price rises benefit the business? A: Stephen Mikkelsen, CEO, noted that higher prices generally drive more volume out of the market. The recent extraordinary price run-up has positioned the company well to capture increased volume. Rob Thompson, President of North America Metal, added that the integration with Lumisource and Northeastern Metal Trading has enhanced their consumer relationships and infrastructure, driving volume and margin improvements. Q: What is the impact of DDR4 pricing on SLS, and how does it flow through? A: Stephen Mikkelsen, CEO, explained that there is a lag in DDR4 pricing impact due to contract positions set in December. Ingrid Sinclair, President of SLS, added that the lag is typically one to two months, with the December price rise expected to impact the second half more significantly. Q: Can you provide insights into the SLS expansion in Ireland and its materiality? A: Stephen Mikkelsen, CEO, stated that the Dublin facility is expected to ramp up in the second half of the year, with full impact anticipated in fiscal year 2027. Ingrid Sinclair, President of SLS, mentioned that the facility is material to SLS's results, with plans to repurpose approximately one million units annually, focusing on DDR4s. Q: How does the company plan to grow SLS earnings beyond DDR4 price increases? A: Ingrid Sinclair, President of SLS, highlighted that growth will come from increased volume through current contracts and geographic expansion. The business also benefits from selling other components like hard drives, and future growth will include DDR5s as they enter the market. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. A Hollywood legend's story ended Sunday after starring in some of cinema's greatest stories ever told. Robert Duvall died at age 95. He starred in over 140 movies and shows, scoring an Oscar for his role in "Tender Mercies" but perhaps best known as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in "Apocalypse Now" and Tom Hagen in the first two "Godfather" films. Robert Duvall movies filmed in Georgia Something to Talk About: (1995) A woman's world is rocked when she discovers her husband is cheating on her. IMDb says it was filmed in the Savannah area as well as Perry. The movie is available on VOD services like AppleTV and Amazon Prime, $4 to rent and $8 to buy. Advertisement Advertisement The Gingerbread Man: (1998) A lawyer uses his power to help his lover put her father behind bars, but when he escapes, they are all in danger. IMDb says it was filmed in the Savannah area. The movie is available on VOD services at $4 to rent and $15 to buy. Jayne Mansfield's Car: (2012) The death of a clan's estranged wife and mother brings together two very different families. IMDb says it was filmed in Covington and Cedartown. The movie to available stream for free with ads on Tubi and Plex. Actor Robert Duvall poses for a photo with a fan at the "Jayne Mansfield's Car" Premiere during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at the Roy Thomson Hall on September 13, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. Get Low: (2009) A hermit throws his own funeral party while he's still alive. IMDb says it was filmed in various parts of Georgia like Covington, Dallas, Newnan, Crawfordville, and Powder Springs. The movie to available stream for free with ads on Tubi and Plex. In Dubious Battle: (2016) An activist gets caught up in the labor movement for farm workers in California during the 1930's. IMDb says it was filmed, in part, in a few areas of Georgia like Duluth, Bostwick, Senoia, and Gay. It's available to Prime subscribers and on YouTube free with ads. Advertisement Advertisement The Greatest: (1977) Muhammad Ali plays himself in a reconstruction of the events that brought him to fame. IMDb says it was filmed, in part, in Atlanta. It's available to stream for free with ads on the Roku Channel (which is available to those with or without a Roku device). Robert Duvall cause of death We currently don't have a confirmed cause of death for Duvall, but his wife Luciana Pedraza said in a Facebook statement he died peacefully at home "surrounded by love and comfort." Is Robert Duvall related to Shelley Duvall? Robert and Shelley Duvall are not related, although it's a common misconception due to the surname. How old is Robert Duvall's wife? Pedraza is 54-years-old. She and Duvall got married in 2005. What was Robert Duvall's last movie? The last movie to feature Duvall was "The Pale Blue Eye" in 2022. It's a Netflix detective movie featuring Edgar Allan Poe as a character and a detective played by Christian Bale. Duvall plays world traveler Jean Pepe. Robert Duvall children Duvall wasn't a father, however he and Pedraza founded the the Robert Duvall Childrens Fund in 2001 to support impoverished children and families in northern Argentina and create initiatives to help women start businesses, according to Men's Journal. Pedraza is Argentinian. Celebrity reactions to Robert Duvall death Adam Sandler, who was in the 2022 movie "Hustle" with Duvall, said he was "One of the greatest actors we ever had. Such a great man to talk to and laugh with. Loved him so much. We all did." Advertisement Advertisement Robert Patrick, who was also in "Jayne Mansfield's Car," shared memories like when he shared a meal with Duvall on his back porch, and how they'd talk on the phone about movies and BBQ over the years. Viola Davis, who was in the 2018 movie "Windows" with Duvall, said she was in awe working with him and that she always had been, calling him a giant and an icon. Michael Keaton, who was in the 1994 movie "The Paper" with Duvall, recalled how they became friends and spent "a great afternoon on my front porch talking about horses. He was greatness personified." Andy Garcia, who was in the 1990 movie "A Show of Force" with Duvall, said he was "one of the greatest of all time" and that "His sublime artistry will continue to inspire us forever. He was the truest of friends. An American original." Who was Robert Duvall in Lonesome Dove? Duvall was one of two former Texas Rangers in the 1989 limited TV series "Lonesome Dove." He played Augustus "Gus" McCrae alongside Tommy Lee Jones as Woodrow F. Call. The show won multiple Primetime Emmy awards and Duvall won a Golden Globe. Advertisement Advertisement It's available to stream for subscribers of Peacock, Fubo, and Prime Video. It's also free with ads on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and the Roku Channel. Who was Robert Duvall in To Kill A Mockingbird? Duvall played the reclusive neighbor Arthur "Boo" Radley in the 1962 film adaptation of "To Kill A Mockingbird." It was nominated for multiple Oscars, including best picture, ultimately winning two including best art direction in black and white and best writing for a screenplay based on material from another medium. The movie is on VOD services at $4 to rent and $15 to buy. Who was Robert Duvall in Days of Thunder? Duvall played veteran car building and mentor Harry Hogge in Tom Cruise's 1990 NASCAR movie "Days of Thunder." It's available to stream for subscribers of AMC+ and Paramount+. How to watch the Godfather All three of the "Godfather" movies are available to watch on Paramount+ and Fubo. However, Duvall is only in the first two. How to watch Apocalypse Now "Apocalypse Now" is available to stream for free with Plex. Advertisement Advertisement Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Robert Duvall died Sunday, Feb. 15. Which movies did he film in Georgia? Ryan Cooglers newest film Sinners is already generating tons of buzz, and a lot of it has to do with a video shared days before the release. Last week, Kodak posted a 10-minute video that between YouTube and TikTok has racked up around 1 million views, in which Coogler makes complex topics like aspect ratios, film formats and sound design accessible and fun. He does this largely thanks to how the video uses his latest vampire-crime thriller hybrid Sinners as the primary example. Coogler seems comfortable in professor mode as he talks through the different film formats in the video, while film strips of different sizes and a whiteboard chock full of detailed drawings are displayed behind him. His passion is clear as he starts off with a quick explanation of Super 8mm film, Super 16mm film and some technical terms. Advertisement Advertisement Regarding shooting on actual celluloid which is increasingly rare in todays digital and video-centric age he says, Its a format that I fell in love with when I was in film school, so I brought a few film strips here. The Black Panther director also mentions other notable recent movies that were shot on film, including Oscar-winners Anora and The Brutalist. After making sure everyone is up to speed, Coogler then explains how he and his team shot Sinners on two camera systems: Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX. Ultra Panavision 70 is the widest format available and will crop the screen along the top and bottom, while IMAX is the tallest format and will crop on the left and right sides of the screen, the director says. Cooglers latest project draws on his Southern roots and family history to deliver a paranormal tale about two brothers who open a juke joint in their Mississippi hometown. The film is led by Cooglers longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan, who plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Sinners is only hitting screens nationwide on Friday, but it has already made history. This is the first time that a movie has been shot simultaneously with two different aspect ratios (as described above), and its also the first time that a movie has been released combining both, Coogler specified in the Kodak clip. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who also worked on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, also became the first woman to shoot a theatrical feature film on both 65mm and IMAX. Michael B. Jordan in Sinners. - Eli Ade/Warner Bros. The film will therefore be available for viewing in several formats, with some showings shifting between aspect ratios depending on the emotion and intensity of a scene in select theaters another first. Advertisement Advertisement Coogler hasnt shot on film since his breakout Fruitvale Station from 2013 which also starred Jordan and his return to the medium is about more than achieving a shallow depth of field and high resolution, he says in the Kodak video. The filmmaker wanted to create a moving theatrical experience like the ones he experienced in his youth, he said. My parents was working class in Oakland, and it was the most affordable way for us to go out and have a good time. I still believe in that, Coogler said. Sinners opens Friday in theaters nationwide. Its distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com EXCLUSIVE: The 28th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival in Greece has announced films that will contend in two major competitive categories: The Newcomers and >>Film Forward Competition sections. Both competitions come with significant prize money. The Newcomers Competition offers two prizes: the Golden Alexander Dimitri Eipides and the Silver Alexander Award. Fourteen films of over 50 minutes in length created by young filmmakers have been announced in that section (scroll for the titles and descriptions of films). The Golden Alexander Dimitri Eipides award is accompanied by a 10,000 cash prize. The Silver Alexander Award is accompanied by a 4,000 cash prize. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement The >>Film Forward competition, meanwhile, hosts movies that challenge conventions and utter a bold and daring cinematic language. Ten films will compete in that section. Awards in this strand include the >>Film Forward Golden Alexander, featuring a 6,000-euro cash prize, and the >>Film Forward Silver Alexander, featuring a 3,000-euro cash prize. A pier that serves as the hub for the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival. The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival runs March 515 in the Greek port city. These are the 14 films in the Newcomers Competition: At No Cost, Mary Bouli, Greece, 2026, 79 (World premiere) Danae works at a bar, but dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. She is one of the many young women in Athens struggling to make ends meet. She decides to become an egg donor. Why not? Sounds like it comes at no cost. But the procedure is not that simple. Advertisement Advertisement EXILE(S), Tales From an Island, Yorgos Iliopoulos, Greece, 2026, 119 (World premiere) A hundred years after the Treaty of Lausanne, the people of Imbros search for a new present, with the aftershocks of population movements still visible around them. Ruined villages, lives lost to time, customs and rituals braided into a singular cultural palimpsest, where memories and borders keep shifting. Yet coexistence is never easy. Tiny Gods, Panos Deligiannis, Greece, 2026, 82 (World premiere) Life is a constant movement between the depths of our personal universe and the surface of the world. We dive within ourselves, emerge into everyday life. We oscillate from introspection to extroversion, from our microcosm to the real world. This pendulum is the story of the artist Kleio Gizeli, a pendulum that reaches from the secret space of an apartment to the visible world of a school classroom, from a penthouse in Kypseli, Athens to the life of its streets, from miniature works to the social work of education. This pendulum is the story of the film, the pendulum of a woman but also of all of us. Advertisement Advertisement Hex, Maja Holand, Norway, 2026, 92 (International premiere) Set in Norways legendary black metal scene, Hex follows three young women Nikoline, Victoria, and Johanna who form the band Witch Club Satan without knowing how to play a single instrument. Bound by a three-year pact, they commit to becoming witches and musicians, using black metal to unleash raw, female power. But as the band gains momentum, it also gains a will of its own, testing their unity, values, and vision of freedom. Haunted by the echoes of historical witch trials, the film asks: what does it mean to be a free woman todayand are we still condemning witches to silence? In Cod We Trust, Guro Saniola Bjerk, Norway-Finland, 2026, 84 (World premiere) In Norways northernmost reaches, where winter lingers for months beneath a veil of polar darkness and the sea governs every decision, lies Batsfjord, a fishing village where cod assumes greater significance than God. This wryly playful observational portrait unfolds as an artful tapestry of meticulously composed vignettes, capturing the essence of a remote Arctic community. Its diverse, resourceful inhabitants, as unpredictable as the blizzards that sweep across the region, are bound by fish, nature, and a shared sense of belonging. The film invites viewers to experience the rhythm, drama, and intimacy of life at the edge of the world, revealing that in the coldest corners of the earth one finds the warmest people, brimming with wit, resilience, and generosity. Advertisement Advertisement Inner Emigrants, Lena Karbe, Germany-France, 2026, 93 (World premiere) A group of psychologists in Moscow maintain an anonymous hotline providing psychological support following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. For the purposes of her second feature film, Russian filmmaker Lena Karbe returns to her homeland after 15 years in Germany and turns her focus to the often minimized, burdensome work of mental health professionals. How does Russian society perceive the invasion, and why does it not react? What is the impact of government propaganda on the masses? What happens when the patient holds completely different views from the therapist for example, when they are in favor of war, or seek guidance on issues that are illegal in Russia, such as LGBTQI matters? What does neutrality mean, where should the boundaries be drawn, and how does each professional set them whilst striving to protect their professional integrity, personal safety, and psyche? Just Look Up, Emma Wall & Betsy Hershey, USA-Denmark, 2026, 94 (World premiere) Michael Greenberg, an openly gay activist, leads the disruptive movement Climate Defiance and lets nothing get in the way! Armed with decisiveness, caustic humor, and fearless audacity, he revives the radical way of protesting: he sets aside negotiating or asking for a platform to be heard; instead, he barges in at conferences with oil company representatives, denouncing CEOs and Washingtons political elite for the catastrophic impact they have on the environment. As Michael states, shame is powerful, and only public outrage can make these individuals realize their accountability. Unyielding and unapologetic, with a deep, nearly spiritual commitment to his cause and the conviction that the world will be destroyed if we dont act now, Michael, along with his team, manages to attract media attention and create a highly publicized movement. However, the situation becomes even more precarious following the re-election of US President Donald Trump, a turn of events that has Michael and his allies deeply concerned. Now, their mission is more dangerous and challenging than ever Advertisement Advertisement Motel Paradise, Jose Eduardo Castilla Ponce, Mexico, 2026, 89 (World premiere) In a coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico lives the insubordinate Daniel, the owner of a small motel. We get to know him through his grandsons eyes, who decides to use the very same VHS camera that Daniel once used to record him as a child. Through this role reversal, the camera documents Daniels daily life as a motel owner in a candid, effortless, yet humorous manner, gradually unveiling his larger-than-life personality and his somewhat tumultuous relationship with his wife, Lourdes. At the same time, when you least expect it, Daniel is transformed into the star of short cinematic vignettes, inspired by different genres of cinema, re-enacting peculiar incidents that may or may not have occurred over the years at the motel. A creative blend of reality and fiction, crafted to depict the notion of remembrance, in which the adult perspective raw, unembellished engages in constant dialogue with a more childlike, idealized one, as though it were a staged western. An original documentary with a strong B-movie influence that makes the viewer laugh, reminisce, and recall this one fact: it is through cinema and memory that we may, as the director claims, cheat death, even if only a little. One in a Million, Jack Macinnes & Itab Azzam, UK-Germany, 2026, 100 (European premiere) In September 2015, Israa, an 11-year old girl from Aleppo, Syria, was selling cigarettes in Turkey, trying to raise enough money to cross the Aegean in the hope of finding a better life in Europe. Over the years, however, the safe haven the family lighted upon in Germany became the scene of trauma and confusion. Advertisement Advertisement Replica, Chouwa Liang, Australia-France-China, 2026, 91 (World premiere) In China, an increasing number of young women are choosing partners generated on demand by AI programs, either in response to the societal pressure of getting married or to avoid the disillusionment brought on by real-world relationships. Because in the digital world, expectations are rarely, if ever, met with disappointment, and partners -always emotionally available, mature, and composed offer unconditional support and companionship through a screen. If Spike Jonzes Her once seemed like science fiction, its now turning into something very real, as we struggle to navigate psychosocial trauma, as well as the world around us; both of which are veiled behind an incessant flow of data and the digital promises of fabricated perfection. Sentient, Tony Jones, Australia, 2026, 105 (European premiere) A unique and moving investigation into laboratory research on animals, exposing a hidden world in which its not just the animals getting hurt. Following the story of Dr Lisa Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, it asks can we still justify harming animals and ourselves in sciences name? Advertisement Advertisement The Smuggler, Sylvelin Makestad, Sweden-Finland-Norway, 2026, 79 (World premiere) Lisbeth, a recently retired elderly woman, sets out to find the gun her father used in an unsuccessful suicide attempt in 1940 a weapon that turned into a family legend. She boards a therapy bus, full of war-veterans children, travels through Finland where she meets an arms dealer, learns to shoot, seeks a witchs guidance, all while moving toward the pistol and her past. A beautifully bittersweet documentary, it is a personal journey in search of existential identity, roots, answers, genealogical symbols, as well as a commentary on the weight of History on the daily lives of ordinary people. Exquisitely shot, The Smuggler talks about a womans need to understand her father, retroactively heal his trauma and, through this paradoxical therapy, find her own role and place in the world. Tirrenica, Rosario Minervini, Italy-Spain, 2026, 61 (World premiere) In Italy in the 1960s, announcements about a state-of-the-art highway that would soon connect the economically struggling south with the advanced north were as pompous as the scale of the project. Except that it took over 60 years to realize, and its name (Tirrenica) became synonymous with the areas it would connect from the outskirts of Naples to Salerno for all the wrong reasons, while also exposing the structural pathologies of the Italian state like no other, effectively confirming the narrative of a country of two speeds. Through the striking comparison of yesterdays expectations and the mundane reality of those who were born and raised in the shadow of a phantom project, Rosario Minervini performs a dissection of clinical precision of the delays that have weighed down Italys collective psyche over time. Advertisement Advertisement We Are Stardust, Elisabeth Rasmussen, Norway-Denmark, 2026, 97 (World premiere) For decades, NASA and equivalent services have been entirely focused on interstellar space in order to collect micrometeorites these rare remnants of our solar systems formation, believed to conceal invaluable secrets pertaining to the origin of life in the universe. Until Jon Larsen, a Norwegian musician and amateur researcher, thought to do the exact opposite, something astronomers considered futile: to look for them down here on Earth. Sami filmmaker Elisabeth Rasmussen follows the impressive results of his research, which costs peanuts compared to the enormous budget poured into comparable space missions, with equal zeal and enthusiasm. Thus, an incredible quest for stardust unfolds before our very eyes, a transcendental adventure that has much to teach us about the importance of method, perseverance, and humility. This is the lineup of 10 contenders in the >>Film Forward competition section: Dear Future, Christiana Cheiranagnostaki, Greece-Switzerland, 2026, 79 (World premiere) Advertisement Advertisement An underground archive in the Arctic, museum artefacts awaiting their fate in a storage room in the Netherlands, hidden rock markings in a forest in Switzerland, and a neuroscience study on emotion, reveal a world paused, turning inward, waiting to be shaped by memory and nature; a liminal space between whats lost and whats yet to come. Horse and Rider, Panayotis Evangelidis, Greece, 2026, 78 (World premiere) Three days of an encounter between two persons in a Thessaloniki hotel, during a July heatwave. Sylvia and Yannis talk, joke, look at each other, are taken by surprise, fall in love, and learn to listen to the sounds of the surrounding world, weaving their own cocoon. Time counts backwards. Stories of a Lie, Olia Verriopoulou, Greece-France, 2025, 75 (National premiere) During a stay in Greece, my native country, I learned of a friends illness. Her doctors and family are hiding it from her and I have to keep it a secret as well. I start to remember, bewildered. Having grown up in a medical environment, I remember that I was part of this practice in the past and that it has affected loved ones. I decided to talk to my father, a doctor, and start an intimate investigation in my attempt to understand the reasoning behind medical lies A Song Without Home, Rati Tsiteladze, Georgia-USA-Denmark, 2026, 75 (International premiere) What does freedom mean without inner peace? A Song Without Home follows Adelina, a young trans woman who, after 11 years of confinement in a Georgian village, flees to Vienna in search of freedom. As she builds a new life, a past that refuses to release her continues to shape her sense of belonging. Created over a decade under political pressure and personal risk, the film is effectively illegal in Georgia under anti-LGBTQ+ laws, forcing its makers to complete it abroad. Expanding on the award-nominated short Prisoner of Society (2018), the documentary blends immersive imagery with an intimate mother-daughter story to explore identity, resilience, and the complex meaning of liberation -standing as a powerful act of resistance against the erasure of queer lives. Level, Carlos Mora Fuentes & Anna Berkhof, Spain, 2026, 78 (World premiere) Level is about landscapes. Landscapes that are irrevocably changing due to climate change. We have memories of landscapes that dont exist anymore. We miss them. The different layers of the film are grounded by a universal narrative: the loss of a loved one leads to a period of introspection, but after a while there is more space for new things. Mommys Boys, Jesper Dalgaard, Denmark, 2025, 103 (International premiere) More than twenty years after her death, the ghost of a highly manipulative mother lingers on the minds of her five sons who are now well into their middle-age, haunting them. In Mommys Boys, it all begins in 2002 with the resentful farewell letter she left behind; a letter which concluded with the bloodcurdling threat Ill be back! The need to understand her toxic nature and make peace with their jumble of emotions sparks an inventive docudrama, where the skeletons in the closet take center stage, the real-life protagonists intertwine with actors, and the atmosphere evokes Hitchcocks Psycho, Vinterbergs family reenactments, and von Triers expressive versatility. So, what if cinema cannot ultimately heal wounds? What matters is that its able to stir something essential within us. Phosphene, Miguel Filgueiras, Portugal, 2026, 74 (World premiere) Phosphene is an animal myth. It is an invitation to reflection, a juxtaposition of the comfort of the real with the discomfort of the imaginary. A liberation from realistic predicates, so that they may become poetic fictions. Its reality is that of the world of the mountains, of the humans and the other beings that inhabit them. It is composed of images revealing impactful events which, in themselves, are rigid blocks of courage for those who film and those who are filmed. It is a fable about the confrontation between man and the force of nature; the clash between the savage, the wild, and the civilized. The Culprits, Marta Duran Lozano, Spain, 2026, 85 (World premiere) After carrying the silence of a teenage abortion for years, filmmaker Marta Duran Lozano gathers the anonymous testimonies of women who have lived through similar experiences. Alongside teenage girls who have recently had abortions, she embarks on a collective creative process, revisiting, embodying, and reimagining these intimate stories. The film traces an emotional landscape of fear, vulnerability, and quiet resilience, capturing the hidden struggles of young women navigating stigma, internalized guilt and inadequate institutional support. At a time when abortion rights are increasingly under threat, it emerges as a poignant act of solidarity, transforming loneliness into communion, shame into shared understanding, and secrecy into a space of fortitude and empathy. The Magic City Birmingham According to Sun Ra, Guillaume Maupin & Pablo Guarise, Belgium, Italy, France, 2025, 97 (International premiere) On May 22, 1914, Herman Poole Blount arrived on Earth in Birmingham, Alabama. He would become known many years later as Sun Ra and would become one of the most extraordinary and prolific jazz musicians of his century, as well as the founder of a strange cosmic philosophy. The Magic City known as Birmingham was a segregated city in the industrial South. Hostile at first glance, it was there that Sun Ra laid the foundations of his mystical thinking and his music, seeing in his city an incredible world full of signs. He left it for Chicago at the age of 32 and did not return until 1992, shortly before his death. Portraying this artist as a young man as much as portraying a city, The Magic City tells the story of Sun Ras early years in this urban universe that was both political and magical, common and fantastic, disturbing and fascinating. Trine on Fire, Alexander Lind, Denmark, 2025, 94 (International premiere) The flames lick up the wall as Trine, then 34 years old, watches in a mix of horror and a strange sense of calm. Eleven years later, she stands on the brink of a new beginning, but the journey has been marked by strange detours. The fire that sent her into the closed wards of forensic psychiatry still casts long shadows onto her life. Her parents, once her safe harbor, are now shaped by mistrust, and Trine wrestles with guilt and a nagging doubt about her own sanity. For three years, she has worked on a raw and unflinching performancea piece meant to reveal her deepest truthto her parents, the world, and, most importantly, herself. A remarkable journey toward freedom lies ahead. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Post-hardcore storytellers La Dispute are officially heading back to Australia, locking in a national headline run this October in support of their latest album, No One Was Driving The Car. The Michigan five-piece will kick things off at Perths Astor Theatre on October 16 before rolling through Frankston, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Newcastle, wrapping up at Brisbanes Tivoli on October 25. Joining them on all dates are Meanjin/Brisbane noise collective, Special Features. La Dispute No One Was Driving The Car In a move that feels very on-brand for a band built on community and connection, six of the seven Aussie shows will be all ages (with Melbourne 18+ and Perth licensed / all ages). Vocalist Jordan Dreyer says that accessibility is intentional a nod to the all-ages venues that shaped the band in their early years in West Michigan and helped spark their own creative path. Advertisement Advertisement The tour celebrates No One Was Driving The Car, released in September 2025 via Epitaph Records La Disputes first album in six years following Panorama. Entirely self-produced and inspired in part by the psychological thriller First Reformed, the record explores modern anxiety, existential drift and life in an increasingly mediated world. Its title was drawn from a news report about a fatal self-driving car crash a metaphor Dreyer says captures the unsettling sense that much of modern life feels directionless, automated and out of our control. Musically, the album sharpens the bands already intense emotional palette pairing primal vocal eruptions with more refined melodic passages and guitars that cut harder than ever. It was pieced together across multiple locations including Michigan, the UK, Australia and the Philippines, with shifting environments helping reshape the creative process along the way. Opening each night are Special Features a Brisbane four-piece known for their chaotic, cathartic live shows that feel somewhere between a noise set and group therapy. With rotating vocalists, zero hierarchy and a debut album due in 2026, theyre rapidly building a reputation as one of Australias most visceral underground acts. Peep all the tour dates and details down below. La Dispute 2026 No One Was Driving The Car Australian Tour Dates Supported by Special Features Advertisement Advertisement Friday 16 October, 2026 Astor Theatre, Perth (Lic All Ages, patrons under 18 can attend with a parent/guardian over 18) Sunday 18 October, 2026 Singing Bird, Frankston (All Ages) Monday 19 October, 2026 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+) Wednesday 21 October, 2026 The Gov, Adelaide (All Ages) Friday 23 October, 2026 Liberty Hall, Sydney (All Ages) Saturday 24 October, 2026 King Street, Newcastle (All Ages) Sunday October 25, 2026 The Tivoli, Brisbane (All Ages) TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, FEB 20, 10AM (LOCAL) VIA LIVE NATION Mastercard Presale Wed 18 Feb, 9am > Fri 20 Feb, 9am (local) (excluding Adelaide & Newcastle Live Nation Presale Thu 19 Feb, 9am > Fri 20 Feb, 9am (local) Further Reading HEALTH Announce 2026 Australian Headline Tour With Perturbator & King Yosef Advertisement Advertisement Mariachi El Bronx & The Bronx Announce Wild Double-Header Aussie Tour for 2026 NEWS FLASHBACK: My Chemical Romance, Slipknot And More Cuddle Their Pets In Touche Amores Reminders Video The post La Dispute Announce 2026 Australian Headline Tour With Special Features appeared first on Music Feeds. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Frank White When Sepultura made their debut album, Morbid Visions, in 1986, heavy metal had already begun to take root in Brazil. The countrys military dictatorship had come to an end, and Kiss had played in 1983, followed by Rock In Rio in 1985. It wasnt all imports, mind; speed-metal act Stress released Brazils first metal album in 1982 and a number of cities began fermenting their own scenes. Sepulturas home of Belo Horizonte in the southeast was no exception, the thrashtastic offerings of San Franciscos Bay Area and beyond inspiring a bands to create faster, nastier music that could express their hatred towards a system that had failed them. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, this increasing profile also attracted unwanted attention from the local authorities I was more scared of the police than the Devil, as frontman Max Cavalera put it in a 2016 interview with Hammer. Still, they persevered, learning their craft in a city few north of the equator would have heard of, playing on equipment that barely functioned, away from metals power bases of Europe and North America. And somehow, it worked. The bands take on crossover thrash/death metal came to the attention of music journalists including Don Kaye, whose articles on the band caught the eye of the man who would give Sepultura their break. Don had this regular column called Deathvine, where hed write about bands that were very cool and not getting attention, explains Monte Conner, who signed Sepultura to Roadrunner. Advertisement Advertisement He did something on bands from Brazil, with Sepultura being one of the leads there. That was our first taste of the band. Then shortly after, Morbid Visions came out, meaning we were in from day one. But even then, nobody could have predicted what was going to happen. As the man responsible for signing Sepultura (as well as fellow legends Type O Negative and Slipknot), you would be forgiven for thinking Monte had Nostradamus levels of prescience for unearthing future metal sensations. But in 1988, neither label nor band even closely resembled the behemoths they would become. The biggest band we had at the time was King Diamond, who had just released Abigail, Monte remembers. I was the fifth member of staff in Roadrunner US, and a few days after I joined someone quit, giving me the opportunity to start working with bands Id got into as a college radio DJ. Though Sepultura werent his first signing, they put his talents to the test. Max was the only guy in the band who could really speak English at the time, Monte recalls. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the whole time I was communicating with the band during the signing process, it was through a friend of theirs called Lino. In order to speak, theyd go to Linos house and wed talk through him, to go over anything they didnt understand. Max eventually flew out to the US to iron out the final details of the deal. He got a free Pan Am flight from a friend and came in his best suit he didnt want to draw negative attention! recalls Monte. Max Cavalera: thankfully, the suit wasnt a regular thing | Credit: Frank White Next, they needed a record that could show exactly what this unknown band could do. Scott Burns was still a rookie when he agreed to come onboard as producer. Even so, he had begun to rack up some notable credits in metals underground, engineering Deaths Leprosy and producing Obituarys Slowly We Rot. The Obituary guys turned me on to [Sepulturas second record] Schizophrenia, so I was happy to work on anything, he says. [At the time] nobody was really interested; they were too death metal and nobody wanted to work for basically no money in Brazil over Christmas. I was in college, so I didnt give a crap! It was nice to get away from home. Advertisement Advertisement Both beautiful and dangerous, the Rio of the late 80s was unlike anything Scott and Sepultura were used to. Scotts initial experiences illustrate just how deep the rot went. Roadrunner had given me $500 for food and travel in Brazil. Id brought along drumheads, amplifiers and everything with me, as Id heard the band didnt have much in the way of equipment, explains Scott. It turns out the customs guys were all on the take; they wanted a couple of thousand to take all this stuff in. We ended up arguing with this customs guy for two hours, until he let us in for $300 or so, meaning afterwards we were pretty much broke again. Scott and Sepultura worked on the album at night, so as not to interfere with Nas Nuvens studios work with Samba acts during the day. This freed time up for them to see the sights and enjoy cheap drinks by the beach, making parts of the trip more The Hangover than City Of God though Scott did have his room burgled during one beach-crawl. Nonetheless, Sepultura produced their finest record yet, their sound now matching the bands talent. Its the sound of a great band playing live, Scott enthuses. Beneath The Remains captured a moment and said, This is Sepultura. Im proud of that. Advertisement Advertisement Beneath The Remains is a real thrash record, Max told us. I love the way the acoustic, clean guitar opens the title track before Iggors toms crash in. From that moment, its relentless thrash. Inner Self, Mass Hypnosis, Stronger Than Hate and Sarcastic Existence those are all thrash metal anthems. Beneath The Remains landed them international tours with thrash legends such as Sodom. On Halloween 1989, they played a Roadrunner-curated showcase at the Ritz in New York, headlined by King Diamond with support from Sacred Reich. Sacred Reichs manager, Gloria Bujnowski (later Cavalera) was in attendance, and had previously turned down Montes offer to manage Sepultura. Id been approached a couple times to represent some of the Roadrunner bands that didnt have a manager, explains Gloria. The show started and they were really good, but the very first thought that came into my head was, This band are going to get ripped off I dont know why! Gloria organised some basics to make tour life easier, ranging from towels and water onstage to the kinds of things youd never expect a band to go without They had one pick! she exclaims. Advertisement Advertisement She clearly left an impression, as Max later wrote to Gloria, expressing his interest in taking her on as manager (I still have it today, she declares). The third time of asking turned out to be the charm. We started talking on the phone; I worked out a deal with them where Id do a year for free with the band, see if things worked out. Iggor Cavalera: Maxs little brother and a drumming powerhouse | Credit: Frank White Still working as Maxs manager some 30 years later, Gloria has steered her husbands career through its peaks and troughs, and helped the band preach their gospel far and wide. I was always looking to new places to go; Czechoslovakia, Belgrade. People would say, Why go there? Theres no scene. But the way I saw it, there couldnt be a scene if we werent going anywhere there were potential fans. It got to the point where the label sent us a letter saying we needed to get off the road; Sepultura had been playing for almost two years straight and they wanted a new record we just laughed and carried on touring! While themes of nonconformity, war and alienation werent new to thrash, few bands before Sepultura made it all sound so personal. Beneath The Remains also proved to be a stepping stone for one of the greatest runs of albums in metal history, Sepultura climbing higher with 1991s commercial breakthrough Arise, before redefining their sound on both Chaos A.D. and Roots, as they leant into groove and proto-nu metal stylings. They were also the first metal band that proved you didnt need to hail from Europe or North America. Advertisement Advertisement Music is about giving kids hope, nods Gloria. We have an ear for kids whose parents dont understand them; theyve got to have somebody and I think metal can offer that. Sepultura were one of the first bands to tour Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, just after the Moscow Peace Festival. It was about giving the kids there a chance to feel the same way kids in America felt; feeling free rather than just seeing oppression. Opening the floodgates to metal from around the world had the benefit of helping Roadrunner become a metal household name. Everything changed once Sepultura broke, admits Monte. With both Sepultura and King Diamond, now Roadrunner was a destination for bands. That led to all the successes we enjoyed in the 90s everything from Type O Negative, Deicide and Life Of Agony all the way to Slipknot and even Nickelback. Well, nobody said everything about globalisation had to be good. Anderson Cooper confirmed Monday that he is leaving 60 Minutes after nearly two decades, marking another shakeup at CBS News under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Cooper confirmed the news after Breaker Media first revealed that he had informed the network he would not renew his contract to return for the fall season, though his remaining segments are expected to air through the end of the current run. Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career, Cooper said in a statement Monday. Advertisement Advertisement I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. Anderson Cooper is leaving CBS News 60 Minutes. 60 Minutes For nearly twenty years, Ive been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me. Coopers departure removes one of the programs most recognizable figures during a period of internal tension surrounding editorial decisions and leadership changes. The show has faced turmoil under Weiss, who sparked anger among staffers after she delayed the airing of a segment about a notorious El Salvador prison. Advertisement Advertisement The Post has sought comment from CBS News. Weiss took over as editor-in-chief of CBS News in October following the Paramount Skydance takeover, promising to remake the division and restore trust in the networks journalism. Her tenure has instead been marked by internal friction and high-profile editorial disputes. Coopers exit is the latest sign of upheaval since Bari Weiss took over as CBS News editor-in-chief. AP One early clash came after a 60 Minutes segment on El Salvadors CECOT prison was pulled from the broadcast shortly before airtime, prompting backlash inside the newsroom before it eventually aired and straining relations between veteran staff and new leadership. The shakeups soon extended beyond the newsmagazine. Advertisement Advertisement Weiss weighed broader changes to the on-air lineup at one point pursuing Cooper for the CBS Evening News anchor role before the broadcast was ultimately reorganized around Tony Dokoupil, drawing scrutiny within the network. CBS News later carried out layoffs affecting dozens of employees, followed by buyouts that led 11 staffers, including multiple producers, to leave the CBS Evening News. The network is now preparing deeper cuts expected to impact about 15% of its workforce while also confronting internal criticism over editorial direction and newsroom morale. Anderson Cooper is exiting as a correspondent for 60 Minutes to spend more time with his children. The celebrated US television journalist has reported for the CBS show while working as a full-time news anchor on CNN for nearly two decades. But he has decided not to renew his contract with the top-rated Sunday program, Deadline reports. Cooper said in a statement, "Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honours of my career. I got to tell amazing stories and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. But I have little kids now, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me." Cooper is dad to two sons, whom he is raising with his former partner and best friend, Benjamin Maisani. Cooper signed a new deal with CNN late last year, where he also hosts the Sunday show The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, and the podcast and streaming series All There Is. His exit from 60 Minutes follows ongoing tumult in the network news division. Donald Trump sued 60 Minutes in October 2024 over the edits that the show made to an interview with Kamala Harris. Although CBS News attorneys deemed Trump's lawsuit baseless, parent company Paramount eventually settled with the US president for $16 million (11.7 million). As Paramount engaged in settlement talks with the president's team, the show's executive producer resigned, and later, the head of the news division also departed. One of the lead officials in the Nancy Guthrie investigation is shutting down speculation about her alleged abductors identity. In a statement released on Monday, February 16, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that Savannah Guthrie and her family have been cleared as suspects. To be clearthe Guthrie family to include all siblings and spouses has been cleared as possible suspects in this case, Nanos shared. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. The statement continued, To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The Guthrie family are victims plain and simpleplease, Im begging you the media to honor your profession and report with some sense of compassion and professionalism. Advertisement Advertisement The statement seemingly came in response to reports that Savannahs brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, was a suspect in the case. Earlier this month, former CNN and NewsNation journalist Ashleigh Banfield claimed on her Drop Dead Serious podcast that she was told by a law enforcement source that Cioni was a prime suspect. At the time, she noted that these are just musings and not evidence, and that it is normal for families of the victims to be vetted. Banfield doubled down on her reporting about Annie Guthries husband on the Thursday, February 12, episode of Dan Abrams SiriusXM show. I can tell you that my source every day since has stood by that reporting, she stated. And that is the thinking as of the day after Mrs. Guthrie was reported missing. Savannah Guthrie and Mom Nancy Nathan Congleton/NBC Banfield added, Nothings changed. Nothings changed. But I will say this: the day after I did that report, my source said, things have really tightened up. The folks in the Sheriffs Department are worried about retaliation because of the leak. And I thought to myself, Well, if its not true, there wouldnt be any worry, you know? And then on the third day, he said, What I can tell you is: when they take shots at you, youre standing on the target.' Advertisement Advertisement Despite clearing Savannah and her family, officials have yet to name any persons of interest in the case. Nancy was reported missing on February 1 after being seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, the night prior. Authorities have offered a $100,000 reward for information related to the case and continue to urge the public to reach out with any tips. Officials also have yet to confirm whether reports of ransom notes demanding millions for Nancys return are authentic. Savannah and her siblings have released multiple plea videos on social media, requesting proof of life and offering to pay for their mothers return. According to a new report aired on the Tuesday, February 17, episode of Today, a glove found near Nancys home contained unknown male DNA. Authorities have not confirmed whether the glove matches those worn by the masked figure in Nancys home security camera footage. Officials have also tried to track Nancys pacemaker and have canvassed local gun stores. Today, Weekdays, 7a/6c, NBC Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. UPDATED with Apple TV statement: Dana Eden, an Israeli producer who was working on Apple TVs Tehran, has died unexpectedly during filming in Greece. No cause of death has been confirmed as of yet but the Israeli public broadcaster Kan said in a statement quoted in Israeli media: We mourn the passing of our colleague and partner in a long line of productions, series, and programs at the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation Dana Eden. Dana was among the senior figures in Israels television industry and played a central role in creating and leading some of the corporations most prominent and influential productions. Her professional and personal legacy will continue to shape Israeli television for many years to come. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement According to Hebrew media, which was quoted by the Times of Israel, Eden was found lifeless in an Athens hotel on Sunday by her brother. Reuters reported that the case is being treated as suicide based on evidence and testimonies. Local police issued an autopsy order to determine the cause of death and began collecting security camera footage and testimony from hotel staff, according to local media. The investigation continues. Addressing rumors over suggestions on social media that Eden may have been killed by Iranian agents, the production company behind Tehran, Donna and Shula Productions, said it wants to make it clear that the rumors of the death being criminal or nationalistic are not true and baseless. Israeli citizens are banned from visiting Iran and Tehran films in Greece. We have asked Apple about the future of Season 4. Apple TV said in a statement: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dana Eden, an extraordinary producer and creative partner whose passion for storytelling made a lasting impact on audiences around the world. Danas vision, dedication and leadership were instrumental in shaping Tehran into the globally acclaimed series it is today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Danas family, friends and colleagues. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable contributions to television, but for the warmth, artistry and commitment she brought to every project and every collaboration. Edens death will be a huge loss to the Israeli TV and film industry. Advertisement Advertisement She was a well regarded producer who has worked across all episodes of Tehran, the Apple TV series that follows an Israeli Mossad agent of Iranian Jewish descent in Irans capital. It stars Niv Sultan, Glenn Close and Hugh Laurie. Eden was filming Season 4 in Athens when she died. Season 3 has just launched on Apple TV after being delayed for many months due to the Israel-Hamas War. Edens other credits include Girl, Woman, The Prosecution and Magpie. She has worked on a wealth of projects down the years. In 2022, we reported that Eden and producing partner Shula Spiegel had signed with CAA. Tzvika Gottlieb, who runs the Israeli Producers Association, said the producing community received the news of [Edens] passing with deep sadness. Advertisement Advertisement Dana leaves behind an extensive and diverse body of work that will continue to resonate for years to come, a lasting testament to her vision, talent, and contribution to the field, he added. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. March is a tricky month for heat-seekers. Most of Europe is still a touch too chilly for a proper beach break, with the obvious exception of the Canary Islands, but there are plenty of fine options if you are willing to go medium- or long-haul. Here are 15 sultry short-cuts to the sun, from Caribbean islands to beach resorts in Egypt, Dubai and the USA all of which have availability in the coming weeks. Find a destination by temperature: For temperatures 19-24C 1. Gran Canaria March temperature: 20C Forever in the enormous shadow of its neighbour to the west, Tenerife, Gran Canaria is nonetheless never so eclipsed that it cannot provide temperatures around the 20C mark as March makes the rest of Europe shiver. Advertisement Advertisement In truth, the third largest Canary Island is a fabulous destination. The capital Las Palmas offers elegant culture at its Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno, but saves its best for the beach in the shape of Playa de las Canteras. How to do it A seven-night all-inclusive stay at the four-star Riu Vistamar resort (on the south coast at Amadores), flying from Glasgow on March 20, costs from 961pp with TUI. 2. Essaouira March temperature: 21C Where once Morocco only really gleamed on the map, for British tourists at least, via the (admittedly alluring) souks of Marrakech, now it can suggest Fes, Agadir and Tangier as accessible reasons to visit. Essaouira is another gem. Pinned to the countrys Atlantic coast, 110 miles west of Marrakech, here is all the food and market frenzy you may expect of any Moroccan city but also long beaches that are oases for surfers and windsurfers. Essaouira offers all the food and market buzz you would expect from any Moroccan city - JumboPhotos/Getty How to do it Stubborn Mule offers an eight-day Morocco Family Short Break which tarries in Marrakech, explores the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert, and ends up on the beach in Essaouira. From 1,700pp, including flights. 3. Las Vegas March temperature: 22C If you take the line that it doesnt matter when you visit Sin City because you will be locked into the casino, trebling your life savings, then the temperature outside is irrelevant. But Nevadas big beast is arguably near its best in March, not so hot that you cannot brave the poolside, and not given over to the desert chill either. Advertisement Advertisement Better still, a brief flight away in Arizona, the more elevated Grand Canyon may be dusted with snow; all the more reason to visit one of the worlds greatest natural wonders. How to do it A seven-night getaway to five-star retreat The Venetian, flying from Heathrow on March 21, costs from 2,584pp with Virgin Atlantic. 4. San Diego March temperature: 19C California needs scant introduction as a destination; its two main cities Los Angeles and San Francisco even less so. But there is a third significant metropolitan option on that long Pacific shoreline, and March is one of its defining moments. San Diego lies so far to the south the Mexican border is less than 20 miles away that, come the third month of the year, it can boast temperatures in the high teens. True, this might not sound like much of a heatwave, but it makes for pleasantly warm afternoons amid the winding paths (and first-rate museums) of Balboa Park and on the splendid sands of Mission Beach, where the rumble of the antique wooden rollercoasters at the adjacent Belmont Park is never out of earshot. San Diego is jam-packed with attractions and lovely stretches of beach - f11photo/Getty How to do it American Sky offers the city as part of a 10-night Santa Monica, Palm Springs and San Diego road trip from 2,049pp, including flights and car hire. 5. Pensacola March temperature: 21C For all the plaudits rightly thrown at the long stretches of sand along the edges of the Florida Peninsula, there is much to be said for the more northerly part of the Sunshine State where it slots into the American mainland and takes on a certain Southern charm in its proximity to Georgia and Alabama. The resort towns, which fringe the Gulf of Mexico here have an easy simplicity, an unhurried ambience and, come March, more than enough warmth to please international visitors. Panama City and Miramar Beach are both excellent choices for a week or so in the sun, but the pick of the bunch may be Pensacola, which lies so far west that the border with Alabama is a mere 15 miles away. How to do it A seven-night getaway to the four-star Pensacola Beach Resort, flying out on March 23, starts at 1,784pp with Hays Travel. Advertisement Advertisement Return to index For temperatures 25-29C 6. Dubai March temperature: 29C Sometimes it is hard to imagine Dubai as it was little more than a century ago a fishing village gazing at the Persian Gulf. Certainly, it was a place far removed from the metropolis that beckons travellers today, its resorts smiling for the cameras. But then, if you come for the luxury to be found in these and many other high-end properties, or the reliable warmth outside, such back-stories scarcely matter. Very few destinations can compete with Dubai for luxury and year-round warmth - Maremagnum/Getty How to do it A seven-night half-board escape to the five-star Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, flying from Heathrow on March 21, costs from 1,814pp with British Airways Holidays. 7. Orlando March temperature: 26C The general rule with Florida is that, the further south you go in the spring, the higher the number on the temperature gauge. And if the 21C on offer in Pensacola sounds a little chilly for your needs, you can find warmer weather on the peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Florida lives up to its Sunshine State nickname in most areas of the calendar, and in all corners of what, with 1,350 miles of sandy shore to its portfolio, is the piece of the American jigsaw with more coastline than any other (Alaska excepted). For all that, it can be difficult to resist Orlando, whose theme parks and hotels guarantee holiday fun. Floridas sandy coastline extends for 1,350 miles, the most of any US state bar Alaska - frederic prochasson/Getty How to do it America As You Like It offers an expansive Florida Discovery road trip that explores the state in depth over the course of 22 days, via key stops along both the Atlantic and Gulf seafronts, as well as Key West and Orlando. From 2,715pp, including flights and car hire. 8. El Gouna March temperature: 26C El Gouna is entirely at odds with much of the rest of this fascinating country; it has no real history, ancient or otherwise, having been founded as recently as 1990, as a purpose-built holiday hotspot. But if you want a change of scene from its near-neighbour Hurghada (some 20 miles to the south), this tourism playground will happily oblige, its hotels laid out around a series of man-made lagoons. Egypts Red Sea resorts offer spectacular diving - nudiblue/Getty How to do it A seven-night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna, flying from Manchester to Hurghada on March 21, costs from 1,293pp, including bags and transfers with easyJet Holidays. 9. Costa Rica March temperature: 27C No longer the Central American secret it was even 20 years ago, Costa Rica nonetheless dazzles in its scenery, history and geography. The churches, cafes and squares of San Jose make it one the regions most alluring capitals, Mount Arenal is a (currently dormant) emblem of volcanic majesty, the countrys fabled cloud forests are awash with wildlife, and there are coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Better still, March is an ideal window for a lengthy visit, falling smack within the dry season (December to April), while staying two months removed from the main rainy period (May to November). Costa Rica is unbeatable for access to lush rainforests and wildlife - Ulrich Hollmann/Getty How to do it Journey Latin America serves up a 12-day Signature Costa Rica break from 3,450pp, excluding flights. 10. Sydney March temperature: 25C True, the remarkable heat of the Australian summer is on the wane by the time the third month of the year rolls into view (for March Down Under, think September in Europe), but if you are quick, there is still time to catch the last worthwhile rays on Bondi Beach before the warmest weather checks out until October. The timing may even be perfect. With the mercury clinging to 25C or thereabouts, March is one of the best months for a stroll past the Opera House, safe in the knowledge that the weather wont get any hotter. How to do it Wexas offers a 14-day Highlights of New South Wales road trip that has Sydney at its heart. From 3,340pp, including flights. Advertisement Advertisement Return to index For temperatures 30+ 11. Sri Lanka March temperature: 32C There is rarely a moment when Indias little cousin dips down into the 20s, and March is no different, with the average temperature hovering at around 32C. But the third month of the year is a particularly good time to visit Sri Lanka falling, as it does, into the ideal window between the countrys two monsoon seasons. The Maha rains come splashing down between October and January and the Yala downpours take over from May to August, but March (along with February and April) is a happy case of dryness and light. Take the train through the tea plantations in Ella, Sri Lanka - Andrii Lutsyk/ Ascent Xmedia How to do it Steppes Travel offers a 14-day Highlights of Sri Lanka itinerary which ticks all the significant boxes including Colombo, Galle, Sigiriya and Kandy. From 6,595pp, excluding flights. 12. Puerto Rico March temperature: 30C If it is sometimes forgotten that Puerto Rico is part of America its status as a US Territory rather than one of the 50 states sometimes clouds the issue then its place as one of the biggest pieces of the Caribbean jigsaw should not be overlooked. In fact, the main island is the fourth biggest outcrop in this gorgeous sun-kissed region, smaller only than Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola (which is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti). Advertisement Advertisement Such scale makes it a playground for epic adventures, whether you want to wander the trails in El Yunque National Forest, go off-grid on the satellite islet of Vieques, or doze on the sand at one of the many resorts which adorn the north coast near the capital San Juan. How to do it Travelbag offers an 11-day twin-centre package which combines Puerto Rico (seven nights) with Miami (three nights). From 2,249pp, including all flights. 13. Jamaica March temperature: 30C The Caribbeans third biggest island made headlines for awful reasons last October, when it found itself in the path of Hurricane Melissa. The damage to some of the southern and western parts of the landmass was devastating but half a year later, the country of Bob Marley, Courtney Walsh and Usain Bolt is open and ready for holidaymakers. The popular resort area of Ocho Rios, which sits roughly two thirds of the way along the lengthy north coast, was left relatively unharmed by the winds, and has hotels galore for those who want to enjoy peak season in a destination which would welcome their custom. Jamaica sits comfortably over 30C during March - Daniel Grill/Getty How to do it A seven-night getaway to the five-star Fishermans Point Ocean View Hotel in Ocho Rios, flying from Heathrow on March 21, costs from 2,153pp with Thomas Cook. 14. Dominica March temperature: 31C If Jamaica ranks as one of the best-known Caribbean destinations, then smaller Dominica is perhaps one of the least appreciated (its relative anonymity is exacerbated by the travelling publics occasional urge to confuse it with the much larger Dominican Republic). Advertisement Advertisement But, lodged midway between French satellites Martinique and Guadeloupe, it stretches out under the same sun and with just 200,000 visitors per year (on average), it offers a much quieter experience than more popular places. How to do it A seven-night dash to the five-star Secret Bay resort costs from 4,287pp, including flights and breakfast with Inspiring Travel. 15. The Turks and Caicos March temperature: 30C A geographical hair-splitter would argue that, in sitting due north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti (and directly south-east of the Bahamas) in the great blue Atlantic, these tiny twin archipelagos do not count as a Caribbean destination. But the landscape and weather is much the same as in St Lucia or Grenada and if anywhere in this sun-baked corner of the planet can still be considered undiscovered, this British Overseas Territory might be it. How to do it A seven-night escape in March to the five-star Beaches Turks & Caicos resort on the north coast of the main island Providenciales, at Grace Bay costs from 5,330pp, including flights from Heathrow with Kuoni. This article was first published in February 2022 and has been revised and updated. 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. Several international financial groups, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) and Julius Baer Group, are preparing to broaden their presence in India by establishing global capability centres (GCCs), reported Bloomberg, citing sources. The two firms are expected to join US investment companies Charles Schwab Corp. and Vanguard Group in a recruitment drive that could total at least 1,000 hires this year across locations such as Chennai and Hyderabad, the sources said. The moves highlight Indias increasing importance to global finance as a base for GCCs, which firms use to build technology, risk and operations teams in a large talent market that remains cost-effective, while supporting work carried out across international businesses. People familiar with the matter also pointed to the US immigration policy as a factor influencing where roles are based. Higher visa charges and stricter review of skilled-worker routes, including the H-1B programme under the US President Donald Trump, have encouraged some employers to place more jobs in India rather than transferring staff to the US. KPMG partner Simar Singh, as reported by the publication, said: Rising compliance costs and tightening visa regimes are accelerating an inevitable shift to Indias GCC industry. Banks need regulatory capability at scale, and today that combination of talent, cost, and delivery maturity exists only in India. Other financial organisations are also moving in the same direction. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is among the groups cited as working on GCC set-ups in India, the people said. SMBC, Julius Baer, Charles Schwab, Vanguard and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners did not respond to emailed requests for comment. The positions being added are expected to cover functions such as research, payments and operational support, as well as work linked to digital assets. According to the sources, there is also growing focus on artificial intelligence and automation, as firms aim to consolidate global processes in India. In a recent example, UBS Group AG launched a new GCC in Hyderabad. The Swiss banking group plans to hire close to 3,000 people at the site over the next two years, the people said. UBS has had teams in India for more than a decade, supporting its wider activities in technology, finance and other support functions. "SMBC and Julius Baer plan India tech hubs report " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Most people associate the Bahamas with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and tourists ... tons and tons of tourists. But what many people don't recognize is that the island nation, which comprises 700 coral islands set in the Atlantic Ocean, is more than just a vacation destination; it's rich in its own regional culture, music, and, of course, cuisine. Much of the Bahamas' culinary tradition is informed by its location near (but not in) the Caribbean, proximity to other island nations, and colonial legacy (which included 325 years under British control prior to its independence in 1973). As a result of this complex and multilayered history, its cuisine is a mosaic of tropical ingredients and International cooking styles. To get a handle on the Bahamian dishes most worth trying, and to highlight those that tourists may not get to experience unless they take a deeper dive, we spoke to two Bahamian food experts: television host Anastarcia Palacious and Tevin Kemp, Guest Experience Chef at Baha Mar. Read more: 6 Cheap Fish To Buy And 6 To Avoid 1. Chicken in the bag Chicken in the bag in a metal tin - eastcoastconch/Instagram Every country has its favorite greasy comfort food, and in the Bahamas, it's chicken in the bag. "Chicken in the bag is a true Bahamian fast-food classic," says television host Anastarcia Palacious. "It is typically a fried chicken breast or thigh, [deep-fried], served with fries and a homemade coconut roll." She explains that the dish got its name because it was originally wrapped in foil and placed in a brown paper bag, which would sop up the grease. She describes it as "simple, messy, and deeply nostalgic." Advertisement Advertisement Chicken in the bag is a street food in the Bahamas, and it behooves you to try it at one of the islands' infamous chicken shacks. The dish is widely accessible across the islands, and the best way to eat it depends on who you ask. Some people will smother it in hot sauce and ketchup, while other folks will enjoy it with mayo, onions, and deep-fried conch another favorite on the islands. 2. Fried fish dinner Plate of fried fish dinner with plantains and lime - Psychpotatoes/Shutterstock Everyone's version of Sunday dinner looks different. If you live in an Italian-American family, you're probably no stranger to a good Sunday sauce topping chicken or eggplant Parmesan, and Southerners couldn't imagine a Sunday dinner without hearty fried chicken or catfish, copious sides, and tasty Southern desserts like peach cobbler. The Bahamas also has its own version of Sunday dinner, per Anastarcia Palacious: fried fish, peas 'n rice, and baked macaroni. "This is a very typical Bahamian Sunday meal, and yes, it is very carb-forward," she says, noting that snapper is usually what's on the menu. It's prepared simply with salt and goat pepper (a very spicy pepper originating in the Bahamas) and floured and pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet. It's in good company with classic sides like macaroni, fried plantains, and peas 'n rice. If you aren't a fan of fish, there's good news: Pork chops or chicken may be served in lieu of fish. However, Palacious explains that the side dishes are usually kept consistent. "Sunday is the day we count our blessings, not carbs," she says. 3. Boil fish Boil fish in a bowl - goombayhouse/Instagram As an island nation, it shouldn't be surprising that fish appears time and time again in Bahamian cuisine. One of the most popular fish dishes on the island is the aptly named boil fish, which, as Anastarcia Palacious explains, is often served with yellow grits. "Grouper is simmered with onions, peppers, potatoes, lime, and seasoning to create a light, flavorful broth," she says. The Nassau grouper is a favorite for this dish because of its innate tenderness and sweetness, though some folks will swap it for mahi mahi, hogfish, or gray snapper when it's out of season. Advertisement Advertisement Boil fish can be eaten at any time of day breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is especially popular in the islands during Christmastime. The dish, commonly referred to as just "boil," is believed to be a product of British culinary influence, as the Brits frequently stew fish in seasoned broths. However, Americans may have also contributed to the proliferation of the dish in the Bahamas. Southerners love their seafood boils, so it's possible that the recipe made its way to the Bahamas (or vice versa; it's hard to say). Of course, Bahamians had to add their own twist with ingredients like goat pepper. The yellow grits are what make this meal, and Palacious makes a point that they are not to be confused with cornmeal. "The grits are smooth and creamy and soak up the broth beautifully," she says. 4. Souse Chicken souse in a bowl - Alleko/Getty Images At first glance, it would be very easy to mix up souse (pronounced like "house") and boil fish though that would be a big faux pas. "Souse is a boiled dish made with water, onions, potatoes, peppers, lime, and a meat of your choice," says Anastarcia Palacious. She lists a number of versions of this dish, including ones made with chicken, pig feet, sheep tongue, mutton or goat, or even leftover Christmas ham, and explains that it's often eaten with johnnycakes. Besides this greater variety of ingredients that can be used, souse is different from boil fish in that it typically uses allspice and bay leaves for seasoning. The clear broth often gets a piquant hit from the goat or spicy peppers in it, making it the perfect sinus-clearing meal. The meat used for souse is usually pickled or boiled before being cooked, which is not the case for boil fish (which is, as you can probably guess, just boiled altogether). All in all, it's a sinus-clearing meal that's perfect for enjoying the morning after a late night out. 5. Johnnycakes Caribbean Johnnycakes in tinfoil containers - Jenelle984/Shutterstock If you live in New England, more specifically Rhode Island, you may be familiar with johnnycakes which resemble pancakes more than they do cornbread. The Bahamas also has its own version of these doughy delights, though if you have only experienced the New England version, you may be a bit shell-shocked by their cake-like texture. And, like all things that have moved through trans-Atlantic trade, their composition has been shaped and altered by necessity. It's believed that johnnycakes originated in North America but were brought to the islands with the arrival of enslaved populations. "Journey cake" was initially common because it traveled well and sustained the populations that ate it. Advertisement Advertisement As Anastarcia Palacious explains, Bahamian johnnycakes may have cornmeal in them, but most recipes just use flour, alongside sugar, baking powder, salt, butter or shortening, and milk or evaporated milk. The ingredients are baked into a cake rather than fried in a skillet. Since it doesn't contain crumbly cornmeal, many folks liken its texture to a giant biscuit. You'll find it served alongside souse, where it's typically warm, buttered, and the perfect contrast to the flavorful broth. 6. Stew fish and peas 'n grits Stew fish in a pot - starvibes/Shutterstock Bahamian cuisine is full of big flavors, and that's certainly the case when it comes to stew fish and peas 'n grits. The combination of these two dishes offers sustenance, wholesomeness, and a whole lot of nutrients. "Stew fish is fish steamed down in tomato paste with onions, peppers, thyme, and seasoning until rich and saucy," Anastarcia Palacious says. The most commonly used fish here is grouper, though other firm white fish, like snapper or mahi mahi, can also work. The thyme plays a central role in this recipe, as does the punchy seasoning blend of spicy chiles (goat pepper makes an appearance yet again), lime juice, and bay leaves. The peas 'n grits get as much attention here as the main protein; they're usually made with either pigeon peas or split peas and grits the latter of which is common in numerous Bahamian dishes. Peas 'n grits have their own significance as well, Palacious explains. They're often served in households on Good Friday a widely celebrated holiday on the islands though that's far from the only time you'll see it on the menu. "It is also cooked year-round in most grandmothers' kitchens," she says. 7. Guava duff Guava duff on plate - bahacuisine/TikTok We would be remiss not to mention a dessert on our culinary tour of the Bahamas. "Guava duff is one of the few dishes that truly originated in the Bahamas," says Anastarcia Palacious, noting that the recipe was originally prepared in a pillowcase. She names off the ingredients: guava, flour, sugar, leavening agents, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, made into a log-shaped dough ("duff") that's boiled until soft and served with a delicious, buttery, and milky sauce. It is somewhat time-intensive to prepare, which is why some folks will reserve it for special occasions. Advertisement Advertisement This recipe, which has been called "the dessert of the islands," undergoes some variations depending on who's making it. Some folks use guava puree over fresh guava, while others spike the sauce with rum or brandy. The boiled dessert has ties to the Bahamas' legacy of colonization; steamed puddings are popular in Britain (like spotted dick), so it makes sense that residents would adapt the cooking method to be inclusive of regional ingredients and a fruit native to the island. 8. Conch Bowls of conch salad - Shalamov/Getty Images Only one food has quite the same prominence as grits in Bahamian cuisine: conch. "Conch is a true Bahamian staple and incredibly versatile," says Anastarcia Palacious. Conch itself is a mollusk; some folks have described the meat inside the strikingly shaped shell to be like a middle ground between squid and shrimp. You'll find many different preparations of conch on the islands. Cracked conch, for example, is prepared by flouring and frying the conch meat (making a sort of calamari), while conch fritters are shaped into crispy balls and often served with a dipping sauce like spicy aioli. Conch can also be prepared as a stew or as a salad made with bright and acidic ingredients like onions, green peppers, tomatoes, sour orange, and lime. Palacious explains that there are regional preparations for conch salad, with some folks adding mango or pineapple to their recipe. On Grand Bahama and Abaco, don't be surprised to see conch salad get a creamy twist with a little help from mayonnaise, creating what Palacious calls a "crab-salad-like texture." "However you prepare it, conch is Bahamian," she says. 9. Tuna and grits Plate of tuna and grits with avocado - Beyond Breakfast/YouTube Tuna is a food that many of us in the U.S. are familiar with, but the Bahamas puts its own spin on the protein, per Tevin Kemp, guest experience chef at Baha Mar. Kemp explains that Bahamians pair tuna with grits and avocado (called "pear") and eat it for breakfast. The tuna itself is similar to the tuna salad we see in delis and on lunch menus, with some obvious flavor modifications. According to Kemp, the tuna is often seasoned with a bit of mayonnaise, onions, sweet peppers, and goat pepper. "It's simple, comforting, and deeply rooted in Bahamian homes and breakfast culture," he says. Advertisement Advertisement For Kemp, tuna and grits is a deeply personal and nostalgic dish. "Some of my earliest memories are waking up to the sound of onions being chopped in the kitchen, while my grandmother, my father, or another family member prepared breakfast early in the morning," he says, noting that even when he went out to breakfast at a local restaurant with his siblings, it was his go-to order. He also offered some of his recommendations for how to zhuzh it up. He explains that every breakfast joint on the islands will have its own rendition of it, but he personally prefers to add tomato gravy to his plate. "That rich, savory gravy, often served with other local proteins, paired perfectly with the tuna and made the dish even more comforting," he says, also noting that herbs and peppers can be included, and the grits can be made crispier to switch up their texture. 10. Gully wash Gully Wash with glasses on table - buccaneerclubeleuthera/Instagram Since the Bahamas are set in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, we would be remiss not to mention a beach-friendly sipper that is loved by Bahamians far and wide: gully wash. This tropical drink gets its flavor from a variety of island ingredients, including coconut water, condensed milk, gin, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The drink, also called "sky water," is, as Anastarcia Palacious would say, "refreshing, strong, and unmistakably Bahamian." Some Bahamians prefer to let their gully wash sit for several days before drinking it, which is believed to make it even stronger. London gin is the usual choice, though some folks will also add dark rum to their recipe (when in the Caribbean ...). However, you really shouldn't sleep on the gin here, as the floral flavors of the juniper berries mesh with the refreshing coconut water for a drink that is best enjoyed on island time. Advertisement Advertisement Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Chowhound. After spending 16 days exploring Costa Rica, it has quickly risen to the top of my travel pyramid. From the kindness of the people to the natural landscapes of waterfalls, volcanoes, and beaches to the lively wildlife, I felt transported to another world. I cant say this for many trips, but this one went off without a hitch, aside from some unseasonal gloom and rain. Still, even with a multitude of research and reading Reddit threads, there were still aspects of Costa Rica you have to actually experience before you understand it. Here are five things that surprised me during my visit and that I believe will help you better understand the country as you plan your future trip. How Easy It Is To Travel There Kayaking through mangroves in Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch I was shocked to realize how easy it was to travel to Costa Rica from the United States. For most of the country, you can reach this darling of Central America in under six hours. From Denver, my home base, we had an easy 5-hour, non-stop flight. (We flew into Liberia in the country's northwest region and departed from San Jose, the countrys capital.) Advertisement Advertisement To reach Maui, for instance, its almost 50% longer, and those living on the East Coast are looking at a full day of travel, if not more, and hardly any non-stop options. The main reason Costa Rica is easy to reach is that it lies farther east than we realize. Our slightly warped minds believe that Central and South America are just south. But in reality, they veer far east. Travelers from Chicago, Toronto, or Nashville will likely be surprised to learn that Costa Rica is due south of them and in the same time zone, which is another reason why its a perfect vacation destination. As opposed to losing a full day going to Europe and being sleep deprived, youll never have to reset your clocks in Costa Rica. Theres Wildlife Everywhere A bird stands on a branch in Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch Its like natures zoo in Costa Rica. No matter where we were, Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Uvita, or Guanacaste, we had wildlife around us at all times. Advertisement Advertisement As a wildlife photographer, I loved it! From massive iguanas in palm trees, to macaws hanging out in Marino Bellena National Park, to toucans in Arenal, and sloths quite literally all around us, I was in heaven. If you want a destination to not only relax but also enjoy the world around you, Costa Rica is your place to be. USD Reigns Supreme While Costa Rica has its own currency, the Colon, almost the entire country runs on the US Dollar. And, unfortunately for Americans, our strong dollar doesnt automatically translate into increased spending power here. Why? Everything in the touristy areas is priced in USD and then converted to Colones, not the other way around. So, if you live in a major metro area, expect prices to be similar to what you spend at home for meals or activities. Advertisement Advertisement I would recommend carrying some local currency for remote areas or for tips. But generally, make sure you have a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. I think we put 95% of our spending on a credit card. Lastly, in places that list only Colones, a simple conversion is to double the Colones and remove the zeros; thats the price in dollars.(Example: 3,500 Colon = $7 USD) Driving Is, Unfortunately, Inefficient I dont tend to want to Americanize other countries. Their culture is their culture. But in Costa Rica, I really wanted them to have some highways to increase driving efficiency. Almost every road in the country is one lane each way, without any turn lanes or exit ramps. Because of this, you can get stuck behind a semi-truck and end up going 35 mph, or experience bumper-to-bumper traffic through a town thanks to people waiting to turn left or right. After a few days of this, you get used to it. Advertisement Advertisement My biggest suggestion is to enjoy the slowness and understand that even though youre only going 60 miles, its probably going to take two hours or longer, versus the 50 minutes it might take in the US. Uvita Is a Gem A man walks on the beach at sunset in Uvita. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch My wifes aunt recommended Uvita as a less touristy, more authentic feel for Costa Rica. She nailed it! Its 75 minutes south of Manuel Antonio, but worlds apart. It never felt busy; the beaches were incredible; wildlife was all over the place; and the food was delicious without exorbitant costs. We stayed at a cute Airbnb, a five-minute bike ride from the national park entrance. With tons of restaurants and drink spots nearby, my wife and I had a blast. We cant wait to go back. Here are four things I recommend doing: Advertisement Advertisement Go whale watching (best times are December through March and July to October) Look up when low tide is and walk out onto the Whale's Tail Take a trip to Nauyaca Waterfall Go snorkeling out at Cano Island Find more of Alec's work on Instagram, e, and his website www.Explorewithalec.com In 2018, the investors of "Shark Tank" welcomed former comedian-turned-soup-maker Sara Polon and her mother Marilyn Polon to the popular television show. The two had co-founded Soupergirl in 2008 with an eye on creating high quality soup. In the first 10 years in business, the pair opened their own shop in Takoma, DC, sold their soups in select stores, and launched a delivery service, too. However, none of that was enough for the Sharks to bite on the opportunity to invest in the family's business and the two left empty-handed. But, what they did have was the buy-in from Costco, which had started selling the brand's soups two years prior (2016). Although the company failed to land a deal on the show, the soups remain a staple in many of the retailer's stores. Despite closing the doors to the shop in Takoma in 2023, Soupergirl has continued to grow since the appearance on "Shark Tank", shipping products across the country, moving to a Maryland-based facility that allows for more production, and expanding into other grocers like The Fresh Market, Whole Foods, Kroger, and more. Additionally, the company's gazpachos earned the first "Fair Food" certification of any packaged food product, a recognition that demonstrates the Polons' commitment to justice for farm laborers in the United States. Read more: 10 Costco Foods That Shoppers Return The Most Soupergirl soups and activism Soupergirl Mediterranean red lentil - Soupergirl/Facebook In addition to supporting farm laborers, Soupergirl also works to uplift communities by donating soup to those in need and also participates in climate-based activism. The brand creates products that are 100% vegan, composting scraps, and utilizing produce that would have been wasted (much like Misfit Foods, which also appeared on "Shark Tank"). Plus, the company has achieved Plastic-Neutral certification. Advertisement Advertisement As for the soups themselves, availability may vary by location, but flavors range from Portuguese White Bean or Lentil Sweet Potato Apple to Tuscan Tomato Basil, Very Veggie Noodle, and Butternut Bisque, and more. And if you're looking for options beyond comfort in a bowl, Soupergirl has you covered on that, too, with its own pico de gallo and salsa as well as brownies, cookies, and seasoned nuts produced by its partners. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Food Republic. Weve all thrown away something perfectly good that just suffered a minor flaw: a wobbly chair. Jeans with a knee hole. A toaster that wont latch. All replaced by new versions that will break the same way. Most of these things couldve been salvaged with 20 minutes and the nerve to try. Fixing things yourself isnt about pinching pennies. In the rising visible mending movement, its about refusing to treat everything as disposable. The lightbulb moment for me was realizing I could make mending a creative act, says Katrina Rodabaugh, textile artist and author of Mending Matters. I was less worried about ruining my textiles and more interested to see how I could be resourceful, make a creative statement and keep my clothes out of the landfill. You dont need to be a pro to salvage many common household items. We asked furniture restorers and textile artists to share their tips for simple fixes: not complex restoration projects, just the repairs where the biggest barrier is believing you can do it. Advertisement Advertisement Here are nine that will save you money, reduce waste and give you something to feel good about. *** At a glance: DIY repair kits For patching jeans: Sewing kit with needle, thread and safety pins $6.99 at Amazon For headphone cable repair: Soldering kit $19.99 at Amazon For loose eyeglass screws: Eyeglass repair kit with replacement screws and magnifying glass $3.49 at Amazon *** Stuck zipper First, check for caught fabric. A thread or bit of lining gets wedged in the teeth more often than you would think. Work it free with tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Dont yank youll tear fabric or bend the teeth. If the zipper moves but wont stay closed, the slider has stretched. Squeeze the top and bottom (not the sides) gently with pliers to narrow the gap. Test after each squeeze. You want tension, not a crushed slider. Advertisement Advertisement For a slider thats completely stuck, try graphite. A regular No 2 pencil works better than oil, which just attracts grime. Rub the tip along both sides of the teeth, then work the slider. Rodabaughs advice: fix problems early. If you see your zipper is starting to break down, dont keep forcing it. Tools needed: Graphite pencil (No 2 works fine) Needle-nose pliers Small tweezers Video tutorial: How to fix every zipper issue *** Wobbly wooden chair legs Wobbly chairs are one of the easiest furniture repairs if you use the right glue. Chairs wobble as the glue joints loosen, says Thomas Johnson, an antique furniture restorer in Maine. There is a lot of stress put on these joints during everyday use. The traditional fix involves taking the chair apart, scraping out old glue and reclamping everything. Johnson recommends something simpler for most people: cyanoacrylate glue, AKA super glue. Advertisement Advertisement Products such as Wonderlok Em Tite Chairs are designed to penetrate loose joints without disassembly. Flip the chair upside down. Wiggle each leg to find the loose ones. Apply glue directly to the gap where the leg meets the seat. The thin formula wicks deep into the joint. Work the joint slightly to spread the glue, then hold it in position for 30 seconds. Leave the chair upside down for an hour before using it. If it still wobbles after the glue cures, check your floor. Sometimes the problem isnt the chair. Tools needed: Wonderlok Em or similar thin cyanoacrylate glue Damp cloth for cleanup Video tutorial: Gluing chairs with cyanoacrylate glue Advertisement Advertisement *** Patching jeans A hole in your favorite jeans doesnt mean theyre done. A simple external patch can add years of life. If youre just starting to mend your clothes, the simplest repair is an external patchlike those ubiquitous elbow patches on blazers, Rodabaugh says. Match materials: use mid-weight denim to patch denim, and thick cotton thread that can take abuse. Cut a patch from scrap denim (old jeans work) at least half an inch larger than the hole on all sides. If the edges fray, tuck them under or trim with pinking shears for a zigzag edge that resists unraveling. Pin the patch over the hole on the outside of the jeans. Stitch around the edge with a needle and thread (or a sewing machine with a denim needle) using a basic running stitch. Use double knots, a basic stab stitch and just do your best! Rodabaugh says. The more you patch, the more confidence youll have with future repairs. Advertisement Advertisement For visible mending think highlighting or celebrating the repair rather than hiding it try contrasting fabrics or decorative stitching. Japanese sashiko stitching with thick embroidery thread turns a fix into a design element. Tools needed: Scrap denim for patch Sewing kit with needle, thread and safety pins Pinking shears (optional) Video tutorials: How to do a running stitch Sashiko and whipstitches (for advanced repair) *** Stuck drawer Drawers that dont work properly often just need to have the working parts waxed, Johnson says. Five minutes and costs almost nothing. Pull the drawer all the way out (lift the front while pulling if it has stops). Check the slides the parts of the drawer that touch the cabinet for dirt, dust or old wax. Clean with a dry cloth. Vacuum debris from the cabinet tracks. Advertisement Advertisement Take an old candle, paste wax or paraffin wax. Rub it anywhere wood touches wood: the bottom edges of the drawer sides, and the cabinet pieces the drawer sits on. The wax creates a slippery surface. Test the fit before pushing it back in. If it still binds, look for high spots where humidity has swelled the wood. Light sanding helps, but be conservative you can always remove more, but you cant put it back. Never use oil or grease on wood drawer slides, which attract dirt and make the problem worse. Tools needed: Paste wax or old candle Dry cloth Vacuum Fine-grit sandpaper (if needed) Video tutorials: Antique drawers rescued and repaired How to make that sticky drawer slider better Advertisement Advertisement *** Small holes in knitted sweaters A tiny moth hole doesnt mean your sweater is ruined. It just needs darning, the same technique used to repair socks for generations. Most knitwear, like sweaters, socks, gloves and hats, etc, are best repaired with basic darning, Rodabaugh says. The same over-under weaving technique is how you made those woven potholders in elementary school. Thread a tapestry needle with yarn that matches your sweaters weight bulky wool yarn for a bulky wool swearer, thinner yarn for cashmere. Working from the wrong side of the fabric, create vertical stitches across the hole (the warp stitches), extending at least half an inch beyond the damaged area. Then weave horizontally (the weft stitches) through the warp. Over one thread, under the next. These weft threads fill the gap and integrate with the existing fabric. Dont pull too tight. Knit fabric needs to stretch. Advertisement Advertisement Be sure your repair extends beyond the edges of the hole, Rodabaugh says. And youll create the least friction if your yarn and sweater are a similar weight. Once youve got basic darning down, experiment with contrasting colors or decorative patterns. Try using one color yarn for the vertical stitches and another for the horizontal have fun with it! Tools needed: Large darning needle Yarn matching sweater weight Darning egg or mushroom (optional but helpful) Video tutorial: How to darn a hole in a sweater *** Broken toaster lever When a toaster lever wont stay down, the culprit is probably just crumbs. Most toasters use an electromagnet to hold the lever down while toasting. When you push the lever, it completes a circuit that powers the magnet. The malfunction typically stems from either something like crumbs blocking the magnet or a defective coil within the electromagnet, according to iFixits troubleshooting guide. Some older or simpler toasters use a spring-powered latch instead, which can disconnect or break. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Five tiny appliances perfect for tiny kitchens, battle tested in my studio apartment The fix: first unplug the toaster. (Very important!) Then turn it upside down over the trash and shake firmly. Open the crumb tray if your model has one and use compressed air or a wooden skewer (no metal forks) to dislodge stubborn debris. Youd be surprised how much builds up in there. If shaking doesnt work, open the toasters outer shell (usually a few screws on the bottom or sides) to access and clean the mechanism. Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol on the magnet surface and let it completely dry before plugging back in. Oh, and always check if the toaster is plugged in when youre pushing the lever down. Many models wont latch unless powered, which is a safety feature, not a malfunction. Tools needed: Video tutorial: How to fix a toaster that wont stay down without taking it apart *** Headphone cable repair Frayed headphone cables dont mean your headphones are dead. With a little basic soldering, you can keep those tunes humming. Its a pretty doable beginning soldering job, says Elizabeth Chamberlain, iFixits director of sustainability. In fact, that was my first soldering project. The problem is usually at stress points, either where the cable enters the plug or at the earpieces. Repeated bending weakens the internal wires until they break. The fix: cut the cable cleanly above the damaged section. Strip about an inch of the outer insulation to expose the internal wires. Youll see three or four thin wires in different colors (typically red for right, blue or green for left, and gold or copper for ground). Twist the ground wires together if there are two. Thread the cable through a replacement 3.5mm plug housing (available online for a few dollars). Strip the enamel coating from each wire, apply a tiny bit of solder to tin the ends, then solder each wire to the correct terminal on the plug. A drop of hot glue between the wires prevents shorts. For cable breaks in the middle (not near the plug), you can splice in a new section. Just strip both ends, twist matching colors together, solder and cover with heat-shrink tubing. Tools needed: Video tutorial: Easy DIY repair for broken headphone cables Written tutorial: iFixit headphone cable repair *** Leather boot conditioning Leather boots that appear ready for retirement often just need basic care. Leather is skin, and if its moisturized regularly, itll look better and crack less just like moisturizing your face, says Nick English, founder of the boot review site Stridewise. For mild scuffs, cleaning, conditioning and vigorous brushing with a horsehair brush can work wonders, says English. For tougher scuffs, use leather colorant or matching shoe polish applied after you condition them. For serious grime that regular cleaning wont touch, saddle soap can lift out almost anything, but be careful: it can damage leather if you dont follow the instructions. Its a break glass in case of emergency type product, English says. Between major cleanings, wipe them down to remove dust and dirt, then apply a leather conditioner, says Trent Potter, a boot restorer whose YouTube channel, Trenton & Heath, has documented hundreds of restorations. If the leather boots are worn often, you may want to condition them once a month. If worn occasionally, condition them two to three times a year. Oh, and dont forget the cedar shoe trees. They help to pull moisture [sweat, water, etc] from the leather, as well as hold the shape, says Potter. Without them, boots develop what English calls toe spring where the toe curls upward as the leather dries, making your shoes look like Aladdins. Tools needed: Video tutorial: How to clean and condition boots *** Loose eyeglass screws Eyeglass screws work loose from daily handling, opening and closing frames, and even temperature changes. The fix? Most eyeglass repair kits include tiny screwdrivers and replacement screws. But tightening alone isnt enough. The screw will just loosen again. A little bit of Loctite blue or other threadlocker would be my reco, says iFixits Chamberlain. And make sure the screwdriver is well-seated and you apply firm pressure as you tighten (stopping when you hit resistance) so you dont strip the screw. Clear nail polish can work as a budget threadlocker if youre fresh out of Loctite. Apply a tiny drop to the screw threads before inserting and it will hold the screw in place. You can remove it if you need to adjust the fit later. For lost screws, many opticians replace them for free. Keep a small repair kit in your bag for emergencies. Tools needed: Eyeglass repair kit with replacement screws and magnifying glass Loctite threadlocker or clear nail polish Video tutorial: How to tighten eyeglasses Written tutorial: iFixit guide to eyeglass repairs *** Christopher Allbritton is a journalist, editor and media strategist based in Washington DC. He has covered technology and international affairs for more than two decades. A committed DIY tinkerer, he draws on personal experience for his writing on accessible technology, repair culture and sustainable living Dover, New Hampshire, has a more expensive housing market than the average U.S. neighborhood. The median home price is $566,174, according to Realtor.com, but that's down by more than 10% over the past year. A prolonged housing correction can make this area even more affordable, but retirees have been willing to pay extra for Dover for years. That's because the city is very walkable and doesn't come with the big-city chaos. That combination has been enough to make Dover one of the best places to retire in the Northeast. Here's what makes the city special. 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 A tax-friendly haven Image source: Getty Images. New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not have any state income taxes or sales taxes. Property taxes are high to compensate for this, but it's a great setup for retirees who are ready to withdraw from their nest eggs. Advertisement Advertisement A rule passed last year even excludes interest and dividend income from taxation. Affordability is a key factor retirees consider, based on research from the Motley Fool's 2026 Best Places to Retire study. Zero taxes on income and consumption can make up for higher housing prices, especially for retirees who already have been making mortgage payments and building equity in their current neighborhoods for decades. Dover has a much lower crime rate Dover has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, which explains why its housing is higher than the average neighborhood. The overall crime rate in Dover is 60.6% below the national average, and it ranks near the top third across all U.S. cities. That low crime rate comes in handy since Dover is a very walkable city. The Cocheco River flows through downtown Dover, offering a relatively low-crime riverwalk that helps people stay active. The small city's festivals are also safer due to low crime, with Apple Harvest Day and the Cocheco Arts Festival as popular events. Several housing options Although the median housing price in Dover is above the typical U.S. neighborhood, you can choose from many types of homes in the area. Historical homes are available, but you can also choose from many condos to keep your costs low. Advertisement Advertisement There are also a few multifamily homes available for retirees who want to house hack their way to lower living expenses. House hacking involves living in one unit and renting out the other, effectively reducing your costs in the process. Proximity to New England hot spots Dover has a lot to offer on its own, but retirees who want to travel throughout New England will like the city's location. It's only an hour from Boston and near Maine's beaches. You will have to travel the entire state of New Hampshire to get to Vermont, since Dover is on the east side of New Hampshire. However, its proximity to other New England destinations offers residents plenty of summer options. The $ 23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Advertisement Advertisement Many Americans leave money on the table in retirement. Learn more about these retirement strategies and more, available when you join Stock Advisor. View the "Social Security secrets" The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Dover, New Hampshire, Is Pulling in Retirees Who Want Walkability Without Big-City Chaos was originally published by The Motley Fool One Jacksonville native is shining bright after her most recent statewide success. Action News Jax anchor Chandler Morgan sat down with Miss Florida, Paris Richardson, about what it means to hold the title and represent her community. Before the crown, there was persistence. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Jacksonville native Paris Richardson didnt just wake up Miss Florida. She worked her way there, one setback at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Richardson grew up on Jacksonvilles Northside, learning early that success doesnt always come quickly, but it does come with grit. Its been a lot of ups and downs, more downs than ups, Richardson said. She first entered pageants as a teen. I didnt do as well as I thought I would, Richardson said. But she kept showing up. In high school, she won Miss John Ribault Senior High and reigned for a year. I won Miss John Ribault Senior High. I reigned for the year. It was a magical year for me to be able to, again, live out that dream of mine, Richardson said. Richardson went on to earn both a bachelors and a masters degree at the University of Florida, all while cheerleading in college. Advertisement Advertisement She kept at her dream, balancing multiple Miss Florida competitions, refining her talent, sharpening her focus, and building resilience along the way. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Thinking back, there was times when I didnt want to keep coming back, Richardson said. That perseverance paid off this past year. For the Miss Florida competition, this year I felt like Id done everything that I could do to show them that I really worked really hard to put myself out there and show them the best talent I had, Richardson said. Richardson won the Miss Florida title while completing her masters degree and starting a career in medical sales. Advertisement Advertisement Her work, from advocacy to authorship, reflects a deeper purpose beyond the pageant stage. Thinking about the little girls who would come up to me and tell me, Hey, you look like me. Youre competing in Miss Florida. Youre doing so well, Richardson said. We only have one other Miss Florida who happens to be African American, Ericka Dunlap, who also won Miss America. And I know how much she meant to me and so many other of my peers who competed. So that really pushed me to want to continue to come back and to be that influence on other young Black women as well. Now back home in Northeast Florida, she balances her professional life with a mission rooted in service. Growing up in Jacksonville, I saw a lot of health inequities in my community, Richardson said. Advertisement Advertisement She works to address health inequities and food insecurity in the same community that raised her. And at just 24, Paris Richardson is still defining whats next. But one thing is clear: Her success isnt about a title. Im going to continue to stay impactful in my community, Richardson said. [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. New Jersey adherents of the worlds two largest religions Christianity and Islam are preparing to observe sacred seasons that will unfold at the same time this year. Muslims begin Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, on the evening of Feb. 17. The following day, many Christians observe Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the 40-day season of Lent leading up to Easter. Though rooted in different faith traditions and theological beliefs, the observances share similarities, including a focus on prayer, fasting and charity. For millions of believers, these weeks are not only religious obligations but also journeys of spiritual renewal. Story continues below photo gallery Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes early in the morning at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Karen Roy, a parishioner, stops by to receive ashes from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Roget Price, a parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church, stands with ashes on his forehead at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes on Stanley Lamarca, 11, while his brother, Joseph, 8, waits his turn at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Andrew Lucas, a commuter, receives ashes from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Mora Popeil, of Waldwick, receives ashes while in her car by Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, sticks his thumb in ashes at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes early in the morning at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes on a commuter at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, waits early in the morning to provide ashes to people at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. A woman receives ashes from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Joe Melso, of Ramsey, receives ashes while sitting in his car from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Ann Nolan, of Allendale, receives ashes from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Chris Kunisch poses after receiving ashes from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes on observant catholics at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Karen Roy, a parishioner, stops by to receive ashes from Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes on Dominick Addamo who stopped by for the ashes at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, waits early in the morning to provide ashes to people at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. Ashes To Go meets commuters at the train station 1 of 18 Father Raul E. Ausa, of Trinity Episcopal Church, places ashes early in the morning at the train station on the morning of Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, in Allendale. In the United States, about 62% of the population identifies as Christian and 1% as Muslim, according to the Pew Research Center. Advertisement Advertisement In New Jersey, about six in 10 people identify as Christians and 2% as Muslim. Fasting Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar the month when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The fast is intended to cultivate self-discipline and greater devotion to God. They break the fast with a meal known as iftar, commonly shared with family or within the community. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when Christians receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and mortality a reminder that "to dust you shall return," as the Bible says. School 1 student Hamza Agha gives a melodious recitation of the Quran during the second annual Ramadan Lantern Lighting Ceremony at Wilmore Park in Little Falls. The 40-day period represents the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness to spiritually prepare for his public ministry. Advertisement Advertisement During Lent, some Christians abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and each Friday leading up to Easter. Orthodox Christians follow a more rigid fast that involves abstaining from meat, dairy or eggs throughout Lent. They may also choose to give up a luxury or habit, such as sweets, television or alcohol, or take on additional spiritual practices, such as daily Scripture reading or service to those in need. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, places ashes in the sign of the cross on the foreheads of Catholics during Ash Wednesday Masses on March 5 at St. Patricks Pro-Cathedral in Newark. Not all Christian churches observe Lent, but it is practiced among Catholics, Orthodox and Anglicans and by many Protestant denominations. A time for reflection In addition to the five daily prayers, many Muslims attend special nightly prayers during Ramadan, where extended portions of the Quran are recited. Advertisement Advertisement Lent also places focus on prayer. Churches host special services in the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, and invite adherents to pray the Stations of the Cross marking the final hours before Jesus' crucifixion. Story continues below photo gallery Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Young children count down the lighting of the half moon during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Audience members cheer during the lighting of the half moon at Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Elif Hajaluja speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Reverend Nathan Busker looks back while speaking at Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Rabbi Rachel Steiner speaks at Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Audience members clap during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Councilman Pat Pignatelli speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Audience members listen as Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Young children speak during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf greets an audience member during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. A sign reads "Ramadan Mubarak" at Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Members of the audience look on during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Young children speak during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks after the lighting of the half moon at Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Participants walk through the snow during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf, center, Reverend Nathan Busker, Rabbi Rachel Steiner and others stand for a photo during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Ramadan lighting of the half moon celebration in Oakland 1 of 20 Imam Mohammad Moutaz Charaf speaks during Oakland's 1st annual Ramadan Moon Lighting Ceremony at Veteran's Park, Feb 17, 2026, Oakland, NJ, USA. Both Ramadan and Lent emphasize repentance, reflection and spiritual discipline. Each season calls believers to examine their lives, turn away from sin and grow closer to God. Charitable giving is central to both traditions. Muslims increase acts of generosity during Ramadan, donating money, food and clothing, and volunteering within their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Christians likewise emphasize almsgiving, encouraging donations and service to the poor and needy. Easter, Eid al-Fitr The Muslim holy month is followed by the Eid al-Fitr holiday marked by communal prayer, celebrations, festive meals and gift exchanges. The holiday starts when the new moon is sighted, which in 2026 is expected on March 19 or 20. Apr 5, 2024; Paterson, NJ, USA; Main Street in Paterson. Easter, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion, is observed on the Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. It falls on April 5 this year. While theological differences are significant, both seasons invite believers to step back, reflect deeply and renew their commitment to faith. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Ramadan and Lent align, marking seasons of fasting and reflection LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) An assistant manager at a local apartment complex gifted one of his coworkers one thousand dollars through Pay it Forward. Each month Bob Giles with Giles Automotive gives a stranger one thousand dollars, so they can give it to someone they know. This month we met Matthew Dix. I have a thousand dollars in cash here, Giles said. We got a couple of rules. One rule, it cant be a relative. And the only other ruleif you can think of somebody, we want to go surprise them with a thousand dollars, you and us. Advertisement Advertisement Okay, Dixon said. I do have someone in mind. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Dixon chose to pay it forward to his coworker, Ernest Matthews. Hes a great employee of mine, Dixon said. Im actually an assistant manager, so hes a very hard worker and could use the help. We went with Dixon to the apartment complex to surprise Matthews. You look surprised, Giles said. Very, Matthews said. We explained to Matthews that we met Dixon in the parking lot and gave him an envelope of one thousand dollars to give to someone else. He was grateful Dixon chose him to receive the money. Advertisement Advertisement Dont thank me, Dixon said. This is all Gods work. All I did was say yes. Thank yall so much, Matthews said. This is a big surprise. Matthews said he plans to put the money toward buying a vehicle. A lot going on right now, actually a lot in my personal life, Matthews said. But were working on it thankfully. My team members and everybody are getting me situated right now. Were all family, Dixon said. Most definitely, Matthews said. Family. He immediately thought of you, Giles told Matthews. Its a blessing for us to have met him and now you. Latest news 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 KLFY.com. Muslims are about to enter one of the holiest part of the year Ramadan. The 30-day period is a time of fasting, reflection, alms giving and drawing closer to God. Here is what to know about Ramadan. What is Ramadan? Aisha (left) and Tayyaba Farooq (right) celebrate the end of Ramadan on April 21, 2023 at the Delaware Field House. Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. During the monthlong holiday, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran (the holy book of Islam) when Allah, through the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Quran to a caravan trader named "Muhammad," according to Almanac. Advertisement Advertisement Ramadan is also a time for fasting from drinking or eating during sunlight hours to draw closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for the less fortunate, according to ING. When is Ramadan in 2026? Delaware Muslims filled the Bob Carpenter Center and the Delaware Field House at the University of Delaware on Friday April 21, 2023 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Although Ramadan is always the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the exact dates of the holiday change each year because they are based on the sighting of the first crescent moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on the last night of the eighth month, Shaban. Some choose to observe Ramadan by following pre-determined dates based on astronomical calculations, reports Almanac. In 2026, Ramadan starts at sundown on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and ends at sundown on Thursday, March 19. The last evening of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), which is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, according to the Pluralism Project. Advertisement Advertisement Eid al-Fitr does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times around the world. Some Muslims choose to celebrate when the new moon appears over Mecca. During Eid al-Fitr, the monthlong fast for Ramadan officially ends and is celebrated with a feast. How is Ramadan celebrated? A Muslim devotee offers special morning prayers to start the Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the Kashmiri Mosque in Kathmandu on April 22, 2023. Ramadan is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, focusing heavily on devotion. During the month, Muslims perform special prayers and spend extra time reading the Quran, along with fasting. The fast is from pre-dawn to sunset each day, lasting between 11 and 16 hours for 29 to 30 days, depending on the time of year. Muslims fast from food and drink; abstain from sex, if married; and refrain from negative acts such as lying, gossiping, arguing or backbiting, according to ING. The goal of fasting is to gain greater God-consciousness, known in Arabic as taqwa, signifying a state of constant awareness of God. This awareness allows a person to gain self-restraint, discipline and a greater incentive to avoid wrong and do good. Delaware Muslims filled the Bob Carpenter Center and the Delaware Field House at the University of Delaware on Friday April 21, 2023 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. All post-pubescent Muslims are obligated to fast except those with exemptions, including someone who is pregnant or nursing, children, sick individuals and elderly people. Sick people can make up the fast when they feel better and can instead feed a poor person for every day of fasting that they miss. Children around age 7 can perform limited or symbolic fasts, such as fasting for half a day or on weekends. Advertisement Advertisement Due to fasting, the holiday is a highly social time and often sees the community inviting one another over for breakfast and meeting up for prayers at the mosque. Sehri, or suhri, is the pre-dawn meal families eat together every morning, followed by a morning prayer. At night, Muslims break their fast with a meal known as iftar, which is traditionally started by eating dates like the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Iftar is often shared with a poor family, according to Almanac. A special part of Ramadan is the Night of Power, known as Lailat al-Qadr, that is believed to fall on one of the odd nights during the last 10 days of Ramadan but is widely observed on the 27th night. It is seen as the most blessed night in Ramadan because it is said to be the night the Quran was first revealed, according to Britannica. Mosques are open all night on the Night of Power as Muslims hold vigils in contemplation, prayer and Quranic recitation. Advertisement Advertisement Once Eid al-Fitr arrives, the last day of Ramadan, Muslims enjoy great feasts and celebrate with the community. Ramadan traditions Sudanese men gather for iftar, fast-breaking meal, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in a park in Khartoum in 2023. It is customary for Muslims to attempt to read the entire Quran during Ramadan and have it recited during special nightly prayers, according to ING. During the nightly meal, mosques are known to host community dinners to foster relationships and offer a break from cooking to those fixing up iftar at home. Afterward, special Ramadan prayers called "Taraweeh" are held and 1/30 of the Quran is recited to ensure the full text is read by the end of the holiday. With charity being an element of the holiday, mosques often hold fundraisers or food drives during Ramadan, and even invite community members from other faiths inside to enjoy iftar. During Eid al-Fitr, it is a tradition for children to receive money, gifts or new clothes from loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement The first day of the celebration begins with a special prayer and sermon in the morning, followed by a celebration with the community filled with food and games. Families also visit the graves of relatives, according to Britannica. Does Ramadan always coincide with Lent? Lent, the Christian 40-day period of preparing for Easter, is also starting, creating a 30-day period where both religions are fasting and reflecting on their relationship with God. The two religious periods don't usually coincide as they do this year. The occurrence happens about every 33 years. When is Fat Tuesday 2026?: What to know about Mardi Gras celebrations What is Lent? The Rev. Francis Lechiara and the Rev. Joe Mader apply ash to worshipers Wednesday at St Edward Catholic Church to mark the beginning of lent February 6, 2008 in Palm Beach. According to Christianity.org, Lent is a time of solemnity and self-reflection where Christians confess their failings and resolve to live a life based on Jesus Christ. Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, Christians have given up foods such as eggs, meat, fish and fats. In modern times, they may give up a luxury item like alcohol or chocolate and use the money they would have spent on those items and give it to the poor. They may give up social media activities and read the Bible or pray more. When is Lent 2026? Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday and ends Thursday, April 2 on Holy Thursday. Why is Lent 40 days? According to Christianity.org, Lent has its origins about 900 years after Jesus. There was agreement that there should be a season of prayer and seeking forgiveness lasting 40 days plus Sundays leading up to Easter Sunday. The significance of the time was that before he began his years of teaching, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert reflecting on the future of his life. What is Ash Wednesday? Scarlett White and others participate in Ash Wednesday service at The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea Wednesday March 5, 2025. Ash Wednesday begins the liturgical season of Lent for Christians. Catholics, for example, celebrate the day by attending Mass and receiving ashes on their forehead, fasting and not eating meat. Other Christian denominations hold services focused on repentance, fasting and prayer. When does Lent end? Saturday, April 19, 2025; Tybee Island, Ga.; A cargo ship passes in the background as Pastor Rob Grotheer offers a prayer during the Tybee Island Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. The final week of Lent is Holy Week which commemorates Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the days leading up to his crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When are Ramadan, Lent starting in 2026? How often do they coincide? DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) As we look back 250 years to the birth of the nation, you have to go a little further to see the first days of Pilgrim Reformed Church in Davidson County. Its one of the first churches in Davidson County, actually the first church in Davidson County, said Historical Committee Chair Rev. James Neese. Pilgrim Reformed Church stands at 797 Pilgrim Church Road in Davidson County. (WGHP) Pilgrim Reformed Church stands at 797 Pilgrim Church Road in Davidson County. (WGHP) Pilgrim Reformed Church stands at 797 Pilgrim Church Road in Davidson County. (WGHP) A few decades before the United States declared its independence, German settlers established a church four miles outside of what is now Lexington. Advertisement Advertisement German settlers that came from Germany settled here around 1753, Neese said. They established in this area, actually its out there in the cemetery, the first brush arbor worship center. It was nothing more than poles and limbs across. Spirit of the Piedmont 250 | Discover the history of Americas fight for independence here in North Carolina. Eventually, as the church grew, in 1757, the first church building was built. The church was made up of 37 German families, each deeply devoted to their faith. Church was the main theme of the community, of this community of the Dutch settlement, said Neese. An illustration shows the first brush arbor worship center in Davidson County. (WGHP) Another illustration shows the second sanctuary, which was built in 1807. (WGHP) At that time, the land was a large, vast rural area, perfect for farming. Advertisement Advertisement When Germans immigrated to the United States from Germany, they all ended up in Pennsylvania, and then they spread out through the country from there, said Neese. It was a long trip, a long wagon train trip. They settled here mainly because they heard North Carolina had good farmland. Davidson County is still made up of those core principles with more than 73,000 acres of farmland, according to the latest census bureau report. In 1781, during the Revolutionary War, as the British crossed the Yadkin River, the founder of the church and others from the community decided to join the fight against the British, taking part in the battle of Guilford Courthouse. Valentine Leonard and Wooldrich Fritz came back to their homes here in Davidson County. The Tories sought them out to seek revenge and assassinated both of them at their homes, said Neese. Advertisement Advertisement In 1896, a monument was put in the churchs cemetery remembering the 12 Revolutionary War soldiers. A memorial at Pilgrim Reformed Churchs cemetery honors the local soldiers who died in the Revolutionary War. (WGHP) Weve had a lot of visitors from Chicago, ancestors of the Valentine Leonard clan that have come back to visit their ancestral home, said Neese. In 1807, the second sanctuary was built, and, 75 years later, the third was built along with a Sunday school, which brought more growth. Today, in the fourth and final sanctuary, theres a room that serves as a replica of the third church, taking anyone who steps foot inside back in time. What you see behind me is everything from the third house of worship that was preserved, Neese said. The original pews that were in the church, the choir, and some of the choir seating were on each side. The old collective plates used. All the ministers who preached the sermon used this bible for the scripture. My dad was the last one to use this in 1972. Rev. James Neese shows the history room at Pilgrim Reformed Church, which serves as a replica of the churchs third iteration. (WGHP) As we celebrate the 250th year since America was founded were reminded of Americas roots and the German settlers who established the land. Advertisement Advertisement The church still operates with fewer than 100 congregants, and it remains an intimate sermon each Sunday. 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 FOX8 WGHP. Smithfield Foods has set out plans to replace its more than 100-year-old South Dakota facility with a new packaged meats and fresh pork processing plant in Sioux Falls. In a statement yesterday (16 February), the US meat processor, which is owned by China's WH Group, said it has begun the approvals process for the new factory, which it said will be the most modern of its kind in the country. Smithfield plans to build the facility in Foundation Park, an industrial park where the existing plant is located, subject to the company receiving permits and its board signing-off the plans. The investment has initially been estimated at up to $1.3bn over the next three years. Smithfield Foods' president and CEO Shane Smith said: This highly automated facility will represent a major investment in Sioux Falls, the state of South Dakota and the future of American agriculture. Smithfields investment supports our long-term strategy of continuing to grow and optimise our value-added packaged meats and fresh pork operations to deliver innovation, convenience and value to our customers. Once complete, the new facility is expected to deliver significant efficiency gains across Smithfields fresh pork and packaged meats operations. The project would support independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers, and other parts of the agricultural supply chain in South Dakota and the surrounding region, the company said. Smithfield currently employs 3,200 people in Sioux Falls. Site work for the new plant is expected to start this spring, with initial groundbreaking planned for the first half of next year. Smithfield said production is expected to begin at the end of 2028. The proposed Sioux Falls development follows several recent facility closures by Smithfield. Earlier this month, the company confirmed it would close its Springfield, Massachusetts, plant in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice filed with the state. The closure will affect 190 employees. In 2024, Smithfield closed a ham-boning facility in Altoona, Iowa, impacting 314 jobs. The company also shut down its Charlotte, North Carolina, pork processing plant in 2023. "Smithfield Foods to replace South Dakota plant" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Three generations of one Vietnamese American family have opened garage businesses in Sacramento. Grandma and grandpa started selling Vietnamese pork sausages known as cha lua out of their garage upon arriving in Northern California. Then, their children started a very different business, Comtech Computer Systems, and sold hardware to computer companies from their home. Then, the youngest Nguyens followed in their footsteps with a home-based coffee roaster and cafe. GA.RA is the handiwork of Daniel, Kasmira, and Timothy Nguyen, and its pays direct homage to that family history. Fittingly, "gara" is Vietnamese slang for garage. First debuting in February 2025 out of Daniel's garage masquerading as a cafe, GA.RA is about to go legit: The Nguyens will debut the physical space for the business at 2424 Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement The opening marks the next iteration of an evolving and highly dynamic trend in specialty coffee in the Bay Area: specialty Vietnamese cafes, especially those outside San Jose. Long slept-on, Vietnamese drinks made with the country's Phin dripper - a metal filter that slowly produces a strong brew - have gained traction in the 2020s. The cafes in the U.S. are also not just for viral-friendly drinks: They've overlapped with the resurgence of "third space" culture, especially for young Vietnamese Americans. Such was the inspiration for the Nguyens. Their menu at GA.RA will reflect drinks they found on a pivotal trip to Vietnam. There will be oolong-laced Mekong teas, for instance, alongside milky Phin-pulled ca phe. On the fresher side, there's a Southern Vietnamese-inspired guava hibiscus cold brew. The classic Vietnamese coffee on the menu is mixed with sweetened condensed milk, then poured over ice. Modern, now-pan-Asian ingredients pandan and ube star on the menu, and salted cream tops are available, too. Vietnam is known for robusta beans, but as the often more favored arabica has become further endangered, more cafes than ever are turning to robusta. This includes GA.RA, where the drinks primarily rely on robusta, known for its darker, more bitter profile. And that coffee actually comes from the Nguyen family back in Vietnam: It's grown in Buon Ma Thuot for the GA.RA roasting business and gets shipped to Daniel, who plans to continue roasting the beans in Sacramento. There's a robust food menu for the cafe, as well: Think broken rice breakfast bowls with pork, lemongrass chicken banh mi sandwiches, nuoc mam chicken wings and steamed pork char siu bao. Daniel and Timothy Nguyen are shown on their 2023 trip to Vietnam alongside one of their drinks. (Courtesy of GA.RA) The Nguyens decided now was the time to give their business a go after a climactic trip to Vietnam in 2023. The three were living their own lives at that point: Daniel was a software engineer in Sacramento, Kasmira is still working as a nurse, and Timothy lived in New York and worked as a video producer. They decided to survey the country from north to south: Starting in Hanoi, the three siblings traveled together to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, they reconnected with family members and visited Da Nang in Central Vietnam where their mom grew up. It made them feel like they could bring those flavors and vibes to Northern California. Advertisement Advertisement "The coffee culture over there is huge," Timothy said. "We basically ended up falling in love with that aspect of our culture." Vietnamese coffee is a roughly 150-year-old tradition; Vietnam saw its first coffee crops in 1857 thanks to the French occupation. Now, it produces the most coffee in the world behind Brazil, according to a report from the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization in 2025. In fact, record-high coffee prices around the world in 2025 were impacted by a 20% reduction in coffee from Vietnam due to drier-than-usual weather from 2023 to 2024. A boom in Vietnamese specialty coffee has hit the West Coast hard in recent years. The new guard arguably began with Kimberly Dam's Portland Ca Phe, her influence moving through the Rose City. In Seattle, Aroom and Phe showcased the country's salted coffees and cream tops. Trung Nguyen Legend, the world's largest Vietnamese coffee business, finally began expanding to the United States in the 2020s; Southern California and Portland, Oregon, mark two of its three cafes in the country so far. In the Bay Area, the explosion of high-quality Vietnamese coffee began in San Jose. That makes sense: San Jose is home to the second-largest population of Vietnamese Americans among U.S. metropolitan centers, per the Pew Research Center. Lacaphe and Het Say are both undeniable presences. Little Green Cyclo also arrived in Brisbane, with Nau Coffee the most recent pop-up foray in San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Berkeley made the most sense for the siblings. Timothy lived in the city from 2018 to 2022. The hope is for GA.RA to add to this boom of activity; he pointed to fellow Berkeley newcomer Binge Coffee House as inspiration. Mostly, the business is a way to get closer as a family. "It's like a passing of the torch," Timothy said, "and this whole venture is our way of honoring that history and our parents, our grandparents, and kind of trying to do something to the same extent as siblings." More Food News - After a devastating car crash, a historic Marin County dive bar has a tentative re-opening date - Ambitious indoor-outdoor waterfront restaurant to open by SF's Oracle Park - Bad Bunny bought out this Palo Alto restaurant after his Super Bowl performance - French Laundry owner slams proposed affordable housing project near restaurant For all things fascinating in Bay Area food, sign up for our Eat the Bay newsletter here. This article originally published at Three NorCal siblings are taking their garage cafe to Telegraph Avenue. Key Points Trader Joes announced plans to open six new stores in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Kansas, and Washington, adding to two previously announced locations in Louisiana and New York. The upcoming stores will be located in Merriam, Kan., Mandeville, La., West Palm Beach, Fla.,Tucson, Ariz., Woodinville, Wash., and Johns Creek, Ga., though no official opening dates have been confirmed. A company spokesperson said stores listed as "coming soon" typically open within three to six months, and Trader Joes now operates in 42 states, with eight states still without a location. If you've wanted to try out Trader Joe's beloved snacks or get your hands on one of the store's viral tote bags, then you may be in luck. The popular grocery chain just announced plans to open six new locations across the U.S. The new stores are set to open in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Kansas, and Washington. These locations are in addition to the two stores Trader Joe's announced earlier this month, which are planned for Louisiana and New York. Advertisement Advertisement The newest Trader Joes locations listed on the "coming soon" page on the grocer's website include: 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam, Kan. 3377 U.S. Hwy. 190, Mandeville, La. 8111 S Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, Fla. 2150 E Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Ariz. 14035 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd., Woodinville, Wash. 1000 Medley Blvd., Johns Creek, Ga. While no confirmed opening dates have been announced yet, a spokesperson for Trader Joes told Nexstar that upcoming stores listed on the website typically open three to six months later. The company currently operates across 42 states; Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi, and West Virginia are the only states without locations. For more details on the upcoming store openings, Trader Joe's encourages shoppers to regularly check its website for updates. Read the original article on Martha Stewart Courtney Bowden didnt leave the United States on a whim. By the time she and her husband moved to Mexico in 2021, the idea had been quietly forming for years. Bowden was living just outside Atlanta then, running a consulting business, surrounded by friends and family. From the outside, her life looked stable: professional traction, community, a home shed worked hard to build. But beneath that surface, she was reckoning with a more private accounting shaped by racial microaggressions in her neighborhood, neighbors calling the police on her and her husband for reasons that felt both trivial and threatening, and a political climate that was growing increasingly hostile. I started asking myself if there was any other place in the world where I could exist freely, she says. Free from being categorized by my skin color, free from being policed and managed and surveilled. Once I started asking those questions, the wheels started turning. Courtney Bowden That reckoning sharpened in 2020. After [the murder of] George Floyd, I started really reevaluating my life and truly calculating the cost of staying, says Bowden. Watching the Black Lives Matter movement erupt alongside a pandemic made it very clear that I needed to make a change. But the questions were there long before that. I had already been wondering if there was any place in the world where I could exist freely. Advertisement Advertisement Bowden and her husband agreed in a handshake deal to try living elsewhere for six months. After doing some research and reading about other expats experiences in online forums, they chose Mexico. Five years later, theyre still there. Based in Playa del Carmen, Bowden and her husband have never looked back. Once we got here, we reduced our living expenses by 50 percent. And what that does to the nervous system is profound. Your cortisol levels come down because youre not constantly calculating. In the United States, especially as a Black woman, the margin for error is nonexistent. Here, I have breathing room. She continues, For the first time in my adult life, I feel safe in my body. I dont walk around with hypervigilance. I dont have my head on a swivel. I feel safer here than I ever did in some of the most coveted zip codes in the United States. Bowden now hosts Black Expat Stories , a podcast documenting the lives of Black Americans who have left the U.S., and is currently writing The Exodus Book , which expands on those conversations. Over time, patterns emerged: lower costs, health care that felt accessible rather than adversarial, and a true sense of safety. Their stories mirror a broader shift. According to a recent Gallup poll , a record share of Americans say they would like to leave the United States permanently, with women under 45 expressing the strongest desire. In 2025, 40 percent of women ages 15 to 44 said they would move abroad permanently if given the opportunity, which is four times the share that said the same in 2014. Gallup also found a 21-point gender gap among younger adults; 40 percent of women, compared to 19 percent of men in the same age range, said they would leave permanently if they could. Advertisement Advertisement That increase reflects something more complex than wanderlust. Declining confidence in American institutions, rising costs of living, access to health care, and concerns about safety all correlate strongly with the desire to emigrate. Among younger women, trust in the judicial system has dropped sharply over the past decade, a decline that accelerated after the Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Confidence in the courts among women under 45 fell from 55 percent in 2015 to 32 percent in 2025, more than for any other age group. For Bowden and Dom Jones, who moved to Taipei in 2024, a newfound sense of safety registered first in the body. Jones had spent years inside American civic life, working in education and politics and running for both Congress and California State Assembly in Orange County, a historically conservative stronghold. She understood Americas political systems intimately and eventually found that proximity to them made their fractures harder to ignore. I fought hard in America, and I continue to fight in my own way, she says. But for me, remaining overseas is the peaceful choice. In Taiwan, the contrast was immediate. It felt like I received a big hug from the community, Jones says, describing what her first time exploring her now hometown of Taipei was like. It was a hug I didnt know I needed, and it instantly felt really homey; the people were just so warm and kind and caring. Treating others with respect and dignity, she adds, is a baseline expectation there. I felt so much anxiety back in the States, and anxiety activates the nervous system and raises cortisol levels, says Jones. So the biggest thing is, my nervous system is resting in a way I could have never experienced, in a way my ancestors never experienced. I am not constantly othered. She adds, Here Im seen as a woman first. Not a Black woman. Just a woman. That sense of safety extended beyond streets and neighborhoods, into the systems meant to help keep people nourished and healthy. Several women described food that felt fresher and less processed. My quality of life has radically changed for the better, Bowden says. I feel healthier in my body. Advertisement Advertisement Health care came up again and again as one of the most immediate benefits of leaving, citing access and affordability as major stress relievers. According to the Commonwealth Fund, the United States is the only high-income country without universal health-care coverage, and it has the highest maternal mortality rate among peer nationsa disparity that worsens for women of color. In Mexico, the quality of care is different because were not dealing with so much medical racism, Bowden says. And when youre treated like a human by the folks who are supposed to be helping you attend to your health, that lengthens your life. Taylor Bolhack felt the safety shift most acutely as a parent. After her home burned down in the Palisades fire in early 2025, she, her husband, and their young son relocated to Lisbon later that year. As much as we loved L.A. and still love L.A., it felt hard to make it feel like home when there was still so much pain surrounding the city and everything we experienced there, she says. Taylor Bolhack In Portugal, one of the most startling changes was what she no longer worried about: gun violence in her sons schools. You dont deal with gun-safety issues at all [here in Lisbon], she says. Im never nervous guns are going to be at school. One of my girlfriends in Portugal, her son, when they moved from Brooklyn, was like, Am I going to have to do gun drills at my new school? That was his first question. Parenthood itself felt differently scaffolded. Mornings were slower, and family life felt less surveilled, less performative, and less judged. Still, not every system shes encountered have felt as accommodating. Bolhack, who is pregnant with her second child, also relays unexpected downsides in the move abroad. She was unprepared for how rigid Portugals medical system was, specifically around pregnancy and birth. Americans often consider Europe to provide gentler, more humane care, but her experience was far more strained. She has encountered limited autonomy, highly medicalized decision making, and little room for self-advocacy. Practices that are considered standard or negotiable in the U.S., like the presence of a doula in the birthing room, arent readily accommodated. Were lucky, she says, noting that her family has medical expertise to lean on and helped her advocate for more informed care. But if you didnt have that support, I cant imagine the confusion. Advertisement Advertisement The friction didnt end there. The visa process for Portugal is absolutely horrifying, Bolhack says, describing a logistical grind that compounded grief rather than relieving it: passport delays, shifting rules, consulate confusion, missed family milestones, and the exhausting sensation of living inside a bureaucratic black box. Their housing situation revealed further cracks: After they initially moved into an apartment that had been featured in Architectural Digest, severe mold issues forced them out and they lost $18,000 in the process, with no legal recourse. Her experience punctures the fantasy version of expatriation where leaving is elegant and exciting at every turn. Its not just Emily in Paris charm; there can also be exploitation, precarity, and a lack of recourse when things go wrong. It seems so glitz and glam, but the reality is much different from that, says Bolhack. And I think a lot of people dont realize that until they move. For Amelia Hill,* the calculus was explicitly about survival. As state-level restrictions on trans rights and gender-affirming care accelerated, all while the broader cultural temperature hardened, she began to feel that leaving was less a choice than a necessity. I dont think of my transness being the reason for a lot of my decisions, she says. I dont wake up in the morning and think, Im a trans woman today. But living in America, Im forced to face it in a way that doesnt feel good and doesnt feel productive and feels quite threatening, actually. Hill moved to Canada from New York City in 2024 and asked that her exact location remain vague. The difference she describes is not simply emotional relief; it is a shift in the foundation of public life. My stress levels are so low, it feels like my biology is changing. I didnt know this kind of safety was possible, says Hill. It feels almost utopic for me in a weird way that I wasnt expecting. I was like, Oh, itll be, like, a similar culture around trans shit, but actually its night and day to me, even from New York. I dont feel really safe as a trans person in New York. What shes describing isnt just affirmation but a baseline of mutual respect. Advertisement Advertisement Even those who left earlier recognize the emotional contours of this moment. Writer Naydeline Mejia moved to Paris two years ago on a student visa and stayed, building a life while confronting a more complicated truth: Leaving doesnt automatically deliver professional ease, and the American performance model doesnt disappear just because you cross an ocean. Ive been here two years, but I still have a very American mindset when it comes to what success looks like, she says. Its been really hard to start my life over here. Mejia works a retail job to stay afloat and feels the constant tension of wondering how her career might have looked if shed stayed in New York. And yet, she describes Pariss labor culture as one with structural permission to be human. People value their weekends, she says. People disconnect. They take their vacation days. The move forced a different kind of adulthoodone defined less by acceleration than self-reliance: I feel so much more autonomous. Moving here took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to fend for myself in ways I havent had to before, like learning the French system on my own, doing the visa application by myself, figuring out French bureaucracy, health care, finding a job. It taught me Im stronger than I think. Naydeline Mejia Across these stories, what emerges isnt a rejection of America so much as a recalibration of values. These women miss things: family dinners, old friends, cultural shorthand, the particular intimacy of home. Many feel guilt for leaving and choosing personal safety or sanity over proximity. Even five years post exit, Im still going through the stages of grief, because America is my homeland. I wanted so badly to build a life there, says Bowden. But unfortunately, I didnt find it to be possible in my lifetime. And although I am here, I still have family members and loved ones that are in the United States that are still in the eye of the storm, and so I feel a sense of survivors guilt in some ways. Im watching the collapse in real time. And though I was able to get out, what about those who arent? *Name has been changed You Might Also Like One wrong turn on vacation can turn into the nightmare scenario: a police station, your passport taken, a language barrier, and a legal system that doesnt work like home. In plenty of countries, the small stuff that tourists shrug offan edible, a vape, a rude gesture, a selfie in the wrong place, the wrong medicine in your bagcan escalate fast. Not legal advice. Laws change, enforcement varies by city and situation, and I didnt know usually doesnt help. The goal here is simple: know the traps that catch tourists and avoid them. One reason this topic matters: drug-related trouble is a major driver of overseas arrests. UK charity Prisoners Abroad has reported that drug-related arrests make up about a third of the people they support, and in a newer update they say 54% of new cases theyre seeing are drug-related. Singapore Image Credit: Richard Whitcombe / Shutterstock. Singapore is famously orderlyand it expects visitors to play by the rules. Drugs are the headline risk: penalties are severe, and drug trafficking can carry the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement What trips tourists up is its basically nothing thinking: a friends vape you agreed to hold, a bag you didnt pack yourself, or a product you assumed was harmless because its normal at home. Singapore also has strict rules on e-cigarettes and vaping products, so dont assume you can carry them just for later. Mistake magnet: carrying anything for someone else to be nice, or assuming legal elsewhere equals safe here. Malaysia Image Credit: TY Lim / Shutterstock. Malaysias travel advice is blunt on drugs: offenses are treated as serious crimes, including cannabis. Depending on the offense, penalties can include long prison sentences and the death penalty. Airports are where I forgot that was in there turns into a real problem. If youre transiting, treat it like youre entering: check every pocket, every pouch, and anything that could look like a cartridge, gummy, or unlabeled pill. Advertisement Advertisement Mistake magnet: forgotten items in carry-ons (gummies, vape carts, loose pills without packaging). Indonesia Image Credit: Shutterstock. Indonesia is another destination where drug laws can end a trip fast. Official travel advice warns that people caught with illegal drugs can face lengthy prison sentences and, for some offenses, the death penalty. Tourist areas dont come with a vacation pass, including Bali. Legal processes can also be slow and expensive, so the smart move is avoiding anything that could be interpreted as possessionespecially if you didnt buy it, pack it, and label it yourself. Mistake magnet: assuming party island means lax enforcement. Thailand Image Credit: Shutterstock. Thailand catches visitors on a few fronts that dont feel touristy until its too late. One is lese-majeste (insulting the monarchy): even online activity can cause problems, and official guidance notes that consequences can be severe. Advertisement Advertisement Another surprise is vaping: the same UK travel advice warns e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand, and penalties can apply for importing, selling, or using them. And while cannabis rules have shifted, the UKs advice is crystal clear on one point: it is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions. Mistake magnet: social-media jokes, vaping, and thinking airport rules are casual. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Image Credit: Shutterstock. The UAE is a modern travel hub, but local law can be strict about public conduct that many tourists treat as normal. UK travel advice warns that swearing and rude gestures can be illegal, and cases have resulted in detention and deportation. Alcohol is another common trap: being drunk in public can be an offense, and problems often start when drinking collides with arguments, noise complaints, or behavior authorities consider offensive. Keep nights simple: licensed venues, calm exits, and no lets continue this outside decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Mistake magnet: arguments, insults, rude gestures, and one last drink outside licensed venues. Qatar Image Credit: Shutterstock. Qatars rules around alcohol and public behavior can surprise first-timers. UK travel advice warns that it can be an offense to drink alcohol or be drunk in public, so stick to licensed places and keep the walk back low-key. Also keep Ramadan in mind: official advice says you should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during daylight hours during Ramadan (including in a car), even if you dont plan to visit a mosque or religious site. Mistake magnet: leaving a hotel bar visibly intoxicated or treating local norms like suggestions. Saudi Arabia Image Credit: Shutterstock. Saudi Arabia has some of the strictest enforcement in this list. UK travel advice warns alcohol is illegal, and penalties can be severe, including prison, for producing, possessing, selling, or drinking it. Advertisement Advertisement Drug laws are harsher still. The same guidance warns of zero tolerance, very serious penalties for possession, and that drug trafficking can carry the death penalty. If a product contains cannabis ingredients, dont assume its wellnessassume its risk. Mistake magnet: arriving buzzed, carrying prohibited items, or bringing products containing cannabis ingredients. Japan Image Credit: Shutterstock. Japan is the classic but its just medicine trap. Official UK and U.S. guidance warns that some common cold/allergy remedies and prescriptions (legal elsewhere) can be illegal under Japans tightly enforced rules on stimulants and controlled substances. Japans health authorities also explain that importing certain controlled medicines can require permission in advance (often via the Yakkan Shoumei process). If you take regular medication, check Japans import rules before you fly, and keep prescriptions in original packaging. Advertisement Advertisement Mistake magnet: decongestants, codeine products, ADHD medsanything you didnt verify before flying. Turkiye (Turkey) Image Credit: Shutterstock. In Turkiye, speech can become a legal issue faster than tourists expect. Official travel advice warns that insulting Turkiye, the Turkish flag, the president, or Ataturk can be an offense, and social media posts can be used as evidence. This isnt about being afraid to talk. Its about not turning a bad mood into a permanent record. Save political commentary for private, dont argue with strangers, and dont post when youre angry. Mistake magnet: political jokes, heated arguments, or posting while annoyed (especially about politics). China Image Credit: Shutterstock. China is a place where tourists can stumble into national security boundaries they didnt realize existed. UK travel advice warns some laws can be interpreted broadly, and visitors should be careful around sensitive sites and follow official instructions. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. State Department also warns about arbitrary enforcement and the possibility of exit bans, which can prevent people from leaving while issues are resolved. The safest mindset is simple: if a location looks restricted, treat it as restrictedeven if other tourists look relaxed. Mistake magnet: photographing the wrong site, involvement in demonstrations, or assuming tourists dont matter. Egypt Image Credit: Shutterstock. Egypt is a big one for innocent gear, serious consequences. Multiple governments warn that bringing a drone is strictly prohibited, and violations can lead to serious penalties. Photos can be another gray zone. Official advice warns that photographing security-related sites (or anything authorities consider sensitive) can cause trouble, even if you thought it was just a cool shot. When in doubt, dont film checkpoints, dont linger near official buildings, and ask before you record. Advertisement Advertisement Mistake magnet: a tiny drone, filming checkpoints, or assuming everyone takes photos here. Sri Lanka Image Credit: Shutterstock. Sri Lanka is a classic culture-law shock destination: things that feel like harmless travel behavior can be treated as disrespectful. Australian travel advice warns it can be illegal to mistreat or disrespect Buddhist images, including through certain tattoos, clothing, or poses that are seen as mocking or inappropriate. Keep it simple: cover up religious imagery if youre unsure, dont pose with your back to Buddha statues for playful photos, and treat temples like you would a courtroomquietly and respectfully. Mistake magnet: religious imagery on clothing, funny poses at temples, or treating sacred sites like a photoshoot set. The Fast Dont Get Arrested Abroad Checklist Image Credit: Shutterstock. BUCHANAN, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities say three people from Illinois and a Kaukauna man are hurt following a crash in Outagamie County Monday night. Driver identified in string of vehicle damage incidents on State Highway 25 According to a release from the Outagamie County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded around 8:40 p.m. to the intersection of County Highway Z and Haas Road in the Town of Buchanan for reports of a two-vehicle crash. Advertisement Advertisement Officials say a preliminary investigation showed that a minivan was heading south on Haas Road when it failed to stop at a stop sign, crashing into an eastbound SUV on County Highway Z. Courtesy of the Combined Locks Public Safety Courtesy of the Combined Locks Public Safety Courtesy of the Combined Locks Public Safety The three people inside the minivan, all from Illinois, were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the SUV, a 66-year-old man from Kaukauna, was flown to the hospital by ThedaStar with non-life-threatening injuries. Following the crash, the roadway was closed for about two hours and has since reopened. No other information about this incident is available at this time. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. (This story includes updates from the New York State Police) Four firefighters and the pastor of Abundant Life Church were listed in critical but stable condition following an explosion and fire at the church in Boonville. According to New York State Police and Oneida County Emergency Dispatch, first responders were called to the church at 12644 State Route 12 at 10:23 a.m. for reports of a gas odor inside the church. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple fire departments, ambulance services, and law enforcement arrived at the church after the initial call. According to the Oneida County 911 Center, the explosion happened shortly before 11 a.m. According to a preliminary investigation, four people were in the basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the church at the time of the explosion and was thrown against a wall. NY State Police release names of injured firefighters, pastor According to police, five people were injured in the explosion and fire: David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief, transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse. Brandon Pitts, 43, Pastor of the church, transported to Upstate Hospital. Allan Austin, 67, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica. Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital. Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital. What caused the explosion at Abundant Life Church? Abundant Life Church in Boonville was destroyed by an explosion and subsequent fire. Five people were injured, including four firefighters and the pastor of the church. Police said the church sustained catastrophic damage, and there was no indication of criminal activity. Police said the church was heated by propane cylinders. Advertisement Advertisement After 1 p.m., fire fighting crews were still hosing down what remained of the church as several members of the church watched. With no nearby hydrants, firefighters relied on their tanker trucks for water. A post on the church's Facebook page stated the pastor and another member of the congregation were inside the church along with first responders when it exploded. Oneida County executive issues statement Abundant Life Church in Boonville was destroyed by an explosion and subsequent fire. Five people were injured, including four firefighters and the pastor of the church. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. released a statement in the early afternoon, saying he was deeply saddened by the explosion at the church and was praying for all those impacted. "Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured," Picente said. "I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others. Oneida County is in close communication with local officials and emergency services, and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues." Drivers told to avoid the area An explosion and fire were reported at Abundant Life Church at 12644 State Route 12 in Boonville. Five people were transported to the hospital, two with critical injuries. NY-12 southbound at Potato Hill Road and northbound at Kerwin Road in Boonville was closed and the duration of the closure was unknown. Motorists were told to avoid the area. Advertisement Advertisement The following fire departments were deployed: Boonville, Remsen, Barneveld, Forestport, Constableville, Stittville, Holland Patent, Newport, Floyd, and Northstar. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Boonville Ambulance, Kuyahoora Ambulance, and AmCare were also on the scene. This story will be updated with new information. Home Invasion: Utica police investigating armed robbery Assault: Utica man stabbed after opening door, police investigating Structure Fire: Rome apartment fire kills 1, investigation underway This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Abundant Life Church explosion, fire injures 5 in Boonville NY Two teenage boys are charged with criminal homicide in the death of a 15-year-old in Franklin County, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The charges against the 17-year-old from Martinsburg, WV, and the 15-year-old from McConnellsburg, were announced early on Feb. 17 following an active police incident the day before at Sunset Boulevard and Valley Pine Court in Greene Township. Following a 911 call at about 1:44 a.m. Feb. 15 about a shooting at a home there, state police responded and found a 15-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement First responders rendered aid, but the victim passed away. Police lights PSP-Troop H's Major Case Team was immediately activated to lead the investigation with the assistance of the Franklin County Coroner's Office and the Franklin County District Attorney's Office. The McConnellsburg teen was arrested Feb. 16 and arraigned at 3:45 pm. on charges of criminal homicide, two counts of carrying a firearm without a license, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, according to court records. He was put in Franklin County Jail, and Magisterial District Judge Kristin Nicklas denied bail. Back on the hunt: Franklin County hunter paralyzed from tree stand fall bags big buck Advertisement Advertisement Shooting incident: Man arrested after firing gunshots in Chambersburg neighborhood The other teen is charged with criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, robbery and simple assault, according to court records. Court records accessed at 7:45 a.m. Feb. 17 indicate the 17-year-old from West Virginia is not in custody in Franklin County. Chambersburg Area School District representatives did not immediately respond to an email asking if the homicide victim is a student in the district. Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com. This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: PA, WV teens charged with homicide of 15-year-old in Franklin County The National Transportation Safety Board on Feb. 17 issued its final report on the Jan. 29, 2025, collision over the Potomac River between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet that killed 67 people. The report was dated and compiled following the agency's Jan. 27 board meeting. Throughout its investigation, the agency suggested that complex airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, or DCA, along with technological issues and unclear guidance and regulations, all contributed to the disaster. The Feb. 17 report confirms and expands on those findings and includes dozens of recommendations to various government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Army and the Department of Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Here are three key takeaways from the report: 1. Helicopter route design was a key factor According to the NTSB, one of the main factors that contributed to the January 2025 crash was the conflicting routes assigned to helicopters traveling over the Potomac and the approach path for one of DCA's runways. "The probable cause of this accident was the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) placement of a helicopter route in close proximity to a runway approach path; their failure to regularly review and evaluate helicopter routes and available data, and their failure to act on recommendations to mitigate the risk of a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)," NTSB's writeup said. 2. Available technology could have helped One of the biggest criticisms from lawmakers and investigators was that military aircraft flying through civilian airspace routinely did not make use of a tracking capability known as ADS-B out, which broadcasts an aircraft's location to surrounding pilots. Military flights routinely turned off ADS-B out capabilities, even on noncombat missions. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate in December passed a bill that closed most ADS-B-related loopholes and would require almost all flights around Washington, DC, to broadcast their locations, but it has not yet been taken up by the House of Representatives. The wreckage of the American Airlines passenger jet is visible as flights take off at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 31, days after it collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the deaths of 67 people. 3. FAA's safety system needs revamping The NTSB report also criticized the FAA for not taking complaints and warnings about the situation around DCA's airspace seriously. "Many of the findings in this report on the DCA mid-air collision point to issues that have persisted for years and they are issues Ive been sounding the alarm on for years. There is an unacceptable culture of complacency at the FAA, and the agencys failure to heed those alarms meant it was always a matter of when not if one of the near misses at DCA would become a deadly tragedy," Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said in a statement following the release of the report. The Senate last week passed legislation requiring a review of the FAA's safety management system to address risks and prevent future incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 takeaways from the NTSB report on the deadly DC midair crash NEED TO KNOW A 15,000-square-foot North Carolina barn caught fire on Sunday, Feb. 15 Of the 43 horses that were housed at the barn, 36 died in the fire The cause of the fire is unknown, investigation is ongoing A devastating barn fire in central North Carolina left 36 horses dead and a 15,000-square-foot structure destroyed. According to the Office of the Fire Marshal with the Randolph County Department of Emergency Services, in a press release posted on Facebook on Monday, Feb. 16, the fire was reported at 12:48 p.m. ET on Feb. 15 along 8710 U.S. Highway 220 South in Seagrove, N.C. Advertisement Advertisement Seagrove, Ulah, East Side, Coleridge-Erect, and Star (Montgomery Co.) Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported barn fire, the release stated. When crews arrived, the roughly 15,000-square-foot barn that housed dozens of horses was ablaze. Fire truck extinguishing fire of barn in Seagrove, North Carolina. East Side Fire Department Given the size of the fire, Seagrove Fire Command requested a second alarm, bringing in additional units from Westside, Biscoe and Westmoore fire departments. Despite a coordinated, multi-department response, the structure could not be saved. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the structure was considered to be a total loss, officials confirmed. PEOPLE reached out to the Randolph County Department of Emergency Services for further details on the incident. Barn catches fire and burns 5 hours in Seagrove, North Carolina East Side Fire Department At the time of the blaze, 43 horses were boarded inside the barn, and 36 died in the fire. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately five hours, working to extinguish the flames and eliminate hot spots. Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Randolph County Fire Marshals Office, according to the statement. Authorities have not yet released additional information about what ignited the fire. No further details about injuries to people were immediately provided. The investigation remains ongoing. Read the original article on People Company Logo The Southeast Asia Used Construction Equipment Market, estimated at 73,464 units in 2024, is projected to reach 86,517 units by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 2.76%. Key growth engines include Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, supported by robust GDP growth and infrastructure investments. With minimal tariff impact, China leads in manufacturing investments in Thailand and Vietnam, boosting regional equipment demand. The market's largest segment is used earthmoving equipment, driven by public infrastructure and mining projects. Flexible financing and rising imports from China further fuel market expansion, despite challenges from rental market growth and increasing construction costs, especially in Singapore. Southeast Asian Used Construction Equipment Market Southeast Asian Used Construction Equipment Market GlobeNewswire Inc. Dublin, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Southeast Asia Used Construction Equipment Market Research Report 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Southeast Asia Used Construction Equipment Market was sized at 73,464 units in 2024, and is projected to reach 86,517 units by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 2.76% The Southeast Asia used construction equipment market is expected to reach 86,517 units by 2030. The Southeast Asian region's economy remains resilient, driven by strong domestic demand, an expanding manufacturing sector, and growing infrastructure investment. The regional GDP is projected to grow around 4.5-5%, supported by Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines as key growth engines. China is the leading investor in manufacturing hubs like Vietnam and Thailand in the Southeast Asian region in 2025. Southeast Asian countries witness strong infrastructure investment, sustain a robust demand for used construction equipment. Governments across Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines continue large-scale transport, housing, and industrial projects, driving demand for used construction equipment. IMPACT OF TARIFF The used construction equipment market in Southeast Asia is minimally affected by tariffs. Most of the used construction equipment is imported from China and Japan, where it is manufactured. After being used, this equipment is sold as second-hand in the Southeast Asian market. Prices for used construction equipment are expected to rise slightly due to the influence of tariffs in the region. SOUTHEAST ASIA USED CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MARKET TRENDS Rising Used Construction Equipment Imports from China Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines & Singapore rely on the import of used construction equipment from China. These countries do not have high-quality construction equipment production facilities. Hitachi Construction Auctioneer exports used construction equipment mainly to Thailand, Vietnam & Philippines. Chinese used machines as an attractive middle-ground between expensive new units and older, hard-to-source Japanese or European secondhand equipment. This shift is reshaping procurement patterns, dealer strategies and after-sales ecosystems across the region. Used Construction Equipment buyers across Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia are extremely price sensitive. Chinese brands used construction equipment are entering the secondhand market at lower price points than comparable Japanese or European ones. The rising imports of used Chinese construction equipment offer Southeast Asian markets a faster, lower-cost route to fleet expansion. Therefore, Southeast Asian countries witnessed the trend of importing used construction equipment from the Chinese market. Surge In Used Construction Equipment Financing Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Komatsu, Caterpillar, Hitachi, and SANY are increasingly introducing flexible financing solutions for used construction machinery in Southeast Asia, leveraging their dealer networks, refurbished inventory, and certified pre-owned options. These tailored financing initiatives help contractors and small businesses overcome capital limitations, making essential equipment more accessible for public infrastructure and commercial projects. Since a significant portion of Southeast Asia's large public infrastructure projects is funded by governments or under public-private partnership schemes, financial arrangements are frequently linked to official disbursements or project milestones. Contractors often prefer milestone-based payment plans, project financing, or usage-based contracts to secure equipment while managing cash flow efficiently. The equipment financing sector is embracing digital fleet management, predictive maintenance, and pay-per-use models, which optimise costs and fleet utilisation while supporting green and sustainable construction trends. SOUTHEAST ASIA USED CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MARKET DRIVERS Surge In Infrastructure Projects There is a rise in public infrastructure investment in the Southeast Asian region for 2025. The region has witnessed an increase in funding for construction projects focused on developing railways, roads, highways, and expanding airports. Governments of major Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore, are mobilizing significant amounts of funds for the development of transport facilities, housing, urban infrastructure, and digital infrastructure. Major multilateral development banks, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with regional organisations like the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, are scaling up financing and co-investment in projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, promoting green infrastructure. Growth In Mining Activities The Southeast Asian region has abundant mineral resources such as nickel, copper, bauxite, tin, and gold, and is experiencing a significant increase in mining activities in 2025. This growth is largely driven by global demand for battery materials, infrastructure metals, and minerals essential for clean energy. Nickel has emerged as a critical mineral in the global shift towards clean energy, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). The global demand for nickel has been rising rapidly, with projections estimating an increase of nearly 30% between 2030 and 2040. This surge is primarily driven by the expansion of clean technologies aligned with net-zero targets. Southeast Asia has become an essential hub for nickel production, with Indonesia and the Philippines leading the way. Indonesia also dominates the global production of battery-grade materials, such as Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) and Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), which are processed into nickel chemicals for the expanding EV market. Following Indonesia, the Philippines is the world's second-largest nickel producer, reaching approximately 345,000 tons in 2023, primarily supplying raw ore to international markets. Consequently, the growth in the mining industry is likely to drive demand for used construction equipment, such as large excavators, backhoe loaders, and motor graders, in major mining-producing countries like Indonesia and the Philippines. INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS Rental Market Growth To Restrict Sales Of Used Construction Equipment Southeast Asia, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Cambodia, is a promising region for the rental sector. The prospect of large infrastructure projects and shifting labor dynamics suggests that the rental model will be increasingly adopted. One significant advantage of renting is risk mitigation. Customers can avoid long-term contracts tied to equipment purchases, as projects are often awarded for shorter durations, and they require equipment to complete their tasks. Currently, most customers prefer to own their compact machines rather than rent. Major contractors buy smaller machines, utilizing their own employees to operate and maintain them. This strong growth in the rental equipment sector, driven by a significant number of small construction companies that prefer renting over ownership, is expected to restrict the demand for used construction equipment in the Southeast Asian market. Increasing Construction Costs In Singapore Southeast Asian Countries mainly rely on the import of used construction equipment. The import of used construction equipment can be hampered by supply chain disruptions, complex import regulations, logistics inefficiencies, and component shortages. These challenges collectively led to rising costs, delivery delays, and uncertainty for contractors and dealers. One of the major bottlenecks in the supply chain for used equipment is tightening import regulations across Southeast Asia. Governments, particularly Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, have introduced new rules governing the importation of used capital goods to prevent the inflow of obsolete or non-environment-friendly equipment. Indonesia, the region's largest equipment market, has implemented a series of overlapping trade regulations, such as Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 36/2023, followed by Regulation No. 8/2024 and Permendag No. 24/2025, that require surveyor verification, import licenses, and age certification for used equipment. These measures have created longer lead times and increased costs for importers. Similarly, Vietnam enforces restrictions on used machinery imports older than ten years and mandates safety and environmental inspections, which delay customs clearance. Stricter import licensing, shipping bottlenecks, rising logistics costs, and spare-parts shortages have disrupted the steady flow of used Construction Equipment. DENVER (KDVR) A multi-vehicle crash in on Interstate 25 in Pueblo killed five people and sent dozens of others to hospitals on Tuesday morning. The interstate was closed in both directions Milepost 91 to Milepost 94 south of Pueblo, the Pueblo Police Department said. The road has since reopened, according to COtrip. Vehicle with expired tags caught going 44 mph over speed limit The Colorado State Patrol provided an update Tuesday evening, stating that the crash involved seven semitrailers and 29 passenger vehicles. Five people were pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement CSP identified four of the individuals who were killed in the crash as two adult men and two women. The two men were reportedly from Walsenburg. One woman was from Rye, and the other was from Pueblo. CSP said in an update on Wednesday that one of the patients taken to the hospital succumbed to his injuries. A total of 28 other people were taken to the hospital. Seven of those people sustained serious injuries, and one was in critical condition as of Tuesday evening, according to CSP. Meanwhile, the remaining 21 individuals suffered minor or moderate injuries, but have since been treated. CSP said the crash was caused by brownout conditions, with strong winds blowing up a dirt storm that left drivers with little to no visibility. I-25 closed for multi-vehicle crash (Courtesy of CSP) There were 10 people uninjured who remained at the scene of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement I-25 cameras from the Colorado Department of Transportation showed that dust was causing low visibility in the area, and flags in the footage were blowing in strong winds. The Humane Society said one of the vehicles involved in the northbound crash was a pickup truck with a trailer holding 30 sheep and one goat. Four sheep died. However, 26 sheep survived and have been safely relocated. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by the tragic crash on I-25 south of Pueblo. Im grateful to the Colorado State Patrol and first responders who worked quickly in dangerous conditions. This incident is a reminder of how hazardous travel can become during high winds and brownout conditions. I urge Coloradans to prioritize safety and avoid travel when winds are high or visibility is low, Gov. Jared Polis wrote in a post on X. The crash remains under investigation. 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 FOX31 Denver. CHICAGO After a snow-steeped and sometimes bone-chilling January, Chicago is enjoying a downright balmy even record-setting start to the week. But dont pack up your sweaters just yet. The glimpse of spring will remain just a preview as temperatures dial back down this weekend to the brisk conditions more typical for this time of year, weather officials say. OHare International Airport hit a high of 65 degrees Monday, marking the warmest Feb. 16 on record in Chicago, according to National Weather Service data. The previous bar was set in 1921 at 58 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement On average, the normal temperature for Feb. 16 is 28.9 degrees, with the average temperature for the month also in the mid- to high 20s, weather service data shows. Much of this winter has been defined by what weather officials deem Northwest flow, which allows air from Canada and the Arctic to spill southward, said Brett Borchardt, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chicago. This weather pattern has brought record-breaking snowfall, below-freezing temperatures and massive storms. Following years of little snow across the Chicago area, this winter might seem to contradict scientific reports of winters getting warmer. But trends in recent decades point to an overall warming of average temperatures across all seasons from human activities such as fossil-fuel burning that release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. And that overall warming doesnt rule out some occasional outliers, including extreme cold and winter storms. Temperature variability day to day is at its highest in January and February, according to Trent Ford, Illinois state climatologist. Advertisement Advertisement Its something that we see pretty much every single season, he said. But whats astounding, Ford continued, is how wide the magnitude of that variability is starting to stretch. Ford noted that in late January, the region was 20 to 30 degrees below average for a daily high. Now, the temperatures have flipped to a mid-February extreme mild not seen in decades. That gap is indicative of the Midwests changing climate, Ford said. When I get a day like this, obviously I want to be outside and enjoy it because its been so cold for so long, Ford said. But, really, what I think about (is) the fact that we (broke) a record because that variability is on top of a warming trend, making it more likely that we can have these eye-popping temperatures in the middle of February. Advertisement Advertisement The flash of warm weather is supposed to stick around through at least midweek, according to Borchardt. Tuesday will see slightly cooler temperatures in the mid-50s followed by an even warmer Wednesday, which could see highs in the mid-60s if not a little bit hotter. The record for Feb. 18 is 70 degrees set in 2017. By Friday and into the weekend, though, reality settles back in, with daytime highs dipping back into the 30s and 40s, Borchardt said. The springlike temperatures are a function of a favorable pattern of southwesterly winds transporting unseasonably warm air to the Chicago area, Borchardt said. Last week, the Trump administration dismantled the countrys ability to fight climate change when it repealed the scientific determination that underpins federal greenhouse gas regulations, delivering one of the most dramatic reversals of U.S. climate policy. The administration also last week denied the states appeal for a disaster declaration that would have unlocked federal assistance to thousands of residents affected by heavy rains and flooding last summer, a decision that Gov. JB Pritzker denounced as politically driven. Advertisement Advertisement Ford said on days like Monday, when the warm weather is a welcome respite from weeks of cold, its hard to see the real-time impact of overall warming. But there is a consequence of more frequent mild stretches through the wintertime, he said, from creating more conducive conditions for invasive species and animals to affecting plant growth and development. And moves like last weeks, Ford said, make climate progress harder. _____ Chicago Tribunes Adriana Perez contributed. _____ A Jacksonville family is pleading for help as the search continues for their missing 72-year-old mother, a Navy veteran they say may have been the victim of a scam before she disappeared. Margaret Hanley hasnt been heard from in over a week. Last Wednesday, her family realized something was wrong. She did 23 years in the Navy, her son, Jomo Thompson, said. Shes been living at home by herself. Shes a pretty independent woman and just a great all-around mom. Hanley lives on Jacksonvilles Westside and, according to her family, rarely strays far from home. When he and other relatives couldnt reach her, concern quickly turned into alarm. Advertisement Advertisement We believe my mom was getting scammed, Thompson said. No one had heard from her since Monday. After filing a missing persons report, Thompson says he began reviewing his mothers bank activity. He had access to her account with her permission. What he found made him even more worried. We went in and just saw some unusual transactions, he said. Not only was she sending money to someone, but just in the last week that shes been missing, these transactions are being taken out. Thompson says some of the money appeared to be loaded onto a mobile payment app in $200 increments. He also says family members found a check at Hanleys home written to a man for $12,000. Advertisement Advertisement Friends of the family who work in law enforcement and real estate helped look into the name on the checks. Thompson says the man has a history of petty larceny and fraud. Thats just not like my mom, he said. She always said no ones ever going to scam me. The family says they do not know whether Hanley left home to meet someone connected to the suspected scam, or whether something else happened entirely. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] We dont even care about the money, Thompson said. We just want to get our mom back home safe and sound. According to Thompson, Hanleys 2001 silver Toyota RAV4 has been pinged in multiple locations since she disappeared, including Gainesville and Starke, Florida, and most recently in Hinesville, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Her son says that kind of travel is completely out of character. The only place she really drives is to Walmart to get groceries, which is five minutes from her home, he said. She likes to be at home. She likes to watch her soaps, Days of Our Lives, The Price Is Right. She has a set routine. Thompson says his mother does experience short-term memory issues and is not strong with directions, raising fears she could be disoriented. She may be in distress, he said. Detectives have told the family the case does not meet Floridas criteria for a Silver Alert. They also indicated that if Hanley is believed to be outside of Florida, the alert would not apply. Advertisement Advertisement Outside Hanleys home, neighbors describe more than just a friendly face on the block. Oma Rampersad says she and Hanley became instant friends more than 20 years ago, bonding over their Caribbean roots. Rampersad says she was one of the first to realize something was wrong. When Hanley didnt answer her phone or the door, something she says had never happened before, she used a spare key to check inside. She wasnt there, Rampersad said. Now, friends and family are holding onto hope. Wherever she is, I would really like for her to come home, Rampersad said. We all love and miss her. Hanley drives a silver 2001 Toyota RAV4 with a Florida license plate ESMF23. Anyone who sees her or the vehicle is asked to contact law enforcement immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Her family says they are trying to stay positive and leaning on the public for help. I just want to try and stay positive, Thompson said. And hope that we get her back safely. [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. A 72-year-old Navy veteran disappeared in Florida and her car was last pinged in Georgia. Her family says they are worried she may have been the victim of a scam before she disappeared. Margaret Hanley hasnt been heard from in over a week. Her family realized something was wrong. She did 23 years in the Navy, her son, Jomo Thompson, told Channel 2s sister station Action News Jax. Shes been living at home by herself. Shes a pretty independent woman and just a great all-around mom. Advertisement Advertisement We believe my mom was getting scammed, Thompson said. No one had heard from her since Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Thompson said he checked his mothers bank account that she gave him permission to access. He said there were too many unusual transactions in $200 increments. The family also found a written check receipt for $12,000. Not only was she sending money to someone, but just in the last week that shes been missing, these transactions are being taken out, her son told Action News Jax. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The family says they dont know if Hanley left her home because of the suspected scam or if something else happened. We dont even care about the money, Thompson said. We just want to get our mom back home safe and sound. Hanleys 2001 silver Toyota RAV4 has been pinged in multiple locations, most recently in Hinesville, Georgia. Her son says that kind of travel is completely out of character. The only place she really drives is to Walmart to get groceries, which is five minutes from her home, Thompson said. Hanleys car has a Florida license plate ESMF23. Anyone who sees her or the vehicle is asked to contact law enforcement immediately. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Biscuit was still a puppy just 1 year old when her owner at the time was charged with animal abuse. Her kennel mate did not survive the animal cruelty, but she did, said Talia Butler, division director of Salt Lake County Animal Services. But even after Biscuit was confiscated while her owners criminal case wound through the justice system, that wasnt the end of her suffering. Caught in legal limbo because she was considered property under a court hold, Biscuit spent more than half of her life three years living most hours of her days in a kennel at Salt Lake Countys animal shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Now the 4-year-old pittie with a wide smile (sometimes called piggy girl by her new mom) has a new lease on life. Alexis Schulof, who volunteers for Salt Lake Countys animal shelter, was able to adopt her after Biscuits court hold was eventually lifted. But not until after years of waiting that left Biscuit with lasting emotional scars. Biscuits story has a happy ending. But that hasnt always been the case for other dogs who have been seized from abusive situations and spent years waiting to be eligible for adoption. Some die waiting or are euthanized before they can find homes. After being confiscated from a previous owner who was charged with animal abuse, Biscuit spent 3 years in a Salt Lake County animal shelter on a court hold before she was eventually allowed to be adopted. (Photo Courtesy of Alexis Schulof) A bill to change that, HB87 nicknamed Biscuits Bill is making its way through the Utah Legislature. It narrowly survived its second committee hearing on Tuesday, on a 3-2 vote, and now heads to the Senate floor. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Verona Mauga, D-Taylorsville, has already cleared the House on a 40-24 vote, but it still needs to make it through the full Senate. Advertisement Advertisement A similar bill Mauga ran last year made it through the House but died in the Senate when time ran out on the 2025 session. This year, Maugas trying again. Biscuits story Schulof, who volunteered at Salt Lake Countys animal shelter, said she first met Biscuit when she organized dog playgroups. She was a rock star. Social and resilient, Schulof told lawmakers during a Senate committee hearing Tuesday morning. It was as if she understood that playgroups were one of her few chances to be outside of her kennel. But even being a rock star couldnt save her from the reality at hand. For the other 20 hours of her day, Biscuit sat solitary in her kennel, not because she was unadoptable, but because she was stuck in legal limbo, Schulof said. We cannot call that humane. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the challenge of spending much of her life in a cage, Schulof said she witnessed a dog, who after three years of confinement following abuse, still showed us who she wanted to be: a good dog. Three years in a kennel doesnt just disappear overnight. Healing takes time, she said. But when Biscuit finally became available, I took her home because I wanted to show her that her fight wasnt for nothing. Schulof brought Biscuit home on Christmas Eve last year. But had Utah law provided a way to allow dogs like Biscuit to be eligible for adoption, rescue organizations or foster homes, she could have left the kennel behind years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Thats what Mauga is trying to do with HB87. Its being supported by animal shelters across the state, including Salt Lake County Animal Services, and by volunteers like Biscuits new mom. Biscuit isnt just a name on a bill, Schulof said. She represents thousands of dogs who have survived abuse, only to be failed by the system meant to protect them. For animals that are lawfully impounded in connection with criminal animal cruelty cases, Mauga said her bill would create a court process to allow a judge to review an animals custody while the criminal case plays out, so the court can address placement rather than requiring the animal to wait for the entire case to be resolved. Advertisement Advertisement When someone is charged with animal abuse, the criminal case can take months or even years to resolve, Mauga said. During that time, the animal involved often remains in a shelter with no clear legal mechanism to determine long-term placement. This places a strain on already overcrowded shelters, impacts the well-being of the animal, and can become a significant burden on taxpayers. Had Maugas bill been law when Biscuit was confiscated, the shelter could have filed a motion for a judge to review whether she should be forfeited or transferred to alternative care in the first hearing, Butler said. This would have saved Biscuit over 1,000 days at the shelter and over $20,000 in taxpayer dollars for Biscuits three years of care, Butler said. While HB87 is named after Biscuit, it could be named after many other dogs, Butler said, like Blues bill or Bunnys bill. Advertisement Advertisement Theres so many, she said. The dogs suffer. So do shelter staff A shelter is meant to be a short-term refuge, not a permanent home, said Michelle Hicks, director of Davis Countys Animal Care program. After months in a kennel environment, even the most resilient dogs begin to deteriorate mentally and physically. One dog named Frostbite, she said, had been held in the shelter for more than 80 days, and he was losing his mind in his kennel. Eating everything, eating the walls. Delaying this only further hurts them. She said Maugas bill would also help relieve whats become a morale issue for animal shelter workers and volunteers. She said it fuels compassion fatigue and burnout amongst the most dedicated public servants. Advertisement Advertisement It is heartbreaking to explain to a staff member that we cannot move a dog into a loving home or a rescue, and not because we dont have one ready, but because the law views the dog as an inanimate piece of evidence rather than the victim needing resolution, Hicks said. Our team members enter this profession because they care deeply about animals, yet they are the ones that must witness this legal limbo every single day, she said. Watching dogs like Frostbite and Piranha lose their spirit and their strength over the course of several months takes a devastating toll. After being confiscated from a previous owner who was charged with animal abuse, Biscuit spent three years in a Salt Lake County animal shelter on a court hold before she was eventually allowed to be adopted. (Photo Courtesy of Alexis Schulof) These dogs arent just property, Hicks said. Their lives are being spent in suspension while the legal system grinds slowly, she said. While we wait, they take up kennel space that could be used for other animals in need. And we are essentially just providing indefinite boarding for defendants, who in many cases are intentionally trying to delay justice. Advertisement Advertisement Hicks urged lawmakers to support the bill to ensure that no more animals and no more shelter teams have to endure the indefinite suspension of justice. Salt Lake County Council member Dea Theodore, a Republican, also supported the bill, saying its the humane thing to do while also saving taxpayer money. Bill barely survives committee Ultimately Biscuits Bill advanced out of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday by one vote. But one lawmaker, Sen Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, expressed concerns that its language was a little loose and created ambiguity when it came to animals associated with a crime. He questioned whether it would apply to dogs, for example, that were trained to attack. Advertisement Advertisement I also think the policy is quite cumbersome, Brammer said. I would probably prefer something that says you have to give notice to the owner and their household, and if nobody picks it up, its forfeited. Or they have to pay the bill to pay for the animal. Brammer and Sen. Heidi Balderree, R-Saratoga Springs, voted against the bill, but three other lawmakers voted to endorse it and advance it to the Senate floor. Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, encouraged Mauga to amend the bill on the Senate floor to address concerns, but he voted in favor of it. This looks like a really good bill, he said. Im surprised we left this many gaps in the law. After being confiscated from a previous owner who was charged with animal abuse, Biscuit spent three years in a Salt Lake County animal shelter on a court hold before she was eventually allowed to be adopted. (Photo Courtesy of Alexis Schulof) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ANGWIN, Calif. (AP) Jessica Allen crunched through fallen leaves among Manzanita trees hunting for something few have spotted before: the Manzanita butter clump a rare and little-known yellow mushroom found, so far, only along North America's Western coastlines. It was last seen here in California's Napa County two years ago, and Allen, a fungi scientist, was keen to find it. But within minutes, something caught her attention. She knelt, pulled a hand lens to her eye, and peered nose-close into a rock: lichens a type of fungi bursting with dazzling shapes, textures and colors. It's so easy to get distracted, but there's so many lichen!" she said excitedly. Advertisement Advertisement That was a good rock, said ecologist Jesse Miller, president of the California Lichen Society. Ok, let's go find some mushrooms," she exclaimed. Allen and Miller are enchanted by what they describe as the wondrous and mystical world of fungi, and they're part of a growing community of people working to protect them. Nearly all life-forms depend on the estimated 2.5 million fungi species on Earth, and they contribute an estimated $54 trillion to the global economy as food, medicine and more, according to a study published in Springer Nature. Despite their essential role, they've been largely neglected by conservation efforts even as they face increasing threats from pollution, habitat loss and climate change. That's been changing in the last decade thanks in part to citizen scientists and a greater understanding of fungi diversity. Its a pretty exciting time in fungal conservation," said Allen, mycologist for NatureServe, a hub for biodiversity data throughout North America. In that role, Allen is helping accelerate and support fungal conservation in the U.S. and Canada. Amateur researchers play a key role in conservation Fungi are neither plants nor animals. Theyre an enormous kingdom of life-forms that include yeasts (essential for breads, cheeses and alcohol), molds (the fuzzy stuff on forgotten fruit), lichens (a symbiosis of fungus and algae or cyanobacteria) and mushrooms (which range from edible to psychedelic to deadly ). Theyre among the planets great connectors and decomposers. Forests need them, and many animals rely on them for food and nesting. Advertisement Advertisement People have derived medicines like penicillin from fungi. Some are used as building material or can store planet-warming carbon. But scientists have only documented about 155,000 species, 6% of the millions they believe are out there. Conservation starts with knowing what species exist, where they are, how theyre doing and their threats, which requires boots on the ground. This allows conservationists to assess imperiled species and where to put resources. That's where groups like the California Lichen Society come in. They tend to be the people that often make the most important discoveries, and theyre the ones who are going to be keeping an eye on those rare species over time, said Allen. Advertisement Advertisement On a chilly recent day, dozens of lichenologists and amateur lichen lovers fanned out across a reserve to get close to rocks and trees. These annual forays are part treasure hunt, part data collection excursion and part nature hike, except its explorers often dont make it far. Every powdery, leafy and branchy lichen was an invitation into a miniature world where Wows!, What the hecks! and Oh my gods! abound. As chemist Larry Cool put it: Lichenologists make terrible hiking partners" because they keep stopping. Cool's interest in lichens stretches back 53 years to the day he learned they can be used as natural dyes. Lichen are more than the sum of its parts and are mysteriously unpredictable," he said. I get a lot of pleasure seeing the incredible variety of creation. Ken Kellman is also an amateur lichenologist, but you wouldn't know that from his immense knowledge. A retired air conditioning and heating mechanic, hes geeked out over them the last 10 years or so, learning on his own and from friends. That obsession has helped scientists discover the biodiversity in his hometown of Santa Cruz, Calif. Advertisement Advertisement It just keeps your brain in that place where youre saying Wow!' all the time. Thats cool! And thats my favorite place for my brain to be, he said. Fungi conservation in US is still far behind but changing Gregory Mueller has spent much of his career in fungi conservation. As co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's fungal conservation committee, he coordinates all fungal protection activity across their global network. According to the group's Red List of Threatened Species, 411 of 1,300 evaluated fungi across the world are at risk of extinction. Parts of Europe and elsewhere have focused on fungal conservation for decades, but the U.S. is still far behind," Mueller said. Only two fungi species both lichen are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, while some states like California have legal protections, while others like New Jersey have added them to conservation plans. That's slowly changing, in part because of increasing community science initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of amateur mycologists ... documenting (fungi) with photographs, putting their images on iNaturalist and our Mushroom Observer, and weve been able to use those data to better document fungal diversity, he said. We're "starting to get some idea of what species might be in trouble. Scientists are still learning about fungi and threats to them Most fungi are out of sight, spending most of their lives hidden as a vast, threadlike network called mycelium and producing mushrooms called the fruiting body only when conditions are just right. That's a big reason we know so little about them, said Nora Dunkirk, a botanist and mycologist at Portland State Universitys Institute for Natural Resources working to document vulnerable plant and fungi species to help with conservation efforts. Among their biggest threats includes climate change. Shifts in rainfall patterns, hotter temperatures and worsening wildfires can wipe them out or disturb the delicate relationships between forests and good fungi. Prolonged periods of flooding can starve them of the oxygen they need. Logging, development, invasive insects and pollution also threaten species. Advertisement Advertisement Then theres overharvesting. The grapefruit-sized and long-lived quinine conk, for example, has been listed as an endangered mushroom species in Europe since the 1980s in part because people have picked too many for their medicinal properties. This is an organism that grows on larches all across Europe, and so people see this as a valuable resource and they use it, said Dunkirk. But this species specifically has been harvested to its detriment. Perhaps the U.S.'s most well-known conservation story indirectly involving fungi happened in the 1990s. The Northern spotted owl was in danger, and officials realized that to save them, they had to manage the entire old-growth forest ecosystems they depended on including fungi. With the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, the federal government established rules to protect about 400 rare and little-known species across three states. Advertisement Advertisement Back in California, Allen and her fellow fungi-loving friends continued their quest for the elusive Manzanita butter clump. They searched up steep slopes and down by a creek, looking closely by their feet. They never found it. But thats how it goes when you're searching for something as ephemeral and unpredictable as mushrooms. How many of my days have ended this way? So many, said Allen. It was still a great day. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. Tech CEOs are locked in an artificial intelligence "arms race" that risks wiping out humanity, top computer science researcher Stuart Russell told AFP on Tuesday, calling for governments to pull the brakes. Russell, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said the heads of the world's biggest AI companies understand the dangers posed by super-intelligent systems that could one day overpower humans. To him, the onus to save the species rests on world leaders who can take collective action. Advertisement Advertisement "For governments to allow private entities to essentially play Russian roulette with every human being on earth is, in my view, a total dereliction of duty," said Russell, a prominent voice on AI safety. Countries and companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on building energy-hungry data centres to train and run generative AI tools. The rapidly developing technology promises benefits such as drug discovery, but could also lead to job losses, and facilitate surveillance and online abuse among other threats. Alongside that is the risk of "AI systems themselves taking control and human civilisation being collatoral damage in that process", Russell said in an interview at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Advertisement Advertisement "Each of the CEOs of the main AI companies, I believe, wants to disarm" but cannot do so "unilaterally" as they would be fired by investors, he said. "Some of them have said it in public and some of the told me it privately," he added, noting that even Sam Altman, head of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, has said on-record that AI could lead to human extinction. OpenAI and rival US startup Anthropic have seen public resignations of staff who have spoken out about their ethical concerns. Anthropic also warned last week that its latest chatbot models could be nudged towards "knowingly supporting -- in small ways -- efforts toward chemical weapon development and other heinous crimes". Advertisement Advertisement - Human 'imitators' - International gatherings such as this week's AI summit provide an opportunity for regulation, although its three previous editions have only resulted in voluntary agreements from tech companies. "It really helps if each of the governments understand this issue. And so that's why I'm here," Russell said. India is hoping the five-day AI summit, attended by tech bosses and dozens of high-level national delegations, will help it power ahead in the sector. Indian IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Tuesday that the country expects more than $200 billion in AI investments over the next two years, including roughly $90 billion already committed. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile fears that AI assistant tools could lead to mass redundancies in India's larges customer service and tech support sectors has caused shares in the country's outsourcing firms to plunge in recent days. These kind of back-end jobs in India are ripe for replacement with AI, Russell said. "We are creating human imitators. And so of course, the natural application for that type of system is replacing humans." Russell is sensing a burgeoning backlash against AI, "particularly among younger people". "They actually are pushing back against the dehumanising aspects of AI," he said. Advertisement Advertisement "When you're taking over all cognitive functions -- the ability to answer a question, to make a decision, to make a plan... you are turning someone into less than a human being. The young people do not want that." kaf/ami An airman from Westmoreland who was killed in World War II is coming home. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency just announced that U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Fatur, 19, of Slickville, was accounted for back in July. Information is being released now because his family was only recently fully briefed. Officials say Fatur served as a tailgunner aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress bomber during WWII. On March 22, 1945, his aircraft went down during a bombing mission in Poland. Seven of ten crewmembers were killed, including Fatur, but his remains were not accounted for after the war. Advertisement Advertisement After the war, the American Graves Registration Command searched for the remains of U.S. servicemen in Europe. But their investigations in Soviet occupied zone of Europe, including Poland, were severely limited. Then, between 2019 and 2024, five excavations were conducted in the area where Faturs aircraft crashed. During those excavations, possible remains were recovered. Those remains were transferred to a lab for analysis. After dental, anthropological and DNA analysis, along with the use of circumstantial evidence, Faturs remains were identified. Faturs name is recorded in the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. He will be buried in Delmont at a later date. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW When the Gateway tunnel construction project was initially approved, both parties recognized the endeavor as one of the nations most important infrastructure investments. Last fall, Donald Trump cut off funds for the project anyway, ostensibly because the administration wanted to know whether contracts were awarded with diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mind. This led to predictable court fights, which havent gone well for the White House: Last week, a federal judge ordered Team Trump to reopen the funding spigot, allowing workers to renew the project connecting New York and New Jersey via a pair of train tubes. That should have ended the matter, though Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy quickly appealed the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday afternoon, the president published an item to his social media platform condemning the entire project, calling it a future boondoggle in a missive Democratic Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey described as a completely unhinged tantrum from someone who didnt get their way. And then theres the whole naming issue. From Trumps online statement: Also, the naming of PENN Station (I LOVE Pennsylvania, but it is a direct competitor to New York, and eating New Yorks lunch!) to TRUMP STATION, was brought up by certain politicians and construction union heads, not me IT IS JUST MORE FAKE NEWS! Thank you for your attention to this matter! For now, lets not dwell on the fact that Penn Station was named after the Pennsylvania Railroad, not the state of Pennsylvania. Lets also overlook the presidents idiosyncratic approach to grammar. Instead, lets take a fresh look at his interest in naming things after himself. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, MaddowBlog confirmed that Trump came up with an idea for a transaction. The president told Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that hed restore the money for the Gateway tunnel construction project if Democrats agreed to rename Dulles International Airport and New Yorks Penn Station after him. The Republicans pitch was, for all intents and purposes, an attempt at extortion: If Democrats wanted to save a critical infrastructure project and prevent job losses, they had to indulge Trumps obsession with self-glorification. Soon after, a reporter asked the president to confirm the story. The president replied that, in his version of events, Chuck Schumer suggested that to me about changing the name. It was suggested to me by numerous people unions, Democrats, Republicans, a lot of people suggested. That is, Trump would have us believe that the Democratic Senate leader, among others, approached him with the idea of renaming an airport and one of the nations most storied train stations after a president he vehemently opposes. Advertisement Advertisement Schumer wasted little time in responding to this absurdity, calling the claim an absolute lie. A few days later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt effectively said the Democratic senator was correct, confirming that it was Trump who floated the idea, not the longtime New York lawmaker. A week later, however, Trump decided to contradict his press secretary and claim that certain unnamed people brought it up, all while claiming he now considers the story (that his own White House confirmed) to be fake news. One thing the president has never understood is that if he expects the public to believe his nonsense, he needs to peddle more plausible claims. This post updates our related earlier coverage. The post Already in a hole, Trump keeps digging on Gateway tunnel project fiasco appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now (Refiles to fix spelling of Kushner in paragraph 17) By Matt Spetalnick, Olivia Le Poidevin and Parisa Hafezi WASHINGTON/GENEVA/DUBAI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Even for a U.S. president long fixated on deal-making, Donald Trumps assignment of his favorite envoys to juggle two sets of negotiations the Iranian nuclear standoff and Russias war in Ukraine - in a single day in Geneva has left many in the foreign policy world scratching their heads. Advertisement Advertisement The shuttle diplomacy on Tuesday by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner has raised questions not only about whether they are overstretched and outmatched, but about their serious prospects for resolving either of the twin crises, experts say. Trump, who has frequently boasted about having ended multiple wars and conflicts in the first year of his second four-year term, has made clear he is looking to add more international deals that he can tout in his quest for the Nobel Peace Prize. But the high-stakes negotiations over the two long-running issues were arranged quickly, and the choice of Geneva as the setting for both was never clearly explained, except for the citys long history of hosting international diplomacy. Trump seems more focused on quantity over quality instead of the difficult detailed work of diplomacy, said Brett Bruen, who was a foreign policy adviser in the Obama administration and now heads the Global Situation Room strategic consultancy. Tackling both issues at the same time in the same place doesnt make a lot of sense. Advertisement Advertisement Iran was the opening act in a carefully choreographed diplomatic dance in Geneva, where talks took place under high security in two locations on different sides of the Swiss, French-speaking city. After 3-1/2 hours of indirect discussions between the U.S. team and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi mediated by Oman, both sides indicated that some progress was made, but there was no suggestion that an agreement was imminent in the longstanding dispute over Iran's nuclear program. As long as the diplomatic process continues, Trump can keep expanding his massive military buildup near Iran, making clear that use of force remains on the table. That is likely to keep the Middle East on edge, with many fearing that U.S. strikes could escalate into a wider regional war. 'OVERSTRETCH'? Advertisement Advertisement With barely a pause on Tuesday, the U.S. delegates went straight from the Iran talks at Oman's diplomatic mission to the five-star InterContinental hotel for the first of two days of Russia-Ukraine negotiations over a war that Trump, during the 2024 presidential campaign, had promised to end in a day. Expectations were low for a breakthrough in the latest round of talks to end Europes biggest war since World War Two ended in 1945. A regional official close to Iran's leadership said the U.S. teams double agenda in Geneva reinforced doubts about whether Washington was sincere about either of the diplomatic efforts. The approach risks overstretch, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. It resembles an emergency room with two critically ill patients and a single doctor unable to give either case sustained attention, increasing the likelihood of failure. Advertisement Advertisement Mohanad Hajj-Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut said there was too much at stake in the Iran crisis for the U.S. to handle diplomacy this way. Having a team of Witkoff and Kushner tasked with resolving all the worlds problems is, frankly, a shocking reality, he said. Some experts said the two, both from Trumps world of New York real estate development, lack the depth of knowledge and experience to go up against veteran negotiators like Araqchi and their Russian interlocutors and that they were in over their heads in such complicated conflicts. Absent from the Geneva meetings was U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trumps top diplomat, who is known as a foreign policy wonk. Advertisement Advertisement Asked for comment, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump and his team "have done more than anyone to bring both sides together to stop the killing and deliver a peace deal" in Ukraine. She denounced anonymous "critics" of the president's approach but did not provide answers to Reuters' specific questions for this story. 'ENVOY FOR EVERYTHING' Administration officials have long defended Witkoff and Kushners roles, citing their skills as dealmakers, the trust Trump puts in them, and the failings over the years of more traditional diplomatic approaches. Witkoff, a longtime Trump friend often called the "envoy for everything" due to his broad remit, played a key role in securing a ceasefire agreement last year between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza war, though progress has stalled toward a more permanent resolution. His diplomatic efforts with Iran and Russia have had little success so far. Advertisement Advertisement In Trumps first term, Kushner spearheaded the Abraham Accords, under which several Arab states forged landmark diplomatic relations with Israel. But the pact has not advanced much since Trump returned to office nearly 13 months ago. Kushner and Witkoff's ability to handle their latest diplomatic tasks has been undercut by Trumps stripping down of the governments foreign policy apparatus, both at the State Department and the National Security Council, where many veteran staffers were sent packing, some analysts say. Weve seen a hollowing-out of our diplomatic bench, said former Obama foreign policy adviser Bruen. So theres a question of whether we still have the right people to work on these big issues. (Reporting By Matt Spetalnick, Olivia Le Poidevin and Parisa Hafezi; additional reporting by Samia Nakhoul; writing by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Don Durfee and Jonathan Oatis) A pair of Airbus A320neo aircraft formerly owned by ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit are set for teardown. Irish aviation asset management and trading firm EirTrade said Monday that it acquired the two aircraft in partnership with Chicago-based aviation and rail lessor RESIDCO. The jets, at four and three and a half years old, are the youngest A320neo airframes ever to be scrapped for parts, according to EirTrade officials. Disassembly will take place in Goodyear, Arizona, and all parts will go to the company's hub in Dallas to support aircraft-on-ground requests from across North and South America. "We are focused on newer vintage aircraft to ensure that our inventory contains the highest quality rotables which ensure that our customers can be supported with the latest modification standard components," Bill Thompson, vice president of origination and trading for the Americas at EirTrade, said in a news release. "We have also acquired four sets of in-demand LRU and BFE components from the PW1100 engine type within this significant transaction." EirTrade estimated that there are over 4,400 A320neos in commercial service and another 7,200 on order, creating substantial demand for parts. And this figures excludes an in-service fleet of about 6,500 A320ceos, which use many of the same components. "Given the size of the fleet and Airbus orderbook, this platform will remain the largest segment of the global commercial fleet with demand for USM increasing accordingly," Thompson added. EirTrade said that all parts from the aircraft will be repaired and made available for the market by the end of the first quarter. Spirit has been selling off aircraft as it works to shrink its fleet and reduce costs. The carrier has been under bankruptcy protection since August 2025. Google is poised to pay out over $200 million to Android and Google Assistant users after it agreed to two back-to-back settlements. In separate settlements, Google has been accused of collecting cellular data without permission and of illegally recording and disseminating private conversations to send targeted advertising to users who triggered the Google Assistant. Google Assistant is a voice-activated assistant, similar to Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri. Advertisement Advertisement The tech giant has denied both allegations but agreed to pay out $135 million in the Android cellular data settlement and $68 million in the Google Assistant settlement. Users impacted by either or both settlements can't file a claim just yet, however. The lawsuits, both filed in federal court in the Northern District of California, still require a judge's approval before anything else can happen. Here's what to know about the settlements and an idea about what to expect next. What to know about the Google Assistant settlement In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs accused Google Assistant of activating and recording communications "even when a user does not intentionally trigger Google Assistant with a hot word, like 'Okay Google,' or manually activate Google Assistant on their device." Advertisement Advertisement These instances are referred to as "false accepts," and the plaintiffs allege that Google wrongfully collected, used and disclosed user audio recordings from false accepts to improve the assistant's speech recognition abilities. They further claim that this information is then passed on to third parties for "targeted advertising and other permissions." You can read the complaint in full here. How much is the Google Assistant settlement? Google agreed to settle the lawsuit and pay $68 million. There is currently no estimate on how much an individual could receive. The settlement must still be approved by a judge. Who is eligible to file a claim in the Google Assistant settlement? The settlement agreement defines anyone affected as anyone who resided within the United States or its territories whose Google accounts were associated with at least one Google Assistant-enabled device between May 18, 2016, and Dec. 16, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Google Assistant-enabled devices are defined as devices that come with Google Assistant pre-installed or on which it can be downloaded, which includes iOS devices. Google-made devices are typically standalone devices that are manufactured and sold by Google either directly or through third-party retailers, and come with Google Assistant pre-installed or have the capability of installing the software. These devices include Google's smart home speakers like Google Home, Home Mini and Home Max. It also includes its smart displays, such as Google Nest Hub and Nest Max, and Google's Pixel Android smartphones. When can I file a claim in the Google Assistant settlement? A judge must still approve the $68 million settlement before it can move forward. A preliminary approval of the settlement has been filed, and a hearing is set on March 19, according to a website created for the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Should the court grant the motion to preliminarily approve the motion, the claim form and additional information relating to the settlement will be posted to the website after the hearing, according to an update message posted on the site. What to know about the Google data settlement Android users alleged that Google needlessly collected cellular data, which they purchased from mobile carriers, even when they closed Google's apps, disabled location-sharing or locked their screens. They said the data supported Google's product development and targeted advertising campaigns and amounted to "conversion," when a party wrongfully takes another party's property with the intent to assert control. How much is the Google data settlement? Google agreed to pay $135 million to settle the data lawsuit. The payments will be capped at $100 per class member. Who is eligible to file a claim in the Google data settlement? Anyone who lived in the U.S. who used an Android mobile device to access the internet through cellular data networks operated by mobile carriers since Nov. 12, 2017. When can I file a claim in the Google data settlement? Attorneys have filed a motion for a preliminary approval of the settlement, but a hearing hasn't been scheduled yet. The motion does set a timeline with a final approval hearing estimated around the first week of June. Advertisement Advertisement Brandon Girod is the digital coach at the Pensacola News Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can get all of Pensacola's best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing newsletter, at pnj.com/newsletters. Contributing: James Powel, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Google to pay $203M in Android, Google Assistant settlements Hours after a Port Washington advocacy group dropped off a hefty stack of signatures with the hopes of forcing a recall of the city's mayor, the city announced an initial review indicates the group's petition is "several hundred" signatures short, according to a Feb. 16 Facebook post. Great Lakes Neighbors United formed in late 2025 to oppose a $15 billion artificial intelligence data center in the city. When organizers launched the recall effort in December, they told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that they felt Mayor Ted Neitzke had not taken steps to adequately inform the public about the project or seriously address their concerns about it. The group needed to collect an estimated 1,600 to 1,800 signatures from city residents, or 25% of the qualified voters who cast ballots in the last gubernatorial election, by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 to meet its deadline. Advertisement Advertisement The City Clerk is still required to review the petition and determine the sufficiency of the petition, as is dictated by Wisconsin statutes, the city wrote in its post. Neitzke, who was first elected in 2021 and reelected in 2024, has been a champion of the project since it was announced in January of 2025. His term expires in April 2027. City of Port Washington announced Great Lakes Neighbors United's effort to recall the mayor was short several hundred signatures hours after receiving paperwork Great Lakes Neighbors United organizer Christine Le Jeune had dropped off the signatures earlier in the afternoon, just hours before the city's announcement. At the time, she said she did not know how many signatures the group collected over the past two months. Reporters were not allowed inside the conference room where Le Jeune and the group's attorney, Dan Eastman, handed the petition papers to City Attorney Matt Nugent and Clerk Susan Westerbeke. But Le Jeune spoke to reporters after finishing the handoff. Advertisement Advertisement "We had a really huge rush this weekend, so I'm not entirely sure how many there are," Le Jeune told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She said the recall effort involved a ton of community support and engagement, though frigid temperatures in January and early February made collecting signatures difficult. "We had people standing outside in minus temperatures, which was quite harsh. But the wonderful weather this past weekend really got people out," she said. "I wish we would have had more weekends of such ideal weather. It was really fantastic to see all the help and encouragement and support." Asked whether Great Lakes Neighbors United was concerned about the number of signatures collected, Le Jeune said, "There's always that concern. There was the concern with the TID petition as well. And you never know how many will be thrown out. We always do our best to attempt to collect as many as we can and verify everyone's IDs. But there's always the chance." Great Lakes Neighbors United organizer Christine Le Jeune, right, and the group's attorney, Dan Eastman, exit a conference room in Port Washington on Feb. 16. They dropped off signatures to recall the city's mayor, Ted Neitzke, due to dissatisfaction with his handling of the data center approval. Mayor Ted Neitzke has maintained the city did everything it could to notify residents about data center project and address concerns Neitzke could not be immediately reached on Feb. 16, both before and after the city's announcement. But a statement he sent when the recall effort launched details his efforts to educate the public in FAQs and informational updates posted online and handed out at meetings since the project was first proposed. Advertisement Advertisement Neitzke's statement said he has demonstrated "exhaustive willingness" to engage with people from every corner of the community, from environmental advocates to local business owners to reporters, regardless of their stance. "True leadership requires providing viable solutions and a clear path forward, not simply a curated list of grievances. Much of the rhetoric currently surrounding this recall is rooted in misinformation rather than the complex facts of municipal governance," Neitzke's statement said. Great Lakes Neighbors United tries different ways to challenge data center in City of Port Washington The recall effort is one of many Great Lakes Neighbors United endeavors to leverage opposition to the data center. The group is suing the city to challenge $458 million in tax incremental financing for the data center, which the city has defended in court filings. Advertisement Advertisement And before that, the group helmed an effort to collect signatures for a proposed ordinance up for referendum in the spring election, which would give voters a say in approving large tax incentives for developers, including those for data centers. That proposed ordinance and referendum is at the center of a separate lawsuit, levied by Wisconsin business groups who say it would slow development. Separate campaign supporting the mayor, though not affiliated, rejoices In recent weeks, a separate campaign has arisen that purports to back the mayor, known as Support the Port. After the city's announcement on Feb. 16, Support the Port posted on Facebook, "Thank you to the wonderful people of Port Washington for standing up for common sense. The Recall has failed. We support Mayor Ted Neitzke and his commitment to a bright future for Port Washington." The campaign's social media, website and mailings to residents do not identify who's behind the cause, and Neitzke said he had no connection to the group at the city's Feb. 3 common council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement This is something I just want to publicly state was not authorized by me, run by me or asked for from me, Neitzke said at the meeting. I have no idea whos running that or why theyre running it. Some of the information on there is incorrect, and I dont endorse it. The Journal Sentinel reached out to contact information on the campaign's site, but has not heard back. Support the Port registered as Independent Expenditure Committee in Wisconsin's campaign finance system on Feb. 8, but current records do not yet show evidence of the group spending or receiving money. Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Port Washington says anti-data center group's mayor recall effort fails Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., received criticism even from moderate and liberal commentators for her Munich Security Conference gaffes over the weekend. While attending the conference on Friday, Ocasio-Cortez made several statements that went viral because of showing the House "Squad" member struggling to answer foreign policy questions or leveling controversial accusations against other nations. One example was Ocasio-Cortez claiming that Venezuela was "below the equator" while criticizing the Trump administration for arresting the nation's dictator Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement "It is not a remark on who Maduro was as a leader. He canceled elections. He was an anti-democratic leader. That doesnt mean that we can kidnap a head of state and engage in acts of war just because the nation is below the equator," Ocasio-Cortez said. Aoc Hit With Social Media Backlash After Appearing To Struggle With Question About Us Defending Taiwan Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., took part in the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. AOC's Venezuela comments were the latest in what more liberal critics claimed was an embarrassing outing for a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Read On The Fox News App "Venezuela is above the equator. Depending on your TL you got very different takes on AOCs Germany talks but she had a number of clangers that I expect to see for three years in meme video comps," Semafor writer David Weigel wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement "Whoever convinced AOC that she had successfully completed her tutoring and was now ready to give book reports about foreign policy in public really should look for another line of work. Unless the goal was to sabotage her. In which case: kudos for a job well done," independent journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote. Political analyst Mark Halperin spoke about Ocasio-Cortez's comments on the 2Way podcast Monday, calling them "one of the bigger mistakes" she's ever made. "I think giving AOC a slot may go down in history as one of the bigger mistakes she's ever made if she wants to be president," Halperin said. Aoc, Other 2028 Democratic Hopefuls Called Out For 'Sliming' America During Munich Conference Advertisement Advertisement He added, "It takes a major screwup for the New York Times to put in their story about AOC that she had, I think they said it was a 'stumble' or something. It had to be a really bad stumble." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was mocked for stumbling on a question over whether the U.S. should commit to sending troops to defend Taiwan. (Getty Images) Halperin was referring to an article from The New York Times on Friday which claimed that Ocasio-Cortez brought a "working-class vision" to the conference "with some stumbles." Although the article largely complimented Ocasio-Cortez's remarks, it added that she "struggled at times to formulate succinct answers," particularly when it came to whether the U.S. should commit to defending Taiwan. "Um, you know, I think that this is such a, you know, I think that this is a um this is, of course, a, um, very long-standing, um, policy of the United States," Ocasio-Cortez said before finally responding to the question. The Washington Post editorial board was more critical of Ocasio-Cortez on Monday, writing that she "appeared out of depth as she tried to graft her class-warfare politics onto foreign policy." Advertisement Advertisement John Fetterman Slams Anti-israel 'Rot' In Democratic Party, Rejects Aoc's Claims Of Gaza 'Genocide' "The message to her European audience was, in short: The West is very bad, but the U.S. and Europe should remain allies anyway. She said that the U.S. had enabled genocide in Gaza and that President Donald Trump was treating Latin America as Americas sandbox. She used conspiratorial language about corporations and oligarchs controlling governments and dictating global affairs to the detriment of the poor people around the world. It led her to sound more like a university faculty member than someone conducting foreign policy," the editorial board wrote. Several comments from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., also went viral over the weekend. Former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza was among the earlier critics who called Ocasio-Cortez's response "not great" on X Friday and doubled down when a comment pointed out that Ocasio-Cortez was not a secretary of defense or secretary of state. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement "Agree. But she DOES want to run for president. And she sounds like me when I didn't do the reading for class and the professor calls on me," Cillizza wrote on X. Fox News Digital has reached out to Ocasio-Cortez's office for comment. Original article source: AOC's Munich 'stumbles' draw criticism from liberal critics admitting comments were 'not great' The Army is one step closer to turning the AH-64 Apache helicopter into a drone-hunting tool. Soldiers recently carried out live-fire tests of a new explosive round specifically designed to take out enemy drones at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona. The tests involved Apaches firing the new 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive rounds at multiple types of small drones. The Apache is designed for and used to provide aerial support for ground forces, but as uncrewed aerial systems or drones have quickly become a part of warfare, the Army is looking to use the existing helicopters as drone hunters. In this case, the new airburst-capable bullet is meant to turn the Apaches existing 30mm cannon into a tool to shred drone swarms. The test took place in December just two months after the Army revealed the new ammunition although the Army only announced it late last week. The Army noted that the ammunition can be used against targets other than drones, although the rounds are designed as a counter-UAS tool. One of the selling points of the new bullet is its proximity fuse, letting it detonate mid-air near a target, allowing it to take out a drone even if it cant get a direct hit. That offers a clear air-to-air benefit against increasingly larger or denser drone swarms. And according to one test pilot, the new weapon has an additional benefit: It doesnt have a substantial training requirement on the maintainers or pilots who fire it. A soldier with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade works on an AH-64 Apache helicopter. Army photo by Staff Sgt. George Prince. The Army and the military as a whole have been rapidly trying to build out its arsenal of drones and its counter-drone weapons. With the rapid rise of drones in combat, the military has been forced to use existing munitions and systems, with many such as the Standard Missiles fired by the Navy against Houthi drones in the Red Sea being costly and hard to quickly replenish. The Air Force has had some success with using the A-10 Warthog against drones in the Middle East, but that system is being phased out. Advertisement Advertisement The Army, in particular, has been looking for cheaper weapons to use with existing platforms. Like the other branches its tested directed energy or laser weapons. One of those, the LOCUST, was recently lent to Customs and Border Protection at the southern border, and fired last week, causing an abrupt closure of the air space around El Paso. While the military is working to train troops on using their own drones offensively, a major concern has been defending against enemy UAS. Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 401, the Army-led body working to develop defensive tactics against drones. Soldiers have been training with a variety of weapons for the task, ranging from electromagnetic jammers to lasers and more conventional kinetic weapons as well. In Decembe,r a Department of Defense Inspector Generals report found that the military was failing to meet rules on defending bases against enemy drones. In the fall the Army revealed it was developing new 25mm and 30mm bullets for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Apache helicopter, respectively. At the time, no window was announced for when the Apaches new airburst round could be fielded. The Armys new release on the December test noted the program is accelerating to support urgent fielding for soldiers, suggesting that the new 30mm ammunition could see action soon. Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Boaz Levy said that the Arrow 4, which will replace the Arrow 2, "will elevate the success of Israeli shoot-down capabilities." Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Boaz Levy on Tuesday signaled new progress on the Arrow 4 anti-missile defense system and the possibility of deploying it within the coming months. In some of his most extensive remarks about the next generation anti-missile defense system, he said, "When we plan for a new [military] campaign, we look at the solutions for the threats of tomorrow, and not only the already existing threats. The way we achieve the capability to advance our response to the varying threats, and this is how the Arrow 4, which will replace the Arrow 2, will operate." Advertisement Advertisement "The Arrow 3 and 4 systems will bring new and advanced shoot-down capabilities against aerial targets. With the help of the Arrow 4, we will elevate the success of Israeli shoot-down capabilities," said Levy. "We have to be ready for the next war," Levy said. "A lot of lessons were learned, and many changes were made in the systemswe always look two steps ahead to future threats." While the IDF used dozens of interceptor missiles during the 12-day war with Iran, according to Levy, "we are delivering the amount of interceptors required by the IDF, as well as to the German Air Force." In December, German Air Defense Commander Col. Dennis Kruger told The Jerusalem Post in an exclusive interview that Berlin will for sure purchase the Arrow 4 and 5 systems, which are currently under development. Advertisement Advertisement Kruger quickly shot back, "I can give you a clear yes to that," when asked about purchasing the new systems shortly after showing off the purchase and deployment of the Arrow 3 from Israel and IAI. Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Boaz Levy. (credit: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES) In December, Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram also noted progress regarding the Arrow 4. Moreover, as far back as June 2025, Levy discussed the future replacement of the Arrow 2 missile defense system with the Arrow 4 system. No estimate delivery date for Arrow 4 system Although the development of the Arrow 4 was first announced in 2021, there has not been an estimated delivery date, and such new systems can take a decade or more from initial development. Advertisement Advertisement But Levy's disclosure on Tuesday came after a flurry of public discussion about it, and the three ballistic missile attacks from Iran on Israel in 2024-2025 had increased expectations that the system might be ready sooner than originally expected. The Arrow 2 and 4 systems shoot down ballistic missiles within Earth's atmosphere, while the Arrow 3 shoots them down outside of the atmosphere. In addition, the Arrow 4 may be able to shoot down certain hypersonic missile threats, a new, more maneuverable missile threat that Russia and China have been working hard to develop, and other countries, like Iran, may eventually get closer to producing. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Bench trials begin Tuesday morning in Jackson County redistricting cases as residents sue Missouri over the states new congressional districts. Lawmakers passed a bill in September that could give Republicans a seventh seat in the eight member congressional delegation. In Elizabeth Healey vs. the State of Missouri, the plaintiffs are arguing that the Missouri Supreme Courts under the understanding that congressional districts are only redrawn after census results are certified, and theyll remain in place for the next decade or until a Census shows that the districts should change. Independence City Council to hold public hearing on tax breaks for data center Advertisement Advertisement A new census did not come out in-between the time that Missouri Republican lawmakers redrew the states congressional map in September of 2025 and 2021. The map that came out of that census release was signed into law by then Republican Governor Mike Parson in 2022. It kept the states delegation at a 6-2 Republican lean. The map Republicans drew in September of 2025 would likely give their party a 7-1 lean instead. The congressional district youre in for the August 2026 primary is still up for debate as residents like Healey and more than a dozen others in that same case, try to fight back against the effort to get Democratic 5th District Congressman Emanuel Cleavers seat turned red. Theres an argument too [that] there should be a Kansas City district or Kansas City area district in Congress, to basically for appropriations matters and just for the representation, Attorney Chris Benjamin said in an interview with FOX4 Monday. Benjamin served as Republican House Speaker Rod Jettons Chief of Staff. The map his partys lawmakers drew splits up the city south of the river. The western portion of the city would go into Congressional District 4, currently represented by Republican Mark Alford. The area east of 71 Highway would remain in Congressional District 5. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time Healey and more than a dozen other residents sued, a group called People Not Politicians collected signatures to give Missourians the chance to vote on the maps the legislature drew. However, that vote likely wouldnt happen until November, at the same time youre voting on who your congressional member is for January of 2027 to January of 2029. I can actually see a scenario where youre going to have this new set of maps in 2026 and perhaps revert to the old map in 2028 until 2032, Benjamin continued. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV If what he said was true, the fifth congressional district would lean Republican for the November 2026 election, while Cleavers current seat would lean Democratic again in 2028 and 2030. The Congressmans spokespeople did not get back to us in time for our Monday deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays bench trials begin at 8:30 a.m. Theyre scheduled to last through Friday and start at the same time each day. Mayor Quinton Lucas is scheduled to provide testimony in Terrence Wise vs. The State of Missouri Tuesday morning. Both cases are being heard by the same judge at the same time. The Wise case revolves around redistricting too. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. (The Center Square) A decades-old loan program for affordable housing developers comes with little documentation to track the taxpayer funding it gives out. That means at least 24 loans given between 2022 and 2024 have not yet been billed for repayment, while it was unclear if the applicants behind some of the projects even had the money to do so. The information was revealed in an audit of the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agencys PennHOMES program, which receives most of its funding from the federal government. It was the first time since the 1980s that the agency underwent any kind of financial review, despite loaning out $25.9 million in two years alone to developers that agreed to build and lease homes for low-income and disabled tenants. Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Richboro, who championed the state audit, said it confirmed what she had long worried about lackadaisical oversight of public money meant to support unprivileged communities. No matter how worthy a program, it is still taxpayer dollars funding it and those dollars needed to be managed responsibly, she said. This audit proves that PHFA is failing in that responsibility at a time when taxpayers need more confidence their dollars are being well-managed than ever before. PHFA is an acronym for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. In the audit, which examined 39 applications submitted between 2022 and 2024, the state auditor general concluded that, despite finding nothing unscrupulous about the money awarded through PennHOMES, many notes that detail decisions made by the agency were written down and later destroyed, rather than transferred into an electronic filing system. Advertisement Advertisement The process, according to the report, was underpinned by the risk of unknown factors influencing loan approvals and could be fixed through improved record-keeping. In a review of 46 properties out of 176 in total the audit found that repayment bills were not sent for more than half, while another project received funding despite staff recommendations against it. Inaccurate rent and income data were uncovered in records for six properties. The agency, in its response to the audit, said it was transferring to a new digital tracking system that would be operational by the end of the year. It did not address other recommendations. Fifty-eight percent of loan recipients were not even asked to pay back their loans. This is inexcusable and ridiculous, Marcell said. Taxpayers are not a bottomless pit of money for government bureaucracy to waste but thats exactly what happens when agencies like PHFA cannot and do not manage programs as they are supposed to. Advertisement Advertisement The report came out just two days before Gov. Josh Shapiro launched his new affordable housing action plan, which is meant to speed up construction and make homeownership within reach for at least 1 million households. According to the administrations estimates, Pennsylvania will be short 185,000 homes by 2035, creating greater housing instability and more homelessness. Many of the plans goals center on streamlined regulations and greater support for low-income residents and were developed in part from feedback from the housing agency. Marcell and other Republicans first raised concerns about the agency during the last legislative session after it disbursed only $54 million of a possible $175 million for rental and mortgage assistance in 2020. In 2021, it received $350 million from the American Rescue Plan for a homeowners' assistance grant program, but the program was shut down for more than a year due to technical issues. At the time, the agency blamed the contractor it chose for botching its mortgage relief program. Advertisement Advertisement This audit covered only a tiny sliver of the agency and they found these significant issues, Marcell said Tuesday. Yet, PHFA has still not yet responded to the audit as requested. This should concern every taxpayer who is footing the bill for these programs, and I look forward to hearing the agencys response and how they plan to address these issues now and in the future. Pennsylvania isnt the only state to have some trouble with its housing agency. A report from the Government Accountability Office in 2023 found that the risk of fraud was high in the nations largest federal housing program due to a lack of audits and weak control mechanisms. The Washington D.C. Housing Authority has faced allegations of conflicts of interest and voucher fraud in recent years and is years behind on turning in audits to the federal government. In North Carolina, authorities discovered that $3 million was stolen from the state housing agency. And in Oregon, the state had sent out almost $500 million in emergency rental aid, but the housing agency couldnt verify the money was used properly. Anthony Hennen contributed to this report. Australia has refused to repatriate a group of Islamic State (IS) wives and their children from Syria. A group of 34 women and children with Australian citizenship were supposed to leave their Al-Roj camp but were turned back on Monday because of procedural problems, officials said. Were providing absolutely no support and we are not repatriating people, said Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, in Melbourne on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement We have no sympathy for people who travelled overseas in order to participate in what was an attempt to establish a caliphate to undermine, destroy, our way of life. As my mother would say: You make your bed, you lie in it, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Mr Albanese was unequivocal in his stance regarding the IS wives repatriation in a TV interview An Australian home affairs spokesman said anyone including the so-called IS brides who had broken the law would be prosecuted. People in this cohort need to know that, if they have committed a crime and if they return to Australia, they will be met with the full force of the law, they said. Australian citizens have a legal right to enter the country under both local and international law, but the issue has been divisive in many countries, including the UK, since jihadis fled to join IS and tried to establish a caliphate more than a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement When a US-led coalition defeated IS in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, thousands of extremists and women and children linked to them were taken to detention camps. The repatriation status of the women and children has since been the source of legal wrangling and debate. Shamima Begum is being held at the Al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria - Sam Tarling Shamima Begum is being held in the same camp as the families denied entry to Australia. The British woman flew from London to Syria aged 15 to marry an IS militant. The UK Government revoked her citizenship and has refused to allow her to return, despite calls for an investigation by the European Court of Human Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Although many in Al-Roj are not prisoners and have not been accused of a crime, it is an offence in Australia punishable by up to 10 years in prison to have travelled to Raqqa in Syria, and elsewhere in the caliphate, without a legitimate reason. It applies to journeys that took place from 2014 to 2017. Some of the women, however, say they were groomed by jihadis and consider themselves victims. IS is a listed terror organisation in Australia, with membership of the group punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Australia also has the power to strip dual nationals of citizenship if they are members of IS. Only two groups of Australians have been repatriated with government help from Syrian camps since the fall of IS in 2019, while others have returned without government assistance. Advertisement Advertisement The UK has repatriated some citizens from Syrian camps, as has the United States, Germany, France, Italy and Iraq, among others. The last group of Australians to be repatriated from Syrian camps arrived in Sydney in Oct 2022 and comprised four mothers and 13 children. People are being held in the Al-Roj camp due to alleged links with Islamic State militants - Orhan Qereman/Reuters Australian officials had assessed the group as the most vulnerable among 60 Australian women and children held in Al-Roj, the government said at the time. Eight children of two slain Australian IS fighters were repatriated from Syria in 2019 by Australias previous conservative government. Syria, meanwhile, under its new interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has started evacuating the remaining residents of a camp that housed relatives of suspected IS fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Al-Hol, a camp in a desert region of Hasakeh province, was controlled by Kurdish fighters and housed around 24,000 people including more than 6,000 foreigners of 40 nationalities. The government took it over last month as Kurdish forces ceded territory and Damascus exerted control across large parts of north-east Syria. The US military has transferred some of them to Iraq to stand trial there, while thousands have left for unknown destinations. 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. By Alasdair Pal and Renju Jose SYDNEY, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday his government would not help Australians in a Syrian camp holding families of suspected Islamic State militants return home, with the government open to prosecutions if they make it back. "We have a very firm view that we won't be providing assistance or repatriation," Albanese told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-four Australians released on Monday from a camp in northern Syria were returned to the detention centre due to "technical reasons," two sources told Reuters on Monday. Dubbed "IS brides" by local media - though the cohort also includes children - they are expected to travel to Damascus before eventually returning to Australia, despite objection from ruling and opposition lawmakers. A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Australia's security agencies had been monitoring the situation in Syria, and said those who had broken the law would be prosecuted. "People in this cohort need to know that if they have committed a crime and if they return to Australia they will be met with the full force of the law," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Islamic State is a listed terror organisation in Australia, with membership of the group punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Australia also has the power to strip dual nationals of citizenship if they are an Islamic State member. SURGE IN RIGHT-WING POPULISM The return of relatives of suspected IS militants is a political issue in Australia, that has seen a surge in popularity of the right wing, anti-immigration One Nation party led by Pauline Hanson. "They hate Westerners, and that's what it's all about. You say there's great Muslims out there, well I'm sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims?" Hanson said in an interview on Sky News on Monday, following news of the suspected Islamic State family members return. Advertisement Advertisement The comments were criticised by members of Hanson's party. A poll this week found One Nation's share of the popular vote at a record high of 26%, above the combined support for the traditional centre-right coalition currently in opposition. Sarah Henderson, a senator in the Liberal party that has seen its vote eroded by One Nation, said on Tuesday that Australians with sympathies towards Islamic State should be barred from reentering the country. If these are people who subscribed to ISIS ideology, who subscribe to this extremist ideology, then they should not be returning to Australia, she told ABC. Australian citizens have a legal right to enter the country under both local and international law. (Reporting by Renju Jose and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) State lawmakers in New Mexico are investigating whether Jeffrey Epstein trafficked and sexually abused young women and girls at his Zorro Ranch property outside Santa Fe after previous investigations closed without any charges. New Mexicos state House voted unanimously to establish what lawmakers are calling a truth commission to hear from survivors and find out what exactly happened at the ranch after the wealthy and well-connected sex offender bought the property in 1993. The investigatory subcommittee will have subpoena power to collect testimony, records and other evidence to put the whole story together, according to Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero. Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico residents deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it, she said in a statement after Mondays vote. We have heard years of allegations and rumors about Epsteins activities in New Mexico, but unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record, she said. With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward, according to Romero. Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in 2025, was pictured at Zorro Ranch, and other survivors of his abuse, including Annie Farmer and Jane, have described the abuse they experienced under Epstein and Maxwell at the property. Advertisement Advertisement The states 2019 criminal investigation into Epsteins activities in New Mexico closed within a year without any charges filed. Epstein died in jail that summer while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges in New York. His death was ruled a suicide. Following the passage of the federal Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice has released more than three million documents, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, in its files stemming from state and federal investigations into the late sex offender and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Jeffrey Epstein pictured in New Mexico with his dogs in an undated photo (US Department of Justice) Last week, New Mexicos Department of Justice wrote a letter to federal officials demanding unredacted copies of an anonymous email from 2019 to a local radio host saying that foreign girls died of strangulation at Zorro Ranch. The states Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richards also urged state and federal investigators to probe a disturbing allegation that two girls were buried near the ranch. Advertisement Advertisement The newly launched subcommittee in the state legislature will operate through the end of the year on a budget of $2m, funded by a 2023 settlement between state Attorney General Raul Torrez and several financial services companies over failures to identify abuses at the property. Epstein bought the ranch, which has its own airstrip and helipad, from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. The property which includes an airstrip, helipad and 26,700sqft hilltop mansion, where the late billionaire sex offender is accused of abusing women and girls over a 26-year period was first put up for sale in July 2021, two years after Epsteins death. It was valued at $27.5m at that time. The property was purchased by a businessman who supports President Donald Trump and is running for Texas comptroller, according to state records. Don Huffines, 67, a self-described MAGA Trump Republican, is behind an entity called San Rafael Ranch LLC, which The Santa Fe New Mexican traced to Huffines through public records requests. The property was valued for tax purposes at $21.1m for the 2023 fiscal year, and the LLC argued that Epsteins notoriety and its higher sales price merited a lower valuation. Advertisement Advertisement The Santa Fe County assessor later revalued the property for that tax year at $13.4m, and the address was changed from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road in 2024. His campaign website describes him as a Trump Republican who wants to DOGE the states government, a reference to the Department of Government Efficiency, the Elon Musk-led effort to slash federal budgets, fire thousands of workers and cancel federal contracts and grant funding. He also touts endorsements from top MAGA leaders, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Four years after Mr Epsteins death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims. Prior to the auction listing, they had never visited the property, Huffines campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore told The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement The owners have never been approached by local, state or federal law enforcement requesting access to the San Rafael Ranch, he added. If, and when they do, of course they will be granted full and complete cooperation. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org Standard Chartered has slashed its end-of-year price target for XRP by a staggering 65% as its analysts revise their outlook following Februarys brutal crypto market selloff. The British investment bank previously forecast XRP to hit $8 by the end of 2026. That prediction was lowered to $2.80 in a Thursday note to investors shared with DL News. Recent price action for digital assets has been challenging, to say the least, Geoffrey Kendrick, the banks global head of digital assets research, said in the note. We expect further declines near-term and we lower our forecasts across the asset class. In recent weeks, the crypto market has been hit by the worst market rout in almost four years. Bitcoin fell 28% over the past month, hitting a low of $60,000 before rebounding. Other crypto assets have fared just as poorly. Amid the rout, XRP briefly fell to $1.16, its lowest price in 15 months. It has since bounced back, but is still down around 28% over the past month. Big turnaround Its a big turnaround for the $90 billion Ripple-linked cryptocurrency. By all accounts, XRP got off to a strong start in 2026. The asset rallied 25% in the first week of the year, buoyed by XRP exchange-traded fund inflows and regulatory tailwinds. On January 5, the amount of money locked in XRP ETFs hit a record $1.6 billion, according to crypto data platform SoSoValue. That figure has fallen to just over $1 billion a 40% drop as of February 13. Its not just XRP Standard Chartered has lowered its forecast for. The bank also dropped its year-end target from $150,000 to $100,000 for Bitcoin, $7,000 to $4,000 for Ethereum, and $250 to $135 for Solana. We see XRP keeping pace with ETH. Both are likely to benefit from the further development of stablecoins and tokenised real-world assets, Kendrick said. Looking ahead One of the biggest potential catalysts for a sustained XRP price recovery is the Clarity Act, a broad crypto market bill currently passing through the US Senate. On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the passing of the clarity Act will help the crypto market recover. Last month, Katherine Dowling, president of Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company, told DL News XRP has the most to gain from the successful passage of the Clarity Act. Progress on the bill stalled last month after banking chiefs and crypto executives disagreed on key parts of the legislation. But the delays could soon be over. On February 10, Stuart Alderoty, Ripples chief legal officer, said that hed had a productive session at the White House, and that now was the time to move ahead. The Georgia Supreme Court has reversed a former babysitters felony murder conviction for an 11-month-olds death. Prosecutors said Maria Owens beat Jaylen Kelly while she was babysitting him in 2011. A jury found Owens guilty of felony murder and child cruelty. Owens was sentenced to life in prison in 2020. On Tuesday, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the trial court gave an erroneous and harmful jury charge. Advertisement Advertisement Her conviction for child cruelty remains unchanged by the Supreme Court. The states highest court says Owens is not entitled to a full re-trial, but can be re-tried on the felony murder charge. Because the evidence was constitutionally sufficient to support the guilty verdicts on those counts, the opinion reads. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2 Action News has been covering the case since the tragedy occurred inside Owens home in Fairburn in 2011. Former Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said Owens became enraged and broke little Jaylen Kellys back just after learning that Jaylens parents planned to remove him from her care. Advertisement Advertisement Owens first went to trial in 2013. A jury found her guilty of felony murder and involuntary manslaughter, which the Georgia Supreme Court reversed in 2014. Howard and the DAs office got a retrial for Owens and she was found guilty on felony murder and child cruelty charges. But the jury wasnt given proper instructions, according to the Georgia Supreme Court opinion released Tuesday. The jurors were told that they could not find Owens guilty of both involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault and first-degree child cruelty. President Donald Trump gaggled with reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday evening, taking questions about topics ranging from the negotiations with Iran to Democrats speaking at the Munich Security Conference to Kristi Noems personal life. A reporter asked Trump during the gaggle, the audio of which was broadcast live by the White House on YouTube, Recent news reports have discussed the possibility that Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski are in a close personal relationship. Is that a bad look, and do you think shell be in the job much longer? I dont know about that, replied Trump, adding: I mean, I havent heard that. Ill find out about it, but I have not heard. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported in a bombshell expose about Kristi Noems leadership of the Department of Homeland Security that the rumored relationship between Noem and Lewandowski, her top advisor at DHS, has raised eyebrows in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his advisors are uncomfortable with Noem and Lewandowskis close relationship, reported the WSJ, adding: Lewandowski had initially wanted to formally serve as Noems chief of staff, but Trump rejected the idea due to reports of a romantic relationship between the twowhich he has continued to bring up, officials say. After tabloid photos of Lewandowski showed him going back and forth between his apartment and Noems across the street last year, the secretary moved into a government-owned waterfront house on a military base in Washington that is provided to the leader of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard falls under Noems purview at DHS during peacetime. Lewandowski also spends time at the house. The DHS spokeswoman said Noem moved to the house for increased security and pays rent. Lewandowski and Noem, who are both married, have publicly denied the reports of the affair, but people said they do little to hide their relationship inside the department. Listen to the clip above. The post Is That a Bad Look? Trump Pleads Ignorance When About Asked Kristi Noems Personal Relationship With Corey Lewandowski first appeared on Mediaite. BEDFORD, Pa. (WTAJ) A Bedford man is in jail after a family member went to police to tell them she was raped. Micah Scott Dwyer, 39, was charged with rape and incest Feb. 17 and placed in Bedford County Prison. The arrest comes after a family member accused Dwyer of raping them while they were out in the woods. According to the criminal complaint, the family member told Pennsylvania State Police that Dwyer took her into a wooded area late at night on an ATV in August 2025. The victim claimed that Dwyer wanted her to perform a sexual act on him but she refused. She then alleged that Dwyer said she was old enough and proceeded to engage in sexual intercourse with her. Advertisement Advertisement According to charging documents, the victim claimed this wasnt the first time it happened. While the victims age is unknown, charges at this time do not coincide with her being underage. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Dwyer was placed in prison with bail set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25. 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Three and a half hours after a call came in that two Beech Grove officers were shot while responding to a domestic disturbance, law enforcement officials delivered the news: One of the officers had died. Brian Elliott, 33, a graduate of Beech Grove High School, was identified as the officer shot and killed in the line of duty Feb. 16. The other officer, who hasn't been named, is expected to recover. Elliott was sworn in as an officer in Beech Grove, a southern Marion County city of almost 15,000 people, in September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement "My heart goes out to Brians wife, Erin, his parents, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones. At this time, I am asking that we lean on one another to get through this," Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice said in a statement posted on Facebook. According to a Facebook post by Elliott, he married in 2023. Who was Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott? Beech Grove Police Department Officer Brian Elliott Elliott earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, according to a social media post the Beech Grove Police Department made when Elliott was hired. He worked for the Marion County Sheriff's Office for four years before joining Beech Grove PD. He also worked security at Eskenazi Hospital for a time, according to his Facebook profile. Advertisement Advertisement "At the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Officer Elliott represented our department with esteem as Assistant Squad Leader, Honor Graduate, and the Glenda Mercer Memorial Award winner for top academic achievement," the department shared in their post. The department also shared fun facts about Elliott, including that his favorite food was sushi and his least favorite food was pickles. Elliott loved the Colts but wasn't fond of the Lakers. His favorite movie was "Jurassic Park," and his favorite band was Metallica. Also, Elliott played the bass guitar. Dozens of police departments across Indiana, including those in Edinburgh and Martinsville, sent prayers and condolences after the shooting. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. A Beech Grove police department vehicle sits outside Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, after two police officers were shot. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Beech Grove roads continue to be blocked off as police search for armed suspect 1 of 11 Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Officer Brian Elliott killed in the line of duty Just after 6 p.m. Elliott and two other officers responded to a call about a disturbance at an apartment complex in the 100 block of Diplomat Court late afternoon Feb. 16. Shortly after they arrived, Elliott and another officer were shot. Both were taken to Eskenazi, where Elliott later died. The other officer, who has not been named, is in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement "We are grateful to the team at Eskenazi Hospital, and our law enforcement and community partners for their extraordinary response and support," Maurice said. Indiana State Police issued a Blue Alert in their search for Kenneth T. Johnson, 47, accused of shooting the officers, before he was captured by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's SWAT unit nearly four hours later. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott killed protecting his community A Beech Grove Police officer was shot and killed on Feb. 16, 2026, responding to a domestic disturbance. Another officer shot was and survived. Here's what we know. What happened in Beech Grove on Feb. 16? Two Beech Grove police officers were called to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex in the 100 block of Diplomat Court at about 5:45 p.m. Feb. 16, according to law enforcement. Both officers were shot, and police put out a Blue Alert for the suspected gunman. Advertisement Advertisement Both injured officers were taken to Eskenazi, Perrine said. Shortly before 9:30 p.m., Officer Brian Elliott's death was announced at the hospital. The other officer, who wasn't named, was reported to be in stable condition and expected to survive. Beech Grove shooting: Domestic call leaves 1 officer killed, 1 injured and suspect captured Who was Brian Elliott? Elliott, was the Beech Grove Police Officer killed on Feb. 16. He joined the Beech Grove Police Department in September 2024, is survived by his wife, Erin. Elliott spent two years with Beech Grove and four years with the Marion County Sheriff's Office. He earned a criminal justice degree from IUPUI. Advertisement Advertisement Brian Elliott: Beech Grove Officer was honors graduate and bass guitar player When is Brian Elliott's funeral? A visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 22, at Beech Grove High School. The funeral for Elliott will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23. It's also being held at Beech Grove High School, where he graduated from in 2011. The Indiana Department of Education granted Beech Grove City Schools an emergency cancellation on Feb. 23, the district said in a Facebook post. After the visitation, there will be the funeral procession, where Elliott will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery. Story continues after photo gallery. Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice is embraced during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials salute during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A memorial sits during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag presentation ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag presentation ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag presentation ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice reads during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A law enforcement official speaks with Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri (center) and Police Chief Michael Maurice (right) during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri (back) speaks with an attendee during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A police officer is embraced during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Items sit during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A flag is handed off to be placed on a memorial during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A flag is placed on a memorial during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials and community members walk past a memorial during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A law enforcement official places a hand over his heart as he passes a memorial during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A floral arrangement in honor of Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott sits during his visitation on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Flag ceremony honors fallen Beech Grove officer Brian Elliott 1 of 18 Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice is embraced during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Is the Beech Grove shooter in custody? Kenneth Terrell Johnson, 47, was identified as the suspect by ISP Sgt. John Perrine. Advertisement Advertisement At 10:29 p.m. on Feb. 16, Perrine posted on X that Johnson was in custody. He later told media that police were tipped off by a resident who flagged down officers to point them in the direction of where they believed Johnson was hiding. IMPD's SWAT unit found the suspect in the laundry room of an apartment complex near the shooting site. On Feb. 20 at Johnson's pre-trial hearing, it was revealed the prosecutors are pursuing life without parole. He is being held without bond. Beech Grove shooting: Court docs reveal new details about Beech Grove officer's last call Story continues after photo gallery. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. A Beech Grove police department vehicle sits outside Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, after two police officers were shot. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Beech Grove roads continue to be blocked off as police search for armed suspect 1 of 11 Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Other officer involved in shooting released from hospital The other officer who responded to the domestic disturbance with Elliott who was shot and injured was released from the hospital on Feb. 17. Advertisement Advertisement The surviving officer has not been publicly identified, nor has the extent of their injuries been shared. More: Beech Grove officer released from hospital after double shooting The community mourns officer Elliott The Beech Grove and greater Indianapolis community have come together in a multitude of ways to mourn the loss of officer Elliott. People showed up at the memorial erected outside the Beech Grove Police Department with Elliott's police cruiser to pay their respects, they attended a candlelight vigil to honor his memory, they've turned their porch lights blue and donated to the memorial fund established to help the fallen officer's family. Advertisement Advertisement 'A terrible tragedy.' Community members react to fatal Beech Grove shooting Story continues after photo gallery. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. A flag flies at half staff as mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. See the memorial for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott 1 of 8 Mourners arrive to grieve the death of Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott at a memorial set up with his cruiser on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Beech Grove Police Department. Elliott was fatally shot in the line of duty on Feb. 16, 2026. Where is Beech Grove Indiana? Beech Grove is a city located in Marion County, Indiana. The city is located within the Indianapolis Metropolitan area, approximately 7.5 miles southeast of downtown. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Officer Brian Elliott killed in Feb. 16 Beech Grove shooting. What we know Belgium summoned the U.S. ambassador to the nation for a meeting Tuesday after he accused the country of antisemitic prosecution of Jewish Belgians in a social media post. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called comments from U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White unacceptable in a post on social platform X, saying any suggestion that Belgium is antisemitic is false and offensive. An ambassador accredited to Belgium has a responsibility to respect our institutions, our elected representatives, and the independence of our judicial system. Personal attacks against a Belgian minister and interference in judicial matters violate basic diplomatic norms, Prevot wrote. Advertisement Advertisement White called on the country to drop investigations against three mohels, or people who perform circumcisions, who were arrested in a raid in Antwerp in May. The arrests came as Belgium police looked for people illegally conducting ritual Jewish circumcisions. The U.S. ambassador posted Monday on X that antisemitism is UNACCEPTABLE and urged all of Belgium to do a much better job on this subject! You must make a legal provision to allow Jewish religious MOHELS to perform their duties here in Belgium, White wrote. Its done in all civilized counties as legal procedure. BELGIUM is a civilized country. Stop this unacceptable harassment of the Jewish community here in Antwerp and in Belgium. Its 2026, you need to get into the 21st century and allow our brethren Jewish families in Belgium to legally execute their religious freedoms! he added. Advertisement Advertisement Prevot said Belgium condemns antisemitism with the greatest firmness and that labeling Belgium as antisemitic is not just wrong, its dangerous disinformation that undermines the real fight against hatred. The foreign minister also said Belgian law permits ritual circumcision when it is performed by a qualified physician under strict health safety standards. He added that the case White was referring to was subject to judicial investigation and that he refrained from commenting on ongoing proceedings. White said he would visit the three accused men and their families in Antwerp and called on Belgiums minister of health to join him. Belgium welcomes dialogue with all partners, Prevot said. But interference in our democratic institutions and false accusations cross a line that cannot be crossed. Respect for sovereignty works both ways. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 17, 2026. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Bennett's remarks come ahead of the upcoming elections and amid recent speculation regarding his stance on forming a government with Netanyahu. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday that Israel needed "new leadership" following the October 7 Hamas attacks, indicating that he would not be willing to form a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I will not allow failed leadership to continue. I intend to lead Israel into its next chapter, stronger," he said, and warned that the government was overlooking a threat from Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Bennett's remarks come ahead of the upcoming elections and amid recent speculation regarding his stance on forming a government with Netanyahu. He made the statements during a speech at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem. The next chapter must be written by new leadership, without the same people who are responsible for the disaster," Bennett said. I must tell the truth: Israels current leadership has divided us and is dividing us even now, more than ever. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 17, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) After three decades since coming to power, and after the greatest disaster in Israels history occurred on his watch, a leader must know when to step aside with dignity, Bennett said without mentioning Netanyahu by name. Advertisement Advertisement Bennett is the leading competitor in the race for Israels next prime minister. His party, Bennett 2026, has been trailing Netanyahus Likud in recent polls ahead of elections set to take place no later than the end of October. Netanyahu is among the only major officials who have not resigned following the October 7 massacre. The political echelon has repeatedly blocked a state inquiry into the events surrounding the attacks, despite polls showing huge public support for this type of investigation. Bennett warns about Turkish threat Bennett also warned that Turkey was becoming the newest threat to Israel that the government is not aware of, during his speech at the conference. He said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a sophisticated and dangerous rival who seeks to encircle Israel. We must not close our eyes again. Advertisement Advertisement While the current government is once again asleep, there are troubling signs around us of a growing radical threat on our borders: a hostile Muslim Brotherhood axis with a Pakistani nuclear rear, led by an ambitious and hostile Turkey. "We must act in different ways, but simultaneously against the threat from Tehran and against the hostility from Ankara," Bennett said. "Turkey is the New Iran." Recent criticism of Bennett has centered on claims that he would be willing to join a government led by Netanyahu. On Monday, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) said that only his party could be trusted to form a government without Netanyahu. MK Mickey Levy (Yesh Atid) echoed those concerns, saying in a Tuesday interview with 103FM that Bennett may ultimately agree to join a government with Netanyahu. Ukraines anti-corruption agency has accused a former energy minister of laundering millions of dollars. German Galushchenko, who led the department from 2021 until 2025, was detained by border guards on Monday as he tried to leave the country on a train, officials said. Investigators said the charges were related to an alleged scheme involving offshore companies benefiting his relatives. Galushchenko - also known as Herman Halushchenko - has denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement The arrest is the latest high-profile move under Operation Midas, a sweeping probe into allegations of graft around state nuclear power company Energoatom that has rocked the government at a critical time for diplomacy. Anti-corruption investigators have rebounded after a law that would have limited their independence was scrapped under public and foreign pressure last year. But Ukraine still has a long way to go to fully rid itself of corruption, experts say. Volodmyr Zelenskys government has had to contest with a mounting anti-corruption probe (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER) What is Operation Midas? Anti-corruption investigators announced Operation Midas last November as they identified a large-scale corruption scheme in the countrys energy sector. Midas takes its name from the king of Greek mythology, who turned everything he touched into gold. Behind the probe was the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), who said their discovery was the result of 15 months of wiretapping work and cited 1,000 hours of audio recordings and more than 70 raids. Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the probe was $100 million in funds that NABU said had been laundered by an alleged criminal organisation consisting of current and former energy officials, government ministers, a former deputy prime minister, and a businessman. The corruption investigation comes as millions of Ukrainians have been left without power by Russia attacks (Reuters) The accused are said to have manipulated contracts at Energoatom, Ukraines state nuclear energy company, to take kickbacks - secret payments, like a bribe, made in exchange for a favour. NABU said the group took bribes from contractors worth some 10-15 per cent of each contracts value. Crucially, some of these contracts were handed out to build up fortifications against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile the winter - Ukraines coldest in more than 15 years - has hit hard as Russian strikes have left millions without power. Who has been affected? Investigators claim to have traced the scheme to Timur Mindich, a film producer and co-owner of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskys former TV studio, Kvartal95. The two were close until at least 2021, when Mindich held a surprise party for Zelensky at his flat, during the lockdowns. Mindich fled Ukraine in the night of 10 November 2025, just hours before NABU enforcers raided his home. The case had continued to shake Ukraines top leadership and last year led to the resignation of Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following a raid on his home. He was not accused of wrongdoing, and said he would cooperate. German Galushchenko (centre) was stopped trying to leave the country on Monday, officials said (REUTERS) Prosecutors also claimed that Rustem Umerov, former defence minister and current secretary of Ukraines State Security and Defense Council, was pressured to buy cheaply made Chinese bulletproof vests at extortionate rates. Advertisement Advertisement He has not been charged and has denied wrongdoing, saying the contract was terminated due to the products failure to meet requirements. Investigators have made strides in their work since the government relented on a law that would have limited their independence last summer. Ukraine saw the first major protests in the streets since the 2022 invasion in July after Zelensky suggested reining NABU and SAPO in to cleanse them of what he called Russian influence. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskys close aide and chief of staff with a central role in diplomacy, stepped down last year after his house was raided by anti-corruption investigators (Reuters) How widespread is corruption in Ukraine? Ukraine inherited a legacy of corruption when it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite the considerable strides of NABU and SAPO since 2015, corruption remains endemic. Advertisement Advertisement Today, 87 per cent of Ukrainians perceive corruption as a widespread phenomenon, according to a survey of more than 1,000 respondents last summer. This is more sharply felt in rural communities. But only seven per cent of respondents believe corruption has improved as a whole since last year. Last year, Transparency International - an organisation monitoring corruption around the world - gave Ukraine a score of 36 out of 100 in the Corruption Perceptions Index, with a lower score reflecting higher rates of corruption. The UK, by comparison, received a score of 70 in 2025, reflecting a steady backslide from 82 over the last decade. Advertisement Advertisement Andrii Borovyk, executive director at Transparency International Ukraine, said that despite limited improvements - such as a push for greater transparency on the handling of seized assets - reforms have been overshadowed by efforts to limit the independence of the anti-corruption agencies, until they collapsed under public and international pressure. A woman chants while holding a banner that reads, Corruption Applauds, during a protest against a law targeting anti-corruption institutions in central Kyiv (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Thanks to those protests, we were able to defend the independence of the anti-corruption bodies, and the resulting +1 point in the Corruption Perceptions Index can be viewed as a positive sign, he said. This is the result of the work of the HACC, the NABU, and the SAPOand the result of societys efforts in defending their independence. Ukraine has a concrete reform plan available, the group assessed in its 2025 summary, but did not demonstrate real progress or readiness to implement it. Advertisement Advertisement Battling corruption remains a key priority in Ukraine's reform effort as it eyes membership of the European Union, which requires the country shake off the decades-old scourge of graft. As Operation Midas now continues to rock Ukraine, Energoatom CEO Pavlo Kovtonenko said last week that the company had taken a number of steps to prevent the recurrence of corruption schemes in the future. Feb. 16OLYMPIA State employees may soon be able to share their paid sick leave with coworkers detained or impacted by immigration enforcement actions. Under the bill, state workers could donate sick days to coworkers who have been impacted in some way by ICE, ensuring they are able to keep their jobs, health insurance and other benefits. The bill passed the House last month and was heard in the Senate on Monday. It builds on a law enacted last year allowing sick leave to be used when a state employee, or a family member, is detained by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement "This legislation addresses potentially longer destabilizing situations," said the bill's sponsor, Osman Salahuddin, D-Redmond. "We know that these circumstances are actually not hypothetical." Salahuddin pointed to a state employee who was detained last year along with her 6-year-old by ICE. Her coworkers tried to share their sick leave, but under current law could not. "That gap is what this bill fixes," he said. Washington Federation of State Employees president Mike Yestramski said the legislation should not be a partisan issue and is simply common sense. Advertisement Advertisement "Our state benefits from the labor of workers, some of which were not always U.S. citizens," he said. Republicans disagreed, arguing the bill would cost money the state does not have. "Our state is out of money; we spend way more money than we take in," said Rep. Jeremie Dufault, R-Salah, expressing concern the bill would make more people eligible for unemployment. "This is the wrong direction for our state." Everyone from ferry workers to correctional officers at prisons is considered a state employee. Washington employs over 75,000 people. Lawmakers advanced a bill to allow charter schools in South Dakota on a 4-3 committee vote Tuesday, after debate over whether the proposal would expand opportunity or further strain public schools. Charter schools are publicly funded, privately run, tuition-free schools that operate independently of the local school district and with some autonomy over scheduling and curricula. The schools receive public money based on the number of students they enroll. A handful of states, including South Dakota, do not allow charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Lauren Nelson, R-Yankton, introduced the bill. It would authorize charter schools to operate with their own boards under contract with the state Department of Education. The schools would have autonomy over staffing and curriculum, but would have to comply with certain state standards and requirements, or risk closure. They would be funded via per-pupil dollars that would follow students from their current school district. Searchlight Report podcast Voices from South Dakota politics and policy. Listen > Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Nelson and other supporters said charter schools provide families with more public-school options and support students with specialized needs. They emphasized that schools must demonstrate demand before opening. Advertisement Advertisement Charlie Bufalino is the state advocacy director for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. He said that, on average, charter schools nationwide outperform traditional public schools. When public charter schools exist in a community, over time, it lifts the results of all public schools in that area, he told lawmakers. Supporters said charter schools could help students who struggle in traditional settings. Numerous examples of specialized programs that improve outcomes and help dropouts earn diplomas were cited. Representatives of public school administrators, school boards and teachers urged lawmakers to reject the bill, warning it could create a separate school system and drain funding from traditional districts. Advertisement Advertisement Rob Monson is the executive director of the School Administrators of South Dakota. He said South Dakotas funding formula is based on enrollment counts. If students leave for charter schools, districts would lose funding while still paying fixed costs for buildings, buses and staff. If we start to siphon students off and send them to this charter school, its going to have an impact on all schools, but its certainly going to have an impact on rural schools more than larger schools, he told lawmakers. Opponents also said charter schools would be exempt from many state laws governing public schools and that the bill would require only 75% of teachers to be certified. They said the proposal could conflict with the state constitutions requirement for a uniform system of public schools. Additionally, opponents said districts already have tools to innovate without creating a new system. They said the state should fully fund existing schools before creating new ones. Advertisement Advertisement The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Meanwhile, Gov. Larry Rhoden recently opted South Dakota into a federal program under President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. Under that program, South Dakotans who owe federal income taxes can either send up to $1,700 to the federal government, or they can donate that $1,700 to a government-recognized scholarship-granting organization benefiting public, private or homeschool entities in the state. The program starts next year. South Dakota also has a program called Partners in Education that provides tax credits for insurance companies that fund scholarships for lower-income students to attend private school. Feb 16 (Reuters) - Activist investor Starboard Value plans to push for a major overhaul of Tripadvisor's board, and is preparing to nominate a majority slate for the company's eight-member board, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Starboard now holds more than 9% of the travel-site operator and intends to send a letter to the board on Tuesday outlining its plans, the WSJ said, citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Starboard and Tripadvisor did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The hedge fund has previously urged Tripadvisor to explore a sale of its restaurant booking platform, TheFork. Tripadvisor, which holds a market value of about $1.1 billion, has seen its shares plunge nearly 46% over the past year, hitting a record low last Thursday after its fourth-quarter results missed Wall Street expectations. (Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Sherry Jacob-Phillips) By Nailia Bagirova and Lucy Papachristou BAKU/TBILISI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian-born billionaire banker who served as a senior official in the breakaway Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an Azerbaijani court on Tuesday, state media reported. A Baku military court convicted Vardanyan on 42 charges including terrorism, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Advertisement Advertisement The United States is making a concerted push for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, neighbours in the South Caucasus that have fought a series of wars, primarily over Nagorno-Karabakh. U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration signed economic deals in Yerevan and Baku last week, told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a recent White House meeting that he would ask Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to release Armenian prisoners. However, speaking to France24 this week, Aliyev ruled out pardons for the former Karabakh officials, saying they were guilty of grave crimes. Vardanyan's son, David, condemned the verdict as "predetermined" and said he hoped Washington and Yerevan would do more to secure the release of his father and the others. Advertisement Advertisement ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN PEACE PROCESS "It's the greatest shame on us as a people if we let our own citizens kind of rot in a jail while trying to advertise a so-called peace agreement," he told Reuters. The prison term handed to Vardanyan, Karabakh's second highest-ranking official in 2022-2023, was more lenient than the life sentence sought by Azerbaijani prosecutors. It was not immediately clear if he intended to appeal as Reuters was unable to reach his lawyer. The 57-year-old former banker has gone on hunger strike several times throughout his imprisonment and trial, which his international defence counsel has described as neither free nor fair. Reuters was unable to access the courtroom throughout the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Vardanyan's family has previously quoted him as saying he does not recognise the proceedings and regrets nothing. Armenia and Azerbaijan have made steps this year to put to rest the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region within Azerbaijan that escaped Baku's control in the waning days of the Soviet Union, when hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azeris fled their homes. For the following three decades the region enjoyed de facto independence, governed by an ethnically-Armenian administration that Vardanyan joined in 2022 as state minister. ARMENIAN BILLIONAIRE'S RUSSIAN INVESTMENT EMPIRE Advertisement Advertisement Born in Yerevan, Vardanyan made his fortune in Russia, setting up one of its first investment banks and founding a business management school in Moscow. Forbes estimates his and his family's combined wealth at $1.2 billion. He donated hundreds of millions of dollars to philanthropic efforts in Armenia, later renouncing his Russian citizenship and moving to Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku casts him and other former separatist officials as leaders of an illegal armed entity. Vardanyan always maintained the right of Karabakh, called Artsakh by Armenians, to exist as an independent state. He was arrested in September 2023 while attempting to cross into Armenia during a mass exodus of the region's roughly 120,000 ethnic Armenians after Azerbaijan retook the territory. (Reporting by Nailia Bagirova in Baku and Lucy Papachristou in Tbilisi. Writing by Lucy Papachristou. Editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Mark Potter and Andrei Khalip) Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are teaming up to address housing issues by updating the states zoning laws in conjunction with local government counterparts and Michigan homebuilders. The legislative package comes at a time when the housing shortage and the affordability crisis still loom large for Michigan residents trying to make ends meet in a lagging economy, and at a time when the two respective major political parties are already beating each other over the head with affordability issues heading into the upcoming election. A focus on bipartisanship to fix the problem was a major theme for the lawmakers who supported the package when it was unveiled Tuesday at a news conference outside an under-construction home in northern Lansing. Advertisement Advertisement The eight-point legislative package would aim to create more efficient, predictable and transparent home development processes, all while balancing local control with the need for communities to build a range of housing choices. The bills will start seeing movement with committee hearings planned later this week. The main sponsors of the package, state Reps. Joseph Aragona (R-Clinton Township) and Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), were adamant that the measures would create meaningful strides toward building out new housing that reflects the changing economy and population needs in local communities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked to advance housing reforms that address the real pressures Michigan families are facing in this housing crisis, Grant said at a news conference Tuesday outside an under-construction home in northern Lansing. We cannot ignore the impact that limited supply and outdated systems have had on affordability and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Grant added that the bipartisan Housing Readiness Package would work to modernize the states development processes to reduce unnecessary costs and delays, and to make housing more affordable and available across the state. This is about ensuring Michigan is prepared for growth and that more residents have access to safe, stable homes, she said. Grant and Aragona said that most families today are told that they need to spend 30% of their gross income on housing or rent if they are to live in a comfortable home, but that is on the low end of what many families may spend on their housing budgets. Decades ago, a Michigan resident could buy a house in the range of up to three-times their annual income, but that same homes mortgage today might cost six-times their annual income. Advertisement Advertisement Aragona said there were approximately 54,000 new units on the market in 2005, but only about 15,000 in 2024 a drastic drop in the amount of available new housing. We need to make homes affordable again, Aragona said. One of the big reasons houses are so expensive now is because theres an average of $95,000 in extra regulatory costs added on to the price before even buying materials or paying someone to swing a hammer. Lauren Strickland, executive director of Abundant Housing Michigan, speaks at a news conference on a legislative package advocating zoning reforms that would aim to spur the building of more affordable housing. Feb. 17, 2026 | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance The bills are still in the drafting process and have not been introduced. Aragona said the bills were a priority for him and Grant, and wanted them to see movement in their respective committees once they were introduced. He added that it was his hope to see the major pieces of the package cross the finish line this year, while also being cognizant that it would move in pieces. Advertisement Advertisement Grant and Aragona were asked if they have the support of Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township). Aragona said it was his understanding that Hall supports the measures in concept. When pressed further about whether there were items in the package that the speaker has taken issue with, Aragona said no. Various lawmakers joined Aragona and Grant at the press conference, but also Lauren Strickland of Abundant Housing Michigan, Dawn Crandall with the Home Builders Association of Michigan and Tim Golding with Americans For Prosperity of Michigan a sampling of the bipartisan support the package has going into to the new legislative year. Golding characterized the plan as putting people over politics. Last year, the Michigan Municipal League issued a similar call for legislation to spur affordable housing projects, but the measures specifically called for lawmakers to carve out $800 million over the next five years. Advertisement Advertisement That was a hard sell for the Legislature amid a bruising budget battle in 2025. With state revenues facing a large gap this year, a subsidy-driven housing action plan could be even less likely. Grant said thats what separates the package she crafted with Aragona. We cannot subsidize our way out of this. The state of Michigan cant afford that, Grant said. What we need from locals is to allow people to build housing and allow people to buy housing, and so we look forward to working together in that way. The Blood Bank of Delmarva presented a special award on Tuesday in honor of Black History Month. The 'Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award' was given to Delaware State Auditor Lydia York at the Christiana Donor Center in Newark. York is the first African American woman elected to an executive office in the First State's history. Officials say York is a committed blood donor, who has donated approximately one gallon of blood. Advertisement Advertisement The 'Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award' recognizes a Blood Bank of Delmarva partner who demonstrates leadership in strengthening the blood supply and advancing awareness of the importance of diverse blood donors to meet patient needs. The award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the father of modern blood banking and the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University. Dr. Drew's pioneering work during World War II laid the foundation for the modern blood banking system. It continues to save lives every day. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. A Beech Grove police department vehicle sits outside Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, after two police officers were shot. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. Beech Grove roads continue to be blocked off as police search for armed suspect 1 of 11 Police continue to search for an armed suspect after two officers were shot on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Beech Grove. Streets surrounding the 100 block of Diplomat Court are blocked off to traffic as the search continues. This story has been updated with new information. Two hours after police issued a Blue alert on Feb. 16 for a 47-year-old man who shot two Beech Grove officers, one fatally, they announced they had captured the suspect and canceled the alert. Police issued the initail alert for Kenneth Terrell Johnson, who was last seen armed following the shooting, around 8:30 p.m. Just before 6 p.m., Beech Grove Police were called about a domestic disturbance in an apartment complex in the 100 block of Diplomat Court. Two officers who arrived on the scene were immediately shot, according to Indiana State Police, who identified Johnson as the suspected shooter. Advertisement Advertisement He was described as a Black man standing 6 feet tall and weighing 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a royal blue hoodie, blue pants and some kind of head covering. "We're asking all residents in the Beech Grove area to stay alert and stay aware of their surroundings," Indiana State Police spokesperson John Perrine told media at the scene. "We will not stop until we find him," Perrine said. Both officers were taken to Eskenazi Hospital. Beech Grove Police shot: 2 officers shot; search for armed suspect underway in Beech Grove The shooting took place near Beech Grove High School. Perrine said the school has been checked and cleared. Advertisement Advertisement Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Blue alert issued after Beech Grove, Indiana, officer shot and killed A Mississippi woman was a part of a team hunting for fossils along the Chickasawhay River in Southeast Mississippi, and she would have been happy to find anything. What she discovered was a rare, fossilized jawbone from a dugong, an ancient sea cow, similar to a manatee, that swam in Mississippi waters millions of years ago. "I saw what looked like bone sticking out of the rock," said Katie Tupy, education coordinator for the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. "When I went over to it and scraped away some of the dirt, it was pretty obvious it was a jaw. "I get excited at the tiniest shark's tooth I can find. It doesn't take much to get me excited when it comes to fossils. Obviously, if I get excited about something teeny tiny, this was quite significant. We did not have anything in particular in mind when we went on this trip. To find this was super cool." Katie Tupy, education coordinator at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, poses with a dugong mandible (rear) that she found in Mississippi recently along with dugong ribs and a dugong skull cap (foreground) that are in the museum's collection. MS woman finds jawbone fossil The group was fossil-hunting back in October and made up of Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality geologists along with conservation biologists and educators from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Advertisement Advertisement James Starnes, an MDEQ geologist and James Hill, exhibits director at MMNS, assisted with the excavation. The jaw was broken, but more digging revealed additional associated bone fragments. "There was one larger piece and there were quite a few smaller pieces," Tupy said. "Some were very small little shards. We collected all we could, wrapped it up and took it to George so he could work his magic and put it all back together." A dugong mandible found in Mississippi is seen at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Katie Tupy, education coordinator at the museum, poses with the dugong mandible that she found in Mississippi, as well as some dugong ribs and a dugong skull cap, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Dugong ribs are seen at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Katie Tupy, education coordinator at the museum, holds the dugong mandible that she found in Mississippi at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Dugong skull caps are seen at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. A dugong mandible found in Mississippi is seen at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Katie Tupy, education coordinator at the museum, points out where the teeth were on the dugong mandible that she found in Mississippi at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. MS woman finds ancient dugong mandible fossil. See it here 1 of 7 A dugong mandible found in Mississippi is seen at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, Miss., on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Jawbone belonged to ancient dugong The bone was identified as belonging to a dugong and it was taken to George Phillips, paleontology curator at MMNS for cleaning, preservation and reassembly. Phillips said it came from a time when much of Mississippi was underwater and provided suitable habitat for the marine mammal. "The coastline might have been around Shubuta," Phillips said. "It would have been a deep coastline with estuaries and mangrove swamps." Advertisement Advertisement This would have been ideal habitat. The warm coastal waters provided underwater grasses and plants that dugongs could feed on and, according to MDEQ, protection from giant sharks like Otodus auriculatus, the precursor of the O. megaladon. Phillips also said it's an unusual find. Phillips said the most common parts of dugongs found are ribs, which are very dense and withstand time. He said jawbones of dugongs are also dense and thick in areas, but in others they're thin and less durable. "They're just fragile," Phillips said. "They break up." More: From saber-toothed cats to massive, ancient whales, MS is rich in fossils. Here's why When did dugongs live in Mississippi? Phillips said dugongs still exist, but are limited to waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans. However, at one time they enjoyed the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement "We have dugongs in the fossil record, but they go extinct some time between 15 to 20 million years ago," Phillips said. "They go extinct in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic." The pieces of bone found by Tupy date well before that time frame. "It's between 28 and 30 million years old," Phillips said. According to MDEQ, dugongs inhabited the Gulf as far back as 34 million years ago. More: Mississippi scientists unearth bones of ferocious mosasaur, an ancient sea dragon Are dugongs and manatees the same? People in the South are likely much more familiar with manatees than they are with dugongs. Manatees are generally associated with Florida waters, but they are also seen along the coastlines of other Gulf states including Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement According to Phillips, the two may appear similar at first glance, but there are distinct differences. One difference is manatees have nails, somewhat like our fingernails, on their forelimbs. Dugongs do not. Another is the shape of the tails. Manatees have tails more like a beaver and dugong tails are shaped more like that of whales. The mouths also differ. Phillips said manatee mouths look more like a cow with a fat, cleft lip. He described dugong mouths as being narrower and more downward-turned. The sizes of manatees and the dugongs that lived in the Gulf, in general, are similar. "The larger ones, like ours, were in excess of 1,000 pounds for fully adult animals," Phillips said. Advertisement Advertisement Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What is a dugong? Bone of 30 million-year-old dugong found in Mississippi His story started in the shadows, and it stayed there for more than two decades. Lamonte McIntyre was 17 in 1994 when he was arrested in Kansas City, Kansas, for a double murder he didnt commit. He was convicted and got two life sentences later that year, then served 23 years in prison. In 22 of those 23 years, The Kansas City Star couldnt figure out how to spell his first name, publishing all of four paragraphs on his case in two separate instances. Advertisement Advertisement When McIntyres case finally emerged from the shadows in 2016, it became a cause celebre, attracting intense local coverage and national attention while revealing the immense corruption in the Kansas City, Kansas, legal system underscored by the notoriously unscrupulous cop Roger Golubski. Now the case is the subject of Injustice Town: A Corrupt City, a Wrongly Convicted Man, and a Struggle for Freedom by Rick Tulsky. Released Feb. 3, it is the first book by the 75-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Rick Tulsky, a Pulitzer Prize winner with a degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, has written a book about the wrongful conviction and incarceration of Lamonte McIntyre. (Pegasus Books) What attracted me to do the book was it was not just a bad cop, it was also a prosecutor who was overzealous to the point of unethical, Tulsky said. And it was a system of providing Lamonte with court-appointed attorneys who failed him over and over again. And it was a system where the judge who was overseeing it all had an undisclosed affair with the prosecutor. So it was a single case that offered a window into everything that can go wrong in a court case. Anatomy of a frame job Lamontes case got no publicity, Tulsky said. He spent 23 years in prison, and for much of that time he was on his own and there wasnt any attention to it at all. Advertisement Advertisement That includes The Star. The newspaper published the following news brief on April 19, 1994 (four days after the homicides): A teen-ager was charged Monday with the slayings Friday of two men in Kansas City, Kan. Two counts of first-degree murder were filed in Wyandotte County Juvenile Court against Lamont McIntyre, 17, in the killing of Daniel L. Quinn, 21, and Donald E. Ewing, 34. Police allege that McIntyre walked up to a 1987 Cadillac in which the two men were sitting about 2:10 p.m. at 18th Street and Quindaro Boulevard and shot them with a shotgun. Quinn was dead at the scene, and Ewing died at a hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Within hours, Detective Roger Gobulski a name that already was anathema in KCKs Black community and would become synonymous with the citys rampant police corruption in the years to come zeroed in on McIntyre as his designated culprit. Tried as an adult, the teen was convicted five months later at a trial replete with errors and unethical behavior but almost no real evidence. No motive, no murder weapon, nothing tying McIntyre to the crime scene, nothing showing he knew the victims. The Star printed nary a word about the double-murder investigation or trial. In March 1996, it did publish this tidbit in a roundup of news from the Kansas Supreme Court: In other first-degree murder cases, the court upheld convictions of: Advertisement Advertisement Lamont E. McIntyre, who was convicted of two counts of murder for the April 1994 shooting death Donald Ewing and Daniel Quinn, who were sitting in a parked car in Kansas City, Kan. Lamonte McIntyre and his mother, Rosie McIntyre, could finally smile after he was released from the Lansing Correctional Facility in 2017. He had been wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years. (File photo) From that point, there was a 20-plus-year news blackout on McIntyres case in The Star and other local outlets. But he and his mother, Rosie McIntyre, who accused Golubski of framing her son after she rejected his sexual advances, never gave up. After spending years writing letters trying to persuade media outlets, lawyers and legal-justice organizations to listen to his claims of innocence, they finally found Jim McCloskey and his Princeton, New Jersey-based exoneration investigation and legal group Centurion Ministries (now simply Centurion). McCloskey and Kansas City lawyer Cheryl Pilate began looking into McIntyres case in 2009 and spent several years investigating before deciding to file suit in Wyandotte County District Court in summer 2016. The suit claimed, In light of the overwhelming new evidence of McIntyres innocence, it is clear that no reasonable juror would have convicted him if this new evidence had been presented at trial. Advertisement Advertisement The new evidence indicated that witnesses were manipulated and coerced by the prosecutor and police and that evidence favorable to McIntyres case including statements by witnesses was withheld from his attorney, Gary Long. The suit also revealed that a previous personal relationship between the prosecutor and the judge who handled the case was never disclosed to Long. McIntyres new attorneys even identified the likely real killer, an enforcer for a drug operation known on the street as Monster. They presented affidavits from Monsters associates indicating Quinn and Ewing were killed because Quinn was suspected of stealing from the drug dealers. Meanwhile, Tulsky, who had spent most of his professional career at newspapers reporting on these kinds of cases and had co-founded the Chicago-based nonprofit Injustice Watch, began following the case after learning about in late 2016 or early 2017. McIntyre was exonerated barely a year after McCloskey and Pilate filed suit. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, McIntyre walked free after Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree Sr. stunned a courtroom two days into what was expected to be a weeklong hearing by saying the county would no longer contest the facts of McIntyres innocence. Lamonte McIntyre was 41. A book is born When McIntyre was exonerated, Tulsky co-wrote a piece about the case for The New York Times. Still, he had no plans to write a book, largely because hed never done that kind of reporting before. As a newspaper reporter, he had been trained to find as many cases as possible involving similar wrongful behavior to establish a pattern within the legal system. Advertisement Advertisement When you do a book, he said, instead of gathering a whole bunch of cases, youre taking one and going way down deep into the rabbit hole. Lamonte McIntyre spent 23 years in prison after being convicted of a 1994 double-murder in Kansas City, Kansas. (File photo) Tulsky decided to take that dive a couple of years after McIntyres exoneration. Ive spent my career writing about flaws in criminal justice, he said, and it hit me at some point that there is so much richness to the (McIntyre) case that it gave me the chance to really write bigger picture about criminal justice flaws. One example that jumps out to me, Lamonte got appointed an attorney to represent him who was already on probation for his failures in previous cases. If you study the trial, the trial attorney, Gary Long, failed Lamonte in a number of ways that I dug into in the book and explored. Advertisement Advertisement Tulsky discusses Native Americans, Quindaro, meatpacking plants, Carrie Nation and events throughout the 20th century all to illustrate how corruption not only developed but thrived in Kansas City, Kansas. He follows the story through FBI investigations, bribery trials and discrimination against Black people in KCK before detailing McIntyres background and developments from his case, including the disbarments of the two primary court-appointed lawyers who represented him as well as of the Wyandotte County prosecutor. When youre doing a book, youve got an arc, Tulsky said. And originally when I went into it, I thought the arc would end with the exoneration. Then, as Im reporting it, doing more, I see that more is developing, more is coming out, and the arc kept moving out. So it moved out to cover (McIntyres) civil suit, and then it moved out to cover Golubskis indictment. The book tracks how Golubski finally was arrested and faced charges on civil rights and sex-trafficking violations before he killed himself Dec. 2, 2024, on the eve of his first trial hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the state granted McIntyre a certificate of innocence and $1.55 million as part of the settlement of his wrongful conviction lawsuit, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County paid McIntyre and his mother $12.5 million. The McIntyres initially sought $93.6 million in damages. Tulsky wraps up Injustice Town with a lengthy concluding section examining the failings of the criminal justice system, including how the Trump administrations actions have added to the challenge of correcting them, as well as possible fixes. If youre looking at how the system goes wrong, he said, I think maybe people saw pieces but hadnt stepped back and looked at it how I looked at it. The result is an ambitious undertaking for a debut book. But at 75 and with a Pulitzer Prize under his belt, Tulsky is hardly a typical first-time author. I think people should do at least one book every 75 years, he said. Injustice Town: A Corrupt City, a Wrongly Convicted Man, and a Struggle for Freedom by Rick Tulsky was released Feb. 3. Injustice Town: A Corrupt City, a Wrongly Convicted Man, and a Struggle for Freedom By Rick Tulsky Pegasus Books (Feb. 3), 432 pages, $29.95 simonandschuster.com About the author Rick Tulsky, a Chicago native, has degrees from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the Temple University School of Law. He reported for newspapers including The Philadelphia Inquirer and Los Angeles Times and worked at the Center for Investigative Reporting. His work has received more than two dozen national awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 1987 with two colleagues for a series revealing transgressions in the Philadelphia court system. He also has twice been a Pulitzer finalist. Tulsky joined the faculty of Northwestern Universitys journalism school in 2011 and co-founded the nonprofit newsroom Injustice Watch in 2016. He served as editorial director until he retired in 2020. Excerpt While I certainly had seen my share of cases involving a bad cop, an overzealous prosecutor, poor defense work by a publicly funded attorney, and certainly, judges who tipped the scales, to Lamontes misfortune he experienced all of the above, emphatically. As a result, State v. McIntyre afforded an examination of systemic problems needing attention from those in search of a just system. Upcoming events 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25: Journalist Peggy Lowe moderating as Tulky appears with Lamonte McIntyre at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th St. $37.21 for one ticket and one book, $42.46 for two tickets and one book. rainydaybooks.com 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21: Lamonte McIntyre also will appear. Kansas City Kansas Public Library, Main Library, 625 Minnesota Ave. Free, but registration is required and will close at 2:38 p.m. March 19. kckpl.org NEED TO KNOW An Oklahoma bride-to-be is now planning a funeral instead of a wedding after her fiance was shot and killed "We never imagined our love story would end like this," Thelisa Sparks said of losing her fiance, Brentley Joseph Mueller, to what she described as "a senseless and brutal act of violence" The Oklahoma City Police Department said it is "unclear" what led to the fatal shooting, which occurred at an apartment complex on Feb. 6 An Oklahoma bride-to-be is now planning a funeral instead of a wedding after tragedy struck. Thelisa Sparks' fiance, 42-year-old Brentley Joseph Mueller, was shot and killed on Feb. 6. The fatal incident occurred at an apartment complex on S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement The department said officers responded to a report of a shooting at around 11:17 p.m. local time and found Mueller suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he died. "It is unclear what led up to the shooting," police said, adding that no arrests have been made in the case. Sparks, who described her late fiance as her "best friend" and "soulmate," recalled her final moments with Mueller in an interview with local outlet KOCO 5 News. Brentley Joseph Mueller Go Fund Me "I just remember holding him in my arms, crying and telling him, 'You gotta breathe. Look at me.' And he locked eyes with me and he's trying to take his last breath, and it was so freaking hard,' " she shared. The couple was set to get married in April after years together. Sparks told KOCO 5 News that she and Mueller had been through some ups and downs, but he was in a really good place at the time of his death. 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. "He got a job. He was giving his all to change his life around, and I think that's the hardest part. You change your life around, and then your life is just taken out of nowhere," she said. Advertisement Advertisement "I just want him to come home, and I know he's not. I know he's not gonna come home," Sparks added of losing her husband-to-be. In a GoFundMe created to help Mueller's family cover his funeral and burial expenses, the grieving bride wrote that the 42-year-old "was taken from us in a senseless and brutal act of violence." She remembered her late fiance as "a light to everyone who knew him." "He had a nurturing heart, a vibrant spirit, and a way of making people feel safe, seen and loved," she continued. "He gave life lessons without judgment, helped without hesitation, and sang simply to make others smile. That was who he was pure love." Brentley Joseph Mueller Go Fund Me She went on to share that the two had been "preparing a gorgeous wedding, dreaming about the life ahead of us, never once imagining that instead of celebrating our love, we would be planning a funeral." Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing prepares you for losing your one and only, especially in such a violent and unexpected way," she said. Sparks wrote that any funds raised would "help ensure that Brentley receives the beautiful farewell he deserves and allow his loved ones the space to grieve without added fear and stress." "Your kindness, compassion, and support mean more than words can express," she concluded the message. "Thank you for helping us honor Brentleys life, his love, and the legacy he leaves behind." As of Tuesday, Feb. 17, the GoFundMe had raised $3,151 toward a $4,500 goal. The Oklahoma City Police Department is asking anyone with information about the Feb. 6 shooting to call its Homicide Tip-Line at (405) 297-1200. Read the original article on People A cherished barbecue restaurant in Western Massachusetts announced its doors will close at the end of February due to financial challenges. Bubs Bar-B-Q on Amherst Road in Sunderland took to Facebook on Monday afternoon to say the restaurants building has been sold and the restaurant is moving on from the place its called home for the last 46 years. The owners expressed hope, however, that the business might reopen in a new location in the future. The business will continue to accept catering requests as well. Advertisement Advertisement My wife and I have worked hard to keep the building, the Facebook post read. We have saved, talked with banks, lawyers, contractors, electricians but in the end the sale amount was too high and the amount of work this building needed after years of neglect. The building needs thousands of dollars worth of work, the owners said, and they added a personal note to their announcement: My wife and I have also been diagnosed with unexplained infertility during this time which is another financial strain. The owners said they hope to find a new home for Bubs Bar-B-Q and encouraged customers to return during its final weeks. Advertisement Advertisement It has been an honor to meet all the long time customers, hear your stories of the years of eating at bubs BBQ, watching all the UMass alumni come in with their UMass kids to keep the tradition alive, the owners said. We hope when we find its new home you can come back and continue to make new memories. Bubs Bar-B-Q started in 1979 by Howard Bub Tiley. His son took over in 2000 and then sold it to a long-time manager, who ran the business from 2012 to 2022. The current owner is Andrew Garlo, according to the restaurants website. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Ohios first Buc-ees is set to open in less than 50 days, and now the gas station chain is looking to hire more than 200 employees. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7 was on hand on Tuesday when Buc-ees began its mass hiring event at the Hope Hotel. The interview went really great, Chelsea OBrien, of Harrison Twp., said. It went better than I expected it to, actually. Advertisement Advertisement This week, more than 1,500 people like OBrien are expected to show up and sit down for an interview TRENDING STORIES: Michael Bui, Operations District Manager at Buc-ees, said starting pay for positions is between $18 and $23. One of the last things is hire the people thats going to help run the store, Bui said. Bui told News Center 7 that theyre looking for just over 200 people. Advertisement Advertisement Were looking to hire energetic people, he added. People that just want to come in, do a great job, and have fun. Hes spent 18 years at Buc-ees, starting as an associate and working his way up. He knows the excitement that comes with a new Buc-ees. Every time you open a store in a new area, you know, the buzz is unreal, Bui said. You know, Ive been (with) the company for a long time, and every time we open a new store in a new market, its - it still gives me goosebumps. He says training for these new employees will start in the next few weeks. The Buc-ees in Huber Heights is set to open on Monday, April 6, at 6 a.m. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Wisconsin Legislatures Joint Finance Committee voted to advance a Republican bill that would reauthorize the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship program with additional amendments Monday. The bill, SB 685, passed the committee with 11 Republican votes. Rep. Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha), Rep. Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay) and Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) voted against advancing the bill. In conjunction with SB 316, the bill would continue the program for an additional two years, but in a limited form. When we start to dismantle programs that have been in place for 30 years that were built on bipartisanship, I start to seriously have my doubts, Andraca said. She added that Republican lawmakers were willing to kill a popular program because of a state Supreme Court decision that removed their ability to anonymously veto particular projects. Advertisement Advertisement For many years, Wisconsin lawmakers exercised control over the Knowles-Nelson program through the Joint Finance Committee as members could anonymously object to any project and have it held up for an indeterminate time. That ended last year after the state Supreme Court ruled 6-1 that anonymous objections were unconstitutional. Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley wrote for the majority that the statutes encroach upon the governors constitutional mandate to execute the law. This is not the best that you could do. This is the best that you chose to do, Andraca said. Killing a popular bipartisan program out of spite does not make a great bumper sticker, but it does make it a whole lot easier for your constituents to know where you stand on conservation. The program is currently authorized at $33 million annually. The GOP bill will continue the program at a funding level of $28.25 million and limit land acquisitions for the two-year reauthorization period. The Assembly passed its versions of the bills on a 53-44 party-line vote in January. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage Committee approved changes to the bills on Friday. The recent amendments in the Senate mean the bills will need to pass a vote in both houses of the Legislature. The Senate plans to meet for a floor session on Wednesday. One recent change to the bill eliminates a requirement that land-acquisition grants to nonprofit conservation organizations only be used for land south of U.S. Highway 8. Another change specifies that provisions related to minor land acquisitions will only be effective in 2026-27 and 2027-28. Under the bill, the department will only be able to make minor land acquisitions, defined as parcels of land that are five acres or less in size and would improve access to hunting, fishing or trapping opportunities, or are contiguous to land already owned by the state. During the two-year period, the DNR would need to conduct a survey of all of the land that has been acquired under the stewardship program including an inventory of all land acquired with money. It would also have to report proposed project boundaries and land acquisition priorities for the next two to five years and proposed changes. Another change in the amendments prohibits the DNR from acquiring land in 2026-27 and 2027-28 if it would result in more than 35% of the total acreage in a municipality being owned by the state, city, village, town or federal government, unless the municipality adopted a resolution approving the acquisition. That provision does not consider county-owned land in a given municipality. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats wanted a more robust investment in the program. Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) proposed a bill that would dedicate $72 million to the stewardship program and Gov. Tony Evers called for over $100 million for it in his budget. The program, initially created in 1989, has allowed for state borrowing and spending for state land acquisition and for grants to local governments and nonprofit conservation organizations with the goal of preserving wildlife habitat and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Wisconsin. It has traditionally had bipartisan support and has been reauthorized several times throughout its history, including last in 2021. The programs funds will run out on June 30, 2026 if a reauthorization bill is not signed into law. Bill coauthors Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), who are both members of the budget committee, were critical of Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Kurtz said he supports conservation and said the bill had been hijacked by politics, including blaming the state Supreme Court decision for the current situation. He also preemptively blamed Democratic lawmakers for the potential end to the program. Kurtz said he wasnt crazy about the process, but asked the Legislative Fiscal Bureau what percentage of projects were approved under the program even with the anonymous objector process in place. An LFB staffer said 93% submitted to JFC were approved. 93% that was submitted to the Joint Finance were approved 93% so basically, were bickering over 7% that you didnt like, Kurtz said. Kurtz said there could also be other opportunities to acquire land by passing other bills. Advertisement Advertisement If theres a piece of land that comes up next to Devils Lake, and the DNR wants to buy it, and they come to me and say, Hey, Rep. Kurtz, we didnt get the money in this authorization, but this is an opportunity that we can expand Devils Lake I will be the first one to jump on that bill, because I know how important it is, Kurtz said. So when people say that its only $28.25 [million] they need to start thinking outside the box If this fails, this is on the doorsteps of the Democrats in the state of Wisconsin, period, and I will sing that every day, 24/7, 365, Kurtz said. Johnson pushed back on Kurtzs comment, noting that Republican lawmakers currently hold the majority in the state Senate and Assembly. [That] ultimately means that you can do whatever you want, Johnson said, adding that she was confused by the Republican lawmakers trying to pass blame to Democrats. Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) commented that Evers will need to sign the bills for them to become law. Advertisement Advertisement This notion that this is somehow going to kill the program. Thats not accurate. Were trying to save it because there are those of us up here who value conservation, Testin said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nine months ago, Steak n Shake began accepting Bitcoin. Now, the company says the move has driven a sharp rise in its sales. Its same-store sales have risen dramatically, the company tweeted Monday, adding that it now routes Bitcoin payments into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which it has previously said is used to fund employee bonuses. We have combined a decentralized, cash-producing operating business with the transformative power of Bitcoin, the company said. It first teased its pivot last May and began accepting payments in the worlds largest crypto. The company did not disclose exactly how much of its Bitcoin activity has helped lift its bottom line. Decrypt has reached out to Steak n Shake and its owner, Biglari Holdings, for comment. This is what a real digital asset treasury model looks like, Vineet Budki, CEO at venture capital firm Sigma Capital, told Decrypt. Therein lies the difference between strategy and speculation, Budki said. Compare this to companies where Bitcoin is the business model, where the stock is just a leveraged Bitcoin proxy. Corporate Bitcoin adoption won't come from crypto-native firmsit'll come from traditional businesses treating Bitcoin like what it is: digital gold on a balance sheet, not a business plan, Budki added. Steak 'n Shake to Pay 'Bitcoin Bonus' to Hourly EmployeesHere's How Much In October last year, it debuted a limited Bitcoin Steakburger stamped with the crypto's logo. A month later, it confirmed that Bitcoin payments would be deposited into a newly formed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Last month, it disclosed a $10 million increase in Bitcoin exposure tied to that reserve. Days later, the company arranged for its employees to receive Bitcoin bonuses, paying $0.27 in crypto per hour worked, with a two-year vesting period. Steak n Shake holds roughly 161 BTC worth about $11 million, sitting about 26% below an average purchase price of $92,851, data from BitcoinTreasuries shows. Steak n Shake Adds $10 Million in Bitcoin Exposure Alongside BTC 'Strategic Reserve' Steak n Shake is operated by publicly listed Biglari Holdings, meaning additional details on its financial performance and its Bitcoin exposure could surface through future regulatory filings. While the move may appear quirky, the chains repeated capital allocations and employee compensation plans suggest a deeper operational commitment rather than a short-term marketing push. If more businesses align with freedom and sovereignty, we'll be heading in the right direction, Samuel Patt, co-founder of Bitcoin tech firm op_net, told Decrypt. Still, merchant demand for Bitcoin as a payment method will require either network scaling conversations or better Lightning network infrastructure to be built, Patt added. Steak n Shake appears to be an outlier as demand for Bitcoin as payments has fallen significantly, Patt said. That could change as demand builds when large merchants prove Bitcoin works in practice, giving others a model to follow, he added. The roof of the Koch Food Plant in Fairfield collapsed after a large fire Feb. 15, 2026. 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. Multiple area fire departments battled a fire at Koch Foods on Port Union Road in Fairfield overnight Feb. 15, 2026. Fire engines at one of the entrances of Koch Foods in Fairfield hours after a large fire broke out at the plant early Sunday morning, Feb. 15, 2026. Firefighters say ammonia tanks inside the Koch Food Plant in Fairfield were isolated and secured after a large fire Feb. 15, 2026. Around 100 firefighters battled a fire at the Koch Food Plant in Fairfield throughout the night Feb. 15, 2026. Koch Foods Plant fatal fire triggered shelter-in-place 1 of 6 The roof of the Koch Food Plant in Fairfield collapsed after a large fire Feb. 15, 2026. The identity of the worker who died at the Koch Food Plant fire in Fairfield on Sunday has been released. 25-year-old Griffin Darrow died from smoke inhalation, according to the Butler County Coroner's Office. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating after one worker was killed and two others were injured in the fire that engulfed most of the 600,000-square-foot building's roof, according to a spokesperson of the federal agency. Advertisement Advertisement OSHA typically issues citations, if warranted, to the employer within six months of the date the injury or death occurred. The Fairfield Fire Investigation Unit is leading a separate investigation, with assistance from the Ohio State Fire Marshals Office. "Our investigators are there with the state fire marshal's office and theyre going to do a complete walkthrough, start looking through everything," Conn said. He said it would take a while for investigators to inspect the site because of the extensive damage. Multiple area fire departments battled a fire at Koch Foods on Port Union Road in Fairfield overnight Feb. 15, 2026. This story may be updated. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Coroner identifies worker killed in Koch Foods Plant fire California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn are sparring on social media ahead of Newsom's planned trip to Tennessee. Tennesseans have worked too hard to build what we have, and were not interested in GavinNewsom's failed, radical left policies that have wrecked California, Blackburn, a Republican running for governor, posted to the X social media platform the afternoon of Feb. 16. Spare me, Marsha," responded Newsom, a Democrat who appears poised for a presidential run. Advertisement Advertisement Tennessees violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, Newsom wrote. Californians make more $, live longer, and are overall happier while you promote policies that have resulted in lawlessness and higher depression rates. Time to turn Tennessee blue. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, listens during Gov. Bill Lees speech during Agriculture Day on the Hill at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Blackburn replied that California is the place of high taxes, the most expensive living, sanctuary for illegal immigrant criminals, and the template for American decline. She told Newsom to ask In-N-Out Burger and Oracle why they are moving to Tennessee. In-N-Out Burgers headquarters in California will stay open as it plans a corporate expansion to Franklin. The companys CEO pointed to lower cost of living and a better business environment in Tennessee. Oracle plans to move its headquarters to Nashville from Austin, Texas. It was previously headquartered in Silicon Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Parnassus Books and OZ Arts are hosting a Feb. 21 event with Newsom to discuss his book, "Young Man In A Hurry." The event starts at 6 p.m. at OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Cir. Information is available online at parnassusbooks.net/event/2026-02-21/gavin-newsom-young-man-hurry. Newsom is far from a stranger from sparring online with Republicans as he attempts to frame himself as the leading opposition to President Donald Trump. He has made headlines in mimicking Trump's style on social media, typing in all caps and not shying away from a few insults at his opponents. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Sen. Marsha Blackburn, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom's social spat The CEO of California HIgh-Speed Rail Authority, Ian Choudri, was arrested at his Folsom home this month on suspicion of domestic battery, according to news reports. The arrest, first reported by KCRA, took place Feb. 4, the day after Choudri appeared at a public event with Gov. Gavin Newsom to celebrate the completion of a railhead facility in Kern County. Choudri, 57, was arrested just after midnight following a domestic disturbance call to the home, according to The Sacramento Bee, citing Folsom police logs. Officers took Choudri into custody on suspicion of battery of a spouse, a misdemeanor, The Bee reported. Advertisement Advertisement The California High-Speed Rail Authority on Monday night said that it was reviewing the matter and did not have further comment. Choudri's attorney, Allen Sawyer, said the Sacramento District Attorney's Office received an incident report from the Folsom Police Department and declined to file charges against Choudri. At the time of the arrest, Choudri was with his fiance, Sawyer said. This article originally published at California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO arrested this month on suspicion of domestic battery. Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday launched a multi-billion-dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian military and rely less on the United States. Carney's announcement of Canada's first defence industrial strategy built on themes he has emphasized during his 11-month tenure as President Donald Trump rips through traditional US alliances. The prime minister says Canada has not done nearly enough to defend itself in an increasingly dangerous world and counting on US protection is no longer viable. Advertisement Advertisement "We've relied too heavily on our geography and others to protect us," Carney said. "This has created vulnerabilities that we can no longer afford and dependencies that we can no longer sustain," he added. Carney has become one of the most prominent global voices criticizing Trump's administration, notably after his speech at the World Economic Forum last month where he said Trump had triggered a "rupture" in the rules-based global order. On Tuesday, Carney also addressed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech last week to the Munich Security Conference, highlighting what the Canadian leader sees as the widening gap between US and Canadian values. Advertisement Advertisement Carney, addressing reporters after giving a speech on the defence plan, pivoted to Rubio's speech without being asked about it. He cautioned that Trump's top diplomat had spoken of Washington's desire to defend "Christian nationalism." "Canadian nationalism is civic nationalism" and Ottawa's mandate was to defend the rights of everyone in a vast and diverse country, Carney said. "There is a rivalry taking place between Canadian nationalism and other forms of nationalism," he added, speaking in French. In Munich, Rubio said "Western Civilization" was defined by "Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices of our forefathers." Advertisement Advertisement - Never be 'hostage' - Carney's office said the defence industrial strategy amounts to an investment of "over half a trillion dollars (US$366 billion) in Canadian security, economic prosperity, and our sovereignty." In addition to direct government defence spending of about CAN$80 billion over the next five years, the plan includes CAN$180 billion in defence procurement and CAN$290 billion in defence and security-related infrastructure through the coming decade, Carney said. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce applauded Carney for having "bet big on Canada." "The scale of new funding is unprecedented," the group's vice president, David Pierce, said in a statement, adding that the plan will be measured by whether the funds produce "a stronger Canadian Armed Forces." Advertisement Advertisement For Carney, the increasingly fragile security relationship with the United States does not mean Canada should go it alone on defence. His government has pursued closer military ties with the European Union and, at the Munich conference, Ottawa formally joined the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program -- making Canada the only non-European member of the bloc's defence financing scheme. The prime minister on Tuesday also talked about hopes for new defence export opportunities in Asia, notably with South Korea. The goal is to "be strong enough to be a partner of choice," the prime minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Canada should build "a domestic defense industrial base so we are never hostage to the decisions of others when it comes to our security," he said. Carney also re-emphasized the need to enforce Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, where warming temperatures caused by climate change are thawing the ice, opening a new era of competition for critical minerals. bs/msp LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)- A Canadian man was arrested in Lynchburg on child pornography charges. Cole Gorrill, 22, of Prince Edward Island, was arrested February 6, according to the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD). The investigation was a collaborative effort between LPD, the Halifax Integrated Criminal Investigation Division (Canada), and the Canada Border Services Agency. Lynchburg teen charged with spying and lewd photos at Lynchburg gym Advertisement Advertisement Gorrill was charged with the following offenses: 18.2-374.1:1 Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography 18.2-374.3 Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children Community members who encounter suspected Child Sexual Abuse Material online are encouraged not to download or share the content, LPD wrote in a press release. Instead, report it immediately to the LPD or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) through their CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org. Reports are reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation. Gorrill is being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing. 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 WFXRtv. This excerpt is part of TPM Cafe, TPMs home for opinion and news analysis. Democracys most radical, yet purist premise is peoples power as exercise of power, not simply consent to power. As I detail in my new book Politics Without Politicians, in classical Athens, governing was not the domain of a political class but a shared civic practice and a duty distributed in part on the basis of random selection (with frequent rotation). Additionally, whatever its profound exclusions in the definition of who counted as a citizen, the Athenian system was built on the idea that no citizen was too poor, too uneducated, or too timid to be deprived of a voice about common affairs. Democracy meant, in those days, ruling and being ruled in turn, as opposed to what it means today: regularly consenting, via elections, to never ruling and always being ruled by career politicians. At a moment when many Americans feel alienated from politics as something done by and for others, it seemed important to revisit a model that treated self-government as a lived, everyday responsibility. The below excerpt also addresses a common objection head-on: the assumption that modern problems are too complex for ordinary citizens to handle. Climate change, AI, reproductive rights, economic inequality, democratic backsliding surely these require technocratic management? The Athenian experience suggests that expertise mattered, but it was subordinated to collective judgment. Political capacity was not assumed in advance; it was cultivated through participation. The more citizens were entrusted with real power, the more capable they became. That lesson feels especially urgent today, as distrust of institutions deepens and many democracies slide toward either technocracy or demagoguery. Advertisement Advertisement This passage helps reframe contemporary experiments with citizens assemblies not as utopian novelties but as part of a long democratic lineage. When randomly selected bodies proved less manipulable than large open assemblies, the Athenians adjusted their institutions accordingly. They were pragmatic about protecting equality from capture. In our own era of polarization and elite gridlock, citizens assemblies represent a similarly pragmatic effort: to create spaces where everyday people can deliberate across difference without the distortions of partisan incentives and campaign finance. The point is not to romanticize Athens, but to recover its most enduring insight that democracy must constantly evolve its institutions in order to preserve political equality. Classical Athens (508 322 BCE) is the first democracy we know of to have introduced a crucial innovation: the use of lot to assign political offices combined with a rotation of offices. These combined practices ensured that politics remained, for all intents and purposes, an amateurs sport. Politics was for everyone who counted as a citizen in Athens, not just social elites and gifted orators. What was truly unique in Athens is the way that the poor and the rich were actual political equals. This was unheard of at the city-state level in the ancient world. Another unique feature of the Athenian system is that education and technical expertise were not prerequisites for participating in the assembly, nor, perhaps more surprisingly, were they required for exercising political functions. Citizen involvement was achieved through a combination of open public assemblies, where the masses directly made decisions, and a system of lotteries and rapid rotation for political offices. This approach ensured, as Aristotle famously defined ancient democracy, that everyone had the opportunity to rule and be ruled in turn. Ordinary Citizens as Legislators Ancient Athenians delegated agenda-setting power to a group of five hundred randomly selected citizens chaired each day by a different, also randomly selected, citizen. The Council of 500, as this assembly was called, was appointed by lot annually and deliberated over policy recommendations and law proposals. These recommendations and proposals were then passed on to a much larger body, the Peoples Assembly, which any citizen could join, up to the physical capacity of the venue. Advertisement Advertisement The meetings of the assembly took place initially at the marketplace, the Agora, but were later moved to a bigger and specifically public-oriented space called the Pnyx, on a hill overlooking the city. The Pnyx could accommodate a maximum of around eight thousand people out of the sixty-thousand-strong citizenry. But somehow this subset was identified as the demos (the people), and their decisions were binding on those who didnt directly participate. To reach a decision, the assembly members first listened to various orators arguing the pros and cons of policy recommendations and laws. Once they were done talking, the assembly voted through a mix of raised hands and the ancient equivalent of an applause meter. Meanwhile, various citizens juries ranging from five hundred to a thousand members were assembled daily to judge political trials, in which they listened to the accusations and rebuttals before casting a judgment (without deliberation). In 411 and 404 BCE, however, Athenian democracy was lost to oligarchic coups by aristocrats who managed to convince the Peoples Assembly to vote for them. When rebuilding their democracy on the heels of these events, the Athenians decided to pass a series of reforms that transferred power from the Peoples Assembly to sortition-based bodies, called nomothetai. Advertisement Advertisement While these reforms are sometimes understood to have weakened Athenian democracy, by moving legislative power from the open assembly to the lot-based juries, the changes may on the contrary be interpreted as a way of strengthening it, by preserving the principle of equality but protecting the decision-making from capture by gifted orators and demagogues. The Athenians seemed to have empirically arrived at the conclusion that randomly selected assemblies were not less democratic but less manipulable than large open ones. In fairness, there is some debate as to whether the nomothetai were appointed by lot or some other mechanism. But the key point is that they were supposed to be run by ordinary members of the demos. A Place for the Shy The Greeks understood political equality (for those considered free men) as the idea that no one was too humble to participate in politics. Poverty, for examplea common source of shame and political hesitation in most societieswas not seen as a barrier. According to Pericles, as we saw above, obscurity of condition was not an obstacle to a political career. It meant that in Athens even the dirt-poor citizen could find himself in the political spotlightthat is, visibly occupying a position of political influenceruling, not just being ruled, as long as he had the desire for it. Mere willingness to show up sufficed to access a key position of power in the polity, namely a spot in the Peoples Assembly, where the poor (again, as long as they were citizens) had the same opportunity as the rich to speak up and make proposals to the group, and at the very least could vote and shout and murmur to approve or reject a proposal. But citizens could also volunteer for a chance to serve on popular juries, in which they were part of a group that rendered important political judgments. Last but not least, if they put down their name for it, they might even be selected (by lot) for a spot on the Council of 500, on which they set the political agenda for the whole community. Over the course of a lifetime, these op-portunities allowed any person counting as a citizen to feel that they were shaping political decision-making and to develop a real sense of political efficacy. Advertisement Advertisement Whats more, the desire to participate wasnt taken for grantedit was actively encouraged and incentivized, including through monetary compensation. Citizens were paid an obol per day (the equivalent of ten dollars today) for attending the assembly or serving on juries. While this amount was insignificant to the wealthy, it was a critical incentive for the many poor citizens. For them, it was worth arriving at dawn to secure a spot, as latecomers were turned away once the assembly reached capacityand without a spot, there was no pay. What About Accountability? How were the many randomly selected and self-selected bodies of classical Athens accountable in the absence of the electoral mechanism? First, randomly selected bodies in charge of lawmaking were protected from the risk of corruption by the very fact of their random selection. This made it impossible to predict who was going to be in charge and thus prevented the bribery of decision-makers ahead of time (for example, under the guise of campaign donations). Random selection also made it impossible for any person to facilitate through donations the accession to power of his underlings. Additionally, facing a randomly selected group, any wouldbe corrupter would have had to bribe each individual one by one, in retail fashion, so to speak, rather than in bulk (as is made easier in elected assemblies, in which buying off the party hierarchy gets you all the votes at once). An additional accountability mechanism was periodic and frequent rotation of those same randomly selected assemblies, which made it difficult to build over time the relationships facilitating the desired quid pro quo arrangements. Additional preemptive accountability mechanisms included vetting of citizen volunteers up front for participation in the lottery. Advertisement Advertisement To ensure additional accountability, classical Athens included a system of popular juries before which people accused of leading the city astray had to explain themselves and provide accounts of their proposals and actions, and by which these accused people would ultimately be judged. This was, infamously, what happened to Socrates, who was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth. Accountability was also facilitated by a practice called euthynai or straightening, the examination of accounts that every public official underwent upon the expiration of their term. Was Ancient Democracy Successful? Classical Athens is the paradigmatic case of politics without politicians. Was Athens politically successful as a result of centering the political wisdom of ordinary citizens rather than that of professional politicians and even experts, as well as in making the knowledge experts statutorily subservient to the will of citizens? Athenians and their contemporaries seemed to believe so, and modern historians concur. For example, Josiah Ober, a Stanford University scholar of ancient Greece, argues that it was the collective wisdom of Athenians and in particular the knowledge-aggregating properties of their democratic procedures that established the commercial, artistic, and even military superiority of Athens over rival city-states, including Sparta. Of course, superiority did not entail infallibility. Quite apart from and in addition to the moral bankruptcy of slavery, democratic Athens also made terrible political mistakes. Critics are fond of citing the 415 BCE invasion of Sicily, which resulted in a humiliating defeat for the city, though the army itself recovered relatively quickly, and the condemnation to death of Socrates by a popular jury in 399 BCE, which stained the reputation of democracy among philosophers pretty much forever (courtesy of Socratess influential student Plato). Athens was not a flawless or entirely inspirational system, and it was ultimately taken over by the much larger Macedonian empire. But during the two hundred and fifty years or so of its existence, democratic Athens was still, on the whole, gloriously outperforming less-democratic regimes of similar sizes in terms of military might, economic prosperity, and flourishing of the arts and sciences. Greek Lessons for Today Assuming the Greek system worked well on the whole, what can ancient Athens possibly have to teach us today? We moderns live in huge, multicultural nation-states and in a postindustrial, globalized age in which problems are much more complex than those that ancient people had to face. What could still be of relevance in such ancient models of democracy, even if we ignore their repulsive reliance on and disenfranchisement of enslaved people? Would their form of politics without politicians be able to deal with climate change? Nuclear proliferation? An opioid crisis? Advertisement Advertisement If your intuitive answer to the last question is that ordinary citizens would be incapable of coming up with solutions to these modern problems, you really need to read the rest of this book. For I will argue that what we can learn from the ancient Greeks and from all the people across history who have practiced a form of politics without politicians is that politics is not primarily a matter of expertise and professionalism. It is, instead, the business of every citizen. In ancient Greece, the definition of who counted as a citizen was certainly exclusionary. But once you counted as a citizen, your participation was not conditional on possession of knowledge and expertise any more than it was conditional on socioeconomic status or property ownership. One implication is that the poorest of the poor had just as much of a chance as the wealthy to enter the Peoples Assembly, on a first-come, first-serve basis, since physical space was limited. In fact, a willingness to get up at dawn and wait at the entrance of the assembly site actually gave an advantage to the poor over the rich. The poorest and the least educated also had the same chance as the wealthy of being selected, once their names were entered in the pool of viable candidates, in the lottery that assigned positions on the Council of 500 or on political juries. In fact, because attendance was paid (even if not much), the poor did, in practice, participate more than the rich. Thus, unsurprisingly, and unlike what happens in our modern societies, policies and laws were more responsive to their needs than to those of the rich. How else would you explain a system in which the rich were expected to pay, and were seemingly happy to pay, for their own expensive military equipment and all public religious celebrations? The fact that political participation was not conditional on demonstrable expertise at the gate does not mean that ancient Greek democracy did not heavily rely on and make use of expertise. On the contrary, classical Athens was able to mobilize and use experts while keeping them subordinated to citizens judgment. Many of these topical experts were slaves. Meanwhile, the practice of engaging in politics regularly educated citizens and created its own kind of expertise. Advertisement Advertisement What we can learn, or relearn, from the Greeks is that political expertise is also acquired on the job. The less we give people an opportunity to participate, the less capable they are. The more we ask of them, the more they learn. A natural objection could easily arise: Arent you then simply asking that every single one of us turn into an expert? Arent you basically recreating politics with politicians, just not the elected kind? Josiah Ober points out that in the Athenian context, learning from political practice did not mean turning into a politician: The effective operation of democracy did not require each participant to be completely socialized into the routines of government or to understand all of the machines complex workings. Athenians, individually, did not have to turn into Pericles or Platos philosopher-kings. James Madison is famous for his criticism of ancient democracy on the grounds that had every Athenian been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob. It would be more accurate to say that had Pericles never existed, the whole Athenian political system would still have been just as smart. This was arguably the view held by Pericles himself. In the previously mentioned funeral oration commemorating fallen soldiers of the Peloponnesian War, he is reported as celebrating the merits of public wisdom: Ordinary citizens, though occupied with the pursuits of industry, are still fair judges of public matters. The Greeks remind us that democracy, in its original form, is the daily practice of collective self-government. Today, as trust in institutions collapses and polarization hardens into paralysis, citizens assemblies are reemerging as a practical way to restore that practice. By bringing everyday people into structured, good-faith deliberationand without the poisonous influences of partisan warfare, media incentives, and campaign politics these assemblies can help address the most entrenched challenges facing American democracy. They offer not just a nostalgic return to ancient Athens, but a modern revival of its most radical insights: that politics is everyones responsibility and that ordinary citizens, given the opportunity, can govern. From POLITICS WITHOUT POLITICIANS: The Case for Citizen Rule by Helene Landemore, published by Thesis, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright (c) 2026 by Helene Landemore. Maaike Alejandra Mora, 16, held up her U.S. passport as she spoke at the Feb. 16 Carmel City Council meeting. The Carmel High School student told city leaders she wanted them to understand how immigrant families feel about the news that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility is moving into their city. The mere presence of an ICE office, regardless of if it is administrative, it sends a message, Mora told Carmel leaders. When an ICE office comes into a community, it changes the atmosphere. It makes some residents feel like they have to shrink themselves to avoid attention. Advertisement Advertisement Four other Carmel residents spoke during public comments at the Feb. 16 meeting, expressing concerns over ICE coming into their community. No residents spoke in support of the new neighbor to be. During the meeting, Mayor Sue Finkam said ICE would be leasing a privately-owned office that it would use as overflow space for administrative personnel currently working in the ICE office on Woodland Drive in Indianapolis. She did not say where the Carmel ICE office would be. More: Indiana House passes Trump admin-approved immigration reform. Opponents fear it will embolden ICE News of the agency moving into Hamilton County went public last week. The City of Carmel directed questions on where ICE would be located and other details to the federal agency itself. Advertisement Advertisement ICE has not responded to questions from IndyStar. A WIRED Magazine article reports that ICE is expanding across the country, leasing new space in nearly every state, mostly in or just outside of large cities. The magazine reports that Carmels ICE location will be at an office park on Pennsylvania Parkway, called Penn on Pkwy. IndyStar reached out to the apparent owner and leasing manager of Penn on Pkwy for comment but did not receive a reply The agency's move into Carmel comes amid increasing protests against ICE in recent weeks. Hundreds of students from Indianapolis-area schools have participated in anti-ICE walkouts. Anti-ICE protesters have lined both sides of East 86th Street, near the Monon Trail crossing. And, anti-ICE protestors held an armed march down Mass Ave in Indianapolis on Valentines Day. Advertisement Advertisement Previous coverage: ICE is opening an office in Carmel. What does that mean? The protests in Central Indiana follow a national trend of anti-ICE protests that started after the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Good was shot and killed by a federal agent from ICE in early January. Protests across the country intensified after another U.S. citizen Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents a few weeks later while protesting, also in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Indiana lawmakers are moving to embrace President Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign with a bill that would punish employers, schools and local government units who try to undermine the efforts. The legislation, Senate Bill 76, was passed by the Indiana House with a 60-28 vote on Feb. 12. The conversation around new ICE facilities in Indiana has not been limited to Carmel. The Merrillville Town Council, which leads a Democrat-leaning community in Lake County, recently passed a resolution stating their opposition to ICE opening a facility in their town. Advertisement Advertisement The action came in response to reports that the federal agency had identified an industrial warehouse in Merrillville as a possible site for a processing or detention facility. What are Carmel city leaders saying about the new ICE facility? 501 Pennsylvania Parkway is a Penn on Parkway building. Photo taken Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 in Carmel. Finkam said Carmel will follow the law and maintain open lines of communication with residents when it comes to federal law enforcement operating in the city. During the Monday night meeting, she also highlighted Carmel's diversity. For some it brings concern and uncertainty, for others it brings reassurance and a sense of safety, Finkam, a Republican, said during the city council meeting. Both responses are rooted in deeply held values, and both deserve to be respected. Several city council members also spoke about their new neighbor, acknowledging the fear some residents are feeling and said they were listening to residents' concerns. Advertisement Advertisement From last year: 1 Indiana sheriff isn't waiting for state order to begin helping ICE In this community if someone expresses fear for any reason, we must listen, City Council President Matthew Snyder said. It does not matter whether or not we share that fear. Dismissing it strengthens nothing. Understanding it strengthens community. Snyder noted the city does not have any legal authority to tell ICE that the agency cannot lease privately-owned space in the city. Anita Joshi, the lone Democrat on Carmel City Council, said city leaders have the authority to uphold local values. Advertisement Advertisement I understand we have legal limitations, but they do not limit our collective civic responsibility to push back against any abuses of constitutional protections that we all deserve and have, Joshi said. City councilor Jeff Worrell added that not just Carmels residents, but people who work and travel through the city need to feel safe as well. It is clear that this facility has caused genuine anxiety in our community, and in Carmel we pride ourselves on being safe, Worrell said. The city councilor said Carmels leaders need to create a pipeline of information about the ICE facility so that community members have accurate information. There needs to be conversations around how to best provide this information still, Worrell said. Advertisement Advertisement I have never been faced with an ICE facility before, Worrell said. I am learning alongside my colleagues and want to be responsive and do the best we can to make sure we deal with this appropriately. IndyStar reporter Marissa Meador contributed to this article. Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @Jake_Allen19. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmel residents express fear as ICE moves in. City leaders pledge communication NEED TO KNOW The Celebrity Infinity cruise ship reportedly lost power in the early morning of Sunday, Feb. 15 According to the Hellenic Coast Guard in Greece, the vessel required four tugboats to pull it ashore Raymond Whitley, an Infinity passenger, tells PEOPLE the crew used an emergency alert signaling a fire on board A Celebrity Cruises vessel sailing off the coast of Greece required the assistance of the local coast guard after a loss of control was reported on board. In the early hours of Sunday, Feb. 15, the Hellenic Coast Guards Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center informed the Port Authorities of Piraeus and Keratsini of "the loss of control of a cruise ship due to a malfunction in the electrical distribution panels, per a translated statement from the coast guard. The ship was located in the sea area outside the port in Piraeus, Greece. Advertisement Advertisement According to CruiseMapper, the Celebrity Infinity was initially scheduled for a port call in Piraeus the main port for Athens on Feb. 15. The vessel was on a 13-day, one-way sailing that departed Barcelona on Feb. 3 and was set to end in Piraeus-Athens on Feb. 16. A coast guard tugboat pull the 'Celebrity Infinity' cruise ship off the coast of Greece. Raymond Whitley Passenger Raymond Whitley tells PEOPLE he was on the ship when it lost power early Sunday morning. The incident happened just before 3 a.m., he says. Shortly after, there was a Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, alert over the ship-wide speaker system. The Independent reports the code is used to indicate a fire on board. No further announcements were made regarding the fire, after that. They left passengers sleeping. But I understand that all of the crew were woken up and put on standby, Whitley claims. The 'Celebrity Infinity' cruise ship Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty With the assistance of four tugboat ships, the cruise ship sailed safely to the port of Piraeus, the coast guards says. No injuries were reported from the incident and no marine pollution was observed. Advertisement Advertisement They add: The 1st Port Department of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus prohibited its departure until a certificate of damage repair was presented. A Celebrity Cruises spokesperson tells PEOPLE it is a part of normal protocol to rely on the assistance of tugboats to bring in vessels at the Port of Piraeus. The spokesperson did not answer questions about the report of a "Bravo, Bravo, Bravo," signal. In an emailed statement, Celebrity attributed the incident to a "technical issue onboard that the team quickly addressed." "We are completing the necessary maintenance and have cancelled our next sailing," the statement continued. "We apologize to our guests for the impact to their vacation and are working directly with them on travel arrangements and compensation." Advertisement Advertisement Whitley tells PEOPLE that a subsequent sailing for the Celebrity Infinity was scheduled to depart on Feb. 16. Some passengers, like himself, were booked to continue their sailing towards Turkey. He claims that those passengers were subjected to a ship without operating electricity. We were actually stuck on the ship until 5 p.m. the following day, he says. No air conditioning, no real food. By that stage, we did have toilets and running water, but very uncomfortable. Basically, we were waiting for people to return from excursions before Celebrity then bussed us to hotel accommodations. He adds that there were no emergency lights on in the staterooms, making the interior cabins hard to navigate. Whitley says there was also no internet available, making it difficult to book hotel accommodations. A message from Celebrity sent to passengers and obtained by PEOPLE, says customers on the Feb. 16 sailing would receive a full refund a future cruise credit worth 100% of cruise fare, a reimbursement for two nights of hotel accommodations and up to $200 for domestic and $400 for international flights. 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. While we appreciate the compensation from Celebrity, I actually [have] to wait five full days to get a seat on the airline that we were booked, Whitley says. We are probably covered two to three days from Celebrity, but I will be out of pocket for the additional time. Read the original article on People KANSAS CITY, Mo. Charges filed against a woman who was accused of trying to hit a Missouri trooper with a car in 2024 have been dropped. Dacoda S. Jackson was facing charges of first-degree assault and resisting in Jackson County Circuit Court in connection with the failed traffic stop that led to a chase and her being shot by a trooper on Nov. 17, 2024. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement The Jackson County Prosecutors Office says the case was dismissed due to prosecutors not being able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Jackson was the driver of the vehicle. During the time of the incident the Missouri State Highway Patrol was trying to stop a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 35 near Missouri 210 highway in Clay County just after midnight on Nov. 17, 2024. The highway patrol said at the time that the driver didnt stop. The car was later spotted near Linwood and Van Brunt boulevards in Kansas City. Troopers tried to stop the driver from fleeing by blocking the suspect vehicle, but driver reversed, hitting one patrol car. The highway patrol said the driver then started driving forward in the path of a trooper who was standing outside the patrol car. The trooper fired shots at the suspect vehicle, but it continued to drive away. Advertisement Advertisement The car eventually came to a stop at 13th Street and Prospect Avenue. Through witness interviews and video obtained by law enforcement, Jackson was determined to be the driver of the suspected vehicle, according to charging documents. She was found with multiple gunshots wounds and taken to a hospital. Other passengers were detained for questioning. No troopers were hurt. Days after the incident, the prosecutors office filed charges against Jackson. A trial was initially set to begin in the case on Tuesday. However, according to a public information officer with the court, the prosecutors office moved to dismiss the charges on Feb. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. China offered new humanitarian energy assistance to Ukraine even as a senior U.S. official said Beijing has the power to stop Russias invasion and has chosen not to. "China could call Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow and cut off his dual-purpose technologies that theyre selling," U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said during a Friday panel on U.S. foreign policy at the Munich Security Conference, moderated by Bloomberg. "China could stop buying Russian oil and gas," he added. "You know, this war is being completely enabled by China." Advertisement Advertisement Nato Ambassador Says Ukraine Peace Deal Could Be 'On The Cusp' As Nations Near Finalization Of Security Pact Whitakers remarks came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the conference and pledged what both sides described as humanitarian energy assistance to help Ukraine cope with ongoing Russian strikes on its power infrastructure. Sybiha said on social media that he was grateful for Chinas decision to provide an additional energy aid package. Readouts from both Kyiv, Ukraine, and Beijing described the meeting as focused on peace efforts, bilateral ties and support for Ukraines energy system, which repeatedly has been targeted by Russian missile and drone attacks. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement China has not publicly disclosed the size or scope of the aid package. China offered new humanitarian energy assistance to Ukraine, even as a senior U.S. official said Beijing has the power to stop Russias invasion and has chosen not to. Beijing repeatedly has said it seeks a "constructive" role in ending the crisis and maintains that it is not a party to the conflict. Chinese officials have denied supplying lethal military assistance to Moscow and argue they support dialogue and a political settlement. U.S. officials, however, increasingly frame China as Russias most important external enabler. Whitaker said in Munich that China is providing "crucial support" for Russias aggression. Russia relies heavily on China for critical parts and components used in drones and other war equipment, Western officials say, even as Beijing publicly distances itself from direct weapons transfers. Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy Claims Us Gave Ukraine And Russia A Deadline To Reach Peace Agreement "China could call Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow and cut off his dual-purpose technologies that theyre selling," U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, second from right, said during a Friday panel on U.S. foreign policy at the Munich Security Conference, moderated by Bloomberg. China and Russia have deepened their partnership since the start of the war, expanding trade and financial cooperation. Moscow increasingly has relied on Chinese technology, industrial goods and financial channels as Western sanctions tightened. China is once again the largest buyer of Russian crude oil shipments. Tracking data show that roughly 1.65 million barrels per day of crude were offloaded at Chinese ports in January the highest level since March 2024 and the second-highest monthly total since Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The purchases provide Moscow with a critical revenue stream as Western governments attempt to constrain Russias war financing through sanctions and price caps. Advertisement Advertisement The juxtaposition at Munich was stark: Beijing offering to help repair Ukraines energy grid while simultaneously remaining a major buyer of the oil that funds the Russian war machine Western officials say is destroying it. Whitakers remarks came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the conference and pledged what both sides described as humanitarian energy assistance to help Ukraine cope with ongoing Russian strikes on its power infrastructure. Beijing rejects the accusation that it is enabling the war, arguing instead that sanctions and military escalation will not resolve the conflict and that it supports negotiations. By maintaining diplomatic channels with Ukraine and offering humanitarian support, Beijing preserves a foothold in potential post-war reconstruction discussions, even as its economic ties with Moscow deepen. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement For European governments weighing additional measures against Chinese entities accused of supplying dual-use goods to Russia, Beijings humanitarian outreach complicates the diplomatic picture. For Washington, however, the framing at Munich was direct: China has the economic and technological influence to change Russias calculus. Original article source: China pledges aid to Ukraine as US officials warn Beijing is quietly fueling Russias war Jin Se Yeon showed up on TV the other day and told a story about her first kiss. The way she described it really surprised everyoneaudience and actors alike. The actress was a guest on the SBS program "My Little Old Boy," where she revealed her experiences filming romance scenes when she was younger. The topic of her first kiss was brought up during the program, and it shocked the hosts. Host Seo Jang Hoon referenced reports that Jin Se Yeon's first kiss involved someone connected to the show. In response to the revelation, fellow host Shin Dong Yup expressed surprise. He asked, "Not her first on-screen kiss, but her real first kiss?!" According to Koreaboo, Jin Se Yeon confirmed that her first real kiss took place with actor Choi Jin Hyuk. She said, "My first kiss was with Choi Jin Hyuk oppa," drawing smiles from Choi Jin Hyuk's mother, who was present in the studio audience. READ MORE: Jin Se Yeon Enjoyed Her Break From Melodrama The moment quickly gained attention online, with fans revisiting clips and past drama scenes. As reported by Xportsnews, the actress clarified that her very first lip contact on camera was actually a light "peck" filmed when she was 19 years old. That scene was with actor Lee Ji Hoon in the 2012 drama "My Daughter the Flower." However, Jin Se Yeon explained that it was only after she turned 20 that she experienced what she considers her first true kiss. Reflecting on the timing, Jin Se Yeon explained the circumstances surrounding the more mature scene. She said, "It was when I was transitioning from 19 to 20. When I was 19, the script described it as more of a peck. But once the year changed and I became an adult, there was a kiss scene, and it said 'steamier than before.' Since I had turned 20, I think the writer kind of wrote it like my seal had been lifted." She also addressed her personal life at the time of filming. She added, "At the time, I wasn't dating anyone, and since it was a daily series, so it was nothing intense. It was a sweet shoot." The story has since fueled renewed interest in the actress's early career and past K-drama roles, highlighting how a memorable on-set moment continues to resonate with fans years later. READ MORE: 'Queen: Love and War' Cast Update 2022: Here's What's New With Jin Se Yeon, Kim Min Gyu, Do Sang Woo Teijin Pharma has signed a joint research agreement with Tokyo-based Aska Pharmaceutical to develop small-molecule drug candidates for gynaecological diseases. The collaboration aims to expedite early-stage drug discovery focused on innovative therapeutics, using Teijin Pharmas expertise in computer-aided drug design (CADD) and AI. Under the agreement, both companies will focus on identifying hit compounds that interact with specific molecular targets. These initial compounds will undergo further optimisation to establish the desired efficacy, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety required for potential drug development. Teijin Pharma is advancing its drug candidate discovery process by enhancing simulation accuracy and predictive modelling, resulting in a research platform that shortens timelines and raises the probability of success in drug development. Aska Pharmaceutical brings experience grounded in addressing real-world clinical needs, particularly in womens health, and has developed a portfolio focused on unmet medical requirements in the field. The company has developed a wide range of products to support women at various stages of life. The partnership will combine Teijin Pharmas advanced drug discovery technologies with Aska Pharmaceuticals clinical expertise in gynaecological disease evaluation. Both companies share the goal of providing innovative treatments to improve the quality of life for women with gynaecological conditions. Aska Pharmaceutical specialises in three areas: urology, internal medicine (gastroenterology and thyroid), and obstetrics and gynaecology. Teijin operates across high-performance materials and healthcare solutions worldwide, working with partners to deliver solutions aligned with its long-term vision. Teijin recently submitted an application to Japans Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency seeking manufacturing and marketing approval for lonapegsomatropin, a prodrug of somatropin, which is administered once weekly. "Teijin and Aska Pharmaceutical to co-develop gynaecological drugs" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Rev. Dr. Keith Savage, Senior Servant, First Baptist Church of Manassas and Rev. Dr. Michael Sessoms, Pastor, Little Union Baptist Church (Dumfries) For centuries, the African American church has been the backbone of our Virginia communities. Our congregations First Baptist Church of Manassas, founded in 1872, and Little Union Baptist Church, established in 1903 have been places of worship, organizing, refuge and leadership through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and generations of upheaval. Today, we face a different kind of threat. Its quieter than the ones our grandparents faced, but its hollowing us out just the same. Advertisement Advertisement It has become unbearably expensive to live in Northern Virginia. It is our sincere hope that Virginia lawmakers, now debating hundreds of bills during the General Assembly session, will invest in housing solutions to meet the dire needs of our congregants and residents statewide. Were losing our people We have lost count of how many faithful, longtime members have left our region for the Carolinas, Georgia, Texas and Florida. Theyre not leaving because they suddenly prefer those states politics or because they no longer love this community. Elders who are retiring and young families trying to raise children simply cannot afford to stay. Advertisement Advertisement Over the past month alone, our two congregations have lost five longtime families to retirement moves down south, where housing is affordable and their savings actually stretch. Increasingly, our goodbye gatherings outnumber our baptisms. When these families go, we lose more than numbers. We lose our history. We lose our mentors, our choirs, our ushers, our Sunday school teachers leaders who invested in our churches for decades. Communities that took generations to build are being slowly dismantled. Not by a lack of faith, but by a lack of housing people can afford. Even when young families join our churches, many are soon priced out of Prince William County. Theyre forced to move farther away or leave Virginia altogether. Its not just about church Every week, people from the neighborhoods surrounding our congregations come to our doors with tears in their eyes, asking for help to make rent. Our food pantry lines grow longer as families are forced to choose: food on the table or a roof over their heads. Advertisement Advertisement And as our congregations shrink, were left with fewer resources to help people navigate a crisis that grows more severe by the day. Virginians across the commonwealth understand this. Polling last summer showed Virginians view housing costs as the single biggest issue facing our state cutting across region, race, and party. Despite that consensus, our housing system remains locked in place. The problem is simple In much of Virginia, local rules make it illegal or nearly impossible to build the kinds of homes working adults and families actually need. Smaller homes. Apartments. Homes near jobs, transit and existing communities. Advertisement Advertisement With too few homes available, families get pushed into bidding wars. Rents climb. Homeownership slips further out of reach. This isnt just a Northern Virginia problem. When one region shuts the door on new housing, pressure builds in the next one, raising prices everywhere. Thats why this statewide crisis requires leadership at the state level just as Virginia already provides for transportation, education and public safety. Theres a path forward This year, the General Assembly is considering several bills that would take meaningful steps forward. And this week, as bills passed by the House or Senate move to the other chamber, lawmakers have several chances to take a stand for affordability. One promising bill would allow faith institutions like ours to build affordable housing on our own property, with clear standards. That speaks directly to our call to love our neighbors. The House and Senate have passed their own versions of this bill. This week, they must work together to send it to the governors desk. Advertisement Advertisement Other legislation would make it easier to add modest homes in existing neighborhoods, redevelop empty strip malls, and eliminate outdated parking rules that quietly drive up housing costs. None of these proposals are radical. Many other states red and blue have adopted similar reforms. They enjoy broad public support. And they would unlock desperately needed homes without costing taxpayers a dime. Virginias new gubernatorial administration campaigned on making life more affordable for families. When it comes to housing the single biggest expense most households face this is the test. Its one thing to run on affordability. Its another to summon the courage to break from a failed status quo. Advertisement Advertisement We want Virginia to be a place where people can build a life, raise children, retire with dignity and remain rooted in the congregations and communities they love. But it will require elected leaders truly willing to lead so our churches, and our people, are not priced out of the commonwealth we have all worked so hard to build. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A Cincinnati couple took in a Senegalese man seeking asylum and said he became part of their family. Now, he's being held by immigration officials and the family is scrambling to find him help. Ousmane Fall, 23, who arrived in the United States and moved to Greater Cincinnati in 2023, was arrested by Arkansas Highway Police on Feb. 14. Cheyanne Schmitt, who befriended Fall and invited him to live with her husband and kids in Sharonville, said he works as a truck driver and was arrested at a weigh station. Fall was held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Crittenden County Jail in Arkansas and released the next day, jail records show. An ICE webpage says Fall is still in the agency's custody but does not say where. Advertisement Advertisement Schmitt said Fall became close to her family and is especially adored by her and her husband's two children, 7-year-old Juniper and 3-year-old Klaus. They're worried he could be returned to Senegal. It's unclear whether Fall is eligible for deportation or what his asylum status is. A U.S. Department of Justice webpage shows he has a pending immigration case through the Cleveland Immigration Court but lists no future hearings. The Department of Homeland Security media team did not immediately respond to an email seeking more information about Fall's case. Cheyanne Schmitt, 31, left, said Fall became part of her family in Sharonville. Senegalese man seeking asylum says he was persecuted by his family Fall entered the United States in Arizona in December 2023, according to his asylum application, which Schmitt provided to The Enquirer. Advertisement Advertisement In his application, Fall said he fled Senegal because of religious persecution from his own family. Fall practices a sect of Islam that is different than the sect his family follows. That conflict peaked on Oct. 15, 2023, when his older brother attacked him and threatened to kill him, which he said left him with physical injuries and emotional trauma. Local police refused to help him, Fall wrote. "I knew then that I had to leave Senegal and seek safety in a country that would respect my right to practice my faith freely," he wrote in his application. Fall referenced the Convention Against Torture in his application, which prohibits deporting people to countries where they are more likely than not to face torture. Becoming part of the Sharonville family The Schmitt family met Fall the same month he arrived in Greater Cincinnati. Advertisement Advertisement Fall moved to Deer Park to live with a friend, a U.S. citizen who attended school in Senegal, Schmitt said. He met Schmitt's husband, David, who works in construction, when he was looking for work. David Schmitt taught Fall how to install drywall and complete other renovation work. Fall also helped Cheyanne Schmitt with her small business making curtains. Then, a housing dispute with his roommates left Fall with nowhere to live. "I never would have thought that a strange young man would be moving into our house," Schmitt told The Enquirer, laughing. The couple invited Fall to live with them at their Sharonville home, where he stayed for six months. Advertisement Advertisement Schmitt described Fall as a hard worker who was respectful and devout in his faith. "When you think of people you want in this country, he's one of them," she said. Fall was employed by a trucking company this summer using a work permit after getting his commercial driver's license, Schmitt said. Sharonville family searching for immigration lawyer Schmitt said Fall bonded with the family's kids, chasing around their toddler and entertaining both while she cooked dinner. Even after Fall moved out of their house and into his own one-bedroom apartment, he continued to come over almost daily for dinner. He joined the family's whitewater rafting vacation, Fourth of July celebrations and Eid al-Fitr, an event that marks the end of Ramadan. "We just became his family," Schmitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, Schmitt said, Fall got his commercial drivers license and, through a government-issued work permit, began working for Prime Inc., a trucking company in Springfield, Missouri. Pam Mayhew, who works in the company's personnel department, confirmed that Fall is a driver for Prime, but did not know whether he has a work permit. The Enquirer was not able to verify whether Fall has a work permit, which allows non-citizens to work legally in the United States. Schmitt said Fall is fluent in English. Truck drivers who don't meet the standard English language proficiency requirement aren't allowed to work, as of June 25, 2025, after an order signed by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Fall doesn't have an immigration attorney, according to Schmitt. He's been saving money to hire one to help with his asylum case and, eventually, an application for U.S. citizenship, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Schmitt has spoken to Fall twice since his arrest. He asked her to help get him out of detention, so she spent the weekend reaching out to immigration lawyers who might represent him. "We're hoping that they honor the asylum request and allow him to come back to Cincinnati," she said. Schmitt tried to explain the situation to her daughter. Her son keeps asking when his friend "Oussie" is coming over. "I tried to tell them, you know, he's from Senegal, and there's people in our country who want to make him go back there," she said. "So we're going to try to help him stay." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio family took in asylum seeker. He may face deportation Informational panels on slavery returned to a popular historical museum in Philadelphia on Thursday, after a federal judge evoked the dystopian world of George Orwells novel 1984 to order the Trump administration to bring back the long-standing exhibit earlier this week. US District Judge Cynthia Rufe, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, included multiple references to Orwell in her ruling Monday granting the City of Philadelphias request to restore the exhibit panels to Independence National Historical Park while litigation over their removal continues. As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwells 1984 now existed, with its motto Ignorance is Strength, this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claimsto dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts. It does not, Rufe said, referring to the famous novel, which deals with themes of oppression and rigid governmental control. Advertisement Advertisement Last month, work crews took down large display panels at the Presidents House Site, where Presidents George Washington and John Adams once lived. Soon after, the city sued the administration in federal court, claiming the government was required to consult with Philadelphia before making any changes. A CNN crew observed workers adding the panels back to the exhibit on Thursday. Siding with the city, Rufe noted that Congress passed legislation that specifically limited the authority of the Interior Department to unilaterally alter or control the park. The government can convey a different message without restraint elsewhere if it so pleases, but it cannot do so to the Presidents House until it follows the law and consults with the City, Rufe wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The Interior Department told CNN in a statement Tuesday that it disagreed with the court ruling and that it was planning to file an appeal. The National Park Service routinely updates exhibits across the park system to ensure historical accuracy and completeness, the department said. If not for this unnecessary judicial intervention, updated interpretive materials providing a fuller account of the history of slavery at Independence Hall would have been installed in the coming days. CNN has reached out to the White House and and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker for comment. The dispute is playing out as the Trump administration has ramped up its effort to purge cultural institutions of materials that conflict with the presidents views ahead of the nations 250th anniversary in July. Advertisement Advertisement Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson celebrated the ruling, saying in a post on X, Black history is American history, and we wont let Trump erase our story. Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro previously criticized the removal of the slavery exhibit, saying the White House was whitewashing history. In an executive order signed last March, President Donald Trump accused the Biden administration of advancing corrosive ideology, specifically citing Independence Park, and called upon the Interior secretary to remove contents that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living. Since then, the White House has also launched a review of Smithsonian museums and exhibits to get rid of what it considers anti-American propaganda. Advertisement Advertisement The American people will have no patience for any museum that is diffident about Americas founding or otherwise uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history, one which is justifiably proud of our countrys accomplishments and record, White House officials wrote to the Smithsonian in December. Last year, the American Battle Monuments Commission, a small, little-known federal agency, also took down a cemetery display in the Netherlands that commemorated the contributions of Black WWII soldiers and highlighted the discrimination they faced. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Kaanita Iyer and Tyler Ryan contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In 1991, New Hampshire residents James Moore and Stella Bolton were found murdered in their home. Investigators later determined that Moore, 73, and Bolton, 68, had been stabbed to death before their house was set on fire. Their bodies were found at their home at 74 Rockhill Avenue in Portsmouth, following the fire at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 1991, state police said. Now, 35 years after the slayings, investigators are urging the public to come forward with any information that will help solve the homicide cases. Help us solve this case and bring justice to the families of these victims, state police said in a post on Facebook on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement The public may submit tips to the Cold Case Unit using the online Tip Form or by sending an email to coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WEBBER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Two Michigan lawmakers toured a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center near Baldwin on Tuesday, months after a detainee died while in custody. U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, and Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, toured the North Lake Processing Center in Lake County after asking several questions in the December death of Nenko Gantchev. ICE detainee dies at northern Michigan facility Advertisement Advertisement Gantchev, a 56-year-old man from Bulgaria, was found unresponsive in his cell on Dec. 15 and eventually declared dead from natural causes. Facility medical staff responded, began CPR and contacted local emergency medical services, ICE said in a statement. EMS personnel arrived at the facility and continued medical care, and a physician pronounced him deceased. Stevens told UpNorthLive that the tour is meant to get answers for Nenko Gantchevs family and demanding accountability from ICE on behalf of all the detainees who are being held in Michigan. Gantchev had reportedly been arrested multiple times over the last 30 years, but it remains to be seen whether he was ever convicted of a crime. ICE says Gantchev was arrested in Chicago in 1996 on theft charges and on assault and battery charges in 2000. Both cases, however, were dropped by prosecutors with the option to reopen them in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Gantchev was also arrested in 1995 for theft, but ICE says the disposition of that arrest is unknown. He was arrested in 2008 for driving under the influence but again ICE claims the agency doesnt know whether he was ever convicted. The Bulgarian was allegedly granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. in 2005, but his status change was denied by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2009. Report: ICE purchases warehouse in Romulus, plans to convert it into detention center In January of 2023, an immigration judge ordered Gantchev to be deported back to Bulgaria. He was arrested by ICE agents last September. He was being held at the North Lake Processing Center while his removal proceedings played out. Advertisement Advertisement ICE says the agency is committed to ensuring safe, secure and humane environments for all detainees. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility; a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility; access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care, the agency said in a statement. Stevens and Scholten, however, believe more transparency is needed. At least 30 detainees died in ICE custody in 2025, the highest number in more than 20 years. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Advertisement Advertisement The death of Mr. Gantchev, along with the deaths of other detainees in 2025 and numerous credible reports of mistreatment, raises serious concerns about detention practices in Michigan and nationwide, the pair wrote in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in December. To ensure justice for those who have died in custody already, and safety of those currently detained, these concerns demand prompt answers and corrective action. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (WWLP) Jack Miller Contractors (JMC) has purchased a building in Williamstown to serve as its new headquarters, which will include offices, meeting space, a small storage area, and a new home services branch, and is expected to be completed in late 2026. Bubs BBQ in Sunderland set to close after nearly 50 years The commercial building, located on 824 Simonds Road (Route 7) in Williamstown, sold for $218,500 on January 16th. The 0.39-acre site, formerly known as Express Mart and JJs Coffee & Convenience Store, will be renovated and expanded. Courtesy of Jack Miller Contractors. The move will allow JMC to better serve its clients in the Berkshires, Southern Vermont, and Eastern New York State. The company plans to create a new home services branch, which will provide comprehensive proactive care for high-end properties. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026. Advertisement Advertisement This move will allow us to better serve our clients in the Berkshires and Southern Vermont as well as Eastern New York State, and were thrilled to soon occupy a strategic site for the integration and expansion of our business after many years in search of the right location, said Jack Miller, founder and principal of JMC. The JMC team is eager to work alongside local trade partners and collaborators who will help bring our vision to life. Were glad to be a part of the ongoing improvement to the northern entry to town, added Miller. We look forward to unifying our field and office-based teams, and turning the current site into an attractive property for our community. Jack Miller Contractors is known for building custom new homes and remodel projects. The team includes skilled carpenters and project managers. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand. 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 WWLP. Action News Jax is digging more into a text from Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico, where he told a JEA board member hes being replaced because I owed a big favor to a friend. Action News Jaxs Ben Becker first told you about it on Monday. Carrico wants to replace Arthur Adams with his boss, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida CEO Paul Martinez. We reached out to the 18 other City Councilmembers around 11 a.m. Tuesday to get their responses to the text message and to find out if they thought it undermines the integrity of the selection process. Advertisement Advertisement So far, we have heard back from three City Councilmembers. Here is what they had to say. City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso, District 7 This is corruption at its finest. I have no doubt Paul is a great candidate, but this story only affirms what we already knew, the leadership in Council is more interested in doing favors as opposed to doing the work of the people. City Councilmember Michael Boylan, District 6 True to my usual process, Im holding off on a final decision until I can sit down with Mr. Martinez. I want to gauge firsthand what he offers the JEA Board, his availability, and his grasp of the utilitys daily challenges. However, the Council Presidents stated reasoning for this nomination is deeply troublingit creates a very awkward situation for both Mr. Martinez and the entire Council." City Councilmember Matt Carlucci, At-Large, Group 4 The circumstances as I understand them today, and given how this compromises the appointment process and the integrity of the JEA Board, I would be unable to support the nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Board appointments are not made to repay favors; they must be based on merit and performance. By all accounts, the current occupant of this position has proven himself to be highly qualified and to have performed very well in the role. This has nothing to do with Paul Martinez personally, and no offense is intended toward him. Unfortunately, hes been placed in a very difficult position by the way this has unfolded. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] City Councilmember Will Lahnen, District 3 I hope there is a path to allow Arthur Adams to continue serving on the JEA board. Last year, I was proud to co-sponsor Past-President Whites appointment of Arthur to this board (bill 2024-0952). Advertisement Advertisement Arthur and I were long-time work colleagues, where he was a dedicated and well-respected business leader. He was accountable for multi-billion dollar lines of business, including energy markets, has significant experience with capital infrastructure projects, and also working with a heavily unionized workforce; all qualifications that match up well with the type of people we need on our JEA board. While seeking responses from Council Members, we also received a copy of a letter that NAACP Jacksonville Branch President Isaiah Rumlin sent to Carrico. Rumlin called Carricos words in the text exchange deeply troubling and fundamentally incompatible with the ethical obligations of public office. He called on Carrico to take several actions, including to reaffirm in writing that no present or future public board appointment under your presidency will be used to repay favors, and that any perceived conflicts will be fully disclosed and avoided. Advertisement Advertisement READ RUMLINS FULL LETTER TO CARRICO BELOW: Carrico Letter JEA by ActionNewsJax If we receive any additional responses from Jacksonville City Council members on this matter, we will add them to this story. [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. For several weeks now, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been on station in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran. Her air wing has flown continuous surveillance and training missions while the ship and her escorts have worked hard to avoid counter-detection. In the course of these operations, an F-35C fighter jet from the carrier recently shot down an Iranian drone that was out looking for the carrier in an attempt to mark her position. This deployment follows a familiar pattern. When a crisis arises, the question in Washington is often: where is the carrier? Yet, for those who have followed these situations closely, a single carrier always felt inadequate. Back in the old days when the US Central Command (i.e. the Middle East) was the main show in town, the United States routinely kept two in the region one inside the Gulf, one outside. That presence later reduced to one, and eventually at times to none. Even America doesnt have enough of these totemic ships to go around. As the US Navy themselves put it, they are an 11-carrier navy in a 15-carrier world. Iranian force numbers missiles, drones, fast attack craft are undeniable. It doesnt matter how good you think you are, or how many you think you can strike, when you see the spreadsheet it gives you pause for thought. This will be one of the reasons why nothing has happened yet. And sure enough, with talks not really going anywhere, a second aircraft carrier is now on its way. The USS Gerald R Ford has been ordered east from the Caribbean, where she supported operations off Venezuela. Ironically, the Ford came from the Mediterranean to support that operation. Sailors on the smaller ships in the carriers strike group will be thoroughly bored of fighting mid-Atlantic swells already. Advertisement Advertisement If the deployment lasts until May, as appears likely, the Ford will have been deployed away from home for eleven months. That is a heavy burden for any ships company and its equipment at any time, let alone one on back-to-back combat operations. The question of how long the US Navy can sustain this level of effort is becoming pressing. Its worth remembering that their four collisions and groundings in 2017, some of which resulted in fatalities, all had overwork mentioned in the subsequent enquiries. For now though, the Fords destination will give an idea as to whats next and when. Broadly, the carrier has two options; head to the eastern Mediterranean and strike from there (and perhaps defend Israel against retaliatory Iranian strikes) or pass through the Suez Canal, join the Lincoln in the Gulf of Oman, and add to strike options from the south. Once the Ford arrives in either of these locations, the US Navy will be ready with two aircraft carriers, each with three destroyers carrying Tomahawk missiles able to hit targets ashore a thousand miles away at least one attack submarine and nine squadrons of aircraft. The Ford the largest carrier in the world has four squadrons of F-18 fighters, one of EA-18G Growler electronic warfare birds, and four of assorted surveillance aircraft and helicopters. The Lincoln is similar but has a squadron with the new, fifth generation F-35C stealth jet. She also has some Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, so useful for Special Forces operations and evacuations. Add all this to the destroyers and support ships already in theatre and you end up with around 36 warships, submarines and support ships, with a total of over 600 Tomahawks in their tubes in addition to all the weapons the jets can deliver. All this is before we factor in the air-force assets in both areas, which number in the 100s. A few of these are British. Whilst were talking about carrier operations more generally, for the Royal Navy, HMS Prince of Wales is working up again after last years global deployment and is scheduled to lead a Strike Group north later this year under Operation Firecrest, focusing on the North Atlantic and High North. This is a sensible use of that asset but finding jets, escort warships and support ships will badly strain todays depleted RN. Comparing our strike groups to the USs is generally unhelpful its a different ball game. Nevertheless, with trouble brewing in the Middle East and carriers seen as the answer again its also fair to say that our ability or desire (discuss) to conduct combat deployments in response to global events, as opposed to sticking to a beautifully crafted long term plan, remains limited. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile the French carrier Charles de Gaulle is currently at sea in the Atlantic as part of the ORION 26 exercises. Italys carriers are not deployed. Neither will be heading to the Med or the Gulf to help. While speaking of carriers, Irans drone carrier, the Shahid Mahdavi, is currently at sea near the Strait of Hormuz. This was launched to great fanfare about a year ago and in terms of R&D for maritime drones and as a low level surveillance platform is a useful ship. As a warfighting platform, if thats where this ends up, the Mahdavi is negligible. With minimal layered defence and making an absolute racket across electronic and acoustic spectrums, she would be the sitting duck that many think all carriers are. Chinese and Western carriers are on a different level: very hard to find when on radio silence, and hard to hit even if you can find them. Going back to Iran, the central uncertainty is whether air and strike power alone can deliver a decisive outcome. Only recently, US leadership were talking about striking some of the top officials, but leaving Khomeini in place. Working over the nuclear enrichment facilities again will be on the list, especially those that were not hit as part of Operation Midnight Hammer last June. Hitting energy infrastructure could lead to the sort of disruption that could expedite regime change, but that can often be done as easily by using non-kinetic means such as cyber-attacks. Military targets will feature but as I have said many times before, Irans forces are widely dispersed by design. They have had over 30 years to work out how to make striking them difficult. Its mobile missile inventory, fast-attack craft, drone swarms and mine-layers are far more numerous than all the missiles currently gathering off the coast. The second carrier at least reduces this gap whilst providing additional strike options across what is a huge and varied target list. As ever, there are more questions than answers; how can there not be when the political motivators and end states remain largely unknown. The Ford setting off does at least confirm what some have been saying all along; one US carrier isnt enough for major strike operations against Iran. We also now have a clock ticking down to when this could start. By my maths, if she increases to max and leaves her escorts behind, the Ford could be in the Eastern Med and ready to launch in about six days. More likely, given how much time has already passed, is that she heads over with the rest of her group at a more sedate 12-18 knots (weather dependent) and is in position there in about 12 days time. If she goes through Suez, she will do that as a task group going past the Houthis as a singleton would not be wise that would add another eight or so days. In sum, limited or surgical strike options could start now, but if whatever is planned is large enough to invoke large scale retaliation and/or risk regional escalation then it wont happen until the end of this month, later still if the USS Ford goes through Suez. Advertisement Advertisement I look forward to being entirely wrong, which, of course, is the point of carrier-based sea power. 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. Judge Michael Karshen accepted the police appeal against a lower court decision that had largely lifted the conditions imposed on Braverman, who is under investigation. The Lod District Court on Tuesday reinstated sweeping restrictions on Tzachi Braverman, the prime ministers chief of staff, including a renewed travel ban that prevents him from leaving Israel to assume his post as ambassador to the United Kingdom, ruling that the suspicion against him has significantly strengthened in recent weeks. Judge Michael Karshen accepted the police appeal against a lower court decision that had largely lifted the conditions imposed on Braverman, who is under investigation on suspicion of obstruction of justice, conveying classified information as a public servant, and fraud and breach of trust. Advertisement Advertisement Bravermans appointment as ambassador to the UK was approved in December 2025, before the investigation became public. According to the court decision, his letter of appointment was signed on December 9, 2025. He has since taken preparatory steps toward assuming the diplomatic role, according to a source familiar with the matter. The investigation centers on a late-night meeting on October 5, 2024, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv between Braverman and Eli Feldstein, a former Prime Ministers Office spokesman, who is currently facing charges in two separate affairs linked to the Prime Ministers Office the so-called Qatargate case and the Bild document leak case. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) speaks with Cabinet secretary Tzachi Braverman during the weekly government conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on June 17, 2018. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/POOL) According to the suspicion detailed in the ruling, Braverman informed Feldstein of an ongoing investigation by the IDF into the leak of a document to the German newspaper Bild, showed him a list of names, and asked whether the investigation was connected to him and to us. He allegedly added that if the probe was related to the Prime Ministers Office, he could turn it off. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation became overt on January 11, 2026, approximately three weeks after Feldstein publicly described the meeting in a televised interview. Following his initial questioning, Braverman was released under conditions that included removal from the Prime Ministers Office and the Kirya compound, a prohibition on contacting individuals connected to the case, and a 30-day travel ban. The Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court later significantly eased those restrictions, leaving in place only a limited no-contact order. Police appealed, and in mid-January the district court reinstated broader limitations, including a defined list of individuals within the Prime Ministers Office whom Braverman was barred from contacting. Earlier this month, however, the magistrates court again curtailed the restrictions, canceling the travel ban and narrowing the no-contact order. In doing so, the lower court weighed the potential diplomatic impact of preventing Braverman from taking up his post in London, noting that Britain was awaiting his arrival and referencing the broader security climate. Advertisement Advertisement Karshen sharply rejected that approach. In Tuesdays decision, he wrote that after reviewing the investigative material, the reasonable suspicion against Braverman had not weakened but had significantly strengthened, including in the days following the lower courts ruling. He further held that the investigative unit was proceeding at an appropriate pace and had presented a structured investigative plan, contradicting the lower courts finding that police had failed to identify concrete actions Braverman could disrupt. On the issue of contact restrictions, Karshen ruled that the broader list of individuals including the prime minister, the military secretary, advisers, spokespeople, and staff members was necessary to reduce the risk of interference in an investigation that involves numerous individuals linked to Bravermans professional environment. Braverman's travel may harm investigation The most consequential part of the ruling concerns the travel ban. Advertisement Advertisement Karshen emphasized that the right to leave Israel is constitutionally protected under laws that explicitly authorize courts to impose such restrictions when necessary to prevent obstruction of justice. He rejected the defenses argument that travel bans are justified only where there is a concrete risk of flight, citing precedent that such measures may also address concerns of obstruction. The judge found that Bravermans presence abroad particularly as Israels ambassador in a significant country such as Britain, while remaining connected to the governmental apparatus from which he was removed could create a substantial risk of interference with the investigation. Karshen also dismissed the lower courts consideration of potential harm to Israel-UK relations as a factor in lifting the ban, ruling that judges handling bail and release proceedings are tasked with balancing investigative needs against the suspects rights, not broader foreign policy concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Any diplomatic ramifications, he suggested, should be addressed within the relevant administrative frameworks, including proceedings already underway before the Civil Service Commission regarding Bravermans status. The district court ordered that until February 24, 2026, Braverman remain barred from entering the Prime Ministers Office and the Kirya, from contacting specified individuals, and from leaving the country. He is also required to post a NIS 5,000 personal bond. There are many items you are not allowed to bring on airplanes. This includes obvious things, such as weapons of any type. It also includes less obvious items were all used to being prohibited, even when it doesnt really make a lot of sense (think liquids and larger tubes of toothpaste). For most people, though, cash would not be on the list of things that could give you problems at airport security. Surprisingly, though, money may actually be something you should leave at home when you head out on your next vacation. Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock Heres why bringing cash through TSA could be a huge problem A recent CBS News story offers a clear and serious sign of a big problem with security at airports in the United States. It comes in the form of a class action lawsuit that includes plaintiffs such as Rebecca Brown, a woman who was traveling through Pittsburgh International Airport when the Transportation Security Administration determined that the money she was carrying represented proceeds from a crime. Related: Major airline cancels multiple U.S. routes for troubling reason Because the Feds thought the money had been obtained illegally, the cash was seized. Brown and several other people who experienced similar issues are currently suing the government, arguing that their constitutional rights were violated. The lawsuit claims the TSA mistakenly confiscated funds it thought had been obtained illegally. Brown lost thousands due to the TSAs seizure of funds As part of the class action lawsuit, it was revealed that Brown had brought her fathers life savings to the airport after he asked her to bring the money to Boston to open a savings account. The total was about $82,000, and it took Brown approximately a year and a half to get the funds returned after it was determined the money was clean. "I do think that this was unconstitutional, what the TSA did to me," Brown said. The risk of cash seizures isnt limited to large sums While you may assume youre safe if you arent carrying such a large amount of money, thats not necessarily the case. "In some of the TSA depositions, they said as little as $100 in 100 one-dollar bills would still count as a large amount of currency," Dan Alban, a lawyer with the Institute for Justice representing the plaintiffs, told CBS News. More Airlines: While the government claims it was acting within its guidelines and requested that the case be dismissed, the plaintiffs' attorneys dispute the claim that TSA officials acted properly. The High Anti-Corruption Court on Feb. 17 placed former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in custody for two months in a major corruption case and set bail at Hr 200 million ($4.6 million). The official has been investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as part of a case involving the state nuclear power company Energoatom. Eight other suspects have been charged, and Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky, is the alleged ringleader. Halushchenko denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges "manipulative." Earlier, the former minister said he could pay up to Hr 30 million ($693,000) in bail. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not satisfied with the bail," Halushchenko told reporters. "I will raise (the money) for lawyers so they can file an appeal." If bail is paid, the former minister will be obliged to wear an electronic bracelet, report a change of residence, not leave Kyiv without permission, not communicate with other suspects, and hand in his foreign passports. The NABU charged Halushchenko with money laundering and organized crime on Feb. 16, months after Ukraine was shaken by the biggest corruption scandal during Zelensky's presidency. The day before the charges were brought, the former minister was detained while attempting to leave Ukraine. Halushchenko says that he wasn't planning to flee and that all he did was "in accordance with the law." Advertisement Advertisement Halushchenko served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025 and was appointed justice minister in July 2025. He was dismissed as justice minister in November amid the scandal. According to the NABU, members of the criminal group exposed by the anti-graft agencies in November initiated the registration of a fund on the island of Anguilla in February 2021. At that time, Halushchenko was serving as vice president of Energoatom but continued to wield influence over the company while holding the position of justice minister, SAPO said. The fund aimed to raise about $100 million in "investments," with Halushchenko's family among the "investors," according to the NABU. It was led by a longtime associate of the group, a citizen of the Seychelles and St. Kitts and Nevis, who allegedly provided money laundering services. To conceal Halushchenko's involvement, two companies were allegedely set up in the Marshall Islands and linked to a trust in St. Kitts and Nevis, with his ex-wife and four children as beneficiaries, the bureau said. Advertisement Advertisement The NABU alleged that the companies became "investors" in the fund, while the group transferred funds to the fund's accounts in three Swiss banks, in Halushchenko's interest. According to the bureau, during Halushchenko's tenure as energy minister, over $112 million was funneled through Ihor Mironyuk, a former lawyer to Halushchenko and a suspect in the case. Halushchenko, sometimes referred to as "energy minister" and sometimes by the code names "Professor" and "Sigismund", features in audio recordings earlier published by the NABU. In the tapes, suspects Myroniuk and Dmytro Basov appear to divide kickbacks between themselves and Halushchenko. Former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and his lawyer attend a court hearing in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 17, 2026. (Ivan Antypenko/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) The NABU said over $7.4 million was transferred to the fund's accounts controlled by Halushchenko's family. Additionally, more than 1.3 million Swiss francs ($1.6 million) and 2.4 million euros ($2.8 million) were withdrawn in cash and sent directly to his family in Switzerland, according to the bureau. Advertisement Advertisement According to the NABU, part of the funds were spent on Halushchenko's children's education at top Swiss institutions and placed in the ex-wife's accounts. The remainder was allegedely put into a deposit, "earning extra income for the family's personal use." In December, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's investigative project Schemes reported that Halushchenko's 18-year-old son, Maksym, has been studying for four years at the College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland, with an annual cost of up to $200,000. In court, Halushchenko denied that his family was involved in money laundering. He said that his son's education was paid for by "different people," including a "wealthy godfather," whose name he refused to disclose. "This isn't my family's money. My family has been living in a rented apartment since 2022," the ex-minister said. "If they had this money, they would have bought a house or an apartment for themselves." Advertisement Advertisement During the court hearing, SAPO also said that then Justice Minister Halushchenko and Deputy Justice Minister Yevhen Pikalov, who is still in office, discussed in which prison cell NABU detective Ruslan Mahamedrasulov must be placed. Mahamedrasulov was arrested in July as part of the authorities' crackdown on anti-corruption agencies. Critics argue that the case against Mahamedrasulov is a political vendetta for his role in investigating Zelensky's allies in the Energoatom case. He was released from custody in December as criticism of his case mounted. According to SAPO, Pikalov allegedly mentioned a request from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to place Mahamedrasulov in a "free cell with unpleasant neighbors." He reportedly sent a photo of the cell to Halushchenko, who approved it. Advertisement Advertisement Mahamedrasulov was kept in what his lawyer called "horrible" conditions, while critics argued that his arrest was a political move. Halushchenko denied giving any instructions, saying the conversation was taken "out of context." Pikalov couldn't be reached for comment. Halushchenko is one of the few top officials charged in the case, which has triggered the biggest political reshuffle since the start of Russia's full-scale war. In November, former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov was placed in custody for two months, with bail set at Hr 51.6 million ($1.2 million). He was released after the bail was paid. Advertisement Advertisement Former Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, Zelensky's former Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov have been investigated in the case but have not been charged yet. Umerov has been questioned, and NABU has also conducted searches at Yermak's premises. Read also: Investigation: European companies keep the motors of Russias war machine running Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon teachers and other school staff are handing out pink slips to lawmakers in Salem making the point that educator layoffs are in the works if legislators dont come up with more money for schools. Many educators appeared at the State Capitol on Monday, protesting the lack of funding for Oregon schools. Oregons education spending is billions of dollars a year. Its one of the biggest parts of the state budget. Advertisement Advertisement But currently, its missing money for next year, and the expected amount of federal dollars is much less. Educators are lobbying lawmakers not to give corporations the tax breaks they are getting under President Trumps big budget bill, and legislators are moving in that direction although it looks like state tax breaks on tips and overtime will be approved. This is the result of regressive tax policy and legislative priorities that favor corporate interests over working families across our state, said Mary Kay Babcock, president of the Hillsboro Education Association. For nearly three decades of my career, Oregon schools have been chronically underfunded. Teachers are also lobbying for more money, urging legislators to tap into the states reserve funds. Advertisement Advertisement However, lawmakers say there are so many other needs, they are just trying right now to avoid making cuts to budgets, struggling to figure out how to balance the budget, and missing hundreds of millions in federal funds. This is a challenge for our state, and it is a perfect storm. Educators and other public employees should not be pitted against one another, and were all wanting safe schools, safe roads, accessibility to health care, and strong communities for our children to grow and thrive. And this is no longer a rainy day. It is pouring outside. This is a crisis with no end in sight, Babcock 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 KOIN.com. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, blasted California Gov. Gavin Newsom on social media, posting a clown emoji after the Golden State governor claimed that the lawmaker from the Lone Star State had called him "illiterate." Cruz had actually referred to Newsom as "historically illiterate." But Newsom, who is dyslexic, fired back, writing, "Ted Cruz calling a dyslexic person illiterate is a new low, even for him." Advertisement Advertisement The Most Unusual Presidential Candidate: Newsom Is Dyslexic, Struggles With Speeches, Rejects Liberal Label Gov. Gavin Newsom during a bill signing on Aug. 21, 2025, in Sacramento, California. (Getty Images) Cruz pointed out that he had not claimed that the governor is unable to read. "I didnt say you couldnt read, you [clown emoji]," Cruz responded. Read On The Fox News App Trump Blasts Newsom's Uk Pact, Warns Foreign Leaders As 2028 Buzz Builds Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, arrives to a hearing in the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 17, 2025. "I said you were 'historically illiterate'," he added, "because you apparently have no idea that Eisenhower federalized the national guard to stop Dem governors from defying federal law. Specifically, on September 23, 1957, President Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10730, federalizing the Arkansas National Guard & ordering U.S. Army troops (101st Airborne Div) to Little Rock, Arkansas. This action broke the blockade by Dem Gov Orval Faubus, allowing the Little Rock Nine to desegregate Central High School." Advertisement Advertisement Others, including conservative talk radio host and OutKick founder Clay Travis, also weighed in on Newsom's claim that Cruz had called him illiterate. Doubling Down On Stupid: Newsom, Aoc, Trash Trump At European Summit As They Raise 2028 Profiles Gov. Gavin Newsom takes part in the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany, Feb. 14, 2026. "He called you historically illiterate, which means you dont know basic history. You not having ever heard of this phrase or knowing what it means makes you a moron," Travis wrote. Original article source: Cruz calls Newsom historically illiterate, posts clown emoji after governor fires back A crypto-funded super PAC is poised to shake up two Illinois Democratic House primaries with seven-figure ad buys targeting state lawmakers running for Congress who backed legislation that the industry opposes. The super PAC, Fairshake, will spend at least $1 million each against Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford, who is running to replace retiring Democratic Rep. Danny Davis, and state Sen. Robert Peters, who is vying to succeed Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly as she runs for U.S. Senate. The spending is among the first significant steps this year by the crypto super PAC and provides an early view into how it will deploy a $190 million war chest to defeat candidates deemed hostile to the industry's policy interests. The PAC network said last week that it will spend $1.5 million against Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who has been critical of the industry as a senior House Financial Services Committee member and now faces a competitive primary. A Fairshake affiliate is also backing Republican Rep. Barry Moore in his Alabama Senate primary race. Advertisement Advertisement Both Ford and Peters voted for state-level crypto legislation imposing new rules on digital asset firms that became law last August. Peters who is backed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a leading crypto critic was a co-sponsor of the measure, which forces crypto companies to comply with a range of new consumer protection standards. The super PAC said in a statement that the legislators voted for and pushed draconian rules that would have led to a patchwork of state-by-state rules that kills American competitiveness and job creation and undermines consumer protections. Ford has been endorsed by Davis, who is retiring from Illinois 7th District seat. He is among the front-runners in the race, as Davis has been actively campaigning for him. The contest also includes Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who has benefited from an AIPAC-aligned super PAC. Peters, a progressive, is locked in a competitive contest for the open 2nd district seat currently held by Kelly, who is running to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The race includes former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who is the beneficiary of positive ads from a super PAC group funded by top artificial intelligence companies. Advertisement Advertisement The 2nd Congressional District is a historically majority Black seat, and outside Super PACs funded by Trump-aligned billionaires are dumping millions of dollars into this race to try to buy this seat and subvert the will of the electorate," Peters said through a spokesperson. "Theyre all in for my opponent because hes already shown that he can be boughtand Ive made it clear that I cant." Ford did not immediately respond to a request for comment. State lawmakers looking to run for federal office should expect to be held accountable for their records, Fairshakes statement said. The decision to push draconian rules against innovation at the state level will undermine competitiveness and job creation. Conyears-Ervin and Jackson have signaled they will support industry-friendly crypto policies in Congress. They both have A ratings from the industry-backed advocacy group Stand With Crypto, and Conyears-Ervins website says she will encourage responsible investment through traditional and blockchain-based assets. (Blockchain is the digital ledger technology behind crypto.) Advertisement Advertisement The spending comes as the crypto industry is pushing Congress to pass a sweeping new law that would create new rules for crypto trading and help codify digital assets as mainstream financial products. The measure is currently stalled in the Senate amid a standoff between crypto firms and banks that has divided key lawmakers. The crypto super PAC group, which operates independently from any campaign, is funded primarily by three firms: the crypto companies Coinbase and Ripple, along with the venture capital group Andreessen Horowitz. With President Trumps public approval ratings wobbling, organizers of a nationwide drive to get him out of office are hoping for large turnouts Tuesday when they visit Congressional field offices including all five in Connecticut to push for impeachment this year. The 50501 organization and Citizens Impeachment plan to send their local leaders along with volunteers to the offices of U.S. Reps. Jahanna Hayes, Rose DeLauro, Jim Himes, John Larson and Joe Courtney to call on them to publicly join the move to impeach Trump. Also on Tuesday, Indivisible CT is conducting an anti-ICE rally on the state Capitol lawn, taking political aim at a federal agency that has fallen sharply out of public favor after killing two American citizens in Minnesota and roughing up scores of others. Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday afternoon, 50501s website listed hundreds of events Tuesday under the banner National Day of Lobbying: Impeach, Convict, Remove, and Defund ICE. The list of offenses this president has committed against us could fill an encyclopedia, said Alison Greenlaw, an organizer with 50501s Connecticut unit. Hes a traitor and a tyrant. He has to go. Her group is asking supporters to show up at their Congressional representatives offices at specific times, or write letters detailing how Trumps administration has hurt them and requesting support for impeachment. Trump and his enablers routinely and repeatedly engage in unconstitutional behavior. The remedy is impeachment, and the American people demand accountability, Keira Havens, executive director of Citizens Impeachment, wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement While all five of Connecticuts Congressional representatives very vocally endorse impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, they have generally not taken stances on any possible vote aimed at Trump himself. Trump was impeached twice by a Democratic-led House in his first term, but was acquitted by the Republican-dominated Senate. Currently, the GOP also holds control of the House, so bringing new impeachment charges now would require Republican votes there. Similarly, sustaining any charges would take votes by a significant number of Senate Republicans. Laurie Gorham, leader of the New London-region chapter of 50501, said that doesnt deter her. We need to all stand up for what we believe in, and we can only do that where we are, she said. We dont believe in that traitorous, evil man. We need to get rid of him, hes horrible. Advertisement Advertisement Gorham said shell go to Courtneys office in Norwich at 10 a.m., but has already been told that he wont be available. His staff has said it would talk with those who go, she said. Anti-Trump protests were common during his first term and even more so since his re-election. The impeachment gatherings were scheduled for the one-year anniversary of the first No Kings protest. His poll numbers have suffered since the ICE shooting; the most recent YouGov poll puts his approval rating at 37%, and Nate Silver reports that across a wide series of polls it stands at 40.5%. Nevertheless, he continues to have deep, seemingly unshakeable support from his base, which consistently dismisses protests against him as political theater or leftist extremism. When Republican state Rep. Cara Pavalock-DAmato of Bristol wore the jacket with the words ICE In at the opening day of the legislative session in Hartford, House Speaker Matt Ritter warned her of the chamber rules against endorsement clothing on the House floor. But Republicans lawmakers were largely united in defending her, and accused Gov. Ned Lamont of politicizing the day by declaring that ICE should go home. HAVANA, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Garbage has begun to pile up on street corners in the Cuban capital of Havana, attracting hordes of flies and reeking of rotten food, in one of the most visible impacts of the U.S. bid to prevent oil from reaching the Caribbean's largest island. State-run news outlet Cubadebate reported this month that only 44 of Havana's 106 rubbish trucks were able to keep operating due to fuel shortages, slowing garbage collection. Cardboard boxes, used bags, plastic bottles and rags have piled up on street corners across the seafront capital, as some residents sorted through the waste looking for scraps they could re-use, while motorists, pedestrians and bikers are forced to circumvent the imposing heaps. Advertisement Advertisement "It's all over the city," said Jose Ramon Cruz, a local resident. "It's been more than 10 days since a garbage truck came." In other towns on the island - home to around 11 million people - residents took to social media to warn of the risks to public health. Cuba's communist government has implemented rationing measures to protect essential services in a country that was already suffering from severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine. The national oil supply has fallen off dramatically in two months. Venezuela - once Cuba's top supplier - effectively stopped sending shipments in mid-December. Mexico's government also said it was halting shipments after Washington threatened tariffs against countries that send supplies to Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement A Russian newspaper last week reported that Russia was preparing to send crude and fuel cargoes to Cuba in the near future, without giving a specific date. The U.S. has maintained an embargo on Cuba since 1960, but in recent months President Donald Trump's administration has hardened its stance, sanctioning vessels shipping oil to the island and threatening tariffs on suppliers. The U.S. administration argues the measures will increase pressure for political change in Cuba. The United Nations has long voted for the U.S. to end its embargo, and leaders from Mexico and Venezuela said blocking fuel could have serious humanitarian impacts. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "very concerned" about the situation, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday, adding that U.N. teams were working with the Cuban government to help support humanitarian relief efforts. Advertisement Advertisement "The secretary-general would like to see all parties pursue dialogue and respect for international law yet again," he said. (Reporting by Alien Fernandez and Mario Fuentes; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Dave Sherwood, Nick Zieminski and Paul Simao) Feb 17 (Reuters) - A Cypriot court acquitted former parliamentary speaker Demetris Syllouris on Tuesday of corruption charges linked to a scrapped citizenship-for-investment scheme that triggered public outrage and intense European Union scrutiny. Syllouris was tried alongside former lawmaker Christakis Tziovannis, who was also acquitted, on charges of conspiracy to defraud and abuse of power linked to efforts to secure passports for foreign investors. Both had pleaded not guilty. In a majority ruling, the three-judge Criminal Court in Nicosia said prosecutors had failed to prove intent or establish involvement in fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Syllouris, once second in the state hierarchy, stepped down as speaker in 2020 after undercover footage aired by Al Jazeera showed him and Tziovannis discussing ways to help a fictitious investor with a criminal record obtain a Cypriot passport. The footage was not part of the judicial process. "I was, and remain, clean," Syllouris told reporters outside the courthouse. "Corruption and collusion results in wealth, and I have no wealth." Authorities later scrapped the programme, under which more than 7,000 passports were issued between 2007 and 2020, in a scheme popular with Russian and Chinese investors. A state inquiry found approvals were granted under procedures lacking adequate oversight while ignoring warnings from the European Union on the scheme, fuelling perceptions of entrenched corruption. (Writing by Michele Kambas, editing by Andrei Khalip) Feb 17 (Reuters) - Former British Prime Minister David Cameron and hedge fund billionaire Alan Howard were among the hundreds whose passports and other identification papers were leaked online after they attended an Abu Dhabi conference, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. The FT, citing documents, said scans of more than 700 passports and state identity cards were discovered on an unprotected cloud storage server associated with the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), a state-sponsored event that hosted more than 35,000 people in December. U.S. investor and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci was also among those whose identity documents were exposed, the FT said. Advertisement Advertisement Howard declined to comment, while Cameron and Scaramucci did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. ADFW, in a statement to Reuters, said, "a vulnerability in a third-party vendor-managed storage environment relating to a limited subset of ADFW 2025 attendees." "The environment was secured immediately upon identification, and our initial review indicates that access activity was limited to the researcher who identified the issue," ADFW added. The data was accessible to anybody using a simple web browser, the FT reported, citing freelance security researcher and consultant Roni Suchowski, who discovered it. The server was made secure after the FT approached ADFW about the leak on Monday, the report added. (Reporting by Bipasha Dey in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Chandni Shah; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Harikrishnan Nair) A Democratic congressional candidate in Southern California is facing backlash from LGBTQ+ leaders and party officials after circulating a campaign memo that critics say implies LGBTQ+ candidates are unelectable, while campaigning against a fellow Democrat who is queer. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. The controversy centers on a seven-page document circulated by the campaign of Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Democrat and Navy veteran who has previously run for Congress and for mayor and is now seeking the partys nomination in the newly drawn 48th Congressional District. Hes facing Marni von Wilpert, a bisexual San Diego City Councilmember, in the primary. Advertisement Advertisement The Advocate obtained the memo. In a section focused on Palm Springs, recently added to the district, the memo describes the city as a critical constituency made up of reliable Democratic voters, but argues that neither Will Rollins, Christy Holstege, nor Lisa Middleton won their elections to higher office due to their inability to reach voters beyond Palm Springs. It then adds: Marni von Wilpert, as her record will show, is a candidate in the same vein, who will fail to win over Latinos and veterans, who are the true swing voters in this district. Related: This bisexual San Diego City Council member is fighting to replace Darrell Issa in Congress Related: New Congressional Equality Caucus chair Mark Takano vows to defend LGBTQ+ rights in GOP-controlled Congress LGBTQ+ leaders say the phrasing reads less like a neutral assessment than a familiar argument in which identity is recast as liability. Palm Springs is one of Californias most visible LGBTQ+ political communities, and the three candidates named are all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Rollins is an out gay former federal prosecutor who ran for Congress; Holstege is an out lesbian former mayor of Palm Springs who ran for the state assembly; and Middleton, who is transgender, is also a former Palm Springs mayor who ran for state Senate. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Advocate on Tuesday, von Wilpert said the memo was heartbreaking to read, particularly because it grouped together candidates she has supported, including Middleton and Rollins, and suggested they, and she, could not win because they are LGBTQ+. She said that at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack nationally, the last thing we need in a Democratic primary is this kind of divisive rhetoric that questions whether LGBTQ+ candidates are worthy and can win or connect with broad communities. She said the argument reminded her of attacks she faced in her 2020 city council race, when a Republican opponent questioned her qualifications, including that she hadnt given birth, and argued that voters are sick and tired of seeing divisive, hateful rhetoric like this. The Advocate contacted Campa-Najjars campaign for comment, but the campaign did not respond before publication. After this story was published, Campa-Najjars campaign rejected the criticism and said the memo was being mischaracterized. In a statement, campaign manager Andi McNew, an Air Force veteran and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said, These attacks are baseless and desperate. The memos analysis was explicitly about electoral geography, with no mention of identity. We understand this is a competitive race, but we hope the conversation can return to what matters most: building the broadest possible coalition to beat Darrell Issa and flip the House in November. Advertisement Advertisement The campaign noted that the memo analyzed why several candidates fell short in prior bids for higher office and concluded that winning CA-48 requires building a coalition well beyond any single part of the district. It argues Campa-Najjar has a track record of delivering. Campa-Najjar has cited endorsements from LGBTQ+ leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking member of the powerful House Oversight Committee, who represents California. Im proud to endorse Ammar Campa-Najjar for Congress, Garcia said in a statement last week. As a fellow Southern Californian, Ive seen Ammar take on Darrell Issa in one of the countrys toughest districts on behalf of working families, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and people struggling to get by. Garcias office did not immediately respond to The Advocates request for comment. Ryan Darsey, president of San Diego Democrats for Equality, said that what makes the memo troubling is not just one line but the pattern it establishes. The document, he said, lists multiple LGBTQ candidates and claims they failed because they couldnt reach voters beyond Palm Springs. Then it says Marni is in the same vein. The implication, he added, is not subtle. The only common thread among those candidates is that they are all LGBTQ. Darsey called the language offensive and said that if Democrats start treating LGBTQ+ identity as a weakness, we havent learned anything, arguing that leadership should mean uplifting our whole coalition, not narrowing it. Advertisement Advertisement He said he would expect that kind of framing in a Republican primary, maybe in Alabama, but not in a Democratic congressional race in California. Related: Andry Jose Hernandez Romero tells his story of horrific prison abuse to out California Democrat Mark Takano Related: Equality Caucus Chair slams Trump loyalists morally bankrupt DOJ arrest of Democratic congresswoman Rep. Mark Takano of California, the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and one of the first out gay members of Congress, echoed that view in a statement included in a von Wilpert campaign press release. Advertisement Advertisement When I ran for Congress, I heard the same anti-LGBTQ attacks and I proved them wrong, Takano, who chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus, said. Our party wins when we build real coalitions rooted in respect and shared values, not when we echo the kind of divisive rhetoric that voters have grown tired of hearing. Democrats wont defeat Republicans by sounding like them. Middleton also criticized the memos framing in a statement included in the release. This is the time for unifying the Democratic Party and our country, she said. You cannot unify our party or our country by disqualifying any American from candidacy for public office. The dispute is unfolding in a newly drawn district spanning parts of San Diego and Riverside counties that Democrats view as a must-win in a closely divided House. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about Campa-Najjars past campaigns, von Wilpert said Campa-Najjar has lost every campaign hes ever run and argued that the memos language sends a signal to a group of people that is offensive and homophobic, adding that words have power and they have an impact. Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from the Campa-Najjar campaign. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Democrat under fire over campaign memo implying LGBTQ+ candidates arent electable in key California race RELATED Democratic lawmakers say President Donald Trumps redistricting gambit is backfiring as Virginias Democratic-controlled Senate advanced new congressional maps that could chip away at the House GOP's majority. The Virginia Senate voted 21-16 along party lines on Wednesday to pass a set of new congressional maps that would leave just one Republican district in play. Republicans currently hold five. Advertisement Advertisement To Republicans like Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., thats too drastic a swing for a state that only has 11 districts to begin with. Even in light of similar redistricting pushes in Texas, California and other states, Wittman believes Virginias case is unique. Doj Urges Supreme Court To Block California Map, Calls Newsom-backed Plan A Racial Gerrymander President Donald Trump speaks to reporters and members of the media at Mar-a-Lago on Feb. 1, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. (Getty Images) "This partisan power grab is not reflective of Virginia. Virginia is a 6-5 congressional delegation: six Democrats, five Republicans. And now they want to go to 10 Democrats, one Republican 92%," Wittman said. Read On The Fox News App "Theyre going to disenfranchise most Virginians, if not all of them, that are Republican or independent." Advertisement Advertisement Despite the size of the change the maps would bring, Democrats believe its just the latest continuation of a fight that Trump started. "You have to fight fire with fire," Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., told Fox News Digital. "The voters that Im talking to feel that we cant just sit back and be victims of redistricting. I dont think this would be happening unless [Trump] pushed for redistricting in Texas and other red states," Subramanyam said. When asked if he thinks the changes would go too far, Subramanyam said he thinks Republicans will have a chance to press their case at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement "If Republicans can win over the hearts and minds of Virginians, they will have a good cycle. It's a very volatile map in that sense, and so I know many have argued that this is actually fair. I would say that it's certainly a map where, if Republicans campaign well and their message resonates, they can win too," Subramanyam said. Since Trump urged lawmakers in Texas to push through a map change in July 2025, state legislatures across the country have explored ways to squeeze out a congressional advantage where control of the House hangs by a two-seat thread. Texas Files Emergency Supreme Court Petition After Trump-backed Congressional Map Blocked By Federal Judges Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., speaks during a news conference on Oct. 14, 2025. Virginias map change, on its own, would give Democrats a path to flipping control of the chamber in November. Advertisement Advertisement But the maps arent a sure thing. Their implementation turns on pending legal battles about whether the shakeup complies with the states constitutional requirements, according to a complaint filed late last year. On Friday, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the redistricting consideration could continue while it deliberates over a final ruling on whether the maps are permissible. To become official, maps will also require a statewide constitutional referendum. Under current law, Virginias constitution outlaws gerrymandering, the practice of drawing congressional districts to purposefully benefit a political party. Subramanyam said the referendum gives voters a chance to express their will. Advertisement Advertisement "It will come down to the voters. One good thing in Virginia is that people will have a say and can vote on the referendum in April. Folks in Texas, like where my family still lives, didnt have a choice," Subramanyam said, noting that Texass redistricting push didnt require a constitutional amendment and was decided purely by the legislature. Wittman believes the fact Virginia is looking to upend its own constitution should make the reshuffle a foregone conclusion. When asked whether he sees Virginias redistricting question as a consequence of the redistricting in Texas, Wittman said the two situations differ because of existing state law. Jeffries Says Gop 'Done Eff'd Up In Texas,' Vows They Won't Win Five Seats: 'They Can't Ignore It' Sen. Phil King, R-Texas, displays a map during a Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting public testimony hearing on Aug. 7, 2025, in Austin. "Each state has their own constitution as to how they put together their congressional districts. Virginias is very clear. A super majority of voters 66% of the voters said we want a bipartisan redistricting commission. Thats Virginia," Wittman said, referring to the 2020 vote in Virginia that outlawed gerrymandering. Advertisement Advertisement "Texas is doing what Texas and its constitution allow," he added. Upon teeing up that referendum, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger framed the action as a way to give Virginians a voice in a national debate over congressional redistricting. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Virginia voters deserve the opportunity to respond to nationwide attacks on our rights, freedoms and elections I trust Virginia voters to respond," Spanberger said in a statement. Voters in the state will consider whether to "temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections" on April 21. Original article source: Democrats say Trump redistricting push backfiring as Virginia advances new House maps Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is among the 14 Best Cloud Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now. The United States Department of the Air Force Awards Oracle Corporation (ORCL) $88 Million Firm-fixed Price Task Order On February 12, the United States Department of the Air Force (DAF) awarded the company an $88 million firm-fixed price task order. The order focuses on offering Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services for the Air Force Cloud One program, continuing Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL)s role as a partner in the Department of War cloud modernization efforts. As a result of this program, DoW customers can capitalize on the performance, security as well as resiliency of OCI throughout classification levels. Notably, the work is expected to be performed at the contractor-specified facilities across the US and will run through December 7, 2028. 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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: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now. Disclosure: None. One woman is dead, and two others are injured after a two-vehicle crash on Monday night in Darke County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, the two-car crash was reported at the intersection of OH-47 and Ansonia-Hunchbarger Road before 8:30 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement A Darke County Deputy observed an SUV traveling at a high rate of speed westbound on State Route 47, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant Brent Johnson. As the deputy was trying to catch up to the SUV, the driver increased speed as if they were going to flee, said Johnson. The deputy chased the SUV for five miles with speeds reaching 124 mph, according to a Darke County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. The SUV then crossed over the center line from the left side of the road, striking another vehicle head-on. The driver of the fleeing vehicle was taken by Care Flight to Miami Valley Hospital with serious injuries, said Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement The female passenger in the fleeing vehicle was ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Darke County Sheriffs Office spokesperson. The female driver of the vehicle that was heading eastbound was taken to Reid Health Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, and has since been released. News Center 7 crews on scene saw two cars involved, both with extensive damage. We are working to learn the identity of the person who has died. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] One of the Trump administrations most vocal defenders of its aggressive immigration crackdown is leaving as public opinion sours against the hardline approach. Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems spokesperson, informed colleagues Tuesday about her plans, according to two DHS officials familiar with the move. Shes leaving DHS next week. "I am enormously grateful to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and the American people for the honor and privilege to serve this great nation," McLaughlin said in a statement after this story was first published. "I look forward to continuing the fight ahead." Advertisement Advertisement Noem released her own statement saying "McLaughlin has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism." But the news led House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to say, "Another MAGA extremist forced out of DHS. Noem next." McLaughlin publicly supported the Trump administrations controversial tactics at some of the most tense moments amid its immigration enforcement operations in Chicago and Minneapolis, frequently sparring with social media detractors. McLaughlins departure comes at a crucial time amid a funding lapse for the agency as Republicans and Democrats negotiate potential reforms to ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Advertisement Advertisement Lauren Bis, DHS' deputy assistant secretary for media relations, will replace McLaughlin, and Katie Zacharia will be spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary. A former top communications aide to Vivek Ramaswamys 2024 presidential campaign and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, McLaughlin started planning to leave in December but delayed her departure amid the aftermath of the Renee Good and Alex Pretti shootings, according to the people briefed on her exit. (They were granted anonymity to speak about internal personnel matters.) In the instance of Good, McLaughlin was quick to characterize her actions as an example of domestic terrorism. Some in the Trump administration have privately criticized Noems leadership of the department, which has drawn repeated bad headlines in part due to the department jumping to conclusions in the instances of the two fatal shootings. Trump put border czar Tom Homan in charge in Minneapolis in what some in the White House saw as a rebuttal to Noems more aggressive approach. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week found a majority of Americans 58 percent saying the administration's immigration crackdown has gone too far. Advertisement Advertisement After Noem, McLaughlin was the biggest booster of the approach. At the peak of her tenure, McLaughlin, a former ABC News contributor, logged as many as five media appearances a day. Throughout her time in her job, she frequently did interviews on Fox News, as well as CNN, CBS News, NPR and Newsmax. She also appeared on many podcasts including those hosted by the late Charlie Kirk, Chris Cuomo and Howard Kurtz. Media is so much of the battle, so to speak, on the immigration issue, the native Ohioan told her hometown paper the Cincinnati Enquirer last month. So much of the debate is a [public relations] debate. Its a PR war. That PR war has left scars. Her exit comes amid unprecedented turbulence at DHS. Although long planned, she's leaving just days after a brutal Wall Street Journal article cataloging "constant chaos" within the agency and critiquing Noem's self-importance including the alleged firing of a U.S. Coast Guard pilot for misplacing the secretary's blanket. Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear what she will do next but asked by the paper if she would ever run for office if she returned to Cincinnati, McLaughlin, whos married to GOP consultant Ben Yoho, said she wouldnt rule anything out. While immigration was a major focus for McLaughlin, given the sprawling DHS remit, she also worked on issues including how TSA was affected by the government shutdown last year, the Coast Guards role in the Caribbean drug boat strikes and FEMAs response to major storms. Her stint at DHS followed her earlier service in the first Trump administration where she worked for Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and at the State Department on arms control issues. McLaughlin became an avatar of the Trump administrations communications campaign defending its immigration enforcement effort. In doing so, she assumed a level of prominence and withering criticism garnered not even by some Trump Cabinet officials. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called her a pathological liar. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) accused her of gaslighting the American people. But McLaughlin publicly maintained the backing of the only person who mattered through the end of her time atop all of DHS public affairs. President Donald Trump praised the wonderful TRICIA MCLAUGHLIN after a December appearance on Fox. He added, Tricia really knows her STUFF! Among her Instagram posts on her personal page on Jan. 1, she appeared to vaguely respond to criticisms. Your boos mean nothing, read the meme from the show Rick and Morty that she shared. Ive seen what makes you cheer. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The man charged with killing his wife in Norfolk has fled the United States and was last known to be in Hong Kong, according to a federal affidavit. David Varela, 38, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of his wife, Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria, and police have been looking for him, confirming that he is not in custody. Norfolk Police referred to her as Lina M. Guerra, while the FBI affidavit notes her name as Lisa Maria Guerra Echavarria. Family of Lina Guerra says husband is man charged with her murder, NPD says he is not in custody Advertisement Advertisement Norfolk Police executed a search warrant at Guerra Echavarrias residence after her brother had reported her missing Feb. 2, this after he had not been in contact with her for more than two weeks and detectives had not been able to get in touch with Varela or Guerra Echavarria, according to the affidavit. Varela, a U.S. Navy Reservist on active duty, had not responded to calls from his immediate supervisor, who told Norfolk Police detectives this was unusual behavior for Varela. When police searched Guerra Echavarrias residence at an apartment at the Icon Building on East Main Street, an unidentified woman was found dead in the kitchen freezer, with preliminary fingerprints indicating the body was that of Guerra Echavarrias, with her cause of death pending an autopsy. Her cell phone was at the residence as well as Varelas Tesla, parked outside in the parking lot. Norfolk Police reached out to Homeland Security Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI for help, with Homeland Security Investigations determining Varela took a flight to Hong Kong on or about Feb. 5, 2026, according to the affidavit, which also indicated emergency disclosure requests from WhatsApp showing location data originating in Hong Kong also. Advertisement Advertisement NCIS also confirmed Varelas status as a reservist with the Navy, and though Varela has family in Colombia, he does not have any discernible ties to Hong Kng or China, [and] Varela has not reported to duty, as required, nor has he returned any phone calls to CPO Patterson, to this point. On Feb. 6 and Feb. 10, Varela was charged with concealing a dead body to prevent detection and first degree murder, respectively. The affidavit says there is probable cause to believe that David Varela has fled the Commonwealth of Virginia in an attempt to avoid prosecution for the two charges. The affidavit from the FBI requests an arrest warrant be issued. The news of Guerra Echavarrias death has devastated her family. Her aunt spoke with 10 On Your Side from Colombia, where she is from. The aunt said Guerra Echavarria was very responsibile and that their family is heartbroken by the news. Advertisement Advertisement The womans aunt, Elizabeth Echavarria, said Guerra Echavarria and Varela met years ago in Florida and got married soon after. The aunt said she had concerns, and said he had been violent with her niece in the past. Its awful he took my little girl away, Elizabeth Echavarria 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 WAVY.com. A month after authorities say a mentally ill man walked more than three miles to smash windows at Vice President JD Vances house, no evidence has been made public indicating that it was politically motivated. Federal prosecutors say in court documents that 26-year-old William DeFoor had one objective: To attack the home of the vice president. But the reason DeFoor walked from the house in Hyde Park where he was living with his parents to Vances East Walnut Hills home remains unknown. William DeFoor at a Jan. 6 court hearing. Because there is no evidence pointing to anything besides a mental health issue, DeFoors attorney has asked a federal judge to transfer him from jail to a secure psychiatric hospital, then possibly home under court supervision, while the case is pending. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors opposed that request in documents filed Feb. 10 in federal court in Cincinnati. A hearing about DeFoors detention is scheduled for Feb. 18. Prosecutors argue that DeFoors actions were deliberate and intentional. He wore gloves and carried only a black backpack with a hammer inside. He left his electronic devices at home. And he ignored hundreds of homes before targeting the vice presidents house. Vandalism at JD Vances house Shortly after midnight on Jan. 5, authorities say DeFoor used the hammer to strike a Secret Service vehicle parked in the driveway and multiple glass panels at Vances house. Vance and his family were not there at the time. DeFoor was arrested soon afterward. In a motion to revoke the order of detention, DeFoors attorney, Paul Laufman, said DeFoor was a delusional young man in the midst of a mental health crisis." Laufman added that DeFoor "likely could not understand what he or those around him were doing." Damage to windows at Vice President JD Vance's East Walnut Hills home. Laufman has proposed holding DeFoor in a lockdown hospital for 90 days. While there, his schizophrenia could be treated while he also undergoes tests to determine his competency to stand trial and whether he can use a not guilty by reason of insanity defense. Advertisement Advertisement If DeFoor is found to be stabilized mentally, he should be released under court supervision while the case is pending, Laufman said. But if his mental health status warrants further hospitalization, the court could order that, instead. Prosecutors say DeFoor is a flight risk and a danger to the community. Among evidence that he is a flight risk, prosecutors say he previously left a mental health facility against medical advice. Prosecutors also focused on a poem from DeFoor's journal: "Freedom is a cage And all the worlds a stage ... I thought you were my only friend But now youll never see me again!" Poem prosecutors say was found in William DeFoor's journal. 'Slow decline' began in college The motions filed by Laufman and prosecutors give new details about DeFoors background. The Enquirer reviewed the documents along with other records to learn more about him. Advertisement Advertisement The oldest of three siblings, DeFoor was raised in Mount Lookout and Hyde Park. After graduating from the Summit Country Day School in 2018, he attended the University of Cincinnatis College-Conservatory of Music on a full scholarship, his mother has previously said, with the goal of becoming a professional musician. But while in college, his mental health entered into a slow decline, Laufman said. He eventually moved back into his parents home, where his temper became unpredictable, and he would argue about unusual things, according to Laufman. DeFoor moved out in 2021 and, according to prosecutors, spent the next two years living in hotels, shelters and various apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Laufman said DeFoors mental health struggles prevented him from holding a steady job. In 2023, he returned to his parents home. DeFoor often appeared incoherent and distracted, Laufman said, and his parents eventually realized that he was hearing and responding to voices that only he could hear. Doctors diagnosed him with schizophrenia. In April 2023, he was charged with trespassing because he refused to leave the waiting room at the UC Health psychiatric services emergency room. The charges were dismissed after DeFoor was found to be incompetent to stand trial. 2024 vandalism case In 2024, DeFoor was accused of breaking the front windows of two businesses in Hyde Park. The case ended up being handled by a mental health court, and DeFoor underwent treatment. Advertisement Advertisement He was admitted to a lockdown mental health facility and stayed for about two months. During that time, DeFoor was stabilized through a drug treatment regimen, Laufman said. For more than a year, he managed his symptoms, and he again began working on a bachelors degree. But in December 2025, DeFoor began struggling with schizophrenia again. His psychiatrist adjusted his medications. While the change in medication took effect, DeFoor and his family were considering a return to a hospital, Laufman said. But then the incident at Vances house happened. Laufman said DeFoor is not a dangerous or violent person. His mental illness is manageable, and even when it spirals out of control, he has only damaged property. Advertisement Advertisement DeFoor is a kind and sensitive person who needs treatment, not a cell, Laufman said in the motion. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What court records reveal about motive in JD Vance home vandalism case Donald Trump has issued a blunt threat to the potential kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie. The 84-year-old was reportedly kidnapped from her home outside Tucson on February 1. Now, in a brief phone interview with the New York Post on Monday, the President warned that those responsible must release Guthrie alive. Trump also suggested the harshest federal punishment if they find her dead. Donald Trump demands Nancy Guthries unharmed return, issues threat to kidnappers Donald Trump addressed Nancy Guthries suspected kidnappers, issuing a threat if they did not comply. The report noted that Trump warned the kidnappers they would suffer very, very severe the most severe federal consequences in case investigators did not find Guthrie alive. When the outlet asked if that meant the Justice Department would seek the death penalty, the President responded, The most, yeah thats true. Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, The Post reported that Trump called Savannah Guthrie on February 4 to offer federal support while authorities and investigators have continued searching for Nancy Guthrie, reporting that investigators believe she might still be alive. Per the outlet, there has been progress in the sense that the FBI recovered images and video connected to the case. This included footage of a masked man at the front door of the home. Meanwhile, the search has moved beyond the neighborhood, with The Post reporting that over the weekend, authorities flew a high-tech Bluetooth device over the desert region in an effort to detect a signal from Guthries pacemaker. Furthermore, the report noted that federal charges often come into play in major cases, pointing out that Arizona has the death penalty. Besides, the federal government can also seek capital punishment in certain cases. Donald Trumps message, as described by the New York Post, comes as a threat to Nancy Guthries kidnappers, warning them that she must come home safely and those responsible should face the most severe outcome if she does not. Originally reported by Ishika Mishra on Reality Tea. The post Donald Trump Threatens Nancy Guthries Kidnappers, Demands Safe Return appeared first on Mandatory. Drone-fired missiles have hit a market in central Sudans Kordofan region, killing at least 28 people and wounding dozens of others, a rights group says. Emergency Lawyers, a group tracking violence against civilians, said in a statement on Monday that drones bombed the al-Safiya market in the town of Sodari in North Kordofan state. The bombing on Sunday occurred when the market was packed with people, exacerbating the humanitarian tragedy, it said, adding that the number of casualties is likely to rise. Advertisement Advertisement The attack occurred when the market was bustling with civilians, including women, children and the elderly, the group said. The repeated use of drones to target populated areas shows a grave disregard for civilian lives and signals an escalation that threatens what remains of daily life in the province. Therefore, we demand an immediate halt to drone attacks by both sides of the conflict, the statement said. # 28 . pic.twitter.com/Di47pVaFRF Emergency Lawyers (@EmergncyLawyers) February 16, 2026 The area is currently the fiercest front line in the three-year-old war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sodari, a remote town where desert trade routes cross, is 230km (132 miles) northwest of el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF has been trying to encircle for months. Advertisement Advertisement The Kordofan region has seen a surge in deadly drone attacks as both sides fight over the countrys vital east-west axis, which links the western RSF-held Darfur region, through el-Obeid, to the army-controlled capital, Khartoum, and the rest of Sudan. After consolidating its hold on Darfur last year, the RSF has pushed east through the oil- and gold-rich Kordofan in an attempt to seize Sudans central corridor. Emergency Lawyers said on X that the drones targeting the market on Sunday belonged to the army. Two military officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to brief the media, told The Associated Press news agency that the army does not target civilian infrastructure and denied the attack. Advertisement Advertisement A week ago, a drone close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan hit a vehicle carrying displaced families, killing at least 24 people, including eight children. A day before the attack, a World Food Programme aid convoy was also hit by drones. Violence shocking in scale and brutality Fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese military erupted into a full-blown war across the country in April 2023. So far, at least 40,000 people have been killed and 12 million displaced, according to the World Health Organization. Aid groups say the true death toll could be many times higher, as the fighting in vast and remote areas impedes access. The United Nations human rights chief recently said that the Kordofan region remains volatile and a focus of hostilities as the warring parties vie for control of strategic areas. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides have been accused of atrocities. The UN Human Rights Office issued a report on Friday saying that more than 6,000 people were killed over three days when the RSF unleashed a wave of intense violence shocking in its scale and brutality in Darfur in late October. The RSFs offensive to capture the city of el-Fasher, which used to be a military stronghold, in late October included widespread atrocities that amounted to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, according to the UN. The war has created the worlds largest hunger and displacement crisis. It has also effectively split the country in two, with the army holding the centre, north and east, while the RSF controls the west and, with its allies, parts of the south. An experienced Oregon education specialist whose sister serves in the Oregon House is seeking to unseat one of the most influential moderate Democrats in the Senate. Education consultant Myrna Munoz, related to Rep. Lesly Munoz, D-Woodburn, announced on social media last week that shell run in the Democratic primary Oregons 15th Senate District, challenging Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro. The Washington County district encompasses much of the city of Hillsboro, as well as Forest Grove, Cornelius and the Rock Creek area. Munoz pointed to her ties to local immigrant farm working communities while noting that she was running to improve civil rights for everyone, fully fund public schools and ensure health care as a right for all. Advertisement Advertisement SD 15 deserves a senator who fights for working families and believes in our shared future, she wrote in a caption for her announcement video. We have 96 days. Together, we can win this. Munoz enters the race with fewer resources than Sollman, who also serves as the Senate assistant majority leader. State campaign finance records show that Sollmans campaign has more than $210,000 in the bank, while no figures or campaign account statements were available for Munoz as of Monday. Candidates have 30 days after a transaction to report contributions or spending, and that window narrows to seven days close to an election. Munoz began serving as education specialist supporting English learners with the Oregon Department of Education in January. Meanwhile, she has also been a self-employed executive director of a multilingual education education consultant group since February 2022, as well as working with the Oregon Department of Education from 2023 to 2024 to advise on multilingual and migrant education, according to her Linkedin. She also worked as an adjunct instructor at Portland State University from 2016 to 2023. In an interview, Munoz described herself as a life-long educator, strong supporter of unions and someone who never planned to pursue elected office, aside from assisting her sisters campaigns. She considers herself a progressive and said she had previously been in touch with Sollmans campaign, adding that the senator had once helped her acquire a business license. Advertisement Advertisement But she said there has been widespread dissatisfaction with Sollmans leadership in the district and that she wasnt feeling very represented by the things that she was moving forward with. She pointed to Sollmans work on data centers as well as her response to concerns about aggressive immigration enforcement at a Jan. 30 town hall alongside Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. I honestly got quite passionate about the data centers Senator Sollman was bringing in, and also she joined Attorney General Rayfields town hall, Munoz said. When people from my community I grew up inwere explaining how fearful they are about whats happening with ICE, her response was, I would say, lacking compassion. While Sollman is a lead sponsor on Senate Bill 1586, which would double the length of property tax breaks for a program data centers often take advantage of in Oregon, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive.com that she will be stripping the legislation of that provision in a forthcoming amendment. The bill had a public hearing Monday and will receive another one on Wednesday in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. Sollman declined an interview Monday, saying that she was proud to represent a community she grew up in and suggesting that she would be more focused on the election after the end of lawmakers short 35-day legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement later Monday, she said the economic development bill would prohibit stand-alone data centers and retail warehouses. She noted that she was a chief co-sponsor of a law passed last year that requires major energy users, such as data centers or cryptocurrency operations, to pay for their impact on Oregons electric grid. She also pointed to her remarks alongside Gov. Tina Kotek on Jan. 24 where she and other leaders denounced the federal governments immigration enforcement policies. Based on feedback from previous events, lawmakers committed to doing more listening and less talking, particularly on local issues. To make space for as many voices as possible, I focused on hearing from attendees rather than responding individually during the session, she said of her participation in the town hall. It was heartbreaking to hear the fear that has rippled through the community. We are experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Sollman has held her position in the Senate since 2022, after previously serving in the Oregon House since 2017. She has developed a reputation as a more industry-friendly Democrat, at times voting with Republicans against a majority of Democrats. For instance in 2025, she voted against a bill that would have made large tech corporations pay for aggregating local journalism outlets content, as well as a new law that made Oregon the first state in the nation to offer unemployment benefits to striking public and private sector employees. Most recently, Sollman was a target of a union-backed campaign to pressure moderate Democrats in the lead-up to the session, hoping to get them to completely disconnect state tax code from the federal tax code and subsequently reconnect. Democrats have instead moved forward with legislation to instead only partially split from the federal tax code, passing the legislation in the Oregon Senate on Monday. Sen. Mark Meek, D-Gladstone, was the only Democrat to vote against the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Munoz could seek to draw upon support from some of the states largest unions, who are major donors to Democratic leadership in Salem, to boost her campaign. Asked about that possibility, she said she is currently holding interviews and meeting with stakeholders to earn endorsements. Munoz has a campaign kick-off event set for March 1, for which she said details will be forthcoming. The primary election is May 19. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. (WATE) It has been more than a year since efforts to build a track in Tellico Plains in honor of Darrah Wiseman began. Wiseman was a Tellico Plains High School senior and star cross-country and track runner. She died in a crash in November 2024. She was a six-time state champion and was dedicated to her training, despite not having a track at her school or anywhere in Monroe County. Last year, her parents Chris and Melissa Wiseman, began the process of raising money to build a track in Tellico Plains. Advertisement Advertisement She was very successful in training and didnt even really have a facility to train at. And we were approached by some people in the community and I already had it on my heart to build a track in her honor, Chris Wiseman said. The Wisemans raised around $140,000. Then, State Rep. Mark Cochran secured $500,000 in state funding for the project. That loss I think just touched everyone in our community. So at that time I thought well, I feel like this would be a very appropriate thing to push for in the state budget,' Cochran said. But now, the future of the project is unclear. We really cannot get any clear direction on who needs to approve, what the next steps are, Melissa Wiseman said. We were told we could get some bids, the engineer report and the survey, then we could be moving forward, which we have those. Advertisement Advertisement Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram made a Facebook post in response to concerns over the projects status. The funding is designated for 3rd District (only) and is in an interest-bearing account per request by the state and managed securely by our wonderful Finance Dept, he said. We look forward to seeing the direction of the Monroe County Board of Education and we are excited about the project and opportunity it brings to the to this community. Monroe County School Board Chairman Dr. Lon Shoopman told 6 News the board has not voted on whether to build a track and he has not talked with the mayor about this. When asked if this was something the school board could take up in the future, he said he did not know. Were kind of hoping for more than anything, transparency. People coming together and doing the right thing for what the money was intended for, said Chris Wiseman. Advertisement Advertisement Cochran clarified that the funding is to be used specifically to build a track in Tellico Plains. Still dealing with the loss of Darrah, the Wisemans said its been a battle to continue their efforts. But they hope to see the track become a reality before Darrahs younger sister graduates. See more top stories on WATE.com Shes a junior currently, so ultimately we wanted to have this done by her senior year, that way she could honor her sister, Melissa 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Young elephants have a lot to learnwhat to eat, what to avoid, how to behave around others. When they grow up around their mother and aunts, their development into well-behaved adults may seem natural and spontaneous. But the fallout of poaching and misguided population management in the past reveals they do much better if they can follow the example of older animals. Elephants in populations that lost or lack older individuals tend to have a lower chance of survival, spend less time with others and respond less accurately to threats, says behavioral ecologist Lucy Bates of the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. She led an analysis published last year analyzing 95 scientific studies about disrupted elephant populations in Africa and Asia. When old elephants disappear from their communities, Bates and colleagues explain, so does their culture, the knowledge that is gained with age and transferred across generations. They usually do survive when the elders are gone, she says. But many more nuanced aspects of their behavior may be lost. This imperils not just elephants themselves, but also the animals and people they live alongside. Advertisement Advertisement (Searching for Africas ghost elephants) A group of elephants follow their matriarch at Samburu National Reserve, Kenya. Nick Nichols, Nat Geo Image collection The sounds of strangers One of the most famous examples of an elephant population that grew up without elders is the group of orphaned savanna elephants that were moved into a park called Pilanesberg in South Africa in the 1980s and 90s. Their adult relatives had been shot in Kruger National Parknot by poachers, but by park managers, who felt the number of elephants had become too high, and believed the youngsters instincts would suffice to survive. These elephants were likely traumatized, says behavioral ecologist Graeme Shannon of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, who studied the animals from 2007 to 2010. His experiments suggested they also lacked crucial knowledge when compared to elephants from the large and healthy population in Amboseli National Park in Kenya, where he worked as well. To further understand this impact, Shannon and colleagues played sounds theyd recorded from elephants in the park and elsewhere from large speakers in the back of a car. In Amboseli, groups led by older females clearly identified these sounds, looking to welcome a family friend, but gathering around the calves in defense when they heard the sound of a stranger approaching. In Pilanesberg, on the other hand, where elder females were missing, groups responded equally defensively to all of the recordings. They also didnt react differently to the sounds of young or (often more dangerous) older elephants, nor did they seem to distinguish between the roars of one or three lionsor male and female onesunlike Amboseli groups. Advertisement Advertisement In Amboseli, young elephants gradually learn when to be careful by watching the adults in the group, says Shannon, and to not worry too much otherwise. The overly anxious behavior of orphaned elephants must be very exhausting to them, he says. The Pilanesberg orphaned elephants were unusually aggressive to staff, visitors and researchers, and out-of-control young males killed dozens of white rhinos in the park. These bouts of aggression only subsided when the park introduced six older, more dominant males the younger ones could tag along with and learn from. Male elephants are often seen as loners, says Shannon, but they do seek the company of other males when they leave the female-led group they grew up in. And because they will more often be on their own later on, it might be even more important for them to learn how to behave like a grown-up. The situation in Pilanesberg may have been due partly to trauma rather than lack of learning as such, but these studies reveal the many subtleties young elephants are picking up from their elders. (When elephant moms need help, nannies step in) A bull elephant is met with embraces by a matriarch and her daughter. Nick Nichols, Nat Geo Image collection Sex ed Decades of observations in Amboseli have revealed many more examples highlighting the importance of learning from other elephants, says evolutionary ecologist Phyllis Lee of the University of Stirling, United Kingdom. Young elephants are often seen extending their trunks to smell or taste what others are eating, or to smell the liquids elephants secrete from the glands on their temples when they are emotionally aroused. They do look very eager to learn, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Intriguingly, mothers even appear to teach their daughters how to attract a visiting male, Lee explains. Even if she has no interest in mating, a mother may present herself to a male and do little run-outs to convince a male to follow her, just to show her daughter how its done and get her a good mate if she can. Then as soon as her daughter has mated, shell be ignoring the male. Research has shown that young females are more likely to successfully raise a first calf while their mother is raising one herself, says Lee. Groups led by older females also tend to lose fewer calves, and have higher survival in general. The effect on population numbers is more mixed. While the orphan population in a relatively benign place like Pilanesberg did quickly grow, in more challenging areas like Mikumi National Park in Tanzania, populations that lost many elders to poaching are often still struggling to bounce back, perhaps for lack of experience on how to survive droughts. If such knowledge, accumulated across generations, is lost when older animals are killed or social ties are severed, it may take a long time for it to be rediscovered, and some of it may even be gone forever. Most wildlife managers have taken this lesson to heartefforts are usually made to move groups as a whole instead of breaking them up. But trophy hunters still often target older individuals for their tusks, underestimating their importance of elders for the survival of younger animals. Elephant learning affects humans Learning from others also appears to play a key role in how elephants relate and respond to humans. Studies have shown that elephants living in areas with different human groups respond more fearfully to people from groups known to occasionally kill elephants than those that dont, says Bates. In some of her own work, she has shown that elephants also seem more afraid of the smell of clothes worn by people from groups that might pose a threat to them. Theyll walk away from the smell of other people too, she says. But in this case, they run and keep running. Advertisement Advertisement When they are aware of humans whereabouts, elephants tend to steer clear. In Amboseli, elephants have been observed lingering at a distance until local herders were done watering their cattle. Yet when elephants are surprised and feel unable to get away, they do sometimes kill cattle and occasionally people too. Some elephants even pick up on peoples scheduleslaborers at a coffee plantation in southern India started running into elephants when they extended their working hours, for example. Not everything young elephants learn from older relatives helps them avoid trouble with humans, however. A male elephant group in Kenya was seen pushing its youngest member through a fence, teaching it a hard lesson on how to negotiate these obstacles. Asian elephants also appear to be learning from others how to take down fences or to feed on crops or trash, says behavioral ecologist Shermin de Silva of the University of California, San Diego, who studies them in Sri Lanka. This can lead to conflict with humans that can have deadly consequences for humans as well as elephants, and the animals that get killed may be the most adaptable and persistent ones, she says, traits that may be very useful to help them survive in the wild as well. If the behavior spreads to the next generation, which it could in mothers bringing their offspring to dump sites to feed, young elephants may not learn how to feed on wild plants. An elephant eats more than 100 different plants, says de Silva. But this doesnt mean they can eat anything anytime. They have to learn. Some Asian elephant populations have become so small conservationists might be tempted to give up on them, says de Silva. But those remnant populations might have local knowledge on how to survive there that is difficult if not impossible to recover if we lose them. She recently coauthored guidelines on how to reintroduce orphaned elephants to new areas. Its important to rear them in a way that discourages them from approaching humans, and to go and learn from other elephants. Advertisement Advertisement Humans sharing their environment with elephants have historically learned things from them, too. Elephant keepers found out which medicinal plants can help sick elephants by watching what the animals were eating when ill, says de Silva, and some of those plants are now also used by people. Elephants probably coevolved with humans, specifically Homo erectus, says de Silva, so theyve always had to deal with us. As elephant populations recover or, more commonly, new people move into former elephant habitat, some dangerous misunderstandings may occur. Yet in places where humans and elephants have a long history of living together, there is often a mutual cultural understanding, says de Silva. She emphasizes that does not mean they often interact people should never feed or approach wild elephants, or accidents will happen. We need to give them space. If elephants are to survive a changing climate in increasingly fragmented landscapes, it will be even more important that the remaining bits of habitat are well-connected to allow them some space to roam, and create areas where old animals can share their inherited knowledge from past challenges, while younger animals feel safe to explore and discover new solutions to novel problems. Younger individuals might be more adaptable, says Bates. And some old habits will need to change. Juliette Bryant says she first met Jeffrey Epstein when she was a 20-year-old psychology and philosophy student in Cape Town, South Africa, who modeled part time. Her first interaction with the late American sex offender came by chance, when she was approached on a night out by a girl who offered to introduce her to a man who she said was described to her as American royalty. "She said she knew a man who was here who was the 'King Of America,' and he was here with Bill Clinton and Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. She told me that his best friend Leslie Wexner owns Victoria's Secret and it would be a very good idea for me to meet them because it could possibly help with my modeling career," Bryant told CBS News on Sunday. "So we went along to the restaurant where they were having dinner down the road. And sure enough, there they were. Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Chris Tucker, Jeffrey Epstein, and a few government officials from South Africa." Advertisement Advertisement Bryant does not accuse Clinton, Spacey or Tucker of any wrongdoing, and she said her interaction with the men at the table was brief, lasting only about five minutes. But the next day she received a call from the girl who made the introduction, telling her that Epstein would like to see her modeling portfolio. "Epstein said he thought I'd be great for Victoria's Secret, and they left that day, but his office started phoning and arranging me a visa and tickets and everything," Bryant told CBS News. "You know, I didn't have money or anything, but they said don't worry, they will deduct all my expenses from the income I made when I was there." Bryant, a South African national, said she was surprised by how quickly Epstein was able to arrange for her travel to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement "They arranged for me to get a visa to come to America. It was like a visitor's visa and they arranged these visas very quickly, which is unusual in South Africa. It's usually very difficult to get a visa here. And then basically within three weeks, I was in America," she said. Multiple emails in the tranche of Epstein-related documents released by the Department of Justice and reviewed by CBS News appear to show a pattern of Epstein assisting or receiving legal counsel on how to secure visas for young women to come to the U.S., including from Eastern Europe. The Free Press: WATCH: The Epstein Tapes Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the Polish government would create an analytical team to examine whether Polish children were abused via criminal networks connected to Epstein. Tusk also said "links between Epstein and the entire pedophile circle and the Russian special services," would be investigated. A photo provided to CBS News by Jeffrey Epstein survivor Juliette Bryant shows her standing on the late U.S. financier and convicted sex offender's private island, Little St. James, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, in 2002. / Credit: Courtesy of Juliette Bryant (Courtesy of Juliette Bryant) Bryant said very soon after she arrived in New York, she was told she would be heading to the Caribbean, to Epstein's private island. Advertisement Advertisement "I obviously assumed it was for a modeling shoot," she said. "We went to Teterboro airport and they were waiting on the airplane there, and you know, nothing was ever checked at any of these airports. They didn't check our passports, our luggage, nothing." Bryant said her passport was taken from her on board, and she was then sexually assaulted. "As the airplane took off, he [Epstein] started touching me forcibly in between my legs, and I freaked out. I realized, this is not a modeling opportunity, I've been kidnapped," Bryant told CBS News. "They whisked me away to the island and then I was stuck there. They never arranged any modeling opportunities, I was basically completely conned." Bryant said that for the next few years of her life, she was trafficked by Epstein. Her account of where she first met Epstein lines up with a time period during which Epstein lent his plane to former President Bill Clinton as part of a Clinton Foundation trip to Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Bryant was eventually compensated as part of both the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program in 2020 and a separate settlement with JP Morgan Chase in 2023. Public flight logs reviewed by CBS News show that Clinton left for a nine-day trip to Africa with actors Spacey and Tucker, on Epstein's private plane, in September 2002, visiting Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique and South Africa. KFF Health News reported at the time that Clinton, Tucker and Spacey were on a Clinton Foundation trip to "promote efforts to fight HIV/AIDS and economic development." In a sworn declaration to the House Oversight Committee in January, Clinton said Epstein offered use of his private plane for himself, his staff and his Secret Service detail in support of the Clinton Foundation's philanthropic work between 2002 and 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Clinton denied ever visiting Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where a number of the late financier's crimes occurred, and maintained that he had not been in contact with the convicted pedophile for more than a decade before his 2019 arrest. Investigators reviewing retail sales records for clues in Nancy Guthrie case Investigators chase critical leads as Nancy Guthrie search enters third week Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dies at 95 Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive and electric bus maker Jeti Industries have agreed in principle to produce modular electric buses in Finland. The companies signed a preliminary agreement covering serial production at Valmet Automotives plant in Uusikaupunki. Discussions on definitive terms are continuing. If concluded, the arrangement would represent the first production of electric buses for urban and regional transport in the Nordic region at a modern automotive facility under a contract manufacturing model, according to the press statement. Jeti Industries CEO Niko Andersson said: Valmet Automotives long-term experience in serial manufacturing of a wide range of complex vehicles enables us to scale production quickly and reliably. This collaboration is also supported by our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental values Under the proposed set-up, Valmet Automotive would contribute vehicle manufacturing know-how and established production systems, while Jeti Industries intends to expand capacity to meet rising demand in electric bus markets. The initiative also reflects stricter European Union requirements on supply chain transparency and safety, which are driving interest in regional manufacturing and supporting Jeti Industries growth plans. Planned bus assembly in Uusikaupunki would feature domestic content in parts and labour and involve Finnish suppliers across the automotive value chain. In September 2025, Valmet Automotive outlined a strategy to deploy its serial production capabilities beyond passenger cars. Manufacturing electric buses would draw on its electrification expertise, existing production assets and quality frameworks. Valmet Automotive CEO Pasi Rannus added: This preliminary agreement is another concrete step in advancing our strategy of expanding into new industries. Jeti Industries has developed an excellent product innovation with an existing, international market. We are excited to participate in the development of novel mobility solutions and to enable the serial production of a Finnish high-tech product. "Valmet Automotive, Jeti Industries plan electric bus production in Finland" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The University of Evansville will receive more than $1 million to fund scholarships thanks to a gift from the estate of Patrick and Christine Roberts. The donation will support scholarship opportunities and reflects the couples commitment to service, integrity and education, according to a community announcement. Christine Roberts earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UE in 1973. She became a certified registered nurse anesthetist and built a career in Missouri, where she operated a consulting practice that matched hospitals with anesthesia providers. Advertisement Advertisement Patrick Roberts owned and operated a CPA firm in Dexter, Missouri, for more than 30 years. The couple's decision to include UE in their estate plans will ensure future generations of students benefit from their belief in education. The gift will help ease financial burdens, expand access to academic experiences and empower students to make an impact in their communities, according to the announcement. "This scholarship investment from Patrick and Christine Roberts demonstrates the transformative power of philanthropy at the University of Evansville," Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, university president, said in the announcement. "Their generosity expands access and opportunity, empowering students to fully engage in their education and prepare to live lives of purpose in a changing world." "This gift reflects remarkable generosity and foresight, and we are sincerely thankful to the Roberts family for their investment in our students," said Abigail Werling, vice president for university advancement, in the announcement. "Their scholarship support will have a lasting impact, helping students pursue their education with confidence well into the future." Advertisement Advertisement This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@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 cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: UE receives $1M gift to expand student scholarship access The European Union is to provide 81.2 million ($96 million) in humanitarian aid for people affected by the ongoing conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "Civilians in eastern DR Congo are trapped between bullets and hunger," said EU Crisis Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on Tuesday during a visit to the region. "Families are fleeing, and survivors of violence are struggling to find even basic care," she said. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict in the resource-rich region has been ongoing for more than 30 years. Heavy fighting in eastern Congo again caused the displacement of thousands of people in December. "The DRC is facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, driven by persistent armed conflict, mass displacement, disease outbreaks and deep poverty," the commission said. Currently more than 21 million people require humanitarian aid and nearly 28 million in the region are affected by food insecurity, a statement said. The EU money is intended to finance food assistance, health care and improve access to water, sanitation and shelter in eastern Congo, but also to assist displaced Congolese refugees in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. Advertisement Advertisement Lahbib urged conflict parties to grant humanitarian agencies better access to the region. "Money alone will not stop suffering. Aid workers must be able to reach people safely, quickly and without obstacles," Lahbib said and called for international humanitarian law to be respected. By Dan Levine and Robin Respaut SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 17 (Reuters) - The state of California is preparing a lawsuit challenging recent federal changes to U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations made by the Trump administration, the state's attorney general said in an interview on Tuesday. Rob Bonta, the attorney general of the most populous U.S. state, also said he would "maybe" be open to working with the Trump administration and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to limit broad federal immunity for drug companies over alleged vaccine injuries. Advertisement Advertisement HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A California lawsuit over the childhood vaccination schedule would add legal pressure on the administration, as medical organizations and public health experts have warned the changes could lower vaccination rates. Kennedy has upended longstanding vaccine policies since his taking office last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new immunization schedule that removed universal recommendations for vaccines against rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, stating that parents should consult with healthcare providers under what it calls shared clinical decision-making. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other leading medical organizations have sued in a bid to stop the new vaccine schedule, arguing the overhaul was illegal and not driven by evidence. The suit seeks to replace the Kennedy-appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and have its decisions overturned. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, Bonta and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong both expressed disdain for Kennedy's views on vaccines. In terms of new litigation, Bonta said his "team is mobilized" and is "looking at what the complaint looks like, where to file, what our standing is, all the, all the things we have to have locked in." Bonta did not provide additional details about the planned lawsuit, including when it would be filed. Tong also said "we're scrambling our jets," and a spokesman for his office later confirmed that it is working with California on a potential multistate filing. When it comes to vaccine injuries, U.S. law mandates that most people seeking to sue drug manufacturers file their claims with a special vaccine court run by HHS that aims to address claims quickly, while capping compensation and limiting liability for the companies. The program has long been targeted by Kennedy and his allies, in part because HHS defends those cases, rather than pharma companies themselves. Before leading HHS, Kennedy represented plaintiffs claiming vaccine injuries and played an instrumental role in organizing mass litigation against drugmaker Merck over its Gardasil vaccine. A U.S.judge ruled for Merck in many of those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Bonta expressed skepticism towards broad immunities conferred by Congress to specific corporate sectors, including vaccine makers, but he said he did not want to feed anti-vaccine views espoused by Kennedy. "I like the facts. I like science. I don't want to give any airtime to his-- I mean, just conspiracy bullshit," Bonta said. "Can there be an example of a pharmaceutical company that did something wrong, and hurt people based on the facts, and they're enjoying absolute immunity when they should have accountability? Yeah, that's possible," Bonta added. (Reporting by Dan Levine and Robin Respaut in San Francisco; editing by Peter Henderson and Ethan Smith) Utah's Great Salt Lake is shrinking at an alarming rate, and experts warn this unprecedented trend could spell disaster for the region's future. The lake's decline is already contributing to a dismal ski season in Utah's mountains, and ecologists warn that more problems could come if they're allowed to continue. What's happening? Water levels in the Great Salt Lake have dropped to near-record lows, putting the lake "within just a few years of collapse," according to a report from The Daily Universe at Brigham Young University. It has already lost about two-thirds of its historic volume because of a decades-long drought and excessive water use. The shrinking lake means fewer snowstorms, as it doesn't fuel snowfall like it used to. Some mountain areas saw only one-third of their typical snowpack this fall. BYU ecologist Ben Abbott explained that warming temperatures, weather shifts, and the lake's decline are leading to more severe snow years, putting ski resorts and water supplies at risk. Advertisement Advertisement "Everything that we care about is at stake here," Abbott said. Why is this important? More than 1,000 square miles of dry lakebed are now exposed, becoming a source of toxic dust. Windstorms can blow these pollutants into nearby cities, and residents are already experiencing higher rates of respiratory and heart issues. Less snowpack also means reduced spring runoff, which jeopardizes water access for communities and farmers. Economically, the crisis threatens Utah's outdoor recreation industry, with resorts already hurting from a shortened, low-snow season. Scientists warn that while bad winters aren't new, rising global temperatures are making extreme conditions more frequent and intense, creating long-term risks to health, safety, and livelihoods. What's being done about it? Advocates like Abbott have launched initiatives such as Grow the Flow to raise awareness and drive water conservation. State officials urge residents to reduce outdoor watering, especially lawns, which are often irrigated twice as much as necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Watering less or switching to drought-tolerant landscaping could significantly reduce waste. These small changes can collectively make a big difference for the lake's future. Cutting the pollution that is heating our planet will be crucial to protect water and weather stability. One of the best steps homeowners can take is switching to solar energy for their power needs. Going solar is one powerful way to make your home more resilient, lower energy bills, and guard against rising prices. The Cool Down's Solar Explorer can connect you with vetted local installers and help you potentially save up to $10,000 on installation by comparing competitive bids. EnergySage also offers a free tool to compare quotes and explore incentives. By embracing solutions like these, from conserving water to clean energy upgrades, communities can work together to combat this crisis and protect everything at stake in Utah's future. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Did CNN report that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who "un-alived" Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti and claimed "self-defense" was found "not-guilty"? No, that's not true: A search across the network's website did not show any CNN story saying that happened. Talking to Lead Stories, CNN's spokesperson said that the claim is false. As of this writing, none of the ongoing investigations into Pretti's death has led to a public trial. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on X on Feb. 15, 2026. It opened: BREAKING: The ICE Agent who claimed 'self-defense' against a fully-armed male nurse in Minnesota, has been found NOT-GUILTY in a Minneapolis court this morning. The post contained an image with the CNN logo and the breaking news bottom banner. It displayed the text describing the fatal shooting as an act during which the federal agent: ... UN-ALIVED A MALE NURSE THAT BROUGHT GUNS AND AMMO TO A 'PEACEFUL' PROTEST... This is what that picture looked like on X at the time of writing: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/PatrickWCutler A Google search across the CNN website for the keywords seen here (archived here) did not yield any relevant reports confirming the viral claim. Advertisement Advertisement On February 16, 2026, CNN's Senior Vice President of Communications Emily Kuhn (archived here) refuted the rumor in an email to Lead Stories: It is a false and misleading graphic. CNN did not report what the manipulated image says. In a follow-up email received on the same day, she clarified what she meant by the "manipulated image": I was referring to placing a CNN logo on something not produced or verified from CNN. Earlier, on Feb. 1, 2026, investigative outlet ProPublica reported that, based on the review of the government records, its team identified (archived here) two people involved in the fatal shooting: Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez. Lead Stories looked up those names on Public Access to Court Electronic Records (archived here), also known as PACER, which shows federal court filings. As of this writing, it did not display any cases against such persons filed in 2026 following Pretti's death on Jan. 24 (archived here). Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of search results page at uscourts.gov Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of search results page at uscourts.gov Advertisement Advertisement No cases mentioning those agents in connection to Pretti's death (archived here) were found on CourtListener (archived here and here), a nonprofit providing public access to court materials. Searches on Google Scholar's Case Law for the keywords seen here (archived here) and here (archived here) did not produce any results. Lead Stories looked up state cases in Minnesota, too, but that did not confirm the claim on X, either: As seen here and here, that state's database did not show any 2026 cases involving the people identified by ProPublica. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office in Minnesota concluded that Pretti's cause of death was homicide (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 16, 2026, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans (archived here) said (archived here and here) that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is one of the entities investigating Pretti's death, formally denied his agency access to the files related to the circumstances of the fatal shooting. The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division launched its own probe as well (archived here). As of Feb. 16, 2026, no credible media organization reported that the court case against one or more ICE agents involved in Pretti's death reached its final stage, according to Google News (archived here) and Yahoo News (archived here and here). Following the Jan. 24, 2026, shooting, multiple rumors about it populated social media platforms. Contrary to the initial claims (archived here and here) that Pretti intended to attack immigration officers, the video evidence (archived here) showed he never attempted (archived here) to draw the licensed gun he was carrying before agents removed the firearm from him in the seconds before they shot and killed him. Claim: In April 2009, Jeffrey Epstein emailed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in China, saying he "loved" a torture video. Rating: Rating: False Context: Epstein wrote "I loved the torture video" to Dubai-based tycoon Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Netanyahu was not in China at the time of the email. In April 2009, Netanyahu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement In early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice's release of millions of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein revealed numerous email exchanges the disgraced financier allegedly had with prominent individuals. Days after the release, numerous social media users shared an April 2009 email Epstein sent in which he praised a "torture video" he received from someone who was in China. Many people online claimed the recipient, whose name was initially redacted, was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they said was in China at the time of the email exchange. Screenshots of the files circulating online indicate the email exchange occurred on April 24 and 25, 2009. The exchange is as follows: EPSTEIN: where are you? are you ok , i loved the torture video REDACTED EMAIL ADDRESS: I am in china I will be in the US 2nd week of may Some social media users who shared the rumor included a screenshot of a purported news article, which they suggested showed the Israeli prime minister was in China in April 2009. Another screenshot of a Wikipedia article shows Netanyahu was in the United States on May 18, 2009, which some users claimed further supported the theory he was the person emailing with Epstein. (X user @jakeshieldsajj) Epstein did send the above email about a "torture video" to an unknown recipient who claimed to be in China. However, Netanyahu was not the person exchanging emails with Epstein. He was not in China at the time, according to various sources. The person in the email was a Dubai-based business tycoon. As such, we rate this claim false. Advertisement Advertisement In mid-February 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., identified the recipient of the "torture video" email as Dubai-based tycoon Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and noted that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged that identification. Bin Sulayem subsequently resigned from his position as chairperson of DP World, a logistics company. According to the Epstein email files released by the DOJ, Epstein sent the email in question to a redacted recipient on April 24, 2009. On April 25, Epstein also wrote back saying, "Hope to see you," after the recipient said they would be in the U.S. in May. (Department of Justice) The article shared on social media clearly stated that on April 23, 2009, Netanyahu met Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Jerusalem not China. An archived copy of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' news release about their meeting can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement On May 18, 2009, Netanyahu met then-U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., where they gave shared remarks to the press. On May 19, Netanyahu met with congressional leaders, according to news reports. By May 20, he was back in Jerusalem, The New York Times reported. It's unlikely Epstein would have been planning to meet Netanyahu within that time frame. Between 2008 and 2009, Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence in a Palm Beach County, Florida, jail for sex crimes involving a minor. According to a Washington Post investigation, Epstein was allowed to leave jail to go to his office during the day and return at night as part of a work-release program. He served 13 months in jail and was released in July 2009. Snopes has reported extensively on various claims related to the Epstein files. Sources: "A Timeline of the Jeffrey Epstein Investigation, Now 20 Years Old." AP News, 23 July 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement "Dubai's DP World Replaces Chair amid Epstein Revelations." Dw.Com, https://www.dw.com/en/epstein-files-dubai-dp-world-sultan-ahmed-bin-sulayem/a-75965781. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. Epstein Files Articles | Snopes.Com. https://www.snopes.com/tag/epstein_files/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026. "Epstein Library." Department of Justice, https://www.justice.gov/epstein. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026. "Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Meets with Yang Jiechi." Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/gjhdq_665435/2675_665437/2828_663646/2830_663650/202406/t20240607_11408807.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026. Landler, Mark, and Helen Cooper. "Keeping Score on Obama vs. Netanyahu." The New York Times, 20 May 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/us/politics/21diplo.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu Presses Congress over Threat of Nuclear Iran - CNN.Com. https://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/19/mideast.netanyahu.dc/index.html?iref=newssearch. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026. "Remarks by President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Press Availability." Whitehouse.Gov, 18 May 2009, https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-obama-and-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-press-availability. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025. Rozsa, Lori. "For 'Client' Jeffrey Epstein, an Unlocked Cell in a Florida Jail." The Washington Post, 19 July 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/captain-at-jail-where-epstein-served-time-in-2008-ordered-that-his-cell-door-be-left-unlocked/2019/07/19/93e38934-a972-11e9-86dd-d7f0e60391e9_story.html. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025. "The 'completely Unprecedented' Plea Deal Jeffrey Epstein Made with Alex Acosta." PBS News, 8 July 2019, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-completely-unprecedented-plea-deal-jeffrey-epstein-made-with-alex-acosta. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025. Claim: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stole a dog from a Hurricane Katrina survivor who lost their parents in a murder-suicide and sued the child's grandparents when they attempted to get it back. Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: According to reports, Bondi adopted a dog from a Florida animal rescue after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Months later, the dog's owners found the animal and asked Bondi to return it. She refused, and the owners, who were caring for their grandchildren whose parents died before the storm, sued to get the pet back. Advertisement Advertisement What's False: The dog's owners sued Bondi, not the other way around. Bondi never faced criminal charges of theft in relation to her adoption of the dog. What's Undetermined: Since 2006, numerous news media outlets have reported that the owners' grandchildren lost their parents to murder-suicide. Obituaries also show that both parents died on the same day. However, it was not possible to independently verify whether the couple died in a murder-suicide. Snopes contacted The Atlantic magazine, which wrote about the alleged murder-suicide, and a coroner in Louisiana for more information. Advertisement Advertisement In February 2026, after The Atlantic magazine published an in-depth feature about U.S Attorney General Pam Bondi, a claim (archived) circulated online that Bondi once stole a dog from a Hurricane Katrina survivor who lost their parents in a murder-suicide and then sued the dog's owners when they attempted to get it back. For example, the Facebook page Occupy Democrats wrote: BREAKING: Pam Bondi once tried to steal a dog from an orphan hurricane victim and then sued his grandparents when they tried to get it back! [] Bondi adopted a dog from a shelter in 2005, Master Tank, who had been lost after Hurricane Katrina's devastation. But Master Tank belonged to the four-year-old grandson of Steve and Dorreen Couture, who was recovering from losing his parents in a murder-suicide and was left homeless by the hurricane. Versions of the claim circulated on X, Instagram, Threads and Bluesky, while Snopes readers also contacted us seeking the truth behind the rumor. According to court records from Pinellas County, near Tampa, Florida, Steven and Dorreen Couture from Louisiana sued Bondi in 2006 after they claimed she refused to return their dog. The couple reportedly lost their home in Hurricane Katrina and had to give their two dogs to a local shelter. By the time they located the pets to take them to their new home, an animal rescue in Florida had adopted both animals out. Advertisement Advertisement Bondi adopted one of these dogs, a St. Bernard named Master Tank, and initially refused to give him back to the Coutures. According to court records, the resulting lawsuit settled out of court and Bondi and another woman returned the pets to the Louisiana family in 2007. The court records show Bondi did not sue the Coutures and never faced criminal charges in relation to her adoption of Master Tank. Since 2006, numerous news media outlets, including The Atlantic, have reported that the owners' grandchildren lost their parents to murder-suicide. Obituaries also show that both parents died on the same day. However, it was not possible to independently verify whether the couple died in a murder-suicide. Snopes contacted The Atlantic and the relevant coroner in Louisiana for confirmation. We also reached out to Bondi for more information about the court case. We await replies to our queries. Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, we've rated this claim a mixture of true, false and undetermined elements. Coutures gave dogs up after Hurricane Katrina The Ocala Star-Banner newspaper in Florida reported that Steven Couture said he handed over two dogs a St. Bernard named Master Tank and a shepherd mix named Nila over to a temporary rescue in St. Bernard Parish, near New Orleans, in September 2005 with the understanding they would hold them "for at least six months" for him. Instead, the next month, Bondi adopted Master Tank and another Florida woman named Rhonda Rineker adopted Nila from a rescue in Pinellas County, according to the report. The Coutures reportedly tracked Master Tank and Nila to the Tampa Bay area in January 2006 after learning they were no longer in Louisiana. On June 27, 2006, days before the Coutures filed a lawsuit against Bondi, Rineker and the Humane Society of Pinellas County, Steven Couture made a public plea to Bondi and Rineker to "please give me my dogs back," the Tampa Bay Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement The paper reported: "Couture, with cameras pointing at him, said Tuesday he is a carpenter who is neither wealthy nor poor. He said his two grandchildren have lost their parents and their home in the past several years." Despite that plea, a court battle followed before the parties settled out of court on Aug. 30, 2007, according to court records. The terms of the agreement reportedly remained confidential but ultimately meant Bondi and Rineker returned Master Tank and Nila to the Coutures that month. https://media.snopes.com/2026/02/06-006195-costeven_d_couture_et_al_vs_pamela_bondi_et_al.pdf Bondi's Florida AG campaign marred by dog lawsuit During the lawsuit over Master Tank and Nila, Bondi reportedly fought to keep the St. Bernard, alleging that he was dying from heartworms and that the Coutures had neglected him even before the storm. At one point in the proceedings, Bondi reportedly claimed the dog she had adopted was not Master Tank meaning the Coutures could not claim him. The judge in the case ruled that the dog Bondi adopted was, in fact, Master Tank. Advertisement Advertisement The eventual return of the dogs only temporarily eased relations between the Coutures and Bondi. In late 2010, as Bondi ran for Florida attorney general, Dorreen Couture appeared in a two-minute campaign ad (archived) for the Florida Democratic Party where she recounted the story about Bondi and Master Tank. Couture said in the ad that Bondi was "a woman that will use her power to get what she wants in the legal system just to destroy a family. Because that's what she was doing, she was destroying us." Couture also reportedly told the Tampa Bay Times that Bondi had promised to supply Master Tank with food and medicine for the rest of his life but failed to do so. According to the report, in September 2010 she said Bondi "did for the first few months. After that, she was supposed to have her first visitation that September and she canceled." In that same article, Bondi reportedly said she had received "a tremendous amount of support from people and animal rights activists, and no criticism at all" after the Master Tank lawsuit and did not expect the Democratic candidate for attorney general of Florida to bring the topic up "at all" during the campaign. In sum Though Dorreen Couture claimed in the September 2010 article that Bondi "stole" her dog, Bondi never faced criminal charges in relation to her adoption of Master Tank. It was unclear whether Bondi knew that owners might come looking for Master Tank when she adopted him. Advertisement Advertisement Numerous news media outlets have reported that Dorreen and Steven Couture looked after their grandchildren because their parents died in a murder-suicide before Hurricane Katrina hit. According to online obituaries, Steven Michael Couture, the son of Steven Couture, died on Oct. 3, 2004. His fiancee, Bambi Beth Frilot, died the same day. Snopes reached out to the coroner in the couple's home of St. Bernard Parish to confirm their causes of death and await a reply. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Bondi adopted a new St. Bernard puppy in 2008. She last posted (archived) about that dog, Luke, on her Instagram page on Christmas Eve 2016. Master Tank was reportedly 10 years old in 2010. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at 988lifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. Sources: 'Bambi Beth Frilot'. Legacy.Com, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/bambi-frilot-obituary?id=15846255. Advertisement Advertisement Cerabino, Frank. 'Doggone It! I Can't Shake This Shaggy-Dog Story about Trump's AG Pick, Pam Bondi | Opinion'. The Palm Beach Post, https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/11/26/floridas-pam-bondis-dog-drama-plus-has-history-of-being-bought-off/76567753007/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026. Green, Robert. 'Katrina Dogs Go Back to Louisiana in Custody Deal'. Reuters, 9 Aug. 2007, https://www.reuters.com/article/economy/katrina-dogs-go-back-to-louisiana-in-custody-deal-idUSB628201/. Lee, Demorris A. 'Family Fights to Get Back Dogs Katrina Forced Them to Give Up'. Ocala StarBanner, 22 May 2006, https://archive.ph/7SYA4. . 'Family Pleads to Reclaim Pets'. Tampa Bay Times, 28 June 2006, https://archive.ph/ovZ59. Advertisement Advertisement McCrummen, Stephanie. 'What Happened To Pam Bondi?' The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026, https://archive.ph/cKAIz. Nipps, Emily. 'Hard Feelings Linger After Fight Over Dog'. Tampa Bay Times, 4 Sept. 2010, https://archive.ph/MhNsG#selection-1942.0-1957.41. Pahl, Joe. 'BONDI'S ABUSE OF LEGAL SYSTEM RAISES JUDGMENT QUESTIONS'. Florida Democratic Party, 27 Oct. 2010, http://floridadems.org/2010/10/bondis-abuse-of-legal-system-raises-judgment-questions/. realpambondi. 'The Real Pam Bondi'. YouTube, 26 Oct. 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qeCsdLDYGI. 'Steven Michael Couture'. Legacy.Com, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/steven-couture-obituary?id=15846220. The Associated Press. 'Katrina Dog Case Focuses on Toenails'. Herald-Tribune, 31 Oct. 2006, https://archive.ph/4KZyZ. Did Congressman Randy Fine write on social media that "the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one"? Yes, that's true: These words appeared on his official account on X. That account is linked to his congressional page. The statement appeared in a post (archived here) published on X on Feb. 15, 2026. It read: If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one. This is what the post looked like on X at the time of this writing: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post x.com/RepFine The account where the statement in question appeared was Congressman Randy Fine's official account on X (archived here), linked to his government page on the website of the U.S. House of Representatives (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement In a follow-up post, he said (archived here) that he replied to a Feb. 12, 2026, statement (archived here) made on X by Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestinian activist. Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post x.com/RepFine In subsequent posts published on Feb.12, 2026, here (archived here) and here (archived here), Kiswani said that her comment was "obviously a joke" and that her critics are "unaware of the current nyc discourse where we're collectively (jokingly) hating on dogs given all the visible dog shit in the unmelted snow". Fine published his posts three days later. Kiswani described the congressman's words as a "genocidal statement" (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 16, 2026, California Gov. Gavin Newsom demanded (archived here) that Fine resign over the comments about Muslims and dogs. Fine, in turn, published a dog picture (archived here) saying "Don't tread on me". In that post, he insisted that Kiswani's post was equivalent to the New York Muslim leadership "calling for the abolition of dogs," adding, "good luck bringing that to California." As of this writing, the congressman posted five more dog pictures, replying to critics on Feb. 16, 2026. Those images portrayed different breeds on the same yellow backgrounds, repeating the "don't tread on me" line. That was an apparent reference to the Gadsden flag (archived here). The family of ex-Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa last June and is yet to be buried, have dismissed allegations he was poisoned. South African police also want custody of his body as part of their investigations, according to the late politician's family. In a letter to the police, seen by the BBC, their lawyers say the family are co-operating with "criminal proceedings", but maintain the allegations are "unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence". Advertisement Advertisement It is the latest twist over the fate of Lungu's body, which remains in a morgue in South Africa and has been subject to an ongoing legal battle between his family and Zambia's government over where he should be buried. South Africa's police service has refused to comment on the letter sent by the Johannesburg law firm Mashele Attorneys, which is representing the Lungu family. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe told the BBC: "This is a very sensitive matter that cannot be discussed at this stage." Lungu died of an undisclosed illness aged 68 at a clinic in South Africa's capital, Pretoria. He had led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, when he lost elections by a huge margin to current President Hakainde Hichilema. Advertisement Advertisement The Zambian government wants Lungu's remains to be repatriated and given a state funeral, with full state honours - and a South African court ruled in its favour in August. But Lungu's family want a private burial in South Africa as they say the former president had not wanted Hichilema to attend his funeral. The relationship between the two politicians had long been fraught. In the letter to the South African police, dated 11 February 2026, Mashele Attorneys confirmed that on behalf of the Lungu family it had "complied with the five subpoenas issued" in relation to a criminal probe looking into allegations that the former Zambian president was poisoned. Advertisement Advertisement "For the avoidance of doubt, it is our clients' instruction that the allegations underlying the criminal case are denied," the letter said. Neo Mashele, from Mashele Attorneys, told the BBC the investigation by police appeared to be based on a "public utterance" about a poisoning allegation made by one of Lungu's daughters that was "absolutely not true". In its letter, Mashele Attorneys also raised concern over another subpoena it said had been issued by police to the funeral home looking after Lungu's body. It said there were two High Court orders that directed that "possession and custody of the body remain with Two Mountains Funeral Services pending the finalisation of the legal proceedings". Advertisement Advertisement "Those orders are binding and operative," the letter said. An official from the morgue where the remains are being stored told the BBC that Lungu's body was "under tight security [and] surveillance 24/7". Mrs Lungu has remained in South Africa since the death of her husband and is leading legal efforts to have him buried in South Africa. Last week she filed a notice at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein to overturn the earlier ruling that her husband's body be sent back home. Additional reporting by Nomsa Maseko You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts A federal judge will allow Tennessees police buffer law to remain in place while a lawsuit filed by a coalition of media organizations goes forward. State lawmakers passed legislation in 2025 allowing police to order members of the public, including media, to remain 25 feet away from crime scenes, traffic stops and any ongoing and immediate threat to public safety. Anyone who violates the order can be charged with a misdemeanor. The Tuesday decision from U.S. District Judge William Campbell Jr., who was appointed by President Donald Trump, keeps the law in place while the lawsuit, which includes the Lookout as plaintiff, moves toward to a trial. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after legislation went into effect in July, the Lookout, the Nashville Banner, Gannett, Scripps Media and TEGNA formed a coalition represented by Paul McAdoo and Grayson Clary of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and sued the state over the legislation. The Tennessee law is similar to those passed in Indiana and Louisiana, which, after lawsuits from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, were struck down for allowing police too broad a discretion in creating buffer zones. The bills sponsor, state Sen. Mark Pody, a Lebanon Republican, said at the time the legislation was not intended to block the media but protect the work of law enforcement. The buffer law has become a tool for law enforcement, including the Memphis Safe Task Force a group of state and federal agencies. Officers have used it regularly with members of the public, trying to monitor their actions. UK online retailer The Very Group has refinanced key borrowings, extending maturities to 2029-2030 and cutting costs after reducing debt by 150m ($203.9m). Backed by owner Carlyle, the refinancing extends all note tranches within the groups 1.77bn UK securitisation facility to 1 February 2029 on improved margins. The company has also renewed its 150m super senior revolving credit facility, pushing its maturity to February 2030. After meeting a deleveraging condition on its senior secured notes, the retailer cut the coupon to 9.75% from 13.25% and lengthened maturity to August 2030 from August 2027. Carlyles capital injection reduced total group debt by 150m. The Very Group said the transaction reinforces its capital structure and ensures funding for the next three financial years under the securitisation programme, which has operated for more than 20 years. It added that reduced leverage and longer maturities should be viewed positively by rating agencies. The Very Group CFO Edward Fry said: Securing this long-term funding reflects the confidence of our lenders in the strength of our business. The combination of extended maturities, improved margins and further deleveraging provides a stable platform for continued investment in our digital and customer proposition, while maintaining a disciplined approach to balance sheet management. The 150m capital support from Carlyle is a reflection of their strong and ongoing support for the business. This leaves us in a robust financial position and well placed to support future growth. Last month, the company reported that its 2025 Christmas trading was supported by strong demand in home, toys and beauty, but it did not disclose performance in fashion. In the six weeks to 27 December 2025, Very UK retail sales rose 1.9% year on year, led by home, up 7.9%, and toys and beauty, up 6.4%. "Very Group refinances debt and extends maturities to 2030" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. In the long list of things you dont want to happen to a civilian flight, needing to be intercepted by fighter jets has to be near the top of the pile. Yet thats exactly what happened earlier this month to a Wizz Air flight, which ended up being escorted into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv by two Israeli military planes. The dramatic scenario was said to have come about after a passenger spotted a Wi-Fi hotspot network name had been assigned the Arabic word for terrorist and alerted the crew with concerns of a security threat on board. The jet circled the sky close to Cyprus as security services assessed the situation, before it was guided to Ben Gurion, where it landed safely and passengers had their belongings searched. No threat was found, with some reports suggesting the culprit may have been a child who had renamed the hotspot network on his parents phone. A Wizz Air plane in Tel Aviv in 2019. This month, two Israeli fighter jets guided one of the airlines flights into Ben Gurion Airport - Boarding1Now/iStock Editorial Lets start with the obvious point: Any kind of joke about bombs or similar security threats on an aircraft is never going to be received well. Throw in the delicate security situation in Israel and you can see why the incident was treated seriously. This sort of behaviour might have seen the culprit prosecuted back in Britain, given that the flight set off from Luton airport, and under our law, that could mean a five-year prison sentence as well as the risk of a costly civil claim from Wizz Air. Why involve a fighter jet? And what about the involvement of those Israeli fighter jets? While the dispatching of military jets isnt an everyday occurrence, it isnt entirely unknown either. There are likely far more incidents every year than those that end up reported, says Isobel Kerr, an analyst with aviation security specialists Osprey Flight Solutions. Mainly because most incidents dont involve crimes like bomb threats. Advertisement Advertisement In general, there are two categories of fighter jet incidents. The first involves passenger planes requesting assistance usually because the captain is concerned about a situation on board. A planes captain can request assistance from ground authorities under the terms of the air navigation laws, says Julian Bray, an independent aviation analyst. Its then up to those authorities to respond as they see fit. Weve seen these kinds of situations closer to home as well, including with the dispatching of fighter jets. Back in 2014, a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Manchester was escorted by an RAF Typhoon upon entering British space. The captain had issued an emergency alert after one of the passengers passed on a note via the crew suggesting that there could be a hidden explosive device on board. Emergency vehicles responded over security concerns aboard a Qatar Airways flight in Manchester in 2014 - Andrew Yates/Reuters The second reason fighter jets might be deployed is if an alert is raised by authorities on the ground, usually based on the behaviour or identity of the plane. The most common reason why that might happen is a loss of communication between the aircraft and air traffic control, says Kerr. In that case, ATC will alert the relevant authorities who can assess whether the plane is a threat. In the vast majority of cases, that wont be the case. Planes can easily lose contact with ATC for various reasons such as pilots using the wrong frequency, or the technology playing up. Often communication will be established and the fighter jets can return to base. But it could also indicate that the plane has been hijacked meaning authorities cant afford to ignore the situation. Headbutts at 35,000ft What can the fighter jets do in that situation? For a start, they can attempt to communicate with the errant plane using air-to-air frequencies. If necessary, they can also try to see whats happening in the cockpit. Are there any signs that the wrong person is piloting the plane, or that the captain appears to be distressed, for example. Advertisement Advertisement A fighter jet may also try to get a civilian jet to fly in the route required by authorities, says Bray. This tends to happen when a plane has inadvertently drifted into a no-fly zone, perhaps in an attempt to dodge bad weather, and thus needs to be steered back on course by military jets. Those kinds of deft moves are bread and butter to a trained combat pilot. Last year, a US fighter pilot used a manoeuvre called a headbutt which isnt quite as violent as it sounds to get a civilian plane to change course after it entered a temporary no-fly zone imposed over Donald Trumps Florida estate. The tactic involves the fighter jet flying directly into the pilots eyeline to get them to change direction. The last resort And what about the ultimate question: Would a fighter jet ever shoot down a civilian plane? While the situation hasnt come to pass thankfully in recent decades, there are plenty of on-record confirmations from various governments that the option remains firmly on the table. Back in 2009, a Canadian hobbyist pilot entered US airspace without warning, failing to engage with air traffic control. While the plane did eventually land in Missouri, a senior federal aviation official later told the news networks that it was the closest hed seen a plane come to being shot down, with the pilot repeatedly ignoring attempts from authorities to communicate. Advertisement Advertisement It isnt just the Americans either. Speaking with the BBC journalist Jon Sopel in 2011, Tony Blair revealed that he had come close to giving the order to shoot down an unresponsive plane that had deviated from its flight path. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Sir Tony didnt give the full details of the incident but he did suggest that it occurred not long after 9/11, when Western governments were on heightened alert. Fighter jets are more commonly seen escorting military aircraft such as this KC-330 tanker - Chris Jung/NurPhoto Of course, all of that just adds more weight to the question as to why someone would consider using the word terrorist on a flight to one of the most security-conscious nations on earth let alone to publicly broadcast it to fellow passengers. But believe it or not, it isnt even the first time that such a move has led to this kind of situation. Only two years ago, a young British man, Aditya Verma, found himself in a Madrid court after his joke about blowing up a plane something hed sent to his friends in a closed chat led an easyJet flight to be intercepted by Spanish fighter jets on its way into Menorca. He was charged with endangering a civilian flight but was later acquitted on the basis that his comments were a private joke. Whatever you think of that ruling, thats not an excuse that would be available to the apparent Wizz Air prankster. 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. An Iowa House subcommittee advanced a bill Tuesday allowing people to keep firearms in their cars when picking up and dropping off students at school. House File 621 would allow individuals with a permit to have firearms in their car on the grounds of a school when they are picking up or dropping off their child. In addition to requiring the person to have a permit to carry weapons including concealed carry licenses the bill would require the weapon to remain in the persons vehicle, and the vehicle to be locked when unattended. Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Fairfield, said he believed the measure was important to pass because a lot of parents in Iowa are unknowingly committing felonies all the time. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The way I read the status quo, the current code, is that this is a victimless crime, where youre turning law-abiding citizens into felons and creating kind of an unworkable arrangement that if someone is wishing to exercise their constitutional Second Amendment rights, that theyre unable to do so when theyre doing something as ubiquitous as picking up or dropping off a student. Richard Rogers with the Iowa Firearms Coalition, Inc. said current Iowa law creates phony no-gun zones with schools, as there are not security systems in place to enforce these rules. He said these provisions provide only the illusion of security, pointing to the rise in incidents like mass shootings at schools. These rules serve only to disarm honest citizens, those whose compliance often forces them to forgo having their normal personal defensive tools available from the time they leave home until they return, no matter long theyre there, how many or what sorts of other places they need to visit. Advertisement Advertisement Shipley questioned if a person would be committing a felony if they used their weapon in a defensive manner to respond to a threat on school grounds, as the measure only relates to the ability of a permitted individual to have their weapon in a vehicle, or have the weapon in a locked vehicle while unattended. Rogers said courts would interpret the situation based on extenuating circumstances, but that the bills exception to bans on having firearms on school grounds would not apply in these situations as the person would be taking their weapon outside of their vehicle. Michelle Johnson with the Iowa Association of School Boards said the organization sees the measure allowing firearms to be in cars in school parking lots when a parent is dropping off or picking up a student seems fairly uncontroversial. The measure would not allow individuals to carry firearms within school facilities. Additionally, the measure changes current administrative rules to allow school vehicles transporting students like school buses to allow weapons and ammunition to be carried in a passenger compartments of vehicles. Johnson said this provision addresses a current issue in Iowa law, allowing school districts with trap shooting teams to transport students to competitions and events. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, said she wanted to clarify that the language related to weapons on school vehicles is actually about trap shooting, and would not have other impacts. She also said more broadly, she did not support allowing firearms on school property. I do find the expression phony no-gun zones to be somewhat offensive, especially for those of us who believe strongly in gun-free zones to protect people, Matson said. We may have different opinions on whether or not firearms should be allowed in a place, but again, I dont think that language is particularly helpful. Shipley said he had questions about how often people were prosecuted under the current statute invoking the 2025 arrest of Des Moines Public Schools former Superintendent Ian Roberts, who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools. ICE statements about the incident do not say Roberts was found to be on school grounds when initially approached, and he was located after officers found his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. But Shipley said overall, he supported passing the measure as a way to prevent otherwise law-abiding people from becoming felons. Advertisement Advertisement Felonies are very serious crimes that deprive you of voting rights, deprive you of the right to own a firearm, Shipley said. And that would be an incident where theres no victim. The bill moves next to the House Education Committee. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE AVE MARIA, FL As measles cases spike across the U.S., a Florida university is reporting the largest outbreak of the disease at an American college in modern history, Fox News reported. As of Monday afternoon, more than 40 cases were reported at Ave Maria University in Collier County, Fox said. Nearly 60 students were quarantined because of the spread of measles across campus as of Sunday, CBS 12 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Our ongoing priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of every member of our campus community, Ave Maria officials said in a campus health update. We continue to provide comprehensive support through ongoing monitoring, free vaccination clinics offered by the DOH, established quarantine protocols, transparent communication with our students and families, and the spiritual care of our Campus Ministry priests. Officials added, The vast majority of the Ave Maria University community is vaccinated and not at risk. The outbreak at Ave Maria comes at a time measles is on the rise across the country. Dr. Thomas Unnasch, a professor emeritus at USF Health, told Fox 13 that vaccination rates are contributing to the spread of measles. Advertisement Advertisement Herd immunity for the disease requires vaccination rates of 93 to 94 percent, while current experts estimate current immunity levels are closer to 90 to 92 percent, reports said. That gap means there are more non-immune, susceptible people walking around, Unnasch said. Florida has 68 reported cases since Jan. 1, according to the Florida Department of Healths Reportable Diseases Frequency Report, which was last updated Feb. 7. Collier County has reported the highest number of cases with 46. Other counties with reported measles cases as of Feb. 7, according to state data, include: Alachua: 2 cases Broward: 1 Duval: 6 Escambia: 3 Hillsborough: 2 Lee: 1 Manatee: 3 Miami-Dade: 1 Pinellas: 1 St. Johns: 2 Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-five of these cases were acquired in Florida, while four cases were acquired in other states and two were acquired outside the U.S., the FDOH said. The origin of 27 cases is unknown. The majority of the cases 29 were reported among 15- to 19-year-olds, while 27 cases were reported in the 20- to 24-year-old age range, the department said. Florida has the third-highest number of measles cases in the country as of Feb. 12, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Since the start of the year, 910 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., the CDC said. In 2025, there were 2,280 confirmed cases. Advertisement Advertisement In 2026, 904 of the total cases were reported across 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, the CDC said. Six cases were reported by international visitors to the U.S. Florida has 63 reported cases, the third highest number in the country, since the start of the year, as of Feb. 12, according to the CDC. The Sunshine State is behind South Carolina, which has 616 reported cases during this timeframe, and Utah, which has 96 reported cases, data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Ninety percent of all cases reported in the U.S. this year are associated with outbreaks, which are defined as 3 or more related cases, by the CDC. Sixty-two are from outbreaks in 2026 while 760 are associated with outbreaks that started last year. There have been five new outbreaks this year, the agency said. Dr. James Hillman, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at HCA Florida Brandon, told Fox 13, We can prevent illnesses like this with immunizations. Thats what makes this so frustrating. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, 48,000 people were hospitalized with the disease in the U.S. each year and 400 to 500 people died annually, CDC data shows, according to NBC Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Dr. Mehmet Ozz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, urged people to get vaccinated for measles as cases rise. Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem, he said. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in September a push to get rid of mandatory childhood vaccinations in the state. Ladapo cast current vaccine requirements in schools and elsewhere as an immoral intrusion on people's rights bordering on slavery, and hampers parents' ability to make health decisions for their children. People have a right to make their own decisions, informed decisions, said Ladapo, who has frequently clashed with the medical establishment, at a news conference in Valrico, Florida, in the Tampa area. They dont have the right to tell you what to put in your body. Take it away from them. Advertisement Advertisement In December, the FDOH took steps toward eliminating requirements that Florida children receive the hepatitis B, varicella and Haemophilus influenzae type b or Hib vaccines in order to attend public or private K-12 schools by hosting a public hearing on the proposal, U.S. News & World Report said. The proposal also does away with a requirement for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children attending child care facilities. Other vaccines, including measles, are required under state law for children to attend school. Changing these vaccine mandates would require action by the Florida State Legislature. This article includes reporting by The Associated Press. FL Measles Outbreak Is Largest Among U.S. Colleges In Recent History: Reports originally appeared on the Across Florida Patch These flies aren't like their relatives that feed on dead and decaying animals. No, the flesh-eating maggots of these parasitic insects prefer to feed on live animals like cattle, horses and pigs, and they can be fatal. Another case of New World screwworm was recently stopped from entering the United States at a quarantine facility in Florida. And humans are not immune. One traveler returned to the United States from Central America last summer carrying the parasite. Advertisement Advertisement The maggots enter through open wounds and mucous membranes. They burrow, or screw, into an animal's flesh using "sharp mouth hooks," according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. That's how the New World screwworm got its name. Is the New World screwworm in the United States? How close is it to Ohio? Here's what to know. Tusklike mandibles protruding from the screwworm larva's mouth rasp the flesh of living warm-blooded animals. A wound may contain hundreds of such larvae. 'Critical threat' to U.S. agriculture: How USDA preparing for New World screwworm New World screwworm case found in Florida facility According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, screwworm larvae were detected earlier this month on an imported horse from Argentina going through the routine and required exam at an approved United States Department of Agriculture import facility in South Florida. Advertisement Advertisement There was no detection of NWS larvae outside of the quarantine facility. The affected horse was treated, and in an abundance of caution, the agency said in a statement that all cohort horses at the facility were also examined and treated. There is no detection of New World Screwworm in any Florida animal. The detection at the USDA import facility was handled professionally and per existing protocols to ensure the U.S. remains free of this devastating pest," Dr. Michael Short, state veterinarian, said in the statement. The infected horse was to remain in quarantine until reexamined and found parasite-free. Screwworms in humans: Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in U.S. patient. What to know Is the New World screwworm in the United States or Ohio? The insect was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s, in Mexico in the 1970s, and much of Central America by the early 2000s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA TODAY reported. Advertisement Advertisement However, the CDC said new cases were reported in October 2024 in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. From there, it has spread north, sparking fears that the insects would spread north to the United States. Their movement has led the U.S. to block imports of live cattle, horses, and bison through southern border ports, USA TODAY reports. ScienceAlert.com reported that in January 2026 there were 601 animal cases active across Mexico, with eight in Tamaulipas a state that borders Texas. According to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the New World screwworm is not currently present in the U.S. The closest it has come to Ohio is one human case in Maryland from a traveler returning from El Salvador in 2025. What's so dangerous about the New World screwworm fly? NWS flies are the size of a common housefly and lay eggs on open wounds or other open parts of the body in live, warm-blooded animals, according to the CDC. A wound as small as a tick bite can attract the flies. Advertisement Advertisement The eggs hatch and the maggots burrow into the wound to feed on the living flesh, the CDC says. As you might expect, burrowing maggots in living creatures are highly painful. After they feed, the larvae fall to the ground and burrow into it. They later emerge as adult screwworm flies, the CDC says. New World screwworms in humans what are the symptoms? NWS infestations are very painful, according to the USDA. If you have an infestation, you may see maggots around or in an open wound, or in your nose, eyes, or mouth. Symptoms can include: Unexplained skin lesions (wounds or sores) that do not heal. Skin wounds or sores that worsen over time. Painful skin wounds or sores. Bleeding from open sores. Feeling larvae movement within a skin wound or sore, nose, mouth, or eyes. Seeing maggots around or in open sores. A foul-smelling odor from the site of the infestation. Sterile male screwworm fly marked with a numbered tag to study fly dispersal, behavior, and longevity. U.S. plans to prevent spread of screwworm The USDAs plan to prevent the spread of screwworm includes investments of up to $100 million for innovations to find new ways to combat the insect and $750 million to create a facility in south Texas to sterilize flies and combat the spread, USA TODAY reported in September 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Releasing sterile flies to disrupt the reproduction of screwworms was a technique used to eradicate the pest in the 1960s. The hope is that those sterile flies will then mate with wild ones, producing infertile eggs, experts said. Another $21 million is being invested to renovate an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, to produce more sterile flies. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Flesh-eating parasite targets US. Is Ohio safe? More on New World screwworm A Florida mother recently had an emotional reunion with the man who helped rescue her and her three children after a car crash last month. Shyneniqua Wilkins and her children were inside a car in Martin County last month when she had a medical emergency behind the wheel. Wilkins car ran off the road and ended up upside down in a canal. Casey Curtis witnessed the crash from his rearview mirror while driving. Advertisement Advertisement He immediately stopped his vehicle and jumped into the canal to reach Wilkins and her three children. The Wilkins family has expressed that the bond formed during the rescue has changed their relationship with Curtis. Rather than viewing him only as the man who stopped to help, they considered him a member of their family. See their emotional reunion in the video above. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. As tax season 2026 continues, questions and rumors persist about the possibility of stimulus checks. Since the beginning of his second term in 2025, President Donald Trump has been floating the idea of sending stimulus checks to Americans. The most recent proposal from Trump for a possible tariff dividend rests on a looming Supreme Court decision over the legality of those tariffs. Last month, Costco and other American business owners filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, seeking a "complete refund" of tariffs paid on imported goods if the Supreme Court strikes down tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Advertisement Advertisement A Supreme Court decision expected by early 2026 may address whether to strike down all or part of the tariffs and clarify how importers would receive tariff refunds. Here's what to know and when about 2025 tax returns, 2026 stimulus checks, Trump's $2,000 tariff dividend payment status, and how to track your refund from the IRS. Is Trump issuing $2,000 stimulus checks in 2026? While Americans could see these checks sometime this year, it's not that simple. For a stimulus payment to become a reality, Congress would need to approve the proposal, which has not yet happened. There were three prior stimulus checks tied to COVID-era stimulus programs, the third and final of which had a deadline to claim on April 15, 2025. The opportunities to claim or file have now passed for all three stimulus checks. Advertisement Advertisement While speculation about a fourth stimulus check has surfaced on social media and unverified websites, there has been no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS to support this claim. Any such news should be taken with caution, as it could be misinformation or an attempt at fraud. Where is my federal tax refund? If you filed your federal taxes electronically and included your banking information, then you may expect a direct deposit within 21 days. If you did not include banking information, you may expect a paper check refund by mail within six to eight weeks. Submitting your return is not the same as the IRS accepting your return. You can check to see if it has been accepted by checking your tax return status online and looking for a "Refund Sent" alert. From that point, you won't have to wait long for the funds to appear in your account. Once the IRS approves your refund, it could be deposited into your bank account within days via direct deposit. How to track your refund The IRS has an online tool called "Where's My Refund" that lets you check the status of your refund. Advertisement Advertisement You can check the status of your refund within 24 hours after you e-file your return. The refund information is updated on the IRS website overnight. The online tool requires you to enter your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount on the return. It will then respond with a return received (processing), refund approved (preparing to issue the refund by the date shown), or refund sent (sent to your bank or in the mail). Another way to check the status is to call the IRS at 800-829-1954. What is the tax filing deadline? The deadline to file your taxes in 2026 is Wednesday, April 15. Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: $2000 stimulus check this year? Trump dividend update A former police officer in Auglaize County has learned his punishment after being arrested on multiple charges last year. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Robert Golden Vogel was sentenced to five years of community control, according to Auglaize County Court of Common Pleas records. Vogel pleaded guilty to one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor and one count of disrupting public service earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and one count of furnishing to an underage were dismissed. TRENDING STORIES: Vogel will be required to register as a Tier II sex offender for the next 25 years, every 180 days, according to court records. As previously reported by News Center 7, the Auglaize County Sheriffs deputies responded to reports of a fight at a home north of St. Marys on Feb. 7, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Once on scene, deputies learned there may have been alcohol and/or drugs present. After a months-long investigation, deputies arrested Vogel and charged him with pandering obscenity involving a minor, disrupting public services, and furnishing to an underage. Vogel was an officer for over a decade and was also a firearms instructor for SWAT, according to his website. The website, which lists his birthday, matched his booking information at the time of the initial report. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Washington State Senate has approved a bill that could create the first income tax in Washington history, targeting households earning $1 million or more annually, as lawmakers race to balance the state budget before the March 12 deadline. Supporters say new revenue could help preserve child care subsidies that hundreds of families rallied to protect on the steps of the Capitol in Olympia on Thursday. "There are a lot of people who can afford to pay just a little bit more so we don't cut off services to low-income moms who are just trying to make a better life for themselves so they can go to work," said Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington Association of Head Start. Advertisement Advertisement The so-called "Millionaires Tax" would mark a dramatic shift in how Washington funds its future. It comes as budget negotiations include potential cuts to Working Connections Child Care, a subsidy that helps roughly 37,000 Washington families pay for care for their kids. Under a proposal from Gov. Bob Ferguson, that number would shrink to about 33,000 families served, with exceptions for children involved in the welfare system. The state agency overseeing the program said online the cap would occur through households naturally exiting the program, adding that eligibility expansions in recent years resulted in WCCC growing at a pace that the state budget cannot currently sustain. WCCC eligibility requires families to live in Washington state, that the children are U.S. citizens, and that they have a household income at or below 60% of the State Median Income and participate in approved activities like employment, self-employment, or education. Hundreds of parents gathered last week to oppose any cuts to WCCC, holding signs and chanting for protections to a subsidy they say allows them to work or stay in school. One parent, 25-year-old single mother Aria Stroe, shared her story with KING 5. Advertisement Advertisement "I recently helped us get out of homelessness, and I dont ever want to put my 7-year-old through that ever again, nor my 3-year-old," Stroe said. She said the subsidy has been essential to her progress toward becoming a nurse. WCCC has been extremely helpful, she said, calling it, "child care within hours that I can go to school and continue to become an RN. Without it, she added, I wouldnt be able to go to school. Stroe recently earned her medical assistant certificate and now works part-time while studying. She described the program as the difference between homelessness and hope. "I felt like someone heard us, and hopefully they did," said Stroe. "As parents, we need to keep using our voices." Advertisement Advertisement Ryan organized the rally so parents like Stroe could speak out. He said, "find a different way to close the budget deficit," adding that "very wealthy people in our state are not paying their fair share." Opponents of the Millionaire Tax argue that it threatens economic growth by driving away wealthy residents, and could even harm small businesses, particularly those structured as pass-through entities. Ferguson said although he supports such a tax, he does not support the bill in its current form. "As the process moves forward in the final weeks of the legislative session, we must direct significantly more revenue directly back to hardworking Washington families and small businesses owners. I look forward to our continued partnership to make our state more affordable," Ferguson said in a statement Monday. Lawmakers now have just 24 days left in the legislative session to reach a final budget agreement that could determine whether families keep the child care help they rely on. PARIS (AP) French authorities said Tuesday they released a tanker intercepted last month in the Mediterranean Sea which is suspected of being part of Russias sanctioned shadow fleet shipping oil in violation of international sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in a post on X that the tanker Grinch is to leave French waters after having paid a penalty of several million euros and three weeks of costly immobilization. Circumventing European sanctions comes at a price. Russia will no longer be able to finance its war with impunity through a ghost fleet off our coasts, Barrot said. Advertisement Advertisement The French military diverted the ship last month and anchored it in the port of Fos-sur-Mer as part of an investigation into a charge of failure to fly a valid flag. The crew of Indian nationality was being kept on board. As part of a guilty plea procedure the company that owns the vessel was sentenced by the Marseille judicial court to a financial penalty of confiscation, the Marseille prosecutors office and regional maritime authorities said in a joint statement. The exact amount of the fine was not disclosed. Russia is believed to be using a fleet of over 400 ships to evade sanctions over its war against Ukraine. France and other countries have vowed to crack down. Advertisement Advertisement The fleet comprises aging vessels and tankers owned by nontransparent entities with addresses in non-sanctioning countries, and sailing under flags from such countries. Last September, French naval forces boarded another oil tanker off the French Atlantic coast that President Emmanuel Macron also linked to the shadow fleet. Putin denounced that interception as an act of piracy. That tankers captain is to go on trial next week over the crews alleged refusal to cooperate. Free university tuition and more generous benefits in Scotland may have to be reconsidered as the country's funding advantage relative to England narrows, a think tank has suggested. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warned the government would struggle to pay for its flagship policies unless it finds ways to increase tax revenue and improve public service delivery. The think tank found higher funding relative to England was the main factor allowing Scotland to have more generous public services, including smaller class sizes and free personal care services. Advertisement Advertisement However, it said the funding advantage had decreased considerably in recent years. The economists found the Scottish government received 26% more per resident for devolved public services than was spent on comparable services in England in 2024-25. That is down from 32% in 201920, with the figure forecast to drop to 23% by 2028-29. 'Barnett squeeze' The IFS said the narrowing gap was a result of the normal operation of the Barnett formula - which is designed to allocate the Scottish government a population share of UK government spending in England - rather than a deliberate UK policy to cut funding. The IFS said the "Barnett squeeze" coincided with an overall funding increase of 2% per year in real terms since 2019-20, following years of decreases in the 2010s. Advertisement Advertisement In the current financial year, Holyrood funding for day-to-day spending is expected to be about 11% higher per person than it was in 2019-20, according to the think tank. The IFS said the rise was "not inconsiderable", though it noted it was lower than an equivalent funding increase in England. The economists warned of a "sharp slowdown" in funding growth in the coming years, and said that funding for public services in Scotland was currently forecast to be flat in real terms by 2028-29. Advertisement Advertisement Scotland has used its devolved powers to set up a distinct tax system, which helps fund a more generous social security support and free university education. However, the report found that to continue to fund such policies, the Scottish government will have to raise tax revenues - either by raising rates or boosting economic performance - and improving efficiency in public services. Otherwise, the IFS said, ministers would have to make cuts. It said tax rises for higher-income Scots were the biggest contributor to an increased Scottish budget, but added that revenues had been hampered by slow wage growth and behavioural changes in response to hikes. Tough trade-offs Martin Brogaard, research economist at IFS and co-author of the report, said: "Scotland currently enjoys more generous public services than England, in large part because the Scottish government receives around 26% more funding per person than is spent on comparable services in England. Advertisement Advertisement "But after growing during the 2010s, this funding advantage is now shrinking as the so-called 'Barnett squeeze' bites. "Without substantial increases in devolved revenues, improvements in public sector efficiency or cuts to other spending, it will be increasingly difficult for future Scottish governments to continue to provide a wider range of free services - such as university tuition and personal care - than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK." The IFS said the Scottish government would face tough trade-offs in future budgets. Director Helen Miller said: "Cuts to some taxes or increases in spending on priority items are feasible but will require tough choices elsewhere in a Scottish budget which will already be under some strain." Craig Hoy from the Scottish conservatives criticised the Scottish government's handling of finances [Getty Images] Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: "This is a grim warning about what lies ahead for Scottish taxpayers thanks to the SNP's dire financial mismanagement." Advertisement Advertisement He added: "John Swinney's SNP government has been spending like a drunken sailor and clobbering hard-working Scots with the bill, but they have finally run out of road." A Scottish government spokesperson said its tax and spending decisions "mean that we can support vital public services and provide free tuition, prescriptions and the Scottish child payment to help tackle child poverty". They added ministers were committed to "maximising opportunities for economic growth, embedding a strategic approach to tax and reforming our public services". Bitcoin (BTC), the world's first decentralized cryptocurrency, was launched in 2009 in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2008. The goal was to give financial autonomy to the people and liberate them from the clutches of Wall Street. But the way Bitcoin has increasingly become integrated into the mainstream financial system, macroeconomic forces now tend to affect the king coin's price trajectory. That is exactly what happened when U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threat against China led to a massive liquidation in the crypto market on Oct. 10 last year. Bitcoin had hit its all-time high (ATH) of $126,080 only a few days earlier on Oct. 6 and it is currently trading 45% lower. Related: Bitget CEO who predicted $200K Bitcoin says its a good time to buy Investor identifies 6 factors behind crypto crash Earlier this month, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan listed six major factors behind the crash in the crypto market. First, long-term crypto investors have been selling to front-run the four-year cycle. The general thesis is that crypto has historically followed four-year cycles, with down years being 2014, 2018, and 2022 previously. So, traders think 2026 is also going to be a down year and are therefore exiting markets after making gains. Second, though crypto remained the "most exciting, dynamic, and volatile segment" of the market, investors have now flocked to other exciting segments like artificial intelligence (AI) and precious metals. Three, the crypto market took the blow of Trump's tariff threat alone, as Oct. 10 was followed by a weekend when Wall Street was closed for trading. Four, Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to be the next Federal Reserve chairman, who is seen to hold very hawkish views. Five, there is a significant section of the Bitcoin community that fears the threat of quantum computing is near and not enough is being done to address the risk. Six, Bitcoin has suffered from the broader markets risk-off shift. More News: Mike McGlone warns buy-the-dip mantra since 2008 may be over, predicts Bitcoin $10K crash On Feb. 16, Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Mike McGlone warned, "The buy the dips mantra since 2008 may be over." While other analysts may talk of a "healthy correction" soon, a further decline is here, he said. But the buy-the-dip mantra since 2008 may be over, he added. The U.S. stock market is rallying with low volatility, but the digital assets market has lost faith in Trump. He warned that the crypto bubble is imploding. WORCESTER Firefighters in Worcester and beyond are mourning the death of Capt. Jason Couture. "He's the most amazing man that you'll ever, ever meet," Couture's wife, Michelle L. Blakeney-Couture, said. The pair had been together since Couture was 17. "We've been by each other's side through thick and thin, always," Blakeney-Couture said of their near 27-year marriage. Their anniversary was Feb. 14, Valentine's Day. Advertisement Advertisement The career firefighter, most recently assigned to the Franklin Street Fire Station, died Feb. 12 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 51. He suffered from a severe form of pancreatitis, according to Blakeney-Couture. Studies have shown that firefighters can be at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. Jay has had a strong presence in our department over the last 29 years as both a leader and a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Captain Couture will truly be missed, said Fire Chief Martin Dyer. Blakeney-Couture, in an interview with the Telegram & Gazette, said her husband always knew he wanted to be in civil service, deciding ultimately to become a firefighter after serving in the U.S. Navy. Advertisement Advertisement Obituary Capt. Jason C. Couture "He loved it," Blakeney-Couture said of Couture's nearly three decades in the department. "That's all he kept talking about when he was in the hospital was he just wanted to get out and get better." Couture loved to fish and could spend up to eight hours in the family pool, said Blakeney-Couture. Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 said Couture is remembered as a "man that showed so many of our Brothers & Sisters how to be a professional in the fire service." The union termed Couture's passing an an active-duty death. The Worcester Fire Department, in a social media post, noted Couture's leadership skills, calling him a mentor. Advertisement Advertisement Blakeney-Couture said that the Fire Department has been instrumental in supporting the family throughout Couture's sickness and following his death. Friends of Couture's in the department organized a fundraiser to pay for Blakeney-Couture's hotel in Boston during her husband's hospital stay. The leftover funds will now go toward funeral costs. "I get sad obviously and I, I cry a lot, but when I'm not crying and I'm, and I'm remembering the happy times. It helps me because I just feel so lucky that he was in my life for so long and he left me this beautiful, beautiful life," Blakeney-Couture said. A funeral for Couture is planned for Feb. 25 at St. John Church. The Burncoat High graduate earned a degree from Becker College. He joined the Fire Department in 1997. He leaves his wife, two sons and three grandchildren. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Funeral of fire Capt. Jason Couture to be held Feb. 25 The Gaston County sheriff, who is running for reelection in a contested primary, accused his political opponent in a lawsuit of defamation for comments made during a debate in late January. Sheriff Chad Hawkins filed a lawsuit against Robbie Waldrop, who works at the Gaston County Police Department, alleging that comments Waldrop made during a political debate on Jan. 29 were demonstrably false and defamatory. In a brief phone interview, Waldrop declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Waldrop alleged during the debate that Hawkins used taxpayer money to fund his campaign, saying, "What I have here are checks, written by the sheriff's office to my opponent's campaign marketing team, in the amount of $2,500 per check. There are probably nine or 10 here. That's your money, paying for his reelection, that you didn't consent to donate. That's not ethical spending, ladies and gentlemen," according to the lawsuit. Waldrop's accusations were republished by a local media outlet, WBT.com, expanding the reach of Waldrop's comments, the lawsuit alleged. Public records that were available prior to the debate show that county payment records and disclosure reports filed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections demonstrate that taxpayer funds were not used to fund Hawkins' campaign, according to the lawsuit. The Gaston County Sheriff's Office and Hawkins' campaign both hired Endgame Consulting to help with communications and marketing, but the two contracts were totally separate, according to the lawsuit. Endgame began working on behalf of the Sheriff's Office in July 2024, and that work concluded in April 2025, the lawsuit stated. Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins' campaign entered into its own agreement with Endgame beginning in January 2025 for campaign-related consulting services, the lawsuit stated. Payments made by Gaston County to Endgame were for services rendered under the contract with the Sheriff's Office, while payments for campaign-related services were made by the Hawkins campaign under a separate contract, the lawsuit stated. Endgame Consulting also is suing Waldrop for his comments, alleging that Waldrop said that Endgame engaged in unethical and criminal conduct, fraudulently billing Gaston County and obtaining taxpayer funds for payment of services provided to Hawkins' campaign. Before filing the lawsuit, Hawkins issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding that Waldrop retract his statements. In a Facebook post Feb. 6, Waldrop said that he was under pressure to retract the statements but that he did not intend to do so. "I welcome the attack and find the timing telling. Im confident in the truth, and I look forward to everything else that will come to light through this process, including additional LLCs and missing contracts," Waldrop said. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit filed by Endgame asked for an unspecified amount of damages and a court order that Waldrop retract his statements. The lawsuit filed by Hawkins asked for an unspecified amount of damages and a jury trial. A statement issued by Hawkins's lawyer, Philip Thomas, that read in part: "Sheriff Chad Hawkins filed this lawsuit because a serious and specific allegation was made against him during a public debate: that he used taxpayer funds to finance his campaign. That accusation is unequivocally false." This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County sheriff sues opponent over campaign fund claims ATLANTA (WRBL) Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is now investigating the popular online game, Roblox, due to reports of child exploitation. According to Office of the Attorney General, millions of children and teens use the virtual platform to connect with others across the nation. RELATED: Florida AG issues subpoena to Roblox for child protection policies Attorney General Carr says the purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not Roblox is violating child protection laws, risking childrens safety. Advertisement Advertisement Predators are using online platforms like Roblox to go after our children, and were fighting back, Carr explains. As a father and Attorney General, keeping kids safe will always be my top priority, and any company that exposes them to harm will be held accountable. Officials say there have been numerous reports of sexual exploitation and child abuse through Roblox. Georgia State Patrol located two missing girls who disappeared from their Florida home after connecting with a 19-year-old on Roblox earlier this year. RELATED: Oklahoma family files lawsuit against Roblox, calls it a hunting ground for child sex predators The suspect, from Nebraska, now faces kidnapping and additional charges. Advertisement Advertisement In a 2023 incident, an adult pressured a 12-year-old boy into sending explicit images. We share Attorney General Carrs commitment to helping keep children safe online. As a platform built with a young audience in mind, Roblox has a history of pioneering industry-leading safeguards designed to monitor for harmful content and proactively block the exchange of images and personal information in chat, says Matt Kaufman, Chief Safety Officer at Roblox. Our commitment to safety has no finish line. In early 2026, we completed the global rollout of mandatory Facial Age Estimation, making Roblox the first major platform to require age checks for all users to access chat features. We take swift action when we identify violations of our rules and work closely with law enforcement to hold bad actors accountable. While no system is perfect, we look forward to working with the Attorney Generals office to help keep kids safe online. Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the investigation, Carr has also sent Roblox a Civil Investigative Demand to receive any necessary information and documents concerning child safety. Kaufman also shared some additional information on Robloxs safety measures: Mandatory Age Checks: As of Jan. 2026, Roblox requires all users to undergo a facial age check (via third-party provider Persona) to use chat. Users are placed into age groups designed to limit chat to other users of similar ages. Parental Controls: Our parental controls enable parents to block specific games or users, choose whether their child can use chat, and set screen time and spending limits. Image Restrictions: Roblox does not allow the transmission of images or videos via chat, removing the primary channel used by predators for sextortion or the exchange of explicit material. Law Enforcement Support: Roblox maintains a 24/7 law enforcement portal to facilitate LEs submission and our processing of requests (e.g., search warrants) from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and other local authorities seeking the disclosure of Roblox account records. We also share best practices and learnings, provide clear guidance about how law enforcement can contact us via our law enforcement portal, detail the types of records that might be available in response to valid legal requests, and actively seek law enforcements input on safety matters. We have dedicated internal teams that work around the clock to support law enforcement requests, investigate platform safety threats, and escalate serious threats to appropriate law enforcement. 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 WRBL. A Georgia father went on trial Monday, as he stands accused of enabling the 2024 high school shooting that left two students and two teachers dead by giving his teenage son access to a rifle despite repeated warning signs. Colin Gray faces nearly 30 felony counts, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children, in connection with the Sept. 4 attack at Apalachee High School in Winder. Prosecutors argue his decision to arm his son directly led to the killings. "This is not a case about holding parents accountable for what their children do," Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith told jurors during opening statements. "This case is about this defendant and his actions in allowing a child that he has custody over access to a firearm and ammunition after being warned that that child was going to harm others." Advertisement Advertisement Under Georgia law, second-degree murder can apply when someone causes the death of a child while committing cruelty to children the underlying felony prosecutors allege in this case. Smith told jurors the charges are structured around the victims, tying cruelty-to-children counts to the deaths of the students and reckless-conduct allegations to involuntary manslaughter counts for the slain teachers. Uvalde Trial Halted After Key Witness Changes Testimony District Attorney Brad Smith points to a weapon displayed on a screen during the first day of the trial of Colin Gray, at the Barrow County courthouse, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Winder, Ga. (AP Newsroom) Investigators have said Colt Gray, 14 at the time, brought a semiautomatic rifle to school in his backpack, left class and opened fire in a classroom and hallways. Two school resource officers took him into custody, authorities said. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Brian Hobbs argued the teen hid his plans from his father. "You cannot hold someone criminally responsible for failing to predict what was intentionally hidden from them," Hobbs said. Prosecutors pointed to what they described as a pattern of escalating red flags that were not acted upon. Jury Reaches Verdict In Trial Of Ex-uvalde School Police Officer Accused Of Failing To Confront Gunman In 2021, Colt Gray used a school computer to search "how to kill your dad," Smith said. In May 2023, authorities investigated an online shooting threat traced to a computer at the Gray home after receiving a tip from the FBI. Colt Gray denied making the threat and said his account had been hacked, according to prosecutors. Smith said investigators asked Colin Gray at the time to restrict his sons access to guns. Colin Gray looks down as his attorney gives his opening statement in the courtroom at the Barrow County courthouse, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Winder, Ga. Despite those incidents, prosecutors allege Colin Gray gave his son the rifle as a Christmas gift later that year and continued buying accessories, including what Smith described as "a lot of ammunition." Advertisement Advertisement Smith also told jurors that on the morning of the shooting, Colts mother called the school after receiving alarming text messages and warned a counselor that her son had access to firearms, prompting administrators to begin searching for him. Former Uvalde School Officer Says He Doesn't Regret Actions After Not Guilty Verdict Prosecutors have said Colin Gray knew his son was obsessed with school shooters and had received a troubling text weeks before the attack that read: "Whenever something happens, just know the blood is on your hands." An investigator testified that Gray was aware his sons mental health had deteriorated and had sought counseling services. "This is not a case about holding parents accountable for what their children do," Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith told jurors during opening statements. "We have had a very difficult past couple of years and he needs help. Anger, anxiety, quick to be volatile. I dont know what to do," Gray wrote, according to testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Smith told jurors that despite those concerns, Gray did not pursue inpatient treatment for his son. Click Here To Download The Fox News App The trial is being held in Barrow County, where the shooting occurred, with jurors brought in from neighboring Hall County due to pretrial publicity. Colt Gray is behind bars while awaiting his own trial. Day 2 of testimony in his father's trial will proceed later Tuesday. The case is among a growing number nationwide in which prosecutors are seeking to hold parents criminally responsible in deadly school shootings. Original article source: Georgia father on trial, accused of giving son rifle before school shooting Georgia teacher killed in crash involving migrant chased by feds (NewsNation) A Georgia special education teacher was killed Monday after police said the car she was driving was struck by a man who fled federal immigration agents after an attempted traffic stop and after he made what federal officials characterized as a reckless U-turn. Linda Davis, who taught at a local school in Savannah, Georgia, was pronounced dead after her car was hit by a vehicle driven by Oscar Vasquez Lopez, 38. A spokesperson from the Chatham County Police Department said that Vasquez Lopez was attempting to get away from federal immigration and Customs Enforcement officers when the crash occurred just before 8 a.m. Vasquez Lopez faces first-degree vehicular homicide charges, police said, along with charges of reckless driving, driving without a valid license and failure to obey a traffic light. Advertisement Advertisement Noems luxury jet saving Americans tens of millions of dollars: DHS Hesse Elementary Principal Alonna McMullen said in a letter to parents that Davis died in the crash, which occurred just outside of the K-8 school building. A district spokeswoman told NewsNation that students were not in classes due to the Presidents Day holiday but that teachers were participating in a planning day. Davis had only started working at the school in September, the district said, and previously worked as a teacher within the district at Brock Elementary School from 2022 to 2025. Dr. Linda Davis was a beloved member of our school family and her loss has affected us deeply, McMullen said in the letter to district parents, which was posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement McMullen is not speaking to media organizations Monday, the district spokesperson said, but is expected to release a more detailed statement about Davis on Tuesday. FAA failed to coordinate before it hit the switch: Security expert Vasquez Lopez was being targeted by DHS after judges order to leave US Department of Homeland Security officials told NewsNation on Monday that Vasquez Lopez, a Guatemalan national, had previously received a final order to leave the country from a federal judge in 2024. Vasquez Lopez entered the United States illegally at an unknown time. Federal officers were attempting to arrest Vasquez Lopez on Monday during a targeted operation. Officers saw him enter a vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, which Vasquez Lopez initially complied with before he sped away, a DHS spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement While being pursued, however, Vasquez Lopez ran the red light and made the U-Turn before he struck Davis car. Nancy Guthrie family cleared by investigators Vasquez Lopez was taken into custody by the Chatham County Police Department at a local hospital, where he was taken for minor injuries. Local police said that department officers were not involved in the DHS enforcement operation or the pursuit and did not become involved until after the crash took place, a spokesperson told NewsNation. Another bystander was involved in the crash but was not injured, police said. Vasquez Lopez was booked into a local jail Monday, police said. Advertisement Advertisement This vehicular homicide is an absolute tragedy and deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arresta felony, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement provided to NewsNation. These dangerous tactics are putting peoples lives at risk. Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers, and innocent civilians at risk. Now, an innocent bystander has lost their life. Jeff Arnold is an enterprise reporter for NewsNation Digital covering immigration issues from the border to cities across the country. Send him story ideas at tips.newsnationdigital@gmail.com. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Before school on Monday morning, a crash claimed the life of a beloved coastal Georgia teacher. Chatham County police say they were called to a crash at 7:45 a.m., where both drivers suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital. The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other driver, 38-year-old Oscar Vasquez Lopez, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators say Vasquez Lopez was fleeing from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when he crashed into the other car. Advertisement Advertisement Savannah Chatham County Public School System shared a statement with WJCL confirming that Dr. Linda Davis had died in the crash. Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools lost a member of our staff on Monday, February 16, 2026. Hesse K-8 School teacher Linda Davis was killed in a traffic accident near the school this morning, a spokesperson wrote. TRENDING STORIES: Vasquez Lopez is now in custody and will face charges for Davis death and other traffic charges. Police say they did not know anything about the ICE operation or chase until after the crash. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] German Fleet Admiral Stephan Plath expressed confidence that Lebanon would be able to secure its coastline and prevent arms smuggling after the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) maritime mission winds up at the end of the year. Plath said on Monday he was confident that the Lebanese Navy could shoulder these responsibilities in the future, noting that it had demonstrated its capabilities multiple times already. He made the remarks on the sidelines of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Beirut. Earlier on Monday, Steinmeier promised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun further German support even after the UNIFIL mission comes to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Plath said he had been impressed by the Lebanese Navy's performance, which had become even more evident in recent months as the reduction of UNIFIL units required Lebanon to assume additional duties. Since October 2006, UNIFIL's Maritime Task Force has supported Lebanon in monitoring its territorial waters, securing its coastline and preventing illegal arms shipments. The German Navy is currently providing a frigate for the mission, with around 160 crew members, which is soon to be replaced by another ship. Germany also provides the Lebanese Navy with equipment and officer training. Plath said the support had allowed the navy not only to be well-equipped but also to significantly advance its personnel capabilities. From Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin, no one is safe when Germans celebrate carnival with floats that satirise politicians. But the Russian president is not laughing. Sculptor Jacques Tilly, head float designer for Duesseldorf's parade, is on trial in absentia in Moscow, accused of spreading false information about the Russian military. "Humour can hurt and definitely affect those targeted," he told AFP in December, promising that the political floats for Monday's parade would be as "foolish and satirical" as ever. Advertisement Advertisement Tilly, who was informed of the proceedings via Russian pro-democracy activists based in western Germany, said it was the first time he had been charged by a court of law for his floats. Tilly's previous work for carnival includes floats depicting Putin taking a bath in blood, as well as the Russian leader behind bars. The artist's creations this year include a papier-mache of the Russian president being hit over the head by a face-painted jester marked "satire", as well as a depiction of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as the devil, with text reading "everyone protects the perpetrators" and "everyone ignores the victims". As usual, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the polarising US president are sure to be lampooned across the country. Advertisement Advertisement One of Tilly's designs for the Duesseldorf carnival features Trump and Putin together feasting on a small blonde woman marked "Europe". Another shows Merz and Bavarian leader Markus Soeder riding on a skeleton with a steering wheel -- marked "combustion engine", a reference to their efforts to get the European Union to water down a planned 2035 ban on such cars. - 'Everything's better with confetti' - The floats reflect a fine tradition of normally buttoned-up Germans letting their hair down for the originally Christian festival, although -- even during carnival -- serious and weighty political themes are often the objects of the fun. Advertisement Advertisement "Carnival is bad music, plastered people and a good vibe," Frederik Held, a 30-year-old sport scientist who lives in Frankfurt, told AFP. "Everything's better with confetti," he added whilst on his way to nearby Mainz for a procession. The largest procession will take place in Cologne, traditionally seen as the capital of carnival in Germany. Organisers in the western city have arranged for 300,000 bouquets of flowers and 300 tonnes of sweets. Both are thrown by floats passing by as they roll through the city centre. Mariana Leshkovych of pro-Ukraine support group Blue Yellow Cross told AFP in Cologne whilst decorated in Ukraine's national colours that it was important to support freedom of expression. "We are here in Cologne to represent this, to support humour and criticism of those in power, because we would like to see this continue in Ukraine," she said. bur-vbw/bst/jhb The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) branch in the north-western state of Lower Saxony has been classified as "extremist" by the state intelligence service. The anti-immigrant AfD became Germany's largest opposition party in parliamentary elections last year, but it has consistently been accused of extremist tendencies. "The assessment of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is clear," said Lower Saxony's interior minister, Daniela Behrens. Advertisement Advertisement "The greatest danger to our society comes from right-wing extremism, and according to the classification, the AfD in Lower Saxony clearly falls into this category." Several of the party's chapters across Germany's 16 federal states have been classified as "confirmed" cases of right-wing extremism, allowing intelligence agencies to investigate and surveil the party. The national party also received the classification last year, but it has appealed the ruling. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has voiced concerns about US investor Peter Thiel ahead of a decision on the purchase of kamikaze drones for the German military. During a visit to the Graf Zeppelin Barracks in the south-western town of Calw on Tuesday, the minister made it clear that Thiel's influence at drone manufacturer Stark Defence must be clarified before Germany can purchase kamikaze drones from the company. "So if he has influence over the operational business, has blocking minorities in whatever form, then we are talking about a different quality than if he is, for example, a shareholder in the single-digit percentage range but has no influence on the operational business," Pistorius said in response to a question. Advertisement Advertisement He also announced that questions about the providers' pricing would be answered at a meeting of the Defence Committee in the German parliament next week. The issue concerns new contract models. "This gives us flexibility again. But everything will be clarified. I am convinced of that, next week in the committee," Pistorius said. The German military, the Bundeswehr, is testing kamikaze drones manufactured by Stark Defence and German company Helsing. Technically known as "loitering munitions," the drones are equipped with warheads and can circle over a target area for a long time until they are assigned a target via data link and given the command to attack. They then fly at the target. The kamikaze drones are intended to enable the Bundeswehr to open a new chapter on the battlefield. Matthews view As if Abu Dhabi didnt have enough state-linked investment firms, it just launched another one. International Holding Co., the largest listed firm in the UAE and part of a web of companies controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, the UAEs national security adviser and the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, said it is creating Judan Financial. The new firm which will be chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon will consolidate financial services assets from across his holdings, including alternative asset manager Lunate, reinsurance startup RIQ, and digital lender Wio Bank. Judan is expected to have a valuation of $27 billion and $237 billion in assets under management. Yet Judan is not just another restructuring in Abu Dhabi. For one, it shows that Sheikh Tahnoons grip on Abu Dhabis financial ecosystem remains firm. The emergence of LIMAD Holding, controlled by Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed, hinted that a new center of sovereign investing was rising, but its clear that any potential redistribution of influence will be gradual, not abrupt. Second, Judans intention to raise capital from third parties marks an ongoing evolution: Abu Dhabis moneymen are increasingly confident in using their decades-long track record of managing Abu Dhabis oil wealth as a pitch to run other peoples money. This shift reflects the citys broader transformation. Abu Dhabis financial center just isnt seen as a place to open an office to try and tap sovereign wealth, but a place to meet global investors. Family offices from around the world are there, as are the biggest global investment institutions. When Abu Dhabi branded itself the capital of capital a few years ago, it was mostly a reference to the nearly $2 trillion pool of sovereign-linked wealth controlled by the emirate a reminder that anyone raising serious money would need to make a trip. Increasingly, Abu Dhabi is looking to bring in capital, and not just send it out. Notable German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to visit the site of the devastating August 2020 explosion in Beirut's harbour on Tuesday, the second day of his trip to Lebanon. More than 220 people were killed in the blast and several thousand injured. Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender are set to lay flowers and commemorate the victims. They also want to gain an impression of the reconstruction work. Advertisement Advertisement Before flying on to the Jordanian capital Amman, the president wants to visit the naval school in Beirut, which was rebuilt with German help. On Monday, he promised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun further German support even after the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission comes to an end at the end of the year. The German navy is currently providing a frigate for the mission in order to secure Lebanon's sea borders and prevent arms smuggling. Steinmeier plans to hold talks with King Abdullah II in the Jordanian capital Amman on Wednesday. The pair know each other well from previous meetings. The resolution is to be submitted to the United Nations member states in March, as a "declaration on the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialised enslavement of Africans, described as the most serious crime against humanity," said the Ghanaian head of state, whose country was the first on the continent to gain independence in 1957. "This UN resolution is just the first step," Mahama said at the close of the AU's annual summit in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. "We believe that with the consultations we have conducted and the support of the African Union (AU), the truth will finally be recognised: the transatlantic slave trade was the greatest injustice and the greatest crime against humanity." Advertisement Advertisement Transatlantic cruise to turn spotlight on Brazil-Angola slavery past 'Restoring historical truth' Adopting this resolution is not about erasing history, Mahama insisted but about acknowledging it. "The trade of enslaved Africans and racialised forms of slavery are foundational crimes that shaped the modern world," he said. "Their consequences continue to manifest themselves in structural inequalities, racial discrimination, and economic disparities," he continued. "Recognising these injustices is not synonymous with division, but with moral courage. This initiative offers us a historic opportunity. An opportunity to affirm the truth of our history." Advertisement Advertisement He defended his proposal as "an opportunity to acknowledge the greatest injustice in the history of humankind". "An opportunity to lay the foundations for genuine reconciliation and real equality. While the past cannot be changed, it can be acknowledged. And acknowledgment is the first step toward justice." Benin to give nationality to descendants of those deported as slaves Slow process John Mahamas predecessor as President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, called in November 2023 for a united front to obtain reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and the damage caused during the colonial era. Advertisement Advertisement The transatlantic slave trade organised the trafficking of millions of people from West and Central Africa. For the Ghanaian head of state, who stated that he was speaking in concert with the countries of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), it is not just about financial compensation, it is about restoring historical truth. But, for now, our goal is to submit the resolution to the [UN] General Assembly, to allow the world to recognise that this happened and that there has been no greater injustice against humanity in recent history or in world history than the slave trade, the Ghanaian president emphasised. Cape Coast Fort in Ghana, a former colonial trading post involved in the slave trade, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Danish wind farm company rsted has built three massive artificial bird nests off the coast of the United Kingdom with contractor Red7Marine. The structures are intended to help support the populations of kittiwake, a seabird species that may be impacted by the company's nearby wind farm. What are artificial bird nests? rsted's nests were built approximately 0.6 miles (one kilometer) off the shore of Suffolk on Great Britain's eastern coast. Each one is an octagonal structure designed to house about 500 individual nests, raised above sea level on a large pole, according to Electrek. The interior of the building features a whiteboard, chairs, and tables for researchers to record information about their studies of the birds. Sliding Perspex panels let the researchers observe the nests without being seen by their occupants, according to Electrek. Why are artificial bird nests important? rsted's massive Hornsea 3 project, which is expected to be completed by 2025, will have the capacity to power more than three million households, according to Electrek. As green energy projects break ground around the world, it's important that they do so in ways that are minimally damaging to local ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement A 2013 study found that between 140,000 and 328,000 birds are killed by wind turbines every year in the United States. Human-made structures in general cause as many as one billion bird deaths per year, according to the United States Forest Service, but that doesn't mean the turbine casualties aren't significant. Any way that institutions and organizations can mitigate their impacts on local ecosystems is a positive step, and rsted was required to build structures that would help the local bird populations in order to have the Hornsea 3 project approved, according to Electrek. "Kittiwake are listed as at risk from extinction and with climate change as a key driver to their decline, a move towards a green energy system could help considerably in the long-term conservation of the species," said Eleni Antoniou, rsted's environmental manager. "In the meantime, the provision of these structures will provide a safe, nesting space to enable future generations to raise young away from predators and out of town centers," she concluded. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Greece has announced its intention to obtain photos that appear to show the final moments of 200 Greeks executed by a Nazi firing squad in Athens during World War II, after the previously unknown pictures surfaced on eBay. The images reportedly show the men being led to their deaths on 1 May 1944 at a shooting range in the Kaisariani suburb of the Greek capital. Although the executions were well known, there were no known photos or film documentation of the event. The photographs were put up for sale on eBay over the weekend by a Belgian collector specialising in German military memorabilia. Advertisement Advertisement Greece's culture ministry said on Monday that "it is very possible that these are authentic photographs," adding that it will seek to acquire them as historical archives. The ministry said there were "quite a few legal complications" to lay claim to the pictures. Experts are in touch with the collector who put them up for auction and will visit him in Ghent to examine "the authenticity and legality of origin," it said. Related Advertisement Advertisement A ministry committee is due to meet on Wednesday to determine whether to classify the photographs as being part of Greece's cultural heritage. The series of pictures shows men being led through a gateway, down a path and lined up in front of a wall. Shortly after the photos were posted for sale on eBay, a memorial at the site to those killed was vandalised, with plaques listing their names smashed. A man with a child walk past a vandalised memorial plaque at the Kaisariani Shooting Range in the Kaisariani suburb of Athens, Greece, 16 Feb, 2026. - Petros Giannakouris/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved "Historical memory will not be erased, no matter how much it bothers some people," Kaisariani municipality said in a statement, adding that it would repair the monument. The photos, it said, had caused "a chill of emotion for the heroic, valiant stance of the 200 communist heroes who stood up against the firing squad". Advertisement Advertisement The Kaisariani executions of 200 communist political prisoners were one of the worst atrocities during the Nazi occupation of Greece and remain a seminal moment for the country. As World War II ended, a vicious civil war between Western-backed government forces and communist fighters broke out in the southern European country and lasted until 1949. Beads, cups and other throws gather in the gutter after a Mardi Gras parade in 2026. (Photo by Madhri Yehiya/Verite News) NEW ORLEANS Every year, hundreds of clean-up workers take to the streets following the largest Mardi Gras parades, cleaning up thousands of pounds of throws, wrappers, food, drinks and other trash. Residents and visitors whove attended parades the night before are often awestruck at how clean the parade routes are the next day. Advertisement Advertisement But after speaking with several workers on-the-ground during last years parade season, the New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice a labor rights and economic empowerment organization heard that the workers who get the routes in pristine condition do not receive adequate personal protection equipment and food and water to get them through clean-up shifts that last several hours. In order to draw attention to and improve conditions for the workers, the organization launched a campaign this year called We Are Not Disposable to recruit volunteers to hand out food, water and personal protection equipment to the clean-up crews. Volunteers with New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice will be offering supplies to clean-up workers at two stations along the route during parades such as Muses and Iris at Harmony Circle and outside of Fresh Market at the intersection of Louisiana and St. Charles avenues in addition to at the start of the route where clean-up workers meet. Some workers are employed by the Department of Sanitation, but most are hired on a short-term contract basis through the citys workforce platform Job1 and through Ramelli Janitorial Services. Workers use a combination of rakes, shovels, roll carts and debris blowers. In a written statement emailed to Verite News, Isis Casanova, communications director for Mayor Helena Moreno and the city of New Orleans, said workers are provided with safety glasses, face masks and rain ponchos as requested, in addition to food and water. Advertisement Advertisement Clean-up workers are provided with water and snack pack (chips, cookies, fruit snacks, granola bar, Blow Pop) daily, the statement read. On parade days where clean-up workers report in the morning, a sandwich is provided. The package that the city of New Orleans provides Mardi Gras clean-up workers. (Courtesy of Jordan Bridges/New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice) A Ramelli representative refuted claims that workers dont receive adequate gear, telling Verite News the company provides gloves, reflective gear and goggles as needed and that workers are well-taken care of, often only working about 4 to 5 hours after the parade ends. Volunteers have been conducting street interviews with workers throughout Carnival season and will continue to do so to understand how workers are being treated. The organization said the items that are being provided are based on information gathered from more than 40 interviews since early 2025. New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice organizers said sandwiches often arent provided, water is limited, workers are not made aware that they can ask for extra personal protection equipment and the gear offered is inadequate for the type of work they are doing. Advertisement Advertisement The Mayors Office and the Department of Sanitation did not respond to questions from Verite News about the alleged lack of food, first aid and high-quality supplies necessary to protect the health and safety of clean-up workers. Safety concerns Clean-up workers are assigned to a parade route on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shifts can be between 10 to 20 hours long, according to a statement from the Mayors Office, with many workers arriving back at home past midnight, sometimes only to wake up early for another shift the next day. Jordan Bridges, organizing director of New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, started contacting workers to learn about their working conditions in 2025 because of his interest in labor rights within Black and brown communities. He also participated in clean-up efforts in 2025 and 2026 because, in his eyes, you cant organize for people [who] you have no idea what theyre going through. Bridges said for weeks after his clean-up shifts in 2025, he dealt with severe nasal congestion that turned into a sinus infection. His eyes were red for days, and dirt and other particulate matter he had breathed in during the clean-up kept coming out of his nose. Advertisement Advertisement This year, Bridges said he wore a mask during the clean-up efforts after the Oshun and Cleopatra parades Feb. 6 but has still been dealing with congestion for days. Magali Ortiz, a community organizer at New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, ran public training sessions in January and February to invite volunteers to learn more about what carnival season clean-up workers face and how to engage them in conversation. She said although the city claims to offer many kinds of protective equipment, workers are rarely made aware of the option to request more personal protection equipment, most of which is too low quality for the task at hand. People are mostly raking, but from time to time they have to actually put their hands in a lot of this trash [The gloves] are not waterproof, theyre not resistant to things like glass or other trash that might be in there, Ortiz said. Advertisement Advertisement Imagine youre next to somebody with a massive leaf blower, she added. Theres all this particulate matter thats just getting thrown around and getting in your eyes. The clean-up shift often begins hours after workers receive their food and drink. Bridges received only a snack pack, a vest, gloves and a bottle of water for a 10-hour shift on Feb. 6. He said he did not pre-pack extra food in order to get the full experience of relying solely on the citys provisions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Mayors Office said that clean-up workers take periodic breaks along the route as the water truck refills and in between clean-up segments but did not respond to questions from Verite News about how often breaks are allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Its not a break, Bridges said. Anybody thats ever been on-call knows that if Im on-call Im basically working. We have to move away from devaluing peoples time. He added that many of the breaks involve workers standing around waiting for work to be done. There are also very limited opportunities to find and use a bathroom. Bridges said while he loved being a part of the camaraderie that builds over working alongside the same people for several hours, the clean-up is especially exhausting for those who sign-up for double shifts 10-hour shifts two days in a row. Workers Ive seen sleep in cars, Ive seen just wander for a few hours. Ive seen people sleep on the sidewalk next to Fresh Market, exhausted from either the previous shifts theyve done or just trying to catch a nap, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Bridges said clean-up routes are randomly assigned. If assigned to Route B or C, workers can watch the parade and begin cleaning up once it passes. If assigned to Route A, workers must follow the parade, right behind the debris blowers, and do not get to participate in the festivities of the day. The Mayors Office said between 200 to 500 clean-up workers are deployed each parade day. Bridges added that Job1 recruiters make the clean-up seem like easy work and easy money because of how much standing around there is, instead of disclosing how the work can be physically taxing. Job1 did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. Even if youre standing for 10 hours, it takes a reasonable amount of vitality and dexterity to do that, he said. Even if you have a rake, you still have to have a moderate amount of fitness to walk that distance and work that distance. Although workers provide an emergency contact prior to the clean-up, Bridges said there is no first aid available on site in case of an injury. He added that the Red Cross tent packs up and leaves once parades end because their focus is to care for parade-goers. The Red Cross did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. A clean-up worker walks amid debris from a Mardi Gras parade along St. Charles Avenue. (Courtesy of Brett Davis/Ggrounds Krewe) Lack of city support New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justices new campaign should not be interpreted as antagonistic by city leadership and Job1, according to Ortiz. However, she added that talks with Job1 regarding the clean-up workers rights have been disappointing at times. Advertisement Advertisement I think nobody in the city seems to be wanting to take responsibility for how to determine what protective equipment is actually needed, based on the conditions on the ground, she said. If the Department of Sanitation is saying that theyre not the ones in charge, and Job1 is saying that theyre not the ones in charge, then you know theyre constantly passing the buck. Ortiz added that the city and Job1 seemed more concerned about the cost of providing personal protection equipment than the health concerns of failing to do so. They were like, Well, you should really just get equipment thats as disposable as possible, because the workers are going to lose them, or its not really worth it to really invest in that kind of stuff, because some of the workers dont bring it back. The Department of Sanitation and Job1 did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. Reforming clean-up efforts City-funded clean-ups began last Friday, following the Krewe of Cleopatra. New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice organizers said that larger krewes are provided with clean-up services for free, while smaller ones have to pay for their own clean-up efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Parades on the West Bank, such as NOMTOC on Feb. 14 (Saturday), do not get a city-funded clean-up. Bridges said hes seen trash blow into peoples yards for days after a parade. I think it just brings in a bit of a question of who deserves to have their neighborhood cleaned up, and why are we doing that cleanup? Ortiz said. And when is that being done for tourists, as opposed to the people who are actually living in the neighborhoods that are being impacted? Bridges also pointed out the citys racial disparities that are on display during the clean-up efforts. He said he has seen wealthy college students laughing and recording clean-up workers, many of whom are Black and are tasked with cleaning up high-income Uptown neighborhoods. Ive watched people bring trash out of their houses and throw it right on the ground when they see us coming, he said. People throw pizza take a bite of it, dont want it no more, and just throw it into the trash pile. With greater effort and cooperation on the citys part, Bridges said he believes better pay and working conditions for clean-up workers is possible. At the end of the day, are the workers that are doing the Mardi Gras clean-up and staying up and sacrificing their bodies and time and lungs and health and dont get to enjoy Carnival are they being taken care of? he asked. The answer is, we can do a lot better. This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. An officer from the town of Hanover was arrested yesterday by Massachusetts State Police after he allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian. In a release from Hanover Police, Chief Timothy Kane identified the officer as Officer Thomas Hayes. Hayes was arrested yesterday in the city of Brockton and was placed on administration leave. The arrest, according to the chief, stems from a motor vehicle crash that left a pedestrian deceased while the officer was not on duty. Advertisement Advertisement We hold our officers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. Accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining the publics trust, said Kane in a statement. The Hanover Police Department remains committed to serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and respect, he said. Kane said the department will continue to release information when updates are available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Every Texas seat in Congress is on the ballot when early voting begins Tuesday. Some incumbents have easy paths to the nomination. Others face challenges from within their own party. Among them is Dan Crenshaw, a Republican representing the 2nd Congressional District. Crenshaw is facing challenges from three other republicans. One of them is State Representative Steve Toth, who used to support Crenshaw. Advertisement Advertisement Crenshaw has represented Texas's 2nd Congressional District since he was elected in 2018. He's now seeking a fifth term in office. "This re-election's about getting things done," Crenshaw told ABC13. "It's about results, it's not about trendy narratives online that aren't even true." The district, in its new configuration, stretches across Montgomery County and parts of north and east Harris County, including The Woodlands and Kingwood. Legislators drew it to protect a Republican seat in Congress. "Voters should look to a candidate and say, 'Well, what do you want to do exactly?'" Crenshaw said. "Like, what policies do you care about? And I've always been a policy guy, you know, it's not always the flashy stuff that gets a lot of clicks, but that's the hard work that actually matters in people's lives. " Advertisement Advertisement Crenshaw says he has delivered on many of his promises when he first went to Washington, D.C. as a conservative. A retired Navy SEAL, he said his top priorities include flood mitigation, energy, and the border, namely, going after the drug cartels. "We need a strategic plan to go after the cartels," he said. "I'm the only one in Congress who's even bothered to do the research and ask the questions and take the trips down to Mexico and figure out what that plan looks like so that we can support the administration's efforts." Toth is running against Crenshaw. A former pastor, a small business owner, and state representative, Toth says flood prevention is a top concern for people in the district, and he thinks his message is getting through to voters. "I can't ever think of a race that I've been in where I have spent anywhere near what my opponent has spent," Toth said. "And the reality is that when you're running against a record like his, you don't have to spend as much money, you just have to educate people on who he is. " Advertisement Advertisement Toth said he used to support Crenshaw. That changed for Toth with Crenshaw's support of the bipartisan Senate border bill in early 2024. "I've had enough at that point," Toth said. "I mean, there's only so much that we can do as a state when we're working against the federal government, and when we send people to Washington, D.C, from Texas. They should be advocating for Texas, and he was not." Border security and flood mitigation are among his top priorities. His social media feed often mentions efforts to help Kingwood in particular. "I think that's really critically important, and it's not just Kingwood," Toth said. "North Harris County saw a tremendous amount of flooding as well." Advertisement Advertisement Issues aside, it is a race where both candidates have little nice to say about one another. "So, look, this really is about actual results," Crenshaw said, "and actual adherence to the conservative philosophical grounding and policies that work for you." Two other Republicans are running in the primary: Martin Etwop, who has raised a little more than $7,000 according to FEC filings, and Nicholas Plumb, who has raised less than $800.00. The winner will face Democrat Shaun Finnie, who is running unopposed in his primary. For updates on this story, follow Tom Abrahams on Facebook, X and Instagram. Tuition aid for military officers could soon end at dozens of top U.S. colleges and universities, according to CNN. The policy was introduced earlier in February in a memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth ordered the military to evaluate all existing graduate programs for active-duty members at Ivy League universities and any other universities that similarly diminish critical thinking and have significant adversary involvement, and determine whether they deliver cost-effective, strategic education for future senior leaders when compared to public universities and military masters programs, a source told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement The move is part of Hegseths campaign against schools he describes as being biased against the U.S. military and sponsoring troublesome partnerships with foreign adversaries, according to CNN. Hegseth has also said the Defense Department will cut ties with Harvard University starting in September. He criticized it as a politically liberal institution and attacked it with hyperbolic language, according to The New York Times. The uncertainty about tuition assistance has led to confusion and concern among members of the military who have already applied or been accepted to some schools. Officials have also said theyre concerned Hegseths moves amounted to an effort to purge diversity of thought from the military, according to CNN. Schools at moderate to high risk of being banned include 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, the London School of Economics and Political Science, MIT, 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 and Yale. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple top political appointees at the Pentagon are graduates of Ivy League schools and other elite universities. Hegseth attended both Princeton and Harvard, CNN noted. The overall concern is that we want military officers and non-commissioned officers to have the ability to critically think and challenge ideas and some of these institutions are great places to do that whether you agree with liberal or conservative thought or not, a source told CNN. It seems both very delicate oh these words and ideas scare me, so Ill preclude people from engaging but also short-sighted and is generating confusion. More on the Trump administration Read the original article on syracuse.com. Hezbollah does not oppose a parallel political negotiation with the US aimed at a security agreement with Lebanon, sources told Al Akhbar, alongside efforts to disarm the group south of the Litani. Hezbollah does not oppose the terms of a "parallel political negotiation" with the US that is underway to reach a "security agreement with Lebanon," informed sources told the Hezbollah-aligned Al Akhbar on Tuesday. The "main" negotiation, per the report, is the Lebanese government's attempts to disarm Hezbollah terrorists south of the Litani River. Advertisement Advertisement The "parallel" discussion centers on the US seeking guarantees from Hezbollah that it will not carry out any action against Israel, alongside a mechanism that would ensure the terror group's inability to use its weapons in a future period, the sources claimed. The proposal would also include an agreement between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government to manage a transition period for the terror group, and would include an Israeli commitment with a US guarantee that the IDF would halt "hostile actions, withdraw from some occupied points, and release a number of prisoners." The US is demanding that talks between Lebanon and Israel continue to a higher level, including a direct discussion of security agreements that go beyond the current ceasefire agreements, with the proviso that Hezbollah would not oppose or obstruct these negotiations, the sources confirmed. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun pictured at the Presidential Palace, Baabda, Lebanon, February 16, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) The sources indicate that this has been supported by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, but opposed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Egypt previously proposed similar deal to disarm Hezbollah These discussions revive a proposal previously put forward by Egypt, which stated that forceful disarmament of Hezbollah would be impossible and that any confrontation between the terror group and Lebanese Armed Forces could trigger civil war and chaos nationwide, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement The proposed alternative would include reaching an understanding with Hezbollah to commit to not carrying out any terror actions against Israel, and with the LAF managing the terror group's depots and weapons storage north of the Litani River. Hezbollah believes that issues should be addressed through internal dialogue on "defensive strategies" after Israel withdraws from "the occupied points, halt attacks, release prisoners, and allow 'reconstruction' to begin," according to the outlet. By Laila Bassam and Tala Ramadan DUBAI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Armed group Hezbollah rejected on Tuesday the Lebanese government's decision to grant the army at least four months to advance the second phase of a nationwide disarmament plan, saying it would not accept what it sees as a move serving Israel. Lebanon's cabinet tasked the army in August 2025 with drawing up and beginning to implement a plan to bring all armed groups' weapons under state control, a bid aimed primarily at disarming Hezbollah after its devastating war with Israel in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement In September 2025 the cabinet formally welcomed the army's plan to disarm the Iran-backed Shi'ite militia, although it did not set a clear timeframe and cautioned that the military's limited capabilities and ongoing Israeli strikes could hinder progress. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said in a speech on Monday that "what the Lebanese government is doing by focusing on disarmament is a major mistake because this issue serves the goals of Israeli aggression". Lebanon's Information Minister Paul Morcos said during a press conference late on Monday after a cabinet meeting that the government had taken note of the army's monthly report on its arms control plan that includes restricting weapons in areas north of the Litani River up to the Awali River in Sidon, and granted it four months. "The required time frame is four months, renewable depending on available capabilities, Israeli attacks and field obstacles, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said, "we cannot be lenient," signalling the group's rejection of the timeline and the broader approach to the issue of its weapons. Hezbollah has rejected the disarmament effort as a misstep while Israel continues to target Lebanon, and Shi'ite ministers walked out of the cabinet session in protest. Israel has said Hezbollah's disarmament is a security priority, arguing that the group's weapons outside Lebanese state control pose a direct threat to its security. Israeli officials say any disarmament plan must be fully and effectively implemented, especially in areas close to the border, and that continued Hezbollah military activity constitutes a violation of relevant international resolutions. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has also said it will continue what it describes as action to prevent the entrenchment or arming of hostile actors in Lebanon until cross-border threats are eliminated. (Reporting by Laila Bassam; Writing by Tala Ramadan; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Volkswagen plans group-wide cost reductions of 20% by 2028 as it confronts rising expenses, weak demand in China and US tariffs. According to a Reuters report, which cited German trade publication Manager Magazin, CEO Oliver Blume and CFO Arno Antlitz outlined what was described as a massive cost-saving drive during a closed-door session with senior executives in Berlin in mid-January. Details on where reductions would fall and how brand collaboration would be enhanced were not disclosed, though potential plant closures were said to be under consideration. In an emailed statement to Just Auto, a Volkswagen spokesperson said the company is currently in the quiet period, therefore it cannot make any statements or provide any assessment on financial matters that could influence the share price. The groups full-year 2025 results are due next month. Three years ago, the Volkswagen Group rolled out a group-wide operational programme aimed at preparing the business for the future across all brands and units, concentrating on customer-facing priorities like design, product offerings, and cost efficiency. Since then, it has achieved savings in the doubledigit billioneuro range. This has enabled the group to cushion geopolitical headwinds - such as tariffs in the US - and stay on course, the spokesperson added. The group is also implementing plans to reduce 35,000 positions in Germany by 2030. In January, its core Volkswagen marque said it would cut management roles and streamline its production architecture, aiming for 1bn ($1.16bn) in savings over the same timeframe. German carmakers are facing stronger competition in China amid aggressive pricing by domestic rivals, while Volkswagens investment in software and the parallel development of combustion and electric platforms remains high, according to the report. Blume is expected to provide further details at Volkswagens annual results press conference on 10 March. Separately, Volkswagen has been ordered by a Paris court to stand criminal trial in France over its involvement in the diesel-emissions scandal. The company will face accusations of deceit concerning goods that endanger human and animal health. Proceedings are unlikely to begin before 2027, with scheduling to be discussed in December this year. "Volkswagen targets 20% cost cuts by 2028 amid market pressures report" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. A flight from Stockholm to Spain's Costa del Sol turned around earlier this month. It diverted after a rodent sighting on board, a spokesperson for SAS told Business Insider. A replacement plane landed in Malaga five hours later than the first one was scheduled to. Passengers in Europe had a grueling flight to nowhere earlier this month due to an unusual passenger. A Scandinavian Airlines flight turned around after a rodent was spotted on board. Advertisement Advertisement Flight 1583 departed Stockholm Arlanda Airport on February 7 and was supposed to land in Malaga, Spain, four hours later. However, almost two hours into the journey, the Airbus A320neo U-turned while flying over Belgium, according to flight-tracking data. It flew back to Sweden, touching down in the capital 3 hours and 20 minutes after taking off. In a statement to Business Insider, an airline spokesperson said the plane turned around "after a suspected rodent sighting on board." "We followed established procedures and, as a precaution, returned the aircraft to Arlanda to carry out standard inspections of both the aircraft and relevant suppliers," they added. "Passengers were boarded on a new aircraft to Malaga shortly after." Advertisement Advertisement SAS did not confirm exactly what kind of rodent was spotted, but Flightradar24 reported that it was a mouse. Diverting a plane due to a rodent might seem bizarre, but loose animals on board can pose a safety risk. It could potentially damage electrical wiring or other components, leading to system faults or, in rare cases, a fire. Data from Flightradar24 shows an extra flight, operated under the call sign SAS95T, flew from Stockholm to Malaga later the same day. It arrived around 3:30 p.m., five hours later than passengers were first scheduled to arrive in the Costa del Sol. This wasn't the first time that such an unwelcome passenger has caused a flight to turn around. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, One Mile at a Time reported that an SAS flight to Malaga returned to Copenhagen after a mouse was found in somebody's in-flight meal, before it escaped into the cabin. Later that year, a TAP Air Portugal plane was grounded after 132 hamsters escaped from their cages inside the cargo hold. Read the original article on Business Insider Read the latest The CEO of the embattled California High-Speed Rail Authority was one of two people arrested this month at his Folsom home following an alleged domestic disturbance between his fiancee and his daughter, hours after appearing beside Gov. Gavin Newsom at a rail event in Kern County. According to Folsom police logs, Ian Choudri, 57, was arrested just after midnight Feb. 4 after officers were called to his home. Police said officers responded to the residence and took Choudri and his fiancee, Lyudmyla Starostyuk, 46, into custody on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. A spokesperson for the Folsom Police Department confirmed the arrest and said both were booked and released from the Sacramento County Main Jail downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Allen Sawyer, an attorney for Choudri and Starostyuk, said the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office immediately declined to file charges after Folsom police forwarded the incident. Mr. Choudri was never asked to appear in court, Sawyer said in an email Monday night. He added that this matter is over and no further action will be taken. According to dispatch recordings reviewed by The Sacramento Bee, Choudri was arrested after officers were called to the home for an alleged fight between Starostyuk and Choudris 17-year-old daughter. Dispatchers relayed to officers that Starostyuk had pulled her hair and pushed her before locking her out of the house. It was not clear who made the call to 911, but all three residents were outside the home when police arrived. Choudri and Starostyuk, a former professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The police spokesperson said the department does not comment on specifics of arrests, referring further questions to the DAs Office. Advertisement Advertisement The District Attorneys Office in a statement Tuesday said its investigators did not find sufficient evidence to charge Choudri before his expected arraignment on Feb. 6 because they could not determine a clear dominate aggressor in the incident. Our office takes all allegations of domestic violence incredibly seriously, regardless of who the suspect is or what position they hold in our community, the DAs Office said in the statement. Per Penal Code section 13701, in domestic violence situations law enforcement shall take steps to determine who the dominant aggressor is to make the appropriate arrest. In this case, law enforcement arrested one male and one female. Officers did not see or note any injuries to either individual. Since the evidence does not clearly demonstrate a dominant aggressor we determined there was insufficient evidence to file charges to sustain our burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, it said. California High Speed Rail CEO Ian Choudri is interviewed by the California McClatchy Editorial Board Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Fresno. (ERIC PAUL ZAMORA/ezamora@fresnobee.com) The arrest occurred hours after Choudri appeared with Gov. Gavin Newsom at a High-Speed Rail Authority facility in Kern County, where the governor touted progress on the long-delayed project and criticized the Trump administrations decision to pull $4 billion in federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms office referred a request for comment to the High Speed Rail Authority. Choudri joined Newsom that day to announce the completion of the authoritys 150-acre railhead facility near Shafter, which will serve as a staging area for track construction in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. The High-Speed Rail Authority is aware of the matter and is reviewing it, a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement Monday night. Choudri was appointed CEO by the authoritys board of directors in August 2024. According to previous Bee reporting, he previously worked on large-scale construction projects in more than 18 countries. The Bees Daniel Hunt contributed to this story. Hillary Clinton has accused US President Donald Trump's administration of a "cover-up" over its handling of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "Get the files out. They are slow-walking it," the former US secretary of state told the BBC in Berlin, where she attended the annual World Forum. The White House insisted that by releasing the files they had done "more for the victims than Democrats ever have". Advertisement Advertisement Millions of new files relating to the late sex offender Epstein were released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) earlier this month. At the time, the deputy attorney general said three million pages were not released - due to the existence of personal medical files, graphic depictions of child abuse or other material that would jeopardise investigations. When asked whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should go before a congressional committee, Hillary Clinton said: "I think everybody should testify who is asked to testify." Appearing in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement The committee does not have the power to compel him to appear in front of them, but put pressure on the Clintons to do so, which they agreed to last month. Bill Clinton will make his appearance on 27 February and Hillary Clinton will appear the day before. A planned vote to hold the Clintons in contempt of Congress for initially refusing to appear was shelved after the pair agreed to testify. It will be the first time a former US president has testified to a congressional panel since Gerald Ford did so in 1983. Hillary Clinton reiterated the couple's call for their congressional committee hearing to be in public rather than a closed-door deposition. Advertisement Advertisement "We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public," Hillary Clinton told the BBC. Republican committee chair James Comer had accused the Clintons of "delay", saying the pair "caved" as a contempt vote loomed. "I just want it to be fair," said Hillary Clinton. "I want everybody treated the same way." "We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant." The former presidential candidate argued that she and her husband were being used to divert attention away from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement "Look at this shiny object. We're going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy." Hillary Clinton said she had met Ghislaine Maxwell - Epstein's convicted associate - "on a few occasions". Bill Clinton - who was featured in the Epstein files - was acquainted with Epstein but said he cut off contact two decades ago. Neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by survivors of Epstein's abuse, and both have denied knowledge of his sex offending at the time. Advertisement Advertisement The millions of new files relating to Epstein that were made public by the US justice department earlier this month after Congress passed a law requiring the agency to release material related to investigations of Epstein. The Department of Justice (DoJ) has now said it has released all of the files required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but lawmakers have argued the release is insufficient. 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 Epstein and his associates. Epstein took his own life in a New York prison cell on 10 August 2019 as he awaited, without the chance of bail, his trial on sex trafficking charges. It came more than a decade after his conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, for which he was registered as a sex offender. Andrew, the former prince, has faced growing pressure from some US officials and the family of his prominent accuser Virginia Giuffre to testify before the Oversight Committee about his links to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 containing no admission of liability. Giuffre died by suicide in 2025. Trump - who is mentioned in the Epstein files - has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, with whom he says he severed contact decades ago, and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims. When asked about Hillary Clinton's comments in the interview, Trump told the BBC he had nothing to hide. Advertisement Advertisement "I've been exonerated. I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They went in hoping that they'd find it, and they found just the opposite," he said aboard Air Force One. "They're getting pulled in. And that's their problem... Clinton and many other Democrats have been pulled in." In relation to the allegations against Trump, the DoJ has previously said: "Some docs contain untrue and sensationalist claims against Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear the claims are unfounded and false and if they have any shred of credibility they certainly would have been weaponised against Trump already." The White House said: "By releasing thousands of pages of documents, co-operating with the House Oversight Committee's subpoena request, and President Trump recently calling for further investigations into Epstein's Democrat friends, the Trump Administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have." Will a last-minute $1.5 billion allotment of New York state funds for New York City's operating expenses quash Mayor Zohran Mamdani's "tax the rich" push? It's too soon to tell. Consistent with Mamdani's campaign promises, the newly-elected mayor announced his proposal to raise both corporate tax and personal income tax on the "most affluent New Yorkers" to help lessen a "multi-billion-dollar budget deficit" ahead of the state Senate's 2026 budget hearing on Feb. 11. Mamdani said the city's budget gap has already shrunk from $12 billion to $7 billion "by assuming an aggressive posture on savings without compromising city services, incorporating updated revenue and bonus estimates, and using in-year reserves." However, more help is needed, he says. Advertisement Advertisement "New York City is still placed on a ledge," Mamdani said. "The most responsible way off is with dedicated, recurring revenue that can provide the services New Yorkers deserve." New Yorkers are expecting to find out more about Mamdani's plans when he releases his preliminary budget on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but some of the more contentious aspects of Mamdani's request could be put at bay as Gov. Kathy Hochul stepped in with a pledge to provide an additional $1.5 billion in operating expenses over two years to "help address New York Citys fiscal challenges" on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Here's what we know so far. How will the additional funding help New Yorkers? New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul react from the stage as they attend a "New York is Not For Sale" rally at Forest Hills Stadium, in the Queens borough of New York City, U.S., October 26, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz It's a bit unclear. Not all of the new state funding has been assigned a purpose yet, and the rest has been placed under broad categories. Here's what Hochul says the money is going toward: Advertisement Advertisement $510 million in recurring funding for state costs shouldered by the city under prior administrations. $300 million for youth programming. $150 million restoration of sales tax receipts that would have been retained by the state. $60 million for public health. $500 million for "shared priorities to be determined in subsequent discussions." What does this mean for Mamdani's 'tax the rich' initiative? The New York City mayor's plans should become clearer in the coming days as Mamdani previously said he intends to release his preliminary budget on Feb. 17. Throughout his campaign, Mamdani consistently advocated for an additional city income tax of 2% on anyone earning more than $1 million a year and an increase of the state's top corporate tax rate to 11.5%, claiming the two efforts could raise $9 billion a year. Any tax increases would have to be approved by the legislature and the governor. Hochul has repeatedly opposed any tax hikes in the state, including as recently as her budget presentation last month, and her position on the topic remains the same, according to a spokesperson for Hochul's office. What Hochul's focus on New York City funding means for the rest of the state It's clear Hochul has made helping Mamdani close New York City's budget gaps which would also deliver on some of the Democratic socialist's campaign pledges a priority in the state budget. The governor has already pledged to support another of Mamdani's goals of achieving universal child care in New York City by offering free child care for 2-year-olds while strengthening and fixing the citys 3-K program. Gov. Kathy Hochul focused on affordable child care and other cost-lowering goals in her State of the State address in Albany on Jan. 13, 2026. And while Hochul's child care proposal includes a statewide increase of $1.7 billion for child care and early education, including a new state pilot program to support Dutchess, Broome and Monroe counties in expanding child care access in their communities, many upstate communities have told state lawmakers they also need additional state funding and aid due to financial pressures across many areas. Advertisement Advertisement On the child care front, some upstate lawmakers are advocating for more funding for upstate counties to catch up to child care programming that already exists in New York City, according to multiple news outlets. Others, like Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan, spoke in front of the New York State Legislature on Feb. 11 to explain Buffalo's need to both increase local revenue and secure short-term state support in order to stabilize the city's finances. Our services have already been cut to the bone there is not much left to trim," Ryan said. "But if we dont begin to close our budget gaps, the only option we would have is to further reduce our police force, fire department, and city workers. Thats not something were interested in doing. It will be at least another month and a half until the state budget is set in stone and Hochul and state lawmakers will continue to face pressure from legislators statewide as they work to finalize it by April 1. Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: New York State Team reporter Chris McKenna Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers' taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: How Hochul's $1.5 billion for NYC expenses could impact New Yorkers Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security and vociferous defender of President Donald Trump, is set to leave her position as soon as next week. Multiple outlets reported McLaughlins decision on Tuesday, just as criticism of Trumps DHS chief, Kristi Noem, has been heating up. Politics: Trump's Latest Epstein Denial Has Critics Asking New Questions A source familiar with her plans told HuffPost that McLaughlins exit has been in the works since December, though, and was delayed in the aftermath of the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Noem wrote in a statement that McLaughlin has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism and played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe. While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her service and wish Tricia nothing but success, Noem said. McLaughlin has stuck like glue to the administration line that Trump is helping to keep Americans safe by sending armed immigration officers to raid communities around the country, even though relatively few of the people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been found to have violent criminal backgrounds. Politics: James Talarico Says Trump's FCC 'Colluded' With CBS To Keep Colbert Interview Off Air Good and Pretti were both shot dead last month by federal agents while they were observing immigration operations she in her car and he on a Minneapolis street. Their deaths, just weeks apart, sparked a furious response from Americans who have increasingly soured on Trumps hardline immigration push. Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin was among the Trump officials who insisted that Good had been attempting to use her vehicle as a weapon to attack ICE. In the wake of the Pretti shooting, she swiftly put out a statement claiming that he had violently resisted officers who were attempting to disarm him, although video from the incident would disprove that version of events. She then defended Noems use of the term domestic terrorist to describe Pretti, a nurse with a legal gun permit. Through her prolific social media presence, McLaughlin maintained that Trumps political opponents were exaggerating the effects of the raids on communities. Politics: Kristi Noem Addresses Her Misleading Statements About Alex Prettis Killing On Tuesday, she also came to the defense of Noem after she was accused of putting stress on the U.S. Coast Guard by redirecting their resources away from search-and-rescue operations in order to support Trumps immigration push. (DHS denied the report.) Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin came to the Trump administration by way of businessman Vivek Ramaswamys 2024 presidential campaign; previously, she worked to reelect Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R). Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Related... Read the original on HuffPost An Iowa House subcommittee approved legislation Tuesday to put Iowa State Universitys veterinary medicine degree on the list of programs with Iowa residency requirements. House File 2209 would place an 80% residency requirement on ISUs professional degree program in veterinary medicine. University of Iowas dental and medicine programs already have a residency requirement, passed into law last year. Iowa residents and those who previously attended a higher education institution in the state would meet this requirement. Rep. Craig Williams, R-Manning, sponsored the bill and told subcommittee members Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Fairfield, and Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, that while the bill itself is complicated, the issue is not. Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, was assigned to the subcommittee but was not present. Advertisement Advertisement The simple issue is that we are woefully short rural vet meds in Iowa. We have the best veterinary medicine school in the country, and we ought to be able to get those two things together, Williams said. So thats the point of this bill, is to refocus Iowa States vet med school on the problem that we have at hand. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ISU would also have to adopt a policy showing admission preference to applicants with the intention of following a mixed animal option track of college courses and entering into private practice in a rural Iowa community after graduation, the bill stated. The legislation also bars the consideration of tests stating they assess noncognitive skills, ethics and interpersonal traits like the CASPer test, which Iowa Board of Regents State Relations Officer Jillian Carlson told the subcommittee is no longer used. Advertisement Advertisement Williams thanked Carlson for the boards decision to get rid of the test, but said it already did damage by eliminating otherwise-qualified applicants that would have been great as rural vet meds. With the expanded definition of qualifying students in the bill, Carlson said ISUs program would see its residency ratio jump from just under 50% to just past it. There were only 13 Iowa students who pursued veterinary medicine programs outside of the state last year, and if ISU had enrolled every one of them, the program would only hit 57% residency. The board of regents understands the intent of the bill to address rural workforce shortages, Carlson said, and is supportive of initiatives like loan forgiveness programs in rural veterinary medicine. Carlson added the board launched an early acceptance program for students interested in large animal production in rural areas, with the first cohort of 10 students set to begin their education this fall. One other thing I will note is we never accept an out-of-state candidate who is less qualified than an Iowan, Carlson said. We only accept ones who are more qualified than an Iowan. Advertisement Advertisement Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Past President Ken May said during the subcommittee meeting the early acceptance program should be expanded to other Iowa colleges with good agriculture programs, like Dordt University and Buena Vista University, and ISUs admissions team for the veterinary medicine program specifically target and look for students from small towns or those with rural backgrounds. May said the legislation they discussed Tuesday will have an impact five to 10 years down the road, but programs like loan forgiveness for vets puts boots on the ground right away in Iowas areas of need. Wilburn said during the subcommittee meeting he will not support the legislation, instead throwing his support behind loan forgiveness programs, which he believes could be more effective. He brought up House File 2331, which would establish a loan forgiveness program for University of Iowa College of Law graduates, pointing out the bill was originally to set a residency requirement for the law program but was changed through amendment in the Iowa House Higher Education Committee. Advertisement Advertisement I think a more effective approach than arbitrary percentage of admissions is those forgivable loan programs, Wilburn said. Shipley said the bill acknowledges that the state of Iowa does have a problem, with a great veterinary school whose slots are not filled with Iowa students when there is a veterinarian shortage in rural areas of the state. While the higher education committee does not have a meeting scheduled for this week, with the first funnel deadline of the session just days away, Shipley said he would sign the legislation ahead in order to keep discussions going. I think we need to make sure that this is a topic that is on the front burner, so to speak, that we are doing whatever we can to ensure that were getting Iowans in these positions and veterinarians that will stick around and serve rural Iowa, Shipley said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Houston Police Department has released the photo of a person of interest in the shooting that killed a security guard during a robbery at an illegal game room in southwest Houston. The video above is from a previous report. On Tuesday, HPD released an image and shared a photo of the man they said they would like to speak with in relation to the case. The shooting happened at about 9:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the 7000 block of Bissonnet Street, according to a release from HPD. Officers said they were responding to reports of a shooting when a woman flagged them down. The woman told police she was at a nearby location when a man who was seen fleeing said there had been a shooting at a game room and that she should call police. Advertisement Advertisement When HPD and the Houston Fire Department arrived, they found the victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation identified the man in the image as a person of interest and said he is wanted only for questioning. Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. After an 11-year wait, one of the Midwest's most breathtaking winter phenomena is back! As of this week, the ice caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Wisconsin are officially open for the 2026 season. The National Park Service announced the opening on Monday, marking the first time since 2015 that conditions have been suitable for public access to these spectacular frozen formations along Lake Superior's mainland cliffs. "Few places offer an experience like the Apostle Islands ice caves," BriAnna Weldon, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore superintendent, said in a statement to local news outlets. "The ice caves are a rare and remarkable winter phenomenon." What Are the Apostle Islands Ice Caves? The ice caves aren't actually traditional caves at all. Rather, they're sandstone sea caves along the park's mainland cliffs near Meyers Beach that transform into a dazzling winter spectacle when Lake Superior freezes solid. Advertisement Advertisement These caves are part of the park's 21-island archipelago system, though the accessible ice caves form along the mainland shoreline rather than on the islands themselves. During warmer months, kayakers paddle into these same caves to admire the sculpted sandstone. But winter transforms them into a frozen gallery accessible only by foot across Lake Superior's frozen surface. Matthew Crowley Photography/ Getty Images A Rare Natural Event The ice caves' opening is far from guaranteed each winter. Lake Superior must freeze solid enough and stay frozen long enough for safe public access, a combination that has become increasingly rare. Just how rare? The last time the ice was safe enough for the caves to be officially opened was in 2015. Before that, the caves opened for a brief three-week window in 2014, drawing an estimated 138,000 visitors during that time. Prior to 2014, conditions hadn't been suitable since 2009. Climate patterns affecting Lake Superior's ice coverage have made these formations less predictable. The Great Lakes have experienced declining ice coverage over recent decades due to warming temperatures, making years with sufficient ice increasingly special events. Dendron/ Getty Images Planning Your Visit Visiting the ice caves requires preparation and flexibility. Here's what you need to know: Access and Fees: $5 per person/day fee for ages 16 and older (under 16 free) Purchase passes online at Pay.gov before arrival No parking at Meyers Beach trailhead shuttle service required Getting There: The ice caves are located along the Lake Superior shoreline near Meyers Beach, about 18 miles from Bayfield, Wisconsin, and 90 miles from Duluth, Minnesota. Gary Grunow Since no parking is available at the trailhead, visitors must use Bayfield County's shuttle service from designated parking areas: Advertisement Advertisement Cornucopia lots (4 miles from caves): $5 each way, cash only Sand River Gravel Pit (6 miles from caves): $5 each way, cash only Shuttles run about every 25-35 minutes, though delays may occur. The Hike: Expect a 2- to 6-mile round-trip trek across the frozen surface of Lake Superior. The route crosses uneven lake ice with no shelter, limited cell service and exposure to harsh winter conditions. What to Bring Park officials emphasize the challenging nature of this winter adventure. Essential gear includes: Warm, waterproof boots with ice traction devices (cleats or crampons) Multiple warm layers and windproof outerwear Trekking poles for stability Water and high-energy snacks Fully charged cell phone (though service is limited) Safety First "We know visitors are excited about the possibility of exploring the ice caves," Superintendent Weldon told local media. "Safety is our top priority, and conditions can change quickly on Lake Superior. Please check official sources before traveling." Advertisement Advertisement Ice conditions can change rapidly, and the park may close access on short notice. Before traveling, always check: The official NPS webpage at go.nps.gov/IceCaves The ice caves information line at (715) 779-3398 x3 Facebook updates at facebook.com/apostleislandsnps Important safety reminders: FIRST ON FOX: As federal immigration operations continue across the country, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), continues to nab child sex predators residing in the country as illegal immigrants. Child grooming, sex and lewd acts with minors, including some under 14, possession of child pornography, domestic assault, assault with a deadly weapon, stalking and drug trafficking were among some of DHS's "worst of the worst" arrests from Presidents Day weekend. "Over Presidents Day weekend, the brave men and women of ICE arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens across the country convicted for sex crimes against children, rape, and drug trafficking," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "These violent criminals will never be allowed to harm children and innocent Americans again." Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, according to McLaughlin, "nearly 70%" of ICE arrests are of illegal immigrants either charged, or convicted, of a crime in the United States. "Nothing will stop ICE law enforcement from removing them from American communities," the DHS assistant secretary concluded. Ice Assaults Spike 1,500% As Dems Draw Hard Red Line To Unmask Agents In Dhs Battle Over the weekend, several of those illegal alien criminals arrested by ICE had previous charges related to child sex abuse. Efren Guzman-Lopez, who is originally from Guatemala, was picked up in Texas following a conviction for indecency with child-sexual contact and child grooming. Another criminal illegal alien convicted of sex offenses with a child, specifically lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, was picked up this weekend in California. The individual originally from Mexico, Javier Millan-Salgado, was also listed on the sex offender registry, according to DHS. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Multiple individuals in California were picked up this weekend for having "sex with a minor" as well, according to DHS, while a criminal illegal alien in Missouri, Pedro Jucub, was arrested for "sexual misconduct" with a child under the age of 15. These criminal illegal aliens were from Guatemala and Mexico. Others were arrested for acts of sexual abuse and sexual assault, including in New York and Salt Lake City. Ice Ramps Up Deportation Push By Boosting Capacity To 92,600 Beds With $38.3B Expansion Drug trafficking, assault and domestic violence were the remaining trends among DHS's "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens picked up over the Presidents Day weekend. Protesters, using whistles to alert neighborhoods to ICE activity, face off with Minneapolis police officers in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 24, 2026. (Getty Images) Those on DHS's list charged or convicted of drug trafficking included criminal illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico. They were picked up in various states across the Midwest, Southwest and the East Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Alfredo Vargas and Wilfrido Varelas-Rubio , both from Mexico, were each convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in Iowa and in Montana, respectively, before being picked up by ICE this weekend. A man from Honduras, Ever Rivera-Molina, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine in Texas prior to his arrest by ICE. On the East Coast, in Raleigh, North Carolina, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico arrested by ICE, Hermilio Salgado-Castro, was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Saul Alonzo Portillo-Lopez, living in Texas when he was arrested over the weekend, had previously been convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to DHS's "worst of the worst" list from the weekend. Felony assault, domestic violence, stalking and assault with a deadly weapon were also among the crimes committed by those on ICE's list. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Gerson Valverde, a criminal illegal alien from Nicaragua, was arrested following a conviction for felony assault, felony aggravated family offense, and misdemeanor stalking in Saratoga County, New York. Francisco Gamez-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested by ICE this weekend after being convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Lakeland, Florida. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday pushed for the passage of the SAVE America Act during a press conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., in an effort to ensure voter security at the polls. DHS has set up a website at WOW.DHS.Gov, where Americans can learn about the public safety threats being arrested in their communities. "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)," the website's homepage reads. "Under Secretary Noem's leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump's promise and carrying out mass deportations starting with the worst of the worst including the illegal aliens you see here." Original article source: ICE sweeps up convicted pedophiles, traffickers in massive holiday weekend sting: 'Worst of the worst' The leaders of Idaho industries that rely on foreign workers have urged state legislators to stop trying to fix the nations immigration system. Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymens Association, praised President Donald Trump, saying he understood the need to fix the countrys immigration system and needed space to work on a solution. Idaho lawmakers have introduced policies that would be counterproductive to Trumps vision, Naerebout said during a press conference Friday to disclose the findings of a study on foreign labor in Idaho. In particular, he pointed to Idaho lawmakers attempts to require E-Verify in 2026 and previous years. E-Verify is a federal website to check employee work eligibility. But the website cant confirm if someones documents belong to them, according to previous Statesman reporting. Advertisement Advertisement This is a federal issue, not a state issue, Naerebout said. The Constitution does not afford the state the ability to solve this problem. Idaho lawmakers in recent years have tried to attack illegal immigration from multiple angles but have run into legal issues. In 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho sued over parts of new laws, one creating state-level immigration crimes and a second preventing immigrants from using public services such as receiving HIV medication. Judges swiftly blocked the contested portions of each law. Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, has nonetheless introduced a bill to strengthen the state-level immigration crimes law. Two representatives in 2025 also tried to create a year-round agricultural guest worker program, for which there is no federal equivalent. However, Gov. Brad Little and Naerebout questioned its legality, and the bill did not get a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood, tried to bring a bill in 2025 to prohibit concealing, harboring and shielding undocumented immigrants, but the bill died after immigration lawyers, the Ada County sheriff and a representative of the Catholic Church in Idaho opposed the legislation. However, Hawkins and other legislators appeared at an unofficial Capitol event on Feb. 3 to unveil a slate of immigration proposals. That includes bringing the harboring or shielding bill back, according to previous Statesman reporting. Since then, Hawkins and one other lawmaker have introduced immigration bills to track immigrant crime data, require every law enforcement agency in the state to enter a 287(g) cooperation agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and collect the immigration status of Idaho students. An Idaho education official previously told the Statesman that schools cant ask about students immigration status under federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from Idahos construction, dairy and other agricultural industries discussed a report Friday showing that deporting undocumented Idaho workers would be disruptive to Idahos economy. They said Trump had spoken about wanting a comprehensive immigration system. The report was prepared by two economists and sponsored by the Idaho Alliance for a Legal Workforce, which represents Idaho employers. The study looked at the short-term consequences of deporting workers in Idaho. The status quo is not acceptable for any of us, Naerebout said. How much power does the Idaho governor have to stop the Legislature? Advertisement Advertisement The parent agency of ICE is leasing new space in Meridian. What we know Idaho lawsuit wants to create national path for holding ICE accountable What happened to that Idaho bill? Stay updated on latest at the Capitol with this tracker With a market cap of $23.5 billion, CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 1.9 million electric and 1.8 million gas customers across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. It operates through Electric Utility, Gas Utility, and NorthStar Clean Energy segments, with a strong focus on power generation, energy distribution, and renewable energy development. Shares of the Jackson, Michigan-based company have lagged behind the broader market over the past 52 weeks. CMS stock has returned 9.9% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied 11.8%. However, shares of the company are up 9.7% on a YTD basis, outpacing SPX's marginal decline. More News from Barchart Looking closer, shares of the energy company have underperformed the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLU) 17.1% increase over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Shares of CMS Energy Corporation rose 1.8% on Feb. 5 after the company reported strong Q4 2025 results, with adjusted EPS of $3.61, up from $3.34 in 2024 and above guidance, driven largely by outperformance at NorthStar Clean Energy. Investor sentiment was further boosted as CMS Energy raised its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.83 - $3.90 and reaffirmed long-term adjusted EPS growth of 6% to 8%. For the fiscal year ending in December 2026, analysts expect CMS' EPS to grow 6.9% year-over-year to $3.86. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. Among the 16 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on eight Strong Buy ratings and eight Holds. www.barchart.com On Feb. 11, Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin Smith reiterated a Buy rating on CMS Energy Corporation and set a price target of $84. As of writing, the stock is trading above the mean price target of $79.15. The Street-high price target of $87 suggests a 13.4% potential upside. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com The claim that the commanders who were attacked yesterday in Bnei Brak arrived in order to distribute recruitment flyers in the city is incorrect," IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said. The IDF spokesperson said the police were incorrect in an official response on Monday to an attempt by Tel Aviv police to circulate a report claiming that the female soldiers who arrived in Bnei Brak on Sunday were distributing flyers. The claim that the commanders who were attacked yesterday in Bnei Brak arrived in order to distribute recruitment flyers in the city is incorrect. The commanders arrived for a home visit to a pre-draft candidate prior to enlistment, said IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement The IDF is angered by what it describes as the polices attempt to justify a problematic statement by Tel Aviv District Commander Haim Sargrof, who claimed that the army should have coordinated the entry of the female soldiers into Bnei Brak with the police. IDF says soldiers distributed information booklet, not leaflets The IDF said that the leaflets in the soldiers possession were merely an informational booklet given to every recruit to the Havat Hashomer base, containing basic information about the enlistment process and details about the equipment recruits are required to bring on their draft day. A military source said, We do not know why the police are behaving this way. They acted disrespectfully toward the IDF, leaked the soldiers testimonies to the media in order to smear army commanders, and now they are releasing inaccurate information about the soldiers conduct in Bnei Brak. We would expect the police to act with a bit more maturity and to take responsibility for their conduct, and for statements made by their commanders. Hundreds of kilograms of tobacco hidden in canned food products were seized at the Kerem Shalom crossing, prompting COGAT to suspend the companys permit to bring aid into Gaza. The IDF thwarted an attempt to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of tobacco disguised as canned food products into the Gaza Strip, the military confirmed on Monday. Footage of tobacco seized by the IDF that was being smuggled into Gaza, February 16, 2026. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) Advertisement Advertisement The tobacco was concealed inside dozens of cans labelled as containing grape leaves, which smugglers attempted to transfer via the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing. All of the truck's contents were seized and transferred for further handling by customs and other authorities. In response to the incident, the newly promoted Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Chief Maj.-Gen. Yoram Halevi ordered the immediate suspension of the company's permit to bring aid into the Gaza Strip until further notice, the IDF confirmed. Halevi's decision was made in light of "the severity of the case and in order to preserve the integrity of the aid entry mechanism, while preventing its exploitation for prohibited purposes," the military stated. Shin Bet chief's brother indicted for aiding Hamas during wartime in Gaza smuggling case Bezalel Zini, the brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) David Zini, was indicted on February 5 along with two other men in a wide-ranging wartime security case in which prosecutors allege that a network of Israeli reservists and civilians smuggled prohibited goods - primarily cigarettes and tobacco - into the Gaza Strip during Israels war with Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement According to an indictment filed at the Beersheba District Court, Zini was charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, prohibited dealings in property for terror purposes under the Counter-Terrorism Law, aggravated fraud, and accepting bribes while serving as a public official. Prosecutors allege that the operation generated millions of shekels in revenue and materially benefited Hamas by strengthening its economic control inside the enclave. India is hosting an artificial intelligence summit this week, bringing together heads of state and tech executives with hot-button issues on the agenda, including job disruption and child safety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which aims to declare a shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration. This occasion is further proof that our country is progressing rapidly in the field of science and technology, and it shows the capability of our countrys youth, he said in an X post on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Touted as the biggest edition yet, the Indian government is expecting 250,000 visitors from across the sector, including 20 national leaders and 45 ministerial-level delegations. But the summit faced a wave of online criticism on its opening day as attendees reported long queues, overcrowding and organisational lapses at the venue. Several delegates told Reuters news agency that unclear instructions had left many scrambling to reclaim possessions after the exhibition building was suddenly cleared ahead of security sweeps for high-level arrivals. Attendees said poor signage and limited seating added to confusion at the summit, while some speakers due on Tuesday panels were still awaiting confirmation of sessions and agendas, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the Bola team, dm me, Maitreya Wagh, co-founder of AI voice startup Bolna, posted on X. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe, he added, referring to the business district near the summit venue. Shaping humanity The summit comes at a pivotal moment as AI rapidly transforms economies, reshapes labour markets and raises questions around regulations, security and ethics. From generative AI tools that can produce text and images to advanced systems used in defence, healthcare and climate modelling, AI has become a central focus for governments and corporations across the world. Advertisement Advertisement The summit, previously held in France, the United Kingdom and South Korea, has evolved far beyond its modest beginnings as a meeting tightly focused on the safety of cutting-edge AI systems into an all-purpose jamboree trade fair in which safety is just one aspect. India the worlds most populous nation and one of the fastest-growing digital markets sees the summit as an opportunity to project itself as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South. Officials said the countrys experience in building large-scale digital public infrastructure, including digital identity and payment platforms, offers a model for deploying AI at scale while keeping costs low. The goal is clear: AI should be used for shaping humanity, inclusive growth and a sustainable future, Indias Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said. French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are among the world leaders expected to attend the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft President Brad Smith and AMI Labs Executive Chairman Yann LeCun are also expected to attend. New Delhi declaration The summit has the loose themes of people, progress, planet dubbed the three sutras. Like previous editions, the India AI Impact Summit is not expected to result in a joint binding political agreement. It is more likely that the event could end with a nonbinding pledge or declaration on goals for AI development. Last years edition, the Paris AI Action Summit, was dominated by United States Vice President JD Vances speech in which he rebuked European efforts to curb AIs risks by warning global leaders and tech industry executives against excessive regulation that could hobble the rapidly growing AI industry. Advertisement Advertisement AI summits have evolved since the first meeting in November 2023, barely a year after the launch of ChatGPT, which stoked excitement and fear about the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence. That meeting at a former code-breaking base north of London was attended only by official delegations from 28 countries and the European Union, along with a small number of AI executives and researchers, and was focused on keeping AI safe and reining in its potentially catastrophic risks. Seth Hays, author of the Asia AI Policy Monitor newsletter, said talk at the summit would likely centre around ensuring that governments put up some guardrails, but dont throttle AI development. There may be some announcements for more state investment in AI, but it may not move the needle much, as India needs partnerships to integrate on the international scene for AI, Hays told the AFP news agency. Indiana voters will decide this fall whether to amend the state constitution to allow judges to deny bail for certain dangerous defendants after lawmakers in the House gave final legislative approval Monday to the proposed constitutional change. The chamber voted 75-11 to approve Senate Joint Resolution 1 clearing the final hurdle needed to place the measure on the November general election ballot. All opposition votes came from Democrats. The Senate greenlit the resolution, authored by Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, last month. Advertisement Advertisement SJR 1 addresses an important safety issue in our communities, Koch said in a Monday evening afternoon statement. This resolution moving forward is a great step toward ensuring our communities are protected from those who pose a threat. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow legislators on this resolution and guiding it through the rest of the legislative process. Indiana requires proposed constitutional amendments to pass two separately elected General Assemblies before being submitted to voters. SJR 1 was first approved in 2023. It must win support from a majority of Hoosiers casting ballots to take effect. Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) If approved, the amendment would allow courts to deny bail to defendants when judges determine that no conditions of release would reasonably protect public safety. This is a public safety amendment to the Indiana Constitution, said Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, the House sponsor of the resolution, during brief remarks on the chamber floor. Today every criminal defendant is authorized to be released on bail, unless it is determined for treason, even if (they are) a substantial risk to the public. This amendment would change that to allow anyone whos deemed a public safety threat to be held indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Under current language in Article 1, Section 17 of the states constitution, Jeter explained, nearly all defendants are entitled to bail, even when a judge believes they pose a significant danger to the community. Preventive detention should be limited, reviewable, based on evidence, he said. Jeter argued that in some cases, no conditions, no amount of money, no GPS monitor, no protective order, can reasonably protect the community, and said the constitution should not force judges to release defendants in those circumstances. Liberty is the norm, but detention is permitted when the risk is extraordinary and demonstrative, Jeter said, adding that 22 states blue states and red states alike have adopted some form of preventive detention. Advertisement Advertisement Public safety, he continued, is not a partisan issue. Jeter also criticized the current practice of setting high bail amounts when judges believe a defendant is dangerous. Such an approach unnecessarily targets the underprivileged, and it creates a two-tier justice system, he said. SJR 1 replaces that inconsistent and unaccountable approach by making judges issue findings, including the support and intentions of their decisions. Lawmakers also approved a companion measure Monday that sets the exact language voters will see on the ballot. The House voted 63-23 to pass Senate Bill 3, which establishes the wording of Public Question 1. All no votes came from Democrats on that measure, as well. Advertisement Advertisement The bill remained unchanged through both chambers, and now goes to the governor for consideration. Per language in Senate Bill 3, Public Question 1 would inform Hoosiers that, Currently, under the Constitution of the State of Indiana, a person charged with murder or treason is not entitled to be released on bail if the proof is evident or the presumption strong. Voters would then be asked a yes or no question: Shall the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to provide that a person charged with an offense other than murder or treason is not entitled to bail if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. Advertisement Advertisement Voter approval of the amendment would mark one of the most significant changes to Indianas bail system in decades. Hoosier lawmakers have debated changing the states constitutional right to bail for years, framing the issue as a balance between public safety and civil liberties. Supporters have argued the current system forces judges to release defendants who pose clear risks, while opponents warn expanded detention authority could disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Jeter said the chamber is additionally expected to take a final vote Tuesday on Senate Bill 2, which would add due-process protections in statute if the constitutional change is approved. Advertisement Advertisement Hoosiers expect us to protect both constitutional rights and public safety as general, Jeter said in final remarks on Monday. SJR 1 sets that balance. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hoosier leaders gathered Monday to highlight their latest legislative call for a solution to the nations ballooning debt with the support of an influential right-wing policy group. We have become a model of fiscal responsibility, but we are vulnerable to the rapidly dissolving financial position of our country, said Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, who leads a National Debt Crisis Task Force for the conservative State Financial Officers Foundation. She backed House Resolution 28, recognizing the national debt as a national security threat and calling on Congress to establish an effective regular order for budgeting. The declaration comes a year after the Senate approved a similar effort, Senate Resolution 51. Jonathan Williams, the president and chief economist of the American Legislative Exchange Council, speaks at a national debt news conference at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Nieshalla recalled asking Jonathan Williams, the president and chief economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council, if there was any way you could turn this into a model resolution and get it passed in as many of the 50 states as possible? Advertisement Advertisement ALEC, which promotes model conservative legislation to state lawmakers, finalized the model last summer. Ten other states are weighing the resolution now, per Nieshalla. Were so excited today to launch this national effort, from an ALEC perspective, to help educate the American people, and to state legislators across the country, (about) the dire state of affairs of our national debt and what can be done about it, Williams said. The state efforts were based off Gov. Mike Brauns own U.S. Senate Resolution 600. It was agreed to in 2024, his last year in Congress. When I did that resolution, it has to be juxtaposed to the fact that, as a privilege motion, I took a bill to the Senate floor about balancing our budget over 10 years, not even including interest, Braun said. Every Democrat voted against it. One-third of the Republicans at the national level voted against it. What does that tell you? Advertisement Advertisement This isnt going to be solved willingly by the people that are running our country at any level, Braun added. He said the debt fight was one reason he left the Capitol, because it was like talking to the side of my barn back home. Voters approved a balanced budget amendment to the state constitution in 2018, after it passed two successive classes of the General Assembly. ALEC has also adopted that as a model. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun speaks at a national debt news conference at the Statehouse on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) We think its the gold standard, Williams said. Every year we have an honestly balanced budget, so we are leading the charge, said Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger. She also serves as a state chair for ALEC. Advertisement Advertisement Weve established the roadmap, so its time that we make America like Indiana, she said to applause. The news conference, held in at the Statehouse, prompted pushback. Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, criticized his GOP colleagues for supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is expected to add $3.4 trillion to the national debt by 2035. While Indiana Republicans offered lip service today about lowering the national debt, they have taken steps to import this fiscally irresponsible policy by bringing Indiana in line with the excessive cuts, DeLaney said in a news release. Passing down a $52 trillion national debt to our children and grandchildren is irresponsible and unsustainable. Lets get serious and prioritize popular programs that help Hoosiers instead of tax cuts for the mega-rich. Advertisement Advertisement He and other Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee supported the resolution Monday afternoon, however. It advanced to the floor unanimously. Republicans on the committee did reject a Democratic amendment that would have educated students on how much the national debt increased, as expressed in both dollars and a percentage, during the term of each president. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Beau Bayh, the Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, will appear for a Community Table Dinner, hosted by the Cass County Democrats on Saturday, May 16 at the Vibrant Event Center in Logansport. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The program will start afterward. Individual tickets are $25 each, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Vicki Byrd at vicki.byrd@comcast.net or visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/thecommunitytable. The casual dinner is designed for all residents and individuals in Cass County, promoting meaningful conversations and Democratic advocacy, according to a press release. Advertisement Advertisement This event is more than just a meal; it honors everyday individuals who strengthen our community workers, caregivers, small business owners, retirees, and advocates. Additionally, it aims to reinforce the local Democratic Partys commitment to promoting fairness, opportunity, and a better future for everyone, the release stated. Bayh will be the keynote speaker. His visit presents a valuable opportunity for our community to hear directly from a candidate dedicated to protecting democracy, expanding access, and ensuring that government serves the needs of everyday Hoosiers, the releases stated. Local candidates will also be available to share information about their candidacies and platforms. Indiana lawmakers are seeking to limit county councilors' ability to choose which road repairs get top priority, after several Indianapolis councilors reportedly directed tax dollars for street paving near their homes or workplaces. One section of Senate Bill 179, passed by the House Roads and Transportation Committee Feb. 16, would prevent county councilors across Indiana from independently deciding where to spend state road funding. Rep. Jim Pressel, a northwest Indiana Republican and the bill sponsor, said he took issue with Indianapolis' decision in 2024 to allow all 25 councilors to spend $1 million each on a parks or road project in their district. Advertisement Advertisement Three councilors used their $1 million to repave streets in or near their neighborhoods, while another directed money to a neighborhood just across the street from the church where he preaches, according to reporting by Mirror Indy. These four councilors said they chose projects that their constituents were most vocal about, denying that the location of their homes or workplaces factored into their decisions. Aliya Wishner, a spokeswoman for Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, clarified that the $25 million pot of money was "one-time funding" separate from the annual city-county budget and "did not rely on state road dollars." Regardless, Pressel wants to ensure that county officials across Indiana use state funding to fix the worst roads first. To qualify for state-matched road dollars, counties are already required to submit asset management plans that detail the roads and bridges most in need of repairs. "When I was made aware of this million dollars spent in your own district, and where some of those dollars actually went, it was not worst first," Pressel told IndyStar. "This just plugs that loophole to where you have to use an asset management program to determine where those dollars are going." Advertisement Advertisement Andy Nielsen, an east-side city-county councilor, said the $1 million allocations primarily local income tax dollars leftover from the previous year's city-county budget were meant to address hyperlocal infrastructure needs that might slip through the cracks of a countywide plan. City-county council spokeswoman Sara Hindi did not say whether council leadership viewed the spending decisions as a conflict of interest when asked to comment. She said councilors are well-positioned to know their neighbors' needs. "They are deeply connected to local issues and serve as the first point of contact when residents have concerns, especially about everyday quality of life matters like road conditions," Hindi said in a statement. "When potholes go unfilled or streets need repair, neighbors call their Councilor." Neither Wishner nor Hindi would say whether the council will change its process for future one-time spending packages. Nielsen told legislators that "weve learned from that process and are adapting going forward." Advertisement Advertisement SB 179, which includes broader changes to the Indiana Department of Transportation, now goes to the House Ways and Means committee for further consideration. Email Indianapolis City Hall Reporter Jordan Smith at JTSmith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @jordantsmith09 and Bluesky @jordanaccidentally.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis councilors paved roads near their homes with local income taxes On Saturday morning, Sen. Thom Tillis burst into the CODEL control room in the Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich, where, every February, the grandees of the transatlantic world gather to determine the pressing security matters of the day. He was pissed. Some people have been going around saying, Who gives a shit about who owns Greenland, Tillis said, bouncing on his toes and browsing the selection of available snacks. Well, you know who gives a shit? The Indigenous people of Greenlandand the Indigenous people of North Carolina, whom weve been fighting to have recognized for over 130 years! And that, he said, is why Im wearing my YOLO boloa massive, sparkly medallion with blue and pink beading around a Senate seal at its center. The Lumbee Indians of North Carolina had given it to Tillis after the senator secured full federal recognition of their tribe in December. Tillis was clearly talking about Sen. Lindsey Graham, who had made the offending remark to Politico on Fridaydeclaring, specifically, Who gives a shit who owns Greenland. I dont. The comment landed like a bomb in the middle of a delicate family therapy session, and on Saturday, many of his colleagues were on clean-up duty once again. It wasnt just Tillis who was furious. The CODEL had arrived in Munich with the goal of reassuring Americas European partners that the U.S. still cared about their alliance. And while President Trump seemed to have publicly moved on from his comments that he wouldnt rule out military force to take Greenland, the Europeans very much had not. In fact, the episode hung like a dark cloud over every meeting the senators and House members had with European leaders. The Danes and Greenlanders were particularly sore. They went through a lot, said Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, still indignant on their behalf. Its real and its raw. I mean, they thought that when their electricity went downin what turned out to be a weather-related incident in late Januarythat was the predicate to an [American] attack. It has affected them profoundly, Sen. Mark Kelly told me, his face pained. Kids are scared. Theyre opening up their windows to look out for airplanes and ships coming. Thats horribleand its coming from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement For lawmakers like Tillis, who was also part of last months CODEL to Denmark and Greenland, the sentiment was not new. Even senators who had been to war zones and refugee camps were traumatized by that trip, according to staffers who accompanied them, because of the obvious pain their country was inflicting on such a close ally. (The largest Fourth of July celebration outside of the U.S. is held every year in Denmark.) What was so startling was how dehumanizing, insulting, and painful this was, Rep. Sarah McBride recalled of that trip. There were people coming up to us in the street, grown adults pleading with us like they would with a hostage taker. Januarys trip to Denmark had been an effort to reassure the Danes and Greenlanders that, regardless of what the president was saying, the American people and their representatives in Congress werent going to stand for it. (During that trip, Tillis gave Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland, one of the Lumbee-made YOLO bolos from his personal collection as a sign of solidarity.) A month later, American members of Congress discovered, it became clear how much repair work still needed to be done. In Munich, McBride said, the Greenland crisiswhich is what the Europeans were calling itwas still very much the elephant in the room. Rep. Mike Baumgartner, the sole Republican House member who went to the conference after Mike Johnson canceled the House CODEL, told me he was taken aback by just how much Greenland had changed things. I think the Greenland episode was probably more jarring to the Europeans than some people back on the Hill knew, he told me. Convincing European partners that they could still count on the U.S., however, proved hard going. The trust just isnt there after Greenland, said Senator Jacky Rosen. Senator Andy Kim agreed. The damage has been done, he told me. And some of it is irreparable. Meanwhile, it wasnt lost on European leaders that promises meant little coming from a neutered legislative branch. The reassurances dont work when you dont have that power anymore. It worked in Trump I, but not anymore, Senator Ruben Gallego told me. He added that it wasnt just about Greenland. Trump had also infuriated allies by insulting the NATO soldiers whod fought and died alongside U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistansomething Gallego, a former Marine, experienced firsthand. I tell them we have elections coming up, but they say the proof is in the pudding, he said. I asked him whether he would believe vows of congressional support if he were in the Europeans shoes. No, Gallego responded, shaking his head. Lots of F-Bombs The only member of the CODEL completely unwilling to engage in the makeup session, however, was Graham. The South Carolina senator, who used to lead a delegation to Munich with his old friend Sen. John McCain, was once Mr. Transatlantic Alliance; and, after McCains death, he was the foreign policy graybeard in the Senate. But Graham, once a gold-standard neocon, has revealed himself to be an ideologically flexible careerist, consistently siding with Trump, who ran as an isolationist and governs as an imperialist. Advertisement Advertisement Even as other senators with foreign policy chops have risen through the ranks, Graham has continued to position himself as Americas elder statesman at Munich, holding on to his power over the Senate CODEL as if it were a magic amulet. Senator Kelly told me that Graham refused for weeks to respond to his request to join the group this yearperhaps because Kelly had made fun of Graham on The Daily Show. In the end, Kelly tagged along with the sidecar Senate CODEL, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Tillis. (Grahams spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.) But Grahams Senate colleagues have grown increasingly exasperated with him. When I asked Mark Warner about Grahams comments, he said, Never a dull moment! then rolled his eyes in frustration and walked away. It used to be charming, said another senator, who didnt want to be quoted. Was it charming this time? No, because theres raw sensitivity. I think a number of us would suggest to Lindsey that he might want to dial back the Lindsey-isms. And that was before the meeting. On Saturday afternoon, after a good half-day of American lawmakers trying to calm jittery European nerves, Graham and a number of other senators and members of Congress met with Nielsen and the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen. According to several sources who were in the room, as well as others who were briefed on what happened, Graham completely unloaded on both prime ministers. The gist, according to two people in the room, was that if President Trump wanted Greenland, hed take it, and there wasnt much they could do about it. They would just have to hand over the Arctic island and deal with it. Lots of F-bombs, said one person in attendance. Picture Graham on his worst TV day, said one source familiar. According to a third source, he was quite combative. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who was in the meeting, was so offended that she got up and left. People told me she looked visibly shaken afterward. (Slotkins office declined to comment.) If anything, what Grahams CODEL achieved in Munich was not reassurance, but a reminder that the Greenland crisis could be revived at any moment, and perhaps hadnt even passed at all. Frederiksen said as much to the BBC on Saturday afternoon, as news of this meeting tore through the CODEL room. I think the desire from the U.S. president is exactly the same, she said. Hes very serious about this. On the other hand, the trip did accomplish Lindsey Grahams primary and perennial mission of keeping Lindsey Graham relevant. Latest from Puck A photo circulating on social media shows seniors at a Visalia, California, high school posing during Picture Day, spelling out a homophobic slur. The picture under scrutiny shows a group of 10 students who attend Redwood High School seated together, spelling out the derogatory word. The high school seniors were posing for a class wide photo spelling out the phrase Class of 2026 Always Legit. At some point, the students rearranged themselves to spell out the slur something their principal called unacceptable. Students at Redwood High School in Visalia, Calif. were seen spelling out a homophobic slur in a photo posted to social media. (Social media screenshot) School officials say every student who posed for the photo has already been punished. Advertisement Advertisement Yes, we can have a conversation about what kinds of consequences should these kids face, but the real issue is the environment that allowed that to happen in the first place, said Erika Hawkyard from The Source LGBT+ Center. An investigation is now also underway at Redwood High School and the Visalia Unified School District. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A Roland-Story middle school teacher has resigned amid accusations of inappropriate communication with students. The school district determined that Colden (Cole) Carlson engaged in unauthorized and inappropriate social media and other conduct and communication with students following an investigation, Superintendent Josh Johnson revealed in a press release. Carlson's alleged conduct violates school board policy for "Employee Appearance and Conduct," the release said. The Roland-Story School board accepted Carlson's resignation "for personal reasons" in lieu of termination during a special board meeting on Monday, Feb. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Carlson taught sixth grade social studies. He is not currently facing criminal charges. The Roland-Story School District said it will not provide a statement or further information. More: ExNevada wrestling coach who filmed women changing to serve 30 days Roland-Story investigation started in January The Roland-Story Community School District sent a letter to families on Jan. 28, noting that it was investigating "a report of alleged inappropriate communications between a district staff member and a student." Law enforcement was notified, and the then-unnamed staff member, later revealed as Carlson, was placed on paid administrative leave, per district protocol, the letter said. Advertisement Advertisement More: Gilbert CSD plans to cut 7 positions in $800k budget reduction A second letter was sent to families on Feb. 9, saying the personnel matter was still ongoing and the staff member remained on paid leave. The letter said the school was "advised by its legal counsel to refrain from public comment or action while investigations are ongoing." "Please know the district takes all complaints seriously and is working both internally and externally to ensure a full investigation is conducted," the Feb. 9 letter said. More: Story County deputies, ARL remove 33 dogs from rural property Carlson submitted his letter of resignation on Friday, Feb. 13, which the school board accepted three days later. Advertisement Advertisement "Because this is an ongoing situation and personnel matter, the district is limited in the information it can share," a third letter sent to families on Monday said. "The district will continue to cooperate fully with other local and state entities in this matter, as appropriate and required by law." Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct an inaccuracy Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Roland-Story teacher resigns amid accusations of inappropriate conduct Valued at a market cap of $26.5 billion, W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) is an insurance company and one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers, based in Greenwich, Connecticut. This insurance company has outpaced the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Shares of WRB have surged 13.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 11.8%. Meanwhile, on a YTD basis, the stock is down marginally, in line with SPX. More News from Barchart Zooming in further, WRB has outperformed the State Street SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (KIE), which declined 1.5% over the past 52 weeks and 4.5% on a YTD basis. www.barchart.com On Jan. 26, WRB delivered weaker-than-expected Q4 results, yet its shares surged marginally in the subsequent trading session. Due to higher net premiums written, the companys total revenue increased 1.5% year-over-year to $3.7 billion, but missed consensus estimates by a slight margin. Meanwhile, on the earnings front, its operating income per share improved 10.8% from the year-ago quarter to $1.13, missing analyst expectations by a penny. For fiscal 2026, ending in December, analysts expect WRBs EPS to grow 5.5% year over year to $4.57. The companys earnings surprise history is mixed. It exceeded or met the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters, while missing on another occasion. Among the 20 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Hold, which is based on four Strong Buy, 11 Hold, and five "Strong Sell ratings. www.barchart.com The configuration is more bearish than a month ago, with four analysts suggesting a Strong Sell rating. On Feb. 2, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Ryan Tunis maintained an "Overweight" rating on WRB but lowered its price target to $75, indicating a 7.6% potential upside from the current levels. While the company is trading above its mean price target of $69.65, its Street-high price target of $80 suggests a 14.8% potential upside from the current levels. On the date of publication, Neharika Jain did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Iran state media on Tuesday said the countrys military fired live missiles toward the Strait of Hormuz, just as Tehran and the U.S. held its second round of talks about the Middle Eastern nations nuclear program. The missiles were fired from inside Iran and along its coast and struck their targets in the strait as part of large-scale maritime exercises Tehran began Monday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The launches come as U.S. and Iranian officials met in Geneva earlier Tuesday, as Washington looks to forge a new deal with the country limiting its nuclear capabilities. The Trump administration in 2018 withdrew from the Obama administrations nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which imposed limits on Irans enrichment of uranium in exchange for sanctions relief. No follow-up agreement has been made. Advertisement Advertisement To bring Iran to the table, the administration has ramped up pressure by building up a military presence in the Middle East, which included two large aircraft carriers. President Trump also has repeatedly threatened to use force to get Iran to agree to a new nuclear deal and curtail the recent deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. But Tehran has flexed its military might in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that is crucial to international trade routes through which a fifth of the worlds total oil consumption passes. Iran on Monday announced that the Revolutionary Guard started a drill earlier that morning in the strait, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman the second time in recent weeks that the country has held a wargame in the waterways. Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship into the depths of the sea, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned, as reported by Iranian state TV. Advertisement Advertisement He also said that the U.S.s attempt to force the result of talks in advance is a wrong and foolish job, likely referring to Washingtons military buildup. The U.S. held its first round of indirect talks with Iran on Feb. 6 in Oman, a mediator in the negotiations. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner were set to participate in the new round of talks, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading the talks for Iran and met with the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency, Monday in Geneva. I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal, Araghchi wrote on social platform X. What is not on the table: submission before threats. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the latest negotiations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday he would not prejudge these talks, but Trump always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things. Trump also on Monday told reporters he planned to at least indirectly be involved in the talks. I think they want to make a deal. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, the president told reporters aboard Air Force One. The U.S. and Iran previously had met for months to come up with a new nuclear deal when talks were abruptly cut off after Israel launched a 12-day war against Tehran in June. As part of that conflict, the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear where U.S. officials will fall on allowing Iran to enrich uranium, which Tehran claims is only for peaceful purposes. But the administration has said the nations ballistic missile program and support for terrorist proxies must be included in talks, which Iran has rejected. 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. After passing notes for three-and-a-half hours Tuesday, Iranian and American negotiators departed their indirect talks in Geneva with an agreement to keep talking. What theyre talking about, exactly, remains an open question. Its unclear if the two sides are focused just on Irans nuclear program or other issues like the countrys ballistic missiles. Irans top negotiator said only that theyd arrived at a set of guiding principles. An American official was more circumspect, acknowledging there are still a lot of details to discuss. The readout hardly eased growing fears of an impending regional war. Some officials have started to wonder how long President Donald Trump will allow diplomatic efforts to proceed. Adding to the sense of malaise, Iran conducted military exercises with cruise missiles and boats as the talks were underway, briefly closing the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement Trump reserves the ability to say when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural end, Vice President JD Vance said in a Fox News interview, hours after the talks concluded Tuesday. He added that the two sides agreed to meet afterwards but that the Iranians have not acknowledged certain red lines. So far, Trump has authorized the incremental back-and-forth that often defines high-stakes international dealmaking, dispatching his envoys Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to foreign compounds to exchange papers with Iranian diplomats through an Omani intermediary. But Trump is also wary of being tapped along by an Iranian regime looking to play for time, according to people familiar with his thinking. His allies have warned him that could be Irans intent, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that argument in an urgently scheduled meeting last week. Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, right, meets with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, center, and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner ahead of the indirect US-Iran talks, in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17, 2026. - Omans Ministry Of Foreign Affairs/Reuters Trump is also acutely aware that every passing day without US military action is another day further from his initial promise now nearly two months old that he was coming to the assistance of Iranian protesters. Advertisement Advertisement As the talks proceed, Trump has offered only loose deadlines. I guess over the next month, something like that, he said when asked last Thursday if he envisioned a timeline. Yeah, it shouldnt take, I mean, it should happen quickly. Quickly, in diplomatic terms, can be relative. That is especially true when discussing the highly technical particulars of uranium enrichment, which in previous negotiations required the participation of nuclear physicists. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action the Obama-era deal that Trump harshly criticized as too weak on Iran and ultimately withdrew from took more than two years of painstaking negotiations to finalize. Trumps own grinding negotiations with the Iranians early last year lasted months before eventually falling apart, resulting in US military strikes on Irans uranium enrichment sites over the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Administration officials believe Iran is now more motivated to agree to a deal than in the past because of the dire state of its economy, strangled by western sanctions. The major US military buildup Trump has ordered around Iran is also intended to apply pressure. Yet so far, the Iranians do not seem willing to immediately accede. This does not mean that we can reach an agreement quickly, but at least the path has begun, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday after noting the two sides agreed in their indirect talks to move toward drafting the text of a possible agreement. Araghchi, who led Irans delegation in Geneva, said that no date had been set for future conversations. The American official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations, said the Iranians indicated they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address the gaps in their negotiating positions. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, on the day he addresses a special session of the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations, on the sidelines of US-Iran talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17, 2026. - Pierre Albouy/Reuters That timeframe would loosely align with the time it will take the USS Gerald R. Ford the worlds largest aircraft carrier to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, where it will join the massive buildup of US military assets Trump has ordered to be ready for potential confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the two sides have struggled to even agree on what is up for discussion. Heading into Tuesdays discussions, Tehran had insisted it would only discuss its nuclear program as part of a deal that would lift sanctions and avoid a war with the United States. But some Trump administration officials, and Israel, say any deal must be more expansive, to include Irans ballistic missiles and its support for regional militant groups. Vance, in the Fox interview, suggested it was the nuclear file that took precedence. There are a lot of ways in which they endanger Americas national security, but the most important way they could is if they acquired a nuclear weapon, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Some regional diplomats have floated a broader agreement that pairs concessions on the nuclear program and commitments on nonaggression with possible business deals, including granting the US privileged access to developing Irans oil, gas and rare earths resources, one source said. Such an agreement would align with Trumps interests in brokering grand deals that contain an economic upside for the United States. Still, if past negotiations with Iran are any guide, it is the technicalities of the nuclear concessions that will still prove to be the major hurdle. Iran has signaled some willingness to make compromises on its nuclear program, which it has always insisted is intended for peaceful purposes. That includes offers to dilute its 60%-enriched uranium, which is a short technical step away from becoming weapons-grade, or temporarily suspend enrichment for up to three years, according to people familiar with the discussions. Another possibility would be shipping its highly-enriched material to a third country, potentially Russia, as it did in the 2015 Obama-era deal. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, however, continued to insist over the weekend that the US doesnt want any enrichment, suggesting the US will not settle for a deal that allows even low-level uranium enrichment by Iran. That would seem to be a stubborn sticking point, given Irans longstanding position that enrichment is their right. But hardline positions going into negotiations can always change. Lingering uncertainties around what the US might hope to achieve through military action in Iran may also motivate Trump to allow extended negotiations. The question (is) what happens to Iran the day after. If they had a clear answer to that, I think we already would have seen a military strike, said Amos Hochstein, a special US envoy under President Joe Biden. But all these talks and sending more military equipment is to gain time to figure that question out. Theyre going to have enough military equipment there, and personnel, very soon to be able to do whatever they feel they need to do, Hochstein said. The question is, is it wise to do it or not? Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, whatever Iran agrees to will have to be approved by the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has both maintained a hardline on the nuclear issue and issued threats against the United States amid the military buildup. More dangerous than the American warship is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea, he said, ominously, ahead of Tuesdays talks. American officials say getting Khameneis sign-off would be the most difficult part of any negotiation, and that dealing with lower-level envoys that lack his authority has the effect of prolonging talks. Trump, meanwhile, said last week that regime change in Iran presumably including Khameneis ouster would be the best thing that could happen. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Geneva was abuzz with diplomatic to-and-fro on Tuesday as top US envoys shuttled between two of the biggest events in world news: high-stakes negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, and tense talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Convoys of diplomatic vehicles criss-crossed the rainswept Swiss city, with journalists trying to work out who was going where, as the countries involved kept tight-lipped on how the talks were progressing. Though the neutral ground of Geneva is well used to hosting international negotiations on the world's most pressing topics, two sets of such talks on the same day is an exceptional sight. Advertisement Advertisement Early Tuesday, reporters and camera crews positioned themselves opposite the five-star Intercontinental Hotel, hoping to spot the Ukrainian, Russian and US delegations arriving for the first of two days of intense negotiations. Meanwhile across Lake Geneva, other journalists were in the ultra-plush Cologny district, hoping to catch US and Iranian delegations arriving for talks being held at the Omani's ambassador's residence. Journalists crammed onto the sidewalk by the neatly clipped hedgerows opposite the private street leading to the residence, to the bemusement of passing joggers and delivery drivers. - Scrum in the swanky suburbs - Advertisement Advertisement As the Iranian motorcade left, demonstrators shouted "terrorists!" and surged forward throwing objects, with the police swiftly shoving them -- and the reporters behind -- backwards, as some tumbled over in the melee. Demonstrators voiced their outrage over what rights group say is the killing of thousands of Iranian protesters by security forces in the Islamic republic. "They are killing children, they are killing teenagers by the thousands," protester Hossein, an Iranian living in Switzerland, told reporters. "Why do you keep negotiating with terrorists? "Regime change in Iran is the only way. Regime change by the people of Iran." Advertisement Advertisement With scant information given by the various sides, back at the Intercontinental, vehicle registration plates gave away that the US delegation was sweeping in, straight from the Iran talks. The luxury hotel is a favourite with the diplomatic jet-set, given its proximity to the United Nations, and is well-versed in hosting sensitive talks behind closed doors. Across the street, organisers erected pop-up tents behind temporary barricades, offering the ever-growing media crowd some shelter from the frequent downpours. With countries' diplomatic missions giving little away, journalists tried their luck approaching official-looking types in the hope of extracting nuggets of information. Some turned out to be bystanders who happened to be smartly dressed. Advertisement Advertisement - Hope against hope - Outside the United Nations, around 200 demonstrators denounced Iran's deadly protest crackdown, holding placards reading: "No negotiations with murderers". They were later replaced by around 100 pro-Ukraine activists denouncing Russia's nearly four-year-old invasion, brandishing banners reading "Stop killing Ukrainians!" and "Save Ukraine to preserve peace in Europe". Alexandre Plautard, a 24-year-old international relations student, said: "This is a historic moment. We might finally have a way forward." He came to "remind the world of Russia's cruelty to Ukrainians", with its strikes on energy infrastructure during the bitter winter. Advertisement Advertisement However, the Russians ultimately "have no interest in peace", he told AFP. Psychology student Marianne, a Ukrainian who arrived in Geneva in 2022, said: "We are desperate. We don't really believe them (the Russians), but we hope there will be changes. "We don't want to be too positive so as not to be disappointed." bur/ag/jhb President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential consequences should it fail to strike a deal with the United States, as negotiators prepare for the latest round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Mediated by Oman, the recently resumed discussions are aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washington's "more realistic" position on its nuclear programme. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily against Iran, first over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month and then more recently over its nuclear programme. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," he told reporters aboard Air Force One ahead of the talks. A previous attempt at diplomacy collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran in June, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. "A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday, according to the official IRNA news agency. According to Tehran, Tuesday's talks in Switzerland will also be mediated by Oman. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi in Geneva on Monday to discuss his country's position "regarding nuclear issues and sanctions relief". He also stressed Tehran's "seriousness in using result-oriented diplomacy to secure the legitimate interests and rights of the Iranian people" and preserve peace in the region, according to a ministry statement. Iran has insisted that the discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including its ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region. - War games - Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological arm of the military, began a series of war games on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare for "potential security and military threats", Iranian state TV said. Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a strategic route for oil and liquified natural gas, as both sides ramp up pressure with talks set to resume. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday: "We're hopeful there's a deal." "The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things." Advertisement Advertisement Araghchi, meanwhile, said on X that he too had come to "Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal", but added there would be no "submission before threats". The foreign minister also said he was meeting in Geneva with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, "for deep technical discussion". The West fears the programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. - Regime change? - Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House confirmed on Sunday. On Friday, Trump said a change of government in Iran would be the "best thing that could happen", as he sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to ratchet up military pressure. Advertisement Advertisement The first carrier dispatched to the region, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was positioned about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Iranian coast as of Sunday, new satellite images showed. Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Tehran would consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if Washington lifted sanctions that have crippled the country's economy. "If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement," he said. bur-smw/gv/lb The United States and Iran resumed their negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying general agreement on "a set of guiding principles" had been reached. "The path to an agreement has begun, we are ready," he said, following talks lasting more than three hours in the permanent mission of Oman in the Swiss city. "But that does not mean that we have reached an agreement," he told Iranian state-run television. Advertisement Advertisement Araghchi did not disclose further details about the "guiding principles," but he described the atmosphere as constructive. He warned, however, that the process of drafting an agreement will take time and said no date has been set for a new round of negotiations yet. There was no immediate comment from the US. Ahead of the talks, which were mediated by Oman, US President Donald Trump told journalists he would have a role. "I'll be involved in those talks indirectly, and they'll be very important. We'll see what can happen," Trump said. The US was represented in Geneva by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Advertisement Advertisement The latest discussions focused primarily on Iran's nuclear programme. Washington has sought for years to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran, which vehemently denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, has signalled it is willing to limit its civilian nuclear programme in return for the US lifting harsh economic sanctions. However, Iran has said it will not negotiate over other issues such as reducing its missile arsenal or ending support for militant groups. The talks come amid weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran after Iranian security forces brutally cracked down on a wave of protests in January, with thousands reported killed. Advertisement Advertisement In response, Trump threatened the Iranian leadership with a military intervention and sent military assets, including two aircraft carriers, to the region. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared undaunted by Trump's threats on Tuesday. "More dangerous than an aircraft carrier is the weapon that can send it to the seabed," said the cleric, who has the final say in all strategic matters in the Islamic Republic. Iran's leadership has been under significant pressure since the protests. Over the weekend, around 1 million people on several continents demonstrated for freedom in Iran, after Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, called for a day of action. The protest movement has expressed criticism of a possible deal with the country's current leadership. A first round of talks between Iranian and US representatives to defuse the brewing conflict took place in Oman earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations between Tehran and Washington last year were broken off after Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran in June shortly before the start of a new round of talks. The US later joined the war in support of Israel, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. Trump has delivered mixed messages on Iran in recent weeks, offering varying justifications for a potential attack from responding to the government's brutal crackdown on protesters to inflicting damage on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Iran: Negotiations marked by scepticism and mistrust Referring to last year's war, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said: "We are negotiating under conditions of complete suspicion and mistrust. We have previous experiences, and we are not permitted under any circumstances to take these experiences even for a moment out of our sight." Advertisement Advertisement "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is in no way justifiable on any logical, legal or moral basis," he told the IRNA news agency on Monday. "For us, time is important," Baghaei emphasized, adding that there is no benefit for Iran in prolonging the negotiations as the country continues to suffer from "unjust sanctions." Trump also acknowledged that Iran wants to reach an agreement. In 2015, Iran committed to restricting its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions under the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump was always critical of the JCPOA, which was negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and unilaterally terminated it in 2018, imposing new tougher sanctions on Iran. As a result, Tehran ceased to comply with the terms of the agreement. Iran sees opportunities for US cooperation Ahead of the second round of negotiations, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari surprisingly named possible areas of cooperation with the US. Advertisement Advertisement A draft took into account "common interests in the areas of oil and gas," the Fars news agency quoted him as saying. He also spoke of possible mining investments and the purchase of aircraft. The minister emphasized that cooperation must focus on economic areas with as little domestic sensitivity as possible. IRGC begins naval exercise Against the backdrop of the upcoming talks, the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday began manoeuvres in the Strait of Hormuz off the country's southern coast. On Tuesday, it fired missiles at sea targets, with state television showing footage of mobile rocket launchers on land hitting targets in the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement During the military exercise, speedboats equipped with rocket launchers were also deployed, according to a statement from the Revolutionary Guards, Iran's elite force. "The missiles hit their targets in the Strait of Hormuz from inland, from the coasts and from the Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf," it said. Parts of the strait were closed to maritime traffic for several hours for security reasons, the Iranian Fars news agency reported. The Strait of Hormuz, approximately 55 kilometres wide, lies between Iran and Oman. It is considered one of the most important shipping routes for global oil exports. Iranian officers have previously threatened during the conflict with the US that they could block it at any time. The United States and Iran resumed their negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying general agreement on "a set of guiding principles" had been reached. "The path to an agreement has begun, we are ready," he said, following talks lasting more than three hours in the permanent mission of Oman in the Swiss city. "But that does not mean that we have reached an agreement," he told Iranian state-run television. Advertisement Advertisement Araghchi did not disclose further details about the "guiding principles," but he described the atmosphere as constructive. He warned, however, that the process of drafting an agreement will take time and said no date has been set for a new round of negotiations yet. The Trump administration has yet to comment publicly. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said progress was made but many details remain unresolved. The Iranian side is expected to return within two weeks with detailed proposals aimed at narrowing the differences between the two sides, the senior administration official said. Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the talks, which were mediated by Oman, US President Donald Trump told journalists he would have a role. "I'll be involved in those talks indirectly, and they'll be very important. We'll see what can happen," Trump said. The US was represented in Geneva by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The latest discussions focused primarily on Iran's nuclear programme. Washington has sought for years to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran, which vehemently denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, has signalled it is willing to limit its civilian nuclear programme in return for the US lifting harsh economic sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement However, Iran has said it will not negotiate over other issues such as reducing its missile arsenal or ending support for militant groups. Pressure on Tehran The talks come amid weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran after Iranian security forces brutally cracked down on a wave of protests in January, with thousands reported killed. In response, Trump threatened the Iranian leadership with a military intervention and sent military assets, including two aircraft carriers, to the region. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared undaunted by Trump's threats on Tuesday. "More dangerous than an aircraft carrier is the weapon that can send it to the seabed," said the cleric, who has the final say in all strategic matters in the Islamic Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's leadership has been under significant pressure since the protests. Over the weekend, around 1 million people on several continents demonstrated for freedom in Iran, after Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, called for a day of action. The protest movement has expressed criticism of a possible deal with the country's current leadership. A first round of talks between Iranian and US representatives to defuse the brewing conflict took place in Oman earlier this month. Negotiations between Tehran and Washington last year were broken off after Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran in June shortly before the start of a new round of talks. The US later joined the war in support of Israel, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. Trump has delivered mixed messages on Iran in recent weeks, offering varying justifications for a potential attack from responding to the government's brutal crackdown on protesters to inflicting damage on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Iran: Negotiations marked by scepticism and mistrust Referring to last year's war, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said: "We are negotiating under conditions of complete suspicion and mistrust. We have previous experiences, and we are not permitted under any circumstances to take these experiences even for a moment out of our sight." Advertisement Advertisement "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is in no way justifiable on any logical, legal or moral basis," he told the IRNA news agency on Monday. "For us, time is important," Baghaei emphasized, adding that there is no benefit for Iran in prolonging the negotiations as the country continues to suffer from "unjust sanctions." Trump also acknowledged that Iran wants to reach an agreement. In 2015, Iran committed to restricting its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions under the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump was always critical of the JCPOA, which was negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and unilaterally terminated it in 2018, imposing new tougher sanctions on Iran. As a result, Tehran ceased to comply with the terms of the agreement. Iran sees opportunities for US cooperation Ahead of the second round of negotiations, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari surprisingly named possible areas of cooperation with the US. Advertisement Advertisement A draft took into account "common interests in the areas of oil and gas," the Fars news agency quoted him as saying. He also spoke of possible mining investments and the purchase of aircraft. The minister emphasized that cooperation must focus on economic areas with as little domestic sensitivity as possible. Top Iranian and US diplomats are holding talks on Tehran's nuclear programme in Geneva on Tuesday, mediated by the Gulf state of Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff are due to hold indirect negotiations at the Omani embassy. The talks come amid weeks of tensions between Washington and Tehran after Iranian security forces brutally cracked down on a wave of protests in January, with thousands reported killed. Advertisement Advertisement In response, US President Donald Trump threatened the Iranian leadership with a military intervention and sent an aircraft carrier to the region. A first round of talks between Iranian and US representatives to defuse the brewing conflict took place in Oman earlier this month. The latest discussions are also due to focus on Iran's controversial nuclear programme. Washington has sought for years to prevent the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has signalled it is willing to limit its nuclear programme in return for the US lifting harsh economic sanctions. However, Iran has said it will not negotiate over other issues such as reducing its missile arsenal or ending support for militant groups. The United States and Iran resumed their negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday, with Iranian state-run radio reporting that the "indirect talks" began with an exchange of messages through mediator Oman. The talks between the delegation from Tehran, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the US side are taking place in the permanent mission of Oman in the Swiss city, Iranian sources said. US President Donald Trump told journalists he would have a role in the negotiations. "I'll be involved in those talks indirectly, and they'll be very important. We'll see what can happen," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement The US is represented in Geneva by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The latest discussions are focused primarily on Iran's controversial nuclear programme. Washington has sought for years to prevent the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran, which vehemently denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, has signalled it is willing to limit its civilian nuclear programme in return for the US lifting harsh economic sanctions. However, Iran has said it will not negotiate over other issues such as reducing its missile arsenal or ending support for militant groups. Advertisement Advertisement The talks come amid weeks of tensions between Washington and Tehran after Iranian security forces brutally cracked down on a wave of protests in January, with thousands reported killed. In response, Trump threatened the Iranian leadership with a military intervention and sent an aircraft carrier to the region. On Monday, the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began manoeuvres in the waters off the country's southern coast. A first round of talks between Iranian and US representatives to defuse the brewing conflict took place in Oman earlier this month. DUBLIN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) said on Tuesday it had opened a formal investigation into X's AI chatbot Grok over the processing of personal data and its potential to produce harmful sexualised images and video, including of children. The DPC is the lead EU regulator for X because the U.S. company's European Union operations are based in Ireland. It can levy fines of up to 4% of a company's global revenue under the bloc's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The decision to begin the inquiry was notified to X on Monday, the DPC said in a statement and its purpose was to determine whether X had complied with its obligations under GDPR with regard to the personal data processed. Advertisement Advertisement Grok flooded X last month with AI-altered, near-nude images of real people in response to user requests, triggering widespread global outrage and investigations. X announced curbs to stop Grok's account on the platform from producing such images, but the Grok chatbot continued to do so when prompted, Reuters found earlier this month. U.S. President Donald Trump and other members of his administration have criticised EU regulation of U.S. tech companies and described fines imposed on them by the 27-member bloc as a form of taxation. X's owner, Elon Musk, who is the world's richest man, has also expressed his objections to EU regulations, mainly those imposed directly by Brussels on online content. Advertisement Advertisement "The DPC has been engaging with XIUC (X Internet Unlimited Company) since media reports first emerged a number of weeks ago concerning the alleged ability of X users to prompt the @Grok account on X to generate sexualised images of real people, including children", said Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle. "As the Lead Supervisory Authority for XIUC across the EU/EEA, the DPC has commenced a large-scale inquiry, " Doyle said, adding that this would examine XIUC's compliance with some of its "fundamental obligations under the GDPR in relation to the matters at hand". The European Commission opened an investigation on January 26 into whether Grok disseminates illegal content such as manipulated sexualised images in the EU. And on February 3, Britain's privacy watchdog launched a formal investigation into Grok over the processing of personal data and its potential to produce harmful sexualised images and video content. (Reporting by Graham Fahy; editing by William James and Alexander Smith) Ben took his drugs on the rocks. Instead of diluting the methamphetamine with water, hed draw blood into a syringe, dissolve the crystals, and inject himself. Sometimes it was his blood, sometimes a friends, and the needle was rarely new. That hardly seemed to matter. It was 2021 and Ben, whose name has been changed, was living on the streets in Suva Fijis faded seaside capital. Then 20, hed fled his home after his father and five brothers tried to beat away his bisexuality. Crystal meths numbing high became an all-consuming escape from the painful memories. I just felt like the love I was looking for was in the streets, it was not at home, Ben, now a tall, measured 24-year-old, told the Telegraph. I didnt consider [safety] at all I just continued taking [meth]. For me, when I took drugs, it transformed my mind I was in another world altogether. Advertisement Advertisement But that world of euphoric highs and shared syringes left its mark long after Ben abandoned Suvas shabby streets. By late 2023, he had developed a persistent cough, his dark hair was falling out, and he was losing weight rapidly dropping from a waist size 42 to just 22. When he was hospitalised with severe pneumonia, doctors diagnosed Ben with late-stage HIV, then transferred him to a ward notorious in Fiji as the place men go to die. Thats how ill I was, he said, sipping Coca-Cola on the seafront earlier this month. Lying in that bed with no hope, everything seemed lost and fading. Ben, a former methamphetamine user, was diagnosed with HIV in 2023 but his viral load is now undetectable - Simon Townsley An addict injects methamphetamine in Suva - SImon Townsley A user rinses out the inside of his syringe and swallows leftover methamphetamine to avoid waste - Simon Townsley As recently as 2020, stories like this were relatively rare in Fiji, a former British colony best known as a paradise archipelago with pristine beaches and a vibrant culture. But now, the small Pacific nation has a grim new accolade: it is struggling to stem the worlds fastest growing HIV outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement This is the ugly side of Fiji, said Paulo, another of the five people living with HIV who spoke to the Telegraph in Suva where children as young as 10 have contracted the virus from injecting drugs, as HIV rips through a country caught off guard. According to data shared by the Ministry of Health, 147 people were newly diagnosed with the disease in 2020. Just four years later, that number had jumped to 1,583 and in the first six months of 2025 alone, 1,226 cases were reported. Overall, infections have risen by 3,000 per cent since 2010. While still a relatively small total compared to Fijis population roughly 930,000 people patchy testing means diagnosed cases are only the tip of the iceberg. And the trajectory of the outbreak looks ominous: the health department estimates that, without urgent interventions, the country could see 25,000 cases a year by 2029. I never thought Id see another epidemic like this in my lifetime, said Prof Lisa Maher, an epidemiologist at the Kirby Institute in Sydney, who worked on the HIV response in New York in the 1980s and later in southeast Asia, and is now supporting Fiji. It came out of nowhere, because there was no data and no surveillance in place. A thriving criminal ecosystem The escalating crisis is linked to a boom in drugs that threatens to turn the Pacific into a semi-narco region, according to associate professor Jose Sousa-Santos, director of the Pacific Regional Security Hub at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Advertisement Advertisement The region has long been a strategic stop-off point on a drugs superhighway from the Americas and southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand, where high demand and prices equate to lucrative profits. Yet the routes popularity is increasing, with organised crime in the Pacific evolving faster than any previous point in history, according to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Chinese triads, Mexican cartels and Australian biker gangs are all operating, even collaborating, in a thriving criminal ecosystem that exploits the regions porous coastlines, weak law enforcement and widespread corruption. Yachts, narco-subs and drones have all been used across the network of air and maritime routes. A street vendor in downtown Suva displaying newspaper headlines about the drug crisis - Simon Townsley Fiji was a British colony from 1874 until independence in 1970 - Simon Townsley A street stall in downtown Suva - Simon Townsley Alongside Tonga and Papua New Guinea, a key foothold is Fiji the transport hub is dubbed the gateway to the Pacific, while four coups since 1987 have eroded democratic institutions and left them open to infiltration. Recent seizures by the authorities, including 4.8 tonnes of crystal meth and 2.6 tonnes of cocaine, give a sense of the scale of drugs flowing through the archipelago. Police have also confirmed wash-ups of drug packages on outer islands one story circulating suggests unaware locals in one remote village used the white stuff as washing powder after it swept ashore. Advertisement Advertisement Yet the nation is no longer simply a stopover point for criminal syndicates: drugs, predominantly methamphetamines, are also spilling into a booming domestic market. A transit country doesnt usually stay as a transit country, said Megumi Hara, a regional advisor on transnational organised crime at UNODC, based in Suva. Eventually, it also becomes a destination and thats what weve seen here. The Telegraph witnessed the thriving trade first-hand. As a deep orange sunset spread above Suva on a Sunday evening, two contacts (on the condition we didnt name them or the places) took us on a sightseeing tour of the citys many drug-dealer hang outs: behind a grey block of social housing, at a nondescript bus stop on a busy road, and a lush green village just outside town. This is one of the drug red zones in Fiji, said one of our well-connected escorts, as the car spluttered up a steep hillside in the village, past a group of boys lurking under a palm tree. Even the police are scared to come here they cant do anything because the drug lord is the landowner. His children, his brother, his brothers son theyre all selling drugs. Fijis transport hub is dubbed the gateway to the Pacific - Simon Townsley Sunset near the Suva-Nausori corridor - Simon Townsley A methamphetamine user in Suva - Simon Townsley When we paused outside a modest wooden house, a gaunt man in a hoodie immediately sauntered up to the car window in one hand was a red burner phone, in the other six small sachets of crystal meth. The 28-year-old wasnt there to talk he scuttled away as soon as another car pulled up, hoping the driver of the white Toyota might make a better customer. A runaway problem with meth The sheer volume now circulating on the archipelago is unprecedented. Although surveillance data on use remains limited, the number of cases involving meth reported by the Fiji Police Force jumped 36-fold between 2015 and 2024 from just 10 arrests to 366. Advertisement Advertisement Fiji went from having a small number of users, to now having a runaway problem with methamphetamines, said Prof Sousa-Santos, adding that the market was a deliberate construction. When organised crime first operated in the Pacific, they developed a network of facilitators usually people from commercial elites, or with links to law enforcement and government. These connections run deep between January 2023 and October 2025, the Ministry of Policing said 27 police officers were charged with drug-related offences. For a fee, corrupt facilitators would ensure the smooth passage of drug shipments through the country. But, as the quantity of drugs grew, criminal syndicates offered to pay in product instead of cash. From there, local gangs emerged and became increasingly professionalised by 2018 and 2019, the white stuff was not only on the streets, but was starting to be sold on university campuses as study aids, and to elites as a sex drug. This trade only accelerated when the pandemic disrupted supply routes into and out of the country. Meth users gather on the streets near the Suva-Nausori corridor - Simon Townsley Sex workers on the streets of Suva - Simon Townsley Dealer Simon with methamphetamine for sale - Simon Townsley If you get paid in the drugs, you have the opportunity to triple or quadruple your return, said Prof Sousa-Santos. But to do that, you need a local market. In Fiji, the first market that was targeted was sex workers. It grew and grew from there. Advertisement Advertisement Perched on the curbside of a dark road in east Suva as friends and customers come and go, a charismatic drug lord explains how this market operates on his turf. Simon, whose name has been changed due to ongoing criminal cases, mainly sold and smoked marijuana but swapped the green stuff for the white stuff when meth started to hit the streets. The upbeat, 48-year-old reggae musician said he was dealing to put food on the table for his children, and make sure users had access to high quality stuff. Now the market has exploded, Simon said, his eyes wide. Although he was vague about where he gets the meth he hawks from, there are two main distribution routes. The first is to sell the substance to other small-time pushers at a wholesale price $2,500 Fijian (835) for seven grams. These dealers then split the meth into at least a dozen small sachets, generally containing 0.08g of crystals, which they peddle on the streets for $50 Fijian (17) effectively doubling their money. Advertisement Advertisement Simon and his partners also employ people to work on their patch, running two four-hour shifts a night. Pushers are paid $50 per shift, during which theyd generally sell at least 14 bags of crystal meth in Fiji, the national minimum wage is $5 per hour. A bin fire became a bushfire But methamphetamines alone do not trigger an HIV crisis: the virus which spreads through bodily fluids has found fertile ground because of the way the drugs are being used. Widespread sharing of blood, needles and syringes has transformed a small, background epidemic spreading via unprotected sex into an explosive outbreak. The shift emerged rapidly. In 2021, the countrys two main sexual health hubs in Suva and Lautoka did not report a single HIV case transmitted through drug use by 2024, 48 per cent of new HIV infections nationally were among people injecting meth, according to UNAIDS. You had a lot of young people, very young people, initiating injecting with no context, no information, no awareness and no access to sterile equipment, said the Kirby Institutes Prof Maher, who led a Rapid Assessment on injecting drug use and HIV in Suva, commissioned by the UN and published last year. A bin fire has become a bushfire. Sex workers are particularly at risk - Simon Townsley Josephine, a sex worker and methamphetamine user - Simon Townsley Sex workers and methamphetamine users. Meri, wearing pink, buried three of her closest friends - Simon Townsley While sleeping rough on the seafront in 2021 and again in 2023, Ben engaged in many of the risky drug practices that fueled this bushfire sometimes motivated by intrigue, sometimes culture, and sometimes necessity. Advertisement Advertisement One trend at the time was bluetoothing, he said, where friends pooled money to buy a single bag of meth, before one person injected the drug. Once they were high, another person drew blood from the initial user and injected themselves, chasing a secondary rush from the traces of meth in the bloodstream. But while a cost-saving (and headline grabbing) concept, bluetoothing is now uncommon as users found it rarely worked. Instead, some people have reported using blood, rather than water, as the solvent to dissolve methamphetamine. This involves inserting the needle into a vein and repeatedly flushing the plunger back and forth to draw enough blood into the syringe to dilute the crystals, before injecting the entire mixture. It gives a stronger high it gives us a lot of energy, said Ben, explaining the appeal. He still called this practice bluetoothing, but most drug users who spoke to the Telegraph and the Rapid Assessment team referred to the approach as on the rocks, dry or koda a Fijian word which translates to raw, and a nod to a traditional raw fish dish called kokoda. The rampant HIV transmission has also been driven by sharing of mixing paraphernalia for instance, using the same bottle caps or mugs to dissolve the meth in water as well as needles and syringes. In that instance, scarcity has partly been caused by a police crackdown based on a misinterpretation of the law. Advertisement Advertisement The police started coming down hard on pharmacies for selling needles and syringes to anyone wanting one, said Renata Ram, the Pacific HIV adviser at UNAIDS in Fiji. Thats when [the HIV] caseload started increasing as well, in late 2021 and 2022. If you really want a hit, youll find a way to get it sharing needles was peoples only option, she said, adding that selling sterile equipment was never actually illegal. Weve heard people saying they would share needles about 15 times, or use the same one 15 times. She added that stigma is high but knowledge around HIV is low, with a whole generation unaware of transmission risks. Some do not know that treatment exists, so see no reason to test, others diagnosed shun antiretrovirals in favour of traditional Fijian medicines or prayer. Meri who, like Ben, asked for her name to be changed because of pervasive stigma in the conservative country has seen the human cost of the syringe shortage more clearly than most. Within four months last year, she buried three of her closest friends; they were only 33, 42 and 44. The group started buying methamphetamines just after the pandemic, when they were living on the streets in Lautoka a city some 120 miles from the capital, on the western side of Fijis largest island. Sesenieli Naitala, the founder of Survivors Advocacy Network - Simon Townsley Dr Jason Mitchell, head of the HIV taskforce - Simon Townsley Meri had long been a marijuana smoker, but had never tried the white stuff before. Soon the 55-year-old was hooked she loved the brightness and besides, staying awake was useful for long shifts selling cigarettes (some nickname the meth here mileage, as it keeps you up for days). But the friends were rarely able to buy sterile equipment while drugs were everywhere, clean needles and syringes were a luxury. They were hard to find, so nearly every time we just shared, said Meri, sitting cross-legged on a woven mat in a small courtyard at the Survival Advocacy Network (SAN) in Suva. We washed them, but sharing was kind of [a] necessity. Sesenieli Naitala, the founder of SAN, said sharing is also common as its hardwired into Fijian life through the custom of kerekere, which obliges people to share resources with close friends and relatives. People frequently pass a single cigarette or marijuana joint around a group, while kava a traditional psychoactive drink is shared in a single cup. But in February 2024, Meri tested positive for HIV. She was scared and blamed herself, although she didnt want to show it Meri, who wears a cap over her bleach blond pixie cut, attempts an air of nonchalance. She immediately phoned her friends, who still lived on the streets none of them had considered the risk of blood-borne infections until then. By the time they were tested, the virus had progressed to Aids. They received treatment, but didnt stop taking drugs or drinking alcohol and gradually their immune systems faltered. Meri said a final goodbye to two of them in July, and one in October. [When I buried them] I was thinking about myself, that I had to change and just leave it behind for good. Because I know if I [keep using] too itll be the same as what my friends went through, she said softly. Its a hard thing to stop [taking meth] but I had to think of my life. The epidemic changed, the response did not It is now more than a year since the Ministry of Health declared a national HIV outbreak and set up a dedicated taskforce to respond, putting Dr Jason Mitchell, a Fijian doctor whos worked on HIV across southeast Asia and the Pacific, at the helm. The way I describe whats happened here in Fiji is that the epidemic changed, but programming in response to the epidemic did not, he said. So our responsibility here in this unit is to set up an appropriate response for the new epidemic were facing. The government unlocked $10 million Fijian (3m) to do so up from a budget of $200,000 a year while international support has ramped up, including 1.7m from New Zealand and 2.6m from Australia, who have also invested 25m in a broader Pacific-wide programme. These countries are also supporting law enforcement operations to counter the flow of drugs into Fiji. But with key elements of the health response beset by delays, critics say the glacial pace is only giving the virus more time to spread, amplifying the tsunami of infections they fear is on the horizon. There are also concerns that punitive attitudes and moral framing of drug use is a continued barrier. There is still no needle and syringe exchange programme, no pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) available, and no rehab centre. There are also major gaps in testing and treatment. UNAIDS estimates that just 36 per cent of people living with HIV in Fiji were aware of their status in 2024, and only 24 per cent were taking antiretrovirals (there have also been sporadic stockouts of the treatment). Dr Kesaia Tuidraki, director of Medical Services Pacific - Simon Townsley Ana Fofole, MSP outreach coordinator in a mobile clinic - Simon Townsley Meanwhile the virus is seeping into new groups: in the first half of 2025, 33 babies were born with HIV, signalling broader weaknesses in the health system. Dr Mitchell conceded that progress has been slower than hoped, and is clearly frustrated by elements of government bureaucracy. The outbreak is so large now that it has the potential to impact the country as a whole, the economy and all of the industries that we rely on such as tourism, which [is where] 40 per cent of our GDP comes from, the 47-year-old said animatedly, warning there are also signs HIV is starting to spread to other Pacific island nations. So it is an emergency. The most frustrating thing is [that] during Covid things just happened overnight, approvals just happened, finances just flowed, all of that was fast tracked. That has not happened for the HIV response Why? Its a question I cant actually answer. But despite red tape, Dr Mitchell stressed there has been major progress behind the scenes to re-build the capacity, expertise and systems needed to respond (while Fiji once had a robust programme to keep HIV at bay, it was gradually sidelined as cases remained low, new health threats emerged and donor funding for HIV was diverted elsewhere). He is also optimistic that the much needed needle and syringe programme will launch in the second quarter of the year, once the supplies arrive in March, and hopes PrEP will become available for high risk groups within six months. In the meantime, 11 new HIV care teams have been established at hospitals across the country, free condom pick-up points have been rolled out, and peer-to-peer education programmes are targeting those most at-risk including the Angels Collective, a group of drug users who are hitting the streets to teach others about safe injecting practices and HIV. We dont know what Fijis future holds For Dr Kesaia Tuidraki, director of Medical Services Pacific, some of the most important programmes are those taking services directly to communities at risk whether thats in the Suvas suburbs or a remote island three days away by boat, where cases are also emerging. If you want to reach people you have to go to where they are, because accessibility has always been an issue, she said, in an office overlooking the capitals busy port at the NGOs modest hillside clinic. Economical issues, unemployment, challenging backgrounds, geographic isolation, stigma all these things are stopping people from coming forward. This means were only seeing the tip of the iceberg, there are a lot more [cases] going unnoticed, she said, adding that many people only test positive once their infection has deteriorated into Aids. According to government data, more than half of the people who died of HIV-related causes in 2024 found out their status the same year. And so, as evening rush hour traffic eased, a bus kitted out as a mobile clinic set off to a housing project in the densely populated Suva-Nausori corridor. This is the Moonlight programme, which is trying to stem the glaring testing gap thats hindering the response. The Moonlight Programme mobile clinic, visiting a village on the Suva-Nausori corridor - Simon Townsley Vilisi Uluinaceva, MSP nurse practitioner gives Louisiana the all-clear - Simon Townsley Within half an hour of arriving, a long queue has formed and HIV, hepatitis and syphilis screening gets underway. Outside the bus, health care workers under a bright hanging torch ask preliminary questions, then prick peoples index fingers and transfer the blood to a rapid test. Some 15 minutes later, results are delivered in private inside the compact mobile clinic. Well, we caught some tigers, Vilisi Uluinaceva, the nurse practitioner, said at the end of a long night. Two of 50 tests came back positive samples will now be sent to the hospital lab for confirmation, and the patients referred to the main clinic for treatment. That number is lower than previous screenings at one, mainly among sex workers, 19 of 25 tests came back positive. But the team is pleased so many young people turned up, as cases in this group are surging: in the first half of 2025 alone, 174 children and teenagers aged between five and 19 were diagnosed nationally. Mrs Uluinaceva has treated patients as young as 13. We just have to create more awareness on this issue, because if all these children are going to have HIV, therell be no future for Fiji, she said, holding back tears. Of course I worry and sometimes Im really emotional we just dont know what the future holds. But for Ben, the future finally feels exciting again hes found a job and a flat share, and is considering re-enrolling at university. Its a far cry from the weeks after his diagnosis, when the loneliness felt crushing and thoughts of suicide dominated his mind. I have come to understand that HIV is just a sickness like any other, he said, adding that he has been taking antiretroviral treatment for more than 18 months. We can all be diagnosed with different illnesses, but what matters is how we accept our condition and maintain a positive mindset. Walking through the shallow waters less than two miles from the seawall where he used to sleep rough, Ben also shared uplifting news: last week he found out that, for the first time, his HIV viral load is so low its undetectable, thanks to the antiretrovirals. It doesnt mean the virus has gone, but it means Bens condition is stable and he can no longer pass HIV onto someone else. Here I am today, just living my life like any other normal person, he said, beaming. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake Presents Credentials to the Director General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, the newly appointed Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland presented his Credentials to the Director General Tatiana Valovaya of the United Nations Office at Geneva on February 17, 2026. During the discussion which took place following the presentation of Credentials, Ambassador Dassanayake conveyed warm greetings of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath to Director General Valovaya. Referring to Sri Lankas longstanding engagement with the UN since becoming a member in 1955, Ambassador Dassanayake further reaffirmed Sri Lankas commitment and continued cooperation with the United Nations Office at Geneva and constructive engagement with the United Nations organizations and specialized agencies represented in Geneva in diverse spheres. Recalling the excellent cooperation between Sri Lanka and UNOG, Director General Valovaya expressed her appreciation for Sri Lankas leadership in the organization of International Vesak Day at the UNOG and the first ever celebration of the International Tea Day in 2025. The Director General invited Sri Lankas continued engagement and collaboration with new and ongoing initiatives and projects spearheaded by her office. Ambassador Dassanayake is a senior career diplomat who joined Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1998. Prior to his appointment as the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, he served as the Director General of the Human Resources & Mission Management and Human Resources Development, Training & Research Divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism. Ambassador Dassanayake also served as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Federative Republic of Brazil, with concurrent accreditation to Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Suriname, and Guyana from 2021 to 2024. He was Sri Lankas first Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Commission with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti, Somalia and South Sudan from 2016 to 2019. Ambassador Dassanayake has held several key positions in Sri Lanka Overseas Missions during his career including as the Deputy Chief of Mission of Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa as well as in the Sri Lanka Embassy in Oslo and Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai. He has also served as the Director General (Political Affairs) Middle East & Africa Division, Director of the South Asia and SAARC Division, Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in several other posts. Ambassador Dassanayake holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He is also an alumnus of the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies, Hawaii. Ambassador Dassanayake is married with a daughter. Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, Geneva 17 February 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery said Tuesday that it would restart talks with Paramount Skydance over a deal for Paramount to buy the company, even as Warner's board recommended that shareholders vote to approve Netflix's offer to buy its streaming and studio businesses. The Warner Bros. Discovery board unanimously recommended that shareholders vote to ratify the Netflix deal during a special shareholders meeting next month, reiterating that the Netflix deal "offers superior value and certainty." But the company also said that Netflix had granted it a seven-day waiver to resume discussions with Paramount Skydance" to seek a best and final offer." "Throughout the entire process, our sole focus has been on maximizing value and certainty for WBD shareholders," Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement. "We are engaging with [Paramount Skydance] now to determine whether they can deliver an actionable, binding proposal that provides superior value and certainty for WBD shareholders through their best and final offer." Netflix struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in December to buy Warner's studio and streaming businesses for more than $80 billion, with Warner planning to spin off its TV networks into a separate company. Since then, Paramount Skydance has mounted a hostile bid to buy all of Warner Bros., even as Warner has raised questions about the financing behind the Paramount bid and maintained that Netflix's offer is a better and more certain one for shareholders. Paramount has improved the terms of its offer multiple times, though it has not increased the amount per share it is offering to pay. Warner Bros. signaled that was changing, saying Tuesday that Paramount had informed Warner "it would agree to pay $31 per share, a price not yet reflected in its latest written proposal." The fight for Warner Bros. has been the subject of intense corporate and political wrangling in recent months, amid antitrust and other concerns. Warner Bros. Discovery stock rose about 2.5% in premarket trading on Tuesday. Paramount Skydance stock was up about 3%, and Netflix stock ticked up about 1%. Duval Countys first lagoon community welcomed its first homeowner this week, marking a milestone for a 2,700-home master-planned development taking shape on Jacksonvilles Westside. The move-in officially launched life inside Diamond Springs, a residential community developed by Metro Development Group at the intersection of Normandy Boulevard and Bright Lagoon Boulevard. Kinsley Ferrell, 2, plays her guitar in the living room of her new home as her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, right, watches Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. The Ferrell family was the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Kinsley Ferrell, 2, right dances as her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, center, plays her toy guitar as her mother Takyra McIntosh watches Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. The young family was the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] I moved here so my daughter will have friends to grow up with in the community. The swim up bar (at the lagoon) will be good also, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell said with a chuckle while standing in his kitchen Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell was greeted by members of Metro Development Group after being the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Realtor Adrian Gentry, left, talks with his client and Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, right, outside Ferrells new home Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family moved into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] This is what the lagoon could look like at the new housing development called Diamond Springs in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. The lagoon is still in the design phase. [Cole Media/Special to the Florida Times-Union] A banner hangs on the fence surrounding where the lagoon area will be built at Diamond Springs, Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Realtor Liaison for Metro Development Group Julie Birch, left, is introduced to Kinsley Ferrells teddy bear after her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Realtor Liaison for Metro Development Group Julie Birch, right, helps Kinsley Ferrell with her backpack in her new home Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Assistant Project Manger for Metro Development Group Emory Alger, second from left, talks with home owner Travis Ferrell, left and his Realtor Adrain Gentry, right, and Takyra McIntosh, center Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Kinsley Ferrell, 2, rides her four-wheeled cycle through her new home Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Kinsley Ferrell, 2, rides her four-wheeled cycle through her new home Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Takyra McIntosh, left, laughs as her daughter Kinsley Ferrell, 2, center, grabs her fathers ears at their new home Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, third from left, was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Assistant Project Manger for Metro Development Group Emory Alger, second from left, talks with home owner Travis Ferrell, left and his Realtor Adrain Gentry, right, and Takyra McIntosh, center Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. Ferrell and his family were the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Navy veteran Travis Ferrell was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 after being the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] A banner hangs on the fence surrounding where the lagoon area will be built at Diamond Springs, Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] A fence surrounds the area where the lagoon will be built at Diamond Springs, Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] A fence surrounds the area where the lagoon area will be built at Diamond Springs, Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] What's a lagoon community? Check out Jacksonville's Diamond Springs 1 of 17 Kinsley Ferrell, 2, plays her guitar in the living room of her new home as her father, Navy veteran Travis Ferrell, right, watches Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. The Ferrell family was the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] MetroLagoons "serve as an ideal gathering place in our communities" and are "like a town center," according to the development's website. Advertisement Advertisement At the center of Diamond Springs will be Metros signature lagoon amenity, designed to give residents a resort-style experience typically associated with vacation destinations. Plans for the lagoon include kayaking, swimming, a floating obstacle course, a splash pad and a swim-up bar. A banner hangs on the fence surrounding where the lagoon area will be built at Diamond Springs, Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Ultimately, Diamond Springs will include a mix of single-family homes and townhomes built by DRB Homes, D.R. Horton, Dream Finders Homes and Lennar. Also on the Westside: New Wawa opens in Jacksonville Beyond housing, the community is designed with connectivity and sustainability in mind with plans for miles of multi-modal paths, solar streetlights and high-speed internet. A fence surrounds the area where the lagoon will be built at Diamond Springs, Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Metro Development Group is developing the land near Cecil Airport. The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Metro estimates that up to 80% of homes will back up to preserves or water features, integrating natural habitat into the neighborhoods layout. Advertisement Advertisement Community representatives gathered Feb. 11 to welcome the neighborhood's first homeowner, Travis Ferrell, formally marking the projects transition from a construction site into an active neighborhood. Navy veteran Travis Ferrell was greeted by members of Metro Development Group Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 after being the first to move into Jacksonville's first Metro lagoon community called Diamond Springs.The lagoon concept is designed for kayaking and swimming, with amenities such as a swim-up bar, a floating obstacle course and a splash pad. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] This milestone represents both a first for our company in Jacksonville and for Duval County, said Lisa Gibbings, Metro Development Groups vice president of corporate affairs. Welcoming our first homeowner is incredibly meaningful. It marks the start of a thoughtfully designed community centered around lifestyle, recreation and long-term growth. As Jacksonville continues to grow, Metro officials said Diamond Springs is expected to help expand housing options while bringing new infrastructure investment to West Jacksonville. Construction and home sales are expected to continue throughout 2026 as additional phases of the development come online. Advertisement Advertisement Metro Development Group, founded in 2003 and based in Tampa, is Floridas largest privately held residential developer. The company has become known for its large-scale, amenity-driven communities and its MetroLagoon concept, which has been implemented across the state. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: First homeowner moves into Diamond Springs lagoon community Fossils uncovered in Japan, thought to be from the archipelagos lost tiger population, have now been revealed to be of an ancient species of lion. While there are no native lion or tiger populations in Japan today, this was not always the case. Fossils indicate that at least one species of large cat roamed the archipelago during the Late Pleistocene period, lasting from approximately 129,000 to 11,700 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Previous research suggested these fossils belonged to ancient tigers, but a new DNA analysis of the specimen reveals these were actually an ancient species of lion, upending what was known about the regions biodiversity history. Lions spread out of Africa around a million years ago and began expanding their range across Eurasia. They stayed in the more northern regions of Eurasia, while tigers were typically found farther south. During the Late Pleistocene, their ranges often overlapped in a region known as the "lion-tiger transition belt that stretched across Eurasia, from the Middle East through Central Asia to the Russian Far East. Some animals also crossed into Japan from mainland Asia when land bridges formed during periods of low sea levels. Advertisement Advertisement Periodic land connections between the archipelago and the Asian mainland, resulting from lowered sea levels during glacial periods, enabled the migration of continental fauna to Japan, explain scientists in a new study published in the journal PNAS. Cave lion skull excavated from Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan (Nobuyuki Yamaguchi via Phys.org) Researchers previously uncovered fossils belonging to the genus Panthera in Japan from soil layers corresponding to the Middle and Late Pleistocene periods. These were initially attributed to tigers based on physical features of the remains, as well as habitat studies suggesting that southwestern Japan was more suitable for tigers, especially during cooler periods. Other research has shown that cave lions were present in the southeast Russian Far East, northeastern China, and the northern Korean Peninsula during the Late Pleistocene. Advertisement Advertisement This raised questions about which species the Japanese fossils came from. Now, a more thorough DNA analysis provides reliable proof that all of the ancient Japanese "tiger" remains were actually a now extinct lion species, referred to as cave lions. The specimens were found to be from around 31,060 years ago. Based on these findings, researchers theorise that cave lions most likely colonised Japan between about 72,700 and 37,500 years ago, likely via the northern land bridge during glacial periods. They suspect cave lions persisted in Japan for at least 20,000 years after their extinction elsewhere in Eurasia. Advertisement Advertisement Periods of relative isolation, punctuated by episodic land connections to the continent, have historically enabled the persistence of relict populations, such as the Japanese wolf, which survived well into the Holocene, after their continental counterpart population went extinct," scientists wrote. Our findings challenge the long-held view that tigers once took refuge in Japan, showing instead that cave lions were widespread in northeast Asia during this period and were the Panthera lineage that colonized Japan, reaching even its southwestern regions despite habitats previously thought to favor tigers, they concluded. Feb. 16BEMIDJI Jeremiah Liend, a technical coordinator in the performing arts department at Bemidji State University, announced intent to run for Minnesota's 8th Congressional District seat as an independent, challenging incumbent Pete Stauber. Liend intends to run a "funds-free" campaign that will not seek or accept donations, endorsements and campaign funds. He plans to collect the required number of voter signatures during the May filing period to avoid a filing fee. If Liend's campaign is unable to meet the required threshold, he pledged to suspend the campaign. The election will take place during the 2026 midterm election, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Liend previously ran for the Minnesota House 2A seat, challenging Matt Grossell in 2020. Liend lost this race, and in 2024, Grossell did not seek reelection, leading to the election of current House 2A Rep. Bidal Duran. Liend did not seek office between 2020 and 2026. In his campaign announcement, Liend shared that his motto is "Liberty and Justice for All." "Liend's platform centers on the belief that Minnesota and the nation must come together before political polarization collapses into open conflict," the release read, "that democratic engagement requires a shared reality grounded in reason and good-faith discourse, and that public trust depends on holding individuals and institutions accountable for their words and actions." Advertisement Advertisement Liend lives in Turtle River with his family. He is a member of a dramatist guild and regularly directs theater in the region. Additionally, the release notes that Liend authors "The Q Reports," described as a "long-running series of essays blending satire and cultural critique, and for his seminal work 'The Book of Q,' which explores a post-apocalyptic battle for the fate of Earth." Liend's campaign page can be found at liendfor8.blogspot.com/2026/02/jeremiah-liend-for-district-8-liberty. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering civil rights icon who championed for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and had a direct influence in Nashville's sit-in movement, died Feb. 17 at the age of 84. According to USA TODAY, Jackson was hospitalized on Nov. 12 following a lengthy battle with the neuromuscular disease progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson's disease. He was released from the hospital later that month. Jackson was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a Democratic presidential candidate and one of the world's best-known Black activists. Advertisement Advertisement "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.," said a statement from the organization on Instagram. "He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family." Here's what to know about the historic leader and his connections to Tennessee. Who was Jesse Jackson? Jackson emerged as a leading voice of the Civil Rights Movement after he and seven other young men were arrested in 1960 for protesting segregation at their towns public library. He soon joined King in the expanding fight for civil rights. Advertisement Advertisement In 1971, Jackson founded the organization that would evolve into the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, an international human and civil rights group. He later ran for president as a Democrat in 1984 and again in 1988, energizing and registering millions of Black voters nationwide. Jackson was known for his "I Am Somebody" recitations, which were powerful affirmations designed to instill self-worth, dignity and pride among marginalized communities. Jackson turned the recitation into a callandresponse chant, often delivered with groups of children or large crowds. The recitations typically included lines such as "I may be poor, but I am somebody." What were Jesse Jackson's ties to Nashville? The Rev. Jesse Jackson is speaking at McGavock High School in Nashville on Jan. 24, 1991, and exhorts teachers to make their pupils strive for achievement and students to take advantage of an open education system. Jackson's sit-in at the Greenville library had a direct influence on the Nashville Student Movement's local sit-in campaign, as previously reported by The Tennessean. Advertisement Advertisement Students from Nashville's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, led by James Lawson, began studying non-violent forms of protest in the late 1950s. Students like Marion Barry, James Bevel, Bernard Lafayette, John Lewis, Diane Nash and C.T. Vivian all participated, skyrocketing them to fame among local civil rights leaders. The first large-scale sit-in happened days after Jackson's Greenville library demonstration. More than 120 students walked into Woolworths, S. H. Kress and McLellan lunch counters to ask for service. When they were denied, they remained for hours, then left without incident. More demonstrations did end in arrest, launching the effort into the national spotlight. Months later, the lunch counters were desegregated. Then during a 1984 presidential campaign stop in Nashville, Jackson said Tennessee represented the best and the worst for Black people and for the disadvantaged. This state is important to our campaign because there are some amazing, astonishing, some disgraceful levels of poverty here, on one hand, yet some of the countrys best industrial development and great and outstanding universities on the other." Advertisement Advertisement The same day he made those comments, Jackson held a rowdy tent revival-like rally for about 2,000 supporters at Vanderbilt Universitys Memorial Gym. The poor in Tennessee are not poor because they are lazy, he shouted while the crowd applauded and chanted Win, Jesse, Win. Most of them work the hardest and longest on the nastiest jobs and make the least amount of money. That night, he made a fiery speech at Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church, where 300 people filled the pews. He admonished the congregation to fill their slings with rocks of votes and slay the dreaded Goliath. Jackson visited several of Nashville's universities over the years. Advertisement Advertisement In 1971, he addressed more than 2,000 people in the Fisk University gymnasium for the Black Community Conference, according to a Tennessean article. During his speech, he encouraged Black Nashvillians to withhold their money from white-owned establishments. In 2018, Jackson visited Tennessee State University for a forum where he discussed voter registration, education, poverty and the commemoration of Black History Month. The visit was part of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., according to the university. What was Jesse Jackson's cause of death? Jackson died "peacefully" and surrounded by family Tuesday morning, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition said. His cause of death wasn't specified, but Jackson had been diagnosed with a rare, progressive neurological disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson had progressive supranuclear palsy, the coalition previously said. Known as PSP or Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, it is a condition that affects walking, balance, eye movement and swallowing, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common symptoms include a loss of balance, causing falls that can lead to injury, and an inability to aim or focus eyes. Jackson was originally thought to have Parkinson's disease and was diagnosed over a decade ago, but his diagnosis of PSP was later confirmed, the Rainbow/PUSH coalition announced in 2025. PSP can be confused with Parkinson's because the two share some similar symptoms. Jackson was hospitalized in November 2025 for observation of his PSP and was later discharged. "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world," read a statement from Jackson's family through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement "We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by." Contributing: USA TODAY, Kirsten Fiscus Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jesse Jackson death leaves Nashville legacy. What to know Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at age 84, is being remembered as "a role model for a generation," in the words of Marc Morial, the president of National Urban League, the civil rights organization that awarded Jackson a lifetime achievement award in 2018. "I'm remembering him as a role model for a generation of us who ran for office in the '90s," Morial told "CBS Mornings." "His presidential campaigns of '84 and '88 were influential in how he conducted a campaign to really bring people who were locked out and left out, people who were not registered, but also because he was one of the first to really advance this vision of a multi-racial American democracy and make it essential to his campaign." Jackson's family said he died peacefully, with his son, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, telling CBS Chicago that "my family was around his bedside." Jonathan Jackson described the atmosphere as"very intimate and personal, and family friends coming by, and an overwhelming amount of ministers who prayed for us, prayed with us." Advertisement Advertisement "Some people see a political figure, and I just know him as a person that never gave up on me," Rep. Jackson said. "I would tell people, just as a son speaking of a father, never give up on your children." Rev. Al Sharpton said on social media that Jackson had been a "mentor" to him, and said he had "prayed with his family" after Jackson's death. Sharpton called Jackson "a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world." (L-R) Martiin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton, Roslyn M. Brock, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. C.T. Vivian march in the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Freedom Walk June 22, 2013 in Detroit. / Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images "He told us we were somebody and made us believe," Sharpton wrote. "I will always cherish him taking me under his wing, and I will forever try to do my part to keep hope alive." Jackson won 18% of the vote in his 1984 Democratic run, and became the first Black American to be on the ballot in all 50 states. He had even greater success in 1988, when he won the Michigan caucuses and briefly had the lead among the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Morial said Jackson "paved the way for both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama" in leading the effort to "change the way that Democratic candidates were nominated." Morial added that Jackson "expanded the size of the DNC to bring others into the party's decision-making apparatus." Former President Barack Obama hailed Jackson for having "helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history." "Reverend Jackson also created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more, including us," Obama said in a statement. "Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons' kitchen table when she was a teenager. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land." Rev. Jesse Jackson has a word with Barack Obama, then a newly-elected senator from Illinois, after a Congressional Black Caucus ceremony on Jan. 4, 2005. / Credit: Tom Williams/Roll Call/Getty Images Former President Bill Clinton also shared a tribute to Jackson, saying they had been friends for 50 years after meeting at the 20th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Central High. Advertisement Advertisement Clinton noted many of Jackson's achievements in "working for a better America with brighter tomorrows," and said that "Hillary and I loved him very much." "Our hearts and prayers go out to Jackie, their children and grandchildren, and all the people across America and around the world who were inspired by his service to humanity," Clinton added. Historian Jon Meacham spoke about Jackson's campaigns on "CBS Mornings" as well, noting that they were a "vital part of the freedom struggle." He called Jackson "an enormously important figure" between the 1960s era of the civil rights movement and the Obama era. Advertisement Advertisement Former Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, described Jackson in a social media post as a "mentor" and said that his "presidential runs in 1984 and 1988 electrified millions of Americans and showed them what could be possible." "As a young law student, I would drive back and forth from Oakland, where I lived, to San Francisco, where I went to school," Harris said. "I had a bumper sticker in the back window of my car that read: 'Jesse Jackson for President.' As I would drive across the Bay Bridge, you would not believe how people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk of support. They were small interactions, but they exemplified Reverend Jackson's life work lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and coalitions, and strengthening our democracy and nation." Former Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison wrote in a Substack post that his "first real political memory was watching the 1988 Democratic National Convention with my grandfather," and that "until that moment, I had never seen someone who looked like me command a convention hall with more than a thousand delegates behind him." "Movements are not sustained only by victories," Harrison wrote. "They are sustained by expansions of belief. Reverend Jackson expanded what felt possible inside the Democratic Party and across the country." Advertisement Advertisement Other Democrats paid tribute to Jackson, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries honoring Jackson as a "legendary voice for the voiceless, powerful civil rights champion and trailblazer extraordinaire." Jackson, who had been a member of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s circle as a young man, helped lead Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Chicago chapter and spearheaded Operation Breadbasket, a community empowerment campaign with King's blessing. Jackson was with King in Memphis in 1968 when he was assassinated. Morial called Jackson "one of the final remaining links to the work of Dr. King," and said that Jakcson's "most important contribution was to bring, I think, the ethos of civil rights into mainstream American politics." Bernice King, King's daughter and the current CEO of the King Foundation, shared a photo on social media of Jackson and King together and wrote, "Both ancestors now..." Advertisement Advertisement "My family shares a long and meaningful history with him, rooted in a shared commitment to justice and love," King wrote. "As we grieve, we give thanks for a life that pushed hope into weary places. May we honor his legacy by widening opportunity, uplifting the vulnerable, and building the Beloved Community. I send my love and prayers to the Jackson family." Jesse Jackson with Dr Martin Luther King in 1966. / Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat from Georgia, wrote: "America has lost one of its great moral voices." "With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, Jesse Jackson reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice," said Warnock, who is the senior pastor of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, King's former congregation. "His ministry was poetry and spiritual power in the public square. He advanced King's dream and bent the arc of history closer to justice." Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted a photo on social media with Jackson and said they had shared a pulpit in 2016 at Sharon Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement "Rev. Jesse Jackson was a change maker, a boundary breaker, and a passionate and unrelenting crusader for civil rights, equality and opportunity," Shapiro wrote. "To be around him felt like you were experiencing history." Investigators reviewing retail sales records for clues in Nancy Guthrie case Investigators chase critical leads as Nancy Guthrie search enters third week Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dies at 95 The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation awarded $13,242 to seven local libraries, youth services and education organizations during its most recent grant cycle, according to a community announcement. The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation received $3,000 for Tackle the Trail, a fundraising event to support local students pursuing higher education. Slater Library in Jewett City received two grants: $1,000 for annual support and $950 to purchase sensory furniture for young special needs patrons. Advertisement Advertisement Other awards include $500 to Voluntown Public Library to purchase materials for a memory kit collection for patrons living with dementia, and $2,292 to Aldrich Free Public Library in Moosup to replace three computers for patron use. Slater Library representatives Mary Ann Manning (board grant coordinator), Becky Jusseaume (director), and Jan Demicco (board chairperson) in the children's section of the library. Griswold Middle School Parent Teacher Organization received $1,000 to support the purchase and installation of an industrial swing set at the Griswold Middle School playground. Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center in Putnam was awarded $2,000 to fund the Race4Chase youth triathlon program, and $2,500 was awarded to Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. in Putnam to expand the Positive Youth Development program. Investing in our local libraries, youth programs and educational organizations is an investment in our community. We are proud to help these organizations create more inclusive and educational opportunities for our neighbors. said Michael Alberts, president of the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million to local organizations since its first grants in 2004, according to the announcement. This year, the foundation awarded 80 grants totaling $136,672 to various community-focused organizations. Jewett City Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service offices in Jewett City, Brooklyn, Dayville, Pawcatuck, Plainfield, Preston and Putnam. The bank also offers online banking services at JCSBank.com. Established in 1873, the bank has provided financial services in eastern Connecticut for over 150 years. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@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 cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Grants boost Griswold, Jewett City youth and libraries across eastern CT William Stevenson (right) was charged with the first-degree murder of his wife Linda Stevenson (left) Jill Bidens ex-husband pleaded not guilty to killing his second wife in Delaware. William Stevenson, 77, was charged with first-degree murder on Feb 3 over the death of Linda Stevenson and has been held in custody on a $2m (1.4m) bail since. A state grand jury charged Mr Stevenson with killing his wife after she was found unresponsive at their home in Wilmington on Dec 28. He entered his plea via video link on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Police found Stevenson, 64, in the living room and failed in their attempt to revive her. A post mortem is being carried out to determine the cause of death. William Stevenson entered his plea via video link - New Castle County Police/REUTERS Stevenson ran a bookkeeping business and was described in her obituary as a family-oriented mother and grandmother and a Philadelphia Eagles fan. The obituary does not mention her husband but said she was survived by her daughter, granddaughter and sister. One hug from her and all your worries would disappear, her daughter, Christine Mae, wrote in a Facebook post. The pain of losing her is paralysing and the emptiness in my heart is an abyss. Advertisement Advertisement The couple had reportedly been married for 40 years and had one daughter together. Linda Stevenson was found dead in her living room on Dec 28 Mr Stevenson, a businessman, founded the Stone Balloon, a popular music venue in Newark, Delaware, in the early 1970s. The bar was popular with university students and musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Metallica and Dave Matthews performed there over the years until it closed in 2005, according to TMZ. He married the former first lady in 1970 when she was 18 and he was a 23-year-old student at the University of Delaware. But they divorced in 1975 after growing in different directions, Jill Biden later wrote in her memoir. Advertisement Advertisement She married Joe Biden in 1977. Joe and Jill Biden in 1988 - Steve Liss/Getty Images Mr Stevenson later reported feeling betrayed by the Bidens and claimed Mrs Biden cheated on him with the then-senator, something Mrs Bidens spokesman denied. He married his late wife about a decade after his divorce from Mrs Biden and told the Daily Mail she was the greatest thing in my life. His next court hearing is set for March 16. Mrs Bidens spokesman has said she has no comment on the Stevenson case. 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. NEED TO KNOW Bill Stevenson made his first court appearance via Zoom before Commissioner Lynne Parker in New Castle County, Delaware on Tuesday, Feb. 17 Dr. Jill Biden's ex-husband was indicted on Feb. 2 on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson Bill pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and his bail conditions remain in place Dr. Jill Biden's ex-husband Bill Stevenson pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, Feb. 17, during his virtual arraignment on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. Bill, 77, appeared via Zoom during a New Castle County Superior Court hearing in Delaware before Commissioner Lynne Parker. He is accused of "intentionally" causing Linda's death in December, according a grand jury indictment obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for Bill said, "Your Honor, we're going to enter a plea of not guilty. We're going to waive the reading of his charges, and we're going to request a speedy jury trial. His bail is already set." Commissioner Parker ordered Bill's bail conditions to remain in place and she did not set any further court dates at this time. He is currently being held in lieu of $500,000 bail, the New Castle County Police Department said in a press release. "Your bail and bail conditions have already been set and shall remain in place. This has been specially assigned to Judge Adams, and so she'll be setting the dates moving forward. Good luck to you, Mr. Stevenson. You'll hear from the court regarding your next date in due course," Commissioner Parker said. "Thank you, your Honor," Bill responded. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The correctional officer let Bill know the hearing was complete, to which Bill replied, "Okay, cool." Bill Stevenson mug shot. New Castle County Police Linda was 64 when she was found unresponsive by authorities at approximately 11:16 p.m. local time on Dec. 28, 2025, according to a press release shared by police at the time. Police "responded to a reported domestic dispute at a residence in the 1300 block of Idlewood Road in the community of Oak Hill." Advertisement Advertisement "Officers immediately administered life-saving measures; however, despite their efforts, Linda Stevenson was later pronounced deceased," the release stated. Linda's obituary, which says she "passed away unexpectedly" at the age of 64, notes that she was "preceded in death by her beloved parents Charles and Bernice Barnes," and adds, "She is survived by her daughter, Christina (Jeremy); her granddaughter, Ciara (Madison and Logan); her sister Cathy (Tom) Lancaster, nephew Jason and extended relatives." Bill Stevenson; Linda Stevenson. Newsmax; Legacy.com While the obituary lists her survivors, family and friends, it does not mention her husband. At the time it was published, that omission drew questions from members of the public. One Facebook friend of Bills previously questioned why his name was omitted as a spouse in the obituary. Advertisement Advertisement "Bill, your wife's obituary is in the paper and you are not listed anywhere as her husband or your name is not listed," a woman wrote on Jan. 14. "Is there a reason for this or a misprint?" That social media post, which was viewed by PEOPLE, is no longer visible; it is unclear who deleted it or when. Two weeks later, Bill was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with Linda's death and taken into custody without incident on Feb. 2. Bill and Biden met in college at the University of Delaware and got married in 1970, when Jill was 18 years old. However, they got divorced five years later. She would go on to marry then-Sen. Joe Biden, who became the 46th president of the United States in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Years earlier, Bill spoke publicly about his relationship with Linda while discussing the dissolution of his prior marriage to Jill. As PEOPLE previously reported, Bill once described Linda as the greatest thing in my life." While reflecting on his divorce in 2020 interviews, Bill publicly questioned the Bidens account of when their relationship began; he has remained a vocal critic of the Bidens in the years since. Still, he said that he does not regret how his life unfolded, because it led him to Linda. In a 2020 interview with Daily Mail, Bill said he was not bitter about the end of his marriage to Jill. Advertisement Advertisement Im not bitter," Bill told the outlet. "Because, if it wasn't for my divorce, I would never have met my wife Linda and she's the greatest thing in my life." Read the original article on People If you are running for public office, reaching younger voters through a popular online platform has become a must-do for candidates. While he has yet to make a decision about reelection, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared on a livestream with a controversial figure. Hasan Piker, also known by the online name HasanAbi, appeared with Johnson in Los Angeles. The streamer has become one of the biggest voices of the far left. Piker debated the late Charlie Kirk several times. Advertisement Advertisement But Piker's livestream with Johnson was anything but a debate. It was more of a discussion about the mayor's progressive agenda and the people trying to derail it. "There's been a massive amount of money to interrupt our overall agenda," Johnson said. Johnson blamed the corporate media and certain Democrats for being influenced by corporate money, including the 30 Chicago City Council members who shot down the corporate head tax. As he has done several times, Johnson took aim at Chicago Democratic donor Michael Sacks and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In addition, there was a slight dig at former President Barack Obama. Advertisement Advertisement "The Emanuel administration embodied the 1% of society," Johnson said. "The Obama administration as well," Piker said. "Oh, absolutely. This might be a good time to just insert a 'Thank you, Obama' if we are going to criticize him," Johnson said. Piker is a self-proclaimed anti-imperialist Marxist who has been accused of being antisemitic. Political analysts doubt the mayor's appearance will help his reelection efforts if the mayor chooses to run again. "He's got problems with his own base. He's got the challenge of reaching out to people who don't necessarily agree with his politics, and this is just moving him further away from that," said ABC7 political analyst Laura Washington. Advertisement Advertisement The conversation with Piker lasted more than 35 minutes. Political experts say it is plenty of material that could backfire during mayoral election season. "Doing a long-form interview with a controversial host is a gamble. It leaves a trail of receipts. And when you have a half-hour or 60 minutes of content, you are giving your opponents a lot to work with," said Aviva Bowen with The Strategy Group. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Bond was not set for the man accused of killing a Savannah teacher while fleeing from Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) in court Tuesday. A source told WSAV that Oscar Vasquez-Lopez had his first court appearance virtually Tuesday afternoon. According to a Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) spokesperson, Linda Davis was killed in the crash that happened before 7:45 a.m. Monday on Whitefield Avenue at the Truman Parkway intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Vasquez-Lopez, 38, was fleeing from ICE officers, made an illegal U-turn and ran a red light when he hit Daviss car. According to a DHS spokesperson, Vasquez-Lopez is from Guatemala and was issued a final order of removal in 2024, though its unclear when or how he entered the U.S. Vasquez-Lopezs defense said ICE was a running paramilitary unit, according to a source inside the courtroom. The judge ultimately did not to set bond. Vasquez-Lopez is charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, driving without a valid license and failure to obey a traffic control device. A White House spokesperson released a statement Tuesday evening on his arrest: Yesterday, an elementary school teacher in Savannah, Georgia, had her life cut short due to the reckless actions of an illegal alien. Advertisement Advertisement Oscar Vasquez Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, has been charged with vehicular homicide. He should have NEVER been here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. The camera crew filmed the motionless vehicle after it reportedly bypassed squad cars and police officers before stopping in the middle of a crime scene. A policeman can be seen in the front seat attempting to move the vehicle out of the way. A local television news station that has been covering Waymo's failure to stop at school buses with their stop signs deployed just happened to be on the scene filming the police standoff with an armed suspect, who had fired at law enforcement, grazing one in the head. Last week, a driverless Waymo vehicle with a passenger in the back drove into the middle of an active police scene before stopping in Atlanta, Georgia. But as any decacorn (extremely high-worth company) can attest , more money often brings more problems. Earlier this month, Waymo had a lot to celebrate after raising $16 billion at a $126 billion post-money valuation. About a year and a half prior, Waymo's 2024 series C round raised $5.6 billion at a $45 billion valuation. Currently, Waymo is the company best positioned to lead the world into that Garden of Eden. Still, last week, one of its taxis was caught on camera putting a passenger directly in danger for the second time in just a few months. Even based on this incomplete data, it's clear that eliminating drunken driving would significantly improve road safety. And clearing the roads of people whose driving ability is impaired for other reasons puts us well on our way to a transportation utopia. Half of U.S. states reported blood alcohol concentration for at least 70% of fatally injured passenger-vehicle drivers in 2023, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Among these states, Hawaii had the highest estimated percentage of fatally injured drivers with BACs of 0.08% or higher (51%), while West Virginia had the lowest (17%). Spun out from Alphabet as a separate subsidiary in 2016. Passed the first U.S. state self-driving test in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2012,reported IEEE Spectrum . Waymo One available 24/7 to customers in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area, as of July 2025. According to the companies building it, autonomous vehicle technology promises the world safer streets and fewer accidents. Autonomous driving looks like the wave of the future, but industry-leading companies like Waymo need to work out the kinks if they want the general public to trust them. Story Continues "While navigating the parking lot, we entered an unsecured, not-taped-off lane (to the left of your video framing) before coming to a stop. As our protocols are designed and we've trained first responders to do, a police officer disengaged the vehicle, and our roadside assistance team retrieved it," Waymo said in a statement to 11Alive. Meanwhile, when asked about the standard protocol for Atlanta police in a situation like this, the police department gave the news channel the runaround, telling them to check a website that didn't have any relevant information. 11Alive has since filed an open records request seeking more information. This situation is eerily similar to one that happened in Los Angeles just weeks prior. Waymo drives through, then parks in an active police scene in Los Angeles In December, a viral video on social media shows a Waymo vehicle turning left onto a major avenue in Los Angeles. There is no oncoming traffic while the vehicle makes a left turn because a wall of police cars blocks the traffic coming from the opposite direction. The police cars are empty as the police are all outside of their vehicles, pointing their guns at the driver of another car, who is lying face-first on the ground. Related: Waymo investigation could stop autonomous driving in its tracks A police helicopter searchlight follows the Waymo as it slowly traverses the intersection, putting the vehicle directly in the polices line of fire. Even the suspect on the ground seems confused by the car driving in front of him. But that issue pales in comparison to the one that caused Waymo to recall 2,000 vehicles in December. In November, the Austin Independent School District noticed a disturbing trend: Waymo vehicles were not stopping for school buses that had their crossing guard and stop sign deployed. Waymo robotaxis had been illegally driving past city school buses an average of 1.5 times per week during the school year. The Austin ISD initially attempted to address the matter privately, sending a letter to Waymo regarding the violations. The company assured school officials that a software patch had fixed the issue, but five more violations occurred in just the two weeks after Waymo claimed the problem was resolved. On Dec. 1, after Waymo received its 20th citation from Austin ISD this school year, Austin ISD released the video of the previous infractions to the public. On Dec. 5, Waymo announced that it will file for a voluntary recall early next week to address the issue. At the time, the company said it had identified the issue that caused the violations. The company also said it believes the software updates it implemented by November 17 have meaningfully improved performance to a level better than human drivers in this important area. But this wasnt the first time Waymo faced scrutiny for this issue. The NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation in October to investigate an estimated 2,000 Waymo 5th-gen automated driving system-equipped vehicles, following a Georgia media report that revealed the same school bus violation. The agency then opened another investigation following the Austin ISDs actions. Were incredibly proud of our safety record, which shows Waymo is helping make roads safer where we operate, Waymo spokesperson Julia Ilina told TheStreet. We are committed to constantly improving, partnering closely with the local communities we serve, and working with leaders across the country to make transportation safer and more accessible for all. Waymo did not return a request for comment for this story. Waymo admits that its fatal crash data are incomplete Waymos safety data show that its vehicles are significantly safer than human drivers, but the closer you look at the data, the less convincing they become. Waymo says that, compared to those with human drivers, its autonomous vehicles have been involved in 90% fewer crashes resulting in serious injuries. But one researcher says that while Waymo can fall back on that number, the vehicle still struggles with basic situations that most humans wouldn't find challenging at all, such as stopping for a school bus and avoiding police shootouts. In like 95% of situations where a disengagement or accident happens with autonomous vehicles, its a very regular, routine situation for humans, Henry Liu, professor of engineering at the University of Michigan, said recently. These are not challenging situations whatsoever. We have seen many reports from autonomous vehicle developers, and it looks like the numbers are very good and promising, Liu said. But I havent seen any unbiased, transparent analysis on autonomous vehicle safety. We dont have the raw data. Even Waymo's data are suspect, according to Liu. Waymo vehicles primarily drive on urban streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Its not really fair to compare that with human driving, according to Liu. Waymo ostensibly agrees with Liu, to an extent. Waymo is already improving road safety in the cities where we operate, achieving more than a tenfold reduction in serious injury or worse crashes, Trent Victor, Waymos director of safety research and best practices, recently told Bloomberg. Waymo has driven approximately 127 million miles across its fleet and has been involved in at least two fatal crashes, MSN reported. However, the autonomous vehicle was not directly found responsible for either of them. The problem is that this actually represents a higher death-per-mile rate than that of average American drivers, who travel about 123 million miles for every fatality, according to the IIHS. Victor acknowledged that there is not yet sufficient mileage to make statistical conclusions about fatal crashes alone, adding that as we accumulate more mileage, it will become possible to make statistically significant conclusions on other subsets of data, including fatal crashes as its own category. After consistently declining for 30 years, roadway fatalities in the U.S. have risen over the past decade. Fatalities jumped to nearly 35,000 in 2015, an 8% increase from the year prior, and rose another 6.5% the following year, according to U.S. Transportation Department data. Fatalities peaked in 2021 at 43,230, representing a 10.8% year-over-year increase from the previous year. Related: Despite recall, Waymo can't seem to fix this dangerous issue This story was originally published by TheStreet on Feb 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Technology section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A judge declined Feb. 17 to temporarily block a Tennessee law that allows police officers to arrest someone who approaches them within 25 feet after theyve been ordered to stop. The decision came in response to a challenge to the law from a coalition of news organizations, including The Tennesseans parent company Gannett, now USA TODAY Co. The ruling does not resolve the underlying legal challenge, and the lawsuit will continue as the court considers the case on its merits. The statute gives law enforcement the authority to order people to stay at least 25 feet away if the officer is conducting a traffic stop, is actively investigating a crime or there is an ongoing and immediate threat to public safety. If that person approaches or the officer or does not retreat, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge William Campbell denied the media organizations request for a preliminary injunction after hearing arguments from attorneys Feb. 17, determining that the organizations had not shown a risk of immediate and irreparable injury from the laws enforcement. The lawsuit challenging the statute, which took effect July 1, 2025, remains ongoing. The case still has to be argued on the merits. A preliminary injunction would have temporarily blocked the law while the lawsuit proceeded. The Fred D. Thompson United States Courthouse and Federal Building Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Gannett, Gray Local Media, the Nashville Banner, Nexstar Media Group, Scripps Media, States Newsroom and TEGNA, Inc., which together operate more than 20 media outlets in Tennessee, sued Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk and Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake in July. The companies argued that forcing reporters to stay 25 feet away from law enforcement could interfere with their ability to gather the news, in violation of the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Paul McAdoo, representing the outlets, argued at the Feb. 17 hearing that the law gave police officers "unbridled discretion," making it unconstitutionally vague. The outlets did not provide examples to the court of law enforcement using the law against their employees, but several journalists filed declarations explaining how the law will likely deter their newsgathering efforts. Zachary Barker, an attorney in the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, argued the media plaintiffs should not get an injunction based on what he called "completely speculative circumstances." Campbell, a Trump appointee, told McAdoo to keep him informed if the law is used against journalists who work for the media outlets he represents. "If the circumstances change, let me know," Campbell said. Advertisement Advertisement Nashville police are not enforcing the law while the litigation is ongoing. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Judge declines to block Tennessees police buffer zone law TOPEKA A Kansas House committee offered bipartisan support for legislation authorizing a protest-petition option for taxpayers eager to block city or county property tax increases that pushed revenue more than 3% above the previous years total. A key amendment approved Monday by the House Taxation Committee deleted from House Bill 2745 provisions for relying on special public votes an idea sharply opposed by cities to resolve objections to property tax growth above the threshold. In the bill sent to the full House, the election option was replaced by a protest-petition process for contesting property tax revenue growth over the artificial cap. The bill would require petition signatures from 10% of those voting in the previous presidential election to prevent local property tax revenue growth from exceeding 3%, excluding revenue collections tied to new construction or building improvements. Advertisement Advertisement The whole point of people yelling at us and wanting us to get our taxes in line is because they dont want them to grow over 3%, said Rep. Dawn Wolf, R-Bennington. Democratic Rep. Rui Xu of Westwood said he didnt like the bills election format for challenging property tax increases, and also was convinced the proposed petition-signature bar of 10% was far too low. The Johnson County representative, who serves parts of eight cities, offered an unsuccessful amendment to set the petition metric at 20%. In many cities the size of mine, you will always find 10% of people who will vote against the city budget, Xu said. The House bill was altered to include a series of exemptions for property taxes related to economic development programs. The idea was to make certain municipal debt was paid and expiring incentives were dealt with cleanly, said Rep. Robyn Essex, R-Olathe. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would distribute $60 million annually in state funding to cities and counties based on actions limiting property tax increases. The size of the state fund would grow 2% annually. The House committee rejected an attempt to preserve an existing state law intended to encourage local government officials to hold property tax revenue at the previous years level. Under current statute, cities or counties must conduct public hearings and take a recorded vote when acting to boost property tax mill levy rates over a revenue neutral level. In addition, the House committee defeated a motion presented by Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, R-Edwardsville, to apply provisions of the property tax bill to the state government and public school districts. I just have concerns how this is going to screw up the school finance formula, said Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita. Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Eberline, executive director of the League of Kansas Municipalities, says the House plan will destabilize municipal finances. He is seen here at a Dec. 17, 2025, recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector) Skeptics On Friday, the House committee convened a public hearing in which proponents and opponents of property tax reform shared their insights on the bill. Nathan Eberline, executive director of the League of Kansas Municipalities, said he understood legislative leaders wanted to make a priority of property tax relief during the 2026 session. However, he said, HB 2745 was not a workable and responsible solution. The bill weakens local accountability, destabilizes municipal finance, increases taxpayer costs and fails to address the primary drivers of rising property tax bills, he said. Alan Dinkel, interim administrator of Ellsworth, said many cities in Kansas relied on property taxes to fund streets, police and fire protection, as well as parks and recreation services. He said the House bill was an overreach by the state into affairs of local government. Advertisement Advertisement Exempting school districts and the state is a clear indication that the Legislature was unwilling to follow the rules regarding taxation and budgeting that they are asking cities to follow, he said. Simply, each city needs to determine their future and not be limited by the Legislature. The Johnson County cities of Mission, Merriam, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, and Westwood Hills opposed the bill. The five cities also objected to the idea since removed from the House bill of placing property tax decisions before voters. Jason Hannaman, finance director for Prairie Village, said application of a rigid revenue cap on local governments wouldnt reflect real cost growth. It would force cities to cut services and defer infrastructure and wouldnt take into account escalation in wages, health care benefits and utility costs, he said. HB 2745 replaces local accountability with a blunt statewide formula that does not reflect how communities actually function, Hannaman said. It adds complexity, cost and uncertainty while undermining responsible financial planning. Advertisement Advertisement David Dillner, city manager for El Dorado, said elected city or county officials were held accountable for decisions about property taxes at the ballot box. The election of local officials was one of the clearest lines of accountability in a representative democracy, he said. It is interesting, however, that nearly every election in my tenure with the city of El Dorado has largely been uncontested despite increases to the amount of property taxes collected to support local services, he said. The advocates Aaron Popelka, an attorney and lobbyist at the Kansas Livestock Association, said the trade group supported HB 2745 because it would impose limits on property tax increases and, in its original form, included a process whereby local voters could decide whether local governments needed an increase in property tax revenue above 3%. He said KLA supported greater reliance on income taxes and other non-property tax sources to fund government. Advertisement Advertisement The rising cost of living remained a top concern among Kansas families and steps by the Legislature to moderate local property taxes could relieve anxiety in communities statewide, said Nathan Kessler, an economist at Kansas Action for Children. John Donley, a representative of Kansas Farm Bureau, said the state should pursue ways of moderating property taxes that werent detrimental to production agriculture. KFB feels that HB 2745 provides the proper policy incentives to encourage local taxing jurisdictions to be fiscally responsible. In turn, this will provide property tax relief in the long term, Donley said. TOPEKA Five people walked through the Kansas Capitol on Monday shrouded in long, red cloaks and with faces concealed from view by wing-like white bonnets. The intent was to catch the attention of legislators and lobbyists, who complied with puzzled looks as they tried to comprehend the scene. Why the outfits? Were they part of a cult? Might they be nuns? What do they want? Could they be dangerous? Advertisement Advertisement Christy Allen, among the women dressed as characters from the dystopian novel and TV series The Handmaids Tale, said the group chose the distinctive wardrobe to emphasize frustration with the direction of state government in Kansas and Missouri as well as the dismantling of political norms by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. Allen and her peers carried small cloth signs that summarized their message to politicians. It said, simply: Shame. They were told they would be asked to leave if they displayed the signs inside the Kansas Senate chamber. Im tired of people putting party over people, Allen said. I feel with the erosion of all peoples rights, the United States becomes a theocracy. Our uniform, and it is a uniform, and we are an army, stands for the subjugation of all peoples rights, and thats whats happening with the hypocrisy right now. Its carrying over into Kansas. We are free staters, right, and we should stick with that. The 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and a more recent TV series based on the book described a world where fertility rates plunged and fertile women were enslaved to bear children for the ruling class. Civil war in the United States produced a totalitarian, Christian form of government led by power-hungry leaders who relied on a divine law to control women. In the Handmaid world, female residents were forced to survive under laws forbidding them from owning property, handling money or reading and writing. Advertisement Advertisement Angela Korbin, another member of the Handmaid group, said she was in Topeka to protest how democracy was under attack for the benefit of white, evangelical men. I want people to know that womens rights are trans rights and trans rights are human rights, she said. She was referencing Senate Bill 244, an anti-transgender bill passed by the Republican-led House and Senate but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Under the legislation, Kansans using public restrooms would be required to make use of facilities aligned with their sex declaration at birth rather than respect a persons gender identity. It would establish a mechanism for people who claimed they were offended to seek $1,000 bounties from violators of the law. Government agencies not in compliance could be hit with a $25,000 fine on a first offense or $125,000 fines for subsequent incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Its punitive, Allen said. Actions say a lot. The Handmaid contingent also voiced objections to public policy decisions in Kansas on immigration, health care, education and elections. Doug McGaw, of Emporia, sits during a Feb. 16, 2026, protest outside the Capitol. The Vietnam veteran says he wont follow orders of a felon, insurrectionist or traitor regardless of the individuals official position. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) The outsiders Outside the Capitol on Monday, a couple hundred people with colorful signs and flags conducted a protest on Presidents Day that was labeled Not My President. It was organized by Kansas 50501, which promotes nonviolent protests in Topeka that build relationships among people eager to defend the Constitution, respect coequal branches of government and deliver on the promise of equal rights for all. Much of the anger on the south steps of the Statehouse centered Trumps alleged campaign to violate rights of Americans by directing federal agents to, organizers said, kill us. Advertisement Advertisement Teresa Gorby of Ottawa was on hand with a sign that declared Stop ICE Now. Im here for my country, she said. We need funding for health care, things that help our people not rich guys. Topeka residents Duane and Kathy Dahm carried signs that urged people to respect the Constitution and to remind people that silence kills democracy. Were just tired and fed up with everything thats going on, Duane Dahm said. All the illegal stuff (Trumps) doing. Other signs registered other concerns: Were not being governed, were being lied and looted, No dictator, no crown. We the people wont kneel down and The darkness has got to give. Advertisement Advertisement Doug McGaw, a Vietnam veteran who earned a Purple Heart and taught at Emporia State University, said the people had to compel the three branches of the federal government to bring order to chaos. We have a corrupt government that will not obey the law, he said. We need to stiffen the spine of people who are responsible for our laws and justice system. Kendall County officials are investigating after a 14-year-old girl was shot in an unincorporated Oswego Township home and a man was found dead there, officials said. Chicago police notified the Kendall County Sheriff's Office that the girl had been treated and released at a Chicago-area hospital for a gunshot wound to her leg. She had been shot at a home at 5 Palomino Lane between 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday, police said. Kendall County sheriff's deputies searched the home, and found a dead 22-year-old man, who had been shot multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement He has not yet been identified. Investigators have identified a potential person of interest, who has been detained and is currently in custody; however, charges have not been filed, police said. Nancy Guthrie live updates: Savannah sends message to abductor, 'do the right thing' The incident appears targeted, and there is no threat to the greater community, police said. Police believe the shots were fired from outside the home. The girl is from Chicago, a Kendall County spokesperson said. It appears the shooting might be tied to a Valentine's Day party at the home Saturday night. There was a ticketed event starting at 11 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors said the property was the site of frequent large-scale parties. ABC7 Chicago contacted the phone number associated with the Valentine's Day party. A text message response said, "Some teenagers arrived in a black car that arrived armed and started a discussion between them. The truth. We don't know about the people who shot. They weren't invited." Police said they have had several prior calls for noise and complaints tied to the property. The Kendall County Sheriff's Office is working with the Kendall County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kendall County Coroner's Office on the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement They were on the scene until Monday afternoon. Anyone who has information or video related to the incident is asked to call 630-381-9TIP or email detectives@kendallcountyil.gov or tips@kendallcountyil.gov. Anonymous tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at (630) 553-5999. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Feb. 17 that his office had appealed a sentence imposed by a Jefferson County judge to the state Supreme Court, calling it an unlawful abuse of judicial discretion. Earlier this month, Circuit Court Judge Tracy Davis sentenced Christopher Earl Thompson to 30 years rather than the jurys recommended 65 years a decision that outraged local Republicans, who held a news conference denouncing it. Jurors found that Thompson, wearing a ski mask and armed with a gun, forced his way into a womans car in July 2023 and made her perform oral sex on him twice. Between the sexual assaults, he forced her to drive to an ATM and withdraw money, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Coleman is appealing the sentence in conjunction with Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerina Whethers to give the victim and her family the justice the jury recommended and that they deserve, he said. In our system of justice, we respect the jurys voice as representatives of the community, Coleman said in a news release. Unfortunately, the trial judge disregarded the jurys recommendation and gave a sentence that does not at all reflect the gravity of the crimes or the harm to the victim and her family. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman speaks with Courier Journal reporter Lucas Aulbach during a year-end interview in Frankfort, Ky., on Dec. 17, 2025. At a Feb. 2 sentencing hearing, Davis said she believed the jurys recommended sentence was excessive and left no room for the 23-year-old's rehabilitation. Davis said Thompson had fallen through the cracks and, given the resources, could be rehabilitated. That contention was criticized by Metro Council Republicans, who, during a Feb. 9 news conference, pointed to how Thompson, at the time of the offense, was on probation and enrolled in a diversion program for possessing a stolen firearm and fleeing from officers. Advertisement Advertisement They also said Thompson showed no respect for Davis or the female prosecutor handling the case during and after the trial. Thompson told the prosecutor he would see her in 20 years and called her a b****, told Davis to eat his d*** multiple times, and said, If I could spit on you, I would. During sentencing, he repeatedly interrupted Davis as she explained her reasoning for imposing a lower sentence. Davis claimed that Thompson had never received mental health treatment or anger management counseling. For his courtroom outbursts, Davis found Thompson in contempt of court and added a little more than four and a half years to his sentence. Kentucky is one of the few states where juries recommend sentences in criminal cases. Judges have the final say, but departures from jury recommendations are uncommon. Advertisement Advertisement In the news release, Whethers said the decision to appeal Davis sentence is not about personal disagreement, but about standing with victims and ensuring their voices are heard. She said her office had met with the victim and her family, and that they had made it clear they wanted to move forward with further legal action. Their strength and courage deserve our continued effort. We owe it to them and to the community we serve to carefully examine every available option and pursue the best possible outcome, Whethers said. That commitment remains unwavering. A spokesperson for Jefferson County Circuit Court said in a statement that trial judges not only expect, but welcome appellate review of their decisions. Advertisement Advertisement "The appeals process is an integral part of the due process of law. Decisions made at the appellate level inform decisions made at the trial level," the spokesperson said. In the wake of Davis' decision, Minority Caucus Chair Anthony Piagentini said Louisville Republicans plan to publicize Davis record for voters to scrutinize. They said records show Davis has granted shock probation more than any other Jefferson County judge between Jan. 1, 2023, and August 2025, approving 40 of 44 requests. Shock probation, a program that's come under fire from local Republicans, allows Kentucky to suspend a sentence after a defendant has served a portion of their prison term. Voters narrowly elected Davis to the bench in 2022, choosing her over Mary Shaw, who signed the warrant for the police search in which Breonna Taylor was killed. Her term is up in 2031. Advertisement Advertisement Under his current sentence, Thompson will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years, court officials say. He faces a separate assault charge for allegedly putting a corrections officer in a headlock at Louisvilles jail in December. He is due in court in March in that case. Monroe Trombly covers public safety. He can be reached at mtrombly@gannett.com. His X handle is @MonroeTrombly. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky AG appeals judge's reduced sentence in sexual assault case On May 19, about 1 in 10 registered Kentucky voters will not be eligible to cast a ballot in the states partisan primaries because they are not Republicans or Democrats. Kentucky is one of eight states in the nation that have closed primaries, or primaries that allow only registered members of the Republican and Democratic parties to cast ballots in those parties primaries. Still, Kentuckians in increasing numbers have been registering as independent or third party in recent years. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, left, and House Speaker David Osborne conferred during the State of the Commonwealth address in the House chambers on Jan. 3, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Some elected officials, including Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams, have voiced support for opening the states primaries. However, Kentuckys top GOP legislative leaders Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker David Osborne said last week that they would oppose opening primaries. Advertisement Advertisement Theres too many shenanigans and too many other things that can happen, Stivers told reporters. He argued that all Kentucky voters have the ability to choose a party when they register and was wary of members of an opposing party trying to influence the outcome of the others primary. If you want to vote in a primary, choose your party, Stivers said. Everybody will get to vote in the fall. Osborne said that House Republicans have discussed the idea from time to time, but I think anything that would be a truly open primary would be a non-starter. I have always believed that parties should pick their own nominee, so somebody would have to convince me, but I would love a way to find, especially in primaries, a way to generate more voter participation, Osborne said. Republicans hold most statewide offices and supermajorities in the state House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Increasingly, primary elections decide future office holders. Sixty-one of the 119 General Assembly seats on the ballot this year will have uncontested general elections in the fall, meaning winners will be decided in May. We select so many ultimate office holders in primaries, and yet, there are places in this state that will turn out, eight, nine, 10%, and thats not a good representation of the electorate, Osborne said. Republican Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams at the State of the Commonwealth address, Jan. 7, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Adams told the Lantern hes supported the idea of opening primaries for a few years because it makes a lot of sense on a few levels. Independent voters are the fastest growing voter bloc in the state, he said. The form of open primaries Adams backs lets independent voters choose which primary they want to vote in, which, he says, encourages the top two political parties to court independents instead of just responding to the most zealous parts of their base. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre taxpayers. Theyre voters. They have every right to vote, and its unfair, I think, to them to tax them to pay for the elections and then not let them vote, especially as the primaries become more and more important, Adams said. Increasingly because of political polarization, rural areas are getting more Republican and urban areas are getting more Democratic, and the primary becomes the general. One idea from a lawmaker One Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Adam Moore, of Lexington, is working on legislation that would introduce inclusive primaries in Kentucky. His proposal would open primaries to registered independent and third-party voters if multiple candidates of the same party are running and there is no opposing party candidate in the general election. Its a foot in the door to make sure that when the primary election becomes the general election that independents and third-party voters get to have their say, Moore said. As for opening primaries in general, Moore said he was open to the idea of it, but its not a hill Im going to die on one way or another. Advertisement Advertisement My biggest thing is allowing those independents and third-party voters to have a say at some point in the electoral cycle, he said. And right now, when you just have multiple people in one primary only, then those voters have zero say that entire electoral cycle. Moore said hes talked to a few county clerks about the idea, as well as Adams. Asked about Moores proposal, Adams said that he was not at a point where he could endorse Moores bill, but had advised the lawmaker to make it simple to get it across the finish line and to find a GOP co-sponsor. If lawmakers are not comfortable at present with changing the law, Adams suggested making it optional for parties to have open primaries. The National Conference of State Legislatures calls that a partially closed primary, and it can be found in nine states, including Kentucky neighbor West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement That encourages the parties to want to court the independents, but it doesnt force it on a party. That might be the kind of half measure thats necessary to get this across the line, Adams said. However, Adams is not optimistic that any of this could change by the upcoming May primary. It would be a major undertaking not just for the legislative process, but election officials who will have to run that election, he added. Rep. Adam Moore, D-Lexington, sorts through bills Tuesday during the opening session of the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly. (LRC Public Information) What others are saying Former Democratic state Treasurer Jonathan Miller told the Lantern he was open to Moores idea, but hes also for letting voters choose their primary when they go to the ballot box. He said a current issue facing voters is gerrymandered districts, where only one party can win. In closed primaries, voters tend to pick more radical candidates as the winners. Miller said that while opening primaries would benefit Democrats it also would benefit mainstream conservative Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement This would enable the election of more people who are reflective of what would be the center of the Republican Party, as opposed to the far right of the Republican Party, Miller said. Others disagree. Former Republican Party of Kentucky spokesman Tres Watson said that if voters have an interest in voting in a partys primary, they should change their registration. I dont think that we would let the University of Louisville pick the starters for the University of Kentucky in the UK-UofL game, Watson said. And I dont think that we should allow members who choose not to associate with a political party choose that partys nominees for office. In the past, independents were voters who thought the two major parties didnt go far enough with their beliefs, Watson said, and now they are typically more in the political center. Advertisement Advertisement And thats the wrong tactic to take, he said. If youre frustrated with the direction of your party, get more active in primaries. Joshua A. Douglas, an election law expert and University of Kentucky professor, said there is literally no evidence that party raiding, or the idea that one opposing political party will direct voters to vote in the others primary, actually happens. It would require a lot of coordination, he added. In general though, closed primaries mean independent voters cant participate in elections. Because of partisan gerrymandering, in many places, the primary is the only game in town, and so therefore having closed primaries means that many voters are shut out of the only election that actually matters, Douglas said. Styles of open primaries The National Conference of State Legislatures says eight states, including Kentucky, have closed primaries. Thats where voters must be registered with a political party to vote in their primary. The other states that have that primary style are Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wyoming. Advertisement Advertisement Another kind of primary is a partially closed primary, which allows the political parties to choose if unaffiliated voters can participate in their primaries. Nine states do that. Five states have a partially open primary, where primary voters can vote in a partys primary, but their ballot choice could be a registering with that party. Eight states have primaries that are open to unaffiliated voters. In that style, unaffiliated voters can participate in a primary of their choosing, but they do not have to register with that party. Fifteen states have an open primary, including states such as Texas, Minnesota and Virginia. In that style, voters choose a partys ballot, but that decision is private and does not register them with the party. A security guard reported a suspect attempting to enter the mall. Officers from the Sharon area responded quickly, apprehending the Gaza resident, who was in Israel illegally. Kfar Saba police arrested a Gaza resident, a released terrorist from the Schalit deal, at the entrance to the G Mall Kfar Saba last week, police said. A local man driving the suspect was also taken into custody. The prisoner exchange that secured the return ofGilad Schalit took place in 2011. According to the deal, 1,027 Palestinian prisoners were released, including former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Advertisement Advertisement According to the police, a security guard reported a suspect attempting to enter the mall last week. Officers from the Sharon area responded quickly, apprehending theGaza resident, who was in Israel illegally. Investigators later detained the driver, aKfar Saba resident in his 50s, after further investigation. Both men were indicted after a comprehensive investigation, and authorities requested that their detention be extended until legal proceedings are completed, police added. Israel Police officer in a police car (credit: FLASH90) Israel police press serious charges, request suspects remain jailed The Central District Police Prosecution filed serious charges against both individuals and requested that they remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, the police spokesperson said. The Israel Police added that it will continue to take action against offenses related to the transport, harboring, or employment of illegal residents. Police in Camden County say they broke up a suspected drug operation and seized a large stash of illegal drugs and firearms during a raid on February 12. On Thursday morning, police from several local agencies raided a house on West Lilly Street. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Officers say they stopped John Braxton, the main person they were investigating, as he left the house. At the same time, other officers went inside to search the home. Advertisement Advertisement Inside, officers reported finding cocaine, meth, fentanyl pills, MDMA, and marijuana, along with drug packaging supplies and glassware. Five guns were also recovered, including rifles with suppressors and several handguns. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators say none of the guns were reported stolen. A vehicle linked to the case was also taken away. The home is near a childcare center and a private academy, which means tougher charges under Georgia law. Braxton was arrested and faces multiple drug and firearm charges, police said. [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. LIMA, Peru (AP) Perus Congress on Tuesday voted to remove interim President Jose Jeri from office, triggering fresh political instability weeks before a presidential election. Jeri was Perus seventh president in less than a decade, and will now be replaced by a member of Congress, who will be expected to lead the country during the April 12 election and until the newly elected president is sworn in on July 28. How Jose Jeri became Perus president Jeri, a 39-year-old lawyer, was elected to Perus Congress in 2021 for Somos Peru, a small conservative party. He was the head of Perus Congress in October, when lawmakers voted to remove then President Dina Boluarte from office as the nation faced increasing rates of violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Following Boluartes removal, Jeri was elected by his peers as the nations interim president, with the expectation that he would stay in office until July, when a new presidential term begins. But his mandate was cut short as corruption allegations surfaced against him and Congress grew impatient with his leadership. T he charges against Jeri Jeri is facing a preliminary investigation for corruption and influence peddling launched by Perus Attorney Generals office earlier this year. The charges stem from a series of undisclosed meetings with two Chinese businessmen in December. One of those businessmen holds active government contracts, while the other is under investigation for alleged involvement in an illegal logging operation. Jeri has denied wrongdoing. He said he met the executives to organize a Peruvian-Chinese festivity, but his opponents have accused him of corruption. Advertisement Advertisement While Jeri still hasnt been found guilty of corruption, his former colleagues in Congress cited the allegations as one of the reasons to remove him, arguing that Jeri had become unfit to execute his presidential duties. Frequent removals A clause in Perus constitution enables legislators to remove presidents who are found to be morally incapable of conducting their duties. This clause has given legislators great leverage over Perus executive branch, which has also struggled in recent years to build congressional majorities. The moral incapacity clause has been interpreted widely by legislators who have used it, along with corruption allegations, to remove presidents that no longer suit the interests of the nations political parties. Advertisement Advertisement Peru has had seven presidents over the past decade with only two of those elected by a popular vote. The others have been vice presidents who have stepped in for deposed presidents, and members of Congress who have been selected by their peers to lead the South American nation. Impact of this revolving door Despite the revolving door of presidents, Perus economy has been stable over the past decade, with governments sticking to orthodox economic policies that include modest fiscal spending. The South American nation had a public debt to gross domestic product ratio of 32% in 2024, one of the lowest in Latin America, and has welcomed foreign investment in sectors like mining and infrastructure. However, observers have noted that the nations increasingly powerful Congress has also passed legislation in recent years that threatens the independence of Perus judiciary. What happens next Legislators will convene Wednesday night to elect a new interim president. Four candidates have been nominated by coalitions within the congress that span the ideological spectrum. Advertisement Advertisement Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a conservative businessman and former mayor of Lima is currently leading a crowded field of candidates that also includes former legislator Keiko Fujimori, a three-time presidential candidate whose father was the nations president in the 1990s. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes in the April 12 election, there will be a runoff in June between the top two contenders. ___ Rueda reported from Bogota, Colombia. Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is leaving her job and is expected to tell her coworkers Tuesday, two DHS officials said. Politico first reported the move, citing two unnamed officials familiar with her departure. They said she plans to leave the position next week. She didn't respond to Politico's request for comment, and DHS has not said who will replace her. McLaughlin, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been a vocal supporter of Noem and Homeland Security's immigration operations, despite a public turn against some of the department's moves. Advertisement Advertisement The department is in the middle of a funding lapse as Congress debates reforms after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents during the administration's Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. In the wake of Good's death, McLaughlin supported Noem's characterization of Good's actions as "domestic terrorism." Since then, the White House has shifted from the combative approach to a more nuanced one, with border Czar Tom Homan taking over the Minneapolis operation. Last week, Homan announced the operation would "conclude." McLaughlin is a former communications aide to Vivek Ramaswamy's presidential campaign in 2024 and for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. She planned to leave her job in December but stayed in the aftermath of the Minneapolis shootings, according to the DHS officials that Politico granted anonymity. "Media is so much of the battle, so to speak, on the immigration issue," McLaughlin said in an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer last month. "So much of the debate is a [public relations] debate. It's a PR war." European Union regulators have launched a formal investigation into Shein for breaching the 27-nation blocs digital platform rules, citing as evidence what they described as the Chinese-founded e-tailers addictive design, a lack of transparency around how it recommends products to consumers and the sale of illegal products that could constitute child sexual abuse material. In the EU, illegal products are prohibitedwhether they are on a store shelf or on an online marketplace, Henna Virkkunen, executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy at the European Commission, said in a statement. The Digital Services Act keeps shoppers safe, protects their well-being and empowers them with information about the algorithms they are interacting with. More from Sourcing Journal Brussels said it will work with Coimisiun na Mean, the digital services coordinator for Ireland, where Sheins EU-registered entity is based, to carry out an in-depth probe as a matter of priority. It noted that since the DSA sets no legal deadline for concluding such proceedings, the cases duration will depend on factors such as its complexity, Sheins cooperation level and the exercise of defense rights. DSA infringements can result in fines of up to 6 percent of a companys global annual turnover. The move came after the discovery of illicit weapons and childlike sex dolls on Sheins website late last year prompted French ministers to urge the European Commission to crack down on the company for violating EU law requiring online platforms to take proactive steps to counter illegal and harmful content. Brussels had previously found Shein rival Temu in breach of the DSA for failing to do enough to prevent the sale of non-compliant products, such as unsafe baby toys and small electronics, because it relied on general industry information rather than specific details about its marketplace to assess risk. The French governments own efforts to suspend the Singapore-headquartered marketplace for three months were dismissed by a Paris tribunal in December as a disproportionate sanction since the offending products had been removed after sporadic sales. Still, the court warned Shein not to resume sellingsexual products that could constitute pornographic content, without implementing age-verification measures. In an appeal hearing in early February, the French state narrowed its demands against Shein, seeking a moratorium of third-party sellers rather than the full site. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Attorney Kurt Olsen during Kari Lakes election challenge trial in 2023. | Credit: USA Today Network / Reuters While several notable conspiracy theorists work in the Trump administration, one who has flown under the radar is beginning to gain traction: Kurt Olsen. The attorney was hired by the White House last year to oversee election security and has recently ramped up his efforts to investigate the 2020 election. With the midterms on the horizon, Olsens role within President Donald Trumps administration may be growing. Olsens beginnings and election denial Olsen, 63, graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as a Navy SEAL, according to The Baltimore Sun. He later worked as a lawyer and co-founded a law firm. But his national profile began to climb following Trumps loss to now-former President Joe Biden in 2020. Over the last six years, Olsen has built a long history of fighting the 2020 election results, said USA Today. Advertisement Advertisement He notably joined the Texas attorney generals attempt to get the Supreme Court to stop four swing states from certifying Biden's 2020 victory over Trump, said USA Today. The lawyer grew closer to Trump after the election and had multiple phone calls with him on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the U.S. Capitol riot, Politico reported in 2022. Director of election security The White House hired Olsen in October 2025 as the presidents head of election security, and gave him the power to refer criminal investigations criminal investigations into things that have been thoroughly debunked, said The New York Times. Olsen is one of several prominent election deniers working for the administration who is using the power of the state to keep Trumps denialism alive. But even in a constellation of conspiracists, Olsen stands out. One crucial moment on the national stage for Olsen came in January 2026, when the FBI used a search warrant to seize ballots and records related to the 2020 race from an election center in Fulton County, Georgia. The FBIs investigation originated from a referral sent by Kurt Olsen, an affidavit for the search warrant said. The FBI was allegedly looking for irregularities in Georgias elections at Olsens behest. This is not the only situation in which Olsen has seemingly had significant power in the White House. Trump has directed top U.S. spy agencies to share sensitive intelligence about the 2020 election with Olsen, according to Politico. This led him to review some sensitive compartmented intelligence programs, which are among the most highly classified material stored by U.S. spy agencies. This move is unusual given that Olsen has no known experience working with the U.S. spy community. The CIA later confirmed that the agency is working with Olsen. The president has asked Olsen to look at intelligence related to the 2020 election and the agency is ensuring that he has the access necessary to do his work, a CIA spokesperson told Politico. This all comes as many are sounding the alarm about his involvement. Olsen has a history of abusing his law license to spread lies about our elections, Christine P. Sun, a senior vice president at the States United Democracy Center, told the Times. Now, hes using his role in the administration and the power of the federal government to take actions fueled by those same lies. The Lake Tansi Exchange Club awarded several Crossville veteran-related non-profit organizations with more than $36,000 worth of grants during its February meeting of 2026. The funds are raised from the organizations Crossville Field of Honor program. The 2025 Field of Honor was again held at Garrison Park from Nov. 8-15 and offered 700 flags on display. Each flag represented a veteran or someone who is currently serving in the U.S. armed services. Advertisement Advertisement The awards were announced and presented after a pot-luck breakfast was served to attendees. All of these groups are so deserving of the money, and we wish we could give more, said Jean Smith, district president of the Exchange Club. All of these groups had a role in helping with the Field of Honor in one way or another. Its a collaborative effort that we couldnt do without all of these people. Ill tell you the way that this community comes together to support its veterans is amazing. Smith said after expenses were paid the group raised $40,000 through the Field of Honor. At the top of the list, receiving a $20,000 donation was the Cumberland County Veterans Assistance Council. Advertisement Advertisement This is going to help a lot of veterans, and I cant begin to thank you enough, Bob Opthaf, of the CCVAC, said. Groups that were awarded include: Cumberland County Veterans Assistance Council $20,000. CCVAC plays a critical role in supporting veterans, their families, and widows of veterans in the county. The Council is led by retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Gunners Mate, Jack Fogel. The Council is comprised of representatives from a broad array of veteran organizations. Some of the programs include food boxes at Christmas, rent, utilities, housing and more. Korean War Veterans Association $300. Advertisement Advertisement The Korean War Veterans remain deeply committed to investing in future generations. They will award college or technical school scholarships to Cumberland County students, providing opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach for these students. Fleet Reserve Association Branch 294 $1,000. The Fleet Reserve sponsors an Americanism Essay and Scholarship program for Cumberland County students grades 7-12. The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship to attend college or TCAT. Sgt. Morgan W. Strader Marine Corps League 1467 $2,000. The organization has assisted with the Field of Honor from the beginning. The group provides overnight security and more at the field. The group assists local ROTC programs and provides to veterans in need, and the Cumberland County Young Marines. Advertisement Advertisement Cumberland County Elks Lodge 2751 Veterans committee $1,000. The Elks Lodge assists veterans who are approved for supported housing by providing furnishings, pots and pans, lamps, beds and more. The group also assists the veterans move into their housing. American Legion Post 163 $2,000 Mike Ratterman, post commander. This group has supported the field from the beginning. They provide manpower and other resources throughout the week including overnight security and offer help for whatever is needed. The organization is active in the community with fundraising to provide for veterans in a variety of ways. The group helps with students attending Boys State and Girls State, JROTC, mentor Eagle Scouts, Deer Run, No vet should be alone on Christmas program, veterans parade and many more. Advertisement Advertisement Military Memorial Museum of Upper Cumberland Mark Pfaffenroth $500. The Military Museum has undergone a major renovation and expansion. In order to open additional display space and develop an educational area on the second floor a fire escape must be added. The Tansi Exchange Club feels it is important to support veterans and educate our community about them. Deer Run Ranch Equine Connection Teri Hamann $2,000 The organization offers programs to assist in improving various mental health conditions including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and anger management. They do this through equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding. The grant funds will be used for its Stables of Strength veteran program to offset cost for veterans and members of their family. Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee College of Applied Technologies Upper Cumberland TCAT $2,500 TCAT has been a key supporter of the Field of Honor for the last four years. Many student veterans help in field set up, providing chairs and stage for ceremonies, and an RV for those cold days and nights. The Tansi Exchange Club grant will assist their student veterans organization that exists to help them learn how to start their own business, connect with resources to advance their employment while they also sponsor a local event to benefit veterans. Young Marines of Cumberland County $2,000. The group of boys and girls live a healthy and drug free lifestyle promoted by the leaders. They donate their time to help with field set up, overnight security, presenting colors, and folding flags at the close of the field. They support the veteran community such as Marine Corps League, American Legion, and Vietnam veterans. These funds will be used for uniforms, boots, gear for overnight encampments, and food. Advertisement Advertisement Fisher House Foundation $500. The Fisher House builds and maintains comfortable house where military and veteran families can stay free of charge when a loved one is in the hospital. The houses are located near military and VA hospitals around the world. The grant will support the house in Murfreesboro where Cumberland County veterans are most likely to go. Scouting groups Three scouting groups came to the field to unfurl flags, set up tables, create thank you cards, and more. Each group received a thank you for their support of the Field of Honor. Boy Scout America Troops 374 and 377 $300. Advertisement Advertisement American Heritage Girls and Trail Life USA Boys Troop 2565 $300. Girls Scouts $300. Veterans Parade Committee $1,000 The Veterans Parade Committee is comprised of representatives from various veteran organizations and others in the community who are dedicated to putting on a parade that honors our veterans. They bring together a variety of organizations, clubs, and schools to march in the parade and ensure the community doesnt forget the sacrifices veterans have made. Men of Iron, Grace Community Church $1,000. The funds will assist veterans in need of a hot meal or a utility bill to be paid. This team of men also volunteered their time and were a critical component to the Field of Honor set up. By John Revill GENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia concluded the first of two days of U.S.-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump pressing Kyiv to act fast to reach a deal to end the four-year conflict. Ahead of the negotiations in Switzerland, Russia carried out airstrikes overnight across swathes of Ukraine, severely damaging the power network in the southern port city of Odesa. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the attacks left tens of thousands without heat and water. Advertisement Advertisement "We are ready to move quickly toward a worthy agreement to end the war," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address, saying he was waiting for a report from the negotiating team in Geneva. "The question for the Russians is: Just what do they want?" Ukraine's lead negotiator Rustem Umerov, the head of the National Security and Defence Council, said in a statement that the day's talks had focused on "practical issues and the mechanics of possible decisions," without providing details. He said negotiations would resume on Wednesday for a final day. Russian officials made no comments on the talks. But Russian news agencies quoted a source as saying that the talks were "very tense" and lasted six hours in different bilateral and trilateral formats. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides agreed to continue the discussions on Wednesday, the source told the agencies. The Geneva meeting follows two rounds of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi that concluded without a major breakthrough as the two sides remained far apart on key issues such as the control of territory in eastern Ukraine. Trump is urging Moscow and Kyiv to strike an agreement to end Europe's biggest war since 1945, though Zelenskiy has complained that his country is facing more pressure to make concessions. Before the talks began, Umerov played down hopes for a significant step forward in Geneva, saying the Ukrainian delegation was working "without excessive expectations". Advertisement Advertisement NEGOTIATING TWO CRISES AT ONCE U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were representing the Trump administration at the talks. In a rare attempt to negotiate two major global crises simultaneously, they attended the morning's indirect negotiations with Iranian officials in Geneva before crossing town to mediate the talks between Ukraine and Russia. Trump put the ball in Ukraine's court when asked by reporters what he was expecting from Tuesday's talks with Russia. "Ukraine better come to the table fast. That's all I'm telling you," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Advertisement Advertisement Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede the remaining 20% of the eastern region of Donetsk that Moscow has failed to capture - something Kyiv refuses to do. Delegations from several European countries were present in Geneva, according to four sources familiar with the matter, but did not attend the trilateral peace talks themselves. The Europeans were invited after Zelenskiy asked U.S. officials to include them, one of the sources said, adding that they would be briefed by the Americans and Ukrainians about the discussions. Russia has in the past voiced its opposition to European involvement. Zelenskiy on Tuesday called for Kyiv's allies to increase pressure on Russia to reach a "real and just" peace deal via tougher sanctions and weapons supplies to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement The Geneva round comes just days before the fourth anniversary, on February 24, of Russia's full-scale invasion of its much smaller neighbour. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have fled their homes, and many Ukrainian cities, towns and villages have been devastated by the conflict. "One shouldn't trust the Russians absolutely, not even a little," said Oksana Reviakina, 41, an internally displaced person from the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol, when asked about the talks while sheltering in a Kyiv metro station during an air-raid alert. Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine's national territory, including Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region seized before the 2022 invasion. Its recent airstrikes on energy infrastructure have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without heating and power during a harsh winter. (Reporting by John Revill, additional reporting by Olena Harmash, Max Hunder and Yurii Kovalenko in Kyiv, and Steve Holland aboard Air Force One; Writing by Daniel Flynn and Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Gareth Jones, Ros Russell, Alex Richardson and Cynthia Osterman) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas daycare provider said a recent change from the state in distributing payments is forcing them to cut hours and lay off staff. Cherished Legacy Academy opened in its location near Tropicana Avenue and Jones Boulevard three years ago. They were a 24-hour daycare, but owner Rachel Jackson said things have changed over the last nine months. Prior to now, all of our classrooms were filled. At this time, we have approximately maybe two classrooms open at a time, Jackson said. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said 90% of her families were low-income. But since the Nevada Department of Health took over the role of paying daycare providers, it has created a backlog in the payments she receives, forcing her to make cuts. A Las Vegas daycare provider said a recent change from the state in distributing payments is forcing them to cut hours and lay off staff. (KLAS) We have gone from approximately 180 children down to about 20, Jackson said. At one point, Cherished Legacy had a staff of 50 but is now down to seven. Jackson said she doesnt receive full payment from the state for the timecards she submits for reimbursement. In a statement to 8 News Now, Department of Human Services Spokesperson Molly Moser addressed the issue with payments. Advertisement Advertisement It is the goal of The Child Care and Development Program (CCDP) to issue payments to providers within 30 days of receiving complete timesheets. If questions arise regarding submitted documentation, processing may be delayed; however, staff work promptly to resolve any issues and minimize disruption, Moser said. We are also implementing process improvements to increase overall efficiency. The Las Vegas Urban League previously handled distributing payments to daycare providers from low-income families who were approved for state subsidies. Urban League acted as the middleman. Yet, a series of reports by the 8 News Now investigators exposed how the non-profit was taking long to pay providers. We dont get accurate information on why is it being delayed, Octavia McLaurin of the Kreative Kids Daycare said back in May of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Childcare providers call for accountability from Las Vegas non-profit group after payment delays The Nevada Department for Human Services cut ties with the Urban League for distributing childcare subsidies in southern Nevada, and last year began paying providers directly. But Jackson said low-income families are not getting their applications approved on time for the subsidies. Initially, it was with the Urban League. You were talking about four to six weeks kind of behind, Jackson said. But there was communication. Now you have not four to six weeks behind on renewals, but nine months. And now, theres no communication and there is no transparency. Jackson said something needs to change at the Department of Human Services soon, before more daycare providers close. 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. A politician from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was fined on Tuesday for displaying a Nazi salute on an election poster. The Frankfurt (Oder) Regional Court fined Wilko Moller, a lawmaker in the Brandenburg state parliament, 11,600 ($13,728) for the use of a symbol of a banned organization. A graphic designer who was a co-defendant was acquitted. The verdict can still be appealed. The case involved a campaign poster from the 2024 state elections, which showed two adults raising their arms above three seated children and the sentence: "We protect your children." Advertisement Advertisement The similarity of the gesture to the Nazi salute, which is strictly banned in Germany, prompted the public prosecutor's office to investigate. The defence argued that the gesture did not resemble a salute and that the people depicted on the poster were not greeting anyone. The AfD, Germany's largest opposition party, attempted to halt the proceedings by insisting on Moller's immunity as a lawmaker. However, the Brandenburg state parliament rejected the request for immunity by a majority vote. "Wilko Moller is being treated very unfairly with these criminal proceedings and this trial," said Hans-Christoph Berndt, AfD faction leader in the state parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Moller is said to have approved the poster, which was displayed during the election campaign in the eastern city of Frankfurt an der Oder, even though he was aware of the ban. The Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization. Moller dismissed the allegations as "purely political." There are over 9,000 backup generators that can supply emergency power to Northern Virginia data centers, some of which run on diesel and emit toxins. The use of these generators became a flashpoint in communities concerned about the health impacts of the emissions and fueled legislation in this years General Assembly session, as new research sheds more light on how much pollution the generators produce. The Department of Environmental Quality limits when the diesel generators deemed Tier II can run, which is mostly in emergency situations and during regular testing. But lawmakers who represent areas where hundreds of data centers are concentrated said the emissions from the generators, even just during the testing hours each month, are harmful to the health of surrounding communities. House Bill 507, sponsored by Del. John McAuliff, D-Fauquier, has been amended to direct the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to not issue air permits to data centers with generators below the emissions quality of the Tier IV generators, starting with applications after July 2026. Advertisement Advertisement His bill originally required data centers to utilize battery storage as the main backup source and created siting and notification requirements for the generators but those aspects of the bill have now been removed. I will note its probably not the final step toward making sure that we have the best possible tech out there and being used, and those generators are being used in the right way for our communities, but it is a very good first step, McAuliff said in a Feb. 11 committee. The U.S. Department of Energy allowed data centers in PJM the regional power grid to run fully on generator power if they needed to during the frigid cold snap at the end of January, even if it meant going over their permitted emissions. A representative from PJM said no data centers in the Dominion Energy zone needed to kick over to backup power during the emergency order, including in Virginia. Senate Bill 336 by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, has been reduced to requiring the State Corporation Commission conduct a study to review the impacts of prioritizing the use of Tier IV generators over Tier II ones. It instructs the commission to consider the environmental impacts as well as costs to data centers to retrofit their back power generation. Advertisement Advertisement In its original version, the bill would have mandated that data centers invest more in pricier but less toxic Tier IV generators. We do realize that in the event that we had the 200 some odd (data centers) in Loudoun, plus all the ones in Prince William, if they were running on generators at the same time, theres not enough hospitals in the entire state that would be even close in league with that, Roem said in a committee hearing for SB 336. We are talking about a very specific issue dealing with a very specific industry because of the size and scope of the industry. HB1502 by Del. Elizabeth Guzman, D-Prince William, has also been amended to direct DEQ to conduct a one-year study of all standby generators run by commercial entities that are currently permitted to determine which pollutants are emitted and how much.We all know that standby generators produce many harmful pollutants. These pollutants have been associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and emergency room visits for asthma, among other health effects, Guzman said in committee. SB 336 is now headed to the House while HB 507 and HB 1502 are waiting for final passage on the House floor to be sent to the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement A recent study conducted by the VCU Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment by Damian Pitt, Ivan Suen, and Ellie Plisko found toxins are being released into the localities where data centers with the diesel generators are concentrated. The study used data from emissions reports in 2023 and compared what the air emissions would be if the data centers would reach their permitted cap. Not that anyone thinks theyre all gonna all of a sudden hit 100% of their permits, but it gives you a sense of what is currently allowed, Pitt said. Its pretty shocking, the degree of total emissions exposure that would result in those clustered areas if they were to actually admit their permitted amounts. Potential carbon monoxide (CO) emission concentrations from Northern Virginia data centers (Maximum Allowed under DEQ Permits). (Source: Modeling Localized Air Pollution Impacts from Data Centers in Northern Virginia/VCU Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment) Concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions (tons / sq. mi.) from Northern Virginia data centers (2023) versus select other facilities (2022). (Source: Modeling Localized Air Pollution Impacts from Data Centers in Northern Virginia/VCU Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Elected officials, faith leaders and residents of Southfield gathered on a street corner near the One Towne Square building Tuesday amid concerns that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements is expanding its presence into their community. In a statement shared with WWJ Newsradio 950, the City of Southfield said the U.S. General Services Administration had leased space at the office complex, located between Interstate 696 and the John C. Lodge Freeway. While the city was advised that immigration enforcement officers would not be operating out of the location, it said ICE would be using the space for administrative and legal operations. Advertisement Advertisement Jordan Acker, a member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents and attorney at Goodman Acker P.C., which operates in the building opposite of where the federal government, pointed to the aggressive actions by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minn. declaring We do not want this here in Michigan under any circumstances. University of Michigan Regent and attorney Jordan Acker speaks out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota as the agency moves administrative and legal operations into a Southfield, Mich. office building. Feb. 17, 2026 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance REDICO, the landlord for the site, said in a statement that the lease is part of a longstanding agreement with the U.S. General Services Administration. The terms of its lease explicitly prohibit any law enforcement, detention or similar activities at the property, with REDICO saying it is prepared to fully enforce that agreement. However, several speakers outside the building Tuesday noted that ICE cannot operate without administrators. As ICE moves into this new office space, this legal and administrative office, some might argue that its just administrative, said Rabbi Nate DeGroot, the director of The Shalom Center. Whats the harm, they might say. To which I would respond, abductions can only happen with coordination coming from offices like this one right here, a murder can only be covered up by lawyers working in offices like this one right here, a presidential paramilitary force can only operate with a command center like this one right here. One Towne Square in Southfield, Mich. Feb. 17, 2026 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance The Rev. Chris Yaw of St. Davids Episcopal Church noted that Southfield residents are largely people of color, and that for some members of his congregation, the mere mention of ICE strikes fear into their soul. Advertisement Advertisement We have to ask, why are they scared? Yaw said. These are people who have done everything the right way. They are legal immigrants, theyre business owners, choir members, our friends. And they see the way enforcement works today. Its often brusque, its clandestine, and it feels entirely capricious. They fear that even if they are legal today, the evolving nature of our system means they could be illegal tomorrow. State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Township), whose district includes Southfield, said the new office means new and bigger ICE operations threatening Southfields diverse community. There is a rot in ICE from the top to the bottom, said Moss, who is also running for U.S. representative in the 11th Congressional District. This is not an agency that can be repaired or reformed under Donald Trump or Kristi Noem. State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Township) speaks out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements expansion into Southfield, with the city saying the agency would be using a local office building for legal and administrative purposes. Feb. 17, 2026 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance He noted that the Michigan Senate had introduced three bills Senate Bills 508, 509 and 510 intended to ban immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, bar the state from disclosing personal information to immigration agents without a warrant, and bar federal law enforcement from wearing masks outside of specific circumstances. However, the legislation is unlikely to advance beyond the Republican-Controlled Michigan House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) said ICE has no place within the state, noting that the agency has repeatedly violated court orders restricting their operations. According to a review of court documents from Reuters, judges across the country have ruled 4,400 times that President Donald Trumps administration is detaining people unlawfully, yet has continued to jail people indefinitely. My neighbors in southwest Detroit will tell you they have warned us for years, Tlaib said. Thats why seven years Ive been saying Abolish ICE. Because for years they have warned us in southwest Detroit that literally, they were targeting and profiling our Black immigrant neighbors and our brown immigrant neighbors. Attendees carry signs bearing the faces of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, who were killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as Southfield residents and leaders protest the agency expanding administrative and legal operations into a Southfield, Mich. office building. Feb. 17, 2026 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance Tlaib said the agency could not be reformed, calling for the impeachment of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Tlaib, alongside U.S. Reps. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit), Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) and Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) have all signed on to Rep. Robin Kellys (D-Ill.) resolution to impeach Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Even if this office isnt used for detention and its filled instead with lawyers, as they say, it will still be used to intensify their operations against our community, Tlaib said. Its not a coincidence, yall, that ICE is opening this office at the same time as they are moving to build a new warehouse prison again, a warehouse prison in Romulus, Michigan, to cage hundreds of our immigrant neighbors. The deportation machine depends on unassuming office buildings like this one. REDICO told Michigan Advance that it had offered to meet with Tlaib to review the terms of the lease. Transparency and accuracy are important to us, and we welcome constructive dialogue, the company said. A new proposal seeks to create a fund to help municipalities redevelop vacant school buildings into housing. Converting vacant schools into housing is a common sense approach to creating affordable and attainable housing in many communities, Rep. Traci Gere (D-Kennebunkport) told members of the Maine Legislatures Housing and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday. The bill, LD 2164, would provide financial and technical assistance to communities to help them convert unused school buildings into housing, including units dedicated to affordable housing. Advertisement Advertisement As many Maine communities are in the process of making important decisions on next steps for these publicly owned assets, this bill is timely and important, Gere said. Maine needs more than 80,000 new housing units by 2030, according to a 2023 statewide housing study. At the same time, old school buildings are centrally located, have the infrastructure in place and are typically beloved by the community, which make them well-primed to be converted into housing, several people testifying in favor of the proposal told the committee during the public hearing. The Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority already provides technical assistance to municipalities seeking to repurpose old buildings, and is currently helping three Maine towns Brooks, Liberty and Union with their redevelopment. But often, vacant school redevelopment projects dont prove financially feasible, so they hit a wall, leaving communities with few options for moving forward, especially for small municipalities with limited resources, Gere told the committee. Thats why the bill creates an ongoing annual appropriation of $5 million to convert old schools into housing units, with the help of the land bank authority. Advertisement Advertisement Several groups, including MaineHousing, the states independent housing authority, the Maine Mayors Coalition, and other economic and real estate development organizations supported the proposal. The Maine Real Estate and Development Association said it has a unique opportunity to touch all parts of the state, since there are almost two dozen vacant school buildings available statewide, according to the Maine Land Bank Authority. Were not reinventing the wheel here, there have been plenty of schools, both in Maine and across the nation, that have been converted into housing, said Elizabeth Frazier, testifying on behalf of the association. I think there is an opportunity here for both sides of the aisle to find something that they like in this bill and to come together to really create some housing. The land bank authority also supported the proposal, saying that due to demographic trends (such as declining school enrollment) there are even more old school buildings expected to be available for redevelopment in the future. The organization will continue providing technical support to municipalities even if the bill does not pass, but with the additional support from this fund, that increases the amount of impact were able to have and pushes some of those more long standing vacancies back to functional use, said the groups programs manager, Gabe Gauvin. Advertisement Advertisement While no one at the public hearing testified against the bill, the Maine Municipal Association opposed it in written testimony. The nonprofit membership organization said Maine cities and towns are struggling with many types of functionally obsolete properties and object to limiting the proposed $5 million allocation to one type of redevelopment, rather than making it available where the need is greatest, said advocacy manager Tanya Emery. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Lebanons government has said that its military will need at least four months to complete the second phase of its plan to dismantle Hezbollahs arsenals in the countrys south. The announcement by Minister of Information Paul Morcos on Monday comes amid growing pressure from the United States and Israel for Hezbollah to disarm, including near-daily Israeli attacks on Lebanon. The bombings come despite Israel agreeing to a US-brokered ceasefire in 2024 to end more than a year of cross-border hostilities with Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict left the Lebanese armed group badly weakened, with much of its leadership killed. Under the ceasefire deal, Lebanons government committed to dismantling Hezbollahs arsenal and tasked its military with drawing up a plan to do so. The military said last month that it had completed the first phase of the five-stage plan, covering the area between the Litani River and the countrys southern border with Israel. The second phase concerns the area between the Litani and the Awali rivers, about 40km (25 miles) south of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Morcos, Lebanons information minister, told a news conference after a cabinet session that the government took note of the army leaderships presentation on the second stage of the plan. Advertisement Advertisement There is a timeframe of four months, extendable depending on available capabilities, Israeli attacks and hindrances on the ground, he said. Hezbollah, which has dismissed efforts to disarm it as a US-Israeli plan, has rejected calls to surrender weapons north of the Litani River, saying it understands the ceasefire agreement to apply exclusively south of the waterway. Before the cabinet session on Monday, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said that what the Lebanese government is doing in focusing on disarmament is a grave sin, because this issue serves the goals of the Israeli aggression. Stop all action to restrict weapons, he added in a televised address, saying the governments successive concessions were partly to blame for Israels persistent attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Qassems comments came as the Israeli military launched new raids on southern Lebanon, striking a bus in the town of Hanine and a car in the town of Talloussah, killing at least two people. The Israeli military confirmed the attack on Talloussah, saying it had targeted a Hezbollah fighter who was trying to rebuild the groups infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Israel has previously criticised the Lebanese militarys progress on disarming Hezbollah as insufficient. In addition to the regular strikes, it also continues to occupy five areas in Lebanese territory, blocking the reconstruction of destroyed border villages and preventing tens of thousands of displaced people from returning to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli forces have killed more than 370 people since the ceasefire, while the United Nations said Israel has launched more than 10,000 air and ground attacks in the year since it agreed to halt hostilities. Lebanon filed a complaint with the UN last month about the repeated Israeli violations, urging the UN Security Council to push Israel to end its attacks and fully withdraw from the country. The complaint said Israel violated Lebanons sovereignty at least 2,036 times in the last three months of 2025 alone. This is a developing story and may be updated. Ongoing legal fights over President Donald Trumps attempt to send hundreds of Oregon, California and Texas National Guard troops to Portland last fall over the objections of residents and state and local leaders will come to an end. Mary Helen Murguia, chief judge of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, agreed Tuesday to let the federal government drop its appeal of a November decision from a lower court judge that barred the attempted Guard deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Karin Immergut, of the U.S. District Court in Portland and a Trump appointee, sided with Oregon and the city of Portland in their case against Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Her November order barring guard deployment to the city stays in effect. Immergut found Trumps justification for the attempted deployment that protests outside of a Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility since June constituted a rebellion against the federal government and significantly impeded its functions was unfounded. She further found that the attempt to deploy guard troops violated the federal code and the U.S. Constitution. Federal lawyers immediately appealed Immerguts decision. But in late January, they reversed course, asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in a single sentence to permit them to drop the case. Lawyers for Oregon, the city of Portland and California which joined Oregons lawsuit against Trump agreed not to challenge the request for dismissal as long as the appeals court judges ensured Immerguts decision would stand and the federal government would be required to comply with it. Advertisement Advertisement This is a win for Oregon, and it shows that no one is above the law. The federal government didnt have a case facts mattered. Our communities wont be treated as a testing ground for unchecked federal power, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. Judge Immerguts injunction stands, and well keep defending Oregons laws, our values, and the safety of our cities and if the government tries to overstep, we wont hesitate to go back to court. Willamette University professor Norman Williams, a constitutional law expert, echoed Rayfield, similarly calling it a win for the state. And not an unexpected win. The handwriting was on the wall, Williams said, when the U.S. Supreme Court in December ruled against Trump in his attempt to send National Guard troops to Illinois. The Portland ICE facility at the heart of the case is now the subject of two court cases brought against federal officers by nearby residents and the Oregon chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, on behalf of protesters and journalists, who claim ICE and federal officers have used excessive force and tear gas against them. A judge recently temporarily barred the officers from deploying less-lethal munitions and chemicals at protesters unless the agents are in imminent threat of physical harm. The ruling came after agents used excessive force and heavily gassed crowds of nonviolent protesters that included children and seniors. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE: NCLH) were rising on Tuesday, up 12.6% as of 1:50 p.m. EDT. Today, activist hedge fund Elliott Management disclosed a large 10% stake in Norwegian, and also published a presentation and letter to the Board of Directors in conjunction with the disclosure. The firm sees material upside in the stock, and it appears investors are cheering the activist's involvement. 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 Elliott sees huge upside if changes are made In its presentation, Elliott lays out its thesis that Norwegian's stock has the potential to reach $56 per share, representing 159% upside from yesterday's price. Elliott believes this upside is easily attainable, pointing to Norwegian's inherent strengths, including a best-in-class fleet that's newer on average than peers', a higher percentage of premium suites, and engaged employees. Combined with cruising continuing to take market share in the travel industry, providing a long-term tailwind, Elliott believes improvement is easily attainable. The obstacle, Elliott contends, is management. In the letter, Elliott lambasts Norwegian's management and Board, citing material deficiencies versus peers across "all aspects of the business," including unit revenues, costs, and margins. That material underperformance has resulted in a substantially lower valuation on an enterprise value-to-EBITDA basis. Elliott cites a laundry list of poor stewardship, including exorbitant executive pay, even in years of underperformance, questionable related-party transactions with members of the board, and Norwegian's Board being classified. A classified Board staggers votes on members every few years, instead of putting all directors up for a vote every year, making it difficult for shareholders to replace the whole Board. Image source: Getty Images. Norwegian may have seen the activist campaign coming Interestingly, Norwegian may have seen the activist campaign coming, as the company just replaced its CEO last week, appointing former Subway and Burger King CEO John W. Chidsey to succeed Harry Sommer, who had been in the position since mid-2023. Chidey joined Norwegian's Board just one year ago, so he doesn't necessarily have the historical baggage that Elliott criticizes in its letter. Still, it remains to be seen whether Elliott gets behind Chidsey or advocates for more drastic changes. Idaho lawmakers fiercely debated a proposal to allow people to sue businesses and local governments that allow transgender people to use the restrooms aligning with their gender identity. For sponsor Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, it boiled down to a question of safety in womens bathrooms and locker rooms after he received numerous phone calls about an incident in which a biological man was showering in the same room as a teenage girl, he said on the House floor Monday. Young girls, in the place where theyre most vulnerable they need to be safe and secure, he told the Idaho Statesman. Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, right, on the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives at the Statehouse. Lawmakers on Monday passed a bill Hill proposed to require people to use restrooms that aligned with the sex they were assigned at birth. (Darin Oswald/doswald@idahostatesman.com) The bill requires every multistall public restroom to be designated for only male or female use based on biological sex. It could cost small businesses especially those that only have one restroom now tens of thousands of dollars, Rep. Monica Church, D-Boise, argued on the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement It would cost Pocatellos Parks and Recreation Department up to $3 million to bring its restrooms into compliance with the bill, said Rep. Rick Cheatum, R-Pocatello. We havent had a problem, havent had a complaint, Cheatum said on the House floor. To me, what were trying to do here is punish cities and businesses for the misbehavior of an individual. Despite the pushback, the bill passed overwhelmingly on the House floor, with 56 of 70 representatives voting in support. It is now set to be sent over to the Senate. For some members of the LGBTQ+ community, the bill came as yet another blow in a legislative session that has felt like an onslaught of attacks: a bill to ban Idaho cities from enforcing nondiscrimination ordinances that guard against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. A bill to block Boise and other cities from flying an LGBTQ+ Pride flag on city property. A bill to keep teachers or doctors from talking to children about gender identity or using a childs preferred pronouns or names without their parents consent. Advertisement Advertisement Years after advocates tried unsuccessfully to persuade lawmakers to add the words sexual orientation and gender identity to the states Human Rights Act, lawmakers have gone from refusing to protect us to actively targeting us, said Nikson Mathews, the chair of the Idaho Democratic Queer Caucus, at news conference by five Idaho LGBTQ+ and city leaders. Mathews, who is trans, made the case that the number of bills focused on the LGBTQ+ community has spiked in recent years. Together, these bills deny health care, criminalize doctors, police public spaces, censor speech, override local control, take away parental rights, restrict privacy and target LGBTQ+ people and families, Mathews said. This isnt just an escalation, it is centralized government control, expanding state authority at the expense of personal liberty. City leaders call anti-trans legislation hypocrisy Hill told the Statesman he had not been spoken with members of the LGBTQ+ community about his bill about bathroom use. But he was adamant that its very fair. Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt impact the (LGBTQ+) community negatively at all, and its meant to be just fair, and its fair for everybody, he said. If we do it the other way, you know, how is that fair for my daughter? At Mondays press conference, two local government officials framed Hills and other bills as examples of government overreach. Hayden Paulsen, a member of Pocatellos City Council, called such legislation hypocrisy at its finest. Lawmakers want to be in our bedrooms, our schools and our doctors offices, he said. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said business leaders have told her the citys nondiscrimination ordinance was what drew them to set up shop in the city. Advertisement Advertisement People know they can live, work and participate in public life without fear of discrimination, because when individuals feel safe and respected, they contribute more fully to our economy and our civic life, McLean said. She cited the nondiscrimination-ordinance prohibition proposed by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa. Skaugs bill will weaken the competitive edge that Boises businesses and economy have in a growing landscape, McLean said. Skaugs bill, House Bill 557, passed the House Feb. 5 and awaits a committee hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee. House Bill 561, sponsored by Hill and focused on blocking Boise from flying a Pride flag, was sent to the Houses amending order after a debate on the House floor. House Bill 572, which would bar doctors and teachers from encouraging gender transitions without parental consent, has not yet received a committee hearing. State lawmakers clash with Idaho cities this time, over discrimination Rights undone: North Idaho city repeals ban on discrimination In my America: Lawmakers debate bills to ban Boise Pride flag Progressive panelists clashed over their response to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's viral foreign policy comments after one attempted to defend the "Squad" member on Monday. YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen and "The Young Turks" commentator Ana Kasparian joined a panel on "Piers Morgan Uncensored," where they discussed Ocasio-Cortez struggling to answer whether the U.S. should commit to sending troops to defend Taiwan. "Um, you know, I think that this is such a, you know, I think that this is a um this is, of course, a, um, very long-standing, um, policy of the United States," she stammered before answering the question. Advertisement Advertisement Aoc, Other 2028 Democratic Hopefuls Called Out For 'Sliming' America During Munich Conference Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was criticized for struggling to answer a question about foreign policy on Friday. Though both conservative and liberal commentators have criticized Ocasio-Cortez's comments, Cohen called the backlash "super unfair" considering the topic. "I think what shes basically being asked here is if the U.S. should, like, engage in what may be tantamount to a war with the other biggest global superpower on Earth," Cohen said. "And like, thats not an easy question." Read On The Fox News App "I actually think, yeah, she stammered in the beginning, and God knows that weve all stammered in the beginning of difficult questions," he continued. "But I think that her answer was that we need to engage in diplomacy so that it doesnt get to that point is a perfectly acceptable answer and frankly, a much better answer than Donald Trump saying, No, we do need to like, annex Greenland or bomb Cuba or take over the Panama Canal." Advertisement Advertisement John Fetterman Slams Anti-israel 'Rot' In Democratic Party, Rejects Aoc's Claims Of Gaza 'Genocide' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took part in the Munich Security Conference in Germany. Cohen repeated that he would "a thousand times out of a thousand" accept Ocasio-Cortez's response over President Donald Trump's "era of imperialism." "I think that's a false choice, and you know that," Kasparian interrupted. "I think we need to have higher standards for Democrats." Although Kasparian said she agreed with Cohen's criticism of the Trump administration's foreign policy, she argued that it was not an excuse to ignore the flaws in Democratic candidates. Advertisement Advertisement "In regard to Democratic candidates, we have to stop providing cover for their mediocrity. That answer was terrible and you know it. So dont provide cover for it," Kasparian said. "So tell me what you think would have been a more acceptable answer," Cohen asked. "A sensible answer would have been exactly what you said, which you claim she said, but she didnt say that. You read that from her statements, but her statement was more than just clamoring. It was just a bunch of word salad nonsense because shes not an expert on foreign policy. This is a weak spot for her," Kasparian said. David Marcus: Democrats' Munich Meltdown Exposes Left's Intellectual Void Liberal critics conceded that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's comments were "not great." She continued, "So this is an area where she should have done a lot more homework before deciding to speak at the Munich Security Conference as she did at this panel. She didnt know what she was talking about. She was blindsided by the question, and it doesnt look good. Lets just be honest about it rather than providing cover for it." Advertisement Advertisement Several moderate and liberal commentators have admitted that Ocasio-Cortez's comments were "not great," with some going as far as to call them "one of the bigger mistakes" of her career. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Talking to The New York Times about the reaction to the trip, Ocasio-Cortez said she went to Munich "not because Im running for president, not because Ive made some kind of decision about a horse race or a candidacy, but because we need to sound the alarm bells that a lot of those folks in nicely pressed suits in that room will not be there much longer if we do not do something about the runaway inequality that is fueling far-right populist movements." Original article source: Liberals clash over AOC's word salad on Taiwan, arguing 'that answer was terrible and you know it Scientists may be one step closer in their hunt for signs of past life on Mars after the Curiosity rover's latest find. Nearly a year ago, the car-sized robot one of two NASA rovers roaming the red planet came across an intriguing rock sample that contained some interesting features. On the rock, Curiosity's instruments detected organic compounds that on Earth are most often produced by living things. Though geological processes can also make the material present, researchers concluded in a study published Feb. 4 in the journal Astrobiology that such non-biological processes could not be the only factor. The discovery widens the door for the possibility that life once existed on Mars, though the scientists stopped short of definitively making that claim. Advertisement Advertisement Here's everything to know about Curiosity and the latest discovery made from its observations. What is NASA's Curiosity rover? Where did it launch in Florida? NASA's Curiosity rover, along with Perseverance, is one of the agency's two car-sized robots that launched from what was then known as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Their missions? to explore the Martian surface for signs that the planet was once habitable. Scientists believe the geology of Mars may hold valuable clues about past ancient life, and so the robotic vehicles, controlled remotely from Earth, have slowly navigated the rocky terrain to scoop up and collect intriguing samples. The Curiosity rover began its voyage to Mars in November 2011, landing in August 2012 in the Gale Crater on the boundary between Mars' cratered southern highlands and its smooth, northern plains. While exploring the crater, believed to have formed 3.7 billion years ago, Curiosity has collected 42 powderized rock samples with the drill on the end of its robotic arm. Mars rover finds organics believed to be fatty acids In March 2025, scientists reported identifying trace amounts of three different organic materials decane, undecane and dodecane in a rock sample analyzed using Curiosity's onboard scientific instruments. Advertisement Advertisement The organic compounds, the largest ever found on Mars, were believed to be fragments of fatty acids preserved in ancient mudstone in the Gale Crater, according to NASA. On Earth, fatty acids are a key signifier of life, being most often produced by living organisms. Living organisms could have formed molecules on Martian rock Because Curiosity's observations alone couldn't allow scientists to conclude that the molecules were made by living things, the researchers conducted a follow-up study of their own. The key question on their minds was whether any non-biological sources such as a meteorite smashing into the Martian surface could account for the existence of the fatty acids. To answer the mystery, the scientists conducted radiation experiments and mathematical modeling to effectively look back in time 80 million years to be exact. That's how long it would have been that the rock samples bearing the organic compounds would have been exposed on Mars, and how long any organic material would have been present before being destroyed by exposure to cosmic radiation. Advertisement Advertisement In the study, the team determined that non-biological sources could indeed "not fully explain the abundance of organic compounds," NASA said in a February blog post announcing the findings. For that reason, they concluded that it's possible that living organisms could have formed the fatty acids. But they stopped short of saying it was definitive proof that life once existed on Mars, saying more study is needed to understand the process by which organic molecules break down on the planet. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com. Subscribe to the free Florida TODAY newsletter. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: NASA rover launch in Cape Canaveral helps find signs of life on Mars The desert teaches you humility. Out on Bureau of Land Management land in southern Nevada, there is no hum of electricity, no running water, no cell service to pull you back into the noise of modern life. There is only wind, stone, stars, and time. As a desert tortoise biologist, Ive spent years walking these lands following tracks across washes, watching life persist in places most people would call empty. These landscapes arent empty. They are alive. And once they are gone, they are gone forever. Thats why the nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management is not just another political appointment. Its a decision that will echo across Nevadas deserts and far beyond our lifetimes. Advertisement Advertisement Nevada is defined by public land. The BLM manages tens of millions of acres here, accounting for 63% of the land mass, the highest percentage of any state in the country. This land belongs to all of us, regardless of wealth or status. These lands make it possible for families to camp freely, for hunters and hikers to roam, for scientists to study fragile ecosystems, and for future generations to experience real wildness. Dispersed camping on BLM land, often free, with a 14-day stay limit, isnt a perk. Its a promise that nature isnt reserved for those who can afford it. From the vast openness of the Black Rock Desert to the rugged beauty of Gold Butte, BLM lands protect irreplaceable wildlife habitat, sacred cultural sites, and some of the last intact desert ecosystems in the country. They also safeguard species like the Mojave Desert tortoise, a creature that has survived here for millions of years, but now depends on careful, science-based management to survive us. Steve Pearces record threatens all of that. Pearce has spent much of his political career arguing that Americans dont need the public lands we have, and supporting efforts to sell or transfer them into private hands. That is not a neutral position. It is a worldview one that treats land as a bargaining chip for the wealthy instead of a place available for all, no matter how much is in your bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Once public land is sold, it doesnt come back. Once access is cut off, it is lost to everyone except those who can pay. Once habitat is fragmented or destroyed, no amount of regret can restore it. Appointing someone with a history of hostility toward public lands to oversee 245 million acres nationwide is not just risky it is reckless and out of step with what Nevadans, and Americans as a whole, want. This is why the Senates role matters so much. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen are being asked to make a decision that goes far beyond party loyalty or political convenience. A vote to confirm Pearce would signal that the future of Nevadas public lands can be bought and sold by the elite while the rest of us are locked out forever. A vote against his nomination would say something very different: that Nevada understands what is at stake, that our deserts are not disposable, and that leadership of the BLM should be entrusted to someone who believes public lands should remain public. Advertisement Advertisement This moment carries weight because it is irreversible. During every land sale proposal in Nevada history, no matter what letter was next to the politicians name proposing the sale, the public has made it clear that we dont support large swaths of public lands being sold off to the highest bidder at the publics expense. Public lands give us freedom real freedom to exist in wild places without permission or price tags. The desert has already taught us what happens when we take more than it can give. Now our senators must decide whether theyve learned that lesson. For the sake of Nevadas landscapes, wildlife, and future generations, Sens. Cortez Masto and Rosen should not only vote NO, but also join their Senate colleagues from Colorado in forcefully opposing Steve Pearces nomination. This is a line in the sand, and once crossed, it cannot be erased. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) KSN News is continuing to monitor the latest wildfires in Kansas and Oklahoma. PHOTOS: Wildfires rage in Oklahoma and Kansas Follow the latest developments in our live blog. 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 KSN-TV. Montgomery County Children Services is launching two new initiatives designed to protect at-risk youth from human trafficking and exploitation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The county was selected by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth as one of three pilot sites in the state to improve how agencies identify and respond to child trafficking. The initiatives come as national data highlights the vulnerability of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, according to a media release. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement More than 32,000 reports of missing children were received in 2025, with approximately one in seven of those children identified as likely victims of child sex trafficking, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Officials noted that traffickers often target youth who lack stable support systems or have a history of running away. Montgomery County Children Services will lead the local implementation with a dedicated staff member focused exclusively on trafficking cases. The state will fully fund this position in Montgomery County to strengthen investigations, intake coordination, and trauma-informed care. Advertisement Advertisement A second initiative focuses on supporting youth who frequently run away or go missing. Under this program, a local nonprofit will lead non-police response efforts to provide early intervention. More information is available on the Ohio Department of Children and Youth website. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson left a lasting mark on history and Nashville. Jackson died Feb. 17 after he was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson's Disease. Jackson was hospitalized Nov. 12, but was released later that month. He was 84. More: Civil Rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson's Nashville influence ran deep Jackson's sit-in at a Greenville, South Carolina library in 1960 had a direct influence in the Nashville Student Movement's demonstrations at local lunch counters, leading to desegregation in the city. He frequently made stops in Tennessee and Nashville during his life, whether it was to advocate for fair treatment of minorities or during his two presidential campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Here's how local and Tennessee officials reacted to Jackson's death. Getting ready in the front for the silent march from Clayborn Temple in the black section to city hall in Memphis on April 8, 1968, are Yolande King, left, Harry Belafonte, Martin Luther King III, Dexter King, Coretta Scott and The Rev. Ralph Abernathy, the successor to King. Behind the widow is The Rev. Jesse Jackson. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, director of Operation Breadbasket, economic arm of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, greets some of the Fisk University students on campus where he is speaking on Nov. 6, 1970. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, and The Rev. James Lawson listen during the fourth consecutive Monday night meeting of the Black Community Conference at a hot, Fisk University gym in Nashville on April 12, 1971. Rev. Lawson later introduces speaker Rev. Jackson who urged the audience of more than 2,000 to join the BCCs economic withdrawal against white-owned Nashville establishments and to concentrate cold war attacks on banks and chain stores which supple most of white newspapers advertising. The Rev. Jackson, center, president of Operation PUSH, holds a press conference with the The Rev. James Lawson, left, and Dr. Alvin Poussaint following their meeting with James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tenn., on Aug. 10, 1978. Sounding assured, the Revs. Jackson and Lawson, two friends of the late Dr. King, said they do not believe Ray killed Dr. King. The Rev. Jackson, center, president of Operation PUSH, holds a press conference with The Rev. James Lawson, left, and Dr. Alvin Poussaint following their meeting with James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tenn., on Aug. 10, 1978. Sounding assured, the Revs. Jackson and Lawson, two friends of the late Dr. King, said they do not believe Ray killed Dr. King. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of Operation PUSH, speaks during a press conference following his meeting with James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tenn., on Aug. 10, 1978. The Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives at the Nashville Municipal Airport on April 22, 1984, to preaches his presidential campaign message here in town. He cited conditions in Tennessee as illustrative of the national problems his candidacy is aiming at curing. The Rev. Jesse Jackson preaches his presidential campaign message to about 300 chanting congregation at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on April 22, 1984. The Rev. Jesse Jackson preaches his presidential campaign message to about 300 chanting congregation at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on April 22, 1984. The Rev. Jesse Jackson preaches his presidential campaign message to about 2,000 supporters at a spirited rally, reminiscent of a tent revival, at Vanderbilt Memorial Gym in Nashville on April 22, 1984. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, listens intently at the conclusion of a presidential campaign rally at Vanderbilt Memorial Gym in Nashville on April 22, 1984, as Athan Gibbs Jr., 12, of Gale Lane, recites Dr. Martion Luther Kings famous civil rights speech delivered in Washington, D.C. in 1963. The Rev. Jesse Jackson reacts expressively at the words I have a dream as Athan Gibbs Jr., 12, of Gale Lane, recites Dr. Martion Luther Kings famous civil rights speech delivered in Washington, D.C. in 1963 at the conclusion of Rev. Jackson's presidential campaign rally at Vanderbilt Memorial Gym in Nashville on April 22, 1984. The Rev. Jesse Jackson warmly embraces Athan Gibbs Jr., 12, of Gale Lane, after he recited Dr. Martion Luther Kings famous civil rights speech delivered in Washington, D.C. in 1963 at the conclusion of Jackson's presidential campaign rally at Vanderbilt Memorial Gym in Nashville on April 22, 1984. Gibbs, a Glendale Elementary School student, had written his own introduction and conclusion to the recital. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, is defending the historic mission of Tennessee State University during a press conference on campus on June 5, 1986. He called the court-approved goal of 50% white enrollment by 1993 at the school a cruel hoax. Looking on is Richard Jackson, a Democratic primary candidate for the local 19th Senate District. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, is defending the historic mission of Tennessee State University during a press conference on campus on June 5, 1986. He called the court-approved goal of 50% white enrollment by 1993 at the school a cruel hoax. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is defending the historic mission of Tennessee State University during a press conference on campus on June 5, 1986. He called the court-approved goal of 50% white enrollment by 1993 at the school a cruel hoax. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, president of the National Rainbow Coalition, is addressing a responsive audience during a youth rally of more than 100 teenagers at Hume Fogg Academic High School in Nashville on June 5, 1986. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of the National Rainbow Coalition, is addressing a responsive audience during a youth rally of more than 100 teenagers at Hume Fogg Academic High School in Nashville on June 5, 1986. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of the National Rainbow Coalition, is addressing a responsive audience during a youth rally of more than 100 teenagers at Hume Fogg Academic High School in Nashville on June 5, 1986. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, listens to Tennessee State University President Otis L. Floyd Jr. before addressing a conference of TSU education professors at the Hyatt-Regency in Nashville on March 30, 1987. The Rev. Jesse Jackson receives a Just Say No T-shirt on June 14, 1987, from Cheryl Ellis of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Middle Tennessee State University. Jackson, in Nashville to address the 55th annual Mayors Conference, is a guest speaker at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, in Nashville to address the 55th annual Mayors Conference, is speaking at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church on June 14, 1987. Democratic presidential hopeful Rev. Jesse Jackson in front of a portrait of his mentor, slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exhorts supporters at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to seek economic justice on a visit to Nashville on Jan. 11, 1988. Boston Mayor Raymond Flynn, left, former Navy All-American David Robinson and The Rev. Jesse Jackson share a moment during the NCAA Honors Luncheon at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville on Jan. 11, 1988. Former Democratic presidential nominate candidate Jesse Jackson, center, speaks with the media outside the Hyatt Regency in Nashville on July 15, 1988. Later, Jackson will be making a speech to supporters at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, gives a thump up to a supporter as he walks with Fisk University President Henry Ponder, a long-time friend, after arriving at the Nashville International Airport on May 13, 1990. Rev. Jackson is in town for Fisks graduation ceremonies the next day. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, shares a moment with Eunice Ponder, left, as she smiles at her husband, Fisk University President Henry Ponder, after Rev. Jackson arrives at the Nashville International Airport May 13, 1990. Mrs. Ponder just arrived herself on a flight from Washington, D.C. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, raises his hands in excitement during Fisk University commencement on campus on May 14, 1990, as Dr. Henry Ponder reads a proclamation conferring upon him an honorary doctor-of-laws degree. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, shares a moment with Dr. Henry Ponder during the Fisk University commencement on campus on May 14, 1990, after Dr. Ponder, the schools president, honored him an honorary doctor-of-laws degree. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the commencement speaker, challenges the 80 undergraduate and graduate students receiving their degrees during Fisk University graduation ceremony on campus on May 14, 1990. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, shakes hand with a McGavock High School student before speaking to 2,600 in the Nashville schools packed gym on Jan. 24, 1991. Rev. Jackson is in town to speak to the board of National Baptist Convention USA Inc. and had slipped in visits to the high school and other locations. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is speaking at McGavock High School in Nashville on Jan. 24, 1991, and exhorts teachers to make their pupils strive for achievement and students to take advantage of an open education system. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, and Joseph Lowery look out on the crowd as they await the ceremony to start at the dedication of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., on July 4, 1991. Rosa Parks, center, is escorted out of the National Civil Rights Museum on its opening day by The Rev. Joseph Lowery, at her left, and D'Army Bailey as The Rev. Jesse Jackson, behind her, an other dignitaries follow in Memphis, Tenn., on July 4, 1991. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, talks with Willie Herenton, a candidate for the mayor office, during a nighttime campaign rally at Cathedral of Bountiful Blessings in Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 2, 1991. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, fresh from a rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention in New York, gets a warm greeting from Mississippi NAACP official Aaron Henry, right, as he arrives for NAACPs 83rd annual national convention at Nashville Convention Center on July 15, 1992 The Rev. Jesse Jackson is encouraging the congregants of Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to make a difference by voting during an hour-long speech on July 10, 1994. Jackson is in Nashville to speak at the Family Re-Union Conference III moderated by Vice President Al Gore. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, shakes hands with churchgoers and admires after a rousing speech at the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on July 10, 1994. The next day, he will be speaking at the Family Re-Union III conference to be moderated by Vice President Al Gore. Vice President Al Gore, left, shakes hand with keynote speaker, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, after introducing him during the Family Re-Union Conference III at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashville on July 11, 1994. The event covered the role of men in childrens lives. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is giving a rousing and emotional keynote speech to more than 1,000 during the Family Re-Union Conference III at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashville on July 11, 1994. The event covered the role of men in childrens lives. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is giving a rousing and emotional keynote speech to more than 1,000 during the Family Re-Union Conference III at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashville on July 11, 1994. The event covered the role of men in childrens lives. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, greets students of Whites Creek High School as he arrives at the school in Nashville on Jan. 17, 1995. He spoke to the students during a speech to encourage them to resist lifestyles marked by crime. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, top, meets with inmates at the Metro Jail on Jan. 17, 1995, during his visit to Nashville. Rev. Jackson asked inmates who wanted to change to pray with him. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks while participating in a panel discussion during the 21st annual National Association of Black Journalists Convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville on Aug. 22, 1996. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks while participating in a panel discussion during the 21st annual National Association of Black Journalists Convention at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville on Aug. 22, 1996. The Rev. Jesse Jackson addresses the media during a press conference before speaking to the Vanderbilt University student body in Nashville on Oct. 23, 1996. The Rev. Jesse Jackson addresses clergy and community leaders at a luncheon sponsored by his own Rainbow/PUSH organization in a downtown Memphis hotel on April 3, 1997. Jackson was in Memphis for the commemorate of the 29th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and to launch a new public policy institute. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, talks with Johnny McKinney, the youth coordinator oft Monumental Baptist, on April 3, 1997, in Memphis during a 2-day event where Rev. Jackson is attending the commemorating for the 29th anniversary of Martin Luther King's assassination and kicking off a new PUSH/Rainbow Coalition effort. In an echo of the news photo from 1968, The Rev. Jesse Jackson, front, gestures toward the direction the fatal bullets came from that felled civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 29 years ago to the day on this very spot at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis on April 4, 1997. Jackson was commemorating the anniversary of the murder and called for a national pilgrimage to the site next year on the 30th anniversary. The Rev. Jesse Jackson looks over a display at Martin Luther King Jr.'s hotel room at the Lorraine in Memphis on April 4, 1997. Jackson was present at the hotel 29 years ago when King was assassinated after stepping onto the balcony from his hotel room on the same date in 1968. Through an outside window at the Gore Lieberman Democratic campaign headquarters in Nashville, The Rev. Jesse Jackson made a stop to lend support to campaign workers on Nov. 8, 2000. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, speaking to The Tennessean Editorial Board on Jan. 26, 2005, says the voting rights won 40 years ago are under attack, so an amendment to the Constitution is needed that guarantees equal access to voting. Rev. Jackson is the keynote speaker at the upcoming National Baptist Convention. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, speaking to The Tennessean Editorial Board on Jan. 26, 2005, says the voting rights won 40 years ago are under attack, so an amendment to the Constitution is needed that guarantees equal access to voting. Rev. Jackson will be the keynote speaker for the National Baptist Convention the next day. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks during the National Baptist Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville on Jan. 27, 2005. The Rev. Jesse Jackson stands outside the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis during a Sept. 10, 2005's bus stop-over. Jackson is taking several bus loads of people displaced by hurricane Katrina back to New Orleans to work in jobs related to the recovery. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, shares a laugh with The Rev. Samuel B. Kyles prior to a press conference at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., on March 21, 2006. Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, left, gives The Rev. Jesse Jackson a warm welcome to the Cook Convention Center in Memphis on Jan. 12, 2007, before Rev. Jackson took the stage to address the National Conference for Media Reform. Jackson expressed concern over corporate ownership of the media and the lack of minority ownership. The Rev. Jesse Jackson takes a cell phone call after a lunch of catfish and apple cobbler at the Four Way Grill in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2008. He is here to attend the AFL-CIO Martin Luther King, Jr. Conference at the Memphis Hilton. The Rev. Al Sharpton, left, gets a good natured ribbing from The Rev. Jesse Jackson during the opening luncheon of the National Action Network's National Convention at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 2, 2008. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to the media at Memphis' City Hall on Feb. 23, 2012, about the mortgage crisis and foreclosures. Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson talks to a packed auditorium at Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn., during a non-partisan voter registration rally on April 2, 2012. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, wearing a scarf called a Patka, speaks during the Gurgwara Sahib Mid South Sikh Sabha as Giani Suba Singh, a priest at the temple, listens in the background during Jackson's visit to Memphis on Aug. 7, 2012. Pallbearers, including The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, carry the casket of Bobby "Blue" Bland to a waiting hearse outside First Baptist Church-Broad following his funeral service in Memphis, Tenn., on June 27, 2013. The procession later traveled past a brass band paying tribute to the late blues great at Beale Street. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks about The Rev. Samuel Billy Kyles during a program in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 2016, that honored the legacy of the former Monumental Baptist Church pastor and civil rights leader. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks during a public rally at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 2017, commemorating the 49th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's death. Civil Rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to students at Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn., on May 9, 2017. Rev. Jackson was in town for a board meeting of his Rainbow PUSH Coalition and to announce a program encouraging black children to enter skilled trade and logistics jobs at Whitehaven High School. Civil Rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, shakes hands with Whitehaven High School senior Michael Crump after speaking to students during an assembly in Memphis, Tenn., on May 9, 2017. Rev. Jackson was in town for a board meeting of his Rainbow PUSH Coalition and to announce a program encouraging black children to enter skilled trade and logistics jobs at Whitehaven High School. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, right, is speaking at the Light of Light Ministries in Jackson, Tenn., on Feb. 12, 2018. Rev. Jackson spoke on the topics of voting, economics and education. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is speaking at the Light of Light Ministries in Jackson, Tenn., on Feb. 12, 2018. Rev. Jackson spoke on the topics of voting, economics and education. The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson meets with members of the Light of Light Ministries in Jackson, Tenn., on Feb. 12, 2018 after speaking at the church. Rev. Jackson spoke on the topics of voting, economics and education. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is waiting to be introduced before speaking about voting during a visit to the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 13, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson waits to be introduced before speaking about voting rights during a visit to the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 13, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, speaks to guests about voting during a visit to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 13, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to guests about voting during a visit to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 13, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to guests about voting during a visit to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 13, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks to guests about voting during a visit to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville on Feb. 13, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson is speaking with members of The Commercial Appeal's editorial board in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 14, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, arrives for a luncheon featuring Martin Luther King Jr. biographer, Taylor Branch, in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, arrives for a luncheon featuring Martin Luther King Jr. biographer, Taylor Branch, in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives at the Mountaintop speech commemoration at the Mason Temple of the Church of God in Christ on April 3, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. The church is where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech, which contained the phrase, "I've been to the mountaintop," on April 3, 1968, the night before he was assassinated. Rev. Jesse Jackson makes his way to the podium to address the crowd at the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., during the commemoration ceremony on April 4, 2018, for the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Rev. Jesse Jackson addresses the crowd outside the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., during the commemoration ceremony on April 4, 2018, for the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. The Rev Jesse Jackson, left, Terry Lee Freeman and The Rev. Michael Pflegler reveal the wreath commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's assassination at the Lorraine Hotel and National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 2018. Al Green, left, The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. John Lewis and saxophonist Kirk Whalum wave to the crowd after Al Green's rendition of "Let's Stay Together " at the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., during the commemoration ceremony for the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4, 2018. Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks after receiving the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award during the night program at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 17, 2018. The Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks during a commemoration event on the 51st anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 2019. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, speaks to people gathering at the National Civil Rights Museum, the site of the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, to honor the civil rights leader on the 54th anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 2022. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, speaks to people gathering at the National Civil Rights Museum, the site of the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, to honor the civil rights leader on the 54th anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 2022. Rev. Jesse Jacksons Tennessee visits captured in photos 1 of 88 Getting ready in the front for the silent march from Clayborn Temple in the black section to city hall in Memphis on April 8, 1968, are Yolande King, left, Harry Belafonte, Martin Luther King III, Dexter King, Coretta Scott and The Rev. Ralph Abernathy, the successor to King. Behind the widow is The Rev. Jesse Jackson. Nashville officials react to Jesse Jackson's death Tennessee Rep. Harold Love Jr. asked for a moment of silence for Jackson during a TennCare Subcommittee meeting Feb. 17. He was a pivotal influence in the era of civil rights, ran for president in 1984, and, of course, in 1988, and was a great influence on many of our lives here, Love said. Matter of fact in 2017, we and the Black caucus had a chance to meet with Rev. Jackson in the Cordell Hull building as he was talking about efforts to increase voter rights and to reduce poverty and so Id like to take a moment to acknowledge the life of Jesse Jackson. Michael Eric Dyson, author, speaker and current professor in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University, reflected on Jesse Jackson's passing."Reverend Jesse Jackson was the foremost civil rights leader of our time, and one of the greatest leaders America has ever seen," he said. "Alongside Nashville legends Rev. Jim Lawson and John Lewis, he blazed a path to transformative nonviolence in the social arena." Advertisement Advertisement Dyson called Jackson's political aptitude "extraordinary," and said his "deep sense of humanity motivated him to embrace peoples of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations and nationalities." "His passing reminds us that we must oppose heartless politicians and vicious demagogues who use their platforms and positions to harm and hurt our fellow citizens," Dyson said. "Reverend Jackson was a man of peace who embodied the love ethic of Jesus to teach the people and serve humanity. It is a lesson that our clueless governor and our embarrassing MAGA Senators should study and emulate." Glenda Glover, former president of Tennessee State University, posted a tribute on X to Jackson, who she met early in life because of connections to her father. "I am thankful for the way he supported me, not only during the good times but also when the times were challenging," she said. "His participation as Tennessee State Universitys commencement speaker in 2013 remains one of my cherished memories- a moment that captured his love for young people and his belief in the power of education to transform lives." In loving memory of a dear friend, mentor, and supporter, Rev. Jesse Jackson. I met Rev. Jackson early in my life and career as he was a confidant to my father, Henry Baskin Sr, as he supported the efforts of Memphis sanitation workers during the days of the Civil Rights pic.twitter.com/rl6ZqFMVN4 Dr. Glenda Glover (@gloverpres) February 17, 2026 Tennessee and national officials on Jesse Jackson's death State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who represents parts of Memphis, said Jackson called him and his wife after he was expelled from the state House in 2023. Pearson was expelled after leading gun reform chants that disrupted House proceedings three days after three 9-year-olds and three adults were shot and killed at The Covenant School in Nashville. Advertisement Advertisement "We were genuinely comforted by his thoughtfulness and words and proud to connect with him on our shared faith and history," Pearson said in a Feb. 17 statement. State Rep. Karen Camper noted Jackson's efforts to negotiate the release of a Navy navigator in 1983. "When I was in the Army, one of the things that made a huge impression on me was when he flew to Syria to negotiate the release of then Navy Lt. Robert Goodman after he was shot down and held captive by their government," she said in her statement. "He was a great man who did a lot of good. God bless his family and everyone he helped and inspired as we grieve this tremendous loss." Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter, said Jackson devoted his life to "lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to society's edges." Advertisement Advertisement "He was a gifted negotiator and a courageous bridgebuilder, serving humanity by bringing calm into tense rooms and creating pathways where none existed," she wrote in a statement on X. "May we honor his legacy by widening opportunity, uplifting the vulnerable, and building the Beloved Community." Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. devoted his life to lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to societys edges. Through Operation PUSH, he pushed barriers and opened doors so Black people and other excluded communities could step into opportunity and dignity. With pic.twitter.com/ryC3aOqBb5 Be A King (@BerniceKing) February 17, 2026 Commercial Appeal reporter Jack Armstrong and Tennessean reporter Cache McClay contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jesse Jackson's death, Tennessee and local officials react NEW LONDON - Police identified the person who was killed in a shooting on Connecticut Avenue Sunday as a 42-year-old local man. Gregory Williams of New London was pronounced dead shortly after he was taken to a local hospital, the New London Police Department said. "The New London Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Williams' family, friends, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence," the department said in a statement on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Officers were called to a report of shots fired on Connecticut Avenue between Prest Street and McDonald Street around 7:20 p.m. Sunday. At the scene, officers found Williams suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower extremity, police said. Officers immediately rendered medical aid to Williams before he was taken to a local hospital, where he died, according to police. The New London Police Department's Detective Division is investigating the incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the New London Police Department Detective Division at 860-447-1481. Anonymous tips may be submitted via the New London PoliceTips 411 system by texting "NLPDTip" plus the information to 874411. This article originally published at New London man, 42, killed in shooting on Connecticut Avenue, police say. The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into whether Louisiana's higher education board has violated the Civil Rights Act with its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives included in the Board of Regents' master plan. Federal officials in the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights said the regents' executive budgets from Fiscal Year 2021-2021 and Fiscal Year 2025-2026 appear to "blatantly violate" the law by authorizing racially exclusionary practices and initiatives. Specifically, the investigation says, the boards stated goal is to increase the unduplicated number of underrepresented minorities (all races other than white, Asian) earning a degree or credential in a given academic year. Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Board of Regents objective to prioritize recruitment and graduation efforts for all races other than white [and] Asian appears to blatantly violate not only Americas antidiscrimination laws, but our nations core principles," said assistant secretary for civil rights Kimberly Richey in a statement. "Title VI guarantees all students equal access to educational programs and opportunities regardless of race, and OCR is committed to preserving these rights. OCR will fully enforce Title VI to ensure our education programs are defined by equality, not exclusion. President Donald Trump's U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Louisiana's DEI policies are "unacceptable" in a post on X when the investigation was first announced Feb. 13. "Today, ED is investigating the Louisiana Board of Regents higher education objective which reportedly prioritizes graduation efforts for 'all races other than white, Asian,'" McMahon said on X. "This is unacceptable. We will uphold fairness and equal opportunity for students." Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jeff Landry said in a Feb. 13 social media post he welcomes the investigation with plans to root out any illegal DEI policies. Over the last 2 years, my administration has taken steps to eradicate unfair and harmful DEI practices from Louisianas higher education system, he wrote on X. We welcome the @usedgov investigation to shed light on any areas where DEI is still seeping into our systems. "Our administration has made it a priority to make decisions based strictly on merit the way it SHOULD be! We will work with DOE and follow through accordingly." Republican Misti Cordell of Monroe qualifies for Louisiana's U.S. Senate race on Feb. 11, 2026. Regents Chair Misti Cordell, a Republican appointed by Landry in 2024 who is also a candidate for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District seat, said Feb. 17 in a statement sent to USA Today Network that the "DEI nonsense is DONE." Advertisement Advertisement "Regents now has a new master plan, and Louisiana is not going back," Cordell said. "If it shows up in old paperwork, that doesnt change the reality those bad ideas belong to the past, not our future. "Under Gov. Jeff Landrys leadership, Louisiana is sweeping woke out and putting common sense back in. I was appointed as chair to realign the focus and that is exactly what we are all working to get done. "We are scrubbing away distractions and getting back to basics education that leads to work, work that leads to paychecks, paychecks that keep families together in Louisiana. Our mission is simple: build a pipeline from cradle to career," which Cordell said is "the very best equalizer." Trump's take on Louisiana election: Louisiana's 5th District GOP primary heats up over residency, Trump endorsement This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Feds launch probe into Louisiana's higher education DEI policies Officials from the MetroWest YMCA joined the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs as it celebrated its 175th birthday during its 2026 State Advocacy Day, according to a community announcement. The event, held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the State House, brought together YMCA leaders, youth representatives, legislators and community partners. This years theme, "175 Years of Serving the Commonwealth," honored the YMCAs longstanding commitment to strengthening communities. More than $40 million is reinvested annually into Massachusetts through grants, scholarships, financial assistance and community services, according to the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, was honored with the Legislative Champion Award for her leadership and advocacy for the YMCA. Spilka acknowledged the MetroWest YMCA as the place where her children attended summer camp and expressed excitement for the forthcoming Team Hoyt Community YMCA in Ashland. Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, right, was honored by the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs with its Legislative Champion Award. With her is Brittany Quinones, business manager and camp registrar for the MetroWest YMCA. On behalf of the MetroWest YMCA, I cant think of a more deserving recipient of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCA's Legislative Champion Award than state Senate President Karen Spilka, said Rick MacPherson, president and CEO of the Metrowest YMCA, in a statement. Her consistent leadership on issues impacting children, families and working parents reflects the very heart of our mission of creating connected communities." 'We were very fortunate': MetroWest YMCA unveils plans to build regional facility in Ashland Massachusetts YMCAs have a long history of service, advancing their mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for 175 years. Advertisement Advertisement The MetroWest YMCA, founded in 1960, provides inclusive programming to more than 25,000 community members annually at its Framingham branch, 122-acre outdoor center in Hopkinton and, eventually, at the Team Hoyt Community YMCA in Ashland, according to the announcement. The organization offers a variety of programs, including early learning and childcare, before- and after-school programs, summer camps, fitness and wellness classes, aquatics, sports, enrichment activities and health intervention programs. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@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 cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Senate President Karen Spilka honored as YMCA legislative champion Year to date, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is down 2% even as the S&P 500's returns have been about flat. What gives? After all, Nvidia's financial performance recently has been astounding. The company reported accelerating top-line growth in its most recent quarter (fiscal Q3) as its earnings soared. Even more, Nvidia guided for very strong fiscal fourth-quarter results. And there's another reason to be bullish. Tech giants, including Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms, have announced massive capital expenditure plans. Specifically, they expect to spend big on AI (artificial intelligence) -- Nvidia's bread and butter. This should be a boon for Nvidia's sales in the near term. Further, it shows that a slowdown in demand for AI chips is unlikely -- at least not anytime soon. 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 Is Nvidia stock's recent underperformance a red flag, or is this a buying opportunity? Image source: Getty Images. An AI scare 2026 has been marked by significant investor unease regarding AI. Yes, a handful of tech giants have announced plans to invest aggressively in AI, but the sheer scale of these commitments is somewhat concerning. Amazon, for instance, said it expects to spend about $200 billion, yet its trailing-12-month free cash flow was just $11.2 billion. This suggests Amazon expects its free cash flow, or its cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, to be deep in the red in 2026. Such enormous spending seems to signal somewhat euphoric sentiment toward AI, even if Amazon told investors in its fourth-quarter update that it anticipates "strong long-term return on invested capital" from its capital expenditures. While big spending from tech giants on AI-related infrastructure will almost undoubtedly help Nvidia maintain monstrous growth rates throughout 2026, investors may be concerned that this isn't sustainable for much longer. Fast-growing in-house chip programs Another thing that may be spooking some investors is tech giants' fast-growing in-house AI chip programs. Amazon, for instance, now boasts a chips business with an annual revenue run rate of more than $10 billion. In addition, its AI chip, Trainium2, is now "fully subscribed with 1.4 million chips landed," and Trainium2 is proving itself in the marketplace, with Anthropic using it to train its AI model, Claude. And demand for Trainium3 is off to a great start, too. Businessman Don Huffines, a pro-Trump millionaire who is running for office in Texas, is facing criticism after it was revealed he bought a sprawling New Mexico ranch that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. Records obtained by the Santa Fe New Mexican last week found that Huffines, 67, purchased Epsteins infamous Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County years after the sexual predators death. The 26,700-square-foot hilltop mansion was valued at $27.5 million when it was first listed for sale in July 2021, two years after Epstein died via suicide while being held at a New York correctional facility. The property was purchased through San Rafael Ranch LLC, a company tied to Huffines and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Huffines campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore said in a statement that 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. Social media users, including Texas voters, have taken note. The 26,700-square-foot hilltop mansion was valued at $27.5 million when it was first listed for sale in July 2021. / REUTERS One self-described Texas Republican primary voter wrote, Why did you buy Epsteins ranch? Will you open it to investigators? You must loudly & clearly answer these questions NOW. For someone who calls himself a Christian, maybe youd like to explain how your name appears in the Epstein files and how you became the new owner of Epsteins pedo Zorro Ranch? Step down. Youre pathetic, another wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention Trisha Hope wrote: I wish someone there had the courage to ask you about your NM ranch. You need to be forthcoming about why you purchased it, what you plan to do with it and if you will allow it to be properly searched as the Epstein files indicate there are possible bodies of children buried there. If you cant be honest and answer questions about Zorrors Ranch, how can we have trust in you? one user asked. The Texas primary is being held on March 6. / Stewart F. House / Getty Images Huffines, a former state legislator running for Texas comptroller, has described himself as a courageous MAGA Republican seeking to DOGE Texas. He has touted endorsements from several notable right-wing personalities, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Riley Gaines, and the late Charlie Kirk. After the revelation about his property ownership emerged, he received another endorsement, this time from scandal-ridden former congressman Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, who was investigated for alleged sexual misconduct, offered his support for Huffines. Advertisement Advertisement Don Huffines is a champion for the vulnerable, Gaetz wrote, adding, Everything Don has done in this matter was to benefit victims. He never had anything to do with Epstein. Gaetz endorsed Huffines on X. / @mattgaetz/X Epstein originally purchased the Zorro Ranch from former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King in 1993. Over the years, it became the site of some of the most disturbing details related to Epstein. Jeffrey Epsteins Zorro ranch in New Mexico. / Reuters A 2019 report from The New York Times found that Epstein told scientists he wanted to spread his DNA across the entire human race via impregnating women at the ranch. Numerous survivors of Epstein have also said they were abused at the ranch, including Virginia Roberts Guffire, who died via suicide in April 2025. One victim said she was just 14 when Epstein abused her at the property. Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect the statement from Huffines campaign spokesperson acknowledging the purchase of the ranch. This story appears as part of a collaboration between The Maine Monitor and Maine Focus, the investigative team of the Bangor Daily News, a partnership to strengthen investigative journalism in Maine. You can show your support for this effort with a donation to The Monitor. Read more about the partnership. A judge had just granted bond to an asylum seeker from Maine when the mans attorney spoke up with one more request: Would the judge instruct immigration agents to return her clients work permit when hes released from custody? Her question was aimed at avoiding a problem that has quietly grown behind the scenes of the federal governments massive escalation in immigrant detention. In recent months, more and more immigrants have reached out to lawyers and elected officials for help retrieving important personal documents, including work permits and passports, that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not return when they were released, according to interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Most who reach out for help appear to get their belongings back. But the pattern has created additional problems for immigrants transitioning back to the community and raised concerns about how the federal government handles the sensitive property of detainees at a time of record-setting detention. It appears to be yet another example of the chaotic nature of the immigration system during President Donald Trumps second term. They are chaotic and undisciplined and they operate in an incredibly incompetent way, said Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maines 1st District and frequent Trump critic whose office has dealt with an uptick in requests for help in getting immigrants their documents back. ICE did not respond to a request for comment. The Bangor Daily News has heard complaints about the problem in interviews and at court hearings since mid-2025. In October, a man who worked as a roofer said he lost his work permit after he was detained by immigration agents in May. Advertisement Advertisement Last spring, an immigration lawyer described how ICE didnt return her clients wallet after releasing him from custody, and his work permit was missing when he finally got it back. Last Monday in a federal immigration court in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the Maine asylum seekers lawyer, Irene Freidel of the legal aid group PAIR Project, described the hassle that this policy has created for her clients over the recent months since its apparently gone into effect. She hoped the judge would issue an explicit order on returning the mans documents because ICE has failed to resolve these issues any other way. The agency doesnt engage with us, she said. In a different case, an immigration judge ordered ICE to return another clients belongings and ICE still withheld the persons work permit. As a result, she has had to get staff for Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, involved in chasing down the documents. She has also pursued them through the separate federal court system in cases in which her clients have also filed lawsuits to challenge their detention. Advertisement Advertisement It ends up being a huge headache that really interferes with the individuals ability to return to their life post-release, Freidel said in court. (She did not respond to a voicemail seeking an interview.) In Mondays case, Freidels client was an asylum seeker with no criminal record who has a wife and U.S. citizen daughter in Maine. When he gets home, he will need his work permit to return to his job as a welder for a South Portland company that manufactures steel bridges, she said. The stakes of losing essential documents like a work permit are higher than they used to be. The federal government recently made it more expensive to replace work permits. Pingrees office said it can take months to get a replacement. Immigrants from certain countries may not be able to get documents replaced at all due to recent shifts in federal policy. Pingree said her office has also heard from employers that are nervous about welcoming back employees who dont have copies of their documentation in case the federal government decides to audit them. Her staff have received increasing requests for help about this issue in recent months. At least five have come in since the enforcement surge into Maine last month. Advertisement Advertisement In one case, a man who was detained with his work permit, passport and drivers license was released from detention with a bag that only contained a pair of shoelaces, Christina Starr, who works on constituent issues for the congresswoman. Pingree said she is working on a bill that would force ICE to return those documents. A spokesperson for Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said his office has fielded requests for help getting documents back. (Spokespeople for Republican Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maines 2nd District, did not answer questions about the issue.) It is unclear why ICE is failing to return immigrants belongings. The agency frequently shuffles detainees from detention center to detention center, and Pingree and her staff speculated that the problem may be a function of the agencys general carelessness for people in its custody. During last Mondays hearing, even the judge, Huy Le, seemed wary that ICE would heed his order that the agency return the work permit of the man who worked in Maine as a welder. If violates that order, then the respondent will at least have documentation of it, he said. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) announced on Tuesday that he would seek to raise city property taxes by some 10% if he remains unable to convince New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to increase taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Mamdani swept into office last fall by making a series of campaign pledges around affordability, which he promised to make the citys highest earners pay for. However, acknowledging the fiscal realities of paying for his programs, like free buses and city-run grocery stores, the mayor warned that without Albanys help to raise taxes statewide, he will soak NYCs property owners. The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Mamdanis budget recommends raising city property taxes by 9.5%, which would generate $3.7 billion. He also called for drawing down the citys reserves by $1.2 billion to help close a looming budget deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani was asked about the proposal during a presser at City Hall on Tuesday and doubled down, insisting that the steep tax hike would be the only way to make this an affordable city if Albany doesnt help. This is an election year for Governor Hochul and the legislature. We already have a situation where the governor said, Im not going to raise I dont want to raise taxes on millionaires. And this morning she said she doesnt support property tax hikes. I wonder if we have a situation where this is a clash between ideology and reality, and if faced with the fact that you wont get those taxes from Albany, would you really, really, really raise property taxes here in New York City? asked a reporter. This is not a conversation on the basis of ideology. This is a conversation about a fiscal crisis. I have long believed in the importance of taxing the rich. Ive said so publicly many a time, and Ive long believed in the need for the state and the citys relationship to be a fair one. What we are speaking about in this moment, however, is not just that long-standing belief, the long-standing issues that have characterized that relationship, but a generational fiscal crisis of $5.4 billion, replied the mayor, adding: And when faced with this crisis, the question is: who should pay these taxes? I believe that it should be the wealthiest New Yorkers, the most profitable corporations. I believe they can afford to pay a little bit more. We are in the most expensive city in the United States of America. I firmly believe in the need to make this an affordable city. I believe that we do so and reckon with structural crises by pursuing the first path one of raising taxes on the richest New Yorkers, the most profitable corporations, and ending the drain. The reporter followed up, When push comes to shove, raise the property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement I do not want to raise property taxes. I have said time and time again that it is a broken system, one that we are sincerely looking to reform, which is why were going to be sending up a proposed piece of legislation in the next few weeks. What I am showcasing to New Yorkers is that there is one tax the city can raise. It is a broken property tax system. We do not want to do so, which is why we have said, time and again, that we want to work with Albany to ensure that we resolve this fiscal crisis by addressing the structural roots of it, Mamdani replied. Watch the clip above. The post Mamdani Says He Will Raise Property Taxes In NYC By 10% to Help Make the City Affordable first appeared on Mediaite. NEW YORK New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has tapped a former Biden administration official to audit six municipal agencies for violations of local sanctuary laws an effort aimed at defending the city against President Donald Trumps immigration crackdowns. Bitta Mostofi, who served as a senior official at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under President Joe Biden, will spearhead the audits in her new role as a special adviser to Mamdanis first deputy mayor, according to two people with knowledge of the initiative who were granted anonymity to discuss internal matters. In addition to identifying loopholes in compliance protocols, Mostofi is not ruling out that the audits may involve crafting new, more severe penalties for city workers who violate sanctuary regulations. Advertisement Advertisement The directive is for folks to recommend to the mayor changes to policies and protocols, and that can be everything from the process, to accountability, to transparency and so forth, she told POLITICO in an interview last week. Mamdanis push to shore up compliance with sanctuary laws comes as the Trump administration continues to use increasingly aggressive tactics to make good on the presidents pledge to deport millions of immigrants from the U.S. Since their chummy White House meeting in November, Mamdani and Trump have largely avoided publicly sparring with each other. But in beefing up the city governments immigrant protections, the democratic socialist mayor risks drawing the ire of Trump, who has threatened to withhold billions of dollars in funding from sanctuary jurisdictions around the country. Still, Mostofi said theres a pressing need to closely examine city agencies after former Mayor Eric Adams fostered a dynamic that kneecapped sanctuary laws. The audits, she noted, will seek to weed out any lingering sort of questions and confusion or gray area left behind by Adams. What we witnessed in the last mayoral administration was frankly an undermining of these laws, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Under Adams, New York Citys Department of Investigation found employees of the NYPD and the Department of Correction two of the agencies now facing audits violated sanctuary laws by sharing information with federal officials about immigrants. The findings, which complimented the NYPD on "broadly" doing a good job complying with the laws, came after Adams sought to let ICE set up an office on Rikers Island a move ultimately blocked in court after City Council attorneys argued it violated sanctuary restrictions. New York City is home to more than 3 million immigrants, hundreds of thousands of them undocumented. Sanctuary laws can make it more difficult for ICE and other federal agencies to conduct civil immigration enforcement. For instance, the laws, which date back decades, bar city employees from letting federal immigrant authorities onto municipal property, like schools, unless they have judicial warrants for a particular persons arrest. Murad Awawdeh, a Mamdani transition team adviser who leads the New York Immigration Coalition, said the mayors audits mark the first step in creating a new culture of accountability and transparency for compliance with our critical sanctuary laws. Mamdani first ordered the so-called public safety audits Feb. 6 without identifying who would lead them. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the NYPD and the DOC, Mostofi will oversee sanctuary compliance audits at the departments of probation, social services and health as well as at the Administration for Childrens Services, according to the order. The agencies selected for audits are the ones considered most likely to interact with federal immigration authorities. Theres also concern within the Mamdani administration that the six agencies may still operate within a framework that prevailed under Adams. They fear those residual dynamics could give employees the impression that sanctuary law violations arent taken seriously, said one of the people. Mamdanis audit directive was folded into a broader executive order affirming the citys sanctuary laws. Hours after Mamdani unveiled the order, Trumps Department of Homeland Security issued a statement blasting it for making New Yorkers less safe," signaling the administration is paying close attention. Unlike the other provisions of Mamdanis executive action, the audits stand out as a change in city policy that could come with significant consequences, especially if Mostofi advocates for stricter penalty protocols. Advertisement Advertisement The audits should screen all internal policies, guidelines and protocols for sanctuary law lapses, and a report on the findings at each agency must then be submitted to Mamdani by May 7, the order notes. One of the people who spoke with POLITICO said the administration expects reports to not merely identify loopholes, but also to spell out how they can be addressed. Once the reports are submitted, City Hall will then use the findings to enact new training protocols to strengthen sanctuary law compliance at each agency, according to the order. As a former federal immigration official, Mostofi said she has a broad perspective she intends to apply to the new training plans. I understand both the experiences of people within those systems as well as people on the outside of them, she said. An official at one of the six agencies targeted by the order said the city government already conducts regular compliance audits and voiced suspicion about the actual purpose of the City Hall-led probes. Advertisement Advertisement This recent executive order only raises more questions as to what specific policy the administration is pursuing and what the expectations are for the employees responsible for enforcing it, said the official, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. By contrast, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry, whose union represents the NYPDs tens of thousands of rank-and-file officers, did not immediately push back on the prospect of additional sanctuary law training. Police officers do not make laws or policies, and the NYPDs policies in this area have been in place for a long time, he said. We are always in favor of more training for our members. With additional reporting by Gelila Negesse CLARIFICATION: This report has been updated to provide additional context about the Department of Investigation's findings related to the city's compliance with sanctuary laws. A man has been arrested for murder after his girlfriend was found dead in an East Milton residence, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. Around 7:12 a.m. Feb. 13, Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to the 11400 block of Floridale Drive in response to a report of an unconscious female. When the deputies arrived, the victim, Azalia Heather Dotson-Salinas, 19, was found deceased in a trailer on the property. After the Major Crimes Unit investigated the scene and conducted interviews with the victims family, the incident was classified as homicide. The victims boyfriend, Dominic Alexander Van Wasshenova, 18, was identified as the person of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Alabama agencies the Limestone County Sheriffs Office and Huntsville Police Department made contact with Van Wasshenova after he was located on Interstate 65 near Athens, Alabama. Detectives from the SRSO Major Crimes Unit traveled to Limestone County to interview Van Wasshenova. Dominic Van Wasshenova was arrested on a charge of homicide-murder dangerous depraved without premeditation. He is currently being held in the Limestone County Jail awaiting extradition. "The Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office remains committed to pursuing justice for victims and their families," an SRSO statement said. "The district four deputies, working in coordination with the agencys Major Crimes Unit, acted swiftly and decisively to ensure the suspect was located and taken into custody without delay." The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Limestone County Sheriffs Office and Huntsville Police Department. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Azalia Dotson-Salinas allegedly murdered by Dominic Van Wasshenova A verdict is in for the murder trial of University of Georgia law student Tara Bakers killing in 2001. Edrick Faust was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, rape, arson and all other charges in her death. Bakers family said in a statement that the verdict does not erase the years of grief, but it does represent accountability from the legal system she believed in. For more than two decades, we have lived with the absence of the life she was building, said Baker family spokesperson Cameron Jay. We have imagined the attorney she would have become, the causes she would have championed, and the people she would have helped. That future was taken from her in an act of violence that forever altered our family. Advertisement Advertisement Jurors began deliberating at 12:30 p.m. Monday and returned with a verdict after 1 p.m. Tuesday. Faust was charged with raping and killing Baker. Baker, a 23-year-old University of Georgia law student, was found dead in her burned East Athens home in January 2001. The case remained unsolved for more than two decades before being reopened by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Faust was arrested and charged in 2024. Prosecutors said he set the UGA law students apartment on fire on the way out. Prosecutors argued DNA evidence tied Faust to the crime scene, but the defense said the state fell short of proving Faust is the only possible suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys said Fausts DNA was not the only one found at the scene. They pointed to Bakers boyfriend, Chris Melton, as another possible suspect. This is wrong when I tell you this is wrong. There is no other way to explain it, said Tijuana Dubose, Fausts cousin. A sentencing hearing is set for Thursday. That is when the court will hear from Bakers family and friends when they give their victim impact statements. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man is dead after a standoff that ended with a police shooting in Cobb County. It happened on Bradley Ave. in Cobb County not far from Windy Hill Road. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the scene. Neighbors say rapid gunfire sent them into hiding with their children LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at 5:00 p.m. According to the GBI, officers responded to possible gunshots at a home when Hermelindo Morete-Dista, 27, came outside with a gun in his hand. Advertisement Advertisement He ignored orders to drop the weapon and was shot when he pointed it at officers, the Bureau said in a statement. Morete-Dista had an active removal order from the U.S. Channel 2s Darryn Moore learned at the scene that officers on patrol had heard several gunshots in the neighborhood. He died at the scene. No officers were hurt. The case remains under investigation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A 22-year-old man is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly stabbing a restaurant employee in Upstate New York and then running to a state trooper to confess to the crime. Shayne F. Vaccaro was taken into custody without incident around 10:19 p.m. on Sunday after he approached a New York State Police patrol vehicle on State Route 67 in Malta and told the trooper he had just stabbed someone. The trooper had been clearing a traffic stop when Vaccaro ran toward the vehicle. Additional patrols responded to a nearby restaurant in the Shops of Malta, where they found a 34-year-old male employee suffering from stab wounds to his chest and arm. A Saratoga County sheriffs deputy applied a tourniquet at the scene, and emergency medical services treated the victim before transporting him to Albany Medical Center. The victim is in stable condition and is expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Vaccaro allegedly waited outside the restaurant and attacked the victim as he was leaving after finishing his shift. State police recovered the knife used in the incident, and the Forensic Investigation Unit processed it as evidence. Vaccaro has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree, a class B felony. He was arraigned and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail with bail set at $200,000 cash or $400,000 bond. More in Upstate New York news Read the original article on syracuse.com. The Brief Raymond Isaac Carmona, 20, is held on a $1 million bond for allegedly fatally stabbing a 63-year-old woman and kidnapping a 4-year-old child. A multi-state AMBER Alert led to Carmonas arrest in Missouri just seven minutes after the broadcast, thanks to license plate tracking technology. The suspect faces charges of murder and aggravated kidnapping, with his first court appearance set for Feb. 23 in Tarrant County. MANSFIELD, Texas - A 20-year-old Mansfield man remains in custody on a combined bond of more than $1 million after allegedly killing his mother and abducting his 4-year-old nephew, an incident that sparked a successful interstate AMBER Alert on Jan. 31. Timeline The investigation began at approximately 8:50 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, when Mansfield police were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Cotton Drive after a family member discovered 63-year-old Andrea Colgrove unresponsive on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced Colgrove dead at the scene. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner later determined she died from a stab wound to the neck, and her death was officially ruled a homicide. During the initial investigation, officers learned Colgrove had legal guardianship of her 4-year-old grandson, whose whereabouts were unknown. Police also discovered that a tan 2009 Toyota Corolla had been taken from the residence. Detectives identified Raymond Isaac Carmona, Colgroves 20-year-old son, as a suspect in both the homicide and the childs disappearance, as well as the unauthorized removal of the vehicle. Authorities entered the child into state and national databases as a critical missing person. Due to his age, the childs identity has not been released. Raymond Carmona (Source: Tarrant County Jail) Dig deeper Investigators developed information indicating the stolen vehicle had traveled into Missouri. An AMBER Alert was issued, and the vehicle was entered into state and national law enforcement databases as stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the alert was broadcast, Missouri law enforcement located the Toyota Corolla with Carmona and the child inside. At approximately 2:40 p.m., just hours after the initial call for service, Carmona was taken into custody without incident, and the child was safely recovered. The child was later released into the care of Child Protective Services. Mansfield detectives traveled to Missouri and interviewed Carmona, during which investigators said he admitted to his involvement in his mothers death. Carmona was subsequently returned to Tarrant County and indicted by a grand jury on Feb. 6. Court records show he is charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Murder Aggravated kidnapping Theft of property (motor vehicle) His combined bonds total $1,007,500. Carmona is currently being held in the Tarrant County Jail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. in the 485th District Court. The Mansfield Police Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Source Information in this article is provided by the Mansfield Police Department. The imminent exit of Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin from the agency is the latest sign of a reset in the Trump administrations aggressive deportation strategy, which has fallen sharply out of favor with the American people. And its difficult to overstate how big a role the departments overly aggressive, poor and often bizarre messaging played in that. The administration and McLaughlin, whos set to leave next week, seemed to think they could say whatever they wanted about episodes such as the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, regardless of the evidence. But there proved to be political consequences to that approach. Advertisement Advertisement A Quinnipiac University poll earlier this month showed registered voters said by more than a 2-to-1 margin (61%-25%) that they did not think the administration had given an honest account of Prettis shooting in Minneapolis in late January. Even among Republicans, 4 in 10 declined to vouch for the administration. (About half were neutral, while half distrusted it.) And that reputation was more than earned if not just via the administrations botched handling of Prettis shooting, but by its handling of many other high-profile incidents. Over and over again in recent months, DHS has made claims that were later undermined by video, other evidence, local police and/or judges. Its legal cases against people it accused of targeting federal agents repeatedly fell apart. Advertisement Advertisement And while Prettis killing was perhaps the most shocking example of the departments botched messaging, it was of-a-piece with plenty of other examples including some we learned more about in recent days, shortly before McLaughlins exit was reported. (CNN reports that she started to plan her exit in December but stayed on in the aftermath of those Minneapolis shootings.) Lets review some examples of big DHS claims that fell apart. Renee Good (January 7) A picture of Renee Good is covered with flowers at a memorial in Minneapolis on January 29. - Scott Olson/Getty Images The claims: McLaughlin said Good had weaponized her vehicle in an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to federal law enforcement. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called it an act of domestic terrorism. And President Donald Trump said Good willfully and viciously ran over the agent. The evidence: Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross was not run over. There is some question about whether the vehicle made contact with him. But there remains no evidence that Good aimed to run over the agent; indeed, Good was turning away from the agent as she drove away and was shot. And video evidence shows Ross continuing to shoot her even from the side of the vehicle. Alex Pretti (January 24) A picture of Alex Pretti on January 25 at a memorial in the area where he was killed in Minneapolis. - Octavio Jones/AFP/Getty Images The claims: McLaughlin said it looked like Pretti had aimed to massacre law enforcement. Noem again invoked domestic terrorism. White House adviser Stephen Miller called Pretti an assassin who tried to murder federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement The evidence: The video contradicted these claims even more strongly than with Good. There is no evidence that Pretti targeted the agents. He was legally armed but did not draw his gun, and he was disarmed before he was shot and killed. The administration has since backed off of these claims. Marimar Martinez (October 4, 2025) Marimar Martinez sits for a photograph in Chicago on November 21, 2025. - Leonel Mendez/CNN The claims: Good and Pretti were not the first US citizens to be accused of terrorism. After a Border Patrol agent shot Marimar Martinez several times in Chicago, a DHS statement said the agents involved were ambushed by domestic terrorists that rammed federal agents with their vehicles. It said the shots were defensive. McLaughlin added: We will not allow domestic terrorists to attack our law enforcement. The evidence: Video evidence released last week bolsters Martinezs claim that it was her vehicle that was rammed, not the agents. And the prosecution of Martinez previously fell apart amid numerous problems, including the fact that the agents vehicle which was due to be evidence was driven more than 1,000 miles away after the incident. Attacking agents with shovels and brooms (January 14) The claims: DHS claimed in a statement that three migrants, including one who was shot in the leg in Minneapolis, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, violently assaulted law enforcement with a shovel and broom. Noem described an attempted murder of federal law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement The evidence: ICE admitted last week that its agents made false statements under oath, and Justice Department prosecutors moved to drop criminal charges against two of the men. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the claims were contradicted by video evidence. Threats to assassinate Trump (May 2025) The claims: DHS accused Milwaukee resident Ramon Morales Reyes of writing a letter in which he threatened to assassinate President Trump. Noem urged Trumps critics to tone down their rhetoric. The evidence: Last month, another man admitted in court that the letter was a ruse, and was actually written by him. The man had allegedly stabbed Morales Reyes and wanted to get him deported before he could testify. DHS claim remains online, with no indication that it falsely accused Morales Reyes. (It instead says he was no longer under investigation.) Greg Bovino and tear gas (October 23, 2025) Greg Bovino leaves a courthouse in Chicago, on October 28, 2025. - Leah Millis/Reuters The claims: Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol official who formerly led the Minneapolis operation, claimed he deployed tear gas after being struck in the helmet by a rock in Chicago. DHS also said a rock struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head. Advertisement Advertisement The evidence: In a case involving limits on federal agents use of force, a judge said Bovino admitted in his deposition that he lied multiple times about the incident. The judge said Bovinos claims shifted repeatedly, and he finally admitted no rock had been thrown at him before he deployed the tear gas. The aggressive apprehension of a teenager (October 10, 2025) The claims: After video emerged of an aggressive apprehension of a teenager in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, McLaughlin claimed it was old video and didnt involve ICE. She called it a video from a burglary arrest Chicago Police made over a year ago. The evidence: PolitiFact determined McLaughlins claims were false. The scene involved agents wearing uniforms that identified them as tied to ICE, and it would make no sense for the arrest to involve Chicago police, given it was in a suburb 30 miles away. The teenagers family also spoke out. Another shooting by an agent, in Maryland (December 24, 2025) The claims: DHS claimed that two men were in a van that one of them drove directly at ICE officers, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. One of them was shot by an agent. Advertisement Advertisement The evidence: Anne Arundel County police later said one of the two men was already in custody at the time. DHS later amended its claims to reflect that only one person was in the van. A 13-year-old and a gun (October 9, 2025) Arthur Berto, a 13-year-old living in Everett, Massachusetts, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. - Courtesy Josiele Berto The claims: McLaughlin said that a 13-year-old who was arrested and detained by ICE in Massachusetts was in possession of a firearm and 5-7 inch knife when arrested. The evidence: Everett, Massachusetts, Mayor Carlo DeMaria strongly denied the teen had a gun, saying, No guns were found. (DeMaria confirmed the knife.) Asked by CNN for further comment, DHS did not respond. The tear-gassed family (January 14) A family trying to get home from their sons basketball game found themselves trapped in a protest and tear gassed in their car, resulting in the mother having to administer CPR to her infant. - Yaakov Strasberg/@YaakovStras The claims: After two children were hospitalized after being tear-gassed as their family drove near a protest in Minneapolis, DHS suggested their parents were agitators. DHS wrote in a post: It is horrific to see radical agitators bring children to their violent riots. Advertisement Advertisement The evidence: DHS soon deleted the post, with McLaughlin acknowledging the people were not agitators but instead victims. Rumeysa Ozturk (March 25, 2025) Rumeysa Ozturk arrives at a press conference at Boston Logan International Airport, after spending over six weeks in an immigration detention center in Louisiana, before being released on a judge's order. - Faith Ninivaggi/Reuters The claims: After the Tufts University PhD student was detained by masked federal agents last spring, McLaughlin told CNN that Rumeysa Ozturk had been found by investigators to be engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization. The evidence: Last month, a newly released State Department memo said the investigators did not find that Ozturk had made any public statements indicating support for a terrorist organization. It said DHS found no grounds to remove her for material support to foreign terrorist organization or terrorist activity. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Can Ohio police officers search a car because they smell marijuana, even though the drug is now legal here? A recent Franklin County case raised questions about whether a police officer smelling raw marijuana in a car is enough probable cause to conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle. The case centers around a traffic stop conducted on Oct. 2 by Columbus police on East Welch Avenue. According to court records, two officers pulled over a car after the driver violated a city traffic ordinance. Advertisement Advertisement Court records say the 29-year-old driver got out of the car, but left the driver's door open, before officers approached. The officers reported that they could smell raw marijuana coming from the car. The officers said they asked the driver whether there was marijuana in the car and the driver said no. According to court records, the officers then searched the car. During the search, officers found a cylindrical device about five inches by one and a half inches wrapped in electrical tape. The device was inside a hygiene type bag in the center console of the car. Court records say additional searching resulted in a tin containing what an officer with military training recognized as explosive black powder. The officer re-examined the device and opened the electrical tape, which court records say revealed a carboard tube with the ends glued shut, a visible fuse and visible black powder. The bomb squad was called and eight additional devices were found in the vehicle, court records say. The driver is currently charged with two felonies for possession of a dangerous ordnance and possessing or manufacturing explosives. Advertisement Advertisement The driver's attorney filed a motion asking Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Serrott to throw out all of the evidence from the car. The attorney said marijuana is legal in Ohio, so the smell of marijuana by itself is not enough of a suspicion for officers to be able to search a vehicle. Prosecutors countered that possession of marijuana is still a federal crime and Columbus police have the authority to enforce federal laws. Serrott made his ruling on Feb. 17, determining that Columbus police do have the ability to enforce federal laws, and possession of marijuana is still a federal crime. But Serrott said the decision was a close call that should be discussed further. "The Court urges an appeal of this decision to settle the state/federal search issues raised," Serrott wrote in his ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Serrott said the Columbus officers relied on more than just the smell of marijuana but also on the driver's actions. The judge said the driver's lie about having marijuana in the car and getting out before officers approached both would give officers heightened suspicion. If the driver's attorneys appeal the decision, it will be heard by the 10th District Court of Appeals. Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Marijuana odor gave police reason to search car, judge says Tuesday marks the beginning of an active winter pattern with some light snow on tap for some Massachusetts communities ahead of heavier precipitation on Wednesday and the chance for two additional winter storms in the days ahead. A patchy coating of snow is possible through 1 p.m. Tuesday, though Wednesday will bring a greater concern. Boston 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear shared a new snow map that shows the potential for up to 4 inches of snow in many areas on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Spear estimated a coating to 2 inches of snow in Boston and along the coast, with 2 to 4 inches north and west of Route 128. Precipitation will be heavier on Wednesday afternoon and night, with a mix of rain and snow. After dark, rain will start to turn to straight snow. I think by 5 p.m., youre probably going to see a mix of rain and snow. I dont think theres going to be a ton of sticking. But it could start right around the time of the evening commute, Spear said of Wednesdays forecast. Most of the accumulation is going to happen during the overnight hours when its slightly cooler. The snowfall is expected to be over by the time we wake up on Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the only storm the Boston 25 Weather team is tracking. A Friday night into Saturday will bring a chance for a second storm, and a third storm chance comes Sunday night into Monday. In addition to Wednesday, Weather Alerts have been issued for Friday and Monday, but specific storm details for those days have not yet become clear. A graphic shared by Spear shows a 70% chance of snow on Friday, followed by a 60% chance on Monday. The Boston 25 Weather team will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates on potential Friday and weekend snow totals as this week develops. For the latest forecast, visit the Boston 25 Weather page. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW After one month on the job, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson will give her first State of the City address on Tuesday. In that first month, her headlines have included executive orders to address a potential increase in federal immigration enforcement, two teenagers shot and killed near a school in Rainier Beach, her pausing the sweep of an encampment in Ballard, and thousands of layoffs at local tech employers. Since the start of 2025, before Wilson took office, Amazon has laid off 3,633 employees at its various corporate offices and Amazon Fresh stores in Seattle. Advertisement Advertisement Another 3,948 layoffs have been posted to the Washington State Employment Security Department in that time. Wilson says she is absolutely worried about the job market. I think it definitely speaks to a need to think hard about what does a really healthy, diversified economy look like for a region and what we do to move in that direction? she said. Wilson sees supporting a healthy small business climate and attracting Green Energy employers as places to start. Business groups have hoped for a Do No Harm approach to policy amid a fragile economy. Seattle has implemented a jump start tax as well as a social housing tax paid by companies for their employees who make over a million dollars. Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of pressures we have to balance, Wilson said, The state and the city are facing really large budget deficits. I am supportive of looking for new progressive revenue. And I understand how important it is that we have a good climate for doing business in Seattle. Wilson says while the business community does care about taxes, they tell her their biggest concern is homelessness and public safety. In January, Wilson paused the clearing of an encampment where people who are experiencing homelessness live. It was cleared last week, to a debatable amount of success. In the time since, Wilson says they connected five people to shelter and housing, and a woman who was five months sober to a tiny house village. Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line is there arent just enough appropriate places for people to go, Wilson said. She points out that there are half the number of shelter beds as people who are homeless and wants to add 1,000 beds to the shelter system, with job and mental health counseling. It comes as the city is looking at a budget deficit of almost $130 million in 2027. We have a large budget deficit. We are going to have to make some hard choices and really decide where our priorities lie, and I mean just honestly, with thousands of people on our street every night, this has to be at the top. Wilson hopes for an enhanced community response (CARE), crisis, and mental health team to better handle calls and connect people with services. She does plan to continue her predecessor Bruce Harrells progress in hiring hundreds of police officers to the Seattle Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be working with our police department to figure out how we can achieve more of that consistent presence at the same time as were continuing to staff up, Wilson said. The cornerstone of her campaign was making housing more affordable and available. She passed Harrells plan that represented the second phase of a four-phase process. She tells Seattleites to expect more density in more places with her plan by adding density zoning to areas around transit stops, not just the immediate blocks nearby, and creating nine new neighborhood centers that allow for more development. First of all, we have to make sure that our city services are keeping pace with that density, Wilson said. The more that we improve our transit system, the more we will be able to add that density. People are going to continue moving into our region, right? We cant stop that, we dont want to stop that, and so we have to build the housing to accommodate them, she continued. You can stream Mayor Wilsons address live on KIRO 7 this Tuesday at 11:50 a.m. PT. Feb 17 (Reuters) - South Carolina reported a surge to 962 measles cases on Tuesday, state health data showed, including 12 additional infections since Friday, as officials warned the widening outbreak could last weeks or months amid lagging vaccine uptake. The outbreak, which began in October, has been centered in the northwest part of the state, which includes Greenville and Spartanburg, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The South Carolina outbreak is part of the nation's largest measles surge in more than three decades, federal health data show. Advertisement Advertisement Of those infected, 893 were unvaccinated, 20 were partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccines, 26 were fully vaccinated and 23 had unknown vaccination status. There are currently 127 people in quarantine and eight in isolation, the state health department said. Last week, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary, in an interview, urged Americans to get vaccinated for measles. "I think everyone in this administration has been pretty clear that the best way to prevent measles is to get your kid vaccinated against measles," he said. (Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) Danell Cross loves two things: music and Metcalfe Park. Cross, the executive director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, was among a dozen awardees at the 2026 African American Environmental Pioneer Awards on Tuesday, Feb. 16. When she was young, Cross told the crowd, she used to get stuck on a song for extended periods of time, ignoring the rest of the album for just one song. She still does that today. Advertisement Advertisement Metcalfe Park is that one song that Im stuck on, she said. The reason shes stuck on the neighborhood, she said, is because the neighborhood has stuck with her: the community has fed her, cared for her and helped her raise her children. Cross said she fell into environmental work when her efforts began, she knew nothing about it. But she knew one thing: When were working in Black communities, environmental (issues) was going to find us everywhere we turn. Danell Cross, executive director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, accepts an award for her environmental work during the 7th annual African American Environmental Pioneer Awards ceremony at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Feb. 16, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - Angelica Edwards / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel From pipes and paint contaminated with lead to empty lots covered in litter, Cross work through Community Bridges and community action groups has transformed spaces in the neighborhood over the past decade. Advertisement Advertisement Her environmental work will continue in 2026. During a neighborhood meeting on Feb. 3, Cross introduced a new initiative to transform Metcalfe Park into an eco-neighborhood using a $3,000 grant awarded by the City of Milwaukee. The initiative is still in its planning stages, but Cross is committed to allowing residents to decide which environmental issues their projects will address. Cross said environmental work is like a song on a loop never-ending, but she is committed to it for the long-term. This is a give and take, she said. And Im gone keep hitting repeat and repeat. African American Environmental Pioneer Awards Danell Cross, executive director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, accepts an award for her environmental work during the 7th annual African American Environmental Pioneer Awards ceremony at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Feb. 16, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - Angelica Edwards / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Now in its seventh year, the annual environmental pioneer awards ceremony recognizes African Americans whose work has benefited their communities and the planet through environmental conservation, sustainability or advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Nearby Nature Milwaukee, the event's organizer, said the event is purposefully scheduled during Black History Month each year to honor the rich cultural history of the African Diaspora," while celebrating environmental stewardship. In addition to Cross, five other community leaders received a Pioneer Award: Lloyd Seawright of Beach Ambassadors, Yvonne McCaskill of Century City Triangle Neighborhood, Dee McCollum of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Mabel Lamb of Sherman Park Community Association and Cheri Fuqua of The Middle Ground MKE. Six individuals received a Rising Star Award: Jerica Fehr of MKE FreshAir Collective, Alana Fisher of Earth Echo, Christina Hill of Hawthorne Elementary School, Bryan Rogers of Walnut Way Conservation Corp., Ifeoluwapo Tolorunju of Sherman Park Community Association and Tylon Moon of Teens Grow Greens. April Quevedo covers Metcalfe Park for the Journal Sentinels Neighborhood Dispatch . Contact: aquevedo@usatodayco.com . Advertisement Advertisement Neighborhood Dispatch reporting is supported by Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Journal Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project . Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support . Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: JS Community Journalism) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #364427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Danell Cross honored at 2026 African American Environmental Pioneer Awards New Mexicos state House is looking to investigate Jeffrey Epsteins ranch in the state, unanimously passing a bill on Monday to establish an investigatory subcommittee to see what the convicted sex criminal was up to there. One of the bills co-sponsors, state Representative Andrea Romero, called the committee a Truth Commission that will use testimony, subpoena powers, and public records to put the whole story together. New Mexicans deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it. We have heard years of allegations and rumors about Epsteins activities in New Mexico, but unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record, Romero said in a statement. With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Epsteins Zorro Ranch was a sprawling 7,500 acres that he bought in 1993, which had its own helipad and airstrip. Court documents say that sex trafficking took place there with the help of Epsteins accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, but the federal government has never conducted a full search of the property. In 2019, thenNew Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas said his office conducted its own investigation and found activity that occurred in New Mexico that was still viable for prosecution, including contact with multiple victims. Balderas added that federal prosecutors in New York asked his office to hold back on any investigations or prosecutions related to Epstein, as they had their own ongoing investigation of Epstein. In emails released earlier this month, Manhattan federal prosecutors said in 2019 that they had spoken with the New Mexico attorney generals office, who they said had agreed to cease any investigation into sex trafficking and share whatever they had gathered regarding sex trafficking activity with our office. Years later, New Mexico authorities are going to be taking a full look at what happened on the ranch. Several of Epsteins victims have testified that they were abused there, but Epstein successfully managed to keep those activities hidden for many years, even from his neighbors. With this commission, the truth may finally come out. The four members of New Mexicos Jeffrey Epstein truth commission held their first meeting Tuesday morning. In the coming months, members said, the commission will publish a public-facing website, a live tip-line and an investigative report. The state House of Representatives unanimously voted to form the House investigatory subcommittee on Monday. Commission Chair Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) said she wants to assemble a full picture of local and state law enforcements actions or inactions during Epsteins time in New Mexico, where he was not required to register as a sex offender even though he pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for sex. She said the commission has already heard from survivors who were abused at Epsteins Zorro ranch near Stanley in Santa Fe County, which sold in 2023. Epstein purchased the sprawling property from former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement This truth commission will finally fill in the gaps for what we need to know as the publicso we can learn from them and prevent these atrocities from taking place ever again in this state, Romero said in a Tuesday news conference ahead of her committees first meeting. The commission will operate with a $2 million budget. Romero said efforts are underway to hire investigators, legal experts and support staff. She and other members said they plan to coordinate their efforts with the New Mexico Department of Justice. The commission will meet publicly on an as-needed basis and post documents to a public website when all four commissioners agree to post them, Romero said. The commissioners themselves bring relevant experience to such an investigation. Romero is an attorney; Rep. William Bill Hall (R-Aztec) is a former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent; Rep. Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis) is an attorney who has prosecuted crimes against children; Rep. Marianna Anaya (D-Albuquerque) is a former deputy director for the progressive organization ProgressNow New Mexico and an advocate for abuse survivors. The commissions makeup of two Republicans and two Democrats is no accident. As Epsteins sex trafficking scandal has become increasingly polarized nationally, commissioners said, they hope to cut through the noise. Advertisement Advertisement Keep the politics out of it, Romero said. Everyone wants to pull us into a direction about politics, but this is really, truly about getting the truth on the record and we take that very seriously. At the heart of their investigation is the question of who knew what and when they knew it. Commissioners said they will scrutinize the role local law enforcement played during Epstein and his conspirator Ghislaine Maxwells time in the state. Former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas in a Tuesday email to Source NM said that his office investigated Epsteins and Maxwells actions at Zorro ranch before federal officials asked him to shelve the query. Our office investigated activity that occurred in New Mexico that was still viable for prosecution, including contact with multiple victims, he wrote. During that time, the U.S. Attorneys Office in New York asked that we pause any further state investigation or prosecution of activity related to Epstein, as they communicated to us that they were leading an active multi-jurisdictional prosecution. We provided all of our reports and interviews to them to ensure that they had all investigative leads and to pause from further parallel investigation. We did not close [the] matter, and continued to offer our resources to the DOJ and forwarded evidence to the U.S. Attorney for prosecution. Our office requested that the U.S. DOJ use any asset forfeiture tools at their disposal to seize the ranch and that any proceeds from activity there be used to provide compensation to victims. Advertisement Advertisement Romeros work begins as the U.S. Department of Justice uploads troves of documents to its public Epstein Library. To some leaders, this local work is something the federal government should have done long ago. U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), who serves on the federal committee that has released documents from the 2019 federal sex trafficking case against Epstein, said state leaders are stepping up in an area where the federal government has overwhelmingly failed to act. New Mexico is taking action where the federal government has thus far failed to follow up, she said during a Tuesday news conference preceding the new commissions first meeting. It is a structured process through which survivors can come forward, witnesses can come forward, we can uncover a full picture of what happened and why the justice system has failed survivors in our stateThis is what the U.S. DOJ should be doing in every single case at the federal level. Source NM reporter Danielle Prokop contributed to this story. New Mexico lawmakers have launched an investigation into Jeffrey Epsteins former Zorro Ranch over allegations of ****** abuse taking place at the rural property, and concerns that alleged crimes were never fully investigated by federal and state law enforcement. The states House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation on Monday that creates a bipartisan truth commission, which will review allegations of abuse having taken place at the Santa Fe-area property while it was owned by the late *** offender. The goal of the investigation, said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) in a video address Monday, is to understand why the crimes that were reported to federal and state authorities were never fully investigated and to ensure that we have safeguards in place to not only hold those individuals accountable, who were complicit, but to ensure that this never happens again in our state. Advertisement Advertisement Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. San Rafael Ranch, which was previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein and called the Zorro Ranch, is seen on Jan. 31 near Stanley, New Mexico. via Associated Press The committee is required to submit an interim report on its findings by the end of July and a final report by the end of the year. This final report will detail the investigative procedures carried out by the committee, the findings and conclusions the committee made through carrying out those procedures and the committees recommendations, according to a copy of the resolution. Epstein owned the sprawling property from 1993 until his death in 2019. It was then purchased in 2023 by Texas businessman and former Republican state Senator Donald Huffines, who is currently running for comptroller in Texas, a spokesperson for his family confirmed to the Santa Fe New Mexican. Huffines, who bills himself as a courageous MAGA Republican, never visited the property before its purchase, the spokesperson said. Politics: Trump Uses Jesse Jacksons Death To Land Yet Another Hit On Obama Several civil suits have accused Epstein of sexually assaulting girls at the property during his ownership, though he was never charged in relation to those allegations. The survivors allegedly include the late Virginia Giuffre, who provided photos that she said were taken of herself at the ranch in a 2015 court document. Advertisement Advertisement Stansbury called Huffines purchase of the property interesting because of his use of a Limited Liability Company to complete the sale, which allowed him to complete the purchase anonymously. She also identified Huffines son as working in the Trump administration. Representatives for Huffines did not immediately respond to HuffPosts requests for comment Tuesday. Now, we dont know if these ties mean anything but what we do know is that this property is a property in which multiple survivors have reported abuse, Stansbury said, while detailing some of the allegations, including that two women were killed and buried on the property following a *** act. Politics: Donald Trump And Epstein Get The Carnival Treatment In Germany. And Its Brutal. New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard last week called on federal and state law enforcement to investigate the public land surrounding Epsteins former property following the buried bodies claim. Advertisement Advertisement Im horrified when I learned something new, especially when I learned that state land could have been used, could have been involved in some of these monstrous activities, Richard told Albuquerque station KRQE. The New Mexico Department of Justice, responding to Richard in a letter obtained by KRQE, called the body allegations unsubstantiated and said more information is needed before it can determine whether any further action is warranted. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost Circumstances around the death of Nenko Gantchev, who died in ICE custody in December, are still unclear after a visit to the detention facility where he died, according to U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) and Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids), who toured the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Mich. on Tuesday. What we were informed of is that there is still an ongoing review of his death, and yet a man is dead, and he died here in this ICE center, this ICE processing center, this detention center, Stevens told reporters following the facility visit to the privately owned detention center, which is currently working under a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is the agencys largest facility in the Midwest and as of Feb. 5 was at high capacity, reportedly holding 1,467 people. Stevens and Scholten sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem shortly after Gantchevs death calling for more information. The agency has described the cause of death as suspected natural causes while the official cause remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement They have said that they need to get the full picture from his death report, and so what that was described to me as is an autopsy and a further analysis of what contributed to his death, Stevens added. I hope that we can get a full picture of the care and the treatment that he was receiving here, and what biological causes or other factors contributed to his death. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The congresswomen have not received any response from Noem to their inquiries, and Stevens said that she is disappointed in Noem, adding, I have lost faith in her leadership and her ability to run the Department of Homeland Security, and we are still waiting for answers from her. She added that the congresswomen pressed staff at the facility on the types and depth of medical care available at the facility, and were told that the care is to the standpoint of ambulatory or emergency level care, and then if situations escalate, they do contact and move to a hospital and healthcare network. Advertisement Advertisement But we are here today with still no answers about what happened to Mr. Gantchev, why he died here at this ICE processing facility in Baldwin, and we are going to continue to keep asking, she continued. Stevens and Scholten were also given a tour of the facility and spoke with four detainees, though Scholten said that nearly 100 detainees had signed up to try to speak with the congresswomen during their visit. The visit was cut from three to two hours by facility staff, Scholten said, though she noted that staff had been very forthcoming in allowing us to come here. Scholten acknowledged that this was a pre-planned visit and that employees would have had the chance to prepare the facilities in advance of their arrival. The facility today was clean, she said. Individuals were getting their meals on time. We heard from individuals who said that they were getting everything that they need. The North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Mich. Feb. 17, 2026. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Stevens also seemed generally impressed with the staff during the visit and their treatment of detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Of note, there is female leadership here, and there are women who walked with us today and explained, on the intake process, how important it is to treat people with humanity, Stevens said. And that obviously really stuck out to me, because some of the things that we are witnessing before our eyes, in our neighborhoods, in our streets, is really a lack of humanity. Stevens office later told Michigan Advance that they believed describing the congresswomans comments as being impressed was a mischaracterization of what she was trying to convey. If you listen to the Congresswomans remarks, it is clear that she was responding to a question about what she and Rep. Scholten saw and heard from detainees, and was referring to the fact that female detainees she spoke with said they were relieved there were female guards doing intake at this facility as compared to other facilities theyve been detained insince the intake process can be invasive, Logan Basch, Stevens communications director, said in an email. Both congresswomen did note, however, that at least one individual who they spoke to expressed a fear of punishment or retribution for sharing his concerns about the facility though they attempted to speak with him privately, they were denied that opportunity. Stevens noted that she plans to remain in touch with that persons family in Macomb County to ensure he is not punished for speaking with the congresswomen. Advertisement Advertisement He was kept for several weeks in what everyone there refers to as the hole, which is similar to a solitary confinement, Scholten said of the same detainee. He spoke of being kept in a freezing room where he couldnt feel his toes and having his food just thrown into his cell. So these are things that we really need to take seriously. The congresswomen said that they also spoke with one of the few female detainees, a pregnant woman who had been taken into the facility a few days ago. She was very distressed, very upset, lacking answers, needing translation services, a Spanish speaker. And that was obviously quite sobering, Stevens said, adding that this detainee, who had asylum status, also has an 18-month old daughter at home, and she normally splits childcare duties with her husband so both can work. This same detainee did note that the health care services she has received while in detention have been satisfactory. She said that, yes, they are going above and beyond to give her everything they need. So we do need to be honest about that, Scholten said. Advertisement Advertisement But the issue of translation services, as well as a confusing schedule of when visits with loved ones or lawyers, is persistent. The communication really stood out to me as well. When we said that we wanted to meet with individuals, we impressed upon them, if these individuals did not speak English or Spanish, we needed interpretation services available, Scholten said. When we got to meet with the men in the detention center, there was only one English speaker, the other two had non-Spanish interpretation needs that were not able to be met. Even though we had been assured there would be an interpreter there, no interpreter was available. (The Center Square) A Shelby Township man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar pandemic relief fraud scheme, federal officials announced. Samer Kammo, 46, was sentenced in Detroit by U.S. District Judge Jonathan J. C. Grey after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with the federal Paycheck Protection Program. Kammo and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for multiple businesses, falsifying payroll figures and certifying the funds would be used for legitimate business purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Federal investigators said the group also submitted fictitious payroll, health insurance, banking and tax records to support the applications. Kammo and members of his family received nearly $2.5 million in fraudulent PPP funds. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This defendant and his co-conspirators tried to cheat the system by exploiting a federal relief program meant to help Americans in need, said Jennifer Runyan, the FBI special agent in charge of the case. If you abuse government programs for personal gain, you will be found, and you will face serious consequences under the law. Jared Murphey, the HSI acting special agent in charge, said investigators remain committed to pursuing pandemic-era fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Although the pandemic is years behind us, HSI and our partners are committed to holding fraudsters accountable, Murphey said. By now the writing on the wall should be crystal clear, if you fraudulently obtained government funds during the pandemic, you will be held accountable. Court records show the conspirators used the personal identifying information of several of Kammos relatives, including his mother, to carry out the scheme. As part of his sentence, Kammo was ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution. Co-defendant Rita Shaba previously received a 27-month prison sentence, while Kammos wife, Christina Anasi, awaits sentencing. This is just one of many such cases of PPP and other COVID-19 era fraud that uncovered throughout the U.S. The fraud has largely been centered around several emergency relief programs in 2020 established by Congress to stabilize the economy in the midst of the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Just in the PPP program, Congress authorized more than $800 billion through multiple rounds of funding making it one of the largest small-business aid efforts in U.S. history. Just in Michigan, there have been numerous cases uncovered, including: The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency paid about $11 billion in fraudulent claims from the start of COVID through 2022 Macomb woman sentenced in January for her role in $3 million COVID PPP fraud scheme Michigan man sentenced in 2022 for approximately $230,000 in fraudulent COVID unemployment payments Ten people from Michigan sentenced in 2024 in a $4.9 million COVID unemployment scheme By Matthias Williams Feb 17 (Reuters) - Migrants in Libya, including young girls, are at risk of being killed, tortured, raped or put into domestic slavery, according to a U.N. report that called for a moratorium on the return of migrant boats to the country until human rights are ensured. Libya has become a transit route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty to Europe across the Mediterranean since the fall in 2011 of dictator Muammar Gaddafi to a NATO-backed uprising. Factional conflict has split the country into western and eastern factions since 2014. Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, the EU and EU member states have supported and trained the Libyan coastguard, which returns migrants stopped at sea to detention centres, and have funded Libyan border management programmes. A report published on Tuesday by the U.N. Human Rights Office and the U.N. Support Mission said migrants are rounded up and abducted by criminal trafficking networks, often with ties to the Libyan authorities and criminal networks abroad. "They are separated from their families, arrested, and transferred to detention facilities without due process, often at gunpoint, in what amounts to arbitrary detention," Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson of the U.N. Human Rights Office, told a briefing in Geneva. The Libya mission in Geneva and the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Libyan authorities have previously denied any systematic abuse of migrants. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the EU Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The report is based on interviews with almost 100 migrants, asylum seekers and refugees from 16 countries in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. They were interviewed inside and outside Libya. It cited an Eritrean woman who was detained for over six weeks at a trafficking house in Tobruk, in eastern Libya. "I wish I died. It was a journey of hell," she said. "Different men raped me many times. Girls as young as 14 were raped daily," she said. The perpetrators released her after her family paid a ransom. Advertisement Advertisement The report, covering the period January 2024 to December 2025, described instances of a man being forced to work without pay or enough food, and of girls being separated from their mothers. "Men used humiliating methods with women, making them, for example, take their clothes off in front of other men and women migrants before raping them publicly, torturing them, and beating them," Suki Nagra, U.N. Human Rights representative at the U.N. mission in Libya, told the Geneva briefing. The report emphasised the importance of life-saving search and rescue operations for migrants at sea but urged the international community to halt returns to Libya until adequate human rights safeguards are ensured. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Matthias Williams, additional reporting by Amina Ismail in Brussels, editing by Thomas Seythal, Alexandra Hudson) Assembly member Brian Miller, R-New Hartford, has announced his appointment to the New York State Assembly Committee on Education by Minority Leader Ed Ra. I am grateful, and want to thank Leader Ra for the opportunity to serve on the Assembly Education Committee, Miller said. New York is home to dedicated teachers and strong school communities, including right here in the 122nd Assembly District. From our local districts to our outstanding BOCES programs, educators are preparing students for both college and career pathways. State policy must support the work happening in our classrooms every day and strengthen that work, and I look forward to contributing to thoughtful discussions that support our schools. Miller is currently on the Higher Education Committee and "emphasized that his new role will allow him to focus on the full spectrum of education policy, from Pre-K through college," according to a news release from his office. Advertisement Advertisement Having worked on higher education issues, I understand the importance of preparing students not only for graduation, but for lifelong success, Miller said. I look forward to examining education policy from early childhood through the senior year of college, supporting our great teachers, and making smart investments in our schools that benefit students across New York State. I am also excited to work alongside Ranking Member Doug Smith on the Committee on Education. Doug has been a strong advocate on education issues, and I look forward to collaborating with him to advance policies that benefit our local schools, teachers and communities. Miller will also continue serving as ranking member on the Transportation Committee, as well as a member of the Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Higher Education, and Real Property committees. He remains Chairman of the Minority Conference Steering Committee, according to the release. As always, my focus remains on delivering results for the 122nd Assembly District and ensuring that state policies reflect the needs of our local communities, Miller said. The 122nd Assembly district consists of parts of Oneida, Herkimer, Otsego and Madison counties. Senate Bill 6346, better known colloquially as The Millionaires Tax, has passed the Senate in a 27-22 vote. Less than 1% of the wealthiest households in the state would pay the Millionaires Tax. The narrow, targeted proposal would levy a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million. Households with incomes of $1 million and below would pay nothing, the bills sponsors describe. Its estimated the Millionaires Tax would generate $3.7 billion annually, which will fund critical services like public education, early learning and child care, health care, and other services Washington families rely on, according to bill sponsors. Advertisement Advertisement Today was a momentous step forward, said bill sponsor Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle). For Washingtons 1.1 million school kids, people struggling to afford health care, and small businesses looking for help, that help is on the way. In opposition, Sen. Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley), said: Today is a dark day for the taxpayers of Washington, said Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley. The majority has chosen to willfully ignore the clear and repeated will of the people. For nearly a century, Washingtonians have gone to the ballot box and rejected an income tax 10 separate times. By passing this bill, the majority has signaled that they value their own appetite for spending more than the voices of the citizens they represent. The 60-day 2026 legislative session ends March 12. The bill will now to to the House for consideration. Another well-known Milwaukee bar and restaurant is facing a federal lawsuit over tipping practices an employee says violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. Steny's Tavern and Grill, doing business as Steny's, Inc., and its registered agent Jerome K. Stenstrup are named in the civil complaint filed by Nathan Witman, a Steny's front-of-house employee. The lawsuit was filed Feb. 12 in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The suit alleges Steny's, 800 S. 2nd St., operates an unlawful mandatory tip pool that includes kitchen workers, who do not customarily receive tips, and wrongfully claimed a tip credit it was not entitled to receive. Advertisement Advertisement More: Cafe Corazon employees sue restaurant over tip pooling policy that included managers A tip credit is a provision under the Fair Labor Standards Act that allows an employer to count a portion of a tipped employee's tips towards the employer's obligation to pay that employee per workweek an amount equal to the minimum wage and overtime compensation required under the FLSA. In Wisconsin, the minimum wage is $7.25. Witman is one of at least 40 employees affected by the tip pool, the lawsuit says. Stenstrup did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the lawsuit. Steny's operates two locations, the Walker's Point restaurant named in the suit and a location in Pewaukee. Advertisement Advertisement A similar lawsuit alleging illegal tipping practices at the St. Paul Fish Company's Milwaukee Public Market location was filed in January. That suit claims the seafood restaurant illegally allowed its managers to take tips set aside for other restaurant workers. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee bar Steny's accused of illegal tipping practices in lawsuit WISCONSIN RAPIDS A 34-year-old Milwaukee man said Feb. 16 he thought he was fighting for his life when he killed his father and injured another man. Randall E. Harris Jr. is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the death of his father, Randall E. Harris Sr., 56, of Wisconsin Rapids, on Oct. 31, 2025. He is also charged with recklessly endangering safety for injuries caused to a 59-year-old man. Harris Jr. chose to take the stand Feb. 16, on the sixth day of his trial in Wood County Circuit Court. He had taken the bus from Milwaukee to Stevens Point on Oct. 29 to visit his father and other family members while he took care of an appointment in Wisconsin Rapids. Harris Sr. picked his son up in Stevens Point. Advertisement Advertisement Harris Jr. said he was happy to see his father, but he knew as soon as he opened up the car door and saw Harris Sr. that something was wrong. He immediately saw that his father was high, he said. "He didn't look like the healthy Randy (Harris Sr.) I knew; he looked high," Harris Jr. said. It was Harris Sr.'s drug addiction that had caused the two to not see or talk to each other for a long time, Harris Jr. said. Harris Jr. had moved into the house where his father lived in March 2020. Harris Jr. said he told his father he'd only move in if his father stopped using drugs. Harris Jr. said things were good for awhile, then another man, the one Harris Jr. is charged with injuring, began coming around. Harris Jr. said the now 59-year-old man was part of the reason Harris Sr. started using drugs again. Harris Jr. said he had seen many fights between the now 59-year-old man and Harris Sr. through the years and acts of violence when one or the other got angry. Advertisement Advertisement Harris Jr. said he and a friend who had also moved into the home saw the now 59-year-old man slap an older woman who lived in the house. They confronted the now 59-year-old man and Harris Sr. came upstairs and got involved. Harris Jr. said his father had defended the now 59-year-old man and warned Harris Jr., "When it comes down to it, between me and you, I'll kill you." Harris Jr. began to cry when he said he didn't even pack his things. He helped his friend pack and then the two went to the home of one of Harris Jr.'s sisters. Harris Jr. then moved back to Milwaukee. For a time, Harris Jr. didn't answer phone calls from his father. Once he did, it was several months before he agreed to visit again. Harris Sr. promised his son he stopped using drugs, Harris Jr. said. The first night Harris Jr. spent at the house, he slept in his father's bedroom in the basement. Harris Jr. said his father spent the night in a recliner next to the bed smoking crack cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Harris Jr. said he went to his appointment the next day. He was supposed to pay some money he owed, but he didn't have enough, so he didn't pay any. Harris Jr. said the 59-year-old man living in the house kept asking him for money so that the older man could buy drugs. Harris Jr. said he witnessed a man in a silver vehicle come to the house and the 59-year-old man made some type of exchange with a man through the car's windows. Harris Jr. said he took the money he had and placed it in his underwear to keep it safe from the 59-year-old man. Harris Jr. made a pork chop dinner for everyone the night of Oct. 30.. He said he went downstairs and saw his father in the bedroom pour a white powder onto a plate and begin mixing the substance with baking soda. Harris Jr. said he decided that night he had had enough. Harris Jr. said he came back from going to the toilet and told his father he was through when he walked back into the bedroom. Harris Sr., who was still sitting at the table, pulled a machete from under a pillow he had on his lap and swung it behind him toward Harris Jr., but missed. Harris Jr. said anyone who swings a machete at you is trying to kill you. Advertisement Advertisement Harris Jr. said he was able to grab the machete away from his father, cutting two of his fingers in the process. He said he then hit his father once in the back of the head. It was then that Harris Sr. picked up a handgun from the table in front of him, Harris Jr. said. He pointed it at Harris Jr.'s chest and pulled the trigger. Harris Jr. said the gun went "click" but it didn't fire a bullet. Harris Sr. then pulled back the slide to load a round in the chamber, Harris Jr. said. That was when Harris Jr. hit his father for the second time with the machete. Harris Jr. said he knocked his father off of the chair he was sitting on and onto the floor. He said his father fired a round into the floor and one into the ceiling. Harris Jr. said they struggled for the gun and Harris Jr., who was able to get his hand on the trigger, fired the gun four times, trying to empty it. Harris Jr. said he knew the 59-year-old man would be coming to help Harris Sr. and Harris Jr. thought he had another gun. He heard the 59-year-old man come running down the stairs and ask Harris Sr. if he had "gotten it," from Harris Jr. Harris Jr. said he saw his father crawling toward the bed, so he took the machete and gun and ran from the bedroom. He said the 59-year-old man tripped him as he got near the stairs and he dropped the machete, which wound up where police would find it outside the bedroom door. Advertisement Advertisement Harris Jr. said he ran up the stairs but the 59-year-old man followed him, pulling on his pants. Harris Jr. said he left the gun he had taken from his father on the fourth step from the top. Harris Jr. said he ran into the kitchen when the 59-year-old man threw a microwave at him. He said he then went to a drawer and took out a knife with two prongs on the end. Harris Jr. said he told the man to leave him alone. An 81-year-old woman also was in the kitchen. Harris Jr. said the man pushed the woman at him, causing her to get stuck with the knife. Harris Jr. said he didn't want to hurt the woman, so he dropped the knife as soon as he saw the woman was hurt. The older man then chased Harris Jr. into the living room and they fought each other. Harris Jr. said the 59-year-old man slammed his head into the window several times, making Harris Jr. fear the window would crash down on him. Harris Jr. said he pulled the money from where he had put it in his underwear and threw it at the man, telling him to keep it. Harris Jr. said it was then the 59-year-old man stopped fighting him and Harris Jr. was able to grab another knife from the kitchen and escape through the back door. Defense attorney Oren Jakobson recalled the 59-year-old man who had been stabbed to the stand. The man denied making any drug deals that day. He said he couldn't remember how he spent the money he had earned from tinting someone's windows, which he testified to earlier in the trial. He denied ever going downstairs during the fight and said he had not moved the gun from the stairs to a laundry basket in the basement where it was found by police. Advertisement Advertisement Crystal Johnston was the last person to take the stand Feb. 16. She said she had been at the Wisconsin Rapids home where Harris Sr. died on Nov. 1. She said she heard the 59-year-old man ask the 81-year-old woman for $10 for gas and then saw the man turn his back on the older woman and add the $10 to a folded stack of bills he had. Johnston said she was shocked because the man never had any money and she didn't know where he would have gotten it. The defense rested its case at the end of the day Monday. Contact Karen Madden at kmadden@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Milwaukee man testifies he killed father in self-defense during trial WASHINGTON, D.C. Salah Mohamed was 21 the first time he visited Washington D.C. It was 2003, and he arrived on a bus full of Minnesotans traveling to the nations capital to protest the Iraq War. The second time was last week, when he sat across the table from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to plead for accountability for the behavior of immigration agents in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge, which took the lives of two Minnesotans, resulted in thousands of arrests and forced an untold number of immigrants into hiding. The Rochester imam joined dozens of other Minnesotans in D.C. to call for the end of Operation Metro Surge, the defunding of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, justice for the people killed and abused by federal agents and help for small businesses impacted by the surge. Advertisement Advertisement People are sick and tired of being terrorized in their own neighborhoods, in their own homes, Mohamed said. People are afraid. Children should be going to school. So thats what our Congress person should be focusing on, making sure that ICE and (Border Patrol) dont get any funding. Thursday morning, less than an hour before the coalition addressed news cameras on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol, President Donald Trumps border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge and a withdrawal of federal agents. But the announcement hardly shifted the groups tone or message. Their goal was never just to end Operation Metro Surge it was to make sure no other community suffered like theirs had. Rochester imam Salah Mohamed poses for a inside the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer) Bringing their stories to the Capitol Salah took photos and videos of the inner workings of the Capitol as interns whisked him and around 20 other Minnesotans from one end of the building to the other to meet with staff for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Advertisement Advertisement At the table, there was also Patty OKeefe, who was observing and documenting ICE when she was arrested and detained at the Whipple Federal Building for eight hours before being released without charges. There was Samuel Cardozo, a co-owner of Mercado Central, the Minneapolis Latino business hub that has seen its revenue fall off a cliff as families stay home. There was Peg Nelson, who teaches in Columbia Heights, where several children including Liam Conejo Ramos, whose plight became a national rallying cry have been arrested by ICE and sent to a detention center in Texas. There were child care providers, Democratic state lawmakers, union members and rideshare drivers. Juan Leon, whose tow truck company has been returning detainees cars to their families for free, got a call about a car left behind after an ICE arrest, and tracked down an address to return it to. When he arrived, he saw groceries left on the stoop of a fourplex, the milk frozen solid. He knocked on the doors inside, announcing in Spanish that he was looking for the owners of the vehicle. No one answered. Eventually, one door cracked open. It was a young girl, in her early teens, Leon guessed. She asked if Leon knew where her parents were. Behind her, he saw a toddler in a diaper. Advertisement Advertisement He weeps when he tells the story, and in Jeffries office, others cried alongside him. He helped the children get in touch with a family member who could watch them, and has dropped off supplies and checked on them periodically ever since. As were working, we dont really think about it. You know, at the end of the night, when were doing our books and getting everything documented and getting everything posted, is when you start feeling it when you start crying letting your feelings out, Leon said. The morning after Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge, Leon received four calls asking for help towing the cars of detainees. Juan Leon, owner of Leos Tow, poses for a portrait in Washington D.C. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer) Congressional reaction While one delegation met with Schumer and Jeffries staff, other groups split off to speak with Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Rand Paul of Kentucky and more ahead of the Thursday vote on a Department of Homeland Security funding bill. Advertisement Advertisement The Republican-backed funding bill became a proxy for the larger debate over immigration enforcement in Minnesota and the country. Democratic leaders say their key demands to rein in ICE banning agents from wearing masks and ending roving patrols were not included in Republican offers during the negotiations. Both Minnesota senators, Democrats Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, visited the delegation and thanked them for their work protecting immigrants and protesting ICE. Both voted against the DHS funding bill. It is not over yet, because until we make sure that this agency is completely overhauled, the funding was absolutely outrageous, said Klobuchar, who is running for governor. Democrats successfully blocked the passage of the funding bill Thursday afternoon, leading to a partial government shutdown affecting DHS. Advertisement Advertisement ICE and CBP will be largely unaffected by the shutdown thanks to the pile of cash the agencies are sitting on, doled out by Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress in the the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year. State Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, and Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, film a video update for constituents in the U.S. Capitol after meeting with staff from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries office on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer) An example for others The Minnesotans who traveled to D.C. found that people across the country were looking to them for advice on how to prepare for and respond to ICE surges. Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota, met with the board of directors of the National Education Association, the national teachers union, to tell public school leaders what shes learned about ICEs impact on schools. She said school districts need to have protocols in place for when ICE is nearby or tries to enter a school. They should make sure staff know their constitutional rights. And schools should get to know their community groups and start building bridges creating networks that can be activated when a student or family is in need. Advertisement Advertisement Byron, like the rest of the delegation, said she would continue her work supporting immigrant families until they stopped needing the help. We dont know what long-lasting harm there will be to our communities, Byron said. But until we stop hurting, we cant start healing. By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Mississippi regulators will host a public hearing on Tuesday over plans by Elon Musk's xAI to build a gas-fired power plant to power its Colossus II data center, as the company faces a lawsuit threat by the NAACP, accusing it of violating federal law by installing and operating gas turbines without air permits. The civil rights group, acting on behalf of the largely African American local community living near the existing Colossus I facility in Memphis, Tennessee, said xAI began illegally installing and then operating 27 gas turbines at a site in Southaven, Mississippi to power Colossus II, sited across the state line in Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement It said this was being done without properly obtaining the necessary preconstruction or operating air permits required by the Clean Air Act. AIR QUALITY "Pollution from these turbines is worsening and will continue to worsen the already poor air quality in Southaven, Mississippi and the Memphis metropolitan area," the NAACP said in a letter declaring its intent to sue xAI. xAI was not immediately available for comment. The NAACP said the turbines have the potential to emit a significant amount of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx), above the Clean Air Acts "major source" threshold, and other pollutants including fine particulate matter and carcinogenic formaldehyde, harming largely African American local communities. Advertisement Advertisement The Clean Air Act requires plaintiffs to signal their intent to sue 60 days in advance. xAI has been rapidly building its Colossus supercomputer which is being used to train the company's Grok AI chatbot in Memphis and expanding to Southaven. It is currently in phase 2 and is seeking to begin a third phase soon. After the Southern Environmental Law Center, which is representing the NAACP in this new lawsuit threat, filed an intent to sue xAI in 2024 for installing 35 non-permitted turbines at its Colossus 1 site, the company removed 20 turbines and obtained permits for the remaining 15. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality hearing is the only chance for the public to weigh in on the project, which SELC has said will be the largest new source of pollution in the area around Memphis in years. Advertisement Advertisement The DEQ said xAI has submitted permit applications for 41 permanent turbines at the site and will run a number of temporary turbines while the applications are being reviewed. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by David Holmes) JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippi Made, a special exhibit highlighting the people, industries and creative traditions that have shaped Mississippi and influenced the nation, will open March 7, 2026, at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. Presented in celebration of Americas 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Mississippi Made traces more than two centuries of innovation, craftsmanship and cultural influence through 250 artifacts. The exhibit spans from the early 19th century to the present day. The stories featured in Mississippi Made illustrate how Mississippis people and ideas have made a lasting impact on both the nation and the world, said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). This exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to better understand those contributions through the objects that document that legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Some of the objects on display will include a 19th century cotton spin-gin used on small plantations, patent models and tools tied to Mississippi inventors. Mississippi leaders remember Jesse Jackson for civil rights work The exhibit also highlights Mississippis impact on music and literature. Elvis Presleys bathrobe and a Velvet Elvis wall tapestry are among the artifacts, along with those tied to music icons B.B. King and Jimmie Rodgers, and records associated with artists such as Leontyne Price. Literary contributions are represented through portraits of William Faulkner and Richard Wright, painted by Mississippi artists, and Eudora Weltys typewriter. Design, craft and cultural expression are featured through pottery by George Ohr, textiles by Ethel Wright Mohamed, a loom and a coverlet woven on that loom, and garments designed by Vicksburg native Patrick Kelly and a gown worn by Miss America Mary Ann Mobley. Film and popular culture are reflected through set pieces from A Time to Kill, a film based on John Grishams novel of the same name. The movie was filmed primarily in Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Mississippis connections to science, transportation and industry are explored through objects such as a NASA flight jacket worn by astronaut Richard Truly, along with vehicles manufactured by Toyota and Nissan in Mississippi. Artifacts tied to tourism and leisure highlight Mississippis mid-century coastal tourism and hospitality culture. Mississippi Made will be on exhibit through November 6, 2026. Close 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. A stranger tried to snatch a toddler from her mother at a supermarket in Italy, CCTV footage shows. The man lunged for the 18-month-old girl as she and her parents were leaving a shop in Bergamo, in the north of the country. Security footage captured the moment when the middle-aged man suddenly bent down and scooped up the child. The mother fought back, holding on to her daughter. As the man yanked the child towards him in the confrontation, the little girls femur was broken. Her father also rushed to her aid, as did passers-by. Advertisement Advertisement The alleged kidnapper, a 47-year-old homeless Romanian man, was tackled by a security guard and then arrested by police, who remanded him in custody. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping of a child under 14 and aggravated assault. The man continued to pull the child away from her mother - X.com Police said the mans motive for trying to grab the child was not clear. He did not have a criminal record, and will be questioned by prosecutors on Tuesday. The child was treated in hospital, and is recovering at home with her parents. A survival instinct kicked in, the father of the toddler, named as Matteo, told Italian television. To see your daughter in danger is dreadful. The reaction was immediate. You dont think, you just act. He said that his daughter had been seated in a trolley while they were shopping, but had then wanted to walk. Advertisement Advertisement I gave her to my partner, and I was pushing the trolley. It all happened in a fraction of a second. It is not something that you expect, particularly because the supermarket was packed with people, he added. I must thank all the supermarket staff who intervened and the police, who were quick to arrive. My daughter is OK, and she is playing despite the plaster cast she has to wear. Marco Cadeddu, a senior police officer, said it was a very serious incident, adding: We arrested the man, took him to the police station, and took care of the child, who was taken to hospital. It could have ended up being a lot worse. Elena Carnevali, the mayor of Bergamo, expressed solidarity with the parents over the terrifying experience they had endured. 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. On Feb. 4, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte stepped to the podium in the Capitol rotunda and gave a full-throated endorsement of Charlie Kirks vision for the young people of our state. Touting his long and close friendship with Charlie Kirk, the governor said: At a time when our country is in need of Gods light, there exists a great need for an organization like TPUSA (Kirks Turning Point USA) to restore moral clarity, constitutional principles and our founding values, starting with our youth. Thank you Charlie for starting this movement. The governor and Montanas Superintendent of Public Education Susie Hedalen together urged Montana students from every high school in the state to start local chapters of Club America, the TPUSA program created for high school students by Kirk. Advertisement Advertisement Lets examine the moral clarity for our youth espoused by Charlie and Erika Kirk. At his annual Young Womens Leadership Summit held in San Antonio, Texas in June 2025, and attended by thousands of teenage girls and young women, Kirk said: Young ladies need to be able to submit to a godly man and have more children than you can afford. He encouraged the high school girls in the audience not to attend college, saying they should prioritize marriage and children above all else. If they do go to college, he suggested, their end goal there should be to find a husband; in fact, he said we should bring back the MRS. degree. His message is clear: Women exist to serve their husbands and raise their children; they should not concern themselves with higher education or a career outside the home. For her part, Erika Kirk has stated: I get to serve my husband. I get to submit to my husband. He submits to the Lord. It is inappropriate and flat out wrong for a governor to use his bully pulpit to launch a crusade that would embed in every high school in Montana his personal religious and political beliefs. It is worse to hold up Kirk as a model of American values and moral clarity. Whatever the aspirations of our young women college, a job, a career, a family their goals should be valued and supported in our high schools as they chart the next chapters in their lives. And yet to the contrary, the Kirk model would reject as frivolous any young womans future plans that do not prioritize marriage and children above all else. Advertisement Advertisement Is this really the lesson we want to impart to our high school girls? Dont get me wrong: A marriage of equals and parenthood are good and laudable goals. But the state should not be trumpeting a doctrine which holds that a womans true worth can only be realized in a submissive marriage with many babies. No thank you, Governor. No thank you. Patricia Cotter is a longtime leader in the state. She lives in Helena and is a retired Montana Supreme Court Justice. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will meet Tuesday in Geneva for fresh US-brokered talks seeking to end the four-year war, hours after both sides launched a fresh wave of long-range strikes. US President Donald Trump is seeking to position himself as peacemaker of the conflict unleashed when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but previous rounds of talks mediated by the White House have yielded no breakthroughs. Before the meetings began Ukraine accused Russia of undermining peace efforts by launching 29 missiles and 396 drones in attacks that authorities said killed one, wounded others and cut power to tens of thousands. Advertisement Advertisement "The extent to which Russia disregards peace efforts: a massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine right before the next round of talks in Geneva," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on social media. He repeated Ukraine's call for allies to exert greater pressure on Russia to negotiate in good faith by applying more sanctions on Moscow. The talks, which the Kremlin said will be held behind closed doors and with no media present, come after two earlier rounds held this year in Abu Dhabi. "Ukraine better come to the table, fast," Trump told reporters ahead of the negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his team had already arrived in Geneva on Monday, while a source with the Russian delegation confirmed Tuesday that their team had touched down in the Swiss city in the early hours. Russia meanwhile claimed to have repelled more than 150 Ukrainian drones mainly over southern regions and Crimean peninsula, occupied by the Kremlin in 2014. Officials said an oil depot in southern Russia caught fire. - Sticking points - The war has spiralled into Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with hundreds of thousands killed, millions forced to flee their homes in Ukraine and much of the eastern and southern part of the country scarred by war. Advertisement Advertisement Russia occupies around one-fifth of Ukraine -- including the Crimean peninsula it seized in 2014 -- and areas that Moscow-backed separatists had taken prior to the 2022 invasion. It wants Ukrainian troops to withdraw from swathes of heavily fortified and strategic territory as part of any peace deal. Kyiv has rejected this deeply unpopular demand, which would be politically and militarily fraught, and has instead demanded robust security guarantees from the west before agreeing to any proposals with Russia. Russia's better-resourced army has been making steady gains across the sprawling front line in the eastern and southern Ukraine in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement But Ukrainian forces have recently made significant battlefield gains, recapturing 201 square kilometres (78 square miles) last week, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War. The counterattacks likely leveraged Russian forces' lack of access to Starlink, which has disrupted communications, the ISW said. The territorial gain is concentrated mainly around 80 kilometres east of the city of Zaporizhzhia, a region that Moscow claims is part of Russia, and where its troops have made significant progress since last summer. The centrally located region hosts Europe's largest nuclear power plant, which Russia currently controls -- another sticking point in negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement For the talks in Geneva, the Kremlin has reinstated nationalist hawk and former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky as its lead negotiator. "This time, we plan to discuss a broader set of issues, focusing on key ones related to the territories and other demands," a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin told reporters, including AFP, explaining the personnel change. Kyiv's team will be led by national security chief Rustem Umerov, while the White House is expected to dispatch Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. bur-jbr/jc/jxb Murder is not a crime of violence at least not as a matter of federal law, a Brooklyn judge has ruled as he dismissed two charges in a possible death penalty case against a terrorism suspect. Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Brian Cogan made the head-scratcher of a pre-trial ruling Feb. 6 in an international terrorism case where the suspect is accused of planning a brutal November 2015 assault rifle and grenade attack on a hotel in Mali that killed 20 people, including a U.S. citizen. In a 22-page decision that references murder cases dating back to the 16th century, Cogan acknowledged the absurdity of his ruling but pointed out that because the federal first-degree murder statute allows for unintentional and accidental killings, murder cant strictly be categorized as an act of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Its not just a matter of semantics. The distinction means two of the six charges against accused terrorist Fawaz Ould Ahmed Ould Ahemeid, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and causing death by firearm during a crime of violence, must be dismissed, Cogan ruled. Federal courts have been litigating what is and isnt a crime of violence for decades and often take whats called a categorical approach meaning an offense either is, or isnt a crime of violence, regardless of the individual facts of the case, explained criminal defense attorney Kenneth White, a former federal prosecutor who writes about legal issues. In deciding whether a crime is a crime of violence, federal courts focus on whether the crime NECESSARILY involves the use of force against another person, White, using all-caps for emphasis, said in a written exchange with The News. If the elements of a statute CAN be satisfied by nonviolent conduct, then its not a crime of violence, even if it MIGHT ALSO be satisfied by violence. Advertisement Advertisement The law defining first-degree murder falls under that categorical approach, according to Cogan if someone can be charged with first-degree murder for a nonviolent act, then first-degree murder cant be called an act of violence. It will be no comfort to the family or friends of the victim when they learn that this was somehow not a crime of violence because, as a legal technicality, the Supreme Courts categorical approach governs the issue, Cogan ruled. The sticking point, according to Cogan, is that a participant in a felony that results in death can be charged with murder, even if that participant had no direct role in that death and the death was unintended or accidental. And even though the suspect is accused of plotting the hotel attack and a second terrorist strike, and of personally killing five people in a third attack, the first-degree murder law hes charged under also covers accidental, presumably non-violent deaths. Advertisement Advertisement We are not dealing with common sense here, but with the law, and with a conclusion that is better explained by history than by logic,' Cogan wrote directly quoting a federal appeals courts commentary on a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that a mans past DUI crimes couldnt be counted as crimes of violence when calculating his sentence in a gun case. Cogans ruling includes an entire section on The History of Murder, referencing a case from 1541 where a British noble named Lord Dacres and a second man trespassed on land to hunt. The two men got separated and unbeknown to Lord Dacres the second man killed someone while resisting arrest. Both men were convicted of murder. Lord Dacres conviction was later held unlawful, but by then he had already been executed, Cogan wrote. His ruling mirrors the reasoning by Manhattan Federal Court Judge Margaret Garnett last month barring the government from seeking the death penalty against accused CEO-killer Luigi Mangione because stalking isnt necessarily a crime of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Cogan appears to be nudging the Supreme Court to change its approach to determining what is and isnt considered a crime of violence. Perhaps it is necessary for this case, Mangione, and others in a similar vein to demonstrate this counterintuitive reasoning in order to signal that a different approach is warranted, wrote Cogan, who was appointed to the bench by George W. Bush in 2006. Federal prosecutors are weighing whether theyll appeal Cogans ruling, they said in a court filing Feb. 6. And Ahemeids fate may already be sealed he was already sentenced to death by a Mali court in before his extradition to the U.S. in 2022 to face charges in Brooklyn. Advertisement Advertisement Though one of the two capital offenses hes charged with, causing death by firearm during a crime of violence, is dismissed, he still faces first-degree murder for the death of U.S. citizen Anita Ashok Datar and thats a death-eligible offense. Former Attorney General Merrick Garland announced in November 2024 that prosecutors wouldnt seek the death penalty, but his successor Pam Bondi has yet to decide if shell seek to reverse that decision. Ahemeids lawyer Michael Bachrach declined comment on Cogans ruling. A Myrtle Beach real estate agents license is being revoked after he broke into several offices and computers to access information, according to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Joel Barber, a Realtor with Century 21 The Harrelson Group, reportedly broke into other employees offices and accessed their computers unlawfully in 2021 and 2022. Now, he will have to pay $20,000 in penalties, and his license is being permanently revoked. Barber said in an email to The Sun News that the decision is currently under appeal, and significant aspects of the findings are being contested. Advertisement Advertisement I remain committed to integrity, professionalism, and long-term growth, Barber wrote. While this season presents challenges, I am focused on moving forward constructively. Century 21 The Harrelson Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Barbers disciplinary action before the state Real Estate Commission claims that while he was present in the office after hours, several locked office spaces were broken into. During the first recorded occurrence, in December 2021, one of his colleagues assistants offices was broken into despite being locked, and their computer was accessed without permission. On the computer, Barber is accused of accessing the assistants e-mail and Google calendar, as well as other documents such as probate court information and pay dates. Advertisement Advertisement In January 2022, Barber is again accused of breaking into the assistants office and accessing the computer there, where he again accessed his colleagues e-mails, probate court documents and more. But that wasnt the last break-in. Barber is accused of breaking into the same assistants office and computer several more times that month, accessing his colleagues e-mail, calendar and documents. Concerns about a computer warning In February 2022, the assistant came to Barbers colleague with concerns about the computer, which displayed a warning banner indicating a thumb drive was removed improperly at around 4 a.m. that morning. The colleague testified to never having used a thumb drive on the computer, but Barber could be seen on security cameras entering the building shortly before the warnings time stamp, according to the disciplinary action. Barber is accused of downloading several documents from his colleagues computer, such as probate documents and cash flow spreadsheets. Advertisement Advertisement This incident led Barbers colleague to call the police, who discovered some of the downloaded documents on a flash drive supplied by Barber. Barber admitted via an attorney to entering the office on several evenings, and accessing his colleagues computer. However, he later claimed that he did not review or approve the attorneys statement. Forensic analysis later revealed that Barber had accessed another colleagues computer and information as well. Another employee of Century 21 The Harrelson Group testified that Barber had broken into two locked offices, and his employment there was terminated in February 2022. The disciplinary board assessed that Barbers actions carried an extreme risk of harm to the public, resulting in the permanent revocation of his license. When President Joe Biden effectively handed Vice President Kamala Harris the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, he also prevented a debate about how the Democratic Party should oppose Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Now that debate has emerged full-blown in North Carolinas deep blue 4th Congressional District. The districts Democratic incumbent, Rep. Valerie Foushee, 69, is a low-key but reliably progressive representative. She is seeking a third term after working her way up from local offices and seats in the state House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Foushee is facing a primary challenge from Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, 32, who lost an open race for the 4th District nomination to Foushee in 2022. A third candidate, Mary Patterson of Durham, is also on the ballot but has not mounted a significant campaign. A lot has happened since Foushee won by nine points in 2022. Trump has returned to the White House with a blank check from a conservative Supreme Court and a compliant Republican-controlled Congress. He has reduced the federal workforce by more than 300,000, stripped environmental regulations and sent thousands of federal agents into Minnesota in a brutish effort to arrest undocumented immigrants that led to the killing of two Minneapolis protesters. Many liberal Democrats are unhappy with their partys leadership in Washington, D.C., saying it has failed to meet Trump with equal fire and an effective message. Allam hopes to ride that discontent to Washington by casting Foushee as part of the cautious response by establishment Democrats, some of whom she says are unwilling to act against the wishes of their corporate campaign donors. Advertisement Advertisement Allam was elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners at 26 and became the states first Muslim woman to win public office. She is calling on Democrats to launch a stronger response to Trump, even if it means ousting a Democratic incumbent. I couldnt stand idly by, Allam said of her decision to challenge Foushee. Innocent civilians are being gunned down using our tax dollars, and were telling people to wait for change? Foushee says this is not the time for Democratic infighting. Its a time for Democratic unity in Congress. I dont see us separating ourselves with separate agendas, she said. I just see us all working in tandem to do what we can as it relates to benefiting the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Foushee was criticized for taking more than $2 million in campaign contributions in 2022 from the American-Israel PAC (AIPAC) and meeting in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024 as Israels attacks on Hamas were killing thousands of civilians in Gaza. Foushee is no longer accepting contributions from AIPAC, and she says her trip to Israel was about pressing for humanitarian aid, not support for Israels actions. Allam worked as a political director on Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign, and the independent senator spoke at a rally with Allam in Durham on Friday. But leading state Democrats are backing Foushee, including Gov. Josh Stein, former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper and David Price, who represented the 4th District for decades. Foushee also has the support of the Democratic leaders of the state Senate and House, Sen. Sydney Batch and Rep. Robert Reives. The effort by Republican state lawmakers to further gerrymander the states congressional districts may help Allam. The district centered around Orange and Durham counties previously included rural counties to the north of Durham. Those have been replaced by more suburban portions of western Wake County and eastern Chatham County. Advertisement Advertisement Allam has tapped into powerful issues the death toll in Gaza and the abusive actions of federal immigration agents. Foushee takes a quiet approach. I keep my head down and do the work, she said. And that work includes taking on Trump. Foushee was among the co-sponsors of a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She said she would support a vote to impeach Trump if Democrats regain the House. A GOVTRACK.us ideology rating of Foushee based on bills she has co-sponsored shows her in the middle of the Democratic caucus. Allam is an ambitious candidate who is rightly calling for a bolder Democratic response to Trump, but Foushee is a capable incumbent who supports unified and resolute Democratic opposition to the president. While Democrats in Congress need to be pushed on progressive issues, even one of Congress most progressive members Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is stressing Democratic unity over infighting. Advertisement Advertisement On balance, Foushee represents her district and her party well. And while Allam raises powerful issues, theres not much difference in how she and Foushee would vote. Foushee may be nearing the end of her long political career, but there is no compelling reason to vote her out. With appreciation for Allams willingness to challenge her party, but also with respect for Foushees service, we recommend Rep. Valerie Foushee. A downtown IHOP sits on a parcel of land worth nearly $27 million and a battle over the future of the site, surrounded on three sides by skyscrapers and likely to someday hold one of its own, has raged since 2020. A hearing Wednesday in a bankruptcy case that's been shielding the parcel owned by Nate Paul from foreclosure could move it closer to redevelopment. Cesar Rainey Street LLC, a creditor, has attempted to foreclose a handful of times since Pauls embattled ownership group World Class Holdings began failing to make payments on a loan for the site at 707 E. Cesar Chavez St. Advertisement Advertisement Each time, a forced sale has been held off through filings in state and federal courts by Paul, the one-time superstar Austin developer who played a central role in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton. ALSO READ: Disgraced Austin developers Lake Travis marina emerges from bankruptcy again Most recently, the parcel was set to be auctioned off Dec. 2. Paul was able to stave off that sale by filing in state District Court for an injunction, then appealing to the states 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin. { "__type": "devHubFreeformEmbed", "__id": "Datawrapper", "__fallbackImage": "https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gYTDS/mobile.png", "__data": { "datawrapper_id": "gYTDS" } } Advertisement Advertisement That day, the corporation that owns the property Pauls WC 707 Cesar Chavez LLC entered bankruptcy to stop the sale. Cesar Rainey Street wants the case thrown out, arguing in court documents its sole purpose is a bad faith effort to use the court to block its legal rights as a creditor. Paul denies that, saying in court documents the bankruptcy was simply an effort to obtain a final payoff amount so it could seek new financing. The dispute has roots going back to 2017, when Pauls World Class Holdings obtained a $2.7 million loan from Amplify Credit Union. By May 2020, World Class Holdings began to falter on its payments. Amplify notified Pauls company of its lapsed payments but did not receive additional funds. Cesar Rainey Street purchased the debt not long after that and says in court filings that it has ballooned to more than $5.1 million today. Nate Paul arrives for a hearing at the United States Federal Courthouse in Austin on Oct. 30. (Jay Janner/American-Statesman) From the outset, the dispute centered on the Debtors effort to pay the loan in full and Cesar Raineys failure and refusal to provide payoff information, Paul said in a Jan. 13 filing. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Austin developer avoids jail again as contempt hearing over $11.5M judgment is reset His World Class Holdings does not seek to avoid payment, it said, and its litigation in recent years has been not a delaying tactic but an effort to refinance, pay off its debt and secure the property. Owners associated with Cesar Rainey Street LLC have a pattern of not providing payoff data in other attempts to foreclose on World Class Holdings properties, Paul says. According to court documents, now that World Class Holdings has the amount owed, WC 707 Cesar Chavez can refinance and pay off the loan. It did not set a timeline for doing that. The court is set to address those claims Wednesday. A victory for Cesar Rainey Street could mean a prompt liquidation sale of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Its not the only time Paul will end up in court over his actions related to property. He is scheduled to argue before a Travis County judge in April why he should not be sent to jail for contempt for allegedly stonewalling other former investors, hiding assets and defying court orders in a 2024 $11.5 million judgment against him. Lawyers have asked him to be put behind bars until he provides all his financial data or pays off the $11.5 million a federal court in California says he owes. On Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Navajo Nation Presidents Office in Window Rock, leaders from Navajo Technical University (NTU) joined representatives from Dine College and the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance (ONNSFA) for the official signing of Legislation No. 0169-25, the Dine Higher Education Grant Fund Act. The legislation was signed into law by Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation. In attendance were NTU President Dr. Elmer Guy, former NTU Board President Tom Platero, and NTU Board President Tara Denetsosie-Lovato, along with leaders from Dine College and ONNSFA. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Legislation 0169-25 was previously approved by the Navajo Nation Council during the 25th Navajo Nation Council Winter Session. The bill was sponsored by Honorable Delegate Andy Nez and co-sponsored by Honorable Delegate Carl R. Slater. It passed unanimously, authorizing $19 million in funding including $6 million each for Navajo Technical University and Dine College, and $7 million for ONNSFA. This new authorization represents an increase from prior allocations and reaffirms the Navajo Nations commitment to expanding access to higher education, strengthening scholarship opportunities, and supporting institutional growth. Dr. Elmer Guy, President of Navajo Technical University, expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort behind the legislation. I would like to thank Dine College, ONNSFA, and all of our partners who came together to make this legislation a reality, said Dr. Guy. Our special appreciation goes to Delegate Andy Nez for his leadership and dedication. This investment reflects our shared belief that education is the foundation of a strong and self-sustaining Navajo Nation. When we invest in our students, we invest in the future of our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Tara Denetsosie-Lovato, NTU Board President, highlighted the direct impact on students. Meeting our students is always inspiring, she said. Many are recipients of ONNSFA support and are benefiting from the programs offered through our institutions. It is encouraging to see these three entities working together to achieve this goal for our students and to strengthen opportunities for the next generation. Although unable to attend the signing ceremony, Delegate Dr. Andy Nez shared his reflections: I extend my appreciation to the President of the Navajo Nation for signing Legislation 0169-25 into law. Over 20 years ago, the Navajo Nation Council planted a seed. Over time, that seed has been watered and nourished by many leaders and advocates. I am honored to be part of a team that has reflected on our past efforts and replanted for the future. May our students continue to grow and thrive they are the cornerstone of our Nations progress. Advertisement Advertisement President Nygren emphasized the importance of investing in tribal institutions. The best place we can invest is in our own institutions, President Nygren said. I am grateful to Delegate Andy Nez and the Navajo Nation Council for their unanimous support. When it comes to our students, there are no disputes. We must provide the best resources and opportunities possible to ensure their success. The signing of Legislation 0169-25 marks a significant milestone in the continued partnership among the Navajo Nation, Navajo Technical University, Dine College, and ONNSFA, reinforcing a unified commitment to advancing Dine higher education and empowering future generations. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is one of nearly two dozen state leaders around the country asking a federal court Tuesday to compel the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency resilience funds, including more than $200 million earmarked for North Carolina projects. The court was clear when it ruled on this case in December, Jackson said in a statement. FEMA already broke the law once and lost in court. It cannot be allowed to continue evading the law. Towns and cities are waiting for the money theyre owed so they can be ready for the next storm. The motion comes amid a clash between Jacksons Department of Justice and Republican state lawmakers, who have sought to strip his office of its ability to sue the federal government without authorization from the General Assembly. Jackson has pointed to roughly $1.5 billion his office has clawed back for the state amid a Trump campaign to slash federal grants, including FEMA awards, SNAP benefits, and education funds. Advertisement Advertisement The petition, filed in the United States District Court of Massachusetts, was joined by 22 other Democratic-led states as well as the District of Columbia. The legal saga has stretched on for more than nine months, with Jackson calling for the release of the resilience funds in July 2025 when he visited a flooded pumping station in Hillsborough. In April 2025, FEMA announced it would be canceling the agencys Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, aimed at safeguarding structures from severe flood and wind damage brought on by climate-related disasters. That decision ensnared dozens of already-approved projects in North Carolina to reinforce sewage and drinking water systems, among other resilience measures. A federal judge ordered FEMA to undo the programs cancellation in December, but stopped short of requiring the release of the funds. But Jackson and other attorneys general say the agency has flouted the courts mandate to promptly take all steps necessary to reverse the termination of the BRIC program, with no funding in sight for the existing projects and no plans to award new grants. Jackson said FEMA has not offered any explanation for the delay. In a statement after publication Wednesday, a FEMA spokesperson said the agency is fully complying with all court orders relating to BRIC funding and called the motions claims baseless. Advertisement Advertisement In a video message to constituents Tuesday, Jackson vowed to deliver the funding to North Carolina. These towns deserve those funds, and the rule of law says that FEMA must comply with the court order, he said. So were going to take them to court. I intend to win, and Ill keep you posted. This year marks the beginning of the "golden age of solar eclipses." The first happened at 7:12 a.m. ET Feb. 17 and was a "ring of fire" eclipse. You're excused if you missed it. The full "ring of fire" effect as the moon passed between the Earth and the sun was only visible over a remote part of Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. Here's what to look forward to when it comes to upcoming solar eclipses. Advertisement Advertisement For your viewing pleasure, we also threw in details on what Florida can expect to see during the total lunar eclipse coming March 3. Total lunar eclipse coming March 3 The first and only total lunar eclipse in 2026 will occur March 3. Will March 3 total lunar eclipse be visible in Florida? Unfortunately for Florida residents, the total eclipse won't be visible except in the western Panhandle since the moon will set during totality, although the moon may still appear red. Will total lunar eclipse be visible in Florida? Where to look Can you see any of the lunar eclipse in Florida? While most Florida residents wont be able to see the Earth's shadow totally cover the moon, the lunar eclipse will begin at 3:44 a.m. ET March 3. Advertisement Advertisement You'll be able to see the Earth's shadow start to move across the face of the moon. See timing of lunar eclipse where you live Look low on the horizon to the west and slightly to the south. Totality will happen at 6:33 a.m. March 3. Where will be the best places to see March 3 lunar eclipse? Map showing where the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse is visible. Contours mark the edge of the visibility region at eclipse contact times, labeled in UTC. On March 3, totality will be visible in the evening from eastern Asia and Australia, throughout the night in the Pacific, and in the early morning in North and Central America and far western South America, according to NASA. A partial eclipse will be visible in central Asia and much of South America. Why is a lunar eclipse called a 'blood moon'? "During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon appears dark red or orange. This is because our planet blocks most of the Suns light from reaching the Moon, and the light that does reach the lunar surface is filtered through a thick slice of Earths atmosphere. Its as if all of the worlds sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon. 'Golden age' for solar eclipse chasers begins "2026 marks the start of a brief golden age of opportunities for solar eclipse chasers," space.com said. Advertisement Advertisement "Most people consider themselves lucky to see just one total solar eclipse in their lifetime. "But from August 2026 to July 2028, dedicated eclipse chasers can experience three shows across three continents. "Although it may not be unprecedented, the eclipse trio we're about to encounter is the most travel-friendly and geographically spectacular in decades. This is generational," according to space.com. Get ready for several solar eclipses from 2026 to 2028 "From 2026 to 2028, Earth will experience a double eclipse cascade three total solar eclipses (between August 2026 and July 2028) and three annular solar eclipses (between February 2026 and January 2028)," according to space.com. Advertisement Advertisement The next total eclipse will occur on Aug. 12. It'll be the first total solar eclipse anywhere in the world since April 8, 2024, when totality swept across North America, according to AccuWeather. When are upcoming solar eclipses? When will be next total solar eclipse visible across US? You'll have to wait awhile. "For the United States, the next total solar eclipse with totality crossing U.S. soil is March 30, 2033, with the path running through Alaska," according to AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement The next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA. Florida in prime location for 2045 solar eclipse A total solar eclipse will cross the entire U.S., including almost all of Florida, on Aug. 12, 2045. NationalEclipse.com On Aug. 12, 2045, a total solar eclipse will be visible over almost all of Florida, according to NationalEclipse.com. Mark your calendar! Florida in prime viewing area for a total solar eclipse The maximum duration of totality for this eclipse will be 6 minutes and 6 seconds, according to NationalEclipse.com. States in the path of totality where residents will see the moon completely block the sun include not only Florida but also: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia. Here's how 2045 total solar eclipse will look in Florida Want to see what the 2045 total solar eclipse will look like, and when it'll happen where you live? Advertisement Advertisement See an animation provided by timeanddate.com. What's a total solar eclipse? "A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun," NASA said. What's an annular solar eclipse? "An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. "Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the sun and does not completely cover the sun." What's a 'ring of fire'? A "ring of fire" occurs during an annular solar eclipse. Because the moon is farther from the Earth it doesn't completely block the sun. Advertisement Advertisement "As a result, the moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the moon," according to NASA. Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Solar eclipses in 2026 begin with ring of fire eclipse today The New Hampshire House of Representatives will vote on whether to resurrect New Hampshires death penalty Thursday. House Bill 1413, sponsored by Belmont Republican Rep. Douglas Trottier, seeks to reinstitute the death penalty in New Hampshire. This comes more than six years after the state Legislature repealed New Hampshires death penalty in 2019. However, Gov. Kelly Ayotte a former attorney general has been vocal about her desire to bring it back. The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which considered the bill over the past few weeks, has bucked the governors requests. On Feb. 4, the committee voted unanimously, 13-0, to recommend that the entire House reject this bill. They cited moral objections, new advancements in DNA testing that have disproven previous murder convictions, financial concerns over the high cost of lethal injections and other methods, data that shows capital punishment doesnt deter crime, and a low homicide rate in New Hampshire relative to other states. Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line is, in my mind, only five or six years ago, we decided as a state to do away with capital punishment, Rep. Terry Roy, chairman of the committee, said before the vote. Things havent gotten any clearer in the last five or six years. Actually, to the contrary, we have seen, still, people continuing to have convictions overturned based on DNA evidence. Weve seen our government at different levels become more contentious and fractious. And in my mind, I dont think we want to empower our government with the ability to kill its own citizens. The bill has been placed on the consent agenda for Thursday, which means unless lawmakers decide to remove it from the consent agenda the bill wont be debated on the House floor before its voted on in a batch vote alongside other bills that got unanimous or near-unanimous votes in committee. The bill was one of two death penalty bills proposed this year. House Bill 1730, sponsored by Salem Republican Rep. Joe Sweeney, sought to institute the death penalty for child molesters whose offenses involve sexual penetration. However, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee amended the bill before advancing it. The amendment does away with all of the death talk, Rep. Jennifer Rhodes, the Winchester Republican who proposed the amendment, said. The amended version of the bill would make sexual assault of a minor over whom the perpetrator holds a position of authority a felony rather than a misdemeanor. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the entire House approve the bill with its amendment. That bill is also on the consent agenda for Thursday. Starting on Tuesday, some New Jersey Transit trains have been rerouted to Hoboken for the start of the Portal Bridge cutover weekday schedule. According to NJ Transit, "M&E and MOBO trains to NYC are being diverted to Hoboken with cross-honoring options from Hoboken to NYC." "Hoboken's PATH station is expected to be the busiest location for Manhattan-bound riders during peak hours, as NJ TRANSIT's Midtown Direct rail service will temporarily operate to Hoboken instead of New York-Penn Station," officials warned. Advertisement Advertisement Many commuters are bracing for schedule changes and overcrowded platforms. "I think the evening rush is going to be the worst because everyone's going to come out of the PATH at the same time. There's not a lot of space," Maplewood resident Tim Parlin said. NJ Transit and Amtrak commuters can anticipate potential delays, cancellations, and schedule changes for the next month. On Sunday morning, some 27 trains were canceled. Officials with NJ Transit issued an apology to riders Sunday after canceling those trains, citing engineer staffing "under their collective bargaining agreement" that gives them 48 hours "to select their new assignments." NJ Transit called it a "temporary transition issue." Advertisement Advertisement This all comes as Amtrak started the first stage to transfer rail service from the century-old Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River. The work began Sunday and will continue through March 13; 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. "In the end there will be a brand new bridge for the first time in 116 years." 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. Advertisement Advertisement The arches of the new replacement bridge are already in place over the Hackensack River. It's higher and won't have to open. 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. Some commuters told Eyewitness News that they're leaving 30 minutes earlier and they expect to get home at least an hour later than normal. "Left earlier than usual, planning to go through Hoboken and see what happens. I have a new baby at home so it's an unfortunate time for our family for this disruption, of course, but hopefully everything will go smoothly," Maplewood, NJ resident Daniel Feinberg said on his morning commute. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Service changes to know: 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 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. Gov. Mikie Sherrills administration wont ask the New Jersey Supreme Court to revive racketeering charges against South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross that were dismissed after a judge found the indictment against him did not allege a crime. Former Attorney General Matt Platkin charged Norcross and five others in June 2024, alleging their strongarming of a Philadelphia developer over development rights amounted to a criminal enterprise deserving of racketeering charges typically reserved for organized crime. But a trial court judge threw out the case, and a panel of appellate judges last month agreed the charges should remain dismissed. Acting Attorney General Jen Davenport, Platkins successor, had until a deadline later this week to ask the states high court to hear an appeal. In light of the Appellate Divisions decision, we have concluded that our prosecutorial resources would be best spent on other matters, Sharon Lauchaire, a spokesperson for the attorney general, said Tuesday. Our office remains committed to prioritizing public corruption prosecutions in this time of deepening mistrust in government. Advertisement Advertisement Davenports decision not to ask the Supreme Court to reverse the dismissal means the five others indicted Norcross brother Philip A. Norcross, attorney Bill Tambussi, former Camden mayor Dana Redd, NFI CEO Sidney Brown, and Michaels Organization CEO John ODonnell will not face charges. Norcross and his allies have denied wrongdoing and insisted the charges against them were politically motivated, with Platkin a frequent target of the attacks. We always knew that Matt Platkin brought this case for reasons other than its legal merits and now multiple judges and Platkins successor as AG agree the allegations simply werent true, said Norcross spokesman Dan Fee. The question now is whether Platkins supporters who cheered him on will take a serious look at what he did and whether other authorities will do the same. Courts have not weighed the truthfulness of the indictment because the proceedings did not reach that legal stage. The case was dismissed early in the legal process when Warshaw found that the indictment against Norcross and others did not allege the elements of a crime. Advertisement Advertisement Fee said Norcross allies would push to ensure those behind the indictment are held to account, no differently than Pam Bondi and the U.S. Department of Justice. Platkin in a statement noted a grand jury had approved the charges. Out of respect for the men and women who do brave work holding corruption to account, I wont comment further other than to say I remain proud to have supported their efforts at a time when trust in government is at an all-time low and I will never apologize for believing that everyone should be held to the same standards, no matter how powerful they may be, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A flood of Republican-backed efforts to tighten voter ID laws is serving as a distraction from more serious threats to the American voting system, according to top election security experts. [Washington] is chasing false narratives and leaving open all the vulnerabilities that are only worse now, said Michael McNulty, policy director at Issue One, a bipartisan organization that tracks election issues. Experts like McNulty point to recent rollbacks to frontline programs that protect state and local elections, as well as cuts to the top federal agency that guards electoral systems, as key threats ahead of the midterms. But lawmakers are focused elsewhere: They're currently debating policy measures to crack down on noncitizen voting and move election certification authorities to the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement The batch of bills brought forward by Republicans includes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act and the Make Elections Great Again Act. The SAVE America Act, an updated version of a bill to tighten voter registration standards that narrowly passed the House last year, was approved by the House last week following pressure from President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and far-right influencers. The bill includes robust changes to how Americans vote, including requiring voters to present proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate to register to vote, as well as requiring photo ID to cast a ballot in every state. The bill would also require states to send their voter rolls to DHSs Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, a program run by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that has faced scrutiny for reportedly purging eligible voters from state voter rolls. During a press conference last Friday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that current guidelines fail to effectively stop states from going forward and checking citizenship during [voter] registration. The SAVE America Act would fix this. It would make sure that we close those loopholes and ensure in American elections, only Americans vote, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The MEGA Act includes similar voter ID provisions, but it also includes requirements for the attorney general to certify election funding for states and authorizes the attorney general to sue states that dont comply with federal election requirements. House Administration Committee panel Chair Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), who introduced the bill last month, called it a common sense measure that would crack down on noncitizen voting during a hearing assessing the MEGA Act last week. Other supporters, including Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray (R), said the bill would establish baseline standards for elections nationwide. Trump has vowed to force through stricter voter ID laws before the midterms whether approved by Congress or not and pledged to fight the issue in the courts, should these bills face a likely Democratic filibuster. While Hill Republicans and members of the Trump administration have framed these bills as much-needed reform for pressing election security issues, data collected by state election offices suggests that the threat being targeted is largely overblown. Advertisement Advertisement Noncitizen voting in the U.S. is extremely rare, and state election offices conduct regular assessments of their voter rolls to curb risks of voter fraud. A recent report from the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research found that many claims of noncitizen voting stem from misunderstandings, mischaracterizations, or outright fabrications about complex voter data. The report highlighted a 2025 voter roll audit by Michigans Department of State, which found that of the 7.2 million active registered voters on the states rolls, there were only 16 instances of suspected noncitizens who cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election. Other states, including Louisiana and Utah, recently conducted audits of their voter rolls and found few incidents of noncitizen voting or voter registration. When you actually look at the data, there is not a problem that needs to be solved here, said Eliza Sweren-Becker, deputy director of the voting rights and election team at the Brennan Center for Justice. At the same time, there are heightened concerns that Washingtons fixation on voter ID laws is glossing over more important issues, such as gaps in federal election security support slashed under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration rolled back CISAs election security work last year, which previously included hundreds of cybersecurity assessments for local election officials. The agency also previously provided security assessments that evaluated the physical security of voting locations, election offices and tabulation centers. The funding cuts to election security work also forced the Election Infrastructure-Information Sharing and Analysis Center to close its doors last year. The EI-ISAC, which was previously housed at CISA, provided technical assistance and guidance to election offices across the country at no cost. State officials can now get an EI-ISAC membership if they pay to join the Center for Internet Securitys Multi-State ISAC. In previous years, the EI-ISAC would provide an Election Day situation room, where federal agencies would coordinate to provide state and local election officials with real-time updates on physical and cybersecurity threats nationwide. After the federal cuts early last year, election officials relied on local news coverage to stay informed of the threat landscape during the state and local elections across the country. Why are we cutting election cybersecurity support if election security is so important? McNulty said. We have outdated voting equipment. We have outdated election infrastructure. We have massive cuts to CISA and DHSs cybersecurity support for elections. We have dismantled funding for the coordinating bodies. Advertisement Advertisement State election officials say they are already experiencing the fallout from the loss of federal support. If the president and his administration were actually serious about protecting the security of our elections, they would not be cutting the federal governments existing, well-established web of leaders who were in place to protect our elections from any type of foreign interference, said Jocelyn Benson (D), Michigans secretary of state, during the National Association of Secretaries of State Winter Summit last month. A spokesperson for CISA told POLITICO in a statement that claims that the agency "is not communicating with our state and local partners is false." "Every day, DHS and CISA are providing the most capable and timely threat intelligence, expertise, no-cost tools and resources these partners need to defend against risks," the CISA spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Trump has resurfaced baseless claims that the 2020 elections were rigged and urged Republicans to nationalize voting in more than a dozen places. In recent weeks, the Trump administration also began investigating alleged issues with U.S. voting machines and past election fraud. Trump directed top U.S. spy agencies to share sensitive intelligence about the 2020 election with Kurt Olsen, the presidents former campaign lawyer known for peddling debunked claims of election fraud. And Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently appeared at an FBI raid on an Atlanta-area elections office at the center of Trumps 2020 election fraud claims, and led a team that seized several voting machines in Puerto Rico last year. Gabbard has claimed the investigation found cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could put U.S. elections at risk sparking pushback from election officials and congressional Democrats that the administration is planting seeds of doubt in the countrys election integrity ahead of the midterms. Andrew Howard and Erin Doherty contributed to this report. SEOUL, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- North Korea has completed a five-year project to build 50,000 apartments in Pyongyang, state-run media reported Tuesday, touting the effort as a signature achievement ahead of a key ruling party congress later this month. An inauguration ceremony was held Sunday for the final 10,000 units in the Hwasong district, marking what the Korean Central News Agency described as the "over-fulfillment" of a housing construction plan set out at the Eighth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in 2021. KCNA said nearly 60,000 homes and public buildings overall were constructed in the Songsin, Songhwa and Hwasong areas, creating "new majestic and beautiful ideal streets" and giving the capital a "radical face-lift" over five years. Advertisement Advertisement North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, who has frequently appeared at high-profile public events in recent months. South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers last week that Ju Ae, believed to have been born in 2013, is in the process of being designated as Kim's successor. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks display, Kim toured the new district and met with workers and families receiving apartments. Speaking at the event, Kim said it was the ruling party's "faith, absolute outlook on the people and thoroughgoing spirit of serving" to provide citizens with improved living conditions. "Our party will make strenuous efforts without a moment's stagnation and deviation to bring earlier the future in which our people will enjoy a civilized and affluent life to their heart's content," he said, according to KCNA. Advertisement Advertisement The housing drive has been one of Kim's flagship domestic initiatives, alongside a broader regional development campaign to build modern factories and public facilities outside Pyongyang. Last month, he presided over a groundbreaking ceremony in Unnyul County to launch this year's projects under that program. The flurry of ribbon-cuttings comes as North Korea prepares for the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party later this month, where Kim is expected to outline domestic and foreign policy priorities and showcase achievements. In another recent appearance, he publicly dismissed a vice premier during a factory inspection, underscoring pressure on his regime to deliver results ahead of the gathering. The completion of the Pyongyang housing project also follows this week's inauguration of Saeppyol Street, built for families of soldiers killed while deployed to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine, another high-profile domestic initiative showcased by Kim. This story was originally published by ProPublica. When county clerk Brianna Lennon got an email in November saying a newly expanded federal system had flagged 74 people on the countys voter roll as potential noncitizens, she was taken aback. Lennon, whod run elections in Boone County, Missouri, for seven years, had heard the tool might not be accurate. The flagged voters registration paperwork confirmed Lennons suspicions. The form for the second person on the list bore the initials of a member of her staff, whod helped the man register at his naturalization ceremony. It later turned out more than half the Boone County voters identified as noncitizens were actually citizens. Advertisement Advertisement The source of the bad data was a Department of Homeland Security tool called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE. Once used mostly to check immigrants eligibility for public benefits, SAVE has undergone a dramatic expansion over the last year at the behest of President Donald Trump, who has long falsely claimed that millions of noncitizens lurk on state voter rolls, tainting American elections. At Trumps direction, DHS has pooled confidential data from across the federal government to enable states to mass-verify voters citizenship status using SAVE. Many of the nations Republican secretaries of state have eagerly embraced the experiment, agreeing to upload all or part of their rolls. But an examination of SAVEs rollout by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune reveals that DHS rushed the revamped tool into use while it was still adding data and before it could discern voters most up-to-date citizenship information. Advertisement Advertisement As a result, SAVE has made persistent mistakes, particularly in assessing the status of people born outside the U.S., data gathered from local election administrators, interviews and emails obtained via public records requests show. Some of those people subsequently become U.S. citizens, a step that the system doesnt always pick up. According to correspondence between state and federal officials, DHS has had to correct information provided to at least five states after SAVE misidentified some voters as noncitizens. Texas and Missouri were among the first states to try the augmented tool. In Missouri, state officials acted on SAVEs findings before attempting to confirm them, directing county election administrators to make voters flagged as potential noncitizens temporarily unable to vote. But in hundreds of cases, the tools determinations were wrong, our review found. Lennon was among dozens of clerks statewide who raised alarms about the systems errors. Advertisement Advertisement It really does not help my confidence, she said, that the information we are trying to use to make really important decisions, like the determination of voter eligibility, is so inaccurate. In Texas, news reports began emerging about voters being mistakenly flagged as noncitizens soon after state officials announced the results of running the states voter roll through SAVE in October. Our reporting showed these errors were more widespread than previously known, involving at least 87 voters across 29 counties. County election administrators suspect there may be more. Confusion took hold when the Texas secretary of states office sent counties lists of flagged voters and directed clerks to start demanding proof of citizenship and to remove people from the rolls if they didnt respond. I really find no merit in any of this, said Bobby Gonzalez, the elections administrator in Duval County in South Texas, where SAVE flagged three voters, all of whom turned out to be citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Even counting people flagged in error, the first bulk searches using SAVE havent validated the presidents claims that voting by noncitizens is widespread. At least seven states with a total of about 35 million registered voters have publicly reported the results of running their voter rolls through the system. Those searches have identified roughly 4,200 people about 0.01% of registered voters as noncitizens. This aligns with previous findings that noncitizens rarely register to vote. Brian Broderick leads the verification division of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the DHS branch that oversees SAVE. In an interview this month, he acknowledged the system cant always find the most current citizenship information for people not born in the U.S. But he defended the tool, saying it was ultimately up to states to decide how to use SAVE data. So were giving a tool to these folks to say, Hey, if we can verify citizenship, great, youre good. If we cant, now its up to you to determine whether to let this person on your voter rolls, Broderick said. In Texas, Secretary of State Jane Nelson declined an interview request. Her spokesperson, Alicia Pierce, said the office hadnt reviewed SAVEs citizenship determination before sending lists to counties because it isnt an investigative agency. In a statement, Pierce added that the use of SAVE was part of the offices constitutional and statutory duty to ensure that only eligible citizens participate in Texas elections. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins called SAVE a valuable resource even though some people it flagged might later be confirmed as citizens. No system is 100% accurate, Hoskins said in an interview, but were working to get it right. Asked whether it was problematic that his office directed clerks to temporarily bar voters from casting ballots before verifying SAVEs findings, Hoskins said that was a good point. While 27 states have agreed to use SAVE, others have hesitated, concerned not only about inaccuracies, but also about privacy and the datas potential to be used in immigration enforcement. Indeed, speaking at a recent conference, Broderick said that when SAVE flags voters as noncitizens, they are also referred to DHS for possible criminal investigation. (It is a crime to falsely claim citizenship when registering to vote.) People whove been flagged by SAVE in error say its jarring to have to provide naturalization records to stay eligible to vote when they know theyve done nothing wrong. Sofia Minotti was erroneously flagged as a potential noncitizen voter by a Department of Homeland Security tool. (Shelby Tauber for ProPublica and The Texas Tribune) Sofia Minotti, who lives north of Dallas in Denton County, was born in Argentina but became a U.S. citizen years ago. Nonetheless, she was one of 84 Denton County voters identified by SAVE as a potential noncitizen. She and 11 others have since provided proof of citizenship, giving the system an error rate in the county of at least 14%. Advertisement Advertisement The real rate is probably higher, a county official acknowledged, since some of those sent notices to prove their citizenship might not respond in time to meet the deadline. Theyll have to be reinstated to vote in the midterms later this year. Minotti, though still on the rolls, felt singled out unfairly. Im here legally, and everything Ive done has been per the law, she said. I really have no idea why I had to prove it. Election administrators in many states have long hungered for better access to federal information on citizenship status. States dont typically require people to provide proof of citizenship when they sign up to vote, only to attest to it under penalty of perjury. Previous efforts to use state data to catch noncitizens on voter rolls have gone poorly. Texas officials had to abandon a 2019 push after it became clear their methodology misidentified thousands of citizens, many of them naturalized, as ineligible voters. Advertisement Advertisement Until recently, SAVE hadnt been much of a resource. State and local election officials needed to have voters DHS-assigned immigration ID numbers information not collected in the registration process to verify their citizenship status. Plus, officials had to pay to conduct searches one by one, not in bulk. In March, Trump issued an executive order that required DHS to give states free access to federal citizenship data and partner with the Department of Government Efficiency to comb voter rolls. The order triggered a series of meetings at USCIS designed to comply with a 30-day deadline to remake SAVE, a document obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union and reviewed by ProPublica shows. The systems main addition was confidential Social Security Administration data, which allowed states to search using full or partial Social Security numbers and incorporated information on millions of Americans who were not previously in Homeland Security databases. Advertisement Advertisement David Jennings, Brodericks deputy at USCIS, had pressed his team to move quickly, he said on a June video call with members of former Trump lawyer Cleta Mitchells Election Integrity Network, which has spread false claims about noncitizen voting. We tested it and deployed it to our users in two weeks, Jennings said on the call, which ProPublica obtained a recording of. I think thats remarkable. Kind of proud of it. Jennings added that to get quick access to the Social Security data, which has been tightly guarded, USCIS partnered with DOGE. (In an unrelated matter, DOGE has since been accused of misusing Social Security data.) Jennings did not respond to questions from ProPublica and the Tribune. Perhaps because of its accelerated timetable, USCIS expanded the system before meeting legal requirements to inform the public about how the data would be collected, stored and used, according to voting rights organizations that sued. (UCSIS did not respond to a request for comment about this.) It also blew past concerns from voter advocacy groups about the accuracy of SSAs citizenship data, which multiple audits and analyses have shown is often outdated or incomplete. This is particularly true for people not born in the U.S., who often get Social Security numbers well before they become citizens. Advertisement Advertisement According to emails obtained by ProPublica and the Tribune, SAVE first checks SSAs citizenship information. If that shows a voter isnt a citizen, DHS searches other databases, but it can be difficult to locate and match all the data the systems have on a person. This can lead to errors. Broderick said in the interview that Trumps executive order dramatically accelerated the timetable for launching SAVE, getting agencies to cooperate and move quickly. But he insisted the work was done responsibly. Do I think it was reckless? Do I think it wasnt planned? Do I think it wasnt tested? Absolutely not, he said. By September, Texas had uploaded its entire list of more than 18 million registered voters into SAVE. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming put voter data into the system, too. They would soon start to unveil what SAVE had found. One of the first out of the gate was Texas. In late October, with early voting underway in state and local elections, Nelson, the secretary of state, announced SAVE had identified 2,724 potential noncitizens on the rolls. But as Nelson delegated the task of investigating those voters statuses to local election officials, confusion took hold. At a meeting, Nelsons staff told county clerks offices to investigate flagged voters and then send notices to those for whom they were unable to confirm citizenship. In a follow-up email, Nelsons staff told the clerks they should already have heard from someone in the office with more details. That set off a chain of messages on the local officials email group. Travis County voter registration director Christopher Davis said he hadnt been contacted and had just learned the county had 97 flagged voters. Marsha Barbee, in Wharton County near Houston, shared that she talked to a Nelson staffer who said shed been directed not to tell local officials about their lists because they were in the middle of early voting. They said we have enough on our plates and didnt want us to worry right now, Barbee wrote. In the absence of clear state guidance, clerks proceeded inconsistently. Some said they didnt act on their lists, waiting for more direction. Others, unsure how to investigate flagged voters status, said they simply sent notices asking for proof of citizenship, though some opted not to remove nonresponsive voters from the rolls. I give them many chances; I dont just expire them right away, Dee Wilcher, a clerk in East Texas Anderson County, said about flagged voters, adding that she wanted to avoid removing citizens from the rolls and looking stupid. Chris McGinn, executive director of the Texas Association of County Election Officials, said many clerks expressed frustration with the secretary of states lack of guidance and failure to help with investigations. When he shared clerks concerns, McGinn said Nelsons staff didnt respond, leading him to conclude that checking SAVEs findings wasnt an agency priority. He called the states use of SAVE more political and appearance-based than a practical way to ensure election integrity. One way to check SAVEs findings would have been to get information from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which requires proof of citizenship if residents register to vote when obtaining a drivers license. The secretary of states office didnt do this and didnt direct counties to either. Several county officials said they hadnt thought to ask DPS for information; those who did often found the agency had documentation showing some of the voters who SAVE identified as noncitizens were in fact citizens. In the Texas Panhandle, Potter County elections officials quickly confirmed through DPS that three of nine voters on their list had proof of citizenship on file. In neighboring Randall County, DPS helped officials verify that one in five had a U.S. passport, according to interviews with the local officials. In December, Travis County learned that 11 of the 97 voters flagged by SAVE had proven their citizenship to DPS. After getting the data, the countys voter registrar, Celia Israel, said in an interview that she felt even more uncomfortable about moving forward with sending notices to voters, given SAVEs errors. It has proven to be inaccurate, she said. Why would I rely on it? To be sure, SAVE also identified some people who werent eligible to vote, clerks said. Several came across instances in which voters marked on registration forms that they werent citizens, but were registered by election office staffers in error. Clerks also said voters have told them theyd misunderstood questions about eligibility when getting drivers licenses. (Its not clear if any of those registered in error voted; overall, noncitizens rarely vote.) ProPublica and the Tribune surveyed the 177 Texas counties that had voters flagged by SAVE, receiving data from 97 that had either checked DPS records or sent notices to voters to try to verify SAVEs citizenship information. Overall, more than 5% of the voters SAVE identified as noncitizens proved to be citizens. In some smaller counties, most of those flagged were eligible to vote. That includes six of 11 in the Panhandles Moore County, and two of three in Erath County, near Dallas. But some of those who didnt respond to notices also might be citizens. In Denton County, where Sofia Minotti lives, checks by elections administrator Frank Phillips staff delivered clear answers on the citizenship status of 26 of the 84 voters flagged by SAVE. Twelve, including Minotti, proved they were citizens. Fourteen more had marked on their registration forms that they werent and the blame rested with workers for registering them nonetheless. Phillips said he removed anyone who didnt provide proof by the deadline from the rolls to comply with the secretary of states instructions, but he fears some were eligible voters. What is bugging me is I think our voter rolls may be more accurate than this database, Phillips said. My gut feeling is more of these are citizens than not. At least initially, Missouri took a more targeted approach to SAVE than Texas did. State officials used the system to search for information on a subset of about 6,000 voters they had reason to think might not be citizens, according to emails between federal and state officials. The state had results by October, but in early November, a USCIS official wrote to Missouri and four other states to say some people flagged by SAVE as noncitizens were actually citizens, emails obtained through public records requests show. We have continued to refine our processes used to obtain and review the citizenship data available to us, the official wrote, adding that one such improvement revealed the errors. The staffer attached amended search results, but Missouri officials withheld the attachment from its response to a public records request and did not respond to a question about how many corrections were made. Based on the updated data from USCIS, Missouri sent lists of flagged voters to county election administrators in November. ProPublica and the Tribune obtained these lists for seven of 10 most populous counties in the state, which show SAVE initially identified more than 1,200 people as noncitizens just in these areas. The Missouri secretary of states office told election administrators it would work to verify SAVEs citizenship determinations. In the meantime, local officials were instructed to change the status of flagged voters, making them temporarily unable to vote. The lists were met with swift pushback from county election officials, who, like Lennon, soon spotted people they knew to be citizens and questioned the directives legality. On a group call in November, they traded examples, saying they recognized neighbors, colleagues and people theyd helped to register at naturalization ceremonies. In St. Louis, the Board of Election Commissioners didnt alter the eligibility of anyone on its flagged voter list after being advised not to by its attorney. Rachael Dunn, a spokesperson for Hoskins, the Missouri secretary of state, said state law allows officials to change voters status during investigations into their eligibility for example, if there are signs theyve moved. The laws she cited dont directly address investigations into citizenship status, however. In early December, some 70 clerks, Republicans and Democrats, wrote a letter to Missouri House Speaker Jonathan Patterson saying there were better ways than SAVE to keep noncitizens off voter rolls. Weeks later, the states election integrity director, Nick La Strada, wrote USCIS to ask why a voter that SAVE had identified as a noncitizen in October had showed up in a more recent search as a citizen. A USCIS official replied that between the initial search and the follow-up, DHS had gotten access to passport data, which contains more up-to-date citizenship information on some people not born in the U.S. The USCIS staffer explained that some of the most accurate citizenship information which is within DHS own records still wasnt searchable in SAVE because running that kind of search would require the voters DHS identifier, which cant always be located. The staffer said they were working on improvements but those could take until March. You dont start with something at that scale until you work the bugs out, and that is not the case here, Clinton Jenkins, president of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities, said in an interview. Jenkins is also the clerk for Miller County in the Ozarks. In early January, in what was framed as a SAVE review update, the secretary of states office sent counties across Missouri revised lists with reduced numbers of voters identified as potential noncitizens. It instructed election administrators to move voters whod been initially flagged in error by SAVE back to active status, restoring their eligibility to vote. Dunn, Hoskins spokesperson, didnt specify what prompted these adjustments. Even the new lists may not be final, she acknowledged. Once the review is complete, the state has said it plans to send letters to those still on the lists, demanding proof of citizenship and giving recipients 90 days to respond. The addition of new data to SAVE makes it a more valuable resource, she maintained, while also reinforcing the need for careful, layered review before any action is taken. After the January revision, St. Louis Countys initial list of 691 potential noncitizens dropped to 133. Zuzana Kocsisova, who lives in St. Louis, was among those incorrectly flagged by SAVE on its first pass. Originally from Slovakia, she became a U.S. citizen in 2019. She showed ProPublica and the Tribune a copy of her naturalization certificate, which she keeps with a letter from Trump congratulating her for becoming a citizen of this magnificent land. When a reporter told her that SAVE had initially identified her as a potential noncitizen, she said she wasnt surprised. She saw it as part of the Trump administrations targeting of immigrants. She was more frustrated than relieved to learn that she wasnt on the smaller list of flagged voters sent in January. Overall, it seems like this process has done more to worry people who can vote than to identify actual registered voters who dont qualify, she said. Its just a waste of resources. I dont think it makes the elections any more safe. In Boone County, where Lennon is the clerk, the count of flagged voters fell from 74 to 33 and the naturalized citizen who Lennons staff helped register was no longer on the list. Lennon said she and other county clerks would happily accept data that helps them correctly identify noncitizens on their voter rolls. But so far, SAVE hasnt done that. And until it does, she said, she wont purge voters purely because SAVE has flagged them. This is not ready for prime time, Lennon said. And Im not going to risk the security and the constitutional rights of my voters for bad data. Mollie Simon contributed research. Doug Bock Clark contributed reporting. DENVER (KDVR) Around the state, drivers are speeding at high rates on Colorado highways. According to the Colorado State Patrol, two of the top-five counties for speeding citations statewide are in the Denver metro, with both seeing more handed out in 2025 than the year prior. CSP said speeding citation numbers actually took a small dip last year, going from more than 47,000 in 2024 to just over 44,000 in 2025. According to Trooper Gabriel Moltrer, from November 2024 to March 2025, CSP responded to nearly 12,000 crashes around the state. Vehicle with expired tags caught going 44 mph over speed limit Advertisement Advertisement A lot of times, the top causal factor of these injuries and fatal winter crashes is speeding, Moltrer said. So who in Colorado was driving the fastest in 2025? CSP data shows the top county in the state for speeding charges by the highest speeding intervals was El Paso County, with 1,727. Jefferson and Adams Counties both cracked the top five with 873 and 755 citations, respectively. Those totals were both higher than their 2024 numbers. Over 44,000 people were issued citations just for speeding, and those do range from being able to pay a fine to actually being summoned into court, Moltrer said. Two counties in the mountains also cracked the top five. Advertisement Advertisement Summit County was in second place, right behind El Paso, with 1,335 citations in 2025. Eagle County had 728. Moltrer said high speeds through winding and narrow mountain corridors is especially dangerous. Those roads are designed to go certain speeds, so any time youre going over those speed limits, youre putting yourself, your loved ones and other motorists in danger, Moltrer said. In response to a driver going 100 mph in a 60 mph zone in Boulder last week, the citys police department told FOX31 that cracking down on speeding is a priority in 2026. Moltrer said its possible the unusually warm winter may have encouraged higher speeds so far this year because of better road conditions, but said its never worth your time to put the pedal to the metal. Those higher speeds greatly reduce your reaction time, making it harder to stop before coming into contact with these other dangers, such as animals, rockslides or other environmental dangers that could occur that you may not see, Moltrer said. Advertisement Advertisement Moltrer said you can help troopers crack down on speeding this year, as well. If you see someone driving at a dangerous speed, he encourages calling *CSP, or *277, to report that vehicle. 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. BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) A new senior development in Brownsville has nearly 50 apartments available in an affordable housing lottery. The Gail P. Duke Senior Residence, for individuals aged 62 and older, located on Livonia Avenue in Central Brooklyn, offers a 24-hour attended lobby, a community room, a computer lab, outdoor recreational areas, secure in-unit Wi-Fi, and an adult senior center. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement The building is situated near retail stores, schools, hospitals, parks, places of worship, and public transit, with access to the L and Nos. 3 and 4 trains. There are 24 studio apartments and 23 1-bedroom units available in the lottery. Eligible tenants will pay 30% of their annual household income for either apartment. Who qualifies for $0 rent? Any eligible tenant who makes no income and qualifies for Section 8 will be able to qualify for $0 rent. The maximum household income for the studio units is $64,800 for a two-person household, and $72,900 for the 1-bedroom apartments with a three-person household. For more information or to apply for the lottery, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs (D-N.Y.) appearance at the Munich Security Conference has drawn a mixed response from members of her own party, underscoring a potential vulnerability of hers amid speculation she could mount a presidential run in the future. The New York congresswoman took part in the annual international security conference alongside world leaders including other potential 2028 contenders such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) last week, bringing her progressive, working-class platform to the global stage. Though some Democrats say she did well, a faltering response on Taiwan and other comments have sparked criticism from some who say it shows her lack of foreign policy experience, which could be critical if she chooses to run for higher office. Advertisement Advertisement It was a beauty pageant to show that she had some chops about international issues, and she showed a complete lack of chops about international issues, said New York Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf. Shes not ready for prime time on the international stage, he said, adding that if she runs for president shes now given the opposition tons of ammunition to destroy her. In Munich, Ocasio-Cortez called for leaders to champion the working class and knocked the Trump administrations foreign policy moves. I think many of us are here to say: We are here and we are ready for the next chapter, not to have the world turn to isolation, she said, when asked about the significance of her representing the U.S. at the conference. Advertisement Advertisement For Ocasio-Cortez, the heir apparent to progressive standard-bearer Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), it was a chance to grow her visibility, reach an international audience and showcase her foreign policy bona fides as part of a platform that has long focused on domestic issues. But several clips of her remarks in Munich circulating online have generated criticism and mockery from those on the right, with the likes of Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno (R), Fox News host Sean Hannity, and right-wing commentator Benny Johnson piling on to question her preparedness on foreign policy. At one point, she stumbled before answering a question on whether the U.S. should commit troops to defending Taiwan if China were to invade. At another, she described Venezuela as below the equator, though the South American country sits in the Northern Hemisphere. Even members of her own party have acknowledged the slipups. Advertisement Advertisement New York Democratic strategist Jon Reinish said he doubts that the appearance will significantly help or hurt Ocasio-Cortezs standing, but he noted foreign policy has been a weak point for the progressive in the past. She has flubbed on foreign policy before, in speeches, in interviews, in some pretty high-profile ways. So it was a bit surprising to me that she put herself in a position to do so again, on an even more high-profile stage, he said. Others defended the congresswoman, arguing the criticism is a signal of Ocasio-Cortezs strength in the party. Shes politically vocal and she sticks her head up. They cannot find an answer or solution to her. So their answer is to try to demonize her [and] make racial, disrespectful, derogatory comments of and around her and about her, Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said of the criticism from the right. Advertisement Advertisement Basil Smikle, a strategist who served as the executive director of the New York State Democratic Party, drew parallels to former President Obama, who visited Germany as a senator during his first presidential run in a signal of cooperation with allied governments. There [was] this real appetite for American leadership at home and abroad, and [Obama] was a unifying voice at a point where theres a tremendous amount of anger, disappointment, fear and uncertainty. And I think thats the role that, in many ways, AOC is playing for a different generation, for a younger generation of Democrat, the younger generation of politicians, Smikle said. So does this advance those goals? Yes. I dont know that they advance presidential goals, because Im just not sure shes there, he added. He didnt rule out the possibility she could decide to run for president but said she appears to be positioning herself more as a kingmaker in the party as the midterms approach. Ocasio-Cortez has dodged questions about her future plans, though her popularity and fundraising machine have already made her a potential 2028 front-runner. Advertisement Advertisement She sidestepped the possibility during one of her two panel appearances in Munich, as the moderator drew attention to the chatter around the congresswoman. When you run for president, are you going to impose a wealth tax or a billionaires tax? the New York Timess Katrin Bennhold asked. I dont think that I dont think that anyone and that we dont have to wait for any one president to impose a wealth tax, Ocasio-Cortez said. A Yale Youth Poll last fall found Ocasio-Cortez with a double-digit lead over former Vice President Kamala Harris, Newsom and other top Democratic figures seen as 2028 contenders, underscoring her appeal among young voters. Advertisement Advertisement The congresswoman herself highlighted a poll in December that put her up 2 points over Vice President Vance, the GOP heir apparent. And YouGovs popularity tracker ranks the 36-year-old as the fifth most popular Democrat in the country, as of the end of the year, ahead of Newsom and just behind Harris, Sanders and Obama. Some observers raised concerns over Ocasio-Cortezs answers in Munich. Todd Belt, director of the political management program at the George Washington University, said it didnt bode well that Ocasio-Cortez didnt have a response ready on Taiwan, toward which the U.S. has a strategically ambiguous policy. You should be ready your policy adviser should have you ready for these types of questions on a moments notice, if youre going to step into that sort of arena with the heavyweights on foreign policy, Belt said. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Belt assessed that the positives of the congresswomans trip abroad will outweigh the negatives, especially when considering the far-off possibility of a presidential run in 2028 or later. Negativity gets most of the traction, because AOC has a target on her but this is just so, so early. We dont even generally consider ourselves being in whats called the invisible primary until after the midterm elections, he said. In a conversation on Sunday before college students at Technische Universitat Berlin, Ocasio-Cortez gave her own answer about why its important for her to step into the international arena, acknowledging all that speculation domestically. Progressive foreign policy has not been represented internationally in a very long time, if not ever, and I felt that it was very important to start bringing that into spaces of power, she said. Advertisement Advertisement I remain ambitious, but my ambitions are in changing our political environment. Thats why I when I was first elected, my ambition was to change the Democratic Party, she said, emphasizing the need to elect scores of officials with similar values. I think oftentimes the discussions about speculations, etc., are so narrow, because frankly I think the ambitions of a progressive movement go so far beyond elected office. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez was not the only potential 2028 hopeful who made an appearance in Munich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) also appeared on a panel alongside the New York congresswoman, stressing her states ties to Canada amid tensions with the northern ally. Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, who took his fight with President Trump to the global stage in Davos, Switzerland, last month, sounded alarm in Germany that world leaders see the U.S. as a wrecking ball under its current leadership. Whats going to be interesting to see for her is: Is this just the first step, or is this a one-off? Reinish said of Ocasio-Cortezs Munich trip. If she really starts to do a lot more appearances, speeches, meetings, social media, about with and in other countries, that will certainly stoke speculation about what her intentions are for two years time. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A recent sighting of a Sumatran tiger in Riau, Indonesia, prompted surprise and excitement from both the public and officials, with images of the feline quickly appearing online, Anatra reported. According to Riau's Natural Resources Conservation Agency, BBKSDA, the agency is investigating reported sightings near the Water Injection Plant access road in the Zamrud Area operated by oil producer PT Bumi Siak Pusako in the Siak district. A response team based in the nearby Zamrud National Park has been sent to perform field checks, BBKSDA Riau technical chief Ujang Holisudin said, per Anatra. Advertisement Advertisement "Our team from BBKSDA Riau is currently conducting direct confirmation at the location," Ujang told reporters in Pekanbaru the day after the sighting in mid-January. Sumatran tigers are rare, with the estimated total wild population being between 500 individuals and 300 or fewer. Those tigers are spread across 27 locations, meaning that each individual population may consist of only 10 to 20 tigers. While on one hand, trail cameras are making it easier to spot these beautiful creatures like this tigress and her cubs filmed in China the population is still declining, with five to 10 tigers killed every year. Encounters with humans are the biggest threat, including both conflicts over territory and deliberate poaching, such as this disturbing case of smuggled tiger parts. For all of these threats, the Sumatran tiger is still doing better than its closest cousins in the area. The other tiger species found in Indonesia, the Bali tiger and the Javan tiger, went extinct in 1937 and the 1970s, respectively. That leaves the Sumatran tiger as the last remaining living tiger species in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Protecting this increasingly rare species requires active conservation efforts, such as protected reserves. That includes Zamrud National Park, which borders the industrial property where this tiger was spotted, and is probably where it came from. With any luck, it will return home safely and will be a part of rebuilding the species in the future. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. An Ohio man has been arrested and charged in connection with the double homicide of his ex-girlfriend and a U.S Soldier that happened on Saturday, Feb. 14, in Moore County, North Carolina The Coshocton County Sheriffs Office was contacted by the Moore County Sheriffs Office for a double homicide in Vass, a small town about 60 miles southwest of Raleigh, according to our news partners, WBNS. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The Moore County deputies responded to a report of a shooting inside a residence on the morning of Feb. 14. When officers arrived on the scene, they found 28-year-old Matthew Wade and 21-year-old Kateryna Tovmash dead inside. Moore County Sheriffs Office reached out to the Coshocton County Sheriffs Office to help find the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Caleb Fosnaugh, according to Christopher Walters, Coshocton County Sheriff. Fosnaugh was in a previous relationship with Tovmash in Ohio, according to investigators. A friend of Tovmash, Kirill Pryshchepchuk, said they grew up together in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement My best friend was an immigrant, who was a refugee from Ukraine, said Pryshchepchuk. She came here because of the war. To hide from death and danger. She came here with her family. This is not normal. Wade was stationed at Fort Bragg, which is 25 miles southeast of Vass. Walters said his agency was advised that Fosnaugh was driving a white 2018 Ford Mustang and was possibly traveling back to Ohio. The Ohio State Highway Patrol located Fosnaugh around 2:18 p.m., driving toward Coshocton County. Troopers and Coshocton County deputies pulled over Fosnaugh at the intersection of State Route 541 and County Road 120 in Linton Township and took him into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Fosnaugh was booked into the Coshocton County Justice Center and charged with two counts of murder and breaking and entering. His case will be handled in Moore County. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Three Democratic former presidents led a wealth of tributes to Jesse Jackson, a titan of the civil rights movement and one of Americas greatest patriots who has died at the age of 84. Joe Biden said history would remember Jackson as a man of God and of the people, calling him in a social media post : Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our Nation. Biden added: Ive seen how Reverend Jackson has helped lead our Nation forward through tumult and triumph. Hes done it with optimism, and a relentless insistence on what is right and just. Advertisement Advertisement Reverend Jackson influenced generations of Americans, and countless elected leaders, including Presidents. Reverend Jackson believed in his bones the promise of America: that we are all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While weve never fully lived up to that promise, he dedicated his life to ensuring we never fully walked away from it either. Barack Obama called Jackson a true giant in a statement posted on Instagram. For more than 60 years, Reverend Jackson helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history. From organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world, he was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Obama noted that Jacksons two runs at the presidency in the 1980s laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land. Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesses lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share. We stood on his shoulders. We send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and everyone in Chicago and beyond who knew and loved him, he said. Bill Clinton said he and former first lady Hillary Clinton were friends with Jackson for more than five decades, and were deeply saddened by his passing. Reverend Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives, he said in a statement on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement [He] never stopped working for a better America with brighter tomorrows, including his historic campaigns for the presidency in 1984 and 1988 in which he championed the concerns of Black, Latino, Asian, and lower income white Americans. Hillary and I loved him very much. Al Sharpton, the veteran civil rights campaigner with whom Jackson worked closely after the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, called his friend and mentor a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world. In a social media post on Tuesday, Sharpton wrote: He shaped public policy and changed laws. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we dont have broken spirits. Advertisement Advertisement Senior Democrats, the party for which Jackson campaigned twice as a presidential candidate, were also quick to pay tribute. He let us know our voices mattered. He instilled in us that we were somebody. And he widened the path for generations to follow in his footsteps and lead, Kamala Harris, the first Black US vice-president, wrote on Instagram , also calling Jackson one of Americas greatest patriots. Recalling her days as a young law student in Oakland, California, Harris recalled having a Jesse Jackson for President sticker on her car. As I would drive across the Bay Bridge, you would not believe how people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk of support, she said. Advertisement Advertisement They were small interactions, but they exemplified Reverend Jacksons life work lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and coalitions, and strengthening our democracy and nation. Jackson, she said, was a selfless leader, mentor, and friend to me and so many others. Other Democrats celebrated Jacksons stature in the civil rights movement. America has lost a titan in the struggle for civil rights and racial justice. From his days at the side of Dr King, to his moral leadership in this century, Rev Jesse Jackson Sr spent his life pushing our nation closer to its own ideal, Pete Buttigieg, transportation secretary during the Biden administration, said. Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Georgia senator Raphael Warnock said America had lost one of its great moral voices. In a social media post he wrote: With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, Jesse Jackson reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice. His ministry was poetry and spiritual power in the public square. He advanced Kings dream and bent the arc of history closer to justice. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, gave thanks for a life she said pushed hope into weary places. In a post on Facebook, King wrote: Rev Jesse Jackson Sr devoted his life to lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to societys edges. He pushed barriers and opened doors so Black people and other excluded communities could step into opportunity and dignity. Advertisement Advertisement With the Rainbow Coalition, he cast a bold vision of an inclusive society uniting people across race, class, and faith to build power together and expand the table of economic opportunity. He was a gifted negotiator and a courageous bridgebuilder, serving humanity by bringing calm into tense rooms and creating pathways where none existed. King said her family shared a long and meaningful history with him, rooted in a shared commitment to justice and love. The Vermont senator Bernie Sanders said that Jackson was one of the great and transformative political leaders in modern American history. He has broken down more barriers than most people could dream of doing. Jackson was a courageous civil rights leader who put his life on the line in the fight against segregation and racism in the north as well as the south, Sanders also said in a statement, adding, his politics of togetherness and solidarity should guide us going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social social media platform, called Jackson a good man and a friend, also noting he had provided office space in New York for Jacksons Rainbow Push Coalition. Trumps post, as is often the case, quickly turned political, and about himself. The president attacked the scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left who, he said, falsely and consistently called him a racist, and sought recognition for funding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which Jesse loved. Trump also took a swing at a familiar political foe, Barack Obama, whom, he claimed falsely, Jackson could not stand. The Brief One person is dead and several others are seriously injured following a head-on crash early Monday morning on the Dallas North Tollway. A Hyundai Tucson traveling the wrong way in the southbound lanes near Royal Lane struck a Land Rover Velar at approximately 2 a.m. The identities of the deceased driver and the injured passengers have not yet been released as the investigation continues. DALLAS - A head-on crash involving a wrong-way driver on the Dallas North Tollway left one person dead and several others seriously injured early Monday morning, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Wrong way crash on DNT What we know The crash happened at about 2 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the tollway near Royal Lane. Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation by DPS troopers found that a Hyundai Tucson was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes when it struck a Land Rover Velar head-on. The driver of the Hyundai was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. The driver and passengers of the Land Rover were also taken to area hospitals with injuries described as serious. What we don't know Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details were immediately available. The Source Information in this article is from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Last month, the Defense Department published its long-awaited National Defense Strategy, a practical guide published every four years to implement its broader National Security Strategy. This pair of documents from the Trump administration deliberately sets out to chart a new path, distinct from the more conventional approaches laid out by previous administrations. President Trumps National Defense Strategy and National Security Strategy distinguish themselves rhetorically by adopting a tone that is more muscular, yet is much more restrained in its involvement in international affairs. Two fundamental questions arise from the policy models Trump is presenting before the world: How different are they from the way earlier administrations addressed national security concerns, and do they improve or retard the pursuit of Americas long-range national interests? The Defense Strategy notes, President Trump took office in January 2025 to one of the most dangerous security environments in our nations history. Meanwhile in Europe, where Trump had previously led [NATO] allies to begin taking their defenses seriously, the last administration effectively encouraged them to free-ride, leaving the Alliance unable to deter or respond effectively to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement This statement implies that Trump views Russias aggression against Ukraine as an important matter of national concern. Yet, while he frequently claimed during his campaign that he would end the war in 24 hours, he has spent much of the first year of his return to office striving to reconcile the irreconcilable positions of Moscow and Kiev. Shockingly to students of American history and tradition, he has openly sided with Russias position demanding major concessions of Ukrainian territory and sovereignty. At the same time, to his credit, Trump has succeeded in narrowing the gap in contributions to the defense of Ukraine by the U.S. and the rest of NATO; he has pressed the Europeans to increase their defense spending and to purchase U.S. weapons for transfer to Ukraine. But, to Vladimir Putins relief and Volodymyr Zelinskys frustration, he has withheld the uniquely American long-range weapons Ukraine needs to strike critical strategic targets deep inside Russia. He also opposes facilitating the transfer of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets for Ukraines wartime use and postwar reconstruction. The National Defense Strategy also faults Trumps predecessor for having allowed, even enabled, our cunning adversaries to grow more powerful, even as they increased risk of America itself being drawn into simultaneous major wars across theatersa third world war, as President Trump himself warned. But despite that concern, Trump seems not to include Russia among the traditional quartet of cunning adversaries, along with China, Iran and North Korea, bent on drawing the U.S. into a two-front or three-front war. Historys lessons teach that such a drastic scenario is far more likely with an appeased but still unsatisfied Russia moving from a partially defeated and weakened Ukraine to the Baltics or Poland. It is not peace through strength. Advertisement Advertisement The most likely co-conspirator for Russia in its potential multi-front conflict with the U.S. is China, Russias declared no limits strategic partner since at least February 2022, when their burgeoning collaboration launched the second major Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Defense Strategy noted that in recent years, China and its military grew more powerful in the Indo-Pacific region, the worlds largest and most dynamic market area, with significant implications for Americans own security, freedom, and prosperity. The document stated U.S. purpose clearly: To prevent anyone, including China, from being able to dominate us or our allies we will erect a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain. The critical linchpin in that chain is Taiwan. The Defense Strategy claims, The presidents approach is one of a flexible, practical realism that looks at the world in a clear-eyed way. But that self-praise ignores how Beijing views the lack of U.S will in Ukraine to defend a strategic and democratic partner against a relentless aggressor that offers economic advantages and personal leadership blandishments. It is doubtless manipulating geopolitical circumstances to discourage or strategically delay U.S. intervention in a Taiwan contingency. The National Defense Strategy argues that U.S. deterrence against China, such as it is, is not intended to strangle China, and is therefore innocuous in U.S.-China relations. But the fundamental question is, what does the U.S. do if Chinas intention is to strangle Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan and the U.S. itself? Advertisement Advertisement History will brand the U.S. failure to ensure Ukraines victory and prevent Taiwans fall as the time when America fell from greatness and her cunning but miscalculating enemies plunged the world into a new global conflict. Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He is a nonresident fellow at the Institute for Corean-American Studies, a member of the advisory board of the Global Taiwan Institute and member of the advisory board of the Vandenberg Coalition. 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. Oregon public universities and schools would have to promptly notify their communities when federal immigration agents step onto campus under a bill the Oregon House passed Tuesday. Federal policy has long blocked immigration enforcement at sensitive areas including schools, churches and hospitals, but the Trump administration rescinded that policy last year. The American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association last week filed an emergency motion in a federal lawsuit based in Oregon seeking to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement from operating in and around such locations. House Bill 4079 passed the Oregon House by a 35-22 vote on Tuesday, with all Republicans and Democratic Rep. Tawna Sanchez of Portland voting against. The bill, which would go into effect in September, now heads to the Senate for consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis, described the detention of an international student at Oregon State University in December, as well as rumors on social media leaving many students fearful to attend school. At an elementary school four blocks away from her house, she said some families decided not to allow their children to attend after news of an immigration enforcement action in the area. We cannot improve our attendance rates, literacy rates or graduation rates, if students are afraid to come to school, she said. If the assurance that their school will be paying attention and will let them know if immigration agents are presentwill allow students to attend school without fear, we should assure that they get that information. Oregon law already requires school districts to provide electronic communications to parents and guardians in the case of a safety threat such as a lockdown or evacuation. But in the past year in Oregon, federal agents have detained an Iranian father outside his childs preschool in Beaverton, arrested a 17-year-old U.S. citizen off-campus during lunch hours and reportedly conducted surveillance outside a Wilsonville middle school. The Homeland Security Department asserts that such instances are rare and that agents would need a high-ranking supervisors approval to go into a school, arguing in one press release that criminals are no longer able to hide in Americas schools to avoid arrest. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would require school boards and the governing bodies of public colleges and universities to confirm and provide notice as expediently as possible to families, employees and students when federal immigration agents enter a schools property. Alerts would include information on where that enforcement activity took place and whether it disrupted classroom operations. But they would not be required if a court order blocked the disclosure of information or if immigration agents entered a university to accompany a patient seeking medical care. Sanchez told the Capital Chronicle that she based her decision to vote against the bill on her experience as a social worker. Many people who receive notifications from their schools will not know how to respond, she said. They may respond in a much more traumatic way of isolation and holding themselves back. Some people may respond in a way of wanting to be the savior and go step in front of ICE at that point in time, she said. I think we just didnt make provisions for that in that bill, which is a concern for me. We have to use the system that exists right now. Rep. Darin Harbick, R-Rainbow, said the bill prioritizes politics over safety and security, adding that he spoke with an ICE agent who told him they are not tasked with targeting schools. Many of his Republican colleagues framed the bill as unnecessarily duplicative and further entrenching schools in federal and state politics. Advertisement Advertisement While Portland school districts and any other district may choose to adopt such policies that they find appropriate, it is unnecessary and unfair to require rural school districts like those of my district to implement policies they neither need nor want, Harbick said. Weve already seen policies like this disrupt school boards and divide parents. Amendments strip some verification processes Faced with implementation concerns from some education advocates, lawmakers removed some provisions in the original bill that would have required school staff to assess federal immigration authorities credentials and ask whether they had a judicial warrant. Any provisions that place school personnel particularly administrators and communicators of color into heightened conflict, scrutiny or public pressure warrant careful consideration, wrote Megan Mahoney, a former president of the Beaverton-based Oregon School Public Relations Association, in a Feb. 5 letter. Protecting staff safety and well-being is essential to sustaining effective school operations and ensuring staff can respond appropriately, strategically and in coordination with safety and legal guidance. The bills disclosure requirements would not apply to personal information of a student or if sending out information threatens the health or safety of the students or employees of the school district. Schools and universities would have to share their disclosure policies in their student handbooks and on their website in languages tailored to their communities needs. Advertisement Advertisement The alert system legislation is not the only bill dealing with immigration enforcement and educational institutions that Oregon lawmakers are considering. Senate Bill 1538, which would prevent school boards from declining to admit immigrants without permanent legal status because of their citizenship status, also cleared the Oregon Senate on Tuesday with the support of Democrats and five Republicans. The bill would align Oregon with a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court precedent declaring that students can enroll in public school regardless of their immigration status. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As the first state in the nation to pass a sanctuary law, Oregon has some of the most comprehensive immigration protections in the country. However, lawmakers are trying to do more in response to concerns that federal immigration officers are overstepping their authority. Before the legislative session ends March 8, the Legislatures Democratic majority plans to pass its immigration justice package, or at least 13 bills that would make it easier to sue federal agents, increase data protections for immigrants, guide schools and hospitals on how to respond when federal agents appear on campus grounds and restrict federal agents from wearing masks. Sen. Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, speaks at a rally in support of the immigrant justice package on Friday, February 13, 2026. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The immigrant justice package is how our state is standing up to fight back, Sen. Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, said at an immigrants rights rally on Friday. This is about the father who has built his life and business here for 20 years who has been torn away from his children. It is about the student whose visa was unjustly revoked. It is about the family who was detained and sent to Texas for accessing emergency medical care for their little daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Each bill must receive approval from a committee before advancing to the House or Senate floor. The process must then be repeated in the opposite chamber before it can head to the governors desk. Gov. Tina Kotek can sign a bill into law, let it become law without her signature or veto it. At least one bill related to anti-discrimination laws in schools received support from Republicans. Below are bills directly responding to the federal governments immigration enforcement presence in the state and their status. ICE at schools: House Bill 4079 would require school districts and colleges to develop an alert system to notify students and parents if federal agents appear on school property. The House advanced the bill along party lines, except for Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland the only Democrat to vote against it. The Senate passed the bill along party lines. It is headed to Koteks desk next. Advertisement Advertisement Anti-discrimination protections in schools: Senate Bill 1538 adds immigration status as a protected class under anti-discrimination laws that govern Oregons K-12 schools. The Senate and House passed bill mostly along party lines. In the Senate it received support from five Republicans, including Sens. Dick Anderson, R- Lincoln City; Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, Todd Nash, R-Enterprise; Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook; and David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford. Kotek signed the bill into law on March 5. ICE in hospitals: Senate Bill 1570 would create guidelines hospitals must follow should federal immigration agents appear on campus grounds, including documenting agent visits, prohibiting agents from accessing nonpublic areas unless theres a court order and preventing hospitals from retaliating against workers who provide a patient with information on legal rights and services. The Oregon Health Authority would be able to revoke a hospitals license if it fails to comply with the guidelines. The Senate and House passed the bill. It heads to the governors desk next. Immigration status protections in court: House Bill 4111 would prohibit data about a partys or a witnesss immigration status from being used in a civil case. The bill would make it unlawful for employers to retaliate against workers attempting to update their employment authorization status. The House and Senate passed the bill along party lines. It heads to Koteks desk next. Data privacy: Senate Bill 1587 prohibits data brokers from providing data to others for purposes related to enforcement of civil law, unless theres a court order. The Senate and House passed the bill along party lines. It heads to the governors desk next. Advertisement Advertisement Right to sue: Senate Bill 1563 would let a person whose civil rights were violated by law enforcement or other government officials sue for damages and attorney fees. The bill did not advance past the committee process. Rules for federal, out-of-state law enforcement: House Bill 4114 would require non-Oregon law enforcement operating in the state to follow identification requirements, warrant procedures and requirements when entering buildings during an operation. It would create a civil cause of action against outside law enforcement if they dont follow the regulations. The House and Senate passed the bill along party lines. It heads to Koteks desk next. Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement: Senate Bill 1594 would direct the agency to create model policies relating to citizenship or immigration status that can be used in response to federal actions. The Senate and House passed the bill along party lines. It heads to Koteks desk next. Universal representation: House Bill 4117 would deposit $10 million from the state general fund into the states universal representation fund, which subsidizes legal assistance for income-qualifying immigrants looking for help with asylum applications, work authorization forms or to challenge their detainment. It didnt advance past the committee process. Advertisement Advertisement Withholding money from the feds: House Bill 4143 would let the state withhold to the federal government if the federal government unlawfully keeps money away from the state. The House passed the bill in a party-line vote, but it did not make it to the Senate side before the last day of the legislative session. No masks via constitutional amendment: Senate Joint Resolution 203 proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which Oregonians would have the opportunity to vote on in the November general election, banning law enforcement from wearing masks and requiring them to wear uniforms with visible badge numbers unless they are working undercover. The bill died in the committee process. No masks for law enforcement: House Bill 4138 would require all law enforcement agencies operating in Oregon adopt a policy restricting the use of facial coverings to narrow instances, such as for medical necessity, undercover operations or SWAT assignment. The House and Senate passed the bill along party lines. It is headed to Koteks desk next. No state funding for deportations: House Bill 4150 would prohibit state contractors and grant recipients from helping transport people for deportation. The bill did not receive a work session by the Feb. 16 deadline and is therefore not advancing. Correction: This story originally misstated Sen. Suzanne Webers residence. She is from Tillamook, not Salem. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LIMA Going into Monday, Natalie Chapman, a high school senior from Bellefontaine, was not certain where her post-secondary education would take her this fall. After visiting the Ohio State University-Lima campus with her mother, Meredith, during Mondays Buckeye Preview Day, Chapmans future is clad in scarlet and gray. Ive gone to other preview days at different colleges, and so I really enjoyed being able to go around and see the different buildings and just kind of get an understanding of what it may look like to be a first-year student, Chapman said. Chapman, who plans on majoring in early childhood education, was one of 32 prospective students to tour the Lima campus Monday, learning more about what college life at one of Ohio States regional campuses has to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Our big focus is getting them onto campus, seeing what resources we have and getting to know the faces, OSU-Lima Admissions Recruitment Coordinator Zachary Welly said. Theres no feeling like meeting your academic advisor, whos going to be helping you for the foreseeable future, if youre staying here all four years. While the regional campus may not offer all 200 degree programs available at the main campus in Columbus, the Lima campus is able to help incoming students either get a start with an Ohio State education or complete all four years in Lima in one of the 12 programs offered from start to finish here. We also keep the costs down, Welly said. So via Washington Monthly, were actually ranked the No. 1 regional campus in the state of Ohio for bang for buck. We have something around 58% of students who start and finish with us here at Lima who graduate 100% debt free. Meredith Chapman appreciated the economic value Ohio State-Lima had to offer, as well as the smaller campus size. Advertisement Advertisement Weve looked at other schools, and she also liked Bowling Green, but she can get the same opportunity here, she said. Its a little bit cheaper, but it still has that same feel where everyones going to know everyone. You can still live at home and have a job, and it sounds like there are opportunities on campus for that. It seems like there are a lot of activities to keep everyone involved, so you dont just take your classes and go home. Lily Lynch, a student ambassador at Mondays event, started her education at a private university but made the decision to transfer to OSU-Lima after seeing the financial benefits available at the regional campus. I was like, I cant afford to be $20,000 in debt every year if Im going to be a teacher, the education major from Cridersville said. So I started doing the pros and cons list, and I was like, I can live at home. I can work. I can have placements in school districts Im familiar with. So thats what kind of led me here. Leaders of foreign countries have visited the famous Tirupati-Tirumala Temple in southern India, but a video shared by Indian media outlets does not show former Indonesian president Joko Widodo going to the Hindu temple in January 2026. The man in the footage is actually a palm reader, while Indonesia's embassy in New Delhi clarified the former head of the Southeast Asian country has never visited the temple. "Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo came to Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, for a pilgrimage," reads a Hindi-language X post shared on January 30, 2026, with an attached video showing a man being led into a temple complex. The clip contains the watermark and logo of Indian outlet Times Now Varthalu, which published a similar video on January 29. Advertisement Advertisement "Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Tirumala," reads the caption of the video report. Another outlet used a different video showing the same scene. Screenshot of the false post taken on February 16 with a red X added by AFP The Tirupati-Tirumala temple is situated in Andhra Pradesh, a state in the southern part of India. Its website lists past visits from leaders from other countries, including President Dharambeer Gokhool of Mauritius and Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa (archived here and here). The video also spread alongside similar claims elsewhere on X, Facebook, and Instagram. But the Indonesian Embassy in Delhi rejected the claim and the video shows a Bali-based palm reader. Advertisement Advertisement The embassy said on its official X account on February 2 that the claim is "factually inaccurate" (archived link). "The Former President of Indonesia, Mr. Joko Widodo, has NEVER made a visit to the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala at any point during or after his term in office," the post said. Indonesian media also reported the former president -- also known as Jokowi -- met the United Arab Emirates's ambassador to Indonesia on January 29, the day when Indian media outlets reported on his supposed visit to the temple (archived here). Jokowi's official Instagram account also posted about the meeting, which took place at the former president's residence in Surakarta, a city on the Indonesian island of Java (archived link). Palm reader A search on the facial-recognition tool PimEyes using a keyframe from the clip shows the man is actually a Bali-based palm reader named Agus Sihman, with pictures on his website matching the man seen in the false video (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement He also uploaded pictures and videos of his visit to India on Facebook, where he can be seen wearing the same golden headband and accompanied by the same man (archived here and here). Comparison of the man in the false video (L) and Agus in a picture shared on his Facebook page Comparison of the man next to Agus in the false video (L) and the same person seen in a video on his social media account AFP visited his listed address in Bali, but the house was closed. A neighbour, Wayan, told AFP that he was confident the man in the video is Agus, pointing to the distinctive golden crown as a key detail. "Yes, that's him. The golden ornaments on his head -- that's what makes me certain," he said. The Tirupati-Tirumala temple has not responded to an AFP request for comment. Its website has not listed a visit from the former Indonesian president (archived link). AFP has previously debunked misinformation about prominent figures from other countries visiting India's holy sites. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City is rolling out its new school zone photo speed enforcement systems. The system becomes operational on Tuesday, starting a month-long warning period. The cameras will be active throughout the entire school day. That includes the 30 minutes before and after school when the lower schools speed limit is in effect. The system is also active during regular school hours, when the posted speed limit applies. Advertisement Advertisement Panama City installs cameras to curb speeding in school zones If youre going more than 10 miles over the speed limit at any point during the school day, you could receive a ticket after police review the citation. For the first month, violators will receive warnings. However, on March 23, when students return from spring break, violators will receive a $100 ticket. The speed cameras will not operate outside of designated school hours, or on weekends and holidays. RedSpeed, the company that paid for and installed the system, conducted a traffic study to determine where school zone speeding was most prevalent in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Schools that will be camera-enforced: Lucille Moore Elementary Northside Elementary Oscar Patterson Elementary Palm Bay Elementary Jinks Middle School Bay High School Rosenwald High School St. Andrews School St. John Catholic School Covenant Christian School Holy Nativity Episcopal School City officials say the goal is to curb speeding and protect local children. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been elected as the leader of the majority party in Bangladesh's parliament, positioning him to become the country's next prime minister. The decision was made on Tuesday at a meeting of the newly formed parliamentary group of the party, following a resounding victory in last week's general election, where the BNP secured an overwhelming two-thirds majority. The country's largest Islamic party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, emerged as the second-largest group. Advertisement Advertisement Rahman, 60, the son of late former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is scheduled to be sworn in as prime minister later on Tuesday, alongside his new cabinet. In the morning, the newly elected lawmakers were sworn in at the parliament building in Dhaka. The oath of office was administered by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Rahman will take over the leadership of the 170 million-strong nation from the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This transition concludes an 18-month interim period that followed the student-led uprising in August 2024, which ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ended her 15-year rule. At a press conference on Saturday, Rahman outlined his vision for the country, pledging to transform the nation by restoring order, fighting corruption and ensuring governmental accountability. The election, held on Thursday, was noted for being largely peaceful and included a parallel referendum on sweeping constitutional reforms, which voters also endorsed. Thousands of peanut butter and jam products are being recalled after "foreign material" was found during production. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the peanut butter was manufactured by Ventura Foods, located in Los Angeles, and was sold under multiple brand names across 40 states, including Texas and New Mexico. The reason for the firm-initiated recall (meaning the company initiated the recall) is due to "pieces of blue plastic" found in the products found during production, according to the FDA. The recall includes peanut butter packets, and peanut butter with both strawberry jam and grape jelly sold in cups. Advertisement Advertisement While the recall was first initiated in April 2025, the FDA classified it as Class II on Feb. 12, according to USA TODAY. The designation means using or being exposed to the products may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, and the risk of serious injury is considered low. Here is what you need to know. What peanut butter has been recalled? According to the FDA, peanut butter products being recalled include: Creamy peanut butter packets, in sizes of 0.5-ounce and 0.75-ounce cups, and 1.12-ounce packs. Twin packs combining creamy peanut butter with strawberry jam, in 1.12-ounce and 1-ounce cups. Twin packs combining creamy peanut butter with grape jelly, in 1.12-ounce and 1-ounce cups. Advertisement Advertisement The products were sold by private-label brands such as US Foods, DYMA Brands, Flavor Fresh, Sysco House Recipe, Katys Kitchen, and Gordon Food Service, the FDA said. Serial numbers for the recalled products can be found here. Where was the recalled peanut butter sold? The recalled peanut butter was distributed in Texas and New Mexico though a total of 40 states are impacted by the recall: 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. What to do if you have a recalled peanut butter product Don't eat the food and throw it away. Sometimes, you'll be able to return the product to the store where you bought it for a refund. Advertisement Advertisement You should also dispose of the product properly so that other people or animals cannot eat it, according to foodsafety.gov. (This is particularly important if you opened the product.) Anyone with health concerns after consuming the products should contact a medical professional. USA Today contributed to this story. Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook. More: Happy Mardi Gras, El Paso! Here's where to celebrate 'Fat Tuesday' This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Peanut Butter recall February 2026: List of products recalled For the next week, there is nothing coaches or players can do about the bracket. The only thing they can do is work on themselves and deal with the bracket when it comes. A surge of Santorini earthquakes in early 2025 shook the Aegean region, with more than 28,000 tremors recorded over several months. Scientists traced the seismic swarm to massive magma movement rising from deep beneath the crust, intensifying concerns about volcanic activity in Greece. The unusual scale and migration pattern of these quakes drew global attention to the Santorini caldera and the nearby Kolumbo submarine volcano. The strongest tremors reached magnitude 5.0, prompting emergency responses and temporary evacuations in surrounding areas. Advanced monitoring tools, including AI-assisted seismic analysis and seabed sensors, revealed magma pulses traveling horizontally and upward beneath the seafloor. While no eruption followed, the event reshaped understanding of how magma intrusions trigger earthquake swarms without breaking the surface. Causes Behind Santorini Earthquakes Swarm The Santorini earthquake swarm began intensifying in January 2025 after months of smaller tremors. Over 28,000 seismic events were recorded, with hypocenters shifting gradually northeast toward the Kolumbo volcano zone. This pattern signaled magma intrusion rather than simple tectonic fault movement. Volcanic activity Greece is closely tied to the Hellenic arc subduction system, where the African Plate moves beneath the Eurasian region. As magma ascends, it fractures surrounding rock, creating repeated seismic pulses. GPS and InSAR data detected subtle uplift and subsidence, confirming pressure changes within underground reservoirs. Magma Migration in Volcanic Activity Greece Volcanic activity Greece intensified when roughly 300 million cubic meters of magma rose from depths near 18 kilometers. The magma stalled around 34 kilometers below the seafloor, spreading laterally instead of erupting. This horizontal migration triggered thousands of Santorini earthquakes as dike intrusions fractured the crust. The Santorini caldera, shaped by the Minoan eruption about 3,600 years ago, remains one of Europe's most studied volcanic systems. Nearby Kolumbo, which erupted in 1650 and caused a deadly tsunami, adds complexity to the region's hazards. AI-assisted models mapped more than 25,000 relocated quakes, revealing magma sheets extending up to 30 kilometers horizontally before pressure stabilized. Implications for Santorini Earthquakes Monitoring Santorini earthquakes highlight how magma intrusions can generate massive seismic swarms without producing an eruption. This episode demonstrated the value of integrated monitoring systems combining satellite deformation data, underwater pressure sensors, and real-time seismic feeds. Such tools now allow scientists to detect magma movement more precisely than ever before. Volcanic activity in Greece is monitored through collaborative programs deploying seabed instruments around Kolumbo and repeated gas measurements near Santorini. Authorities relied on rapid hazard assessments to manage school closures and tourist evacuations during peak unrest. The absence of rapid upward magma ascent reduced the likelihood of an imminent eruption, though long-term vigilance remains essential. Santorini's Tectonic Volcanic Context Santorini sits along the Hellenic arc, one of the most active subduction zones in Europe. The interaction of tectonic plates fuels magma generation, feeding both the Santorini caldera and the Kolumbo submarine volcano. This tectonic setting explains why Santorini earthquakes often migrate across a 50-kilometer zone toward nearby islands. Historical precedents, including the destructive 1956 Amorgos earthquakes and tsunami, underscore regional seismic vulnerability. The 2025 swarm prompted a temporary state of emergency as tremors continued through February and March. Although the magma stalled deep underground, the episode reinforced how closely tectonics and volcanic processes intertwine in the Aegean. Why Santorini's 2025 Seismic Swarm Matters for Future Volcanic Risk The Santorini earthquakes of 2025 offer critical insight into how magma can accumulate and migrate without breaching the surface. Large intrusions reshape underground reservoirs, alter stress fields, and potentially prime volcanic systems for future unrest. Continuous monitoring ensures that any renewed acceleration in magma ascent will be detected early. Volcanic activity Greece remains dynamic due to ongoing plate subduction and crustal deformation. While no eruption followed this swarm, similar episodes in other volcanic regions show that unrest can recur years later. Strengthening observation networks and public preparedness helps balance scientific caution with community safety. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What caused the 28,000 Santorini earthquakes in 2025? The earthquakes were triggered by a massive magma intrusion beneath Santorini and the nearby Kolumbo volcano. Magma rising from deep within the crust fractured surrounding rock layers. This fracturing generated thousands of small to moderate tremors. The process occurred without the magma reaching the surface. 2. Did the Santorini earthquake swarm lead to a volcanic eruption? No eruption occurred during the 2025 swarm. The magma stalled several kilometers below the seafloor, reducing immediate eruption risk. Scientists monitored deformation and gas emissions closely. Activity gradually declined as pressure stabilized underground. 3. How is volcanic activity in Greece monitored? Monitoring combines seismic stations, GPS deformation tracking, satellite radar imaging, and seabed pressure sensors. AI tools analyze earthquake migration patterns in near real time. Gas measurements around Santorini provide additional clues about magma movement. These systems help authorities assess potential hazards quickly. 4. Is Santorini still at risk of future earthquakes or eruptions? Santorini lies in an active tectonic and volcanic zone, so future unrest is possible. The 2025 swarm reshaped underground reservoirs, which may influence long-term activity. However, no immediate eruption signals were detected after the magma stalled. Ongoing monitoring remains critical for early warning. Originally published on Science Times Peru lost its seventh leader in almost as many years Tuesday with the impeachment of interim President Jose Jeri on allegations of graft. Since 2016, four presidents were impeached, two stepped down to avoid the same fate, and only one managed to complete his intended term. Analysts point to a destabilizing tug-of-war between a powerful Congress and the executive, as well as chronic corruption and low levels of trust in politicians as reasons for the country's fast turnover of presidents. Advertisement Advertisement A look back at a decade of political turmoil: - Kuczynski - In 2018, center-right politician Pedro Pablo Kuczynski -- known as "PPK" -- became the first Latin American president to resign over alleged connections to a sprawling corruption case involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Four former Peruvian presidents, including one who committed suicide, became embroiled in the same case that has claimed numerous corporate and political scalps. Only two years into his term, Kuczynski relinquished power on the eve of an impeachment vote, making way for his deputy Martin Vizcarra to take over. Advertisement Advertisement Kuczynski remains under investigation and has been barred from leaving the country, but is registered as a candidate for Senate elections this year. - Vizcarra - Kuczynski's replacement Martin Vizcarra lasted only two years in the job, ousted by Congress in 2020 for "moral incapacity " -- a charge that has also been leveled against other Peruvian leaders. After clashing with lawmakers, he was ultimately convicted of taking kickbacks in exchange for public work contracts when he was a governor. Vizcarra was also named in a scandal dubbed "Vaccinegate", with 500 officials accused of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 ahead of their turn. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, he began serving a 14-year-sentence for graft, joining two other former presidents behind bars at a special penitentiary for ex-leaders east of Lima. - Merino - Then head of Congress, Manuel Merino took over as interim president, but only lasted five days before resigning in the wake of violent protests against him by Vizcarra supporters. Two people were killed in clashes with police, and dozens injured. -Sagasti - Following Merinos resignation, centrist academic Francisco Sagasti was appointed stand-in president and led the country until planned elections in 2021 -- becoming the only recent leader to complete his intended term, even an interim one. Advertisement Advertisement - Castillo - Rural school teacher Pedro Castillo won the 2021 election, but found himself lacking a majority in a Congress dominated by right-wing opponents. Hailed as Peru's "first poor president," he was ousted by a vote in parliament and arrested 17 months into his term after trying to dissolve Congress to avoid impeachment proceedings for alleged graft. His downfall sparked angry protests that led to dozens of deaths. Castillo is serving a sentence of over 11 years in jail. - Boluarte - Castillo's vice president Dina Boluarte then became Peru's first woman leader, but only for 22 months. Advertisement Advertisement She was unpopular from the get-go and soon embroiled in corruption allegations including accusations that she received Rolex watches and jewelry as bribes. Boluarte was also investigated over an unannounced two-week absence in 2023 for a nose surgery, which she insists was medical and not cosmetic. She was impeached last October amid widespread protests over government graft and a wave of violence linked to organized crime. - Jeri - Jose Jeri, until then president of Congress, was chosen to serve out the remainder of Boluarte's term until July this year. Only 39, he took up the role with gusto, launching into an anti-crime drive that proved popular with the electorate but not enough to keep his head off the chopping block. ljc/sf/mlr/sms MANILA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - The Philippines takes "strong exception" to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the simmering diplomatic spat between the two countries could result in millions of jobs being lost, the foreign ministry said, adding such comments could be seen as coercive. The Philippines and China have had repeated maritime confrontations in the contested South China Sea, and there have been sharp exchanges recently between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials. Some senators have said China's ambassador should be recalled, remarks that prompted the embassy to warn last week that any serious damage to bilateral ties would "cost millions of jobs." Advertisement Advertisement "We take strong exception to the embassy's tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued late Monday. "In the current atmosphere, this framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue," it added, and called on Chinese diplomats to "adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges." China's embassy in Manila called on the Philippine foreign ministry to "play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals" who criticise Beijing, without naming anyone. "We firmly oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred," the embassy's spokesperson said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The Philippines has accused China of aggressive actions inside its exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea, including dangerous manoeuvres, water-cannoning, and disrupting resupply missions. China, in turn, has accused the Philippines of intruding into what it claims as its territory. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Additional reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by John Mair) TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Rifles are lifted from display racks, drones hover above exhibition stands and large screens loop footage of missile launches inside the halls of Expo Tel Aviv convention center as it hosts the Defense Tech Expo Israel 2026. The gathering brings together Israeli defense companies, foreign delegations and investors to present technologies ranging from small arms and robotics to air and missile defense systems and cyber tools. Booths display large models of interceptors and unmanned aircraft, while representatives describe operational capabilities to potential buyers. Business meetings unfold beside screens showing battlefield simulations and promotional footage. Advertisement Advertisement This year's expo reflected growing international interest in Israels defense sector, with manufacturers promoting equipment shaped by recent conflicts. Outside the venue, a small group of activists protested the defense and arms industry. Some demonstrators linked the exhibition to the war in Gaza, holding signs that described the territory as a testing lab for weapons. Together, the scenes highlight the tension between the commercial showcase of military technology and the political debate surrounding its use. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. A Pittsburgh organization gathered in Squirrel Hill to share messages of unity during a Presidents Day event. Neighbors of Steel came together at the intersection of Forbes and Murray Avenue from noon to 1 p.m. The organization is an interfaith nonprofit that focuses on bringing the community together through readings, prayers, words and songs. Speakers included Rev. Saleem Ghubril, Rachael Heisler, Marian Lien, Rev. Liddy Barlow, Rev. Tim Smith, Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Rabbi Seth Adelson and Mayor Corey OConnor. Advertisement Advertisement The more we gather together, the more we talk about hope and prosperity, and neighbors coming together. Thats the city and the world that we want to build. and it starts with you all, Mayor Corey OConnor said. The gathering also remembered presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Organizers said they wanted to recognize the ideals belonging to those men. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A Walton High School math teacher faces multiple felony charges for allegedly having improper communications with students, according to a news release from the village of Walton Police Department. The Delaware County District Attorneys Office and Walton police conducted a joint investigation regarding *Eric Scofield, the release stated, beginning Thursday, Feb. 12 when the agencies received a complaint from the Walton Central School District, requesting a law enforcement investigation into the matter. From Friday, Feb. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 15, law enforcement conducted interviews of several past and present students regarding the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Walton police arrested Scofield and charged him with one count of first-degree disseminating indecent material to minors, a Class D felony; two counts of a sexually motivated felony, a Class D felony; seven counts of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony; and five counts of official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor. Scofield was brought Sunday to the Delaware County Correctional Facility and arraigned Monday, Feb. 16 at Centralized Arraignment. He made bond and was released, a Walton police spokesperson said. Information was not immediately available on how Scofield pleaded and his next scheduled court date. The investigation is ongoing, the release stated. Police requested that anyone with information regarding inappropriate relationships between Scofield and students contact Walton police, 607-865-5400. *Edited on Feb. 17, 2025 to correct name. A 52-year-old man has been charged after various allegations of sexual misconduct with a child, according to the Lebanon City Police Department. Danny Quiles is facing 13 felony charges that include rape, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor sexual offenses, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, kidnapping a minor and false imprisonment. On Jan. 14, police received a ChildLine report about a sexual assault that occurred in an apartment building on Old N. 9th Street. According to court documents, the victim disclosed that she was sexually assaulted by Quiles sometime in 2024 or 2025. Advertisement Advertisement "She advised she was walking down the street and Danny Quiles asked her to come in his apartment to help him fix something in the bathroom," police said in their report. "(She) went into the apartment and into the bathroom, and then Danny Quiles locked the bathroom door so she could not get back out to the living room." The juvenile told police that Quiles allegedly restrained her with rope before the assault, according to court reports. When the victim was 15 years old, Quiles allegedly tried to solicit sex from her and a friend, who was between 12 and 13 years old during the incidents. According to police, Quiles allegedly offered them between $50 and $1,000 for sexual favors. The victim also alleged that Quiles engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with his Chihuahua dog on a separate occasion. Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary hearing for Quiles is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Aurelis Figueroa at 8 a.m. Feb. 26. The Department of Human Services operates a 24/7 hotline about the welfare of a child and to report suspected child abuse. ChildLine can be reached at 800-932-0313. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon City Police: man charged with alleged kidnap, rape of a minor Do you recognize him? [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Beavercreek Police Department is looking for a man who is a person of interest in an ongoing aggravated robbery investigation. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The incident took place on Feb. 7 around 4 p.m. at the Raising Canes located at 2755 Fairfield Commons Blvd. The individual allegedly threatened an employee in the parking lot of the business while indicating he was armed with a firearm, according to police. The man then stole the employees vehicle and fled the area. The vehicle was later found crashed and abandoned in front of 3667 Park Overlook Drive. If you recognize the person or have information related to the incident, contact Officer Denlinger at 937-426-1225 est. 157 or by email at denlingerd@beavercreekohio.gov. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A pedestrian was injured in a crash that involved a Regional Transit Service bus in northeast Rochester and followed a police pursuit Tuesday morning. According to New York State Police, the crash occurred at Clifford and Hudson avenues just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Troopers were "engaged in a vehicle pursuit" with a sport utility vehicle that failed to stop at a red light at the intersection and struck a northbound RTS bus, according to a news release. A pedestrian was struck by the bus as a result of the crash, troopers said. Advertisement Advertisement State Police did not share further details on the extent of the pedestrian's injuries but said the intersection was closed as police investigate at the scene. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the are as troopers investigate. Further details were not released. Check back for more on this developing story. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Police pursuit ends in crash, pedestrian struck by RTS bus in Rochester The polls open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, and voters across Bexar County will have a chance to weigh in on several major races that could shape San Antonio, Texas, and the country. At the local level, one of the biggest contests is the race for Bexar County Judge. Voters will decide whether to keep incumbent Peter Sakai in office or choose former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Sakai has centered his campaign on what he calls a back-to-basics approach, prioritizing issues like health care access, food insecurity, and housing. Advertisement Advertisement Nirenberg, meanwhile, has emphasized regional collaboration among cities across Bexar County, along with reforms to the criminal justice system and efforts to maximize resources while saving taxpayer dollars. On the state and national level, voters will also help determine who will represent each party in the race for the U.S. Senate. On the Democratic side, the primary runoff features Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, both focusing heavily on affordability and the rising cost of living. Crockett has called for clearer pathways to legal status and citizenship, as well as faster asylum processing. Advertisement Advertisement Talarico has proposed changes in how immigration enforcement operates in communities, aiming to balance security concerns with social impacts. On the Republican side, voters will choose between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Paxton has campaigned on taking more aggressive legal action related to immigration, while Cornyn has maintained a more traditional conservative approach. The two candidates have also differed on foreign policy, with Paxton pushing an America First mindset and Cornyn supporting a continued U.S. leadership role in global affairs. Polls open at 8 a.m., and early voting runs through February 27. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A portion of the Northern 215 Beltway was closed after a report of a shooting on the Las Vegas freeway. Around 6:40 p.m., Metro police responded to a report from a man who said he was shot at while driving on the 215 at North Durango Drive. (RTC of Southern Nevada) (RTC of Southern Nevada) Police said the man sustained minor injuries from shattered glass. Northbound lanes on the 215 Northern Beltway were closed from Ann Road to Durango Drive, according to RTC Southern Nevada. Drivers were advised to used alternate routes. 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. CABIN JOHN, Maryland One of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history has turned into a political fight between the federal government and local officials. A sewage line recently collapsed in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, spilling at least 200 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, a key waterway surrounding the nations capital. The spill has caused widespread public health concerns as E. coli bacteria is at dangerous levels in parts of the Potomac, and underscored the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure. Now, President Donald Trump is getting the federal government involved while blaming local Democrats in Maryland for the spill, including the states Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. But the responsibility for the sewer line doesnt rest with just one municipality. Advertisement Advertisement 'Pooptomac': What it's like living by a historic sewer spill Heres what to know about the spill. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S., January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Leah Millis TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Crews work to respond to an untreated sewage flow as it pours out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Cabin John, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Pipes lay alongside the road as crews respond to an untreated sewage flow as it spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Responders walk past a fenced off area as sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage flowing downstream from the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Crews work to respond to an untreated sewage flow as it pours out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Cabin John, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Crews work to respond to an untreated sewage flow as it pours out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Cabin John, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. Pumps and pipes divert raw sewage into the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor. Millions of gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Pumps and pipes divert raw sewage into the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19, in between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. A fence separates the path from the C&O Canal where millions of gallons of untreated sewage are being diverted on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after an underground pipeline called the Potomac Interceptor collapsed on Jan. 19. The C&O Canal's Lock 13 is draped in plastic sheeting as raw sewage is diverted through the canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed last month along the Clara Barton Parkway underneath I-495 on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. Pumps and pipes divert raw sewage into the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19, in between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Waste clings to a branch as millions of gallons of untreated sewage is diverted along the C&O Canal as repair work continues a 6-foot-wide underground sewage pipe collapsed last month between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. The C&O Canal's Lock 13 is part of the repair work on a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed last month along the Clara Barton Parkway near I-495 on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Millions of gallons of untreated sewage poured out of this manhole cover after the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide sewage pipe, collapsed last month between the Clara Barton Parkway and the C&O Canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Workers use giant pumps to move sewage around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide sewage pipe between the Clara Barton Parkway and the C&O Canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. A fence separates the toe path from the C&O Canal's Lock 13 as raw sewage is diverted through the canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed last month along the Clara Barton Parkway underneath I-495 on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Plastic sheeting covers the walls of Lock 11 as raw sewage pours through the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19, in between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Repair work continues on the broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a six-foot-wide sewage pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19, in between the Clara Barton Parkway and the C&O Canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Workers use pumps to move sewage around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide sewage pipe between the Clara Barton Parkway and the C&O Canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage poured into the Potomac River after the underground pipeline collapsed on Jan. 19. Earthen barriers near Lock 10 on the C&O Canal help redirect sewage back into the Potomac Interceptor after a section of the 6-foot-wide sewage pipe collapsed last month between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. Potomac sewage spill called out by President Trump. See photos. 1 of 29 Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. When did the sewage spill start? A sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, collapsed on Jan. 19. The collapse damaged part of the Potomac Interceptor sewer system and caused an overflow of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater to flow into the Potomac River. The 383-mile-long river runs along the borders between Washington, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. No new sewer overflow has gone into the river since Jan. 29 after pumps were installed Jan. 23 to divert sewage around the pipe's collapse, according to DC Water, the utility authority that operates the Potomac Interceptor. Advertisement Advertisement Drinking water was not affected by the spill, officials said. Residents warned to avoid contact with river water The University of Maryland called the incident one of the "largest sewage spills in U.S. history," and said researchers detected high levels of fecal-related bacteria and disease-causing pathogens in the river, including E. coli and bacteria that causes staph infections. Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein, microbiologist and assistant professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health, said that people who come in contact with the impacted water or land are at risk of becoming infected with that bacteria. Although most people are not swimming in the frozen river in February, bacteria can survive in freezing temperatures and become active again when temperatures rise," she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Washington's Department of Energy and Environment warned residents in the area to "avoid unnecessary contact with water from the Potomac River," as well as to not fish in the river and to keep pets away. The line broke days before a winter storm brought historic sleet and freezing temperatures to the area. The below-freezing temperatures, which lasted weeks, froze creeks, ponds and even parts of the Potomac River in the area. 'Astonishing' to witness and to smell In Cabin John, Maryland, crews are working to block the flow of sewage from the site of the Potomac Interceptor collapse so that they can clean out large rocks and repair the damaged pipe. Though the stretch is no longer overflowing with sewage, theres still a foul stench in the air and a constant din of construction work along the path where residents typically ride their bikes, take walks and launch their canoes. Word spread quickly among neighbors when the collapse occurred and some came to see the chaos for themselves. Philip Gray, former head of The Cabin John Citizens Association, said the overflow was "astonishing" to witness and the smell was even worse. Advertisement Advertisement After you've kind of been walking through and it smells, it's in your nose and stuff, he said. Even like 20 minutes later, you're wondering, 'Am I still smelling it?'" Beyond the temporary disruption, Gray and other residents are concerned about the long-term ecological impacts on the river, citing the high levels of bacteria and pathogens like E. coli. My question is, how long will that last? he said. And is there stuff that's going to be somehow released when it gets warmer? And also it's not just human waste that people put in the toilets. Who manages the sewer line? Pumps and pipes divert raw sewage into the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19, in between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. The Potomac Interceptor, which carries about 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from areas near Dulles Airport to the Potomac Pumping Station in the District, is operated by DC Water. Advertisement Advertisement DC Water is an independent authority of Washingtons government that provides drinking water and sewage treatment in Washington, as well as wastewater treatment for the district, and parts of Virginia and Maryland. Following the collapse of the sewer line, DC Water said it mobilized its crews and contractors to mitigate the overflow and keep it contained as much as possible so they can assess the damage and begin repairs. By Jan. 24, DC Water said an emergency bypass was activated to reroute flows and stop the discharge. An emergency repair to the Potomac Interceptor is expected to take another 4-6 weeks as of Feb. 16 once the enhanced bypass system is activated, DC Water said. It will address the immediate repairs to the damaged section of the pipe, restore wastewater flow back into the Potomac Interceptor, eliminate the temporary bypass pumping system in the C&O Canal, and allow for environmental restoration, the agency said. Trump targets Marylands Democratic governor Nearly a month after the spill, Trump criticized the cleanup efforts pointing a finger at Democrats and Marylands Gov. Wes Moore, who is considered a rising star in his party. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in a Feb. 16 post on Truth Social, said he would be directing federal authorities to "immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination to protect the Potomac, the Water Supply in the Capital Region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation's Capital City. He ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has seen significant staff cuts during Trump's second term, to coordinate the response. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore participates in a discussion on bipartisanship at the National Press Club on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. The president went on to slam Moore by name in the Truth Social post criticizing response to the sewage spill. "There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland," Trump wrote. "This is the same Governor who cannot rebuild a Bridge. It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity." Trump has singled Moore out for criticism in recent weeks, excluding the governor from a bipartisan event at the White House this week. Advertisement Advertisement Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Moore, said that local Maryland leaders were on site "within hours" of the leak and accused the Trump administration of "shirking its responsibility" and endangering the public's health. "If the federal government is just now showing up to take action, we will work collaboratively as we always do to be responsive and keep the public informed about the federal governments plan to remediate the damage," Moussa said. "The Potomac isnt a talking point, and the people of the region deserve serious leadership that meets the moment." Contributing: Francesca Chambers and Michelle Del Rey This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Trump is blaming Wes Moore over Potomac sewer spill According to Maariv, since the start of February, the IDF has killed 12 Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad terrorists in the country. The IDF has been escalating its strikes on terror targets in Lebanon in recent days in preparation for another round of war with Iran. The militarys ramping up of attacks on these targets, which have seen strikes on Hezbollahs operatives, rocket launchers, and weapons stores, has been part of an effort to cripple the terrorist organizations ability to aid Iran in a potential conflict, N12 reported on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of February, the IDF has killed 12 Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad terrorists in Lebanon, according to Maariv. On Monday, the IDF confirmed that, over the past week, the 91st Division had killed four Hezbollah terrorists who had been operating to reestablish the organizations infrastructure in Lebanon. The latest strike on one of the terrorists who had been operating to rehabilitate the terror groups infrastructure occurred earlier that day in the Tallouseh area of southern Lebanon. Smoke billows over Kfar Tebnit after an Israeli strike near Lebanons border with Israel, in Lebanon, September 18, 2025. (credit: Illustration/REUTERS/Ali Hankir TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) As part of his role, [the terrorist] was responsible for the connection between the organization and the residents of the village on military and economic issues and worked to seize private properties for terrorist purposes, the IDF said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement The militarys action marked the second terrorist it had killed in the country within a 12-hour period on Monday, the IDF noted. IDF action comes amid Hezbollah ceasefire infractions A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect in November of 2024 following an intensive Israeli military campaign triggered by Hezbollah attacks that began the day after the October 7, 2023, massacre in southern Israel. During the conflict, Israeli military action decimated Hezbollahs ranks and senior leadership. Since the ceasefire went into effect, the IDF has continued to strike at terrorist operatives who have been engaging in activities that violate the ceasefire conditions. In November of last year, the IDF said that it had killed over 370 Hezbollah fighters since the ceasefire began. The following month, the military said the terror group had committed some 1,900 ceasefire infractions. Rural King in Conover was fined $5,000 by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for price scanning errors. Two failed inspections revealed eight overcharges out of 50 items tested in September and 19 overcharges out of 300 items tested in October. ALSO READ: North Carolina counties work to save SNAP from potential fines According to the Hickory Record, the store is one of 10 Rural King stores fined by the state agency. Read more here. WATCH: Hornets await NBA decision on player suspensions, fines after court brawl (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) A Kansas mayor who has supported President Donald Trump for years is now facing years behind bars after state prosecutors said he voted as an illegal immigrant. The New York Times ran a feature on Joe Ceballos this week, who is currently facing multiple charges of voter fraud just months after being re-elected mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, which has a population of 687. The 55-year-old Ceballos is now battling three counts of election perjury and three counts of voting without being qualified. Advertisement Advertisement Nobody ever told me that I couldnt vote or register to vote, Ceballos told The Times. And so, as a young man, yeah, I did it. I registered. Ceballos was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. at the age of four, according to The Times; the report does not say whether his family moved legally or illegally at the time, but Ceballos later received a green card in 1990. Ceballos said he believed his status as a permanent resident allowed him to vote in elections. His defense, essentially, is that he did not understand that being a permanent resident should have precluded him from voting and holding office, and that no one ever told him he was not eligible, the paper wrote. Ceballos said his legal issues started last year when he was attempting to become a citizen and admitted to a federal official that he had voted. Advertisement Advertisement His eyes got real big, and I was like, Boy, did I do something wrong? Ceballos recalled. Thats what derailed his citizenship application and alerted Kansas officials that he had voted as a noncitizen and set off the chain of events that led to his being charged, the paper said. Now, Ceballos is facing up to 68 months in prison and a $200,000 fine. This alien committed a felony by voting in American elections, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said about Ceballos. Ceballos said he voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024 and that he still supported much of the presidents crackdown on illegal immigration but that he wasnt thrilled he was now being targeted, obviously. Advertisement Advertisement I still strongly believe in Trumps immigration laws about, Lets get the bad guys out of here. You know, theyre murderers, they killed people, they molested people, lets get them out of here, Ceballos said. But I feel like I dont fit that category. And I feel like thats how theyre treating me. The Times reported that many Coldwater residents feel the prosecution against Ceballos is a personal attack on a pillar of the town. Ceballos won his re-election bid last year, 101 votes to 20. The NYT report comes as Trump has backed the SAVE Act, which would require proof of American citizenship to vote in federal elections. Some Democrats, like Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have said it is a racist piece of legislation, but CNN data guru Harry Enten reported the vast majority of Americans support voter ID laws. Enten said during a recent segment that polling going back to 2018 showed at least 75% of Americans back voter ID. That includes data from last year, which showed a whopping 83% of citizens were in favor of it. Advertisement Advertisement Normally, you might expect hey, thered be a big divide by party, with Republicans really for it and Democrats really against it, Enten said. But not really here. The post Pro-Trump Mayor Accused of Illegally Voting as a Noncitizen: Did I Do Something Wrong? first appeared on Mediaite. WEST LAFAYETTE, IN Purdues faculty senate is getting the ball rolling on a proposed no-confidence vote for Provost Patrick Wolfe after a faculty advocacy group raised concerns about his leadership last month. On Monday, faculty member Lisa Boseman asked the committee chairs to review a list of concerns and give feedback to the senates steering committee by March 19. After that, the steering committee will begin crafting legislation to declare a loss of confidence in Wolfe. There are faculty who are hesitant to express support (for a no-confidence vote) publicly, out of concern about potential repercussions, she said. But our governance and democratic decision-making are central to the senates responsibility to advise university leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Purdue Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, an advocacy group that represents faculty and has been at the forefront of criticizing the universitys administration, published an open letter that detailed a list of grievances with Wolfe. The group claimed Wolfes leadership since his appointment in 2023 has been marked by unilateral decision-making with little input from affected faculty, and it called on the provost to resign. Boilermakers across campus have lost confidence in Provost Wolfes leadership and have been unable to get Provost Wolfe to course-correct through internal channels, the faculty wrote in the letter. Our ethical and professional obligations to Purdue and to the state of Indiana require us to speak up in order to protect the community we hold dear. The concerns the group pointed to include: Advertisement Advertisement An effective ban on the enrollment of graduate students from China and other countries instituted by administrators, first reported by the Journal & Courier in December. Multiple faculty members said they felt pressured by university leadership to follow suit, and Wolfe has denied that a ban exists. Pressure from university leadership on faculty to self-censor their research and teaching topics after a national and statewide crackdown on DEI initiatives. A non-transparent restructuring of the Honors College last year that resulted in 17 professors losing their jobs. Halts on the hiring of new faculty, with Wolfe reportedly refusing to sign employment offers for new professors. The group says this has resulted in high turnover and teaching shortages in several departments. An unfilled dean position in the College of Education, which has sat without leadership for three years, as well as in Purdue Libraries. Broad overreach during tenure & promotion processes, with the faculty saying new tenure requirements have left tenure virtually unattainable for many professors. The group also points to supposed pressure from university administrators on faculty to withdraw themselves from tenure consideration. A supposed lack of pushback from Purdue administrators against the U.S. Department of Education after the agency cancelled a $34.9 million grant to the university last year. A lack of leadership on social and political issues that directly impact Purdues ability to meet its teaching, research, and service mission, including a policy of institutional neutrality during attacks on higher education. The vote of no confidence, should it eventually pass, wouldnt have any immediate tangible effect on Wolfe or his position. The faculty senate is largely an advisory body, with the power to only suggest university administrators take a particular action. Its unclear whether a vote of no confidence in Wolfe would even net adequate support in the senate. Some senators on Monday expressed concern that the possible vote was being introduced by the AAUP, a group outside of the senate body without any legislative power at Purdue. Advertisement Advertisement Im not expressing for or against any document. Im speaking about the process, faculty member Brian Leung said. This document feels like its bypassing the process. Once senators have provided enough feedback on the proposed vote, Boseman said, she will bring it forward for a full senate vote on March 23. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue faculty senate considers no-confidence vote for provost By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Russia could deploy its navy to prevent European powers from seizing its vessels and may retaliate against European shipping if Russian ships are taken, Nikolai Patrushev, one of Russia's leading hardliners, was quoted as saying on Tuesday. Western states have sought to cripple Russia's economy with sanctions and in recent months have tried to block oil tankers suspected of involvement in Russian oil shipments. In January, the United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker as part of efforts to curb Venezuelan oil exports. Advertisement Advertisement Patrushev, a Kremlin aide who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said Russia needed to give a tough response - particularly towards Britain, France and Baltic states. "If we don't give them a tough rebuff, then soon the British, French and even the Balts (Baltic nations) will become arrogant to such an extent that they will try to block our country's access to the seas at least in the Atlantic basin," Patrushev, who serves as chairman of Russia's Maritime Board, told the Russian media outlet Argumenty i Fakty. "In the main maritime areas, including regions far from Russia, substantial forces must be permanently deployed - forces capable of cooling the ardour of Western pirates," he said. Patrushev said that the navies of major powers were undergoing radical technological change and modernisation amid what he said was clear "gunboat diplomacy" from Washington over Venezuela and Iran. Russia's updated naval shipbuilding programme to 2050 will be submitted for approval soon, he said. Advertisement Advertisement He also said that Russia believed the NATO military alliance planned to blockade the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. "Any attempt at a naval blockade of our country is completely illegal from the standpoint of international law, and the concept of a 'shadow fleet', which EU representatives brandish at every turn, is a legal fiction," he said. The shadow fleet refers to a network of vessels that Western nations say are operated by Russia to evade sanctions. "By implementing their naval blockade plans, the Europeans are deliberately pursuing a scenario of military escalation, testing the limits of our patience and provoking active retaliatory measures," Patrushev said. "If a peaceful resolution to this situation fails, the blockade will be broken and eliminated by the navy." (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Ros Russell) Feb 17 (Reuters) - Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani arrived in Venezuela on Tuesday, where he was greeted by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, images on state television showed. Neither government has given a schedule or other information on the visit, but Qatar has long served as an intermediary between the United States and Venezuela and aided negotiations between the Venezuelan government and the opposition. (Reporting by Reuters) HONOLULU (KHON2) Presidents Day celebrates the leaders who have shaped the United States. One of those moments came on Aug. 21, 1959, when Hawaii officially became the 50th state. It took decades of work, votes and careful decisions to culminate in a phone call on a small, custom-built, red, white and blue rotary desk phone that changed everything. At the Hawaii State Archives, the Department of Accounting and General Services keeps two important artifacts from that day. Advertisement Advertisement One is the red, white and blue telephone used to share the news of statehood. Hawaiis Congressional Delegate John Burns used it to call Speaker of the House Elmer Carvalho and announce that the statehood bill had passed. The second artifact is the pen President Dwight D. Eisenhower used to sign the Statehood Bill. He gave the pen to Gov. William Quinn, Hawaiis first governor. Eisenhower first signed the bill into law on March 18, 1959. Residents voted in a June referendum to accept it; and on Aug. 21, Eisenhower signed the official proclamation admitting Hawaii as a state. Adam Jansen, State Archivist at DAGS Hawaii State Archives, said: Its not just the fact that these were the actual objects used to become a state. Its the stories that go around that now we can use a single artifact to start talking about all of the different aspects of statehood, the lead up to it, the referendum that had to be signed, some of the opposition to it. The red, white and blue rotary desk phone Hawaiis Congressional Delegate John Burns used it to call Speaker of the House Elmer Carvalho and announce that the statehood bill had passed on Aug. 21, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo/Hawaii State Archives) The red, white and blue rotary desk phone Hawaiis Congressional Delegate John Burns used it to call Speaker of the House Elmer Carvalho and announce that the statehood bill had passed on Aug. 21, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo/Hawaii State Archives) The red, white and blue rotary desk phone Hawaiis Congressional Delegate John Burns used it to call Speaker of the House Elmer Carvalho and announce that the statehood bill had passed on Aug. 21, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo/Hawaii State Archives) The box the red, white and blue rotary desk phone Hawaiis Congressional Delegate John Burns used it to call Speaker of the House Elmer Carvalho and announce that the statehood bill had passed on Aug. 21, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii is stored in. (Photo/Hawaii State Archives) The pen used by President Dwight. D. Eisenhower used to sign the document admitting Hawaii into the United States as the 50th state. (Photo/Hawaii State Archives) Photo of President Dwight. D. Eisenhower used signing the document admitting Hawaii into the United States as the 50th state. (Photo/Hawaii State Archives) A long road to statehood Hawaiis path to statehood began in the 19th century. King Kamehameha united the islands in 1810. By 1887, powerful U.S. landowners forced King Kalakaua to sign a constitution that limited his power and reduced the rights of Native Hawaiians. Advertisement Advertisement Queen Liliuokalani tried to restore those rights in 1893, but American residents of the islands overthrew her to create the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed the islands, and Hawaii became a U.S. territory. For decades, Native Hawaiians and other residents pushed for equal rights and representation in Congress. Multiple statehood proposals were sent to Washington, D.C., beginning in 1903; but all were denied or delayed. World events, including the attack on Pearl Harbor, paused progress. After the war, the fight for statehood resumed; and political debates continued into the 1950s. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. The day after Louisiana was lauded for its gains in education by The New York Times, Rapides Parish touted its own progress with its early childhood education. Registration for early childhood education is open during February, recognized as the Month of the Young Child. Education and community leaders gathered Tuesday to mark the occasion and celebrate the advances being made locally. Families now can enroll their children ages birth through 5 in public school prekindergarten, Early Head Start, Head Start or at Type III Early Learning Centers, which are child-care facilities that receive state and federal funding. Scholarships are available for parents of children aged birth through 3 if the parents are working, enrolled in school or actively seeking employment, too. Advertisement Advertisement Known as the Rapides Early Childhood Network, the system has made "historic academic achievements," according to a news release. The state's rating of excellent is a 6, and Rapides Parish is "knocking on the door" with a 2024-25 rating of 5.98, said Cindy Rushing, Rapides' director of early childhood education. Registration for early childhood education opens in February, known as the Month of the Young Child. Scholarships are available for some children. 'Genuine excitement': 5 years after COVID-19 pandemic, report hails Rapides' progress battling learning loss 'Significant impact': Donors sought to help provide Rapides children with access to early childhood education Want to learn about AI? Sign up for March 20 LSUA summit In addition, 21 Type III centers earned excellent ratings. "Since 2019, Rapides Parish has increased publicly funded early childhood seats by 8.48% while improving overall performance by 13.6%," reads the release. Advertisement Advertisement And the network earned the highest DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literary Skills) rating in the state among those with 18 or more centers. Rapides had 44.6% of students meeting or exceeding benchmark expectations, according to the release. The state average is 29%, said Rushing, who also said more than 280 teachers have completed high-quality training this year. Shannon Alford, one of Rapides' executive assistant superintendents, told the crowd children from birth to 5 "are learning at a pace they will never experience again. Shannon Alford, an executive assistant superintendent in Rapides Parish, said early childhood education is vital because the brains of children from birth to age 5 are developing so much. "Their brains are forming connections that influence how they learn, how they communicate, how they build relationships and how they see themselves in the world." Advertisement Advertisement The benefits of a quality education during those years last throughout a child's life, she said. But challenges left for children who miss out on that early start ripple from their lives across their families' lives, into the community and the work force. "When parents have access to quality child care, they can stay employed, advance their careers and build stability for their families," she said. It's the reason different parts of the Rapides Parish community banded together years ago to ensure young children have access to that education. A major push was made to raise enough money to be matched by the state to offer those scholarships, which Rushing called "one of the most transformative efforts in our parish. "And this program is only possible because of the community and the extraordinary efforts that they have made for the last three years." Cindy Rushing, the Rapides Parish School District's director of early childhood education, touted the Rapides Early Childhood Network's 5.98 performance profile score. "Excellent is 6, and we are knocking on the door." Rushing credited The Rapides Foundation, the Rotary Club of Louisiana, local businesses and individuals who contributed enough to get state matching funds. For the past three years and for 2026-27, those efforts have raised $4.7 million annually. Advertisement Advertisement It allows the network to fund about 350 scholarships each year. "These scholarships strengthen families, they strengthen businesses and they strengthen our work force," she said. "That's what community investment looks like in action. It's a partnership that lifts children, supports families and fuels the long-term success of Rapides Parish." Rushing said it's gratifying to know it's a team effort that will improve the quality of life in the parish. Joe Rosier, The Rapides Foundation president and CEO, said the organization focuses on improving health behaviors for the community, but views educational attainment as a key driver for better health. It's why 43% of the philanthropic organization's grants go toward education initiatives, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "Going deeper, we realized that the path to better health begins at birth, or before, and that's why a significant portion of our education funding is dedicated to school readiness, supporting children at the earliest and most critical stages of development when investments have the greatest long-term impact on health and opportunity," he said. Joe Rosier, president and CEO of The Rapides Foundation, called Rapides Parish "the shining star" in its region for its support of early childhood education. Rosier called Rapides Parish a "shining star" in raising funds for early childhood education and acknowledged other parishes in its service area can struggle in raising enough money to get matching funds from the state. Patrick Moore called Rushing "relentless" in getting him to head up efforts to raise money for the scholarships, which started in November 2023. Moore said it's happening through the Rotary Club of Alexandria, which has about 230 members. The operation got the attention of the larger Rotary community, and Moore was invited to speak on it at an annual meeting in Calgary, Canada. It soon will be highlighted in the Rotary International magazine, which is delivered to 1.4 million people, he said. Advertisement Advertisement It will be more coverage on the efforts to improve education locally and across the state. The New York Times' Nicholas Kristof published an opinion piece that called Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi "the best hope in schooling," recognizing Louisiana's tops in the country recovery from pandemic learning losses. Parents who wish to sign their children up for early childhood education can visit https://www.rapidesearlychildhoodnetwork.com. This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Rapides school, community leaders tout early childhood ed gains Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky said he doesn't have confidence in Attorney General Pam Bondi, especially after her combative appearance before the House Judiciary Committee. Massie said on ABC News' "This Week" on Feb. 15 that he didn't approve of Bondi's conduct and her responses when she was asked about the Justice Department's release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the Feb. 11 hearing. At the hearing, Bondi and Massie had a testy exchange, a rarity for two Republicans. "I don't think she did very well," Massie told "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz. "She came with a book full of insults, one for each congressperson. She obviously had one for me." Advertisement Advertisement More: 'You all should be apologizing.' Bondi fights with Democrats in fiery hearing Raddatz asked Massie, who represents Kentucky's 4th Congressional District and who co-wrote the law requiring the release of the Epstein files, whether he had confidence in Bondi. "I dont think Pam Bondi has confidence in Pam Bondi," Massie replied. "She wasnt confident enough to engage in anything but name-calling in a hearing, and so no, I dont have confidence in her. She hasn't got any sort of accountability there at the DOJ." 'Not the message we should be sending': Epstein accusers say Pam Bondi turned her back 'on survivors everywhere' Massie responds to the fiery back-and-forth with Bondi Massie's TV interview on ABC came days after Bondi said, under questioning at the hearing, that Massie had "Trump derangement syndrome," and called him "a failed politician," taking a page out of President Donald Trump's playbook. Advertisement Advertisement Massie, a known foe of Trump who opposed the president's "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act, faces primary challenges from Ed Gallrein, whom Trump has endorsed, and fellow Kentucky GOP congressman Andy Barr. Bondi's explosive hearing on Feb. 11 came after the Justice Department released more than 3 million pages from the Epstein files. The latest release sparked criticism and resignations across the world. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) holds up a fully redacted document from the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice while questioning U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 11, 2026 in Washington, DC. Among the powerful figures from the United States identified in the latest documents was Hollywood mogul Casey Wasserman, chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Organizing Committee, who announced he was selling his eponymous talent agency. In a staff memo provided to USA TODAY, Wasserman wrote that he had "become a distraction." During his appearance on "This Week," Massie told Raddatz that his fellow committee members didnt get the answers they wanted from Bondi about the Epstein files during her testimony. Advertisement Advertisement "No, but she did come off her script and engage with me about this production of documents where she admitted that 40 minutes after I pointed out to the DOJ that they had over-redacted some of the documents, they did unredacted documents," Massie said. "So, its clear theyve made mistakes in the document production." Who's in the newest batch of files? Latest Epstein documents reveal new names Massie said the files included a document that described billionaire businessman Les Wexner as a possible co-conspirator of Epstein. Bondi would not, however, provide the name of the person who redacted Wexners name. "At least she acknowledges that tacitly," Massie said. "And its clear that their work is not done here yet." Advertisement Advertisement Raddatz then asked about the fact that Bondi did not look at the Epstein survivors behind her during her testimony. "I think that was kind of cold on her part," Massie said. "I think she was afraid to." Massie said the survivors want to meet with the Justice Department. "It's not about Bill Clinton, and it's not about Donald Trump. This Epstein Files Transparency Act was about getting these survivors justice," Massie said. "We've got some degree of transparency, but it's called the Department of Justice, not the department of transparency." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thomas Massie says he has no confidence in Bondi as attorney general A University Place restaurant owner tried to stop a car thief earlier this month but ended up watching the suspect drive straight into his business. Surveillance video shows the chaotic moments outside India Mahal Restaurant on the night of Feb. 7, when owner Amanjit Randhawa said someone tried to steal his car parked in front of the restaurant on Bridgeport Way West. I warmed up my car as Ive done thousands of times before, Randhawa said. Within a few minutes, I just saw a shadowy figure run up and jump in my drivers seat. Advertisement Advertisement Randhawa ran toward the vehicle as the suspect hit the gas, sending the car crashing through the restaurants front door. He kind of panicked, I assume, and pressed the gas, Randhawa said. It came crashing into the front door. Randhawa and several nearby residents wrestled the suspect to the ground before police arrived and made an arrest. Once the crash happened, it was like an explosion, Randhawa said. Everyone came rushing out. It took about three or four people to put him to the ground. The damage to the restaurant is estimated at about $30,000, but the longtime family business remains open as repairs continue. India Mahal has been a University Place fixture since 1996, known for its loyal customers and traditional Indian dishes. Advertisement Advertisement Its a bit of a shock that just a few seconds can change the face of a business and lives so dramatically, Randhawa said. University Place resident and customer Jean Ramey said the crash was devastating to see. Theyve been loyal community members and their service has always been good, Ramey said. They more than deserve community support. Randhawa said he hopes that loyal customers will continue to rally around the restaurant during the recovery process. Hopefully the community can help us out and come by for food as they always have, he said. We intend to continue strong. The family has created an online fundraiser to help with repairs. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, the civil rights leader and presidential candidate whose work helped reshape Black political power nationally and in cities like Gary, has died at 84. His death Tuesday prompted tributes across Indiana and the country from elected officials and community leaders who credited him with expanding opportunity and representation for Black Americans. For Gary, Jacksons legacy is tied closely to the citys emergence as a center of Black political organizing in the 1970s and 80s. His alliance with former Mayor Richard G. Hatcher, one of the nations first Black mayors of a major U.S. city, connected Gary to a national civil rights and political movement Jackson helped lead for decades. A moment in Gary that still echoes Inside West Side High School in March 1972, the gym was packed wall to wall. Afros filled the bleachers. Microphones crowded the podium. Thousands gathered for the National Black Political Convention, a gathering that helped chart a new course for Black political power. Advertisement Advertisement A 30-year-old Jackson, wearing a green collared shirt and brown vest, gave an electric 20-minute speech. Black is our common denominator, he told the crowd. Only when we recognize that our common denominator was slavery and that our numerator is in making a difference could we come together. He spoke about the gap between legal rights and economic reality. We have the right to move in any neighborhood in America and we cant pay the note, he said. We have the right to go to any school in America. We cant pay the tuition. We got the right to buy any car in America. But we cant stop it from being repossessed. We are not arguing about our constitutionality. We are raising a basic question: When will we get paid for the work we have already done. Advertisement Advertisement The crowd rose. When we come together, what time is it? Jackson called out. When we respect each other, what time is it? When we get ourselves confident, what time is it? The chants thundered back through the gym. The convention helped cement Garys place in Black political history and marked the beginning of a long partnership between Jackson and Hatcher. More than a decade later, Hatcher served as national campaign manager for Jacksons 1984 presidential run. Hatcher once described Jackson as a visionary who looks at cloudy skies [and] sees the sun. Jackson, a protege of Martin Luther King Jr., rose to prominence through Operation Breadbasket and later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago. He ran for president in 1984 and 1988, mobilizing millions of voters and helping push the Democratic Party to address issues of racial equity, economic justice and voting rights. Advertisement Advertisement His influence reached cities like Gary, where his message of coalition-building and economic opportunity resonated with residents navigating industrial decline, job loss and political transition. Over the years, Jackson visited Gary for rallies, church events and political organizing. A personal loss for Gary State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, Richard Hatchers daughter, said Jacksons death feels like the loss of both a national figure and a family friend. Were losing so many of our civil rights icons from that era, she told Capital B Gary. Reverend Jackson is probably one of the few left who were still around and who participated in that movement. We are losing a lot of history. She described Jackson and her father as deeply connected politically and personally. Advertisement Advertisement The way they both described it, it was like they were soul mates in a platonic way, she said. They wanted the same thing. They wanted to see the same thing. Because Jackson lived in nearby Chicago, the families remained close for decades, visiting each others homes and working together politically. Jackson later spoke at Richard Hatchers funeral in 2019 but was overcome with emotion and could only speak briefly. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, said Jackson dedicated his life to the service of others, from building the Rainbow Coalition to advocating for democracy and human rights worldwide. He was led by his love for his fellow man and the belief that were all better off when everyone has the opportunity to thrive, Harris said. In the wake of this profound loss, I hope Reverend Jacksons life and work inspires us all to move through life with a moral compass calibrated toward justice and the resolve to work toward a better world for everyone. The post The Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84; His Roots in Gary Shaped a Movement appeared first on Capital B Gary. Stumping with Sen. John Cornyn in Austin on Tuesday, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the political group he chairs, called the Lone Star Freedom Project, would spend whatever we need to see Cornyn through his bruising Republican primary, on top of the almost $18 million it has spent on his behalf. Cornyn, who is serving his fourth term in the U.S. Senate, is battling to keep his seat against challenges from Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston, in a contest that looks destined to go to a May runoff. Outside groups, Senate Republican leadership and Cornyns own fundraising committees have spent tens of millions of dollars to support the incumbent senator and attack his GOP rivals. The Senate race in Texas became the second-most expensive in the country Tuesday, according to AdImpact, with $98.2 million in total ad spending. Some three-quarters of the cash on the GOP side has come from pro-Cornyn sources and yet, recent public polling has shown Paxton leading the contest. Advertisement Advertisement Perrys group has spent more than all but one other group among Cornyns several outside backers, who along with the senators campaign have dropped nearly $60 million on the race, per AdImpact. The former governor made clear that would continue into the runoff if Cornyn makes it past the March 3 election. We are committed to John, and we will spend whatever we need to spend for him to be successful, Perry said when asked if he thought that level of fundraising and spending would continue. Cornyn, kicking off a 10-stop statewide tour on the first day of early voting, warned that Republicans would see an Election Day massacre in November if he loses out on the Senate GOP nomination to Paxton. Republicans up and down the ticket will pay the price of having an albatross like the corrupt attorney general hung around their neck, Cornyn said at a Tex-Mex restaurant alongside Perry and other supporters, where he further argued that Paxtons nomination could threaten the new red congressional seats Texas Republicans drew last summer to pad their slim House majority. We havent lost a statewide election in Texas since 1994, but we could this year if the wrong person is at the top of the ticket. Advertisement Advertisement The senior senator has argued throughout the campaign that he would keep moderate and swing voters in the GOP tent who would otherwise be turned off by Paxtons ethical baggage a history that includes indictment, impeachment and federal investigations that the attorney general has all largely withstood. Paxton, meanwhile, is arguing in his campaign that Cornyn is a relic of the establishment GOP and ideologically out of step with President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. The third-term attorney general has long been trailed by a list of legal and ethical woes including securities fraud charges and impeachment by the GOP-controlled Texas House on bribery and abuse of office allegations from which he has emerged largely unscathed. More recently, Paxtons wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce on biblical grounds after she accused him of cheating on her. In a statement, Paxton adviser Nick Maddux said, Character matters in this race, and thats why the people of Texas overwhelmingly support Ken Paxton. They know that he is a conservative warrior who will always fight for us and our freedoms, even in the face of the Left trying to tear him down. Maddux added that Cornyn is just like every other career politician who talks tough during election season, but then does the exact opposite in D.C. and betrays Texas by repeatedly pushing gun control and amnesty. Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Monday declined to make an endorsement in the primary, telling reporters, Theyve all supported me, theyre all good and youre supposed to pick one. So well see what happens, but I support all three. In response, Cornyn said Tuesday that he would be proud to have Trumps endorsement. I appreciate his kind words, referring to me as a friend and calling me a good man, Cornyn said. The president knows he can trust me to be there to support him and his agenda, and I appreciate that. But its going to be up to him to make that call. I think he kind of likes a good fight, and hes going to see one right here in Texas. In his remarks, Perry praised Cornyns work on border security and other conservative causes over his four decades in public office. The two were flanked by representatives from the National Border Patrol Council, which has endorsed Cornyn for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement The people of the state of Texas know John Cornyn, Perry said. They know that character counts. They know that this man is going to go back to Washington, D.C., and day in and day out, deliver for them. What you have is a vanity campaign on the other side and a corrupt campaign on the other side. In a statement, Hunt spokesperson James Kyrkanides accused Perry of parroting talking points from Cornyns supporters in Senate GOP leadership and noted how much Cornyn-aligned groups have spent against Hunt. If Hunts candidacy wasnt a threat, why would [Perry] spend his own money attacking Wesley? Kyrkanides said. On March 3, Texans are going to prove that theyre tired of gutter politics and establishment games. Theyre ready for a new generation of leadership. Asked if he believed character still mattered in a Republican primary contest, Perry said, Were fixing to find out. If winning with a corrupt candidate is okay, then it aint the Republican Party that I joined in 1989. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate primary is Perrys latest foray into a smashmouth GOP contest in his home state, after he campaigned for then-Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan in 2024 and helped the Beaumont Republican narrowly overcome a hardline challenger backed by Paxton. Perry also published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal ahead of Paxtons impeachment trial in which he implied that state senators should reject Paxtons efforts to dismiss the case. Paxton is also embarking on a get-out-the-vote tour during early voting, planning up to nine rallies across the state to engage conservative voters, drive early voter turnout and build momentum statewide, according to Lone Star Liberty PAC, a group backing Paxton and sponsoring the tour. Texas Rep. James Talarico, who is seeking the Democratic Senate nomination, also launched a Take Back Texas tour across the state Tuesday, featuring 12 rallies, in addition to stops at local restaurants and cultural landmarks, ahead of March 3. ZANESVIILE The ringleader of a 17-person drug-smuggling operation into numerous Ohio prisons is facing a nearly 150-year sentence, after a two-week jury trial ended Feb. 12. Justin Allen Alexander, 47, of Zanesville, was found guilty of 50 felonies, mostly third-degree money laundering, but also engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity; aggravated and attempted trafficking of pinaca, butinaca, and/or methamphetamine; cocaine trafficking; illegal and attempted conveyance of drugs into a prison; conspiracy, attempted aggravated drug trafficking, and aggravated drug possession. While incarcerated in the Southern Ohio Regional Correctional Facility in Lucasville, he was involved in multiple schemes, making for the largest prison conspiracy case in state history, according to an announcement from the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office. Advertisement Advertisement The schemes included multiple imprisoned and outside collaborators, drones, playing cards, book pages soaked in drugs, and the use of one Columbus-based attorney's office, which is where one of Alexander's co-conspirators, Norman Virgil Whiteside, 72, of Columbus, became involved. Whiteside was found guilty of five felonies in the same trial Feb. 12: engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, first degree; drug trafficking, fourth degree; illegal conveyance of drugs into a prison, third degree; and two counts of money laundering, third degree. Whiteside reportedly had access to an attorney control number, a prison protocol allowing privacy to inmates for legal mail, through his role with a law firm Columbus. Records showed that Alexander paid Whiteside $8,000 in August of 2022, and days later, a packet with the law firm's control number was delivered to Alexander in the prison, the announced stated. Advertisement Advertisement In a different delivery, a $3,000 payment from Alexander to Whiteside was followed by the organization delivering drug-soaked paper to Whiteside, and Whiteside utilized the control number to send documents into the prison, it continued. One sheet of the drug-soaked paper, referred to as "toon," was typically broken down into 88 pieces internally and collectively sold for more than $8,000. The operation ran between August 2022 and March 2023, court filings show, and earned at least $30,000 in profits during its first 90 days. Investigators later found that the smuggling ring generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit, with one female co-defendant laundering more than $218,000 by herself. Advertisement Advertisement "The prosecution of Justin Alexander and Norman Whiteside was a monumental undertaking, involving years of investigation and two years of court litigation, concluding with a trial with over 700 exhibits and nearly 40 witnesses, some of whom were flown in from as far away as Boston and Denver," the announcement stated. Alexander, who was already serving a 25-year sentence for home invasions, has a sentencing scheduled for Feb. 23. Whiteside's is set for March 16. The state intends to ask for the maximum sentences for both, 21.5 years for Whiteside and 149 for Alexander, the announced said. What happened to the others involved in the operation? The operation's 15 remaining co-defendants reportedly all acted with Alexander but independently of each other and all been convicted. Advertisement Advertisement The Times Recorder has reported on several of the cases, but the prosecutor's office has also released summaries on their roles and cases. Jessica Queen, 48, of Belpre. One of Alexander's many, simultaneous girlfriends who was used to direct the organization outside of prison. Queen was convicted of three felonies: engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, first degree; conspiracy to traffic drugs, second degree; and money laundering, third degree. She will be sentenced Feb. 23. Lisa Davis, 51, of Zanesville. Alexander's sister. Davis is serving four years in prison for money laundering. Tondalea Hale, 56, of Zanesville. Alexander's cousin. Hale was recruited into Alexander's operation by Davis and managed the organization's money at the direction of Alexander. She pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and money laundering, and sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Jolene Savage of Columbus. Mother to one of Alexander's children. Savage performed numerous duties for operation, including several smuggling attempts. She will be sentenced on a bill of information at a later date. Jamaull Jones, 29, of Warren Correctional Institution, from Cleveland. Jones was Alexander's roommate and one of his distributors. Jones was sentenced to four years and 11 months to run consecutively with his prior sentence after his most recent convictions for conspiracy to possess drugs, obstructing justice, and money laundering. Heaven Goudlock, 28, of Cleveland. Goudlock was Jones' girlfriend and moved money for the organization. She was given up to two years of community control and 50 hours of public service after pleading guilty to attempted money laundering. Sasha Hill, 27, of Cleveland. Hill was Jones' friend and agreed to move money for the Alexander organization. She pleaded guilty to attempted money laundering and attempted engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Her sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Ross, 35, of Ross Correctional Institution, from Marion. Ross was one of Alexander's captains, and a high-level drug distributor for Alexander. He was previously sentenced to five years of community control after pleading guilty to money laundering. However, he violated those terms in October 2025 and received a one-year sentence. Randall Cremeans, 41, of Lebanon Correctional Institution, from Zanesville. Cremeans was Ross' roommate and a distributor for the organization. He received an additional four years on two money laundering counts. Kristin Sonagere, 34, of Dayton. Sonagere was Cremeans' friend and moved money for the Alexander organization for both Ross and Cremeans. She pleaded to one count of money laundering through a bill of information and will be sentenced at a later date. Ken Gatlin, 30, of Zanesville. Gatlin was one of Alexander's captains, responsible for drug distribution in his side of a housing unit at Ross Correctional Institution. He was given 54 months after pleading guilty to two counts of money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement Vanita McCrae, 43, of Zanesville. Gatlin's sister, McCrae moved thousands of dollars for the criminal enterprise. She was given two years of community control and 50 hours of public service for obstructing justice. Kashawn Cox, 29, of Chillicothe Correctional Institution and from Zanesville. He was another of Alexander's captains, responsible for drug distribution in the opposite housing unit at Ross Correctional Institution. After pleading guilty to money laundering, he was given an additional six years to run consecutively with his current sentence. Emily Goodrich, 29, of Zanesville, Cox's ex-girlfriend. She moved money for the organization between Cox and Alexander. She was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison on one count of money laundering. Michele Lang, 29, of Zanesville, Cox's girlfriend. Lang moved money for the organization and was previously sentenced to at least four years for one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Shawn Digity is a reporter for the Zanesville Times Recorder. He can be emailed at sdigity@gannett.com or found on X at @ShawnDigityZTR. This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Last 2 involved in Ohio's largest prison drug-smuggling case convicted This is an adapted excerpt from the Feb. 16 episode of The Rachel Maddow Show. In 2019 a group of U.S. senators wrote a letter to Donald Trump ahead of his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to express concern about Hungarys downward democratic trajectory. In recent years, democracy in Hungary has significantly eroded, the letter read. The senators noted that the country had experienced a steady corrosion of freedom, the rule of law and quality of governance according to virtually any indicator under Orban, adding that elections had become less competitive, the countrys judiciary was increasingly controlled by the state and press freedom was under threat. Advertisement Advertisement The group went on to urge Trump to not diminish the importance of democratic values in our bilateral relationship with Budapest. That 2019 letter was making the rounds again thanks to the managing editor of The Bulwark, Sam Stein on Monday, because one of the signatories on it was then-Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. I guess you could call it a useful read in light of Rubios news conference in Hungary on Monday. During his remarks, the secretary of state said Trump was deeply committed to the countrys success. Because your success is our success, he continued. Because this relationship we have here in Central Europe through you is so essential and vital for our national interest in the years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio stood side by side with Orban and threw the administrations full support behind him, despite his own supposedly heartfelt and principled revulsion at the Hungarian leaders dictatorship just a few years ago. Presumably, beclowning oneself like this is what wins you favor in the Trump administration. It is probably why Rubio, in addition to being secretary of state, keeps being given other jobs on top of that, like the chief of the United States Agency for International Development. Hes also running the National Security Council. You may remember that Trump slashed the NSC last year, presumably because he did not know what it was for. At that point, he put Rubio in charge of the smoking husk of it. Advertisement Advertisement The NSC is supposed to handle interagency conflicts and coordination around national security issues. Like, say, the kind of thing that arose in El Paso last week, when Customs and Border Protection officials took a laser gun from the Pentagon and started firing it into the Texas sky. The Federal Aviation Administration apparently had no idea what was going on, freaked out and announced that the El Paso Airport would be closed due to special security reasons for 10 days. The whole situation was like a Cub Scout troop playing Model United Nations after accidentally eating a whole bag of what they thought was the troop leaders gummy bears. Too bad the guy in charge is busy with his other day job: licking the boots of foreign dictators. But this is the United States of America under the Trump Republican Party, wherein the Transportation Department and the Defense Department are both run by former Fox News hosts hired mostly for their hair. Advertisement Advertisement Top administration officials quickly claimed that the El Paso airport closure was in response to a sudden incursion of drones from Mexican drug cartels. Of course, that wasnt true, either. Turns out what they were actually shooting the laser at was party balloons. Among the many other things going on with this story, it sure seems like an effective National Security Council might have helped in this instance. Too bad the guy in charge is busy with his other day job: licking the boots of foreign dictators. Allison Detzel contributed. The post Rubio praises Orban and finds a new way to beclown himself in the process appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now Feb 17 (Reuters) - Starlink terminals used by the Russian military have not been in operation for two weeks, but the disconnection has had no effect on its drone operations, a senior Russian military official said on Tuesday. "Starlink terminals have been down for two weeks, but this has not affected the intensity or effectiveness of the troops' unmanned systems, as confirmed by data from objective monitoring of damage to enemy equipment and personnel," Deputy Defence Minister Aleksei Krivoruchko told State Television. The Russian acknowledgement was made nearly two weeks after Ukrainian officials said the terminals used by the Russian military had been disconnected. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the terminals had been disconnected and other Ukrainian officials said the effect on Russian operations had been considerable. Ukraine's military relies on tens of thousands of satellite-based Starlink connections for battlefield communication and for piloting some drone missions. It said this month it had found Starlink terminals, produced by the company SpaceX, on long-range drones used in Russian attacks. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Travelers should expect delays at San Francisco International Airport starting March 30, as the airport will close one runway for six months to perform repairs and improvements. During this period, the San Francisco International Airport expects fewer than 10 percent of flights to be delayed by at least 30 minutes, as all arrivals and departures will be handled on the airport's two runways. This closure should not affect which terminals are available for boarding, but it will affect flights' takeoff and landing schedules. If travelers are flying into or out of San Francisco's airport and have a connecting flight, folks should expect delays and plan accordingly when booking their tickets. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: A United Airlines plane takes off from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on November 07, 2025 in San Francisco, California The airport will be repaving the surface layer on the right side of runway 1. In addition, Granite Construction Company will make improvements to adjacent taxiways, upgrading lighting and painting new striping and markings. Advertisement Advertisement The total cost of the project is expected to be about $180 million, with the Federal Aviation Administration providing $92.1 million in funding for the improvements. Travelers walk through the airport during holiday travel at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 22, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. In November, the Department of Transportation announced their desire for travelers to start dressing up for flying. Citing an undeniable rise in bad behavior on airplanes, the DOT announced a new campaign meant to encourage civility in air travel. Travelers arrive to catch flights at O'Hare International Airport on what is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season, December 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Travelers arrive to catch flights at O'Hare International Airport on what is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season, December 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Travelers arrive to catch flights at O'Hare International Airport on what is expected to be the busiest day of the holiday season, December 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Travelers walk through the arrival hall after arriving to La Guardia Airport on December 23, 2025 in New York. Travelers wait for their luggage at a baggage claim during holiday travel at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 22, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. Passengers go down the escalators after arriving to La Guardia Airport on December 23, 2025 in New York. Passengers wait by the baggage carousel after arriving to La Guardia Airport on December 23, 2025 in New York. A couple of travelers walk through the arrival hall after arriving to La Guardia Airport on December 23, 2025 in New York. Passengers wait by the baggage carousel after arriving to La Guardia Airport on December 23, 2025 in New York. Travelers pick up their luggage at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers crowd Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers crowd Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. A traveler passes through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers pass through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers wait on line to check in at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers pass through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers pass through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers pass through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers crowd Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers pass through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 23, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Travelers walk through the airport during holiday travel at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 22, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. See holiday travelers as US fliers are asked to dress for the airport 1 of 22 Travelers walk through the airport during holiday travel at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on December 22, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. In November, the Department of Transportation announced their desire for travelers to start dressing up for flying. Citing an undeniable rise in bad behavior on airplanes, the DOT announced a new campaign meant to encourage civility in air travel. Am I owed anything if my flight is delayed? When it comes to delayed flights, it depends on the circumstances and the airline. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if a flight is delayed for uncontrollable reasons, such as severe weather or local emergencies, the airline does not owe travelers anything extra. If a flight is delayed for controllable reasons, such as refueling or crew issues, but the traveler has not waited more than 3 hours, airlines are not required to provide any compensation. Advertisement Advertisement If a traveler's flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, airlines are required to provide some form of compensation, and each airline offers different forms, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. All major American airlines will provide passengers with a meal or a meal voucher. However, some airlines, such as Alaska, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and Southwest, provide travelers with a credit or travel voucher in the event of a delay. If a flight is delayed overnight, nearly all American Airlines flights, excluding Frontier, will provide passengers with complimentary hotel accommodation and transportation to the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement All airlines can rebook a passenger on the same airline for no additional cost. What happens if my flight is delayed? 2 critical questions you need to ask when flight is canceled, delayed Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SFO warns at least 10% of flights will be delayed due to runway repair So President Donald Trump, despite backing down from his most incendiary threats to use military force to get what he wants, continues to covet Greenland. Some dismiss his rhetoric as theatre. That would be a grave mistake because, as I learnt during a visit to Greenland this past week, the crisis is not over. Any deal that the world had hoped was reached in Davos was simply a stay, not a reprieve as the White House has made painfully clear to Nuuk. Five hours from Copenhagen and a world away from Westminster, we stepped off a small aircraft onto a runway carved out of ice and rock. It was the headlines of the last few months which took us a cross-party delegation of British parliamentarians representing four political parties to this vast Arctic island. The Trump presidency is searching for defining achievements, a strategic win worthy of a leader approaching his 80th birthday and presiding over the 250th anniversary of American independence. Greenland, in that calculus, offers symbolism, scale and spectacle. Advertisement Advertisement For generations, the Arctic has been an arena of comparatively low tension, governed more by science and stewardship than rivalry. Yet that era is receding. Competition is not a future prospect, it is already under way and will intensify. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, the chairman of Parliaments foreign affairs select committee, during her trip to Greenland Within two decades, the North-West Passage will evolve from a treacherous and frozen curiosity into a core industrial waterway offering shorter and faster trade routes between Asia, Europe and North America. Greenland will no longer be a distant outpost but the apex of new commercial and military realities. Greenland possesses substantial deposits of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for everything from our phones to wind turbines and advanced weapons systems. At present, China dominates global rare earth supply chains. But Greenland has the potential to help (over decades, not years) loosen that stranglehold and, in doing so, rebalance a strategic dependency that troubles legislators like me. Three years ago I had Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee conduct an inquiry on critical mineral resilience. Russia and China have long been invested in the Arctic, and Moscows formidable fleet of icebreakers reflects a long-term commitment to the region. American planners are acutely aware that the nearest Russian air base sits within missile range of American interests. Geographically and geopolitically Greenland sits at the crossroads of the emerging Arctic century. Advertisement Advertisement It is in this context that Greenland found itself crashed onto front pages around the world a few months ago. In strict legal and operational terms, much of what President Trump says he desires is already available to the United States. The 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the US provides extensive scope for military cooperation, and Greenland is open to commercial partnerships on critical minerals and beyond. However, President Trump is not seeking access alone, he seeks a personal triumph he can frame as historic. Recognising that reality is essential to understanding how Greenland should approach the moment. Having now visited Greenland, I am convinced the territory can turn this situation to its advantage, provided it remains hard-headed and true to itself which I have no doubt it will. Greenlanders are strikingly united in their long-term ambition of independence. That aspiration is not reckless or immediate, it is rooted in a desire to achieve full self-governance sustainably, when the people, economy and institutions are ready. That is not to say that finding themselves in the eye of President Trumps ambitions has not caused harm. Across Nuuk we heard stories of families with bags packed by the doors, children terrified of imminent invasion, and the elder generation fearful of losing what self-rule they have gradually won over the last fifty years. Stripped of rhetoric, Greenland and President Trump share several core objectives. Both want a secure Greenland and an Arctic that remains low-tension. Both wish to limit Chinese and Russian influence. Both see the development of critical minerals as strategically important. Although, Greenland is rightly determined that such development must not repeat the extract and exit model that has burned it before. Advertisement Advertisement That common ground provides leverage. Greenlands opportunity lies in displacing talk of acquisition, and constructing a proposal that delivers the optics of success for Washington while preserving sovereignty and advancing its own ambitions. A landmark security and minerals partnership firmly anchored within Greenlandic self-government could be presented in the United States as a transformative assertion of American leadership in the Arctic. Enhanced basing cooperation, subsea and seabed infrastructure and critical minerals investment could provide President Trump with the deal he seeks. But the substance must serve Greenland first. The United Kingdom cannot be a bystander. Our interests in the Arctic are real and legitimate. We should advance a trade and cooperation agreement with Greenland. Through the expertise available at our Critical Mineral Intelligence Centre, we would support mineral identification. The UK could also co-operate further on clean energy, air and maritime defence and on science and education. A Danish Navy ship patrols near Nuuk - Sean Gallup/2026 Getty Images At a moment when strategic competition is intensifying, Britain should be looking to strengthen our diplomatic footprint in Greenland with a consulate. Instead, the Labour Government is cutting around 2,000 jobs at the Foreign Office which will only serve to diminish our diplomatic and security capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland must not face Washington without a united Europe behind it. Denmark has a central role to play, but Arctic security concerns us all. NATOs emerging focus on the High North is welcome, yet it should be visibly connected to the broader strategic context Greenland now inhabits. Europe must come together with tangible offers that contribute to Greenlands negotiating bundle, particularly around sub-sea and aerial security in the North Atlantic. Greenland cannot be left high and dry, nor can arrangements be struck that deliver decades of extraction followed by strategic abandonment. Our objective must be long-term resilience and stability in a region whose importance will only grow. Yet Greenland is not without agency. Its 56,000 people are neither passive nor naive, they are pragmatic and ambitious, with a deep and symbiotic relationship with their island forged through survival in such a vast, brutal and frozen landscape. Alicia Kearns is a Conservative MP and former chairman of the foreign affairs select committee 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. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., compared the Republican Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to Jim Crow 2.0 again during an interview on Sunday, when pressed on the overwhelming support for requiring ID to vote in the U.S. The New York senator was asked about Department of Homeland Security (DHS) head Kristi Noem talking about DHS's role in overseeing elections. She said in the clip played by CNN during "State of the Union" that they need to make sure come Election Day, the right people are voting. Schumer called the statement a "load of bull," and argued that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shouldn't be anywhere near polling places. Advertisement Advertisement CNN's Jake Tapper said, "About 83% of the American people, including a majority of Democrats, support voter ID laws." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, speaks during a news conference, at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12, 2026. Chuck Schumer Under Fire After Brazenly Calling Voter Id 'Jim Crow 2.0' "Well, yes, the voter ID laws that, first, each state can have its own voter ID laws, and some do and some don't. But, secondly, what they are proposing in this so-called SAVE Act is like Jim Crow 2.0. They make it so hard to get any kind of voter ID that more than 20 million legitimate people, mainly poorer people and people of color, will not be able to vote under this law. We will not let it pass in the Senate. We are fighting it tooth and nail," Schumer said. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement "It's an outrageous proposal, that is, that shows the sort of political bias of the MAGA right. They don't want poor people to vote. They don't want people of color to vote, because they often don't vote for them," Schumer said. Schumer has previously compared the SAVE Act to "Jim Crow 2.0." The House of Representatives advanced the bill on Wednesday, and only one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, supported the legislation. Rogan Defends Democratic Senator Who Faced Backlash From Party For Supporting Voter Id Other liberal senators and lawmakers have also decried the law in spite of polling showing support for voter ID. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., when confronted about the public support for voter ID, said the SAVE Act would still be something that disenfranchises voting. "It's still going to be something that disenfranchises people that don't have the proper Real ID, driver's license ID, that don't have the ID necessary to vote, even though they are citizens. This is another way to simply try to suppress the vote," Schiff said earlier this month during an interview on ABC's "This Week." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was also confronted about support for voter ID during a CNN interview earlier this month. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries insisted that even states like New York already have voter identification requirements and claimed the SAVE Act was an attempt by the Republican Party to rig elections. "The question is that what Republicans are trying to do is to engage in clear and blatant voter suppression," Jeffries said. "They know that if theres a free and fair election in November, theyre going to lose. In fact, Republicans have been losing every single election since Donald Trump was sworn in January of last year, including most recently, decisively in Texas. And of course, losing all across the country up and down the ballot in the November off-year elections in places like New Jersey or Virginia [or] New York." Click Here To Download The Fox News App Original article source: Schumer doubles down on GOP voting bill 'Jim Crow 2.0' despite Democratic voter support A recently released video shows stunning behavior by a cluster of rare fish. It's the first time the species has ever been observed in such a large group. In November 2024, military police in Brazil spotted a school of bumblebee catfish scaling slippery rocks behind waterfalls standing between 1 and 4 meters high, according to Phys.org. A team of scientists came a week later to observe the unique sight, capturing it on camera. Researchers aren't exactly sure why the fish were swimming upstream, but they suspect it may be related to reproduction. They observed both male and female fish, mostly mature, as well as three other species. "These findings highlight the importance of field observations in understanding small migratory fishes' ecological role and conservation needs, particularly in the context of potential threats posed by habitat fragmentation and river damming," said the researchers, per Phys.org. Advertisement Advertisement Field observation is a vital part of animal conservation. Scientists can learn a lot from simple videos and photos. They often share incredible findings with the public, as with this case. Some set up live cameras, such as the Hilton Head Island Land Trust's eagle cam, so anyone with an internet connection can witness the scientific discovery. While humans have always been interested in animal behavior, the actual study of it is relatively new, dating back only to the 1930s. Understanding animal behavior is critical to the conservation of all species but especially endangered ones. Humans rely on animals for their existence. They're not only a food source but also a source of labor. They're also an environmental indicator. While endangered species may seem to contribute little to human welfare, their risk level can indicate factors within an ecosystem that negatively affect humans or animals that directly support them. Entertaining as this video is, it also serves as an important reminder that fieldwork is crucial to animal conservation. Sustaining endangered species is an essential step in maintaining a world where humans can thrive. How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant seeks to gauge public interest in whether to establish an advisory board for possible environmental remediation at the historic complex that has manufactured ammunition since 1953. The 15.3-acre site on Cedar Avenue originally was a Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad steam locomotive production and repair facility dating to 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Army. In the early 1950s, the federal government converted the complex to an ammunition manufacturing plant and has since had various contractors operating there. General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems, which makes large-caliber projectile shells there, has been the plants operating contractor since 2006. Advertisement Advertisement In a public notice published Feb. 4 in The Times-Tribune, the plant solicits public interest in participation in a possible Restoration Advisory Board that would discuss potential environmental cleanup that might be required at the facility. The plant has identified in groundwater sampling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are also known as forever chemicals, and additional testing is required to determine if the PFAS come from the facilitys activities or are migrating from upstream industrial sources, said Justine Barati, the director of public and congressional affairs of the Joint Munitions Command. Under federal law and Department of Defense regulations, installations with an active restoration program but no advisory board are required to solicit for interest every two years, Barati said. Such an advisory board would be a formal, volunteer stakeholder group that would meet regularly and include officials from the ammunition plant, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Environmental Command, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the community, according to the public notice. Its also possible that an advisory board would not be established, if there is little public interest, Barati said. The number of members on an advisory board could vary and there is not any set number for members from the public, she said. The composition of the RAB is designed to be diverse and balanced, reflecting the various interests within the local community, Barati said. More information on restoration advisory boards can be found at epa.gov/fedfac/restoration-advisory-board-rab-implementation-guidelines#recruiting. Advertisement Advertisement For information on serving on a Restoration Advisory Board for the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, contact Barati at Justine.A.Barati.civ@army.mil or 520-693-1317, by March 6, which is a 30-day deadline from the Feb. 4 publication of the notice. A Restoration Advisory Board would not be involved in day-to-day operations at the plant. As a government-owned, contractor-operated facility, the plant is a public-private partnership that allows the government to own the plant while leveraging specialized skills and flexibility of the private company to run it, Barati said. A vital pillar of Americas national defense and a testament to the nations industrial resolve, the plant and its output directly impact the safety and effectiveness of members of the military on the battlefield, Barati said. In meeting modern warfare needs, the plant in recent years has been undergoing significant modernization efforts to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, improve efficiency and increase production capacity, Barati said. The Scranton plant is one of the few facilities in the country to manufacture 155 mm artillery shells used in howitzer systems, which are towed large guns with long barrels that can fire at various angles and hit targets up to 20 miles away, according to a 2024 Associated Press article. In September 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured the facility and thanked the employees there for their work. Advertisement Advertisement A 2023 article in The Times-Tribune reported the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant has nine buildings. Four buildings totaling 495,000 square feet once had DL&W workmen producing and repairing locomotives during the first half of the 20th century. Now, General Dynamics produces and stores shells at the Scranton plant until their shipment to Iowa, where robots safely install explosives amid thousands of empty acres. Built in 1908, the main buildings remain largely unaltered and are in a national historic district, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Yard Dickson Manufacturing Company Site. The Army acquired the DL&W site in 1951 and converted it for manufacturing ammunition metal parts. Ammunition production began in 1953 by the U.S. Hoffman Machinery Corp. In 1963, Chamberlain Manufacturing Corp. became the operating contractor. At that time, the plant was renamed from the Scranton Ordnance Plant to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant. It also became known as Chamberlain, before General Dynamics became the contractor in 2006. The plants long history, dating back to its origins as a locomotive repair facility in 1908, combined with its current critical mission, makes it a powerful symbol of American manufacturing strength and its enduring role in global security, Barati said. 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. Officers arrested a 48-year-old felon with active felony warrants for committing yet another felony, according to the Seattle Police Department. The man was arrested on Monday afternoon after he allegedly broke into a safe with a crowbar, took a gun, and ran from the cops. A 911 caller reportedly saw the man break into a discarded safe in an alleyway near East Denny Way and 20th Avenue and take out a handgun. The man, armed with a crowbar, a hammer, and now a gun, quickly left the area. Advertisement Advertisement While officers searched the neighborhood, they spotted the man walking nearby. When ordered to stop, he took off running, trying to ditch his backpack before officers arrested him. Police recovered the backpack and found the gun inside, along with marijuana and methamphetamine. Officers discovered that the suspect, a convicted felon for a violent offense, is also on Department of Corrections (DOC) supervision with a felony warrant for escaping community custody. He is prohibited from having a gun or controlled substances. Police also found an additional $7,500 felony warrant for motor vehicle theft. The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for obstructing a public officer, unlawful possession of a firearm, and his outstanding warrants. (NewsNation) The United States held a pair of high-stakes negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday as officials tried to hammer out a nuclear deal with Iran and oversaw a new round of talks to try ending Russias war in Ukraine. The talks finished after three hours and 30 minutes of intensive diplomatic consultations, according to Irans official news agency, IRNA. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the talks touched on some technical details and minutiae, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Australian man denied US entry after Billie Eilish joke Our views, considerations, and concerns have been reflected to the other parties in both the area of lifting sanctions and the nuclear field, Baghaei added. Iranian state media said the negotiations were expected to focus solely on Irans nuclear capabilities, not contentious policies like its deadly crackdown on protesters, over which President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned and threatened the regime. US official highlights progress made during talks A U.S. official told NewsNation that even though progress was made in Tuesdays nuclear talks, theres still going to be some time before any deal comes through. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian officials are said to be taking the next two weeks to draft more detailed proposals on their end to close any gaps between them and the U.S. but said theyve reached an agreement on some principles. Trump, who is confident Iran will make a deal, has not seemed to rule out the possibility of military action if Iran refuses any conditions. Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant seemed to echo the possibility of action, writing on X: Striking Iran is not just a political decision. Its an operational one. And the conditions are coming together. Ayatollah warns against military action amid nuclear talks As talks began, Irans military fired live missiles toward the Strait of Hormuz in a maritime exercise, state media announced. The strait is a crucial international trade route, and 20% of the worlds oil passes through it, The Associated Press reported. The U.S. has long wished to hobble Irans nuclear facilities. Last summer, discussions ended with a group of American B-2 bombers striking three Iranian nuclear facilities in what the administration dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. Advertisement Advertisement Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader, has died at 84 Another use of force isnt off the table. Trump has repeatedly threatened further action if Iran refuses to constrain its nuclear program threats that Iran has levied in return against the U.S. The Americans constantly say that theyve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea, said Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on social media Tuesday morning. Trump on Iran: They want to make a deal U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner led the negotiations in Geneva, and Trump said he would be indirectly involved. Advertisement Advertisement Typically, Irans a very tough negotiator, Trump told reporters on Monday. I would say theyre bad negotiators, because we could have had a deal instead of sending the B2s in to knock out their nuclear potential, and we had to send the B-2s. I hope theyre going to be more reasonable. Trump added, I think they want to make a deal. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal. Ocasio-Cortezs Munich appearance draws mixed response from Democrats On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the head of the U.N.s nuclear watchdog in Geneva, where he appeared to brush off Trumps comments. Advertisement Advertisement I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats, he 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 NewsNation. Daniel OConnor is a Report for America corps member who covers rural government as part of the partnership between The Maine Monitor and the Bangor Daily News, with additional support from BDN and Monitor readers. Maine is getting an outsized share of earmarks, bringing in $460 million for infrastructure, safety, education and other projects in recently enacted federal appropriations bills. This kind of congressionally directed spending, which is more widely known as earmarks, were banned for a decade before leaders brought them back in 2021. But they were set aside last year when the Republican-led Congress and President Donald Trump funded the federal government through a continuing resolution. Advertisement Advertisement That move watered down the influence of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who became the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last year. But the Republican and other top appropriators worked to return the process to regular order this year and largely did so, getting eight bills that contained earmarks to Trumps desk by this month. Maine is now punching above its weight in the process, getting $328 per resident from the earmarks, which is the second highest per-capita amount in the nation. Its second only to Alaska, a massive but sparsely populated state with unique infrastructure needs. Maine is ninth in total earmarks and is the least populated state in the top 10. Collins and the states three other members of Congress secured funds for roughly 200 projects across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Among Maines biggest winners were the University of Maine, which will receive more than $61 million for a variety of projects. The lions share will go toward a $45 million health sciences complex, the states largest individual allocation. State agencies under Gov. Janet Mills, who is running for the Democratic nomination to take on Collins in 2026, will receive tens of millions from the latest earmarks. The largest amounts are headed to the Department of Transportation for road projects, including a $15 million causeway on Route 15 in Deer Isle and rehabilitations on rural state roads. Many towns and cities will receive payments for utility infrastructure, public safety equipment and housing. Auburn is set to receive the largest single payment, an $8 million allocation for a housing project. A teacher at Crooms Academy of Information Technology was taken into custody on Tuesday on charges related to an inappropriate relationship with a former student. Mackenzie McLean, 49, faces multiple counts, including the delivery of a controlled substance and soliciting of sexual conduct with a student. Following the arrest, Seminole County Public Schools placed her on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation into the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement McLean faces one count of delivery or distribution of a controlled substance, a felony. She also faces two felony counts of an authorized figure soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a student. Seminole County Public Schools officials issued a written statement regarding the arrest, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of the school community remains their top priority throughout the legal proceedings. Any allegations of misconduct by our staff will be taken seriously and handled quickly, the district said in the statement. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority and any type of behavior that jeopardizes that safety will not be tolerated in Seminole County Public Schools. McLean is currently being held with no bond. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Senator Dave McCormick walked around Astrobotics headquarters on the North Side with the companys CEO, John Thornton, on Monday. The senator said he believes the technology being made there could be beneficial for the Pittsburgh area. Space offers enormous opportunity for the country and theres an enormous investment going in there, and Pennsylvania ... is at the center of that, McCormick said. Advertisement Advertisement During his tour, he asked about Griffin: Astrobotics lunar lander. Theyre targeting the end of the year to land Griffin on the moon. Were going to be developing lunar infrastructure to put power on the Moon, Thornton said. Two years ago, Channel 11 spoke exclusively to Thornton shortly after Astrobotics Peregrine launched and headed for the Moons surface, but had to turn around and come back because it started losing propellant. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Channel 11 speaks with Astrobotic CEO after Peregrine mission Thornton said theyd be using the successes and failures of that mission to develop Griffin. Advertisement Advertisement Im excited about what youre doing, McCormick said. This kind of industry and this kind of growth is really critical for America, but its also critical for Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned for this moment. And today, McCormick said federal and state governments should want to help with that, not hinder. I view my job as working with great business leaders and others in the public sector to make sure those building blocks exist. I think if those building blocks exist, Pennsylvania is going to thrive, McCormick said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TOPEKA The Senate on Monday passed a bill to force state officials to share Kansans personal data with the federal government. In a vote along party lines, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2004 will now go to the House, which could vote on the bill or request negotiations with the Senate. The bill requires the secretary of the Department for Children and Families to hand over data that has been requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Laura Kelly and DCF secretary Laura Howard have pushed back against the request for personal information related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, citing concerns about how the data will be used and whether turning it over would violate a data use agreement. Kelly joined Kansas in a Massachusetts lawsuit that challenges whether the data should be turned over to the USDA. That lawsuit is in progress. On Friday, a California judge in a second lawsuit said she intends to rule that states do not have to turn over the data. Kansas is not a part of that lawsuit. Republicans have accused Kelly and Howard of refusing to give information to the federal government that it should be able to access. Advertisement Advertisement However, Howard has said one of the stated uses of the data violates Kansas rules on data sharing, specifically that the data could be shared with foreign governments. Any agreement to share the private personal data of Kansans, including full Social Security numbers, needs to exclude the ability to share that data with foreign entities, said Olivia Taylor-Puckett, Kellys spokeswoman, upon learning the Senate had passed the bill. The House can avoid holding a public hearing on the matter because a Senate committee placed the data-sharing requirement into an unrelated bill that had already passed the House, a move known as a gut and go. The original bill dealt with a sales tax ballot question in Seward County. During debate Monday, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, questioned whether Republicans would be such a fan of HB 2004 if there were a Republican governor and a Democratic president. She said if that were the case, legislators would call it federal overreach on our own state sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement This bill undermines the cooperative federalist model that SNAP and Medicaid operate under and is forcing our state from here on out to immediately comply with federal demands without any ability to pause and evaluate the demands, whether the constitutionality, legality or validity, would be a remarkable abdication from our state authority in control over these programs, Sykes said. Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, asked what safeguards are in place to make sure the data is protected and would not be given to foreign countries. Well, I would assume the same protections that are in place with all our income tax information, every type of information that the federal government has on each and every one of us, said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican. Holscher said HB 2004 was a significant departure from established practice and conflicts with long-standing federal law. She said the bill could force the state to comply with unlawful federal directives and jeopardize the safety of Kansans personal data. When questioned about expected costs to comply, which DCF officials have indicated could be up to $300,000, Erickson said savings would be made up by the fraud that was uncovered in the program. A senior living facility worker in Wilmington, Delaware, is facing charges for stealing from a resident. Delaware State Police arrested 62-year-old Kem Mays on felony burglary and theft charges. Detectives say on Sunday, he stole jewelry from a resident of Forwood Estates in the 1900 block of Marsh Road. Police were able to get the jewelry back to the resident and arrest Mays. He has since been released on bail. Old Man Winter will soon give way to the start of warmer and longer days when we turn the clocks ahead for the daylight saving 2026 time change. Here's what to know about the March spring forward and when we set the clock. While most of the United States and other countries around the world still observe the practice of changing the clocks forward or backward an hour, in the effort to extend daylight hours seasonally, some argue the practice should be brought to an end. President Donald Trump has in the past urged Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, said he would work to end daylight saving time to make standard time permanent, and called the issue "50/50." The difference is daylight saving time would mean later sunrises and sunsets, allowing for more time for outdoor activities after work in the evenings, whereas standard time would mean earlier sunrises and sunsets, which some argue increase safety in the mornings for school children and is more in line with our biological circadian rhythms, according to savestandardtime. Advertisement Advertisement Daylight saving time lasts approximately eight months, starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November. When do we set the clocks ahead this year? Daylight saving time 2026 start and end The time change will occur on the night of March 7, 2026. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8 at which time clocks "spring forward" and reset to 3 a.m. and it ends 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at which time clocks "fall back" and reset to 1 a.m. Will we lose an hour or gain an hour during daylight saving time? In the spring, clocks spring forward one hour. You will have lost an hour when you awake that morning. In the fall, clocks fall back one hour. You will gain an extra hour of potential sleep or play. When does daylight saving time end in 2026? Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November each year. This year the clocks will fall back an hour on Sunday, Nov. 1. When is the first day of spring 2026? Spring equinox The first day of spring or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. ET. Advertisement Advertisement The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in nearly equal hours of day and night globally due to the Earth's axial tilt. Why do we change the clocks every year? According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the idea behind daylight saving time was meant to give us more daylight during the summer evenings and then move it back to give us more daylight during winter mornings. When does daylight saving time end permanently? Daylight saving has not been made permanent, nor is it ending as of yet, although the push to make it permanent has been floated multiple times. The Sunshine Protection Act passed the senate in 2022 but stalled in the House. It was reintroduced in 2025 but has not passed. Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania legislature introduced a bill in 2023 to establish year-round daylight saving time but it never passed. More recently in March, they passed a Senate resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to end the outdated practice of changing the clocks twice a year. They are one of 29 states thus far, that have introduced legislation to stop the clock changes. Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based reporter with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: When do we change clocks for DST? Daylight saving time 2026 start, end EXCLUSIVE: Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a high-profile womens rights activist who fled Sharia law, has endorsed Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, for re-election in a critical Senate race that could determine whether the GOP retains its majority. In a video announcing her endorsement, Ali, a speaker and author who fled Somalia after suffering female genital mutilation, said that "only John Cornyn has a proven record of stopping radical Islamic extremism." "I've seen firsthand what radical Islam does to women, to families, and to nations who ignore the warning signs. America is not immune, and neither is Texas," she went on, adding, "That's why experience matters." Advertisement Advertisement This comes amid an already contentious Senate primary race in Texas between Cornyn, who has held the seat since 2002, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas. President Donald Trump has not weighed in on the race, though he recently hinted he may do so, saying, "My problem is Im friendly with all of them." Texas Governor Exposes Hypocrisy Of Dem Push For States Rights In Minnesota After Biden Years Left: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Center: Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Right: Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas. (Getty Images) Texas leaders have recently sounded the alarm about the growth of Sharia law in the Lone Star State. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott recently issued a proclamation designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as "foreign terrorist organizations" and "transnational criminal organizations" under Texas law. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Ali emphasized the importance of Cornyns experience in pushing back against Sharia law, taking subtle jabs at Paxton and Hunt, who would be first-term senators. She said that Cornyn "has taken the threat seriously when others choose denial or political games." "If you want a Texas that protects its people and defends its values, you need a leader who understands the danger and knows how to stop it," she said. "To keep Texas strong and safe from radical Islam, vote John Cornyn." Gop Governor Lays Out Plan To Purge Terrorists And Terror Supporters From State Author Ayaan Hirsi Ali attends a book presentation of 'Reformiert Euch! Warum der Islam such aendern muss - Refurbished you! Why Islam must change' on April 20, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. In response, Cornyn told Fox News Digital, "I am honored to be endorsed by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who has spoken fearlessly about the dangers of radical Islam from her own experience." Advertisement Advertisement Cornyns office pointed to several actions he has taken as senator to push back on Sharia Law in the U.S., including recently Introducing the Defeat Sharia Law in America Act, which the office said aims to clarify that discriminating based on Sharia Law is a violation of the Civil Rights Act, co-sponsoring the No Sharia Act, which it said prohibits U.S. courts from enforcing foreign laws or judgments that violate the Constitution and calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate "EPIC Ranches City" in Texas, a master-planned development that allegedly marketed itself as a Muslims-only community. In 2025, Cornyn also introduced legislation to strip the tax-exempt status from organizations that provide material support to designated terrorist groups, specifically targeting CAIR. He also co-sponsored the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act, which directs the Secretary of State to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. "For many years now, I have worked to confront this radical ideology, from working to ban Sharia Law, to identifying, arresting and prosecuting terrorist organizations, and calling on the DOJ to investigate the EPIC City development," Cornyn said. "I will continue to protect Texans from the threat of radical Islamic ideology anywhere in our country." Texas Republicans Launch 'Sharia Free America Caucus' Aimed At Defending 'Western Civilization' People arrive at a mosque to attend Friday prayers, in Plano, Texas, on April 11, 2025. Alis endorsement comes just over two weeks until the GOP's primary election day in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn, a high-ranking Senate Republican, has also been endorsed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee as well as the National Border Patrol Council. Meanwhile, Paxton, who has served as the top attorney for Texas since 2015, was recently endorsed by Turning Point Action, the political arm of the late Charlie Kirks Turning Point USA. Hunt, a U.S. Army veteran, has been endorsed by Veterans for America First. Both Paxton and Hunt have also spoken out against Sharia Law in Texas. Paxton sued CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, seeking to shut them down and bar their operations in Texas. He also sued the developers behind EPIC as well, arguing they violated Texas securities law by selling investment interests without proper registration and by failing to verify accredited investor status as required. Hunt has said Sharia law is "completely incompatible with the founding principles of the United States of America" and argued it should have no place in U.S. legal or civic systems. Advertisement Advertisement Texas Democrat Feud Grows As Colin Allred Claims James Talarico Made Offensive Remark About Family, Campaigns Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) questions former Special Counsel Jack Smith as he testifies during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. State Representative James Talarico, a Democrat from Texas and US Senate candidate, during a debate at the 2026 Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Georgetown, Texas, US, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. All three Republican candidates have touted their support for Trump and their records of supporting his agenda in their respective offices. Trump recently told reporters that he may weigh in on the primary race soon, saying, "Im giving it a very serious look." "You know, my problem is Im friendly with all of them. I like all of them, all three," Trump said. "But youll be seeing soon," he went on. "They say whoever I endorse wins. Thats probably right." Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App Whichever Republican emerges victorious from the primary election will face off against either leading Democratic voice Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, or progressive rising star state Rep. James Talarico. According to Paxtons office, Ali will appear at a campaign roundtable with religious leaders in North Texas later this week. Original article source: Sharia law victim who fled Somalia issues endorsement in critical Senate race Sundays performance art demonstration aimed at passersby The weather finally cooperated. From noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, local protesters from Indivisible North Coast Oregon lined Marine Drive from 16th to 20th streets holding a silent performance art demonstration called Signs of Fascism. The event had originally been scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 but pouring rain doused the effort. This time, under a nearly cloudless, blue sky, the sun shone down on the organizations volunteers who held up signs in silence as cars drove past, most honking approval. Others revved engines in disapproval, giving the sign holders a thumbs down or middle finger. One was heard calling out: commies. Advertisement Advertisement The demonstration was modeled after a marketing campaign popularized by Burma Shave. The company created road signs that dotted U.S. highways from coast to coast, most ubiquitously during the 40s, 50s and 60s. The signs, which were spaced a few miles apart, told a rhyming, witty story with a punchline at the end. On Sunday, people held up 22 signs, spaced yards instead of miles apart. Participants wore black and were asked by organizers to remain silent and maintain neutral expressions. They held the demonstration for two hours, in two shifts of 1-hour sign-holding volunteers. The sayings on the signs, such as: Labeling Minorities As Enemies, Using Military On Civilians and Shooting Peaceful Protesters, were references to actions historically associated with authoritarian governments, according to INCO officials. Included at the bottom of each sign was the line: This Is Fascism. All of the signs were black with white lettering, except for the last sign at the end of the demonstration. It was white with black lettering and said: Our Grandparents Fought Fascism Will You? Bruce Williams with INCO was the events main organizer. He said he got the idea from social media. I saw an Instagram video of it being done somewhere and was immediately captured by how effective and moving it is, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The demonstration was not blasted out on social media to call for participants because this time organizers did not want crowds of people with signs of their own that might have unintentionally diluted their message. Weve asked that only the sign holders be at the demonstration so as to not distract from the serious problem were trying make as clear as possible, Williams said. A somber atmosphere was to be included as part of the performance art, meant not only to give the moment gravity, Williams said, but also to make a statement that shouting or making noise was not necessary. We believe that raising awareness is a form of civic responsibility, and were committed to doing it peacefully and respectfully, said Williams. Our volunteers show up in silence because the facts speak for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement INCO leader Laurie Caplan agreed. People across our community are worried about the direction of the country, she said. This demonstration gives voice to that concern without saying a word. One of the sign holders, Lynn McConnell, said she volunteered because she felt compelled to participate. Im here today on Marine Drive because I asked myself the question: what would a patriot do in these interesting and challenging days and times? Im proud to be part of Indivisible here on the North Coast and were proud to oppose authoritarianism and promote democracy. Susan Woolliscroft was there as one of the events designated safety volunteers. She wore a flourescent vest, carried a two-way radio and had been trained in deescalation. In addition to helping folks cross the street safely, she was also on hand to help with any medical emergencies that might arise. And to deescalate if we do have anybody who is becoming aggressive towards us, she said. Woolliscroft received deescalation training through the American Civil Liberties Union and the Indivisible organization. Advertisement Advertisement We get together and we actually do role-play, she said, so we know how to be able to engage with people if we must engage and how to do it in a way thats gonna keep people calm. Some of the tactics include making sure that you keep a low voice and that you maintain a distance from yourself and other people, she said. Williams said he hopes people who saw the demonstration read and absorbed the words on the signs. When taken all together, its unmistakable that the end goal of this administration is a fascist state, or at very least, an authoritarian government. Williams said the signs volunteers held up on Sunday will be used again in similar demonstrations planned for Long Beach, Wash., as well as Seaside, Neah-Kah-Nie and Scappoose and other Indivisible groups along the Oregon coast. The signs are simple, said Caplan, but the emotions behind them are real: fear, determination, and a deep love for our democracy and our country. Nearly 5,000 people have left Richmond County over the last 14 years, but theres a new push to give neighbors a reason to stay: data center jobs. Amazon announced last year its building a data center and making major investments into the community, and thats catching the attention of people like Emily Harris. Its hard, its slim pickings out here, like youre either going to work at a restaurant or a factory, Harris told Channel 9s Gina Esposito. Advertisement Advertisement Born and raised in Rockingham, Harris is looking for a fresh start with Amazon. We met the mother of five at a job fair hosted by Amazon and its subcontractors last week at Richmond Community College. RELATED >> Construction begins on $10B Amazon project in Richmond County The job fair drew in dozens of people, including students studying HVAC and construction trades. Army veteran Gary Norton told Channel 9 he just enrolled in Amazons fiber splicing class at the school, its the most sought-after skillset for a data center. Its really going to bring a lot of life to Rockingham, because theres not enough of places around there that have that type of technical and that scale, Norton said. Advertisement Advertisement Richmond Community College already offers classes in trades like HVAC, electrical utility, and construction. Those are skills Amazon wants for job seekers. Were excited to partner with Amazon and be able to hopefully provide some workforce to them and give our local citizens opportunities for great-paying jobs with a good company, said Brent Barbee, president of Richmond Community College. The company is also paying for students who enroll in the fiber splicing class. There are about 2,000 temporary jobs up for grabs, and 60% of those are in electrical. People are needed for the massive data center being built, and its about the size of 20 Walmarts. Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Jolly, a data center cluster operations leader, is one of the workers wheeling in equipment that will fill the new data center off Airport Road. He also operates other data centers, including one in northern Virginia. Ive seen the difference in the local area. Loudon County has, over the past several years, lowered property taxes twice because of the data center industry, Jolly said. Amazon says the growth also has a ripple effect on other industries. North Carolina is just starting, but we have seen whole ecosystems created. You need the hotels to house the incoming construction workers. You need catering services for all of the food that needs to feed all of the people on site, said Mariana Holiday, principal workforce development leader with Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement All of that isnt there yet, which is a current challenge. County leaders told Esposito in October they expect Amazons investment to triple their tax base. Developers have already expressed interest, and Amazon has made investments, already. Just last week, the company provided $200,000 in grants to 28 local organizations. Harris hopes she will also feel the impact. Change my life, yes, Im all for change, Harris said. On top of the 2,000 temporary jobs, Amazon plans to hire 500 permanent positions. Richmond Community College says its plans to include more information on those opportunities on its website. (VIDEO: Neighbors share concerns about new data center in York County) The war in neighbouring Ukraine feels distant to many in the Slovak city of Nitra but the local council is preparing for the worst and revamping its Cold War-era nuclear fallout shelters. Which says much about how the frontline Central European nation -- which has so far been spared the Russian drones that sparked air raid alerts in Poland and Moldova -- sees the war just over its eastern border. Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and opposes sending military aid to Ukraine, insists Slovaks have nothing to fear from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement But with the war uncomfortably close to home, his government has vowed to double the capacity of the shelters. Like many in Nitra, a five-hour drive from the Ukrainian border, businessman Mario Papek doesn't think there is much to worry about. "The war is in Ukraine, not here," the 51-year-old told AFP, echoing Fico's reassuring pro-Kremlin rhetoric. However, every year since Ukraine was invaded in 2022, the city council has been repairing and refurbishing its 17 shelters, with the city planning to spend 40,000 euros ($47,500) this year. The money so far spent is a drop in the bucket compared to sums needed to make the shelters fully operational. Advertisement Advertisement - Worry over war in Ukraine - It "wasn't a priority" before, city hall spokesman Tomas Holubek said. But "after the conflict started there was a bit of panic and people started thinking about what they would do" if the war came to Slovakia. Designed as airtight retreats able to withstand chemical and biological attacks, many of Nitra shelters have "obsolete ventilation and electrical wiring", civil protection officer Dalibor Bubinak told AFP. The water supply is also below par, he said, speaking from a dilapidated shelter in the basement of a retirement home. "None is in a technical condition fit to protect residents from hazardous substances," Bubinak said. Advertisement Advertisement Slovakia has around 1,500 such shelters that could take 250,000 people, according to the interior ministry. A quarter of them are in the capital, Bratislava, in the far west of the country on the border with Austria. After the fall of Communism in the former Czechoslovakia in 1989, the state gradually handed some of the shelters over to municipalities, businesses or homeowners. Some were converted into bars or cultural venues, others were abandoned. - 'Mouldy walls' - "No one knew if they would ever be used again... They were a dead investment," said Tomas Sliacan, head of a group monitoring the state of the shelters. Advertisement Advertisement But last month the government pledged to "increase the current shelter capacity by 100 percent" as part of its new security strategy and to "raise public awareness and preparedness levels". Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok criticised the terrible state of the shelters with their "mouldy walls, broken doors and obsolete ventilation" when he announced an audit in May 2025. He said at least 30 percent of Slovaks -- some 1.7 million people -- should have access to shelters by 2040 and suggested the European Union could help pay. Slovakia, which joined the EU and NATO in 2004, has spent two percent of its GDP on defence since the invasion -- in line with NATO guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement But the central bank expects that to fall below the target this year, with many blaming austerity and rifts within Fico's ruling coalition over defence spending and aid to Ukraine. - 'Protect the family' - With government funds lacking, some Slovaks are building their own shelters "to protect their families". Peter Bako -- whose NSA SR company supplies safety rooms for about 7,900 euros to underground reinforced-concrete shelters for 45,000 euros -- told AFP that demand had "increased by around 75 percent annually since 2022". "If civil protection in Slovakia were at the level of the Scandinavian countries or Switzerland, private companies like ours wouldn't have much room in the market," he added. Advertisement Advertisement The private shelters are not registered as there is "no duty to report" them, the interior ministry told AFP. Most people AFP talked to in Nitra had no idea where the nearest shelter was. "I haven't really looked into it," said retired doctor Zuzana Nurgasova, while retired university professor Vladimir Popelka said he never felt threatened enough "to look for a place to hide". pv-oaa/frj/fg/gil A powerful storm is hammering the West Coast, dumping flooding rain across Southern California and unleashing feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada, forcing major highway closures and bringing travel to a dangerous standstill. AccuWeather meteorologists are tracking three storms lined up to sweep across the western United States this week, with the first that already caused widespread damage and disruptions on Monday and Tuesday. Severe thunderstorms roared across parts of Central and Southern California with damaging wind gusts, hail and even the potential for a brief tornado spinup in Fresno County. San Diego storm water pump foreman Joaquin Lopez clears debris out of a backed-up storm drain on a flooded Mission Beach street during a rain storm on Feb. 16, 2026, in San Diego, CA. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images) In Santa Barbara County, strong winds toppled a large tree onto Highway 101 south of Fairview Avenue, shutting down lanes and snarling traffic. A large eucalyptus tree knocked down by winds on Highway 101 south of Fairview Ave in Santa Barbara County, California, on Feb. 16, 2026. (Image credit: Santa Barbara County Fire Department) In Fresno County, a reported tornado tore part of the roof off a Cal Fire station in Tranquility, according to local reports. Crews were out on a call at the time, and no injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Heavy rain quickly triggered flooding and debris flows. Coastal and valley communities picked up 1 to 2.5 inches of rain on Monday, while foothill and mountain areas received up to 5 inches. By the end of the week, storm totals could approach 9 inches in some areas, raising the threat of additional flash flooding and mudslides. Dozens of roads were impacted across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including sections of the Pacific Coast Highway, due to mud and debris. SR-27 REMAINS CLOSED From PCH to Grand View Drive, due to impacts from Monday's storm & tonight's forecast/flood watch. Motorists should plan an alternate route for Wednesday's commute. : Crews clearing debris Tuesday. More: https://t.co/8Dc5P4eHC8 \ pic.twitter.com/v4Xt4b4arQ Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) February 18, 2026 The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) shut down all lanes of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) between Grand View Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. The Pacific Coast Highway was also closed north of Porto Marina Way. Flooding temporarily blocked Interstate 5 near Valencia Boulevard. Feet of snow falls across Sierra contributing to deadly avalanche Conditions worsened in the Sierra Nevada, where extreme snowfall has made travel treacherous to nearly impossible. As of Wednesday, parts of the Sierra have recorded feet of snow, including more than 5 feet in Palisades and Homewood. Emergency crews received reports of the avalanche in the Castle Peak area of Truckee around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. (Photo Credit: Facebook/Nevada County Sheriff's Office via CNN Newsource) The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reported nearly 70 inches or 5.5 feet of snow over three days, with another 2 to 3 feet possible through Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Eight backcountry skiers died, and a ninth is still missing, after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday amid the heavy snow, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. Six other injured skiers were rescued. The USDA forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest told CNN the avalanche spanned about a football field's length of the mountain. Tourists are seen during heavy snow as winter storm warning issued at Yosemite National Park, California, on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Snowfall at Yosemite National Park closed parts of Big Oak Flat Road on Tuesday and Wawoma Road was closed due to fallen trees. Caltrans closed portions of Interstate 80 at the Nevada state line on Monday after multiple spinouts and crashes. Both directions over Donner Summit were later shut down because of dangerous winter weather. Traffic at a standstill on Interstate 80 near Donner Summit, California, on Feb. 16, 2026. (Image credit: CalTrans) By early Tuesday, Interstate 80 reopened with chain controls in effect, but additional closures are possible as the storm intensifies. Advertisement Advertisement Through Wednesday, 8 to 12 feet of snow is forecast in the high country of the Sierra Nevada. Whiteout conditions, avalanche danger and prolonged highway shutdowns are likely as the powerful winter storm continues. Officials in California and Nevada are urging drivers to avoid mountain travel unless absolutely necessary. A South Shore police officer who was placed on leave after his arrest in connection with a crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian faced a judge on Tuesday. Thomas Hayes, a 36-year-old member of the Hanover Police Department, was arraigned in Brockton District Court on charges of motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident following personal injury or death in the death of 23-year-old Alfredo Alves, according to Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. Hayes was held on $15,000 bail and ordered not to operate any motor vehicles as a condition of his release. Advertisement Advertisement Officers responding to the intersection of Battles and Cross streets early Monday morning found an unresponsive man, later identified as Alves, lying in a snowbank, authorities said. Alves was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. After the shooting, a witness in the vehicle that struck Alves voluntarily reported to the Brockton Police Department and identified Hayes as the driver of a 2022 Ford Explorer involved in the crash, according to prosecutors. He was off-duty at the time of the incident. Police say Hayes Explorer had windshield damage consistent with a crash involving a pedestrian and that investigators recovered surveillance video showing the vehicle driving in Brockton before the crash. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Hanover Police Chief Timothy Kane announced that Hayes had been placed on leave, saying, We hold our officers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. Accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining the publics trust...The Hanover Police Department remains committed to serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Hayes was arrested at his home without incident. He is due back in court on March 31. State police are assisting Brockton police with an investigation into the crash. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SpaceX is set to do something different with its next Starlink mission: this rocket launch from Florida will head off on a rare flight path, a sort of tropical getaway. The Feb. 18 liftoff comes just days after an early Monday Starlink launch, which took off just as thunderstorms moved off the Space Coast, showcasing SpaceX's quick turnaround time from the same launch pad. Launch of this Falcon 9 rocket is set for no earlier than 5 p.m. Wednesday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Upon liftoff, the rocket will travel on a southeast trajectory and down the Florida coast letting off a loud rumble as it soars to space, sailing in the direction of the Bahamas. Advertisement Advertisement The launch is the company's next batch of 29 Starlink internet satellites, referred to as Starlink 10-36. As typical with Starlink launches, SpaceX has a four-hour window to make the Wednesday launch if needed. When is the next Florida rocket launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA launch schedule in Florida Brevard County doesn't need to worry about sonic booms, as the rocket's first stage will come down off the coast of the Bahamas and onto the Just Read the Instructions drone ship. However, SpaceX warned people in the Bahamas may hear a sonic boom if weather conditions are just right. This is due to the booster speeding back from space faster than sound before slowing to a nice Caribbean landing. Depending on weather conditions, this sets up for a rare show over Florida and the Bahamas. This mission marks only the second time SpaceX has landed a booster this far south. The last time a Falcon 9 launched from Florida took this path was on Feb. 18, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement After the tropical landing, SpaceX will bring the booster-carrying drone ship back to Port Canaveral, where it will be fetched and refurbished for its next launch. The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will provided live updates beginning 90 minutes before liftoff at FloridaToday.com/Space. Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch in Florida to aim for booster landing near Bahamas A so Florida thing to do is coming up: A Falcon 9 rocket will shoot up into the sky, sending a batch of internet satellites into orbit. If all goes according to plan, it'll be another successful Starlink mission for SpaceX and it's possible people viewing the rocket launch live outside can see it whiz by. Launch tentatively is set for the evening of Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. A previous launch window was Wednesday, Feb. 18 (see below). Rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 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. Friends north of us in Volusia County or south of us on Florida's Treasure Coast can, too, depending on weather, cloud cover and launch trajectory. Sometimes, a rocket launch in Cape Canaveral can be seen as far south as West Palm Beach. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Is there a rocket launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA launch schedule in Florida 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). For questions or comments, email our 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 in Florida? Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026: SpaceX Starlink 10-36 Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 will lift 29 Starlink broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch window : 6:42 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. A previous window was Wednesday, Feb. 18. Launch trajectory: Southeast Launch location: Launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida Sonic booms for the Space Coast of Florida (Titusville, Merritt Island, Melbourne area): 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. For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Live weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch? Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando and other parts of Florida. This radar comes in handy if you're outside watching the launch and need real-time weather The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache. Where to watch SpaceX Florida rocket launch from Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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) Where to watch a rocket launch in Vero Beach area of Florida Sebastian Inlet State Park , 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida (cost to enter) Wabasso Beach Park , 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso, Florida Ambersands Beach Park , 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach, Florida (free parking) South Beach Park , 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, Florida (free parking) Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, Florida Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach, Florida Where to watch a rocket launch in Fort Pierce area of Florida Fort Pierce Inlet State Park , 905 Shorewinds Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida Blind Creek Beachside North and South, 5460 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida Blue Heron Beach , 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce, Florida Frederick Douglass Memorial Park , 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida Dollman Park Beachside , 9200 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida Herman's Bay Beach , 7880 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida John Brooks Park Beachside , 3300 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida Middle Cove Beach , 4600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida Normandy Beach in Jensen Beach, Florida Pepper Park Beachside , 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce, Florida Walton Rocks Beach , 6700 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida (dog park) Waveland Beach, 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida Where to watch a rocket launch near Stuart, Florida State Road A1A causeway in Stuart, Florida House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart, Florida Where to see Florida rocket launch in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach area In Volusia County, immediately north of Brevard County home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station you can get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch. The best views to watch a rocket launch from here are along the beach. Look due south. Recommended spots: Advertisement Advertisement South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore) Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Bethune Beach is 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and one mile north of the Apollo Beach entrance to Canaveral National Seashore Park. Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach). Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida's East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County. To access Apollo Beach, take Interstate 95 to exit 249, then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A. Follow SR A1A south to the park entrance. Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County. Advertisement Advertisement Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road, Oak Hill Seminole Rest national historic site, 211 River Road, Oak Hill Riverbreeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill Mary Dewees Park, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill Nancy Cummings Park, 232 Cummings St., Oak Hill Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill A.C. Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier, 243 River Road, Oak Hill Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (see above) Rose Bay in Port Orange, Florida Advertisement Advertisement beaches along New Smyrna Beach, Florida New Smyrna Beach Inlet, New Smyrna Beach lifeguard station Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona Beach, Florida Ormond-by-the-Sea in Ormond Beach, Florida George R. Kennedy Memorial Park in Edgewater, Florida (This story was updated with new information.) Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch in Florida. What time is Cape Canaveral liftoff? Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Spanish authorities plan to investigate social media giants X, Meta and TikTok over the distribution of child sex abuse materials on their respective social media platforms, the government announced Tuesday. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said there is a pending investigation by state prosecutors into the alleged spread of artificial intelligence-generated material. "These platforms are jeopardizing the mental health, dignity and rights of our sons and daughters," Sanchez said in a translated post on X. Advertisement Advertisement "The state cannot allow this," he said. "The impunity of the giants must end." The Spanish government said it is looking at options for holding tech firms accountable for "potential criminal liability of increasingly widespread practices in the digital environment, such as the generation and dissemination of sexual content and child sexual abuse through deepfakes and the manipulation of real images to create others with explicit sexual content, thereby undermining the dignity of the victims," as reported by The Guardian. A recently produced report suggested that social media platforms enable the creation and rapid distribution of offensive content that enables their makers to elude detection and potential criminal prosecution. Meanwhile, the respective social media sites profit from such activities, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez said Spain's Council of Ministers will invoke Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Public Ministry to ask it to investigate the alleged crimes that the three tech firms might be committing via the creation and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse materials using their respective AI tools. The Spanish probe into the social media giants arose after French authorities raided X's offices in Paris over similar accusations, but X officials there have denied any wrongdoing. X recently added Grok AI, which is the creation of Elon Musk's xAI artificial intelligence company. Musk also owns X. TikTok offers AI tools, while Meta AI is integrated into Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp platforms. Advertisement Advertisement The issue raises the matter of free speech laws in the European Union and the United States. Ireland's Data Protection Commission is among European regulatory bodies leading the European Commission's inquiry into X over the use of the Grok AI tool to generate deepfake and sexualized images of real people, including children. The investigation is to determine if X is complying with European laws regarding personal data and how algorithms might protect lawbreakers. Winters grip is holding on tight over the Northern Tier as the FOX Forecast Center is tracking yet another round of snow, even ice and freezing rain through Thursday. The complex system will span over 1,000 miles, bringing dangerous snow and icing from the Plains to New England this week. Blizzard Warnings are now in effect in Montana and the Arrowhead of Minnesota, where snow and wind will have a significant impact in the Northern Plains. Advertisement Advertisement In the Northeast, snow will fall along and generally north of I-90, including Boston. Just south of the snow, an even narrower region of icing may be a concern. Light Snow Moves Across Northeast, Minor Travel Issues Possible After Severe Storms In The South A strong system will develop in the West before racing across the Northern Tier. It should take shape in the Northern Rockies on Tuesday, strengthen across the Northern Plains, and track toward the Great Lakes. The FOX Forecast Center said the storm will likely be unusually intense for February. The storm will have plenty of fuel, drawing in unusually high moisture for this time of year from both a Pacific surge moving in from the Southwest and additional moisture from the Gulf of America. Advertisement Advertisement 'Significant And Dangerous' Storm To Unleash Severe Weather, Flooding Threat For Southern California As it intensifies, northern Minnesota and North Dakota will be in a favorable position for heavy snow Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with the heaviest snow expected north of I-94, near the international border, where up to 8 inches is likely. Strong winds expected to exceed 40 mph have already prompted Blizzard Warnings for eastern Montana and the Arrowhead of Minnesota. FILE - Two people pushed through the snow and wind in Canal Park in Duluth, MN to check out the waves and severe flooding during the snow storm on Saturday, November 30, 2019. The FOX Forecast Center is calling the Arrowhead of Minnesota the "big winner" for this storm, as the orographic lift will enhance snowfall as southeast winds will pull moisture from Lake Superior over the Misquah Hills. Advertisement Advertisement This setup could result in up to 18 inches of snow in just two days. Significant Storms Unfolding In The West Coast With Extreme Double-digit Feet Of Mountain Snow, Heavy Rain Just south of the snow, a narrow corridor of freezing rain will set up. A glaze could make travel dangerous from extreme northeast North Dakota, through northern Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, upstate New York and into New England. By Wednesday, the system should begin to weaken as it spreads wintry precipitation into the Northeast. In the morning, the narrow swath of moisture will move eastward from the Great Lakes before exiting the New England coast by Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Significant snowfall accumulations will be largely confined to elevations above 1,000 feet or areas where intense dynamic cooling can overcome above-freezing surface temperatures, according to the FOX Forecast Center, with the most significant totals expected from Upstate New York into western Vermont. How To Watch Fox Weather In the Boston metro area, snow will likely arrive on Wednesday night, with a few inches possible before the system clears out prior to Thursdays sunrise. Original article source: Sprawling winter storm stretching 1,000+ miles to bring dangerous snow and ice across Northern Tier Only Action News Jax spoke with a group of neighbors who are members of the St. Augustine Shores HOA, claiming their board is ignoring both issues in their community and some of their own duties. Gina Schultz told us she has tried multiple times to contact the board over damage to North Holiday Lake for weeks and hasnt received any answers. Emails continually go unanswered. No information is provided, Schultz said. Advertisement Advertisement Donna Coates, who lives by the lake, showed Action News Jax pictures she took of dead birds and fish now visible on the lakes surface. Coates claims they started appearing because of weeks of rapid draining from the lake caused by the initial damage to the dam. It smells rotten, said Coates, maybe we shouldnt have invested here if [the board] is not going to be able to take care of it. A source from St. Augustine Shores told Action News Jax that the dam along the lake is now undergoing repairs, but only after they claim neighbors called the county last week because the HOA board supposedly did not take any action to address the damage. This isnt the first issue some neighbors have had in the community. They also brought to our attention a complaint filed with St. Johns County last year, which we located through court documents. Those documents also show that the HOA board, at the time, had work done to the neighborhoods clubhouse in 2023 that was both unpermitted and completed by an unlicensed contractor. Advertisement Advertisement During a recent HOA board meeting, one of the community neighbors shared concerns regarding whether the current board members had completed their legally required annual hours of training. Florida law says that, for an HOA board representing a community as large as St. Augustine Shores, all of its directors are required to complete 8 hours of annual training, or continuing education. A neighbor in St. Augustine Shores shared with Action News Jax a list of certifications, provided to them by the HOA, which show that only two of the six directors of the board fully completed their required hours in 2025. Some neighbors, like Schultz and Coates, told us they love living in the community, but believe a lot of work needs to be done to improve it if they are going to feel more confident about living there long-term. It seems like our HOA, that our investment is in, isnt holding up their end of the job that weve elected them for, Coates said. Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax reached out to the board of directors for the St. Augustine Shores HOA to ask for a response for the claims and complaints made by neighbors in the community, including whether board directors had completed their legally-required training hours. A spokesperson for the board told us that they had no comment at this time. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Nearly three weeks after 4-year-old Axel Hernandez was killed by his father during a murder-suicide in Greece, child rights advocates across New York State are voicing their concerns about a potential lack of protections for children in custody disputes. Similar to Axel, 2-year-old Kyra Franchetti of Long Island was killed by her father in a murder-suicide in 2016. Since then, Kyras mother Jacqueline Franchetti has urged state lawmakers to pass legislation to prevent other children from being victimized. This happens so often, and we can change that with Kyras Law, Franchetti said. Advertisement Advertisement Kyras Law has been in discussion by elected officials for nearly a decade. If passed, it would require a full review of any allegations of domestic violence or abuse towards a child before granting custody or visitation to a parent. It would also require state judges to undergo additional training on how to handle domestic violence cases. Our judges are not properly skilled nor are they properly trained when it comes to assessing what are life and death situations, Franchetti said. These are only a few of the many changes Kyras Law proposes to current custody proceedings in New York State. In the past, opponents of the bill have cited concerns with the upfront cost of providing state judges with additional training. Those against Kyras Law also worry about the concept of taking away a parents right to be with their child on the sole basis of an accusation. Advertisement Advertisement Kyras Law passed the Senate in June but failed in the Assembly. Its now in review by the Judiciary Committee. Franchetti plans to keep fighting for Kyras Law until it is passed. These child homicides should not happen, Franchetti said. They are 100% preventable and we need the New York State Assembly to step up now. In the meantime, local advocates for domestic violence victims at The Willow Center are taking steps to prevent what happened to Axel from happening to other children. Willow President and CEO Megan de Chateauvieux explained one safeguard called the danger assessment, which the center is working with local law enforcement to implement. During the assessment, law enforcement partners would be required to ask certain questions to community members when responding to domestic violence-related calls. Advertisement Advertisement Have there been threats against you and your children? Is there a lethal weapon available in the home? Have you experienced particular kinds of incidents? de Chateauvieux said. I think that those questions help us get to the root of when a survivor might be in real danger for their lives. On Thursday, News 8 spoke with Alexis Hernandez, Axels mother. Hernandez said she spoke with a MCSO deputy the day before her son was killed and expressed concerns for her sons safety. A spokesperson for MCSO confirmed with News 8 last week that theyre investigating if that call couldve been handled differently. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. As of Thursday, Feb. 13, candidates for state offices who have picked up papers and filed for the August primary ballot include (incumbents are denoted with an asterisk) not filed means the candidate has not yet returned their papers: U.S. House of Representatives - 6th District congressional Lore Bergman, Democrat Mike Croley, not filed, Democrat State of Tennessee Senate, 15th District *Paul Bailey State of Tennessee House of Representatives, 25th District Advertisement Advertisement *Cameron Sexton, not filed, Republican Monica Mowdy, Democrat Democratic State Executive Committeeman 15th District None Democratic State Executive Committeewoman 15th District Sara Kruszka *Anne Ferrell Quillen, not filed Republican State Executive Committeeman 15th District *Mike Callahan Republican State Executive Committeewoman 15th District *Linda Clark Candidates seeking to run for office in the state primary have until March 10 to file their qualifying paperwork with the election commission. The qualifying deadline is at noon. President Donald Trump has made it quite clear how he feels about state laws that aim to make fossil fuel companies pay for damages caused by climate change. An executive order issued in April compared these efforts known as climate superfund laws to extortion. The administration has since sued New York and Vermont, the two states with these measures on the books. This hostility, however, has not stopped a growing number of state legislatures from taking up their own climate superfund proposals. Last month, legislative committees in Maine and New Jersey advanced bills. Lawmakers in Illinois, Oregon, and Rhode Island are also considering such legislation. Connecticut lawmakers plan to add their state to the list. Why do the proposals continue to multiply despite steadfast federal opposition? Because the law and the science are both on their side, proponents say. And because its just fair. Advertisement Advertisement Climate superfund laws are based on the principle that if you make a mess, you clean it up, said Jamie Flynn, a visiting fellow at the Conservation Law Foundation. Its kindergarten-level ethics. States, municipalities, and tribal governments have tried a variety of strategies for holding oil and gas companies responsible for the problems created by their products. Some have sued, accusing fossil fuel interests of deceiving the public or investors by concealing the hazards of burning hydrocarbons. Others have filed antitrust cases, accusing major companies of colluding to dominate the market, leaving customers locked into climate-damaging products. Climate superfund laws take a different, arguably more practical approach, by pointing to very visible storm and flooding impacts, and demanding compensation. While the details vary from state to state, climate superfund bills all have a similar framework. They call for the state to tally up expenses incurred by climate change which could include both recovery costs and protective measures and then to divide the total among major fossil fuel suppliers and start collecting the money. The money collected would alleviate the burden on taxpayers by repaying states for past recovery efforts the cleanup Vermont had to undergo after catastrophic flooding in 2023, for example and by covering future resilience projects, like wetlands restoration. Advertisement Advertisement Taxpayers right now are footing the bill for all of it, said Rhode Island state Rep. Jennifer Boylan, a Democrat, one of the sponsors of the states bill. The folks that are responsible are not contributing, and its just not fair. Opponents which include fossil fuel companies, attorneys general from oil-producing states, and, of course, the Trump administration have deployed several arguments against these laws. The broadest is that these measures interfere with the federal governments attempts to unleash American energy dominance by penalizing fossil fuel companies. Others claim that consumers would see prices go up as a result of the added costs. They also argue that the laws constitute an attempt to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, which has historically been under federal authority. Its also worth noting that superfund laws make sense only if you accept the overwhelming scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are warming the planet and thus leading to more destructive weather. The Trump administration rejects this premise. Last Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency repealed the scientific finding that greenhouse gases are a harm to public health and welfare, which has underpinned the federal governments ability to regulate greenhouse gases for the last 16 years. Advertisement Advertisement Still, lawmakers and advocates behind these bills believe that the law backs them up. Climate superfund laws are modeled on the federal Superfund program, which was established in 1980 to hold corporations financially accountable for cleaning up soil contamination they had caused. The program was challenged repeatedly, but courts upheld the law time and again a precedent that is encouraging to proponents of climate superfund legislation. You can see why this law was attractive when thinking about greenhouse gas emissions and climate, said Kirt Mayland, a visiting professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School. The hope is that courts will provide the same protection as they did for the conventional Superfund. The strength of this approach, he said, is that the laws and bills do not target federally regulated emissions, despite opponents claims. Climate superfund bills focus not on whats happening in the atmosphere but rather on whats happening on the ground: observably flooded towns and storm-damaged businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Opponents have played up concerns that it would be difficult to accurately quantify the contributions greenhouse gases make to climate change and then properly allocate responsibility among multiple parties. Supporters, however, say there are ways to do just that. The Carbon Majors Database is a collection of data about the historic emissions of 178 of the worlds largest oil, gas, coal, and cement producers, including private and public companies as well as entire countries. Using this information, the growing field of attribution science can connect emissions to climate impacts and even, in some cases, to specific storms, heat waves, or other extreme weather events, said Carly Phillips, a research scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. The science is really robust around the magnitude and scope of emissions that can be traced, she said. It really provides a template to answer those kinds of questions. Phillips said that she would welcome engagement and dialogue around the science, but that she is not hearing any good-faith skepticism from opponents. Instead, she sees only a wholesale rejection of attribution science, aimed, she believes, at delaying climate action as long as possible. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuits targeting New York and Vermont will take some time to resolve, and are likely to end up in the U.S. Supreme Court, Mayland said. In the meantime, neither state has yet assessed any charges under the laws. Still, continuing to push these new bills, even in the face of federal and industry hostility, could increase their eventual chances of success, proponents say. In Rhode Island, where climate superfund legislation has been introduced for a second year in a row, lawmakers are learning more about how the proposal works, and the idea is gaining support, Boylan said. Ongoing conversations about the idea will help pave the way for adoption when some of the legal questions are resolved, said Connecticut state Rep. Steve Winter, a Democrat who plans to support his states climate superfund bill. Theres no doubt that legal challenges to Vermont and New Yorks legislation create a cloud of uncertainty, but I dont think that should stop us from advancing the public conversation, he said. Its that important." Indiana is trying to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the trucking industry amid a string of fatal semi-truck crashes and renewed scrutiny from the Trump administration. Lawmakers amended a Bureau of Motor Vehicles bill Feb. 17 to make it a Level 6 felony, punishable by up to two and a half years in prison, to pass off a fake commercial driver's license as genuine and fine the company owner $50,000. The bill would also require commercial vehicle drivers to demonstrate English proficiency, a long-standing federal regulation that President Donald Trump strengthened last year with an executive order directing nonproficient drivers to be placed out of service. House Bill 1200 passed the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee unanimously a few weeks after a semi-truck collided with a passenger van in Jay County, killing four people. The truck driver, a man from Kyrgyzstan, was granted parole by the Biden administration. Under Trump's sweeping immigration policy changes, hundreds of thousands of migrants have had their parole revoked. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration blamed former President Joe Biden and the governor of Pennsylvania, where the man received a license, for the crash. Pennsylvania officials said the man had legal status when he was first issued the license. "These decisions have had deadly consequences and led to the death of four innocent people in Indiana on Tuesday," Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. It's one of several fatal crashes involving undocumented immigrants in the state and follows an immigration enforcement operation last year that resulted in the arrest of 146 undocumented truck drivers in northwest Indiana. The incidents have made the truck driving industry, where nearly a fifth of the workforce are immigrants, a political cudgel for the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. Indiana leaders blame other states Recent crashes across the nation have turned the Trump administration's attention to a few key states it alleges are issuing non-domiciled CDLs commercial truck licenses for people with legal status who are not permanent residents improperly. Advertisement Advertisement That sentiment has been repeated by some Indiana leaders, too. Gary Langston, president of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, said during committee testimony Feb. 17 that the industry has been "ravaged" by bad actors. "States like California and New York and some other states are handing (commercial drivers' licenses) out like they're in a Pez dispenser," Langston said. U.S. Sen. Jim Banks has also been laser-focused on the incidents. The Republican senator has addressed the crashes in Congress and launched a tip line in February to report suspected illegal activity in the trucking industry. Advertisement Advertisement "THIS HAS TO STOP! We have to get illegal truckers off our roads NOW," he wrote in an X post in February. But while the Trump administration has publicly threatened to pull funding from California, New York, Pennsylvania and Minnesota after discovering issues with the states' systems, it opted to be more discrete with other problem states, like Texas, South Dakota, Colorado and Washington, by sending a letter instead. There have been 117 large trucks involved in fatal crashes reported in 2025 and 2026 in Indiana, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data. During that time period, there have been at least three fatal crashes involving undocumented immigrants: the four deaths in the February crash, the November 2025 death of Indiana National Guardsman Terry Frye in a three-car crash that included a Georgian national and the death of a 54-year-old man in Portage when a man from Serbia and Montenegro struck his vehicle in October 2025. Though HB 1200 passed with full support, Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, expressed some hesitancy on adding a felony charge, though he agreed with the need to send a message about complying with the law. The bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate but will need the originating chamber to agree with its changes for final passage. Advertisement Advertisement Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana readies for crackdown on immigrant truckers after fatal crashes Shame on legislators for criticizing students, teachers for protests Yesterday (2/12) when leaving the Adult Living Center on Rockwell, I saw that students at Putnam City North High School were orderly and respectfully protesting ICE. My thought was what a good lesson in Civics for these students. Civics is a topic which gets little attention in the school system anymore. But here was a chance for students to understand that as citizens we have a right to express our opinions of the government and to the government. And yet our state legislators (mostly Republicans) wanted to criticize the students and the educators who they assume provoked the activity. Shame on each of those legislators. Do they not have more important things to deal with than demanding the (Oklahoma State) Department of Education fully investigate how this happened and were teachers or administrative staff involved, even discussing the enforcement of strict disciplinary measures, including certificate revocation, where violations are confirmed? Do our legislators think this such an investigation and disciplinary action is the most important item on the education agenda after they let Ryan Walters run (amok) for over a year? I think the legislators are teaching our students the wrong concept. Our state legislators need to attend to their real job. Linda Knecht, Edmond More: Republicans pushing to punish teachers over student walkouts against ICE Schools can teach citizenship without becoming political stages Student walkouts are nothing new. Every generation believes its moment is urgent, its cause justified and its voice necessary. That instinct shouldnt be dismissed outright. But neither should we pretend that pulling students out of class during instructional hours is harmless or sustainable for schools that already struggle to meet basic academic goals. Advertisement Advertisement There is a better path one rooted in the traditional purpose of public education: teaching young people how to think, not what to think. If students feel strongly about an issue, schools should not default to punishment or suppression. Instead, they should channel that energy into structured, on-campus demonstrations organized by students themselves, with faculty present only as guides. The goal would not be activism for one side or another, but learning: how to research an issue, how to present arguments respectfully, how to listen, and how to participate in civic life without disrupting the institution that exists to educate them. This matters. Schools are not political battlegrounds. They are training grounds for citizenship. There is a meaningful difference between staff promoting a cause, and staff encouraging students to explore civic participation in a non-partisan way. Advertisement Advertisement The first crosses a professional line. The second fulfills a core educational mission. Teachers should never organize protests for students or steer them toward specific political conclusions. But they can, and should, help students understand how democratic societies function. An on-campus, student-organized demonstration scheduled outside core instructional disruption and conducted under clear expectations can serve as a practical civics lesson. Students learn planning, communication, public speaking and respectful disagreement. They see firsthand that civic engagement isnt chaos; it requires discipline, structure and accountability. David Myers, Oklahoma City We want to hear from you What do you think about student protests and walkouts: Are they good teaching tools? Send your responses to yourviews@oklahoman.com. Please include your name and hometown. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Are student protests political stunts or good civics lesson? | Letters Ohio Universitys regional campuses are expanding study abroad and experiential learning opportunities, giving students more ways to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Through the university's Go Global program, students are participating in a variety of international and community-based activities, according to a community announcement. These experiences are designed to enhance cultural awareness and professional readiness. More: Community health worker grads bring new skills to Ohio care Advertisement Advertisement Interest in these programs has grown in recent years, driven by an increase in available options, sponsorship support and a university-wide focus on experiential learning. Experiential learning has become a powerful pathway for our regional campus students, Lewatis McNeal, vice provost of regional higher education, said in the announcement. These opportunities are opening doors for students to gain hands-on experience, build confidence and see how their academic work translates into the world beyond campus. Go Global offers several trips Recent study abroad programs have included a Costa Rica Social Work trip, where students examined social welfare systems, community health initiatives and sustainability efforts. They engaged directly with local organizations and communities to understand how social services operate in different cultural, economic and political contexts. Ohio Universitys regional campuses also offered an education-focused study abroad experience in Panama, where students explored teaching practices, educational systems and cultural contexts. This program allowed students to observe classrooms, engage with educators and apply educational theory in a global setting. Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Universitys Storytelling in Education study away experience in the United Kingdom brought together 11 students from four regional campuses and the Athens campus. Students explored storytelling, childrens literature and teaching practices through academic and cultural experiences in London and Oxford, earning academic credit while building cultural awareness and professional confidence. A ParisLondon study abroad program is scheduled for summer 2026 for communication studies students. The two-week experience will take place July 20Aug. 2, with departure from the United States on July 19. More than 98 students have expressed interest in the program. Classes offered closer to home Experiential learning is not limited to international travel. Students have also pursued immersive domestic opportunities such as the Alternate Spring Break program, an interdisciplinary, service-based experience rooted in community engagement. The performers of Moradokmai Theatre from Bangkok, Thailand, visited OHIO Lancaster for an afternoon filled with Thai artistry, cultural connection and community spirit. Experiential learning at Ohio University also brings global perspectives directly to regional campuses. Advertisement Advertisement This spring, the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool will return to Ohio University Lancaster for a second visit, bringing Thai performance arts, music and cultural storytelling to students and the broader community. Founded by "Kru Chang," Mr. Janaprakal Chandruang, Moradokmai is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Thailands cultural legacy while empowering young artists through an innovative homeschool model, according to the announcement. The visit provides an immersive educational experience that complements study abroad and classroom learning. Through live performances, demonstrations and interaction with visiting artists, students gain firsthand exposure to Thai culture and global artistic traditions. Learn to speak Thai Students across the regional campuses can now enroll in THAI 1110: Elementary Thai I, a four-credit course available through the regional campuses and eCampus. The course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while grounding language instruction in cultural understanding and cross-cultural communication. For the past three years, Pamela Kaylor, professor of instruction in the School of Communication Studies, and Pittaya Paladroi-Shane, world languages coordinator and associate professor of instruction in Thai and world languages, have collaborated on experiential learning initiatives that link study abroad, language instruction and cultural exchange. Advertisement Advertisement One student already benefiting from expanded access to Thai language instruction is Brianna Colon, a nontraditional student enrolled through a regional campus. Colon is taking Thai coursework to deepen her professional development and cultural connections. A massage therapist, she has studied traditional Thai massage with masters in Thailand and views language learning as essential to building meaningful relationships and understanding cultural context. The online Thai language course has already been very insightful, informational, challenging and fun, Colon said in the announcement. To learn more about Go Global opportunities for Ohio University students, faculty, staff and alumni, go to ohio.edu/goglobal. Advertisement Advertisement This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@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 cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/. This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Study abroad programs grow at OHIO regional campuses DENVER (KDVR) Colorado lawmakers and community leaders are speaking out amid an effort at the Capitol to make Colorado the first state in the U.S. to entirely legalize prostitution. The bill, Senate Bill 26-097, would decriminalize commercial sexual activity among consenting adults and repeals all state laws concerning prostitution, while still criminalizing pimping, human trafficking and pandering that includes menacing or intimidation. The bill argues legalizing prostitution protects sex workers by disincentivizing mistreatment and exploitation, and empowers them to easier report crimes without fear of repercussion from the law. Colorado bill would fully legalize prostitution Advertisement Advertisement It was introduced in the State Senate for consideration last Wednesday, and residents and community leaders are already reacting to the idea. District Attorney George Brauchler, who serves in the 23rd Judicial District in Douglas County, told FOX31s Nicole Fierro that Colorado could turn into Las Vegas if the bill became law. It is difficult to imagine a more unneeded, untimely and reckless bill than this one right now, Brauchler said. If this thing makes it makes it to Polis desk, hes going to have a decision to make. Are we going to turn Colorado into Las Vegas or are we going to keep Colorado good for families? I hope it doesnt get there. But with the backing that this thing has, it could. Prostitution is legal in Nevada, but not Las Vegas, however. Nevada legalized prostitution only within houses of prostitution, or brothels, but some counties, including the county Las Vegas is in, have banned brothels. Advertisement Advertisement Fierro also spoke with one of the bills sponsors, Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, a Democrat from Pueblo, who said Colorados model would follow more closely to New Zealand and Belgium, which have decriminalized prostitution in their countries, rather than Nevada and the Netherlands, which have regulated sex industries. Basically, the approach is saying what happens in the private bedrooms of consenting adults isnt the governments business, and the government will no longer be involved in that, Hinrichsen said. This is not what is the legal framework at all in Nevada or Amsterdam, but it is much more closely aligned with the framework of what the law is in New Zealand and multiple states in Australia and Belgium, where overwhelmingly the data shows that the outcomes are reduce trafficking, reduce violence, better health outcomes, better ability for individuals who are engaged in sex work and wants to leave sex work. Hinrichsen also referenced a 2018 study in the PLOS Medicine journal that found sex workers exposed to repressive police practices had a higher risk of HIV and STIs. It also found criminalization disrupted sex workers support networks, safety strategies and access to health services and justice. Jenelle Goodrich, founder and executive director of From Silenced to Saved, a third party, non-governmental advocacy and case management organization, focused on helping victims of human trafficking, said studies like that, however, refer to international situations rather than domestic human trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement If pimps and traffickers believe that women will no longer have any sort of consequences and neither will the clients that are paying them for sexual activity, then theyre going to very much flock to Colorado to expand their efforts, Goodrich said. Decriminalizing something does not remove the danger or the criminal activity that follows it and the influx of pimps in Denver will absolutely bring more crime. We are privy to respond on scene with law enforcement at the local, state and federal level. So in those moments, those that are recovered have someone there to advocate for them and be by their side. That is not a police officer, Goodrich said. My stance and concerns and strong opposition towards this policy is the fallout of it long term and the amount of victims that will go unseen and unresponded to because of this policy. Goodrich said she opposes this proposed bill for fear of the long-term effects and number of victims who will go unseen. She also spoke about recent situations she responded to when sharing her concerns about this new bill. We have responded on scene for multiple situations just in the past couple of weeks where we knew these women had pimps, we knew they were scared, we knew they were under control and coercion. And their words were, Im fine, hes my boyfriend. Im doing this on my own, Goodrich said. If it is decriminalized. We just send them back out and I dont feel like thats a public safety or doing a service to those that are being harmed. It creates confusion around urgency and resources dedicated to responding and any framework that treats those statements as the end of inquiry. It risks inflating the appearance of consent and reducing detection. 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 FOX31 Denver. The police launched an investigation after a 19-year-old tourist arrived at a hospital in Jerusalem and reported to police she had been sexually assaulted. The Israel Police arrested a foreign tourist at Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday night suspicion of rape and indecent acts, shortly before he was set to flee the country, the police stated. The police launched an investigation after a 19-year-old tourist arrived at a hospital in Jerusalem and reported to police she had been sexually assaulted. Both suspect and victim were on Jewish Agency program According to the report, both the suspect and the victim are part of a Jewish Agency program trip to Israel. The incident allegedly took place in a public bomb shelter in the Kiryat Moriah neighborhood of Jerusalem. Travellers at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 23, 2025. (credit: NATI SHOHAT/FLASH90) Detectives from the Oz Station in the Jerusalem District quickly identified the suspect, a man in his 20s. Investigators discovered he was already traveling to the airport to leave Israel. In a coordinated effort with Ben-Gurion Airport police, the suspect was detained and taken back to the Oz Station for questioning. The suspect is expected to appear before the Jerusalem Magistrates Court today, where police will request an extension of his remand. PORT JERVIS - A 43-year-old Port Jervis man was shot to death just after 12:30 a.m. Feb. 15 on Hammond Street in the city. Port Jervis city police said they took a suspect into custody at approximately 7:35 p.m. Feb. 15. He has been identified as David Rombousek, 26, of Port Jervis. Police said officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired in the vicinity of 145-147 Hammond Street. When they arrived, they found a 43-year-old man who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body during a disturbance. Advertisement Advertisement The victim, who has not been identified by police, was taken to Bon Secours Community Hospital on Main Street for emergency treatment, but he later died from his injuries. Rombousek was taken into custody without incident on Ball Street. Police have not yet said what specific charges he is facing. Police said they will provide more details in a press release "as soon as it is safely available." Guilty verdict: Middletown man convicted of murdering his girlfriend's 3-year-old son Members of the state police assisted Port Jervis police on Hammond Street. The case is being investigated jointly by Port Jervis city police, state police and the Orange County District Attorney's office, with assistance from the special operations group of the Orange County Sheriff's office, the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center. Advertisement Advertisement The name of Rombousek's attorney was not immediately available. No motive for the shooting has been announced by police. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com. This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Port Jervis man in custody after fatal shooting on Hammond Street SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) A 19-year-old man accused of killing an 18-year-old employee at a Sonic Drive-In in January is incarcerated in Indonesia after investigators say he fled the country days after the shooting. Summerville Police Chief Doug Wright announced Tuesday that Anthony Prioleau, 19, of Summerville, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in the Jan. 9 shooting death of Kymani Jaden Antonio Baker, 18. Police responded around 8:33 a.m. to the Sonic at 9920 Dorchester Road for reports of a shooting. Officers arrived within minutes and began assisting a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent and an off-duty nurse who were already rendering aid to Baker. Advertisement Advertisement The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and forearm and was pronounced dead at the scene. As paramedics removed Bakers clothing to provide treatment, officers located a firearm on him at 8:43 a.m. Wright said that the weapon was also reported stolen. Authorities said it is unclear whether Baker had it for self-protection. Initial reports suggested two vehicles fled the scene, but investigators later ruled them out as suspects. Witnesses told officers the gunman fled on foot. K-9 units from the Summerville Police Department, North Charleston Police Department and Dorchester County Sheriffs Office, along with the Charleston County Aviation Unit, searched for the suspect along a trail near Eagle Creek and Ladson Road. Advertisement Advertisement While officers did not immediately locate the suspect, they recovered what Wright described as vital evidence discarded during the flight. On Jan. 10, detectives recanvassed the area with assistance from Dorchester District 2s weapons-detection K-9, Chester. The dog located a firearm in foliage behind the Sonic. During a forensic interview, investigators determined it was the murder weapon. Police said it had been reported stolen weeks earlier. Investigators also connected the Sonic shooting to a Jan. 7 shooting at Marcos Pizza, 9500 Dorchester Road, where Baker also worked. North Charleston police responded to that incident and determined Baker was the victim. No one was injured, but gunfire struck the building, frightening employees. Detectives later took three suspects into custody in that case on Jan. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Wright said Bakers home was allegedly burglarized Dec. 23. He said investigators believe there are commonalities between the incidents but have not determined a motive. We do believe this was a targeted attack, that he was targeted while he was working at Sonic that morning, Wright said. Authorities executed a search warrant in Ladson on Jan. 16 and located additional evidence. It was during that phase of the investigation that detectives learned Prioleau had left South Carolina for Washington, D.C. Investigators determined Prioleau obtained a temporary two-week passport in Washington and then traveled to New York City, where he boarded an international flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Bali, Indonesia. Advertisement Advertisement With assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, Indonesian immigration authorities were alerted and waiting when Prioleau landed in Jakarta. When he disembarked from the aircraft, allegedly, he fled on foot, but was apprehended very soon and taken into custody, Wright said. He was taken into custody by Indonesian officials. Right now, hes confined indefinitely in Indonesia, Wright said. Wright said the extradition process is now in the hands of federal authorities and involves high-level discussions between governments. The wheels of justice go much slower when you go into locations that theres not a treaty or some type of written agreement between us and that country to have somebody return, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Wright said Prioleau has not yet been arraigned in the United States and remains held on Indonesian charges. He declined to speculate on how long it could take to secure his return. Police also emphasized Bakers work history and said he was employed at both Marcos Pizza and Sonic at the time of his death. Clearly, he was a victim in our case, Wright said. He was working two jobs trying to make a living. And thats honorable. Wright said the department held a press conference in part to provide closure to Bakers family and the community, noting the shooting happened at a popular family restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement It was a very high-profile case in the beginning, because it happened at a family restaurant where most of us, if not all of us, have taken our family for ice cream, he said. Wright said Bakers parents were notified last week that a suspect had been incarcerated overseas, though they were not told Prioleaus identity at the time. Summerville police said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible. Authorities are also examining whether anyone aided or abetted Prioleau in his departure from the country. Wright credited collaboration among local, state and federal agencies for the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement We work like one agency when we all come together, he said. No reward was issued in the case. Wright said numerous tips from the public helped move the investigation forward. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. GILES COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) The suspect in a deadly shooting along Interstate 65 in Giles County has been identified after he was taken into custody in Franklin County Monday. The Giles County Sheriffs Department reported deputies responded to a crash with injuries on I-65 on Sunday at approximately 11:30 p.m., but when deputies arrived at the scene, they determined the crash happened after the driver had been shot. The driver identified as 26-year-old Sfenson Simeus of Lake Worth, Florida was headed southbound on I-65 when he was shot from another vehicle, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His sister, a 23-year-old passenger from Plainfield, Indiana, also sustained a gunshot wound and is expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Brother dead, sister injured after shooting along I-65 in Giles County Aaron Purvis, 31, of Alabama, was initially arrested in Franklin County on charges unrelated to the shooting. When he was taken into custody, deputies recovered multiple firearms, including one used in the deadly shooting, according to a release from the Giles County Sheriffs Department. A Franklin County sergeant was flagged down by Purvis, who was in a parking lot on Main Street in Huntland, who asked to be taken into custody. According to the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, Purvis made several alarming statements, including that he had been involved in multiple shootings while driving through Alabama. Aaron Purvis (Courtesy: Giles County Sheriffs Department) Officers found bullet damage to Purvis windshield and searched his truck with his permission. They found two firearms, which were secured for safekeeping, and a THC vape cartridge. Purvis was taken into custody for his own safety. He was evaluated for medical treatment, which he refused. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe one of the weapons recovered from Purvis was used in the deadly shooting of Simeus. Purvis will be charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder after he is transferred to Giles County from Franklin County. The investigation is ongoing and witnesses are asked to call 931-363-3505 with information. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The victims described by the sheriff as siblings from Haiti with temporary status had just gotten on I-65 after stopping for gas while traveling from Indiana to Florida. Then, less than half a mile south of Exit 22, their car was shot up, with the brother reportedly taking seven rounds in the drivers seat while the sister was only hit once, according to the sheriffs department. Advertisement Advertisement Following the shooting, the victims car lost control, jumped the median from the southbound to the northbound lanes, and ended up almost in the trees. No additional information was immediately released. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new 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 WKRN News 2. MARSEILLE, France, Feb 17 (Reuters) - French authorities have let the seized oil tanker GRINCH leave territorial waters after the company owning the vessel had to pay a penalty worth "several million euros," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday. "Circumventing European sanctions comes at a price. Russia will no longer be able to finance its war with impunity through a ghost fleet off our coasts," Barrot said in a post on X. The vessel named GRINCH was seized in the Mediterranean on last month, and then diverted to anchor off the French port city of Marseille, on suspicion of being part of the shadow fleet that lets Russia export oil despite sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement The vessel had left the Russian port of Murmansk in early January, sailing under a Comoros flag, French authorities have said. The company owning the ship was ordered to pay a penalty for not being able to justify its flag, French authorities added in a statement. (Reporting by Marc Leras and Inti Landauro;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta) A 46-year-old North Texas man was arrested earlier this month and charged with child sex assault and purchasing alcohol for a minor, according to court records and jail logs. An arrest affidavit obtained by WFAA says John Elden Mashtare Jr. was arrested on Feb. 3 by Frisco's SWAT team after they executed the aforementioned arrest warrants and a search warrant for his home, a multi-million dollar mansion on Stone Canyon Drive. Photos sent to WFAA showed SWAT officers outside of the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home estimated to be worth $2.7 million by Zillow. The arrest warrant obtained by WFAA says the search stemmed from a report of a 16-year-old girl who told police Mashtare allegedly took her to Concrete Cowboy in Frisco on Sept. 24, 2025, bought her drinks, then later returned to his mansion, where she alleged she was intoxicated and he had sexual intercourse with her. The affidavit says police got corroborating evidence from surveillance footage at Concrete Cowboy, which showed a juvenile female seated at a table with Mashtare during the timeframe the teen described to police. Advertisement Advertisement The teenage girl also gave police photographs she said she personally took from inside Mashtare's home and inside his vehicle, including photos with alcohol in them. The teen did a forensic interview with the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County on Oct. 2, 2025, where she referenced a Snapchat conversation with Mashtare where he "referenced prior in-person contact, expressed concern about legal consequences, acknowledged age-related restrictions regarding alcohol and did not dispute providing alcohol," the affidavit stated. The arrest affidavit says Frisco police, including members of the Frisco SWAT team, came up to Mashtare's front door at approximately 9:10 a.m. on Feb. 3, announced their presence and loudly knocked on the door. SWAT officers and drone operators then saw Mashtare leave the home and go into his backyard. Two officers then saw Mashtare go to the backyard and gave him verbal commands to surrender, the affidavit said. Mashtare did not comply and instead moved out of sight behind a pool grotto. An overhead drone then captured Mashtare "attempting to place an item" on or near the air conditioning unit in the backyard. Mashtare then reappeared, where he was told to surrender again. He did not comply once again and went back inside the home, the affidavit said. The search warrant was specifically authorized for the search of his cell phone, which officers later found buried in the ground where Mashtare was seen by the drone, according to the affidavit. Charges of evading arrest and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence were added to Mashtare's list of charges, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Jail records showed Mashtare was charged with those two charges, as well as the child sexual assault charge and purchasing alcohol for a minor. Mashtare's bond totaled $110,000 for the four charges, jail records showed. He posted bond and was released Feb. 4, according to jail records. Mashtare was previously arrested by Plano PD in August of 2023 for Assault on a family/household member, impeding breath or circulation, which led to an emergency protective order, but the case was ultimately dismissed in court. What was supposed to be a quiet studentless staff planning day for teachers at a Georgia public school turned into a day of mourning when a man fleeing immigration agents crashed a car into a cherished educators vehicle. Linda Davis, a special education teacher in her first year at Herman W. Hesse K-8 School in Savannah, was killed Monday morning on her commute to the school. The driver of the car that hit her, Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, was arrested and charged with first degree homicide, reckless driving, driving without a valid license and failure to obey a traffic control device, according to the Chatham County Police. Davis dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success, the schools principal, Alonna McMullen told CNN Tuesday. Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment for her students and inspired those around her. Advertisement Advertisement The teachers death comes as the nation continues to debate the efficacy of the Trump administrations mass immigration enforcement efforts, which have impacted people of all ages and races through arrests during traffic stops, at protests, workplace sweeps and outside schools. An innocent American has lost their life because a criminal illegal alien attempted to evaded arrest, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a X post Tuesday. Driver made a U-turn and ran a red light before crash, ICE says Immigration agents saw the 38-year-old Guatemalan national, getting in a car during an enforcement operation and attempted a traffic stop, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a Monday news release. Vasquez-Lopez initially complied with agents, ICE said, but fled the scene, making a reckless U-turn and running red light, which led to the crash a short distance away from the school. Advertisement Advertisement He suffered minor injuries from the collision while Davis died at the scene, ICE said. However, police said Davis was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Oscar Vasquez Lopez - Chatham Sheriffs Office A third car was also involved in the crash, but no one from that car was injured or taken for medical aid, Betsy Nolen, a spokesperson for the police department told CNN Tuesday. Chatham County police werent part of or aware ofthe federal immigration operation, the department said, until after the crash. Vasquez-Lopez arrived to the United States illegally on an unknown date at an unknown location and had been issued a final order of removal by a federal judge in 2024, according to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement CNN has reached out to the DHS and ICE for more details about Vasquez-Lopezs case and his attempted detention. He is currently booked at the Chatham County Jail, sheriffs office spokesperson Tawana Garrett told CNN Tuesday afternoon, under an immigration detainer a request asking federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE before the person is released. It can also ask for a detainee to be held for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release, so they can be turned over to federal custody. Its unclear if Vasquez-Lopez has an attorney at this time and whether he will face deportation proceedings. Vasquez-Lopez doesnt appear to have any outstanding warrants in Chatham County, according to information shared with CNN by the Chatham County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers and innocent civilians at risk, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement about the crash. Now, an innocent bystander has lost their life. An exceptional educator dedicated to students and staff Davis had been part of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System since 2022, and previously taught at Brock Elementary School, said Sheila Blanco, a spokesperson for the school district. It wasnt until this year that Davis began teaching special education at Hesse K-8 School. But even in her short time at the school for pre-K through eight grade students, she created a lasting impact, the school principal said. The aftermath of a crash in Savannah, Georgia, where a driver attempting to evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents crashed into another car killing a school teacher on February 16. - WJCL She was an exceptional educator who worked tirelessly to support her students success, McMullen said. And yet, Davis warmth didnt just extend to the children who filled hallways and classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement She always made you feel like you mattered, Aisha Buchanan, a former colleague of Davis told CNN affiliate WTOC. Whether theyre a custodian or a teacher, a principal, or even a student, you always matter. And that was her message to everybody. In a Facebook post to parents, McMullen said the educators death has affected the school community deeply. Davis encouraged an open and supportive expression of feelings because students and staff will react in different ways and there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred. McMullen described the late teacher as a source of encouragement and positivity among her peers, adding Davis contributions to the students and staff will not be forgotten. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LOUDON, Tenn. (WATE) The Tennessee Veterans of Foreign War Foundation was recently awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the highest level of recognition offered to nonprofits for accountability and openness. The nonprofit aims to help veterans in need, support VFWs across the state and raise awareness about the assistance veterans need. Retired Major General and President of the Tennessee VFW Foundation John Cardwell said veterans often dont speak up when they are in need, which is exactly why they created this nonprofit. Efforts to build track in Tellico Plains honoring champion runner stall Advertisement Advertisement We help veterans because we want to help veterans, said Cardwell. He said of the nearly 500,000 veterans in Tennessee, many struggle with homelessness, access to healthcare, or temporary financial burdens. Were a little bit different because we dont help someone with a specific need. So we dont help just homeless veterans, or just handicapped veterans, or veterans in general. We help all veterans, regardless of their needs, he said. Besides helping out with groceries, utilities, or repairs on a home, he added that the VFW provides veterans with a community and resources free of cost or judgment. Advertisement Advertisement I believe that helps reduce suicide rates where people think theres no other solution except suicide, said Cardwell. They can turn to organizations like ours for that help and help them mentally as well as financially and socially. For Tammy Roberts, she said her cousin Joe Lynn found community at a VFW after returning home from Vietnam. He never talked about the war. Whenever I asked questions, it was like the war did not exist, said Roberts. Hardin Valley community comes together to help Army veteran displaced by fire She said her cousin suffered injuries while abroad, and upon coming home, found help applying for VA claims through the VFW for free. But to this day, she said he suffers from his exposure to Agent Orange. Advertisement Advertisement Hes still productive, but he has those times when he cant do a whole lot, because it will flare up, and he still has medical needs that have to be taken care of as a result of being in the Vietnam War, said Roberts. This is where the foundation steps in. People know that were not just going to be around this month, were not going to be around just this century. Were in our second century of helping veterans, said Cardwell. While the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been around for centuries, Cardwell said the Tennessee VFW Foundation has only been in operation since 2021, when they saw a need for more financial assistance for the programs they have at local posts. Advertisement Advertisement Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served He added that it is the community that makes this work possible. To find out how to volunteer or donate, visit their website here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Subscribe to The Blast, The Texas Tribunes premier newsletter, for exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. A coalition of the biggest Democratic groups in Texas on Tuesday unveiled a new effort to pool their resources to help candidates with overhead costs that can devour campaign coffers, build a data hub to analyze stats that can instruct those camps, and centralize volunteers who can be surged to focus on any given race across the state as contests get down to the wire. Behind the idea is the Texas Democratic Party; Texas Majority PAC, perhaps the best-funded Democratic group in the state; Powered by People, the group founded by former El Paso Congressman Beto ORourke; and the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Those in charge of the coordinated campaign are betting big $30 million to start, per party leaders that the investment can boost candidates in Novembers midterm elections and beyond. The state party, in collaboration with Texas Majority PAC, already recruited candidates for every federal and state race on the ballot for the first time in modern Texas history. Kendall Scudder, the Texas Democratic Party chair, said the new effort, called Texas Together, will revolutionize how state parties coordinate and run campaigns well past November. Were running an organization that is comparable to that of swing states around the country, Scudder said in an interview. When people are asking constantly, Whats different? Whats different? Every year, these Democrats say theyre going to win statewide. Whats different this year? Well, this is whats different. The last time President Donald Trump was in the White House for a midterm election, Democrats toppled GOP incumbents off county commissioners courts, judicial benches and city halls throughout Texas. ORourke almost unseated U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in that 2018 election. Advertisement Advertisement Already, Democrats have found encouragement in recent elections that suggest some of the voting blocs like Latinos and independents who were crucial in returning Trump to Washington might have buyers remorse. After Trump promised to lower costs and launch a deportation effort targeting hardened criminals, the economy remains tight and the presidents immigration crackdown has generated backlash over deadly encounters involving federal agents and reports that the administration is deporting undocumented people regardless of criminal history. To see what the Democratic partnership might look like in practice, Texas Majority PACs executive director, Katherine Fischer, pointed to Democrat Taylor Rehmets recent upset win in a special election for Texas red-leaning Senate District 9. When the PAC got involved last summer to help Rehmet, they created a centralized organizing machine under a lone batch of staffers, who directed volunteers as needed. In the two months preceding a January runoff election between Rehmet and conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss, volunteers made some 1.5 million calls some of them hundreds of miles away from the Fort Worth area that SD-9 envelops, Fischer said. A similar playbook was applied last year to school board elections for Cypress Fairbanks ISD, the states third largest district. Advertisement Advertisement Rehmet won resoundingly and two socially conservative candidates lost their elections in Cy Fair. The model is to create a machine that exists indefinitely, said Fischer, who was the organizing director for ORourkes losing 2022 gubernatorial campaign. The goal really is to, like other things were doing in the (coordination), share costs wherever possible, to spend less on overhead and fees and more on the work product or the voter contact that we need to be funding to win. In 2018, Texas Democrats flipped a dozen seats in the Texas House and two in the state Senate. The involvement of the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee House Democrats campaign arm suggests that shuffling the partisan makeup at the Capitol, where Republicans hold an 88-62 majority in the House, will be among the priorities of the coordinated campaign. The collaboration is just the latest pitch from Texas Democrats that they deserve investment. Advertisement Advertisement In 2013, a group called Battleground Texas launched with a goal of proving the state was purple, not reliably red. The effort led to decisive losses in the 2014 election, which gave rise to the states current crop of GOP leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Despite ORourkes near-win in 2018, Democrats have been unimpressed with their own performance in every election since. ORourke lost his gubernatorial contest by double digits, while Trump and Cruz won their respective races in 2024 with wide margins that erased doubts about the states competitiveness that cycle. Following the 2024 presidential election, the previous party chair stepped down and the state partys governing board elected Scudder. Scudder and Fischer see an opportunity to legitimately compete, and with a new structure. According to Scudder, the last time the party built a system similar to the coordinated campaign was in 2018 for ORourkes campaign. The new owners of the late Jeffrey Epsteins sprawling Santa Fe County ranch revealed their plans for the property Monday the same day they announced they would cooperate with any law enforcement investigations into potential crimes committed there. The Texas family who owns Epsteins Zorro Ranch plans to convert it into a Christian retreat, owner Don Huffines posted on social media Monday night. What the enemy once meant for evil, God can redeem for good, Huffines wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why he and his family renamed the property San Rafael Ranch, he wrote, after the saint associated with physical and spiritual healing, and began plans immediately to remake it as a Christian retreat, reclaiming it for Jesus. Huffines, a Texas businessman and GOP candidate for Texas comptroller, which oversees statewide financial matters, purchased the ranch with his family in 2023 under an anonymous LLC. Even the new entrance will reflect that mission and will read, BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO COME IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, Huffines wrote in the post, which his spokesperson confirmed by email is legitimate. The property, about 40 miles south of Santa Fe, covers more than 7,500 acres. It features a 26,700-square-foot mansion and around a dozen other structures. Advertisement Advertisement Huffines ownership has gained attention since last week, when The New Mexican first reported it using documents obtained under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. The New Mexico House of Representatives is launching a truth commission to investigate activities at the ranch, after unanimously passing a resolution Monday. The Huffines family is willing to cooperate with any law enforcement investigations of the ranch, spokesperson Allen Blakemore wrote in an email Monday morning. The owners have never been approached by local, state, or federal law enforcement requesting access to the San Rafael Ranch, Blakemore added. Advertisement Advertisement If, and when they do, of course they will be [granted] full and complete cooperation, he wrote. Epstein, the sex offender and financier who died in federal custody in New York in 2019, owned the massive Zorro Ranch near Stanley beginning in 1993. In a previous comment, Blakemore said the Huffines family never visited the property before it was listed for auction. Claim of buried girls The New Mexico state land commissioner last week urged the state and federal justice departments to investigate an anonymous claim two girls were buried near the ranch years ago. Did you know somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro, two foreign girls were buried on orders of Jeffrey and Madam G? Both died by strangulation during rough, fetish sex, said the anonymous email, which was forwarded to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement The claim was included as tip in the U.S. Justice Department files recently released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The writer claimed to be a former Zorro Ranch staff member and requested one bitcoin in exchange for videos they alleged were of Epstein, including 19mins.22secs underage girl (sex video). Epstein, through his company Cypress Inc., leased more than 1,200 acres of state land adjacent to his property for livestock grazing. The State Land Office canceled those leases in 2019, in part due to suspicion they had been obtained through illegitimate means and the land wasnt being used for ranching or agriculture. I have a lot of frustration that we are now seven years beyond the initial cancellation of the leases, and to my knowledge, not one member of law enforcement has investigated the ranch or state land, State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said in an interview last week. Advertisement Advertisement Federal law enforcement had not searched Zorro Ranch as of December 2019, four months after Epsteins death, according to an email from a federal prosecutor included in the Epstein files, and there is no public evidence it was searched after that. The 1,200 acres previously leased by Epsteins company are still public and unleased, Garcia Richard said, adding one of those state land parcels is land-locked, meaning its only accessible by going through private land. The office hasnt leased the parcels yet, because we do want to remain available and accessible to any kind of investigation that needs to occur on state land, she said. New Mexico Chief Deputy Attorney General James Grayson, in a response to Garcia Richards letter last week, wrote, as we understand it, the allegations appear to be unsubstantiated and stem from an anonymous individual referencing events that purportedly occurred more than six years ago. Grayson added, we are prepared to review and assess any verifiable information should it be provided through appropriate and lawful means. WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Texas has sued TP-Link Systems for allegedly marketing its networking devices deceptively and allowing Beijing to access American consumers' devices, the state attorney general said on Tuesday. "Despite its claims of privacy and security, TP-Links products have been used by (China)s state-sponsored hacking entities to launch multiple cyber-attack operations against the United States," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a press release announcing the lawsuit. "With nearly all of its products parts imported from China, TP-Links deliberate deception towards Texans regarding the nationality, privacy, and security capabilities of its networking devices is not just illegal it is also a national security threat that enables the secret surveillance and exploitation of Texas consumers," he added. Advertisement Advertisement TP-Link Systems, a California-based router manufacturer spun off from a Chinese firm, said it would "vigorously defend" its reputation, adding that the Chinese government has no form of ownership or control over the company, its products or user data. It also said claims made by Texas are "without merit and will be proven false," noting that all its core operations and infrastructure are located within the United States, with U.S. user data stored on Amazon Web Services servers. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit follows an investigation launched in October and is one of a series of actions against companies aligned with China, Paxton said. It also comes after Texas barred its employees from using TP-Link last month and after Reuters reported that the Trump administration had paused its own proposed ban on TP-Link sales in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Paxton announced last April that he was launching a bid to unseat U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who is known for pushing tough-on-China policies. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington, Editing by Franklin Paul, Matthew Lewis and Diane Craft) A forester was injured in an attack by a brown bear in central Slovakia and his son shot the animal dead, officials have said, as attention turned to three orphaned cubs found nearby. Environment State Secretary Filip Kuffa said on Monday, citing the injured man's son, that the two had been inspecting timber with a hunting dog in a mountain forest when the bear attacked them unexpectedly. The father fired several shots from his pistol in self-defence, but the bear knocked him down and bit him repeatedly, Kuffa said. The son then shot and killed the animal with a handgun. He found the severely injured dog about 200 metres away, which later died. The father was treated in hospital. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the State Nature Conservation's Brown Bear Intervention Team told public broadcaster STVR that the dead animal was a nursing mother. Three cubs, estimated to be about one month old and already severely weakened, were discovered nearby. The cubs, which would not survive alone, were transferred to a zoo in Bojnice in western Slovakia. The only male cub was severely dehydrated and required urgent veterinary treatment. According to the latest official census published in 2022, Slovakia has around 1,200 wild bears. The animals typically avoid people but can attack if surprised or if mothers perceive a threat to their young. Recent years have seen several fatal encounters. Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to hold a press conference Tuesday morning in Central Florida. DeSantis will be speaking from Titusville High School. Hell be joined by Florida Commissioner of Education Stasi Kamoutsas. The news conference is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Channel 9 will be on hand to monitor the governors announcement. Click HERE to watch DeSantis speech when it happens and tune into Eyewitness News beginning at noon for the latest. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The first of four scheduled murder trials related to the March 21, 2025 shooting at Young Park concluded on Feb. 16. After about three hours of deliberations, a Las Cruces jury found 21-year-old Tomas Rivas guilty of three counts of first-degree murder for his role in the death of 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, Dominick Estrada, 18, and Jason Gomez, 17 during a car show at Young Park on March 21, 2025 where 14 others also suffered gun shot wounds. The jury convicted Tomas Rivas of first-degree murder after it was given possible step down charges of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement First-degree murder in New Mexico carries a life sentence and a mandatory-minimum prison sentence of 30 years before someone could be eligible for parole. "Obviously the family and friends of not just Dominick Estrada, but anyone who was victimized as a result of the shooting, I'm sure they are elated," Dona Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias told the Sun-News outside of the courthouse after the verdict. "The family of Tomas Rivas certainly have to be very disappointed." Rivas's trial came to a close after six days on Feb. 16 after 3rd Judicial District Judge Douglas Driggers read the jury's verdict around 3:45 p.m. The jury began its deliberations after closing arguments at approximately 12:30 p.m. Emotions from family members and others erupted on both sides of the courtroom as Driggers read the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement "I think people forget that in a scenario that is so unprecedented as this, people are going to see things differently," Macias said. "People are going to see things at a different point in the event. You are going to have inconsistencies of what people see. I believe that the jury, especially coming back as quickly as they did, were absolutely convinced by the level of evidence the state was able to present to them." More: Tomas Rivas takes stand in his own defense, both sides rest case During closing arguments, defense attorney Tom Clark said the case and the trial of three other defendants accused of in mass shooting should not be a referendum on juvenile gun crime, which has been a focus of legislators in Santa Fe during the ongoing legislative session. "There is probably an overwhelming sense in this community that permeates everything that gun violence by young people, they are not going to tolerate it," Clark told the Sun-News outside of the courthouse after the verdict. "Even though we asked the jury that this was not a moratorium on gun violence, it certainly seems like it might be." Advertisement Advertisement Clark said the defense will appeal the jury's verdict to the New Mexico Court of Appeals after Rivas is sentenced. It is unclear when sentencing will be scheduled as the other three accused shooters are scheduled for separate trials over the next few months, beginning with Rivas's younger brother, Nathan Rivas on Feb. 19. The court could order the sentence to be served consecutively or concurrently, Macias said. "We want to make sure we have the opportunity to communicate to individuals involved in gun culture, there are going to be exceedingly serious repercussions if they engage in this kind of conduct," Macias said. "I think there is going to be an opportunity to have a discussion related to the resolution of the cases but I don't intend to resolve the cases without a substantial penalty." Tomas Rivas, 21, was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder for his role in the March 2025 shooting at Young Park that killed three men. District Attorney Fernando Macias will prosecute cases against all four Young Park shooters. During the trial, Clark successfully argued a directed verdict motion that removed consideration of willful and deliberate first-degree murder. The jury only considered three counts of first degree murder, depraved mind murder, which involves committing an act which he knew was greatly dangerous to the lives of others, indicating a depraved mind without regard for human life, according to the amended indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued that Rivas and others firing weapons in a crowd of approximately 200 people showed a deprived mind, even if Rivas's 9 mm handgun was proven to not fire the fatal shot to Estrada. According to instructions the jury received, Rivas could be found guilty of first-degree murder if his actions caused the death of another, if another person associated committed the crime and if the defendant helped encourage or caused the crime to be committed. Testimony and evidence throughout trial concluded that a .45 millimeter round to Estrada's head, allegedly fired by Ontiveros according to testimony, was the fatal shot. Additionally it was a single shot by a .45 caliber handgun that killed Gomez while Madrid's fatal gunshot wound was an unknown caliber by an unidentified weapon during trial. "(The jury) sees these four as acting in concert and that is what got him," defense attorney Samuel Ruyle told the Sun-News outside of the courthouse. "They didn't tie a bullet to Mr. Madrid or any gun. The bullet to Mr. Gomez was a different caliber and the bullet from Mr. Rivas was not a fatal shot to Mr. Estrada." The jury's verdict also rejected the defense's self defense claims after prosecutors argued during trial and closing that Tomas Rivas and others were the first aggressors after witnesses described them flashing and cocking their firearms toward Estrada and others in his group. Advertisement Advertisement "Depraved mind murder is a curious thing," Clark said. "He can be held for the depraved mind actions of other people even if you are acting in self defense. At some point either the Supreme Court will agree with the jury or thy won't." Jury considers closing arguments Each side was granted an hour to present closing arguments on Feb. 16. Macias characterized Tomas Rivas, the oldest of the alleged shooters, as the leader of a pack of four shooters that arrived at the park together with the goal of killing Estrada before taking steps to mislead law enforcement following the incident. Tomas Rivas, 21, testified in his own defense in 3rd Judicial District Court on Feb. 13. Rivas is facing three first-degree murder charges for his alleged role in the Young Park shooting in 2025. Macias refuted claims of self defense due to witnesses who testified that some variation of the phrase, "Get Dom" was heard as a car did donuts in the background. Macias said 60 of the 102 shell casing recovered through the investigation were attributed to the four shooters compared to seven shots fired by Estrada as a result of an altercation between Ruben Morales and Dominguez that Clark described as the "flash point" that preceded the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Clark argued that there was not a conspiracy to kill Estrada and that shooting only occurred after Estrada's uncle, Ruben Morales, snuck up behind the smaller Dominguez and put him in a hold described during trial as a bear hug or choke hold. Clark said his client was shooting at Estrada as Estrada was shooting at him. Clark also attempted to discredit the testimony of multiple state's witnesses throughout trial, including Morales, who was shot multiple times, as well as other members of Estrada's family who were gun shot victims. Clark also questioned approximately 30 shell casings that were not attributed to an involved party, but law enforcement seemed to identify the Rivas brothers in the very early stages of the investigation. "There is a collosal amount of lying to the police in this case," Clark said during closing. Jason Groves can be reached at jgroves@lcsun-news.com. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Young Park shooter Tomas Rivas found guilty on three counts of murder The largest summit for conservative Christian media will feature a panel paying homage to Charlie Kirk, called 'How to be a Charlie Kirk,' on Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Nashville. Another panel at the annual National Religious Broadcasters meeting at the Gaylord Opryland & Convention Center in Nashville will center on a legal push to overturn a policy that disallows churches from endorsing political candidates. The event, which runs Feb. 17 to 20, is known to bring together the countrys most influential conservative media voices, of whom Kirk was a routine presence. Charlie Kirk, conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA, a group that advocates for conservative activism on school campuses, speaks at the National Religious Broadcasters annual conference on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Nashville's Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. This is the first NRB meeting since the assassination of Kirk, a conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA, on Sept. 10. A theme of this years conference is continuing Kirks legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Turning Point USA Faith Director Lucas Miles will speak at several panels throughout the week focused on how media figures boldly proclaim conservative ideals. One of those panels is titled How to be a Charlie Kirk: Communicating Well & Defending Truth. The other speakers at that Feb. 18 panel are Seth Gruber, Elijah Lamb, Martin Sedra and Alexis Wilkins. Kirk set the bar for impactful public square dialogue, a description of the panel said. This session gives you the playbook to do the same: master clarity, craft persuasive narratives, and respond with poise when the pressures on. Another topical panel at the NRB will be Boldness in the Pulpit: Biblical Truth in Every Area of Life featuring pastors Erick Graham, Jack Hibbs, Allen Jackson and Ivy Shelton. It will be moderated by NRB General Counsel Mike Farris, who is representing plaintiffs in a lawsuit that is challenging a policy barring churches from endorsing candidates. The NRB is currently involved in a court case arguing against the Johnson Amendment, a longstanding First Amendment policy that threatens religious 501c(3) organizations tax-exempt status for endorsing politicians. Technically, the IRS has already reversed the policy barring endorsements due to a July 7 filing that created a narrow exception to the Johnson Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Hearing in case that could rewrite the rules of religion in politics Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville conservative event to pay homage to Charlie Kirk's legacy New video of the Apalachee High School shooting surfaced in court Tuesday. It shows how people survived the 2024 rampage that left two students and two teachers dead. Colt Gray is the student accused of the mass shooting. His father, Colin Gray, is on trial this week. Colin Gray admits he bought his son the semi-automatic rifle for Christmas 2023 that was used in the shooting. Prosecutors said he was reckless and negligent when he did that, because he knew his son was struggling with a mental health crisis, had been accused of threatening to shoot up a school before and was showing interest in a convicted school shooter, Nicholas Cruz. Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday was day two of his trial. Prosecutors started the day calling students to the stand who were shot inside their classroom. I was screaming that I got shot, said one student. Other students described calling their families on their cell phones. I wanted them to know that if I did die, they would know that I love them, the student told jurors. Some students described feeling angry, anxious and depressed since the shooting. I dont like being in front of doors at schools. I dont use the bathroom at school. I always stay with somebody very closely, the student said. The jury heard from 15 students Tuesday. Many of them were shot or hit with shrapnel from the bullets. Others described helping their classmates stop the bleeding. Advertisement Advertisement Many broke down when they told jurors they realized their classmates, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn died. A teacher from a neighboring classroom told jurors he heard the commotion and started walking down the hallway to investigate with a fellow teacher, Ricky Aspinwall. We probably walked about three or four feet, and at that time, we saw a young man with a rifle, David Phenix said. Both Ricky and I both scattered. Surveillance video shows him dive back into his classroom, hit the floor and manage to close the door. Another teacher in his room used rags to suppress the bleeding in his leg and save his life. Advertisement Advertisement Aspinwall did not survive. Another neighboring teacher, Cristina Irimie, also died. Tuesdays testimony corresponded with the reckless conduct and child cruelty charges against the father of the suspected shooter. Students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and 53-year-old Cristina Irimie were killed in the shooting. Nine others were injured. Colt Gray was 14 at the time of the shooting. Before the trial began, Colin Grays attorneys asked for a change of venue. They said any jury from Barrow County would be biased due to the nature of the case. The judge kept the trial in Barrow County but brought in jurors from Hall County. The jurors were selected last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] President Donald Trump hit out at two prominent Democrats who he said had served as really bad representatives of the U.S. in Europe. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York took part in the Munich Security Conference in Germany over the weekend, where both discussed Trumps presidency and its impact on relations between the U.S. and Europe. Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of destroying the transatlantic relationship and working to introduce an age of authoritarianism, while Newsom offered the president more of a backhanded compliment, telling conference attendees that Trump had managed to unite the continent in critical ways. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of destroying the U.S.-Europe relationship. / Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images Trump first responded to their comments, as well as those of his former presidential rival Hillary Clintonwho accused Trump of colluding with Russias Vladimir Putin to profit off the misery and death of Ukrainiansin a Truth Social post fired off prior to boarding Air Force One on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Marco was fantastic in Munich! Trump wrote. AOC and Newscum were an embarrassment to our Nation. For one thing they shouldnt be talking badly about the U.S.A., especially on foreign soil. They made fools of themselves, and always will! Crooked Hillary merely showed her anger and Trump Derangement. Really bad representatives of our now very successful Country! Donald Trump/Truth Social He then doubled down on his comments during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, telling reporters, I watched AOC answering questions in Munich. This was not a good look for the United States. He continued, I watched Gavin Newscum answering questions in GenevMunich. This was a bad look for our country. These two people are incompetent. Advertisement Advertisement At least Hillarys competent, he added. Shes just Trump-deranged. She is an angry woman. Clinton got into a heated exchange with the Czech deputy prime minister over Trump during a panel at the conference, saying of the president, Not only do I not like him, I dont like him because of what hes doing to the United States, and the world, and I think you should take a hard look at it if you think there is something good that will come out of it. Trump also accused Newsom of destroying his state of California, and claimed that Ocasio-Cortez had no idea what was happening or how to answer questions put to her. The Daily Beast has contacted representatives for Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez for comment. California Gov. Gavin Newsom told the conference that Trump had at least united Europe against him. / Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images The White House later posted a clip of Trumps negative comments on the official @RapidResponse 47 X account. Advertisement Advertisement The president also complained about a new clean energy agreement between California and the United Kingdom that Newsom formalized while visiting Europe. But Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was The U.K.s got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum, the president told Politico on Monday, using his preferred insulting nickname for the governor. Gavin is a loser. Everything hes touched turns to garbage. His state has gone to hell, and his environmental work is a disaster. He added that it was inappropriate for Newsom to make such agreements, and inappropriate for the British government to be dealing with him. Newsom joined U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in signing a memorandum of understanding on Monday that California and the U.K. will cooperate on clean energy technologies, including improving access to Californias market for British firms. Newsom met with Ed Miliband to sign a memorandum of understanding between California and the U.K. on the issue of clean energy. / Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images In an X post made on Monday, Newsom wrote, I refuse to sit back and watch the climate crisis destroy our planet. Advertisement Advertisement California will keep showing up, pushing forward, and proving that a safer, more sustainable world is possible. In response to Trumps comments on the partnership, Newsoms Press Office posted a gif of Trump supporter Joe Rogan looking shocked, accompanied by the caption, Trump learning in real time leaders can work with people other than him. The U.S. has shifted the flow of Venezuelan oil revenue directly into a U.S. Treasury account. US Takes Direct Control Of Venezuela Oil Cash Flow The Donald Trump administration has stopped sending money from Venezuelan oil sales to a U.S.-controlled bank account in Qatar, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News this week. "The money won't go to Qatar anymore," he said, adding that revenue from Venezuelan oil sales has surpassed $1 billion. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. also has short-term deals in place to sell an additional $5 billion worth of crude in the coming months. So far, the shipments have been sent to refineries in the U.S. and Europe, he added. Don't Miss: First $500 Million In Oil Proceeds Held In Qatar Sparks Scrutiny The Trump administration assumed control of Venezuela's oil exports after former President Nicolas Maduro was detained in a military operation last month. During the conversation with NBC, Wright said the first $500 million in oil proceeds was placed in a Qatar-based account before being transferred to Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have raised concerns about how the account was managed and whether the arrangement was legally sound. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced legislation on Thursday calling for the Government Accountability Office to carry out an independent audit of the Qatar account, CNBC reported. See Also: Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started. Trump Floats Potential USChina Deal On Venezuelan Oil Supply Earlier this month, Trump said China may reach an agreement with the U.S. to buy Venezuelan oil. Advertisement Advertisement During the same time, Trump also announced that the U.S. and India reached a trade agreement under which India will dismantle trade barriers while the U.S. will reduce tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 18%. The pact also eliminates the additional 25% tariff previously imposed on Indian goods because India purchases Russian oil. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, Trump said then, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding, And to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. Read Next: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen This ETF issuer isn't chasing the index it's building tools for income, leverage, and conviction Advertisement Advertisement Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Trump Administration Moves Venezuela Oil Revenue From Qatar To US Treasury As Sales Top $1 Billion originally appeared on Benzinga.com President Donald Trump derided California Gov. Gavin Newsoms international outreach as "inappropriate" Monday. Trump's warning was to British leaders against partnering with the Democratic governor after Newsom signed a clean energy agreement with the United Kingdom during a European diplomacy tour. "The U.K.s got enough trouble without getting involved with Gavin Newscum," Trump said in an interview with Politico, adding that it was "inappropriate for them to be dealing with him." Advertisement Advertisement The president's remarks came after Newsom stepped onto the global stage at the Munich Security Conference, signing cooperation agreements with Ukraine and the United Kingdom while sharply criticizing the presidents foreign policy approach moves likely to intensify speculation about the governors future presidential ambitions. Newsoms Davos Detour: 5 Cringe Moments That Overshadowed High-profile Summit Newsom has long been viewed by political strategists and analysts as a possible Democratic presidential contender in 2028. His appearances at global forums combined with high-profile criticism of Trump have only intensified that speculation. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement The second-term Democrat used the high-profile security summit to position California as a "stable and reliable" alternative to the federal government, telling an international audience that the current administration is merely "temporary" and will be "gone in three years." "Donald Trump is on his knees for coal and Big Oil, selling out Americas future to China," a Newsom spokesperson told Fox News Digital in response to the president's criticisms. "Governor Newsom will continue to lead in his absence. Foreign leaders are rejecting Trump and choosing Californias vision for the future." President Donald Trump derided California Gov. Gavin Newsoms international outreach as "inappropriate." But it was Newsoms blunt assessment of world leaders' attempts to work with the 47th president that drew the most attention. Addressing European heads of state and diplomats, Newsom claimed that foreign leaders "rolling over" for the White House make themselves "look pathetic on the world stage." The governor doubled down on a jab he first debuted at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, telling reporters he "should have brought a bunch of knee pads" for world leaders who he believes have bowed down to the presidents "transactional" diplomacy. Newsom specifically took aim at what he called the "complicity" of allies who have sought to appease the President following recent controversies over Arctic sovereignty and NATO funding. Advertisement Advertisement "I can't take this complicity of people rolling over," Newsom said during a sideline appearance. "I mean, handing out crowns, the Nobel prizes that are being given away ... its just pathetic." Newsom Warns Pathetic Foreign Leaders To Grow A Backbone In Bizarre Takedown Likening Trump To A T.rex Newsoms diplomacy tour included the signing of a clean energy memorandum with U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, which the governors office said would facilitate nearly a billion dollars in new investment. That agreement followed a Saturday pact with the Lviv region of Ukraine, which Newsom said would involve California companies in the "rebuilding and resiliency" of the war-torn nation specifically in defense, energy, and digital technologies. The State Department historically has encouraged "subnational diplomacy," particularly on trade, and governors from both parties routinely lead overseas economic missions. Such agreements are typically structured as nonbinding memoranda of understanding and do not carry the force of federal treaties. Advertisement Advertisement However, Newsoms appearance at the Munich Security Conference, a high-profile gathering of global defense and diplomatic leaders, paired with his direct criticism of Trumps policies underscores how domestic political rivalries are increasingly spilling onto the global stage. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Foreign policy traditionally has operated under the principle that the U.S. should speak with one voice in its dealings abroad. Newsoms remarks, delivered before foreign heads of state while signing agreements of his own, presented an alternative vision of American leadership at a time when Washington is navigating disputes over NATO funding, Arctic sovereignty and the war in Ukraine. Original article source: Trump blasts Newsoms UK pact, warns foreign leaders as 2028 buzz builds Donald Trump mightve been celebrating Presidents Day stateside ... but over in Germany, they were dragging him through the streets -- literally. Dusseldorfs infamous "Rose Monday" carnival parade unleashed a brutal procession of Trump mockery ... with massive floats showing Trump caricatures punching Jesus, cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and even dancing pants-less with a gagged Statue of Liberty with his tongue hanging out. Getty They did not hold back on the visuals -- another Trump model had his naked rear in the air, with lipstick kisses labeled with various names and organizations -- all exaggerated for maximum effect in front of massive crowds. Advertisement Advertisement To be fair, Trump wasnt the only target ... Germanys carnival tradition is known for absolutely skewering political figures from all over the world with over-the-top, no-holds-barred satire. Still ... getting publicly roasted overseas on Presidents Day? Thats a tough look ... and a reminder that Trumps divisive reputation doesnt stop at U.S. borders! Owners of a dozen coal ash ponds across Indiana have even more time to clean up utility waste environmental advocates have long been saying contaminates the states water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 9 published its final rule extending compliance deadlines set in 2024 under the Biden administration. Administrator Lee Zeldin said the changes are meant to support electricity grid reliability while safeguarding human health and the environment. The new rule allows facilities an extra three years to comply with federal groundwater monitoring requirements and one year to complete a report on the coal ash sites. Advertisement Advertisement Coal ash is the residue left over from burning coal, typically produced at power plants. Utility owners historically have buried the ash in impoundments or ponds. If those ponds are unlined and uncapped, contaminants in the ash, such as arsenic and mercury, can leak into groundwater and in turn impact the ecosystem and health of residents living nearby. In Indiana, these ponds, formally known as coal combustion residual units, have left groundwater full of these contaminants at levels more than 40 times the standard set by the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act, according to a 2018 IndyStar report. What the new coal ash rule does Federal coal ash rules have been in place since 2015, requiring coal ash pond owners to monitor groundwater for contamination at sites currently in use. Older, or legacy, coal ash sites were not subject to the rule. In 2024, the U.S. EPA issued an updated rule addressing those legacy sites. The rule set deadlines for power plants to finish site reports by 2027 and begin groundwater monitoring by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Utilities that operated coal-fired power plants now have an additional year to complete the reports and three years to begin groundwater monitoring. Danielle McGrath, president of the Indiana Energy Association, told IndyStar these new deadlines allow utilities extra time to properly identify the units that fall under the original 2024 rule. No sites under the 2015 rule are affected. Utilities throughout Indiana continue to pursue appropriate closure of regulated [coal combustion residual] units in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment and in accordance with state and federal regulations, McGrath said. Delays mean more contamination, advocates say Indra Frank, with the Hoosier Environmental Council, said delaying the clean up of coal ash ponds will lead to more contamination in Indianas groundwater. The best way to stop contamination from reaching groundwater is by installing a nonpermeable liner under the pond. Advertisement Advertisement Its been clearly demonstrated that everywhere we have coal ash without a liner under it, we have contaminated groundwater, and the majority of Indianas coal ash disposal sites are unlined, Frank said. Contamination from these sites shows up in Indianas communities in different ways, Robyn Skuya-Boss, president of the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club, said. The mercury from these ponds can build up in rivers and end up in the fish people catch and eat. People are inadvertently getting exposed to these toxins in our environment, Skuya-Boss said. These are toxic sites and it is up to us to clean them up so we dont pass on an environmental mess to future generations. EPA rule continues deregulation efforts Zeldin and other EPA officials say the rules offer regulatory relief for utilities while helping ensure the electric grid remains reliable. Advertisement Advertisement Todays deadline extensions and revisions will ensure that electric utilities can efficiently meet regulatory standards while protecting human health and the environment, Zeldin said in a news release. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk or BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Trump EPA delays coal ash cleanup. How that may affect Indiana sites Federal authorities will respond to the 300-plus-gallon sewage spill in the Potomac River, President Donald Trump said Monday in a Truth Social post where he blamed Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other Democrats for the spill. There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland, Trump said on his social media platform. A spokesperson for Moore fired back at Trump, saying that the federal government has been responsible for the major sewer line that collapsed since the last century, referring to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Advertisement Advertisement For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting peoples health at risk, spokesperson Ammar Moussa said, noting that the Environmental Protection Agency didnt appear at a Maryland General Assembly hearing on Friday about the cleanup efforts. Apparently the Trump administration hadnt gotten the memo that theyre actually supposed to be in charge here, Moussa said. The spill, which began last month when a sewer line in Montgomery County collapsed, has the potential to be one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history. The spill has prompted health officials in counties along the Potomac to issue advisories to stay away from affected areas. But despite the size of the spill, scientists told The Baltimore Sun last week that its impacts beyond the Potomac watershed may be limited. D.C. Water said Sunday that there had been no overflows in the past 24 hours. The utility said that crews expect to install a steel bulkhead to isolate the damaged section late next week, though a permanent repair could take months. Advertisement Advertisement The president used the opportunity to blast Moore, saying the spill was caused by incompetent Local and State Management. Trump and Moore have long been at odds, though their attacks on each other have become more frequent after Moore was uninvited from a National Governors Association dinner at the White House. Moore targeted Trump during his State of the State speech last week. Trump responded by saying he didnt invite Moore whom he only referred to as the foul mouthed Governor of Maryland to the dinner because of various grievances he holds against the Democrat. This is the same Governor who cannot rebuild a Bridge, Trump wrote in Mondays post about the spill, referring to delays in the effort to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity. Moussa, the governors spokesperson, said that state officials were on site within hours of the leak to do our part to coordinate the response. He said that if the federal government is just now showing up to take action, we will work collaboratively. The Potomac isnt a talking point, and the people of the region deserve serious leadership that meets the moment, he said. _____ President Trump on Monday brushed off concerns over acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez saying ex-leader Nicolas Maduro, who was captured and arrested by U.S. authorities last month, is still in charge of the South American nation. I think we have a great relationship, Trump told reporters on Air Force One. I think she probably has to say that. I think, politically, maybe she has to say that. Last week, Rodriguez said Maduro remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Yes, I can tell you that President Nicolas Maduro is the legitimate president. I can, I will tell you this as the lawyer that I am. They are both, President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent, she told host Kristen Welker on NBC Newss Meet the Press. The duo pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking and weapons-related charges last month. Federal prosecutors allege that they helped funnel narcotics to the U.S., enriching themselves and their inner circle in the process. Since capturing Maduro, the Trump administration has sought to tap into Venezuelas oil industry. The nation has the largest known oil reserves in the world. While major U.S. oil companies have expressed uncertainty at doing business in Venezuela, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News last week that Rodriguez has made enormous positive changes to her countrys petroleum policies. Advertisement Advertisement Weve been dealing with Delcy for five weeks now. Its been an amazing cooperation. Shes delivered information, he said Sunday on Meet the Press. Legal experts have decried that the military action at Maduros home contravened the United Nations charter. Democratic lawmakers also pushed back heavily on the move, arguing Trump violated the Constitution by failing to alert them. 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. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the federal government can fix the giant sewage spill that has dropped 300 gallons of waste into the Potomac River if the Democratic leaders from Washington, D.C., and the surrounding states call the president and ask him politely. The president shared his terms in a post on Truth Social. Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., who are responsible for the massive sewage spill in the Potomac River, must get to work, IMMEDIATELY, Trump posted. If they cant do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed. He added: The federal government is not at all involved with what has taken place, but we can fix it. But remember, even in that case, with the Democrat Shutdown, well have to bring in true Patriots to do the work because many are not working right now. These Democrat caused Disasters, both River and Shutdown, will only get worse. Trump also called the spill an environmental hazard that was caused by the Radical Left. He said the mess was ironic, considering all of their talk about carbon footprints and everything else. Advertisement Advertisement The president did not name the governors of Maryland and Virginia Wes Moore (D) and Abigail Spanberger (D), respectively in his post, nor did he name D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. But his post comes a day after Trump and Moore traded shots over the spill. Trump posted that the massive Ecological Disaster was due to Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland. A rep for Moore swiped back at Trump shortly afterwards, saying his administration has failed to act and been shirking its responsibility for the past month. Apparently the Trump administration hadnt gotten the memo that theyre actually supposed to be in charge here, the rep told The Baltimore Sun. The spill happened on January 19 when a section of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed in Maryland. The Hill reported: DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) says the interceptor carries up to 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from Virginia and Maryland to Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant on the banks of the Potomac in southwest Washington. The collapse resulted in a significant quantity of untreated sewage flowing into the Potomac, according to the DOEE. Up to 40 million gallons of wastewater per day is being deposited into the Potomac, the report added. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the spill, Trump and Moore have feuded on other topics like the president floating the idea of sending troops to Baltimore which he called a hellhole last year. And Trump last week said Moore was one of two Democratic governors he was not inviting to an annual governor summit at the White House. The post Trump Says He Will Fix Disastrous Potomac Sewage Spill If Dem Governors Ask Him Politely first appeared on Mediaite. President Donald Trump on Monday repeated his opposition to a massive public works project to create another tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey and distanced himself from reports that he wanted to make federal funding for it contingent on renaming New York's Penn Station and the Washington area's Dulles International Airport after him. In a post to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the federal government would not be responsible for cost overruns on the new tunnel, a warning that comes less than two weeks after a federal judge temporarily blocked his administration from withholding money for the $16 billion project. NBC News and other news outlets previously reported that the Trump administration asked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to support renaming Penn Station and Dulles airport in his honor in exchange for releasing tunnel funding. On Monday, Trump said the Gateway tunnel project would become "financially catastrophic for the region, unless hard work and proper planning is done, NOW, to avoid insurmountable future cost overruns." Advertisement Advertisement "Please let this statement represent the fact that, under no circumstances, will the Federal Government be responsible for ANY COST OVERRUNS - NOT ONE DOLLAR!" the president wrote. "The Federal Government is willing to meet, however, to make sure that this does not happen!" Trump added that the concept of renaming Penn Station "was brought up by certain politicians and construction union heads, not me." Trump and his administration have repeatedly threatened funding for the underwater tunnel, which has been in the works for years amid delays and other problems. Last fall, White House budget director Russell Vought announced the Trump administration was freezing funding for the project, questioning whether the money flowing to it was being allocated "based on unconstitutional DEI principles." Advertisement Advertisement Vought announced that same day that the administration was slashing billions of dollars that had been allocated to fund other projects in states that former Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, carried during the 2024 election. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Iran has said it has reached an understanding with the US on the main "guiding principles" to resolve their dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme. Speaking after indirect talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that work still needed to be done. The US said "progress was made". Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of mediator Oman, said the negotiations "concluded with good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues". Advertisement Advertisement The meeting followed repeated US military threats against Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests and its nuclear activities. President Donald Trump had earlier said he believed Iran wanted to make a deal. The US and its European allies suspect that Iran is moving towards the development of a nuclear weapon, something that Tehran has always denied. Before Tuesday's talks at the residence of Oman's ambassador in the Swiss city, Iran stated that it would focus on its nuclear programme and the potential lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the US. Washington has previously indicated it wanted to discuss other issues as well, such as Iran's missile development. Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately known what range of issues were discussed in Geneva but a US official told the BBC: "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss. The Iranians said they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some of the open gaps in our positions." When asked about the talks in an interview with Fox News, US Vice-President JD Vance said: "In some ways, it went well; they agreed to meet afterwards. But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through." Framing the talks as "very important", US President Donald Trump had earlier said he would be "indirectly" involved and suggested Tehran was motivated this time to negotiate. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that Iran learned the consequences of a tough posture in talks last summer when the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Advertisement Advertisement "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," he said, referring to the stealth bombers that carried out the bombings. "I hope they're going to be more reasonable." Trump's threats come amid a US military build-up in the Middle East over the past few weeks. BBC Verify has confirmed the location of US aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran using satellite imagery. The US has also reportedly sent the USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest warship, to the Middle East, which could arrive in the region within the next three weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on Tuesday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to Trump's threats of military action by saying: "More dangerous than an aircraft carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea. "He says the US's army is the strongest army in the world. The 'strongest army in the world' may sometimes receive such a blow that it cannot get back up." Khamenei also accused the US of attempting to predetermine the outcome of negotiations and said that would be a "wrong and foolish thing to do". [BBC] In addition to the Abraham Lincoln's arrival, BBC Verify has also tracked an increase of US destroyers, combat ships and fighter jets in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the UN nuclear watchdog chief on Monday, saying in a post on X he was in Geneva to "achieve a fair and equitable deal". "What is not on the table: submission before threats," Araghchi said. The US military released an image of the Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea in February [Reuters] Iran has responded to the US build-up with its own show of force. On Monday the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a maritime drill in the Strait of Hormuz, located in the Gulf between Oman and Iran. The Strait is considered a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that reaching a deal with Tehran would be "very difficult". Advertisement Advertisement "I think that there's an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement... but I don't want to overstate it either," Rubio said during a visit to Hungary. "It's going to be hard." The first indirect talks between Iran and the US took place in Oman earlier this year, which Araqchi described afterwards as a "good beginning". Additional reporting by Ghoncheh Habibiazad, BBC Persian United States President Donald Trump has said that he will be involved indirectly in the second round of the ongoing high-stakes nuclear talks between Iran and Washington in Geneva. Trumps comments on Monday came as Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi travelled to the Swiss city for meetings ahead of the indirect talks with the US, which started on Tuesday. Tensions in the Gulf region remain high ahead of the crucial negotiations, with the US deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warning that any attack on Iran would prompt a regional war. Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that the discussions on Tuesday were significant. Ill be involved in those talks, indirectly. And theyll be very important, he said. Iran is a very tough negotiator. Asked about the prospects for a deal, Trump said Iran had learned the consequences of its tough approach last June, when the US joined in Israels 12-day war on Iran and bombed three of its nuclear sites. The attacks came amid indirect talks between Iran and the US on Tehrans nuclear programme and resulted in their derailment. However, Trump suggested Tehran was motivated to negotiate this time. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, he said. Despite the US presidents comments about Iran seeking an agreement, the talks face major potential stumbling blocks. Washington has demanded that Tehran forgo uranium enrichment on its soil and has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues, such as Irans missile stockpile. Advertisement Advertisement But Tehran, which insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, has said it is only willing to discuss curbs on its programme in exchange for sanctions relief. It has said it will not accept zero uranium enrichment and that its missile capabilities are off the table. Fair and equitable deal Araghchi, who arrived in Geneva earlier on Monday, said he was in the city with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. He added, in a post on X, What is not on the table: submission before threats. The Iranian diplomat also met with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in Geneva for a round of technical discussions. Tehran had suspended cooperation with the United Nations watchdog body after the US and Israels attacks on its nuclear sites. The IAEA has been calling on Iran for months to say what happened to its stockpile of 440kg (970 pounds) of highly-enriched uranium following the Israeli-US strikes and to let inspections fully resume, including in three key sites that were bombed: Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Advertisement Advertisement Tehran has allowed IAEA some access to the sites that were not damaged, but has not allowed inspectors to visit other sites, citing a potential risk of radiation. Al Jazeeras Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, said there was optimism in the Iranian capital ahead of the talks. Officials here say the Iranian delegation in Geneva includes fully authorised economic, legal, political and technical teams. This signals that the Iranian side is ready for some serious concessions, particularly regarding its nuclear programme, he said. But Serdar noted that the talks come in the face of a massive US military build-up in the region, which continues to grow. The Iranians, too, he said, were not stepping back, with the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launching military drills in the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway and oil export route from Gulf Arab states, in retaliation against any attack. The move would choke a fifth of global oil flows and send crude prices sharply higher. Iran has also threatened to strike US military bases in the region in the event of an attack, promoting concerns of a wider war. This military escalation is going on in parallel with the diplomatic engagement. The regional countries are also stepping up diplomacy, because they have their concerns and they have their own fears, Serdar said. President Trump on Monday said the United States and Cuba are talking as the island faces crippling circumstances in the midst of a White House-imposed oil blockade. Cuba is right now a failed nation, and they dont even have jet fuel to get for airplanes to take off. Theyre clogging up their runway, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Were talking to Cuba right now, and Marco Rubio talking to Cuba right now, and they should absolutely make a deal, because its a humanity its really a humanitarian threat, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple airlines have suspended service to Cuba as sanctions on Havanas oil threaten international travel, medical services and tourism for the country. The country heavily relied on oil transfers from Venezuela, which have now been halted following the capture of regime leader Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration is restricting trade with Cuba citing its close ties to Iran, Russia and China as reasons for pause in hopes of toppling the current regime. The White House has threatened to punish any country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba. Last Thursday, Mexico sent two ships with 800 tons of aid to the island and plans to send more in an effort to support people in dire need of resources. We have a lot of great Cuban Americans, and theyre going to be very happy when theyre going to be able to go back and say hello to their relatives and do things that they should have been allowed to do for a long time, the president said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Im very interested in the people that are here that were treated so badly by Castro and the Cuban authorities, they have been treated horribly. So well see how it all turns out. But Cuba and us, we are talking. In the meantime, theres an embargo. Theres no oil, theres no money, theres no anything, he continued. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is a second-generation American of Cuban descent, is currently leading talks with officials in Havana and said that one path forward could be built on economic reforms in a recent interview with Bloomberg. Trump on Monday stopped short of endorsing a takeover similar to the one in Venezuela, but said if he was considering the measure, it wouldnt be a very tough operation, as you could figure. But I dont think thatll be necessary. However, foreign leaders remained scorned by the current oil blockade, halting daily operations for those on the island amid political tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Under a mendacious and argument-free pretext, peddled by those who engage in politics and enrich themselves at the expense of our peoples suffering, President Trump seeks to strangle the Cuban economy by imposing tariffs on countries that, in exercise of their sovereignty, trade oil with #Cuba Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote in a post on the social platform X last month. This new measure clearly demonstrates the fascist, criminal, and genocidal nature of a clique that has hijacked the interests of the American people for purely personal ends, he later added. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump took to social media to brand the Gateway Tunnel project a future boondoggle that could cost many billions of dollars more than budgeted, drawing a sharp rebuke from New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill who blamed him for potential cost overruns. In a Truth Social post that also was shared on X Monday, Trump said he was opposed to the future boondoggle known as Gateway in New York/New Jersey because it will cost many billions of dollars more than projected. Trump also said Gateway would be financially catastrophic for the region unless hard work and proper planning is done NOW to avoid insurmountable cost overruns. Advertisement Advertisement The federal government is willing to meet however to make sure this doesnt happen, the Republican president wrote. Sherrill rebutted Trump, saying Gateway was on time and on budget until his administration froze already approved funding for Gateway last October. The only person who can make Gateway a boondoggle is Donald Trump, the Democratic governor said in a statement. Until his illegal actions forced the project to shut down, threw 1,000 hard-working men and women off the job, and threatened the commutes of 200,000 people a day, Gateway was on time and on budget. Under full funding grant agreements signed by New Jersey and New York, the federal contribution for the $16 billion Gateway project is capped at the $12 billion. Any cost overruns will contractually be paid by the two states. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration was ordered on Feb. 6 to pay $205 million in federal funds that it withheld since Oct. 1, 2025. After losing the first round of an appeal last week, the federal government made the first $30 million payment to Gateway Feb. 13. New Jersey, New York and the Gateway Development Commission sued the USDOT and Federal Transit Administration for breach of contract. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., called Trumps comments a completely unhinged tantrum from someone who didnt get their way. Gateway Development Commission officials declined to comment about Trumps remarks. Donald Trumps ridiculous political rhetoric is just another effort to get out of paying what the federal government owes to the most urgent infrastructure project in the country, Sherrill said. We wont let him. Well keep taking him to court, and well keep winning, until the Gateway Tunnels entire funding is once again secured. Advertisement Advertisement The $16 billion Hudson River Tunnel Project will build two new tunnels and rehabilitate the existing 116-year-old rail tunnels. Boring the first tunnels through the Palisades in North Bergen was scheduled to start this year. Gateway officials paused construction on Feb. 6 when available funding ran out. Gateway had used a $500 million line of credit to keep workers on five projects in both states on the job until the funding freeze could be resolved. Trump also denied reports that he asked U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to rename New Yorks Penn Station and Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. for him in exchange for releasing Gateway funding. On Oct. 15 he declared funding was terminated. The renaming of Penn station was brought up by certain politicians and construction union heads, Trump said. Its just more fake news. Advertisement Advertisement This marks Trumps first direct denial of offering to release Gateway funds in exchange for renaming the airport and train station for him. Gateway supporters and other experts have made different predictions about the economic effects of not building the tunnels and the failure of one of the 1910 tunnels. Train capacity would be cut by 75% if one existing tunnel is shut down for a year for rehabilitation. That would affect the economy of the New York-New Jersey region that produces 20% of the gross domestic product. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. President Donald Trump sang the praises of acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez during a Monday press gaggle aboard Air Force One, inadvertently snubbing the woman who gave him her Nobel Peace Prize. Trump was asked by CNNs Alejandra Jaramillo about comments Rodriguez made to NBC last week in which she asserted Nicolas Maduros innocence and said he remained the legitimate president of Venezuela. I can tell you President Nicolas Maduro is the legitimate president. I will tell you this as a lawyer, that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent, Rodriguez told Meet the Presss Kristen Welker. Advertisement Advertisement In response, the president said that Rodriguezwho was Nicolas Maduros vice president and who has led the country since a military raid that saw Maduro captured and flown to the U.S. to face trialwas doing a very good job. I think we have a great relationship, Trump said, adding, I think she probably has to say that. I think politically, maybe she has to say that, in reference to claiming Maduro is the legitimate president. Shes doing a great job and I fully understand that statement. Delcy Rodriguez has served as interim president of Venezuela since Nicolas Maduro's abduction. / Jesus Vargas/Getty Images Trumps praise for Rodriguez could come as a shock to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who went out of her way to gift the president with the Nobel Peace Prize medal she won for her role in opposing Maduros government. Advertisement Advertisement When presented, the inscription on the prize read, in Recognition of President Trumps Principled and Decisive Action to Secure a Free Venezuela. The note refers to the Jan. 3 raid in which Maduro was seized. The Courage of America, and its President Donald J. Trump, will Never be Forgotten by the Venezuelan people. When asked why she handed the award over to Trump, Machado argued that he deserved it, telling Fox News, It was a very emotional moment. I decided to present the Nobel Peace Prize medal on behalf of the people of Venezuela. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presents Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize. / The White House The gesture prompted the Nobel Institute to issue multiple reminders that prizes cannot be shared or transferred, even going so far as to publish a press release the day after Machados visit to the White House titled, The Nobel Prize and the Laureate Are Inseparable. The exchange came after months of lobbying from the president that included cold-calling Norwegian diplomats, posting angry rants on social media, and Trump being presented with a consolation prize in the form of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Machados gift did not appear to make a significant impression on Trump, who seemed to forget her name immediately after their meeting, telling reporters shortly afterwards that he had a lot of respect for her and that she was a fine woman without mentioning her by name. Despite Machados attempts to impress Trump, he has thus far declined to support her bid for leadership of Venezuela, telling reporters shortly after Maduros abduction, I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. The president has also said that the U.S. could continue to oversee Venezuela for years, telling the New York Times that it could be much longer than a year before the country is ready for democratic elections. Politico has reported that White House advisers are growing frustrated with Machados push for elections in her country, with one adviser telling the outlet that her comments could undermine the work the U.S. is doing. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado waves to supporters as she leaves the White House following a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2026. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images The adviser accused Machado of attempting to make herself the sole star of the Venezuelan opposition and undermining the presidents policy success. All Maria Corina Machado does is try to negate all of this shes selfish, the adviser told Politico. None of this is Operation Maria Corina Machado. Its Operation U.S. national security, which is not tied to her in any way. Shes a spoiler and shes working against U.S. national security goals. Cheering on the faceless, masked goons of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as they brutalize both migrants and American citizensfrom the comfort of ones own homeoffers an undeniable shield of protection for the MAGA voters conscience. ICE is only rounding up criminals, they can tell themselves. The worst of the worst, as Department of Homeland Security press releases endorsed by renowned liar Tricia McLaughlin are fond of putting it. American citizens who are threatened, assaulted, or even killed on the streets by fanatical agents of ICE or Border Control? Regrettable, but thats what you get for stepping into the furrowed eyeline of a barely trained federal agent in the zealous pursuit of their duties. It can all be excused, if its happening at a great enough distance. But the moment that ICE brings its violence to their own neighborhoods, oh, then it becomes a critical problem. Proud Trump voters in states like Georgia and Idaho have recently become aware of a new truth: They dont want the thing they say they strongly support to be anywhere near them. Theyre terrified of being forced to look at what they voted for. This reality has been especially and karmically dire for the small Georgia city of Social Circle, less than an hours drive east of Atlanta, where residents only recently learned that DHS intends to inhabit a sprawling, newly constructed 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse that will be used as an immigrant detention facility designed to fit up to 10,000 people. Construction of said warehouse had been approved in the thought that it would eventually be used for Amazon packages or car parts, providing tax revenue for the small city of roughly 5,000 residents. Instead, ICE will use it to store people instead, in a system that is resulting in historic levels of detainee deaths. And oh, the tax-exempt federal building wont even bring any revenue to Social Circle, either. Can you believe that the Trump voters are unhappy about the prospect of tripling the towns population overnight with federal detainees, with no benefit for themselves? Are they gonna put a 16-foot barbed wire fence up that the kids have to see every day? asked an unnamed Social Circle mother who spoke to the Atlanta-based Georgia Public Broadcasting, wanting to avoid community blowback by remaining anonymous, who also said she was already tired of hearing I told you so comments. You guys voted for this. No, the detention center next to my childs school was not on my ballot. That wasnt what I voted for. Advertisement Advertisement But of course it is precisely what this woman voted for, and she was joined by 73% of the Social Circle electorate that also voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. They voted for a campaign of mass deportation and incarceration while telling themselves that they wouldnt have to physically be in the presence of any of it; that the reflected suffering wouldnt come anywhere near their homes or their children. And now, DHS is going to stick 10,000 of those prisoners right across the street from the local Social Circle elementary school, while ignoring the concerns and pleas of the same voters who empowered them to do so. Unlike other towns that have effectively managed to protest their way out of having local warehouses acquired to create new detention centers, including one in my own backyard, the deal is already done, as DHS has paid $129 million for the site. Curiously, this is far more than the sites previous valuation, which was valued just last year at less than $30 million for Russian-backed owners PNK Group. Not bad for those Russians, at a tidy $100 million mark-up. DHS has yet to make any public statement in response to questions from administrators or media, acknowledge the protestations of the town, or even explain how tripling the local population is supposed to work when the town is already near the maximum amount of water it can legally draw from local sources. Im concerned about our water and sewer infrastructure, said Social Circle City Manager Eric Taylor. We dont have it. Ive been trying to tell people, but nobodys listening. Social Circle, according to Taylor, is permitted to draw less than a million gallons per day from the local river water source, a level that the town on its own nearly reaches each summer. The government plans to add three times as many people to that equation, to a building not built for human habitation. As Taylor observes, theres nothing more than a shell of a building. Advertisement Advertisement And yet, no one from DHS will deign to speak to any of the local administrators and legislators from Social Circle. The local government, in fact, didnt learn anything about the project until the DHS purchase was reported in the media. Since then, DHS officials have refused to sit down with anyone from Social Circle to even hear them out. Last week, city administrators say a Thursday meeting with a DHS official was scheduled, and that person then simply failed to show up for the meeting, leaving them in the lurch. The project continues to barrel ahead, and the residents are seemingly helpless. But theyre obviously not the only Trump voters going through this exact same process of learning just how little the federal apparatus they voted for cares about their communities. Only 45 miles to the north of Social Circle, on the northern edges of the Atlanta urban sprawl, the town of Oakwood learned at the same time of another local warehouse that DHS intends to house another 1,500 detainees. Like Social Circle, town officials werent informed of anything; they just woke up one morning to news reports. The city, which also voted heavily for Trump, even put out a statement expressing their support for ICEs mission of apprehending and detaining individuals with criminal records, while simultaneously begging ICE not to put a prison camp in their community. It feels like we were blindsided and that weve been steamrolled over, complained City Manager B.R. White. In Idaho, meanwhile, the small community of Wilder, home to only 1,725 people, was rocked this fall when a federal raid complete with FBI and helicopter support descended on it, targeting the local Latino community who are critical workers for the areas farm-based economy. In only a few hours, 100 people were detained; at least 75 have subsequently been deported. The area, which voted more than 90% for Donald Trump, was effectively stripped of its primary farm labor force overnight. The ACLU is now suing on behalf of those people. We rely on Hispanic labor, said second-generation farmer Chris Gross, who grows corn and mint in a the town. Nobody thought something like this could happen here. And thats just it, in a nutshell. People dont mind the idea of violent, wanton application of government muscle, when it doesnt affect their community directly. Force them to be in proximity to it, and everybody suddenly becomes a NIMBY. No one wants their kids to go to school next to an imposing warehouse stuffed to the gills with human suffering, where detainees are occasionally choked to death. Stuff like that is supposed to happen at least two towns over. Maybe three. Advertisement Advertisement But surely for the residents of a city like Social Circle, Georgia, their elected GOP officials will come to their rescue, right? Theyll stand up to DHS for their constituents, yeah? Well, not so much. Social Circles district is represented by Rep. Mike Collins, who is currently in the process of running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Jon Ossoff. Contacted by Georgia Public Broadcasting, Collins said he agreed with residents that the detention center was a bad fit for the town, but then instantly flipped and said he wouldnt actually do anything about it. Fuck you, constituents! Who cares if you wont have any water because a 10,000-bed detention facility will be taking it all? Hopefully Ill be a Senator by then! I fully support ICE, 100%, said Collins to reporters. I think that as long as DHS comes in there and sits down and says, This is what we found, this is how were going to operate this, and takes care of any of the concerns for the local officials there to make sure that they dont impact them negatively, then theyll be able to operate that facility. And if they dont take care of the concerns of the locals, what then? I can only assume Collins would reply, Please dont ask me that. Ironically, the only ones actually attempting to take concrete steps for the benefit of Social Circle, Ga., residents are the states two Democratic Senators, both of whom the residents of Social Circle would no doubt vote against in a heartbeat. Sen. Jon Ossoff wrote a letter to DHS and Kristi Noem, unequivocally objecting to the facility and supporting the citys right to be informed. Sen. Raphael Warnock went further, inserting language into a prospective funding bill for the currently shut down Department of Homeland Security, that would directly block DHS from putting a detention facility in the site by blocking funding for that purpose. Even when its constituents who despise them, at least the Democratic members of Congress in this story are trying to help. What strange bedfellows, eh? A small city votes overwhelming for Trump to brutalize immigrants. Trumps DHS chooses that small city as a site for brutalizing immigrants. The citys residents object to the proximity and are ignored by DHS despite their votes putting this iteration of the Department of Homeland Security into power. Their Congressional representative takes the side of DHS against his own voter base, and the only ones who volunteer to assist are the hated Democratic Senators on the other side of the aisle. I can only assume that any moment now, well be hearing about how this is actually Joe Bidens fault. Two thirds of Americans are now of the opinion that ICE has gone too far, which is no small thing in a setting as rigid in its partisan lockstep as the one were in now. Its a change of perception that can only occur because of stories like this one, which are both ironic and unfortunate for everyone involvedparticularly, lest we forget, the thousands of immigrants who will be brutally housed in such a facility. The American residents in small towns in Georgia and Idaho cannot help but reap what theyve sown. Heres hoping that the experience convinces them to sow differently. WASHINGTON As President Donald Trump ramps up his interest in taking federal control of the November elections, he's tapped one of the lawyers who worked on his efforts to overturn the 2020 election to be his administrations "director of election security and integrity." That's Kurt Olsen, a conservative lawyer who has been hit with ethics complaints and a legal sanction from the Arizona state Supreme Court for spreading what it called "unequivocally false" claims about Trumps 2020 loss to former President Joe Biden and Kari Lake's 2022 gubernatorial loss in Arizona. Olsen, a 63-year-old former Navy SEAL, quietly joined the Trump White House in October as a special government employee. Since then, he's been working with law enforcement and intelligence officials to reinvestigate Trump's debunked allegations about 2020, including that he lost Georgia because of voter fraud and that states used "COVID to cheat" via mail-in ballots. Jack Smith gave his first public testimony on his investigations into Donald Trump on Jan. 22, 2026. During a break, a confrontation occurred between far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) and former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. A US Capitol Police officer intervenes as far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (R) held by Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn (2R), during a break in testimony by former US special counsel Jack Smith before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Jan. 22, 2026. Former Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges, (L) and former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (R) watch as former Special Counsel Jack Smith leaves at the conclusion of his testimony at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith (L) leaves at the conclusion of his testimony at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. A US Capitol Police officer intervenes as far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (R), steered away by former US Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn (2R), during a break in testimony by former US special counsel Jack Smith before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Jan. 22, 2026. Ivan Raiklin (C) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (2nd L) and former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn (L) during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone during a recess in the testimony of Special Counsel Jack Smith at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith shakes hands with former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell as he leaves at the conclusion of his testimony at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former US special counsel Jack Smith shakes hands with Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn (L) after testifying before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Donald Trump, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22, 2026. Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone during a recess in the testimony of Special Counsel Jack Smith at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Ivan Raiklin confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (C) and Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn are escorted from a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee following a confrontation with Ivan Raiklin in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former US special counsel Jack Smith steps down for a break as he testifies before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Donald Trump, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Jan. 22, 2026. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith says the Pledge of Allegiance before he prepares to testify during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. (L-R) Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges, Retired US Capitol Police officer Aquilino Gonel and Former officer with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Michael Fanone attend a hearing of Former US special counsel Jack Smith before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Donald Trump, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22, 2026. Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump on Thursday, accusing him of engaging in a "criminal scheme" to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives to testify during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former police officer, 2020 election denier clash at Jack Smith hearing 1 of 17 Jack Smith gave his first public testimony on his investigations into Donald Trump on Jan. 22, 2026. During a break, a confrontation occurred between far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) and former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone. Those claims were investigated and dismissed by courts and election authorities at the time. Trump lost 61 of 62 cases in court by the time supporters of his stormed the U.S. Capitol to interrupt electoral count proceedings on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement On a phone call on Jan. 2, 2021, Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, to change the official vote count in Georgia to give him its Electoral College results. Raffensperger refused, telling Trump, "the data you have is wrong." Members of Trumps own administration, including his then-attorney general, Bill Barr, told Trump at the time that his statements about the election were untrue. Now critics such as Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, worry that Olsen is seeking to advance these past election fraud claims to help Trump gain more control over future elections. The man behind the Georgia FBI raid Recently unsealed court documents disclosed that the FBI investigation that led to the Jan. 28 raid of a Georgia elections office was launched based on Olsens own criminal referral to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Historically, White House officials have taken pains to avoid any appearance of being involved in, or directing, criminal investigations undertaken by the Department of Justice and the FBI. But in this case, the FBI agent who filed an affidavit to get a judge to approve the search warrant highlighted Olsens role in the case and some of his claims about 2020. "Following the November 3, 2020, presidential election, there were many allegations of electoral impropriety relating to the voting process and ballot counting in Fulton County, Georgia," the affidavit by FBI Special Agent Hugh Raymond Evans read. "This warrant application," he wrote, "is part of an FBI criminal investigation into whether any of the improprieties were intentional acts that violated federal criminal laws." Advertisement Advertisement Evans added: "The FBI criminal investigation originated from a referral sent by Kurt Olsen, Presidentially appointed Director of Election Security and Integrity." Olsen did not return a request for comment left on a cell phone registered in his name. The White House praised him for his work. "The President has the most talented and qualified individuals serving as part of his team, including Kurt," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told USA TODAY Feb. 16 in response to questions about Olsens role. "President Trump remains focused on ensuring the safety and security of American elections." Ingle also referred questions about Olsens work to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which has been cooperating with him on efforts to reinvestigate the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement But some election security advocates find fault with what Olsen is doing. "It is inappropriate to say the least, for the same reason that courts have sanctioned his false claims about past elections," said Pamela Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting, an organization that promotes the responsible use of technology in election administration. A key 'Stop the Steal' lawyer Olsen spent much of his career in private legal practice before another lawyer, William Olson, urged Trump to recruit Olsen for his efforts to overturn his loss in key swing states. According to a Dec. 28, 2020, memo obtained by The New York Times that Olson wrote to Trump documenting his Christmas Day call with the president, Olson recommended getting the DOJ involved in his campaign's legal challenges and firing then-acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen. Olsen worked with Rosen at a prominent Washington, DC, law firm. Olson wrote Trump, "so he would be taken seriously." Advertisement Advertisement Olsen was also working with Texas officials, Olson said, to sue Pennsylvania to overturn Biden's victory there over the use of mail-in voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Kurt is a former Navy Seal, who has volunteered and worked tirelessly for weeks developing the papers for the suit brought by Texas," Olson wrote. "Also, this is a person who simply cannot be intimidated." "You need a lawyer literally on your side who is principled, schooled in the constitution, brilliant, tough, and committed to both you and the Constitution," Olson wrote. "Then, Kurt can bring in a few other capable and principled lawyers to help you." Attorney Kurt Olsen during his opening statement in Kari Lake's election challenge trial on May 17, 2023, in Maricopa County Superior Court in Mesa. Olson did not respond to requests for comment about Olsen that USA TODAY left with an associate at his law firm on Feb. 16. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 6, 2021, as a mob of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol in an effort to halt the certification of the election, Olsen spoke repeatedly with Trump, the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol attack would later conclude, after subpoenaing Olsen and others involved. Olsen was also deeply involved in the failed effort to use the DOJ to help overturn the election results by claiming extensive voter fraud, the committee said. And in 2022, Olsen represented former TV anchor and Republican nominee Kari Lake in her unsuccessful efforts to challenge her loss in the Arizona gubernatorial election to Katie Hobbs, including claims that the state's electronic voting machines were sabotaged. Olsen was sanctioned by a federal judge for making "false, misleading and unsupported factual assertions" in a lawsuit aimed at overturning Lake's 2022 election loss. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit later imposed $122,200 in sanctions against Olsen and another attorney for filing bad-faith, baseless allegations regarding voting machine reliability. Advertisement Advertisement Watchdog groups, States United Democracy Center and Lawyers Defending American Democracy, filed ethics complaints against Olsen in 2024, arguing that his repeated participation in filing election-related lawsuits grounded in false claims may violate professional ethical standards. What has Olsen been up to as White House election security czar? Fulton County officials, who deny any widespread problems in the 2020 election, asked the court to release the FBI agent's affidavit to the public, which disclosed Olsens role. The FBI, which is part of the DOJ, seized ballots and other records tied to the 2020 election in the Jan. 28 raid. The move marked a major escalation of efforts in Trump's second term to call into doubt the results of the 2020 presidential election that Trump lost to then-former Vice President Biden. Olsen has also been involved in efforts by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the broader U.S. intelligence community to investigate and bolster long-debunked claims that foreign interference played a role in Trump having the 2020 election stolen from him. United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks on the phone while standing at the edge of a truck loading bay after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant for the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in relation to the 2020 election, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the matter, in Union City, Georgia, U.S. January 28, 2026. Trump has specifically tapped Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard who was present during the Fulton County raid to spearhead that effort. Advertisement Advertisement According to Politico and NBC News reports citing anonymous sources, spy agencies are sharing classified intelligence reporting with Olsen to support his 2020 election probe. U.S. intelligence agency officials would not confirm those reports in emails with USA TODAY on Feb. 16. The CIA issued a statement, saying, "The president has asked Mr. Olsen to look at intelligence related to the 2020 election and the agency is ensuring that he has the access necessary to do his work." An Office of the Director of National Intelligence spokeswoman, in an email to USA TODAY, said everyone granted access to classified information goes through an extensive background review to ensure they are trustworthy and do not pose a threat to national security. Advertisement Advertisement Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized Gabbard and Olsen for what he said were their continuing efforts to undermine the results of the 2020 election. "The newly unsealed affidavit shows this search originated from the frivolous claims of Kurt Olsen, an attorney who traffics in debunked falsehoods about the 2020 election," Warner said in a Feb. 10 statement. Though American elections have always been run by state and local election officials, Trump has recently been saying he wants to put the federal government in charge of the November midterms which will determine control of Congress to prevent voter fraud. "The Republicans should say, 'We want to take over. We should take over the voting in at least many, 15 places.'" Trump said during an appearance on the podcast of Dan Bongino, who returned to his show on Feb. 2 after resigning in January as FBI deputy director in the Trump administration. "The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that are so crooked." Some Democrats see that as an effort to use Trump's claims of past voter fraud to justify an execution of the next one that would be biased in his favor. On CBS News "Face the Nation" on Feb. 8, Warner said Trump "sees the political winds turning against him, and he's going to try to interfere in the 2026 election." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meet the election denier now heading White House election security A federal judge is expected to deliver his ruling this month on whether the construction of President Donald Trumps $400 million White House ballroom can continue after a historic preservation group challenged the project in court. The ruling could come just before the National Capital Planning Commission, the central planning agency of the federal government, plans to vote on the project. The 12-member commission, the majority of whom are Trump-appointed allies, will hold the public hearing on March 5. But the judge's verdict won't be the end of the saga. Advertisement Advertisement I know it will be appealed. Whichever side wins, the other side will appeal, said U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Leon last month. So this case is going to go to the DC Circuit, for certain, and, maybe, perhaps even to the Supreme Court. Who knows? Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. See new renderings of massive 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom 1 of 20 Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. At issue is a lawsuit the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed in December against Trump and several federal agencies, asking to halt construction on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The non-profit group argued that Trump should have sought Congress's authorization before the demolition of the East Wing. Trumps team has countered in court that the president did not need approval from lawmakers because the project is not using taxpayer dollars and instead is being funded by private donations. Trump's project has gone through various changes since the White House first announced its plans in July, including financing, seating capacity and cost. The price tag jumped from $200 million to $400 million, and the ballroom is now expected to accommodate 1,000 people. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. What is the court considering? Judge Leon, an appointee of President George W. Bush, said there were many novel issues at play in the case. He is considering whether the president has the authority to demolish the East Wing and construct the ballroom using a deliberately complicated funding setup with private money while circumventing Congressional authorization. Advertisement Advertisement During last month's hearing, Leon said he also wanted the Trump administration to clearly state what the dividing line was between what is permitted and what is not permitted in terms of future construction and demolition in the White House complex. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. I do think if the plan was to just bulldoze the entire White House and build something completely different in its place, it would exceed the scope of presidential authorization for alteration and improvement," said Jacob Roth, an attorney for the defendants. I would hope so, Leon responded, while also noting that the administration had taken a pretty expansive interpretation of the language. Roth also described the Executive Mansion as the core site." He said Congress declared in 1961 by statute that the site was an important thing to preserve. Questions swirl around the funding of the ballroom The Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit organization, is managing the $400 million in donations for the project. President Donald Trump holds an image of a rendering of the new White House ballroom to be built as he meets with Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte (not pictured) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Donors include American corporations that have business with the U.S. government, including Palantir, Lockheed Martin and Meta, according to a list provided by the White House. Advertisement Advertisement In response to a January letter from Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), the Trust for the National Mall said that it takes 2 or 2.5%" from each donation received. For a $400 million in ballroom donations, the Trust will "rake in $8 to $10 million from its fundraising role for Trumps ballroom, the lawmakers said in a separate statement. The Trust has sponsored more than $100 million in restoration projects with the National Park Service since 2007. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., conducts a special forum on the rising cost of education at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. These new details raise even greater concerns about whether Donald Trumps gold-encrusted ballroom has become a vehicle for corruption, said Warren. We now know the Trust is raking in millions off its Trump ballroom fundraising, and the Trusts board stacked with business leaders who could benefit from favorable treatment from Trump specifically agreed to take this on. Underground bunker and national security concerns The judge could also rule based on several other factors, including the existence of an underground bunker, which the Trump administration has said is a matter of national security. Advertisement Advertisement Since the 1940's, the East Wing has had an underground bomb shelter built amid concerns of an ariel attack during World War II for the president's safety. Known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), it is meant to serve as a command center for the president as situations arise. It was demolished in October to make way for the ballroom. The administration's lawyers have argued that stopping the construction in the middle would create security problems for the president. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associateslater removed from the National Capital Planning Commissions websiteshow a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. In a Jan. 25 Truth Social post, Trump said that the lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation had exposed a "Top Secret fact" about the involvement of the U.S. military and Secret Service in several aspects of the project, including design. The preservation group's lawyers argued that they had no issues with reconstructing the "bunker and the other national security elements." However, they objected to using that as an excuse to continue building the ballroom without approvals. Advertisement Advertisement "I think we would respectfully suggest that that's probably something they should have thought about before they tore it down to begin with," said Thaddeus Heuer, the preservation group's attorney. Public hearing on the ballroom project The National Capital Planning Commission is slated to vote on the project on March 5. A virtual public hearing will also be held on the same day, where comments can be made on a first-come-first-serve basis. At 90,000 square feet of new construction, Trump's project "will overwhelm the White House itself," which is 55,000 square feet, said National Trust President and CEO Carol Quillen, adding: "(The addition) may also permanently disrupt the carefully balanced classical design of the White House with its two smaller, and lower, East and West Wings." Early site excavation and other construction work for the ballroom are already underway, which Trump wants ready by January 2029, the end of his second term. He has said he would like to see future presidential inaugurations in the ballroom. Advertisement Advertisement The NCPC said that, given the anticipated "volume of public participation," details on the testimony schedule will be shared soon. A court filing last month had indicated registration would open on Feb. 12, but the registration has not yet opened. On Feb. 13, the NCPC also posted new renderings of the East Wing submitted by the architect Shalom Baranes. The renderings showed an imposing new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and almost completely obfuscating the view of the Treasury Building from the South Lawn. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's White House ballroom project has two big moments ahead Since launching his long-shot bid to become Floridas next governor, James Fishback has said he admiresfar-right commentators who have downplayed the Holocaust. He has directed racist remarks at the Republican front-runner, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, calling him a slave to donors and a token Black in Congress who wants to turn Florida into a Section 8 ghetto. Twenty years ago, Fishbacks remarks would have already disqualified him as a major party candidate. Six years ago, his comments would have gotten him canceled on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Now? Fishbacks social media footprint has grown and his events are drawing hyped-up young voters who say his messages on the economy are resonating. Im more convinced now than I was 10 weeks ago that this race is wide open, Fishback told the Tampa Bay Times last week. Were what people are talking about. Donalds dismisses Fishback with as little acknowledgement as his front-runner status affords him. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly, meanwhile, has condemned him with gusto, if only to imply that Donalds is weak for not doing so himself. James Fishback is a formidable Republican candidate for governor, Jolly said. Floridas political leadership of all partisan persuasions those elected and those running should denounce, de-platform, and dismiss James Fishback." Advertisement Advertisement Fishback, who is 31 and white, responds to criticisms like this with sweeping denials. Im not a racist, Fishback said. I support all races. Last week, more than 200 people attended his appearance at a Pinellas Young Republicans gathering at the Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg. The crowd was four times as large as the crowd last month at the Hollander for another Republicangubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. At least 4-to-1 male and largelyunder 35, the mostly white crowd embraced Fishbacks message that their generation had been left behind economically. Affordability is not a nice-to-have, its a must-have, its existential, Fishback told the audience, drawing vigorous nods and murmurs of Amen. Advertisement Advertisement At times, Fishback sounded as if he were channeling liberals like Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren. If elected, Fishback said, he would restore prosperity to the working class. He promised 25% pay raises for public school teachers. He would nix large AI data centers and preserve more park space. But other bits of his economic messaging, such as eliminating property taxes and a ban on all corporate and foreign national ownership of single-family homes, reflected his anti-government orAmerica-first nationalistic impulses. For young voters like A.J. Garaci, a 24-year-old Largo flight instructor, Fishback is addressing economic issues that are holdingyoungpeople back. When I was a kid, you could buy a house for much lessthan you can now, said Garaci, who sported an Alligator Alcatraz T-shirt to the event. Wages havent been increasing. Companies are buying up homes and putting the American Dream out of reach for the rest of us. Advertisement Advertisement Fishbacks politics reject the Republican dogma of trickle-down economics that has consolidated wealth and been championed by party leaders, including Trump, for the past five decades. Fishbackfavors conservation over economic development. While he names Teddy Roosevelt as a hero, he also cites Pat Buchanan, the former Nixon speech writer who ran for president in the 1990s. Buchanan prided himselfon being a champion of the working class. But he was also a nativist who minimized Nazi war crimes and the Holocaust while warning of an end to white America that is echoed by the Great Replacement theory. The theory posits that foreign immigrants from Third World countries are overrunning Western Europe and the U.S., eliminating white Christian traditions and bloodlines. The conservativecommentator Tucker Carlson and far-right streamer Nick Fuentes are champions of this view. White America, in Fishbacks telling, is the demographic with the most to lose in a system rigged against them. Advertisement Advertisement The crowd at the Hollander cheered his message that any public school teacher who teaches white guilt will be fired. He asserts that the systemic racism of today is aimed at white Christian men throughout their primary and secondary schooling and that white genocide is real. He vows to end the H1-B visa program because it takes jobs from Americans and gives them to foreigners. While he insists that he wants to help all Floridians, he stereotypes his opponent along racial tropes and leans into descriptions of white racism with little to no mention of the racism that minorities face. The Hollander crowd identified with what Fishback was telling them. I agreed with everything he had to say, said Garaci later. While I was in school, the whole narrative was to demonize you for being white. When Carlson hosted Fishback on his influential podcast in January, it was another distressing signal to progressive publications like The Nation that his long-shot candidacy was gaining momentum on the right, especially among young people. Advertisement Advertisement Fishback and Fuentes are prominent figures in an ascendant, Gen-Z America First wing of MAGA openly suspicious of Israel, economically populist and steeped in a white Christian nationalist worldview that scorns Jews, women, and nonwhite immigrants, The Nation warned. At the Hollander, Fishback set up an us versus them message. Along with the corporate elite, the them includes immigrants and nonessential government workers focused on diversity, equality and inclusion. America is your birthright, Fishback said as the crowd roared in St. Petersburg last week. They wont steal that from us. The future, for Fishback, is the past, specifically 1960, when homeownership and marriage among men 30 and younger was higher than it is now. He wants to return to an age when one income was enough to support a family. Advertisement Advertisement Ideally for Fishback and his followers, that one income belongs to the husband. Fishback acknowledges that his campaign needs to appeal to more women. He said it will, even as he pushes to ban abortion entirely and promotes a view that women should have more children while ditching their professional careers. Although he spoke out against objectifying women in his attacks on porn sites, he also called the U.S. attorney general Pam Blondie. He swears hes no antisemite just because he criticizes Israel and calls the carnage in Gaza genocide. But media outlets called him out recently when he used the term goyslop to describe junk food. The obscure word has become popular with the far right as it applies to our food supply, which Fishback says has been contaminated with additives that have made men less masculine. At this early stage of the campaign, Fishbacks promises are eliciting oohs and ahhs but little scrutiny from his crowds. He wants to eliminate much of government regulation, for instance, because government cant investigate government. In its place, he would like to crowdsource fraud investigations. Any citizen who finds fraud gets 5% of the total fraud amount in return. He didnt describe how exactly that would work. Advertisement Advertisement But such details can be sorted out later. For now, Fishback relishes the attention hes getting. Im surprised by how well received my message is with Democrats and Independents, Fishback said. My support may have started online, but thats not where it will be when this is over. Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville, has filed a floor amendment that would leave the tuition waiver for Kentuckians 65 and older as is. A bill awaiting House action would require them to file federal student aid applications. (LRC Public Information photo) A Republican lawmaker is no longer trying to end the tuition waiver for Kentuckians who are 65 and older but is pushing instead for a new requirement that at least one Democrat thinks is unnecessary and that an older student says would have the same effect as ending the waiver. Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville, has filed a floor amendment that would leave the tuition waiver for senior citizens unchanged and as its been in state law since 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, presenting a substitute for House Bill 497 in committee last week, said the new version of his bill would no longer end the tuition waiver for older Kentuckians but would add a new requirement that they file for financial aid. Tipton said the new requirement on older students would be consistent with his bills requirement that younger students who qualify for tuition waivers would now be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). Nathan Goldman, chair of the University of Louisville Donovan Scholars, a campus club, said Tiptons revised bill would effectively end the tuition waiver program for seniors. The FAFSA is still a fairly complex form and requires the disclosure of sensitive financial information that many seniors would find intrusive. Moreover, most seniors would not qualify for state or federal financial aid, Goldman said. A Pell Grant requires exceptional financial need and the recipient cannot hold a bachelors degree. All our members already hold bachelors degrees. So if the purpose of the new language is to find funds for the university, it wouldnt accomplish that. It would, however, require additional work to the university which would have to track that information, Goldman said. Carrie Mott, a UofL professor and faculty advisor to the Donovan Scholars club, also said the FAFSA requirement would discourage older students from taking classes. Requiring those folks to complete the FAFSA complicates the process and will result in a lot of students over 65 leaving our universities. These students cost the universities nothing, there is no justification for requiring the FAFSA. Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville (LRC Public Information) The legislature through the years has required public universities and colleges to waive tuition for at least 10 groups, including foster and adopted children; the survivors of disabled war veterans; survivors of police and firefighters killed or disabled in the line of duty, and some teachers. The waiver for people 65 and older grew out of the University of Kentuckys Herman L. Donovan Scholarship for Senior Citizens established in 1964 and named for a former UK president who championed lifelong learning. The legislature codified the waiver in 1976 for all of the states public universities and colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Altogether, the waivers result in $31 million in foregone revenue for public universities and colleges each year, according to the Council on Postsecondary Education, which is asking the legislature to appropriate $30 million a year into a new trust fund to compensate universities for the tuition they do not collect from students who qualify for the state waivers. In addition to students 65 and older, Tiptons bill applies to the children and spouses of police and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty and survivors of military veterans. It adds survivors of emergency medical services personnel to those eligible for tuition waivers. He said his bill would offset part of the waivers cost to institutions because many survivors would qualify for federal and state tuition grants. The state tuition waiver would then become last dollar in assistance to make up for the difference between the amount of financial aid and the tuition cost. Source: Council on Postsecondary Education They have shortened that FAFSA form. Its not near as complicated as it used to be, and its very possible that we may have some 65 and older people who maybe are lower income, would be Pell (Grant) eligible, and that way those dollars would come into the university, Tipton told the House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education, which he chairs. Advertisement Advertisement His bill would require senior citizens to fill out a FAFSA even if they are auditing a class rather than taking it for credit. Willner, the only committee member to vote against Tiptons bill, questioned the value of requiring older students to fill out the federal financial aid form to qualify for the tuition waiver. Senior citizens can enroll in free courses only if theres space in the class; institutions are not required to add classes to accommodate them. Ive reached out to some of the universities. Ive gotten some good responses, Willner said. It appears to me that even though they have a line item in their budget that shows this is what they are giving up in tuition, theyre not actually spending anything out of pocket for these 65 and up folks. She said that staying engaged intellectually and being part of a community are known to improve health as people age. Advertisement Advertisement I really think its shortsighted of us not to just say, If youre 65 and up, and this is something that youre interested in, go for it. I think its smart. I think it doesnt really cost the state or the universities anything, and I think it would save us money and health care costs. It would make for happier, healthier, more engaged seniors. This story has updated with comments from Nathan Goldman and Carrie Mott. Two people are facing charges after a stabbing in Manchester, NH on Sunday morning. According to police, around 8:30 a.m., officers responded to 335 Rimmon St for a reported stabbing. The victim told police he had gone to the address after an interaction with someone on an online marketplace. When he arrived at the address, he encountered three people. He said he was assaulted, threatened, and held against his will. Advertisement Advertisement During the altercation, he was stabbed, and the suspects stole his car. Officers located the stolen vehicle traveling on Main St near Conant St. Officers were able to stop the vehicle. Frank Miller, 40, of Manchester, was arrested and charged with Felon in Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Kidnapping, Criminal Threatening Deadly Weapon, Criminal Restraint, Simple Assault, and Resisting Arrest. Kendra Gokey, 20 of Manchester, was also arrested and charged with First Degree Assault, Criminal Restraint, and Prostitution. The incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Authorities announced Monday that two illegal immigrants were arrested last week in connection with a "violent" home invasion in North Carolina that sent one victim to the hospital. The reported burglary occurred in a suburban neighborhood in the middle of the night on Wednesday, the Pitt County Sheriff said. "At 3:16 a.m. on February 11, 2026, Pitt County deputies responded to a reported assault at 200 Louis Street in the Cherry Oaks neighborhood of Greenville. Arriving deputies determined that the incident was a home invasion," the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement "Both arrested suspects were discovered to be in the United States illegally." Afghan Illegal Immigrant Who Stabbed Sister For Being 'Bad Muslim Girl' Arrested By Ice Agents In New York Homeless 20-year-old Jonathan David Garcia-Lario was arrested on Feb. 13, 2026, following a reported burglary. (Fox News) Police arrested the suspects two days later, identifying them as 20-year-old homeless man Jonathan David Garcia-Lario and 21-year-old Chapel Hill resident Zaid Mayen. Investigators said they recovered related evidence at an apartment in Chapel Hill, roughly two hours from the crime scene. Read On The Fox News App The suspects are accused of committing multiple serious crimes, including rape or an equivalent forcible offense, kidnapping, burglary and using a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Advertisement Advertisement They are each facing four felony charges for first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree forcible sex offense, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury. Authorities did not confirm the nature or extent of the victims injuries but said the individual was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. The sun rises over Greenville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was notified, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is expected to become involved. Authorities noted that an ICE detainer was placed on each individual, indicating that immigration agents may eventually take custody of them. Sanctuary Policies Let Alleged Child Predator Roam Free Until Dhs Made Portland, Oregon, Airport Arrest A police officer pulls police tape around a crime scene on Jan. 6, 2022. The arrests were carried out with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, which helps track and apprehend fugitives. The Chapel Hill Police Department also took part in the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Officials suggested that the incident was a serious criminal offense that prompted detectives from the Major Crimes and Forensic Services Units to respond to the scene. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Garcia-Lario was initially booked into the Franklin County Detention Center, where he was held without bond, and was later transferred to the Pitt County Detention Center on Monday, where he remains in custody without bond. Mayen was initially booked into the Orange County Detention Center and held without bond. Fox News Digital reached out to the DHS for more information. Original article source: Two illegal aliens arrested in violent suburban home invasion involving sexual assault, kidnapping: police LINCOLN Two Nebraska churches, one in North Bend and the other in Geneva, were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend and First Congregational Church in Geneva were recently listed among the 1,200 or so structures in Nebraska on the National Register, according to the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office. Two towers soar above the facade of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend, which was recently cited for its historic importance. (Courtesy of the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office) The North Bend church, built in 1916, is a brick, Neoclassical Revival-style church with limestone accents. Two towers rise at the church facade. Stained-glass windows illuminate the churchs interior. Advertisement Advertisement St. Charles Borromeo, designed by architect James H. Craddock, was significant to local social history through its hosting of events, support for community aid programs, and the use of a recreation space called the Catholic Lot. First Congregational Church is a Gothic Revival style church built in 1926. It is historically significant in Geneva as the site of the church congregations service to the wider community, such as community hospitality toward members of the armed forces during World War II. The Historic Preservation Office, which administers the National Register program in the state, is part of the Nebraska State Historical Society. For more information, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at hn.hp@nebraska.gov or visit history.nebraska.gov/historic-preservation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The high level of activity of the IDF in Lebanon shows that Hezbollah continues to pose a threat. Lebanons army continues to claim it is seeking to disarm Hezbollah. However, a report at the AFP noted that Lebanons government said Monday that the army would need at least four months to implement the second phase of the militarys plan to disarm militant group Hezbollah in the countrys south. Lebanese army chief Rodolph Haykal arrived in Washington in early February for talks with US officials. He also visited the US Central Command in Florida. According to the new report, Lebanon is committed to disarming Hezbollah. This comes after Lebanons Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited southern Lebanon on a multi-day tour in early February. Lebanon's two-pronged approach The two-pronged Lebanese initiative, sending the army chief to Washington and the prime minister to areas in the south that were previously controlled by Hezbollah, shows how Lebanon is thinking about the future. Advertisement Advertisement The messaging about disarming Hezbollah is also part of this. Lebanons government last year committed to disarming Hezbollah, which was badly weakened in a recent war with Israel, and tasked the army with drawing up a plan to do so, Saudi Arabia's Arab News noted. The military said last month it had completed the first phase of the plan, covering the area between the Litani River and the Israeli border about 30 kilometers (20 miles) farther south. Lebanese army vehicles secure the street as residents gather during a visit by Lebanon's prime minister to the heavily-damaged southern village of Kfar Kila, destroyed by the Israeli military, near the border with Israel on February 8, 2026. (credit: Rabih DAHER / AFP via Getty Images) The second phase of disarmament is supposed to focus on the area between the Litani and Awali rivers. There are questions about progress in Lebanon. US Central Command praised the Lebanese army for uncovering a tunnel on February 9. According to Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos, the army has provided a presentation about the second stage of the plan. There is a timeframe of four months, extendable depending on available capabilities, Israeli attacks, and hindrances on the ground, Morcos said. Advertisement Advertisement The reports in Lebanon come as the IDF continues strikes against Hezbollah and other terrorists. According to the Arab News report, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said that what the Lebanese government is doing in focusing on disarmament is a grave sin, because this issue serves the goals of the Israeli aggressionStop all action to restrict weapons. The IDF said Monday that it struck and eliminated a terrorist who operated to rehabilitate Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in the area of Tallouseh in southern Lebanon. The IDF also struck and eliminated a terrorist who took part in attempts to reestablish Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the Hanin area in southern Lebanon. On February 15, the IDF said it struck weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers belonging to Hezbollah in several areas in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement On February 13, the IDF said it struck and eliminated a terrorist who took part in attempts to reestablish Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the At-Tiri area in southern Lebanon. This illustrates the high level of activity of the IDF in Lebanon and shows that Hezbollah continues to pose a threat. A search is underway in South Carolina for a gunman after two men who had been shot were found inside a vehicle, with one of them later dying, according to the Aiken County Sheriffs Office. Rashaun Brinkley, a 30-year-old Lexington resident, is the man who died, Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said Tuesday. The shooting happened just before noon Monday, the sheriffs office said in a news release. A person called emergency services saying they had been shot, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement The caller said the shooting happened in the area near Rawls Mill Pond Road and Old Ninety Six Indian Trail, the sheriffs office said. Thats in the Wagener area of Aiken County, about 7 miles from Exit 33 on I-20. Deputies found two men inside a vehicle and discovered that both had been shot, according to the release. Both victims were taken to an area hospital, the sheriffs office said. At 1:25 p.m. Monday, Brinkley died from the injuries he suffered in the shooting while being treated at Lexington Medical Center, according to the coroners office. Further information on the condition of the surviving victim was not available. Advertisement Advertisement No other injuries were reported. Information about the shooter, or shooters, and how many people were involved, was not available. There was no word on a motive for the gunfire. No arrests have been reported, but the shooting is being investigated by the sheriffs office. An autopsy will be performed this week in Newberry, according to the coroners office. Anyone with information about the shooting are asked to call the sheriffs office at 803-642-1761, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. In the case of an emergency, always call 911. KYIV, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Ukrainian drones hit the Taman oil terminal in Russia's southern Krasnodar region and a chemicals plant in the Perm region near the Ural mountains overnight, Ukraine's SBU domestic security service said on Tuesday. Kyiv has stepped up long-range strikes on strategic Russian targets, particularly oil facilities, that have fuelled Moscow's war machine during the four-year-long war. An SBU official said the attack on the Taman terminal was the agency's second on the facility since January 22. Ukraine's General Staff had separately reported striking the terminal on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement SBU drones also attacked the Metafrax Chemicals plant in the Perm region, some 1,600 km from Ukraine, a facility the official described as one of the biggest methanol producers in Russia and Europe. Both attacks were carried out ahead of a new round of U.S.-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia that began on Tuesday in Geneva, which are not expected to yield significant results. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Dan Peleschuk; Writing by Dan PeleschukEditing by Gareth Jones) A Ukrainian drone pilot told Business Insider of how he found a Russian arsenal of horses and Ladas. Russia has increasingly been seen using unconventional transport, such as horses or bicycles. The pilot's commander said it's a sign of how Russia fights and calculates its losses differently. Cosmos floated his quadcopter over the ruined warehouse, guiding it through a corner of the roof where shattered metal sheets had collapsed to form a hole. The drone pilot's unit, the Wild Division, suspected that the building was a logistics hub for Russian soldiers, roughly 15 km, or about 9 miles, from the line of contact in southern Ukraine. These hidden locations often held ordnance or fuel stockpiles, and Cosmos' fiber-optic drone was armed with explosives to destroy them. Advertisement Advertisement Yet inside, the drone rotated its camera to reveal what looked more like a farmer's garage: Four civilian cars, a pair of motorcycles, and two bridled horses. "We had not expected to see this. It was unusual," Cosmos told Business Insider, speaking on condition that he be identified only by his call sign. "We were expecting to find some armored vehicles," he added. Video of the discovery went viral last week in Ukraine, as the war has increasingly seen Russian soldiers using unconventional transport tools, such as pack animals and bicycles, to conduct assaults or logistics missions. Cosmos said his drone mission was conducted in early February. Advertisement Advertisement The smaller profile of a horse or civilian car might be harder for a drone to spot, though Russia's repeated use of them has also raised questions about the viability of its tactics and whether it's been producing enough military equipment to sustain its invasion. Cosmos' squad mates and officers at the Wild Division, a first-person-view drone company in the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, had seen clips of Russian soldiers riding on horses to attack Ukrainian positions before. One famous example they remember was in Zaporizhzhia, when a Ukrainian drone crew attacked Russian infantry crossing the front lines on horseback last month. Cosmos, who's been piloting drones for a year, said it was the first time he'd personally seen the animals on the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement He flew his explosive-laden drone straight into the back of one of the cars, and said his crew later struck several other vehicles inside. When Russian troops moved their transport assets, the Wild Division found the next warehouse and attacked that one, too, Cosmos said. "The enemy usually lives in hiding close to these places," Cosmos said of the warehouse. "It's common for us to check all targets. Sometimes we can see the enemy infantry, or you can see their vehicles." Russia calculates war differently The Wild Division declined to say where exactly the warehouse was located, but its brigade is generally deployed in the Donbas. The commander of Cosmos' battalion told Business Insider that the discovery of the horses surprised him, too. Advertisement Advertisement "I thought it had been a location for transport vehicles, sort of a transfer hub," said the major, whose call sign is Fizruk. Fizruk said the appearance of horses and cars in his area of the front line could be a sign that Russian forces are running low on standard resources, but also reflects Moscow's attritional nature of fighting. The cars discovered by Cosmos appear to be Nivas, inexpensive civilian off-road vehicles from the Russian Lada car brand. "They treat these like they will be losses anyway, that they will be destroyed anyway," he said. "Look, a Niva costs, let's say, $2,000. A Hummer, which the Armed Forces of Ukraine uses in many places, costs $20,000, maybe more." Advertisement Advertisement "Since they lose their equipment in assaults, from that point of view, why pay $20,000 for one vehicle if you can buy 10 Nivas for $20,000?" Fizruk added. The Kremlin is known to pressure the front line with repeated ground assaults, sending small groups of infantry to approach Ukrainian positions on foot or in cheap vehicles. The strategy has been costly, with NATO now saying that up to 25,000 Russian troops are dying each month. Sustaining that style of war has pushed Moscow to informal means of recruitment and weapons procurement, including hiring troops from overseas and receiving ammunition from North Korea. Read the original article on Business Insider The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) acts as one of Earth's most important climate regulators, moving warm surface water northward and returning cold deep water southward. This massive ocean current system helps balance global temperatures, stabilize weather systems, and moderate sea levels along major coastlines. When the AMOC weakens, ripple effects extend far beyond the Atlantic basin. Recent observations show measurable slowing in this circulation, raising concerns about long-term climate impact. A weakened AMOC could reshape European winters, intensify Atlantic hurricanes, and accelerate sea-level rise along North America's eastern coast. Understanding how this ocean conveyor worksand what happens if it faltersoffers insight into future climate risks. What Is the AMOC, What Drives It, and How Does It Impact Climate? The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a vast system of ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean that redistributes heat around the globe. It works like a giant conveyor belt, moving warm, salty surface water northward and sending colder, denser water back south at deep ocean levels. This steady movement helps regulate global temperatures and keeps parts of Western Europe significantly warmer than other regions at the same latitude. The AMOC is driven by differences in temperature and salinity, a process known as thermohaline circulation. As warm water flows north through the Gulf Stream, it cools and becomes denser, especially near Greenland and the Nordic Seas. The increased density causes it to sink deep into the ocean, pulling more warm water northward and sustaining the circulation loop. Its climate impact is substantial. By transporting heat, the AMOC shapes weather systems, rainfall distribution, and sea-level patterns. If melting Greenland ice dilutes ocean salinity, the sinking process weakens, slowing the entire system. This could trigger colder European winters, stronger Atlantic hurricanes, and faster sea-level rise along parts of North America. Climate Impact on Europe and North America from AMOC Weakening AMOC weakening directly alters regional climate patterns. Northwestern Europe benefits greatly from the warm waters transported northward. If the circulation slows significantly, winter temperatures in cities like Oslo or London could drop several degrees compared to current averages. Agricultural systems are especially vulnerable. Shorter growing seasons and increased frost events could reduce yields in parts of Europe. Meanwhile, in North America, the climate impact manifests differently. A weaker AMOC can shift ocean mass distribution, contributing to faster sea-level rise along the U.S. Northeast coast compared to the global average. This redistribution occurs because strong ocean circulation helps keep sea levels balanced. When circulation weakens, water piles up along certain coastlines. Coastal cities such as New York and Norfolk may experience higher-than-average increases in flooding frequency. Additionally, warmer tropical Atlantic waters linked to AMOC changes can fuel stronger hurricanes. When surface temperatures rise, storms intensify more quickly, increasing the likelihood of high-category hurricanes making landfall along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Weather Systems Disruption from AMOC Changes Weather systems depend on temperature contrasts between ocean and atmosphere. AMOC changes can disrupt these contrasts, influencing jet stream behavior. A weakened circulation may allow the jet stream to wobble more dramatically, leading to extreme cold outbreaks in some regions and prolonged heatwaves in others. Erratic weather patterns become more common when heat distribution is uneven. For example, cold Arctic air may plunge farther south during winter, while other regions experience unusual warmth. These fluctuations strain infrastructure, energy grids, and agriculture. Monsoon systems can also shift. Changes in Atlantic temperature patterns influence rainfall distribution in Africa and South Asia. Some regions may experience prolonged drought, while others face sudden heavy rainfall and flooding. Marine ecosystems are equally affected. Ocean currents transport nutrients that sustain fisheries. If circulation slows, nutrient distribution changes, potentially reducing fish populations in certain areas. Fisheries dependent on stable currents may face declines, affecting food supply and local economies. Sea-Level Rise Acceleration Linked to AMOC Slowdown Sea-level rise is not uniform across the globe. AMOC slowdown contributes to uneven acceleration along specific coastlines. When circulation weakens, water previously transported northward accumulates differently, raising sea levels along parts of the eastern United States. In addition to redistribution, warmer ocean temperatures cause thermal expansion. As water heats, it expands, contributing further to rising seas. Combined with melting ice sheets, this effect amplifies coastal vulnerability. Some projections suggest that if AMOC were to weaken substantially or collapse, sea levels along parts of the North Atlantic could rise significantly above global averages. Even moderate slowdowns may increase coastal flooding frequency within decades. Southern Hemisphere regions may experience slight cooling effects from circulation shifts, but these are unlikely to offset broader warming trends. Instead, uneven impacts create regional imbalances that complicate climate adaptation planning. Understanding this dynamic highlights how ocean currents act as regulators of both temperature and sea level. When disrupted, consequences extend far beyond ocean basins. Why AMOC Stability Matters for the Planet's Future The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation plays a central role in stabilizing global climate patterns, moderating weather systems, and balancing sea levels. A sustained slowdown threatens colder European winters, intensified Atlantic hurricanes, shifting rainfall patterns, and accelerated coastal flooding in North America. These interconnected risks demonstrate how ocean currents influence life far beyond the sea. Protecting climate stability requires close monitoring of ocean salinity, temperature trends, and ice melt rates. While uncertainty remains about the pace of future changes, maintaining awareness of AMOC shifts helps governments and communities prepare for evolving climate impact. Ocean currents are not just distant forcesthey are critical drivers of planetary balance. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? The AMOC is a large system of ocean currents that moves warm surface water northward and cold deep water southward in the Atlantic Ocean. It redistributes heat across the planet, influencing global climate patterns. This circulation helps keep Western Europe relatively mild compared to similar latitudes elsewhere. It also affects sea levels and storm development. 2. Why is AMOC weakening a concern? A slowdown reduces heat transport, which can cool parts of Europe while warming tropical Atlantic waters. This shift may intensify hurricanes and disrupt rainfall patterns. It can also accelerate sea-level rise along certain coastlines. These combined effects create regional climate instability. 3. Could the AMOC collapse completely? Scientists debate the likelihood and timing of a full collapse. While evidence shows weakening trends, predicting a tipping point remains complex. A collapse would significantly alter global climate systems. Continued monitoring is essential to understand long-term risks. 4. How does Greenland ice melt affect the AMOC? Melting ice releases freshwater into the North Atlantic. Freshwater reduces salinity, making surface water less dense and less likely to sink. Since sinking drives the circulation, dilution can weaken the system. Increased melt rates therefore heighten the risk of further slowdown. Originally published on Science Times A 33-year-old unemployed man has been arrested by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the National Police just 24 hours after he blew up an SUV in Odesa under orders from Russian secret services on 16 February. The owner of the car was left injured by the terrorist attack. Source: press service for the Security Service of Ukraine; Ukrainska Pravda sources in the SSU Quote: "The case file states that the perpetrator crafted an improvised explosive device and positioned it beneath an SUV that was parked outside the entrance to an apartment building. The owner, who was close to the vehicle, was injured in the explosion." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Sources in the SSU told Ukrainska Pravda that the detainee is Viktor Velentei, a 33-year-old unemployed man. Viktor Velentei after being detained Photo: SSU The investigators have established that the suspect came to the Russians' attention while searching for "easy money" on Telegram channels. After he was recruited, Velentei received detailed instructions from his Russian handler on how to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED) using readily available materials. The suspect bought the bomb components from hardware stores and assembled the explosive device, rigging it with a mobile phone for remote detonation. After reconnaissance at the site of the planned attack, he placed the IED under the car and positioned a disguised smartphone nearby. Using the device, Russian operatives monitored the area and triggered the explosion remotely. Advertisement Advertisement During a search of the detainee's home, the authorities seized components for making IEDs and smartphones that he had used to communicate with his Russian handler. SSU investigators have served the detainee with a notice of suspicion under Article 258.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (act of terrorism). The perpetrator remains in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison, along with the confiscation of assets. Background: On 16 February, Ukrainian law enforcement reported that one person had been injured in a car explosion in Odesa's Kyivskyi district that morning. It is the second such incident in the district in the past 10 days. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine's internal security agency carried out two drone attacks inside Russia on Monday night, an official said. The SBU attacks targeted a major Black Sea oil terminal and a plant making components for explosives. They mark Ukraine's latest long-range strikes as it continues to target Russian military and energy sites. Ukraine carried out long-range drone attacks overnight against a key Black Sea oil terminal and a plant making components for explosives located deep inside Russia, a security official told Business Insider on Tuesday. The twin attacks mark Ukraine's latest long-range strikes and come as Kyiv's forces continue to target facilities inside Russia that directly and indirectly help the country sustain its full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Drones struck the Tamannaftogaz oil terminal in Russia's Krasnodar region, hitting one of the largest ports in the Black Sea region, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said. They were only authorized to speak on the condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. The attack on the port, the second in less than a month, caused a fire at the facility, the source said, adding that the earlier Ukrainian drone strikes on January 22 damaged several tanks and pipelines at Tamannaftogaz, causing an estimated $50 million in losses. The facility is recognized as an important piece of Russian oil logistics in the Black Sea. The source said that the SBU, Ukraine's main internal security agency, "systematically" targets Russia's energy and export infrastructure, striking at a major revenue source fueling Moscow's war efforts against its neighbor. Since August, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacks on Russia's energy sector, striking oil refineries, terminals, tankers, and platforms across the country, and in the Black, Caspian, and even the Mediterranean seas. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian officials have repeatedly described the deep-strike campaign as "long-range sanctions" on Moscow. The attacks have led to a slight decline in Russian oil refining over the past year. The deep strikes have also targeted other infrastructure associated with Russian military operations, including factories, weapons storage facilities, and air bases. Overnight, for instance, Ukrainian drones struck the Metafrax Chemicals plant in the Perm region more than 1,600 kilometers (roughly 1,000 miles) inside Russia. A Ukrainian soldier prepares a long-range drone. Valentyn Ogirenko/REUTERS The sanctioned plant one of the largest producers of methanol in Russia and Europe is used to make chemical components for explosives and other military-related materials, the SBU source said. Several blasts were reported at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement In a translated statement, the source said "the SBU continues to systematically work on enterprises that provide the Russian military-industrial complex with raw materials and components for the production of weapons." "The destruction of such objects reduces the pace of ammunition production, complicates the supply of resources for the army, and directly affects the reduction of the intensity of hostilities against Ukraine," they added. Neither Russia's defense ministry nor its US embassy responded to a request for comment on the attacks. Moscow said its air defenses shot down 334 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over the past 24 hours. The two attacks overnight on Monday were carried out by the SBU's Alpha group, an elite unit considered to be among the best of Ukraine's special forces. Advertisement Advertisement The Alpha group is regularly behind long-range drone attacks against Russian targets. Forces within the unit also carry out ground operations, including in eastern Ukraine's embattled Donetsk region. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said on Tuesday that it had carried out an attack on the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, which is not far from the Tamannaftogaz terminal that the SBU targeted. "The defense forces of Ukraine will continue to systematically carry out measures aimed at weakening the combat potential of the Russian aggressor," the military said in a statement published to the Telegram messaging app. Read the original article on Business Insider The suspects' arrests were extended until Wednesday, and one additional suspect, aged 12, was granted conditional release, the statement added. Israel Police extended the detention of four suspects arrested during Sunday's haredi riots, according to a Tuesday statement. The suspects' arrests were extended until Wednesday, and one additional suspect, aged 12, was granted conditional release, the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Also on Tuesday, the police presented new tefillin and a new siddur (prayer book) to an officer whose tefillin, siddur, and cell phone were destroyed during the Sunday riots when his motorcycle was set on fire. He was also presented with a new tallit (prayer shawl). The police department also stated that it will issue a replacement vehicle and a new cell phone. Israel Police rescue two female IDF soldiers chased by ultra-Orthodox mob in Bnei Brak Two female soldiers were rescued from a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mob in Bnei Brak by Israel Police, police said in a Sunday afternoon statement. The police officer's destroyed tefillin are seen in this video from the haredi riots in Bnei Brak on February 15, 2026 (CREDIT: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT). Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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. Miriam Sela-Eitam and Tobias Siegal contributed to this report. The UN said it was extremely worried about a worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba as a tightened US embargo brings the islands economy to a grinding halt. Washington has upped pressure in a bid to replace Havanas communist regime, cutting off oil shipments and, by extension, the economy. Ensuing blackouts have hit essential sectors, namely health care, while a lack of fuel has stunted the islands vital tourism industry. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Havana will have to give its people freedoms before Washington lets up, though all signs point to a prolonged impasse, despite the toll on Cubans: Havana has said it is open to talks, though not to regime change. DALLAS The scientists at Colossal Laboratories & Biosciences, the company that brought us modern-day dire wolves, do not tire of comparisons to the fictional bioengineering firm in "Jurassic Park," which used ancient DNA to resurrect dinosaurs unleashing a franchise of carnage-filled films. Colossal isn't bringing back dinosaurs. But their projects to bring back the woolly mammoth and other extinct species such as the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger have led some critics to take Colossal to task for tampering with nature just like in the movies. Beyond that, Colossal's mission to "de-extinct" some species may be "counterproductive," charged Michael Le Page, an environment reporter at New Scientist. "If people wrongly come to think that it's now possible to bring back extinct species then we don't have to make as much effort to save them," Le Page said on the outlet's podcast in April 2025. Advertisement Advertisement "Yes, you can modify living animals to make them look a bit like extinct ones, but they are not really those extinct ones under the fur," Le Page said. "They are very, very different. 'Jurassic Park' was fictional and it's still fictional." In 'Game of Thrones,' the dire wolf is the sigil, or mascot, of House Stark. Colossal Biosciences has born three dire wolf pups using the ancient DNA from the extinct species. Romulus and Remus, two male dire wolves, were born from fertilized dire wolf eggs implanted into and born by surrogate dog mothers. They were born Oct. 1, 2024. Here they are celebrating their birthday with a cake. Romulus and Remus (shown here), are about 16 months old, and will continue to grow until about age three. Romulus and Remus (shown here), the first two modern-day dire wolves brought into life by Colossal Biosciences, recently got to dine on their first deer carcass, part of the maturation process of the animals. Romulus and Remus (shown here) are not "pups anymore," says Paige McNickle, Colossal's manager of animal husbandry, YouTube video about their development. Romulus (shown here), "is broader and stockier" than brother Remus, McNickle says. Remus, shown here, is a "little taller" and "lanky," McNickle says. The dire wolves Romulus (shown here) and Remus are friendly to the Colossal team because they give the wolves food, but they don't act like dogs. "They are wolf," McNickle says. If the dire wolves Romulus and Remus (shown here) saw her running around in the enclosure "they would think I was prey and all the instincts would come in and they would take me down and take me down quickly," McNickle says. Romulus and Remus (shown here) do catch small rodents and rabbits that may stray into their habitat on Colossal's 2,000-plus acre preserve. Khaleesi, a female dire wolf pup named after the "Game of Thrones" character, was born in January 2025, a few months after Romulus and Remus. In this picture, she is one month old. In this picture, Khaleesi, one of three dire wolves birthed by Colossal Biosciences, at about six months old, got to frolic with Romulus and Remus. Dire wolves at Colossal growing up in pictures 1 of 12 In 'Game of Thrones,' the dire wolf is the sigil, or mascot, of House Stark. Colossal Biosciences has born three dire wolf pups using the ancient DNA from the extinct species. Obama says aliens are 'real': Congress has heard about UFOs for years Points taken, but Colossal has a comeback. If the "Jurassic Park" concept sucks people in to what Colossal is cooking up, they may also learn about the dangers of extinction facing by numerous at-risk species. "Even learning about why we want to bring a Tasmanian tiger or a mammoth back and understand that, they suddenly learn about the loss of biodiversity and breakdown of habitats and why you need all of the species," said Andrew Pask, chief biology officer at Colossal, in an interview recently. Advertisement Advertisement When the company unveiled the dire wolves in April 2025, some argued that even though Colossal analyzed ancient dire wolf DNA, some from 72,000 years ago, the animals were really spawned from a gray wolf genome with 20 genetic changes over 14 genes. That doesn't bother Pask or Beth Shapiro, Colossal's chief science officer. "Even the most annoying things like the taxonomists who like to yell at us about how it's not a dire wolf. That conversation, you say, 'OK, what would a dire wolf be? Tell me that.' And then suddenly you have to think about evolution and speciation and what does it mean to look or act like a certain thing," she said. "So it doesn't matter to us that people don't agree with everything that we're doing because we're still winning by engaging people in these conversations that they otherwise wouldn't have had," Shapiro said. Colossal Biosciences executive team (left to right): Chief Animal Officer Matt James, Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro, Co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm and Chief Biology Officer Andrew Pask. Shapiro, Pask, and other Colossal principals including CEO Ben Lamm spoke with USA TODAY and other journalists on Feb. 12 during a tour of the company's new headquarters, sequestered in an innovation hub northwest of downtown Dallas. Advertisement Advertisement Arrivals at the 55,000-square-foot building, which Colossal moved into in June 2025, are greeted in the lobby by an impressive mockup of a life-sized woolly mammoth encased in a large artificial block of ice. In the lobby of the Colossal Biosciences headquarters in Dallas, Texas, there's an impressive mockup of a life-sized woolly mammoth encased in an artificial block of ice a nod to the biotech firm's goal of bringing back the extinct mammal. There's also an animatronic dire wolf poised majestically in an educational diorama. Next to it, an 11-foot-tall video screen displays recently shot footage of the elder dire wolves, Romulus and Remus, which are now nearly 16 months old and recently got to dine on their first deer carcass. These displays, which help convey the stories behind Colossal's biotech work, have been created with the help of Weta Workshop, the New Zealand-based creative production company co-founded by Peter Jackson. The filmmaker is also a Colossal investor and inspiration for the company's project to de-extinct the giant moa, a long extinct bird species. An animatronic dire wolf in a diorama oversees the lobby at Colossal Biosciences headquarters in Dallas. Recent footage of modern-day dire wolves plays on a mammoth screen. A sneak peek into Colossal's cloning labs A relatively brisk trip through the facility leads to stops at various stations. The walkways are illuminated with a changing motif of paw prints, DNA strands, and the letters G, A, T and C, representing the DNA building blocks. DNA strands and foot prints alight the walkways within the headquarters of Colossal Biosciences in Dallas, Texas. Rooms full of computer setups abut secured labs, most equipped with one-way see-through walls so sightseers can sneak a peek at the genetic endeavors underway. Advertisement Advertisement In the labs, visitors are shown how scientists take red blood cells from a developing egg embryo within the blood will be the primordial germ cells, which develop into egg and sperm in adult birds. The cells can be grown in cultures then edited and re-inserted in egg embryos to create genetically modified birds. Inside the Avian Embryology lab at Colossal Biosciences headquarters in Dallas, Texas. At another stop, embryologist and reproductive scientist Alba Ledesma shows how lasers are used to more gently remove DNA from a mouse oocyte cell and then insert the desired DNA, so the cell will develop into egg cells with the desired traits being tested. Volunteers get to tap a foot pedal and make the laser penetrate the cell while watching the process magnified on a computer screen a basic step in the cloning process. "So Romulus and Remus and Khaleesi, before they were wolves, were cells here and went through a similar process," explains Sara Ord, director of biotechnology innovation at Colossal. The company, she said, is "really developing the tools and technology not only for de-extinction but for conservation." One of the laboratories within the headquarters of Colossal Biosciences in Dallas, Texas. Colossal is growing and so is its mission Earlier this month, Colossal announced an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to create the worlds first Colossal BioVault, a repository of genetic material to be housed at the Dubai-based Museum of the Future. Advertisement Advertisement In November 2025, Colossal acquired Viagen, a cloning company which has licensed the technologies used to bring us Dolly the sheep, a clone born in 1996. Prior to that, Colossal had also spun off two companies: Breaking, which researches how to break down plastics, and Form Bio, a gene therapy development company. The company already has plans to build another 30,000-square-foot facility next to its new headquarters, where it hopes to begin testing robotic automation of its cloning processes. The Colossal Biosciences headquarters in Dallas. Automation would free up scientists to do other things involving de-extinction and the conservation and protection of currently challenged species, Lamm said. Additional space will also be used to expand Colossal's avian projects including the development of an artificial egg, complete with a polymer-based window for easily executing scientific processes including vaccine production. Patents involving these technologies are among the 100-plus already filed by Colossal, Lamm said. Another pursuit: the potential use of chickens as possible surrogates for hatchlings of threatened species. "The idea that you can have chickens or other bird species that are readily available being the production arm for, like, the world's most endangered parrots, I know that sounds weird but that's something I'm very excited about," Lamm said. "We're not currently working on it, but it's something I hope that we can work on." Reminders of the ongoing projects, such as the de-extinction of the dodo, adorn the headquarters of Colossal Biosciences in Dallas, Texas. Colossal notes that each of the de-extinction efforts serve an accompanying project to preserve existing endangered species. The company also typically partners with conservation groups hoping to protect specific species and with local and regional indigenous groups who would have interest and be impacted by de-extinction or the loss of a species. Advertisement Advertisement For instance, the idea for the dire wolf came from discussions with the MHA Nation (the affiliated tribes of Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara) in North Dakota, which Colossal had come to meet with about bison. "One of the conversations went really, really deep on wolves and the Great Wolf and what it meant to their culture," Lamm said. "That makes you think." Tribal Chairman Mark Fox told Colossal's Chief Animal Officer Matt James how his people talked of a large, white wolf, likely the dire wolf, that is part of the tribes origin story that was passed down through oral tradition, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. The dire wolf research may also save the red wolf, an effort led by the Gulf Coast Canine Project, which had identified "ghost" wolves carrying red wolf DNA, and supported by the Karankawa Tribe of Texas, for which the red wolf is a sacred animal. Last year, Colossal created the first cloned ghost wolf using the DNA from a female sharing more than 70% of a red wolf's ancestry and its characteristics. One of the red wolves born by Colossal, aged about four months. A benefit of the woolly mammoth research is that it could help preserve elephants, animals for which James has a soft spot. He helped manage elephant populations at zoos across the U.S., while working at the Dallas Zoo and Zoo Miami, before joining Colossal in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Elephants may be the species getting the most attention and funding, but overall funding for conservation efforts and technologies is "really poor," James said. "Everything in the conservation space is underfunded, under-resourced and gets too little attention." Other projects involve helping save the northern white rhino, a central African species whittled down to two females. Gene editing developments at Colossal have also led to advances in fighting chytrid fungus, which is killing amphibians including frogs and salamanders in Australia a potential fresh water threat that could spread globally. Scientists at the University of Melbourne are at work with the Colossal Foundation, the company's charitable arm, engineering a transgenic frog that could spread its built-in immunity into future populations. The lab at the university, headed by Pask, became Colossal Australia last year, and is also overseeing the Tasmanian tiger project, as well as seeking to create species resistant to a deadly toxin carried by the cane toad, which has already reduced the population of the northern quoll, a cat-like marsupial, by 75%, Colossal says. Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody would have thought we would be in that business," said James, who also serves as the foundation's executive director. "De-extinction takes a lot of headlines, but beneath the surface, you realize that this has become like an economic engine for research and development for conservation technologies." Another goal: Get children interested in science and conservation to change the world. Back in 2023, students at schools in Alaska learned about mammoth bone samples. Colossal has already hosted many students, teachers and parents on tours. Inside the headquarters of Colossal Biosciences in Dallas, Texas. Colossal's story drifts on, but differs from 'Jurassic Park' The public's imagination is captured by stories about bringing back a species such as the woolly mammoth and can go berserk over revelations such as the woolly mouse, the cute mice genetically bred with mammoth-like traits such as long hair and a heftier body, and the emergence of the dire wolves. Woolly mice play at Colossal Biosciences headquarters in Dallas. These stories have attracted celebrity investors including Jackson, who directed the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin, Tom Brady, Chris Hemsworth (who will return as Thor in "Avengers: Doomsday" this December), and his brothers Luke and Liam Hemsworth, as well. As of now, Colossal is valued at $10.3 billion. Advertisement Advertisement To retain relevance and achieve success, "our competition is not conservation or academia, it's 'The Kardashians,'" Lamm said. "So if we can tell stories about the work that we're doing in a way that can relate to the general public, that's what we want to do." Author George R.R. Martin, at left, and Colossal CEO Ben Lamm with dire wolves Romulus and Remus. To that end, the "Jurassic Park" comparison looms large for Colossal. For the record, Shapiro, an expert in ancient DNA, actually did experiments on ancient amber with preserved prehistoric insects the trick Michael Crichton used as the magic to bring back the T-rex in his 1990 novel. She found the amber was "actually porous, so microbes could get in and they'll actually chew up the DNA," Shapiro said. "They leave the exoskeleton sometimes of these insects, which is why they look so cool, but there's not going to be any dinosaur DNA." But it's still a good story to educate folks about Colossal. "'Jurassic Park,'" Shapiro said, "is like the rotisserie chicken at Costco. People go because it's super cheap to get that rotisserie chicken but while they're there, they spend like $700." When folks delve into what Colossal is doing, they realize it's not about dinosaurs, but "there's all this cool shit that we actually can do and there is a future where there are technologies that we can use to make the world a better place, to have a world that is both full of people and biodiversity," Shapiro said. Beth Shapiro, chief science officer at Colossal Biosciences. Discussions about genetic engineering need to be had because "doing nothing isn't a safe option," Pask said. "We've got to start embracing some of those solutions or we're just going to lose species." And Michael Crichton? Pask wishes the author was alive to see what Colossal is doing. "He'd love this." Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colossal Biosciences promotes de-extinction, seeks to save species Hungarys relations with the US and EU will play a central role in the countrys elections this spring. The US secretary of state on Monday emphatically endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in his bid to serve a fifth term, stressing the close relationship between the nationalist premier and US President Donald Trump. Hungary opposition leader Peter Magyar launched his campaign Sunday ahead of the April contest, vowing to return Budapest to its Western orientation. He wants to mend relations with the EU, which has withheld funds from Hungary over concerns of corruption and democratic backsliding. But Brussels is reportedly scaling back its criticism of Orban to avoid perceptions of election interference. By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Groups representing park conservationists, historians and scientists filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to prevent President Donald Trump's administration from scrubbing information from parks and monuments, after exhibits touching on topics like slavery and climate change were recently removed. The National Parks Conservation Association, American Association for State and Local History and four other groups argue in a lawsuit filed in Boston federal court that the U.S. Department of the Interior is engaged in a "sustained campaign to erase history and undermine science." Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit argues the department is removing signs and exhibits from parks in violation of mandates from Congress governing how more than 430 national park sites should be operated and has adopted an unlawful policy that lacks any reasoned explanation for why various signs and exhibits must be removed. "Censoring science and erasing Americas history at national parks are direct threats to everything these amazing places, and our country, stand for," Alan Spears, senior director of cultural resources at the National Parks Conservation Association, said in a statement. The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit was filed a day after a federal judge in Pennsylvania ordered the National Park Service to reinstall an exhibit that was removed from the President's House Site at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia that described the history of slavery and the ownership of enslaved people by President George Washington, the nation's first president. Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's lawsuit said that exhibit was one of several removed after Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 targeting what he called a "revisionist movement" that portrayed the U.S. as "inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed." Trump's order directed the Interior Department to restore parks, monuments and memorials that had been removed or changed to perpetuate what the White House called a "false revision of history." The lawsuit said that following a subsequent order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum implementing Trump's directive, the National Park Service had identified hundreds of signs and materials that it has begun removing from parks nationwide. Among them are signs that were posted in Maines Acadia National Park that described the impact of climate change on the park and the significance of the Cadillac Mountain to the Wabanaki people who are indigenous to the region. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by David Gregorio) Spokeswoman for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Tricia McLaughlin - one of the most prominent figures in the White House crackdown on immigration - plans to leave her post this week. McClaughlin has vigorously promoted and defended President Donald Trump's deportation push across social media and in press interviews and podcasts. She had planned to leave in December, but chose to stay on after two US citizens were fatally shot during confrontations with immigration officers in Minnesota last month, sources told CBS, the BBC's US partner. Advertisement Advertisement DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed McLaughlin's departure, saying she "has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism". "She has played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe," said Noem. "While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her service and wish Tricia nothing but success." At the DHS, McLaughlin has often been the face of two agencies that fall under the department - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection. Republican commentators largely praised her after the announcement of her departure, posting on social media that she had been one of the fiercest fighters for and best defenders of the Trump administration's policies. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, meanwhile, criticised her tenure, with Democratic National Committee spokesperson Kendall Witmer saying in a statement that she had "defended even the most violent tactics" used in the immigration crackdown. McLaughlin will leave the department at a tense moment. Republican and Democratic lawmakers are currently in a standoff over the budget for DHS, as Democrats demand it make changes to how ICE operates, and the department's funding was shut off on Saturday. Lawmakers are not expected to agree a new funding measure until the end of the month, at the earliest. Meanwhile, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests Americans are growing unhappy with Trump's handling of immigration. In a poll conducted from 13 February to 16 Febuary, 55% of respondents disapproved of Trump's immigration policies, compared to 44% a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin's next move after leaving the post is unclear. According to CBS, she is to be replaced by Katie Zacharia, a commentator who has appeared on Fox News. McLaughlin served in the first Trump administration at the Treasury Department. She later became a spokeswoman for Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign to become the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election. GENEVA (AP) Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program. It was the first time Iran has announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the worlds oil passes, since the U.S. began threatening Iran and rushing military assets to the region. It was not immediately clear if the strait had been closed, but such a rare and perhaps unprecedented move could further escalate tensions that threaten to ignite another war in the Middle East. As the talks began, Irans state media announced that Iranian forces had fired live missiles toward the strait and would close it for several hours for safety and maritime concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meanwhile warned that the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet." Iranian diplomat sees new window in talks Iran's foreign minister later adopted a different tone, expressing optimism about the talks and saying a new window has opened" for reaching an agreement. We are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interests of relevant parties and the broader region, Abbas Araghchi told a U.N. disarmament conference after leading the Iranian delegation at the talks held in Geneva. He added that Iran "remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression, and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders. Advertisement Advertisement He made no specific mention of the military drills or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump, who scrapped an earlier nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term, has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump has also threatened Iran over the killing of protesters. Vance says talks went well in some ways Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, led the U.S. delegation at the latest indirect talks, held inside the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva. Oman, a longtime regional mediator, had hosted an earlier round on Feb. 6. There was progress in the talks but many details remained to be discussed, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Iranian delegation said they would present more detailed proposals in the next two weeks to narrow gaps, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement In some ways, it went well, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with Fox News Channel after he spoke with Witkoff and Kushner. But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through. The U.S. also hosted talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbor. Araghchi, who led the Iranian side, also said he met with Director-General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday in Geneva. The Iranian minister said they discussed the agencys role in helping to achieve an agreement. A live fire drill Iran said its Revolutionary Guard started a drill early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which are crucial international shipping routes. It was the second time in recent weeks that Iran has held a live fire drill in the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement Iran often carries out military drills in the strait that can impede maritime traffic, but the announced closure went a step further. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran last closed the strait during the war with Iraq in the 1980s, when it mined the waterway. He said the latest announcement was a message to the international community that any strike on Iran would have global impact. Oil prices fell after the talks concluded. US oil was down 1.3% at $62.06 per barrel while international benchmark Brent crude was off fully 2.3% at $67.03 per barrel. Oil prices had risen several dollars per barrel after Trump began bolstering the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, but remain subdued on expectation that an eventual deal would send prices lower. Khamenei meanwhile stepped up his warnings to the U.S. over its military buildup. Advertisement Advertisement Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship, Khamenei said, according to Iranian state TV. He also warned the U.S. against forcing the result of talks in advance." US increases military presence Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, was being sent to the Mideast. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for three weeks. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort of three destroyers are now in the mid-Atlantic after being ordered to depart the Caribbean for the Middle East last week, a Navy official confirmed Tuesday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive ship movements, said the Ford, along with the destroyers USS Mahan, Bainbridge, and Winston Churchill, are in the mid-Atlantic and no longer with the U.S. Southern Commands area of operations. Advertisement Advertisement Given its current location, the Ford and its escorts are likely more than a week away from reaching the waters off the coast of Iran. U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war. The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Irans nuclear program and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment on its soil or hand over its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and Iran were in the middle of months of meetings when Israels launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June halted the talks. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, likely destroying many of the centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Israels attacks decimated Irans air defenses and targeted its ballistic missile arsenal as well. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. ___ This story has been corrected to fix a misspelling of Khamenei. ___ Liechtenstein reported from Vienna. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel; Michelle L. Price, Darlene Superville and Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations and David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main "guiding principles" in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. Oil futures fell and the benchmark Brent crude contract tumbled more than 1% after Araqchi's comments, which helped ease fears of conflict in the region, where the U.S. has deployed naval forces to press Iran for concessions. Advertisement Advertisement "Different ideas have been presented, these ideas have been seriously discussed, ultimately we've been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles," Araqchi told Iranian media after the talks concluded in Geneva. A U.S. official said Iran would make detailed proposals in the next two weeks to close gaps in the nuclear talks. "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss," said the official, who declined to be identified. BOTH SIDES HAVE 'CLEAR NEXT STEPS' The indirect discussions between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside Araqchi, were mediated by Oman. The White House did not respond to emailed questions about the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said in a social media post "much work is yet to be done" but Iran and the U.S. were leaving with "clear next steps". Just as talks began on Tuesday, Iranian state media said Iran was temporarily shutting parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil supply route, due to "security precautions" while Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills there. Later, state media said the strait had been shut down for a few hours, without making it clear if it had fully reopened. Tehran has in the past threatened to shut down the strait to commercial shipping if it is attacked, a move that would choke off a fifth of global oil flows and drive up crude prices. Responding to comments by Trump that "regime change" in Iran might be the best course, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, warned that any U.S. attempts to depose his government would fail. Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. President says their army is the world's strongest, but the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up," he said, in comments published by Iranian media. Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva after the talks, Araqchi said a "new window of opportunity" had opened and that he hoped discussions would lead to a "sustainable" solution that ensured the full recognition of Iran's legitimate rights. Earlier, Trump said he himself would be involved "indirectly" in the Geneva talks and that he believed Iran wanted to make a deal. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," Trump said, referring to the U.S. military's stealth bomber jets. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. joined Israel last June in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. and Israel believe Iran aspires to build a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel's existence. Iran says its nuclear programme is purely peaceful, even though it has enriched uranium far beyond the purity needed for power generation, and close to what is required for a bomb. IRAN SAYS IT WILL ONLY DISCUSS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME Since those strikes, Iran's Islamic rulers have been weakened by street protests, suppressed at a cost of thousands of lives, against a cost-of-living crisis driven in part by international sanctions that have strangled Iran's oil income. The U.S. has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues such as Iran's missile stockpile. Iran says it is willing only to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme, in exchange for sanctions relief, and that it will not give up uranium enrichment completely or discuss its missile programme. Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei reiterated Iran's position that its formidable missile stockpile is non-negotiable and missile type and range have nothing to do with the United States. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday the success of the Geneva talks hinged on the U.S. not making unrealistic demands and on its seriousness on lifting the crippling sanctions on Iran. US B-2 BOMBERS STRUCK NUCLEAR TARGETS Tehran and Washington were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks last June when Washington's ally Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, and was then joined by American B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. Tehran has since said it has halted uranium enrichment activity. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has joined the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which guarantees countries the right to pursue civilian nuclear power in return for requiring them to forgo atomic weapons and cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Israel, which has not signed the treaty, neither confirms nor denies having nuclear weapons, under a decades-old ambiguity policy designed to deter surrounding enemies. Scholars believe it does. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Elwely Elwelly in Dubai, Menna Alaa El-Din in Cairo, Humeyra Pamuk in Budapest, Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones and Jonathan Oatis) GUEST OPINION: For most organisations, there is a clear line between people and technology; HR shapes culture and policy, while systems and processes are governed by IT. However, business travel overlaps both areas as it covers employee policies and technology-driven processes. This can create inefficiencies, disconnected systems, and unclear workflows that leave employees uncertain and weaken the investment in corporate travel. Getting business travel right requires HR and IT to work collaboratively, not in parallel, according to SAP Concur. Fabian Calle, managing director, small and medium business at SAP Concur Australia and New Zealand, said, Alignment between people and technology leaders is a commercial necessity, not a cultural aspiration. Travel touches almost every part of the organisation, and when HR, IT, and finance departments make decisions in isolation, the program cannot deliver the experience employees expect. The employee experience is where the consequences of misalignment are often first felt. Fragmented systems, slow approvals, and manual workarounds leave employees navigating policies that make sense in theory yet fall apart in practice. Over time, this frustration turns into disengagement, reluctance to travel, and even avoidance. No one wants to spend hours potentially fighting with procedures that dont correlate across departments just to submit travel expenses or requests, and no leader should want their team having to forfeit that time either. There are three key steps organisations can take to shape better business travel practices. Reframe travel as a cross-functional asset Organisations need to reframe travel as a cross-functional asset for the business, rather than an administrative process. Travel influences many components, including the employee experience, tax and expenses, data accessibility and compliance, and even sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. For collaboration to occur across these areas, business leaders first need to acknowledge that no single function owns all those outcomes. Fabian Calle said, Collaboration does not necessarily require a reorganisation; however, it does need leadership that takes a whole-of-business view of travel. This requires a willingness to involve the right voices early, rather than after decisions have been made. Helping employees understand this change is important. New systems and policies in business travel land better when people can see how they reduce friction in their own role, whether that is faster expense reimbursement, fewer approvals, or clearer guidance. Align corporate travel responsibilities Most organisations want travel to feel seamless for employees while remaining cost-effective and compliant. The problem arises when priorities are set independently; HR may push for flexibility and wellbeing initiatives, while IT may prioritise system standardisation and security. Add in the pressure from finance departments to focus on keeping costs lean and controlling budgets, and it all can become a nightmare for employees. Organisations cannot afford disconnected decision-making when it comes to travel. While each of these department considerations is important, organisations need to ensure there is one clear set of guidelines for corporate travel that captures the requirements of all departments. Fabian Calle said, "Collaboration becomes practical rather than theoretical when teams are measured against the same outcomes. For example, the employee experience and travel spend should be viewed together, not traded off in isolation. Duty of care is another area where alignment can deliver tangible benefits. When HR has real-time visibility into where employees are travelling, and IT works alongside this by providing the systems that support this visibility, organisations can respond faster should any disruption occur. Integrate platforms and procedures Using an integrated platform that captures HR requirements, IT policies, and finance documentation in one, easy-to-use area significantly reduces administration for employees. Data can flow between systems rather than being manually reconciled and approvals can be processed faster with clearer, more consistent policies. Travel preferences and personalisation can be programmed into systems for employees, making it easier for updates, uploads, and any other entries an employee may need to make while on the move. Fabian Calle said, "When systems work together, it directly impacts the productivity, job satisfaction, and overall outcome of corporate travel. Employees spend less time chasing approvals or reconciling expenses and more time focusing on the purpose of the trip. The long-term value of collaboration extends beyond todays business travel experience. Integrated data supports better policy design, stronger compliance oversight, and more informed investment decisions. Corporate travel programs sit at the heart of how organisations support their people. However, the benefit of these for the organisation depends on the collaboration, alignment, and integration of departments, and overall, the employee experience of the program. MANILA, Philippines (AP) The United States plans to deploy more high-tech missile systems to the Philippines to help deter aggression in the South China Sea, where the treaty allies on Tuesday condemned what they called Chinas illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities. Beijing has repeatedly expressed alarm over the installation in the northern Philippines of a U.S. mid-range missile system called the Typhon in 2024 and of an anti-ship missile launcher last year. It said the U.S. weapons were aimed at containing Chinas rise and warned that these were a threat to regional stability. China has asked the Philippines to withdraw the missile launchers from its territory, but officials led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have rejected the demand. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. and Philippine officials held annual talks Monday in Manila on broadening security, political and economic engagements and boosting collaboration with regional security allies. The U.S. and the Philippines outlined in a joint statement Tuesday specific defense and security plans for this year, including joint military exercises, Washington's support to help modernize the Philippine military and efforts to increase deployments of U.S. cutting-edge missile and unmanned systems to the Philippines. The longtime allies "underscored their support for preserving freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and other lawful uses of the sea for all nations, the statement said. Both sides condemned Chinas illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities in the South China Sea, recognizing their adverse effects on regional peace and stability and the economies of the Indo-Pacific and beyond, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces have spiked in the disputed waters in recent years. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in the territorial standoffs. Neither side elaborated on the planned missile deployments but Philippine ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, who took part in Mondays talks, said U.S. and Filipino defense officials discussed the possible deployment this year of upgraded types of U.S. missile launchers that the Philippines may eventually decide to purchase. Its a kind of system thats really very sophisticated and will be deployed here in the hope that, down the road, we will be able to get our own, Romualdez told The Associated Press. The Typhon missile system that the U.S. Army deployed to the main northern Philippine region of Luzon in April 2024 and an anti-missile launcher called the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System that was deployed in April last year also to Luzon have remained in the Philippines, Romualdez said. Advertisement Advertisement During joint drills, U.S. forces have exhibited the missile systems to batches of Filipino forces to familiarize them with the weapons capabilities and usage, military officials said. Romualdez said the U.S. missile deployments to the Philippines did not aim to antagonize any country. Its purely for deterrence, he said. Every time the Chinese show any kind of aggression, it only strengthens our resolve to have these types. The Typhon missile launchers, a land-based weapon, can fire the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. Tomahawk missiles can travel over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), which places China within their target range, from the northern Philippine region of Luzon. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the U.S. Marines deployed the anti-ship missile launcher, the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, to Batan island in the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes, which faces the Bashi Channel just south of Taiwan. The sea passage is a critical trade and military route that the U.S. and Chinese militaries have tried to gain strategic control of. The American military buildup comes amid indirect negotiations with Iranian officials, in which "progress was made" on Tuesday in Geneva, a US official told The Post. The United States military has moved over 50 fighter jets to the Middle East in the last 24 hours as part of its buildup of air and naval assets near Iran, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing a US official. A host of F-16, F-22, and F-35 jets were observed heading to the Middle East by independent flight trackers. Advertisement Advertisement The American military buildup comes amid indirect negotiations with Iranian officials, focusing on Iran's nuclear program. US official: Iran to send detailed nuclear proposal in next two weeks A US official told The Jerusalem Post that progress was made in talks held in Geneva earlier on Tuesday, stressing that many details "still need to be discussed." The official said Iran relayed that it would make detailed proposals in the next two weeks to close gaps with the US. "The Iranians said they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some of the open gaps in our positions," the official told the Post. "There were good meetings, but the gaps are still wide. There's still a lot of work to be done to reach an agreement." The top deck of US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, with fighter jets, December 1, 2025; illustrative. (credit: Seaman Abigail Reyes/US Navy/Handout via REUTERS) US sends massive aircraft carriers to Middle East Last week, American media outlets reported that the US will send its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to bolster its forces in the Middle East ahead of an anticipated clash with Iranian forces. Advertisement Advertisement The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships had previously been deployed in the Caribbean and, according to four anonymous US officials, were informed of their new destination on Thursday. The USS Abraham Lincoln, as well as other notable air and naval assets, were already deployed to the area in January. Reuters contributed to this report. About 100 US soldiers have arrived in Nigeria to train the West African nation's armed forces and help them with intelligence in their battle against growing security threats from Islamist militants and other armed groups. The troops and equipment had landed at an airfield in the north-eastern state of Bauchi, Nigerian defence spokesperson Maj Gen Samaila Uba said. He reiterated that the US personnel would not be engaging in combat operations and had come at the request of the government. Advertisement Advertisement This is the latest sign of military co-operation between the two countries following the Christmas Day airstrikes launched by the US on two camps run by an Islamist militant group in north-western Nigeria. The government said it had asked for help in tackling Islamist militant groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (Iswap) as well as other groups. Nigeria faces an array of security challenges including an Islamist insurgency, attacks by criminal gangs - known locally as "bandits" who loot and kidnap for ransom - clashes over land and separatist unrest. Advertisement Advertisement "The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria's ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country," Maj Gen Samaila Uba said in a statement. The deployment came after discussions between Nigerian and US defence officials during a working group, he explained. It also follows confirmation earlier this month by the US Africa Command that a small team of American forces was already operating in the country. Nigerian military officials had previously indicated that around 200 additional troops were expected. Late last year, the administration of US President Donald Trump raised concerns about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria - and urged the government to do more to improve security and strengthen protection for Christian communities. Advertisement Advertisement Trump had previously claimed there was a "Christian genocide" under way in Nigeria - an allegation strongly rejected by Nigeria's government, which said Muslims, Christians and people of no faith were victims of attacks. Nigeria's government has expressed its thanks for US aid in tackling security issues and emphasised the strikes on 25 December, which targeted an Islamist militant group called Lakurawa in the northern-western state of Sokoto, were approved by President Bola Tinubu. There are more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, which is roughly divided into a mainly Muslim north, a largely Christian south, with intermingling in the middle. Map You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Parallel talks resumed in Geneva aimed at curtailing Irans nuclear program and finalizing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but analysts held out little hope of lasting progress in either. In both negotiations, opposing sides appear to have irreconcilable demands. Washington wants Tehran to curb its atomic ambitions and has sought to expand the talks to include Irans support for regional proxies and its missile program, efforts that the Islamic Republic has so far resisted. And Moscow has shown little sign of budging from maximalist territorial demands and even carried out renewed strikes on Ukraine overnight. In a sign of Russias position, its negotiating team in todays talks is helmed by a Kremlin aide who has previously questioned Ukraines sovereignty. A mother and daughter from Utah were found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room on Sunday, February 15, in what police have said was a murder-suicide, Us Weekly has learned. Tawnia McGeehan and her daughter, Addi Smith, were visiting Las Vegas from Utah for a cheerleading competition, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have confirmed. Police believe that Addi, 11, was fatally shot by her mother inside the Rio Hotel and Casino near the Las Vegas Strip sometime on the evening of Saturday, February 14. Tawnia then turned the gun on herself and died by suicide, cops believe. Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Utah Xtreme Cheer had reported the mother and daughter missing and took to social media asking for help finding them. Addi and Tawnia were last seen alive by the cheerleading group on February 14. Addis squad participated on the first day of the elite competition. Mother Arrested After Shooting 17-Year-Old Daughter, Believing She Was an Intruder "We are completely heartbroken," wrote Utah Xtreme Cheer in a post on Facebook that featured a photo of Addi in her cheering uniform. "No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family. Advertisement Advertisement "Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss," the post concluded. Addi was also part of Utah Fusion All-Stars, a competitive cheerleading group. On Facebook, Utah Fusion All-Stars said Addi was absolutely loved in our gym and that she will always be remembered for her sweet smile and light that she brought to her teams. The Utah Cinderella Pageant also expressed condolences to the family, saying Addis bright smile and kindness will never be forgotten. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Robert Price spoke to reporters at a press conference on Sunday and called the murder-suicide "a sad and tragic incident" and said that "our hearts go out to the family." Advertisement Advertisement Police did go to the hotel on Sunday morning at around 10:45 a.m., after being asked to check on the mother and daughter. But there was no answer at their room's door, and they cleared the call, according to a statement. Hotel security also knocked several times, police said, and called out to the mother and daughter but received no response. A Month Before Their Murder-Suicide, a Wyoming Woman Predicted Her Ex-Boyfriend Would Kill Her Police confirmed that family and friends kept calling the hotel and asking staff for help locating the mother and daughter, and so security eventually returned to the room. After unlocking the door, staffers found the woman and little girl dead. Advertisement Advertisement Before their bodies were found, missing persons fliers started circulating online, showing McGeehan and Smith smiling in a photo together. Police said that Tawnia is in her 30s, according to a statement on the murder-suicide. Las Vegas investigators did not respond to Us calls for comment. A note was found in their room, according to investigators. However, police did not discuss its contents. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The Venezuelan government on Tuesday released Evanan Romero, a Venezuelan-American oil consultant detained four days earlier at the Maracaibo airport, without a judicial warrant or formal charges publicly announced. Romero, 86, a Venezuelan with U.S. citizenship, was detained by authorities under Delcy Rodriguez's government while attempting to travel from Maracaibo to Caracas, where he had scheduled a series of meetings with companies in the oil sector. After an initial detention, Romero spent the first night at Interpol facilities at the airport. The next day, due to his advanced age and medical condition, authorities authorized his transfer to a private clinic in Maracaibo, where he remained under guard, local outlet Efecto Cocuyo reported. Advertisement Advertisement The release occurred without official statements from the government. Local journalists and media outlets, such as Spain's ABC, reported Romero's detention. "I've been here since Friday," the expert said from a private clinic, while guards remained in an adjacent room. Romero had planned to meet with the local management of Repsol and to participate in a videoconference with Reliance's leadership in India to discuss a possible return to oil blocks in the Orinoco Belt. He also had meetings scheduled with investors interested in the energy stabilization phase that would reportedly be coordinated from Washington after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation Jan. 3. Advertisement Advertisement The consultant had arrived in Venezuela from Panama, with a stop in Colombia, intending to visit a relative before traveling to the capital. In statements to ABC, Romero said his detention could be linked to a past administrative dispute related to a family investment, which he said was resolved in his favor by the Supreme Court of Justice. No Venezuelan authority has publicly confirmed that or provided details about the case. Romero is part of a committee of about 400 former state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela technicians and executives dedicated to developing proposals for rebuilding the energy sector under a future government, Infobae reported. Advertisement Advertisement He has maintained contacts with U.S. oil companies such as Exxon and ConocoPhillips, and his name has appeared in discussions about compensation for expropriated assets and the opening of new blocks, the publication added. Romero is considered a veteran expert in Venezuela's oil sector, with more than six decades of experience. He served on the board of PDVSA, since the 1960s, with responsibilities in operational oversight, capital projects and maritime operations. He later served as president and chief executive officer of Grupo Asesor Petrolero Venezolano LLC, a firm specializing in reservoir performance studies, reserves evaluation, thermal recovery of heavy crude and basin master development plans. He has also been affiliated with the Harvard Electricity Policy Group at Harvard University. Advertisement Advertisement The detention occurred just days after the visit to Caracas by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at a time when the White House has intensified pressure for the release of political prisoners and reiterated that reconstruction of the oil sector will depend on clear legal and political guarantees. President Donald Trump has publicly argued that major U.S. companies should invest billions of dollars to repair deteriorated infrastructure and restore production. Police reported on Tuesday that the victim of a shooting in downtown Houston has died, with the 21-year-old suspect now facing upgraded charges. The video above is from a previous story. The shooting happened around 5 p.m. on Saturday at 909 Texas Avenue, outside the Chipotle Mexican Grill near Main Street, according to the Houston Police Department. PREVIOUS REPORT: Son of HCSO sergeant shot as many as 9 times outside downtown Houston Chipotle, suspect arrested HPD said that officers responded to a shooting call and found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Houston Fire Department paramedics took the victim to a nearby hospital. Police reported on Tuesday that the victim had been pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said they arrested 21-year-old Nicholas Youngblood and initially charged him with aggravated assault. Upgraded charges are now pending following the victim's death, officials said. Sources said the victim, identified in court records as 25-year-old Curtis Moore, is the son of a Harris County Sheriff's Office sergeant. The department confirms it is supporting the family during this time. According to investigators, the two men were involved in a verbal altercation that led to Youngblood shooting the victim. Video shared with Eyewitness News shows Moore arriving on a bicycle outside the restaurant. A verbal exchange appears to take place before the suspect, dressed in all pink, pulls out a gun and fires. ABC13 paused the video before the shooting. HPD said officers detained Youngblood a few blocks from the scene. Authorities said the department consulted with the Harris County District Attorney's Office before Youngblood was arrested and charged for his role in the incident. The man who previously admitted to killing a St. Johns County father in a murder-for-hire plot now says he didnt do it. Henry Tenon pleaded guilty to charges in the 2022 shooting death of Jared Bridegan that happened in Jacksonville Beach. Now, Tenon is saying he is not guilty and his case will go to trial. Tenon spoke in court Tuesday, making it explicitly clear we wanted a trial and the State Attorneys Office had no objections to it. Henry Tenon in court, 2/17/26 What do you want to do? Do you want to maintain your plea or do you want a trial? Judge London Kite asked. Advertisement Advertisement I want a trial, Tenon said. You got it, Kite said. RELATED: Man who admitted to shooting in local murder-for-hire plot looks to take back guilty plea Its an unexpected twist in the case of Bridegans murder. Bridegans ex-wife Shanna Gardner and her estranged husband Mario Fernandez Saldana are accused of plotting his murder. Tenon had previously admitted the couple hired him to pull the trigger. In a plea deal he originally agreed to, Tenon would face a minimum of 15 years to life in prison and avoid the death penalty. But as of Tuesday, that deal is off. RELATED: Accused gunman in murder-for-hire plot to kill Jared Bridegan wants to withdraw guilty plea Advertisement Advertisement Kite approved Tenons motion to withdraw that plea and go to trial. The state has no objection to the court granting that motion for trial, Assistant State Attorney Alan Mizrahi said. In the motion filed last Friday, it explicitly states that Tenon will not testify against his co-defendants while on trial. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] On Tuesday, Tenon also waived his rights to a speedy trial. Kite wanted to make sure Tenon understood this. Did Ms. Schlax (Tenons attorney) do anything to you to get you to waive a speedy trial other than explain what it meant? Kite asked. Advertisement Advertisement No, Tenon replied. Are you in agreement with it? Kite asked. Yes I am, Tenon said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Tenon is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing on March 23. His case is separate from Gardner and Fernandez Saldana, who are scheduled to go to trial in August. Action News Jaxs Madison Foglio reached out to a criminal defense attorney who is not affiliated in this case and asked him if its possible that Tenon could now face the death penalty since he no longer has the plea deal with the state. That attorney said the state could bring back the death penalty as an option if they want to. 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. Imagine if billions of Washingtonians tax dollars were being wasted on students sitting in class scrolling Instagram or keeping up their Snap streaks instead of listening to the teacher. Or even worse, taking nonconsensual videos or photos of other students and posting them to social media. Youd expect outrage, right? Sadly, a good chunk of our hard-earned tax dollars is indeed being squandered, and our kids well-being and education are being sacrificed. At a state Senate education committee hearing in January, Dr. Dimitri Christakis, professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at the University of Washington, described his recent research showing that on average, students across the U.S. spend 25% of the school day on their phones, mostly on social media, distracted from learning. Advertisement Advertisement When you consider that Washington state spends more than $30 billion per biennium on public education, 25% of school hours being siphoned up by Big Techs addictive social media platforms adds up to a significant amount of money. This is essentially a transfer of our tax dollars straight to the bottom line of Meta, TikTok, and other platforms at the expense of our kids attention and education. But theres something powerful our state can do to restore focus for students, lift test scores, and improve teacher satisfaction pass a bell-to-bell phone-free schools law. Thats what more than 500 parents, educators, students, and concerned citizens across Washington who are part of the Distraction-Free Schools WA grassroots coalition are urging lawmakers to do. Washington is one of a rapidly shrinking number of states that have failed to pass a law requiring that schools keep phones and other personal electronics stored away for the day. At this point, 27 states require that phones be kept away during instructional time, with 19 of them, plus the District of Columbia, requiring off and away for the day policies. States such as Indiana and Georgia that previously adopted weaker phone-restriction policies are now moving to strengthen them. Advertisement Advertisement What have Washington lawmakers done? They let a bill to restrict phones in schools languish during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. And this year, the Senate passed Senate Bill 5346 that kicks the can down the road. This bill does not require districts to adopt any kind of policy restricting phones in schools. It simply proposes that the state superintendent deliver recommendations on cell phone use during instructional hours by December 2028. By that time, Washington may well be the only state in the nation with no statewide policy. To be sure, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal challenged districts to restrict access to cell phones during instructional time, and while 75% said they have adopted limits on smartphones during class, less than one-third (31%) of those districts have adopted the best practice of keeping phones away for the entire school day. Advertisement Advertisement The ones that have implemented bell-to-bell phone-free school policies, including Mercer Island School District and McMurray Middle School on Vashon Island, are having great results. Zac Stowell, principal at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in Seattle, told the Senate education committee about the incredible shift in his school culture from going phone-free: We went from filming fights in the bathrooms to dancing and karaoke at lunch. Its magic. Every student deserves that Please implement a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone policy. But not all public schools in Seattle have taken such a strict approach. My 17-year-old told me in the fall that his teachers were concerned about his classroom performance. The reason? Ive been on my phone too much, he told me. Doesnt the school require phones to be put away? I asked. He shrugged. Advertisement Advertisement Even schools that supposedly have a policy requiring that phones be kept away in class have a hard time enforcing it. Dorothea Kaste, a senior at Lincoln High School in Seattle, told the Senate education committee why a weak phone-restriction policy does not go far enough. My school attempts to institute phone restrictions every year, but without the backing of a bell-to-bell law, these systems fall apart within weeks, she said. The burden of policing phones falls on teachers, who have told me they must choose between spending 20 minutes of each class chasing down devices or teaching. Each year that a law ensuring distraction-free schools doesnt pass, another class of students graduates having missed out on the academic and social skills that were promised with a public education. The state must reclaim the school day for its intended purpose educating our children and helping them develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed. Lawmakers should act now by passing a statewide bell-to-bell phone-free schools law. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a press conference at Titusville High School at 10 a.m. February 17 with state Commissioner of Education Stasi Kamoutsas. Click here to watch the broadcast or scroll down. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Watch Gov. DeSantis' press conference live from Titusville High School Derrick Publishing Company, publisher of The Derrick and The News-Herald, announced on Feb. 5 that it will cease publication. Employees were told the decision was driven by the long-term decline in support for newspapers, along with regional losses in employment, retail activity, advertising revenue and readership. The last day of publication of both newspapers will be March 20. Founded in 1871 as the Daily Derrick by C.E. Bishop & Company, The Derrick earned an international reputation for the quality of its reporting. Its correspondents' dispatches and wire stories were circulated around the world, including its authoritative publication of oil spot prices -- set in Oil City -- as well as widely used annual statistical compendiums. By 1871, this region was firmly established as oil country, a transformation that began just 13 years earlier when Edwin Drake struck oil in what had been the rugged wilderness of western Pennsylvania, a land of dense forests and more bears than people. People who lived here in the mid-18th century always noticed the green-black oil that lingered on the top of Oil Creek. Aside from using it for a primitive medical salve, locals mostly ignored its presence. At the time, the nation stood on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution, but meeting the growing demand for reliable illuminating oil posed a major challenge. Whale oil had become prohibitively expensive, and whaling was rapidly depleting the population. Alternatives such as lard oil, tallow oil and coal oil distilled from shale existed, but none were yet abundant or affordable enough to meet the country's needs. The shortage of affordable lighting fuel was slowing both industrial expansion and urban growth. Without reliable light after dark, factories stood idle, and businesses closed their doors at sunset. That changed when Drake successfully drilled for oil -- the first person to deliberately extract it from beneath the earth's surface. His breakthrough sparked the oil boom and made kerosene a practical, widely available commodity. Land prices soared, and boomtowns such as Pithole City sprang up almost overnight. Speculators drilled wells wherever they could, sometimes erecting derricks directly beside, or even atop, one another. Fortunes were chased at a fever pitch, with little regard for the toll on the land or on rival workers. Conditions in the fields were perilous, and accidents were frequent, often fatal. Fortunes were won, lost, won again, and lost sometimes forever as these wildcatters would try to make sense of the fluctuations of the price of oil. At the time, nowhere else in the world was drilling for oil. The region's economy exploded with growth, but the boom came at a steep cost as vast stretches of lush, green wilderness were cleared and scarred in the rush for petroleum. And until The Daily Derrick began reporting on it, there was little sustained coverage of the industrial engine transforming the region -- the oil trade that fueled the rising steel centers of Pittsburgh and Cleveland. There was also scant attention paid to a Cleveland bookkeeper named John D. Rockefeller, whose financial discipline and business instincts would eventually allow him to dominate the industry as founder of Standard Oil. As energy author Bob McNally put it in his 2017 book "Crude Volatility: The History and the Future of Boom-Bust Oil Prices," "The Derrick's the sole source for continuous reporting on prices, news, and fundamentals for the early decades of the modern oil industry." The Derrick's reporting, research and daily documentation of the oil industry became an essential source for Ida Tarbell, the famed muckraking journalist, as she chronicled the "oil wars" of the 1870s. Tarbell, whose family life was affected by the domination of the industry because her father had been an independent oil man, is known by journalists for her 19-part series "The History of the Standard Oil Company," published from November 1902 through October 1904 in McClure's Magazine and published as a book in 1904. Her work brought national attention to the untapped impact industrial monopolies would have on American businesses and was considered a catalyst to the Supreme Court's decision to break up the Standard Oil monopoly. Without the reporting of The Derrick, she may have never been able to write her serial or her book. In a month, it will be gone. Its passing will likely draw less attention than the possible closure of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 90 miles to the south, the 300 jobs recently cut at The Washington Post 300 miles away, or the 50 positions eliminated at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 800 miles from here. It is part of a crisis no one seems able to solve. Last year alone, more than 135 newspapers across the country shut their doors, the latest chapter in a two-decade decline. Since 2005, the number of newspapers published in the United States has fallen from 7,325 to fewer than 4,500. Today's front page of the Derrick featured a story on tempers flaring at a Sugarcreek Borough meeting, alongside coverage of township council sessions and local school board debates. It also included reporting on the everyday issues shaping life in the region -- snow removal, flooding, road closures and legislation in Harrisburg that could affect residents' lives. That kind of coverage will now disappear. So will the ability to speak truth to power. The power here may not be what it was in the 1870s, but someone still needs to hold water authorities, county commissioners and school boards accountable -- and soon, no one will be left to do it. It's troubling when a major city such as Pittsburgh or a powerful hub like Washington, D.C., loses local journalism. But it may matter even more in a small community such as Oil City, where the loss creates a true news desert, weakening the region's social fabric, eroding its sense of connection, and leaving those in power with no guardrails at all. In small towns especially, the loss can depress local voter engagement and open the door to government corruption and incompetence when no one is left to hold officials accountable. There are no easy answers. Newspapers, long sustained by benevolent -- and often wealthy -- owners, have seen the revenue streams that once supported them evaporate: legal notices, classifieds, major retail advertising and paid print subscriptions have all declined in the internet era. But the loss of local newspapers doesn't just affect the journalists who worked there. It harms residents too -- people who may never learn that a water authority decision could raise their taxes, or that there was even a public meeting where they could have voiced objections. (COMMENT, BELOW) Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through shoe-leather journalism, traveling from Main Street to the beltway and all places in between. Grab your beads! Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is coming to an end, but the final celebrations are abundant. The holiday is celebrated around the world, but most notably in the streets of New Orleans, where people participate in festivities including the vibrant parades. Mardi Gras falls right before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the 40-day Lenten season that culminates with Easter. USA TODAY is providing live coverage of the parades around New Orleans beginning around 11:30 a.m. ET. You can watch the festivities live at the embedded video at the top of the page or on USA TODAY's YouTube Channel. Mardi Gras: What is the holiday and when is it celebrated? When is Mardi Gras 2025? This year, Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, Feb. 17. People take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Global celebrations for Carnival, a period of feasting, parades and costumes, began with the Feast of the Epiphany and will culminate on Mardi Gras. A performer takes part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. A performer takes part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. A participant has his face painted in preparation for the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Performers take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. A performer takes part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. See 2026 Carnival celebrations around the world 1 of 6 People take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Global celebrations for Carnival, a period of feasting, parades and costumes, began with the Feast of the Epiphany and will culminate on Mardi Gras. Why does New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras? Although it is a Christian holiday now, Mardi Gras is a holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according to the History Channel. Advertisement Advertisement Mardi Gras, also often called Carnival or Carnaval, is celebrated in countries around the world with large Roman Catholic populations. Krewe of Bacchus rolls down St. Charles Avenue during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. Louisiana was colonized first by the French before it became part of the United States, and has retained strong French and Cajun culture and traditions, including Mardi Gras. Revelers take part in the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. When are the 2025 Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans? Here's when and where to catch these parades, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. For specific parade routes, click the link on the corresponding parade. Tuesday, Feb. 17 Revelers take part in the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 15, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Sunday, Feb. 28 Krewe of Bilge, 12 p.m., Slidell Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Mardi Gras celebrations live in New Orleans A routine weekend mission turned into heartbreaking tragedy for two Sydney women this past Saturday when an allegedly stolen vehicle driven by a fleeing suspect plowed into their car at a busy intersection. The victims, both cherished in their community for family devotion and years of service, were pronounced dead following the collision. Maureen Crosland, 84, and Lee Casuscelli, 60, were en route to collect a wedding dress for Ms. Croslands granddaughter when the collision occurred in Camden, in Sydneys south-west, at around 11:00 a.m. Police allege the suspect, Peter Francis, 31, had stolen the vehicle earlier and, after a short pursuit initiated by officers, left the road and struck the womens Alfa Romeo at the traffic lights. A Tragic Loss of Lives Both women were killed at the scene. Ms. Crosland, remembered by relatives as an exceptionally generous community member who dedicated decades of voluntary service to her church and local primary school, didnt make it home from a joyful family errand. Image Credit: 9News Australia/YouTube. Ms. Casuscelli, an early childhood and disability services educator for more than four decades, was described by colleagues as a rare jewel whose impact extended far beyond her professional life. Advertisement Advertisement One striking detail linking the families is that Ms. Casuscellis son is set to marry Ms. Croslands granddaughter. The pair were beginning what should have been a joyful, shared family moment. The outpouring of tributes emphasized the womens warmth, mentorship, and strong devotion to family and community. Police maintained that pursuit protocols were followed and ended before the crash in Bankstown, but the suspects high-speed behavior proved fatal moments later. According to 9News Australia, assistant police commissioner Brett McFadden told the press his officers already terminated the pursuit prior to the accident. Image Credit: 9News Australia/YouTube. I've watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft, and I can tell you that there were no police vehicles around this driver, McFadden said. It was one of the most reckless and dangerous demonstrations of driving I've seen in a long time. Advertisement Advertisement The driver allegedly fled on foot after the collision but was quickly taken into custody. Francis is now charged with multiple offences including dangerous driving occasioning death. Investigators have established multiple crime scenes, and a critical incident team is overseeing the ongoing inquiry into exactly how events unfolded. When Police Pursuits Turn Deadly for Innocent Drivers While this tragedy unfolded in Australia, it echoes similar heartache here in the United States. reminding us how high-speed police pursuits, whether ongoing or ceased, can have devastating ripple effects. Image Credit: 9News Australia/YouTube. Just recently, an innocent man in his 60s was killed in a violent multi-car crash in Placentia, California, when a police chase ended in a violent collision through a residential neighborhood. Local authorities reported that a suspect fleeing from officers crashed into multiple vehicles, ultimately killing the uninvolved driver. Advertisement Advertisement Such incidents are more rampant than most realize. Data show that hundreds of fatal collisions each year in the U.S. are tied to police pursuits and the risky driving behavior they trigger. Fatal outcomes dont always involve the suspect alone; bystanders and uninvolved motorists have repeatedly been caught in the crossfire of high-speed flights from law enforcement. In some cases, the victims families pursued legal action following pursuit-related deaths, arguing that pursuit policies were too lax or improperly applied, resulting in avoidable loss of life. These debates echo nationwide as departments work at balancing public safety with the imperative to catch suspects and the ever-present risk of jeopardizing innocent lives. A Broader Concern for Road Safety As both Sydney and U.S. cases illustrate, high-speed chases and fleeing suspects in stolen vehicles endanger unsuspecting drivers and pedestrians as much as law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Given the frequency of such fatal encounters, many jurisdictions continue to review pursuit policies and emphasize safer alternatives, such as helicopter tracking or coordinated containment once a suspects route is known. Sources: Daily Telegraph Read More Just days into her tenure, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill found herself in a backroom standoff with New Yorks governor over who would wield power at the regions transportation agency. At issue between Sherrill and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was leadership at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that runs the regions ports, bridges, tunnels, and airports. In the end, they struck a deal that reshapes the structure of an agency in one of the countrys most transitdense corridors. It also lands after years of friction between the two states over its governance. Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill agreed to the appointment of Kathryn Garcia, a former top aide to Hochul, as the authoritys new executive director. In return, Hochul signed off on Jean Roehrenbeck, a former Sherrill aide, becoming deputy executive director, a position that had sat vacant for 13 years. It wasnt a glitzy dispute. Certainly nothing like the verbal jabs Sherrill thrown at President Donald Trump in her first weeks, or the criticism she leveled at fellow Democrats in the state Legislature over the spending they approved just before she took office. But the agreement is viewed by New Jersey insiders and experts as an early victory for Sherrill, restoring a position designed to give the state and its commuters a stronger voice. Under the deal, Sherrill agreed that Roehrenbeck would report to Garcia, while Garcia would answer to the Port Authoritys board of commissioners. Experts said the arrangement is designed to avoid the pitfalls of the past. Advertisement Advertisement The authoritys board of commissioners approved the move last Thursday. Steve Sigmund, a Sherrill spokesman, told NJ.com that the governor knows the Port Authority succeeds when New York and New Jersey work together with focus and purpose. Ensuring there is a Deputy Executive Director who is a senior leader in the structure of the agency means not just that New Jerseyans will be well served, but that projects that are vital for the entire region like the Gateway Tunnel and the rebuild of the Midtown Bus Terminal will move forward quickly and effectively, Sigmund said in a statement. How the deputy role took shape and broke down The Port Authoritys leadership had long operated under a twostate structure: New York appointed the executive director, while New Jersey filled the deputy executive director role. Advertisement Advertisement That setup dates back to thenNew Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman, who created the deputy position. Whitman did so after concluding that thenNew York Gov. George Patakis choice for executive director had neither the organizational skills nor the experience to manage one of the most important transportation agencies in the world, according to Philip Plotch, principal researcher and senior fellow at the Eno Center for Transportation. She selected a deputy who could complement the executive director, said Plotch who wrote the book, Mobilizing the Metropolis, a history of the Port Authority. Ultimately, that didnt happen, said Tom Wright, CEO of the Regional Plan Association. Advertisement Advertisement There were legitimate reasons for the deputy job, Wright said, but the problem was it essentially became a parallel structure and that deputy executive director did not report to the executive director, which really fractured the agency before Bridgegate. It was like two entities under one roof, he said. The New Jersey vacancy stems from the fallout over Bridgegate, the scandal that overshadowed the second term of then-Gov. Chris Christie. At the time, Christie ally Bill Baroni was serving as deputy executive director and was implicated in the scheme that shut down lanes on the George Washington Bridge, causing days of gridlock in Fort Lee. The closures were political payback after the towns Democratic mayor declined to endorse Christie for reelection in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Christie has denied knowing about the plan. Baroni was convicted of conspiracy and wire fraud in federal court, though the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned the conviction. His former job has remained empty ever since. Wright said the state-split setup was broken by that point. In December, Hochul nominated Garcia, a former New York City sanitation commissioner and mayoral candidate, to take over for retiring Rick Cotton as executive director. But Sherrill added one condition: She wanted to revive the deputy role, which had been vacant since 2013. Hochul pushed back. Garcias confirmation was delayed. An anonymous source from the New York side told NorthJersey.com the holdup was absurd. A century of tensions Disagreements between the two states have marked the Port Authoritys 105year history. Advertisement Advertisement One early flashpoint involved the PATH railroad. New Jersey demanded the agency purchase it before supporting construction of the World Trade Center, according to James Hughes, dean emeritus of Rutgers Universitys Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. The problem, Plotch said, was the Port Authority evolved into two separate fiefdoms one answering to Trenton and the other to Albany. Departments had one senior manager who focused on New York projects and another working on New Jerseys priorities, he said. That organizational structure is what led to Bridgegate. A decade ago, plans for a new Port Authority Bus Terminal split the agency along state lines, with thenGov. Andrew Cuomo dismissing it as a New Jersey project even though the average New Jersey commuter paid about $8,500 a year in income tax to New York, Plotch said. Advertisement Advertisement The project ultimately moved forward under Hochul and then-New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, with retired Executive Director Rick Cotton and Chairman Kevin OToole shepherding it to a groundbreaking last December. Both governors appoint members to the board, which is led by OToole, a Republican former New Jersey state senator. Murphy, a Democrat, reappointed him just before leaving office last month. Experts said the authority ran smoothly for almost nine years under the leadership of OToole and now-retired executive director Cotton. Rick was the boss and worked respectfully with Kevin who had input. Kevin knew if Rick agreed to it, hed do it, Wright said. Kevin and Rick worked out the budget and priorities, and it was Ricks responsibility to implement them. What Sherrill got and what comes next In the end, Sherrill filled the post with Roehrenbeck, her former congressional chief of staff who later served as assistant U.S. transportation secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Just because personalities have clashed in the past does not mean the same thing must necessarily happen again going forward, said Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. It ought to be possible for both states to keep their eyes and ears on the Port Authority without feeling threatened by the other state doing the same. Experts agreed that reviving the position ensured New Jersey once again has a toplevel representative within the authority who can advocate for the state and its travelers and who has a direct line to the governor. Garcia told the New York Times the governors came together and figured out how to get past the impasse and not let it drag on. Hochul said she was delighted that the entire region will now benefit. Roehrenbeck will give New Jersey a person of the most senior level at the agency day in and day out to ensure the states interests are looked after, protected, a New Jersey source familiar with the situation told NJ.com. Advertisement Advertisement The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the issue freely downplayed the discord between Sherrill and Hochul, stressing the disagreement was resolved through negotiations rather than a steamrolling in a very public way. If anything, they came to the same place and continue to work together, the source said. Said Plotch: For the organization to be most effective the executive director, a deputy, and the board of directors all have to be singing from the same song sheet." Another Democratic insider familiar with the discussions said Sherrills request wasnt a huge ask, especially because the relationship between New York and New Jersey isnt as radioactive as it was just after Bridgegate. But Sherrill won this round, the source said. She got her person. Yet another Democratic insider said it was shrewd for Sherrill to stand her ground. You stake your fight with Kathy Hochul right now on this, the source said. The concern is this may revive acrimony between the two states. The first source shot that down, saying its the opposite because Sherrill offered to have the deputy answer to the executive director in the organizational line. It wasnt relentlessly political. It was relentlessly competent, the source said. Experts said they dont believe this is a return to the bad old days of in-fighting between the states and gridlock moving major projects. I think the governor is doing the right thing by having a deputy executive director who should be at the table, Hughes said of Sherrill. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Happy Tuesday, everybody! Im Jane Winik Sartwell, your guide to higher education in North Carolina. In case you missed it, heres a little about me and how I plan to approach this role. In this weeks edition of Higher Stakes, well cover both Girl Scout cookies and defense weaponry. Hows that for range? Why does UNC want to secretly record professors? Many UNC-Chapel Hill classrooms have a camera mounted on the wall, ostensibly as a tool for instructors to record their lectures. But instructors arent the only ones with access to the camera. All it takes is for the university to tap into it to secretly record classroom activity. Under a policy that took effect Monday, thats completely kosher. Advertisement Advertisement Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill gave themselves the right to secretly record classes without the professors knowledge. Recordings can happen when theres a suspected violation of university policy, or for any other lawful purpose. The university said that recordings will only occur in rare and exceptional circumstances, when there are compelling legal or compliance reasons. UNC Faculty Council chair Beth Moracco told me she cant imagine such a circumstance where secret recording by the university would be necessary. We had asked for some details about what would be a circumstance in which permission would be granted [to record], and there werent any details or examples provided. That leaves it open to speculation and open to the fear that it could be used frivolously or with a kind of malicious intent. But just because there was previously no policy doesnt mean the university hasnt secretly recorded classes before. In 2024, the school notified then-UNC business professor Larry Chavis that it had surreptitiously recorded four of his classes through the Panopto camera in his classroom following reports concerning class content and conduct. He was later let go. Some faculty are worried about the official policys potential chilling effect on classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Simply the knowledge that a class could be recorded may cause students and instructors to self-censor and avoid introducing controversial topics, or challenging established orthodoxy, which is antithetical to the vibrant learning environments we seek to create in our classrooms, Moracco wrote in a Feb. 13 letter to the faculty. This time next year, Ill definitely be requesting UNCs annual report the school promises to create on how many recordings are requested, approved, and made. Ill share that with you as soon as I have it. A look at foreign funding in NC higher education Last week, the Trump administration launched a data-visualization platform to inspect foreign funding in higher education. It synthesizes funding from foreign countries and displays cumulative totals since 1986, when the government first started requiring that colleges disclose foreign gifts and contracts over $250,000. Heres where North Carolina colleges and universities stack up. Duke University has received the 14th-highest amount of foreign funding among American universities, at more than $1 billion. The top countries are Ireland, France, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden. The website also singles out $76 million in Chinese funding. Next up is UNC-Chapel Hill at $134 million in foreign funding. The top countries are Germany, Canada, England, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. NC State University has received $81 million from foreign countries, primarily Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Peru and Brazil. Elon University s foreign total comes in at $38 million, from countries like Italy, England, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Ireland. Wake Forest University has received $29 million, primarily from the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, India, Switzerland and England. Advertisement Advertisement I spoke with Sarah Spreitzer, an expert with the American Council on Education, about these numbers. Shes concerned that the new portal, developed in part by the company Palantir, is misleading because it doesnt indicate the dates of reported foreign funding. In the past, public records of this data made it possible to compare the numbers year-over-year and discern trends. Im concerned that this actually makes it less transparent, Spreitzer said. Duke business students sell Girl Scout cookies If youre looking for some higher ed content to spice up your Instagram Reels algorithm, look no further than Duke entrepreneurship professor Aaron Dinin, or @aarondinin. He teaches a class called Learning to Fail, in which students participate in semi-absurd challenges, like trying to sell a Jolly Rancher for $100, doing an 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle in one hour, or selling 92 boxes of Girl Scout cookies on campus (beating the record set by Dinins daughter). He also has videos on whether students still do their homework while living in tents waiting to get tickets to the Duke-UNC game and whether they can answer questions without the help of the internet. Its all pretty entertaining. NC State goes all in on military NC State University is launching a brand-new Defense and Security Institute. At the same time, NC State says it has been invited into [a] special group to compete for task orders coming out of a $151 billion federal missile defense contract called SHIELD. That program seeks to develop a defense system to protect the United States. Advertisement Advertisement As one of the universities on the SHIELD contract, NC State is in a pool of pre-qualified organizations, which means we can move faster when specific project needs arise, Krista Walton, vice chancellor for research and innovation at NC State, said. The work of the Defense and Security Institute wont be focused on weapons development, but rather dual use technology, which means that the same kinds of innovations can support national security and civilian needs, Walton said. Examples include energy reliability, cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and supply chain security. Students will get hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in national security. Having the institute really provides this clear, centralized front door that makes it easy for federal industry and military partners to engage with us, Walton said. Headlines you dont want to miss What Im reading Thanks for reading. See you back here next week. Jane Winik Sartwell Not a subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Higher Stakes in your inbox each week: newsobserver.com/newsletters. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. An artist's illustration of an Earth-like planet orbiting binary stars. | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech It's one of the most instantly recognizable scenes in cinematic history: Luke Skywalker gazes at a double sunset to the haunting melody of a mournful French horn. And while "Star Wars" may take place in a galaxy far, far away, planets orbiting binary stars actually do exist in the Milky Way. Yet mysteriously, there are not as many as scientists expect and new research might explain why. Of the thousands of single-star systems in our galaxy , around 10% are known to have planets. Scientists thus expected about 10% of the 3,000 known binary star systems in our galaxy to have them, too. But of the more than 6,000 confirmed exoplanets in the Milky Way , just 14 confirmed planets have been found around pairs of stars . Advertisement Advertisement Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and the American University of Beirut suggest the culprit might be Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity . In most binary star systems, two stars orbit each other in elliptical paths. A planet caught in that dance feels gravitational forces from both stars, causing its orbital orientation to slowly rotate in a process known as precession. Meanwhile, the binary stars ' own orbits also precess due the rules of general relativity. As time progresses, tidal forces between the stars can draw them closer, accelerating their precession and causing an orbiting planet's precession to slow. When the precession rates align, the planet's orbit becomes highly stretched. According to lead author Mohammad Farhat of the University of California, Berkeley, this resonance can destabilize the planet's path. "Either the planet swings too close to the stars and is torn apart, or its orbit is so perturbed that it's ejected from the system," he said in a statement . The team's models suggest that in tight binaries those with orbital periods of a week or less such disruptions are common. These systems also happen to be the ones most likely to be monitored by missions like NASA's Kepler and TESS , which detect planets by watching for starlight dimming as a planet passes in front of them. That could partly explain the surprisingly low number of circumbinary planets in observational data. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, there might be hundreds or thousands of Tatooines in the Milky Way we just aren't sure how to look for them yet. Flags are at half-staff in Delaware to honor local legislators and a national activist who died in February. Gov. Matt Meyer on Feb. 17 ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the lives and service of former Delaware state legislators George Bunting and John Viola, who both died the previous week. Bunting, a former state senator, had nearly 30 years of service to Delaware under his belt. He was also a Marine veteran and a small-business owner, remaining active in local communities even after retiring from the General Assembly. Flags are at half-staff, in honor of a slain state trooper, at the Wilmington DMV near New Castle on Dec. 24, 2025. The state trooper was killed during an active shooter incident. Viola, a former House majority whip, spent more than two decades serving the people of Newark and Bear. Viola was also an Air Force veteran and a volunteer firefighter. Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Joint Finance Committee held a moment of silence for both Bunting and Viola on Feb. 17. Committee chair Sen. Trey Paradee, who served with Viola for roughly six years in the state House, called the former lawmaker a gentleman who loved the state as much as anybody here and worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents. Fellow committee member Sen. Dave Lawson recalled how, when he first came into office, Bunting was one of the people in the Senate chamber who took [him] under his wing and said, Hey, this is what you do, this is how you do it and this is what you dont do. Republican, Democrat, it didnt matter to Bunting, Lawson said. He just didnt want to see people fail. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Meyer said that flags are also at half-staff in remembrance of the life and influence of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights activist, politician and ordained Baptist minister, who died on Feb. 17. Meyer described Jackson as a giant in American politics, citing his progressive views and status as a revolutionary as qualities that laid the groundwork for generational change. Flags will remain at half-staff through sundown on Feb. 21. Do you know about these changes?: From school to insurance, what to know about childhood vaccines changes Advertisement Advertisement Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Flags to remain at half-staff in Delaware through Feb. 21 Rhiannon McDaniel and her husband are raising their two children in a home they bought a few years ago in Holladay, Utah. The 30-year-old mother acknowledged that her family has plenty of privilege and blessings in their lives while sharing the struggles she and her husband face while raising their family. McDaniel has a masters degree in social work and worked in the social work forensic research space, while her husband works as a software engineering manager. A couple of years ago, McDaniel left her job to stay at home with her two kids, Atticus, 7, and Brita, 4, because it became too hard to afford full-time child care for the two kids. Rhiannon McDaniel, center, checks out a Lego creation created by her son, Atticus, 7, as her daughter, Brita, 4, works on felting a heart at her familys home in Holladay on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. McDaniel used to work full time with a salary, but over the summer switched to part time with hourly pay to stay home and save on child care costs. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News She described the decision to stay at home with her kids as precarious. The questions they faced were whether they could afford to have her work and pay for child care or if they could afford to have her not work and stay home with the kids. Advertisement Advertisement McDaniel said she was trying to juggle her emotional health with trying to raise children as everything increases in cost. Id say it feels precarious, like everything just feels kind of like it could all collapse, and you just dont know if it will, McDaniel added. She continued: Its like, we dont have enough money to actually pay for the amount of child care that we need, grocery prices are rising and it just kind of, it just all feels very precarious all the time. McDaniel and her family arent the only ones in Utah who feel the pressure of trying to raise a family in a world that is becoming increasingly more expensive. Emily Bell McCormick, president and founder of the Policy Project, shared that as her organization met with and surveyed people around Utah, it just became abundantly clear that Utah families are struggling, and especially young families, when expenses are so high. Atticus McDaniel, 7, grabs a Lego creation he assembled at his familys home in Holladay on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News McCormick said things arent getting better, child care is becoming less accessible and basic necessities are becoming more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Its not sustainable, McCormick said. Its not looking good for Utah families. The Policy Project is working with a number of lawmakers in the Legislature to see what can be done to help these young families trying to raise their kids in Utah. Young couples are raising their families in a n increasingly expensive world Atticus McDaniel, 7, plays with Legos in his room at his familys home in Holladay on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Rep. Jason Thompson, R-River Heights, said when he talks to his constituents, their main concerns are affordability, the overall economy, the cost of living and child care. Aas he does work on different policies, he asks himself: How is this going to impact families? Because I believe that families are the gatekeeper for society, and are the most important institution in society, the representative said. Advertisement Advertisement Numbers from the Policy Project show that around 76% of two-parents families in Utah need to have both adults working in order to pay for basic expenses. Were not talking about like, this is so I can live in a mansion and have five cars. You know, this is just, like, food, those kinds of things, McCormick said. One concern lawmakers have is that as these kids who were raised in Utah grow up, they cant afford a life here, so they have to move away. We are exporting our children and grandchildren to other states where they believe they have a better chance to build a life. For a state built on strong families and generational roots, that should concern all of us, Thompson said in an interview with the Deseret News. Advertisement Advertisement Sandi Snowden, a volunteer with the Policy Project, said she has sees her five adult children face affordability issues while raising their young families. Her kids often talk about moving out of Utah to somewhere less expensive. As a real estate agent, she says she often works with young couples who moved out of Utah for school and want to move back but cant afford it. Their families are sad, theyre sad, were losing these great kids that want to come back to Utah, but just dont see how they can, Snowden said. McCormick said the state hasnt had to legislate around supporting families before, but as the cost of living increases, we have to be so much more mindful about how to make Utah a supportive environment for families. Advertisement Advertisement She added that there has to be a mindset change to prioritize the importance of families and children. I think what its going to take for us to do better for families is really recognizing that the children are infrastructure and placing value on them in very, very concrete ways, McCormick said. Utahs child care options are expensive, and theres not enough of them Brita McDaniel, 4, admires a heart she felted as her mother, Rhiannon, works on her laptop at her familys home in Holladay on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Rhiannon used to work full time with a salary, but over the summer switched to part time with hourly pay to stay home and save on child care costs. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News During a press conference with the Policy Project last month, a group of lawmakers involved in different child care bills shared that 77% of Utahns live in child care deserts. These are places where there arent enough licensed child care providers to meet the needs of the families there. Rural counties such as Daggett, Piute, Wayne and Rich dont have any licensed child care providers. Thompson shared that licensed child care providers fill only 14% of the need in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Some people are able to have family members or neighbors take care of their children while they work, but that isnt a viable option for everyone. The lack of child care isnt just an issue for parents; it also hurts the state as a whole. Thompson shared that Utah loses an estimated $1.36 billion a year in wages and productivity because parents cant find reliable care. The state loses roughly $258 million annually in tax revenue because of this as well. Let me be clear, this is not a grow-the-economy effort. This is a preserve-the-family effort. When child care centers close, families scramble, businesses lose workers, and growth slows, Thompson said. Numbers from the policy project show that infant care averages more than $11,000 a year and child care for two young children can cost over $24,000 annually. Advertisement Advertisement Child care is considered unaffordable in all of Utahs 29 counties and infant care can cost more than in-state college tuition, Thompson shared. McDaniel said its not just the cost of child care that makes it difficult, but also the long waitlists to get kids a spot in the facilities. She added that she doesnt think the solution is to pay child care providers less, because they need to be able to support themselves and they are doing essential and underappreciated work. Melea Rogers, who owns a child care facility in Ogden, said that the cost of child care is high for parents but that also it is expensive for child care providers to run their facilities. I think another hard part is that we are underrated. You know, we are taking care of peoples most prized possessions, but at every turn, were smacked in the face, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have emphasized that in todays economy child care is a necessity for so many Utahns in both the lower and middle class. Child care isnt a luxury. It isnt a perk. Its infrastructure, just like roads, utilities, and schools. It makes work possible. It strengthens families. It supports economic growth, Thompson said. The Utah Legislature is taking a holistic approach to helping child care issues Rhiannon McDaniel reads to her daughter Brita, 4, at her familys home in Holladay on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News The Policy Project is working with lawmakers on five pieces of legislation that aim to help with family affordability and child care issues in a holistic way. There is no silver bullet, you know, there isnt one bill thats going to solve for Utah being able to support its families entirely, right there. You cant do that in one bill, McCormick shared. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers aim to make a number of different changes that wont solve the whole issue but will make things easier for families. HB190, sponsored by Thompson, would set up a child care tax credit that mirrors the current federal model. This would provide a tax credit to employers who provide or help pay for child care for their employees. This is not government child care. What were doing is were bringing communities and the private sector together to find a long term, realistic solution for our child care challenges, he said. On a federal level small businesses qualify for a 50% tax credit and large businesses would get 40%. HB190 would build on that adding 30% on the state level for small businesses and 10% for large business. Child Tax Credit Amendments, or HB290, would expand the income eligibility for the states Child Tax Credit. This would allow the credit to help a larger number of Utahns. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Miller, R-South Jordan, would raise the threshold for who qualifies for the child tax credit. For those married, but filing separately, there is a maximum of $30,500 a year, for single, or head of household the maximum is $49,000 and for joint filing status the maximum would be $61,000. Sponsored by Rep. Ariel Defay, R-Kaysville, HB329 would expand paid maternity leave for state employees from six weeks to 12 weeks, as previously reported by the Deseret News. The bill would also strengthen protections for pumping breast milk in public and would launch a pilot program allowing local education agencies to provide up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for teachers. SB214, from Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, would increase the number of child care providers in the state by incentivizing the start of more home-based child care providers. The bill would provide grants of up to $5,000 for those starting home-based child care businesses to help cover expenses related to that business. The grants would come from a pool of $2.3 million, enough to start 1,000 home-based child care businesses. It would also implement new background check requirements for child care providers and other people involved with the facilities. There are a number of other bills in the Legislature that deal with family affordability or child care. This session, Sen. Stephanie Pitcher, D-Millcreek, has introduced a bill that would allow more state employees to bring their infants to work with them. SB258 would expand a pilot program that Pitcher started in 2020 when she was in the House. The original pilot program applied just to employees of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. This new bill would expand the infant at work program to all state offices under the executive branch. Escamilla also has another child care bill, SB248, that would provide child care for state employees and would provide a way for a space in a Utah Tax Commission building to be converted into a child care facility. The senator has run a similar bill in the past, but says they are in a better place with this bill because there is an actual location. This is a very complex issue, so I like that were having multiple solutions at the same time, Escamilla said during a Senate media availability earlier this month. Im excited that were all working together and looking forward to those solutions. I think its gonna make a big difference. We are opening places for people to get access. Its hard not to feel heavily burdened by the weight of the moment we are experiencing in our political discourse. What actually can make a difference? What can one person do? Where do I even start? For the next generation, these arent just rhetorical questions, they are a source of profound distress. A staggering 64% of young Americans believe our democracy is either in crisis or has already failed, according to the Fall 2025 Harvard Youth Poll. This isnt just political stress; it is a systemic crisis of confidence. The Institute for Citizens & Scholars further highlights this trust gap, finding that over half of young adults have little to no trust in our public institutions. Despite the high levels of distrust, that same research reveals that young people are actually more interested in engaging across differences than older generations. They are just waiting for the toolkit. What would our nation look like if the next generation possessed the durable skills to not only process the events they are witnessing, but to tackle them head on? Advertisement Advertisement When we think of civic education and engagement, we often only think of it in the sense of memorizing the Bill of Rights, the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, or singing songs from SchoolHouse Rock, but its so much more than that. Its about conflict resolution, media literacy and systemic advocacy all of which translate into a valuable, universal skill set for a future leader in the community or professional. The Rhode Island General Assembly agreed with that sentiment and passed the Civic Literacy Act in 2021. This landmark legislation requires middle and high school students to demonstrate civic proficiency to graduate and mandates that every school district provide at least one student-led civics project. While this was a great start, it unfortunately joined the ranks of other unfunded mandates that burden our public sector and in particular, our school districts. Without dedicated resources for teacher professional development, curriculum creation, and the logistical support required for project-based learning, we have created a mandate without a road map. As a result, the quality of a students civic education in the Ocean State depends almost entirely on their ZIP code. When we think of civic education and engagement, we often only think of it in the sense of memorizing the Bill of Rights, the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, or singing songs from SchoolHouse Rock, but its so much more than that. Advertisement Advertisement Data from a 2022 report by CIRCLE at Tufts University, commissioned by the Rhode Island Civic Learning Coalition and Generation Citizen, paints a sobering picture of this civic desert. While 95% of Rhode Island teachers believe they can teach civics effectively, only 46% report their districts have standalone civics courses. Even more concerning are the persistent inequities. Students in high-socioeconomic districts are nearly twice as likely to feel confident explaining the roles of the three branches of government compared to their peers in lower-income districts. When only 32% of students in low-income districts feel they can explain their rights and responsibilities as citizens, we are effectively imposing barriers to civic participation upon an entire generation of future leaders before they even reach voting age. Other New England states have found comprehensive solutions to back their civic education mandates with permanent investments. Massachusetts specifically established a Civic Project Trust Fund with their civic education mandate legislation in 2018 which provides millions in grants specifically for student projects and teacher training. The Connecticut Legislature has recently made the commitment to provide the necessary instructional materials and development from the state level to ensure standards are met with substance. Were beyond a boiling point in our national and local discourse, and were seeing the consequences of deprioritizing civic literacy every single day in the rise of disinformation and the retreat into echo chambers. An investment in civics education is an effective immediate and long-term, preventative strategy to position young people to meet this moment. It also lays effective groundwork for young Rhode Islanders to learn how to step into their civic voice and agency in the future. Making this investment now comes at far less of a cost than dealing with a fractured society later. Youth want this. Rhode Island teachers want to teach this. But they need the time, mentorship, and sustained resources to make this mandate successful. These opportunities should not be a luxury reserved for a few, but a right guaranteed to all. Advertisement Advertisement This legislative session, our leaders have a clear opportunity to finally align our states budget with our civic values. Legislation filed this session in the Senate and House includes $1 million investment in civics education, with $600,000 of that designated for teacher professional development and support for student-led projects. By supporting efforts to establish a permanent funding stream for civics, we can move beyond a symbolic mandate and ensure the Civic Literacy Act is more than just words on a page. Our democracy is only as strong as the people who participate in it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The wife accused of killing her Green Beret husband and disposing of his body has been indicted by a Cumberland County grand jury. On Jan. 28, 2025, Clint Bonnell failed to show up for classes at Methodist University, a university employee requested a wellness check and raised the first concerns about his whereabouts. Investigators said Bonnell's girlfriend, Kelli Edwards, also requested a welfare check and filed a missing persons report. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the report came after Bonnell told his wife, Shana Cloud, that he wanted a divorce. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office says during a welfare check at a home, Shana Cloud "indicated Clinton Bonnell did not return home" the night before. Deputies, however, say they found his vehicle located in the driveway, along with his car keys, book bag for school and other items. The Office says in the arrest affidavit Bonnell's cell phone records show he did come to the couple's home that night and did not leave the residence. An affidavit also details how law enforcement went to lengths to identify Bonnell. Only his torso was found in a pond. Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say "due to the conditions of the remains," the North Carolina State Medical Examiner's Office had to obtain DNA and create a DNA profile. That was then sent to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System to be compared to the DNA on file for Bonnell. The prosecution believes he was killed a day after he went to a lawyer's office to seek a divorce and told his girlfriend he was preparing to end the marriage. Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West says the pending divorce could have possibly been a motive. SEE ALSO | Wife may have killed Green Beret husband because he was ending marriage; 'Horrific case,' DA says Advertisement Advertisement Days after his torso was discovered, a legal battle ensued over control of Bonnell's assets. They included the couple's home, two vehicles and his USAA checking account. As Cloud was being formally arraigned for Bonnell's murder, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed. Bonnell was taking classes at Methodist University and enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program. Featured video is from a previous report A missing South Carolina woman whose abandoned SUV was found days after her family last heard from her has been located at a local hospital, according to her husband. Cobb County police said Leigh McAlister, 37, was last seen Saturday, Feb. 14. Her husband, Rob, said his wife traveled to Atlanta for a church conference in Midtown. He posted on Facebook that Atlanta police found her at a local hospital, but additional details were not available. McAlister, who lives in Lexington, South Carolina, with her husband and their 4-year-old son, drove to Atlanta on Friday, Feb. 13. Rob said he last heard from her that evening. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, her SUV was found abandoned at The Battery in Cobb County. Inside the vehicle were her personal belongings, including her phone and wallet items her husband said she would not normally leave behind. "Its not like her," Rob McAlister said. On Monday evening, during a phone call, Rob said he was in Atlanta searching for his wife. He said she's never disappeared before and reiterated that they have a 4-year-old son, wondering where his mom is right now. Rob said that as of Monday night, the last sighting of his wife was on surveillance video from the Publix on Piedmont Road in Buckhead. Cobb County Police confirmed the agency's Major Crimes Unit is investigating McAlister's disappearance. Police have not said what circumstances led to the vehicle being left at The Battery or how McAlister may have been traveling without her car, phone and wallet. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from locations in Buckhead and other parts of metro Atlanta as they work to piece together her movements. The timeline, according to family and police: Feb. 13: McAlister drives to Atlanta for a church conference. Family last hears from her that evening. Feb. 14: Police said she was last seen. Feb. 14: Family said she was spotted on surveillance near Publix at Buckhead Landing on Piedmont Road. Feb. 16: Her SUV is found abandoned at The Battery in Cobb County. Police are asking anyone who may have seen McAlister, particularly in the Buckhead area, or who has information about her whereabouts to call 911 or contact the Cobb County Police. Winter storm and blizzard warnings have been issued in Minnesota ahead of a massive system that is set to drop up to 18 inches of snow. The warnings are in effect for the northern half of the state, which will bear the brunt of a system dropping heavy, wet snow over the course of Wednesday. Minnesota's North Shore will see the worst of it, with lake effect snow contributing to a possible 10-18 inches of snow over the course of the storm. Advertisement Advertisement A blizzard warning goes into effect for the North Shore from 9 p.m. Tuesday, with 60 mph wind gusts also expected in a warning area that stretches from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. Joe Nelson/Bring Me The News (Joe Nelson/Bring Me The News) A winter storm warning is in effect for several northern counties, including St. Louis, Carlton, Koochiching and northern Itasca. The warning stays in effect until 12 p.m. Thursday. Duluth is expected to see 3-8 inches of snow, but the National Weather Services says accumulations of 4-12 inches are possible on higher terrain to the northeast of Duluth. While there is currently no blizzard warnings in effect for St. Louis and Carlton counties, the warning notes that wind gusts of 50 mph are still possible. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's system will be followed by another on Friday that could hit further south, with the Twin Cities among the areas potentially impacted. However, the NWS notes that there is still a great deal of uncertainty over whether the system will translate into meaningful snow. This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Feb 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Weather section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. February hasn't brought as much severe winter weather to the majority of the U.S. as January, but the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of new storms in 15 states starting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and continuing through Thursday, Feb. 19. The NWS has issued winter storm warnings and alerts for wide areas of California, with meteorologists projecting snow totals as high as 8 feet of snow, with an average of 3, in higher elevations in the state. But, it's not just California. 15 States Across the U.S. Under Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories The NWS has 15 states under warnings, watches or advisories, as this multi-faceted storm brings snow, ice and low visibility to areas of the U.S. Starting as early as Monday, Feb. 16, and continuing through Thursday, Feb. 19, the NWS issued warnings, watches or advisories for areas of Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon, California, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Michigan and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement While those states are bracing for additional snowfall, other areas of the U.S. are in line for fire hazards. "Gusty to high winds and low relative humidity will bring elevated to critical fire weather to the central and southern Plains into Wednesday," the NWS shared in a post on X. "Two Pacific storms will impact the western U.S. into Wednesday with gusty winds, low elevation rain and heavy mountain snow." California, specifically, has a severe weather situation brewing, with the NWS warning that "a series of Pacific frontal systems will bring heavy mountain snow to California through mid-week. Impacts are expected to be. Extreme across the Sierra Nevada, travel will be extremely dangerous or impossible." The weather experts at AccuWeather tell Men's Journal that after the first and second waves of this storm in California, a third storm will arrive on Thursday, Feb. 19, "focused on the central coast and portions of Southern California. The shift follows weeks of dry conditions and temperatures above the historical average, with statewide water levels falling below their typical mid-February levels." Watch for High Winds, Weather Experts Say Areas of the West Coast should also expect strong winds. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a high wind warning for parts of southern Utah, with winds on target to reach up to 65 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, the NOAA shared on their official website that the majority of the country is in for a warmup from the middle of February until March 2. The organization's eight to 14 day outlook shows warmer conditions everywhere except the northwest. While snow totals get plenty of attention, weather experts say to also beware of driving in conditions where they may not be a lot of snow but, instead, low visibility. WFTV states, "Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal, then carefully pull off as far as possible and turn your hazard lights on." This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Rain, thunderstorms, heavy snow, freezing rain and ice. Theyre all on Mother Natures menu starting tonight as a big storm system moves in and overspreads Michigan into Wednesday. This is forecast to be a split storm with the northern part of the state getting snow and ice, and the southern part getting rain that could come packed with thunder and lightning. Wind gusts to 50 mph could bring down trees and power lines, the National Weather Service said. Here are the forecast highlights from the National Weather Service offices across Michigan: A significant winter storm will impact Michigan beginning Tuesday evening, bringing a dangerous combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and strong winds that will create hazardous travel conditions through Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for Michigans Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan, with Winter Weather Advisories extending into central portions of the state. The storm system moving out of the Rockies will spread mixed precipitation across the region late Tuesday, with the most severe impacts expected from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon. Northern Michigan will bear the brunt of the storm. The Keweenaw Peninsula, along with Baraga and Marquette counties in the Upper Peninsula, can expect the heaviest snowfall, with strong east winds gusting as high as 50 mph. The combination of wet, heavy snow and powerful winds from an unusual direction could cause sporadic power outages and significantly reduced visibility. Farther east, areas along the Straits of Mackinac and the eastern Upper Peninsula face Winter Storm Warnings with substantial snow accumulations expected. Ice accumulation presents a serious threat across south-central Upper Michigan and areas along the Wisconsin border, where up to a tenth of an inch of ice is most likely. Mixed precipitation including freezing rain, sleet, and snow will create treacherous conditions. In northern Lower Michigan, particularly from the Straits region down through Alpena and the Tip of the Mitt, moderate to heavy wet snow is forecast. Central Michigan, including Clare and Osceola counties, faces a Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain developing late tonight. Southern Michigan will see primarily rain, though temperatures hovering near freezing in some areas could allow brief periods of freezing rain before transitioning to all rain. Dense fog reduced visibility to a quarter-mile or less Tuesday morning across areas from northern Detroit suburbs to Flint, Port Huron, and the Thumb, with a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 10 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures Tuesday will reach the mid-30s to low 40s across most of Michigan before the storm arrives. Wednesday will see a stark temperature contrast, with readings in the upper 30s along Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay, while areas west of Interstate 75 could reach the upper 40s. Metro Detroit may climb into the lower 60s Wednesday as the warm sector builds northward. Residents across Michigan should prepare for difficult travel conditions Tuesday night through Wednesday, with the potential for road closures in the hardest-hit areas. Those with travel plans should monitor updated forecasts and consider delaying non-essential trips during the height of the storm. A corridor stretching from Emmet County southeast through Gaylord and into northeast Lower Michigan faces the highest risk of significant ice accumulation Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Forecasters warn that 0.10 to 0.30 inches of freezing rain is likely in these areas, with localized amounts potentially reaching 0.40 to 0.50 inches in a narrow band. Snow and Ice Accumulation on Wednesday The combination of ice and gusty winds could lead to difficult travel conditions and infrastructure damage. Areas south of this zone, including Grand Rapids and Detroit, will see mainly rain with temperatures climbing into the 50s and potentially reaching 60 degrees Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Before the main storm arrives, patchy fog will develop across much of Michigan, potentially reducing visibility during the Tuesday morning commute. Tuesday will see above-normal temperatures in the 30s to around 40 degrees as clouds increase ahead of the approaching system. Precipitation will begin spreading across the area Tuesday evening, starting as rain in southern Michigan but quickly transitioning to a wintry mix farther north. The storm will gradually wind down Wednesday afternoon and evening, though lake-effect snow may linger across the Upper Peninsula into Wednesday night. Another system could bring additional wintry precipitation to Michigan on Friday, followed by a return to more typical late-February temperatures in the 30s this weekend with low chances for a rain and snow mix. More mlive weather Read the original article on mlive.com. The Brief A researcher was rescued from Sorcerers Cave Sunday morning after a falling rock caused serious head and back injuries 470 feet underground. More than 60 personnel executed a grueling 17-hour operation, navigating the victim through narrow "squeezes" and vertical drops as deep as 90 feet. The researcher is currently in ICU at an Odessa hospital after being airlifted from the remote West Texas site. TERRELL COUNTY, Texas - A specialized rescue team of more than 60 personnel successfully extricated a researcher from one of the deepest cave systems in Texas on Sunday morning after a falling rock caused serious head and back injuries nearly 500 feet below ground. Sorcerer's Cave rescue What we know The injured caver, who was part of a statewide research team, was struck by a dislodged rock in Sorcerer's Cave around 7 p.m. Saturday while beginning an ascent from the "River Pit," the deepest section of the cave located about 470 feet underground. The accident triggered a grueling 17-hour ordeal, including a nine-hour technical rescue operation through some of the most challenging vertical terrain in the state. (Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife) Rescuers had to navigate the injured woman through narrow "squeezes," including one measuring just 12 inches by 36 inches, as well as vertical pits ranging from 30 to 90 feet in depth. According to a statement from an official oversight member, the route involved a series of steep drops known as the "Poltergeist Pit" and "Demon Drop". Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Border Patrols Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team made contact with the cave researchers at 3 a.m. Sunday. BORSTAR agents provided fresh manpower and additional ropes, allowing the team to move the patient through the final vertical pits and a narrow squeeze without the time-consuming need to de-rig and reset rescue lines. The researcher finally exited the cave at 4:45 a.m. and was taken across uneven terrain to a waiting AeroCare helicopter. She was airlifted to a hospital in Odessa, where she remains in the intensive care unit. Officials did not release her condition, but stated she was stable. The massive effort included the Terrell County Sheriffs Office, Texas Game Wardens and Texas DPS, Sanderson and Fort Stockton Fire Departments, Sanderson EMS, and National Cave Rescue Commission and San Antonio Technical Rescue. Dig deeper Sorcerers Cave, located on private land in remote Terrell County, in the broader area of the Big Bend region, is noted for its record-setting depth of 567 feet and the "Sirion River," a subterranean waterway flowing along the bottom. Experts note that while the cave is a site of significant scientific interest, its vertical layout makes it exceptionally dangerous for the inexperienced or the injured. The Source Information in this article is from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Terrell County Sheriff's Office and a statement from a person directly involved in the oversight of the caving operation. The Houston Police Department said that it is searching for at least one suspect after a woman was shot while sleeping in southeast Houston early Monday morning. Police responded to the 7300 block of McHenry Street just before 7 a.m. SkyEye circled the area and saw caution tape around a carport, and officers were seen entering the home next to it. The woman inside the home was shot in the chest, according to HPD. She was taken to the hospital, where she is stable. Advertisement Advertisement Officials said this was possibly a targeted drive-by shooting, though neither Houston police nor neighbors believe the woman was the target. Police have said they are not sure at this point who may have been the target. Investigators said the shooter circled the area, then at about 5:33 a.m., neighbors said they heard multiple gunshots. The sound of the gunshots was captured on a doorbell camera. The woman's daughter said her mother was in the hospital, but did not offer any additional information. Neighbors were reluctant to speak on camera because no one has been arrested, but they say the neighborhood is generally safe and quiet. For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man incarcerated for a crime the Shelby County District Attorneys office said he didnt commit is now closer to potentially being released. The Shelby County DAs office believes Andrew Hayes was wrongfully convicted of murder more than 16 years ago. Tammy Vance and Andrew Hayes_Mugshot Courtesy of TDOC This weekend, a woman they believe was actually part of the crime was extradited back to Memphis. A murder going back to 2007, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy says Danny Harris was beaten to death, his decomposing body found months later. Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, Andrew Hayes was convicted of the crime, but in January of 2026, the D.A.s office said he never shouldve been in prison in the first place. New evidence leads to new suspect in 2007 Memphis homicide, D.A. says We believe that that conviction should be vacated, said Shelby County D.A. Steve Mulroy. Mulroy says new evidence in the case was exposed, leading to an investigation by his offices justice review unit with the Tennessee Innocence Project. Along with Hayes, a woman named Tammy Vance also pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced to life. This weekend, on Valentines Day, jail records showed a new suspect has been booked in Harris death, Sarah Lucas, brought to Memphis from Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Mulroy says she is Vances daughter and helped facilitate the murder. Monday, WREG learned she has no mugshot as she is hospitalized, a spokesperson told WREG she has pre-existing health issues. And while Hayes initially confessed to the crime. We believe that was a wrongful, false confession. It was the product of a 27-hour interrogation of a person who was intellectually disabled, his IQ was below 70, said Mulroy. Monday, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Innocence Project said the following in a statement: Son speaks as father wrongfully convicted in 2007 murder set to come home Andrew Hayes is serving a sentence for a crime he did not commit. The Tennessee Innocence Project looks forward to presenting the evidence of his innocence in court. Advertisement Advertisement Hayes is set to appear before a judge later this week; his attorneys have filed a petition to vacate his conviction. Mulroys office is not going to oppose the petition. WREG will keep you updated on what happens. 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 WREG.com. A bill meant to increase penalties for human trafficking and smuggling, including the illegal transport of immigrants lacking permanent legal status, is almost headed to Gov. Patrick Morriseys desk for his consideration. The Senate overwhelmingly approved House Bill 4433 on Tuesday, a measure that would expand the states definitions of human trafficking, smuggling crimes, forced labor and more. The bill establishes specific felony penalties for the illegal transport of adults and minors. Sen. Laura Chapman, R-Ohio We have tried for years to pass this human smuggling statute, said Sen. Laura Chapman, R-Ohio, adding that there are an estimated 27 million victims of trafficking worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Without this bill, the state of West Virginia is beholden to the federal government to catch and prosecute these evil perpetrators. With this bill, now we empower our local law enforcement to stop the evil from happening within our states borders, she said. The legislation would also change West Virginias definition of human smuggling to include transporting, isolating and harboring an illegal alien to avoid law enforcement. Democratic members of the Senate and House have opposed the bill this legislative session because they felt the language related to undocumented immigrants was too broad. The measure could punish churches or nonprofits driving immigrants to the grocery store or doctors appointments during President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, Democratic lawmakers argued. Senators amended the House legislation before approving it, adding language in an attempt to clarify that a person would have to be willingly helping an immigrant lacking permanent legal status for the purposes of avoiding the enforcement of the law to face criminal penalties under the legislation. Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, speaks on the Senate floor on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography) Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, proposed an amendment with that language, and it was adopted by the Senate. He felt it addressed the issue of potential criminal penalties for churches by showing there had to be clear intent in helping undocumented immigrants evade law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement I always want to make sure that we do things as tightly as possible around here so theyre not up for a subjective meeting, Weld said. Senate Judiciary Chair Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, said the bill reaffirmed the rule of law in this country. Sen. Tom Willis, R-Berkeley It more severely punishes those who treat human life as a commercial commodity, he said. Democrats vote no on measure, concerns about broad language The measure exempts individuals providing medical or mental health services to undocumented individuals. It also exempts licensed attorneys who have an active attorney-client relationship with an undocumented person for an immigration case or related to a criminal matter against the undocumented person. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, tried to amend the legislation to also include an exemption for anyone providing transportation, food, medicine and shelter for the immediate safety and health of an undocumented immigrant. Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion In Minnesota, clergy, schools, mothers and others have been helping immigrants while Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are carrying out its largest immigration enforcement operation in the country. Garcia feared the bill wasnt written tight enough to protect clergy and individuals helping undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration. One thing I cannot accept is this idea of feeding children and turning them over to ICE. I cannot accept that. I will not vote for that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate voted down Garcias amendment, though Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, was the only Republican to vote yes on his amendment. Garcia and Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, voted against the bill. This could have been a bill I supported because I think we need to have good penalties with respect to human trafficking, Garcia said. My main concern is the predator, the bad actor, that we will be pointing a finger at are those people who are delivering food, who are taking somebody to a medical appointment, its the church allowing someone to come in and rest for a period of time. The House of Delegates passed the measure last month, and theyll have to sign off on the Senates changes before it can go to the governors desk for consideration. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate earlier this year passed a bill requiring West Virginia law enforcement to notify federal immigration officers about any person theyve identified as an immigrant lacking permanent legal status. The House hasnt yet voted on the measure. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Two thousand Ukrainian children have been brought back from the temporarily occupied territories and Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion. More than 1.6 million remain in temporarily occupied territories. Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter); Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets Details: The Human Rights Commissioner Office has facilitated the bringing back of 419 children. Of those, 83 were brought from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and from Russia with the support of the State of Qatar, while 19 were brought back through the mediation of US First Lady Melania Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Zelenskyy: "Thousands of Ukrainian children are still held captive by Russia, becoming victims of its crimes every day. But we will not stop until every Ukrainian child is back home." More details: Dmytro Lubinets said more than 1.6 million Ukrainian children still live in the temporarily occupied territories, where they were exposed to propaganda and attempts to erase their identity. Quote from Lubinets: "The education system there has been turned into a tool of ideological influence. Children are being cut off from Ukraine, from the language, from the truth. Every day in deportation or occupation is a day of a lost childhood. A day without their native language. Without family. Without safety." Background: Lubinets explained earlier that it is more difficult to bring younger children from Russia back to Ukraine because they are too young to defend their identity. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, listens to testimony on the proposed "millionaires tax" before the Senate Ways and Means Committee in Olympia on Feb. 6. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times) Wilmer Toledo-Martinez shows his injuries after being mauled by a dog that was released to attack by immigration agents. Undercover immigration officials detained Toledo-Martinez, of Vancouver, Wash., outside his home on Nov. 14. (Courtesy of Sen. Patty Murray) Florida AG James Uthmeier. (Photo: Florida Attorney General's Office) Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is under intense fire from anti-gun politicians, the legacy media and even a Parkland parent for defending gun rights, this time for 18-20-year-old Floridians. Uthmeier has a demonstrable history of taking strong steps to ensure that the Second Amendment protects all Floridians. The Attorney General recently intervened in a teen's criminal case by asking a state appeals court to uphold the defendant's right to carrya move that even the anti-gun media already admits constitutes a victory for Floridians' gun rights. The issue is a 1987 state law, which bars 18, 19 and 20-year-olds from carrying concealed firearms. Uthmeier actually opposed state prosecutors, which mystified Florida's anti-gun community, like Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor, who asked Uthmeier for permission to get involved in the case. New Delhi: Whoever saw Tumbbad, couldn't help but shower praises on the makers for presenting the folklore thriller in an impressive way with jaw-dropping narrative and performances. Ever since the Tumbbad 2 was announced by Sohum Shah, the excitement has been palpable among fans. Released in 2018, Tumbbad evolved from a sleeper hit into widely appreciated cinema and upon its re-release in 2024, it got a further push. Now, with the sequel set to go on floors early this year, the makers are looking to deepen and expand the dark universe that redefined Indian fantasy-horror. A powerful antagonist is central to the narrative of Tumbbad 2. The team is keen on elevating the sequel with a layered and formidable negative lead, shares a source close to the development. Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are two names currently being discussed. Their ability to portray morally complex, unpredictable characters makes them compelling choices for the world of Tumbbad. According to the source, The makers idea is to introduce an antagonist who isnt just menacing but deeply layered someone who can stand toe-to-toe with Sohums character in terms of intensity and depth. While an official casting announcement is awaited, the industry buzz alone suggests that the next chapter in the Tumbbad universe is shaping up to be darker, grander, and far more intense than before. About Tumbbad Tumbbad is a period folk horror film directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, and written by Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Barve, and Anand Gandhi. It stars Sohum Shah in the lead role as Vinayak Rao, and follows the story of his search for a hidden 20th century treasure in the Indian village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra. As Ramadan 2026 approaches, Muslims across the world are preparing for a sacred month of fasting, prayer, self-discipline, and community bonding. Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18 or 19, 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The holy month lasts for 29 to 30 days and ends with the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. When will Ramadan 2026 begin? The start of Ramadan depends on the moon sighting, which may vary by country and region. Based on astronomical estimates, Ramadan 2026 is likely to begin on February 18 or 19, 2026, with Eid ul-Fitr expected around March 19, 2026. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Ramadan 2026: Significance and Traditions According to Islamic beliefs and traditions, the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad around 1,400 years ago on Laylat al-Qadr, a sacred night that falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast from dawn to sunset, which is known as Roza. The fast begins with Sehri, the pre-dawn meal, and ends with Iftar after sunset. Throughout the day, those fasting abstain from food and drink as an act of devotion. Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months in Islam, symbolising purification, self-control, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. During this time, people often greet each other with Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem, wishing a blessed, generous, and peaceful month ahead. Ramadan 2026 fasting hours around the World Ramadan 2026 falls close to the spring equinox, fasting hours will be more balanced across the globe. In most places, fasting will last between 12 and 14 hours. Approximate Fasting Durations by Region: Europe & North America: Around 1213 hours United Kingdom: Around 1416 hours Middle East & UAE: Around 1213 hours India & South Asia: Around 12.514 hours Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia): Around 1213 hours Southern Hemisphere (Chile, New Zealand): Around 1415 hours initially Areas closer to the poles may see more variation, but these differences usually reduce as Ramadan progresses. Typical Suhoor and Iftar timings in Ramadan 2026 Exact timings vary by city and date, but here are approximate examples: Dubai: Suhoor ends: Around 5:30 am Iftar begins: Around 6:156:20 pm New Delhi: Suhoor ends: Around 5:35 am Iftar begins: Around 6:156:20 pm London: Suhoor ends: Around 5:30 am Iftar begins: Around 5:50 pm Suhoor marks the last meal before fasting starts, while Iftar is observed immediately after sunset. Ramadan 2026 date and moon sighting In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon after sunset. If the moon is sighted on February 17, the first fast will be observed on February 18, 2026. The holy month is likely to end around Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Following this, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. As happens in most years, India may begin Ramadan a day later than Saudi Arabia, since the moon is often sighted earlier there. The final dates will be officially confirmed based on local moon sighting announcements. As is usually the case, India may begin fasting a day after Saudi Arabia, where the moon is often sighted earlier. Key highlights for Ramadan 2026: Expected start: February 1819, 2026 Fasting hours: Around 1214 hours globally Suhoor: Before dawn Iftar: At sunset Eid ul-Fitr: Expected around March 19, 2026 In several countries, especially in the Middle East, working hours and school schedules are adjusted to support fasting individuals. The Spiritual Meaning of Ramadan Ramadan is much more than fasting. It is a time for: Increased prayers and Quran recitation Charity and helping those in need Self-reflection and spiritual growth Strengthening family and community bonds Ramadan 2026 is a time of devotion, discipline, and togetherness for Muslims around the world. With balanced fasting hours and clear daily routines of Suhoor and Iftar, the month offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal. While final dates depend on moon sightings, Muslims everywhere are preparing to welcome Ramadan with faith, patience, and gratitude, leading up to the joyful celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) Delhi University: Delhi University on Tuesday imposed a month-long ban on meetings, rallies, and protests across its campuses, days after tensions flared during demonstrations over the University Grants Commissions (UGC) new equity guidelines. The Supreme Court recently stayed the regulations, describing parts of them as completely vague and open to potential misuse. The order was issued by the DU Proctor, citing concerns over law and order. In the notification, the university said intelligence inputs suggested that unrestricted gatherings could disrupt traffic, endanger lives, and disturb public peace. It noted that previous protests had spiralled out of control, leading to deterioration of campus order. Under the directive, the university has prohibited public meetings, rallies, dharnas, protests, or agitations, as well as the assembly of five or more persons. The order also bars the carrying of hazardous items such as torches or mashals, sloganeering, speeches, and any activity that could disturb public tranquillity or impede traffic within university premises. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The restrictions follow a face-off between two student groups on Friday during a protest in support of the UGC equity regulations. Both sides traded allegations of violence and intimidation. The Left-backed students body AISA claimed that some students were threatened and subjected to casteist slurs by rival activists. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), however, alleged that a female journalist associated with a YouTube channel was assaulted by Left-affiliated activists. The journalist, Ruchi Tiwari, said she was attacked by a large crowd while reporting and alleged that members of the mob questioned her caste identity and issued threats. She claimed the situation escalated rapidly after she refused to engage with the crowds queries. Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh had appealed to students and faculty to maintain harmony and avoid actions that could damage the universitys reputation. In a statement shared on the universitys official X handle, he emphasised the importance of social cohesion, noting that DU hosts students from diverse communities across the country. The unrest stems from controversy surrounding the UGCs Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. The Supreme Court on January 29 stayed the implementation of the new rules and directed that the 2012 regulations continue for now. The court observed that the language of certain provisions, particularly those defining caste-based discrimination, required reconsideration to prevent misuse. The proposed regulations aim to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions by mandating the formation of special committees and helplines to handle complaints from students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. (with ANI inputs) JEE Mains Result 2026 toppers list: JEE Mains Result 2026 toppers list: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results on February 16, 2026, concluding the first phase of the national engineering entrance exam. JEE Mains conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple cities in India and abroad, remains the primary gateway for admission to NITs, IIITs, CFTIs and a qualifying step for JEE Advanced. The JEE Main 2026 results and scorecards are now available for download on the official portal, jeemain.nta.nic.in. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The 2026 Session 1 saw robust participation, with over 13 lakh students competing for top honours in the highly competitive exam. The final scorecards include individual percentiles, subjectwise performance, and eligibility status for the next stages of admission. JEE Mains 2026 Top Performers: 100 Percentile Scorers In a remarkable achievement this year, 12 candidates secured a perfect 100th percentile in JEE Main 2026 Session 1, placing them at the top of the merit list. These students excelled across all subjects, including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, demonstrating exceptional understanding and preparation. List of Candidates with 100 Percentile Here are the toppers who scored a perfect percentile: Shreyas Mishra Delhi (NCT) Narendrababu Gari Mahith Andhra Pradesh Shubham Kumar Bihar Kabeer Chhillar Rajasthan Chiranjib Kar Rajasthan Bhavesh Patra Odisha Anay Jain Haryana Arnav Gautam Rajasthan Pasala Mohith Andhra Pradesh Madhav Viradiya Maharashtra Purohit Nimay Gujarat Vivan Sharad Mahiswari Telangana This list reflects a wide distribution of talent across states, with Rajasthan producing three perfectscorers the most from any single state. Alongside the 100th percentile achievers, many candidates scored above 99 percentile, showcasing strong competition and depth of talent among aspirants. The declaration of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results marks a significant milestone in the engineering entrance cycle. The outstanding performance of the toppers, especially the 12 perfectpercentile achievers, highlights the dedication and academic excellence of Indias aspiring engineers. In a city known for its data-driven culture, one professional has taken networking to an extreme. Pankaj, a tech worker in Bengaluru, has gone viral on X after sharing that he has spent the last six years tracking his friendships in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to calculate their return on investment. Using a custom system he calls "Ziya," Pankaj treats his social life like a Customer Relationship Management tool. He quantifies interactions, emotional patterns, and the time needed to maintain deep bonds. The math of friendship: 192 hours to 'trust' Add Zee News as a Preferred Source According to Pankajs six-year dataset, the cost of forming a meaningful relationship is higher than most people think. He breaks down the time needed for a single friendship as follows: - Trust establishment: 45 to 60 hours over 3 to 6 months. - Emotional vulnerability: An additional 80 to 120 hours over 12 to 18 months. Total investment: Between 128 and 192 hours per person just to reach "close friend" status. Maintenance is also costly: Pankaj says that keeping a bond requires 45 to 65 hours annually, which includes regular chats, life updates, and significant events like birthdays. 'New friends are negative ROI' The most controversial part of Pankajs analysis is his view on new acquaintances. From 2019 to 2025, he tried to build six new close friendships. Despite putting in 354 hours, he realised these people became "just names" in his phone. "I literally quantify friendships," Pankaj wrote. "If someones ROI stays negative long enough, I stop engaging. Pretending time is infinite is worse than being transactional." His data shows a 73% failure rate for any new friendship formed after age 25 within the first two years. As a result, he has effectively closed his friend list to new people, focusing on his four existing close friends of over a decade. Limited emotional bandwidth Pankajs uncomfortable realization is that our ability to form deep connections is limited. His spreadsheet indicates a strict cap on social ties: - Deep Relationships: 5 to 8 maximum. - Meaningful Connections: 10 to 12 maximum. He argues that adding a new person to this inner circle can weaken existing bonds or push a long-time friend out. Social media reaction: Dystopian or disciplined? The post has split opinions online. Some users praised the "peak Bengaluru efficiency," while others felt unsettled by the cold approach to human relationships. The critics: "A very weird way to look at life... conversations are not a means to an end," one user commented, suggesting that having fun should be the only return on investment needed. The supporters: Others found the analysis "brutal but honest," saying that being intentional about how we spend our limited time is a tough lesson learned in adulthood. Pankaj remains firm in his view. He notes that while his data is personal and not definitive proof, it has helped him stop wasting energy on superficial connections and focus more on his inner circle. ALSO READ | 'Angel Nuzhat' viral MMS: Fact-check on the 12-minute video scam trending in 2026 The political scene in Assam, which is preparing for elections, is shaking as former state Congress president Bhupen Borah stands firm on his resignation. This comes despite intense efforts by the Congress leadership to convince him to stay. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed today that he will meet Borah at his home this evening, Tuesday, February 17, to talk about his future in politics. Although Borah has not officially joined the BJP yet, Sarma has invited him to do so on February 22. He has promised Borah a secure seat in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. The 'last hindu leader' argument Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sarma said Borahs resignation reflects the collapse of the Congresss grassroots identity. The 'ordinary family' narrative: Sarma claimed that Borah was the "last Hindu leader" in the Assam Congress who came from a regular family without political ties. Symbolic message: "His resignation shows that no one from an ordinary family can thrive in the Congress. I come from a middle-class family, and the BJP made me a chief minister," Sarma said, contrasting the BJPs focus on merit with what he called Congresss elitist politics. Congress's failed 'Operation Rescue' Borah submitted his resignation to Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday morning, causing immediate anxiety within the Congress. The high-stakes meeting: Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi by phone and state unit chief Gaurav Gogoi, spent hours at Borahs home trying to convince him to take back his resignation. Internal friction: Reports indicate Borah is unhappy due to the "Behali episode" and a lack of coordination since Gaurav Gogoi was promoted within the state unit. The stance: While Congress leaders claim Borah had "reconsidered," he clarified that he only needed time to talk with his family. CM Sarma insists that Borah has decided not to return to the Congress. Strategic maneuvers: The Feb 22 timeline Sarma revealed that after initial discussions, they set February 22 as a potential date for Borahs party switch. Safe seat promise: To make the offer more appealing, the BJP has reportedly prepared two constituencies for Borah, ensuring his return to the Assembly is secure. The Opposition response: Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi and other members of the United Opposition Forum have urged Borah to remain, accusing the Chief Minister of playing "mind games" to weaken the opposition alliance before the 2026 elections. What this means for Assam 2026 If Borah joins the BJP on February 22, it will mark the second major shift from the Assam Congress to the BJP in a decade, following Himanta Biswa Sarma's own departure in 2015. Analysts warn that this could spark a chain reaction, with Sarma suggesting that 4-5 more Congress MLAs may leave within the next two weeks. ALSO READ | Why do dead bodies move? The science behind the Lazarus reflex and post-mortem twitches | SHOCKING VIDEO CBSE Board Exam 2026: Due to heavy traffic in Bihar, Bettiah district, a student of the CBSE board has been denied entry into the examination hall. The incident occurred on the first day of the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams, which are being held across India and in 26 countries abroad, with over 43 lakh students appearing. The student told the media that, along with her, three to four girls also arrived late. And they all were denied entry, saying that they came late and would not be allowed. On day one, Class 10 students appeared for Mathematics (Basics) and Mathematics (Standard), while Class 12 candidates appeared for Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering Graphics, and Business Studies. Exams were conducted in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 8,074 centres for Class 10 and 7,574 centres for Class 12. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The CBSE had consistently urged students to plan their journeys to examination centres well in advance, taking traffic into account, and reminded them that entry would close promptly at 10 AM. At Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Vasundhara, students arriving for their exams displayed a mix of nervousness and determination, while parents offered last-minute guidance and moral support. Samaira Sharma, taking her Class 10 exam, said, "This exam is crucial since Class 10 results shape future career paths. Ive been studying 6-7 hours daily, and although the last few days were intense, Im hoping for good results." Her father, Aseem Sharma, added, "Children should stay calm and treat the exam like a practice test at home." To make Delhis roads pothole-free, even and long-lasting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved a large-scale and comprehensive road improvement project. More than 241 major roads across the city will be redeveloped using advanced technology. The Chief Minister stated that the project is being implemented with strong support from the Central Government. The Delhi government has said that all roads will be developed under the wall-to-wall carpeting model to ensure that construction work is not partial, but carried out across the full width with uniform quality. She described the initiative as a significant step towards making the capital safer, more organised and future-ready. The total length of roads to be upgraded is nearly 400 kilometres across 45 Assembly constituencies. The Chief Minister noted that often only the central portion of roads or isolated potholes are repaired, resulting in deterioration after a short period. Under the new system, entire stretches will be uniformly strengthened from edge to edge, enhancing durability and lifespan. A fully levelled and sealed surface across the complete width will also lead to a marked reduction in dust and air pollution. Damaged roads generate loose soil and fine particles that become airborne due to vehicular movement, contributing significantly to pollution. The new approach will help reduce particulate matter (PM) levels and improve cleanliness and air quality in surrounding areas. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The project is targeted for completion by the end of the year. Work will be undertaken in phases to minimise traffic disruption and public inconvenience. The Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi Government will execute the project across approximately 45 Assembly constituencies. The total cost of the project is 802.18 crore. Of this, 643.36 crore will be funded through the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) of the Government of India, while 158.82 crore will be contributed by the Delhi Government. The Chief Minister emphasised that collaboration between the Centre and the State is giving fresh momentum to Delhis infrastructure. She clarified that the objective is not merely repair, but a long-term solution. Each road will undergo technical assessment of the base layer, necessary strengthening, proper drainage arrangements and final carpeting in accordance with prescribed standards. This will help reduce waterlogging during the monsoon and ensure long-term road safety. The Government aims to build roads that last for years and provide citizens with safe and reliable travel. She also informed that last year, approximately 150 kilometres of roads were constructed in Delhi using the same technology. The roads identified for upgradation include August Kranti Marg in Malviya Nagar, Outer Ring Road, Rao Tula Ram Marg, Kapashera-Bijwasan Road, Najafgarh-Jharoda Road, Captain Gaur Marg in Kalkaji, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in Greater Kailash, Dr K.N. Katju Marg in Rohini, Shamnath Marg in Chandni Chowk, D.B. Gupta Road in Karol Bagh, ESI Hospital Road in Shahdara, Tanga Stand Road in Seemapuri, Preet Vihar Road, Patparganj Road, Khichripur Road, Khudiram Bose Road, Khajuri Flyover, Gokalpuri Flyover, Zero Pusta Road, Seelampur Road and Loni Road, among others. In total, more than 241 roads spanning nearly 400 kilometres across various constituencies are being upgraded under the project. The Chief Minister stated that strong roads form the backbone of any citys development. Improved roads will ease traffic, reduce accidents and save time for commuters. The Government remains committed to transforming Delhi into a modern, organised and future-ready capital. This extensive road redevelopment drive is expected not only to improve traffic management but also to strengthen the overall urban infrastructure and image of the city. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India for a three-day visit for the much anticipated Indian AI Impact summit. He was received by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat Acharya Devvrat. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Macron. In an X post, PM Modi said, Welcome to India! India is delighted to welcome your visit and intends to give new momentum to our strategic partnership. I am convinced that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation in various sectors and contribute to global progress. See you very soon in Mumbai, then in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The talks between the two leaders will focus on artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion-dollar Dassault Rafale fighter jet deal. France aims to deepen its military ties with New Delhi, with talks eyeing a contract for 114 additional French fighter jets. Macrons India Visit: What to Expect The talks between French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi will commence at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, focusing on strategic partnership progress, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and global issues, followed by the joint inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 alongside business leaders and innovators. Minsitry of External Affairs spoeksperson Randhir Jaiswal in a video message on X talked about agendas to be discussed between the two leaders, including the two aspects of his visit, one holding bilateral ties with PM Modi and second attending the India AI Impact summit. French President @EmmanuelMacron has arrived in Mumbai. Bilateral talks with Prime Minister @narendramodi soon. Tune in to see what's in store pic.twitter.com/4nh5DjR0mU Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 17, 2026 Macron will then head to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit on February 19-20, the first major global AI event hosted in the Global South, emphasising AI collaboration. Further, Defence discussions aim to expand military ties, spotlighting a potential multibillion-dollar deal for 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets to enhance India's air combat capabilities beyond the existing 36 jets acquired in 2016. Talks may also cover advanced weaponry like the Hammer precision-guided missiles, already integrated with Rafale squadrons for standoff strikes, and potential P-8I anti-submarine warfare enhancements, building on India's fleet of eight Poseidon aircraft used for maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean. These deals underscore France's role as a top defence supplier to India, with negotiations prioritising technology transfer and joint production to counter regional threats. The visit reinforces India-France strategic autonomy amid multipolar geopolitics, blending defence pacts with innovation drives like AI and clean energy, while Modi and Macron exchange views on regional stability. Macrons visit will lead to outcomes that could accelerate Horizon 2047 goals in defence, space, and trade. This follows PM Modi's 2025 France trip, highlighting mutual trust in a partnership free from traditional alignments. 6th India-France Defence Dialogue Along with President Macrons visit, the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru will be held on February 17. Co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and France's Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin, the dialogue reviews bilateral military ties. The dialogue also renews a 10-year defence cooperation agreement, and eyes an MoU for joint production of Hammer precision-guided missiles via Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran. It also covers officer exchanges between armies and the virtual inauguration of the Tata-Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line by PM Modi and Macron. The legal hurdle is over for Indias most ambitious maritime dominance project. The National Green Tribunal has finally accorded a clearance to the Rs 81,000-cr Great Nicobar infrastructure project and ruled that it did not find any good ground to interfere in the environmental clearance given to the project by the government. This paves the way for the implementation of the project that will not only change the geopolitical play in the Indian Ocean Region but will also reaffirm the Indian Navys dominance to a wider area. The mega project will be spread over 166 sq km and will involve the construction of transshipment port - the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, an integrated township, a civil and military airport and a 450-MVA gas and solar power-based plant. The Strategic Bet Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The project is not something that will go unnoticed by China, Pakistan or other nations that think to challenge Indias sovereignty. The military airport will give a significant edge to the Air Force and the Navy in times of conflict while positioning of strategic vectors like missiles and air defence systems will further strengthen Indias Mission Sudarshan Chakra ambition. If Agni is placed strategically in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, even with just 2,500 kms radius, India will have its say from the Malacca Strait, the Sunda Strait to the Straits of Hormuz or the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This way, India can challenge any threat emanating from even Turkey or the Pakistan-Saudi defence axis. Great Nicobar Island is situated to the south of the Andaman Islands and is both the largest and the southernmost island in the Nicobar chain, about 520 kilometres from Port Blair. Its strategic location is its most valuable asset. The proposed port at Galathea Bay would be located nearly 40 nautical miles from the Malacca Strait a narrow but critical sea passage connecting the Indian Ocean with the Pacific. Economic Boost The ICTP should be understood within the larger framework of Indias maritime strategy, which is designed to safeguard both national security and long-term economic interests. A large portion of global maritime trade, including a major share of Chinas energy supplies, moves through this vital chokepoint. Positioned along the primary eastwest international shipping corridor and lying at nearly equal distance from Colombo, Malaysias Port Klang, and Singapore, the island presents India with a significant strategic advantage. Chinas transformation into a global manufacturing and export powerhouse was supported by the creation of highly efficient ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen. These ports were not merely trade gateways; they became central tools of Chinas economic expansion and geopolitical influence. Indias development plans for Great Nicobar follow a similar strategic rationale. Establishing a transshipment hub near the Malacca Strait would improve economic stability while also strengthening Indias maritime presence in a region where strategic rivalry is growing. The addition of a dual-use airport further enhances the islands significance, allowing it to function as both a commercial center and a strategic forward base. In essence, the Great Nicobar port represents a calculated investment in Indias future role in global commerce and geopolitics. With the first phase expected to be completed by 2028, India may start regaining some of the transhipment revenues and logistical leverage that have traditionally flowed to foreign ports. As the country works to emerge as a credible alternative to China in global supply chains, robust maritime infrastructure will be critical. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin on Tuesday attended the inauguration of the final assembly line for Airbus H125 helicopters at Vemagal in Karnataka. Indian Air Force chief AP Singh was also present at the ceremony. The facility has been set up as a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, marking a significant step in Indias push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing. Addressing the gathering, Mr Singh said, Coming to the unveiling of the final assembly line that we are witnessing today, the H-125 programme investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1,000 crore and is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for our skilled and hard-working younger generation. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source He noted that the public sector had historically dominated Indias defence production. As a result, the private sectors contribution to total defence production and exports was less than desirable. Our defence exports have increased manifold, putting India among the world's top defence exporters. This growth trajectory has also given a massive boost to MSMEs and the ancillary sector. A large number of foreign companies currently source many components from Indian MSMEs. We invite companies to deepen this partnership through meaningful technology transfer and offer advanced solutions to meet the security needs of other countries as well, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the assembly line. Speaking at a press meet afterwards, Mr Modi said, We take pride in the fact that, together, India and France will manufacture in India the worlds only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and export it to the entire world. The Made in India H125 is expected to meet the armed forces requirement for a light multi-role helicopter while also catering to civil and para-public markets. It is set to play a crucial role in operations along Indias Himalayan frontiers, where high-altitude capability is essential. Tata and Airbus also plan to produce a military variant, the H125M, from the Vemagal facility, with a high level of indigenised components and technology. TASL has indicated that delivery of the first Indian-assembled H125 is scheduled for early 2027, with exports planned for the South Asian region. Under the arrangement, Tata will handle manufacturing and testing, including the integration of structural, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as final flight tests prior to delivery. The H125, the worlds best-selling single-engine helicopter, belongs to Airbus Ecureuil family, which has logged over 40 million flight hours globally. Known for its versatility, the aircraft can operate in high-altitude and extreme environments and can be reconfigured for missions ranging from aerial work and firefighting to law enforcement, rescue operations, air ambulance services and passenger transport. It remains the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, underscoring its capability in some of the worlds most challenging conditions. India has seized three U.S-sanctioned oil tankers tied to Iran this month, while ramping up maritime surveillance to block illicit trade, a source confirmed Monday. The move follows a now-deleted February X post by the Indian Coast Guard. According to a report by Reuters, a source with direct knowledge said India aims to prevent ship-to-ship transfers in its waters that mask the true origin of oil cargoes. The seizures and ramped-up surveillance come amid warming U.S-India ties. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Washington announced earlier this month it would slash import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, after US claimed India promised to halt Russian oil imports in the India-US trade deal. The three sanctioned tankers- Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia- routinely altered their identities to dodge coastal state enforcement, said the source, noting their owners are based overseas, the routine further stated. Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) dismantled an international oil smuggling ring via a coordinated sea-air operation from February 5-6. Officials targeted an organized network conducting illicit mid-sea transfers of oil and related cargo from conflict zones. The statement detailed how Coast Guard ships intercepted three suspect vessels, conducting thorough boarding operations that included scrutinizing electronic data, verifying documents, and interrogating crew members. Investigators uncovered a syndicate relying on intricate ship-to-ship transfers in international waters to conceal cargo origins and dodge duties owed to coastal states. The ICG's advanced technology-driven surveillance first detected a motor tanker showing suspicious activity within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Digital tracking and pattern analysis then pinpointed two more vessels heading toward it, prompting the coordinated interception. Early findings reveal the ships frequently changed identities to evade detection, and they will soon be transferred to Indian Customs and other agencies for legal proceedings. According to the Reuters report, last year, the U.S Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three vesselsGlobal Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1, bearing the same IMO numbers as those recently seized by India. LSEG data links two of the three tankers to Iran: Al Jafzia transported fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025, while Stellar Ruby was flagged there. US: The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken an Indian national into custody over multiple alleged offences, including the sexual assault of a minor. In a statement posted on X, the agency said the man is facing accusations of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13, along with charges of shoplifting and disorderly conduct. Identifying him as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, ICE described him as being in the country unlawfully and said he has pending sexual assault and larceny charges in New Jersey. The agency added that he will remain in detention while removal proceedings are underway. SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD UNDER 13 SHOPLIFTING PUBLIC DISORDER Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey. Well keep him in custody pending removal proceedings. pic.twitter.com/VM97e9KUD9 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) February 16, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The action comes amid a broader immigration enforcement push under President Donald Trumps second term, during which ICE has stepped up operations targeting undocumented immigrants across the United States. In a separate case highlighted by the agency in December, ICE shared details about an Indian-origin truck driver linked to a deadly highway crash in Oregon that claimed two lives. According to the agency, the driver had entered the US through Arizona in November 2022 without authorisation but was later granted work permits and a commercial driving licence by authorities in California. That incident was one of several serious accidents in recent months involving Indian nationals operating heavy commercial vehicles in the US. Officials have pointed to at least three other fatal crashes in Florida and California involving undocumented Indian truck drivers. Established in 2003 after the consolidation of investigative and interior enforcement functions from the former US Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ICE operates with a workforce of more than 20,000 personnel across over 400 offices in the US and abroad. The agency works with an annual budget of roughly $8 billion, which funds its key branches; Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor with administrative support provided by its Management and Administration division. (with ANI inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 17, to discuss key mutual interests and bolster India-France ties. The bilateral talks will be centered on trade expansion, defense pacts like Rafale Marine procurement, and clean energy projects. Both leaders aimed to elevate partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, with Macron visiting Mumbai's industrial sites to highlight French tech investments. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on a three-day visit with First Lady Brigitte Macron, marking his fourth India visit and first to the city. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source They were received by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya Devvrat. PM Narendra Modi traveled from Delhi to Mumbai for the bilateral meeting at Lok Bhavan, ahead of inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron's meeting will deepen India-France ties, focusing on strategic cooperation, trade, defense deals, and shared global concerns. Earlier today, PM Modi welcomed French President Macron, heshared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." Earlier, Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron honored the 2008 Mumbai terror attack victims, symbolizing solidarity against terrorism and highlighting shared resilience between New Delhi and Paris. The delegation, in India until February 19, was welcomed in Mumbai by Governor Acharya Devvrat and CM Devendra Fadnavis. The leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," boosting the strategic partnership, per MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Apart from the bilaterla talks, 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue 2026, will be held in Bnegaluru, renewing the bilateral defense pact for 10 years and emphasizing industrial collaboration. New Delhi: If a three-minute speech is stretched into seven or eight minutes in transcription, there is certainly malice, the Supreme Court observed while questioning the Centre over the translation of activist Sonam Wangchuks remarks material that formed the basis of his arrest in September. A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice PB Varale was hearing a habeas corpus plea filed by Wangchuks wife, Gitanjali Angmo. During the proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, referred to portions of the transcripts relied upon by the government. He argued that phrases such as self-immolation of Ladakhis and overthrow the government did not appear in the original speech. This is not new to them. I had pointed this out earlier, and there was no response, Sibal submitted. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Responding to the submissions, the court asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj to produce the authentic transcripts of the speeches, noting that the detention order was founded on those very records. What SC says The Supreme Court has sharply questioned the Central government over alleged discrepancies in the transcripts of activist Sonam Wangchuks speech, which formed the basis of his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk was arrested in September, and his wife filed a 'habeas corpus petition', challenging his detention. During the hearing, his lawyer Kapil Sibal argued that the governments transcripts included statements that Wangchuk never made, such as references to self-immolation and overthrowing the government. The court observed that if a three minute speech is transcribed into seven or eight minutes with added content, it suggests possible malice or deliberate distortion. It rejected the Centres explanation that officials were not experts, remarking that in the AI era, high precision is expected instead of excuses. The judges have now sought the original audio recordings to verify what was actually said. Why this matters If the transcripts are found inaccurate or manipulated, it could weaken the legal basis of Wangchuks detention. The case revolves around whether his protest speeches were misrepresented to justify invoking a stringent security law. Detained over protest demanding statehood Wangchuk was detained after launching a prolonged fast and leading protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Authorities invoked the National Security Act, alleging that certain speeches and mobilisations could potentially disturb public order, a claim his legal team has strongly contested, maintaining that his movement has consistently advocated peaceful and democratic methods. US Ambassador Sergio Gor and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, head of the U.S Indo-Pacific Command, visited the Indian Army Western Command headquarters on Monday. They discussed strategic security issues along India's western front with Lt. General Manoj Kumar Katiyar. In an X post Western Command, the Indian Army said, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor @USAmbIndia and #USINDOPACOM Commander, Adm Samuel J. Paparo, @sjpaparo visited HQ Western Command and held substantive discussions with Lt Gen #ManojKumarKatiyar, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, Army Commander, #WesternCommand, on strategic security dynamics along Indias Western Front, the Western Command of the Indian Army said in a post on X. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The US envoys' visit to the Western Command has sparked concerns primarily from India's Opposition parties, who allege it reflects the Modi government's prioritisation of American interests over national security. Critics highlight the timing near the Pakistan border, overseen by the command, as potentially compromising, especially post-Operation Sindoor last year. Foreign Envoys at Indian Commands Foreign envoys have occasionally visited Indian military commands as part of diplomatic and defence exchanges, though such trips to sensitive frontline headquarters like Western Command remain rare. US Indo-Pacific commanders have previously toured Indian naval bases, signaling growing military-to-military ties. Indian officials have reciprocated with visits to US facilities like the Pentagon, underscoring mutual strategic interests. In the recent past, US Indo-Pacific Command leaders like Admiral John C. Aquilino visited Indian naval bases in 2021 and 2019. French envoys, including diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne, engaged at Eastern Command during strategic dialogues in 2026. Australian counterparts like Lt. General Simon Stuart visited in 2025. QUAD partner delegations, including US and Australian officers, toured the Andaman & Nicobar Command in 2024. The Strategic Importance of the Indian Armys Western Command The Indian Armys Western Command remains crucial for its strategic importance. Headquartered in Chandimandir near Chandigarh, it guards India's border with Pakistan from Jammu to Gujarat. Nicknamed the "Steel Shield," it oversees Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu region, and parts of Rajasthan. The command played key roles in the 1947, 1965, and 1971 wars with Pakistan, halting advances and enabling logistics for the 1999 Kargil conflict. It also led to Operation Sindoor in 2025 against terror camps in Pakistan. It manages over 200 bases, advanced surveillance, and indigenous drones for self-reliance. Gors visit to one of Indias most crucial commands underscores deepening India-US strategic ties with building on envoy exchanges, tariff cuts, and trade deals. Yet it carries risks; the US maintains close military links with Pakistan, including joint exercises like Inspired Gambit 2026 on counterterrorism, raising opposition fears of leaked operational intel. Still, New Delhi's controlled engagements enhance deterrence without ceding sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific. Tamil Nadu: Seven persons were seriously injured after a towering 60-foot temple chariot overturned during the annual Mayana Kollai festival on the banks of the Palar River in Vellore district. All the injured were taken to the Government Medical College Hospital in Adukkamparai for treatment. The accident occurred around midnight when the chariot, belonging to Kazhinjur near Katpadi, was being pulled from the riverbed back onto the road following the ritual procession. As it was being manoeuvred uphill, the massive structure reportedly went off balance and tipped to one side, trapping nearly 10 people underneath. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Police personnel and local residents rushed to the spot and launched rescue efforts, pulling out those stuck beneath the wooden structure. The seriously injured were immediately shifted to the government hospital. District Collector Subbulakshmi, Superintendent of Police Sivaraman and Revenue Divisional Officer Senthil Kumar inspected the accident site. The Collector later visited the hospital to meet the injured and review their condition. Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed festival organisers to take preventive measures to avoid such mishaps in the future. Mayana Kollai is one of the major annual festivals in Vellore district and was held on the Palar riverbank on Sunday evening. As part of the celebrations, idols from 10 villages were adorned, mounted on temple chariots and taken in procession to the riverbed, where devotees performed customary rituals and offerings. After the chariot capsized, villagers from Kazhinjur removed the idol from the fallen structure and carried it back to their village. As per government norms, temple chariots are not permitted to exceed 12 feet in height. However, during the Mayana Kollai festival, chariots from Virudhambattu, Kazhinjur and Mottur are said to reach heights of around 60 feet. A similar incident had taken place in 2023, when a chariot from Mottur village fell into the Palar riverbed during the festival. (With ANI inputs) A day after a wave of hoax bomb threat emails targeted schools across Gujarat, six district courts in the state were evacuated on Tuesday after receiving similar threats, prompting swift security action and detailed searches by police and bomb disposal squads, officials said. The latest bomb threat mails targeted the district courts in Vadodara, Valsad, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar, according to The Indian Express. This triggered evacuations and security sweeps across the judicial premises. Authorities said no suspicious devices have been found so far. In one instance at the Vadodara district court, an email claimed that 19 bombs had been planted on the premises and would detonate by midday. Police, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG), the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), canine units, and cyber specialists, cordoned off the area and conducted a detailed search before declaring the site secure. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Similarly, in Valsad, authorities evacuated all 19 courtrooms after a threat was made that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were hidden in the building. Extensive sweeps in Rajkot, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad courts also found nothing suspicious, officials confirmed. Monday saw a spate of bomb threat emails targeting educational institutions, with at least 25 schools in Ahmedabad and Vadodara evacuated earlier after receiving similar messages, which were later declared hoaxes. Police said investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the threats and identify those responsible. The Bhagwant Mann Government has announced the formation of a Punjab Trade Commission in a significant step aimed at strengthening the states trading community and simplifying business operations for small traders, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs. Punjab Finance, Excise & Taxation, and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the initiative reflects the governments commitment to making governance more accessible and responsive to those who drive Punjabs economy. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The key objective of the Commission is to ensure that traders no longer have to run pillar to post for routine approvals, departmental clearances, and day-to-day business-related work. For years, small traders and shopkeepers have been forced to waste valuable time moving between multiple offices even for minor issues. This must change, and this government is determined to change it. The PunjabMinister stated, The Punjab Trade Commission will act as a dedicated platform to save the time, effort, and money of the trading community. It will provide a faster and smoother resolution mechanism for their issues, with a structured system, clear accountability, and time-bound solutions so that problems are not left hanging indefinitely. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source As part of the groundwork for the initiative, review meetings were held in Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Moga, Malerkotla, Patiala, Roopnagar, Sangrur, Barnala, and Bathinda. In these meetings, government representatives, local administration, and concerned teams discussed the operational roadmap and district-level coordination with local shopkeepers, small business owners, and traders to ensure effective implementation of the Commission. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, Traders and small businesses are the backbone of the states economy. Our government is fully committed to building a Punjab where honest business people can focus on expanding their work instead of getting stuck in paperwork, delays, and unnecessary harassment. The Minister reiterated, The Punjab Trade Commission will be formed with the spirit of public service, transparency, and ease of doing business. Under one platform, traders will receive support, guidance, and quick solutions, ensuring that governance works for them, not against them. India-Europe Flight Network: Air India and the Lufthansa Group recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a joint business partnership. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Air India, its subsidiaries such as Air India Express, and Lufthansa Group carriers, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and SWISS. Through this partnership, the two companies aim to enhance flight connections and travel experiences between India and Europe on a single ticket. The move follows the recent completion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. The airlines plan to collaborate on route planning, flight schedules, and marketing to make travel more convenient. They also intend to coordinate frequent flyer programs and IT systems. Carsten Spohr, Chairman and CEO of the Lufthansa Group, said the agreement marks a new phase in aviation between the two regions. He stated, "Together with Air India, we will strengthen our access to the aviation market with the highest growth rates worldwide." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Air India, in a statement, said it is expanding its fleet and services following its privatisation in 2022. The airline views this cooperation as a way to support growing trade and travel ties. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, noted that the framework allows both companies to explore closer cooperation on multiple levels. He said, "This would unlock greater value for our common customers and respective shareholders, and we look forward to progressing these initiatives together with the Lufthansa Group." The two airline groups already collaborate through the Star Alliance and existing codeshare agreements. Currently, they operate 145 routes connecting 15 cities in India with 29 cities in Europe. The new agreement will initially focus on traffic between India and the Lufthansa Group's home markets of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, with plans to expand to the rest of Europe and the Indian subcontinent later. Economic data shows that the EU is Indias largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade exceeding 120 billion euros in 2024. Together, India and the European Union represent nearly 25 percent of global Gross Domestic Product. The airlines believe that improved aviation links will further strengthen these economic relations. Final details of the partnership, including specific routes, will be announced after the companies obtain the necessary regulatory and anti-trust approvals. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel has reportedly landed in legal trouble after a court in Moradabad issued a non-bailable warrant against her in connection with a 2017 event-related dispute. The order was passed after the actor allegedly failed to appear before the court despite multiple summons being issued. Allegations Linked to 2017 Wedding Event According to a report by the Free Press Journal, the case was filed by event organiser Pawan Verma. He alleged that the Gadar actor had agreed to perform at a wedding in November 2017 and had received an advance payment of Rs 14.50 lakh. Arrangements for her stay and meals were also reportedly made. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source However, Patel allegedly did not attend the event. While she later refunded Rs 10 lakh, Verma claimed that a cheque issued for the remaining Rs 4.50 lakh bounced. Also Read | Delhi HC grants Rajpal Yadav interim bail in the cheque bounce case Following the incident, Verma filed a complaint against the actor and her team in the Moradabad court. The matter is currently pending under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 504 (intentional insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Ameesha Patel Calls Matter Old and Settled Responding to reports about the non-bailable warrant, Patel described the case as an old and resolved issue. She maintained that the allegations are false and indicated that she would pursue legal action. In her statement, she said: Media reports suggest about certain proceedings at Moradabad by one Pawan Verma. I wish to inform one and all that this is a 15-year-old matter in which the said Pawan Verma had signed a settlement deed and received the entire agreed amount. Despite this, it seems he has lodged proceedings making false allegations. My lawyers are initiating appropriate criminal proceedings of cheating against this person to expose his lies and deceit while I prefer to focus on my work and ignore people who choose to make a public spectacle for gaining attention on false pretexts. Take a look: The case remains pending before the Moradabad court. Mumbai: The Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Aditya Gaikki, Siddharth Yenpure, Samarth Pomaji, Swapnil Sakat, and Asaram Fasale from Pune and produced them before the court today after their custody expired. Swapnil Sakat, an accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case, told the court that the police coerced his statement and asked him to sign. According to Mumbai Police sources, four individuals were involved in the Rohit Shetty firing case: Deepak Sharma, Sunny, Sonu, and onefugitive. Deepak allegedly fired the shots while the others were present nearby. Sonu had lived in Kalyan for two years and recently returned to his village in Agra, where he was involved in supplying arms and was in contact with the other accused. Sources said Deepak Sharma allegedly carried out the firing, while the other accused were not present at the exact spot during the shooting but were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Mumbai Police's investigation into the Rohit Shetty house firing case has led to the arrest of 12 accused, including the main shooter, Deepak Sharma. The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch is handling the case, with sections of the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) invoked. Mumbai DCP Crime Raj Tilak Roushan said, "On February 1, there was firing at movie producer-director Rohit Shetty's residence. In this case, an FIR under 126/26 was registered at the Juhu Police Station. Later, this FIR was handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for investigation. In this case, the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch is conducting further investigation. Initially, the Anti-Extortion Cell arrested 5 accused. In addition, sections of the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) Code have been added to this crime. Yesterday, with the help of Technical Analysis, Human Intelligence, Haryana STF and UP STF, we arrested 7 more accused. In this case, the accused who had fired at Rohit Shetty's house is also included. Till now, a total of 12 accused have been arrested. Further investigation is being done by Anti extortion cell, Mumbai Crime Branch." Mumbai court on Monday sent six accused arrested from Rajasthan in connection with the shooting incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence to police remand until February 25. According to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, the accused were apprehended in Rajasthan and are being brought to Mumbai. To date, 12 people have been arrested in the case. The six accused, detained yesterday and formally arrested today, had been on the run in different states for 16 days after the incident. The weapon used in the shooting has not yet been recovered. Police said the 12 accused individuals had varying roles in the crime and communicated via different apps to coordinate. The police sought a 15-daycustodial remand for these accused in court. The main accused, DeepakChandra, has been arrested from Haryana. The police presented evidence of the gang's role in the case through graphics of the charges. The lawyers for the accused argued that Vishal, Hrithik, and Jatin were not at the scene when the incident occurred. These individuals were charged solely because they paid for the rickshaw; they had no knowledge of the incident. Recently, following the incident, the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the state government to intervene to ensure a swift investigation and appropriate security measures. Further investigation into the case is underway. New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron added a touch of cinematic glamour to his diplomatic visit to Mumbai, holding a special interaction with Bollywood celebrities on Tuesday. The French leader and First Lady Brigitte Macron met prominent figures of Indian cinema including actors like Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, and Shabana Azmi. Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also joined the special meeting along with Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej. Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together. pic.twitter.com/ceuen6L4a7 Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 17, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Taking to his official X handle, Macron shared pictures of their gathering, showing the leader interacting with the celebrities."Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together," he wrote in the caption. Actor Anil Kapoor also shared glimpses of the meeting on his X handle and wrote, "Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here's to India x France. And to many more stories waiting to be told." French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday for their scheduled India visit till February 19. The French President and First Lady Brigitte Macron were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. In the morning hours, Macron was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. In a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. Following the Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The India AI Impact Summit is designed as a five-day programme anchored on three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The participation of the French President underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. New Delhi: Actress-comedienne Jamie Lever is winning the social media and how! She amped up her Insta game with a hilarious video on 'honest Bollywood actress interview' and it got the attention of the one and only OG 'Heroine' Kareena Kapoor Khan. Jamie, in her video pulls a sarcastic string on all kinds of fads including 'botox, face lift, VFX and hair transplant at Turkey among other things. Like her previous mimicry videos, on this one too Kareena Kapoor reacted calling her 'Unbelievable'. Watch it here: Recently, Kareena was spotted at ISPL match with her husband Saif Ali Khan and kids Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan. Videos from the event went viral, with Bebo's expression stealing the spotlight. Jamie mimicked Kareena's OTT expressions and even got applause from the OG herself along with Karan Johar and others. Jamie is best known for her celebrity impressions including filmmaker and vlogger Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor and various Bigg Boss 19 contestants. In fact, Bigg Boss host Salman Khan once called her even better than her father, Johnny Lever. Jamie was recently seen in Kapil Sharmas Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2. The film, which also featured Ammy Virk, Jassie Gill, Warina Hussain, Tridha Choudhury, Parul Gulati and Ayesha Khan. Earlier, in December 2025, Jamie announced a brief break from social media. She wrote: Those who truly know me know how deeply I love my work and how honestly I do it. Im grateful to God for the gift of bringing joy to others and forever thankful for the love Ive received over the years, Jamie wrote. Ive learned on this journey that not everyone will cheer for you or laugh with you. Recent events have made me feel like Ive lost a small part of myself - this comes from reflection, not anger." She concluded, I love what I do and will always entertain. For now, Im taking some time to rest and reset. See you next year. Thank you for the love, prayers, and support - always. Quote of the Day: Fyodor Dostoevsky The greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness. -Fyodor Dostoevsky Who is Fyodor Dostoevsky? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Fyodor Dostoevsky is celebrated as one of the greatest literary minds in world history. Born in 1821 in Russia, he devoted his life to exploring the human psyche, morality, and the spiritual and political dilemmas of his time. Through masterpieces such as Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and The Idiot, Dostoevsky confronted the complexities of suffering, faith, madness, and moral responsibility, offering readers an unflinching look at the forces that shape human existence. His writing is as much an investigation into the soul as it is storytelling, blending philosophical inquiry with vivid, often harrowing narrative. Also Read | Quote of the day by Chanakya on friendships: 'Never make friends with people who...' Meaning behind the quote The quote, The greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness, reflects Dostoevskys profound understanding of human nature. He suggests that true fulfilment does not come from avoiding pain or living in comforting illusions, but from confronting the root causes of our suffering. By understanding why we are unhappy, we gain clarity and insight, transforming what initially seems like weakness into a source of strength. In this way, awareness of our own struggles becomes a form of liberation, enabling personal growth, resilience, and a deeper connection to the world around us. This perspective mirrors Dostoevskys own life. He endured tremendous hardship, including the early loss of his mother, a tumultuous family environment, exposure to violence, and lifelong struggles with illness. These experiences shaped his philosophy, instilling in him a recognition that suffering is inescapable but also deeply instructive. Rather than shying away from lifes challenges, Dostoevskys work urges readers to face them head-on, to examine their fears, guilt, and moral doubts, and to emerge wiser and more authentic. Ultimately, this quote encapsulates a central theme of Dostoevskys thought: happiness and suffering are intertwined. To understand and accept the sources of our unhappiness is to step toward genuine self-knowledge. In a world often obsessed with fleeting pleasure and distraction, Dostoevsky reminds us that the path to lasting fulfilment lies not in ignorance, but in courage, the courage to confront our own minds and hearts. New Delhi: Karkardooma Court has issued a release warrant for Rajpal Yadav from Tihar Jail, his counsel said. He has been granted interim bail in a cheque bounce case by the High court, the counsel informed, adding, the actor may be released today. The Delhi High Court on Monday granted an interim suspension of his sentence till March 18. The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, while passing the order, directed Yadav to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. The Court noted that Rs 1.5 crore has been deposited in the respondent's bank account while considering the relief.It ordered the suspension of the sentence on the condition that Yadav furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. He will remain out of custody until March 18, when the court is scheduled to hear the matter again. This was after the private company M/S Murli Project's lawyer, Advocate Avneet Singh Sikka, confirmed that Yadav deposited Rs 1.5 crore into the company's bank accounts against the bounced cheque amount. Earlier in the day, the counsel for Yadav, Adv. Bhaskar Upadhyay submitted that they were ready to deposit Rs 1.5 crore, without any conditions, through a fixed deposit receipt (FDR). However, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed that the amount be paid by Demand Draft (DD). Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Also Read | Delhi HC grants Rajpal Yadav interim bail in the cheque bounce case The Court noted that Rs 25 lakh had already been deposited by DD in the name of the respondents, and that the actor had previously submitted another DD of Rs 75 lakh.Previously, the Delhi High Court had sought a reply from the complainant on Yadav's bail application and listed the matter for Monday at the request of his counsel.During that hearing, the actor's lawyer informed the Court that a bail application had been filed and sought time to work out a solution, stating that he had been unable to contact the actor.Accepting the request, the bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed the complainant to file a response and adjourned the matter for further consideration. The Court also made strong observations, noting that Yadav had been jailed for failing to honour commitments made earlier before the Court.While reviewing the case file, the Court noted that several issues had emerged and that the earlier order had already been challenged before the Supreme Court, which did not grant any relief. Earlier, the High Court withdrew the leniency granted to Yadav in a series of cheque dishonour cases and directed him to surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent, observing that he had repeatedly breached undertakings given to the Court regarding the payment of settlement amounts.The sentence awarded by the trial court had earlier been suspended to facilitate settlement, but the Court found that the commitments made over time were not honoured, resulting in these proceedings. Benghazi , Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Parliament and British-Libyan association have discussed strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in development programmes, capacity building and education promotion Rana Daggubati, celebrated for his sculpted physique and powerhouse roles, recently shared the life-altering health challenges he has faced over the years. The Baahubali star revealed that he battled serious heart complications and kidney failure, calling his recovery period a Chapter 2 in his life. Shock Diagnosis: When Reality Hit Rana described the initial impact of his health issues as a profound shock. When I was first diagnosed, it came as a shock. You dont expect anything to happen to you, right? Thats not how you normally think. For you, you are always the centre of the world, he said during a conversation on Chapter 2 with Rhea Chakraborty. "That was the first time I realised that I could get displaced. You know how to feel when a friend or family member is unwell; you know how to react. But you dont know how to react when its happening to you. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Taking a Step Back: The Road to Recovery After learning that his treatment would involve surgery and extensive post-operative care, Rana immediately paused all professional commitments, including a film he was midway through shooting. He travelled to the United States for treatment, marking the first extended period he spent alone. Just me and my thoughts, he reflected. In such a situation, you start thinking much more in terms of purpose: Why are you here? Unless the why is clear, nothing means anything, because ultimately, were only representing stories that are in our heads that weve made for ourselves A New Approach to Life The health scare prompted a fundamental shift in Ranas outlook. You operate on the principle that you will not be here one day. And you are building everything so they can sustain without you, he explained. Earlier, things were built with me at the centre. But thereon, the way I approached life changed. Co-host Rhea Chakraborty recalled Ranas formidable energy during this time, noting his beast mode persona, which persisted even amid a year-long health struggle. The Specific Health Challenges Ranas health crisis struck while he was still riding the wave of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) success. On Sam Jam, hosted by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, he revealed that he had lifelong blood pressure issues, along with calcification around the heart and kidney failure. There was a 70% chance of stroke or haemorrhage and a 30% chance of death, he stated. Overcoming Additional Health Hurdles Rana has faced other medical challenges, including serious vision problems that required an eye transplant. Very few people knew about it, he told PTI in 2017. Its a handicap in some ways, but you need the strength to move forward. Sidharth Malhotra's father passes away: Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away four days ago. The Bollywood star, along with his wife Kiara Advani, rushed to Delhi to attend the last rites and support the family during this difficult time. Family Last Rites Completed A source close to the family told Hindustan Times that Sunil Malhotras last rites have been completed. However, Sidharth and Kiara are staying in Delhi to spend time with relatives and cope with the loss. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Deep Bond Between Father and Son The actor shared a close bond with his father. He has often spoken about his admiration for Sunil, once calling him his favourite hero and a constant source of inspiration. Sidharth has chosen to grieve privately, keeping the personal loss away from the public eye. Sunil Malhotra: A Guiding Influence Sunil Malhotra, a former Merchant Navy captain, played a significant role in shaping Sidharths upbringing and career. The actor frequently credited his parents for keeping him grounded despite fame. Sidharth himself became a father last year, and his connection with his own dad made the loss especially poignant. Sidharth Malhotra mourned his passing in a social media post, he wrote, "He was a man of rare honesty, integrity and culture. He lived by values that never bent. Discipline without harshness. Strength without ego. Positivity, even when life tested him beyond measure. From commanding the seas as a Merchant Navy Captain to facing illness with quiet courage, he never compromised, never lost his grace. Even when the stroke confined him to a wheelchair, his spirit stood tall. Papa, your integrity is my inheritance. Your strength guides me every day. Your positivity still holds this family together. You left us peacefully in your sleep, but the space you leave behind is immeasurable. I am who I am because of you. And I will carry your name, your values and your light forward always. Love you Dad" Take a look: On Fathers Day last year, Sidharth had shared a heartfelt note: "Happy Fathers Day, Dad! You have been my favourite hero since childhood and will always be! From admiring your style, fitness, to your sense of humour, you truly are the best I know! - Your Biggest Fan." In March 2025, Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra spoke candidly about a period in his life when he felt ashamed for not fully appreciating his mother, Rimma Malhotra, while dealing with his father Sunil Malhotras health issues. Caring for a Sick Father Sidharth revealed that his father had been unwell for some time and had recently been harsh with his mother over medication management. Speaking to Lilly Singh, he said, "My fathers not been healthy for a while, and me being scared or angry at times, I tend to be a little more harsh on my mother because shes the one taking care of the meds. My fathers not keeping well to do that, and within that I realised she suddenly we got up one morning just having coffee and tea in Delhi, and she started speaking about 20 years back what she had to deal with when we were much younger or when I wasnt there or when I was trying to make my own life." Realisation and Regret The actor reflected on how his mother had silently borne much of the responsibility without letting the family feel the burden. He added, "She would hide that information from us about what my father was going through, and I felt slightly ashamed that I didnt really give her credit for the years supporting my fathers health. During that period, my mother had made so many sacrifices that I wasnt aware of, and I had to deal with her with far more sensitivity and love, and yeah, hopefully now I make up for it." Los Angeles: Israeli producer Dana Eden, known for her work on Apple TV's hit series 'Tehran', has passed away unexpectedly during the shooting of Season 4 in Greece, reported Variety. The exact cause of Eden's death is yet to be confirmed. However, her production company, Shula and Donna Productions, which she co-founded with fellow 'Tehran' producer Shula Spiegel, has dismissed any rumours about her death being politically motivated. "The production company would like to clarify that the rumours suggesting a criminal or nationally motivated death are untrue and completely baseless," they said in a statement, as per Variety. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Meanwhile, tributes and condolences have been pouring in on social media for Eden, with the Israeli public broadcaster Kan also mourning her passing. "We are saddened by the passing of our friend and partner in a long line of productions, series and programs at the Israel Broadcasting Corporation - Dana Eden. Dana was among the senior figures in the Israeli television industry and was a central figure in the creation and leadership of some of the corporation's most prominent and influential productions," Kan offered a homage, as quoted by Variety. The broadcaster also confirmed that the fourth season of 'Tehran' is currently being filmed in Greece, which Eden had personally come to supervise. "Her professional work, uncompromising commitment and love of creation have left a deep mark on the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation. Here we share in the heavy mourning of her family, friends and colleagues, and embrace her dear partner, our friend Shula Spiegel," the statement added. Dana Eden was known for working across all episodes of 'Tehran', the popular Apple TV series which follows an Israeli Mossad agent of Iranian Jewish descent. It features Niv Sultan, Glenn Close, and Hugh Laurie. Her other work credits include 'Girl', 'Woman', 'The Prosecution' and 'Magpie'. Meanwhile, investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of her death. As per Deadline, Dana Eden was found lifeless in a hotel room by her brother on Sunday. The case is currently being treated as a suicide based on evidence and testimonies. An autopsy order has been issued by the local police. Salim Khan health update: Legendary Indian screenwriter and film producer Salim Khan was admitted to Mumbai's famous Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday morning, February 17. While the cause of his admission remains unknown as of now, his family members were spotted rushing in to meet the ailing Khan patriarch. He is 90. Known for speaking his mind, Salim Khan in his 2025 interview with The Free Press Journal opened up on many things. He talked about how his family doesn't eat beef and also recalled taking 'saat pheras' with wife Salma Khan. ALSO READ: Salim Khan admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati hospital, son Salman Khan rushes to meet father - VIDEO Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Explaining his point, the noted writer said, from Indore until today, we have never had beef. Beef is eaten by most Muslims as it is the cheapest meat! Some even buy it to feed pet dogs. But in the teachings of prophet Mohammed, he has clearly stated that a cows milk is a substitute for mothers milk and it is a mufid cheez. He has stated that cows should not be killed and beef is forbidden. Prophet Mohammed has adopted good things from every religion. Like eating only halaal meat which was adopted from the Jews, who call it kosher. He has postulated that every religion is good and believes in a Supreme Power like we do." ALSO READ: Salim Khan On Beef Eating: 'Our Family Doesn't Eat Beef, Most Muslims Have It Because...' Salim Khan On Marrying Salma He recalled taking 'saat pheras' before a nikah ceremony. He said, You see, I have lived all my life amidst Hindus. Even in the police stations and colonies, we celebrated Hindu festivals as everyone from a sipahi to the head constable was a Hindu. So it was not as if we began keeping Ganpati at home only after my marriage. My family had no objection to my marriage either." My father-in-law, a dentist, was from the Dogra community. He had investigated my background when the matter of my wedding came about and respected the fact that I came from a good family and was well-educated. He candidly told me that my religion was his only objection. I assured him that even if we had disagreements or fights, my wife and I would certainly not have them because of our religions! We have been wedded now for 60 years!", he added. Salim Khan added, "My wife had loved the saat phere ritual and had seen her sister as well as cousin follow it. So I myself found a pandit in my locality aur phere lagwa liye. We had a nikaah too, which is essentially a ritual that ascertains that you are not marrying under pressure or force." Who is Salim Khan? As part of the prolific screenwriting duo of SalimJaved, along with Javed Akhtar, they revolutionised Bollywood with films like Sholay, Zanjeer, Deewar and Seeta Aur Geeta among many others. Salim Khan got married to Salma Khan, who was originally named Sushila Charak in 1964. The couple has 4 children together; Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, and one daughter, Alvira Khan. In 1981, Salim Khan had a second marriage with actress Helen Richardson. Years later, they decided to adopt a girl named Arpita, who is now married to actor Aayush Sharma. New Delhi: The National Pension System (NPS) now offers investors two investment structures the traditional common schemes and the newer Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF). Both are designed for retirement savings but differ in flexibility, investment choices, and risk exposure. Under the common schemes, the investment structure is straightforward. Subscribers choose either the Active Choice or Auto Choice option and invest in a single scheme within each tier of the NPS account. Asset allocation is typically divided across equities, corporate bonds, and government securities. These schemes are simple, low-cost, and suitable for investors who prefer a stable and predictable retirement investment approach. The Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF), introduced in October 2025, gives investors greater flexibility. It allows subscribers especially those in the non-government sector to invest in multiple schemes under one NPS account and diversify their retirement portfolio more effectively. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source One of the biggest changes under MSF is the higher equity investment limit, which can go up to 100 percent, compared with the 75 percent cap in traditional NPS schemes. This makes MSF more suitable for younger investors or those with a higher risk appetite who want to focus on long-term wealth creation. However, MSF schemes also come with slightly higher management charges and a minimum vesting period of around 15 years for certain investments. Because of this, they are generally considered better suited for long-term retirement planning rather than short-term goals. Importantly, the traditional NPS common schemes will continue alongside MSF options. Investors can choose between them depending on their risk tolerance, investment horizon, and retirement goals. Overall, while common schemes focus on simplicity and stability, the MSF offers flexibility, diversification, and potentially higher growth opportunities, making the choice largely dependent on an individual investors financial strategy. Tarique Rahman, BNP chairman, is set to take the oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, along with elected MPs, on Tuesday. He is the son of former PM, the late Khaleda Zia, and he led his party to a landslide victory in the general elections. Police said investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the threats and identify those responsible. Monday saw a spate of bomb threat emails targeting educational institutions. The latest bomb threat mails targeted the district courts in Vadodara, Valsad, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar. There was a sudden earthquake in the politics of Maharashtra on Sunday when it came to light that NCP leader Ajit Pawar is going to break away from his party and join the Eknath Shinde government. Now the statement of Sharad Pawar's grandson has come out on this issue, he said that everything will be clear in two-three days. Bill Gates India AI Impact Summit 2026: Microsoft founder Bill Gates will attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Gates Foundation confirmed, dismissing media reports that claimed he would not be present amid the Epstein files backlash. The clarification came after confusion arose when his name was briefly dropped from the list of key participants for the summit. Gates continues to be listed among the key participants, alongside top technology leaders such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. However, Bill Gates is currently listed on the summits official website among technology executives, industry leaders, policymakers, founders and technologists. The event is scheduled to take place from February 16 to 20. His name, however, was not visible on the website on Tuesday, which sparked speculation about whether he would attend. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, is attending the India AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled: Gates Foundation spokesperson (file pic) pic.twitter.com/k9OZyEqZKW ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Epstein files backlash and documents The confusion over his participation came after fresh social media reactions to a new batch of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. Portions of the documents released by the US Justice Department mentioned Gates name. One note cited in the documents claims that Epstein allegedly said he had helped Gates obtain drugs to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls. Gates has strongly denied any wrongdoing. In an interview with Nine News, he described the allegations as absolutely absurd and completely false, and rejected claims that he had contracted a sexually transmitted disease during his marriage to Melinda French Gates. iQOO 15R India Launch Date: Chinese smartphone brand iQOO will launch the iQOO 15R in India on February 24. The phone is expected to offer strong performance, making it a good choice for gaming and heavy daily use. The company calls it a Perfect Fit device that delivers powerful performance while still being comfortable to use. The iQOO 15R will be available in Triumph Silver and Dark Knight colour options. The iQOO 15R is designed especially for young professionals. It comes with a productivity-focused Office Kit experience, making it suitable for both work and everyday tasks. Whether you are checking emails, reviewing documents, joining video calls, or using multiple apps at the same time, the phone aims to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience on the go. The phone will ship with Android 16-based OriginOS 6, similar to recent smartphones. The company has promised four Android version updates and six years of security patches. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source iQOO 15R: One Tap Transfer and AI Feature (Expected) With One Tap Transfer, users can quickly move apps, data, and files between Android and iOS devices in just a few seconds, making upgrades easy. The phone runs on OriginOS 6 out of the box and promises 4 years of OS updates along with 6 years of security updates, ensuring long-term reliability and stable performance. (Also Read: India AI Summit 2026 Day 2: Microsoft founder Bill Gates to attend global event, Gates foundation clarifies after name dropped amid Epstein files backlash) The iQOO 15R also comes with several advanced AI features designed to make daily tasks easier and boost creativity. AI Creation in the Notes app helps users rewrite content, generate new text, summarise documents, and correct grammar effortlessly. AI Captions provide real-time transcription, translation, and text summaries. AI Screen Translation and AI Call Translation make communication across different languages smooth and simple. With support for Google Gemini and AI Circle to Search, users can search and interact with content in a more intuitive way. For photography and imaging, the device includes AI Erase to remove unwanted objects, AI Reflection Erase to reduce mirror glare, and AI Magic Move to adjust or resize elements in a photo. AI Image Expander helps extend backgrounds for better framing, while AI Image Cut Out allows users to quickly extract subjects and turn them into stickers or shareable images. AI Document Scanning further improves productivity, making the iQOO 15R a useful companion for both work and creative tasks. iQOO 15R Specifications (Expected) The iQOO 15R is expected to come with a large 6.59-inch AMOLED display featuring a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It may also support adaptive refresh rate switching for smoother and more fluid visuals. The smartphone is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, offering flagship-level performance at a competitive price. The iQOO 15R may sport a massive 7600mAh battery with 100W FlashCharge support. Despite the large battery, the device is claimed to be Indias slimmest smartphone in this battery category, providing long-lasting power without feeling bulky. The iQOO 15R may offer up to 12GB RAM and 512GB internal storage. For gaming, the company is expected to include a dedicated Q2 gaming chip to deliver low latency and better performance. In terms of cameras, the phone is tipped to feature a 200MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP front camera for selfies. (Also Read: Oppo K14x 5G goes on sale in India with discount; Check display, battery, camera, AI features and more) On the design front, the device is expected to have smooth, rounded edges for a premium look. The back panel may include a square-shaped camera module with softly rounded corners. iQOO 15R Price In India (Expected) The Amazon microsite also hints at the pricing of the iQOO 15R. The company has confirmed that the smartphone will be priced under Rs 50,000 in India, placing it in the same segment as rivals like the OnePlus 15R, starting at Rs 47,999. Bill Gates India AI Impact Summit 2026: Microsoft founder Bill Gates will no longer attend the upcoming India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, according to media reports. The government is said to have reviewed his invitation after his name was mentioned in the Epstein Files. The government wishes to stand with the survivors, as per NDTV reports. In a significant last-minute change to the events lineup, Bill Gates will no longer be part of the India AI Impact Summit, a development that comes amid renewed online backlash over references to his name in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier this week, Gates had arrived in Amaravati ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026 and was scheduled to address the gathering on February 19. As Chair of the Gates Foundation, he had been listed among the summits key global participants and was expected to take part in high-level discussions on artificial intelligence policy and inclusive technology innovation during the two-day event at Bharat Mandapam from February 19 to 20. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source However, his name has now quietly disappeared from the official Global Visionaries roster on the summits website, and a search for his profile on the speakers page returns the message: No speakers found matching your criteria. Meanwhile, Microsoft founder and Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday praised Andhra Pradeshs rapid progress, saying it was encouraging to see the state using AI and technology to speed up development. After visiting Amaravati, Gates said he was impressed by the southern states innovations in key sectors such as health, agriculture and education. Vivo V70 Series India Launch Date: Chinese smartphone brand Vivo is preparing to expand its V series in India. The company is set to launch the Vivo V70 and Vivo V70 Elite smartphones on February 19, 2026, at 12 PM IST. The Vivo V70 is expected to be available in Passion Red and Lemon Yellow colour options. Meanwhile, the Vivo V70 Elite may come in Passion Red, Sand Beige, and Authentic Black. The Vivo V70 is likely to be offered in two variants. The V70 Elite, on the other hand, could feature up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Both smartphones are teased to have ultra-slim 1.25mm bezels, which are claimed to be the narrowest in the under Rs 50,000 segment in India. Vivo V70 specifications (Expected) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The standard Vivo V70 is expected to come with a 6.59-inch OLED display that supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The smartphone is rumoured to be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor. The phone may also pack a large 6,500mAh battery with fast charging support. On the photography front, the device is likely to feature Zeiss-tuned lenses for better photo quality. It may include a 50MP main camera, a 50MP night telephoto lens, an 8MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies and quality video calls, there is a 50MP shooter at the front. (Also Read: Indias Slimmest Big-Battery Phone: iQOO 15R India launch on Feb 24, could debut with Q2 gaming chip and One Tap Transfer; Check expected price) Vivo V70 Elite specifications (Expected) The Vivo V70 Elite is expected to feature a 6.59-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth performance. It may offer a peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits, making the screen easily visible even under direct sunlight. The phone is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and could pack a 6,500mAh battery with 90W fast charging support. The device is also tipped to come with an IP68 or IP69 rating for dust and water resistance. For photography, it may sport a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP night telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies and quality video calls, there is a 50MP shooter at the front. Vivo V70 and V70 Elite India price in India and pre-bookings date According to the leak, the Vivo V70 may be priced at Rs 45,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs 49,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model. The Vivo V70 Elite is expected to start at Rs 51,999 for the 8GB + 256GB version. The 12GB + 256GB model could be priced at Rs 56,999, while the top-end 12GB + 512GB variant may cost Rs 61,999. (Also Read: India AI Summit 2026 Day 2: Microsoft founder Bill Gates to attend global event, Gates foundation clarifies after name dropped amid Epstein files backlash) The Pre-bookings are likely to begin on February 12 and continue until February 24, with sales starting from February 25. The launch event will be streamed live at 12 PM IST on YouTube and Vivos official social media channels. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory and established a majority in the 300-seat parliament, winning well over 151 seats and positioning party chief Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate. Now, he will take the oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, along with elected MPs, on Tuesday. This was the first election since the 2024 mass protests that ousted PM Sheikh Hasina. Political circles are abuzz, and these polls and the subsequent results are being called a new dawn for Bangladesh. Who is Tarique Rahman? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Tarique Rahman is the son of former PM, the late Khaleda Zia. He has led the BNP to a landslide victory in the general elections. Notably, he achieved this victory after returning from a 17-year exile. When and where is the oath ceremony The oath ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday at 9:30 am, and the ministerial oath is scheduled for 4 pm, elected BNP MP Rashiduzzaman Millat told news agency ANI. "The oath-taking ceremony for the parliament members will be held at 9:30 am at our parliament bhawan. At 4.00 pm, there will be another session for the ministerial oath. PM Modi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan will not be coming," the elected BNP MP said. However, an uncertainty remains over whether elected MPs will take a second oath as members of a proposed constitutional reform council, according to Prothom Alo. Questions remain about whether the constitutional reform council will be formed immediately to implement the proposals in the July National Charter, Prothom Alo reported. Multiple sources from the BNP told Prothom Alo that the party believes it is appropriate to adhere to the existing constitution, which provides only for the swearing-in of MPs and contains no mention of a constitutional reform council or similar body. They argued that such an oath could only arise if it were incorporated into the constitution. The BNP also questioned the legal basis of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order from the outset. India's representation at oath ceremony of Tarique Rahman Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs said, according to ANI. The Speaker's participation at this landmark event in Bangladesh underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the people of both nations, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations, the MEA statement stated. Also read- Can Tarique Rahman repair India-Bangladesh ties after Yunus interlude? Heres what is at stake Crowd gathers at BNP office A huge crowd reportedly gathered in front of the BNP office in Dhaka ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, where the elected MPs arrived to meet people. Bangladesh election result 2026 In the February 12 elections, Tarique Rahman's party secured a commanding majority. Meanwhile, 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. According to the Bangladesh Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from participating in the polls. (with ANI inputs) A new dawn in Bangladeshs politics unfolded on Tuesday as BNP chief Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister of the nation. Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, led his party to a landslide victory in the general elections after returning from 17 years in exile. In the February 12 elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament, winning more than 151 seats. On the other hand, 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. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Also Read- Yunus highlights China ties, India's 7 Sisters and US trade in exit speech India-Bangladesh ties Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh. Upon his arrival, Birla was welcomed by Bangladeshs Foreign Ministry Secretary, Nazrul Islam. The Lok Sabha Speaker described the occasion as an important moment that would deepen people-to-people connections and reinforce the shared democratic values of India and Bangladesh. An invitation had also been extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was among the first world leaders to congratulate Rahman on his victory. However, Modi was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Bangladeshs interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, resigned on Monday. The caretaker administration had been governing the country following the removal of Sheikh Hasina in July 2024. In his farewell address to the nation before handing over power to an elected government, Yunus said, Today, the interim government is stepping down. But the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun must not be allowed to falter. 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, a statement of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. Bangladesh's future His swearing-in signals the beginning of a new political phase for Bangladesh under a fresh administration. The transition marks the return of the BNP to power after years in opposition, raising expectations of policy shifts and a recalibration of governance priorities. With a landslide victory in the elections, the new government has been entrusted by the people to steer the nation through a range of challenges. It remains to be seen what tone Tarique Rahman will set for Dhakas domestic and foreign policy. (with ANI inputs) Washington: The grand halls of the Munich Security Conference have long been a stage where the West debates its future. This year, the tone carried unusual urgency. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio used the platform to deliver a message that was sweeping in ambition and loaded with ideological weight. It was a call for Europe to join Washington in building what he described as a new Western century. Addressing policymakers, diplomats and military officials gathered in Munich, he described the transatlantic bond as something deeper than strategy or trade. We are part of one civilization, Western civilisation, he said. His remarks came at a time when President Donald Trumps rhetoric on immigration, culture and global power has already changed political conversations across Europe. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source For more than a year, the US president has talked about mass migration in Europe in blunt language, while his national security strategy has warned of what it calls civilisational erasure on the continent. The theme is not new within the US administration. Last year, Vice President JD Vance also criticised European liberal values in his debut address at the same conference. Rubios speech placed those ideas into a broader geopolitical project that links defence, economics, culture and technological competition into a single Western mission. Agenda beyond military alliances The secretary of state highlighted several areas he believes require urgent Western coordination. He called for an end to what he termed liberalist policies that the Trump administration associates with Europes post-war decline. He pressed for the creation of new industrial supply chains to reduce dependence on rivals such as China. He also returned repeatedly to migration, presenting it as a defining civilisational challenge. The work of this new alliance should not be focussed only on military cooperation and reclaiming the industries of the past. It should also be focussed on, together, advancing our mutual interests and new frontiers, unshackling our ingenuity, our creativity and the dynamic spirit to build a new Western century, Rubio said. His idea blended hard security with economic revival and technological leadership. The vision extended from factories to space exploration and from artificial intelligence to mineral extraction. Migration and liberalism at the centre A substantial portion of Rubios address focussed on ideology and demographics. He argued that the optimism that followed the Cold War created unrealistic expectations about global political convergence. He described the moment as a dangerous delusion that we had entered the end of history, where every country would adopt liberal democracy and live in a world without borders, where everyone became a citizen of the world. From that premise, he criticised immigration policies across the West. He warned against opening 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. Mass migration is not, was not, is not some fringe concern of little consequence. It was and continues to be a crisis which is transforming and destabilising societies all across the West, he said. He extended his critique to climate policy as well, arguing that, to appease a climate cult, we have imposed energy policies on ourselves that are impoverishing our people. The remarks drew attention not only for their content but for their direct connection with themes central to Trumps domestic and foreign policy messaging. Rebuilding industry and supply chains Rubios economic argument focussed on restoring Western industrial capacity while preparing for emerging technological competition. He urged the United States and Europe to bring industry and jobs back home. The goal, he said, is not limited to defence manufacturing but includes leadership in high-technology sectors. He talked about controlling critical minerals, strengthening supply chains and investing in strategic industries such as artificial intelligence and space technology. Winning influence in Global South markets formed another pillar of this strategy. He stressed the need for a Western supply chain for critical minerals not vulnerable to extortion from other powers. The issue has already moved onto Washingtons diplomatic agenda. Earlier this month, Trump hosted ministers from dozens of countries at a critical minerals conference in Washington, the first gathering under a new US-led Critical Minerals Ministerial initiative designed to counter Chinas grip on global mineral supply networks. Interpreting new western century While Rubio presented his vision as an invitation to revived partnership, some analysts see deeper power dynamics within the proposal. They said the speech indicated that Washington intends to define the structure of the alliance. They said that the United States would entirely set the terms of that partnership and that it would be based on ideas Europe had long abandoned, including an embrace of empire and colonisation. They added that the remarks suggested a worldview in which the West seeks to reassert global dominance. They said in essence, Rubio listed the criteria for how Europe can become well-behaved vassals of the United States. Response of European leaders Inside the conference venue, the immediate reaction appeared warm. Rubios speech ended with a standing ovation. European leaders praised the call for unity, though many avoided engaging directly with his criticism of migration and liberal values. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters, We know that in the (Trump) administration, some have a harsher tone on these topics. But the secretary of state was very clear. He said, We want (a) strong Europe in the alliance, and this is what we are working for intensively in the European Union. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, Referring to (our) common legacy can only be welcomed with applause in Europe. We will deliver a strong and independent Europe. Independent, of course, irrespective of the speeches that we hear at the Munich Security Conference, however right they may be, he added. German Foreign Minister John Wadephul described Rubio as a true partner and said, (It was) a very clear message from Secretary Rubio that we have to stay and stick to our international rules-based order, which is, of course, in (the) first line the United Nations. This is our Board of Peace. We have to make it more effective, as Rubio said this morning. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said she was very satisfied with the tone and substance of the address. Europes internal pressures The message of the US secretary of state came at a time when Europe is already reassessing defence, migration and economic resilience. Migration flows driven by conflicts and instability have changed domestic politics. Far-right parties have gained ground across several countries. Governments have tightened asylum rules and strengthened border enforcement. Denmark has introduced some of the strictest immigration policies in Europe, with leaders openly discussing the goal of zero asylum seekers. The United Kingdom has examined elements of the Danish approach. Defence spending has also risen. Britain announced a major increase ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmers meeting with Trump amid fears of reduced US support for Ukraine. Europe is also working to secure its own technology and energy supply chains, particularly as trade tensions and tariff disputes change global commerce. The transatlantic question For many observers, Rubios speech crystallised a bigger strategic question about the future of US-Europe relations. Experts said the continent faces a fundamental decision. They said that Europe has a choice to make. It can pursue strategic autonomy and try to find a balance between the great powers and within that seek a dignified partnership with America in which it is not pushed into vassalage. The analysts also said that Europe can continue on its present path, where it slowly but steadily places itself fully under Washingtons interests, priorities, impulses and ideas about civilisational empire. The standing ovation was pointed to as a signal of Europes desire to preserve the partnership. Repairing trust European leaders themselves acknowledged tensions in the alliance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz used his own Munich address to call for renewed cooperation. Let me begin with the uncomfortable truth a rift, a deep divide has opened between Europe and the United States. Vice President JD Vance said this a year ago here in Munich. He was right in his description, he added, as he called for a new transatlantic partnership. As the conference closed, Rubios phrase new Western century continued to echo through policy circles. Whether it becomes a rallying project or stays a contested vision now depends on how Europe chooses to define its place in a rapidly changing Western alliance. Washington: The second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva with positive signals coming from the Iranian side. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as serious and constructive. He stated that various ideas were presented and debated with focus and clarity. He added that the parties have reached agreement on guiding principles, which will now form the basis of a draft. A definite roadmap has been established, although the process will take time. No specific date has been set for the next round, but work will continue on the draft agreement before moving on to a third meeting. According to reports, journalists present in Geneva said that the American delegation did not enter the building where the Omani foreign minister and the Iranian team were stationed. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Meanwhile, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued warnings on X to US President Donald Trump, emphasising that the Islamic Republic could never be eliminated. He posted that despite 47 years of American efforts, Iran is intact and would continue to resist any attempts to dismantle its system. Trump had previously suggested that a regime change in Iran could be the best thing possible. The statement was interpreted as a call to end Irans religious governing structure. He said that Washington had spent decades talking, and many lives were lost during that time. Amid rising tensions, the United States deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to pressure Iran into limiting its nuclear programme. Khamenei addressed this development on X, describing the warship as a danger but warning that more dangerous forces exist that could neutralise such military assets. The Geneva talks shows cautious optimism as Tehran and Washington explore ways to advance negotiations while both sides continue clearing their positions publicly. The next phase of discussions will focus on drafting an agreement and scheduling a third round of talks. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose not to attend the swearingin ceremony of Bangladeshs newly elected prime minister that was held on February 17 in Dhaka. Instead, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla travelled to Bangladeshs capital to represent New Delhi and deliver congratulatory messages to the new leadership. What does this mean? The oathtaking of Tarique Rahman followed a decisive victory by his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the countrys 13th national election. Bangladesh had invited PM Modi to attend the ceremony, but he did not go because of scheduled engagements, including meetings with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron. Officials said the prime ministers prior commitment in Mumbai made it difficult for him to travel to Dhaka. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement highlighting the decision to be represented by the Lok Sabha speaker as a reaffirmation of the strong historical and cultural links that bind the two neighbours. The statement said India welcomes Bangladeshs transition to an elected government and highlighted the value placed on democratic continuity and shared values. 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, the MEA said. Analysts tracking South Asias diplomatic currents say Indias approach shows strategic caution rather than indifference to Dhakas political changes. While there have been problems in relations in recent years, especially during the tenure of the previous interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, New Delhi has shown interest in improving ties with Bangladesh. PM Modis congratulatory tweet to Rahman soon after the BNP registered a landslide victory and support for Bangladeshs democratic process were seen as pragmatic steps in that direction. BNP chief Tarique Rahmans adviser Humayun Kabir too said Bangladesh wants to revive ties with India. The BNP has not historically been viewed as closely aligned with New Delhi, especially compared with its rival party (the Awami League-led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) that governed Bangladesh for much of the past decade. From 2001 to 2006, when the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami government was in power, the relations between the two nations were cold and distant. Former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, said that the Awami League government was highly sensitive about India engaging with the BNP. This sensitivity was a major reason why direct contact with the BNP did not develop as expected, he explained. Despite the historically tense relationship with the BNP, India welcomed Rahmans recent statements. Though his Bangladesh First policy stresses national sovereignty, he has noticeably avoided the anti-India rhetoric that marked his earlier years. This change might have led PM Modi to congratulate Rahman as the future prime minister, extending warm wishes and expressing confidence in his leadership, he said. Scholars of regional affairs suggest that by sending the Lok Sabha speaker, India is recognising the electoral outcome while managing its broader diplomatic agenda. Observers outside India have interpreted the gesture in different ways. Commentators in Dhaka have described Om Birlas presence as a sign of respect for the democratic process and a stabilising diplomatic signal at a moment of political transition. Some diplomatic circles see it as India treading carefully, balancing respect for Bangladeshs sovereign choices with its own geopolitical priorities. Political analysts in South Asia say that this period presents opportunities and challenges for both countries. Indias response shows a combination of respect for democratic norms, ongoing cooperation on shared regional concerns and a realistic assessment of Bangladeshs policies under Rahmans leadership. As both governments move forward, attention now turns to how bilateral dialogue will continue on trade, security and cultural ties, and how new leadership in Dhaka influences Indias approach in the months and years ahead. Mumbai: The city turned into the centre of attention as Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on the first day of his threeday visit to India. The agenda of the bilateral meeting is longstanding friendship, futureoriented partnerships and a celebration of shared vision between the two countries. On the day that began with formal talks at Lok Bhavan in south Mumbai, both leaders spoke at length about the warmth of IndiaFrance relations and the steps ahead. Modi talked about the depth of cooperation that has developed over decades and said the year 2026 held special meaning. He said 2026 will be a year that gives new momentum to IndiaEurope relations and highlighted the recent free trade agreement with the European Union as one of New Delhis biggest economic deals. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The discussions then shifted to a joint stage at the IndiaFrance Innovation Forum, where both leaders highlighted how innovation thrives when minds and ideas travel freely across borders. Macron praised Indias growing influence in global research and technology, saying the countrys energy, creativity and forward-looking spirit made it a natural partner for progress. He recognised Mumbai as a city of ambition that is constantly in motion and said it was a fitting place to launch initiatives that look beyond today. Modi announced that both nations intend to celebrate 2026 as the IndiaFrance Year of Innovation, an initiative aimed at deepening collaboration across industries, research communities, students and entrepreneurs on both sides. He said the programme will create many opportunities, not just for government institutions, but for people and businesses vested in technology, sustainability, clean energy, science and mutual exchange. Steps in this direction appear to be already under way. Reports from the forums and meetings said that more than 20 formal agreements have been reached in areas ranging from defence technology and space missions to health collaboration and innovation partnerships. Among these are initiatives focussed on helicopter assembly lines in India and joint projects in satellite technology. This shows an expanding horizon of cooperation. Both leaders also made it clear that their engagement is not limited to bilateral concerns. Modi talked about the significance of strong partnerships in a globally uncertain world, while Macron emphasised cooperation in regions like the IndoPacific and in forums that address climate change, technology governance and peace. They both acknowledged that a robust IndiaFrance relationship adds to collective stability and prosperity beyond their national borders. Later, Macron will go to New Delhi to join the AI Impact Summit 2026. This highlights the common priorities that bring India and France together. Cohosted by India, the summit will focus on how artificial intelligence can serve human needs responsibly and include officials, innovators and experts from around the world. This official visit comes at a time when France stands as one of Indias most trusted strategic partners in Europe. Defence links, cultural ties and economic engagement form the pillars of a relationship that both countries say has grown into something much deeper than routine diplomacy. Modi and Macron have expressed confidence that the momentum from this visit will carry into future cooperation and shared achievements. Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has been rocked by revelations and fallout after the release of a trove of documents linked to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files show that the chairman and chief executive officer of Dubai-based logistics giant DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein over many years. In a move that took immediate effect last Friday, the disclosure has led to Sulayem stepping down from his leadership role at the company. DP World, which runs port terminals across six continents, announced that Sulayem had resigned and one Essa Kazim would replace him. The company also removed Sulayems photograph from its official website. The shakeup comes as pressure has grown on the company from business partners and investors since the Epstein files surfaced. Last week, Britains Development Finance Agency and Canadas secondlargest pension fund, La Caisse, both said they were suspending new investments in DP World. In addition, the Prince of Waless environmental initiative, the Earthshot Project, which had funding ties to DP World, reported the matter to the UK Charity Commission after the files became public. Despite the uproar, legal experts are stressing that inclusion in the Epstein documents does not by itself prove any crime. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The emails released in the Epstein files paint a picture of a longstanding and personal connection between Sulayem and Epstein that began as early as 2007. The messages suggest that the two men became close over time, sharing travel plans, business advice and news articles with each other. Sometimes, they exchanged crude jokes. One message from June 2013 quotes Epstein describing Sulayem as one of my most trusted friends, and some discussions even touched on business ideas such as launching a digital currency in Dubai. The correspondence also reveals that Sulayem sought Epsteins input on personal matters, including health issues affecting his family. Records indicate the email exchange continued at least until 2017, well after Epsteins 2008 criminal conviction in the United States for a sex offence involving a minor. Some of the emails that have been shared publicly reference discussions about women, though the full context of those messages is not always clear. In one message from 2013, Sulayem wrote about two women arriving to meet him, commenting on their appearance in terms that showed personal preference. In later correspondence from 2017, he mentioned a new 22yearold Uzbek girlfriend, and Epstein replied with a remark about her age based on her passport. The files also suggest that Sulayem, who has been married and once had two wives, occasionally sent crude and racially insensitive jokes to Epstein. Beyond personal exchanges, the documents show that Epstein acted as an informal intermediary in business relationships. One series of emails indicates he encouraged a British government official, then serving as business secretary, to treat Sulayem favourably as DP World sought permission to operate the London Gateway port. The messages seem to show Epstein drafting letters and sharing private email addresses to facilitate connections, though it is unclear whether these efforts had any direct impact on official decisions. Some messages include references to Sulayem hosting the British royalty. A note from 2016 quotes him telling Epstein that he had welcomed Prince William to London Gateway and later attended a Buckingham Palace event with him, to which Epstein simply replied fun. The files also point to Epstein introducing Sulayem to highprofile personalities in politics and business, including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former US Political Adviser Steve Bannon. In several exchanges, Sulayem seemed to communicate directly with these people with Epstein copied into the emails. Other documents suggest that Epstein offered to introduce Sulayem to various African heads of state, including leaders from Kenya, Senegal, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, although it is not clear whether any meetings took place. The messages include an exchange in which Sulayem asked Epstein whether he should accept an invitation to Donald Trumps presidential inauguration in 2017 and whether he might meet the president there. In earlier correspondence from 2013, Sulayem mentioned being invited by Prince Andrew to a lunch in honour of the UAE president. In separate messages, both men discussed plans for trips to Epsteins private residence in New York or his estate in the US Virgin Islands. Their communication covered even routine arrangements such as sharing international travel plans with one another, revealing a long and unusually intertwined relationship that has now thrust DP World and its former leader into an international spotlight. Iran launched missiles towards the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as indirect nuclear talks with the United States began in Geneva, amid rising tensions in the region. The United States has concurrently increased its military presence in the Middle East, while Iran conducts large-scale maritime exercises in strategic waterways through which roughly 20% of the worlds oil passes. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency, closely associated with Irans Revolutionary Guard, reported that missiles fired from sites within Iran and along its coast successfully struck designated targets in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking about the drills, Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated, The Americans constantly say that theyve sent a warship toward Iran. Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Iranian state television reported that the Geneva talks would be limited to Irans nuclear programme, excluding discussions on domestic policies or the recent crackdown on nationwide protests. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that military force could be used to compel Iran to curtail its nuclear ambitions. Iran, in turn, has threatened retaliatory action. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described Iran as typically a very tough negotiator but expressed hope for a deal, saying, I think they want to make a deal. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, leading Tehrans delegation, met the head of the UN nuclear watchdog in Geneva on Monday. On X, he wrote: I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table, submission before threats. The talks follow a first indirect round held on 6 February in Oman. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Geneva for the latest round, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Budapest, emphasised that the administration prefers negotiated, peaceful outcomes. Tensions in the Gulf have intensified after Iran conducted a paramilitary exercise early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. EOS Risk Group reported that sailors in the region received warnings of live-fire drills in Iranian territorial waters. The US has also increased its naval deployment, sending the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and other assets in the region. US forces recently shot down an Iranian drone near the Lincoln and faced challenges when Iran attempted to block a US-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The heightened standoff comes amid Iran marking the 40-day mourning period following one of the deadliest days in a recent crackdown on nationwide protests, which activists say claimed at least 7,015 lives between 8 and 9 January. The government blamed violent actions by armed groups allegedly directed by foreign intelligence agencies and plans a memorial at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated that Tehran may consider a compromise on the nuclear programme if sanctions relief is addressed. The ball is in Americas court. They have to prove they want to have a deal with us, he told the BBC. The US-Iran negotiations aim to limit Irans nuclear programme and prevent weaponisation. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful, despite previously enriching uranium to 60% purity, near weapons-grade levels. United States President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) asked Iran to be "reasonable" in the next round of talks over the nuclear deal, reminding Tehran of the June 2025 B-2 bomber attack. Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump said that he will "indirectly" be involved in the talks with Iran. He said, "I will be involved in those talks indirectly. It will be very important. Iran is a tough negotiator, but I would say they are bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s (B-2 Bombers) to knock out their nuclear potential. I hope they are going to be more reasonable. They want to make a deal... We have peace in the Middle East. You will see some flames here and there, but we essentially have peace in the Middle East. That happened because we did a B-2 attack on the nuclear potential. They would have had a nuclear weapon within one month. If that happened, it would have been a whole different deal." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The US 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. 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. When asked about the Board of Peace for Gaza, Donald Trump said that the world leaders involved will work along with the United Nations. "It (the Board) has all the world leaders and is putting tremendous amounts of money. And I think it will go far beyond Gaza, and there will be peace all over the world. We are working in conjunction with the United Nations. The UN has great potential, but they haven't lived up to it. But they might aid us a little bit," Trump told reporters. A key meeting for the Board of Peace is scheduled on February 19, ahead of which Donald Trump had announced that member states involved have pledged over USD 5 billion towards humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman took oath as the countrys new prime minister. The ceremony followed the partys landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Rahman at the presidential residence. After 18 months of interim rule that began with the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, an elected government has formally returned to the country. Earlier in the day, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath to newly elected members of the 13th National Parliament. The BNP secured 209 seats on its own and 212 seats with allies in the 299-member House, giving the alliance a clear majority. The ceremony, however, took an unexpected turn. Along with the parliamentary oath, arrangements were made for members to take an additional pledge as part of a proposed Constitutional Reform Council. The BNP refused to participate in this second oath. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Before the swearing-in began at the parliament complex, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed addressed newly-elected lawmakers and informed them that the party would not take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. He stated that none of them had been elected to such a body and that the council did not so far exist within the structure of the Constitution. He said that any such institution would require formal incorporation into the Constitution following a referendum and clear legal provisions outlining the nature of the oath. He added that the required format would need to be included in the Third Schedule of the Constitution and adopted by parliament before implementation. Ahmed expressed the partys commitment to acting within constitutional boundaries in the days ahead. He also stated that the announcement showed the decision of the party chairman. Following the statement, BNP lawmakers proceeded to take oath solely as members of parliament before the chief election commissioner. The issue stirred debate across political circles and social media platforms. Journalist Indrajit Kundu wrote on X that the BNP had declined to accept a proposal from the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The proposal, according to him, expected lawmakers to take a simultaneous oath as members of a newly envisioned Constitutional Reform Council. He further said that the council aimed at introducing constitutional amendments in line with a referendum held along with the parliamentary election. He said the BNP lawmakers chose to limit their oath to parliamentary membership and maintained that provisions related to the reform body were not so far part of the existing Constitution and required detailed parliamentary debate. Lawmakers from both the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party took oaths as members of parliament and as members of the proposed reform council. BNP members unanimously elected Rahman as their leader in the House and confirmed him as the prime minister. It consolidated the partys authority following its commanding electoral performance. As Bangladesh gears up for Tarique Rahman's new government, following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide election win, the interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus draws to a close. In his final speech before exiting, Yunus highlighted key issues like a potential US trade agreement, the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, and his recent meeting with China's President Xi Jinping. Yunus led the interim government in Bangladesh amid fierce domestic pressure, after years of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian rule, institutional decay, and rising law-and-order issues, especially attacks on the Hindu minority, following Bangladesh's July 2024 uprising. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In his farewell address, he also stressed Bangladesh's strong connections to India's Seven Sisters, the Northeastern states, but skipped any direct mention of India itself. In his speech, he also emphasised protecting women's rights, curbing violence and trafficking, and tackling child marriages. Mentioning the Interim government, he said, it championed human rights, youth-led reforms for fair elections, economic recovery through global trade ties like the EU and China, IMF aid, and justice via tribunals. The focus was on building a democratic future with Bangladesh thriving in the global tech and digital economy. Hostile India stance In his farewell address, Yunus leaned heavily on nationalist rhetoric, stressing repeatedly that Bangladesh has reclaimed its sovereignty, dignity, and independence in foreign policy and is no longer guided by others' directives. What seemed like a generic statement and directed towards New Delhi, Dhaka is one of the closest and most influential neighbours. Yunus envisioned future economic ties with Nepal, Bhutan, and the "Seven Sisters", India's northeastern states. "Our open seas aren't mere borders; they're gateways to the global economy. Teaming with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters unlocks vast potential through economic zones, trade pacts, and duty-free access to make us a global manufacturing powerhouse," he stated. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal critisised Yunus for his remarks on India's 'Seven Sisters' omitting "India" while naming Bhutan and Nepal as sovereign nations, betraying a risky mindset. In an X post Sibal said, "Yunuss reference to the 7 sisters without mentioning India even while he mentions Bhutan and Nepal as sovereign nations in the same context reveals the dangerous mindset of this man and those around him. No wonder he was distributing a book carrying a map of greater Bangladesh on its cover which he disingenuously called grafitti and had the temerity to present it to Foreign Secretary Misri when he called on him. India will no doubt increase its vigilance on our borders in the northeast with Bangladesh, including with West Bengal." Yunuss reference to the 7 sisters without mentioning India even while he mentions Bhutan and Nepal as sovereign nations in the same context reveals the dangerous mindset of this man and those around him. No wonder he was distributing a book carrying a map of greater Bangladesh https://t.co/wNOEV7B9jr Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) February 17, 2026 Combining India's northeastern states, which are fully integral to India, with sovereign neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan in one economic vision, Yunus seemed to blur clear political lines, potentially provoking New Delhi and complicating the India-Bangladesh reset under the new government. China Tie-up Bangladesh's outgoing leader sharpened Yunuss tone, stressing "strategic balance" while spotlighting deepening ties with China, Japan, the US, and Europe. He highlighted progress on Chinese-backed projects like the Teesta River initiative, near India's sensitive Siliguri Corridor, which New Delhi has long eyed warily. We've deepened ties with China, making strong progress on the Teesta River project and a 1,000-bed hospital in Nilphamari," added Yunus. Rather than calming regional partners, his words seemed designed to signal Bangladesh would no longer prioritize India's security sensitivities. Ignoring the Minority persecution Throughout his address, Yunus framed his 18-month tenure as a tale of reform and recovery, but strikingly skipped any reflection on the interim government's mishandling of communal violence or failures to protect minorities like Hindus amid post-uprising attacks on temples and citizens. When I arrived at a regional military hospital, it was not a dispensary or a community clinic. It was the referral hospital for the northern tier missile and bomber bases, positioned just below the major medical centers. We were second tier, but the stakes were global. Into that setting, I brought the medical home and a mini-developmental clinic. Through a program for exceptional family members, families from around the world found their way to my practice. For a mere captain replacing a major with no leadership ability, it was heady stuff. Patients were empaneled into pediatrics 24/7/365. Vulnerable children were shielded from inadequate care. Operational truth mattered more than hierarchy. What mattered most was speed. Within two and a half years, the medical home was fully operational. While national organizations debated the concept for decades, we implemented it in real time. Children could not wait for aspirational models; they needed care now. That urgency became the defining cadence of my career. Expanding the vision At a national conference in 1996, with past national presidents and state health chiefs in the audience, I took a colleagues story of the medical home in Hawaii and showed how it could expand to the world. The developmental-behavioral pediatrics clinic, interdisciplinary clinic, and family programs were proof. I became a mediator between four warring factions: state chapters, federal bureaus, early intervention programs, and parent educators. Like a former president brokering peace without the immediate glory, my role was similar: The honest broker, expanding vision, but overlooked by my own hometown leadership. I was not recognized by national leadership because acknowledgment would have taken the limelight from the founders and the academy itself. Operational truth was inconvenient for those who preferred theory and hierarchy. A witness to innovation One moment remains indelible. The surgeon general left the dais to sit directly in front of me as I described how one pediatrician leveraged a small planning grant to listen to Appalachian families and providers and their needs, parlaying it into millions in funding. One man built it. Two men destroyed it out of jealousy and spite. That juxtaposition, creation through empathy, destruction through envy, captures the fragility of progress in our field. The surgeon generals presence was a validation, a witness to what grassroots innovation could achieve. Recognition and refusal There were moments of recognition: national delivery awards and abstract presentations of major drug studies. Yet when it came to specific lifetime achievement awards, the leadership withheld nomination. Not because the work lacked merit, but because operational disruption rarely earns insider currency. The refusal was not oversight. It was politics. It was the preservation of a slower, aspirational system threatened by a contagiously operational model. It was the prophet dynamic: Honored abroad, rejected at home. Linkage: Muscle to bone Guess who was in charge of Air Force medicine during the pivotal rollout of the primary care optimization model in 2001, the patient-centered medical home in 2007, and the family health initiative in 2009? My former commander, the same officer who honored an overweight chief of pediatric service years prior and remembered who helped him win a major leadership award. Unlike current leaders, he knew what operational truth looked like. He had seen it firsthand. The seeds planted in that second-tier hospital bore fruit years later in the institutional adoption of the military medical home. What took national organizations decades to codify, and the Air Force years to formalize, had already been implemented in my clinic in less than three years. This isnt coincidence; its lineage. My prototype was the muscle; his later adoption was the bone. Together, they formed the connective tissue of the medical home. Clinical trials and community care My model for leadership education in neurodevelopmental disabilities remains a primary template. Once there were only a few programs; Congress expanded it to every state, even those without a developmental pediatrician. Many of those expansions were token gestures, lacking pediatric training. At the university, the program eventually dropped its medical director, eliminating the productive friction with the childrens hospital. That decision weakened the linkage, severing muscle from bone. I also helped create the template for double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in autism spectrum disorder. That design became the gold standard for evidence-based medicine. Certain behavioral therapies have never touched it because true randomized, controlled scrutiny would expose their fragility. It is a live wire that would fry them like an egg. And I took a van into Appalachia, listening to families where they lived. I brought OT, PT, and speech therapy into the base hospital to do preemie follow-ups in an interdisciplinary style. My colleague was one doc, one patient. I staged care as a team, not a silo. That linkage, between grassroots listening and interdisciplinary delivery, became the template for later programs, even if many lost their pediatric core. Closing cadence In the end, the work was never about awards. It was about carrying burdens for children and families, even when institutions turned away. Some said I was a local anomaly, that only large committees over decades could rebuild the facade of pediatrics. But facades are fragile things. There is always a sleepy fat orange baboon who bulldozes the East Wing to build a ballroom he will never dance in. Spectacle replaces substance; facades replace foundations. Imagine if wealthy tech titans tithed even 5 percent to 10 percent of their wealth to build a real health care system. Imagine if they aired pro-vaccine ads, not because they were bankrupt, but because they understood that credibility is built by protecting children, not by protecting portfolios. Why let your shoulders bend / Underneath this burden / When my back is sturdy and strong? / Trouble me. A popular song from 1989. And as history reminds us: A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown. I was sometimes the lead dog. Sometimes I was the steady dog in the harness in the pack. But I was the honest broker, the builder, the protector. And that is enough. Ronald L. Lindsay is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. By Johanna von der Leyen, CEO & Co-Founder, PangeAI MUNICH, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PangeAI leadership just came back from three intense days at the 62nd Munich Security Conference. At the Bayerische Hof, more than sixty heads of state gathered. Two hundred and seventy side events took place in Munich. This year's conference was, by any measure, the most consequential gathering of global leaders since the rules-based international order began its current unraveling. Everyone is talking about what was said on the main stage. These were the headlines, and they deserved to be. But I was listening for something else. As the co-founder of a geospatial AI company, I was paying attention to the gaps - the moments when leaders articulated problems that are, at their core, problems of spatial awareness. Problems of knowing where things are, when they changed, and what that means for energy security, critical supply chains, territorial integrity, and the physical infrastructure of civilization. What I heard was clear: geospatial intelligence is no longer a niche capability for analysts. It has arrived at the top table. Here are four signals that tell that story. Signal 1: "Strategic Autonomy" Is Fundamentally a Geospatial Problem The phrase that echoed most through the Bayerischer Hof this weekend was strategic autonomy - Europe's imperative to stop depending on the United States for security guarantees, intelligence, and critical infrastructure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the conference with its sharpest possible framing. Speaking from the main stage on Friday, he warned that the era of outsourced security was over: "Europe needs to become a real player in global politics with its own security policy strategy not to replace NATO, but as a self-sustained strong pillar within the alliance." Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, MSC 2026 Opening Address What struck me was how abstract this conversation remained whenever it left the stage and entered the corridors. Europe wants autonomy. But autonomy requires knowing things independently - knowing where Russian forces are concentrating, where energy infrastructure is vulnerable, where supply chains are exposed. These are geospatial questions. The European Space Agency's Director General Josef Aschbacher was in Munich specifically to make this connection, with ESA's official pre-conference statement noting that his participation "reflects the growing recognition that space has become a core element of Europe's security architecture." ESA's new European Resilience from Space initiative is a direct response to the recognition that without independent Earth observation and satellite intelligence, European strategic autonomy is a slogan, not a capability. The intelligence layer beneath almost every autonomy discussion at Munich is spatial. At PangeAI, we believe the question is not whether Europe needs geospatial intelligence - it's whether it can access that intelligence fast enough, in natural language, without requiring a team of GIS specialists for every query. Signal 2: Space Is No Longer a Footnote - It's the Architecture For most of MSC's six-decade history, space policy was a side conversation. Not anymore. This year, dedicated sessions explored how innovation is reshaping the space and security landscape, the strategic relevance of cislunar space, and the future of Europe's space industrial capacity. Accenture ran a session explicitly on why "space is now central to European defense and security," covering AI-driven situational awareness, quantum-secure communications, the IRIS satellite constellation, and Copernicus. The investment numbers frame the shift starkly. Germany has committed 35 billion between 2026 and 2030 on space security, including new synthetic aperture radar satellite constellations to replace aging infrastructure. Berlin is now the largest contributor to ESA at 23% of total budget. Poland has increased its ESA contribution tenfold in three years. And ESA Director General Aschbacher recently stated his agency's overarching mission clearly: "The geopolitical drive - the desire for autonomy and independent access to space - was at the very origin of ESA fifty years ago. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation, where the need to strengthen Europe's independence has again become a major driver in space policy." Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General This is not an incremental investment cycle. It is a structural recognition that the physical world - borders, battlefields, pipelines, ports - must be understood and defended through persistent overhead observation combined with AI that can make sense of the data in real time. The proliferation of satellite data is not, by itself, a strategic advantage. The key bottleneck to unlock is analysis: turning petabytes of imagery, radar returns, and spectral data into actionable intelligence. That is exactly the gap geospatial AI is designed to close. The hardware is being built. The question is who builds the intelligence layer on top of it. Signal 3: The Geopolitics of Resources Demanded a Map Nobody Had One of the most striking sessions on the formal agenda was titled "Raw Power: The Geopolitics of Resources." Foreign ministers from Norway, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Argentina sat alongside Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and the Executive Director of the US National Energy Dominance Council. The conversation ranged across critical minerals, energy corridors, and supply chain chokepoints. The most revealing moment came not from that panel but from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's main-stage address on Saturday. In his vision for a revitalized transatlantic alliance, he named the physical supply chain of the planet as a central front. Rubio was speaking about minerals as geopolitics. But he was also describing a geospatial intelligence problem. Where are the deposits? What does the satellite record show about construction along energy corridors? Where are the chokepoints in European electricity interconnectors, and how has their vulnerability profile changed in the last twelve months? These questions are answerable today. The data exists - in Copernicus archives, commercial SAR constellations, multispectral imagery, and open-source intelligence. What has been missing is the ability to ask those questions in natural language and get a verified spatial answer in minutes rather than months. Signal 4: The AI Conversation Was Missing Its Spatial Dimension The MSC Innovation Night, held on the eve of the conference under the theme "Strategic Algorithms: Winning the AI Arms Race," brought together defense innovators and policymakers to debate AI's security implications. The German Foreign Office made artificial intelligence a centerpiece of its side event agenda alongside defense and research security. But the one dimension conspicuously absent from almost every AI panel was the spatial one. The AI debate at Munich, as in most policy forums, was dominated by large language models, cyber defense, and autonomous weapons. These are real and important. But they represent only one part of what AI applied to security actually means. The most immediately actionable AI capability for almost every problem discussed at MSC 2026 - from tracking critical mineral supply chains to assessing energy infrastructure resilience - is geospatial AI. The ability to process satellite imagery, fuse it with sensor data and open-source intelligence, and answer natural language queries about the physical world is not a future capability. It exists today. The BCG Defense Innovation Report, launched at the Innovation Night, identified a persistent gap between defense innovation priorities and the system's ability to deliver capabilities. Geospatial AI is one of the clearest examples of that gap: the technology is mature, the data is available, and the demand is urgent. What This Means I co-founded PangeAI because I believed the physical world was being systematically underrepresented in the AI revolution. Language models can reason about text. But most of the decisions that matter in energy, in insurance, in national security, or in natural capital are decisions about places, assets, and the changing state of the Earth's surface. Munich 2026, convened under the banner of "Under Destruction," confirmed that belief with a force I did not entirely anticipate. The world's security leaders are grappling with problems - strategic autonomy, resource geopolitics, territorial verification, infrastructure resilience - that are fundamentally spatial in nature. They are doing so largely without the geospatial intelligence layer those problems demand. That gap is closing. Europe is building the satellite architecture. The data is accumulating. The AI is ready. The question is who builds the interface between that data and the people who need it most. We intend to. Johanna von der Leyen is CEO and co-founder of PangeAI, a geospatial AI company that enables energy, insurance, and natural capital organizations to query the physical world in natural language. PangeAI emerged from stealth in December 2025. Want to learn more? Reach out: [email protected] #GeospatialAI #MunichSecurityConference #MSC2026 #EuropeanDefense #StrategicAutonomy #EnergyIntelligence #PangeAI SOURCE PangeAI Inc. " " It's easier to enjoy your vacation when you don't have to worry about keeping your guard up. Olezzo / Shutterstock The safest Caribbean islands combine low crime, political stability, and tourism-focused economies that prioritize visitor safety. While no destination is completely risk-free, several Caribbean islands are generally considered safe when travelers exercise common sense and follow travel advisories. These destinations appeal to travelers who want beautiful beaches and peace of mind. Advertisement Safety varies by location, season and behavior, but crimeincluding incidents of violent crimecan occur. These are islands where visitor safety remains a core priority. > < 23:43 India, France sign pact for manufacturing Hammer missiles Representational image India and France on Tuesday renewed the 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed an MoU for manufacturing Hammer missiles in the country. The agreements were signed when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin co-chaired the sixth India-France... Read more > 23:32 India AI Impact Summit: Restricted access for delegates for next 2 days Secretary DFPD Sanjeev Chopra at the India-AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi./PIB Photo Gallery/ANI Photo Delegates will get restricted access to the world's largest AI summit, India AI Impact Summit 2026, for the next two days due to VIP movements and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the venue, senior government officials said on Tuesday. Delegates attending the conference at Bharat... Read more > 23:18 BEST bus catches fire in Mumbai; all passengers safe A bus operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) caught fire on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai's Kandivali area on Tuesday night, officials said. Nobody was injured in the incident and all passengers were rescued safely, an official said. The blaze erupted... Read more > 23:06 Two youths held over reel 'offering drugs' as prasadam to deity in Hyderabad Two youths were on Tuesday taken into custody here for nuisance after their social media reel allegedly offering a narcotic substance as prasadam to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Mahashivratri, went viral, the police said.The two youths, working at a gym, were taken into custody by Task Force (a... Read more > 22:49 Two die in Kerala of suspected food poisoning after eating at restaurant Two members of a family died near Nilamel in Kollam a day ago in a suspected case of food poisoning after dining at a restaurant in Vizhinjam, the police said on Tuesday.Two other members of the same family are currently undergoing treatment, police said, adding that the restaurant in question... Read more > 22:27 Another jolt to Assam Cong: Suspended MLA Sherman quits party Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed/Courtesy Sherman Ali Ahmed/Facebook Suspended Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed joined the Raijor Dal on Tuesday, becoming the second legislator from Assam's main opposition party to switch to the Akhil Gogoi-led outfit in two days. Ahmed's move, weeks ahead of the announcement of assembly elections, came close on the heels of... Read more > 22:07 Modi, Macron inaugurate India-France year of innovation 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday inaugurated the 'India-France Year of Innovation'. Hours after announcing to elevate the decades-old ties to a special strategic partnership, the two leaders attended the event where New Delhi and Paris affirmed... Read more > 21:54 WHO official hails India's leadership in digital health innovation India is among the first countries to adopt a national AI strategy for health, setting an important global benchmark, a top World Health Organisation (WHO) official said on Tuesday.Addressing the India AI Impact Summit 2026 here, Dr Catharina Boehme, officer-in-charge of WHO's South-East Asia... Read more > 21:41 Railways to replace chained mugs with jet sprays in train lavatories A view of the Vande Bharat Express/Ritik Jain/ANI Photo The railway ministry has directed all zonal railways to replace low-level water taps and chained stainless steel mugs with jet sprays in train lavatories. This comes after a successful trial by the Northern Railway aimed at preventing water stagnation and improving hygiene standards for... Read more > 21:27 Assam ex-Congress chief Borah will join BJP on Feb 22: Sarma Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi./Courtesy @BhupenKBorah/X Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah will join the BJP on February 22, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday after meeting him. Sarma visited Borah's residence in the Ghoramara area of Guwahati, a day after the senior leader resigned from the Congress. The CM was... Read more > 21:17 Bihar has 31.71 lakh Lakhpati Didis: Minister Bihar rural development minister Sharwan Kumar./ANI Photo Bihar has 31.71 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' earning an annual household income of Rs 1 lakh or more, rural development minister Sharwan Kumar informed the assembly on Tuesday.Concluding the debate on the proposed Rs 23,701.18 crore budget for the Rural Development Department for 2026-27, Kumar said,... Read more > 21:03 Lottery baron's wife Leema Rose joins AIADMK Lottery baron Santiago Martin Leema Rose, wife of lottery baron Santiago Martin, joined the AIADMK in the presence of its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday. She joined the AIADMK along with 100 others after calling on Palaniswami at his Greenways residence in Chennai. Rose quit the Indhiya... Read more > 20:57 Mentally challenged man lynched in Jharkhand, 6 women attacked A mentally challenged man was beaten to death, while six women from Uttar Pradesh were assaulted by mobs over childlifting suspicions in two separate incidents in Jharkhand's Chatra and Bokaro districts, police said on Tuesday. The 45-year-old man, who was allegedly severely beaten up by... Read more > 20:37 CRPF to hold first-ever anniversary parade in Northeast on Feb 21 The CRPF will celebrate its anniversary parade for the first time in the Northeast on February 21, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to attend the programme as the chief guest here, top officers said on Tuesday.Eight contingents involving around 1,400 personnel will showcase equipment and... Read more > 20:34 Stretcher-bound patient taken out of MP hospital, security agency slapped penalty Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Chikitsalaya in Indore./ANI Photo A private security agency was fined Rs 25,000 on Tuesday for alleged negligence after two women carried a patient lying on a stretcher out of the Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Chikitsalaya (MYH), officials said.MYH, considered one of the largest state-run hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, is managed... Read more > 19:44 India ready to work with BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla meets Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in Dhaka./@ombirlakota X/ANI Photo Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday attended the swearing-in ceremony of new Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, and said India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. Separately, the speaker called on the new... Read more > 19:29 One dead, 2 critical after knife attack over social media posts in Maha; 2 held Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff A 23-year-old man was killed and two others suffered grievous injuries after being attacked with a sharp knife over a dispute linked to social media posts in Beed district of Maharashtra, the police said on Tuesday.The incident took place at Ruinalkol in Ashti tehsil on Monday night, the police... Read more > 19:11 Congress sweeps 7 of 8 Telangana municipalities; BRS gets one The ruling Congress won chairperson posts in seven of the eight Telangana municipalities where elections were held on Tuesday. The opposition BRS secured the chairperson post in one municipality. The Congress won the chairperson posts in Thorrur and Jangaon municipalities following a... Read more > 19:00 India-France ties elevated to 'special global strategic' level Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai./DD/ANI Video Grab India and France on Tuesday elevated their ties to a special global strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron vowing to significantly ramp up bilateral cooperation in areas of defence, trade and technology in the face of increasing geopolitical... Read more > 18:53 Rupee rises 5 paise to close at 90.69 against US dollar The rupee gained 5 paise to settle at 90.69 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, backed by positive domestic equity markets and lower crude prices overseas. Sustained outflow of foreign funds and a firm American currency, however, weighed on the Indian currency and capped its... Read more > 18:25 Macron meets Bollywood actors in Mumbai French President Emmanuel Macron met Bollywood actors in Mumbai./Courtesy Emmanuel Macron on X French President Emmanuel Macron met Bollywood actors in Mumbai on Tuesday, including Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee and Shabana Azmi. Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together, he wrote on X, highlighting cultural ties during his India visit. Spent an inspiring... Read more > 18:09 Shahid Kapoor-starrer 'O'Romeo' earns Rs 61.75 crore at box office Shahid Kapoor in O'Romeo. O'Romeo, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles, has earned over Rs 50 crore at the worldwide box office. The film, which also stars Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani and Vikrant Massey in pivotal roles, released on February 13. It is produced by Sajid... Read more > 18:00 Fire in coach of New Delhi-Chennai express train; no casualty File image A coach of the New Delhi-Chennai Grant Trunk Express caught fire in Maharashtra's Wardha district on Tuesday morning, railway officials said. There were no casualties, they said. Train 12616 New Delhi-Chennai (Tambaram) Grant Trunk Express left from Nagpur in the morning. While it... Read more > 18:00 Fire in coach of New Delhi-Chennai express train; no casualty File image A coach of the New Delhi-Chennai Grant Trunk Express caught fire in Maharashtra's Wardha district on Tuesday morning, railway officials said. There were no casualties, they said. Train 12616 New Delhi-Chennai (Tambaram) Grant Trunk Express left from Nagpur in the morning. While it... Read more > 17:46 Foundation says Bill Gates attending AI Summit Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates' participation in the world's biggest AI summit became a topic of speculation on Tuesday, following conflicting reports. Government sources initially stated he would not attend, but a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation quickly contradicted to say he is... Read more > 17:44 Zimbabwe knock Australia out of T20 WC, in Super 8s Just In: Zimbabwe knock out Australia by qualifying for Super 8s of T20 World Cup, with match against Ireland being washed out. Read more > 17:12 BSE Sensex top gainers today Stock markets closed higher for the second straight session on Tuesday, driven by gains in bank, IT and capital goods shares. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 173.81 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 83,450.96. The index moved between a high of 83,598 and a low of 82,987.43 during the... Read more > 16:48 Rohit Shetty house firing: Police custody of 5 accused extended till Feb 23 Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty A special court on Tuesday extended the police custody of five accused, arrested in connection with the firing at Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence in Mumbai, till February 23. Their further remand was needed for a joint interrogation with those arrested later, police told the... Read more > 16:26 What did Modi, Macron talk about at Maharashtra Bhavan? Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to India. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, where they were seen sharing a warm hug before commencing discussions.The meeting is aimed... Read more > 15:55 Tarique Rahman sworn in as PM of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, days after leading his party to a forceful victory in the crucial general elections. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to 60-year-old Rahman at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad... Read more > 15:36 US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies at 84 Jesse Jackson, the US civil rights leader who later ran for president, has died aged 84. The Jackson family's statement says the 84-year-old died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family, reports the BBC.His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped... Read more > 15:28 Remarks against Shinde: Comedian Kamra appears before committee Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday appeared before the Maharashtra legislative council's privileges committee regarding his alleged remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, in the absence of the main complainant, the hearing has been rescheduled to March 10, said... Read more > 15:24 Macron takes a morning jog in Mumbai The Macrons pay tribute to the 2008 terror attack victims at the Taj Mahal hotel With the onset of morning in Mumbai on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron surprised the Mumbaikars by joining the rush of morning walkers in the city. The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded... Read more > 15:16 Speaker reaches Dhaka for Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Dhaka on Tuesday to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Upon his arrival at the airport, he was received by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry... Read more > 15:03 Would you buy a lemon for Rs 13,000? A lemon fetched Rs 13,000 at an auction held as part of the Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the Pazhamthinni Karuppa Eswaran temple in this district, authorities said. The temple, located at Pudu Annamalai Palayam near Vilakkethi village, conducted special pujas between 6 pm and 8.30 pm on... Read more > 14:43 14 ex-cricket captains appeal for humane treatment of Imran Khan Fourteen former international cricket captains from five Test-playing nations have appealed to the Pakistan government to ensure better prison treatment and medical care for former Prime Minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, amid serious concerns over his health, reported The Age... Read more > 14:20 Kannada TV actress alleges secret filming in washroom, blackmail A case has been registered after a Kannada television actress alleged she was secretly filmed in a stadium washroom during a celebrity event and threatened with online circulation of the video if she failed to pay money, police said on Tuesday.The incident occurred at the recently held Celebrity... Read more > 14:03 Salim Khan admitted to ICU, Salman rushes to hospital Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan has been admitted to the ICU of Mumbai's Lilavati hospital on Tuesday, an insider said.Khan is the writer of movie hits such as Sholay, Deewar and Zanjeer.He (Salim Khan) has been admitted to Lilavati hospital this morning. He is in the ICU, the insider told... Read more > 13:50 Is Bill Gates skipping AI Summit? Govt says yes, but... Bill Gates with Nara Lokesh in Amaravati Confusion prevailed on Tuesday over Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates attending the high-profile AI Impact Summit with government sources saying he will not attend the meeting while a spokesperson of his foundation contradicted, saying he is. Gates featured among the tech moguls, industry... Read more > 13:29 Horrific negligence again! Biker falls into pit and dies A 27-year-old man died after allegedly falling into an open roadside pit near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, police said on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Jeys Benny, a native of Muthalakkodam. The accident occurred late Monday night when his two-wheeler plunged into the large pit... Read more > 13:25 Accident or murder?: Rohit Pawar questions 20-day delay in probe Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Tuesday slammed the slow pace of the probe into the plane crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, questioning if the delay was intended to protect private interests.Marking 20 days since the tragedy, the Karjat-Jamkhed MLA... Read more > 13:11 Guess how many roses Bengaluru airport shipped on V-Day? As the Valentine's season drove peak demand of fresh roses worldwide, Kempegowda International Airport here shipped around 60 million rose stems, weighing more than 2,700 tonnes, across 26 international destinations, officials said on Tuesday. The facility, operated by Bangalore... Read more > 12:57 Sheena Bora Murder Trial: The Great Skipping Rope Game Sheena Bora's birthday fell on February 11 and it's been 14 years since she disappeared into thin air.She would have been 39.Nearly one-and-a-half decades later are we patiently inching nearer to knowing the truth of what happened? Read the column by Vaihayasi Pande Daniel here. Read more > 12:15 Sunetra Pawar meets Macron Maharashtra Dy CM Sunetra Pawar shares this image on X with French President Emmanuel Macron: Warmly welcomed Hon'ble President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron on their arrival in Mumbai last night. Along with Hon'ble Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat Ji, CM... Read more > 12:02 Black Box burned?: Raut questions lapses in Baramati crash Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday supported suspicions within the Pawar family over the January 28 plane crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling the burned condition of the aircraft's black box mysterious and very serious. At a press conference,... Read more > 11:47 Infosys stock rises over 3% after tie-up with Anthropic Shares of IT major Infosys rose more than 3 per cent on Tuesday after the company said it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Anthropic to develop and deliver advanced enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. On the BSE, the scrip of company increased 3.27 per cent to... Read more > 11:42 Anderson Cooper to leave CBS's '60 Minutes' after 2 decades Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is stepping down from CBS's flagship newsmagazine 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years as a correspondent, according to The Washington Post. Cooper (58) joined the program in 2006 under an agreement with CNN, where he has worked since 2001 and has... Read more > 11:14 Are you the journalist Rediff is looking for? Yes, if you have:Sound knowledge of news and political developments OR of movies -- Hindi, regional and Hollywood -- OR of the world of business and finance.That's right, we are looking for journalist, and these are the requirements.You are an able copy editor with an acute news sense, possess... Read more > 11:11 Being 'King' has never meant power, it's...: SRK He's King Khan to his fans and the industry and his next film quite coincidentally is called King too. Shah Rukh Khan, however, brushes off the power the title bestows on him, saying it's less an identity and more a reminder to live with heart, humility, and purpose.The word 'king' has never... Read more > 10:50 Stock markets erase early losses on buying in Infosys, ITC Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty dropped in early trade on Tuesday, but buying in blue-chip stocks Infosys and ITC helped the markets recover the lost ground. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 289.72 points to 82,987.43 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 112.45 points... Read more > 10:23 Seven injured after 60-foot temple chariot topples in Vellore Seven people sustained serious injuries after a 60-foot temple chariot toppled during the annual Mayana Kollai festival held on the banks of the Palar River in Vellore district. The injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Adukkamparai. The incident took... Read more > 09:43 See you in Mumbai, my dear friend!: PM welcomes Macron Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on his fourth visit to India and said he looked forward to further strengthening cooperation across sectors and advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi said that he would see the French... Read more > 09:38 EC Team In Assam To Review Poll Preparedness An Election Commission of India team, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Guwahati on Monday on a three-day visit to review preparedness for the upcoming Assam assembly elections, which are expected to be held in April.The team includes Election Commissioners S S Sandhu... Read more > 09:30 18% US Levy May Kick In This Week: Commerce Secy The United States is expected to reduce the existing 25 per cent tariff on several Indian exports to 18 per cent this week, and any delay in its implementation will be taken up by the Indian team, which is scheduled to visit Washington in the coming few days.The 25 per cent (punitive) tariff has... Read more > 09:09 MBA student abuses girlfriend's body, performs witchcraft The classmate of a 24-year-old female MBA student, arrested in Indore for her murder, allegedly abused the body after the killing and also performed occult rituals while on the run, police said.On February 13, people complained of a foul smell emanating from a closed house in the city's... Read more > 08:33 Hollywood legend Robert Duvall dies at 95 Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, known for his performances in the 'Godfather' films, 'Apocalypse Now', and 'To Kill a Mockingbird' among others, has passed away at 95, reported Variety. The actor's wife, Luciana Duvall, announced his passing on Facebook along with an emotional tribute.... Read more > 08:24 'My son died because someone was making a fun reel' Sahil Dhaneshra died in a road accident Inna Makan, the mother of the 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra, who died in a road accident after an SUV driven allegedly by a minor collided with his motorcycle, appeals for justice. Speaking to ANI, she said, My son was going to the office on the 3rd of February. He (Scorpio driver), along with... Read more > 07:59 French President Macron arrives in Mumbai French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders will review the progress made in the India-France strategic partnership.Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were... Read more > 00:13 Cong to hold rally on India-US trade deal in Punjab, Rahul Gandhi to attend The Congress will hold a rally over the issue of India-US trade deal in Punjab and it will be attended by Rahul Gandhi, said senior party leader Bhupesh Baghel in Chandigarh on Monday evening. Baghel said the rally is expected to be held either on February 28 or March 1. He said Rahul... Read more > AACR Presentations to Feature ATNM-400 and Actimab-A Programs Across Solid Tumors and Hematologic Oncology Applications NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: ATNM) ("Actinium" or the "Company"), a pioneer in the development of differentiated targeted radiotherapies, today announced that it will present two abstracts at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 1722, 2026 in San Diego, California. Both abstracts are scheduled for presentation in the Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics category under the session titled Radiopharmaceutical Platforms for Theranostic Precision Oncology on April 21, 2026. In accordance with AACR embargo policies, details of the abstracts, including titles and full text, will become publicly available on March 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET via the AACR Online Program Planner. Presentation Details Presentation #1: Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics Session Title: Radiopharmaceutical Platforms for Theranostic Precision Oncology Session Date & Time: April 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM 5:00 PM PT Location: Poster Section 16 Poster Board Number: 18 Poster Number: 5824 Presentation #2: Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics Session Title: Radiopharmaceutical Platforms for Theranostic Precision Oncology Session Date & Time: April 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM 5:00 PM PT Location: Poster Section 16 Poster Board Number: 21 Poster Number: 5827 Actinium's Platform Strategy for Long-Term Value Creation The AACR 2026 data will highlight Actinium's differentiated biology-driven approach to targeted radiotherapy development including: Targeting resistance-associated biology rather than tumor surface expression alone Leveraging the high-linear energy transfer (LET) of Ac-225 to deliver potent, tumor-specific cytotoxicity Building a radiotherapy franchise comprised of multiple pan-tumor assets Sandesh Seth, Chairman and CEO of Actinium Pharmaceuticals, commented, "We are pleased to have two abstracts accepted for presentation at AACR 2026. Participation in this meeting provides an important opportunity to engage with the Oncology research community. We look forward to sharing additional details once the abstracts are publicly released in accordance with AACR guidelines." About Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Actinium is a pioneer in the development of targeted radiotherapies intended to meaningfully improve patient outcomes. ATNM-400, Actinium's lead product candidate, is a novel, first-in-class, and multi-indication Actinium-225 (Ac-225) in development for prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer. The antigen specifically targeted by ATNM-400 is highly expressed in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), contributes directly to disease progression, poorer survival outcomes, and continues to be expressed at a high level even after androgen receptor inhibitor (ARPI) and Pluvicto treatment. ATNM-400 is supported by preclinical data demonstrating tumor-specific uptake, higher efficacy than androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide (Xtandi) and 177Lu-PSMA-617 radiotherapy, the active agent in Pluvicto, durable tumor control and potent efficacy in prostate cancer models resistant to both enzalutamide and 177Lu-PSMA-617. In addition, ATNM-400 has demonstrated synergy with enzalutamide. In NSCLC, ATNM-400 showed superior efficacy to EGFR targeting therapies including osimertinib (TARGRISSO, AstraZeneca), Dato-DXd (DATROWAY, AstraZeneca/Daiichi Sankyo) and amivantamab (RYBREVANT, J&J) with synergistic activity in combination with osimertinib. In breast cancer, ATNM-400 works as monotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer, hormone-positive breast cancer and also in HER2-therapy trastuzumab (HERCEPTIN Roche) resistant breast cancer and endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer models. The data generated to date with ATNM-400 supports its potential across treatment settings to be used either as a monotherapy, or in combination or sequenced with other therapies. Actinium's most advanced product candidate in development is Actimab-A, a CD33 targeting therapeutic, that is a potential backbone therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other myeloid malignancies leveraging the mutation agnostic alpha-emitter radioisotope payload Actinium-225 (Ac-225). Actimab-A has demonstrated potential activity in relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) patients in combination with the chemotherapy CLAG-M including high rates of Complete Remissions (CR) and measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity leading to improved survival outcomes and is being advanced to a pivotal Phase 2/3 trial. In addition, Actinium is engaged with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for development of Actimab-A in AML and other myeloid malignancies. The first clinical trial under the CRADA will evaluate the triplet combination comprised of Actimab-A, Venetoclax (Abbvie/Roche) an oral Bcl-2 inhibitor and ASTX-727 (Taiho Oncology, an Otsuka holdings company) a novel oral hypomethylating agent (HMA) in frontline acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Additionally, Actinium is developing Actimab-A as a potential pan tumor therapy in combination with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors including KEYTRUDA and OPDIVO by depleting myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which represents a potential multi-billion-dollar addressable market. Iomab-ACT, Actinium's next generation conditioning candidate, is being developed with the goal of improving patient access and outcomes for potentially curative cell and gene therapies. Iomab-B is an induction and conditioning agent prior to bone marrow transplant in patients with r/r AML, which Actinium is seeking a potential strategic partner for the U.S. In addition, the company's R&D efforts are primarily focused on advancing several preclinical programs for solid tumor indications. Actinium holds approximately 240 patents and patent applications including several patents related to the manufacture of the isotope Ac-225 in a cyclotron. For more information, please visit: https://www.actiniumpharma.com/ Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain projections or other "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe-harbor" provisions of the private securities litigation reform act of 1995 regarding future events or the future financial performance of the Company which the Company undertakes no obligation to update. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or estimated future results, including the risks and uncertainties associated with preliminary study results varying from final results, estimates of potential markets for drugs under development, clinical trials, actions by the FDA and other governmental agencies, regulatory clearances, responses to regulatory matters, the market demand for and acceptance of Actinium's products and services, performance of clinical research organizations and other risks detailed from time to time in Actinium's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including without limitation its most recent annual report on form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q and Forms 8-K, each as amended and supplemented from time to time. Investors: [email protected] SOURCE Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. People are marking the Lunar New Year today (Tuesday) with prayers, fireworks and festivities. The activities ushered in the Year of the Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China and some other East Asian nations and is celebrated outside the region, too. Crowds, parades and fireworks in Macau The city has unveiled an extensive Chinese New Year programme, headlined by two large-scale float parades on February 19 and February 28 in the Sai Van Lake area and the northern district. Around 1,300 performers from Macau, mainland China and overseas will take part, with 17 themed floats forming the centrepiece of the celebrations. For the first time, selected evening shows overlooking Macau Tower combine fireworks with synchronised drone displays a deliberate upgrade aimed at sharpening the citys holiday spectacle and stretching visitor dwell time after dark. The Lunar New Year break remains one of Macaus most commercially significant periods, particularly for tourism and gaming. With arrivals already approaching 280,000 in the opening days, the city is tracking toward another robust Golden Week. The Macao Government Tourism Office forecasts roughly 1.5 million visitors for the full holiday stretch. Temple crowds at midnight in Hong Kong Incense smoke wafted into the air at a temple in Hong Kong where people line up every year to make wishes for the new year at midnight. Holding up a cluster of incense sticks, many bowed their heads several times before planting the sticks in containers placed in front of a temple hall. Fireworks light up skies in Vietnam Entertainers in Vietnam sang at an outdoor countdown event before multiple fireworks shows at several cities in the Southeast Asian nation, where the festival is called Tet. Light shows lit up bridges and skyscrapers as the fireworks went off and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances. Chinese street fairs in Moscow People sampled Chinese cuisine from stalls and strolled along snowy streets decorated with red lanterns and dragons as two weeks of events got underway Monday at various venues in the Russian capital. The third annual Lunar New Year celebration comes at at time of warming relations between China and Russia ties that have frustrated many European governments because of the war in Ukraine. A temple bell rings 108 times in Taiwan The solemn peal of a temple bell rang out 108 times an auspicious number as people flocked to the Baoan Temple in Taipei on Tuesday morning. They lit incense sticks, bowed their heads and left offerings of colorful flower bouquets on outdoor tables on the temple grounds in Taiwans capital city. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Kenyan aviation authorities on Monday, February, 16, moved to reassure travellers after a workers strike disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), causing delays and stranding passengers. The industrial action, which began early Monday, stems from a dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). In a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenya Airports Authority confirmed that contingency measures had been activated and advised passengers to contact their airlines for updated schedules, reaffirming its commitment to safety and operational continuity at one of Africas busiest aviation hubs. The dispute centres on long-standing worker grievances, notably the failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement pending since 2015. Union representatives argue that agreements dating back a decade have not been implemented, leaving staff without promised salary adjustments. Although the union served a seven-day strike notice, the aviation regulator sought court intervention in a bid to forestall the industrial action. Travellers have been urged to arrive early and remain flexible as authorities manage operational challenges. Kenya Airways, the national carrier, advised passengers to monitor flight status updates through its website, mobile application and official communication platforms, citing air traffic control delays affecting some departures and arrivals. KCAA Director General Emile Arao said recovery efforts are under way, with passenger backlogs being cleared in a structured and prioritised manner. He expressed confidence that normal schedules would resume as soon as possible, while reiterating that safety remains paramount as stabilisation efforts continue. Three United States military aircraft carrying troops and equipment arrived in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, between Thursday and Sunday, signalling the commencement of a bilateral security deployment centred on support functions. Officials at Nigerias Defence Headquarters confirmed to Anadolu that approximately 100 US troops have been deployed in an initial phase, with further flights expected in the coming weeks. Speaking on Monday on condition of anonymity, a senior official reiterated that the American personnel would focus on non-combat roles, operating mainly from command Centres to bolster Nigerias ongoing efforts. Earlier comments reported by Anadolu quoted Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, as clarifying that US troops would not engage in combat or assume direct operational responsibilities. The deployment follows renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding Nigerias response to attacks on Christian communities. Although Christian populations have faced deadly assaults, Muslim civilians and others have also been killed amid the persistent violence. In parallel, Nigerian authorities have intensified domestic security operations, announcing the deployment of special forces to Plateau and Taraba states, both of which have witnessed recurring unrest. While Nigerian officials have not disclosed the duration of the US presence, American authorities have indicated that the mission is temporary. Underground operations at Mopani Copper Mines Mufulira mine can resume immediately, Zambias mining regulator announced on Monday, 16th February, following the implementation of enhanced safety protocols. The Minerals Regulation Commission had suspended operations last week, citing the companys failure to comply with safety regulations, particularly the requirement to maintain an accurate system to account for all underground workers. In a statement issued on Monday, the regulator confirmed that Mopani had introduced improved safety measures, including technology to verify that the mine is cleared two hours after each shift and the installation of closed-circuit television systems to monitor underground activity. The commission said these steps comply with Mining Regulation 218 and ensure a safe working environment for miners. A spokesperson for Mopani Copper Mines was not immediately available for comment. Mopani is among the largest copper producers in Zambia, Africas second-largest copper-producing nation and a key supplier of the metal critical to clean energy technologies. In 2024, United Arab Emirates-based International Resources Holding acquired a 51 per cent stake in Mopani in a $1.1 billion deal, with the remaining shares held by ZCCM Investments Holdings. Zambia produced approximately 890.000 metric tonnes of copper last year and has set an ambitious target of increasing annual output to three million tonnes by 2031. At least 28 people were killed and dozens injured in a drone strike on a crowded marketplace in the Al-Saffiya area of North Kordofan, southern Sudan, a local rights group said on Monday. The Emergency Lawyers group, which monitors human rights violations, said drones targeted a market northeast of the Sodari locality. The death toll remains preliminary and is expected to rise, as the attack occurred during peak trading hours with women, children and elderly people among those present. The group described the strike as a serious breach of international humanitarian law and a violation of the principle of civilian protection during armed conflict. It warned that the growing use of drones against populated areas signals a dangerous escalation that threatens civilian life and basic infrastructure. No party has been identified as responsible for the attack. Separately, the Sudan Doctors Network reported early on Monday that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed three people and injured seven others during a Sunday evening assault on Al Mazmoum Hospital in Sennar State. Sudan has been gripped by a protracted conflict between the army and the RSF since April 2023. The war has left tens of thousands dead, displaced about 13 million people and triggered one of the worlds most severe humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The DJS Law Group announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of agilon health, inc. ("Agilon" or "the Company") (NYSE: AGL) for violations of the securities laws. INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Agilon announced on August 4, 2025, that President, CEO, and Board Director Steven Sell stepped down from his positions. The Company added, "In a separate press release, the Company today also issued its second quarter 2025 earnings results. As part of that announcement, and in conjunction with this leadership transition, the Company is withdrawing its previous full year 2025 earnings guidance." Based on this news, shares of Agilon fell more than 27% in after hours trading following the Company's release. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, contact us to participate. WHY DJS LAW GROUP? DJS Law Group's primary focus is to enhance investor return through balanced counseling and aggressive advocacy. We specialize in securities class actions, corporate governance litigation, and domestic/international M&A appraisals. Our clients are some of the largest and most sophisticated hedge funds and alternative asset managers in the world. The litigation claims of our clients are extraordinarily valuable assets that demand respect, focus, and results. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: David J. Schwartz DJS Law Group 274 White Plains Road, Suite 1 Eastchester, NY 10709 Phone: 914-206-9742 Email: [email protected] SOURCE DJS Law Group LLP The shooting outside filmmaker Rohit Shettys residence on February 1 that led to a cross-country manhunt and 12 arrests almost did not happen. Wracked by doubts and indecision, the shooter developed cold feet at the last moment but after a few drinks with an accomplice, he plucked up enough courage to carry out the crime. These are some of the details that have emerged from a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Mumbai Police that tracked and arrested seven of the accused on February 15, who are allegedly linked to Shubham Lonkar international crime network and were acting on instructions from the gangs handlers. Five others were arrested in the immediate aftermath of the crime. The firing took place around 12.45 am on February 1 outside Shetty Tower in Juhu, allegedly to spread terror and assert extortion dominance in the film industry. As shooter hesitated, accomplice waited at Juhu Chowpatty Police sources said the main shooter, Deepak Sharma (24), is a resident of Agra. Hours before the daring firing incident, he consumed alcohol with co-accused Sonu Kumar (23) before heading towards the filmmakers residence. Deepak had got scared at the last moment, but he eventually gathered enough courage to open fire outside the building with a semi-automatic pistol supplied by the gang, a police officer said. The weapon is yet to be recovered. To avoid suspicion, Sonu remained at Juhu Chowpatty while Deepak proceeded alone towards the residence on a scooter. Sonu, who earlier lived in Kalyan for nearly two years, was familiar with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and its escape routes, police said. According to investigators, Sonu had arranged a taxi for them to reach Juhu. After the incident, Deepak regrouped with Sonu, and the duo fled in an autorickshaw to Kalyan. They later boarded a train to Bhopal. They travelled with Vishnu Kushwaha, who has also been arrested, and another accused, also wanted in the case. Gang was constantly on the move to avoid detection Police said the accused remained on the run for over 16 days, deliberately changing locations across states to avoid detection. They frequently shifted hideouts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the NCR region, coordinating through encrypted messaging applications. The group had travelled to Mumbai earlier and conducted multiple reconnaissance visits to study the building, surrounding area, and escape routes before executing the attack. Following technical surveillance, call data analysis, and intelligence inputs, a joint team of STF Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai Police Crime Branch tracked them down across multiple locations. Seven gang members were arrested from Jhajjar (Haryana), Agra, Noida, and Ghaziabad on February 15. Many of the accused were picked up from a factory in Haryana, where police conducted a raid. Police said Vishnu Kushwaha allegedly connected the group to gang operative Golu Pandit, who is linked to Shubham Lonkars extortion network. Investigators said the accused were influenced by the gangs social media presence and sought notoriety in organised crime. Vishnu was allegedly involved in the conspiracy from the beginning and was present in Mumbai at the time of the firing. Court remands accused to police custody All seven arrested were produced before a Mumbai sessions court, which remanded them to police custody till February 25. Police told the court that at least 11 individuals played direct or indirect roles in the conspiracy, including providing logistics, shelter, and financial support. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has rolled out a major CCTV security plan for passengers it has planned to install 7,035 CC cameras covering 633 locations across Maharashtra. A central control room has already been set up at Mumbai Central to monitor statewide feed from one place. The corporation said that user acceptance testing for the room was successful, and staff can now track cameras across the state from a single location. This move comes after a woman sitting inside a Shivshahi bus at Swargate station in Pune was assualted in February 2025. A year later, the corporation has decided to focus on passenger safety, particularly womens safety. As part of the larger initiative, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has planned CCTV coverage at sensitive spots, including stations, depots, divisional workshops, central workshops, divisional offices, and the Central Training Institute Bhosari. In the first phase, teams installed CCTV systems at 64 key locations in the Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar divisions. The corporation planned to finish work in the remaining 27 divisions, including workshops and office premises, within the next month. The Maharashtra government has provided Rs 111 crore for the project, and MSRTC handed responsibility to Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL) for the setting up of the cameras. Officials have fixed one year as the project completion period. Transport Minister and Chairman of MSRTC, Pratap Sarnaik, said the project went beyond installing cameras and aimed to create a digital cover for passenger safety. He said CCTV coverage at stations and other ST premises would help authorities respond quickly to any untoward incident. Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise over the holiday weekend in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to a pause in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month. Unlike the record 43-day shutdown last fall, the closures are narrowly confined, affecting only agencies under the DHS umbrella, including the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. But the work of ICE and CBP will mostly continue unabated, thanks to billions in funding from Trumps 2025 tax and spending cut law. The latest: Trump family business files for trademark rights on any airports using the presidents name The Trump family company has filed to trademark the use of the presidents name on airports but says it doesnt plan on charging a fee at least for a proposed renaming of one near his Florida home. Applications filed by the Trump Organization with the federal trademark office are seeking exclusive rights to use the presidents name on airports and dozens of related things found there, from buses shuttling passengers to umbrellas and travel bags to flight suits. The filings come amid debate in Florida over a state bill to name the Palm Beach airport after Trump and a dispute over funding of a tunnel between New York and New Jersey that is tied up with proposals that both it and Dulles International Airport in Virginia bear his name. The Trump Organization said that the applications were triggered by the Florida bill and that it didnt seek any profit only protection against bad actors given that the Trump name is the most infringed trademark in the world. The Trump companys claim that it is the most infringed trademark in the world could not be quickly confirmed. Read more about trademarks and the presidency Trump appeals ruling that struck down his order blocking wind energy projects Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said in December that Trumps effort to halt virtually all leasing of wind farms on federal lands and waters was arbitrary and capricious and violates U.S. law. The Justice Department appealed the ruling on Tuesday. Saris ruled in favor of a coalition of state attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, that challenged Trumps Day One order pausing wind energy projects. Trump has been hostile to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and prioritizes fossil fuels to produce electricity. Trump pays tribute to Jackson by posting photos of himself with the civil rights icon The president shared a dozen photos on social media of himself with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson that were primarily from the 1980s and 1990s. Trump did not share any text with his posts but the photos showed him and Jackson shaking hands at various events, chatting and pointing at things. Vance is in New York for a fundraiser The vice president, who is also serving as the finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, was set to headline a Manhattan fundraiser for the GOP Tuesday night. The event was expected to raise more than $2 million, according to a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to speak publicly. Vance is set to headline another RNC fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, in March, according to the person. By Michelle L. Price Vance sidesteps questions about whether he will run for president The vice president was asked several times in the interview Tuesday about the 2028 presidential election, including whether he would like to run for president and whether he wants Trumps endorsement, but Vance repeatedly brushed off the questions with pronounced laughter. Why dont I do as good of a job as I can on in this job. Well worry about the next job sometime in the future, Vance said. He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is perceived as Vances biggest potential GOP rival in 2028, is his closest friend in the administration and praised the work hes doing. The media wants to create this conflict where there isnt any conflict, Vance said. White House, Democrats still pretty far apart on DHS talks As the Homeland Security shutdown continues, the administration and congressional Democrats remain still pretty far apart on a deal that would place some guardrails on federal immigration agents. Thats the assessment of a White House official who was granted anonymity to discuss the private deliberations. Democratic leaders submitted their latest offer to the White House late Monday. But the prospect of a deal this week, particularly as lawmakers are out of Washington, remain dim. The official said the White House is still interested in good-faith negotiations to end the shutdown of DHS, which affects agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Transportation Security Administration. Meanwhile, the president has stressed that any agreement has to protect law enforcement officials. By Seung Min Kim DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin is leaving the agency In a post on X, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised McLaughlins performance on the job, which shes held since the beginning of the Trump administration. Tricia McLaughlin has served with exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism, Noem said. During her time as spokesperson, McLaughlin took on a high-profile public role defending the administrations contentious immigration policies on television and social media. Noem did not say why McLaughlin was leaving but said the department was sad to see her leave and wished her well. The change comes at a tumultuous time for Noem and the department after the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis led to calls for Noem to step down. McLaughlin said Pretti approached Customs and Border Protection officers with a handgun and he violently resisted when they tried to disarm him a claim that was contradicted by bystander videos. Vance says Iran nuclear talks went well in some ways Vice President JD Vance said in an interview Tuesday afternoon on Fox News Channel that he spoke to Trumps envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner earlier in the day about the negotiations. Vance said the U.S. made it clear where its red lines are, including blocking Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon, and while it would prefer a diplomatic solution, the president has all options on the table. The vice president said of the negotiations, In some ways, it went well, noting the sides agreed to meet again. But, he said, in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not willing to actually acknowledge and work through. He did not elaborate. Were going to keep on working it, he said as he went on, But, of course, the president reserves the ability to say, when he thinks that diplomacy has reached its natural endwe hope we dont get to that pointbut if we do, that will be the presidents call. Police say theyve arrested a man who ran toward the US Capitol holding a shotgun Police said the man dropped his weapon and complied when challenged by U.S. Capitol police officers. Congress was not in session when the arrest occurred. Earlier, Capitol Police had urged people to avoid the area, saying that our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun. White House backs Kalshi and Polymarket as states move to ban prediction markets The Trump administration is throwing its support behind the prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket in a critical legal battle between the growing prediction market industry and states that wish to ban these platforms. Michael Selig, the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, says states cannot ban these markets because federal law gives the CFTC control. Several states have accused the platforms of running unlicensed casinos. The most notable of the lawsuits comes from Nevada, where a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order to prevent Kalshi from operating in the state. Selig argues these contracts act like futures, not sportsbook bets. While customers can bet on anything, roughly 90% of Kalshis trading volume goes toward wagers on sports. Any friendly decision the CFTC makes on this industry could end up financially benefiting the presidents family as well. President Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., has invested in Polymarket through his venture capital firm and is a strategic advisor for Kalshi. Read more about prediction markets Colbert says CBS lawyers pulled Talarico interview as early voting begins in Texas Late-night host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday nights broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates. The issue came just hours before early voting opened Tuesday in Texas primary elections, which feature hotly-contested Senate nomination races in both parties. Colbert says the network also told him not to mention the change, but Colbert discussed it on air and pointed viewers to the full interview posted on YouTube. Talarico also posted a clip, calling it the interview Donald Trump didnt want you to see. The FCC guidance warns talk shows to treat candidates like other broadcast programs. Colbert says the rule does not apply to streaming. Neither CBS nor the FCC commented Tuesday. Read more about the interview Mexicos president rejects Trumps offer to join the Gaza Board of Peace Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government has declined to join the U.S.-led group overseeing the Gaza ceasefire plan because of the lack of Palestinian representation on the board. She said her country would instead act as an observer and send Mexicos ambassador to the U.N., following encouragement from U.S. authorities. Given that we recognize Palestine as a state, its important that both states, Israel and Palestine, participate. It isnt set up that way, she said on Tuesday. In Latin America, countries that have accepted the U.S. invitation are largely right-wing Trump allies, including Argentina, El Salvador and Paraguay. Sheinbaums rejection comes at a time when the leader has walked a political tightrope with Trump, trying to maintain a strong relationship with him while also standing up for deeply held principles by the Mexican government. US aircraft carrier leaves Caribbean, heads to the Middle East The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort of three destroyers are now in the mid-Atlantic after being ordered to depart the Caribbean for the Middle East last week, a Navy official confirmed Tuesday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive ship movements, said that the Ford, along with the destroyers USS Mahan, Bainbridge, and Winston Churchill, are in the mid-Atlantic and no longer with the U.S. Southern Commands area of operations. Given its current location, the Ford and its escorts are likely more than a week away from reaching the waters off the coast of Iran. ___ By Konstantin Toropin Usha Vance announces bookmark design contest for Americas 250th anniversary The Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating Americas 250th, done in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, asks students to create an original, hand-drawn bookmark depicting what America means to them. The contest is open to students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The second lady will choose three national winners one each from grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 whose designs will be featured during events commemorating the July 4 anniversary. The winners will also be invited to Washington to participate in some events. Applications are due at the NEA website, arts.gov/bookmarks, by 5 p.m. EST on March 31. Usha Vance, who is married to Vice President JD Vance, said she hopes the winning bookmarks will inspire kids to pick up a book and learn something new about our country. Kilmar Abrego Garcia cant be re-detained, judge says Immigration and Customs Enforcement cannot re-detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia because a 90-day detention period has expired and the government has no viable plan for deporting him, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. The Salvadoran nationals case has become a focal point in the immigration debate after he was mistakenly deported to his home country last year. Since his return, he has been fighting a second deportation to a series of African countries proposed by Department of Homeland Security officials. Abrego Garcia has an American wife and child and has lived in Maryland for years, but he immigrated to the U.S. illegally as a teenager. In 2019, an immigration judge ruled that he could not be deported to El Salvador because he faced danger there from a gang that had threatened his family. By mistake, he was deported there anyway in March. Read more about the case Trump is erasing history at national parks, lawsuit argues Conservation and historical organizations have sued the Trump administration over National Park Service policies that the groups say erase history and science from Americas national parks. A lawsuit filed in Boston says orders by Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have forced park service staff to remove or censor exhibits that share factually accurate and relevant U.S. history and scientific knowledge, including about slavery and climate change. The suit was filed Tuesday by a coalition that includes the National Parks Conservation Association, American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers and Union of Concerned Scientists. It comes as a federal judge on Monday ordered that an exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington must be restored at his former home in Philadelphia. Read more about the lawsuit River conservation group glad for White House support Betsy Nicholas, president of the Potomac River Keeper Network, a conservation group that has monitored the river, said the organization welcomes the recent White House interest in the health of what she called the nations river. Were glad to be getting that kind of attention for restoring the river, she said. She said it was her understanding that the federal government has been involved since the leak occurred last month, working with Maryland, Washington and DC Water to oversee the repairs. She also noted the organization is working closely with the others to test the water. Here is what the federal government can do: funding, she said. This happened because of underinvestment in repairing old infrastructure. Sixty-year-old pipe burst. DC Water, a utility based in Washington, said the EPAs assistant administrator for water toured the site last week and was briefed on the repairs. US military says 11 killed in strikes on 3 alleged drug boats in Latin America The U.S. military has killed 11 people in strikes on three boats that were allegedly smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, U.S. Southern Command said in a statement Tuesday. Like most of the militarys statements on the 40-plus strikes over the past year, Southern Command said they targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes late Monday. Southern Command said two vessels carrying four people each were struck in the eastern Pacific, while a third boat with three people was hit in the Caribbean. The military did not provide evidence that the vessels were ferrying drugs, but posted videos that showed boats being destroyed. Trump demands local leaders ask him for help on DC sewage spill The president kept up his drumbeat against leaders in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia over a sewage spill in the Potomac River that could be one of the largest in U.S. history. A January pipe rupture sent sewage into the river that runs through the nations capital region. Trump demanded in a social media post Tuesday that local leaders must get to work, IMMEDIATELY to clean up the spill. If they cant do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed, Trump said. The Federal Government is not at all involved with what has taken place, but we can fix it. Trump is blaming local leaders despite a D.C.-based water authority and the federal government having jurisdiction over the broken pipe. Its under the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Trump also used the spill to blame Democrats for the ongoing partial shutdown, even though the EPA is fully operational. The president has said the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is affected by the shutdown, will play a key role in coordinating the response. How will the partial shutdown impact travelers? Its hard to predict whether, when or where security screening snags might pop up. Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS annual funding. But even a handful of unscheduled TSA absences could quickly lead to longer wait times at smaller airports, for example, if theres just a single security checkpoint. Shortages of TSA officers also could slow the screening of checked luggage behind the scenes. Experts say flight delays are also possible even though air traffic controllers are not affected by the shutdown. What can travelers do to prepare? 1. Plan to arrive early and allow extra time to get through security 2. Pay close attention while packing, since prohibited items are likely to prolong the screening process 3. Avoid bringing full-size shampoo or other liquids, large gels or aerosols and items like pocketknives in carry-on bags Read more about the partial government shutdown and air travel Trump administration urges nations to call for the withdrawal of a UN climate proposal In guidance issued last week to all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, the State Department said it strongly objects to the proposal being discussed by the U.N. General Assembly and that its adoption could pose a major threat to U.S. industry. The draft resolution sponsored by Vanuatu is being circulated among the 193-member General Assembly and stems from a landmark advisory opinion by the U.N.s top court last July. The International Court of Justice said countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations. The proposal includes adopting a national climate action plan to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius; phasing out subsidies for fossil fuel exploration, production and exploitation; and urging those in violation to provide full and prompt reparation for damage. Read more about the proposal Senate Democrats send counteroffer as shutdown enters first week The partial government shutdown began Saturday, with Congress scheduled to be out of Washington until Feb. 23, as Democrats and the White House remain dug in over funding for DHS. Late Monday, Senate Democrats delivered their latest counteroffer to the White House and Republicans, according to a spokesperson for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. No additional details were released. The move follows a White House counterproposal earlier this month that Schumer dismissed as not being serious, offered in response to Democrats own 10-point plan outlining their priorities for a funding agreement. By The Associated Press The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, was known not just as a tireless advocate for the Civil Rights Movement but as one of its most dynamic orators. He spoke tirelessly for the poor and marginalized on issues from voting rights to housing. Jackson also gave numerous speeches as the leader of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and as a presidential candidate in the 1980s. Later, he did the same for the Black Lives Matter movement. Here are some notable and defining words from Jackson. I Am Somebody Though not written by Jackson, this poem became synonymous with him. He turned a verse into a rallying cry at rallies in the 1960s and even on a 1972 episode of Sesame Street. The poem goes: I may be poor, / But I am Somebody. / I may be young, / But I am Somebody. / I may be on welfare, / But I am Somebody. Diploma in one hand, voter registration in the other With his PUSH Excel education initiative, Jackson gave a speech in Chicago in the 1970s on equity in education and voting rights. Senior high school graduation must be seen as a passage of rites into adulthood. On that graduation day or night, we must put a diploma in one hand symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, and put a voter registration card in that other hand symbolizing power and responsibility. Tears vs. sweat Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; sweat will get you change. America as a patchwork q uilt Jackson told the Democratic National Convention in 1984 during his first run for president: America is not like a blanket one piece of unbroken cloth, the same color, the same texture, the same size. America is more like a quilt: many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread. Keep hope alive When he nearly captured the Democratic nomination in 1988, he told the party convention: You must not surrender. You may or may not get there, but just know that youre qualified and you hold on and hold out. We must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. On tomorrow night and beyond, keep hope alive. Crime in the 90s To students at Kansas State University in November 1993, he said: At this stage we are on the defensive as a struggle, as a humane struggle. Fear: it is pushing hope back. Cowardice is pushing courage back. Death is taking the joy of life. Dope is outdistancing hope. Escapism is outdistancing embrace. When youth come alive, you have the energy, the strength, the need, and the moral authority to make America better and the whole world more secure. From racial battleground to economic common ground In Virginia, at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge in September 2008, he said of the new span: It must lead to more futures and fewer young funerals. It must embrace Dr. Kings last dream, a poor peoples campaign, where all could come together with a job, income, education, and health care. A bridge that leads us from racial battleground to economic common ground. It leads us to healing. Dare to dream big To students at the Cambridge Union Society in England in December 2013, he said: Common ground leads to coalition, to cooperation, to reconciliation and redemption, and to higher moral and economic ground. I want to say to you young people especially keep reaching beyond your grasp, keep dreaming beyond your circumstances, keep dreaming of a new Europe. When young people move, the world changes.. By The Associated Press There were once so many children at Frisha Moores Elk Grove preschool that families filled up the waitlist. Now, one of her playgrounds and two classrooms sit empty because one key group of kids has stopped coming. Dozens of families in recent years have opted not to enroll their 4-year-olds at Moore Learning Preschool & Child Care Center, she said. Instead, theyre putting their children in transitional kindergarten, Californias new public pre-kindergarten grade. Even though she provides a full day of preschool, compared with transitional kindergarten that lasts only about 3.5 hours, Moore cant compete: Public school is free. She hasnt broken even in months and thinks about closing the preschool, every single day. That would remove 91 licensed child care spots from the county, including 20 for children under age 2, for whom child care options are particularly scarce. Transitional kindergartens expansion is one of Gov. Gavin Newsoms signature educational achievements and a key part of his legacy on how California cares for its youngest residents. Early childhood advocates were delighted when he was sworn into office seven years ago, his arms around his scene-stealing 2-year-old son. The first governor in decades to hold the office while raising young children, he had promised to achieve universal preschool publicly funded preschool for all families who want to enroll and expand access to child care for working parents. As he prepares to leave office he is sure to tout those accomplishments. During his State of the State address to lawmakers in January, he boasted of the most significant expansion of child care in America. It should be better known, he told MS Now last month. Its not. Many advocates say his legacy on child care includes some unfulfilled promises, though the expansions have been substantial. Newsom has nearly tripled funding for subsidized child care and early childhood programs, including state-subsidized preschools and transitional kindergarten, from more than $5 billion in 2020 to more than $14 billion this year. His administration has funded 130,000 new subsidized child care spaces for low-income families and allowed private, in-home child care providers that receive the subsidies to unionize, which has led to health care and retirement funds for a low-wage, overwhelmingly female workforce. No move has been more significant than the expansion of a free, public pre-kindergarten grade for all families regardless of income. The grade was available for a limited number of children for about a decade before Newsoms administration began expanding it to all 4-year-olds four years ago. This school year, it was open for the first time to all children who turned 4 by September. Despite rocky rollouts in some school districts, parents who have enrolled their children in transitional kindergarten say its saved them a year of child care costs from $9,000 to $24,000 for that age while better preparing kids for school and even allowing some students to be screened for special education services a year earlier. CalMatters spoke with a dozen parents around the state who said the program was a positive experience for their 4-year-olds. Melissa Chen and her husband, of San Jose, were paying $1,800 a month to send their son to day care, where she said he struggled to get along with others and hated naptime. Now her 4-year-old is making friends and thriving with an attentive teacher in the Berryessa Union School District, she said. They still pay for an after-school care program on campus, but its only about a third the cost of private preschool. If anyone doubted that the state was going to be able to stand up an entire TK program in five years, you would never know it from how smoothly its gone for us this year, Chen, an attorney, said. But the rollout has also come with unintended consequences and destabilized the child care sector, which could make care harder to find for younger children. In Los Angeles County, a December UC Berkeley report found 167 preschools closed between 2020 and 2024 a decline in child care spots that researchers attributed partly to the addition of the public school grade. Private providers like Moores preschool operate with strict regulations and thin margins. The enrollment of 4-year-olds, who need less hands-on care, typically helps cover the higher labor costs of caring for infants, so shifting solely to serving younger children doesnt always pencil out financially. Whether Newsom can achieve his ambitious child care goals depends in part on whether people like Moore can afford to stay open. Hes done a hell of a lot to allow more kids to get cheaper early childhood care, said Bruce Fuller, the Berkeley sociologist who authored the LA County report. Hes also expanded a lot of pieces to the puzzle, without solving the puzzle. A patchwork of options The U.S. has long lagged far behind other developed nations in public funding for child care and early childhood education. But the benefits of preschool are well-documented, both developmentally for children and economically for working parents. As middle-income families consider leaving California over crushing costs, making it easier to raise kids in a state with a declining child population is savvy politics, too. Newsom prioritized child care early in his first term, appointing a cabinet member to work on the issue and commissioning a master plan, which recommended universal preschool for 4-year-olds and for income-eligible 3-year-olds. It was the first time we really had a governor coming into office that prioritized our issues, said Donna Sneeringer, director of the Child Care Resource Center in Los Angeles County, a nonprofit that helps families find child care. The center also runs its own preschools, some of them state-subsidized, and maintains a waitlist for low-income families waiting for subsidized care. Unless they pay for preschool out-of-pocket, a cost that can easily surpass rent or a mortgage payment, working parents looking for child care face a patchwork of options. Low-income families can qualify for subsidized slots at state-contracted child care centers or receive vouchers for private preschool or child care providers. The state also funds preschool centers for kids from low- to middle-income families; federal funds pay for separate Head Start programs that are also income-restricted. To achieve universal preschool, Newsom boosted some of those programs and more: 1. He committed billions of dollars to permanently expanding transitional kindergarten. 2. By enrolling more 4-year-olds in public schools, the administration hoped to free up spots for 3-year-olds in other preschools. It spent hundreds of millions of dollars to expand access to state-funded preschools and increased payments for 3-year-olds in that program to create an incentive for centers to enroll them. 3. To give parents more child care options, the state has also added about 130,000 subsidized child-care spaces, both in contracted centers and in the form of vouchers, for low-income families with children of any age. That is still short of the 200,000 Newsom promised. Most vouchers go toward paying licensed family child care providers who care for children in their homes and often offer more flexible hours. Other states have taken a different approach. In Colorado, all children regardless of family income are eligible for at least 15 hours a week of free preschool the year before kindergarten; they can use it in a public school or at a preschool, day care center or other provider. Vermont and Georgia similarly allow families to choose between local schools and private centers. By contrast, California expanded only transitional kindergarten as the free option for all, while the other public options remain limited, both by family income and the number of slots available. In Los Angeles County alone, more than 20,000 families are eligible for subsidized care but havent gotten a spot yet, Sneeringer said. And those subsidies usually dont fully cover costs, making it hard to stay afloat, providers say. Placing the biggest expansion in public schools was a boon to school districts and the states powerful teachers unions: It boosted public school enrollment in a time of declining birth rates, leading to increased funding. And with record state budget surpluses during the pandemic, California was able to do it without touching other school funding. The ongoing cost of TK is about $3 billion a year; the state has also put $1 billion toward implementing the new program, including building improvements to accommodate younger kids. Jessica Holmes, education program budget manager at the Department of Finance, said that approach was the only way to guarantee there would be spots for 4-year-olds statewide, even in areas where private child care providers are scarce. One structure that is consistent across the state is the school system, she said. Even in the most rural areas, we have schools. Holmes spoke on behalf of Newsoms administration; a spokesperson for the governor declined to make him available for an interview. Erika Jones, secretary-treasurer of the California Teachers Association, said it has helped families be part of local school communities earlier. Public schools are a beacon in the community, you build lasting friendships, she said. To start that and have that process from the beginning makes the most sense. But critics say the expansion doesnt give parents enough options. Middle- and upper-income families who were paying full fees had the most incentive to switch from private preschools to free transitional kindergarten, if it worked for their schedules. Middle- and lower-income families who get off the waitlist for a subsidized spot have more options, while tens of thousands of families remain on waitlists. The public grade is an incredible opportunity for many kids to have access to a preschool education, Sneeringer said. It doesnt work for every family. Many working families need alternative hours that only private child care providers can offer. School districts are required to give any enrolling 4-year-old a spot in TK, but not necessarily at the childs nearest elementary school if there isnt enough space, so some parents have been offered seats at schools that are too far. Four-year-olds vary widely in how ready they are for a school setting; some arent potty-trained or still need naps. And though the state has also paid to expand free or low-cost after-school care, school districts vary in how they provide it. Some parents couldnt enroll their students in transitional kindergarten because they couldnt get a limited after-care spot. Nearly 180,000 children statewide enrolled in transitional kindergarten last school year. The Berkeley report on LA County found affluent families may be benefiting the most. From 2021 to 2024 enrollment growth in the countys wealthiest areas was triple that in the poorest. Private preschools forced to close Holmes disputed the studys conclusion that transitional kindergarten was contributing to private preschool closures, noting that could have been driven by declining birth rates, too. And she said parents in income-restricted programs can choose between TK and certain subsidized providers. One parent who has benefited from having options is Brittany Jackson, whose 3-year-old son attends preschool at Moores center in Elk Grove. Jackson, a single mom who works an administrative job, was reluctant to enroll him in transitional kindergarten later this year. She worried its too early for her son to leave a play-based preschool for more formal schooling, and didnt want to worry about finding after-school care. Because she receives a state-funded voucher that covers most of her sons preschool fees, she can afford to keep her son with Moore for one more year. The way they speak and handle situations when things come up, its very much in alignment with how I parent, she said. On a recent Friday morning, Jacksons son, sporting a Spider-Man sweatshirt, picked flowers with a friend in one of Moores playgrounds. Their classmates whirled around them on tricycles, tinsel streaking their hair. After playtime, they gathered inside around teacher Kara Hannigan, who read from a picture book and prompted the children to act out each page with dramatic flair. Moore started the center in 2017, when her own children were young. Her whole family chipped in to outfit the playgrounds and paint brightly colored illustrations on the walls. Most of the families there are low-income and pay with vouchers, but state reimbursement rates dont cover all the costs of running the place. Shes reluctant to raise fees on families who can barely afford it, and has instead cut staff, combining 3- and 4-year-olds into one class so she could still fulfill state-mandated adult-to-children ratios. The center is about 40% full. With small business loans unpaid, she cant even afford to close. Besides, she said, this is like my second child. Patricia Lozano, director of Early Edge California, an advocate for transitional kindergarten, acknowledged the state must do more to ensure abundant options for all parents and keep private centers like Moores open to serve younger children. One idea is to require school districts to partner with private centers to offer child care outside of transitional kindergarten hours, which some school districts already do. She and other advocates are also pushing Newsom to honor his commitment to fund more vouchers. Any such proposal would come too late for Shilpa Panech, who owned a preschool for 13 years in San Ramon, caring for children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. Panech supported Newsoms promises of universal preschool. She thought it would look the way it does in other states, where families could choose a free program at school or at her center. Instead, Panech watched the enrollment of 4-year-olds at her once-full preschool dwindle from 24 to one. She considered expanding infant care, but found the staffing costs and licensing requirements prohibitively expensive. Her family was draining its savings and accumulating debt to make payroll. Last month, she helped the 30 remaining enrolled families find other day cares, and closed the doors on Panache Enfants. It eliminated 72 licensed child care spots from Contra Costa County. Nobody gets into this industry necessarily to make money, she said, tearing up. Were in it because we love the kids and their families. By then, Panech had also started a second career teaching elementary school, and had the unique view of watching things unfold simultaneously in local public schools. The TK classes and after-care programs she saw, she said, were fantastic. I think this was wonderful, she said. I think this is something our country needs, our state needs. Its important for families to be able to afford child care and to be able to go out and work. For private providers, I wish it would have been more gradual, I wish there would have been more opportunities. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By JEANNE KUANG/CalMatters CalMatters Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly criticized Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for failing to arrest officers involved in an ambush at ACK Witima Church on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Gachagua, who visited Kanjas office to follow up on the attack, alleged that the Inspector General deliberately avoided meeting him and other United Opposition leaders by leaving through a back door. Tumefika pale akatorokea mlango ya nyuma. Anaogopa kukutana na sisi, Gachagua said on Monday. Loosely translated: (We got there and he left through the back door, afraid of meeting with us.) Following the missed meeting, the opposition team held an impromptu political rally in Nyamakima, downtown Nairobi, where Gachagua warned the police chief that he would return on Friday, February 20, for another meeting. Gachagua also pledged to mobilize 100,000 Kenyans to march to IG Kanjas office, cautioning that the demonstration would bring the nations capital to a standstill. Tumemwambia siku ya Ijumaa, saa tatu, tutakuja kwako na watu elfu mia moja kutoka jijini Nairobi, he said. (We have told him that on Friday, at 9 a.m., we will come to his office with one hundred thousand people from Nairobi city.) The former deputy president is seeking accountability for the January 25 incident, when police reportedly deployed tear gas canisters inside the church compound and during the service he attended. Gachagua described the attack as an assassination attempt on his life, alleging that it was sanctioned by President William Ruto. He demanded that IG Kanja apprehend the officers responsible. This was an assassination attack targeted towards Rigathi Gachagua a special squad of police officers called Nairobi Sierra of 12 officers was dispatched to eliminate us in church, Gachagua said, giving the IG until February 15 to meet his demands. On February 16, as promised, Gachagua and the United Opposition team marched to Harambee House to meet with the IG, only to find him absent. Despite scheduling an appointment with leaders of the United Opposition to review and track progress on critical issues such as police brutality, church attacks, and violence against women and children, he chose instead the convenience of a hide-and-seek game, subjecting us to interactions with junior police officers, Gachagua said angrily. His continued refusal to act on the violent attack at ACK Witima Church, coupled with the escalating attacks across our nation, confirms a deliberate strategy to shield perpetrators and normalize impunity. The unfolding standoff underscores growing tensions between opposition leaders and the police, with Gachagua signaling that his fight for accountability will continue, including a high-profile march later this month. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed claims of potential voter register manipulation, assuring Kenyans that all its data handling processes are legal, secure, and fully guided by the Constitution and electoral laws. In a press release yesterday, February 16, 2026, the Commission responded to allegations made by Justin Muturi, clarifying that its collaboration with state agencies is routine and necessary for accurate voter registration and verification. Citing Article 88(4) of the Constitution and Sections 4 and 6 of the Elections Act, 2011, IEBC reiterated that it is mandated to maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register while operating independently, free from external influence. The commission explained that its coordination with government agencies is aimed at verifying identity details and removing deceased individuals from the register. In fulfilling this constitutional and statutory mandate, the commission is required to work with relevant government agencies that are the lawful custodians of lawful and relevant data for the execution of its mandate, the IEBC statement read in part. The Commission identified the National Registration Bureau, Civil Registration Services, and the Directorate of Immigration Services as key partners, noting that they verify passport details, particularly for Kenyans living abroad who are eligible to register as voters. IEBC explained that it carries out data-sharing arrangements with both public and private institutions under strict legal frameworks to ensure accurate identity verification, maintain compliance, and prevent fraud. The Commission reassured the public that the voter register remains under its exclusive custody and control, with personal data protected under the Constitution, the Elections Act, and the Data Protection Act. The Commission also urged political actors to avoid making unverified or inflammatory statements that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and the institutions independence. The statement came a day after Muturi accused William Ruto of planning to use national ID data of young voters to influence the outcome of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at a rally in Zimmerman, Roysambu, he suggested that a previous meeting between IEBC and the National Registration Bureau might be part of a broader scheme to manipulate voter data. He further claimed that such actions could allow improperly obtained identification records to affect election results, allegations that IEBC has firmly denied while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and the integrity of Kenyas electoral process. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a high-priority investigation into the death of a man during a political rally in Kitengela led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Sunday. The probe comes amid public outrage over the conduct of security forces at the Linda Mwananchi rally, which drew opposition leaders including MPs Babu Owino and Caleb Amisi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. In a statement on Monday, IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi confirmed that the authority has deployed a rapid response team to Kajiado County. The Authority noted with great concern the loss of life and injuries during the Kitengela political rally, allegedly occurring as members of the National Police Service endeavored to maintain law and order, the statement read. Investigation to Assess Use of Force The IPOA team will examine the circumstances surrounding the fatality, which reportedly occurred as police moved to disperse crowds. Investigators will determine whether the National Police Services use of force was justified, proportionate, and in line with constitutional standards. The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo. Senator Sifuna condemned the incident, alleging that both police and hired goons used excessive force against peaceful attendees. He described the rally as lawful and the disruption as a deliberate attempt to suppress democratic freedoms. We will pursue justice for his family and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, Sifuna said, extending condolences to Ayomos family. Police Response and Public Concerns Police maintained that officers were deployed to preserve law and order, but the scene reportedly escalated into clashes involving teargas. IPOA expressed deep concern about the loss of life and the injuries sustained by rally attendees. The independent watchdog confirmed it will make its findings public and provide recommendations for prosecution or disciplinary action if it finds any officer culpable. IPOA highlighted that its intervention aligns with its constitutional mandate to hold the police accountable and ensure lawful conduct. The authority also extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The incident has renewed concerns about police behavior during political gatherings and the safety of civilians attending such events. IPOA reassured the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Authority remains committed to its mandate of holding the National Police Service accountable and ensuring police operations are conducted transparently, professionally, and in full compliance with the law, the statement concluded. NASHVILLE, TN, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (NYSE: AB) and AllianceBernstein L.P. ("AB"), a leading global investment management firm, today announced it has selected global financial technology company SimCorp as its core investment technology partner. Building upon the firm's existing technology, AB's implementation of SimCorp One will become part of its core, front-to-back infrastructure, enabling AB's investment teams to have broader access to centralized, real-time data with both market-leading and proprietary tools for competitive trading. Supporting the firm's specialized in-house technology, this platform will continue to accelerate AB's innovation, expertise, and data efficiencies. "We look forward to transforming our firm's existing infrastructure to empower our investment teams, serve our global clients, and scale for the future," said Karl Sprules, Chief Operating Officer of AB. "Through SimCorp One, AB's front, middle, and back-office platforms will be unified on a single, cutting-edge investment platform." "We are excited to partner with AllianceBernstein and provide support for their transformation with SimCorp One's front-to-back investment workflows," said Allen Zimmerman, Head of Americas at SimCorp. "Innovation is rooted in AllianceBernstein's DNA, and it has enabled their team to service some of the world's most sophisticated clients. SimCorp One will help amplify AllianceBernstein's continued competitive edge in major markets." AllianceBernstein's multi-year phased implementation of SimCorp One is underway, beginning with the core investment data platform. About AllianceBernstein: AllianceBernstein is a leading global investment management firm that offers diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients in major world markets. As of January 31, 2026, AllianceBernstein had $875 billion in assets under management. Additional information about AB may be found on our website, www.alliancebernstein.com. About SimCorp SimCorp is a provider of industry-leading integrated investment management solutions for the global buy-side. Founded in 1971, with more than 3,500 employees across five continents, SimCorp is a truly global technology leader that empowers more than half of the world's top 100 financial companies through its integrated platform, services, and partner ecosystem. SimCorp is a subsidiary of Deutsche Borse Group. As of 2024, SimCorp includes Axioma, the leading provider of risk management and portfolio optimization solutions for the global buy side. SOURCE SimCorp Canada Inc. Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed the ongoing debate over President William Rutos potential running mate in 2027, insisting that regardless of who fills the deputy slot, Ruto will still be voted out. Speaking at a rally in Nyamakima on Monday, February 16, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens Party leader said the discussion is a distraction aimed at diverting the attention of Kenyans, particularly those from the Mount Kenya region. He added that whether Ruto chooses Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga or Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as his deputy, Kenyans remain uninterested. Their main focus is to send him home in 2027, Gachagua said. Gachagua also criticized a group of Mount Kenya MPs who have been expressing concern after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) declared it will not settle for anything less than the deputy president position. These MPs have also defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against claims that he is being sidelined. He argued that Mount Kenya already has a duly elected Deputy Presidenthimselfchosen by the Kenyan people, yet some regional leaders allied with MPs from other areas to try and push him out of office. Wanajaribu kupindua debate ati Kindiki atatolewa deputy president, sijui iwekwe Oburu, iwekwe Wanga. Sisi hatuna haja nani atakuwa deputy wa Ruto; kazi yetu ni kukufukuza uende nyumbani. Hata ukiweke Kindiki, Wanga, ama Oburu, bado utaenda nyumbani, Gachagua stated. The former Deputy President added, We are not interested in who your running mate is; whoever you pick, you will still go home. Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia has sparked debate after alleging that politicians receive Ksh.100,000 each time they attend Parliamentary Group (PG) meetings with President William Ruto at State House. Kaguchia claimed that some lawmakers flock to the State House largely to access financial perks. He argued that the Executive has entrenched its influence over political leadership through what he described as token handouts tied to such meetings. Political leadership has been captured by the executive, and most of them are now looking at how much money they are getting as individuals. Once you see a political leader going to the State House, they get a lot of benefits, he said on Citizen TV on Monday. Every meeting you attend in the State House, you are paid. When you go for a PG, you get Ksh.100,000. The first time I didnt take the money, but sooner than later I stopped going there. The MP further claimed that many leaders have shifted their focus to forging alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election, even as Kenyans grapple with challenges in service delivery. UDAs PG Meetings Since 2022 Since forming the government after the 2022 General Election, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has convened several PG meetings to align its legislative agenda. In 2023 alone, the ruling party held meetings on April 11, May 23, and November 7 as it consolidated its parliamentary strategy. In February 2024, President William Ruto brought together his Cabinet and members of the parliamentary groupincluding senators and MPsfor a joint retreat in Naivasha. The party later held another PG meeting on June 18, just days before the deadly anti-government protests on June 25. During that session, lawmakers introduced what they termed significant changes to the controversial Finance Bill 2024, citing concerns raised by Kenyans and other stakeholders. Also ReadGachagua Alleges State House and Karen Hold Cash-Filled Containers for Political Bribery ODM-UDA Joint Meeting and NADCO Agenda In August 2025, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joined UDA for a joint Parliamentary Group meeting at State House. Leaders reviewed progress in implementing the 10-point Agenda and the recommendations contained in the NADCO report, which President Ruto and ODMs founder, the late Raila Odinga, signed in March 2025. During the session, leaders unveiled a bipartisan implementation committee and tasked it with overseeing the rollout of the 10-point agenda outlined in the NADCO report. President Ruto has since announced plans to convene another joint UDA-ODM PG meeting as a follow-up to the inaugural August 18 session. Parliamentary Strength in the 13th Parliament According to documents published by the National Assembly, UDA holds the majority in the 13th Parliament. As of May 22, 2023, the party commands 29 Senate seats and 145 seats in the National Assembly. ODM, on the other hand, controls 86 National Assembly seats and 19 Senate seats. These figures include nominated members. Women named Avianna are typically associated with a blend of grace, creativity, and spiritual depth. The name suggests someone who carries themselves with natural elegance while maintaining strong connections to their faith and values. Aviannas are often perceived as intuitive and emotionally intelligent individuals who excel in creating harmony in their relationships and environments. They tend to be artistic souls with a keen appreciation for beauty in all its forms, whether in nature, art, or human connections. Their personality often reflects the dual nature of their namecombining the grounded, nurturing qualities associated with 'Anna' with the free-spirited, visionary aspects connected to 'Ava.' This makes them adaptable individuals who can navigate both traditional and modern contexts with ease. Aviannas are frequently described as compassionate leaders who inspire others through their kindness and vision. They typically possess strong communication skills and the ability to see multiple perspectives, making them excellent mediators and creative problem-solvers in both personal and professional settings. Individuals named Elimu are typically characterized by their intellectual curiosity and analytical mindset. They possess a natural inclination toward learning and often demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities. These individuals tend to be thoughtful, reflective, and methodical in their approach to life's challenges, preferring to gather information and analyze situations thoroughly before making decisions. Their name often influences them to become lifelong learners who value education and intellectual growth above material possessions. Socially, Elimus are often respected for their wisdom and ability to provide insightful perspectives. They may exhibit patience in teaching others and often serve as mentors in their communities. While they can be reserved in large social settings, they excel in one-on-one conversations where knowledge can be shared meaningfully. Their personality often balances traditional values with progressive thinking, making them bridges between generations and cultures. The weight of their name's meaning frequently inspires them to pursue careers or lifestyles that contribute to knowledge dissemination and community education. Individuals named Gilpin are typically perceived as trustworthy, reliable, and principled, reflecting the name's meaning of 'trusted servant'. They often exhibit strong moral convictions and a sense of duty, making them natural leaders in community and religious settings. Gilpins tend to be methodical and thoughtful in their approach to problems, combining practical wisdom with spiritual insight. Their steadfast nature makes them excellent confidants and advisors, though they may sometimes be perceived as overly traditional or resistant to change. The historical association with clergy and public service suggests a personality inclined toward helping others and maintaining strong ethical standards in both personal and professional life. Beyond their reliable nature, Gilpins often demonstrate intellectual curiosity and artistic appreciation, influenced by figures like William Gilpin who connected religious devotion with aesthetic theory. They typically value education and cultural enrichment, seeing these as complementary to spiritual growth. While not necessarily extroverted, Gilpins possess strong communication skills when discussing matters of principle or importance. Their combination of practicality and idealism allows them to implement their values in tangible ways, whether through community service, artistic expression, or religious leadership. The name suggests someone who balances tradition with thoughtful innovation, maintaining core principles while adapting to changing circumstances. CARSON CITY, Nev., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Lithium Minerals Inc (OTC: AMLM) ("AMLM" or the "Company") an exploration stage mining company focused on gold, silver, lithium, rare earths, and other critical metals filed its Fiscal First Quarterly Report for 2026 for the period ending December 31, 2025, and provided updates on its portfolio projects. Key Financial Highlights for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2025: Cash Position: The Company ended the quarter with $33,100 in cash, compared to a nominal negative balance of $(10) as of September 30, 2025. This improvement reflects $96,245 in proceeds from related-party promissory notes, partially offset by $40,000 in mineral property option payments. The Company ended the quarter with $33,100 in cash, compared to a nominal negative balance of $(10) as of September 30, 2025. This improvement reflects $96,245 in proceeds from related-party promissory notes, partially offset by $40,000 in mineral property option payments. Total Assets: Increased to $2,902,243 from $2,829,133 at September 30, 2025, primarily due to the cash increase and capitalization of $40,000 in mineral property option payments. Increased to $2,902,243 from $2,829,133 at September 30, 2025, primarily due to the cash increase and capitalization of $40,000 in mineral property option payments. Net Loss: Reported a net loss of $38,023 (or $0.00 per basic and diluted share) for the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $29,243 in the prior-year comparable quarter. The increase was driven by higher professional fees ($21,395 vs. $0) and interest expense ($14,888 vs. $13,644), partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses. Reported a net loss of $38,023 (or $0.00 per basic and diluted share) for the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $29,243 in the prior-year comparable quarter. The increase was driven by higher professional fees ($21,395 vs. $0) and interest expense ($14,888 vs. $13,644), partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses. Operating Expenses: Totaled $23,135, compared to $15,599 in the prior-year period. Totaled $23,135, compared to $15,599 in the prior-year period. Stockholders' Equity: $2,123,343 as of December 31, 2025, down from $2,161,366 at September 30, 2025, reflecting the quarterly net loss. $2,123,343 as of December 31, 2025, down from $2,161,366 at September 30, 2025, reflecting the quarterly net loss. Shares Outstanding: 68,717,592 common shares remained unchanged in the quarter. The Company continues to operate with minimal overhead while advancing its strategic initiatives. As an exploration-stage entity with no current revenue, AMLM reported no operating revenue during the period, consistent with its focus on property evaluation and acquisition opportunities. The full quarterly report is available on OTC Markets at https://bit.ly/3ZX4xrD The Company provided an update on its portfolio projects: Piscau Polymetallic: A Large-Scale Gold and Lithium Project Quebec, Canada There is the potential to make one of the largest hard-rock lithium and gold discoveries in North America at Piscau North. Geologists are preparing new drill targets around the gold discovery, which remains open in all directions. A drilling campaign is planned for spring/summer 2026. Between the gold and lithium potential, this project could ultimately be spun out into multiple projects. In addition to the known gold occurrences, the geologists were able to identify another 18 high priority gold targets across the land package creating opportunities for brand new discoveries. This is a true district scale land package over 17,000 hectares. In addition, there are large untested areas showing further potential for copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group elements (PGEs). Combined, this positions Piscau as one of the most compelling gold-lithium-polymetallic opportunities in North America. La Grande Plata: A Large-Scale, High-Grade Silver Project in Chile Further high-grade silver from sampling at Grande Plata: Geologists were on-site at Grande Plata in November 2025, conducting sampling and reconnaissance. In line with similar grades achieved across the >7.5km strike of exposed Ag-Cu-Au veins, recent sampling returned encouraging grades in a number of locations exceeding 680gt Ag and 3% Cu. Furano: A Promising Porphyry Copper-Gold Project in Chile The project has 27 Exploitation Licenses. Previously there was 9,000m of mostly shallow (<150m) drilling with hits such as 50m @ 1.2% Cu and 10m @ 2.4g/t Au. Cheryl Creek Gold Project Yukon, Canada The company operates a turn-key gold mining project at Cheryl Creek, located within the 50 Mile Property in Dawson City, Yukon Territory in Canada and is situated within a well-established gold-producing region. The company has established infrastructure and processes to run the mine efficiently without relying on external contractors for core activities. Placer Mine Gold Project British Columbia, Canada The Property is situated within the Skeena Mining Division of British Columbia, Canada, in the area known as BC's Golden Triangle. A recent independent assay, which includes data from a 25-pit test program, indicated an average of over 25.54 grams of gold per cubic meter of pay, as well as meaningful amounts of silver. The company is currently permitted for a 30,000 cubic yard per annum pay mining program with the British Columbia Ministry of Mines. Located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, the Golden Triangle boasts some of the most impressive gold discoveries in North America. Sangambi Gold Project Tanzania, Africa The project has a NI43-101 technical report based on the Mineral Resources of the Sangambi Gold Project in Mbeya. The estimates from the report indicate a mineral resource of 1.2 Moz-Au at an average grade of 2.0 g/t. QC Rare Earth Project Quebec, Canada A rare earth elements project in Quebec featuring some of the highest Rare Earth Elements ("REE") grades in North America, with assays reaching up to 59% REE. This project strengthens AMLM's position in the critical minerals sector, supporting the growing demand for clean energy and advanced technologies. Couture Copper Project Quebec, Canada Located on the QuebecLabrador border, the Couture Project hosts a significant copper deposit characterized by massive sulphide mineralization along a north-south shear zone extending 100 meters, structurally controlled by a major fault system. Sarcobatus Playa Lithium / Boron Property - Nevada The company's current project is the Sarcobatus Playa Lithium / Boron property comprised of 1,780 acres of mining claims in Bonnie Claire Mining District in Nye County, Nevada. About American Lithium Materials, Inc. American Lithium Materials, Inc. (OTC: AMLM)) is an exploration-stage mining company focused on gold, lithium, rare earths, cobalt, nickel, and other critical metals powering the global energy transition. Now entering a transformation phase, AMLM is being repositioned as a commodity acquisition and tokenization vehicle to pioneer real-world-asset (RWA) tokenization across gold, lithium, oil, gas, REE's and mining. Information at American Mineral Resources . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Contact: American Lithium Minerals, Inc 1007 South Street Carson City, NV 89701 Phone: (775) 587-6137 E-mail: [email protected] X: @AMR_ResourcesAu LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4qjAuWE SOURCE American Lithium Minerals, Inc New Delhi [India], February 17: On 16 February 2026, Dr. Basant Goel was conferred with two distinguished honors--the U-N Book of World Records title and the Swabhiman Bharat Samman 2026--in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to humanitarian service, healthcare, and Gau Seva. For the first time in India, Dr. Goel received international recognition for his unparalleled service to humanity and was awarded the prestigious title "World-Renowned Philanthropist, Social Reformer - INDIA" by the U-N Book of World Records.The second honor, Swabhiman Bharat Samman 2026, was presented by Samadhan Business Group. Both award ceremonies were organized with great dignity at the India International Centre, Deshmukh Auditorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. Dr. Goel is widely respected for his lifelong commitment to social welfare, including: - Free medical camps and health check-up drives - Blood donation campaigns - Marriage support for underprivileged girls - Free medicines for leprosy patients - Continuous service in healthcare and rural development Because of these exceptional efforts, he is affectionately known across the nation as the "Blood Man of India" and the "Medicine Man of India." The international honor was formally presented by the International President/CEO Dr. Avinash D. Sakhunde and International Coordinator Prof. Buhari Isah. Dr. Goel is the visionary Chairman of Goel Medicos and ANT Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd.He actively serves more than 100 social organizations in leadership roles including Chairman, President, Patron, and General Secretary. His two flagship NGOs-- - Mission Sarvarth Seva Foundation - Navjyoti Nishkaam Seva Trust --stand as global examples of humanitarian excellence.Mission Sarvarth Seva Foundation has been honored by the World Record Union, Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records, and London Book of Records.Navjyoti Nishkaam Seva Trust has successfully facilitated the marriages of over 650 underprivileged Hindu girls to date. These twin honors mark a historic moment in Indian social service history and stand as a powerful testament to Dr. Basant Goel's lifelong dedication to humanity, compassion, service, and nation-building. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/goelmedicosdelhi/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with Jack Chambers, Ireland's Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform, and Digitalisation. The discussions centred on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations by leveraging their shared status as innovation-driven democracies. The meeting served as a platform to showcase India's rapid technological transformation and to identify new avenues for deeper cooperation in the digital economy. During the interaction, Minister Scindia highlighted the monumental shifts in India's digital landscape over the last decade. He briefed the Irish delegation on the success of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which includes the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He further elaborated on the country's aggressive 5G expansion and the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide through rural broadband initiatives. Minister Scindia emphasised that these advancements are the bedrock of a future-ready partnership between the two countries. In a statement following the meeting, Scindia shared insights into the diverse range of emerging technologies discussed, noting that the two nations are looking towards the next frontier of innovation. The Minister noted that they explored deeper cooperation in Quantum Communications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and regulatory innovation. Expressing optimism about the collaboration, he posted on his X account, "A pleasure to meet Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Ireland today. We discussed India's transformative digital journey, from DPI, UPI and DBT to 5G expansion and explored deeper cooperation in Quantum Communications, AI, regulatory innovation and rural broadband." The meeting also touched upon international cooperation within the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). India is actively seeking global support for its bid to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030 (PP-2030), a move that would solidify its position as a global leader in telecommunications policy. By seeking Ireland's endorsement, India aims to build a consensus among democratic nations to lead the global digital discourse toward inclusive and ethical technological growth. "Also sought Ireland's support for India's candidature at the @ITU, including our proposal to host PP-2030. India and Ireland, as dynamic innovation-driven democracies, can build a strong and future-ready digital partnership," he tweeted. (ANI) Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday said India is expected to add another 20,000 more GPUs, taking the total available capacity beyond the existing 38,000 GPUs, with the aim of strengthening the country's AI compute infrastructure. A GPU or Graphics Processing Unit is a powerful computer chip that helps machines think faster, process images, run AI programs, and handle complex tasks more efficiently than a regular processor. Under the IndiaAI Mission, more than 38,000 high-end GPUs have been onboarded and are available at about Rs 65 per hour, which is nearly one-third of the global average cost. Talking to reporters today, Vaishnaw said the next phase of India's AI strategy will place design and research and development at its core, moving beyond foundational infrastructure to building solutions tailored to India's needs. He also indicated that AI-related investments are likely to exceed USD 200 billion at the ongoing India AI Impact Summit, including USD 90 billion already committed. The government is in discussions with several large companies regarding further investments in AI infrastructure, though he said names cannot be disclosed at this stage. He emphasised that AI awareness initiatives are already being implemented across schools in both rural and urban areas, incorporating India's cultural context and regional languages in AI development. On the regulatory front, Vaishnaw noted that a broad consensus is emerging among global leaders on a techno-legal approach to AI governance. India is currently in touch with around 30 countries on technological collaboration and policy development in artificial intelligence. He reiterated that global digital platforms operating in India must comply with the country's constitutional framework. "Netflix, Meta or any other company will have to work under the constitutional framework of the country they are operating in. Regarding the cultural context, they have to operate in the country," he said. Addressing concerns around misinformation and online harms, the minister called for much stronger regulations on deepfakes, particularly to protect children. "We need much stronger regulations on deepfakes and we need to create a consensus in Parliament," he said, adding that age-based content regulation must be implemented. The government has already engaged with industry stakeholders on additional measures required. Vaishnaw also stressed the importance of copyright protections in the AI era, stating that content creators must receive fair compensation. "Copyright is also important; we do believe that content creators must get their dues for the content they create. We believe in fair distribution of revenue and we are in dialogue with the platforms," he said. Responding to questions about power and energy requirements for AI infrastructure, Vaishnaw said significant investments are already flowing in, pointing to the broader USD 200 billion AI investment pipeline. Positioning India as a global digital leader, the minister said the country has historically shared knowledge with the world and continues to do so through its digital public infrastructure. He said, "India has always given knowledge to the world, today digital public infra is being used by many countries and we are not asking for any royalties from countries using them." (ANI) Air Vice Marshal Ajay Kunnath on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force should shift how it uses technology for air operations, highlighting the importance of how such operations function in a "zero-error" environment. Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, he explained that the force is moving away from fixed systems toward AI-based models. "We are in a deterministic area at this point. We have to get into a probabilistic domain," he said. Because air operations function in a near "zero-error" environment, he stressed that trust is essential. "The type of domain that we talk about, like air operations specifically, actually mandates trust. And that is implicit. We are in a domain which is sort of zero error. So we need to now have probabilistic solutions which take us to that trust and failsafe operations." Summing up the goal, he said, "If you really want me to sum it up, it is trust, failsafe, moving from automation to autonomy." He also described how human involvement changes as AI systems advance. "We gravitate from human in the loop, where he becomes a decision maker, to human on the loop, where he uses it to his advantage, and finally autonomy, where it goes human out of the loop. You have to decide which area you are into and which facet of the human you want to use -- in, on or out." He warned that AI solutions cannot simply be copied from one field to another. "You can't take one particular scenario and think that it can replicate or manifest itself in the other domain," he said. Finally, he pointed out a key challenge with AI accuracy. "Your probabilistic takes you to 95 per cent. But the fact remains that it is the last five percentile that actually determines a leaker who can come in," he said, adding that better models and higher-quality data will be needed to close that gap. (ANI) NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 17: India's first-ever Elevator & Escalator Symposium & Quiz 2026, held on 13th & 14th February 2026 in Chennai and dedicated exclusively to vertical transportation professionals, brought together leading experts who strongly emphasised the urgent need for uniform codes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance across the country. The two-day landmark event was organised by ISEEVENTUS Pvt Ltd, India's leading Elevator and Escalator exhibition organisation, and witnessed extensive technical discussions on emerging technologies, safety innovations, and best practices for the elevator and escalator ecosystem. The gala event concluded with announcement and felicitation of the winners of National Industry Quiz 2026. The Symposium was inaugurated by Mr. V. Ramakrishnan, Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Tamil Nadu, and was graced by the presence of distinguished industry leaders including Mr. R. Balakrishnan, Vice President and Head - MEP Design, L&T Construction; Mr U Viswanathan, KONE Elevator India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Suraj Thodimarath, President, EECMAI and President, Asia Pacific, Wittur Group; Mr. Ravishanker Thandavan, FOCUS (VP), REVROY Pvt Ltd. Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. V. Ramakrishnan appreciated the initiative and stressed the need for greater awareness of safety standards and strict adherence to the respective state Lift Acts across the country. He underlined that consistent implementation and compliance remain vital to improving public safety in vertical transportation. Mr. R. Balakrishnan said such symposiums should be organised regularly across the nation to ensure the adoption of best manufacturing and engineering practices. He added that strengthening quality and safety in the industry will significantly contribute towards India's long-term vision of becoming a developed nation. Highlighting the motivation behind the initiative, Mr. TAK Mathews, Principal Consultant, TAK Consulting and organiser of the Symposium, said, "Tamil Nadu has one of the highest concentrations of elevator manufacturing companies in the country, and the enthusiasm of the industry here encouraged us to choose Chennai as the maiden city for this symposium. I am delighted to witness professionals coming together to exchange knowledge, innovations, and insights, while staying updated on evolving technologies, best practices, and regulatory requirements." Winners of National Industry Quiz (Who Will Be MAHAGURU?) Announced Running parallel to the symposium, the grand finale of the ISEE Elevator Industry Quiz 2026 conducted over the past two months--was held at the conclusion of the event. The winners were announced and felicitated in the presence of eminent industry leaders and delegates. The winners of the National Industry Quiz "Who Will Be MAHAGURU?" are: Mahaguru: Mr. Akshay Mahadik and Mr. Vaibhav Baravkar (Schindler India) - Prize Money: Rs. 5 lakh. 1st Runner-Up: Mr. V. Sreekanth (Fujitec India Pvt. Ltd.) - Prize Money: Rs. 3 lakh. 2nd Runner-Up: Mr. Boopathi and Mr. Ramkumar Seeralan (Fujitec India) - Prize Money: Rs. 1 lakh. All finalists and semi-finalists were also awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance. The pioneering initiative aimed to create a high-impact knowledge-sharing platform focused on the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the industry today ranging from safety and compliance to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The structure and flow of the sessions were carefully designed to address the most pressing challenges faced by the elevator and component manufacturing industry today. Ultimately, the objective of this collective learning is to elevate industry-wide standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The sessions were designed to strengthen technical knowledge, improve operational efficiency, and enhance future readiness across the elevator and escalator industry. The two-day Symposium was supported by leading industry partners including Fermator, Fujitec, Johnson Lifts & Escalators, KONE, Mitsubishi Elevator India, OTIS India, Schindler India, TAK Consulting and Tectronics Techworld. To know more about ISEEVENTUS & Upcoming Expo 'ISEE 2026' visit www.isee-expo.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Air India and the Lufthansa Group recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a joint business partnership. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Air India, its subsidiaries like Air India Express, and Lufthansa Group carriers, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and SWISS. With this agreement, the two companies aim to improve flight connections and travel experiences between India and Europe on a single ticket. The partnership follows the recent completion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. The airlines plan to work together on route planning, flight schedules, and marketing to make travel more convenient. They also intend to coordinate frequent flyer programs and IT systems. Carsten Spohr, Chairman and CEO of the Lufthansa Group, stated that the agreement marks a new phase for aviation between the two regions. Spohr said, "Together with Air India, we will strengthen our access to the aviation market with the highest growth rates worldwide." The statement shared by Air India stated that it is currently expanding its fleet and service offerings following its privatisation in 2022. The airline sees this cooperation as a way to support increasing trade and travel ties. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, noted that the framework allows the companies to explore closer cooperation on many levels. Wilson said, "This would unlock greater value for our common customers and respective shareholders, and we look forward to progressing these initiatives together with the Lufthansa Group." The two airline groups already have a relationship through the Star Alliance and existing codeshare agreements. Currently, they share 145 routes connecting 15 cities in India with 29 cities in Europe. The new agreement will initially focus on traffic between India and the Lufthansa Group's home markets of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, with plans to expand to the rest of Europe and the Indian subcontinent later. Economic data shows that the EU is India's largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade exceeding 120 billion euros in 2024. Combined, India and the European Union represent nearly 25 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product. The airlines believe that better aviation links will support these economic relations. The final details of the partnership, including specific routes, will be decided after the companies receive the necessary regulatory and anti-trust approvals. (ANI) BEXAR COUNTY, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National trial law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP has filed a lawsuit against Valero Energy Corporation on behalf of Rolando Garza, a worker who suffered catastrophic injuries during a fire and explosion at the company's refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma last week. Mr. Garza was working at the facility owned, operated and managed by Valero when he sustained extensive injuries, including burns to his face and body, a fractured skull, broken bones, internal injuries, and ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder. "Industrial explosions are not merely accidents they are often the result of dangerous working conditions and preventable safety failures," said Jason Itkin, founding partner of Arnold & Itkin LLP. "Our client's life has been changed forever. This suit is about holding companies accountable when they fail to maintain a safe working environment and threaten the lives and welfare of workers." The lawsuit was filed in Bexar County, Texas. Arnold & Itkin can provide Mr. Garza's Attorney for print and televised interviews upon request. About Arnold & Itkin LLP Arnold & Itkin LLP is a nationally recognized trial law firm representing workers and families in high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death . The firm is known for its work on complex offshore and maritime cases, frequently helping families who need a maritime attorney after serious incidents at sea. Arnold & Itkin has recovered more than $20 billion for clients across the country, including landmark results in industrial disasters, maritime tragedies, and workplace accidents. Media Contact Aya Garfaoui Arnold & Itkin LLP [email protected] SOURCE Arnold & Itkin LLP MeitY Secretary S Krishnan on Tuesday said that visitors and participants, including global tech titans, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 are "extremely impressed" by India's high-quality AI roadmap. Asked about his interaction with Global CEOs during the Summit, the Secretary for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) told ANI, "Almost everybody that I met today who attended many of the sessions has been extremely impressed with the quality of the presentations and the quality of the presenters." He further observed that the event has attracted significant global expertise. "Extremely high-quality sessions is the common remark. Very eminent people have been attending most of our sessions, and they've had excellent inputs to provide to a very, very engaged and interested audience," he said about the event held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, confirming that 1.25 lakh people have already participated in the summit that began on Monday and will conclude on February 20. The digital reach of the event is also extensive, as 115 sessions have been streamed live on YouTube, garnering 4.57 lakh views. The summit serves as a national demonstration of artificial intelligence in action across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres. Special Commissioner of Police Manish Kumar Agarwal said, "I am just trying to lay out the arrangements on 18th February and 19th February. I am not discussing the arrangement on 20th February because it can be as it was today. On 18th February, as the Additional Secretary told you, as Akhil Kumar told you, on 18th February, if we divide the ITPO area into two parts, one part is the Convention Centre and the other part is the Expo Area Halls, which are from Hall 2 to 5 and Hall 1..." The India AI Impact Expo 2026 is being held alongside the India AI Impact Summit, at Bharat Mandapam. The Expo serves as a national demonstration of AI in action, where policy meets practice, innovation meets scale, and technology meets the everyday citizen. Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the Expo brings together global technology firms, startups, academia and research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners. The Expo also features 13 country pavilions, showcasing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. These include pavilions from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and Africa. The AI Impact Summit 2026 is anchored in three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet and Progress. The Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South, has witnessed unprecedented participation, with over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. PM Modi will deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. (ANI) Dwayne Johnson has announced that veteran actor Danny DeVito has officially wrapped filming on the upcoming untitled 'Jumanji' sequel, marking a major milestone for what has now been confirmed as the final chapter of the modern franchise. Taking to Instagram, Johnson shared a heartfelt tribute to DeVito, signalling both the completion of his co-star's scenes and the beginning of the end for the blockbuster adventure series. Principal photography began in November 2025, with DeVito completing his portions roughly three months into production. Johnson described DeVito as a "friend" and "legend," framing the moment as more than just a routine wrap announcement. "That's an official wrap on my friend and the one and only legend, Danny DeVito," he wrote, adding, "What a ride this JUMANJI journey has been... It's been an honor to share the screen with him and more importantly, to have him as a partner in this final dance." https://www.instagram.com/p/DU1TdNYkiqt/?img_index=1 The actor also confirmed that the film will serve as the "final chapter" of the modern Jumanji saga, calling it a "beautiful grace note" to the series. By using the hashtag #TheFinalLevel, Johnson appeared to signal the likely title of the film, often referred to as 'Jumanji: The Final Level.' The Instagram post featured a warm on-set photograph of Johnson and DeVito standing side by side, highlighting their well-known height difference. Johnson is seen leaning in with an arm around DeVito, underscoring their off-screen camaraderie. In the previous installment, DeVito's character Eddie Gilpin inhabited Johnson's avatar, Dr. Smolder Bravestone, creating what Johnson described as a shared "DNA" between them. The upcoming film will reunite the core avatar cast, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan, alongside DeVito and the returning teenage ensemble from earlier films. Sony Pictures has slated the film for a theatrical release on December 11, 2026. In addition, the movie is expected to include a respectful tribute to the late Robin Williams, who starred in the original 1995 Jumanji. Johnson's character is reportedly seen wearing the iconic dice from the first film as a necklace, symbolically connecting the franchise's past and present. (ANI) The Delhi High court on Tuesday granted time to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to get consular access to retired major Vikrant Jaitly and have a meeting with him. The high court has also asked the MEA to apprise him about the development in the petition moved by Celina Jaitly. The court is considering a petition filed by Bollywood actres Celina Jaitly seeking directions in connection with her brother's detention in the United Arab Emirates. During the hearing, wife of Vikrant Jaitly, Charul Jaitly, filed a note. The court directed to supply the copy of note to Celina Jaitly and MEA. She appeared before the court. Celina's counsel argued that Vikrant Jaitly was an employee and his wife was the owner of the company in question. His wife Charul Jaitly opposed the submissions of Celina Jaitly. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav granted 4 weeks time to MEA after its cousnsel sought time to get a consular access to retired major Vikrant Jaitly. The counsel for MEA submitted a note and submitted that UAE did not approved the consular access on February 13 and it is awaited. It will take 3-4 weeks to get approval. The bench granted time to MEA and directed to file a status report. The bench has also asked the MEA to share the note of his wife and petition with Vikrant Jaitly. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 16. Charul appeared before the court in person and sought that the proceedings be conducted in camera; however, the court declined the request. She also opposed the submissions advanced by counsel for Celina. Advocate Sandeep Kapoor, along with Advocate Raghav Kacker, appeared for Celina Jaitly. They submitted that Vikrant was employed by the company, while its ownership lay with his wife, who later wound up the business. The submissions were opposed by Charul Jaitly's counsel. Justice Kaurav said that the court is not hearing the family matter. It is hearing a petition filed against the Central Government. The Delhi High Court on February 12 asked the Ministry of External Affairs to have a meeting with Retired major Vikrant Jaitly and get the power of attorney signed in favour of an emirati law firm Khalid Al Maree and Partners. Central Government has issued a letter to firm to represent Vikrant Jaitly. " If he is not willing to get legal assistance from the firm, then he will suggest the name of another firm," the High court had said. Earlier, the high court had asked Charul Jaitly and Celina Jaitly to sit together, have some conversations and work in tandem in order to secure release of Vikrant Jaitly Central Government standing counsel for MEA had submitted that she took instructions from the ministry and said that there is no provision to facilitate the meeting with foreign nationals including the courts as per Legal Assistance Treaty between India and UAE. The High court had also asked the ministry to subject to approval by local authorities let the embassy officials to apprise Vikrant about the engagement of law firm. Advocate Raghav Kacker counsel for Celina Jaitly had submitted that A letter has been issued by the Ministry to law firm Khalid Al Maree and partners. In case he is not willing to take assistance from Khalid Al Maree, there can be some other firms, the High court had said. Charul Jaitly had said that There might be compromise with the investigation in view of sensitivity of case. Vikrant Jaitly wants India Government to engage a lawyer for his defence. If Vikrant Jaitly is not willing to take legal assistance from Khalid Al Maree, then he should suggest some name, the court said. On February 10, The Delhi High court had asked the counsel for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to get in touch with the ministry/Consulate to facilitate the interaction of Major (Retd) Vikrant Jaitly with the court. The court had asked the parties not to interact with the media without court permission. On February 3, The Delhi High court had directed the Ministry of External Affairs to issue an order to a legal firm to represent Celina Jaitly's brother Major (retd.) Vikrant Jaitly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The law firm is ready to do the matter free of cost. It was submitted that the legal firm is willing to represent Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly free of cost (Pro Bono). They have found out the details of the case in their own. On December 23, After a chamber hearing, the Delhi High Court issued fresh directions in the plea. Earlier, Justice Sachin Datta had noted that, in compliance with earlier orders, Major Jaitly continues to receive consular access. During the hearing, Celina Jaitly had requested that arrangements be made for the availability of a local lawyer or law firm to enable effective legal representation for her brother. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed the Centre, through the Ministry of External Affairs, to facilitate communication between Celina Jaitly and her brother, who has been detained in the UAE for over a year. Celna Jaitly had approached the Court seeking effective legal assistance, along with regular updates on her brother's welfare and legal status. (ANI) Karkardooma Court has issued a release warrant for Rajpal Yadav from Tihar Jail, his counsel said. He has been granted interim bail in a cheque bounce case by the High court, the counsel informed, adding, the actor may be released today. The Delhi High Court on Monday granted an interim suspension of his sentence till March 18.The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, while passing the order, directed Yadav to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. The Court noted that Rs 1.5 crore has been deposited in the respondent's bank account while considering the relief.It ordered the suspension of the sentence on the condition that Yadav furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. He will remain out of custody until March 18, when the court is scheduled to hear the matter again.This was after the private company M/S Murli Project's lawyer, Advocate Avneet Singh Sikka, confirmed that Yadav deposited Rs 1.5 crore into the company's bank accounts against the bounced cheque amount.Earlier in the day, the counsel for Yadav, Adv. Bhaskar Upadhyay submitted that they were ready to deposit Rs 1.5 crore, without any conditions, through a fixed deposit receipt (FDR). However, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed that the amount be paid by Demand Draft (DD). The Court noted that Rs 25 lakh had already been deposited by DD in the name of the respondents, and that the actor had previously submitted another DD of Rs 75 lakh.Previously, the Delhi High Court had sought a reply from the complainant on Yadav's bail application and listed the matter for Monday at the request of his counsel.During that hearing, the actor's lawyer informed the Court that a bail application had been filed and sought time to work out a solution, stating that he had been unable to contact the actor.Accepting the request, the bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed the complainant to file a response and adjourned the matter for further consideration. The Court also made strong observations, noting that Yadav had been jailed for failing to honour commitments made earlier before the Court.While reviewing the case file, the Court noted that several issues had emerged and that the earlier order had already been challenged before the Supreme Court, which did not grant any relief. Earlier, the High Court withdrew the leniency granted to Yadav in a series of cheque dishonour cases and directed him to surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent, observing that he had repeatedly breached undertakings given to the Court regarding the payment of settlement amounts.The sentence awarded by the trial court had earlier been suspended to facilitate settlement, but the Court found that the commitments made over time were not honoured, resulting in these proceedings. (ANI) The French leader and First Lady Brigitte Macron met prominent figures of Indian cinema including actors like Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, and Shabana Azmi. Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar also joined the special meeting along with Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2023708981722575173 Taking to his official X handle, Macron shared pictures of their gathering, showing the leader interacting with the celebrities. "Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together," he wrote in the caption. Actor Anil Kapoor also shared glimpses of the meeting on his X handle and wrote, "Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here's to India x France. And to many more stories waiting to be told." https://x.com/AnilKapoor/status/2023716075163291830 French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday for their scheduled India visit till February 19. The French President and First Lady Brigitte Macron were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. In the morning hours, Macron was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. In a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. Following the Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The India AI Impact Summit is designed as a five-day programme anchored on three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The participation of the French President underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. (ANI) Five accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case were produced before the MCOCA court today after their police custody expired, and the court remanded all five accused in police custody until February 23. The Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Aditya Gaikki, Siddharth Yenpure, Samarth Pomaji, Swapnil Sakat, and Asaram Fasale from Pune and produced them before the court today after their custody expired. Swapnil Sakat, an accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case, told the court that the police coerced his statement and asked him to sign. According to Mumbai Police sources, four individuals were involved in the Rohit Shetty firing case: Deepak Sharma, Sunny, Sonu, and one fugitive. Deepak allegedly fired the shots while the others were present nearby. Sonu had lived in Kalyan for two years and recently returned to his village in Agra, where he was involved in supplying arms and was in contact with the other accused. Sources said Deepak Sharma allegedly carried out the firing, while the other accused were not present at the exact spot during the shooting but were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Mumbai Police's investigation into the Rohit Shetty house firing case has led to the arrest of 12 accused, including the main shooter, Deepak Sharma. The Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch is handling the case, with sections of the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) invoked. Mumbai DCP Crime Raj Tilak Roushan said, "On February 1, there was firing at movie producer-director Rohit Shetty's residence. In this case, an FIR under 126/26 was registered at the Juhu Police Station. Later, this FIR was handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for investigation. In this case, the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch is conducting further investigation. Initially, the Anti-Extortion Cell arrested 5 accused. In addition, sections of the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) Code have been added to this crime. Yesterday, with the help of Technical Analysis, Human Intelligence, Haryana STF and UP STF, we arrested 7 more accused. In this case, the accused who had fired at Rohit Shetty's house is also included. Till now, a total of 12 accused have been arrested. Further investigation is being done by Anti extortion cell, Mumbai Crime Branch." Mumbai court on Monday sent six accused arrested from Rajasthan in connection with the shooting incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence to police remand until February 25. According to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, the accused were apprehended in Rajasthan and are being brought to Mumbai. To date, 12 people have been arrested in the case. The six accused, detained yesterday and formally arrested today, had been on the run in different states for 16 days after the incident. The weapon used in the shooting has not yet been recovered. Police said the 12 accused individuals had varying roles in the crime and communicated via different apps to coordinate. The police sought a 15-day custodial remand for these accused in court. The main accused, Deepak Chandra, has been arrested from Haryana. The police presented evidence of the gang's role in the case through graphics of the charges. The lawyers for the accused argued that Vishal, Hrithik, and Jatin were not at the scene when the incident occurred. These individuals were charged solely because they paid for the rickshaw; they had no knowledge of the incident. Recently, following the incident, the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the state government to intervene to ensure a swift investigation and appropriate security measures. Further investigation into the case is underway. (ANI) Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has lauded the growing architecture for Artificial Intelligence in India, saying the country has the potential to add a trillion dollars a year to its GDP. Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the AI summit, Kapur talked about the growing interest in artificial intelligence among the youth. "If you had announced a summit on AI a year ago, nobody would be here. One year later, half a million young people have come, all looking for opportunity. That's what's incredible in India," he told ANI. He said India is an incredibly innovative nation and AI's democratic nature makes it accessible to everyone. "I think that AI, because it's so democratic, if you haven't been to IIT, if you haven't been to the big educational institute, or you've not been to the Pune institute, it doesn't matter because AI will give you everything that you want from there. After that, it's how innovative, how courageous, how provocative, how intuitive you are," he said. "AI brings it down and when I walk around, I see hundreds, thousands of young people. Imagine what's going to happen to India. We're going to add a trillion dollars a year to our GDP," he added. Drawing a parallel with the early days of mobile phones in India, Kapur recalled how skepticism surrounded their adoption. "When cell phones first came, people wondered how India would use them. Today, we are one of the largest mobile markets in the world. Certain measures were taken, bandwidth was created, and once infrastructure was in place, people adopted it rapidly," he explained. He suggested that AI will follow a similar trajectory, driven by infrastructure and public demand. "That's how it's going to be with AI," Kapur said. India is hosting AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20. It is anchored in three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet and Progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South, has witnessed unprecedented participation. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. PM Modi will deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India's vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. (ANI) Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej met French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. Taking to X, he shared a series of pictures with the French President Macron and First Lady along with Anil Kapoor, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar. Calling the meeting with the French leader an "honour", he wrote, "Such an honor to spend time with my friends, the President of France Emmanuel Macron and Madame Brigitte Macron." Kej added, "I travelled with them on their presidential plane to participate in various meetings and the inauguration of the India-France year of Innovation, as a part of the French Delegation. More to come :-) Great developments for both great nations. Super exciting times. Swipe for more photos. " "PS: I wore the glasses as a tribute to President Macron, for the glasses he wore at the World Economic Forum, Davos, recently :-) Google it if you do not know what I am talking about :-)" https://x.com/rickykej/status/2023728553125351855?s=20 Taking to his official X handle, Macron also shared pictures of their gathering, showing the leader interacting with the celebrities. "Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together," he wrote in the caption. Actor Anil Kapoor shared glimpses of the meeting on his X handle and wrote, "Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here's to India x France. And to many more stories waiting to be told." President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday for their India visit. The French President and the First Lady were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. In the morning hours, Macron was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials.In a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. Following the Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. (ANI) Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain launched a scathing attack on the Central government, alleging that the recent India-US interim trade framework was signed under pressure. Speaking to ANI, Hussain said it seemed like "surrendering our sovereignty" and demanded an open debate in Parliament. "The INC has clearly stated its position in various forums. The Indo-US trade agreement is not in the interests of Indian farmers. It is not in India's economic interests, and we sought an open debate on this issue in Parliament. However, the Trade and Commerce Minister issued a statement, refusing to allow us to ask questions or seek clarification. This clearly shows they signed this deal under pressure. A US President is dictating to us not to buy oil from Russia and not maintain relations with a certain country. This seems like surrendering our sovereignty. We want an open and clear debate on this issue," he said. The United States and India announced a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade, reaffirming their commitment to a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025. As part of the framework, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US agricultural and food products, including dried distillers' grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products. On the other hand, the United States will impose a reciprocal tariff of 18 per cent on goods originating in India, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal goods and certain machinery. Meanwhile, India's Chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, confirmed that India-US trade discussions are progressing toward a formal agreement. "There have been virtual engagements going on (with the US), and next week, the chief negotiator will be leading a delegation to the US to finalise the legal framework towards the legal agreement that work will carry on next week in Washington," Agrawal said, briefing the media today while releasing the trade data for January. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said intelligence and rationality are essential to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits society, underlining the public interest focus of the India AI Impact Summit. In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated, "Intelligence, rationality and decision-making make science and technology useful to the masses. The India AI Impact Summit also aims to see how AI can be used in the public interest. Service, hearing, grasping and holding. Knowledge of the meaning and knowledge of the truth are the attributes of intellect." His remarks come a day after he inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. The Prime Minister said the event brings together innovators, researchers and technology enthusiasts, offering insight into the potential of artificial intelligence and Indian talent. "Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world!" he posted on X. Meanwhile, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mukesh Aghi underlined the critical importance of how India is leading the effort to ensure democratisation and diffusion of AI. "India has taken a very strong lead in trying to make AI more affordable, scalable, and accessible to its citizens. And it has one of the largest structured database to leverage that. So in every aspect, India is going to play a very pivotal role in AI on a global basis. I think the message to the rest of the world, especially the global South, is look at how India has been able to provide digital infrastructure with citizens, not only just from a payment perspective, but also leveraging AI in the future," he told ANI. The Summit is the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South and has drawn participation from over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers and 500 global AI leaders. Policymakers, technology companies, academia and industry representatives are attending the event, which aims to translate AI discussions into development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address of the Summit on February 19. After inaugurating the Expo, he interacted with exhibitors, including startups and research institutions, showcasing AI applications across sectors. He was accompanied by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. The Expo spans 10 arenas across more than 70,000 square metres and features over 300 exhibition pavilions. More than 600 startups are participating, and the event is expected to draw over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates. (ANI) HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NFT Limited (NYSE: MI) (the "Company" or "MI"), today announced its plan to provide technology-enabled supply-chain financing and trade-facilitation services supporting large-scale renewable-energy, manufacturing, EPC, and battery-energy-storage ("BESS") projects. On January 25, 2026, Takung Exchange Ltd, the Company's subsidiary in Wyoming, entered into a Supply Chain Financing Framework Agreement, as amended, with Solarlink Group Inc., an integrated solar and renewable energy company, where Solar Link agrees to procure through Takung Exchange's financing mechanism up to 1.2 GW equivalent of solar module components per year, at an estimated average procurement cost of USD 0.15 per watt. Specific project drawdowns, schedules, and disbursement details shall be documented under separate Supplemental Financing Schedules. Under this model, the Company will provide structured procurement financing, supplier payment solutions, and settlement services linked to tangible assets, equipment deliveries, and receivables. These services are designed to support gigawatt-scale solar module manufacturing, utility-scale solar farm development, and BESS deployments across the United States. The Company expects to generate revenue from interest income, service fee and data service fee etc. The Company's supply-chain finance activities will be asset-backed and transaction-driven, generating revenue through interest income and service fees, while leveraging proprietary systems to manage procurement workflows, payment execution, and risk controls. Mr. Yanying Wang, CEO and Chairman of the Company commented, "This business expansion plan will further diversify the Company's revenue, enhance cash-flow visibility, and position the Company at the intersection of energy infrastructure, industrial manufacturing, and fintech-enabled financial services." About NFT Limited NFT Limited (formerly known as Takung Art Co Ltd.) operates an online electronic platform (www.nftoeo.com) for offering and trading of digital artwork. Through its platform, the Company allows artists/art dealers/owners to access a much bigger art trading market where they can engage with a wide range of investors. We also provide NFT consulting with respect to the strategic utilization of blockchain technology and NFT launch. Given our goal to create multiple potential revenue streams and continue to diverse the business model, we are also exploring NFT gaming business including sales of in-game characters NFTs and sales of membership packs. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Securities Act, including but not limited to our expectations of future financial performance, business strategy or business. These statements constitute forecasts, prospects and forward-looking statements and are not performance guarantees. The Company warns that forward-looking statements are subject to many assumptions, risks and uncertainties that will change over time. Forward looking statements may be identified by words such as "may", "can", "should", "will", "estimate", "plan", "project", "forecast", "intend", "expect", "predict", "believe", "seek", "target", "Outlook" or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release and our management's current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but not are limited to, the risk factors described by the Company in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Contact: [email protected] SOURCE NFT Limited The tech giant has rolled out a dynamic visual feature that appears directly on the Search results page. Users can trigger the animation by typing keywords such as "solar eclipse," "annular solar eclipse," or "Surya Grahan" into the Google Search bar on a web browser. Once the results load, a graphic overlay simulating the Moon's movement across the Sun appears on screen. Because today's eclipse is an annular one, the animation highlights the distinctive "Ring of Fire" effect. In this type of eclipse, the Moon moves directly in front of the Sun but does not completely cover it. As a result, the Sun's outermost layer remains visible, forming a bright, fiery halo around the Moon's dark silhouette, a striking visual that the animation recreates. The eclipse began at approximately 3:26 pm IST and is expected to conclude around 7:57 pm IST. However, the event is not visible from India, as the Sun remains below the horizon during the eclipse. The "Ring of Fire" is primarily observable from Antarctica and parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including regions of southern Africa and South America. The interactive feature continues Google's tradition of releasing themed "Easter eggs" to commemorate major astronomical events. For users unable to witness the eclipse in person, the animation offers a visually engaging way to participate in the global spectacle. (ANI) A young man was killed on the spot after two unidentified assailants opened fire outside a private hospital on the Delhi Bypass. The assailants arrived on a scooter outside a private hospital on the Delhi Bypass, the busiest intersection in Rohtak city, and fired 15 to 20 rounds at a young man, due to which the young man died on the spot. The victim is said to be Dinesh alias Goga, a resident of Nizampur. After receiving information about the incident, a police team and FSL arrived at the scene and conducted an investigation. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ravi Khundiya stated that it is not yet known who the criminals who committed the murder were or what the motive behind the murder was, and the police are investigating the matter. An investigation is also being conducted regarding the deceased young man to determine if he had any criminal cases registered against him or if any other enmity could have been the reason for the murder. A few days back, a man named Sahil was shot dead in Delhi's Rohini area. Sahil had recently been released from jail. The attacker is absconding, and a gang war is suspected. The deceased is said to be associated with the notorious Gogi gang. The Tillu gang is suspected of carrying out the crime. The Tillu and Gogi gangs are sworn enemies. An investigation is ongoing. According to police information, the deceased was shot in the head and several other parts of the body. It is being reported that the attackers, who arrived on a motorcycle, committed the murder and then fled the scene. Following the information, the police crime team and forensic team arrived at the scene and recovered several empty bullet shells. (ANI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived at Jaipur airport on Tuesday ahead of the scheduled launch of the new digital companion 'Bharat-VISTAAR', aimed at benefiting farmers across the country. The inauguration will be held in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. According to a Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare release, this AI-based platform will provide farmers with information on weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil, crop advice, and government schemes, all in one place, via phone calls, chatbots, and, later, an app. In Phase-1, this facility will start in Hindi and English and will reach lakhs of farmers in several states, including Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat. The launch program will see virtual participation from lakhs of farmers across the country through the networks of state agriculture ministers, Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra's (KVKs), agricultural universities, and other agricultural institutions. 'AI for Agriculture Roadmap' will also be launched by Union Minister Chouhan and CM Sharma, while announcements of 'AI Hackathon' and 'AgriKosh' will also be made by them. Bharat-VISTAAR is the Government of India's farmer-centric, AI-powered digital public infrastructure, which will deliver reliable information to farmers by connecting various government and scientific sources. On this platform, farmers will be able to view information and status related to weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil health, crop management, and at least 10 major central government schemes. It has been designed as a Voice-First AI so that even a farmer with a simple feature phone can benefit from it just by making a call. For this, the telephonic helpline number 155261 has been linked to the platform, along with facilities like voice input-output, website, and mobile site chatbot, and an Android app will also be released. The launch ceremony in Jaipur will see the participation of Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Ram Nath Thakur, Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, Members of Parliament, MLAs, other public representatives, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rajasthan Chief Secretary, and top officials of the state Agriculture Department. (ANI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting over the counting of Sri Mandir Ratna Bhandar's Jewellery in Bhubaneswar. Informing about the development on Monday, Odisha Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the main agenda of the meeting was related to the standard procedure of counting of Jewellery in Ratna Bhandar. Once the Standard Operating Procedure is approved, the process and date will be announced by the managing committee. "We had a meeting regarding the standard operating procedure for counting of jewellery in Ratna Bhandar...After the SOP is approved, the process and date will be announced by the managing committee...Hopefully, we will try our level best to start this process at the soonest possible time," Harichandan told ANI. The Ratna Bhandar of Sri Mandir in Odisha refers to the sacred treasury chamber of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Last year, on July 14, the Ratna Bhandar of the Shri Jagannath Temple was reopened after more than four decades. Special boxes were also brought to the temple ahead of the reopening of the Ratna Bhandar to store ornaments. Earlier, on February 16, 2026, CM Majhi, accompanied by his wife, offered prayers at the historic Lingaraj Temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri before announcing significant progress on the temple's redevelopment project. The CM confirmed that the Phase One tender process is complete and work is imminent, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a second phase also in preparation. Speaking to the media, he said, "Today is the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri. On this occasion, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all devotees. The Ekamra Kshetra of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar is a renowned Shaivite centre of India. For the peripheral development and beautification of Lord Lingaraj's Ekamra Kshetra, our government, since coming to power, has allotted 180 crore rupees in the first phase for the Lingaraj project. The tender process has already been completed, and work is about to begin." "In total, since our government came to power, we have made financial provisions of 330 crore rupees. This is to ensure that devotees visiting Lord Lingaraj can have a smooth darshan (worship), perform their rituals well, and receive his blessings. Our government is fully committed to this complete development," the Chief Minister added. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manan Kumar Mishra criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that senior party members are feeling "suffocated" under his leadership. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manan Kumar Mishra criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that senior party members are feeling "suffocated" under his leadership. "It is not just about Bhupen Kumar Borah; many senior leaders in the party are feeling suffocated. They don't see any alternative right now; they will all leave Rahul Gandhi, as they don't like him. Rahul Gandhi gives no respect to his seniors," he said. Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah had on Monday submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, but later withdrew it within a few hours, All India Congress Committee (AICC) state in-charge Jitendra Singh said. Speaking to reporters, Singh noted that Borah, who has been associated with the Indian National Congress for nearly three decades, initially sent his resignation to the party's national president. However, the resignation was not accepted. "Senior Congress leader Bhupen Borah is an important member of the Congress family. He had sent his resignation to our party's national president. Sometimes, differences arise within the Congress family. The Congress president has not accepted his resignation. Party leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, had a long conversation with him. We have resolved it through dialogue. I thank Bhupen Borah for withdrawing his resignation," Singh said. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jibe at Congress, terming its future in the state "grim" in the wake of the episode. The CM called Borah's decision a "symbolic message" reflecting the party's changing dynamics and internal challenges. Speaking to the reporters, Assam CM said, "Bhupen Borah was the last Hindu leader in the Assam Congress party who did not occupy the post of MLA or minister. His resignation carries a symbolic message that in Congress, no one from a normal family can prosper. He has accused Congress of appeasement politics. I welcome the resignation." He further added that, "Borah has not contacted us for any joining. Tomorrow (February 17) evening, I will visit his house. Three years ago, we were ready to welcome Bhupen Borah and give him a safe seat." Highlighting the Congress' situation in Assam, CM Sarma remarked, "Congress's position in Assam is terrible. Three observers have come here for the selection of candidates. They have been assigned an MLA from the minority community. The situation is really grim. In many district offices of Congress in Assam, meetings begin with a religious prayer from a particular community. The Congress in Assam is changing fast. People are noticing it. Bhupen Borah's resignation carries a symbolic message that Congress has lost its last Hindu leader." Assam is set to hold Assembly elections later this year, where the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP is looking to defend its power against Congress. (ANI) Health and Family Welfare Union Minister, JP Nadda, will launch two landmark national initiatives, one the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI), and the other the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH), at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam on Tuesday, as per the official press release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. According to the press release, SAHI is a national guidance framework to enable the safe, ethical, evidence-based, and inclusive adoption of Artificial Intelligence across India's healthcare system. It aims to provide strategic direction for governance, data stewardship, validation, deployment, and monitoring of AI solutions, while supporting States and institutions in the responsible adoption of AI solutions aligned with public health priorities. BODH, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority, is a privacy-preserving benchmarking platform that enables rigorous evaluation of AI models using diverse, real-world health data without sharing underlying datasets. As a digital public good under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, it is designed to strengthen trust, transparency, and quality assurance in the deployment of Health AI. Together, SAHI and BODH mark a significant step in India's journey towards building a robust, responsible, and globally competitive health AI ecosystem, the press release said. The Summit is the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South and has drawn participation from over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers and 500 global AI leaders. Policymakers, technology companies, academia and industry representatives are attending the event, which aims to translate AI discussions into development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address of the Summit on February 19. After inaugurating the Expo, he met with exhibitors, including startups and research institutions, to showcase AI applications across sectors. He was accompanied by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. The Expo spans 10 arenas across more than 70,000 square metres and features over 300 exhibition pavilions. More than 600 startups are participating, and the event is expected to draw over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday supported suspicions within the Pawar family over the January 28 plane crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling the burned condition of the aircraft's black box "mysterious" and "very serious". At a press conference, Raut said, "Ajit Pawar's flight's black box has burned," underlining the Pawar family's doubts and raising questions about the government's handling of the investigation. "Rohit Pawar is a member of that family, he understands technical matters... the mysterious facts emerging about Ajit Pawar's accident are very serious. The black box has burned... The black box has been found even after 20 years, but Ajit Pawar's flight's black box has burned. How can this be possible? If Rohit Pawar has raised this issue, it is serious, and if the Pawar family wants to investigate it, they should do so. The government's intentions in this matter are not right," he said. Raut's comments follow the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchand Pawar) leader Rohit Pawar's recent allegations suggesting the Baramati Learjet 45 crash, which claimed Ajit Pawar and four others, may involve a conspiracy rather than a mere accident, amid ongoing scrutiny of the probe by aviation authorities. "Entire Maharashtra is questioning whether Ajit Dada's plane crash was an accident or a conspiracy? I am sharing with you all what I feel. Some people are still expecting Dada to come from somewhere. Some say 6 people were in the aircraft, it was not Ajit Dada's dead body, it still feels like a nightmare," he said while holding a press conference on the Baramati air crash. Rohit Pawar highlighted the atmosphere of suspicion, grief, and political intrigue currently surrounding these events in Maharashtra. He mentioned an investigation into the accident, citing a book that suggests killing a person's driver is an easy way to target them. Rohit Pawar pointed out that former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP Chief Ajit Pawar had changed plans, sparking speculation. The crux of the suspicion lies in the final 24 hours before the crash. According to Rohit Pawar, a series of last-minute changes suggested a deviation from the original plan. He claimed that Ajit Pawar was reportedly scheduled to travel from Mumbai to Pune by car the evening before the crash. The security convoy had already begun its manoeuvres, yet "Dada" (Ajit Pawar) never stepped into the vehicle. He also claimed a high-stakes meeting with a "big leader" that may have altered his travel itinerary at the eleventh hour. "Ajit Pawar's plane crash could be a part of the conspiracy. We also investigated some things about Ajit Pawar's accident. A book states that if you want to kill a person, the easiest way is to kill that person's driver. The day before the accident, Dada was supposed to come to Pune from Mumbai by car in the evening. At that time, the convoy had also started. But why did Dada not leave by car? Ajit Dada was supposed to meet a big leader," said Rohit Pawar. Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28 in Maharashtra's Baramati. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati, died after a crash-landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. (ANI) Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Saturday presented the interim budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the state assembly. During his speech, Thennarasu emphasised the state's economic progress, noting that Tamil Nadu has successfully attracted foreign investment while simultaneously promoting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises. He credited the state's growth to the visionary leadership of "Kalaignar" M Karunanidhi and CN Annadurai, and stated that multiple development schemes implemented over the past five years have contributed to significant growth across various sectors. Thennarasu also highlighted the government's commitment to preserving the Tamil language and its rich cultural heritage, reflecting a blend of economic and cultural priorities. "We have not only attracted foreign investments but have also strengthened the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises. Over the past five years, we have implemented various development schemes. It is the visionary leadership of Kalaignar and Anna that has enabled Tamil Nadu to achieve significant growth across multiple sectors today. The DMK government is committed to protecting the diverse and multi-dimensional richness of the Tamil language," the Tamil Nadu Finance Minister said. He highlighted the translation of 27 books of Dr B.R. Ambedkar's works into simple Tamil, the declaration of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the state song, and the publication of Thanthai Periyar's works in 21 languages. Efforts are also underway to translate the Thirukkural into the United Nations' official languages. He stated that the government has established several museums to celebrate Tamil heritage and plans to set up new museums at a cost of Rs 285 crore, underscoring the state's focus on cultural pride alongside economic development. "Increased funds are being allocated to women's self-help groups. The works of Dr B.R. Ambedkar have been translated into simple Tamil, and 27 books have been published so far. The Government of Tamil Nadu has declared the "Tamil Thai Vazhthu" as the State Song. The works of Thanthai Periyar have been published in 21 languages. Several museums have been established to showcase Tamil pride. Efforts are underway to translate the Thirukkural into the official languages of the United Nations," said the Tamil Nadu finance minister. Thennarasu announced increased funding for women's self-help groups and highlighted the Kalaignar Women's Entitlement Scheme, which has benefited 1.31 crore women by providing Rs 5,000 per beneficiary. Other initiatives, such as the Vidiyal Travel Scheme and the Pudhumai Penn Scheme, aim to advance women's social and economic development. The Minister also noted that relief materials worth Rs 197 crore had been provided to Sri Lanka to support its ongoing economic crisis, underscoring Tamil Nadu's commitment to regional solidarity and humanitarian assistance. "The Women's Entitlement Scheme is a pioneering initiative in India. A total of Rs 6,500 crore was distributed in a single day across Tamil Nadu, providing Rs 5,000 per beneficiary to women. Schemes such as the Vidiyal Travel Scheme and the Pudhumai Penn Scheme are being implemented to advance women's progress. To help Sri Lanka overcome its economic crisis, relief materials worth Rs 197 crore have been provided. The Kalaignar Women's Entitlement Scheme is benefiting 1.31 crore women," said Thennarasu. Thennarasu announced that 3,632 persons with disabilities have been appointed in local bodies, with a 4 per cent reservation for government employment and promotions. He added that the interim budget allocates Rs 5,463 crore to all social security schemes and Rs 48,534 crore to the School Education Department, underscoring a commitment to inclusive growth and education. "In local bodies, 3,632 persons with disabilities have been appointed. Reservation has been provided in promotions for persons with disabilities. A 4 per cent reservation has been granted to persons with disabilities in government employment. In the Interim Budget, Rs 5,463 crore has been allocated for all social security schemes. In the Interim Budget, Rs 48,534 crore has been allocated to the School Education Department," he said. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Tuesday said that the Congress should compare the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the VB-G-RAM-G Bill, underlining that wages were not paid timely in MGNREGA, however, there is a provision of timely wage distribution in the new Bill. Speaking to ANI, Rajbhar said that if the wages are not paid to the workers within a week under the new VB-G-RAM-G Bill, there is a provision of paid interest that will be given to the workers. "This is democracy. Anyone can protest within the framework of the law; there is no problem... They should first compare MGNREGA and the VB-G-RAM G Bill. In MGNREGA, wages were not paid on time, whereas the VB-G-RAM-G Bill has a provision that if workers do not receive their wages within a week, they will be paid interest. The number of wage-earning days has also been increased. There were a total of 100 working days in MGNREGA, but now they have been increased to 125 days in the VB-G-RAM-G Bill. Provisions have been made for MGNREGA workers to work alongside farmers during the 60 days of farmer time in both seasons..." he said. The statement follows the Congress' announcemnet to lay a siege to the State Assembly to raise issues such as the renaming of the MGNREGA and market demolitions. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai said that the party workers have come from all parts of the state, and will lay a siege together at the Legislative Assembly. "Our workers have come from different districts... Everyone has been sleeping in the State Committee office all night, including me... workers from all over the state. We will lay siege to the assembly in large numbers today. the workers' wages that the government has withheld for the past 11-12 months, the government's plan to scrap MGNREGA, the insult to women, workers, Shankaracharya, and Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, demolishing markets, ruining markets like the Dal Mandi... And then give all the land to the people from Gujarat... We will lay siege to the assembly on all these issues and will oppose it strongly..." he stated. On December 18 last year, the Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as India's flagship rural employment guarantee scheme. (ANI) Tina Ambani, wife of industrialist Anil Ambani, on Tuesday again skipped Enforcement Directorate summons in a money-laundering probe for the second consecutive time within a month. She was summoned by the ED to appear for a money laundering investigation, but didn't report to the agency's headquarters. Earlier, she skipped the February 9 investigation despite being called for examination. Officials said a fresh summons will be served to her very soon. The 68-year-old former actor was called in for questioning in connection with a money trail linked to the purchase of a luxury condominium in Manhattan, New York. The move comes a month after the ED attached assets worth Rs 1,885 crore ofthe Reliance Anil Ambani Group. In the operation, the agency attached several properties, including bank balances, receivables, shareholding in unquoted investments, and immovable properties. The attachments were made in relation to Reliance Home Finance Limited, Reliance Commercial Finance Limited, the Yes Bank alleged fraud case, and the Reliance Communication Limited Bank fraud case. The ED had earlier also attached properties worth over Rs 10,117 crore in the bank fraud cases of Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCOM), Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd., and Reliance Home Finance Ltd. Therefore, Cumulative Group Attachment has reached Rs 12,000 Crore (approximately). ED has detected fraudulent diversion of public money by various Reliance Anil Ambani group companies, including Reliance Communications Ltd, Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL), Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL), Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RIL) & Reliance Power Ltd (RHFL). During 2017-2019, ED has said, Yes Bank invested Rs 2,965 crore in RHFL instruments and Rs 2,045 crore in RCFL instruments. By December 2019, these became non-performing investments. The outstanding was Rs 1,353.50 crore for RHFL and Rs 1,984 crore for RCFL. ED's investigation in the case of RHFL and RCFL reveals that RHFL and RCFL received public funds of more than Rs 11,000 crore. Before investing this money in Reliance Anil Ambani Group companies, Yes Bank had received substantial funds from the erstwhile Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund. ED has also initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by the CBI under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1989, against RCOM, Anil Ambani, and others. RCOM and its group companies availed loans from domestic and foreign lenders from 2010-2012 onwards, of which a total of Rs. 40,185 Crore is outstanding. 9 banks have declared the Group's loan accounts fraudulent. ED investigation revealed that loans taken by one entity from one bank were used to repay loans taken by other entities from other banks, to make transfers to related parties, and to invest in mutual funds, in contravention of the terms and conditions of the sanction letter for the loans. In particular, RCOM and its group companies diverted over Rs 13,600 crore for evergreening of loans; over Rs 12,600 Crore was diverted to connected parties and over Rs 1,800 Crore was invested in FDs/MFs etc., which was substantially liquidated for rerouting to group entities. Significant misuse of bill discounting to funnel funds to connected parties has also been detected by the ED. Certain loans were siphoned off outside India through foreign outward remittances. ED is actively pursuing perpetrators of financial crimes and is committed to restituting Proceeds of Crime to their rightful claimants. (ANI) Formulated with clinically tested Eternacell to help boost, protect, and repair hair, skin, and nails, while supporting cellular-level beauty ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurelia Cellular Vitality , the science-backed beauty brand redefining beauty from within, officially launches in the United States with its transformative range of hair, skin, and nail supplements. Following a successful debut in the United Kingdom, Aurelia now enters the U.S. beauty market with a differentiated, science-led approach rooted in cellular vitality, clinically informed formulations, and results-driven beauty-from-within solutions designed to support stronger hair, radiant skin, and healthier nails. Aurelia Cellular Vitality Product Lineup Aurelia Cellular Vitality evolved from Aurelia London, the skincare brand founded in the United Kingdom in 2013. The brand expanded into beauty supplements with the launch of Aurelia Cellular Vitality in the UK and France in 2025, translating its skincare expertise into beauty-from-within solutions. The U.S. launch marks Aurelia's most significant international expansion to date. The brand is part of the H&H Group portfolio, a leading global health and nutrition company with deep expertise in supplements, including Swisse Wellness . "With Aurelia, we are delivering a next-generation beauty proposition rooted in cellular vitality," said Akash Bedi, CEO of Europe, North America, India, and the Middle East at H&H Group. "Following our proven global success in supplements, including Swisse, which generates approximately US$1 billion in net sales, we are now focused on scaling Aurelia to lead the U.S. beauty-from-within category. This launch is a testament to our ambition: to shape the future of beauty through science, innovation, and purpose." What Makes Aurelia Cellular Vitality Different? At the core of Aurelia's formula innovation is Eternacell, the brand's proprietary, patent-pending cellular complex that supports beauty at the deepest level. Eternacell is designed to energize cells from within with scientifically supported ingredients that work at the cellular level to help protect and boost cellular vitality, empowering cells to meet the challenges of aging.* The goal is not to stop aging but to age with confidence. Eternacell combines: Ergothioneine Resveratrol Niacinamide Zinc What Aurelia Products Are Launching in the U.S.? The U.S. launch includes six targeted supplement products, each developed with renowned hair, skin, and nutrition specialists to deliver measurable results. Each formula is designed to deliver measurable, consumer-visible results* while fitting seamlessly into daily beauty routines. Absolute Beauty - promotes lasting skin resilience and helps reduce signs of aging. - promotes lasting skin resilience and helps reduce signs of aging. Hair Revive - promotes fullness and addresses thinning, improving hair density and volume. - promotes fullness and addresses thinning, improving hair density and volume. 3-in-1 Perfection - for even skin tone, healthier-looking nails, and visibly shinier hair. - for even skin tone, healthier-looking nails, and visibly shinier hair. Skin Perfection - promotes even skin complexion and skin hydration, helping improve overall skin appearance. - promotes even skin complexion and skin hydration, helping improve overall skin appearance. Hair Perfection - for enhanced shine and flexibility, formulated to strengthen and improve hair appearance. - for enhanced shine and flexibility, formulated to strengthen and improve hair appearance. Collagen Revive - targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. Proven Results Consumers Can See and Feel 74% of users noticed visible improvements in just 21 days across all six products** 86% of users reported overall satisfaction with results** **Source: Toluna-Harris In-home Consumer Perception Study. Conducted on women in the UK and France with over 1,500 participants aged 2555. Results collected at 21 days. August 2025. Where to Buy Aurelia Cellular Vitality Products in the U.S.? Aurelia's products are available on Amazon and aureliacellular.us About Aurelia Aurelia, an evolution of skincare brand Aurelia London, is a responsible beauty brand on a mission to deliver beauty that goes beyond the surface. Backed by science and driven by purpose, Aurelia combines sustainably sourced ingredients with advanced, integrity-led formulations designed to provide real results. Its mission extends to people, communities, and the environment. At the core of Aurelia's innovation is the proprietary, patent-pending Eternacell complex - a potent combination of ergothioneine, resveratrol, niacinamide, and zinc - crafted to support cellular vitality and promote lasting radiance from within. As part of H&H Group, a certified B Corp, Aurelia proudly upholds high standards of social and environmental impact. For more information, visit aureliacellular.us . *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. SOURCE Aurelia Cellular Vitality Congress MP Manickam Tagore hit out at Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran over his remark regarding Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay and actor Trisha, calling them cheap and unacceptable, while demanding action. Speaking to reporters on the controversy, Tagore said, "It's a very unfortunate thing that the disease which has spread in the BJP and RSS is spreading to the district level, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The state president, Nainar Nagenthran, spoke words which cannot be spoken by a political leader against women." "The same thing has been done to the elected member of parliament from Karur by the BJP district secretary and district presidents in a public meeting, is unacceptable, and the FIR has been lodged, and I hope that Tamil Nadu police arrest those who had done these kind of cheap things," Tagore said. Calling for condemnation across party lines, he added, "We all should condemn these kind of behaviors by any kind of people who insult the women and particularly a member of parliament as well as any common woman, whomever is in any profession, may be journalism or teacher or anybody who is a woman should not be treated this way which in which RSS and BJP continue to do and Prime Minister Modi keeps silence." The controversy erupted after Nagendran recently made a personal reference to Trisha while criticising Vijay, who has launched his political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Trisha and Vijay has worked on several films together. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu said criticising the personal life of someone active in politics is "uncivilised" and degrading to women. DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian also criticised the BJP leader, stating that speaking disparagingly about a woman travelling in public while expressing political views was not appropriate and that women should be treated with dignity. On Monday, actress Trisha Krishnan took strong objection to remarks made by Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagendran when he was speaking about actor-turned-politician Vijay. A statement issued by advocate Nithyaesh Natraj and shared on Trisha's Instagram account described the remarks as "distasteful." Without referring to anybody by name, Trisha's lawyer in a statement said, " 1. This is with reference to the distasteful comment about my client which is circulating in the media. 2. My client never expected that such distasteful and inappropriate remark would be made by a person holding a high stature in the State's political space. 3. My client makes it very clear that she is not affiliated with any political party neither does she intend to be. Further, just as my client had continuously maintained in the past, she has always taken a neutral stand when it comes to politics." (ANI) Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chandrika Kaushik on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in the defence sector, asserting that India cannot rely on foreign-developed AI models for critical military applications. Speaking to ANI, Kaushik said, "In the defence domain, we can't afford to depend on solutions and AI models which are coming from abroad. We need to be very sure about the trustworthiness of the models and the systems which we are adopting." Highlighting the growing penetration of AI across sectors, she said the technology has already spread across daily activities, from education to problem-solving and solution development. "If you look at the students, you look at the teachers, you look at people who are making presentations, or you are trying to find quick solutions, or you are trying to develop solutions, the first thing is one kind of hook into an AI solution. It could be any one of the existing ones. But most of these solutions are coming from abroad," she noted. Kaushik expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of India in bringing together stakeholders to strengthen the country's AI ecosystem. She described the summit as "the way to go" and said it provides a platform for collective efforts towards building trusted, indigenous AI capabilities. Detailing DRDO's initiatives, she said the organisation has already developed two key frameworks. The first, the ETAI (Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence) framework, focuses on building resilience into AI-enabled systems. The second provides guidelines for validating and verifying AI solutions, offering a structured approach for developers in the domain. We have started incorporating AI in almost every solution that we are developing, wherever there is data which can be used for analysis," she said, adding that AI applications are now moving closer to operational environments. "AI has started going to the edge. It is going to the battlefield itself. So, over time, we have to quickly gear up towards incorporating the AI solutions into the defence domain," Kaushik added. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to foster dialogue on responsible AI governance, innovation ecosystems, digital public infrastructure, climate-conscious technology and equitable access to emerging technologies. The Summit is envisioned as a pivotal global platform to shape a future-oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI, and it aims to move beyond high-level discussions to deliver tangible outcomes that support economic growth, social development, and the sustainable use of AI. The Summit is structured around three core pillars -- People, Planet, and Progress -- with discussions focusing on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic and social development. Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, are presenting concrete deliverables, including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases. Participants also gain insights into how AI is impacting various professions and industries, the new skills required in the evolving job market, opportunities for startups to engage with investors and partners, and the role of AI in supporting farmers, small businesses and service providers. Sessions are addressing AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and India's approach to sovereign AI, including the development of indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors. (ANI) In a significant development in the ongoing family dispute, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued summons in a Rs. 20 crore defamation suit filed by Priya Sachdeva Kapur against her sister-in-law, Mandhira Kapur Smith and another individual. The Court also directed both sides to exercise restraint and refrain from making any statements against each other in the media, either directly or indirectly. The matter was heard by Justice Mini Pushkarna, who observed that the dispute involved members of the same family and expressed hope that the parties may eventually consider resolving their differences through mediation. While passing directions, the Court noted certain discrepancies in the affidavits accompanying the plaint, observing that some affidavits appeared to predate the pleadings and submissions referred to in the suit. The Court accordingly directed that fresh affidavits be filed within one week. It also asked the plaintiff to place on record a complete copy of the suit. The case has been listed for April 14 before the Registrar and May 14 before the Court for further proceedings. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, along with Advocate Anuj Tiwari, appeared for Mandhira Kapur Smith. Sibal argued that the nature of the dispute was evident from the plaint itself, submitting that in a defamation case, the cause of action should be clearly identifiable at the outset. He contended that one has to go through nearly 37 pages before reaching the alleged defamatory content and described several portions of the plaint as containing allegations against the defendant that were "completely fictitious." Anuj Tiwari further pointed out inconsistencies in the plaintiff's filings, submitting that while the verification affidavit was dated January 20, reliance was placed on facts and an order dated January 21, and even documents from February were annexed. He also raised objections regarding alleged suppression, contending that the plaintiff had stated no other suit had been filed on the same cause of action, despite a previous suit having been instituted earlier and kept under defects. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Rani Kapur, countered the submissions and maintained that serious defamatory statements had been made against Priya Kapur. It was submitted that certain remarks not only targeted her reputation but also referred to her minor child, causing grave reputational and emotional harm. Counsel alleged that statements questioning her "bloodline" and calling her a "thief" had been made on public platforms. Counsel for the plaintiff also informed the Court that a dispossession suit had earlier been filed in connection with the broader family dispute and that a complaint had been made to the registry regarding the alleged leakage of documents. At one stage, it was stated that the present defamation suit had been filed on February 1. Advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, who appeared for Rani Kapur, also pointed out that in earlier proceedings concerning related family issues, the Court had suggested mediation, after which the present litigation followed. Taking note of the rival submissions, the Court issued summons to the defendants and directed them to file written statements within 30 days. Notice was also issued on the plaintiff's application seeking an interim injunction, granting four weeks for replies and one week thereafter for rejoinder. As an interim measure, the Court directed both parties to maintain restraint and avoid making statements against each other in the media while the matter remains pending. The dispute arises from a civil defamation suit filed by Priya Sachdeva Kapur seeking Rs. 20 crore in damages, alleging that statements made in interviews, podcasts, and on social media by the defendants have harmed her reputation and caused mental distress. The matter will next be taken up on April 14 before the Registrar and on May 14 before the Court. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, on Tuesday, emphasised the strategic importance of India's presence at the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman. The MP's remarks came as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Bangladesh today to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "As far as PM Modi is concerned, there was also concern about the Pakistani Prime Minister being part of it... Understanding the seriousness of how the India-Bangladesh relationship has gone downhill, and Pakistan has had a strong influence on Bangladesh, it is important that we begin engaging with Bangladesh and ensure the relationship we shared returns to the same footing..." While speaking to ANI on Muhammad Yunus' statement, she further added, "He can continue to say what he wants. He has been the most divisive figure in Bangladesh, heavily influenced by Pakistan and aiding and abetting targeted killings of Hindu minorities... I would only say it is good riddance, and such provocative statements from him would get the deserved response that the MEA will give to him..." Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Dhaka on Tuesday to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Upon his arrival at the airport, he was received by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Nazrul Islam. The reception, which included officials from the High Commission of India, underscores the regional importance of the transition as Rahman prepares to take office following the BNP's landslide victory. Joining the international dignitaries, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also arrived in Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet. Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs noted that Birla's participation "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."As Bangladesh enters a "new dawn" following years of political upheaval, Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister. As Bangladesh enters a "new dawn" following years of political upheaval, Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, noting that bilateral ties between India and France have evolved into a robust strategic alliance. Highlighting progress since 2014, Chaturvedi noted that the visit is an important step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and France, particularly in areas such as defence and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "India and France have a long-standing relationship that has deepened over time, driven by shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. Since 2014, the relationship has deepened through the purchase of defence equipment, and we hope it will continue to strengthen. He is visiting on the sidelines of the AI summit and will be equally involved; he'll address it as well. We welcome him to India and hope for a stronger relationship in the time ahead." Meanwhile, on Tuesday, posters and hoardings welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron were put up across Mumbai as he began his official visit to India from February 16 to 19. President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships. Following engagements in Mumbai, the French President and the Prime Minister will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Tuesday for their scheduled visit to India, which runs through February 19. "Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the Mumbai airport. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. This is Macron's fourth visit to the country, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Media Incharge Anurag Dhanda hit out at the Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana government over the state's law and order situation following the killing of a young man in Rohtak. Speaking to ANI about the incident, Dhanda said, "Across the whole state, the situation is terrifying. It seems the Chief Minister has gone on leave, leaving his position, and gangsters, drug traffickers and criminals have seized it. The whole state is living in fear right now about who knows when someone might get shot." Referring to the Rohtak firing, he added, "Yesterday, in the Rohtak incident, some people shot a person 25 times. In such a situation, you can imagine how safe the lives of ordinary people are." Dhanda further alleged that criminals were operating without fear. "The criminals are absolutely fearless. Yesterday, they committed a murder, and then they claimed on social media that they had committed it. This means that criminals don't fear the government at all," he said. Earlier, on Monday, a youth identified as Dinesh alias Goga, a resident of Nizampur, was shot dead outside a private hospital on the Delhi Bypass, one of the busiest intersections in the city. According to police, two unidentified assailants arrived on a scooter and fired 15 to 20 rounds at the victim, who died on the spot. A police team and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit reached the scene and began an investigation. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravi Khundiya said the motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained and that police are examining whether the deceased had any prior criminal record or enmity. The Rohtak incident comes days after a man named Sahil was shot dead in Delhi's Rohini area. Police suspect gang rivalry in that case, with the deceased reportedly linked to the Gogi gang and the Tillu gang suspected of involvement. Investigations in both cases are ongoing. (ANI) In a Swift and daring overnight operation on Monday, the Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based operation at sea, jointly with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). Based on a corroborated input from Gujarat ATS, an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship from the Coast Guard Region (North West) on multi-mission deployment was diverted to intercept a foreign fishing boat suspected of drug smuggling in proximity of the notional International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Despite the pitch-dark night, the ICG ship identified the suspect boat through a combination of human and technical surveillance. On realising the approaching ICG ship, the suspect boat started fleeing towards the notional IMBL. Despite the initial separation between the ICG ship and the boat at the time of its detection, the speedboat was chased down and stopped. On board, the boat was found to be manned by two crew of foreign nationality. The boat was thoroughly rummaged, and 203 packets (1kg each) of Crystalline contents suspected to be drugs were found hidden in the boat. The apprehended boat has been brought to Porbandar by the ICG ship for further investigations and chemical analysis of the substance. The collaboration of ICG and ATS has led to numerous successful law enforcement operations in recent years and reaffirms the synergy towards the overall national objective of Coastal Security. Earlier in January, the Gujarat Police arrested one individual for alleged 'anti-national activities' and uncovered a suspected criminal conspiracy, according to an official statement. The accused was identified as 22-year-old Faizan, originally a native of Uttar Pradesh's Dundawala in Rampur District. Faizan was currently working as a tailor while residing in the Zarakwad area of Navsari. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Harsh Upadhyay of the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), received confidential information regarding the accused. According to officials, he has been "arrested for orchestrating a plot which involved attacking and killing certain well-known youths in UP with weapons to "spread terror", as well as conspiring to separate Kashmir from India through Jihad. To execute this conspiracy, he had stockpiled deadly weapons. Upon higher officials of the Gujarat ATS being informed of the plan, orders were issued to investigate and take legal action. (ANI) Qualcomm''s Marketing Lead for Robots and Automotive, Shrestha Jain said the company''s Robotics System is designed to accelerate the deployment of physical AI across a wide range of environments, from household robots to industrial autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and full-size humanoids. Jain said Qualcomm is showcasing an end-to-end robotics suite under its Robotics System, integrating hardware, software, and compound AI. "Qualcomm is showcasing a full suite of robotics technologies under its Robotics System, including hardware, software, and compound AI integration. This system is designed to accelerate deployment of physical AI across diverse environments, from household robots to industrial autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and full-size humanoids. We are also showcasing Qualcomm''s first robotics processor, the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-10, for full-size humanoids and advanced AMRs - entering premium-tier robotics for the first time," Jain told ANI. She added that the company''s general-purpose robotics architecture brings together powerful heterogeneous edge computing, mixed-criticality systems, software platforms, machine learning operations, and an AI data flywheel. "The general purpose robotics architecture combines powerful heterogeneous edge computing, mixed-criticality systems, software, machine learning operations, and an AI data flywheel. This end-to-end modular approach enables robots to easily adapt and see, hear, and perform real-world tasks. It''s optimized to scale across various form factors with industrial-grade reliability. It''s designed to accelerate robotics deployment in environments with high demand for automation," said Jain. The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital yesterday. He emphasised that the country''s progress in AI will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement. Over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders are participating at the Summit, the first global AI gathering to be hosted in the Global South. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit seeks to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, setting the tone for enhanced global cooperation and advancing India''s vision for inclusive, trusted, and development-oriented artificial intelligence. (ANI) Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) President made serious allegations against the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, demanding that the "truth be revealed" regarding the land belonging to Gurdwara Amb Sahib and Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib, Kotla Nihang Khan, according to an official statement The matter is not being brought to the attention of the Sangat. Initially, it was stated that no wrongdoing had occurred, but then reports of action emerged, which raises questions. Giani Harpreet Singh stated that land donated by a Bibi for Gurdwara Bhatta Sahib in 2002 was later sold at a very low price, even though the land was located on the main highway. He questioned the necessity of selling the land and, if it had to be sold, why it was disposed of at such a low price. "As per the SGPC Act, whenever land belonging to a Gurdwara is sold, alternative land must be purchased in exchange. However, he added that there is still no clarity on how the 39.43 crore received from GMADA in lieu of Gurdwara Amb Sahib's land has been utilised or whether any new property has been acquired. Singh has alleged that Sukhbir Singh Badal is encouraging the arbitrary conduct of the SGPC. He demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into the purchase and sale of Gurdwara properties since 1999. He also announced that a Panthak conference would be held in Anandpur Sahib on March 3, where the future vision of the Panth would be presented to the Sangat. Earlier, Giani Harpreet Singh held a meeting with party workers in Amritsar. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said that not only political issues but also important questions related to the Panth were discussed during the meeting. Referring to a political rally organised by the Aam Aadmi Party on Monday, Giani Harpreet Singh said that the presence of officials holding constitutional and highly respected positions on the political platform has raised concerns among people. He said that political rallies are preparations for the upcoming elections, and the participation of these officials is inappropriate. (ANI) The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday quashed the defamation case filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The state unit of the party had alleged that Gandhi had shared a series of unsubstantiated allegations against the previous BJP-led government on the front pages of mainstream English and Kannada dailies, and also on X ahead of the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections. Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav-headed bench has allowed Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's plea seeking quashing of the order passed by the Special Court of Representatives in Bengaluru. "Continuation of the proceedings in the trial court would amount to an abuse of the process of law. Accordingly, the proceedings against the fourth accused, Rahul Gandhi, are set aside," the court ordered. Senior advocate K Shashikaran Shetty, who represented Rahul Gandhi, argued that "The BJP has not submitted any document regarding Rahul's retweet. There is no information about how many people saw it and whether it was defamation. Why has the BJP, which claims that there were 40 people in the list of star campaigners, not made all of them defendants in the suit? The entire complaint is based on the fact that Rahul is the vice president. However, Rahul was never the vice president at that time. The case of whether retweeting is defamation is pending in the Supreme Court. In the current case, Rahul has not retweeted." "The name of the BJP is not mentioned in the advertisement. The government is mentioned in it. The Chief Minister becomes a minister. But the government will always be there. A political party cannot file a suit just to oppose the government. In such a case, criticising the government will become a crime," he added. Advocate M Vinod Kumar, who represented the BJP, had said, "Rahul Gandhi's name was in the list of star campaigners released by the Congress during the assembly elections. Whether the objectionable advertisement has any connection with Rahul Gandhi has to be decided in the inquiry. For anyone who reads the advertisement, it will mean that it was given against the BJP." The state BJP unit said that Rahul Gandhi had allegedly defamed the BJP by giving a "baseless, illogical and false advertisement" on the front page of newspapers and had made false allegations. The objectionable advertisement contained numerous falsehoods under the heading "corruption rate list". The adversitement alleged Rs 5-15 crore for a post in KSDL; Rs 1-5 crore for an engineer post; Rs 50 lakhs- 5 crores, for a post in BESCOM Rs 1 crore, for a PS post Rs 80 lakhs, for an assistant professor post Rs 50-70 lakhs, for a professor post Rs 30-50 lakhs, for a first-class assistant post Rs 30 lakhs, similarly, it was alleged in the defamation case that bribes were fixed for the posts of junior engineer, bamul, public works junior engineer, constable. It was alleged that bribe rates were also fixed for the posts of BDA Commissioner, KPSC Chairman, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Vice Chancellor, Assistant Commissioner and Tahsildar. It was explained that this was criminal defamation since the accused had said it openly. The Congress had alleged that a 70 per cent commission was received in the supply and purchase of Covid-related materials. They also alleged that bribes were received in the Public Works Department's contracts and road construction. It was also mentioned that the 40 per cent commission government had looted Rs 1.50 lakh crore. The High Court, which reserved the order, said that the term 'trouble engine government' has been used as an alternative to the popular 'double engine government', thereby reducing the possibility of the BJP's victory in the elections. "The photos of DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah were used in this advertisement, both of whom are directly responsible for the fake and false statements", BJP said. The party further added, "As soon as this advertisement was published, Rahul Gandhi posted it on his X account. It was argued that Rahul Gandhi had instructed to give fake and biased advertisements." (ANI) Were you affected by investment losses in BBWI securities between June 4, 2024, and November 19, 2025? Affected Investor Losses Summary Bath & Body Works, Inc. securities fraud class action filed class action filed Purchasers or acquirers of Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE: BBWI) securities Seeking recovery of investment losses for material misstatements and/or omissions (as alleged ) from June 4, 2024 through November 19, 2025 ) from June 4, 2024 through November 19, 2025 Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) can assist at no cost to investor RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Bath & Body Works, Inc. ("Bath & Body Works") (NYSE: BBWI) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Bath & Body Works securities between June 4, 2024, and November 19, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lead plaintiff deadline is March 16, 2026. Action: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed Securities class action lawsuit filed Company: Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE: BBWI) Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE: BBWI) Affected investors: Purchasers or acquirers of Bath & Body Works, Inc. securities Purchasers or acquirers of Bath & Body Works, Inc. securities Class Period: June 4, 2024 through November 19, 2025 June 4, 2024 through November 19, 2025 Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions (as alleged ) Material misstatements and/or omissions (as ) Relief sought: Recovery of investment losses under the federal securities laws The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Bath & Body Works' strategy of pursuing "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" was not growing the customer base and/or delivering the level of growth in net sales touted; (2) as Bath & Body Works' strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" faltered, Bath & Body Works relied on brand collaborations "to carry quarters" and obfuscate otherwise weak underlying financial results; (3) as a result, Bath & Body Works was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance; (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): If you suffered Bath & Body Works losses, contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) at: https://www.ktmc.com/bbwi-bath-body-works-inc-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=bbwi&mktm=PR You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: Bath & Body Works investors may, no later than March 16, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Bath & Body Works investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 [email protected] May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Youth Congress workers in Panchkula on Tuesday staged a protest against the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) recruitment process, alleging disparities in job allocations and preferential treatment for candidates from outside the state. The demonstration escalated as protesters demanded immediate action, prompting the police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd. Addressing the media during the protest, Congress MP Deepender Hooda claimed that vacancies in Haryana often favour outsiders over local candidates. "Wherever vacancies arise, candidates from other states are given preference. In the lists released by HPSC over the years, either most of the posts have remained vacant, or preference has been given to outsiders over Haryana candidates," Hooda said. In a related development last month, the Haryana government announced age relaxation for candidates appearing in the Common Entrance Test (CET) under the state's police constable recruitment drive. Speaking to ANI, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that students who were previously ineligible to apply for the CET due to age will now receive a three-year age relaxation. The Chief Minister emphasised that the decision was made in the interest of the youth, asserting that it is the government's duty to ensure justice for eligible students who suffered losses during the 2022 CET examination. "Haryana Govt has always stood with the youth. With regard to the Police Constable recruitment, the youth of the state had been meeting me at my residence. We had assured them relaxation in age in the CET exam. We have made a decision on this age relaxation. Taking the demands of the youth who met me very seriously, necessary directions have been given. After 2022, due to the CET exam not being conducted, the eligible youth who suffered losses, it is the duty of our government to do justice to them. We have decided that in the interest of the youth, that for the upcoming exam, the candidates have been given age relaxation. I extend them best wishes...Youth who could not apply for the CET exam due to their age will now have a 3-year relaxation," said CM Saini. (ANI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into death of former Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar in the Baramati plane crash. Late Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, NCP National Working President and MP Praful Patel, State President and MP Sunil Tatkare, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, and youth leader Parth Pawar submitted the memorandum. Ajit Pawar and four others died on the morning of January 28 after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at the Baramati airport in Pune district. Nationalist Congress Party (SP), along with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, has raised questions over the incident, suggesting "foul play." Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule expressed concern over questions suggesting "foul play" in Ajit Pawar's death, and said she expects the Civil Aviation Ministry to provide clarifications. "Ajit Pawar was Rohit Pawar's uncle. Rohit Pawar, along with several others, has concerns and uneasiness regarding this matter. Amol Mitkari has also raised questions. Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress have fully supported us. They have said that this issue should be discussed in Parliament and even met the Speaker in this regard. There are many questions in the minds of the people, and they deserve answers," Sule said. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar slammed the slow pace of the probe into the plane crash, questioning if the delay was intended to protect private interests. "20 days have passed since the unfortunate accident, yet the investigation hasn't gained any momentum. Is the delay solely to allow the VSR company to destroy evidence or does the company have someone's protection? This question has arisen in the minds of common citizens. The information emerging today about the black box being damaged makes it seem like the possibility I predicted five days ago is turning out to be true. Be that as it may, we will not rest until we get answers whether it was an accident or a murder in the case of Dada!" Rohit Pawar said. (ANI) As India gears up to host the International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN, the Indian Navy welcomed naval ships from Indonesia, the UAE, and Bangladesh on Monday. KRI Bung Tomo-357, an Indonesian Navy frigate; UAE Navy corvette Al-Emarat; and BNS Somudra Avijan, a frigate of the Bangladesh Navy, joined the Indian Navy ahead of IFR 2026 and Exercise MILAN. In an X post, Eastern Naval Command wrote, "Welcome! | Selamat Datang! KRI Bung Tomo-357, an Indonesian Navy frigate, joins the international fleet at Visakhapatnam for #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, reflecting shared regional maritime interest and cooperation." Another X post read, "Welcome! UAE Navy corvette Al-Emarat arrives at #Visakhapatnam to participate in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, underscoring the strength of our enduring bilateral partnership." "Welcome! As the international fleet gathers, the Indian Navy welcomes BNS Somudra Avijan, a frigate of the Bangladesh Navy, on her arrival at #Visakhapatnam for #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, highlighting the ongoing professional interaction between the two neighbouring navies," Eastern Naval Command said. Earlier, naval ships from Thailand, Australia, and Sri Lanka joined the Indian Navy in Vishakhapatnam. The International Fleet Review (IFR), 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. 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. The Indian Navy on Sunday inaugurated the MILAN village, created as an experience zone that brings together delegates and naval personnel from over 70 countries in an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendship, the Defence Ministry said. (ANI) Former Pakistan Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan was examined by a team of doctors at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail, and the report highlighted a 6/24 partial vision in the right eye and 6/9 in the left eye unaided, Dawn reported. According to the report, with glasses, Khan's vision was 6/9 partial in the right and 6/6 in the left eye. In standard eye test measurements, 6/6 vision indicates that someone can clearly see at a distance of six metres what a person with typical eyesight is expected to see at the same distance. By contrast, 6/9 vision means that at six metres, the person can only make out details that someone with normal vision could see from nine metres away. As per Dawn, the medical board comprised of Dr Prof Nadeem Qureshi, the head of the vitreoretinal department at the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi, and Dr Prof M Arif, the head of the ophthalmology department at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. A slit lamp examination showed that the "cornea was clear bilaterally" and there were "no cells in the anterior chamber." The report further stated that in the right eye, the vitreous was clear with a "few fibrillar opacities seen, no cells appreciated." "Mild intragel haemorrhage seen at 6 o'clock periphery," the report said. "Moderately dense retinal haemorrhages in all four quadrants. Four to five cotton wool spots seen in different quadrants. Resolving macular oedema seen. Foveal contour visible. Retina is attached," the report added, according to Dawn. The results of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) test said that in the right eye, the macular oedema was "resolving and reduced". "Central macular thickness reduced from 550 to 350," the OCT test findings added. According to the report, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas visited PIMS in Islamabad on Sunday, where doctors briefed them on Imran Khan's condition. Even Imran Khan's personal physicians were briefed over a phone call. However, earlier, PTI leader Latif Khosa formally approached Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, expressing serious reservations over the manner in which incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan was examined by a medical team. His letter highlighted deep concerns regarding the former premier's check-up, which reportedly took place in "secrecy" at the Adiala jail. (ANI) President and CEO, ICCA and MD, FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers), Eleni Despotou, said that the industry offers support to the growth of India. Speaking to ANI on the 41st ICCA (International Corrugated Case Association), Despotou said that India's vibrancy supports the potential of the industry. He said, "This is a substantial industry that supports the growth of India. We have acknowledged the incredible, vibrant economy of India and the potential for our members and companies to grow. Our global event will bring together international players from all over the world." Chairperson of ICCA, M L Agarwal, told ANI that the summit is a rare opportunity for India to interact with global leaders. He said, "We are organising an International Corrugated Case Association global summit for the first time in the history of the ICCA, and this will be the 41st global summit. This is a rare opportunity for the Indian industry to interact with the global leaders. The global corrugated industry is valued today at approximately $200 billion, while the Indian industry is about $8.9 billion." The International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA) was formed in 1961. Its purpose is to provide member services and activities that can be most effectively conducted by an international organization. The services support and enhance the work of the association members and contribute to the well-being of the worldwide corrugated packaging industry. Since 1961, ICCA has sponsored a biennial Management Conference to allow worldwide corrugated industry executives to come together and share information, in a legal manner, on appropriate issues. ICCA gathers, compiles and distributes corrugated shipment/production data. This is the most authoritative reflection of worldwide corrugated industry data. ICCA members receive country- and region-specific production/shipment data reports every quarter. The association releases annual data to the general public, and then only by continent. (ANI) Sharjah [UAE], February 17 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, revealed an ongoing plan to turn the city of Khorfakkan into a city surrounded by forests of trees, characterised by high oxygen levels, low carbon dioxide, and increased positive electrons, which will give residents comfort and tranquillity. He also provided flower enthusiasts with valuable information on planting, from selecting suitable soil and obtaining it to the required light and its regulation, as well as the timing of pruning before March. The Ruler of Sharjah said during a phone call on the Direct Line programme, hosted by Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority: "Talking about agriculture and flowers stirs our emotions. The rose tree is very sensitive. If we plant it in soil containing even a little sand, this will affect the shape of the flower that grows at its top, because the root is sensitive and should not dry out. If it dries, the defect will appear in the flower, and it will grow twisted, bent, or incomplete in shape. The reason for this is the soil. The best place to obtain suitable soil is at the foot of the mountains beneath the slopes, where there is pure clay from the mountain without sand. When we plant flowers, we place canopies made of cloth with openings that allow sunlight to pass through, so that the flowers receive partial shade, not full shade. In this way, we allow light to reach the flowers without exposing them directly to the sun's rays. We advise anyone who wants to plant flowers at home to obtain pure clay from the foot of the mountains and to use canopies in the manner we have described, to ensure light reaches the flowers while protecting them from harsh sunlight. Plants must also be pruned before the start of March, because roses do not grow on hard roots; they bloom on the new, tender branches." The Ruler of Sharjah spoke about the Qasd tree, saying, "The Qasd tree is a large, thorny, dense, and long-lived tree. It is distinguished by its interlaced branches and small leaves, reaching a height of about two metres. It lives in deserts and dry areas and withstands harsh climatic conditions. Its fruits are small, round, and fleshy, turning from green to red when ripe, and they are edible. In some countries, it is called 'awsaj'. It used to exist in the Al Madam area, where there is a plain known as 'Saih Al Qasd'. We have beautiful childhood memories of this tree, as we used to gather its delicious red fruits and eat them. We used to compete with the crows because they also picked these tasty fruits. I told them about a place I knew that had Qasd trees and asked them to search there. When they went, they found the trees dead, so I asked them to bring me some of the sand from there. I planted it, but nothing grew. Later, on my way to Al Badi, before entering the main road, I saw a tree from a distance and recognised it. I asked them to stop immediately, and indeed, we found it was a Qasd tree. Thankfully, I took cuttings from it for planting, but they told me it was dry and would not succeed. However, with God's grace, we used a growth hormone, and the planting succeeded. Now we have it in the nursery, beautiful, with soft, swaying, and fruitful branches. Praise be to God, the Al Badi Palace nursery is full of millions of selected trees, to the extent that all the municipalities take seedlings from it, because municipal nurseries are no longer sufficient." The Ruler of Sharjah concluded by saying, "We are now working on planting the mountains of Khorfakkan. Specialised companies are digging pits in the ground along the paths of the valleys descending from the mountains, so that the water will be poured into these pits, where we will plant trees that will be irrigated by it, instead of the water flowing through the large valleys and emptying into the sea. God willing, the city of Khorfakkan will become a city surrounded by forests of trees. This will be distinguished by high oxygen levels, low carbon dioxide, and increased positive electrons, which will give residents a sense of comfort and calm. I had previously addressed the people of Khorfakkan when we began inaugurating its projects, and I told them, 'Open your hearts like this sea of yours, which even if we threw carrion into it, would not become dirty.' (ANI/WAM) United States President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) asked Iran to be "reasonable" in the next round of talks over the nuclear deal, reminding Tehran of the June 2025 B-2 bomber attack. Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump said that he will "indirectly" be involved in the talks with Iran. He said, "I will be involved in those talks indirectly. It will be very important. Iran is a tough negotiator, but I would say they are bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s (B-2 Bombers) to knock out their nuclear potential. I hope they are going to be more reasonable. They want to make a deal... We have peace in the Middle East. You will see some flames here and there, but we essentially have peace in the Middle East. That happened because we did a B-2 attack on the nuclear potential. They would have had a nuclear weapon within one month. If that happened, it would have been a whole different deal." The US 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. 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. When asked about the Board of Peace for Gaza, Donald Trump said that the world leaders involved will work along with the United Nations. "It (the Board) has all world leaders and putting tremendous amounts of money. And I think it will go far beyond Gaza and there will be peace all over the world. We are working in conjunction with the United Nations. The UN has great potential, but they haven't lived up to it. But they might aid us a little bit," Trump told reporters. A key meeting for the Board of Peace is scheduled on February 19, ahead of which Donald Trump had announced that member states involved have pledged over USD 5 billion towards humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. (ANI) The Ambassador of Brazil to India, Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, on Tuesday said that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will visit India on February 19 (Thursday), leading the largest-ever delegation from 'President Lula to visit India with the largest Brazilian delegation'. Speaking to the media, the envoy said that several ministers and a large business delegation would accompany the President. He added, "President Lula will visit India, leading the largest ever delegation from Brazil to India. The two countries are becoming closer partners in technology, economy, and trade," he said. The ambassador highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral ties, noting that cooperation between India and Brazil has expanded significantly across sectors, including innovation, digital technology, economy, and trade. T The visit comes amid the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held from February 16 to 20. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will be accompanied by several ministers and a high-level delegation of CEOs during his State visit to India from February 18 to 22, underscoring the visit's strong economic and strategic focus. President Lula is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 21, as per the MEA. The accompanying ministers are expected to hold meetings with their Indian counterparts, while the top CEOs of Brazilian companies are expected to participate in a Business Forum being organised during the Brazilian President's visit, reflecting the growing trade and commercial engagements between India and Brazil. The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Lula on February 21 is expected to be the key highlight of the visit. The two leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explore ways to further strengthen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Discussions are expected to cover cooperation in trade and investment, defence, energy (including renewables), agriculture, health, and pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, rare earth materials, science & technology and innovation, including in cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI, space and people-to-people linkages. The two leaders would also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in multilateral fora, reformed multilateralism, global governance, and issues concerning the Global South. The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change and combating terrorism. The Prime Minister is scheduled to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. During President Lula's State Visit, President Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet him and will host a banquet in his honour. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are envisaged to call on President Lula. President Lula will also participate in the 2nd India AI Impact Summit from February 19 to 20. The forthcoming visit will be President Lula's sixth to India. He had first visited India in 2004 as the Guest of Honour for Republic Day celebrations and last visited India for the G20 Summit in September 2023. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula have, however, been meeting frequently. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Modi was in Brasilia on a State Visit from 7-8 July 2025, marking the first State Visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. Both leaders also met in Johannesburg during the G20 in November 2025. As per the MEA, President Lula's State Visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to chart a forward-looking agenda to further strengthen the bilateral Strategic Partnership and deepen cooperation across bilateral, regional, and global platforms on issues of mutual interest. (ANI) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka will arrive in India on Tuesday to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, as per the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in India, Mahishini Colonne, who described the summit as the first of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. Highlighting the visit, Colonne said the President's participation reflects the depth and priority of the India-Sri Lanka partnership at a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies. In a post on X, the envoy noted that Sri Lanka's presence at the summit underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred. She added that, as one of the South Asian leaders attending the summit, President Disanayaka's participation signals the strength of bilateral ties and a shared resolve to address issues that will shape the future. https://x.com/Mahishini/status/2023578045899264505 In a post on X, she said, "President Anura Kumara Disanayaka arrives in India today for the AI Impact Summit 2026 - the first summit of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. At a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies, Sri Lanka's participation reflects the depth and priority of the India - Sri Lanka partnership, and our shared commitment to ensuring innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred." She added, "Building on the President's landmark State Visit in December 2024 and the joint vision 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,' Sri Lanka and India have sustained momentum across connectivity, economic engagement, digital cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties. As one of the South Asian leaders present, the President's participation underscores both the closeness of our relationship and our commitment to working together on issues that will shape the future." In the end, she said, "Rooted in proximity, strengthened by trust, and guided by practical cooperation, the India - Sri Lanka partnership continues to evolve with purpose." At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Heads of State and Government are scheduled to attend the Summit. The leaders include the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay; Vice President of Bolivia, Edmundo Lara Montano; President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic; President of Estonia, Alar Karis; Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo; President of France, Emmanuel Macron; Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis; Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo; and Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov. The other 10 leaders to participate are Hereditary Prince of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Prince Alois; Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam; President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic; President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini; President of Spain, Pedro Sanchez; President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka; Vice President of Seychelles, Sebastien Pillay; President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin; Prime Minister of Netherlands, Dick Schoof and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi from UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to foster dialogue on responsible AI governance, innovation ecosystems, digital public infrastructure, climate-conscious technology and equitable access to emerging technologies. The Summit is envisioned as a pivotal global platform to shape a future-oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI, and it aims to move beyond high-level discussions to deliver tangible outcomes that support economic growth, social development, and the sustainable use of AI. The Summit is structured around three core pillars -- People, Planet, and Progress -- with discussions focusing on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy-efficient AI, and economic and social development. Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, are presenting concrete deliverables, including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases. Participants also gain insights into how AI is impacting various professions and industries, the new skills required in the evolving job market, opportunities for startups to engage with investors and partners, and the role of AI in supporting farmers, small businesses and service providers. Sessions are addressing AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and India's approach to sovereign AI, including the development of indigenous foundation models for strategic sectors. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on his fourth visit to India and said he looked forward to further strengthening cooperation across sectors and advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi said that he would see the French President in Mumbai and later in the national capital. "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron" https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2023602806096359895?s=20 President Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships. Following engagements in Mumbai, the French President and the Prime Minister will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 They arrived in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Tuesday for their scheduled visit to India, which runs through February 19. They were received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport. "Towards a stronger India-France strategic partnership! Warm welcome to President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. He was warmly received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the Mumbai airport. During the visit, PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders will launch Year of Innovation 2026. The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. This visit signals sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and emerging technologies. Following their Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day programme anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. The French President's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, building on PM Modi's co-chairing of the AI Action Summit with Macron in Paris in February 2025. (ANI) . NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE: BBWI) between June 4, 2024 and November 19, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 16, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline. So What: If you purchased Bath & Body Works securities during the Class Period 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 Bath & Body Works class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 March 16, 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 handle 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: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, and that defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Bath & Body Works' strategy of pursuing "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" was not growing the customer base and/or delivering the level of growth in net sales touted; (2) as Bath & Body Works' strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" faltered, it relied on brand collaborations "to carry quarters" and obfuscate otherwise weak underlying financial results; (3) as a result, Bath & Body Works was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Bath & Body Works' business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Body & Body Works class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P.A. In a significant move to bolster international cooperation on emerging technologies, Australia's Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton, will visit India to participate in the prestigious AI Impact Summit. Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton, will visit India to attend the AI Impact Summit. As per an official statement from Australia's Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Assistant Minister will deliver a speech on the importance of elevating the voice of workers as the adoption of AI gains pace. He will also promote Australia as a partner of choice for investment in sustainable AI infrastructure and safe, inclusive AI innovation. The Assistant Minister will meet with counterparts from a range of countries, including the US, UK, Canada and India, to progress partnerships in Australia's interest, the statement said. It further noted that he will also meet with major technology companies to discuss investment in Australia's AI ecosystem in line with the goals set out in the National AI Plan. The visit aims to promote Australia's National AI Plan and reinforce the country's commitment to deploying artificial intelligence in the national interest. The Australian government's participation underscores a broader international effort to ensure that rapid AI developments are underpinned by a "robust social license." This initiative aligns with the Albanese Labor Government's establishment of an AI Safety Institute (AISI), designed to foster collaboration with like-minded global partners, the statement noted. As per the statement, the Assistant Minister's itinerary includes high-level bilateral meetings with counterparts from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to progress partnerships in Australia's interest. Beyond government-to-government talks, Charlton will engage with CEOs of major technology firms to discuss investment in Australia's AI ecosystem and pitch the nation as a partner of choice for sustainable infrastructure and inclusive innovation. The visit holds special diplomatic significance as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF). Since its inception in 2006, the fund has served as a cornerstone for joint cutting-edge research between the two nations. "The Summit will be an important opportunity to reinforce Australia's reputation as a regional leader for sustainable AI infrastructure," Charlton said ahead of his visit. "Australia and India have long shared a commitment to collaboration in business and science, and I look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of our landmark Strategic Research Fund together." The seminal AI Impact Summit brings together national leaders, tech giants, and academic experts to shape the future of global AI governance. (ANI) Reaffirming his hardline stance towards Tehran, United States President Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding the "consequences of not making a deal" ahead of critical diplomatic negotiations scheduled to take place in Geneva. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the President confirmed his participation in the high-stakes summit, noting that he would engage in the process "indirectly." Trump described the upcoming discussions as "very important," acknowledging that while Iran is a "tough negotiator," he believes its leadership has proven to be "bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s to knock out their nuclear potential." The President's remarks come in the wake of significant military action, which he credited with shifting the geopolitical landscape and forcing a return to diplomacy. Trump expressed hope that the Iranian leadership would be "more reasonable" moving forward, asserting that the nation's economic and political pressures are driving it back to the table. "They want to make a deal. We have peace in the Middle East," he stated. Addressing the current stability in the region, Trump admitted there might be localised friction but maintained that the overarching objective of regional security had been met through military force. "You will see some flames here and there, but we essentially have peace in the Middle East. That happened because we did a B-2 attack on the nuclear potential," the President said. Trump further justified this recent military intervention, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, during which US forces targeted three primary nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He insisted that without the operation, Tehran "would have had a nuclear weapon within one month," stating that, "If that happened, it would have been a whole different deal." This escalation follows the collapse of previous diplomatic efforts. Although Iran and the United States held rounds of nuclear talks in April 2025 in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, Italy, the situation shifted drastically on June 21-22, 2025. Under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting the three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations at the time, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Now, despite that military confrontation, the two nations are expected to return to the bargaining table 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 to represent American interests in this latest diplomatic push. (ANI) Mariano Caucino, Argentine Ambassador to India on Tuesday spoke about the country's participation as New Delhi hosts one of the most seminal Summits on Artificial Intelligence and called it a great success for India as New Delhi drives conversations over the emerging tech. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, the Ambassador said, "It's a great success for the Indian government to be able to hold this important conference on a subject that everybody is talking about this in the world." He further noted that Argentina is going to host some delegates from its states and added that they were glad to have this opportunity. He praised India's growth story as one of the largest global economies and added, "I think this conference will show leadership in this matter. I can see that you are investing a lot on these technologies and I think this conference is an example of that." He also spoke about the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Buenos Aires, stating how the relationship between the two countries is based on complementarity, common values and the spirit of democracy. "Also from the point of view of the economies, the two economies are very complementary. I hope we can continue growing. Currently, Argentina and India enjoy almost $5.5 billion economic exchange. And India has become the sixth largest partner for Argentina. So I hope this can continue and can grow and expand into other fields", he told ANI. India is the first country from the Global South to host the Global AI Impact Summit, which brings together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators, and experts to showcase and deliberate on the transformative potential of AI across governance, innovation, and sustainable development. The AI Impact Summit which kicked off on Monday in New Delhi will welcome world leaders from across 20 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and others. UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres will also attend the event. From February 16 to 20, the Impact Summit, the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South, showcases New Delhi's ambition: to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful. At the core is India's audacious vision for sovereign AI. (ANI) Veteran broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper is stepping down from CBS's flagship newsmagazine 60 Minutes after nearly 20 years as a correspondent, according to The Washington Post. Cooper (58) joined the program in 2006 under an agreement with CNN, where he has worked since 2001 and has hosted "Anderson Cooper 360" since 2003. Through a CNN spokesperson, Cooper said he chose not to renew his contract with CBS and intends to spend more time with his young children. "Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career," Cooper wrote in a statement. "I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. For nearly twenty years, I've been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me." CBS News, in a statement cited by The Washington Post, thanked Cooper for his contributions, saying he had taken viewers to faraway places, delivered impactful investigations and interviewed prominent figures over more than two decades. The network added that it understood his desire to focus on family and said the door would remain open for his return. In recent years, Cooper's reporting for "60 Minutes" has included coverage of the prediction market Polymarket, in-depth coverage of families affected by school shootings, and a profile of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic. Cooper's departure comes amid broader changes at CBS News. The newsroom is now led by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, founder of the Free Press, following corporate shifts involving Paramount Global and Skydance Media. According to the Post, CBS News has undergone layoffs and editorial changes as new leadership seeks to reshape the network's strategy. Cooper, the son of Gloria Vanderbilt and Wyatt Emory Cooper, began his career as a correspondent for the school television network Channel One News before joining ABC News. During that time, he also hosted the first two seasons of ABC's reality show "The Mole." He moved to CNN in 2001 as a weekend anchor before launching his own show in 2003, according to the Washington Post. The decision to leave marks the end of a chapter for one of television's most recognisable journalists, who has balanced high-profile roles at both CNN and CBS throughout his career, the Washington Post reported. (ANI) From data ethics to a profound environmental and geopolitical challenge, global policy experts agree that AI cannot exist in a vacuum and must be synchronised with the global drive for decarbonization and regional cooperation. Participating in a panel discussion on Tuesday at the ongoing AI India Impact Summit in the national capital, energy expert Arunabha Ghosh argued that the Artificial-Intelligence revolution and the Green revolution are two strands of the same "double helix." Ghosh, the CEO of the Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW) said," I see this as a double helix. There is a digital revolution going on and a decarbonization revolution going on at different speeds with different momentums and different geographies." He said that the two technologies should converge to save the planet. "But the two will have to come together. These can't be parallel tracks. These have to come together. When they come together properly, then AI becomes one more general-purpose technology to impact another general-purpose technology, which, in my opinion, is climate action," Ghosh said. He highlighted how AI can optimize solar and wind integration into power grids, provide hyper-accurate flood forecasting, and increase agricultural resilience. However, he warned of the "duality" of AI -- noting that massive data centres are incredibly thirsty for power and water for cooling. "The data centres are significantly contingent on power demand, on water demand, cooling demand, and you need to then develop this infrastructure that is ready for the future, not just leveraging the present," he said. "So how do we then square these two circles? On one hand, the need for decarbonisation. On the other hand, extracting value through the digital and the AI revolution," he said. Ghosh called for "intentionality," urging nations to transparently measure the energy and water footprints of their AI strategies rather than "leveraging the present" at the cost of the future. "We should reject this false binary that either you have climate action or you have AI-driven ambition," Ghosh stated. "They have to come together." Philip Thigo, Special Envoy from the Office of the President of Kenya, was also part of the panel discussion with Ghosh at the session "AI for India's Next Billion: Intergenerational Insights for Inclusive and Future-Ready Growth"at the Bharat Mandapam venue. With only one per cent of global data centres located in Africa (and half of those in South Africa), Thigo argued that "sovereignty" doesn't mean every country needs to build everything. "Everybody wants to invest in data centres, we can't currently, only one per cent of global data centres are in Africa, 50 per cent in South Africa. It just means some countries will not be able to do this," he said. Thigo advocated for a "South-South cooperation," where neighbouring countries share infrastructure and value rather than duplicating expensive investments. "It calls upon cooperation and sharing...it becomes interesting that global cooperation, and especially regional cooperation, but also South cooperation becomes important, where we have to kind of see where they share value and we can collaborate and not necessarily spend money on doing anything," Thigo said. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and UN Foundation VP Claire Melamed who were part of today's panel discussion. While Kant focused on the structural inequality of AI data, Melamed addressed the "governance challenge," arguing that the lines of accountability between states, citizens, and tech giants have become blurred and ineffective. Melamed rejected the notion that the tech industry can "grade its own homework," calling for independent oversight on how AI companies should be managed. She dismissed the effectiveness of industry-led governing bodies, stating, "It never works. We know that time and time again." Her primary concern she said was in ensuring citizens have a clear path to justice--or "redress"--when AI systems cause harm. "We cannot have a situation where the behaviour and impact of companies is monitored and governed by bodies which are set up by those companies themselves," Melamed said. Meanwhile, Amitabh Kant, warned about AI creating a "highly inequal society" and advocated for building a layer of public identity and accountability on top of it. "Our digital ecosystem worked, because our models were open-sourced. My view is that there has to be a layer of digital public identity in AI, on top of which we should allow private sector to open and compete," Kant said. (ANI) Gabriel Cesar Sanchez Zinny, Chief of Staff of the City of Buenos Aires, on Tuesday expressed optimism about deepening India-Argentina cooperation in artificial intelligence and technology, saying his city is keen to attract more Indian investors. Speaking to ANI, Zinny said Buenos Aires was participating to learn from global best practices and explore partnerships in emerging technologies. "There are so many conferences and panels. Thousands of people are participating from all over the world, so we are very lucky to be here," he said. "We came here to learn about artificial intelligence, to share practices, to learn how other cities are doing and how the private sector is bringing this technology to different sectors and markets." Highlighting India's rapid strides in AI, he said the country's initiative to host discussions on AI was beneficial to all stakeholders. Zinny also noted that his delegation visited the Delhi Metro, as Buenos Aires is currently building a new subway line and is looking at technological collaborations to improve urban services. When asked about potential collaboration between India and Argentina to address AI-related risks, such as deepfakes and transparency concerns, Zinny emphasised the importance of regulation and education. "The debate around regulations is very important. The debate around education is very important. How are we going to get the skills and capabilities to live with artificial intelligence? What are we going to do with the jobs that artificial intelligence is replacing?" he said. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism, adding that he believes AI will ultimately have a positive impact on cities and countries. On future tech cooperation, Zinny said bilateral ties are strengthening under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentina's President Javier Milei. He also acknowledged the role of diplomatic representatives, including Argentina's Ambassador to India, in enhancing engagement. "I see that the relationship is moving forward. Trade is improving, and we can learn a lot about technology," he said. "We want more Indian companies to come to Buenos Aires. We want more Indian investors to come to Buenos Aires, and we are meeting several of them to convince them to invest in Argentina." (ANI) As per a statement by the CMO, talks were held with Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Chief Minister's Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Chief Secretary to the Government Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Anjum Parvez and others were present. In a post on X, the CMO noted that they held a cordial interaction and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. "Karnataka values its engagement with global partners and remains committed to strengthening international cooperation", the post added. https://x.com/CMofKarnataka/status/2023643420372435404?s=20 Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya on Tuesday termed Bengaluru the "crown jewel" of the India-US partnership, as he welcomed US Ambassador Sergio Gor to the city. In a post on X, Surya said," Ambassador Sergio Gor brings uncommon energy and dynamism to diplomacy, and a true belief in India-US's limitless potential. A late-night Namma Auto ride is the real Bengaluru experience. Thank you for an inspiring conversation and for believing in our great shared future. Bengaluru is the crown jewel of the India - U.S. partnership." On Monday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US-INDOPACOM Commander Adm. Samuel J. Paparo visited HQ Western Command and held substantive discussions with Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander, Western Command, on strategic security dynamics along India's Western Front.The delegation was comprehensively briefed on the Western Front perspective, including operational preparedness, the distinguished legacy, the execution of Operation Sindoor, and the Indian Army's pivotal role in nation-building and strengthening regional stability. US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, appreciated the India-US defence partnership. In a post on X, Gor said, "A great visit with US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Paparo and Western Command, Indian Army. Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific. The U.S.-India defense partnership continues to grow stronger. Thank you for the warm welcome, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar." Moreover, on Sunday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor 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."(ANI) The statement noted that the Global AI Impact Summit is the first summit of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. At a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies, Sri Lanka's participation reflects the depth and priority of the India-Sri Lanka partnership, and our shared commitment to ensuring innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred. Building on the President's landmark State Visit in December 2024 and the joint vision "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future," Sri Lanka and India have sustained momentum across connectivity, economic engagement, digital cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties, the statement noted. It further mentioned how as one of the South Asian leaders present, the President's participation underscores both the closeness of our relationship and our commitment to working together on issues that will shape the future. Rooted in proximity, strengthened by trust, and guided by practical cooperation, the India-Sri Lanka partnership continues to evolve with purpose. The Global AI Impact Summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators, and experts to showcase and deliberate on the transformative potential of AI across governance, innovation, and sustainable development. The AI Impact Summit which kicked off on Monday in New Delhi will welcome world leaders from across 20 countries. From February 16 to 20, the Impact Summit, the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South, showcases New Delhi's ambition: to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and impactful. At the core is India's audacious vision for sovereign AI. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached Dhaka on Tuesday to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Upon his arrival at the airport, he was received by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Nazrul Islam. The reception, which included officials from the High Commission of India, underscores the regional importance of the transition as Rahman prepares to take office following the BNP's landslide victory. Joining the international dignitaries, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also arrived in Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet. Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs noted that Birla's participation "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." As Bangladesh enters a "new dawn" following years of political upheaval, Tarique Rahman is set to take the oath as Prime Minister. The swearing-in ceremony at the Parliament Bhawan marks a historic return to power for the BNP following its landslide victory in the February 12 general elections, where the party-led alliance secured a commanding 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament. Tarique Rahman, son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, led the party to this majority after returning from a 17-year exile. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, a former ally, emerged as the primary opposition force with 77 seats. Reflecting optimism surrounding the transition, the Convener of the Jatiyo Chhatra Samaj stated, "We are excited about the new parliament and about Tarique Rahman and the BNP government. We think that this will be a different government from the previous government." The student leader further emphasised that the new administration represents a shift away from the political climate that followed the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina. "Tarique Rahman won't repeat the fascist culture again, and I think he will concentrate on democratic culture. He will think of the interests of the people, and the people will be the owners of this country," the Convener noted, adding, "Everything will be changed, and we will see a new Bangladesh." Despite the planned festivities, the morning's proceedings were marked by a distinct procedural divide regarding a proposed constitutional reform council. While BNP members of parliament and independently elected members have taken the oath as MPs, they did not take the oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council. In contrast, the opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and 11 other opposition groups, took both oaths -- one as members of parliament and another as members of the Constitution Reform Council. BNP MPs maintain that there is no provision in the current constitution for such an oath, whereas opposition members argue that a directive issued through a referendum makes it obligatory. Amidst these domestic transitions, diplomatic engagements continued as Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. The visit highlights the international attention focused on Dhaka as the new government prepares to take office. (ANI) In a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival today. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Commonly referred to as 26/11, these coordinated assaults by a group of 10 terrorists sent shockwaves through the nation and the world. The terrorists had entered the city of Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008, via sea route and over the course of four days, they killed 166 people and injured 300, in some of the busiest parts of the city. Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Highlighting the strategic nature of the trip, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership. Following the reception, President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are scheduled to hold talks with PM Modi later today. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in critical areas, including defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships, signalling sustained momentum in the relationship with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Connecting these bilateral engagements to a broader global platform, the French President and PM Modi will later travel to the national capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, the event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris, further solidifying the Franco-Indian lead in the global technological landscape. (ANI) Industry-leading MRO provider of mission-critical niche services CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Velocity Maintenance Solutions (VMS), a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider, to Bombardier, a Canadian-based aircraft manufacturer. The acquisition was completed through Bombardier's U.S. subsidiary, Learjet Inc. BGL's Aerospace, Defense & Government Services (ADGS) investment banking team served as the exclusive financial advisor to VMS in the transaction. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. VMS is a provider of MRO services to the business aviation end market. Post this Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Velocity Maintenance Solutions (VMS), a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider, to Bombardier, a Canadian-based aircraft manufacturer. BGLs Aerospace, Defense & Government Services (ADGS) investment banking team served as the exclusive financial advisor to VMS in the transaction. Headquartered in New Castle, Delaware, and founded in 2021, VMS is a provider of MRO services to the business aviation end market. Operating 24/7 through both MRO facilities and mobile service teams, VMS provides domestic and international coverage. Its combination of core maintenance capabilities and specialized services has supported accelerated organic growth and positioned the Company as a market leader in business aviation maintenance services. Transaction Details The acquisition by Bombardier positions VMS for substantial growth within its robust service portfolio and existing customer base, with an opportunity to capitalize on the continued acceleration of the business aviation market The purchase of VMS bolsters Bombardier's U.S. presence and supports its long-term commitment to providing operators with unmatched service coverage and quality. VMS will further enhance Bombardier's ability to provide operators with a wide range of maintenance, support, and service options, close to where they fly. About BGL's Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Team BGL's ADGS investment banking team has decades of relevant experience and a network of long-standing relationships across a broad range of subsectors, including aerospace technology, aviation services & distribution, defense, space, and government technology & services. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the current ADGS landscape and the strategic considerations shaping the sector. About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has offices in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York. The firm is also a founding member of REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, enabling BGL to service clients in 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com. SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Drawing on media reports and case documentation, HRCP recorded at least 670 CCD-led encounters between January and August 2025. These operations reportedly led to the deaths of 924 suspects, while only two police personnel were killed during the same period. The striking disparity in casualties, averaging more than two fatal encounters daily, along with similar operational narratives across districts, points to what the commission describes as a deliberate and organised practice rather than isolated incidents of misconduct. The report argues that these operations reflect systemic violations of domestic law and Pakistan's international human rights commitments. Under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act 2022, every custodial death must be investigated by the FIA under the supervision of the National Commission for Human Rights. However, HRCP found no clear evidence that such mandatory procedures were followed in the cases examined. Magisterial inquiries required under the Code of Criminal Procedure also appeared absent in most instances. The commission further expressed disappointment over the lack of response from Punjab authorities and CCD officials to requests for engagement. The mission also documented a climate of fear among victims' families. In one case, relatives alleged they were pressured to quickly bury the deceased and warned of further harm if they pursued legal action. According to HRCP, CCD operations appear inconsistent with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, which mandate necessity, proportionality, and accountability. It has recommended an immediate moratorium on encounter operations, independent oversight, compulsory FIA investigations under NCHR supervision, and compensation for affected families. (ANI) Public frustration spilled onto the streets of Gilgit as women and students staged separate protests, highlighting what residents described as chronic governance failures in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). The demonstrations were triggered by prolonged electricity load-shedding and a worsening drinking water crisis in the Jutial area, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, a large number of women staged a sit-in outside the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court and blocked the key Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam road for several hours. Protesters accused authorities of neglecting basic civic responsibilities and failing to ensure access to essential services such as water and electricity. A representative of the demonstrators stated that neighbourhoods including Hussainabad Colony, Yasin Colony, Diamer Colony and Netco Colony had gone nearly two weeks without a proper water supply. Upper Jutial, she said, had experienced a complete suspension for several days. Residents claimed that while water had previously been supplied intermittently, allowing families to store it, no water had been provided for the past 10 days. Electricity shortages have compounded the crisis, with load-shedding reportedly lasting up to 22 hours daily. Even when water becomes available in pipelines, residents are unable to pump it into storage tanks due to the absence of power. Protesters blamed corruption, administrative inefficiency and repeated policy failures despite substantial spending on the energy sector, as cited by Dawn. The road blockade led to severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded for hours before negotiations were initiated. In a parallel protest at Public Chowk, students of Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) Sweet Home accused officials of failing to clear their school dues. The orphan students said they were expelled from a private institution over unpaid fees and opposed their proposed transfer from Police Public School to a government-run school, as reported by Dawn. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to India. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, where they were seen sharing a warm hug before commencing discussions. The meeting is aimed at reviewing the progress of the India-France strategic partnership and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation across key sectors. Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Macron upon his arrival, and the leaders held talks thereafter. The Prime Minister had earlier arrived at Lok Bhavan, where he was received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat. In a post on X, the Governor of Maharashtra said, "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, for his meeting with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, welcomed the Prime Minister at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai." The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and France, with discussions likely to focus on strategic cooperation, trade, defence collaboration, and global issues of mutual interest. Earlier in the day, Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his visit to India, PM Modi expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a post on X, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Highlighting the strategic nature of the trip, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he was "delighted" to meet his friend, French President Emmanuel Macron, in Mumbai, as part of the latter's fourth visit to the country. In a post on X, PM Modi also stated that the French President shared his experience in India's financial capital, noting that Macron liked the city and enjoyed his morning run earlier in the day. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" the Prime Minister stated in his post on X. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of their bilateral talks, where they reviewed key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. They were also seen sharing a warm exchange as they greeted each other. Earlier today, at the start of the morning rush in Mumbai, the French President surprised Mumbaikers by joining the morning walkers. The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron decided not to disrupt his fitness routine despite being in a foreign country, ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings with PM Modi. On the same day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi, earlier, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a separate post on X ahead of their meeting, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. PM Modi and the French President will later travel to the national capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris, further solidifying the Franco-Indian lead in the global technological landscape. (ANI) In a quiet corner of the AI Impact Summit pavilion, a robot with two arms and a pair of eyes is performing a task that has long been the "holy grail" of robotics: picking up objects it has never seen before. Known as CyRo, this stationary robot is designed to imitate the upper torso of a human. It brings a "baby-like intuitiveness" to a field that has traditionally been stiff, over-programmed and limited by data. CyRo is the brainchild of CynLr (short for Cybernetics Laboratory), a Bengaluru-based fundamental intelligence company co-founded by Nikhil Ramaswamy and Gokul NA. The company is headquartered in Whitefield, Bengaluru. It maintains a global footprint with a design and research centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a sales office in the US. Together, they are building the intuitive aspects of object handling that current AI systems lack, particularly when dealing with transparent, metallic or completely unknown items. Speaking at the summit, Co-founder Gokul Namakkal Arulsanmugam explained that today's robots struggle with basic tasks, like fitting a bolt into a screw hole without slipping. "That's how limited the robotics technology is," Gokul noted. He added that this limitation is why mobile phone assembly, automotive lines and semiconductor fab labs still rely heavily on manual labour. In a car with 10,000 parts, most are still hand-assembled because machines cannot adapt to "alien" situations. "A human baby will be able to go and pick an object without knowing what they are," Gokul said, contrasting human instinct with rigid AI. "Unless and until you build that intuitiveness into a robot, they are not trainable, they are not AI-friendly." CynLr's approach is to build the capabilities of the human brain into the robotic arm. This allows CyRo to handle objects in unfamiliar situations, such as varying lighting or reflections on water, without prior training. The magic of CyRo lies in its vision system. Unlike typical AI that requires millions of data points and months of training, CyRo learns on the fly. When a random object is placed on its tray, the robot doesn't need to recognise the item. It simply understands what is changing in the scene. "It gets curious about the object in front of it, goes and grabs them," Gokul explained. Within 10 to 15 seconds, the system figures out how to grasp the object. It instantaneously adjusts its force for hard or soft items and senses if a part is slipping. This breakthrough has already caught the eye of global industry leaders. CynLr is currently engaged in a two-year pilot with Audi to integrate this technology into their prototype manufacturing lines. They have also signed the world's third-largest semiconductor equipment manufacturer and are in talks with luxury car brands. Beyond automotive and semiconductors, the technology holds massive potential for warehouse automation and research labs where human contamination must be avoided. While CyRo is currently a stationary platform (joined by its mobile counterpart, Synoid), the underlying technology could eventually transition into surgical robotics. Gokul clarified that a "medical grade" version would require independent investment. For now, the focus remains on a six-year journey that survived the havoc of COVID-19 to pursue a larger vision: Software Defined Factories. The ultimate pitch for CynLr is to allow manufacturers to change an entire factory's output, moving from one car model to another or handling multiple platforms on the same line, with a simple software update. By replacing rigid physical setups with intuitive, adaptive hardware, CynLr is ensuring that the factories of the future are just as curious and capable as the humans they assist. (ANI) The financial capital welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron for a high-profile visit that blends intensive diplomacy with a grand celebration of the growing India-France strategic partnership. The visit, which began late Monday evening, marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, with a focus on issues ranging from global security to artificial intelligence. Detailing the itinerary and underlining the scope of the engagement, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted what he described as a "beautiful partnership" between the two nations. "The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has arrived in the city of Mumbai. He arrived yesterday late in the evening. There are two aspects to his visit to India this time. One, he will be holding bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi later this afternoon here in Mumbai, and thereafter, he travels to Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit," Jaiswal stated. Expanding on the agenda, the spokesperson emphasised that the upcoming discussions between the two leaders would reflect the depth and diversity of cooperation between New Delhi and Paris. "There's so much that is happening between India and France, two strategic partners in the fields of digital technology, the fields of innovation, student mobility, culture, defence, security, green pathways, and a lot more. All these issues will come up for discussion when the two leaders meet this afternoon," he added. Following the diplomatic engagements, attention will shift toward symbolic and public-facing events celebrating collaboration between the two countries. The iconic Gateway of India is set to host a major cultural and innovation-themed programme. "Thereafter, we'll have the celebration of India-France collaboration in the field of innovation. There are several programs to celebrate this beautiful partnership, and of course, we have a colourful delight awaiting you at the Gateway of India," Jaiswal noted. As the visit commenced, President Macron surprised Mumbaikers by joining the rush of morning walkers in the city. He was seen jogging alongside security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. Wearing a navy blue T-shirt and black sunglasses, Macron maintained his fitness routine ahead of a long day of diplomatic meetings. Later in the day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. Commonly referred to as 26/11, the coordinated assaults by a group of 10 terrorists sent shockwaves through the nation and the world. The attackers entered Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008, via sea route and, over four days, killed 166 people and injured 300 across some of the city's busiest locations. Meanwhile, welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Highlighting the strategic dimension of the trip, Jaiswal posted on X that both leaders will launch the "Year of Innovation 2026," imparting further momentum to the India-France strategic partnership. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic partnerships, with particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Connecting these bilateral engagements to a broader global platform, the French President and PM Modi will later travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, the summit marks the first global AI event hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three pillars -- People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held delegation-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. The talks took place at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, where the two leaders led their respective delegations in discussions covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The meeting comes as part of President Macron's fourth visit to India. Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that he was "delighted" to meet his friend, French President Macron. In a post on X, PM Modi also stated that the French President shared his experience in India's financial capital, noting that Macron liked the city and enjoyed his morning run earlier in the day. "It's a delight to meet my friend, President Macron, in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day!" the Prime Minister stated in his post on X. The two leaders met at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai ahead of their talks, where they reviewed key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership. They were also seen sharing a warm exchange as they greeted each other. Earlier today, at the start of the morning rush in Mumbai, the French President surprised Mumbaikers by joining the morning walkers. The French President was seen jogging with a team of security personnel, including French and Indian officials. The jog proceeded peacefully, with minimal disruption from the media and locals along the route. On the same day, in a poignant moment reflecting international solidarity against terrorism, French President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks upon their arrival. The gesture served as a bridge between two nations that have both faced the scars of radicalisation and violence, with President Macron underscoring the shared values of resilience and democracy that bind New Delhi and Paris. Welcoming the French President on his fourth visit to India, PM Narendra Modi, earlier, expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties to new heights. In a separate post on X ahead of their meeting, PM Modi shared his anticipation for the visit, stating, "Welcome to India! India looks forward to your visit and to advancing our bilateral ties to new heights. I am confident that our discussions will further strengthen cooperation across sectors and contribute to global progress. See you in Mumbai and later in Delhi, my dear friend @EmmanuelMacron." The high-level delegation arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their scheduled visit, which runs through February 19, and was warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. PM Modi and the French President will later travel to the national capital to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South and is anchored in three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation underscores the importance both nations attach to future-focused cooperation. This engagement builds on the groundwork laid in February 2025, when PM Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris, further solidifying the Franco-Indian lead in the global technological landscape. (ANI) Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday arrived in Delhi for attending the India AI Impact Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal lauded the visit, saying that it will strengthen the partnership between both the nations. In a post on X, the MEA said, "Warm welcome to the Vice President of Guyana Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. He was received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on his arrival in New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit. The visit of Vice President Dr. Jagdeo will further strengthen the historic and multifaceted India-Guyana ties, rooted in strong people to people linkages." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2023705558474518552?s=20 Meanwhile, from data ethics to a profound environmental and geopolitical challenge, global policy experts agree that AI cannot exist in a vacuum and must be synchronised with the global drive for decarbonization and regional cooperation. Participating in a panel discussion on Tuesday at the ongoing AI India Impact Summit in the national capital, energy expert Arunabha Ghosh argued that the Artificial-Intelligence revolution and the Green revolution are two strands of the same "double helix." Ghosh, the CEO of the Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW) said, "I see this as a double helix. There is a digital revolution going on and a decarbonization revolution going on at different speeds with different momentums and different geographies." He said that the two technologies should converge to save the planet. "But the two will have to come together. These can't be parallel tracks. These have to come together. When they come together properly, then AI becomes one more general-purpose technology to impact another general-purpose technology, which, in my opinion, is climate action," Ghosh said. He highlighted how AI can optimize solar and wind integration into power grids, provide hyper-accurate flood forecasting, and increase agricultural resilience. However, he warned of the "duality" of AI -- noting that massive data centres are incredibly thirsty for power and water for cooling. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin attended the inaugural ceremony of the final assembly line of Airbus H-125 helicopters at Vemagal, Karnataka. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also present. Vautrin called the India-France defence cooperation as dynamic and ambitious. In a post on X, she said, "As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic to India, I am in Bangalore alongside Rajnath Singh, the Indian Minister of Defense, to illustrate the strength of our defense cooperation. Deep, dynamic, and ambitious, the French-Indian defense cooperation constitutes a major pillar of our strategic partnership and is strengthening across all sectors, both operational and capability-related." https://x.com/CaVautrin/status/2023717143385362526?s=20 Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters at Vemagal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Coming to the unveiling of the final assembly line that we are witnessing today, the H-125 program investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1000 crore and is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for our skilled and hard working younger generation." Singh further said that privatization has propelled growth in this sector. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2023722127774675349?s=20 He said, "Historically, Indian defence production was largely public sector oriented due to various reasons. As a result, the private sector's contribution to total defence production and exports was less than desirable. Our defence exports have increased manifold, putting India among the top defence exporters in the world. This growth trajectory has also given a massive boost to MSMEs and the ancillary sector... A large number of foreign companies currently source many components from Indian MSMEs. We invite companies, to deepen this partnership through meaningful technology transfer and offer advanced solutions to meet the security needs of other countries as well." Vautrin's visit is with French President Emmanuel Macron. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held delegation-level talks with Macron in Mumbai to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership. The talks took place at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, where the two leaders led their respective delegations in discussions covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. In his letter, PM Modi also invited Tarique's wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima, to accompany him. "I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh," the letter from the PM stated. In the letter, PM Modi congratulated Rahman on his party's victory in the recent parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on his appointment as Prime Minister, stating, "I wish you every success as you assume the high responsibilities of this office. Your victory is a testimony to the trust and confidence reposed by the people of Bangladesh in your leadership and their mandate for your vision to take the country forward on the path of peace, stability and prosperity." Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, PM Modi said, "As two close neighbours, India and Bangladesh have a deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of our peoples for peace and prosperity. The strong convergence between our respective developmental priorities shall serve as a guiding principle for our future cooperation." He added that he looks forward to working closely with the newly appointed Bangladesh PM to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance regional cooperation in areas including connectivity, trade, technology, education, skills development, energy, healthcare, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. "As two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, India and Bangladesh can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity," the letter wrote. In a historic political shift, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday. The ceremony, marking the end of a two-decade hiatus from power for the BNP, saw President Mohammed Shahabuddin administer the oath of office at approximately 4:15 pm. The landmark event took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, where the President and the new Prime Minister shared a symbolic handshake following the formal proceedings. BNP won a landslide victory in the February 12 general elections, with the party-led alliance securing a commanding 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament. India was represented at the high-profile ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, underscoring the regional significance of the transition in Dhaka. (ANI) The News in Brief Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the government plans to intensify migration enforcement and remove illegal migrants from Georgia within the next few years."Migration is one of the issues that particularly troubles Georgian society," Kobakhidze said in a February 13 video address published by the ruling Georgian Dream.Citing preliminary census data, he said foreigners, including illegal migrants, make up no more than 6.6 percent of Georgia's population. He said most foreigners come from post Soviet countries, the EU, the United States, and Israel, adding that Turkish and Iranian citizens together account for less than 1 percent of the total population."From countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, we practically have no migrants," Kobakhidze said.He said there are 37,000 foreign students in Georgia and warned that ending the programs would harm the economy. "Cancelling foreign student programs would cause significant losses to Georgia's economy, budget, and employment rate," he said.Kobakhidze said the government has strengthened the Migration Department, which he said expelled more illegal migrants in the past year than in the previous decade."Strengthening the department will enable us to fully free the country from illegal migrants within a few years," he said, adding that the number of illegal migrants exceeds 20,000.Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said Slovakia supports Georgia's bid to chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, calling it a constructive option."We have raised the issue that Georgia should be the chairing country in the OSCE," Blanar said at a joint press conference with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili. "Georgia can make a significant contribution to security issues, and therefore, we welcome Georgia's candidacy."He said Cyprus is also a candidate but added that "Georgia's candidacy represents a compromise option."Blanar said the talks also covered relations between Georgia and the European Union, stressing Slovakia's support for continued engagement."Slovakia supports the holding of proper dialogue between Georgia and the European Union," he said. "The goal of European diplomacy is to maintain dialogue and clarify positions."He added that communication should continue "to eliminate disinformation that does not correspond to the truth."Addressing concerns raised in Brussels about a Georgian port allegedly being used to circumvent sanctions on Russia, Blanar rejected the claim."Georgia maintains very close contact with the relevant EU bodies, and I see no reason whatsoever why Georgia would evade these sanctions," he said. "I oppose including this port in the sanctions list." Independent agency partners recognized for performance, partnership, and community impact across CIG's regions. MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital Insurance Group (CIG), a leading regional property and casualty insurer in the Western U.S., is proud to announce its 2025 Agencies of the Year, recognizing one independent agency partner in each of the company's four regions. The annual awards honor agencies that exemplify strong partnership, consistent performance, and a shared commitment to serving policyholders. Capital Insurance Group's office in Monterey, California. 2025 winners are: Central Washington Insurance (Selah, WA), Executives Insurance (Tempe, AZ), Albano, Dale, Dunn & Lewis (Albano Insurance Services) (Orangevale, CA), and CMR Risk & Insurance Services (San Diego, CA). More information on the winning agencies can be found below. "Our independent agency partners are central to how we serve policyholders, and the Agencies of the Year represent the very best of that model," said Andy Doll, President & CEO of Capital Insurance Group. "Each of these agencies demonstrates what strong partnership looks like through consistent performance, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing what's right for the customers and communities they serve." CIG is committed to partnering with independent agencies across its five-state footprint. The Agencies of the Year program was created to recognize those agency partners who go above and beyond in service, performance, and collaboration. About Central Washington Insurance Founded more than 55 years ago, Central Washington Insurance has been a trusted presence in Selah and the surrounding communities, providing clear guidance and dependable coverage for generations of individuals and businesses. Their commitment to local involvement and personalized service has made them a respected resource throughout Central Washington. "Central Washington Insurance is known for offering thoughtful, trustworthy advice and for standing firmly behind the people they serve," said Kim Noel, Regional Field Executive for CIG's Northwest Region. "They have placed their confidence in CIG to protect both their largest commercial client, and the personal insurance needs of their own friends and family. That level of trust speaks volumes. We are proud to have partnered with them for more than 15 years and are grateful for the relationship we continue to build together." About Executives Insurance Executives Insurance is a small, locally owned, independent agency serving individuals and businesses throughout Arizona with auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance solutions. Known for its personalized approach, the agency has built long-standing relationships by pairing responsive service with practical guidance that helps clients make informed coverage decisions. "The relationship with Ken Plitt and the team at Executives Insurance goes well beyond strong results," said Tom Nowell, Regional Field Executive for CIG's Southwest Region. "Their integrity, responsiveness, and focus on doing what's right for policyholders is felt across every interaction, from underwriting to service to claims. We're excited for what's ahead and to continue building on this partnership." About Albano, Dale, Dunn & Lewis (d.b.a. Albano Insurance Services) Doing business in 50 states, Albano, Dale, Dunn & Lewis has more than six decades of experience, offering a comprehensive range of insurance solutions, including business insurance, workers' compensation, home and auto insurance, and specialized coverage for mobile home parks. "This recognition reflects Albano, Dale, Dunn & Lewis' outstanding performance, sustained profitability, and continued growth in policies-in-force," said Pauleen Hepner, Regional Field Executive for CIG's Northern California Region. "Just as important, it celebrates the strength of our partnership and their unwavering commitment to serving clients with excellence. We are proud to work alongside their team." About CMR Risk & Insurance Services With more than 70 years of combined executive leadership experience, CMR Risk & Insurance Services has spent over two decades helping clients identify risk, implement effective mitigation strategies, and secure comprehensive insurance solutions. Their consultative approach and disciplined execution have earned them the trust of businesses navigating complex risk environments. "CMR is not only a profitable agency with significant premium volume," said Bruce Ostrem, Regional Field Executive for CIG's Southern California Region. "They are a knowledgeable and highly professional partner who challenges us, collaborates with us, and helps strengthen our alignment in ways that elevate our work and reinforce the value of our partnership." CIG congratulates these agencies on this prestigious recognition and looks forward to continued collaboration and success. About Capital Insurance Group Established in 1898, Capital Insurance Group (CIG) is a leading regional property and casualty insurer in the Western U.S. CIG offers trusted Agriculture, Commercial, and Personal coverage across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Known for superior customer service and customizable coverage, CIG delivers insurance solutions tailored to meet the needs of policyholders, sold exclusively through independent agents. CIG's suite of insurance offerings includes coverage for Homeowners, Renters, Personal Auto, Dwelling Fire, Businessowners, Commercial Auto, Farm Owners, Commercial Agriculture, Farm Auto, Commercial Real Estate, and more. Throughout its footprint, CIG partners with regional and local charitable organizations and events to give back to communities in ways that promote preparedness, enhance resilience, and bring relief from crisis. CIG is underwritten by its affiliate companies: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company. CIG's member companies have received a Financial Strength Rating of "A" (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) of a+ (Superior) from AM Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance industry. CIG is proud to be part of the Auto-Owners Insurance group of companies, one of the nation's largest, most-trusted insurers. For more information, please visit CIGInsurance.com. SOURCE Capital Insurance Group Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil departed on Tuesday for India for an official visit from February 18-22, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Silva is arriving in India to participate in the AI Summit. In a post on X, he said, "At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are now departing for India. In the coming days, I will participate in the Summit on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and we will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and India. From there, we will proceed to South Korea to, at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung, also strengthen the ties between our countries." https://x.com/LulaOficial/status/2023753884057882750?s=20 "In India and South Korea, I will be accompanied by a delegation of Brazilian businesspeople, with the aim of deepening our commercial relations. In 2025, bilateral trade between Brazil and India reached more than US$ 15 billion, and with South Korea, it reached US$ 10.8 billion. We see considerable room for growth in bilateral trade with both countries. I wish good work to comrade Geraldo Alckmin, who will assume the presidency until our return," he said. Silva is set to arrive in Delhi on February 18. On February 19, he has engagements at Bharat Mandapam for AI Impact Summit 2026. On February 20, he will have engagements at Bharat Mandapam for AI Impact Summit 2026. The next day, he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a wreath laying at Rajghat. Silva will then meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House and later at Rashtrapati Bhavan with President Droupadi Murmu. Meanwhile, Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, arrived in Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, lauded the visit, saying that it will strengthen the partnership between the two nations. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2023705558474518552?s=20 In a post on X, the MEA said, "Warm welcome to the Vice President of Guyana Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. He was received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on his arrival in New Delhi for the India-AI Impact Summit. The visit of Vice President Dr. Jagdeo will further strengthen the historic and multifaceted India-Guyana ties, rooted in strong people-to-people linkages." (ANI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday held a courtesy meeting with Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bangladesh Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. The Foreign Secretary greeted Safiqur Rahman, and reaffirmed India's people-centric ties with Bangladesh. The JeM Ameer, in turn, confirmed how both countries share 'deep civilisational bonds' and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations. "Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri had a courtesy meeting with the leader of opposition of Bangladesh and the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on the margins of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary conveyed greetings to Dr. Rahman on his new role and reaffirmed India's enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the deep civilisational bonds shared by the two countries and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations," read a Facebook post by Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday represented India at swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Birla said that India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. Birla called on Bangladesh Prime Minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He handed over the invitation of PM Modi to newly elected Rahman to visit India. He also met the President of Maldives, Prime Minister of Bhutan and other leaders on the sidelines. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah lauded Birla's visit. In a post on X, he said, "Prime Minister, H E Tarique Rahman, conveys his greetings to India and PM Hon. Narendra Modi to the visiting Lok Sabha Speaker, HE Om Birla, at courtesy meet following swearing-in of the new Government. Hon Speaker conveyed wishes from India & Invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh & India pursuing people-centric menu of cooperation." https://x.com/hamidullah_riaz/status/2023732737367306392?s=20 Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman and newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, to visit India at a mutually convenient time. In his letter, PM Modi also invited Tarique's wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima, to accompany him. "I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh," the letter from the PM stated. (ANI) President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday arrived in Delhi to attend the AI India Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that the visit will further raise the momentum between India and Serbia. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to President of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vucic. He was received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on his arrival at the airport in New Delhi. His participation in India-AI Impact Summit will impart further momentum to the strong and close friendship between India and Serbia." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2023754501388435565?s=20 https://x.com/predsednikrs/status/2023725213339328562?s=20 https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/2023804555704901982?s=20 India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a global convening to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient Artificial Intelligence (AI). Building on the momentum of previous multilateral initiatives including the Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali Summits, the AI Impact Summit is envisaged to mark a shift from aspirations to impact, demonstrating how AI can deliver tangible outcomes for People, Planet, and Progress. As the first Global AI Summit of this series to take place in the Global South, the Impact Summit will advance a future where the transformative impact of AI serves humanity, advances inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations that protect our planet. The Summit builds on extensive groundwork, including five rounds of public consultations and global outreach sessions in Paris, Berlin, Oslo, New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Regional events across India have ensured grassroots voices are represented, while over 50 affiliated Pre-Summit Events worldwide have generated actionable insights and broadened participation. Complemented by curated consultation sessions for the flagship events and working groups, these efforts reflect India's deeply participatory approach to the Impact Summit. AI today stands at an inflection point, with the power to reshape economies, accelerate scientific discovery, and address urgent global challenges, but also the potential to widen divides if left unchecked. The Summit provides a platform to bridge this gap, ensuring that the future of AI is shaped by collective action and shared responsibility. (ANI) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Delhi on Tuesday to attend the AI India Summit. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that the visit will boost India-Sri Lanka partnership. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He was received by Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary at the airport in New Delhi. The visit will further boost the multifaceted and close India-Sri Lanka partnership rooted in shared people to people ties." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2023751184746770793?s=20 India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a global convening to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient Artificial Intelligence (AI). Building on the momentum of previous multilateral initiatives including the Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali Summits, the AI Impact Summit is envisaged to mark a shift from aspirations to impact, demonstrating how AI can deliver tangible outcomes for People, Planet, and Progress. As the first Global AI Summit of this series to take place in the Global South, the Impact Summit will advance a future where the transformative impact of AI serves humanity, advances inclusive growth, fosters social development, and promotes people-centric innovations that protect our planet. The Summit builds on extensive groundwork, including five rounds of public consultations and global outreach sessions in Paris, Berlin, Oslo, New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Regional events across India have ensured grassroots voices are represented, while over 50 affiliated Pre-Summit Events worldwide have generated actionable insights and broadened participation. Complemented by curated consultation sessions for the flagship events and working groups, these efforts reflect India's deeply participatory approach to the Impact Summit. AI today stands at an inflection point, with the power to reshape economies, accelerate scientific discovery, and address urgent global challenges, but also the potential to widen divides if left unchecked. The Summit provides a platform to bridge this gap, ensuring that the future of AI is shaped by collective action and shared responsibility. (ANI) Marking the upcoming anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, President Alar Karis emphasised the deep-rooted historical parallels between Estonia and India, describing both nations as "ancient Europeans" and a "cradle of civilisation" respectively. Addressing a gathering in the national capital on Tuesday, the Estonian President noted that while both nations transitioned from "colonial yokes" to freedom following the World Wars, they have since transformed into modern technological powerhouses. "We can call ourselves ancient, arguably even eternal, Europeans, as you Indians can consider yourselves a cradle of civilisation... History has not always treated us kindly. Both our nations have experienced what it is like to be ruled by others," President Karis said. Highlighting the success of Estonia's digital transformation, the President drew parallels between the 'Tiger Leap' program of the 90s, which digitised Estonian education, and the current "AI Leap" initiative. He revealed that his visit to New Delhi is centered on the upcoming World AI Summit. "The new technological beast that needs training is, of course, artificial intelligence. We must make it our friend... Last year, I laid the foundations for a new program called the AI Leap, designed to help our youngsters and teachers harness its power for the benefit of society," he added. On the economic front, President Karis invited further Indian investment. He expressed particular interest in expanding bilateral ties in green hydrogen and electronics. Turning to global security, the President expressed grave concern over Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, stating it is not merely a regional concern but one with "global impact." "Russia's aggression in Ukraine is not merely a regional concern... The international community must find ways to ramp up pressure on Russia and create a situation wherein warfare becomes too costly and exhausting for them," Karis said, adding that Moscow appears insincere regarding peace talks. Concluding his address by quoting Rabindranath Tagore, the President remarked that the friendship between India and Estonia is rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, and respect for sovereignty. "By staying on that path, our friendship will be a strong and long-lasting one," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he discussed cooperation in the industrial, defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies sectors with French President Emmanuel Macron. In an X post, following the bilateral talks between India and France, PM Modi said that ties between the two nations are for "global stability and progress." The Prime Minister lauded the inauguration of a helicopter assembly line in India and the launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health. PM Modi wrote, "Held wide-ranging talks with President Macron in Mumbai. Today's meeting assumes significance because we have elevated the India-France relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. Ours is a partnership for global stability and progress. We discussed cooperation in industry, defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies. Our nations will also build strong networks between StartUps and MSMEs, facilitate student and researcher exchanges, and establish new joint innovation centres." "The inauguration of a helicopter assembly line in India shows how deep-rooted the India-France friendship is. We are proud that India and France will jointly manufacture in India the world's only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and export it globally. Clearly, the India-France partnership knows no boundaries. It can reach from the deep oceans to the tallest mountains," he added in a separate X post. According to the joint statement by India and France, both Macron and PM Modi jointly inaugurated the H125 Final Assembly Line, a first-of-its-kind private sector helicopter manufacturing facility in India, a historic Make-in-India milestone, that will combine the strength of TATA Advanced Systems and Airbus to serve India's growing market and export to third countries. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the growing interest on the French side in India's Pinaka MBRL. Further, in a series of posts on X, PM Modi hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying that the trade deal will bring "unprecedented momentum" to India-France ties. He wrote, "2026 is a turning point in the relations between India and Europe. The FTA with the EU will bring unprecedented momentum to India-France ties as well. Today, we have also signed an agreement to avoid double taxation, thus boosting investment between our people and companies." "The launch of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics are examples of futuristic India-France cooperation," the Prime Minster added. Hailing 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, PM Modi wrote, "We are glad to mark 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. We are transforming our partnership into a partnership of the people!" Earlier at the India-France Innovation Forum, PM Modi said that in 2026, India-France relations will deepen in the industrial sector. PM Modi said that India will showcase its solutions to combat global challenges. He said, "This is a very special year for India-France relations. People-to-people exchanges will deepen, and industry-to-industry partnerships will expand. In June 2026, under India Innovates 2026 in France, we will showcase to the world the best Indian tech startups that are creating solutions to global challenges like health, climate, and security." PM Modi invited all industry stalwarts to join the Atal Innovation Mission--"the largest grassroots innovation mission in the world." French President Emmanuel Macron is currently on his fourth visit to India. As the Mumbai leg of bilateral talks concludes, Macron will head to New Delhi to attend the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam. PM Modi also left for Delhi on completion of his Mumbai visit. The Prime Minister was seen off at the CSMI Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat. (ANI) OSAKA, Feb 18 (News On Japan) - Three teenage boys were stabbed in Osakas Minami district, leaving one dead and two seriously injured, in an attack that police say may have involved repeated stabbings with strong intent to kill. The incident occurred at a commercial building in Chuo Ward, Osaka, where police arrested Ryuga Iwasaki, 21, an unemployed man, on suspicion of fatally stabbing Ryunosuke Kamata, 17, a company employee, multiple times in the chest and neck with what is believed to have been a folding knife on February 14th. Two other 17-year-old boys were also stabbed in the upper body; one remains unconscious in critical condition, while the other sustained serious injuries. According to police sources, a judicial autopsy conducted on February 17th revealed that a chest wound on Kamata penetrated the ribs and heart and reached the liver. Multiple stab and cut wounds were also found on his neck. Iwasaki has reportedly told investigators that he did not intend to kill, but police believe there was strong intent to murder and are continuing their investigation. Source: YOMIURI TOKYO, Feb 18 (News On Japan) - Online tutoring provider Banzan, which operates the popular service Megasta, received a court decision on February 17th to begin bankruptcy proceedings, triggering confusion and anger among parents and tutors after the company abruptly halted all operations. Megasta, known for its online lessons that incorporate AI tools, had gained popularity as a remote learning service, but late last Friday night the company suddenly announced it would suspend all business activities without prior notice. We have decided to halt all of our operations, the company said in a brief statement, and the Tokyo District Court issued a decision the following day to begin bankruptcy proceedings against Banzan. A reporter who visited the companys office building found a notice posted stating that operations had ceased, but there were no signs of staff inside. Parents using the service voiced outrage over the sudden shutdown. Its unforgivable. Just unforgivable, said one man whose fifth-grade child had been enrolled in Megasta. He paid 1.36 million yen in tuition in a lump sum in October last year but said his child received less than half of the promised lessons. The emotional damage to my child is the biggest issue. My kid burst into tears on the spot. Were talking about children here. For people involved in education, this is the lowest, he said. Some schools had also planned to introduce Megasta as part of their curriculum. Wakayama Nanryo High School had partnered with Banzan last year and was preparing to begin using Megasta lessons in its correspondence program from April, but those plans have now been scrapped. The online classes had been seen as a crucial support measure for a high school struggling with staff shortages, and administrators are now scrambling to find a replacement tutoring provider. We wish they had said something earlier. We had various plans on our side, said chairman Mikihiko Kai of Wakayama Nanryo High School. Confusion has also spread among tutors. A male instructor working through another tutoring service run by Banzan said he is owed about 800,000 yen in unpaid compensation covering the past three months, which included the peak of the exam preparation season. That was a period when I sacrificed sleep and worked in a state of exhaustion to help my students pass their exams, he said. He said the first sign of trouble came three weeks ago when he received a late-night email from the company claiming a system failure had delayed payments. Two weeks later, the explanation changed, with the company citing account freezes due to leasing-related problems. On the day payments were supposed to be made last Friday, the company instead announced a unilateral halt to all operations. I have nothing but distrust. As someone involved in education, I dont feel any sincerity from them, he said. Questions remain over what will happen to unpaid compensation for tutors and tuition already paid by families. JNN sought comment from Banzan, but the company has not responded to requests for interviews. Source: TBS TICKET PRE-SALE ON BEGINS WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18 @ 10:00 AM CORONA, Calif., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a monumental 2025 run, Che today announced that he will be the latest headliner for The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, kicking off March 31st in Santa Ana. The 28-stop tour, Encore, will bring Che's 32-track deluxe of the critically acclaimed REST IN BASS: ENCORE to life, tracing the lineage of past Monster Energy Outbreak Tour alumni like 21 Savage, Post Malone, and Iggy Azalea. CHE ANNOUNCES HEADLINING MONSTER ENERGY OUTBREAK TOUR KICKING OFF 3/31 "I am excited to be teaming up with Monster Energy Outbreak Tour and have my fans experience "ENCORE" together. This tour is going to be crazy you don't want to miss it" says Che. This announcement arrives after a breakthrough 2025 for Che, which saw the release of REST IN BASS in July, the sold-out Rest In Bass Tour, an appearance at Yeat's headlining set at ComplexCon alongside xaviersobased, and the release of the aforementioned REST IN BASS: ENCORE on Christmas Day. The original release of REST IN BASS was instantly met with critical acclaim upon release, with praise from the likes of The FADER, Hypebeast, and Pitchfork, who dubbed both the lead single "HELLRAISER" (feat. OsamaSon) and the album as Best New Music. The album's impact extended through the end of the year, landing on Best Albums of the Year lists from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, PASTE, Stereogum, and The FADER cementing Che as a clear-cut leader of the post-rage sound. The long-awaited release of REST IN BASS built off the momentum of 2024's breakout project, Sayso Says, finding Che expanding on his signature chaotic electro-rage-rap sound by pushing it into even wilder, more aggressive, and distorted territory. The arrival of REST IN BASS served as the culmination of the momentum that Che had been building throughout 2024 and into 2025, resulting in his third distinctly different sound on his third project in as many years. Preceded by a run of well-received singles, including "Green Day", the kaleidoscopic "Love (MKB)" (4M+ Streams), and last January's "Pose For The Pic" (6M+ Streams), Che used REST IN BASS to weave between playful melodies and punishing, bass-heavy rhythms to live up to its aptly chosen title, and serve as Che's most ambitious solo effort to date. Diving into a much darker sonic direction than its predecessor, REST IN BASS is a nonstop, 18-track mosh pit that explores blown-out, distorted production and varied vocal styles to create an intense, high-octane atmosphere. "I just want to be a real rockstar for this album", as Che told The FADER last year. CHE MONSTER ENERGY OUTBREAK TOUR KICKS OFF 3/31 PRE-SALE TICKETS ON SALE 2/18 @ 10:00 AM GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE 2/20 @ 10:00 AM The Encore Tour Dates A Monster Energy Outbreak Tour: 03/31 Observatory Orange County Santa Ana, CA 04/01 House of Blues - San Diego San Diego, CA 04/03 Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA 04/05 Vogue Theatre Vancouver, BC 04/06 Roseland Theater Portland, OR 04/09 The Showbox Seattle, WA 04/11 The Complex - Rockwell Salt Lake City, UT 04/14 Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO 04/16 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN 04/19 Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI 04/20 House of Blues Cleveland - Music Hall Cleveland, OH 04/21 The KING of CLUBS Columbus, OH 04/23 Electric City Buffalo, NY 04/25 Toad's Place New Haven, CT 04/26 The Strand Ballroom & Theatre Providence, RI 04/28 Big Night Live Boston, MA 04/29 The Paramount Huntington, NY 04/30 The Wellmont Theater Montclair, NJ 05/02 Archer Music Hall Allentown, PA 05/03 Baltimore Soundstage Baltimore, MD 05/04 The NorVa Norfolk, VA 05/06 The Ritz Raleigh, NC 05/08 Cannery Hall - The Mainstage Nashville, TN 05/09 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA 05/10 Rolling Loud Orlando Orlando, FL* 05/13 Emo's Austin, TX 05/14 Paper Tiger - Main Stage San Antonio, TX 05/15 Warehouse Live Midtown Houston, TX* (Not a part of Encore presented by The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour) "[REST IN BASS] is the platonic ideal of rage rapdiced-up lines and constant distortion, with enough vulnerability to balance the outrageous hedonism." Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork "Freakishly bubbly, the kind of staticky delirium that Jay-Z's "D.O.A." tried to warn us about" Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork "Joyous melodies and blunt-force bass feels key to understanding how Che arrived at the caustic palette for REST IN BASS" Vivian Medithi, The FADER "[REST IN BASS is] his strongest record yet, one that reinforces Che's place as a compelling young shapeshifter." John Norris, VMAN "REST IN BASS is a proper reckoning of the rising star's sky-high capabilities and the possibilities that lie at the crux of his full potential as a pioneering voice in the underground space." Elaina Bernstein, Hypebeast "A futuristic sound...at the hazy intersection of ATL hip-hop, pluggnb, and rage music" Carter Fife, Pigeons & Planes "[Che's] sound is a kaleidoscope of colors" Jon Barlas, Our Generation Music REST IN BASS: ENCORE OUT NOW LISTEN About Che: Che keeps his sound authentic in a world plagued by synthetics. The teenage Atlanta rapper's diaristic songwriting blends with a chaotic sound that gives voice to a generation of brain-rotting memes and post-pandemic hedonism, each production choice crafting a visceral experience that mirrors his inner psyche. He's proven such with maximalist anthems that have found major success across streaming platforms, such as the breakout angelic hit "agenda" (130M+ Streams), a winding tale of the ups and downs of young lust. Other songs, like the xaviersobased-featuring anthem "MANNEQUIN" (25M+ Streams),and "HELLRAISER" with OsamaSon have cemented his place within the upper echelons of the next generation. His ability to tap into the zeitgeist has led to multiple positive reviews from Pitchfork, a spot on No Bells' Best Internet Rap of 2023 list, and a distinction of best new artist of 2022 from Pigeons & Planes. At the young age of 19, Che has only just begun to scratch the surface of his potential, as he meticulously tweaks his sound with the obsession of a perfectionist. His early takeover of SoundCloud and TikTok has him primed to lead the next generation of Internet rappers. About Monster Energy Music: Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the music life, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and artists represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, artists, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com. About with Outbreak Presents: Launched in 2011, the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour showcases the biggest new names in music each year amidst their culture-impacting, breakthrough moment. The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour is the largest national touring brand in the club and theater space, recognized as the ultimate tastemaker in the live arena, and currently consists of four annual music tours across multiple genres. Notable alumni include Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Kendrick Lamar, The Chainsmokers, Latto, Kane Brown, and 21 Savage; to name a few. For more information about The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour visit: www.outbreakpresents.com For all Che media inquiries, please contact: Scott Jawson [email protected] Isaac Fontes [email protected] Sam Hadelman [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Monster Energy Morocco continues modernizing its military equipment with the acquisition of TREVA-30, a tactical recovery and evacuation vehicle (ARV) developed & manufactured by Excalibur Army of the Czechoslovak Group. The vehicle is designed for military use (recovering tanks, APCs/IFVs, trucks, etc.), civil rescue, firefighting, and heavy engineering tasks. It is powered by a nearly 400 kW engine and built on Tatra Force 88 chassis, which provides excellent mobility in difficult terrain thanks to Tatras independent suspension. Furthermore, TREVA-30 can tow an object weighing up to 50 tonnes. Its manufacturing firm was founded in 1995. In 2005 it acquired the former military MRO company in Prelouc and in 2013 the military repair company in Sternberk with a tradition of production and repair of special equipment since 1951. It manufactures and supplies ground equipment for security forces and rescue services. It also makes and repairs engines and spare parts for military wheeled and tracked vehicles. The company also sells weapons, ammunition, and other military materiel. Morocco and Bahrain have agreed to enhance their cooperation ties through the signing of several agreements in agriculture, animal breeding, food security, Customs services and social security . The agreements were sealed during the 6th meeting of Moroccan-Bahraini High Commission held Monday in Laayoune under the co-chairmanship of Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita and Bahraini peer Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Bahrain which supports Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Sahara opened a general consulate in Laayoune in December 2020. The two countries also agreed on visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports. They hailed on this occasion the excellent relations binding the two countries under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and King Hamad Ben Issa Al Khalifa. Bourita praised the deep and strong fraternal relations between the two Kingdoms and peoples, highlighting Moroccos willingness to advance and expand bilateral partnership taking into account the huge potentials and assets of the two countries. For his part, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed Bahrains determination to strengthen and diversify bilateral cooperation to include various sectors serving the Bahraini-Moroccan shared interests. Besides bilateral relations, the two officials discussed latest developments in the Arab world and on the regional and international scene. South Sudans President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who returned to Juba on Monday following the African Union 39th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, firmly ruled out any further delay to the planned December 2026 general elections. During deliberations of the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), Kiir presented a report on the countrys political climate and preparations for the forthcoming polls. He reiterated that there would be no extension of the transitional period, stressing that the elections would provide citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders through a democratic process. The C5 Plus meeting oulined that the decisions taken in the coming months would determine whether the country consolidates durable peace or risks renewed instability. It reaffirmed the African Unions commitment to supporting South Sudans transition towards stability and credible, inclusive elections. The summit discussions unfolded against concerns over delays in implementing key aspects of the 2018 peace accord, including security sector reforms, constitutional drafting and the unification of armed groupsareas widely viewed as pivotal to preventing a relapse into conflict. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Monday Semaya Kumba, Kiir held bilateral meetings on the margins of the summit aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing regional cooperation. South Sudan, independent since 2011, is preparing for its first elections since the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war marked by widespread casualties and displacement. Moroccos grain crop is expected to double this season after heavy winter rains boosted moisture levels and dam reserves, traders and millers said, adding that recent floods in the countrys northwest are unlikely to significantly affect overall output. Moulay Abdelkader Alaoui, head of the National Federation of Millers, told Reuters the sector plans to add locally produced wheat to strategic reserves this year. Omar Yaacoubi, head of the national federation of cereals traders, told Reuters that total grain production is forecast between 8 and 9 million tonnes, including roughly 5 million tonnes of soft wheat. Last season, Morocco had a cereals harvest of 4.4 million tonnes. Floods in the fertile northwest damaged 110,000 hectares, but Yaacoubi said the impact is limited and will be offset by higher yields elsewhere. Morocco reinstates customs duties during bumper seasons to prioritize the local harvest. But this year, however, importers, millers and traders have asked the government to extend wheat import subsidies to June 1, instead of ending them on May 1, to offset weatherrelated costs incurred due to delayed shipping, Reuters said. Storms since midDecember have disrupted Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar ports, delaying wheat shipments. Around 70 vessels carrying nearly 1 million tonnes were waiting offshore this week, pushing up costs for importers. Morocco and Bahrain agreed to deepen political coordination, including during their upcoming consecutive terms on the UN Security Council, as both countries highlighted a reinforced strategic partnership during high-level talks in Laayoune. Speaking after a session of the joint Moroccan-Bahraini commission in Laayoune, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said the relationship rests on solid foundations, citing strong ties between the two royal families and long-standing bonds between the two peoples. Rabat and Manama share a clear long-term vision based on stability, dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional and international issues, he said. The two countries maintain aligned positions on major regional issues, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where both support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders. He also highlighted Bahrains clear and consistent backing of Moroccos stance on Western Sahara, noting that Bahrain was the first Gulf country to open a consulate in Moroccos southern provinces in December 2020. Holding the sixth Joint Higher Committee in Laayoune, he said, underscored that support. Bourita announced that Morocco and Bahrain will coordinate their diplomatic efforts in the Security Council. Bahrains 2026-2027 non-permanent mandate will be followed by Moroccos 2028-2029 term. Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani reaffirmed his countrys support for Moroccos territorial integrity and said discussions focused on aligning positions in international forums and reinforcing cooperation on security and regional issues. The meeting concluded with the signing of several agreements covering visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, customs cooperation, agriculture and food security, and social protection. Bahrain has reiterated its steadfast support for Moroccos territorial integrity and its full sovereignty over its Sahara, and commended King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, for his steadfast support of the Palestinian cause. This stance was expressed in a joint Communique issued following the 6th Morocco-Bahrain Joint High Committee, held Monday in Laayoune. The Communique emphasized that Bahrain has once again welcomed the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which enshrines the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole basis for resolving the Sahara regional dispute. Likewise, Bahrain has expressed support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara to facilitate negotiations based on the Moroccan autonomy initiative, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2797, with a view to reaching a final solution that enshrines Moroccos sovereignty over its Southern provinces. Bahrain has also commended the efforts of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, in support of the Palestinian issue, and praised the Sovereigns efforts in defending the city of Al-Quds Asharif and its inhabitants, preserving its civilizational character, and safeguarding its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence among the monotheistic religions. In this vein, the Guld Country welcomed the concrete humanitarian and social projects undertaken by Bayt Mal Al Quds Asharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al Quds Committee, in support of the resilience of the Al-Quds inhabitants on their land. J.J. Kellers VR Training Named HDT 2026 Top 20 Product Heavy Duty Trucking honors J.J. Kellers virtual reality training solution for advancing safety and compliance training in the trucking industry. J. J. Keller & Associates Inc.s Virtual Reality Training Solution has been named a Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) 2026 Top 20 Product, recognizing it as one of the most significant new or improved products introduced to the trucking industry in 2025. The immersive training platform uses virtual reality simulations to allow employees to practice safety and compliance procedures in a controlled, realistic environment without exposure to real-world hazards. The system includes courses covering pre-trip inspections, reasonable suspicion, lockout/tagout, and other critical safety tasks, delivered through the J. J. Keller Virtual Reality Training Headset. The VR solution integrates with the companys Training Management Center, enabling employers to enroll workers and track course performance alongside existing e-learning, streaming video, and classroom-based training programs. Its an honor to accept this award on behalf of everyone at J. J. Keller who helped make our virtual training solution possible, said Rustin Keller, president, CEO, and vice chairman of J. J. Keller. Improving the effectiveness of safety training in order to protect people and the businesses they run is key to fulfilling our purpose. HDT editors evaluated new and significantly improved products reported during the past year to develop a list of finalists. A panel of fleet managers then scored the finalists based on innovation, ability to address industry challenges, and potential impact on fleets bottom lines. Products must be commercially available or expected to be available in 2026, and companies are limited to one award per year. According to HDT Editor and Associate Publisher Deborah Lockridge, involving fleet managers in the selection process helps ensure that recognized products provide practical, real-world value for trucking operations. The complete list of 2026 Top 20 Products appears in the January/February print issue of Heavy Duty Trucking and online. Awards are presented during the American Trucking Associations Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting and exposition. J. J. Keller has served the transportation industry since 1953 and provides safety and compliance solutions to more than 500,000 companies across North America. Heavy Duty Trucking, a Bobit Business Media brand, has covered the trucking industry for more than a century. Following a turbulent year that included the ousting of CEO Murray Auchincloss, Meg O'Neill of Woodside Energy Group will take the helm in April, an appointment suggesting a further acceleration away from clean energy projects. The company's current struggles stem from a controversial 2020 strategy under former CEO Bernard Looney to aggressively push into green energy, a plan that was later scaled back after competitors doubled down on fossil fuels and saw record profits. BP has suspended its share buyback program and increased its cost-cutting goal by $1.5 billion to bolster its balance sheet and increase investment in oil production. Once-dominant energy giant BP is running on empty as it curbs shareholder payouts and unveils fresh attempts to bolster its balance sheet. The London-based oil baron announced in its final results on Tuesday that it has suspended its share buyback programme and increased its cost-cutting goal as it looks to reverse its fortunes in the next financial year. The company said the decision was taken to allow it to increase investment into its oil production business and fully allocate excess cash to its balance sheet. The group also increased its cost-cutting goal by $1.5bn, aiming for cuts between $5.5bn and $6.5bn by the end of 2027. In the wake of the announcement, the groups share price plunged 5.2 per cent in the early morning to 452.7 pence, as investors expressed their frustration. The group was also found by market analysts to have yanked the FTSE into the red, with the index down 0.5 per cent early in the morning before settling at a 0.3 per cent drop. Its a far cry from its 1990s golden era, when the group was considered one of the largest energy companies in the world, luring investors with several years of strong annual growth. Adam Vessette, market analyst at Etoro, said: BPs results this morning underline a business that is holding up operationally, but still struggling to convince investors it has a clear growth story. The decision to pause share buybacks While management is framing this as balance sheet discipline, for many shareholders it removes an important support for the share price and raises questions about confidence in future cash flows. The once FTSE darling has been no stranger to devastating events and investor anger, with shares dropping following the damning 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, which saw the company paying over $65bn in costs, fines and legal fees. But, over the past six years in particular, the company has multiple stumbling blocks, so what happened? Renewable energy U-turn In 2020, the oil supermajor made an ill-fated decision that analysts argue led to its current situation of trying to reverse its aggressive push into green energy. Under former chief executive Bernard Looney, the group announced plans to cut oil production by 40 per cent by 2030, increase low-carbon investment, and become a net-zero company by 2050. However, this ambition quickly soured as investors grew increasingly restless about the fate of both profits and the share price. Rivals such as ExxonMobil doubled down on fossil fuels, raking in record profits during the 2022 energy crisis, while main competitor Shell recorded its highest annual profit in history, all while BPs green profits left valuations lagging. This forced the group to retreat from its green ambitions, scaling back its targets: it previously dropped its oil production target by 25 per cent by 2030, before ultimately scrapping it altogether. The group has maintained its ambition to become net-zero, but has also slashed its renewable energy budget by more than $5bn annually in 2025 as it has shifted back to oil and gas. Looney toppled In the chaos of BPs race back to fossil fuels, Looney also left the company under a large grey cloud. The former chief executive resigned with immediate effect in 2023, following an investigation into his failure to disclose details of past relationships with colleagues. He himself admitted he had not been fully transparent, with the firm stating Looney had given inaccurate and incomplete assurances during the investigation. Looney was forced to forfeit up to 32.4m, with his long-term performance share awards lapsed and his 2023 annual bonus, which represented 87 per cent of the package, also lapsed. The Board also decided to halt other payments and bonuses. Following his resignation, shares slipped, raising concerns about the green strategy, with Looney as the plans primary architect, ultimately triggering a period of group-wide recalibration. Recovery in touching distance The group reported adjusted profits of $1.5bn in the final quarter, down from $2.2bn in the prior quarter, but in line with analyst expectations. Net debt remained broadly unchanged, standing at $22.2bn, while full-year profits also dwindled to $7.5bn, amid the price of crude oil dropping by roughly 20 per cent. The tumble in profits brought to an end a turbulent year for BP, which began with activist investor Elliott Investment Management pushing for major strategic shifts away from heavy investments in renewables toward fossil fuels. The investor got involved after BPs share price began to significantly lag behind that of competitors Shell and Chevron. Meanwhile, the year ended with chairman Albert Manifold leading the charge to oust Murray Auchincloss from the top job. The toppled Auchincloss will be replaced by Meg ONeill, chief executive of Woodside Energy Group. The former ExxonMobil executive will take the helm in April and is suspected of being favoured by investors, with her track record of championing fossil fuels suggesting she will accelerate the groups shift away from clean energy projects. Share price lull Ashley Kelty, analyst at Panmure Liberum, noted the halt of the programme may suggest both ONeill and Manifold are keen to pause and take stock. He said, The big news is the suspension of the share buyback. BP says this is to help repair the balance sheet. Not an unreasonable approach but would suggest Chair Bert Manifold and Ms ONeill are keen to pause and take stock of what BP has and to allocate capital accordingly, the bloated cost base is an obvious target, but the clearing out of the Looney/Auchinloss acolytes is likely to be near-term objective. We would estimate that the low margin renewables strategy will be consigned to the dustbin of history with a return to focus on core O&G business. Analysts also noted that the dip in share price may be a temporary hiatus with buybacks expected to resume in the near term. Vesette said: BP looks stable rather than exciting at the moment further progress could now hinge on whether management can offer greater strategic clarity and rebuild confidence around shareholder returns. By City AM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML; NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to announce that, following a competitive tender process, it has awarded Wood Canada Limited ("Wood"), a global leader in consulting and engineering, with the construction management contract (the "CM Contract") to oversee the building of the Phoenix in-situ recovery uranium mine ("Phoenix", or the "Project"). This is a key milestone for the Project and represents another crucial step towards the commencement of construction. PDF Version. View PDF Denison Announces Award of Construction Management Contract to Wood Canada for the Phoenix Uranium Mine (CNW Group/Denison Mines Corp.) David Cates, President & CEO of Denison, commented, "In anticipation of receiving our Federal permits to prepare the site and construct the Wheeler River project, we are pleased to announce the award of the construction management contract to our trusted partners at Wood. The selection of Wood for construction management allows us to leverage our long-standing relationship with Wood's Canadian team, which began with co-authoring the 2023 Feasibility Study for Phoenix and continued with the detailed design engineering for the Project over the last two years. We are actively organizing our teams, including the onboarding of key construction personnel, to ensure we are ready to proceed with site preparation as soon as possible upon receipt of all required permits. Given Denison's strong balance sheet, and advanced state of project engineering, construction planning, and procurement, we stand ready to make a Final Investment Decision and commence construction shortly after securing Federal approval of the Environmental Assessment and Licence to Prepare the Site for & Construct a Mine and Mill." John Day, President of Projects Western Hemisphere at Wood, commented: "We value Denison's continued trust in our team and look forward to working together to lead the Wheeler River project through the construction phase. Having supported Phoenix from the feasibility stage through detailed design, we understand the technical and execution requirements of this project. Our priority is to enable a safe and seamless transition into execution maintaining continuity of personnel, applying disciplined project management, and ensuring a predictable path to first production for this landmark project in the Canadian uranium industry. We look forward to continuing to work as an integrated team with Denison, combining our complementary project, construction, and uranium expertise to deliver Phoenix safely and successfully." The CM Contract currently contemplates procurement and construction management scopes, whereby Wood will be responsible for (i) construction management of the full processing plant scope, (ii) installation of certain site infrastructure, and (iii) integrated project controls, ongoing procurement support, on-site safety oversight, as well as maintaining reporting and performance management standards (the "Services"). The Services will be provided by Wood in close consultation with Denison, with members of Wood's team and Denison's team holding complementary roles in an integrated project management team. The selection of Wood for the CM Contract provides important continuity between the engineering and execution phases of the Project and aims to enable the efficient and reliable delivery of the Project during an estimated 24-month construction period. Denison has entered into the CM Contract as the operator of the Project on behalf of the Wheeler River Joint Venture. About Wheeler River Wheeler River is the largest undeveloped uranium project in the infrastructure-rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, in northern Saskatchewan. The project is host to the high-grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, discovered by Denison in 2008 and 2014, respectively, and is a joint venture between Denison (90% and operator) and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited ("JCU", 10%). In August 2023, Denison filed a technical report (the "Wheeler River Report") summarizing the results of (i) Phoenix FS; and (ii) a cost update to the 2018 Pre-Feasibility Study for conventional underground mining of the basement-hosted Gryphon uranium deposit. Based on the respective studies, both deposits have the potential to be competitive with the lowest cost uranium mining operations in the world. Permitting efforts for the planned Phoenix ISR operation commenced in 2019 and are nearing completion with approval in July 2025 of the Project's EA by the Province of Saskatchewan and conclusion in December 2025 of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Public Hearing for Federal approval of the EA and project construction license. More information is available in the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Wheeler River Project Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated August 8, 2023 with an effective date of June 23, 2023, and an update to estimated Phoenix initial capital costs disclosed by press release dated January 2, 2026, copies of which are available on Denison's website and under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. About Denison Denison is a leading uranium mining, development, and exploration company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to Denison's effective 95% interest in its flagship Wheeler River Project, Denison's interests in Saskatchewan include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake Joint Venture ("MLJV"), which includes unmined uranium deposits (with mining at McClean North deposit via the MLJV's SABRE mining method having commenced in 2025 using the MLJV's SABRE mining method) and the McClean Lake uranium mill (currently utilizing a portion of its licensed capacity to process the ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement), plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest Joint Venture Midwest Main and Midwest A deposits, and a 70.55% interest in the Tthe Heldeth Tue ("THT") and Huskie deposits on the Waterbury Lake Property. The Midwest Main, Midwest A, THT and Huskie deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Taken together, Denison has direct ownership interests in properties covering ~457,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin region. Additionally, through its 50% ownership of JCU, Denison holds interests in various uranium project joint ventures in Canada, including the Millennium project (JCU, 30.099%), the Kiggavik project (JCU, 33.8118%) and Christie Lake (JCU, 34.4508%). In 2024, Denison celebrated its 70th year in uranium mining, exploration, and development, which began in 1954 with Denison's first acquisition of mining claims in the Elliot Lake region of northern Ontario. About Wood Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, delivering critical solutions across energy and materials markets. Wood provides consulting, projects and operations solutions in 60 countries, employing around 35,000 people. For more information, visit www.woodplc.com Follow Denison on X (formerly Twitter) @DenisonMinesCo Technical Disclosure and Qualified Person The technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Chad Sorba, P.Geo., Denison's Vice President Technical Services & Project Evaluation, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release constitutes 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of the applicable United States and Canadian legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'potential', 'plans', 'expects', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes', or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' 'be taken', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to Denison's current expectations, intentions and objectives with respect to Wheeler River and Phoenix, including the Company's outlook generally with respect to in-situ recovery mine development and operations on the Wheeler River property; the CM Contract and its current terms; the status of regulatory approvals and pending final investment decision, conditional on permitting; timing, readiness and mobilization for construction, and construction planning; current outlook for the achievement of first production; the results of, and estimates, assumptions and projections provided in, the technical report for Wheeler River and the interpretations and expectations with respect thereto; and expectations regarding its joint venture ownership interests and the continuity of its agreements with its partners and third parties. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For example, the results and underlying assumptions and interpretations of its technical studies and cost forecasting may not be maintained after further testing, procurement, or operations, or be representative of actual conditions at the Project or within the applicable deposits. In addition, Denison may decide or otherwise be required to discontinue testing, evaluation and other work on the Company's other properties if it is unable to maintain or otherwise secure the necessary resources (such as testing facilities, capital funding, joint venture approvals, regulatory approvals, etc.). Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and results may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2025 under the heading 'Risk Factors' or in subsequent quarterly financial reports. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this news release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation. SOURCE Denison Mines Corp. Increased energy production from coal, nuclear, and gas plants, along with the data centers themselves, intensifies water resource competition between Big Tech and sectors like agriculture, while also driving up energy prices. The biggest data centers consume more than 365 million gallons of water annually, and data center water usage in the US tripled between 2014 and 2023, placing enormous strain on regional water resources. The rise of data centers supporting the AI boom is expected to increase energy demand by 2 to 3 percent annually in the Great Lakes region, stressing local grids and raising consumer costs. After years of steady energy consumption rates, the Great Lakes region is expected to see a 2 to 3 percent annual rise in energy demand over the next ten years as data centers pop up at a rapid clip to support the AI boom. Not only will this growth rate place extra stress on local energy grids (and therefore on consumers bottom lines), it could also pose a real threat to water resources in an area where freshwater is rarely thought of as scarce. The energy story emerging today is one of tumultuous change in energy supply and demand coupled with conflicting state and federal objectives that are colliding with a buzzy economic narrative centered around AI and data centers, states a recent report from Bridge Michigan. With skyrocketing demand from data centers and shifting policy priorities under the Trump administration, local policymakers are scrambling to keep up. Due to these compounding economic and political forces, the development of coal plants, new and revitalized nuclear plants, gas-fired power plants, and battery storage is accelerating in the region. All of these industries require huge amounts of water for their daily operations, and there is question as to whether the regions water tables can handle the pressure. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here As electricity demand is soaring, in part due to data centers, were seeing changes in water use, were seeing changes in electricity consumption, Mike Shriberg, director of the University of Michigan Water Center, was quoted by Bridge Michigan. And how our region responds to that over the long term will have a massive impact for the Great Lakes and for our energy future. While its hard to imagine the Great Lakes running out of water, its a real threat. Freshwater is a finite resource, and the Lakes support a huge amount of water demand for the United States. Already, without even considering the increased demand from data centers, there has been considerable concern and even conflict over water withdrawals in the Great Lakes states. Disputes over shared resources and overextraction have popped up in Southwestern Michigan, Minnesota, the Central Sands region of Wisconsin, and Indiana, according to an August 2025 report by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a non-profit based in Chicago. Conflict has been intensifying as various industries extract more and more water from the lakes, rivers, and water table. Agriculture is a major consumer of water in the region, but the energy industry is the largest consumer, and growing larger all the time. Clean energy, while an environmental net positive, is a particularly major water consumer. In Indiana, its suspected that construction activities associated with dewatering to make way for data centers and an EV battery plant have caused at least three residential wells to fail, the Alliance reports. Plus, data centers themselves are enormously thirsty, on top of the energy sources that support them. The biggest data centers can consume more than 365 million gallons annually, a mind-blowing sum that is roughly equivalent to the annual water use of 12,000 Americans. As data center development has gone gangbusters in the last few years, water usage has skyrocketed accordingly. Water usage by data centers in the United States tripled from 5.6 billion gallons in 2014 to 17.4 billion gallons by 2023. The result will be enormous strain on regional water resources as well as on local economies, which are already struggling to keep pace with the rapid spread of data center development. Sectors like agriculture wont just be competing with Big Tech for precious water resources, they will also be footing the bill for skyrocketing energy demand. As we see some of these big power users wanting to come into the state of Illinois, like data centers and those types of things, theres some concern by our membership that theres going to be an over-demand on power, Kevin Semlow, director of governmental affairs and commodities with the Illinois Farm Bureau, told Brownfield Ag News last year. As you see demand go up and supply stays the same, what changes? Its the price. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iran will close parts of the critical oil shipping lane in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz, for a few hours on Tuesday as it is conducting military drills in the area, Irans Fars news agency reports. The partial closure is due to security precautions, per the semi-official Iranian news agency cited by Reuters. Irans naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday launched a military drill, dubbed Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz, on the eve of the next round of indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. Drones deployed during the naval exercise of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuzcapable of striking both aerial and maritime targetsare among the forces newest strategic assets, officials said, Fars reported on Tuesday. The Strait of Hormuz is the worlds most critical oil transit chokepoint, and the oil market has time and again feared Iran could attempt to close the lane. Analysts have said that the possibility of a closure, which would be the mother of all disruptions, is a low-probability scenario. Tuesdays partial closure of some parts of the critical oil shipping lane is part of an Iranian military drill. The narrow lane between Iran and Oman is the key export route of all major oil producers in the Gulf, and very few alternatives exist to move oil out of the strait if it is closed. The Strait is the main export route of Middle Eastern oil to Asia and the key artery of exports of all major producers in the region, including Iran itself. But only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have operating pipelines that can circumvent the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has the Goreh-Jask pipeline and the Jask export terminal on the Gulf of Oman to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, but it hasnt used this route much over the past years, EIA data show. In 2024, oil flow through the strait averaged 20 million barrels per day (bpd), or the equivalent of about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, the EIA estimates. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Key geopolitical and market events include a record surge in Chinese seaborne imports of Russian oil, US-Iran talks sending mixed signals to the market, and Ukraine's actions disrupting Russian oil and coal exports to Europe. The global oil shipping market is being heavily disrupted by a South Korean tycoon's brazen attempt to corner the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) segment, significantly driving up chartering rates. Crude oil and natural gas prices fell this week, with WTI and Brent both dipping over 1% as of Tuesday morning. This week's energy newsletter reviews oil and gas price shifts, U.S. rig count figures, key corporate acquisitions and discoveries, and analyzes major geopolitical events impacting global oil trade, including shipping market manipulation and rising Chinese imports of Russian crude. The oil markets shipping segment is being rocked by a brazen attempt to corner it, with a South Korean shipping tycoon hoovering up any available VLCCs in the market. Ga-Hyun Chungs Sinokor Group has bought or chartered over 120 very large crude carriers (VLCC), 10% of the total market that currently counts an aggregate 1,032 operational tankers. In one of the most recent purchases, Sinokor bought eight VLCCs, mostly built in 2015 and 2016, from Cyprus-based Frontline for a whopping $831.5 million. There is a widespread speculation that Sinokor in fact isnt acting alone, but in unison with the worlds pre-eminent shipping magnate, Gianluigi Aponte, who runs the MSC empire. The price of 10-year-old VLCCs have gone up by $20 million in just six weeks, currently around $105 million per ship, with VLCC rates soaring globally as charterers are struggling to find adequate tonnage. Market Movers Germanys shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd (ETR:HLAG) has agreed to buy Israels Zim Integrated Shipping Services in a deal worth $4.2 billion, a 58% premium over Zims stock at Fridays close last week. Norways state oil firm Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) has discovered an oil and gas field with its Granat exploration well in the Norwegian North Sea, however its recoverable reserves are believed to be only 3-4 million boe. Italys oil major ENI (BIT:ENI) reported a significant natural gas discovery with its Murene South wildcat, confirming a net gas pay of more than 50 m and potentially boosting the wider Calao South complexs reserves to 5 TCf. US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and its Greek partner Helleniq Energy (ATH:ELPE) landed lease agreements with the government of Greece for four offshore blocks, seeking to tap into gas reserves to the south of the island of Crete. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Geneva sets the tone for mid-February trading, concurrently holding two high-stakes negotiations. The surprisingly positive vibes emanating from US-Iran talks are counterweighed by a much sterner sentiment in the Russia-Ukraine meeting, with the latter being much more bullish for crude amidst intensifying attacks on Russias energy infrastructure. ICE Brent has shed more than $1 per barrel after Tehran announced some form of understanding with the US, trading below $68 per barrel. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here Tehran Holds Military Drills Amidst Talks. Iran has been sending mixed messages to oil markets after Foreign Minister Araqchi claimed to have reached an understanding on main principles with the US, only for Tehrans IRGC forces to shut parts of the Strait of Hormuz for a couple of hours. Chinese Imports of Russian Oil Set for New High. Chinas seaborne imports of Russian oil are expected to surpass 2 million b/d for the first time on record, marking a hefty 300,000 b/d increase from the previous all-time high posted this January, as Indias buying of Russian Urals falters. India Seizes Iran-Linked Tankers. Indias Coast Guard has seized three OFAC-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran, claiming they intercepted the Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia vessels some 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious activity in its territorial waters. Ukraine Blocks Russias Remaining Pipeline Flows. The governments of Hungary and Slovakia have turned to Croatia for help in supplying Russian oil through the Adriatic Sea after Ukraine halted transportation of crude through the Druzhba pipeline on January 27, citing damaged infrastructure. Turkey Starts Exploring Somalias Wild Coast. Turkey has sent its deepwater drilling vessel Cagri Bey to Somalia, one of the last untapped exploration frontiers globally, to spud the Curad-1 exploration well in the African countrys maritime zone, expecting to start drilling operations by mid-April. Chinas Offshore Major Eye Refinery Deals. Chinas state-controlled offshore specialist CNOOC (SHA:600938) is in advanced talks with fellow firm Sinochem to take over its 300,000 b/d Quanzhou refinery as well as adjacent retail and storage assets, as the latter posted a $280 million loss in 2025. Ukraine Drone Hit Lifts Europes Coal Prices. Ukraines drone strikes on the Russian Black Sea port of Taman are expected to disrupt Russias coal exports, sending Europes API 2 coal benchmark in Rotterdam to $106 per metric tonne, a 4% weekly gain and the highest price since July 2025. Vitol Moves into South Africas LNG. Global commodity trader Vitol has backed plans to build a 1.8 GW capacity gas-fired power plant along with an LNG import terminal in South Africas east coast Durban port, expecting to spend $3 billion on the project as it teams up with Saudi Arabias ACWA. Kenya Gives Up on Refinery Ambitions. Kenyas government has postponed plans for an 850-km crude pipeline connecting the upcoming 50,000 b/d South Lokichar project to the countrys coast, whilst also failing to garner finances for the redevelopment of the Mombasa refinery. Pemexs Debt Spree Continues. Ending its 6-year abstinence from local markets, Mexicos state oil company Pemex sold a record $1.8 billion worth of local currency debt last week, the highest ever monthly debt issuance in the countrys markets even though February is only halfway through. Kazakhstan Eyes New Refinery by 2033. Kazakhstan plans to launch a new refinery by 2033 as the Central Asian country struggles to overcome its structural gasoline and diesel deficits, with the new plant rumoured to have a capacity of 200,000 b/d and to be located in the central Ulytau region. Santos Wins Big in Landmark Greenwashing Case. Australias top oil producer Santos (ASX:STO) has won a 2021 court case against environmentalists that claimed it misled shareholders on its 2040 net zero commitments, with a federal court in Sydney fully dismissing greenwashing allegations. US Scares Shippers with New Wave of Port Fees. The White House announced a new proposal to impose port fees on ships built in third countries, introducing a so-called universal infrastructure security fee, suggesting a payment of $0.01/kg that could yield $66 billion in revenue over 10 years. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In 2010, as the aftershocks of the financial crisis rattled Dubai and crude remained the ultimate hard currency, an $8 billion cash-for-oil proposal surfaced linking the United Arab Emirates and China. Newly released U.S. Department of Justice emails now show that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, also known as Prince Andrew, agreed to help pursue the idea during an official trip to Beijing in his capacity as the UKs special trade representative. Correspondence also shows that he shared the oil proposal via email to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. An Abu Dhabi-based banker, Terence Allen, proposed that China provide $8 billion in funding to the UAE, to be repaid over five to seven years in exports of Abu Dhabi crude. The hoped-for backer was China Investment Corporation, the state-backed sovereign wealth fund. There is no evidence that CIC was aware of or involved in the proposal, and no proof that UAE officials formally endorsed it. The emails indicate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsorthen Duke of York, discussed the plan with Allen and banker David Stern, and that messages were forwarded to Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, Epstein had already been convicted of soliciting sex from an underage girl and was later charged in 2019 with federal sex trafficking offenses before his death in custody. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any financial or sexual wrongdoing connected to Epstein. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here According to the documents, Mountbatten-Windsor planned to use private days attached to an official, taxpayer-funded September 2010 trip to China to work on the proposal. Allen had stressed that any such deal would require access at the senior most level in Beijing. There is no evidence that the oil swap or other transactions floated in the same email chain ever materialized. Oil-backed financing is often used as a geopolitical instrument. In 2010, China was deepening its resource diplomacy across the Middle East. An $8 billion oil-for-cash line would not have been pocket change. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com According to Citi analysts, geopolitics will continue to provide support for oil prices in the immediate term, but they may later come under pressure if President Trumps attempts to clinch a peace deal with Russia and a nuclear deal with Iran succeed. It is our base case that both Iran and Russia-Ukraine deals happen by or during the summer of this year, contributing to a decline in prices to $60-62/bbl Brent and lowering diesel and gasoline cracks by $5-10 dollars, the analysts said, as quoted by Reuters. Until that happens, however, the possibility of supply disruptions resulting from sanction enforcement on Russia or U.S. military action against Iran would continue providing upward pressure on benchmarks. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $68.23 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $63.39 per barrel, as the United States and Iran prepare for the latest round of nuclear talks. Iran launched a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday as a second U.S. aircraft carrier travels to the Persian Gulf, suggesting the outcome of the talks remains highly uncertain. Iran has also stated it would only negotiate its nuclear program, following an attempt by the U.S. side to broaden the topics for discussion to Irans ballistic missile program. I think that there's an opportunity here to diplomatically reach an agreement that addresses the things we're concerned about, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week. We'll be very open and welcoming to that. But I don't want to overstate it either. It's going to be hard. It's been very difficult for anyone to do real deals with Iran, because we're dealing with radical Shia clerics who are making theological decisions, not geopolitical ones. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, meanwhile, said that he expected to achieve a fair and equitable deal, adding, as quoted by Reuters, that What is not on the table: submission before threats. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Dangote Group, which owns the biggest refinery in Africa, has signed an agreement with Chinese construction and mining equipment manufacturer XCMG to buy equipment for accelerating the refinery complex expansion. The Dangote refinery, owned by Africas richest person Aliko Dangote, has a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). Plans are to boost the capacity to 1.4 million bpd with petrochemicals projects. The expansion is currently expected to be completed in three years, according to a statement by Dangote Group carried by Reuters. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate across multiple sectors including mining, petrochemicals, building materials, agriculture and infrastructure construction, leveraging their respective strengths to pursue joint growth and long-term value creation, Dangote Group said. The deal reflects Dangote Groups broader push to deepen industrial capacity across Africa through strategic global partnerships, while aligning with XCMGs ambition to expand its footprint and service offering on the continent, the Nigerian conglomerate added. Dangote, the biggest refinery in Africa, began operations in 2024, has already started exporting fuel to regions other than West Africa. The refinery started up in January 2024 with the launch of diesel and naphtha production and began producing gasoline in September 2024. The refinery is expected to meet 100% of Nigerias demand for all refined petroleum products and will also have a surplus of each of the products for export. Dangote will also export polypropylene to the global markets under an exclusive partnership with petrochemicals distributor Vinmar International. Despite setbacks in gasoline production last year, the Dangote refinery processed record volumes of crude per day in January 2026. The refinery now supplies 62% of the countrys premium motor fuel, overtaking fuel importers for the first time ever. The giant plant finally reached full operational capacity at 650,000 bpd, marking an important milestone in Nigerias efforts to cut reliance on imported fuel. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com As Ukrainian strikes on Russias refineries and the halt of Ukrainian shipments of Russian oil to central EU member states limit outlets of Russian crude, Moscow is boosting shipments via ports. Russias seaborne crude oil exports averaged 3.39 million barrels per day (bpd) in the four weeks to February 15, per ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Oil exports have been rising for a fourth consecutive week, as week-by-week comparisons are not particularly relevant due to weather conditions in the winter and other factors, including maintenance. In the second half of 2025, Ukraine intensified attacks on Russias oil refineries, depots, and export terminals in an escalation of the war on energy infrastructure, which has also seen Russia targeting Ukraines gas producing facilities and gas and power distribution networks as temperatures drop. This year, a lull in attacks in January was followed by intense attacks in February. Last week a Volgograd oil refinery suspended oil processing after a Ukrainian drone attack triggered a fire at the plant. The Lukoil-owned refinery is a major Russian oil processing facility in Volgograd City in southern Russia. The renewed attacks on refineries, with the Volgograd site the first major strike of 2026, resulted in rising Russian seaborne crude exports. Most Russian shipments, more than 3 million bpd of crude, are headed to Asia. However, there is a marked increase so far this year of shipments showing unknown Asia as a destination, according to the vessel-tracking data Bloomberg has compiled. This is likely due to India backing out of purchases of Russian oil, as New Delhi is under pressure from the United States to slash imports of crude from Russia. The most recent data suggests that Chinas oil imports from Russia are on track for all-time high of over 2 million barrels per day in February as India is withdrawing from Russian spot purchases and supply is now heavily discounted for Chinese independent refiners. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com France has fined a Russia-linked oil tanker several million euros after detaining it for violating EU sanctions, marking one of the clearest physical enforcement actions yet against Moscows shadow fleet. The tanker, Grinch, was boarded in the Mediterranean last month after sailing from Murmansk in Russias Arctic. It was held for three weeks at Fos-sur-Mer before being cleared to leave French waters, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The exact fine was not disclosed. The vessel is part of the network of tankers used to transport Russian crude outside traditional Western insurance and compliance systems. Since the invasion of Ukraine, that fleet has expanded rapidly, allowing Russia to maintain export flows despite sanctions from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. More than 600 tankers have been sanctioned by those authorities, including over 570 blacklisted by the EU since mid-2024. Designations alone, however, do not remove barrels from the market. Boarding and detaining vessels introduces operational risk and financial cost. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here France has taken similar action before. In September, authorities boarded the tanker Boracay off the Atlantic coast after it failed to provide proof of nationality and declined to comply with naval requests. Russian crude continues to flow. In fact, Chinas imports from Russia are on track for an all-time high of over 2 million barrels per day in February. Indias imports, however, are on the downswing. Each tanker detention adds time, legal exposure and cost to the logistics chain for Russian oil. Russias federal budget remains heavily dependent on oil revenueits what is fueling its war in Ukraineand the shadow fleet exists to keep that revenue insulated from Western pressure. Seizures like this do not shut in production, but they do raise the friction. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Guyanas sights are set much higher than just being the new oil darling of the Western hemisphere. It wants to be the gas darling too. Thats the frame coming out of Georgetown as Guyana lines up a second gas pipeline project, even before the first one is fully online. President Irfaan Ali said a new gas development at Berbice will be finalized very soon, aimed at bringing more associated gas from ExxonMobils offshore fields to shore. The first gas-to-shore pipeline is expected to start up later this year, supplying roughly 300 megawatts to a new power plant near the capital. For a country long plagued by high power costs and periodic blackouts, this goes well beyond being a side project. Guyanas oil boom has been nothing short of staggering. Since Exxons 2015 discovery, output has surged and the country has become one of the fastest-growing producers in the world. But crude exports dont automatically create factories, processing plants or tech hubs. They create revenue. What you do with it is another matter. Alis argument is that gas is the bridge. Instead of exporting everything offshore, Guyana wants to use its associated gas to anchor manufacturing, agri-processing and potentially petrochemicals. Hes also floated partnering with neighboring Suriname on the second project to scale it beyond a purely domestic build. Exxon says it is committed to moving quickly on gas development, but it has also been blunt that gas is more complicated than oil. Upstream chief Dan Ammann said the offshore pipeline infrastructure is ready, but onshore power plants, permitting and market frameworks need to advance in parallel. In short, the company will invest as the regulatory and commercial pieces fall into place. This is where ambition meets execution. Guyana is trying to convert an oil windfall into a broader industrial base while capital and political momentum are still strong. That window does not stay open forever. The molecules are there. The revenue is there. The question now is whether the build-out on land can keep pace with whats already happening offshore. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Major oil producer Kazakhstan plans to commission a new refinery by 2033 to eliminate domestic fuel shortages and become a net fuel exporter, The Caspian Post reports, citing Vice Minister of Energy, Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev. The new refinery, which will be Kazakhstans fourth, will have a processing capacity of 10 million tons of crude oil per year. Work on the planning and feasibility studies has started, the energy official was quoted as saying. Earlier this month, Tutkyshbayev said that the central region of Ulytau is being considered as a location to host the new refinery. Last week, Kazakhstans Ambassador to Kuwait, Yerzhan Yelekeyev, said at a meeting with Kuwait's Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi that Kuwait could find investment opportunities in Kazakhstans oil refining sector, including the construction of the fourth oil refinery currently under consideration. Kazakhstan plans to build a new large refinery and boost existing refining capacity to more than double its crude processing capacity by 2040, Energy Minister Yerlan Akenzhenov said at the end of last year. In 2024, the refining processing rate of the OPEC+ oil producer was 18 million tons per year. Expansion of existing capacity will boost the oil refining volumes between 2025 and 2032, from the current 18 million tons per year to 30 million tons per year, the minister said. Then, by 2040, Kazakhstan plans to launch a new large-scale refinery with a capacity of 10 million tons per year. All these expansions are set to more than double oil refining capacity to 40 million tons annually by 2040 from 18 million tons per year now. With the capacity expansion comes the target to double petroleum product output to 29.2 million tons by 2040, up from 14.55 million tons expected for the current year. Earlier this year, Talgat Makuov, deputy director of the energy ministrys oil transportation and refining department, said that Kazakhstans goal to more than double its refining capacity would need investments of between $15 billion and $19 billion. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Herr to lead integrated marketing and communications strategy as company scales presence across critical infrastructure and large-load markets HOUSTON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Enchanted Rock, a recognized leader in reliable, large-scale onsite power and microgrid solutions, today announced that Niki Herr has joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer. Herr leads Enchanted Rock's marketing, brand, and communications functions, driving a unified strategy that supports the company's continued growth across data centers, critical infrastructure, and commercial and industrial sectors. Niki Herr, Chief Marketing Officer, Enchanted Rock Herr brings extensive experience as a strategic marketing and communications executive across clean energy, technology, and agency leadership. She will be responsible for advancing Enchanted Rock's brand and market positioning, enhancing customer and partner engagement, and building the integrated capabilities needed to support the company's expanding footprint and accelerating demand for flexible onsite power solutions. "As our business continues to scale and our impact accelerates, clear communication of our strategy and longterm vision with clarity and precision is paramount," said John Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Enchanted Rock. "Niki brings the leadership, experience, and strategic acumen to ensure we continue to engage effectively with customers, partners, policymakers, and the communities that rely on us." Herr has held senior leadership roles across the energy, technology, and design sectors, including Interpublic Group agencies, Gensler, and Stem, Inc. Throughout her career, she has led integrated go-to-market strategies for global brands and high-growth companies, with a focus on translating complex technologies into clear, differentiated market positions. "The U.S. energy landscape is at an inflection point, with extraordinary demand driven by electrification and digital infrastructure," said Herr. "Enchanted Rock is uniquely positioned to meet this moment with power solutions that are fast to deploy, resilient, and scalable. I'm excited to help amplify that story and deepen engagement with the customers, partners, and communities we serve." Enchanted Rock's onsite power platform delivers flexible capacity, primary generation, and resilient backup power through a single solution, enabling customers to operate with greater certainty despite grid constraints, interconnection delays, and growing demand. The company supports data centers, healthcare systems, utilities, manufacturers, and government customers, while also enhancing overall grid reliability through dispatchable, flexible capacity backed by fully integrated operations and maintenance services. About Enchanted Rock Enchanted Rock is a recognized leader in reliable, large-scale onsite power and microgrid solutions, delivering flexible capacity, primary onsite generation, and resilient backup power for critical facilities that face grid constraints, interconnection delays, and outage risksall through a single platform. Trusted by data centers, healthcare systems, utilities, manufacturers, and government, Enchanted Rock also supports overall grid reliability by providing dispatchable, flexible capacity. Its natural gas generators offer lower-emission power production and a scalable alternative to diesel. All systems are backed by fully integrated operations and maintenance services, including around-the-clock monitoring, predictive maintenance, and support from Enchanted Rock's staffed Microgrid Control Center, supporting performance and rapid response across customer operations. Learn more at www.enchantedrock.com or follow Enchanted Rock on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Angela Stanley, Corporate Communications Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: 919-480-7937 SOURCE Enchanted Rock Senate Democrats Advance Bill That Would Raise Taxes by $311 Million, Breaking Their Promise on Affordability By Oregon Senate Republicans, SALEM, Ore. Members of the business community, Republican legislators, and many others have warned that a bill being pushed this session, Senate Bill 1507, would increase the tax burden on local employers at a time when Oregon simply cannot afford to become even 1% less business-friendly. Today, Senate Democrats passed the bill despite bipartisan opposition. Senator Christine Drazan (R-Canby) said: I want a state where families are stable and parents can provide for their children. The way we achieve that is not by raising taxes on the people who create jobs. Its by ensuring that the men and women willing to risk everything to start and grow a business have the opportunity to hire more Oregoniansnot a reason to leave for another state. Businesses testified clearly that this proposal will make Oregon less competitive. They are the ones making decisions about where to expand or relocate, and they will respond to what we do here. In the last year, Oregon has lost thousands of jobs, bankruptcies have hit a record high, and employers are telling us they feel targeted rather than supported. At my business roundtable last week, small business owners said they feel attacked, taken for granted, and treated like adversaries instead of partners. That is deeply concerning. We should not be picking winners and losers. We should be creating an environment where families, workers, and businesses can succeed together. Oregon cant afford another self-inflicted wound. A Republican-backed alternative, which failed on party lines, would have: Kept Oregons tax code connected to federal law, streamlining compliance and keeping $311 million in taxpayers pockets. Preserved interest deductions for car loans, bonus depreciation on machinery and equipment purchases, and deductions for certain small business investments. Expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for over 200,000 low-to-moderate income households. Protected Oregon businesses from new financial burdens at a time when the states corporate tax structure ranks second worst in the country and business bankruptcies hit a 12-year high. Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), who carried the alternative proposal on the Senate floor, said: Senate Bill 1507 disconnects Oregon from key parts of the federal tax code that help businesses invest, expand, and hire more workers. Oregon lost 25,000 jobs and business bankruptcies hit a 12-year hightheir highest point since the Great Recession. Whether we like it or not, we are competing with Idaho, Arizona, Texas, and other states for jobs and investment, and Oregon must do better. The Governor recently laid out a roadmap focused on accelerating economic growth, creating more living-wage jobs, and setting up Oregon businesses to thrive. Senate Bill 1507 conflicts with those stated goals. Is this really about prosperity, or was her roadmap just an election-year gimmick? Well see if the Governor signs a bill that undermines her own stated goals. Oregons Business Climate by the Numbers Oregon business bankruptcies jumped 25% in 2025, reaching their highest point since 2013. Oregons business tax burden increased 33% between 2019 and 2023. The state economist expects Oregons general fund budget to grow by 66% between 2023-25 and 2033-35. CNBC dropped Oregon 17 places in its Top States for Business ranking in just two years. ### Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr Honors the Life and Legacy of Former Oregon State Senator Avel Gordly By Oregon State Senator Bruce Starr, SALEM, Ore. Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (RDundee) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today honoring the life and legacy of former Oregon State Senator Avel Gordly, who passed away yesterday. He shared the following reflections: There arent many people in this building who get to say they served alongside a legend. Im one of the lucky onesand so was my father. My dad, Charles Starr, came to this Senate the same year Avel Gordly did. They sat on opposite sides of the aisle, came from different worlds, and didnt agree on everythingbut they shared this chamber, this work, and a deep respect for the institution they both loved. When I joined the Senate in 2002, Avel was already a fixture heresomeone you learned from just by watching how she carried herself. Avel Gordly was the first Black woman to serve as an Oregon state senator. She was born and raised in Portland, the daughter of a Pullman porter, and she never forgot where she came from. For nearly two decades in this Legislature, she fought to make Oregon live up to its promisesworking to remove the Black exclusion laws from our state constitution, championing cultural competency in mental health and education, and reminding the rest of us, constantly, that justice isnt abstract. It has faces and names and neighborhoods. I didnt always agree with Senator Gordly. Thats the nature of this work. But I always admired her. She had a moral clarity that was rare, and a warmth that made it hard to stay at a distance. Even when the debate was sharp, she never lost her grace. OHSU named its behavioral health center after herthe Avel Gordly Center for Healing. That feels exactly right. Because thats what she spent her life doing: healing what was broken, lifting what had been pushed down, and building something better in its place. On behalf of my familyand I know my father would want me to say thiswe are grateful to have known her, grateful to have served alongside her, and grateful that Oregon had Avel Gordly at a time when she was needed most. May she rest in the peace she worked so hard to bring to others. House Unanimously Passes Bill that Enhances Safety for Victims of Stalking and Domestic Violence By Oregon State Representative Kevin Mannix, SALEM, Ore. Today, the House unanimously passed HB 4045. Also known as Kristils Law, this bill would require all communications providers operating in Oregon to respond to search warrants within five business days, and require social media providers to respond within 72 hours, after receiving a request involving stalking or domestic violence. Im very pleased that the House unanimously passed this important bill, which corrects a dangerous gap in the current system, said Representative Kevin L. Mannix (R-Salem), one of the bills chief sponsors. This bill recognizes a simple truth: In domestic violence and stalking cases, speed saves lives. The bill is named after a Colorado woman named Kristil Krug, who was stalked for over two months before she was ultimately murdered by the stalker, who used a cellphone to terrorize her, while impersonating an innocent man. Despite carefully documenting the text messages and emails and seeking help from law enforcement, the warrants that were issued to Krugs phone company to identify the stalker werent returned in time to save her life. Currently, there is no statutory deadline requiring communications companies to respond to search warrants. As a result, it can take weeks or even months to produce critical evidence, even if a judge has already determined probable cause. If passed, Oregon would be the first in the nation to have this type of law. Stalking is a well-documented precursor to lethal violence, said Rep. Mannix. As we saw in Kristils case, delays in these types of cases can lead to deadly consequences. I hope this bill advances and sets a precedent for the nation. By Saurabh Sharma NEW DELHI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, a source said on Monday, confirming a post on X by Indian authorities earlier in February that had been deleted. India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure ?the origin of oil cargoes, the source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The seizures and heightened surveillance follow an improvement in U.S.-India relations. Washington earlier this month announced it will cut import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, after New Delhi agreed to stop Russian oil imports. The three sanctioned vessels - Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star ?and Al Jafzia - frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states, the source said, adding that their owners were based overseas. VESSELS SEIZED OFFSHORE ?MUMBAI Iranian state media cited the National Iranian Oil Company as saying that the three tankers seized by India had no connection to the company. It said that neither the cargoes nor the vessels were linked to ?the ?company. Indian authorities had said in a post on X on ?February 6 that they intercepted three vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious activity involving a tanker in India's exclusive economic zone. The post was later deleted, but the source confirmed that the vessels had been escorted to Mumbai for further investigation. The Indian Coast Guard has since deployed about 55 ships and between 10 and 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones, according to the source. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control said last year it had sanctioned ?three vessels, called Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory ?Star 1, with IMO numbers identical to ?the ships lately captured by India. Two of the three tankers are linked to Iran, with Al Jafzia having carried fuel ?oil from Iran to Djibouti ?in 2025 and Stellar Ruby flagged in Iran, according to LSEG data. The Asphalt Star mostly operated on voyages around China, the data show. Sanctioned oil and fuel are often sold at ?deep discounts due to the risks involved, with intermediaries moving cargo through complex ownership structures, false documentation and mid-sea transfers ?that complicate enforcement. (Reporting by Saurabh Sharma; Additional reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Parisa ?Hafezi; Editing by Andrei Khalip and David Holmes) Datadriven platform allows buyers and sellers direct access to exclusive offmarket deals with no transaction fees AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Enverus, the leading energy SaaS and analytics platform, today announced the launch of Enverus Minerals Marketplace, a centralized and secure platform that connects buyers and sellers of mineral and non-operated interests. Unlike brokerled or auctiondriven mineral marketplaces, Enverus' marketplace supports private, onetoone engagement between buyers and sellers through in-app live chat within a secure environment. By replacing competitive bidding with direct market access, the platform enables a more streamlined transaction experience focused on control, efficiency, and trust. Enverus Minerals Marketplace is supported by Enverus data covering more than 250,000 mineral owners and representing approximately 85% of U.S. royalty revenue processed through EnergyLink,providing unmatched visibility into cash flow and ownership performance. This depth of coverage gives customers the confidence to identify, evaluate, and transact opportunities faster than traditional broker-led processes. "Enverus' new Minerals Marketplace fundamentally changes how mineral assets are bought and sold." Phil Dunning, Director of Product at Enverus Post this Built for mineral investors, Enverus Minerals Marketplace enables sellers to easily list mineral and non-operated interests while maintaining control of their transactions. Buyers can connect directly with a curated network of listings not broadly marketed elsewhere, enriched with Enverus production, ownership, permitting insights, alongside revenue and JIB statement data to support confident evaluation. "By enabling direct communication within a system and organization control (SOC 2) compliant environment, we've created a safer, more efficient marketplace that removes friction, reduces costs, and aligns incentives for both sides of the transaction. Enverus' Minerals Marketplace fundamentally changes how mineral assets are bought and sold. For the first time, sellers can list mineral assets through an automated, secure platform while maintaining control of their transaction, and buyers gain direct access to verified, offmarket opportunitieswithout transaction fees distorting value," said Phil Dunning, Director of Product at Enverus. Enverus Customers like Jake Dobkins, Director of Acquisitions & Divestment at Tower Rock Oil & Gas have been quick to praise Enverus for its past work around minerals and transactions. "As mineral rights become increasingly fractionalized, education and transparency are key, especially for owners who lack basic knowledge. The ease with which we can access, analyze, and act upon high quality data is critical. Enverus has empowered us to make informed decisions at the speed demanded by our industry." Key benefits of Enverus Minerals Marketplace: No transaction or listing fees, promoting a more balanced exchange between buyers and sellers. Direct, private communication between buyers and sellers through in-app live chat, enabling faster and more transparent deal discussions. Trusted Enverus data to support asset valuation and confident decision making. Visit Enverus' Minerals Marketplace About Enverus Enverus is the energy industry's most trusted source for decision intelligence and operational efficiencies. With petabytes of proprietary data, deep domain expertise and AI-native technology, Enverus empowers customers to invest smarter, operate more efficiently, and scale faster across upstream, midstream, minerals, power and renewables all while navigating the most complex energy market in history. Learn more at www.enverus.com. SOURCE Enverus On February 14, 2026, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the rotating Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and President of Angola Joao Lourenco, and Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on the convening of the 39th AU Summit, extending warm congratulations to African countries and people. Xi Jinping noted that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, and the Global South has grown in strength remarkably. Over the past year, the AU has united and led African countries in actively advancing the integration process, firmly defending Africa's legitimate rights and interests, and continuously enhancing its international status and influence. Xi Jinping emphasized that in the face of a changing and turbulent international landscape, China remains firmly committed to safeguarding world peace, advancing common development, and building a community with a shared future for humanity. Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. At the same time, China will continue to promote the negotiation and signing of the agreements on economic partnership for shared development and further expand access for African products exported to China by upgrading the "green channel" and other measures. This represents a new step in China's efforts to expand high-standard opening up, which will surely provide new opportunities for Africa's development and for China and Africa to jointly pursue the dream of modernization. Xi Jinping stressed that over the 70 years since the start of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, the two sides have always stood together through thick and thin and moved forward side by side. China is ready to work with the African side to carry forward historical friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance mutual understanding and affinity, so as to jointly write a new chapter of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to allow reasonable time for detainees at the Whipple detention center in Minneapolis to access legal counsel. In a 41-page decision, Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel excoriated the government for policies and practices that all but extinguish a detainees right to counsel. On this weeks Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick spoke to professor Linus Chan, the James H. Binger Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota and the faculty director of the Detainee Rights Clinic, where he represents people who are being detained by ICE or in danger of being detained by ICE. Dahlia Lithwick: The Justice Department will likely appeal this order, but in the meantime, how much of a difference will this make for folks swept up by ICE in Minnesota, assuming they get 72 hours before being removed to Texas, per the new order? What kind of a difference will this make for clients like yours? Linus Chan: Its going to be a huge difference. But also, its just returning things to the status quo. And I will be frank, its not as if the status quo was a paragon of attorney access, but at the same time, there had always been an operative norm that detainees should be able to talk to their lawyers and not suddenly be transported out of state with no ability to let their loved ones know whats going on, and even themselves maybe not knowing whats going on. So this is really important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the old processes, they would get detained, and then they would go through whats called processingthey might have their biometrics done, there might be an interview with an officer to confirm information that they have in the system, and after that conversation, they would then be put in a holding area for a few hours, and then put into one of the county jails in Minnesota. Most of the time the persons stay for detention would be either in Minnesota or around the Midwest. One of the big departures in current practice from what it was in the past was that ICEs logistical acumen has reached the point of arresting someone at, lets say, 9:00 in the morning and having them on a plane by noon. It was working like clockwork. People were not going through that longer process I described. They were going very, very quickly, and they could find themselves suddenly in El Paso or New Mexico, most often in Texas because the detention capacity in Texas has grown a lot. Advertisement Now, lets assume this is a client of yours. Even if you knew they were at the Bishop Whipple building, there was no easy way to contact them. If you went online to the detainee locator, a lot of the time it would say the person is in custody, but it would not tell you where they were. It would direct you to call ICE at this number. Of course Ive done this, Ive called the number, and nobody ever picks up. Its just a dead number. So then you have no idea at all whats going on, but you do know how quickly they have put people on an actual plane out of the country, and have done so even when they legally should not be able to. Advertisement Related From Slate Republicans Have Found the Real Victims of Trumps Effort to Build Mass Immigrant Detention Centers Read More On top of that, we have a Trump administration that says that even if they know that it was a mistake, they dont have to correct that mistake. Once a person is no longer in U.S. custody, they say this is a foreign-power problem, and they dont have any means to fix it if they are out of the country. Advertisement The biggest source of concern and trauma comes from family members who are trying to figure out whether their family member has been kidnapped or whether theyre in immigration detention, and they cant find out for several hours. So the fact that we have this order that is both trying to make sure that there is attorney access as well as to slow that process down, of transfers, can be tremendously important and powerful. It also gets into another issue which was in terms of habeas access. Do you want to talk about how thats changed? Because it seems to me thats a cornerstone. I think people glaze over because it seems hypertechnical, but this is really where the rubber meets the road. Habeas, the great writ, is in our Constitution, its an English tradition that predates our country, and its the general idea that if the government wants to imprison someone, then at some point or another, they need to justify that imprisonment. And if that imprisonment violates any law, and in this case, the United States, violates the Constitution, then a court can order that person to be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The history of the writ of habeas corpus and immigration is a very long one. In fact, it goes all the way back to the Chinese exclusion cases, back in the 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, where the federal government was trying to exclude Chinese people from coming to the United States, even if in some cases they were U.S. citizens or had the proper documentation. The way that people would challenge the laws or challenge the policy was through the writ of habeas corpus. There was a period of time. before whats called the administrative period, where the writ of habeas corpus was the only way to challenge an order of deportation. Lets say you were ordered deported and you now faced banishment from your country. The only way to get a judge to look at it was to give a writ of habeas corpus. Advertisement In the intervening years, theres been a shift that started most dramatically in the late 1990s, where Congress really did not want immigrants to file writs of habeas corpus to challenge removal orders. So they started to take away the ability of courts to do that. In 2005, there was passage of whats called the Real ID Act, which was a post- 9/11 piece of legislation that came from this idea that the problem with immigration enforcement was too much review, that there was too much legal process. So they cut it off and basically said that no court can look at the lawfulness of immigration deportation orders, even through habeas, that there is one way, and the only way is through whats called a circuit court review, having the federal appellate courts eventually review it. That was a huge dramatic change. Advertisement Advertisement But it didnt prevent people from arguing that their detention was unlawful, while it prevented people from arguing that their removal or their deportation order was unlawful. And that has become so important, because this administration is deliberately using detention as the tool and as the weapon to try to push as many people out as possible. And they are explicit about this. When the students were getting notices that suddenly their visas were being revoked, they were getting letters that said, By the way, if you dont want to end up detained, you might want to leave now. On the CBP One Home app, they say, You dont want to get detained, right? Go ahead and sign up to get $1,000 and leave. Theres a reason they are gleefully talking about all the money that theyre using to build detention camps, because its driving that. Advertisement When they expand detention, when they go back on the former norms, theres only one way to actually get people to examine whether they could do those things or not, and thats through the writ of habeas corpus. The writ of habeas corpus, as powerful as it isand it ishas become more and more difficult to use thanks to layers of legal doctrines lately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them is whats called the immediate custodian rule. That is, you can only file a habeas in the district court where they are actually being detained. When I referenced earlier how people didnt know where they were going, how quickly they were getting transferred, that has become one of the controversies between litigants, the court, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I had this situation where a client of mine was detained one morning, and I filed habeas the next daythis is before it became clear how quickly out-of-state transfers were happening. I filed habeas, and looked my client up on the detainee locator. I couldnt find her, her family didnt know where she was, they couldnt call her, no one knew where she was, and no one was picking up. This was a weekend. ICE had picked her up on Saturday. I filed the habeas corpus on Sunday. Their first reply to that habeas corpus was: You filed in the wrong court. By the time you filed it, she was already in Houston. The case in question, Rumsfeld v. Padilla, said you have to file habeas within the district of confinement, which meant that I was supposed to have filed it in Houston, even though I didnt know where she was. Advertisement Advertisement The conditions of detention and the scope of what is coming is the end in itself here, because the administration wants people to self-deport. What we are really seeing here is a weaponization of the detention itself. Detention has become the objective, and the crueler the detention, the bigger the win for this administration. One of the things thats always been remarkable, and I use the word remarkable because I kind of get stuck on these adjectives, is that as a child growing up as a Gen Xer, there was always this idea of freedomthe American view that we are a free country. If you look at what freedom means, it seems pretty axiomatic to think, Freedom means not being put in jail. But what I think has really become true generally in our society, and now more specifically with immigration, is that weve gotten so used to this idea that we can be detained, that we can be imprisoned, that there are all these justifications that the government has to imprison us. Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until, I would argue, one of the most important decisions in the 1980s, which justified denying criminal bail to people, that really led to this idea that as long as the government says youre a danger and youre a flight risk, you are going to have to disprove it before you can be released. Even though the criminal system has a very important idea that the burden should be on the government, and not on the person being detained, and many immigration folks are trying to push the immigration system to more resemble that burden, if you speak to most on-the-ground criminal defense attorneys, its just words on a piece of paper. There has been an unfortunate acceptance of the idea that its OK to be detained. Advertisement Advertisement Look at Minnesota, where they are arresting protesters or arresting observers, then they might spend eight hours or overnight, and then be released in negative-20-degree temperatures in the middle of a park without any of their possessions or their phone. That has happened. And then the government is not even bothering to charge them because they dont think that they actually can make a good case. Its just another example of how weve accepted as a society that when people get arrested, there must be good reason to do it. Thats amazing to me. Doesnt that completely strike at the heart of us being a free country? Advertisement The fact that they could, as has happened here, literally break down the doors to our homes and arrest us without a warrant and then haul us in, and then the only thing well get after they release us after several hours is not even an apology. It shouldnt shock me but it does. They killed two people with witnesses and video recording in Minneapolis. They wont apologize for that. So of course theyre not going to apologize for shooting a woman five times in Chicago. Theyre not going to apologize for taking people and putting them in a cell for eight hours and then releasing them with no justification. They are not apologizing for the amount of trauma that they are imposing. They believe theyre unaccountable. Thats the thing that I think we really need to try to fix. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The United States government has begun construction of a multibillion-dollar detention camp system in the newest phase of Stephen Millers mass deportation strategy. The Department of Homeland Security has purchased two megawarehouses to be converted into 8,000-to-10,000-bed detention centers, with reported plans to buy and convert more than a dozen other warehouses for processing masses of new detainees. On this weeks Amicus podcast, Dahlia Lithwick discussed, with journalist Andrea Pitzer, the clear and chilling picture of what the Trump administration is building. Pitzer is the author of several books, including One Long Night: A Global History of Concentration Camps, and her most recent newsletter post is Building the Camps: The Warehouseification of Detention and Initial Thoughts on Stopping It. The following conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: What is being built? At what speed is it being built? At what cost is it being built? How is it that were at the place where the language that you use in your post, concentration camps, actually is not just apt but has become fairly obvious? Andrea Pitzer: The U.S. already had a pretty extensive immigration deportation system. In the first Trump administration, the White House wanted to prioritize the kinds of optics that signaled that it could go after anybody at any time. That led to a sort of a Keystone Cops approach, and so the numbers of people deported were in fact lower than under Barack Obama. But the optics of things like family separations and the deliberate cruelty were really apparent. The administration learned from that first outing that it needed to do more planning and be more strategic. Now that Donald Trump has returned to office, were still seeing a lot of Keystone Cops stuff that the administration probably didnt intend for people to see, but were also seeing a lot of deliberate cruelty on the streets that it does intend for people to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the White House is hoovering up warehouses. Before all these warehouse purchases, there was a turn toward facilities like Camp East Montana, which is this enormous facility that was stood up just last August within Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas. They were literally building it out with tents as they were bringing people in. Theyve decided that it doesnt really meet their needs, and so they are now turning to acquiring these warehouses. There are over 100 the administration in the process of working toward. Its spent about three-quarters of a billion dollars on buying these so far. The infrastructure of all that is extraordinary. When you look at some of the biggest concentration camp systems across the world, we are actually approaching or ahead of the numbers for those massive famous ones. The Nazis came to power in 1933 and immediately, within weeks, had opened Dachauwhich, I will note, was founded on a converted factory siteso were echoing this history right from the beginning. It was not until about five and a half years later, with Kristallnacht, that they started doing large sweeps of German Jews into camps. In that 48-hour period, more than 30,000 Jews were sent into concentration camps. That was five years into Nazi rule. Advertisement Advertisement We are at the end of the first year of this second Trump administration. And even when you look at, lets say, 1940 to 1941, World War II had started, Germany was putting a lot more people into camps, and yet we have more people in immigrant detention today than Nazi Germany did seven years into the Third Reich, which I think is just astounding when you think about it. Even before he was elected, Trump was talking about this mass deportation campaign, that there were up to 20 million people in the United States illegally. Historians debate how many people moved through the Soviet gulag, whether it was 18 million or 20 million people in more than two decades who went through that system. What the Trump administration is talking about are those numbers in a four-year period. If you know anything about how horrific the Soviet gulag was, youll recall that it transformed the country for generations that followed, and it wrecked lives. Advertisement Advertisement The Soviets didnt know in advance what they were doing, but Stephen Miller has that context. That is something key people in the administration are openly embracing. We are already seeing conditions in those camps that rival early Nazi concentration camps, with illness, disease, and reports of limited access to medical care. Weve had a killing in Camp East Montana that has been declared a homicide. People have already died. Advertisement Advertisement This is not something this administration stumbles into sideways, right? This was the plan. Last April, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons was heard to say that what he really, really wanted to do was to just run deportations like a business: Like Amazon Prime, but with human beings, he said. We are witnessing the construction of a system for just warehousing people systematically. How much of what we are seeing playing out right now is just the tip of the iceberg for what is imagined? Advertisement If we look at that Amazonification, different concentration camps evolved over time in different ways. I often use the Nazi example because its almost the only concentration camp system people know, even though there have been a bunch of different ones. The Nazis were the very first who took this logistical approach that we think of as Amazonification now. There was a detainee named Margarete Buber-Neumann, who wrote an amazing memoir, Under Two Dictators. She was detained in the Soviet gulag system, then later held in the Nazi concentration camp system. The Soviets handed her over to the Gestapo at the beginning of World War II, and she describes coming to the Nazi camp system and being issued clothes and utensils to eat with. It was this whole system that was very sadistic, but it was incredibly scripted and organized. Of course, that went to hell once the war started, but this warehouse-ification of people was exactly the initial Nazi goal. The extermination of people through that warehouse system became the later explicit goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of what our government is doing, I want to make clear: This can happen in a country only when things have been deeply wrong for a number of years in a number of ways. What weve already seen in the U.S., with prisons, with decades of demonizing immigrants, with the already existing nature of our punitive immigration system, where detention is literally used as a deterrent and to do harm to peopleall that gives Trump these initial tools that they are clearly planning to expand on in tremendous ways. People are waking up to whats happening on the ground, which is amazing and offers all kinds of potential for things to do. But I dont think people understand the scope of it. If they end up with all these warehouses, what automatically follows from that is you have transit camps and you have hub camps and you have whole communities whose identities become bound up with these warehouses. This is why we see some of these small towns and cities already working to reject the Immigration and Customs Enforcement warehouses. Dachau is the name of the town. Just think, for how many places in our country is that what is going to be meant by their names going forward? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the plans that we see from Miller and Trump, this will be as large asand potentially even larger thanthe U.S. prison system, which is already so much larger than almost anything else in the world. It will exist almost entirely outside the realm of oversight, of accountability. Concentration camp systems are always an end run around the existing legal system in a country at a given time. This isnt just going to be criminal detainees. Were already seeing people with documentation disappearing in this system, people who are here lawfully. We have seen U.S. citizens that have ended up in some of these settings. The goal is never to do detention against just the targeted group. The goal with these is always political: the expansion of political power and the entrenchment of political power. By definition, that means that other people will be going into these camps over time. The objective is really expanding and locking down control over public life in America. It is the ability to silence any kind of dissent. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Republicans Have Found the Real Victims of Trumps Effort to Build Mass Immigrant Detention Centers Read More Americans are waking up to the reality of horrifying dispatches from Camp East Montana, located near El Paso, Texas: reports of hunger, of violence, of sexual assault, of death. Who is accountable for this? Advertisement I think everybody involved has to run the risk of accountability. The sooner we can shut down the largest wave of this as its growing, the smaller that number will be. And it is better not only that less harm comes to people; even on the other side of this, the fewer people who will have to be held accountable in some way, the better it is for society. So even for the perpetrators, it is better if we can shut this down, but especially for the people that would have harm done to them. It may be hard to imagine accountability in this moment, when so many systems are collapsing, but I think of the people I talked to in Argentina who had been tortured and held. In some cases, they had been sexually assaulted, their friends killed. There was never a hard end where the military made itself accountable there. The dictatorship ended, but there was never this moment of accountability. That came years later. One woman I interviewed remembered that while she was blindfolded, she was able to peek under her blindfold and see a tile pattern on the floor. When it came time to testify, they testified to everything that they could remember. Somebody went and found that tile pattern, and they found the floor, they found the house she had been held in, and they talked to the neighbors, and the neighbors recalled hearing the screams. They were able to work their way through these unbelievably difficult investigations to bring leading military figures to justice, but also people underneath them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to, first of all, for PR purposes, make everybody think theyre going to be accountable for everything going forward. Then, in the end, on the other side of this, you decide how you deal with the small potatoes. But there is going to have to be some kind of accountability. It was a serious shame from the Obama era that this was not done when he came to power in early 2009, in the face of what had happened in the war on terror. The lack of accountability at that point has enabled much of what has followed. Obamas not personally responsible as if he had launched the war on terror himself, but he bears some of that responsibility, because without those accountability moments, this is exactly where you end up. Reforms are good, for sure, but if youre focused on them, the correct response to Dachau was not better training for the guards. So we can talk about better training, and we can talk about standards, but that ultimately is not going to be what addresses this. Everybody needs to face accountability. Flashchap and driver Louis-Philippe Roy flashed speed late as the even-money favourite when she staged a late rally to score in a $24,000 conditioned trot, which served as the feature on the Monday, Feb. 16 card at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Leaving from post six in the field of nine who are non-winners of six or $80,000 lifetime heading into the event, the Eric Nadeau-trained Flashchap found herself on the rail in third on the first turn while Chic Choc Rose (Travis Cullen) raced to the inside of Supersonic Hanover (J.R. Plante) to reach the quarter first in :28.4. Supersonic Hanover pressed on to clear the lead, taking the field to the half in :58.2 while Flashchap found herself a pinned-in fourth along the cones. The traffic woes continued for the favourite from in fourth with Supersonic Hanover reaching three-quarters in 1:27 with first-over pressure coming from the 20-1 Move Your Mass (Bob McClure). At the head of the lane, Flashchap was able to angle off the cones and in behind the duelling leaders with Supersonic Hanover and Move Your Mass continuing to slug it out. With less than an eighth of a mile to go, Flashchap found a seam to the outside, exploding home in :28.2 to surge clear by 1-3/4 lengths on the wire and stop the timer in 1:56. Supersonic Hanover was able to fend off a game Move Your Mass for the place position. The victory was the first of 2026 in five outings for Flashchap and the 11th win of her career. The winning pilot of Campbellville, Ont. also owns the four-year-old daughter of Chapter Seven-Wing Flash, who has banked $214,017 in 32 career starts. A pair of $15,000 splits of the second leg of a Pop-Up Series for $20,000 claiming pacers who are non-winners of $30,000 lifetime were also conducted on the card. The first division went to Tour Champion (Travis Henry, $3.90) in 1:53.3 for trainer Keith MacDonell, with the second belonging to Bettor Beast (Tyler Jones, $7.80) in 1:54.3 for trainer Kyle Fellows. To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) The Equisoft/manage Policy Administration System achieved Celent's highest "Luminary" recognition for excelling in both capabilities and market leadership, making it a strong choice for individual and group life insurance products. PHILADELPHIA and MONTREAL, Feb. 17, 2026 /CNW/ - Equisoft, a leading global digital solutions provider to the financial services industry, announced today that Equisoft/manage, an AI-native policy administration system, earned top tier "Luminary" status in Celent's North American and LATAM Policy Administration System reports. Recognized for its integration capabilities, agentic AI innovation, and comprehensive functionality spanning from illustrations through claims, Equisoft/manage also won XCelent Awards for Advanced Technology across North America and LATAM. "This third-party recognition validates our commitment to delivering the most advanced policy administration technology for life insurance carriers globally," said Luis Romero, CEO of Equisoft. "Equisoft/manage combines our decades of life insurance expertise with next-generation AI capabilities that enable insurers to accelerate product innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver superior customer experiences. Being recognized across multiple regions and for both individual and group life confirms that our platform meets the diverse needs of insurers worldwide." Equisoft's AI-powered capabilities include automated underwriting and claims support, intelligent document processing, real-time product changes without IT support and Agentic AI powered workflows that help insurers reduce operational costs while improving speed-to-market for new products. The solution supports the complete life insurance value chain, from illustration and application through policy servicing and claims administration. "Equisoft is a strong contender in the policy administration space," said Tom Scales, Life Principal Analyst at Celent. "Their use of the latest AI technologies combined with the breadth of the underlying platform is a differentiator. Their ability to support global markets for both individual and group insurance makes their offerings worth considering in any evaluation." Equisoft continues to invest in AI capabilities, data migration expertise, and cloud infrastructure to maintain its position at the forefront of insurance technology innovation. To download the Celent's Policy Administration System North American Edition for Individual and Group Life, click here: https://hubs.ly/Q042Y77R0 To learn more about Equisoft/manage, click here: https://hubs.li/Q042YK1m0 About Equisoft Founded in 1994, Equisoft is a global provider of advanced insurance and investment digital solutions. Recognized as a valued partner by over 325 of the world's leading financial institutions, Equisoft offers a complete AI-enabled ecosystem--from front-end applications to integrated back-office and pension systems--backed by proven data migration expertise. The firm's ecosystem serves insurers, distributors, banks, pensions, and asset managers. With a multicultural team of over 850 experts based in North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, Equisoft helps its clients tackle any challenge in this era of digital disruption. For more information, please visit www.equisoft.com. About Celent Celent is a leading research and advisory firm focused on technology for financial institutions globally. The Celent Policy Administration System North American edition provides an overview of the policy administration systems available in North America for individual and group life insurers. The report profiles 21 policy administration systems and provides an overview of their functionality, customer bases, supported lines of business, technology, implementation, pricing, and support. About the XCelent Awards To help financial institutions better understand the vendor landscape and compare vendors, Celent developed its ABC methodology, which positions and awards vendors across three dimensions: Advanced Technology, Breadth of Functionality, and Customer Base and Support. Top performers in each ABC dimension receive a corresponding XCelent award. SOURCE Equisoft Inc. It can be overwhelming to think about all the ways bad actors are trying to exploit your digital privacy. Channel 2 consumer adviser Clark Howard says, Dont give up hope. He says people should use apps and websites designed to help them fight back. In December 2025, the FBI reported more than 600 million passwords were discovered on devices seized from a suspect. The good news is that you can check and see if your passwords are included in the list. Advertisement Advertisement The recovered passwords are part of a growing database of credentials on the website Have I Been Pwned, which is operated by Troy Hunt. Hunt is a web security expert and Microsoft Regional Director who collected recovered passwords from the FBI over the last four years. The site also allows users to search their email addresses to determine if they were involved in any known data breaches. Because our personal information is out there already, taking steps to protect your identity and finances from criminals is key. Proactive measures can make it more difficult for bad actors to exploit that data. The first step to protecting identity and finances is freezing your credit at all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This helps prevent criminals from opening credit in your name, and remember, freezing your credit is free! Advertisement Advertisement The free platform Credit Karma allows users to view reported credit accounts and recent inquiries to ensure no one is impersonating you. Another free app, Permission Slip by Consumer Reports, allows you to see what information certain companies track, request that they stop selling your personal data, or even delete your account altogether. Make sure you no longer need an account before deleting it to avoid losing loyalty points or credits. If you struggle to remember all your passwords, you are not alone. To help keep track, use a password manager. The tool creates a unique password for every account thats hard to crack. It will encrypt them and autofill them for you. Clarks favorite way to keep his information safe is by using security passkeys. The tech uses biometric data from your phone, like Face ID or thumbprint, to log into your account, so theres no password to steal. Advertisement Advertisement The most important thing to remember is that criminals are smart, they adapt and theyre always looking for a way to steal from you. So, stay on top of your personal data before a criminal uses it to hurt you. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. During its high-speed return from the moon, the thermal protection system of Orion's crew module must endure blistering temperatures to keep crew members safe. Measuring 16.5 feet (5 meters) in diameter, Orion's heat shield is the largest of its kind developed for missions carrying astronauts. | Credit: NASA The high-speed, safe return to Earth of the Artemis 2 moon crew depends on the thermal protection system of the mission's Orion's crew module. It must endure blistering temperatures to keep crew members safe. However, following the uncrewed Artemis 1 lunar flight test in late 2022, it was found that ablative thermal protective material had unexpectedly chipped away from Orion's heat shield during its plunge through Earth's atmosphere . Advertisement Advertisement Despite that hiccup, the Artemis 1 mission was successful, making an ocean splashdown under parachutes on Dec. 11, 2022, following nearly 26 days of flight. The heat shield for NASA's Orion crew capsule is very large but of a traditional design. It features an ablative material called Avcoat. | Credit: NASA/Isaac Watson Cause of the issue In a post-flight analysis of the Artemis 1 heat shield, NASA identified more than 100 locations where ablative thermal protective material was liberated during Orion's speedy reentry. NASA, along with contractors and an independent review team, launched an investigation to establish the technical cause of the issue. An analysis was done, including over 100 tests at unique facilities across the country. The finding: Orion's heat shield did not allow for enough of the gases generated inside a material called Avcoat to escape. This permitted pressure to build up and cracking to occur, causing some charred material to break off in several locations, NASA reported. Credit: NASA Office of Inspector General Beat the heat Engineers at Lockheed Martin the main contractor for Orion built Orion's heat shield and thermal protection system. Measuring 16.5 feet (5 meters) in diameter, Orion's beat-the-heat shield is the largest of its kind developed for missions carrying astronauts. Advertisement Advertisement Orion's ablative material, Avcoat, was also used on NASA's Apollo moon missions. However, the building process has changed since then, according to Lockheed Martin. "Instead of having workers fill 300,000 honeycomb cells one by one with ablative material, then heat-cure the material and machine it to the proper shape, the team now manufactures Avcoat blocks just fewer than 200 that are pre-machined to fit into their positions and bonded in place on the heat shield's carbon fiber skin," the aerospace firm's website explains . This process is a timesaver, the company has said. A key factor During Orion's Artemis 1 reentry, the craft used what's called a skip guidance entry technique. That maneuver had Orion dipping into the upper part of Earth's atmosphere and using atmospheric drag to reduce speed. Orion then used the aerodynamic lift of the capsule to skip back out of the atmosphere and then reenter for final descent under parachutes to splashdown. Advertisement Advertisement While Artemis 1 was an uncrewed mission, NASA has said that the temperature inside Orion remained comfortable and would have been safe for astronauts, had any been aboard. Modified trajectory Now fast forward, quite literally, to the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, which will launch four astronauts around the moon as soon as early March. "NASA has modified the trajectory by shortening how far Orion can fly between when it enters Earth's atmosphere and splashes down in the Pacific Ocean," Kenna Pell, an Orion public affairs official at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, told Space.com. "This will limit how long Orion spends in the temperature range in which the Artemis 1 heat shield phenomenon occurred." Similarly, Blaine Brown, Orion spacecraft mechanical systems director for Lockheed Martin, told Space.com that a tiger team which included representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin and an Independent Review Team determined that a modified Artemis 2 reentry trajectory will minimize char loss and provide more than adequate margin on thermal performance. Skip the skip "This modified trajectory involves a slightly steeper entry profile and elimination of a skip, resulting in shorter downrange landing," Brown said. "We performed extensive testing and analysis on the Avcoat block materials to ultimately reproduce the char liberation phenomenon seen on Artemis 1." Advertisement Advertisement Brown said that the material being used on Artemis 3 NASA's first human return-to-the-moon mission, targeted to launch in 2028 is actually the same formula that was flown on Artemis 1 and that will fly on Artemis 2. "We just slightly modified the density to allow gases in the ablative material to escape during high heating and cool down," said Brown. "We support NASA's decision to fly the Artemis 2 mission with its current heat shield and are committed to seeing Orion safely launch and return on its historic mission to the moon with crew onboard." Time-sensitive challenge All that said, a NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report , issued last month, focused on the return of humans to the moon. In the NASA OIG's 2025 Report on NASA's Top Management and Performance Challenges, it noted that "the most time-sensitive challenge for NASA's effort to return humans to the moon is preparing for Artemis 2." NASA must address various challenges, the report added, to safely fly the four astronauts on the planned 10-day mission. Advertisement Advertisement "While NASA considered Artemis 1 to be a near-perfect flight, it revealed technical issues that need to be addressed before Artemis 2 can launch," the OIG report reads. "Specifically, the ablative outer material of Orion's heat shield did not properly vent the gases normally produced during entry into Earth's atmosphere, leading to widespread cracking and char loss." Root cause Furthermore, the NASA OIG report explained that, "given NASA's current understanding of the root cause, the Agency intends to reuse the heat shield design for Artemis 2 while flying a modified reentry trajectory that is less severe." While this approach is technically feasible, the report observes, "it is also complex and contingent on a successful test campaign and does not retire the heat shield risk for Artemis 3. The additional heat shield testing resulted in cascading delays to all Artemis missions starting with Artemis 2." During Artemis 2's reentry, as the Orion spacecraft crew starts to feel the effects of Earth's atmosphere for the first time since launch, superheated plasma will begin to build up around the spacecraft as the friction of the surrounding atmosphere increases. Advertisement Advertisement Communications to and from the crew will be temporarily blocked by that plasma. How the heat shield behaves this time on its modified, atmospheric deep-dive trajectory could be yet another nail-biter. Technologies are evolving fast, reshaping economies, governance, and daily life. Yet, as innovation accelerates, so do digital risks. Technological change is no longer abstract for such a country as Lithuania, as well. From e-signatures to digital health records, the country depends on secure systems. Cybersecurity has become not only a technical challenge but a societal one demanding the cooperation of scientists, business leaders, and policymakers. In Lithuania, this cooperation has taken a concrete form the government-funded national initiative. Coordinated by the Innovation Agency Lithuania, the project aims to strengthen the countrys e-security and digital resilience. Under this umbrella, universities and companies with long-standing expertise are working hand in hand to transform scientific knowledge into market-ready, high-value innovations. Several of these solutions are already being tested in real environments, for example, in public institutions and critical infrastructure operators. As Martynas Survilas, Director of the Innovation Development Department at the Innovation Agency Lithuania, explains: Our goal is to turn Lithuanias scientific potential into real impact solutions that protect citizens, reinforce trust in digital services, and help build an inclusive, innovative economy. The era of isolated research is over. In practice, science and business must work together to keep pace with complex, multilayered threats. A National Mission: Safe and Inclusive E-Society Among three strategic national missions launched under this program, one stands out for its relevance to the global digital landscape: Safe and Inclusive E-Society, coordinated by Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Presentation of the KTU Consortium Mission A Safe and Inclusive Digital Society at the Innovation Agency event Innovation Breakfast: How Mission-Oriented Science and Innovation Programmes Will Address Societal Challenges. The mission aims to increase cyber resilience and reduce the risks of personal data breaches, with a focus on everyday users of public and private e-services, contributing directly to Lithuanias transformation into a secure, digitally empowered society. Its total value exceeds 24.1 million. The KTU consortium includes top Lithuanian universities Vilnius Tech and Mykolas Romeris University as well as leading cybersecurity companies such as NRD Cyber Security, Elsis PRO, Transcendent Group Baltics, and the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, together with industry association Infobalt and the Lithuanian Cybercrime Competence, Research and Education Center. The missions research and development efforts cover a broad spectrum of cybersecurity challenges that define todays digital landscape. Teams are developing smart, adaptive, and self-learning buildings. In the financial sector, new AI-driven defense systems are being built to protect FinTech companies and their users from fraud and data breaches. Industrial safety is strengthened through prototypes of threat-detection sensors for critical infrastructure, while hybrid threat management systems are being tailored for use in public safety, education, and business environments. Other research focuses on combating disinformation through AI models that automatically detect coordinated bot and troll activity, as well as on creating intelligent platforms for automated cyber threat intelligence and real-time analysis. AI Fraud: A New Kind of Threat According to Dr. Rasa Bruzgiene, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Sciences at Kaunas University of Technology, the emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has fundamentally changed the logic of fraud against e-government services. Until now, the main defense relied on pattern-based detection for example, automated filters and firewalls could recognize recurring fraud patterns, typical phrases or structures, she explains. However, GenAI has eliminated that pattern boundary. Today, criminals can use generative models to create contextually accurate messages. Models know how to write without grammatical errors, use precise terminology, and even replicate the communication style of institutions. This means that modern phishing emails no longer resemble classic fraud but become difficult to recognize even for humans, let alone automated filters. She emphasizes that both the scale and the quality of attacks have evolved: The scale has increased because GenAI allows for the automated generation of thousands of different, non-repeating fraudulent messages. The quality has increased because these messages are personalized, multilingual, and often based on publicly available information about the victim. The result: traditional firewalls and spam filters lose their effectiveness because their detectors can no longer rely on formal features of words, phrases, or structure. The main change is no longer mass scale, but realism. In other words, modern attacks dont look like fraud they look like normal legal communication. Criminals today, Dr. Bruzgiene warns, have access to a broad arsenal of AI tools. They use models such as GPT-4, GPT-5, Claude, and open-source alternatives like Llama, Falcon, and Mistral as well as darker variants such as FraudGPT, WormGPT, or GhostGPT, specifically designed for malicious activities. They can clone voices using ElevenLabs or Microsofts VALL-E from just a few seconds of someone speaking. For creating fake faces and videos, they use StyleGAN, Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, and DeepFaceLab, along with lip-sync solutions like Wav2Lip and First-Order-Motion, she notes. Even more concerning, she adds, is how these tools are orchestrated together: Criminals produce photorealistic face photos, deepfake videos, and document copies with meticulously edited metadata. LLMs generate high-quality, personalized phishing texts and onboarding dialogues, TTS and voice-cloning models recreate a victims or employees voice, and image generation tools produce liveness videos that fool verification systems. Automated AI agents then handle the rest creating accounts, uploading documents, and responding to challenges. These multimodal chains can bypass both automated and human verification based on trust. The scary part, Dr. Bruzgiene concludes, is how accessible all of this has become. Commercial TTS solutions like ElevenLabs and open-source implementations of VALL-E provide high-quality voice cloning to anyone. Stable Diffusion, DeepFaceLab, and similar tools make it easy to generate photorealistic images or deepfakes quickly. Because of this accessibility, a single operator can create hundreds of convincing, different, yet interconnected fake profiles in a short time. We are already seeing such cases in attempts to open fake accounts in financial institutions and crypto platforms. AI-Powered Social Engineering Another new frontier is adaptive AI-driven social engineering. Attackers no longer rely on static scripts they use LLMs that adapt to a victims reactions in real time. Bots start with automated reconnaissance, scraping social media, professional directories, and leaked databases to build personalized profiles. Then, the LLM crafts initial messages that mirror a persons professional tone or institutional language. If theres no response, the system automatically switches channels from email to SMS or Slack and changes tone from formal to urgent. If a target hesitates, the AI generates plausible reassurance, quoting real internal policies or procedures. In one typical scenario, a colleague writes via work email, follows up on LinkedIn, and then calls using a cloned voice all orchestrated by connected AI tools. Dr. Bruzgiene describes this as a new stage of cybercrime evolution: Social engineering has become scalable, intelligent, and deeply personal. Each victim experiences a unique, evolving deception designed to exploit their psychological and behavioral weak points. Lithuanias Cyber Defense Leadership Lithuanias digital ecosystem known for its advanced e-government architecture and centralized electronic identity (eID) systems faces unique challenges. However, it also demonstrates remarkable progress. The country has risen steadily in international indices, ranking 25th globally in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) and 33rd in the Government AI Readiness Index (2025). Lithuanias AI strategy (20212030), updated in 2025, has prioritized AI-driven cyber defense, anomaly detection, and resilience-building. The National Cyber Security Centre (NKSC) integrates AI into threat monitoring, reducing ransomware incidents by fivefold between 2023 and 2024. Collaboration with NATO, ENISA, and EU partners further enhances Lithuanias hybrid defense capabilities. We see cyber resilience not just as a technical task but as a foundation for democracy and economic growth, says Survilas. Through the safe and inclusive e-society mission, we are not only protecting our digital infrastructure but also empowering citizens to trust and participate in the digital world. AI will inevitably be used for malicious purposes, but we can also use AI to defend. The key is collaboration across sectors and continuous education. This mission is one of the tools helping us turn that idea into concrete projects, pilots, and services for people in Lithuania. ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida's housing market started 2026 on an upswing, with more closed sales, more new pending sales and more new listings in January compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors' latest housing data. "Florida's housing market opened 2026 with solid momentum," said 2026 Florida Realtors President Chuck Bonfiglio, broker-owner of AAA Realty Group in Plantation. "Closed sales and new listings are up, and pending sales saw a significant year-over-year jump all encouraging signs for a sustainable market. "Inventory is improving, especially for single-family homes, giving buyers more options while reinforcing the importance of pricing and preparation for sellers. In a shifting market, working with a knowledgeable Realtor makes all the difference." Closed sales of single-family homes statewide last month totaled 16,298, up 5.9% compared to January 2025, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 6,084, up 5.1% year-over-year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written. In January, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes was $405,000, down 1.2% from a year ago; for condo-townhouse units, it was $305,000, down 2.4% compared to January 2025. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. "In addition to seeing more January closings across Florida than in recent years, we saw a lot more homes come onto the market, as well," said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O'Connor. "Our data only go back to 2008, but last year, January new listings were at an all-time high over that time span in both property type categories. As of now, though, the crown for most January new listings belongs to 2026. Looking at the single-family home category, new listings were up 7% compared to a year ago, while new listings of condos and townhouses in were up by 2.7%. It's a strong start, but it's too early to draw definitive conclusions as to how this will carry over into the rest of the year." Last month, new pending sales increased year-over-year for both existing single-family homes, up 15.2%, and for condo-townhouse properties, up 16.9%. O'Connor noted that January marked the sixth consecutive month for year-over-year increases in new pending sales in both property categories. "With buyers in a better position affordability-wise compared to a year ago, this year's sellers may like what they see out there a little better than they did last year. These numbers are a good indication that a lot of sellers who listed even as recently as January have already found buyers this year. "What's important for the market overall is not so much how many people list their homes for sale so much as how many of those homes end up sitting for long periods of time without selling. Last year's late surge in demand has carried over into January based on the new pending sales data, and if it persists, then many of these sellers are going to find buyers." The supply of single-family existing homes was at a 5.2-months' supply while existing condo-townhouse properties were at a 9.7-months' supply last month. To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to the Florida Realtors Newsroom and look under Latest Releases or download the January 2026 data report PDFs under Market Data. Florida Realtors is The Voice for Real Estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 230,000 members in 50 boards/associations. Florida Realtors Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom. SOURCE Florida Realtors 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 The Behind the Chutes Fundraiser this month celebrates the Western lifestyle and more than a century of rodeo history while also raising money for individuals and families affected by breast cancer. The fundraiser, to take place on Feb. 22, is organized and presented by Tucson Chicks n Chaps, a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to providing support and resources to breast cancer patients in Southern Arizona. For 13 years, Chicks n Chaps has held the event in conjunction with La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, which will be held on Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 26-March 1. We saw it as the perfect opportunity to educate people about rodeo, educate about breast cancer prevention and raise funds for our benefactor, said Debbie Barnett, a founding member of Tucson Chicks n Chaps. The fundraiser features events including a behind-the-scenes tour of the rodeo, a lesson on the history of the event, a silent auction and a fashion show featuring cancer survivors. A partnership with Boot Barn, the fashion show includes models from Tucson Cancer Conquerors, a volunteer-run nonprofit for cancer survivors. They walk the runway as audience members listen to their stories, Barnett said. Some of the survivors walk alongside family members in the latest Western styles. Weve had fashion shows where it has been moms and daughters or husbands and wives, Barnett said. Theres a real emotional tug there when you see that these people have fought the battle and gotten through. Bringing national effort to Tucson Barnett, who is a former chair at the Tucson Rodeo, helped bring Chicks n Chaps to Tucson in 2013 after meeting members of the national organization in Montana. This was the perfect thing for Tucson, so we formed a committee and started our chapter, she said. All proceeds raised from Chicks n Chaps fundraisers go to the Arizona Foundation for Cancer, which provides wigs, breast prostheses, transportation, lodging and therapies such as acupuncture to breast cancer patients free of charge, said Courtney Slanaker, vice chair of Chicks n Chaps. We really wanted to start a fundraiser that was going to benefit direct patient care, Barnett said. We wanted to help people. Chicks n Chaps has raised around $160,000 since its creation in 2013, Barnett said. Fundraising has become more difficult in recent years, Slanaker said, because with a growing number of nonprofit organizations in Tucson, everyone is fighting for the same dollars. Despite these challenges, the organization is preparing to accommodate more than 100 attendees for this years event, nearly double the attendance in previous years, Barnett said. Family, community and country Chicks n Chaps also aims to promote Western values of community, family and friendship during the fundraiser, Barnett said. Its an event for everyone, she said. You dont have to be in the battle or with someone who is in the battle. In addition to supporting breast cancer patients and families, Slanaker said attendees will learn about the rodeo and get a chance to country dance. Its a boot-scootin boogie, she said. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink. The 13th Annual Tucson Chicks n Chaps Behind the Chutes Fundraiser will be at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 22. The event will be held at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds at 4823 S. Sixth Ave. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Chicks n Chaps website. SYDNEY, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluent Commerce, a global provider of Order Management Systems (OMS), announces today that it has secured A$46m in new funding from Bain Capital. The investment will support continued, profitable global growth, and enable customers to scale faster with new AI-powered capabilities in Fluent Order Management. The capital will: Fund further "AI with ROI" investments Accelerate customer acquisition Support the roll-out of Fluent Connect (new AI integration platform) Continue expansion into key international markets Fluent Commerce CEO, Graham Jackson, said: "At Fluent Commerce, our goal is to serve our customers with real-time data to enable them to remove profit leaks and to grow. Whether it's into a new market or launching a new brand or experience, we provide the decision-making engine for AI-ready commerce operations. This investment from Bain Capital enables us to supercharge our international growth and become the AI powerhouse for global brands." Fluent Commerce is dedicated to helping companies optimise inventory, move faster and deliver better customer experiences through its scalable, distributed order management platform. Customers include global brands such as Prada Group, L'Oreal, Kingfisher, LVMH and JD Sports. In January, Fluent Commerce launched its new AI-powered integration platform, 'Fluent Connect', which enables retailers and brands to connect Fluent Order Management with critical third-party systems, such as payment gateways, carriers and POS systems, in a matter of hours rather than weeks. By dramatically reducing integration complexity and time-to-value, Fluent Connect allows customers to go live faster, scale more easily, and keep pace with ongoing innovation and growth. This latest funding highlights investor confidence in Fluent's long-term vision and continued global expansion. Bain Capital, a global private capital investment firm with over $215 billion (USD) in assets under management, continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting high-growth companies through its latest transaction with Fluent Commerce. Paul Kennedy, Partner at Bain Capital, said, "We are excited to partner with Fluent Commerce as it accelerates its global expansion. Fluent has built a best-in-class Order Management platform guided by a proven management team, a focused customer-first strategy, and technology leadership that has earned the trust of leading global brands. Bain Capital's conviction in Fluent is grounded in our global technology investing experience, which we will continue to apply as we support the company's ongoing growth." This transaction was advised by Neu Capital. Managing Director from Neu Capital, Cyrus Church, said, "Fluent Commerce is a fantastic Australian success story. It's been a pleasure arranging this capital as they continue to expand worldwide. " About Fluent Commerce Fluent Commerce is a global software company focused on inventory availability data management at scale and distributed order management (DOM) for commerce. Fluent Order Management provides accurate, real-time inventory availability across all locations, order orchestration, fulfillment optimization, fulfillment location management, in-store pick-and-pack, customer service, and reporting. Fluent Commerce works with organizations such as JD Sports, L'Oreal, Prada Group, ALDO Group, LVMH, Dulux and Kingfisher. For more information, visit fluentcommerce.com About Bain Capital Bain Capital is an international investment firm that creates a lasting impact on and for investors, teams, businesses, and communities. Since our foundation in 1984, Bain Capital has leveraged insight and experience to achieve intrinsic growth in several investment areas, including private equity, credit, public equity, venture capital, real estate, life sciences, insurance, and other strategic focus areas. We have 24 offices on 4 continents, over 1,950 employees, with approximately US$ 215 billion in assets under management. About Neu Capital Neu Capital is a full service independent debt advisory firm delivering tailored capital solutions to public and private mid-market companies. Neu Capital arranges billions of dollars of transactions across asset-backed securities, corporate finance and special situation structures. Neu Capital Australia Pty Ltd. | ACN 612 662 692 | Level 4, 333 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 SOURCE Fluent Commerce You might not know it, but your bank account is probably slimmer because of poachers who go out and illegally kill thousands of animals in the United States every year. A five-year research project by a Missoula, Montana-headquartered nonprofit, the Boone and Crockett Club, found that poaching costs U.S. taxpayers more than $1.4 billion annually in conservation costs, or the amount that is lost when an animal is poached and the crime isn't reported, discovered or prosecuted. When averaged out across all states, it's estimated that every state, including Montana, loses out on nearly $29 million in fines and replacement costs every year due to wildlife crimes. And by losing out on money from fines, Montana is losing a major revenue source that could help pay for things like habitat conservation and enforcement of wildlife laws. Also, hunters who don't buy licenses and get away with it are costing the state a significant amount of money. The Boone and Crockett Club, a national organization that was founded in 1887, recently conducted the study on poaching's impact as a response to plummeting wildlife populations due to unregulated harvests and poaching. It released a 150-page report called "Poach and Pay" in September. "Poachers are stealing from hunters, but they are stealing from all of us, whether you hunt or not, because wildlife belongs to all of us," explained CEO Tony Schoonen. "This is a theft of a public resource." And using what they called a "detailed data collection effort and statistical analysis," they found the detection rate of wildlife crimes in the United States falls somewhere between 2.66% and 5.41%. "Let me repeat that in more plain terms," Schoonen added in a press conference. "Only about 4% of poaching incidents are detected." He noted that the crime of theft across the country, like shoplifting, has a much higher detection rate, about 25%. Silent slaughter: Warden estimates majority of poaching cases go unsolved, undetected From a "thrill kill" rampage on deer to nine trophy black bears, Lou Royce has investigated many poaching incidents. But it's the unsolved cases that haunt him. "The significant underreporting of wildlife crimes is because poaching is such a cryptic crime," Schoonen said. "The environments where most illegal big game activity occurs are often vast, uninhabited and difficult to access, with few potential witnesses. These conditions, coupled with the limited number of conservation officers patrolling large areas, make it rare for law enforcement, or anyone frankly, to directly observe these crimes." Using data for average fines and replacement costs assessed by states for poaching, the organization found there is a minimum nationwide loss of $302.6 million in fines and $1.13 billion in replacement costs every year. The study found trophy poaching was the most common wildlife crime behavior type, followed by opportunistic poaching. Schoonen said the conservative estimate of 95% of wildlife crimes going undetected is what he calls a "dark figure." We have long known that poaching is a major problem in the United States, but we didnt truly understand the magnitude of the problem until this Poach and Pay research, Schoonen said. With this defensible assessment of the dark figure, we can clearly describe the conservation cost of poaching and prove that poaching is not a victimless crime. Not only do we lose individual wildlife, we are also losing a valuable public resource with a high cost. The study came up with policy recommendations. "We know that conservation officers face extraordinary enforcement challenges, including vast patrol areas, limited manpower, advanced offender technologies and entrenched rural cultural acceptance of poaching as 'folk crime'," Schoonen noted. "To address these issues, officers and stakeholders recommended prioritizing increased officer visibility, anonymous reporting systems, public education efforts and the provision of financial incentives for reporting violators." They surveyed prosecutors around the country, and almost half felt the illegal take of big game should be treated as a felony theft of a public resource in certain cases, especially if the animal's value exceeds the state's felony threshold. ABC to move to new Adelaide arts precinct By 2031 ABC will reside at a new Arts and Media Hub on Franklin Street, Adelaide. ABC has announced its next home in Adelaide at the Tapangka site in the CBD at a new base expected to be completed by FY 2031. It will eventually vacate its Adelaide home in Collinswood on North East Rd which has been home for 52 years. The ABC and the South Australian government will partner with Renewal SA to progress plans for a new Arts and Media Hub on Franklin Street (the former Adelaide Bus Station site), subject to the required State and Federal Public Works Committee approvals. The proposed new ABC facility will house modern production studios alongside content making, technical and administrative operations. Design, planning and approvals will continue throughout 202627. The ABC, together with the South Australian government, representing Country Arts SA, State Theatre Company South Australia, and State Opera South Australia, selected the Tapangka site following a detailed feasibility study and site selection process. ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks: Today is a significant day for the ABC and were delighted to take the next step with the SA government to secure a new arts hub. The new home for the ABC Adelaide location is fit for purpose for a modern public broadcaster. Moving to new state-of-the-art facilities central to the CBD and co-locating with government arts organisations offers enormous benefits to the broader arts community and our staff, audiences, and the creative sector. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said, Our brand new Arts & Media Hub will serve as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the Adelaide CBD. Franklin Street will become a portal for all South Australians to experience, participate and engage with the arts in a way they have never been able to before. It will ensure that the ABC has a state-of-the-art home in Adelaide to ensure South Australians will continue to have access to news and information they can trust, together with safe, engaging and educational content for their children. Our Government is continuing to transform our CBD and make it a better place to live, work, play and create. ABC currently occupies the bottom three floors of the eight-storey Collinswood building officially opened by prime minister Gough Whitlam in 1974. Work and planning on the decommissioning of the ABC Adelaide Collinswood property will now progress in line with the construction of the Tapangka Arts and Media Hub. The ABC, together with Country Arts SA, State Theatre Company South Australia and State Opera South Australia, will remain at Collinswood over the next five years as divestment planning is undertaken in preparation for sale of the current Adelaide site. Call for Entries: Screenrights Cultural Fund Grants of up to $50,000 available for Aus / NZ initiatives building skills across both the screen industry and education sectors. Screenrights is calling on screen practitioners, educators and innovators across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for its 2026 Cultural Fund, offering grants of up to $50,000 under this years theme, Learning Through Story. Since launching in 2018, the Cultural Fund has awarded more than $1.8 million to initiatives strengthening the screen industry and expanding how audiences engage with screen content. In 2026, the Screenrights Cultural Fund is backing practitioners who are using screen stories to deliver meaningful learning outcomes, said Tom Alegounarias, Chair of the Cultural Fund Working Group. Were looking for bold ideas that expand knowledge sharing, deepen learner engagement and build skills across both the screen industry and the education sector. Total Funding Pool: $300,000 (up to $50,000 per project). Previous recipients demonstrate the Funds measurable impact. Arts & Cultural Exchanges Screen Trades program exceeded its targets by brokering 34 jobs for diverse practitioners. Cinespaces Package to Pitch supported participants to secure roles in major US streaming writers rooms. Midnight Feast described its grant as an absolute game-changer, empowering artists with disabilities to move from acting into multidisciplinary creation, while Co-Curious expanded opportunities for under-represented writers through Stories From Another Australia. To ensure strong ideas are not limited by grant-writing experience, Screenrights will again offer free expert consultations to applicants. The initiative helps refine submissions ahead of the deadline, encouraging a broader and more diverse range of projects to compete for funding and removing barriers to entry. Closing Date: Wednesday 8 April, 5:00 pm AEST screenrights.org/cultural-fund Saudi Arabia has announced the start date of Ramadan 2026 after officials accepted reports that the first crescent of the new moon had been sighted. The declaration falls in line with the kingdom's own advance calendar but defies astronomical forecasts. It means that for Saudi Arabia, the first day of Ramadan 2026 will be Wednesday, February 18. Some other organisations elsewhere follow the Saudi news, including Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it's Islamic custom for people to look for the moon locally in their own country, so that all national citizens are following the same timetable for prayers and fasting and because it's a special spiritual moment to see the faint crescent making a first appearance in the evening sky. READ MORE: The Lunar Crescents Department at the Saudi Supreme Court says it convened a session this evening to assess reports on the sighting of the crescent of Ramadan for this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It announced that "after reviewing, examining, and considering all that was received ... and since a number of trustworthy witnesses have testified to seeing the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan tonight ... the Department rules that tomorrow, Wednesday, 18/2/2026, will be the first day of Ramadan for this year." The news flies in the face of official data on the possibility of a verified sighting. The UK Government's official astronomers, based at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, had released detailed forecasts stating that the crescent would NOT be visible on February 17 in almost every part of the world, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, UK, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt and the USA. February 17 is the 29th day of the existing Islamic month of Shaban in most countries and calendars and is the key date when attempts to sight the moon must usually be carried out. If a Saudi sighting had not been announced, then Shaban would go on into a 30th day and the first day of Ramadan in the kingdom would be Thursday, February 19. But with no chance of seeing the crescent tonight, many countries won't be looking until tomorrow, when it is expected to be easily visible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the UK, the Royal Observatory and New Crescent Society are holding a nationwide moonsighting event for Ramadan on Wednesday evening. Director of the New Crescent Society Imad Ahmed and Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster will be presenting live from Greenwich, discussing the links between astronomy and Islam and giving tips for spotting the new crescent moon yourself. Members of the New Crescent Society will be calling in from around the UK with their own reports on whether they've seen the moon. In addition, a UK moonsighting committee will also be announcing the date on Noor TV, an Islamic broadcaster based in Birmingham. Based on the astronomical data, it's widely expected that Ramadan 2026 in the UK - based on local rather than overseas sightings - will begin a day later on Thursday, February 19. By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main "guiding principles" in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. Oil futures fell and the benchmark Brent crude contract tumbled more than 1% after Araqchi's comments, which helped ease fears of conflict in the region, where the U.S. has deployed naval forces to press Iran for concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Different ideas have been presented, these ideas have been seriously discussed, ultimately we've been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles," Araqchi told Iranian media after the talks concluded in Geneva. A U.S. official said Iran would make detailed proposals in the next two weeks to close gaps in the nuclear talks. "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss," said the official, who declined to be identified. BOTH SIDES HAVE 'CLEAR NEXT STEPS' The indirect discussions between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside Araqchi, were mediated by Oman. The White House did not respond to emailed questions about the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said in a social media post "much work is yet to be done" but Iran and the U.S. were leaving with "clear next steps". Just as talks began on Tuesday, Iranian state media said Iran was temporarily shutting parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil supply route, due to "security precautions" while Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills there. Later, state media said the strait had been shut down for a few hours, without making it clear if it had fully reopened. Tehran has in the past threatened to shut down the strait to commercial shipping if it is attacked, a move that would choke off a fifth of global oil flows and drive up crude prices. Responding to comments by Trump that "regime change" in Iran might be the best course, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, warned that any U.S. attempts to depose his government would fail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. President says their army is the world's strongest, but the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up," he said, in comments published by Iranian media. Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva after the talks, Araqchi said a "new window of opportunity" had opened and that he hoped discussions would lead to a "sustainable" solution that ensured the full recognition of Iran's legitimate rights. Earlier, Trump said he himself would be involved "indirectly" in the Geneva talks and that he believed Iran wanted to make a deal. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," Trump said, referring to the U.S. military's stealth bomber jets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. joined Israel last June in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. and Israel believe Iran aspires to build a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel's existence. Iran says its nuclear programme is purely peaceful, even though it has enriched uranium far beyond the purity needed for power generation, and close to what is required for a bomb. IRAN SAYS IT WILL ONLY DISCUSS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME Since those strikes, Iran's Islamic rulers have been weakened by street protests, suppressed at a cost of thousands of lives, against a cost-of-living crisis driven in part by international sanctions that have strangled Iran's oil income. The U.S. has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues such as Iran's missile stockpile. Iran says it is willing only to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme, in exchange for sanctions relief, and that it will not give up uranium enrichment completely or discuss its missile programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khamenei reiterated Iran's position that its formidable missile stockpile is non-negotiable and missile type and range have nothing to do with the United States. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday the success of the Geneva talks hinged on the U.S. not making unrealistic demands and on its seriousness on lifting the crippling sanctions on Iran. US B-2 BOMBERS STRUCK NUCLEAR TARGETS Tehran and Washington were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks last June when Washington's ally Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, and was then joined by American B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. Tehran has since said it has halted uranium enrichment activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has joined the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which guarantees countries the right to pursue civilian nuclear power in return for requiring them to forgo atomic weapons and cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Israel, which has not signed the treaty, neither confirms nor denies having nuclear weapons, under a decades-old ambiguity policy designed to deter surrounding enemies. Scholars believe it does. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Elwely Elwelly in Dubai, Menna Alaa El-Din in Cairo, Humeyra Pamuk in Budapest, Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones and Jonathan Oatis) Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Jordan and other Arab states in the Middle East will sight the Ramadan 2026 Moon (Ramadan Moon Sighting 1447) today i.e. Tuesday February 17, 2026 to confirm the beginning of the Holy Month of Fasting Ramadan 2026 Moon Sighting Live Updates: The New Moon of the Holy Month of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia today, accordingly the Month of Fasting will begin from Wednesday February 18, 2026. "The Crescent Moon signalling the start of Ramadan has been sighted in the Kingdom", Saudi Arabias Supreme Court announced on Tuesday. "Ramadan will therefore start on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Muslims will refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the holy month", it added. Ramadan Start Date Country-wise Similar statement has also been issued by the Moon Sighting Committees and Religious Authorities in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain and other Arab States. "Ramadan will commence tomorrow, after sighting of the Crescent is confirmed on February 17", UAE's Presidential Court announced based on the decision of the Moon Sighting Committee. The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has also confirmed the first day of Ramadan as Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Following the spotting of the Ramadan Moon Today, the Tarweeh Prayers of the First Night of the Holy Month will be offered after Isha Prayers today i.e. Tuesday Feb 17, 2026. Oman, Syria and Jordan, on the other hand said, The Holy Month of Ramadan will start on Thursday February 19, 2026, after failure to sight the Crescent Moon. The first country to announce the beginning of the holy month from Thursday Feb 19 was Brunei. In Japan, the first day of the Holy Month will start on February 19, the country's Hilal Vision Committee announced. The Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani also announced that the Holy Month in the Philippines will start on February 19, 2026. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey are also the countries where Ramadan will start on Thursday Feb 19, 2026. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries will announce tomorrow the exact date to commence Fasting of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Wifaqul Ulama London in the United Kingdom (UK) will also confirm on Wednesday the first day of Ramadan 2026. 3:45 PM (Makkah Time): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Jordan and other Arab states in the Middle East will sight the Ramadan 2026 Moon (Ramadan Moon Sighting 1447) today i.e. Tuesday February 17, 2026 to confirm the beginning of the Holy Month of Fasting. Ramadan Moon Sighting 2026 in Saudi Arabia The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia has issued an appeal to all Muslims in the Kingdom to spot the crescent, the Ramadan Moon, today i.e. Tuesday 29th Sha'ban 1447 H, corresponding to February 17, 2026. In a request to local residents, the Saudi Supreme Court said, "Whoever sights the crescent by naked eyes or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register his testimony, or report to the authority of the regions center in his area where he sighted the crescent to facilitate his reaching to the nearest court." Similar appeals to sight the Ramadan 2026 Moon have also been made by the religious affair ministeries and moon sighting committees in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, Muscat, Egypt, Yemen, and other states in the Middle East, and also in the countries like the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. The official confirmation of Ramadan moon sighting by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia will be announced after Maghrib Prayers Tuesday evening. "The Supreme Courts special session will sit and deliberate on Tuesday evening the results of the crescent search and will issue a decision", the reports added. The Kingdoms main observatories are in Sudair and Tumair, and sightings of the new moon from the two observatories are part of the official decision. Ramadan Moon Sighting USA, UK Notable among them are the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Qatar, Ministry of Religious Affairs UAE, Wifaq ul Ulama UK, Australian National Imams Council, the Fiqh Council of North America, French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), Majils Ugama Islam Singpaore - they have all appealed the people living in the respective countries and areas to sight the Ramadan 2026 Moon and report to them. Muslims across the world sight the new moon on every 29th of the month as per the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The appeals to sight the Ramadan Moon has also been issued as per the following of the The Prophet (PBUH). If the Crescent Moon is spotted on 29th, the ongoing month ends and the new month begins on the next day. However, if the Moon is not spotted on 29th, the next day is counted as the 30th day of the ongoing month, and the new month starts a day later. Ramadan 2026 Start Date Accordingly, Ramadan 2026 fasting in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other Arab states and Middle East countries will start on Wednesday February 18, 2026 if the New Moon is spotted in the Kingdom today. In case the Ramadan Moon is not sighted today then Wednesday will be the 30th day of Shaban 1447 AH and the Holy Month of fasting will start on Thursday February 19, 2026. Meanwhile, the Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey has based on astronomical assessments announced that Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Presidency also said that the first Taraweeh prayers will be observed after Isha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The official Hijri Committee in Oman has also announced Thursday, February 19, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan based on astronomical assessments. Ramadan Working Hours Saudi Arabia has announced reduced working hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The authorities in the Kingdom have also re-scheduled school and college timings for the Holy Month. The General Directorate of Education in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia said that the school-day in public schools will begin at 10 a.m., while classes in adult education institutions will start at 9:30 p.m. The Directorate further clarified that teaching and administrative staff are required to report 15 minutes prior to the start of the first class period. Similarly, the General Directorate of Education in the Makkah Region confirmed that morning schools will begin at 9 a.m., while adult education classes will commence at 9:30 p.m. The Directorate also stated that official working hours for all employees during Ramadan will be five hours per day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ensuring the continued efficiency of operations and the maintenance of administrative discipline throughout the month. Reduced working hours for The Holy Month of Ramadan has also been declared by the respective authorities in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and other Arab countries. Ramadan Moon Sighting India, Pakistan Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries will spot the Ramadan Moon on Wednesday February 18, 2026. Similarly, Muslims in the United States (USA), United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Germany and other countries too will start fasting of Ramadan either on Wednesday February 18 or 19, 2026. The final decision will be taken on Tuesday February 17, 2026 by the moon sighting committee operating in these countries. The Australian Fatwa Council and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) have meanwhile announced based on not astronomical assessments that Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The first Taraweeh prayers in the two countries will be offered after Isha on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While some jobs necessitate longer hours, most employees in the private sector enjoy a two-hour reduction in their workday. Government offices often close early, with working hours for public sector employees reduced to six instead of the usual eight hours. Special arrangements have also been made in almost all the countries for five daily prayers, Taraweeh (Special Night Prayers offered during Ramadan) and also for Iftar meals that mark the end of daily fast. The Presidency of The Two Holy Mosques earlier released the detailed schedules of the Taraweeh Prayers in Masjid Haram Makkah and Masjid Nabawi in Madinah . Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Demonstrating how healthcare domain expertise and enterprise platform infrastructure work together to simplify interoperability testing. DALLAS, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Form.io, the enterprise form and data management platform trusted by organizations across regulated industries, announced today that TESCHGlobal has developed SpecKit, an early-stage healthcare tool built using Form.io to streamline FHIR test data creation. The solution highlights Form.io as the flexible foundation behind scalable, security-regulated applications in complex environments, brought to life through TESCHGlobal's healthcare technology expertise. Form.io Powers SpecKit by TESCHGlobal to Advance Healthcare FHIR Test Data Generation Designed and developed by the team at TESCHGlobal, a healthcare-focused software development and IT consulting firm known for interoperability and custom solutions, SpecKit leverages Form.io 's technology to help healthcare teams accelerate development as it continues to evolve alongside emerging healthcare standards. FHIR adoption continues to grow across healthcare, but generating accurate, compliant test data remains a persistent challenge. Developers and implementation teams often need synthetic data for FHIR-based systems, yet creating it requires navigating intricate codes and international standards such as HL7. By leveraging Form.io as its foundation, TESCHGlobal reduced that complexityallowing users to quickly generate FHIR-aligned test data without requiring deep healthcare domain expertise. "SpecKit is a strong example of how Form.io serves as the infrastructure behind innovative healthcare solutions," said Heather Hornor, COO at Form.io. "When domain experts like TESCHGlobal pair their industry knowledge with a flexible platform, teams can move faster while maintaining the rigor required in regulated environments." Joel Walker, President of TESCHGlobal, added: "Healthcare organizations need practical tools that make interoperability testing more precise and less burdensome. We wanted to create a solution that simplifies interoperability testing without compromising standards, and Form.io gave us the flexibility and structure to make it all possible." SpecKit by TESCHGlobal demonstrates how Form.io supports: Rapid development of healthcare-focused applications Configurable data solutions aligned with FHIR standards Improved collaboration between technical and non-technical teams Scalable, enterprise-ready architectures for regulated industries Built and continuously advancing under TESCHGlobal's leadership, SpecKit shows how technology partners can leverage Form.io to create purpose-built solutions that address complex data management needs, such as healthcare interoperability and testing. Both Form.io and TESCHGlobal will be at ViVE Los Angeles, February 2226, 2026, where attendees can learn more about SpecKit and how both companies enable organizations to build and scale healthcare technology solutions. To learn more about the Form.io and TESCHGlobal partnership, visit: https://form.io/form-io-teschglobal-partnership/ https://teschglobal.com/form-io-partnership/ To explore SpecKit directly, visit: https://teschglobal.github.io/form.io-poc/index.html Media Contact: For press inquiries and additional information, please contact: [email protected] Form.io is an enterprise form and data management platform that enables organizations to build secure, scalable applications across regulated industries. https://form.io TESCHGlobal is a healthcare-focused software development and IT consulting firm specializing in FHIR, interoperability, and regulatory-aligned solutions. https://teschglobal.com/ SOURCE Form.io LLC People in many Asian countries have welcomed Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Horse, with a vibrant array of light displays and artistic performances. People in China welcome Lunar New Year 2026. Video: Xinhua According to CGTN, audiences across China greeted the new year with the annual Spring Festival Gala, widely known as Chunwan. This years program once again drew widespread attention, particularly for its humanoid robot performances, which became one of the evenings most talked-about highlights. Beyond the televised gala, communities throughout China and overseas Chinese populations organized lantern festivals and large-scale light shows to celebrate the Lunar New Year, transforming city streets and public squares into luminous stages of color and festivity. Humanoid robot performance during Lunar New Years Eve 2026. Video: CGTN In a New Year message, President Xi Jinping acknowledged Chinas steady progress across multiple sectors, including governance, cultural initiatives, ecological conservation and national defense. He emphasized that the anti-corruption campaign had yielded significant results, affirming that the achievements of the past year were the product of the collective efforts of the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups nationwide. In Singapore, as well as in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, local communities adorned streets with festive decorations, hosted lantern festivals and staged cultural performances to mark the Lunar New Year. Malaysia during the Lunar New Year. Video: X In South Korea, people have begun traveling to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year holiday, which lasts through February 18. Weather forecasts this year are favorable for holiday travel and tourism activities. Although Japan discontinued the official celebration of the Lunar New Year in 1873, certain areas with large Chinese communities continue to observe traditional lunar new year festivities. Viet Dung In recent years, the Middle East has remained one of the worlds most complex and persistent flashpoints, with prolonged armed conflicts, particularly the Israel - Palestine conflict, causing severe humanitarian, economic and regional security consequences. Despite large-scale mediation and international engagement efforts, no effective and sustainable mechanism has yet emerged that is capable of both ending hostilities and organizing comprehensive, long-term post-war reconstruction. Against this backdrop, on September 30, 2025, nearly two years after the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas that triggered one of the most severe humanitarian catastrophes in modern history for the Palestinian people, President Donald Trump proposed a 20-point Peace Plan. On November 17, 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 (2025), unanimously approving President Trumps Peace Plan, welcoming the establishment of the Peace Council as a transitional mechanism to oversee the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip, and authorizing a civilian and security presence in Gaza under the Councils mandate until December 31, 2027. On January 22, President Donald Trump presided over the signing ceremony of the Peace Council Charter in Davos, Switzerland. The US is expected to host the first leadership conference, which will also serve as a fundraising meeting for Gazas reconstruction, on February 19. The Peace Plan and the Peace Council proposed by President Donald Trump are widely viewed as the most viable initiative since the outbreak of conflict in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, creating conditions for relevant parties to engage in dialogue and negotiations toward ending hostilities and achieving a sustainable peace solution for the region. To date, the majority of invited countries have agreed to participate in the Peace Council, including those that signed the Charter in Davos, demonstrating political support and commitment. However, they are still in the process of studying implementation plans and have yet to announce specific contributions or commitments. Regarding Vietnams participation, on January 16, President Trump sent a letter inviting General Secretary To Lam and Vietnam to join the Peace Council as a founding member, alongside the international community in promoting a sustainable peace solution to the Israel - Palestine conflict in the Gaza Strip. In response, General Secretary To Lam accepted the invitation and affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to participate as a founding member of the Peace Council, working together with the US and the international community to contribute actively toward a long-term, comprehensive solution to the Middle East peace process, including the establishment of a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside the State of Israel. On January 22, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the signing ceremony of the Peace Council Charter on ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, at the invitation of President Donald Trump. Tran Thuong Residents and tourists streamed to temples and pagodas across the capital on the morning of the first day of Tet 2026 (Lunar New Year), seeking blessings for a new year filled with hope. Among the most visited were Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Su Pagoda, where incense smoke curled gently into the cool spring air. A steady flow of worshippers arrived at Quan Thanh Temple, creating a vibrant yet reverent atmosphere. Pathways leading into the complex were packed with visitors, while inside, the scent of burning incense lingered, enveloping the sacred space in a haze that felt both solemn and serene. Many families came prepared with offerings, lighting incense sticks from the courtyard before stepping quietly into the main sanctuary. Some visitors lingered longer, taking time to learn about the temples centuries-old history. Souvenir stalls nearby drew interest as well, particularly small lapel pins bearing the image of Huyen Thien Tran Vu - the guardian deity of the North in ancient Thang Long - chosen as tokens of protection and good fortune for the year ahead. International visitors also joined in the experience, eagerly trying their hand at the early-year calligraphy ritual, a cherished tradition believed to bring wisdom and prosperity. Along Thanh Nien Street, Tran Quoc Pagoda stood out as a favorite destination for those beginning their spring outings with a temple visit. The road was thick with pedestrians and vehicles, with both lanes crowded throughout the morning. Parking areas in the vicinity quickly became overwhelmed by the surge of visitors. Inside the pagoda grounds, the worship area filled steadily with incense smoke and murmured prayers. Thao, a Hanoi resident, shared that this was the first time her family had chosen to visit temples in the capital for the new year, as in previous years they had returned to their hometown in Soc Son. Our whole family finds it very meaningful, she said. The festive spirit is everywhere. Everyone seems joyful and hopeful on the first day of the year. Quan Su Pagoda was equally animated, with streams of worshippers moving in and out throughout the morning. The vivid colors of ao dai worn by many women added a graceful brightness to the solemn setting, bringing touches of spring to the heart of the capital. Kim Lien Temple at 148 Kim Hoa Street also welcomed a large number of visitors. As one of the four sacred guardian temples of ancient Thang Long, it represents the southern direction and is dedicated to Cao Son Dai Vuong - a deity revered for protecting the people from calamities. Built during the reign of King Ly Thai To, the temple today is recognized as a special national relic site, distinguished by its timeworn architecture and deep historical significance. Crowds gather at Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi on the morning of the first day of Tet. Entrances to the temple are packed with visitors as incense smoke drifts through the sacred grounds. Many people prepare offerings and light incense in the courtyard before entering the main hall. Visitors purchase souvenir pins featuring Huyen Thien Tran Vu, the guardian deity of the North in ancient Thang Long. International tourists try the tradition of requesting calligraphy at the start of the year. Tran Quoc Pagoda on Thanh Nien Street draws large crowds during the first morning of the Lunar New Year. Both lanes of Thanh Nien Street are filled with people and vehicles, while nearby parking areas are overloaded. The atmosphere at Quan Su Pagoda is lively on New Years Day. Colorful ao dai brighten the solemn space of the pagoda. Kim Lien Temple at 148 Kim Hoa Street attracts numerous visitors. Kim Lien Temple, one of the four guardian temples of Thang Long, is dedicated to Cao Son Dai Vuong and recognized as a special national relic site. Duc Anh - Pham Hai Every day, an individual carries out tens of online transactions: from logging into social networks and opening bank accounts to signing electronic contracts. Alongside convenience, however, comes an ever-present risk: personal data belongs to users, but control lies in the hands of centralized storage systems. In todays prevailing digital service model, user identity is managed in the form of separate accounts on each platform. Users usually have only two choices: either click accept to provide all required information in order to use the service, or be denied access altogether. Once permission has been granted, citizens find it extremely difficult to know how their data is being processed, which third parties it is shared with, or how long it is retained. In particular, the ability to revoke access after data is provided is almost nonexistent. As a result, personal data is copied and stored across multiple locations, turning users into targets of data leaks and information abuse. Faced with this reality, advanced jurisdictions such as Singapore and the EU have shifted toward citizen-centric digital identity models. In Vietnam, the NDAKey solution developed based on the philosophy of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is believed to fundamentally address this problem. Proving information instead of submitting data The most significant change introduced by NDAKey is the shift from a mindset of collecting and storing data to verifying information when necessary. In traditional transactions, users are often required to submit images of their citizen ID cards or complete personal dossiers, the actions that carry the risk of unauthorized copying. With NDAKey, information is stored directly on personal devices in the form of Verifiable Credentials (VC). When verification is required, users do not need to resubmit full documents; instead, they present a suitable Verifiable Presentation (VP) that matches the specific context. The NDAKey operating model consists of three parties: the Issuer, which is an authorized authority or organization responsible for issuing VCs and ensuring the reliability of source data; the Holder, namely the citizen who stores VCs in a digital identity wallet and retains full control over sharing decisions; and the Verifier, such as banks, insurance companies, or healthcare organizations, which only verify VPs and do not collect or store original data. Nguyen Phu Dung, Chief Executive Officer of PILA Group JSC, commented: This model returns control over data to citizens themselves. People decide which data is shared, with whom, and under what circumstances. This also reflects the spirit of the 2025 Personal Data Protection Law, under which all data processing activities must be based on clear and transparent consent. Ending the exposure of original data The key mechanism protecting privacy of this solution is selective disclosure combined with Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. This technology allows users to prove a specific attribute, such as meeting age requirements or holding appropriate qualifications, without revealing their underlying personal data. All information is end-to-end encrypted and stored directly on personal devices rather than in centralized systems, thereby safeguarding privacy and minimizing the risk of unauthorized copying or exploitation. For organizations such as banks, insurance companies, or administrative agencies, applying this model helps shorten the paperwork process and reduces dependence on centralized data warehouses. When they do not have to store the original data of users, these units also can reduce operating costs and legal risks if a cybersecurity incident occurs. In terms of infrastructure, this solution complies with international standards (W3C DID, ZKP) and operates on the NDAChain blockchain platform to ensure transparency. The system only records valid issuing and verifying organizations and absolutely does not store private data of citizens on the network. With a nationwide implementation roadmap starting from 2026, NDAKey is expected to become a reliable digital identity infrastructure. When self-sovereign identity is popularized, every citizen can proactively manage their digital identity, and every organization can minimize data risks, moving toward the goal of protecting information for more than 100 million people sustainably. Du Lam In Hiroshima and Okinawa of Japan, the programme Vietnamese Tet Homeland Spring 2026 took place on February 15, marking the 18th year such event has been organised in Hiroshima. Vietnamese associations and expatriates from several prefectures attended alongside Japanese lawmakers and local officials. Activities included ao dai performances and traditional dances from the Vietnamese side, with the Japanese side joining a kimono show, calligraphy demonstrations, and music performances. In Bangkok, Thailand, Vietnamese students, workers, and Thai friends, and over 40 Thai novice monks gathered at Pho Phuoc Pagoda to wrap banh chung (square glutinous rice cakes) and banh tet (round glutinous rice cake), offering participants a hands-on introduction to Vietnamese Tet traditions. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 overseas Vietnamese and local guests attended a community Tet celebration at Lurdy Haz event centre in Budapest, Hungary. The event featured musical performances, cultural programmes, and a review of community and charity activities over the past year. In the UK, the Vietnamese Family Partnership (VFP) organised a Tet festival at Deptford Lounge in London. Quynh Dao, executive director of VFP, shared that after 22 years of persistently organising Vietnamese cultural events in the UK capital, this year the Lunar New Year will officially be welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of London as a cultural event of the city, right in its centre on the first day of the lunar calendar. The Vietnamese community is now recognised as an inseparable part of Londons cultural life. The Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba hosted the Homeland Spring 2026 gathering on February 14, bringing together Vietnamese families, students, and experts, along with ambassadors from ASEAN countries, to celebrate solidarity and friendship. In Canada, the Canada Vietnam Cultural & Educational Council continued the tradition of preparing Tet meals and wrapping banh chung to help younger generations born abroad stay connected to their roots while introducing Vietnamese cuisine to Canadian friends. At Peoples' Friendship University of Russia in Moscow, Vietnamese students organised a festive gathering that attracted many young people studying and living in Russia./. VNA NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FXPesa, the first CMA-licensed broker in Kenya, powered by Equiti Group, is supporting access to education for children in an under-resourced community in Tanzania by funding a local school operated by the CR Hope Foundation. The initiative aligns with FXPesa's broader corporate social responsibility approach, which focuses on education, empowerment, inclusion and equality. FXPesa representatives with students at CR Hope Foundation in Tanzania, celebrating a shared commitment to education and community empowerment. The support provides students in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, with a safe, sustainable learning environment, addressing the village's long-standing shortage of educational facilities. Through this initiative, FXPesa supports the education of 180 students aged 3-13, while equipping 13 teachers with resources and funding essential operational costs (including key infrastructure) to ensure reliable school operations and long-term service to the local community. Commenting on the initiative, Kinan Hassino, Equiti General Director Abu Dhabi Branch, said: "Literacy is often the foundation for opportunity. When children are able to read, learn and remain engaged in education, the benefits can extend beyond the classroom and influence families and communities over time. This initiative supports a more consistent learning environment, allowing children to develop and teachers to focus on guiding them during their formative years." Renos Fountoulakis, founder of CR Hope Foundation, added: "This partnership goes far beyond funding a school. It is about giving children a chance in Kizimkazi to grow and dream in a challenging and impoverished community. With educated children and empowered teachers, the long-term impact is generational." The effort reflects FXPesa's continued focus on supporting practical, community-led efforts that address local needs in underserved communities. About FXPesa FXPesa, powered by Equiti Group, is a global online trading broker offering retail clients access to a range of international financial markets. It operates as a trading name of EGM Securities Limited, licensed and authorised by the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya, offering access to forex, commodities, indices, shares and ETFs through CFD trading and follows an execution-only, straight-through processing model, with client orders routed directly to liquidity providers under transparent and secure trading conditions. Learn more at www.fxpesa.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2904466/fxpesa_x_tz.jpg Nazrin Abdul In geopolitics, when corporate interests align with genuine partnership, the outcome is often durable and mutually beneficial. The relationship between Azerbaijan and Serbia is a strong example of this dynamic, where strategic cooperation is producing long-lasting results for both sides. Serbia and Azerbaijan have formalised a landmark energy cooperation agreement by signing an agreement to construct a gas-fired power plant near Nis. Developed jointly by Serbias state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), Srbijagas, and Azerbaijans SOCAR, the plant will have a capacity of 350 MW of electricity and 150 MW of thermal energy. This new facility will provide baseload power to meet rising domestic consumption and support Serbias expanding industrial and digital infrastructure. This project reflects a strategic shift for both countries, positioning Azerbaijan as a supplier of fossil fuels as well as an alternative energy provider for Europe. As President Ilham Aliyev stated: 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. The initiative aligns with Azerbaijans broader energy strategy, which aims to add an additional 8 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, a significant portion of which is earmarked for export to Europe. President Aleksandar Vu?i? highlighted the importance of infrastructure readiness and long-term planning, highlighting the expansion of sources as a tremendous opportunity in a turbulent economic era. The era of electricity is beginning, and we need many sources of electricity. We need to produce more electricity. Azerbaijan will have electricity measuring gigawatts." As President Vu?i? mentioned, the construction will take more than two years. He expressed confidence that the two countries together will open a gas-fired power plant by 2029. The plant will have a 50/50 ownership model between Serbia and Azerbaijan, a structure that balances investment risks and returns. In a comment to AzerNEWS, energy expert Ilham Shabanov first underscored the lower risks for Azerbaijan, as it owns half the company's shares. If we consider that in Turkiye we bought the thermal power plant of the GAMA Holding on December 23, we bought 100 per cent of the 870 MW plant, but in Serbia the risks will be shared 50 per cent. This arrangement ensures that both countries share operational and financial responsibilities, while giving Azerbaijan a role in controlling standards and efficiency, potentially leveraging SOCARs experience in modern power generation. The expert also spoke about the effectiveness of the project, based on international experiences and precedents. Shabanov emphasised that the project represents standard gas-fired electricity generation rather than a transition from gas to electricity: Countries are different. There is no such concept as the successful application of thisIt depends on how you operate it, provide services, and maintain it according to regulations. For example, in Azerbaijan, modernisation efforts have reduced conventional fuel consumption from over 400 grams per kWh to 220 grams at the 8 November thermal power plant in 2025. Meanwhile, in countries like Italy, technical losses and efficiency vary widely, showing that proper operation is as important as technology itself. The lesson is clear: the plants efficiency will depend on modern equipment, strict operational standards, proper maintenance, and effective fuel management. Shabanov touched on the main point and emphasised that the gas-fired plant has the potential to diversify Serbias energy supply, which has historically relied on Russian imports. He noted, however, that due to its 500 MW capacity, it is unlikely the plant will immediately export electricity outside Serbia. Nonetheless, it strengthens domestic energy security and could serve as a stepping stone for larger regional cooperation. President Aliyevs comments frame the project within a broader European energy strategy: To achieve this [exporting additional capacity], we need new and larger transmission capacities because our main export destination is Europe. By coupling gas exports with electricity generation, Azerbaijan can expand its role in Europes energy market while promoting cleaner electricity, supporting both energy security and environmental goals. But of course, there are some main challenges, which are mainly related to the infrastructure and technology of this project. Actually, President Vu?i? also pointed out the necessity of strategic planning, site selection, and complementary infrastructure. Three sites have been selected around the city of NisThe European Union also recognizes this. In short, the construction is expected to take place in Tripale, Krusti, or Niska Banja. However, I think Krusti is the most suitable place. Small modular reactors will be installed. There will be data centers and other issues will be resolvedThe pace of the work should be accelerated, and we are grateful to our Azerbaijani friends for their support. Key challenges include transmission and grid capacity, as effective integration of the plant will require expansion of infrastructure, particularly if Azerbaijans long-term European export goals are to be met. Operational efficiency is another concern; as Shabanov noted, optimal performance depends on careful maintenance and adherence to international standards. According to the expert, timeline sensitivity is also critical: if the Commercial Agreement is signed in 2026, the plant is likely to begin operations by 2029, leaving the region potentially exposed to energy volatility in the meantime. Finally, environmental considerations remain important. While gas is cleaner than coal, it is still a fossil fuel, and compliance with EU environmental standards will be essential if Serbia aims to export electricity. The power plant represents a practical, phased approach to energy modernisation. For Serbia, it provides stable electricity to support economic growth, industrial expansion, and digital infrastructure development. For Azerbaijan, it is both a commercial and strategic foothold in Europe, complementing its growing energy portfolio. Energy expert Shabanov concluded that this model demonstrates the importance of risk-sharing, operational rigour, and strategic foresight: In a country in Europe that has been dependent on Russian energy carriers for many years, it can be seen as Azerbaijan's contribution to diversifying its energy imports and ensuring its own stable energy supply. As a reliable partner and a country promising stability, Azerbaijan's energy potential is expanding beyond its borders. The partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia is emblematic of the evolving energy landscape - one that integrates traditional fuels, regional cooperation, and long-term infrastructure planning to strengthen both national and European energy security. Six NYC-based performers selected for acclaimed residency following record-breaking application year NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenwich House Music School (GHMS) today announced the 2026 cohort for the Elebash Uncharted Artist-in-Residence program. Following the most competitive open call in the last three years, six New York City- based artists have been selected for the esteemed cohort: Jacquelene Acevedo, Audry Funk, DoYeon Kim, Erika Ji, Miriam Elhajli, and Firas Zreik. Now in its 12th year, Uncharted, co-created by Rachel Black and Jennie Wasserman, is Greenwich House Music School's annual artist residency, which culminates in a concert series and is designed to provide both financial and creative support to independent performing artists of color, women, immigrants, religious minorities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The program uniquely centers the often-underfunded creative process that takes place before an audience arrives for a performance. By providing artists with the time, resources, and infrastructure to develop work that is not only artistically gratifying, but also viable for future touring and presentation, the program is designed to extend each project's life and sustain New Yorkbased artists financially beyond a single performance. A 350% increase in applications from 2024 coincides with an alarming report from the Center for an Urban Future (CUF), titled "Creative New York," released in December 2025. The report warns that the city's creative community has "rarely felt more fragile." It highlights a decline in the population of resident artists, which has decreased by 4.4% since 2019. This decline is due to a severe affordability crisis. Additionally, the CUF report points out a 27% wage gap, indicating that artists of color earn substantially less than their white counterparts. To help combat these systemic economic pressures, each Uncharted artist receives a comprehensive residency package including: a $5,000 residency and performance stipend; 20 hours of free rehearsal space, including backline technical support; secure overnight storage of equipment during the residency; artists retain full rights to all work created in residence, dedicated curatorial support, including time to craft project narratives and marketing copy; targeted marketing support, including social media, local press, and digital advertising; a 30-minute performance slot as part of the Uncharted concert series; and three-camera video footage, professional audio, and photography of the final performance at no cost. 2026 Uncharted Concert Series Schedule Culminating residency performances will be held at Greenwich House Music School's 90-seat recital hall. This intimate downtown arts space has played host to legendary artists, including John Cage, Morton Subotnick, and Meredith Monk, and continues to be a vital hub for New York's independent music scene. April 22 Jacquelene Acevedo and Audry Funk Jacquelene Acevedo and Audry Funk April 29 DoYeon Kim and Firas Zreik DoYeon Kim and Firas Zreik May 6 Erika Ji and Miriam Elhajli "Uncharted is built around the idea that artists need time, space, and trust before a performance ever happens," said Jennie Wasserman (NJPAC, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall), Uncharted co-founder and curator. "In New York, artists don't just add to the cultural landscape they help power the city's civic and economic life. They animate neighborhoods, connect communities across differences, and attract and sustain a broader network of creative workers and small businesses. By supporting artists at the earliest stages of creation, Uncharted is proud to invest in the people who shape and power New York's cultural and economic vitality." "For 120 years, our school has been a sanctuary for New York artists, but we cannot take that legacy for granted in such a fragile economic climate," says Rachel Black, Uncharted co-founder and Director of Greenwich House Music School. "Uncharted isn't just a concert series; it's an intentional effort to ensure that the next generation of visionary artists can afford to keep calling this city home. We are honored to provide the infrastructure these creators need to take their work to the next level." Past Uncharted alumni include Shaina Taub, Mireya Ramos, Marc Ribot, Brandee Younger, Sofia Rei, Aaron Diehl, and Celisse, among many othersartists whose careers reflect the program's long-term impact on New York's cultural ecosystem and economy. Tickets and Concert Information Tickets start at $20 and will be available in March at: greenwichhouse.org/music-school/uncharted. Seating is limited; advance purchase is strongly encouraged. MEDIA ASSETS: High-resolution artist headshots and biographies for the 2026 cohort are available for download at: https://greenwichhouse.org/music-school/uncharted-concert-series/ Media Contact: Marisol Cruz, Assistant Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications | Greenwich House Email: [email protected] | Phone: (646) 567-0033 About Greenwich House Music School: Since 1905, Greenwich House Music School (GHMS) has provided high-quality performing arts education for New Yorkers of all ages. GHMS serves the community with a wide spectrum of concerts, hosts education workshops, and provides affordable rehearsal space for local musicians. The Elebash Uncharted artist-in-residence program is made possible by the Baisley Powell Elebash fund, NYU, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the office of Governor Kathleen Hochul. SOURCE Greenwich House, Inc New jobs are being created as Cadnant Planning accelerates growth, announcing senior and graduate recruitment following a surge in major development projects across Wales and the North West. The consultancy is seeking an Associate Director to build on momentum in Chester, alongside a Planner and/or Senior Planner based out of its Conwy headquarters, as workloads continue to rise. The Associate Director appointment has been created to strengthen the companys footprint across Chester, Wrexham and the wider region, with the business targeting an experienced planning professional who brings an established network and a proven track record. Managing Director Sioned Edwards said their continued expansion reflects a very busy start to the year and a strong pipeline of high-profile work. Were seeing significant organic growth and some very substantial projects coming forward, she said. Were involved in large housing schemes, renewable energy developments, major infrastructure proposals and complex mixed-use projects. It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we need people who can come in and make a real difference. For Chester especially, were looking for someone ready for a new challenge someone who can build on our existing foundations, increase our regional presence and help drive the next phase of growth. Its a great opportunity for an experienced planner in the private sector who wants greater responsibility and real influence over regional development. Alongside senior recruitment, Cadnant Planning continues to invest heavily in developing future talent through its annual graduate recruitment scheme. The firm works closely with Aberystwyth University and Cardiff University, supporting students and graduates at the start of their careers and guiding them towards chartership with the Royal Town Planning Institute. There are opportunities here at every level, said Sioned. From graduates just starting out, to senior professionals looking for their next move, were committed to building a team that combines experience with fresh thinking. She added: Planning is a hugely rewarding career, youre shaping our towns, cities and communities, and no two days are ever the same. Cadnants project portfolio spans housing, renewable energy, leisure, civil engineering, care, and strategic infrastructure. Recent growth has been driven by involvement in larger-scale schemes, including renewable energy developments and major housing projects, as well as complex planning work supporting town centres, education facilities and local economies. Led by Sioned alongside Founder Rhys Davies the award-winning agency works with developers, landowners, housing associations, education providers and infrastructure partners across the country. The bilingual team is also keen to hear from professionals in related industries with transferable skills aligned to planning, construction and the built environment. The right people are out there, and now is the time to join us, added Rhys. Were delivering major projects, investing in people and building something long-term. Theres a real opportunity here to be part of a growing business thats helping shape the future of our region. For more information or to explore these opportunities, visit Job Opportunities | Cadnant Planning or email info@cadnantplanning.co.uk. Follow @cadnantplanning on social media. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com Wrexham is gearing up for a packed programme of St Davids Day celebrations, with a city centre parade, live music, markets and family activities all taking place throughout the day. At the heart of the celebrations will be the annual St Davids Day Parade, which sets off at 1pm. Participants will gather from 12.45pm outside the Guildhall before making their way along a route around the city centre. Community groups, organisations and residents are encouraged to take part or line the route and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere. At St Giles Church, a St Davids Day service will take place at 11am, with bell ringing at 12.40pm, shortly before parade participants assemble. A special St Davids Day edition of Wrexhams Monthly Street Market will run in Queens Square from 10am to 5pm, featuring independent traders, local produce and street food. Queens Square will also host Wrexfiesta, a collaboration between Wrexfest and Afro Fiesta, bringing live music and DJ sets to the centre of the celebrations. Afro Fiesta DJs will be playing throughout the day, keeping the energy up and giving people plenty of reasons to stay and enjoy the atmosphere. Ty Pawb will host drop-in craft activities and live music from 11am to 4pm. Nearby Chapter Court will also mark the occasion 10-4pm, with Welsh food sampling, tasting sessions and cookery classes. Wrexham Council, said: Our St Davids Day celebrations are one of many events taking place as part of Wrexhams Year of Wonder. Throughout the year, their programme will highlight the stories, creativity and industries that have shaped Wrexham over time, and the people and organisations driving it forward today. These celebrations also support Wrexhams bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, showing how the city champions major cultural moments like St Davids Day to bring communities together, support local talent and businesses, and welcome visitors into the city centre. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com North Wales Police have issued a warning to Audi owners following reports of multiple vehicle thefts across the region. Vehicles in Mold, Penrhosgarnedd and Mynydd Isa have been stolen so far, with offenders reportedly targeting cars parked in residential streets and on driveways. In response, North Wales Police has increased patrols in the affected areas and is urging owners of similar vehicles to make sure that the cars are secure. A spokesperson for North Wales Police, said: Officers are actively investigating these and other incidents, and carrying out increased patrols in affected areas. We are asking all vehicle owners to take extra precautions to secure their vehicles and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately. Further advice on keeping your vehicle secure can be found here. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com Governor Joe Lombardo has announced that state offices in Carson, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe Counties will be closed due to severe weather. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) report that snow, freezing temperatures, and wind are expected to continue throughout Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The Storey County Clerks Office Vehicle Registration Window (DMV) is closed on Feb. 17, 2026. All other County offices are currently open. While essential public safety and corrections personnel will continue their vital work, all other state government offices in these counties will remain closed until conditions improve. Recent winter storms have severely impacted regional transportation, making travel hazardous. Governor Lombardo urges all Nevadans to continue following local guidance from NDOT and DPS. Furthermore, Governor Lombardo asks all Nevadans to drive cautiously and exercise sound judgment when navigating roadways. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How can injury victims navigate personal injury claims after car accidents without falling into common traps? A recent HelloNation article answers this by providing clear direction on filing your claim, working with insurance representatives, and protecting your right to the compensation you deserve. Edward M. Graves III, Attorney and Owner Speed Speed The HelloNation article begins by emphasizing the importance of promptly reporting the accident. Injured victims are encouraged to notify their insurance company immediately if the policy requires it. Delaying a phone call to the insurer can put personal injury claims at risk. The attorney stresses that only basic information such as the date, time, location, and police report, should be shared. If you plan to work with a law firm, it is often best to have an attorney handle those communications to prevent misstatements that could damage your case. The guidance also explains why conversations with claim adjusters must be handled carefully. The article warns against speculating about fault or offering personal opinions. Even small statements can be twisted into admissions, weakening personal injury claims. Seeking legal advice before speaking with an insurance agent or claim adjuster can help injury victims avoid jeopardizing their case. When the discussion turns to settlement offers, HelloNation cautions against rushing into agreements. Many injury victims are presented with an early insurance settlement that seems attractive but may fail to cover the full cost of medical treatment, ongoing medical care, and pain and suffering. The article highlights that unpaid medical expenses are not the only consideration, since health insurers and hospitals may have liens on settlement proceeds. This means a victim could receive less than expected. Understanding where the funds will go and whether the offer truly represents the compensation you deserve is essential before signing or agreeing to anything. Detailed documentation is another central theme. The HelloNation article recommends that injury victims keep thorough records when filing a claim without legal representation. Documentation should include every phone call, email, and letter exchanged with a claim adjuster or insurance agent. Claimants should also save receipts for medical expenses, invoices for car repairs, and proof of lost income. In addition, keeping a detailed log of medical treatment and ongoing care can strengthen your personal injury claim and help you prepare for negotiations or legal action. The article points out the importance of deadlines. Every state has a statute of limitations deadline that determines how long an injury victim has to file a lawsuit. In Tennessee, for example, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within one year of the car accident. Missing this Tennessee filing deadline means losing the right to pursue compensation. The HelloNation article makes clear that victims must act in time, whether pursuing a personal injury lawsuit on their own or through a law firm. By focusing on prevention, the article also discusses mistakes that injury victims often make. These include accepting inadequate settlements, failing to track medical expenses, and overlooking deadlines. Some also avoid getting the medical treatment they need, which not only impacts their health but also weakens their ability to prove damages. Proper medical care is both a health necessity and a legal one, since records of treatment are key to supporting your claim. HelloNation also highlights that legal action may be necessary when negotiations fail. If insurers refuse to pay the compensation you deserve, a law firm can file a lawsuit to protect your rights. Filing a personal injury lawsuit requires evidence, such as opinions and statements from medical experts and witnesses. The option to file a lawsuit is vital leverage in securing a fair settlement. The HelloNation article concludes that while filing your claim can feel overwhelming, injury victims can protect themselves by staying informed and prepared. From the first phone call to the insurance agent through documenting medical expenses and considering whether to file a lawsuit, each step matters. The attorney notes that knowledge of the process empowers injury victims to make better decisions, safeguard their rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve after car, turck or motorcycle accidents. The full article, titled Navigating Insurance Claims: Essential Dos & Don'ts , is available now on HelloNation. It provides practical insights into personal injury claims, explains how to work through the claims process, and clarifies when filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to secure justice. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation HAVANA, Cuba (AP) Drivers in Cuba are facing the prospects of waiting several months to refuel their cars, as fuel shortages caused by a U.S. oil siege intensify. To avoid chaos outside gas stations, Cubas government last week made it obligatory for drivers to use an app known as Ticket to get refueling appointments. But drivers in Havana told The Associated Press on Monday that the app is only awarding them appointments several weeks or months from now. I have (appointment) number seven thousand and something, said Jorge Reyes, a 65-year-old who downloaded the app on Monday. Reyes signed up to refuel at a gas station in Havana that is only awarding 50 appointments per day. When will I be able to buy gas again? he said. Scoring a coveted appointment The app only allows drivers to sign up for appointments at one gas station at a time. So, on WhatsApp groups some drivers are sharing information on which places might be less crowded or which gas stations have a greater capacity to serve customers, noting that some locations are awarding up to 90 appointments per day. But that is of little comfort to those who have downloaded the app, only to find out there are up to 10,000 appointments ahead of theirs. The Cuban government has also stopped selling gasoline in local currency at subsidized rates of about 25 cents per liter, and is now only selling more expensive fuel, priced in U.S. dollars. A liter of gasoline currently sells for $1.30 at gas stations and can cost up to six dollars in the growing black market for gasoline. Government workers in Cuba are earn less than $20 a month, when their earnings in Cuban pesos are converted to U.S. dollars using market rates. When drivers can finally refuel at service stations, they are only allowed to buy 20 liters of gasoline, or about 5.2 gallons. This will not last me long, said Ariel Alonso, a businessman who refueled Monday at the El Riviera gas station. I have to leave a reserve of five liters in case anyone gets sick at home, and has to be taken to the hospital, he said. The Ticket app is run by XETID, a state owned software firm. Last week, the companys commercial director Saumel Tejada, told news site Cuba Debate that more than 90,000 drivers had sought refueling appointments using the app. Ticket has been around for three years, and was previously used by Cubans to secure appointments at notaries and at gas stations where they could pay for fuel in local currency. But now it is almost the only way for drivers to get their cars refueled without going to the black market. Vehicles used for the islands tourism industry are the exception. Those cars have special license plates and are allowed to refuel at 44 service stations around the island, where long lines have formed. As with regular vehicles, tourism cars can only purchase 20 liters of fuel. Crisis intensifies Fuels shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month, as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries. In late January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened any nation that sold oil to Cuba with tariffs, as Washington steps up efforts to pressure the islands communist government to make economic and political reforms. Cubas president Miguel Diaz-Canel has said that he is willing to negotiate with the U.S. as equals and without relinquishing his nations sovereignty. Diaz-Canel has accused the U.S. of staging an energy blockade. Venezuela, one of Cubas main oil suppliers, stopped selling crude to the island in January after the U.S. captured then president Nicolas Maduro in a pre-dawn raid and flew him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Mexico also cut off oil shipments to Cuba in January, after Trump issued the tariff threat. Banks on the island have reduced their working hours in a bid to save electricity and earlier this month the Cuban government said that it will not provide fuel to planes that land on the island, prompting three Canadian airlines to cancel flights to Cuba. Other airlines will continue to fly to the island but will make refueling stops in the Dominican Republic. A book fair and an annual cigar trade fair have also been postponed as officials look for ways to reduce fuel and electricity consumption. Last week a group of United Nations human rights experts condemned the U.S oil siege, saying that it has no basis on collective security and constitutes a unilateral act that is incompatible with international law. Follow APs Latin America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america GENEVA (AP) Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program. It was the first time Iran has announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the worlds oil passes, since the U.S. began threatening Iran and rushing military assets to the region. It was not immediately clear if the strait had been closed, but such a rare and perhaps unprecedented move could further escalate tensions that threaten to ignite another war in the Middle East. As the talks began, Irans state media announced that Iranian forces had fired live missiles toward the strait and would close it for several hours for safety and maritime concerns. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meanwhile warned that the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet." Iranian diplomat sees new window in talks Iran's foreign minister later adopted a different tone, expressing optimism about the talks and saying a new window has opened" for reaching an agreement. We are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interests of relevant parties and the broader region, Abbas Araghchi told a U.N. disarmament conference after leading the Iranian delegation at the talks held in Geneva. He added that Iran "remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression, and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders. He made no specific mention of the military drills or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump, who scrapped an earlier nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term, has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own. Trump has also threatened Iran over the killing of protesters. Vance says talks went well in some ways Trumps envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, led the U.S. delegation at the latest indirect talks, held inside the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva. Oman, a longtime regional mediator, had hosted an earlier round on Feb. 6. There was progress in the talks but many details remained to be discussed, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Iranian delegation said they would present more detailed proposals in the next two weeks to narrow gaps, the official said. In some ways, it went well, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with Fox News Channel after he spoke with Witkoff and Kushner. But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through. The U.S. also hosted talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbor. Araghchi, who led the Iranian side, also said he met with Director-General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday in Geneva. The Iranian minister said they discussed the agencys role in helping to achieve an agreement. A live fire drill Iran said its Revolutionary Guard started a drill early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which are crucial international shipping routes. It was the second time in recent weeks that Iran has held a live fire drill in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran often carries out military drills in the strait that can impede maritime traffic, but the announced closure went a step further. Danny Citrinowicz, an Iran expert at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said Iran last closed the strait during the war with Iraq in the 1980s, when it mined the waterway. He said the latest announcement was a message to the international community that any strike on Iran would have global impact. Oil prices fell after the talks concluded. US oil was down 1.3% at $62.06 per barrel while international benchmark Brent crude was off fully 2.3% at $67.03 per barrel. Oil prices had risen several dollars per barrel after Trump began bolstering the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, but remain subdued on expectation that an eventual deal would send prices lower. Khamenei meanwhile stepped up his warnings to the U.S. over its military buildup. Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship, Khamenei said, according to Iranian state TV. He also warned the U.S. against forcing the result of talks in advance." US increases military presence Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, was being sent to the Mideast. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been in the region for three weeks. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort of three destroyers are now in the mid-Atlantic after being ordered to depart the Caribbean for the Middle East last week, a Navy official confirmed Tuesday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive ship movements, said the Ford, along with the destroyers USS Mahan, Bainbridge, and Winston Churchill, are in the mid-Atlantic and no longer with the U.S. Southern Commands area of operations. Given its current location, the Ford and its escorts are likely more than a week away from reaching the waters off the coast of Iran. U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict in a Mideast still reeling from the Israel-Hamas war. The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Irans nuclear program and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment on its soil or hand over its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium. The U.S. and Iran were in the middle of months of meetings when Israels launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June halted the talks. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, likely destroying many of the centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Israels attacks decimated Irans air defenses and targeted its ballistic missile arsenal as well. Before the June war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. This story has been corrected to fix a misspelling of Khamenei. Liechtenstein reported from Vienna. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel; Michelle L. Price, Darlene Superville and Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations and David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, contributed to this report. The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How do I choose the right roofing contractor? In a recent HelloNation article , Roofing Expert Travis Cornolo of Century Roofing in Overland Park, Kansas, offers practical steps homeowners can take to ensure they hire a qualified, reliable professional. His advice helps readers avoid poor workmanship, costly repairs, and the risks that come with hiring the wrong contractor. Travis Cornolo - Chief Operating Officer & President - Century Roofing Speed Speed According to Cornolo, verifying licensing and insurance is the first step in selecting a roofer. A license demonstrates that the contractor has met industry standards for training, safety, and compliance with building codes. Insurance is equally important, as it shields homeowners from financial responsibility in the event of a workplace injury or property damage during the project. A reputable contractor should carry both general liability coverage and workers' compensation, ensuring that the homeowner is protected against unforeseen expenses. Manufacturer certifications are another important credential to consider. Leading shingle and roofing material companies often certify contractors who demonstrate high skill levels and product expertise. These certified professionals can sometimes offer longer warranties on materials, providing added value and peace of mind. Certification also indicates that the contractor has been vetted and trained to install specific products correctly, reducing the likelihood of premature roof failure. Cornolo emphasizes the importance of local experience. Roofing methods and materials must be suited to a region's specific weather patterns. In the Midwest, that means standing up to hail, wind, ice, and extreme temperature swings. Contractors who have worked in the area for years understand how to adapt installations for these conditions and are familiar with local codes, permits, and inspection requirements, which helps projects proceed smoothly. When comparing contractors, Cornolo recommends requesting detailed written estimates. A complete estimate should include a breakdown of material costs, labor, permits, and any possible additional charges. This allows for an accurate comparison between bids. Choosing the lowest price can be tempting, but Cornolo warns that cheaper quotes may come with lower-quality materials or rushed work, which can lead to leaks, ventilation issues, and shortened roof life. Over time, those problems can cost more than the initial savings. Warranties are another critical consideration. A strong roofing contract will explain both manufacturer warranties for materials and workmanship warranties for labor. Homeowners should understand what is covered, what is excluded, and how long the coverage lasts. In the event of an issue, a good warranty can mean the difference between a fully covered repair and an expensive out-of-pocket bill. Online reviews and customer testimonials provide another layer of insight. Cornolo advises homeowners to check multiple sources, such as Google, the Better Business Bureau, and local community forums. Consistent patterns in reviews, whether positive or negative, tend to be more telling than isolated comments. Repeated praise for professionalism, timeliness, and quality can indicate reliability, while recurring complaints may signal ongoing issues. It can also be a good indicator of a company's reputation if they have consistently won local awards that demonstrate the public's trust in the quality of their installations and the professionalism of their staff. Cornolo also advises caution when it comes to deposits. While it is standard to pay a small deposit to secure materials and schedule work, contractors requesting large upfront payments may be cause for concern. Trustworthy companies often set payment schedules tied to specific project milestones, such as after the tear-off stage, post-installation, and upon completion. Documentation is essential throughout the process. A signed contract should include the project timeline, scope of work, materials to be used, payment schedule, and procedures for addressing unexpected issues. Additional paperwork should include proof of insurance, warranty certificates, and necessary permits. Having all details in writing protects both the homeowner and the contractor, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and expectations. Ultimately, Cornolo notes that choosing the right roofing contractor involves more than just finding a competitive price. It requires careful evaluation of skill, trustworthiness, and commitment to quality. The time invested in vetting a roofer can lead to decades of protection, reliable warranties, and peace of mind. Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor by Roofing Expert Travis Cornolo of Overland Park, Kansas, explains these steps in detail, helping homeowners make informed decisions that protect their homes for the long term. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation Forthcoming Appointment of New Board Chairman Toronto, Feb 17, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ) announced that it is proposing to add a highly experienced executive and non-executive director with a degree in geology to its board of directors. Mr Simon Stilwell has over 30 years of experience in capital markets, corporate governance, strategy execution, mergers and acquisitions, and the leadership of listed and unlisted businesses, particularly in regulated industries. He will serve as independent Non-Executive Chairman of Resouro upon his appointment and support the Company's investor engagement activities, particularly across the Australian and UK markets. "We are delighted to announce the proposed appointment of Simon to the Board," said Christopher Eager, Resouro's Chairman and CEO. "His depth of experience across capital markets, governance, and strategic leadership will be a significant asset to Resouro as we move through our next phase of growth. Simon has a strong track record of supporting management teams, engaging with investors, and helping boards navigate complex operating and market environments." The Board believes Mr Stilwell's strong governance background, capital markets expertise, and international investor network will be highly valuable as Resouro advances the development of its Brazilian rare earths and titanium assets and continues to engage with global capital markets. Mr Stilwell has advised growth companies and has held senior executive and board roles across a range of AIM-listed companies. He was CEO and Founding Director of London-based investment bank Liberum Capital, which developed a strong resources franchise from inception. He was also a founder, investor and a member of the investment committee of Laurium, its natural resources fund management business. He served as a long-standing Non-Executive Director at Gresham House Plc, an alternative asset manager, during a period of significant growth and value creation. At Gresham House, he chaired the remuneration committee and was a member of the audit, risk, investment and sustainability committees. Throughout his career, Mr Stilwell has demonstrated deep expertise in capital markets, investor engagement, governance frameworks, and scaling businesses through growth phases, restructurings, and exits. His experience spans IPOs, acquisitions, disposals, balance sheet management, and stakeholder engagement with institutional investors, regulators, lenders, and shareholders. The Board will advise the market when Mr Stilwell's appointment becomes effective. About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian incorporated mineral exploration and development company, listed on the ASX, TSXV, OTC and FSE, focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the Tiros Titanium-Rare Earths Project and the Novo Mundo Gold Project. The Tiros project has 28 mineral concessions totalling 497 km2 located in the state of Minas Gerais, one of the best infrastructurally developed states of Brazil, 350 km from the state capital of Belo Horizonte. Resouro's Mineral Resource Estimate for the Tiros Project contains 165 million tonne of titanium dioxide and 5.5 million tonne of total rare earths oxides within a Measured and Indicated Resource of 1.4 billion tonne at 12% titanium dioxide and 4,000 ppm of total rare earth oxides. Related Companies Viper Prospect RC Drilling Supports Gold Mineralisation Model Central Yilgarn Drilling Supports Gold Mineralisation Model Perth, Feb 18, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Catalina Resources Limited ( ASX:CTN ) is pleased to provide an update on results from the Phase 1 RC drilling program at the Viper Prospects, part of the Evanston Project within the Central Yilgarn Gold District of Western Australia (figure 1*). HIGHLIGHTS - Phase 1 Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling completed at the Viper Prospects, Central Yilgarn Project with drilling intersecting gold mineralisation associated with mafic and banded iron formation (BIF) lithology - Assays returned to date for the Viper Prospects include: o 1 m @ 2.45 g/t Au from 77 m (25EVRC002) o 1 m @ 1.60 g/t Au from 7 m (26EVRC019) o 2 m @ 1.16 g/t Au from 28 m (26EVRC020) o 1 m @ 1.43 g/t Au from 84 m (26EVRC021) o 1 m @ 0.67 g/t Au from 9 m (26EVRC023) - Gold mineralisation is interpreted to be associated with a mafic and banded iron formation (BIF) sequence and to dip moderately to the north-west, informing follow-up drill targeting - Drilling outcomes continue to reinforce the prospectivity of the Evanston Project, supporting the potential for a coherent and structurally controlled gold system within the Central Yilgarn tenure These results form part of an ongoing Phase 1 drilling campaign totalling ~10,000m of RC and aircore (AC) drilling across the Central Yilgarn Project, with drilling and assay results from multiple targets still pending. The Phase 1 program commenced prior to the Christmas period and forms the initial focus of Catalina's broader Central Yilgarn drilling campaign. Drilling was designed to follow up and test the continuity of previously reported anomalous gold mineralisation intersected in historic drilling. Executive Director, Ross Cotton, commented: "The Viper drilling represents another encouraging step in the advancement of the Evanston Project. The intersections and geological observations continue to align with our exploration model and highlight the broader potential of the system we are testing. Importantly, these results are being integrated into ongoing targeting as Phase 1 drilling progresses, with further assays pending across multiple prospects. Catalina considers Evanston to be developing into a highly compelling component of the Central Yilgarn Project". PHASE 1 RC DRILLING RESULTS - CENTRAL YILGARN PROJECT Drilling Summary - Viper Prospect Results reported in this announcement relate to drilling completed at the Viper North and Viper South Prospects, both of which form part of Catalina's Phase 1 drilling program. Catalina's RC drilling program at Viper comprised 17 drill holes for a total of 2,694 metres, being: - 3 RC holes for 463 metres at Viper North; and - 14 RC holes for 2,231 metres at Viper South. The program was designed to follow up anomalous gold mineralisation identified in historical AC drilling, including: - 2m @ 0.95g/t Au in BARAC0153 - 15m @ 1.5 g/t Au including 3m @ 6.7g/t Au in BARAC0136; and - 33m @ 0.3 g/t Au including 3m @ 0.9 g/t Au in BARAC0945. Drilling targeted the interpreted south-west strike extension of this mineralisation, consistent with the regional structural trend associated with the Evanston Mine within the Leeuwin Metals Ltd ( ASX:LM1 ) Marda Gold Project (Figure 2*). Drilling at Viper North targeted a large, coherent soil anomaly that had remained largely untested by previous drilling. Historical shallow AC drilling indicated shallow bedrock, while deeper gold intercepts in adjacent southern drill holes suggested potential for mineralisation at depth. Assay results for Viper North drilling have been received. Drilling at Viper South was guided by historical shallow AC and deeper rotary air blast (RAB) drilling, with several historical holes terminating in anomalous gold (0.7-0.9 g/t Au). This supported the interpretation of potential mineralisation at depth and provided the basis for follow-up RC drilling. Assay results have been partially received, with remaining results pending. Geological Observations and Results Drilling intersected a mafic lithological sequence comprising basalt and amphibolite, together with associated banded iron formation (BIF). Observed mineralisation within the BIF is consistent with styles recognised elsewhere within the Evanston Project area, including Evanston Mine. Gold mineralisation is interpreted to be associated with the mafic and BIF sequence and is interpreted to dip approximately 40 degrees to the north-west. This interpretation provides a basis for ongoing targeting and future drill design. Drilling along strike has confirmed the interpreted mineralisation model, with intersections including: o 1m @ 2.45 g/t Au from 77m in 25EVRC002 o 2m @ 1.16 g/t Au from 28m in 26EVRC020 These results confirm continuity of gold mineralisation along strike and at depth and support the interpretation of a coherent mineralised system at the Viper Prospect. The interpreted mineralised zone is developed within a mafic and banded iron formation stratigraphic sequence and exhibits continuity along strike, consistent with the geological model tested during the Phase 1 drilling program. Drill hole locations, significant gold intersections, and projected mineralised trends are shown to provide spatial context for reported results. This interpretation provides a framework for refining follow-up drill targeting and assessing the broader potential of the Viper Prospects within the Evanston Project area. Representative RC Rock Chip Images Rock chip observations, supported by geological logging, indicate that gold mineralisation is predominantly hosted within amphibolite, basalt, jasperoid and banded iron formation. The images are not indicative of grade, tenor, or continuity of mineralisation, but assist in demonstrating the geological setting, alteration styles, and structural characteristics relevant to ongoing interpretation and follow-up targeting. Ongoing Phase 1 Drilling and Assay Status Phase 1 drilling of approximately ~10,000 metres of combined AC and RC drilling is continuing across the Evanston and Yerilgee Projects, with multiple target zones tested as part of the current campaign. Assay results from all other Phase 1 target areas are currently pending, with samples submitted to the laboratory. These results will be reported progressively as they are received, validated, and interpreted. Catalina considers the Viper results to represent one component of a broader, active exploration program, with further updates expected as the Phase 1 campaign continues. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/AIAF28KR About Catalina Resources Ltd Catalina Resources Ltd (ASX:CTN) is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering and advancing gold and multi-commodity projects in tier-one jurisdictions. Backed by a technically experienced team with deep industry knowledge, Catalina is committed to creating value through focused exploration across highly prospective and underexplored regions in Western Australia. The company's core assets are located in the Central Yilgarn and Laverton regions, two of the most historically productive and geologically endowed gold provinces in the country. Both projects have demonstrated the potential to host significant mineralisation, with early-stage drilling already delivering promising results. Related Companies AceShowbiz - When Jon Hamm was offered the role of Monty Miller on Landman, the decision was clear: he couldn't resist working with acclaimed creators Taylor Sheridan and Billy Bob Thornton. Sheridan's impact on television has been monumental, especially following the massive success of his neo-Western drama Yellowstone. "Those are guys whose careers I've been really paying attention to," Hamm shared with The Hollywood Reporter in 2025. "They're just working at the top of their game." Few actors today would turn down the chance to be part of a Sheridan-led project. His growing empire includes hits like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Lioness, making these Paramount+ dramas some of the most talked-about shows on television. For an actor of Hamm's caliber, joining such a high-profile series was a rare and exciting opportunity. "I knew the show was going to be good," he admitted, "but I didn't expect it to resonate so strongly culturally, and thats been the best part." Despite his enthusiasm, Hamms busy schedule with film and TV commitments meant he could only commit to one season of Landman. "My other commitments don't really allow me to be a series regular on another show," he explained. "But Im very happy they asked me to do this." Hamm portrayed Monty Miller, a sharp oil magnate who employs Thorntons character, Tommy Norris, delivering a memorable performance that left fans wanting more. However, by the end of Season 1, Hamms character was written off the show, paving the way for a new addition in Season 2. Enter Sam Elliott, a legendary actor who brought his unmistakable presence to the series. Having previously collaborated with Sheridan on the acclaimed Western miniseries 1883, Elliott was a natural fit for the West Texas oil drama. In the sophomore season, Elliott took on the role of Tommy Norriss father. Although the 11-year age gap between Elliott and Thornton raised some eyebrows, Elliotts commanding performance silenced doubts. His involvement gave the show a fresh dynamic while maintaining the gritty, authentic tone that fans expect. While Landman differs significantly in style from 1883, Elliott has proven to be a perfect addition and a worthy successor to Hamm. With the series already renewed for a third season, viewers are eager to see what Elliotts character will bring next to this compelling drama. AceShowbiz - During her impactful eleven-year tenure co-hosting the fourth hour of Today alongside Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford undoubtedly accumulated a treasure trove of memorable anecdotes. Recently, the beloved television personality candidly shared a particular incident where she and her co-star found themselves in hot water, leading to a temporary ban from the iconic Today Show Plaza. This revelation offered a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic partnership that defined their on-screen chemistry and cemented their legacy in morning television. Gifford first joined the Today Show's fourth hour in March 2008, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a vibrant personality. Prior to her time at NBC, she was widely recognized for her fourteen-year run as co-host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee from 1985 to 2000, alongside the legendary Regis Philbin. Her transition to Today proved equally successful, with her engaging style and genuine connection with Kotb earning her a dedicated viewership and even her first Daytime Emmy. After her departure in 2019, Jenna Bush Hager assumed co-hosting duties, later joined by Sheinelle Jones. The amusing story of their brief ban from the Today Show Plaza emerged during a recent reunion between Gifford and Hoda Kotb on Kotb's podcast series, Making Space with Hoda Kotb. Reflecting on their shared experiences, the former co-hosts recounted a time when their infectious energy and boisterous laughter crossed a line, resulting in an unexpected disciplinary action. Kotb, known for her meticulous preparation, noted that she typically adhered to a strict professional routine, always doing "all the things I was supposed to do." However, Gifford's influence often led them down a more spontaneous path. It was Gifford who brought up the specific incident, recalling the day they were informed of their temporary exclusion from the Today Show's outdoor set in New York Citys Rockefeller Plaza. The reason, as Gifford playfully explained, was simply that they were "making too much noise." While the ban was short-lived, it served as a humorous testament to their unrestrained camaraderie and the lively atmosphere they cultivated on set, which sometimes spilled over into the public space. Hoda Kotb further elaborated on how her partnership with Gifford transformed her approach to journalism and broadcasting. Early in her career, Kotb described herself as a more traditional, "by-the-book" journalist, often feeling "anchored to knowing the cards." However, teaming up with Gifford encouraged her to loosen up, embrace spontaneity, and find joy in the unexpected moments of live television. This shift allowed Kotb to shed some of her rigid professionalism and discover a more authentic, playful side that resonated deeply with viewers. Gifford, for her part, viewed these moments of shared mischief and genuine connection as the foundation of their extraordinary partnership. She famously remarked during the podcast, "Thats where the gold is. Thats when you start mining the gold." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the magic they created together, proving that true chemistry often flourishes when individuals are comfortable enough to be their authentic selves, even if it occasionally leads to a playful ban from the Plaza. This podcast reunion isn't the only time fans have seen the beloved duo together recently. Earlier this year, in January, Gifford and Kotb surprised their successors, Sheinelle Jones and Jenna Bush Hager, with an unexpected appearance on Jones's first day officially joining the Today Show fourth-hour team. These continued reunions highlight the enduring bond and mutual respect that continues to define their relationship, long after their daily broadcasts together concluded. AceShowbiz - The 2026 BRIT Awards lineup has expanded with the addition of Alex Warren, who is set to perform at the ceremony held at Manchesters Co-op Live Arena on February 28. Known for his hit Ordinary, Alex Warren is also nominated for international song of the year, marking a significant milestone in his career. This appearance will be Alex Warrens first live televised performance since the 2026 Grammys, where he encountered technical difficulties during the best new artist medley. He joins a star-studded roster of performers including Rosalia, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Harry Styles, and Olivia Dean. In a historic moment for the ceremony, K-pop artist HUNTR/X will pre-record a performance outside the venue, becoming the first K-pop act ever to feature at the BRIT Awards. Earlier announcements revealed that Harry Styles would be returning to the BRIT stage for his first live performance in nearly three years. The former One Direction member, who is a minority partner in the Co-op Live Arena, last performed at the BRITs in 2023 where he won four awards, including album of the year for Harrys House. Styless ongoing musical comeback includes the release of his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, scheduled for March 6. He shared the first single, Aperture, on January 22 and described the album as meant to be listened to loud. Following the BRIT Awards, Styles will embark on his Together Together global residency, which kicks off in Amsterdam on May 17. The tour will visit major cities including London, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, New York, Melbourne, and will conclude in Sydney on December 13. In addition to his live performances, Styles is set to present an award at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1. Recently, Styles announced two extra shows at Londons Wembley Stadium, bringing his total number of performances there to 12 in one calendar year. This achievement breaks the previous record held by Coldplay, who staged 10 shows in 2024, and surpasses Taylor Swifts prior record. The 2026 BRIT Awards promises a dynamic evening with a diverse lineup of talented artists and memorable performances, highlighting the continued evolution of the UK and international music scenes. AceShowbiz - Joel Madden, the frontman of Good Charlotte, recently revealed the Australian rock track he wishes he had written: Silverchairs Israels Son. During an interview on Triple Ms Homegrown with Matty O, Madden was asked to pick an iconic Australian song he admired most. After mentioning several favorites, he singled out the 1995 hit from Silverchairs debut album Frogstomp as his top choice. Tomorrow was also highlighted by Madden, along with other tracks penned by Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, including Straight Lines, Slave, and Suicidal Dreams. He admitted he could easily compile an extensive list of Australian songs he respects. Besides Silverchair, Madden praised Gotyes global sensation Somebody That I Used to Know and the rich discography of Crowded House. Ultimately, however, he returned to Israels Son as his preferred Australian anthem. Id love to talk to Daniel. Hes got great perspective, and hes always been himself, he said. Released in 1995, Silverchairs Israels Son became one of the bands signature songs, propelling their album Frogstomp to international acclaim. The album notably reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a rare achievement for an Australian rock group in the U.S. post-grunge scene. Maddens comments came just before Good Charlottes upcoming Australian tour. He also discussed the bands eighth studio album and reflected on how touring has evolved over time. Throughout the interview, he emphasized his lasting admiration for Australian music, describing the country as always on the forefront of music. Good Charlotte themselves have enjoyed significant success on the Billboard charts, with multiple top 10 albums. Their 2004 release The Chronicles of Life and Death peaked at No. 3, while their breakthrough 2002 album The Young and the Hopeless reached No. 7. With a deep respect for Australian artists and an impressive career of his own, Maddens recognition of Silverchairs influence underscores the enduring impact of Australian rock on the global music scene. AceShowbiz - BST Hyde Park has announced an exciting attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps at the upcoming Pitbull show this summer in London. The event is set to take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, as part of the 2026 London summer music series. Pitbull, also known as Mr Worldwide, will headline the show alongside special guest Kesha. Organizers expect to confirm more artists joining the lineup soon. This unique record attempt was inspired by Radio 1 Breakfast host Greg James, who proposed the idea on-air. Pitbull quickly embraced the challenge and reached out to Greg, expressing enthusiasm to make it happen. The tradition of fans wearing bald caps, aviators, and leather jackets at Pitbull concerts has grown into a viral trend over the past year, with fans calling themselves The Bald Es in homage to the artists signature look. Pitbull shared a statement about the upcoming event: Guinness Book of World Records, get ready for all the Bald-Es thatll be putting it down on July 10 at Hyde Park. Every time you put on that bald cap, you know youre about to have the time of your lives. We appreciate the love, the commitment, and the support. More than anything, we just want to say thank you. The official attempt will be part of the American Express presents BST Hyde Park event, which has a history of hosting large-scale concerts featuring top international artists. The organizers are calling on fans to join this record-breaking moment and celebrate together in Londons iconic Hyde Park. The idea took off after Greg James championed it on BBC Radio 1, encouraging listeners and Pitbull fans to participate. Social media buzz has been growing, with many excited to contribute to what promises to be a historic night in live music. Last year, Pitbull witnessed one of the biggest crowds donning bald caps during his sold-out performances at The O2 Arena in London. Videos of the enthusiastic audiences went viral, inspiring fans at other tour dates to adopt the look. These concerts were part of the European leg of Pitbulls Party After Dark Tour, where he was joined on stage by Lil Jon. At The O2, Pitbull thanked the crowd for their dedication to the bald cap trend, saying, Now I wanna say a special thank you to everybody who came out with bald caps here tonight. Its amazing to see, and its amazing to feel. To officially break the world record, participants will need to wear bald caps simultaneously during the BST Hyde Park show on July 10. The organizers are working closely with Guinness World Records officials to ensure all guidelines are met and the attempt is verified. This upcoming event not only celebrates Pitbulls global influence but also highlights the power of fan communities to create unique and memorable moments in music history. Tickets for the BST Hyde Park 2026 series are expected to be in high demand as fans prepare to be part of this record-breaking spectacle. Stay tuned for further announcements about additional performers joining Pitbull and Kesha on the bill. As the countdown begins, Pitbull and his fans are ready to make history in London by uniting under the iconic bald cap and delivering an unforgettable summer concert experience. AceShowbiz - This weeks dance music scene sees exciting developments, including milestones, industry insights, and fresh releases. Notably, Aviciis groundbreaking country/EDM hit Wake Me Up has now joined an elite group of 51 songs that have surpassed three billion streams on YouTube, underscoring its lasting impact. Meanwhile, Diplo has shared details about collaborating with BTS on their forthcoming comeback album Arirang, generating anticipation among fans worldwide. Adding to the buzz, SoundClouds recent Music Intelligence Report revealed electronic music as the platforms fastest-growing genre, cementing its significance in the digital music landscape. The report highlighted that in 2020, approximately one in four tracks uploaded to SoundCloud belonged to electronic genres, a figure that rose to more than one in three by 2025. Additionally, uploads tagged with #DJSET grew by 39% year-over-year. This surge positioned electronic music as SoundClouds fastest-growing genre in the U.S., marking the third consecutive year it accounted for the largest share of listening on the platform. Dubstep, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth, led by artists such as Levity and Tape B. In event news, Femme House announced the return of its Femmy Awards next month in Miami. The ceremony will honor influential artists including Anja Schneider, Ultra Nate, Tokimonsta, and John Summit, celebrating their contributions to dance music culture. Controversy arose when Deadmau5 addressed a deepfake video falsely depicting him endorsing another artists work. At the same time, Subtronics and John Summit called for Casey Wasserman, CEO of their agency Wasserman, to resign following revelations of his close ties to Ghislaine Maxwell. On a lighter note, the week brings an exceptional new album from Of The Trees. His latest project, Moonglade Park, is one of the strongest dance releases this year. The Colorado-based producer Tyler Coombs crafts a ten-track concept album blending IDM textures, swaggering hip-hop, and bass-heavy elements that have made him a prominent figure in the live bass scene. Moonglade Park imagines a fictional national park that serves as the albums creative backdrop. The record features collaborations with notable artists like Earthgang, Player Dave, and Elohim, who help bring this vivid world to life. Coombs describes the album as a culmination of his creative journey, calling it his first truly complete release. I assembled the absolute A-Team for all aspects of this project, he says, highlighting the collaborative spirit that shaped the albums rich sonic landscape. This release demonstrates Of The Trees continued evolution as an artist and his ability to merge storytelling with innovative production. As dance music continues to evolve and expand, these developmentsfrom rising streaming numbers to boundary-pushing releasesillustrate the genres dynamic energy and growing cultural relevance. AceShowbiz - Former Black Midi member has unveiled an exciting new chapter in his musical journey with the launch of his band My New Band Believe. The projects latest release, the electrifying single Numerology, sets the tone for their forthcoming debut album, promising a captivating blend of sound and storytelling. My New Band Believe initially emerged in February 2025 with the release of Lecture 25, marking Pictons fresh creative direction after his tenure with Black Midi. Now, anticipation is building for their self-titled debut album, scheduled to drop on April 10 via Rough Trade Records, with pre-orders already available. Alongside the album announcement, the band has shared Numerology, a dynamic non-album single featured on a special bonus 10" edition and a limited Deluxe CD release. The track fuses frenetic acoustic guitar riffs with shifting moods, traversing dance rhythms and psychedelic textures. Lyrically, it explores themes of chance and possibility within the fleeting span of one night, capturing both exhilaration and risk. The accompanying lo-fi music video enhances its hallucinatory vibe, inviting listeners into the bands immersive world. The creative spark for the debut album struck Picton during a feverish delirium in a Chinese hotel room, battling a sudden illness. In this vulnerable state, he experienced vivid bursts of weird imagery and fragmented text, which he later weaved into the albums compositions. This surreal genesis gives the record an intimate and otherworldly atmosphere. Assuming the role of bandleader and an unreliable but charismatic narrator, Picton is joined by talented collaborators including Kiran Leonard, Caius Williams, Steve Noble, and Andrew Cheetham. The album leans heavily on acoustic instrumentation, employing minimal reverb and electronic effects, and prominently features a full string section, creating a richly textured yet organic soundscape. The tracklist for My New Band Believes debut album is as follows: 1. Target Practice 2. In the Blink of an Eye 3. Heart of Darkness 4. Love Story 5. Pearls 6. Opposite Teacher 7. Actress 8. One Night Following the album release, the band will embark on their first headline tour, kicking off in Glasgow on April 28. The itinerary includes shows in Leeds, Manchester, London, Bristol, Cambridge, and concludes in Oxford on May 5. Additionally, they will perform at the Rewire Festival in The Hague on April 11. This new project from Picton arrives in the wake of the indefinite hiatus announced last summer by Black Midi, the band he co-founded in 2017 alongside Geordie Greep. Known for their experimental art-rock sound, Black Midi garnered critical acclaim before pausing activities, paving the way for Picton to explore fresh musical territories with My New Band Believe. In the news release, inKind Closes $450 Million in Capital to Fund Up To 10,000 U.S. Restaurants In the Next Year, issued 17-Feb-2026 by inKind over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that an update was made to the 2nd paragraph of the press release. The complete, corrected release follows: inKind Closes $450 Million in Capital to Fund Up To 10,000 U.S. Restaurants In the Next Year inKind has provided over $600 million in funding to more than 6,000 top restaurants while delivering over $175 million in dining rewards for its 4 million+ users AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- inKind , the leading restaurant commerce enablement platform and technology company, has closed $450 million in capital to accelerate its growing platform of 6,000 restaurants in the U.S. With this new funding, inKind will advance its platform growth to an additional 10,000 U.S. restaurants over the next year. Known for connecting thousands of top restaurants with its over 4 million customers, inKind's fundraise was led by Magnetar, and included several prominent firms, including MarcyPen Capital Partners, Alpha Wave Global, Matt Hulsizer and Jenny Just (founders of Peak6), Metallica, over a dozen restaurant owners, Carl Pascalera (former CEO of Visa), sports and media mogul, Alex Meruelo, Sarosh Mistry (former CEO of Sodexo US), and Vasanth Williams (CPTO of Conde Nast). To date, inKind has provided more than $600 million in funding to a diverse group of top restaurant partners, including acclaimed operators like Jose Andres Group, MINA Group and Ethan Stowell Restaurants, and independent establishments like Okan, Kann, and Superiority Burger; as well as 20 Michelin-starred destinations and 50 James Beard nominees. The funding raised by inKind, a mix of equity and debt, enables the company to accelerate its impact on the restaurant industry by providing operators with needed access to growth capital and high-spending guests. Additionally, inKind will ramp up innovation of the in-app customer dining experience for its rapidly growing subscriber base of millions. "Restaurants are the heart of our communities and they deserve partners who understand the unique support they need to thrive," said Johann Moonesinghe, CEO and co-founder of inKind. "Traditional restaurant financing models can drain equity, cash flow, and long-term viability. We created inKind to change thatoffering a smarter, more sustainable way to fund restaurants without the burdens. Our model helps operators maintain cash flow, access capital quickly, and build more resilient businesses. Thanks to our partners that led the funding we're able to amplify those efforts on a massive scale to up to 10,000 additional restaurants. We're proud to support thousands of locally owned restaurants nationwide, not just with funding, but as true partners in their success." The news aligns with inKind's continued standout growth, marked by over 100% growth in gross order volume (GOV) for four consecutive years (2020-2024) and is on pace to reach more than $350 million in 2025. To date, inKind has rewarded its users with over $175 million in dining rewards and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of new users monthly. inKind has become the largest platform of its kind, providing restaurants with financing that essentially pays for itself. The company's unique business model provides restaurants with funding in exchange for food and beverage credits, rather than equity or debt. These credits are then used by high-spending diners through the inKind app at partner restaurants via inKind's best-in-class 20% back rewards model. inKind was created by Moonesinghe, his late brother Rajan Moonesinghe, his husband Andrew Harris and Marcus Triest, as a more supportive capital option for restaurants, based on the challenges they faced as restaurant owners and investors themselves. Having invested directly in over 30 restaurants and owning several themselves, including The Guest House Austin and Las Vegas, Etta Scottsdale, and Ember Kitchen in Austin, Moonesinghe and Harris built inKind to harness the power of regular restaurant customers to support local hospitality businesses in a mutually beneficial way. Jose Andres Group CEO, Sam Bakhshandehpour, whose restaurant group has integrated inKind's solutions across multiple properties and funding rounds, shared, "inKind understands what it really takes to operate a restaurant. They move at our pace because they know first-hand what works in the hospitality trenches. While traditional lenders see spreadsheets, inKind sees the late nights, the razor-thin margins, and the passion that drives our business. Their capital isn't just funding; it's freedomfreedom to invest in our people and perfect our craft. Johann genuinely cares about restaurants and has built something that's not only incredible for diners but transformative for operators." The influx of capital will further drive inKind's expansion in underserved markets and restaurant segments, particularly among independent restaurants and emerging chains. It will also be utilized to fuel the development of proprietary technology tailored to meet the evolving needs of restaurant owners including expanded financial products that address specific restaurant needs, such as growth capital, equipment financing, and better access to debt. The company's innovative approach to capital and its focus on restaurant success have earned it recognition as one of the Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, one of America's Fastest Growing businesses by Deloitte and Touche, and one of the Best Places to Work by Built in. For more information about inKind and its mission to support the restaurant industry, visit https://inkind.com and follow @inkind.app. About inKind Founded in 2016, inKind is a leading commerce enablement platform that provides low-cost capital investment opportunities for restaurants and exclusive dining rewards for consumers. With over 4 million users in the US and partnerships with 6,000 restaurants nationwide, inKind has become the largest consumer marketplace of its kind. The platform has infused over $600 million in capital to successful restaurant groups like MINA Group, Ethan Stowell Restaurants, and Jose Andres Group, as well as independent restaurants such as Okan, Kann, and Superiority Burger. inKind's mission goes beyond profit, focusing on delivering exceptional experiences for both restaurant partners and diners. Through its seamless app experience, inKind redefines shared dining experiences by offering tangible savings, enticing rewards, and seamless transactions. Stay up to date with inKind by visiting https://inkind.com and following @inkind.ap. SOURCE inKind By Ester Calavia GarsaballSenior Director Nat Cat & Risk Financing, Climate Practice, WTW Your risk management approach can keep pace with climate realities and ensure your role remains relevant. By advocating for modern means of identifying and quantifying climate risks plus alternative risk transfer options, such as captives and parametric solutions, you can better protect your organization and the contribution of risk management to its success. Below, we offer practical steps to help ensure youre part of the future of insuring climate risks. We cover: What's the global protection gap facing organizations? Uninsured losses are growing faster than insured ones, creating a protection gap that threatens the relevance of insurance as a risk management tool. From catastrophic flooding in Spain, to the second-worst wildfire season on record in Canada to record-breaking heatwaves across South America and the Caribbean, the world has experienced a new level of climate disruption in recent years. Natural catastrophes caused more than US$100 billion in insured losses in 2025 the sixth consecutive year above that threshold, yet a decrease of $40 billion when compared with 2024. The level of losses recorded, without a single hurricane making landfall in the United States, highlights the continued severity and persistence of natural catastrophe risk. These losses included the destruction of physical assets, such as factories and power grids, disruption of critical supply chains, business closures and halted production across entire sectors Weve seen how climate protection gaps are especially pronounced in regions most vulnerable to climate change, where insurance can be unaffordable or unavailable. That means more risk managers are recognizing how safeguarding the future of organizations means exploring new solutions for increasingly uninsurable climate-related risks. How can advanced risk modeling and analytics help risk managers close climate protection gaps? Traditional natural catastrophe and climate risk models, which rely on historical data and short-term horizons, may fall short as businesses face increasingly severe and frequent climate events. These events can also trigger secondary perils that amplify the impacts. Heavy rainfall, for example, may impact soil stability, prompting landslides that prolong business interruptions and cause further damage to critical infrastructure. Traditional modeling might not recognize or quantify such interconnections between primary and secondary events. By combining robust analytics, the latest catastrophe models and tailored solutions to address your specific challenges and vulnerabilities across longer time horizons, risk managers can understand and manage climate exposures more comprehensively. You can also develop stronger, more resilient insurance strategies. Solutions tailored to your industry-specific challenges, such as quantifying shared-fate downtime for data centers, or assessing operational risks for global manufacturers, can enable your business to embrace uncertainty. Getting this right means considering hidden and correlated risks, such as a nat cat event impacting both your site and your utility supplier. Traditional facility-only assessments and planning often overlook these connected risks. For example, many business continuity plans work on the assumption utility providers will restore services quickly, but the same natural disaster impacting your facility can also damage utility providers infrastructure. So, how can you minimize downtime and optimize capital allocation across competing resilience investments to maximize your ROI (return on investment)? The answers lie in using tailored analytics, engineering insight and data-driven climate adaptation strategies. We recommend carrying out rigorous cost-benefit analysis of structural, operational and procedural enhancements, coupled with robust business continuity planning. Why should more organizations consider captives and alternative risk transfer solutions to close climate protection gaps? Your organization may need to consider captives to better manage climate-related risks, especially where traditional insurance falls short. Thats because these vehicles let you build up surplus risk finance over time to help pay for the impacts of catastrophic risks such as extreme floods or prolonged droughts. You can use captives to tailor protection, increase risk retention and fill coverage gaps for any emerging or hard-to-insure risks. Parametric insurance also gives you an alternative approach to risk transfer that can help you recover faster when natural catastrophes strike. Policy triggers are attached to thresholds on a given index being met, such as an amount of rainfall, days without rain or wind speed, rather than there being specific property damage, which an insurer would need to take time to evaluate before settling your claim. Why do risk managers need to move from a post-loss focus to proactive climate risk management advice? We believe risk management is shifting from its more traditional, reactive, post-loss function to a proactive, advisory role. This is true for both nat cat, climate and wider risks. We encourage risk managers to be part of this shift by prioritizing business continuity planning and proactive risk mitigation. This is about contributing to due diligence and climate resilience assessments during planning and design stages to minimize impact before it occurs and using advanced analytical techniques to optimize insurance strategies and strengthen overall resilience. By defaulting to an early and more advisory approach, you can guide your organization through complex risks and offer leadership on industry-specific challenges. Risk management can be the business function that prepares the organization to consistently take control of its destiny in the face of climate and hypervolatility, rather than simply responding to losses after they occur. How can risk managers collaborate and innovate across the industry to close climate protection gaps? Were seeing collaboration driving innovation in risk management in diverse ways, from early engagement to achieve resiliency by design, to co-developing datasets, conducting joint research and designing new solutions with partners across the insurance value chain. We recently worked with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions to develop an innovative parametric policy activated by red weather warnings, bridging the protection gap left by traditional insurance policies. These typically respond to the physical damage impacts of weather events, such as storms and floods, but not the cost of the pre-emptive actions businesses, particularly in the leisure and hospitality industry, need to take after a weather warning has been issued. Were also working collaboratively with our clients and their engineering consultants to develop new engineering-based models to better quantify physical damage to specific assets and operational disruptions from key emerging and non-insurable risks, such as heat stress and cold, as well. Furthermore, we are working together to advise on climate-resilient design and strategic site selection. This collaboration-ready mindset is becoming essential. Joint working will help you develop new models and solutions that can shape the future of risk management and the influence of your role, while ensuring your organization remains well-prepared for whatever comes next. To find out more about how you can use advanced analytics and scenario testing to address widening protection gaps, get in touch with our specialists. And read how to take a more strategic role alongside sustainability functions in the climate and sustainability conversation. When Politics Sinks to the Gutter: Deflection, Distortion, and the Assault on Indias Democratic Memory 2 The scenes that unfolded outside Parliament yesterday were not just another episode in Indias noisy political theatre. They were a revealing moment one that exposed how fragile, reactionary and intellectually hollow public discourse can become when political desperation takes precedence over dignity. A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, while responding to allegations circulating about so-called Epstein files and an alleged connection being whispered around Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chose not to confront the matter with evidence, clarity, or reason. Instead, he stood before the media with a handful of photographs of Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. One photograph showed Nehru alongside Edwina Mountbatten. Another featured his sister, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. The third showed a tender family moment his niece, Nayantara Sahgal, affectionately hugging and kissing her uncle on the cheek. It was, by all reasonable standards, a loving family photograph. Anyone with basic emotional intelligence can recognise affection within a family without descending into cheap insinuations. And yet, what appeared to be the subtext of this spectacle? A crude attempt to imply: Even if Modis name appears in certain speculative files, Nehru was no saint either. This is not argument. This is intellectual bankruptcy dressed up as outrage. Let us examine the absurdity. First, the relationship between Nehru and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was that of brother and sister. Pandit was a distinguished diplomat who later became President of the United Nations General Assembly. To weaponise photographs of siblings standing together is not political debate it is moral decay. Second, the photograph with Nayantara Sahgal depicted familial affection between an uncle and niece. Sahgal herself has written extensively about growing up in Anand Bhavan surrounded by intense political discussions and nationalist fervour. To twist such images into something unsavoury is not only shameful; it reflects a disturbing willingness to defile even family bonds for political convenience. Third, and most sensationalised over decades Nehrus friendship with Edwina Mountbatten. Yes, the two shared a deep bond. It has been documented, analysed, romanticised, and scrutinised. But it has also been clarified by Edwinas daughter in her memoir Daughter of Empire, where she emphasised the respect, emotional kinship and platonic nature of their relationship. Both Nehru and Edwina belonged to elite political circles. They interacted frequently in public, amidst officials and dignitaries. Their correspondence, when released, revealed warmth not scandal. History records human relationships in shades of complexity. It does not validate sensational gossip engineered decades later for political mud-slinging. Now let us turn to the deeper issue the practice of dragging freedom fighters into contemporary controversies. Nehru was not merely Indias first Prime Minister. He was a central architect of independent India. He spent nine long years in British prisons. He helped lay down the foundations of democratic institutions from IITs and scientific research centres to a secular constitutional framework. He navigated a shattered nation through Partitions horrors without social media, without propaganda machinery, and without an IT cell narrating his glory day and night. Disagree with his policies. Critique his economic model. Debate his Kashmir approach. That is legitimate in a democracy. But equating affectionate family photographs with modern allegations tied to entirely unrelated global scandals crosses into intellectual delinquency. As for the mention of Epstein files allegations and insinuations are not convictions. The global controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein has engulfed politicians, businessmen, celebrities and royals worldwide, often on the basis of association rather than proof. Dragging such speculative matters into Indias internal politics without verified evidence is reckless. If credible facts exist, they should be investigated transparently. If not, weaponising whispers is nothing but character assassination. Equally troubling is the use of allegedly AI-generated or digitally manipulated images in political attacks. In an age where artificial intelligence can fabricate convincing visuals, deploying altered historical imagery to score points is deeply unethical. Once truth becomes optional, democracy becomes ornamental. The larger question is this: Is there even a valid comparison between Modi and Nehru? Nehru governed a fragile newborn republic emerging from colonial ruin. Literacy was abysmal. Infrastructure was skeletal. Industrial capacity was marginal. He was building from ashes. Todays India, for all its challenges, stands on the institutional scaffolding erected in those first years. To deny his role in shaping modern India is historical illiteracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi governs a rising economic power with digital governance, global connectivity, expansive media networks and unparalleled communication tools. His political era operates in a completely different landscape. He benefits from decades of institutional continuity. Every leader must be judged within their context. But what unfolded yesterday was not contextual criticism. It was deflection. Instead of directly addressing questions raised by the Opposition including Rahul Gandhis recent parliamentary demands for accountability over tariff policies the ruling party appeared more interested in rewriting old narratives. Gandhis recent speech, questioning economic policy and accountability, deserved rebuttal with data. Instead, what the public witnessed was distraction, diversion, and personal denigration. This pattern reflects a broader concern: the shrinking space for reasoned discourse. Dissent is increasingly labelled as disloyalty. Questions are treated as conspiracies. Historical figures are selectively vilified while contemporary leaders are elevated beyond criticism. Democracy does not function on personality cults. It functions on accountability. Nehru did not silence critics by projecting doctored imagery of his predecessors. He debated them inside Parliament. His speeches remain on record articulated, reasoned, and often self-critical. Today, Parliament sessions are frequently disrupted, Opposition voices curtailed, and media narratives polarised into camps. One may strongly support or oppose any leader Modi included. But lowering standards of debate to insinuations about family affection photographs sets a dangerous precedent. It tells younger generations that nothing is sacred not freedom fighters, not familial bonds, not historical truth. Criticise policies. Scrutinise decisions. Demand transparency over tariffs, economic partnerships, diplomatic positions absolutely. That is the lifeblood of democracy. But attempting to obscure contemporary allegations by dredging up distorted historical photographs insults the intelligence of the nation. India is not a playground of propaganda. It is a civilisation-state with memory. You can disagree with Nehrus vision, but you cannot erase his sacrifices. You can defend Modi robustly, but you cannot shield him through historical mud. The strength of a government lies not in silencing debate but in winning it through argument. Yesterdays episode was not merely poor optics. It was a moral low. And if political parties continue racing toward theatrical sensationalism rather than substantive governance debates, the casualty will not be one leaders image it will be public trust itself. In a mature democracy, truth does not need manipulated images. It needs courage. English News China continues strengthening position as leading source of outbound investment Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 13 Fevrier 2026 Looking ahead, experts suggest that China further improve its outbound investment policies and mechanisms, foster innovation in ODI models, and encourage diversified investment approaches, including overseas processing, economic and trade cooperation zones, as well as trilateral and multilateral cooperation. By Wang Junling China's total outbound direct investment (ODI) increased 7 percent year-on-year to 1.03 trillion yuan ($145 billion) in the first 10 months of 2025, according to the latest data from China's Ministry of Commerce. During the same period, Chinese companies made non-financial direct investments in 9,553 overseas businesses in 152 countries and regions, with total investment reaching 872.6 billion yuan, up 6 percent year-on-year. Analysts highlight that the sustained, high-quality growth of China's outbound investment not only facilitates the optimal allocation of global production factors but also supports economic and social development and improves people's well-being in relevant countries and regions, broadening the scope for mutually beneficial cooperation. On November 19, 2025, China's leading heavy equipment manufacturer SANY commissioned a new industrial park in Johannesburg, South Africa, strengthening its support for the country's industrialization drive. The 28,000-square-meter industrial park integrates manufacturing and logistics functions as well as a talent training center. Once fully operational, it will have an annual production capacity of around 1,000 excavators. South African Deputy Minister of Employment and Labor Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala said the project will help cultivate a new generation of technicians and engineers in South Africa and reflects the Chinese company's confidence in South Africa's economic prospects and its long-term commitment to the region. According to the 2024 statistical bulletin of outward foreign direct investment, China has ranked among the world's top three sources of ODI for 13 consecutive years, underscoring its position as a major global investor. By the end of 2024, Chinese investors had established around 52,000 overseas enterprises across 190 countries and regions, with 70 percent of them reporting profitability or breakeven performance. In 2024, China's outward FDI spanned 18 industry sectors, with investments in five sectors, namely wholesale and retail, leasing and business services, manufacturing, finance, and mining, each exceeded $10 billion and collectively accounting for over 80 percent of the total. Investment in the construction sector and the information transmission/software and IT services sector recorded substantial growth, rising 80.5 percent and 205.5 percent year on year, respectively. Shane Sang, Tax Partner at PwC China, observed that Chinese enterprises are shifting from market-seeking to value-driven strategies. Increasingly, they are pursuing technological innovation and moving up the global value chain through diverse cooperation models. On Sept. 23, 2025, Chinese household appliance manufacturer Haier officially launched its air conditioner production base in Chonburi, Thailand. The project moved from planning to operation in just 10 months, and with an annual capacity of 6 million units, it has become the largest air-conditioner manufacturing facility of a Chinese brand in Southeast Asia. "Our facility in Thailand integrates advanced technologies and best practices from our operations in China, encompassing product design, intelligent manufacturing, and green practices," said Dong Jianping, general manager of Haier Electrical Appliances (Thailand) Co., Ltd. As of now, Haier has established 35 industrial parks and 163 manufacturing centers worldwide. Beyond innovation and manufacturing, many Chinese service enterprises are expanding their global presence alongside clients and partners. As Chinese automobiles gain wider acceptance in international markets, demand for overseas vehicle sales and after-sales services has grown significantly. Recently, the Philippines branch of Chinese logistics giant SF Express has partnered with Chinese automakers GAC and Geely to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions, including after-sales spare parts distribution. "The Philippines, with more than 7,000 islands, presents complex logistical challenges. Over the past two years, we have invested tens of millions of yuan to establish a smart delivery network that covers the entire country," said Zhang Lin, head of supply chain at SF Express Philippines. Respecting the concerns of all parties and contributing to local development, environmental sustainability, and people's livelihoods are essential for enterprises engaged in overseas expansion. In this regard, Chinese companies have accumulated valuable experience. Recently, at the 2025 PMI China Awards, the Halfaya gas processing plant project developed by China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC) was recognized with the outstanding ESG (environmental, social, and governance) Project Award. According to Jiang Feng, deputy general manager of CPECC, Iraq previously lacked sufficient gas processing capacity, resulting in the flaring of most associated gas from oil extraction. Once operational, the Halfaya plant is expected to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 30,000 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 3.53 million tons annually. It will also supply clean energy to around 4 million households, significantly improving environmental outcomes. "The project has created more than 1,500 construction jobs and 100 long-term positions. We emphasize local procurement and actively engage in public welfare and community outreach initiatives, fostering harmonious and stable relations with local communities," Jiang said. Looking ahead, experts suggest that China further improve its outbound investment policies and mechanisms, foster innovation in ODI models, and encourage diversified investment approaches, including overseas processing, economic and trade cooperation zones, as well as trilateral and multilateral cooperation. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Hubei's inland shipping industry strives for green, smart development Smart devices revolutionize chronic disease management in China Integrating grassroots Perspectives into China's legislative process Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Advertisement From Wikimedia Commons: Cavalier Troops Mustering outside the Guildhall, Exeter (John Joseph Barker, 1886) The British historian David Starkey has long maintained that Tony Blairs assumption of power in 1997 marked an all-encompassing upheaval of British society. Nothing, he argues, is the same as before. The old Britain has been uprooted; its legal system and top management have been comprehensively remade. Where once a relatively homogeneous nation allowed its citizens to govern themselves, in Starkeys memorable phrase, today they stand profoundly alienated from their government, police, and courts. Advertisement This is no ordinary political shift. Britain as we once knew ita united kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, the cradle of modern civilization is being deliberately eradicated as a coherent entity possessing institutional continuity and a legitimate claim to historical recognition. Politicians in Westminster inhabit privileged bubbles, remote from the voters that they ostensibly serve. The police and courts have been politicized to an extent incompatible with any genuine Western democracy. On the streets of London, riots now threaten to metastasize into the civil war so presciently diagnosed by war studies scholar David Betz. For more than two centuries, since the eighteenth century, Britain stood as a stronghold of Western civilization: a constitutional monarchy that offered stability while continental Europe convulsed in wars between autocratic monarchs, absolutist regimes, and revolutionary ideologies. It gave the world parliamentary government, the rule of law, the Industrial Revolution, and the liberal order that eventually triumphed over tyranny. Today, that same Britain has been reduced to a bridgehead for Islamist vanguardsan advanced outpost in a slow-motion civilizational conquest enabled by its own governing class. Advertisement Eight governments in a row have methodically restricted the British peoples ancient freedoms, above all freedom of expression. Speech codes, hate-crime legislation, and online regulation have created a climate of fear in which candid discussion of demographic change or cultural incompatibility is treated as extremism. It is as though the state itself is engaged in a conscious project to bury Britain as a nation that has any right to exist on its own historic terms. The political elite has betrayed the British people. State institutions are riddled with corruption, including Islamist infiltration. The total collapse of society and outright civil war no longer seem remote possibilities; they feel like logical culminations of laissez-faire and incompetence. Advertisement The mechanisms of this betrayal are now clear. Thirty years of misgovernment have permitted a deeply politicized civil service to entrench itself. This deep state, in natural alliance with an academy that serves as its ideological nursery, meets any assertion of popular willincluding the demand for zero net immigrationwith bureaucratic obstruction, legal sabotage, and moral condemnation. The peoples preferences are treated, not as sovereign commands but as regrettable atavisms to be managed, diluted or ignored. Blairs revolution was constitutional vandalism on a grand scale. The Human Rights Act 1998 imported a continental rights culture that subordinated parliamentary sovereignty to judicial interpretation, often favoring claimants from minority groups over the historic nation. Devolution fragmented the unitary state. Quangos and regulatory bodies proliferated, shifting power to unaccountable experts. Management of public institutions was modernized through diversity mandates that prized representation over competence and national loyalty. Advertisement Demographically, the transformation has been revolutionary. Net migration, negligible for centuries, exploded after 1997. What began as economic policy morphed into a deliberate remaking of the population. Parallel societies emerged, particularly in Muslim communities where integration failed. Rape gang scandals in Rotherham, Rochdale, and elsewhere exposed not only horrific crimes but also the institutional reluctance to confront them for fear of racism accusations. No-go zones, Sharia patrols, and Islamist preaching became integrated features of British urban life. The legal and administrative overhaul reinforced this process. Top management in the civil service, judiciary, BBC, and major corporations was recast in the image of the new order. Diversity, equity, and inclusion supplanted merit. The old governing class, rooted in a sense of British exceptionalism, was displaced by a cosmopolitan elite contemptuous of the nations past and eager to atone for empire through self-erasure. Advertisement Citizens feel this alienation acutely. The police, historically personified by the incorruptible and unarmed Bobby, once emblematic of impartial British justice, now practice two-tier policing: robust action against native protesters (i.e., even motionless individuals in silent prayer) contrasted with hesitation when dealing with violent minority unrest. Courts, constrained by human rights law and progressive jurisprudence, frequently frustrate deportation, leniently sentence serious offenders, and appear more concerned with the sensitivities of perpetrators than the safety of victims. Trust in institutions has collapsed. The Islamist vanguard exploits these weaknesses. Britain has become a sanctuary for political Islam. The Muslim Brotherhood and affiliated networks have established influence in mosques, charities, universities, and even parts of government. Trojan Horse scandals in Birmingham schools revealed systematic attempts to Islamize education. Foreign funding from Gulf states has shaped academic discourse and public institutions. Terror attacks from 7/7 onwards, combined with rape gangs and street-level intimidation, demonstrate that the threat is not theoretical. Freedom of expression has withered. Citizens self-censor on immigration, Islam, or cultural replacement lest they face professional ruin, police investigation or mob violence. The very act of defending Britains historic identity is pathologized as far-right. This is not liberal tolerance; it is cultural surrender dressed in the language of compassion. David Betz has charted the strategic realities of this descent. In his analyses of emerging civil conflict in the West, he identifies the lethal combination of (a) elite detachment, (b) cultural fragmentation, (c) demographic rupture, and (d) loss of state monopoly on violence. Recent riotsmarked by burning vehicles, attacks on police, and communal clashesillustrate how quickly tensions can ignite. Betz warns that such episodes are precursors. Vulnerable infrastructure, targeted disruption, and the erosion of social trust create conditions for protracted low-intensity war. Britains cities, with their stark ethnic enclaves and mutual suspicions, are particularly susceptible. The 2024 disturbances following high-profile crimes and perceived injustices offered a grim preview. The deep states resistance is systemic. Academia produces graduates steeped in critical theory, postcolonial guilt, and identity politics; these enter the civil service and perpetuate the ideology. When voters demand border control or cultural preservation, the response is delay, dilution, or denunciation. Brexit, which expressed a desire to reclaim sovereignty, was met with years of obstruction. Demands for zero immigration are dismissed as unrealistic or bigoted, even as public services buckle and native working-class communities feel replaced. This is not mere incompetence. It is the outcome of an ideological project that views the historic British nation as an obstacle to a borderless, multicultural future. The elites privileged insulation allows them to celebrate diversity from gated communities and private schools while the costscrime, strained welfare, lost cohesionare borne by ordinary citizens. The trajectory is towards collapse. Thirty years have embedded the rot too deeply for incremental reform. Corruption and infiltration have compromised the states legitimacy. Islamist networks operate with relative impunity. The native populations patience is exhausted. Riots are symptoms; civil war is the potential syndrome. Restoration is the only alternative to catastrophe. It demands the repeal of Blairs constitutional innovations, the restoration of parliamentary sovereignty, rigorous border control aiming at zero net immigration, a purge of ideological capture in the civil service and academy, and an unapologetic reaffirmation of Britains historic identity and Christian-influenced culture. The Human Rights Act must go. Devolutions centrifugal forces must be countered. Institutions must once again serve the people who built them. The British people retain the right to exist as a distinct nation with continuity to its past. Starkeys diagnosis and Betzs warnings are not counsel of despair but urgent calls to action. Britain is being eradicated by design. The politicians betrayal, the institutions corruption, the streets growing anarchyall point to the same conclusion: without radical reversal, civil war and societal implosion are not possibilities but probabilities. The hour is late. The old Britain is dying; a new, fractured, and subjugated entity is being born in its place. Whether the British people will permit this suicide or reclaim their birthright will determine if the cradle of modern civilization becomes its grave. To reclaim Britain, its people must overcome the deep states inherent resistance to democracy. Conservatism has been essentially defeatist for the better part of a century now. It has become the party of failure, of compromise, of resignation. It didnt start out that way. Conservatism in 19th-century America was simply the default. There was no need to defend it or formalize its thinking and practice because there was no serious alternative. (There existed various religious and utopian socialist movements such as the Shakers or the Oneida Community, but these had no impact on the larger society.) But in the end, this meant that the American political order had no immune system, no defenses against antidemocratic ideas creeping in from various pestholes overseas. (Though ironically, the first actual ideology in the U.S. was domestic, born of Southern intransigence over slavery.) When the wave of ideology at last hit American shores late in the century, opposition from American conservatism, not yet anything like a coherent movement, was scattered and disjointed. Much effort and energy was wasted on ethnic hostility, battles against necessary evolutionary changes such as the unions, and bouts of hysteria over trivia such as the length of womens skirts, cheap cars (diplomat George Kennan, who spent almost his entire adult life overseas, was shocked, shocked I tell you, when he returned to the U.S. in the late 1940s to learn that the peasantry of New Jersey were allowed to drive motorcars hither and yon whenever the urge took them), and the refusal of young men to wear spats. One result of defeat in these irrelevant cultural battles was a refusal to engage in necessary political battles. When idiotic left-wing efforts such as the New Deal appeared, conservatives simply collapsed, offering no meaningful resistance whatsoever. Advertisement Enter gadfly editor Albert Jay Nock. In a 1936 article in the Atlantic, Nock emerged with the concept of the Isaian Remnant, small groups that would attempt to protect the essentials of western civilization from short skirts and Model Ts and, yeah okay, communism too in much the same way that the monks preserved Christian civilization from the barbarians after the fall of Rome. Nocks concept found fertile ground within American conservativism, which was not doing much else at the time. Nock may not have invented conservative defeatism, but he did formalize it. Over the next few decades, the remnant thesis gained considerable influence on conservative thought. It had a lot going for it. It had intellectual cachet, scriptural endorsement, and elite appeal. It also valorized inaction, laziness, and cowardice, inverting its own professed values to make social vices into positive virtues. Advertisement Russell Kirk effectively lived the doctrine, limiting himself to a peapatch in the upper peninsula of Michigan, where he would preach to his acolytes while avoiding any meaningful confrontation against developments he professed to despise. Another example is the Southern agrarians, who called for a rejection of modernism in all its forms in favor of an impossible return to antebellum Southern values impossible because without slavery, these values could not exist. Eventually, as such things do, the Remnant took over its host. It became a key element, a major characteristic, of what was to become movement conservatism. With a few exceptions, prominent among them William F. Buckley, conservatives sealed themselves away in odd little cults that dressed funny, spoke in terms no outsider could understand, and admired marginal figures unknown outside their own circles. As time passed, they drifted away from serious social engagement into out-of-the-way think-tanks, rogue planets vanishing into darkness and having no further effect on the universe at large. Advertisement By the 1980s, this transformation was complete. The irony here was that this culmination occurred at the very moment that conservatism achieved its greatest triumph in the postwar era under Ronald Reagan. The absence of a popular, engaged conservatism is a major reason why the Reagan revolution stalled after he left office. So it stood, right up until Donald Trump came down the escalator in 2015. Brash, loud, and boastful, veteran of two industries real estate and casino gambling in which shady practice is not unknown, Trump was the polar opposite of the weedy, overintellectual, self-deprecating movement conservative. When they turned against him in the form of the NeverTrumpers (names will go unmentioned here out of respect for age and debility) it was these qualities that triggered their animosity. But there was more to it. Trumps march to the presidency revealed the emptiness of the entire Isaian stance, showing how hollow the supposedly noble, dignified acquiescence to political failure, to an effective abandonment of the Republican ideal, actually was. This was a humiliation, and a very public one. It should come as no surprise that the NeverTrumpers were so vitriolic often more so than the Left in their attacks on Trump. (Theres a strange irony here the absence of any meaningful conservative presence actually aided Trump. There was really no opposition to speak of against his takeover of the GOP and conservatism itself.) Advertisement In the end, the old-style conservatives got their wish and went down into total defeat but at the hands not of a risen Left but of the new populist conservatism embodied in MAGA. Its a shame, in a way, that no reconciliation could take place. Movement conservatism had much to offer in the way of experience and, in particular, of an intellectual seriousness that MAGA often lacks (looking at you, Tucker and Candace). But at the same time, it was so debilitated, so tired, so divorced from any serious contact with the world as it exists, that there was a danger that it would contaminate the lively new conservatism. Is there still a danger? MAGA could not be more of a contrast with defeatist movement conservatives. But does the same infection exist here as well? Advertisement I dont quite grasp the psychology behind it. There is something in the human psyche that values and seeks to embrace failure. Its evident throughout the human record. Consider the Greek tragic hero, whom we are supposed to admire despite his colluding in his own downfall. Consider the romantics of the 19th century whose flirtations with doom occurred in the total absence of common sense. Consider the heroes of film noir, dying in a hail of bullets as they futilely strike back at their tormentors. The term anti-hero embodies this completely. Somewhere, deep down among the archetypes, failure and defeat seek to beguile us, to draw us down despite our best efforts. It too bad that Carl Jung didnt take a good, long look at this factor. Then wed know more. So yes, it does exist and we dont have to look far for evidence. Throughout the 2024 campaign the predictions rolled out, not from NeverTrumpers, who had faded into nullity, but from the doom trolls within MAGA itself: it was hopeless. Trump was finished. He would not be allowed to reenter the White House. We needed to be adults about it, to give up, to return to our burrows and wait for Antifa to come and dig us out It was as pure an echo of the old conservatisms whiners as youd ever come across. Advertisement Of course, it was nonsense. In retrospect, there was never a chance that Trump would fail this time around. Between Bidens galloping senility, Kamalas speaking in tongues, and the DNCs complete inability to grasp the situation, much less get any kind of hold on it, there was close to zero possibility that Trump would fail. (Cheating? The problem with that is that 2020 was a onetime effort. Try it again, and youll get caught, with God, Columbia, and Uncle Sam all forsaking you.) Except for one thing: the defeatists themselves. Trumps overwhelming victory in November shut the doom trolls down. But not for long. Today theyre back, spouting the same drivel about the midterms: Its hopeless. The Dems cant possibly lose. Trump will be impeached, and MAGA supporters hunted down in the streets. Is there any way we can overcome this? To assure that it doesnt affect the forward progress of Trump and MAGA? Of course there is. We are the people who whipped the imperialists, the fascists, and the communists, all in less than a century. A few crybabies is not a challenge. The first thing we do is get a lock on 2026, on the midterms. Dem popularity stands in the low double digits one recent poll put it at 18%, as low as it has ever been. This is borne out by Democrat party numbers. Dr. Steve Turley has been tracking registration numbers closely millions are abandoning the Democrat Party. In addition, the Democrats have openly declared for nihilism: the anarchists, Antifa, Somalian thieves, Third-world illegals, imported criminals, drug mules, and the rapists of young girls. They have put all their efforts and all their rhetoric into this, and this alone. Its difficult to see a way they can recover. As in 2024, the one factor that can actually beat us is the doom trolls, the defeatists in our ranks. These people are essentially turncoats, betrayers of the message of hope and conviction that Donald Trump, that most unlikely of champions, has given us. They dont deserve respect. They dont deserve an ear. They dont deserve a platform. (You can be sure that AT will see to that.) My own solution is to simply shut them down until after the election, and if thats necessary, that is the way it will be. But all of us need to play a role in this in our own way and amid our own circle. We cannot allow populist conservatism to be overwhelmed the way that movement conservatism was. Not in 2026, not for the balance of this century. Not until the plague of leftism is purged from American society. William James was a philosopher of the pragmatist school, an American movement often forgotten in the rush to embrace weird European thinkers ranging from Sartre to Foucault. James came up with what we today would call a thought experiment, concerning what he called the leap of faith. Suppose we were high upon a glacier on a mountainside. Suppose a harsh storm was approaching, and we had to get down to level ground as soon as possible. But we find our way blocked by a crevasse, one not impossibly wide, but just wide enough to make the outcome doubtful. We can feel the winds beginning to wail. Over our shoulder, the dark clouds are building up. Time is growing tighter. We have no choice. We have to make that leap. So how do we do it? Full of doubt, of anxiety, of second thoughts? Or do we, as we start our run toward that gouge in the ice, move with clarity, with firmness of purpose, with confidence that well transcend whatever limitations we are facing? You know the answer. We all do. Lets make that leap. And I will see you all on the other side. Advertisement In the second term of Donald Trumps presidency, few homegrown political controversies have been as tedious or corrosive as the prolonged Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Among right-wing media figures, precious few bear more responsibility for fanning the Epstein flames than Steve Bannon. This was not because Trumps administration was part of some cover-up. I purely believe it was because Bannon chose provocation over truth, spectacle over resolution, and self-preservation over honesty. Advertisement By early 2026, the factual record was no longer ambiguous. On Jan. 30, the Department of Justice released more than three million additional pages of Epstein-related material, along with over 2,000 videos and roughly 180,000 images. This fulfilled the legal requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by President Trump in November 2025. Combined with earlier disclosures, the total reached approximately 3.5 million pages. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche made clear that this was the culmination of an exhaustive review process designed to comply with the law and ensure transparency. Advertisement Two days later, Blanche addressed the central question driving public anger. In a nationally televised CNN interview, he explained that a comprehensive review conducted the previous summer found no evidentiary basis for new prosecutions. He acknowledged the disturbing nature of the materials but stressed that prosecutorial standards require more than implication or revulsion. The public, he noted, could now examine the same records and decide whether the Department had erred. Advertisement That should have been the moment for closure. Instead, Steve Bannon escalated. Months earlier, long before the final release, Bannon had begun publicly pressuring the Trump administration on his War Room program. In July, he warned that failure to resolve the Epstein issue would cost Republicans 40 U.S. House seats in the midterms and, potentially, the presidency itself. Days later, he demanded that Epstein evidence be handed to a special prosecutor immediately, openly criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi and implying institutional bad faith. Advertisement By late July, Bannon was arguing that Epstein was consuming Trumps presidency and threatening the administrations credibility with ordinary Americans. After last months document release, his rhetoric sharpened further. He questioned the completeness of the disclosures, claimed redactions protected powerful figures, and insisted that Trump personally intervene. Days later, even after acknowledging that newly released files included his own communications with Epstein, Bannon pivoted to demand still more declassification. He framed himself as a champion of transparency. Advertisement This posture might have carried moral weight if it were not for one inconvenient reality. Steve Bannon was not an outsider to Jeffrey Epstein. He was deeply and personally entangled with him. Emails released in late 2025 show that, by early 2018, Epstein described his relationship with Bannon as a genuine friendship, telling as much to an associate. Epstein further declared himself Bannons friend during a 2019 email exchange between the two. Epstein said trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating about this. In November 2018, Epstein acted as a logistical fixer for Bannon during a European tour, arranging alternative flights when protests disrupted Bannons schedule. Bannon thanked him by calling him an amazing assistant. The relationship extended into tangible material support. In March 2019, Bannon asked Epstein to provide his private plane for a pickup in Rome. In May of that year, text messages revealed Epstein expressing frustration over money he had given Bannon, accusing him of gambling it away. Bannon responded submissively, emphasizing his desire to remain useful and referencing future collaboration. Most damning of all was their media endeavor. On July 6, 2019, the day Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges, Bannon was actively planning a documentary intended to rehabilitate his patrons public perception. This image had been tattered and left to fade for years, following Epsteins child sex offense conviction in 2008. However, a 2016 James Patterson true crime bestseller brought intense scrutiny back toward Epstein. Bannons documentary, by all appearances, was meant to counteract this. By August 2019, Bannon had recorded approximately 15 hours of interview footage with Epstein, pressing him on ethics and money while offering him a platform to reframe his narrative. Portions of that footage resurfaced in the 2026 releases. These underscore the extent to which Bannon had positioned himself not as a critic of Epstein, but as an ally in reputational salvage. Against this backdrop, Bannons relentless attacks on Trump over Epstein are not principled dissent. They are grotesquely hypocritical deflection. The irony deepens when viewed through the lens of Bannons own history with Trump. Bannon served as the White Houses chief strategist and counselor from January to August 2017. He was fired amid concerns that he was leaking internal White House deliberations to the media. Trump later accused Bannon of spreading false information to inflate his own importance. Despite that betrayal, Trump extended extraordinary grace. On Jan. 19, 2021, in the final hours of his first term, Trump granted Bannon a full federal pardon related to charges stemming from the 'We Build the Wall' fundraising scheme. That pardon spared Bannon a federal fraud trial and, of course, a possible stiff prison sentence. However, it did not absolve him of state accountability. In February 2025, Bannon pleaded guilty in New York City to a felony count of scheming to defraud, admitting to misleading donors. He received a conditional discharge and restrictions on future fundraising activities. Taken together, the pattern is unmistakable. Steve Bannon has benefited from proximity to immense power, financial support from a disgraced financier, and generous presidential clemency, all while repeatedly undermining the very administration that spared him. His conduct during the Epstein episode of Trumps second term was not an act of courage. In my pure opinion, it was the behavior of a man attempting to distract from his own past by setting fires in public. For right-leaning populist media, this should be a reckoning. Credibility is the non-lefts most valuable currency. It is squandered when figures with documented hypocrisy are treated as truth-tellers simply because they shout loudly and often. Saying things that emotionally gratify the masses isnt populism. Its carnival-barking. The Epstein files did not expose a Trump coverup. They exposed the limits of evidence and the dangers of insinuation. Seemingly, Bannon chose to ignore this distinction because acknowledging it would have forced an uncomfortable mirror inward. Republicans at every level should treat Bannon like the thankless, hypocritical, money-grubbing liability he is. This man is not a martyr, a conscience, or a guardian of accountability. Bannon is a cautionary tale. The Epstein episode should stand as the final repudiation of Bannons public authority within the populist right. Movements that claim to fight swamp creatures cannot afford to elevate men who embody what Americans despise about self-serving, two-faced political, and financial, elites. History will not be kind to this chapter. But it can still be instructive. This sad moment demands clarity, not cowardice. Steve Bannon did not expose corruption; he embodied it, then weaponized outrage to hide his own trail. Trump delivered transparency, mercy, and facts. Bannon delivered chaos, hypocrisy, and noise pollution. Populism survives only when it rejects grifters, even influential ones. If the non-left forgets that lesson now, it will inherit the very rot it was built to destroy. There is no bright future without clear memory. Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto is the creator, host, and producer of News Sight, delivering sharp insights on the key events that shape our lives. He publishes Dr. Cotto's Digest, sharing how business and the economy really impact us all. During the 2024 presidential race, he developed the Five-Point Forecast, which accurately predicted Donald Trumps national victory and correctly called every swing state. Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt. Image: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed Rarely is there a political issue like the SAVE America Act, which is extremely popular with the American people, but lacks support in the upper house of Congress. The SAVE America Act, if voted into law, would put an end to most vote fraud and election irregularities in America. About 80% of voters support the bill, yet it has less than 50% support from U.S. senators. Advertisement It is obvious why there is overwhelming support from the people for this legislation. Election integrity is the DNA of America. The legitimacy and moral authority of the country come only from the people who express their preferences for their local, state, and national government officials through free and fair elections. When there is vote fraud and election irregularities, the moral authority of government is compromised, causing the people to disrespect and distrust their own government. The moral authority of United States is also critical in maintaining regional and world order and peace. The most crucial factor in prevailing against corrupt regimes and dictatorial foreign governments is often the moral authority of the United States. When the U.S. loses its moral authority, as it did during the Biden administration, the deterrent power of the United States is compromised and foreign adversaries are emboldened. Advertisement Key provisions of this bill require that all registering to vote would present documentary proof of citizenship such as a national photo ID paired with a certified birth certificate; that ongoing voter roll maintenance would include purges on ineligible names; that there would be restrictions on mail-in and online voter registration; and that private citizens would be empowered to sue election officials for failing to uphold election law. The original bill, known as H.R. 7296, or, the SAVE Act, was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy and passed in the House in January 2026. That such a bill with overwhelming support by the people is opposed by so many in the Senate provides an enormous opportunity to end the unconstitutional Senate rule of the filibuster and to bring in stronger leaders in the upper chamber by primarying and defeating weak and compromised Senators who equivocate on election integrity. Advertisement On the unconstitutional nature of the filibuster, consider that the Founders belief in the sovereignty of the people was inextricably linked not only to honest elections, but also governance based on majority rule. President Trump was given a mandate in the 2024 presidential election on his bold America First Agenda (AFA). Much of the AFA has made it through the House but has been stalled and died in the Senate because of the filibuster rule. The filibuster has a controversial beginning. It was first used in 1837 and became more common by the 1840s to obstruct legislation, notably by Southern senators defending slavery. Had there been no filibuster tradition, slavery could have ended sooner and without a bloody Civil War. Advertisement The United States now faces a new internal war that is every bit as divisive and potentially more deadly than the Civil War. Enemies of America operating under the Red-Green alliance of the communist Chinese and radical Islamist groups have been pursuing unrestricted warfare against and within the United States by a variety of tactics that include infiltration, elite capture, biological and chemical (drug) warfare, intellectual property theft, exploitation of Americas welfare state and the purchase and occupation of American lands -- all of which are directed at weakening and subverting the United States. Consider the recent theft of billions by welfare fraud orchestrated by Somalis (many of whom came in as illegal immigrants), and complicit select Minnesota state government officials. The impasse on the SAVE America Act is a timely catalyst for Republicans to end the filibuster and adopt a simple majority rule to advance and pass legislation. Ending the filibuster now is necessary because the Democrat party is an obstructionist party -- a lawless extraconstitutional party that is committed to sabotaging President Trump and his America First agenda of deporting all illegal aliens, establishing energy independence, destroying drug cartels, reforming and downsizing the federal bureaucracy, protecting traditional values and parental rights, defending religious liberty, and protecting female-only sports. Democrats now appear more comfortable embracing the George Soros-funded hate America crowd of Antifa than they are inclined to find any common ground with Republicans. And without spiritual revival, there is little or no prospect of that changing any time soon. Advertisement And does anyone think for a moment that the Democrats would not end the filibuster if they take control of the Senate in 2026? Of course they will. So preemptive action to end the filibuster now is needed. Real leadership is doing what is necessary to save the country from enemies both foreign and domestic. One of the most important priorities right now is delivering on the unfinished initiative of fixing the integrity of our national elections by mandating voter IDs, one-day vote casting and counting, and replacing voting machines with paper ballots. Advertisement In the end, voter turnout for true Republican patriot candidates is the key and final factor for which there is no substitute. Scott S. Powell is senior fellow at Discovery Institute and a member of the Committee on the Present Danger-China. His timeless book, Rediscovering America, was a #1 Amazon New Release in the history genre for eight weeks. Reach him at [email protected] Image: Catboy69 Allan Bloom in his devastating commentary on modern rock music made this observation: It may well be that a societys greatest madness seems normal to itself. Rather than using this intriguing idea to critique Bad Bunnys repulsive Super Bowl performance (an act that resonated with FOXs King of Late Night, Greg Gutfeld), I wish to move beyond rotten trees to the more expansive infected forest in which we currently wander. Advertisement A short but penetrating book often employed in my philosophy classes was C.S. Lewiss Abolition of Man, in which he said, Without the aid of trained emotions the intellect is powerless against the animal organism. I was immediately convinced that those two words, trained emotions, would seem absurd to most students, since that verbal combination goes counter to almost every relevant message theyve received in their lives. As if to confirm the accuracy of Blooms madness-normalcy statement, Google highlights this incorrect Christian interpretation of Lewis: Advertisement Training emotions? Thats ridiculous, you cant train your emotions! Its just how you feel, nothing can change that. Lewis doesnt deny that, but his point is that not all emotions are right. In fairness, the author of the above sentences in her further analysis does attempt, unsuccessfully, to rescue the faulty assertion that Lewis believes that you cant train your emotions. In truth, Lewis means exactly what he and other philosophers have believed for millennia namely, that emotions can be trained by the human capacity, termed the spirit in Plato and the chest in Lewiss treatise. Indeed, Lewis decries a modern approach to education that has produced men without chests by failing to develop the human faculty thats the source of courage, self-control, and the proper appreciation of things. As Lewis says, echoing Plato, The little human animal will not at first have the right responses. It must be trained to feel pleasure, liking, disgust, and hatred at those things which really are pleasant, likeable, disgusting, and hateful. Advertisement Instead of embracing Lewiss and Platos doctrine of objective value (the idea that things merit corresponding emotional responses) we now unthinkingly embrace the idea that emotions are uncontrollable responses to stimuli and that beauty is solely in the eye (or spleen) of the beholder. Unfortunately, its a short hop from this aesthetic assumption to the philosophical assertion that good and bad, morally speaking, are no more than our personal emotional responses to things. Indeed, this belief was perhaps the most common assumption held by my students, who insisted that the slaughter of innocent humans (as in the Holocaust) was only wrong in my own opinion rather than objectively wrong. A virtue directly connected to the spirit (Lewiss chest) and almost never touted nowadays is temperance. Today that term is largely associated only with abstinence from alcohol, but historically the virtue concerned controlling and properly directing appetites and emotions. Aristotle emphasized habit as the primary means of developing temperance of feeling pleasure at doing good things and displeasure at doing bad things. But today, habits are disparaged as much as temperance is ignored, while emotional impact is the premier currency employed in commercials, Hollywood productions, pop music, internet posts, and many graduation addresses. Institutionally, only in military boot camp is Aristotles insight taken seriously so recruits will be able to control their emotions under fire. Advertisement A half-century ago Marshall McLuhan distinguished the dying culture of print from the new electronic culture. The former, he noted, was formed largely by the abstract communication of printed words, which facilitated unified linguistic standards, rational discourse, and the ability to act without reacting a quality pre-eminently exemplified by jet pilots and astronauts who keep cool under pressure. By contrast, the new electronic culture of the sixties featured emotional immediacy conveyed by music and visual images, all now exponentially increased by instantaneously composed, conveyed, and received computer messages. McLuhan likened this new informational world to the tribal drum. If one assumes that emotions cant be trained, then people are, as Lewis asserted, powerless against the animal organism that is, against our instincts and raw emotions, which are being constantly manipulated and stimulated by the tribal drums of electronic images. Consider the internet wasteland that provided the violent propaganda motivating that Canadian transgender youth who recently killed his mother, his stepbrother, and several others at school in a small British Columbia town. Not only did this young mass murderer put immense stock in his own emotions, but those feelings were also given inordinate weight by professionals who couldnt summon the wit or courage to provide a diagnosis that opposed the wrong-sex prescription repeated endlessly by media to a mentally disturbed teenager. Advertisement Far from training emotions, our culture regularly praises groundbreaking actions that destroy limits on expression and belief. Implicitly and often explicitly, obscenity is taken as a sign of cultural sophistication, as are activities that contain egregious displays of sexual perversion to which the label mature are absurdly attached. In short, sensationalism and sheer novelty are often associated with progress, whereas self-control is disparaged as self-censorship, the assumption being that whatever one feels ought to be expressed, and likely expressed in public. No joke is too crude for the King of Late Night, and no expression of political venom is too over the top for his competitors. It is possible, as Plato and Lewis assert, to train ones emotions, but our tribal drum culture militates against and actively discourages it with almost every image and message that emanates from its corrupt media. Temperance in our time need not uncritically reflect Victorian or 1950s mores, but absent development of the human capacity to train emotions, a culture drowning in moral and emotional chaos is inevitable. Advertisement Richard Kirk is a freelance writer living in Southern California whose book Moral Illiteracy: Whos to Say? is available on Kindle, as is his book Poetry with a Moral Edge. Image via PickPik. How much fraud is there in United States elections? Very little, so the claim goes, based on the premise that few have been found guilty of election fraud. But is that a logical conclusion? Advertisement In order to have fraud prosecuted: The law must be unambiguous You have to be able to look for fraud. If fraud is suspected or found, it has to be reported to the proper authorities The authorities have to be willing to investigate and prosecute those perpetuating any fraud found. I decided to see if the lack of an election fraud statement would hold up for my state of California. My findings were very disappointing. Advertisement First, I looked at the California Election Code to see how it would help prevent voter fraud or help find it. According to the Code: If voters are required by law to show proof of residency, the Secretary of State sets the standards used. Section 20107 of the California Code of Regulations states that This section shall be liberally construed to permit voters and new registrants to cast a regular ballot. Any doubt as to the sufficiency of proof or a document presented shall be resolved in favor of permitting the voter or new registrant to cast a regular ballot. The Election Code doesnt seem to do much to prevent voter fraud or help those trying to find it. Advertisement Next I looked at problems found during past elections. I found many problems, but no indication of an official investigation into those problems. The following are some of the problems I found: The Californias 2018 Midterm Election had: Thousands of vote-by-mail voters [who] did not receive their ballots Voters [who] found their registrations altered without consent Unprecedented numbers of provisional ballots cast Unlawful conditional voting A Dysfunctional system [that] was overwhelmed The Californias 2020 Election had: [A]lmost 124,000 more votes counted than voters recorded as voting in that election. [M]ore than 7,700 voters [who had] TWO votes credited to their voting histories. Many more [1.8 million] registered voters than eligible citizens About 33,000 foreign-born voters whose birthplaces were changed to California or United States, by Californias on-line and DMV registration systems. This potentially masked voter registration by non-citizens. California Cannot Provide an Accurate List of Who Voted in November 2022 The Secretary of State provided a list of who voted in Californias November 8, 2022 general election, which did not match the list California certified on December 16, 2022. There were 43,624 more votes and over 22,210 more voters than the numbers certified by the CA Secretary of State, The California 2021 gubernatorial recall election and November 2025 elections had the following voter security problems: It was reported that several counties had the holes placed in their vote by mail envelopes in such a way that the voters choice was visible through the holes. [E]merging on internet sites are photos alleging that with the simple backlighting of a cell phone flashlight, votes can be easily seen due to the thin quality of the return envelope paper. One year when I went to the poll without my Vote by Mail ballot, I was allowed to make my selections on a machine that printed out a ballot for me to submit. The ballot I submitted was a blank sheet of paper with a QR code on it. I had no way to make sure that the QR code accurately represented how I wanted to vote. The fact that few people have been found guilty of election fraud in California doesnt prove that election fraud doesnt exist there. My research indicates that the Election Code allows voter fraud to be hidden. Without an official investigation into problems found in the past, there is no way to tell if the problems were caused by incompetence or fraud. The best that can be said is we cant tell if there is election fraud in California. Image: Thomas Nast NEWTOWN, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws involving Capital One Financial Corporation ("Capital One") (NYSE: COF), resulting from allegations of providing potentially misleading business information to the investing public. If you have information that could assist in the Capital One Investigation or if you are a Capital One investor who suffered a loss and would like to learn more, you can provide your information HERE. You can also contact attorney Eric Lechtzin by calling 844-563-5550, ext. 1, or via email at [email protected]. THE COMPANY: Capital One is a Fortune 500 financial services firm founded in 1994. It provides credit cards, banking, and auto loans; ranks among the top 10 U.S. banks as of 2025; operates in the U.S., Canada, and the UK; and is moving forward with its acquisition of Discover Financial. THE ALLEGED WRONGDOING: On January 22, 2026, Capital One reported its fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings of $3.86 per share, missing analysts' estimate of $4.14. The bank's efficiency ratio was 60%, also below expectations. On this news, Capital One's stock price fell $17.77 per share, or 7.56%, to close at $217.30 per share on January 23, 2026. ABOUT EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP: Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving securities and investment fraud, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation alleging violations of the federal antitrust laws, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices. For more information, please contact: Eric Lechtzin, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 or 215-867-2399 ext. 1 Email: [email protected] Web: www.edelson-law.com This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so 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. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP Actor Robert Duvall, who passed away Sunday at 95, captivated audiences for more than six decades, embodying an extraordinary range of characters from the silent Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) to the swaggering Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now (1979), who famously declared his love for the smell of napalm in the morning. Advertisement Over a career spanning more than 100 roles, Duvall repeatedly gravitated toward spiritual terrain. He portrayed characters reflecting nearly every shade of Christianity from the Pharisaical to the flawed but faithful. Most notable from the hypocritical class: Maj. Frank Burns in M*A*S*H (1970). Advertisement Before the sniveling TV version made famous by Larry Linville, Duvall played the philandering, Bible-thumping Army surgeon on film. Burns first scene finds him on his knees beside his cot, a large family Bible in hand, putting on a theatrical display of prayer even as he blames inexperienced corpsmen for his own medical blunders. He teams up with head nurse Maj. Margaret Houlihan to snitch on the antics of the other (far more competent) doctors, and his married self eventually lands in a compromising position that ends with Burns being hauled off in a straitjacket. Advertisement On the other end of the spectrum is The Apostle (1997), written, directed by, and starring Duvall as Sonny, a Pentecostal preacher who accidentally kills his wifes lover and goes on the run. Sonnys faith is sincere, if imperfect and the film closes with him ministering to fellow chain-gang inmates, still preaching, still praying, still believing. In a Hollywood that usually delights in skewering believers through Frank Burns-type caricatures, it was encouraging to see Duvall fight to bring The Apostle to the mainstream. After more than a decade of rejection, he financed the project himself for about $5 million. The small indie ultimately earned roughly four times that, with Duvalls persistence paying off much like Sonnys preaching winning hearts, if not always applause. Advertisement Id rather die today and go to heaven than live to be a hundred and go to hell, Sonny says at one point. A fitting epitaph for an actor's actor. On Monday, The New York Times brought the issue of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising back into the public square with an article, Should Drug Companies Be Advertising to Consumers? Advertisement According to an Open Secrets article, so-called Big Pharma spends more than $10 billion a year on direct-to-consumer advertising, with the U.S. and New Zealand being the only countries that permit it. Normally, I could give two hoots what the rest of the world does, but this? Im thinking theres wisdom in crowds with this one. We as a society have decided its in our self-interest and cultural interest to have our elected government look after our young by restricting television advertising aimed at them, so it seems to me we should look after the elderly and infirm too. The Times reminds us that weve been subject to the infernal things only since 1997, so not quite thirty years, when the FDA loosened restrictions and allowed prescription drug ads on television as long as they included a rapid-fire summary of major risks and provided a source for further information. Advertisement The summaries or disclaimers would be funny if they werent so grim: side effects may include increased heart rate, bad breath, polka-dot skin, or DEATH. Im being sarcastic, but when death is listed as a side effect, it stops being funny, doesnt it? Then with the introduction of Medicare Part D twenty years ago, the advertising to seniors took off like a rocket ship. Weve all seen the ads: happy smiling people with all manner of ailments, skipping and dancing now that they have their magic drug. And lately the diseases theyre meant to cure or alleviate have been getting more obscure. Have you noticed? There are drugs for diseases Ive actually Googled because it wasnt at all clear from the advertising what in the world they were for, but evidently there are enough people out there with these things to make the expenditure worth it. If nothing else, the ads make me grateful for my health! Advertisement The Times also points out how misleading the ads can be as they encourage the use and overuse of expensive new medications, even when existing, cheaper drugs work as effectively. (Drug companies dont bother advertising once patents expire and generic drugs become available.) Which is despicable. And reason enough to ban these ads. For being grossly misleading. Especially when the target audience is the elderly, who have all they can do to deal with every scam imaginable. Its beyond the pale to try to sell vulnerable people on a fixed income a drug they can scarcely afford when a generic is out there for a fraction of the price. Advertisement And yes, their doctors can point them to the generic, but weve all heard doctors tell tales of patients insisting they must have the latest, newest thing, as they come to the office with visions of smiling happy people in their minds. All the ads are doing is making a doctors already very hard job harder. And what if the doctor doesnt bother arguing for the generic? Because it takes too much precious time or is too much of a hassle? The ads are making the vulnerable more vulnerable, and to someone they should trust. And if theres anything weve learned in the age of COVID, doctors arent all who we thought they were. No, advertising is powerful propaganda, otherwise, Big Pharma wouldnt spend $10 Billion a year doing it. And its not doing doctors or patients any good. Which is why Trump signed a memorandum last September to get the ball rolling on pulling these ads. Basically what he did was make it more onerous for the drug companies to include the side-effects. Perhaps youve noticed the side-effects listings on these ads have gotten longer, sometimes taking up at least half of a 30 second spot. Theres a reason for that. Trumps memorandum. Advertisement Meanwhile, Democratic and independent senators who rarely align with the Trump administration also have introduced legislation to ban or limit direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads, says the Times. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) have each introduced bills to prohibit the ads either partially or completely. So weve got a bipartisan issue here. But, says the Times, that might prove difficult given the Supreme Courts Citizens United ruling protecting corporate speech. But why should it? Look, normally, I am a free speech absolutist, but theres no prohibition on speech here. Its just the manner of time and place, and we have regulated the appropriate time and place of speech for ages. We dont allow nudity on television. We dont allow cursing (generally speaking) on television. We dont allow certain kinds of programming during the morning hours or the early evening hours. And, says the Times: Advertisement Moreover, direct-to-consumer ads represent only part of the industrys promotional efforts. Pharmaceutical firms actually spend more money advertising to doctors than to consumers. So let them advertise to the people who can understand what theyre being sold, not vulnerable people being promised smiling and dancing. Or at the absolute minimum, regulate Pharma ads the way we regulate cigarette ads: print only. Theres a side benefit to getting these ads off television. A big one. It would cripple the garbage news/talk products currently being put out on both cable and broadcast t.v.. They would lose a major revenue stream some estimates are as much as 25% of their advertising revenue comes from Big Pharma. It would no doubt result in two things: mass firings and then, with luck, mass hirings of new and better (actual) reporters, who could bring in ratings, which would return them to profitability. Imagine that: news stations actually competing for ratings instead of competing for ideological purity. What a world. And talk about health the body politic would be immeasurably healthier. Now thats what I call good medicine. M. Walter blogs at www.mwalterwriter.com. Image generated by ChatGPT. While much of Europe reels from an epidemic of sexual violence that authorities dare not fully name, Poland stands as a defiant beacon of common sense. By refusing the suicidal open-border experiment forced on its neighbors by Brussels bureaucrats and globalist elites, Poland has shielded its women, preserved its Christian culture, and built one of the continents most dynamic economies. The numbers dont lieeven if the liberal media and EU apologists twist themselves into pretzels trying to explain them away. Advertisement Consider the stark reality. In 2023, Poland reported a rape rate of just 1.29 incidents per 100,000 population. That is not a typo. Compare that to the countries that flung open their doors to mass migration from Muslim-majority nations in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Sweden, with an estimated 8% Muslim population in 2025, clocked in at 84.42 rapes per 100,000, France (~89% Muslim) sat at 62.69, United Kingdom (~6.5% Muslim) hovered around 60, Germany (~6-7%) at 15.50, Belgium (~7-8%) at 37.64, and the Netherlands (~6-7%) at 13.35. These are not abstract statistics. They represent thousands of Polish daughters, sisters, and mothers who walk the streets of Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk without the terror that has become routine in Malmo, the Parisian suburbs, Cologne, and Rotherham. Polands Muslim population remains a negligible 0.1%, consisting mostly of long-settled Tatar communities rather than the waves of military-age males shipped in under the guise of asylum by Angela Merkel and her successors. Poland said no to the EUs migrant relocation quotas. It reinforced its bordersespecially the one with Belarusand maintained a selective immigration policy that puts Polish citizens first. The result? Polish women are measurably safer. Advertisement Leftist academics and EU commissars will trot out their tired excuses: different legal definitions, underreporting, cultural differences in reporting. Sweden broadened its rape definition to include acts without violence and aggressively encourages complaints, they say. Victim surveys supposedly show similar underlying rates across Europe. Correlation, they sniff, is not causation. Spare us. When one nation maintains barely noticeable 19th-century levels of sexual predation while its neighbors endure rates 50 times higherprecisely in proportion to the influx from cultures that treat women as second-class at best and property at worstthe pattern is impossible to ignore. Polands low rate isnt a statistical quirk; it is the predictable fruit of refusing to import the very problems others invited. Yet safety is only part of the story. Poland has protected something even more precious: its soul. This is a nation that still loves BozeGodwith a fervor that secular Europe has long abandoned. Corpus Christi processions wind through city streets under banners of the Virgin Mary. Churches are full. Christmas is celebrated nationwide with huge festivals, Christmas markets, and pageants celebrating the birth of Christ. The Polish people never forgot that their survival through partitions, Nazi occupation, and Soviet tyranny rested on faith, family, and fatherland. By keeping out the Islamist cultural invasion that has produced grooming gangs in Britain, no-go zones in France, and Sharia patrols in Sweden, Poland has preserved the Christian civilization that built the West. Its leaders understood that some cultures are incompatible with Western liberty, especially when it comes to the dignity and safety of women. Advertisement And the economic payoff has been spectacular. In 2025, Polands GDP surged 3.6%, pushing the country across the $1 trillion nominal GDP threshold and into the worlds top 20 economies. Unemployment sits near 3%, one of the lowest in Europe. Living standards have multiplied since the fall of communism; real per-capita income has soared more than 3.5 times since 1990. While Germany deindustrialized under green fantasies and energy crises, and France burns under migrant-fueled riots, Poland invests in infrastructure, attracts foreign capital, and grows. Why? Because investors and citizens alike see a stable, secure, culturally coherent nation that puts its own people firstnot one paralyzed by political correctness and fear of being called Islamophobic. Polands success is no accident. It is the direct result of courageous leadership that rejected the liberal suicide pact. Successive governments, whether under Law and Justice or the current administration, have maintained strict controls on migration from high-risk regions. They suspended asylum processing at vulnerable borders when necessary. They refused to become dumping grounds for the EUs failed multiculturalism experiment. In doing so, they protected not just physical safety but the very foundations of Polish identityfaith in God, love of country, and the unapologetic defense of Western civilization. Advertisement The rest of Europe should take note before it is too late. The enrichment they celebrate has come at the cost of their daughters security and their societies cohesion. Poland chose borders, sovereignty, and Boze over virtue-signaling and demographic replacement. The result is a safer nation, a stronger culture, and a booming economy that proves nationalism works. In 2026, as Europe stumbles deeper into chaos, the Polish model shines brighter than ever: protect your people, guard your heritage, and watch prosperity follow. The choice is clearfortress Poland or fractured Europe. History is already rendering its verdict. Advertisement Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Back in the early 1990s, academics such as Columbia Universitys Jeffrey Sachs organized, along with their backers, a program called shock therapy whereby a country like the Soviet Union could be theoretically converted from an authoritarian state into his version of a free market economy. Advertisement Their assumption was that by shocking the old system, and leaving it to recover, it would re-form by a self-organized, bottom-up process. Advertisement It was called shock therapy because the theoretical idea was to arrogantly wreck and discredit the internal routines involving economic production and pricing, but without establishing a new legal infrastructure, banking system, credit, foreign assistance, and especially, leadership. The public had to be shocked good and hard to break them of their old habits of reliance on government control, and that would be good enough. Advertisement I was in the former Soviet Union at the time, working for a U.S. multinational company. Every morning in and around the lobby of Moscow's Metropol Hotel, or in Minsk at the Hotel Planeta, hundreds of Russian men and women would be crowded together, waiting for Americans to come downstairs with dollars. We would be offered their watches, jewelry, household items, family heirlooms and even clothes, as their jobs were upended and their currency became nearly worthless. The accompanying privatization scheme, whereby citizens would be compensated by receiving shares in Soviet companies, never happened. Instead, the oligarchs muscled in and swiped up all the stock, sometimes literally blocking roads to the giveaways. It was chaos. Advertisement Meanwhile, Boris Yeltsin was installed, and things got worse. Fast forward, and a then little-known KGB officer named Vladimir Putin eventually gained control, and installed some order. Professor Sachs, and his academic peers and backers were humiliated. Advertisement Today, they like to pretend that they just made a simple mistake, and try to reinvent themselves as enlightened globalists. Now those academics, including University of Chicago political science professor, John Mearsheimer, are speaking at conferences and on continuous broadcasts, attacking President Trump and his entire team because they dare to challenge the regime in Iran with systematic change, establishing what shock therapy never could. Advertisement What is fascinating is that putting pressure on a government like Irans clerical authority to step down and be replaced, using a combination of direct military and negotiated methods, is far more effective and honest than passively wrecking an economic system, and then hoping that something better will materialize on its own. That is not only naive, but has little chance of converting a country into a reliable democracy. In some ways, regime change is a form of international impeachment, especially when millions of citizens and their diaspora demand it, as recently happened by demonstrations in Los Angeles, Munich, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. This also makes regime change into an effective form of mandatory international dispute resolution. President Trump calls it a "deal," and this intuitively captures the spirit of effective international law. Academics think law comes from the bureaucratic paper-work of treatises. In reality, as the president knows, it comes from people and interests. If Irans aging regime were responsive to the interests of Iranians, they would simply step down and accept their judgment. Interestingly, while Iran has a long history of autocratic rulers, democracy is not foreign to it: the 1906 Constitutional Revolution created the first elected parliament in the Middle East. A new regime created through combined U.S. pressure and diplomacy, is a presidential lesson in foreign affairs and statecraft. The academic shock therapists, Iran apologists, and Trump-haters like Sachs, dont like it. They prefer to base their judgments on idealism and personality, rather than reality and content. In geopolitics, President Trump doesnt do theory and arrogance: he does reality and honesty. Regime change is indeed the best thing that could happen for Iran. Matthew G. Andersson is a former CEO and testified before the US Senate. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Image: Screenshot from X video Coercive intolerance is the authoritarian impulse that replaces open persuasion with force, whether through cancel culture, deplatforming, legislative fiat, or institutional pressure. It shrinks the space for honest disagreement and hardens ideological camps into compulsory conformity. It is also the refuge for any regressive, ignorant, or unsupportable idea. This dynamic is painfully familiar in Americas domestic culture wars, and it now reverberates on the global stage, where the postWorld War II rules-based international order has come under direct challenge from the Trump administration. Advertisement On February 14, 2026, at the Munich Security Conference, U.S. secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech that combined reassurance with unflinching diagnosis. He affirmed the deep historical and cultural bonds between the United States and Europe; we belong together, he said, calling America a child of Europe. He nonetheless simultaneously and unapologetically dismantled the illusion that the current rules-based system is viable or legitimate. Rubio argued that Europes postwar posture has been shaped by a series of shared delusions: an overly rigid universalism that prioritizes abstract norms over national interests, burdensome regulatory frameworks that stifle economic vitality, chronic underinvestment in defense, and a posture of postcolonial guilt that has paralyzed coherent responses to mass migration. The result is empirically stark: widespread deindustrialization, growing dependence on American security guarantees, and deepening cultural fragmentation amid rapid demographic change. The irony is palpable: Coercive intolerance accepts attributes of the tyranny it seeks to prevent and offers a worn path to despotism. Advertisement Rubio was unequivocal: Abandoning or compromising the fundamental values that underpin civilization threatens its survival. This dogmatic approach, Rubio suggested, has hindered Europes ability to remain a viable global partner. Economic strength has been sacrificed to self-inflicted wounds and energy dependencies. Military security has been eroded by chronic underinvestment in defense and the abandonment of shared values worth fighting for. Cultural vitality has been diluted through uncontrolled migration coupled with a reflexive denial of migration's ills and challenges, exacerbated by a lack of political will to consider, let alone enforce, realistic solutions or alternatives. He made the stakes explicit in a passage that cuts to the heart of the matter: Advertisement 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. This is the classical and foundational tie-in Rubio deliberately invoked: the defense of inalienable individual freedoms and liberties, liberty of conscience, self-government, property rights, free speech, and the right of nations to determine their own destiny. These are not abstract values imposed from above; they are the hard won inheritance of Western civilization, born in Europe, carried across the Atlantic, and still worth fighting for. When a rules-based order becomes so dogmatic that it overrides those liberties, whether by coercing energy policies that destroy livelihoods, enforcing migration frameworks that erode social cohesion or risk physical or economic security, or punishing nations for refusing supranational dictates, it ceases to serve the civilization it claims to protect. It becomes a form of global-scale coercive intolerance. Advertisement This global pattern mirrors the domestic coercive intolerance that has poisoned so much of American public life. Ideological factions wield institutional power to enforce conformity, silencing dissent in the name of tolerance, social justice, or subjective truth. Globally, the same dynamic plays out: Multilateral bodies dictate terms, and nations that push back face isolation or economic punishment. Europes current predicament illustrates the costs. Rigid green mandates have driven up energy prices and accelerated industrial flight. Decades of underfunding defense while relying on American protection has left the continent exposed. Policies that prioritize openness over controlled integration have fueled social backlash and empowered populist movements. Advertisement A healthier transatlantic relationship, as Rubio implied, would rest on sovereignty, flexibility, and shared military and economic priorities. Nations should persuade one another through mutual interest, not coerce compliance through institutional leverage. Core principles such as territorial integrity, free speech, free trade, and free movement of capital remain vital, but they are best preserved by rejecting dogmatism and embracing pragmatic adaptation. Domestically and internationally, the lesson is identical: Coercion breeds resentment, weakness, and fracture. Whether enforcing ideological purity at home or universal rules abroad, the authoritarian temperament undermines the liberty it claims to protect. The path forward requires humility: Defend convictions vigorously while allowing others the freedom to differ. Persuasion, not compulsion, must be the norm. Slogans, chants, and virtue-signaling should never substitute for serious debate. Advertisement In Rubios words, it is time for seriousness and reciprocity, not or shame-driven compliance to causes that offer little in the way of achievable solutions. Only then can the West recover its economic dynamism, military resolve, and cultural confidence. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Somalia is set to hold the nations first elections in more than 50 years, disrupting the longstanding tradition of the clan-based power-sharing negotiations that have been the political process since 1969. And, in preparation for the monumental shift, Somalia enacted strict measures to ensure the legitimacy of the voting process, namely voter IDwhich is something the Democrats keep telling us is racist against non-whites. Yet Somalia, which is basically all black, views voter ID as a basic building block in their new democratic functions: Somalia wants to make sure the voters are who they say they are, and theres no funny business. Advertisement Its so obvious that even a people with an average IQ of 67, a handful of points below mentally retarded (or almost 20 points below, depending on whether youre using the standards before 1973 or after), have figured out that valid photo identification for citizens is necessary if the vote is to be legitimate. What does that mean for Democrats who refuse to pass the SAVE Act? Really retarded? Or, do they not want elections to be legitimate? (Either way its not a good look, and giving them the benefit of the doubt, assuming that its merely a matter of severe intellectual disability, I say theyve forfeited their right to govern, or hold positions of power.) The SAVE Act recently passed in the House, but Chuck Schumer, the Senates minority leader, says its dead on arrival, as it threatens the ability for our dead grandmas and grandpas and foreign nationals to vote for Democrats in American elections. Ilhan Omar, a Somalian herself, called the SAVE Act a voter suppression bill that will disenfranchise millions of voters: Advertisement Advertisement Notice that she didnt say it would disenfranchise citizens, but voters. To that I can only say, thank God! There are plenty of voters who are not legally permitted to vote, and their vote should be suppressed and disenfranchised. Ironically, this is the same group of people that wanted proof of Covid vaccination for people to return to work, school, or participate in society. Advertisement How is it that a third world African hellhole will have securer elections than the worlds greatest superpower, if the SAVE Act doesnt make it to Trumps desk? Oh thats right, because they dont have Democrats. Advertisement Image generated by ChatGPT. High in the Ural Mountains, in the south-eastern corner of the Komi Republic, the Pechora River rises. It descends from the slopes, flows briefly south, then bends and turns north. The river then continues more or less in the northerly direction for some 1,800 km until it empties into the Arctic ocean. To Soviet planners, this seemed like a colossal waste. Why should a river the size of the Pechorathe third-largest in Europe by annual discharge, after the Volga and the Danubepour its waters into the Arctic when they could irrigate the parched lands of the south? From that question sprang one of the most audacious engineering schemes of the 20th century. Map of all major Siberian rivers. Credit: Steve Wiertz The roots of the plan lay in a longstanding Russian frustration. Immense riversthe Ob, Yenisei, and Lenaflowed northward into the Arctic Ocean, where their waters were regarded, somewhat dismissively, as wasted in ice and tundra. Meanwhile, to the south, the cotton fields of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan demanded ever greater irrigation. The Caspian Sea, which is one of the Soviet Unions greatest natural assets, had already begun to shrink leaving fishing villages and port facilities high and dry. The notion of diverting Siberian rivers was not new. Engineers had floated canal schemes as early as the 19th century. But after World War II, nuclear technology gave the idea new life. The Soviet Union, eager to demonstrate peaceful applications of atomic power, launched a program in 1965 called Nuclear Explosions for the National Economy. It paralleled the American Project Plowshare, which similarly explored using nuclear bombs for civil engineering. The most discussed proposal involved redirecting part of the flow of the Pechora River into the southward-flowing Kama River, a tributary of the mighty Volga. Once the canal was dug and the necessary dams constructed, part of the Pechora's water would have been diverted downhill into the Kama and thence into the Volga, which in turn flows into the Caspian Sea. Similarly, the Onega and the Northern Dvina would also be diverted into the Volga. On the Asian side, the Ob River and its major tributary, the Irtysh, would be linked in the same fashion to the Volga basin and onward toward Central Asia. Perchora river and its catchment area. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Soviet planners argued that redirecting even a fraction of the northward flow of these rivers would boost irrigation in Central Asia, provide food for 200 million people and even restore the Aral Sea which had seen catastrophic water loss in recent decades. The scale of the full river-reversal project was staggering. Estimates suggested that more than 250 nuclear explosions might be required to complete a Siberia-to-Central Asia diversion. The project was expected to take 50 years to complete. In 1971, a test was carried out under the codename Taiga. Three nuclear devices, each about 15 kilotons, were detonated simultaneously to create a pilot canal section. Resident Timofey Afanasyev remembers the day well: This happened on March 25, 1971. I lived then in Chusovsky. We were asked to leave our houses by 12 noon and warned: something is being prepared in the Vasyukovo area, and it is dangerous to be in buildings. We already knew that some big work was being done there, and the military had arrived. Of course, we didnt know what exactly was being done. That day everyone obediently went outside. At exactly noon we saw in the north, in the Vasyukovo area, and it was twenty kilometers away, a huge fireball. It was impossible to look at it, it hurt my eyes. The day was clear, sunny, completely cloudless. Almost at this time, only a moment later, the shock wave arrived. We felt a strong swing in the soil as if a wave had passed along the ground. Then this ball began to stretch into the mushroom, and the black pillar began to rise up, to a very high height. Then it seemed to break down below and fall towards the territory of Komi. After this, helicopters and planes appeared and flew towards the explosion. The test created a chain of craters about 700 meters long. The explosions successfully demonstrated that nuclear blasts could excavate large volumes of earth. However, they also released substantial radioactive material into the surrounding area. Nuclear lake. The site of the 1971 test explosion. Credit: Google Maps From the moment serious discussions about river reversal began, there was serious opposition from scientists and experts, who warned that diverting vast quantities of freshwater into Central Asia would have unpredictable consequences. Northern ecosystems depended on river inflows into the Arctic Ocean. Altering them could affect ocean salinity, sea ice formation, and climate patterns throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The projects opponents warned that the scheme would inundate immense stretches of forest and disrupt historic northern ports such as Arkhangelsk. Northern agricultural lands would be flooded, river navigation temporarily halted, and fisheries severely damaged as salmon and other migratory species lost access to their freshwater spawning grounds. Some specialists predicted that ice would begin forming earlier and extend farther south along the rivers, delaying the spring thaw. In a region where the growing season was already brief, freeze-up could shorten it by as much as two weeks. Prolonged winter conditions, they feared, might also intensify spring winds and reduce essential rainfall. More troubling still were the broader climatic uncertainties. Some scientists cautioned that if the Arctic Ocean were no longer replenished with freshwater, rising salinity could lower the freezing point of seawater and accelerate the melting of the ice cap, potentially contributing to global warming. Others warned of the opposite scenario: that reducing the inflow of relatively warmer river water might allow polar ice to expand. The human cost would also have been immense. Across an area larger than Western Europe, tens of thousands of people stood to be displaced. Millions of acres of northern land, including vast tracts of productive forest and game habitat, would have been permanently submerged. The delta of the Pechora river. Credit: GRID-Arendal Eventually, the possibility of building canals to reverse the Arctic rivers began to look dim as the project cost ballooned. The Soviet economy, already straining under inefficiencies and military expenditures, could not easily sustain such a colossal undertaking. In 1986, amid the reformist climate of Mikhail Gorbachevs leadership, and shortly before the Chernobyl disaster dramatically heightened public fear of nuclear technology, the Soviet government formally abandoned the northern river reversal project. After Chernobyl, any lingering enthusiasm for massive peaceful nuclear explosions evaporated. Today, the craters from the Taiga experiment still exist in the forests of northern Russia. Groundwater has seeped in to form a lake around which mushrooms and berries grow abundantly, which are regularly collected and consumed by the villagers. The area is still radioactive (about 80 times higher than normal background radiation) and is expected to stay that way for another 300 years or so. Also read: References: # Science: Saving the Caspian. Time # Environment: Making Rivers Run Backward. Time # The Soviet plan to reverse Siberia's rivers with 'peaceful nuclear explosions'. BBC # Nuclear pit. Bellona 1. Introduction an-nour.com ('we', 'our', 'us') is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This GDPR Agreement explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal data when you visit our website https://www.an-nour.com/, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 2. Data Controller an-nour.com is the data controller responsible for your personal data. 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This partnership underscores King Risk Partners' ongoing commitment to serving local communities throughout the region while remaining focused on quality, consistency, and disciplined growth. King Risk Partners For more than 120 years, Ten Eyck Group has served clients throughout New York with a strong commitment to service, competitive solutions, and trusted relationships. Their expertise across business, home, auto, life, health, group benefits, and bond insurance makes them a respected leader in the industry. "We're excited to welcome Ten Eyck Group into the King family," said Scott Popilek, Chief Executive Officer of King Risk Partners. "Their track record of service excellence, market knowledge, and trusted client relationships makes them a perfect fit for our organization. This partnership deepens our presence in New York and helps us deliver locally focused support, reinforced by the scale and resources of King Risk Partners." Christopher A. Brassard, President of Ten Eyck Group, reflected on the transition ahead. "Partnering with King Risk Partners allows us to build on the foundation we have established for our clients and our team," he said. "This relationship provides additional support to expand our personal and commercial insurance offerings while remaining committed to the service approach and standards that have defined our organization." This acquisition supports King Risk Partners' ongoing focus on deliberate, values-driven growth while reaffirming its commitment to integrity, high-quality service, and enduring client relationships. About King Risk Partners King Risk Partners is a leader in the insurance industry, offering a wide range of insurance products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. Known for its integrity, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction, King Risk Partners continues to be a top choice for clients seeking reliable and comprehensive insurance solutions. Learn more at www.king-insurance.com . For additional information, please contact: King Risk Partners [email protected] SOURCE King Risk Partners The driver used the route along the Broomway as the bridge to Foulness Island was closed. Photograph: Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP (Photograph: Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP) People thought they were looking at an AI image: an Amazon delivery van half-submerged at the mouth of the Thames estuary where it meets the North Sea. I thought someone had just knocked up a photograph, says local guide Kevin Brown about first seeing it online. It turned out the image was genuine, and it proliferated. There was something delightfully primordial about it such a dominant sight of modern street life, just out there on the mud, vulnerable and surrounded by nothingness. Banter followed, images of an Amazon package floating in sea water: Amazon has made your delivery. Yet you couldnt help but feel for the driver, who seemed to have descended on to the Essex mudflats in the darkness of Valentines Day in some kind of panic. They were attempting to access the Ministry of Defence-owned Foulness Island, and the usual entrance via a road bridge was closed for the evening. Their valiant mission to ensure the delivery was still made was thwarted after the concrete access road on to an ancient tidal byway known as the Broomway claimed as the countrys most dangerous path, no less broke up until it was nothing but gloop. To make matters more complicated, the six-mile route of the Broomway juts out into a military firing range. The driver had tried to turn around and head back to dry land, but it was too late. They go so far down that muddy track until it gets impassable, says Roger Burroughs, a farmer from Foulness. And then they try to turn around. Thats where they get stuck. The vehicle was at the mercy of the Broomway, and the tide was coming in. The driver had no choice but to leave the van and walk back to shore. Abandon shipment. It fell to Rogers son, Jason, to save the delivery van from being washed out to sea. He was called on Saturday evening by the private security firm that guards the MoD testing range of Maplin Sands, as well as Foulness Island, but he was out at a friends birthday party. So the van stayed there. Another local farmer took a picture and posted it online and it spiralled into a news story. In some ways, I feel slightly guilty, Jason says. I should have gone and pulled it out and there would have been none of this drama, but I thought, I havent been contracted, or, you know, Ive got no authority to go and do this officially from Amazon, so if I damage their van I could be liable. Instead he retrieved the abandoned van using his telehandler the next day. By that time, two tides had rendered it unusable. Apparently the Amazon driver was a lady whod been in the job three days, says Jason. She, I believe, got to the top of the sea wall and phoned her supervisor and said: Am I doing the right thing here? Im questioning this. And they said: Does the satnav tell you to go that way? She said: Yes. So they said: Well, carry on. An Amazon spokesperson says all supervisors and delivery drivers are delivery service provider/independent couriers, not Amazon employees happily, the driver is safe, the van removed and were looking into why it happened. It isnt the first time this month Jason has been called upon to rescue a hapless delivery driver from the mud. Security guards phoned him the previous Saturday night as another delivery van had got stuck. I spoke to QinetiQ [which runs Foulness] and said: Cant you block this off? They said its a byway, and they cant. I said: Well, cant you put a sign up? And lo and behold, the following week, exactly the same happens. Its almost become a family business in its own right. Roger tells me of the day 23 June 2018 when he was tasked to rescue a brand new silver Land Rover Discovery. It had done 100 miles. He paid just under 70,000 for it and I recovered it before the tide came in. The Broomway has been used for more than 600 years. It first got its name as a track marked by sticks with shrubs tied to them the brooms stuck into the mud, which were placed 30 paces apart along its length. The brooms have long gone, and so these days walkers have to go by a blend of experience, vibes and, if that fails, GPS. Theres no actual footpath, says Brian Dawson, who took me out on the Broomway before he retired as a local guide in 2017. You just sort of gauge it by what you can see ahead, and keep going for it. The Broomway stopped being the main route on to the island after the MoD took over in 1915. It has been known as the countrys most dangerous path thanks largely to Robert Macfarlanes description of his walk along it in his 2013 book The Old Ways. It is recommended you go with a guide. Set off at the wrong time, or in bad conditions, and you could be done for. Islanders have died in their scores over the years when they have misjudged the tide or simply lost their way. But then the thrill of dicing with disaster was once said to have been part of the attraction. The 19th-century writer Philip Benton, in his history of the Rochford Hundred, suggested some islanders relished the inherent risk the route posed to those who travelled it. It is extremely perilous for any stranger to attempt the passage to or from this island without a guide, but the dangers attending it have been a pleasurable excitement to many. Some farmers would stay to the last, and then race the tide, and swim the creeks. Related: Sick cat taken by Amazon delivery driver is returned to Yorkshire family But in some ways, to call it Britains deadliest path feels a little hyperbolic. My memory of walking the Broomway is that it feels like an alien landscape, one where you just lose all sense of time due to the effects of an enormous and ever-changing sky and the reflection of light on translucent mudflats. And yet many people have died here, as the gravestones in the churchyard on Foulness attest. The last person to die on the Broomway was in 1919, a luckless man on the way back from the market at Rochford. Hed probably had a skinful of booze and then on his way back, you know, left it a bit late, says Brown. There have been more recent close shaves: Dawson tells me of two girls some decades back who had been out on the mainland and wanted to go home to Foulness, but it was raining and beginning to get dark. A search party went out to look for them in the morning, and they were found under the Foulness sea wall, sheltering from the worst of the weather. Dawson says people have wandered off the path and had to be pulled out of their boots on his excursions. The fact that weapons are often tested on the flats makes the quicksand more deadly. When the ministry lets bombs go off, they make a hole, says Dawson. They dont fill it in. Nature fills it in, but it never fills up as solid as it was before it was blown out. Dawson is in his 80s and doesnt feel he can physically go out on the Broomway any more, but he misses it. Just being out there youve got Southend, and youve got all the hassle and the fighting down there. You go a little further out and its peaceful. Theres nothing there, but you can enjoy it. For me, its so comforting. We live in a world shaped by tech disruptors relying on cheap labour, but I wonder when looking at the picture of the Amazon van with water rising around it whether it might represent the limits of our faith in this model. Google is building a gigantic AI data centre up the Thames at Thurrock. You can have all the tech prowess in the world, but its not going to save you from the mud. Anderson Cooper to depart CBS 60 Minutes to focus on CNN and his family Anderson Cooper has declined to sign a new contract with 60 Minutes and will depart the flagship CBS News show at the end of the current season. Cooper, who also anchors news for CNN, has been a correspondent for 60 Minutes since 2006. In a statement shared with Deadline, Cooper said, Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been one of the great honors of my career. I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors, and camera crews in the business. For nearly twenty years, Ive been able to balance my jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me. Coopers decision to depart 60 Minutes comes at a tumultuous time for the show. Last month, CBS News pushed back at a report claiming editor-in-chief Bari Weiss held one of Coopers stories that was critical of Donald Trumps policies. The disputed segment by Cooper was about the Trump administrations plan to accept South African refugees, according to Status. Anderson Cooper, pictured in New York in 2025, is set to depart '60 Minutes' on CBS (Getty) Trump has often repeated a debunked conspiracy theory that a genocide of white people was taking place in South Africa and set out plans to prioritize white South Africans' visa claims last October. Sources told the newsletter the as-yet unaired segment was viewed by producers in December, with Weiss giving extensive editorial feedback. The newsletter, produced by a former CNN media reporter, also suggested the story was all but guaranteed to provoke Trump and that there had been an abnormal level of review. However, a source close to CBS News has denied the claims and insists the story is still being worked on. Bari Weiss did not hold the story, the source said in a statement to The Independent at the time. The story was already going through our standard, rigorous editorial review led by executive producer Tanya Simon, which led to multiple screenings. The story was not held, it's still in action and in reporting stages with the team, they continued. Tanya made the decision to have the team continue with their reporting. Bari Weiss has been editor-in-chief of CBS News since October 2025 (Getty) A previous 60 Minutes report critical of Trump was pulled in December, sparking backlash behind the scenes. The other segment focused on the mistreatment of migrants sent by the United States to CECOT, a prison in El Salvador. The 13-minute clip was set to be broadcast in December before it was withdrawn before air. Weiss, appointed as CBS News editor-in-chief last year, attempted to justify the decision in an email to staff at Christmas, arguing it was necessary to win back the trust of Americans disillusioned by network news. However, Sharyn Alfonsi, the reporter who produced the CECOT segment, wrote in a leaked email that she believes the real reason for the story being axed was corporate censorship. Sources at the broadcaster later told The Independent that staff were ready to revolt over the scandal. One person even described it as a holy f***ing dumpster fire. The Independent has reached out to Cooper and CBS for further comment. A lawyer for Virginia Giuffre has said that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be granted safe passage to the United States to give evidence regarding Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, David Boies argued that Andrew has an obligation to disclose what he knows about the late financier and should be able to do so without fear of arrest. The remarks follow former U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clintons statement that anyone asked to testify on Epstein, including the former prince, should appear before a congressional committee. Mr Boies said: He has an obligation to tell what he knows. Now, I also think that if hes afraid of being arrested in the United States, we ought to give him safe passage to come to the United States to testify, because we dont want there to be any excuse for him not coming and telling what he knows. Mr Boies believes the information released in the so-called Epstein files earlier this month is enough to warrant an investigation into 20 men and women, including Andrew, for possible wrongdoing. (US DoJ/PA) But he knows a lot. How much I dont know myself because they gave up in the litigation we had against them just before his deposition was supposed to be taken. I dont think anybody knows how much he knows, but we know he knows a lot from his contact, and whatever he knows, even if was a little bit, he has an obligation to share that. Mr Boies believes the information released in the so-called Epstein files earlier this month is enough to warrant an investigation into 20 men and women, including Andrew, for possible wrongdoing. He said: I think that it certainly is something that justifies an investigation, what he knew and when he knew it, what he knew about her age, what he knew about the extent to which she was coerced. He clearly knew that Jeffrey Epstein and (Ghislaine) Maxwell were trafficking these girls. Now, whether he knew that they were under age, whether he knew that there was force and coercion involved, that is something that is state of mind that I think, before I made a judgment on that Id want to see more evidence. But its certainly something thats worth investigating. His calls add to mounting pressure on Andrew. Earlier on Tuesday, the chairman of the cross-party Business and Trade Committee said there is potential for MPs to investigate his work as a trade envoy. Emails released in the Epstein files appear to show the former duke who served as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011 sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with the paedophile financier. Thames Valley Police previously said it has held discussions with specialists from the Crown Prosecution Service about the allegations that Andrew shared confidential reports. Asked about Lord Peter Mandelson, Britains former US ambassador facing similar calls to testify, Mr Boies said the peer, like Andrew, has an obligation to do so and neither should fear the US will seize them at the border. Offering a pardon to disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell in exchange for information, however, would be a travesty, Mr Boies said. After the convicted Epstein associate remained silent when questioned by the House Oversight Committee last week, her lawyer wrote on X that she would be willing to answer questions if granted clemency by President Trump. In response, Mr Boies said: There is no basis, none, for clemency. To give clemency or pardon to a person who played the role that she did in the victimisation of dozens, hundreds of young girls and young women would be a travesty. I think that the chances that President Trumps going to do that are small, but I think if that were to happen, it would be an outrage. Andrew has previously strongly denied any wrongdoing. Apple Martin, the daughter of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and actress Gwyneth Paltrow, has denied claims that she was expelled from school for bullying. The 21-year old model posted a message on her Instagram story, dismissing the rumours which she said had gotten so out of hand. Rumours began to swirl in 2024 when videos circulated online of Martin at her debutante debut ball in Paris. One of the videos showed Martin appearing to jump into the photo of a fellow debutante, causing her to step to the side. Martin shared a screenshot of a comment she left on the social media platform, appearing to respond directly to someone making claims about her. The post said: I didnt wanna respond but this narrative is completely false and has gotten so out of hand. I have never been expelled from any school, especially not for bullying anyone. Gwyneth Paltrow attending the launch of the new Ladies Automatic Collection of Frederique Constant Geneve watches at the Design Museum in London (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) I completely understand ppl not liking me and that is okay! The internet is a place where ppl can share their opinions. But this rumour is completely untrue, I am not that type of person and anyone who is close to me knows that. Her mother, Paltrow, is the Oscar-winning actress known for Shakespeare in Love, the Iron Man franchise, Sliding Doors and the new sport drama Marty Supreme who she stars alongside Timothee Chalamet. Martins parents announced their divorce in 2014 which made headlines for describing it as a conscious uncoupling. Australian police have charged a 52-year-old man after a robbery at a museum in the town of Caboolture and recovered a cache of stolen ancient Egyptian artefacts. Investigators claimed that the man broke into the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, at about 3am local time on Friday and stole several priceless items. Local media identified the man as Miguel Simon Mungarrieta Monsalve. He reportedly told the police that he believed it was his duty to return the artefacts to their rightful place. The stolen items included a rare painted wooden cat figurine from Egypts 26th Dynasty, a 3,300-year-old necklace, a mummy mask verified by the British Museum, and other jewellery. Police said most of the artefacts were found the next day in a car at a ferry terminal south of the museum, with only minor damage. The remaining wooden cat sculpture believed to be about 2,600 years old was allegedly discovered later when the suspect was arrested on Russell Island, off the coast of Queensland, NBC News reported. The man has now been charged with breaking and entering, along with three counts of wilful damage, according to the Guardian. Earlier, the museums events and public programmes manager, Joel Stephens, said the stolen items were part of the museums educational programme. For us its devastating and heartbreaking. We have over 10,000 school students every year come through the museum, engage in both our archaeological digs and also come through the museum and learn about world history. These pieces are part of our signature collection and [are] really significant to that education programme. This 2,600-year-old wooden cat sculpture was among the stolen items (Queensland Police) According to the public broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the suspect had told the police earlier that he did not believe the museum should have had the artefacts in its possession because of the institutions links to the Catholic Church. The defendant believed it was his duty to acquire the artefacts and return them to their rightful place , the police prosecutor told the court. Its not the right place to have [them]. In addition, hes also got the artefacts wrapped up in his country flag. The suspect is originally from Venezuela and was living in a van. Magistrate Deborah Vasta was quoted as saying by ABC Mr Monsalves "bizarre" alleged offence as akin to "something from a 'Simpsons' episode" had it not been so serious. Prosecutors alleged in court on Monday he also caused irreparable damage to other objects during the burglary. The museum later said that they were relieved to get the artefacts back. However, it said that each piece must first undergo professional assessment and conservation to protect its long-term future. Earlier, museum manager Nina Pye urged the thief to return the items, saying: If theyre damaging them they have no value regardless. Bring it back where it can benefit the community and education as a whole. Mr Monsalve was refused bail. NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kung Fu Tea, America's premier bubble tea brand, has announced a strategic partnership with supplement leader ADVANCED to launch HYDRATION+ Immunity*. Debuting during the Lunar New Year, this functional* beverage line blends iconic tea flavors with professional-grade wellness support*. The collection reimagines three fan-favorite Kung Fu Tea profiles - Peach Oolong, Sunshine Pineapple Tea, and Passionfruit Green Tea - as caffeine-free, zero-sugar hydration mixes. Each serving is powered by ADVANCED's new Immune Support Matrix*, delivering: Kung Fu Tea and ADVANCED HYDRATION+ Immunity* products 100% Daily Value of Vitamin D 278% Daily Value of Vitamin C Zinc for daily defense* Only 10 calories per serving "We wanted to create an all-day companion that allows our fans to support their wellness* while enjoying the authentic flavors they love," said Steve Luw, COO of Kung Fu Tea. "Launching during the Lunar New Year, a season dedicated to health and prosperity, is the perfect tribute to our heritage." Innovation Meets Authentic Flavor This line is designed for on-the-go lifestyle, and is available in 30-serving jars and portable stick packs exclusively via ADVANCED.gg and Amazon. "Partnering with an iconic brand like Kung Fu Tea allows us to bridge the gap between lifestyle, culture, and functional nutrition," added Richard Ng, Director of Brand Partnerships at ADVANCED. "This is only the first in a series of innovations we have planned." Nationwide Sampling Event To celebrate the launch, Kung Fu Tea will host a sampling event at participating locations across the U.S. For a limited time, customers who purchase any handcrafted beverage at select stores will receive two complimentary HYDRATION+ Immunity* stick packs (while supplies last). About Kung Fu Tea Founded in 2010, Kung Fu Tea is America's largest bubble tea brand with over 350 locations. They are defined by the "Kung Fu" spiritmaintaining rigorous discipline and quality in every cup. About ADVANCED ADVANCED is a premium supplement brand focused on transparent, effective formulas for gamers and achievers, specializing in Focus*, Energy*, and Hydration*. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. SOURCE Kung Fu Tea State lawmakers in New Mexico are investigating whether Jeffrey Epstein trafficked and sexually abused young women and girls at his Zorro Ranch property outside Santa Fe after previous investigations closed without any charges. New Mexicos state House voted unanimously to establish what lawmakers are calling a truth commission to hear from survivors and find out what exactly happened at the ranch after the wealthy and well-connected sex offender bought the property in 1993. The investigatory subcommittee will have subpoena power to collect testimony, records and other evidence to put the whole story together, according to Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero. New Mexico residents deserve to know the truth about what went on at the Zorro Ranch and who knew about it, she said in a statement after Mondays vote. We have heard years of allegations and rumors about Epsteins activities in New Mexico, but unfortunately, federal investigations have failed to put together an official record, she said. With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward, according to Romero. Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in 2025, was pictured at Zorro Ranch, and other survivors of his abuse, including Annie Farmer and Jane, have described the abuse they experienced under Epstein and Maxwell at the property. The states 2019 criminal investigation into Epsteins activities in New Mexico closed within a year without any charges filed. Epstein died in jail that summer while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges in New York. His death was ruled a suicide. Following the passage of the federal Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice has released more than three million documents, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, in its files stemming from state and federal investigations into the late sex offender and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Jeffrey Epstein pictured in New Mexico with his dogs in an undated photo (US Department of Justice) Last week, New Mexicos Department of Justice wrote a letter to federal officials demanding unredacted copies of an anonymous email from 2019 to a local radio host saying that foreign girls died of strangulation at Zorro Ranch. The states Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richards also urged state and federal investigators to probe a disturbing allegation that two girls were buried near the ranch. The newly launched subcommittee in the state legislature will operate through the end of the year on a budget of $2m, funded by a 2023 settlement between state Attorney General Raul Torrez and several financial services companies over failures to identify abuses at the property. Epstein bought the ranch, which has its own airstrip and helipad, from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. The property which includes an airstrip, helipad and 26,700sqft hilltop mansion, where the late billionaire sex offender is accused of abusing women and girls over a 26-year period was first put up for sale in July 2021, two years after Epsteins death. It was valued at $27.5m at that time. The property was purchased by a businessman who supports President Donald Trump and is running for Texas comptroller, according to state records. Don Huffines, 67, a self-described MAGA Trump Republican, is behind an entity called San Rafael Ranch LLC, which The Santa Fe New Mexican traced to Huffines through public records requests. The property was valued for tax purposes at $21.1m for the 2023 fiscal year, and the LLC argued that Epsteins notoriety and its higher sales price merited a lower valuation. The Santa Fe County assessor later revalued the property for that tax year at $13.4m, and the address was changed from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road in 2024. His campaign website describes him as a Trump Republican who wants to DOGE the states government, a reference to the Department of Government Efficiency, the Elon Musk-led effort to slash federal budgets, fire thousands of workers and cancel federal contracts and grant funding. He also touts endorsements from top MAGA leaders, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Four years after Mr Epsteins death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims. Prior to the auction listing, they had never visited the property, Huffines campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore told The Independent. The owners have never been approached by local, state or federal law enforcement requesting access to the San Rafael Ranch, he added. If, and when they do, of course they will be granted full and complete cooperation. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org Actor Sarah Hadland speaks out on the celebrity planning row that has become known as the Battle of Blackheath (BBC) Actor Sarah Hadland is demanding to know why her local council is set to destroy her village as she speaks out on the celebrity planning row that has been dubbed the Battle of Blackheath. The controversy has engulfed the picturesque corner of southeast London as a celebrity-backed campaign group fights against a proposed residential development in the station car park, home to the villages thriving farmers market. Developer Acorn Property Group has submitted plans to build 20 houses and 25 flats in three blocks, four and five storeys high. So far, Lewisham Council has received more than 1,200 objections over the plans, which campaign group A village worth saving has described as unprecedented. The council deferred its decision in January following the criticism, with a ruling now expected later this year. Former Strictly Come Dancing finalist Ms Hadland, who lives in Blackheath with her child, has condemned the plans, alongside actors Jude Law and Dominic Cooper, both of whom grew up in the area, and LBC presenter Nick Ferrari, a current local. Ms Hadland told The Independent: The developers never imagined in their wildest dreams that theyd get this Battle for Blackheath on their hands... Developer Acorn Property Group has submitted plans to build 20 houses and 25 flats in three blocks, four and five storeys high (Acorn Property Group) For me, the main thing is safety for the village. Youd be destroying a village that is full of families. Theyll come in, destroy livelihoods and safety, then walk away with millions. I would really love the council to explain. Its baffling. I want the council to respond, because any reason they give, I would love to know and be given a chance as a resident to challenge it. We pay a lot in council tax here, so what is the benefit to us?... The impact to the village will be massive and negative the benefit, as far as I can see, will purely be to the developers, who will sweep in, cause a tonne of noise, pollution, destruction, then walk away with millions. Calling on the council to revisit the plans, Mr Cooper said anything less would be a devastating betrayal of the electorate. Residents stress that they understand the urgent need for more houses to be built, but argue that this should not be done in a way that goes against the interests of the community. Blackheath is a conservation area the first in London to be designated, in 1968. Residential streets are lined with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, while the leafy high street is dotted with independent cafes and bookshops. Blackheath residents protest against the proposed development (Wendy Rigg) It has been described as a special place by those who live there, with real community spirit and true village character. Ms Hadland is among those fearful about the future of Blackheaths farmers market and the knock-on effect for local businesses on Sundays, the reduction of the car parks more than 150 spaces, and the impact on the primary school and residents who live by the proposed development. Speaking of the fight against the proposals, Ms Hadland, a resident now for two decades, said: People say its nimbyism its not, Im one of those people. This is bonkers. I think they rely on the fact that people wont complain or feel uncomfortable complaining... When you talk to people in different parts of the country, they say theyve had a similar thing happen. Then when people complain, they say its nimbysim and people feel they cant say. Locals have raised fears that the battle of Blackheath could soon be repeated around the UK, as the government has committed to delivering 40,000 homes over the next 10 years in residential developments around railway stations. Calling on the council to revisit the plans, Dominic Cooper said anything less would be a devastating betrayal of the electorate (PA) In the bid to unlock what it has called untapped land, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said he intends to fast-track building on previously developed urban land and, if needs be, to intervene in the face of local opposition. Ms Hadland vowed she would not give up the fight in Blackheath for the village and its community, other places up and down the UK that are similarly doing battle, and also for her child. She said she could not let them walk to school on their own if the development went ahead, citing the extra congestion and all the building materials being transported around the village, which could be incredibly dangerous. Its difficult to explain that to your child, Hadland said. Our village is going to be really disrupted and you're not going to be able to walk to school. Well, why are they allowed to do that mummy? Because theyve got a lot of money and they want to make more. But the controversy has highlighted the strength of Blackheaths community, and Ms Hadland believes the David and Goliath nature of the fight is part of what has brought it such widespread attention. She said: Its a bit of David and Goliath these big developers, why are they allowed do it? Because they make a lot of money... This is not okay. I think the community has really pulled together. Were not going to let this go. I wont give up campaigning I feel very strongly about it. I think its really important. Theres this community spirit, weve all got to look out for each other. Locals fear the residents who live by the proposed development will be especially impacted, with concerns raised over the light in their homes (Acorn Property Group) Mr Cooper added: Residents are not anti-development they are instead demanding development that is fair, responsible, and puts local people at the heart of decision-making. To plough ahead with a proposal of this size, that provides so little social and affordable housing, that prioritises developer profit, while ignoring overwhelming public opposition, would amount to a devastating betrayal of the electorate. Lewisham Council must revisit the plan anything less is a failure of its duty to the public it serves. A spokesperson for Acorn Property Group said it is now collating the additional information requested following the council meeting on 27 January. It said: Our proposals have been the result of four years of dedicated engagement with the local community, planning officers, stakeholders and consultees and have been thoroughly reviewed and supported by Lewishams independent Design Review Panel. They added that parking provision has been reduced in response to policy promoting sustainable travel close to train stations and housing in sustainable locations. They argued the more sustainable and safer development would deliver significant public benefits, with 21 per cent of the 45 new homes set to be socially rented. They continued: The Farmers Market will return to the site with improved facilities such as electrics, water and ground anchors providing a permanent home. A new urban square will be created adjacent the station with safer commuter cycle parking and the opportunity for pop-ups or additional market stalls during the week. A new, much safer, fully pedestrian route will be created from Tranquil Vale so that parents and children do not have to walk through a car park to reach the school. They added that London Farmers Markets, which manages the Blackheath market, supports the proposals. The Independent has approached them for further comment. A Lewisham Council spokesperson said:"The Blackheath Station Car Park application was deferred after a Planning Committee at the end of January because members were not satisfied that they had the information needed to make a fully informed decision. In particular, councillors were clear they needed stronger and more detailed evidence about the potential impact of the proposals on Blackheath's economy. Deferring the application ensures residents' concerns can be properly considered and any decision is taken with a full understanding of the likely effects on local businesses and the wider area. Our priority is securing the best possible outcome for Blackheath. Taylor Chip, a once fast-growing Pennsylvania company that began with a couples quest to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookie, is now under intense financial strain as it works through a restructuring process, newly released bankruptcy documents revealed. The filings, made public this week, show the business is carrying more than $2.5 million in debt while reporting just $400,000 in assets, according to location station WHP. Customers compared Taylor Chip to the national phenomenon Crumbl due to their similar oversized, gooey cookies with unique flavors like Lava Cake and Salted Caramel Pretzel. The Lancaster County-based company, whose owners Sara and Doug Taylor opened their first location in August 2018, became known for its oversized cookies and rapid expansion into new markets including Philadelphia. But delays and rising costs later contributed to its financial troubles. Taylor Chip announced earlier this month that it would seek protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and close its two Philadelphia locations as part of efforts to stabilize operations. In a statement, the founders said the move is meant to give the company a chance to survive and rebuild. Customers liken Taylor Chip to Crumbl for its large, gooey cookies with unique flavors (Facebook/Taylor Chip) Chapter 11 is often misunderstood. It does not mean we're going away. It means we're restructuring so the business can survive and grow stronger, they said in a social media post last week. We had to make the difficult decision to close stores in order to even have the opportunity to build a future. This decision wasn't easy, but it was necessary. Taylor Chips owners told The Independent that the company has a 7A loan through NewTek Bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), with a remaining balance of $1.8m. An SBA spokesperson told The Independent in a statement:The SBA maintains strict privacy policies and does not disclose information about specific individual or business loans. This includes details related to programs such as PPP, COVID EIDL, or any other SBA-administered assistance. The Taylor Chip locations in Manheim Township, Gordonville, Hershey and York, Pennsylvania, will remain open, the owners said. The couple said they will refocus Taylor Chip on its roots by prioritizing rural locations, expanding online sales and building the future of the brand, including its nutrition line. Building something from nothing means taking risks, and not every bet pays off the way you expect, Doug Taylor said in a statement. Were proud of what we built in Philadelphia, even though it didnt work the way we hoped. This decision allows us to protect the heart of the brand, take care of our team, and keep building for the long term. If youre in the middle of a hard chapter, keep going, it doesnt define you, and its rarely the end of the story. Earlier this month, the Taylors pointed to significant permitting delays in Philadelphia as a major factor in the companys financial troubles. Both of Taylor Chip's Philadelphia locations have closed as the Pennsylvania cookie company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection (Google Maps) What was expected to be about a six-month process to open the Philadelphia stores after signing the leases in late 2022 stretched to nearly two years, leaving the locations unable to generate revenue while expenses continued to pile up. Without outside investors, the Taylors said they relied on creative financing to stay afloat, but the Philadelphia locations ultimately could not produce enough income to cover the debt created during those extended delays. Like many businesses in our communities, Taylor Chip started small. No investors. Just a maxed out credit card and a passion for making desserts with better ingredients and a community that was looking for the same thing, the Taylors said in a social media post last week. As we grew, we took on bigger risks. Some worked. Some didn't. That's part of building a business. Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article referenced a Paycheck Protection Program loan which was not part of the companys outstanding liabilities. Ukraines anti-corruption agency has accused a former energy minister of laundering millions of dollars. German Galushchenko, who led the department from 2021 until 2025, was detained by border guards on Monday as he tried to leave the country on a train, officials said. Investigators said the charges were related to an alleged scheme involving offshore companies benefiting his relatives. Galushchenko - also known as Herman Halushchenko - has denied wrongdoing. The arrest is the latest high-profile move under Operation Midas, a sweeping probe into allegations of graft around state nuclear power company Energoatom that has rocked the government at a critical time for diplomacy. Anti-corruption investigators have rebounded after a law that would have limited their independence was scrapped under public and foreign pressure last year. But Ukraine still has a long way to go to fully rid itself of corruption, experts say. Volodmyr Zelenskys government has had to contest with a mounting anti-corruption probe (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER) What is Operation Midas? Anti-corruption investigators announced Operation Midas last November as they identified a large-scale corruption scheme in the countrys energy sector. Midas takes its name from the king of Greek mythology, who turned everything he touched into gold. Behind the probe was the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), who said their discovery was the result of 15 months of wiretapping work and cited 1,000 hours of audio recordings and more than 70 raids. At the heart of the probe was $100 million in funds that NABU said had been laundered by an alleged criminal organisation consisting of current and former energy officials, government ministers, a former deputy prime minister, and a businessman. The corruption investigation comes as millions of Ukrainians have been left without power by Russia attacks (Reuters) The accused are said to have manipulated contracts at Energoatom, Ukraines state nuclear energy company, to take kickbacks - secret payments, like a bribe, made in exchange for a favour. NABU said the group took bribes from contractors worth some 10-15 per cent of each contracts value. Crucially, some of these contracts were handed out to build up fortifications against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Meanwhile the winter - Ukraines coldest in more than 15 years - has hit hard as Russian strikes have left millions without power. Who has been affected? Investigators claim to have traced the scheme to Timur Mindich, a film producer and co-owner of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskys former TV studio, Kvartal95. The two were close until at least 2021, when Mindich held a surprise party for Zelensky at his flat, during the lockdowns. Mindich fled Ukraine in the night of 10 November 2025, just hours before NABU enforcers raided his home. The case had continued to shake Ukraines top leadership and last year led to the resignation of Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following a raid on his home. He was not accused of wrongdoing, and said he would cooperate. German Galushchenko (centre) was stopped trying to leave the country on Monday, officials said (REUTERS) Prosecutors also claimed that Rustem Umerov, former defence minister and current secretary of Ukraines State Security and Defense Council, was pressured to buy cheaply made Chinese bulletproof vests at extortionate rates. He has not been charged and has denied wrongdoing, saying the contract was terminated due to the products failure to meet requirements. Investigators have made strides in their work since the government relented on a law that would have limited their independence last summer. Ukraine saw the first major protests in the streets since the 2022 invasion in July after Zelensky suggested reining NABU and SAPO in to cleanse them of what he called Russian influence. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskys close aide and chief of staff with a central role in diplomacy, stepped down last year after his house was raided by anti-corruption investigators (Reuters) How widespread is corruption in Ukraine? Ukraine inherited a legacy of corruption when it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite the considerable strides of NABU and SAPO since 2015, corruption remains endemic. Today, 87 per cent of Ukrainians perceive corruption as a widespread phenomenon, according to a survey of more than 1,000 respondents last summer. This is more sharply felt in rural communities. But only seven per cent of respondents believe corruption has improved as a whole since last year. Last year, Transparency International - an organisation monitoring corruption around the world - gave Ukraine a score of 36 out of 100 in the Corruption Perceptions Index, with a lower score reflecting higher rates of corruption. The UK, by comparison, received a score of 70 in 2025, reflecting a steady backslide from 82 over the last decade. Andrii Borovyk, executive director at Transparency International Ukraine, said that despite limited improvements - such as a push for greater transparency on the handling of seized assets - reforms have been overshadowed by efforts to limit the independence of the anti-corruption agencies, until they collapsed under public and international pressure. A woman chants while holding a banner that reads, Corruption Applauds, during a protest against a law targeting anti-corruption institutions in central Kyiv (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Thanks to those protests, we were able to defend the independence of the anti-corruption bodies, and the resulting +1 point in the Corruption Perceptions Index can be viewed as a positive sign, he said. This is the result of the work of the HACC, the NABU, and the SAPOand the result of societys efforts in defending their independence. Ukraine has a concrete reform plan available, the group assessed in its 2025 summary, but did not demonstrate real progress or readiness to implement it. Battling corruption remains a key priority in Ukraine's reform effort as it eyes membership of the European Union, which requires the country shake off the decades-old scourge of graft. As Operation Midas now continues to rock Ukraine, Energoatom CEO Pavlo Kovtonenko said last week that the company had taken a number of steps to prevent the recurrence of corruption schemes in the future. Given the overcrowding crisis in Britains prisons and the fact that the criminal justice system is teetering on the brink of collapse, it is doubly troubling that there are still around 2,400 people in prison under the discredited system of imprisonment for public protection (IPP). There is good reason to believe that at least some of these men and women, many of them incarcerated long ago for relatively minor offences, could be released or let out on licence with no risk to the public. Instead, they remain in captivity, serving literally indefinite sentences, with some harshly punished even for minor breaches of their parole conditions. It is a grotesque system. It is time to end the injustice and to free up the much-needed cells for criminals who genuinely deserve to be there. Yet, as The Independent reveals, under the current inadequate plan to deal with these distressing cases, by 2030 there will still be at least 500 people under lock and key with no release date and quite possibly many more. Indefinite sentences are a bizarre perversion of the concept of justice and the simple principle of making the punishment fit the crime. They were introduced during the Blair administration, the unhappy result of a moral panic about crime, as a way of detaining those deemed a risk to the public but whose offences were not serious enough to justify long custodial terms. Illogically, they were sent down for what might actually and sometimes has turned out to be longer stretches than those served by some murderers. The denial of natural justice and elimination of hope has, entirely predictably, led to the breakdown of prisoners mental health, and affected their behaviour and also their capacity for rehabilitation even if they have resisted the temptation to self-harm or take their own lives. It must be acknowledged that the spectrum of IPP inmates ranges from property offences to major sexual crimes. But none deserve an endless sentence, least of all one that serves no useful purpose for the public. So discredited and impractical did the IPP system become that it was abolished in 2012. Even the toughest of law and order politicians have no desire to revive an almost literal policy of lock em up and throw away the key. There are individuals jailed for the robbery of mobile phones or bicycles decades ago who are still paying their debt to society many years later. The home secretary responsible for introducing IPP, David Blunkett, no softy, has since denounced the policy. No one now defends it. Yet for this beleaguered group still languishing in prison, it remains very much in operation. The government is attempting to address these injustices through an IPP action plan. It misses the point and is likely to miss its own deadlines. The fundamental flaw is its reliance on the ordinary parole system to deal with what are plainly extraordinary cases. In doing so, it effectively doubles down on the original mistake attempting to make the unworkable workable with the predictable result that progress on orderly release, proper reassessment and reintegration into the community has been painfully slow. Clockwise from top left: Abdullahi Suleman, Shaun Anton Lloyd, Joshua McRae, Leroy Douglas and Wayne Williams have been given IPP jail sentences (Supplied) What both natural justice and practical necessity dictate is a mechanism for resentencing, taking into account all relevant factors the original crime, time served, subsequent conduct, mental and physical health, the risk to public safety and the likelihood of reoffending. The tragedy is that the sheer length of incarceration, and the strain it has imposed, has in some cases made individuals less capable of release than they might have been a decade ago. But whether safe for release or not, every case deserves to be re-examined under a dedicated resentencing regime and resolved in a rational and proportionate manner. It is disappointing that David Lammy, the justice secretary, and Lord Timpson, the prisons minister, both with experience in this field, should still preside over such a scandalous and inhumane situation. Perhaps they lack a clear solution. Perhaps they are wary of retrospective correction. Or perhaps they fear the political and media backlash should a released IPP prisoner commit a further heinous offence. None of these is sufficient reason to perpetuate a thoroughly unjust and potentially dangerous system. Those who present a genuine threat must, of course, remain in custody. But the victims of IPP deserve to be treated like any other offender. IPP failed long ago; it cannot be salvaged by any action plan. It has damaged too many lives and shattered too many families. It is time to end the nightmare. It even has a cardboard cross Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand. Photograph: Stephen Goodenough (Photograph: Stephen Goodenough) I dont like waste, says Shigeru Ban. Its a simple statement yet it encapsulates everything about the Japanese architects work. He takes materials others might overlook or discard from cardboard tubes to beer crates, styrofoam to shipping containers and subjects them to a kind of alchemy, refining rough edges and transforming fragility into sturdiness. The outcome is a perpetually ingenious and curiously poetic scavenger architecture that finds beauty and purpose in the everyday. From high-end boutiques to housing for refugees, Bans buildings blur the lines between eastern and western design traditions, between the luxurious and the ordinary, and between what constitutes a temporary building and permanent one. The strength of a building has little to do with the strength of its materials But then Ban considers all buildings to be inherently temporary. In a big city like Los Angeles or Tokyo, he says, large buildings can just disappear, especially in the commercial sector torn down to make way for new ones that will make more money for developers. Whereas a building made of paper can be permanent, as long as people cherish it. Recently awarded the 2026 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, and due to give a lecture at the Royal Geographical Society in London this week, Ban is a globetrotter on the architectural circuit. But he is still consumed by his core mission to improve peoples lives, especially in areas of disaster and conflict. He is building a new hospital in Lviv, in the less war-ravaged west of Ukraine, using cross-laminated timber. Ukraine has one of the biggest laminated timber factories in eastern Europe, he says. They used to export it to Canada and the US but now they cant. So theyre looking for an opportunity to deploy it within Ukraine. For Ban, architecture is a set of flexible systems rather than fixed structures. It should be mobile and responsive. He knows buildings are exposed not only to human vicissitudes but also the cataclysmic impact of geology and weather. Japan is subject to natural disasters that can reshape cities in seconds. Its Meteorological Agency records earthquake activity: mostly low-level rumbles, but as ubiquitous as a spot of rain in the UK. And although its modern buildings are required to conform to the worlds most rigorous standards of seismic design, larger earthquakes can still be catastrophic. In the aftermath of the 1995 Kobe earthquake, which killed more than 5,000 people, Ban designed the Paper Dome, an ostensibly temporary structure to replace the citys destroyed Takatori Catholic Church. Constructed in five weeks by volunteers working with donated materials, and featuring recycled cardboard tubes as columns, its elliptical shape was based on Berninis baroque church of SantAndrea al Quirinale in Rome. Over time it became a symbol of the citys reconstruction, evolving into a community centre that hosted weddings, concerts, meetings and film shows. After 10 years, it was dismantled and shipped to the village of Taomi in Taiwan, which itself had endured an earthquake in 1999. Its still there, says Ban. The idea that you might construct a building out of cardboard tubes invariably precipitates Proustian remembrances of Blue Peters past, where presenters wrestled with the insides of toilet rolls to contrive all manner of creations, from advent calendars to Thunderbirds Tracy Island. Yet where others have a signature style, Ban has a signature material. The term paper architect is often disparagingly applied to architects given to theorising and proposing fanciful schemes but never actually building anything. In Bans case, it literally means he builds with paper. I started developing structures out of recycled paper in 1985, long before people started talking about environmental issues, says Ban. Traditional Japanese buildings employ sliding shoji screens, made from translucent rice paper stretched across timber frames. And Japan has a heritage of exquisite paper-making. But its quite a leap from that to something robust enough to hold up a roof. Ban started looking at the cardboard tubes that are a staple of the textile industry as cores for bolts of fabric. Rather like the insides of toilet rolls, you never see the tubes until the fabric has been exhausted, and then they are quickly discarded. They were stronger than I expected so I started testing them more seriously, he says. I knew that the strength of a building has little to do with the strength of its materials. Concrete buildings can easily be destroyed by an earthquake while many centuries-old timber buildings survive. The Christchurch authorities emailed saying: Are you the architect who can design a temporary church free of charge? Ban collaborated with renowned Japanese structural engineer Gengo Matsui, an expert in traditional materials such as bamboo, and their experimentation with cardboard tubes fed into the development of a new type of building system one that was eventually approved by the Japanese Ministry of Construction. Essentially, says Ban, I developed a new way of using an existing yet disregarded material. As well as the Paper Dome, Ban devised simple, modular houses for Kobes Vietnamese community displaced by the 1995 earthquake. Walls fabricated from cardboard tubes were supported on foundations made of sandbag-filled beer crates, enclosed by a light roof of tent sheeting. He also designed lightweight partitioning made of cardboard tubes and fabric screens, for use in large halls where displaced citizens might take refuge. People had to sleep on the floor without any privacy, says Ban. I believe privacy is the most basic human right, but the government didnt care. Now his partitioning system is officially employed all over Japan in evacuation or disaster relief scenarios. It was even used after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine when refugees started fleeing into neighbouring countries. The experience led Ban to establish the Voluntary Architects Network, an NGO that develops temporary housing and other buildings for victims of natural disasters and conflicts, from Pakistan to Altadena. Employing low-cost, recyclable local materials and local labour, it aims to bridge the gap between immediate disaster relief and the construction of more permanent structures. Sometimes Ban is directly commissioned, other times he just goes where he thinks he is needed. Larger-scale buildings have included a temporary concert hall for LAquila in central Italy, to support the post-earthquake reconstruction of a city famous for its classical music scene. The project was jointly announced by the Italian and Japanese governments at the 2009 G8 summit, relocated to LAquila, where a bemused Silvio Berlusconi brandished a section of one of Bans cardboard tubes. You could almost say that cardboard has an affinity with the divine. The now famous Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand, was constructed in the wake of the 2011 earthquake, which badly damaged the citys 19th-century cathedral designed by English gothic revivalist George Gilbert Scott. I got an email from the Christchurch authorities, Ban recalls. They said, You must be the architect who can design a temporary church free of charge. An array of cardboard tubes 60cm in diameter, reinforced with laminated timber, make up the cathedrals soaring A-frame. Above the altar, theres even a tubular cardboard cross. Its not all hair-shirt pragmatism, though. Ban is equally at home in Ginza, Tokyos insanely glamorous shopping district, contriving luxury boutiques for fashion houses or in Speyside in the Scottish Highlands, the holy land of whisky, where he is currently working on a distillery with an elaborately arboreal structure that would not look out of place in The Lord of the Rings. He has also designed an art museum with a distinctive basket-weave facade in the Colorado ski resort of Aspen, and an outpost of Pariss Pompidou Centre in the eastern French city of Metz, topped by a meringue peaked roof that seems to have more in common with the extravagances of Frank Gehry. But Bans outlook is not that of a typical starchitect. Architects work mainly for people with wealth and power, he says. And because wealth and power are invisible, were hired to create monuments to them. I want to use my experience not only for the privileged, but also for the person who has seen their home destroyed. Ban is currently working on the reconstruction of houses on Japans Noto Peninsula, which were destroyed by an earthquake on New Years Day 2024 that killed more than 700 people. It will incorporate timber recycled from a vast ring-shaped installation designed for last years Osaka Expo by fellow Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. The original official plan was to dismantle and burn what was billed as the worlds largest timber structure. But I thought that was such a waste, says Ban. So I proposed some of the timber be used in post-earthquake reconstruction. Were also salvaging roof tiles and other material from ruined houses. As ever, waste not, want not. Shigeru Ban Complete Works 1985-Today is published by Taschen. Ban is delivering the RIBA LKE Ozolins lecture at Londons Royal Geographical Society on 18 February Sir Keir Starmer issued a direct plea to London parents to get their children vaccinated against measles as health chiefs were scrambling to contain a big outbreak in the north of the capital. The Prime Ministers intervention highlighted how worried the Government is about the outbreak in Enfield. Its concerning to see more children getting measles, Sir Keir, MP for Holborn and St Pancras, messaged on X. Were urging all parents to check their children are up to date with their recommended vaccinations. He stressed that vaccines are safe, effective and can be life saving. Its concerning to see more children getting measles. Vaccines are safe, effective and can be life saving. Were urging all parents to check their children are up to date with their recommended vaccinations. Our country expects its leaders to stand firmly behind science to Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 17, 2026 Taking a swipe at Nigel Farages Reform UK for giving a stage to a doctor who wrongly claimed Covid jabs were linked to cancers affecting the King and Princess of Wales, the PM added: Public health isnt a culture war. Its about keeping our communities safe. Our country expects its leaders to stand firmly behind science to protect our children, not to give oxygen to conspiracy theories. Earlier, a minister warned that conspiracy theories about the safety of the measles vaccine must be busted to stop outbreaks in London. Health minister Stephen Kinnock stressed that the Government was very concerned about the big outbreak in north London. Health chiefs were racing to understand how the virus was spreading in Enfield to prevent the outbreak from taking hold in a wider area. Dozens of cases have already been reported. In a worst case scenario, health bosses say 160,000 Londoners could be infected by the virus in a huge outbreak. We are very concerned about this, Mr Kinnock told BBC Breakfast on the north London outbreak. Its so important that people get vaccinated, and its so important as well that they get their children vaccinated. Dismissing discredited claims of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, he stressed that the jab was completely safe in terms of the science. He added: Its very important that we bust all of these myths that there are around vaccination and conspiracy theories. Theyre all total nonsense. Lets have that sensible and robust conversation and get the word out there that people need to get vaccinated, and need to get their children vaccinated too. Children who missed the measles vaccine are encourage to catch up (PA Archive) Pressed on Enfield reportedly having a lower vaccination rate than Malawi and only slightly better than Afghanistan, he stressed: We need to really get to the bottom of why thats happening. Whats happening in Enfield, which really is inhibiting people from getting these vaccinations. He emphasised the need to change behaviours to boost vaccination rates, which are low in many parts of London, and reduce the risk of measle outbreaks. The UK Health Security Agency reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield from January 1 to February 9. Experts have warned that the uptake of vaccines against measles has stalled in recent years (PA Media) The health bosses stressed that there is now a big measles outbreak in parts of London mainly affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10. More than 60 suspected cases of measles have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in Enfield, according to reports. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated. While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA (UKHSA) Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: Our latest data shows we are now seeing a big measles outbreak in north-east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries, with some being hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long-term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine. Global health officials announced earlier this year the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles. Figures published last August by the UKHSA showed just 64.3% of five-year-olds in Enfield had received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25 - one of the lowest rates in the country. Enfield Council said it is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency, the NHS and local partners to respond to the outbreak of measles in the borough. There is no treatment for measles, only the vaccination to prevent catching it, which is part of the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) injection. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide high levels of protection and help prevent further outbreaks. Cyclist fined for riding no-handed in London by police reveals new twist in case A cyclist who was fined for riding his bike no-handed has had his case dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Barrister Paul Powlesland claimed that City of London Police had ticketed him under the Human Rights Act last July. He contested the fine, which he described as utterly bonkers, as he felt it was not illegal to ride whilst not touching the handlebars. Footage taken by Powlesland shows him confronting an officer about a ticket.City of London Police said that the footage shared by Powlesland in July 2025 was actually filmed in April 2025, when he confronted the same officer that gave him a ticket the month prior. The cyclist approached the officer and during their chat, the Human Rights Act was mentioned, the force said. He was not issued a ticket during this interaction. Sharing an update to the case on X on Thursday (12 February), Powlesland said the case had been dropped due to insufficient evidence. The CPS said: Mr Powlesland was originally charged by the police with riding a bike without due care and attention and the case sent to court. "With police charged cases, after they have been charged they must be reviewed by the CPS to see if the case should continue. After review, we concluded there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and discontinued proceedings. Dame Prue Leith was sung a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday by the audience after strutting the catwalk at London Fashion Week. The TV cook walked the runway ahead of her 86th birthday on Wednesday, as she modelled for eco-designers Vin+Omi during their show at The Artotel in Hoxton. Dame Prue wore a pink ruffled shirt and orange suit, paired with an extravagant floral headpiece, as part of an ensemble created from holly, nettles, butterbur, wood clippings and recycled aluminium. Her tailored orange suit was made from fabric developed using waste clippings of holly from the Kings Sandringham estate as part of the designers collaboration with Charles. After the show came to a close, the broadcaster received a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday from the audience, ahead of her turning 86 on February 18. Among the stars in the crowd were Dame Prues husband, retired fashion designer John Playfair, and broadcaster Charlene White. Dame Prue Leiths husband John Playfair, Alison Hammond, Matt Lucas and Charlene White at the Vin+Omi show (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok) Her former co-stars from Channel 4s The Great British Bake Off were also in the audience with the shows current host Alison Hammond sitting next to former presenter Matt Lucas. It comes after Dame Prue announced last month that she would be stepping down from her role as a judge on the popular baking show after nine years. She wrote in The Spectator that she chose to leave the show because of a desire to work less and play more. The TV star has previously been a judge on BBC cooking show Great British Menu, and has been actively involved in food education over her six-decade career. She was made a dame in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting and charity. One X-ray from a file of medical records for patients treated at a single hospital in Iran during the recent protests. Almost 30 patients had been shot in the face with metal birdshot. Photograph: supplied (Photograph: supplied) Across the planes of Anahitas* face, white dots shine like a constellation. Some gleam from inside the sockets of her eyes, others are scattered over the young womans chin, forehead, cheekbones. A few float over the dark expanse of her brain. Each dot represents a metal sphere, about 2-5mm in size, fired from the barrel of a shotgun and revealed by the X-ray camera for a CT scan. Shot from a distance, the projectiles, known as birdshot, spray widely, losing some of their momentum. At close range, they can crack bone, blast through the soft tissue of the face, and easily pierce the eyeballs delicate globe. Anahita, who is in her early 20s, has lost at least one eye, possibly both. The image of Anahitas head is one of more than 75 sets of medical images primarily X-rays and CT scans shared with the Guardian from one hospital in a major city in Iran, taken over the course of a single evening during the regimes January crackdown on protesters. The plain, grayscale images tell their own story of the deadly violence inflicted on protesters and onlookers by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They provide further evidence of events described by doctors and protesters across Iran, where guards switched from more traditional crowd control to opening fire with high-calibre assault rifles and shotguns. The records present a pattern of people being shot in the face, chest and genitals, a trend also seen in the 2022 Women, life, freedom protests. Collectively, they help to illustrate the scale of bloodshed, showing dozens of life-threatening injuries appearing at a single hospital in a midsize city within a few hours. Many of the images reveal catastrophic injuries that may be fatal even with immediate surgical treatment. The scan of Vahid*, a young man, shows a large-calibre bullet embedded in his neck, his trachea pushed to the right as blood pools and the damaged tissue swells. Scans of another man, middle-aged, show a bullet suspended in his brain, along with a large bubble of gas inside the skull, indicating a devastating brain injury. Medical experts describe it as likely not survivable. Two more young men have large-calibre bullets lodged next to their spines. The scan of a young woman shows a deformed bullet that appears to have entered the ribcage under her right arm, torn through the lung, where gas and blood have built up, and come to rest at the left of her spine. If youre firing those kind of weapons at people you are, you are trying to kill them Trauma imaging expert As part of a joint investigation between the Guardian and factchecking platform Factnameh, the images have been assessed by a panel of health and ballistics experts outside Iran, including an emergency medicine doctor, a radiologist and a trauma imaging specialist. The images have also been assessed by an independent Iranian former ER doctor, who says the software used to capture them is consistent with that used in the hospital concerned and that they show no signs of tampering. Descriptions of the extent of the likely injuries are based on the doctors assessments, although they caution that without full medical notes and multiple sets of imaging, they cannot make definitive diagnostic statements about individual patients. Dr Rohini Haar, an emergency doctor, adjunct professor at UC Berkeley and medical adviser to Physicians for Human Rights who has reviewed the files, says the cases are shocking in their number and severity. Using live ammunition and large-gauge bullets against so many individuals is extremely unusual and notable, even globally. A radiologist and trauma imaging expert who has reviewed the images says that the group of patients would constitute absolutely a mass casualty situation. Even for our large hospitals [in the US] that would be a mass casualty alert that would overwhelm hospital resources. Medical experts note that the images would only reflect patients that doctors think they can save, and who have survived to the point where doctors are able to administer detailed scans. Most people shot by a high-calibre round to the head, for example, wouldnt have got to a CT scan, they say. During a mass casualty event, hospitals are forced to prioritise the cases that are life-threatening but treatable without requiring extensive resources, Haar says, meaning that the scans would only represent a small subset of the injured people who presented that night. Iran is one of a small number of states where armed forces and police use metal birdshot. While an individual birdshot pellet does not cause as much damage as a bullet, they can still be catastrophic. At long range, when the pellets spray outward, they will hit a crowd indiscriminately. Even a single pellet can cause terrible damage. The X-rays show several cases where just one or two pellets are present in the skull (indicating the person was likely hit at longer range), but they appear to have pierced the eye and come to rest in the socket. At close range, a person may be pierced by hundreds of pellets, causing the destruction of all surrounding soft tissue. Her face was covered in blood, and her younger brother was shaking uncontrollably the eye could not be saved Member of surgery staff X-rays of the chest of Ali* show more than 174 metal pellets sprayed into his right chest cavity, the metal balls tightly packed, indicating he was shot at extremely close range. His right lung has partially collapsed, and is surrounded by leaking blood and gas. Even with extensive, immediate surgical intervention, his risk of death would be very high, medical experts who have reviewed the images say. People think birdshot is less deadly than live ammunition. Its not, Haar says. When youre firing at point-blank range, all of those metal balls are penetrating theyre like 100 tiny bullets. As well as the violence of the injuries, the X-rays are notable for the patterns they reveal: case after case shows patients shot at short to medium range in the face, chest and genitals. Twenty-nine patients whose records have been viewed by the Guardian have been shot in the face with birdshot. Safie*, a middle-aged woman, still wears simple jewellery in the first CT scan of her head: the thin chain of a necklace dangles against the dark grey of her neck. Also lit up are the metal beads that have burrowed deep into the tissue of her brain. The scans show the progress of medical teams efforts to save Safie: a craniotomy, in which a section of the skull is removed either to perform surgery, or to relieve the pressure of the injured, swelling brain crushing against the skull. Later images show that some metal pellets have been removed from the skull, but more than 20 remain embedded in her head and neck. It is not known whether she survived. At least nine have been shot in the genital or pelvic area with birdshot or, in three cases, with high-calibre rifles. One woman, middle aged, has been shot in the groin, and has almost 200 metal balls distributed into her thighs and pelvic area. A 35-year-old man has similar injuries: birdshot scattered across his groin. According to the medical analysis commissioned by the Guardian, the injuries could cause serious disfigurement as well as serious injuries to the genitals, perineum, rectum, and urinary bladder. They conclude: Bladder and bowel incontinence, sterility and impotence are possible long-term outcomes. In nine of the patients, the high-calibre bullets are still embedded in the body and clearly visible in the scans. In another seven, the bullet is not visible, but ballistics and medical experts agree that the injuries shown such as a femur bone shattered along a clear pathway, with metal fragments are extremely likely to have been caused by a high-velocity bullet. The images showing projectiles have been analysed by two independent ballistics experts, who identify the bullets as full metal jacket rounds consistent with those fired from assault rifles such the AK-47 or KL-133 weapons used by the IRGC. Full metal jacket bullets often do not deform on impact, holding a clear bullet shape. These are lethal purpose weapons, says ballistics expert NR Jenzen-Jones, director of Armament Research Services, who has assessed a subset of the images. In their review of the images, one of the medical analysts describes them as the kind of injuries you would see in wartime: those are chest shots with a military weapon. If youre firing those kind of weapons at people, you are trying to kill them. Haar adds: These are not the kind of little bullets that we usually see even in policing in the US. These are a whole different level of weapon. The X-rays provide further evidence for a growing body of testimony from doctors on the ground treating those injuries, who say damage they have witnessed is catastrophic. Many report conducting dozens of surgeries to remove the eyes of those struck, including teenagers and children. One medic, Dr Ahmad*, whose identity and credentials have been verified by the Guardian, passes on comments from a surgery colleague who treated a very large number of penetrating eye injuries. His youngest patient was a 14-year-old girl, who was brought in by her parents and her brother. Her face was covered in blood, and her younger brother was shaking uncontrollably, he says. The parents say the family was at a demonstration when security forces began firing from the roof of a civilian building. She was shot directly in the left eye [causing] devastating damage. The injury was so severe that the eye could not be saved and had to be surgically removed. Ahmad says he has spoken to colleagues across the country who report a recurring pattern of deliberate gunshot injuries targeting specific organs, most notably the eyes and heart, and less frequently the genital region. These injuries commonly involve penetrating eye trauma, globe rupture, severe intraocular bleeding, retinal damage, and permanent vision loss. The pattern of injuries strongly suggests an intent to cause permanent disability rather than unintended harm, he says, and is difficult to reconcile with random gunfire in chaotic environments and instead points toward deliberate targeting of vital and symbolically significant body parts. Another doctor inside Iran, whose identity and medical credentials were verified by the Guardian, says those arriving in the emergency department ranged from grandparents to toddlers. They came in with gunshots and also pellets in different locations on the body to the chest, the abdomen, limbs, genitals basically the entire body. Live ammunition wounds from pistols, AK47s, he says. Among the older people was a grandmother in her mid-60s, brought in by her family. She had been caught in the violence when trying to pick up her granddaughter, and was shot at extremely close range by a pellet-loaded shotgun. Pellet had spread all across her body, the doctor says. Staff made two CPR attempts, but the woman died. I am still trying to cope with it, he says. You can only witness so much. * Names have been changed New verification reinforces Natracare's commitment to safer ingredients and transparency CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Natracare , the pioneering organic personal care and plastic-free period products leader, is proud to be able to include its Safe to Flush Moist Tissues in its Environmental Working Group's EWG VERIFIED certified group of products. Natracare Natracare's Safe to Flush Moist Tissues are EWG Verified The EWG VERIFIED mark endorses that the ingredients of Natracare's Safe to Flush Moist Tissues have been individually subjected to stringent reviews by EWG scientists and met all of EWG's strictest standards for transparency and health. It is important for both consumers and retailers that products are scrutinized and validated by independent organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) because it adds a trusted layer of scientific review that helps cut through marketing claims and ensures higher standards for safety and transparency. Third-party validation builds confidence, reduces risk and empowers smarter purchasing decisions grounded in credible, health-focused criteria. Natracare's Safe to Flush Moist Tissues do not contain any ingredients on EWG's "unacceptable list" and, therefore, adhere to their stringent standards for health. Listed under EWG's Skin Deep program, the Safe to Flush Moist Tissues are made with ingredients that "do not pose significant human health concerns," which is comforting to consumers. With this new verification, Natracare's Safe to Flush Moist Tissues now join the brand's organic baby wipes and organic makeup remover wipes, which were previously verified as meeting EWG's strictest health standards. Natracare Safe to Flush Moist Tissues are a revolutionary product made from totally chlorine-free 100% paper tissue and meticulously designed with organic and natural ingredients. Certified COSMOS Natural, the product is free of plastics, binders, synthetic fibers and chemicals of concern, embodying the company's commitment to purity and sustainability. Sourced from wood pulp derived from sustainably managed forests, the moist tissue is infused with COSMOS-certified organic and natural ingredients, making the whole moist tissue 99.7% certified natural-origin ingredients, aligning seamlessly with Natracare's ethos of environmental stewardship. Additionally, Natracare Safe to Flush moist tissues are third-party tested. Susie Hewson, owner and founder of Natracare, states, "Natracare pursued the EWG VERIFIED certification for our Safe to Flush Moist Tissues to further showcase our commitment to products that are nontoxic, sustainable and ethical." EWG's Skin Deep database has been a practical resource for consumers seeking to avoid exposure to chemicals of concern in personal care products for almost two decades. Building on that effort, the EWG VERIFIED mark exemplifies to consumers that Natracare's Safe to Flush Moist Tissues meet EWG's strictest criteria for health and is an important addition to Natracare's other awards and certifications . To learn more about Natracare's EWG verification, visit www.ewg.org . ABOUT NATRACARE Founded in 1989 by environmental activist Susie Hewson, Natracare has been pioneering organic, plastic-free period and personal care products for more than three decades, helping redefine safe, sustainable care for our bodies and our living planet. As the first brand to introduce a commercially available certified-organic option to conventional period products, Natracare set a new industry standard grounded in transparency, health and environmental responsibility. Natracare products are made with organic and natural materials and are designed to be kinder to skin and to the planet. The brand holds leading certifications and accreditations, including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), COSMOS Organic and COSMOS Natural, Nordic Ecolabel, USDA Biobased, the Seedling Mark for compostability, Vegan and EWG Verified status for select products, validating its commitment to rigorous ethical, environmental and health standards. Natracare is also a Certified B Corp. As a member of 1% for the Planet, the company donates one percent of its annual turnover to environmental causes. Natracare's mission is to drive change to ensure access to organic and sustainable period and personal care products by putting people and planet first. Natracare is not just a brand; it's a movement. Learn more at www.natracare.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Swinney [email protected] 312-291-1099 SOURCE Natracare James Watson with three women at Jeffrey Epsteins Manhattan home. The document is one of his scientific papers A Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the structure of DNA posed with women at Jeffrey Epsteins New York mansion, new photographs reveal. Images unearthed by The Telegraph show James Watson, who died in November aged 97, smiling alongside three young women in a grand reception room in the paedophiles Manhattan townhouse. It is unclear when the pictures were taken, although they appear to be from the mid to late 2010s years after Epstein was released from jail on a child-sex offence. Emails previously published by the US department of justice had hinted at a friendship between Epstein and Watson, but the photographs place the controversial American scientist at one of the paedophiles homes for the first time. They underline the extent to which Epstein brought Watson into his inner circle, with the pair apparently sharing a dark interest in genetics. Watson with one of the women and a paper he had written about cancers and anti-oxidants Watson is credited with identifying the double helix structure of DNA in 1953 alongside Francis Crick, his British colleague. The discovery earned them the 1962 Nobel Prize for Medicine. However, he was plunged into controversy decades later over his comments on race and genetics, leading to the scientific community ostracising him by the late 2000s. Watson said in a 2007 interview he was inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa because all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours whereas all the testing says not really. He apologised for the remarks and cancelled a UK book tour shortly afterwards, but was stripped of his honorary scientific titles in 2019 after doubling down on the comments in a documentary. Epstein tried to persuade Nobel Prize winners to contribute their DNA to a sperm bank Epstein appeared to endorse Watsons widely discredited views. In a 2016 email exchange with Noam Chomsky, an American academic, the financier claimed, baselessly, that the test score gap . amongst african americans is well documented. His email continued: James Watson , had some of his private views made public and hence his dismissal from society. he told me that after one sentence he became an un-person. Making thigns [sic] better might require accepting some uncomfortable facts. The billionaire financier is thought to have held a perverse fascination with eugenics the discredited idea that the human race could be improved through selective breeding. An email conversation with Joscha Bach, a German cognitive scientist and an influential figure in AI, suggests Epstein was interested in the genetically modifying black people to make them smarter. In a message to Epstein in July 2016, Mr Bach wrote if I understand correctly, you are suggesting [...] you might be able to make blacks smarter by changing the time for motor layer development. Mr Bach has distanced himself from such views. He said in a statement in November that he continued to associate with Epstein after he was released from jail because highly respected academics recommended him as a funding source for research. Epstein also appears to have discussed a scheme to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at his vast New Mexico ranch. The sex offender modelled his plans on the Repository for Germinal Choice, a sperm bank established in California in 1980. The founders had hoped the bank would be stocked with Nobel laureates to improve the human gene pool, but only one laureate contributed before the facility closed in 1999. Epstein frequently discussed plans to implement the idea with prominent scientists, according to a New York Times investigation from 2019, although there is no evidence it ever came to fruition. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Mr Watson at Epsteins New York townhouse. However, the photographs unearthed by The Telegraph highlight Epsteins efforts to cultivate close relationships with leaders in fields such as science, business and politics. Previous Epstein files releases have highlighted other prominent scientists in the financiers circle, including Prof Stephen Hawking and Larry Summers, a former Harvard president. Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while facing sex-trafficking charges, exchanged dozens of emails about Watson with associates, including many discussing breakfast and dinner arrangements with the scientist. In one such case, emails show Epstein asking his friends to prepare questions for Watson on genetics ahead of meetings. Epstein also purchased Mr Watsons 2002 autobiography, Genes, Girls, and Gamow: After the Double Helix in 2014. A woman Watson is pictured with is holding a document titled Stopping Incurable Cancers Through Eliminating Their Anti-Oxidants a subject Watson published a paper on under a slightly different name in Jan 2013. Watson delivered a lecture on the topic in Denmark in 2017, and an email to Epstein from his assistant in February that year said: Dr. Jim Watson sent you some papers via Fed Ex. I have placed on your dining room table for you. Watsons assistant emailed Epstein the same month and said a Curing Cancer chapter will be mailed separately. Andrew Shephard tipped kittens from a box off Twickenham Bridge (Met Police) A father who drunkenly threw his daughters pet kittens into the River Thames, declaring let them die, has been spared jail. Andrew Shephard was helping his daughter rehome the three young cats when he tipped them from a box into the water from Twickenham Bridge in south west London last November. As he did, he could be heard shouting let them die and I want them to die, Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday. JPs were told the 59-year-old who previously pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal had said he did not know what came over me. The kittens named River, Happy and Lucky are settling into new homes with their rescuers, two of them in Chiswick and one in Suffolk, BBC News reported. River, Happy and Lucky are settling into new homes (BBC News) During his sentencing hearing, prosecutor Manisha Kukadia told the court that the police were called to reports of a male throwing cats into the River Thames. The incident was witnessed by members of the public, who heard Shephard say I want them to die, let them die. There were three kittens in total and while one was saved before it fell in, the other two were wet and muddy but alive when they were found by police officers. The animals were both said to be in shock and their temperature had dropped below 33C. The court heard the kittens belonged to Shephards daughter, who had given them to her father in order to help rehome them. Ms Kukadia said the defendants daughter was not aware of his actions in relation to the incident on the bridge. After the incident, Shephard spoke to police and told them he felt bad about the situation and had shown remorse. He stated he was very drunk at the time and had a problem with alcohol, and that his daughter could no longer keep the kittens. The prosecutor said: There was a clear intention for the kittens to be killed so its extreme and deliberate in nature. Twickenham Bridge in southwest London (Gareth Richman) The aggravating factor is the fact that there was use of alcohol at the time he did say he was intoxicated. The defendant, who represented himself, told the court: I feel bad for what I done. Im not normally like that. I just dont know what came over me at the time. I was incapacitated by alcohol. Addressing the defendant, magistrate Elizabeth Evans JP said: We have listened carefully to what you told us, we have listened carefully to the background of this case which is very unpleasant. Its quite clear that this crosses the custody threshold its serious enough in sentencing terms to justify a prison sentence. Ms Evans said however that his sentence will be suspended, adding that the probation service believes the defendant has a good chance of rehabilitation. Shephard, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 17 weeks imprisonment, suspended for a period of 18 months. He must also complete 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, pay a 154 surcharge, and pay 85 costs. Essex Police are assessing information regarding private flights departing and landing at Stansted airport after the release of the Epstein files. Nearly 90 flights linked to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein had arrived at or left from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018, some with British women on board who say they were abused by Epstein, according to a BBC investigation in December. Last week, former prime minister Gordon Brown called for British police to urgently re-examine claims that women or girls were trafficked to the UK aboard these flights in an article for the New Statesman. Mr Brown said the recently published files showed the paedophile financiers jet the so-called Lolita Express making 15 flights to or from UK airports after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child. Jeffrey Epsteins private jet Lolita Express (US Department of Justice) An Essex Police spokesperson said: We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files. Stansted airport said previously that all private aircraft at the airport operate through independent operators and passenger checks arriving on private aircraft are carried out directly by Border Force. The BBCs investigation in December found that three of the women who were allegedly trafficked by Epstein were named in his flight records in and out of the UK. Mr Brown said: The emails tell us in graphic detail how Epstein was able to use Stansted airport he boasted how cheap the airport charges were compared to Paris to fly in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Stansted was also where women were transferred from one Epstein plane to another; women arriving on private planes into Britain would not need British visas. Stansted airport said all private aircraft at the airport operate through independent operators (Getty/iStock) The former prime minister said the scale of the trafficking would have become apparent if an investigation had been conducted into the flights. It seems the authorities never knew what was happening: evidence the BBC has uncovered shows incomplete flight logs, with unnamed passengers simply labelled as female. To this day, the names of many of the male passengers are unknown because their names were withheld. In short, British authorities had little or no idea who was being trafficked through our country, and for whom other than Epstein. A Stansted airport spokesperson said: All private aircraft at London Stansted operate through independent Fixed Base Operators, which handle all aspects of private and corporate aviation in line with regulatory requirements. All immigration and customs checks for passengers arriving on private aircraft are carried out directly by Border Force. They use entirely independent terminals not operated by London Stansted and no private jet passengers enter the main airport terminal. The airport does not manage or have any visibility of passenger arrangements on privately operated aircraft. Essex Police is looking into claims that emerged in the Epstein files (Court documents) The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said on Monday a group had been set up to support UK police forces that are assessing allegations following the publication of the Epstein files. Thames Valley Police are reviewing new claims that Epstein sent a woman to the UK to have a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 2010. A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures. We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The force has also held discussions with specialists from the Crown Prosecution Service over allegations that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UKs trade envoy with Epstein. Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed a "victory" after the government abandoned plans to postpone 30 local elections - a decision ballot organisers say has left councils in a "race against time". Labour announced in December that it was planning to push the ballots from May 2026 until 2027 - affecting more than 4.5 million people - to overhaul English council structures. However, on Monday, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it was no longer proceeding with the plan following legal advice, sought after a challenge brought by Reform UK against the government. Politics latest: Which councils are affected? Elections will now take place on 7 May, with a 63m fund available to help local councils across those areas reorganise their structures, with "practical support" also on offer. Mr Farage said the government had "caved" and suggested Local Government Secretary Steve Reed's job should be at risk. "It's a victory for Reform. But more importantly, it's a victory for democracy in this country," Mr Farage declared. The government has agreed to pay Reform's legal fees - something Sky News understands to be a six-figure sum. 'Months of planning time' lost Among those which had been due to miss out were city councils in Lincoln, Exeter, Norwich, Peterborough and Preston, alongside several districts such as Cannock Chase, Harlow, Welwyn Hatfield and West Lancashire. Polling day had also been postponed for county council voters in East Sussex, West Sussex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Labour's U-turn, the party's 15th since coming to power in July 2024, has angered several election administrators. Laura Lock, deputy chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said officials and workers responsible for organising elections have "lost months of essential planning time". "These teams now face an uphill struggle to catch up to where they should be," she said. "They have paused planning to avoid unnecessary cost, but this means they are now playing catch-up." Read more from Sky News: Why Starmer has plenty to use after latest U-turn Boy has UK-first surgery to make him taller Conservative councillor Richard Wright, chair of the District Councils' Network - which represents 169 English councils - said: "Council officers, councillors and local electorates will be bewildered by the unrelenting changes to the electoral timetable. "The councils affected face an unnecessary race against time to ensure elections proceed smoothly and fairly, with polling stations booked and electoral staff available." 'Impossible to plan effectively' Meanwhile, Matthew Hicks, leader of Tory-run Suffolk County Council said that local councils were experiencing "whiplash as major government decisions shift repeatedly and without warning". He added: "This uncertainty makes it almost impossible to plan effectively, deliver stability for residents, or provide clarity for our staff and partners. "There is now a significant question mark over the government's wider agenda for devolution and local government reorganisation." The leader of Labour-run Thurrock Council Lynn Worrall said it was "disappointing that this decision has been reversed so late in the day". Farage is joined by Zia Yusuf, Robert Jenrick, Richard Tice and Suella Braverman at a glitzy event in Westminster - Stefan Rousseau/Stefan Rousseau So, Reform is, officially, no longer a one-man band. But one wonders whether Nigel Farages new shadow quartet is really the dream team the party faithful had hoped for. For Conservatives, the Reform show is becoming a bit like watching a David Lynch film. There are flashes of brilliance that can segue awkwardly into the bizarre. One can respect the fact that they are trying to do things differently. But sometimes we just wish theyd hurry up and get on it. Today was yet another intriguing episode that leaves us wanting more. Nigel Farages struggles to balance his loyalist impulses and his visionary ambitions were on awkward display today. He appointed his most devoted lieutenant, Richard Tice, to head a mammoth new business, trade and energy brief. On the one hand, it had something of a consolation prize about it, after Robert Jenrick the most high-profile Tory defector edged him out of the shadow chancellor job he had long hankered after. Farage says it is just the beginning of Reforms creation of a political dream team - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire On the other hand, Farage made the deliberate choice to introduce Tices role first to elevate its standing. I like Tice. Hes a thinker. Tice wants cheap energy to be the jet fuel of Britains resurgence. And it is striking to hear a classical liberal like him bemoan not just red tape but a lack of joined-up thinking as a reason for collapsed growth. In contrast, Robert Jenricks appointment as shadow chancellor seemed like a politically savvy manoeuvre rather than anything else. While he does have experience in the Treasury, he is best known for his interventions in the migration and integration debates. That said, what was interesting was the bid to craft an economic message grounded in ordinary graft and aspiration. Its a challenge to Labour, whose overly corporate growth message in partnership with (big) business has fallen flat. Zia Yusufs new brief in home affairs is a bold but logical gamble. The cynical reading is that having a self-described British Muslim patriot at the Home Office will enable Reform to deflect some of the cries of racism while pursuing tough policies. But putting someone with no insider experience in charge of the most dysfunctional and broken department in Whitehall is a courageous move. It suggests that perhaps an outsider imbued with a startup move fast and break things ethos can do better than the establishment veterans like Yvette Cooper did. One cant help but wonder whether Bridget Phillipson has met her match in Suella Braverman, Reforms appointment to the education brief. As the co-founder of the excellent Michaela Community School in Wembley, famed for its no-nonsense discipline, she can bring more pioneering expertise to her new brief than naysayers might assume at first glance. Still, it remains to be seen how her vision which entails protecting the successful free school model that was established under the Tories will be different from that of her former party. So these appointments are encouraging, but why has Reforms talent drive taken so long? The party is flirting with the idea of having a cabinet composed of more peers and even some non-parliamentarians who are experts in their field. But at some point Reform needs to end the armchair fantasising and actually take concrete steps to amass the galactic levels of talent it has promised us. A project to recruit experienced frontline doctors and nurses disillusioned with the NHSs brittle bureaucracy in order to craft a plan to overhaul the NHS appears to be floundering. It is unclear whether this is because Reforms vetting process has become paralysingly cautious, or if the surgeons and matrons who might be tempted to join forces fear that Farages toxicity could damage their professional standing. It is also becoming impossible to ignore the elephant in the room that Reform may have a bit of a woman issue. Former magistrate Sarah Pochin intended to own the crime and punishment space but has been sidelined after supposedly rubbing Zia Yusuf up the wrong way and ranting about being driven mad by adverts full of black people. They do need to do better. When I voxpop in the Red Wall, I consistently come across women who love Reforms policies, particularly on immigration, but cant shake off the feeling that there is something thuggish about them. More strong women might help. Nigel Farage was emphatic today that this is just the beginning of Reforms creation of the ultimate political dream team. But with Labour imploding, the party has nowhere to hide as a potential government in waiting. It needs to get its finger out. Misley Mandarin, the leader of the group, at a protest in London last year. Photograph: ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy (Photograph: ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy) Four Chagos Islanders have landed on one of the archipelagos atolls to establish what they say will be a permanent settlement, in an attempt to complicate a British plan to transfer the territory to Mauritius. The Mauritius attorney general said the move was a publicity stunt designed to create conflict over a 2025 agreement with Britain on handing over sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory, which is opposed by some Chagossians who accuse Mauritius of decades of neglect. Mauritius has denied the accusations. Under the deal, Britain would cede control over the islands to Mauritius but lease the largest, Diego Garcia, for 99 years to continue operating a joint US-UK military base there. Misley Mandarin, leader of the four people who landed on Monday on the remote Ile du Coin atoll, said they were living in tents. They expect 10 more arrivals next week and many more in the coming year, he said. Mandarin, who was born in Mauritius, told Reuters that his father, Michel Mandarin, 74, was with him and had been removed from the island aged 14. I am not in exile any more. This is my homeland, he said, adding that he wanted to make it possible for the 322 people who he said were born on Ile du Coin and still alive to come home before they die. He sought to reassure the US that the settlement did not threaten the military base on Diego Garcia. Up to 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed from the archipelago in the 1960s and 1970s and resettled mainly in Mauritius and Britain, with many wanting the right to return to their homeland. The UN committee on the elimination of racial discrimination has urged Britain and Mauritius not to ratify the 2025 agreement, saying it risks perpetuating historical rights violations. The Mauritius attorney general, Gavin Glover, told Radio Plus the group had landed illegally and dismissed the move as a publicity stunt organised to create a situation of conflict with the British government. He said Mauritius would not exercise authority over the Chagos Islands until the treaty was ratified. Earlier this month, Donald Trump watered down his criticism of the UKs plan to hand the Chagos Islands back, saying the deal was the best Keir Starmer could make. The US president had described ceding sovereignty as an act of great stupidity only last month. He also claimed the deal was one of many national security reasons why the US should acquire Greenland. After a phone call with Starmer, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Diego Garcia was strategically situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean and, therefore, of great importance to the National Security of the United States. He said US military operations had succeeded over the past year because of the strength of our war fighters, modern capability of our equipment and, very importantly, the strategic location of our Military Bases. I understand that the deal prime minister Starmer has made, according to many, the best he could make. But Trump added: If the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers U.S. operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia. Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a Base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened by fake claims or environmental nonsense. A spokesperson for the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: The UK government recognises the importance of the islands to the Chagossian community and is working with Mauritius to resume a programme of heritage visits to the Chagos archipelago. This kind of illegal, unsafe stunt is not the way to achieve that. The vessel does not pose any security risk to Diego Garcia. Overstretched? London Heathrow Terminal 5, seen from a departing British Airways aircraft (Simon Calder) The UK desperately needs more aviation capacity and should start building more runways now: that is the view of Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports. For goodness sake, UK, just get on with it, he told The Independents daily travel podcast. Mr Griffiths runs the emirates Dubai hub, which handles more international passengers than any other airport. Dubai took the title from London Heathrow in 2014. Since then Dubai has seen growth of 35 per cent compared with 15 per cent for Heathrow. The two airports compete for global transfer passengers, for example between the US and India. But Mr Griffiths believes a third runway at Heathrow is essential. He said: Heathrow expansion was first discussed in 1946. Surely by now a decision is slightly overdue? The barriers to economic growth by constraining the growth of aviation are serious and probably not widely understood. The economic benefits will kickstart the UK economy in a way that no other industry could do. So please, let's get on with expanding the capacity of airports Heathrow, Gatwick and everywhere else where there is demand exceeding supply. The UK is the third-biggest overseas market for Dubai International airport, after India and Saudi Arabia. Emirates this month introduced a fourth daily flight between its hub in Dubai and London Gatwick. Before moving to his current role in Dubai, Mr Griffiths was chief executive at the Sussex airport. Ministers have thrown their weight behind Heathrows controversial 49bn expansion plan at the UKs busiest hub airport, including a third runway and new terminals. The aim is that Britains busiest airport could have extra capacity within a decade, allowing new entrants such as easyJet to set up operations. A third runway could allow Heathrow airport to expand to 150 million passengers a year, nearly double the current scale. But there are widespread concerns about the environmental impact, ranging from noise and additional traffic in west London to the global impact of increased emissions. Dr Douglas Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK, said: The government has decided yet again to prioritise more leisure opportunities for a comparatively small group of frequent fliers, whilst the rest of us have to live with the consequences of their disproportionate polluting. Mr Griffiths said: Aviation is doing its level best to become a more responsible partner in the community. Aircraft noise continues to shrink. The latest aircraft are so quiet you're hardly noticing them. And when you look at old films of Concorde taking off in the 1970s, the noise was ear-shattering. We are a much more responsible citizen now as an industry. And the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, which I'm personally championing as the way forward, will make a very significant reduction in the carbon emissions of aviation. The government says it is working towards securing development consent this parliament. But Ryanairs chief executive, Michael OLeary, has predicted the third runway will not be ready until 2040 at the earliest. Mr Griffiths predicted that Dubai will see 99.5 million passengers during 2026, though he described the estimate as conservative. Work is continuing at Dubai World Central, an airport with a much bigger footprint that is intended in time to replace DXB. Read more Plane and Train Talk from Simon Calder here The moon has been shaking, according to scientists at the Smithsonian Institution, with potential impacts on human space exploration. Researchers at the Washington, D.C., institute have created the first-ever map of the satellites small mare ridges - geologic features stretching across the moons vast, dark plains that indicate tectonic activity. Analysis of this map revealed that the ridges had been made fairly recently during the celestial bodys more than four-billion-year history, and are widespread. While its long been known that the moon produces moonquakes caused by the gravitational pull of the Earth, the moons interior and meteoroid strikes, the map reveals potential new sources of the tremors. This could affect future sites for human lunar landings, as NASA races to return to the moon with its Artemis program over the next few decades. This work helps us gain a globally complete perspective on recent lunar tectonism on the moon, which will lead to a greater understanding of its interior and its thermal and seismic history and the potential for future moonquakes, Cole Nypaver, a post-doctoral research geologist at the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, said in a statement. Former NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong works on his space craft on the surface of the moon. The agency is looking to send Americans back there - but new findings from Smithsonian researchers could impact future landings (Getty Images) A first for lunar discovery The team discovered more than 1,100 new ridges across the nearside of the plains known as the lunar maria. That raised the number of ridges that have been discovered on the lunar surface to more than 2,600. They found that the average ridge was 124 million years old - a small fraction of the moons lifespan. And, the researchers identified similarities with previously identified curved hills known as lobate thrust fault scarps or lobate scarps. The hills are created due to stresses inside the lunar crust and have formed only within the last billion years. The ridges they discovered are formed by the same processes that create these hills, and the hills often become these ridges in the lunar maria. Since the Apollo era, weve known about the prevalence of lobate scarps throughout the lunar highlands, but this is the first time scientists have documented the widespread prevalence of similar features throughout the lunar [maria], said Nypaver. A small mare ridge is captured by NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University) Threats to humans in space The findings indicate that moonquakes - linked to lobate scarps, too - could occur across these plains where there are ridges, as well as that there might be more seismic threats to human exploration than scientists thought. NASAs upcoming Artemis program plans to return Americans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years and, eventually, build a base for future endeavors. Humans will once again land on the moon no sooner than 2027. A better understanding of lunar tectonics and seismic activity will directly benefit the safety and scientific success of those and future missions, Nypaver said. The findings also add to research from NASA and the Smithsonian - including one of the researchers involved in the new analysis - showing that the moon was shrinking due to tectonic action caused by heat loss, crinkling the surface. The moon is still quaking and shaking from its own internal processes, Nathan Williams, a post-doctoral researcher at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement in 2019. Its been losing heat over billions of years, shrinking and becoming denser. Hillary Clinton has called on everyone asked to testify on paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein to appear before a US congressional committee, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The ex-secretary of state and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, have agreed to testify in an investigation into Epstein, conceding to the risk of a contempt of Congress vote against them. They have asked for the hearings to be in public, rather than behind closed doors. I think everyone should testify who is asked to testify the former US presidential candidate, told the BBC when asked whether Andrew should appear before the committee. Last month, millions of files uncovered from the Epstein investigation were released by the Department of Justice, but Ms Clinton has demanded the Trump administration to make all the remaining documents public. Get the files out, she told the BBC: They are slow walking it. Hillary Clinton has called on everyone asked to testify on paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein to appear before a congressional committee (EPA) So far, only 2 per cent (3.5 million) of the total data from the Epstein Files has been released, according to a Channel 4 investigation. Mrs Clinton is due to appear before the House Oversight Committee on February 26, the day before her husband will become the first former president compelled to testify. She explained: We will show up, but we think it would be better to be in public rather than a closed-door deposition. We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant. Mrs Clinton said last week she had met Epsteins former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving 20 years on sex trafficking charges on a few occasions. She then refused to answer questions when she appeared remotely before the committee. A photograph appearing to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over an unidentified woman which has been released in the latest disclosure of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein (US Department of Justice) She claimed herself and Mr Clinton were being used as a scapegoat by the Trump administration to draw attention away from them. In response, President Donald Trump told the BBC in Air Force One he had been exonerated and that Clinton and many other Democrats have been pulled in to the investigation. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has faced fresh scrutiny after further allegations surrounding his association with the paedophile financier came to light following the latest Epstein files release. Thames Valley Police said earlier this month it has held discussions with specialist prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service about allegations that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UKs trade envoy with sex offender Epstein and is making progress as quickly as possible. The King stripped the former Duke of York of his honours and titles last year after further revelations emerged that he had continued to email Epstein beyond when he had stated in his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview that he had cut all contact with the paedophile in 2010. TV presenter Holly Willoughby has said she is thrilled to model a new t-shirt collection to raise money for charity alongside Hollywood actress Kate Winslet, Rivals star Alex Hassell, and Bridgertons Adjoa Andoh. Willoughby, 45, is among the stars who will wear the new nostalgic Winnie The Pooh-themed Red Nose Day t-shirts to raise money for children going through toughest times. She joins previously announced celebrities who are taking part in the Comic Relief initiative including TV personalities Olivia Attwood and Sam Thompson, model David Gandy, and former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Oti Mabuse. Holly Willoughby is donning the Red Nose Day t-shirts from TK Maxx and Comic Relief (Elisabeth Hoff/PA) Willoughby said: Red Nose Day has always been a staple in our house so Im so thrilled to be able to take part in this years campaign. The t-shirt range this year is so nostalgic, with something for everyone to enjoy from Disneys Eeyore to Winnie The Pooh! More importantly, the money raised from this years collection goes towards helping support children and young people facing the toughest times imaginable, so please do get involved however you can. Willoughby is known for previously fronting the ITV daytime show This Morning, which she left in October 2023, and Dancing On Ice. Kate Winslet will also take part in the campaign (Elisabeth Hoff/PA) The t-shirts will be available to purchase at TK Maxx stores as well as online at tkmaxx.com to help raise money for Comic Reliefs work to address some of the most pressing challenges facing children and young people globally. Alongside the t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, notebooks, bag charms, pouches, water bottles and candles are also available. Previously announced stars who are also participating in this years Red Nose Day campaign includes actors Luca Pasqualino and Keeley Hawes, influencer Tasha Ghouri and presenter Dermot OLeary. Deborah Dolce, group director at TK Maxx and Homesense said: This years collection taps into the joy and nostalgia of some of the nations most beloved and joyful fictional characters. Alex Hassell is also taking part in the Comic Relief charity drive (Elisabeth Hoff/PA) Were so proud to have raised over 35.4 million to date, with the brilliant help and generosity of our amazing customers and our staff. Speaking about the Disney characters, Samir Patel, chief executive of Comic Relief, added: Renowned for their kindness and friendship, the characters bring so much joy to people of all ages, which is what we hope to inspire this Red Nose Day. Money raised from this wonderful range will support children and families who are struggling with the basic essentials that everyone has the right to food, shelter and safety. The t-shirts are available to purchase from February 2026 ahead of Red Nose Day which takes place on Friday March 20. Rural North Carolina will soon be home to one of the country's most advanced and dynamic smart grid platforms, thanks to the latest evolution of a partnership between North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) and OATI, a global leader in energy technology solutions. MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --To meet the growing challenges to power grid reliability and resilience, NCEMC is enhancing its deployment of OATI's distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) to feature real-time flexibility, orchestration, and control. With OATI's evolution to real-time DERMS, utilities can manage the power grid based on planning, forecasts, and current system conditions. OATI's GridMind microgrid controller in use by NCEMC. "With each enhancement to our DERMS, we drive innovative solutions to reshape our electric grid with the network of resources and technologies used to produce and deliver electricity," said Lee Ragsdale, Senior Vice President of Strategic Projects. "Once this project is successfully deployed, it will help us to build a brighter future for our members and communities." NCEMC, working with 26 locally-owned distribution cooperatives in North Carolina, currently uses OATI DERMS and GridMind microgrid controls to seamlessly manage a wide array of DER assets, including solar, battery storage, and demand response programs, as well as multiple, islandable microgrid sites. The latest enhancement to the OATI DERMS platform will enable real-time orchestration an industry-defining advancement for utilities. "For years, OATI and NCEMC have collaborated to deploy some of the most advanced smart grid tools in the world each serving the goal of providing more reliable service to the people of North Carolina," said Sasan Mokhtari, OATI's president and CEO. "We are bringing industry-defining, real-time control capabilities into NCEMC's existing OATI DERMS platform." Now ubiquitous among electric utilities around the world, OATI pioneered DERMS, launching the industry's first DERMS platform in collaboration with Kansas Power & Light (now Evergy) in 2009. Since then, OATI has remained the most-deployed DERMS with more than 225 utilities currently utilizing the OATI DERMS platform. Additionally, more cooperative utilities, including 11 of the 60 G&Ts in the U.S., use OATI DERMS than any other solution. In recent years, DERMS has emerged as a critical tool for utilities charged with maintaining reliable and resilient power grids. These systems are the key enabler of the energy transition uniting DERs to utility control rooms to energy markets. OATI is the only energy solutions provider with the experience, functionality, and scale to support power systems operations from meters to markets, combatting the operational silos that have plagued utilities for far too long. "Managing the power grid to meet customer expectations for reliability and resilience has never been more challenging," Mokhtari said. "OATI's pioneering work on real-time DERMS is a game-changer for an industry that possesses zero margin for failure. At OATI, our mission remains to provide the tools utilities need today while equipping them for the future. Our ongoing partnership with NCEMC exemplifies that innovative spirit, and we can't wait to see what comes next." ABOUT OATI Energy is all we do. From bulk energy markets to community microgrids, OATI serves every segment of the energy industry with essential technologies and services. At our core, we're power systems engineers building better ways to move electrons across the grid. We were the first company to provide large-scale software-as-a-service to the energy industry, and we pioneered the bulk power and DERMS markets. Today, we continue to push the energy frontier with cloud-based grid solutions and energy-native generative AI. Without compromising on security for 30+ years, our private servers have safeguarded the energy industry's data. OATI was founded in 1995 by world-renowned power systems engineer Dr. Sasan Mokhtari, PhD. Privately owned for more than 30 years, OATI is an engineering-first organization that prides itself on leading the industry's most robust research and development team, free from the pressure of venture capitalists and institutional investors. Learn more by visiting OATI.com or by contacting [email protected]. SOURCE Open Access Technology International, Inc. (OATI) A Human resources company was shocked to learn that more than 300 old graves were beneath the property it bought in the Florida city of Clearwater. FrankCrum is suing Clearwaters Community Redevelopment Agency after archaeologists discovered there were likely hundreds of bodies buried under its office complex. In 2022, an engineering company reported there were at least 328 graves under the property, which was the St. Matthews Baptist Church Cemetery in a 20th-century Black neighborhood, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Before FrankCrum bought the property in 2004 it belonged to a software company named Information Management Resources. FrankCrum, a human resources company, was shocked to learn that more than 300 old graves were beneath the property it bought in the Florida city of Clearwater (Google Earth) A written agreement between the redevelopment agency and the software company said the property did not presently include human remains from any cemetery, read FrankCrums lawsuit, filed in 2023, per the Tampa Bay Times. FrankCrum alleges that it was unaware of the graves when it bought the property. Todays taxpayers are litigating events that allegedly occurred more than a quarter of a century ago, Clearwater spokesperson Joelle Castelli said in a statement to several local outlets. Most lawsuits are required to be filed within a couple years of the events. The passage of time is so vast that its become hard to track down witnesses, documents, and refresh recollections, Castelli added. FrankCrum is suing Clearwaters Community Redevelopment Agency in Florida after the chilling discovery (Google Earth) The Independent has reached out to the city of Clearwater and FrankCrum for comment. FrankCrum wants the redevelopment agency to pay for the removal of the graves, which could cost millions of dollars, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Descendants of those buried under the property want the bodies moved to another former Black cemetery in Clearwaters North Greenwood neighborhood, according to the outlet. The case is moving forward after an appeals court affirmed a ruling denying a motion from the redevelopment agency for a summary judgment last month. A trial date for the case is yet to be scheduled. ICE agents faked car trouble to lure migrant outside to arrest him, his heartbroken family claims A family has claimed that a father was tricked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who lured him out of his Minnesota home using a ruse of having car trouble so they could arrest him. Agents swooped on Jesus Flores, a mechanic living in a suburb of Minneapolis, Thursday after he went outside to help two women whom his family believes were ICE officers in disguise. Two women approached our door on 02/12/2026 around 1:00 pm who were later confirmed to be ICE agents disguised as regular women who knocked on our door asking my dad to help them with car problems & he was then detained, Floress son, Miguel Flores, wrote on GoFundMe. This unexpected situation has left our family shocked, scared, heartbroken & searching for answers, the son added. The moment was captured on a neighbors home security camera and was posted on Facebook. The Department of Homeland Security claimed Flores, named fully by the department as Jesus Emmanuel Flores-Aguilar, was a former gang member who had been removed from the U.S. twice before. Federal agents swoop on Jesus Flores after he was lured from his home by ICE officers in disguise, his family claimed (TxoosYeej Yaj/ Facebook) Flores family claims that he was taken by ICE agents who pretended to have a broken down car (Dionisia Leyva/GoFundMe) In the 6-minute footage, two women pulled up in front of Floress home and appeared to have problems with their vehicle after they parked up and opened the hood. One of them was seen walking up the driveway and returned with Flores, who began to inspect the vehicle. As Flores examined the car, three other SUVs emerged and blocked both sides of the street. Flores then tried to run away, but the agents surrounded him. He was placed in one of the SUVs and the vehicles drove away. The car that appeared to break down initially was seen driving away, apparently without any trouble. Floress wife, Dionicia Flores, told WCCO that her husband is a lifeline for the couples six children, particularly two of them who require special care. Video captured the moment ICE agents swarmed Flores to arrest him near his Minneapolis home (TxoosYeej Yaj/Facebook) The family told the outlet that Flores is undocumented and was deported more than 15 years ago. My dad's a hard-working individual, his son told the outlet. He came here to give us a better life. He has done that. The children are U.S. citizens, the family said. On February 12, ICE arrested Jesus Emmanuel Flores-Aguilar, a criminal illegal alien Mexico and former Vatos Locos 13 gang member who was removed TWICE from this country, a felony, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to The Independent. His criminal history includes an arrest for felony assault. Following his arrest he was removed in 2010, McLaughlin continued. Flores-Aguilar chose to break the law and commit a felony by illegally re-entering the U.S. AGAIN in 2011 and was removed. He chose to commit another felony and illegally re-enter for a third time at an unknown date. This criminal and gang member will remain in ICE custody pending removal. Flores-Aguilars gang name was Lucky. That ends today, McLaughlin added. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. The incident comes as President Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, announced the administration is withdrawing hundreds of officers from Minnesota and ending an enforcement surge following the deaths of two American citizens. Though he announced this past week that the surge in Minneapolis was ending, Homan said Sunday that a force would remain in the city to conduct operations in the future. He 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. Indias flagship artificial intelligence summit was overshadowed by chaos on its opening day amid long queues in unseasonal heat, traffic congestions, and sudden security sweeps ahead of prime minister Narendra Modis visit. Thousands of people on Monday attended the summit at the 123-acre Bharat Mandapam complex in the capital Delhi. Over 250,000 had registered their attendance over the week. High profile guests included French president Emmanuel Macron and tech giants Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai as India aims to position itself as a global AI hub. But for many on the ground, the first day was defined less by grand geopolitical messaging and more by blocked gates, delayed panels, and uncertainty over access. After allowing attendees inside the venue, including the main hall where the exhibitions were set up by companies showcasing their AI capabilities, the zone was evacuated in the afternoon for security checks ahead of Mr Modis visit, forcing exhibitors and founders to leave their stalls for several hours. Founders posted online about being unable to retrieve their equipment which they later said were stolen after the sudden evacuation. Dhananjay Yadav, co-founder and chief executive of AI wearable startup NeoSapien, wrote on X that security personnel arrived around noon and asked exhibitors to leave ahead of the prime ministers visit. I asked: Should we take our wearables? They said, others are leaving even laptops behind, security will take care, he wrote. Later we found our wearables were stolen, he said. Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us. I came genuinely excited, it was the first time the summit was being hosted in India, and I wanted to show up personally to support the ecosystem and the governments push. But what happened next was shocking. At 12 pic.twitter.com/9gVygparq0 Dhananjay Yadav (@imDhananjay) February 16, 2026 He added: We paid for flights, accommodation, logistics and even the booth. Only to see our wearables disappear inside a high-security zone. Devesh Mahla, deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi district, told The Indian Express on Tuesday that they had not received any complaint in the matter so far. Some exhibitors at the venue complained to organisers about unclear instructions and overlapping security directions, while some were unsure when access would be restored. Delegates also described confusion over entry procedures and security checks, Reuters reported. Sharing a photo of long queues outside the venue on X, Maitreya Wagh, founder of Bengaluru-based AI company Bolna, wrote: Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe, he joked. Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If youre also stuck outside and wanted to visit the @bolna_dev team, dm me. We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe pic.twitter.com/YVIdWagxKM Maitreya Wagh (@maitreya_wagh) February 16, 2026 Several roads have been blocked and traffic was getting diverted in central Delhi ahead of the summit. Organisers told Indian media on Tuesday that steps had been taken to ease congestion and improve coordination for the remaining days of the summit. By Tuesday morning, queues had eased slightly, though traffic diversions around central Delhi continued to affect arrival times for delegates and media. This is the biggest AI summit in the world. The response was phenomenal. The energy is palpable. We can see the organization is very smooth now. If anybody has faced any problems yesterday, we apologise for that, India's Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Whatever feedback you have, please share with us. We are open-minded. We will make efforts to make the experience smoother and enjoyable for all of you. We have a war room which has been operating since yesterday. My entire team is working hard day and night for this summit, he said. Visitors use their mobile phones to take pictures of a Jio humanoid robot named Elixis at Bharat Mandapam, one of the venues for AI Impact Summit (REUTERS) The confusion extended into day two when Mr Gatess name briefly disappeared from a list of speakers on the summit website, triggering speculation that he had been disinvited due to recent criticism over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. One Indian media report cited government sources as saying Mr Gates was not expected to attend and that his invitation had been reviewed. But a spokesperson for Mr Gates said the reports were not accurate, telling The Independent: Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled. Thank you for the warm welcome, @ncbn. Its exciting to witness Andhra Pradeshs growth being accelerated through AI, technology, and innovations across health, agriculture & education. https://t.co/m0qGFsVmMx Bill Gates (@BillGates) February 16, 2026 Mr Gatess invitation had earlier drawn criticism in India, with his visit attracting protests in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh by opposition political party members. He arrived in India on Monday and met Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Amaravati where he praised the states use of AI and technology in health, agriculture and education. He has been reviewing projects backed by the Gates Foundation, which is active in public health initiatives in the state. The summit will continue till 20 February, with keynote addresses and high-level sessions scheduled on Thursday and Friday. India sentences three men to death for attack on Israeli tourist and hosts A court in southern India sentenced three men to death after they were found guilty of raping two women, including an Israeli tourist, and killing a man during a violent attack last year in a heritage temple town. The incident, which drew international condemnation, occurred on 6 March 2025 when a group of five people, including an American male tourist and an Israeli female tourist, were attacked near the Sanapur Lake in Hampi in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The men raped the 27-year-old Israeli tourist and her 29-year-old Indian homestay host and pushed three male tourists into a canal. An American tourist, Daniel Pitas, 23, survived the attack, but a male tourist from Odisha was found dead the next day. The district court in Koppal on Monday classified the case as rarest of rare due to the brutality involved. While delivering the death sentence, the court stressed that crimes of such brutality, committed against both domestic and international tourists, merited the harshest punishment in order to uphold the rule of law and safeguard public safety. The judge said the victims were targeted while enjoying a peaceful evening in a high-profile tourist zone. The location where the attack happened in March 2025 (Facebook/Deccan Herald) The three men Mallesh alias Handi Malla, 22; Sai alias Chaitanya Sai, 21; and Sharanappa alias Sharanabasavaraj, 27 were convicted on 6 February on charges of gang-rape, attempted murder, robbery, and other offences. After announcing the guilty verdict earlier this month, the court sought reports on the social background, conduct inside jail, and psychological state of the three men, who previously had criminal records. The group of tourists had been stargazing and camping near the Tungabhadra river at night when three men on a motorbike approached them and demanded money. When the victims refused, the men turned violent, physically assaulting them, pushing the men into a canal and then sexually assaulting the women. Since the homestay operator did not know them, she told them they had no money. When the men repeatedly insisted, one of the male tourists from Odisha gave them 20 rupees (0.16). After that, the three men allegedly started arguing and threatened to bash their heads with stones, police said. The attack renewed longstanding concerns over the safety of women, especially foreign tourists in India. Hampi is a Unesco World Heritage site, known for attracting backpackers with its spectacular remnants of monuments and temple complexes from the 14th-century Vijayanagara empire. A police officer familiar with the details of the attack said the men behaved in an inhuman manner while assaulting the tourists that night. The attack and the international attention prompted the Karnataka police to form six special teams. They arrested two of the accused within 48 hours, and the third was arrested within a week of the crime. The attack came after similar incidents last year, including the rape of a tourist from Spain in Jharkhand and the rape and murder of a 28-year-old Irish tourist in Goa. Reports of sexual assaults are rampant in India as police recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022, a 20 per cent increase from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Yet the actual figure is believed to be much higher due to lack of reporting caused by the stigma surrounding sexual violence in the country. The death sentence is required to be upheld by the Karnataka High Court and is subject to appeal in Supreme Court. A power firm has announced a multimillion-pound investment in the subsea cable network serving Scotlands islands, in a move expected to create thousands of high-quality green jobs. SSEN Distribution is set to upgrade its network of 113 subsea electricity cables, which provide power to 60 islands, saying it will improve resilience and increasing capacity to meet growing demand. The work is set to support more than 450 specialised jobs each year for up to eight years which the company said equates to or more than 3,500 fixed-term roles in and around installation sites and at company bases. SSEN said the investment worth up to 950 million will enable islanders to connect new technologies like electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar panels and heat pumps to the network. It is also expected to benefit local energy generators looking to produce and export green power, and to support the decarbonisation of island-based industries such as distilleries. The announcement was welcomed by Energy Secretary Gillian Martin, who said it would help the country achieve its net zero target. This welcome investment by SSEN Distribution will help upgrade the subsea network serving Scotlands islands, improving its resilience and supporting Scotlands net zero ambitions, she said. Energy Secretary Gillian Martin welcomed the announcement (Andrew Milligan/PA) (Andrew Milligan) It will also support thousands of high-quality green jobs and drive new growth across the local, regional and national economies as part of our net zero transformation. Kevin Galbraith, SSEN Distributions subsea project director (large capital delivery), said: Subsea connections are becoming ever more important as Scotlands island communities seek to invest in EV charging, heat pumps, and the decarbonisation of their industries. In addition to providing the networks fit for supporting this growth in the use of clean power, these framework agreements will also underpin the ambitions of islanders to generate, store, and export more renewable energy. The work of upgrading the network will be delivered by five contract partner companies, with a strong focus on using locally-based supply chains. The firms are Burntisland-based Briggs Marine; DOF Subsea UK and N-Sea, both of which have bases in Aberdeen; and Enshore Subsea and Jan De Nul. Specific projects will be allocated according to each contract partners specialisms and resources. SSEN said working with multiple companies will enable multiple subsea cables to be upgraded at the same time during the relatively narrow summer window, when weather conditions are more favourable. Mr Galbraith went on: The agreements themselves will ensure delivery of this investment will be rolled out in a seamless, co-ordinated way, and this will provide both customers and supply chains with the certainty theyre looking for. This multi-year investment will also provide greater job security and new opportunities for employment in this growing sector. Irans supreme leader has threatened to sink any American aircraft carriers sent to the Middle East, as talks on the countrys nuclear build-up were held in Geneva. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ramped up tensions between the two countries as he told followers: The US president keeps saying our military is the strongest military in the world; the worlds most powerful military can sometimes receive such a slap that it can no longer stay on its feet. They constantly say, we have sent an aircraft carrier towards Iran. OK, of course an aircraft carrier is a dangerous device, but more dangerous than the carrier is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned he could sink US aircraft carriers (WANA) The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, has entered the Mediterranean en route to the Middle East, where it will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and guided-missile destroyers, which have been there for more than two weeks. The ayatollah issued his put-down as Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, was negotiating with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner over his countrys nuclear programme. The supreme leader also warned the US that forcing the result of talks in advance is a wrong and foolish job. The USS Gerald R Ford is heading to the region (Getty) At the same time, Iran carried out live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz, in a show of strength. The naval exercises, which included test missiles, warships and helicopters, were displaying the operational readiness of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and plans for reciprocal action in case of potential security and military threats. It was the first time since the 1980s that Iran had announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes. Mr Araghchi later expressed optimism about the talks, saying a new window had opened for reaching an agreement. But he said Iran remained fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression, and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders. However, the countrys president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said Tehran would never abandon its nuclear programme. A photo released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps official website shows a vehicle firing a missile during a military exercise by the IRGC in the Gulf (Sepanews) US forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a US-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations fear any attack could spiral into another regional conflict. The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Iran's nuclear programme and ensure it does not develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has so far resisted demands that it halt uranium enrichment on its soil or hand over its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium. Israel's 12-day war against Iran last June halted talks between the US and Iran. The US bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, probably destroying centrifuges that spun uranium to near weapons-grade purity. Before the war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, a short step away from weapons-grade levels. Iran is marking 40 days, the traditional Muslim mourning period, since one of the deadliest days in the crackdown on protests that swept the country last month. Activists say at least 7,015 people have been killed. Iran is carrying out military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, in a show of strength ahead of nuclear talks with the US in Geneva on Tuesday. The naval exercises, which included missiles, warships and helicopters, are testing the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operational readiness and plans for reciprocal action in case of potential security and military threats. Indirect talks began on Tuesday morning, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner representing the US, while Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi leads the Iranian delegation. Omani officials are mediating. Irans Revolutionary Guards Corpss official website Sepah News on Monday shared footage of the military drills (Sepah News) After the talks began, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned president Donald Trump that even if the US boasts the worlds leading military, the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up, according to Iranian media. Iranian officials have warned that the success of talks in Geneva relies on whether the US makes unrealistic demands and on its seriousness on lifting economic sanctions on Iran. Mr Trump meanwhile, has continued to openly voice his support for regime change in Tehran, telling reporters on Monday that it may be the best thing that could happen. A missile if fired from a truck at a boat during the excercise (Sepah News) He said he would be involved indirectly in the talks and voiced his belief that Iran wants to make a deal in Geneva. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, Mr Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s [stealth bombers] in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s. Tehran has warned it will not respond well to threats from the US (Sepah News) Last week, US troops pulled out of bases in eastern Syria, suggesting the military could be preparing for an Iranian response to any attack it carries out. Two officials told Reuters news agency that the US military is preparing for the possibility of weeks of operations against Iran if Mr Trump orders an attack. But Irans minister of foreign affairs Mr Araghchi rejected Mr Trumps threats in a post on X the day before the talks began. Trump said regime change in Iran may be the best thing that could happen (Sepah News) I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal, he wrote. What is not on the table: submission before threats. Tehran had previously threatened that it would close the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for the worlds oil supplies, if the US were to attack, a move which would be hugely damaging for global markets. Oil prices dropped in Asian trade on Tuesday, as investors assessed the risk of supply disruption after Iran conducted the naval drills. The naval exercises are to test the operational readiness of Irans forces (Sepah News) Threats of a US attack began as a response to the Tehran regimes brutal crackdown of widespread protests in December and January, but developed into an attempt to pressure Iran into agreeing a new nuclear deal. Tehran is looking to ward off of a repeat of last summer, when attempts to revive nuclear talks were interrupted by US-ally Israel launching a bombing campaign against Iran which was then supported by US B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. President Barack Obama led tributes to the legendary civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday aged 84. The former president and his wife Michelle described Rev. Jackson, who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. and led the civil rights movement for decades after Dr Kings assassination, as a true giant adding: We stood on his shoulders. President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Rev. Jackson as a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts. A statement from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Rev. Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives. It added: Throughout it all, he kept marching to the music of his conscience, his convictions, and his causes. A cause of death was not immediately given, but Jacksons family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, his family said. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by. Rev. Jesse Jackson was a legendary civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate (Getty) In November, Jackson was hospitalized for treatment to regulate his blood pressure, having been under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy. PSP is a rare neurological disorder that affects body movements, walking and balance, and eye movements, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The Baptist minister was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in 2017. Rev. Jackson, pictured in 2016, remained a star in Democratic political circles (AP) Growing up in poverty in Jim Crow-era South Carolina, facing judgment for being born out of wedlock and personal challenges with his biological father, Jackson learned early on to channel his fears into excellence. While attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Jackson became active in the civil rights movement, gaining the attention of Dr. King, and was ordained a minister in 1968. Through his charismatic speeches, Jackson energized thousands of people to boycott businesses that refused to hire qualified Black Americans. Jackson started a nonprofit, Operation People United to Save Humanity, or PUSH, in 1971, which later merged with his political movement, the National Rainbow Coalition, to form Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996. Then-Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson delivering a press conference in May 1985 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, warning the U.S. off military intervention in Nicaragua (AFP/Getty) The Reverend launched a long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and came much closer when he ran again in 1988, with his historic campaigns marking the first time a Black candidate had won the nationwide Democratic youth vote. Trumps rival in the 2024 election, former Vice President Kamala Harris, revealed in her own tribute that she once had a Jesse Jackson for President bumper sticker on her car. She wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she often received a honk of support from other motorists. Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she had a bumper sticker expressing her support for Jacksons historic presidential campaign (AP) Al Sharpton, civil rights crusader and a friend of Jacksons, was another to pay his respects on X. He shared his belief that his friend had changed this nation and the world. He shaped public policy and changed laws, Sharpton wrote. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we dont have broken spirits. Former President Joe Biden also shared a tribute to Jackson, writing that the campaigner believed in his bones the promise of America. He was joined by fellow former President George W Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, who wrote on Facebook that Jacksons tireless advocacy is a legacy that will long endure. Some social media users drew attention to Jacksons ability to build bridges across political divides, sharing pictures showing him in friendly moments with both President Trump and former President Barack Obama. Rev. Jackson with Barack Obama in 2007 when the future president was a senator (AP) Jackson himself appeared to have stopped using social media in 2024, with the last post from his verified X account in August that year a repost of a call to end the horrific war in Gaza. Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, whom he married in 1962; their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline; his daughter, Ashley Jackson, and various grandchildren. Public observances will be held in Chicago, the family said, with final arrangements to be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Jesse Jackson speaks at the National Women's Political Caucus, in Portland, Oregon, in August 1987. Photograph: Barbara Alper/Getty Images (Photograph: Barbara Alper/Getty Images) He witnessed the assassination of Martin Luther King at the Lorraine motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Forty years later, he joined the jubilant crowd in Chicagos Grant Park to greet Barack Obamas election victory and had tears streaming down his face. Jesse Jackson, who died on Tuesday at the age of 84, was hailed by Martin Luther King III and his wife Andrea King as a living bridge between generations. He was the most influential African American political voice between King and Obama. His two runs for the Democratic nomination created the imaginative space for a Black president. He was the architect of a rainbow coalition that shapes the Democratic party today. The legacy of Jacksons commitment to expand voting rights, back marriage equality, pursue racial justice and combine a progressive agenda with Christian values lives on in figures such as Senator Raphael Warnock and Bishop William Barber and movements such as Black Lives Matter. His push to sanction apartheid South Africa, embrace Palestinian rights and oppose the Iraq war were a blueprint for the lefts foreign policy. Related: Jesse Jackson a life in pictures My constituency is the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected and the despised, Jackson, a Baptist minister, told the 1984 Democratic national convention in San Francisco. They are restless and seek relief. Jacksons story mapped the transformation of the Democrats, and the vicissitudes of America, for more than eight decades. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, two months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was also the Jim Crow era of racial segregation. Jackson never forgot the first time this his mother led him to the back of a bus. On Saturday mornings he worked at a bakery that had separate water fountains for Black and white people. He once said: I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I had a shovel programmed for my hands. In 1960 Jackson took part in his first sit-in, in Greenville, and then joined the Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights marches in 1965, where he caught Kings attention. As a young organiser in Chicago, Jackson was called to meet with King at the Lorraine motel in Memphis in 1968 and would always be haunted by the sound of the fatal gunshot. Every time I think about it, its like pulling a scab off a sore, he told the Guardian in 2018. Its a hurtful, painful thought: that a man of love is killed by hate; that a man of peace should be killed by violence; a man who cared is killed by the careless. A political realignment was under way, with Democrats moving to embrace civil rights, culminating in President Lyndon Johnson championing the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 while Republican Richard Nixons 1968 southern strategy sought to win over white, socially conservative voters in the south. Jackson publicly positioned himself as Kings successor. He advocated for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and healthcare. Just as King had condemned the war in Vietnam, Jackson travelled to South Africa in 1979, just after Steve Bikos death, advocating for US sanctions on the apartheid regime and supporting Nelson Mandelas anti-apartheid struggle. He launched two social justice and activism organizations: Operation Push in 1971, and the National Rainbow Coalition a dozen years later. The two groups merged in 1996. But unlike King, Jackson took the leap into party politics. He considered starting his own party in 1971. He campaigned for Democrat Jimmy Carter in 1980 and became a vital force in registering Black voters. Despite once telling a Black audience he would not run for president because white people are incapable of appreciating me, in 1984 Jackson became the second Black candidate from a major party to run for president, following former congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in 1972. He finished third in the primaries behind former vice-president Walter Mondale and runner-up Gary Hart. He ran again in 1988 and won 13 primaries and caucuses, coming second to Michael Dukakis and ensuring that African American issues became fundamental to the Democratic party platform. At the party convention, Jackson attacked what he called the reverse Robin Hood of a Ronald Reagan presidency that bestowed riches on the wealthy while leaving poor Americans struggling. He later recalled: I was able to run for the presidency twice and redefine what was possible; it raised the lid for women and other people of colour. Part of my job was to sow seeds of the possibilities. The Democratic congressman John Lewis said during a 1988 C-Span interview that Jacksons two runs for the Democratic nomination opened some doors that some minority person will be able to walk through and become president. On Tuesday, Kamala Harris, the first Black vice-president whose presidential bid was defeated by Donald Trump in 2024, recalled driving to law school in the 1980s in California with a Jesse Jackson for President bumper sticker. She wrote on X: You would not believe how people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk of support. Jackson also pushed for cultural change, joining calls by NAACP members and other movement leaders in the late 1980s to identify Black people in the United States as African Americans. He said: To be called African Americans has cultural integrity it puts us in our proper historical context. Every ethnic group in this country has a reference to some base, some historical cultural base. African Americans have hit that level of cultural maturity. His White House bids in the 1980s had helped lay the groundwork for the election of Americas first Black president two decades later. Jackson openly wept in the crowd as Obama celebrated his 2008 presidential election in Chicago. His legacy continues in a modern Democratic coalition that includes progressives, African Americans, Latinos and the white working class a coalition that Trump has sought to break apart. Obama said in a statement on Tuesday: Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons kitchen table when she was a teenager. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land We stood on his shoulders. People walk past an informational panel at President's House Site Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A federal judge has mandated the immediate restoration of an exhibit detailing the lives of nine enslaved people owned by George Washington, following its controversial removal by the Trump administration. The ruling, delivered on President's Day, requires the display to be reinstated at Washington's former Philadelphia residence. The city of Philadelphia initiated legal action in January after the National Park Service dismantled the explanatory panels at Independence National Historical Park. This site served as home to George and Martha Washington, along with nine of their enslaved individuals, during the 1790s when Philadelphia briefly held the status of the nations capital. The exhibit's removal was a direct consequence of a Trump executive order aimed at "restoring truth and sanity to American history" across national museums, parks, and landmarks. This directive instructed the Interior Department to ensure such sites avoid displaying elements that "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living." U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe ruled on Monday that all original materials must be restored while the lawsuit challenging the removal's legality proceeds. She explicitly prohibited officials from the Trump administration from installing any replacement exhibits that offer a different historical interpretation. Rufe, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, began her written order with a quote from George Orwells dystopian novel 1984 and compared the Trump administration to the book's totalitarian regime called the Ministry of Truth, which revised historical records to align with its own narrative. As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwells 1984 now existed, with its motto Ignorance is Strength, this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts," Rufe wrote. It does not. She had warned Justice Department lawyers during a January hearing that they were making dangerous and horrifying statements when they said Trump officials can choose which parts of U.S. history to display at National Park Service sites. The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling, which came while government offices were closed for the federal holiday. A person views posted signs on the locations of the now removed explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at President's House Site in Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The judge did not provide a timeline for when the exhibit must be restored. Federal officials can appeal the ruling. The historical site is among several where the administration has quietly removed content about the history of enslaved people, LGBTQ+ people and Native Americans. Signage that has disappeared from Grand Canyon National Park said settlers pushed Native American tribes off their land for the park to be established and exploited the landscape for mining and grazing. Last week, a rainbow flag was taken down at the Stonewall National Monument, where bar patrons rebelled against a police raid and catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The administration has also removed references to transgender people from its webpage about the monument, despite several trans women of color being key figures in the uprising. The Philadelphia exhibit, created two decades ago in a partnership between the city and federal officials, included biographical details about each of the nine people enslaved by the Washingtons at the home, including two who escaped. Among them was Oney Judge, who was born into slavery at the familys plantation in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and later escaped from their Philadelphia house in 1796. Judge fled north to New Hampshire, a free state, while Washington had her declared a fugitive and published advertisements seeking her return. Because Judge had escaped from the Philadelphia house, the park service in 2022 supported the site's inclusion in a national network of Underground Railroad sites where they would teach about abolitionists and escaped slaves. Rufe noted that materials about Judge were among those removed, which she said conceals crucial information linking the site to the Network to Freedom. Only the names of Judge and the other eight enslaved people Austin, Paris, Hercules, Richmond, Giles, Moll and Joe, who each had a single name, and Christopher Sheels remained engraved in a cement wall after park service employees took a crowbar to the plaques on Jan. 22. Hercules also escaped in 1797 after he was brought to Mount Vernon, where the Washingtons had many other slaves. He reached New York City despite being declared a fugitive slave and lived under the name Hercules Posey. Several local politicians and Black community leaders celebrated the ruling, which came while many were out rallying at the site for its restoration. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat, said the community prevailed against an attempt by the Trump administration to whitewash our history. Philadelphians fought back, and I could not be more proud of how we stood together, he said. 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For more information about Ultradent, call 800.552.5512 or visit ultradent.com or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. SOURCE Opalescence After 14 months, a court in Seoul is to rule on the insurrection charges laid against the impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol after his short-lived martial law declaration. Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters (Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters) South Korea is awaiting one of the most consequential court rulings in decades this week, with judges due to deliver their verdict on insurrection charges against the former president Yoon Suk Yeol and prosecutors demanding the death penalty. Related: South Koreas surprising history of coups and martial law explained in 30 seconds When Yoon stands in courtroom 417 of Seoul central district court on Thursday to hear his fate, which will be broadcast live, he will do so in the same room where the military dictator Chun Doo-hwan was sentenced to death three decades ago. The charge is formally the same. Last time, it took almost 17 years and a democratic transition to deliver a verdict. This time, it has taken 14 months. Chuns death sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment on appeal, and he was eventually pardoned. Under the countrys criminal code, the charge of leading an insurrection carries three possible sentences: death, life imprisonment with labour, or life imprisonment without labour. South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, so in practice a death sentence would mean permanent exclusion from society with no possibility of parole. But as the ruling approaches, there is a sense of exhaustion and division in South Korea as the months-long saga, in which 27 people have been indicted over the martial law crisis, continues. Dowon Kim, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul, no longer discusses politics with friends, some of whom still support Yoon. Society is too exhausted, he says, and my energy feels wasted trying to persuade them. South Korea has now impeached two presidents in under a decade, and Kim says people simply want to move past the cycle: Those who should be punished should be punished, and we need to move forward. Song Ji-won, a 24-year-old student in Incheon, west of Seoul, says what happened was a national embarrassment. I just want to stop hearing about it. The K-pop light stick protests that once brought millions on to the streets have long subsided. Maga-inspired pro-Yoon rallies have dwindled to the fringes. At a recent gathering where 2,300 registered supporters were expected, about 20 appeared. The political fallout has been devastating for the People Power party, which has been unable to divorce itself from Yoons legacy. It polled at just 22% last week, according to Gallup Korea, against 44% for the ruling Democratic party. From martial law to impeachment in 11 days On the night of 3 December 2024, prosecutors allege Yoon declared martial law and attempted to use military force to paralyse the legislature, arrest political opponents and seize control of the national election commission. Yoon said he was rooting out anti-state forces and alleged election fraud. Prosecutors allege he had plotted for more than a year, strategically placing loyalists in key military positions. It was the first emergency martial law declaration in the country in 44 years, shattering the assumption that military rule was a relic of South Koreas authoritarian past. The response to Yoons move was swift. Within hours, 190 lawmakers broke through military and police cordons around parliament to pass an emergency resolution lifting martial law. Parliament impeached Yoon within 11 days. The constitutional court removed him from office four months later. Three separate special prosecutors were appointed, and across their investigations more than 120 people have been indicted, from the president himself to cabinet ministers, military commanders and intelligence chiefs. Despite the relative quiet in the build-up to this weeks court ruling, the weight of the moment is not lost on South Koreans. Over the past few weeks, they have watched as the courts established key legal findings through related cases. On 16 January, Yoon received five years for obstructing his own arrest. Days later, the former prime minister Han Duck-soo was given 23 years in a ruling that formally found the events of 3 December constituted insurrection, describing it as a self-coup by elected power more dangerous than traditional uprisings. The sentence far exceeded prosecutors 15-year demand, signalling judicial willingness to impose severe penalties. On 12 February, the former interior minister Lee Sang-min was jailed for seven years for his role in the insurrection, including relaying Yoons orders to cut power and water to media outlets. But Thursdays verdict rests with a different presiding judge. The insurrection findings in the earlier cases, while significant, do not bind this panel. It will make its own determination on whether 3 December crossed the criminal threshold for insurrection. Sangchin Chun, a professor of sociology at Sogang university, said the final blow to Yoons movement may not be the verdict itself but whether people feel their daily lives improving under the president, Lee Jae Myung. Ending the insurrection seems to have become less a legal matter than an everyday economic one, he said. Lee, who has focused heavily on bread-and-butter issues such as the cost of living and housing, maintains a solid approval rating of 63%. In Yoons last court appearance, he characterised the investigation as a political conspiracy, described martial law as having enlightened citizens, and offered no apology. At one point, he appeared to laugh as prosecutors demanded the death penalty. Prosecutors have cited a complete lack of remorse as an aggravating factor. Under South Korean sentencing principles, genuine repentance is a formal legal consideration. He faces further legal battles: six additional criminal trials, two of which stem from the martial law crisis, including a treason indictment for allegedly ordering drone incursions into North Korean airspace to provoke a confrontation that could justify military rule. For South Korea, the verdict will mark the culmination of one of the most extensive exercises in democratic accountability against a former head of state in its history, with the court also handing down judgments against seven co-defendants including senior military and police officials implicated in the plot. Many of those watching will have lived through the authoritarian era of the 1980s that the 2024 martial law declaration so starkly echoed. The democratic guardrails they fought to build are being tested. By Thursday afternoon, the country will know whether they have held. Kim Kardashian and Kanye Wests 12-year-old daughter, North West, is set to launch her own fashion brand. Kardashians lawyers recently filed three trademark applications on behalf of the preteen for the new venture, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Norths future fashion empire will reportedly be called NOR11 a nod to Norths nickname as well as her age when she first developed the line, according to The U.S. Sun. The applications seek to use NOR11 across multiple categories: the first in clothing and accessories, including dresses, socks, shoes and hats. The second was for watches and jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. The third was for a variety of bags, including backpacks, purses and wallets. While the brand has not yet been officially announced, North has been seen posing in hats that say NOR11 for months in pictures and videos shared on her Instagram and TikTok accounts. North West, 12, is expected to launch a fashion line with the help of her mom, Kim Kardashian (Getty) North West, the eldest daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, is expected to launch a fashion empire called NOR11 (Getty Images) The filing was made by KimYes Kid Inc., which was incorporated in California in 2023. At the time, Kardashian filed trademarks for North then nine years old aiming to launch a skincare and toys line. While the corporation is named after both of Norths parents, only Kardashian is listed on the state records as being involved with her daughters newly budding empire. Representatives for Kardashian did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. North is the oldest daughter of the Skims founder and the controversial Gold Digger rapper, who split in February 2021 after seven years together. The former couple still has a co-parenting relationship to North, as well as their three other children: sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, six, and eight-year-old daughter Chicago. NOR11 will not be Norths first career move. Already, the preteen has released her own album, collaborated with her dad on his music projects, starred on the cover of multiple magazines and performed as Young Simba in a Los Angeles production of The Lion King. Last year, 45-year-old Kardashian said she struggled with the extra workload brought on by being Norths momager. The Skims founder said on their familys Hulu reality series, The Kardashians, at the time: I thought I was busy before. North, me having to be her momager right now is crazy. Its just, it was not on my list. It was not on my Bingo card for this year. She continued: Im really conflicted on my daughters career, so were going to talk about that soon. I just really want to make sure that everythings really well balanced. All of the work experiences are balanced out with just enough fun life experiences. I just want balance. Relations have deteriorated between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the U.S. Coast Guards top brass, driven largely by her insistence on emphasizing deportations above other duties, according to a new report. Tensions first surfaced last February, shortly after the former South Dakota governor was confirmed by the Senate to lead DHS, which oversees the Coast Guard, current and former officials familiar with the matter told NBC News. On February 4, a 23-year-old servicemember fell off a ship in the Pacific Ocean, triggering a massive search-and-rescue operation. Just hours into the search, Noem was informed that a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft that was due to fly migrants out of California was taking part in the search, according to the report. Noem ordered Admiral Kevin Lunday the acting commandant of the Coast Guard to bring the plane back to the U.S. so it could carry out its deportation flight, officials told the outlet. Coast Guard leadership in San Diego ended up scrambling to find alternative aircraft to fly the migrants, which allowed the C-130 already over the Pacific to continue scanning the seas. The missing Coast Guardsman was never recovered. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is using Coast Guard aircraft to conduct migrant deportations, irking the branch's top brass, according to a new report (Getty) A DHS spokesperson told the NBC News that the C-130 never left the search. Yet Noem's instruction left Coast Guard leaders with a poor impression of the DHS chief, whom they see as undermining the branch's historic priority of conducting search operations. The primary mission was search-and-rescue, a former Coast Guard official said. And now the number one stated mission of the Coast Guard is border security, that is a cultural change that the culture hasnt quite caught up to. In recent months, following a series of incidents, Coast Guard leadership has increasingly soured on Noem, even as she retains the backing of many rank-and-file members, NBC News reported. Under Noem's direction, Coast Guard planes are now being used for migrant deportations at ten times the previous rate, severely taxing the branchs scarce resources. It puts so much stress on the Wing, a Coast Guard official said, referring to the services aviation operation. Fresh directives for Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento confirm more deportation flights ahead: C-27s must now focus first on migrant transport. And counternarcotics missions now rank as a higher priority than search-and-rescue. While she has frustrated the branchs top brass, a number of rank-and-file service members support Noem, the outlet reported (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Tensions have boiled over into full-blown confrontations at times. One day in May, Corey Lewandowski, Noems adviser, threatened to fire staff on a Coast Guard aircraft after it departed without Noems heated blanket, officials said. There is a general atmosphere of keep your head down; you dont want to be on the firing line, a former Coast Guard official told NBC News. A DHS spokesperson disputed many of the aspects of the outlets reporting. The representative denied that migrant transportation had been prioritized over search-and-rescue, calling this claim "ridiculous." The entire premise of your story is incorrect, the spokesperson added. And these attacks are nothing more than a politicized deep state effort to undermine President Trumps immigration enforcement agenda and distract from the historic successes that the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard have achieved since he returned to office. The recent clashes mentioned in the report, which have largely taken place out of the public eye, are just the latest in a series of controversies dogging Noem. The DHS chief has come under intense scrutiny amidst the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which resulted in the deaths of two American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. And, last year, critics took aim at Noem's photo op at a prison in El Salvador accused of human rights abuses where around 200 Venezuelan migrants had been deported that summer. Year of the Horse: The meaning of the Lunar New Year symbol for 2026 On Tuesday 17 February, Asian communities around the world will ring in the Year of the Horse with community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, fireworks and, other festivities. In many Asian countries, it is a festival that is celebrated for several days. In diaspora communities, particularly in cultural enclaves, Lunar New Year is visibly and joyfully celebrated. In the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Different countries across Asia celebrate the new year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac. What is the Lunar New Year? The Lunar New Year known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea is a major festival celebrated in several Asian countries. In Indonesia, it is celebrated with dragon puppets and drum displays. It is also widely observed by diaspora communities around the world. People visit a park in Beijing ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Horse. (AFP via Getty Images) It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. Because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates of the holiday vary slightly each year, falling between late January and mid-February. What are the animals of the zodiac? Each year honours an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig measure the cycles of time. Legend has it that a god beckoned all animals to bid him farewell before his departure from Earth and only 12 of them showed up. The Vietnamese zodiac is slightly different, honouring the cat instead of the rabbit and the buffalo instead of the ox. Local Chinese artists group gather to perform during celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Horse in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP) What does the Year of the Horse mean? In Chinese culture, the horse stands as a revered symbol of freedom, vitality, and unbridled ambition. These creatures, celebrated for their speed and independent spirit, are seen to resent any form of restraint. For the year 2026, this powerful symbolism points towards a period ripe for channelling new opportunities and embracing significant transformation. Crowds in Manchester view the Chinese and Lunar New Year celebrations as the Dragon Parade makes its way through Chinatown. (Getty Images) What are some beliefs and traditions around the Lunar New Year? One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Years Day. Because the beast feared the colour red, loud noises and fire, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to frighten and chase away the monster. To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centred around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious colour to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the colour symbolises good fortune and joy. People dress in red attire, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns and use red envelopes to give loved ones and friends money for the new year. Gambling and playing traditional games is common during this time across cultures. Ancestor worship is also common. Many Korean families participate in a ritual called charye, where female family members prepare food and males serve it to ancestors. The final step of the ceremony, called eumbok, involves the entire family partaking the food and seeking blessings from their ancestors for the coming year. Vietnamese people cook traditional dishes and place them on a home altar as a mark of respect to their ancestors. A woman in a traditional costume prays on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year at Lama Temple in Beijing. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Some Indigenous people also celebrate Lunar New Year this time of year, including members of Mexicos Purepecha Indigenous group. How do diaspora communities celebrate? Members of Asian American communities around the U.S. also organise parades, carnivals and festivities around the Lunar New Year featuring lion and dragon dances, fireworks, traditional food and cultural performances. In addition to cleaning their homes, many buy new things for their home such as furniture and decorate using orchids and other brightly coloured flowers. Lunar New Year is also celebrated as a cultural event by some Asian American Christians and is observed by several Catholic dioceses across the U.S. as well as other churches. What are some special foods for the new year? Each culture has its own list of special foods during the new year, including dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, tangerines, fish and meats. In the Chinese culture, for example, changshou mian or long-life noodles are consumed with a wish for a long, healthy and happy life. In Vietnamese culture, banh chung and banh tet traditional dishes made from glutinous rice are a must. To make a banh tet, banana leaves are lined with rice, soft mung beans and pork belly and rolled into a tight log, which is then wrapped in the leaves and tied up with strings. Koreans celebrate with tteokguk, a brothy soup that contains thinly sliced rice cakes. Warm bowls of snake soup are also on the menu in some Hong Kong snake shops, as the Lunar New Year approaches. Credit: Special arrangement via @the_hindu/ X Emmanuel Macron waved to passers-by as he went for a jog with his team in Mumbai on Tuesday. The French president wore aviator sunglasses, a navy shirt and a dark pair of shorts and turned to jog backwards as he chatted with his all-male entourage along the Marine Drive seafront in the city. Some who joined the president appeared less prepared than others, including one man who ran behind Mr Macron wearing suit trousers and a tie. Mr Macron is in India for a three-day visit to discuss defence and technology co-operation between India and France. A potential multibillion-pound fighter jet deal is also on the table, with French officials expressing confidence that a contract for 114 Rafales can be finalised. Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at a ceremony on Tuesday to mark the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, said on Tuesday that in todays turbulent world, this is a partnership for global stability. Mr Macron said the remarkable acceleration of ties with India came in response to the changing international order. Both leaders had earlier referred to each other as their dear friend in posts on social media. Mr Macron will travel to New Delhi for an AI summit on Wednesday and Thursday. Narendra Modi (right) hailed the partnership for global stability with France - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images The visit comes as India seeks to pivot away from dependence on Russia and increase trade co-operation with the United States and France as it wards off threats from China and Pakistan. France has emerged as one of its most important defence and economic partners in the past decade. Indias government recently approved 30bn in an arms package including French Rafale fighter jets, US-made Poseidon long-range reconnaissance aircraft and combat missiles one of the countrys biggest air power upgrades in years. But the countries still stand at loggerheads over Russias full-scale war on Ukraine. India has not condemned the 2022 invasion and has continued buying oil from Moscow. Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are welcomed upon their arrival in Mumbai - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump has said India had committed to halting the purchases, though that has not been formally confirmed by New Delhi. Mr Macron, speaking alongside Mr Modi in Mumbai, urged him to support the establishment of an immediate and lasting moratorium on attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Through this visit, we seek to further strengthen cooperation with India, and to diversify Frances economic and trade partnerships, Mr Macrons office said. The talks are also expected to address global economic uncertainty triggered by tariff policies under Mr Trump, as well as Chinas influence in the region. Rubios offer of US financial support for Hungary came just two months before Orbans Fidesz party faces a punishing parliamentary election that marks the greatest threat to his control of Hungary in 16 years. Photograph: Janos Kummer/Getty Images (Photograph: Janos Kummer/Getty Images) Even before he in effect endorsed Hungarys Viktor Orban before a crucial parliamentary election, Marco Rubios itinerary for Europe promised to be provocative. After meeting US allies at the Munich Security Conference during a particularly tense moment in transatlantic relations, the US secretary of state departed for Slovakia and Hungary the two EU states most dependent on Russian energy and sceptical of the blocs support for Ukraine. In what bordered on an explicit political endorsement, Rubio told Orban that relations between Hungary and the US had entered a golden age and would stay like that for as long as Orban remains in power. If you face financial struggles, if you face things that are impediments to growth, if you face things that threaten the stability of your country, I know that President Trump will be very interested to finding ways to provide assistance if that moment ever were to arise, and obviously with regards to finances and the like, Rubio said. The offer of financial support and a nod toward extending Hungarys exemption from sanctions on purchasing Russian oil and gas came just two months before Orbans Fidesz party faces a punishing parliamentary election that marks the greatest threat to his control of Hungary in 16 years. It also recalled offers made by the White House to other US rightwing allies abroad, including a $20bn bailout for Argentinas Javier Milei that is credited with helping his party win crucial midterm elections by stabilising the countrys economy and currency. Related: Hungarians have had enough of Viktor Orban. But Trumps tailwind could save his skin | Andras Biro-Nagy Especially as long as youre the prime minister and the leader of this country, its in our national interest that Hungary be successful, Rubio told Orban. In Brussels, Rubios visit to Hungary was guaranteed to reinforce fears that the US was seeking to promote chaos and disunity among its allies as tensions grow over topics from Ukraine and Greenland to trade deals and defence spending. And his remarks looked a lot like an effort to sway an election in the heart of Europe, said analysts. Its an eff you to the EU, said Theresa Fallon, the director of the Brussels-based Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies. It was really clear. It has been a bruising few months in transatlantic relations, with Donald Trump demanding Denmark cede Greenland to the US on the grounds of national security. Adding insult to injury, Trump told reporters that Denmark was unable to protect the semiautonomous territory from an attack from Russia or China and that their defence is two dog sleds. He backed down on a threat to impose tariffs after Nato agreed to the framework of a future deal on the Arctic. And last year at the same conference last year, JD Vance accused European leaders of censoring their citizens using ugly Soviet-era words like misinformation and disinformation because they feared that voters might express a different opinion, or God forbid vote a different way. The EUs top diplomat at the time said it seemed that the US was trying to pick a fight with us. Related: Rightwing leaders endorse Viktor Orban in Hungarian election campaign video European diplomats in Washington DC welcomed the dispatch of Rubio rather than Vance because he is seen as a more traditional Republican who had until recently backed a more conventional US foreign policy. In a Trump administration where personalities so often dictate policy, Rubios continued presence has been seen as a rare bright spot. He is much preferred to Vance, but they still both work for Trump, said one European diplomat. Rubios speech in Munich was more restrained than the vice-presidents a year earlier, and was met with a standing ovation by many of the European officials present. He presented a case for revitalising, rather than scrapping, the Nato alliance, which was a key fear among European officials after Trumps re-election. Matthew Kroenig, the vice-president and senior director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council, wrote that Rubio did not repudiate anything in Vice President JD Vances more pugnacious speech last year, but he presented the same themes in a more positive light, focusing on shared challenges facing both Europe and the United States and how allies can work together to address them. Fallon said: Everybody wanted to hear something positive. And when they slept on it, they realised, oh my gosh, no, its the same thing, just packaged a little better. But as one diplomat put it: The message coming from both [Rubio and Vance] is clear: you are on your own. Daniel Boakye, 21, went missing from a Lewisham hospital (Metropolitan Police) The Met Police are searching for a 21-year-old prisoner after he escaped from custody at Lewisham hospital in south London on Sunday afternoon. Daniel Boakye, who was reportedly due to be deported to Ghana, had been receiving treatment at the hospital when he fled. The Met said officers tried to chase Boakye but were unsuccessful in detaining him before he left the building. In a statement, the force said: Anyone who has any information about Boakyes whereabouts is asked to contact police. He is 21-years-old, black, of medium height and slim build. He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark Nike jacket when he absconded. Boakye had been serving time at HMP Feltham and was reportedly due to be deported to Ghana (PA) Boakye had been detained at HMP Feltham for robbery charges. It is the second time in a week that he has absconded after going missing on 10 February while in custody at West Middlesex University Hospital, according to Sky News. Officers reportedly found him at an address in Thamesmead, in southeast London, last Wednesday. We are currently reviewing this incident to fully understand the events which unfolded. The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards is aware, the Met Police said. Anyone with information has been urged to call police on on 999 quoting CAD4005/15FEB, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous. Paul Nolan will be an interested observer when Willie Mullins starts to finalise his Cheltenham plans. Nolans novice Thedeviluno was a very impressive winner of the River Don at Doncaster, building on an improving record in Ireland. The only horse to have beaten him this season is Mullins Doctor Steinberg at Navan. Mullins charge has since added a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival and is the only horse ahead of Nolans in the betting for the Albert Bartlett next month. I cant see any reason why wed change from the Albert Bartlett now hes proved himself at three miles, said Nolan. Obviously hes very versatile because he beat a Grade One horse (Skylight Hustle) over two miles at Gowran in a maiden with The Passing Wife in third who has sluiced in since. He was then only a couple of lengths behind Doctor Steinberg over two and a half before he won over three, but theres no doubt his best run was over three as he travelled so well. Well be hoping Doctor Steinberg goes in the Turners instead of the Albert Bartlett, but well have to see about that. When he beat us Doctor Steinberg made all and got his own way, but the manner he won in Leopardstown was very impressive. There will be bigger fields this year with a lot of novices not qualified for handicaps, so it might be difficult to make all compared to small field novice races but well see. Civil rights figures lead marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the recreation of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march in Selma, Alabama, on 4 March 1990. Photograph: Jamie Sturtevant/AP (Photograph: Jamie Sturtevant/AP) Three Democratic former presidents led a wealth of tributes to Jesse Jackson, a titan of the civil rights movement and one of Americas greatest patriots who has died at the age of 84. Joe Biden said history would remember Jackson as a man of God and of the people, calling him in a social media post : Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our Nation. Biden added: Ive seen how Reverend Jackson has helped lead our Nation forward through tumult and triumph. Hes done it with optimism, and a relentless insistence on what is right and just. Reverend Jackson influenced generations of Americans, and countless elected leaders, including Presidents. Reverend Jackson believed in his bones the promise of America: that we are all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While weve never fully lived up to that promise, he dedicated his life to ensuring we never fully walked away from it either. Barack Obama called Jackson a true giant in a statement posted on Instagram. For more than 60 years, Reverend Jackson helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history. From organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world, he was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect, he said. Obama noted that Jacksons two runs at the presidency in the 1980s laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land. Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesses lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share. We stood on his shoulders. We send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and everyone in Chicago and beyond who knew and loved him, he said. Bill Clinton said he and former first lady Hillary Clinton were friends with Jackson for more than five decades, and were deeply saddened by his passing. Reverend Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives, he said in a statement on Instagram. [He] never stopped working for a better America with brighter tomorrows, including his historic campaigns for the presidency in 1984 and 1988 in which he championed the concerns of Black, Latino, Asian, and lower income white Americans. Hillary and I loved him very much. Al Sharpton, the veteran civil rights campaigner with whom Jackson worked closely after the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr, called his friend and mentor a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world. In a social media post on Tuesday, Sharpton wrote: He shaped public policy and changed laws. He kept the dream alive and taught young children from broken homes, like me, that we dont have broken spirits. Senior Democrats, the party for which Jackson campaigned twice as a presidential candidate, were also quick to pay tribute. He let us know our voices mattered. He instilled in us that we were somebody. And he widened the path for generations to follow in his footsteps and lead, Kamala Harris, the first Black US vice-president, wrote on Instagram , also calling Jackson one of Americas greatest patriots. Recalling her days as a young law student in Oakland, California, Harris recalled having a Jesse Jackson for President sticker on her car. As I would drive across the Bay Bridge, you would not believe how people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk of support, she said. They were small interactions, but they exemplified Reverend Jacksons life work lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and coalitions, and strengthening our democracy and nation. Jackson, she said, was a selfless leader, mentor, and friend to me and so many others. Other Democrats celebrated Jacksons stature in the civil rights movement. America has lost a titan in the struggle for civil rights and racial justice. From his days at the side of Dr King, to his moral leadership in this century, Rev Jesse Jackson Sr spent his life pushing our nation closer to its own ideal, Pete Buttigieg, transportation secretary during the Biden administration, said. The Democratic Georgia senator Raphael Warnock said America had lost one of its great moral voices. In a social media post he wrote: With an eloquence and rhythmic rhetoric all his own, Jesse Jackson reminded America that equal justice is not inevitable; it requires vigilance and commitment, and for freedom fighters, sacrifice. His ministry was poetry and spiritual power in the public square. He advanced Kings dream and bent the arc of history closer to justice. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, gave thanks for a life she said pushed hope into weary places. In a post on Facebook, King wrote: Rev Jesse Jackson Sr devoted his life to lifting people in poverty, the marginalized, and those pushed to societys edges. He pushed barriers and opened doors so Black people and other excluded communities could step into opportunity and dignity. With the Rainbow Coalition, he cast a bold vision of an inclusive society uniting people across race, class, and faith to build power together and expand the table of economic opportunity. He was a gifted negotiator and a courageous bridgebuilder, serving humanity by bringing calm into tense rooms and creating pathways where none existed. King said her family shared a long and meaningful history with him, rooted in a shared commitment to justice and love. The Vermont senator Bernie Sanders said that Jackson was one of the great and transformative political leaders in modern American history. He has broken down more barriers than most people could dream of doing. Jackson was a courageous civil rights leader who put his life on the line in the fight against segregation and racism in the north as well as the south, Sanders also said in a statement, adding, his politics of togetherness and solidarity should guide us going forward. Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social social media platform, called Jackson a good man and a friend, also noting he had provided office space in New York for Jacksons Rainbow Push Coalition. Trumps post, as is often the case, quickly turned political, and about himself. The president attacked the scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left who, he said, falsely and consistently called him a racist, and sought recognition for funding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which Jesse loved. Trump also took a swing at a familiar political foe, Barack Obama, whom, he claimed falsely, Jackson could not stand. A thousand suspected paedophile are being arrested in the UK every month amid warnings the threat of child sexual abuse online is getting worse The UKs policing leads for child sexual abuse have warned technology companies must do more to tackle the escalating problem with protecting children online. Rob Jones, the National Crime Agencys (NCA) director of general operations, warned that as children become increasingly reliant on the internet, the "threat is getting worse" as they are more accessible to offenders. Mr Jones said: "In the last three years the amount of material and the leads we are receiving from our colleagues in the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has roughly doubled. We were dealing with in the region of 500-800 arrests a few years ago, and we are now dealing with 1,000 arrests and 1,200 (child) safeguards every month. Mr Jones said offenders are collaborating and co-ordinating their activities on the dark web and using the open web as a discovery platform to identify and abuse vulnerable children. (Getty Images) To maintain that means a 24/7 effort by the NCA and colleagues in policing, and that gives you a feel for how the threat has grown. He also suggested that the behaviour of offenders can be falsely rationalised, normalised and radicalised by online groups, who may encourage others to harm children. Furthermore, algorithms are driving offenders to places where they can find like-minded people. Offenders are collaborating and co-ordinating their activities on the dark web and using the open web as a discovery platform to identify and abuse vulnerable children, Mr Jones said. He described the situation as incredibly damaging. Thousands of arrests and child safeguards are taking place per month (Getty/iStock) We want society to push back and people to confront their offending that is the opposite of what happens in the online world, he said. Due to the way algorithms drive people with like-minded interests together and because of the way people operate they will be told what they are doing is normal. It will be rationalised and then you will see almost a radicalisation process where their behaviour will be encouraged and everything they have been told was wrong (behaviour) throughout their life, is (now) the opposite. During a single week in January, the NCA and forces across the UK made 252 arrests, including 118 people who were then charged, 35 people were sentenced in court and 407 children were safeguarded. Officials say this level of activity is now happening each week. Many of the safeguarding actions carried out to protect children have been triggered by activity detected through social media. Mr Jones said: This is mainstream platforms. This is not niche, dark web or dark areas of the internet. Hundreds of arrests around the world follow police operation that harnessed the dark web This is the regulated environment that should be the safest part of the system. Offenders have been seen commissioning livestreamed sexual abuse of children on demand for as little as 20, officials say, as the threat continues to diversify. The financially motivated sexual extortion (FMSE) of, primarily, young boys is increasing. There is also a trend causing significant harm of online communities known as Com groups where members share and promote increasingly sadistic material. Mr Jones warned these groups are radicalising other users: Some of these groups will encourage each other to commit more horrendous crimes against children. They will egg each other on. Once it has been normalised and you are told this behaviour is normal, there are pathways where these people are encouraged to do more harmful things. Temporary chief constable Becky Riggs called on technology companies to make platforms a hostile environment for offenders (Dominic Lipinski/PA) (PA Wire) We have seen that with some of the new offending in the Com groups where there is sadistic behaviour which is far worse than we have seen before and where people are not only doing this for their sexual gratification but doing it to create harm. Temporary chief constable Becky Riggs, the National Police Chiefs lead for child protection and abuse investigation, said education is a vital part of creating a safer digital world for children alongside relentless policing to target offenders. She said the tech sector has a crucial role to play, adding: We need technology companies to act with urgency to make their platforms a hostile environment for offenders. That means developing and implementing solutions that prevent children from taking, sharing or viewing nude images online, improving the detection of child sexual abuse material and ensuring platforms are built safer by design. She also appealed to children and young people to try to understand the risks they may face online, adding: they must be empowered to make safer choices. Ms Riggs said: Just as importantly, the trusted adults around them parents, carers, teachers, youth workers need clear, accessible guidance so they can recognise the signs of harm, have open conversations, and know where to turn for help. Akbar Novruz Azerbaijan imported 1.34 million smartphones in 2025, marking a nearly 11% decline compared to 2024. Despite the drop in volume, the total import value increased to $457.3 million, up from $439.95 million a year earlier, reflecting around 4% growth. This trend indicates a clear shift in the market toward more expensive devices, AzerNEWS reports. By country of origin, China remained the largest supplier. In 2025, Azerbaijan imported 1.08 million smartphones from China, worth $359.2 million. While volumes fell by about 10% year-on-year, the total value rose by 7%, pushing the average price per handset from $332 to $333. Vietnam ranked as the second-largest source. Imports from Vietnam totaled 247.9 thousand smartphones in 2025, with a value of $89.3 million. This represented an 8% increase compared to the previous year, with the average price hovering around $360 per device. In contrast, smartphone imports from India declined sharply. Volumes dropped from 74.7 thousand units in 2024 to just 14.1 thousand units in 2025, while the total value fell from $19.8 million to $8.5 million. The average price per smartphone from India stood at around $265. SV Health Investors, Health Enterprise Partners and Petra Capital Partners Back Transaction PANAMA CITY, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SV Health Investors, Health Enterprise Partners and Petra Capital Partners today announced that Innovative Consulting Group, a portfolio company of SV Health Investors, has acquired Pivot Point Consulting, which has been divested from Highspring. Highspring will continue to operate as an independent organization following the divestiture of Pivot Point Consulting. The transaction unites two leading healthcare IT services firms to create a scaled transformation platform designed to help healthcare organizations navigate disruption and accelerate innovation. The combined organization will operate under the Pivot Point Consulting brand delivering expanded capabilities across Managed Services, Strategic Advisory and Talent Solutions to providers, payers, life sciences and healthcare technology organizations. "Being named #1 Best in KLAS: Managed IT Services for four consecutive years and ranking #2 in Technical Services in 2026, reflects the trust healthcare organizations place in our ability to deliver consistent, measurable outcomes," said Rachel Marano, founder & managing partner of Pivot Point Consulting. "Our Managed Services model, combined with strategic advisory and talent solutions expertise, creates a unified operating framework that stabilizes IT environments while accelerating outcomes. By bringing together complementary capabilities with Innovative Consulting Group and the backing of experienced healthcare investors, we are expanding our ability to help clients navigate pivotal moments and ignite new possibilities for transformation." "Innovative Consulting Group has built its reputation helping executive teams navigate healthcare's most complex strategic initiatives," said Dave Dyell, managing partner of Innovative Consulting Group. "Joining forces with Pivot Point Consulting allows us to integrate our deep strategic advisory services with their proven, #1 Best in KLAS: Managed IT Services platform, which was the driving force behind our acquisition. Together, we can help healthcare organizations not only define transformation priorities, but also sustain and optimize them aligning strategic vision with operational stability, performance improvement and measurable outcomes." Marc Hirshfield, managing partner of Innovative Consulting Group added, "One of the most compelling aspects of this partnership is the shared commitment both firms have to culture, people and client relationships. Innovative Consulting Group and Pivot Point Consulting have each built organizations grounded in trust, accountability and delivering exceptional client experiences. As we bring these firms together, maintaining and strengthening that culture is a top priority. We believe preserving what makes both organizations special is essential to supporting our teams, sustaining long-term client partnerships, and ensuring we continue delivering the high-quality outcomes our clients expect." The transaction reflects strong investor conviction in the demand for integrated healthcare IT platforms. "Healthcare is undergoing rapid structural change driven by workforce constraints, cost pressures, regulatory complexity and accelerating digital adoption," said Michael Balmuth, managing partner, SV Health Investors. "Pivot Point Consulting's consistent Best in KLAS performance, culture of delivery excellence, and client-centric model make it an exceptional investment. Combining Pivot Point Consulting and Innovative Consulting Group creates a category-defining healthcare IT services organization." "Health Enterprise Partners invests in companies that improve access, enhance patient experience and reduce the cost of care," said Roland Lyon, operating partner, Health Enterprise Partners. "The combined organization delivers directly against those goals by helping healthcare providers modernize operations, strengthen IT infrastructure, and accelerate innovation." "Petra Capital Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth companies with proven leadership and strong market momentum," said Matt Sotelo, partner, Petra Capital Partners. "The synergistic capabilities and shared culture between Pivot Point Consulting and Innovative Consulting Group create a powerful platform to support healthcare organizations through one of the most transformative periods in the industry's history." About Pivot Point Consulting Pivot Point Consulting ignites possibility with healthcare organizations and partners with them to navigate pivot points. We bring Best in KLAS managed services, strategic advisory and talent solutions so providers, payers, life sciences and technology organizations can move faster, make decisions with confidence and lead what's next. The firm is currently ranked #1 Best in KLAS: Managed IT Services and has been repeatedly recognized as a top performer by KLAS in multiple categories, including Best in KLAS: Managed IT Services (2026-2023), #2 Best in KLAS: Technical Services (2026), Best in KLAS: Technical Services (2024), and #1 Best in KLAS: Overall IT Services Firm (2020). For more information, visit www.pivotpointconsulting.com. About SV Health Investors SV Health Investors ("SVHI") is a private investment firm dedicated to investments in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Founded in 1993 with offices in Boston and London, SVHI manages more than $2.0 billion across multiple investment strategies. SVHI's dedicated healthcare growth strategy seeks to partner with experienced management teams to accelerate the success of innovative healthcare companies across tech-enabled healthcare services, medical devices, and HCIT. SVHI combines decades of healthcare transaction and operating experience to drive long-term value creation and realize the triple aim of healthcare higher quality care, accessible to more patients, at a lower cost. For more information: www.svhealthinvestors.com. About Health Enterprise Partners Health Enterprise Partners provides expansion capital to innovative healthcare services and healthcare information technology companies. Central to HEP's strategy is its unique and extensive hospital system and health plan network, 40 members of which are investors in HEP's funds. HEP invests in companies that improve patient experience, expand access, and reduce the cost of care. Learn more at www.hepfund.com. About Petra Capital Partners Petra Capital Partners is a private equity firm engaged in providing growth capital for companies located throughout the United States. The investment team has an established track record of success spanning over 20 years and deploying more than $1 billion of capital invested into more than 100 companies. Petra is seeking investments for its new SBIC fund, Petra Growth Fund V, investing up to $25 million per company in equity or debt securities. Learn more at www.petracapital.com. Media Contact Jillian Wood Pivot Point Consulting [email protected] SOURCE Pivot Point Consulting A Brazilian people smuggler who used her cleaning company to traffic people into a life of modern slavery has been jailed. Ana Lucia Martins, 50, tricked her victims, telling them they could earn 400 per week working for her in the UK. Instead, the migrants were forced to work 12-hour shifts with no breaks for food or water. Martins avoided detection by moving the desperate individuals to a different Airbnb every 15 days, telling them their only payment was their accommodation. She received three years at the Old Bailey on Friday after a four-year investigation by immigration officers, the Home Office said. Ana Lucia Martins (Home Office) Martins, of Cromwell Hill, Luton, pleaded guilty on the second day of her trial before Recorder Judge Lucas in December after initially denying assisting unlawful Immigration to a member state contrary to section 25(1) and (6) of the Immigration Act 1971. One of her victims told the court: A female has told me to come to the UK to work and has promised to get me a visa to work but this has not happened. I have been paid very little and the female has taken control of my life. In the rare cases where the migrants were paid, Martins would track what they were spending, how much and when. When her victims asked to return to Brazil, she threatened them, and in one case said she knew where their family lived. A people-smuggler turned slave boss has been jailed for 3 years. Ana Lucia Martins used her cleaning company to traffic Brazilian nationals to the UK promising them work and 400 per week. But, they were forced to work 12-hour shifts with no breaks for food or water. pic.twitter.com/7qOnJprhFI Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) February 16, 2026 Martins will now be automatically referred for deportation consideration, the Home Office said. Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum, said: This case is a prime example of the lies people smugglers sell to illegal migrants. Martins sold her victims a dream of a prosperous life in the UK instead, they suffered abuse and exploitation. Thats why were restoring order and control to our border, cracking down on the incentives that draw illegal migrants to the UK and ramping up enforcement action to bring offenders like Martins to justice. Peru's interim president, Jose Jeri, has been ousted in an express impeachment. Photograph: Renato Pajuelo/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Renato Pajuelo/AFP/Getty Images) Perus interim president has been forced out of office in an express impeachment after a political scandal over his secretive meetings with Chinese businessmen. Lawmakers voted by 75 votes to 24 to proceed with the removal of Jose Jeri, who had been at the helm for just four months. He had become embroiled in a scandal dubbed Chifagate after security-camera footage emerged showing him in clandestine meetings with Chinese businessmen outside his official agenda, including one visit in which he appears to try to conceal his identity with a hooded top. Jeri, 39, was Perus eighth president since 2016 amid oustings, resignations and interim terms, in an unprecedented period of political instability. The acting speaker of Perus congress, Fernando Rospigliosi, said lawmakers would vote on Wednesday to decide who would replace Jeri just months before the countrys presidential elections in April. Jeri was initially popular but his approval rating collapsed amid the Chifagate controversy and other scandals. Political parties that had backed him began to call for him to quit, seeking to distance themselves as election campaigning got under way. Prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into alleged influence-peddling linked to the meetings with Yang Zhihua, known as Johnny, a well-connected Chinese businessman who has lived in Peru for decades. Prosecutors say another Chinese citizen, Ji Wu Xiaodong, who was present at one of the meetings, is accused of belonging to an illegal timber-trafficking network known as Los Hostiles de la Amazonia and had been placed under house arrest for two years. Jeri also faces scrutiny for allegedly hiring unqualified young women who secured government jobs after late-night meetings at the presidential palace, based on its official entry-and-exit log. Several of them had also accompanied Jeri on multiple official trips on the presidential plane. Jeri has denied wrongdoing and said the appointments were legal. The shake-up at the top of Peruvian politics comes amid a tit-for-tat row between the US Trump administrations newly appointed ambassador to Peru, Bernardo Navarro, and China. Navarro, who began his diplomatic duties in Peru this month, lambasted cheap Chinese money in a post on X adding that there was no higher price to pay than losing sovereignty, in what appeared to be a pointed reference to the port of Chancay, which is majority-owned by the Chinese firm Cosco Shipping Ports. The fully automated port is located about 50 miles north of Lima. Previously, US officials have suggested that the deepwater port could be used for naval activities, which Peru has denied. In response, Chinas foreign ministry decried what it called the USs false accusations and disinformation against Chinas cooperation with Peru concerning Chancay port. Keen to deflect the USs diplomatic broadside, Perus foreign ministry posted a photograph on X of its minister shaking hands with Chinas ambassador to Peru, Song Yang, to mark the lunar new year and praising Chinese investments and bilateral trade relations. Kiena Dawes, who was subjected to repeated assaults, bullying and belittling from her partner Ryan Wellings before she took her own life. Photograph: Lancashire Police/PA (Photograph: Lancashire Police/PA) Police are determined to do more to hold to account domestic abusers who drive victims to kill themselves, the National Police Chiefs Council has said. Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the NPCC lead for domestic abuse, has said that more posthumous investigations are taking place, but that officers struggle with a lack of resources, adding that 20% of all crime relates to domestic abuse in most forces. National guidance had been changed, she said, with the NPCCs research team going into forces to look at how it was being applied. That guidance, she said, had been adapted based on feedback from families, who had consistently raised concerns about police response. Related: Katies story: her abusive ex-partner said kill yourself. When she did, police dropped domestic violence inquiry This included, Rolfe said, officers too quick to assume, well, its a suicide and therefore a case for the coroner, not an investigation to be had by policing, too often assuming that the domestic abuse perpetrator was the primary next of kin, and therefore risking evidence being lost by, for example, returning personal property like phones to those individuals. Not being sufficiently curious in speaking to family, wider family members about what might be going on. So we changed the guidance and we have seen some improvements. Rolfe made the comments after the Guardian revealed analysis suggesting that the number of women driven to suicide by domestic abusers was being seriously under-reported, with their cases often overlooked by the police. To illustrate the scale of the crisis, the Guardian is publishing a series of articles about some of those who have died by suicide after domestic abuse. Rolfe said police forces had been urged to introduce a local review system, similar to that introduced by the Met after the case of Stephen Port, who killed young gay men in east London. Despite similarities in the deaths of four men, the Met failed to recognise that they might be connected. Scotland Yard, she said, had introduced a daily review process for all unexpected deaths to just ensure that there was a second opinion on each of those cases. As a result of the recommendations in relation to domestic abuse suicides, were certainly seeing more posthumous investigations, Rolfe said. She pointed to the case of Kiena Dawes, who was subjected to repeated assaults, bullying and belittling from her partner Ryan Wellings before she took her own life, as an example of the difficulty in securing prosecutions. Dawes left a note on her phone saying Ryan Wellings killed me. He was found guilty of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour and sentenced to six and a half years, but found not guilty of manslaughter. We know from that case how difficult it can be to secure a prosecution that makes a causal link between the abuse and the death, so a manslaughter charge or homicide charge, but we want to pursue more of those, she said. Rolfe added: But also for many families, ensuring that were investigating the coercive controlling behaviour that happened in an abusive relationship. So we are seeing more posthumous investigations, which is heartening. One of the biggest barriers to progressing investigations, Rolfe said, was diminishing resources, coupled with long delays in the criminal justice system. The scale of this is challenging, policing has a finite resource, she said. But she added: The one really good thing Ive seen in policing in my 35 years is that the focus on this work has really increased. Another challenge, Rolfe said, was the huge amount of digital data that police investigations now involved. The more data that technology [such as mobile phones] includes, the more work there is for policing, she said, but we probably have less resources now than we had 20 years ago when people didnt really use smartphones. Some families whose loved ones killed themselves after domestic abuse have complained that ongoing investigations into that abuse were dropped after a victim took their own life. Katie Madden, whose case was revealed by the Guardian on Monday, took her own life hours after her partner Jonathon Russell told her to kill herself. At an inquest, Russell said he then went back on himself and told her not to. He also admitted to giving her a black eye weeks before she died. No criminal investigation was ever launched. Maddens mother was told by police that officers only had the capacity to examine one months worth of messages, and dropped an investigation into alleged coercive and controlling behaviour. In relation to posthumous investigations being dropped, Rolfe said: There is a reality that we have more work than we can cope with and we have to cut our cloth and make really tough decisions about the prioritisation of cases. And for domestic abuse investigators, sometimes that might mean the cases where they are seeking to protect a victim who needs protection right now might take precedence over a case where sadly the victim is no longer around to be protected. However, she said that while she could understand see why officers might choose to discontinue cases, that doesnt mean they should stop. The most serious cases we deal with are deaths, and therefore we should not be not investigating, she said. Another issue, Rolfe said, was poor communication by investigators overwhelmed with cases, and particularly with the impact of the crisis in the wider justice system. While a police investigator should have a caseload of about 15 cases, she said, some now would have more than double that, with the corresponding number of families to keep in touch with. Ten years ago most of those cases will be in court over the next six months and then move out of their caseload,. For the last five years, those have not been going through the court process, so the list of victims that theyre keeping updated and supporting is just growing, so thats really tough for policing. Rolfe added: Were were determined to do more. Were seeing green shoots of improvement in our response. Theres still a huge amount more to do. Demonstrators clogged the checkout lines at a Target store in Virginia, using a single symbolic purchase to protest the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. The grassroots activist group Indivisible Charlottesville organized the shop-in on Valentines Day at a store in the city. Photos from inside the retail store depict lines of shoppers whose carts were brimmed with salt containers a clear nod to salt's power to melt ice. After paying, the shoppers subsequently returned the items. Many demonstrators also held signs criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Target. In a post on Facebook, Indivisible Charlottesville demanded that the retailer end its collaboration with federal immigration authorities. Demonstrators recently clogged checkouts at a Virginia Target in protest of federal immigration enforcement operations (Getty Images) Target, it said, has allowed ICE and other federal agents to stage their Minnesota operations in their parking lots and permitted ICE agents to enter their stores to detain employees. This isn't the first time Target a top U.S. retailer operating close to 2,000 stores has played host to such protests. Last month, a group of people crowded into a Target store in Minnesota the epicenter of Trumps immigration crackdown to slow the checkout process by buying and returning salt. And, in early February, activists targeted over 24 Target stores nationwide, urging the retailer, headquartered in Minnesota, to speak out against the surge of immigration enforcement in the state. Spokespeople for ICE and Target did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Independent. Last month, anti-ICE demonstrators staged a sit-in at a Target in St. Paul, Minnesota (Getty Images) The retail giant first drew anti-ICE protesters' ire soon after the Trump administration began sending waves of immigration agents to Minnesota, which led to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. In early January, viral video showed immigration agents detaining two Target employees at a store outside of Minneapolis. Both were American citizens, according to The Guardian. A later video shows one of the individuals after hed allegedly been dumped in a parking lot. They threw me on the f****** ground, the man states. On January 11, Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino was seen patrolling a Target store in Minnesota, accompanied by several agents. Video shows them being heckled by demonstrators. While many protesters have demanded that Target deny entry to federal agents without judicial warrants, legal experts say this would likely flout the law. Anyone, including ICE agents without warrants, is allowed to access public areas of business, which include public parking lots and shopping aisles, according to The Associated Press. But, back offices and other generally inaccessible areas are not considered public areas. Reform UK has been accused of pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites after Suella Braverman, the party's new equalities chief, announced plans to scrap the Equality Act. Nigel Farage used a press conference in London on Tuesday to unveil Reforms top team, appointing Ms Braverman as the partys education, skills and equalities spokesperson. Addressing the conference, she said Reform would repeal the Equality Act on day one if it wins the next election, claiming that Britain is being ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion policies. The Equality Act 2010 which replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. This is unworkable and, for schools and pupils, has a pretty North Korean flavour Jo Maugham KC, executive director of the Good Law Project The act prevents discrimination against those with protected characteristics, including: age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Ms Braverman described protected characteristics as being pernicious and divisive. As well as saying the party would scrap the role of equalities minister part of her own brief the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville also attacked the rights of trans young people, saying that social and gender transitioning will be banned in all schools, no ifs no buts. She promised to bring an end to the transgender chaos in schools, claiming that children are taught more about gender ideology than biological fact. Her comments have been heavily criticised by equalities charities and lawyers, with Jo Maugham KC, executive director of the Good Law Project, accusing her of pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites, who are the only people who benefit from removing discrimination protections. Suella Braverman has promised to scrap the Equality Act if Reform wins the next election (Getty) He warned that Ms Bravermans offhand comments about 'banning social transition' in schools in reality means policing kid's appearances haircuts, voices, clothing. This is unworkable and, for schools and pupils, has a pretty North Korean flavour, he added. Dr Paul Martin OBE, the chief executive of the LGBT Foundation, argued that the Equality Act isnt adding to Britains challenges its part of the solution. Without it, people would have fewer protections against discrimination in everyday life, from work and healthcare to education and public services, he warned. Equality isnt a nice to have its a foundation for a fairer, stronger and healthier Britain. The public want a country where no one is denied healthcare because they are disabled or a person of colour, where no one is denied a job because they are LGBTQ+, and where no one is denied access to education because they are pregnant. A spokesperson for LGBT+ charity Stonewall said: Anyone who chooses to work on equality issues or seeks to take on the mantle of being an equalities minister should only do so if they believe in the fundamental importance of equality and if they have a clear belief that marginalised groups deserve equal treatment and support. Meanwhile, disability charity Sense said that removing the protections afforded by the Equalities Act would be a significant step backwards and would increase uncertainty and risk for millions of disabled people and their families. The Equality Act provides vital protections against discrimination for disabled people and underpins their rights to fair treatment in employment, education, housing and access to services, Harriet Edwards, the charitys strategy lead said. Speaking in London on Tuesday, Ms Braverman said: Why does no one in this government seem to care that its white working-class boys who have the worst educational outcomes in our country today? Do you know what a Reform government will do? Well, on day one, we will get rid of the equalities department, we will scrap the equalities minister. Nigel Farage unveiled his top team on Tuesday, which includes (L-R) Zia Yusuf, Robert Jenrick, Richard Tice and Suella Braverman (Getty) And we will repeal the Equality Act, because we are going to work to build a country defined by meritocracy not tokenism, personal responsibility not victimhood, excellence not mediocrity, and unity not division. Pressed on whether the plan to get rid of the Equalities Act could impact birth rates, given its role in protecting maternity leave, Ms Braverman said: Scrapping the Equality Act means getting rid of the pernicious, divisive notion of protected characteristics. But of course, in the workplace, people do require some protection, so of course, its all about making sure we strike a balanced approach, protecting those people in the workplace who have legitimate needs, but also getting rid of this whole industry that has grown up over the years, which is dividing people, dividing our country and doing so much harm. Reform UK has been contacted for comment. Harry Potter star Rupert Grint has spoken candidly about the realities of becoming a father for the first time, admitting to finding the experience quite traumatising. The former child star, best known for his performance as Ron Weasley in the blockbuster wizarding film series, has two kids with fellow actor Georgia Groome. Grints latest role sees him play a new dad in Nightborn, a film by Finnish filmmaker Hanna Bergholm that mixes folklore with an exploration of postpartum depression. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Grint, 37, admitted that the themes in the film had resonated with his experience of becoming a father for the first time to eldest daughter Wednesday in May 2020. It really taps into being a parent. The fear of the dangers and the baby getting hurt something being not quite normal. I definitely had it with Wednesday, he explained. Those first few months can be quite isolating. Its a terrible feeling when it should be the most amazing thing, but it can be quite traumatising. Actor is a father to two children (Getty) While both Grint and Groome spent their younger years in the spotlight he as the Harry Potter megastar, her as the lead actor in cult teen comedy Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging they have largely stepped back from the spotlight as adults. While Grint has appeared in the Apple TV+ series Servant and M Night Shyamalans film Knock at the Cabin, Nightborn marks his first return in an on-screen lead role in years. In that time, Grint has focused on parenthood. Speaking about becoming a parent to Wednesday in 2021, he said: It was something I never really had much of an idea of, that kind of love. It's a very different love. It's very strange. It definitely has kind of changed my perspective on things but also in a helpful way. Last April, Grint announced that the couple had welcomed their second child. Secret Child Slightly Revealed, he joked. Introducing Goldie G. Grint. A 10/10 baby (so far). Speaking about his acting career in another interview, Grint said that he wanted to keep it going at his own pace, with hopes to work on one thing every year. Of his return to the screen in Nightborn, Grint offered a warning to Harry Potter fans, telling them that if they were expecting to see him play a similar character to Ron Weasley, they would be in for a pretty big surprise. It does go against the warmth of Ron, he told Variety. Anastasia Kucherova stands near the Arco della Pace during the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Rosa) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A Russian national living in Milan staged a poignant, anonymous protest against the war in Ukraine, choosing to carry the Ukrainian team's placard during the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Anastasia Kucherova, an architect who has resided in Italy for 14 years, was one of 92 placard bearers, all cloaked in long, hooded silver puffer coats and dark glasses, ensuring their anonymity. Initially, country assignments were random, but when volunteers were later offered a choice, Ms Kucherova deliberately selected Ukraine. Her identity remained concealed, and her Russian nationality was not disclosed to the public as she led the five Ukrainian athletes into San Siro stadium. The team was met with resounding cheers, a moment amplified by the silent defiance of their placard bearer. She first revealed her role to her 879 Instagram followers and then in an interview with The Associated Press. When you walk by the side of these people you realize they have every human right to feel hatred towards any Russian, she told the AP on Monday. Still, I think its important to do even a small action to show them that maybe not all the people are thinking the same way." Athletes from Ukraine attend the Olympic opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) For Kucherova, speaking about her small act of resistance on the second anniversary of the poisoning death of dissident Alexei Navalny is a way of reminding the world that the war continues, even as life elsewhere goes on. Ukrainians dont have any possibility to avoid these thoughts or to ignore the existence of war. So it is their reality. They keep loving each other, getting married or doing sports, coming to the Olympics. But all of this is happening (against) a devastating background. Without being told that Kucherova was Russian, the athletes immediately recognized her origins and addressed her in Russian. That was a sign for Kucherova of some profound connection between Russians and Ukrainians that obviously could live on if not for the war. The Milan delegation was led by flag bearer Yelyzaveta Sydorko, a short track speedskater, and included figure skater Kyrylo Marsak. Both athletes have fathers who are fighting on the front lines in a war that is nearing its fourth anniversary. There is literally no word you can say that can undo the harm that these people have already suffered, and there is no word that can come in close to forgiveness, said Kucherova. Right before walking into the stadium, I turned around I didnt know what to say to them but I just said that the entire stadium is going to give them the standing ovation. The Ukrainians appeared skeptical, she said. When the cheers came, Kucherova said it felt like the entire stadium was recognizing their independence, recognizing their will for freedom, their courage in making it all the way to the Olympics. Anastasia Kucherova stands near the Arco della Pace during the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Rosa) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) She cried, silently, behind her glasses. Kucherova hasn't visited Russia since 2018, but understands that she is taking a risk by defying the regime. I have to be worried about this, and Im supposed to be scared about this. And I cannot guarantee that me speaking out will not harm any people I know, she said. But what I think is that if I, living in a democratic country and enjoying all the freedoms, if I am scared, this means that the regime has won. Kucherova held the sign for another delegation, Denmark, which also received a rousing ovation for that nation's resistance of U.S. threats to take over Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. Yes, this is a coincidence, but I pondered over it, Kucherova said. NIAS are treating patients at the scene (PA Archive) A bus with school children aboard was involved in a collision in Belleeks, County Armagh, in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it was at the scene of a significant incident after receiving reports of a crash at 3.38pm. There were five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor treating patients, it said. PSIS told The Independent that the injuries are thought to be minor for the children involved. The children on the bus were students of St Pauls High School in Bessbrook (Google Maps) The children on the bus were students of St Pauls High School in Bessbrook. In a statement to parents, Principal Daithi Murray said a serious incident occurred on school transport as pupils made their way home. He confirmed that all students were safe and had been collected by their parents. Mr Murray said: We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident. The school has sought advice and guidance from the Education Authoritys Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and personnel from this team will be available to support pupils affected by the incident tomorrow. I would encourage pupils, if they feel well enough, to attend school tomorrow where staff will signpost them to the support services available. The thoughts and prayers of the St Pauls community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today. The collision was in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough (Google Maps) Northern Ireland road and policing safety said: Road users are advised of a collision in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough. Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes. An update will be issued in due course. Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty, who had spoken to police, said all children have walked away relatively unscathed, according to a report by Belfast Live. He said: A school bus transporting children from St Paul's High School to Whitecross crashed on the Tullyagh Road. Thankfully around 40 of them all walked away from the scene, and are home. A few of them had minor injuries but nothing serious, the news site reported. When an incident involves a school bus crash, you hope the worst hasn't happened. Thankfully, the children have all walked away relatively unscathed. More follows on this breaking news story Shia LaBeouf has been arrested while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Transformers actor was detained shortly after midnight Tuesday after an alleged brawl at a bar outside of the French Quarter, the New Orleans Police Department said in a statement shared with The Independent. According to police, the 39-year-old was charged with two counts of simple battery and remains in a Louisiana jail after receiving medical attention from paramedics. Police said LaBeouf was acting aggressive at a bar on Royal Street, leading a staff member to kick him out of the building. Once outside, LaBeouf allegedly punched a man with closed fists several times. LaBeouf then left the area but came back, acting even more aggressive, police said. Multiple people attempted to hold [LaBeouf] down he was eventually let up in the hopes that he would leave but he reportedly again struck the same victim with closed fists to the victims upper body, police said. He then allegedly assaulted another person by punching him in the nose and was held down until police arrived. Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested in New Orleans (Getty) LaBeouf, who has previously said he was sober after multiple rehab treatments, had reportedly been partying in the city for days leading up to his arrest. A bartender who served the controversial former child star on Thursday told The Hollywood Reporter: He is terrorizing the city! Other bartenders and patrons told the outlet that LaBeouf was inebriated and belligerent throughout the weekend, as he was spotted at several bars across the city throughout Mardi Gras weekend. His representatives did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. LaBeouf is known for his publicly erratic behavior and has a history of legal issues, including a 2020 lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs that alleged sexual battery, assault and emotional abuse. The lawsuit was settled in July 2025. The Holes star was first arrested in 2014 on charges of disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal trespass during a Broadway performance of Cabaret, leading to him seeking treatment for alcoholism. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct at the time and the other charges were dropped. Three years later, LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and obstruction. Bodycam footage from the incident showed LaBeouf making racial outbursts during his arrest, which he later attributed to his alcoholism. After pleading no contest to disorderly conduct, LaBeouf was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to seek anger management and substance use treatment. LaBeoufs most recent arrest was in 2020, when he was charged with misdemeanor battery and petty theft and pleaded not guilty. The charges were dropped after he completed a court-ordered diversion program. Actor Sir Ian McKellen has said lip-syncing the voice of acclaimed English artist LS Lowry was not easy, and that he found it challenging to portray him in a new immersive BBC documentary. The Lord Of The Rings star, 86, will play the artist, also known as Laurence Stephen Lowry, nearly five decades on from his death in Arts Arena film LS Lowry: The Unheard Tapes. The documentary will see Sir Ian add the body and the face to the voice of the painter, as he lip-syncs unheard recordings between Lowry and Angela Barratt, a young fan at the time who interviewed him as he recounted his childhood through to his final days. Sir Ian McKellen as English artist LS Lowry (BBC/Wall to Wall Media/Connor Harris/PA) Speaking about the role, Sir Ian said: Im surprised to discover the most challenging aspect of lip syncing is making your mouth fit the recorded words. It aint easy. I dont find it easy. The X-Men actor went on to say that he is amazed by his co-star Annabel Smiths ability, adding: You record a sentence at a time until youve got an exact match. Id be very interested to see what it looks like and I know what it sounds like, but am I doing enough with my face, am I doing too little? I dont know. Its a skill which I dont think you conquer just on one attempt. But I wanted to do it not just because of my interest in Lowry, but because I thought it would be fun, rather late in my career to have a new ability. Sir Ian as LS Lowry (left) and Annabel Smith as interviewer, Angela Barratt (right) (BBC/Wall to Wall Media/Connor Harris/PA) Sir Ian added: Whats surprising about these Lowry tapes is that he gets the inflection wrong. He doesnt always stress the right word. An actor is very concerned to do that, so that the sense of whats being said is clear and the intention behind it is clear. But its been fun for me, beyond the words to perhaps indicate theres sometimes a twinkle in his eye and a glance to the side that the sound recorders couldnt have picked up. Theres more going on in these tapes than just the words, I think. You can tell an awful lot from someones voice. Well, when the actor adds the body and the face, then the presentation is complete. Sir Ian said that a persons voice reveals an awful lot, adding: I wish I had sound recordings of my long-dead family, for example, and I would love to hear my mothers voice and my fathers. Not just to take me back, but because a voice reveals an awful lot about a person and would tell me things that I didnt get a chance to understand while they were alive. I think the sames true with hearing these tapes. Sir Ian McKellen will lip sync unheard recordings from the artist in a new documentary (BBC/Wall to Wall Media/Connor Harris/PA) Speaking about his interest in Lowry as an artist and as a person, Sir Ian said: I mean he appeals to me as an actor because he clearly loved the theatre, we know that from his reports of his life and he liked the ballet, he liked pantomime. And I think thats reflected more than people perhaps realise in the paintings and drawings. He added: I think whats revealed from these tapes is that he did very much to his work, his paintings. He was a great artist. The one-hour Arena documentary, the BBCs long-standing arts strand, will also explore how Salford and Greater Manchesters industrial landscape changed over the years, a feature which was often captured in Lowrys work. The film will air on BBC Two and iPlayer at 9pm on February 25. WESTLAKE, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pluralsight, the leading technology skills development company, today announced a strategic partnership with Cyberstar, the industry-leading DoD cyber workforce platform, to deliver an integrated solution for Department of Defense (DoD) 8140 cyber workforce programs. Together, the companies enable organizations to connect targeted training with real-time qualification tracking, providing defense organizations with a repeatable, scalable way to align cyber personnel to Cyberspace Workforce (CWF) Qualification, close skill gaps, and maintain continuous workforce readiness. "Pluralsight brings world-class skill development to the table, and Cyberstar ensures those skills are mapped, validated, and visible across the workforce," said Marling Engle, CEO of Cyberstar. "Together, we're giving DoD organizations a practical way to turn learning into verified readiness." Advancing Role-Based Qualification Under DoD 8140 As DoD 8140 implementation expands across cyber work roles, organizations must demonstrate that personnel are qualified for assigned roles, not just certified. This includes documented learning pathways, assessed proficiency, and auditable workforce data aligned to DCWF requirements. The Pluralsight and Cyberstar partnership addresses this challenge by connecting role requirements directly to targeted learning and real-time qualification tracking. "Cyber readiness isn't just about checking a compliance box, it's about ensuring the right people have the right skills at the right time to support critical missions," said Erin Gajdalo, CEO of Pluralsight. "The Federal government faces pressure to evolve alongside technology just like every other organization, but the stakes are highest when it comes to national defense. By partnering with Cyberstar, we're helping DoD cyber teams go beyond audit requirements to build a culture and framework for rapid skills adoption and technological transformation." A Skills-Focused Model for Cyber Workforce Readiness Through this partnership, Cyberstar and Pluralsight bring the full 8140 readiness lifecycle into a single, integrated workflow. Organizations can now: Assess workforce skills against DCWF requirements workforce skills against DCWF requirements Prescribe targeted learning pathways using Pluralsight's adaptive content and hands-on labs targeted learning pathways using Pluralsight's adaptive content and hands-on labs Train cyber personnel on the most mission-relevant capabilities cyber personnel on the most mission-relevant capabilities Validate proficiency with real-time progress, not static certifications proficiency with real-time progress, not static certifications Report instantly for audits and executive decision-making "Military leaders need confidence that their workforce data reflects actual mission readiness, not static spreadsheets" said Peter Spoehr, Vice President of Public Sector Sales at Pluralsight. "Cyberstar tells organizations where the compliance gaps exist in their organization, and Pluralsight helps talent attain qualification quickly and measurably. Together, we shorten time-to-qualification and give leadership the visibility they need to make informed decisions." For more information about Pluralsight's public sector solutions, click here. To learn more about how Pluralsight helps individuals and organizations close critical technology skill gaps, visit Pluralsight.com. Media Contact Ryan Sins Senior Communications Manager [email protected] About Pluralsight Pluralsight provides the only learning platform dedicated to accelerating the technology skills and capabilities of today's tech workforce. Thousands of companies, government organizations, and individuals around the world rely on Pluralsight to support critical technology skill development in areas that are crucial to innovation, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, and machine learning. Pluralsight offers highly curated content developed by vetted technology experts, industry leading skill assessments, and hands-on, immersive learning experiences designed to help individuals skill-up faster. The company is headquartered in Westlake, Texas with a global office in Dublin, Ireland. For more information, visit pluralsight.com. About Cyberstar Cyberstar is a cyber workforce management platform purpose-built for the DCWF and DoDM 8140.03. With over 20 years supporting defense and federal cyber programs, Cyberstar provides real-time qualification tracking, automated verification, and workforce analytics that give leaders clear, auditable proof of mission readiness. By replacing manual tracking and siloed, inconsistent data systems with a single source of truth, Cyberstar helps teams support workforce readiness beyond compliance. For more details, visit cyberstar.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2788698/Pluralsight_Screenshot_2025_10_03_at_1_41_22_PM_Logo.jpg My eyes are always teary, and he never leaves my mind, said Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son, Ronan, was stabbed through the heart with a ninja sword in a case of mistaken identity near their family home in Wolverhampton. On the same day of the brutal murder, one of his killers, Prabjeet Veadhesa, a boy from his school, collected the 22-inch weapon over a Post Office counter, without any ID or age checks, after using an adults credit card to purchase it online. The tragic death took place almost four years ago, but now Ms Kanda, speaking on the eve of receiving an OBE at Buckingham Palace for her work to prevent knife crime, believes progress is finally being made to address systemic failures. Last year, new legislation named after her son, Ronans Law, made it illegal to sell, make or import ninja swords to the UK. Now, amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which will make it mandatory for collection point sites, such as the Post Office, to check ID on knives, are going through the House of Lords. Meanwhile, a consultation is being run by the government for a licensing system for sellers and imports of knives, which would include rules for age verification and secure packaging. Pooja Kanda with her son Ronan Kanda, who was murdered in a case of mistaken identity (Family handout) Four years ago, I lost my son to a horrific knife attack in which he didnt stand a chance, said Ms Kanda. I saw the ninja sword, I couldnt believe it, and it still haunts me to this day. If these measures were in place today, Ronan would have been here. Thats what keeps me going, it keeps me fighting to save other children who are at risk to this awful knife situation we have. Ronan was walking home from a friends house where he had gone to buy a PlayStation controller when he was ambushed by Veadhesa and Sukhman Shergill, both aged 17, in June 2022. Suffering two deep wounds, Ronan tried running home, but collapsed two doors away from his house. As word quickly got around of the stabbing, Ms Kanda, who had been at a meditation class, tried calling her son. After being quickly driven home by a friend, she arrived to find police tape across the road. Within seconds, everything changed, my whole life was shattered, she said. He was a beautiful boy who never deserved this. So now we stand up for him, and every other young person. During the murder trial, Ms Kanda and her family were told how Veadhesa had bought the ninja sword and a jungle machete from a website, before collecting them from a Post Office, with no age or identity verification checks. Pooja Kanda stands with Sir Keir Starmer and actor Idris Elba as they speak to the families of knife victims as part of a coalition to combat the crime (Getty) The Post Office told The Independent that the retail partner operating the branch involved had changed after the incident, with the new operator having taken part in an internal inquiry into what happened. It said the Royal Mail had guidance in place on dangerous objects that all Post Office branches were required to follow. Royal Mail said the package had been sent using an Age Verification service, and it was the Post Office branchs responsibility to check for age at point of collection. A government review on online knife sales, published last January, said Ronans death showed the policy at collection sites such as the Post Office on checking ID was not always adhered to, and required urgent attention. Ms Kanda said it was one of a number of systemic failings that led to her sons death, which also included a lack of supervision of the killers, previously known to police and education and social care in the West Midlands area. She said she was determined to close any loophole allowing the purchase of knives by young children. It comes as the latest figures provided toThe Independent by the Ministry of Justice showed there were 1,120 children convicted for knife possession in England and Wales in the year ending September 2025, up from 981 in 2022. This month, two boys were stabbed at school in Brent, north west London, and a teacher was attacked at a school in Pembrokeshire. Sellers, buyers, and distributors must assume greater responsibility for their role in the deadly trade of knives, said Ms Kanda, who last year met prime minister Sir Keir Starmer as part of his coalition to fight knife crime. Ronan Kandas name was used for Ronans Law, which made it illegal to sell, make or import ninja swords to the UK (West Midlands Police) Without proper ID checks, the online sale of these bladed articles played a crucial role in this tragedy. I not only want proper checks done on ID by sellers of knives online and in shops, but also for ID checks on people collecting the items to make sure they do not get into the wrong hands. With every knife incident I read or watch about, I know we must try harder to stop this awful crime. Its gone on too long and has taken too many lives like my sons. At the launch of the government consultation on a licensing system for knife sellers and importers in December, crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: We want to know if licensing measures like those in this consultation could save lives by making knife sales safer and more accountable and stop them falling into the wrong hands. In a statement issued on Monday, a Post Office spokesperson said: We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ronan. We have met with Ms Kanda on a couple of occasions and remain deeply moved by the pain she has suffered, but inspired by the campaign she is running to rid our streets of these dangerous knives. This generation has faced a uniquely difficult start to working life. Photograph: Maria Korneeva/Getty Images (Photograph: Maria Korneeva/Getty Images) On any given day, Poppy Blackman is engaged in the soul-crushing process of applying for a new job, and rarely ever hearing anything back. The 22-year-old has been unemployed since January 2025 and says she applies to an average of 50 roles a month, using one of four different CVs she has written for different types of jobs and sectors. I cant be picky with what I want to apply for, says Blackman, who lives in London. She studied fashion and art design at North Kent College but has given up on only applying within this sector. Not a day goes by when I dont apply for at least a few jobs, she says. It does get pretty miserable after a certain amount of time, always doing the same thing, looking on the same websites, applying for similar jobs. It does get a little bit soul-crushing. Blackmans story is an increasingly common one. Official figures show youth unemployment among 18 to 24-year-olds rose to a five-year high in the final three months of 2025. Strip out the Covid spike in 2020 and youth unemployment has hit an 11-year-high. On a wider net of 16 to 24-year-olds, youth unemployment is now higher than the EU average for the first time, rising to 16.1%, the highest level including the pandemic since 2014, when the jobs market was still recovering from the financial crisis. The EU average was 14.9% in the final quarter of 2025. The youth unemployment rate compares with an overall UK unemployment level of 5.2%. Former MP and minister Alan Milburn, chair of the governments Young People and Work review, which is due to report in the summer, said the rise in youth unemployment posed an existential risk for the UK and could put a generation on the scrapheap. This is not a short-term phenomenon, its a long-term one, he told the BBC. Were seeing something dramatic changing in the labour markets. Forty-five per cent of 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training have never had a job. If you havent had a job by 24, that entails a long-term scarring effect and youre probably then stuck in a lifetime on benefits. Ashwin Prasad, who runs the UK arm of Tesco, recently warned that the UK was sleepwalking into a quiet epidemic of joblessness, with millions of people out of work and on benefits. Some of this rise in joblessness is due to businesses looking to shore up costs in tougher times. Martin Beck, chief economist at WPI Strategy, said: The economy has been sluggish for a long time and that tends to hit younger people first, because if youre an employer and your demand is weak, youre probably going to freeze recruitment. Youre not going to open up as many entry-level roles. Economists say that while there are a number of issues contributing to the rise in young people being out of work, one big factor has been rising costs for employers. You hear back from maybe 10% of applications and usually its automated Oxford graduate Jack, 21 In her first budget after Labour returned to power in 2024, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, increased the rate of employers national insurance contributions (NICs) from 13.8% to 15% from last April. The threshold for NICs being levied was also cut from 9,100 to 5,000 a year. The national minimum wage has also risen every year since 2019, rising by 6.7% in 2025 and by 4.1% in April 2026. From April, the combined cost of employing someone age 21 and over will have risen by 15% since 2024, according to the Centre for Policy Studies, or 3,414. For 18 to 20-year-olds, the increase is 26%, or 4,095. The Employment Rights Act has also added to costs for employers, with significant new rights for workers on sick pay, parental leave and zero-hours contracts. Simon French, chief economist at Panmure Liberum, an investment bank, said: The national living wage is probably the most significant factor over the last decade in terms of its impact on youth unemployment. But if you then layer on top of that the employer national insurance changes, plus the Employment Rights Act, on top of pensions auto-enrolment that is a lot to absorb. Weve had these incremental costs being burdened on employers as if it is just a free lunch. Well, I think were finding, its not a free lunch. It has all left young people facing a brutal jobs market. Jack, 21, lives in London and graduated from Oxford University last summer with a first in history. He has since applied for more than 100 jobs, graduate schemes and internships and despite landing his first internship, which started in January and runs for three months he is now on the job hunt again. He says the application process is gruelling, made harder because of the prevalent use of technology in hiring. You hear back from maybe 10% of applications and usually its automated, so you dont even know what youre doing wrong, he says. Ive spoken to one human out of all those applications. Ive even been interviewed by chatbots. He feels trapped in what he describes as a catch-22. Entry-level roles want you to already have a foot in the door. The roles in which you begin your career require you to have already been in roles in which you begin your career. Its a classic case of the chicken and the egg, he says. I feel pretty drained and fed up. Many graduates also say they are worried about companies using artificial intelligence to replace jobs. However, Jake Finney, senior economist at PwC, said its youth employment index for 2025 found AI was not a big factor. We didnt really find much of an impact at the economy-wide level, because ultimately, young people are concentrated in industries like retail and hospitality and these are not the sectors that have been hit by AI so far. But if you look at the IT sector, which is obviously the sector thats been most impacted by AI and automation so far, weve found that adult employment has been relatively stable, whereas youth employment has dropped by around a fifth. Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of The Kings Trust, which helps young people find work, said: More young people are coming to us eager to work but feeling locked out of opportunities. This generation has faced a uniquely difficult start to working life. Many had their education and early work experiences disrupted by the pandemic, leaving gaps in skills, confidence and networks that are crucial for getting a first job. Saalim Elhaj, 23, has decided to learn new skills to find a job. He graduated with an architecture degree in Manchester in June 2025. He moved to Southampton to be with his girlfriend and has mostly been unemployed apart from days labouring on construction sites. He no longer sees himself pursuing a career in architecture. Even before finishing my course, I was quite disillusioned by the whole profession, but mostly by the economy, he says. I could see it wasnt going to get any better. There werent many jobs for recent graduates. Even the year before I graduated, I could see it was stagnating. I was really confused about what Im supposed to be doing in this economy. After contacting some architecture companies and seeing how few jobs there were for recent graduates, he decided to expand his skillset and get experience in construction. He is now hoping he can do an apprenticeship in timber framing, a traditional method of building using heavy timber if he can find someone to take him on. In the meantime, he regularly travels to London to volunteer with a timber framer so he can learn as much as he can. Its really bizarre, doing a university degree and now thinking about an apprenticeship, but everything is very uncertain and I really want to learn a skill. Julie Leonard, chief impact officer at Shaw Trust, a national employment charity, said: This generation has had a raw deal. Theyve faced a pandemic during the time when vital skills for the workplace are gained, and are starting their working lives during unprecedented social and technological change. Prof Philippe Sands KC has been friends with Sir Keir Starmer for over 20 years - House of Lords One of Sir Keir Starmers closest friends was paid a share of 8m for working for Mauritius during the Chagos Islands dispute. Prof Philippe Sands KC, who has previously said he is a great friend of the Prime Minister, was the lead counsel for Mauritius between 2010 and 2024. Documents released to the Mauritian parliament show that Prof Sands and his legal team were paid around 8m during that time. While the exact amount of money paid to Prof Sands is not known, his role as chief counsel would have earned him a substantial amount of the total. Prof Sands was hired by Pravind Jugnauth, the former Mauritian prime minister, to contest the Chagos Islands case in the international courts. His work established a ruling at the International Court of Justice that Labour ministers have used to justify handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. As part of the deal, Britain will pay Mauritius 35bn to lease Diego Garcia, the military base there, for 99 years. Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands contains a joint UK-US military base - US Navy Critics including the Conservatives and Reform UK have described that agreement, which Sir Keirs administration signed, as a surrender deal. Prof Sands has been friends with Sir Keir for more than 20 years. He was a founding member of Matrix Chambers, where Sir Keir and Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, both worked. Prof Sands campaigned for Sir Keir to be Labour leader and, in 2019, introduced and interviewed his great friend at the Hay Literary Festival. Sir Keir Starmer announced the Chagos Islands deal in May last year - Thomas Krych/Reuters The legal fee for the work for Mauritius was uncovered by campaigners against the Chagos deal in official documents this week. Prof Sands has since appeared before committees in Parliament to argue for the handover of the islands, which he says the UK has illegally occupied since the 1960s. His legal team has fought a campaign of decolonisation of the islands from British rule, even though they have never belonged to Mauritius and were politically separated from the country when it was granted independence from the UK in 1968. In 2022, Prof Sands attended a ceremony on the Chagos Islands at which the Mauritian flag was raised. He has also compared Britains possession of the Chagos Islands to the Russian invasion of Crimea. Speaking at an event two years ago, called Britains Living Colonial Legacy, Prof Sands explained how in the mid-1960s Chagossians were moved to the UK despite there being a move towards decolonisation. He said the logic of the British position was that it saw the Chagossians not as island residents with the right to self-determination but as contract labourers brought into work and therefore they had no right to express a view. He said: Some of the contract labourers I know were three months old when they were forcibly deported, the more you get into it the more shocking it is. And Britain being Britain has not been able to come to terms with its past in any way. During an interview with the American Library in Paris in 2023 he spoke about how Britain struggles to come to terms with colonialism and referred to Chagos. Credit: YouTube/@AmericanLibraryParis Earlier this month, Donald Trump defied the expectations of some Republicans and agreed to support the Chagos deal, which he had previously described as an act of great stupidity. Downing Street claims that giving the islands away is the only way to provide the long-term security of Diego Garcia, which would otherwise be subject to continued legal claims by Mauritius. However, critics say that there is no legal justification for giving the Chagos Islands away, and a judicial review of the decision has been launched by former residents of the islands in the High Court. Former residents of the Chagos Islands have launched a judicial review - Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: Labours shameful Chagos surrender is a threat to our security and that of our allies, and Keir Starmers great friend Philippe Sands is at the heart of it. I believe that Sands is happy to sell out our country. And I believe that all the other figures associated with this deal [Sir Keir] Starmer, [Peter] Mandelson, [national security adviser Jonathan] Powell and everyone else are too. Labour and their Lefty lawyer friends have repeatedly shown that they will not stand up for Britain on the global stage. Only the Conservatives will defend our countrys interests and we will continue to fight the Chagos surrender every step of the way. Irish writer Marian Keyes has said she can hardly describe how proud she feels about seeing her novel series adapted for television. The Walsh Sisters follows five dysfunctional but deeply lovable siblings as they navigate the highs and lows of their 20s and 30s. The six-part drama, inspired by five of Keyes novels, has already aired on Irish broadcaster RTE and is set to air on the BBC in the UK. Caroline Menton, Danielle Galligan, Stefanie Preissner, Mairead Tyers and Louisa Harland (BBC/James Pierce/PA) Set in Dublin, the series follows the lives of Anna (Louisa Harland), Rachel (Caroline Menton), Maggie (Stefanie Preissner), Claire (Danielle Galligan) and Helen (Mairead Tyers). Preissner, best known for creating the comedy series Cant Cope, Wont Cope, adapted the show and wrote four episodes. The remaining two episodes were written by Kefi Chadwick, whose previous credits include the drama Rivals and the crime series Death In Paradise. For decades, the books were optioned, but nothing ever came of it. I had completely buried any hope, Keyes, 62, told the Press Association. Then work began on this in 2018 and, as time went on, that hope was sidelined again. I still cant describe the pride, excitement and thrill of it all. Its a different medium, but the feel of the books, the warmth, the humour, as well as the depth, has been captured in this beautiful ball. I feel so proud of all the actors, but the five women who play the sisters, I love them like daughters. Danielle Galligan, Caroline Menton and Louisa Harland (BBC/Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films/Enda Bowe/PA) Menton, whose character Rachel struggles with addiction issues, says that while it was a privilege to play the role it was also a huge responsibility. Its such a privilege to be involved in any capacity, especially in Marian Keyes world, because her characters are so beloved, said the Irish actress. That comes with a huge responsibility. It was definitely intimidating; I remember thinking, Oh my God, these are huge shoes to fill. I really wanted to meet the expectations people would have of anyone playing Rachel. Galligan, 33, who plays divorcee Claire, compares Keyes to Sinead OConnor with regards to Irish identity. I hadnt read any of Marians work before, but I was very aware of her as part of Irish female identity, in the same way someone like Sinead OConnor is, said the House Of Guinness actress. She just feels culturally significant. My Mum was my first port of call, because she loves Marian Keyes. She even remembers where she was when she read her first book. Marian Keyes has won numerous book awards (Joel Ryan/PA) (Joel Ryan) Mum described her as our Edna OBrien, because Marian was writing for a generation of Irish women and exploring their lives with a depth and honesty that she hadnt felt had been done before. Its amazing how well Marian, and Stefanie as well in her adaptation, handle the sisters, making them feel part of a cohesive whole, yet still completely individual. That feels very true to sisters and families. Im an only child, but from the outside it seems like you really have to carve out your own identity within that dynamic. I think that was captured so beautifully, both in the scripts and in the novels. Since publishing her first novel in 1995, Keyes has sold more than 30 million copies of her books and they have been translated into 36 languages, with bestsellers including Rachels Holiday and Grown Ups. She has won a number of Irish Book Awards and was named author of the year at the British Book Awards in 2022. The Walsh Sisters airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday. Great Britains men scraped into the curling semi-finals on Thursday to keep their medal hopes alive, but the women fell agonisingly short after the curling round robin stage at the Winter Olympics 2026. GBs men slumped to a 9-5 defeat by Canada on Tuesday evening following the controversy that erupted over the weekend with cheating accusations made against the Canadian team, but they hit back in style against the USA on Wednesday afternoon, winning 9-2 after just six ends to remain in the hunt for a medal and play-off spot. Bruce Mouats rink required help from elsewhere to seal a top-four spot, needing either Norway or Italy to lose their final match on Thursday morning. Italy obliged by losing 9-5 to unbeaten Switzerland, while Norway beat already-qualified Canada to seal the final qualifying spot, one place above GB. Britains uphill task continues though as they face top qualifiers Switzerland in the semi-final from 6.35pm GMT on Thursday evening, where a win would guarantee at least silver which they won in Beijing four years ago. Team GBs women however were narrowly edged out of the top four. Having snatched the most remarkable of 8-7 victories against the USA on Wednesday morning before thrashing Japan 9-3 in the evening and beating Italy 7-4 on Thursday, they needed Switzerland to beat the US to guarantee their progression. But the Americans sealed a remarkable 7-6 victory in an extra end to condemn Britain to a group stage defeat. Heres the schedule, results and current standings: Mens Winter Olympics curling schedule Semi-final fixtures All times GMT 19 February: Switzerland 5-8 Great Britain 19 February: Canada 5-4 Norway Round robin results 11 February: China 4-9 Great Britain 12 February: Great Britain 6-3 Sweden 13 February: Great Britain 7-9 Italy 14 February: Czech Republic 4-7 Great Britain 15 February: Germany 4-9 Great Britain 15 February: Great Britain 5-6 Switzerland 16 February: Great Britain 6-7 Norway 17 February: Canada 9-5 Great Britain 18 February: USA 2-9 Great Britain Top 4 advance to play-offs Team Pld W L Switzerland (Q) 9 9 0 Canada (Q) 9 7 2 Norway (Q) 9 5 4 Great Britain (Q) 9 5 4 USA 9 4 5 Italy 9 4 5 Germany 9 4 5 Czech Republic 9 3 6 Sweden 9 2 7 China 9 2 7 Play-off round February 19 - semi-finals February 20 - bronze medal match February 21 - gold medal game Squad in full Skip: Bruce Mouat Third: Grant Hardie Second: Bobby Lammie Lead: Hammy McMillan Jr. Alternate: Kyle Waddell Womens Winter Olympics curling schedule Round robin results 12 February: China 7-4 Great Britain 13 February: Great Britain 3-9 Republic of Korea 14 February: Great Britain 7-6 Canada 15 February: Great Britain 7-10 Sweden 16 February: Denmark 2-7 Great Britain 16 February: Switzerland 10-6 Great Britain 17 February: Switzerland 10-6 Great Britain 18 February: USA 7-8 Great Britain 18 February: Great Britain 9-3 Japan 19 February: Great Britain 7-4 Italy Top 4 advance to play-offs Team Pld W L Sweden (Q) 9 7 2 USA (Q) 9 6 3 Switzerland (Q) 9 6 3 Canada (Q) 9 6 3 South Korea 9 5 4 Great Britain 9 5 4 Denmark 9 4 5 Japan 9 2 7 Italy 9 2 7 China 9 2 7 Play-off round February 20 - semi-finals February 21 - bronze medal match February 22 - gold medal game Squad in full Skip: Sophie Jackson Third: Jennifer Dodds Second: Sophie Sinclair Fourth: Rebecca Morrison Alternate: Fay Henderson Youve got to be strong enough to withstand the praise as well as the condemnation, Tony Blair, now aged 72, tells audiences in the new Channel 4 documentary series, The Tony Blair Story. This, as the show demonstrates, is a man who knows a thing or two about praise and an awful lot about condemnation. And from his childhood in Scotland, through Oxford and county Durham to Downing Street and beyond, the story of Anthony Charles Lynton Blair proves easier to tell than to judge. Over the course of three episodes succinctly titled Who Are You?, Iraq, and The Loss of Power The Tony Blair Story charts the course of one of Britains most impactful post-war premierships. Beginning with Blairs family life, education and political conversion (his father was a lifelong Conservative member), the show develops alongside its protagonist. It canters through his election in Sedgefield in 1983, the forging of a stunningly effective pact with Gordon Brown, and his elevation, in 1994, to leader of the Labour Party. That all serves to arrive, midway through the first episode, at the landslide of the 1997 election. A radical, in the words of the author Robert Harris, he was the Labour equivalent of Margaret Thatcher. But, as with most political biographies, the arc of The Tony Blair Story soon begins to nosedive towards calamity. At the heart of all this is the figure of Blair, who sits for an extensive interview with the films director and narrator, Michael Waldman. Its very important to understand about me, Blair warns, Im not into psychoanalysis. Its a (telling) fact that he repeats a couple of times over the course of the narrative, and it vacates much of the introspection to his friends (Anji Hunter, Alastair Campbell, Sally Morgan) and critics (Clare Short, Jeremy Corbyn). Quickly, the show becomes about Blairs contested legacy, particularly in relation to the Iraq war, about which he remains unapologetic. I think hell go to his grave genuinely thinking it was the right thing to do, Campbell judges his old boss, while Blair himself offers a series of exsanguinated opinions. History goes on a long time, he proposes, rather lamely. And while Waldman is attempting to do a thorough first draft of the Blair years, The Tony Blair Story feels lopsided. The simplicity of the three-act structure (rise, decline, fall) means significant foreign policy achievements in Northern Ireland and Kosovo are skated over, while almost no room is left for domestic considerations like the economic growth or the rise in environmental and equalities legislation. The show is in a rush to get to Iraq, where the human drama of New Labour reaches its most frenzied pitch. But the narrative gets trapped between breaking its stride for a longer rumination on the foreign policy debacle, which makes the Iraq segment feel overlong, and failing to do any sort of justice to the complexity of the conflict (existing, as it does, in the shadow of the BBCs excellent Once Upon a Time in Iraq series). This is a frequent issue with documentaries that employ a dogged linearity: the pacing makes everything feel perfunctory. Aiding the series, however, is access to the man himself, as well as his wife Cherie and three of his children (Euan, Kathryn, and Leo). There are some notable absences (both Gordon Brown and George W Bush are much discussed, but arent interviewed), and time has robbed us of the testimony of figures like John Prescott and Robin Cook, who mightve curbed the sycophantic tendency. But international figures like Bill Clinton and Condoleezza Rice offer a global perspective, while most of the key voices from the administration (Campbell, Jonathan Powell, and Peter Mandelson, appearing in spite of the recent allegations concerning his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein) give their opinions. Like Blair, the show isnt much interested in psychoanalysis ([Blair] provokes a kaleidoscopic range of opinions, Waldmans narration concludes somewhat unimaginatively), but ranges confidently through the years, largely retaining its focus on the self-possessed figure at its heart. And Blair makes for a fascinating subject. Depicted with unflinching consistency through the years, he comes across as the opposite of a chameleon; someone able to change the world to match his colours. Blairs detractors may find themselves disappointed at the profiles soft touch and respect for the former leader. His fans will, doubtless, think the show overindulges in his failures. In reality, the series might have been more creatively successful if it had tried to tell a smaller story, either the early years that informed his political ideology and the birth of New Labour, or his new life, having left office, grappling for influence in occasionally unsavoury ways. Instead, The Tony Blair Story takes the third way a middle path and, like the man himself, focuses more on delivery than motivation. The long-awaited replacement of the oldest trains on the London Underground has moved a step closer. Transport for London is inviting contractors to bid for work to upgrade the Bakerloo line ahead of the arrival of a new fleet of trains. The timeline of the proposed infrastructure work suggests that the existing train fleet already 54 years old and becoming increasingly unreliable will have to keep running for another decade. The 36 new trains are yet to be ordered due to a lack of cash but TfLs aspiration is for them to be next off the production line after all 94 new walk-through, air-conditioned Piccadilly line trains are delivered. The trains on the Bakerloo line date from 1972 and are the oldest on the entire network and in any kind of passenger service in the UK. TfL has issued a preliminary market engagement notice that invites private firms to bid for work to upgrade the lines infrastructure, such as the platforms and signalling equipment, in line with the requirements of a new fleet of trains. This includes the reconstruction of the Bakerloo train depot at Stonebridge Park and an enlarged overnight stabling facility in Queens Park. The work would begin in July 2027 and take until December 2034 to complete indicating that the Bakerloo line will not receive new trains until 2035 at the earliest. Similar work is being carried out on the Piccadilly line ahead of the delayed entry of the first of its new trains into passenger service in the second half of 2026. Test run: One of the new Piccadilly line trains being tested at Earls Court station (TfL) Sources confirmed this was a key piece in the jigsaw towards upgrading the Bakerloo line. A total of 1bn has been set aside in TfLs business plan for the Bakerloo line upgrade, though there is no money to enable a contract to be signed for the new trains. The prospective contract is described by TfL as signalling a significant step forward in the modernisation of one of the capitals oldest Underground lines. TfL added: This move is aimed at preparing the line for the introduction of new rolling stock, replacing the current fleet of [19]72 Tube Stock trains. The oldest in operation across the UK, which are facing escalating costs and reliability challenges. The proposed contract is a variation of a similar announcement first made by TfL in 2024. Brent Leyshon, programme manager at TfL, said the aim was to replace the fleet of 36 Metro Cammell 1972 stock hand me down fleet that currently provide the service on the Bakerloo. Playing down hopes that the contract might include work on the Bakerloo line extension, he said: This is a rolling stock upgrade only, folks! In a post on Linked-In, Mr Leyshon said: They are life expired and the oldest operational fleet in the UK. As always with any new fleet introduction, the introduction of the cutting-edge Siemens Mobility 24 Stock fleet requires a full upgrade of the lines infrastructure including a full depot rebuild. Last November, TfL launched a preliminary market engagement notice for its 1.6bn extension of the DLR to Thamesmead, via a new twin-bore tunnel under the Thames, with new stations in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. Work on the DLR extension is due to start in March 2027 and be completed by December 2033. TfL wants to award a contract to Siemens, the firm that is assembling the new Piccadilly line trains, for the new Bakerloo line trains. Last year Sambit Banerjee, joint chief sxecutive of Siemens Mobility UK, told the Commons transport committee that the firms new rail village in Goole faced a stiff drop in work if it did not win the Bakerloo contract. TfLs business plan, which runs until 2029/30, only commits it to progressing plans for a new Bakerloo line fleet and to seek approval for the West London Orbital and Bakerloo line extension, rather than setting aside cash for either scheme. Replacing the Bakerloo line fleet is only an ambition of TfLs. The Bakerloop buses are part of the Superloop network (Ross Lydall) London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has launched the Bakerloop, part of his network of limited-stop Superloop buses, as an interim measure to boost links in south-east London that would benefit from the Bakerloo line extension. Like the new trains, the Bakerloo line extension is also unfunded. It would extend the line south-east from Elephant and Castle station to Lewisham via new, fully accessible stations at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. TfL also hopes to extend the Bakerloo line extension further south, from Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction by taking over the existing National Rail line. This would free up existing services into London Bridge to provide additional capacity across southeast London and Kent. President Donald Trump has addressed speculation for the first time that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is having an extramarital affair with her top aide Corey Lewandowski. Trump was asked directly about the rumored relationship, which both Noem and Lewandowski have denied, aboard Air Force One Monday evening, whether it constituted a bad look for his administration, and whether Noem was likely to remain in her job much longer. I dont know about that, the president answered, I mean, I havent heard that. Ill find out about it, but I have not heard that. The alleged romance between Noem and Lewandowski, both of whom are married, has long been a subject of media intrigue, but the former South Dakota governor has dismissed the story as a disgusting lie. The matter was revived last week by The Wall Street Journal, which published a bombshell report on Noems running of the DHS, alleging that the pairs close relationship had already made Trump and his top advisers uncomfortable and was an open secret within the administration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has called rumors that she is romantically involved with her top aide Corey Lewandowski a disgusting lie (AP) The newspaper claimed that the president had rejected the idea of Lewandowski serving as Noems chief of staff due to reports of a romantic relationship between the two which he has continued to bring up, officials say. It also reported that the secretary had moved into a government-owned waterfront house on a military base in Washington, D.C., intended for the head of the Coast Guard, after tabloid photos of Lewandowski showed him going back and forth between his apartment and Noems across the street last year. A DHS spokesperson told the WSJ that Noem had moved into the house for security reasons and that she pays rent there. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in turn, told The Independent: Mr. Lewandowski serves as an advisor to the secretary. The secretary, like all previous secretaries, has various senior advisors. This department doesnt waste time with salacious, baseless gossip we have actual work to do keeping the American homeland and its citizens safe. Something the last administration failed to do for four years. Lewandowski is a familiar figure in Trump World and was the presidents first campaign manager in 2016 (AP) The WSJ report otherwise alleged, quoting sources from within the DHS, that Noems department operated in a state of constant chaos and portrayed the secretary as a politician who has sought to burnish her personal stardom at every turn. It accused her of staging a headline grabbing immigration crackdown while sidelining rivals and dissenters all with an eye to her style, with TV-ready hair and makeup, also alleging she was jealous of Trumps border czar Tom Homan, who was sent in to restore order to Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis last month, ensuring she made more TV appearances than her rival. A DHS spokesperson challenged many of the points raised in the story, claiming the Homan line was false. Trumps administration has continued to back Noem, even after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota in January, both of whom the secretary accused of attempting to engage in domestic terrorism when they were killed by federal agents. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted recently that the president retains full confidence in Noem, saying: President Trump and Secretary Noem have ensured the most secure border in our nations history, and our homeland is undoubtedly safer today than it was when the president took office last year. President Donald Trump has taken another swipe at Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom hes called a traitor, as the former congresswoman says shes faced hundreds of death threats. Greene used to be one of Trumps strongest supporters before a public falling out over issues, including the release of the so-called Epstein files, which culminated in the Georgia Republicans resignation from Congress. We have a lot of people who want to take Marjorie Traitor Greenes place, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Monday. Many, many candidates and I have to choose one and they say whoever I endorse is going to win. Trumps comments came a day after Greene spoke about the more than 700 death threats she has received after going against the president in the fight to release government documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. I started getting serious death threatsserious death threats. A pipe bomb death threat on my home, a pipe bomb death threat on my family construction business, and then direct death threats on my youngest child, my son, Greene said in an interview with podcaster Jillian Michaels. President Donald Trump has taken another swipe at Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom hes called a 'traitor,' as the former congresswoman says shes faced hundreds of death threats (AFP via Getty Images) We reported, I think, 773 official death threats, and they have to reach a certain criteria before we can report them to Capitol Police. And I dealt with that. But when they came in on my child, on my own child, based on the presidents language and thats what the death threats were, it was because he called me a traitor my son is going to be threatened to be killed, the former congresswoman continued. Greene said that she sent the death threat about her son to top members of the Trump administration, including the president himself. The president himself texts me back and is very nasty and tells me that its my fault, Greene said. He blames me for the death threats coming in on my own son, has no compassion. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Amid their feud, Trump wrote on Truth Social last November that he was withdrawing his support for Greene, writing, all I see Wacky Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN! Trump and Greene had a public falling out late last year over her support for releasing the Epstein files (Getty Images) I understand that wonderful, Conservative people are thinking about primarying Marjorie in her District of Georgia, that they too are fed up with her and her antics and, if the right person runs, they will have my Complete and Unyielding Support, Trump wrote. Greene stood with only a few House Republicans who initially pushed for a bill to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. Trump later signed the bill into law, despite being initially opposed to it, after mounting pressure from Congress. The Justice Department has since released millions of documents in connection with the disgraced financier. During a CNN interview in November 2025, Greene said, Everyone across the board agrees release the Epstein files. So this is something that I get calls into my office almost every day about. Greene used to be one of Trumps strongest supporters before their falling out, which culminated in the Georgia Republicans resignation from Congress (Getty Images) Greene resigned from Congress in January. When announcing her decision in November, Greene said, I have too much self respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms. In reaction to her announcement, Trump wrote on Truth Social, Marjorie Traitor Brown, because of PLUMMETING Poll Numbers, and not wanting to face a Primary Challenger with a strong Trump Endorsement (where she would have no chance of winning!), has decided to call it quits. Greene defended her patriotism during her interview with Michaels, saying, What he meant is I was a traitor to him, not to the country and not to the American people. The special election to fill Greenes seat will take place on March 10. Trump uses Jesse Jackson to take dig at Barack Hussein Obama, whom the civil rights leader could not stand President Donald Trump used the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson to highlight his personal accomplishments and take a swipe at former President Barack Obama, asserting the civil rights leader had little tolerance for the former president. In a Tuesday morning Truth Social post, Trump remembered Jackson as a force of nature who set the stage for Obama to win the 2008 election. Jacksons two unsuccessful presidential campaigns in the 1980s are credited with helping mobilize Black voters and establishing a dominant Black voice in the Democratic Party. But Trump insisted Jackson, who supported Obama, did not like the former president. He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand, Trump claimed. Jackson never publicly stated he could not stand Obama. However, in 2008, Jackson was caught on a hot mic criticizing Obama for the way he addressed the Black community. Jackson later apologized for making the comments, and Obama accepted his apology. Donald Trump posted on social media shortly after the civil rights icons death. Trump used his message to take a dig at Barack Obama (Bettmann Archive/Getty) Jackson was with Obama when he won the 2008 presidential election. In a now-famous moment, Jackson could be seen with tears in his eyes as Obama made his acceptance speech in Grant Park, Chicago. He toldVanity Fair in 2020 that he was thinking about the movement and how the people who made that night possible they were not there. Jackson, a protegee of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dedicated his life to expanding civil rights and promoting global peace through his Rainbow/PUSH coalition. His political career shaped the future of the Democratic Party and American politics. He died Tuesday at 84 years old. I knew him well, long before becoming President, Trump said. He was a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts. He was very gregarious - Someone who truly loved people! Jackson ran twice for president in the 1980s as a Democrat (AP1988) In remembering Jackson, Trump highlighted how he helped the civil rights leader succeed, recalling that he gave Jacksons Rainbow/PUSH Coalition office space in 40 Wall Street in the 1990s. Despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way, Trump wrote. Trump listed policies enacted during his first and current administrations that he claimed Jackson supported and no other president had tried to pass. That includes criminal justice reform, long-term funding for historically Black colleges and universities and economic development for Black communities known as Opportunity Zones. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed! Trump said. R.E.A.C.H. invites Far Southside residents to a February 21 community town hall to explore a suite of groundbreaking new health services, from a New Obstetrics Unit and Doula Services to housing for mothers, senior and men services, and vital mental health support, including adolescence. CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Roseland Equity and Community-Driven Health (R.E.A.C.H.) is a collaborative committed to transforming health outcomes on Chicago's Far Southside through equitable and compassionate care and is sponsoring a community town hall on Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11am-1pm.** This event will be held at The New Roseland Community Hospital, 45 W. 111th Street, Chicago. This "Call to Action," event will allow residents to learn about new resources, and community updates, including: Insurance support; Senior Services; New Obstetrics Unit at Roseland Community Hospital; Doula Services; "Roseland Cradle," a residential housing for pregnant mothers and mothers in need; Men Services; Adolescent Sustaining Healing Center for Mental Health; and share your needs and concerns with R.E.A.C.H. The collaborators participating in this event are: Roseland Community Hospital, TCA Health, Chicago Family Health Center, Christian Community Health Center, BELOVED, HRDI, Maryville, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. They serve the Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park, Beverly, Burnside, Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, Morgan Park, Pullman, Riverdale, Roseland, Washington Heights, and West Pullman area. We are asking all residents to come out for this groundbreaking information and event. "This 'Call to Action' event truly embodies R.E.A.C.H.'s mission to transform health outcomes through equitable and compassionate care, bringing together incredible collaborators to support our community. We urge everyone from Auburn Gresham to West Pullman to join us on February 21st to not only explore these essential new resources but also to share their voices and help shape the future of healthcare on the Far Southside," says Theresa Woods R.E.A.C.H. Project Manager. Mission and Vision: R.E.A.C.H. provides compassionate, community-driven healthcare to the Far South Side of Chicago by utilizing collaborative partnerships to transform and over- come systemic challenges. Our vision is to be a cornerstone community resource recognized for driving excellence in patient care, health equity, and innovative solutions that enrich the well-being of our thriving population. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok: @Reach4Roseland www.reach4roseland.org SOURCE R.E.A.C.H. Ukrainian troops fire towards a Russian position. Kyiv has indicated it hopes the war will end this year. Photograph: Reuters (Photograph: Reuters) Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials are to meet this week in Switzerland for a third round of talks brokered by the Trump administration, days before the fourth anniversary of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two-day meeting, kicking off on Tuesday, is expected to mirror negotiations held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, with representatives from Washington, Kyiv and Moscow in attendance. Despite renewed US efforts to revive diplomacy, hopes for any sudden breakthrough remain low, with Russia continuing to press maximalist demands on Ukraine. Related: Ukrainian civilian casualties surged by 26% in 2025, say researchers While the Abu Dhabi discussions were largely focused on military ceasefire proposals, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said on Monday the Geneva talks would address a broader range of issues, including territorial questions and other demands put forward by Moscow. Vladimir Medinsky, an arch-conservative Putin adviser who has previously questioned Ukrainian sovereignty, will head Russias negotiating team. He will be joined by Igor Kostyukov, the chief of Russian military intelligence, and the deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin, among nearly two dozen officials, Moscow has said. Ukraine is expected to send the same delegation as in earlier rounds, to be led in Geneva by Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraines national security and defence council. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said diplomacy would be more effective with justice and strength. Strength of pressure on the Russian Federation sanctions pressure and steady, rapid support for the Ukrainian army and our air defence, he wrote on social media. The choice of Switzerland marks the first time the talks will be held on European soil after earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. The choice of Geneva appears to have been pushed by Washington. The Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are expected to lead US engagement with Russia and Ukraine, are scheduled to hold separate meetings with Iranian officials in the city later this week. Trump, who throughout his second presidency has veered between criticising Moscow and Kyiv, reverted this weekend to placing blame on Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine was holding up efforts to end the war. Zelenskyy needs to act. Russia wants to make a deal. He needs to act, otherwise he will miss a great opportunity, he said in comments to reporters. But his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, speaking at the Munich Security Conference at the weekend, said Washington remained uncertain whether Russia was genuinely serious about ending the war in Ukraine. Ahead of the Geneva meeting, Zelenskyy made clear Ukraine was unwilling to give up territory in the Donbas a key Kremlin demand. He cited previous Russian land grabs in Chechnya, Georgia and Crimea and said that allowing the aggressor to take something is a big mistake. Related: Trump is deeply committed to your success, Rubio tells Orban during Hungary visit Europe live That is why now I do not want to be a president who will repeat the mistakes of his predecessors or other people Because Putin cannot be stopped with kisses or flowers. I have never done this, and therefore I do not think that this is right. My advice to everyone: do not do this with Putin. He said Russia was losing 30,000-35,000 people a month, with its attempt to seize more territory over four years of full-scale war staggeringly costly and mostly unsuccessful. Can you imagine that in the 21st century? Im not sure he [Putin] knows that, Zelenskyy said. There were no expectations in Kyiv that the latest round of trilateral talks would led to a political breakthrough. Speaking in Munich on Saturday, Zelenskyy said his country would not give up the heavily defended north of Donetsk oblast, including the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, or abandon the 200,000 civilians who live there. He said Ukraine would play a constructive role in the trilateral talks but acknowledged there were differences with the US over security guarantees. The Trump administration is offering 15 years, with Ukraine wanting an American commitment lasting 30-50 years. Kyiv hopes the war will end this year, Zelenskyy has indicated. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the presidential office, posted a photo of his departure by train for the talks with a Ukrainian delegation. He wrote: On the way to Geneva. The next round of negotiations is ahead. Along the way, we will discuss the lessons of our history with our colleagues and seek the right conclusions. Ukraines interests must be protected. The history reference appeared to be a jibe directed at Medinsky. The former culture minister is believed to have written the 2021 essay attributed to Putin, which argued that Ukraine and Russia were a single people and state, with a common origin in the ninth century. His presence is being interpreted by Kyiv as a sign the Kremlin is not taking the talks seriously. Olexiy Haran, a professor of comparative politics at the Kyiv-Mohyla academy, said Ukrainians were overwhelmingly opposed to growing US-Russian demands that Ukraine hold presidential elections. The country is not ready for them because there are no security conditions. It would be crazy to conduct them under martial law, he said. Haran recognised Trump and Putin were putting huge pressure on Zelenskyy to hold a poll over the next few months. He said the Kremlin was trying to destabilise the situation inside Ukraine and would not agree to a ceasefire. There were numerous legal and practical obstacles to holding a vote, he added, not least the question of how international observers could take part. He said: Doubts of the governments legitimacy is a trick of the Kremlin, echoed unfortunately by President Trump. Political renewal is needed, but elections can only take place once the war ends and security conditions allow. This article was amended on 17 February 2026 because officials from Ukraine and Russia are set to meet in Geneva for a third round of talks, not second round as an earlier version said. Ukraine recaptured 201 sq km from Russia between Wednesday and Sunday last week, taking advantage of a Starlink shutdown for Russian forces, according to an Agence France-Presse analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The recaptured area (78 sq miles) is almost equivalent to the Russian gains for the entire month of December and is the most land retaken by Kyivs forces in such a short period since a June 2023 counteroffensive. The recaptured land is concentrated mainly to the east of the city of Zaporizhzhia, in an area where Russian troops have made significant progress since mid-2025. These Ukrainian counterattacks are likely leveraging the recent block on Russian forces access to Starlink, which Russian milbloggers (military bloggers) have claimed is causing communications and command and control issues on the battlefield, said the ISW thinktank. Thet Independence National Historical park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2021. Photograph: Hannah Beier/Reuters (Photograph: Hannah Beier/Reuters) A federal judge in Pennsylvania on Monday ordered the National Park Service to reinstall a slavery exhibit at a Philadelphia historic site, pending the outcome of ongoing litigation after the city sued the federal government over its removal. The National Park Service last month dismantled and removed a long-established slavery-related exhibit at the Independence national historical park, which holds the former residence of George Washington, in response to Donald Trumps claims, which have been rejected by civil rights groups, of anti-American ideology at historical and cultural institutions. The city of Philadelphia sued over the matter, accusing the Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, and top officials of breaking the law and asking a judge to restore the exhibit. Related: So shameful: backlash as US national monuments conform to Trumps rewrite of history On Monday, a federal judge in Pennsylvania, Cynthia Rufe, granted the citys request to temporarily block the federal governments changes and ordered the National Park Service to restore the exhibit pending the outcome of litigation. Rufe, who was appointed by George W Bush, began her ruling with a quote from a section of George Orwells 1984 which described the process by which the authoritarian party in the novel conducted a constant rewriting of past editions of newspapers as well as books, periodicals, pamphlets, posters, leaflets, films, sound-tracks, cartoons, photographs to erase any uncomfortable facts from history. The judge then drew an explicit comparison between the world of the novel and the Trump administration in the first lines of her opinion. As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwells 1984 now existed, with its motto Ignorance is Strength, this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts, Rufe wrote. It does not. Rufes order granted the citys request to require the federal government to restore the Presidents House Site to its physical status as of January 21, 2026, which is the day before the exhibit was removed. During a hearing last month, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, Rufe called the Trump administrations argument that a president could unilaterally order changes to exhibits displayed in national parks both horrifying and dangerous. The judge also devoted a passage of her opinion on Monday to explaining how and why the historical exhibition on slavery was added to the site. At the turn of this century, historians identified the location of the first official residence of the President of the United States, where Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms, Rufe wrote. This historical research also identified information about nine enslaved Africans whom President Washington owned, brought to the official presidential residence, and rotated in and out of Pennsylvania, a practice which prevented enslaved individuals from petitioning for their freedom under Pennsylvania law. Etched into a wall within the Presidents House exhibit are the names of those nine enslaved individuals: Oney Judge, Austin, Christopher Sheels, Giles, Hercules Posey, Joe Richardson, Moll, Paris, and Richmond, the judge continued. Of those nine, Oney Judge escaped the house in 1796, eventually making her way to New Hampshire. Hercules also eventually escaped his enslavement after he was brought to Mount Vernon. Neither the National Park Service nor the city of Philadelphia responded immediately to requests for comment on the judges order. Hollywood actress Zendaya said she is learning how to balance keeping parts of her life private despite being a public figure, adding: I try to be honest to who I am when I am in public, but I also try to keep things for myself. In conversation with actor Robert Pattinson for Interview Magazine, the 29-year-old discussed living her life in the public eye and spoke about whether it makes it difficult for her to disappear into characters. Zendaya first rose to fame when she was aged 14 (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok) She said: Something I admire about you (Pattinson) is you keep so much of your life to yourself, which is a beautiful thing, especially having a family. Im learning how to balance those things. At the end of the day, youre a public figure, theres nothing you can do, but some things are meant for yourself and for your loved ones, and then also allowing for that space between the anonymity of you, so that you can play someone else and they wont necessarily always put you in. I do try to have privacy, not just for characters, but for me in real life. I try to be honest to who I am when I am in public, but I also try to keep things for myself. The actress rose to fame aged 14 after starring in a series of Disney Channel sitcoms, and went on to star in HBOs hit teen drama Euphoria- which shot her to global recognition and won her two Emmy Awards. Zendaya is notoriously private, particularly regarding her relationship with her fiance, and Spider-Man co-star, actor Tom Holland. Zendaya and Tom Holland first met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017 and confirmed their relationship in November 2021 (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok) Meanwhile, Pattinson, 39, rocketed to fame in his early 20s after starring as vampire heartthrob Edward Cullen in fantasy film series The Twilight Saga. The actor told Zendaya that he initially found being in the public eye quite strange, and said: When I was doing Twilight, there was such a cultural pushback against it, almost simultaneous to its success, so I kind of had to ride both things. I really enjoyed making the movies, but then there was such a huge marketing push behind it as well. I didnt want to get my personal identity caught up in that, so I tried to push forward my individuality a little, and that kind of stuck with me. It was also interesting getting famous off of playing a part people thought I was that character in the beginning. It was quite strange, but it also allowed me to push against it. Also, I wasnt precious about that identity because it wasnt my identity to begin with. Robert Pattinson rocketed to fame after appearing in the Twilight film franchise (Doug Peters/PA) (Doug Peters) He continued: Its interesting to use the public perception of you as part of your character development, because youre like, I assume at least a few people in the audience are going to be expecting this so you can make it more dramatic. But at the same time, you never really know what people are thinking. A lot of people are very protective of, This is who I am, this is my identity, and Ive never really felt that. During the interview, the pair also discussed the most stereotypical Hollywood thing they do, and Zendaya said: Ive super-duper stayed to myself, and most of my core friends are my family and people who Ive known since I was literally born. The actress added that in recent years she has made friends with other actors, and likes being able to talk to them about how life feels so strange. The entry requirements for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system - E+ Dual nationals returning to Britain will be barred from entering the country without a valid British passport, under new rules taking effect next week. Previously, dual-national Britons had been able to use their second nationality passport to enter the UK but the new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, starting on Feb 25, means this is no longer possible. Instead they will have to show a valid British passport, which costs about 100 for an adult to renew, or pay 589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second passport. Both documents take several weeks to obtain. Neither British passports nor certificates of entitlement are automatically issued to people who obtain citizenship, which means some dual nationals have never applied for them, even if they have lived in the UK for decades. The entry requirements for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of wide-ranging changes to the immigration system, which the Government says will streamline and modernise the UK border. Criticism over cost Last November, The Telegraph revealed that the concerns of expat Britons about the updated rules centred around the cost, inconvenience and principle of the policy change. Mike Thompson, a Leicester-born businessman, who is planning to return to the UK with his wife this May, claimed it was a breach of the 1971 Immigration Act, which says British citizens should be allowed to enter the country without let or hindrance. They are going beyond the terms of the Immigration Act of 1971, which is a slippery slope, he said. In a letter to The Telegraph, Mark Thornton, a British-Canadian national, said the Government was perpetrating an injustice on those holding dual nationality. Since I intend to visit the UK simply as a tourist to see family and friends, do not intend to stay longer than six months, and do not intend to exercise any of the rights requiring British citizenship, there is absolutely no reason why I should not be permitted to come to the UK with an ETA, except the punitive action of the British Government, he said. If I did want to exercise the rights of a British citizen, like voting, that would be a different matter. I hope the Government can be persuaded that its intransigent policy is simply a mistake. Millions will be affected Mike Briggs, also a dual Canadian-British national, said: Whichever route I take will cost way more than an ETA, which is ridiculous or just a money-grab from a government desperate for more income. This will affect millions of people who have emigrated. The Home Office is standing by its changes, saying that without a passport or certificate of entitlement carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding. Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023, a spokesman said. This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. Martin Speake has reached a settlement with Trinity Laban, with the conservatoire admitting that the beliefs he expressed had no racist intent - Belinda Jiao A jazz lecturer whose lessons were boycotted after he questioned critical race theory was not intentionally racist, a leading conservatoire has admitted. Martin Speake, 67, said his life was destroyed after students at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in Greenwich, south-east London, avoided his lessons because of his views. The internationally renowned saxophonist was cancelled for claiming there was no systemic racial inequality in British jazz and that critical race theory was very dangerous. Mr Speake was due to bring the conservatoire to an employment tribunal later this year for constructive dismissal, discrimination and harassment. However, the two sides have now reached a settlement. In a statement, the conservatoire said similar beliefs to Mr Speakes have been found to be protected in a previous employment tribunal case. The conservatoire said that it accepted that the beliefs Mr Speake expressed had no racist intent and he considered himself, and has done for all of his life, an anti-racist. It continued: Trinity Laban does not dispute either of those matters. It also acknowledges that discrimination against staff and students because they hold or appropriately manifest protected philosophical beliefs is unlawful. Subjected to horrendous journey Mr Speake had taught at Trinity Laban for 24 years when he responded to an email requesting feedback on a diversity action plan in February 2024. In his 1,170-word response, he said black musicians were definitely not under-represented in British jazz and that the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was very dangerous. In the response, he also cited Martin Luther King Jrs famous call to judge people according to the content of their character, not the colour of their skin. Students subsequently boycotted his lessons and he resigned in November 2024. The statement added: Trinity Laban acknowledges the hurt felt by Mr Speake, and that he has reported significant damage to his personal and professional life, and wishes him well for the future. Trinity Laban condemns public attempts to unfairly vilify him. Mr Speake told The Telegraph his experience was devastating and that he was glad this stage of my life is over. He said: Having been arrested protesting against racism as a teenager, and having been anti-racist my whole life, it is a bizarre world we live in that I can be accused of racism for questioning BLM and critical race theory. I will continue to judge people by the content of their character rather than the colour of their skin. The last two years which felt like a lifetime have been a horrendous journey that cannot be undone and has had, and will continue to have, devastating effects on my life, as I lost everything I loved. Apart from the ability to create music, which cannot be taken away. Lord Young, the founder of the Free Speech Union which supported Mr Speakes claim, hailed the settlement, saying he was delighted by this outcome, which represents complete vindication for the saxophonist. The peer said: It shouldnt need saying, but quoting Martin Luther Kings famous dictum about judging people by the content of their character rather than the colour of their skin does not make you a racist. The fact that such a dedicated scholar, whos devoted his life to studying, teaching and performing jazz, was cancelled for espousing a core tenet of the American civil rights movement shows just how far critical race theory has embedded itself in British universities. This is anti-racism gone mad. Rosie Kay, the founder of Freedom in the Arts, which also supported Mr Speake, said: For too long, fear and reputational panic have led to disproportionate responses in the arts. This case demonstrates that freedom of expression and due process matter. Martin has been vindicated, and we hope this sets a clear standard for how institutions respond in future. James Murray, a partner at Doyle Clayton who represented Mr Speake, said the jazz lecturer had been subject to significant personal and professional tribulations. He said: This was a complex case, at the core of which were issues of free speech on campus, free belief and academic freedom In recent years, weve seen an increasing number of cases which have raised similar issues. Time will tell whether the robust regulatory approach of the Office for Students with respect to academic freedom and free speech will ameliorate the trends which have given rise to such disputes. Daniel Boakye is still at large, with the Metropolitan Police looking into his escape - Met Police A prisoner due to be deported from Britain has absconded from custody for the second time in a week. Daniel Boakye, 21, escaped police officers guarding him at a hospital in Lewisham, south-east London, on Sunday, only five days after fleeing from prison officers at a hospital in Isleworth, west London. The convicted knifepoint robber and drill rapper, who was due to be deported to Ghana, remains at large. Boakye, from Enfield, north London, was receiving treatment under guard at University Hospital Lewisham shortly after 3pm on Sunday when he fled police. Officers pursued him through the corridors, but he evaded them and has not been found since. On Tuesday last week, he was being treated at West Middlesex University Hospital when he escaped from the prison officers guarding him. He was arrested the following day at an address in Thamesmead, south-east London. Police arrested two women, aged 20 and 51, a girl, 17, and a man, 30, on suspicion of assisting an offender. They were later released on bail. Boakye was jailed for six years and five months in July 2023 for being part of a gang that stole mobile phones at knife-point before using them to siphon 115,000 of cryptocurrency found on them. Stolen bank information Boakye, Justin Popoola, Nathan Mohalland and a 17-year-old who has not been named carried out the robberies between June 2021 and January 2022, forcing victims to hand over their passcodes by threatening them with knives. Detectives tracked them down after they ordered takeaways to their home addresses using stolen bank information. The Metropolitan Police is now looking into the circumstances of his second escape. A force spokesman said: We are searching for a 21-year-old man who absconded from Lewisham hospital at around 15:05hrs on Sunday, 15 February. Daniel Boakye was in police custody at the hospital receiving medical treatment when he fled. Officers gave chase but could not detain Boakye before he left the building. He is 21 years old, black, of medium height and slim build. He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark Nike jacket when he absconded. Anyone who has any information about Boakyes whereabouts is asked to contact police on 999 quoting CAD4005/15FEB. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous. We are currently reviewing this incident to fully understand the events which unfolded. A spokesman for the Home Office said: All foreign national offenders who receive a prison sentence in the UK are referred for deportation at the earliest opportunity. We will not allow foreign criminals and illegal migrants to exploit our laws. We are reforming human rights laws and replacing the broken appeals system so we can scale up deportations. Portrait of Beautiful Puma in autumn forest. American cougar - mountain lion, striking pose, scene in the woods, wildlife America. Evgeniyqw/Shutterstock.com Quick Take The California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to protect certain populations of mountain lions in the Golden State. Six isolated subpopulations of mountain lions in California are now considered threatened under the states Endangered Species Act. Inbreeding has become a massive problem for mountain lions in Southern California due to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation . Without the vote to save the mountain lions, there was a very real chance they would have been regionally extinct in the next 50 years. Mountain lions living in Central and Southern California have faced significant challenges over the last several decades. According to the California Fish and Game Commission, the biggest threat the mountain lions face is loss of habitat and isolation of small populations. Consequently, according to the Commission, there is a 16% to 21% chance that mountain lions would go extinct in much of California without changes to protection. In light of this information, the Commission scheduled a vote to take place between February 11 and 12. If the vote passed, mountain lions would be protected under Californias Endangered Species Act. A failed vote meant mountain lions in the central and southern parts of the state would have remained at significant risk of regional extinction. The mountain lions faced a pivotal vote in California, and fortunately, they prevailed. Pivotal Vote Proves Victorious for California Mountain Lions The votes have been counted, and mountain lions in regions of California will receive more protectiona move that aims to prevent the wild cats from going extinct in a major portion of the state. On February 12, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted to protect mountain lions in the Central Coast and Southern California regions under Californias Endangered Species Act. These cougars are under threat for a variety of reasons, including habitat fragmentation and the removal of mature individuals. Classifying them as threatened is intended to give the approximately 1,400 mountain lions in this region a chance to rebound. Mountain lions have experienced a population decline in California for decades. Currently, estimates range from 3,200 to 4,100 cougars. Between one-half and one-third of this total is located in Central and Southern California. As a result, a petition was filed in 2019 to provide mountain lions in these regions of the state with greater protection. The petition led to a review by the California Fish and Game Commission, which took several years to complete. Mountain lions living in Central and Southern California are now considered threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock.com (Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock.com) It was not until December 2025 that the California Fish and Game Commission recommended expanding protections for mountain lions in Central and Southern California under the states Endangered Species Act. This recommendation was open for public comment. The majority of comments favored the recommendation, which likely played a significant role in the vote. Although mountain lions are not classified as endangered, their threatened status requires greater consideration for projects that encroach on their territory. This led to pushback from home-building companies, which argued that it would be more difficult to expand. But with a mountain lion recently found roaming the streets of San Francisco, this rare event highlights the challenges mountain lions face as their habitats become increasingly fragmented. The California Fish and Game Commission agreed, and the goal is now to prevent mountain lions in most of the state from going regionally extinct. Were Mountain Lions Protected Before Voting Took Place? Mountain lions in Central and Southern California have long been protected from being hunted for sport thanks to the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990. Under this Act, mountain lions could not be targeted as trophy animals. However, the Act states that if people or livestock are under threat, mountain lions may be killed. Mountain lions were protected from big-game hunting but could still be euthanized if they killed livestock or posed a threat to people. Warren Metcalf/Shutterstock.com (Warren Metcalf/Shutterstock.com) Over the last few decades, if mountain lions returned to regions where they once targeted livestock or were perceived as a threat to people, they were euthanized. Between this and vehicle strikes, populations have dramatically declined. Therefore, although they were not targeted as big game by hunters, mountain lions were not considered a fully protected species. Now that this vote has passed, six groups of mountain lions in the Central Coast and Southern California regions are considered threatened and have more protection under the states Endangered Species Act. Threats Mountain Lions Face Mountain lions may have greater protection under the Endangered Species Act, but that does not change the reality that significant threats to their existence remain. Being categorized as threatened does not eliminate those threats, but it does highlight what caused populations in Central and Southern California to decline. In doing so, it brings awareness to the mountain lions plight and what can be done to save them. The biggest threats to mountain lions today include: Habitat loss Habitat fragmentation Vehicle collision Poisoning Inbreeding Mountain lions also face euthanasia if they cause harm to livestock, other domestic animals, or people. Advertisement Mountain lions face several threats, including being struck by vehicles, habitat loss, and habitat fragmentation. Evgeniyqw/Shutterstock.com (Evgeniyqw/Shutterstock.com) Unfortunately, mountain lions face such a pervasive issue with so many different threats, Tiffany Yap, a staff scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity, tells KCBX. Roads and development still continue to fragment the landscape, causing isolation of genetic populations. Were still seeing high levels of human-caused mortalities. It is an important first step to provide mountain lions with more protection in California. But until the threats are removed and mountain lions can move more freely through their territory, they are not out of the woods. Inbreeding Is a Real Threat to Mountain Lions in California Because of habitat loss and fragmentation in Central and Southern California, the mountain lions in this region face the threat of localized extinction from inbreeding. The cougars have already passed on genes that have deformed them, and without the protection received as a threatened species this week, the mountain lions in the mid to southern part of the states chances of survival were looking bleak. Inbreeding has been a huge problem for mountain lions in Southern California, leading to disfigurements and abnormal sperm rates. outdoorsman/Shutterstock.com (outdoorsman/Shutterstock.com) A 2022 study reported that mountain lions in Southern California exhibited significant inbreeding. From crooked tails to a 93% abnormal sperm rate and a range of testes sizes, the impact of being cut off from other populations of mountain lions was taking its toll. According to Audra Huffmeyer, a UCLA postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the study, without change, the region would be devoid of mountain lions. If we dont do anything to add genetic diversity, the end is near, Huffmeyer explains to the National Park Service. That sounds dramatic, but thats what weve seen. Now, with more protection, the hope is that mountain lions will roam more freely and, as a result, become more genetically diverse. How Are Mountain Lions Being Protected in California? Protecting mountain lions under Californias Endangered Species Act is far from the only measure being taken to safeguard the cougars in the Golden State. With so many living in limited territories, steps have been taken in recent years to help mountain lions travel safely between regions. Mountain lions in California have been protected with the use of wildlife corridors, the Room to Roam Act, and more. Nick Dale Photo/Shutterstock.com (Nick Dale Photo/Shutterstock.com) The ways mountain lions have been protected in California include: Wildlife corridors Wildlife-safe fencing Implementation of the Room to Roam Act Ban on anticoagulant rodenticides By adding these protections, mountain lions can increase their population while reducing the risk of inbreeding and the likelihood of being struck by vehicles as they expand their territory. With a significant portion of Californias mountain lions now receiving additional protection from the California Fish and Game Commission, there is finally a glimmer of hope for the keystone species. While change will not happen overnight, there is reason to celebrate. Mountain lions now have a chance at survival, which seemed impossible just a few years ago. The post 1,400 Mountain Lions in California Just Got a Second Chance appeared first on A-Z Animals. I am undoubtedly biased when I say the best place to raise a family is in Iowa. Maybe it's because I grew up here myself, and then left, not fully appreciating the affordability, four seasons, or the excellent education system. But after a few years of wisdom and a worldly perspective, I realized there's no place like home, and I came right back to the same spot to raise my own kids. With age, I also know better than to definitively call any place the best, so rather than proclaiming that, I'll safely opt for giving you three reasons to live in Iowa. 1. Affordability and Cost of Living in Iowa Iowa is among the top 10 most affordable states for first-time homebuyers, and conditions are only getting better as we enter 2026, with the housing market clearly shifting into a buyer's market. Currently, the median home sale price in Iowa hovers right around $210,000, and the most affordable cities are in eastern Iowa, in Waterloo, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City in Western Iowa. Alternatively, if small-town living sounds like your cup of tea, Iowa has 940 small towns with populations under 5,000, many of which have an even lower cost of living. Photo by Andy Dean stock.adobe.com But it's not just home prices that are good; thanks to its leadership in wind energy, Iowa also has some of the lowest utility costs in the country, averaging around $450 per household per month. Grocery costs are also low, with Iowa ranking as the most affordable state: weekly grocery prices are estimated at around $227, 4 percent below the national average. So all in all, if affordability is high on the list of priorities, you can see why so many families find many reasons to live in Iowa from the start. Advertisement 2. Iowa's Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty Although Iowa probably isn't the first state to come to mind for nature seekers, the natural beauty of our state is the number one reason why I love living here so much. It's not just row crops and Interstate 80, as it might appear at first glance. Iowa also boasts dozens of pristine state parks and thousands-yes, thousands-of local parks. We're talking parks abundant in playgrounds and campgrounds, plus hiking and biking trails that lace through bluffs, caves, lakes, hills, prairies, rivers, and endless forests. Most Iowa parks are accessible year-round, throughout our balmy summers, frosty winters, and the idyllic months of spring and fall. With a fairly consistent topography, the climate is generally uniform across the state, except for slight variations in weather, temperatures, and precipitation by location. The northern parts often receive heavier snowfall in winter, while the southern parts have summers a few degrees warmer. Photo by dvanad stock.adobe.com 3. Education in Iowa and Family-Friendly Amenities Although not perfect, the state of Iowahas a longstanding, successful public education system, one that consistently ranks in the top third of all states. Recent nationwide progress reports heavily measure each state's regression after the pandemic, and its recovery in the year since. Iowa is one of only three states to exceed expectations for both math and reading proficiency in the post-pandemic assessments, and is a noted leader in the nation's education system. Photo by Nicola stock.adobe.com One of Iowa's most celebrated school achievements is ranking third in the country for on-time graduation and high postsecondary readiness, with 70 percent of high school graduates earning college credits before graduation. Another great appeal of Iowa schools is their low student-to-teacher ratio: just 14 students per teacher on average across all grade levels. That statistic is thanks to 98 percent teacher salary fulfillment, perhaps influenced by Iowa being a state where you can still buy a home on a teacher's salary. Where Are the Best Places To Raise a Family in Iowa? In reflection of the affordability of housing for first-time buyers and the best schools in the state, small towns will always come out on top as the best places to raise a family in Iowa. But, if a city is where you prefer or where you need to be, eastern Iowa is your best bet, but you will probably have to decide if housing prices or the best schools are top priority, or if you're willing to commute. The best-ranked high school in Iowa is Iowa City West High in Iowa City, Iowa. It's located about 30 miles south of Cedar Rapids, where housing costs are lowest, but the average home in Iowa City is nearly $100,000 higher. The best elementary school in Iowa is in Bettendorf, where housing can be almost twice as expensive as in Davenport, just 5 miles away. To help sort it out, I recommend using Only In Your States AI-powered itinerary planner to learn more about the pros and cons of each area. At a time when the Trump administration has been trying to portray a "softer" image on immigration, Tricia McLaughlin is stepping down from her role as the chief immigration spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. McLaughlin, who describes her own approach as "aggressive," told The Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, that her last day with the agency will be Feb. 27. Neither McLaughlin nor the Trump administration gave a reason for her departure. McLaughlin told The Enquirer in December that the job consumes much of her time and she considered it a privilege but also a sacrifice to do the work. 1 / 0 ICE, Border Patrol leaders face Congress over deadly Minnesota raids (L/R) Rodney Scott, Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Joseph Edlow, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Todd Lyons, acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), testify during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Feb. 10, 2026. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump called for a "little bit of a softer touch," on immigration enforcement, though he had praised McLaughlin as "wonderful" in a social media post late last year. A recent poll shows Trump is losing ground on the immigration issue even among Republicans, after the deaths of two Americans at the hands of immigration agents. Though the administration has largely withdrawn immigration officers from Minnesota, other actions suggest mass deportations will continue. McLaughlin said her departure has been in the works since December but was delayed because of the shootings in Minneapolis. Tricia McLaughlin is stepping down from her role as spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. "Obviously this job is a meat grinder and, as I told you guys before, a sacrifice," she said in February. She and her husband, political consultant Ben Yoho, plan to move back to her native Cincinnati at some point to start a family. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commended McLaughlin's work and said she served with "exceptional dedication, tenacity and professionalism." McLaughlin's approach earned praise, criticism When ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, McLaughlin was among the first to frame the shooting as "an act of domestic terrorism," saying Good "weaponized her vehicle" to run over Ross a claim that did not appear to be supported by video evidence. When she spoke to The Enquirer in December, McLaughlin admitted the adversarial tone she used as DHS spokesperson was intentional. An aide holds images of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by U.S. federal immigration agents in separate incidents, as U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson delivers remarks during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 2026. "Is it often aggressive?" McLaughlin asked. "Yes, but I think it's also incredibly effective." Ohio Republican Party Chair Alex Triantafilou, who worked with McLaughlin when he chaired the Hamilton County Republican Party, said he has always been impressed by her work ethic. Advertisement "It was clear to me, as it is now when I meet young people, who kind of has it and who doesn't. And Tricia had it," he said. "The combination of hard work, a desire to learn and understand the business and meet the right people." Lynn Tramonte, founder of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, said what strikes her about the current messaging from DHS is a "lack of professionalism," which she attributed in large part to McLaughlin. "It's breathtaking. The way they're describing what ICE is doing and how incorrect it is," she said. "These are powerful words: domestic terrorist. That should be reserved for people who are trying to kill people on U.S. soil, and she's at the Department of Homeland Security." McLaughlin said she sees it as her duty to defend officers on the ground. She said there has been a 1,000% increase in assaults on law enforcement, though data says otherwise. "I feel strongly there's no one out there who's defending these men and women who are putting themselves on the line," she said. "It's my duty and it's my team's duty to step up and do it." Husband's firm receives DHS contract In November, ProPublica reported that McLaughlin's husband's business had received money from a $220 million ad campaign for the Department of Homeland Security. The department had kept Strategy Group's involvement secret, leading several Democratic lawmakers to call for an investigation into how the firm with personal ties to a top DHS official received the money. McLaughlin said she recused herself from the contracts for the ad campaign and by law, she cannot dictate the subcontractors the department works with. What's next for McLaughlin? McLaughlin said to "stay tuned" for her next move. She said in December she believes history will look kindly on the actions of the Department of Homeland Security. "People might not always like what I have to say or agree with what I have to say, but I have put everything I possibly can into this job," she said. "Maybe not five years down the line, maybe not 10, but I think 15 years at least down the line I think people will wake up and be like, 'That is exactly what we should have done as a country, and that's what we needed to do.'" Regional politics reporter Erin Glynn can be reached at eglynn@enquirer.com or @eringlynn on Bluesky. Reporter David Ferrara can be reached at dferrara@enquirer.com or @davidferrara23. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top Trump DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to step down Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju; Jennifer Lake, President & CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes; and Regional Leaders gather to spotlight community-driven circularity efforts ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company transforming post-consumer textiles into new materials, and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes gathered with dignitaries today to celebrate Rochester's growing leadership in textile circularity highlighting how local partnerships are helping keep textiles in use, reduce waste, and create long-term economic and environmental value. Leaders celebrate a textile recycling partnership at Goodwill's Rochester facility. Pictured (L-R): Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa, Monroe County; Robert Scott, Technip Energies; Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford; Ian Harper, Goodwill Finger Lakes; Congressman Joe Morelle; Alain Poincheval, Reju; Patrik Frisk, Reju; Jennifer Lake, Goodwill Finger Lakes; Assemblywoman Sarah Clark; Mayor Malik Evans; Steve Preston, Goodwill Industries International; Vinnie Esposito, Empire State Development; Matt Hurlbutt, Greater Rochester Enterprise; Bob Duffy, Greater Rochester Chamber. Photo credit: Goodwill of the Finger Lakes The gathering brings together Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, Jennifer Lake, President & CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, US Congressman Joe Morelle, NYS Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Steven Preston, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Bob Duffy, CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, Vincent Esposito of Empire State Development, Matt Hurlbutt of Greater Rochester Enterprise, and other regional leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a circular textile system rooted in community impact, innovation, and sustained investment in the Rochester region. Together, Reju and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes are strengthening efforts to keep more textiles in productive use, prioritizing donation and reuse, improving diversion of nonwearable textiles, and enabling next-generation textile-to-textile regeneration as the system scales. Their collaboration builds on a multi-year initiative launched in 2024 alongside WM advancing textile circularity across North America. "Rochester isn't just where we're building infrastructure, it's where circularity becomes real," said Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju. "By working alongside trusted local partners like Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, the business community, and our government partners, we're connecting community-based reuse with advanced regeneration technology to keep textiles out of landfills and create lasting value for this community." Reju recently selected Rochester as the site of its first U.S. industrial-scale Regeneration Hub, planned for Eastman Business Park. The future facility will take textiles that are heading for the waste stream and recycle them to produce rBHET that can be repolymerized into high-quality polyester for new textile applications. The project remains subject to a final investment decision by the board of Technip Energies, Reju's parent company. Goodwill of the Finger Lakes plays a critical role at the front end of the circular system, leveraging decades of experience in donation-driven reuse, resale and responsible end-of-life pathways for textiles. "We are thrilled with Reju's decision to locate their first U.S. regeneration hub in Rochester, New York, underscoring the city's enduring role as a center of innovation. From Eastman Kodak to Bausch & Lomb, Rochester has shaped industriesand now Reju is helping to build the future of circular textiles here," said Jennifer Lake, President & CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes. "Reju will address one of the fastest-growing yet least understood waste streams in the United States: post-use textiles. Their breakthrough approach will divert discarded materials from landfills and transform them into valuable, sustainable resources, giving them new life. We are excited to announce that the Northeast Goodwill Circularity Hub, a collective of eleven Goodwills, led by Goodwill Finger Lakes, has signed an agreement with Reju to supply polyester-rich materials to the Regeneration Hub. We welcome the opportunity to partner more with Reju in the future." About Goodwill of the Finger Lakes A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes positively impacts the lives of more than 171,000 people each year through its mission: elevating people, community and planet for a good today and better tomorrow. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, the organization's unique social enterprise model takes an innovative approach to sustainability, workforce development and job creation opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment while also generating revenue to support its many community impact programs and services. Goodwill's community impact programs include Goodwill Vision Enterprises (formerly ABVI, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired), 211/LIFE LINE, workforce development, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Goodwill Learning Academy have a long and successful history of providing essential services to the Finger Lakes region, and the organization's more than 750 individuals use their passion and expertise to find innovative solutions to address pressing social needs. Learn more at goodwillfingerlakes.org About Reju Reju is a textile-to-textile materials regeneration company focusing on creating innovative solutions for recycling post-consumer polyester textiles and PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies and utilizing technology developed with IBM research, Reju aims to establish a global circular textile system to address PET plastic found in post-consumer textile waste. Learn more at www.reju.com SOURCE Reju (This story was updated to provide new information.) Several offices home to Southern California representatives are set to be site of organized demonstrations calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump just a day after Presidents Day. The offices of Rep. Norma Torres of Californias 35th Congressional District, Rep. Juan Vargas of Californias 52nd District and Rep. George Whitesides of Californias 27th Congressional District are listed as the locations of demonstrations planned on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The demonstrations are part of a nationwide effort to have local chapters of grassroots groups such as the 50501 Movement get constituents to call on all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach Trump whod previously been impeached by the U.S. House and abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the aftermath of the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. The events are under the banner of the National Day of Lobbying. Although the demonstrations, at least in number, seem fewer than those of previous nationwide actions like No Kings Day, events are planned across the United States and in Northern California on Tuesday. But one planned at Los Angeles City Hall has other motivations beyond its focus on the president and ICE. Organizers invited people to attend the Los Angeles City Council meeting to discuss Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell. He has previously criticized Californias ban on facial coverings for federal officers, where he described it as one armed agency approaching another "to create conflict" over a misdemeanor "at best." However, the law was recently struck down by a federal judge who said the U.S. would likely prove it unconstitutional because it treated state officers differently from federal officers. Advertisement Also planned by organizers at the Los Angeles City Council meeting is a call for the removal of LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman, who has been the subject of recent controversy for his appearance in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Wasserman, head of his self-named talent agency, announced earlier in February that he was selling it as artists such as Chappell Roan announced their departures from the agency. Like Los Angeles, organizers for a demonstration at Whitesides office in Santa Clara also made public another focus: Signing a petition that, in part, calls for his presence at a public town hall with his constituents. "I've voted to impeach Trump, called for ICE to be dismantled, and fought to block DHS funding," Vargas said in a statement. "We need to do everything in our power to push back on this Administration's abuses, and I'm grateful to our community for continuing to speak out." The USA TODAY Network reached out to representatives for Torres and Whitesides for comment. 1 / 0 Protesters rally against ICE in Los Angeles, clash with federal agents ICE protestors in Los Angeles marched from city hall to the federal detention center before clashing with agents in the evening on Jan. 30, 2026, forcing LAPD to issue a dispersal order. The rally was part of the ICE Out of Everywhere movement and a nationwide Jan. 30 shutdown in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Where are the Feb. 17 demonstrations taking place in SoCal? The demonstrations with public addresses listed are planned in Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Ontario, Corona and Chula Vista, according to a public list of events. When is the next 'No Kings' protest? The next No Kings demonstration is planned for March 28, according to the coalition. There are already two dozen demonstrations planned, according to an event map from the organizers. Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'National Day of Lobbying' events come to SoCal, protests Trump Consuelo Porras has been Guatemala's attorney general since 2018 United Nations experts have called for an investigation into Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras for her alleged involvement in illegal adoptions of a number of indigenous children, which she denies. The group of experts says that scores of indigenous children from the same children's home were reportedly put up for illegal adoption abroad during Guatemala's civil war. In a statement, they say that Porras served as the home's director - and as the legal guardian of the children there at the time - for seven months in 1982. Porras has categorically rejected the allegations that she was involved in any wrongdoing as false, adding that they "were being used for political purposes". According to the experts, who are independent of the UN but appointed by it to advise on human rights matters, the allegations are "gravely concerning". The accusations centre around the cases of at least 80 indigenous children who were sent abroad for adoption from Hogar Temporal Elisa Martinez. The experts say that the children were put up for adoption "following their capture and enforced disappearance between 1968 and 1996 in Guatemala". During Guatemala's 36-year-long civil war (1960-1996) , the country's military governments often targeted the indigenous Maya population, whom it suspected of siding with far-left guerrillas. While many children's homes cared for minors left orphaned after mass killings, there were also cases of parents being tricked into handing their children over or even having them forcibly removed - and then put up for private adoption abroad for profit. Advertisement In their statement, the UN experts describe how illegal adoptions "may occur through a range of illicit acts or unlawful practices, including fraud in the declaration of adoptability, falsification of official documents, coercion or lack of free and informed consent of biological parents and improper financial gain for intermediaries" . They add that they are "particularly troubled that no prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation has been conducted into the alleged involvement of some State authorities in these processes". The public prosecutor's office, which Porras leads, called the accusations "baseless, factually unfounded and completely malicious", AFP news agency reported. The UN statement came at a sensitive time for Porras, who has been campaigning for a spot on the Constitutional Court, Guatemala's top judicial body, and as she is seeking re-election for a third term as the attorney-general. Her bid for a seat on the Constitutional Court was denied on Monday when she failed to garner enough support among the country's Bar Association - which had begun voting on the matter last week. The prosecutor's office under Porras's leadership has faced international condemnation before. In 2024 it was accused of trying to prevent President Bernardo Arevalo - who was elected following an anti-corruption campaign - from taking office. Porras herself has been the subject of international sanctions over alleged corruption, which she has denied. The US state department barred her from entering the United States in 2022. Italian Spinoni, like Achilles, often have their tails docked as they are used as gun dogs in Italy, where they flush birds out of hedges A dog owner who adopted her pets from Italy via a rescue charity says a ban on dogs with docked tails from entering the UK would be "a real tragedy". In December 2025, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced dogs with docked - partially shortened - tails would be banned from entering the UK. Rachael Hyde from Hucclecote in Gloucestershire, adopted Achilles, an Italian Spinone, in March 2025, and is calling for an exemption to be made. Spinone Overseas For Adoption, the charity which brought Achilles over to the UK, said banning dogs "as imports for rescue is unfair". Defra said exemptions may be made at a later date. The new legislation is part of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act. According to the Italian Spinone Club Of Great Britain, the breed often have their tails docked while working in Italy, where they are used as gundogs, to prevent them being injured when flushing birds out of hedges. Achilles, who has a docked tail, was found in a locked room in Tuscany, four days after his owner died. After health checks, he was brought to the UK to live with Hyde and her husband, David. Hyde said Achilles is gentle, as, she added, are many Spinoni, despite being gundogs. "A lot of the dogs don't like the sound of the gun... so they're turned away, or abandoned because they've failed at being a good gundog," Hyde said. Advertisement Rachael and David already had Maia when they adopted Achilles "If [adoptions] are stopped, then the dogs will just be abandoned in kennels and either shot or euthanised." Sarah-Jane Newton, president of SOFA, said if the Act does not include an exemption for rescue dogs like Achilles, the charity will not be able to continue and some dogs in Italy "will face a very bleak future". "It's a very worrying time for Spinone lovers as without an exemption we'll have to shut up shop - and hundreds of abandoned dogs will no longer be able to find a new life in the UK," Newton said. Achilles is gentle despite being a gundog, Hyde said SOFA has set up a petition, asking Parliament to include an exemption in the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act for "registered charities and approved, responsible rescue organisations to rehome adult, disease tested dogs, who were previously docked as working hunting dogs abroad". The petition has been signed by more than 22,000 people. To be considered for debate in Parliament, it must receive 100,000. The Act received Royal Assent in late 2025, making it law, although the ban has not yet been enforced. It set out "plans to protect treasured pets and much-loved wildlife across the country", Defra said, including ending puppy smuggling and trail hunting. A spokesperson for Defra said: "We will work with stakeholders to consider appropriate exemptions as we deliver the relevant regulations." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Related internet links CORTINA DAMPEZZO, Italy Elana Meyers Taylors boys are too young to realize that mom is an Olympic champion. Kaillie Armbruster Humphries son just wanted to play in the snow around the medals podium where his mom had just stood. But every woman whos ever tried to juggle motherhood and a career, whos felt as if shes giving everything shes got and more and still coming up short, theyll know. And Meyers Taylor and Armbruster Humphries hope theyll see a little of themselves in the two women on that Olympic podium. I hope it shows that just because you're a mom doesn't mean you have to stop living your dreams, said Meyers Taylor, who finally got the Olympic gold medal she has so long sought by winning the monobob on Monday, Feb. 16, finishing ahead of Germanys Laura Nolte and Armbruster Humphries. The standards for any woman are impossible. Add a family, in whatever fashion it is, and it gets exponentially more difficult. Add getting older, in a society that considers women over the hill before theyre eligible to run for president, and you might as well be scaling the mountain on which the Milano Cortina bobsled track is located. Meyers Taylor and Armbruster Humphries have felt that. Have felt all that. 1 / 0 Americans place first and third in women's monobob showdown at Olympics Elana Meyers Taylor of the United States celebrates with the gold medal after winning the women's bobsled monobob competition during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Sliding Centre. Two nights ago was the first time Armbruster Humphries had been apart from her son since he was born and it gutted her. She knew she needed rest she is competing in the Olympics, after all and she wouldnt get it with a toddler who still wakes up in the middle of the night. That didnt make it any easier. My husband is here, my parents are here, my in-laws are here. So I knew he was in really good hands, Armbruster Humphries said. So for me, it's compartmentalizing probably more than anything. Recognizing that mom guilt is a thing and it existed, but that I needed to do it in order to be my best. Meyers Taylor and Armbruster Humphries are the first to acknowledge they are not doing it alone. They both have husbands who are supportive and, as former bobsledders, understand the grind. They have families who pitch in. Advertisement The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee provides resources, financial and otherwise, for its athletes who are mothers, which isnt something a lot of women can say. But no one else can quiet the voice in her head that every working mother has. No one else can weigh the conflicting choices and decide what sacrifices are acceptable. No one else can tell them it's OK when priorities change or give them permission to put themselves first. This medal is also for all those moms who weren't necessarily able to live their dreams, but their kids are now their dreams, Meyers Taylor said. Because those people keep me grounded. Those people kept me going. And those people are the ones who reached out to me when things got hard and encouraged me to keep going. And as they stood atop the medals podium with their little boys watching, Meyers Taylor and Armbruster Humphries hoped they gave other moms that same type of encouragement. It doesnt matter if they are chasing Olympic medals or just trying to get through the day. These two badass women understand and empathize with the struggles because they face them, too. 1 / 0 Incredible photos from 2026 Winter Olympics Athletes have flocked to Italy to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. See the most stunning images from the Milano Cortina games. Sofiia Dovhal of Poland and Wiktor Kulesza of Poland in action during the Milano Cortina 2026 figure skating team event Feb. 6, 2026. I hope that it inspires other people to go out and chase their dreams, whatever it may be, Armbruster Humphries said. I grew up in the sport when, if you have kids, once you get to 40, it's all downhill. And Elana and I get to be proof that that's not true. It might look different then when you're 20, but it doesn't mean that you can't stand on top of the podium. It doesn't mean you can't go out there and achieve your dreams. It's not easy, this juggling act. But for everyone who does it, those Olympic medals around the necks of Meyers Taylor and Armbruster Humphries are for you, too. Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elana Meyers Taylor, Kaillie Humphries bobsled wins' for all the moms Jelena, a British-Latvian dual national, said she only learned of the passport changes recently When Jelena returns home from a "holiday of a lifetime" travelling around South America later this year, she faces being told she can no longer enter the UK. The British-Latvian dual national is among those who say they have been caught out by upcoming changes to passport rules for dual nationals, which are due to kick in on 25 February. Entry requirements for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system the government says will streamline and modernise the UK border. But for Jelena, who has lived in the UK for 16 years, the changes are a "betrayal", and others in the same situation have told BBC News the prospect of being denied entry is causing anger and concern. Here are how the new rules will work - and why Jelena and others like her are furious about it. How are passport rules for British dual nationals changing? Under the existing rules, a British dual national - whose other nationality is from a country not subject to a UK visa requirement - could travel to the UK using their foreign passport. But from 25 February that will no longer be the case. Instead, they will need to show either a British passport, or a new digital version of the certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport - and without one of them, they could face being denied the right to travel back to the UK. Neither British passports or certificates of entitlement are automatically issued to people who obtain citizenship, which means some dual nationals have never applied for them, even if they have lived in the UK for decades. Both documents take several weeks to obtain and there are costs too. A British passport costs around 100 for an adult, while the certificate of entitlement costs 589. British nationals with dual citizenship could be refused access to the UK if they do not have a UK passport or a certificate of entitlement These new rules for dual nationals are linked to the roll out of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system this month, a major immigration reform which will require visitors to the UK who do not have a visa to apply for a 16 entry document before arriving. The government said it plans to increase the ETA fee to 20 in the future. Dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA and must meet the new documentation requirements instead, with checks now carried out by airlines when departing en route back to the UK. The new rules do not apply to Irish passport holders but other EU citizens will be affected. According to the latest census in 2021, 1.2% of UK-born residents were UK-other dual citizens (587,600) and 6.5% of non-UK-born residents were UK-other dual citizens (648,700). The government has said the reforms bring the UK's immigration system into line with countries like the US and Australia. But critics say the looming deadline and a lack of communication around the changes have left people scrambling to apply for new documents, with dual nationals who are out of the country on holiday or visiting family facing the prospect of being stranded until they can acquire a passport or the certificate. How are people being impacted by the new rules? Jelena, who was born in Latvia and has lived in the UK ever since coming to study, became a British citizen in November. The 34-year-old chartered surveyor told BBC News she delayed applying for a British passport when she became a citizen as she was travelling to see family for Christmas, so could not send off her Latvian passport as part of the application process. Jelena only learned of the changes recently and is unable to apply for new documentation immediately as she is due to go on a long-planned trip to South America in a few weeks and may not get her passport back in time to travel. "As it stands, after South America, I won't be able to return to my flat [in Glasgow], which me and my husband own, in the country I have lived in for nearly 16 years, studied in and paid taxes," she told BBC Your Voice. Jelena intends to change her travel plans by returning to Latvia after her trip to apply for a British passport from there, potentially facing a wait of several weeks or months for it to arrive. "I'm lucky that my employer is flexible about me working from abroad - if that wasn't the case, I wouldn't have a job because of this," she said. Advertisement "If I hadn't applied for citizenship and just had an EU passport, I would be in a better situation than I am now," she added. "The irony is that I've chosen to be part of this country but it feels like I'm being deported. It feels like a betrayal." 'I found out about it on Facebook' Petra Gartzen, a UK-German dual national who has lived in the UK for four decades, said she was furious at the lack of communication about the upcoming changes and is frantically trying to secure a passport from Spain, where she is staying for a few months over the winter. She told BBC News: "They changed the rules when I was already in Spain. There was no lead up, no major announcement - I found out about it from a Facebook post, and just thought, now what?" The government says publicly available information has been in circulation about the upcoming changes since October 2024 but critics say it has not cut through to people affected. Petra, a tech industry analyst, was told she would need to travel from southern Spain to Madrid for an appointment in order to apply for the "ridiculously expensive" certificate of entitlement while outside the UK, adding to the expense. Petra says she is frantically applying for documentation so she can return home to the UK from Spain in time for work commitments Petra has now applied for a UK passport from Spain - but that had its own complications. "They agreed to accept a notarised copy of my German passport so I did not have to send that off, but they also wanted my original citizenship certificate - which I don't have, it's in the UK," she explained. Petra now has a "nervous wait" to see if the documentation she was able to provide is accepted and processed in time for early March, when she is due to travel back to the UK before heading to the US for work. She said she felt let down by the way the changes have been introduced, adding: "I've been a British citizen since 2019. The UK is my home - I've lived there for 40 years, I own a home, I work and pay tax. My whole life is there." Swiss dual national Shaun West said he was considering not replacing his British passport and renouncing his citizenship over the new requirements. "There's no worth in it for me," said the university professor, who became a Swiss citizen after Brexit. He said he would rather pay the ETA fee to temporarily enter the UK to see his parents, adding: "[The government] said I'll lose consular services. I'm not bothered. [They said] you won't be able to live here. I'm not going to." West said that he found out about the rule change "utterly by accident" by reading online about how it affected Canadians, and said he believed it was discriminatory against dual nationals. Norwegian dual national Linn Kathenes, who lives in the UK, said she was only notified by the Home Office about the new rules last week. The teacher said that the changes mean she is now in a race against time to make arrangements for an upcoming overseas school trip. Kathenes explained that she is waiting to collect her Norwegian passport, which she had to renew. She needs to send over the document before she can begin the process of getting the UK passport required to travel. "I don't see another way, I just have to gamble", she said. The Home Office has been contacted about her case. Campaign group the3million, which represents EU citizens in the UK, has also criticised government communication around the changes. "The Home Office has not done enough to warn dual nationals of the serious impact this will have on them," the group's head of policy and advocacy, Monique Hawkins, said. She has called on the government to "urgently hit the pause button" and introduce a "low-cost, one-off travel authorisation" for dual nationals who have found their travel plans disrupted. A Home Office spokesperson said: "Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023. "This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia." You can also contact us by following this link The aftermath of a fire at Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville on Tuesday, Feb. 17. New York State Police Several firefighters and a pastor are fighting for their lives following a suspected gas explosion at a church in upstate New York. Emergency crews in Oneida County rushed to Abundant Life Church on Route 12 in Boonville shortly before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, for reports of an explosion and fire, according to Oneida County 911. A preliminary investigation found that four firefighters from the Boonville Fire Department and the church's pastor, Brandon Pitts, were in the basement when the furnace "activated," triggering an explosion, according to New York State Police. All five victims were transported the hospital in critical but stable condition, police said. They were identified as: David Pritchard Jr. , 60, Boonville Fire chief, transported to Upstate Hospital Brandon Pitts , 43, pastor of the church, transported to Upstate Hospital Allan Austin , 67, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Wynn Hospital Nicholas Amicucci , 43, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital The church sustained "catastrophic damage" and is considered "destroyed," police said. Officials noted that the building was heated by propane cylinders, though an official cause of the explosion remains under investigation. They added there was no indication of criminal activity. In a statement on Facebook, Abundant Life Church confirmed that pastor Brandon Pitts and another congregation member were at the building and had called the propane company to respond to an "obvious gas leak." Advertisement "Please just pray for peace, especially for Pastor Brandon and [his wife and lead elder] MaeLeah," the church said in a statement. "And go ahead and lift a lot of praise for the Lords protection over all the things NOT happening at church at the time of this emergency." Oneida County Executive Anthony Picenete said he was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy and was praying for everyone affected. "Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others," Picenete said in a statement. "Oneida County is in close communication with local officials and emergency services, and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues." Route 12 was closed in both directions between Potato Hill Road and Kerwin Road. Drivers were told to avoid the area. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including fire departments from Boonville, Remsen, Barneveld, Forestport, Constableville, Stittville, Holland Patent, Newport, and Floyd. Boonville Ambulance, AmCare, Kuyahoora Ambulance, Northstar air units, and the Oneida County Sheriffs Office were also dispatched. When most people think of Floridas favorite dog breed, they picture golden retrievers or Labradors. But search data tells a different story. According to a 2026 report from MetLife Pet Insurance, Floridians are showing growing interest in mixed breeds, especially ones with poodle ancestry. The trends vary in unexpected ways, with designer dogs topping lists in some places and retired racers holding on in others. These search patterns reflect local lifestyles, pet priorities, and the kinds of dogs that fit Floridas changing homes. The results may surprise even longtime dog lovers. Goldendoodle Is Floridas Most Searched Breed Credit: Wikimedia Commons MetLife Pet Insurances 2026 analysis of Google search data identified the goldendoodle as Floridas most searched dog breed. The hybrid, developed by crossing a golden retriever with a poodle, topped the list for the state in the studys breed search results. Jacksonville Shows Strong Interest in Greyhounds Credit: Wikimedia Commons Though greyhound racing ended in Florida years ago, Jacksonville shows continued curiosity about the breed. The interest now seems less about sport and more about adoption and companionship. The dogs' calm personalities make them suitable for households, and their history in the city still shows in search patterns. Pomsky Leads in Tampa Breed Searches Credit: Wikimedia Commons Tampa didnt follow the statewide trend. Its top search was the Pomsky, which is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. This eye-catching, compact breed draws attention for its looks and energy. While its not a common choice everywhere, local data puts it ahead of more traditional breeds in Tampa. Advertisement Miami Aligns With Statewide Goldendoodle Trend Credit: Wikimedia Commons In Miami, the goldendoodle ranked as the most-searched dog breed, matching the statewide top result reported in the study. The match between local and statewide interest suggests that the hybrid dogs popularity is consistent across urban areas. Tampa Has One of the Highest Dog-Breed Search Volumes Nationally Credit: Getty Images Tampa didnt just have strong local preferences. It ranked fourth nationally for dog-breed search volume per capita, according to the study. That means residents are actively comparing a wide range of dogs. Floridas Dog Preferences Differ From National Search Trends Credit: Getty Images Nationally, the most searched dog breeds were the cane corso, greyhound, and golden retriever. Floridas top result, which is the goldendoodle, does not match the national leader. This contrast shows that Floridas dog ownership patterns differ from the broader U.S. average. French Bulldogs Draw Regional Attention in South Florida Credit: pexels The French Bulldog is listed among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in Florida in 2026. These dogs are known for their companion-focused personalities and their strong attachment to their owners. Because of their tight nostrils and breathing limitations, French bulldogs can struggle in hot weather. Owners in Florida are advised not to leave them outside for long periods, especially during warm months, since heat can make breathing more difficult for this breed. Gisele Pelicot Pascalito/Contour by Getty NEED TO KNOW In November 2020, Gisele Pelicot learned her husband of nearly 50 years had been drugging her at night for more than a decade and invited more then 50 men into their home to rape her Pelicot waived her right to anonymity, becoming a hero to victims of sexual violence. All 51 men charged with raping her, including her husband, were convicted in 2024 Pelicot, who has written a new memoir, A Hymn to Life, opens up to PEOPLE about her ordeal and her life today A bicycle ride along the coast. A cheese omelet. An impromptu dance in the arms of a man whos helped her love again. Gisele Pelicot smiles as she describes, through a translator, the simple pleasures in her life today: I havent lost that joie de vivre. Its wonderful to allow yourself to be happy. Such moments of joy are something like a miracle for Pelicot, given the nightmare she has endured. Five and a half years ago, she discovered that her husband of nearly 50 years had been drugging and raping her for a decadeand had brought men into their home in the south of France to sexually assault her, night after night. Her decision to waive anonymity and publicly confront her husband, Dominique, and 50 strangers who had abused her made her a hero for sexual violence victims around the world. Pelicot with supporters outside court in November 2024 Arnold Jerocki/Getty Fourteen months after all 51 men were found guilty, Pelicot is sharing her story in a new memoir, Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides, and she tells PEOPLE that shes come to peace with her past as she builds her future. You can't forget. The scar is there, and it may never fully heal, says Pelicot, 73, who last year was named a knight of the Legion of Honour, Frances highest civilian award. But Ive always been a very optimistic woman. I wanted to take all of that mud and bring color back into my life. Looking back, Pelicot says there were few signs of her husbands dark truth before her horrifying discovery in 2020. Both products of painful childhoodshis marked by sexual and physical abuse, hers by the early loss of her motherthe two met as teens and fell madly in love. Gisele Pelicot's memoir, A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides Theyd faced financial woes and had weathered affairs on both sides, but raised three children in the Paris region and appeared to be living out their dreams of retirement in Mazan, a quiet village of about 5,000 in Provence. At times, Dominique tried to push the couples boundaries uncomfortably, suggesting anal sex and provocative lingerie. When Gisele refused, he called her a prude. She dismissed it as two partners with different drives. But she was troubled by memory lapses that doctors couldnt explain. Once, she jokingly asked her husband, a former electrician, if he was drugging her. He started crying and said, How can you say something like that? she recalls. And I felt guilty. I blamed myself for having said such a thing. I didnt believe a word of it. I was just so worried about my blackouts." And yet, she says, I shared truly wonderful moments with this man. Then, in the fall of 2020, Dominique was accused of taking photos up womens skirts in a local store. Gisele stood with him as he turned himself in, believing it to be an unsettling anomaly they could overcome. I didnt see Mr. Pelicot change when we went to the police station, she says. I didnt see anxiety on his face." Artist sketch of Dominique Pelicot in court in 2024 ZZIIGG/SIPA/Shutterstock But her world was about to crumble. An investigator presented her with photos of a woman, limp and mostly naked, being raped by a series of men. She looked like a rag doll, Pelicot writes in her memoir. For years, police told her, Dominique had been slipping medicationanti-anxiety and sleeping pillsinto her food at night, and inviting men hed met online to join him in raping her, not for money but for his sexual pleasure. He filmed it all and instructed the men not to wear condoms. One man worked at a nearby supermarket. Another, a construction worker, visited their home, pretending to be a friend, to see Gisele before he assaulted her. One rapist, an ex-soldier, was in his 20s. The oldest was in his 70s. Advertisement My brain dissociated. I stopped hearing what [police] were saying, Pelicot tells PEOPLE. Hours later, reality sunk in: those were her bedside tables in the photos, her bedroom, her body. The descent into hell began. Gisele Pelicot in court GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO/EPA/Shutterstock More horrors emerged, including pictures Dominique had taken of their daughter, Caroline, as she slept, in underwear that wasnt hers. At first, Gisele wanted to hide and have the trial proceed as quickly as possible, behind closed doors. Then she reconsidered: As a victim, youre punished twice. We inflict a kind of suffering on ourselves. I told myself fighting against that shame was a way of helping everyone else. She sat, stoic, in court while videos of the rapes played as evidence, her abusers just yards away. Outside, hundreds held signs of support. Thousands of letters arrived at court, thanking her for her courage, but she says, I never felt like an icon. I think Im a point of reference for all those women who identified with my story and for whom it echoed their own suffering. Since her abusers convictions in December 2024 (Dominique, 73, whom she divorced two years ago, is serving 20 years; other sentences range from time served to 15 years), Gisele has wrestled with her past: We are made up of memories. In order to continue living, I needed to believe that those 50 years with Mr. Pelicot had not been only a lie. Otherwise, I no longer existI am dead." Gisele (who kept her ex-husbands surname for my children, and especially my grandchildren, who still bear the name... it was a way of restoring some balance) says she intends to confront her ex-husband in prison one day to ask why he made me endure everything he put me through. And to find out the truth of what he may have done to their daughter: I need answers. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. For now, however, her defense mechanism is to keep the good and throw everything negative in the trash. Her children have had a harder time reconciling the father they knew with the monster now in prison. Gisele Pelicot with her son, Florian, in 2025 "Monsieur Pelicot and I chose each other. My children did not choose their father and mother. So we are not at all in the same place," she says. "Each of us is trying to rebuild in our own way, at our own pace." She and her youngest son, Florian, 39, remain close. At one point, her daughter Caroline, 47, publicly expressed anger toward her (rooted in what her daughter saw as her mother not acknowledging Caroline's own abuse). However Gisele says that she and Caroline now talk or text daily. She is, however, still not in touch with her oldest son David, 51. He needs more time, and I respect his silence," she says. Their family's shared trauma, she explains, is a shockwave that upends everything. When that wave first hit, I never imagined falling in love again. That was something I ruled out. But she says the circumstances of her abuse had an oddly protective side effect: I lived through the rapes as if under general anesthesia. My body has no memory of them. That was a kind of blessing. Pelicot in 2024 CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Nearly three years after Dominiques arrest, she met a widower named Jean-Loupan "extraordinary person with a very beautiful soul who lives on the Ile de Re, an island off Frances Atlantic coast where Gisele had moved. Their life together is full of everyday joys: Jean-Loups cooking (Hes the king of the Comte omelet), dancing to ABBA (He says hes a bad dancer, but thats not true... I get him moving) and bike rides on the island paths. It gives her hope for her future, in spite of her past. I have such trust in him. It may seem paradoxical...but just because I lived through something sordid as I did with Monsieur Pelicot doesnt mean it will happen again, she says. Were living very, very happy moments. Life is worth livingthats whats so wonderful. For more of Gisele Pelicot's remarkable story of survival, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere Friday. Read the original article on People Prue Leith Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty NEED TO KNOW Prue Leith is campaigning for the legalization of assisted dying in the United Kingdom The former Great British Baking Show judge revealed that if its not legalized, shes planning to end her own life regardless She recalled her brothers agonizing death from bone cancer and said she doesnt want her family to go through the horrors of watching her die slowly Prue Leith is actively campaigning for the assisted dying bill, revealing that shes planning to end her own life if its not legalized where she lives. In a personal essay published Feb. 14 by the Daily Mail, the 85-year-old chef who recently stepped down as a judge on The Great British Baking Show after nine seasons opened up about death, admitting that it crosses my mind several times a day since entering her 80s. There's no denying that I dont have much time left. All the more reason to enjoy it and to spend the remaining time well, she wrote. We need to make serious decisions, and do those things weve always wanted to, before ill-health and the loss of energy, or of mind, makes them impossible. Knowing that she wont always be so active, Leith said shes forcing herself to get her affairs in order and be prepared for her death. While there are many questions and concerns, she said the one thing shes sure of is she doesnt want a death thats drawn out. I think a lot about my death mainly, I suppose, because I am anxious to avoid one like my poor brother David suffered, she said. I want to save my family having to go through the horrors of watching me die slowly, especially as I am unlikely to be a brave sufferer. Leith explained that her brother died in his 70s from bone cancer, calling his death "agonizing" for everyone involved. She even recalled David asking for an assisted death several times. Prue Leith Jim Dyson/Getty The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Assisted dying is currently not legal in the United Kingdom, where Leith resides. However, in June 2025, the British parliament voted in favor of a bill to legalize it for terminally ill people. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill gives terminally ill patients 18 and older in England and Wales, who are mentally competent and have six months or less left to live, the right to end their lives with medical assistance. The bill is currently under review by Britain's upper chamber, the House of Lords. Had assisted dying been a legal option for him, he could have died peacefully, surrounded by love and support, Leith said of her brother. And his familys memories of those last days would not have been of his trauma and suffering, and their inability to help him. Advertisement Davids death got me trying to organise my own death and also got me campaigning for assisted dying to be legalised, she continued. Too many old people are kept alive by a system designed to save life at all costs, even if it means repeated dashes to hospital, often violent resuscitations, more stays in hospital when they just want to be at home. Leith admitted that if the assisted dying bill is not passed, she plans to end her own life regardless. I am hoping that in the next few years the proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is currently making its slow way through Parliament, will have made it into law, she wrote. If it has, I can stop plotting and planning how to achieve suicide while avoiding my relatives being arrested for assisting me in my getting out of an intolerable life. Of course, I dont want to be driven to suicide, she said. I want to die at home, in my own bed, surrounded by my nearest and dearest with plenty of painkillers so that I can say my goodbyes. And then, when Im ready, I want to swallow a drug that will send me to sleep. Prue Leith Karwai Tang/WireImage Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Leith recognized that there are many who oppose assisting dying, including her son Danny Kruger, who is a member of parliament in the U.K. She said there are often fears that the law will open doors for vulnerable people, or even children, to be coerced into ending their lives. However, the chef stressed that these concerns are unfounded in countries that have implemented the law due to the safeguards established. As she continues to advocate for the legalization of assisted dying, she noted that she hopes her life doesnt have to end in suicide. The best answer would be to legalize assisted dying, she said. I see the matter in very simple terms: whose life is it anyway? Why do I not get a say? If we think it merciful to put a dying dog down, why cant I have that too? Wouldnt you rather your loved ones remembered the good times, not your agonising death? As things stand today, if I was diagnosed with a disease that inevitably leads to a slow and excruciating death Id spend a lot of time in fear and dread of the coming pain, Leith ended. But if I knew that when life became unbearable, I could step out of it, legally and peacefully without having to resort to a lonely suicide, I would hope to make the most of those last months or weeks, see the people I wanted to see, and leave my family with happy, rather than horrific, memories of my final days. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Read the original article on People FIRST ON FOX: As federal immigration operations continue across the country, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), continues to nab child sex predators residing in the country as illegal immigrants. Child grooming, sex and lewd acts with minors, including some under 14, possession of child pornography, domestic assault, assault with a deadly weapon, stalking and drug trafficking were among some of DHS's "worst of the worst" arrests from Presidents Day weekend. "Over Presidents Day weekend, the brave men and women of ICE arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens across the country convicted for sex crimes against children, rape, and drug trafficking," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "These violent criminals will never be allowed to harm children and innocent Americans again." Meanwhile, according to McLaughlin, "nearly 70%" of ICE arrests are of illegal immigrants either charged, or convicted, of a crime in the United States. "Nothing will stop ICE law enforcement from removing them from American communities," the DHS assistant secretary concluded. Ice Assaults Spike 1,500% As Dems Draw Hard Red Line To Unmask Agents In Dhs Battle Over the weekend, several of those illegal alien criminals arrested by ICE had previous charges related to child sex abuse. Efren Guzman-Lopez, who is originally from Guatemala, was picked up in Texas following a conviction for indecency with child-sexual contact and child grooming. Another criminal illegal alien convicted of sex offenses with a child, specifically lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, was picked up this weekend in California. The individual originally from Mexico, Javier Millan-Salgado, was also listed on the sex offender registry, according to DHS. Read On The Fox News App Multiple individuals in California were picked up this weekend for having "sex with a minor" as well, according to DHS, while a criminal illegal alien in Missouri, Pedro Jucub, was arrested for "sexual misconduct" with a child under the age of 15. These criminal illegal aliens were from Guatemala and Mexico. Others were arrested for acts of sexual abuse and sexual assault, including in New York and Salt Lake City. Advertisement Ice Ramps Up Deportation Push By Boosting Capacity To 92,600 Beds With $38.3B Expansion Drug trafficking, assault and domestic violence were the remaining trends among DHS's "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens picked up over the Presidents Day weekend. Protesters, using whistles to alert neighborhoods to ICE activity, face off with Minneapolis police officers in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 24, 2026. (Getty Images) Those on DHS's list charged or convicted of drug trafficking included criminal illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico. They were picked up in various states across the Midwest, Southwest and the East Coast. Alfredo Vargas and Wilfrido Varelas-Rubio , both from Mexico, were each convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in Iowa and in Montana, respectively, before being picked up by ICE this weekend. A man from Honduras, Ever Rivera-Molina, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine in Texas prior to his arrest by ICE. On the East Coast, in Raleigh, North Carolina, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico arrested by ICE, Hermilio Salgado-Castro, was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Saul Alonzo Portillo-Lopez, living in Texas when he was arrested over the weekend, had previously been convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to DHS's "worst of the worst" list from the weekend. Felony assault, domestic violence, stalking and assault with a deadly weapon were also among the crimes committed by those on ICE's list. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Gerson Valverde, a criminal illegal alien from Nicaragua, was arrested following a conviction for felony assault, felony aggravated family offense, and misdemeanor stalking in Saratoga County, New York. Francisco Gamez-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested by ICE this weekend after being convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Lakeland, Florida. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday pushed for the passage of the SAVE America Act during a press conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., in an effort to ensure voter security at the polls. DHS has set up a website at WOW.DHS.Gov, where Americans can learn about the public safety threats being arrested in their communities. "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)," the website's homepage reads. "Under Secretary Noem's leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump's promise and carrying out mass deportations starting with the worst of the worst including the illegal aliens you see here." Original article source: ICE sweeps up convicted pedophiles, traffickers in massive holiday weekend sting: 'Worst of the worst' ASUNCION, Paraguay, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Paraguay (" Paraguay ") announced today the commencement of an offer to purchase for cash (the " Offer ") from each registered holder or beneficial owner (each, a " Holder " and, collectively, the " Holders ") the outstanding bonds of the series set forth in the table below (collectively, the " Existing Bonds "), such that the maximum amount to be paid for the Existing Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer, not including interest accrued and unpaid thereon, is to be determined by Paraguay in its sole discretion (such amount for each series, the " Maximum Purchase Price "). The terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the offer document, dated February 17, 2026 (the " Offer Document "). The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum participation of any series of the Existing Bonds, but is conditioned, among other things, on the concurrent (or earlier) closing of one or more series of new global bonds (the " New Bonds "), in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to fund the Offer, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to Paraguay in its sole discretion (the " New Bonds Offerings "). The New Bonds Offerings are being made solely by means of the offering memoranda relating to the offering of the New Bonds, and neither this announcement nor the Offer Document constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Bonds. The purchase price to be paid per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of each series of Existing Bonds that are accepted pursuant to the Offer will be an amount equal to the fixed price indicated in the table below (such amount for each series, the " Purchase Price "). In addition to the Purchase Price, Holders whose Existing Bonds are accepted for purchase in the Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest from, and including, the last interest payment date for such Existing Bonds up to, but excluding, the Settlement Date (the " Accrued Interest "). If the aggregate Purchase Price for all validly tendered Existing Bonds of a series (the " Tendered Aggregate Purchase Price ") would exceed the Maximum Purchase Price for such series, then Paraguay will, in its sole discretion, apply a proration factor to the Tenders (as defined below) of such series. Existing Bonds Outstanding Principal Amount as of February 13, 2026 ISINs/ CUSIP Numbers Purchase Price (per Outstanding US$1,000 Principal Amount)(1) 4.700% Bonds due 2027 ("2027 Bonds") US$400,000,000 US699149AD22/699149AD2 USP75744AE59/P75744AE5 US$1,015.00 4.950% Bonds due 2031 ("2031 Bonds") US$1,000,000,000 US699149AJ91/699149AJ9 USP75744AJ47/P75744 AJ4 US$1,021.25 (1) In addition, investors will receive Accrued Interest Existing Bonds may be tendered only in the principal amount equal to the minimum authorized denomination of US$1,000 and in integral multiples of US$1,000 in excess thereof for each series of Existing Bonds (the " Minimum Denomination "). Holders who tender less than all of their Existing Bonds must continue to hold Existing Bonds in at least the Minimum Denomination. Paraguay reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any valid orders to tender any series of Existing Bonds in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer (" Tenders "), to modify the Purchase Price for any series of the Existing Bonds, or to terminate the Offer for any reason. In the event of a termination of the Offer, the tendered Existing Bonds will be returned to the tendering Holder. If Paraguay accepts all or a portion of a Holder's Tender, the Holder will be entitled to receive for such Existing Bonds the applicable Purchase Price plus Accrued Interest, which will be paid on the Settlement Date (as defined below), if the conditions of the Offer are met. The Offer commenced at or around 9:00 a.m., New York time on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and, unless extended or earlier terminated by Paraguay in its sole discretion, the Offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on Monday, February 23, 2026 (the " Expiration Time "). Holders who have validly tendered their Existing Bonds may withdraw such Existing Bonds at any time at or prior to the Expiration Time. The settlement of the Offer is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (the " Settlement Date "). At or about 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, subject to change without notice, Paraguay expects to announce the aggregate principal amount of Tenders of each series of the Existing Bonds that have been received on or prior to the Expiration Time. At or about 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, subject to change without notice, Paraguay expects to announce: (i) the Maximum Purchase Price for each series; (ii) the Tendered Aggregate Purchase Price for each series (iii) the aggregate principal amount of Tenders of each series of the Existing Bonds that have been accepted; and (iv) any proration of Tenders of the Existing Bonds. Such announcement may be conditioned on the consummation of the New Bonds Offerings. Tenders for Existing Bonds must be submitted through a direct participant in The Depository Trust Company (" DTC "), Euroclear Bank SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear System (" Euroclear "), or Clearstream Banking, S.A. (" Clearstream "), as applicable, in accordance with the procedures and deadlines established by each such clearing system. Any Holder that holds Existing Bonds through a custodian cannot submit a Tender directly and should instead contact its custodian to instruct the direct participant to submit a Tender on its behalf. There is no letter of transmittal or guaranteed delivery procedures for the Offer. You are advised to consult with the broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company, or other nominee through which you hold your Existing Bonds as to the deadlines by which such intermediary would require receipt of instruction from you to participate in the Offer in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer as described in the Offer Document in order to meet the deadlines set forth in the Offer Document. The deadlines set by DTC, Euroclear, Clearstream, or any such intermediary for the submission of Existing Bonds may be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Offer Document. The acceptance of any Tenders forwarded to DTC from Euroclear or Clearstream after the Expiration Time will be in the sole discretion of Paraguay. The complete terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the Offer Document, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, which holders are urged to read carefully before making any decision with respect to the Offer. Global Bondholder Services Corporation is serving as the depositary agent and the information agent in connection with the Offer (the " Tender and Information Agent "), and the Offer Document may be downloaded from the Tender and Information Agent's website indicated below or obtained from the Tender and Information Agent at the contact below: Contact information: Global Bondholder Services Corporation Attention: Corporate Actions 65 Broadway Suite 404 New York, NY 10006 + Banks and Brokers Call: 1 (212) 430-3774 All Others Call: +1 (855) 654-2015 E-mail: [email protected] website: http://www.gbsc-usa.com/paraguay , or from any of the Dealer Managers. The dealer managers (the " Dealer Managers ") for the Offer are: Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 388 Greenwich Street, 4th Floor Trading New York, New York 10013 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: +1 (212) 723-6106 Toll free: +1 (800) 558-3745 Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC 200 West Street New York, New York 10282 United States of America Attn: Liability Management Group Collect: +1 (212) 357-1452 Toll Free: +1 (800) 828-3182 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 270 Park Avenue New York, New York 10017 United States of America Attn: Latin America Debt Capital Markets U.S. Toll Free: +1 (866) 846-2874 Collect: +1 (212) 834-7279 Questions regarding the Offer may be directed to and the Offer Document may be obtained from the Dealer Managers at the above contact. Republic of Paraguay c/o Ministerio de Economia y Finanzas Sede Central: Chile 252 Asuncion, Paraguay For press inquiries: Contact: Ana Osorio, General Director of Debt Policy E-mail: [email protected] Call: +59-521-413-2247 Important Notice The New Bonds Offerings will be made solely by means of the offering memoranda relating to those offerings. Before you invest, you should read the offering memoranda for more complete information about Paraguay and such offerings. You may not participate in the New Bonds Offerings unless you have received and reviewed the applicable offering memoranda related to those offerings, and not in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announcement. The New Bonds will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Existing Bonds. The Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer Document, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offerings and the Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offerings and Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offerings and the Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offerings and the Offer are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offerings or the Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. Each person accepting the Offer shall be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed (in respect of itself and any person for whom it is acting) that it is not a person to whom it is unlawful to make the Offer pursuant to the Offer Document, it has not distributed or forwarded the Offer Document or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer to any such person, and that it has complied with all laws and regulations applicable to it for purposes of participating in the Offer. Neither Paraguay nor the Dealer Managers accepts any responsibility for any violation by any person of the restrictions applicable in any jurisdiction. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offerings and the Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offerings or the Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offerings or the Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." Stabilization/FCA In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, this communication is only addressed to and directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. This announcement is not an invitation nor is it intended to be an inducement to engage in investment activity for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom. This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed: at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the " Order ") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any New Bonds will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such New Bonds will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. SOURCE Republic of Paraguay A view of downtown Shreveport, La. Photo: Emilee Calametti / The Center Square (The Center Square) Bullets tore through a Shreveport apartment, instantly killing a one-year-old child. The two men charged with the murder had a long history of past convictions, including kidnapping, narcotics and weapons counts. Despite their criminal records they were not in prison and therefore, police and prosecutors say, fired the shots that killed Karter Martin two years ago on Feb. 11. Bullets pierced a door and window, also striking the childs father, Isaiah Cooks, 27, who was critically injured but survived. "If shots are fired at you, the bullets have no name on them," Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith told The Center Square when asked about the case. "Theyll hit whatever is in their line of travel." Court records show the accused killers could have been put away long before the bullets flew. Both men were on probation at the time. One of them, Demond Baber, had been spared jail time on felony charges just 10 weeks before the shooting that killed Karter. The baby's killing points to a grim reality that plagues Louisiana and the nation and has some states rethinking their criminal codes. An investigation by The Center Square found recidivists those repeat criminals who cycle in and out of jails and courtrooms are behind the vast majority of northwest Louisianas homicides and those around the country. Of 81 suspects charged with 2024 and 2025 murders in Shreveport and Caddo Parish, 70% had prior arrest records in local courts, The Center Square found. The statistic is similar but slightly higher than the national trend found the last time the issue was comprehensively studied. A 2006 report by the U.S. Justice Departments Bureau of Justice Statistics examined 1990 to 2002 felony convictions in the nations 75 most populous counties. That analysis found 67% of murderers had an arrest record. "There doesnt seem to be very many first offenders that we run across," Chief Smith said. "Most of the suspects will have continuous, multiple criminal records The system, however its designed, is not effective in rehabilitating them or changing their behavior." Such was the case in dozens of 2024 and 2025 murder cases examined in Caddo Parish. Some examples: Victor Bradley, 30, is accused of killing Tavarae Loneman and Erica Pitts, both found shot to death in a parked car in March 2024. Bradley had a prior record of drug possession, domestic abuse and theft. Three years before the killings he faced charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of domestic abuse, but in a plea deal, he received just one year in prison and three years on probation. Court records show he almost had his probation revoked in 2022 over a marijuana arrest and failing to keep up with probation terms. That would have put him behind bars when the killings happened, but in a hearing Caddo District Court Judge Chris Victory opted to leave him on probation, court records show. Brothers Kelvin Lewis, 39, and Larry Lewis, 45, face federal charges of killing pharmaceuticals delivery driver Billy Lee Jamison in a carjacking outside a Walgreens in January 2025. Three years earlier, Kelvin Lewis had been sentenced to one year for bringing contraband into a penal institution. Larry Lewis long arrest record includes drug possession, domestic abuse, theft and simple battery. At the time of the killing, records show he had narcotics and indecent behavior with juveniles charges pending in Caddo courts. In 2018, Larry Lewis pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of resisting an officer and criminal trespass in Shreveport City Court, receiving credit for time served. Nicholas Alexander, 58, is accused of gunning down Vivian Police Officer Marc Brock as he executed a warrant for cyberstalking in November 2025. Alexander had a criminal record dating back more than three decades, having previously faced charges of assault, battery, and domestic abuse. The District Attorney's Office dismissed an aggravated assault charge in 1997. For domestic abuse battery, a 2010 six-month sentence was mostly suspended, shortened to 10 days with Alexander placed on supervised probation for a year and a half. But no killing in recent years illustrates the problem as starkly as the death of 1-year-old Karter at Stonevista Apartments in Stoner Hill. There were five suspects charged in connection with the case. Two men only faced firearms charges, one man had murder charges reduced down to a possession of stolen firearms charge. All five had been through Louisiana criminal courts before, four of them previously charged with violent offenses. Deanthony Griffin, 29, the accused triggerman, was a repeat offender who pleaded guilty to simple kidnapping in 2020, sentenced to two years in prison for grabbing an ex-girlfriend by her hair and forcing her into a car. Demond Baber, 24, also charged with second-degree murder, had been treated lightly in Caddo Parish District Court the prior November. With a possible mandatory prison sentence on narcotics and weapons charges stemming from an earlier incident, he pleaded down to a single "attempted" charge of carrying illegal weapons. He received no jail time. With sweetheart deals like that, Lisa Reese Massingill said The Center Squares findings dont surprise her. Massingill runs the Facebook group Caddo Mama Bears, which tracks courts and crime and has become a sounding board for fed up residents. "It has become so easy for (criminals) to commit a crime, and they dont worry about consequences to their actions," she said. District Attorney James Stewart did not respond to an interview request from The Center Square for this story. DA spokeswoman Ivy Woodard said he was too busy to speak last week. But four days after Karter's death in 2024, Stewart defended his office in a media interview, specifically his offices handling of prior charges against the alleged triggerman. Stewart told KSLA News 12 that in the simple kidnapping case, a more serious home invasion charge that could have put Griffin behind bars longer had to be dismissed, because the victim told investigators Griffin lived in the home. So there couldnt have been a home invasion. "I think that its certain people who want to target us because they dont understand what we do," Stewart told the TV station. "And were bound to follow the constitutional laws to go forward. If we dont have the evidence, we cant go forward." What to do about it The Center Square examined 103 killings in Caddo Parish and Shreveport in 2024 and 2025, finding 67 cases where one or more person had been charged with murder or manslaughter. To check arrest records, TCS examined District Court records, city court records in Shreveport and neighboring Bossier City, jail booking records, Louisiana prison records, police and DAs office press releases, and statements by police and prosecutors quoted in local media. For some cases, the Shreveport Police Department and the Caddo Parish District Attorneys Office assisted in confirming prior records. The Center Square found 48 of the 81 persons charged in killings (59%) had rap sheets that included violent prior offenses, felony and misdemeanor including assault, simple battery, crimes against children, domestic abuse, armed robbery, resisting an officer and possession of dangerous weapons. Advertisement So of the 57 murder suspects with prior records, 84% had previously been arrested for violent offenses. "It isnt surprising," Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, an attorney, said of The Center Squares findings. "People dont usually start at murder. They start at something else." Among the cases, Lederrick Gant, 38, is accused of killing his own mother, Sharon Gosey, with a .40-caliber pistol in April 2024. His background includes multiple arrests for simple battery and resisting an officer. Jeremy Hill, 40, is charged with pulling a gun and killing Davante Johnson during an argument outside Enclave Apartments in July 2024. His prior arrests include flight from an officer, armed robbery and simple battery. And Bradley Joel Weidner, 48, is charged with the December killing of Everett King Jr., whose body was found by fishermen under the Bayou Pierre bridge. Earlier that year Weidner had been sentenced to two years' probation on narcotics charges out of Webster Parish, court records show. He also pleaded guilty to resisting an officer by flight in Bossier City Court, sentenced to a year on supervised probation with an order to attend an anger management course. The victim under the bridge had been stabbed to death, according to the Caddo Parish Coroners Office. Rafael Mangual, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute focusing on public safety, said he blames weak laws and inadequacies at all levels of the American criminal justice system for failing to isolate dangerous criminals from the law-abiding population. "The nature of our violence problem is one that is rooted in repeat offending," said Mangual, author of the book Criminal (In)Justice, which criticized the push for policing and sentencing reforms following the 2020 deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks. "Unfortunately, our system allows these individuals to cycle through the courts, the jails and the prisons multiple times over the course of their careers, really until they do the most terrible possible thing that they could do." For that reason, several state legislatures have been backtracking on some of the softer criminal justice policies of the 2010s, when reforms aimed at rehabilitation and keeping low-level offenders from taking up jail space swept the country. Louisiana is among those changing course, as are Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida and New Jersey. In the early 2010s Louisiana had the nations highest incarceration rate with a state prison population approaching 40,000. In 2017, then-Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, signed off on a package of reforms that passed in the legislature with bipartisan support. Among other things, the new laws made more offenders eligible for parole, shortened maximum probation terms, reduced sentences for some nonviolent offenses, and reduced fines and fees. Nonviolent crime decreased and the state reportedly saved more than $150 million over several years through a reduced prison population. Soon after Republican Gov. Jeff Landry took office in 2024, he called a special session to deal with violent crime. The Legislature approved two measures proposed by state Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner a truth-in-sentencing law requiring inmates to serve at least 85% of their original sentence, and another eliminating discretionary parole. "For those of you who believe parole should be considered for a person 18 years or older who commits a heinous crime, we simply disagree," Rep. Villio said at the Capitol during debate on the measures in 2024. "After justice reform, we still lead the nation in homicides for the 35th year in a row. We are still the fifth state in terms of crime. Members, dont fall for the false narrative." Villios office did not respond to interview requests from The Center Square for this story. The nonprofit JFA Institute has predicted the truth-in-sentencing measure could see the states prison population climb as high as 55,800 by 2034. It currently stands at about 31,000, an increase from 28,100 at the end of 2023, according to the state Department of Public Safety & Corrections. The Crime and Justice Institute predicts building more prisons could cost Louisiana taxpayers as much as $2 billon. Already, corrections has asked for another $82 million in its budget to deal with the growing inmate population. Murders are down Wanda Bertram, spokeswoman for the Prison Policy Initiative, which opposes Gov. Landry's new measures, said research does not bear out that longer prison sentences deter crime or lead to lower recidivism rates. She said governments waste taxpayer money by keeping offenders in prison longer than necessary. "In my mind, small fluctuations in crime are neither a reason to all of a sudden radically change the kind of punishment that we're giving to people who commit crimes, nor are they a reason to attribute success or failure to existing laws," Bertram said. "You have to take the big-picture long view. And in the long view, we're still at lows that we haven't seen in over half a century." During the period The Center Square examined Shreveports homicides, murder numbers have been falling, mirroring national trends. The Caddo coroner's office reported 91 homicides in 2021, 52 homicides in 2022, and 83 homicides in 2023. Discounting three police shootings and one killing in self defense, The Center Square counted 54 persons murdered in 2024, and 49 persons murdered last year. Statewide, violent crimes have been on a downward trend since 2021, but the states overall crime rate is still 45 percent higher than the national average, according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center. "Most people dont believe some of the statistics. They believe they get skewed," Massingill, who runs the Facebook group, said. "There are less homicides, but they hear gunshots every night in the city. They still dont feel safe in their city." Zorro Ranch, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view near Stanley, New Mexico, on July 15, 2019. Credit - Drone Base/REUTERS New Mexico lawmakers have launched a new investigation into allegations of trafficking and sexual abuse at a ranch outside Santa Fe once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 7,600-acre property was owned by Epstein from 1993 until his death in a New York jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019, and the property was mentioned numerous times in the so-called Epstein files released by the Department of Justice over the last few months. Read More: Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump Administration of Epstein Files Cover-Up A bipartisan committee of four lawmakers, known as a truth committee, will seek testimony from survivors of alleged sexual abuse at the ranch as part of the $2.5 million investigation authorized by legislation passed unanimously by lawmakers on Monday. Although law enforcement has probed several of Epsteins other propertiesincluding his island in the Caribbean, his apartment in Manhattan, and his Palm Beach estatehis New Mexico property has received much less attention. The crimes that were reported to federal and state authorities were never fully investigated, State Representative Melanie Stansbury, a Democrat, said in a video posted after the vote. The New Mexico State House is concerned that the failure to investigate the alleged criminal activity at Zorro ranch and the risk of potential consequences of that activity continue to affect the safety and welfare of the state and that continued legislative inaction threatens public confidence in state government, the Bill said. It was co-sponsored by two Democrats, Andrea Romero, who represents Santa Fe, and Rep. Marianna Anaya; and two Republicans, Rep. Andrea Reeb and Rep. Bill Hall. A previous effort to investigate the ranch in 2019 by former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas was halted at the request of federal prosecutors in 2019 to avoid a parallel investigation, he told Reuters in a statement. A December 2019 email released in the Epstein files from federal authorities to the executors of Epsteins estate said that federal agents had not searched the New Mexico property. In a separate email in September 2019, Manhattan federal prosecutors said that they spoke with the New Mexico attorney generals office, who they said had agreed to cease any investigation into sex trafficking and share whatever they had gathered regarding sex trafficking activity with our office. Heres what you need to know about the investigation and the Zorro Ranch. What happened at the ranch? Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993 from Bruce King, a three-time Democratic governor of New Mexico. While it was not his full-time residence, it was allegedly the site of sex abuse and trafficking by Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 as Epsteins co-conspirator, according to court and law enforcement documents. Numerous allegations centered on the ranch have emerged in the recently released Epstein files. Brice Gordon, the ranchs former manager, told the FBI that Epstein flew in guests and "masseuses" to the ranch, and hired local massage therapists to work there, according to a report Epstein files. In one anonymous 2019 email addressed to then-Albuquerque mayoral candidate Eddy Aragon, someone alleged that two female victims, foreign girls, were buried in the hills near the ranch on the orders of Jeffrey and Madam G. The New Mexico Department of Justice wrote to the DOJ last week seeking unredacted access to the email to investigate the matter. The author of the anonymous email sent in Nov. 2019 claimed to have taken seven videos from Epsteins home, including several depicting sex with minors, as insurance in case of future litigation against Epstein. Several survivors have also alleged that they experienced abuse at Zorro Ranch, including Annie Farmer and Jane, both of whom testified at Maxwells sex trafficking trial. Jane told prosecutors that she had been flown to New Mexico with Epstein and Maxwell, where she said she was sexually abused by Epstein alone at his ranch and was forced to engage in what she called orgies. Farmer testified at the same trial that she was abused by both Maxwell and Epstein at the ranch. Advertisement Virginia Giuffre, one of Epsteins most prominent victims, said she had trafficked to the ranch and ordered to have sex with Epstein and other men there. In her defamation lawsuit against Maxwell, which she brought when Maxwell accused her of lying, she provided several photographs of herself at the ranch. To illustrate my connection to these places, I include four photographs taken of me in New Mexico (shown below), Giuffre captioned the photographs. I was approximately 17 at the time, judging from the looks of it. At the end of the day we returned to Epstein's Zorro Ranch. Another alleged victim, Chauntae Davis, told CBS News in 2019 that she was raped on Zorro Ranch at least twice. Zorro Ranch was also the site where, according to the New York Times, Epstein hoped to use to seed the human race with his DNA using genetic engineering. What will the investigation look like? The commission has said it will "investigate allegations of criminal activity and public corruption" through survivor testimony, according to the resolution. According to Romero, the testimony could be used in a court of law. The committee will likely conduct hearings and will have the authority to compel witness attendance, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas. The first committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday and the resolution requires that an interim report be submitted to state House leadership on or before July 31. The investigation is funded through the end of this year, but it can be extended. With this Truth Commission, we can finally fill in the gaps by investigating the failures that led to the horrific allegations of abuse and crime at Zorro Ranch, so we can learn from them and prevent such atrocities from taking place in our state going forward, Romero said in a statement following the resolutions passage. The commission will look to see whether local or state officers appropriately investigated the activity at the ranch, and whether legislative action could be needed to either punish such crimes, or prevent them from happening again. Rep. Anaya said that one of the main goals of the committee is to create more pathways for justice for all survivors of sexual abuse and assault in our state. The commission will be funded by a settlement between the New Mexico attorney general and financial services during an investigation of these institutions role in failing to identify the sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls at Jeffrey Epsteins Zorro Ranch. Who owns the ranch now? In 2023, Donald Huffines, a Texas businessman and former GOP state senator now running for comptroller, bought the Zorro Ranch. Huffines, who describes himself as a Trump Republican, is the current front-runner in the comptroller race, according to Texas Tribune polling. He said in a social media post on Monday that he would cooperate with any investigation. We have always maintained an open line of communication with local authorities. No law enforcement agency has ever approached me to request access, and I have always said unequivocally that any such request would be met with immediate access and full cooperation, he wrote in the post, which his spokesman confirmed was genuine, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the newspaper that first reported the ownership. In a statement to the newspaper on Feb. 13, Huffines campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore said: 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. The New Mexican reported that the property was first listed for sale in July 2021 for $27.5 million, then later reduced to $18 million. Huffines is campaigning to DOGE Texas government, a reference to replicating the work of Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which, in the first months of Donald Trumps second term, dictated mass layoffs, contract cancellations, and restructuring in the federal government. Contact us at letters@time.com. WASHINGTON Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems relationship with U.S. Coast Guard officials has become strained throughout her first year leading the department, according to two U.S. officials, a Coast Guard official and a former Coast Guard official. The tensions between Noem and the only branch of the U.S. military overseen by DHS stem from some early decisions she made that rankled Coast Guard officials, including a verbal directive to shift Coast Guard resources from a search-and-rescue mission to find a missing service member, the sources said. Noems leadership at DHS has created a specific split in the Coast Guard. Many rank-and-file members are motivated by her approach, in which she showcases their work by joining them on operations and visiting their ships. Some more senior officials, however, see that approach as taking away from the Coast Guards traditional missions. The dynamic with more senior officials has only worsened in recent months as Noem oversaw a tenfold increase in the use of the Coast Guard's aircraft for immigrant deportations, which has strained its limited resources, the sources said. The increase was captured in data compiled by ICE Flight Monitor, a nonprofit group that tracks deportation flights. It puts so much stress on the wing, the Coast Guard official said, referring to the branchs aviation units. Noems focus on meeting the Trump administrations deportation quotas appears poised to further impact Coast Guard operations in the coming months, according to new guidance recently issued to Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento this year. Based on DHS priorities, the air station, which is among those responsible for a majority of deportation flights, has designated its first priority to be the transport of detained immigrants on its C-27 aircraft within the U.S., according to multiple U.S. officials familiar with the orders. The new orders moved search-and-rescue operations, which have long been the Coast Guards core mission, to a lower priority, the officials familiar with the orders said. They said counternarcotics efforts and Coast Guard training are prioritized above search-and-rescue operations. Noem boards the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba in Panama City in June. (Anna Moneymaker / AFP / Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker) The dissonance between Noems priorities and senior Coast Guard officials is a lesser-known part of the fallout from President Donald Trumps mass deportation policy, and is largely playing out behind the scenes. Coast Guard officials have privately raised concerns with one another and confided in former officials about some of Noems directives and use of Coast Guard resources to service her and the administrations priorities, the current and former Coast Guard officials said. At times, the tensions have escalated into confrontations, the sources said. In one contentious incident in May, Noems top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, berated Coast Guard flight staff and threatened to fire them for taking off without one of the secretarys personal items on board a heated blanket, according to the current and former Coast Guard officials. There is a general atmosphere of keep your head down, you dont want to be on the firing line, the former Coast Guard official said. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard referred all questions about the reporting in this story to DHS. A spokesperson for DHS denied that there was guidance to Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento that prioritized transporting immigrants first over search-and-rescue operations. Thats ridiculous. No such guidance was ordered, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The Coast Guard is always ready to respond to search and rescue missions, and it carefully balances all operations and mission requirements. The spokesperson said in response to this story, The entire premise of your story is incorrect, and these attacks are nothing more than a politicized deep state effort to undermine President Trumps immigration enforcement agenda and distract from the historic successes that the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard have achieved since he returned to office. The tension between some Coast Guard officials and Noem began after a 23-year-old Coast Guardsman went overboard into the Pacific Ocean from the cutter Waesche on Feb. 4 last year, shortly after the Senate confirmed Noem into her role, according to the two U.S. officials, the Coast Guard official and the former Coast Guard official. The Coast Guard had surged ships and aircraft to the Pacific to find the guardsman. Hours into the search, Noem learned that a Coast Guard C-130 that was supposed to fly detained migrants from California to Texas was among the aircraft over the Pacific looking for the missing guardsman, and she intervened, according to the two U.S. officials and the Coast Guard official. Noem verbally instructed the acting commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Kevin Lunday, to pull the plane off the search-and-rescue mission so it would not miss the immigrant flight as part of the DHS so-called Alien Expulsion Operations, according to the two U.S. officials and the Coast Guard official. Lunday notified the National Command Center, which ordered the C-130 to fly to San Diego while other aircraft and ships involved in the search continued, according to one of the U.S. officials and the current Coast Guard official. In an effort to keep the C-130 searching for the missing service member, the regional Coast Guard command in San Diego scrambled to find two available C-27s that could fly the detained people to Texas, which freed up the C-130 to continue searching for the missing guardsman after about an hour, the two U.S. officials and the Coast Guard official said. The search ultimately went on for 190 hours covering 19,000 square miles, but the guardsman was never found. Its not clear that Noems directive to pull the C-130 had any impact on the search, particularly given the Coast Guard found alternative aircraft that allowed it to return to the effort. The DHS spokesperson said a C-130 was shifted from immigrant flights to the search-and-rescue operation in the Pacific on Feb. 4 and continued on that mission until the search was suspended. The spokesperson said the C-130 never left the search and that there is no documentation it was diverted away from the search-and-rescue operation. Despite the differing narratives, the incident left Coast Guard officials with a negative impression of Noem, according to the two U.S. officials, the Coast Guard official and the former Coast Guard official. The incident reflected a clash of cultures between Noems leadership style and Coast Guard officials, the sources said. The primary mission was search-and-rescue, the former Coast Guard official said. And now the No. 1 stated mission of the Coast Guard is border security, that is a cultural change that the culture hasnt quite caught up to. The official added that under Noems leadership, you never know whats going to happen and that morale at Coast Guard headquarters is terrible. Asked about low morale within the Coast Guard, the DHS spokesperson said, Thats armchair speculation thats out of touch with the reality in the service right now. The DHS spokesperson also said the Coast Guard has used C-130 and C-27 aircraft to transport migrants on an as-needed basis and said its focus on immigration is nothing new or unusual. Under Noems leadership, more than 750 Coast Guard flights have been redirected from regular missions such as maritime patrols and search-and-rescue efforts, to instead fly detained immigrants to deportation hubs, according to ICE Flight Monitor. Coast Guard flights carrying immigrants jumped last year from 14 in June to 149 in November, according to the group. Advertisement A former Republican governor of South Dakota, Noem stepped into her high-profile role with a mandate from Trump to conduct a mass deportation campaign that was the focus of her attention and that of the senators who oversaw her nomination process. Neither Noem nor any lawmaker mentioned the Coast Guard at her confirmation hearing in January last year, and she was confirmed by the Senate with the support of seven Democrats. Several of the Democrats who voted to confirm Noem have taken issue with her management of other aspects of the department., Two Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Andy Kim, D-N.J. told NBC News last June that they regretted supporting her confirmation. Noem has increasingly been under scrutiny in recent weeks amid ongoing immigration enforcement raids in major American cities that are backed by the White House and have sparked protests. She took a leading role in the administrations public response to federal agents fatal shootings of American citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in separate incidents in Minneapolis in January. Like other senior Trump officials, Noem quickly characterized Good and Pretti as the aggressors before any investigation into the shootings. While Trump shook up his immigration team within days of Prettis shooting, sending border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis, he has stood by Noem. The president has rejected calls for her resignation from Democrats and some Republicans. Look, look, she was in charge of the border, Trump told NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas earlier this month and that Noem deserves credit for closing the border but may have a public relations problem. I think shes doing a very good job, he said in an Oval Office interview. Shes not getting credit for the job that she does. Noem, who has also rankled critics by appearing in front of detained migrants at a prison in El Salvador and budgeting $200 million for deportation ads that feature her, got off to a rocky start with some of her Coast Guard subordinates when she evicted the newly fired commandant, Linda Fagan, from housing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling with three hours notice in February last year, NBC News reported. At the time, DHS officials insisted to NBC News that Fagan was not thrown out so that the housing could be provided to the secretary. Noem later moved into the home. Secretary Noem is paying fair market value for her temporary use of the facility as she faces heightened security threats following the publication of her apartment by a tabloid, a second DHS spokesperson said last year. Noem has also raised eyebrows among Coast Guard officials over her approach to traveling on Coast Guard aircraft, which is a standard practice for homeland security secretaries, according to the U.S. official, the Coast Guard official, the former Coast Guard official and one of the U.S. officials. In October, Noem sought to replace the Coast Guard aircraft that has traditionally flown the homeland security secretary with two new Gulfstream jets at a cost of $170 million. Some Coast Guard officials viewed the purchase to replace the aging aircraft as an unnecessary expense, according to the two U.S. officials, the Coast Guard official, the former Coast Guard official and two DHS officials. The two DHS officials said the Coast Guard officials were told by a senior DHS official not to raise their concerns about the purchase of the new Gulfstream jets. We were kept completely out of the loop on those Gulfstreams. I wanted to know what money they used for those Gulfstreams, one of the DHS officials said. But basically, we were shut down. Democrats objected to the purchase of two jets, saying only one was needed and resources should instead be spent on mission aircraft such as C-130s. The top Democrats on the House Appropriations and Homeland Security committees wrote a letter to Noem in October criticizing the purchase. Your first priority should be to organize, train and equip a Coast Guard that is strong enough to meet todays mission requirements, the lawmakers wrote. Instead, it appears your first priority is your own comfort. Noem has defended the decision, saying the new jets were needed to support Coast Guard missions and noted that Congress appropriated the funding for them. The DHS spokesperson said the department received one of the Gulfstream jets last month and is expected to receive the second one in the fall. These aircraft are the products of a planned, and long-needed update to the Coast Guards long-range command and control aircraft, which are essential for mission readiness and safety, the spokesperson said, adding that they are for senior DHS and military officials. Noem recently flew on one of the newly purchased Gulfstreams to Phoenix to tout DHS accomplishments on the southern border over the past year. Typically, government planes that are used for members of the executive branchs travel are returned to what is called a sterile state after each flight, which includes the removal of all personal items of the individuals who had traveled on it, according to the U.S. official. But Noem liked the idea of keeping some personal items on board, including a heated blanket, for her convenience, so a storage cabinet on the aircraft was reserved for that purpose in a way that ran counter to typical protocols for most government aircraft, one of the U.S. officials and the current Coast Guard official said. The claim that the secretary would misuse government property is ridiculous, the DHS spokesperson said. Secretary Noem is most conscientious steward of government resources DHS has ever had. Noems team clashed with Coast Guard staff last year after the Coast Guard plane shed been flying on broke down and she had to fly back to Washington, D.C., on a backup jet, according to the two U.S. officials, the Coast Guard official , and the former Coast Guard official. While flying on the backup plane, Noem realized she had left some personal items, including her blanket, on the plane that had broken down, the two U.S. officials, the Coast Guard official and the former Coast Guard official said. When Lewandowski was informed that some of her personal items had been left behind, he yelled at the Coast Guard flight staff and threatened to fire them, according to the two U.S. officials, the Coast Guard official and the former Coast Guard official. The Coast Guard pilot came out of the cockpit to see what was happening, and Lewandowski insisted the plane return to where the broken-down jet was located to collect the secretarys items, the U.S. official, the current Coast Guard official and the former Coast Guard official said. When the pilot refused, Lewandowski announced the pilot was relieved of his duty, according to the U.S. official, the current Coast Guard official and the former Coast official. The pilot explained that if he was fired, he would need to land the plane immediately while another pilot was found to continue the mission to Washington, the U.S. official, the current Coast Guard official and the former Coast Guard official said. Lewandowski ultimately relented and calmer heads prevailed by the end of the trip, the two U.S. officials, the current U.S. official and the former Coast Guard official said. The Wall Street Journal reported some details of the confrontation Friday. While the DHS spokesperson responded in an email exchange to questions about other elements of this story, the spokesperson did not provide answers to questions about the confrontation between Lewandowski and Coast Guard staff on this flight. A young student concentrates on her writing assignment in a classroom. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels (The Center Square) An Ohio state representative wants to cut off state funding for public school districts that are challenging the constitutionality of the states $1 billion private school voucher program. But even supporters of the voucher program concede that the legislation, if passed, would face serious legal challenges. House bill 671 was introduced this month by Rep. Jamie Callendar, a Republican from Canton. Calendar did not respond to requests for comments on the legislation. His proposal drew immediate criticism from school boards challenging the voucher program. HB 671 is a classic example of the school yard bully, the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding said in a statement. It is a shameful display of an attempt to terrorize school district personnel for exercising their legal rights. This bill, if enacted, will most certainly immediately be challenged in court. Jeff Wensing, president of the Ohio Education Association strongly opposes the bill. Adding in a statement that it would have a devastating effect on school districts that have already seen taxpayer funds diverted to the voucher program. HB 671 is a punitive measure aimed at silencing legitimate opposition, restricting access to the courts, and denying districts their legal right to advocate for their students, Wensing said. Ohio lawmakers must stand up to these bullying tactics and stop this bill from moving forward in the General Assembly. Advertisement The Buckeye Institute, an independentresearch and educational think tank, shares Callendars concerns about school systems using taxpayer money to sue the state, Greg R. Lawson, senior research fellow, told The Center Square. But the bill would almost surely face a serious court fight, Lawson said. Im not sure whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional," he added. There is an argument for it, but I think it could go farther than would be found constitutional. But nobody knows until it gets litigated and judges rule. The Buckeye Institute filed a friend-of-the court brief in support of vouchers in the lawsuit filed by the school districts. We certainly believe in school choice, he said. We believe the school funding system is constitutional. Frankly, there is no questions about that from a legal perspective. Last year, a state court judge ruled in favor of the school systems challenge of the voucher system. The state may not fund private schools at the expense of public schools or in a manner that undermines its obligation to public education, Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza wrote in a 42-page ruling, which struck down the program. The state appealed. The third week of February is jam-packed with holidays, celebrations and events, from Ash Wednesday and Ramadan to Mardi Gras and the Lunar New Year, and even a solar eclipse. Monday, Feb. 16, kicked off the week with Presidents Day, a federal holiday, followed by several more holidays. What makes the week even more spectacular is that on Feb. 17, the start of Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year, there was also an annular solar eclipse, according to the Providence Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Mardi Gras celebrations also fall on the same day. On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Christian season of Lent, and Ramadan, the annual Muslim holy month, also begins Feb. 18 or Feb. 19, depending on when the moon is spotted. Here's what to know about this week's holiday and event schedule. 1 / 0 See 2026 Carnival celebrations around the world People take part in the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 5, 2026. Global celebrations for Carnival, a period of feasting, parades and costumes, began with the Feast of the Epiphany and will culminate on Mardi Gras. February holiday/event schedule The following holidays and celebrations fall the week of Feb. 15: Presidents Day : Monday, Feb. 16 Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday : Tuesday, Feb. 17 Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year begins : Tuesday, Feb. 17 Annular solar eclipse : Tuesday, Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday/Lent begins : Wednesday, Feb. 18 Ramadan begins: Wednesday, Feb. 18, or Thursday, Feb. 19, depending on when the moon is sighted An annular solar eclipse is seen in Las Horquetas, Santa Cruz, Argentina, on Oct. 2, 2024. Who can see the solar eclipse? Whether you find it auspicious or not, the Year of the Horse starts off with an annular solar eclipse, and in some parts of the globe, it will look like there is a ring of fire in the sky. The annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, according to NASA. But penguins will probably be the main living things able to see it. Antarctica will see the bulk of the eclipse, with 91% coverage. Madagascar will have the second-best view of the eclipse, seeing 20%, while the southernmost tip of South America and Africa will see only a partial view, the Providence Journal reported. As of 9:37 a.m. ET on Feb. 17, the annual solar eclipse had ended, according to Space.com. Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras fall on the same day While Mardi Gras brings an end to Carnival, the Lunar New Year is the start of a 15-day festival that brings a close to the Year of the Snake and ushers in the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the night of the new moon, and end on Monday, March 3, the night of the full eclipse. The Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia and in the United States with parades, carnivals, fireworks and the remembrance of ancestors. Advertisement 1 / 0 Celebrate the Year of the Horse with photos of wild horses roaming free Przewalski's horses trot on a meadow at the acclimatisation enclosure, in the village of Dolni Dobrejov, Czech Republic, April 16, 2024. The festival also begins on the day of the annular solar eclipse and ends on the night of the total lunar eclipse, also known as the blood moon. While Lunar New Year celebrations begin, cities in the South, like New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, celebrate Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, with parades, food and festivals. Future events are also scheduled, such as the 127th annual Golden Dragon Parade, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, in Los Angeles, and New York's annual Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, March 1. Illuminated crescent moons and stars hang from light poles in several Dearborn districts in Michigan as part of the city's celebration of Ramadan. When is Ash Wednesday? Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. Lent, the Christian season of fasting and prayer, begins on Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday. Ramadan, the Muslim holy month and a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence, will also begin this week. During this period, Muslims also observe the fast, refraining from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. While Lent ends on April 2 (Holy Thursday) ahead of Easter Sunday, April 5, Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, which could fall on March 19 or 20, depending on the sighting of the moon. Ramadan can begin on either Wednesday, Feb. 18, or Thursday, Feb. 19, depending on when the moon is sighted. Dates may change for the start of the holy month as the Islamic Calendar follows the lunar cycle, and many Muslims follow guidance set by moon sighting committees in Middle Eastern countries. In Oman, Turkey and Singapore, officials declared that the start of Ramadan will fall on Feb. 19. In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, officials called for those who sight the moon to gather on Tuesday, Feb. 17, meaning the start of Ramadan could be declared for either Feb. 18 or 19. Contributing: Seth Jacobson, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, solar eclipse fall on on same day WACO, Texas (FOX 44) The spirit of New Orleans took over Central Texas on Tuesday, as dozens gathered for a colorful Mardi Gras celebration designed to bring the community together. The festivities featured a vibrant parade led by a pace car, organized through a partnership between The Arc of McLennan County and Friends for Life. Both local organizations focus on providing essential services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Among those joining the parade was U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, representing District 17. For Sessions, the event was about more than just a celebration it was deeply personal. Advertisement The Congressman shared that as the father of a 31-year-old son with Down syndrome, he has a first-hand understanding of the unique needs within the disability community. He noted that seeing the joy on the faces of the participants, alongside the dedicated volunteers who made the day possible, was a truly moving experience. Following the parade, Congressman Sessions toured The Arc of McLennan Countys facilities. The visit allowed him to see their programs in action and learn more about how the organization supports its clients and consumers through daily services. 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 KWKT - FOX 44. Photo Credit: Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images A DNA test of a glove found two miles away from Nancy Guthries house has been performed in Florida. However, there is still more testing to be done before a possible suspect can be identified. Nancys disappearance was discovered on Sunday, February 1, after she missed a virtual church service with friends. Arizonas Pima County Sheriffs Department has been working with the FBI to find Nancy, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. A glove was found two miles from Nancy Guthries home following her disappearance Photo by Danielle Joe Main/Anadolu via Getty Images) According to TMZ sources, another step is needed to enter the gloves DNA profile in the CODIS system. An item first needs testing in the state where it originates for the FBI to use the CODIS system, according to federal law. TMZ sources revealed the glove has already been sent back to Arizona. No one seems to know why the Pima County Sheriff sent the glove to Florida initially when it was required to be tested in Arizona. This is a different glove that was found by authorities than the one photographed by the New York Post. Advertisement A type of DNA test, PCR tests reveal results in a day. Experts say the process is quick, with CODIS results available the next day or sooner. The CODIS system includes close to 27 million DNA profiles. NewsNation reported that gun shops in the Tucson region received 40 names from law enforcement. Authorities are seeing if anyone purchased a similar gun to the one seen in the doorbell camera video of Nancys alleged abductor. The gun was visible in the holster of the man in the video. TMZ reported that law enforcement is able to identify the holster type and the 40 people who purchased it. TMZ also clarified that kidnappers demand letters for ransom were forwarded to the FBI. There is currently a $100,000 reward being offered for information leading to Nancys abductors. TELL US WILL THE DNA EVIDENCE LEAD AUTHORITIES TO NANCYS ABDUCTOR? The post Nancy Guthrie Glove Update: More Tests Being Done appeared first on Reality Tea. Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. - Gchapel // Shutterstock The national park overcrowding index The National Park Service recorded 331.9 million recreation visits in 2024, smashing the previous all-time record. That number gets repeated in every travel headline. What doesn't get repeated is the part that matters to anyone planning a trip: where those visitors actually went, and how much space they had when they got there. Yellowstone drew 4,744,353 visitors last year. Gates of the Arctic drew 11,907. But raw attendance tells you almost nothing about how crowded a park feels on the ground. Yellowstone spans 2.2 million acres. Bryce Canyon covers 35,835. A park's size, its visitor count, and the month you show up together determine whether you're walking a peaceful trail or standing in a parking lot queue at 7 a.m. Outwander.com built an overcrowding index for all 63 national parks to answer the only question that matters for trip planning: When should you actually go? How the Index Works The formula is simple. For each park, for each month, this was calculated: Peak-Month Density = Actual Peak-Month Visitors Park Acreage Peak-month visitor counts come from the NPS IRMA Stats, which provides actual 2024 monthly recreation visit counts for all national parks. All 63 parks were ranked by their peak-month density score, grouped into four tiers, and flagged for visitation increase of more than 20% compared to 2019, the last full pre-COVID-19 pandemic year. The tiers: Critical Overcrowding (6 parks): Density above 5.0 visitors per acre in peak month High Traffic (19 parks): Density between 1.0 and 5.0 Moderate (21 parks): Density between 0.3 and 1.0 Under the Radar (17 parks): Density below 0.3 The Rankings Aren't What You'd Expect The most visited park in America, Great Smoky Mountains (12,191,834 visitors), ranks 10th for crowding. Its 522,419 acres absorb those numbers better than you'd think. Yellowstone? It lands at 41st. Grand Canyon sits at 40th. Yosemite is 32nd. The parks topping the density rankings are the ones nobody puts on "most crowded" lists, because journalists usually just sort by total attendance. Here's what the data says instead. A data chart showing the top 14 most overcrowded parks by peak-month density. - outwander.com The 6 Most Overcrowded Parks Per Square Foot 1. Gateway Arch, Missouri: 2,777.6 visitors/acre in July At 192 acres, Gateway Arch is the smallest national park and draws 2,563,052 visitors a year. Those visitors funnel into an area smaller than a midsize shopping mall's parking lot. The density score is orders of magnitude beyond any other park. It's effectively a single-attraction urban monument. Visitation has climbed 24.7% since 2019. 2. Hot Springs, Arkansas: 65.4 visitors/acre in June Hot Springs packs 2,461,812 visitors into 5,550 acres, and visitation has surged 63.4% since 2019. Most visitors cluster around Bathhouse Row and the thermal springs on Central Avenue, meaning the functional crowding is far worse than even this number suggests. The peak shifts to June rather than the traditional October peak. Best window: January and February, when traffic drops by roughly half. 3. Indiana Dunes, Indiana: 28.6 visitors/acre in June The newest entry in the national park system (redesignated from a national lakeshore in 2019) has grown from 1,756,079 visitors in 2019 to 2,705,209 in 2024, a 54.0% increase. At just 16,000 acres along Lake Michigan's southern shore, it's the fastest-accelerating overcrowding story in the system. Peak month moved to June. Best window: weekdays in September. 4. Acadia, Maine: 16.2 visitors/acre in August Acadia's 49,075 acres on Mount Desert Island hosted 3,961,661 visitors in 2024. August is the worst month. The park implemented a timed-entry reservation system for Cadillac Summit Road starting in 2021, which has helped somewhat, but parking lots on the Park Loop Road still fill by 9 a.m. in July and August. Best window: the second and third weeks of September. Crowds thin fast after Labor Day, and the foliage hasn't peaked yet. 5. Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio: 12.2 visitors/acre in July A small, urban-adjacent park at 32,783 acres between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga pulls 2,912,454 visitors who come for the Towpath Trail and Brandywine Falls. Visitation is up 30.1% over 2019. Best window: late October through November, when fall color draws a crowd but not a crush. Advertisement 6. Bryce Canyon, Utah: 10.2 visitors/acre in September At 35,835 acres, Bryce is the second-smallest park in Utah's "Mighty Five." It drew 2,498,075 visitors in 2024. Peak visitation shifted from summer to September. The park draws most visitors to Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points. Best window: late April or early October, when temps are pleasant and the hoodoos aren't ringed by tour buses. The Swap List: Less Crowded Alternatives If your first-choice park falls in the critical or high-traffic tiers, there's often a lower-density alternative within driving distance that offers a similar landscape. Planning a trip to Zion (ranked 7th, 4.2 visitors/acre in June)? Drive three hours east to Capitol Reef (ranked 27th, 0.87 visitors/acre). Capitol Reef has the same red-rock canyon scenery, fewer restrictions, and free dispersed camping along the Burr Trail. Its visitor count has climbed 16% since 2019, but the park's 241,904 acres keep density manageable. Arches (ranked 13th) now requires a timed-entry reservation during peak season. Skip the hassle and head south to Canyonlands (ranked 43rd, 0.36 visitors/acre). The Island in the Sky district sits just 30 minutes from Moab and offers views that rival anything at Arches, without the reservation lottery. If Acadia (ranked 4th) in August sounds like a traffic jam, look at Voyageurs (ranked 48th, 0.22 visitors/acre) in northern Minnesota. Different ecosystem, obviously, but Voyageurs offers kayaking, island camping, and northern lights without fighting for a parking spot. For anyone considering the Great Smoky Mountains (ranked 10th, 2.9 visitors/acre in October), nearby Congaree (ranked 24th) in South Carolina gets a fraction of the foot traffic. It's the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America, and most visitors never wade past the boardwalk. Visitation has jumped 51.8% since 2019, but the 27,187 acres still provide breathing room. Best time: spring, when the synchronous fireflies put on their annual show. The Celebrity Parks Are Less Crowded Than You Think The density index produces some genuinely counterintuitive results. Yellowstone, often held up as the poster child for national park overcrowding, ranks 41st on a per-acre basis, below Mammoth Cave (ranked 17th), Wind Cave (ranked 12th), and Carlsbad Caverns (ranked 25th). Grand Canyon's massive footprint (1,201,647 acres) dilutes its 4,919,163 visitors into a moderate density score of 0.46 visitors/acre in its peak month of May, ranking it 40th. This doesn't mean these parks feel empty. Yellowstone's 4,744,353 visitors still pack Old Faithful boardwalks and clog the Grand Loop Road in July. But the bottleneck in those parks is infrastructure, not raw land area. The crowds concentrate at developed viewpoints and road corridors. Backcountry permits in Yellowstone often go unused, even in peak season. For trip planning, the implication is clear: If you're willing to hike more than a mile from a parking lot, the "famous" parks offer more elbow room than their reputations suggest. 13 Parks Are Accelerating Every park where 2024 attendance exceeded 2019 levels by more than 20% was flagged. Thirteen parks cleared that bar, and the growth rates tell a story about shifting visitor patterns. American Samoa leads the list at +289.0%, though that's growth from a tiny base (5,802 visitors to 22,567). Virgin Islands jumped 276.7%, likely reflecting a post-hurricane and post-pandemic rebound. Indiana Dunes at +54.0% is the most operationally significant surge: The "national park" designation, combined with proximity to Chicago, has reshaped this park's visitor profile. Other accelerating parks: Hot Springs (+63.4%), Congaree (+51.8%), Mammoth Cave (+40.1%), Cuyahoga Valley (+30.1%), Pinnacles (+26.0%), Gateway Arch (+24.7%), Kings Canyon (+24.2%), Big Bend (+21.0%), Redwood (+20.9%), and Shenandoah (+20.7%). A pattern emerges: Many of the accelerating parks are lesser-known, smaller, and closer to metro areas. The overcrowding problem is spreading from the iconic parks to the system's second tier. And unlike Yellowstone or Grand Canyon, which have decades of infrastructure investment, these parks often lack the parking, trail capacity, and ranger staffing to absorb the growth. Indiana Dunes is the clearest warning signal. A park that was relatively quiet as a "national lakeshore" saw its attendance double within five years of redesignation. The NPS didn't double its budget or staff. The 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline now absorb a visitor load comparable to Yosemite's, on a fraction of the acreage. When to Go: Month-by-Month Cheat Sheet A data graphic showing monthly crowding calendar where the top 20 parks grow density. - outwander.com The best time to visit any national park is the month when you get the most favorable weather-to-crowd ratio. Here are the high-value windows for the top 15 densest parks: A data chart showing the best time to visit national parks and get the most favorable weather-to-crowd ratio. - outwander.com Mammoth Cave is a special case. The cave itself stays 54F year-round. Going in February means you get the exact same underground experience with a fraction of the surface-level crowds. Two broader rules of thumb for any park not listed above: First, the week after Labor Day and the week before Memorial Day are almost always the best shoulder windows in the entire system. Second, Tuesday through Thursday visits consistently run 25%-40% below weekend traffic at parks where NPS tracks daily counts. If you have flexibility on the day of the week, that alone can shift your experience from "crowded" to "comfortable." Methodology and Data Sources Visitor data: 2024 and 2019 annual recreation visit counts and actual monthly data from the NPS IRMA Stats REST API. All monthly visitor counts are verified actual values, not estimates. Recreation visits count entries to a park, not unique visitors. Acreage: Official gross acreage from NPS land resources reports, cross-referenced with individual park pages. Peak-month data: Based on actual 2024 monthly recreation visit counts from the NPS IRMA database. Each park's peak month represents the calendar month with the highest visitation. Tier thresholds: Set by natural breaks in the density distribution. "Critical Overcrowding" (>5.0 visitors/acre/peak-month) captures six parks with clearly elevated densities. Thresholds are not based on any official NPS capacity standard, because NPS does not publish system-wide capacity targets. Limitations: Acreage represents gross park area, not accessible or developed area. Visitors concentrate in front-country zones, meaning true crowding at popular viewpoints and trailheads is far higher than park-wide averages suggest. This story was produced by outwander.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. NYCHA hiring for jobs with no degree requirements NEW YORK (PIX11) The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is hiring for multiple positions that do not require a college degree. NYCHA has job openings in Queens and Manhattan that do not require a degree, including one with a salary range up to $100,000. More Local News NYCHA hiring: Jobs with no degree requirements The position works in the Queens/Staten Island Property Management Department of NYCHA to supervise the operation and maintenance of the Housing Authority. NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply. A high school diploma and five years of experience in a supervisory role are required. Salary range: $69,924 $108,806 The responsibilities include: mixing plastering materials, applying materials to interior and exterior surfaces, lathing and plastering bases and performing dust control. Travel to Developments within the assigned Manhattan neighborhood is a requirement. Salary range: $38,291 $53,779 Advertisement The position is based in Queens. The job includes driving development vehicles and assisting in debris pickup, material and supply pickups, emergency snow removal assistance and preparing apartments for move-out. A valid drivers license is required for the job. Salary range: $38,291 $53,779 The job, based in Manhattan, includes preparing and applying plaster to surfaces inside and outside of properties, fireproofing, soundproofing and the use of Stucco. A practical exam must be performed by candidates. Salary: $56.10 per hour To see more jobs in the City of New York, click here. Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Friday called for leaders around the world to champion the working class and knocked the Trump administrations foreign policy moves, bringing her progressive vision to the global stage at the annual Munich Security Conference as chatter builds about her political future. The New York congresswoman took part in a panel on populism as the multiday event kicked off, calling for leaders to champion the working class and knocking the Trump administrations foreign policy moves. One of the reasons why not just myself, but many Democrats that are here as well, is because we want to tell a larger story, that what is happening is indeed very grave, and we are in a new era, domestically and globally, Ocasio-Cortez said on the panel, when asked about the significance of her representing the U.S. at the conference. She pushed for a return to a rules-based order and chided hypocrisies in the West, pointing to Trumps Greenland threats and making an apparent reference to his capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. I think many of us are here to say: We are here and we are ready for the next chapter, not to have the world turn to isolation, but to deepen our partnership. Ocasio-Cortez appeared on the panel alongside Petr Pavel, president of the Czech Republic; Manfred Weber, president of the European Peoples Party; and Daiana Fernandez Molero, a member of the Argentinian Parliament. The trip abroad is notable as Ocasio-Cortez, seen as heir apparent to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) as the progressive standard-bearer, faces speculation that she could mount a run for higher office. Ocasio-Cortez has dodged questions about her next moves, but her popularity within the party and status as a star fundraiser have already made her a potential 2028 presidential front-runner. She sidestepped a quip about the White House in Munich on Friday. When you run for president, are you going to impose a wealth tax or a billionaires tax? asked The New York Timess Katrin Bennhold, who moderated the morning panel. We dont have to wait for any one president to impose a wealth tax, the congresswoman said. Long a critic of the billionaire class, Ocasio-Cortez argued the extreme income inequality leads to social instability and drives, in a sense, authoritarianism, right wing populism and very dangerous domestic internal politics. In democracies, we have elected leaders. And in massive corporations that then begin to consume the public sector, gobble up the spending, they start to call the shots. And were starting to see this with some of the billionaire class throwing their weight around in domestic politics and in global politics as well, she said. Advertisement It is of the utmost urgency that we get our economic houses in order and deliver material gains for the working class. Otherwise, we will fall into a more isolated world governed by authoritarians who also do not deliver to working people. Her appearance on the global stage in Germany offered a contrast against President Trump, who has withdrawn the U.S. from major international organizations and stoked tensions with allies in Europe and elsewhere with tariff moves and aims of acquiring Greenland. Asked which global institutions that she would want to see saved in a Democratic administration, Ocasio-Cortez advocated for revising U.S. commitments to international aid. They are looking to withdraw the U.S. from the entire world so that we can turn into an age of authoritarianism, of authoritarians that can carve up the world, where Donald Trump can command the Western Hemisphere and Latin America as his personal sandbox, where [Russian President Vladimir] Putin can saber-rattle around Europe and try to bully around our allies there, she said. It is our global alliances that can be a hard stop against authoritarian consolidation of power, particularly in the installation of regional puppet governments. Ocasio-Cortez spoke at a second panel Friday night alongside Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She stressed that the Democratic Party is here for our allies and lamented that stark changes between presidential administrations has led to the perception that we play hokey-pokey with international commitments. Whitmer also voiced frustration that the U.S. has done a lot of damage with its foreign policy moves in the last 14 months, highlighting her states ties to Canada amid tensions with the U.S. ally to the north. The putting our allies at arms length has come with a big cost, Whitmer said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) was also in attendance at the conference on Friday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will speak during a session on the U.S. in the world on Saturday. Vice President Vance, who addressed the conference last year with a controversial speech, will not attend this time around. Ocasio-Cortez in December highlighted a poll that put her up 2 points over Vance, the GOP heir apparent, in a hypothetical 2028 presidential match-up. Updated: 5:11 p.m. EST 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. MILWAUKEE, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating IHS Holding (NYSE: IHS) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its recently announced transaction with MTN Group Limited. Click here to learn how to join our investigation and obtain additional information or contact us at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. In the transaction, IHS Holding stockholders will receive $8.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.2 billion in enterprise value. IHS Holding insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for IHS Holding by imposing a significant penalty if IHS Holding accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the IHS Holding board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday after he ran from his vehicle toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun. Capital Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the man, identified as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, was arrested after he parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, got out and ran several hundred yards toward the building with a shotgun before officers intercepted him and ordered him to put down the firearm and get on the ground. Speaking at a press conference following the arrest, Sullivan said Camacho was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the vehicle. The shotgun was loaded and he had additional rounds on him, the chief said. Sullivan said the motive was under investigation, including whether members of Congress were the target. Congress is not in session. Sullivan said the department has video footage, but he asked the public for any footage they might have of the incident. Advertisement Who knows what would have happened if we wouldnt have officers standing here? the chief said, adding that the department had run active shooter drills in almost the identical spot in recent months. Sullivan said Camacho was not known to authorities and described him as not being from the area. The chief said the vehicle was not registered to the suspect, who has multiple addresses. He is being held for unlawful activities and carrying a rifle without a license, an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition, the Capitol Police said in a press release. There have been incidents at the Capitol in recent years, including a Capitol Police arrest in 2023 where an Atlanta man armed with a rifle was spotted in a park near the Senate. Tuesday's arrest comes one week before President Donald Trump's State of the Union address before Congress. Sullivan said the incident does not change the agency's plans. We take the State of the Union very, very seriously, he said. Crime in Washington is down considerably so far in 2026 from 2025, a year when there was a huge drop-off from the previous year. Trump declared an emergency in the city last August to battle crime, leading to the deployment of more than 2,000 National Guard members as well as thousands of federal law enforcement officers and agents. The officers and agents are still throughout the city. Last week, a Washington man was killed in an encounter with U.S. Marshals Service members. Authorities said the marshals were responding to a call about a person threatening to kidnap and hurt someone while holding a gun. Washington activists have asked for more transparency in that incident, which is under investigation by the city's Metropolitan Police. One of Croatia's most popular seaside destinations is cracking down on rowdy tourists. Starting this summer, Split could become the first city in Croatia to prohibit the sale of alcohol in shops and liquor stores from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., reported local media outlet Net.hr. Split Mayor Tomislav Suta announced the proposed regulations Feb. 12, which were created with the support of various city and county officials. The City Council will vote on final approval for the introduced measures. "It is precisely here that situations arise that impair the safety and quality of life of tenants, and the possibility of such rules being extended to other parts of Split is not ruled out," said Suta, according to Net.hr. Advertisement Crowds enjoy the sun and the sea on Aug. 21, 2020, in Split on the central Adriatic coast. Going abroad soon? Survey reveals just what Europeans really think of American tourists The ban will initially apply only to shops in the city center, not to bars, clubs, or restaurants. "You can still enjoy a drink after 8 p.m. but the goal is simply to move drunken behavior and alcohol consumption away from public streets and into appropriate venues," said Darijo Saric, CEO of luxury Croatian travel agency VIP Holiday Booker, in a statement. "These measures are designed to encourage responsible drinking rather than to stop the fun." Following Split's footsteps, fellow Croatian cities Novalja and Makarska are also considering implementing a similar ban, reported Tportal, a Croatian media outlet. 1 / 0 10 destinations where travelers feel happiest What's one way to feel happier? Go on a trip. According to G Adventures' recently released Happiness List 2026, 89% of the 8,000 adults intending to travel in 2026 across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand agree that purpose-driven travel contributes to their long-term happiness. Those trips offer a sense of wonder along with a chance to decompress and find connection. Here are 10 travel experiences that G Adventures' travelers said made them feel happiest: Panama's San Blas Islands are ideal for unplugging while enjoying turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Travelers can stay in Indigenous-owned accommodations, including traditional huts, and explore the archipelago by boat. "In previous years, Split may have leaned into a 'party destination' image, sometimes encouraging partying among visitors," Saric said. "However, Croatian tourism is now actively rebranding to move away from that reputation, focusing instead on our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly environment." The alcohol ban is Croatia's latest move in battling overtourism. In 2025, Hvar, a popular party island especially during Yacht Week, introduced noise restrictions equivalent to a busy restaurant. Establishments that exceeded the limit faced a fine of 1,320 euros (about $1,562), and 300 euros (about $355) for individuals. In 2017, the island began fining poorly behaved tourists 700 euros (about $828) for drinking alcohol in public. (This story was updated with new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How this European destination is cracking down on drunken tourists CABIN JOHN, Maryland One of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history has turned into a political fight between the federal government and local officials. A sewage line recently collapsed in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, spilling at least 200 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, a key waterway surrounding the nations capital. The spill has caused widespread public health concerns as E. coli bacteria is at dangerous levels in parts of the Potomac, and underscored the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure. Now, President Donald Trump is getting the federal government involved while blaming local Democrats in Maryland for the spill, including the states Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. But the responsibility for the sewer line doesnt rest with just one municipality. 'Pooptomac': What it's like living by a historic sewer spill Heres what to know about the spill. 1 / 0 Potomac sewage spill called out by President Trump. See photos. Untreated sewage spills out of the collapsed Potomac Interceptor sewer line next to the Clara Barton Parkway in Bethesda, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2026. When did the sewage spill start? A sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, collapsed on Jan. 19. The collapse damaged part of the Potomac Interceptor sewer system and caused an overflow of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater to flow into the Potomac River. The 383-mile-long river runs along the borders between Washington, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. No new sewer overflow has gone into the river since Jan. 29 after pumps were installed Jan. 23 to divert sewage around the pipe's collapse, according to DC Water, the utility authority that operates the Potomac Interceptor. Drinking water was not affected by the spill, officials said. Residents warned to avoid contact with river water The University of Maryland called the incident one of the "largest sewage spills in U.S. history," and said researchers detected high levels of fecal-related bacteria and disease-causing pathogens in the river, including E. coli and bacteria that causes staph infections. Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein, microbiologist and assistant professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health, said that people who come in contact with the impacted water or land are at risk of becoming infected with that bacteria. Although most people are not swimming in the frozen river in February, bacteria can survive in freezing temperatures and become active again when temperatures rise," she said in a statement. Washington's Department of Energy and Environment warned residents in the area to "avoid unnecessary contact with water from the Potomac River," as well as to not fish in the river and to keep pets away. The line broke days before a winter storm brought historic sleet and freezing temperatures to the area. The below-freezing temperatures, which lasted weeks, froze creeks, ponds and even parts of the Potomac River in the area. 'Astonishing' to witness and to smell In Cabin John, Maryland, crews are working to block the flow of sewage from the site of the Potomac Interceptor collapse so that they can clean out large rocks and repair the damaged pipe. Though the stretch is no longer overflowing with sewage, theres still a foul stench in the air and a constant din of construction work along the path where residents typically ride their bikes, take walks and launch their canoes. Word spread quickly among neighbors when the collapse occurred and some came to see the chaos for themselves. Philip Gray, former head of The Cabin John Citizens Association, said the overflow was "astonishing" to witness and the smell was even worse. Advertisement After you've kind of been walking through and it smells, it's in your nose and stuff, he said. Even like 20 minutes later, you're wondering, 'Am I still smelling it?'" Beyond the temporary disruption, Gray and other residents are concerned about the long-term ecological impacts on the river, citing the high levels of bacteria and pathogens like E. coli. My question is, how long will that last? he said. And is there stuff that's going to be somehow released when it gets warmer? And also it's not just human waste that people put in the toilets. Who manages the sewer line? Pumps and pipes divert raw sewage into the C&O Canal and around a broken section of the Potomac Interceptor, a 6-foot-wide pipe that collapsed on Jan. 19, in between the Clara Barton Parkway and the canal on Feb. 16, 2026 in Cabin John, Maryland. The Potomac Interceptor, which carries about 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from areas near Dulles Airport to the Potomac Pumping Station in the District, is operated by DC Water. DC Water is an independent authority of Washingtons government that provides drinking water and sewage treatment in Washington, as well as wastewater treatment for the district, and parts of Virginia and Maryland. Following the collapse of the sewer line, DC Water said it mobilized its crews and contractors to mitigate the overflow and keep it contained as much as possible so they can assess the damage and begin repairs. By Jan. 24, DC Water said an emergency bypass was activated to reroute flows and stop the discharge. An emergency repair to the Potomac Interceptor is expected to take another 4-6 weeks as of Feb. 16 once the enhanced bypass system is activated, DC Water said. It will address the immediate repairs to the damaged section of the pipe, restore wastewater flow back into the Potomac Interceptor, eliminate the temporary bypass pumping system in the C&O Canal, and allow for environmental restoration, the agency said. Trump targets Marylands Democratic governor Nearly a month after the spill, Trump criticized the cleanup efforts pointing a finger at Democrats and Marylands Gov. Wes Moore, who is considered a rising star in his party. Trump, in a Feb. 16 post on Truth Social, said he would be directing federal authorities to "immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination to protect the Potomac, the Water Supply in the Capital Region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation's Capital City. He ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has seen significant staff cuts during Trump's second term, to coordinate the response. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore participates in a discussion on bipartisanship at the National Press Club on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. The president went on to slam Moore by name in the Truth Social post criticizing response to the sewage spill. "There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland," Trump wrote. "This is the same Governor who cannot rebuild a Bridge. It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity." Trump has singled Moore out for criticism in recent weeks, excluding the governor from a bipartisan event at the White House this week. Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Moore, said that local Maryland leaders were on site "within hours" of the leak and accused the Trump administration of "shirking its responsibility" and endangering the public's health. "If the federal government is just now showing up to take action, we will work collaboratively as we always do to be responsive and keep the public informed about the federal governments plan to remediate the damage," Moussa said. "The Potomac isnt a talking point, and the people of the region deserve serious leadership that meets the moment." Contributing: Francesca Chambers and Michelle Del Rey This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Trump is blaming Wes Moore over Potomac sewer spill DA leader John Steenhuisen is seen looking ahead during an event Serving in the South African government for the first time, the Democratic Alliance (DA) - perceived as primarily representing racial minorities - portrays itself as a squeaky clean party but has suffered a major blow after its leader John Steenhuisen became engulfed in several scandals. This forced him to announce he will step down as party leader, opening the way for a potentially divisive contest between a black and white candidate to succeed him. Race remains a major faultline in South Africa. The ending, 32 years ago, of the legalised form of racism, apartheid, that came with the rise to power of Nelson Mandela's African National Congress (ANC) has not totally erased the divisions. The ANC has remained in government ever since, with the DA joining it for the first time after the 2024 election failed to produce an outright winner. The DA secured six ministerial posts in President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet, with Steenhuisen holding the agriculture portfolio. As the former leader of the opposition, and now minister, Steenhuisen was caught between making the government work while trying to appease his supporters - and prove to them that he is delivering in government. But the 49-year-old has faced intense criticism from farmers over his failure to contain the foot-and-mouth disease, which has devastated South Africa's livestock industry. The executive chair of the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), Theo de Jager, was quoted as saying that anyone who "dares to voice criticism" of Steenhuisen's handling of the outbreak is "pushed out, excluded, isolated, targeted, and treated with suspicion". John Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has pitted him against farmers For the DA, such criticism is a major blow as it has long positioned itself as being far more democratic and competent than Ramaphosa's ANC. But it has now come under fire from one of its key constituencies - South Africa's mostly white farmers - many of whom vote for the centre-right DA or the right-wing Freedom Front Plus. But more damaging for Steenhuisen was the financial scandal that he became embroiled in - possibly the first time that this has happened to a DA leader. South Africa's Daily Maverick news site broke a story - that Steenhuisen had a default court judgment against him for unpaid personal credit card debt of almost 150,000 rand ($9,400; 6,700) - despite the fact that his annual salary was 2.69m rand ($168,000). In response, Steenhuisen said: "My personal finances have nothing to do with the Daily Maverick unless you can demonstrate that illegal funds or the proceeds of corruption or abuse of office or undue benefits have flowed into or out of my accounts." But the disclosure tarnished his reputation - and that of the party - as people questioned how a leader who could not manage his own finances could manage the nation's finances. The scandal coincided with Steenhuisen getting Ramaphosa to sack Environment Minister Dion George, then the DA's federal finance chair. While no official reason was given, various reports pinned his removal to his stance against wildlife trafficking. Wildlife trafficking, particularly poaching, is a significant problem in South Africa and George was praised by conservation groups for his role in championing reforms in the conservation and environmental sector, particularly by calling for an end to captive lion breeding. The EMS Foundation, which advocates for wildlife rights, said George's removal was a "political execution" and accused Steenhuisen of walking "straight into the arms of the wildlife-breeding sector" when he assumed the agriculture portfolio. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also raised concerns, particularly over the apparent close ties George's successor Willie Aucamp had with wildlife breeders and hunters. George's detractors within the DA pushed back against this narrative, citing under-performance and bullying allegations as reasons for his removal, while dismissing concerns about Aucamp's appointment, saying it expects "continued progress" in conservation and anti-poaching efforts under his leadership. The DA also announced that it planned to institute a disciplinary inquiry into allegations that George "unjustifiably" raised the salaries of staff in his ministerial office - something that further tarnished the party's reputation. George denied the allegations and said he was the victim of a "smear campaign" aimed at covering up the actual reasons for his firing. He then resigned from the party, but not before revealing that he had confiscated Steenhuisen's DA-issued credit card last year because "the account could not be reconciled", with spending on UberEats, car rentals and hotel accommodation. Steenhuisen denied the allegations, and a DA inquiry cleared him of any wrongdoing. It found that expenditure on the card had been "fully reconciled", and that the "limited number of personal expenses had been adequately explained and reimbursed". But possibly reading the political tea leaves, Steenhuisen later announced that he would step down as DA leader at its congress in April. He appeared upbeat as he addressed the media, looking nothing like a man being forced out, as he reflected on his political career and achievements. John Steenhuisen replaced Mmusi Maimane (L), the DA's first black leader, in 2019 Steenhuisen's first foray into politics came in 1999 when he was appointed a councillor in his home city of Durban, before rising to become party leader 20 years later. Advertisement His ascent had not been without scandal. In 2010 he was forced to resign as the DA leader for the KwaZulu-Natal region after it emerged that the married Steenhuisen was having an affair with a colleague's wife. Steenhuisen managed to quickly bounce back from that and found his way to parliament just a year later. In 2014, he became the DA's chief whip, working closely with the party's first black leader, Mmusi Maimane. The two formed a close bond that soured when Maimane resigned from the role in 2019. Steenhuisen replaced him. Since then, the pair has often traded insults. Political analyst Sandile Swana told the BBC that Steenhuisen should have never been the DA leader. Swana mentioned his 2010 affair, public fallout with George and his alleged difficulties in managing his finances as examples of his poor leadership. Political analyst Khanyi Magubane offered a different perspective, saying South Africans in general may view him as someone who was able to rise above party politics, but in the DA "he will go down as a betrayer to many who wanted him to continue the position of a hardliner" in the coalition government. Elaborating on this, she said that Steenhuisen's good relationship with the ANC in government was the "core issue" that led him to announce that he would step down. Magubane said that when Steenhuisen and his party joined the coalition government, "there was almost an expectation that he would continue with the mandate of fighting for DA policies". "But the exact opposite started to happen," Magubane said. Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is seen as a favourite to replace Steenhuisen but may face competition This echoed George's sentiments in his resignation from the party; the aggrieved veteran accused the DA, through Steenhuisen, of being "captured" by the ANC. The election result forced the DA and ANC, considered long-standing arch-rivals, to put aside their differences and work together. The pro-business DA had been a fierce critic of the ANC on many issues, including foreign policy - where the ANC is seen to be too close to countries such as Russia - and domestic policy, where it champions affirmative action. Despite numerous hurdles along the way, including the DA's refusal to support the government's proposed budget twice last year, both parties have so far managed to make the best of the uneasy union. This was best exemplified when Steenhuisen backed Ramaphosa when the president was ambushed by US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in May last year. After Trump confronted the delegation with a video in support of discredited claims of a white genocide in South Africa, it was Steenhuisen who assured the US president that most white farmers wanted to stay in the country. Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has been viewed as a favourite to replace Steenhuisen at the party's elective conference, though local media is reporting that he could be challenged by the DA leader in the economic heartland of Gauteng, Solly Msimanga. Analyst Magubane doubts Msimanga stands a chance of winning. "As the Gauteng leader he has a lot of support, but Hill-Lewis still has the backing of senior party members like Helen Zille." She also reflected that, following Maimane's stint in the post, she does not think the "DA has the appetite for a black leader at the moment". The DA has long been perceived as a party that promotes the interests of whites, Indians, and coloureds, as people of mixed race are known in South Africa. Maimane stepped into the leadership post in 2015 as the DA was trying to broaden its appeal. Four years later he quit after the party's vote declined by about 1.5 percentage points in the general election. Explaining his exit at the time, Maimane said the DA was "not the vehicle best suited to take forward the vision of building" a united South Africa. Breaking up the party's now white-dominated leadership will be hard, says Magubane, reflecting that the party needs "to appease the conservative right made up of Afrikaners". "A black leader will not be supported by the conservatives in the party." More BBC stories on South Africa: 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 A flock of birds flies near Marine One, carrying U.S. President Donald Trump, as it approaches the South Lawn of the White House for landing, on Feb. 16, 2026. Credit - Graeme SloanGetty Images The United States is now deporting migrants fleeing war or persecution in their home countries to the African nation of Cameroon, often in defiance of U.S. courts. As the New York Times reports, none of them is from Cameroon but they have been offloaded there in secret. Those detained say they can leave the state-run facility there only if they agree to return to the countries they fled. The process represents a window into President Donald Trumps campaign to circumvent the asylum process and hasten deportations. The United States has not announced any deal with Cameroon to warehouse foreign nationals and the State Department declined to comment to the Times. A Senate oversight report released last week disclosed that Washington has already paid $32 million in payments to third-country hosts under a process that was only rarely employed before Trump came back to Washington. The Senate report disclosed that the use of third nations is often a workaround to protections against returning migrants to homes where they would face persecution or death. Its murky if those third nations are honoring asylum seekers requests to stay away from their home states but it is clear that U.S. law prohibits sending many of those seeking refugee status directly back. Trumps muscular removal of migrants from the United States is a hallmark of his second term. His crackdown has more than a few similarities with a military invasion of some cities, his roundups have left immigrant communities cowering and their neighbors defiant. Even some typical Trump allies have voiced concern that the efforts are easily seen as too aggressive. Advertisement Still, the Trump Administration seems determined to double-down, including sending in handcuffs at least nine asylum seekers from a detention center in Louisiana to Cameroon on Jan. 14. At least eight of them had court orders protecting them from removal from the United States as they sought to stay. It appears that was the first flight to move migrants from U.S. soil to that West African nation. There, according to the Times interviews, two of the nine have accepted the demands that they return to their home nations on the belief they were ineligible to receive asylum in Cameroon. Some have been in this detention limbo for more than a year now and did not know their destination until they were shackled on flights out of the United States. None, their lawyers told the Times, had a record of violent crime. Instead, they feared retaliation for refusing to join the military or identifying as LGBTQ. The pool of worldwide refugees tops a million people a year but less than 5% successfully find asylum through the United Nations. Cameroon's place in the U.S. network of off-the-book deportation destinations is a new disclosure but its hardly alone. Sites in Equatorial Guinea and Ghana have been stopover locations for asylum seekersmany of whom have U.S. court protections while they go through the systembeing returned to their home countries against their will. It accounts for but a piece of the harsh system Trump is telegraphing to would-be refugees to look elsewhere. Contact us at letters@time.com. Feb 17 (Reuters) - A UK maritime agency said that an incident involving a vessel and small boats around 70 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's port of Aden on Tuesday had been downgraded to "suspicious activity" as only warning shots were fired. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations had earlier said it received a report of an exchange of small-arms fire after a vessel was approached and hailed by a white skiff with five people on board. In an update, it said it had been made aware that only warning shots were fired and no weapons were directed at either vessel. Two additional skiffs were also reported in the vicinity, and authorities were investigating, according to UKMTO, which advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. Advertisement Yemen's Houthi militants have launched numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war in Gaza. But the attacks have halted since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was brokered in October. Some shipping companies remain wary of resuming voyages through those waters, however. The attacks have disrupted trade flows through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Somali pirate gangs, who often used small, fast open boats known as skiffs, were once active in the area. (Reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan; Editing by Alex Richardson) Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses a special session of the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations, aside of U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main "guiding principles" in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. Oil futures fell and the benchmark Brent crude contract tumbled more than 1% after Araqchi's comments, which helped ease fears of conflict in the region, where the U.S. has deployed naval forces to press Iran for concessions. "Different ideas have been presented, these ideas have been seriously discussed, ultimately we've been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles," Araqchi told Iranian media after the talks concluded in Geneva. A U.S. official said Iran would make detailed proposals in the next two weeks to close gaps in the nuclear talks. "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss," said the official, who declined to be identified. BOTH SIDES HAVE 'CLEAR NEXT STEPS' The indirect discussions between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside Araqchi, were mediated by Oman. The White House did not respond to emailed questions about the meeting. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said in a social media post "much work is yet to be done" but Iran and the U.S. were leaving with "clear next steps". Just as talks began on Tuesday, Iranian state media said Iran was temporarily shutting parts of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil supply route, due to "security precautions" while Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills there. Later, state media said the strait had been shut down for a few hours, without making it clear if it had fully reopened. Tehran has in the past threatened to shut down the strait to commercial shipping if it is attacked, a move that would choke off a fifth of global oil flows and drive up crude prices. Responding to comments by Trump that "regime change" in Iran might be the best course, the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, warned that any U.S. attempts to depose his government would fail. "The U.S. President says their army is the world's strongest, but the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up," he said, in comments published by Iranian media. Advertisement Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva after the talks, Araqchi said a "new window of opportunity" had opened and that he hoped discussions would lead to a "sustainable" solution that ensured the full recognition of Iran's legitimate rights. Earlier, Trump said he himself would be involved "indirectly" in the Geneva talks and that he believed Iran wanted to make a deal. "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. "We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s," Trump said, referring to the U.S. military's stealth bomber jets. The U.S. joined Israel last June in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. and Israel believe Iran aspires to build a nuclear weapon that could threaten Israel's existence. Iran says its nuclear programme is purely peaceful, even though it has enriched uranium far beyond the purity needed for power generation, and close to what is required for a bomb. IRAN SAYS IT WILL ONLY DISCUSS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME Since those strikes, Iran's Islamic rulers have been weakened by street protests, suppressed at a cost of thousands of lives, against a cost-of-living crisis driven in part by international sanctions that have strangled Iran's oil income. The U.S. has sought to expand the scope of talks to non-nuclear issues such as Iran's missile stockpile. Iran says it is willing only to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme, in exchange for sanctions relief, and that it will not give up uranium enrichment completely or discuss its missile programme. Khamenei reiterated Iran's position that its formidable missile stockpile is non-negotiable and missile type and range have nothing to do with the United States. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday the success of the Geneva talks hinged on the U.S. not making unrealistic demands and on its seriousness on lifting the crippling sanctions on Iran. US B-2 BOMBERS STRUCK NUCLEAR TARGETS Tehran and Washington were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks last June when Washington's ally Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran, and was then joined by American B-2 bombers that struck nuclear targets. Tehran has since said it has halted uranium enrichment activity. Iran has joined the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which guarantees countries the right to pursue civilian nuclear power in return for requiring them to forgo atomic weapons and cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Israel, which has not signed the treaty, neither confirms nor denies having nuclear weapons, under a decades-old ambiguity policy designed to deter surrounding enemies. Scholars believe it does. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Elwely Elwelly in Dubai, Menna Alaa El-Din in Cairo, Humeyra Pamuk in Budapest, Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones and Jonathan Oatis) MOWEAQUA, Ill. (WCIA) A Central Illinois Eagle Scout made a big impact on the national service stage last year, and now, hes hoping that the community will come together for an important cause once again. If you know a boy scout, or maybe are one yourself, you know how much time and effort goes into an Eagle Scout project. But, you also probably know how rewarding it is to accomplish everything and help the community. Last spring, WCIA spoke with Jamesly Jesse from Moweaqua. Hes a teenager who was awarded the Eagle Scout Project of the Year award in 2025. His service project included packing and sending meals to Haiti, where he was born and where his parents ended up adopting him from. Paxton-Buckley-Loda students put on annual traditional toy show Helping out just once wasnt enough for him. So, hes doing it all again this year. Advertisement Seeing the community in Haiti, and how much they still need a lot of help with nutrition and food-wise, you see that and you just feel obligated to do another one of these and want to help out more, he explained. Jesse said seeing photos of the meals getting distributed in Haiti and knowing how big of an impact it would have was one of the most memorable parts of last years packathon. This years packathon will take place at the Central A&M High School in Moweaqua on Sunday, April 12 in two different sessions. The first will run from 13 p.m., while the second will go from 4-6 p.m. The goal is to raise $22,000 and provide 50,000 meals in 2026. If youre interested in learning more about how to register for the packathon or to donate, click here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, makes remarks on Feb. 16, 2026, during the floor debate over legislation he sponsored to tax personal income over $1 million a year. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) Washington state moved one step closer Monday to creating a personal income tax two years after the Legislature said it wouldnt. Majority Democrats in the Senate advanced legislation on a 27-22 vote to tax households earning more than a million dollars. Passage of the bill followed a three-and-a-half hour debate on whether this will make for a fairer tax code or harm the economy and incite an exodus of Washingtons wealthy residents. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who watched the vote from the wings of the Senate, was all smiles as she returned to her chamber. This is a place where the people and the governor and the Legislature are well-aligned, she said of the tax. Well keep working on the details. Senate Bill 6346 is one of the most politically divisive bills this session. Dubbed the millionaires tax by backers, it would impose a 9.9% levy on personal income over $1 million a year. The tax applies to household income, meaning married couples and registered domestic partners with combined earnings over that amount would pay. Three Democrats joined all 19 Republicans in opposing the bill, which now goes to the House for consideration. The three Democrats voting no were: Sens. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, and Deb Krishnadasan, D-Gig Harbor. If enacted, the tax would take effect Jan. 1, 2028. Collections would start in 2029 and could total nearly $2.5 billion for the next budget, according to the most recent fiscal analysis. When fully up and running, this income tax is expected to generate $3.4 billion a year from an estimated 21,000 filers. It would be exempt from the prohibition on new statewide personal income taxes embedded in Initiative 2111 that the Legislature approved in 2024. It passed on bipartisan votes of 76-21 in the House and 38-11 in the Senate. Proceeds from the new tax would be used to bolster public defense services in local courts around the state, expand the Working Families Tax Credit program and increase tax breaks for businesses grossing less than $600,000 a year. Whats left over would be funneled into the states general fund, where it could be spent in other areas, such as public schools, higher education and health care. Supporters of the bill caution that it will be little help to the states finances in the near-term. Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, said the income tax will have very real economic consequences for the state. Braun was speaking in the Washington state Senate floor debate on Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/ Washington State Standard) This is not a panacea for our current budget, said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, the bills prime sponsor. However, this is a way of changing our direction, so that our tax system is adequate to the needs that we face in the 21st Century. But Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, the lead Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, warned that it will hurt families and businesses, and could one day be expanded to cover households that make less than a million dollars a year. He also argued that Democrats claims the bill will bring tax relief and steer more money to schools and health care are misleading. This bill offers the false hope of reform. It offers no direct dollars to support education and provides a paltry tax break on personal hygiene products, he said. Its laughable at how low the level of direct tax relief is. Pure and simple, this is not tax reform. This is tax layering. Gov. Bob Ferguson supports the idea of an income tax on those earning over $1 million a year. But when legislative Democrats rolled out their bill this month, he said he wasnt satisfied with the amount of tax relief it offered for lower- and middle-income residents and small businesses. He signaled that this was still the case on Monday. The proposal is moving in the right direction, said the first-term Democrat. That said, as the process moves forward in the final weeks of the legislative session, we must direct significantly more revenue directly back to hardworking Washington families and small business owners. Advertisement It is historic For progressives in Washington, the significance of Monday couldnt be overstated. Theyve pressed for decades to get lawmakers to own up to the inequities of a tax system that favors the rich and forces lower-income residents to pay an outsized share of their income in taxes and fees. But their Democratic allies, even when they had large majorities, eschewed the income tax, long perceived as a third rail of Washington politics. This year, the Democratic-controlled House and Senate and Ferguson are all interested in getting it done. It is historic, said Paul Benz of Everett, whos been a voice for the faith community on this issue for three decades. Are there concerns about the 67-page bill? Yes. But is it time for our state to move forward on it, yes, said Benz, who watched the debate unfold from the Senate gallery. We understand all the arguments against it. One of our biblical quotes we cite is to whom much is given, much is required. Nick Federici, a longtime lobbyist who works with social service organizations, was in the gallery on the opposite side of the chamber. Federici said he sat in for the three-hour debate to be part of history. Were only one-third of the way there. Theres a lot of hard work left to be done, he said. That could mean defending the legislation through expected challenges on the ballot and in the courts, two arenas where backers have had little success with income tax proposals in the past. Voters have rejected measures to adopt a state personal income tax or corporate income tax 10 times, the most recent in 2010. They did say yes on one occasion, in 1932, but that initiative was invalidated by the state Supreme Court on a 5-4 decision in 1933. Rosier forecast and moves to roll back other taxes Mondays discussion followed release of a revenue forecast showing tax and fee collections surging by $827 million in the current budget and more than $1 billion in the next biennium. Those figures effectively erase a projected shortfall over the next three years and, in some minds, the need to push ahead on an income tax. Notably, a Democratic-backed amendment made Monday to the income tax bill would roll back expanded retail sales taxes lawmakers adopted last year on services. Under this amendment from Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, the repeal would take effect Jan. 1, 2030. A tax on advertising services that drew a lawsuit from cable giant Comcast would remain in place. Democrats rejected five other amendments from Republicans. These included proposals to double the income threshold to $2 million for couples filing jointly, and nullify the legislation unless voters, by the end of the year, approve amending the state constitution to explicitly allow for the income tax. Another one of the amendments sought to remove a clause that would prevent a referendum on the bill. A lengthy debate also occurred on an amendment from Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, to stop charging the states retail sales tax on diapers. The original bill would remove the sales tax on grooming and hygiene products, like soap and toothpaste. While Democrats were not willing to add diapers on Monday, they did not close the door to doing so at a later stage in the process. Following the vote on the income tax bill, most Democrats in the chamber joined with Republicans to approve a bill to undo estate tax hikes lawmakers approved last year. This is the tax on transferred property at time of death. That bill passed 38-11, with only Democrats opposed. Editor Bill Lucia contributed to this report. Dex Hunter-Torricke in London on Feb. 9. 2026. Credit - Owen Harvey for TIME Thirty thousand feet in the air, Mark Zuckerberg turned to his speechwriter. The duo were flying in Zuckerbergs jet to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the Facebook boss was scheduled to address world leaders. Zuckerberg had a question for his companion. Wait, what exactly is the UN? Dex Hunter-Torricke had to hide his surprise. Zuckerberg was, by this point in 2015, the head of a company that was reshaping politics and societies around the world, with 1.5 billion users and counting. Yet according to his speechwriter, he appeared to be fuzzy about key elements of the global order. It was astonishing, Hunter-Torricke recalls. (Andy Stone, a spokesperson for Meta, disputes the recollection. "It's patently absurd to suggest that Mark Zuckerberg didn't know what the UN is," Stone wrote in an email to TIME.) In 15 years as a communications executive, Hunter-Torricke collaborated with Zuckerberg, managed crises for Elon Musk at SpaceX, and, most recently, helped Googles AI division, DeepMind, craft its public messaging during the tumultuous years after ChatGPTs release. He spun optimistic stories about how tech giants were leading the world toward a brighter future. At some point, though, Hunter-Torricke came to believe there was another side to the gauzy narratives. In late 2025, Hunter-Torricke announced he had quit Google DeepMind to launch a new career dedicated to reining in the industry he had been paid handsomely to promote. Over the course of a series of interviews with TIMEhis first since leaving Big Techhe leveled a sharp critique of his former employers and the world they have built. I only told half the story, he says, sipping on peppermint tea in a London restaurant. That was something which, personally, I consider a failing. The tech industry, Hunter-Torricke now says, is driving the world toward a precipice. Vastly more powerful AI systems will arrive within the next decade, he believes, and will likely lead to mass job losses, geopolitical upheaval, and damage to the environment. His former bosses have no strategies for managing any of this, he says. There is no plan. I do not believe for a second that winging it through the biggest economic and technological transition in human history is a responsible way to do things. Tech leaders have lobbied against major regulations, and argued publicly that AI will unlock medical discoveries, empower individuals, and boost economic growth. But Hunter-Torricke thinks they are downplaying the chances that it will instead erode democracy, increase inequality, and worsen climate change, all while handing an elite group of tech execs unprecedented wealth and power. We are sleepwalking into disaster, he says. A Google DeepMind spokesperson declined to provide quotes on the record for this story, but contested Hunter-Torrickes central argument. DeepMind, they said, has always told a balanced story about AI that takes both its risks and benefits into account. They added that the companys mission is to build advanced AI safely and for the benefit of all humanity. Emails to Musks companies seeking comment went unanswered. Hunter-Torrickes next act, he says, will be an attempt to build a global movement to challenge Big Tech's control over the future, and to come up with the missing plan for managing AIs impact on jobs, geopolitics, and the climate. He will coordinate that work from the Center for Tomorrow, a nonprofit he launched on Feb. 17. Some of its seed fundinghe declines to disclose the amountcomes from Tom Hunter, a wealthy businessman, whose niece married Hunter-Torricke in 2019. Hunter-Torricke is also thinking about running to become a member of parliament in the U.K., where he is based, on a platform that channels his ideas about the tech industry and the problems facing the world, which he elaborates on in a book he has been writing. The worlds AI companies and Davos-going elites, Hunter-Torricke says, have had their time" to solve the problems he describes. They failed comprehensively. Its easy to be skeptical of a tech insiders self-styled reinvention as a truthteller. Hunter-Torricke spent more than a decade helping Big Tech craft narratives that he now says were misleading, and is himself one of the wealthy elites he criticizes. Perhaps, as he argues, he is switching sides because the situation has become impossible to fix from the inside. But its also true that the transformation from mouthpiece to critic is a familiar turn for those wanting to jump-start a new phase in their careers. After remaining silent about his concerns for years, he is choosing to share them publicly at an opportune time: to coincide with the launch of his nonprofit, and possibly a career as a politician or media talking head. And while hes willing to burn bridges with his former employers, Hunter-Torricke is not a whistleblower; he deftly skirts around questions that might elicit private information belonging to his former employers. Hunter-Torricke rejects these criticisms. Sure, people can choose to say, Screw this guy, he worked for some terrible people, he says. I agree, these people are terrible. I got out of working for them. Ultimately, wouldn't you want somebody who understands how they operate? The rain was coming down at Bletchley Park. It was Nov. 2023, and world leaders and AI companies had traveled to this stately home in the countryside near London for the worlds first international AI summit. The location was intentional: here, eight decades ago, the computer scientist Alan Turing built an early computer to crack Nazi codes, which was pivotal in helping Allied forces win the Second World War. Now, a year after the release of ChatGPT, anxious officials hoped another historic moment might occur: a landmark agreement that would curtail the worst competitive pressures of the AI race and mitigate the disruptions they saw coming in the near future. Delegates pose for a photo during the two-day AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in Bletchley, U.K., on Nov. 2, 2023. Tolga AkmenEPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images Hunter-Torricke was one of those insiders with high hopes for the summit. He had spent months working on the event for Google DeepMind. But as the gathering drew to a close, he felt deep disappointment. Instead of seriously grappling with the mammoth implications of AI for societies, he felt, the tech companies had pushed to focus the summit on speculative and technical risks, narrowing the scope of the document they produced to a few nonbinding, technocratic agreements. It felt deeply, deeply anti-climactic, Hunter-Torricke says of the summit. I felt it was such a missed opportunity. He abandoned the warmth of the press tent and walked over to a hut on the grounds where Turing had worked during the war. This was the place where it all began, he thought, back before computing became an industry worth trillions, racing toward a destination that nobody fully understood. Advertisement Hunter-Torricke was frustrated by governments, which seemed to have failed to grasp the severity of the occasion. He was frustrated by tech companies, including Google, which had dangled the economic opportunity AI offered in front of state officials, while arguing that it was too early to implement onerous regulations. (A Google spokesperson said the summit resulted in important conversations about AI safety, and introduced frameworks that the company continues to build upon today.) And he was frustrated with himself, realizing he had been taken in by the idealistic missions of tech companies, which pledged to use their transformative power to make the world better for everyone. Now he had a gnawing sense that those statements were a veil disguising a pursuit of hard power. Hunter-Torricke was born in London in 1985 to working-class parents. His mother was a nurse from Malaysia who worked in Britains National Health Service. His father was a refugee from Burma, a stateless child who fled the Japanese invasion of his home country during the Second World War, ending up in British India. He witnessed the horrors of partition before ultimately making it to the U.K., where he suffered racial abuse. In a eulogy at his fathers funeral in 2015, Hunter-Torricke spoke of how this shaped his own worldview. I learned that to give everyone the chance to become the person they could be, he said, we need to build a different world. His first job was at the United Nationsan institution he saw as deeply flawed and in need of well-meaning people to reform it from within. In 2011, he moved to the tech industry, taking a job as a speechwriter for Googles senior executives, attracted by the companys lofty mission to synthesize all the worlds information. He bought into the great optimism swirling around technology at that time. The internet seemed to be bringing a wave of democratic revolutions to the Middle East. Googles official motto was still: Dont be evil. It was around the time of his fathers funeral that Hunter-Torricke began growing more skeptical of his employers. Now at Facebook, the son of a refugee was riveted by the global refugee crisis. Two weeks before flying with Zuckerberg to the UN, Hunter-Torricke was sitting at his desk in Facebooks California headquarters. On his computer monitor was a photograph of a 2-year-old boy, Alan Kurdi, lying dead in shallow seawater on a beach in Turkeya heartbreaking photo that went viral in the summer of 2015. Hunter-Torricke stared at the dead child and thought of his father. He looked around Facebooks bustling office and suspected most of his colleagues did not share his concerns about the state of the world. (A Meta spokesperson declined to comment.) From this perch in Silicon Valley, it was easy to believe that, whatever the news might say, life was getting steadily better. This view had become something of a religion among tech elites, including Hunter-Torrickes boss, who had recently recommended the canonical text on the matter, Steven Pinkers The Better Angels of Our Nature, as part of his public book club. I argued with Zuckerberg about that, Hunter-Torricke says. Because, for me, that entire view is flimsily reasoned. He told Zuckerberg that it did not engage with the deep frailness of the various institutions and systems underpinning human prosperity. Around the world, states were disintegrating, climate systems were approaching tipping points, economies were stagnating, and inequality was rising. Despite his misgivings, he continued collecting his paycheck. I made the calculus that on balance, it was better to be within the system trying to improve it, Hunter-Torricke says. On his office wall, Hunter-Torricke hung a page of a newspaper from 1849: a report on the Paris Peace Congress of that year, where some of the worlds leading bourgeois intellectuals promoted the view that war was now a thing of the past, and that humanity might finally be on a path to a peaceful future. Of course, they were wrong; the horrors of the twentieth century were yet to come. The print served as a reminder for him that, whatever his colleagues might say, historical progress was neither linear nor inevitable. In 2023, Hunter-Torricke moved to Google DeepMind. Before long he faced similar frustrations. He was fond of his boss, DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, who had managed to get Google to devote significant resources to public goods, like AI that could solve the elusive protein-folding problem. But as artificial general intelligence (AGI) came into viewthe idea of a transformatively powerful technology that could surpass human geniuses at most tasksHunter-Torricke grew convinced industry executives werent girding for the level of disruption the technology would bring. Demis and a whole bunch of the AI leaders from across the frontier labs have been using examples like: we invent [nuclear] fusion, we go to the stars, we discover new materials with AI, we cure all diseases, Hunter-Torricke says. He thought this seemed to be the extent of their planning. The way tech companies were managing the early phase of the transition didnt inspire confidence. The war in Gaza was playing out every single day on screens, while I was also expected to sit in conference rooms with people who just said, AI is going to make the world a better place, Hunter-Torricke says. Raising concerns internally about Googles business relationship with Israel's government, he says, was essentially off the table. (A Google spokesperson said that this is false, and that Google maintains an environment where employees are welcome to express their views.) But Hunter-Torricke was angry that the wider AI industry, in his view, had failed to connect its abstract talk of AI risks to what was playing out in the Middle East. It is one of the most morally indefensible things I've seen in my lifetime, Hunter-Torricke says. At one of the early great killings of the 21st century, the industry has simply chosen to put its fingers in its ears and close its eyes. In Oct. 2024, Hunter-Torricke finally decided to leave DeepMind. He told colleagues he planned to write a book during the year-long noncompete period that kept him off the job market. There was no particular breaking point, he saysjust the realization, a long time coming, that the ideals that had attracted him to the industry did not match the reality. Trumps re-election only made him more confident in his decision. Companies are now choosing to get in bed with the Trump Administration, and to silence themselves in order to not ruffle feathers with nationalists and with people who have brought some terrible, destructive things to the world. That, he adds, is a sign of how unmoored the industry has become from the values that we need to responsibly manage AI. Hunter-Torricke is only willing to go so far in his critique. As DeepMinds former communications head, he had a rare view into the companys inner workings. But he declines, when pressed, to discuss specific details; he signed a non-disclosure agreement that he has no intention of breaking. Beyond carefully selected anecdotes, his sharpest criticisms are reserved for systemic issues, not specific people or companies. Though he lambasts AI leaders as a group, he singles out Hassabis, the DeepMind CEO, for praise. I think he personally has been very responsible as a leader, he says. Sure, he doesn't have a blueprint for how to get to a post-scarcity economy. But that's my argument: he probably shouldn't. The choice shouldn't belong to him, and it shouldn't belong to the [AI] labs. It needs to be something that's designed elsewhere. Here, Hunter-Torricke launches into the pitch for his new London-based nonprofit, the Center for Tomorrow. The organization will focus on research into the big unanswered questions that societies urgently need to address: how to adapt to job losses due to AI, finding paths for countries to work together in a climate of increasing geopolitical chaos, and safeguarding human rights and liberal democracy. It will aim to convene policymakers, business leaders, and civil society to come up with practical policy solutions that create a bridge between AI progress and the human, political, and institutional innovations [that] societies need. And it will devise ways of getting messages across to the public, too, in an effort to build political will for its favored policies. Hunter-Torricke spent more than a decade helping Big Tech craft narratives that he now says were misleading. Owen Harvey for TIME It is an ambitious agenda. But it is still a fuzzy one. When pressed on what a new economic system for the age of AGI might look like, Hunter-Torricke hesitates. I don't know the answer to 99% of these things, he says. How could I possibly? This is the hardest transition in history. He criticizes the idea of universal basic incomean oft-proposed solution to AIs impact on jobsas unworkable at scale, but offers no alternative. His new nonprofit, he says, will mobilize experts to come up with the answers. One lesson that he took from the 19th century newspaper that hung in his California office was that elites are bound to fail if they simply cook up solutions to the worlds problems in isolation. But that means the Center For Tomorrows grand plan, at least for now, is mostly a plan to make a plan. That newspaper now hangs at Hunter-Torrickes home in London. A close reading reveals that he may have more in common with the liberal intellectuals of 19th century Europe than he would like to believe. They were not, in fact, naively optimistic that war would soon be a thing of the past. Instead they were keenly aware of, and in despair about, their nations continuing to arm themselves against one another. For all their efforts to convene well-meaning elites, the organizers of the Paris Peace Congress remained powerless to stop the relentless logic of an arms race playing out outside their control. No men are so difficult to teach as professional statesmen, one attendee lamented. Do you suppose, then, that they will listen readily to the advice of this Congress? On the contrary, they are at this moment laughing at us as Utopists, theorists, and dreamers. Write to Billy Perrigo at billy.perrigo@time.com. Skandic and Tundra Models: Next-Level Comfort and Versatility Already the clear leader in the Utility segment with strong, reliable performance day in and day out, the 2027 Ski-Doo Skandic and Tundra raise the bar further: Built on the REV Gen5 platform in 2027 for cutting-edge technology and modern styling, now standard on all models. in 2027 for cutting-edge technology and modern styling, now standard on all models. Equipped with the uMotion rear suspension that incorporates the latest design concepts to deliver exceptional on- and off-trail performance and comfort. that incorporates the latest design concepts to deliver exceptional on- and off-trail performance and comfort. Enhanced versatility with the Multi LinQ Plate for full accessory integration and a redesigned Cargo Box (SE package only) for quick adaptability. for full accessory integration and a redesigned (SE package only) for quick adaptability. Modern look and feel combined with unmatched capability make Skandic and Tundra the ultimate utility snowmobiles for work and play. Expedition LE: Best Value with Premium Features For 2027, Ski-Doo brings the Expedition model to new places with the combination of the 16-inch platform and the premium features of the LE package - and delivers it at a price that makes it more accessible than ever. That's value anyone can appreciate. New 16-inch-wide track Expedition LE version comes with heated and shielded handholds with visor plug for the passenger, driver visor plug, mirrors, HD front bumper, rear rack, upgraded shocks and more. comes with heated and shielded handholds with visor plug for the passenger, driver visor plug, mirrors, HD front bumper, rear rack, upgraded shocks and more. Special rich LE color scheme lets it stand out amongst its peers. Rotax 600RR E-TEC Engine: Class-leading Power with Smart Technology A new engine that provides the middle horsepower 2-stroke buyer exactly what they want: more power and faster response with less operating costs - plus some extra benefits. Most powerful engine in its class with 130 horsepower. engine in its class with Same booster injectors from 600RS E-TEC and 850 E-TEC engines for 20% faster throttle response and instantaneous acceleration . . Oil consumption is reduced by 20%. Riders can be confident of long engine life when using the new XPS E-TEC MAX formula oil. Industry-first Sport and Eco modes on a 2-stroke engine. Eco Mode reduces fuel consumption by 5%. Riders will also appreciate the Eco Mode performance as it reacts to throttle demands seamlessly for more power, then returns to Eco automatically. modes on a 2-stroke engine. Industry-first Silent-Stop technology allows easy conversation or listening when engaged, and can be switched on and off as desired. Deep Snow Models: Lighter, Stronger, More Agile Inspired by the most extreme Ski-Doo deep snow riders, mountain fanatics will find 2027 Freeride and Summit models pushing innovation further: Up to 14 lbs (6.3 kg) weight reduction on the Freeride with the first lightweight OEM 147 x 15 x 3-inch track with a 3.5 -inch pitch in 2027 - which makes the 147-inch version 18 lbs (8.2 kg) lighter over the past two years - and up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) less on the 154 and 146 length versions in that time frame 1 . on the with the first lightweight OEM 147 x 15 x 3-inch track with a 3.5 -inch pitch in 2027 - which makes the 147-inch version 18 lbs (8.2 kg) lighter over the past two years - and up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) less on the 154 and 146 length versions in that time frame . Freeride with the adjustable limiter strap and bright Ultraviolet II color embraces a mullet attitude business in front and party out back that reflects the rider's boldness. with the adjustable limiter strap and bright embraces a mullet attitude business in front and party out back that reflects the rider's boldness. Summit Expert loses another 4 lbs (1.8 kg) for a total of 12 lbs (5.4 kg) in two years as it adds the tMotion L/O with coil over rear suspension , forged aluminum a-arms and lighter frame components 1 . loses another 4 lbs (1.8 kg) for a total of 12 lbs (5.4 kg) in two years as it adds the , forged aluminum a-arms and lighter frame components . Summit Edge, only available in North America, aligns with Expert characteristics and features while Summit Adrenaline aligns with X characteristics and features while dropping 4 (1.8 kg) and 8 lbs (3.6 kg) respectively1. Exclusive 20th Anniversary X-RS Packages MXZ, Renegade and Backcountry X-RS packages that celebrate racing heritage and the first X-RS that formed the most direct link of race track technology to production snowmobiles. that celebrate racing heritage and the first X-RS that formed the most direct link of race track technology to production snowmobiles. Special coloration and details make these stand out including Evo Bee emblems that are a throwback to one of the most intense racing times in snowmobile history. For complete details on the 2027 Ski-Doo lineup, visit www.ski-doo.com . About BRP BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Quintrex boats and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP had annual sales of CA$7.8 billion from over 130 countries and employed approximately 16,500 driven, resourceful people as of January 31, 2025. www.brp.com LinkedIn Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, Rotax, Quintrex and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. _________________________ 1 Wet weights used for these specifications, meaning the product was full of fuel, oil and coolant, the way they would be ridden. SOURCE BRP Inc. GodFundMe/ Coshocton County Sheriffs Office A man from Ohio has been charged in connection with the murders of his ex-girlfriend and a U.S. soldier in North Carolina. The Coshocton County Sheriffs Office said it was contacted by the Moore County Sheriffs Office on Saturday, February 14, regarding a report of a double homicide in Vass, North Carolina, according to a press release shared via Facebook. Deputies with the Moore County Sheriffs Office first responded to a report of a shooting inside of a home. Once they arrived at the scene, authorities found the bodies of 28-year-old Matthew Wade and 21-year-old Kateryna Tovmash. Following the discovery, the Moore County Sheriffs Office named Caleb Fosnaugh a suspect in the case, alleging he traveled to North Carolina to carry out the killings. The department then contacted the Coshocton County Sheriffs Office to help find and capture Fosnaugh, 25. Investigators looked into the case, and they grew to believe that Fosnaugh previously dated Tovmash in Ohio, according to a press release shared by the Moore County Sheriffs Office. Police Charge Ex-Husband With Murders of Ohio Dentist and His Wife Meanwhile, the agency said that Wade was a U.S. soldier who was stationed about 25 miles southeast of Vass at Fort Bragg. It is not currently clear how Wade and Tovmash knew each other. No details have been shared about Fosnaugh and Tovmashs relationship, including how long they dated, when they broke up or if they were in touch following their split. Advertisement Coshocton County Sheriff Christopher Walters said that his agency was advised that Fosnaugh was driving a white 2018 Ford Mustang, and it was suspected that he was traveling back to Ohio, according to the departments release. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers finally found Fosnaugh driving toward Coshocton County around 2:18 p.m. on February 14. Fosnaugh was pulled over by troopers and Coshocton County deputies in Linton Township, and he was then taken into custody. Fosnaugh was booked into the Coshocton County Justice Center, according to online records viewed by Us Weekly. He has since been charged with two counts of murder and breaking and entering. The press release also stated that his case will be handled in Moore County. It is not currently clear if Fosnaugh has entered a plea or retained legal representation following his arrest. The Coshocton County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to Us Weeklys request for comment, while the Moore County Sheriffs Office said they had no further updates to share. New Docuseries Tries to Answer Why 4 College Students Were Murdered in Idaho: Biggest Revelations The Coshocton County Sheriffs Office said that they worked with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation and Princes Wrecker Service in order to make the arrest. The Moore County Sheriffs Office asks the community to keep the families and loved ones of Kateryna Tovmash and Matthew Wade in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, the department said in its own press release. After the murders were committed, Tovmashs friend, Kirill Pryshchepchuk, spoke to WBNS and explained that they grew up together in Ukraine before they moved to the United States. "My best friend was an immigrant, who was a refugee from Ukraine," Pryshchepchuk told the outlet. "She came here because of the war. To hide from death and the danger. She came here with her family. This is not normal." Greenville County Sheriff's Office (2) A South Carolina pastor and his wife are facing heinous abuse allegations after forcing their adopted children to bury the family dog, moments after he killed the animal in front of them. Police have also accused Myron Chorbajian, 73, and his wife, Kathleen Chorbajian, 71, of forcing the children to find their food in area dumpsters, and at night, making the children sleep inside trash cans. Myron, the pastor at First Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, has been charged with two counts of assault and battery with intent to kill, 15 counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk or harm, and eight counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, according to records obtained from the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. Kathleen faces 10 counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk or harm stemming from her alleged failure to do anything to stop the years of abuse. The Chorbajians' adopted kids first approached police in April 2025, claiming the abuse began in the 1980s. Mom, Boyfriend Shot Kids With BB Guns While They Were Locked in Chicken Pen, Missouri Sheriff Says After a brief investigation into the claims, the Chorbajians were arrested in May 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, while attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry. It took months to extradite the pair back to South Carolina, where they are both being held him, without bond and her, on $12,000 bond. Charging documents allege Myron hit a naked child with a paddle 50 times and used a child with a belt to discipline the victim until the child lost consciousness. He is also alleged to have forced his kids to "search dumpsters and eat rotten and discarded food." Advertisement The pastor is also accused of sexually assaulting female children. Court filings also contend Myron shot the family dog to death in the kitchen of their home and then made one of the children bury it in a shallow grave. Police said Kathleen allowed the abuse to go on, and never did anything to stop it. WHNS was in court on Friday, February 13, for her first court appearance, and reported her attorney argued to the judge "this case is not as the state has advertised." Grandmother, Parents Charged After 2 Toddlers Hospitalized With Skull Fractures The report does not name the attorney but said that the accusers have allowed their own children to stay at the Chorbajian home overnight. "If Kathy and Myron were as bad as they say, why would they ever let their children stay with them, unsupervised, overnight? I think that's very important," the station quotes the attorney as saying. Prosecutors countered Kathleen never reported the abuse and even invoked religious tenets to manipulate the kids they had adopted. "This case is essentially about the weaponization of Christianity to justify the abuse of children," the state's attorney reportedly said, according to WHNS. "The time the abuse occurred, these victims were small children in foster care. They had nowhere else to go. These sadistic acts of abuse that were justified by religion against some of the most vulnerable members of our society, I don't know a situation where someone could present a more clearly present danger to the community." If you suspect child abuse, please call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit ChildHelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images New research lays out the threats Google's Gemini poses to the AI trade. Tom Essaye, founder and president of the Sevens Report, is worried about Gemini taking market share from ChatGPT. He argues overall that Gemini changed how investors view spending on AI from hyperscalers. While Anthropic's Claude AI has snatched headlines recently for disrupting the software industry, one researcher says there's perhaps an even bigger bogeyman lurking in tech. Tom Essaye, founder and president of the Sevens Report, says Google's Gemini threatens major potential disruptions to how investors currently see major AI firms. In a note to clients on Tuesday, Essaye highlighted three risks posed by Gemini, in particular its November update. The first is that it could take market share from OpenAI's ChatGPT. That, in turn, could hurt OpenAi's ability to deliver on the $1 trillion in spending it has promised to firms like Nvidia, he said. Second, the fact that Google used its own chips to build Gemini could undermine the importance of large semiconductor providers. Advertisement "The reason that Nvidia, Broadcom, Taiwan Semi and others have exploded in recent years was because of insatiable demand for their semiconductor chips, as they are necessary to build out LLMs," Essaye wrote. "Google making their own chips implies demand for chips from NVDA, AVGO and TSMC may be less than expected. That means less earnings growth and a lower multiple for semiconductor stocks." That leads to the third point: since Gemini is so effective and was cheaper to produce than other leading chatbots, investors are holding spending levels from hyperscalers to a higher degree of scrutiny, Essaye said. "If Google can make Gemini as good as ChatGPT on its own chips, then others likely can as well. The fear is that AI becomes commoditized, making trillions of dollars in AI infrastructure investment foolish," Essaye wrote. "Put plainly, Gemini broke the idea that all money spent on AI was 'good' money that would result in earnings growth," he continued. "Instead, it ushered in scrutiny to AI capex spending and that altered the paradigm AI/tech stocks existed in. Practically, that means it's no longer the case that the company that spends the most on AI infrastructure 'wins' and we can see that in the market reaction to the collapse of mega-cap free cash flow." Read the original article on Business Insider An EU privacy watchdog is investigating X. Pablo VERA / AFP via Getty Images An Irish data privacy watchdog is the latest to launch a probe into X. Several foreign agencies are investigating reports of Grok generating sexualized AI images. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to the chatbot in January. X is facing mounting criticism from foreign watchdogs over its generative AI chatbot, Grok. The Irish Data Protection Commission said Tuesday that it had opened an inquiry into Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter. The commission said in a press release that the inquiry was linked to the creation and publication of non-consensual, sexualized images of European Union residents on X using Grok's generative AI functions. This included pictures of children. The commission, which is responsible for enforcing the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, said in the release that it notified X of the investigation on Monday. X did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Grok is a chatbot developed by Musk's xAI, now a subsidiary of his aerospace company SpaceX. Advertisement The commission's investigation follows several weeks of controversy around Grok and X. The platform came under fire worldwide in January after reports emerged of Grok users generating sexualized images of real people, including minors. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines temporarily suspended access to Grok. The European Commission launched an investigation into Grok, while India's information technology ministry voiced its opposition via a letter to the chief compliance officer of X's India operations. California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, also said in early January that he had launched a probe into Grok's AI deepfakes. In response, X made Grok's AI image generation tool a premium feature limited to paying subscribers and later stopped it from generating sexualized images altogether. However, a Business Insider report found that it was still possible to trigger these images in Grok's web and mobile applications. In response to backlash over Grok, Musk said in an X post on January 3, "Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." Read the original article on Business Insider Frederick Wiseman, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker whose unflinching, unadorned lens captured a unique and revelatory history of American institutions, has died at the age of 96. The director of seminal works such as Titicut Follies passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy that redefined the art of non-fiction cinema. His death was confirmed in a joint statement issued by his family and his production company, Zipporah Films. Further details were not immediately disclosed. The statement read: "He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless filmmakers and audiences around the world whose lives and perspectives were shaped by his unique vision." Widely regarded as one of the world's most admired and influential filmmakers, Wiseman received an honorary Academy Award in 2016. His prolific career spanned over 35 documentaries, many of them several hours in length, exploring subjects as diverse as suburban high schools and horse racing tracks. His films were broadcast on public television, featured in retrospectives, celebrated at festivals, lauded by critics and fellow directors, and preserved by the Library of Congress. Wiseman embarked on his filmmaking journey in his mid-30s, swiftly earning a place alongside, and often surpassing, contemporaries like D.A. Pennebaker and Robert Drew in establishing the modern documentary as a vital and surprising art form. From his early works, including High School and the controversial Titicut Follies, he developed a distinctive, seamless style. Operating with a minimal crew, he often served as his own sound engineer. This approach garnered both critical acclaim and considerable controversy, notably leading to prolonged legal action surrounding Titicut Follies. Reflecting on his work, Wiseman told Gawker in 2013: "I don't set out to be confrontational, but I think sometimes the content of the movie runs against people's expectations and fantasies about the subject matter." His overarching vision was to create "as many films as possible about different aspects of American life," often employing straightforward titles such as Hospital, Public Housing, and Basic Training. Yet, his focus extended beyond the structures themselves, dramatising the human experience within them from an elderly welfare applicant seeking aid to sales clerks rehearsing smiles. Frederick Wiseman arrives at the 2016 Governors Awards (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) As he explained to The Associated Press in 2020: "The institution is also just an excuse to observe human behavior in somewhat defined conditions. The films are as much about that as they are about institutions." Advertisement His 1967 film, Titicut Follies, offered a harrowing look inside the Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane in Massachusetts. Wisemans camera captured disturbing scenes, including nude men being taunted by guards and an inmate being force-fed through a nasal tube. The raw, unflinching nature of these images led state officials to successfully restrict the films release, inadvertently elevating its status among those eager to witness its controversial truths. A year later, High School (1968) documented the everyday realities within a suburban Philadelphia school. Wisemans camera observed a student being questioned over a phone call, an English teacher dissecting Simon & Garfunkel lyrics, and an uncomfortable sex education class. Renowned critic Pauline Kael, writing for The New Yorker, praised its profound impact: "What we see in Fred Wiseman's documentary ... is so familiar and so extraordinarily evocative that a feeling of empathy with the students floods over us," adding that "Wiseman extends our understanding of our common life the way novelists used to." Wisemans films were characterised by their lack of narration, prerecorded soundtracks, or title cards. He vehemently rejected association with the 1960s and 70s "cinema verite" movement, dismissing it as a "pompous French term that has absolutely no meaning." He also challenged interpretations of his perspective; despite Oscar-winner Errol Morris labelling him "the undisputed king of misanthropic cinema," Wiseman maintained he was not a muckraker. Instead, he viewed himself as a "subjective, but fair-minded and engaged observer," unearthing stories both despairing and hopeful from hundreds of hours of footage. This approach was evident in 'High School II', where he documented the dedication of teachers in an East Harlem school. Accepting his honorary Oscar, Wiseman stated: "I think it's as important to document kindness, civility and generosity of spirit as it is to show cruelty, banality and indifference." His adventurous spirit persisted into his 80s and 90s, yielding films such as Crazy Horse, exploring a Parisian dance revue, the four-hour 'At Berkeley' about the California state university, and Monrovia, Indiana, a 2 1/2-hour portrait of an aging rural community. Beyond cinema, Wiseman enjoyed a significant theatre career, directing plays by Samuel Beckett and William Luce, and adapting his film 'Welfare' into an opera. Much of his extensive body of work was produced through Zipporah Films, named after his wife, who passed away in 2021. The couple had two children. Frederick Wiseman attend the Un Couple red carpet at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in 2022 (Getty Images) Born in Boston, Wisemans background included a prominent attorney father and a mother who worked in a childrens psychiatric ward and harboured acting ambitions. Despite facing Jewish quotas, he received an elite education at Williams College and Yale Law School, experiences that would later inform his cinematic work. His early career in the 1950s and early 60s saw him in roles ranging from the Massachusetts attorney generals office to a court reporter and a lecturer at Boston Law School. A stint in the Army in 1955, stationed in Paris, provided his first practical film experience with a Super 8 camera. He told the AP in 2016: "I reached the witching age of 30 and figured I better do something I liked." He noted that the advent of synchronous sound technology "opened up the world for filmmaking. And there were so many good subjects that hadn't been filmed, as there still are." His foray into filmmaking initially involved narrative drama, producing Shirley Clarkes 1964 adaptation of William Millers novel The Cool World. This experience emboldened him to direct his own projects. While teaching at Boston Law School, Wiseman arranged visits to the Bridgewater facility, leading him to propose Titicut Follies in 1965. He envisioned a film that would offer "factual material about a state prison but will also give an imaginative and poetic quality that will set it apart from the cliche documentary about crime and illness." Following its screening at the New York Film Festival, Massachusetts sought an injunction, citing privacy violations. For over two decades, 'Titicut Follies' was restricted to academic and library settings. The ban was eventually eased by Superior Court Judge Andrew Meyer, who initially allowed public screenings with blurred faces, before lifting all restrictions in 1991. In his 1989 opinion, Judge Meyer acknowledged: "I have viewed the film and agree that it is a substantial and significant intrusion into the privacy of the inmates shown in the film. However, I also regarded Titicut Follies as an outstanding film, artistically and thoughtfully edited with great social and historical value. Another observation about the film: It is true." People walk past an informational panel at President's House Site Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A federal judge has mandated the immediate restoration of an exhibit detailing the lives of nine enslaved people owned by George Washington, following its controversial removal by the Trump administration. The ruling, delivered on President's Day, requires the display to be reinstated at Washington's former Philadelphia residence. The city of Philadelphia initiated legal action in January after the National Park Service dismantled the explanatory panels at Independence National Historical Park. This site served as home to George and Martha Washington, along with nine of their enslaved individuals, during the 1790s when Philadelphia briefly held the status of the nations capital. The exhibit's removal was a direct consequence of a Trump executive order aimed at "restoring truth and sanity to American history" across national museums, parks, and landmarks. This directive instructed the Interior Department to ensure such sites avoid displaying elements that "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living." U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe ruled on Monday that all original materials must be restored while the lawsuit challenging the removal's legality proceeds. She explicitly prohibited officials from the Trump administration from installing any replacement exhibits that offer a different historical interpretation. Rufe, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, began her written order with a quote from George Orwells dystopian novel 1984 and compared the Trump administration to the book's totalitarian regime called the Ministry of Truth, which revised historical records to align with its own narrative. As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwells 1984 now existed, with its motto Ignorance is Strength, this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts," Rufe wrote. It does not. She had warned Justice Department lawyers during a January hearing that they were making dangerous and horrifying statements when they said Trump officials can choose which parts of U.S. history to display at National Park Service sites. The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling, which came while government offices were closed for the federal holiday. A person views posted signs on the locations of the now removed explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at President's House Site in Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The judge did not provide a timeline for when the exhibit must be restored. Federal officials can appeal the ruling. The historical site is among several where the administration has quietly removed content about the history of enslaved people, LGBTQ+ people and Native Americans. Advertisement Signage that has disappeared from Grand Canyon National Park said settlers pushed Native American tribes off their land for the park to be established and exploited the landscape for mining and grazing. Last week, a rainbow flag was taken down at the Stonewall National Monument, where bar patrons rebelled against a police raid and catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The administration has also removed references to transgender people from its webpage about the monument, despite several trans women of color being key figures in the uprising. The Philadelphia exhibit, created two decades ago in a partnership between the city and federal officials, included biographical details about each of the nine people enslaved by the Washingtons at the home, including two who escaped. Among them was Oney Judge, who was born into slavery at the familys plantation in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and later escaped from their Philadelphia house in 1796. Judge fled north to New Hampshire, a free state, while Washington had her declared a fugitive and published advertisements seeking her return. Because Judge had escaped from the Philadelphia house, the park service in 2022 supported the site's inclusion in a national network of Underground Railroad sites where they would teach about abolitionists and escaped slaves. Rufe noted that materials about Judge were among those removed, which she said conceals crucial information linking the site to the Network to Freedom. Only the names of Judge and the other eight enslaved people Austin, Paris, Hercules, Richmond, Giles, Moll and Joe, who each had a single name, and Christopher Sheels remained engraved in a cement wall after park service employees took a crowbar to the plaques on Jan. 22. Hercules also escaped in 1797 after he was brought to Mount Vernon, where the Washingtons had many other slaves. He reached New York City despite being declared a fugitive slave and lived under the name Hercules Posey. Several local politicians and Black community leaders celebrated the ruling, which came while many were out rallying at the site for its restoration. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat, said the community prevailed against an attempt by the Trump administration to whitewash our history. Philadelphians fought back, and I could not be more proud of how we stood together, he said. With the lunar new year now upon us, theres no better time than this festival to lean into your full Chinese selves and understand what this season requires of you, and what superstitions you may want to take on board. Growing up in a Chinese family in Singapore, my year was consistently marked by various traditional celebrations and rituals and never more so at the start of the new year. The lunar new year is about sweeping away the old and welcoming in new and positive energies, such as good health and wealth. Also known as the spring festival, it marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. The first day of the new year starts with the new moon and ends on the full moon. The first two days of the new year are when I mostly focus my attention, faithfully following the long list of dos and donts. According to Chinese custom, no dusting or sweeping is allowed during the 15 days of the new year period... otherwise, you will be sweeping away good fortune and prosperity. While Im only fussy about this on the first couple of days of the new year, I still stick to the tradition of no haircuts during the full season of 15 days. The Chinese word for hair is a homonym for prosperity. So cutting hair means you risk cutting off fortune and wealth. This is also why we dont wash our hair on the first day of the new year; we dont want to wash away what the year might bring. Worshippers clean a sacred figure statue ahead of the lunar new year celebrations, welcoming the year of the horse, at the Amurva Bhumi temple, in Jakarta, Indonesia (Reuters) Wearing red clothes is also seen as ensuring good luck and protection against evil spirits. Black and white, the colours of mourning, must be avoided. Dont take out the rubbish and stay away from lending money: you will be breaking your connection with good fortune, and it will be flowing away for the rest of the year. And no crying and arguments on the first day; it could mean conflicts throughout the year. The week leading up to the first day of the new year will have been full of preparations: meal planning, dusting and cleaning. This Year of the Fire Horse, according to Chinese metaphysics, is full of momentum and bold transformation, but also unruly and combustible. The combination of the horse zodiac animal and the fire element is considered rare and intense. One of my friends commented that it makes me want to go lie down. The new lunar year of the fire horse brings with it superstition and myths about what will bring good fortune (Reuters) When I was growing up, during the lunar phases of the new moon and full moon, we had to eat vegetarian food for the day a traditional practice in Buddhist culture. The numerous gods in Chinese culture (the Goddess of Mercy, the Goddess of the Sea, the Kitchen God are just the tip of the iceberg) remind me of Christian saints St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, the environment, and ecology; St Jude is the go-to for lost causes; and St Cecilia for music and musicians. Theres a god for everything. Thanks to Chinamaxxing, everyone and their pekinese are now well aware of the benefits of warm water (Getty) The Malaysian-born American comedian Ronny Chieng has a whole stand-up section about our obsession with the God of Money (Caishen). When my brother moved into his new house, he rolled a pineapple into the house upon opening the door, symbolising the arrival of prosperity and good fortune. I have heard of some people rolling a pineapple into every single corner of their new home for the fullest and most thorough blessings, and also because its just quite funny. Myths, history and legends are threaded into the customs and stories passed down through the generations. Asian children are told off for pointing at the moon as its disrespectful to point at the Moon Goddess who lives there. Groceries must never be placed on the floor; they have to go on the table. Not just for hygiene reasons, but also out of respect for the food. Of course, there is always a symbolic meaning alongside these commonsense practices. Putting food on the floor is interpreted as treating blessings carelessly, which is believed to bring bad luck. The Kitchen God is always watching. Advertisement It was while idly scrolling through Instagram that I was stopped short by a post that seemed to know all these things about me. So you want to be more Chinese, here are the 10 things you need to know. Why was it asking me to be Chinese? I am Chinese! Yes, I do all of the things in the post and more. After some rooting around, I was introduced to the new trend for Chinamaxxing people who are now declaring themselves to be at a very Chinese time in their lives. At first, I wasnt sure if it was racism or cultural appropriation. But Chinamaxxing does, in truth, seem to be a celebration of Chinese culture rather than a criticism. Sherry Zhu, a Chinese-American TikTok content creator, was influential in popularising the trend. Laugh-out-loud memes, informative posts about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), absurdist humour 5,000 years of Chinese culture in a meme possibly 8,000 years if this archaeologist is proved right. How incredible is that? When my Chinese family and friends visit us in London, they always whisper and ask me for a glass of warm water, like its a dirty secret. Thanks to Chinamaxxing, everyone and their pekinese are now well aware of the benefits of warm water. Irrationally, I now feel self-conscious when Im drinking warm water. Even when Im all alone in the kitchen. My evolution into a full-blown Chinese auntie, however, has been gradual. When I hit perimenopause, I turned to using dong quai (also known as female ginseng) to help me through brain fog and hot flushes. Remembering the wisdom exchanged between my grandmother, mother and aunties, I started to switch my Chinese frequency to maximum. My collection of medicated oil expanded. To my lone tiger balm ointment, I have now added Axe brand universal oil, red flower oil, and nutmeg oil. In Chinese medicine, there is an oil for every ailment. And yes, I do abide by the adage that if it still hurts, then just apply more. Children touch a relief sculpture of the pig for good luck at the White Cloud Temple in Beijing (Getty) For all fully-fledged middle-aged Chinese aunties, food and wellness are one and the same. Food contains energetic properties, and the yin-yang bodily balance must be maintained. Cucumber is cooling. Fried food is heaty. Rice goes with everything, and for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Generic long grain rice tastes of nothing, but fragrant jasmine rice? Now that is the king of rice. Food is central to Chinese culture, and its often on our minds. When the post-apocalyptic series The Last of Us was on air, and people reeled from the Cordyceps fungus that turned humans into violent creatures, my immediate thought was, Eat the cordyceps, goddamit! Theyre really tasty in a herbal soup. Cordyceps is a highly prized traditional Chinese medicine. In more than 25 years of living in London, it hasnt always been easy to live my Chinese identity under the Western gaze. So its liberating to see Gen-Zers embracing Chinese culture, their curiosity and interest encouraging me to live my full Chinese-ness in broad daylight. Hopefully, Chinamaxxing is more than just a fad and will last beyond the Year of the Fire Horse. I want people to discover the richness of Chinese history, culture and diaspora. A sales clerk runs out the doorway as a traditional Lion dance performer reaches to grab an offering of lettuce hanging from the doorway at a Beijing shopping mall (Getty) Some of my Chinese auntie ways are specific to my Straits-Chinese heritage, and every Westerner indulging in a spot of Chinamaxxing today should know we arent one amorphous mass; we come from different dialect groups, have different customs and food. My ancestors came from Hong Kong Island, Kinmen Island in Taiwan and Fujian region in China. In the 18th century, they ended up in Singapore and Indonesia for survival and trade. Even though they assimilated into the local Malay communities, they kept alive their Chinese traditions, language and culture. If theres one thing to take away from all of this Chinese flexing, it is how migrant groups can successfully integrate and transform within a host culture without ever losing their ancestral soul. I am all for everyone getting to know Chinese culture and appreciating its breadth and nuance. Perhaps the fire horse will ride us into a revolution of multiculturalism, with coexisting cultural identities within societies. It might happen. As long as we dont cut our hair. The Brief Milwaukee attorney Michael Hupy is offering a $100,000 Crime Stoppers reward in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Investigators believe Guthrie was taken against her will from her Arizona home. Crime Stoppers allows tipsters to remain anonymous and assigns a reference number to each tip. MILWAUKEE - A new, local reward is being offered in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, who vanished 16 days ago from her Arizona home. What we know Investigators believe Guthrie was taken against her will from her Tucson residence. Authorities continue to search for leads in the case. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Authorities are awaiting DNA results from a glove recovered roughly two miles from Guthries home over the weekend. The FBI says the glove appears to match those worn by a suspect seen in doorbell surveillance video. Local perspective Milwaukee attorney Michael Hupy, president of Milwaukee Crime Stoppers, is now offering a $100,000 reward through Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest. Hupy said the FBI is also offering a $100,000 reward, but he believes its requirement for personal information could deter people from coming forward. "Shes an 84-year-old woman and I dont like the way the investigation and reward is being handled," he said. "I think it could have been done much better. I think if the $100,000 was put up through crime stoppers we could be further along." Advertisement Crime Stoppers allows tipsters to remain anonymous and assigns a reference number to each tip. If the information leads to an arrest, a reward is paid without requiring the persons identity. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Dig deeper Hupy said he was surprised the original reward in Tucson was $2,500 and decided to step in. "This woman has been missing for two or three weeks. And no leads have amounted to anything. So if the person who knows who the perpetrator is doesnt want his name exposed, wants a reward and has information that will lead to an arrest crime stoppers is the perfect place to do it," Hupy said. "No one did it, so I am doing it." FOX6 reached out to Tucson Crime Stoppers but has not heard back. Editor's note: Authorities have since said the DNA on the glove found near Guthrie's home did not match anyone in the national database. The Source The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News. The Brief Jorge Narvaez, 52, was shot and killed by Villa Rica police on I-20 Eastbound following a high-speed domestic pursuit. The GBI reports Narvaez confronted his wife and police with a handgun after both vehicles stopped near Post Road. The interstate was shut down for hours during the Friday evening commute; no police or bystanders were injured. DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a domestic dispute ended with police shooting and killing an armed man on Interstate 20 in Douglas County Friday afternoon. What we know The Villa Rica Police Department requested the GBI lead the probe after police shot and killed Jorge Narvaez, 52. According to the GBI, police responded to calls regarding a domestic dispute around 2:25 p.m. Investigators say Narvaezs wife and another person attempted to flee from him in a vehicle, and Narvaez followed them. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report a possible road rage incident involving the two cars. Officers eventually located both vehicles on I-20 Eastbound just past the Post Road exit. Both cars came to a stop, and Narvaez exited his vehicle brandishing a firearm, according to the GBI. When Narvaez walked toward his wifes car and an officer, two police officers opened fire. Advertisement Narvaez was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur for an autopsy. No officers were injured in the incident. Local perspective The shooting forced authorities to close I-20 Eastbound for several hours, causing significant traffic delays. Dig deeper It is standard practice for the GBI to investigate all shootings involving police in Georgia. The Source Information about the shooting in this article came from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Information about the backup came from GDOT's 511 website. It has been updated with information surrounding the shooting released by the GBI. New Lumina residents travelling aboard Odyssey (pictured) will be able to move vessels during a meeting event in Miami (Villa Vie Residences) Residential cruise line Villa Vie Residences has announced an alliance with a new luxury line to offer residents a more refined experience on the waves. Villa Vie offers a life at sea alternative to traditional retirement, featuring permanent, long-term, or flexible cabin rentals aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey. Avora Residences, a new residential cruise brand, plans to offer a global adventure to a curated collection of the worlds most coveted destinations on a three-year continuous journey. Lumina, the Avora lines inaugural vessel, is scheduled to make its maiden voyage from Lisbon, Portugal, with 268 residences in January 2028. Avora is the latest offering in the residential cruise market and a more refined luxury experience than Villa Vie Residences. Residences on Lumina starts at $219,600 (162,000) for five-year ownership of the lowest room category. Currently, cabins on Odyssey start from around $130,000 (96,000). Under the partnership, residents of both Villa Vie Residences and Avora Residences will gain access to Odyssey and Lumina, as well as any additional future vessels by the brands. Advertisement Guests who book a cabin aboard the Odyssey in February for a minimum three-month stay will receive a complimentary two-week visit aboard Lumina following its debut. According to PRNewswire, new Lumina residents travelling aboard Odyssey will be able to move vessels during a meeting event in Miami. Mikael Petterson, founder and chairman of Villa Vie Residences, said: Luxury today is defined by access and freedom. This alliance expands both. Our residents gain access to a broader world of experiences, while each brand maintains its own distinct identity and philosophy. Friends and family benefits will apply between vessels, creating a more connected global lifestyle ecosystem, said Villa Vie. Kathy Villalba, CEO of Villa Vie Residences, added: We recognise that many future Lumina owners are eager to begin travelling the world by sea immediately. The opportunity to spend time aboard Odyssey allows residents to begin living the residential-at-sea lifestyle right away, while they prepare for Lumina's debut. Read more: What life is like living permanently on board a cruise ship Targeted maintenance steps can help homeowners limit unexpected repair expenses LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As winter winds down, Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is encouraging homeowners to take advantage of late winter to tackle small maintenance projects that can help prevent thousands of dollars in avoidable repair costs once spring arrives. Addressing minor issues now can reduce the risk of larger, more expensive damage later in the year. Regular home maintenance isn't just about upkeep it's a critical step in protecting long-term property value and avoiding financial strain. Industry research shows that the average delayed home repair now costs more than $5,600, with many homeowners postponing routine maintenance that could have prevented more serious damage. Nearly three-quarters of homeowners report delaying at least one repair, often underestimating how quickly minor issues can escalate. Deferred maintenance frequently compounds over time. Studies show that neglected home repairs can increase overall costs by approximately 7% per year, while homeowners who delay maintenance may ultimately pay three to five times more than they would have spent on preventive care. In addition to higher repair bills, ignoring routine upkeep can also lead to water intrusion, structural deterioration and reduced property value. "Late winter is one of the smartest times for homeowners to focus on prevention," said Adam Bakonis, Sr. Product Manager, Property, at Mercury Insurance. "Many of the issues we see later in spring water damage, roof leaks and HVAC failures often start as small, manageable problems that could have been addressed earlier with routine maintenance." With the harshest winter weather typically behind them and before spring storms arrive, homeowners have a valuable opportunity to inspect and reinforce vulnerable areas of their homes. Why Late Winter Is the Right Time Late winter offers a strategic maintenance window that allows homeowners to: Clear gutters and downspouts of debris that can contribute to water damage and ice dams Have roofs and attics inspected for loose shingles or moisture intrusion before spring rain Check heating systems one final time before seasonal shutdown Seal gaps around doors and windows to improve efficiency and prevent moisture issues Mercury's Targeted Home Maintenance Checklist To help homeowners prioritize, Mercury Insurance recommends focusing on: Roof, attic and gutter inspections HVAC system checks and tune-ups Plumbing inspections for leaks Weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Taking these steps now can help homeowners avoid more costly repairs during peak storm and renovation seasons, when contractor availability and material costs are often higher. Through ongoing education and risk-prevention guidance, Mercury Insurance helps homeowners take proactive steps to protect their homes, manage risk and control long-term costs. About Mercury Insurance Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance. Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on X , Instagram or Facebook . Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom SOURCE Mercury Insurance Services, LLC Reflecting on some of the highlights throughout the years, Ong said a few examples include when it was granted Intel and Microsoft distributorship and when it became a major service provider for four major retailers, which impacted the scale of its operation from backend systems, interconnectivity, maturity of technology, product and the know-how on the supply chain, and forecasting with vendors to bridge the knowledge gap. They can see we can add value to their supply chain, he said. When the distributor moved into servicing the commercial and system integrator space, Ong said this proved to be considerably different. Its very much project-based, vertical solutions one-by-one, and we have to understand the customers customer and their requirements, he said. Another milestone Ong pointed out was Synnexs move into the cloud business eight years ago. Its a different scale all together. The revenue is recurring, using a marketplace instead of moving physical stock and more focused on enablement and digital marketing, Ong said. How service providers can have multi-processing power, and deal with different types of requirements, customers and industries that experience and knowledge is really important. As customers scale up their businesses, Gimisis added they want partners, such as distributors, to help them with their backend, along with marketing, enablement, technical and configuration services. Theres trust from the community to bring brands we dont actually do and provide the configuration services to be able to deliver to the end user. For us, thats a value add and its pretty simple, he said. Arthur Gimisis Investing through disruption Both Ong and Gimisis discussed how Synnexs major investments have often been made during periods of economic disruption. Every time we face an economic crisis, we invest, Ong said, specifically citing land purchases in Sydney and Melbourne during the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Day one, when we started the process, we designed the automation warehouse conservatively in Sydney and we reached 100 per cent utilisation rate within eight months. Within six months, we rushed for stage two, and we ended up with two facilities DC1 and DC2, he said. After a fair bit of evaluation, the decision was made to acquire the new Melbourne site. Ong said as it was during the COVID-19 period, talent was hard to find during the construction phase and it had to rely on interstate workers. When we started building, we brought all of our expertise in automation from overseas, Ong said. The Melbourne DC is a state-of-the-art facility across the whole Asia Pacific. During challenging market periods, Gimisis said it took a punt on its key resellers and retailers when they were doing it hard to support them and provide credit facilities to allow them to trade out of it. Were not just a distributor, were not just a service provider; were supporting our reseller channel. We understand the pain points and well support them. That really makes Synnex different we care for our resellers, he said. Throughout all this, Gimisis highlighted Synnexs organic growth. We try to understand ourselves through our customer lenses and their customers. Looking at when we first started, which was very OEM-based components and then we moved into retail, we needed to understand what retailers were looking for. Their complexities between storing, cross dock, integration, APIs and back end were crucial to drive the business, Gimisis said. When we moved into commercial and SIs, again we needed to understand what the pain points were and one of them was around trust. Do they trust the distributor theyre dealing with to deliver and support them in good times and the bad times and then understand their business enough to be able to execute? AI and the marketplace While AI has become a dominant industry theme, Synnex has been building AI capabilities on top of its transaction data with plans to accelerate investments in AI and specialised capabilities to further strengthen support for its growing customer base. Along the way, Synnex has also used AI to improve internal processes and guide strategic decisions. It has helped to point out what areas and processes can be improved and our internal management team can make data-driven decisions, he said. The culture of Synnex is about working out ways to build synergy and connect our customers together from one point to another, Ong explained, while emphasising the Synnex brand features two components: synergy and nexus. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its AI acceleration platforms by working with independent software vendors (ISV) and SIs to deliver AI solutions tailored to specific industries. ISVs want to promote their products, but they dont know how to do it and SIs want to help the customer to solve the problem theyre facing. If the SI wants to do an implementation, they dont know which ISV to talk to, he said. We can get all parties together and pinpoint each different vertical from education, hospitality, retail, manufacturing to mining you name it. AI is all about the right scenario for its usage. While marketplaces remain important, executives said the companys focus has shifted beyond self-service models, increasing the emphasis on enablement, advisory services, and meaningful customer conversations. Particularly pointing to complex areas such as AI, licensing, and custom solution design. Marketplace is a connectivity tool between the vendor, reseller and end users. It downplays the connection, delivery and taking a cut, but its more than that. What are the follow up steps? Thats the part thats missing, Gimisis said. For us, marketplace a is must because we want to connect people together with services, but for us theres another layer on how we connect with people and make meaningful conversations. Were helping our resellers have a conversation with the end user, to bring those solutions in place. At a regional level, Synnex is also increasing investment in vendor-aligned specialisations and is now among the top 50 Microsoft cloud solution providers globally with multiple specialisations already achieved. Were going for the third specialisation security in the next three or four months, Gimisis said, adding that the company expects to be the first CSP in Asia Pacific with three specialisations. Leadership and trust The companys leadership principles are anchored in speed, visibility, and value. Visibility is important and the value whats your value proposition? he said. Synnex operates with a flat management structure and an open-door policy. Ong describes his leadership approach as open, collaborative, and customer focused, while Gimisis said his leadership philosophy begins externally with decisions guided by what customers need, rather than internal assumptions. At the corporate level, trust remains central to the companys identity. Winning trust is a privilege. It is also our responsibility, Ong said. As Synnex continues to invest in automation, AI, and platform services, both executives say the goal remains consistent: to build synergy and to connect our customer together from one point to the other point to solve their pain point. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultancy OneKloudX has partnered with Epicor, expanding its service portfolio to meet demand for cloud-based ERP platforms for targeted industries. The portfolio expansion includes the Epicor Kinetic and Prophet 21 platforms in order to meet the needs of manufacturers and distributors looking for modern, cloud-ready ERP platforms. As a result, the consultancy will apply its FlexSafe implementation methodology to the deployment of the two new platforms for manufacturing and distribution clients, as well as other sectors, in Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ). OneKloudX will deliver the ERP vendors services with locally based consulting and delivery teams in both Australia and Asia via on-site engagement and long-term managed services. The consultancys group CEO and sales director, Robert Jurcec, said the partnership aligns with its mission to provide A/NZ businesses with ERP solutions that meet their needs. By combining our FlexSafe implementation methodology with Epicors platform capabilities, were giving customers greater choice and a proven path to successful ERP deployment, he noted. by N. Carvalho and P. Nayak In a village in the district of Nabarangpur, the family was prevented from performing funeral rites for 20 hours. They were only able to bury him on their own land, but without religious symbols. The incident is linked to a dispute over a prayer hall. Local Christians are outraged, authorities try to mediate. Bhubaneswar (AsiaNews) - In Orissa, tensions are running high over the burial of a 13-year-old Christian boy who died on Saturday in Kapena, a predominantly tribal village in the district of Nabarangpur, where a dispute over a Christian prayer hall was already underway. Krutibas Santa, a native of Kapena and member of the Christian community, lost his son after a long kidney illness in the early hours of 14 February. Other villagers blocked access to the cemetery, preventing the family from performing funeral rites there. Only in the evening, following the intervention of the district administration and the police, almost 20 hours after the death, did they agree to allow the burial on land owned by the family. However, Krutibas had to sign a statement pledging not to place religious symbols on the gravestone and to maintain peace and order in the village. According to the bereaved family, some villagers also insisted that they renounce their faith or leave the village. The incident follows a previous one on 25 January, when some residents claimed that a group of people entered the building used as a church at around 9 a.m., disrupted the prayers and ordered about 30 Christian tribal families to renounce their faith. Faced with their objections, the troublemakers reportedly locked the church from the outside and forced everyone to leave. After that incident, the district administration organised a peace meeting involving both groups in an attempt to resolve the situation. However, the dispute over the burial now casts a new shadow over the reconciliation efforts. The Christian community has expressed strong indignation at the way in which the body of a 13-year-old boy was allegedly held and at the imposition of a conditional agreement. "Is there no place in a state minister's constituency to bury a 13-year-old child? Is there no permanent solution from the administration to stop this repeated harassment of minorities? Why are innocent people being misled for political gain? The National Christian Front has warned that if adequate measures are not taken immediately for the funeral rites of the deceased child, it will take to the streets to protest," said Pallab Lima, president of the National Christian Front. The administration has called on both communities to remain calm. Police presence in the village has been strengthened as a preventive measure, while authorities continue dialogue with both sides. 17 February 2026 11:28 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The final court decision (verdict) was announced in an open court session on the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who was charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. AzerNEWS reports that the hearing took place at the Baku Military Court, chaired by judges Zeynal Agayev, Jamal Ramazanov, and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samedova). The accused was provided with a Russian-language interpreter and a state-appointed defense lawyer. The session was attended by the accused and his defense attorney, victims and their legal heirs along with their representatives, prosecutors representing the state prosecution, and Rufat Mammadov, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Office, recognized as the victim on behalf of the Azerbaijani state. According to the verdict, R. Vardanyan was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. It is noteworthy that during the trial, the prosecutor had sought life imprisonment for the accused. ZURICH, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SPS, a leading global outsourcing provider of technology-enabled business process solutions and innovative services that support hybrid working models, today announced it has been named to the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals' (IAOP) 2026 Global 100 list. This marks the 14th consecutive year SPS has earned a place in this prestigious ranking. The Global 100 recognizes the world's top outsourcing service providers and advisors, selected through a highly competitive application process. Companies are evaluated using a rigorous scoring methodology that includes independent review by an expert panel of IAOP customer members with deep experience in outsourcing decision-making. Assessments span four core areas: Customer References, Awards and Certifications, Programs for Innovation, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Collectively, the Global 100 reflects excellence in innovation, client impact, governance, and social responsibilitysignaling trust, credibility, and leadership in an increasingly complex global business environment. SPS enables organizations to adapt and succeed in an increasingly complex and fast-moving world. Designed to support today's evolving workplace, SPS delivers agile solutions that serve clients, their customers, and their employees. Through its two core service lines Technology Business Solutions (TBS) and Enterprise Workplace Solutions (EWS) SPS provides tailored offerings that blend innovation, deep expertise, and flexibility to help businesses transform their operations and stay competitive in a constantly changing market. By seamlessly connecting the physical and digital worlds, SPS delivers exceptional customer experiences with faster turnaround times, greater accuracy, and reduced complexity. Commenting on the recognition, Joerg Vollmer, CEO of SPS, said: "Organizations today are navigating an increasingly volatile business landscape, with continued disruption expected in the year ahead. In this dynamic environment, SPS remains a trusted partner, helping organizations shape the future of work by simplifying complex transformations. Our approach enhances customer satisfaction, elevates employee engagement, and drives operational efficiency. Through AI-powered technologies, streamlined processes, and a team of passionate, customer-focused professionals, we enable our clients to unlock new opportunities. We are honored to be recognized once again as a leading global provider of document management and business process outsourcing solutionsan acknowledgment of the strength and impact of our transformative approach." "The 2026 Global 100 recognizes organizations that are redefining what excellence looks like in today's global business ecosystem," stated Debi Hamill, CEO, IAOP. "We are pleased to recognize SPS for delivering measurable value, embracing innovation, and demonstrating leadership across governance, talent, and social impact." Discover how SPS can help you optimize business processes, enhance agility and accelerate organizational success. Learn more at http://www.spsglobal.com. About SPS SPS is a leading technology-driven business transformation company. With our innovative Enterprise Workplace Solutions, we empower organizations to adopt hybrid work concepts to enhance productivity and flexibility. Our Technology Business Solutions bring together cutting-edge technology, deep vertical process expertise, and a diverse global workforce to support clients in their digital transformation journey and efficiently tackle their most complex challenges. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, SPS operates in more than 20 countries and focuses on clients in banking, insurance and health. SPS has more than 8,500 employees and is recognized with a world-class NPS by its global client base. We act with precision, connect people to the right information, and turn data into insights for better outcomes. Discover how our dedicated team at SPS makes an impact that matters by visiting www.spsglobal.com. SPS. The Power of Possibility. About IAOP IAOP is the professional association for outsourcing and global sourcing professionals. We connect the buy-side, partner providers, advisors, and other leaders through education, thought leadership, events, and a collaborative community focused on better business and societal outcomes. Learn more at www.IAOP.org. Now in its 20th year, the IAOP Global 100 is IAOP's annual listing recognizing the world's leading outsourcing service providers and advisors. The IAOP Global 100 serves as a trusted resource for organizations seeking high-performing partners across a broad range of outsourcing and global services. Companies of all sizes are eligible to apply. IAOP membership is not required and does not influence selection. Final inclusion is based on a rigorous, independent evaluation of customer value, innovation, industry recognition, and social impact. SOURCE SPS 17 February 2026 15:28 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In geopolitics, when corporate interests align with genuine partnership, the outcome is often durable and mutually beneficial. The relationship between Azerbaijan and Serbia is a strong example of this dynamic, where strategic cooperation is producing long-lasting results for both sides. Serbia and Azerbaijan have formalised a landmark energy cooperation agreement by signing an agreement to construct a gas-fired power plant near Nis. Developed jointly by Serbias state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), Srbijagas, and Azerbaijans SOCAR, the plant will have a capacity of 350 MW of electricity and 150 MW of thermal energy. This new facility will provide baseload power to meet rising domestic consumption and support Serbias expanding industrial and digital infrastructure. This project reflects a strategic shift for both countries, positioning Azerbaijan as a supplier of fossil fuels as well as an alternative energy provider for Europe. As President Ilham Aliyev stated: 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. The initiative aligns with Azerbaijans broader energy strategy, which aims to add an additional 8 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, a significant portion of which is earmarked for export to Europe. President Aleksandar Vucic highlighted the importance of infrastructure readiness and long-term planning, highlighting the expansion of sources as a tremendous opportunity in a turbulent economic era. The era of electricity is beginning, and we need many sources of electricity. We need to produce more electricity. Azerbaijan will have electricity measuring gigawatts." As President Vucic mentioned, the construction will take more than two years. He expressed confidence that the two countries together will open a gas-fired power plant by 2029. The plant will have a 50/50 ownership model between Serbia and Azerbaijan, a structure that balances investment risks and returns. In a comment to AzerNEWS, energy expert Ilham Shabanov first underscored the lower risks for Azerbaijan, as it owns half the company's shares. If we consider that in Turkiye we bought the thermal power plant of the GAMA Holding on December 23, we bought 100 per cent of the 870 MW plant, but in Serbia the risks will be shared 50 per cent. This arrangement ensures that both countries share operational and financial responsibilities, while giving Azerbaijan a role in controlling standards and efficiency, potentially leveraging SOCARs experience in modern power generation. The expert also spoke about the effectiveness of the project, based on international experiences and precedents. Shabanov emphasised that the project represents standard gas-fired electricity generation rather than a transition from gas to electricity: Countries are different. There is no such concept as the successful application of thisIt depends on how you operate it, provide services, and maintain it according to regulations. For example, in Azerbaijan, modernisation efforts have reduced conventional fuel consumption from over 400 grams per kWh to 220 grams at the 8 November thermal power plant in 2025. Meanwhile, in countries like Italy, technical losses and efficiency vary widely, showing that proper operation is as important as technology itself. The lesson is clear: the plants efficiency will depend on modern equipment, strict operational standards, proper maintenance, and effective fuel management. Shabanov touched on the main point and emphasised that the gas-fired plant has the potential to diversify Serbias energy supply, which has historically relied on Russian imports. He noted, however, that due to its 500 MW capacity, it is unlikely the plant will immediately export electricity outside Serbia. Nonetheless, it strengthens domestic energy security and could serve as a stepping stone for larger regional cooperation. President Aliyevs comments frame the project within a broader European energy strategy: To achieve this [exporting additional capacity], we need new and larger transmission capacities because our main export destination is Europe. By coupling gas exports with electricity generation, Azerbaijan can expand its role in Europes energy market while promoting cleaner electricity, supporting both energy security and environmental goals. But of course, there are some main challenges, which are mainly related to the infrastructure and technology of this project. Actually, President Vucic also pointed out the necessity of strategic planning, site selection, and complementary infrastructure. Three sites have been selected around the city of NisThe European Union also recognizes this. In short, the construction is expected to take place in Tripale, Krusti, or Niska Banja. However, I think Krusti is the most suitable place. Small modular reactors will be installed. There will be data centers and other issues will be resolvedThe pace of the work should be accelerated, and we are grateful to our Azerbaijani friends for their support. Key challenges include transmission and grid capacity, as effective integration of the plant will require expansion of infrastructure, particularly if Azerbaijans long-term European export goals are to be met. Operational efficiency is another concern; as Shabanov noted, optimal performance depends on careful maintenance and adherence to international standards. According to the expert, timeline sensitivity is also critical: if the Commercial Agreement is signed in 2026, the plant is likely to begin operations by 2029, leaving the region potentially exposed to energy volatility in the meantime. Finally, environmental considerations remain important. While gas is cleaner than coal, it is still a fossil fuel, and compliance with EU environmental standards will be essential if Serbia aims to export electricity. The power plant represents a practical, phased approach to energy modernisation. For Serbia, it provides stable electricity to support economic growth, industrial expansion, and digital infrastructure development. For Azerbaijan, it is both a commercial and strategic foothold in Europe, complementing its growing energy portfolio. Energy expert Shabanov concluded that this model demonstrates the importance of risk-sharing, operational rigour, and strategic foresight: In a country in Europe that has been dependent on Russian energy carriers for many years, it can be seen as Azerbaijan's contribution to diversifying its energy imports and ensuring its own stable energy supply. As a reliable partner and a country promising stability, Azerbaijan's energy potential is expanding beyond its borders. The partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia is emblematic of the evolving energy landscape - one that integrates traditional fuels, regional cooperation, and long-term infrastructure planning to strengthen both national and European energy security. 17 February 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more In recent weeks, the court has delivered its final verdict concerning a group of Armenian nationals accused of separatism, war crimes, financing terrorism and crimes against humanity in Azerbaijans territories liberated from occupation in Qarabag (Karabakh from its Russian pronunciation). According to the ruling, Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan and Levon Mnatsakanyan have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 19 to 20 years, with some receiving life imprisonment. The verdict concerning Ruben Vardanyan, however, was postponed and was expected to be announced in the coming weeks. But who is Ruben Vardanyan, and why was he detained and brought to Baku? On 19 September 2023, following Azerbaijans anti-terror operations, separatist armed formations in Qarabag were dismantled. Prior to that, armed groups entrenched in certain parts of the region were reportedly financed not only by the individuals named above, but also by Ruben Vardanyan, who had arrived in Qarabag from Russia in an organised manner. Azerbaijani sources state that surveillance footage obtained by the Azerbaijani armys drones revealed weapons and ammunition being transported into Qarabag through illegal and concealed routes in military vehicles, operations allegedly linked to Vardanyans broader plans. Ruben Karlenovich Vardanyan known with his full name, the Russian-Armenian oligarch did not arrive in Qarabag by chance. Amid the unfolding political process, he assumed the self-styled position of state minister of the so-called regime, entering Azerbaijani territory illegally, reportedly with the backing of Russian peacekeepers, according to some sources. His financial background has long attracted scrutiny. Vardanyan amassed significant wealth through his involvement in the investment bank Troika Dialog, which was implicated in large-scale money-laundering schemes. Allegations have also circulated regarding links to arms supplies during the Russia-Ukraine war. The Forbes report said that his fortune stood at approximately $1 billion in 2021. Yet the central question remains: why Qarabag? Although numerous accounts of his past exist, the most credible assessments suggest that after years in business, Vardanyan was drawn into politics, a move that would ultimately prove decisive. His political inexperience became evident in 2023, when he sought to construct a quasi-state structure on the territory of another sovereign nation. That ambition, coupled with alleged attempts to finance separatism and terrorism, marked the beginning of the end. There is no shortage of information regarding Vardanyans business dealings, including allegations of financial manipulation, corruption and illicit financing. One cannot help but wonder whether, had he not set foot in Qarabag, he might have continued operating in the shadows of global finance. Instead, he chose a path that thrust him into the heart of a geopolitical conflict. In June 2021, Vardanyan renounced his Russian citizenship under unclear circumstances. He subsequently acquired Armenian citizenship and, from 2022 onwards, entered Qarabag, then partially under occupation, illegally. During this period, he declared himself state minister of the self-proclaimed Artsakh Republic. Given the scale of his wealth, his decision to relinquish Russian citizenship and relocate first to Armenia and then to Qarabag was unlikely to have been coincidental. Some sources suggest he anticipated potential international legal scrutiny and sought to rebrand himself politically. By shifting from the world of finance into the political arena, he appeared to attempt a strategic repositioning. For a time, Qarabag provided him with relative obscurity. However, as political dynamics accelerated, he was reportedly encouraged by certain figures to formalise his political ambitions and assume a leadership role. Following Azerbaijans September 2023 operations, Vardanyan attempted to leave for Armenia via the Lachin border checkpoint but was detained by Azerbaijani border guards. He was transferred to Baku, where he faces charges including financing separatism and terrorism. Today, the court is expected to deliver its final ruling in his case. 17 February 2026 12:13 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan imported 1.34 million smartphones in 2025, marking a nearly 11% decline compared to 2024. Despite the drop in volume, the total import value increased to $457.3 million, up from $439.95 million a year earlier, reflecting around 4% growth. This trend indicates a clear shift in the market toward more expensive devices, AzerNEWS reports. By country of origin, China remained the largest supplier. In 2025, Azerbaijan imported 1.08 million smartphones from China, worth $359.2 million. While volumes fell by about 10% year-on-year, the total value rose by 7%, pushing the average price per handset from $332 to $333. Vietnam ranked as the second-largest source. Imports from Vietnam totaled 247.9 thousand smartphones in 2025, with a value of $89.3 million. This represented an 8% increase compared to the previous year, with the average price hovering around $360 per device. In contrast, smartphone imports from India declined sharply. Volumes dropped from 74.7 thousand units in 2024 to just 14.1 thousand units in 2025, while the total value fell from $19.8 million to $8.5 million. The average price per smartphone from India stood at around $265. 17 February 2026 13:17 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Partner Countries Capability Adaptation Initiative 2026 training course is currently underway in Baku, the Ministry of Defense announced, AzerNEWS reports. Organized within the framework of the Partnership for Peace Program between Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense and NATO, the course is being held at the Institute of Military Management of the National Defense University. Participants were introduced to detailed briefings covering the trainings objectives, scenarios, and tasks. The initiative aims to enhance interoperability and adaptability among participating forces during joint exercises, while also fostering the exchange of expertise among partner countries. It marks a significant step in strengthening Azerbaijans international military cooperation. A total of 66 participants are taking part in the training, including 28 from Azerbaijan and 38 from NATO member and partner countries. Analysts note that such collaborative initiatives reflect a growing trend of regional forces aligning standards and practices with NATO procedures, enhancing readiness for joint operations and crisis response. 17 February 2026 13:36 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 134.2 million cubic meters of natural gas to Iran worth $9.032 million, AzerNEWS reports, citing the State Statistical Committee. 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! 17 February 2026 15:54 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 350.899 million cubic meters of natural gas to the Syrian Arab Republic, worth $120.085 million. 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! 17 February 2026 11:02 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Balakn vessel-ferry operated by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), part of AZCON Holding, has successfully completed scheduled repairs and returned to service. As reported by AzerNEWS, citing ASCO, the overhaul was carried out at the Zg Ship Repair and Construction Yard. The repair works included hull welding, pipeline installation, and electrical upgrades. The vessels steam boiler and watertight doors were renewed, while both the mechanical and electrical components of the deck cranes were serviced. Crew living quarters and service rooms were also refurbished. In addition, the above-water section of the ferry and the rail wagon deck were thoroughly cleaned and coated with a double layer of paint to enhance durability and protection. Following the completion of repairs, the Balakn ferry embarked on its first voyage to Kazakhstans Kurik Port. The vessel is 154.8 meters long and 17.5 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 12.5 knots and a deadweight capacity of 5,400 tons. 17 February 2026 14:55 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Polish President Karol Nawrotski has said he is a strong supporter of Poland joining a nuclear project, citing the countrys security environment and regional threats, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking to Polsat News, Nawrotski said Poland should begin work in this direction in accordance with international norms, stressing that the issue is directly linked to national security. We are a state located on the direct border of an armed conflict. The attitude of the aggressive, imperialist Russian Federation towards Poland is well known, Nawrotski said. Asked about how Moscow might respond to the emergence of a Polish nuclear program, the president noted that Russias reaction could be unpredictable. Russia could react aggressively at any time, he stated. The comments come amid an ongoing debate in Poland over nuclear deterrence and defense cooperation with allies. In spring 2025, former Polish president Andrzej Duda publicly called on the United States to deploy nuclear warheads in Poland as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression. In addition, Poland last year signed a defense agreement with France which, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, would allow France to extend its nuclear missile defense umbrella over Poland. Security concerns intensified further on September 10, 2025, when 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace during a nighttime attack on targets in Ukraine. Polands Operational Command of the Armed Forces described the incident as an act of aggression that poses a real threat to the safety of citizens. Following the incident, Poland formally requested additional air defense systems and counter-drone technologies from NATO, underlining Warsaws push to strengthen its deterrence and defense capabilities in the face of rising regional tensions. 17 February 2026 16:49 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more NATO will establish a new Combined Air Operations Centre in the Norwegian city of Bod, marking a significant step in strengthening the Alliances air defense and command capabilities in Northern Europe, Azernews reports, citing the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. The decision followed a comprehensive evaluation of potential locations across the country. After a thorough assessment of the required site, the final choice fell on the city of Bod, the ministry said. The new facility will serve as a key hub for planning, directing and coordinating NATO air operations in the region, reinforcing collective security amid evolving geopolitical challenges. Bod Mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen described the selection as both an honor and a responsibility for the city. Hosting such an important military installation carries great responsibility, but Bod is prepared for it, he said. The city has long been a suitable location for this facility and will continue to be so. The establishment of the centre is expected to enhance NATOs operational readiness in the High North and strengthen cooperation between Norway and its Allies. HOUSTON, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Buzbee Law Firm, led by lawyers Tony Buzbee and Crystal Del Toro, filed suit on behalf of John Doe #1 against the band Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte for Sexual Assault. Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte (the "Band") is one of the most prominent and influential musical groups in the history of regional Mexican music. Founded in the early 1970s, the Band has earned international acclaim, multiple Grammy Awards, and recognition across the United States, Mexico, and Latin America. The group's founder, Defendant Ramon Ayala, is widely known as the "King of the Accordion." The case is brought on behalf of John Doe #1, who was a member of the Band's traveling support staff. According to the lawsuit, John Doe #1 was subjected to repeated assaults of a sexual nature. According to Tony Buzbee: "I've handled some of the largest and most high-profile sexual assault cases in the United States. I've never seen the type of conduct alleged in this case. It is the most egregious and outrageous that I have seen. Something has to be done to stop this, and we intend to do it." The case is currently on file in Hidalgo County State Court; it seeks more than $25 million in damages. The Buzbee Law Firm is located in downtown Houston, Texas and occupies the top floor of the tallest building in Texas. The Firm has been involved in the most high-profile sexual assault cases in the United States and has recovered more than $10 billion for its clients. Inquiries: Attorney Tony Buzbee: [email protected]; 713-223-5393 (English) Attorney Crystal Del Toro: [email protected]; 713-223-5393 (Spanish) SOURCE THE BUZBEE LAW FIRM Elusive, Ethereal Zodiacal Light a Possibility Above Oregon, Washington, Coastlines Published 02/15/26 at 8:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Manzanita, Oregon) - From about now (February) through into spring, you'll want to keep an eye out for something special and quite elusive in the skies. Around this time of year the western sky just after dusk can reveal a strange, faint cone of light. Some describe it as a pillar instead, but either way its known as the False Dusk in spring, or more broadly as the Zodiacal Light (its fall counterpart is the False Dawn). Appearing sort of about blue hour, you're going to need long-exposure photography gear. Point your rig to the west on a very clear night and you might catch something quite literally out of this world. Despite its appearance, the Zodiacal Light isnt an atmospheric trick like the green flash or a sun pillar. Scientists say it originates within our solar system and may be caused by dust particles kicked up from Mars. Oregon Coast Beach Connection's Photo Challenge: Can You Finally Photograph the Zodiacal Light? See if you can catch it this year in Oregon or Washington. NASA photo / Utah According to OMSI astronomy expert Jim Todd, the phenomenon appears in the western sky during spring for viewers in Oregon and Washington - a fortunate alignment for coastal observers with a flat ocean horizon. Still, sightings are far from guaranteed; very few photographs exist at all. Experts say most people have never seen it because it's so faint. Even if you've been studying the skies a lot, most haven't caught sight of it. Much of that are the requirements to see it: a completely dark and clear sky, no moon and no light interference from towns around you. The latter should leave the Oregon or Washington coastlines in the clear, yet no one has apparently ever photographed the zodiacal light in this region. Or the photo is not publicized in any way. So how to see it? NASA scientists recommend watching the sky shortly after sunset, often about 30 minutes later, when the glow is most likely to emerge. Obviously, weather is a big factor, Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. After sunset, looking towards the west, clearly visible from horizon to zenith, he said. Highly recommend to get away from city. Camera works well. On the coastlines, oceanic haze may be a problem. Eastern Oregon or Washington may be a better choice many times. In fact, that's where Todd has actually seen it with his own eyes. Just what is the False Dusk / Zodiacal Light? It may well be from something like a comet, but scientists are not yet sure. They do know it interferes with astronomical data when it shows up. Zolt LeVay Photography - False Dawn in Arizona, bumping into the Milky Way Zodiacal light is caused by sunlight reflecting off tiny dust particles in the inner solar system - the disintegrated remains of comets and asteroids, said NASA. Attempts to measure how dark space is using telescopes like Hubble have been thwarted by this ambient glow. It's also huge. It towers about 30 40 degrees up into the sky, more visible and brighter closer to the horizon. You'll also notice it's a smooth and even glow, with no dark areas. Truly ethereal. Oregon Coast Weather -- Oregon Inland Weather -- Washington Coast Weather Great coastal spots to look for this will be remote parts of the Long Beach Peninsula, Grayland Beach, on Nehalem Spit near Manzanita, north or south of Port Orford (away from city lights), southern Pacific City, Cape Foulweather near Depoe Bay, the National Dunes Recreation Area between Florence and Reedsport, Cape Sebastian area, and the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours Astronomy News, Updates from Oregon Coast, Washington Coast MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Summer's Surprise Rate Drops in July On Oregon Coast Include Lincoln City Bea... 20 percent some vacation rentals in the heat of July's highest rates. Lincoln City lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews A1 Beach Rentals - in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay Substantial rate reduction all rentals (50 percent) - click on site. Lincoln City hotel reviews Port Orford Hotels Port Orford Hotel news, Port Orford hotel reviews, vacation rentals Summer's Surprise Rate Drops in July On Oregon Coast Include Lincoln City Bea... 20 percent some vacation rentals in the heat of July's highest rates. Lincoln City lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews 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 Two Vehicle Arrests on S. Oregon Coast This Weekend: High-Speed Chase, DUI Crash in Front of Cops Published 02/15/26 at 7:55 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Bandon, Oregon) Two separate arrest incidents on the south Oregon coast over the Valentine's Day holiday weekend involved vehicles in dangerous situations, as well as the Coos County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and the Bandon Police Department. One involved a high-speed chase and the other an alleged drunken driver who crashed in front of a deputy. (Photos courtesy CCSO) A Lakeside woman was arrested late Friday after crashing her pickup near an active traffic stop, according to the Coos County Sheriffs Office. The incident occurred on February 13, 2026, at 10:22 p.m., when Deputy M.R. Smith was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on Airport Way near North 8th Street in Lakeside. While speaking with the driver he had pulled over, Smith saw another vehicle on the other side of the intersection suddenly crash. Deputy Smith ran to the scene and found that 60-year-old Laurie E. Lindsay had crashed her 2016 Ford F-150 onto a large concrete block at the corner of North 8th and Airport Way. The sheriffs office said Lindsay was not injured, but her vehicle was left teetering on the block. An investigation into the crash resulted in the arrest of Laurie E. Lindsay (60) on the charge of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, said the CCSO. The vehicle was removed from the location by Mast Brothers Towing. Lindsay was transported to the North Bend Police Department for additional testing and was later released on citation. Saturday proved at least as dramatic as the previous night in the southern Oregon coast county, when a Sheriffs deputy arrested a motorcyclist late that evening after a high-speed pursuit south of Bandon. CCSO said the incident began around 11:58 p.m. on February 14, 2026, when the deputy attempted to stop a green 2024 Kawasaki motorcycle that was reportedly traveling well above the posted 55-mph limit on U.S. Highway 101 near Upper Four Mile Lane. Deputies say the rider refused to stop and fled south, turning onto Bethel Mountain Road and then onto Marple Lane. The pursuit continued over the muddy, pothole-filled roadway, where the motorcycle was seen catching air due to excessive speed. The rider, later identified as 43-year-old JD W. Easley, eventually crashed into a dirt bank and attempted to flee on foot. The deputy chased Easley on foot, tackled him, and took him into custody. Once arrested, Easley was found to have an outstanding warrant, which was confirmed. He now faces additional charges of Attempting to Elude by Vehicle, Attempting to Elude on Foot, and Reckless Driving. He was transported to the Coos County Jail, and Mast Brothers Towing removed the motorcycle from the scene. The Sheriffs Office would also like to thank the Bandon Police for their assistance in this incident, the CCSO said. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) A True 'Pacific Treasure' on Oregon Coast, Rental Overlooks Lincoln City Calm... A hot tub on that balcony, massive windows to the view. Hotel reviews, Lincoln City lodging, vacation rentals Lincoln City Openings for Sept (Including Holiday) Going for Less Than Much o... One has openings on Labor Day Weekend ? Sept normally summer prices. Lincoln City hotel reviews, availability Reedsport Hotels - Lodging near the lighthouse Reedsport Hotel news, hotel reviews, vacation rentals New to Oregon Coast Vacation Home Scene: Latest Finds in Neskowin, Pacific City Four new vacation rentals in Neskowin and Pacific City. Pacific City hotel reviews, Neskowin hotel reviews Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Oceanside - Where to eat - Oceanside Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Pacific City - Where to eat - Pacific City Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Waldport - Where to eat - Waldport, Seal Rock Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Upper Lane County Maps and Virtual Tours Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - - Where to eat - - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map 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 Where do you stand on the Transgender Issue now that the issue has gotten to the overt point of the open celebration of this lifestyle choice, dictated by certain direct and explicit actions. 61.9% I do not approve of behavior that has within its expressed tenants policies that harm children.33.33% I do support the Trans Community in all its many facets because diversity is at a premium in today's society.4.76% What is a "Children's Drag Queen Story Hour?" The fare left radicalism of America's teachers unions has been illustrated again, this time in Florida. The Florida Education Association held a press conference at which one of their speakers called for student walkouts and protests against ICE enforcing our immigration laws, saying it should be "required." This follows exposure of a mass email from the national teachers union, the National Education Association calling for its members to promote student walkouts and protests against ICE. The North Carolina teachers union, the NC Association of Educators, is affiliated with the NEA. (Two current school board candidates have been member of the NCAE - Monica Davis and Jennifer Cornelius) https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/outrage-after-florida-teachers-union-says-children-protesting/ Meanwhile, Texas has opened an investigation of schools that promoted student walkouts and protests against ICE enforcing our immigration laws. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for those schools to be stripped of state funding. https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/tx-public-schools-under-investigation-supporting-student-walkouts-ice What the Biden regime tried to do to the US and the Trump administration saved us from, is on full display in Germany. Aggressive "climate policies" have made energy policies skyrocket, and the country is de-industrializing. Germany is in its eighth straight year of industrial decline. Some industries like chemicals, mechanical engineering, and automaking are almost on life support with companies closing, downsizing, or sending production outside of Germany. The culprit? Angela Merkel's "Energiewende" (energy transition) shut down nuclear, coal, and gas fired power to move to intermittent, weather-dependent, and expensive wind and solar. German industry is now paying three times as much for its electricity as some of its competitors. Business and industrial organizations are sounding the alarm. Many Germans are starting to wake up. The party leading in the polls, the populist nationalist anti-immigration Alternativ fur Deutschland, is calling for removal of the wind turbines and returning to reliable and affordable energy generation. However, the country may have already gone too far down the anti-CO2 rabbit hole. A few months ago, the neighboring Czech Republic elected a new government that campaigned against UN and EU climate policy, its leading party and its new prime minster calling it "Green Madness". Shortly before that, another neighboring country Switzerland, went to the polls in a referencum and overwhelmingly rejected a new "climate tax." https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/germanys-climate-policy-has-moved-politics-courts-and-economy-paying-price One of the best presentations of the science that debunks the global warming / climate change theory is the British TV documentary "The Great Global Warming Swindle" which can be warched at this link: The US Supreme Court struck a huge blow in favor of parents rights last summer in the landmark decision of Mahmoud v. Taylor, which specifically dealt with schools promoting the LGBTQ and transgender agendas. It ruled that parents had to be notified of any such instruction and be given the opportunity to opt their children out, Rather than accept that ruling, many school systems are trying to circumvent it. In Lexington, Massachusetts, site of the famous opening battle of the Revolutionary War, school officials demanded that parents identify the specific matters to be opted out but refused to give them access to the materials to be able to identify such issues. They also claimed that if a lesson was couched in terms of "tolerance" that allowed them to get into LGBTQ and trans issues. The Mahmoud decision does not create any such exemption for the schools. In California, their leftwing state attorney general claims that the state can still impose a law that prohibits schools from disclosing children's gender identity issues to their parents, claiming that since this does not involve curriculum, it is okay. Colorado's Cherry Creek School District is setting up "lunch with a teacher" to discuss LGBTQ and trans issues with students, without notifying parents or allowing opt outs. The New Richmond School District in rural Wisconsin maintained a secret policy of allowing students who claimed to be "transgender" to use the restrooms and locker rooms of the opposite biological sex, and intimidated students to not tell their parents. When it got out anyway, they blasted the parents for being "bigots" and misrepresented the laws involved. https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/education/school-district-circumvents-parents-inviting-kids-lgbtq-discussion https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/16/5-things-to-know-about-the-secret-wisconsin-school-trans-bathroom-policy/ Nazrin Abdul Azerbaijan exported 11.915 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Turkiye in 2025, marking a 3.8% increase compared to 2024, according to a report by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), AzerNEWS reports. Of the total volume supplied during the reporting year, 11.525 billion cubic meters were delivered under long-term agreements, while 390.5 million cubic meters were traded on the spot market. In December 2025 alone, gas exports from Azerbaijan to Turkiye reached 1.081 billion cubic meters, up 4.17% compared to the same month in 2024. As a result, Azerbaijan ranked as the third-largest natural gas supplier to Turkiye in December. Gas exported to Turkiye is produced from the Shah Deniz gas field. Supplies are transported to the Turkish market via the South Caucasus Pipeline (BakuTbilisiErzurum) and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP). PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dyrt, the app to get the best campsites, built by the largest RVing and camping community in the U.S., is giving away $500,000 worth of their PRO camping apps at RV shows throughout the country throughout the year. RoadRunner Travelers RV Park, Texas (The Dyrt camper Allison) The Dyrt team hits the road this week to start greeting attendees at RV shows, who will each receive one year free of The Dyrt PRO a $59 value with every admission ticket purchased. According to the 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, RVs and trailers are the most popular type of camping with 52.2% of campers taking at least one trip in an RV or trailer in 2025. "We are giving away up to a half-million dollars' worth of our PRO Camping App at every event that we attend in 2026," says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. "The Dyrt Community Manager Jack Yates and I will be greeting people at shows all year long, spreading the word about The Dyrt and everything that PRO has to offer. It's the best deal in camping." Here are the confirmed events where The Dyrt PRO giveaways will take place: More shows that The Dyrt will be attending will be announced later in the year. "We're excited to partner with The Dyrt and bring this incredible value directly to our attendees," says Jason Vaughan, executive director of the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association. "The York RV Show is already known for its strong dealer participation and spring pricing incentives. Adding The Dyrt PRO to every ticket makes the experience even more impactful for RV buyers and campers planning their season." This year's Camping Report also found that of all camping properties that expanded in 2025, RV sites were the most popular type to add. RV popularity also increases with age: 47% of campers ages 45-54 camped in an RV or trailer last year, with that number rising to 55% for ages 55-64 and 64% for campers 65 and older. About The Dyrt The Dyrt is the app to get the best campsites, built by the largest RVing and camping community in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get all RV parks and campgrounds, the Free Camping Collection, and the RV Trip Planner. The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks is informed by the largest online camping community and is the leading source of information for the camping industry. www.thedyrt.com Media Contact: Mike Wollschlager 860-526-1555 [email protected] SOURCE The Dyrt 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. 'I can actually taste it in the air.' Berkshire residents react to wildfire smoke, which forecasters hope will subside Friday Despite light rainfall, and the low air quality, at least 10 people were milling about a public access area for the Cheshire Reservoir. Some reported having a sore throat or cough, while others said they didn't notice anything at all. Remember when the Berkshire hills were dulled by wildfires in Canada? Their blueness faded as if under a thin layer of gauze. Remember how the taint of smoke was in the air, making you think about digging out a pandemic mask? It happened also in Southern Berkshire when a stubborn wildfire blanketed parts of the Berkshires with ash and smoke, damaging air quality to the point where many people stayed inside. Remember buying an electric car, plugging it into an outlet in the solar-heated garage and thinking not only that you had given up gas stations but also made the world a better place with better air? Remember when you put an array of black panels on the roof of your house, patted yourself on the back for helping the planet and enjoyed the possibility of zero on your electric bill? People of all ages have become more and more aware of the need to think about greenhouse gases, air quality, pollution, the value of wetlands, the importance of conserving open spaces and forests. When 18 inches of snow, wild winds and frigid temperatures hit, we knowingly mutter climate change. Its taken a while to sink in that the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation, but its hardly news in the science world. Thinkers in ancient Greece pondered how weather altered their surroundings. Serious research on greenhouse gases they didnt label them that yet began in the 19th century, and by the 20th century, the scientific finger was pointing at human activities as the main source of the increase of the detrimental greenhouse gases. Now comes President Donald Trump to announce its all a hoax. Hes a president who frequently makes clear that he has the most, the best, the biggest of any president, whatever it is. He certainly tops all other American presidents for hoax labeling. Those of us who look everything up found that a hoax is defined as a trick perpetrated to make people believe something that is false. The president called the COVID pandemic a hoax, which might be offensive to those of us who suffered from isolation, serious illness and deaths in the family. Some trick. Its easier to believe that scientists are not tricksters, not clowns and magicians. What the presidents done this time is erase the science that says climate change endangers our health and our existence on the planet. Its called discarding the endangerment finding. The administration is essentially saying that the vast majority of scientists around the world are wrong and that a hotter planet is not the menace that decades of research shows it to be. Plenty of sources past and present show that presidents of both parties have accepted the concept for decades, including George H.W. Bush, who signed an international climate treaty. Lee Zeldin, Trumps choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, has flip-flopped, saying the endangerment finding regulated and targeted the American dream. But when he was in Congress, he voted several times to address climate change. According to The New York Times, Zeldin began to ridicule climate change after Trump appointed him to the EPA. And now the president has diluted the EPAs power over climate change. What does it mean in our backyards? Climate change experts talk about increasing numbers of people who will die because of air pollution, asthmatics who will suffer, people with respiratory ailments who will be hospitalized. They talk about the damage climate change has already done, with greenhouse gases affecting air quality; weather patterns, including flooding of entire towns; coastal erosion; drought, glacier melt, heat waves and cold waves. Those who think the science is correct see the EPA ending regulations about what comes out of power plant smokestacks, auto tailpipes and oil, gas and coal facilities that contributed to more carbon dioxide in our lives. It means the president views climate change regulations as a detriment to profits and the economy in general. It means, as he said at one point, This is all a scam, a giant scam, not an environmental and health issue. Its apparently also about making money. It means, if not repealed and it certainly will be appealed this executive order could scuttle the entire mission of what is called the Environmental Protection Agency. It will shun its reason to be, which includes ensuring that all Americans have clean air, land and water; that reduction of environmental risks is based on the best available science; that laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly. It means our hills may be hazy not to mention our lives. Chicago event supporting 18 nonprofits raises more than $2 million overall NAPERVILLE, Ill., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (TPAF), a Naperville, Illinoisbased nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with autism, raised more than $130,000 as it welcomed approximately 250 guests to its special pre-gala reception ahead of the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity at McCormick Place. Overall, the First Look for Charity eventwhich supported Turning Pointe Autism Foundation and 17 other local charitiesraised more than $2 million. Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Executive Director Carrie Provenzale (center, in a long-sleeve black dress) is joined by her team as she thanks supporters during the Chicago Auto Shows First Look for Charity at McCormick Place in Chicago. The foundation welcomed 250 guests to a pre-gala reception prior to the event and raised more than $130,000. The elegant black-tie First Look for Charity gala, held before the auto show officially opens to the public, featured live music and food offerings from 20 local eateries. Guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of new automotive concepts and trends, from cutting-edge technological advancements to affordable, family-friendly vehicles from global manufacturers. Select attendees also had the opportunity to participate in test drives. TPAF supports children, adults, and families across the Chicagoland area through best-practice learning environments that promote independence while improving communication and social skills. Its programs include an Illinois State Board of Educationapproved therapeutic day school serving students ages 522, as well as an Employment Training Program and other supportive services. During its pre-gala reception, the foundation welcomed guests and presented awards to members of its University Research Team from Northern Illinois University, who also serve on TPAF's Practice Advisory Board. These individuals help advance TPAF's mission to create educational opportunities through proven interventions that increase independence, encourage meaningful lifelong pursuits, and enrich the broader community. TPAF Executive Director Carrie Provenzale expressed gratitude for the strong show of support. "The volunteers, sponsors, guests, and team showed up with such heart for this mission," said Provenzale. "It was a beautiful event celebrating our students and our work, and we were honored to be part of a larger impact for Chicagoland. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association graciously hosts First Look for Charity year after year, and it is truly a don't-miss event." TPAF also extends its thanks to the following key sponsors for making the pre-gala reception possible: Fisher Phillips Hunziker & Associates Redmond Construction Aurora and Joliet Hollywood Casino Cete Ventures Toyota Motor Sales About Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Turning Pointe Autism Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising the standard of educational, therapeutic, and social engagement supports for children, teens, and adults with autism. Its success is driven by strong partnerships with leading autism research experts, Illinois school districts, employment training partners, donors, and volunteersall working together to build a thriving, inclusive future for individuals learning with autism. For more information, visit turningpointeautismfoundation.org. Media Contact: Marie Lazzara JJR Marketing 630-400-3361 [email protected] SOURCE Turning Pointe Autism Foundation Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. When comedian and impressionist Jess Robinson decided to dig into the archives of her German Jewish ancestry, she found an unlikely shared sense of identity with her maternal grandmother, who had lived through the Holocaust. At 23, Robinson, now a regular on shows including Dead Ringers, Spitting Image, and Horrible Histories, was then struggling with a fledging acting career. At 23, her German Jewish grandmother, Rosi Schul, a teacher, documented in her diary how she was deported to Poland by the Gestapo, suffering and witnessing the horrors of the treatment of her countrymen by the Nazis. So forms the juxtaposition of Robinsons book, Life Is Rosi, as the diary entries of each womans life experiences at a particular moment in time Grandma Rosis from 1938 to 1943, Robinsons running concurrently from 2006 are compared and contrasted. Rosi suffered the horrific internment in the Polish town of Zbaszyn, where she stayed more than six months. Robinson, at the same age, was trying to sort out a mortgage. Theres a lot of gallows humour. She was so stoic and so compassionate, and that compassion and her love for children really saved her life, says Robinson. The book blends humour and seriousness, exploring how both women coped with trauma in their young lives. Robinson suffered sexual harassment by a director and an assault by a taxi driver, which she didnt report. Advertisement Rosi saw Jews being herded like farm animals as they were loaded on to each lorry and the filthy, stinking barn, lying on damp straw, everyone squashed together like animals, not human beings Today, Robinson realises how humbling her grandmothers recollections were. At 23, I was obsessing over my weight and debating whether or not a red cardigan would help manifest my wildly vacuous dreams. At 23, Rosi was being wrenched from her life and praying shed see her family again, she writes. Rosi Schul (Jess Robinson/PA) But there were some similarities in their emotional experiences, finding romantic interludes, love and lust. And in the same way her grandmother had been stoic and uncomplaining at 23, so was Robinson. I found a lot of compassion for my younger self as well. There was one point when I was told I looked too Jewish for roles and then other times I wasnt Jewish enough, and at that time I would just nod and go, Okay, thank your for having me, because Ive always been told to be a good girl, keep your head down and dont make a fuss. Advertisement Robinson decided to write the book during the pandemic. Her father had just died, she recalls. Ive got this thing, which I think Rosi had and my mum has, which is, keep busy, keep going. It was just in my anxiousness to keep busy, keep moving forward. As the world had stopped, she decided to investigate her German ancestry, coming across her grandmothers diaries, although she always knew about her story and how she had escaped the Nazis. in August 1939, Rosi accompanied a group of children on a Kindertransport, finally settling in England while the war raged on. I wonder if I would have been able to show that same dignity and drive and stoicism, Robinson says. Jess and Grandma Rosi (Jess Robinson/PA) She was quite open talking about her experiences but she did always fob them off, saying it was just a big adventure and that she didnt suffer like other people because she escaped to Britain. Men abusing power was a theme which crossed both womens paths the Nazis with Rosi and some unsavoury showbiz characters with Robinson, including a director who said shed need to strip naked and loosen up to get the part. I remember feeling outside of my body, looking above myself. My best friend said it was a trauma response. I was so unbelievably naive. It was only once I got out the door and was running and got home that it all kicked in. She didnt report it, felt it was her own fault. I wonder what they would have done back then anyway, because its nearly 20 years ago. Advertisement In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #MeToo movement, she says: I have thought about other times when I havent got parts because people expected stuff of me. I either didnt pick up on it at the time or I didnt do it anyway. There were other times when she felt vulnerable. After that, I always told my friend where I was going and what time and to call me if I didnt get back by a particular time. Today, Robinson lives in Brighton with her second husband, musician Jonty Fisher, who she describes as unbelievably kind, supportive and steady and has had a huge amount of therapy, particularly on her body image. As for her grandmothers story, she reveals that in the past she has tried to pitch it as a documentary, tried to get herself on Who Do You Think You Are?, even pitched it as a TV sitcom. In the end, she decided to write a book about it. All this happened while she was trying to obtain German dual citizenship as she wanted to work in Europe. Writing the book has been a bit of a coming-of-age-at-40 experience, she muses. Now 43, she feels it has made her more resilient. A former semi-finalist on Britains Got Talent Robinson did singing impressions of Kate Bush, Lily Allen and Adele, among others she says: Like so many performers, part of doing it is to get the applause so you feel better about yourself. Its a cycle of Am I good enough? Advertisement I think it helped raise my profile and it also made every gig Ive done since not as scary. Ive performed at the Palladium, at the Royal Albert Hall, and no gig, no live show, has ever been as scary as doing that live semi-final. With a fine singing voice, she appeared in the theatre production of Little Voice, and then a fellow actress found her an introduction to the producer of Radio 4s Dead Ringers. She went on to stage her own impression shows and has voiced for Disney, DreamWorks and Netflix, appearing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe annually and becoming a regular face on the Channel 4 hit The Last Leg. Her latest regional tour, Your Song Elton Reimagined, features Elton John songs reimagined in the voices of some of her favourite icons, including Kate Bush, Billie Eilish, and Amy Winehouse. However, writing the book is her greatest triumph, she says. I feel like its the first thing Ive done in my career thats of note. A formidable character who cared deeply about appearance and was sharp and guarded, Rosi was a few days shy of 103 when she died in 2018. Robinson thinks her grandmother would have approved of the book. I think, especially with what is happening in the world at the moment and the parallels that we are seeing all over the world, that she would feel it was important that we didnt forget. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has announced that it has opened an inquiry into X over the "apparent creation and publication" of sexualised images, including children. In a statement on Tuesday, the DPC said: "The inquiry concerns the apparent creation, and publication on the X platform, of potentially harmful, non-consensual intimate and/or sexualised images, containing or otherwise involving the processing of personal data of EU/EEA data subjects, including children, using generative artificial intelligence functionality associated with the Grok large language model within the X platform." The DPC said the decision to commence the inquiry was notified to X on Monday. The purpose of the inquiry is to determine whether XIUC has complied with its obligations under the GDPR. On announcing the commencement of the inquiry, deputy commissioner Graham Doyle said: The DPC has been engaging with XIUC since media reports first emerged a number of weeks ago concerning the alleged ability of X users to prompt the @Grok account on X to generate sexualised images of real people, including children. "As the Lead Supervisory Authority for XIUC across the EU/EEA, the DPC has commenced a large-scale inquiry which will examine XIUCs compliance with some of their fundamental obligations under the GDPR in relation to the matters at hand. HICKORY, N.C., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanwa Technologies, Hakusan, and US Conec announce agreements to bolster industry supply of MMC VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) multi-fiber optical connector and ferrule components. Sanwa Technologies will expand on their VSFF solutions of MDC duplex and MMC adapters by offering the industry acclaimed MMC multi-fiber connector embodiment. Hakusan Inc. will leverage their decades of expertise in low-loss MT technology to manufacture and supply the TMT ferrule in both x12 and x16 fiber variants. The agreements further expand on the rapidly growing supply chain infrastructure for state-of-the-art, high-density optical connectivity solutions. US Conec, SANWA, and Hakusan announce strategic partnership to expand MMC VSFF Ecosystem. Next generation hyperscale data center architectures have migrated away from traditional MPO cabling infrastructure to the higher density, enhanced functionality, rapid deployment, and improved performance of the MMC connector platform. In addition, emerging networking and server cluster technologies employing co-packaged and embedded optics are taking advantage of the higher densities of the MMC connector platform both internal to the equipment and as the optical I/O. "We are very excited to announce the expansion of our MMC VSFF Connector license and partnership with US Conec as SANWA continues our full commitment to the MMC and MDC VSFF technologies and the ecosystem. With addition of Hakusan in this partnership, leveraging their low-loss Multi-Fiber Ferrule manufacturing expertise, three companies will work together to rapidly expand the supply capacity to support the ever-rapidly growing market demands. SANWA is grateful to take part in this exciting collaboration with US Conec and Hakusan," said Aki Ishikawa, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer of SANWA Technologies. "We are honored to collaborate with US Conec and Sanwa Technologies in advancing the MMC ecosystem. By leveraging our 35+ years of expertise in precision MT ferrule technology, we are committed to delivering high-performance TMT ferrules that enable next-generation optical connectivity for hyperscale data centers and emerging architectures with pluggable optical transceivers and co-packaged optics. This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting global customers with reliable, high-density solutions that meet the evolving demands of the industry," said Ryu (Tatsuki) Kimbara, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Hakusan. "We are proud to partner with reliable and reputable optical connectivity suppliers on expanding the MMC ecosystem. Sanwa Technologies and Hakusan Inc. both have a long history of proven connector component supply and superior customer support, which will help to ensure that the market needs for MMC connector supply are soundly met," said Mike Hughes, VP of Product Management at US Conec. MMC solutions will be showcased at OFC in Los Angeles, March 1719, 2026. Visit US Conec at Booth 1938, SANWA at Booth 1017, and Hakusan at Booth 309all located in the South Hallto learn more. About US Conec: US Conec is a global leader in the design and development of high-density optical interconnects. With over 30 years of innovative experience, the company provides industry leading components for data center and enterprise structured cabling, public networks, circuit board interconnect, and industrial and military markets worldwide. US Conec is headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, and is an equity venture of three leading communications technology companiesCorning Optical Communications, Fujikura, and NTT-AT. For more information, please visit www.usconec.com. US Conec Press Contact: Ms. Youa Yang-Xiong Marketing Communications Manager +1 (828) 624-6417 [email protected] About SANWA Technologies: SANWA Technologies Co., Ltd. is a global provider of advanced optical connectivity solutions with more than 75 years of innovation and manufacturing expertise. With facilities in Japan and Thailand and regional sales offices across major markets, SANWA focuses on high-density fiber interconnects for hyperscale data centers, cloud and AI deployments, and carrier networks, while also supporting enterprise and specialty optical applications requiring precision, reliability, and scalability. For more information, please visit www.sanwa-tech.com. SANWA Press Contact: Joseph Kim Marketing Manager +1 (855) 769-8324 [email protected] About Hakusan Inc. As one of the world's first MT ferrule developers, Hakusan combines over 35 years of engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-precision, high-density solutions for data centers, telecom networks, aerospace applications, general industrial uses, and next-generation optical systems. Hakusan will continue operating as a globally trusted independent brand, while accelerating innovation in optical connection technology as the Lightera Group. Headquartered in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, Hakusan remains committed to performance-critical connectivity in evolving markets. For more information, please visit https://hakusan-mfg.co.jp/en/ Hakusan Inc. Press Contact: Ms. Erina Tsubomoto Lead Marketing +81-90-3246-9539 [email protected] SOURCE US Conec A Dublin man repeatedly attempted to kiss his sister as she was in bed and pull off her blankets to "spark a conversation in the family," a court heard. The man in his 20s, who can not be named to protect the victim's anonymity, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting her in February 2024. Sentencing at Dublin District Court was adjourned for the defence to obtain a medical report on the accused, said by his solicitor to have been suffering from psychosis at the time. Garda Nathalie Gut Ferreira told Judge Treasa Kelly that the incident occurred at the family home. The accused went into the young woman's room, "and tried to kiss her on the mouth three times," and he attempted to take off her blanket before she ran terrified to get help. Advertisement The man had to leave the household following the incident. Garda Ferreira said that the man was later interviewed, made admissions, and also gave his explanation. The woman came to court and presented a victim impact statement, which was not read aloud during the hearing. Judge Kelly thanked her for attending the proceedings and assured her that she had noted the contents of the document. Defence solicitor Peter Keating had sight of it too and submitted that the woman did not refer to whether she knew her brother was psychotic at the time. The judge agreed to defer finalising the case until a medical report on the accused was available. The accused, who did not have to give evidence, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again for sentencing in March. Earlier, the judge had ruled that the District Court was the appropriate trial venue rather than the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. After that ruling, the accused entered a guilty plea. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. A child whose drug use is being facilitated by a family member is among three highly vulnerable minors who the High Court has directed must be placed in secure care by Tusla, the child and family agency. Judge John Jordan was told this week that, in spite of Tuslas mandated application to the court for the orders concerning the three children, the agency would not be in a position to comply with the directions. This is because there are no beds available across the States three secure-care units. Highly troubled and vulnerable children aged 11 to 17 can be detained in a secure-care unit, known as special care, on foot of a High Court order granted to Tusla. Of the existing 26 beds across the States three secure-care units, just 15 are operational due to severe difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff. Advertisement There are now four children subject to secure-care orders who do not have a bed in a unit. At this weeks hearing, Paul Gunning, barrister for Tusla, said he was seeking a secure-care order for a child at risk of exposure to serious criminality and who has been facilitated in hard-drug use by a family member. Gunning said the child is constantly missing from their accommodation placement. The judge said he would grant the order sought. He said that to describe the minors life as chaotic was an understatement. He observed that the child was born into an impoverished, dysfunctional family, with drug and alcohol abuse present. Sarah McKechnie, another barrister for Tusla, said she was applying to detain in secure care a child who is being sexually exploited, is using hard drugs and is suspected of being involved in drug dealing. The child has been in care for some time, with previous placements breaking down due to their complex needs and behaviours, counsel said. Describing the minors situation as a sad case and hugely concerning, the judge granted the order sought. In the case of another child, McKechnie said that, since entering the care system, several of this minors accommodation placements have broken down. This was due to their violent and abusive behaviour, including physical assaults on placement staff, counsel said. McKechnie said the minors mental health has significantly deteriorated since last year. The judge granted the secure care order. Noting Tusla was not immediately able to comply with the directions, the judge said he was granting the orders with the expectation that they would be complied with without delay. A former police inspector has told the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe how he crawled through an underground storm drain tunnel system as part of efforts to find the missing schoolboy. The retired officer said he believed the tunnels would have been a very challenging place to survive if you were naked. The inquest at Belfast Coroners Court, which is being heard with a jury, is now in its fourth week. Fiona Donohoe, the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, attended Tuesdays hearing (Liam McBurney/PA) Noah, a pupil of St Malachys College, was 14 when he was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after leaving home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning. Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, attended the hearing on Tuesday. Advertisement A series of witness statements from retired inspector Menary, who previously managed the PSNI hazardous environment search (HES) team, was read to the jury. Mr Menary told the inquest he had attended Northwood Linear Park in north Belfast on March 24th, three days after Noah had gone missing. The former inspector said in the park there were hundreds of local residents in quite an agitated state due to the disappearance of Noah. He said it took more than an hour to clear the park so police could begin an inspection of the storm drain tunnel system. The inquest is being heard at Belfast Coroners Court (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Menary said the HES team searched above ground in Linear Park and below ground in the tunnels. He said it quickly became apparent the schematics provided by the Department for Infrastructure about the water network system did not match what we were finding on the ground. The ex-officer said: A number of entry points to the storm drain tunnel could not be found and appeared to have been landscaped or tarred over during the most recent improvement works in the park. Mr Menary said cameras were sent into the tunnels first, but he then had to enter the tunnel himself due to obstructions. He said by the end of June 24th the team had confirmed that Noah was not in the non-tidal stretch of tunnel which had been searched. He said Noahs name had been shouted while he was in the tunnel, but there was no response. Mr Menary said the search had resumed on Thursday, but had to be suspended due to rising tides. He said: What is now clear is that the search on the Thursday almost got to the point where Noah was found, but that it had to cease due to a rising tide. The retired officer said he was not personally involved in the search on subsequent days. Advertisement His statement added: I believe it would be a very challenging place to survive if you were naked. He also said that the search was at that point looking for evidence that Noah may have been in the tunnel at some point, but it was not a rescue operation. Mr Menary said the team did not have access to a drone at the time. He said: I do not believe any other police force would have had a drone capable of deployment underground at the relevant time. At no point did I consider that we had an equipment deficit or that our search was hampered or would have been better with different equipment. Irish holidaymakers heading to Cuba have been told to contact their travel agents immediately after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) changed their travel advice for the country. The second-highest level of warning has been issued for the country, with Irish travellers being told to Avoid Non-Essential Travel. The DFA issues this guidance for countries or territories which have serious and potentially life-threatening risks. It said: Our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in this location is extremely limited. Cuba is in the midst of an energy crisis which has affected transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism, and the production of food. There has been energy rationing, severe blackouts, and the Cuban government announced aviation fuel would not be available at Cuban airports. The island nation relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted when the US attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader. Advertisement At the end of January, US president Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to the country. The DFA has warned of blackouts lasting over 24 hours and long queues at petrol stations. They say the fuel supply issues are affecting water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications, with hospitals and clinics also affected. In a statement Clare Dunne, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said she would strongly recommend anyone thinking of travelling to Cuba check the DFAs advice and check with their travel agent before making any bookings. Ms Dunne added: When the DFA advise to Avoid Essential Travel to a particular country, Cuba in this instance, it usually means that the travel insurance policy will not cover travel to that country. The number of Irish citizens who travel from Ireland to Cuba has declined over the past few years and is now very low. This is mainly down to two reasons connectivity to Cuba from Ireland is very limited, and secondly, travellers who travel to Cuba are not then eligible to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA and must instead apply to the US Embassy for an entry visa. The organisation said there are thought to be few, if any, Irish tourists currently in Cuba. Irishman Seamus Culleton will not be deported to Ireland on Tuesday, after a court in the United States issued a temporary order halting his removal. This comes after it was expected that the Kilkenny man would arrive at Dublin Airport on Tuesday, reports the Irish Times. Culleton, who has been held by ICE officials in the US, told the media last week that he had been held in a detention centre in Texas since last September, which he likened to a "concentration camp". The Kilkenny man was arrested in Boston in September last year, even though he had been in the US for 20 years and is married to a US citizen. Niall O'Dowd with The Irish Times said that, even before the Trump immigration crackdown, Culleton very likely would not have obtained his green card because he had overstayed his 90-day visa. Advertisement "What is happening in practice is that the 90-day overstay visa cases which is the one most undocumented Irish entered under are being decided against the immigrant," O'Dowd said. "The draconian new laws seem to be part of the Trump administrations policy to make conditions so arduous that inmates will pledge never to come back to the US. "It is no surprise that the Texas judiciary, which is among the harshest in the USA, is handling much of the immigration issue." O'Dowd said it seems there will be few limits on steps taken to stop immigrants getting their green cards, even those showing up for their last interview with final signing-off papers clutched in their hand. He said he would like Taoiseach Micheal Martin to raise his case with US President Donald Trump during his meeting at the White House in March for St Patricks Day. The US Department of Homeland Security said Mr Culleton arrived in the US in 2009 under a visa waiver programme, allowing people to stay in the US for 90 days without a visa, but did not leave after this period. Culletons lawyer Ogor Winnie Okoye said the US government has historically given exemptions and forgiven certain immigration violations such as working without authorisation or overstay to immediate relatives of US citizens. Okoye said he had submitted a green card application before his arrest and had been scheduled for his marriage-based green card interview in November. On Monday, the legal firm of Okoye, BOS Legal, said a petition for review of the administrative final removal order and an ex parte motion filed in the First Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday delayed Mr Culletons deportation. Advertisement It said the significant development saw a temporary order staying Culletons removal for the next 10 business days. The court ordered the government to file their response which is due in the coming days, it said. Culleton has resided in the United States for nearly two decades and is married to a US citizen. He has no criminal entries since living in the United States. Culleton is married to a US citizen, presents no public safety concerns, and has strong familial and community ties in the United States. Culleton has been separated from his wife, Tiffany, and his family for over five months. Our legal team remains focused on securing his release from Ice custody and obtaining the immigration relief necessary for him be reunited with his wife and to remain in the United States with his family. We are committed to advocating for Culletons right to remain in the United States based on legal merits of his case. Our focus is on reuniting him with his spouse and ensuring that justice is served within the bounds of our laws. Additional reporting by PA A Limerick man has gone on trial accused of multiple counts of sexually assaulting a girl when he was a teenager, and she was aged between nine and 11. The man appeared before the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, where he pleaded not guilty to 12 separate counts of indecent assault of the girl. The accused cannot be named for legal reasons, Judge Colin Daly told a jury sworn in to hear the case, which is likely to last for up to a week. Judge Daly told the jury that anonymity was a fundamental principle of the justice system in respect of cases of a sexual nature in the Republic of Ireland. The judge said the case was of a highly sensitive nature and that the law tries to protect the identity of all alleged injured parties, as well as all accused persons, until a conviction might be obtained." Advertisement The judge told the jury: I am warning you now, you must not disclose the identities of the alleged injured party or the accused, unless reporting restrictions are removed, if they are at all. Outlining the alleged facts, prosecuting barrister John OSullivan said that the accused is 62 years of age and is alleged to have indecently assaulted the girl on dates between 1981 and 1983. Ireland High Court directs detention of three vulnerable minors in secure care Read more The man would have been 18 when he allegedly began the abuse of the girl at a location in the Limerick area. At the time, the alleged injured party was aged in the region of nine to 11 years of age, OSullivan said. The accused stood in the dock of the courtroom as he was arraigned in front of the jury and replied not guilty to each of the 12 charges as they were put to him by the court registrar. The trial is due to begin in earnest on Wednesday. A man who sexually assaulted another man after following him home has been jailed for three and a half years. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the injured party went out to get a pizza from Apache Pizza on Dame Street after returning home from a night out with his boyfriend on July 22nd 2020. While walking back, he was approached by Cezar Toader (40), who asked him if he was gay. Toader said he was looking for fun, telling the injured party he was French and in town for three days. The injured party repeatedly told him he wasn't interested, but Toader followed him home, where he sexually assaulted him. Toader (40) of Huntstown Lawn, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 pleaded guilty to sexual assault at an apartment complex in Dublin City Centre. He was handed a four-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. Advertisement The injured party, Stephen Markham, waived his right to anonymity and said he was happy to be named in the reporting of the case. Reading his victim impact statement, Markham said he believed this assault had changed the trajectory of his life for the worse. He said his friends and family saw him change from confident to a nervous and reclusive wreck. He described feeling angry, dirty and disgusted afterwards. He said he still feels shame at how I froze and asks why he was not more aggressive in fighting him off. It makes me feel a failure even though I know I didn't bring it on myself. Markham described experiencing PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks and depression. He said he was extremely worried about making a complaint to gardai due to internalised shame and stigma around men who are assaulted in this way. But he said he decided to report it as he knew he'd feel guilty if this person attacked someone else and I did nothing. He thanked the gardai for their support and work on the case. He also thanked his family, friends and support network for helping him, adding that he is now doing better. Everyone should have the right to get home safely. Markham added: I don't think this person has shown any remorse, I think they have been dismissive of the process, which is disrespectful to the court, gardai and everyones time. Imposing sentence, Judge Orla Crowe said the injured party had the misfortune to encounter Toader, who would not take no for an answer. Advertisement She said Toader engaged in degrading behaviour, later saying it was unwelcome, unwanted, unjustified and a gross violation of this young mans right to bodily integrity. The judge noted the impact on the victim, adding that the court was conscious that this process does not undo that damage. It is notable the dignity and courage involved in coming and giving voice to the offending on him, the judge said, noting his extreme bravery. Speaking after the hearing, Markham said there seemed to be increased violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community around the same time. He said he wanted to encourage others to be more vocal if something happens to them and noted the support he had received from the community and gardai. Detective Garda Richard Mostyn of Kevin Street Garda Station told Eimear Delargy, prosecuting, that after the victim told Toader no, he grabbed his arm and said: I know you want to do something with me. Toader followed the injured party, who told him to leave him alone. At the apartment block, Toader pushed the door open, telling the victim he wanted to have fun in the lift. He pushed him towards the lift. The injured party said no, that he didn't want to and asked Toader to leave him alone. Inside the lift, Toader became more forceful and aggressive then sexually assaulted the victim. After the lift door opened, he managed to get Toader off him. Toader followed him to his apartment, pushed open the door, then became violent and aggressive. He sexually assaulted the victim again, running off when he called for his boyfriend. Advertisement The victim was extremely upset and went to his local garda station the following morning. Toader was identified from CCTV footage of him following the victim home, which was played to the court. He was interviewed in March 2021, and made no admissions, though accepted he may have been out that night. Toader pleaded guilty in June 2025, several weeks before a trial date. He did not appear at a sentence date the following month and a bench warrant was issued. He has been in custody since the execution of the bench warrant last October. Toader has 13 previous convictions, all at the District Court, including for theft, handling stolen property and assault. He was also on bail at the time. Det Gda Mostyn agreed with Keith Spencer, defending, that his client has no similar previous convictions. Spencer said he did not have instructions to apologise or an explanation for his client's offending. Toader is from Romania and part of the Roma community. He moved to Ireland in 2006 and worked in construction, suffering a workplace accident several years later. Spencer said his client experienced homelessness in 2021, but later managed to secure housing from which he was subsequently evicted. Toader has difficulties with cannabis, his mental health and literacy, having left school early. Counsel said his client is in a committed relationship with a woman for three years The judge said it was aggravating that Toader was on bail at the time and that he took a bench warrant in relation to this. Having imposed a four-year sentence, the judge suspended the final six months for two years, directing Toader to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months. She directed him to follow their directions, particularly in relation to sexual offending and backdated the sentence to October last when he went into custody. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. Almost 300 sites that are prone to flooding were put forward for rezoning by councillors in the past six years, figures from the planning regulator have shown. The Irish Times reports that the regulator had to intervene 93 times to prevent the rezoning from going ahead, warning of the possibility of flooding if construction was given a green light. In a third of these cases, the intervention of the regulator's office was not accepted, and it had to ask the minister in charge to issue a formal legal direction not to proceed. These were issued to county councils in Clare, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Meath, Monaghan and Wicklow, and Galway City Council and Limerick City and County Council. Another nine cases in Donegal and Sligo are the subject of requests to the Minister. Advertisement According to the regulator's office, managing flood risk is now a "frequent theme" when it comes to its recommendations to local authorities regarding planning and development, the Irish Times reports. Last week, the Minister of State with responsibility for flood defences, Kevin "Boxer" Moran, had said that future homes built on flood-prone land would not receive any publicly funded flood defences. He said that this was something he was making "clear". "I'm appealing to every local authority, particularly when the pressure comes on now, in terms of homes to be built; if a house is built on a floodplain, it will not be defended, he said. Ireland Dozens of 'priority' flood defence works yet to reach planning stage Read more The figures come as the country has suffered from a series of storms and heavy flooding over the last few weeks. A spokesperson for the planning regulator told the Irish Times: "Development on land at risk of flooding affects people and communities who live there and can increase flood risk in other areas, by reducing the capacity for floodwater storage on floodplains. This issue is becoming more urgent due to increased rainfall driven by climate change. It is a core part of our work within the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) to ensure flood risk management informs the zoning of land, avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding. A Romanian national who killed a Canadian tourist in Dublin city centre by "brazenly" delivering a "full force running kick" straight to his head has been jailed for five and a half years. Sentencing 25-year-old Ionut Danca at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday, Judge Paul McDermott said this was an attack on a defenceless man, who was lying prone on the ground under the influence of alcohol and was no threat to anyone. He added: "The kick to the head was deliberately aimed and carried out brazenly in public view on a main street in Dublin city. There was no need and no justification for this". Instead of Danca getting help or walking away, the judge said the defendant had run at Canadian national Neno Dolmajian, kicking him in the head, causing his death, resulting in the loss of "such a valuable life". Advertisement Judge McDermott went on to say that the victim came across as a "positive person" who was full of life, vigour, creativity and laughter. He said Dolmajian was visiting Dublin from Canada, looking for new experiences and to engage with new people in a positive way. Describing the incident as "devastating", the judge said there was nothing the court could do or say to relieve the devastation suffered by the Dolmajian family. "The finite nature of what the court does in imposing sentence is nothing compared with the absolute loss and lifetime loss for those who are left to grieve in the wake of a killing such as this". Ionut Danca (25), pleaded guilty last year to the unlawful killing of Neno Dolmajian (42) on July 2nd, 2024, at O'Connell St Upper. Danca's co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan (24), had pleaded guilty to assaulting Dolmajian, causing him harm at Cathal Brugha St, Dublin 1. The judge said on Tuesday that the appropriate sentence for the "spontaneous and short-lived" assault inflicted by Ghiuzan was 12 months in prison. However, as the offender had already spent four-and-a-half months in custody, he was satisfied that the balance should be suspended in full for 12 months from today. Dolmajian was assaulted on June 23rd, 2024 and died nine days later, having been treated at the Intensive Care Unit of the Mater Hospital. Danca, a construction worker from Romania but with an address at Rathdown Square, North Circular Road, Dublin 7, had previously been charged with murder. Ghiuzan, originally from Romania but with an address at Summerhill Parade, Dublin 1, had a manslaughter charge brought against him. Advertisement The murder charge against Danca and the manslaughter charge against Ghiuzan are no longer being pursued by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Earlier this month, Sergeant Donal Byrne told prosecutor Seoirse O Dunlaing SC that the victim was a Canadian national of Armenian heritage. He had an interest in music and playing the guitar, and was travelling alone. He arrived in Ireland in June 2024, was staying at the Ivy Exchange and was due to leave on July 2nd. On the day he suffered the fatal injury, Dolmajian was drinking and after midnight, he encountered a number of males, including the two defendants, outside the Living Room nightclub on Cathal Brugha Street. There was a row, during which Ghiuzan punched and pushed Domijian, causing him to fall to the ground. He remained on the ground for more than one minute and struggled to get back to his feet, the garda said. Dolmijian then followed the group to O'Connell St, where there was a further series of interactions in which Dolmijian was again pushed to the ground before Danca delivered a "running kick straight to the face" of the victim. Before passing sentence on Tuesday, Judge McDermott welcomed the Dolmajian family, who attended via video-link from Canada, to the sentence hearing. He said Neno Dolmajian was born in Canada and had been raised by his family, who had moved from Armenia some 51 years ago. The judge said it was accepted that on four occasions Danca could be seen trying to act as a peacemaker, but that the victim had gone back to the group and directed comments which were of "some profanity" at Danca. Advertisement He said Danca had lost his temper and given "a full force running kick" to the victim's head. He said Danca knew there was no need for the kick to the victim's head and that there had been a significant gap between the "flooring" of the deceased and the kick, which he said had been shocking to watch. The judge said to inflict a kick like that on the deceased's unprotected head placed the offence on the upper end of the medium range for manslaughter, which is between four and ten years. The judge set the headline sentence for Danca at eight years. Ireland Man who claimed to be son of murdered Irish woman to obtain passport is jailed Read more He noted the defendant's plea of guilty to manslaughter and that he had no prior convictions. He said Danca had come to Ireland from Romania at a young age and had been a hard worker. Judge McDermott sentenced Danca to six years in prison but said he would suspend the last six months for a period of two years. The judge pointed out that the law may seem very "dry and removed" from the grief suffered by those who are left behind. "All I can say is that these crimes should never have been committed and I extend my sympathies to the family". As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more A failure to clarify long-term plans for the Rotunda Hospital contributed to planning permission for a new critical care wing being overturned, opposition parties have claimed. Dublin City Council granted permission for a 100 million four-storey extension to the maternity hospital in July. However, on Friday that was overturned by An Coimisiun Pleanala following objections about preserving the architectural heritage of the area. During Leaders Questions on Tuesday afternoon, both Ivana Bacik and Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if a 2016 proposal to move the Rotunda from the city centre to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown in west Dublin has been scrapped. That plan has not proceeded, and both women raised the clinical links the Rotunda Hospital has established with the nearby Mater Hospital. Bacik told Micheal Martin: It was entirely foreseeable that unless government had clearly ruled out relocation plans, such plans could be used as a stick to beat maternity care within the planning process. Advertisement While Cairns said the absurdity of the decision makes at least some sense when you realise that An Coimisiun Pleanala partially based this decision on government policy to co-locate the Rotunda to Connolly Hospital. Both pressed Martin to confirm plans to move the Rotunda from the city centre have been scrapped. He responded saying: I dont want, on the whim, to invent new national maternity strategies. He added that Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is meeting with the Master of the Rotunda and will come back to government fairly quickly with a statement about the future of the project. He said the co-location, where a specialist unit is placed on the campus of a larger hospital, was in essence there between the Rotunda and Mater hospitals. And he highlighted a blue light corridor that facilitates urgent transfers between the hospitals. He said: In my view, were going to have to look at all options here, in terms of getting this critical care wing built at the Rotunda, because there is no other immediate prospect, or short to medium term prospect of anything else happening other than the critical wing being established on this site. 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A fitness-to-practise inquiry of the Teaching Council found the teacher, James Clancy, had engaged in disgraceful and dishonourable conduct which brought the profession into disrepute over false claims about his qualifications, teaching experience and registration status. The false representations were made in 25 job applications, including 23 for teaching posts at post-primary schools, which Clancy submitted to Cork ETB between February and May 2023. The teacher, who has no history of employment in the profession, did not attend the two-day inquiry which concluded on Tuesday and was not legally represented. The chairperson of the inquiry panel, Adrian Guinan, noted that none of the allegations against Clancy had been denied, while he had acknowledged that he had not told the truth about his qualifications as a teacher in a number of emails to the Teaching Council in 2024. Advertisement Although Clancy had not been successful in obtaining any of the teaching roles, Guinan said it was essential that information provided by job applicants for teaching positions is accurate and reliable as it was central to the need to protect the public, parents, students and colleagues. Guinan said the inquiry panel was also satisfied that Clancy had breached the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers. In an earlier closing submission, counsel for the Teaching Council, Neasa Bird, said the teachers pattern of false representations was not isolated and not minor. Bird said it was particularly serious that the teacher had falsely claimed he had a masters degree in education in 23 different job applications. She said Clancy had clearly designed and intended that the false information would get him a job interview for a teaching post. The inquiry previously heard that he had obtained a masters degree in journalism from the University of Limerick in 2020, as well as a bachelors degree in maths and economics from University College Cork in 2006. It also heard that Clancy had made admissions about telling a mistruth about the subject of his masters degree but claimed there was inadequate work to make a living from journalism, while he could not afford the professional master of education (PME) course required to qualify as a post-primary teacher. Bird said the mistruth admitted by the teacher was with a purpose which made it a lie that was particularly egregious because it was used to apply for a job as a teacher. Advertisement The barrister said Clancy had falsely made claims about his qualifications to teach specific subjects, including Irish, English, science and physical education in 16 job applications. Bird reminded the inquiry panel that he had also claimed in 22 job applications that he was fully registered with the Teaching Council when his registration status was conditional until he obtained a PME. At the time, he was also limited to roles in further education. Bird said it was noteworthy that he had provided his accurate status to Cork ETB in a job application for a teaching role in Glanmire Community School in March 2023. She said the provision of the correct status meant Clancy was aware his registration was conditional and other declarations were false. She noted that he had still continued to claim that he was fully registered with the Teaching Council after he had been sent a reminder by the regulatory body in April 2023 that he only had a conditional status. The inquiry heard that Clancy also made false representations to the Teaching Council about the specific subjects for which he was registered in 15 job applications and about being registered in the post-primary sector in 20 applications. Bird highlighted how Clancy had tried to exploit an error made by the Teaching Council when he sought a copy of his teaching registration which incorrectly stated he could work in post-primary schools when he must have known he was not registered to do so. She recalled evidence that he had made false declarations about his work experience when he claimed he had worked at a Cork language school for six months in 2022, when he had, in fact, only been employed there for less than two months. Advertisement Noting his false claims about having had a fixed-term contract of nine months from Cork ETB to teach maths and economics, Bird said Clancy had only ever worked one day for the Board as a tutor of English for foreign students in November 2022. The inquiry arose after Cork ETB submitted a complaint to the Teaching Council in March 2024 after it became aware of numerous discrepancies in Clancys job applications when he had sought feedback on his exceptionally low marks across a number of interviews. At the conclusion of the inquiry, Guinan said the panel would sit again on a future date to hear submissions about the sanction to be imposed on the teacher. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said, I will be considering everything with regard to options for the Rotunda Hospital. Carroll-MacNeill was responding to a decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala to reject plans for a 100 million extension of the Rotunda Hospital intended to care for critically ill women and infants. It was decided that the four-storey critical care building would cause irreparable damage to the character of Parnell Square. Planning permission was originally granted by Dublin City Council in late July 2025, but was appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala by two third parties. Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, the Minister said the extension for the Rotunda was a critical piece of infrastructure and she was very disappointed about the decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala. Advertisement Carroll-MacNeill said she would be meeting with the Master of the Rotunda in two weeks to consider their options. When asked if she would support a judicial review, she said I will be considering everything. However, a judicial review could take a very long time, this was one of the faults of the planning system, she said. Her concern was the delivery of a unit to care for critically ill young children. The Rotunda is an incredible hospital, we all want this critical infrastructure to go ahead. At the weekend, speaking on RTE's This Week, the Master of the Rotunda Professor Sean Daly said he believed the Rotunda hospital "should stay where it is". In 2015 the Government announced it was putting in place a plan for the Rotunda to relocate to Connolly Hospital. However, Prof Daly said he does not believe "it will ever happen". Carroll-MacNeill agreed that the Rotunda should remain where it was given its proximity to the Mater Hospital as it was protected by a Blue Light Corridor. It would be difficult to see the Connolly Hospital co-location happening. The Rotunda works well with the Mater. The Minister said there would need to be a strong reason to deviate from the expansion plans for the Rotunda, the only decision that should be made, should be based on patient safety, she said. Clinical needs were more important than the heritage aspect. The public benefit was best served by the planned expansion which would meet the needs of the people of Dublin. Advertisement We have to protect the past, but look to the future. Carroll-MacNeill said that every option had to be examined. Alarming Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has described the decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala to reject plans for a 100 million extension of the Rotunda Hospital intended to care for critically ill women and infants as very disappointing and very alarming. Speaking on RTEs Today with David McCullagh show, McDonald, who represents the constituency in which the Rotunda hospital is located, said that the Rotunda hospital provided excellent care in difficult circumstances, but it had been the victim of a lack of investment by successive governments. There should never have been a decision in 2015 to co-locate the Rotunda with Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, she added. The proposal for a specialist neonatal intensive care unit was an extremely sensitive service that desperately needed investment. The Rotunda needs to be invested in. It was the busiest maternity hospital in the country. I hope the government is starting to get it right. It needs to be developed and invested in its current site. There had been extensive plans over the years to expand all manner of services at the hospital, said McDonald. The Rotunda had many innovative and ambitious plans over the years, but there had never been a receptive audience from the Government. Ms McDonald said she was now seeking clarity that the Rotunda would remain in the inner city and would continue to provide an important service for women and their babies. It was an important site that needed significant investment. Advertisement The plans are there. While the decision by an Coimisiun Pleanala was regrettable, maybe it would now bring some level of sanity, and all options could be examined. McDonald said she accepted the bona fides of those concerned with the Georgian fabric of the city, but Parnell Square needed to be liveable and it needed to serve the needs of Dubliners here and now. The two needs were not irreconcilable. This was always going to be a challenge because of the nature of the Square itself. The Rotunda was already effectively a co-located hospital (with the Mater). We need to figure out how to get long-needed investment for the Rotunda. Here are the stories making headlines this Tuesday. The Irish Times leads with councillors trying to zone almost 300 flood-prone sites around the country for development over the past six years, according to new figures from the planning regulator. A dig through a sandpit has formed part of the Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob murder probes, the Irish Examiner reports. Gardai investigating the disappearances and murder of the two women are conducting the search in the Wicklow/Kildare border. A mother and her two sons were forced to escape a house fire in a suspected arson attack on a family home in a Cork suburb in the early hours of the Monday morning, according to The Echo. The Irish Independent leads with local authorities starting to increase rent for families who have working adult children still living at home. Advertisement The Irish Daily Mirror also leads with the Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob murder probes. Gardai fear convicted rapist Larry Murphy killed a woman and buried her on the isolated land in Wicklow, the paper reports. Officers probing the Larry Murphy were given what they judge to be credible information about a buried vehicle at the site containing a womans remains, according to the Irish Daily Star. ICE detainee Seamus Culleton is expected back in Ireland today after failing in his attempt to stay in the US, the Irish Daily Mail has learned, the Irish Daily Mail reports. Culleton, who made worldwide headlines after he claimed he was being held in concentration camp conditions in El Paso, is due back on Irish soil for the first time in nearly 17 years on Tuesday morning. The Herald leads with two criminals who dumped the dismembered body of teenager Keane Mulready -Woods across different parts of Dublin being jailed for a total of 12 years yesterday by the Special Criminal Court. Actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested after being accused of hitting two men during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, police said. LaBeouf was charged with two counts of simple battery, New Orleans police said in a statement. Officers were called to a business in the French Quarter at about 12.45am on Tuesday. Police said an employee tried to remove LaBeouf and once outside the actor allegedly hit a man multiple times with closed fists. Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans (Natacha Pisarenko/AP) Witnesses told police that LaBeouf left the area but allegedly later returned and continued to act aggressively. Multiple individuals attempted to restrain him, releasing him in hopes he would leave, police said. The man who was first allegedly hit by LaBeouf told police the actor hit him again. Another man told officers that LaBeouf also allegedly punched him on the nose. He was held down until officers arrived, police said. LaBeouf was taken to hospital for treatment for unknown injuries and after being released he was arrested and taken into custody by police. LaBeouf is perhaps best known for his roles in 2007s Transformers and in 2008s Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. The EU opened a formal investigation into Chinese online retailer Shein on Tuesday over illegal products and concerns about the platform's potentially addictive design, stepping up scrutiny under the bloc's strict Digital Services Act. The move under the Act, which requires online platforms to do more to counter illegal and harmful content, came after France urged the EU executive in November to crack down on the sale of child-like sex dolls on Shein's platform. Shein has, since then, stopped the sale of all sex dolls worldwide. The company and its Chinese rival Temu have become the most high-profile symbols of broader concerns over the flow of cheap Chinese products into Europe. "The Digital Services Act keeps shoppers safe, protects their wellbeing and empowers them with information about the algorithms they are interacting with. We will assess whether Shein is respecting these rules and their responsibility," EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said in a statement. Advertisement The Commission had flagged the possibility of an EU investigation last month. Shein's EU HQ is in Dublin. Additional safeguards - Shein Shein said it would continue to cooperate with the EU watchdog and that it had invested significantly in measures to strengthen compliance with the DSA, including conducting systemic-risk assessments and mitigation frameworks, and enhancing protection for younger users. "In addition to enhancement of detection tools, we also accelerated the rollout of additional safeguards around age-restricted products," the company said, including age-verification measures to prevent minors from viewing or purchasing age-restricted content or products. The European Commission said it would investigate the systems Shein has put in place in the EU to limit the sale of illegal products, including potential child sexual abuse material. Addictive design The investigation will also focus on Shein's addictive design, including the award of points or rewards for engagement, that could have a negative impact on users' wellbeing. The transparency of the recommender systems that Shein uses to propose content and products to users will also come under EU scrutiny. Temu was charged last year with breaching the DSA for not properly assessing the risks of illegal products sold on its platform. A final EU decision could come this year. There are ongoing EU investigations into its addictive design features and transparency of its recommendation systems, among others. Companies risk fines for as much as 6 per cent of their global annual turnover for DSA violations. Welcoming the decision, Barry Andrews MEP said: This investigation is an important EU action in ensuring that European consumers are protected online, and that we stem the flood of ultra-cheap fast fashion, and often dangerous products, from China undercutting Irish and European retailers. Advertisement The investigation empowers the EU to take interim measures against Shein, and the Commission should not hesitate to do so. For many years now, there have been growing concerns about Sheins business model, notably its online practices, its environmental impact and the treatment of its workforce. It is high time that an in-depth and forensic investigation of Shein is carried out. Last years scandal around the sale of child-like sex dolls exposed the enormous problem of unregulated online retail platforms like Shein. The EU is now acting to ensure that this does not happen again. It is also important to note Irelands key position in this investigation. As Sheins European headquarters are in Dublin, Coimisiun na Mean will play a central role as the national Digital Services Coordinator. Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have expressed deep sadness over the death of the Rev Jesse Jackson, who they described as a true giant. Rev Jackson, who was a protege of Martin Luther King Jr and led the civil rights movement for decades after Dr Kings assassination, has died aged 84. Mr Obama said Rev Jackson inspired countless numbers of people through his work organising boycotts and sit-ins, registering people to vote and advocating for freedom and democracy around the world. Among those he inspired were the Obamas themselves, the first black president and first lady in US history. Michelle got her first glimpse of political organising at the Jacksons kitchen table when she was a teenager, the former president said. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land. Advertisement He added: Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesses lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share. We stood on his shoulders. We send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and everyone in Chicago and beyond who knew and loved him. Rev Jesse Jackson talking to Joe Biden, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama (AP) Among others paying tribute was US President Donald Trump, who described Rev Jackson in a social media post as a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts. The Republican president also wrote: He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed! A statement from former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton said Rev Jackson championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives. It added: Throughout it all, he kept marching to the music of his conscience, his convictions, and his causes. Meanwhile, former president Joe Biden said: Throughout our decades of friendship and partnership, Ive known Reverend Jackson as history will remember him: a man of God and of the people. Determined and tenacious. Unafraid of the work to redeem the soul of our nation. Ive seen how Reverend Jackson has helped lead our nation forward through tumult and triumph. Hes done it with optimism, and a relentless insistence on what is right and just. Whether through impassioned words on the campaign trail, or moments of quiet courage, Reverend Jackson influenced generations of Americans, and countless elected leaders, including presidents. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres praised the late church minister for his human rights work, with his spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying: The Reverend Jackson lent his powerful voice to the UN to work against racism, against apartheid, and for human rights, including taking part in a number of events here at UN headquarters. Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv have met in Geneva for another round of US-brokered peace talks, a week before the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbour. However, expectations for any breakthroughs in the scheduled two days of talks in Switzerland were low, with neither side apparently ready to budge from their positions on key territorial issues and future security guarantees, despite the United States setting a June deadline for a settlement. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, posted photos on social media of the three delegations at a horseshoe-shaped table, with the Ukrainian and Russian officials sitting across from each other. US President Donald Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner sat at the head of the table in front of US, Russian, Ukrainian and Swiss flags. Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow should be held accountable for the relentless attacks on Ukraine, which he said undermine the US push for peace (Michael Probst/AP) The agenda includes security and humanitarian issues, Mr Umerov said, adding that Ukrainians will work without excessive expectations. Discussions on the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory are expected to be particularly tough, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke to the Associated Press. Advertisement Russia is still insisting that Ukraine cede control of its Donbas region in the east. Also in Geneva will be American, Russian and Ukrainian military chiefs, who will discuss how ceasefire monitoring might work after any peace deal, and what is needed to implement it, the person said. During previous talks in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, military leaders looked at how a demilitarised zone could be arranged and how everyones militaries could talk to one another, the person added. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against expecting developments on the first day of talks on Tuesday as they were set to continue on Wednesday. Moscow has provided few details of previous talks. A firefighter puts out a fire following a Russian air attack in Sumy, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) Ukraines short-handed army is locked in a war of attrition with Russias bigger forces along the roughly 750-mile front line. Ukrainian civilians are enduring Russian aerial barrages that repeatedly knock out power and destroy homes. The future of the almost 20% of Ukrainian land that Russia occupies or still covets is a central question in the talks, as are Kyivs demands for post-war security guarantees with a US backstop to deter Moscow from invading again. Advertisement Mr Trump described the Geneva meeting as big talks. Ukraine better come to the table fast, he told reporters late Monday as he flew back to Washington from his home in Florida. It was not immediately clear what Mr Trump was referring to in his comment about Ukraine, which has committed to and taken part in negotiations in the hope of ending Russias devastating onslaught. The Russian delegation is headed by Russian President Vladimir Putins adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who headed Moscows team of negotiators in the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022 and has forcefully pushed Mr Putins war goals. Mr Medinsky has written several history books that claim to expose western plots against Russia and berate Ukraine. Rescue and repair efforts are ongoing in many of our regions after a massive Russian attack. It was a combined strike, deliberately calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector. Nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles of various types were used, including pic.twitter.com/hHkWCFkOGB Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) February 17, 2026 The commander of the US military and Nato forces in Europe, Gen Alexus Grynkewich, and secretary of the US army Dan Driscoll will attend the meeting in Geneva on behalf of the US military and meet their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, Col Martin ODonnell, a spokesman for the US commander said. Overnight, Russia used almost 400 long-range drones and 29 missiles of various types to strike 12 regions of Ukraine, injuring nine people, including children, according to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr Zelensky said tens of thousands of residents were left without heating and running water in the southern port city of Odesa. Mr Zelensky said Moscow should be held accountable for the relentless attacks, which he said undermine the US push for peace. The more this evil comes from Russia, the harder it will be for everyone to reach any agreements with them. Partners must understand this. First and foremost, this concerns the United States, the Ukrainian leader said on social media late Monday. Advertisement We agreed to all realistic proposals from the United States, starting with the proposal for an unconditional and long-term ceasefire, Mr Zelensky noted. Meanwhile, Ukraines Security Service (the SBU) used long-range drones to strike an oil terminal in southern Russia and a major chemical plant deep inside the country, a Ukrainian security official told AP. Drones targeted the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, one of the biggest ports of its type on the Black Sea, in the Russian region of Krasnodar for the second time this month, starting a fire, the official said. Drones also hit the Metafrax Chemicals plant, which manufactures chemical components used in explosives and other military materials, in the region of Perm, more than 1,000 miles from the Ukrainian border, according to the official. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Olympio drill core lights up with visible gold in Quebec Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rowena Duckworth February 17, 2026 2:07pm 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 Olympio Metals has sparked excitement in Quebec after intersecting multiple occurrences of visible gold in phase two diamond drilling at its Paquin prospect, part of the companys Bousquet gold project on the world-class Cadillac Break. The fourth hole of an eight-hole program snagged visible gold in a 6.25m zone from 182.75m to 189m, hosted in dark smoky-black quartz veining with associated sulphides and strong carbonate-chlorite alteration. Core trays from Olympio Metals Paquin prospect in Quebec with multiple visible gold occurrences in quartz veins and with sulphides. Logging by geologists showed common black quartz veining and sulphides reaching up to 5 per cent, with visible gold grains noted throughout the interval. Pending assays are eagerly awaiting to confirm the visual logging. Notably, the new hole is not an isolated flash in the pan. It follows up on strong 2025 drilling, which delivered standout grades, including 1.5m running an eye-watering 54.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 235.5m and another 6.4-metre hit grading a stellar 6.54g/t from 183m. Advertisement We are delighted to see significant visible gold in the fourth hole of our follow-up program at Paquin. Olympio Metals managing director Sean Delaney Earlier drill holes have already revealed gold specks trapped in quartz veins, suggesting a healthy dose of free gold, which is always the simplest and cheapest to process. The repeat appearance of visible gold in smoky quartz veins at Paquin could therefore be a classic calling card of a high-grade system starting to show its hand. Olympio Metals managing director Sean Delaney said: We are delighted to see significant visible gold in the fourth hole of our follow-up program at Paquin. Hole BO-26-63 has confirmed the potential of the main lode at Paquin. The gold-laden drill hole was deliberately drilled from a different azimuth to previous holes to better understand the geometry of the lode. The result has strengthened the structural model, intersecting the main lode from a new angle and confirming continuity of the quartz-sulphide system. Assays from the current program are due next month. While visual gold is never a substitute for laboratory results, the combination of coarse gold, thick quartz veining and strong sulphide development provides a compelling visual indicator. Advertisement The geology reads like a textbook Abitibi shear-hosted system, where Archean-aged greenstones of eastern Canada funnel gold into smoky blue-grey quartz veins developed within eastwest striking, north-dipping shear zones. The mineralisation at Paquin occurs in silicified and carbonate-altered greywackes, with visible gold associated with the sulphide minerals arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite. Strategically, Bousquet sits in established mining country, about 30km east of Rouyn-Noranda in Quebec, one of the worlds most mining-friendly jurisdictions. The project area commands a 10-kilometre stretch of the Cadillac Break, a legendary regional structure teeming with world-class gold deposits and more than 110 million ounces to its name. Just 15km west is the famed Bousquet Mining Camp, where heavyweights such as Agnico Eagles 15-million-ounce La Ronde and Iamgolds 2.4-million-ounce Westwood reside. Olympio believes its Paquin mineralisation echoes the nearby OBrien project, which has one million ounces of gold. Olympio holds an option to acquire up to an 80 per cent interest in the Bousquet project, with Bullion Gold retaining a 20 per cent carried interest. To date, the company has completed nearly C$1 million in exploration spending and made C$0.30 million in payments, steadily advancing its foothold in the district. With phase two drilling ongoing, historical high-grade intercepts already on the board and fresh visible gold now lighting up the core trays, the next catalyst will be the assays. Advertisement If the lab confirms what the eye can see, Olympio may have something far more than just another shear-hosted showing along the Cadillac Break. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Advertisement EnvironmentClimate changeGlobal warming Opinion Dont be gaslit on climate. Theres no going back on this energy transition Rod Sims and Rebecca Burdon February 18, 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 With the political turmoil and the Liberal leadership settled for now, energy and climate issues will surface again. You will hear, for example, that a focus on net zero is the cause of Australias high electricity prices, which is not true. Underpinning all this will be statements that the world is moving away from addressing climate change, US President Donald Trump has taken the US out of the Paris Agreement and is now encouraging higher emissions, so why should Australia bother? Illustration by Simon Letch Further, you will hear that COP30 was a failure, world emissions are rising, and Australia is doing way more to reduce emissions than others. The reality is very different. The growth in world emissions has fallen progressively over recent years and, on current trends, they will soon start declining. Likewise, fossil fuel production. And while the world is not currently on track to have temperatures rise by no more than 1.5 degrees, the outlook has improved considerably since the Paris Agreement was adopted 10 years ago. In 2015, the world was on a disastrous track to see temperatures rise by around 4 degrees above pre-industrial levels. If you ignore commitments and simply take current emission trends forward, the world is currently on track to see temperatures rise by 2.5-2.9 degrees. When you add commitments already made by countries, the world is now on track to limit warming to around 1.8-2.2 degrees. To be clear, the world is a long way from where it should be, but progress is being made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The world has an enormous amount to do to avoid the worst effects of climate change, and the risks remain serious. The energy transition is well under way, however, and politicians need to be honest with the public about this. Rebecca Burdon is the CEO of Climate Resource. Rod Sims is Chair of the Superpower Institute. He is also Enterprise Professor at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research at Melbourne University. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement Investigation MoneySuper & retirementSuperannuation Marisa once trusted her accountant. Shes spent two years trying to recover $900,000 Max Maddison February 18, 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 Marisa Gallo and her husband, Guido, trusted Richmond-based accountant Christopher Edwards with the profits from properties they sold. They were so convinced of his bona fides, their initial investments were rolled into a self-managed super fund. In early 2024, Gallo sent Edwards formal notification she was seeking to dissolve the family fund. Two years later, she has not seen any of the estimated $900,000 she claims they are owed. Gallo is one of Edwards clients who allege they are collectively owed nearly $25 million. Guido and Marisa Gallo have spent the past two years trying to recover an estimated $900,000 they allege Christopher Edwards owes them. Wolter Peeters Gallo has been in and out of hospital with stress-related conditions over the past nine months, which she alleges has been caused by Edwards refusal to pay them back. Instead, he says she owes him money. Gallo claims that is farcical. Many clients of Edwards, also a solicitor, say a considerable portion of their trust in him is because of his standing as a lawyer. Advertisement That professional pedigree convinced them to invest their life savings with him. Sometimes they convinced their family to invest, too. Alongside his list of qualifications and specialties accountant, tax agent, licensed real estate agent, solicitor and barrister Edwards business card displays the scales of justice, the symbol of fairness, balance and objectivity before the law. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said in September the vintage-Jaguar-driving 65-year-old is likely to have contravened a financial services law, and banned him from providing financial advice for 10 years. ASIC has reasons to believe that Mr Edwards does not have the judgment, skill or character to participate in the Australian financial services industry, it said. Approached near his office on Windsor Street, Richmond, this month, Edwards said he had not done anything wrong. Advertisement How it came undone The point when Edwards operation veered off track is difficult to pinpoint. But two clients, speaking on the condition of anonymity, believe the problems began after Edwards long-time business partner Christopher Hawkins had a medical episode several years ago. Hawkins described by one source as Edwards financial wizard, numbers man and skilled developer exited Great Northern Developments, their joint development company, as a shareholder and director in early 2022, according to corporate records. When he was in charge of developments, nothing went wrong, the source claimed. Three investments a solar farm in Gunnedah in NSW and two property developments in Queensland show little sign of nearing completion. That raises significant doubts about Edwards capacity to repay his clients any time soon. Advertisement Most of the 20 clients and staff who spoke to the Herald as part of the months-long investigation question whether their funds have propped up Edwards sinking investment empire. One client, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she had not told her broader family about their financial plight, said she had taken a loan of $565,000 $265,000 was for her sons university fees and to purchase a car, the remainder to invest with Edwards in a property development in Queensland. Christopher Edwards clients are demanding answers. Wolter Peeters Edwards told her to invest the entirety of the funds with one of his development companies, on the proviso the money would be returned when needed. Instead, the solicitor deposited the funds in his Gunnedah solar farm investment something she alleges she never gave him permission to do. In an email in January, Edwards claimed he would provide $65,000 for her car, but requested she sign a deed of agreement with Ironbark Holdings, another company owned by Edwards with control of the Gunnedah development. Advertisement You are being paid good interest on your investment, and this is largely because the money is out working and not sitting [in] the bank as it would be earning less than what I am paying you! Obviously if your money was at call you would be paid much less interest, he wrote in an email. For this reason, under the agreement I am not obliged to pay you anything. As stated to you however I am prepared to help out if I am able and for you still being able to earn the high interest. Related Article Investigation Superannuation Karen thought she had $3 million in her super. She cant get hold of a cent Times were good for Edwards around the early 2000s. Edwards and his wife, Albette, purchased residential and commercial properties across Sydneys north-west. Title searches reveal the pair have property holdings across NSW, Queensland and Victoria. The couple spent $1.6 million on a four-bedroom, four-bathroom Woollahra home in late 2003. Their son owns another three properties, including a five-bedroom house in Blaxland purchased for $1.4 million in 2022, and a villa in Ettalong Beach for $750,000 in 2020. Advertisement The regulatory system The architect of the nations superannuation system, former prime minister Paul Keating, said self-managed funds were almost an afterthought. Regulation of these funds was fairly relaxed, designed for people who were active and engaged in their investments while receiving sound financial advice, explains Jessica Spence, the director of advocacy at Super Consumers Australia. The problem is if you have someone who is vulnerable, it is easier to take advantage of them in the SMSF space, she said. We have seen, generally, quite a lot of harm using SMSFs for scams, domestic abuse, financial abuse, elder abuse, because of those fewer protections and checks and balances. The lack of checks and balances has bewildered Edwards clients. They have asked why it took the corporate regulator so long to intervene, and why the only repercussion for operating without a financial licence was to ban him from providing financial advice something he was not allowed to do. Advertisement Its a bit unsatisfactory from a consumer perspective. We would like to see stronger penalties in line with the scale of the harm people are causing, Spence said. In a statement, an ASIC spokesman said: ASICs investigation into Mr Edwards remains ongoing. We cannot comment any further on an ongoing investigation. Because Edwards does not have a financial services licence, his clients are not covered by professional indemnity insurance or have access to the compensation scheme of last resort. We would like to see stronger penalties in line with the scale of the harm people are causing. Jessica Spence, Super Consumers Australia The existence of one-stop shops entities which establish SMSFs, roll over existing superannuation funds into the fund, and invest in property developments, among other things is not new. ASIC was warning about these kinds of operators functioning without a financial licence as far back as 2014. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Resolve Political Monitor Australians back hit to capital gains and negative gearing to pay for tax cuts Vulnerabilities have been exposed by what ASIC defines as high-risk superannuation switching schemes set up to entice investors from retail funds with the promise of higher returns. Spence believes regulators need to make it harder for people to be pushed into self-managed funds if they are unsuitable products. She fears many SMSF investors lack the financial literacy to understand and question the investment products they are sold. Those problems have been exacerbated by rising risk tolerance in the superannuation sector, Joe Longo, the head of ASIC, told The Australian Financial Review last month. I think its inevitable therell be more losses. We, as a system, we almost choose to encourage risk-taking, he 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. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The family of Chris Baghsarian, the 85-year-old kidnapped from his Sydney home in what police say was clearly a case of mistaken identity, say they are living a nightmare as they wait for some form of closure. The widower, who lived alone, was taken from the bedroom of his North Ryde property about 5am on Friday, prompting police to issue a direct plea to the abductors, who they believe kidnapped the wrong person. Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped from his North Ryde home on February 13. NSW Police Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible, the statement, released by NSW Police on Tuesday, reads. Chris kidnapping feels surreal, and we are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us. Police speak after random stabbing in western Sydney NSW Police are speaking to the media after a person died and two others were critically injured following a stabbing in Sydney's west. Advertisement NationalQueenslandRoads Driver dies after crashing into truck being followed on wrong side of highway Dominique Tassell Updated February 18, 2026 11:30am ,first published February 18, 2026 7:46am 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 has died in a fiery head-on crash with a truck speeding down the Bruce Highway in the wrong lane while being followed by another vehicle overnight on Tuesday. Footage has emerged of the moments leading up to the fatal collision, with reports several vehicles were travelling at high speed southbound on the wrong side of the highway about 10.30pm. Loading One of the vehicles, an Isuzu truck, crashed into a white Honda Accord travelling in the correct lane at Burpengary. The Accord then caught fire. A 26-year-old man driving the Accord was critically injured and died at the scene. Advertisement The 46-year-old man driving the Isuzu was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. A crime scene was declared, with sections of the highway closed until about 5am. Detective Inspector David Harbison confirmed the truck was being followed by at least one other vehicle for at least a kilometre at excessive speed. This should not have happened. A young man just driving home has been killed. Advertisement The truck driver would not be interviewed by police for some time because of his injuries, Harbison said. It is amazing that no one else was harmed. I think we all know the dangers associated with going down the wrong way on the Bruce Highway, Harbison said. At least two vehicles were seen travelling on the wrong side of the Bruce Highway at Burpengary. He said it was too early to comment on claims online that a theft had occurred at a nearby business and was linked to the crash. Harbison addressed comments on Facebook, saying online rumours could lead to wasted resources. Advertisement He urged anyone who witnessed the crash or was involved in it to contact police. We are particularly interested if you have dashcam of this incident. Even a little snippet of dashcam could be vital to this 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 NationalQueenslandCourts Obviously, you dont have kids: Father of killed boy berates court staff Cloe Read February 17, 2026 6:39pm 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 father of a Queensland boy who died after suffering horrific burns in a house fire has lashed out in an angry tirade, yelling at Coroners Court staff who the f--- are you to be asking these questions? A coronial inquest is looking into the boys death from extensive burns after the blaze in 2017, which also significantly injured his younger brother. Police found both burnt children crying on a couch, while the father was discovered nearby in another home having a shower while holding a cigarette, the inquest has heard. The boys grandmother said she made several calls to Triple Zero but realised the house was gone. The family cannot be identified for legal reasons. Advertisement The boys father gave evidence on Tuesday, at times yelling at counsel assisting the coroner, Kate Juhasz, to stop asking me stupid f--king questions you already know the answer to, and please ask the questions without the bullshit. On the night of the fire, the father recalled that it was the one day the boys were behaving. They were too exhausted to fight me, he said, confirming they went to bed early. He told the court that when he woke up, he did not know at first there was a fire, describing a glow in the kids room and a flickering light. I burst into the room to see what was going on, to see why the kids were up, he said. Advertisement The father said he saw a fire in the room and told the boys to get up. This is where it all confuses the f--- out of me. I ripped that door open ... it f---ing exploded, he said, saying the room was quickly engulfed in flames. The father told the inquest he saw a fireball explode above his children. During this evidence, he had another outburst, asking Juhasz: Who the f--- are you to be asking these questions? He later told Juhasz that under his shirt, he lived with the scars of what happened that night. Advertisement Earlier in his evidence, the father denied he was an alcoholic. He disagreed with the mothers claims that she was assaulted during their relationship and had burnt her belongings four times. When questioned about his relationship with the mother, the father told Juhasz that she was making him uncomfortable. He followed by asking if she had done your homework. The court was played audio from phone calls to his new partner in which the father could be heard yelling at the boys, telling them to shut the f--- up, Im on the phone. After questions about his relationship with his children, the father told Juhasz, obviously, you dont have kids. Is there a relevance to all this, or are we just here kicking tyres to waste time? he asked. Advertisement The father became increasingly agitated during questioning, asking Juhasz about her bodily functions and her underwear. Coroner Megan Fairweather interjected throughout, reminding the father to listen to the questions. The father began his evidence by asking where he was supposed to sit. He was unable to say his exact age: 42, 43, I dont know, f---ing old. When questioning began, he told Juhasz: I just spent thousands of dollars having these memories erased. I have spent thousands of dollars in psychologists and hypnosis to have these memories erased. The inquest earlier heard that in an interview with police, the father claimed he retrieved the boys from the blaze and then went for a run around the house, but did not know why. Advertisement The boys grandparents gave evidence on Tuesday, claiming they heard a loud bang that evening while they were watching television. The grandmother told the court she went inside her property, a couple of hundred metres away from the boys home, about 7.20pm. She said her son came screaming up the pathway to their house, telling the grandfather to get the boys, that the house was on fire, and for her to call Triple Zero. She recalled the eldest boy walking beside his father, and the youngest in the fathers arm. Theyre walking independently, but theyre screaming, yelling, and crying uncontrollably, she said, adding the boys had blisters on blisters. Advertisement The grandmother said the oldest boy was sobbing, but then he never made a noise after. She said she made several calls to Triple Zero to get help from paramedics after realising firefighters were not needed because the house was gone. The grandmother disputed a suggestion from Juhasz that she told a student paramedic that she had to encourage her son to go back to the house to get the boys. The inquest earlier heard that the surviving boy had made multiple disclosures after the fire, including my dad burnt me in the fire and it was my idiot dad, he tried to kill me and [my brother]. He said he had blown a candle three times and started a big fire, and that he felt guilty about his brother dying, describing him as a black and purple butterfly now. Advertisement The boys mother last week told the inquest their father had previously threatened to set her alight when she tried to leave him. She also said that to this day, the father would not tell her what caused the fire, and that he had given inconsistent stories about how the blaze started. 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 NationalQueenslandQueensland councils Leaked documents show council CEO won $500k gig for which she wasnt shortlisted Julius Dennis and Matt Dennien February 18, 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 Confidential leaked documents show concerns about political influence in the appointment of a long-term employee to a plum $500,000 job at a south-east Queensland council, despite her not being shortlisted by the recruiter tasked with filling the role. Louise Rusan was voted in by councillors as chief executive of Redland City Council in early 2025 following a six-month process that saw an earlier recruiter quit after raising concerns about staff who would report to the chief executive being on the selection panel. The documents, obtained by this masthead, show Rusan was not shortlisted for the role by the second recruiter, leading a key councillor to raise concerns about potential political influence and an inappropriate vote with internal risk management figures. Louise Rusan was appointed acting chief executive in September 2024 after Andrew Chestermans resignation. Matt Dennien Following Rusans shoehorning into the second recruitment process after what was intended to be its final stage, councillor Wendy Boglary a member of the audit and risk management committee wrote to its two independent members outside of council. Advertisement In the email, Boglary said she was concerned the process may not align with local government principles, and may potentially be non-compliant with legislation. I am concerned that this deviation from the agreed process, including an inappropriate vote, may have influenced the selection outcome, Boglary said. The council advertised the role in September 2024 after former chief executive Andrew Chestermans resignation. Rusan, who has held various positions at the council since 2011, began acting in the role at that time. That recruitment process came to an end two months later, when recruiter Mark Ogston pulled out after having to manage links between Rusan and council staff placed on the panel a relationship he said a majority of candidates were worried about. The issues raised by Ogston were not eliminated in the second round of recruiting, which began in November 2024. Advertisement Redland City Council chief executive Louise Rusan. Redland City Council During both processes, the recruitment panel featured staff that would, or did, report to the future chief executive. The second round was chaired by the CEOs own executive assistant, Micah Beaumont, while he was acting in a more senior position. Following initial interviews, the new recruiter, Tim Turner, provided a shortlist of candidates to the panel made up of Mayor Jos Mitchell, Deputy Mayor Julie Talty, Beaumont and two external members which did not include Rusan. Two candidates were chosen by the panel to present to councillors in early February, but potential problems with one of them were raised by a councillor just two days before the final interviews. Immediately after those presentations, councillors and Beaumont held a closed-door meeting where it was decided to have the second-ranked candidate struck out and have Rusan present to the group. This was despite Rusan being described by Beaumont as the third closely ranked candidate in an email to councillors after the meeting. Advertisement Its unclear how Rusan became the third-ranked applicant when Turner had provided three other shortlisted applicants and five more longlisted applicants. On the document sent by Turner to the panel, Rusan is named on a third list titled internal applicants, of which there were just two. In his email, Beaumont said a majority of councillors had supported one of the applicants who had presented but requested to receive a presentation from Louise Rusan. In an email to her fellow members of the audit and risk committee later that week, Boglary put it more bluntly, saying there had been deviation from the agreed process that the panel would select two finalists, with the preferred candidate to be appointed by a council resolution. Given this was strongly driven by a councillor, deputy mayor Julie Talty, it could be perceived as political influence, which, in my opinion, undermines the principles of good governance, she said, seeking advice about how to manage the impending risks associated with this recruitment process. Advertisement The councils policy forbids decisions being made in closed-door meetings of councillors. Emails show Rusan made her presentation to councillors the following week, before being voted into the role by councillors in their public meeting on February 19, 2025. Loading In the ultimate vote, one councillor, Paul Bishop, attempted to abstain but was told this would be reflected as a vote against. Asked if she was for or against, the audibly exasperated mayor, appearing via videolink, said she was for Rusans appointment. Asked this week why he wished to abstain, Bishop cited governance concerns. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Queensland councils A council dumped plans for a new supermarket. Its developer questions why In response to questions from this masthead, Boglary declined to comment except to say her concerns were about the process of the appointment, not the person being appointed. Mitchell Petrie, the external chair of the audit and risk committee with whom Boglary raised the concerns, also declined to comment when contacted by this masthead. Both recruiters also declined to comment. Beaumont and Rusan did not directly respond to questions. Rusan said as a candidate in the process, she was not in a position to comment. Advertisement A Redland City Council spokesperson said: Council undertook a thorough and robust nationwide search for a new CEO and all appropriate processes were followed. Talty and Mitchell did not respond to questions before deadline. 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. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A man has died near a Woolworths store in Brisbanes north. The body of the 37-year-old was found near the loading dock of the supermarket on Buckland Road in Nundah about 3.30am on Tuesday. His death is considered non-suspicious. A mans body was found in the loading dock at Woolworths in Nundah. Google Maps A postmortem examination will determine the mans cause of death and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Woolworths has been contacted for comment. Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandCity council Next Brisbane suburb in line for increased housing revealed William Davis February 17, 2026 12:06pm 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 Sandgate could be the next Brisbane suburb in line for taller towers and redeveloped streets, with a plan to increase housing density announced on Tuesday. The office of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said its proposal could add hundreds of new homes to the northern bayside suburb, which it identified as one of the slowest-growing areas in the city. Sandgates new precinct plan could add hundreds of new homes to the north-eastern bayside suburb. Brisbane City Council The proposed area for the Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan would run along the north side of the train line, and extend to Burnett Place. Much of the main business area along Rainbow Street would be taken in, as would several green spaces including Einbunpin Lagoon Park and Sandgate War Memorial Park. Advertisement Related Article City council Dramatic density: Plan for apartment towers is dividing this Brisbane suburb Precinct plans in other suburbs including Stones Corner and Wynnum have included rezoning to allow taller towers and mixed-use hubs with retail space and homes. The council had argued these areas would develop into residential hubs well served by public transport, and go some way towards rectifying the housing shortage that sent prices skyrocketing since the COVID pandemic. Our plan for Sandgate is about encouraging more homes close to shops, cafes, community facilities and great public transport, city planning chair Adam Allan said. Well work with the community to strike the right balance and protect Sandgates bayside character and outdoor lifestyle. Advertisement Jared Cassidy, the leader of the Labor council opposition, represents the Deagon ward that takes in Sandgate. He has long argued the councils approach to housing has been too narrowly focused on supply, and should incorporate aspirational affordability targets. On Tuesday, Cassidy questioned the suitability of Sandgate for significant height increases, citing flood risk among other concerns, and said any plan for redevelopment in the suburb should include the old gasworks site. Related Article City council The streets within two Brisbane suburbs that are set for high-density makeovers Its like the LNP really dont understand Sandgate very well, he said. Advertisement If the new plan was approved, Sandgate would likely join Wynnum, Alderley, Mount Gravatt and Stones Corner as suburban renewal precincts. This masthead previously revealed Stafford, Moorooka and Salisbury had also been considered as possible renewal precincts. The plan will come before councillors on Tuesday afternoon. The proposed area will go to community for public consultation first. 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 NationalVictoriaVictoria Police Police accused of putting public safety at risk with recruiting shift Chris Vedelago February 17, 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 Victoria Polices plan to streamline recruitment by having GPs sign off on mental fitness is in danger of being blocked by the countrys peak doctors group and insurance companies worried about significant risks to public safety. Senior police are due to meet with the Victorian head of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners on Wednesday amid the groups serious concerns that the force is now depending on general practice doctors to make the final decision on whether someone is mentally and physically capable of serving as a police officer. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush. Justin McManus The meeting was called after RACGP Victoria faculty chair Dr Anita Munoz wrote a letter to Chief Commissioner Mike Bush in late January outlining a litany of issues with Victoria Polices decision to dump its internal psychological assessment program last year in favour of approval from GPs. Since engaging in consultation with Victoria Police about these changes, our concerns about the significant risks to our members, serving officers, and the Victorian public have only increased, said the letter, which was sent anonymously to The Age. Advertisement The letter, dated January 21, requested a formal meeting between the two. The nature of police work which sees officers using firearms and driving cars at speed in public places and being exposed to a wide array of high-risk situations means pre-employment assessments must be taken seriously, the letter added. Fast-tracking measures to boost police numbers must not come at the cost of lower standards that put your workforce and the Victorian public at risk. Victoria Police formerly had in-house specialists conduct psychological testing, reviewing results and determining suitability. Under a new system introduced in July 2025, potential recruits sit a 30- to 40-minute online psychometric test. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Victoria Police Victoria Police lashed over move to give GPs final say on recruit mental health The results are reviewed by a Victoria Police psychologist and then forwarded to a GP for interpretation, potential further investigation and, ultimately, final approval of the candidates mental health. Victoria Police, which has been facing a serious recruitment shortfall for years, said the decision was made because nobody knows your health better than your doctor. This change reflects Victoria Polices commitment to a more flexible, efficient and applicant-focused recruitment process, it said at the time. But the program, which was introduced without consultation with the GPs peak body, has met stiff resistance. Advertisement In her letter, Munoz said the nature of the psychological assessment meant interpreting the results required additional training, and recommended a specialised system similar to that used for pilots. Without dedicated training for practitioners undertaking police pre-employment assessments, there is a risk of increasing numbers of unfit candidates which will lead to increasing WorkSafe claims, and greater burden on Victorias already overburdened mental health system. The letter details how the risks could be acute enough for the countrys insurers to refuse to allow doctors to participate in the revamped scheme. Our concerns about the medico-legal risks for GPs are so great that we will be seeking advice from Australias largest medico-legal advisory companies, which we expect will prevent GPs from engaging in these assessments as it will void their insurance, Munoz wrote. Advertisement The letter also said the college was concerned by reports about police candidates doctor shopping to get the outcome they want. A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was aware of the RACGPs concerns about some aspects of the new physical and mental health assessment process. We have been constructively engaging with the college and are due to next meet with its representatives on 18 February, they said. We are always open to making necessary changes as we continue to review and strengthen the assessment process. Victoria Police does not compromise on safety or its high entry standards. Advertisement The RACGP did not respond to a request for comment before deadline. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. 3 / 8 Portrait of a local woman during the Womens Afro-Mexican Carnival of Alto Tio Diego on February 15, 2026 in Alto Tio Diego, Mexico. Alto Tio Diego is a small town near the State capital Xalapa where every year inhabitants celebrate their traditional carnival. Women of the town demanded a special day for them to parade and few years ago, they started to do it by walking through the streets wearing traditional costumes and masks (mostly of animals) but the attires have evolved to more modern characters. Credit:Hector AD Quintanar/Getty Images Advertisement Exclusive NationalWADomestic violence Five women assaulted in five days as the Kimberleys cycle of violence continues Hannah Murphy February 17, 2026 9:33am 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 Authorities say they are deeply concerned after five women were seriously injured in domestic violence incidents in Western Australias north last week. The incidents began on February 7, when a woman was assaulted by her aunt. Not even 24 hours later, a separate woman was also assaulted by her uncle. One woman was run over by a car in a domestic violence incident last week. Two women were also stabbed in separate incidents, and a woman was run over by a man believed to be her partner in a car on Thursday, in Derbys town centre. The incidents mark a spike in domestic violence in the region, which often happens during the wet season. Advertisement Crime statistics also released on Monday show Derby experienced a total of 753 family violence offences last year, which is about 233 offences per 1000 people. This is compared with the City of Perth, which is about 12.5 offences per 1000 people. Anglicare WA provides family and domestic violence services in the Kimberley and said it was critical the situation was addressed. Anglicare sees firsthand the impact these incidents have on individuals, children, extended family and the whole community, a spokesperson said. Anglicare WA is deeply concerned by the levels of violence that have recently occurred in the Kimberley. Advertisement Violence is never acceptable, and it is critical that people know support is available, and we urge anyone at risk to reach out for support. WA Prevention of Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski said it was crucial Derby locals knew support was available. It is distressing to hear about reports of family and domestic violence incidents, she said. Family and domestic violence has a profound impact on communities and culturally led and community-driven responses are critical to support healing and safety. She said more than $700 million has been invested in addressing domestic violence in WA since 2017, with $6 million dollars going to the west Kimberley alone in the current financial year. Advertisement This includes primary prevention, advocacy and support services, mobile outreach services, perpetrator programs, two refuges and one safe house, Stojkovski said. Related Article Crime The premium Perth postcode with a higher crime rate than one of the citys poorest suburbs While frontline services are consistently working across the region to prevent and address domestic violence, the Aboriginal Family Legal Services and Kimberley Community Legal Services said in a joint statement the most recent incidents were illustrative of a bigger issue. [Both organisations] are deeply concerned about the growing number of family and domestic violence matters in Derby and across the Kimberley that are not resulting in successful prosecutions, the statement said. Both organisations highlighted even after incidents of domestic violence, survivors were technically still at risk due to a court system that wasnt fit for purpose. Advertisement In regional areas like the Kimberley, limited service capacity, cultural and community pressures, coercive control, and safety concerns can prevent victim survivors from attending court, leading to cases collapsing and people remaining at risk, the statement said. Kimberley Community Legal Services chief executive Matt Panayi said his organisation had experienced firsthand how difficult it could be for victims to get out of dangerous situations. In one matter, a woman who had fled a violent partner was not notified by police that charges had been laid, a trial date had been set, or that the matter had later been postponed, Mr Panayi said. Without KCLS intervening to obtain basic information, engage victim support services to arrange special witness protections, and ensure she could give evidence safely by video link, the prosecution was at serious risk of collapsing. Panayi said the issue was all too common in the Kimberley, and it was leaving victims exposed. Advertisement This experience is not unique and reflects a wider pattern where victim survivors are being left without coordinated support, communication, or advocacy at critical stages of the justice process, he said. Aboriginal Family Legal Services chief executive Corina Martin said the recent violence in Derby highlighted the cycle many people had found themselves in. Community led, culturally safe support is essential to help victim survivors stay safe and stay engaged in the justice process, she said. National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114. Advertisement A Big Build contractor under scrutiny for its ties to gangland figure Mick Gatto and a donation it gave Victorias Labor Party has lashed out, claiming the company was merely one of many Big Build firms that bankrolled the governments election and that focus should be on Big Build corruption. In a message Anthony Ciccone sent to The Age after it was revealed he donated $3264 to the Victorian ALP in 2022, the veteran construction industry figure queried why there had been no reporting about a major Big Build subcontractor that he alleged had gifted expensive utes and jet-skis to project managers on the Suburban Rail Loop. Anthony Tony Ciccone, owner of Cycon Civil. Ciccone said the contractor was removed from the rail project for giving Toyota SR5 utes to general superintendents as gifts, as well as three jet-skis. The Victorian government has committed about one-third of the about $34.5 billion anticipated total cost towards the Suburban Rail Loops first stage. It has secured $2.2 billion from the federal government and is expected to contribute more in the May budget. Advertisement The state government plans to fund the final third through parking levies, existing land taxes and developer charges. Ciccone, who owns Cycon Civil and co-owns labour hire firm Project Labour Solutions (PLS), also questioned why other political donors who worked as contractors on Labors signature infrastructure scheme had not been identified. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday with colleagues who were invited to defend the handling of the CFMEU scandal. AAP Where are all the other companies that donated? Ciccone said in his message. Ciccones comments came after The Age reported on Tuesday that Victorian Labor had collected thousands of dollars in donations from firms that now face police action over suspected corrupt payments or that placed gangland, bikie or CFMEU identities on taxpayer-funded projects. Advertisement The donors include a traffic management firm on Labors signature $100 billion Big Build program, whose owner has been charged by Victoria Polices anti-corruption and gangland building industry taskforce; another Big Build subcontractor facing a federal police probe for allegedly bribing a corrupt CFMEU boss; and the owners of two Big Build firms represented by gangland figure Mick Gatto. Premier Jacinta Allan said on Tuesday that donations were a matter for the party but that she noted the donations were lawful and appropriately declared. Loading When asked repeatedly if she was comfortable with the donations, Allan again said they were a matter for the party. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also told the ABC that donations were a matter for the party. Advertisement The revelation of the political money trail from Big Build subcontractors that are the subject of law enforcement probes or have gangland links presents a fresh crisis for the Allan government. Editor's pick Exclusive Building Bad Nobodys stopping it: The taxpayer money trail from building sites to the underworld The premier was already under mounting pressure over her refusal to back a sweeping inquiry into claims Labor turned a blind eye to wrongdoing on its signature infrastructure projects while she was the responsible minister. The donations uncovered by this masthead would not be caught under Allans CFMEU donations ban introduced in response to this mastheads Building Bad series in mid-2024 because they come from companies and not the CFMEU. They would almost certainly have been uncovered by the broad-style inquiry that the state and federal opposition, along with anti-corruption advocates such as Transparency International, have demanded. Advertisement The Victorian Election Commission, corporate and other records analysed by this masthead reveal the individual CFMEU-aligned building company donors who contributed to Labors election campaign in 2022. The donations came as the unions grip over the Labor governments Big Build scheme solidified, creating huge profit-making opportunities for some donors because the CFMEU was pushing them onto contractors. Mick Gatto in 2024. Justin McManus Donation records show that Ciccone was an election-year ALP donor in 2022. Last August, Ciccone engaged Gatto to help resolve a dispute involving his Big Build operations. Gatto has also supported PLS, which Ciccone co-owns and which employs the wife of ex-union boss Derek Christopher (corruption-busting lawyer Geoffrey Watson, SC, described Christopher as corrupt in his report). In Watsons report, Cycon is identified as employing a union delegate with possible Comancheros connections. Advertisement Ciccones Big Build company also has a business partnership with a firm run by an ex-Finks bikie Tom Estcourt, who recently faced court and received a good behaviour bond after Taskforce Hawk found him possessing anabolic steroids. Ciccone had said on Monday that he had no recollection of the donation, but on Tuesday, he queried why The Age had not identified other donors from the Big Build. Another donor was traffic management company B K Labour, a firm that had made tens of millions of dollars supplying workers to the Big Build. B Ks founder and owner, Bernard Kearney, was charged with fraud by the police Taskforce Hawk in December, over allegedly fake Big Build invoices. At the time of his arrest, police said the firm was being probed over alleged corrupt payments and that detectives would allege invoices were falsified. Police also said they were investigating a number of other payments and cash withdrawals as part of an operation to specifically target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry. Advertisement Donation records reveal B K Labour donated at least $3264 to Victorian Labor in May 2022. In his landmark report last week, Watson said B K Labour was forced into the Big Build by ex-union boss Joe Myles, who warned contractors to use B K Labour or they would suffer industrial action. B K Labour was contacted for comment. The donations uncovered by this masthead likely represent a fraction of the funds given by Big Build firms with links to suspected improper behaviour or gangland figures because many of them made donations directly to the CFMEU, which in turn gave the ALP more than $500,000 heading into the November 2022 election. The CFMEU has never revealed which building firms contributed to its election war chest, although multiple Big Build and union sources said a union faction, including bikie boss Joel Leavett and ex-union boss Myles, pressured firms to donate to the union. On Monday, Victorias corruption watchdog revealed it did not investigate a referral from Allan, the premier, concerning allegations of organised crime and graft on taxpayer-funded projects because it was outside its remit. Advertisement Allans mid-2024 referral was detailed in a letter to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) released on Sunday, noting allegations of organised crime and behaviour to favour CFMEU-linked firms. IBAC does not typically comment on its referrals, but, because the letter was released publicly, it confirmed the matters in Allans letter were outside its scope. Loading On Tuesday, Allan would not say whether she had already been informed of IBACs decision when her office released her referral letter on the weekend, having insisted over recent days she had referred the allegations to IBAC as the appropriate agency to investigate corruption. At a testy press conference, Allan was repeatedly asked when she knew that IBAC had decided it could not investigate, including whether it was before her office released her referral letter, and whether she should have been aware that her referral would fail. Advertisement She said the advice had come through the department that IBAC was not investigating, and she would need to check when that occurred. Allan said she had also written to Victoria Police and the Fair Work Commission at the same time in the days after this mastheads Building Bad investigation with 60 Minutes and The Australian Financial Review broke. Loading Both the state opposition and the Greens have backed giving IBAC new powers to follow taxpayer money to subcontractors and labour hire for investigations. Shadow attorney-general James Newbury said the opposition would introduce its own bill but would support the government if it chose to introduce its own. Advertisement Editor's pick Exclusive Building Bad Setkas secret sisterhood: Labor women in covert support of CFMEU boss revealed It also referred to revelations in The Age that firms named in Watsons report, including those subject to police action, had made donations to Labor to IBAC. The Victorian Greens have also said it would this week release draft laws that would give the states corruption watchdog follow the dollar powers to pursue investigations into the use of taxpayer funds when they trickle down to private subcontractors. IBAC has asked for these powers, and a parliamentary inquiry has also recommended they be provided. The construction industry is one of the biggest sectors to use subcontracting and labour hire arrangements, where much of the graft on taxpayer projects has been identified. Allan said she had no announcements to make today on whether her government would give IBAC the follow-the-dollar powers. Advertisement Editor's pick Building Bad Allan releases CFMEU letter as opposition says its royal commission would include government culpability Half a dozen Labor MPs from the western suburbs joined the premier and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas at the new Footscray Hospital for the press conference. The hospital opens on Wednesday. Backbench MP Luba Grigorovitch, formerly secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, was asked whether she regretted prominently standing by former CFMEU state secretary John Setka. Look, the allegations that have been made are serious. They truly are. They are disgusting, and as the premier has said, theyre completely unacceptable, Grigorovitch said. She said she was not going to back away from the fact that she and Setka were close while they were both union secretaries, but that she had not spoken to Setka in quite a while. Ive just had two babies, Im not exactly sure on my last phone calls, she said. Advertisement The premier again dismissed an estimate that $15 billion had been lost to corruption on its Big Build program of work and continued to rebuff calls for a royal commission to test the figure, which was estimated by Geoffrey Watson and backed up by the Fair Work Commission. The estimate was described as untested by the CFMEU administrator Mark Irving, but was separately backed by Fair Work Commission general manager Murray Furlong. Those claims have been dismissed, Allan claimed. She would not say how much taxpayer money lost to corruption on the Big Build would warrant action. Advertisement At one point, the gathered MPs were each asked whether they wanted the $15 billion figure tested. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said Allan had been incredibly strong and decisive in the action that she has taken. She then claimed the $15 billion figure was not worthy of further consideration. Pressed again whether any of the other MPs would like to speak, Laverton MP Sarah Connolly eventually conceded her western suburbs constituents had asked her about the figure. Yes, they do. And I talk to them about the steps that the premier has outlined that we are taking, 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. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastIran sanctions Iran, US hail progress in nuclear talks after Trump threats Patrick Sykes and Arsalan Shahla February 18, 2026 7:07am 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 US and Iran have made progress in nuclear talks in Geneva, with Tehrans negotiators scheduled to return with a new proposal in two weeks, a US official said, in a cautiously upbeat assessment that suggests the chances of an imminent military clash are low. US Vice President JD Vance said the Tuesday talks went well in some ways, but that the Iranians were not yet willing to recognise some of President Donald Trumps red lines. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a bilateral meeting between Switzerland and Iran, in Geneva on Tuesday. AP The president of the United States is very much trying to find a solution here, whether its through diplomatic options or through another option, that means the Iranians cannot have a nuclear weapon, Vance said on the Fox News program The Briefing. In an earlier statement, Iran said it had reached a general agreement with the US on the terms of a potential nuclear deal that would lift sanctions on Tehran and ease the risk of a broader war in the Middle East. Advertisement Related Article Middle East tensions Trump weighs new military options against Iran We were able to reach a general agreement on a set of guiding principles, based on which we will proceed from now on and move toward drafting a potential agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state TV after meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva. The two sides will each draft and exchange texts for a deal before setting a date for a third round of talks, the US official said, cautioning that the next stage would be more difficult and detailed. Trump said on Monday he planned to be involved in the talks, at least indirectly. I think they want to make a deal. I dont think they want the consequences of not making a deal, he told reporters. The apparent diplomatic progress came despite growing military deployments in the Persian Gulf. Advertisement Iran said on Tuesday that it would close part of the Strait of Hormuz a key choke point for energy exports from the worlds top oil-producing region for several hours due to military drills. The US has also sent a second aircraft carrier to the region. Iranian missile forces hold a drill on Abu Musa island in the middle of the Strait of Hormuz in 2023. AP Iran has threatened to fully close the Strait of Hormuz in the past, but has never done so. Brent crude is up almost 13 per cent this year, largely because of the US-Iran tensions and the prospect of a war in the oil-rich region. Several tanker industry veterans said the Iranian exercises hadnt prompted any fresh guidance to shipping in the past few days that they were aware of. They said they didnt anticipate any disruption to oil shipments. Success in the talks could pave the way for a landmark agreement between Tehran and Washington that would lift a slew of tough sanctions on Irans oil industry and wider economy in exchange for major restrictions on its nuclear program. Advertisement Related Article Iran sanctions Iran hints at compromise as US warns a nuclear deal will be very hard to do The Iranian delegation is ready to stay longer to finalise any agreement, several days or even weeks, Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said earlier, according to the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency. The US is also hosting talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Wednesday, days ahead of the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion of its neighbour. Military drills The military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz were focused on delivering a decisive response to security threats, an Iranian commander said. Advertisement The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was monitoring the strait continuously and planned to unveil additional equipment soon to boost its military capacities there, navy commander Alireza Tangsiri was quoted as saying, according to the semi-official Iranian Labour News Agency. Diplomacy and the battlefield stand side by side, Iranian analyst Akbar Masoumi wrote in an analysis for Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency. These two complement each other and together have created a positive process for the country. Earlier, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stepped up his warnings that the US will suffer if it strikes the country, as Trump has repeatedly threatened if the sides cant reach a deal. They keep saying: We sent a warship towards Iran, Khamenei said. Well, a warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but more dangerous than a warship is the weapon that can sink this warship to the bottom of the sea. Advertisement Negotiations over Irans nuclear program have gained urgency since Trump deployed an additional aircraft carrier to the region and suggested regime change would be the best thing that could happen to the country. Israel is pushing for the negotiations to include limits on the range of Tehrans ballistic missiles, but Iran has so far dismissed that as a red line. During a visit to Tel Aviv on Monday, US Republican senator Lindsey Graham said Washington was weeks, not months away from a decision between diplomacy and military action against Iran. Bloomberg, AP 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. TENSIONS were high during a discussion about a notice of motion calling on Carlow county councillors to boycott any events associated with the Trump administration during their visit to the United States for St Patricks Day at the February council meeting. The notice of motion was proposed by People Before Profit councillor Adrienne Wallace and she called on any Carlow councillors visiting the USA for St Patricks Day to boycott any and all events that associate with the Trump administration following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Peretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis. This is abhorrent and there is no Carlow councillor who can justify going over there and shaking the hands of anyone who does that, said cllr Wallace. I think it is very important that we do the right thing here. Cllr Fintan Phelan, who opposed the motion, condemned the murders of Alex Peretti and Renee Good and said anyone who witnessed the footage of their deaths would be in agreement; however, he did not think it was the time to close the door to dialogue. The reality is that the Trump administration is the government of the United States and I dont think its a time to be disengaging or closing the door to dialogue, he said. He added: I want the councillors going over there to be active; I want them to engage with US officials, engage with the chamber of commerce and the IDA and try to bring funding to Carlow and thats vitally important, so for that reason I will be opposed to the motion. Mayor of Carlow cllr Paul Doogue, who will travel to the USA for St Patricks Day, said he agreed with everything cllr Wallace mentioned, except the final line of the motion about boycotting any and all events associated with the Trump administration. Probably 99% of all events will have something to do with Trump or his own supporters, he said. I wont be going over to support anything that Trump is doing, but I will be doing my damnedest to speak about undocumented Irish in America and I dont think sticking our head in the sand is going to do anyone a bit of good, he added. One of the councillors in favour of the motion, Independent Ireland cllr John Cassin, said the idea that all events on the itinerary of the delegation would be run by or associated with the Trump administration was totally fabricated. The notice of motion says associated with the Trump administration. The St Patricks Day parade is not administered by the Trump administration. The Carlow Association is not run by the Trump administration, he said. It doesnt say dont go to New York or attend the parade or the IDA meeting. The IDA meeting is run by the IDA. The Carlow Association over there is run by Carlovians. So to muddy the water to say that all these events are going to be run by the Trump administration is totally fabricated, he added. Cllr Wallace added that President Trump had shown the world that he would not listen to anybody and the time for diplomacy had passed. The time for dialogue has passed and maybe sometimes diplomacy can work, but that time has come and gone now. This is about making a principled decision and standing on the right side of history, she said. Cathaoirleach cllr Ken Murnane asked cllr Wallace if she did not think dialogue was the way forward. Has it worked up until this point? replied cllr Wallace. Dialogue is not working for the farmers either, quipped cllr Andy Gladney in reference to the Bord Bia and IFA dispute. Cllr William Paton said he understood where cllr Wallace was coming from, but he questioned what the delegation would do if they showed up at St Patricks Cathedral and there was a large military presence there. Do you boycott that? You get to an event and a Republican senator or congressman is in attendance: do you boycott that or do we take the opportunity, like Ive requested from the delegation thats going, to bring up the undocumented Irish and remind the Trump administration, through any means you can, that up to 25% to 30% of the people who fought in the continental army to win freedom 250 years ago were Irish and remind them that there is a debt of gratitude owed to the Irish? he said. The motion went to a roll call vote and was subsequently defeated, with ten against and four in favour. Cllrs John Cassin, Jim Deane, Andy Gladney and Adrienne Wallace all voted in favour, while cllrs Paul Doogue, Michael Doran, Tommy Kinsella, Ken Murnane, Charlie Murphy, William Paton, John Pender, Daniel Pender, Fintan Phelan and Willie Quinn voted against the motion. A number of councillors were not present in the chamber for the vote. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has defended proposed cuts to special needs assistants (SNAs) at some schools across the country as a rebalancing of supports. Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton paused a review of SNA provisions after backlash from teachers, parents and the trade union Forsa at cuts proposed at dozens of schools from September. When suggested that supports were being cut before a new special needs system was put in place, Carroll MacNeill said there had been a considerable expansion in SNAs across the country since she became a TD. Hildegarde Naughton has paused a review of SNA provisions (PA) No, thats not my experience, she told the media on Tuesday afternoon. What I see is an increase in my area, and I do see a redeployment. There is a huge, huge body of momentum towards extra supports quite the opposite to what I think you might be suggesting that there are more special supports in schools for children in my own constituency, it is a hugely important issue, and I would be very, very familiar with the particular needs of every school. There is quite a lot of work going into this. I recognise that the minister has placed a pause on this. Ive spoken with the head of the (National Council for Special Education) myself in relation to this, because as a constituency TD, I would have always done that, and I know that in most cases, there wont be any change. In others, there are important changes, where, for example, if there are six children in sixth class who move into first year, and there are not the same number of children requiring special supports, then theres a redistribution of those SNA needs to happen, particularly if theres a bigger demand at the school next door. Thats a process that is always going to need some measure of fluidity. But what I see in my school, in my constituency, is more SNAS and more schools embracing special supports, embracing special classes, and its been a wonderful change to observe as a constituency TD over the last six years. She added: I see, for example, a commitment that there is no SNA going to be losing their job, but they might reasonably be redeployed to the school next door if that school has greater need than school A, if School B has because of the children presenting to it, maybe its a boys school next to a girls school, as in is the case in Killiney, for example, where there have been many, many supports provided by the girls schools and now, more recently, by the boys school, and sometimes a rebalancing of that is going to be appropriate over time. What I think the Taoiseach said, and what the minister has said, is that that is a review that needs to happen more often, so that we are more quickly and more appropriately responding to the profile of children, to the needs of children who are in the school at any given day. Libyas Ministry of Industry and Minerals has held talks with Chinese company Goodwill Ceramic (Wankang) Ltd regarding plans to establish a new cement plant with a proposed capacity of 2Mta. During a meeting led by the ministrys undersecretary for public affairs, production and industrial zones, Mustafa Al-Samou, discussions focused on regulatory and technical procedures required to advance the project, as well as alignment with national industrial development plans. The proposed facility would incorporate modern production technologies and comply with environmental standards aimed at reducing carbon emissions, in line with Libyas stated ambition to promote greener industrial development. Advertisement The ministry emphasised that compliance with Libyan legal and technical standards would be essential to ensure product quality and competitiveness. Officials described the project as supporting reconstruction efforts and strengthening domestic cement supply. Representatives of Goodwill Ceramic expressed readiness to complete all required procedures in coordination with the relevant authorities and to implement the project within Libyas legal framework. Goodman Property Trust (GMT or the Trust) advises that draft valuation reports from independent valuers indicate an expected increase of around $112 million (approximately 2.7%) in the fair value of GMTs property assets as at 31 March 2026. As a result, GMTs property funds under management are expected to be valued at around $4.9 billion. The forecast valuation movement is expected to increase net tangible assets by around 7.0 cents per unit. The annual valuation movement remains subject to finalisation of independent valuation reports and the audit of GMT's FY26 financial statements. On a look-through basis, the draft valuations indicate that on 31 March 2026 GMT's investment portfolio is expected to have a weighted average capitalisation rate of around 5.9%. With an initial yield of around 5.1%, valuers have highlighted significant under-renting in the stabilised property portfolio. GMT expects to capture this reversion as contract rents adjust to market levels over time and new leases reflect higher rates. Unit buyback GMT announces today an on-market buyback programme to purchase a maximum aggregate of NZ$125 million of units in the Trust. James Spence, CEO said, With GMT units trading at a significant discount to the Trusts net tangible asset backing, the buyback programme reflects a well-defined, value driven opportunity for our business. It is accretive to both net tangible assets per unit and cash earnings per unit and is expected to support ongoing sustainable distribution growth. The unit buyback is strongly aligned with GMTs investment strategy which remains focused on high quality real estate in core industrial property markets and consistent with GMTs disciplined approach to capital allocation, the buyback offers an attractive risk-adjusted return. GMTs substantial balance sheet capacity further supports the Trust to actively pursue growth opportunities including continued investment into its development pipeline and selective acquisitions, such as the recently announced acquisition of 5.1ha of land at Felix Street in Onehunga. Throughout the buyback period, the Trust will continue to actively assess investment opportunities, market conditions, its prevailing unit price and all other relevant considerations. GMT retains full discretion to vary, suspend, or terminate the buyback at any time subject to providing 3 business days' notice on the NZX. Jarden Securities Limited has been appointed to execute the buyback. Corporatisation and Stapling As outlined in GMTs FY26 interim results presentation, the Trust continues to advance workstreams to move to a corporatised and stapled structure for the business. Subject to regulatory approvals it expects to present a proposal to proceed with the transaction on or around 27 February 2026. Should this timing change then GMT will update the market accordingly. Corporatisation and stapling will require a special meeting of the Trust and will also require approval of Goodman+Bond holders. In 2024 the Trust successfully completed the internalisation of GMT, bringing management in-house to strengthen alignment and set the Trust up for the next phase of its business growth. Internalisation has delivered significant benefits to the business, facilitating a broadening in investment strategy by enabling the establishment of a new property funds management business and reducing operating costs. Given GMTs strategic direction, growth in its property funds management platform and a greater level of active investment opportunities, the Trust considers the proposed stapled corporate structure, rather than the current unit trust structure, is the most effective framework to support the delivery of its long-term investment strategy while retaining Portfolio Investment Entity (PIE) status for the investment property portion of the business. Stapling links two companies shares together, so they cannot be traded separately. GMT proposes the corporatisation will result in two companies: one which will hold passive real estate (as GMT does now) and the other which will pursue more active investment opportunities and provide property management, and funds management, services. Unitholders underlying property investments will remain unchanged. GMT will continue to focus on delivery of well-located and sustainable warehouse, logistics and last mile property for customers in the Auckland industrial market. If the transaction is approved, instead of owning units in GMT, the investment will be in shares in two companies, a new company to be incorporated with the name Goodman New Zealand Limited and Goodman Property Services (NZ) Limited (the current manager of GMT), that are permanently linked ("stapled") and trade together as one security (Stapled Securities) under a single ticker code. In New Zealand, both Stride Property Group and Precinct Properties have adopted a similar stapled structure, which is also commonly used in the ASX listed property sector. If the proposed corporatisation and stapling transaction does not proceed, GMT will continue to operate under its current trust structure which will restrict certain strategic opportunities and constrain our ability to advance income diversification and further enhance earnings growth. Disclaimer No money is being sought, and no Stapled Securities can be applied for or acquired. Any offer of Stapled Securities that is made will be made in accordance with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FY26 guidance Consistent with earlier guidance, GMT is pleased to reaffirm its expectation for cash earnings of around 8.0 cents per unit and distributions of 6.825 cents per unit for the year. For further information, please contact: James Spence Chief Executive Officer Goodman Property Services (NZ) Limited (09) 903 3269 Andy Eakin Chief Financial Officer Goodman Property Services (NZ) Limited (09) 375 6077 About Goodman Property Trust: GMT is a managed investment scheme, listed on the NZX. It has a market capitalisation of around $2.9 billion, ranking it in the top 15 of all listed investment entities. GMTs extensive warehouse and logistics portfolio provides essential supply chain infrastructure for more than 200 customers. GMT holds an investment grade credit rating of BBB from S&P Global Ratings. Further details on GMT unit buyback The on-market unit buyback programme will commence on 20 February 2026 and will end on the earlier of the date: (a) on which a vote is put to unitholders to approve a corporatisation of the Trust (as described below); (b) on which the maximum aggregate amount of units to be acquired has been acquired; or (c) which is 12 months after the date of this notice, ("Buyback Period"). Subject to unitholders approving the corporatisation of the Trust as described in this announcement, the Boards of the Goodman New Zealand Limited and Goodman Property Services (NZ) Limited intend to re-approve a buyback programme in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 1993 which would allow the buyback period to continue for a total of 12 months from 20 February 2026. Under the unit buyback programme, GMT will acquire units on the NZX at the prevailing market price from time to time during the Buyback Period and will be conducted in accordance with GMT's Trust Deed and the NZX Listing Rules (Listing Rules) such that: (a) units will only be acquired if the quoted price does not exceed the "Repayment Price" as set out in GMT's Trust Deed (which is broadly the net asset value of GMT less the cost of selling assets of GMT, divided by the aggregate number of units on issue); (b) the maximum number of units that may be acquired under the on-market buyback will not exceed 15% of the GMTs units on issue over 12 months prior to the commencement of the buyback; and (c) the number of units purchased under GMTs on market buyback from time to time will be notified to NZX on the business day following the date on which those units are acquired. Any units bought back will be cancelled upon acquisition, and the total number of units on issue will reduce accordingly. GMT has considered and revised its Financial Products Trading Policy such that the unit buyback will not operate during any restricted blackout periods. These are defined under GMTs Financial Products Trading Policy and includes blackout periods in connection with GMTs financial reporting cycle, such as the period leading into the release of GMTs full year results (from 31 March until the first trading day after those results are released) and a similar period in respect of its interim results (from 30 September until the first trading day after the half year results are released). Further details on Corporatisation and Stapling Key benefits of corporatisation and stapling + Provides GMT with a corporate structure; + Positions the business to pursue new growth and active investment opportunities through a separate company (such as acquiring assets for resale, undertaking develop-to-sell projects, or engaging in land subdivision); +Facilitates further growth in GMTs property funds management business; + Retains PIE tax status by holding passive real estate investments in a separate company (Goodman New Zealand Limited) which maintains tax benefits for investors with dividends from this company continuing to receive tax-advantaged treatment as a PIE distribution; + Separating property fund management and more active property transactions into a separate company (Goodman Property Services (NZ) Limited) from which distributions will be taxed as an ordinary dividend; and + Removes Trust Deed and Financial Markets Conduct Act restrictions and streamlines governance and compliance processes, with corresponding cost savings. Importance of GMTs PIE status Under the Income Tax Act GMT is a listed PIE which provides important tax benefits. Under the PIE regime, eligible New Zealand investors benefit from the tax payable on distributions being effectively capped at 28% irrespective of their personal tax rate. GMT is also able to pay out to investors any capital gains or untaxed income free of New Zealand tax. With GMT broadening its investment strategy to include more active property investments and the targeting of wider opportunities, it is expected that it will generate income and hold investments that include both qualifying (generally passive income) and non-qualifying (generally active income) components under the Income Tax Act for PIE purposes. If these opportunities were pursued under the current structure, this would mean losing the valuable tax benefits of GMTs PIE status. Conditions The corporatisation and stapling transaction will be conditional on Board approval, the approval of unit holders and Goodman+Bond holders. It will also be conditional on lender approvals, quotation on the NZX and regulatory approvals from the Financial Markets Authority, Overseas Investment Office and Inland Revenue. The corporatisation and stapling transaction will be open to the majority of unitholders. There may be a small number of unitholders that cannot participate due to the jurisdiction in which they are located. It is expected that a sale facility will be put in place to assist these investors to realise their investment. Full details of the corporatisation and stapling will be included in a notice of meeting and a product disclosure statement which are expected to be released to market by the end of February 2026. 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Related News: FSF - Mainland Group sale unconditional TRU - Study Confirms Superiority of TruScreen+hr-HPV co-testing March 9th Morning Report March 6th Morning Report PEB - First Triage Plus Tests Ordered from Townsville March 5th Morning Report Devon Funds Morning Note - 04 March 2026 Genesis Energy announces opening of Rights Offer March 4th Morning Report Comvita appoints Andrea Wilkins as Chief Marketing Officer 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. Marvin Carson, 55, of 102 Saint Andrews Place in Tullahoma, is facing charges in Chattanooga Federal Court or knowing possession of or access with intent to view any film, videotape, computer disk or material that contains child pornography, knowing that the material is child pornography, and that the material had been shipped or transported using any means or facility of interstate commerce, or in or affecting interstate commerce by any means, including by computer.An FBI Special Agent investigated Carson in January after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation referred to the agent two cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.The FBI investigation determined that, between February 2024 and August 2025, Carson made four Cash App transactions of Bitcoin to a wallet associated with child sexual abuse material.Based on the FBI investigation, Judge Christopher H. Steger ordered law enforcement to search Carsons residence for, among other items, images of child pornography, and to seize materials containing images of child pornography.On Feb. 5, federal and state law enforcement executed the residential search. During the search, officers located and seized multiple devices to include, but not limited to, two desktop computers, two laptop computers, an iPhone and an iPad with serial number.During the search, agents with the FBI and TBI interviewed Carson, who confessed to viewing child pornography.Carson said, I can admit that I looked at images (heavy sigh)that were illegal. I looked at images. I knew they were illegal images. and Ive seen images that I should not have seen."Carson admitted that he had been viewing child pornography since he was in his early twenties.When asked about the amount of images Carson had viewed, he admitted in the past year he had seen hundreds to thousands, that were definitely illegal. He said he had most recently viewed child pornography last week."Carson confirmed his control over the Cash App account used in the reported transactions, and that the linked credit union account was also his. He said that he had learned to use Bitcoin and the dark web in order to subscribe to a child pornography website.He admitted to the Cash App payments, but not all four, and explained that the payments went to a subscription service that allowed him access to a large amount of child pornography. He admitted that he preferred girls aged about 16 years old, but that he had viewed child pornography featuring victims of all ages. He identified his iPad and desktop computer as the devices he most frequently used to look at child pornography, though he denied downloading images or videos containing child pornography.The forensic exploitation of Carsons digital devices is not complete, however previewed files saved to the iPad contain child pornography. Specifically, agents observed three videos, each approximately three seconds long and depicting sexually explicit conduct with a minor. Astec Industries celebrated its inaugural Astec Community Connect Day, bringing together employees across Chattanooga to support local nonprofits through hands-on service. More than 200 Astec volunteers dedicated their time to a range of community partners, including Ronald McDonald House, Chattanooga Health and Rehab Center, Chattanooga Area Food Banks main warehouse and Foxwood Food Center locations, and Friends of the Troops. Teams spent the day cleaning facilities, assembling care packages, organizing food donations, and engaging directly with residents and families served by these organizations. The company plans to build on this momentum by making Astec Community Connect Day an annual tradition rooted in meaningful partnership and employee-driven impact. Astec's purpose is Built to Connect, said Aletheia Silcott, chief human resources officer of Astec Industries. Today, our people demonstrated what it means to connect with our community, our partners, and each other in ways that strengthen our community. Im incredibly proud of the generosity, spirit, and commitment they brought to our first Community Connect Day. Katherlyn Geter is launching her campaign to serve once again as a county commissioner of Hamilton County District 5. Ms. Geter won the seat in 2018 against a long term incumbent by 15 votes, and served the district through 2022. Local community leader and healthcare advocate, director of Placemaking at the Enterprise Center, mother and grandmother, Ms. Geter has served her community with "faith and compassion" whether in or out of the Commission seat throughout her career. The first time I ran, it was about building a presence," said Ms. Geter. "I wanted District 5 to see themselves in their leadership. Then and even now representation you can connect with is so important. This time is about running to build whats next a better life for everyone in District 5." She has seen the change that is needed during her service as county commissioner, and through her work in the community outside of the seat. Ms. Geter was recognized nationally as a White House Champion of Change, part of President Obamas Winning the Future initiative, for her work with the Affordable Care Act in assisting the public to access healthcare. She was also recognized with the The Barbara Reynolds Dont Accept 'No' Leadership Award for her grassroots organizing efforts in Southeast Tennessee regarding healthcare. Ms. Geter was recently awarded recognition by the Orchard Knob Neighborhood Association for her commitment and service to the community, and named Citizen of the Year by AKA Pi Omega Sorority. A graduate of UTC in Human Service Management, Ms. Geters career includes over 25 years of experience overseeing programs that counsel and provide outreach education to those who seek assistance with understanding health insurance. Her current role as director of Placemaking for Healthy Communities at the Enterprise Center ensures that communities are heard and are provided with a comprehensive playbook for engagement and collaboration with diverse groups. Through community engagement and development over the years, Ms. Geter has served as a resource for many in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. Right now, our community deserves more than politics as usual," said Ms. Geter. "We need a different look and mindset to have sustainable change within our community. Government is and should be about the people it serves. I can continue to be that champion of change in serving as county commissioner for District 5 once again. Its time to bring relatability, connection, growth and strong partnerships to the community. Its time for a lasting change in our area. Ms. Geters campaign kickoff event will be held Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at Hope for the Inner City, 1800 Roanoke Ave. The public is invited to attend. 3/9/2026 Mission BBQ and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 203 announce America's Vietnam and Vietnam era veterans will be celebrated and honored for their "patriotism, love of country, willingness ... more Here are the new business licenses from the County Clerk's office: ANZHELA MUSTAFINA ANZHELA MUSTAFINA 382 CHERRY ST APT 422 CHATTANOOGA TN 37403 ATCHLEY LAWN AND LANDSCAPES ALEX ATCHLEY 11654 HOLLY CIRCLE SODDY DAISY TN 37379 CASA DE MAMA HOLDINGS GABINO HERNANDEZ 302 RED OAK DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37415 CHASTAINCO ERIC CHASTAIN 138 RIDGESIDE RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37411 CORE BOOKS TODD SANGSTER 1344 SPITZY LN SODDY DAISY TN 37379 CUIDADO URGENTE, PLLC 1148 E 23RD ST CHATTANOOGA TN 37408 D L PROPERTIES LLC DEADRA L YOUNG 633 CHESTNUT ST STE 600 CHATTANOOGA TN 37450 DSL LAWN CARE AND IRRIGATION DAVID CRUZ HIPOLITO 1435 JENKINS RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37421 EVERGREEN DIGITAL MARKET KYRA L CLAUSEL 26 E MAIN ST APT 322 CHATTANOOGA TN 37408 FORD SERVICES VIRIAN FORD 1205 SHALLOWFORD RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37411 FRESH NEST CLEANING CO. KACIE L RICE 565 SIR CARLOS DR SODDY DAISY TN 37379G & S CUSTOM TRIM ALEN P GONZALEZ 4115 E STUMP ST CHATTANOOGA TN 37412HAMMOCK CREEK TENNESSEE LLC STEPHEN DUPUIS 815 S SCENIC HWY CHATTANOOGA TN 37409HIXSON QUILTWORKS KATHLEEN BENZIE 1317 LEASIDE LN HIXSON TN 37343J15 ELECTRIC SOLUTIONS JOSH SHELTON 2888 BURNING BUSH RD RINGGOLD GA 30736JAKE'S DELIVERY JACOB LOWRY 9443 CHERI BETH CIR OOLTEWAH TN 37363JAMIE SAMPLE JAMIE SAMPLE 6104 VANCE RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37421JH MASSAGE JIN LIU 4767 HWY 58 STE 107 CHATTANOOGA TN 37416KNOLLBROOK RENTALS MICHAEL E KNOLL 408 THOMPSON ST CHATTANOOGA TN 37405KNOW1NUMBER BRADLEY MCCORMICK 10091 LARKSPUR DR OOLTEWAH TN 37363L & S DRYWALL GARRETT L CODY 1102 CARTERWOOD LN HIXSON TN 37343LEI FENG CONSTRUCTION LLC YUFEI LIU 3150 HOLCOMB BRIDGE RD NORCROSS GA 30071LOVE SERVED TREATS JAQUANDRIA C FLOYD 2196 ASHFORD VILLA CIR CHATTANOOGA TN 37421MAPCO JAY PATEL 7701 LEE HWY CHATTANOOGA TN 37421MAYLI MINISTRIES MARY L WIGFALL 8264 CLIPPER DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37421MCKINNEY SOCCER DEVELOPMENT GAVIN P MCKINNEY 559 PREMA DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37412MONARCA RESTORATION ANISETO PEREZ 1119 TAMARACK TRL CHATTANOOGA TN 37412MOUNTAIN VIEW TAX SERVICES LLC JUERGEN MILDENBERGER 1031 JOHN ROSS RD STE 101 CHATTANOOGA TN 37412NORDIC METALWORX LLC GRANT T NORD 8 E DAYTONA DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37415NOVA RESEARCH TRIALS KELLY RADIN 905 FOREST AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37405OLVERA ROOFING LLC PABLO BANOS OLVERA 5354 MATTHEWS DR APT B CHATTANOOGA TN 37412OPEN ROAD RV LLC BRADLEY HALE 270 DEE LN HIXSON TN 37343OUR LADY TAMALES SARAH ANDREWS 739 ASHLAND TER CHATTANOOGA TN 37415PERFORMANCE GUNS & AMMO LLC WILLIAM F EAVES 8365 DAYTON PIKE SODDY DAISY TN 37379RAM CONSTRUCTION SANTOS C RAMIREZ NOLASCO 3003 12TH AVE APT A CHATTANOOGA TN 37407REHEARSARY LLC KEVIN P MANNING 3604 HELEN LN CHATTANOOGA TN 37412RESTAURANTE ELIZABETH DINA ELIZABETH VICENTE VENTURA 3202 DODDS AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37407RHINOGRAM, INC WAYNE CLAY 6820 LEE HWY CHATTANOOGA TN 37421RIVER CITY EXTERIOR WASH LLC MIKEL A KAHLE 16 BRIGGS AVE RED BANK TN 37415SCENIC CITY SEPTIC PUMPING LLC STUART DOSS 9923 BLUE SPRINGS RD HARRISON TN 37341SERGEI TKACHENKO SERGEY TKACHENKO 382 CHERRY ST APT 422 CHATTANOOGA TN 37403SHOW READY PROS TYLER J FURLAND 1630 CHASE MEADOWS CIR. HIXSON TN 37343THE ARMORY GUNS DAVID CHONG 5019 HIXSON PIKE HIXSON TN 37343TIENDA LA FAVORITA LLC SAIDA GONZALEZ PEREZ 4308 DODDS AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37407TIENDA LEON LLC ELMER U GONZALEZ 3661 BRAINERD RD STE 301 CHATTANOOGA TN 37411TIENDA Y BOUTIQUE LUNA LLC DELIA M MACARIO MATIAS 3800 ROSSVILLE BLVD CHATTANOOGA TN 37407TIM JURISIN PLUMBING, INC TIM JURISIN 631 HORACE CROW DR CLARKSVILLE TN 37043TOMAS LAWNCARE LLC LUIS E ARGUETA TOMAS 220 W EUCLID AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37415TV CREATIVE LLC TESSA VOCCOLA 807 CENTRAL AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37403TW DESIGNS TABATHA D WHITTLE 8087 JONATHAN DR OOLTEWAH TN 37363UNIVERSITY DRIVE HOLDINGS, LLC CYNTHIA WOLCOTT 4113 UNIVERSITY DR OOLTEWAH TN 37363UPSTAIRS ON BROAD NIKKI STOPHEL 804 JOY LN CHATTANOOGA TN 37421WARD'S CONSTRUCTION LLC DONZELL WARD 2861 OLD BRITAIN CIR CHATTANOOGA TN 37421 This morning, it was with great sadness that we learned of the transition of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.Rev. Jackson was one of the most recognizable and consequential champions for civil and human rights in this country in the late twentieth century. His leadership helped shape the conscience of a nation. He used his national influence to advance the struggle for justice, dignity, and opportunity for all Americans. He formed Operation PUSH, which later became the Rainbow-Push Coalition, to serve as an instrument to advance the causes he championed.The Unity Group of Chattanooga is mindful that at a critical time in our nations history, Operation PUSH had chapters across the country working to advance economic justice, political empowerment and community self-determination.In Chattanooga, that work was led by Brother Johnny Holloway, the longtime local head of Operation PUSH and a proud, active member of the Unity Group of Chattanooga.Under Brother Holloways leadership, Operation PUSH delivered a real and lasting impact for our community. A breakfast program was established that fed hundreds of children each day. The organization also pressed for fairness and equity in our local electoral processes, demanding access, accountability and meaningful participation for communities that had too often been excluded from political representation and power.Operation PUSH was also a catalyst in the successful effort to rename Ninth Street as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the heart of our city.Likewise, as Chattanooga reflects on the national recognition received by the documentary How to Sue the Klan, including its recent Emmy honor, we must also remember a tumultuous moment in our local history. In the aftermath of the unrest and tension that followed those events, including the shooting of five women on Ninth Street, it was the Reverend Jackson who was called upon to help break the heightened racial tensions in our community, helping to bring calm, credibility and moral leadership when Chattanooga needed steady and trusted voices.In the years that followed, Reverend Jackson returned to Chattanooga on numerous occasions, consistently carrying a clear and unwavering message: civility matters, economic empowerment matters and education matters and is essential to the hopes, dreams and aspirations of young people.Rev Jackson launched two spirited campaigns for the presidency of the United States. During Reverend Jacksons presidential campaigns, a powerful chant swept across the country, "Run, Jesse, Run!" Here in Chattanooga, Brother Johnny Holloway served as a campaign manager, helping connect a historic national movement to grassroots organizing and local leadership.Reverend Jesse Jackson leaves behind more than a national legacy. He leaves behind fed children, empowered voters, streets renamed to reflect our shared values and a community reminded that justice is not accidental. It is built methodically and deliberately through organized people, courageous leadership, and a steady commitment to equity.The Unity Group of Chattanooga extends its deepest condolences to the Jackson family and to all who continue to carry forward Reverend Jacksons lifes work and moral vision.Rev. Jackson often recited a poem to inspire and motivate us:I may be youngbut I amSomebody.I may be on welfarebut I amSomebody.I may be poorbut I amSomebody.I may make a mistakebut I amSomebody!My clothes are different,my face is different,my hair is different,but I amSomebody.I am Black, Brown, White.I speak a different language.But I must be respected,protected,never rejected.I am Gods child.I amSomebody!And as Reverend Jesse Jackson often reminded us, Keep Hope Alive!Eric AtkinsThe Unity Group In an event at Chattanooga City Hall, local leaders gathered to thank U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, "for his successful efforts to direct critical funding to regional projects, much of which will directly benefit Chattanoogans in terms of affordable housing, the downtown riverfront district, quantum computing, health resources, and real-world application of UTC research." Chairman Fleischmann secured community project funding for important local projects ( full list here ), including: Pediatric Abuse and Advocacy Resource Center (Erlanger): $1.5 million Translational Research Program ] (UTC): $3 million (UTC): $3 million James A. Henry Building Hub (City of Chattanooga): $5 million Quantum Communications Network (EPB): $6 million 21st Century Waterfront Revitalization Project (City of Chattanooga): $7 million Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers): $213 million Rep. Fleischmann said, As Tennessees senior appropriator in Congress, I am proud to deliver massive wins for East Tennessee by bringing federal investments to strengthen our communitys health care, infrastructure, law enforcement, and affordable housing. These targeted investments are necessary and needed, and I am committed to continuing to work with strong local partners advocating for East Tennessees priorities. As long as I have the privilege to represent the Third Congressional District, I will always proudly fight for Tennessee in Washington. Mayor Tim Kelly said, Through the recent congressional budget process, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann secured new investments that will directly benefit every Chattanoogan, creating opportunities and strengthening our city for years to come. Erlanger CEO Jim Coleman said, Vulnerable children across our region will directly benefit from Chairman Fleischmanns successful effort to use federal funds to expand Erlangers Pediatric Abuse and Advocacy Resource Center. This funding will allow our Center to hire new medical professionals and social workers so more children can receive more resources faster. UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce said, At UTC, we turn discovery into impact. With Chairman Fleischmanns federal support, were accelerating innovation from the lab to the marketplace - creating jobs, strengthening industry partnerships, and driving economic growth across our region. EPB CEO David Wade said, EPB is grateful to Chairman Fleischmann for helping secure federal support for Americas first commercially available quantum communications network, built right here in Chattanooga. Through this investment, our community is helping advance technologies that are essential to national security and Americas global competitiveness while positioning our local economy for new business growth and high-quality jobs in the rapidly emerging quantum industry. Emily Mack, River City Company CEO, said, I want to thank Chairman Fleischmann for securing federal funding to support the collective efforts of the State of Tennessee, local philanthropic organizations, and local donors who are coming together to reimagine our 21st Century Waterfront district into an iconic destination where residents and visitors alike will enjoy year-round. Chairman Fleischmanns federal appropriation will help make downtown Chattanooga an even more vibrant, inviting, and family-friendly place. Betsy McCright, executive director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority, said, "Congressman Fleischmann has been a true champion of One Westside. Securing a total of $8 million over the past three years, his efforts have assisted with the transformation of Chattanoogas oldest public housing community. Were extremely grateful for his work in the historic College Hill Courts community. Our recent Did You Know? Choice Lanes, (Chattanoogan.com 12/18/2025) article had been previously pre-dated by the September 13, 1995, prophesy writings of the late Chattanooga Times writer of By line, Bill Casteeel. Its similarity to public-private money-making projects in effect in several states and in the Nashville-Murfreesboro connection under construction is striking: The State Department of Transportation has commissioned a $40,000 study to determine how best to pay for future road building and maintenance. But Gov. Don Sunquist said he wasnt even aware of such a study until someone mentioned it to him here Monday. He also indicated he isnt too hot about the methods to be studied, toll roads and surcharges on utility bills. There has never been much enthusiasm for toll booths by either legislators or the public. And I dare say the natives wont be doing cartwheels over the idea of having their utility bills jacked up. So, why waste $40,000 studying something that isnt about to be implemented? Most likely to provide work for some out-of-state agency that specializes in senseless studies. Thats about all I have to say on that. However, speaking of toll roads and toll booths, I think they merit consideration. Now, lest Edna and ilk (Bills typo) elevate their dander, let me hasten to say Im not advocating mass erections of toll booths across the state, or even across Hamilton County. Neither am I suggesting the revenue derived from my plan be used for road building or maintenance. What I would suggest, and expect Jim Reynolds and his Common People Party to support, is the placement of toll booths on all Tennessee state roads leading from Georgia into Hamilton County with the proceeds going to education. Its my idea to make these one-way booths, meaning that anyone crossing the Georgia-Tennessee line en route to the Chattanooga area would have to shell out say, two bits. Anyone motoring into Georgia would get a free ride. Youll not catch me condoning double-dipping. You see, the way I figure it, a lot of folks from these parts are contributing generously to Georgias education system by making weekly, or more frequent, trips across the state line to play the lottery The lottery inequity between the states has been solved but our other sister state of North Carolina (Hurricane Helene) is moving forward with a plan to include express (choice) lanes along Interstate 40 West of Asheville that has been recommended by the French Broad Metropolitan Planning Organization. (Similar to Chattanooga-Hamilton County Planning Commission) If built the project would establish Western North Carolinas first toll-based highway lanes! (Since the ruling body (City Council) has now been assured that the Chattanooga Choo Choo passenger train project is back on track, the next anticipated dream to benefit the taxpayers is to build a gambling casino on the grounds of the historic Moccasin Bend Cherokee burial grounds.) P.S. Under the internet link- Did You Know Choice Lanes, 200 explanatory videos, Many explain the facts of the initial solution to the latest proposed financial answers to the 26-mile traffic bottle neck between Music City and Murfreesboro. Read and enjoy! P.P.S. The booming Gig City area received another potential resolution of the local traffic snarl problem on January 7, 2026, when a proposal for a helipad on the top of now vacant Hamilton County Justice Center was presented to the Hamilton County Ruling Fathers as part of A planned billion-dollar film, music and tech center! ---- If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com) President Donald Trump is coming on Thursday to Northwest Georgia where an election is underway to replace Majorie Taylor Greene. He is expected to speak in Rome. The House District 14 seat includes Rome and runs to Dade County and down to near Atlanta. President Trump has endorsed Clay Fuller, former district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial District. Mr. Fuller, of Lookout Mountain, Ga., called the endorsement "the honor of a lifetime." Former state Senator Colton Moore, of Dade County, is also a staunch Trump advocate. Ms. Greene resigned effective Jan. 5 after she had a highly publiced falling out with President Trump. Early voting has begun in the contest that features over 20 candidates. February 16, 2026: Two months ago Ukraine used a new submarine version of their Sea Baby naval drone to attack a Russian Kilo Class submarine in the port of Novorossiisk on the east coast of the Black Sea. In response the Russians added several barges to block the entrance to the port and floating boom barriers that include netting underneath the barrier to stop or slow down Ukrainian submersible or surface drones and alert the Russians to an impending attack. The Russians have heavy machine-guns and autocannon systems manned around the clock, ready to open fire on surface drones. New underwater defenses include sonar systems to detect submerged intruders and remotely detonated bottom mines to destroy any threat the sonar systems detect. The recent attack in Novorossiysk was the first time a drone submarine attacked and crippled a manned submarine. The damaged Kilo was apparently written off as last February Russia shut down all ship repair activities in the Black Sea because of increasing Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. This included the shipyards at Novorossiisk. The damaged Kilo cannot be taken to a submarine repair facility in northwest Russia because Turkey has a treaty allowing it to refuse wartime access to warships in Turkish-controlled waters that are the only exit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. There is another damaged Kilo stranded in a Crimean shipyard. With its latest Kilo loss, Russia has no operational Kilos in the Black Sea. The Black Sea Kilos were used to launch Kalibr cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine. Kalibrs launched from Russia are easier to detect and shoot down. The submerged Kilos launched Kalibrs from their torpedo tubes at sea. The cruise missiles reached the surface, and their engines took the Kalibrs to targets anywhere along the Ukrainian Black Sea coast and hundreds of kilometers inland. Meanwhile Ukraine continues to develop and build naval drones to enable Ukraine to make the Black Sea unusable by Russian commercial shipping as well as warships. The freighters and tankers can use the Turkish exit to the Mediterranean only if they survive Ukrainian naval and land-based drone attacks. In 2024 and most of 2025, Russia and Ukraine avoided attacking each others commercial shipping in the Black Sea. But with all the Kilos gone and surface warships withdrawn to Russian ports in the distant ports of the northeastern Black Sea, Ukraine is free to threaten Russian commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Ukraine already has armed commercial merchant raiders firing on Russian commercial shipping in the Mediterranean Sea. The Russians can launch drones and missiles at Ukrainian Black Sea ports but cannot effectively attack commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Ukraine continues to develop, build and use drones to continue their domination of the Black Sea. Last December Ukraine introduced its Magura V7 naval drone, which weighs about 1.2 tons and can carry 650 kg of weapons. Its operational range is a thousand kilometers. The V7 can also be equipped with an electricity generator, enabling it to stay at sea for up to seven days. This model can move at speeds of up to 72 kilometers an hour. Cruising speed is 43 kilometers an hour. Ukrainian naval drones have revolutionized naval warfare that takes place within a few hundred kilometers of a coastline. So far, no other navy has shown much interest in duplicating the Ukrainian success with naval drones. The U.S. Coast Guard has used naval drones to assist in interdicting drug smuggling boats. The U.S. Navy has access to Ukrainian naval drone technology and is paying attention because the Chinese are doing a lot of work on naval drones, including a ship described as a drone carrier, equipped with aerial and naval drones. The Ukrainian experience using naval drones to defeat the Russian Black Sea Fleet was unique. Ukraine had only surface-to-ship missiles when the war started, but eventually shifted to three new naval drones, Sea Baby, Mother, and MAGURA, or Maritime Autonomous Guard Unmanned Robotic Apparatus. Ukrainian drone operations in the Black Sea forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to withdraw to the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Sevastopol was no longer a safe place to be, and Russian ships could no longer launch their Kalibr cruise missiles without risking attack by Ukrainian drones. The presence and aggressive use of the drones meant that Ukraines grain corridor was kept open despite Russias threats to interfere Russian countermeasures to Ukrainian naval drones included using aircraft and helicopters to destroy slow-moving drones before they attack and expanding use of jamming to disrupt drone control signals. These changes made it much more difficult for Ukrainian naval drones to reach and destroy targets. But by 2025 the Russians had already lost control of the Black Sea and were not getting it back. The lessons learned by American, Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Ukrainian and Russian naval commanders is that these drones have changed the rules for naval warfare. If China tries to invade Taiwan, they have to prepare countermeasures for numerous naval drones blocking the way. Everyone continues to observe Black Sea operations for details on what new tactics, techniques and drones designs appear. The U.S. has an edge because they are a major supporter of Ukraine and are seeking to make the most of their insider knowledge of the Ukrainian naval drone effort. The Governors Council for Judicial Appointments will consider eight applicants when it meets to select nominees for an upcoming vacancy on the Court of Criminal Appeals Eastern Section, after the appointment of Judge Kyle A. Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court. The applicants include: Bryce William McKenzie Paul Othneil Moyle IV, Hamilton County Assistant District Attorney Alex E. Pearson Marshall A. Raines, Jr. Hector Ian Sanchez Stacy Lee Street Thomas J. Tabor, Jr. Brennan Maureen Wingerter Public interviews of the applicants are scheduled for Thursday, March 5, in the courtroom of the Knoxville Supreme Court Building at 505 Main St., Knoxville, Tn. 37902. At the conclusion of the interviews, the council will vote to send three applicants to the governor. Any member of the public may attend the public hearing and can express, orally or in writing, objections concerning applicant(s) for the judicial vacancy. If you require an accommodation and/or have special needs because of a qualified disability, or have questions about the council, contact AOC Assistant General Counsel Laura Blount at 615 741-2687 or laura.blount@tncourts.gov. William Taylor Swafford, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at age 77. He was known to most as W.T. or Bill Swafford. He was born on Sept. 15, 1948, in Crossville, Tn., to Calvin Taylor Swafford and Mary Louise Kidwell Swafford. He was the grandson of Aaron (Claudia), Swafford, and Sidney (Ada) Kidwell. He is survived by his two daughters, Christena Louise Grant and Rachel Elizabeth Swafford; their mother Retha Marlene Swafford; grandsons Mason Allan Grant and Ian Vincent Grant; significant other, Drucilla Colston, and her sons, Greg Colston and Gary Colston. William graduated from Cumberland County High School in 1966 and was voted Best Dressed by his classmates. He was a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1970. He earned a Master of Science in Psychology (Industrial-Organizational) from UT Chattanooga in 1978 and completed some coursework later in life toward a Masters degree in Counseling. He worked in several occupations throughout his life including sales, construction management, finance, and auto insurance. He began his career with State Farm and served as vice president of Claims/Operations with Provident General in Chattanooga during the late 1980s. W.T. was a die-hard University of Tennessee Volunteers Football fan and was deeply devoted to supporting their program since childhood. He went to every game of the 1998 undefeated season and the National Championship in Arizona. He attended his last home game at Neyland Stadium in 2025. (Go Vols!) In the 80s, he was a member of a bowling league, served as a high school basketball referee, and competed in stock car drag racing. As a father, he was truly active in his daughters lives, cheering them on through years of music, dance, and competitive baton twirling. He enjoyed sports cars, dancing, NASCAR racing, and WWE Wrestling, which he loved to watch with his grandsons. He was of the United Methodist faith and was grateful for decades of recovery alongside his friends in A.A. He instilled in his family much wisdom, learning, and lifelong respect for the importance of education. He was an amazing caregiver to his familys beloved pets. BASFs Intermediates division is taking decisive steps to further strengthen supply security for its European customers in the 1,4butanediol (BDO) value chain. By gradually increasing production output at its BDO plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF aims to support customers with stable and reliable supply across Europe as they navigate the implications of recent BDO antidumping proceedings.1 Thanks to its highly integrated Verbund structure encompassing the entire acetylene value chain, the companys increased BDO output reinforces the availability of key derivative products such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) from BASF. This integrated setup supports critical downstream markets, including polymers, solvents, elastomers and highperformance materials, while enabling stable production planning. The focus on production in Ludwigshafen is part of BASFs strategic commitment to the European BDO and downstream market and aims to strengthen the longterm perspective for both BASF and its customers. In an environment of shifting global markets and growing regionalization, robust and reliable regional production capabilities are becoming increasingly critical for our downstream industries, explains Verena Siegel, Vice President Global Business Management for Butanediol and Derivatives in BASFs Intermediates division. Focus on more sustainable and next-generation BDO solutions In line with its sustainability strategy, BASF continues to expand its portfolio of more sustainable products, which includes, for instance, biomass balanced (BMB) versions of BDO, THF and PolyTHF that save fossil resources and reduce Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs).2 Producing more BDO in Ludwigshafen allows us to minimize transport needs and draw on the efficiencies of our integrated Verbund, resulting in a reduced PCF, explains Sebastian Spicher, Senior Product Manager for Acetylene and Butanediol. At the same time, we are advancing new solutions that make use of renewable electricity and renewable raw materials. These measures help improve lifecycle performance across BDO derivatives and underline BASFs commitment to driving more sustainable value chains. BDO as an essential building block BDO is a key intermediate used across numerous downstream markets, including polymers, textiles, automotive engineering, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. BASF is one of the global leaders in BDO and its derivatives, operating two BDO production plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Geismar, Louisiana. On Feb.10, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. gave testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs concerning the Small Business Administrations 8(a) program, which has come under fire from the administration of President Donald Trump. Photo credit: Unsplash/ ABEL MARQUEZ An Episcopal-affiliated humanitarian organization has secured an $8 million grant to expand its work combating violence against women and girls in remote African communities, aiming to reach 500,000 people through proven approaches and interventions. Episcopal Relief & Development announced that the four-year funding award comes from The Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation and is intended to respond to what the organization describes as an ongoing crisis of sexual and gender-based violence. The initiative will focus on five nations: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia and South Sudan. In comments provided to The Christian Post, Abagail Nelson, executive vice president and chief strategy officer of Episcopal Relief & Development, explained that the award builds on a broader, multi-year collaboration with the foundation. In the first year of this five-year catalytic partnership with The Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation, Episcopal Relief & Development, together with our local partners, has reached approximately 85,000 people living in rural and hard-to-reach communities in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with violence prevention and response services, she stated. According to the organization, the expanded programs will equip local faith leaders and community representatives to confront underlying drivers of violence while challenging stigma and misinformation connected to abuse. "The work has been to connect survivors of violence against women & girls to medical, economic and legal support and engage communities' faith leaders and religious networks in broader violence prevention efforts. Episcopal Relief & Development traces its origins to 1940, when it was established as the Presiding Bishops Fund for World Relief. The Muglia Family Foundation has partnered with the organization since 2005. Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe described the grant as a significant contribution to the churchs global mission. The Muglia family has made a transformative investment in Gods mission around the world, Rowe said in a statement. This expression of Christian charity will enable Episcopal Relief & Development to significantly scale up its innovative and impactful work to promote equality and womens empowerment. Their gift is an example to all that supporting Gods work, as we are able, has an enduring impact. Home News Bishop Robert Barron excoriates AOC for 'unapologetically Marxist' critique of West: 'A little concerned' Bishop Robert Barron joined a chorus of criticism against statements by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., at the Munich Security Conference last week, and singled out a remark she made about Western culture that he warned is evidence of encroaching Marxism in the Democratic Party. Barron, who has served as bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester since 2022, noted in a Monday social media post that Ocasio-Cortez was dismissive of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address at the conference, during which he said the U.S. and Europe share a cultural identity built on Christianity. Describing Rubio's idea of a shared Western culture as "thin," Ocasio-Cortez claimed during a subsequent panel that "culture, for the entire history of human civilization, has always been a fluid, evolving thing that responds to the conditions that we live in." Barron praised Rubio's worldview, but discerned that Ocasio-Cortez's philosophy is "right out of the Marxist playbook" and increasingly shared by younger Democratic political leaders in the United States. A recent statement by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez illuminates the Marxist ideology which continues to take hold of American politicians. Here are my thoughts. pic.twitter.com/Edgy0smzeb Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) February 16, 2026 To overlook the legacy and lasting common threads of a culture simply because cultures change is "a banality," Barron said. "Of course, cultures are alive; they change and evolve. Doesn't mean for a second we can't identify the key elements within a culture that gives it its character," he explained, adding that "to characterize culture as 'thin' is a Marxist movement" and mistakenly believes the basis of society is materialistic and class-based. "Marx said that culture is simply an 'epiphenomenal superstructure' on top of the economic substructure; and don't be distracted, therefore, by the culture that's just protecting the economics at bottom." Barron also said he is worried by "the extent to which political leadership on the left in America is becoming unapologetically Marxist." He mentioned 34-year-old New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's "warmth of collectivism" and policies Barron claimed are "right out of TheCommunist Manifesto." He urged followers of such figures to speak with the many who have fled communism, or who continue to suffer under it today. Barron said he is also concerned as a bishop about the rising tide of Marxism in the Democratic Party, because the philosophy has historically made religion its prime target when it achieves power. "The first thing that the Marxist tyrannies went after, in most cases, was religion," he said. "I'm getting a little concerned that, in some of these leading figures in our own politics, a Marxist philosophy is taking hold." Ocasio-Cortez, who has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has drawn scrutiny and scorn for other comments she made on the world stage in Munich, such as falsely claiming Venezuela is below the equator and deriding Rubio for tracing American cowboy culture to Spain. "I believe the Mexicans and the descendants of African enslaved peoples would like to have a word," she said without elaborating. Modern horses are not indigenous to the Americas, and were first brought to the Western hemisphere on Spanish ships. Ocasio-Cortez's incoherent answer on the issue of Taiwan prompted criticism even from her own side of the political aisle, prompting The New York Times to claim she brought a "working-class vision" to the conference "with some stumbles." "It takes a major screwup for the New York Times to put in their story about AOC that she had, I think they said it was a 'stumble' or something. It had to be a really bad stumble," political analyst Mark Halperin said Monday on the 2Way podcast. Hank Sheinkopf, a veteran Democratic political strategist, panned Ocasio-Cortez's performance, saying "she showed a complete lack of chops" and that "she's now given the opposition tons of ammunition to destroy her" if she runs for president. President Donald Trump, a frequent Ocasio-Cortez critic, told reporters Monday on Air Force One that her appearance in Munich "was not a good look for the United States." "She had no idea what was happening, she had no idea how to answer very important questions concerning the world," he added. Home News Carl and Laura Lentz releasing book about infidelity: 'It's going to help a lot of people' Quick Summary AI Summary Carl and Laura Lentz will release a book titled 'Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help Heal the Hurt.' The book aims to assist couples in rebuilding relationships after extramarital affairs. Pre-orders are available now, with the release scheduled for Oct. 20. 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 Former megachurch pastor Carl Lentz and his wife have a new book coming out that will draw on the couples firsthand experience to help other couples rebuild their relationships following extramarital affairs. In a video posted on Facebook Wednesday, Carl and Laura Lentz announced that they have written a book titled Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help Heal the Hurt. Laura Lentz said she was really excited about the book and believes its going to help a lot of people. She added, however, that it wasnt easy to write. Carl Lentz characterized the book as an effort to meet people right where theyre at and help navigate a very, very hard season with a little bit more hope. The couple said the book will be released in October, with pre-ordering available now. An Amazon description of the Lentzes book states: "At the height of his career, celebrity pastor Carl Lentzs extramarital affair was splashed across the nations headlines, leaving his seemingly perfect marriage and career in ruins. In Overcoming Infidelity, the Lentzes share their unfiltered journey to rekindle their love and the wisdom they learned along the way." The description continues: While deeply vulnerable and filled with gripping narrative, this book is no mere memoir. Its a practical road map for how to restore trust and truly heal. Guiding readers through ten critical conversations that arise in the aftermath of infidelity, the Lentzes give readers a highly practical framework for navigating the biggest questions every hurting couple must wrestle with, including: Can we ever trust again? How do we tell our kids? Will the pain ever go away? The release of Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help Heal the Hurt comes six years after Lentz was fired from his role as lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, part of the global Hillsong network of churches. While Hillsong founding pastor Brian Houston cited leadership issues and breaches of trust as well as a revelation of moral failures as the reasons for Carl Lentz's termination, Lentz later clarified that infidelity in his marriage was the reason he lost his job. In 2022, two years after her husbands infidelity became public, Laura Lentz took to social media to announce that she was so proud of my husband & for the responsibility hes taken! She described herself as grateful for a man who humbled himself & didnt try to defend himself. He has kept quiet [publicly] and he has remained focused on the one thing that matters most our family, she said. While Lentz stepped into a new role as a strategist at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2023, the former pastor clarified in a public letter later that year that he was no longer in ministry. He stressed that he was not preaching, not overseeing people but simply seeking to give perspective and oversight. In 2023, three years after news of his extramarital affair broke, Lentz thanked his wife for staying with him despite his actions. During an appearance on ABCs Nightline the following year, Lentz acknowledged that he was a recovering drug addict and a recovering sex addict, while asserting that his infidelity stemmed from a deep brokenness. Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help Heal the Hurt is scheduled for release on Oct. 20. Home News Colorado sued over rule barring state funding of religious schools Quick Summary AI Summary Two entities sue Colorado for prohibiting state funding of religious schools. The lawsuit claims the Blaine amendment violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Defendants include Education Commissioner Susana Cordova and members of the Colorado State Board of Education. 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 Two education entities are pursuing a federal lawsuit to strike down a Colorado state constitutional amendment that prohibits public funding for religious schools, arguing it violates the rights of faith-based schools and religious families. Education ReEnvisioned BOCES, which authorizes and oversees various schools, and the Christian school Riverstone Academy filed the lawsuit last Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The defendants named in the complaint include Education Commissioner Susana Cordova and members of the Colorado State Board of Education. The lawsuit maintains that organizations that wish to provide tuition-free religious education are barred from receiving publicly available contracts under state regulations that plaintiffs allege show a clear animus toward people of faith. The state constitution and statutes prohibit school districts and BOCES from contracting with religious schools to provide educational services, in violation of religious schools free exercise rights as well as the rights of the religious students and parents who would attend that school, reads the complaint. At issue is the Colorado state constitutions Blaine amendment, which prevents public entities from making "any appropriation, or pay from any public fund or moneys whatever, anything in aid of any church or sectarian society, or for any sectarian purpose, or to help support or sustain any school, academy, seminary, college, university or other literary or scientific institution, controlled by any church or sectarian denomination whatsoever. This is direct and unconstitutional discrimination against religion in violation of the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, claimed the suit. Such a blanket prohibition violates the Free Exercise Clause of the United States Constitution by excluding religious schools from otherwise available benefits on the basis of their religion. BOCES and Riverstone are being represented by the First Liberty Institute, a Plano, Texas-based conservative legal organization, as well as the firms of Miller Farmer Carlson, First & Fourteenth PLLC, and Dechert LLP. Parents have the Constitutional right to seek out innovative government programs and be treated fairly when they do, said FLI Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys in a statement released Monday. Education entrepreneurs like Education ReEnvisioned simply reflect the tradition of the earliest schools in our nations history that saw no conflict with the Constitution by integrating religious references throughout their curriculum. Named after 19th-century Congressman James Blaine, a former Republican House Speaker, Blaine amendments are state constitutional measures that bar public funding for religious schools. While Blaine himself failed to get his amendment passed at the federal level when the Senate did not get the necessary two-thirds majority, several states adopted his ideas into their constitutions. Supporters of the amendments argue that they help protect the principle of separation of church and state, while critics allege that they were originally anti-Catholic and are antireligious overall. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in David Carson et al. v. A. Pender Makin that Maine could not prohibit parents from using a state tuition program to send their children to religious private schools. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion that the high court has "repeatedly held that a State violates the Free Exercise Clause when it excludes religious observers from otherwise available public benefits," a quote cited in the Colorado lawsuit. "As noted, a neutral benefit program in which public funds flow to religious organizations through the independent choices of private benefit recipients does not offend the Establishment Clause," Roberts wrote. "Maines 'nonsectarian' requirement for its otherwise generally available tuition assistance payments violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Regardless of how the benefit and restriction are described, the program operates to identify and exclude otherwise eligible schools on the basis of their religious exercise." Home News Criminal case opened against Armenian Apostolic Church head amid deepening rift with prime minister Quick Summary AI Summary Criminal case opened against Catholicos Karekin II, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Prosecutors banned Karekin II from leaving Armenia and attending a church assembly in Austria. Rights groups express concern over government actions, citing violations of religious autonomy. 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 Prosecutors in the worlds first Christian nation have brought criminal charges against the head of one of the worlds oldest Christian bodies, drawing concern from rights groups amid worsening tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Armenian Apostolic Church leaders. Armenias Prosecutor's Office has opened criminal proceedings against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and banned him from leaving the country, effectively preventing him from attending the planned Armenian church assembly in Austria this week. In a report reviewed by The Christian Post, the Armenian Center for Political Rights, a watchdog that has been critical of the government's arrest of church leaders in recent months, tied the catholicos' prosecution to the defrocking of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, a Pashinyan-aligned cleric who previously served as primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese and is among those calling for the catholicos resignation. After removing Saroyan from office in January, the Court of General Jurisdiction of Armavir Marz ordered the Apostolic Church to ensure Gevorg Saroyans continued exercise of the office of Diocesan Primate and to refrain from obstructing it pending final adjudication of the case, the Armenian Center for Political Rights notes. Two days after Saroyan was defrocked on Jan. 27, the Investigative Committee of Armenia brought charges against six bishops for defying a judicial act and prevented them from leaving the country. The Feb. 14 charge against Karekin II is based on the same grounds as those brought against the six bishops in late January, the Armenian Center for Political Rights stressed, calling the prosecutions an undisguised attempt to prevent their participation in the Episcopal Assembly in Austria. This prohibition results from a grave violation of the Constitution and of the ECHR, in particular the States obligation not to interfere with the autonomy of religious organizations, the center warned. As a consequence, not only the rights of the AAHC under Article 9 of ECHR, but also the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, are infringed. Within the meaning of the Convention, such actions are directly prohibited by Article 18. Religious freedom advocacy groups and persecution watchdogs have spoken out for months against the governments arrests of several church leaders in the last year, including senior clerics Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Archbishop Mikael Ajapajyan, Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan and Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan. The Armenian government has filed multiple charges against the archbishops and bishops, including plotting to overthrow the government, coercing citizens to join protests, obstructing judicial acts, and, in one case, involvement in planting drugs during a 2018 demonstration. Authorities claim these actions amount to attempts to destabilize the state. With 2026 being an election year in Armenia, Galstanyan is a vocal critic of Pashinyan and is the leader of the Sacred Struggle opposition movement. In a recent letter sent to leaders of the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington this month, Galstanyan said his only offense was speaking an unwelcome truth and claimed that Armenia is being turned into a vassal state. Pashinyan rose to power in 2018 on the back of a pro-democracy movement, but critics say that his governments actions have echoed Soviet-era tactics. In a Feb. 3 statement, the Vienna-based Forum for Religious Freedom Europe said the governments prosecutions raise serious alarms about violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in a country that proudly claims to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. The forum contends that the recent actions build on a broader pattern of persecution since mid-2025, adding that four bishops remain in pretrial detention or imprisoned on charges critics call fabricated. The government has publicly demanded the removal of Catholicos Karekin II, accusing him of illegitimacy and pushing for state-influenced reforms, the Forum for Religious Freedom Europe statement reads. Advocates warn that these measures represent unprecedented state interference in the churchs autonomy, echoing Soviet-era tactics to subordinate religious institutions. Home News Hundreds come to Jesus at packed Franklin Graham event in world's southernmost city Quick Summary AI Summary Hundreds make decisions for Christ during Franklin Graham's evangelistic events in Argentina. Graham visits the world's southernmost city, tells residents their 'most valuable possession' is their soul. Graham plans future appearances in Peru, Spain and United Kingdom. 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 Hundreds of people gave their lives to Jesus in the world's southernmost city last weekend during a two-day evangelistic outreach arena event in Argentina, led by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in partnership with local churches. In a statement posted on X Saturday, Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, shared pictures from the Esperanza Ushuaia. The arena was packed, and we praise God for working in the hearts of hundreds who made the decision to turn from their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ, Graham wrote. Graham shared photos from the second event in a subsequent post. It was such a privilege to preach the Gospel here at the southernmost city of the world this weekend! The Microestadio Cochocho was packed again today with a full overflow area. We give God the glory for each one who responded to the invitation to repent of their sins and put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. During the first night of programming, Graham assured attendees that Jesus is not dead but He is alive and in Ushuaia tonight! Are you running out of hope? Graham asked the crowd, according to a BGEA summary. Sharing the story of the blind beggar Bartimaeus from the Bible, Graham said Bartimaeus thought nobody could help him and that there was nothing he could do but sit on the side of the road. Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus during his moment of despair, Graham told the crowd. In the same way, theres nothing you can do to get rid of your sins," the evangelist continued. You cannot save yourself. ... Will you come to Christ tonight? Many in the crowd answered Grahams call. When I heard the music, there was a moment when I realized I was there with God," Gaby, who attended Saturdays event at the invitation of her friend, told BGEA. "I cant explain it, but I had never felt that before and when pastor Franklin preached, I felt that the message was for me. I felt that God was calling me to look up." Another attendee who had suffered through years of addiction, homelessness and chronic health issues said Saturday marked a turning point in his life. I just knew I needed to repent of my sins, the man, identified as Walter, told BGEA. God has been so good to me. I know its because of Him that Im not suffering cold or hunger. I know its time to give Him everything. Walter left with a Bible and plans to attend a local church regularly in the future. I am convinced that Christ is my only hope," Walter was quoted as saying. On Sunday night, Graham informed attendees that the most valuable possession you own is your own soul." Your soul is valuable because God created you in His image," Graham said, according to a BGEA recap of the second night. The soul is not the same as the body; the body is made of the dust of the earth. The body is not the real you, Graham clarified. You have a soul, you have a spirit. Graham offered a message of hope to the crowd. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save you to die on the cross for you. If you are willing to accept that by faith and to invite Jesus into your heart tonight, God will forgive you," Graham said. "You can be sure tonight that your soul is safe and secure in the hands of God. Graham is scheduled to make another appearance in Latin America, visiting Lima, Peru, on the weekend of March 7 and March 8. Additional destinations on Grahams itinerary include Madrid, Spain, on the weekend of May 30 to May 31, and Manchester, United Kingdom, on Oct. 3.